Hong Kong: Sun Dong begins visit in Saudi Arabia

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong led a delegation to begin their visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Upon their arrival in Riyadh, they visited King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology and met its President Munir Eldesouki.

The group was briefed on the tech city's innovative projects and solutions for research applications, such as the Saudi semiconductor and genome programmes and water harvesting from thin air, and visited an innovation centre for promoting advanced manufacturing and a number of laboratories as well as satellite manufacturing facilities.

They went on to The Garage in the tech city, an accelerator providing support to local and international emerging startups in Riyadh with the required infrastructure and a range of supportive integrated services. Prof Sun engaged in exchanges with technology enterprises of the accelerator.

Prof Sun noted that support for startups is essential to building a vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. Hong Kong's two I&T flagships, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport, have been committed to providing comprehensive support to I&T startups, including incubation programmes, rent concessions, workspace, shared facilities, subsidy grants, and marketing and business development support.

Prof Sun then met Saudi Chinese Business Council Vice Chairman Anas Mohammed Alfadda to brief him on Hong Kong's latest I&T developments and business opportunities.

Apart from expressing the hope, via the Hong Kong's delegations visit, of building up a partnership with Saudi business and technology sectors, he invited Saudi enterprises and investors to explore investment opportunities in Hong Kong.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
25th Annual 'Joy At Work Week' Coming on March 24-31

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Northeast Christians At Work

March 4, 2024

VERNON, Conn., March 4, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 25th annual Joy At Week Week will be held from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, March 24-31, 2024.

According to the event's founder, Drew Crandall, Joy At Work Week encourages working Christians from all traditions and cultures to take the joy of the Lord into their workplaces, not only during Holy Week, but year-round.

"As we ramp up for Easter, he says, Christians should be the most joyful people where we work because our sins are forgiven and we have the gifts of eternal life and the Holy Spirit." One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit described in the scriptures is joy. Therefore, a consistently grumpy Christian is a contradiction of terms.

"In the midst of all the disease, distress and death in this world," adds Crandall, "the death, burial and resurrection of Christ gives us great hope and encouragement."

Northeast Christians At Work (ChristAtWork.org) is a regional ministry. Called To Work (CalledToWork.org) is a global, bilingual workplace ministry in English and Chinese. Both ministries are based at 30 Lafayette Square, Suite 118 in Vernon, Connecticut. They offer many resources to help believers to be Godly at work, including free Joy At Work Week digital graphics.

SOURCE Northeast Christians At Work

CONTACT: Drew Crandall, dcrandall@keeptouch.com
Taylor Swift is making Singapore a mountain of money, and some of the country's neighbors are salty about it

Singapore is the only Southeast Asia stop of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

The concerts are part of a push to boost tourism in Singapore after the height of the pandemic.

But some Southeast Asian countries aren't happy about how it's all playing out.

Taylor Swift isn't just another celebrity on a world tour  she's literally boosting economies.

Her impact is so huge that Singapore shelled out nearly $3 million per show to sign an exclusive deal with her for the Southeast Asian leg of her Eras Tour, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said at a business forum last month.

Singapore authorities said its tourism board disbursed a grant to support Swift's event but declined to comment on specifics of the deal to Business Insider, citing business confidentiality. Edwin Tong, Singapore's culture minister, told the local outlet Mothership on Wednesday that the amount of grant given "is not what is being speculated online."

"It is likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy, especially to tourism activities such as hospitality, retail, travel, and dining, as has happened in other cities in which Taylor Swift has performed," Singapore's culture ministry and tourism board said in a joint statement.

Swift is scheduled to perform six shows in Singapore from March 2 to March 9. More than 300,000 tickets have been sold.

But it's not just about the money.

Cultural clout

Mega-concerts such as Swift's help build Singapore's status as a fun place to visit rather than just a place to do business and hold trade events, tourism experts say.

After all, strait-laced Singapore isn't known for being the most exciting tourist destination.

"Live music from some of the biggest names in the industry marks a slight shift in Singapore's attractiveness as a tourism destination," Yun Liu, an HSBC economist, wrote in a February note.

Tong, the Singapore culture minister, told Mothership the city-state was looking "beyond just the economic impact" of those concerts.

"We look at it from the perspective of building Singapore into a cultural hub that's of strong strategic value for us," Tong told the outlet.

"Such concerts help put us on the top of the minds of tourists and position us as a luxe destination that justifies the premium," Kevin Cheong, the managing partner of Syntegrate, a consultancy for destination and tourism development, told BI.

Tourist spend

Everywhere Swift's tour goes, a boost in tourism-related spending follows, known as "Swiftonomics." That ranges from air tickets and accommodation to food and beverage, as well as niche retail sectors such as the sale of friendship bracelets.

Singapore is no exception.

Economists estimate that Swift's concerts in Singapore could contribute up to 500 million Singapore dollars, or $372 million, in tourist receipts.

David Mann, the Asia Pacific chief economist of Mastercard, told BI that since Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world and has a strong currency, it was unlikely tourists from places with weaker currencies would be splurging on retail therapy in the country.

It's a different story for spending on experiences  and it's heightened because Singapore is Swift's only stop in Southeast Asia.

Mann said the people who had money to pay for flight tickets, Swift's concert tickets, and a hotel were likely to keep spending at other tourist spots.

Since the Singapore government collects a 9% tax on all goods and services, tourist spending goes to the national coffers, too.

"It goes to the entire ecosystem," Cheong said.

The Nomura economist Si Ying Toh wrote in a February note that Swift and the British band Coldplay  the first two major acts of 2024 in Singapore  were likely to contribute 0.25 percentage points to the country's first-quarter GDP.

Taylor Swift 'pays the bills' in the short term

Cheong said getting exclusive access to Swift was a smart short-term move by the Singapore government: "You need business right now to help pay the bills and put us on the world map."

The wealthy city-state's neighbors are taking notice, and not all of them are happy about it.

Singapore's move to award a grant for Swift's appearances in the city-state is done "at the expense of neighboring countries, which could not attract their own foreign concertgoers and whose fans had to go to Singapore," Joey Salceda, a Filipino lawmaker, told the Philippine Star on Thursday.

Srettha, the Thai prime minister, also threw Singapore some shade and suggested his country could have splashed some money to attract Swift's performance, too.

"If I had known this, I would have brought the shows to Thailand," Srettha was quoted as saying in the Bangkok Post, referring to Singapore's grant for Swift's concert.

The FOMO appears to extend to Indonesia, with the tourism minister, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, telling Bloomberg TV last month that the country needed Swiftonomics for tourism and was considering more incentives for large events such as concerts.

Still, Cheong said massive performance grants couldn't be Singapore's long-term solution to boost tourism.

"It's a wise move, but is it sustainable?" Cheong asked, saying he thought Singapore was courting mega-concerts as a short-term boost before big investments  such as an eco-resort and a new tower for the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel  were completed.

Cheong said the longer-term, more sustainable measure was to make Singapore so enticing that tourists and artists would come for their big-ticket events even without grants.

"It has to be as attractive as Las Vegas, where performers will definitely make a stop," he added.

Swift's PR team didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sealed ballot boxes sitting in storage after the 2022 midterm elections at Clark County Election Department in North Las Vegas, on Nov. 4, 2022. (Nicole Craine/The New York Times)

A network of right-wing activists and allies of Donald Trump is quietly challenging thousands of voter registrations in critical presidential battleground states, an all-but-unnoticed effort that could have an impact in a close or contentious election.

Calling themselves election investigators, the activists have pressed local officials in Michigan, Nevada and Georgia to drop voters from the rolls en masse. They have at times targeted Democratic areas, relying on new data programs and novel legal theories to justify their push.

In one Michigan town, more than 100 voters were removed after an activist lobbied officials, citing an obscure state law from the 1950s. In the Detroit suburb of Waterford, a clerk removed 1,000 people from the rolls in response to a similar request. The ousted voters included an active-duty Air Force officer who was wrongly removed and later reinstated.

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The purge in Waterford went unnoticed by state election officials until The New York Times discovered it. The Michigan secretary of states office has since told the clerk to reinstate the voters, saying the removals did not follow the process laid out in state and federal law, and issued a warning to the states 1,600 clerks.

The Michigan activists are part of an expansive web of grassroots groups that formed after Trumps attempt to overturn his defeat in 2020. The groups have made mass voter challenges a top priority this election year, spurred on by a former Trump lawyer, Cleta Mitchell, and True the Vote, a vote-monitoring group with a long history of spreading misinformation.

Their mission, they say, is to maintain accurate voting records and remove voters who have moved to another jurisdiction. Democrats, they claim, use these excess registrations to stuff ballot boxes and steal elections.

The theory has no grounding in fact. Investigations into voter fraud have found that it is exceedingly rare and that when it occurs, it is typically isolated or even accidental. Election officials say that there is no reason to think that the systems in place for keeping voter lists up-to-date are failing.

The bigger risk, they note, is disenfranchising voters.

If youre challenging 1,000 voters at once, you are not bringing the sophistication required when you are handling someones constitutional right, said Michael Siegrist, clerk of Canton Township, Michigan, and a board member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.

In an email response to questions, Mitchell dismissed those concerns.

The only persons disenfranchised by following the law are the illegal voters, whose illegal registrations suppress and dilute the votes of those who are lawfully registered, she said. Our primary goal is to see that the laws of the states are followed and enforced by those sworn to administer the elections according to the applicable law.

It is difficult to know precisely how many voters have been dropped from the rolls as a result of the campaign  and even harder to determine how many were dropped in error. A Times review of challenges in swing states, which included public records, interviews and audio recordings, suggested the activists were rarely as effective at removing voters as they were in Waterford.

But even when they fail, the challenges have consequences. In some states, a challenge alone is enough to limit a voters access to a mail ballot, or to require additional documentation at the polls. Privately, activists have said they consider that a victory.

At the same time, right-wing media outlets have promoted the challenges, casting public officials as corrupt and creating fodder that could be used in another round of legal challenges should Trump lose again.

It really is aimed at being able to cast doubt on the results after the fact, said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization. But also, before the election itself, at being able to shape who turns out and how they turn out.

Assisting the Clerks

In Michigan, activists call their project Soles to the Rolls  an apparent play on Souls to the Polls, a get-out-the-vote effort popular in Black churches.

The undertaking pulls from every corner of the election-denial movement. Its parent group is an offshoot of Mitchells national network. A top deputy to Mike Lindell, a leading promoter of election-related conspiracy theories, helped conceive of the data program the activists use to hunt for suspicious voters, according to recordings reviewed by the Times. The states Republican Party, which is mired in a leadership dispute, has also endorsed the data program, and the Trump campaign cited its numbers in a misinformation-riddled report released in January.

That program, called Check My Vote, identifies addresses with irregularities, such as missing an apartment number or having an unusually high number of registered voters.

In training sessions, Tim Vetter, a developer of the system, has acknowledged that it turned up large numbers of supposedly questionable voters in dense areas of Detroit and in student housing in Ann Arbor, both overwhelmingly Democratic cities.

Activists can then use the data to assemble lists of voters to challenge. The program also tracks the outcome of the challenge and whether a voter later tries to vote, information that could be shared with election officials or law enforcement, Vetter has said, according to recordings reviewed by the Times.

Thats just garbage, Chris Thomas, an elections consultant for Detroit, said of the analysis. Its targeting lower income, immigrants and students.

Vetter did not respond to a request for comment. Janine Iyer, who trains activists for the project, described the work as support for public officials. All were doing is asking clerks to follow the law, and were just assisting them because we feel its important, Iyer, a Republican Party official in Livingston County, near Detroit and Ann Arbor, said in an interview.

Federal law requires clerks to keep voters who may have moved on the rolls for two election cycles, unless they receive notice from the voter. The Times identified four Michigan cities or towns where activists have lobbied officials to follow a faster removal process.

In October, Polly Skolarus, the clerk in Genoa, a small township west of Detroit, received a list of about 120 names and an email from Iyer suggesting she would be breaking the law if she did not begin the removal process outlined in a state law, according to records obtained by Documented, a liberal investigative group, and shared with the Times.

Skolarus told the Times that she was reluctant to take voters off the rolls in a presidential election year. But records indicate that nearly all of the voters had their registrations canceled, while others were flagged as challenged  meaning they would have to give additional information or verify their address before they could vote.

In one webinar, Vetter said he considered those restrictions progress: Then you cant vote until that gets corrected.

In Waterford, an activist submitted to Kim Markee, the town clerk, the names of more than 1,000 voters they claimed had moved away and were no longer eligible. The names were pulled from the U.S. Postal Services mail-forwarding list, a database that includes snowbirds, active-duty military personnel and others still legally eligible to vote at their residence.

Markee said the towns lawyer had advised her to follow the statute cited by the activists. She hired extra staff members to contact the voters through certified mailers and removed those who did not respond.

An employee later discovered that one of the dropped voters was serving in the Air Force in Illinois. The voter, who declined to comment, had her registration reinstated.

In January, Michigans secretary of state demanded that Markee reinstate all the voters who had not confirmed that they had moved. In a recent interview, Markee said she was still in discussions about the matter.

They found this loophole in the state of Michigan, she said. We have to follow the law.

Preparing for a Surge in Georgia

Georgia has seen by far the most mass challenges  360,000 voters were challenged in the 2021 Senate runoff elections alone. In 2023, more than 8,600 voters had their registrations challenged in five major counties, according to data obtained by the Times.

In many cases, a single voter brought thousands of challenges.

A federal court in January found that the 2021 challenges, which were largely organized by True the Vote, did not amount to voter suppression. Catherine Engelbrecht, the groups leader, has said the organization intends to ramp up the campaign before the November election.

To do so, Engelbrecht has been promoting new software programs. One will eclipse the database used by most state officials, she said in a recent online meeting. Another is designed to help citizens file challenges on their own. A review of the programs code by Wired magazine in November 2022 found that the app ultimately uses an ineffective and unreliable methodology.

In an email to the Times, Engelbrecht said True the Vote supported voters in their efforts by providing an organized way to review local voter-roll records. She disputed the findings in Wired, and said the group had added features to its software.

Republicans in the state Senate are moving forward with legislation that would make it easier to challenge a voters eligibility. The bill states that the Postal Services change of address database  a list often used by election-denial groups  can be used to dispute eligibility.

Despite no evidence to support their claims, said Karli Swift, a member of DeKalb Countys board of elections, we, unfortunately, are preparing for the onslaught of significantly more voter challenges by certain groups attempting to remove voters from the voter roll ahead of the November general election.

Were Not Whack Jobs

In Nevada, the Pigpen Project has set out to clean the voter rolls. Two longtime conservative activists, Chuck Muth and Dan Burdish, have organized door-to-door canvassing and enlisted landlords to compare voter rolls with their leasing records. More than once, they have escorted landlords to the Clark County registrars office so that they can flag registrations of former tenants.

Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County, said that the evidence was not enough to remove a voter but that it was enough for the election department to do research and investigate.

Wheatley said the registrar did not know how many investigations or removals had been prompted by the group.

The Pigpen Project, which is coordinating with Mitchells network, uses a platform based on data from VoteRef.com, a database that has been criticized by election officials as unreliable.

Burdish and Muth did not respond to requests for comment.

On a video call in November, Burdish displayed a map of Clark County, home to roughly 70% of the states voters, that was littered with blue dots supposedly identifying residences with problematic voters, according to a copy of the video obtained by Documented.

In the video, Burdish said his volunteers would be knocking on those doors and describing themselves as part of a quasi-governmental effort, despite having no connection to Clark County.

The goal, Burdish said on the call, was to make sure that they know that we are working with the local registrar of voters and, you know, were not, I say, whack jobs.

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Despite an ambitious goal the U.S. has set for 100% clean energy generation by 2035, a clear trend toward bans and significant impediments to utility-scale wind and solar power is intensifying.

The U.S. has set a goal to reach 100% clean energy by 2035, but a nationwide analysis by USA TODAY shows that achieving it is increasingly unlikely  local governments are banning green power faster than theyre building it.

At least 15% of counties in the U.S., including several in Iowa, have effectively halted new utility-scale wind, solar, or both, USA TODAY found. These are not the solar panels you might have on your house but installations significant enough to replace power plants, each one powering tens of thousands of homes.

The limits come in the form of outright bans, moratoriums, construction impediments and other conditions that make green energy difficult to build.

The opposition to renewable energy isn't as simple as left vs. right. Theres no one group fighting renewables. Instead, there are many, with a range of objections. But the overall result is rapidly increasing the limits on clean energy.

Sixty percent of the country's energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. To get close to 100% carbon-free energy, which includes nuclear and hydroelectric power, utility-scale solar and wind electricity production must ramp up significantly.

Is renewable energy on target to replace other sources by 2035?

As of 2021, Iowa was leading the nation in the proportion of its energy derived from wind, at 60%. Meanwhile, there's been a big increase in renewable-energy construction is underway across the country.

But the U.S. Energy Information Administrations projection of trends shows the mix of energy sources still isnt on track to hit those goals.

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While 15% of U.S. counties may sound like a small portion of the country, the rate of those bans and impediments is increasing quickly.

Counties blocking solar power are nearly equal to counties adding it

USA TODAY's analysis, backed by energy and academic experts, gauges which counties have effectively blocked or impeded new utility-scale wind and solar power. The findings reveal that 2023 was the first time the number of counties curtailing new solar installations was almost equal to the number of counties adding their first solar farm.

Counties blocking wind power outnumber counties adding it

For wind energy, the blocks are even more significant. While 183 counties got their first commercial wind-power project in the past decade, nearly 375 counties blocked new wind development in the same period.

In 2009, 23 out of North Carolinas 100 counties banned new wind projects. In 2014, Kentucky made it effectively impossible to build new turbines in all 120 of its counties and Connecticut did likewise in its eight counties. In 2017 Vermont did the same in its 14 counties. In 2018 Tennessee essentially stopped new wind projects in all but four of its 95 counties.

These statewide blocks are in addition to many individual counties in the Great Plains, the Midwest and Texas  known as the wind belt  which have restricted wind turbines or created rules so power companies dont pursue certain locations.

As of August 2023, the Iowa Environmental Council said, Iowa counties with "significant impediments" to wind energy development included Adair, Dallas, Des Moines, Hardin, Madison, Page, Palo Alto, Tama, Union and Woodbury. It said the blocks were in some cases outright and in others took the form of setback, noise limitation or other requirements that make development unfeasible.

It said four Iowa counties had similarly limiting restrictions on solar energy: Greene, Linn, Madison and Page.

For both wind and solar, the council said, there also are counties that that have imposed rules that developers might be able to comply with, but which effectively encourage them to look to sites elsewhere for their installations.

The US has great wind and solar energy potential

In areas where the wind blows faster and more consistently, wind turbines can make more electricity. In areas where the sky is consistently more sunny, solar panels can make more electricity. Scientists measure this as "energy generation capacity."

But outright bans or other limits on wind turbines, especially in the Midwest, could block some of the highest potential for power generation in the nation. Likewise, the Southwest and Southeast have tremendous solar potential, but local restrictions sometimes block new large-scale solar plants in areas with high energy generation capacity.

Bans and impediments in these high-potential areas spread quickly in recent years

Restrictions on wind energy often, bans seem to spread to nearby counties. Even counties that have never had wind projects (but are near counties that have) are more likely to block new projects.

Counties also restrict solar, in some cases to such a small area that its unfeasible to build. More than half of these bans occurred in counties that already have some operational solar capacity.

In addition to outright bans on new wind and solar, many places have significant impediments that prevent construction, including zoning restrictions, land-use rules and political stonewalling.

There are several ways changes to zoning rules can block new energy plants. When it comes to wind, one common requirement involves the height of a turbine and its distance from adjacent property lines.

Zoning requirements impede wind power installations

A "setback" requirement is the distance a turbine must be set back from an adjacent property that is not part of the wind project, or in some cases from an adjacent structure. Some states have created model, often voluntary, siting rules for wind and solar plants that establish reasonable setback distances as 1.1 or 1.5 times turbine height  that would be roughly 600 to 900 feet for a modern turbine.

These rules are intended to prevent rare instances of a turbine overhanging or falling onto another property. But more extreme setback requirements can create significant impediments to wind power, often acting as a de facto ban. USA TODAYs analysis considers a setback requirement greater than 1,000 feet to be a significant impediment to wind power.

Winds are stronger at higher altitudes and longer turbine blades catch more air. Most new turbines in the U.S. are 500 feet or taller. Some counties require larger setbacks: 1,320 feet (a quarter-mile), 1,500 feet, a mile, or in some cases as much as 3 miles. Such requirements limit the land available for turbines so much that wind farms are no longer economically feasible.

In the abstract example below, options for utility-scale wind production decrease sharply as required setback distances increase.

In a hypothetical example prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we can see how wind power potential in Butler County, Nebraska, would look if operations were limited by structural setbacks  not just property line setbacks  of distances of 1,300 feet and 3,400 feet. A 3,400-foot setback would box out most available land possibilities for wind development.

Some counties have restrictive sound limits for wind turbines

Another impediment involves noise limits. In the 2010s, common concerns about wind turbines included health impacts from a swishing noise made by the blades. While these fears have been discounted by research, decibel limits remain. For example, Vermont limited turbine sound levels to 45 decibels at night  somewhere between rustling leaves and a household dishwasher.

Experts believe a relatively small amount of land is needed to meet all of America's future power needs

Despite the recent rise in bans and impediments, the U.S. can still reach its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035. However, experts say the bans are a worrisome trend and will make achieving that goal more expensive as developers are forced to move projects to less windy and sunny areas.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory calculated the U.S. would require just 10,424 square miles to accommodate the necessary wind and solar farms. The lower 48 states of the U.S. comprise about 2.9 million square miles.

Some states are leading the way with wind and solar use

While many counties seek ways to keep clean energy out of their backyards, some places in America are embracing wind and solar. Iowa, for example, gets over 65% of its electricity from wind and solar, but 11 counties there now block new wind farms. Illinois, meanwhile, prohibits counties from banning wind and solar.

Wind and solar are the most economical energy solutions

Today, wind and solar are cheaper to produce than many other types of electricity. The unsubsidized cost of wind power has dropped 66% since 2009, while the cost of unsubsidized solar has fallen 84%, according to an annual analysis by Lazard, a financial advisory firm that publishes annual estimates of the total cost of producing electricity. This is the average levelized cost, which includes the cost to build, operate, fuel and maintain a power plant.

Several national think tanks and groups  many of which receive fossil fuel funding  have been putting out arguments, often false, opposing wind and solar power for years.

But sometimes, the big utility companies making money on fossil fuels are the same ones seeking to build solar farms or wind turbines.

And much of the opposition comes from local activists without obvious ties to national groups. Many are simply upset with what they see as a massive change in the places they love. USA TODAY visited communities in three states and viewed public meetings in a half dozen others to understand public sentiments for and against green energy proposals.

Click the links below to read about American farmers dealing with stringent regulations and disapproving neighbors, or learn more about common renewable energy misconceptions. You can also select your state below to see impediments to solar and wind energy in your area.

Contributing: Veronica Bravo, Josh Susong, Javier Zarracina and Shawn J. Sullivan.

This story was produced with support from the McGraw Center for Business Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside how wind and solar energy are being restricted across the US
US, Thai, and South Korean marine forces stormed ashore on a Thai beach on Friday as part of the three countries' annual Cobra Gold military exercise.

The scenario was an operation to seize and hold a beachhead against an opposing force.

With support from low-flying jets and a naval barrage, marines from the three countries came ashore on Hat Yao beach in Chon Buri province, about 180km south of Bangkok.

Thai marines led the way, followed by the South Koreans and the Americans.

The most important thing for these exercises is building the relationships so that we do that here in training and if we face a real world event together we know the people and were ready to respond," said US Rear Admiral Christopher Stone, commander of the Expeditionary Strike Force.

"Im looking for the proficiency of our teams but the relationships are enduring.

Cobra Gold was first held in 1982, and has grown into one of the worlds largest multinational military exercises.

Though only three countries took part in the marine landing on Friday, many others are involved in other aspects of the training, which ends on 8 March. These include Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
LONDON  The 5-year-old looked nervously at her older brothers, scanning their faces for any sign of distress as needles were swiftly stuck into their upper arms, the syringe plungers pushed in and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine administered. Whether it was for her benefit or not, they barely flinched.

Then it was her turn. The girl, Oma Nnagbo, looked wide-eyed at the cheerful nurse who a moment later declared, All done, very brave!

Michael Nnagbo, 40, had brought his three children to this pop-up vaccine clinic in Wolverhampton in Englands West Midlands after receiving a notice from their school about a measles outbreak in the nearby Birmingham area.

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Its what we have to do, and its important to do, Nnagbo said. I just want them to be safe. And it was easy, you could just walk in.

Cases of measles, a highly contagious but easily preventable disease, have begun to crop up in clusters as the number of children getting the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has declined globally. The trend worsened after the coronavirus pandemic because of a lack of access and hesitancy among some groups. The measles virus can cause serious illness and, in the most extreme cases, death.

Across Europe, measles cases rose more than 40-fold in 2023 compared with a year earlier  from less than 1,000 to more than 40,000  according to the World Health Organization. And while much of that increase was concentrated in lower-income nations like Kazakhstan, more prosperous nations, where higher vaccination rates had long made cases of measles rare, are also experiencing worrying outbreaks.

In Britain, 650 cases of measles were confirmed between Oct. 1 and the end of February, according to the U.K. Health Security Agency, which declared a national incident in January. The rise in cases was initially driven by an outbreak in the West Midlands, but it has spread elsewhere around the country. Most of the cases in Britain are in children under 10.

Vaccine coverage has waned to precarious rates in some communities, particularly those facing the highest levels of deprivation. That was less the result of a surging anti-vaccine movement, experts said, than a lack of resources, lack of awareness, and some culturally driven hesitancy.

The percentage of children being immunized through the countrys routine vaccination program has fallen over the past decade across all illnesses, including whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, meningitis and diphtheria.

England no longer has the levels of vaccine coverage recommended by the World Health Organization, which advises that more than 95% of people must have had two doses of a measles vaccine that contains weakened amounts of the virus to prevent outbreaks.

England had 84.5% measles vaccine coverage by the end of 2023, but in some areas it was far lower. London had a coverage rate of 73.1% overall, even lower than the West Midlands, where the coverage was 83.6% at the end of last year.

Jenny Harries, CEO of health security agency, said in a statement that the lower vaccine rates were linked to inequality.

While the majority of the country is protected, there are still high numbers of children in some areas that continue to be unprotected from preventable diseases, she said. Unless uptake improves we will start to see the diseases that these vaccines protect against re-emerging and causing more serious illness.

Carol Dezateux, a professor of pediatric epidemiology at Queen Mary University of London, said the current measles outbreak was entirely predictable, as immunizations had fallen to alarmingly low levels even before the pandemic. The causes were complex, she said, but the lockdowns and worries about exposure to the coronavirus made the problem worse.

Vaccination rates for children in England have been steadily declining over the last decade, partly because of vaccine hesitancy but also because of a lack of resources and logistical issues in the most deprived areas. Its not just the MMR vaccine, Dezateux said, as there is evidence of widening inequalities between wealthy and poor children across Britain in all five of the key childhood vaccinations.

Theres a failure to think about how we can move the dial on this, in a more coordinated way, Dezateux said, adding, You might like to climb a high mountain, but if youve got no prospect of even getting up to the first base camp, youre never going to try it, you know?

The coverage gap has been difficult to close in some areas, Dezateux said, because so much pressure has fallen onto general practitioners in the countrys National Health Service who are already severely stretched.

Still, the cost of prevention in the form of vaccines is about 4% of the cost of an outbreak, she said, showing the need for a cohesive and coordinated plan to work toward better vaccine uptake.

We know that where resources are brought in, then people can do more. Its not rocket science, Dezateux said.

Dr. Milena Marszalek, a research fellow at Queen Mary who is a general practitioner in northeast London in an area that has one of the countrys worst vaccination rates, said it was a logistical struggle to combat dropping vaccine coverage.

There is a real problem with lack of capacity, lack of appointments, she said. We havent got the resources needed to bring the kids in for vaccination.

Still, some things worked, she said, citing pop-up clinics and outreach with local imams to relay information about the safety of the vaccine to the large Muslim South Asian community in the area.

Local Haredi Jewish families told her that flexible hours at clinics and walk-in appointments also removed a barrier.

Still, it is often only after a significant outbreak that the issue of vaccination takes on greater urgency. Nicole Miles, the lead nurse for Vaccination UK, a group commissioned by Britains National Health Service to deliver childhood vaccines and who ran the Wolverhampton clinic, said that an accessible, sensitive and tailored approach was important.

What people dont realize is how sick it makes you, Miles said of the measles virus. There is this idea that, Well its just measles, because we havent seen cases of measles for years like we are now. So people dont realize how dangerous it can be, since it just hasnt been here.

Miles, 34, and two other nurses who were working to distribute the vaccines discussed how vaccine hesitancy among their patients was actually quite rare.

There are always going to be cohorts of people who dont want to be vaccinated, Miles said. And essentially, theres nothing we can do about that, is there? But we need to vaccinate the people who do want to be vaccinated and who have been missed along the line somehow.

At the Wolverhampton clinic, many of the families coming in said that they were not opposed but had not gotten vaccinations for one reason or another. Like Nnago, many had heard about the vaccination push through schools.

The Okusanya family, originally from Nigeria, has been living in Wolverhampton for two years. Oluwafunmilayo Okusanya, 42, said none of her three children had received the MMR vaccine in their home country, so when she heard of the measles outbreak locally, she knew it was important to bring them in.

When the opportunity came, I felt it was a good thing for them to have it, she said. Its made it very convenient. Although some might not see the need to come around for it, we just need to protect the kids.

c.2024 The New York Times Company
[Source]

Thousands of doctors in South Korea protested in Seoul against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions and its perceived lack of support for the healthcare system.

The government's plans: To address changing healthcare demands in a rapidly aging society, the South Korean government proposed to admit 2,000 students to medical schools per year, totaling 5,000 by 2025.

The walkout: However, licensed doctors and trainees are protesting against the government, arguing that they should first prioritize addressing issues related to pay and working conditions before attempting to boost the number of physicians. Since Feb. 20, around 9,000 out of the countrys 13,000 resident and intern doctors have walked off the job in protest, and on Sunday, thousands of doctors gathered in Seoul to hold a rally.

Doctors' concerns: Doctors express concerns about broader healthcare challenges, including staffing needs in specific fields, treatment pricing and proper educational infrastructure for new medical students. Trainee doctors also express anger over difficult working conditions that include inadequate compensation and extended work hours.

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Governments response: In response, the government had to mobilize military doctors and grant legal protection for nurses to perform certain medical procedures during the strike. On Tuesday, President Yoon Suk-yeol asserted that his government would stand firm on its plans for medical reform, emphasizing that safeguarding vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities, aligns with the government's core welfare policy.

Taking legal action: The government has since issued a back-to-work order, warning the striking doctors of administrative and legal repercussions, including a minimum three-month license suspension, imprisonment of up to three years or a 30 million won ($22,480) fine, if they did not return to work by Feb. 29. On Monday, government officials reportedly visited about 50 hospitals to officially verify the absence of striking doctors, informing them about their impending license suspensions.

Protest continues: Despite government warnings, many doctors still vow to push for their demands. While legal action is expected, experts suggest the government may target fewer than 100 leading strikers for license suspension. In support of the doctors and the protest, the Korea Medical Association will provide economic support for the striking doctors if their licenses are suspended.

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A test drive for a car being sold through Facebook Marketplace ended with a carjacking and shooting Sunday evening northeast of Council Bluffs.

A call came in about suspicious activity near the intersection of Kanesville Boulevard and Sherwood Drive about 8 p.m. Sunday. The Council Bluffs Police Department responded and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Monday.

Police were led to a scene off Railroad Highway north of Council Bluffs, which is in the sheriff's office jurisdiction, so they handed off the investigation.

The shooting victim had been carjacked at the Smith Game Reserve off Railroad Highway, the sheriff's office said. The victim was taking two men on a test drive of his vehicle that he was trying to sell when they stopped to take photos.

The two men assaulted the victim and left with his vehicle, the release states, and the victim was picked up by a passer-by and taken to the scene where Council Bluffs police responded. He was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and his injuries are not believed to be a threat to his life.

The stolen vehicle's information was disseminated to law enforcement agencies, and it was found by the Missouri State Patrol near St. Joseph, Missouri. The vehicle is being held for further investigation, and the two suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle.

Investigators from the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office are continuing to work the case in Missouri. The identities of the involved people will be released later, the release states.

Sheriff Andy Brown thanked the Missouri State Patrol and Council Bluffs Police Department for providing assistance in the investigation.

"He would also like to remind everyone to use caution when buying and selling items online," the release states. "Bring someone with you and meet in a public place like the sheriff's office's parking lot."
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden is coming out in opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying in a statement to be released Thursday that the U.S. needs to "maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers.
The Congress of the Socialist International (SI) held last week in Madrid has ignored the Polisario and invited the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), which backs Moroccan Autonomy Plan, dealing a hard blow to the Algeria-backed separatist group.

The MSP is known for its pragmatic approach for the settlement of the Sahara regional conflict to end the sufferings of the Sahrawis living in the Tindouf camps in deplorable conditions for nearly fifty years.

Several pro-polisario parties and NGOs have tried in vain to book a seat for Brahim Ghali, chief of the Polisario armed militia. But President of the Socialist International and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stood firm rejecting his participation in the Congress.

The same stand was adopted by the Secretary General of SI and numerous socialist leaders from several countries. They affirmed that there is no place in this Congress or in the International Socialist Organization for repressive regimes which kidnap people, fuel tensions and divisions between countries.

Last month, Pedro Sanchez paid a working and friendship visit to Morocco. During this visit, he co-chaired with Moroccan peer Aziz Akhannouch the 12th high-level meeting between the two countries.

He was also received by King Mohammed VI at the Royal Palace in Rabat. At the end of this visit, the Spanish Prime minister reiterated his countrys position supporting the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 for the resolution of the Sahara issue.
Burkina Faso judicial authorities said an attack on a village in Yatenga province left 170 people, including women and children, dead as the country reels under a surge in Jihadist activity.

The attack came as the military authorities in the country warned against increased risk of attacks by extremist groups, including on urban centers.

The countrys army seized power in 2022, but more than a third of Burkina Faso is controlled by insurgents.

The US State Department said it was gravely concerned by the rise in violence against civilians in northern and eastern Burkina Faso in late February.

In addition to deadly attacks on multiple military installations, terrorists killed dozens of worshipers in a mosque in Natiaboani and churches in Essakane. A tribal leader and his security team in Kominyenga, and civilian road crews in multiple locations were also killed. Such attacks on civilians, especially in their places of worship, are reprehensible, it said.

The US also urged Burkina Faso to investigate incidents involving its army intervention which reportedly cost citizens lives.

The only long-term solution to the scourge of terrorism is expanding good governance based on the rule of law, respecting human rights, and promoting social cohesion, the US State Department said.

Years of rampant insecurity in Burkina Faso has forced more than two million people out of their homes, and the UN estimates that a quarter of all children under five have stunted growth resulting from hunger.

Military coups in 2022 underscored public frustration with the governments inability to address insecurity. The current administration, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has emphasized a robust security response to combat insurgent groups. Yet, despite military efforts to counter armed groups, attacks persist, indicative of ongoing challenges in restoring stability.
Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty to perjury after weeks of negotiations with Manhattan prosecutors, according to reports.

The Associated Press reports that Weisselberg, a top lieutenant to Donald Trump, admitted to lying during his deposition in the civil fraud case against the former president and his namesake company as well as during his testimony on the witness stand. The former CFO was also a defendant in that matter. Weisselberg surrendered to Manhattan attorney general Alvin Braggs office Monday morning and pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury. He faces five months in prison. Its not expected that he will implicate his former boss with his new plea.

This is not the first time that Weisselberg has taken a plea deal in connection to his work as the Trump Organizations top accountant. In 2022, the former executive admitted to an involved scheme to avoid paying taxes on luxury perks including rent and car payments, pleading guilty to 15 charges including conspiracy, criminal tax fraud, and falsifying business records. In that case, Weisselberg agreed to testify against his former company but stopped short of involving Trump himself after decades of loyalty. He was ultimately sentenced to five months in prison following his plea but was released early last April from Rikers Island for good behavior.

Last month, Arthur Engoron, the judge in the civil fraud trial, levied a $355 million penalty plus interest against Trump while barring him temporarily from running a New Yorkbased company and applying for financial loans. Trump has already announced his intent to appeal the ruling, including the final sum, which totals about $454 million. As part of the judgment, Weisselberg was also hit with a $1 million fine, including interest, and he was permanently barred from serving as the financial officer of any company in the state.

Weisselbergs plea comes ahead of the planned March 25 start of Braggs hush-money case, the first criminal trial involving a former president. Prosecutors allege that Trump arranged for his personal lawyer Michael Cohen to make a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about a pre-politics affair with Trump. They claim that Trump later reimbursed Cohen the money and disguised the payments intended purpose in company records. Though Weisselberg is unlikely to be called as a witness in that trial, his position could be useful to the district attorney. The New York Times suggests that the pending charge against Weisselberg could serve as a warning for future witnesses against lying under oath.
Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Rania Abu Anza spent ten years trying for children. After three rounds of in-vitro fertilization, she finally became pregnant and gave birth to twins: a boy, Naeim, and a girl, Wissam. On Saturday, an Israeli strike in Rafah killed the 5-month-old twins, her husband, and at least 11 other relatives, the Associated Press reported. I screamed for my children and my husband, she said. They were all dead. Their father took them and left me behind. In response, the Israeli military said only that it follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm. It should be clear to all by now that this isnt true. Israels campaign in Gaza has killed over 30,000 Palestinians. As Israel reduces neighborhoods to rubble and ash, the U.S. shrugs off its complicity. The screams of Rania Abu Anza echo here, too. Look no further than Aaron Bushnell, who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, crying out for a free Palestine.

For months, protesters have pressured the Biden administration to cut off military aid to Israel and to demand a permanent cease-fire in the war against Hamas. The Listen to Michigan campaign urged the state to vote uncommitted in the Democratic presidential primary as a show of dissent, and more than 100,000 did  enough discontent that could cost Biden the critical swing state and the presidency. He has responded to the anger over his Israel policy by hiding. NBC News reported last week that the presidents aides are trying to insulate him from protesters by making his events smaller, withholding their precise locations from the media and the public until he arrives, avoiding college campuses and, in at least one instance, considering hiring a private company to vet attendees.

Biden is about to make a serious error, his latest in a long series. The protesters arent going away, not as long as Israel keeps killing Palestinians with American munitions and Bidens support. If he wants to win in November, he needs to campaign vigorously and risk contact with protesters. For the same reason, he should heed what they are saying and reverse course on Israel, now. Morality demands it, and American democracy may depend on it.

Polls show Biden trailing Donald Trump. Though Trump is deeply unpopular, and is barely younger than Biden, the current president has yet to quell public concern over his age. He wont succeed at this if he decides to hide from voters. That strategy isnt just shortsighted; its also at odds with Bidens stated priorities. Democrats have cast the election as a battle for the soul of democracy. Biden should act accordingly: Nonviolent protest is a hallmark of a healthy democracy  the very institution at stake this year. By reducing Bidens availability to the public, aides show a troubling lack of confidence in the voters they need to win.

Bidens failures have global ramifications. He has been inexcusably slow to recognize the humanitarian catastrophe at hand  and he is reluctant, still, to assign blame where it belongs. The latest addition to Gazas tally of suffering is starvation. As the Washington Post put it on Sunday, Israel has refused to allow significant humanitarian aid into Gaza even as it relies on U.S. bombs and diplomatic support to kill Palestinian civilians by the thousands. Though the U.S. air-dropped 38,000 meals into Gaza over the weekend, that paltry effort wont reach most Palestinians in need or address Israeli brutality. Leaving for aid can be deadly too. Days before the air drops, Israeli troops fired on hungry people whod surrounded an aid truck, hoping for flour. Israel has wiped entire families from existence in what the writer Pankaj Mishra has called the liquidation of Gaza. Biden greets it all with empty rhetoric and futile gestures.

The U.S. says it is trying to broker a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. But the White House will go no further, it seems. Vice-President Kamala Harris cannot show up in Selma, Alabama, call for another humanitarian pause, and hope to regain the moral territory her government has ceded. Biden himself owes protesters more than lip service. Israels murderous campaign in Gaza must permanently end. If it does not, Israel should not receive an ounce of aid from the U.S. government. Its too late to save Rania Abu Anzas children. But if Biden acts now, he could protect others from the same fate. He could even protect himself: not from protesters but from a devastating political failure. The protesters are right. The president cant hide from the truth forever.
Photo: Charles McQuillan/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Late last June, when Bill Clinton welcomed Larry Hogan to Little Rock, the ex-president realized he had an opportunity to step carefully back into the political fray. The pair was scheduled for a ticketed chat about bipartisanship on Clintons home turf just as Hogan, the former Maryland governor, was rumored to be thinking about a third-party presidential run via the No Labels group, which he was also co-chairing. Before they walked onstage, Clinton delicately made his view clear to the Republican, even though Hogan hadnt asked: Any independent campaign of the kind No Labels was talking about could only benefit Donald Trump.

He wasnt done yet. Two months later, Clinton heard from Joe Manchin, who was vacationing near the Clintons spot in East Hampton and wanted advice about his political future. Clinton had heard real concern from fellow Democrats that the West Virginian would head a No Labels ticket himself, and hed previously discussed the politically tricky senator with the Biden White House when administration officials asked for his help winning Manchin over on legislation. Manchin was being far more open about the attractiveness of an independent run than Hogan was. So when they met in person, Clinton decided to get considerably more forceful than their placid surroundings might have suggested. This time, he ditched the diplomatic niceties and told the senator sharply that he was risking putting Trump back in the White House.

By late November, Bill found himself closer to the center of presidential politics than hed been since Hillary ran in 2016. He and Joe Biden hadnt talked in person in a few months, but he had been making no secret to friends that he thought Biden wasnt getting the credit he deserved for his accomplishments. Tucked into a quiet corner of Air Force One on the way to Georgia for Rosalynn Carters memorial service, the 42nd president repeated the sentiment to the 46th, chewing over the unique challenges of the presidency as almost no one else could. Flying south from Washington, they discussed Bidens obstacles in a political environment warped by Trump  how hard it had gotten to focus public attention on what Biden was doing and how complicated it had become to turn around the national feeling about the economy.

Hillary wasnt part of that conversation, but she was on the plane, too  along with Michelle Obama and Jill Biden  and she had plenty of her own thoughts as Biden entered 2024 running behind her old foe in the polls. In recent months, the former secretary of state has begun convening groups of friends and political allies for private dinners to talk through the coming election season and to drum up badly needed support for Democratic candidates, starting with the president. The sessions are occasionally at the Clintons primary home in Chappaqua, but more often at their house in Washington, not far from the residence of Vice-President Kamala Harris, with whom she has quietly been keeping in touch.

Four years ago, the Clintons were as far from political influence as theyd been in ages. In a postMe Too world, Bill was often treated as persona non grata in public and Hillary was still thought of primarily as the person who lost to Trump. But a few weeks ago, they drew a flurry of media attention with the announcement that Biden would host a major fundraiser in the city with Bill and Barack Obama in late March. (As the inescapable flood of Trump fundraising emails put it: Obama is back! Bill Clinton is back too.) The event is just the most public part of whats been a longer-running behind-the-scenes effort. Neither Clinton considers politics their primary work these days  theyre staying busy with travel, writing projects, and foundation work  but according to a dozen people whove spoken with them directly in recent weeks, both have been quietly and steadily increasing their engagement with Washington as the election season heats up.

Its been eight years since a Clinton was on a ballot, the longest period since Bills first failed congressional campaign in 1974, and the 2020 race was arguably the first one in decades in which neither of them was particularly powerful. Now they, and the Democratic Party, are trying to work out what, exactly, their most useful role could now be. No longer a distinct power center or the same draw for donors or audiences as the Obamas, they are nonetheless far from retirees. Instead, they are a unique but amorphous source of advice and influence given their extensive experience and large networks.

Senator William Roth and Biden listen to Clinton during a NATO summit in 1997. Photo: Blake Sell

Ask anyone around them, and its clear that this is largely because of their resilient wish to be involved, no matter how official D.C. feels about them. Bill, 77, remains insatiable in his appetite for political news, and he texts and calls friends to chat about politics for hours on end. He wants precinct-level data, said one close associate. He cant not do this. A longtime friend of Hillarys who also has a place in Biden world shrugged: Theyre junkies! Theyre looking at polls; theyre all in. And of course they are, he continued. They care! They are who they are. They care about this stuff. It is also, obviously, personal for them. Hillary has been closely watching the efforts to beat and weaken the man who defeated her since 2016, and Bill has been ruminating unrelentingly on Trumps rise and his takeover of the GOP, too. (Bill, in particular, still talks often about thenFBI director James Comeys late incursion into the 2016 campaign as a contributor to Hillarys loss.)

To some degree, all this has been obvious all along to the most wired-in of Democrats. Though both Clintons relations with Biden have shifted over time, theyve been sympathetic to his political struggles and the challenges of confronting a Trump-dominated Republican Party. Both have expressed to friends that they found the lines about Bidens age in special counsel Robert Hurs report to be inappropriate. Neither Clinton can consider themself among the administrations top advisers or influencers, but Bill has twice visited Biden in the White House. First, he stopped by in May 2022, checking in with the politically embattled president about a looming midterm season that many thought would be brutal for Biden, as Clintons first was in 1994. The following February, he visited again to mark the 30th anniversary of signing the Family and Medical Leave Act. When the pair have spoken privately, theyve often mused about how they consider themselves unique in the modern Democratic Party  able to relate to working-class voters more than other prominent pols.

Hillary, meanwhile, has deepened her connection to Harris. At first, they linked up when the vice-president was preparing for her early foreign trips in 2021. In the years since, the talks between the first woman to hold the vice-presidency and the woman whos come closest to being president have become less formal, more friendly, and more regular. They speak over the phone, and their chats have since expanded to political conversations on the sidelines of official events and advice for Harris about specific appearances, such as when Hillary gave her tips for speaking at the New York Timess Dealbook conference last year. She has also visited Harris at her home.

If their latest role is unsurprising given their senior macher statuses within the party, it also reflects yet another evolution in the decadeslong relationships between both Clintons and the current president. Biden was not always a major character during the Clinton administration, but they intersected at a handful of important moments thanks to Bidens role atop the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he confirmed Bills Supreme Court nominations and wrote the crime bill. The relationship warmed in the Bush years as a handful of ex-Clinton aides joined Bidens office and Hillary joined him in the Senate; even when it became clear that Biden and Hillary would run against each other for president in 2008, Bill went out of his way to offer Biden private advice, warning him that as a senator he might be tempted to use Beltway Speak rather than connecting with voters about their lives. After Obama won, Vice-President Biden helped mend fences with the Clintons, recruiting her as secretary of state and then holding regular lunches with her. Though they clashed over policy, like on Afghanistan, Biden kept up sporadic but friendly contact with her husband on economic matters. Things cooled significantly in 2016 when Hillary ran with Obamas tacit blessing, leaving Biden feeling unfairly passed over. Still, as the election progressed, he and Bill occasionally fumed together about how her campaign was being run and about Trump.

Harris, Biden, and Clinton in the East Room of the White House on the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times/REDUX

Today, a handful of very tight Clinton allies have roles high up in the Biden administration and political operations, including well-known associates like John Podesta and Neera Tanden. Dennis Cheng, a longtime Clinton-world fundraiser, is a deputy political director in the White House, while Minyon Moore, a former top aide to both Bill and Hillary, is the chair of the Democratic convention. And two of Bidens absolute closest aides, Bruce Reed and Steve Ricchetti, were also senior Clinton staffers and allies for years. It all adds up to a feeling among those close to the Clintons that they are plugged further into Bidens political thinking than they often were to Obamas. In recent weeks, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez and deputy campaign manager Rob Flaherty (who worked for Clintons 2016 campaign) briefed Hillarys political advisors on the Biden gameplan for the coming months.

Still, neither Clinton appears eager to grab a starring role in the campaign this year, presumably in part because they know they are far from universally popular even among Democrats, and because Republicans remain eager to keep them in the center of their conspiracy theories about liberal cabals pulling Bidens strings and planning to replace him as the Democratic nominee. Yet this hasnt stopped Hillary in particular from wading into some geopolitical matters that are complex for Biden, or those in his White House, to address. When she told MSNBC last month that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should go; he is not a trustworthy leader, it was widely read in foreign-policy circles as a strong signal from someone close to the administration, given her former job as the top diplomat and her famously friendly relationship with Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security advisor.

Bill, however, has been significantly more wary about giving interviews to journalists, and his political appearances have been much more tightly managed since 2016 as his party has reevaluated his affair with Monica Lewinsky and accusations from other women. He was mostly absent during the elections of 2018 and 2020, when his convention speaking time was limited to less than five minutes  a conspicuous change for the famous rambler. In the 2022 midterms, however, he appeared with candidates who asked for his help in New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and Texas.

Now, in the estimation of some liberals, its only natural for Biden to call on Bills advice considering the political landscape. The environment is a lot more Clintonesque than Obama era, said one very senior D.C. Democrat who dismisses fears that 90s-style triangulation is a recipe for disaster. Biden has recently been adopting messaging reminiscent of Clintons own reelection case: Last week, he answered Seth Meyerss question about his age by saying Its about how old your ideas are, arguing that Trumps GOP would turn back the clock on matters like abortion. In 1996, Clinton said that his objection to Bob Dole wasnt that he was too old to be president; its the age of his ideas I question.

The even clearer parallel to 2024 is 1992: Both elections feature a two-term vice-president turned president with approval numbers dragged down by unfavorable feelings about the economy and a stronger-than-expected third-party threat. With Ross Perot in mind, its Bill who has been most vocal with friends about undermining No Labels, the group run by Nancy Jacobson, who used to raise money for Clinton and who is married to Mark Penn, Hillarys one-time chief strategist.

Of course, none of this activity exactly comes as a surprise to those whove known them longest. When I called James Carville, the operative who rose to fame on Clintons first presidential campaign, to talk about the reengagement, he paused for a second before answering, as if to wonder why on earth I was even asking. There was never a question that the Clintons would get involved again. An election is coming. Itd be stunning, he said, if it werent true.
Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Colorado cannot bar Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in the states primary election under section three of the 14th Amendment, resolving one of the major legal questions ahead of this falls presidential election, when Trump will most likely face off against President Joe Biden again. The decision means Colorado and other states will not be able to disqualify Trump from the ballot over his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Only Congress has that power, the Court ruled  as many experts had long expected it to.

Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the states, responsible for enforcing section 3 against all federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse [the Colorado ruling], the Court said in an unsigned decision. (The ruling does not bar states from disqualifying state candidates.)

BREAKING: States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot, the Supreme Court rules unanimously..



Only Congress can decide. https://t.co/RqBG4JTfs9 pic.twitter.com/RgaFk2H9Ts  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 4, 2024

The Justices were in unanimous agreement that Colorado cannot disqualify Trump from the ballot in this case, though not about why, as NBC News reports:

Although the bottom-line vote was unanimous, there were some divisions on the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, as to how the case was resolved. The three liberal justices  Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  complained in a jointly written concurring opinion that the court had decided more than it needed to by laying out how section 3 could be enforced by Congress. Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett agreed that the court went further than required, although she did not join the liberal justices opinion. The liberal justices said the decision could insulate Trump from future controversy. The ruling shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement of section 3, they added.

The ruling also notably did not offer any opinion as to whether or not what transpired on January 6, 2021 qualified as an insurrection.

Elie Honig writes that the whole process was counterproductive at best:

The Supreme Court has now made clear what was already apparent on the face of the Constitution itself: Without some specific enabling act of Congress, its not up to the states. This shouldnt have been some sort of mystery. Its right there in the 14th Amendments plain text: The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. At any point since the 14th Amendments ratification in 1868, Congress could have passed a law saying, in essence: Well let the states decide, so long as they use reasonably fair procedures. But its been 150-plus years now, and Congress has done no such thing. Unless and until that changes, the 14th Amendment will remain a dusty, nonfunctional curiosity.

The constitutional ban on insurrectionists holding office is a perfectly sound  necessary, even  policy concept. And, by any common sense application, Trump violated the clause. But the process issues that ultimately sank the effort to ban Trump from the ballot were apparent all along. The resources, credibility, and political capital that were poured into the 14th Amendment disqualification campaign wouldve been better spent trying to get Congress to do its job, to protect against future insurrectionists retaking office.

Trump quickly celebrated the ruling on Monday, posting on Truth Social that it was BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

In December, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump was ineligible to hold or seek office under section three of the postCivil War era 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which targeted former members of the Confederacy, barring people from holding any office if they have violated their oaths to the Constitution and have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against it.

Trump appealed the ruling and asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the matter, and the Court quickly agreed to review the case. It heard arguments on the case on February 8 and ruled less than a month later  which is breakneck speed when it comes to the Supreme Court. Up until now, it had never weighed in on section three of the 14th Amendment.

Colorado was only the first state to try to kick Trump off the ballot. Maines Democratic secretary of State also concluded that Trump was ineligible to appear on the ballot there, as did a judge reviewing the matter for the Illinois board of elections.

Many pundits and legal experts had emphasized that the state-level efforts to prevent Trump from running for office again under the 14th Amendment were unlikely to succeed, particularly since the conservative-majority Supreme Court would ultimately get the final word. Analysis of how the February 8 hearing went indicated the same.

This post has been updated.
While several iconic figures in Black History call Lee County home, there are many influential moments that arent commonly known as being a part of the communitys rich Black history.

Black History Month has come and gone, but February isnt the only month to celebrate Black history. There are many people, groups and monuments that played a vital role in what makes our community what we see today.

Here are some Black history facts that you may not know. Some of them may even surprise you:

Dr. Darden became first Black physician in Lee County

When Dr. John Wesley Darden moved to Opelika in 1903, he became the only Black doctor in the county. He was also the only doctor for miles who would see Black patients. His wife, Maude Darden, taught Sunday school, gave piano lessons and held etiquette classes for the community.

Darden initially had a separate location for his practice, but he began seeing patients in his home in 1944 and continued doing so until he died in 1949. His home is located on Auburn Street, and it currently serves as the J.W. Darden Wellness Center. The Darden Foundation was founded in 2001 in honor of him as Opelikas first Black physician, and its mission is to preserve his and his wifes legacy and heritage.

Payne became first Black chair of Opelikas Zoning board

In 2016, Wilbert Payne became the first Black person to be elected chairman of the City of Opelika Board of Zoning Adjustments. Born in the 1950s, Payne grew up in the Jim Crow era of discrimination, segregated restaurants, water fountains and public facilities. The chairman presides over all board meetings, oversees public hearings, and determines all points of order and procedures at meetings unless directed otherwise by a majority of the board.

Payne was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970. He completed two years of service in the Vietnam War, entered the U.S. Army Reserve, and then moved to the Army National Guard.

4 innocent Black men lynched after finding missing body

In June 2021, citizens joined the Lee County Remembrance Project to celebrate the unveiling of the historical marker in downtown Opelika Court House Square.

The project brought the light to the lynchings of four Black men  John Moss, George Hart, Charles Humphries and Samuel Harris. Hart and Moss were cousins.

In 1866, they were a part of a search party that found the body of a missing white man. Instead of being celebrated for their efforts to locate the missing body, race-based suspicion turned to the cousins. White mobs lynched at least 361 African Americans in Alabama between 1877 and 1950, and at least five of those lynchings happened in Lee County, according to the Equal Justice Initiative.

Bethesda Baptist Church became Opelikas first Black church

Bethesda Baptist Church is known as Opelikas first Black church. Located at 201 South Fourth St., the church was built in 1868  five years after Late President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The pastor at the time was Reverend Thomas Glenn.

In 2017 a marker ceremony was held in celebration of the historical impact the church had on the city. Throughout the years, the church went from having a wooden structure to being constructed into a brick building. Since its establishment, the church has been home to some of the communitys most influential African Americans like William Ernest Morton, Pearlie Mae Hutchinson and more.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist became Auburns first Black church

The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church at 541 Pitts Street is Auburns very first Black church. It was built after the end of the Civil War in 1865 and was completed around 1870. The property that the church stands on was given to a member of the Ebenezer congregation in 1865 by white landowner Lonnie Payne.

Members of the congregation constructed the building and built the church of hand-hewn logs and felled on the Frazer plantation. In 1970, the building was restored by the Auburn Heritage Association, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1975.
Big Oil is using its deep pockets and expertise in well geology to back and partner with energy startups that are looking to unlock renewable energy from beneath the earths surface.

Geothermal energy, which has been around for decades, has received new momentum with the net-zero targets of many economies, including the United States.

Some of the biggest oil and gas firms, including Chevron, BP, and Devon Energy, are investing directly in geothermal projects and startups.

And some of the newly created geothermal companies are using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to reach the heat beneath the surface, using the technology that ushered in the U.S. shale revolution.

Drilling of wells to tap geothermal energy is expensive, but companies have managed to lower costs in recent years. Costs, however, need to further dropand substantiallyfor geothermal energy to make up more than 1% of U.S power generation.

The U.S. Department of Energy looks to bolster the use of the heat beneath our feet, but only a small portion of that heat in the United States is accessible with current technology. So DOE is backing research and innovation to advance enhanced geothermal systems (EGS)drilling for wells to access the heat deeper underground. A department-wide effort is aimed at dramatically reducing the cost of EGSby 90%, to about $45 per megawatt-hour (MWh) by 2035, DOE says. Related: 2 Ways to Play Europes $800 Billion Energy Crisis

Investments in EGS can unlock affordable clean energy for over 65 million American homes and exponentially increase opportunities for geothermal heating and cooling solutions nationwide, according to DOE.

In 2022, the United States had geothermal power plants in seven states, which produced about 0.4% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) says. California, Nevada, and Utah are leaders in geothermal energy in the U.S., with Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, and New Mexico also generating some geothermal energy.

Several startups have recently launched new projects and raised capital to scale up operations, with the help of funding from Big Oil, employees with backgrounds in oil and gas, and horizontal drilling and fracking.

For example, Fervo Energy uses precision directional drilling technology to drill horizontally in geothermal reservoirs.

This enables us to drill multiple wells from a single location, dramatically lowering our surface footprint and reducing drilling risks. Horizontal drilling also facilitates greater access to geologies that were previously challenging to reach, increasing the total resource potential for geothermal energy, the company says.

Fervo used horizontal drilling in a project to deliver clean energy to Googles data centers in Nevadaa project that became operational in November.

Just last week, Fervo said that it had raised $244 million in new funding led by Devon Energy. Oilfield services provider Helmerich & Payne, among others, is an early investor in Fervo.

The company says that early drilling results at Cape Station, a 400 MW project in Beaver County, Utah, show reduced drilling times and lower costs that significantly exceed Department of Energy expectations for EGS. Cape Station is expected to begin delivering clean electricity to the grid in 2026.

Drilling costs for Fervos first four horizontal wells for the Utah project have halved to $4.8 million per well from $9.4 million per well drilled at its first commercial project in Nevada, executives have told The Wall Street Journal.

Fervo targets to lower its electricity costs to around $100 per MWh soon.

Canadas geothermal solutions firm Eavor Technologies also has oil companies among its investors. A $182 million financing round at the end of last year was led by Austrias OMV, while existing investors, including BP Ventures, contributed and supported the funding round.

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Chevron, for its part, is using its sub-surface earth sciences with wells and drilling in geothermal energy projects to help lower the carbon intensity of its operations. The U.S. supermajor is teaming up with innovators, entrepreneurs, and governments to develop and scale new technologies. Chevron is pilot testing an advanced closed-loop geothermal pilot project in Japan in collaboration with Mitsui Oil Exploration.

In the United States, Chevron and Fervo Energy own two of the three winning projects that DOE picked last month to receive up to $60 million in funding to demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of enhanced geothermal systems.

Chevron New Energies pilot demonstration will use innovative drilling and stimulation techniques to access geothermal energy near an existing geothermal field in Sonoma County in northern California. Fervo Energys pilot within the Milford Renewable Energy Corridor in Utah aims to produce at least 8 megawatts of power from each of three wells at a site with no existing commercial geothermal power production. The third project, of Mazama Energy, aims to demonstrate a first-of-its-kind super-hot EGS on the western flank of Newberry Volcano in Oregon.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Unlike most lithium miners, the world's second-largest producer, Chile's Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM), is ramping up capacity expansion despite the glut in the market, which has crushed lithium prices over the past year.

SQM, which reported this week much lower earnings for Q4 and for full-year 2023, plans $1.4 billion in investments through 2025 to expand lithium capacity projects in Chile as it bets on continued lithium demand and a rebound in prices at some point later this decade.

Following the yearly results and the announcement of expansion plans, SQM's U.S.-listed shares jumped by 9% on Thursday for the biggest daily increase in nearly two years.

In contrast with its rivals, including Albemarle, SQM is boosting production and capacity expansions instead of scaling back plans as most of the other lithium miners do. The Chilean producer bets on having available volumes for sale when the market works through the current inventory backlog.

Although there is a risk of exacerbating the glut by keeping output at full tilt, SQM is positioning itself to supply its low-cost production when demand recovers. Related: This Could Be A Gamechanger For Natural Gas In Europe

This will inevitably come in the cyclical lithium mining industry amid other producers curtailing expansion plans.

This week, SQM reported a 48.5% decline in 2023 earnings to US$2 billion, or US$7.05 per ADR. Fourth-quarter earnings plunged by 82.3% compared to the same period of 2022 amid the crash in global lithium prices.

But SQM sold record-high lithium volumes in Q4.

Total capex for 2024-2025 is set at about $2.4 billion, including $1.4 billion for lithium capacity expansion projects in Chile.

"As we enter into 2024, we anticipate another robust year of growth in lithium market, with global demand increasing by at least 20%, supported by electric vehicle sales growth globally and increasing demand for battery materials," CEO Ricardo Ramos said in a statement.

But the executive acknowledged that "the excess in lithium and battery materials capacity seen during last year is expected to continue during this year, keeping pressure on lithium market prices."

Carlos Diaz, Executive Vice President of Lithium at SQM, said on the earnings call that the company's strategy has been to produce at full capacity so that it would always be prepared to supply more product to the market when it is needed.

Gonzalo Aguirre, head of lithium market intelligence at SQM, said on the call that the company expects global lithium demand to grow fourfold from 2023 levels ten years from now.

SQM's bet on capacity expansion at a time of a lithium market glut could position it to take advantage of the next supply crunch, which may already be in the making after many lithium producers issued early this year profit warnings and project halts.

After warnings of project reviews and moves to preserve cash from U.S. and Australian lithium mining firms, some of China's biggest miners also warned of a plunge in profits and potential asset write-downs.

The crash in lithium prices over the past year is holding back reinvestment in new supply, Albemarle says.

While major lithium suppliers continue to see a surge in long-term demand as the energy transition gathers momentum, the current low price environment is "unstainable," Kent Masters, Albemarle's chairman, president, and CEO, said on the company's earnings call last month.

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The current lithium prices are not in a range allowing projects, especially in the West, to get off the ground, Masters added.

The deferral of new supply developments amid the low prices is setting the stage for the next lithium supply crunch later this decade, executives and analysts say.

Despite the current gloom on the lithium market and the financial struggles it is bringing to the top miners, industry executives are confident in the long-term prospects and expect the current low prices and a lack of investment to create the next big lithium supply crunch.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Despite the struggles of the EU solar manufacturing industry faced with cheap Chinese panels, the bloc cannot close its borders to cheap solar imports, according to European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.

There are different proposals how we can support our industry, but clearly we cannot close our borders because we need solar panels, Simson said on Monday, ahead of a meeting of the EU energy ministers, who are set to discuss possible support to EU solar manufacturing companies.

We have to support our industry, but we need all the products to meet our very ambitious targets, Simson said, as carried by Reuters.

The EU has been seeking to protect its wind and solar equipment manufacturers from Chinese competition.

Many EU manufacturers have either closed plants or plan to impose such measures as a flood of solar panels imports, especially from China, and high inventory levels of panels are threatening demand for the more expensive EU-made solar equipment.

EU solar manufacturers need urgent support, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) said in early February.

The EU has an oversupply of subsidized solar PV modules, imported from China. Currently, the EU has a stock of an estimated 140170 million PV modules in European ports and warehouses, equivalent to 7085 GW capacity, according to ESMC.

The European solar PV manufacturing industry is facing an existential threat. If policymakers dont take immediate actions to safeguard the solar PV module producers in the EU, relocating abroad or bankruptcy are the only options, ESMC says.

ESMC, which represents nearly the entire PV manufacturing value chain of nearly 80 European companies, urged the European Commission in a letter in January to take immediate actions to protect EUs solar PV module manufacturers amid this crisis.

The EU is now entering a pivotal phase where, over the next 48 weeks, major EU PV module producers and their European suppliers are poised to shut down manufacturing lines unless substantial emergency measures are promptly implemented, ESMC said.

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The association called on the EU to amend state aid rules to allow additional government support to solar producers and to set up an EU-level buy-out facility for accumulated EU PV module inventories.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Exxon and Malaysias state-run Petronas will extend exploration for a gas discovery off the coast of Suriname, the countrys national oil company, Staatsolie, said on Monday.

Eyeing a repeat of the huge oil and gas success in the same basin offshore Guyana, explorers in Suriname are also reportedly considering a floating LNG project.

Exploration in Suriname has not been as successful, so far, as Guyana. Exxon and Petronas made a gas discovery in 2020 in Block 52 that was considered commercially unattractive, while discoveries have been made in Block 58 by French TotalEnergies and Apache Corporation.

The exploration extension is for Block 52s Sloanea-1 discovery, Reuters reports, which could make a commercial gas discovery in the block feasible for development.

Presently, Petronas and Exxon are planning to drill the Sloanea-2 appraisal well. If that well proves commercially viable, first production would commence around 2031 at the earliest.

"A key component of feasibility is the guarantee of a tax-free period of 10 years from the start of production. This is also stipulated in the letter of agreement, with government approval," Reuters quoted Staatsolie as saying in a statement.

Exxon and Petronas signed a production sharing contract with Suriname in 2013, covering BLock 52. Petronas also has PSCs with Staatsolie for Blocks 63 and 64.

The deal, signed on Monday by Petronas, Exxon and Staatsolie executives, serves as the basis for further negotiations for a gas addendum to the production sharing contract they signed in 2013 for Block 52.

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TotalEnergies and Apache have made five high-quality oil discoveries offshore Suriname, in Block 58, since 2020. The most recent discovery was the Krabdagu wildcat, completed in February 2022, while the most recent exploration well drilled, which came up dry, was in November that same year.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Yemeni Houthis have said attacks on ships in the Red Sea will continue, saying they will target British-linked vessels.

The announcement follows the sinking of the Rubymar on Saturday. The British-owned ship, which carried a cargo of fertilizer, was hit on February 18.

Yemen will continue to sink more British ships, and any repercussions or other damages will be added to Britains bill, Yemens foreign minister, Hussein al-Ezzi, said in an X post, cited by The Telegraph.

It is a rogue state that attacks Yemen and partners with America in sponsoring ongoing crimes against civilians in Gaza, al-Ezzy added.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that an Italian warship shot down a Houthi missile on Saturday, prompting another threat from the Houthis.

Italy jeopardises the safety of its military and commercial ships. We will strike the ships that attack our country or that hinder the decision to prevent Israeli ships from crossing the Red Sea, Houthi government officials said, as quoted by the British publication.

The shipping disruption caused by the Houthi attacks has caused the rerouting of most cargo traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait to the longer route around Africa. The rerouting includes some 1.6 million barrels daily of crude oil.

At the end of last month, shipping giant Maersk warned that it expected the disruptions to continue well into the second half of the year.

Be prepared for the Red Sea situation to last into the second half of the year and build longer transit times into your supply chain planning, the head of Maersks North American operations said in a statement at the time.

The large-scale rerouting has added to shipping costs, both directly and indirectly, through higher insurance premiums. They are also keeping a lid on oil supply.

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While global crude balances are getting longer (seasonally) in February and March, increased levels of Red Sea shipping diversions are keeping the market tight  as more oil is put on ships, leaving less available on land, analysts at consultancy FGE warned in late February.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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OPEC+ on Sunday agreed to extend its production cuts for another quarter, but the reaction from oil markets was relatively muted as the agreement had already been priced in.

Early on Monday morning, Brent crude was trading at $83.72, while West Texas Intermediate was sitting at $80 per barrel.

The extension of the 2.2-million-bpd production cuts from OPEC+ was anything but a surprise. Yet making it official at the Sunday meeting sent a clear signal about the course OPEC+ will continue following.

The decision sends a message of cohesion and confirms that the group is not in a hurry to return supply volumes, supporting the view that when this finally happens, it will be gradual, Jefferies analyst Giacomo Romeo told the Financial Times.

There was one surprise out of Russia, which has said it would deepen its cuts by some 471,000 bpd in the second quarter while easing curbs on exports, to stay within its 500,000 bpd cut quota that covers both production and exports.

"If the Russian cuts are fully implemented additional barrels would be removed from the market. So that is a surprise move no one expected and could lift prices," UBS Giovanni Staunovo told Reuters.

The OPEC+ rollover was baked in, its the Gaza crisis that prices are responding to, Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights, told Bloomberg. As long as the cease-fire negotiations remain in a stalemate, crude is likely to either hover around current levels or come under further upward pressure.

At the same time, analysts from ANZ said in a note today that signs of supply tightening are also exerting an upward pressure on prices.

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"Signs of tightness in the physical market continue to push crude oil higher. Output cuts by the OPEC+ alliance continue to reduce supply as the market worries about the renewed tensions in the Middle East," they said, as quoted by Reuters.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Sounds of shattering glass startled the Rev. Damian Zuerlein from his sleep early Sunday.

The priest opened his bedroom door to find a woman armed with "a filet knife" at the bottom of the stairs destroying everything that she could lay her hands upon.

"I asked who was there, and this woman at the bottom of the stairs said, 'I don't intend to do you any harm, but I'm going to do terrible things,' " Zuerlein said Monday. "My guess is that she didn't know anyone was in the house when she broke in, but she was there to cause destruction."

The 29-year-old woman entered the rectory of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church near 10th and William Streets around 6 a.m. by breaking a window. An Omaha police spokesman said the woman, who did not get into the church itself, was taken to a hospital for an evaluation about 10 a.m.

Zuerlein said that after talking to the enraged woman, who he did not know, he locked his second-floor bedroom door and called 911. He immediately thought of the Dec. 10 fatal knife attack on the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell in the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun.

"I was thinking I hope (police) get here fast because I don't want this to be another Gutgsell incident," Zuerlein said. "Thankfully, (police) got there very quickly."

Washington County prosecutors have said Kierre Williams stabbed Gutgsell, 65, to death. Williams is charged with first-degree murder, burglary, use of a knife to commit a felony and possession of a weapon by a felon.

Omaha priest rescued through a second-floor window

Members of the Omaha Fire Department rescued Zuerlein from the second-floor bedroom window by ladder. The woman, who had by then broken into Zuerlein's bedroom, looked out the window to see Zuerlein descending a ladder.

"What was crazy is (the police) knew her name and they were talking to her," Zuerlein said. "I was thinking, 'Who is this woman that they already know her?' Then I found out she had already attacked her father and tried to light his house on fire and that's how they knew her."

Officers were initially called to a home in the 2200 block of South 11th Street at 5:19 a.m. for a disturbance between the woman and her father. Her father told officers that his daughter doused him with a flammable liquid and cut him with a knife. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, officials said.

The daughter allegedly tried to start a fire in the house before leaving on foot, police said. Officers were then alerted to the break-in at the St. Frances Cabrini rectory. Zuerlein said that the woman broke a downstairs window in order to enter the building.

Zuerlein said the woman's powers of destruction were stunning as she smashed large objects. She employed "some sort of super strength" to grab the mattress off his bed and block the bedroom window to keep police from coming in that way, he said.

She battled police when they entered the bedroom. They used bear spray in the incident, which has left the rectory uninhabitable for several days. Police removed her by force, preventing her from jumping out of the same second-floor window from which they rescued Zuerlein.

'We continue to pray for those involved in that incident'

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Omaha said it was grateful for the quick actions of police and fire personnel.

We continue to pray for those involved in that incident and the preceding events, the statement said.

Riley Johnson, the archdiocese's director of communications, also said: Churches and rectories in the archdiocese have alarm systems, and each individual parish makes security arrangements for their facilities. We offer guidance upon request. Many parishes also have security personnel present during Masses.

Zuerlein joined St. Frances Cabrini in 2015, after leading St. Columbkille Parish in Papillion since 2004, according to the biography of him on St. Francis Cabrini's website. He was ordained in 1981.

He is "originally from Columbus, Nebraska, and is the oldest of six children," the church said.

The priest said he is staying with friends until the rectory is cleaned up and the heavy haze of the bear spray is dispersed. The destruction at the rectory included many items of memorabilia and family heirlooms, he said.

"I have no injuries at all, thank goodness," Zuerlein said. "The fire department got me out of there before she could break down the door. I'm hoping that this woman gets the help she needs and that she faces the consequences of her actions for her attack (at the rectory) and at her father's house."
A 29-year-old woman was taken into custody Sunday after barricading herself in a south Omaha church rectory while armed with a knife.

The woman broke into the rectory at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church near 10th and William Streets about 6 a.m., an Omaha police spokesman said Sunday. The woman was taken into custody by police while attempting to jump from a second-floor window.

A priest in the rectory at 1334 S. 9th St., called 911 to report the break-in and then barricaded himself in a second-floor room. A police spokesman said members of the Omaha Fire Department rescued the priest by ladder.

The woman then barricaded herself in the rectory and began destroying property. Police were able to remove her by force, preventing her from jumping out of a second-floor window.

Officers were initially called to a home in the 2200 block of South 11th Street at 5:19 a.m. for a disturbance between a father and daughter. The father told officers that his daughter doused him with a flammable liquid and cut him with a knife. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

The daughter allegedly tried to start a fire in the house before leaving on foot, the police spokesman said. Officers were then alerted to a break-in at St. Frances Cabrini by the same woman.

The woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The church canceled services due to the break-in.

It was the second attack at a Nebraska church in recent months.

On Dec. 10. a priest was slain in Fort Calhoun. The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, 65, was stabbed to death in the rectory of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  Donald Trump's campaign has vowed not to talk about her anymore. Many pundits have written her off entirely. But Nikki Haley is still campaigning across the country  and plenty of Republican voters are coming to hear what she has to say.

Before packed audiences in states that will vote on Super Tuesday next week, Haley is making the case she laid out after losing the primary in her home state of South Carolina: Roughly 40% of GOP voters support her over Trump, suggesting their party's dominant figure is especially vulnerable in a November rematch against President Joe Biden.

He lost 40% of the primary vote in all of the early states, she told more than 500 people at a campaign event in the politically mixed suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota, on Monday. You cant win the general election if you cant win that 40%.

Trump is on the verge of winning several hundred more delegates for the GOP nomination on Super Tuesday and could eliminate Haley by clinching the nomination a few weeks later.

But by staying in the race longer than any other major candidate, Haley has highlighted Trump's political problems with key constituencies in their party and suggested that he is a sinking ship.

On Friday, Haley said that she raised $12 million in February, an amount that has not yet been verified by official campaign finance filings.

She also got some good news later in the day, when moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins became the first senators to endorse her, defying most top GOP leaders who have lined up behind Trump. Murkowski's home state of Alaska and Collins' home state of Maine are among the 15 holding GOP primaries Tuesday.

Trump won Missouri's Republican caucuses, one of three events Saturday that will award delegates for the GOP presidential nomination.

He also won about 51% of voters in the Iowa caucuses, 54% in New Hampshire's primaries and 60% in South Carolina. Haley didn't come close to winning 40% in Michigan's primary this week and instead lost to Trump by more than 40 points, 68% to 27%.

As she has throughout the primary, Haley did better in suburban areas like Oakland County near Detroit and Ottawa County near Grand Rapids. She also did better in Kent County, where Grand Rapids and a large suburban population is located.

Biden flipped Kent County and improved on Democrats 2016 performance in Oakland County on the way to winning Michigan in 2020 and beating Trump in the election.

Richard Czuba, a pollster who has long tracked Michigan politics, said Haley's results were more significant for understanding a critical swing state in the general election than the campaign to vote uncommitted against Biden to protest his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, which drew about 100,000 votes and collected two Democratic delegates.

This is by far, to me, the one narrative we saw (Tuesday) that will have major implications in November," Czuba said.

Trump declined to mention Haley, his former U.N. ambassador, after beating her in South Carolina, and his campaign accused her of deluding voters about her chances.

She cant name one state she can win, let alone be competitive in, spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a recent statement.

But interviews with three dozen voters at her rallies and AP VoteCast data from the Republican primary suggest several vulnerabilities for Trump heading into a Biden rematch.

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina  including about a quarter of his supporters  are concerned Trump is too extreme to win the general election, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 2,400 voters taking part in the Republican primary in South Carolina.

Trump allies have accused Haley of appealing to the left to vote in open Republican primaries. Some 19% of Haley voters in South Carolina identified themselves as Democrats or people who lean Democratic, according to AP VoteCast. But 72% were Republicans or lean toward the GOP.

About 3 in 10 South Carolina primary voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about three-quarters believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

We've been tightening the belt as much as we can, but can't think about having kids until we can afford it," said Jonathan Paquette, a 27-year-old contractor from Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities. That's the kind of discussion this campaign should be about, not about lawsuits and criminal indictments. That doesn't solve any of our problems."

Across the states where Haleys post-South Carolina campaign has gone, some voters picked up on that messaging.

Forty percent is better than no percent, said Alyssa Prevo, an Uber driver from Williamston, Michigan.

Nearly 9 in 10 Haley voters in South Carolina said they would not be satisfied with Trump as the Republican Partys presidential nominee, about 7 in 10 say he does not have the mental capability to serve effectively as president, and about 6 in 10 say they would not ultimately vote for him.

Given the primary races current trajectory, the Trump campaign may not have to address Haley again  and they expect that many disaffected Republicans will return to the former president's side in a Biden-Trump rematch.

Haley could lose any mathematical chance of becoming the nominee in the next few weeks as more states hold winner-take-all primaries that would let Trump sweep their delegates even if Haley closes the gap with him.

For now, Haley and her aides say they aren't planning beyond Super Tuesday.
WASHINGTON  Ukrainian drones fly without ammunition. Russian artillery unleash deadly volleys from safe positions beyond the range of Kyiv's troops. Shortages of ammo and supplies are resulting in lost ground to Moscow, U.S. congressional leaders warn, yet the Republican-controlled House has shown little hurry to resupply Ukraine with military aid.

Across Washington, officials are viewing the drop-off in ammunition shipments with increasing alarm. It's now been more than two months since the U.S.  which since World War II has fashioned itself as the "Arsenal of Democracy"  last sent military supplies to Ukraine.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., appears determined to chart his own course away from a $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate  a decision that could stall the package for weeks after an already arduous monthslong wait in Congress.

With U.S. military shipments cut off, Ukrainian troops withdrew from the eastern city of Avdiivka last month after holding off a Russian assault for four months. Delays in military support from the West are complicating the task for Kyiv's military tacticians, forcing troops to ration ammunition and ultimately costing the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

"If Ukraine gets the aid they will win. If they don't get the aid they will lose  with dire consequences to the United States," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who recently visited Ukraine.

Defense officials are discussing options, which include possibly tapping existing stockpiles before Congress approves funding to replenish them, according to Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

At a recent White House meeting, President Joe Biden, the two top Democrats in Congress and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., all intensely urged Johnson to take up a Senate-passed package that would provide $60 billion worth of assistance for Kyiv.

So far, Johnson refused.

Just four months into the powerful job as speaker  second in the line to the presidency  he is under intense pressure from all sides. The leaders of 23 European parliaments signed an open letter urging him to pass the aid. Within his own House ranks, senior Republicans are growing restive at the inaction, even as other far-right members threatened to try to remove him from leadership if he advances the aid for Kyiv.

"The House is actively considering options on a path forward, but our first responsibility is to fund the government and our primary, overriding responsibility  and it has been for the last three years  has been to secure the border," Johnson said at a news conference.

He said the House only received the funding legislation in mid-February after the Senate took four months to negotiate, including on enforcement policies at the U.S.-Mexico border. The deal on border security swiftly collapsed after Republicans, including Johnson, criticized the proposal as insufficient. Yet he and other House Republicans are again hoping to secure some policy wins on border security.

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Congress late last year, he told Johnson the military aid would last into February.

"We're beyond the time frame that this should have taken, this analysis and careful consideration by the House should have been completed before the end of the year or very shortly after the new year," said Rep. French Hill, an Arkansas Republican.

Hill and several other senior Republicans are crafting a new national security package in the House. That bill is expected to come in less than the $95 billion Senate package but include many similar provisions  including money that Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies could use to purchase U.S. military equipment, as well as some humanitarian assistance.

It may also include a version of the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians, or REPO Act, which would allow the U.S. to tap frozen Russian central bank assets to compensate Ukraine for damages from the invasion, Hill said. He said it would save taxpayer dollars and help gain Republican votes in the House.

"This is more a matter of finding out the way to move forward," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the Rules committee. "But a substantial majority of both houses of Congress wants to help Ukraine. You had 70 over there," he said about the robust Senate support, "and the vote here will be well north of 300."

Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, who leads a caucus of centrist Democrats called New Dems, said many in her party are ready to help Johnson pass a military aid package if he brings it to the floor. But she said the bill already passed by the Senate would have the broadest support.

"We're at a critical moment right now, and I encourage Speaker Johnson to work with us," Kuster said. "He has such a slim majority."

Meanwhile, any decision by the Pentagon to send Ukraine weapons before Congress approves funding is fraught with risk. Since there is no money to replenish the equipment and weapons sent, the military would be depleting its stockpiles and potentially risking harm to unit readiness for war.

Pentagon action also could dissuade Congress from moving quickly on the funding bill.

Two years into war, thousands of Ukrainians search for missing loved ones
LINCOLN  In his first veto of 2024, Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday blocked a bill that would allow Nebraska jurisdictions to distribute hypodermic needles to drug users to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

Legislative Bill 307 passed the Nebraska Legislature last week on a 30-7 vote. In a veto letter to the Legislature, Pillen cited concerns with potential health risks associated with the proposal, and criticized the bills lack of age restrictions.

I do not think it is prudent to encourage minors to abuse dangerous drugs instead of seeking out the substance abuse treatment they need to overcome drug addiction, Pillen said in the letter.

LB 307 would let public health programs set up needle distribution programs, with approval from cities or other jurisdictions. If it becomes law, Nebraska would be one of the last states to legalize such programs.

Often referred to as Syringe Service Programs (SSPs), the programs are a way to encourage treatment of drug addiction and reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV. Programs also may offer a range of other services, such as on-site vaccinations and referrals to various other treatments.

The bills introducer, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, said last week that she expected Pillen to veto LB 307, and had already begun work on ensuring the bill had the 30 votes necessary to override a veto.

Hunt said SSPs benefit public health and would be useful in Nebraska, where the HIV infection rate is rising even as the nationwide rate is falling. She said Nebraska also logged 229 deaths linked to fentanyl use in 2022.

Hunt said needle distribution programs can reduce the spread of used needles and the risk of first responders receiving needle-stick injuries. Addicts who access the programs are more likely to seek drug treatment, she said.

Pillen said that while research has shown SSPs to be marginally effective in reducing HIV infections, they also been found to contribute to rising opioid-related deaths, citing a 2022 study in the Journal of Public Economics.

Hunt expressed confidence that the Legislature would override Pillens veto. She said the governor relied on misinformation in deciding on a veto, and accused him of fear-mongering.

Governor Pillen seems to have a fundamental misunderstanding of the function of SSPs, which serve as a doorway to accessing treatment, Hunt said in a prepared statement. The relationships, resources, and referrals people obtain from an SSP are often the first opportunity for treatment they receive  In addition, no public health, medical, or behavioral health clinic administering an SSP is going to hand out syringes to young children.

As of Monday morning, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch said he wasnt sure when he would schedule the debate on a veto override for LB 307. In previous rounds of debate, Arch supported the bill and he would back an override.

I see this as dealing with reality, Arch said during LB 307s first floor debate. We have an issue, and while we would all like to see drug abuse completely go away, I dont think this increases the issue. I dont think this encourages drug use, and I think that it actually helps with the spread of communicable disease.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024
WOOD RIVER, Neb.  One person was found dead inside a Wood River house that exploded Saturday..

The explosion was reported around 9:15 a.m., according to a spokesman for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. The house was destroyed and an adjacent home caught fire, according to Hall County Emergency Management.

Investigators discovered evidence of tampering with the natural gas system in the residence, according to a press release from the State Fire Marshals Office.

Investigators have determined the cause of the explosion/fire at 107 E. Eleventh Street, Wood River, to be an act of arson, the press release said. The deceased suspect was recovered from the basement of the residence late Saturday evening.

Identification of the deceased and notification to the next of kin is pending by the Hall County Attorneys Office.

Residents as far away as around 7 miles reported hearing and feeling the effects of the blast. Several houses and businesses in the area sustained damage.

The explosion occurred near the elementary school and Grace Lutheran Church. Hall County Emergency Management said one person was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries and released.

Hall County EMA said authorities believe this was an isolated incident and there is no reason to believe additional incidents may occur.

A number of fire departments responded, including Shelton, Alda and Cairo.

Windows of neighboring houses and businesses were blown out, including at the home of Patty and Jim Debraal, who live across the street.

Patty Debraal said she was in a hallway when the explosion occurred, and it blew me back. ... We looked out the door and there was a ball of fire right across the street.

Patty Debraal said first responders were on scene within minutes.

Another nearby neighbor, who declined to give his name, was watching TV when the explosion occurred.

The force of the blast, lifted everything up in the living room.

We ran out of the house and saw debris flying, he said.

Other neighbors mentioned pictures falling off the wall.

Neighbors on scene reported the smell of gas before the explosion. Fire department officials on the scene said they were near the house before the explosion, because of reports of the odor of gas in the area.

Jim Debraals sister, Lisa DeVore lives 4 miles outside town, to the east.

I heard it. It shook our roof, she said.

Down the road on 11th Street, teenager Cherish Faircloth was sleeping when, all of the sudden I heard boom and there was a gush of wind. ... My window was broken out.

Faircloths father, Tyrell Cline, said, We were woken up by it. After his daughter alerted him to the broken window, he found other windows had been broken out as well.

Came outside to see a bunch of lumber on the roof of the corner house, he said. And about two minutes later there were about 20-foot (high) flames.

Wood River Mayor Greg Cramer declared a local state of emergency for the city.

The Wood River Fire Department said, Thank you all for your support today in a Facebook post, noting plywood was available at the station for boarding up windows and doors.

The department said a fund was set up to help affected families that suffered losses from the explosion today. The department said physical needs had been met, but financial help is needed.

Donations can be sent to: Wood River Ministerial Association, c/o Heritage Bank, P.O Box 487, Wood River, NE 68883

PHOTOS: Home explodes in Wood Riveer Photos from the scene of a home explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. Home explosion in Wood River Photos from the scene of a home explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Firefighters work to put out fires caused by a house explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. The home was leveled, while numerous nearby Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion The explosion sent debris flying, up to blocks away from the home. Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Numberous fire departments responded to Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion The explosion damaged multiple homes. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows and debris is strewn about after a house exploded in Wood River. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. The blast affected multiple nearby homes and businesses. Wood River home explosion Fire crews spray a home in Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2.
Prime Minister Theresa Mays government plans a third vote on Friday on the deal she has agreed to leave the EU, after parliament twice rejected it by large margins.

Andrea Leadsom, Mrs Mays leader in the Commons, parliaments elected main house, urged lawmakers to back the deal.

The speaker of the Commons, John Bercow, had warned that he might not allow the motion unless it differed significantly from the one that lawmakers had rejected.

But Bercow said the motion for Fridays vote was new and substantially different from the previous two meaningful votes on Brexit.

The government said the third vote will cover only Britains withdrawal agreement, or divorce settlement, and not the separate political declaration on future relations with the EU.

Labour, the main opposition party, said it will vote against the motion and opposes the governments separation of the two documents.

The motion said Britain wishes to leave the EU with an agreement as soon as possible and does not wish to have a longer extension than the agreed end date of May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved on Friday.

It said the EU remains open to negotiating changes to the political declaration but not the withdrawal agreement.

There were doubts earlier Thursday about whether the vote would go ahead, amid continuing strong opposition to Mays deal from opposition lawmakers and both pro-EU and eurosceptic members of her Conservative party.

Many eurosceptics were angered by Mays decision to request a short delay to Brexit last week.

EU leaders agreed to extend Brexit until May 22, provided the withdrawal agreement is approved by parliament this week.

If it is not approved, they agreed to an extension until April 12, requiring London to indicate a way forward before then.

If Britain requests a longer extension, it would have to participate in the EU elections scheduled in late May.

The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11 pm on March 29, which is tomorrow (Friday), Leadsom said.

We do not want to be in a situation of asking for another extension and of course for the requirement to undertake European Parliament elections, she said.

Earlier Thursday, a senior Conservative lawmaker said parliament faces a choice between backing Mays deal or a slightly softer Brexit that would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU.

The lawmakers rejected eight non-binding motions on alternatives to Mays deal late Wednesday, compounding the uncertainty over Brexit.

Motions on a second Brexit referendum and a plan to stay in a customs union attracted the highest number of votes in favour, but both were narrowly defeated.

If you want to leave with a deal. the choice is now between the governments deal, which I will continue to vote for, or a customs union, Damian Green, Mays former deputy and long-term friend, said.

May told a meeting of Conservative lawmakers on Wednesday that she will step down once a Brexit deal is finalised, in a bid to rally support for her deal.

(dpa/NAN)
A pilot deliberately smashed a stolen plane into a club hosting a baby shower in a bid to kill his wife following a blazing row on Saturday, witnesses say. Charl Viljoen was filmed flying the aircraft dangerously low as he menaced guests at the party in Botswana, according to horrified onlookers.

He then ploughed the plane directly into the building, killing himself in a huge fireball and destroying the clubhouse. Unfortunately for him, no one else is believed to have been hurt as panicked party-goers managed to evacuate just moments earlier.

Witnesses had noticed the plane circling perilously close to the building at Matsieng aerodrome near Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, just after sunset and rushed to get out.

Terrifying footage posted on social media shows the aircraft flying just feet above the ground moments before impact.

Its believed that hours before the crash, Mr Viljoen, 38, had arrived uninvited to the party.

The South African then hit his wife Natasha during a blazing row, witnesses told local media.

A party-goer told The Citizen: He had a fight with his wife there and he actually hit his wife, and everybody told him to f*** off because you dont treat a woman like that.

Viljoen is thought to have travelled 30 miles south to Sir Seretse Khama airport where he stole a twin-engined Beechcraft Super King Air B200 plane.

The dad-of-one then smashed the eight-seater aircraft into the clubhouse, which erupted in flames and destroyed 13 cars and an air traffic control tower.

UNINVITED GUEST

Matsieng Flying Club confirmed that Viljoen arrived at a private function as an uninvited guest.

A statement added: It is rumoured that the pilot was involved in a domestic dispute earlier in the afternoon.

At approximately 18.15 the aircraft approached Matsieng aerodrome from the direction of Sir Seretse Khama airport and made a number of low-level flypasts from different directions past the club facilities next to the air traffic control tower.

Matsieng Flying Club members sensed that the pilot might have had an ulterior motive at the time and ordered an immediate evacuation of the club premises by the approximately 60 people present.

Its alleged that Viljoen called a friend from the cockpit of the stolen plane to check that his wife was still at the party.

Just last week Viljoen, who worked for Kalahari Air Services, posted a picture of himself in his pilots uniform standing at the steps of a plane.

Dramatic footage of the aftermath of the crash shows flaming debris and plumes of thick black smoke  as well as a deflated childrens bouncy castle. Viljoen was taken to nearby Deborah Retief Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The countrys civil aviation authority has said it will investigate.

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Russian University, Michurinsk State Agrarian University celebrates a Nigerian Student, Asomba Nkiru Sandra for her honestly after she found small amount of money left in an ATM.

The University, on its official website, wrote:

A first-year student of Michurinsk State Agrarian University found a small amount of money left in an ATM and, showing civic consciousness, reported this to the bank.

Asomba Nkiru Sandra, being in a big shopping center of Moscow, found a cash in ATM. The girl has not become puzzled, called the support of the Bank and reported his find to the owners.

The administration of Michurinsk State Agrarian University thanks the student Asomba Nkiru Sandra for her unselfishness, courage and perseverance in a difficult situation. This is a real example of civic consciousness, generosity and dedication!

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The Emir of Kano Malam Mohammad Sanusi ll, on Sunday charged couples in the state to always respect the bond of marriage.

The Emir gave the charge during the inauguration of mass wedding of 1,500 couples sponsored by Kano State government at the central mosque Kano.

He implored them to live a peaceful married life full of love and happiness.

The Emir said the emirate had constituted a committee of Ulama which has designed a married law, aimed at curtailing the challenge of frequent brake up of marriages.

The Emir of Kano stated that the proposed family law would soon be submitted to the state government for the next line of action

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said his administration had spent over N30m in providing furnitures and payment of dowry for the grooms.

He said the gesture was targeted at alleviating the sufferings of the populace.

The marriage contract was presided over by the Chief Imam of Kano central Mosque Professor Mohammad Sani Zahradeen .

Among the newly married, Musbahu Danjuma and sabiu Abdullahi hailed Gandujes administration for the kind gesture and promise to respect the marriage through adequate care of their spouses.

The marriage processions were conducted in all forty four local government areas of Kano.
Ousmane Dembele

Liverpool have been informed that they can take Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona for 90 million, claims TEAMtalk.

The France international is being linked with a move away from Camp Nou after two seasons in Catalunya and has attracted interest from Anfield in the past.

Chelsea reject Barca and Atletico bids for Willian. The La Liga clubs made 35m offers for the winger

Chelsea have rejected a pair of 35 million ($44m) bids from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for Willian, according to Sky Sports.

Willian was subject to multiple bids from Barcelona last summer and has one year left on his contract with the Blues.

However, Chelsea do not want to lose the winger, having sold Eden Hazard and facing a transfer ban, and are hopeful they can extend Willian on a two-year deal.

Barcelona have held no talks with Antoine Griezmann regarding a move to Camp Nou, claims club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, with there nothing to announce when it comes to the Atletico Madrid striker.

The Blaugrana supremo has told RAC1: Weve always said the same. We havent spoken to him. Theres nothing to it.

Atletico Madrid are set to win the race for Benfica starlet Joao Felix, claims Marca.

A move to Spain is said to be imminent for a 19-year-old forward who has been heavily linked with Manchester rivals United and City.

Philippe Coutinho will not consider a move to Manchester United out of respect to Liverpool, reports Sky Sports.

The Barcelona playmaker has been linked with a return to the Premier League, but he will not be heading to Old Trafford.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intercepted a 40-year-old businessman identified as Ejike Chibuke Solomon ill#cit drg.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the agencys Director, Media & Advocacy, Demi Babafemi, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Ejike was caught with 1.45 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage while attempting to board an Ethiopia Airlines flight number 950 to Vietnam via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.

Ejike was arrested at the Abuja airport on Saturday, March 2, 2024 after NDLEA officers subjected him to a thorough search, and in the process, the illicit substance was discovered concealed, factory fitted, in his bag.

In his statement, the suspect claimed he was on a business trip to Vietnam to buy goods for his wife.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken both symbolic and structural actions to demonstrate his belief that the current high cost of government is not sustainable. The first was an announcement or executive order directing Ministries,Departments and Agencies(MDAs)to slash the size of official delegations for foreign and domestic trips by up to 60 per cent  an action that resonated with the mood in the country. The second is the Federal Executive Councils approval to implement Steve Oronsayes report on the merger and scrapping of MDAs. This structural action is a baby step, albeit good for proponents of a complete overhaul of government structure . Both measures are more symbolic than substantive. However, it clearly shows that the government realises the negative impact of high government costs on economic growth and providing services to the people.I acknowledge as a fact that a US type presidential system tends to be big by constitutional requirement. And in a country where government is both an industry and a social welfare institution, the tendency for big expansive government is high.

Beyond the symbolic actions, which have their values, is the need for substantive actions and a complete attitudinal change towards waste and profligacy in government.

We have had enough debate on the unwieldy and inefficient size and structure of government, our leaders have enough ideas and justifications to prune down the size of government. The only ingredient left to make that happen is the political will. I can imagine the government is caught between a public opinion pressure to cut costs and a constitutional imperative to assemble a huge choir.

On attitude, most government officials have yet to come to terms with the reality of our economic downturn and the need to be more disciplined, prudent and productive .The signals from high officials of government are both depressing and insensitive. For these reasons, we are focusing today on those little acts of prudence that we do every day and, over time, will make a substantial difference.

Political officeholders must have an attitude change in ostentatious living and craving for opulence and status within the society. It is obvious to all that the pomp and festival of political office attracts a mob of political hangers on whose presence bloats government costs. Trimming that is a matter of personal choice and strength of character.

In our clime, politics and wealth are almost synonymous; politicians compete and outcompete wealthy people in a show of wealth and power. The blaring of sirens and long motorcades of expensive and luxury SUVs conveying our political office holders in federal, state, and LGA is almost becoming a public nuisance and separating them from the people they should serve. Cutting down on this lifestyle is long overdue. This attitude flies in the face of our current reality, where many suffer and struggle for the basics. Frank Herbert, American Writer, argues, Good governance never depends upon laws but the personal qualities of those who govern. Government machinery is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery.

We expect attitudinal change among political officeholders on abuse of official property, including official vehicles assigned to them. Many use this as personal property and sometimes even allow family members and friends to damage these properties. We must also jettison the culture of assigning many security attaches to VIP and political office holders. We know the security situation in the country is dire but wasting the existing security personnel and apparatus on a few political officeholders when many Nigerians need these security officers to work to secure their lives and properties is deplorable. Just as political officeholders lives matter, so do the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

It is disheartening that some of the political officeholders are still in a permanent political campaign mood, not knowing it is time to govern. They spend ten times the cost of a single project on project flag off or commissioning. Corruption is still pervasive, and mismanagement of public funds exacerbates the high cost of government. Funds allocated for public projects and services are diverted, budgets are padded, and fiscal prudence is thrown to the dogs. The level of corruption among public officials is still alarming and must be challenged and exposed, and perpetrators made to account to the law for their dastardly acts.

Some structural changes and constitutional amendments are needed to cut down on the cost of governance in Nigeria. Cutting down on our bloated bureaucracy is essential to save costs. This is the aim of implementing the Oronsaye report. The government should reduce the number of political appointees and close inefficient public enterprises that incur losses that the government eventually covers. We cannot preach the message of fiscal prudence when the number of political appointees gets bigger every year.

Efforts have been made in Nigeria to address the high cost of governance, such as implementing cost-cutting measures and promoting transparency. However, achieving substantial changes requires a comprehensive and sustained approach, including structural reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and a focus on improving public sector efficiency. Addressing the issue of high governance costs is crucial for ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to promote economic development and enhance the standard of living for the Nigerian people.

More disheartening is the fact that the high cost of government has not translated to administrative efficiency,quality services or high policy outcomes. Nigerias government effectiveness index for 2022 is -1.04, one of the worst globally. The index of government effectiveness captures the perception of the quality of public services, the effectiveness of implementing government decisions, the innovation capacity of political leadership, public healthcare, and public schools, amongst others. The maximum score is +2.5, and the minimum score is -2.5.

Our budget and expenditure on critical sectors such as education and healthcare , by percentage, has not improved over the years. The spending has also not delivered on indices. Our maternal mortality ratio is still at 814 per 100,000, while the mortality rate for infants and children under five years is 70 and 104 per 1,000 live births, respectively. This is one of the highest globally.

I recently had a two-hour discussion with the Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa. Their clarity of vision, grand strategy and commitment have raised my hopes and expectations for the healthcare sector. Watch out for a different trajectory in this sector in the immediate to near future.

The education sector indicators are similar. Government expenditure on primary education for year 2022 is below 0.5%, the ratio of trained teachers in primary school is 62.18, and the pupil-trained teacher ratio is 49.1, all below the West African regional average. According to the USAID dashboard, the enrollment rate and government expenditure at secondary schools are also below the regional average. This abysmal data is coming out of the same country that borrows to fund the lifestyle of government officials. Nigeria and Nigerians are stranded between poverty, insecurity, dearth of infrastructure and profligacy of government officials. These statistics speak volumes and are better than any propaganda that means nothing to the average citizen.

Addressing Nigerias high government cost requires a multi-faceted approach involving structural reforms, fiscal responsibility, attitudinal change and increased transparency. I will articulate a few solutions that we may have to consider in reducing the cost of government. Apart from the obvious answer of fighting corruption, wastage, profligacy and implementing measures to enhance transparency in public financial management, procurement, and project execution to curb corruption , the government should first undergo a more thorough public sector review than just adopting some part of a report authored over ten years ago and may not fit in with our current realities. The government should comprehensively review its structure, eliminating duplications and streamlining ministries, agencies, and parastatals to reduce bureaucracy. This is urgent.

Second, implement a rational and transparent salary structure for public officials, aligning remuneration with economic realities and the countrys financial capacity and regularly review same and ensure competitiveness. Third, introduce cost-cutting measures in government operations, such as reducing unnecessary travel expenses, minimising overhead costs, and optimising resource allocation. Fourth, embrace e-government through technology to enhance efficiency in government processes, reducing paperwork and associated costs. Fifth, develop a sustainable debt management strategy to reduce reliance on borrowing.

Sixth, implement and enforce fiscal responsibility laws to ensure that government spending aligns with budgetary allocations and regularly review and update budgetary priorities to reflect changing economic conditions and development needs. Finally, encourage citizen participation and oversight through platforms allowing the public to monitor government spending, hold officials accountable, and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility and transparency through public awareness campaigns.

Implementing these solutions requires strong political will, commitment from government officials, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Mr President has started to address the elephant in the room of inefficient government structure, but should take a step further by empaneling full e-governance . He would also gain the trust of the people and mileage by leading by personal example on attitudinal change of government officials . The country just needs champions of fiscal discipline and probity .
A couple from Spain who cultivated a following documenting their travels by motorcycle on Social media have revealed that they suffered a horrific attack while passing through India.

Vincente and Fernanda, known to their audience as Vuelta Al Mundo En MOTO (Around The World By Motorbike) released a somber video from a hospital in India explaining that they had been assaulted, robbed, and that Fernanda had been gang-raped by 7 men.

Vincente & Fernanda have travelled to over 60 countries since beginning their journey from Barcelona 5 years ago, racking up over 170,000 kilometers as they jaunted the world on their motorbikes. But their journeys through South Asia took a disturbing turn on Friday, March 1, after the couple uploaded two stories to their Instagram revealing that they had been assaulted while traveling in India.
No fewer than 2000 persons have so far registered for the 2024 Free World Hearing Day exercise in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital at the weekend.

The Special Assistant on Media to the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

The exercise under the aegis of Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation was done to commemorate the 87th birthday anniversary of the Chief Promoter of the Foundation, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the year 2024 World Hearing Day, which took place on Sunday, worldwide.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Makinde appealed to the government to prioritize the well being of her citizens particularly the hearing impaired people in Nigeria, following the high cost and accessibility of hearing aids.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo celebrates Egbaland Chief Imam at 90

He disclosed that the 2000 figure recorded so far in the first day of the exercise indicated that the government needed to as a matter of urgency come to rescue those in need of the hearing aids as the number of sufferers get higher every year.

Makinde noted that the hearing aids are not easily accessible and are very expensive, but the foundation in collaboration with her partners will be giving out no fewer than 2000 hearing aids to people free.

The Medical Doctor commended the former President for supporting the Foundation in getting the required implements to achieve the exercise.

He added that the program, apart from commemorating the World Hearing Day, will be continued in order to ensure that the 2000 target was met by Tuesday.

On her part, the founder, Ear care Foundation for Africa/Asia, Aderinola Olopade urged policy makers to prioritize access for newborn hearing screening programmes.

The World Hearing Day 2024 focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets through awareness-raising and information-sharing, targeted at the public and health care providers.

At the OOPL venue of the exercise, the old, young and toddlers were seen with their parents and guardians to assist them in the screening processes. It was also gathered that patients from neighbouring Lagos, Delta, Kwara and Osun States came for the exercise.
President Bola Tinubu



President Bola Tinubu has departed Doha, Qatar for the nations Capital, Abuja, after his two-day state visit.

The Nigerian leader left the Presidential wing of the Doha International Airport on Monday morning and he is expected to arrive in Abuja in the evening.

During his visit to the Arabian nation, the President met with investors at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha on Sunday.

President Tinubu and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, also presided over the signing of landmark agreements between Nigeria and Qatar.

In a post via his official X handle on Sunday evening, President Tinubu said his visit to the nation marks a historic moment of collaboration and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Qatar.

He said fruitful discussions with Al Thani will pave the way for mutual growth in education, enterprise, youth empowerment, and more.

According to the President, his administrations commitment to leveraging the Nigerian peoples potential for prosperity looks good.

President Tinubu also stated that his administration has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, encouraging Qatari investors to report any officials who demand bribes when considering investments in Nigeria.
Even among thieves theres honour, is the sentiment that criminals have a code of conduct among themselves. According to grammarist.com, some aspects of this code of conduct may be to not steal from each other, or to not testify against a fellow criminal to the police.

Is there such a code of conduct among politicians? Its doubtful, as among politicians  like among dogs  the first to die becomes the meat for the rest of the pack. If theres really honour among politicians, heads wouldve rolled since the evening of Saturday, February 17 over the botched governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, to choose a candidate for the September 21 governorship poll.

Its such a messy affair that President Bola Tinubus invited to step in. So, will Tinubu prove the doubting Thomas wrong  coupled with his preachment of equity, fairplay and rule of law  by summoning the political will and courage, cancel the charade of a primary election, and save the APC from a second defeat in four years in Edo State?

Perhaps, the President has shown some spine, as the APCs National Working Committee (NWC) has declared the primaries inconclusive after meeting and briefing Tinubu about the chaotic outcome of the exercise, and the President expressed concerns at the turn of events, and directed the NWC to ensure that the exercise was concluded, as first reported by The Nation on February 21.

Hence their tails tucked in-between their legs, the Abdullahi Ganduje-led NWC, after an emergency meeting on February 20, scheduled the completion of the primaries for Thursday, February 22, going by a statement by the national publicity secretary of the APC, Mr Felix Morka, fielding questions from reporters after the NWC meeting.

Morka said: At its emergency meeting held today, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, to consider the report on the Edo State Governorship Primary Election, the National Working Committee (NWC) deliberated on the report and resolved that the Edo State Governorship Primary Election has not been completed, and has now fixed Thursday, February 22, 2024, for the completion of the Primary Election Process.

Dr Ganduje and his team didnt have to await Tinubus directive on what to do to rectify the controversial primaries. In a best case scenario, the APC leadership wouldve acted swiftly, called for calm, and given the assurance to members, particularly in Edo State, that itd look into the primary misadventure through the primary election appeals committee instituted ahead of the exercise by the NWC.

And in a worst case scenario, the party wouldve dismissed the conflicting declarations made  with four aspirants laying claim to winning the primaries  dissolved the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led primary election committee, and fixed a new date for a re-run or fresh primary poll within days, to meet the February 24 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But what did Nigerians  particularly the shocked and distrust members of the APC in Edo State  see and hear from the leadership of the party? A congratulatory message in the night of February 17 from the national chairman, Ganduje, to the winner of the primaries, and solicitation for the defeated aspirants to bury the hatchet and work for party unity to win the Edo governorship.

As of Sunday, February 18, four aspirants claimed that they won the primaries  supervised by Governor Uzodimma, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, and five other members of the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election  to choose a candidate for the September 21 election.

The primary election claimants include Hon. Dennis Idahosa, a member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, whos declared as the winner by the Uzodimma committee; and Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central), whos declared the winner by the NWC-appointed state chief collation and returning officer, Dr Stanley Ugboajah.

The others are Hon. Anamero Dekeri, member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, pronounced the winner by local government returning officers; and Mr Clem Agba, former minister of state for Budget and National Planning, who claims that going by the turnout of voters, he won the majority of lawful votes of APC members, and has threatened legal action to affirm his victory.

Tension had enveloped the Edo political landscape when  on the eve of the primaries, two of the leading aspirants  former Secretary to the State Government and twice governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen withdrew from the race, citing the APC leaderships zoning of the governorship to Edo Central thats been marginalised in the governance of the state since civilian democracy returned in Nigeria in 1999.

Amid reports that the primaries didnt hold in virtually all 192 wards of the 18 local government areas of Edo State, results started flying on social media, and coming in droves from the local government collation agents and returning officers into the designated state collation centre in Benin City, capital city of Edo State.

But midway into the televised collation of the primary results, scores of armed political thugs invaded the centre  and in the presence of security operatives, and INEC officials  disrupted the proceedings, and beat up journalists, electoral officials and destroyed laptops and television cameras.

Until that moment, its assumed that the primary election was one for all the aspirants. But the Uzodimma-headed committee, perhaps apprised in advance about the hoodlums attack, relocated to another venue, where it declared Hon. Idahosa as winner of the primaries, even as only eight of the 18 local government areas results had been collated.

Recall that stakeholders in Edo APC had protested Uzodimmas appointment to head the primary election committee, alleging that hed do a hatchet job for Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, whod openly canvassed  even in a viral video on social media on the eve of the primaries  for Idahosas candidacy.

So, Uzodimma, willy-nilly, proved the Edo APC stakeholders right by taking advantage of the mileu caused by the political thugs at the collation centre to announce Idahosa as winner of the primaries, despite Senator Okpebholo leading in the results of eight councils declared before the thugs struck.

Still, amid the uproar that greeted Uzodimmas declaration of Idahosa as the duly nominated candidate, Mr Ganduje, in a rather fait accompli statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Edwin Olofu, congratulated the winner, and called on the defeated aspirants to support him for the unity of the APC.

I want to congratulate the winner of the Edo State governorship election, I want to equally commend and appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimmas election committee for their hard work and the transparent manner in which the primary election was conducted, Ganduje said.

At this point, I want to call on all the aspirants to bury the hatchet and work for the interest of the party so that our party will emerge victorious (on September 21), Ganduje added.

Was Gandujes congratulatory message to Hon. Idahosa hasty, as alleged by aggrieved supporters of the defeated aspirants, or played into a script written by Comrade Oshiomhole to smoothen the primary path for his anointed candidate, Idahosa?

As seen in a trending video 24 hours to the election, as first reported by THISDAY, Oshiomhole claimed that President Tinubu had adopted Idahosa as the APC governorship candidate, a claim debunked by the deputy chairman of the Edo State APC gubernatorial primaries committee and Cross River Governor Otu.

Sen. Otu categorically dismissed the rumour that President Tinubu has anointed a particular aspirant for the Edo APC gubernatorial primaries, and urged party faithful to disregard the lie and vote for their choice candidate.

This perhaps fuelled counter-narrative on the eve of the primaries, that the Presidency had settled for an aspirant from Edo Central, to be anointed for equity, justice and fairplay, and that Senator Monday Okpebholo is the anointed candidate, THISDAY reports.

The same narrative of endorsement led to the withdrawal of Pastor Ize-Iyamu from the race, with a directive to his supporters to cast their votes for Okpebholo, and the subsequent withdrawal by former Mr Imasuen, citing the reported APC zoning of the governorship to Edo Central.

In the interim, the national publicity secretary of the APC, Mr Felix Morka, defended Uzodimmas declaration, and dismissed the affirmation by the chief returning officer, saying the NWC had empowered Uzodimma to make the final return on the primaries.

Morka said: We wish to state categorically that only the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee is duly authorized to undertake final collation and announcement of results of the Primary Election in the state. We urge all party members, officials in the state, and the general public to disregard the said announcement of results by these unauthorized persons.

But a letter signed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, appointed Ugboajah as the State Chief Returning Officer, with 18 others as Local Government Area Returning Officers for each of the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

So, who had the authority, between Uzodimma and Ugboajah, to make pronouncement on the outcome of the primaries, as the two were on legitimate duty?

Nonetheless, the Edo chapter of the APC, via its publicity secretary, Prince Igbinigie, describing the conduct of Uzodimma as most embarrassing, unfortunate and bizarre, faulted the governors usurpation of the duties of the local government collation agents and the returning officers for the primaries.

Mr Igbinigie alleged that upon learning that his preferred aspirant wasnt winning, Uzodimma singlehandedly relocated the collation centre, and then unilaterally assumed the role of the states returning officers without recourse to inputs from the local government collation agents as well as the chief returning officer of the exercise.

However, Igbinigie said after normalcy was restored at the recognised collation centre, with the local government area returning officers and representatives from INEC, the results were declared by Dr Ugboajah, whose responsibility it is to carry out this function.

Reeling out the scores by 11 of the original 12 cleared aspirants for the primaries, with Sen. Okpebholo having 12,145 votes, and Hon. Idahosa getting 5,536 votes for the first and second positions, respectively, Igbinigie said: Therefore, it is the desire of the state working committee to reiterate that Sen. Monday Okpebholo is the duly elected gubernatorial candidate of our great party for the September 2024 governorship election.

Meanwhile, one of the leading aspirants and court-removed former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor has appealed to President Tinubu to step in and arrest the primary crises allegedly instigated to divide the APC for the PDP to retain power in September. Prof. Osunbor asked Tinubu to:

(1) Cause an investigation to be instituted into the allegation that this sham of a primary election, and the crises it has generated, have been induced by gratification given and received by the principal actors to damage APC and pave the way for the emergence of the PDP candidate in the election.

(2) Order the cancellation of the primary election, which has produced two or four candidates, as it cant stand the test of legal scrutiny but rather will jeopardize the chances of APC, as theres been a brazen disregard of the Party Guidelines, Party Constitution and the Electoral Act, which may prove fatal in the event of litigation.

(3) Order another primary election to be conducted ahead of the 24th February deadline set by INEC. Different officers should be assigned to conduct the fresh primaries.

Declaring that, I make this appeal as the most popular aspirant with name recognition and acceptability throughout the length and breadth of Edo State, Osunbor, at a press conference on February 18 in Ekpoma, Esan West of Edo State, said registered members of the APC across the state came out to vote for their preferred candidate, but to their disappointment, the election did not take place anywhere that I know of across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

The party officials deployed from the Abuja office of the National Organising Secretary to conduct the elections at the various wards and local government areas of Edo State were kept in hotels in Benin, Osunbor said, adding, There is no record or video of any of them preforming their assigned roles in the election at their respective designated points.

What we saw on television was not result of election but allocation of votes by some persons in Benin to each of the aspirants. In the end, two candidates have been announced as winners, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Denis Idahosa in a primary election that was never held or was not conducted in accordance with the law and guidelines.

This charade confirms the widespread suspicion that they are labouring to present a weak APC candidate that will be easily over-run and defeated by the presumed PDP candidate during the election. They are not working in the interest of APC but of PDP. We must avoid a repeat of the scenario which led to the defeat of APC in 2020.

Also on February 18 in Abuja, after an emergency meeting, APC stakeholders rooting for Hon. Dekeri, called on Ganduje and President Tinubu to, as a matter of honour, discard Governor Uzodimmas infamous declaration of one Mr. Denis Idahosa, who didnt win the primaries.

Spokesman of the forum, Mr Emmanuel Godwin, said Uzodimma wasnt the chief returning officer for the election, and accused the primary committee of usurping the duties and responsibilities of local government returning officers in the Edo State primaries.

Godwin said: It is unfortunate that Hope Uzodimma, who is not the returning officer in whatever capacity, assumed the position and went ahead to announce Dennis Idahosa when the returning officers were still collating the results.

We wish to therefore state categorically that the purported announcement is null and void and it should be disregarded in its entirety. Governor Uzodimma lacks the power to usurp duties and responsibilities of local government returning officers in the Edo State primaries.

In the lead-up to the February 17 primary election Ganduje, and Uzodimma presented themselves as democrats, who wanted things done as laid out in the rulebook of the party. On February 15, at the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja, the former governor of Kano State, inaugurated the APC Edo Governorship Primary Election and Appeals Committees for the direct primary poll.

Specifically on the appeals committee, Ganduje, who vows to reclaim Edo State from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to expand the coast of the ruling APC in Nigeria, said: It is a tradition for us to always constitute a body that will undertake an assignment so that at the end of it, we get good results.

I will like to inform you that the composition of the two committees is a product of the National Working Committee (NWC) in accordance with the constitution of our party. Whatever you do, the contestants are free to appeal. That is why we have an appeals committee, which is like the Supreme Court.

From hindsight, the Ganduje message was a double-edged sword: Members of the primary election committee should conduct a credible and transparent election acceptable to the aspirants, their supporters, and members of the APC; and whatever the outcome of the poll, the aspirants shouldnt rock the boat, but appeal for a possible remedy.

Responding, Uzodimma thanked Ganduje and the NWC for the confidence reposed in the members, promised to discharge their assignment with utmost diligence, and stressed that, Our prayers is that we work hard to justify this confidence reposed in us, as our party is a fantastic brand, very popular, and a good product.

It behooves on members of our committee to work in harmony with the partys local leadership in Edo, to bring up a product that will look like our party and is easily marketable in Edo, Uzodimma said, and urged the APC leadership to pray to God Almighty to give us the wherewithal to carry out our assignment.

In the end, did Ganduje and Uzodimma carry out the duty of producing a sellable, marketable and acceptable candidate in accordance with the dictates of the constitution of the APC? No, they did the opposite, in connivance with the local potentate, Comrade Oshiomhole who, from the get go, had primed Hon. Idahosa as his anointed candidate for the governorship.

Pre-the primary election, the APC NWC sent officials to the wards and local government areas of Edo State, to authentic the number of actual and financial members of the party  a finding that revealed that only about 42,000 members were qualified to participate in the primaries.

Surprisingly, announcing the results several hours before the completion of collation, Governor Uzodimma ascribed 40,453 votes cast by the verified 42,000 members to Hon. Idahosa alone. Other aspirants scores were: Anamero Dekeri, 2,030 votes; Monday Okpebholo, 100; Clem Agba, 100; Osagie Ize-Iyamu, 2; Gideon Ikhine, 700; David Imuse, 400; Charles Airhiavbere, 162; Oserheimen Osunbor, 180; Blessing Agbomhere, 50; Ernest Umakhihe, 2; and Lucky Imasuen, 2 votes.

This is to certify that Dennis Idahosa, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner of the primary election, Uzodimma said.

In the results declared by Ugboajah, Sen. Okpebholo received 12,145 votes; Dennis Idahosa, 5,536; Afolabi Umakhihe, 2,090; Anamero Dekeri, 1,625; Charles Arhiavbere, 919; Gideon Ikhine, 902; Oserheimen Osunbor, 688; David Imuse, 507; Lucky Imasuen, 503; and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, 383 votes. Clem Agbas name and score werent included.

This is to certify that Monday Okpebholo has scored the highest votes, and declared winner of the APC governorship primary and thereby declared the candidate of the party, Dr Ugboajah said.

And in the results announced on Saturday night by Mr Ojo Babatunde for the local government returning officers, Hon. Dekeri got 25,384 votes, while Idahosa received 14,127 votes. No votes were recorded for Okpebholo and nine other aspirants.

If any of the three results declared by the different authorities of the APC Primary Election Committee for Edo 2024 governorship election are considered, only Dr Ugboajahs declaration merits giving any probative value, having followed the prescribed process of collation and declaration of results.

Besides, no matter their level of popularity and reach in Edo State, no single aspirant among the 10 that made it to the fiercely-contested primary, could secure even 15,000 votes, talkless of outlandish votes in excess of 40,000 from less than 42,000 members that voted. Its daylight robbery to claim as such!

As the National Leader of the APC  an appellation hed styled himself for eight years under the Muhammadu Buhari administration (2015-2023)  President Tinubu should show true leadership and cancel the bogus primary election in Edo State, and call for re-run or fresh primaries before the INEC deadline of February 24. Nothing else will assuage the electoral heist perpetrated on February 17! Edo people are watching and waiting, and may not forget their deliberate disenfranchishment on September 21!

* Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria .
Immediate former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has given reasons why South East Wont join in the ongoing protest against Federal Government over ongoing excruciating hardship.

This is even as he made it clear that Tinubu has solved the major problem in south East which according to him has been the herders and Farmers clash in the region.

Umahi who disclosed this over the weekend while addressing journalists at his Uburu residence in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State however pointed out that the only issue facing the South East now is self- inflicted problem.

According to the former governor of Ebonyi State, President Bola Tinubu has solved the major problems of the region, which he said was the incessant clash between farmers and herders.

The Minister claimed that the regions present predicaments are self-inflicting, stressing that the activities of the unknown but known gunmen, are now the major challenges of the Southeast.

If you check very well,

the problem we now have in the Southeast is self-inflicted. That is the issue of unknown but known gunmen.

So, if we are protesting, who are we protesting against? We are protesting against a President that has solved herders/farmers clashes.

If you remove the issue of unknown gunmen, the Southeast will be completely safe and farmers can work. So, we cant go and join anybody to protest.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is eligble to contest the presidential election.

In a unanimous decision on Monday, the US Supreme Court dismissed a Colorado state courts ruling that could have prevented Trump from appearing on the ballot due to allegations of insurrection.

The ruling arrives at a critical juncture, on the eve of the Super Tuesday primaries, which are anticipated to solidify Trumps lead in the race for the Republican nomination against President Joe Biden in the upcoming November elections.

This decision marks the most significant election-related case the court has addressed since the controversial halt of the Florida vote recount in the 2000 presidential election between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore.

The central issue considered by the nine justices was whether Trumps alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot by his supporters rendered him ineligible for the Republican presidential primary ballot in Colorado.

In a decisive 9-0 vote, the court, which leans conservative, determined that the judgment by the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify Trump based on these grounds cannot stand, thus ensuring the 77-year-old frontrunners placement on the states primary ballot.

This case originated from a December ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which, invoking the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, sought to disqualify Trump from the ballot due to his purported role in the Capitol attack.

The attack was an attempt by a mob to stop the certification of Bidens 2020 election win.

Specifically, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from holding public office.

However, during the two-hour arguments last month, both conservative and liberal justices of the US Supreme Court expressed reservations about allowing individual states to determine the eligibility of presidential candidates for the November ballot.

On Monday, the top court ruled that responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States.
Press Statement:

Reports have emerged from a nocturnal family dinner held at Kilometre 4 by a few APC stakeholders and christened as the State Executive Committee meeting of APC which was later renamed a state congress.

The meeting which came in the phase of a ban on political gatherings, fell short of all requirements for a party meeting of such magnitude, where the party has a sitting governor who is their leader and must be part of the agenda for the meeting.

In the said report, speakers after speakers were quoted to have, in their news found impudent berated His Excellency, Gov. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in all possible demeaning words, accusing him of mismanaging a ghost sum of 44 billion naira given to Benue state, aside federal allocations hence, the need to throw light on this false information.

It is sad that this set 1999 party stakeholders are so used to Benue state government funds to an extent that once they are denied access, they can go to any length to bring down any serving governor. If not for mischief purposes, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who recently made the spurious allegation that state governors were given 30 billion each has since apologized to the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Oyo State Governor has equally cleared the air that nothing of sort ever happened.

But in an attempt to give Gov. Alia a bad name so as to hang him, the stakeholders who are fully aware of these facts still went public repeating the same lie. Gov. Alia has never hidden any funds released to his administration. When the 2 billion, out of the 5 billion palliatives support was given to Benue, His Excellency was among the first governors to announce receipt of the money; he went ahead and gave an expenditure account, covering the purchase of new buses at Benue Links and fertilizer to farmers.

It is worrisome that this group of stakeholders have stood in the way of Benue progress for a long time, preferring party politics to governance such that once elections are over, they would distract the winners until they are frustrated to leave the party and pave way for them to start feasting on new aspirants. To them, you are good only when you are contesting elections.

It was this same group that saw Gov. Alia as the only messiah to give them victory in the 2023 with majority of them clinging on the Alia effect and popularity to win their elections.

Despite these series of distractions and unfounded allegations, the Alia administration has a pact, first with the Benue masses who happily voted him to power and the administration is doing its best to fulfil the yearnings of the people who are daily, passing vote of confidence in the the governor and his government. Past governors who served the interest of stakeholders in Benue only left the state highly impoverished and starved of basic developments.

Yesterdays meeting has exposed a lot of hypocrisy around the clique of 1999 stakeholders in Benue and their unrepentant quest to see the Alia administration fail. They praised Mr. President for projects in Benue, praised the Vice President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and even the suspended State Chairman of the party but could not see a single project from the Alia administration to commend however, we know quite clearly that development to them is holding of juicy positions and amassing wealth.

By holding a political meeting against a state order in the Makurdi residence of Sen. George Akume who is himself a former governor, thr SGF has again exposed himself as one who is beating the drums of war for the stakeholders to have an affront on the governor; this is highly unpatriotic and condemnable.

Benue PDP in a hurry to partner with this mischief has also written her own epistle, relying on the stakeholders report to demand and account of the imaginary 44 billion naira from the Alia administration but the government is not deterred by such antics.

Governor Alia has a renewable mandate of four full years and he has set the machinery in place to leave Benue better and greater than he met it. Those distracting the governor are the true enemies of the state and the masses would place them correctly at the right time.

Sir Tersoo Kula, MNIPR

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Related
From Joshua Chibuzom

Okigwe Youth Mandate, the Apex Youths group in Imo North Senatorial District has Cautioned former Commissioner for transport, Rex Anonobi, Nwadike and other Orlu zone Kinsmen of the Governor, Hope Uzodimma to stop dragging Prof. Maurice Iwus name into what they described as infantile Game.

The group disclosed this in a communique issued on Monday, reacting to the media publication where a group identified as Orlu progressive Forum purportedly blackmailed the former INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu.

Their Communique read in full;

Our attention has been drawn to the latest attack and insults on our highly revered father, Professor Maurice Iwu by the Orlu roadside political jobbers in which they came up with another insult on the personality of the former INEC chairman in Nigeria.

It is very unfortunate that Mr. Rex Anunobi and co travelers will continue to attack and insult a very highly placed man in the society because of a mere peanut from the real enemies of the State and their wishful thinking of the Imo Governorship bid in 2027.

1. We wish to make clear to Mr. Rex Anunobi and Cosmos Nwadike to leave Professor Maurice Iwu out of their infantile political game.

2. Professor Maurice Iwu is not contesting for Imo Governorship nor is he projecting anybody for Governorship in 2027.

3. We are fully aware that the Orlu political jobbers are only using the name of Professor Maurice Iwu to meek Uche Nwosu and their other targets.

4. We also want to let Mr. Rex Anunobi and Cosmas Nwadike to know that the Orlu fictitious group can not revive Uche Nwosu from political oblivion.

5. We want Mr. Rex Anunobi and Cosmas Nwadike to concentrate on the Uche Nwosu Governorship ambition in 2027 and leave Professor Maurice Iwu out of it.

6. We therefore use this opportunity to inform Mr. Rex Anunobi and Cosmas Nwadike that Professor Maurice Iwu will not descend so low to their level, let alone to apologize to Professor Awuzie.

7. We want to make it loud and clear that we are fully and solidly behind our own elder statesman, Professor Maurice Iwu

8. We also wish to let it be known to all and sundry that Okigwe Youth Mandate is not fighting Orlu zone nor its leaders.

9. We want Mr. Rex Anunobi and Cosmas Nwadike to stop dragging the names of Orlu illustrious sons into the fight they brought upon themselves.

10. We hereby use this opportunity to call on Orlu zone elders like HRM Eze Cletus Ilumanyan and others to call these political jobbers to order.

Signed:

Evang Kelechi Uzomah

National President

Engr Chinedu Onuoha

Secretary General

Related
American multinational company, Stericycle Inc., recently hoisted the Nigerian flag in honour of a hardworking new employee, Mrs Omolanke Shelle.

Thirty eight years old Shelle, an indigene of Ekiti, western Nigeria, works at the companys facility in Aurora, Illinois, where the Green-White-Green was raised in April.

This came barely a month after Stericycle gave the mother of three full-time job on March 17, following the expiration of a temporary employment that lasted for about five months.

Her supervisor, Mr John Katchka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Shelle was honoured on account of her attitude, work ethic, ability to learn and team spirit.

Ms Shelle came to us via a temporary employment agency during our busy season, said in a written response to NANs enquiry.

We were impressed by her attitude, work ethic, ability to learn and team spirit. When her (temporary) assignment ended, we offered her full-time employment, which she accepted, he stated.

A short video of the flag raising ceremony has been circulating on social media, and has caught the attention of Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

On July 9, Dabiri-Erewa retweeted the video posted by a broadcast journalist, AbdulRasheed Abubakar, with the comment: Big congrats. #Proudly Nigerian.
It is 10 years since Boko Haram transformed from radical Islamist sect to terrorist insurgency group, coinciding with the rise of its current leader, Abubakar Shekau. He succeeded Mohammed Yusuf (Abu Yusuf Al-Barnawi), a preacher fiercely critical of Nigerias wealth inequality and corruption despite the countrys return to democracy in 1999, which many believed would quickly remedy these ills.

In the first decade, the group set about fulfilling its name  decrying Western education and its influences while propagating radical Islamist messages. Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden in the Hausa language spoken in parts of northern Nigeria. The group fed on societal frustrations, poverty, illiteracy and widening inequality. Within a few years, Boko Haram became popular and increasingly antagonistic to non-Muslims and the Nigerian state. It became apparent that its escalating confrontations with state security forces were a threat to a young federal republic.

The group was banned in 2009, leading to widespread rioting and clashes with security forces that left more than 300 people dead. Its leader and dozens of its members also perished at the hands of Nigeria law enforcement, the same sort of blood and violence that has become a part of Boko Harams creed. Over 10 years, it has killed more than 35,000 people, injured thousands and displaced at least 2 million in an asymmetric holy war against the Nigerian state.

Just last week, a Boko Haram attack on a funeral procession in northeastern Nigeria claimed more than 60 lives. A few days earlier, a group of men on motorcycles opened fire on mourners returning from a burial, killing nearly two dozen, in an attack also linked to the group. A Boko Haram timeline features increasingly frequent massacres, shootouts, suicide bombings, kidnappings and even prison breaks.

Before the notorious Chibok kidnappings that attracted worldwide attention, Boko Haram attacks were few and far between, but since 2015 they have been a weekly, if not a daily, occurrence. Some victims may be part of the state security apparatus, the regional joint task force or local militias and vigilante groups, but the bulk of deaths and injuries affect innocent civilians. The Chibok tragedy has left a pervasive sense of despair across Nigeria because citizens are finding it difficult to trust that the federal government can protect the citizenry and eradicate Boko Haram.

Years of counter-insurgency operations by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) between Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, with support from 300 US advisers, have neither eradicated Boko Haram nor slowed its operations. There is no shortage of manpower given the involvement of local militias and a private military company, but the group remains active and appears to show no signs of waning.

At the heart of these failures are reports of low morale among poorly equipped task force troops as well as porous Sahel-West Africa borders and rampant corruption, which allow Boko Haram to stock up on weaponry sourced from Daesh strongholds in Libya. Other factors, such as poor coordination, the lack of coherent strategies and failure to attain agreed objectives, have made success elusive for anti-Boko Haram operations.

In the meantime, the social and economic ills that gave rise to the group remain as pervasive as ever, especially in rural, largely insular communities far-removed from centers of wealth or urban areas such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Kano. The group has always thrived on these frustrations, despite Nigeria being resource-rich with vast oil reserves, natural gas, metal ores and arable land used to grow both food and cash crops. In fact, Nigerias economy is the largest in Africa and with a population of 200 million there is enormous potential as a market for goods and services as well as a massive labor pool.

The construction of a $15 billion oil refinery and the near eradication of polio are some of the bright spots in a country beleaguered by abject poverty, corruption, bribery, poor infrastructure and illiteracy. Boko Haram also benefit from the recruitment of former prisoners and the radicalization of disillusioned, poverty-stricken youths and young adults, swayed by the groups rhetoric. Ironically, the group seeks to rid Nigeria of the same ills and lawlessness that have benefited its insurgency activities.

The lack of up-to-date coverage and credible reports have resulted in some confusion about who or what Boko Haram is, making it difficult to pinpoint how it operates. The Nigerian government has claimed since 2015 that Boko Haram has been degraded and defeated. Recent attacks have proved otherwise, which have given rise to a new narrative that these were remnants of Boko Haram, escaped convicts, elements of Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and other Sahel-based terrorists.

This narrative fits reports that the Boko Haram split in mid-2016 into two Daesh-linked factions, with one of them, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) receiving more formal backing. Accordingly, what the rest of the world refers to as Boko Haram is, at least according to the Nigerian government, a loose coalition of dangerous elements operating in parts of North Africa, across the Sahel and in West Africa. Unfortunately, the international response targeting these elements pales in comparison to the anti-Daesh offensives in Iraq and Syria.

The MNJTF is the only major military force confronting a dangerous, deeply embedded, heavily armed and well connected Boko Haram in its many various shades. Unfortunately, one of the members of this task force, Cameroon, is facing a separatist crisis within its own borders, which has escalated to a point where parts of the country are now lawless and ungovernable.

As in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq, the Daesh playbook involves taking advantage of these types of crisis, taking root, recruiting, expanding and then splintering off, metastisizing into a massive network of self-financed insurgency groups that operate independent of Daesh central. The crisis in Cameroon would make it impossible for troops to be recalled, as it would weaken the frontlines while also leaving a gaping hole within its borders that Daesh-backed groups have proved capable of exploiting.

It can only be hoped that the $593 million sale of US A-29 reconnaissance and support aircraft as well as accompanying advanced weaponry will lend some teeth to the task forces counter-insurgency operations. However, most countries have shied away from directly lending any type of military assistance in favor of humanitarian aid. In the absence of a sustained multination campaign targeting Boko Harams bases, arsenals, financial networks, trafficking routes, training camps, known leadership, community ties and known headquarters, exorcising the group from West Africa will continue to be a very difficult task.

Nigeria and its fellow task force members are in a fight against a coalition of seasoned guerrilla warfare veterans drummed out of Syria, Iraq and parts of Libya that have become more chaotic because of the recent attacks on Tripoli. They now relish the opportunities in a region caught fast asleep and ill-prepared to confront the horrors of modern asymmetric warfare, particularly its indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

Hafed Al-Ghwell is a non-resident senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Institute at the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He is also senior adviser at the international economic consultancy Maxwell Stamp and at the geopolitical risk advisory firm Oxford Analytica, a member of the Strategic Advisory Solutions International Group in Washington DC and a former adviser to the board of the World Bank Group. Twitter: @HafedAlGhwell

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has seized 12 landed properties belonging to a construction firm and its owner.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the property, which are located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja belonged to Mrs Ochuko Momoh, Director, Blaid Construction Limited.

The commission said that Momoh is under the scrutiny of the commission in respect of an on-going investigation.

The statement lists the property to include: two duplexes located at No. 14A, Lungu Crescent, Wuse 2 and No. 6 Casamance Street, Wuse Zone 3.

Others are a mansion situated at No. 16 River Niger Street, Maitama; a bungalow at No. 35, Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3; two uncompleted residential estates located at Plot 618 Mabushi (B06) and Plot 1468 Katampe District.

Terrace duplexes on Plots No. 21, 22, 23 and 26, Olympia Estate, Kaura District; a shopping complex on Plot 27, Waziri Ibrahim Waziri Crescent, Apo District; three vacant pieces of land located at Plot No. 1824, No. 1827 and No. 2017 Katampe District and a block of six apartments on Plot 799, Ebitu Ukiwe street, Utako.

The statement said that the seizure, which was carried out after an intelligence-led investigation, was based on the opinion of the commission that the properties owned by Momoh and her firm are excessive.

This is having regard to their past and present emoluments and all other circumstances.

To this end, the commission will issue public notices of the seizure and shall cause them to be served on the appropriate land registries and Ministries and Departments where these properties are situated as required by law. (NAN)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Mustapha Aliyu, for throwing his four months old son into river Uti in Borgu local government area of the state.

The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, George Edem, who confirmed the arrest, said the corpse of the baby is yet to be found.

Edem said Mustapha was arrested based on a tip-off from concerned neighbours adding that the suspect had confessed to have committed the offence.

Mustapha, confessing to the crime to newsmen in Minna on Tuesday, said the baby was his son but he was not married to the mother.

According to him, he took the step because the mother of the baby refused to accept the baby and left him in his custody.

Mustapha also attributed his reason for throwing his son into the river as due to depression saying it was the work of the devil.

I couldnt take care of the baby alone. I was not happy that the mother left him with me. I do not even know what got into me. It is the devil handwork.

At the time of filing this report, the Corpse of the baby is yet to be found.

Meanwhile, the suspect had been handed over to the police for prosecution.
The University of Lagos has announced the suspension of Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu, a former sub-dean of the schools faculty of art and head pastor of local Foursquare Gospel Church.

The lecturer was suspended because of his involvement in a sex-for-marks scandal which was exposed in a video by BBC Africa where an undercover journalist, Kiki Mordi, disguised as a 17-year-old admission seeker.

KanyiDaily had reported how Dr Igbeneghu was captured on tape sexually harassing and demanding sex from a female admission seeker in BBCs sex for grade undercover documentary.

Announcing his Igbeneghus suspension in a statement signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit), Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, UNILAG also barred him from campus academic areas.

In addition to this, the University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club Cold Room mentioned in the documentary for further investigation.

The statement reads: The University of Lagos Management today suspended Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu of the Department of European Languages and Integrated Studies, Faculty of Arts who was caught in a sting operation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled Sex for Grades.

The trending video chronicled cases of sexual harassment of female students by some lecturers in some West African Universities, including University of Lagos.

Management at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019 suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the University academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a Panel constituted by the University to investigate the matter.

The University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club Cold Room mentioned in the documentary for further investigation.

The so-called Cold Room is a Functions Room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.)

The university assures members of the public that any other lecturer mentioned in the full version of the operation which is to be aired later today, will also be suspended to ensure a proper investigation is carried out.

The University is embarrassed and dissociates itself totally from this act(s) and any inappropriate behaviour of staff with female students and vice versa. The University has a well-articulated Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual and Romantic Relationships.
Olorunmbe Ojagbohunmi

Ondo State Government has denied a report that the embattled monarch of Ayetoro town in Ilaje Local Government of the state, Olorunmbe Ojagbohunmi, had been released from the prison unconditionally.

The government said it had not ordered the unconditional release of the embattled monarch from prison, explaining that it was the court that gave ordered for his release after meeting his bail conditions.

Ojagbohunmi was arrested in January 2019 by the men of the state police command, for alleged involvement in an act that could cause a breach of peace in the riverine community.

He was then charged to court and remanded in prison custody on the orders of the court. He was however released in September. But the government said it never involved in the release the embattled contrary to a media report.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kola Olawoye, the government described the report as false and mischievous, targeted at portraying the state government as an enemy of rule of law.

According to the statement, the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu did not interfere in the judicial process that led to the release of the incarcerated traditional ruler.



The statement read in part, The Government of Ondo State, under the leadership of Mr Rotimi Akeredolu strongly disclaims a publication that a monarch regains freedom after nine months in prison unconditionally.

The state government hereby states the correct position as follows; that Mr. Ojagbohunmi Oluwanmbe and five others are facing criminal charges in case All/50C/2019 before His Lordship, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe.

Bail was granted to Mr. Oluwanmbe Ojagbohunmi and the other five defendants on the 30th September, 2019 by the said judge at his discretion based on the merit of the application before the court.

Therefore it is not correct that the state government unconditionally released Ojagbohunmi and the other defendants on 30th September, 2019. Bail is not tantamount to the discharge or release of the defendants.

The publication linking the state government to the release is totally mischievous and contrary to the provisions of the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015 

The statement stated that the government would not pervert the course of justice, irrespective of the personality of those involved in the case, saying the law must take its course.
By Victor James

It has not been my forte to write a tribute in honor of anyone except of course, for my only daughter, Deja Mone, who turned 24, last December, 28. But Aminu, who is beloved by youths across the spectrum of Nigerias political divide, has just changed the tide for me. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the amiable lawyer and ally comes in various parts, forms and contexts. Introverted by fate, amiable by disposition and unassuming by simplicity. Sometimes, the qualities of a great leader can be perceived even from a distant place, such as where this piece is being constructed, which is in a school compound, in New Jersey, the United States of America.

His Excellency, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has carved a niche for self and principles, driven by vision and belief in a great Nigeria whose future remains in the hands and convictions of the people. As a caliphalscion, he believes to each according to equity and the common brotherhood of mankind. He is a thorough bred of a first class order and a true son and scholar in the development of a modern democratic paradigm in the new Nigerian project.

From his humble beginning and leani: ng to scholarship, Aminu Tambuwal is among the rare class of citizens who believe in the classic of survive together or, no one is left behind. Time without number, when occasion demands for fairness and courage, the governor who is an erudite advocate, has boldly and strongly defended the rights of the people unperturbed by the negative repercussion he could earn from misconception.

When he was at the National Assembly before his ascension as governor, six years ago, he showed great statesmanship and a canny ability to work with humility and candor with his colleagues irrespective of which part of the country they came from, for the common good of all Nigerians. A man with so much love for the unity and oneness of Nigeria as a great and cooperating nation of individual talents and skills. He is a consensus builder loved by many.

Therefore, it may be safe to say that the people of Sokoto State were persuaded by the value in the man, that they found him worthy of their votes and mandate, safe with their trust, to lead them again as governor for a second term. The virtues of this great Nigerian can never be exhausted with a token write up such as this,but can be witnessed, and or vouched for, by everyone who knows and sees him up close and personal.

Particularly impressive is his commitment to educational development of the less and privileged. Building and rehabilitating nearly a million classrooms, equipped with learning support facilities, this last may not have been heard of the incubating future of fortunes from Sokoto. Dedicating 26% of the States budget to education is a rare but worthy example. Several sectors in the State such as health, agriculture, water supply among others are undergoing silent revolution.

I salute you Governor Aminu Tambuwal on your 54th birthday and pray that you will continue to use your wisdom and intellect, to impact on all Nigerians both home and abroad, with your charismatic, stainless and unalloyed leadership skills. The blessings of God shall be upon you and may his Mercy continue to be with yourfamily and those you govern.

May it be well with your colleagues who also found you worthy of representing them as Chair of the ad hoc Governors forum and the various rols that you are playing within the Nigerian space. Please sustain the team work by creating platforms for mentorship, patriotism and people centric service in our beautiful and great country of possibilities

And, lest I forget: how about that victory of yours at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the other day?. That too, calls for a bigger celebration, if you know what I mean. My father used to tell me, that the person who laughed last, laughed the best. You are right Nnam, and I concur. Aminu Carry Go!

 Dr. James is based in New York City.

PV: 0
UNILORIN

An Ogun State-based geologist, Ayo Adeniran, has decried the refusal of the University of Ilorin to issue him his original BSc certificate 24 years after he graduated from the school.

Adeniran said the refusal of the institution to release his certificate due to administrative lapses had made him to lose some major contracts and his job was now being threatened as his employers had been asking for his certificate.

The 48-year-old man, who told punch correspondent that he and his mates were given their statements of result after they graduated from the institution in 1996, stated that efforts to get his certificate after completing the National Youth Service Corps mandatory one year service had proved abortive.

Adeniran said during one of his efforts to get the certificate from the school, he was told that he failed a course at the 300-level, which did not enable the institution to process his certificate.

The geologist, however, told Punch Metro that he resat the course while he was in 400-level and passed it, but his department had not been able to produce the result for the Exams and Records Department of the school.

Adeniran, who urged the institution to produce his certificate, explained that he had suffered huge losses due to UNILORINs refusal to issue it.

He said, I got the hint about the schools refusal to issue my certificate in 2010 when a high-profile job was to be given to me, which I lost. I contacted one of the workers at the university to help me to process the certificate and he got back to me that I had issues with my result and I had to come to the school.



I went to the schools archives and my class record was brought out and it was discovered that I did not pass a course, GNS 311. Although when I was in 300-level, some of my course mates and I failed the course, but we resat the paper at 400-level and I passed it; so, I went back to the department to search for the paper that the school claimed that I failed and I found out that I passed it.



I begged the attendant at the department to allow me to make a copy of the result, but he refused. We searched for my other results at the department but I could not see any of my scripts.

I was given admission that year at the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Ibadan, but the admission was forfeited and the job I was about to secure too was forfeited. I was so disappointed. After so many attempts in 2018, I went to see the school registrar when my promotion was under serious threat.

I explained my plight to the deputy registrar, who requested my statement of result, which I showed him, and he called a staff member at the certificates section to search for my certificate but they could not get it and I was given a to whom it may concern by the deputy registrar to give to my employers with a promise that I would get my certificate soon, but since then, it has been one story after another.



I have suffered huge losses because I cannot secure some contracts and jobs as I dont have my certificate and I have been left at a disadvantage. It has affected me emotionally and financially.

However, when Punch Metro contacted the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Kunle Akogun, he said the certificate would be ready soon.

The certificate will be ready soon. His transcripts have been found and we are processing the certificate. It was the department that had a problem getting the transcripts, but the certificate will be ready soon and he will be contacted, he stated.
The soybean market is watching whats happening in South America, keeping an eye on the ongoing harvest and the weather.

The market is watching the harvest reports coming out of Brazil, said Frayne Olson, crops economist/marketing specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension.

As of Feb. 26, harvest was about 35-40% complete, he said, with mixed yield reports so far.

In general, the reports are below what people were expecting, and so we are starting to continue to take the top end off of the yield forecast, he said. As we learn more from the harvest reports, the range of private estimates will start to narrow.

Right now, we have a really wide range of expectations for soybean output from Brazil, all the way from 135 million metric tons up to about 157 million, which is a really wide range of estimates at this time of year.

He feels that range will narrow as better estimates come in and as more hectares are harvested.

We know its not going to be as large as last year, but last year was a record crop. Its still going to be a good crop, but just not as large as what we were originally thinking a few months ago, he said.

Brazilian farmers face storage challenge

As more information comes in, another takeaway is that farmers in Brazil typically do not store a lot of their grain on-farm. Thats different from producers in the Northern Plains who have the capacity to basically store a years worth of crop, according to Olson.

In Brazil, its closer to 15% stored on-farm. A lot of the farmers will harvest and then deliver to the local elevator, many of which are cooperatives that are owned by the farmers themselves.

But some of the challenges theyre facing are that the local grain merchandisers are full, Olson said. Last years crop was so big that they havent been able to push through their inventory, and now they have both old crop and new crop inventory.

And so, there are some challenges, both in storage as well as logistically, that are starting to get more attention, he said.

Currently, the challenge hasn't impacted Brazils ability to import grain; however, there are some concerns starting to show up around quality.

You may have a lot of bushels, but do you have the quality? And is it last years crop or is it this year's crop, or some blend of both? I do think there will be some of those comments showing up, but theres still a lot of soybeans available in Brazil, he explained.

Another factor is that Brazil has been very price competitive with the U.S. and that has put pressure on the market.

In Argentina, producers are again going to have a respectable crop. While Brazil exports a lot of whole soybeans, most of the soybeans that Argentina produces gets processed first, so they export soybean meal and soybean oil.

From a bulk soybean export capacity, were really focusing on Brazil, even though the bushels coming out of Argentina are important, Olson said.

In the U.S., soybeans also have a very similar story to corn in terms of exports. Here, the export season for soybeans is seasonal. Historically, the U.S. export season typically starts to drop off in late February and early March.

From talking to farmers, a lot of the soybeans that they have from 2023 are already pushed through the system, Olson said. We don't have a lot of big on-farm inventories of soybeans left. Farmers have been a bit more aggressive in trying to get those pushed through the system, which is good.

Looking ahead, corn and beans share a similar story with acreage. For soybeans, the market is going to be looking at how many acres get planted in 2024. Early indications point to slightly more soybean acres this year.

We are expecting a slight increase, he said. I just hope that the pendulum doesn't swing too far into the soybean side of the ledger. We just need to rebound, to come back to acreages that are similar to what weve seen in the past.

Brazilian soybeans exported to U.S.

Another issue that has been hitting the news and causing some concern is that there have been a few cargo vessels carrying Brazilian soybeans arriving in the southeast U.S. where there are some processing plants.

Its a psychological problem, not necessarily the volume, Olson said. We typically have a couple of those show up every year. Theyre normally not large volumes, but this year it looks like those volumes may be a little bigger than weve had in the past.

So psychologically, youre saying, Wow, are the Brazilian soybeans so cheap that you can buy them in Brazil and ship them up to the U.S., and do it cheaper than we can in the U.S.?

The short answer, he said, is yes.

It all depends on where you are in the U.S., Olson expanded. Part of this is the cost of internal logistics, so moving soybeans by rail is more expensive than moving soybeans by barge.

Hex plained that soybeans in the southeastern part of the country can be put on the river system and moved cheaply from farm gate into the export channels in Louisiana/New Orleans.

But to get them from Central Illinois to the southeast Georgia or the Carolinas, they really have to go by rail. And ocean freight is so much cheaper than rail freight that, depending on what their margins are, it is cheaper to buy them out of Brazil, which from a psychological standpoint is concerning, he said.

But we have to realize this happens periodically, its not an anomaly, its not something new, weve seen this before, but it does continue that negative tone, he added.

From a pure bushels standpoint, theyre not big bushels, he noted. When you look at the whole supply chain for U.S. soybeans, this is not a huge quantity, but it is something that sends a signal.

Its like, Wow, we have to be competitive, so it causes psychological damage. Peoples attitudes are impacted more strongly than just the pure numbers of supply and demand.

But markets are emotional, so we cant ignore it, he said.
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that using cannabis, regardless of the method  either by smoking, eating or vaping it  may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.



Lead study author Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, highlighted the growing use of cannabis and the lack of awareness regarding its potential cardiovascular risks.



"Despite common use, little is known about the risks of cannabis use and, in particular, the cardiovascular disease risks," she stated.



The study analyzed survey data from over 400,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020, investigating the association between cannabis use and self-reported cardiovascular outcomes.



Results showed that any marijuana use was linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, with daily users having the highest odds.



Dr. Robert L. Page II, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of healthcare practitioners addressing cannabis use with patients.



"As cannabis use continues to grow in legality and access across the U.S., practitioners and clinicians need to remember to assess cannabis use at each patient encounter," he remarked.

Source: Graphic Online









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.

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QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company has been made aware of a recent news report by the Ghana News Agency titled: More than 200 Ghanaian stranded in Cote DIvoire which was published on 28th February 2024. The publication mentions that these individuals were victims of a company named Q-net a popular fraudulent online scheme, which allegedly lures and defrauds people of huge sums of money, under the pretext of securing them jobs abroad.



We take this opportunity to clarify that this entity has no connection to QNET, a legitimate business that operates in Ghana as a law-abiding businessthrough its partner, Bosumtwi Industries Limited. We would like to remind the public that the entity Q-net was legally dissolved by the efforts of the Attorney Generals Department last year and has no connection whatsoever to our business.



Biram Fall, Regional Manager for QNET in sub-Saharan Africa, explains, People who engage in QNETs direct selling business to sell or introduce QNET products to others do not need to travel from one country to another.We are fully committed to cooperating with officers of the Ghana Immigration Service to address any issue that may involve QNET. We take allegations of illegal/irregular migration or fraudulent activities very seriously and will take strong action against anyone found to be misrepresenting QNET, if indeed there is any merit to the allegation in the publication.



Mr. Fall reiterated that: Through the media and other communication campaigns, we continue to educate and warn people against illegal/irregular migration, job scam, fake travel opportunities and fraudulent activities. QNET is not an employment agency and does not make offers of guaranteed income or travel opportunities in exchange for money. As a legitimate global direct selling company, QNET provides a safe andlegitimate business model where distributors earn an income only by selling our high-quality, life-enhancing products.



QNET holds its employees and distributors to the highest ethical standards and implements strict policies and procedures to protect customers from unlawful, fraudulent, or unprofessional behaviour. Unfortunately, some individuals, who are not associated with the company in any way, have been misusing the name of our company to act in unethical and unprofessional ways, thereby causing reputational damage to the companys image.



QNET has taken some significant steps in a bid to clear the misinformation about the company, its business model and the direct-selling industry in general in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

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.

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As part of activities marking its 20th Anniversary celebrations, Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. (OISL) paid a courtesy call to His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the Akwasidae festival held on Sunday 18th February 2024.



The purpose of the visit was to express gratitude to His Royal Majesty for his support since the inception of the company which started in Kumasi twenty years ago and to seek his blessings for the forthcoming events marking the Anniversary celebrations.



The delegation comprised Rev. Dr Kwabena Darko, the first Board Chairman of OISL, Mr. Katey Assem, the current Board Chairman, Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of OISL, some Board Members of OISL including Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Kusi, Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome, Hajia Azara Abukari-Haroun and Mrs. Joyce Boeh-Ocansey, and a cross-section of Management and staff of the Institution.



As part of its charitable works, OISL also donated Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS50,000) to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to support their operations. The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation seeks to build sustainable programs, services, and projects to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.



The Chief Executive Officer of OISL Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng speaking on behalf of the institution, stated that the donation was in accordance with the companys vision of promoting a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose. This he said closely aligns with the objectives of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation.



He further emphasized that the majority of customers served by OISL are vulnerable, particularly women who may feel hesitant to approach a traditional Bank for banking services due to various reasons. However, he emphasized that over the years, OISL has successfully reached out to such individuals and provided them with collateral-free loans, opportunities for secure savings as well as financial literacy trainings. He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to empowering individuals (particularly women), businesses, and communities through innovative financial and non-financial solutions. Additionally, he emphasized that the institution remains steadfast in its commitment of promoting positive change in the lives of its clients and making meaningful contributions to national development.



In conclusion, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for graciously receiving the delegation despite his busy schedule during the Akwasidae festival.



Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. is one of the leading Savings and Loans companies in Ghana, operating in ten (10) out of the sixteen (16) regions in Ghana. It is dedicated to providing innovative financial and non-financial products and services that are targeted at bringing people at the base of the pyramid into mainstream financial services, thereby advancing financial inclusion.



It is a subsidiary of Opportunity International, a global organization with its Head Office in Chicago, USA. The Institution delivers services and programs to clients in thirty (30) countries across the globe, serving over twenty (20) million customers with Micro Banking, Micro Insurance, Agriculture, Education Finance, and Innovative Non-Financial Services.







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.

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In response to mounting concerns from power consumers across the country, Samuel Mahama, the managing director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), addressed speculations of a possible return to the era of power rationing, commonly referred to as dumsor.



During an appearance on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday, Mahama clarified that the recent challenges faced by the power distributing company were related to maintenance issues and were not indicative of a dumsor resurgence.



Acknowledging the frustration expressed by some consumers and taking full accountability for the situation, Mahama extended a public apology and clarified the nature of the recent disruptions.



He emphasized, I would like to take this opportunity to say that dumsor is not back. We suffered a maintenance setback. Everybody knows about ECG but most people dont know that it is a value chain, for ECG what is given to us is what we distribute.



Highlighting the significance of effective communication, Mahama recognized the need for improved transparency and proactive engagement with the public to dispel misconceptions and allow consumers to plan ahead.



Reiterating that the recent challenges were primarily maintenance-related, Mahama assured the public that steps were being taken to address the issues promptly and prevent any prolonged disruptions in the supply of electricity.



He concluded by pledging the commitment of the ECG to enhancing communication strategies and ensuring a more seamless distribution process going forward.



By clarifying the situation and refuting claims of a dumsor resurgence, Mahama sought to reassure consumers and underscored the companys dedication to providing reliable and uninterrupted power services.







Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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VFS Global has been awarded a global contract for UK visas and citizenship services. VFS Global is therefore expected to deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across in 2024.



The centres will be on regional basis in Africa and Middle East, Americas, Australia and Europe, China and Taiwan, Asia and Asia Pacific regions catering to an estimated 3.8 million applicants every year, aiding cross border mobility.



According to VFS, this is a significant win because the contract awards VFS Global with 84 new countries of service for UK Visas and Citizenship Service, including Ghana, in addition to the 58 countries that VFS Global already serve.



Similarly, the Swedish Ministry of Justice and the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have awarded global tenders to provide Sweden visa services in 37 countries, and Norway visa and residence permit services in 52 countries respectively.



Earlier in the year, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria also renewed the global visa services mandates with VFS Global.



As an exclusive service provider to the Government of France for select locations in Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global expanded France visa services network in Sub-Saharan Africa in September 2023. As part of the contract, France Visa Application Centres were launched in Cape Verde, Ghana, Liberia, and Rwanda while the contracts in two existing countries- Ivory Coast and Senegal, were extended.



These significant contract wins are a testament of our trusted partnership with these client governments and our commitment to customer service excellence. It is also an opportunity to contribute to a larger purpose of restoring travellers confidence through technology-led, seamless, highly secure and reliable solutions and playing a key role in reviving global travel momentum, said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global.



In 2024, VFS Global will continue to focus on enhancing customer service and business excellence through investments in human capital development and technology.





Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Ministry of Finance has urged President Akufo-Addo not to sign the recently passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.



In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Finance Ministry cautioned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the countrys financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions.



The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.





Additionally, ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), amounting to US$300 million, could be suspended.



The Ministry emphasized that these potential outcomes could result in a significant loss of financial resources, leading to a financing gap in the 2024 budget.



To address these challenges, the Ministry called upon the President to engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill and to establish a robust coalition and framework for supporting key development initiatives.



The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected.



It also added that the President may have to defer assenting to the Bill until the court rules on the legal issues tabled by key national stakeholders (CSOs and CHRAJ).



On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.



Under the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could face 3 to 5 years behind bars.



The Bills passage has sparked criticism from various stakeholders, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana.









Source: JFM









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Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has reportedly settled on Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang again as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.



His decison to retain the former Education Minister, according to party gurus, is because the professor has already been marketed in the 2020 presidential election and is likely to set a record as Ghana's first female to occupy the second-highest position in the country if the NDC wins the December 7 polls.



Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Profile



Regarded as a woman of integrity, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the second female running mate of the two leading political parties in the country, has been associated with the NDC as far back as 1996 when she hosted the popular Radio Gold programme, 'Platform'.



She interviewed then-President, Jerry John Rawlings, in the build-up to the 1996 presidential election.



She also co-hosted the 2012 Institute of Economic Affairs-sponsored presidential debates.



Moreover, since the party lost the 2020 presidential election, she has been on the ground not only campaigning for the NDC but also undertaking charitable activities to support needy people across the country.



Prof. Opoku-Agyemangs chances appeared to have been boosted when the Special Aide to the flag bearer of the NDC, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, advocated the re-selection of a female running mate for her boss in the 2024 polls.



Bawumia and Who?



On the other hand, the New Patriotic Party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia is yet to choose a running for the crucial December 7 presidential election.



But many believed he would also settle on a former Education Minister and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.



Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh stands tall among other names suggested to partner with Dr Bawumia in the December 7 polls, some of whom include Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, a one-time Executive Director of the EPA; Hon Frema Opare, Chief of Staff; Dr Yaw Adutwum, Minister for Education, Hon Joe Osei-Wusu, NPP MP for Bekwai; Hon Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Former Majority Leader, etc





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com









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THE opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been accused of not treating the people of the Volta Region, where the party gets most of its electoral votes, with respect.



The presidential candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, a native of the Volta Region, who made the observation, said clearly the NDC only uses the people of the Volta Region for votes and dump them afterwards.



According to him, he doesnt understand why the NDC selected someone outside the Volta Region to partner former President John Mahama, the NDC presidential candidate, as his running mate for the 2024 elections.

Kofi Akpaloo, who is noted for his outspoken nature, stated that at least the NDC should have chosen someone from the Volta Region as their running mate for the impending polls, considering the regions active support to the NDC over the years.



According to LPG presidential candidate, its now an open secret that the NDC has taken the people of the Volta Region for granted for a long time, stressing that the Volta Region hasnt been rewarded by the NDC after long and loyal service.



Kofi Akpaloo, without mincing words, said the NDC are only interested in getting colossal number of votes from the Volta Region but dont want to reward people from the region, which gives them precious votes in elections.



Tracing history and recounting the support that the Volta Region has given to the NDC over the years, he said ideally the NDC should have chosen a native of the Volta Region as former President Mahamas running mate for the 2024 polls.



The NDC only wants Volta votes but they (NDC) are not interested in giving a running mate position to a Voltarian, Kofi Akpaloo said on Otec FM in Kumasi to buttress his claim that indeed the NDC has taken the Volta Region for granted.



Kofi Akpaloo also predicted that the NDCs decision to select a person outside the Volta Region as their running mate for the 2024 polls, would spell doom for the party and be a blessing in disguise for his own political party, the LPG.



Akpaloos Secret Prayers



I prayed fervently that the NDC shouldnt select a Voltarian as John Mahamas running mate, and God has answered my secret prayers, Kofi Akpaloo disclosed, adding that the NDCs decision has greatly benefitted the LPG.

According to him, the LPG would have faced a fierce competition from the NDC in the Volta Region over votes had the NDC selected a Voltarian as their running mate, saying but now its a smooth ride for the LPG.



LPG Fights NDC



Kofi Akpaloo also stated that the days when the NDC garnered more votes in the Volta Region during presidential and parliamentary elections in the country is under serious threat as the December 7 polls draw near.



He insisted that the Volta Region is now the LPGs stronghold, stating emphatically that the LPG would win most of the votes in the Volta Region during the December 2024 polls.



The Volta Region is now the stronghold of the LPG and we shall win most of the votes from this region in the presidential and parliamentary elections, he boldly declared.



275 Parliamentary Seats



He also announced that the LPG will contest for all 275 parliamentary seats in the 16 regions of the country, stressing that the LPG is poised and determined to make an impact in the 2024 elections.

According to Kofi Akpaloo, the LPG started their 2020 political campaign very late, and that contributed to their poor showing, pointing out that he has learnt from his mistakes, hence starting their 2024 campaign early.



In 2020 I campaigned late and it affected my party in terms of votes and the Covid also prevented me from campaigning actively. In 2024, LPG is seriously working to make a strong impact in the polls, he declared.







Source: Daily Guide









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A Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, believes that the choice of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate by the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, is an attempt by the NDC leader to prove his critics wrong that he is not consistent.



For him, choosing Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who partnered him (Mahama) in the 2020 presidential election is a clear demonstration of his faith in his running mate.



He said the choice of the former Education Minister is also significant in the sense that her selection helped the NDC to increase their votes in the last elections, closing up the gap President Akufo-Addo gave the party in the 2016 presidential election.



Speaking on 3FM on Friday, March 1, 2024, Dr Otchere said Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who also comes from the coastal area in the Central Region would help the NDC to attract more votes from the coastal regions of the country.



His reason is that many people in the coastal regions are suffering and therefore would consider voting for someone who can identify with them.



The UCC lecturer also said that even though the selection of a running mate would play a major role in the outcome of the 2024 elections, many Ghanaians would vote based on the economy, citing the Kumawu and the Assin North by-elections as a reflection of what should be expected in the 2024 general elections.







Source: graphiconline.com









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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised Ghanaian youths, especially students, to be mindful that formal education is not just about securing excellent academic grades but the acquisition of requisite skills.



President Akufo-Addo said that students must be open-minded enough to acquire skills, values and knowledge that would empower them to make a positive impact on the world.



He encouraged them to be curious, compassionate and resilient because the country looks up to the youth not only as scholars but also as ambassadors of the nations potential in engendering progress, prosperity and development.



President Akufo-Addo made these revelations while extending congratulatory messages and advice to the recipients of the Presidents Independence Day Awards 2024 in Accra on Friday, 1st March.



At the annual event, 46 students were adjudged the overall best among the 602,477 that sat the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and were honoured by the President at a ceremony that has become part of the National Independence Day celebration.



Out of the number, 36 were selected from public schools, with the remaining 10 from private schools.



This is the first time students from private schools have been added to the list of awardees.



All the 46 students, who were representative of all the 16 regions, were selected based on their outstanding raw scores obtained during the examination.



Two visually impaired and two hearing impaired students were also given awards for their performances at the exams.



Speaking on the successes of the students, President Akufo-Addo said the successes chalked up by the students were not just personal achievements, but had made them a beacon of hope for the entire nation.



Ghanas future lies in the hands of her youth, and you represent the bright future we envision.

I urge you to recognise the responsibility that comes with academic success; a responsibility to contribute positively to the development and progress of our society, he said.



He exhorted the students that as they progressed in their Pull quote educational journey, whether through senior high school or other pursuits, it was important that they strove for excellence, adding that, this is just the beginning, and the path ahead is filled with opportunity for growth and exploration.



President Akufo-Addo urged the students to seize every chance to expand their horizon, embrace challenges, and continue to excel in all their endeavours.



The President commended the students for bringing pride to their communities, parents, schools and themselves, stressing that it was appropriate that they received the plaudits while encouraging them to challenge themselves to the highest pedestal.



He further stressed the commitment of his administration towards education, saying this was not just a moral one but a strategic investment in the intellectual capital that would drive the nations economy and innovation in the years to come.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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The second phase of the South African National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women's Wing Sanitary Pads project visited Effiduasi Asokore Constituency with a call on the government to waive all taxes on sanitary pads.



This, according to the NDC SA Women's Wing, would reduce the cost of sanitary towels which invariably would improve women's menstrual hygiene.



In a shared value of assisting the less privileged and also energising the base of the NDC, the donation ceremony was held at the Tijaniya Senior High School in Effiduasi Asokore on Sunday, March 3, 2024. The programme was themed "Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Hygiene - Victory for John Mahama".



Delivering a speech at the function, Madam Wilbertina Buxton, SA NDC Women's Wing Organizer underscored the urgent need and the reason why the government must adhere to their advocacy of waiving all taxes on sanitary pads.



This, according to her, would not only lower the prices of the pads on the market but, encourage more girls to use hygienic sanitary pads to improve their well-being and enhance their confidence as well.



Madam Buxton noted that this particular activity started last year and normally was done in August to coincide with SA Women's Month. "But, because this year is an election year, we've decided to run the project across the entire country. We've been to Oti Region and this is the second region we're visiting", she stated.



Dovetailing into politics and juxtaposing the cost of sanitary pads to the economy, she emphasised that the era where rags and other unhygienic materials were used by girls during their menses was over. However, the current bad governance by the NPP has made it difficult for girls to procure pads hence, their decision to step in with the project to help.



She paid glowing tribute to Mr Benjamin Kofi Quashie, NDC SA Council of Elders Chair, for being the main sponsor of the sanitary pad project.



In the company of Madam Buxton were Mr Benjamin Quashie, Gloria Huze, Ashanti Region Women Organiser and her deputy, Ibrahim Adams, Effiduasi Asokore Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Efiduase Asokore Constituency Women Organiser and the Constituency Executives.



The others were Stephen Atuahene, Ayensuano Constituency Vice Chairman and some of Ablekuma West Constituency Womens Wing Executives.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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On Saturday, March 2, 2024, UK for DMB, in collaboration with the NPP UK Branch, celebrated a significant milestone with a Unity Get-Together and Thanksgiving Service to bring together the rank and file of NPP UK members and sympathisers.



The event, organised by Team UK FOR DMB in partnership with Branch members, aimed to unify various factions and energize the base for a formidable push towards breaking the eight-year cycle.



The gathering was graced by esteemed personalities, including Chairman Otchere Darko, head of the Strategic Team UK (the lead group of UK FOR DMB project), NPP-UK Branch 1st vice Chairman Alex Appiah Mensah, 2nd Vice Chairman Ibrahim Abdul-Mumuni, Secretary Otuo Acheampong, Women Organiser Patricia Boakye (Daakyehemaa), Nasara Coordinator Issa Ayumah, Youth Organiser Ike Price Asante, Treasurer Charles Asmah, along with other Branch and chapter executives.



The presence of the special guests of honour; Dr. Mutaka Alolo, Technical Adviser to the Vice President, Ms. Abigail Swad Layea, Deputy CEO of NEIP, and Kwame Frimpong, NPP Deputy Director of Protocol, highlighted the importance and significance of the occasion.



Under the theme Energising Our Base to Break the Eight,' speakers delivered poignant messages emphasizing unity and determination. On his part, Dr. Alolo emphasised how the event was timely and the first of its kind in either Ghana or the diaspora as a process to bring everyone on board after the presidential, and parliamentary primaries.



He stressed on the beauty of democracy and encouraged members to champion the collective interest of the Elephant party over personal gains in ensuring that we win the 2024 elections to continue the many great works of the NPP government. Dr Alolo further conveyed best wishes from NPP Presidential candidate, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging continued support to promote government achievements and secure victory on December 7.



Ms Abigail Sward Laryea, Deputy CEO in sharing the success story of NEIP, enumerated the great works of the NPP government over the last seven years and urged members of the diaspora to boldly share those achievements.



She mentioned that very soon a performance tracker will be outdoored to showcase all programs and projects undertaken by the current administration for everyone to see how well the NPP has performed. She further underscored the importance of unity among Patriots and encouraged all diasporans to contribute their best to ensure a triumphant historic victory for the elephant party on December 7, 2024.



The event exuded vibrancy with a massive turnout from NPP members and sympathizers in the UK, showcasing a unified front and a shared commitment towards achieving the collective goal.



The colourful and beautiful Get-together and Thanksgiving successfully came to an end with members and guests present fully energised for the great task ahead in winning the election 2024 and making Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the next president of Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The much-anticipated gospel music concert Abba Father is set to happen at the Accra International Conference Centre on March 10th, 2024, promising an unparalleled worship experience for attendees.



Organized by the renowned gospel sensation Diana Asamoah, Abba Father has become a hallmark event in the realm of spiritual music, drawing legions of fervent worshippers year after year.



This year's edition marks a significant milestone in the event's illustrious history, featuring an impressive lineup of esteemed artists poised to elevate souls through their melodious offerings.



Among the distinguished performers slated to grace the stage are Nacee, Fameye, Uncle Ato, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Joyce Blessing, Akesse Brempong and Great Ampong.



With such an array of talent assembled under one roof, attendees can expect nothing short of a transcendent musical journey that will uplift spirits and ignite hearts with fervent praise.



The Abba Father concert commences at 3:00 PM and is scheduled to culminate at 11:00 PM, ensuring ample time for attendees to immerse themselves fully in the divine atmosphere and revel in the spiritual communion fostered by the music.



Each artiste will bring their unique flair and anointing to the stage, creating an atmosphere of worship that transcends boundaries and unites believers in a collective expression of faith and adoration.



What sets this year's Abba Father concert apart is its unprecedented accessibility. In a departure from previous editions, organizers have made the decision to offer this sacred gathering to the public completely free of charge.



There will be no tickets sold, no gate fees imposedjust an open invitation to all who seek solace and inspiration through the power of gospel music.



"We believe that worship should be accessible to all, regardless of financial means", remarked Diana Asamoah, the visionary behind Abba Father.



"By removing barriers to entry, we hope to welcome even more souls into the presence of the Most High, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the body of Christ."



Indeed, Abba Father promises to be an unforgettable celebration of faith, love and praise, an event where believers from all walks of life can come together to exalt the name of the Lord in one accord.



Whether you're a longtime fan of gospel music or simply seeking a transformative encounter with the divine, mark your calendars for March 10th and join us at the Accra International Conference Centre for an experience like no other.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a new paper in Psychological Science, researchers from the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the accuracy of the criminal adjudication process.

The paper, "Assessing Verbal Eyewitness Confidence Statements Using Natural Language Processing," outlines how the researchers trained a large language model (LLM) to parse eyewitness confidence statements in an effort to help reduce misidentifications, one of the largest known contributors to wrongful convictions.

"Of the over 3,000 exonerations recorded to date by the National Registry of Exonerations, more than 900 are due to eyewitness misidentifications," says Paul Heaton, Academic Director of the Quattrone Center, Professor of Law, and co-author of the paper. "To help address this problem, we developed a new tool to enable attorneys and police investigators to better distinguish accurate identifications from faulty ones."

After an eyewitness selects a suspect from a lineup, best practices instruct police officers to ask how confident they are in their identification. Prior research demonstrates that witnesses who are highly confident at the time of the identification from an unbiased lineup tend to be correct much more frequently than those who express uncertainty. But in the field, police typically make a subjective judgment as to whether any particular witness was confident, which can introduce error into the process.

The AI developed by the researchers offers a neutral method for assessing such statements free of contextual bias, leveraging information from thousands of prior eyewitness decisions.

"Imagine if a witness makes an identification from a lineup and then states they are 'fairly certain' the person they selected is the person who committed the crime," says Rachel Leigh Greenspan, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of Mississippi and co-author of the paper.

"How might an officer or attorney interpret this confidence statement? Has this witness made a highly confident identification or not? Our LLM offers an objective, reproducible way to make these judgements, reducing the ambiguity of verbal confidence statements."

The goal of this model is to interpret the intended meaning of a witness' confidence statement when given in their own words. The LLM reads and classifies eyewitness confidence statements as high (75100%), medium (2674%), or low confidence (025%). To do this, researchers trained the model using a sample of witnesses who explained their confidence both in their own words and using numbers. They used the witness-provided numeric translations to identify the "ground-truth" of how confident witnesses actually are in their identification.

The researchers then tested the LLM's performance on data previously unseen by the model. Across a variety of lineup scenarios, the model correctly classified witness' level of confidence 71% of the time and performed similarly to trained human coders.

The tool's judgments also mapped to accuracyfor example, in one scenario analyzed by the authors, eyewitnesses making statements classified as high confidence by the LLM were correct nearly 90% of the time, versus only about a 50% success rate for low confidence identifications. The tool is freely available online for use by researchers and practitioners.

"These results have implications for how empirical scientists collect confidence data in the lab and how police interpret eyewitness confidence statements in the field," adds Alex Lyman, Penn graduate and Ph.D. student at Brigham Young University.

More information: Rachel Leigh Greenspan et al, Assessing Verbal Eyewitness Confidence Statements Using Natural Language Processing, Psychological Science (2024). DOI: 10.1177/09567976241229028 Journal information: Psychological Science
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Antarctica. Credit: Ceridwen Fraser

An increase in pockets of open water in Antarctica's sea ice (polynyas) may mean coastal plants and animals could one day establish on the continent, University of Otago-led research suggests.

The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, aimed at understanding where open water might allow coastal species to settle in the future.

Led by Research Fellow Dr. Grant Duffy from Otago's Department of Marine Science, the team found unexpected evidence the area of polynyas around Antarctica is increasing dramatically, and it follows an intriguing cycle, growing and shrinking roughly every 16 years.

"These trends are fascinatingand we haven't noticed them before," Dr. Duffy says. "We're not completely sure what is driving the cyclical pattern, but the ecological implications could be huge."

Co-author Dr. Ariaan Purich, a scientist at Monash University in Australia who studies ocean-atmosphere interactions, says the cyclical patterns appear to line up with atmospheric drivers including the Southern Annular Mode, a climate phenomenon that circles Antarctica and influences weather in New Zealand and Australia.

"Recent record low Antarctic sea ice coverage has been linked with ocean warming," Dr. Purich says.

"In coastal environments, large-scale atmospheric variability and trends can interact with changing ocean conditions to shape the extent of sea ice. These findings give us exciting insights that will help us predict coastal sea ice coverage in the future."

The senior author on the study, Professor Ceridwen Fraser, also of the Department of Marine Science, says the results are also critically important for predicting what will happen to coastal ecosystems in Antarctica as the climate warms.

"We know that many non-native plants and animals can reach Antarctica, for example by rafting on floating kelp," Professor Fraser says.

"At the moment, most of them can't settle because of coastal ice scour. Less ice could create opportunities for some coastal plants and animals to establishwith big implications for native Antarctic coastal ecosystems."

Dr. Duffy agrees. "Our research shows that areas of open water along Antarctic coasts, in particular, are growing in area as the climate warms," he says. "These changing coastal environments will mean ecosystems have to adapt and change."

Researchers involved in the work are part of the major national Antarctic programs Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Australia and Antarctic Science Platform, New Zealand.
Credit: Tara Winstead from Pexels

Due to its rapid rise in everyday life, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become increasingly relevant to social scientists. A team led by Penn State researchers reviewed a variety of social science literature and found that studies often defined AI differently. By drawing from some of these areas and computer science, the researchers created a single definition and framework that they said they hope will be compatible across disciplines.

Lead author Homero Gil de Zuniga, Distinguished Professor in Media Effects and AI in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State, said the definition is a starting point. It is purposefully broad so it can both adapt as AI evolves and boost interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers.

The work, discussed by Gil de Zuniga in the Q&A below, was published in the journal Political Communication with co-authors Timilehin Durotoye, a doctoral student in the Bellisario College, and Manuel Goyanes, assistant professor at the University Carlos III de Madrid.

How did you identify the need for an artificial intelligence definition specifically for the social sciences?

Obviously in society today, AI is picking up. It's not just scientific anymore. It has a human basis for all citizens. Regardless of the country that you're living in, AI is becoming more important. For computer scientists, it's been around for decades. But for us who are thinking about how it's going to be integrated in daily life, artificial intelligence is in its infancy. So, starting with computer science, we gathered different definitions from what had been written about AI. My co-authors and I found that there was not a large consensus about what AI is or what it might be. We realized that the definitions were not concrete and were often defined in a way so they fit a particular paper's study.

What is the definition that emerged from your study?

Our definition says, AI is the tangible real-world capability of non-human machines or artificial entities to perform, task solve, communicate, interact and logically act akin to biological humans.

How does your definition for AI differ from a discipline outside the social sciences?

If someone is writing a study on Alexa, they might define artificial intelligence in a very particular way. For example, they may say AI is a machine that performs smart tasks. Or they may base it on the system's ability to interpret external data. When it comes to journalism and communication, the definitions might abandon the machine and instead define AI as a set of algorithms designed to generate and distribute media, text and images. So, that's why we wanted to combine all of these definitions and generate something that will work across disciplines.

Is the idea that interdisciplinary connections will be easier to make among researchers from different disciplines because they will have a shared definition for AI?

Exactly. If I'm from communication, it is going to work for me. We started with computer science, so our definition and framework are going to work for me if I'm a researcher from computer science. We read as much as possible about AI coming from many diverse fields of inquiry. Our hope is that when you're talking with any person from these areas, it will work. And I know that our working framework is not very exhaustive, but what we wanted to facilitate was a condition to say that if you're using this definition in your theory, it will work. This is just a foundation. You can complicate it much more if you want, but this is a theory that's going to work for everyone. The rationale is that this is a launching pad or steppingstone for doing AI research.

When you mention framework, you're talking about the study's evaluation of AI performance and AI autonomy. Can you expand on those terms and how they work together with your AI definition?

Beyond the definition, we constructed a simplistic theory in which we divided the two main dimensions of working with AI. One is the idea of how machines perform, and the other is how autonomous they are, meaning how well they can complete tasks with as little human input as possible. Any given intelligent entity will have different levels of performance by creating or performing certain tasks or predicting things, which is what AI does. So, we discuss three levels of performance and three levels of autonomy.

So, for example, it's just like humans. Some AIs are very intelligent, can perform lots of tasks and have a high level of autonomy. And there are some that might not be so autonomous and require more input from us. Based on these dimensions and performance levels, you can start thinking about any type of AI and apply it to any type of AI research. From there, I'm convinced that more theory will eventually become available and useful. So, with this definition and framework, we are getting the ball rolling.

AI is changing so quickly. Will having a definition and framework that can be tailored or built upon be helpful to future research?

Yes, exactly. And keep in mind that the evolution of AI is dependent on the relationship with humans, because AI is going to do what we prompt it to do and what we ask it to do. We must study how we interact with it, because if you're not squeezing AI to its maximum capabilities, then AI will stay at the same level. That's a very interesting characteristic of AI. It is just not what it can do, but what we are able to do with it. We are going to see an explosion of AIs. The potential impact of this technology in society is humongous. By establishing a comprehensive definition and a theoretical framework, this study paves the way for future advancements and a deeper comprehension of AI's role in human society.

More information: Homero Gil de Zuniga et al, A Scholarly Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advancing AI as a Conceptual Framework in Communication Research, Political Communication (2023). DOI: 10.1080/10584609.2023.2290497
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Estimation of the number of genomovars making up the natural Salinibacter ruber population. Metagenomic reads from each sample (Panels BD) or all samples combined (Panel A) of the control pond were mapped to the Sal. ruber genomes preserving all matches with identity 99.3%. The mapping file was manipulated to remove one target genome at a time (randomly sorted) while recording the number of unique reads mapping at each step, and this process was repeated 100 times to reduce the impact of randomization on the estimates obtained (below). The number of reads were then expressed as the fraction of the maximum number of reads from the Sal. ruber species by dividing the observed counts by the total number of reads mapping to any reference genome with identity  95%. The logarithm of the number of total (dereplicated) genomes used was then expressed as a function of the fraction of Sal. ruber reads captured by the genomes, and a linear regression was determined by unweighted least squares and evaluated using Pearson correlation for the region between 20 and 100 genomes. This trendline was extrapolated to 100% coverage of the genomovar diversity (i.e., all reads from the species) to provide an estimate of the number of genomovars represented (Y-axis) in the total sequenced fraction (X-axis). Filled dots represent the fraction of the total Sal. ruber reads captured by the genomovars used, and the shaded bands around the observed subsamples represent the central inter-quantile ranges at 100%, 80%, 60, 40%, and 20%. Source data are provided as Source Data 2. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44622-z

What's in a name? A lot, actually. For the scientific community, names and labels help organize the world's organisms so they can be identified, studied, and regulated. But for bacteria, there has never been a reliable method to organize them into species and strains cohesively. It's a problem because bacteria are one of the most prevalent life forms, making up roughly 75% of all living species on Earth.

An international research team sought to overcome this challenge, which has long plagued scientists who study bacteria. Kostas Konstantinidis, Richard C. Tucker Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, co-led a study to investigate natural divisions in bacteria with a goal of determining a scientifically viable method for organizing them into species and strains. To do this, the researchers let the data show them the way.

Their research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

"While there is a working definition for species and strains, this is far from widely accepted in the scientific community," Konstantinidis said. "This is because those classifications are based on humans' standards that do not necessarily translate well to the patterns we see in the natural environment."

For instance, he said, "If we were to classify primates using the same standards that are used to classify E. coli, then all primatesfrom lemurs to humans to chimpanzeeswould belong to a single species."

There are many reasons why a comprehensive organizing system has been hard to devise, but it often comes down to who gets the most attention and why. More scientific attention generally leads to those bacteria becoming more narrowly defined. For example, bacteria species that contain toxic strains have been extensively studied because of their associations with disease and health.

This has been out of the necessity to differentiate harmful strains from harmless ones. Recent discoveries have shown, however, that even defining types of bacteria by their toxicity is unreliable.

"Despite the obvious cornerstone importance of the concepts of species and strains for microbiology, these remain, nonetheless, ill-defined and confusing," Konstantinidis said.

The research team collected bacteria from two salterns in Spain. Salterns are built structures in which seawater evaporates to form salt for consumption. They harbor diverse communities of microorganisms and are ideal locations to study bacteria in their natural environment. This is important for understanding diversity in populations because bacteria often undergo genetic changes when exposed to lab environments.

The team recovered and sequenced 138 random isolates of Salinibacter ruber bacteria from these salterns. To identify natural gaps in genetic diversity, the researchers then compared the isolates against themselves using a measurement known as average nucleotide identity (ANI)a concept Konstantinidis developed early in his career. ANI is a robust measure of relatedness between any two genomes and is used to study relatedness among microorganisms and viruses, as well as animals. For instance, the ANI between humans and chimpanzees is about 98.7%.

The analysis confirmed the team's previous observations that microbial species do exist and could be reliably described using ANI. They found that members of the same species of bacteria showed genetic relatedness typically ranging from 96 to 100% on the ANI scale and generally less than 85% relatedness with members of other species.

The data revealed a natural gap in ANI values around 99.5% ANI within the Salinibacter ruber species that could be used to differentiate the species into its various strains. In a companion paper published in mBio, the team examined about 300 additional bacterial species based on 18,000 genomes that had been recently sequenced and became available in public databases. They observed similar diversity patterns in more than 95% of the species.

"We think this work expands the molecular toolbox for accurately describing important units of diversity at the species level and within species, and we believe it will benefit future microdiversity studies across clinical and environmental settings," Konstantinidis said.

The team expects their research will be of interest to any professional working with bacteria, including evolutionary biologists, taxonomists, ecologists, environmental engineers, clinicians, bioinformaticians, regulatory agencies, and others. It is available online through Konstantinidis' website and GitHub to facilitate access and use by scientific and regulatory communities.

"We hope that these communities will embrace the new results and methodologies for the more robust and reliable identification of species and strains they offer, compared to the current practice," Konstantinidis said.

More information: Tomeu Viver et al, Towards estimating the number of strains that make up a natural bacterial population, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44622-z Luis M. Rodriguez-R et al, An ANI gap within bacterial species that advances the definitions of intra-species units, mBio (2023). DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02696-23 Journal information: Nature Communications , mBio
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"When it comes to giving women equal rights with men, things have gone far enough in my country." Credit: Global Attitudes Towards Women's Leadership (2024)

Nearly one in two Britons (47%) say that when it comes to giving women equal rights with men, things have gone far enough in Great Britaincompared to 38% who said the same last year. And for the first time in this data series, a majority (56%) of men now hold this viewup 12ppts from 2023while the equivalent figure for women is 39%, an increase from 34% last year.

While the public is divided about how men and women are treated by various institutions within Britain, the largest minority share of the public perceives most institutions as treating women the same as men.

Exceptions to this include social media (37% say they think women are treated worse than men, compared to 32% who think they're treated equally and 17% who think women are treated better) and political parties (36% say women are treated worse, vs. 33% who say women are treated equally and 16% who say women are treated better).

Similarly, around half (47%) agree that we have gone so far in promoting women's equality that we are discriminating against men, rising to 59% of men (vs. 35% of women). However, an almost equal share (43%) disagree that things have gone far enough and that we have gone so far in promoting women's equality that we are discriminating against men (44%), underscoring the continued polarization of attitudes regarding gender equality in Britain.

While 66% of people in Great Britain agree that women won't achieve equality in their country unless men take action to support women's rights too (including 65% of men and 68% of women), the term 'feminist' remains challenging for a large share of Britons, with only two in five (43%) identifying with the terman increase of 8ppts compared to 2019. This rises to 49% among women.

Most Britons have no preference for the gender of their bosses, political leaders

Overall people tended to think that male and female politicians are equally good/bad at delivering various objectives. Among Britons who perceive there to be a difference between male and female politicians, they are more likely to think that male politicians are better at treating men fairly and benefiting the rich.

By contrast, the public is more likely to think female politicians are better at treating women fairly, treating those with LGBT+ identities fairly, benefiting the less advantaged, being honest and ethical, treating ethnic minorities fairly, respecting the climate, and spending taxpayers' money wisely. Men are more likely than women in Great Britain to say that men are better than women at delivering on all objectives.

Similarly, in a business context, the majority of the British public tends to think that male and female business leaders are equally good or bad at delivering various objectives.

Among those who perceive there to be a difference between male and female business leaders, they are more likely to think that male business leaders are better at treating men fairly and that female business leaders are better at treating women fairly, treating those with LGBT+ identities fairly, making sure the company/organization operates in an ethical way, and treating ethnic minorities fairly.

Most Britons have no preference in the gender of their political leaders, bosses

In line with the perceived performance between male and female leaders, the majority of Britons say they have no preference whether their political leader or boss is a man or a woman.

7 in 10 (69%) say they have no preference as to the gender of their political leader, with this opinion held more so by Baby Boomers than other generations (Baby Boomer 84% vs. Gen X 74%, Millennial 59%, Gen Z 56%).

Those with a preference are more likely to say they would prefer a man (17%) than a woman (12%), with preference linked to respondents' gender. Men are four times more likely than women in Great Britain to say they would prefer their political leader to be a man (28% vs. 7%). Women are similarly more likely than men to say they would prefer a woman as their political leader (19% vs. 5%).

Similarly, in a work context, the majority of the British public have no preference for the gender of their boss (61%), with seven in 10 (69%) saying they have experience working for both men and women bosses. Men are more likely than women to prefer a male boss (28% vs. 15%) and vice versa, with women more likely to prefer a female boss than men (23% vs. 9%). Gen Z is more likely than other generations to prefer a female boss (29%, compared to 18% of Millennials, 13% of Gen X, and 9% of Baby Boomers).

Professor Rosie Campbell, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, said, "That virtually half the British population think efforts to promote women's equality have gone far enough is a huge cause for concernparticularly given the trend is going in the wrong direction, with the public seemingly becoming more, rather than less, skeptical of the need to push for further progress."

"Indeed, as recently as 2019, only three in 10 thought we'd done enough on gender equality. Following the #MeToo movement and the greater focus we've seen on women's rights since, some may have a sense that most key battles have now been wonbut that couldn't be further from the truth. Despite the steps we've taken in recent years, there is still a long way to go."

"But while it's important to highlight and address negative trends in public opinion, we should also recognize the positivesand this data also provides some cause for optimism, with a slight rise, particularly among women, in the share of the public who identify as feminists, as well as 69% who say they wouldn't mind if political leaders in Britain were a man or a womanfar above the global country average of 57% across the 32 nations included in this study."

Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, said, "The findings of our research serve as a salutary reminder that the concept of gender equality in the workplace and its impact on our wider society is more complex than we sometimes think."

"While the boards of FTSE350 companies are now 42% female, more needs to be done to explain the practical benefits that a greater diversity of perspective can bring to business rather than taking it for granted that equality in the workplace will be universally welcomed as a good thing in itself."

"Gender equality can only become a reality if both men and women buy into the advantages of re-imagining the workplace so that it becomes more family-friendly for all, not a competition between genders, but our research found that a majority of men now believe gender equality has gone too far."

"This suggests there needs to be an ongoing national conversation about the practicalities of achieving true equality and how barriers to change can be broken down without alienating half of the population."

More information: Survey findings: www.kcl.ac.uk/giwl/assets/iwd-2024-survey.pdf
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Illustrations of the solar system context and encounter circumstances for 4544 Xanthus, 2009 JG2, 2016 FB12 and 2022 KN3. Credit: arXiv (2024). https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.00541

When it was first discovered in 2004, Apophis was identified as one of the most dangerous asteroids in that there was a risk that it could impact Earth. But that impact assessment changed over the years after astronomers tracked Apophis, also known as asteroid 99942, and its orbit became better determined, and it became clear that it was on course to miss our planet.

A new study led by Western astronomer Paul Wiegert posits what would happen if Apophis' orbit changed after a collision with another asteroid. Spoiler alert: it won't.

A near-Earth object (NEO), estimated to be about 335 meters across, Apophis is infamous for its upcoming close passes to Earth, expected in 2029 and 2036. (It's expected to pass within 37,399 kilometers on April 13, 2029 safely.)

While scientists have long since determined that the asteroid will miss the Earth safely on these occasions, Wiegert and collaborator Benjamin Hyatt from the University of Waterloo cautiously computed the paths of all 1.3 million known asteroids in the solar system to rule out the possibility that Apophis could strike another asteroid, redirecting its predicted path towards Earth.

Animation of closest encounters between Apophis and some known asteroids . Credit: University of Western Ontario

"We calculated the paths of all known asteroids using a detailed computer simulation of our solar system and the possibility of such an unlikely event was evaluated," said Wiegert, a physics & astronomy professor. "Fortunately, no such collisions are anticipated."

The findings, accepted by Planetary Science Journal, are available on the arXiv preprint server now.

"Given how closely Apophis will pass Earth, there is a possible risk that a deflection from its current trajectory may move Apophis closer to impacting us," said Hyatt, an undergraduate student at Waterloo who assisted with this research over two summers. "Hypothetically, another asteroid colliding with Apophis could cause such a deflection, motivating us to study this scenario however unlikely it may be."

Not-so-killer asteroid

The closest passages between known asteroids and Apophis were identified by Wiegert and Hyatt for future monitoring to maintain situational awareness and to refine their orbits, but the overall risk of Apophis colliding with a known asteroid is all but zero.

These images of asteroid Apophis were recorded by radio antennas at the Deep Space Networks Goldstone complex in California and the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia on March 26, 2021. The asteroid was 17 million kilometers way, and each pixel has a resolution of 38.75 meters. (NASA/JPL-Caltech and NSF/AUI/GBO)

"Asteroid Apophis has fascinated us as a species since its discovery in 2004: it was the first credible threat from an asteroid to our planet," said Wiegert, a member of the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. "Even now that we know it's on course to miss us by a safe margin, astronomers remain vigilant. It's the asteroid we just can't stop watching."

Apophis is named for the demon serpent, who personified evil and chaos in ancient Egyptian mythology.

More information: Paul Wiegert et al, Encounter circumstances of asteroid 99942 Apophis with the catalogue of known asteroids, arXiv (2024). arxiv.org/abs/2403.00541 Journal information: arXiv , The Planetary Science Journal
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MIT geologists determined the original orientation of many of the bedrock samples collected on Mars by the Perseverance rover, depicted in this image rendering. The findings can give scientists clues to the conditions in which the rocks originally formed. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

As it trundles around an ancient lakebed on Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover is assembling a one-of-a-kind rock collection. The car-sized explorer is methodically drilling into the Red Planet's surface and pulling out cores of bedrock that it's storing in sturdy titanium tubes. Scientists hope to one day return the tubes to Earth and analyze their contents for traces of embedded microbial life.

Since it touched down on the surface of Mars in 2021, the rover has filled 20 of its 43 tubes with cores of bedrock. Now, MIT geologists have remotely determined a crucial property of the rocks collected to date, which will help scientists answer key questions about the planet's past.

In a study published today (March 4) in the journal Earth and Space Science, an MIT team reports that they have determined the original orientation of most bedrock samples collected by the rover to date. By using the rover's own engineering data, such as the positioning of the vehicle and its drill, the scientists could estimate the orientation of each sample of bedrock before it was drilled out from the Martian ground.

The results represent the first time scientists have oriented samples of bedrock on another planet. The team's method can be applied to future samples that the rover collects as it expands its exploration outside the ancient basin. Piecing together the orientations of multiple rocks at various locations can then give scientists clues to the conditions on Mars in which the rocks originally formed.

Here, the Perseverance drills into the surface of Mars. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

"There are so many science questions that rely on being able to know the orientation of the samples we're bringing back from Mars," says study author Elias Mansbach, a graduate student in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

"The orientation of rocks can tell you something about any magnetic field that may have existed on the planet," adds Benjamin Weiss, professor of planetary sciences at MIT. "You can also study how water and lava flowed on the planet, the direction of the ancient wind, and tectonic processes, like what was uplifted and what sunk. So it's a dream to be able to orient bedrock on another planet, because it's going to open up so many scientific investigations."

Weiss and Mansbach's co-authors are Tanja Bosak and Jennifer Fentress at MIT, along with collaborators at multiple institutions including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech.

To sample bedrock, Perseverance corkscrews a tube-shaped drill into the ground at a perpendicular angle, then pulls the drill directly back out, along with any rock that it penetrates. This photo shows the Lefroy Bay core inside the coring bit of the Perseverance rover. Imaged with Mastcam-Z on sol 942. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

Profound shift

The Perseverance rover, nicknamed "Percy," is exploring the floor of Jezero Crater, a large impact crater layered with igneous rocks, which may have been deposited from past volcanic eruptions, as well as sedimentary rocks that likely formed from long-dried-out rivers that fed into the basin.

"Mars was once warm and wet, and there's a possibility there was life there at one time," Weiss says. "It's now cold and dry, and something profound must have happened on the planet."

Many scientists, including Weiss, suspect that Mars, like Earth, once harbored a magnetic field that shielded the planet from the sun's solar wind. Conditions then may have been favorable for water and life, at least for a time.

"Once that magnetic field went away, the sun's solar windthis plasma that boils off the sun and moves faster than the speed of soundjust slammed into Mars' atmosphere and may have removed it over billions of years," Weiss says. "We want to know what happened, and why."

The rocks beneath the Martian surface likely hold a record of the planet's ancient magnetic field. When rocks first form on a planet's surface, the direction of their magnetic minerals is set by the surrounding magnetic field. The orientation of rocks can thus help to retrace the direction and intensity of the planet's magnetic field and how it changed over time.

Since the Perseverance rover was collecting samples of bedrock, along with surface soil and air, as part of its exploratory mission, Weiss, who is a member of the rover's science team, and Mansbach looked for ways to determine the original orientation of the rover's bedrock samples as a first step toward reconstructing Mars' magnetic history.

"It was an amazing opportunity, but initially there was no mission requirement to orient bedrock," Mansbach notes.

To estimate a samples roll, the team took advantage of one of the rovers onboard cameras, which snaps an image of the surface where the drill is about to sample. Pictured is the Perseverance drill taken by the Perseverance. Imaged with Mastcam-Z on sol 499. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

Roll with it

Over several months, Mansbach and Weiss met with NASA engineers to hash out a plan for how to estimate the original orientation of each sample of bedrock before it was drilled out of the ground. The problem was a bit like predicting what direction a small circle of sheetcake is pointing, before twisting a round cookie cutter in to pull out a piece. Similarly, to sample bedrock, Perseverance corkscrews a tube-shaped drill into the ground at a perpendicular angle, then pulls the drill directly back out, along with any rock that it penetrates.

To estimate the orientation of the rock before it was drilled out of the ground, the team realized they need to measure three angles, the hade, azimuth, and roll, which are similar to the pitch, yaw, and roll of a boat. The hade is essentially the tilt of the sample, while the azimuth is the absolute direction the sample is pointing relative to true north. The roll refers to how much a sample must turn before returning to its original position.

In talking with engineers at NASA, the MIT geologists found that the three angles they required were related to measurements that the rover takes on its own in the course of its normal operations. They realized that to estimate a sample's hade and azimuth they could use the rover's measurements of the drill's orientation, as they could assume the tilt of the drill is parallel to any sample that it extracts.

To estimate a sample's roll, the team took advantage of one of the rover's onboard cameras, which snaps an image of the surface where the drill is about to sample. They reasoned that they could use any distinguishing features on the surface image to determine how much the sample would have to turn in order to return to its original orientation.

An image mosaic, taken by the rovers Mastcam-Z, shows a portion of the Jezero crater floor, where Perseverance drilled cores of Martian bedrock. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

An image mosaic, taken by the rovers Mastcam-Z, shows a region of the Jezero delta, where Perseverance drilled and collected cores. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

In cases where the surface bore no distinguishing features, the team used the rover's onboard laser to make a mark in the rock, in the shape of the letter "L," before drilling out a samplea move that was jokingly referred to at the time as the first graffiti on another planet.

By combining all the rover's positioning, orienting, and imaging data, the team estimated the original orientations of all 20 of the Martian bedrock samples collected so far, with a precision that is comparable to orienting rocks on Earth.

"We know the orientations to within 2.7 degrees uncertainty, which is better than what we can do with rocks in the Earth," Mansbach says. "We're working with engineers now to automate this orienting process so that it can be done with other samples in the future."

"The next phase will be the most exciting," Weiss says. "The rover will drive outside the crater to get the oldest known rocks on Mars, and it's an incredible opportunity to be able to orient these rocks, and hopefully uncover a lot of these ancient processes."

More information: Benjamin P. Weiss et al, Oriented Bedrock Samples Drilled by the Perseverance Rover on Mars, Earth and Space Science (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2023EA003322

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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Credit: Andrew Hanson from Pexels

A team of researchers from Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska Anchorage and, Northern Arizona University has found evidence that reductions in sea ice in the Arctic are helping white spruce trees move north and up mountainsides. In their study, published in the journal Science, the group compared tree-line spread in areas with reductions in sea ice and areas where little sea ice reduction has occurred.

Prior research has shown that when large bodies of water grow warmer during the summer, they tend to experience more evaporation as the winter months arrive. The result is more snow falling on nearby land. Prior research has also shown that some trees, such as white spruce, are better able to survive in extremely cold places when there is a lot of snow coverit shields the seedlings from the cold and wind.

In this new study, the researchers found that in parts of the Arctic where sea ice has been reduced due to climate change, water temperatures have been rising, leading to more snow falling in surrounding areas. That has led to encroachment of tree lines as seedlings fare better over the winter.

The researchers studied satellite images, comparing tree-line encroachment in areas near sea ice reductions with areas where there has been little change in sea ice. They also gathered data from 19 field sites over four years, hiking 1,500 miles. They found a pattern in which tree lines were encroaching near places where the sea ice has been retreating but not in other areas.

The researchers also found increased snow land near places where the sea ice has been retreating serves as a blanket on the ground. Everything below the blanket stays warmer through the long winter than it does in places with a thinner blanket. That allows microbes to decompose organic matter in the topsoil all winter long. And that in turn releases nutrients that feed seedlingsfurther helping them survive the winter.

The team concludes that as tree lines encroach, they cover more land with greenery, which absorbs heat, pushing the Arctic to grow warmer even faster.

More information: Roman J. Dial et al, Arctic sea ice retreat fuels boreal forest advance, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adh2339 Journal information: Science

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Credit: Sabrina J. Kainz

If you've driven the mostly flat stretch of I-25 in Colorado from Pueblo to Trinidad, you've seen them: the Spanish Peaks, twin mountains that soar into the sky out of nowhere, reaching altitudes of 13,628 and 12,701 feet above sea level.

In a new study, geologists from CU Boulder have laid out a timeline for the emergence of these majestic but isolated mountains. The team's findings could bring scientists closer to answering one of the most enduring puzzles in Colorado geology: What made Denver, the Mile High City, a mile high?

"For geologists, the big question is: Why are Colorado's High Plains so high?" said Sabrina Kainz, who led the research as an undergraduate student studying geology at CU Boulder.

The group published its findings in Lithosphere.

Colorado's craggy, snow-capped Rocky Mountains attract tourists and more. But for researchers like Kainz and CU Boulder geologist Lon Abbott, the High Plains that extend over much of eastern Coloradothe territory of tumbleweeds and prairie dogsmay be even more interesting.

Abbott explained that the world's highest places tend to be that way because of squishing and squeezing from tectonic platesgiant pieces of Earth's crust that slam together, crumpling up land masses and raising entire mountain ranges. But Colorado's High Plains, which are dominated by sedimentary rocks, aren't crumpled at all. They're one tall, flat stack of geological pancakes.

"The Colorado High Plains are anomalous, really, in the entire world," said Abbott, co-author of the study and teaching professor in the Department of Geological Sciences. "They're not formed the way that mountains are typically formed."

To get nearer to solving the mystery of the plains, the researchers collected and analyzed rocks from the Spanish Peaks east to Two Buttes, a geologic formation near the Kansas border.

They found that the rocks forming the Spanish Peaks injected into the crust below Colorado as magma around 24 million years ago, but remained miles underground until about 17 million years ago. What happened to bring them to the surface remains a mystery.

"We can answer when the plains around the Spanish Peaks got so high," Kainz said. "The 'why' of the matter is a little more complicated."

Colorado landmark

The Spanish Peaks have long been an important monument for generations of people who have called southern Colorado home.

The indigenous Comanche people referred to these formations as "Wahatoya," which means "Double Mountain." In the early 1800s, travelers following the Santa Fe Trail, which joined Missouri to what is now the southwestern U.S., formerly the northern reaches of New Spain and then Mexico, used the peaks as a landmark.

Geologic map of the Spanish Peaks-Two Buttes study area with sample locations marked. Labels list the sample inferred crystallization ages and the new AHe results from this study. Eight samples have their intrusive ages constrained by 40Ar/39Ar data from Penn and Lindsay [35]. The Two Buttes sample has been K-Ar dated [37], and we additionally report new ZHe data for this sample that confirms its late Eocene crystallization age. (a) Regional geologic map showing the distribution of our 10 Cenozoic intrusive samples along a ~200 km west-to-east transect across southeastern Colorado. (b) South-central Colorado geologic map showing the Spanish Peaks and Apishapa Dikes. WM, Wet Mountains; GHM, Greenhorn Mountain ash flow; SDC, Sangre de Cristo Mountains; WSP, West Spanish Peak; ESP, East Spanish Peak. Credit: Lithosphere (2024). DOI: 10.2113/2023/lithosphere_2023_310

"They would spend weeks and weeks traveling in their wagons on the plains," said Abbott, whose book "Geology Underfoot Along Colorado's Front Range" is a primer for the state's rockhounds. "Then, all of a sudden, they'd see those mountains, and they knew they were getting close."

In 1913, hundreds of coal miners striking against the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company set up a tent camp not far from the mountainsa prelude to the Ludlow Massacre of 1914, which remains among the nation's deadliest labor disputes.

The peaks have always been a bit mysterious. They are as tall as many of the Rocky Mountain summits to the west, but the Spanish Peaks formed at a different time and from completely different rocks.

For Kainz, now a doctoral student at the University of Washington in Seattle, getting to study those features as an undergrad was a dream come true. She began the project at the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020 and spent hours crammed into cars with dozens of rock samples.

The team included Rebecca Flowers, professor of geological sciences; undergraduate geology student Skye Fernandez; James Metcalf, manager of the Thermochronology Research and Instrumentation Laboratory (TRaIL); and Aidan Olsson, then a student at Fairview High School in Boulder, now studying biology at CU Boulder.

The project hinged on an approach called thermochronology. Kainz noted that small chemical changes in the crystals within many rocks can give geologists clues about how hot or cold those samples were millions of years ago. Rocks buried deep below the Earth tend to be hotter than those closer to the surface.

More than a mile high

According to the team's results, the Spanish Peaks first formed when magma welled up from deep within Earth's crust but didn't quite break through to the surface.

Then, something happened. In a very short span of time, geologically speaking, huge tracks of land in southeastern Colorado vanished. Between roughly 18 and 14 million years ago, more than a mile of sedimentary rocks around the Spanish Peaks eroded away, then were swept into the Arkansas River.

The researchers suspect that as-of-yet-unidentified geologic forces were pushing up southeastern Colorado from belowexposing previously underground rocks to rain and flowing water.

Abbott and his colleagues are now exploring how this disturbance may have fit into the broader evolution of Colorado's plains. Their preliminary data, for example, suggests that the flat lands around what is now Denver may not have experienced similar upheaval at the same time.

But the study makes one thing clear: Colorado's High Plains have long been something to behold.

"As high as the High Plains are today, they used to be a lot higher," Kainz said. "They were as high as the Rocky Mountains are today."

More information: Sabrina J. Kainz et al, Cenozoic Exhumation Across the High Plains of Southeastern Colorado from (U-Th)/He Thermochronology, Lithosphere (2024). DOI: 10.2113/2023/lithosphere_2023_310
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Lala Lallia Star Dune in Erg Chebbi, Morocco. Credit: Prof. C Bristow

Scientists have solved the mysterious absence of star-shaped dunes from Earth's geological history for the first time, dating one back thousands of years.

The study by Aberystwyth University, Birkbeck and UCL academics is the first to date how long it took a star dune to form and examine its internal structure.

Star dunes are massive sand dunes that owe their name to arms that spread from a central peak. These sand pyramids, which look like stars when viewed from above, are widespread in modern deserts including sand seas in Africa, Arabia, China, and North America.

The research reveals the oldest parts of the base of the Moroccan dune are 13,000 years old. However, the discovery that it formed rapidly in the last thousand years surprised scientists who had thought larger dunes were far older.

Believed to be the tallest dunes on Earthwith one in the Badain Jaran Desert in China reaching 300 meters highstar dunes are also found elsewhere in the solar system, on Mars and on Saturn's moon Titan.

Despite being common today, star dunes have almost never been found in the geological record. Their absence has bemused scientists as past deserts are a common part of the history of Earth, preserved in rocks deep underground.

Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the new study dated the foundations of a star dune in the southeast of Morocco known as Lala Lallia, meaning "highest sacred point" in the Berber language, to about 13,000 years old.

The dune sits in the Erg Chebbi area of the Sahara Desert close to the border with Algeria, an area featured in TV series like SAS Rogue Heroes and blockbuster films such as The Mummy and Sahara.

Satellite image of Lala Lallia star dune from Google Earth 2023 Maxar Technologies with the dune crests marked by dashed lines, the GPR profiles as solid lines, and numbered circles indicating sample locations. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53485-3

The research shows that the sand pyramid reached its current 100-meter height and 700-meter width due to rapid growth in the past thousand years as it shifted slowly to the west.

Professor Geoff Duller, from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University, said, "This research is really the case of the missing sand duneit had been a mystery why we could not see them in the geological record. It's only because of new technology that we can now start to uncover their secrets.

"These findings will probably surprise a lot of people as we can see how quickly this enormous dune formed, and that it is moving across the desert at about 50 cm a year. These fantastic star dunes are one of the natural wonders of the world."

Professor Charlie Bristow of Birkbeck and UCL added, "Using ground penetrating radar to look inside this star dune has allowed us to show how these immense dunes form, and to develop a new model so geologists know better what to look for in the rock record to identify these amazing desert features."

The scientists' breakthrough research suggests the star dune formed at around the same time as the Younger Dryas event, an abrupt cooling period in Earth's history. It also reveals that the dune stopped growing for a period of 8,000 years.

Pottery found at the site also suggests wetter conditions, perhaps an enlarged monsoon, that stabilized the dune before the onset of a great drought.

The study used luminescence dating techniques developed at Aberystwyth University to discover the last time minerals in the sand were exposed to sunlight to determine their age.

Professor Duller of Aberystwyth University added, "It's quite a privilege to think that the luminescence dating techniques developed here in Aberystwyth are unlocking some of the secrets of the most challenging climates in the world. They are giving us an insight into geology that could have wider implications including geological deposits that are used for water resources and storing carbon."

Professor Duller's latest discovery uses the same luminescent dating technique he used to discover the oldest wooden structure in the worldresearch published in the journal Nature last year.

More information: C. S. Bristow et al, Structure and chronology of a star dune at Erg Chebbi, Morocco, reveals why star dunes are rarely recognised in the rock record, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53485-3 Journal information: Scientific Reports , Nature
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As the Arctic warms rapidly, cloudy meltwater pours into its numerous fjords, obscuring sunlight and posing uncertainties for marine life in the far north. This image, taken using an aerial drone in a remote fjord in northeast Greenland, shows scientists onboard a 10 m-long research vessel sampling a meltwater runoff plume. Credit: Karl Attard, University of Southern Denmark

Over the past 25 years, the amount of summer Arctic sea ice has diminished by more than 1 million square kilometers. As a result, vast areas of the Arctic Ocean are now, on average, ice-free in summer. Scientists are closely monitoring how this impacts sunlight availability and marine ecosystems in the far north.

"Many questions arise when such large areas become ice-free and can receive sunlight. A prevailing paradigm suggests that the Arctic Ocean is rapidly becoming more productive as sunlight becomes more abundant in the marine environment. However, it is unclear how ecosystems will evolve in response to increasing sunlight availability and how different components will be affected," says Karl Attard, a marine scientist and Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark.

Attard has led an international research team investigating sunlight availability and photosynthetic production on the understudied Arctic seafloor. Their study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The research team focused on the vast shelf regions of the Arctic Ocean; portions of the seafloor that are relatively shallow, rarely exceeding 200 meters in depth. These vast regions, accounting for around half of the Arctic Ocean area, make it particularly interesting to study how seafloor ecosystems respond as sea ice continues to diminish.

Scientists investigate marine life beneath cloudy meltwater plumes in Northeast Greenland. Credit: Karl Attard, University of Southern Denmark

Sunlight is a crucial energy source for life forms that grow through photosynthesis; they require water, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and sunlight. Scientists refer to these organisms as primary producers, and they thrive within the sea ice, within the water column, and on the seafloor. These organisms serve as the foundation for a broader food web in the ocean, supporting commercially important fisheries and large predators like polar bears. The main primary producers on the seafloor are microalgae, seaweeds, and seagrasses.

"It might seem reasonable to assume that the abundance of primary producers on the seafloor in the shallower regions of the Arctic Ocean would increase as more sunlight reaches the bottom. In fact, our research suggests that since 2003, the seafloor area exposed to sunlight has been increasing rapidly at around 47,000 square kilometers per year. Curiously, however, we do not see an increase in the total amount of sunlight reaching the Arctic seafloor," says Karl Attard, referring to the research team's models based on 20 years of satellite data from the Arctic Ocean.

This surprising result is seemingly due to water transparency, which has decreased in many parts of the Arctic Ocean.

Left map: Positive trends (>0) indicate more cloudy waters. Negative trends (<0) indicate less cloudy waters. Right map: Positive trends (>0) indicate more seafloor primary production. Negative trends (<0) indicate less seafloor primary production. Credit: Karl Attard, University of Southern Denmark

"Sunlight reaching the ice-free ocean is rapidly absorbed by phytoplankton, sediments, and dissolved substances in the water, preventing much of the sun's rays from reaching the seafloor. Our models predict increases in primary production in some regions but not in others, even though all these regions are now ice-free and receive sunlight at the ocean surface," explains Karl Attard.

The explanation for the murky water lies in the fact that the Arctic Ocean is surrounded by land, and some of the world's largest rivers flow into it. With the river water comes numerous particles from the catchment areas through which the rivers pass, and these particles can cloud significant portions of the Arctic Ocean.

These rivers originate as far away as Mongolia or central North America, carrying substantial amounts of particles with them when they flow into the Arctic Ocean. The river water also contains dissolved molecules which color the water and absorb sunlight.

Arctic Ocean seafloor microalgae. Credit: Amalia Al Habahbeh

In the researchers' models, there are regional variations in the amount of biomass produced at the bottom of the new ice-free areas. The models indicate an increase in primary production in several places along Greenland and Canada's extensive coastlines. Conversely, there is a decline in primary production on much of the Russian continental shelf.

"The question then arises: why does sunlight availability and primary production increase in some areas while diminishing in others? Unfortunately, our models do not provide a clear answer as to what specifically is driving this change, and obtaining this information necessitates investigating individual regions and validating our models with more observational data," says Karl Attard.

"The latest models suggest that seaweeds and eelgrass will establish themselves on the shallow coastal seafloor and will expand into the Arctic Ocean as the ice further diminishes and water temperature increases. Here too, more observations are needed to test the uncertainties in the model."

Traditionally, eelgrass and seaweeds struggle in ice-filled waters because the ice reduces sunlight availability and grinds and damages their tissues. However, in increasingly ice-free waters, extensive fields of underwater vegetation may emerge, serving as habitats for fish fry and other organisms.

Arctic Ocean seagrass meadows. Credit: Peter Bondo Christensen

Arctic Ocean seaweed forest. Credit: Ignacio Garrido

The primary production calculated by the researchers for the Arctic Ocean seafloor is only a part of the total marine primary production, which also occurs in the water column and within sea ice.

"We have for the first time estimated seafloor primary production by microalgae, eelgrass, and seaweeds, and it is significant. We estimate that it is four times larger than the production in sea ice, which has received greater attention and is better represented within our understanding of Arctic ecosystems. Including all components of marine primary production is crucial for understanding what is happening within Arctic Ocean ecosystems," says Karl Attard.

The Arctic Ocean has been undergoing rapid environmental change over the past decades, and he expects these transformations to continue.

"Our study suggests that the impacts of climate change on sunlight availability and primary production in the Arctic Ocean are complex. Additionally, as the Arctic Ocean continues to warm, we may witness more species migrating from lower latitudes, potentially leading to a more productive marine environment than what exists todayat the cost of losing what is special for the Arctic," he says.
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Morphological characterization and isolation optimization for turtle liver organoids. Culture protocol and characterization of turtle liver organoids. a Minimal workflow to isolate and culture turtle organoids, from tissue collection, mincing, washing, plating, and incubating the turtle liver tissue. b, c Light microscopy images of organoids derived from the liver of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), as well as embryonic, hatchling, and adult painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) at 5X (b) and 10X (c) magnification. Scale bars are in m. Created using Biorender.com. Credit: Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05818-1

At a Biotechnology Council event a few years ago, Nicole Valenzuela's ears perked up when she heard what a group of researchers in Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine had in the works: a method for creating a lab-grown, simplified mimic of dog intestines.

"I told them, 'Oh! I want to do that, but with turtles. Is it doable?'" said Nicole Valenzuela, professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State.

It is indeed doable, new research from a team led by Valenzuela shows. The three-dimensional clusters grown from adult stem cells are called organoids and are designed to assist in research. In a paper published in Communications Biology, Valenzuela and her colleagues describe their creation of organoids that mimic a liver from three species of turtles. It's the first set of organoids developed for turtles and only the second for any reptile.

Studying turtle genetics with a liver organoid should speed up research to uncover the cause of turtle traits that could potentially have medical applications for humansthe ability of painted turtles to survive weeks without oxygen and withstand extreme cold, for instance.

"Some of their unique adaptations make painted turtles an interesting model for biomedicine. But they remain understudied because it's difficult work to do. The idea here is to eliminate that bottleneck," Valenzuela said.

Benefits of organoids

Valenzuela has been researching turtles for more than three decades, drawn to study these animals because of their temperature-dependent sex determination. In many turtles, colder eggs are more likely to produce males, while a warmer nest brings more females.

In studying the genetic causes of traits, biologists eventually need to validate their findings to confirm a gene is functioning as suspected. That requires manipulating those genes, which is a challenge with turtles because they reproduce seasonally and mature slowly, Valenzuela said.

"It's easy when you're working with fruit flies or flatworms, but doing transgenic experiments on turtles is pretty much impossible," she said.

That's part of why researchers are increasingly developing organoids, she said. The species- and organ-specific mimics expand the range for modern gene editing, allowing scientists to devote more attention to animals that are promising research targets but challenging to study.

"From a single chunk of tissue, you can have an unlimited source of experiment subjects and don't have to sample animals constantly. Organoids are an important technology for reducing live animal research," Valenzuela said.

Tweaking the recipe

Valenzuela's team built their process on the methods used by the research group in the College of Veterinary Medicine, whose work on organoids included a canine intestinal model for testing drug absorption rates. The leads on the canine intestine projectKarin Allenspach and Jon Mochel, now at the University of Georgiaalso were part of the turtle organoid project. Recent ISU doctoral graduate Christopher Zdyrski was the first author of the turtle organoid paper.

Organoids are made by culturing a tissue sample in a solution that stimulates the production of stem cells, the special cells within a body responsible for repair and growth. Given the right fuel, turtle liver stem cells start making turtle liver cells. The microscopic ball of cells is hollow at first but less so as cells accumulate, Valenzuela said. A three-dimensional cluster is better than a flat layer of single cells at mimicking the complexity of actual tissue, even if not fully.

Valenzuela said her team chose to focus first on the liver because it plays a critical role in helping turtles survive extreme cold and oxygen deprivation. The liver produces proteins and enzymes to boost cellular defenses against freezing and provides the small amount of energy a turtle needs for anaerobic metabolism to survive without oxygen, using their shells and bones to manage the resulting lactic acid build-up.

Applying a process designed for dog intestines to a different organ in a different animal took some modification but not necessarily an overhaul, similar to swapping out ingredients in a recipe, she said.

"All of the discovery is in developing those protocols and in characterizing how similar the organoids are to the original liver tissue," she said.

What's next

Organoids generated by Valenzuela's team came from samples collected in Iowa from juvenile spiny softshell and snapping turtles as well as juvenile, adult, and embryonic painted turtles. Seeing success across multiple species and developmental stages suggests the techniques could be replicated broadly, she said.

Valenzuela's group is already at work on creating organoids from turtle gonads, to further investigate the underlying causes of sex determination. They're also hoping to study oxygen deprivation and resistance to cold using the novel turtle liver organoids.

But given the lack of genomic tools for studying reptilesthe only other known reptilian organoid is from snake venom glands, the researchers reported in their paperValenzuela is optimistic that her team's work will be used by herpetologists to expand their research.

"That's the hope, that other scientists adopt these protocols to study other reptiles," she said.

More information: Christopher Zdyrski et al, Establishment and characterization of turtle liver organoids provides a potential model to decode their unique adaptations, Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05818-1 Journal information: Communications Biology
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These images are the results of a subretinal injection. Left is the image of the injection site in the retina, the green box indicates the plane in which the right image was taken. Right is the immunofluorescence image of the retina section, with green indicating transfected cells and purple indicating all cell nuclei. Credit: Oregon State University

Researchers who work with tiny drug carriers known as lipid nanoparticles have developed a new type of material capable of reaching the lungs and the eyes, an important step toward genetic therapy for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss.

Findings of the study led by Gaurav Sahay and Yulia Eygeris of the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and Renee Ryals of Oregon Health & Science University were published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Unlike other types of lipid nanoparticles that tend to accumulate in the liver, the ones in this study, based on the compound thiophene, are able to navigate their way to the tissues of the lungs and retina, where they deliver their therapeutic payload. The researchers refer to these new lipids as Thio-lipids.

The collaboration demonstrated, by using animal models, the possibility of using Thio-lipids in lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA, the technology underpinning COVID-19 vaccines, to combat genetic blindness and pulmonary disease.

"These nanoparticles filled with fatty lipids can encapsulate genetic medicines like mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editors, which can be used to treat and even cure rare genetic diseases," said Eygeris, a senior research associate at OSU. "Chemical structures of the lipids determine how potent are the lipid nanoparticles and which organ they can reach from the bloodstream."

Lipids are organic compounds containing fatty tails and are found in many natural oils and waxes, and nanoparticles are tiny pieces of material ranging in size from one- to 100-billionths of a meter. Messenger RNA delivers instructions to cells for making a particular protein.

With the coronavirus vaccines, the mRNA carried by the lipid nanoparticles instructs cells to make a harmless piece of the virus' spike protein, which triggers an immune response from the body.

As a therapy for vision impairment resulting from inherited retinal degeneration, the mRNA would instruct cells in the retinawhich don't work right because of a genetic mutationto manufacture the proteins needed for sight. Inherited retinal degeneration, commonly abbreviated to IRD, encompasses a group of disorders of varying severity and prevalence that affect one out of every few thousand people worldwide.

An example of a genetic pulmonary condition is cystic fibrosis, a progressive disorder that results in persistent lung infection and affects 30,000 people in the U.S., with about 1,000 new cases identified every year.

One faulty genethe cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTRcauses the disease, which is characterized by lung dehydration and mucus buildup that blocks the airway.

The thiophene-based lipid nanoparticle study, which involved mice and non-human primates, stems from a project to address limitations associated with the current primary means of delivery for gene editing: a type of virus known as adeno-associated virus, or AAV.

"AAV has limited packaging capacity compared to lipid nanoparticles and it can prompt an immune system response," said Sahay, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences. "It also doesn't do fantastically well in continuing to express the enzymes the editing tool uses as molecular scissors to make cuts in the DNA to be edited."

Sahay calls the Thio-lipid findings "highly encouraging" but says more studies are needed, including research on the lipids' long-term impact on retinal health.

"But we think our results serve as a proof of concept and we will continue to explore Thio-lipids in potential treatments of pulmonary and retinal genetic diseases," he said.

Other OSU College of Pharmacy researchers contributing to the study were Mohit Gupta, Jeonghwan Kim, Antony Jozic, Milan Gautam, Jonas Renner, Dylan Nelson and Elissa Bloom.

More information: Yulia Eygeris et al, Thiophene-based lipids for mRNA delivery to pulmonary and retinal tissues, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307813120
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A look at the Apollo 12 landing site. Astronaut Alan Bean is shown working near the Modular Equipment Stowage Assembly (MESA) on the Apollo 12 Lunar Module (LM) during the missions first extravehicular activity (EVA) on Nov. 19, 1969. Credit: NASA

Before the end of this decade, NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo Era. But this time, through the Artemis Program, it won't be a "footprints and flags" affair.

With other space agencies and commercial partners, the long-term aim is to create the infrastructure that will allow for a "sustained program of lunar exploration and development." If all goes according to plan, multiple space agencies will have established bases around the South Pole-Aitken Basin, which will pave the way for lunar industries and tourism.

For humans to live, work, and conduct various activities on the moon, strategies are needed to deal with all the hazardsnot the least of which is the lunar regolith (or "moondust"). As the Apollo astronauts learned, moondust is jagged, sticks to everything, and can cause significant wear on astronaut suits, equipment, vehicles, and health.

In a new study by a team of Texas A&M engineers, regolith also poses a collision hazard when kicked up by rocket plumes. Given the many spacecraft and landers that will be delivering crews and cargo to the moon in the near future, this is one hazard that merits close attention.

The study was conducted by Shah Akib Sarwar and Zohaib Hasnain, a Ph.D. Student and an Assistant Professor (respectively) with the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. For their study, Sarwar and Hasnain investigated particle-particle collisions for lunar regolith using the "soft sphere" method, where Newton's equations of motion and a contact force model are integrated to study how particles will collide and overlap.

This sets it apart from the "hard sphere" method, which models particles in the context of fluids and solids.

While lunar regolith ranges from tiny particles to large rocks, the main component of "moondust" is fine, silicate minerals with an average size of 70 microns. These were created over billions of years as the airless moon's airless surface was struck by meteors and asteroids that pounded much of the lunar crust into a fine powder.

The absence of an atmosphere also meant that erosion by wind and water (common here on Earth) was absent. Lastly, constant exposure to solar wind has left lunar regolith electrostatically charged, which means it adheres to anything it touches.

When the Apollo astronauts ventured to the moon, they reported having problems with regolith that would stick to their suits and get tracked back into their lunar modules. Once inside their vehicles, it would adhere to everything and became a health hazard, causing eye irritation and respiratory difficulties.

But with the Artemis missions on the horizon and the planned infrastructure it will entail, there's the issue of how spacecraft (during take-off- and landing) will cause regolith to get kicked up in large quantities and accelerated to high speeds.

As Sarwar related to Universe Today via email, this is one of the key ways lunar regolith will be a major challenge for regular human activities on the moon:

"During a retro-propulsive soft landing on the moon, supersonic/hypersonic rocket exhaust plumes can eject a large quantity (1081015 particles/m3 seen in Apollo missions) of loose regolith from the upper soil layer."

"Due to plume-generated forcesdrag, lift, etc.the ejecta can travel at very high speeds (up to 2 km/s). The spray can harm the spacecraft and nearby equipment. It can also block the view of the landing area, disrupt sensors, clog mechanical elements, and degrade optical surfaces or solar panels through contamination."

Data acquired from the Apollo missions served as a touchstone for Sarwar and Hasnain, which included how ejecta from the exhaust plume from the Apollo 12 Lunar Module (LM) damaged the Surveyor 3 spacecraft, located 160 meters (525 ft) away. This uncrewed vehicle had been sent to explore the Mare Cognitum region in 1967 and characterize lunar soil in advance of crewed missions.

Surveyor 3 was also used as a landing target site for Apollo 12 and was visited by astronauts Pete Conrad and Alan Bean in November 1969.

The damage was mitigated by the fact that Surveyor 3 was sitting in a crater below the landing site of the Apollo 12 LM. Another example is the Apollo 15 mission that landed in the HadleyApennine region in 1971. During the LM's descent, astronauts David R. Scott and James B. Irwin could not see the landing site because their exhaust plume had created a thick cloud of regolith above it.

This forced the crew to select a new landing site on the rim of Bela, an elongated crater to the east of the region. The LM could not achieve a balanced footing at this site and tilted backward 11 degrees before stabilizing itself.

Research conducted since these missions took place led to the conclusion that collisions between regolith particles likely caused the scattering. As Sarwar indicated, these examples illustrate how disturbed regolith can become a hazard, especially where other spacecraft and facilities are positioned nearby:

"The above two examples from the Apollo era were not severe enough to jeopardize mission success. But future Artemis (and CLPS) missions will take place on the lunar south pole, where the soil is assumed to be significantly more porous/weak than the equatorial and mid-latitude Apollo landing regions."

"Also, Artemis landers are expected to deliver much larger payloads than Apollo and therefore require more thrust to slow down. As a result, deep cratering can happen (not seen in Apollo) due to rocket exhaust plumes and blow the regolith at much higher angles than those seen previously (~1-3 degrees above ground)."

In accordance with the long-term goals of the Artemis Program, NASA plans to build infrastructure around the southern polar region to allow for a "sustained program of lunar exploration and development." This includes the Artemis Base Camp, consisting of a foundation surface habitat, a habitable mobility platform, a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV), and the Lunar Gateway in orbit.

"As such, protecting humans, structures, or nearby spacecraft from the hazards of lunar regolith particles is of paramount concern," said Sarwar.

Similar research has shown how clouds of regolith caused by landing and take-off could also pose a hazard to the safe operation of the Lunar Gateway and lunar orbiters. These threats have driven considerable research into how lunar dust can be mitigated during future missions. As noted, Sarwar and Hasnain used the soft sphere method to evaluate the risks posed by particle-particle collisions:

"In this method, adjacent particles are allowed to overlap each other by a tiny amount, which is taken as an indirect measure of the deformation expected in a real particle-particle collision. This overlap value, along with relevant material properties of lunar regolith, is then used in a spring-dashpot-friction slider representation to calculate forces in each collision event. The inelasticity involved in a collision is varied from completely inelastic to highly elastic."

"Our results reveal that highly elastic collisions between relatively large regolith grains (~100 microns) cause a significant portion of them to eject at large angles (some can fly out at ~90 degrees). The rest of the grains are, however, contained in a small-angle region (<3 degrees) along the groundwhich is in line with the visible regolith sheet observed during the Apollo missions."

In terms of safeguards, Sarwar and Hasnain suggest that berms or fences around a landing zone are a way to mitigate ejecta sprays. However, as their research suggests, a certain percentage of regolith particles may scatter at large angles due to collisions, making berns or fencing insufficient.

"A better solution for future Artemis missions would be to build a landing pad," said Sarwar. "In this regard, a multi-organization team with personnel from both academia (including Dr. Hasnain) and industry is working on developing the in-Flight Alumina Spray Technique, or FAST landing pads."

The FAST method envisions lunar landers equipped with alumina particles that are ejected during landing maneuvers. They are then liquefied by engine plumes to create molten aluminum on the lunar surface, which cools and solidifies to create a stable landing surface. NASA has also investigated how landing pads could be built using sintering technology, where regolith is blasted with microwaves to create molten ceramics that harden on contact with space.

Another idea is to build landing pads with blast walls to contain ejected regolith, which the Texas-based construction company ICON included in their Lunar Lantern habitat concept.

Alas, experimental investigations concerning lunar regolith are very difficult because lunar conditions are vastly different than those on Earth. This includes the lower gravity (roughly 16.5% of Earth's), the vacuum environment, and the extreme temperature variations. Hence why, researchers are forced to rely heavily on numerical modeling, which typically focuses on plume forces and largely ignores the role of particle collisions. But as Sanwar noted, their research offers valuable insight and illustrates why it is important to consider this often-overlooked phenomenon when planning future lunar missions:

"[However,] our research on particle collisions has shown that this is a very important phenomenon to consider for accurate regolith trajectory prediction and, therefore, must be included. There are still a lot of challenges remaining in this area, such as a lack of knowledge on regolith particle restitution coefficient (which determines energy loss in a collision), effects of regolith size distribution, implications of turbulent plumes, etc."

"We hope to elucidate some of these uncertainties in the future and contribute towards a more comprehensive lunar PSI model for safer Artemis lunar landings."

The findings are published in Acta Astronautica.

More information: Shah Akib Sarwar et al, Investigating collision effects on lunar soil particles ejected under rocket plumes, Acta Astronautica (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.02.014
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Paleogeographic reconstructions through the Cenozoic (last 66 million years) and cross sections of mantle density anomalies. Upper line in each right panel shows dynamic topography, while triangles indicate the change relative to previous time step and therefore shows uplift and subsidence. Black arrows show mantle velocities while the main blue zone represents subduction underneath the Tethys Sea and orange is uplift under Eurasia. Credit: Straume et al. 2024.

Continental drift is a concept familiar to many, referencing the movement of Earth's continents due to shifting tectonic plates over millions of years, splitting one globe-spanning supercontinent into the configuration we see today. Alongside this there have been smaller land mass movements that have opened seaways, affecting ocean circulation patterns and climate.

One such occurrence during the Paleogene (66 to ~23 million years ago, Ma) led to an oceanic connection from the Neotethys Ocean, situated north of India and Australia, to the polar Arctic Ocean. This significant shallow ocean seaway is known as the West Siberian Seaway.

The mechanisms by which this seaway formed are the focus of new research, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Dr. Eivind Straume, of NORCE Norwegian Research Center AS and the Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Norway, and colleagues turned to the influence of Earth's mantle to investigate how its flow and forces resulting in surface topography (known as dynamic topography) impacted the seaway's evolution and the paleoenvironmental implications of this.

Credit: Dr. Straume

Dr. Straume explains the significance of this project and what initially sparked the team's interest in the connection: "I am interested in the link between topographic evolution and climatic changes, especially the consequences of opening and closing strategic oceanic gateways.

"Exploring the link to deep Earth, which we do here, is perhaps what intrigued me the most with this project. It highlights how some of the postulated interactions between the interior Earth, solid surface, and ocean/atmosphere are increasingly becoming accessible to quantitative exploration.

"The findings of this paper show that the dynamics of the Earth's interior could have influenced the surface elevation in places where it likely contributed to changes in ocean circulation, biogeography and climate. Past changes in topography, and the mechanisms that cause such changes, are important in order to understand climatic changes on geological time scales (over millions of years)."

To do so, Dr. Straume digitized paleogeographic maps and other available data of Eurasia, Arabia and North Africa to generate digital elevation models of past topography, comparing these to new models of dynamic topography formation during the same time interval. Additionally, the team inputted field sedimentological data to constrain West Siberian Seaway boundaries, as well as biological data to indicate the migration of species across landmasses, thus signifying when the seaway was open or closed.

Exploring the process in more detail, Dr. Straume reveals how the team was able to reconstruct topography on geological timescales: "The maps are digitized separately for each of the tectonic plates we focused on in this study, based on Tectono-Sedimentary-Palinspastic maps and other available data.

"The outlines of each geological unit were drawn manually, creating individual polygons for each unit for each geological time slice. Subsequently, we assigned elevations to the units, merged them into a grid spanning the region of interest, and modeled the changes in between times where we do not have data. The maps are relatively accurate on larger scales, however, there are considerable uncertainties regionally in both time and space which we attempted to minimize by also considering other data, and the tectonic and geodynamic setting."

Reconstructions show Eurasia was covered by a shallow seaway in the Eocene (5633.9 Ma), while Arabia was also flooded by an epicontinental (inland) sea at this time until it emerged to become terrestrial by Late Miocene (~11.6 Ma). The collision of Eurasia and Arabia ultimately led to the closure of the Tethys Seaway ~20 Ma, a deep passage that linked the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. Modern ocean circulation patterns stem from this closure, affecting the transfer of heat, nutrients and water masses within and across ocean basins from the equator to the poles.

"The closure of the Tethys Seaway was important for ocean circulation in the sense that it limited transport from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean, which could influence the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and thereby impact climate globally," Dr. Straume says.

"Had it not closed, the overturing in the Atlantic could have been weaker than it is today. Additionally, it likely had some impact on the development of modern-like Asian monsoons. The closure also formed a land bridge that mammals walked across, playing a role in their biogeographic dispersal across Northern Africa, Arabia and Eurasia."

Paleogeographic reconstructions (land in gray, water in light beige) during the Eocene (56  33.9 million years ago) overlain with negative dynamic topography anomalies. Right panel shows topography of seaways (West Siberian Sea and Turgai Strait) with depth changes indicating opening and closing through the Cenozoic (last 66 million years). Credit: Straume et al. 2024.

Dr. Straume and colleagues investigated the role of mantle convection to explain these changes by using present-day measurements from seismic tomography (imaging Earth's interior using seismic waves from earthquakes and explosions) and velocities of lithospheric plate movements. These were then used to 'work backwards' and determine density anomalies in the mantle through time, which could be linked to dynamic topography.

The research team suggests there is a good confidence level for mantle reconstructions through the Cenozoic, but this decreases back in geological time and so constrains the use of this technique further into the Phanerozoic eon and beyond.

Dr. Straume suggests, "The confidence level for the mantle reconstructions and corresponding paleo-dynamic topography decreases rapidly back in time. It is hard to provide a quantitative measure of this uncertainty, but generally anything before ~60 Ma is not very reliable. The mantle density becomes more layered, and flow speeds decrease further back in time. In addition, regions that today experience active upwelling/mantle plume may become unreliable sooner because the backward advection does not account for how long this has been active."

However, the scientists did find a distinct correlation between dynamic topography events and paleogeographic changes in the West Siberian Seaway, as well as Eurasia, with negative paleo-dynamic topography anomalies compared to modern dynamic topographies.

The Eurasian West Siberian Sea is modeled to have been up to 800 m lower during the Eocene compared to present day. This indicates the role mantle convection may have played in transforming Earth's marine and terrestrial landscapes, with upwelling beneath Eurasia and subduction beneath the Tethys Sea. They further explored the role of eustacy, sea level change due to uplift or subsidence of land, to explain the opening of the West Siberian Seaway, but determined that this could not have acted alone to produce the seaway.

Understanding the opening and closing of ancient seaways is important due to the implications for oceanography and the biogeographical dispersal of organisms both in the ocean and across land masses.

Changes in ocean circulation patterns may have had significant consequences for the transport of heat from the tropics to poles during one of the warmest periods of the last 66 million years, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, and an open West Siberian Seaway could have contributed to this heat transport at the time.

More information: Eivind O. Straume et al, Impact of mantle convection and dynamic topography on the Cenozoic paleogeography of Central Eurasia and the West Siberian Seaway, Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118615 Journal information: Earth and Planetary Science Letters

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

When the Biden administration paused approval of new liquefied natural gas export licenses in January, the decision was driven by a recognition that the climate impact from the fossil fuel needs to be reassessed.

The fight over just how much LNG contributes to global warming was rekindled in part by a study with explosive findings. Compiled by Robert Warren Howarth, a professor at Cornell University, the analysiswhich was released in October but remains in peer reviewuses leak and emissions data from an array of sources. It finds that total greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. LNG in the best case scenario are comparable to coal. In the worst case, emissions could be more than two-fold greater.

Understanding how much of the potent greenhouse gas escapes from the giant intercontinental network of wells, pipelines and ships is now one of the central questions of the energy transition and an emerging climate battleground. Despite years of research, many scientists and the Biden administration believe that question hasn't been sufficiently answered.

The argument that LNG, which generates about half the carbon dioxide of coal when combusted, is relatively less damaging to the climate hinges on an important caveat. To have a lower warming impact than coal, only a minuscule amount of methanethe primary component of fossil gascan leak as it moves through vast global supply chains that often begin at wellheads in the scrublands of Texas and Oklahoma and span thousands of miles across oceans, to furnaces and power stations in cities from Shanghai to Hamburg.

But there are also opportunity costs that are less binary. Are U.S. LNG shipments displacing coal generation or channeling money and resources that could have been gone toward clean energy projects? The context of alternatives, many scientists argue, also matters.

Howarth's study "clearly was a factor in the Biden administration's decision to pause making the required determinations required for approval of new LNG export projects and launching a U.S. Department of Energy study of the climate impact of LNG exports," said Steven Hamburg, chief scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund who has served as a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The findings were troubling because they suggested that leaking and intentionally emitted methane is having a much larger climate impact than previously understood. A White House spokesman didn't respond to requests for comment. Five scientists including Hamburg declined to comment on the paper's findings because it hasn't yet completed peer review.

Methane is up to 80 times more potent than CO 2 over a 20-year period, but its warming power falls to around 30 times more than CO 2 over 100 years as it degrades. Howarth firmly believes the shorter timeframe more accurately reflects the climate danger posed by gas, which informs his research. Using that metric alone, his latest analysis shows that LNG generates at the very least 27% more CO 2 -equivalent emissions than coal.

Many studies looking at methane emissions from fossil fuel supply chains have found they are underreported. In a recent global analysis, scientists estimate that methane releases from the oil and gas industry are 30% higher than what countries report to the United Nations under the Paris Agreement.

That deeper understanding of just how much of the invisible and odorless gas leaks and is deliberately emitted is being driven in part by a wave of new satellites and aerial surveys that have given scientists far more insight into the scope of methane released from fossil fuels. For some, the latest data has helped unlock the ability to compare climate tradeoffs between U.S. LNG and other energy sources under different warming scenarios.

For Howarth, the latest data offers conclusive evidence that gas isn't a climate solution. "My belief is that we've documented that natural gas really is not a bridge fuel or really isn't any better for the climate than coal," he said. "We need to get rid of all fossil fuels as quickly as possible. Let's just move on and get rid of the gas system."

It's not the first time Howarth, who turned 72 in February, has been thrust into the spotlight.

In 2011, he published a paper estimating that between 3.6% and 7.9% of fracked shale gas in the U.S. at the time was spewing into the atmosphere and increasing methane levels. The analysis estimated emissions across the supply chain, from wellheads to large pipeline transmission systems down to the smaller distribution networks that transport the fuel into homes and businesses for things like heating and cooking.

The report was published in Climactic Change just a few weeks after President Barack Obama expressed support for expanding gas drilling and according to Howarth, "did a remarkably good job of stirring up the hornet's nest."

The New York Times covered Howarth's 2011 study while its conclusions faced pushback from U.S. energy policy and industry circles. Former Council on Foreign Relations fellow Michael Levi said at the time that the analysis was "based on extremely weak data" and "there is simply no way to know (without access to much more data) if the numbers he uses are at all representative of reality."

Howarth said data available at the time was "not great" but emphasized that he explicitly called for independent scientists to make better measurements and that this was the result. Since its publication, the paper has been cited in more than 1,800 other studies, he added. In 2022, he published a review of estimates that found, on average, that about 2.6% of upstream and midstream gas was being lost to the atmosphere. A highly regarded 2018 study estimated that 2.3% of gross U.S. gas output was being emitted.

Some industry-funded groups charge that Howarth's analysis ignores important research. In his latest paper, he omits a LNG life-cycle analysis from the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory that found U.S. LNG exports for electricity generation in European and Asian markets would not increase greenhouse gases from a life cycle perspective compared to regional coal production for power generation.

The NETL study relied on "self-reported estimates from the oil and gas industry, with no verification," he said in an email. "The peer-reviewed literature is full of analyses showing that this severely underestimates emissions."

Some operators are trying to build trust and accountability around their emissions and two dozen U.S. companies have joined the United Nations' Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 reporting program that requires members to establish company-wide methane release reduction targets.

As part of the Biden administration's pause for new LNG export licenses, the DOE is updating its economic and environmental analysis that helps support reviews of export applications with assistance from its national labs, including NETL. The effort will build on NETL's lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from LNG exports not used by Howarth and the wider analysis will be open to public comments prior to finalization.

"All of our 17 national labs, including NETL, are committed to full and open scientific exchange," a DOE spokesperson said. "We have confidence that the scientific community's practices of communication, publication, peer review, and free exchange of information result in a robust and objective understanding of the scientific facts."

Howarth is open about his motivation to influence U.S. energy policy through his work, and he advocates for a rapid transition to renewables and electrifying infrastructure as quickly as possible.

"I firmly believe that policy should be based on the best available information, and in many cases this includes scientific research," he said, adding, "I believe science should inform policy. That is central to my career."

He decided to release his LNG study before it underwent peer review after a conversation with environmentalist and journalist Bill McKibben, who wrote about it in the New Yorker. According to Howarth, McKibben told him that if he waited to make results from his paper public until after the peer review process, which could take until spring or summer, that would mean missing the opportunity to impact U.S. policy decisions on LNG expected in the first part of this year. "I thought, well, okay, he's right," said Howarth.

While Howarth's studies tend to be firmly planted on one side of the methane research spectrum, there is little doubt that his analysis has helped trigger a wider conversation around the climate impact of fossil gas and the need for more comprehensive study and analysis of methane leakage from LNG supply chains. It's an opening many scientists are embracing.

"Answering the question of what impact U.S. LNG exports have on the global climate requires a sophisticated technical and economic analysis drawing on measured, peer-reviewed data,"' said EDF's Hamburg.

"I've yet to see a comprehensive study of this type from industry, government, or academia, which is what makes the administration's decision so necessary and welcome."

2024 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A white stork flies in Germany, where researchers tracked the birds' migrations and concluded that they incrementally straighten their migration routes to find more direct ways to move between destinations during the spring migration to summer breeding and nesting grounds. Credit: Christian Ziegler

Research led by scientists from University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior shows that migrating animals refine their behavior as they get older, suggesting that experiential learning is an important part of successful migration.

While genetics and social behavior are important factors shaping animal migrations, information gained through individual experience also appears to help shape migratory movements, says a research team led by Ellen Aikens.

Aikens, who has a joint faculty appointment with UW's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, was among the first cohort of assistant professors hired in 2023 by UW's new School of Computing. Aikens' research at the intersection of animal behavior and data science is driven by new possibilities from advanced computing and data science.

The migration findings appear March 4 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, which also involved researchers from the University of Konstanz, involved technically sophisticated tracking of over 250 white storks spread across five breeding areas in southern Germany and Austria between 2013 and 2020.

The tracking data collected by the researchers not only pinpointed the migration pathways of the storks, but it also measured the timing and pace of individual storks as well as estimated the amount of energy storks used while flying. The team found that while young storks took their time exploring new places during migration, their migrations become faster as they age.

Without the help of parents, young white storks start their first migration as early as eight weeks of age. Credit: Christian Ziegler

"As the birds age and gain more experience, older individuals stop exploring new places and instead move more quickly and directly, resulting in greater energy expenditure during migratory flight," wrote lead author Aikens, whose research in recent years has provided insights into the movement of big-game animals in western Wyoming.

"During spring migration, individuals innovated novel shortcuts during the transition from early life into adulthood, suggesting a reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning."

Individual storks incrementally straightened their migration routes to find more direct ways to move between destinations during the spring migration to summer breeding and nesting grounds, the researchers say. The findings could have implications for a variety of other species of migrating animals.

"Although information has largely been overlooked as a currency shaping migratory behavior, gaining information and using it to incrementally refine migration behavior through learning could play an important role in saving both energy and time," the researchers wrote. "The landscapes that animals move through are complex and dynamic, requiring that migrants learn where and when favorable conditions that facilitate movement occur and how to exploit them efficiently."

The researchers don't discount the importance of genetics and "culturally inherited information" in animal migrations, but they say the new findings point to individual experience as another key factor.

"Whether the first migration is guided by genetics or results from following informed individuals, learning within a lifetime represents an additional and complementary mechanism shaping animal migration," the paper says.
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SpaceX and NASA recently performed full-scale qualification testing of the docking system that will connect SpaceXs Starship Human Landing System (HLS) with Orion and later Gateway in lunar orbit during future crewed Artemis missions. Based on the flight-proven Dragon 2 active docking system, the Starship HLS docking system will be able to act as an active or passive system during docking. Credit: SpaceX

The Apollo Program delivered 12 American astronauts to the surface of the moon. But that program ended in 1972, and since then, no human beings have visited. But Artemis will change that. And instead of just visiting the moon, Artemis' aim is to establish a longer-term presence on the moon. That requires more complexity than Apollo did. Astronauts will need to transfer between vehicles.

All of that activity requires a reliable spacecraft docking system.

When Artemis astronauts blast off from Earth, they'll be in the four-seat Orion spacecraft. Orion will take them to lunar orbit, where two will transfer into the Starship HLS, and two will remain in Orion. Starship HLS will deliver them to the lunar surface. In the future, the Lunar Gateway will be in orbit around the moon, and astronauts will move from Orion to the Gateway to the Starship HLS.

These transfers are complicated and risky maneuvers. The docking system that will make this work is called SpaceX's Starship HLS docking system. It's based on SpaceX's successful Dragon 2 docking system. The Dragon 2 system allows the Dragon 2 spacecraft to dock with the ISS so crew and equipment can be transferred. It's been in use since 2020.

NASA and SpaceX are busy testing the new Starship HLS docking system. They recently completed 10 days of testing at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. They conducted more than 200 different docking scenarios involving different speeds and angles. The results from this full-scale testing will feed into ongoing computer models of the system, which will, in turn, feed into future testing and design.

This graphic shows the Artemis III Concept of Operations. Docking and crew transfers are a critical stage in the missions. Credit: NASA

The system has both an active and a passive mode. When two spacecraft dock, one is active, and the other is passive. The active one is called the chaser, and the other is the target.

During this round of tests, NASA and SpaceX demonstrated the soft capture procedure. In passive capture, the chaser extends its soft capture system (SCS) while the target spacecraft's system remains retracted. The chaser does all the work, employing latches and other mechanisms to grab the target spacecraft and complete the docking.

HLS requirements state that there must be redundancy in crew egress/ingress. The soft capture procedure seems to address this if the docking system works while one docking system remains retracted.

This is just the latest round of tests. SpaceX has already reached a series of important milestones for the Starship HLS. Those milestones involved power generation, communications, guidance and navigation, propulsion, life support, and space environments protection.

While watching powerful rockets being tested and launched takes up a lot of attention, there's far more to successful missions than just launch vehicles. According to NASA, "the Human Landing System program is at the center of Artemis, designed to yield groundbreaking science, develop and utilize lunar surface resources and leverage what we learn at the moon for future Mars missions." Docking systems might not garner much attention, but they're obviously a critical part of success.

Through that lens, any progress on Artemis is good news because, on other fronts, the news is not always good. Artemis was initially scheduled to launch in 2025. But it'll be at least a year late, and NASA says that SpaceX will need to perform more launches before the Artemis mission is given the go-ahead.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The gender gap in patent applications is a well-documented phenomenon. While women make up nearly half of the workforce in the United States, they account for only a fraction of patent applications and patents granted.

The disparity has significant implications for innovation, economic growth, and a person's career advancement.

A recent study, "Attrition and the Gender Patenting Gap," sheds light on the factors contributing to the gap. It explores the role of persistence in the patent application process.

The central finding: Women are less likely than men to continue pursuing a patent after an initial rejection. Alternative explanationssuch as discrimination or male-female differences in the quality of applicationswere not supported by the evidence.

"Gender disparities in inventing are important to understand because they can have downstream implications for economic inequality," said Oren Reshef, an assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at Olin. He's one of three authors of the paper, accepted for publication in the Review of Economics and Statistics.

The research, which relied on detailed data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, shows women are 3.7-6.9 percentage points less likely than men to continue in the application process after an early-stage rejection. Male-female disparities in the propensity to abandon applications account for over half of the gender gap in issued patents.

Patents can affect careers because inventors can commercialize or sell patent rights. Plus, people with patents do better in the job market.

Some background: Patent examiners at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which handles 300,000 to 500,000 patent applications annually, rarely flat-out reject applications. (Some 70% of the researchers' sample applications were ultimately accepted.) Instead, applicants generally receive appealable rejections from patent examiners.

The study's findings highlight the importance of persistence in overcoming the gender gap in innovation. The authors say that these gaps may be driven by a lack of access to resources or information necessary to navigate the complex patent application process.

The researchers suggest that interventions could significantly impact closing the gap.

For example, providing women with mentorship, support networks and access to resources could help them overcome the challenges of the patent application process. Policymakers can create a more supportive environment for female inventors by reforming the patent system to make it more transparent and accessible.

"Our results suggest that equalizing access to resources and information may help reduce gender gaps in patenting," Reshef said.
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Crows in an urban area. Credit: Yuval barkai

A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) has examined what happens to birds that are accustomed to living around humans, when their habitat is suddenly emptied of the presence of humans. Among other birds, the researchers tested crows, ringneck parakeets (also known as rose-ringed parakeets) and graceful priniasand the findings are surprising: While the crows and ringneck parakeetswho are characterized by their tendency to "follow" humans, are already accustomed to the noises they make and feed on their food scrapsdecreased their activity, the graceful prinias, which are considered shy, actually increased their activity in the same area.

The findings are published in the journal eLife.

The research was conducted under the leadership of research student Congnan Sun, Dr. Arjan Boonman and Prof. Yossi Yovel, head of the Sagol School of Neuroscience and a member of the School of Zoology at TAU, in collaboration with Prof. Assaf Shwartz from the Landscape Architecture Department at the Technion.

As part of the current study, the researchers took advantage of the first COVID-19 lockdown to test the interrelationship between man and nature, and placed 17 recording wide-band sensitive microphones in the Yarkon Park and the streets adjacent to it in northern Tel Aviv.

With the help of artificial intelligence, an analysis of the recordings from the first days of the lockdown until 10 days after its end (March 25 to May 28) showed that the activity of the crows and ringneck parakeets was significantly lower (the calls from the crows in the park decreased by about 50% during the lockdowns and the chirping of ringneck parakeets in the park dropped by about 90%). In contrast, the graceful prinias actually benefited from the absence of people and increased their presence by about 12%.

Crows in an urban area. Credit: Yuval Barkai

Prof. Yossi Yovel explains, "When the first COVID-19 lockdown began, welike many researchers in many fieldsidentified a rare opportunity to conduct field experiments that would examine how animals behave in the absence of humans. In general, many studies indicated the return of species to habitats that humans had 'abandoned' because of the coronavirus, but most of these studies were carried out through human observation, which obviously requires humans, who are as mentioned, the factor whose effect we want to examine.

"We decided to use microphones to allow us to monitor the activity of birds while humans aren't present, and to disperse them densely throughout parks and residential neighborhoods. We chose the Yarkon Park area, heading south until Arlozorov Street, and we placed 17 microphones at a distance of about 500 meters away from each other. We chose the 'old north' neighborhood of Tel Aviv because it is an urban area adjacent to a park, to enable a comparison between the activity of the birds in a park and the activity of the birds in a city."

The researchers examined the changes in the presence of three particularly common and particularly loud bird species, which differ from each other in the extent to which they exploit humans: hooded crow, ringneck parakeet and graceful prinia. The hooded crow is classified as a "human-following species." It stays nearby humans and feeds on their food scraps. The ringneck parakeet is an invasive species; it also follows humans. The graceful prinia is classified as "adaptive"it adapts itself to humans, and knows how to get along in an urban environment, but does not feed on humans' food scraps and prefers to avoid their company.

In total, the researchers recorded 3,234 hours containing around 250,000 bird calls, using artificial intelligence to identify the calls and the birds that made them. During the lockdown, human activity in the residential areas increased by 49% and human activity in the Yarkon Parkwhile leaving homes to go to parks was still prohibiteddecreased by 31%.

"First, we found that the overall activity of the birds, regardless of COVID-19, is 53% higher in the parks than in the streets adjacent to them," explains Prof. Yuval. "The parks are a center of activity for birds, and that is always true. On the other hand, a complex picture emerges from the lockdown period. The crows and ringneck parakeets, which usually subsist on leftover food from people in the park, searched for other avenues. The calls from the crows in the park decreased by about 50%, and the chirping of the ringneck parakeets in the park dropped by around 90%.

"Conversely, the shy graceful prinia, an outstanding adaptor, increased its activity by about 12%. These findings highlight the fact that there are animals that depend on us in the city, as well as the flexibility of these animals and the complexity and diversity of the urban ecosystem."

More information: Congnan Sun et al, Species and habitat specific changes in bird activity in an urban environment during COVID 19 lockdown, eLife (2024). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.88064.3
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Disinformation, sharing false information to deceive and mislead others, can take many forms. From edited "deepfake" videos made on smartphones to vast foreign-led information operations, politics and elections show how varied disinformation can be.

Hailed as "the year of elections", with the majority of the world's population going to the polls, 2024 will also be a year of lessons learned, where we will see whether disinformation can truly subvert our political processes or if we are more resilient than we think.

The dissemination of disinformation, as well as misleading content and methods, is not always high-tech. We often think about social networking, manipulated media, and sophisticated espionage in this regard, but sometimes efforts can be very low budget. In 2019, publications with names that sounded like newspapers were posted through letterboxes across the UK. These news publications, however, do not exist.

Bearing headlines such as "90% back remain", they were imitation newspapers created and disseminated by the UK's major political parties. These types of publications, which some voters thought were legitimate news publications, led to the Electoral Commission describing this technique as "misleading".

The News Media Association, the body that represents local and regional media, also wrote to the Electoral Commission calling for the ban of "fake local newspapers".

Zone flooding

Research has shown that for some topics, such as politics and civil rights, all figures across the political spectrum are often both attacked and supported, in an attempt to cause confusion and to obfuscate who and what can be believed.

This practice often goes hand-in-hand with something called "zone flooding", where the information environment is deliberately overloaded with any and all information, just to confuse people. The aim of these broad disinformation campaigns is to make it difficult for people to believe any information, leading to a disengaged and potentially uninformed electorate.

Hostile state information operations and disinformation from abroad will continue to threaten countries such as the UK and US. Adversarial countries such as Russia, China and Iran continuously seek to subvert trust in our institutions and processes with the goal of increasing apathy and resentment.

Just two weeks ago, the US congressional Republicans' impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden began to fall apart when it was revealed that a witness was supplied with false information by Russian intelligence officials.

Disinformation can also be found much closer to home. Although it is often uncomfortable for academics and fact checkers to talk about, disinformation can come from the very top, with members of the political elite embracing and promoting false content knowingly. This is further compounded by the reality that fact checks and corrections may not reach the same audience as the original content, causing some disinformation to go unchecked.

AI-fueled campaigns

Recently, there has been increased focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in spreading disinformation. AI allows computers to carry out tasks that could previously have only been done by humans. So AI and AI-enabled tools can carry out very sophisticated tasks with low effort from humans and at low cost.

Disinformation can be both mediated and enabled by artificial intelligence. Bad actors can use sophisticated algorithms to identify and target swathes of people with disinformation on social media platforms. One key focus, however, has been on generative AI, the use of this technology to produce text and media that seem as if they were created by a human.

This can vary from using tools such as ChatGPT to write social media posts, to using AI-powered image, video and audio generation tools to create media of politicians in embarrassing, but fabricated situations. This encompasses what are known as "deepfakes", which can vary from poor to convincing in their quality.

While some say that AI will shape the coming elections in ways we can't yet understand, others think the effects of disinformation are exaggerated. The simple reality is that, at present, we do not know how AI will affect the year of elections.

We could see vast deception at a scale only previously imagined, or this could be a Y2K moment, where our fears simply do not come to fruition. We are at a pivotal moment and the extent to which these elections are affected, or otherwise, will inform our regulatory and policy decisions for years to come.

If 2024 is the year of elections, then 2025 is likely to be the year of reflections. Reflecting on how susceptible our democracies are to disinformation, whether as societies we are vulnerable to sweeping deception and manipulation, and how we can safeguard our future elections.

Whether it's profoundly consequential or simply something that bubbles under the surface, disinformation will always exist. But the coming year will determine whether it's top of the agenda for governments, journalists and educators to tackle, or simply something that we learn to live with.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The public reacted swiftly this week when news spread that Wendy's had potential plans to test-run surge pricing in its restaurants.

While the popular fast-food chain has since indicated it will not increase prices during the busiest times at its restaurants, the situation has shed light on both current and potential future surge pricing practices, says Brock University's Eric Dolansky.

The Associate Professor of Marketing with Brock's Goodman School of Business says the thought of restaurants introducing dynamic pricing elicited public backlash because it "violates norms and expectations" for the food industry.

As of late, the concept of surge pricing has been attributed mainly to transportation companies such as Uber, which use a dynamic model to moderate use by customers based on supply and demand.

However, "surge pricing is a relatively new name for a fairly old concept," says Dolansky, who studies behavioral economics, price perception, and consumer estimations of value.

"Tying price to supply and demand is as old as classical economics, but the technological power needed to do it in real-time and on a wider scale is more recent," he says. "Even so, for decades, companies have been altering prices based on either actual or expected demand."

Dolansky points to the travel industry, where both airlines and hotels operate on dynamic pricing modelsand have for some time.

The difference is the perceived value for consumers when it comes to purchases such as travel versus physical products, such as food items, for which customers expect relatively stable prices, he says.

For instance, with Niagara Falls being one of few places in the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse, hotels raised their prices in anticipation of the celestial event's ability to draw tourists.

"Staying in Niagara Falls around April 8 holds a great deal more value, for some consumers, than that same stay one week earlier or later," Dolansky says. "Therefore, they are willing to pay more, and the companies involved are trying to capitalize on that desire."

However, gift shops, tourist attractions, and restaurants in the Niagara area wouldn't normally change their prices based on an expected increase in demand, he says.

"If these businesses raise their prices, they need to convince customers it's worth it."

This may be done by providing an exclusive offering, such as a special menu, to increase the perceived value, he says.

Dolansky says businesses have to be careful that their pricingnot only the amount but the way prices are set and change over timereflects the value that customers perceive.

"If customers don't see a difference in value based on, for example, how busy a particular fast-food franchise is at a given moment, they won't be willing to accept a higher price," he says.

Dolanksy says it's beneficial for businesses to research, innovate and test out different pricing models, but that they must be based on customer value.

"We inherently understand that if something is in greater demand, we may need to pay more for it," he says. "But for food, in most situations in Canada, there is not the same scarcitythankfullyso a model like this may feel artificial."
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Credit: Kelly from Pexels

Palm oil is used in a plethora of household products, from food items like packaged pastries and chips to cosmetics and soaps or even biofuels. But most palm oil is produced on mono-crop plantations, grown on huge tracts of land that were once tropical rainforests and other biodiverse ecosystems.

Mapping the links between palm oil mills, multinational corporations, and future deforestation risk is a difficult data science problem to solve, but the University of Chicago Data Science Institute and Inclusive Development International (IDI) have created a new tool to help fill gaps in understanding the problem.

The DSI and the IDI, with support from the 11th Hour Project, launched a new tool called PalmWatch on Feb. 22. Using rigorous data science and advanced, low-cost data visualization methods, PalmWatch traces palm oil supplies from the ground level, where the environmental and social impacts of palm oil cultivation occur, to the consumer brands that use the oil in their products.

"This launch of the PalmWatch tool has been a long time coming," said David Uminsky, executive director of the Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago. "This has all the hallmarks of a great data science problem."

"I'm very excited that this dashboard will be owned by local communities and nonprofits working in the space," said Launa Greer, a software engineer at the DSI. "Previously, investigating the effects of palm oil supply chains was a laborious process; now groups will have analytics at their fingertips."

Connecting data sources

In an effort to increase transparency, multinational brands do currently report the palm oil mills from which they source their material. However, creating a repository that sorts and organizes mills across the world requires collecting and standardizing this information. And even with this information, it takes additional computational methods to understand how each mill impacts local deforestation risks.

The PalmWatch project began as part of the Data Science Clinic, an experiential project-based course where students work as data scientists under the supervision of DSI staff and faculty.

To build the tool, DSI's 11th Hour Project, led by Open Spatial Lab technical lead Dylan Halpern, first had to scrape public disclosures from thirteen multinational consumer brands that show which mills these brands source from.

This information then had to be standardized, with the palm oil mills geolocated on a searchable map. The data scientists also had to collect information about the mills, such as which companies own and operate them, which consumer brands they are affiliated with, and their RSPO certification status (a metric measuring sustainability of palm oil production).

Collecting the information was a challenge, said Greer. "Disclosures were typically located on obscure corners of the websites and difficult to scrape for information due to wildly-varying PDF layouts," she said. "We hope that making a clean, consolidated, and machine readable dataset of mills available to the public will accelerate similar supply-chain research efforts."

Built with future-proofing in mind

Making sure that PalmWatch would be cheap to maintain and easy to update was a vital part of the process to ensure the website will continue to be a useful investigative tool. PalmWatch was built to not require heavy computation that can add up in costs to web hosts over time.

"Ongoing funding for community-centered data science projects is not always guaranteed, so it's important to architect software that is cheap to own in the long term," said DSI's Open Spatial Lab technical lead Dylan Halpern. "It's tragic to see fantastic software engineering and community-engaged data science fade away from public view due simply to a server bill."

Full data files are available for public download. "We realized early on that palm oil production impacts each part of the world in a unique way; we integrated a collaborative content management system so that local advocates can add critical context, news, legal briefings, and other local knowledge to PalmWatch at every levelmill, country, consumer brand, and everything in between," said Halpern.

The development team has future plans for additional updates, including a data pipeline github, a disclosure contribution guide, and plans to offer hands-on training to social impact organizations and journalists who want to dig deeper into specific data questions.
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Credit: Beverages (2024). DOI: 10.3390/beverages10010012

Millions of people around the world drink coffee every day. The beverage contains a large number of bioactive substances, and its health effects on the human metabolism are therefore frequently subjects of scientific studies. In many of these studies, however, the data on coffee consumption is largely based on self-reporting by the participants and is therefore not always accurate. This can affect the scientific validity of nutritional studies.

A research team led by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich has now validated the suitability of a specific roasted coffee compound and proposes it as a new, practical food biomarker. The study is published in the journal Beverages.

Biomarkers could provide a remedy

Reliable biomarkers could remedy this problem by using biological samples to objectively distinguish between coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. "So far, however, only a few substances are known that could be used as coffee markers," says principal investigator Roman Lang from the Leibniz Institute. "However, these are not yet sufficiently validated or available in sufficient quantities to serve as reference substances for comparative measurements in nutritional studies," he continues.

The research team, which also includes nutritional physician Thomas Skurk and first author Beate Brandl from the ZIELInstitute for Food & Health at the Technical University of Munich, has therefore comprehensively validated the roast coffee compound N-methylpyridinium as one such biomarker candidate for its suitability. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich first proposed the substance as a biomarker candidate in 2011 as part of a pilot study.

Data from more than 460 people analyzed

As part of the scientific validation, the team analyzed existing literature data. It also analyzed urine, blood and plasma samples from more than 460 people from Freising and Nuremberg who had participated in a nutrition study conducted by the enable-Cluster.

As the study shows, N-methylpyridinium is a compound that is specific to roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee. The substance is chemically very stable and its absorption into the organism is concentration-dependent. The substance can also be easily and reproducibly detected in various body fluids after coffee consumption, before leaving the body unchanged in the urine within a few hours to days.

Roman Lang, who heads the Biosystems Chemistry & Human Metabolism research group at the Leibniz Institute, explains, "As we have shown, N-methylpyridinium fulfills all the criteria that science demands of a biomarker to control food intake. Even if we cannot draw direct conclusions about the amount of coffee consumed due to various factors, the roasting substance is still suitable as a marker.

"This is because it allows us to distinguish objectively and practically between people who have drunk coffee and those who have not. We therefore propose it as a reliable qualitative biomarker for coffee consumption."

N-methylpyridinium was first proposed as a biomarker candidate for coffee consumption in 2011.

N-methylpyridinium is formed from the natural alkaloid trigonelline, which is abundant in green coffee, when exposed to high heat over 220C. Depending on the degree of roasting, roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee beans contain concentrations of around 0.5 to 2 mg/g of the substanceregardless of special processing methods such as steaming or decaffeinating. N-methylpyridinium is contained in brewed coffee (2040 mg/l) and can be easily detected in blood, plasma and urine samples.

In the U.S. alone, 74% of the population over the age of 20 describe themselves as coffee drinkers. In European countries, the calculated per capita consumption of roasted coffee in 2022 ranged from around 4 kilograms in Italy to 10 kilograms in Luxembourg.

More information: Beate Brandl et al, Validation of N-Methylpyridinium as a Feasible Biomarker for Roasted Coffee Intake, Beverages (2024). DOI: 10.3390/beverages10010012

Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Lebensmittel-Systembiologie
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Crew aboard the International Space Station photographed the eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily in October 2002. Ashfall was reported more than 350 miles away. When it comes to explosive power, however, no eruption in modern times can compare with a super eruptionwhich hasn't occurred for tens of thousands of years. Credit: NASA

New research suggests that sunlight-blocking particles from an extreme eruption would not cool surface temperatures on Earth as severely as previously estimated.

Some 74,000 years ago, the Toba volcano in Indonesia exploded with a force 1,000 times more powerful than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The mystery is what happened after thatnamely, to what degree that extreme explosion might have cooled global temperatures.

When it comes to the most powerful volcanoes, researchers have long speculated how post-eruption global coolingsometimes called volcanic wintercould potentially pose a threat to humanity. Previous studies agreed that some planet-wide cooling would occur but diverged on how much. Estimates have ranged from 3.6F to 14F (2C to 8C).

In a new study published in the Journal of Climate, a team from NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) and Columbia University in New York used advanced computer modeling to simulate super-eruptions like the Toba event. They found that post-eruption cooling would probably not exceed 2.7F (1.5C) for even the most powerful blasts.

"The relatively modest temperature changes we found most compatible with the evidence could explain why no single super-eruption has produced firm evidence of global-scale catastrophe for humans or ecosystems," said lead author Zachary McGraw, a researcher at NASA GISS and Columbia University.

To qualify as a super eruption, a volcano must release more than 240 cubic miles (1,000 cubic kilometers) of magma. These eruptions are extremely powerfuland rare. The most recent super-eruption occurred more than 22,000 years ago in New Zealand. The best-known example may be the eruption that blasted Yellowstone Crater in Wyoming about 2 million years ago.

Small particles, big questions

McGraw and colleagues set out to understand what was driving the divergence in model temperature estimates because "models are the main tool for understanding climate shifts that happened too long ago to leave clear records of their severity." They settled on a variable that can be difficult to pin down: the size of microscopic sulfur particles injected miles high into the atmosphere.

In the stratosphere (about 630 miles in altitude), sulfur dioxide gas from volcanoes undergoes chemical reactions to condense into liquid sulfate particles. These particles can influence surface temperature on Earth in two counteracting ways: by reflecting incoming sunlight (causing cooling) or by trapping outgoing heat energy (a kind of greenhouse warming effect).

Over the years, this cooling phenomenon has also spurred questions about how humans might turn back global warminga concept called geoengineeringby intentionally injecting aerosol particles into the stratosphere to promote a cooling effect.

The researchers showed to what extent the diameter of the volcanic aerosol particles influenced post-eruption temperatures. The smaller and denser the particles, the greater their ability to block sunlight. But estimating the size of particles is challenging because previous super eruptions have not left reliable physical evidence. In the atmosphere, the size of the particles changes as they coagulate and condense. Even when particles fall back to Earth and are preserved in ice cores, they don't leave a clear-cut physical record because of mixing and compaction.

By simulating super-eruptions over a range of particle sizes, the researchers found that super-eruptions may be incapable of altering global temperatures dramatically more than the largest eruptions of modern times. For instance, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines caused about a half-degree drop in global temperatures for two years.

Luis Millan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California who was not involved in the study, said that the mysteries of super-eruption cooling invite more research. He said the way forward is to conduct a comprehensive comparison of models, as well as more laboratory and model studies on the factors determining volcanic aerosol particle sizes.

Given the ongoing uncertainties, Millan added, "To me, this is another example of why geoengineering via stratospheric aerosol injection is a long, long way from being a viable option."

More information: Zachary McGraw et al, Severe Global Cooling After Volcanic Super-Eruptions? The Answer Hinges on Unknown Aerosol Size, Journal of Climate (2023). DOI: 10.1175/JCLI-D-23-0116.1 Journal information: Journal of Climate

Provided by NASA
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This years budget proposal builds on our work to empower students by ensuring they receive the high-quality education necessary to support lifelong success, Murphy said in a statement. Since day one of my administration, I have remained committed to bolstering New Jerseys school communities and working toward fully funding our best-in-the-nation public education system. Over the past seven years, we have made strategic investments  maintaining our momentum to fully fund New Jerseys school funding formula for the first time in our states history  because investments in education dont just benefit our childrens futures, they benefit us all.
Its too late in the election season to force 19 county clerks to change the format of primary ballots and would risk chaos and mistakes in a presidential year, Atlantic County Clerk Joe Giralo warned Monday.

Last week, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd, 2nd District congressional candidate Carolyn Rush, of Sea Isle City, and 3rd District congressional candidate Sarah Schoengood filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to stop 19 clerks from continuing to use party line ballots.

New Jersey is a national outlier in primary election ballot design. Nineteen of its twenty-one counties use a party-column ballot for the primary election, with laws that allow the leadership of county political parties to influence the governments design of such ballots, the lawsuit states. Together, these laws confer a significant advantage to candidates endorsed by the party machine. These ballot designs stack the deck for certain candidates at the expense of others, thereby undermining the integrity of elections, hindering democracy, and confusing voters.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that party line ballots, which group candidates together according to group affiliation rather than office sought, violate the U.S. Constitution.

They are seeking to force clerks to create ballots that instead group all names running under the office sought, with their order chosen through a random drawing, Giralo said.

A hearing has been set for March 18 in Trenton before federal Judge Zahid Quiraishi.

Giralo said a mass redesign would take more time than he now has.

Im not getting into the politics of it; this is the logistics of it, Giralo said Monday. We put together over 100 different ballots for the primary. The Democratic County Commission is up, and they run in wards. We are talking about a massive do-over.

Carolyn Rush, US Rep. Andy Kim sue over 'county line' Carolyn Rush, a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, joined U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd, in a lawsuit Monday against 19 county clerks who use the party line ballot organization.

March 25 is the deadline for any primary candidate to turn in petitions, he said, and April 4 is the date for drawing ballot positions for the groups. Then the process of preparing, editing and printing the ballots begins.

Vote-by-mail ballots must begin going out April 20, he said.

Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties are among those named in the suit. Only Salem and Sussex counties do not use the party-line ballot and so are not named.

Cape May County Clerk Rita Rothberg has said ballot design is driven by a state law that requires candidates who wish to bracket together on a ballot be able to do so.

Eliminating bracketing would require a change in state law, she has said.

Until the Legislature changes the law ... its not just me deciding how it goes, Rothberg has said. As clerks, we are umpires, not players. If the law changes, we change.

The lawsuit argues the party line system is unconstitutional.

Government  including the Defendants (who themselves are often beneficiaries of the county line as elected officers)  cannot constitutionally design a primary ballot to favor only those candidates who happen to be endorsed by a faction of a partys leadership, the lawsuit states.

Democratic Atlantic County clerk candidates disagree over ballot design The two Democratic candidates for Atlantic County clerk agreed many people are confused abou

It cites several reports by experts that the party line system harms underrepresented people and minority populations, and gives a large benefit to those included on the party line in winning primary elections.

The current primary election ballot design scheme represents an unconstitutional governmental thumb on the scale of New Jerseys primary elections, the lawsuit states.

But Giralo said timing is key.

If ballot changes are forced now, it could mean a larger ballot would be required, Giralo said, and I dont have all that paper on hand. I started ordering my paper a year ago.

The previous clerks office was plagued by mistakes, he said, and for the last two elections there have been none.

If we started right now (redesigning ballots) its going to be very, very difficult, Giralo said. I worry about mistakes, errors and voter integrity ... especially in a presidential election year.

Vote-by-mail ballots are counted by scanners, which would have to be reprogrammed, Giralo said. All those changes will cost a lot of money.

My budget is set. Everything is in place, Giralo said.

Progressive Democrats fight back against NJ 'county line' tradition For more than a year, progressive Democrats have waged a war against New Jerseys county li

As clerk I will do whatever we have to statutorily, but everyone needs to be aware of what we are up against, he said. To me, its only going to add to the confusion.
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WILDWOOD  Its called Cedar Avenue, but it is cumaru that is replacing ipe on the Wildwood Boardwalk as an extensive reconstruction of the structure continues this winter.

Installation of the distinctive red wood is underway as part of renovations to that entrance to the Boardwalk to include new signs. New timber piles and framing are complete, according to information released by the city Thursday.

Jersey Shore boardwalks have been in the news recently with Gov. Phil Muphy having signed a $100 million boardwalk preservation fund. Murphy helped Wildwood move forward on the first phases of its Boardwalk reconstruction over the past three years, with a statement from Wildwood saying the Democratic governor played a pivotal role in the reconstruction work so far.

Not long ago, city officials described the Boardwalks condition as increasingly dire and said there was no way the city could afford the repairs needed. In some sections, the understructure of the Boardwalk was crumbling, and some sections of decking were in poor shape.

At that time, both city officials and others described Wildwoods amusements-packed Boardwalk as one of the drivers of the local economy, saying even those who stay elsewhere in the county on summer vacations make at least one visit to the Wildwood Boardwalk.

So far, New Jersey has contributed $12 million toward Wildwood Boardwalk reconstruction, with $4 million approved in the state budgets of 2022, 2023 and 2024, according to the city. The U.S. Economic Development Administration kicked in another $3.2 million in grants, and Wildwood matched the outside spending up to $5.95 million, the city statement reads.

The current work, described as phases III, IV and V, are underway.

This marks a significant step towards enhancing the iconic boardwalk experience for residents and visitors alike, reads a news release from the city.

Repair work from Oak to Schellenger avenues is in its final stages, according to city officials.

The remaining section is awaiting delivery of materials, which are expected on-site within the next week, the release states.

Work from Oak to Spicer avenues includes concrete repairs and a fresh protective coating on the concrete substructure. A new timber-framed superstructure and decking also are planned.

Progress across all three areas is on track, with construction scheduled for completion at the beginning of May, city officials said in a statement attributed to all three members of the governing body. This extends the recently completed Boardwalk renovations from 26th to Spicer avenues.

Future phases are in the planning stage.

Wildwood used the Brazilian hardwood ipe in 2009 to replace decking from Schellenger to Cedar avenues. The wood is known as extremely resilient and long lasting. At the time, some environmentalists spoke against the choice, arguing the harvest of ipe was harming the rainforest and citing a 1997 pledge from the city not to use rainforest wood on its Boardwalk.

Cumaru, often called Brazilian teak, is native to South America and has a deep red and is described as one of the densest hardwoods used in outdoor construction, second only to ipe.

Neither wood has been classified as endangered, but the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, often abbreviated as CITES, last year approved including ipe and cumaru on a list that would impose additional protections on wood traded internationally.

North Wildwood seeks emergency OK for new bulkhead North Wildwood says dune erosion has reached the point that the best option is to connect a newly installed bulkhead to the existing seawall a few blocks away. On Friday , the city submitted a request for emergency authorization from the DEP for the project, as winter storms eat away at what dune is left and more storms are expected.

A CITES report from 2022 states that the species has been in decline, casting part of the blame on non-sustainable logging practices. The species grows extremely slowly, and there is also a market for its seeds, which are gathered on the forest floor.

The listing would not ban trade in the wood, a step reserved for international trade in critically endangered plants and animals, but some industry experts expect prices in both woods to rise. Ipe has been used in several boardwalk projects along the Jersey Shore.

Previously, some local advocates protested any use of tropical wood on boardwalks, arguing the logging contributed to deforestation. The current Wildwood projects have not faced similar controversy. For the work completed in previous years, city officials have said the wood being used was certified as being harvested in an environmentally responsible manner.
NEW YORK  A federal judge on Monday rejected U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs claims that search warrants that led to corruption charges and the discovery of gold bars and cash at his New Jersey home were unconstitutional.

Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled Monday that multiple warrants used to conduct 2022 searches of the Democrats email accounts and his home were properly sought and carried out.

The senators lawyers had claimed the warrants were riddled with material misrepresentation and omissions that deceived the authorizing magistrate judge.

Stein said any omissions in the warrants were not intentional or material and a hearing was not necessary to explore the claims further. He also denied challenges to search warrants by one of three businessmen charged in the case that also resulted in the arrest of Menendezs wife.

The warrants were issued between January and July 2022, along with a final warrant pertaining to cellular phones last September.

Searches of his home in June 2022 resulted in the discovery of over $100,000 worth of gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash  much of it hidden in closets, clothing and a safe, prosecutors said.

Photos included in an indictment when authorities first announced charges last September showed cash stuffed in envelopes in jackets bearing Menendezs name. Investigators also said they discovered a Google search by Menendez for the value of a kilo of gold and the DNA of one man prosecutors say bribed him on an envelope filled with thousands of dollars.

Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty and said the cash found in the house was personal savings he had put away for emergencies. After his fall arrest, Menendez was forced to relinquish his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but said he would not resign from Congress.

How a congressmans challenge to New Jerseys first lady is shaking up a key Senate race In New Jersey, the Senate seat held by Democrat Bob Menendez has become competitive because he was indicted last year on federal corruption charges. And so far, Andy Kim, a Democratic congressman who's seeking the nomination, is winning some important support on the county level.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, and two businessmen also have pleaded not guilty. On Friday, one businessman facing charges pled guilty in a cooperation deal with prosecutors that calls for him to testify at any trial.

The trial of Menendez and others is scheduled for May. Lawyers for Menendez did not immediately comment on Steins ruling.

A spokesperson for prosecutors declined to comment.

In his ruling, Stein wrote that affidavits supporting requests for search warrants only needed to establish probable cause that searches would turn up evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of a crime.

He said that threshold was amply satisfied by evidence described in the affidavit, including numerous messages between Menendez, his wife and one of the businessmen discussing various services and payments that were to be made to Nadine Menendez in return for the senators aid to the businessmen.

According to an indictment, Menendez and his wife accepted gold bars and cash from a real estate developer in return for the senator using his clout to get that businessman a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Menendez also was charged with helping another New Jersey business associate get a lucrative deal with the government of Egypt.
TRENTON  New Jersey lawmakers wanted to ask voters whether to ban new fossil fuel-fired power plants.

And then they added a loophole big enough to drive a fleet of oil trucks through.

A state Senate committee on Monday advanced a bill that would authorize a public referendum on amending the state's Constitution to ban construction of new power plants that burn natural gas or other fossil fuels.

But the measure was changed to allow the construction of such plants if they are to be primarily used as emergency backup power sources.

The so-called peaker plants would operate only sporadically, including in times of emergency or when the power grid is experiencing stress.

Scientists say the burning of natural gas and other fossil fuels is one of the leading causes of climate change.

Sen. Bob Smith, chairman of the environment and energy committee, began by talking about the urgent need to address climate change.

We have just gone through the hottest year in human history, he said. Texas is currently burning down. Two years ago we had New Jersey citizens dying from (Tropical Storm ) Ida. We are in big, bad, serious trouble.

But the bill was being amended to exempt backup power plants from the ban. Such proposals are among the most contentious in the state.

Among them is a backup power plant proposed for a sewage treatment facility in Newark. Nearby residents are trying to prevent the backup from being built, saying they are already overburdened by multiple sources of pollution.

Smith said utilities are still too reliant on these backup plants to suddenly ban new ones. (The original bill would not have affected existing power plants.)

Right now all the experts I talk to say you've got to have a peaker," he said. The citizens of New Jersey will not tolerate us getting in the way of the electricity they need.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said there are 26 power plants in New Jersey that burn fossil fuels, along with two nuclear power plants. The state no longer has coal-fired power plants.

The question is being debated around the country. In 2021, Whatcom County, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Seattle, changed its land use laws to prohibit the construction of new oil refineries, coal-fired power plants, and facilities that transport fossil fuels.

Numerous states have banned coal power plants, and many say they are working toward 100% clean-energy economies.

Yet there is opposition as well. At least 15% of counties in the U.S. have prohibited new utility-scale wind or solar power projects, according to USA Today.

Dave Pringle of the Empower NJ environmental group, said New Jersey's proposed ban does not go far enough.

The only projects this will ban will be new gas power plants of a very large nature, he said. Clearly, economics dictates that those will not happen.

In October, a Maryland-based energy company dropped plans to build a second gas-fired power plant next to one it already operates in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Competitive Power Ventures said market conditions had deteriorated to the point where the project was no longer economically feasible.

Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said existing peaker plants are particularly dirty, adding the ones already in existence should be sufficient for near-term future energy reliability needs.

The most hotly fought power plant proposal in the state is happening in Newark. There, the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission wants to build a gas-fired backup power plant to avoid a repeat of what happened when Superstorm Sandy knocked out power in 2012, causing nearly a billion gallons of untreated sewage to flow into area waterways.

The state's public transportation agency, NJ Transit, scrapped plans for a similar backup plant last month in nearby Kearny, saying resiliency improvements to the electrical gird made the project unnecessary.

Business groups said near-term energy needs require continued use of fossil fuels.

It is short-sighted to cut out fossil fuels, said Dennis Hart, executive director of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey. Our nuclear plants are 60 years old; you don't know how long they're going to be there."

The bill still needs multiple layers of approval before a referendum could be placed on the November general election ballot.

Smith said the measure will be further amended in coming weeks to clarify that small backup or portable generators such as those used by homeowners or small businesses during outages also would not be subject to a ban.
Sierra Leonean president visits China's Wuhan

Xinhua) 15:57, March 03, 2024

WUHAN, March 3 (Xinhua) -- President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio on Saturday visited Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, marking his first trip to the Chinese city that has close ties with Sierra Leone in multiple fields such as trade, education and agriculture.

During this visit, Bio went to the Institute of Food Crops of Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he learned about the research achievements in rice cultivation. Noting that rice is a staple food for many African countries, including Sierra Leone, he expressed hope for collaboration between Sierra Leone and Hubei in this field.

Bio, who was on a state visit to China from Feb. 27 to March 2, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Saturday by the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Expressing his gratitude, Bio said that this accolade is "not just a personal achievement, but a testimony of the enduring friendship between our two countries."

Speaking at the university, Bio said his visit to China is aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and economic and trade partnership between the two countries, as well as promoting deeper exchanges between universities in both countries.

He also noted that since Sierra Leone joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, the country has "benefited immensely from projects under this initiative."

Hubei and Sierra Leone share a longstanding friendship. Over the years, the province has sent agricultural technicians to Sierra Leone to share expertise in cultivation and breeding techniques. Moreover, the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) has provided training to over 20 high-level professionals from Sierra Leone in disciplines such as geological resources and engineering, environmental science and engineering, among others.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Zhong Wenxing)
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In the Region

Uzbekistan to Spend $500m to Prep for More Russian Gas Imports

Uzbekistan plans to increase imports of natural gas from Russia, but before that happens Uzbekistan will invest nearly $500 million in its pipeline system to accommodate extra volumes of gas.



Once a gas exporter, Uzbekistan has seen falling domestic production and huge domestic shortages in recent years and was forced to start importing gas from Russia in October 2023.

Uztransgaz, the national pipeline operator, announced on February 20 that under a 2024-2030 program, Uzbekistan would eventually more than triple imports of Russian gas.

Uzbekistan signed an initial two-year contract with Russian gas giant Gazprom for 2.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually in June 2023.

The Uzbek government aims to bring that figure to nearly 10 bcm by 2030.

Uztransgaz says financing for the project would be provided by unspecified foreign creditors.

Uztransgaz is already partnering with Russian company Forus in a $557-million project to expand capacity at the underground gas storage facility in the western city of Gazli.

Forus has a 60 percent stake in the project and the Uzbek government has the remaining 40 percent.

Why Its Important: Uzbekistan has proven gas reserves of 1.87 trillion cubic meters, but after peaking at 58.5 bcm in 2018, domestic gas production has dropped to 46.7 bcm in 2023.

For more than a decade, Uzbek officials have noted the countrys increasing domestic gas consumption due to expanding industry and population growth but have failed to boost production to meet demand.

Uzbekistans current domestic gas consumption is just over 50 bcm, so without more gas, the country will not be able to meet the industrial and household needs in the coming years.

Besides buying 2.8 bcm of Russian gas, Uzbekistan also buys up to 2 bcm from neighboring Turkmenistan.

Combined, imported gas currently accounts for less than 10 percent of Uzbekistans gas demands.

If Russia does eventually supply 9.6 bcm annually to Uzbekistan, that would be more than 16 percent of the total gas Uzbekistan uses.

That gives Russia new leverage in its relations with Uzbekistan.

Price of Flour and Bread Jumps in Turkmenistan

The price for flour and bread at government-run stores in the Turkmen capital Ashgabat suddenly soared on February 12, adding to the burdens of Turkmenistans increasingly impoverished people.

A correspondent for RFE/RLs Turkmen Service, Azatlyk, reported the price for one kilogram of flour increased from one manat (about $0.29 at the official rate) to 3.5 manats ($1).

The price for a loaf of the traditional Turkmen flatbread (chorek) went from one to 2.5 manats (about $0.71).

Azatlyk reported there were rumors of an impending price hike, but no official announcement preceded the actual increase at state stores.

The Europe-based Turkmen.news website reported on January 18 that the cost of a chorek went from 0.5 to two manat in the western Balkan Province.

There were no reports of bread or flour prices increasing in other areas of the country until February 12.

Flour and bread have often been in short supply in recent years in Turkmenistan and there were limits on how much either state store could sell customers.

Private stores have an abundance of bread and flour, but the price is two or three times higher than in state stores.

Why Its Important: As Azatlyk and Turkmen.news noted in their reports, bread has become an indispensable part of meals for many Turkmen people.

Prices for meat and vegetables have also risen in the last six years. Many families, especially low-income families, are forced to use these sparingly and compensate by eating more bread.

Now many people in Turkmenistan will have to economize on how much bread they eat.

Majlis Podcast

The most recent Majlis podcast looks at a Kyrgyz courts decision to close independent outlet Kloop Media.

The verdict was rendered after state-appointed experts testified, essentially, that Kloops reporting was making people depressed and leading them into immoral acts.

The current government is no friend of independent media and several other media outlets are facing or have recently faced legal problems.

The worst might be yet to come with draft laws under discussion that would provide abundant opportunities for authorities to shutter independent media outlets.

The guests for this podcast are:

Gulnoza Said, the Europe and Central Asia coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists; and

Muzaffar Suleymanov, program officer in the Eurasia Department at the Swedish-based organization Civil Rights Defenders.

What Im Following

A Monthly Car-Free Day for Tashkent

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev signed the order on February 21 on the Day without Automobiles in Tashkent.

One work day each month, the streets of Tashkent will be clear of vehicles except for those belonging to local emergency services and public transportation.

Mirziyoey called on officials in Tashkent to be personal examples by taking public transportation to work on that day.

The move is a response to air pollution in Tashkent, which has been especially bad so far in 2024.

Activists in the Uzbek capital staged a flashmob on January 14 under the hashtag #TozaHavoKerak (clean air needed) to call for a lasting solution to Tashkents pollution problem.

The website IQAir, which monitors air quality in major cities around the world, rated Tashkent as having the 11th worst air pollution on February 12.

Other big cities in Central Asia face increasing problems with air pollution, so the car-free experiment in Tashkent will be watched by neighboring countries.

Tajik, Russian Authorities Seek Arrest of Pamiri Journalist

Tajik authorities are bringing criminal charges against journalist Anora Sarkorova and Russias Interior Ministry announced a warrant was out for her arrest in Russia.

Sarkorova is a Pamiri, a native of eastern Tajikistans Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

She and her husband journalist Rustam Joni, also a Pamiri with charges filed against him, fled to Europe several years ago.

Both have been reporting on events in GBAO, including the brutal government crackdown in GBAO.

Fact of the Week

In January, 1,306 ethnic Kazakhs received Kandas status in Kazakhstan.

Kandas are Kazakhs from other countries who wish to become citizens of Kazakhstan.

Nearly half the Kandas registered in January originally came from Chinas western Xinjiang region.

Thanks for Reading

Thanks for reading Central Asia in Focus! I appreciate you sharing it with other readers who may be interested.



Feel free to contact me on X, especially if you have any questions, comments, or just want to connect about topics concerning Central Asia.



Until next time,

Bruce

P.S.  If you enjoyed this newsletter and dont want to miss the next edition, subscribe here.
Iowa needs to stop trying to make teachers and guns happen.

Its like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.

School safety is on the minds of Iowans because of the frequency of school shootings across the United States, and, more recently, in Iowa.

In January a 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School and killed a sixth-grader and a school principal. Six other people were injured in the shooting. The perpetrator died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

A majority of Iowa legislators believe one of the solutions to combatting these horrific events is to put guns in our schools.

The state has already paved the way for teachers and school staff to carry guns on school grounds, if the districts so choose, but in 2023 insurance carriers provided a bump in the road.

Spirit Lake and Cherokee school districts voted to arm staff members, but EMC Insurance said it would not cover the districts.

Spirit Lake School Board had passed a measure to allow 10 non-teaching staff members to carry guns on school grounds. When EMC said it would not insure the district, the administration wasnt able to secure insurance elsewhere because of gun policy.

The school boards walked back their decisions in order to keep their districts insured.

If insurance companies can see the risks in arming school staffs, why cant state legislators? Instead of conceding the issue, Iowa Republicans are attempting a workaround.

The latest bill on the issue out of the Iowa House, House File 2586, aims to solve the insurance problem. On Wednesday the bill passed on a party-line vote, 61-34, with Republicans for and Democrats against.

The bill adds a new permitting process that requires training. Employees would have to pass an annual background check and complete a firearms safety course, in addition to one-time legal training on issues like qualified immunity. They would also have annual communication and emergency medical trainings approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, plus quarterly live firearms training.

This is to convince insurers the risk will be nullified.

And just in case, the bill would provide qualified immunity to those carrying weapons, meaning a staff member would be shielded from lawsuits in the event of misconduct unless they violate clearly established law.

Most teachers have the best interests of their students at heart, but why would we need to protect them from repercussions of firing a gun on school grounds?

How does qualified immunity for armed staff make our students safer?

And the bill would indemnify school district from civil liability for all damages incurred pursuant to the application of reasonable force.

How does protecting the school districts against lawsuits, in the event that something goes wrong with armed staff, protect students? Wouldnt it be parents of students who might have cause to file such a lawsuit? Doesnt it take away parents rights?

This is all so we can skirt around the danger of arming school staff.

Police officers are the only ones we want carrying guns in our schools. Officers choose the profession, go through proper training and deal with the threat of violence on a regular basis.

That leads us to the portion of the bill that begins to make sense.

The bill would require school districts with more than 8,000 students, which includes Davenport, to have a school resource officer at each high school.

Schools under 8,000 students would be encouraged, but not required, to employ school resource officers at high schools. Further, the state would match up to $50,000 for employing security personnel.

Most larger school districts have school resource officers. Advocates of the House bill point out that Perry High School had an officer who wasnt on site at the time of the shooting. But thats not reason enough to arm staff.

If the state wants guns in schools for protection, then pay for police officers to be there. Pay as much as it takes. Dont turn people with education degrees into vigilantes.
A 20-year-old Rock Island man died early Sunday when he crashed his vehicle on Davenports North Brady Street while fleeing police, the Iowa State Patrol said.

According to the initial crash report filed by Iowa State Patrol Sgt. James Lancaster, Javier Villarreal was driving a 2011 Nissan Maxima when Iowa State Patrol attempted a traffic stop.

Villarreal fled northbound on Brady Street. When Villarreal reached North 53rd Street, he lost control of the Maxima and it crashed. Villarreal was not wearing a seatbelt.

The crash occurred at 12:43 a.m.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Fire Department, and Medic EMS.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.
Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG) announced it is sponsoring a forum on renewable energy, focusing on how to access federal and state incentives available to help finance home projects.

The forum will be held at the Western Illinois University QC Campus at 3300 River Drive in Moline, Room 111 in Riverfront Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. The forum is free, but registration is required online at www.pacgqc.org.

The forum is co-sponsored by Western Illinois University, WQPT, WVIK, and the Citizens Climate Lobby. The forum is geared toward anyone who would like to save money on their electric bill, reduce their carbon footprint, or become energy independent.

Attendees will learn the pros and cons of solar power, air source heat pumps and geothermal energy, as well as how to choose a reliable contractor. Presenters will include participants from the Citizens Utility Board of Illinois and the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, with Mark Ridolfi, Managing Editor of the North Scott Press, moderating the presentations. Exhibitors will include local vendors.

How far is the US from a 100% renewable energy future? How far is the US from a 100% renewable energy future? Models show the feasibility of a green-energy future Variations in potential resources determine how states would source green energy Renewable energy infrastructure could create jobs across the US 100% renewable energy could mean major cost savings 31 states have active renewable energy targets Every state still relies on majority fossil fuels for energy consumption Challenges remain in meeting 100% renewable energy by 2050
LONDON  You were walking next to a swimming pool when you slipped and dropped your phone into the water. Or it slipped out of your hand when you were next to a filled bathtub or toilet.

However your smartphone got wet, you now need to dry it. But what do you do? There's lots of advice on the internet, some of it conflicting. Apple inserted itself into the debate recently when it put out an advisory that included a warning against using rice.

Here are some things to keep in mind next time your phone has an unintended encounter with a liquid.

What you should do

Dry off the exterior with a towel or clean cloth, even your shirtsleeve  anything that's absorbent. Take out the SIM card and holder. If possible, remove the back housing and battery to wipe them dry. Also, if possible, turn the phone off.

iPhones can't be disassembled so Apple recommends tapping it gently against your hand with the connector ports facing down so liquid can flow out.

Samsung, which is the biggest maker of Android phones, recommends using a cotton bud to get moisture out of the earphone jack and charging port. In contrast, Apple says cotton buds shouldn't be inserted into iPhone openings.

If it's not water but another liquid  a drink, seawater or chlorinated pool water  Samsung advises soaking the phone in clean water for a few minutes then rinsing it to get rid of any impurities or salinity that could speed up corrosion of the circuitry inside.

Both companies say it's best to leave the phone out in a well ventilated area (perhaps with a fan) to dry it out. Google says leave the device to dry at room temperature.

What you shouldn't do

Don't use a hair dryer or compressed air on your phone. Don't put it in a freezer  this might stop your device from short-circuiting but the problem will be back once you try to thaw it. And while this might seem obvious, don't put your device in a tumble dryer or on top of a radiator.

Don't power it up or try to charge it with a cable  although wireless charging is OK if your phone has it and you really need to turn it on in an emergency.

So what about using rice to dry your device? You may have heard that putting a phone in a bowl of rice will help draw out moisture. It's been a tip that's been out there for years.

Apple, however, says that's a no-no. The company warned against it in an advisory published in early January. It drew little attention at the time, but then people noticed the line that said: "Don't put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone."

Is there anything I can use besides rice?

The best option is silica gel, a drying agent that can absorb lots of moisture. Silica gel beads are typically found in packets that are included with products like beef jerky, seaweed sheets or sneakers to keep them dry. You can also buy them in bulk online. This works best if you put them in an airtight box with your phone.

When do I know it's dry?

It's hard to tell but it's best to wait as long as possible  at least a few days. Samsung advises bringing your device into a service center for inspection even after it's been air-dried.

Aren't phones waterproof nowadays?

Most phones nowadays are designed to be water-resistant, which means they can resist water entering critical areas for a certain amount of time. But beware, this isn't the same as being waterproof.

Apple says the iPhone 7 and and newer models are splash and water resistant. iPhone XS devices and up have the IP68 rating, which means they can be submerged for as long as 30 minutes and, depending on the model, as deep as 6 meters (20 feet). These models also pop up a warning if there's liquid detected in key ports, and warn against charging. Samsung says most of its Galaxy Android phones feature the same rating, though the maximum depth is about 5 meters (16 feet).

Google's newer Pixel phones carry the same water resistance ratings, but Google warns that they aren't waterproof and the water resistance will diminish over time because of "normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage."

___

10 tech innovations that have improved driving safety since 2000 10 tech innovations that have improved driving safety since 2000 Rear-view cameras Lane departure warnings Driving mode on phones Crash detection Red light cameras Blind spot detection V2V communication Car telematics Smart traffic control systems Automatic emergency braking
South Dakota's Fourth Circuit Judge Michael Day issued a mandate Friday directing the city of Sturgis to proceed with an election regarding the future of the city manager position.

The controversy began in December 2021, when local residents Justin and Tammy Bohn, alongside Brenda Vasknetz, petitioned for a change in government structure. They sought to eliminate the city manager position in favor of a direct aldermanic governance model. The city, citing legal advice, initially rejected the petition, leading to a legal battle culminating in the Supreme Court's decision to overturn previous lower court rulings.

On Jan. 3, 2022, Justin and Tammy Bohn and Vasknetz filed for a writ of mandamus in circuit court to force the finance officer to verify the sufficiency of signatures for an election. Circuit Court Judge Kevin Krull ruled in favor of the city, dismissing the case and effectively rejecting the mandamus request. The Bohns and Vasknetz appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court, seeking a mandamus to compel certification of the petition, present it to the Sturgis Council, and to have the council schedule an election.

The Supreme Court found fault with Krull's ruling, sending the case back to circuit court for the issuance of a mandamus that orders the city council to organize and conduct the election, a directive completed by Judge Day on Friday. Kellen Willert, representing the Bohns and Vasknetz, urged the court on Friday to reexamine the original case's findings and the related costs and damages.

Despite earlier resistance, the Sturgis City Council has now scheduled the election for April 9, coinciding with the city's Municipal Election.

Further proceedings are expected, as Willert, representing the petitioners, has requested a reevaluation of the initial case's findings and the associated legal expenses. A hearing set for March 22 will delve into the matters, including a review of the ballot to be used in the upcoming election.

Willert asked the court to approve the city's ballot explanation about the city manager question. Eric Miller, Sturgis city staff attorney, opposed the request, arguing that such a review, absent a legal dispute, exceeds the court's authority. He said South Dakota Codified Law 9-10-1 grants exclusive rights to the city attorney to create the ballot language.
Montana Digital Academy, the states public online school and a hub for virtual learning resources, released its first comprehensive guide on how to use artificial intelligence in classrooms.

As educators grapple with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and the ways its changing how students learn, the guide tries to help them leverage the potential benefits of the technology while also safeguarding against some of the risks it brings.

Montanas teachers stand ready to navigate the fast-paced world of these evolving technologies," said Amanda Curtis, president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees, in a statement. The guide provides a good start to the discussions that educators, administrators, students, and parents must have to use any new technology responsibly.

ChatGPT, the revolutionary program created by OpenAI that can answer questions or create images, texts or videos based on user prompts, was released in November 2022 and had 100 million users within its first two months. That makes it the fastest growing emerging technology in recent history, surpassing the likes of Facebook by a factor of years.

How quickly people have adopted ChatGPT and programs like it shows the technology is already here. The question for education professionals is not how to keep it out of schools, but how to use it for good.

MTDAs guide focuses on achieving those goals at a district level, providing guidelines for how local officials can prepare themselves to best integrate artificial intelligence. It encourages superintendents and school boards to create a team dedicated to overseeing and implementing artificial intelligence and emphasizes the need to tailor the technologys use to the local community.

Weve discovered these tools are becoming increasingly functional and complex at a rate that exceeds anything weve seen in the experience of our staff, including the internet itself, Mike Agostinelli, the assistant director of MTDA, said in a statement.

Highlights of the 56-page guide include establishing ethical expectations for students using artificial intelligence while still teaching them the technological skills that will become increasingly important in a changing workforce; helping teachers use artificial intelligence for administrative efficiency and tailoring instruction to students with divergent needs; creating an outreach plan to make sure parents and other community members are on board; and ensuring the technology is incorporated in an equitable way.

AI in education has the potential to both enhance learning experiences for students and support teachers with the use of innovative tools, said Caitlin Byters, a student support specialist from MTDA. Thoughtfully applied, AI acts as a valuable partner to enhance the continuous loop that is teaching and learning.

This guide from MTDA is the latest step of educators around Montana to wrap their arms around artificial intelligence. The University of Montana hosted a symposium earlier this year to bring faculty and staff together around these issues, and its awarding grants to educators looking to bring artificial intelligence into their college classrooms in innovative ways.

MTDA runs a twice-monthly educator conference to explore the impacts of artificial intelligence, and it will host its second annual Innovation Runs Through It conference in July, which it hopes will serve as a touchstone for educators to explore new instructional practices.

Planning Guide for AI: A Framework for School Districts can be accessed online here.
A Sandpoint man died after being caught and buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the southern Selkirk Mountains of Idaho's northern panhandle on Friday.

The man was riding in the Fault Lake area on the western side of the Pack River drainage, according to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, about 21 miles north of Sandpoint or roughly between Priest Lake to the west and Bonners Ferry to the east. His riding partner was not caught and survived.

The Boundary County Office of Emergency Management identified the deceased rider as 54-year-old Lance J. Gidley of Sandpoint. Both the county and avalanche center stated that poor weather conditions and ongoing avalanche danger meant that rescuers couldn't recover Gidley's body until Saturday afternoon.

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for Friday, March 1, indicating that large, deadly avalanches were almost certain. Avalanche forecasters cited more than 3 feet of fresh snow and dense slabs of wind-blown snow as dual avalanche concerns.

"Dangerous avalanche conditions are present due to intense winds and wet storms," the forecasters wrote. "Avoid being in avalanche terrain. Natural avalanches have been observed. Human-triggered avalanches are very likely."

Separately, a snowmobiler died in an avalanche near Ahtanum Meadows in Washington, east of Darland Mountain and southeast of Mount Rainier, about 25 miles west of Yakima and 97 miles southeast of Seattle. The Northwest Avalanche Center reported that two snowmobilers were caught in the slide but only one was buried and killed.

The center issued a forecast Friday of considerable avalanche danger, meaning potentially large, deadly slides were likely.

Avalanches are possible on any slope 30 degrees or steeper, and can be triggered remotely and without warning from above, below or adjacent to a slope that steep. Avalanches are most likely to begin on slopes between 35 and 45 degrees.

Strong winds during storm cycles, like the one that impacted the Idaho Panhandle late last week, can create dense but very unstable slabs of wind-blown snow on the downwind, or leeward, sides of ridges, mountain tops, saddles and gullies. And fresh powder can take a few days to bond to older snow it accumulates on, leading to storm-slab avalanches.

According to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, first responders were dispatched at about 1:30 p.m. Friday to a report of a possible avalanche fatality, but "high avalanche danger and strong winter weather have delayed the mission." The center asked the public to avoid the Fault Lake Trail area.

The county office of emergency management reported that Gidley and his riding partner "encountered an avalanche," but that the partner was able to ride away from the slide. He attempted to find and rescue Ridley, who was wearing an avalanche beacon  a personal locator device considered essential for winter backcountry travel. The riding partner ultimately found Gidley dead under about 4 feet of avalanche debris.

On Saturday, a "group of experienced riders who were familiar with the area" joined personnel from the Boundary County Sheriff and the County Search and Dive Rescue Team in the recovery mission, according to the office of emergency management.

"The recovery operation took about nine hours due to the rugged terrain, challenging weather and the high risk of further avalanche," the office stated. "Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer commended the professional searchers and volunteers, some of whom were friends of the deceased man."

The northern Idaho death was the second avalanche fatality in the state so far this winter and the ninth in the U.S. The Washington fatality was the 10th in the U.S. and the most recent as of Monday, according to a national database of avalanche fatalities.

On Jan. 11, a backcountry skier died in an avalanche near Stevens Peak, Idaho, in the Silver Valley and just over the state line from Montana west of Missoula. One of the two surviving skiers in that incident was injured.

There has not been an avalanche fatality in Montana so far this winter, although skiers and snowmobilers have been caught and injured in slides across the western part of the state.
Good Foods Grocery has a new set of employees, a cohort of eight interns, ready to learn the ropes of day-to-day work so they can move into jobs with other companies in the area.

Commonwealth Autism bought the local grocery earlier this year with the goal of using it as part of a job readiness program for autistic adults.

Good Foods will continue selling the same local, natural and bulk products that it has always stocked, while adding Commonwealth Autisms mission to put adults with autism to work.

Weve had people shopping here for years. It feels like a family environment among the people who work here as well as the customers, said Tyler Hart, president and CEO of Henrico County-based Commonwealth Autism. Were not reducing any of the full-time staff and are really adding to the workforce and building the program on what was already here.

Good Foods Grocery is located inside the Stony Point Shopping Center at 3062 Stony Point Road in Richmond.

Unemployment and underemployment rates among people with autism can be as high as 85%, with nearly half of all 25-year-olds with autism never having held a paying job, according to Commonwealth Autism. When in school, students typically have a routine and an adequate support network to help them through daily life. That supporting environment often falls off a cliff after graduation, Hart said.

Interns will staff several different positions across a three-month internship period including cashier, stocking shelves and food service, among others. The program starts slowly with interns working around three to four hours per day, two to three days per week and slowly ramping up.

At the end of the internship, Commonwealth Autism will work to place the interns with employers in the area.

Once placed with a permanent employer, Commonwealth Autism can help with follow-ups, Hart said. When you get past 90 days, they often become very loyal and very trusted employees.

A new center for Commonwealth Autism

As a business, Good Foods has been growing in sales since it was purchased. Groceries can traditionally be a tough business with tight margins, but Good Foods is turning about an 8% profit, Hart said. Those funds are reinvested in programs for the nonprofit, which has traditionally relied on grants and fundraising for survival.

Initially the idea was that if we get close to break-even that would be good, Hart said. The mission is to put adults with autism to work  then the business was actually generating revenue that we could reinvest.

Good Foods Grocery is not only the site of Commonwealth Autisms program, but is set to become the center for all of its operations. It is in the process of closing on the purchase of a building on an adjacent property at the Stony Point Shopping Center. The group plans to move its headquarters there from its previous location at 4108 E. Parham Road.

The long-term plan includes the construction of a commercial kitchen at the new headquarters that can be used to teach a bigger set of job skills while making products for local companies. That kitchen program may also open up to teaching people with disabilities other than autism.

Ultimately, the move will accommodate the nonprofit's overall growth, which Hart said has been increasing about 50% year over year.

Striking the right tone

Eric Bailey, 21, is an intern in the first cohort. He said that Good Foods has been a welcoming environment in a way that no other job had been for him.

He previously worked for a major nationwide retail store, but it was clear that they did not have an understanding of how autism affects people.

The developmental disorder can cause roadblocks for soft skills like communication and social interaction. People with autism can also be disproportionately affected by environmental stimuli such as bright lights, background music or sounds from a machine, which overloads the senses.

Bailey was immediately thrust into full eight hour shifts several days per week without much direction or guidance. He said the goals were unrealistic and that the store was churning through employees.

Its not exactly what they teach but how its being taught, Bailey said. Im getting from this program what I didnt get before  they really take the time to be genuine, and it feels like Im in good hands. I finally feel like Im in a comfortable position.

Bailey said he felt intimidated on his first day, overthinking that the job might be too hard. But after a couple of rounds stocking the shelves, he became self-sufficient and ready to move on to other roles around the store.

The work prep program is led by Sarah McCaig, Commonwealth Autisms manager of workforce development.

The biggest thing, she said, is teaching interns how to cope, navigate situations or problem-solve when issues come up.

A lot of those small things we take for granted as a neurotypical society, McCaig said. Theyre not so small for the autistic population and can interfere with the workday if you dont see that its happening.

Its also teaching about the fun side of work, how to be part of the community. Its not only about someone standing over you making sure youre doing everything right.

Much of that work, she said, happens incrementally, building one skill at a time before leaving interns on their own to handle tasks completely autonomously. Then three months later, they will have the foundation needed to go out into the world and work either part, or full-time jobs.

The understanding of autism in general is still relatively new, Hart said. Neurodiversity is often not understood but that is something that we should make mainstream. That awareness helps both [people with autism and employers.]

From the Archives: Sharp's Island in the James River and its residents
A former Richmond mail carrier pleaded guilty Friday to mail theft after authorities say she stole checks, gift cards and other items from the mail of more than 180 victims. The ex-U.S. Postal Service employee was the second to be charged with mail-related offenses in less than a month.

Both cases come as Richmond residents grapple with significant mail delays and service disruptions that officials have struggled to address.

According to court documents filed on Feb. 9, Wendy Lawrence, 40, of Chesterfield County, in the fall of 2022 stole envelopes in the mail stream ... that were entrusted to her care. Lawrence then took the envelopes to her Chesterfield home.

Lawrence would use account information and routing numbers found on checks to steal money from bank accounts associated with the checks, authorities said. Lawrence would also use stolen bank account information to initiate electronic payments for personal expenses, including a tax bill, pest control and rent.

Authorities estimated that total financial losses for all of Lawrences victims were between $15,000 and $40,000.

In one case, Lawrence used bank account information that she had stolen from the mail to wire $10,542 from a victims bank account to pay her rent, court documents say. To conceal the scheme, Lawrence requested a fraudulent address change on behalf of the victim to redirect the victims mail to her own residence.

In October 2022, investigators recovered checks belonging to at least 30 individuals that were in Lawrences possession, according to court records. On several of the checks, which ranged in value from roughly $900 to $5,000, Lawrence had forged her name in the pay to the order of section.

Lawrence was indicted on Feb. 9 and pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of mail theft. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 29, and faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and forfeiture of assets connected to the scheme.

Lawrence is the second former Richmond mail carrier during February to face charges for offenses connected to their employment with USPS.

On Feb. 15, Dominique Burch Sr. pleaded guilty to obstruction of mail after authorities say he knowingly and willfully ... diverted nearly 20,000 pieces of mail and stored them in storage lockers at an apartment complex.

The mail, which Burch obstructed between August and September 2023, included financial and bank statements, letters from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, sensitive legal correspondence, toll violation notices and mail marked time sensitive, according to an indictment against Burch.

Burch was sentenced Feb. 15 to 12 months of probation.

PHOTOS: Recognize these Richmond-area places?
Key priorities of General Assembly Democrats  and in some cases, at least some Republicans  are on a fast-track path for Gov. Glenn Youngkins action, due Friday.

Some of the bills are not obviously controversial, such as House Bill 1336, sponsored by Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, to make sure nursing homes have all the medications they need to treat residents suffering a mental health crisis.

But some are. They include measures to protect womens reproductive health care rights and to tackle gun violence, said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax.

The seven-day deadline for the governor to act applies to bills that the House of Delegates and the Senate have acted on and that the speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor, who presides over the state Senate, have signed and formally communicated to the governor before the final week of a legislative session. On most other bills, the governor must act 30 days after the General Assembly adjourns. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn their 60-day session on Saturday.

I think the next seven days are gonna say a lot about the next two years, Surovell said.

Youngkin press secretary Christian Martinez said: The Governor is reviewing the legislation that has been delivered to his desk, as he continues to watch how the General Assembly chooses to act on other important priorities.

The seven-day clock is ticking on Senate Bill 238 and House Bill 819 that would require health insurers to pay for contraceptive drugs and devices, including over-the-counter products.

You see women are perfectly capable of making decisions of when they will start a family, said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria. These bills are a critical step to keeping health care accessible for women in the commonwealth, especially at a time when were seeing a barrier to access becoming greater and greater in other states around the country.

Those bills passed the Senate by a 24-15 vote and the House 69-29.

Also on the fast track for gubernatorial action are gun bills  Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, and House Bill 46, sponsored by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria. Under those measures, people banned from possessing a firearm because they are under a protective order, or were convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member, could not transfer guns to other prohibited people, or people who live with them, or to minors.

These passed both bodies on largely party-line votes of 21-19 in the Senate and 52-47 in the House.

Under another bill on the fast track, House Bill 498, sponsored by Del. Laura Jane Cohen, D-Fairfax, school boards would have to require an annual notice to parents of their legal responsibility to safely store any firearm at home. It passed the House on a 54-45 vote and the Senate by 22 -17.

Bill would return Va. to voter data program

At a news conference on Monday, House and Senate Democrats also highlighted bills that would return Virginia to the Electronic Registration Information Center, also known as ERIC, an interstate voter registration data sharing program that Virginia commissioner of elections, Susan Beals, withdrew from last summer.

This is very, very important because as weve seen, just this last election cycle, where over 3,400 Virginians were removed from the voting rolls, said state Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, who chairs the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. We want to ensure that this does not happen again in the year where our democracy is on the line.

Rouse said the seven-day list also includes a bill from Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, on tenant protections. Under that measure, local governments could take landlords to court when they do not correct fire hazards or serious threats to the health and safety of tenants or are out of compliance with their obligations in a rental agreement. It passed the House 53-45 and the Senate 39-0.

Several high-profile bills that have passed the House and the Senate are not on the list because they have not yet been signed by House Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

They include such Democratic priorities as measures to increase the minimum wage and to make the sale, purchase or transfer of assault firearms a crime punishable by up to a year in jail.

Nor on the list are the hard-won compromises that would legalize electronic skill games and set a framework for legal retail sale of marijuana.

Under the state Constitution, governors can sign bills into law, veto them or send them back to the General Assembly with recommendations for changes. The General Assembly then considers a governors vetoes or recommended changes when it reconvenes, a month after the end of the regular session. In a closely divided legislature, Democrats are unlikely to muster the vote to override a Youngkin veto, which takes a two-thirds vote in the House and the Senate.

If Youngkin does not act on a bill by the time the seven-day or the 30-day deadline passes, the measure automatically becomes law.

House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, questioned the Democrats tactics.

I dont know what the Democrats hope to accomplish by sending these bills to the governor on an accelerated timeline, he said. Regardless of party, the governors office often finds errors and problems in legislation and sends down fixes. If these bills are truly that important, why would Democrats want to rush the governors review?

Gun bills heading to Youngkin

On Monday, the House moved to the governors desk House Bill 175, sponsored by Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax. It would prohibit the carrying of semi-automatic center-fire rifles or shotguns on any public street, road or any other place open to the public. The House passed the measure on a party-line 51-47 vote. It had passed the Senate 21-19.

Also moving to governor is House Bill 22, sponsored by Del. Michael Jones, D-Richmond. It would ban auto-sears, which are devices that allow a semi-automatic firearm to automatically shoot several times with a single pull of a trigger. It passed the House 89-2 and previously passed the Senate 27-13.

On another topic, the Senate passed House Bill 985 that would prohibit the sale of driveway sealants containing more than 1% by weight of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a major toxin that has been flowing into Virginia streams, rivers and the Chesapeake. This bill passed the Senate 23-14 and the House 78-21.

Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly 2024
Heavily loaded dealers busted on busy Playa del Carmen streets

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Weekend drug busts in Playa del Carmen have reached new heights with loaded dealers. Municipal Police reported arresting several people in various operations who were found with hundreds of bags of hard drugs.

An adult man and a minor were taken into custody from residential Palmas Turquesa with more than 550 packages of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. The pair were also found in possession of bullets but no weapon.

On Loros Avenue, elements of the Preventive Police arrested 42-year-old Mario N and 17-year-old Andres N with 118 packages of marijuana, 332 of cocaine and 102 of methamphetamine.

Two more men were arrested from the Villas del Sol subdivision after Municipal Police found them in possession of more than 460 doses of narcotics that include cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

The men, Alexander N, 25 and Nolberto N, 28, both from Tabasco, were picked up after patrolling officers saw one of the smoking a joint on the street.

A Yucatan man was also taken into custody over the weekend from the Zazil-Ha neighborhood of central Playa del Carmen. Jesus N, 31, was arrested on 42nd Street by elements of the Tourist Police after he was caught storing bags of what police believed to be cocaine, inside the light meter of a home.

An armed man found with LSD, cocaine and marijuana was seized from the In House colony of west Playa del Carmen. Police took 45-year-old Rogelio N into custody after locating narcotics, a loaded handgun and ammo.

Patrolling officers also located and seized a red cup that was left on top of an ATM on Fifth Avenue. Inside the cup police found methamphetamine, cocaine and five bullets. The cup and its contents were found by patrolling Tourist Police.
HARDY  Just a few months after petroleum was first discovered in the drinking water of homes in the Coopers Cove community, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is now assuring residents that temporary safeguards are in place while efforts continue to find a more permanent solution.

A homeowner first reported petroleum in their private well in November. In the weeks that followed, DEQ began testing the wells at surrounding homes as well as nearby streams and creeks. So far, 18 wells in the Franklin County community have tested positive for gasoline constituents, primarily the additive MTBE, in the water.

Most of the 18 homes impacted are along Patsel Court located just off Coopers Cove Road.

In December, DEQ began installing carbon filtration units in each of the impacted homes. The units remove the contaminates in the water to assure it is safe to drink.

The source of the petroleum is believed to be from three leaking underground storage tanks from a home on Cooper Cove Road. DEQ removed the tanks as well as more than 100 tons of petroleum impacted soil last month. DEQ officials declined to identify the location of the property.

At a community meeting held Sunday at the Coopers Cove Community Center, Chad Quesenberry, Carbon Filtration Unit program specialist for DEQ, warned residents that the petroleum contaminates will remain even after the tanks and soil were removed.

It takes a long, long time for that to go away, Quesenberry said. He assured residents that the carbon filtration units would remain in place as long as needed. They would also be replaced regularly.

Robert Howard, DEQs petroleum program manager, assured residents Wednesday that work is continuing to find a more permanent solution. He said the goal of the carbon filtration units is to be temporary.

Dont be concerned that we are suddenly going to just throw our hands up and say you are on your own at this point, Howard said. We are going to be here for quite some time trying to exhaust all possible solutions.

That solution would come in the form of a more reliable source of drinking water. Howard said another well in a safe location could be dug that could provide water to all the homes or the homes could be connected to public water lines.

The main problem with connecting to public water, Howard said, would be the cost. Running public water lines several miles to the location would cost millions of dollars. That amount of funding isnt currently available for DEQ, he said.

We are just trying to figure out who will help us make this happen, Howard said of funding.

Even if funding is provided, Howard said solutions such as running water lines or digging a new well for residents could take years to complete.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MTBE, or Methyl tert-butyl ether, was added to gasoline in the United States from the mid- to late 1980s until 2005. MTBE can be absorbed through vapors or skin contact and can affect health.

Residents impacted by the contamination were assured on Wednesday that the level found in the wells of each of the 18 homes was very low. All but two of the homes were found to have MTBE from petroleum at levels higher than 40 parts per billion. Howard said most people cant even taste the MTBE until it reaches more than 40 parts per billion.

Darrin Doss, environmental health manager for the Virginia Department of Health, said to reach the level he called chronic exposure a person would have to be exposed to MTBE at levels at around 14 parts per billion or more over a lifetime. Most of the homes tested fell below that number.

Youve got to remember you have to be exposed to it for 50 to 70 plus years at that level, Doss said.

Howard said there was no way how long the tanks had been leaking, but they were installed sometime in the late 1970s or early 80s and likely didnt begin leaking until more recently. Doss said the MTBE levels dropped to undetectable levels in each of the homes once the carbon filtration units were installed.

Residents attending Sundays meeting seemed mostly positive with the updates from DEQ. Amanda Bartley, one of the impacted residents on Patsel Court, praised the work they have done so far.

They have done a wonderful job of keeping us updated and informed every step of the way, Bartley said.

Bartley said MTBE concentrations were found in her drinking water at 19.8 parts per billion. It was low enough she never realized it was there.

I never noticed any smell or taste, Bartley said.

While the work by DEQ was appreciated, some residents were concerned about their home values. Many experienced a significant jump in their homes assessed value, like much of the county, during Franklin Countys most recent reassessment.

Several residents said their county reassessments should see such a major decrease due to the fact their wells are contaminated. Those new reassessment values will likely mean a major increase in overall county real estate taxes unless the board of supervisors decides to drop the tax rate later this month.

One resident who asked that his name not be given, said he was appreciative of the work by DEQ but wondered who would want to purchase his home if he ever decided to sell it and any potential buyer learned of the contamination. He said that would be a major reason to reduce the homes recent reassessment for homeowners impacted.
An international environmental group has been removed from a sweeping lawsuit filed by Mountain Valley Pipeline that seeks injunctions and civil penalties against foes of the hard-fought project.

Mountain Valley failed to show how Rising Tide North America was involved in protests by opponents who chained themselves to construction equipment, stood in work sites and took other actions against the natural gas pipeline, a judge ruled.

The company has only provided conclusions and vague allegations regarding Rising Tides support of allegedly unlawful acts by other defendants, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Robert Turk wrote in a Feb. 23 opinion that granted the organizations motion to dismiss.

A second group, Appalachians Against Pipelines, and more than 50 individuals remain as defendants in the case.

Rising Tide North America is a grassroots organization made up of ordinary people fighting for a better and healthier world, the group said in statement Friday. We are glad that MVPs attempts to curtail free speech and intimidate failed in this case.

In a lawsuit filed last September, Mountain Valley asserted that Rising Tide raised donations through online solicitations and then gave the money to Appalachians Against Pipeline, which organized the events.

But the filing lacks any facts to support those conclusions, wrote Turk, who heard evidence at an earlier hearing.

To date, the judge has issued injunctions against only about a half-dozen defendants. The case continues, with Mountain Valley seeking orders that would bar more people from repeating their actions on or near construction sites. The company is also asking for monetary damages  more than $4 million  from the defendants.

In two separate cases filed in federal court, 11 additional people face injunctions and fines for their alleged actions in the Jefferson National Forest, which the 303-mile pipeline crosses in Giles and Montgomery counties.

U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon on Monday dismissed claims from Mountain Valley that two of the defendants were involved in a conspiracy, ruling that Mountain Valley had not presented sufficient allegations.

Just protesting in general does not make all of the protesters co-conspirators, Paul Beers, a Roanoke attorney who represents the man and woman, said in asking for the dismissal.

Dillon allowed other counts in the lawsuit, which allege interference, to move forward.

Mountain Valley says it is only taking legal action against people who engage in unlawful conduct, such as trespassing or interfering with the companys rights to its construction right-of-way.

These arent peaceful protests, the companys attorney, Wade Massie, said during the hearing.

Since construction began in 2018, dozens of pipeline opponents have been arrested, mostly on misdemeanor charges, during protests that are often publicized by Appalachians Against Pipelines. Opponents say construction is causing environmental damage, and that the pipeline will contribute to climate change when it is completed.

The latest protest happened early Monday morning atop Poor Mountain, when two men locked themselves to a car parked on Honeysuckle Road, in an effort to block pipeline workers from getting to a nearby construction site.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Matan Goldstein had only just arrived at the University of Virginia when, he says, he was first attacked for his faith and his nationality.

Meeting other first-year students in his dormitory, Goldstein introduced himself as an Israeli and a Jew. After making this introduction, another student, who identified himself as Egyptian, approached Goldstein, told him he hated him and called him a bloodthirsty human being.

That was Week 1, a little more than a month before war would break out in Israel.

On Oct. 7 of last year, Palestinian terror group Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel, killing roughly 1,200 civilians and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel has responded with a full-on siege of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. More than 30,000 people have died, an overwhelming majority of those Palestinians.

The war, and the atrocities committed against civilians, have sent shockwaves across the globe. And American colleges, as they are wont to do, have become hotbeds of debate, protest and even violence. University officials, themselves, have landed in hot water for their responses not only to the violence overseas but unrest on their own campuses.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, a former UVa provost, both stepped down after facing criticism for their defense of free speech, which many U.S. lawmakers and university donors saw as a failure to condemn a sudden rise in antisemitic acts.

And antisemitism is on the rise, according to human rights watchdog organizations.

Between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7, the Anti-Defamation League reported a 337% year-over-year increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S.

The Grounds at UVa are no exception.

UVa authorities have received dozens of reports from Jewish students claiming theyve been harassed, threatened, intimidated and even physically assaulted.

While UVa says it received a total of 19 reports related to potential antisemitism from students, faculty and staff between the start of the 2023 fall semester and Jan. 1 of this year, not a single of one those reports has been officially lodged as a formal complaint.

In response to reports of alleged antisemitic speech or conduct, University officials have connected with reporters, offered them resources, and sought additional information about their reports so that we can investigate and hold people responsible if necessary, UVa spokesman Brian Coy told The Daily Progress in a prepared statement. Many investigations are ongoing, but in some cases, we havent yet received enough information to identify alleged perpetrators and hold them accountable. We urge anyone with information about cases of antisemitism, islamophobia, or other forms of harassment and intimidation to share that information as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation of its own in December after a complaint was filed there.

Goldstein, alone, has filed four reports of harassment to university police. He has also brought his concerns to deans of the university on two separate occasions. He told The Daily Progress he faced a negative response each time.

I just wish that the university would show solidarity with its Jewish students, said Goldstein. Because right now, the rhetoric that is being espoused against Israel is unacceptable.

Moving backwards

When Joel Nied moved his son into the dormitories at UVa, he said he expected his only involvement with the school would be buying his now-second-year student dinner once a year over UVa Family Weekend.

Unfortunately, I have become way more involved than I ever wanted, Nied told The Daily Progress.

The schools Jewish community accounts for around 6% of its total undergraduate population.

Nied and a handful of other Jewish UVa parents were alarmed to hear of a spike in antisemitic reports from their children in the wake of Oct. 7. They began sending hundreds of letters and emails to President Jim Ryan, the universitys governing Board of Visitors and other high-ranking UVa administrators.

When the school did respond, parents said the messages were generic boilerplate language providing little recourse. Students said they were more often than not encouraged to seek mental health support.

Frustrated by the schools response or lack thereof, one student decided to take the case to a higher power: the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education.

A copy of that complaint obtained by The Daily Progress describes UVa as inhospitable to Jewish students. The student, whose name is redacted in the report, described feeling unwelcome, frightened and discriminated against on Grounds, specifically because of their religious beliefs.

The Department of Education opened an investigation on Dec. 29. When contacted by The Daily Progress, the federal agency declined to provide a status report on that investigation.

UVas Coy said via email that the Department of Educations notice to the school that it had opened an investigation made clear that opening the complaint for investigation in no way implies that the Office for Civil Rights has made a determination on the merits of the complaint.

The University stands against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination and intolerance and strives to offer an environment where people from every walk of life are welcome and safe to live, learn, and work together, Coy added.

Dissatisfied parents began requesting a meeting with Ryan in November. Their request was granted three months later on Feb. 14.

That meeting came with stipulations: Ryan would only confer with four parents total, their children must be present and all conversations were to remain confidential.

I didnt understand why the targets of acts of antisemitism had to be their own advocates, Nied said. That type of situation doesnt exist anywhere else. If you were to make a complaint at a company, you would go to human resources. You wouldnt have to go to the CEO.

In the end, all parties agreed to the terms and the four students, which included Goldstein, presented their complaints to Ryan, Provost Ian Baucom, Dean Christa Acampora, Vice President of Student Affairs Kenyon Bonner and chief of staff Margaret Noland.

Since Oct. 7, Goldstein said hes been the recipient of multiple death threats. During an Oct. 25 walkout led by the Students for Justice in Palestine, Goldstein said he was shoved and then slapped in the face while counterprotesting. Hes been told he sells the organs of Palestinians on the black market and been called Nazi, Hitler, genocide-pursuer and filthy Jew.

Goldstein stopped wearing his kippah, also known as a yarmulke, a traditional cloth cap worn by Jewish men, about a month ago. He has started concealing his gold Star of David necklace under his shirt when he is in public.

Several other Jewish students also said they have removed symbols of their faith from their person.

Im a religious Jew, I believe in God, said Goldstein. Why am I supposed to hide? Are we living in the 1930s? Am I supposed to be in a Jewish ghetto on the outskirts, isolated from everyone else? Why are we moving backwards?

While waiting in line at a party, two Jewish female students said they were called kikes when another student discovered they were Jewish. At a gathering on Grounds, a Jewish student was harassed by a group of roughly eight schoolmates who told them to turn sideways so we can see your nose, among other jokes. The student left the event crying.

While only four students were allowed to speak with university heads, Nied said he has heard of at least two dozen Jewish students since Oct. 7 who have been attacked  assaults ranging from physical violence to offensive statements printed on anti-Israel flyers and posters scattered about Grounds.

Two days after their meeting with Ryan, parents received an email from the president thanking them for their time.

Im grateful for you willingness to share your perspectives and ideas, according to a copy of the email obtained by The Daily Progress.

The absence of condemnation is condoning, said Nied. And that is alarming.

Word choice

At a university founded by Thomas Jefferson, freedom of expression has naturally been a cornerstone of campus life.

And there has been plenty expressed since Oct. 7. But it seems as though no one at UVa can find the right words to appease everyone on Grounds.

Since Hamas deadly attack, Ryan has issued two messages to the UVa community addressing the conflict. In the first, released four days after Oct. 7, Ryan condemned the violence, offered his compassion and condolences and directed students to resources on Grounds.

Ryan said the four-day delay between the attack and his response was due to the death of his biological mother, who died the week of Oct. 11.

But had he hesitated in publishing a response, it would have been understandable given the backlash other university leaders were facing at the time (and are still facing today).

Ryans initial message makes only a single reference to UVa community members with connections to Israel and Gaza.

At UVa, we remain squarely focused on the well-being of UVA community members in Israel and in Gaza, as well as those closer to home who have family or friends in the region, or who are connected to the region by virtue of their faith, reads Ryans statement.

He went on to say that, I trust that we as a community can and will adhere to UVAs longstanding tradition of not just allowing free speech, but promoting civil discourse, even when  perhaps especially when  we strongly disagree.

Ryans comments have been described as weak and biased by both sides of the debate.

A faction of the schools Israeli and Jewish community expressed frustration that the president did not issue a full-throated condemnation of antisemitism in his remarks, even as a terror group calling for the eradication of Jewish peoples attacked the worlds only Jewish nation-state. Palestinian students and their allies were outraged Ryan did not outright denounce the Israeli government, which they see as an occupational force, and immediately divest all monies invested in companies associated with the country.

Many students also pointed out that Ryans letter makes no mention of a statement issued by the Students for Justice in Palestine the day after the attack that described Hamas as resistance fighters and called the killing of civilians an unprecedented feat for the 21st century.

In an open letter sent to Ryan on Oct. 27, more than 70 members of UVa faculty called out Ryan for failing to even reference Muslim, Arab or Palestinian students.

As a tenured faculty member, its very important to take seriously the rights and responsibility of the tenure system, and to speak what we see as the truth, associate professor of anthropology Tessa Farmer, a signatory of the open letter, told The Daily Progress.

Ryans first letter does not reference Jewish or Israeli students. The open letter makes no mention of this.

Supporting all of my students was an important and compelling reason to me, assistant professor of English Laura Goldblatt told The Daily Progress. Ryans message made it clear that Jewish faculty and students were being supported, but Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students are also being affected. The point of the letter was not to withdraw resources but extend support to a group of people most affected.

Goldblatt is Jewish and a spokeswoman for the UVa Faculty for Justice in Palestine.

The open letter was immediately divisive.

The letter was ostracizing for assistant professor of commerce Robert Parham, an Israeli Jew.

I looked through the signers, Parham told The Daily Progress. Now, I dont consider my sociology colleagues colleagues anymore. I reduced my circle of belonging.

Ryan penned a second letter to the community published on Nov. 6.

While saying that he had not received any reports of violence or discrimination on Grounds, he emphasized that both Jewish and Muslim students had a home at UVa and any acts of antisemitism or Islamophobia would not be tolerated.

We take seriously our responsibility to care for the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff in a challenging moment for us all and greatly value those renewed expressions of our shared commitment, he said.

He once again directed students and faculty to UVa resources.

Despite the longer and more detailed letter, students and faculty were still left dissatisfied.

Ryan, himself, has seemed dissatisfied, and has since called upon the Board of Visitors to help him assemble a committee that will decide when and if a UVa president should speak on current events off Grounds. Experts have told The Daily Progress the answer will likely be simple: never.

On Thursday, students passed a referendum spearheaded by anti-Israel student organizations and other groups successfully calling for UVa to audit its $13.6 billion endowment and divest from all companies engaging in or profiting from the State of Israels apartheid regime. The referendum garnered 5,425 of the 7,993 votes cast by students, 67.87% of voters.

Though the referendum is nonbinding, its supporters see it as a line in the sand between the students will and administrators actions, part of the long legacy of free speech on Grounds instituted by its founder.

Opponents have said it is part of another long legacy at UVa, one of antisemitism.

Blood, soil, river, sea

Parhams first day at UVa was Aug. 11, 2017  a day that will forever stain the history of the school and the city of Charlottesville.

As he was setting up his office, he heard loud noises and shouting outside. When he peered out his window, Parham saw a sea of tiki torches as a mob of White men marched across Grounds chanting Blood and soil and Jews will not replace us.

That was Welcome to Charlottesville, said Parham.

Though he briefly considered packing his bags then and there, Parham instead stuck a mezuzah to his office door. Literally meaning doorpost, a mezuzah is a charm inscribed with a Hebrew blessing. For many Jews, it is an outward expression of their faith. For Parham, it meant he was there to stay.

Parham said the thought of leaving UVa has not crossed his mind since that day  until this fall.

Back then it was outside forces, said Parham. They came against us, and I felt a part of us. Now, the voices that are bullying are coming from the inside, and thats harder to deal with.

The turning point was the Oct. 25 student walkout, as hundreds of protesters rallied on the steps of the schools landmark Rotunda and marched across Grounds chanting, carrying Palestinian flags and wearing masks to conceal their identities.

Prior to the demonstration, organizers circulated flyers instructing participants to wear mask/hat/sunglasses to protect your identity.

Parham, Goldstein and others have called the act not just cowardly but criminal, a direct violation of the Virginia Code.

In 1950, Virginia outlawed any individual over the age of 16 wearing a mask, hood or any face covering with the intention of concealing their identity. The prohibition was an implicit tool to prosecute members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Current state law, Parham said, was legislated because of masked marches on the Grounds of UVa. It was just that the masks were slightly pointier and whiter.

Though counterprotesters view the masks as cowardice, the individuals behind the masks consider them a necessity.

Josh Rosenberg, a Jewish student who holds a leadership position with Students for Justice in Palestine, told The Daily Progress at a subsequent walkout urging divestment on Monday that he wore a mask to protect his future. Rosenberg said he had already been doxed and received death threats as a result of having his personal information posted online.

The masks werent the only thing that disturbed Parham while observing the Oct. 25 walkout. Standing next to Goldstein on the Rotunda steps looking over the mass of protesters, he heard demonstrators chant, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Referencing the land spanning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the chant has been open to a multitude of interpretations since it was popularized by the Palestinian Liberation Organization in the 1960s.

Many construe the phrase as calling for the destruction of Israel. In October, the Anti-Defamation League published a statement explicitly demarking the phrase as antisemitic given it makes members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized.

As the father of a Jewish UVa student, Nied said that when groups on Grounds chant the phrase, they are unequivocally referring to the killing and displacement of Jews.

Yet, some of those shouting the slogan at UVa are Jewish.

I very proudly say that as a Jew, said Rosenberg. I love the Jewish people. I love my community. When I say, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, I mean that as a call for human rights and equality for everyone who lives between the river and the sea.

Rosenberg says people are misunderstanding the phrase when they interpret it as a genocidal call.

We believe that everyone, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Christian, should be able to live with the exact same rights, said Rosenberg.

But the differences between those communities are stark and the solution to their peaceful cohabitation is nuanced, something Provost Ian Baucom touched on during a UVa Board of Visitors meeting Thursday.

Speech can be hurtful, said Baucom. People can say things that we disagree with, particularly on a matter like this. There is a lot of pain in our community  pain felt by our Jewish students, pain felt by our Muslim students  and there is strong disagreement. We have to find ways to continue to be a place where people are free to disagree and everyone knows they belong.
Virginias primary on Tuesday is unlikely to change the trajectory of the presidential race, which appears headed toward a rematch of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

But political analysts say Trumps Richmond rally Saturday, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys Thursday appearance in Henrico County, and the January campaign kickoff that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held in Prince William County show both parties think Virginia remains a purple state that could be competitive in November.

Virginia, 14 other states and American Samoa will vote for presidential nominees on Super Tuesday. Trump faces Haley in the Republican contest. Democrats will choose between Biden, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. and author Marianne Williamson.

Polls will be open in Virginia from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any registered voter can cast a ballot. Virginians do not register by party, so a voter can cast a ballot in the Republican primary or the Democratic primary, but not both.

If there is any competition in Virginia on Tuesday, it is likely to be in the Republican primary.

Voters weigh in on Trump, Haley

Outside the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, Trump supporters said they see the former president as a strong leader, and many said they are particularly concerned about the U.S. gaining control of its southern border with Mexico.

Olivia Everett of Petersburg, a retired Philip Morris employee, said of Trump: Hes the best. He did it before, and he can do it again.

Everett added: Hes a strong man. Look at all the stuff that he has to deal with, and it just rolls off his back. He can handle a lot of stress  and he definitely is stressed.

Morgan Hall of Colonial Heights, who works in logistics for trucking shipments, listed multiple reasons why she backs Trump.

He supports strong borders, school choice, parents rights, she said. He had a strong economy for his entire four years. Hes the most pro-life president in American history, plus hes the most pro-Israel president. He kept a lot of promises that he made.

As for Trumps personal qualities: Hes an outsider, she said. Hes not like a regular politician. He doesnt have a filter. He speaks his mind. We need more of that.

Some Haley supporters who attended her rally Thursday at The Westin Richmond in Henrico contrasted the former governors temperament with Trumps.

I think she is much more rational, said Micki Stout, adding that she does not want to be faced with a choice of Trump or Biden in November.

Chesterfield County resident Cheryl Poenisch said she believes Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is experienced and has a good grasp on foreign and domestic policy.

She added of Trump: I personally just do not like him as a person.

Pundits weigh in

Olusoji Akomolafe, chair of the Department of Political Science at Norfolk State University, said Virginia should be relatively more competitive than South Carolina or Michigan, where Trump recently defeated Haley by wide margins, but that he would not be surprised to see Trump win Virginia by double digits on Tuesday.

Akomolafe said that while the Republican nomination is a done deal, the major remaining candidates are coming here because Virginia remains a purple state and Virginia has been a bellwether.

If Trump makes a very strong showing right here in the commonwealth of Virginia, Democrats are going to be watching their backs, Akomolafe said.

Thats exactly what Trumps visit to Richmond can help signal, said Amy Walter of Cook Political Report.

Showing very strongly in the Super Tuesday states will be important as just sort of an exclamation point, she said.

Alex Keena, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, said of Super Tuesday: I think this is probably Nikki Haleys last stand. She has to score some sort of victory and, if shes going to win anywhere, it would be in a state like Virginia.

Haley is likely looking to perform well in Virginias large suburban population centers in Northern Virginia, the Richmond area and Hampton Roads. In Virginias 2016 GOP presidential primary, in a field with more candidates, Trump edged Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., by fewer than 3 percentage points.

In that Virginia primary, Trump didnt get support from nearly two-thirds of Virginia Republicans, said Keena, noting that hes never done really well in the commonwealth and hes always underperformed.

Whats at stake in Virginia?

To win the GOP nomination, a candidate needs to gain 1,215 delegates. Trump further widened his lead on Saturday, winning GOP caucuses in Idaho and Missouri. As of Saturday, Trump had 244 bound delegates to 24 for Haley and 12 for others who have dropped out, according to The Associated Press delegate tracker.

There are 48 delegates at stake in Virginias Republican primary. Twelve will be allotted to the statewide winner, and three each will be allocated proportionately, depending on the results in each of the states 11 congressional districts. Three delegates will not be bound to a candidate.

To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate needs to gain 1,968 delegates. There are 119 delegates at stake in Virginias Democratic primary, of which 99 will be pledged, depending on the statewide vote and the vote in each of the states 11 congressional districts. Twenty of the Virginia Democratic delegates will be unpledged.

So far, Biden has 206 delegates to 0 for Phillips, the Minnesota congressman. Two Democratic delegates are uncommitted.

Virginias Republican ballot will feature four candidates who have dropped out: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman.

A third Democrat who qualified for the Virginia ballot, author Marianne Williamson, has also dropped out of the contest.

Turnout fluctuates in primaries

Even in competitive years, Virginias presidential primaries draw comparatively low turnouts. Virginias competitive 2016 GOP presidential primary drew 1,025,617 votes. As of Jan. 1 this year, Virginia had 6,178,219 registered voters.

In the 2016 GOP contest, Trump virtually swept the countryside, as Rubio won just 22 of Virginias counties and cities. But Rubio prevailed in many of the states population centers, beating Trump by nearly 20,000 votes in Fairfax County while carrying Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, Chesterfield and Henrico counties and the cities of Alexandria and Richmond.

This is why Haley chose Henrico and Fairfax for stops as part of a multistate swing ahead of Super Tuesday.

Haleys Henrico event was Anna Eldridges first time attending a political gathering. Her husband, who was out of town that day, had been singing Haleys praises.

She said she identifies as an independent and that her voting record has swung between both political parties over the years. On Thursday, she decided to go and see what her husbands singing was all about.

I think we need leadership to bring the two sides together for the better of the country, said Eldridge, adding that she believes Haley might be the person who could do that.

Will Virginia be in play?

As for the general election, Republicans carried Virginia in 13 of the 14 presidential elections from 1952 to 2004. The only exception was in 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson carried the state.

But starting with Democrat Barack Obamas breakthrough in 2008, Democrats have carried Virginia in four straight presidential elections.

In 2016, while Trump won the presidency, Democrat Hillary Clinton beat Trump by 5 percentage points in Virginia. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points.

Until 2021, when Glenn Youngkin led a GOP sweep for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, Republicans had not won any statewide election in Virginia since 2009.

Only a few years ago, a lot of people thought that maybe Virginia wasnt a swing state anymore, said VCUs Keena, but clearly it still is and, with the right message, Republicans can still win Virginia.

That is likely a reason why Biden and Harris chose Prince William in Virginia for their first general election campaign appearance, a January rally focused on abortion rights.

In a Roanoke College poll out Friday, Trump was picked by 75% of self-described Republicans as their first choice to be the Republican nominee for president in November, followed by 15% for Haley and 8% for someone else.

But among respondents who said they are likely to vote in Tuesdays primary  a group that could include independents and some Democrats  Trump led Haley by 8 percentage points, 51% to 43%.

In potential general election matchups, Biden led Trump 47% to 43%, but Haley led Biden 49% to 40%.
RICHMOND  Three days before Super Tuesday, former President Donald Trump made his pitch for Virginia votes on Saturday by telling a Richmond crowd that were a nation in decline, were a failing nation, where crime is out of control and illegal immigration is a gushing wound.

In a more than 90-minute address at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the presidential candidate repeated his unsubstantiated claims that he really won the 2020 election, and called President Joe Biden a man who is totally corrupt ... and who is cognitively impaired.

Trump, who lost Virginia in 2016 to Hillary Clinton and in 2020 to Biden, also promised he would push to carry Virginia this fall.

Were going to make a big play for Virginia, you know that, and I think we can do that, Trump said. We win Virginia and we win it 100%  its over.

In a wide-ranging speech, Trump firmly stressed a promise to close the U.S.-Mexico border, saying people crossing into the U.S. are coming from prisons and jails and mental institutions and insane asylums. ... Theyre coming from the Congo. They come from all parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, he said.

But, he told the crowd of at least 3,000 people  who filled two bleachers, 2,200 seats and crowded aisles and the back of the convention center hall  With your help, we will win big on Super Tuesday and this November, Virginia is going to tell crooked Joe Biden: Youre fired. 

Trump said he had called the parents of Laken Hope Riley, the Augusta University nursing student who was killed while jogging near a lake in Georgia. An undocumented immigrant has been charged in her death.

Virginia and 14 other states will vote for presidential nominees on Tuesday. Trump has won every GOP presidential nomination contest to date against his remaining rival, former South Carolina Gov. and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

A GOP candidate needs 1,215 delegates to capture the partys presidential nomination. Trump further widened his lead on Saturday, winning GOP caucuses in Idaho and Missouri.

As of Saturday, Trump had 244 bound delegates to 24 for Haley and 12 for others, according to The Associated Press delegate count.

The former president flew to Richmond after holding an afternoon rally in Greensboro, North Carolina. While Gov. Glenn Youngkin did not attend the rally  he has said he will not endorse a candidate until after Super Tuesday  Trumps speech drew U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., as well as a number of Republican members of the General Assembly.

Faces in the crowd back Trump

Lorrie Pond of Chesterfield County said she likes Trumps stand on immigration.

Weve got to close the border, she said.

She joined the line at 8:30 a.m., some 6 hours before doors opened at the convention center and about 10 hours before Trump spoke.

Im here to support Trump, said Paul King of Chesterfield.

What I like is that hes not a politician. Thats the real problem, all the politicians. Theyre all on the take. Hes the only president who ever lost money while he was in office.

Ive been here since 7:15 (a.m.) Im here to see Trump and to show were taking back the country, said Chris Biller of Glen Allen.

I want to see constitutional carry throughout the country, Im a big 2A (Second Amendment) man, he said, referring to gun rights. He added that the borders a huge issue right now. Im against everything the Democrats are doing; its all got to change.

Trump, who awaits trial in four criminal cases, asserted Saturday that he faces more indictments than notorious gangster Al Capone.

He also reasserted his unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election he lost to Biden was rigged.

He said that if he were in office, Russia would not have invaded Ukraine and Hamas would not have attacked Israel.

Iran, China, Russia, North Korea were in check, they were afraid of us, they wouldnt act against us, he said, adding that the U.S. is now too weak to protect against outside aggression.

We will make America powerful again; we will make America wealthy again, we will make America strong again; ... we will make America great again, he said.

4 others on GOP primary ballot have dropped out

Four other contenders on the GOP primary ballot in Virginia have ended their campaigns  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, investor Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman  but Haley has refused to drop her longshot challenge of Trump in the Republican primary, despite a lopsided loss in her home state last month.

On Thursday, she appeared at rallies at The Westin Richmond in Henrico County and at The Westin Tysons Corner in Fairfax County.

During the rally in Henrico, Haley said the U.S. cannot afford to go through four more years of chaos if Trump were elected.

She said she would be Republicans best chance to beat Biden in November.

Trump took the stage at 6:41 p.m. to Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A. and pledged to make a push to win Virginia in the general election.

Biden leads Trump 49% to 43% in Virginia in a potential 2024 rematch with 8% undecided, according to a survey from Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy released two months ago.

In 2020, Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points, 54.1% to 44%.
The water levels at Lough Funshinagh are expected to reach their highest recorded levels ever in the coming weeks.

Geological Survey Ireland has been monitoring the lake since August of 2016 and its monitoring shows the lake has risen sharply since late September.

As of yesterday, Sunday March 3rd, the lake was at the same level it was in April 2021, 69.02 metres, its highest level ever recorded.

Rahara man, Cllr Laurence Fallon said it was a very worrying time for the communities living around the South Roscommon lake.

Sunday afternoon all looks peaceful at Lough Funshinagh but in reality the residents are living one day at a time in constant fear of being flooded out of their homes, he said on social media.

He added that as further rain was expected and 6 weeks of normal winter weather still to come we are now in unknown territory.

We must continue to live in hope and work to hold back the rising water for the next few months, he said.

Due to the rising water, Roscommon County Council took the decision to close the local road L-2005 at Ballagh effective from Monday, February 19th.

This closure is necessary to facilitate the deployment of additional temporary flood protection measures along this road, aimed at safeguarding adjacent properties from rising water levels at Lough Funshinagh, the council said.
Paris Fashion Week: Valentino puts on opulent study in black, as McGirr unveils McQueen debut

The gilded salons of an 18th-century Parisian townhouse were the venue for Valentinos latest fashion display on Sunday  an ode to black
Credit: Photos Hobby, Unsplash

We need to stop designing new AI technology just because we can, causing people to adapt practices, habits and laws to fit the new technology; instead we need to design AI that fits exactly with what we need, according to human-centered AI advocates.

Fifty experts from around the world have contributed research papers to a new book on how to make AI more "human-centered," exploring the risksand missed opportunitiesof not using this approach and practical ways to implement it.

The experts come from over 12 countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and the UK, and more than 12 disciplines, including computer science, education, the law, management, political science and sociology.

Human-Centered AI looks at AI technologies in various contexts, including agriculture, workplace environments, health care, criminal justice, higher education, and offers applicable measures to be more "human-centered," including approaches for regulatory sandboxes and frameworks for interdisciplinary working.

What is human-centered AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) permeates our lives in an ever-increasing way and some experts are arguing that relying solely on technology companies to develop and deploy this technology in a way that truly enhances human experience will be detrimental to people in the long-term. This is where human-centered AI comes in.

One of the world's foremost experts on human-centered AI, Shannon Vallor from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, explains that human-centered AI means technology that helps humans to flourish.

She says, "Human-centered technology is about aligning the entire technology ecosystem with the health and well-being of the human person. The contrast is with technology that's designed to replace humans, compete with humans, or devalue humans as opposed to technology that's designed to support, empower, enrich, and strengthen humans."

She points to generative AI, which has risen in popularity in recent years, as an example of technology which is not human-centeredshe argues the technology was created by organizations simply wanting to see how powerful they can make a system, rather than to meet a human need.

"What we get is something that we then have to cope with as opposed to something designed by us, for us, and to benefit us. It's not the technology we needed," she explains. "Instead of adapting technologies to our needs, we adapt ourselves to technology's needs."

What is the problem with AI?

Contributors to Human-Centered AI lay out their hopes, but also many concerns with AI now and on its current trajectory, without a human-centered focus.

Malwina Anna Wojcik, from the University of Bologna, Italy, and the University of Luxembourg, points out the systemic biases in current AI development. She points out that historically marginalized communities do not play a meaningful role in the design and development of AI technologies, leading to the "entrenchment of prevailing power narratives."

She argues that there is a lack of data on minorities or that available data is inaccurate, leading to discrimination. Furthermore, the unequal availability of AI systems causes power gaps to widen, with marginalized groups unable to feed into the AI data loop and simultaneously unable to benefit from the technologies.

Her solution is diversity in research as well as interdisciplinary and collaborative projects on the intersection of computer science, ethics, law, and social sciences. At a policy level, she suggests that international initiatives need to involve intercultural dialogue with non-Western traditions.

Meanwhile Matt Malone, from Thompson Rivers University in Canada, explains how AI poses a challenge to privacy because few people really understand how their data is being collected or how it is being used.

"These consent and knowledge gaps result in perpetual intrusions into domains privacy might otherwise seek to control," he explains. "Privacy determines how far we let technology reach into spheres of human life and consciousness. But as those shocks fade, privacy is quickly redefined and reconceived, and as AI captures more time, attention and trust, privacy will continue to play a determinative role in drawing the boundaries between human and technology."

Malone suggests that 'privacy will be in flux with the acceptance or rejection of AI-driven technologies," and that even as technology affords greater equality it is likely that individuality is at stake.

AI and human behavior

As well as exploring societal impacts, contributors investigate behavioral impacts of AI use in its current form.

Oshri Bar-Gil from the Behavioral Science Research Institute, Israel, carried out a research project looking at how using Google services caused changes to self and self-concept. He explains that a data 'self' is created when we use a platform, then the platform gets more data from how we use it, then it uses the data and preferences we provide to improve its own performance.

"These efficient and beneficial recommendation engines have a hidden costtheir influence on us as humans," he says. "They change our thinking processes, altering some of our core human aspects of intentionality, rationality, and memory in the digital sphere and the real world, diminishing our agency and autonomy."

Also looking into behavioral impacts, Alistair Knott from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Tapabrata Chakraborti from the Alan Turing Institute, University College London, UK, and Dino Pedreschi from the University of Pisa, Italy, looked at the pervasive use of AI in social media.

"While the AI systems used by social media platforms are human-centered in some senses, there are several aspects of their operation that deserve careful scrutiny," they explain.

The problem stems from the fact that AI continually learns from user behavior, refining their model of users as they continue to engage with the platform. But users tend to click on the items the recommender system suggests for them, which means the AI system is likely to narrow a user's range of interests as time passes.

If users interact with biased content, they are more likely to be recommended that content and if they continue to interact with it, they will find themselves seeing more of it. "In short, there is a plausible cause for concern that recommender systems may play a role in moving users toward extremist positions."

They suggest some solutions for these issues, including additional transparency by companies holding data on recommender systems to allow for greater studying and reporting on the effects of these systems, on users' attitudes toward harmful content.

How can human-centered AI work in reality?

Pierre Larouche from the Universite de Montreal, Canada, argues that treating AI as 'a standalone object of law and regulation' and assuming that there is 'no law currently applicable to AI' has left some policymakers feeling as if it is an insurmountable task.

He explains, "Since AI is seen as a new technological development, it is presumed that no law exists for it yet. Along the same lines, despite the scarcityif not outright absenceof specific rules concerning AI as such, there is no shortage of laws that can be applied to AI, because of its embeddedness in social and economic relationships."

Larouche suggests that the challenge is not to create new legislation but to ascertain how existing law can be extended and applied to AI, and explains, "Allowing the debate to be framed as an open-ended ethical discussion over a blank legal page can be counter-productive for policy-making, to the extent that it opens the door to various delaying tactics designed to extend discussion indefinitely, while the technology continues to progress at a fast pace."

Benjamin Prud'homme, the Vice-President, Policy, Society and Global Affairs at MilaQuebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, one of the largest academic communities dedicated to AI, echoes this call for confidence in policymakers.

He explains, "My first recommendation, or perhaps my first hope, would be that we start moving away from the dichotomy between innovation and regulationthat we acknowledge it might be okay to stifle innovation if that innovation is irresponsible.

"I'd tell policymakers to be more confident in their ability to regulate AI; that yes, the technology is new, but that it is inaccurate to say they have not (successfully) dealt with innovation related challenges in the past lot of people in the AI governance community are afraid of not getting things right from the get-go. And you know, one thing I've learned in my experiences in policymaking circles is that we're likely not going to get it entirely right from the get-go. That's ok.

"Nobody has a magic wand. So, I'd say the following to policymakers: Take the issue seriously. Do the best you can. Invite a wide range of perspectivesincluding marginalized communities and end usersto the table as you try to come up with the right governance mechanisms. But don't let yourself be paralyzed by a handful of voices pretending that governments can't regulate AI without stifling innovation.

"The European Union could set an example in this respect, as the very ambitious AI Act, the first systemic law on AI, should be definitively approved in the next few months."

More information:

Catherine Regis et al, Human-Centered AI, (2024). DOI: 10.1201/9781003320791

Provided by Taylor & Francis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denied trying to suppress a UN report on sexual violence against Israelis during the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. The report on Monday by the UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said that there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape and other sexual crimes during the attacks. Read our blog to see how all the day's events unfolded.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's popularity has dropped since the war broke out, according to most opinion polls. Many Israelis hold him responsible for failing to stop the Hamas-led October 7 attacks.

An Italian navy destroyer shot down a drone that was approaching it in the Red Sea where Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels are attacking shipping, the defence ministry said.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP, Reuters)



Read more on FRANCE 24 English



Read also:

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Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are back on the British Airways map  but the link to the Thai capital is much diminished compared with the pre-Covid era.

Starting with the winter 2024-25 schedules in late October, BA Boeing 777s will depart three times a week from London Gatwick to Bangkok. Previously the airline flew daily from Heathrow. First class has also been dropped, though it remains available on BAs competitors from Heathrow to the Thai capital.

Thai Airways operates twice daily from Heathrow to Bangkok, while Eva Air goes nonstop on the same route once a day.

Back online: Khao San Road in Bangkok, to which British Airways will return in October 2024 (Simon Calder)

Daily BA flights to Kuala Lumpur will resume from London Heathrow, using a four-class Boeing 787. The airline says the move back to Southeast Asia demonstrates its commitment to expanding its network to Asia post-pandemic.

The aviation schedule analyst, Sean Moulton, said the move appears to be a change of strategy, moving away from the core BA market connecting Europe and India with the US and Canada.

He said: Kuala Lumpur has very few direct links to Europe so BA will be able to tap into unserved connections. Bangkok shifting to Gatwick shows the lower yields but popularity of the route.

For decades Bangkok was a key destination for British Airways from London Heathrow. BA even launched a direct link from Manchester to the Thai capital, though it was soon dropped due to unprofitability.

Even before Covid, British Airways struggled to make money on the Heathrow-Bangkok link. The majority of UK visitors to Thailand now travel on the Gulf-based airlines: Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. They offer vast amounts of capacity out of the UK via their hubs. Qatar Airways has six flights a day from Doha to Bangkok while Emirates operates five daily Airbus A380 SuperJumbo aircraft from Dubai to the Thai capital.

BAs Heathrow operation is focused on premium cabins, and there is simply not sufficient demand to fill the more desirable seats profitably. Costs of operating from Gatwick are lower, allowing BA to set more competitive fares.

Story continues

The restored links with Southeast Asia were announced by the airlines chairman and chief executive, Sean Doyle, at the launch of what is described as a 7bn modernisation plan.

He said: Were going to take delivery of new aircraft, introduce new cabins, elevate our customer care, focus on operational performance and address our environmental impact by reducing our emissions and creating a culture of sustainability.

Mr Doyle added the airline is laser-focused on transforming our business and fixing any pain points for our customers.

From 3 April, members of BAs Executive Club members will start to be able to send messages on a single device using the airlines wifi, free of charge. The airline says the service will be available on every wifi-enabled aircraft within two weeks of the rollout date.

New aircraft cabins and seats are promised on the latest Airbus A320 series short-haul planes, including extra-large bins for overhead luggage. British Airways currently has the most generous free cabin baggage allowance in Europe, comprising two bags weighing up to 23kg each.

For more travel news, views and advice from Simon, download his daily Independent Travel podcast.
SIOUX CITY -- A Denison, Iowa, man has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a gun.

Kevin DeWolf, 34, pleaded guilty in September in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

DeWolf was found in possession of the firearm in November 2022. Because of prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. (Its anonymous!)

Dear Prudence,

My wife and her brothers fiancee (Ill call her Jane) have had friction in the past that theyre working through. This week, for our daughters birthday, Jane gave our daughter a $50 gift card to a beauty products retailer. There are a few issues there. First, she has a child with my brother-in-law and a child from a previous relationship, and we love them both, but weve never given them large gifts on their birthdays. We really dont want to set the precedent of giving presents to all of our nieces and nephews because there are a lot of them between my side and my wifes side of the family, and our kids already have too much as it is. $50 is enough that we would feel compelled to do the same for their children.

Second, we have tried to limit the amount of things our daughters get, in general, for birthdays and Christmas. They have more books than they can read and more toys than they can play with. Finally, I feel confident that Jane knows we have a strong aversion to makeup for our 11-year-old daughter. We think shes too young for it. She just got some at Christmas, and we didnt like it then. I dont really think Jane is giving that specifically to stick a thorn in our side, but  I guess I do or I wouldnt be bringing it up. It is also possible that she saw how much our daughter got excited about her Christmas makeup present and took more of the spoiling aunt role and got it anyway. My wife already accepted it before she knew how much it was or what business it was for, but we really dont want to start this precedent for the next 10-plus years. How in the world can we ask not to give gifts in the future without insulting Janeand my brother-in-lawand damaging an already tenuous relationship?

Anxious About Gifting

Dear Anxious About Gifting,

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Let her keep the Sephora gift card. She can get fun face masks, a nice-smelling shampoo, or something else thats age-appropriate. But heres how to address the issue going forward. You (not your wife, because she already has tension with this woman) can say to her brothers fiancee, Thank you so much for the gift for Jane. It was so incredibly generous. We were blown away and honestly a little embarrassed because were not in the habit of buying our nieces and nephews gifts, since there are so many of them that it would become unmanageable for us. That said, she is so excited to get some of the moisturizer all the girls her age are crazy about and definitely thinks youre the coolest aunt.

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You have now made it clear that you are not going to be reciprocating. But I honestly think its too much to add, And never get anything for our child again. If you and your wife dont give your daughter many gifts throughout the year and most of your other relatives in the family are on board, she will survive an annual $50 gift card without becoming entitled or a hoarder. This is a situation in which its better to share your values directly with her (We dont want to make holidays all about material things in our familywe have so much, and it feels better to focus on giving to people who have less, etc.) than to try to control the behavior of others who dont share those values. And of course, the real gift shell be getting, if youre able to be a little bit flexible and navigate the adult relationships at the center of this letter, is closeness with her aunt and uncle.

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Dear Prudence,

Many years ago, I really thought I (30F) was in love with a guy. We had an extremely emotionally intimate friendship: deep conversations, shared passions, and griefbut nothing more than hand-holding. I never said anything, although I learned later that he may have had some idea I had a crush. It was unrequited, I helped him ask someone else out, and I kind of cut ties. It took me much too long to get over not only him, but also the insecurity and self-doubt for ever thinking that the feelings were returned. After some time, we reconnected and were on good terms, although I still kept a distance.

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I went through old texts recently, and it made me really miss my friend. We havent chatted in a couple of years, but Ive been aware that he has lost some family this past year. I avoided reaching out directly by habit. But now I feel like a bad friend. Part of me wants to reach out now just to genuinely say that Im thinking of him. But all the gremlins in my head make me unsure if Im A) overthinking, B) in denial, C) right, or D) lonely. I guess my question is: Am I being overly sentimental, or is this normal to try to reconnect with a friend after emotionally untangling them being your hopeless crush?

E) All of the Above

Dear All of the Above,

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Reaching out to an ex or ex-crush in order to avoid being a bad friend is the oldest trick in the bookthe book of tricks that we play on ourselves to justify romantic choices that might not be the best for us. Women especially are socialized to be nice, so when we want to do something, thinking of it as an act of kindness can make it feel acceptable or even necessary.

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I dont doubt that you genuinely care about this guy, but you have to be honest with yourself. The gremlins in your head that are telling you that you might just be lonely right now are onto something. I think your desire to reach out started when looking at those texts reignited your crush a little, and I suspect you looked at the texts in the first place in part because you dont have any other active crushes or romantic interests at the moment. Its normal to yearn to reconnect with someone you were once close to, but that doesnt mean that doing so is a good idea. My specific concern is that to do so could really set you back emotionally and suck up a lot of your time, putting your focus back on him and making you less available to attract someone who will return your feelings. Also, it will stress you out. Seriously, imagine how this might go. Either hell give you a quick, polite response (Im doing OK! Thanks so much for thinking of me. Hope youre well), which will leave you reeling because you wanted more connection and feel rejected, or hell actually engage with you, and you two will keep talking until youre right back where you were before you did all the hard work of getting over him. Wish him the best in your headsay a little prayer for him, visualize better times in his life, whateverand turn your attention elsewhere.

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How to Get Advice From Prudie

Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.)

Dear Prudence,

I hate that some parents have gender-reveal parties. First of all, its the wrong terminology! I know that gender is a social construct, and it infuriates me that people are making an event out of the genitalia of their soon-to-be child. I hate that there are parents out there who care about the sex of their baby at all. I feel so passionately about this because I feel as if my family and society treated me differently because Im a cisgender female, and I dont want the world to do that to my kid. How do I express my views to my parent friends? Or is this a view that I hold to myself and express only in the areas that I can control? And most importantly, if I get an invite to a gender-reveal party, should I say anything that the terminology is wrong?

Its Sex, Not Gender

Dear Not Gender,

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No, you should not RSVP no with the word gender crossed out and replaced with sex, along with a note about how the whole thing is problematic. While I happen to think youre ultimately right about the substance of your critique and I hope we as a society get to a place where these events dont feel necessary, that doesnt mean you have to or should be the gender-reveal police. Im just imagining a world in which we all confronted our friends about what they were doing wrong according to our values: Are you seriously using lip gloss thats tested on animals? Youre a dummy for changing your last name when you get married! Is that sweater fast fashion? You have to stop destroying the earth and supporting exploitative labor conditions. It would be like the comments section on an article or Twitter come to life. But I will note that typically people with similar outlooks about things like whether gender should determine how a baby is raised tend to gravitate toward each other. Your mismatch with multiple friends on this issue might be a tiny sign that you should look for a community of people who care about the same things you do. Not to replace your current friends entirely, but just to build a life in which youre not constantly looking at the choices of your loved ones, going, WTF?

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Im not going to encourage you to tell your parent friends that they are backward and problematic, but I do think you should do something productive with the values that are fueling your frustration. After all, what you really want is a world in which no kid faces unfair expectations of poor treatment because of their genitalia. Youll find a lot of people who get this point of viewand probably a lot of young people who would really benefit from affirmation from someone like youin the LGBTQ+ community. The Human Rights Campaign, in a blog post for people who want to do something to support LGBTQ+ youth, suggests:

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How can you make a difference? For example, consider contacting your local school board and encouraging members to adopt inclusive policies. Be ready to share resources with young people who have experienced harassment or violence. If you work with youthas a teacher, counselor, social worker or other professionalconsider attending the Time To THRIVE conference in April to learn best practices in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth.

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Then, skip the gender reveals by using the excuse that youre tied up with your volunteering and activism.

Classic Prudie

Ive been dating an Asian American man for the better part of a year, and hes the most wonderful person Ive ever met. His mother and I got along for about six months. I was invited over for dinner, stayed at their house (he lives with his parents), and we even exchanged phone numbers. My boyfriend agrees that I was polite to her and never stepped on her toes. Recently they got into an argument (she didnt know I was there), and she went on a tirade about how he shouldnt bring his little girlfriend into her house anymore.
Update, March 6, 2024, 1:00 a.m.: It was a very close racebut Barry Moore eventually bested Jerry Carl in Alabamas hyper-conservative 1st District Republican primary. Read on to learn why it was such a strange race.

Thanks to the Supreme Court, Alabama had to redraw its congressional maps last year in advance of the 2024 elections.

One result is that two incumbentsJerry Carl of District 1 and Barry Moore of District 2are facing off against each other this week in a race for the states southernmost district. That district, which Jerry currently represents, has shifted with redistricting from having a 15-point advantage for Republicans to a 28-point advantage, tying it for the sixth most conservative district in the U.S. House.

Now, theres not a lot of meaningful difference between Barry and Jerry when it comes to the issues. Both were elected to Congress in 2020 and are in their second term. Both are Baptists who talk about faith values. Both have names that rhyme with dairy.

So Barry and Jerry are fighting about the only thing that could boost their bona fideswhos Trumpier. Its indicative of the biggest point of contention in many ruby red, right-wing districts: The Republican primaries are still inextricably tied to the oft-indicted former president and his various narratives.

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In campaign ads, Jerry promises to finish Trumps wall, seal the border, take on the woke mob and gun grabbers, bring back the Trump economy, and make Washington more like Alabama. Barry promises Alabama values and to finish Trumps wall. Jerry vows to beat the liberal nut jobs in Congress. Barry identifies himself as the garbage man you sent to D.C. to take out the trash.

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Barry tweets about farming, veterans, and Bidens cognitive abilities. Jerry also tweets about farming, veterans, and Bidens cognitive abilities. Barrys pinned post on X calls to CLOSE THE BORDER. One of Jerrys most recent posts lists recent crimes by immigrants.

Barry and Jerry both objected to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Both voted against the COVID-19 stimulus package. Both have limited their talk of local Alabama issues mostly to one specific bridge project in the state. (Barry is adamant that cutting federal funds for Ukraine could solve the states budget problems. Jerry thinks the state needs to allocate federal grants.)

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Barry thinks Mexico should pay for the wall; so does Jerry. Jerry thinks Congress needs to send more money to Israel than to Ukraine; so does Barry. Barry thinks Biden should be removed from office. So does Jerry.

In short, there are really very few differences between the two on paper. Before running for office, Barry started a waste hauling company. Jerry started a health care equipment business and, later, real estate and lumber and timber companies. Barry wants a federal abortion ban; Jerry wants the states to ban abortion. Jerry has white hair; Barry, a more youthful silver.

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Barry and Jerry also differ in their friends. Barry has pals in the House Freedom Caucus. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene plans on joining him at a campaign stop. At a BarryJerry debate, Barry called Matt Gaetz a friend of mine.

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Jerry, meanwhile, has implied that Barry is a sheep for allowing the Freedom Caucus to tell him how to vote. He went on the record at that debate as not a Matt Gaetz fan. Barry didnt like that. There are patriots in that room, and to call them anything less is an insult, Barry said.

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Their voting records are virtually identical, except that Barry voted against the bipartisan defense budget, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, saying he did not want to support the Democrats radical agenda. He argued that Jerrys support for it meant that Jerry supported abortion travel, sex reassignment surgeries, Bidens radical climate initiatives, and a Pentagon DEI office. Jerry said that voting against the bill was about as un-American as you can get, asserting that it was equivalent to voting against pay for the troops and a safe border. (They also differ when it comes to smaller pet projects; Barry, for example, introduced a bill to designate the AR-15-style rifle the national gun of the U.S.)

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Related From Slate Trumps South Carolina Victory Tells Us Some Important Things About His Weaknesses Read More

And Barry does a slightly better job of linking himself to Trump, despite Jerrys best efforts. Both Jerry and Barry ran ads featuring clips of Trump saying their names, but only Barry was able to link his own legal troublesacquitted in 2014 on charges of lying during a grand jury probe into the corrupt Alabama House Republican Mike Hubbardto the former presidents. Nine years ago today, we got the not-guilty verdict when the system itself came after us, he said in the video announcing his campaign for District 1. It was weaponized. It was politically motivated, the same that theyve done to President Trump. Barry signs off his campaign ads as a Trump Republican for Congress.

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It doesnt matter, at the end of the day, that their message is about the same: The border needs to be closed, the wall needs to be built, Trump needs to be protected, and Democrats need to be put in their place. Its a contest to be the most MAGA, through and through.

And perhaps sadly, despite their similarities, Barry and Jerry dont seem to be destined to be friends when all is said and done. Each has accused the other of having anti-Trump supporters. And at a debate when the two were asked to say something nice about each other, Jerry chose to go for the jugular:

Barry: Everybody likes Jerry, and its unfortunate that were in this race. And so its a matter of differentiating records. But you cant help but like Jerry. I like Jerry fine.

Jerry: If you want something nice, I mean, Barrys got a good-looking Porsche and a nice condo in Washington.
Spring is a time of change for many small businesses. And grant opportunities can help many ventures start new projects or support new stages of growth. If youre interested in applying for any small business grants this month, here are several opportunities with a March deadline.

Delaware EDGE Grants

The Delaware EDGE Grant program is accepting applications from STEM-based companies across the state. Eligible entrepreneurs can apply for up to $50,000 each. To qualify, businesses must be in business for less than seven years and have ten or fewer employees. Recipients are also financially responsible for at least a quarter of the total project cost. March 1 is the deadline to apply for this funding round.

Washington D.C. Dream Pitch Program

Washington D.C. is currently running its Dream Pitch Program to support small business owners in Wards 7 and 8. The program develops a cohort of entrepreneurs who gain access to community and expert resources as they grow their businesses. The end of the program features a pitch competition and grant award for the winner. Applications for the program are due by March 1.

Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program

Canton, New York is still accepting applications for its Canton CARES Small Business Grant Program. The CCSBGP is open to small businesses in the Village with less than 25 employees that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. To qualify, businesses must also demonstrate efforts to retain or create jobs, with at least 51 percent of jobs available to low-moderate income persons. March 5 is the final day to apply.

Salt Lake City Solar Powered Communities Grant

The Salt Lake City Sustainability Department and Utah Clean Energy are partnering on a new grant program for businesses looking to install solar power systems. During this funding round, the organizations plan to support two to four small or medium-sized businesses with funding from Salt Lake Solar Powered Communities. The application period will remain open until March 9.

GM Moving Flint Forward

General Motors is launching a new funding round of its Moving Flint Forward grant program. This round will award 17 grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses in Flint that havent received funding during past rounds. Additionally, seven alumni of the program may receive up to $5,000 each. In addition to funding, grantees also gain access to educational resources and cohort meetings. To qualify, businesses must be located in Flint, not be affiliated with a franchise, and have 20 or fewer employees. Applications are due by March 15.

St. Clair County Emerge Fund/Entrepreneurial Grant

St. Clair County, Michigan, is currently operating its Emerge Fund/Entrepreneurial Grant to support local small businesses. The program is open to startups and businesses that have been open for two years or less. In addition, businesses must have ten or fewer employees and under $1 million in revenue to qualify for funds. Each business may receive up to $5,000 to help with various operational needs. March 22 is the application deadline.

Oklahoma Rural Energy for America Program

The USDA Office in Oklahoma is supporting farms and other rural businesses throughout the state through its Rural Energy for America program. The program provides funding for businesses looking to invest in energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. Businesses with projects that meet the criteria can apply for up to 50 percent of the total cost. The deadline to apply for this funding round is March 31.

Middlesex Business Operating Grants Program

Middlesex, Connecticut, is offering funds to local businesses through its 2024 Business Operating Grants Program. The program is funded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified businesses throughout the County. This is the second year of the five-year program. Applications opened March 1 and are due by March 31.
Social media advertising is an effective and affordable way to generate traffic and build awareness for your project. Many businesses realize that, and thats why competition is likely to get fierce. However, with so many brands competing for your target customers attention, how to succeed? The following guide to effective social media advertising shows you how.

What Makes an Effective Social Media Ad?

Heres what makes an effective social media ad:

1. Stories Work

One big problem with social media advertising (especially when it comes to Facebook and Instagram) is that it is interrupting. People dont come to those social media platforms to buy products or find answers to their questions. They come to catch up with friends and family. Thats why storytelling works so well on social media. People engage with ads telling a story they can relate to.

Theres no single recipe for what story to tell, but there are certainly best practices:

Your story should be authentic . Whether you are telling a story of your founder or your customer, it needs to be honest. You just cant fake authenticity.

. Whether you are telling a story of your founder or your customer, it needs to be honest. You just cant fake authenticity. Your story should be emotional . Too many brands and influencers are telling a story no one really cares about. You need to create something that will be hard to remain indifferent to.

. Too many brands and influencers are telling a story no one really cares about. You need to create something that will be hard to remain indifferent to. Your story shouldnt be controversial . Controversy always triggers emotion but thats not what you want to do for your overall brand image. I know there are brands that do nothing but controversy but unless you are ready to face a reputation crisis, you need to stay away from that.

. Controversy always triggers emotion but thats not what you want to do for your overall brand image. I know there are brands that do nothing but controversy but unless you are ready to face a reputation crisis, you need to stay away from that. Talk about a recent trend. Trending topics always attract attention, so you need to try and find angles that coincide with whats currently hot in your country or globally.

2. Consistency is Key

They say that you need at least 8 touchpoints for a customer to remember your brand. A touchpoint means that your page was visited, your social media update was liked and your ad was seen or clicked  all by one and the same person.

Therefore adjusting your social media strategy to make the most of each touchpoint is a very good idea.

Use your social media visuals (images and videos) on your site to get people to feel comfortable when they land on your page after clicking a social media link

Re-target your social media ads to people who previously engaged with your brand (visited your site or liked your social media ad). This can be achieved by installing Facebooks retargeting pixel as early as you can. The sooner you add the tracking pixel, the more data you will collect.

Use the same ad across many channels to build up recognizability.

Creatopy is an ad creation and management platform that can be a huge help here: It helps you create and edit your ads (images and videos), resize them to fit multiple channels and track their performance.

Additionally, you need to make sure that all the visual assets you publish adhere to your visual branding principles, i.e. your logo and color palette, and maybe also your tagline.

If you dont have your visual branding defined yet, tools like Namify will help you pick a name and a matching logo that will inspire strong niche associations:

3. Building Visual Associations

The strongest benefit of using visual social media ads is their ability to be memorable. Human beings are highly visual: They remember objects much better than they do words and numbers. And the biggest power of visual marketing in building associations. Associative marketing means that your goal is to be effortlessly brought up in ones mind when they discuss a relevant topic.

Thanks to this kind of power we immediately think about Adobe when we talk about downloadable documents and many of us think of Gmail when we discuss sending and receiving email messages, or Youtube when online videos are brought up in a conversation.

Those associations can differ from person to person. Some think Facebook is synonymous with a social media network, and others hardly ever think of Facebook at all. Using your social media ads to build those strong niche associations takes time and money but it is doable if you start early and keep this as a high-level goal.

Google Images provides a perfect way to research the associations you want to create. Search for your chosen concept and see what types of visuals bring those up:

Another useful tool for investigating associations and topical relationships between topics is Text Optimizer which uses semantic analysis to find related concepts and entities you may want your brand to be associated with:

Maximizing Social Media Ad Performance with A/B Testing

In social media advertising, staying ahead of the competition requires creativity and a data-driven approach. One of the most effective methods for optimizing your social media ad campaigns is through A/B testing. A/B testing, also known as split testing, involves comparing two or more variations of an ad to determine which one performs better. By systematically experimenting with different elements, you can refine your ads for maximum impact. Lets delve into how A/B testing can elevate your social media advertising strategy.

1. Crafting Hypotheses and Setting Goals

Before you begin A/B testing, its essential to establish clear hypotheses and goals for your experiments. Start by identifying what specific aspect of your ad you want to test. Common elements to consider include ad copy, images or videos, headlines, calls-to-action (CTAs), audience targeting, and ad placements.

For example, you might hypothesize that changing the headline of your ad to be more action-oriented will increase click-through rates (CTR). Your goal could be to boost CTR by 10% within a specific timeframe. Having well-defined objectives will guide your testing process and help you measure success accurately.

2. Splitting Your Audience

A crucial aspect of A/B testing is dividing your target audience into two or more groups to receive different variations of your ad. The audience splitting should be random to ensure the results are statistically significant. Social media advertising platforms like Facebook and Google Ads offer built-in tools to facilitate this process.

For instance, if youre testing two different ad headlines, youll want to randomly show one headline to Group A and the other headline to Group B within your target audience. This way, you can compare the performance of the two variations under similar conditions.

3. Testing Ad Copy and Creatives

Ad copy and creatives play a significant role in capturing your audiences attention. Heres how you can experiment with these elements:

Ad Copy: Test different messaging approaches, tones, and wordings. For instance, you could compare a straightforward, informative ad copy with a more emotionally driven one.

Test different messaging approaches, tones, and wordings. For instance, you could compare a straightforward, informative ad copy with a more emotionally driven one. Images and Videos: Experiment with visuals by testing various images or video clips. Assess whether lifestyle shots, product close-ups, or user-generated content resonate better with your audience.

4. Analyzing Key Metrics

To determine the winning variation, youll need to analyze key performance metrics. Common metrics to assess include:

Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measure how many users clicked on your ad. A higher CTR often indicates that the ad resonated well with the audience.

Measure how many users clicked on your ad. A higher CTR often indicates that the ad resonated well with the audience. Conversion Rate: If your ads goal is to drive conversions (e.g., sign-ups, purchases), track the conversion rate for each variation.

If your ads goal is to drive conversions (e.g., sign-ups, purchases), track the conversion rate for each variation. Engagement Metrics: For social media ads, engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments can provide insights into audience engagement and brand sentiment.

For social media ads, engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments can provide insights into audience engagement and brand sentiment. Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the ROI for each variation by comparing the ad spend with the revenue generated. This metric is particularly important for e-commerce businesses.

5. Scaling Success and Iterating

Once youve identified the winning variation, its time to scale your successful ad. Allocate more budget to the winning ad and expand its reach to a broader audience. Keep a close eye on its performance to ensure it maintains its effectiveness.

However, the world of social media advertising is dynamic, and what works today may not work tomorrow. To stay competitive, continue A/B testing and iterate on your ads. Regularly revisit your hypotheses and set new goals for improvement.

6. Testing Audience Targeting

Audience targeting is a critical factor in ad performance. A/B testing can help you refine your audience targeting strategy. Heres how:

Demographics: Test variations of your ad with different age groups, genders, locations, or income levels to identify which segments respond best.

Test variations of your ad with different age groups, genders, locations, or income levels to identify which segments respond best. Interest-based Targeting: Experiment with targeting users based on their interests and behaviors. For example, test whether your ad performs better when shown to users interested in fitness compared to those interested in nutrition.

Experiment with targeting users based on their interests and behaviors. For example, test whether your ad performs better when shown to users interested in fitness compared to those interested in nutrition. Lookalike Audiences: Test the effectiveness of lookalike audiences by creating variations of your ad for different lookalike segments. Identify which segments yield the highest ROI.

7. Ad Placement Testing

Social media platforms offer various ad placements, such as in-feed ads, stories, and right-column placements. A/B testing can help you determine the optimal placement for your ads. Test different placements to understand where your target audience engages most.

8. Seasonal and Trend-Based Testing

Consider A/B testing during specific seasons or trending events. For example, if your product is related to fitness, you might want to test different ad creatives during the New Years resolution period or before summer vacations. Trends can significantly impact consumer behavior, making it essential to adapt your ads accordingly.

9. Mobile Optimization

With the majority of social media users accessing platforms on mobile devices, mobile optimization is crucial. Test how your ads appear and perform on mobile screens versus desktop screens. Ensure that your ad visuals and text are mobile-friendly and easily readable.

10. Ad Scheduling

A/B test different ad scheduling strategies to determine the best times and days to display your ads. Analyze when your target audience is most active and likely to engage with your content.

Incorporating A/B testing into your social media advertising strategy can lead to significant improvements in ad performance and ROI. Remember that testing is an ongoing process, and staying adaptable and data-driven is key to staying competitive in the dynamic world of social media advertising. By continuously refining your ads based on empirical data, you can ensure that your campaigns remain effective and resonate with your target audience.

Key Point Description Crafting Hypotheses and Setting Goals Define clear hypotheses and goals for your A/B tests, focusing on specific ad elements and objectives. Splitting Your Audience Randomly divide your target audience into groups to receive different ad variations for unbiased results. Testing Ad Copy and Creatives Experiment with ad copy, images, and videos to determine which creative elements resonate with your audience. Analyzing Key Metrics Measure key metrics such as CTR, conversion rate, engagement, and ROI to assess ad performance. Scaling Success and Iterating Allocate more budget to winning ad variations and continue testing to adapt to changing trends. Testing Audience Targeting Refine audience targeting by testing demographics, interest-based targeting, and lookalike audiences. Ad Placement Testing Identify the optimal ad placement by testing different options and analyzing audience engagement. Seasonal and Trend-Based Testing Conduct A/B tests during specific seasons or trending events to adapt your ads to changing consumer behavior. Mobile Optimization Ensure mobile-friendly ad visuals and text to cater to users accessing social media on mobile devices. Ad Scheduling Test different ad scheduling strategies to determine the best times and days for displaying your ads.

The Takeaways

Social media advertising is a dynamic field where creativity and strategy are key to differentiating your business and success. Telling relatable stories, ensuring brand consistency, and building strong visual associations are all important factors of an effective social media ads. Tools like Creatopy and Namify can boost ad recognition and engagement. A/B testing is essential, guiding decisions with solid data. By focusing on these areas, advertisers can effectively navigate the competitive landscape, connect with their audience, and achieve their marketing goals.

Final Thoughts

Crafting effective social media ads is an ongoing process. Continuous learning and improvement are vital. Focus on setting clear, achievable goals for conversions alongside broader objectives like enhancing brand recognition and mastering associative marketing. Success in social media advertising requires persistence, creativity, and a strategic approach to evolve with the landscape and meet your audiences needs.
Electronic signature apps like HelloSign are becoming an important part of modern document management for small businesses. Digital signatures cut down on costs.

Signing documents on the go reduces processing time. Whats more, clients are willing to provide signatures and send documents digitally. Consider a report saying that mobile ecommerce sales are expected to account for 54% of ecommerce sales this year. These are all good reasons to search for an excellent document management tool.

So, without further ado, lets look at how to choose the best electronic signature app for your small business.

Choosing the Right e Signature App

You need to choose the right electronic signature app for important documents. Here are some of the best. Remember to look for the products with mobile app capabilities. Like HelloSign.

1. DocuSign

DocuSign is the e signature product that allows you to sign documents using any device. Security features are one of the other advantages with DocuSign.

Any of the documents that you send are encrypted. Whats more, complete audit data is kept. This is the platform used in 180 different countries. You can use 44 different languages to sign documents and send agreements. Theres a PCI data security standard. Thats important for small businesses handling payment data.

Best of all, the DocuSign mobile app uses the same admin/password as the desktop. This is a great feature for sales teams or for you when you need to sign documents on the go. DocuSign also offers a free trial.

2. HelloSign

HelloSign is a Dropbox company with a variety of tools for managing documents including an esignature solution. There are built-in reminders and different signing options available here to improve your ROI. You can customize signature requests with your company logo and/or tagline. Manage document permissions from a central dashboard.

HelloSign offers other important features like solid API documentation.

Business plans start at $40 a month. Theres a 30 day free trial with HelloSign. This product also allows you to store signed sales contracts and pdf documents digitally. Hellosign allows you to do the same with an NDA.

3. Adobe Sign

This product gets credibility for the Adobe name.

Another of the advantages of Adobe Sign is the fact it is easy to use. Get an electronic signature by adding in customer email addresses. There are no downloads or account sign-ups needed with this software. Adobe Sign is an industry leading electronic signature app. Just upload the document, type in the recipients email, and hit send.

With Adobe Sign, you can manage all of the documents and track each. There are some excellent integrations for this e signature software including Microsoft 365 and Dropbox. You can also create a PDF document solution for export to Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

This solution starts at $16.99 a month for SMB teams.

4. YouSign

YouSign is another e-signature software that has a free trial. This esignature solution is scalable and there is no commitment. You can monitor the requests for results in real time. Other features include being able to keep track of docs and files that are timestamped. This is another of the apps that provides legally valid results.

This ranks as one of the best electronic e signature products for its flexibility. You can get a subscription for your office, leave and come back when you need to. You can also automate any of the e-signature solution reminders you send. And personalize the user experience to your prospects.

5. SignNow

This is another electronic signature app that is easy to use. It works well on any mobile device. You can get an electronic signature from multiple customers at once. SignNow is cloud based and can be used around the globe.

This software can also embed the signatures into your website or app. Its a great tool if youre looking for a quick way to complete contracts. A user can collect signatures from customers through online templates you build.

Get started with the free startup trial or the business plan that starts at $8 per user monthly

6. DocSketch

DocSketch is an electronic signature app that has a free version allowing you several documents per month. This software also allows you to know when all of your items get viewed. Along with being able to send documents for signature, there are sales documents features.

This app has more than just digital signatures to offer. Walk customers through bids and proposals that have been approved. They have clients like Cornell University.

There are several products to choose from. Along with the free version, theres a personal plan with an unlimited number of documents. If you want to get started with that, its $8 a month.

The business plan costs $24 per month. You get in person signing and custom branding with this version.

7. Signable

Any good electronic signature app needs to be easy to use. Thats why weve included this software on our list. With Signable, you can upload your PDF documents from the United States or in other locations around the world.

You can even convert a PDF to a form that can be filled out. The software includes a PDF converter online that makes this product easy to use. As a result, this document signing product makes it easy for you to upload a PDF and sign it online

Signable is one of the products that works especially well with important documents and mobile devices. There is a signature wizard that provides you with different ways to sign your documents. They include drawing on a mark with your finger.

8. RightSignature

RightSignature is the esignature software thats designed specifically for business. You can send files that you already have or get forms filled out when you need more information to go with an electronic signature.

Its an easy to use esignature app. You can set up a documents for signatures with just one click. Another legally binding feature is the ability to get handwritten signatures.

If you are a freelancer or start up, the standard signature plan starts at $12 a month. As far as business plans go, the advanced version costs $60 a month for three team members. You can try this electronic signature app for free before you decide on a plan.

They suggest the security features work best if all your employees sign up as a separate user. Business needs to put security first. RightSignature covers that angle with 256-bit EV SSL encryption. Electronic signatures are also backed up in Amazon data centers.

9. Panda Doc

This is the signature software that comes with a 14 day free trial to help you get started. The PandaDoc,

API is specifically designed to integrate with a businesses applications and websites. Its a great way to speed along personal signing without needing to switch applications. It makes a clients signing experience easier. Contact them to learn about pricing on a business plan or other options they sell to sign documents.

10. Get Accept

Theres a free trial with this e signature platform. GetAccept is designed to help sales reps out. This electronic signature software provides custom workflows.

This is the legally binding electronic signature software solution that works in a number of countries. The legally binding documents include an email address as part of the audit checks and balances. The user interface provides a transaction history as another feature.

There are several options this esignature product provides. Small businesses can get an account that starts at $25 per month per user. A good feature that is offered with this tool is chat. The most popular electronic signatures business plan starts at $40 per month. Another excellent feature included is data analytics.

Finally, the enterprise account option includes contract management. This software also has an api for developers.

11. SecuredSigning

SecuredSigning is an e signature product that boasts many different software technologies. It works by allowing a user and viewer to see the document before signing.

The personalized security features include X509 PKI digital technology. This makes document signing customizable and safer. The legally binding features include video signing and remote witness signing.

One of the big bonuses is that user documents are backed up with video recordings when signed. This product can be used in the United States or anywhere around the world. You can also perform remote online notarizations with the signature software.

12. ContractBook

ContractBook is the e signature solution that rivals HelloSign for working with contracts. This software and signature app allows businesses to share templates. These templates are specifically designed to provide electronic signatures that reduce any risk since they are legally binding.

The platform offers tools for both lawyers and small businesses. Resources include free contract templates and a help center where you can learn more about some of the platforms features.

13. Lightico

This is the e-signature app for businesses with customers who need to sign on mobile eForms. As far as mobile apps with esignature capabilities go, this tool is good for small business.

With Lightico, you can get electronic signatures through your CRM. This makes signing for any user easier. And providing a good user experience for personal signing improves productivity.

This also changes PDF format documents into smart e-forms. Replacing paper and these PDFs for the person signing shortens the sales cycle.

The company reports that this signature product can boost completion rates up to 96%. That means you can use the electronic signatures you get to bump your bottom line up. Get started with their product demo. This esignature solution is used in many different industries including auto finance and banking.

14. Eversign

Here is another electronic signature app that provides legally binding signatures. Data is encrypted with this app using 256-bit SSL. Eversign also allows your customers to sign documents by integrating with your existing applications. Get a document back after connecting to apps like Dropbox, Salesforce and Google Docs.

You can even schedule documents to auto expire with this product. Or, you can transfer documents to other locations. Eversign digital signature also allows you to import documents you or your customers will need to sign from Adobe and the cloud.

There is a free e signature trial version. After that, you can sign up for a basic plan that includes three templates and unlimited documents. The professional plan allows for signing for 5 team members and unlimited documents too.

Another good feature included with the user interface is the ability to manage documents in the cloud. The features here are similar to industry-leading products like HelloSign.

15. SnapSign

SnapSign is the e-signature app that stresses a user-friendly interface. There are a variety of templates for nondisclosure agreements, sales contracts and others. The workflow process for any document can be configured.

Theres a history that shows all of your documents. Document signing is possible from anywhere with the global support for applications.

Pricing starts at $9.99 per user per month. There are unlimited documents. The business plan for a brick-and-mortar or digital office costs $19.99 per user per month. Documents are unlimited for up to 5 users.

The enterprise package has a 30 day free option like the others. It offers third-party integrations for the document platform you use. Call the company for more information on this document signing plan.

16. FormstackSign

This is an interesting product if you have a mobile office. Formstack can provide an electronic signature on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. Customers who need to sign documents are alerted via text message.

This esignature product saves time since you can create templates for the document types you frequently use. Theres an auto reminder feature so employees dont need to remind customers to sign.

People in small businesses in healthcare take note. This app can provide a HIPAA compliant esignature. FDA compliant workflows are also available. The secure data storage and password protection are other bonuses for any document. Take the time to review the hundred plus integrations this app includes.

There is a free trial that lasts 14 days and a silver account for individuals that costs $50 a month. The more popular esignature account is the gold platform. It costs $83 per month with advanced features.

17. SignRequest

This is the e signature platform with over 300,000 users. SignRequest stresses simplicity. For every signature license they sell, they plant a tree. They are also an ISO 27001 certified company. Any document that gets signed is stored in one place for quick retrieval.

There are several signature plans for you to choose from. The first one is free and you get 10 documents per month. The professional and business versions offer a free option and unlimited documents.

You can implement any document you get signed with popular tools like Google Drive and Salesforce. Its great for sales people who are mobile.

18. SignEasy

SignEasy doesnt require a credit card to sign up. Self signing is easy with this product. You can use your mouse or download a picture of your signature. The application competes with HelloSign for integrations as well as security and document management.

Heres another useful option this product offers. There is a document status tracking feature so you can keep on top of your business flow.

The platform offers an essential plan for individuals at $8 a month. It comes with an unlimited document option. The pro plan is $15 a month for a single user. The business plan starts with three users who can get clients to sign digitally. Finally, theres an enterprise esignature solution.

Electronic Signature Apps Comparison

Product Key Features DocuSign Encrypted documents, audit trails, 44 languages, mobile app HelloSign Document management tools, custom branding, central dashboard Adobe Sign No downloads/account needed, integrations with MS 365 & Dropbox YouSign Scalable, real-time tracking, legally valid SignNow Cloud-based, multi-signature collection, embeddable signatures DocSketch Timestamped docs, tracking, sales document features Signable PDF converter, signature wizard, mobile-friendly RightSignature Handwritten signatures, 256-bit EV SSL encryption Panda Doc API for integration, personal signing without app switching Get Accept Custom workflows, transaction history, chat, data analytics SecuredSigning Video signing, remote witness signing, X509 PKI digital technology ContractBook Shareable templates, tools for lawyers and small businesses Lightico Mobile eForms, CRM integration, boosts completion rates Eversign 256-bit SSL encryption, document auto-expiration, cloud management SnapSign User-friendly interface, configurable workflows, global support FormstackSign Mobile-friendly, text alerts, HIPAA compliant SignRequest Simplicity, one-place storage, integrates with Google Drive & Salesforce SignEasy No credit card required, document status tracking, multiple integrations

Choosing Your Digital Signature Tool

After reviewing the various electronic signature apps, its clear that selecting the right one can greatly influence your businesss efficiency, security, and client interactions. In a world increasingly leaning towards digital transactions, picking an electronic signature app that fits your business requirements is of the utmost importance.

This decision demonstrates your commitment to adopting modern technology for operational improvement and prepares your business to excel in a digital-first economy.

As you evaluate your options, focus on features like mobile friendliness, user-friendliness, security measures, and the ability to integrate with other tools. The aim is to streamline your document handling process to align with your business goals and meet your customers digital expectations.

Our Methodology: The Best Electronic Signature Apps

For small business owners, electronic signature apps are essential tools that streamline the contract signing process, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency.

In choosing the top electronic signature apps suitable for small businesses, weve evaluated various factors crucial for efficient and secure digital document management. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 10 (most important) to 1 (least important), ensuring that our recommendations cater to the practical and legal requirements of businesses.

Security and Compliance: Importance 10/10 Robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Compliance with legal standards like eIDAS, GDPR, and UETA.

Audit trails and document tracking for legal enforceability. User Experience and Ease of Use: Importance 9/10 Intuitive interface for creating, sending, and signing documents.

Accessibility across devices and platforms.

Minimal learning curve for new users. Integration Capabilities: Importance 8/10 Seamless integration with commonly used business tools and platforms.

API availability for custom integration needs.

Synchronization with CRM, project management, and other systems. Customization and Flexibility: Importance 8/10 Options to customize signature fields and document workflows.

Flexibility to handle various document types and formats.

Branding options to include company logos and design elements. Pricing and Value for Money: Importance 7/10 Transparent pricing models without hidden fees.

Scalable plans to suit businesses of different sizes.

Value for money considering the features and services offered. Customer Support and Resources: Importance 6/10 Availability of reliable customer support.

Access to training materials, guides, and FAQs.

Community forums or support networks for additional assistance. Mobile Accessibility: Importance 6/10 Efficient mobile apps for signing on-the-go.

Full functionality available on mobile devices.

User-friendly design for small screens. Speed and Efficiency: Importance 5/10 Rapid document loading and processing times.

Quick turnaround for sending and receiving signed documents.

Efficiency in managing multiple documents and signatories.

By meticulously evaluating these aspects, we aim to recommend electronic signature apps that not only simplify the signing process but also bolster the operational efficiency of a small business.

FAQs: Electronic Signature Apps for Small Businesses

What are electronic signatures anyway?

An e signature is basically all about getting legally binding consent on forms  without the ability to secure a physical signature on a document. So esignatures replace a handwritten signature. They are used for various things like NDAs and onboarding agreements. Companies like HelloSign also have options for W9 forms. Other companies like Onespan Sign offer compliance options.

Why use an electronic signature app?

Electronic signature applications like HelloSign are becoming increasingly essential for small businesses. In a world where mobile e-commerce sales are on the rise, the ability to sign and send documents digitally is not just a convenienceits a necessity. Heres why you should consider incorporating an electronic signature app into your business workflow:

Convenience : Electronic signature apps allow you and your clients to sign documents from any location, at any time.

: Electronic signature apps allow you and your clients to sign documents from any location, at any time. Efficiency : Digital signatures drastically reduce the time it takes to process documents.

: Digital signatures drastically reduce the time it takes to process documents. Cost Reduction : They cut down on paper-related costs and other expenses associated with manual document management.

: They cut down on paper-related costs and other expenses associated with manual document management. Enhanced Security : Digital documents are encrypted and can be more secure than paper.

: Digital documents are encrypted and can be more secure than paper. Customer Expectations: Clients are becoming more accustomed to digital transactions and often prefer them.

How legally binding is an Electronic Signature?

Having a document signed is an important function for small businesses. When customers sign a contract or invoice with digital signature technology, it can be legally binding. Its been this way in Europe since 1999 and the United States since 2000. There are some factors that make a document signed digitally legal. These include expressed or implied intent.

Attribution is another important factor. To make such signatures legal, there must be an audit trail including things like an email address and time stamp.

An esignature is also legal when a copy is sent to the client. People need to have an opt out clause they can read before they sign. When choosing an esignature tool, look for instructions on how the product works with pdf files and others.

Industry-leading products like HelloSign also assign a queue for signing documents And companies like OneSpan Sign offer additional compliance options.

What is the best electronic signature app?

Small businesses will want to know what the best electronic signature apps are. Heres a list that includes industry leaders like HelloSign.

This product is an industry leader for several reasons. Reasons to choose HelloSign include the fact that it can produce a document which complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPPA) Act. It also allows you to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). HelloSign can also be used with Google Docs and Salesforce too.

PandaDoc also makes the list. The platform offers an audit trail as well as customizable templates and document analytics.

Onespan Sign offers enhanced compliance which is important for small businesses.

SignNow also offers analytics for the document that gets created. Step 1 for the deployment of the solution are customizable templates. These are good for people and sales teams on the go.

How do you use a mobile app to sign a document on your phone?

Todays businesses need to be sure they can get an esignature on a smart phone. Thats why going paperless means having the right mobile app like the one that comes with the HelloSign product. In most circumstances, you need to tap on an attached email to sign. When you do, youll see some simple instructions for adding your signature and text. Usually, you can tap right inside the document to place any text and on a pen icon if you need to sign your name.

Thats the process for a variety of file types like PDF and others. One of the other advantages to using a mobile app like HelloSign is the ability to auto fill in information. Another advantage to these mobile e-signature solutions is validation. Once again, HelloSign, leads the way with a data validation. This alerts the signer if incorrect information is being added.
Joseph Korha, a former tax preparer, pleaded guilty to preparing false tax returns, causing substantial financial damage and legal repercussions. This case highlights the risks associated with fraudulent tax activities and serves as a cautionary tale for small business owners about the importance of vetting tax preparation services.

Joseph Korha, previously from North Dakota and currently residing in Minneapolis, was implicated in a fraudulent scheme involving the preparation and submission of over 100 false tax returns in 2019. Operating out of a Phoenix, Arizona business, Korha engaged in deceptive practices by claiming fictitious business profits, losses, and false tax credits for clients, many of whom were based in the Fargo area. This deceitful act led to an inflated tax refund for his clients and a substantial tax loss to the IRS, amounting to approximately $294,000.

Korhas actions are a stark reminder of the potential risks inherent in the tax preparation industry, especially for small business owners who may rely heavily on external experts for their tax filings. The case emphasizes the need for business owners to ensure their tax affairs are handled by reputable professionals who adhere strictly to the law.

Scheduled for sentencing on June 3, Korha faces up to three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return, alongside potential supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. This sentencing highlights the severe consequences of fraudulent tax activities, not just for the individuals directly involved but also for their clients who may face significant financial and legal challenges as a result.

The announcement made by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider for the District of North Dakota brings to light the ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on tax fraud and ensure a level playing field for all taxpayers.

For small business owners, this case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of due diligence when selecting tax preparation services. Ensuring that tax preparers have a solid reputation, appropriate certifications, and a track record of ethical conduct can help mitigate the risk of becoming embroiled in fraudulent activities. Moreover, understanding the basics of tax law and maintaining an active role in the preparation of your businesss tax returns can provide an additional layer of protection against fraud.

The investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation Unit into Korhas activities underscores the seriousness with which tax fraud is treated and the comprehensive efforts made to bring perpetrators to justice. As small business owners navigate the complexities of tax preparation, this case highlights the importance of ethical practices, thorough vetting of tax preparers, and the potential consequences of engaging in or falling victim to fraudulent tax activities.

The guilty plea of Joseph Korha is a cautionary tale for the small business community. It stresses the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of business operations, especially in tax preparationa critical area fraught with potential pitfalls if not handled with integrity and due diligence.
Business service centres are creating a cooperative ecosystem for this emerging service, says market leader.

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Environmental, social, and governance (ESG), an approach to business that seeks to incorporate best practice in these areas, has become increasingly important for companies in recent years, especially those global concerns whose operations span markets in which such reporting is becoming mandatory.

But while ESG reporting can pose challenges for firms, in Slovakia, business service centres see the rising importance of ESG as an opportunity.

For business centres in Slovakia, its a great opportunity to get a new service into the country and maybe become a hub for ESG reporting in Europe, said Wolfgang Fischer, CEO of the Bratislava Competence Center at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.

The Slovak Spectator spoke with Fischer about the challenges of ESG reporting, the gradual transformation of his centre from just a call centre 17 years ago to what is now a cluster of specialists providing a broad set of services for the insurance companys corporate centre and business units across the globe, and the potential waiting to be tapped in Slovakia.

How do business service centres regard ESG reporting?

New rules on corporate sustainability reporting: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive On 5 January 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entered into force. This new directive modernises and strengthens the rules concerning the social and environmental information that companies have to report. A broader set of large companies, as well as listed SMEs, will now be required to report on sustainability. The new rules will ensure that investors and other stakeholders have access to the information they need to assess the impact of companies on people and the environment and for investors to assess financial risks and opportunities arising from climate change and other sustainability issues. The first companies will have to apply the new rules for the first time in the 2024 financial year, for reports published in 2025. Source: The European Commission

PwCs branch in Slovakia, as well as AmCham in Slovakia, picked this topic up quite early on and started inviting relevant companies to brainstorm whether we could get more qualified roles into Slovakia and make it a hub for ESG reporting. This is a new service which requires qualified people, not just staff to process transactions, with technical and data science backgrounds  exactly those that already are in Slovakia. The strength of Slovakia as a small country is that all the business service centres know each other and we can work on this together. As more companies focus on this service here, we can create an ecosystem with enough people. There are already two companies  us and Swiss Re  doing this.

Do you not treat each other as competitors?

Not in a negative way. We compete for the same resources, but the idea is to keep people in the country and attract others back to the country. We can only do this jointly. We dont see each other as competitors, more as part of one ecosystem jointly raising the market upwards and even bringing talent into the country. If just one companys doing it, theres always a risk. When there is a cluster of similar companies, you can start here as a junior, become a senior, and grow further. Like in London - theres one bank close to another, so people can just move around in their career without leaving London. And this is what we want to have here: people staying in the country, but rotating [jobs]. A person leaving our centre for Swiss Re, Uniqua or any other local business centre is better than them leaving our centre for Hungary or Germany.

What qualifications are needed for ESG reporting?

In ESG reporting, there are different types of roles. There is the pure reporting role, which is creating the reports. For the qualified tasks we want to do here, its data science and business analysis. A bigger problem than creating final reports is getting the data out of the systems, especially unstructured data. ESG reporting involves requesting a lot of data which doesnt exist in a real format at that specific time. So you need smart people to understand where the data might be and how to pull that data together and interpret it. But to do this job you not only need the relevant technical qualification, but you have to be interested in environmental issues. I had people who applied for roles in this area who had the hard skills but did not have a passion for the environment and they themselves admitted that if they took the position it wouldnt work out. Its important people develop a background in this while they are at university.

Are higher education institutions open to this?

Absolutely. They see the opportunities too. To keep students in Slovakia, because they could easily choose [instead] to study in Brno or Vienna, they have to teach subjects which are of interest to the new generation. Sustainability is one of them. This isnt something they would have to study as a separate subject, so students studying an existing field, such as data science, could study it as a specialist course alongside. In that way, companies would get employees who already have a certain level of awareness about sustainability and green topics.

How did the idea to create an ESG reporting unit at your centre in Bratislava come about?

I was asked by the group whether I could find people qualified for ESG reporting in Slovakia. I replied that my green team lead was in charge of ecological topics at the centre. He is a data scientist and he wanted to do more in this area. So, by chance, I had the right person and the result is that we are starting to grow our ESG reporting here for Zurich Insurance. The root cause of this success was having a qualified person with the right mindset.

Related article

Related article What can Slovakia learn from Lithuania, Romania and Poland? Read more

How many people are now in this team?

We have hired an additional three people and plan to have six people by the end of next year. If everything works out as planned, there will be a maximum of 20 people.

What exactly is the teams task?

Their task is to get the data out of the systems, understand it, and interpret it for the central ESG in Switzerland. The financial reporting will be done elsewhere. But the highly qualified jobs in data analysis and business analysis will be here, in Slovakia.

So, it would involve automation?

Exactly. Therefore you need the experts  data and business analysts, who understand the systems and know how to automate their extraction. This will be done in Slovakia and then this solution would be used in our groups other organisations.

Is ESG reporting something that would be done just in the European Union or also in other countries?

Thats a very interesting question. At the moment, there is a different level of reporting requirements across the globe in several countries. Currently in the European Union there is now a quite concise framework in place - and I am confident there will be more harmonisation with other jurisdictions in the future. But there is an idea to spread it beyond that. A lot of companies do business everywhere: even American companies do business in Europe. So European law impacts them. But there are still a lot of unknowns. But we need to be prepared, because if were not, some global consulting companies could come along and take [this opportunity]. Thats why we think that if we start now, in Slovakia, we could be the right place to provide this service.

Do you see similar activities being undertaken elsewhere in Europe?

Not yet. ESG reporting is a topic to a certain extent, but not in all European countries. I dont know of any other country where the business service centres have such a close relationship as they do in Slovakia, where every centre knows the other and they meet regularly. This is one of the major benefits of small countries. We work closely together and have a joint interest in elevating ESG to the next level.

What is the value of ESG reporting?

It helps in providing a common understanding and identifying where companies could reduce CO2 consumption, for example. Generally, I view it positively as it is very important to increase awareness that we, as human beings, cant continue doing what we are doing in the same way. But I can see that there are ways to circumvent it. If we fail to do it properly, ESG reporting will become just another annoying administrative burden without any effective impact, simply a paper tiger.

In our centre, where we have a quite green community, opinion is split. We have people who are highly interested in the subject and we have people who say its a governance nightmare, like a lot of other reporting. In other words, they like sustainability, but dislike the ESG reporting, this governance.

Can you see new roles being created in Slovakia in any other fields?

Certainly, qualified roles in automation and digitisation. I dont see Slovakia as a good place for introducing new transactional services because people are highly skilled, but they are too expensive, in part due to high social insurance contributions. You can get accounting services cheaper in Poland, and even cheaper in Romania or Bulgaria. Due to high wage costs we should focus on highly qualified jobs. I think Slovakias history as a tech country, and peoples affinity for maths and engineering, will help create the right roles because IT and automation is the future. This is especially true as Slovakia does not have a lot of resources, other than its peoples brains and beautiful nature.

How many people does your centre employ?

We started in Bratislava in 2007 as a call centre with transactional jobs, and in 2009 we changed towards being an actuarial centre. When I joined in 2016, we expanded to risk management and to endurance network services, so value added services, not only for Zurichs headquarters but globally. We now have 400 people providing different types of services in actuarial services, business analytics, risk management, insurance network services, business analysis and IT services.

How many such centres does Zurich Insurance have?

Five in total, of which four are in Europe. Our centre in Bratislava is the second oldest and the second largest. The largest is in Barcelona, but it focuses just on IT. We are the only centre which has IT and non-IT. Moreover, we have full value chain roles in several areas, while other centres focus on just some parts of them.

Is the call centre still here?

No. We moved all transactional jobs away from here. We currently focus on highly qualified jobs. This is reflected in our name  Competence Center  and the structure of our staff, of whom 93 percent have a university education, either bachelors, masters, or PhD. Repetitive tasks can be done cheaper elsewhere, and they are anyway subject to automation. We would like to focus on jobs which really use automation and artificial intelligence (AI). And we like to focus on the whole value chain, i.e. from the business point across business analytics to IT.

Two years ago, you established a branch in Kosice. Why did you choose Kosice?

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, we had people who had left the centre and built homes there because they wanted to be with their families. But our official policy didnt, to any great level, allow remote working. Then I realised there were a lot of talented people in Kosice, so the idea came about to give people who during the pandemic were allowed to work remotely anyway, a place where they could meet and do teamwork. We started with eight desks on December 9, 2021. Now, we have16 desks and around 25 people in the region. We are growing there  slowly and sustainably. Whenever we find someone talented there, we hire him or her. We are already part of the local business community and have some big plans there.

What work is done at the branch?

The same as we do here in Bratislava. For the majority of roles, our people can work either from Bratislava or Kosice, or work remotely. Only a few jobs have to be done specifically in the office, for example IT support. But for the rest of the jobs, we are relatively flexible.

What do you think of Volvos plans to build a brand new plant for electric cars in Kosice?

The Kosice region is a region of opportunities and Volvo is a big gift to it. We see it as an opportunity for us, too. It could attract talent to Slovakia and spread the word about Kosice among the community of highly qualified people. If an engineer comes to Volvo, maybe his wife will get a job with us. Volvo may attract Slovaks back to the country as they would see now is the right time to return  for example, they want to come back to take care of their ageing parents and that there are proper job opportunities for them.

Coming from Germany, I am a big fan of decentralisation and I dislike it when everything is in one place. I like when people remain in a region, keep it alive. The money stays there, the better paid people can create jobs for the lower paid people, the whole ecosystem remains attractive. You dont need just experienced people, you need young, engaged people to stay in these regions, and they need good jobs.

Volvo and its suppliers will also bring more money into the city to make some necessary improvements to the local infrastructure. Maybe there will be more students there, perhaps from Ukraine and Moldova, because with Slovakias population alone we would soon run into problems filling [demand] for qualified positions.

Is this something your company has already experienced?

Yes, this is why we are very creative and open in our hiring. We cooperate with an agency to actively approach Slovaks working abroad to get them to come back to the country. We have already been successful in a few cases. But these were people who were already considering returning. Now we are trying to attract people who havent even thought about returning yet.

Your centre has undergone a major transformation over the years. Do you have any idea how it will develop over the next five to seven years, for example?

Our plan is to have 500 to 550 people by 2027, to get more end-to-end services into the country, to grow the people and the services we provide. Our goal is to be more efficient, bring greater value to the group and to acquire greater ownership of the things we do. We want to move from doing this for others, to being on the same level as partners.

Also, our people realise AI presents an opportunity. Its only a threat for people who are not willing to work with it. AI is a great help and can help us be even better, if used correctly. There will be some victims in our sector, for sure. But not in centres like ours, more in the transactional field.
How to build a respected research centre, British Ambassador shocked by Robert Fico's video, and hate speech rearing its ugly head.

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We are celebrating 29 years and our anniversary subscription is available only for 29. Take advantage of this limited offer to support our work. Thank you.

Good evening. Here is the Monday, March 4 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Italy withdraws its air-defence system

The Italian SAMP/T Mamba air-defence system at Kuchyna base, western Slovakia. (Source: TASR)

On social media, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that the Italian SAMP/T Mamba air-defence system will be withdrawn from Slovakia.

As part of NATO's advanced presence, a total of 145 soldiers have been stationed at Kuchyna air base near the town of Malacky, western Slovakia.

"I was notified by the Italian government that the Italian missile defence system, which they lent us for a year, will be withdrawn from Slovakia, as they need it somewhere else," he said, asking who will protect the latter's nuclear power plants and other strategic sites.

Originally, Slovakia had the S-300 air-defence system, but donated it to Ukraine after Russia invaded the country. Then, several American Patriot missile defence systems were stationed in Slovakia, then withdrawn, replaced last year by the Italian system.

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FEATURE STORY FOR MONDAY

Creating a respected research centre

Dusan Galusek. (Source: ESET Science Award/Linda Kiskova Bohusova)

Many Slovak towns have a history when it comes to glass production or research. Trencin in western Slovakia is no exception, boasting the only centre of excellence in this area. FunGlass was officially opened in 2017 by Dusan Galusek.

Talking to the Slovak Spectator, he says that, "in our field we are definitely the leader in Slovakia. I think we conduct research at a very respectable European level, I might even go as far as to say above the European average."

EVENT FOR THIS WEEK

Back to libraries

A boy is reading in a school library. (Source: TASR)

Taking place between Monday and Sunday all over the country, the 25th edition of Slovak Libraries Week wants to demonstrate that libraries can keep pace with the modern world, continuing to provide an important function in everyday life. Head to your local library to find out about their particular programme throughout the week of March 4-10.

As part of the programme, a special event called 'Je Nas Pocut' (We Will Be Heard) is going to take place on Wednesday at 15:30. Participating libraries, actors, writers, activists and other figures will open their windows and read from books to people in the streets.

IN OTHER NEWS

On Sunday, Poland officially ended temporary checks at its border with Slovakia. Originally intended to last 10 days, border checks were reintroduced due to an increased number of illegal migrants arriving on the so-called Balkan route on October 4, 2023. (TASR)

Originally intended to last 10 days, border checks were reintroduced due to an increased number of illegal migrants arriving on the so-called Balkan route on October 4, 2023. (TASR) On Sunday night, an unknown 25-year-old woman jumped the fence and trespassed on the grounds of President Zuzana Caputova's house in Pezinok near Bratislava. She was restrained by the President's security detail. According to the police, the woman seemed to be under the influence and taken to a hospital. No one was harmed. The incident is being investigated. (Noviny.sk)

She was restrained by the President's security detail. According to the police, the woman seemed to be under the influence and taken to a hospital. No one was harmed. The incident is being investigated. (Noviny.sk) During a talk with Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer), US Secretary of Defence LLoyd Austin expressed appreciation for Slovakia's contribution to NATO, and thanked Slovakia for its commitment to spending over 2 percent of its GDP on defence . Kalinak reaffirmed the country's commitment to further modernisation and continued cooperation with the United States. (US Department of Defense)

. Kalinak reaffirmed the country's commitment to further modernisation and continued cooperation with the United States. (US Department of Defense) The average nominal salary in Slovakia reached 1,430 per month in 2023, up 9.7 percent year-on-year, the Statistics Office reported. On the other hand, real salaries continued to decline, dropping by 0.7 percent year-on-year. (TASR)

According to a survey carried out by the NMS Market Research Slovakia agency, 69 percent of Slovaks are convinced that they can distinguish a hoax from the truth, with 75 percent of men, 88 percent of those with university education, particularly confident in their ability to do so. More than 90 percent view users of social media as the biggest disseminators, with 58 pointing to Facebook as the worst in this regard. The dissemination of hoaxes is considered to be a societal problem by 79 percent. However, several international surveys have shown Slovaks to be among the nations that have the greatest tendency to believe conspiracies and hoaxes. Vaccination and later Ukraine war-related hoaxes are among the most popular. (TASR)

On Monday, Greenpeace activists placed a banner that reads "Environmental Destruction Ministry" above the entrance to the Environment Ministry in Bratislava. In their opinion, the ministry has no intention of protecting nature, but is doing the exact opposite by attacking NGOs, proposing 'scandalous' laws, and initiating projects that undermine the goals set in the recovery plan. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, occasionally showers expected. Snowing at an altitude above 1,100 metres. Daily temperatures between 12 C to 17 C. (SHMU)

MARCH 5 NAME'S DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Fridrich

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P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

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Prominent journalist steps back, citing online and real-life attacks.

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Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. Hate speech is a real problem, the experience of a well-known Slovak journalist shows. The Constitutional Court delivers an unusually fast decision. Fico makes international headlines, and Czech protesters tell him to go home to Russia.

Last Week in Slovakia is taking a week-long break, Ill be back in your inbox on March 18, just in time for the first round of the presidential election.

Also, we are celebrating 29 years and our anniversary subscription is available only for 29. Take advantage of this limited offer to support our work. Thank you.

If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk.

We need to talk about the media

There is a real danger that Slovakia may go down the Hungarian path, politicians and commentators started warning this time last year, as they entered the election campaign with Robert Ficos Smer as the frontrunner in the polls.

Even as Smer won that election in September, the alarm sounded very worrying yet rather amorphous. It has taken Fico a matter of months to show exactly what his return means, and the events of the last week have cast it into even starker relief  testing the limits of the most fundamental legislative principles to the point that we are now asking whether the government will even observe a ruling by the Constitutional Court; calling Slovakias allies warmongers while reproaching them for demonising Vladimir Putin, a man who is prosecuting a war of quasi-mediaeval conquest (and has Slovakia on his list of enemies); and, as I will highlight today, systematically working towards dismantling the free media environment that Slovakia, unlike Hungary, is fortunate enough to still have.

To do that, the fourth government of Robert Fico does not even need to take major legislative steps  although it also has those in the pipeline, as Andrej Danko, the far-right nationalist leader who is Ficos enthusiastic junior partner in government, keeps reminding us with his hints that he is looking to have a more-than-obedient public-service broadcaster.

The story of Zuzana Kovacic Hanzelova, my colleague from the Sme daily, shows how effective the weaponisation of hate, a time-tested tactic of populists, still is. There are few things that Smer knows better than how to wield it.

ZKH leaves, and wants us to talk about it
Robert Fico 'shocked' by Nigel Baker's video on social media.

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British Ambassador to Slovakia Nigel Baker has said, in a video, that he is surprised by what PM Robert Fico, who chairs the strongest ruling party Smer, says about the West not supporting peace in Ukraine.

It is Russia who has shown no interest in peace, Baker emphasised.

He went on to remind Fico that Slovakia is also part of the West since its a NATO and EU member.

To say that we or the West are not interested in peace is wrong. It's untrue, the diplomat said, stressing that Ukraine needs a just and a sustainable peace. A bad peace will not solve the threat of Russian aggression to European and global security.

And while Baker is surprised, Fico is shocked by the diplomats critical statements about the Slovak governments politics.

Perhaps it would be better if he explained to Slovaks what role the former British premier Boris Johnson played when, shortly after the start of the war in Ukraine, he was influencing Ukrainian political leadership to not sign a peace treaty with Russia, which guaranteed EU prospects and military neutrality to Ukraine, Fico wrote on social media. Or he could seek approval from his foreign secretary, David Cameron, and publish his militant appearance at the Paris summit last Monday.

Fico repeated that he doesnt think the West is sincere about its ambition of achieving peace in Ukraine, claiming that anti-Russian moves in the political, economic and military areas have not worked.

Last week, Fico attended an informal Paris conference where leaders discussed the option of sending troops to Ukraine. It was Fico who leaked this information hours before the start of the summit, even falsely claiming that Slovakia would have to send troops to Ukraine. He forgot to say that it would have to be approved by his government and the parliament, in which the Smer-led coalition holds a majority of 79 MPs.

"I didnt hear a single word about peace and peace negotiations there, Fico said about the conference at the V4 summit in Prague last week.

Ficos government refuses to supply military aid to Ukraine, but has pledged to keep commercial contracts running.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240303/french-farmers-union-head-pledges-action-on-ground-will-continue-in-coming-weeks-1117116352.html

French Farmers' Union Head Pledges 'Action on Ground' Will Continue in Coming Weeks

French Farmers' Union Head Pledges 'Action on Ground' Will Continue in Coming Weeks

Sputnik International

French farmers will continue "action on the ground" in the coming weeks despite the measures the government has promised to allay the sector's concerns, the head of major farmers' union FNSEA said.

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French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that he would hold a meeting with "all trade unions" to discuss the situation in the country's agricultural industry at the Elysee palace in mid-March. In late February, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that a new law guaranteeing fair prices for French agricultural products would be drafted by the summer to reinforce the Egalim law, which requires retailers to offer a fair price for farm products. Farmers in France have been protesting heavily since January, blocking highways and dumping manure and waste in front of government buildings across the country. They demand recognition of the importance of their profession and denounce the government's agricultural policies, which they say make them noncompetitive.In particular, farmers oppose the import of cheap agricultural products, restrictions on the use of water for irrigation, and the increase in diesel fuel prices, as well as restrictive measures to protect the environment and the growing financial burden.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240222/over-90-of-french-citizens-support-farmers-protests---poll-1116911268.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/algeria-oman-iraq-uae-announce-extension-of-oil-output-cuts-1117117523.html

Algeria, Oman, Iraq, UAE Announce Extension of Oil Output Cuts

Algeria, Oman, Iraq, UAE Announce Extension of Oil Output Cuts

Sputnik International

Algeria, Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates announced they would extend oil production cuts until the end of June.

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The Algerian Energy Ministry said that the country would extend its voluntary oil production cut of 51,000 barrels per day for the second quarter of the year. The Omani Energy Ministry said, in turn, that the country would extend the reduction in oil production by 42,000 barrels until the end of June. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil also announced that the country had extended its oil production cut of 220,000 barrels, the Iraqi News Agency reported. Emirati news agency WAM reported that the UAE had decided to extend an additional voluntary reduction in oil production by 163,000 barrels per day.On Sunday, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kazakhstan also announced their decision to extend their voluntary oil production cuts in coordination with OPEC+ partners until the end of the second quarter of this year to maintain oil prices. On February 1, the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) recommended keeping oil production quotas unchanged. The next JMMC meeting will take place on April 3. OPEC stands for the Saudi-led Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which has 12 member nations in all. OPEC+ constitutes a larger alliance of this grouping, where the OPEC members are joined by another 10 oil producing countries steered by Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240302/iranian-iraqi-oil-ministers-discuss-joint-field-development--government-1117093339.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/continuing-ukraine-conflict-worsens-situation-for-kiev---hungarian-foreign-minister-1117117314.html

Continuing Ukraine Conflict Worsens Situation for Kiev - Hungarian Foreign Minister

Continuing Ukraine Conflict Worsens Situation for Kiev - Hungarian Foreign Minister

Sputnik International

The later negotiations on a peace settlement in Ukraine begin, the worse it will be for Kiev, as Russia's success on the battlefield has become clear to everyone, Hungarian FM Szijjarto said.

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"I have been hearing for months now at Foreign Ministers' Councils that the Ukrainians have been trying to gain a position on the battlefield from which they could start negotiations in a more favorable way. In the recent weeks and a couple of months, it has become clear to everyone that there was no such scenario, and if there was, it has failed. Time is clearly on Russia's side, the Russians are successful on the battlefield. The later there is a ceasefire and negotiations begin, the worse it will be for Ukraine," Szijjarto told Hungary's Kossuth Radio. NATO is a defensive alliance, not an offensive one, the Hungarian foreign minister said, adding that it did not have a mission to attack anyone. Budapest, since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, has been consistently calling for a ceasefire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and opposed sanctions on Russian energy. In March 2022, Hungary's parliament banned the delivery of weapons to Ukraine from the country's soil.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231003/eu-incites-ukrainian-conflict-and-stigmatizes-peace-talks---hungarian-foreign-minister-1113877717.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/german-ambassador-summoned-to-russian-foreign-ministry-over-bundeswehr-audio-leak-1117119664.html

German Ambassador Summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry Over Bundeswehr Audio Leak

German Ambassador Summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry Over Bundeswehr Audio Leak

Sputnik International

German Ambassador in Moscow Alexander Graf Lambsdorff was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday, a source told Sputnik.

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"The German ambassador was summoned to the [Russian] Foreign Ministry today," the source said. A conversation between senior German military officers on security topics concerning Russia and Ukraine was published by Russian media on Friday. Later, German news agency DPA reported that the tape was authentic. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, in turn, expressed hope that the first results of an investigation into the audio recording will be ready early next week.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/germanys-opposition-requests-meeting-in-parliament-over-leaked-military-audio---secretary-1117117154.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/german-military-leak-added-embarrassment-to-berlins-silence-on-nord-stream-sabotage-1117132702.html

German Military Leak Added Embarrassment to Berlin's Silence on Nord Stream Sabotage

German Military Leak Added Embarrassment to Berlin's Silence on Nord Stream Sabotage

Sputnik International

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has blamed Moscow for the leak, completely glossing over the fact that the German military officers were discussing nothing short of an open attack on Russia, Sputnik's commentators say.

2024-03-04T19:02+0000

2024-03-04T19:02+0000

2024-03-04T19:45+0000

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The leaked conversation of German officers discussing attacks against Russian civilian infrastructure by German-made Taurus missiles has prompted a heated debate in Berlin. "It's a hybrid disinformation attack  it's about division, it's about undermining our unity," German Defense Minister Pistorius rushed to claim: "We mustn't fall for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin." Earlier, Berlin stated it wouldn't send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine."I think in war narrative, control is obviously very important," Glenn Diesen, professor of international relations at the University of South-Eastern Norway, told Sputnik. "And on this tape it was revealed that German generals were discussing attacks on Russia or more specifically, attacking the infrastructure of the Kerch Strait Bridge [also known as the Crimean Bridge  Sputnik]. And it also revealed that the Taurus missiles will be supplied to Ukraine, in which the Americans would assist in handling them or firing them, attacking Russia with them. So this is, of course, very problematic because it demonstrates NATO's direct involvement in the war, that is direct attacks on Russia. This is not just weapons and intelligence anymore, but now also picking the targets and, indeed, even pulling the triggers."Nord Stream Sabotage and Crimean Bridge Attack PlotBy accusing Russia of launching a "disinformation" attack Germany appears to use the same playbook it used in the aftermath of the Nord Stream sabotage attack of September 26, 2022, when Russia was groundlessly blamed for destroying its own pipeline.According to Diesen, it's the US who is pulling the strings of the German government in both cases.In both cases, Washington and its allies in the German government feared that the incidents could create divisions within the West; so, the first instinct was to blame Russia, the professor pointed out. Likewise, in both cases nobody in the West seems willing to dig to the bottom of what happened: an investigation in the Nord Stream sabotage has yet to bear any fruit, while the German military chatter is being downplayed by Berlin and its allies."It's the same pattern of behavior," Gunnar Beck, AfD European Parliament MEP told Sputnik. "The German government is presented with clear evidence. And they deny it and they go on the attack against Russia. Whos benefiting from this clearly [are the] fervently anti-Russian interest groups within the German government. I'd say the Greens in particular. But, broadly and in abstract terms, everyone in Germany who defines Germany's national interest in terms of the interests of the collective West. It's a majority of the German establishment.""The German generals appeared to be part of that camp of the German political establishment, which saw Germany as firmly anchored in the West. That applies to all political parties except my own," the German politician continued."And, of course, the arms industry. Naturally, arms manufacturers in Germany are trying to profit from increased military spending on Ukraine."The Bundeswehr chatter clearly indicated that American and British military specialists have also been deployed in Ukraine and could be involved together with the French in the attacks on Russia's Crimean infrastructure.According to Beck, the attack on the Crimean Bridge is a symbolic matter for NATO: "That's an important symbol of Crimea being an integral part of Russia," he presumed.German Public Don't Want War With RussiaMeanwhile, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov drew attention to the fact that Berlin is much more concerned about the leak taking place, rather than the fact that the German military was discussing in detail a potential sabotage attack on Russia's Crimean Bridge."I think it's an embarrassment for [Germans], obviously, because it's been quite important for Germany," said the Norwegian professor. "They're trying to balance two positions. They want to be loyal NATO members, which supplies weapons in this proxy war against Russia. But at the same time, they're very cautious not to be seen as being a participant of the war - this obviously failed. They're now being caught red-handed, planning attacks on Russia, which makes them participants. I think this is merely an issue of controlling the narrative, which is to shift the focus on what this represents."For his part, Beck emphasized that while the German establishment has no scruples about sending more weapons to Ukraine and planning attacks on Russia's civilian objects, the German public is not warmongering.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240302/german-militarys-crimean-bridge-strike-talk-nato-has-found-itself-in-hot-water-1117090662.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240301/german-bundeswehr-chatter-nato-teetering-on-edge-of-direct-conflict-with-russia--1117078308.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/germanys-opposition-requests-meeting-in-parliament-over-leaked-military-audio---secretary-1117117154.html

Germany's Opposition Requests Meeting in Parliament Over Leaked Military Audio

Germany's Opposition Requests Meeting in Parliament Over Leaked Military Audio

Sputnik International

The biggest opposition faction of the German parliament requested to convene an extraordinary meeting of the defense committee over the high-ranking German military conversation publication.

2024-03-04T01:30+0000

2024-03-04T01:30+0000

2024-03-04T05:51+0000

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crimean bridge

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"On behalf of my faction ... I ask to immediately convene a special meeting of the defense committee," Frei was quoted as saying in a letter to the president of the Bundestag, Barbel Bas, by German broadcaster NTV. The faction also requested the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the meeting.On Friday, Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT and the Rossiya Segodnya media group, published the text of a conversation among four German military officers discussing a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge with long-range Taurus missiles. Scholz said on Saturday that a thorough, intensive and swift investigation was underway in connection with the leaked conversation.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240303/russia-delivers-blow-to-nato-ranks-with-leaked-german-war-talks-on-ukraine-1117098264.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/hungary-seeks-to-strengthen-ties-with-russia-in-areas-unaffected-by-sanctions---orban-1117123663.html

Hungary Seeks to Strengthen Ties With Russia in Areas Unaffected by Sanctions - Orban

Hungary Seeks to Strengthen Ties With Russia in Areas Unaffected by Sanctions - Orban

Sputnik International

Hungary does not want to give up economic cooperation with Russia, but would prefer to deepen it in areas not affected by sanctions, since economic life will continue after the end of the conflict in Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday.

2024-03-04T12:20+0000

2024-03-04T12:20+0000

2024-03-04T12:20+0000

world

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"We also do not want to give up economic cooperation with Russia. We refuse to cooperate with it only where European sanctions prohibit it. Where they are not prohibited, our goal is rather for economic growth to increase, because there will also be life after the end of the war. There will be trade, there will be economics, and for us this will be an important relationship and an important market opportunity, Orban said at the opening of the year at the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Budapest, since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, has been consistently calling for a ceasefire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and opposed sanctions on Russian energy. In March 2022, Hungary's parliament banned the delivery of weapons to Ukraine from the country's soil.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240215/hungary-halts-new-eu-sanctions-against-russia--reports-1116801418.html

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hungary seeks to strengthen ties with russia, ties with russia, economic cooperation, hungarian prime minister viktor orban
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/irans-proposal-to-set-up-swift-analogue-added-to-brics-agenda-1117133269.html

Iran's Proposal to Set Up SWIFT Analogue Added to BRICS Agenda

Iran's Proposal to Set Up SWIFT Analogue Added to BRICS Agenda

Sputnik International

The BRICS leadership has put on the agenda the Iranian central bank's proposal to set up the group's own equivalent to the SWIFT payment system and create an organization to fight money laundering and terrorist financing that would be similar to the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

2024-03-04T18:48+0000

2024-03-04T18:48+0000

2024-03-04T19:01+0000

economy

russia

iran

brics

swift

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"The proposals of the Iranian central bank on the creation of a system for exchanging financial messages between members of the organization [similar to SWIFT], combating money laundering and financing of terrorism [similar to FATF] and international credit rating institutions for BRICS members were accepted by the organization on the agenda," Deputy Head of Iranian Central Bank Mohsen Karimi was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency. The BRICS member states, as the largest emerging economies, need to establish a settlement mechanism to achieve a unified financial system, in which "the Iranian side can play a huge role," he added. Iran, with its financial system hit hard by Western sanctions and cut off from the SWIFT payment system in March 2012, has long sought the creation of an international payment system alternative to SWIFT. An array of Russian banks were also disconnected from the SWIFT system following the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the two countries have been making efforts to find alternatives or create them. In January, Russian Central Bank Head Elvira Nabiullina said that Russia was discussing with other BRICS countries the interaction of national financial message transmission systems, and 159 foreign participants from 20 countries had already joined the Russian platform. On January 1, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia officially became full members of the BRICS group. Before that, the bloc consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. SWIFT is the world's main international payment system. In 2014, after the first wave of anti-Russia sanctions, several countries launched work on developing their own payment systems. The Bank of Russia created the SPFS system, which ensures uninterrupted transmission of financial messages within and outside the country, while China launched the CIPS system.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240130/russia-to-put-on-agenda-creation-of-anti-money-laundering-system-in-brics-in-2024-1116479187.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/israeli-delegation-hasnt-attended-ceasefire-talks-as-hamas-refused-to-provide-alive-hostages-list-1117117808.html

Israeli Delegation Misses Ceasefire Talks as Hamas Refuses to Provide Alive Hostages List

Israeli Delegation Misses Ceasefire Talks as Hamas Refuses to Provide Alive Hostages List

Sputnik International

The Israeli delegation decided not to attend talks on ceasefire and exchange of hostages, as Hamas refused to provide a list of the hostages who are still alive, The New York Times reported.

2024-03-04T04:27+0000

2024-03-04T04:27+0000

2024-03-04T05:51+0000

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Earlier in the day, Al Qahera News broadcaster reported that delegations from Qatar and the United States, as well a Hamas delegation, arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo to hold a new round of negotiations on de-escalation in the Gaza Strip. The Qatari prime minister informed on Sunday the head of the Israeli Secret Intelligence Service (Mossad), David Barnea, of Hamas refusal, the report said.In addition, Hamas did not agree to the previously proposed US prisoner exchange deal with Israel, which also affected Israels decision to skip negotiations, the report said. On Sunday, the Axios news website reported that the framework of a proposed deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip includes an exchange of some 400 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel for 40 Israeli hostages. The draft deal also reportedly included a six-week pause in hostilities and a gradual return of Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. At least 30,410 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/20240213/idf-kills-over-10000-hamas-fighters-in-gaza-strip-since-october-7-1116764283.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/pentagon-leak-suspect-teixeira-pleads-guilty-accepts-16-year-sentence---court-filing-1117129397.html

Pentagon Leak Suspect Teixeira Pleads Guilty, Accepts 16-Year Sentence - Court Filing

Pentagon Leak Suspect Teixeira Pleads Guilty, Accepts 16-Year Sentence - Court Filing

Sputnik International

Former US national guardsman Jack Teixeira has pleaded guilty to six counts related to leaking top-secret military intelligence documents and accepted a potential prison term of 200 months or more than 16 years, according to a court document published on Monday

2024-03-04T16:54+0000

2024-03-04T16:54+0000

2024-03-04T16:54+0000

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"Defendant understands and acknowledges that, as of the date of this agreement, the US Attorney intends to recommend that Defendant be incarcerated for 200 months, states the document, which Teixeira signed. Defendant agrees not to seek any downward departures under the US Sentencing Guidelines. Initially, Teixeira pleaded not guilty to all counts but reportedly changed his mind last week.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231226/report-accused-pentagon-leaker-teixeira-was-nicknamed-active-shooter-kid-by-colleagues-1115826738.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-always-open-to-serious-and-equal-dialogue-lavrov-affirms-1117124943.html

Russia Always Open to Serious and Equal Dialogue, Lavrov Affirms

Russia Always Open to Serious and Equal Dialogue, Lavrov Affirms

Sputnik International

Moscow is always open to dialogue if it is offered seriously and on equal terms, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a session of the World Youth Festival.

2024-03-04T14:42+0000

2024-03-04T14:42+0000

2024-03-04T14:42+0000

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sergey lavrov

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During a session of the World Youth Festival, Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized that Moscow is always willing to engage in dialogue, especially when it is offered sincerely and on a basis of equality"We have no negative feelings towards the American people, I have a great deal of very good associates in the United States," the Russian top diplomat noted. "We are always open to dialogue if it is offered seriously and on equal terms," he added.Speaking about the bombshell leak of the conversation between the German top generals, Lavrov told festival participants that it is surprising that Germany is not concerned about discussions about a possible attack on the Crimean Bridge, but about the fact of the conversation of its senior military was leaked.The tape of an audio recording of a conversation between high-ranking German military officers on security topics concerning Russia and Ukraine was published on Friday. Later, the German-based news agency, DPA, revealed that the tape was authentic. On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that a thorough, intensive and swift investigation was underway over the leaked conversation."The reaction of German politicians is interesting, some of whom are concerned that there has been a leak in the networks ensuring the security of negotiations. That is, the very fact of the preparation of German weapons, the German specialists who service these weapons, attacks on Russia, including the Crimean Bridge, including warehouses with ammunition, how they discuss among themselves, it does not come as a surprise ... This says a lot," Lavrov said.When touching upon how EU embassies in Moscow were getting set for the upcoming presidential elections in Russia, the top diplomat mentioned that Moscow had gathered extensive evidence of them participating in unauthorized activities.The World Youth Festival is running from March 1-7 by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Sputnik is an official media partner of the event.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240216/lavrov-eu-bets-on-long-range-missiles-to-ukraine-in-bid-to-strike-at-russias-heart-1116816972.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240301/german-bundeswehr-chatter-nato-teetering-on-edge-of-direct-conflict-with-russia--1117078308.html

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serious and equal dialogue, world youth festival, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-may-track--target-scalp-transfers-to-ukraine-after-audio-leak---report-1117118899.html

Russia May Track & Target SCALP Transfers to Ukraine After Audio Leak - Report

Russia May Track & Target SCALP Transfers to Ukraine After Audio Leak - Report

Sputnik International

UK, Germany are dismayed that Russian intelligence will now be able to track and locate, potentially targeting, vehicles delivering SCALP and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Kiev, The Times reported.

2024-03-04T07:19+0000

2024-03-04T07:19+0000

2024-03-04T07:19+0000

world

united kingdom (uk)

germany

military & intelligence

bundeswehr

leaked audio

leaked conversations

storm shadow cruise missile

taurus cruise missile

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The UK and Germany are dismayed that Russian intelligence will now be able to track and locate, potentially targeting, vehicles in Europe and on Ukraines territory delivering SCALP and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Kiev regime, The Times has reported.After analyzing the transcript and audio of the intercepted conversation involving four senior German military officers that was released by Russia, the publication also voiced alarm over the revealed operational and targeting details pertaining to the deployment of British Storm Shadow missiles sent to Kiev.I know how the British do it. They always transport them in Ridgback armored vehicles. They have several people on site. The French don't do that. They check with the Ukrainians on the quality of loading SCALP missiles. Storm Shadows and SCALPs have similar technical specifications for their installation. How are we going to solve this problem? Are we going to transfer MBDA missiles to them using Ridgbacks? Will one of our people be posted to MBDA? German Air Force commander Gerhartz is translated as saying in the leaked conversation.The intercepted call involved Brigadier General Frank Graefe (department head for operations and exercises at the Air Force Forces Command of the Bundeswehr), General Ingo Gerhartz (Bundeswehr Air Force inspector), and two employees of the Air Operations Command within the Space Operations Center of the Bundeswehr. It has since been confirmed as authentic by Germanys Defense Ministry.Another matter that has left the publication rattled is that the leak confirmed the UK military is deployed in Ukraine. The intercepted call mentioned the use of British people on the ground in potentially helping Germany deploy Taurus cruise missiles in Ukraine amid Chancellor Olaf Scholzs reluctance to approve the move, The Times underscored."We need to consider that they can use aircraft with mounts for both Taurus and Storm Shadow missiles. The British have been there and outfitted aircraft. There is not much difference between the systems, they can be used for Taurus as well," General Ingo Gerhartz had stated.The outlet singled out the politically incendiary revelation that the Bundeswehr representatives sought to use a ruse to convince the German public that the information exchanges used in targeting for the Taurus missiles would be handled by the manufacturer MBDA.Overall, the breach, described as a blunder by the publication, will alarm other NATO allies.The bombshell leak, coupled with Olaf Scholz's acknowledgment that British and French troops are assisting the Ukrainians with firing SCALP and Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles at Russian targets, has already been dubbed Berlins Taurus fiasco by German media.Taurus, Scholz said on February 26, is a very far-reaching weapon, and emphasized:What is being done in the way of target control and accompanying target control on the part of the British and the French cant be done in Germany. Everyone who has dealt with this system knows that. Scholz further stated that German soldiers must at no point and in no place be linked to targets this (Taurus) system reaches."Olaf Scholz has repeatedly voiced his opposition to supplying the Kiev regime with long-range Taurus cruise missiles, arguing that the move would risk his country being drawn into the conflict. Earlier, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported, citing sources, that Scholz remains opposed to the transfer of the long-range cruise missiles to the Kiev regime. The outlet added that Russia had turned the tables on Berlin by publishing the intercepted telephone conversation involving Bundeswehr representatives.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240302/germany-to-be-dragged-into-ukrainian-conflict-if-taurus-missiles-delivered---official-1117085880.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240302/natos-presence-in-ukraine-is-hardly-surprising-for-anyone-1117092483.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-monitors-nordic-response-drills-considers-them-provocative-1117120545.html

Russia Monitors Nordic Response Drills, Considers Them Provocative

Russia Monitors Nordic Response Drills, Considers Them Provocative

Sputnik International

Russia is monitoring NATOs Nordic Response military drills that kicked off on Monday in Finland, Sweden and Norway, and considers them to be provocative, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said.

2024-03-04T08:48+0000

2024-03-04T08:48+0000

2024-03-04T08:48+0000

military

alexander grushko

russia

finland

sweden

nato

drills

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The military is monitoring, we have all the necessary means for this. Our political position is well known. We believe that these exercises are demonstratively provocative. Any exercises, especially that are held geographically close to the contact line, increase the risk of military incidents. Therefore, all necessary measures have been taken in order to ensure the defense capabilities of Russia, the diplomat told reporters, adding that the NATO drills create additional risks in northern Europe.NATO's Nordic Response 2024 drills will take part in the northern parts of Norway, Finland and Sweden from March 4-15 with the participation of about 20,000 soldiers from 14 countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240206/poland-to-host-nato-led-dragon-24-drills-involving-20000-troops---general-staff-1116624637.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-ready-for-productive-relations-with-us-regardless-of-who-wins-election-1117127465.html

Russia Ready for 'Productive' Relations With US Regardless of Who Wins Election

Russia Ready for 'Productive' Relations With US Regardless of Who Wins Election

Sputnik International

Russia does not care who will be elected as the next US president as it is ready to have a "productive relationship" with whoever ends up in the White House, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday

2024-03-04T15:01+0000

2024-03-04T15:01+0000

2024-03-04T15:01+0000

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"We do not care at all who is elected president of the United States. We are ready to establish a productive relationship with any person elected, which is something [Russian President] Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has stated on numerous occasions. That is our policy," Medvedev told the Znanie (Knowledge) education forum taking place on the sidelines of the Russian-hosted World Youth Festival. At the moment, the remaining US Republican Party presidential hopefuls are former US President Donald Trump and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Trump has secured robust victories in all the states where the Republican primaries took place to date, except one  the Democrat-majority District of Columbia, where Haley secured more votes on Sunday. On the Democratic Party side, incumbent US President Joe Biden won in a landslide the party's primaries in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada and Michigan. Biden's competition includes writer Marianne Williamson, who suspended her campaign in February, but announced later that she was going to resume, while his other rival is Congressman Dean Phillips. The independent candidates continuing their campaigns include the son of US Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Jr., philosopher Cornel West and physician and activist Jill Stein. The next Democrat and Republican primary vote will take place on March 5 in 16 states in an event dubbed Super Tuesday, when the greatest number of states cast primary ballots simultaneously. The US presidential election is slated for November. Sputnik is an international media partner of the event.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-always-open-to-serious-and-equal-dialogue-lavrov-affirms-1117124943.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240228/sneak-peak-into-world-youth-festival-2024s-final-preparations-1117036946.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russia-venezuela-discussing-use-of-digital-payments-in-trade-1117125952.html

Russia, Venezuela Discussing Use of Digital Payments in Trade

Russia, Venezuela Discussing Use of Digital Payments in Trade

Sputnik International

Russia and Venezuela are discussing the use of digital payment tools in trade to secure transactions against the meddling of Europe and the United States, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade Denis Manturov said on Monday.

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mir

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"[Russian payment system] Mir is one of the alternatives, enabling both our and the Venezuelan people to make daily payments with the use of these cards. In addition to the population, payments should be made possible between businesses, commercial entities," Manturov told the Knowledge. First education forum on the sidelines of the Russian-hosted World Youth Festival, when asked about the ways in which Russia is cooperating with Venezuela. He recalled that at a recent BRICS summit Russia's finance minister was discussing with his counterparts the prospects of using digital payment tools in trade to decrease the dependence of their economies on the US dollar and euro. The World Youth Festival is taking place in Russia's Sirius Federal Territory on the Black Sea coast from March 1-7. Sputnik is an official international media partner of the event.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240102/venezuela-may-join-brics-during-summit-in-russia---maduro-1115937221.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/russian-defense-ministry-confirms-us-made-abrams-tank-destroyed-near-avdeyevka-1117123228.html

Russian Defense Ministry Confirms US-Made Abrams Tank Wiped Out Near Avdeyevka

Russian Defense Ministry Confirms US-Made Abrams Tank Wiped Out Near Avdeyevka

Sputnik International

In February, Russian forces destroyed the first Abrams tank used by Ukraine in the special military operation zone near Avdeyevka. 04.03.2024, Sputnik International

2024-03-04T11:37+0000

2024-03-04T11:37+0000

2024-03-04T12:13+0000

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The Russian military has obliterated another Abrams tank belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Avdeyevka region over the past 24 hours, Russia's MoD revealed. According to the ministry, the Russian Armed Forces defeated Ukraine's troops and crippled the enemy's equipment in the Novokalinov, Mayorsk, Berdychy and Rozovka areas of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).Russian military brass also mentioned that its forces have occupied better positions in the area of Avdeyevka.Ukraine also lost as many as 360 soldiers on the Donetsk line and over 320 soldiers in the area of South Donetsk in the past 24 hours, the ministry added.The destruction of the first Abrams tank occurred on February 26 near the village of Berdychi. Russian soldiers wiped out multiple pieces of Ukrainian military equipment that day, one of which was a US-made Abrams tank. Commenting on the day's events, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the destruction of the first Abrams tank delivered to Kiev points to the determination of Russian soldiers to demilitarize Ukraine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240303/russian-forces-destroy-another-us-made-abrams-tank-near-avdeyevka-with-upyr-fpv-drone-1117115666.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/scholz-speaks-up-against-assanges-extradition-to-us-due-to-prosecution-threat-1117129888.html

Scholz Speaks Up Against Assange's Extradition to US Due to Prosecution Threat

Scholz Speaks Up Against Assange's Extradition to US Due to Prosecution Threat

Sputnik International

UK courts providing protection to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange would be a positive step as he could face criminal prosecution for disclosure of state secrets if he is extradited to the United States, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday

2024-03-04T17:02+0000

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"I am of the opinion that it would be good if the UK courts gave him the necessary protection, because he should expect prosecution in the US, taking into account the fact he disclosed US state secrets," Scholz was quoted as saying by the German broadcaster Tagesschau. In February, a UK court held hearings to consider the US extradition request for Assange. Judges Victoria Sharp and Jeremy Johnson said they would issue their ruling later. Later, Wikileaks said that Assange will have his last chance to prevent his extradition to the US at a hearing in a UK court in March. One of the last means of preventing his transfer to the US may be an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Assange lost his previous appeal at the UK High Court last June.WikiLeaks was founded by Assange in 2006 but rose to prominence in 2010 when it began publishing large-scale leaks of classified government information, including from the US.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240222/us-always-planned-for-assange-to-die-in-prison-1116910930.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/sudan-denies-receiving-request-from-iran-to-build-naval-base-in-country---foreign-minister-1117117028.html

Sudan Denies Receiving Request From Iran to Build Naval Base in Country - Foreign Minister

Sudan Denies Receiving Request From Iran to Build Naval Base in Country - Foreign Minister

Sputnik International

Sudan has never received any requests from Iran to build its naval base in the country, Sudanese FM Ali Al-Sadiq told Sputnik on Sunday, adding that the relevant WSJ article was not accurate.

2024-03-04T01:20+0000

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Earlier in the day, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a senior Sudanese intelligence official, that Iran had allegedly sought Sudan's permission to build a permanent naval base on its Red Sea coast in exchange for military equipment, but Khartoum rejected Tehran's proposal to avoid cutting ties with the US and Israel. In October 2023, Sudan and Iran resumed their diplomatic ties, seven years after Sudan severed them in line with the same move by Saudi Arabia when Saudi Arabian diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked following the execution of Shiite cleric Ayatollah Nimr al-Nimr, who questioned the Gulf monarchy's authority.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/ukraine-to-face-uphill-battle-in-adapting-us-made-prima-donna-f-16s-to-real-combat-1117126602.html

Ukraine to Face Uphill Battle in Adapting US-Made 'Prima Donna' F-16s to Real Combat

Ukraine to Face Uphill Battle in Adapting US-Made 'Prima Donna' F-16s to Real Combat

Sputnik International

It should be highlighted that Ukrainian commanders have pledged not to initiate another offensive without the indispensable air support of F-16s, a situation that is currently posing a major difficulty

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2024-03-04T16:18+0000

2024-03-04T16:18+0000

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It could take months for the Ukrainian army and its Western backers to properly adapt the American-made F-16 fighter jets (Fighting Falcons) for combat in Ukraine, according to the European edition of Politico that cites experts and officials, who acknowledge that the process of getting the fighters airborne would be challenging.This development comes as a disappointment for Kiev, because they had hoped that the arrival of the F-16s would significantly boost their military capabilities. The promise made by Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium to deliver 60 planes was prematurely hailed as what was thought to have been a major success of Ukrainian diplomacy.The task of retraining Ukrainian pilots, who are used to flying Russian-made MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets, proved to be just one of many problems.The bases [for F-16s] will be prime targets for Russian attack, the planes themselves will be marked by Russian air defence systems. Repairing the planes will be a challenge and even using unprepared runways could sabotage the delicate aircraft, Politico reports.Tom Richter, a former US Marine pilot who has flown the F-16 previously, admits to the publication that the Soviet-made planes are more rough and tumble and can fly off poorly maintained airfields, while the F-16 by comparison is a prima donna that needs high maintenance.Politico quotes Yuriy Ignat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian air force, as saying that Falcons indeed need some adaptation. This will include sending teams with sealant to cover cracks, crevices and uneven concrete on little-known runways. The few well-maintained sites will make an obvious target" for a Russian attack, Politico quotes Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute think tank as saying.Will these F-16s truly have an impact? According to the annual Military Balance report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Ukraine initially had a fleet of 71 Su-27s and MiG-29s at the start of the conflict in February 2022. They also had 14 Su-24M bombers and 31 Su-25 attack aircraft.However, what remains of this fleet now? The report indicates that in 2024, Ukraine only has 78 combat aircraft left. This number includes 33 MiG fighter jets transferred by Slovakia and Poland  many with updated avionics and weapons to bring them up to NATO standards.Despite coming from the old Soviet stockpiles of weapons that were transferred to Moscow's former allies before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, this gift has not yet proven to have made any significant impact. In comparison to Ukraine's 78 combat-ready aircraft, Russia boasts a staggering 1,169.Politico quotes the Danish Defense Ministry as saying the first F-16s will arrive in Ukraine this summer, and even then several conditions will have to be met before the jets can take off from Ukrainian airfields.Meanwhile, Politico writes, Ukraine's soldiers will continue to be pummelled by Russian air-dropped glide bombs and missiles.The other problem will be getting highly-specialized Western contractors into Ukraine to oversee the work of newly-trained Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel. It may not be easy and certainly will not be a safe or cheap operation.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240103/what-awaits-f-16s-in-ukraines-skies-1115947153.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/why-ukraines-ambitions-to-buy-fifth-gen-jet-which-doesnt-exist-yet-will-crash-and-burn-1116847266.html

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military aid for ukraine, is us giving more money to ukraine, why is us giving more money to kiev, whats happening to money given to kiev, will us give more money to kiev, how much money does ukraine get, how much money us gives to ukraine, how much money eu gives to ukraine, how much money europe gives to ukraine, what weapons does ukraine receive, does us give ukraine new weapons
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/ukraines-recruiting-efforts-sowing-panic-as-draft-eligible-men-flee-certain-death-1117120652.html

Ukraine's Recruiting Efforts 'Sowing Panic' as Draft-Eligible Men Flee 'Certain Death'

Ukraine's Recruiting Efforts 'Sowing Panic' as Draft-Eligible Men Flee 'Certain Death'

Sputnik International

Ukraines lack of any clear mobilization strategy aimed at plugging the gaping holes in the ranks of its armed forces is fueling deep divisions in Ukraines parliament and more broadly in Ukrainian society, The Washington Post reported.

2024-03-04T10:27+0000

2024-03-04T10:27+0000

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Ukraines lack of any clear mobilization strategy aimed at plugging the gaping holes in the ranks of its armed forces is fueling deep divisions in Ukraines parliament and more broadly in Ukrainian society, The Washington Post reported.Despite mounting losses, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been downplaying to wheedle more money from the West, there is still no political consensus on how to remedy the severe shortage of troops on the battlefront. There is a yawning split between Zelensky and his top military commanders on a plan to conscript the thousands of soldiers they need as Russia continues to advance after liberating the stronghold of Avdeyevka.As a result, Ukraines military has been relying on a hodgepodge of recruiting efforts and sown panic among fighting-age men, the publication stated. It referenced the package of aid to Kiev still stalled in the US Congress, adding that many of Ukraines men have gone into hiding, worried that they will be drafted into an ill-equipped army and sent to certain death.Infighting over how many more troops Ukraine needs factored into Zelenskys sacking of his top general in February, the outlet noted. The previous Ukrainian commander-in-chief, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, was dismissed, with Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky taking over, amid an overall reshuffle of the military command by Zelensky. Zaluzhny's ouster came after months of intrigue between himself and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who slammed the commander for revealing that Kiev's summer 2023 counteroffensive had ended in failure.But, apparently, new Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky has so far failed to bring new clarity regarding Ukraine's mobilization efforts. Syrsky has been tasked with auditing the armed forces to scrape up more combat-eligible troops, added the publication. This comes after President Zelenskys office recently announced that only some 300,000 have fought at the frontline of the one million people who have been mobilized.With Ukraines rapidly dwindling troop strength described as a strategic crisis, Oleksiy Bezhevets, an adviser to the Defense Ministry on recruitment, was cited as saying that civilians of fighting age must recognize the fact that theres no time for you left to sit home.Volodymyr Zelensky said in December 2023 that the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces had stressed the need to recruit an additional 450,000-500,000 men for the army. Accordingly, the government submitted a draft law on mobilization to parliament on January 30. However, the result has been a drawn-out and heated debate. The bill, which would broaden the scope of the draft, lowering the eligibility age from 27 to 25 years, caused outrage in the country and was sent back for revision. It also obligates people liable for military service to report to military commissariats to clarify their information within 60 days, Ukrainian media reported. These individuals may be restricted from traveling abroad, have their drivers license suspended, or their bank accounts seized if they fail to do so. Amid the debate over such draconian measures in January, panicky account holders withdrew over $700 million in a single month, the WaPo added. In February, Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska proposed giving prisoners weapons and shovels when they are mobilized for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He underscored that in Ukraine, two categories of citizens are currently not involved in the mobilization, namely "those who are behind bars and those who are not." Maliuska previously said that at least 50,000 men of military age with criminal records are hiding from Ukrainian draft boards and are not registered with the military.The Russian Defense Ministry earlier said that amid the disruption of mobilization plans and in order to conceal massive losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Kiev regime has intensified the recruitment of mercenaries. Fighters from the United States, Canada, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian military. Furthermore, NATO soldiers under the guise of mercenaries are involved in combat operations in Ukraine, Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy, head of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, told Russian media.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231120/draft-dodgers-say-ukraine-unable-to-take-on-russia-slam-counteroffensive-as-senseless-killing-1115063928.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240219/nato-soldiers-fighting-in-ukraine-under-guise-of-mercenaries---mod-1116868725.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240304/watch-russian-su-34-fighter-bomber-destroy-cluster-of-enemy-troops-and-strongholds-1117119420.html

Watch Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Destroy Cluster of Enemy Troops and Strongholds

Watch Russian Su-34 Fighter-Bomber Destroy Cluster of Enemy Troops and Strongholds

Sputnik International

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage of Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber crew destroying a cluster of enemy troops and strongholds near Krasny Liman.

2024-03-04T07:03+0000

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The Russian of Defense Ministry has released footage of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber crew destroying a cluster of enemy troops and strongholds near Krasny Liman.According to the ministry, the Russian Air Force Su-34 crew launched a strike with FAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs. After receiving reconnaissance confirmation that the targets were destroyed, the pilots returned safely to the airfield from which they had taken off.

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A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber crew destroys a cluster of enemy troops and strongholds near Krasny Liman Sputnik International A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber crew destroys a cluster of enemy troops and strongholds near Krasny Liman 2024-03-04T07:03+0000 true PT0M31S

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Discus Hanover became the first two-time winner in the Open Trot this season at Saratoga Raceway as the Dave Dewhurst trainee went coast-to-coast in Sundays (March 3) $20,270 feature.

Jimmy Devaux sat behind the seven-year-old trotter, who cruised unopposed on the lead through and opening quarter of :28 before reaching the halfway point in :58. Continuing to lead to three-quarters in 1:27.1, Discus Hanover hung tough on the lead to fend off Free Willy Hanover (Chris Long) with a :29.2 final quarter to score by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.3. Summit City Sonny (Leon Bailey) finished third.

Discus Hanovers win was his second of 2024 through six starts. On Sunday, he paid $13.80 to win in the mild upset. The gelded son of Credit Winner-Dancing Flames is owned in partnership by Philip Hale and trainer Dave Dewhurst and has now banked $228,047 for his career.

Live harness racing continues on Monday afternoon with a matinee that starts at noon.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)
While being interviewed for inclusion in Hoptown Brewerys charity efforts, Bridge of Hearts Director Linda Morris wisely emphasized that her organizations mission is to bring joy to impoverished children. Thats why Bridge of Hearts was one of four charities chosen to be highlighted for her business 2024-25 fundraising year, said Sandy Plemmons, Hoptown owner.

Joy is the secret sauce to living, explained Plemmons, who calls herself director of customer exBEERience for the brewery.

Hoptown Brewery survived its grand opening during the COVID-19 pandemic and is getting ready to celebrate its fourth anniversary of spreading joy and hope throughout the Lake Norman community by annually supporting four nonprofit organizations.

Plemmons, who owns the brewery along with her husband Scott and a group of investors, stated that her mission this year is not only to raise money for the charities, but also to create a better awareness of each one.

Joy is important, Plemmons said, because you can get caught up pretty quickly in the sadness and anger of society on social media. So, we want to create a place where we can focus on helping people while everyone is having fun.

Normally, money is raised when customers buy the brewerys Sip It Forward Beer, a smooth blonde ale, and place a token in one of several boxes on the wall. But this year, money also will be raised by Hoptowns Sip It Forward 5K Run and/or 1 Mile Walk which will take place March 23. Dogs and strollers are welcome to participate in the walk.

On March 22, Hoptown will present checks to the following recipients for 2023-24: The Christian Mission, Rescue Ranch, Cool Kids Clubhouse and Rainbow Kidz. The four nonprofits chosen for 2024/25 are Bridge of Hearts, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, Piedmont Animal Rescue and FOODiversity.

We are so grateful to Sandy and Scott Plemmons for having a heart to give back to the community, Morris said about being chosen. The mission of Bridge of Hearts is not only to help impoverished school children celebrate their birthdays, but also to provide healthful snacks so school counselors can distribute them to children who are hungry when they come to school.

We are so excited to be one of the charities they highlight this coming year. They are providing an opportunity for us to not only raise funds for our programs, but also to have a platform to introduce ourselves to the community and make connections. We are very grateful, Morris added.

Helping nonprofit organizations is in Hoptowns DNA, explained Sandy Plemmons, because she is the former director of the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Before Hoptown was opened, she and her husband operated their brewery on their own property as Hootenanny, a catering business which focused on beer, food and music. But when the couple decided to relocate their business to a permanent property, we went to four nonprofits to see how we could help them, she said. The idea for using tokens came from a zoo she saw when visiting family in Colorado.

In their first year of operation, Hoptown customers were able to help raise $14,584 for charities. Now, the charities are chosen by applications and interviews using a scale of four points. The applications are read by employees and investors.

Our goal of raising money for charities was born out of the desire to not just be a business, but to also serve the community, Plemmons explained. And raising awareness is even more important  it will last longer.

As for the March 23 race and walk, sponsors are helping to cover the hard costs of the event. This years sponsors are Castle Wealth Group LLC, The Temple Team Real Estate, The YMCA, Zammitti Gidaly Orthodontics and Fleet Feet Huntersville. Each runner or walker will receive a Sip It Forward token in their runners pack to choose the charity they would like to support. Selections begin March 22 inside Hoptown Brewery, 107 Plantation Ridge Drive, Mooresville.

Plemmons wants her customers to know that they dont have to contribute solely by purchasing Sip It Forward Beer. They can also pay an extra dollar, or any other amount, to receive a token from any purchase.

For more information about Hoptowns events or charities, visit www.hoptownbrewing.com or call 704-360-9536. For more information on Bridge of Hearts, visit www.bohnc.org
Performing Arts Live Iredell welcomes the acclaimed Fry Street Quartet for the fourth concert of the 2023-24 PAL season. The performance will be March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Mac Gray Auditorium, Statesville High School, 474 N. Center St.

This remarkable group has been hailed as a triumph of ensemble playing by the New York Times. Reaching audiences from Carnegie Hall to London, Shanghai and beyond, the FSQ tour repertoire includes works of Schubert, Beethoven and Bartok as well as music from visionary composers of our time.

The Fry Street Quartet, formed in 1997 is now in its 20th year of an endowed residency at the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, where each member teaches when not touring with FSQ. An interesting local connection is that the groups first residency was sponsored by Chamber Music International and the National Endowment for the Arts in Hickory.

During this time, the quartet won competitions and built a local audience for the first time. The FSQ continues this residency today, supported entirely by the Hickory community.

Tickets to enjoy Fry Street Quartet are available on Performing Arts Lives web site (www.paliredell.com) and by calling 704-880-0875. They will also be available for purchase at Mac Gray Auditorium prior to the show. Adult tickets are $25 and youth tickets are $15.
The N.C. House Republican quest to place the state on the side of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the divisive immigration border dispute may carry a coattail effect for a controversial bill that would force all sheriffs to cooperate with federal ICE officers.

ICE stands for the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

All 72 N.C. House Republicans signed a letter sent Wednesday by House speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Although the letter claims to speak on behalf of the N.C. House, there were no Democratic signees.

Moore is in his final year as House speaker after declaring his candidacy for the 2024 Republican primary in the 14th congressional district.

Some political analysts have said that a Republican-sponsored congressional redistricting map that cleared the legislature in 2023 was drawn in part to provide Moore with a Republican-leaning district in western N.C.

The primary purpose of the letter is to urge Cooper to deploy additional N.C. National Guard troops to assist Abbotts efforts. The Texas National Guard troops as well as National Guard troops from Republican states are denying U.S. Border Patrol agents entry to a pivotal border-crossing location in Eagle Pass, Texas.

More than a dozen Republican governors have sent state National Guard units to the southern border since 2021.

The letter also requests that Cooper commit to signing legislation that mandates cooperation with ICE by local police departments to remove illegal immigrants who are committing crimes.

Many illegal immigrants are unaccompanied military-aged men with military or cartel experience.

Moore concluded the letter that we trust you share our desire to protect the state from the failures of the federal governments open borders policies.

However, if for some reason you failed to take action, these and other options will be on the table for the House supermajority during the upcoming legislative short session.

Coopers vetoes

Cooper successfully vetoed in 2019 and 2022 bills that cleared the Republican-controlled legislature containing the ICE language. No House or Senate Democrat voted for Senate Bill 101 in 2022 and House Bill 370 in 2019.

During the 2023 session, the House voted 71-44 on March 28 to clear House Bill 10, titled Require Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE. Rep. Cecil Brockman of Guilford County was one of two Democrats who voted for HB10.

The HB10 vote took place before Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County announced on April 5 her switch from Democrat to Republican that provided the GOP with a super-majority in the House.

Curiously, even though the Republican-controlled Senate cleared the ICE bills in 2019 and 2022, it was not heard in a Senate committee during the 2023 session. The Senate version of the ICE bill, Senate Bill 50, was not heard in committee after being introduced on Jan. 31, 2023.

None of the senators representing Forsyth and Guilford counties could be reached for comment on the potential resurfacing of HB10.

Through Cothams stunning party affiliation transition, Republicans held the exact number necessary in the House (72 votes) and Senate (30 votes) to override a veto.

Thus, Republicans were not only successful in ending Coopers streak of 47 consecutive successful vetoes during the 2019-22 sessions. They overrode 19 consecutive Cooper vetoes during the 2023 session, ranging from bills that weakened environmental, social and governance regulations, clean energy rules and building codes, to expanding gender transition rules and loosening requirements over the establishments of charter schools and their oversight.

ICE background

The ICE legislation requires all sheriffs to hold suspects in certain crimes for at least 48 hours when their immigration status is unknown or they are in the country illegally.

Bill sponsors said the 2023 versions contain language they believe addresses Coopers concerns about the previous bills.

Instead of requiring a query of ICE on any infraction of anyone who is brought into a jail, it only requires an inquiry when someone is accused of the most heinous crimes, said Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, and HB10s primary sponsor.

They would be held long enough for ICE to come in and do their job in a more controlled environment rather than in local communities in a much more dangerous environment.

The second major difference reflects concerns expressed by Cooper about potential criminal penalties for sheriffs who decline to cooperate with ICE in detaining inmates.

Although more than 90 sheriffs in North Carolina comply with ICE requests, several Democratic sheriffs, including Bobby Kimbrough of Forsyth County and Danny Rogers of Guilford County, have limited their cooperation.

Those sheriffs also have stated their opposition to the previous ICE legislation.

The Forsyth Sheriffs Office issued a statement after Senate Bill 101 cleared the legislature on July 1, 2022, that included a quote from Kimbrough.

We will continue to do what is moral, what is legal and what is right, Kimbrough said. We have been and will continue to be a law-abiding law enforcement agency.

Other sheriffs have made similar statements.

Hall has said that non-cooperating sheriffs are putting partisan politics ahead of public safety.

This bill (HB10) would end that controversy because I believe they will follow the law if this (bill) is passed.

But, if they wont, there are a number of remedies already in law, including potential removal from office, and a judge can require a sheriff to follow the law.

Hall said during the 2023 floor debate that most ICE detainees are transferred within 24 hours, much less the 48 hours permitted in the bill.

Opponents say voters in those counties elected Democratic sheriffs knowing their stance on ICE cooperation, and the bill is an attempt to usurp their authority.

Critics of the ICE legislation say the measure could increase jail time for suspects who have otherwise met the conditions for release.

They also point out it would force sheriffs offices to investigate the immigration status of anyone booked into the jail.

Being held for 48 hours for non-serious crimes can change someones life for good, said Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham, citing potential loss of job as an example.

Immigration threat to N.C.

The N.C. House letter to Cooper attempts to connect North Carolinians to the Texas border dispute by saying that due to this crisis, North Carolina faces increased security threats from foreign actors, tragic fentanyl deaths and disturbing human trafficking by cartels and gangs.

Gov. Abbott has been valiantly defending his states security in the face of this crisis. These issues are only growing, and it is your duty as governor to do everything you can do to protect this state.

Cooper was urged to send additional N.C. National Guard personnel, not under ineffectual federal authority, but in coordination with Texas leadership and request any needed additional resources for this deployment in your upcoming state budget submission.

Cooper also has been urged to halt any discretionary cooperation with the federal government to place and house illegal migrants in North Carolina.

Cooper did not specifically address the potential revival of HB10 in his response to the N.C. House letter.

A bipartisan U.S. Senate is close to the strongest border security law in a generation, but Donald Trump is telling Republicans to stop because a tough border law hurts his campaign, Cooper said.

If Republican legislators really wanted a strong border, they would release a statement supporting this legislation, instead of bowing to Trump and supporting violating the (U.S.) Constitution and rule of law.

Analysts responses

The purpose of the N.C. House letter may be to stoke the embers of immigration concerns among voters, potentially making it a front-burner election issue, said John Dinan, a political science professor at Wake Forest University who is a national expert on state legislatures.

The majority party is often strategic about when it brings up proposed bills and veto-override votes, Dinan said.

It will sometimes schedule votes for an election year, rather than a non-election year, when there is an expectation that highlighting an issue will benefit the majority party in election campaigns.

Dinan said immigration is an issue where Republicans are generally seen as currently enjoying an advantage, and so there is an expectation that Republican leaders in the General Assembly will try to keep the spotlight on immigration issues and legislation in 2024 in the lead-up to this years elections.

Mitch Kokai, senior policy analyst with conservative think tank John Locke Foundation, said theres no certainty the N.C. Senate will take up HB10 during the 2024 session given it was quickly shelved in 2023.

If the state Senate Republican caucus shows a strong interest in this issue, then well likely see legislation move through the General Assembly fairly quickly, Kokai said.

But, it also wouldnt surprise me to see senators hold back, especially if they see an opportunity to win concessions from Moore on some of their top priorities.

It could end up as part of a grand bargain involving other issues.

Kokai said Moores championing of the N.C. House letter and citing ICE legislation shows that its clear that speaker Moore is looking beyond North Carolina as he focuses on the border security issue.

Its a topic with implications for state and local government, but it also fits well with his campaign to win a seat in Congress.
A domestic dispute that involved threatening and often obscene text messages between women in Roanoke and Floyd turned into a malicious wounding by mob indictment by a Floyd County grand jury last year.

Calasia Marion Austin of Roanoke entered a no contest plea on a reduced unlawful wounding charge before Circuit Judge Mike Fleenor on Feb. 27, who placed her on a deferred status for two years. If she stays out of trouble for two years, and completes community service work, the charge could be dismissed.

Commonwealths Attorney Eric Branscom said that the malicious wounding charge came from Austin traveling to Floyd to confront the other woman involved, who previously had a relationship with Austins boyfriend that produced a child.

Branscom said the interactions between the two consist of angry emails and text messages that threatened violence and were laced with obscenities.

Austin, he said, came with two teenagers who participated, with her, in attacks on the woman on Needmore Lane, and the victim suffered injuries that included a concussion.

The interactions, Branscom said, has resulted in protective orders issued on both sides of the dispute.

The prosecutor told the court that the charge was reduced because witnesses interviewed by Sheriffs Department investigators were not cooperative, and Austin had accepted responsibility for her actions.

Judge Fleenor placed Austin on supervised probation and ordered community service hours but agreed to change the probation to unsupervised once the community service is completed.

Branscom said the protective orders will remain in place during the deferred period. If Austin gets in trouble again during that time, she faces up to five years in prison.

In other court actions within the past two weeks:

Faheem Osiris Shabazz of Roanoke was given a three-year suspended sentence for a conviction of possession of methamphetamine in a case where the body camera of a deputy showed he lied about someone planting it. The video showed him removing a packet of the drug from his pocket before dropping it onto the ground.

Bradley Gray Shively of Penhook pleaded guilty to violating his probation on a drug possession conviction and was sentenced to 14 days in jail and a return to probation.

Carol Blanche Marshall pleaded guilty to two drug possession charges after two others were dropped in a plea deal and was given a one-year deferment before a conviction and/or sentences. If she stays out of trouble for that time, the charges could be dropped or modified.
The Syrian Women's Network mourned the loss of its member and colleague, Heba Hajj Aref, noting that she had been subjected to death threats and pressure to resign from her position on the local council.

Local sources informed Syria TV on Tuesday that a woman was discovered deceased under mysterious circumstances, appearing to have died by hanging in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

According to reports, the body of Mrs. Heba Haj Aref was found on Monday evening in the city of Bazaa, located in the Bab area, east of Aleppo. Conflicting reports suggest either suicide or murder as potential causes of her death.

Mrs. Heba Haj Aref was a member of the local council of Bazaa, where she resided with her husband and two children. Additionally, she served as the director of the female department at a school affiliated with the Turkish organization Yeni Adm in the city.

Civil police in Bazaa responded to the report of her death, arriving at her residence in the evening. Approximately an hour later, an ambulance was requested to transport her body to the hospital. Subsequently, her husband and two other individuals were detained for further investigation.

Although forensic medicine in the region initially ruled out death by hanging, an official report detailing the exact cause of death has yet to be issued.

The Syrian Womens Network mourned the loss of its member and colleague, Heba Hajj Aref, noting that she had been subjected to death threats and pressure to resign from her position on the local council.

An informed source revealed that threats against Mrs. Heba Hajj Aref originated from the Hamza Division faction, based in Bazaa, allegedly to coerce her resignation from the council. The exact motives behind these threats remain unclear.

It is important to mention that the Hamza Division\ has been linked to acts of violence in the past. In early October 2022, members of the faction directly assassinated activist Muhammad Abdul Latif (Abu Ghannoum) and his pregnant wife in Bab. This incident incited public outrage, prompting demands for accountability and the removal of the faction from the city. However, subsequent developments, including intervention by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alongside the Hamza Division, altered the dynamics of control in the region.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Iranian media outlets reported the death of an Iranian officer in Syria as a consequence of Israeli airstrikes targeting a Revolutionary Guard base in Baniyas, according to Sawt al-Asima.

In a significant development on March 1st, Iranian media outlets reported the death of an Iranian officer in Syria, a consequence of Israeli airstrikes targeting a Revolutionary Guard base in Baniyas, located in the Tartous countryside. Confirmed by private sources to Sawt Al-Asimah, the officer, identified as Reza Zarei, served as a field commander within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Zarei was known for his ties to the Hamas movement and played a pivotal role in logistical coordination between the Revolutionary Guard and Palestinian factions.

The assault also claimed the lives of three additional individuals, including two Lebanese citizens affiliated with the Hezbollah militia. Local social media accounts reported that three explosions were heard at 4 AM, aiming at a farm situated in the Batraya region, on the pathway connecting Ras Al-Nabaa and Al-Marqab villages, close to Baniyas.

The Iranian Mehr News Agency, citing the Iranian Naval Forces leadership, disclosed that Zarei was a commander in the Revolutionary Guards first naval sector. His death was the direct result of an Israeli operation targeting a facility within the Baniyas port of Syria.

Moreover, the agency noted that the strike not only led to the demise of several Revolutionary Guard members but also impacted local farmers by hitting one of their main headquarters near the Syrian coastline.

Further compounding the loss, a general in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the commander of an Iranian intelligence unit, Youssef Omid War Haji Sadiq, along with four associates responsible for amassing security and intelligence reports in Syria, were killed in an airstrike targeting their Damascus headquarters in the Mezzeh Villas neighbourhood on January 20 of the previous year.

Additionally, the second-ranking Iranian in Syria, Reza Mousavi, fell victim to an Israeli airstrike on January 25, which targeted his residence near the Sayyida Zeinab area in the Damascus countryside, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions in the region.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Abdullah al-Zoubi, a 19-year-old, was abducted from his father's farm in Deir al-Bakht, northern Daraa.

In the southern Syrian city of Daraa, a recent resurgence of kidnapping incidents has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Among these incidents, one victim was released, while two others await resolution.

Abdullah al-Zoubi, a 19-year-old, was abducted from his fathers farm in Deir al-Bakht, northern Daraa, on February 23. Shortly after, on February 28, communication was lost with Muhammad Khair al-Mahamid, a resident of Umm al-Mayadhin in Daraas eastern countryside, during his journey back from Damascus. These episodes occurred two weeks following the release of 16-year-old Rami Al-Maafalani from Nahta, eastern Daraa, who had been kidnapped for about a week in the Al-Lajat area, between Daraa and Suwayda. The release was secured through the intervention of community leaders and military figures.

Deir al-Bakht has become a focal point for discussions on the kidnapping crisis, drawing community leaders from Houran, Lajat, Quneitra, and members of military factions. A family member of al-Zoubi recounted to Enab Baladi that assailants stormed a poultry farm owned by the victims father, abducting Abdullah and restraining his brother at the site.

The kidnappers later demanded a $150,000 ransom from the family, substantiating their demand with a video of Abdullah being tortured. This method mirrors the treatment of previously kidnapped individuals like Rami Al-Maafalani.

On February 29, Muhammad Khair al-Mahamid was kidnapped near Sidon Bridge in eastern Daraa on his return from Damascus. Al-Mahamids relatives have yet to hear from the kidnappers, and his phone has been off since the incident.

A notable from Daraa suggested that these kidnappings aim to generate financial returns for the perpetrators, exploiting the regions security void. Despite efforts to address and halt the kidnapping phenomenon, a lack of a clear strategy persists, partly because the culprits remain unidentified.

The article highlights the necessity of raising public awareness about these criminal bands, advocating for societal rejection, lack of complicity, and the importance of holding these groups accountable by the authorities.

Kidnapping for ransom is not new to Daraa, with several instances reported over the years. In February 2022, Fawaz Al-Qutaifan was released after his family paid a $140,000 ransom, following a three-month abduction. Similarly, the case of ten-year-old Salam al-Khalaf, who vanished in 2020, and six-year-old Mayar Alaa Al Hammadi, who disappeared in 2019, underscore the ongoing threat of kidnapping in the area, with families left in despair and silence despite their pleas for information and willingness to pay for their loved ones return.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Asma al-Assad met with representatives from various humanitarian and charitable associations and civil society organizations across Syria, the pro-government Tishreen reports.

This years Ramadan heralds a distinct set of challenges for Syria, marked by harsher living conditions and the significant impact of regional and global events on philanthropic endeavours, particularly during this month of charity.

In a meaningful dialogue, the First Lady, Mrs. Asma al-Assad, met with representatives from various humanitarian and charitable associations and civil society organizations across Syria to discuss these pressing issues.

Mrs. al-Assad commended the resilience and pivotal role of civil society in Syria, highlighting its silent yet effective contribution to supporting the underprivileged during crises. She emphasized the continuous nature of charitable efforts in Syria, describing them as not just a duty but as a profound expression of national identity and societal values. According to her, charitable work attains its noblest form when it becomes a collective endeavour.

Achieving this collective effort requires concerted coordination among civil bodies, Mrs. al-Assad noted, which leads to the integration of efforts, attainment of broader objectives, and wider reach to those in need. This approach ensures equitable distribution of resources, especially in the poorest areas and amongst the most vulnerable groups.

During the meeting, representatives shared their plans and priorities for charitable activities during Ramadan and beyond, addressing the needs of different social segments and the types of assistance required.

The discussion also covered the key challenges facing charitable associations throughout the holy month and the rest of the year, aiming to find solutions that can enhance their impact during these trying times.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) member and two others were reportedly killed in a suspected Israeli attack in Syria. Meanwhile, demonstrators in Syrias southern Sweida province vowed to continue peaceful rallies until their demand for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2254 is met, following the death of a protester at the hands of the Syrian regime.

Iran Revolutionary Guard member and two others killed in attack in Syria

A member of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two other people have been killed in a suspected Israeli attack in Syria, Irans state news agency IRNA reported, quoted by Al-Jazeera.

IRNA said Reza Zarei, a member of the IRGC, had been killed at dawn today by the usurping Zionist regime in the port city of Baniyas.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor corroborated the news of Fridays attack.

It said three explosions shook the centre of Baniyas, on Syrias Mediterranean coast, during the dawn strike on a villa that sheltered a group affiliated with Iran.

A building was destroyed, killing an Iranian and two other non-Syrians who were with him, said the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria.

There were separate reports that several others were also injured in the attack.

There was no comment from Israel after the strike, but its air force has repeatedly bombed targets in Syria.

On Thursday, Israel killed a Hezbollah member in a strike on Syria, close to the Lebanese border, the Observatory said, hours after similar attacks.

Syrian MoD Says It Thwarted Attempt to Infiltrate Military Site

The Syrian Ministry of Defense confirms that the Syrian Arab Army repelled a terrorist group attempting to infiltrate a military site in the northern countryside of Latakia, pro-Iran Al-Mayadeen reprted.

Syrias Ministry of Defense has confirmed that members of the Syrian Arab Army deployed in the northern countryside of Latakia repelled a terrorist group attempting to infiltrate a military site.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry confirmed that militants were killed and wounded as a result of the confrontations.

The Syrian Arab Army continues to target terrorist organizations in various locations across the country as Al Mayadeens correspondent reported, highlighting the casualties among Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorists after they were targeted by two drones belonging to the Syrian army in the area of Nawkous in northern Latakia last Wednesday.

Additionally, two days ago, the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the armed forces deployed in the direction of Idlib and Raqqa countryside successfully downed and destroyed 7 drones belonging to terrorist organizations. These drones attempted to target military positions and civilian populations in nearby villages and towns that had been liberated by the Syrian army.

Protesters in Syrias Suweida Say Will Continue to Hold Peaceful Rallies

Protesters in Syrias southern Sweida province said on Saturday they will continue to hold peaceful rallies until their demand for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2254 is met, Asharq al-Awsat reported.

They also dismissed Washingtons statement that it was greatly concerned after the killing of a protester by security forces and over the excessive use of force.

Local sources in Sweida told Asharq Al-Awsat that no one in the province is counting on a reaction from the United States.

It and other influential countries have only expressed their concern from the moment the first protest took place in Syria. Even after all the destruction and dozens of massacres that have taken place across the country, all they had was concern and sanctions that they claim target the regime, but all they have done was stifle and kill the Syrians, they added.

Washington and the international community have left Syria completely exposed to Iran and Russia, while all they do is worry, they stated.

Moreover, they stressed that the protests that have been ongoing in Sweida for seven months are peaceful. Not a single violent incident has been reported.

All the people want are their legitimate rights under the constitution and law, they declared.

Iraq to repatriate nearly 600 from Syria ISIS detention camp

Kurdistan Region  Iraq is set to repatriate around 600 people from northeast Syrias (Rojava) al-Hol camp that houses tens of thousands of Islamic State (ISIS) affiliates, an official from Iraqs ministry of migration and displaced said on Sunday.

A number of Iraqis in al-Hol camp are scheduled to be returned next week. The returnees will be about 150 families and about 600 people, Ali Abbas, spokesperson for Iraqs ministry of migration and displaced, told Rudaw.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) arrested thousands of ISIS fighters along with their wives and children when they took control of the groups last stronghold in Syria in March 2019. Many of these people were taken to al-Hol and Roj camps.

Al-Hol camp is located in northeast Syrias Hasaka province and houses over 50,000 ISIS-linked people. The camp has infamously been branded a breeding ground for terrorism, with authorities describing it as a ticking time bomb. The camp residents come from around the world, but the bulk are Syrian and Iraqi.

The repatriation of ISIS-linked citizens has sparked opposition in Iraq, with tribes unwilling to accept and welcome people associated with the group that committed atrocious human rights abuses and war crimes from 2014 to 2017, when they controlled vast swathes of the country.

Iraq has repatriated 1,924 families from al-Hol camp, totaling 7,556 people. Of that number, 1,230 people have returned to their hometowns in Iraq, National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Syria said it would continue to pursue actions "aligning with its national interest and the well-being of its citizens, aimed at concluding the terrorist conflict", the pro-government al-Baath says.

On 3 March 2024, Syria firmly rejected any external meddling in its domestic matters, voicing strong disapproval of the European Parliaments recent recommendations, which it criticized for containing falsehoods.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Syria criticized the European Parliament for what it termed a blatant and undignified intrusion into its sovereignty. This critique came after the European Parliament deliberated on its suggestions concerning its policy towards Syria, leading to recommendations that Syria deems as unacceptable interference in its internal affairs.

The Ministry underscored Syrias unwavering stance against any form of foreign interference, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Syrian people in battling terrorism, which, according to the statement, has been aided and funded by EU member states.

The statement accused decision-makers and their alleged terrorist allies of making futile efforts to distort facts, provoke unrest, and absolve their governments of responsibility in the recruitment and funding of terrorists.

Emphasizing Syrias dedication to a political resolution emerging from a domestic-led process without foreign involvement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the values of freedom, independence, and respect for state sovereignty as outlined in the United Nations Charter.

The Ministry also stated that Syria would continue to pursue actions aligning with its national interest and the well-being of its citizens, aimed at concluding the terrorist conflict.

Expressing gratitude towards those who opposed the ineffectual decision, the Ministry condemned the approval of the resolution, labeling it as filled with racist notions and ideologies that are universally and particularly by Syrians, dismissed as unacceptable.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

In a rare interview, Syrias president Bashar al-Assad praised his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and called the United States a hypocritical hegemon. At the same time, the Syrian Democratic Forces announced on Monday seizing large quantities of drugs in a warehouse in the city of Manbij, northern Syria.

In rare interview, Syrias Assad defends Hamas, praises Putin to pro-Kremlin journalist

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave a rare interview this week to a Kremlin-aligned Russian news presenter from his palace in the capital city of Damascus, defending Hamas, praising Putin, and casting the United States as a hypocritical hegemon that the two dictatorships have served to humble, JPost.com reported.

Assad, whose government has been fighting rebel groups for almost thirteen years in a civil war that has taken about 500,000 lives, presented Israel as the aggressor in Gaza, and justified Hamass October 7 invasion of Israels south as self-defense, insisting that the attack is justified by historical context.

The Syrian dictator also expressed support for Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and compared the war between Israel and Hamas to that war, asserting that Russias invasion of the European nation was self-defense, just as he views Hamass invasion of Israel to have been:

Anyone from Israel will come and say to you, but you are talking about history, Assad told his Russian interviewer, Vladimir Solovyov, [but] is history separated from the past? The Syrian president then implied that the invasion of Ukraine was a response to attempts to encircle your country, Russia, from the south, concluding, Everything that happens in the present is a result of history. The situation is the same.

UN nuclear watchdog to restart talks with Syria

Syria is poised to come in from the cold at the UNs nuclear watchdog, with the agencys boss travelling to Damascus this month, according to The National.

Rafael Grossi revealed he was invited by Syrias government in order to re-establish a meaningful, constructive dialogue.

His talks on remaining issues from the past are likely to address a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor that was destroyed in an air raid by Israel in 2007.

Syria denied it was a secret nuclear site and the matter has never been cleared up to the International Atomic Energy Agencys satisfaction.

Mr Grossi, the IAEA director general, is similarly pressing Iran to explain the presence of uranium at two undeclared sites several years ago.

He will also visit Iraq this month, expecting a confirmation of its unwavering commitment to non-proliferation.

Speaking at an IAEA board meeting on Monday, he warned of a domino effect if arms control is not maintained in the Middle East.

The agency is trying to uphold the non-proliferation norm to the best of our abilities at a time of conflict in the region, he said.

SDF seizes large quantities of drugs in Syrias Manbij

North Press reported that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday seizing large quantities of drugs in the city of Manbij, northern Syria.

The SDF Media Center said in a statement, Our Military Operational Units conducted a raid on a warehouse in Manbij city suspected of concealing narcotics pills within pavement tiles.

On February 28 based on accurate intelligence, our Military Operational Units raided the warehouse and seized a significant cache of narcotic pills, the statement added.

SDF further added that the quantity of drugs seized amounted to more than 20 million Captagon pills.

The initial investigation indicated that the substances originated from Tartous Governorate on the Syrian coast, according to the SDF statement.

U.S. Urges Action on Syrias Chemical Weapons Non-Compliance at UN Security Council Briefing

At a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria, Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, addressed the Council on March 4, 2024, in New York. He congratulated the new president of the Council and expressed gratitude to Deputy Ebo for highlighting the critical issue of chemical weapons use in Syria.

Wood emphasized the United States decade-long effort, alongside the international community, to denounce the Assad regimes violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and UN Resolution 2118. He highlighted the regimes repeated use of chemical weapons against its citizens and its failure to fully declare and destroy its chemical arsenal and facilities. He reaffirmed the U.S.s commitment to pursuing accountability for any use of chemical weapons.

He drew attention to recent alarming reports by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), urging Council members to review the September 2023 report detailing Syrias non-compliance with the CWC. He noted the OPCWs recommendation for collective measures to prevent Syria from acquiring dual-use chemicals and equipment, underscoring the United States support for these measures and the importance of a Security Council meeting to discuss implementation.

Wood criticized the Syrian regime for obstructing the OPCWs work and accused Syrias allies of politicizing the organizations technical efforts. He expressed concern over OPCW findings suggesting Syria retains a chemical weapons capability and cited a report attributing a 2015 sulfur mustard attack to Daesh, aligning with U.S. assessments.

He commended the OPCWs independent and impartial investigations, condemned the use of chemical weapons by anyone, and highlighted the need for continued international cooperation to prevent chemical weapon acquisition by terrorists. Wood underscored the threat posed by Syrias non-compliance with international norms and committed to working with international partners to address this issue and ensure the Assad regimes accountability for chemical weapons use.

US Defends Legal Case for Troops in Syria as Pressure Builds to Withdraw

President Joe Bidens administration has outlined what it argues is the legal justification for the U.S. military presence in Syria as Damascus ramps up calls for the United States to withdraw amid deepening unrest in the region, Newsweek reported.

A week after Syrias Mission to the United Nations told Newsweek that the presence of U.S. troops in the country is illegal, illegitimate, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, a State Department spokesperson said the Department of Defenses deploymentofficially for the sole purpose of defeating the Islamic State militant group but increasingly mired in clashes with Iran-backed militias amid the ongoing war in Gazawas well rooted in both U.S. and international law.

As a matter of domestic law, U.S. defeat ISIS activities are authorized by the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, the State Department spokesperson told Newsweek. We also have specific domestic statutory authorities that authorize DOD to provide support to the SDFs defeat ISIS operations.
Lebanon's Hezbollah militia mourned three leaders it referred to as "martyrs on the Jerusalem road" on Saturday.

Lebanons Hezbollah militia mourned three leaders it referred to as martyrs on the Jerusalem road on Saturday, yet refrained from disclosing the location of their demise.

According to sources aligned with the militia, the three leaders met their end when an Israeli operation targeted a vehicle in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura.

Confidential informants for Sawt al-Asima disclosed that the deceased belonged to the Imam Hussein Brigade, among them Abbas Ahmed Khalil, a key figure within an influential liaison group. Khalil, notably, is the grandson of Hezbollah militia leader Hassan Nasrallah, and his father, known as Abu Ali Noah, served as Nasrallahs close confidant.

Abu Ali Noah had actively participated in conflicts alongside the Syrian regimes army and Iranian-backed militias in Syria, evidenced by a widely circulated photograph depicting him behind the wheel of a vehicle on a Syrian battleground in 2016.

This incident echoes a similar event in January when Israeli forces targeted a vehicle carrying Hezbollah militia leader Wissam al-Taweel, alias Hajj Jawad, in the southern Lebanese town of Khirbet Selm. Wissam Tawils familial ties to Hassan Nasrallah extend through one of Nasrallahs wives, as well as his connection to the late Fadi and Qassim al-Taweel, former members of the militia, and his nephew, Hussein Hani Taweel, who met his demise in Syria last October.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the current circumstances do not favour the completion of the Syrian-Turkish reconciliation process.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the current circumstances do not favour the completion of the Syrian-Turkish reconciliation process, following discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday after the third Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Ankara, Fidan remarked, The conditions are not conducive for normalizing ties with Damascus. He elaborated on his detailed discussion with Lavrov concerning the Syrian situation on the sidelines of the forum, as reported by Asharq al-Awsat.

We must engage in comprehensive discussions regarding matters about the Syrian dossier; issues such as the repatriation of refugees and the drafting of a new constitution require time, he emphasized.

Lavrov, speaking on Saturday evening, March 2, affirmed, We reiterate our interest in fostering normal relations between Syria and Turkey. We have exerted efforts toward this goal and remain committed. However, practical advancements are currently hindered by ongoing events in the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian territories, which directly impact all stakeholders in this process, according to the Russian agency Novosti.

Clarifying his statement, Lavrov referred to the airstrikes carried out by the Americans on targets in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, noting that such incidents divert attention and interest from sustaining efforts to promote normalization, with Russian involvement, between Syria and Turkey.

On January 29, 2024, Alexander Lavrentyev, the Russian Presidents Special Envoy to Syria, acknowledged the cessation of the normalization process between Damascus and Ankara, stating, Since the latter part of last year, progress has stalled to some extent, primarily due to Syrias insistence on assurances from Turkey regarding the eventual withdrawal of Turkish military forces, which are presently stationed illegally.

The statements by Lavrov and Fidan follow reports from the Turkish newspaper Aydinlik suggesting a potential meeting between President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow, purportedly at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, a source within the Turkish presidency, as quoted by the Russian agency Novosti, has denied knowledge of any plans for such a meeting.

In August 2023, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, President Bashar al-Assad underscored the necessity of Turkish withdrawal from Syrian territory as a prerequisite for the restoration of normal relations between Damascus and Ankara.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Three men were ordered to pay substantial fines, with one serving jail time, following the illegal fishing of five sturgeons, including one giant white sturgeon, in Scappoose Bay in March 2022.

Fishermen in Oregon can catch and release sturgeon, but because the population is growing slowly, they cannot take one home for a meal, according to a press release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Julio Duran of Salem admitted to catching an 80-year-old sturgeon, which is of breeding age, the report states. Jose Plascencia of Dayton, and Axel Guell of St. Helens also admitted to their involvement.

The department reports fishermen in Scappoose Bay told troopers they saw people capturing a sturgeon but not releasing it.

After monitoring the area for days, troopers approached the three men, who said they hadnt caught any fish. But when troopers pulled up their lines, they found four sturgeons, and a fifth sturgeon on the boat. All five were alive and successfully returned to the bay.

Trooper Scott Bernardi and Senior Trooper Justin Morgan, both of the St. Helens office, found the suspects.

The juvenile fishermen who made the report received $500 each as part of the Turn In Poachers Reward Program, the press release states.

Sentences

Duran was the only one to serve time; 20 days in the Columbia County Jail, after pleading guilty in December. He was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and $500 to the Turn In Poachers TIP reward program, and his fishing license was suspended for three years. He forfeited the fishing rods and equipment used during the crime.

Plascencia pleaded guilty in September 2022 and was given the option of serving 10 days in a Columbia County work crew or performing 80 hours of community service and 24 months of bench probation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $750 and face a three-year suspension from fishing.

Guell pleaded guilty in September 2022 to angling without a resident license, and was ordered to pay $500 in restitution, serve 24 months bench probation, and was suspended from fishing for three years.

Turn In Poachers line If you know of or suspect crimes against fish wildlife or habitat, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife asks people to contact 1-800-452-7888 or tip@osp.oregon.gov.
Construction on 40 new affordable townhomes is about to begin in Longview.

A groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the development of the $16.5 million Sunrise Village will be held at 12:00 p.m. on March 18 at 3820 Pennsylvania St. in Longview. Officials estimate buildout will be complete in April 2025.

The Pennsylvania Street acreage was donated by Longview Presbyterian Church to Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington for the development of these homes.

Once construction on the complex is complete, some of the units will be set aside for seniors, families and victims of domestic violence.

The housing authority manages 414 affordable housing units in Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

An anonymous donor in Cowlitz County put forward the money for Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to begin pre-development work, and since then the project has received funding from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, US Bank, city of Longview, Cowlitz County, PeaceHealth, among others.
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Peter Dixon's operations manager, Austin Madden, demonstrates the Civox technology being used to place human-sounding, interactive phone calls to voters.

Jennifer spent her weekend calling California voters, urging them to cast their ballot in Tuesday's primary election for Democrat Peter Dixon.

But unlike her human counterparts, Jennifer is a creation of artificial intelligence (AI), allowing her to make thousands of calls without taking a break or losing her cool.

"Hello there. My name is Jennifer and I'm an artificial intelligence volunteer," she says, immediately declaring her identity in calls to Silicon Valley voters in the US congressional race.

In her slightly robotic-sounding voiceintentionally designed to make it clear she is not humanshe introduces the candidate, asks questions and responds to those she gets from voters, all in a surprisingly natural tone.

"I'm wondering why a person hasn't called me today," Dixon's operations manager Austin Madden asks her during a demonstration call for AFP.

"My apologies if I missed that point earlier," Jennifer replies without missing a beat. "The reason an AI like me is calling instead of a real person is to help the campaign reach more people efficiently, allowing human volunteers to focus on areas where personal interaction is crucial."

Dixon only recently began using Jennifer, the product of start-up Civox.

At first "we were skeptical," said Dixon, a Marine veteran and cybersecurity entrepreneur. "And so we tested it."

'People were shocked'

His staff expected results would be "a mixed bag."

Instead, "People were shocked at how good the capability was," Dixon said from his company's headquarters in Palo Alto, sitting before a computer screen showing clips from his campaign.

In one of the videos, images alternate between reality (Dixon holding his young daughter) and sequences in which the background (the Afghan war) and his outfit are artificially generatedand presented as such.

The point, he said, was to "show that we are comfortable not just understanding these tools, but... using them in an ethical, responsible and transparent way."

Stunning progress in AI in the past year and the appearance of generative AI programs like ChatGPTwhich produce text, images and sounds on demand and in everyday languagehave sparked tremendous enthusiasm but also grave concerns about potential risks, including lost jobs, intellectual property theft and fraud.

Peter Dixon talks with communications director Taylor Hebble; on the screen behind them is an artificially generated picture of Dixon, a military veteran, in Afghanistan.

"I'm terrified about all of that," Dixon admitted.

But he would rather see the US "continue to lead in how we use it, and figure out how to write the rules of the road ourselves, as opposed to having another country like China" doing so.

Ilya Mouzykantskii co-founded Civox partly to sharpen the focus on "the intersection of artificial intelligence and politics."

"We are already in a future," he said, where politicians are "using artificial intelligence tools to develop policy and to make decisions"without necessarily announcing that they are doing so.

"Maybe that is the benevolent technocracy that we are hurtling towards," Mouzykantskii said. "But we shouldn't end up there accidentally, and we shouldn't end up there without consent."

'The best technology'

In the future, said Adam Reis, Civox's other co-founder, "it's not going to be the best-funded campaigns necessarily that have an unfair advantage. It's going to be the ones with the best technology."

Reis said he had long been working to create AI "characters" with whom he could have believable dialogues. The arrival of generative AI made that much easier.

But, he added, "We've discovered that the mechanics of conversations and of speech are actually much, much more difficult than the content of what is said."

To be truly convincing, an AI character needs to speak fluidly, understand and react quickly, and know both when to interrupt and when to allow an interruptionall difficult challenges.

"Some people try to trick the system," said Patrick McNally, Civox's field director. "But the bot is very good at bringing it back to policy... sometimes to a point a human wouldn't even be able to."

In January, an automated program that called voters using an AI-generated voice of President Joe Biden heightened concerns about massive disinformation enabled by the novel technology in an election year.

US authorities subsequently banned the use of such "cloned" voices, to combat political or commercial fraud.

But that does not affect Jennifer or her counterparts using Civox technology. For they don't pretend to be somethingor someonethey aren't.

 2024 AFP
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Spotify has been one of the most vocal critics of Apple's changes to comply with the EU's new law, the Digital Markets Act.

The EU on Monday hit Apple with a more than 1.8-billion-euro fine ($1.9 billion) for violating the bloc's laws by preventing European users from accessing information about alternative, cheaper music streaming services.

The iPhone maker immediately vowed to appeal the first ever antitrust fine slapped on Apple by Brussels, the culmination of a case triggered by a complaint by Swedish streaming giant Spotify.

The European Commission found that "Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services" available outside the App Store.

"This is illegal under EU antitrust rules," the EU's powerful competition regulator said.

The 1.84-billion-euro penalty is the third-largest antitrust fine ever imposed by the commission.

The basic penalty for breaching EU rules was 40 million euros, but the commission's competition enforcer, Margrethe Vestager said such a fine would have been a "parking ticket" to a giant the size of Apple.

For that reason, the commission added the huge sum of 1.8 billion euros as "deterrence", she said. The total fine of 1.84 billion is equal to 0.5 percent of Apple's worldwide turnover, she said.

"We have ordered Apple to remove the necessary provisions and to refrain from similar practices in the future," Vestager added.

Spotify's complaint in 2019 triggered a broad commission investigation into the iPhone maker in 2021, narrowed last year to focus on Apple's actions to prevent apps from giving users information about rival music subscription options.

Vestager told reporters that Apple's actions had "impacted millions of European consumers".

"Some consumers may have paid more because they were unaware that they could pay less if they subscribed outside of the app," she said.

Sour Apple

Apple slammed the commission's decision and said it would appeal.

"The decision was reached despite the commission's failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast," Apple said in a statement.

"While we respect the European Commission, the facts simply don't support this decision," the company added.

Spotify welcomed the fine, saying it "sends a powerful messageno company, not even a monopoly like Apple, can wield power abusively to control how other companies interact with their customers."

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said he was "skeptical" about how Apple would respond, suggesting that the tech giant was "just going to ignore" the fine.

Despite the scale of the penalty, critics pointed out that it pales in comparison to Apple's profitswhich stood at $33.92 billion for the last three months of 2023.

"For Apple, this fine is still petty cash," said German EU lawmaker, Markus Ferber.

By way of comparison, Brussels has hit Google with penalties of around eight billion euros in the past few yearsalthough the US-based firm is challenging the fines in EU courts.

Nonetheless, the EU expects the fine will ensure that Apple stops limiting access to rival streaming servicesall the more since it will also be obliged to do so under a new law known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that it must adhere to by March 7.

The BEUC umbrella consumer rights group said the fine "in combination with effective enforcement of the Digital Markets Actshould help consumers benefit from more competitive and better digital services."

Google owner Alphabet, Amazon, TikTok parent ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft must also comply with the DMA, which gives Brussels power to fine them up to 10 percent of global revenue for violations, and 20 percent for repeat offenders.

Bitter battles

Apple rejects Spotify's claims against it, and points to the streaming giant's own dominance in the online music market.

Spotify has more than 600 million monthly users, a third of them paying subscribers, according to recent company figures.

It is not the first time Apple and Spotify have knocked heads.

Spotify has been one of the most vocal critics of Apple changes to its App Store to comply with the EU's DMA law, accusing it of acting in bad faith with changes that create prohibitive new costs for rivals.

On Friday, 34 digital organizations including Spotify and video games maker Epic Games wrote to the commission to complain.

They said Apple's new terms, "if left unchanged, make a mockery of the DMA".

Vestager vowed to "carefully look into the details to assess the changes and to take into account also the market feedback".

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The European Commission's powerful competition regulator on Monday slapped Apple with a 1.8-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) penalty, the third biggest antitrust fine by the European Union.

Here are the five largest antitrust fines on big tech firms in EU history:

1. Google Android (2018)

The EU's biggest fine was 4.3 billion euros ordered against Google for abusing the dominant position of its Android mobile operating system to promote Google's search engine.

A court in 2022 said the fine should be reduced to 4.125 billion euros after reviewing the duration of the infringement.

Google is appealing the fine in the EU's highest court.

2. Google Shopping (2017)

The commission hits the internet giant with a fine of 2.4 billion euros as the world's most popular search engine is caught out for giving an illegal advantage to its Google Shopping service in search results.

Google challenged the fine in the EU courts. In January this year, the European Court of Justice's top adviser recommended the fine be upheld.

Although such opinions are not binding, they do carry weight and are often followed by EU judges in their rulings.

3. Apple (2024)

The commission hits the iPhone maker with a 1.8-billion-euro fine for preventing European users from accessing cheaper alternative payment options for music streaming services, affecting millions of people.

Apple says it will appeal, setting the stage for another long drawn-out legal affair with a US tech giant.

4. Google (2019)

In its third biggest fine on Google, the commission tells the company to cough up 1.49 billion euros for stifling competition in the online advertising business.

Google is also seeking to overturn the fine in the EU courts.

5. Intel (2009)

US chipmaker Intel is ordered to pay 1.06 billion euros after the commission finds that the company had offered clients price rebates to use its own computer chips in preference to those of its rival AMD.

A top EU court later annulled the penalty and Brussels imposed a new fine of 376 million euros in September 2023.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In collaborative work between police organizations and experts in ergonomics and biomechanics, a new equipment vest has been developed to address the issue of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly lower back pain, among police officers.

The work undertaken in Sweden is described in detail in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics. The new vest design aims to redistribute the weight of essential equipment, such as communication equipment, weapons, and handcuffs, from the traditional duty belt to a more ergonomically designed vest.

The standard duty belt worn by officers has been identified as a contributor to lower back pain due to its unfavorable load on the lumbar spine, particularly during sitting or driving. This seems to be a universal issue and one that research might address. Additionally, the ballistic vest worn underneath the uniform presents challenges in regulating body temperature.

Kristina Eliasson and Teresia Nyman of the Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational, and Environmental Medicine at Uppsala University, Roy Tranberg of the Department of Orthopedics in the Institute of Clinical Sciences, part of the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, and Louise Bk Larsen of the Department of Rehabilitation in School of Health and Welfare at Jonkoping University undertook thorough analysis and testing during the development process.

They carried out interviews, held focus groups, and took pressure measurements with 95 active-duty police officers. Their findings allowed them to make iterative design changes with ongoing user feedback. This resulted in a vest better tailored to the needs of Swedish police officers.

The researchers suggest that the redistribution of equipment on the newly developed vest will reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and make important improvements to the physical component of being a police officer. Ultimately, the new vest design aims to enhance the well-being and comfort of police officers on active duty, potentially influencing occupational equipment standards globally.

This project highlights the importance of a dedicated project management team to coordinate efforts so that any changes are inclusive and take into account the views of those who are to use the new equipment as well as their physical measurements. Such a user-centric development process could also be used as a model for future occupational equipment projects, not only in law enforcement but across various types of workplace from health care to industry and other occupations in between.

More information: Kristina Eliasson et al, A user-centred development process for an equipment vest for the Swedish police force, International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (2024). DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2024.137126
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This undated photo released Sunday, March 3, 2024, by the U.S. military's Central Command shows the Belize-flagged vessel Rubymar sinking in the Red Sea. The Rubymar, earlier attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels, has sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water, officials said Saturday, March 2, 2024, the first vessel to be fully destroyed as part of their campaign over Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Credit: U.S. military's Central Command via AP

Three cables under the Red Sea that provide global internet and telecommunications have been cut as the waterway remains a target of Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a Houthi missile attack set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden, but caused no injuries.

What cut the lines remains unclear. There has been concern about the cables being targeted in the Houthi campaign, which the rebels describe as an effort to pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have denied attacking the lines, however.

While global shipping has already been disrupted through the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, the sabotage of telecommunication lines could further escalate the monthslong crisis.

The cut lines include Asia-Africa-Europe 1, the Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf, Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications said. It described the cuts as affecting 25% of the traffic flowing through the Red Sea. It described the Red Sea route as crucial for data moving from Asia to Europe and said it had begun rerouting traffic.

HGC Global Communications described the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line as being two separate cables when it is actually one at the area of the cut, according to Tim Stronge, a subsea cable expert with TeleGeography, a Washington-based telecommunications market research company.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Seacom said that "initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea." It said it was rerouting the traffic that it was able to change, though some services were down.

Tata Communications, part of the Indian conglomerate and behind the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line, told AP that it "initiated immediate and appropriate remedial actions" after the line was cut.

"We invest in various cable consortiums to increase our diversity and hence in such situations of a cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute our services," Tata said.

Other firms behind those lines, which provide data to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, didn't respond to AP's queries.

In early February, Yemen's internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack the cables. The lines appeared to have been cut on Feb. 24, with the organization NetBlocks noticing internet access in the East African nation of Djibouti suffering from interruptions two days later. Seacom serves Djibouti.

But for their part, the Houthis have denied targeting the cables. The rebels blamed the disruptions on British and U.S. military operations, but didn't offer evidence to support the allegation and have made false claims in the past.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.

Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels have remained capable of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which sank on Saturday after drifting for several days, and the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.

This is a locator map for Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. Credit: AP Photo

The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition.

Meanwhile, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Monday separately warned of a new attack in the Gulf of Aden. The private security firm Ambrey described the vessel targeted as a Liberia-flagged, Israel-affiliated container ship that sustained damage and issued a distress call.

"The container ship reportedly encountered two explosions of which the first occurred at a 'distance' off its port quarter, while the second damaged the vessel's accommodation block and a container leading," Ambrey said. "The explosion further led to a fire onboard and the crew's firefighting efforts were underway."

Ambrey and the UKMTO said no crew member on the ship had been injured in the blaze, which was extinguished several hours later.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement. He identified the ship as the MSC Sky II, sailing for the Switzerland-based firm Mediterranean Shipping Co, but sought to link the vessel to Israel. The ship's details and last-known location corresponded to details about the attack.

The Houthis "will continue to prevent Israeli navigation or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the aggression is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted," Saree said.

The U.S. military's Central Command acknowledged the attack on the MSC Sky II and said the vessel "did not request assistance and continued on its way." The U.S. military separately conducted airstrikes on two anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen.

MSC didn't respond to questions about the attack.

It remains unclear how the Houthis could attack subsea cables themselves. The rebels aren't known to have the diving or salvage capability to target the lines, which sit hundreds of meters below the surface of the waterway.

However, subsea cables can be cut by anchors, including those dropped from some of the ships that have been disabled in attacks. A drifting ship with its anchor scraping the sea could be the culprit.

"Our team thinks it is plausible that it could have been affected by anchor dragging, due to the amount of marine traffic the region deals with and the low seabed in many parts of the Red Sea," Seacom said. "This can only be confirmed once the repair ship is on site."

There are 14 cables now running through the Red Sea, with another six planned, said Stronge, the subsea cable expert.

"We estimate that over 90% of communications between Europe and Asia traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea," he said. "Fortunately, telecom operators have built a high degree of redundancy into the systemthere are many cables traversing the Red Sea."

The Houthis later warned any cable-laying ship entering Yemeni waters needed a permit from the rebels "out of concern for its safety."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $3,054.03 and last traded at $3,050.86, with a volume of 11173 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $3,035.99.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on AZO shares. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on AutoZone from $2,900.00 to $3,100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. DA Davidson raised their price objective on AutoZone from $2,770.00 to $3,025.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 28th. TheStreet cut AutoZone from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Stephens raised their price objective on AutoZone from $3,000.00 to $3,070.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on AutoZone from $2,779.00 to $3,100.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $3,020.76.

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AutoZone Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $53.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.70. The business has a fifty day moving average of $2,712.40 and a 200-day moving average of $2,621.77.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The company reported $28.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $26.08 by $2.81. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 56.06% and a net margin of 14.70%. The business had revenue of $3.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.32 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $24.64 EPS. AutoZones revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that AutoZone, Inc. will post 151.24 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at AutoZone

In related news, VP Richard Craig Smith sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,997.76, for a total value of $8,993,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,921 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,756,456.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other AutoZone news, VP Richard Craig Smith sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,997.76, for a total transaction of $8,993,280.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 2,921 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,756,456.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Thomas B. Newbern sold 7,800 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the chief operating officer now 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 17,807 shares of company stock worth $47,821,141 in the last quarter. 2.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AZO. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in AutoZone by 232,194.6% in the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 731,728 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,891,963,000 after buying an additional 731,413 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in AutoZone by 107,977.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 699,260 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,724,500,000 after buying an additional 698,613 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in AutoZone by 368.0% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 411,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $841,242,000 after buying an additional 323,536 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at $658,788,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in AutoZone by 111.4% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 335,190 shares of the companys stock worth $851,379,000 after purchasing an additional 176,623 shares in the last quarter. 90.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About AutoZone

(Get 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.

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AXQ Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  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 10,876 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $535,000.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Unum Group in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Huntington National Bank increased its holdings in Unum Group by 1,076.4% during the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 647 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 592 shares during the last quarter. Bangor Savings Bank increased its holdings in Unum Group by 100.0% during the third quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 664 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 332 shares during the last quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC purchased a new stake in Unum Group during the third quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Unum Group by 125.9% during the third quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,229 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 685 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.37% of the companys stock.

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Unum Group Price Performance

UNM stock opened at $49.63 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $47.09 and a 200-day moving average of $46.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Unum Group has a 12 month low of $36.27 and a 12 month high of $52.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 0.86.

Unum Group Dividend Announcement

Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly 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 the consensus estimate of $3.14 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.43 EPS. Unum Groups quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Unum Group will post 8.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th were given a $0.365 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.94%. Unum Groups payout ratio is 22.50%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Unum Group news, EVP Elizabeth Claire Ahmed sold 5,000 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $250,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 55,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,772,500. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.77% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on UNM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Unum Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $55.00 price objective for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Unum Group from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Unum Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Unum Group from $54.00 to $53.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Unum Group from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $55.44.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UNM

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.

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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).

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Rightmove (LON:RMV  Get Free Report) had its target price raised by Berenberg Bank from GBX 605 ($7.67) to GBX 650 ($8.24) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Berenberg Banks target price points to a potential upside of 15.33% from the stocks current price.

A number of other research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Numis Securities raised shares of Rightmove to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from GBX 660 ($8.37) to GBX 675 ($8.56) in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Rightmove in a research note on Monday. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Rightmove in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 604.75 ($7.67).

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Rightmove

Rightmove Stock Down 0.5 %

Insider Buying and Selling at Rightmove

RMV traded down GBX 2.60 ($0.03) on Friday, reaching GBX 563.60 ($7.15). 3,016,365 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,693,085. The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 555.02 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 545.18. Rightmove has a 52-week low of GBX 457.70 ($5.81) and a 52-week high of GBX 603 ($7.65). The company has a market cap of 4.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,348.33, a PEG ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.67, a current ratio of 2.41 and a quick ratio of 2.55.

In related news, insider Alison Dolan sold 2,012 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 559 ($7.09), for a total value of 11,247.08 ($14,265.70). Corporate insiders own 0.44% of the companys stock.

About Rightmove

(Get Free Report)

Rightmove plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates property portals in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through Agency, New Homes, and Other segments. The Agency segment provides property resale and letting advertising services on its platforms. It also offers tenant references and rent guarantee insurance services to landlords.

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ANKARA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye and Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to transport Turkmen natural gas to Europe via the Turkish region of Anatolia, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said.

"We signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will accelerate the cooperation of the two countries in the field of natural gas and a 'Declaration of Intent' that will form the basis for our partnerships in the field of hydrocarbons. With the signatures signed, we aim to ship Turkmen gas first to Turkiye and then to global markets," the minister wrote on social media platform X.

Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Cooperation on the Development of Cooperation in the Field of Natural Gas, Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Fields of Oil and Natural Gas and Memorandum of Understanding between Turkmenistan Airlines and the Turkish Aeronautical Association University were signed between the two countries following a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that began on Friday, Erdogan's office said in a separate statement.

The ongoing forum hosts representatives from 147 countries around the world.

According to diplomatic sources, nearly 4,500 participants, including 19 heads of state, 73 ministers, and 57 international representatives, attended this year's forum.

Themed "Elevating Diplomacy Amidst Crises," the forum will address a range of topics, including global issues, climate change, migration, Islamophobia, trade wars, and artificial intelligence. 
London Co. of Virginia decreased its stake in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,238,301 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 73,287 shares during the period. Chevron comprises about 2.3% of London Co. of Virginias holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. London Co. of Virginia owned approximately 0.12% of Chevron worth $377,422,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Picton Mahoney Asset Management bought a new stake in Chevron during the third quarter worth $26,000. Valley Forge Investment Consultants Inc. ADV grew its position in shares of Chevron by 80.0% in the third quarter. Valley Forge Investment Consultants Inc. ADV now owns 180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Chevron in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chevron in the first quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Legacy Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chevron in the third quarter valued at $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Chevron Price Performance

Shares of CVX traded down $3.52 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $149.29. The stock had a trading volume of 8,708,897 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,749,174. The firm has a market cap of $277.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.15, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.12. Chevron Co. has a 12 month low of $139.62 and a 12 month high of $172.88. The business has a fifty day moving average of $149.87 and a 200 day moving average of $153.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.27.

Chevron Increases Dividend

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.19 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $47.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $50.93 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 10.63% and a return on equity of 15.24%. The companys revenue was down 16.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.09 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Chevron Co. will post 13.03 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be given 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 dividend yield of 4.37%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 57.39%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on CVX shares. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $184.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Scotiabank cut Chevron from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $170.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. TD Cowen cut Chevron from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $170.00 to $150.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Chevron presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $180.56.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CVX

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.

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Truist Financial Corp lifted its stake in CMS Energy Co. (NYSE:CMS  Free Report) by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 569,888 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,591 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp owned approximately 0.20% of CMS Energy worth $30,267,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. New England Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in CMS Energy by 38.8% during the 3rd quarter. New England Asset Management Inc. now owns 132,950 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,061,000 after acquiring an additional 37,147 shares in the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association purchased a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the third quarter worth about $710,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 23.0% during the third quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 3,054,137 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $162,205,000 after buying an additional 570,800 shares in the last quarter. Eventide Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 3.1% during the third quarter. Eventide Asset Management LLC now owns 331,358 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $17,598,000 after buying an additional 10,044 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Soros Fund Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the third quarter worth about $2,921,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.98% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other CMS Energy news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.90, for a total transaction of $57,900.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 61,156 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,540,932.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.78, for a total value of $202,230.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 68,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,985,144.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.90, for a total transaction of $57,900.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 61,156 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,540,932.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

CMS Energy Trading Up 1.3 %

NYSE CMS opened at $58.14 on Monday. CMS Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $49.87 and a 12 month high of $63.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The company has a market capitalization of $17.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.37. The companys fifty day moving average price is $57.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.40.

CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $1.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.62 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 11.89% and a return on equity of 12.09%. The firms revenue was down 14.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.60 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that CMS Energy Co. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

CMS Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 12th were issued a dividend of $0.515 per share. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.54%. This is a boost from CMS Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 9th. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio is 64.78%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CMS has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $59.00 to $57.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Seaport Res Ptn downgraded shares of CMS Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 8th. Guggenheim upgraded shares of CMS Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $60.00 to $64.00 in a report on Friday, February 2nd. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $60.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of CMS Energy from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $62.00 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, CMS Energy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.50.

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About CMS Energy

(Free Report)

CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources.

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Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) Senior Officer Devin Craig Lowe sold 1,170 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock in a transaction on Monday, March 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$96.61, for a total value of C$113,033.70.

Canadian Natural Resources Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of CNQ traded down C$1.11 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting C$96.59. 767,947 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,211,561. The stock has a market cap of C$105.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.98. The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$86.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$87.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 31.01. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a twelve month low of C$67.13 and a twelve month high of C$98.69.

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Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This is a positive change from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $1.00. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.35%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.51%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Evercore raised their target price on Canadian Natural Resources from C$90.00 to C$105.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Friday. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$105.00 to C$110.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. TD Securities raised their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$100.00 to C$110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$95.00 to C$86.00 in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from C$101.00 to C$102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$97.82.

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About Canadian Natural Resources

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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Earnest Partners LLC decreased its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Free Report) (TSE:QSR) by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,518,774 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 43,221 shares during the quarter. Earnest Partners LLC owned approximately 0.49% of Restaurant Brands International worth $101,181,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. increased its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 49.9% during the 2nd 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. boosted its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 36.7% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 117,311 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $9,094,000 after acquiring an additional 31,522 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Inc. CA boosted its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 16.7% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Inc. CA now owns 94,162 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $7,299,000 after acquiring an additional 13,450 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 47.3% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 403,990 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $26,914,000 after acquiring an additional 129,713 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Sarl boosted its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 10.2% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Sarl now owns 131,816 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $10,218,000 after acquiring an additional 12,219 shares in the last quarter.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Restaurant Brands International

In other Restaurant Brands International news, CFO Matthew Dunnigan sold 1,462 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.68, for a total transaction of $107,720.16. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 41,652 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,068,919.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CFO Matthew Dunnigan sold 1,462 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.68, for a total transaction of $107,720.16. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 41,652 shares in the company, valued at $3,068,919.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Thomas Benjamin Curtis sold 2,682 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total value of $205,307.10. Following the sale, the insider now owns 23,322 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,785,299.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 414,074 shares of company stock worth $31,405,529. 1.25% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on QSR shares. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $85.00 to $84.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 14th. KeyCorp decreased their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $85.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 6th. CIBC decreased their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $88.00 to $87.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. TD Cowen reissued an outperform rating and issued a $90.00 target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. Finally, Oppenheimer upped their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $83.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $82.30.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands International Price Performance

NYSE QSR traded up $0.26 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $77.97. The stock had a trading volume of 301,950 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,401,178. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a 52-week low of $59.99 and a 52-week high of $79.94. The company has a market cap of $24.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.61, a P/E/G ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $77.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $71.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.78.

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 analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.80 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.20% and a net margin of 16.95%. Restaurant Brands Internationals quarterly revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.72 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Restaurant Brands International Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.58 per share. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.98%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 20th. This is a boost from Restaurant Brands Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio is 58.36%.

Restaurant Brands International Company Profile

(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.

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Edgar Lomax Co. VA trimmed its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 54,340 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,300 shares during the period. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Altria Group were worth $2,285,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of MO. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the third quarter worth $26,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 103.2% in the third quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 636 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group in the third quarter valued at $30,000. 58.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Altria Group Trading Down 3.0 %

NYSE:MO traded down $1.23 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $39.63. The companys stock had a trading volume of 16,682,684 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,912,684. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $48.04. The firms fifty day moving average price is $40.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $41.61. The stock has a market cap of $69.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.93, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by $0.01. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 244.55% and a net margin of 33.21%. The business 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 earned $1.18 EPS. Altria Groups revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback program 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 stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Altria Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be paid a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 22nd. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.89%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 85.78%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. 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. StockNews.com cut shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 23rd. 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 companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $47.22.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis 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 offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Element Capital Management LLC cut its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 16.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 172,980 shares of the companys stock after selling 34,016 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International comprises about 1.4% of Element Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Element Capital Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $16,014,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PM. Capital World Investors grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock worth $11,342,014,000 after buying an additional 4,368,323 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock worth $10,376,231,000 after buying an additional 1,092,991 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock worth $9,316,761,000 after buying an additional 1,056,110 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock worth $5,793,812,000 after buying an additional 1,745,868 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock worth $5,033,166,000 after buying an additional 2,430,519 shares during the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of PM stock traded down $0.17 on Monday, hitting $89.66. The company had a trading volume of 1,161,023 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,903,185. The firm has a market cap of $139.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $92.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $92.71. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $87.23 and a twelve month high of $101.92.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.08). Philip Morris International had a net margin of 8.53% and a negative return on equity of 116.29%. The company had revenue of $9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.99 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.39 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.39 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.80%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 103.59%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently weighed in on PM shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Redburn Atlantic started coverage on 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 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, February 13th. Finally, UBS Group cut Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $105.00 to $86.50 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $105.40.

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Philip Morris International Company Profile

(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.

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Element Capital Management LLC cut its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 37.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 149,691 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 89,144 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories accounts for 1.3% of Element Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Element Capital Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $14,498,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,320,866,000 after buying an additional 30,218,560 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at $1,893,715,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $4,278,132,000 after buying an additional 4,886,954 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 59,178,607 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,451,127,000 after buying an additional 2,747,652 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 83.1% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,925,012 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $582,924,000 after buying an additional 2,235,314 shares in the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories

In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 12,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $1,500,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 78,704 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,444,480. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.50, for a total transaction of $4,781,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 12,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $1,500,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 78,704 shares in the company, valued at $9,444,480. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 70,000 shares of company stock worth $7,901,250. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $128.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, February 14th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 26th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $120.00.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

Shares of ABT traded up $0.41 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $119.03. The company had a trading volume of 653,034 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,205,603. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $113.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $104.82. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The company has a market capitalization of $206.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.39, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $89.67 and a 12-month high of $120.44.

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, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.19. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.19 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.27% and a return on equity of 20.65%. The businesss revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.03 EPS. Research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 12th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.85%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 67.48%.

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 company 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.

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Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lessened its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 8.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 18,156 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,684 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 2.1% of Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $9,752,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after buying an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,774 shares during the period. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $561,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on LLY shares. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $710.00 to $865.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Barclays increased their price target on 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. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $815.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $650.00 to $850.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $677.62.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 34,538 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $631.81, for a total transaction of $21,821,453.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,719,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,004,019,910.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 195,055 shares of company stock valued at $125,254,657. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock traded up $10.11 during trading on Monday, reaching $792.23. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,353,271 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,376,087. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. The company has a market cap of $752.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 135.82, a P/E/G ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.34. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $309.32 and a 1-year high of $800.78. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $673.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $610.60.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $9.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.95 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 51.22% and a net margin of 15.36%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.09 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.66%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 89.66%.

Eli Lilly and 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.

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Ellerson Group Inc. ADV trimmed its stake in shares of Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 0.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 14,830 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 57 shares during the quarter. Danaher accounts for about 3.4% of Ellerson Group Inc. ADVs holdings, making the stock its 10th largest position. Ellerson Group Inc. ADVs holdings in Danaher were worth $3,679,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. AXS Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Danaher by 1.4% in the second quarter. AXS Investments LLC now owns 2,780 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $667,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the period. Bank of Hawaii raised its holdings in shares of Danaher by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Hawaii now owns 12,578 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $3,019,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC boosted its position in shares of Danaher by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 2,729 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $655,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Mirova grew its holdings in shares of Danaher by 1.1% during the second quarter. Mirova now owns 4,159 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $998,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Apella Capital LLC raised its stake in Danaher by 2.0% in the third quarter. Apella Capital LLC now owns 2,332 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $579,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.71% of the companys stock.

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Danaher Stock Up 0.2 %

DHR stock traded up $0.47 on Monday, reaching $256.34. 755,761 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,736,568. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $239.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $230.95. The company has a market cap of $189.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.89 and a beta of 0.84. Danaher Co. has a one year low of $182.09 and a one year high of $259.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.37.

Danaher Increases Dividend

Danaher ( NYSE:DHR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The conglomerate reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.91 by $0.18. Danaher had a return on equity of 12.25% and a net margin of 17.26%. The firm had revenue of $6.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.10 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.87 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Danaher Co. will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 28th will be paid a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 27th. This is an increase from Danahers previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. Danahers dividend payout ratio is currently 15.02%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Walter G. Lohr sold 3,289 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 transaction, the director now directly owns 14,129 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,548,498.35. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Danaher news, Director Walter G. Lohr sold 3,289 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $251.15, for a total transaction of $826,032.35. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 14,129 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,548,498.35. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Daniel Raskas sold 23,757 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $252.00, for a total value of $5,986,764.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 38,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,601,704. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 32,957 shares of company stock worth $8,265,802 over the last 90 days. 11.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

DHR has been the subject of a number of research reports. Barclays cut 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 note on Wednesday, January 24th. StockNews.com cut shares of Danaher from a buy rating to a hold 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 company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Raymond James lifted their price objective on Danaher from $240.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Danaher from $250.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $266.00.

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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 that advance, accelerate, and integrate the development and manufacture of therapeutics; cell line and cell culture media development services; cell culture media, process liquids and buffers for manufacturing, chromatography resins, filtration technologies, aseptic fill finish; single-use hardware and consumables and services, such as the design and installation of full manufacturing suites; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes, and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

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Evergreen Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,545 shares of the companys stock after selling 236 shares during the quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $5,664,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 33,878,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,888,300,000 after buying an additional 642,274 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 15,205,501 shares of the companys stock worth $7,111,568,000 after purchasing an additional 338,077 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock worth $4,411,740,000 after purchasing an additional 3,691,436 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 10,158,275 shares of the companys stock worth $5,456,314,000 after purchasing an additional 355,317 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $3,416,206,000. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 78,573 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $648.07, for a total transaction of $50,920,804.11. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 99,333,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $64,375,262,246.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders have sold 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657 in the last quarter. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LLY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $800.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. DZ Bank cut Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $820.00 price target for the company. in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $680.00 to $810.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $677.62.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.6 %

LLY stock traded up $12.48 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $794.60. The company had a trading volume of 1,251,726 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,344,577. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 0.94. The company has a market capitalization of $755.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 135.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.34. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $673.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $610.60. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $309.32 and a fifty-two week high of $800.78.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.19. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 51.22% and a net margin of 15.36%. The business had revenue of $9.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.95 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.09 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 89.66%.

Eli Lilly and 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.

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People hold flowers at an event marking the tenth year since the disappearance of the MH370 in Subang Jaya, Selangor state, Malaysia, March 3, 2024. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Family members of those aboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 marked the tenth year since the disappearance of the aircraft here on Sunday.

With speeches, presentations and poems, the next-of-kin marked the milestone, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook being in attendance.

"As we approach the 10-year remembrance of this heart-wrenching tragedy, it is a painful reminder of the decade-long journey of grief and resilience that loved ones of the victims have endured," he said in his remarks at the event.

He added that efforts are still underway to bring closure to the incident.

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was a tragic incident that occurred on March 8, 2014, when the Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia to Beijing Capital International Airport in China, disappeared with all 239 aboard. 
PHINIA (NYSE:PHIN  Get Free Report) and Superior Industries International (NYSE:SUP  Get Free Report) are both small-cap auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, profitability, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for PHINIA and Superior Industries International, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score PHINIA 0 0 1 0 3.00 Superior Industries International 0 0 0 0 N/A

PHINIA presently has a consensus price target of $36.00, indicating a potential upside of 1.84%. Given PHINIAs higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe PHINIA is more favorable than Superior Industries International.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Earnings & Valuation

43.8% of Superior Industries International shares are held by institutional investors. 8.9% of Superior Industries International shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

This table compares PHINIA and Superior Industries Internationals revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio PHINIA $3.50 billion 0.47 $102.00 million N/A N/A Superior Industries International $1.64 billion 0.06 $36.98 million ($4.01) -0.87

PHINIA has higher revenue and earnings than Superior Industries International.

Profitability

This table compares PHINIA and Superior Industries Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets PHINIA N/A N/A N/A Superior Industries International -5.00% -156.56% -4.64%

Summary

PHINIA beats Superior Industries International on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About PHINIA

(Get Free Report)

PHINIA Inc. engages in the development, design, and manufacture of integrated components and systems that optimize performance, increase efficiency, and reduce emissions in combustion and hybrid propulsion for commercial and light vehicles, and industrial applications. It operates through two segments: Fuel Systems and Aftermarket. The Fuel Systems segment provides advanced fuel injection systems, including pumps, injectors, fuel rail assemblies, and engine control modules; fuel delivery modules; canisters; sensors; and electronic control modules. The segment also offers complete systems comprising associated software and calibration services, that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy for traditional and hybrid applications. The Aftermarket segment is involved in the sale of starters, alternators, and other new and remanufactured products, as well as maintenance, test equipment, and vehicle diagnostics solutions. It servs original equipment manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, vans, sport-utility vehicles, medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, and buses, as well as other off-highway construction, marine, and agricultural and industrial applications. The company was incorporated in 2023 and is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

About Superior Industries International

(Get Free Report)

Superior Industries International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aluminum wheels to the original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket distributors in North America and Europe. It offers its products under the ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO brand names. The company was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.

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George Weston (TSE:WN  Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from C$216.00 to C$218.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. TD Securities boosted their price target on shares of George Weston from C$205.00 to C$215.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 26th. Desjardins upgraded George Weston from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from C$177.00 to C$187.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of George Weston from C$184.00 to C$179.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Finally, CIBC decreased their target price on shares of George Weston from C$215.00 to C$213.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$201.00.

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View Our Latest Analysis on George Weston

George Weston Stock Up 0.7 %

George Weston Dividend Announcement

TSE WN opened at C$179.03 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of C$24.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.47, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.37. George Weston has a 12 month low of C$144.41 and a 12 month high of C$184.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 152.99, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$170.81 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$160.73.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $0.713 dividend. This represents a $2.85 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. George Westons dividend payout ratio is presently 27.32%.

Insider Activity

In other George Weston news, Director William Downe bought 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$159.28 per share, with a total value of C$1,274,240.00. In other news, Director William Downe acquired 8,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$159.28 per share, with a total value of C$1,274,240.00. Also, Director Willard Galen Garfield Weston sold 79,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$144.88, for a total transaction of C$11,474,503.92. Over the last 90 days, insiders purchased 8,500 shares of company stock valued at $1,284,263. Insiders own 58.47% of the companys stock.

George Weston Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services.

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Insigneo Advisory Services LLC trimmed its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Free Report) by 79.3% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 2,684 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 10,273 shares during the period. Insigneo Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $219,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 4.0% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 90,635,593 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,740,280,000 after acquiring an additional 3,480,402 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors increased its stake in Morgan Stanley by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 28,073,015 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,397,435,000 after buying an additional 1,908,648 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its stake in Morgan Stanley by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 24,463,443 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,089,138,000 after buying an additional 1,341,559 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Morgan Stanley by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 23,626,016 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,012,223,000 after buying an additional 422,710 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC increased its stake in Morgan Stanley by 21.2% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 23,474,452 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,917,159,000 after buying an additional 4,098,577 shares during the last quarter. 83.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Andrew M. Saperstein sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.13, for a total transaction of $841,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 323,490 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,215,213.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Andrew M. Saperstein sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.13, for a total transaction of $841,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 323,490 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,215,213.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Andrew M. Saperstein sold 26,655 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.19, for a total transaction of $2,324,049.45. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 286,835 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,009,143.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 208,155 shares of company stock worth $18,149,314 in the last three months. 0.24% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $91.00 price target (down from $102.00) on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $102.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $85.00 price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. TheStreet lowered shares of Morgan Stanley from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, BNP Paribas lowered shares of Morgan Stanley from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $85.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Thirteen investment 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $94.56.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley Stock Performance

NYSE MS opened at $86.48 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.89. The company has a market capitalization of $141.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.73, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.43. Morgan Stanley has a 12-month low of $69.42 and a 12-month high of $99.20. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $88.11 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $83.55.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results 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 10.36%. The company had revenue of $12.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.31 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Morgan Stanley will post 6.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Morgan Stanley Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were given a dividend of $0.85 per share. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.93%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio 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.

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Legal & General Group Plc lowered its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,219,514 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 93,663 shares during the quarter. Legal & General Group Plc owned 0.68% of The Goldman Sachs Group worth $718,170,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cambridge Trust Co. boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 82.0% during the 3rd quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 91 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. Truvestments Capital LLC boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 88.0% during the 3rd quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 94 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the period. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, First Capital Advisors Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 69.06% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on GS shares. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $491.00 to $506.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $398.00 to $421.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Edward Jones assumed coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Tuesday, February 27th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, 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. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen 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 price target of $409.93.

Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $376.39, for a total transaction of $1,129,170.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 10,121 shares in the company, valued at $3,809,443.19. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $376.39, for a total transaction of $1,129,170.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 10,121 shares in the company, valued at $3,809,443.19. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 12,680 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $394.43, for a total value of $5,001,372.40. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 29,417 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,602,947.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 39,064 shares of company stock worth $15,082,153 over the last quarter. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

Shares of GS traded up $8.35 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $396.45. The company had a trading volume of 966,737 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,312,854. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $289.36 and a 52-week high of $396.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $129.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.94, a PEG ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 1.42. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $384.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $348.86.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 16th. The investment management company reported $5.48 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.62 by $1.86. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 8.03% and a net margin of 7.85%. The firm had revenue of $11.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.32 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 32.86 earnings per share for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a $2.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.77%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 48.20%.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(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 financing under securities to resale agreements.

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London Co. of Virginia grew its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI  Free Report) by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,622,900 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 45,095 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginia owned 5.94% of Armstrong World Industries worth $188,849,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Signaturefd LLC increased its position in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 182.0% during the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 392 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 253 shares during the period. CWM LLC boosted its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 68.7% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 410 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd grew its position in Armstrong World Industries by 334.2% during the second quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 495 shares of the construction companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Armstrong World Industries in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $79,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.93% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

AWI has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group raised Armstrong World Industries from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $75.00 to $103.00 in a report on Thursday, January 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $111.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. StockNews.com cut shares of Armstrong World Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $95.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $98.29.

Armstrong World Industries Trading Up 1.1 %

Shares of AWI stock traded up $1.29 on Monday, hitting $122.23. 114,945 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 364,184. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.12. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $103.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is $87.67. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $62.03 and a one year high of $123.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.61.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 20th. The construction company reported $1.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.18. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 41.56% and a net margin of 17.28%. The firm had revenue of $312.30 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $305.44 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.08 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 5.74 EPS for the current year.

Armstrong World Industries Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 14th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.40%.

Insider Transactions at Armstrong World Industries

In related news, CEO Victor Grizzle sold 22,914 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.02, for a total transaction of $2,268,944.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 332,435 shares in the company, valued at approximately $32,917,713.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 1.09% of the companys stock.

Armstrong World Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products.

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London Co. of Virginia lowered its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 5,598,466 shares of the companys stock after selling 193,509 shares during the quarter. Altria Group accounts for approximately 1.4% of London Co. of Virginias investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest position. London Co. of Virginia owned approximately 0.32% of Altria Group worth $235,415,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 103.2% during the 3rd quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 636 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Stock Down 3.0 %

MO traded down $1.24 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $39.62. The stock had a trading volume of 20,914,605 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,048,479. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $40.70 and its 200 day simple moving average is $41.61. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.06 and a 1 year high of $48.04. The stock has a market cap of $69.87 billion, a PE ratio of 8.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last announced 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. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 244.55% 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 last year, the firm posted $1.18 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.07 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Thursday, February 1st that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 1.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Investors of record on Monday, March 25th will be issued a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.89%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 85.78%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com cut Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. UBS Group restated a sell rating and set a $36.10 price objective on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.22.

View Our Latest Analysis on Altria Group

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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London Co. of Virginia cut its holdings in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 2.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 5,937,232 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 133,546 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab comprises 2.0% of London Co. of Virginias holdings, making the stock its 14th largest position. London Co. of Virginia owned 0.34% of Charles Schwab worth $325,954,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Legacy Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 8.7% in the third quarter. Legacy Advisors LLC now owns 5,256 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 421 shares during the last quarter. Eminence Capital LP raised its position in Charles Schwab by 17.4% during the third quarter. Eminence Capital LP now owns 2,887,138 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $158,504,000 after acquiring an additional 426,876 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in Charles Schwab by 186.2% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 7,107,176 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $390,234,000 after acquiring an additional 4,624,302 shares in the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Charles Schwab by 157.5% during the third quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 21,793 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,196,000 after acquiring an additional 13,329 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Glenmede Trust Co. NA raised its position in Charles Schwab by 13.2% during the third quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 762,087 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,839,000 after acquiring an additional 88,852 shares in the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total transaction of $257,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 37,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,425,533.39. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total transaction of $257,960.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 37,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,425,533.39. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.76, for a total value of $518,080.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 29,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,917,608.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 172,616 shares of company stock valued at $11,181,109 in the last three months. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Charles Schwab Stock Up 1.9 %

Shares of NYSE:SCHW traded up $1.24 on Monday, hitting $67.71. 3,385,133 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,729,882. The firms 50-day moving average is $65.03 and its 200 day moving average is $60.04. The company has a market capitalization of $120.08 billion, a PE ratio of 26.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.00. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1-year low of $45.00 and a 1-year high of $77.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.43.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.49 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 21.33% and a net margin of 26.90%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.34 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, February 9th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 8th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.37%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $78.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a sell rating and a $52.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group raised their price objective on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.92.

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Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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LRT Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL  Free Report) by 15.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,710 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 875 shares during the period. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Burlington Stores were worth $908,000 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 BURL. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in Burlington Stores by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,412 shares of the companys stock worth $1,222,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in Burlington Stores in the first quarter valued at $246,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Burlington Stores in the first quarter valued at $751,000. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Burlington Stores by 8.5% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 1,538 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its stake in Burlington Stores by 14.9% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 1,471 shares of the companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the period.

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Burlington Stores Stock Up 0.9 %

NYSE BURL traded up $1.95 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $207.71. 406,731 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 760,517. Burlington Stores, Inc. has a 12 month low of $115.66 and a 12 month high of $222.04. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.40 billion, a PE ratio of 45.22, a PEG ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a 50 day moving average of $196.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $165.26.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Burlington Stores from $167.00 to $182.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Burlington Stores from $220.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Burlington Stores from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Burlington Stores from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $225.00 price target on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $209.13.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Burlington Stores

Burlington Stores Profile

(Free Report)

Burlington Stores, Inc operates as a retailer of branded apparel products in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products.

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MeridianLink (NYSE:MLNK  Get Free Report) will be announcing its earnings results after the market closes on Tuesday, March 5th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of ($0.06) per share for the quarter. Investors that wish to listen to the companys conference call can do so using this link.

MeridianLink Stock Performance

NYSE MLNK opened at $18.93 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -82.30 and a beta of 0.93. MeridianLink has a twelve month low of $13.62 and a twelve month high of $25.88. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $21.80 and a 200 day moving average of $19.56.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Wolfe Research raised MeridianLink from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.00.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other MeridianLink news, Director Timothy Nguyen sold 1,657,246 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.29, for a total transaction of $30,311,029.34. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 1,014,526 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,555,680.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CFO Sean W. Blitchok sold 11,789 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.02, for a total value of $247,804.78. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 417,893 shares in the company, valued at $8,784,110.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Timothy Nguyen sold 1,657,246 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.29, for a total value of $30,311,029.34. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,014,526 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,555,680.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 1,673,423 shares of company stock worth $30,658,617. Corporate insiders own 20.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Citigroup Inc. grew its position in MeridianLink by 1,539.8% in the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 8,330 shares of the companys stock worth $173,000 after acquiring an additional 7,822 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its position in MeridianLink by 81.2% in the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 9,892 shares of the companys stock worth $171,000 after acquiring an additional 4,434 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC purchased a new position in MeridianLink in the third quarter worth approximately $142,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in MeridianLink by 240.8% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 7,260 shares of the companys stock worth $124,000 after acquiring an additional 5,130 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in MeridianLink by 222.6% in the second quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 5,377 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 3,710 shares during the period. 71.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

MeridianLink Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

MeridianLink, Inc, a software and services company, provides software solutions for banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, specialty lending providers, and consumer reporting agencies in the United States. The company offers MeridianLink One, a multi-product platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of customers as they digitally transform their organizations and adapt to changing business and consumer demands; MeridianLink Portal, a Point of Sale system that allows financial institutions to expand existing lending and deposit account; MeridianLink Opening, a cloud-based online account opening and deposit software solution; MeridianLink Consumer, a full loan solution suite to banks and credit unions; and MeridianLink DecisionLender, a loan origination software (LOS) for finance companies.

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LRT Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 30.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 17,124 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,977 shares during the period. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $1,557,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 100.0% in the third quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,210 shares of the companys stock valued at $292,000 after purchasing an additional 1,605 shares during the period. Lido Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 109.8% in the third quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 124,860 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,355,000 after purchasing an additional 65,337 shares during the period. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 102.9% in the third quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 27,765 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,525,000 after purchasing an additional 14,081 shares during the period. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 135.6% in the third quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 1,358,604 shares of the companys stock valued at $123,551,000 after purchasing an additional 781,986 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 116.3% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,071,126 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,565,000 after purchasing an additional 575,818 shares during the period. 6.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 2.9 %

Novo Nordisk A/S stock traded up $3.61 during trading on Monday, reaching $127.84. 4,981,348 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,939,479. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52-week low of $67.66 and a 52-week high of $128.77. The company has a market capitalization of $573.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.93, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $112.61 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $94.19.

Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend

Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The company reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.05. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 90.36% and a net margin of 36.03%. The company had revenue of $9.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.14 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be given a $0.664 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. This represents a yield of 0.9%. This is an increase from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.22. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is currently 22.92%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have commented on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $140.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. TD Cowen lifted 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. Finally, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $120.00 price target on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong 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 $121.25.

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About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

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A deep dive into Xi Jinping's stewardship of whole-process people's democracy

Xinhua) 08:01, March 04, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joins deliberation with deputies from central China's Henan Province at the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming annual sessions of China's national legislature and political advisory body provide a prime opportunity for observers to gain a unique vantage point to witness the country's democracy in action.

From group deliberations to discussions with lawmakers and political advisors, President Xi Jinping will be active in China's democratic policy formulation and decision-making.

Xi, acting in his capacity as one of the nearly 3,000 deputies elected to the National People's Congress (NPC), will join his fellow deputies to review and vote on the performance of the central government, the national legislature, the top court and the top procuratorate over the past year. He will also cast his vote on any new law and major revision submitted to the session for deliberation.

Throughout his career, the Chinese leader has championed people's democracy.

"Democracy is a value shared by all humanity and an ideal that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people have always upheld," said Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

As the top leader of both the Party and the state, he has spearheaded efforts to pursue whole-process people's democracy, a key concept put forward by Xi himself to advance China's political landscape after seeing the shortfalls of Western democracy.

Under his guidance, China has made all-around progress in improving the institutions, standards, and procedures of socialist democracy, and advanced socialist consultative democracy by way of extensive participation.

He has strongly advocated for unity between leadership by the Party, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance to ensure that state governance escapes the historical cycle of rise and fall.

Zhang Weiwei, director of the China Institute of Fudan University, highlighted that Chinese democracy diverges from the Western model that is centered around multi-party rotation and universal suffrage for leaders.

Chinese democracy, Zhang said, emphasizes extensive public participation, policy consultations, and the pursuit of good governance.

PEOPLE AS MASTERS

Half a month before this year's "two sessions," the Party's flagship magazine Qiu Shi published an article by Xi on democracy, expounding on the people's congress system.

"The system is an important institutional vehicle for realizing whole-process people's democracy," Xi wrote, drawing attention to its essence -- that all power of the state belongs to the people and the people's position as masters of the country should be protected to the greatest extent.

After re-elected Chinese president and chairman of the country's Central Military Commission at the annual session of the national legislature in March 2023, Xi emphasized the imperative of adopting a people-centered development philosophy.

He underscored the need for ensuring equitable distribution of the gains of modernization and pledged to drive notable and substantive advancements in fostering prosperity for all.

Observers say a key feature of China's whole-process people's democracy is to ensure it works for the vast majority of the people instead of serving the interests of capital or the elite class.

This can be seen through Xi's active interactions with grassroots people during the annual "two sessions" in forming policies. Over the past 11 years, he has participated in 56 deliberations and discussion sessions during the annual sessions, directly interacting with over 400 lawmakers and political advisors.

At one event in 2019, national lawmaker Li Liancheng, who was a village Party chief, articulated the "eight dreams" of Chinese farmers to Xi, emphasizing priorities such as local education for children, healthcare access, and local employment opportunities.

Xi, intimately familiar with rural affairs from his time in the countryside as an "educated youth" half a century ago, acknowledged the significance of Li's message, saying it resonated with the aspirations of rural residents nationwide.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to serving the people and pledged to advance step by step toward realizing the dreams of a better life for all.

Li advocated for a more targeted approach to technological assistance, emphasizing the importance of aligning it with the real needs of villagers.

Following the meeting, government ministries conducted field research and took tailored measures in Xixinzhuang Village, Li's hometown, to enhance agricultural technology extension services.

During his participation in discussions with political advisors in 2022, Xi listened keenly as scientist Wang Jing proposed what she called green "radar" in farm fields to detect agricultural product quality and safety issues in real time.

Within a year, her proposal was put into practice nationwide, and related regulations were introduced. The technology was included as a new clause in the revised Agricultural Products Quality and Safety Law.

Xi's dedication to empowering the public and prioritizing the people's needs traces back to the early days of his political career.

In October 1984, as Party chief of Zhengding County in north China's Hebei Province, he initiated a questionnaire survey.

He stood on the streets, distributing questionnaires to residents and inviting them to sit down and have a chat.

This practice became routine and over time, evolved into the online solicitation of opinions.

Nearly four decades later, as the Party's top leader, Xi elevated this democratic practice to a whole new level. Before the Party convened its 20th National Congress, Xi ordered a massive online public opinion solicitation to listen to the people's views for drafting a keynote report he would deliver at the Party congress.

In a month, about 8.54 million public suggestions were collected to shape policies, spanning topics like carbon neutrality and education quality. These contributions were refined into 1,675 items and shared with the drafting group for the report.

As Xi has stated: Whether a country is democratic or not depends on whether its people are truly the masters of the country.

Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Zhengding County Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), listens to opinions of villagers in Zhengding County, north China's Hebei Province, in 1983. (Xinhua)

THE WHOLE PROCESS

In 2021, Xi convened the Party's first-ever Central People's Congress Work Conference. At the high-profile meeting, he expounded on the whole-process people's democracy and made a thinly veiled criticism of the bogus democracy practiced in certain countries.

"If the people are only engaged with to solicit votes and then are left in the dark, if they must listen to grandiose election slogans but have no voice when the elections are over, or if they are only treated well by candidates during elections and are ignored after, this is not true democracy," Xi said.

In 2019, when he first put forward "whole-process democracy," Xi said people's democracy is a type of whole-process democracy.

Observers say whole-process democracy involves more than just a matter of voting, rather, it is forged into every single link in the running of state power. This breaks from a solitary focus on voting and ensures the people's rights to democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight.

Xi pays close attention to each of the above-mentioned democratic processes and has no time for practices that hamper democracy.

In 2014, he discussed at length a vote-buying case in the election of local lawmakers in Hunan Province. Visibly angered, Xi fired a barrage of questions: Where did the Party members go? Where did their sense of Party discipline and law go? Where did their conscience go?

Afterward, Xi referred to this case on at least two other occasions. Eventually, 467 people were held accountable.

"In this socialist country led by the CPC, all power of the state belongs to the people," Xi told investigators of China's top graft-buster. "Political power should never be distributed according to one's social status, wealth, or personal relationships."

Xi's push for consultative democracy, which involves political consultation between the governing CPC and other political parties, dates back to his tenure as a local Party cadre.

In 1988, as Party chief of Fujian's Ningde prefecture, Xi facilitated the establishment of the first prefectural committee of the China Democratic League, a non-CPC political party. Xi initiated regular visits by CPC leaders to members of other political parties and intellectuals, emphasizing the importance of the united front.

As a top leader, Xi still allocates time to democratic decision-making and management at the grassroots.

In February 2019, he paid a visit to an inconspicuous courtyard in a central Beijing hutong that neighbors call a "courtyard meeting hall" when residents were discussing renovating their homes.

On the whiteboard were listed suggestions raised by residents: cleaning up clutter in the courtyard; ensuring fully functional kitchens, storage, and bathrooms; and bringing in professional design teams.

"When will the renovation start?" "Are there many houses with historical and cultural value?" ... Xi joined the discussion.

Hailing the courtyard meetings as a mechanism that empowered community members to discuss and decide their own affairs, Xi said, it was conducive to improving precision in community governance and services.

Xi's pursuit of an effective oversight mechanism found its embodiment in the development of China's first village affairs supervision committee in Houchen Village, Zhejiang Province.

The supervision committee was set up in 2004 amid escalating tensions between villagers and village officials regarding the management of a substantial land acquisition compensation totaling about 20 million yuan.

The committee captured the attention of Xi, who was then Zhejiang's Party chief. He visited Houchen on the committee's first anniversary, and emphasized the inevitability of its creation in a community grappling with numerous challenges.

He hailed it as the "Houchen model," lauding its role in pioneering grassroots democratic supervision in rural areas.

Over two decades, this initiative has evolved from a localized measure to a nationally recognized policy and has taken root in over 690,000 administrative villages nationwide.

Xi said that to measure whether a country is democratic, a key element is to see whether the rules and procedures for the exercise of power are democratic, and more importantly, whether the exercise of power is genuinely subject to public oversight and checks.

DEMOCRACY IS NOT COCA-COLA

In Xi's view, there is no uniform or single model of democracy; it comes in many forms.

The whole-process people's democracy practiced in China is based on the country's reality, history, and culture, and it reflects the people's will, he said, while repeatedly stressing the effectiveness of this democracy.

Officials and scholars have gone further to explain that democracy is not Coca-Cola, tasting the same across the world as the syrup is produced in one single country.

China experts view whole-process people's democracy as pivotal to the country's remarkable achievements of rapid economic growth and sustained social stability.

This role is evident in the country's formulation of effective laws to enhance governance.

In 2019, during a visit to a legislative outreach office in Shanghai, Xi talked with both Chinese and foreign residents participating in a consultation on a draft law.

Draft laws are disseminated to local legislative outreach offices to facilitate discussions among ordinary citizens, enabling their voices to be heard by the national legislature.

Xi inquired about the process of soliciting opinions on the draft law, and attentively reviewed the materials containing suggestions.

Acknowledging the office's beneficial explorations, he encouraged the maintenance of open channels for public opinion and the enrichment of democratic mechanisms.

The preparation and implementation of five-year plans for national economic and social development are an important means by which the Party governs China.

To incorporate people's wisdom into the blueprint, democracy was in full swing.

In 2020, during an inspection in Hunan Province before the formulation of the country's 14th five-year plan, Xi sat down with 30 grassroots representatives at a meeting in the provincial capital to hear their views and suggestions.

During the two-hour discussion, Pan Jiuren, a rural teacher of the Yao ethnic group, candidly addressed the deficiencies in basic education in remote regions, highlighting issues such as teacher shortages and challenging working conditions.

In response, Xi acknowledged China's progress in universalizing compulsory education since the reform and opening up. However, he underscored the escalating issue of uneven distribution of educational resources and the imperative to address this problem.

Before the five-year plan was ready for discussion at a key plenary meeting of the Party's Central Committee, Xi hosted seven such symposiums, meeting citizens from diverse backgrounds, including migrant workers, farmers, truck drivers, legal professionals, and restaurant owners.

This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2019 shows the Gubei Civic Center in Changning District of Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

"China's democracy is no verbal mirage," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, an American scholar and chairman of the Kuhn Foundation.

Democracy in the Party-led system involves various feedback and interactive mechanisms, especially people's congresses at various levels, and it also entails ensuring adequate standards of living for all Chinese citizens, he said.

During the 2019 "two sessions," a lawmaker from Gansu Province voiced local residents' desire for an expressway to accelerate local prosperity. Turning to an official seated beside him, Xi inquired about the number of counties in the province lacking expressways.

The interactions expedited the construction of transportation infrastructure for those in need.

In November 2023, the long-awaited expressway was put into operation. One month later, after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the province, the expressway became a vital lifeline for delivering aid and transporting the injured to hospitals.

This is an example of how Xi's discussions with national legislators and political advisors during the "two sessions" concentrate on addressing challenges and proposing new methods for economic and social development.

Through these interactions, innovative governance strategies have been considered, suggested, refined, and matured.

Observant of Xi's post-deliberation actions, keen observers note his consistent selection of provincial areas for focused on-site research, addressing specific issues raised during deliberation sessions.

In 2014, he explored the Shanghai free trade zone; in 2018, he traveled to the remote Daliang Mountain in Sichuan to inspect poverty alleviation efforts; in 2021, he examined ecological protection measures on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in Qinghai. Many of his research priorities align with concerns voiced by national legislators and political advisors.

In navigating the complexities of governing a vast nation like China, Xi often invokes a quote from a Chinese political commentator dating back two millennia: "A bird cannot soar into the sky using only one feather, and a horse cannot gallop using only one hoof."

This ancient wisdom underscores Xi's belief that the collective strength of China's over 1.4 billion citizens must be harnessed to build a strong nation and advance national rejuvenation.

The reason why China has been so successful has been its ability to enthuse, involve and mobilize the people in the political process and thereby contribute to the country's future, said British scholar Martin Jacques.

"Too many Western politicians seem to think the point of democracy is democracy. It is not," he said. "Ultimately, democracy is about representing the people, involving the people, and creating the best form of governance, the most acceptable and the most successful form of governance."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
ADDIS ABABA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- African countries have been urged to explore innovative green energy development financing mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

The call was made by experts attending a meeting on sustainable green financing mechanisms for Africa that was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) over the weekend in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

They emphasized the vital need to support environment-friendly investments, such as climate-smart agriculture, to mitigate climate change in Africa, according to a press release of the UNECA, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Linus Mofor, senior environmental expert at the UNECA, told the meeting that African countries are increasingly experiencing water and heat stress at varying magnitudes, including droughts and seasonal shifts.

He stressed that international financial flows into Africa are "nowhere near sufficient" to address ecological adaptation, loss and damage as well as to support the low-carbon development needs of developing countries.

Green climate finance is key for sustainable development. It can facilitate low-carbon and climate-resilient development in Africa through collective responses, according to Mofor.

Data from the UNECA show that despite its limited contribution to global warming, Africa is significantly affected by this phenomenon, as 17 out of the 20 countries most threatened by climate change are located in Africa and climate change already impacts 2 percent to 9 percent of national budgets across the continent.

Veronica Jakarasi, chief director of Zimbabwe's Climate and Meteorological Services, stressed the need to support environment-friendly investments such as climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Africa.

"To attract green financing, Africa needs to have policy and regulatory frameworks with set targets in line with ambitious development," said Jakarasi.

She said green financing is the new way of mobilizing resources for financing climate change resilience, and that countries should establish innovative financing mechanisms to fund their climate change engagements.

The sustainable green financing-themed meeting was held on the margins of this year's edition of the UNECA's Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, which runs from Feb. 28 to March 5 under the theme "Financing the transition to inclusive green economies in Africa: Imperatives, opportunities, and policy options," in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 
StockNews.com cut shares of Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report report published on Friday morning.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on OXY. Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of 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. Stephens reissued an overweight rating and set a $74.00 price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Thursday, February 15th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, February 16th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $80.00 to $77.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised Occidental Petroleum from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $68.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $70.06.

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Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance

Occidental Petroleum stock opened at $61.36 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $58.70 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.93. Occidental Petroleum has a twelve month low of $55.12 and a twelve month high of $67.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The company has a market cap of $53.97 billion, a PE ratio of 15.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.64.

Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.74. The company had revenue of $7.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.93 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 16.24% and a return on equity of 20.63%. The firms revenue was down 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.61 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Occidental Petroleum will post 3.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Occidental Petroleum Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. This is a boost from Occidental Petroleums previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. Occidental Petroleums payout ratio is 18.41%.

Insider Activity at Occidental Petroleum

In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 2,149,802 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $56.91 per share, for a total transaction of $122,345,231.82. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 230,200,829 shares in the company, valued at $13,100,729,178.39. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders acquired a total of 8,720,708 shares of company stock worth $505,766,000 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Occidental Petroleum

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Berkshire Hathaway Inc increased its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 243,715,804 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $14,552,271,000 after buying an additional 19,586,612 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,090,043 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $767,346,000 after acquiring an additional 50,848 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 24.1% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 12,021,929 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $779,983,000 after acquiring an additional 2,334,651 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 22.2% during the 4th quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 5,995,258 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $357,977,000 after acquiring an additional 1,088,052 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,035,799 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $285,732,000 after acquiring an additional 118,928 shares during the period. 77.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Occidental Petroleum Company Profile

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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.

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Shares of OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $50.85.

Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of OneMain from $57.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of OneMain from $54.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of OneMain from $43.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, January 4th. StockNews.com raised shares of OneMain from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 14th. Finally, JMP Securities raised their target price on shares of OneMain from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th.

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OneMain Stock Performance

Shares of OMF opened at $48.71 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.83 billion, a PE ratio of 9.16, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 1.65. OneMain has a 1 year low of $32.79 and a 1 year high of $50.02. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $47.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $42.77.

OneMain (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $913.90 million. OneMain had a net margin of 14.04% and a return on equity of 21.07%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.56 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that OneMain will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current year.

OneMain Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 20th were given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 16th. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.21%. OneMains dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.19%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in OMF. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of OneMain by 36.8% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,366,621 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $67,238,000 after buying an additional 367,823 shares in the last quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main purchased a new position in OneMain in the 4th quarter valued at about $353,000. Bluefin Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in OneMain in the 4th quarter valued at about $204,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in OneMain by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 52,370 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,577,000 after purchasing an additional 1,270 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in OneMain by 9.6% in the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 31,913 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,570,000 after purchasing an additional 2,799 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.70% of the companys stock.

About OneMain

(Get Free Report

OneMain Holdings, Inc, a financial service holding company, engages in the consumer finance and insurance businesses in the United States. It originates, underwrites, and services personal loans secured by automobiles, other titled collateral, or unsecured. The company also offers credit cards; optional credit insurance products, including life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance; optional non-credit insurance; guaranteed asset protection coverage as a waiver product or insurance; and membership plans.

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PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PWSC  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $27.67.

PWSC has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of PowerSchool from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 27th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of PowerSchool from $29.00 to $27.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on PowerSchool from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $30.00 target price on shares of PowerSchool in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on PowerSchool from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th.

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Insider Activity at PowerSchool

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PowerSchool

In other news, CMO Fred Studer sold 5,697 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.00, for a total value of $131,031.00. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer now owns 169,750 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,904,250. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other PowerSchool news, CMO Fred Studer sold 5,697 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.00, for a total transaction of $131,031.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 169,750 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,904,250. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Hardeep Gulati sold 58,730 shares of PowerSchool stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.50, for a total value of $1,321,425.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,205,590 shares of the companys stock, valued at $49,625,775. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 109,777 shares of company stock worth $2,488,381 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PWSC. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of PowerSchool by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 17,118 shares of the companys stock valued at $403,000 after acquiring an additional 442 shares during the period. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd raised its holdings in shares of PowerSchool by 2.4% during the third quarter. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd now owns 19,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $442,000 after purchasing an additional 465 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its position in shares of PowerSchool by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 21,722 shares of the companys stock worth $501,000 after purchasing an additional 502 shares in the last quarter. Janney Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of PowerSchool by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter. Janney Capital Management LLC now owns 20,082 shares of the companys stock valued at $455,000 after buying an additional 533 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc increased its position in PowerSchool by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 57,366 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,352,000 after buying an additional 552 shares in the last quarter. 65.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

PowerSchool Stock Performance

PowerSchool stock opened at $20.73 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. PowerSchool has a 12-month low of $16.41 and a 12-month high of $25.16. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $23.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.54.

PowerSchool Company Profile

(Get Free Report

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers cloud-based software to the K-12 education market. Its solution embedded in school workflows and is used on daily basis by educators, students, administrators, and parents in schools and districts. In addition, the company provides cloud-based technology platform helps schools and districts manage state reporting and related compliance, special education, finance, human resource, talent, registration, attendance, funding, learning, instruction, behavior, grading, college and career readiness, assessments, and analytics.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:LRCDF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,006,100 shares, a growth of 29.9% from the January 31st total of 774,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 3,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 324.5 days.

Laurentian Bank of Canada Price Performance

OTCMKTS LRCDF remained flat at $20.16 during trading hours on Monday. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a 1 year low of $18.28 and a 1 year high of $33.58. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $19.99 and a 200-day moving average price of $21.20.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada Company Profile

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Laurentian Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services to personal, business, and institutional customers in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Capital Markets. The Personal Banking segment offers financial services, such as financial advisory services to financial intermediaries; and operates digital direct-to-customer platform to retail clients.

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Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, January 31st, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of 0.18 per share by the airline on Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 5th.

Southwest Airlines has raised its dividend by an average of 26.0% annually over the last three years. Southwest Airlines has a dividend payout ratio of 29.9% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Southwest Airlines to earn $2.51 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.72 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 28.7%.

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Southwest Airlines Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LUV opened at $33.96 on Monday. Southwest Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $21.91 and a fifty-two week high of $39.53. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $30.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.52. The company has a market capitalization of $20.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.14.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The airline reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.25. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 9.40%. The firm had revenue of $6.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.75 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.38) earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Southwest Airlines will post 1.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $954,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its stake in Southwest Airlines by 23.8% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 53,831 shares of the airlines stock valued at $1,555,000 after purchasing an additional 10,351 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc increased its stake in Southwest Airlines by 19.9% during the 4th quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 1,552,717 shares of the airlines stock valued at $44,842,000 after purchasing an additional 257,844 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC increased its stake in Southwest Airlines by 36.5% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,448,753 shares of the airlines stock valued at $41,842,000 after purchasing an additional 387,539 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.22% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

LUV has been the topic of several research reports. BNP Paribas cut shares of Southwest Airlines from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $20.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Friday, November 10th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $27.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 26th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Southwest Airlines from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $26.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $30.93.

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Southwest Airlines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

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Stem (NYSE:STEM  Free Report) had its price target decreased by Piper Sandler from $4.00 to $3.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Piper Sandler currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of Stem from $7.00 to $5.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Susquehanna lowered their target price on shares of Stem from $5.50 to $4.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Roth Mkm lowered their target price on shares of Stem from $6.00 to $3.70 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Stem from $7.00 to $4.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on shares of Stem from $7.00 to $6.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Stem currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.64.

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Stem Stock Down 3.7 %

Insiders Place Their Bets

Shares of STEM opened at $2.58 on Thursday. Stem has a 12 month low of $2.33 and a 12 month high of $9.54. The firms 50 day moving average is $3.22 and its 200-day moving average is $3.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23.

In other news, CEO John Eugene Carrington sold 13,863 shares of Stem stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.70, for a total transaction of $37,430.10. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 138,562 shares in the company, valued at $374,117.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CFO William John Bush sold 20,367 shares of Stem stock in a transaction on Friday, February 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.17, for a total transaction of $64,563.39. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 276,814 shares in the company, valued at $877,500.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO John Eugene Carrington sold 13,863 shares of Stem stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.70, for a total transaction of $37,430.10. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 138,562 shares in the company, valued at approximately $374,117.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 119,715 shares of company stock valued at $368,948. 9.12% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Stem

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of STEM. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Stem in the first quarter valued at $283,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Stem by 4.7% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 691,925 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,619,000 after buying an additional 30,779 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Stem by 9.3% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 40,946 shares of the companys stock valued at $451,000 after buying an additional 3,477 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Stem by 67.9% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 46,988 shares of the companys stock valued at $516,000 after buying an additional 19,010 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in Stem by 210.4% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 292,435 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,220,000 after buying an additional 198,231 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.45% of the companys stock.

Stem Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Stem, Inc operates as a digitally connected and intelligent energy storage network provider in the United States and internationally. The company offers energy storage systems sourced from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It also provides Athena, an artificial intelligence platform, which offers battery hardware and software-enabled services to operate the energy storage systems.

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LRT Capital Management LLC lowered its position in Texas Pacific Land Co. (NYSE:TPL  Free Report) by 25.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,818 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 616 shares during the quarter. Texas Pacific Land makes up approximately 2.3% of LRT Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest position. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Texas Pacific Land were worth $3,315,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of TPL. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 10.8% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 675 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $913,000 after buying an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 41.6% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 729 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $986,000 after buying an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 3.0% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 881 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,191,000 after buying an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in Texas Pacific Land by 23.0% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 2,903 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,925,000 after buying an additional 543 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Texas Pacific Land in the first quarter worth approximately $515,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 60.40% of the companys stock.

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Texas Pacific Land Trading Down 0.4 %

TPL stock traded down $5.56 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $1,560.16. The company had a trading volume of 9,847 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,454. Texas Pacific Land Co. has a 52 week low of $1,266.21 and a 52 week high of $2,000.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $1,520.03 and its 200 day moving average price is $1,679.10. The stock has a market cap of $11.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.68 and a beta of 1.60.

Texas Pacific Land Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $3.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $14.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.90%. This is an increase from Texas Pacific Lands previous quarterly dividend of $3.25. Texas Pacific Lands payout ratio is presently 26.54%.

Separately, Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Texas Pacific Land from $1,558.00 to $1,414.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Texas Pacific Land

About Texas Pacific Land

(Free Report)

Texas Pacific Land Corporation engages in the land and resource management, and water services and operations businesses. The company's Land and Resource Management segment manages surface acres of land. This segment also holds own a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest (NPRI) under approximately 85,000 acres of land; a 1/16th NPRI under approximately 371,000 acres of land; and approximately 4,000 additional net royalty acres located in the western part of Texas.

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Glenmede Trust Co. NA boosted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 12.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 40,329 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,481 shares during the period. Glenmede Trust Co. NAs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $13,049,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pettee Investors Inc. raised its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Pettee Investors Inc. now owns 2,075 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $669,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 894 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $289,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares during the period. Tsfg LLC raised its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 668 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $216,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 716 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $232,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the period. Finally, Cresset Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.4% during the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 7,682 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,514,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. 69.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently commented on GS. UBS Group upped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $382.00 to $440.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Morgan Stanley raised The Goldman Sachs Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the stock from $333.00 to $449.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. Edward Jones started coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Tuesday, February 27th. They set a buy rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $357.00 to $360.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $440.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $409.93.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Down 0.4 %

Shares of GS stock opened at $386.50 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.76. The firms 50-day moving average is $384.26 and its 200-day moving average is $348.86. The stock has a market cap of $125.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.01, a PEG ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 1.42. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $289.36 and a 52-week high of $396.79.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 16th. The investment management company reported $5.48 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.62 by $1.86. The company had revenue of $11.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.80 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 7.85% and a return on equity of 8.03%. The companys revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.32 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 32.86 EPS for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be given a dividend of $2.75 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.85%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.20%.

Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $376.39, for a total value of $1,129,170.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,121 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,809,443.19. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Sheara J. Fredman sold 4,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 11,463 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,357,659.45. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $376.39, for a total value of $1,129,170.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,121 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,809,443.19. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 39,064 shares of company stock worth $15,082,153 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

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 financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Vesuvius plc (LON:VSVS  Get Free Report) insider Mark Collis bought 8,228 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 29th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 484 ($6.14) per share, with a total value of 39,823.52 ($50,511.82).

Vesuvius Price Performance

Shares of LON VSVS opened at GBX 474 ($6.01) on Monday. Vesuvius plc has a twelve month low of GBX 378.60 ($4.80) and a twelve month high of GBX 498 ($6.32). The firm has a market cap of 1.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 790.00, a PEG ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 481.20 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 447.05. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 34.59.

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Vesuvius Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 18th will be given a GBX 16.20 ($0.21) dividend. This represents a yield of 3.33%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 18th. This is an increase from Vesuviuss previous dividend of $6.80. Vesuviuss payout ratio is 3,833.33%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Numis Securities restated an add rating on shares of Vesuvius in a report on Monday, December 4th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 675 ($8.56) price objective on shares of Vesuvius in a report on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 470 ($5.96) price objective on shares of Vesuvius in a report on Monday, November 20th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Vesuvius

About Vesuvius

(Get Free Report)

Vesuvius plc provides molten metal flow engineering and technology services to steel and foundry industries worldwide. It operates through Flow Control, Sensor & Probes, and Advanced Refractories segments. The company provides consumables and equipment, which includes binders, coatings, feeding systems, filtration and gating systems, melt shop refractories, metallurgical and pouring control systems, die dressings and coatings, melt treatment products, crucibles, and ceramics for the iron, steel, and nonferrous foundries.

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Community volunteering is not just about donating time and effort; it is a transformative experience which provides numerous benefits to both volunteers and the communities they serve.

From personal growth and skill development to fostering a sense of belonging and making a positive impact, the advantages of volunteering are truly endless.

Volunteering offers an unmatched opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery and self-discipline. By stepping out of ones comfort zone, volunteers gain a broader perspective on life and their community. This experience often leads to increased empathy and understanding, as volunteers learn to appreciate the challenges faced by others.

Additionally, volunteering can be a source of personal fulfillment and purpose, contributing to enhanced mental well-being and self-esteem.

Community volunteering is also a powerful platform for skill development and learning. Volunteers often learn practical skills, such as project management, communication, leadership, and teamwork, through their gift of time. These skills are not only valuable in the context of volunteering but are also transferable to different aspects of professional and personal life. These skills enhance employability and college applications.

Volunteering can provide a sense of belonging and connectedness within a community.

This sense of belonging fosters a supportive network and a feeling of being part of something greater than oneself, which can have a significantly positive impact on mental and emotional well-being.

In addition to personal benefits, community volunteering also creates numerous advantages for the communities being served. Volunteers play a key role in addressing societal challenges and contributing to positive social change. Whether its supporting the homeless, assisting with environmental conservation, helping with reading initiatives or mentoring underprivileged youth, volunteers make huge differences in the lives of individuals and the overall well-being of communities.

Through their actions, volunteers serve as role models, inspiring others to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement. This ripple effect can lead to a more altruistic and compassionate society, where individuals are motivated to contribute to the greater good and address pressing social issues.

I like to volunteer because it makes me feel like I am helping others, says Judy Brott, a dedicated and valued volunteer at the Grand Island Public Library. I enjoy greeting patrons at the librarys welcome desk and helping them find the particular area or assistance they need during their visit. The library staff are so wonderful and very good to me. There is ample opportunity for me to be around people and to keep busy, so volunteering at the library is a perfect fit for me.

Library volunteers contributed 4,160 hours in 2023, with a value of $122,720 based on the Nebraska volunteer value rate of $29.50 per hour. Volunteers helped with numerous activities from reading programs, book sales, book delivery to homebound patrons, to helping with special events. Volunteers giving their time allows the library to provide programs and services which are beyond city funding capabilities.

Volunteers fill a vital role at our library, says Library Director Celine Swan. They help with many important tasks, whether its manning the Welcome Desk, helping with programs and community outreach, dusting shelves, reading with children in the summer reading program, or helping with a makerspace event.

We appreciate volunteers so much! They give us their time and talents. We get to know these amazing people. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!

On behalf of the Grand Island Public Library Foundation, I would like to thank all of our volunteers, volunteer Library Board Members and Foundation Board Members. Without their gift of time to the library and foundation our organizations simply could not function.

To learn more about volunteering at the Grand Island Public Library, call Kim Mettenbrink at 308-385-5333, ext. 112.
HAIKOU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Donning a traditional Li ethnic group costume, a woman sits on the ground and weaves colorful yarn into delicate brocade, with spindles gently shuttling back and forth on the loom. Such a scene has been common in China's southernmost province of Hainan, whether in Li villages or public places, such as scenic spots, museums, and exhibitions.

The Li brocade, created by the Li ethnic minority on Hainan Island, boasts a history of around 3,000 years. The Li brocade tradition, the entire process of which includes spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery, was included in the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.

Hu Chunfang, 66, who lives in Jiamao Town of the province's Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, began learning the craft as an apprentice since she was nine years old. Hu is one of the few provincial-level inheritors of the Li brocade in Hainan.

In recent years, Hainan has invested heavily in opening training institutes to teach the techniques of Li brocade to the locals. Since 2012, Li brocade has been introduced as a course in primary and secondary schools in the province. Local authorities have also formulated a raft of measures to strengthen the systematic protection and innovative development of Li brocade, striving to help the traditional skills survive time.

To spread extensively the Li brocade skills, Hu has compiled teaching materials by herself. Over the years, she traveled to more than a dozen provinces and cities, taking on more than 40 people, including her relatives, neighbors and even craft lovers all over the country, as her apprentices, and training thousands of people.

Meanwhile, Hu also constantly brought her Li brocade works to participate in the exchange activities of intangible cultural heritage in Japan and France on behalf of Hainan. A set of her double knit handicraft of Li brocade was collected by UNESCO when it was exhibited in Paris.

Hainan is vigorously pushing the Li culture to go global as well, with the ancient craft further expanding its presence on the international stage during the past five years.

In 2019, the Li brocade techniques became the first Chinese intangible cultural heritage project to be put on display at UNESCO headquarters. Last year, the exhibition and exchange activities of Li culture entered the world's fashion capital of Milan, Italy.

In addition, Li brocade has also appeared in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference for many consecutive years and was presented as a national gift to guests at home and abroad.

The traditional exquisite brocade is embracing the modern fashion industry as local authorities make efforts to expand its inheritance and development space further. The city of Wuzhishan in Hainan has signed a talent training agreement with the Shenzhen school of Italy's top art school Istituto Marangoni, with accessories, silhouette, fabric and digitization on the curriculum.

The intangible cultural heritage is also being made into creative products, such as handbags, bookmarks, table flags, and costumes. As nice-looking and utilitarian featured souvenirs, they have been introduced into Hainan's major tourist attractions, popular business areas, and airports. Some products have entered the cultural exhibitions and consumer markets in foreign countries, including Britain, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Norway.

Hu said that with Li brocade blooming nowadays, "its cultural value not only belongs to China, but also the world." 
WOOD RIVER  A man intentionally tampered with the natural gas system in his home, causing an explosion that killed him, destroyed the house and damaged surrounding houses and businesses.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency said Sunday that an investigation into the blast discovered evidence of tampering with the natural gas system in the residence. Investigators determined the cause of the explosion and fire at 107 E. Eleventh Street to be an act of arson, the agency said. The mans remains were recovered from the basement of the residence late Saturday evening.

The agency said identification of the deceased and notification to the next of kin is pending by the Hall County Attorneys Office. Neighbors in Wood River confirmed a man was home at the time of the incident.

On Monday, Hall County Attorney Marty Klein said his office won't be able to release the man's name, "Until I get the forensic identification I'm not going to be able to confirm the name of the decedent."

"We're going to try to get dental records from who we believe the decedent to be, and then get the body to the Douglas County morgue and then have the (person who does forensics) do identification via dental records take a look at that and see if they can make the identification that way," Klein said, adding he doesn't expect the name to be released Monday.

The explosion occurred around 9:15 a.m. on Saturday. One person was injured and was treated and released from a local hospital.

Deanna Hammond, who lives in a house next door, said she was at home when a neighbor came over and said theyd spoken with the man at 107 E. Eleventh St.

The neighbor said, he didnt seem mentally well. So they called the police to let them know, and suggested that we leave because they smelled gas. And (the unwell man) had a lighter in his hand, Hammond said.

Hammond woke her young son up and, along with their dog, went to the nearby Dollar General to kill some time. On the way back they were close to a house at the corner of East Street and 10th Street, not far from their rental, and the home blew.

Hammond's home, a rental, sustained heavy damage inside, including busting out windows and damaging the walls of she and her son's bedrooms. Debris was strewn about both rooms, in addition to the bathroom. Hammond said the and her family are able to stay in another home owned by her landlord temporarily until they decide on another place.

The neighbor had alerted people in other surrounding houses about the situation. A house next door to the explosion was heavily damaged by the blast and ensuing fire.

Markham Nichols, who lives nearby, showed The Independent a cryptic Facebook post the man made before the explosion.

After the explosion, firefighters on scene determined the explosion/fire had also caused significant damage to surrounding structures and Nebraska State Fire Marshal investigators were requested to aid, the agency said.

Responding agencies included the Wood River Fire Department, Alda Fire Department, Cairo Fire Department, Shelton Fire Department, Grand Island Rural Fire Department, Hall County Emergency Management Agency, Hall County Attorneys Office, Hall County Sheriffs Office and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency.

They had the scene under control pretty quick, Wood River Fire Chief Nate Mayhew said.

Mayhew noted firefighters usually are on offense when attacking a fire, but we didnt know structurally, so we had to attack it from the outside. Not the best way to attack a structure fire. So it took us a while to put it out.

The fire marshal agency said, We would like to reiterate that this incident was not related to the natural gas utility operator and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The agency has completed its investigation into the explosion.

On Sunday, Wood River community members and residents and agencies from surrounding towns came out to help with cleanup. Mayhew said, Wood River really came out as a community to help cleanup.

(Its) phenomenal, what they did here, he said of all the volunteers.

Mayhew said donations of clothing and other goods poured in, with some of it being stored at the fire station until displaced residences can take the supplies on. Some of the affected residences are staying at a hotel.

Monetary donations can be sent to:

Wood River Ministerial Association

Care of Heritage Bank

P.O Box 487

Wood River NE 68883

Stay with TheIndependent.com for updates.

PHOTOS: Cleanup efforts in Wood River after house explosion Photos from Sunday, March 3 in Wood River, a day after a house exploded, killing one and damaging multiple houses and businesses. Grand Island Local News top story Volunteers turn out in Wood River Volunteers spent hours helping clean up debris on Sunday, March 3 in Wood River. A house exploded in the village on Saturday, March 2. Explosion aftermath The wreckage of a house explosion, seen on Sunday, March 3. The explosion destroyed one house and damaged surrounding homes and businesses. Explosion aftermath The explosion severely damaged a house next door. Explosion aftermath An earlier photo of the house that exploded in Wood River, via Google Maps. Explosion aftermath Cleanup volunteers work around the basement and rubble of a home that exploded in Wood River. A man died in the blast, which officials said th Explosion aftermath The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency said a man tampered with a gas line, causing his house to explode in Wood River on Saturday. The man di Volunteers clean debris after Wood River house explosion Volunteers spent hours on Sunday, March 3 cleaning debris after an explosion completely destroyed one home and damaged others in Wood River. Explosion aftermath Volunteers on Sunday, March 3, help clean up at the site of a home explosion in Wood River. Explosion aftermath A house explosion completely destroyed one home, destroyed a neighboring house and damaged other houses and businesses, displacing some residents. Explosion aftermath The neighboring house sustained extensive damage, displacing a family. Explosion aftermath Volunteers help clean up the explosion site on Sunday, March 3. Explosion aftermath Piles of debris at the site of a house explosion in Wood River. Explosion aftermath Rubble is strewn about at the site of a house explosion in Wood River. Explosion aftermath A look at the destruction caused by the house explosion in Wood River. Explosion aftermath The explosion damaged siding and blew out the windows on the nearby home Deanna Hammond lives in. Explosion aftermath A nearby home that sustained heavy damage in an explosion that occurred on March 2 in Wood River. Volunteers help clean up Wood River Volunteers turned out en masse on Sunday, March 3 to help clean up debris from a house explosion in Wood River. The blast killed one, injured  Volunteers help clean up Wood River Volunteers help clean up explosion debris. Volunteers help clean up Wood River Marty Manandik of Central City came out because a friend lives in Wood River and needed help. She needed help, so I got one of my guys and we Volunteers help clean up Wood River Wood River really came out as a community to help clean up, Wood River Fire Chief Nate Mayhew said. Volunteers help clean up Wood River A volunteer clears debris on Sunday, March 3 in Wood River. Wood River really came out as a community to help clean up, Wood River Fire Chie

PHOTOS: Home explodes in Wood River Photos from the scene of a home explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. Wood River explosion aftermath Photos from the scene of a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Firefighters work to put out fires caused by a house explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. The home was leveled, while numerous nearby Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion The explosion sent debris flying, up to blocks away from the home. Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Numerous fire departments responded to Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion The explosion damaged multiple homes. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows and debris is strewn about after a house exploded in Wood River. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. The blast affected multiple nearby homes and businesses. Wood River home explosion Fire crews spray a home in Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Neighbor describes Wood River home explosion Patty Debraal was in her hallway when a house across the street in Wood River exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Cherish Faircloth sweeps glass and debris off the overhang after an explosion in Wood River broke her bedroom window. Wood River home explosion A house exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Debris from the explosion scattered for blocks, and was caught up in numerous trees in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows and debris is strewn about after a house exploded in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows where a house once stood on 11th Street in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Debris from a house explosion hangs in a tree in Wood River. Wood River home explosion The Alda Fire Department was among many that responded to a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A State Fire Marshal's Office investigator prepares to work at the scene of a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A smoke-filled scene from the house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Cherish Faircloth sweeps glass and debris off the overhang after an explosion in Wood River broke her bedroom window. Wood River house explosion Multiple fire departments responded after a house explosion in Wood River damaged multiple homes.
Nebraska prosecutors have decided not to seek the death penalty in the December killing of a Catholic priest inside his home, but are pursuing execution in the brutal killing of a retiree during a break-in that happened in the same tiny town four months earlier. Kierre Williams has been charged with fatally stabbing the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell during a break-in at the church rectory in Fort Calhoun on Dec. 10. William Collins, meanwhile, was charged with shooting Linda Childers with a crossbow three times before slitting her throat after breaking into her home in August. Prosecutors have said Childers killing was especially heinous and cruel.
Education Partnerships

The Importance of Community Education

Community partnerships add another layer to education that is critical to helping students thrive and develop life skills.

While community education programs are not new, there is a way in which communities can pull together to better prepare children and youth for life success. Understanding where you are in terms of your daily life and how to relate to those around you is vital in terms of social life, and overall learning success. While academic subjects still have to be addressed in any school setting, community education focuses on success in overall life, how to view oneself, and the impact one's own skills and abilities can have on others and on the future development and success of a community.

SOS Children's Villages, a foster care organization that supports community development, suggests:

Strong communities are the bedrock of society. Community provides stability, a critical factor that contributes to an individual's ability to thrive. Community is so essential that the well-being of children and families is directly impacted when they live in strong, stable, inclusive, and supportive communities.

These kinds of communities are developed as each member finds relevance and purpose. Various organizations within a community  including schools, nonprofits, and other organizations  should partner together to strengthen their communities, but it must be an intentional process and it involves continuous and relevant learning. Often, specifically in lower income areas, individuals can feel excluded, not important, and certainly not empowered to be a part of the community. In a community education program, even young children can learn how to work within a community and feel empowered to make a difference regardless of levels of affluence or location.

Cultural Differences

Often the concept of culture is specifically used to address language, gender, or race issues. While these should be included in any kind of group planning in communities, location and socio-economic cultures should also be integrated into any learning environment. People groups are varied and dynamically evolving from various socio-economic realities. Standardized education  often characterized by a high number of students per one teacher  cannot meet the level of individualized learning necessary to meet the needs of all students. What's more, lower income areas do not often have the same available resources as higher income areas, even for public education. When additional educational opportunities can be provided in partnership with available community groups and organizations, more students can feel individually motivated to learn and become more familiar with how they learn and what they need to know to succeed.

Sarah Johnson in a 2023 article on standardized testing explained:

Yet, for the last 10 years, we have relied on these test scores to rate schools, and now some states are using the data to evaluate and pay teachers for achieving "results" as opposed to paying them for effort or a job well done. This concept is so very flawed because teachers do not hold all the responsibility for how a child scores on the state test. In fact, a child's home life has the most influence on student achievement.

While there has been an increasing focus over the years on equalizing the field for all students, the reality remains that lower income families struggle with various challenges and lower income students grow up realizing that something must change if they are to move ahead. That "thing" begins with effective education. That is education that provides helpful life and coping skills as well as increased knowledge and skill preparation for employment.

A 2018 Newsroom article for "Operation warms" suggested:

Students living above the poverty line are entering kindergarten more prepared than those below it. High income families are able to put more money towards their children's cognitive development than those living in poverty. Parents with low incomes, on average, have less time to read to their children, no-funds for pre-school, and less stable home environments. The difference in preparation tends to persist through elementary and high school.

These socio-economic and life differences create cultures that differ from others of more affluent resources and lives. Any teacher will agree. When interacting with students, it is obvious which have been talked with more, encouraged to respond more, and supported and included more, compared to those who have not had that encouragement in their lives.

The challenge then is not to try to change the culture, but rather to develop students individually, so that they can change their own culture and ultimately have a successful future.

About five years ago, I founded a nonprofit in Northwest Ohio to focus on the kind of education that supports and promotes development for individuals and communities. The organization is called "Community Education for Development" (CED) and as you browse through the website you will see the varied programs and broad scope of CED.

I have been involved in higher education for over 25 years here in the USA and in Canada, and over the years I have seen many changes in scope and direction in the world of education. Founding CED was in response to moving to a lower income area and realizing that the community needed to pull together to address some of the learning challenges facing children and youth. In small communities, often local churches, schools and libraries provide much-needed community connection and support. If all these entities pull together, the programs provided can be more widely scoped and applied directly to the lives of children and youth.

Partnering Together

CED's challenge quickly became how to include as many partners as possible to increase the learning opportunities for individual students in a lower income area. This requires much cooperation and flexibility and willingness to share resources and negotiate schedules so that parents are able to support their children's participation in the program. CED developed an after-school program called Learning Friends* that operates throughout the school year as well as in the summer for a longer daily program. The program partners CED with local church facilities, the local school, and the local library. Transportation during the school year is provided by the school and a local church, and the activities are provided by CED and the local library. Food is provided by the local food bank and community donations so that children can receive a full meal and healthy snacks during the program. A local church provides a location for the program to run; the school provides some teachers; and volunteer helpers come from CED, the local library, and three local churches. In addition, schoolteachers provide information about academic areas that some students struggle with and are able to further tutor the children in those areas.
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A Holly Hill man is serving time in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree assault and battery.

Jeremy Jermaine Holman, 32, of 150 Covina Court, entered his plea before Circuit Judge Bentley Price during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse.

Price sentenced him to seven years in prison, suspended to four years.

Price gave Holman credit for having already served 472 days in jail.

Holman originally faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: possession of a stolen pistol and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of second- or third-degree domestic violence.

In other recent guilty pleas:

 Kavonte Jamar Moore, 29, of 309 Silva Avenue, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence.

Circuit Judge Heath P. Taylor sentenced him to jail for 90 days. Because Moore already served two days in jail, his term was suspended to probation for two years. Hes also required to complete a domestic violence intervention program.

 Shanetta Monique Powers, 34, of 1550 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights.

Taylor sentenced her to one day in jail and gave her credit for having already served 65 days there.

Powers also faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: reckless driving and resisting arrest.

 Niquan Jaquel Singletary, 26, of 20 Representative Circle, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence and violation of a court order of protection.

Taylor sentenced him to six months in prison, but gave him credit for having already served 61 days in jail.

 Kayla Adalle Sprinkle, 30, of 794 Macedonia Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to two counts of grand larceny valued $10,000 or more.

Taylor sentenced her to one year in prison, but gave her credit for time served. Shes also required to pay restitution.

Sprinkle faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: petit larceny valued $2,000 or less, malicious injury to personal property valued $2,000 or less and use of vehicle without permission with intent to deprive.

 Bianca Acacia Winkler, 34, of 1425 Pinehurst Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and battery and two counts of first-offense possession of a controlled scheduled drug.

Taylor sentenced her to six months in prison. Because Winkler spent 71 days in jail, Taylor suspended her term to probation for two years.

Shes also required to complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

Winkler is prohibited from entering the premises of The American Inn in Orangeburg.

She faced a trespassing charge, but it was dismissed.

 Andrew Vance Boone, 44, of 226 River Drive, Rowesville, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-offense possession with intent to distribute scheduled drugs, except flunitrazepam, although he was originally charged with two counts of first-offense possession with intent to distribute scheduled drugs or flunitrazepam or analogue.

Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison. Because Boone already spent 65 days in jail, his term was suspended to probation for three years.

Boone is required to complete substance abuse counseling and an intensive outpatient drug treatment program at the Dawn Center.

Boone faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: purchasing a controlled substance within proximity to a school and first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug or flunitrazepam.

 Robert R. Colter, 25, of 210 Brunson Court, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol.

Taylor sentenced him to jail for 27 days and gave him credit for time served.

 Lazarus Demetrius Richburg, 39, of 136 Jade Circle, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent felony and attempted armed robbery, although he was originally charged with armed robbery.

Taylor sentenced him to prison for 10 years. Because Richburg already spent 374 days in jail, his term was suspended to probation for three years.

Richburg faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony.

 Desmond Tyrell Riley, 35, of 242 Boswell Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to giving false information to law enforcement, first-offense possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony and possession of a stolen pistol.

Taylor sentenced him to 30 months in prison and gave Riley credit for time served.

Riley faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: unlawful carrying of a pistol, first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug and two counts of first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
COLUMBIA -- South Carolina is one of the first three states in the country to partner with the national nonprofit Ithaka S+R to pilot a platform designed to streamline the college transfer process by providing current and clear information to students and those who support them.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education announced recently that the state will join Connecticut and Washington in the two-year Transfer Explorer pilot: five public institutions across the state will be part of the initial cohort for the first two years of the Transfer Explorer platforms implementation and refinement.

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Research from the National Student Clearinghouse has shown that over one-third of first-time students transfer at least once during their academic journey, but often lose earned college credit when entering a new institution, said Martin Kurzweil, Vice President for Educational Transformation at Ithaka S+R. Part of this credit loss can be attributed to lack of information about which credits will be accepted and how they will apply to degree programs. Without this vital information, students may be unable to make informed decisions about their education, resulting in potentially longer times to degree completion and additional costs.

SC colleges to develop transfer plan COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education announced that more than 20 public colleges and universities across the state have agreed to develop a comprehensive statewide transfer agreement that will help transfer students graduate on time.

The CHE and institutions across South Carolina understand the increasing prevalence of transfer in the lives of college students across every sector, and we recognize the need to evolve our transfer tools, technology, and services to serve this critical student demographic, said Bunnie Ward, director of the CHE Office of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement. We look forward to partnering with Ithaka S+R on the cutting edge of an effort that will bring together their knowledge and expertise to serve transfer students not just in South Carolina but across the country.

CHE president and executive director announces retirement The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education announced that CHE President and Executive Director Rusty Monhollon, Ph.D., will retire in March.

Participating South Carolina institutions are:

 Aiken Technical College

 Coastal Carolina University

 College of Charleston

 Denmark Technical College

 Lander University

Lander has a long-standing commitment to transfer student success, and we are thrilled to be an early adopter of the Ithaka S +R Transfer Explorer. We believe this tool will further enable prospective transfer students to make informed choices, and we look forward to helping them on the next step of their educational journeys,  said Lloyd Willis, Dean of Graduate and Online Student, Lander University.

Ithakas selection criteria included a states demonstrated commitment to being transfer friendly and establishing or having established transfer pathways for transfer students, both of which have been priorities of the CHE and the South Carolina General Assembly for several years. Should the pilot lead to statewide adoption, it could also result in a cost savings to the state over the current transfer and articulation center.

This national-level project expands on Ithaka S+Rs current higher education Articulation of Credit Transfer project, which includes the City University of New York Transfer Explorer (CUNY T-Rex), a public, student-supporting transfer tool that shows how course credits and credits for prior learning earned through trainings and exams transfer and apply across CUNY institutions.

The planned design of the Transfer Explorer will allow users to:

 Search course-to-course equivalencies as well as exams, certificates, and other forms of prior learning (such as military and workplace training) to determine what credits they earn and show how credits are applied across a system and institutions.

 Select a starting institution and academic program, and a destination institution and academic program(s), to see what can be taken at the starting institution that will count towards the requirements of the destination program,

 Enter a personal set of courses/experiences or upload a transcript of coursework and see how those credits will count towards requirements of one or more programs at a selected institution or institutions.

 Enter a set of courses/experiences or a transcript to receive a generated list of recommended destination programs and institutions that fit well with the users completed credits.

 Ithaka S+R is part of Ithaka, a not-for-profit organization helping the academic community use digital technologies to preserve the scholarly record and to advance research and teaching in sustainable ways.
Three faculty and staff members have been honored as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Colleges Educators of the Year and were recognized during the South Carolina Technical Education Associations annual conference Feb. 15-17 in Myrtle Beach.

Radiologic Technology and Radiology Online program director Fran Andrews is the outstanding faculty member, assistant director of financial aid Amanda Dempsey is the outstanding staff honoree and registrar Amy Ott is the outstanding administrator.

SCTEA is a professional association of technical education personnel and others interested in post-secondary technical education.

Andrews started working at OCtech in June 1992 as a Radiologic Technology clinical instructor. She became the program director in January 1996 and served as dean of health science for a decade. She was named an Educator of the Year in 2019, and was nominated for the honor in 2006 and 2011.

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Andrews is actively involved in the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technology, serving as its treasurer from 2013-2023, and was chair of the Educators Council in Radiologic Technology in 2022-2023. She is a member of the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association Board, SCSRT Annual Meeting Committee, Cope Area Career Center Advisory Committee, Educators Council in Radiologic Technology, SCTEA and American Society of Radiologic Technology, and is a site visitor for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

OCtech enrollment grows Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College's spring enrollment saw the second-highest percentage increase among the state's 16 technical colleges.

My job provides me an opportunity to interact with all areas of the college in various capacities, she said. Day-to-day interaction with the students allows me to have an impact on their futures, whether in the classroom as an instructor, advisor or just as a friend willing to listen. I also have the opportunity to work with the community to create a better healthcare environment.

SCSU, OCtech seek state funds South Carolina State University and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College are asking state lawmakers for money to improve campus facilities and programs.

Dempsey has worked at OCtech for 12 years and has served as interim director of financial aid. She began her career in higher education as a Federal Work-Study in 1999. Prior to coming to OCtech, she worked as a bookstore manager and fiscal technician at the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie. She was an OCtech Educator of the Year in 2018.

OCtech is family, she said. I spend more time working with these great individuals than I do with my own family. The work is meaningful and gives me a sense of belonging. I am part of an institution that is making a difference in the lives of others and that brings me joy  even on the hard days.

Dempsey is an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Orangeburg. Professionally, she is a member of the South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration.

Ott has been at OCtech for 20 years  the last 10 years as registrar  and was a 2011 Educator of the Year in the staff category. She is a member of Staff Council.

Ott served as the colleges SCTEA representative for three years.

OCtech has many great faculty and staff members, Ott said. We help each other when needed and are willing to go the extra mile to make experiences better for our students. When you are willing to work and assist others with issues and problems, they are more than willing to reciprocate.
CAIRO, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Gaza-ruling Hamas continued talks here on Monday with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

Egyptian security sources confirmed to Xinhua that "remarkable progress" was made on Sunday, the first day of the current ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, without providing further details.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the security source said that topics being discussed include a halt to fighting for 40 days during the first phase of the proposed truce, accompanied by the exchange of 40 Israeli hostages, including the elders and civilians, for 400 Palestinian prisoners.

The deal will also ensure entry of 60,000 movable houses, 120,000 tents and 500 aid trucks every day, the source added.

Egypt's state-linked broadcaster Al-Qahera News, citing unnamed security sources, said the current round of talks would be concluded on Monday, adding that Egypt has been working with the Qatari and U.S. sides to reach a "fair deal" on a truce before the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Israel has yet to send a delegation to Cairo. According to Israeli media, the country won't do so unless Hamas provides a list of hostages still alive and the number of Palestinian prisoners that it requires for each hostage.

Israel waged a massive campaign on Gaza after Hamas attacked Israeli towns, killed about 1,200, and took over 200 as hostages on Oct. 7 last year.

Since then, the Israeli retaliation has killed 30,534 Palestinians and wounded 71,920 others, according to the latest data released by Gaza's health ministry on Monday. 
ENERGY Minister Stuart Young has taken umbrage at comments made by Ronald Harford, former chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, as he boasted about the success of the energy sector.

Young said whenever somebody becomes a former, their mouth gets big, as he quoted from an article in Fridays Express report where Harford made critical comments.
Over the last few years, Leon Coldero has arguably become just as renowned for his insatiable cuisine as he is as an entertainer.

Having spent four decades in entertainment, giving soca parang lovers hits that never get old, opening his restaurant was just a natural progression for Coldero, who used the downtime during the Covid-19 pandemic, to delve full throttle into the restaurant business.
A new camera system is being installed along this countrys roadways with the aim of tackling traffic congestion and reducing the countrys crime.

This was said yesterday by Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, who spoke with the media at the intersection of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Golden Grove Road in Piarco.
Li Song (Front, R), China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), speaks during the March meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria, on March 4, 2024. Li on Monday reiterated China's firm opposition to Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, calling for strengthening international supervision over the water release. (Chinese Permanent Mission to UN and other International Organizations in Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENNA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday reiterated China's firm opposition to Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, calling for strengthening international supervision over the water release.

In disregard of the opposition from neighboring countries and concerns of the international community, Japan has so far arbitrarily discharged over 23,000 tonnes of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean, and started the fourth round of wastewater release last week, Li Song, China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told a meeting of the agency's board of governors.

Calling Japan's wastewater discharge an unprecedented move that imposes the risk of nuclear contamination on the world, Li said its unprecedented spillover influence extends far beyond Japan's territory and jurisdiction, and thus it is by no means the country's private matter.

Japan's wastewater release has severely impacted the international nuclear safety system, and by using the IAEA to endorse its discharge plan, Japan has seriously undermined the agency's credibility, Li said.

Li noted that China has firmly opposed Japan's wastewater discharge and urged Japan to stop the release.

In response to Japan's pushing ahead with the wastewater release, China took the lead in calling for strict and effective international supervision over Japan, for the benefit of the marine environment and human health, Li said, adding that it is the firm position and continuous efforts by China and other stakeholders that have driven the IAEA Secretariat to make international monitoring arrangements for Japan's nuclear-contaminated wastewater discharge.

Li said China also supports and actively participates in the IAEA Secretariat's monitoring work in Fukushima and maintains communication with Japan.

China's stance and support are important contributions to the international supervision of the discharge, he said. The substantive participation of China and other stakeholders provides an important guarantee for the international monitoring arrangements to achieve strict, independent and effective supervision, he added.

The Chinese envoy said that China, in a scientific and responsible manner, has raised doubts about Japan's wastewater discharge, such as the plan's legitimacy, safety, potential hazards including bio-concentration, the long-term reliability of Japan's wastewater purification equipment, the accuracy of wastewater data and the effectiveness of the current monitoring arrangements.

However, the long-standing dishonesty, chaotic management and weak supervision of the Tokyo Electric Power Company, the Fukushima plant's operator, have undermined the credibility of Japan's claim of the so-called "safe and reliable" wastewater discharge, Li said.

He added that recent developments, including safety concerns arising from the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and the massive leakage of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima plant's purification equipment, have confirmed the concerns of China and the international community and demonstrated the necessity of strengthening international supervision and monitoring.

Li emphasized that wastewater discharge is not only a scientific issue but also a matter of attitude.

China urges Japan to take seriously the concerns from home and abroad and fully cooperate in establishing long-term, independent and effective international monitoring arrangements that involve the active participation of its neighbors and other stakeholders, Li said, calling on Japan to properly dispose of the Fukushima wastewater and prevent the harm to global marine environment and human health.

He said China stands ready to improve communication and cooperation with all parties, support and actively participate in the monitoring of Japan's discharge and continuously strengthen relevant international supervision, so as to restore clean and safe oceans for people around the world. 
With ten people murdered between Thursday and Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley took to Facebook yesterday to assure citizens that State agencies will not give up the fight to rid our streets and other places of the evil that is now widespread as a gun culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

And in a voice note to the media, Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher said, We are determined to dismantle criminal gangs and make a difference in transforming impacted communities.
Arizona Opera is taking Romeo & Juliette to 1960s Verona when it brings Gounods opera to Linda Ronstadt Music Hall this weekend.

So instead of straight hair, knee breeches and long-sleeve gowns drawn tight at the waist, the star-crossed young lovers will don bouffants and slicked back dos, jeans and leather jackets.

Its the telling of this story through a different time period lens, said Director Patricia Racette, who is making her Arizona Opera directing debut.

Before you get visions of S.E. Hintons The Outsiders or the 1970s Hollywood-by-way-of-Broadway musical Grease, Racette is quick to point out: Its the same story of two young lovers trying to navigate their families histories of hate to find forever happiness that does not end well as originally conceived by William Shakespeare.

Well still hear Gounods wonderful score, under the baton of conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell, but instead of stiff-armed ballroom dancing, the guests at the ball will slip in some more recognizable dance moves choreographed by Jennifer Seigle.

The ball guests will be dressed in black and white, resembling the celebrities attending Truman Capotes iconic 1966 Black and White Ball that inspired Racette.

The use of black and white is to symbolize the dysfunction and hatred, and color (added later) expresses the love, she explained during a rehearsal break in Phoenix, where the show opened last weekend.

In the dramatic fight scenes, Tybalt and Mercutio attack one another with switchblades, which might recall a scene from Leonard Bernsteins iconic West Side Story, another contemporary take on Shakespeare.

Taking Romeo & Juliette out of its late 19th century Verona setting is nothing new. Opera companies have been pushing that envelope for decades, as they should, said Racette.

If we do not push the envelopes and find new ways to tell these stories, I fear for the art forms future, she said.

Racette is speaking from both sides of the stage when she talks about opera needing to reach new and younger audiences. She has spent more than 30 years singing, including appearing in Arizona Operas 2022 production of A Little Night Music. In 2018, she landed her first directing role with a new production of La Traviata at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where she was recently named artistic director of the companys Gerdine Young Artist and Richard Gaddes Festival Artist programs.

What excites me about doing that is the ability to offer my skills and expertise through a different lens, to stay involved in an art form I spent my life honing, she said. It gives me a cross section of what this art form is and  to be able to experience it is wonderful.

This is the first time Arizona Opera has staged Gounods tragic opera, based on Shakespeares equally tragic play, since the 2012-13 season. The piece makes its way into the companys repertoire every 10 years or so, with the exception of the 15-year break between 1997 and 2012.

Performances, which run 2 hours and 56 minutes with a 30-minute intermission, are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Tickets are $30-$125 through tickets.azopera.org.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, the opera will host Pride Night inside Music Hall, featuring a special pre-show reception, signature cocktails, raffles and a curated gallery show of selected works by local queer artists from Phoenix and Tucson. Admission is free for ticketholders.
Americans today live longer and stay healthier later in life than previous generations, studies show.

For some, it is in their genes. Others may have consistently led a healthy and active lifestyle. If you do not fall into one of those two categories, dont leave your aging future to the luck of the draw.

An innovative 10-week series of classes led by Pima Council on Aging will help people aged 50 and older master the next stages of their lives.

Pima Council on Aging is a Tucson-based community resource that helps older adults maintain independence and health. It will launch a series on mastering aging on March 19th.

The series, designed for those who want help navigating the next set of lifes changes, offers a comprehensive approach to aging well. Whether moving from worker to retiree or middle-aged to growing older, aging can be mastered and enjoyable.

This 10-week series, a program of the National Council on Aging will take place in person at PCOAs Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 S. Country Club Road.

Local experts will join Karen Fogas, healthy living program director with PCOA, in discussions based on research-backed ways to gain skills and options for wellness choices and innovative approaches to stay healthier longer and extend years of health at any age.

The program includes the following classes: Navigating Longer Lives; Exercise and You; Sleep; Financial Fitness; Advance Planning; Healthy Relationships; Healthy Eating and Hydration; Medication Management; Fall Prevention; and Community Engagement.

Fogas directs the local program and says participants love it.

They want to learn more, stay engaged, and stay connected with the friends they have made, she said.

PCOA was hand-picked by the national organization to offer the innovative curriculum. The core mission of the program is to help people enjoy meaningful lives, master the art of aging and prepare for the gift of a longer life.

The program also aims to change societal expectations about the roles and responsibilities of older adults and to create fun and easy-to-follow pathways for getting more out of life, as tangible results of mastering are the tenets of healthier aging.

Expert speakers, group discussions, peer support, and small rewards will give participants the skills to achieve measurable improvements.

In-person classes start March 19. The 10 weekly sessions will continue every Tuesday through May 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Registration includes 10 weeks of the Aging Mastery Program, costs $89 per person, and is payable in advance through Tuesday, March 5. After March 5, the fee increases to $99 per person. Registration will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14.
Pipeline AZ and Pima Joint Technical Education District (JTED) are introducing a platform for students to explore employment opportunities within their fields of interest.

The launch aims to make career development opportunities more accessible for Pima County residents, boost individual student success and answer the employment needs of Southern Arizonas economy.

The career ecosystem is guided by professionals from local businesses to ensure that students are entering the job market with relevant skills and have developed a career pathway, the organizations said in a news release.

It will promote skills development opportunities for industries such as construction, health care and computer science.

Key features of the new platform include:

 Connecting alumni with employers, and matching alumni to employment opportunities and on-the-job learning experiences, including internships and work-based learning opportunities.

 Helping young professionals who complete JTED easily transfer to the JTED alumni network with its K-12 Student Profile, featuring skills, certifications and licenses for job matching.

 Enabling Pima County employers to search for and connect with Pima JTED candidates.

Electric food carts in Vail

Vail Unified School District now has electric food carts at three of its high school campuses, in partnership with the districts food service provider Aramark Student Nutrition.

The fully electric food carts are meant to help serve meals to students, flexibly.

The three Godega food carts are at Mica Mountain High School, Cienega High School and Andrada High School.

Students can receive a full, reimbursable lunch and snack bar item from the Godega during school hours. All meals are part of the nutritional program and are Smart Snack compliant.

Sahuaro hosts guitar festival

Sahuaro High School hosted the First TUSD Guitar Festival on Monday.

The one-day festival offered hands-on workshops for Tucson students from 11 schools, culminating in a concert Monday night.

The event was hosted by Sahuaro faculty and Philip Hemmo (former professor of guitar, University of Arizona, Pima Community College and Northern Arizona University, and featured workshops with Martha Masters (professor of guitar, Arizona State University), Charles Hulihan (professor of guitar, Glendale Community College) and Michael Lich (professor of guitar, PCC).

Altar Valley board vacancy

The Altar Valley Elementary School District has a vacancy on its governing board with the resignation of Robert Ethridge.

Under state law, the board may submit up to three names to the Pima County school superintendent, Dustin J. Williams, who will appoint a member to fill the vacancy but is not required to choose from that list.

Candidates who would like to be considered must submit an affidavit of qualification and a candidate appointment questionnaire to the County School Superintendents Office by 5 p.m. on March 20. The application packet can be found at schools.pima.gov/elections.

The term runs though Dec. 31 and the seat will be on the November general election ballot.
A 1951 plane crash in Iran killed an Oklahoma educator who had learned how to walk the tightrope of politics to keep his job as president of Oklahoma A & M College for 23 years.

The educator was Henry G. Bennett, who had taken a leave of absence from A & M, now Oklahoma State University, to lead President Harry S. Truman's Point Four program. Bennett's wife, Vera, and six other Americans also died in the Dec. 22 crash that killed 19.

In his State of the Union speech a few weeks later, Truman called Bennett a "great public servant who was leading an effort to bring opportunity and hope to the people of half the world."

Truman had proposed a plan for peace and freedom, the fourth point of which involved "making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of the underdeveloped areas." He picked Bennett to lead what became known as the Point Four program.

Bennett said the program was not designed to give anything away to foreign countries.

"It is just hard business. If we can make these countries self-supporting in a free world, we have strengthened the freedoms of all. Our aim is to increase the production of the backward areas in food, clothing and shelter."

Bennett sent technical experts to more than 30 nations to teach "how to get more per acre through better planting, better seeds or better livestock strains."

Bennett's party was en route from Baghdad, Iraq, to Tehran when it ran into a blinding snowstorm. The pilot was told to go to Basra, Iraq, or back to Baghdad, but the plane crashed into a mountain north of Tehran.

It wasn't the first time Bennett had served the government. He was a 1945 delegate to the Quebec International Foods and Agricultural Organization that charted food rehabilitation for war-ravaged countries in Europe.

He served on a U.S. Army agricultural survey in U.S.-occupied Germany in 1949 and was appointed to counsel Ethiopian leaders on agriculture and education.

Bennett was granted an indefinite leave from his academic duties and was sworn in as an assistant secretary of state on Dec. 1, 1950.

Bennett, a native of Arkansas, was president of Southeastern Oklahoma State College for nine years before taking the helm at A & M in 1928. In an era when few college presidents lasted more than one gubernatorial administration, Bennett's tenure was 23 years.

Bennett became a central figure in a tightly knit group of schoolmaster politicians. Southern Baptist churches were considered the state's most powerful political constituency; Bennett was the son of a Baptist minister and was a leader in his church and in the denomination.

He was often mentioned as a potential candidate for governor, but he never filed.

Many advances were made at A & M under Bennett -- a fire training school, a graduate school, a branch college at Okmulgee, a veterinary medicine division and many new buildings. During World War II, A & M trained more than 40,000 people for national defense duty, operating a school for WAVES, and offering instruction in radar and Asian languages.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
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

Owasso City Manager Warren Lehr retired from office this month.

The longtime public official left his position on Friday, March 1, and handed the reins to former Assistant City Manager Chris Garrett.

I confidently and strongly endorse Mr. Garrett as the best possible person able to assure a continuity of leadership and direction for all City of Owasso departments and services, Lehr previously said in an email to city staff.

Lehr in January 2023 announced his plans to leave his government leadership role  a job he held for the last decade  citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other endeavors.

Im excited to move on to the next season of life, said Lehr, who has been involved in city administration in Oklahoma for 16 years, starting at the City of Owasso in 2007 and moving to his current role in 2014.

Garrett stepped in for Lehr on Friday. Prior to filling his new role, Garrett dedicated his life to firefighting for more than 40 years, with more than 10 of them serving at the Owasso Fire Department, with half that time as chief.

Im very happy for Warren and his family, but I will miss his leadership when the transition is complete, Garrett said.

As far as my moving into the new role after Warren retires, I am truly thrilled and energized by the opportunity and look forward to serving the community, City Council and City staff in this capacity.

Former Democrat state senator J.J. Dossett was hired in November to fill Garretts former role as assistant city manager.

Lehr departs the city with several achievements, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Owasso Chamber of Commerce, and being among five city managers across the state to be nominated by the City Management Association of Oklahoma for the Gerald Wilkins Award.

The accolade credits individuals with strengthening city management through their stable length of service, dedication to civic activities.

He will continue to serve as a member of Follower of One, a local charitable organization where he has been involved for many years.
Two poll workers unintentionally rattled David Bohlken two decades ago when he walked into a petite country church near Tulsa to vote for his first time as an Oklahoman.

They wouldnt offer him a ballot. Only a cup of coffee.

The ballot got flipped upside down on me. I wasnt even allowed to look at it, Bohlken said, noting that the two apologetic poll volunteers  his friends  were just doing their jobs. That kind of made me feel bad.

Bohlken grew up in Minnesota, a state with open primaries, where all registered voters may participate in any partys primary election. He didnt realize his status as a registered independent in Oklahoma would exclude him from partisan primaries.

Millions of voters in states like Oklahoma with primaries that are at least partially closed are shut out from voting in contested races because of their independent status or party affiliation, denying participation in elections their tax dollars fund.

In some cases, those primaries decide who wins the seat outright.

Across nine closed or partially closed primary states, about two in five registered voters in districts with contested U.S. Congressional primary elections in the 2022 midterms were barred from casting ballots in those races, according to a Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism team analysis of publicly available data.

Similarly, about two in five registered voters throughout those nine states in districts with contested state legislative primaries in 2022 were prohibited from participation.

In 181 of those 590 contested federal and state primaries, disallowed voters were entirely blocked from a choice in who represents them because the primaries decided who won the office  either directly or with an uncontested general election, according to Lee Enterprises analysis.

Thats almost one in three districts where the excluded voters had no say in their representation.

Jeremy Gruber, a lawyer and senior vice president of Open Primaries, a national advocacy group, frames the issue in stark terms.

There's a country where when you vote in the general election, half the time there's only one person on the ballot. Almost every time it's an uncompetitive election, and half the voters in the country are barred from the first round or limited, Gruber said. And even the voters that can participate are segregated into warring camps. People would say, Well, that doesn't make sense. That doesn't sound democratic.

Where is that? What strange country has that system? But that's us. That's our system.

Gruber is part of a burgeoning movement across the U.S. to open up primaries so all registered voters can participate.

As the 2024 election season begins, there are already about a dozen active campaigns in states across the U.S., including Oklahoma, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho.

Proponents who are pushing for changes  through citizen-led ballot initiatives, state law changes or even lawsuits  say open primaries strengthen American democracy by allowing all registered voters equal access to taxpayer-funded elections while broadening voter choice and improving outcomes through competition.

But open primary efforts are running up against opposition from some political party leaders and partisans who think only party members should choose their candidates for the general election.

In the 20 years since Bohlken first tried to vote in Oklahoma, the states Democratic Party has opened its primaries to independent voters. But neither Republicans nor Libertarians have followed suit.

State Sen. Nathan Dahm, chair of the Oklahoma GOP, said he adamantly opposes open primaries because political parties are private organizations with specific ideals that should be able to decide who participates in their affairs  primary elections included.

"You don't want the out-of-town atheist coming in and voting on who your next pastor should be in your church," Dahm said.

Dahm said no requirements force a person to vote in a primary. In fact, he said, most registered voters don't participate. And many citizens aren't even registered to vote.

"The purpose of the primary is for the party to determine who they want to be their nominee," Dahm said.

However, primaries often are where the real decisions are made, Gruber said. General elections in most state and federal races have ceased to be determinative, he said, becoming more of a dance  a formality.

All of a sudden, we've allowed the parties to control the process that we pay for  that our tax dollars pay for  and it's perverted our democracy in all kinds of ways, Gruber said.

Most U.S. states have some form of open primary  even if advocates like Gruber argue they're more limited or less inclusive than they should be. He emphasized that the de facto model for municipal governments are nonpartisan elections, which he said are effective and elicit the highest satisfaction in voter surveys.

Bohlken, a farmer and rancher who lives in Leonard, an unincorporated town near Tulsa, described his move to Oklahoma from Minnesota as a sort of slap in the face politically. His voting power was erased from primaries that his tax dollars support.

As an independent, he prefers to carefully consider candidates from both sides of the aisle.

I feel like I hesitate to say this out loud, but the primaries seem to drive a lot of real zealots  some people who are really extreme in their views, Bohlken said. So those few people who can show up for a primary really determine whos going to be put in office. And that just kind of freaks me out.

What research has found

The high level of voter disenfranchisement that Lee Enterprises analysis found in states such as Oklahoma was surprising even to a researcher who studies open primaries.

Thats nuts, said John Johnson, a research fellow at Marquette University in Wisconsin, a state with open primaries. Johnson said he would be angry if he lived in a state in which he couldnt participate in the primary, particularly if the general election wasnt competitive.

In stark contrast, Wisconsins open primary system doesnt require voters to register with a party and allows them to decide in which partys primary they want to vote.

Its mostly people just voting with the party that they prefer, and then when they cross over its because they genuinely feel some stake in the contest thats happening inside the other party, Jo hnson said.

Johnsons research has found that crossover voting  when Republicans vote in a Democratic primary, for example  happens at such low levels as to be inconsequential in swaying the results, despite fears of party-raiding expressed by opponents of open primaries.

In analyzing both the 2016 and 2018 Wisconsin primaries, an identical share of Republicans and Democrats  2%  crossed over to the opposite party.

Even if this tiny share of people were indeed party raiding, they canceled each other out, Johnson wrote in a summary of the study. But there is no good evidence suggesting they werent voting in good faith.

Still, high-profile stories of voters trying to disrupt primary elections pop up.

For example, some Democratic and independent voters in Wyoming crossed over to the Republican primary in 2022 to try to save former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney from her GOP challenger. They were unsuccessful as Cheney lost by more than 30 percentage points.

Johnson thinks the academic literature is pretty settled in that open primaries dont cause harm  but they do increase voter turnout.

The Bipartisan Policy Center examined the 2022 midterm primaries and found that open primary states had higher voter turnout on average than closed primary states.

The average turnout was 24.5% in states with fully open primaries or what are referred to as top-two or top-four formats, according to Bipartisan Policy Centers analysis. Meanwhile, average turnout was just 21.5% in states with semi-open primaries and 20.7% in states with closed primaries.

Fully open primaries allow individuals to decide in which partys primary they want to vote. Top-two or top-four formats place all candidates on a common ballot for all voters, with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election.

Generally, partially open primaries permit independent or unaffiliated voters to choose a partys primary but dont allow party members to switch to another partys primary.

Closed primaries only authorize party members to vote and only within their designated party. And partially closed primaries let the recognized parties decide whether any independent or unaffiliated or minor party voters can participate.

Primary systems can be nuanced and vary widely by state.

For example, Nevada and New Mexico  technically closed primary states  allow any person to register to vote or switch parties at the polls on primary day.

Other state deadlines for switching parties are weeks or months in advance of primary elections.

Wyoming, for example, requires that individuals who want to change or declare a new party affiliation for the primary must do so before the candidate filing period even begins.

Oklahoma Republican mayor reverses view

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, a Republican, is now one of the faces of a grassroots movement to open up the Sooner states primaries, called Oklahoma United For Progress.

But a decade earlier, he said he wrongly campaigned against the concept.

Bynum, then a city councilor, opposed the citizen-led ballot question that made Tulsas municipal elections nonpartisan on his mistaken belief that political parties fundamentally are supposed to educate and motivate voters. He had feared voter interest would wane in a nonpartisan process.

At the core of Bynums change of heart?

He said he unexpectedly unseated the Republican incumbent for mayor in 2016 by building a broad coalition that he couldnt have mobilized in a partisan primary. And contrary to his belief, average voter turnout in the three mayoral primaries after Tulsa switched to nonpartisan elections rose 35% compared to the same period before the reform.

In his 2020 re-election bid, Bynum said the center held despite a strong primary challenge from his ideological left and right opponents.

The fact that Im sitting here as a mayor right now and didnt lose in 2020 is testament to the fact that most people are not in the vocal, angry extremes, Bynum told a crowd in July at a burger restaurant in Oklahoma City. Most people are in between there somewhere, but theyre not as loud.

The Lee Enterprises analysis of publicly available voter data for the 2022 midterm primary illustrates how Oklahomas partially closed system  and others like it  stifles voter participation.

In districts with contested U.S. House races, about 49% of registered voters  or 889,880 eligible Oklahomans  were shut out from casting a ballot in them.

Similarly, about 45% of registered voters  or 350,669 eligible Oklahomans  in contested State House races and about 40%  or 252,197  in contested State Senate races were blocked from voting in them.

And 31 of those 52 contested state and federal seats  about 60%  were decided outright by the primary and not the general election, meaning hundreds of thousands of registered voters who were disallowed a primary voice had no vote at all for who would represent them in public office.

Bynum called that data one of the great arguments in favor of open primaries. From a democracy standpoint, he said, its much better to have elected leaders chosen by all of the people  not half of half the people, in many cases.

Dahm, who has been chair of the Oklahoma GOP since May, said it isn't fair to consider closed primaries as keeping voters from participating because all someone has to do is register with the party.

He said Democrats weren't pushing for open primaries when they had control of the state 20 years ago.

"What happened is Republicans organized better," Dahm said. "We got better candidates  people that better represent the will of the people in those districts  and we flipped those seats from Democrat seats to Republican seats.

"And if those people want to continue to participate in that, they can become registered Republicans."

Privately, Bynum said he hears from many elected officials who support the open primaries effort but wont do so in the open.

The party in control in a state  no matter whether Republican or Democrat  doesnt have incentive to change a system that could loosen its grip on power, he said.

He said he is sticking out his neck publicly for a shot at generational change because he sees better focus on policy and improved outcomes in nonpartisan races.

I think a fear of (open primaries) would betray a lack of confidence in the ideas that one political party or another is supporting, Bynum said.

Organized party pushback in some states like Missouri

While momentum to open up primaries is building among the countrys independent voters, some states  including Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio  are facing action in the other direction, forcing advocates to play defense.

In Missouri, voting rights advocates like Denise Lieberman of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition so far have successfully staved off Republican efforts to close the states open primaries, but the threat is constantly looming, she said.

Major changes to the states voting system already have taken place, such as the 2022 elimination of the Republican presidential primary election in favor of a caucus system, which tends to encourage participation by loyal party members and decrease turnout overall.

This is all part of a national trend to constrict who is able to cast a ballot, Lieberman said. I do think these efforts to close primaries that weve seen in about a half-dozen states are part of this effort to make the electorate smaller.

Lieberman said a consequence of shutting out voters from primaries is making them feel like it was rigged from the beginning.

What we know from the data is that fewer and fewer people are choosing to affiliate with the major political parties, Lieberman said. If you have no say in who the party candidate is going to be, why even bother to show up at the general election to vote?

It remains to be seen what happens in this legislative session in Missouri. A Republican state senator who last year sponsored a bill to close primary elections, Sen. Andrew Koenig, doesnt appear to be focused on it in 2024.

Dave Evans, communications director for the senator, said I dont know that thats an issue thats going to be a burning issue this year.

But Evans said the senators view hasnt changed on the matter.

In fact, the Missouri Republican Party states on its party platform that it believes in closed primaries requiring all voters who cast a ballot to declare a partisan affiliation and maintain declared party affiliations as a public record.

Political parties are in fact private organizations, Evans said. They ought to have the right to have freedom of association like any other group.

Independents the new plurality in Arizona

In swing-state Arizona, independent voters, or individuals not with a recognized party, became the plurality of registered voters in October.

But those voters are excluded from the states version of a presidential primary, called a presidential preference election.

Ray Kimball is a retired U.S. Army officer who is a relatively new independent voter in Arizona after nearly three decades as a registered Republican.

Kimball said the GOP alienated him over its refusal to acknowledge that Joe Biden is the duly elected president, prompting his move to independent status.

Kimballs wife received notice in the mail of the forthcoming presidential preference election and that she automatically will get her partys ballot. Kimball himself wont be sent any such mail and won't be able to participate in what he called a crucial election.

Im fiercely proud of my vote, and I will cast it at any opportunity available, said Kimball, who lives in Gilbert in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro. Im just angry that I dont have the ability to make that voice heard in every election. I think thats wrong.

Kimball, who works in higher education after his military retirement, is open to considering a return to the GOP if it were to find its bearings and embrace reality. But he does find meaning in his fresh status as an independent.

I feel proud to be close to what George Washingtons original vision for politics in this country was  he warned against partisan politics, Kimball said. He was concerned about what it would do to our country. So I feel proud that Im exercising a political tradition that has its roots in the origin of our country.

Paul Johnson, a former Democrat mayor of Phoenix, is helping lead the Save Democracy Arizona petition effort to enshrine nonpartisan primaries and uniform signature requirements into the state Constitution. As it stands, Arizona law requires independent or unaffiliated individuals who want to run for legislative office to come up with tens of thousands of signatures more than someone who is with a recognized political party.

Now an independent, Johnson said voters breaking away from a desire to be identified as a member of a party is one of the most powerful movements ongoing in American politics.

The countrys single greatest achievement has been to empower individuals over itself, he said. He added that the magical key to democracy is talking to people with whom you dont necessarily agree.

The single biggest thing that defines (the parties) is they hate each other. They cannot stand one another, Johnson said. And my answer is, I dont want to eliminate them. I want to get the best from them.

Pennsylvania voters push for open primaries

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is closer than it ever has been to adopting an open primary system. But its not there yet.

For the first time in October, a bill to open up primary elections to an estimated 1.2 million excluded unaffiliated and independent Pennsylvania voters passed out of a house legislative committee.

One of the key proponents of the bill, Democratic Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, said he feels a shift, that more and more folks are coming on board.

The proposal has been around forever and its the first time it passed the House (committee), Solomon said. I think its a really big deal.  We need to finally get this bill to the finish line.

However, the full House chamber still hasnt acted on the bill yet. A spokesperson for the House speaker, who has the power to call the bill down for a vote, told Lee Enterprises that the measure is currently being reviewed.

Solomon says hes pushing hard on this because he believes its the right thing to do.

The fastest group of unaffiliated independent voters are people aged 18 to 35, he said. Imagine youre a new voter in Pennsylvania and were basically saying to you no thanks, not welcome, not here.

At the same time, Solomon said the state will take their tax money to prop up the primary system.

It doesnt really roll out of the welcome mat, he said. This is not the look we want in PA.

One of those new young voters is Ethan Barnes, a Dickinson College student who was disappointed to find out upon moving to Pennsylvania that he wouldnt be able to vote in primary elections unless he registered as a Democrat or a Republican.

But at heart, hes an independent, just like his dad, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who instilled in him the importance of being politically active at a young age.

Its really sad that you cant register as an independent and still be able to be as politically active as you could if you were registered as either a Democrat or Republican, Barnes said. Thats what many of my friends (and I) have had to go through.

Why should I not be able to participate just because Im registered as an independent? Barnes said.

The issue led Barnes to join BallotPA, a statewide advocacy group of independent and unaffiliated voters who are trying to push lawmakers on the issue.

I always cared a lot about politics, but I dont know if I would have imagined myself getting this strongly involved in the fight for open primaries, Barnes said. But Im happy that I did.  I think the ability to participate in politics and being able to vote should be open to all.
Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Trying to influence U.S. Senate Republicans leadership decision would be a lose-lose proposition for former President Donald Trump and the party, U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin said during an interview with CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday.

My advice to President Trump  which, President Trump is his own man; hes going to make his own decision  is to kind of stay out of the race because its a lose-lose situation, Mullin said on CNNs State of the Union. He needs to work with (the Senate GOP leader). And (whoever) the leader is  understands theyre going to need to work with President Trump, too. Its not really in his best interest (for Trump) to lean in the race at this point.

However, Mullin concluded, if he chooses to do it, it will make a difference.

Mullin is close to Trump and described himself as very good friends with Whip John Thune of South Dakota, who Mullin is supporting as the next GOP leader following Mitch McConnells retirement from the position at the end of the year.

Other candidates include Texas Sen. John Cornyn, Wyomings Sen. John Barrasso and possibly Floridas Sen. Rick Scott.

Asked about Thunes sometimes cool relationship with Trump, Mullin said Thune understands that Trump is likely to be the partys 2024 presidential nominee and that Republicans need to unite behind him.

Thune and I are very good friends, Mullin said. Thats why my support is with him. That doesnt say anything bad about the other candidates.  Im just better friends with Thune, and Ive seen his leadership skills  when Mitch was unable to be at the Capitol because of some illnesses.

I saw Thune step up in a very effective manner, Mullin said. What I look for in a leadership position is someone who can lead in a very dangerous and critical time, and thats something I saw John Thune do.

On a different subject, Mullin said he believes that the House of Representatives will pass a simpler version of a bill combining border security and aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific than the one negotiated in the Senate.

If it passes the House, it will pass the Senate, he said.

Mullin also said he supports in vitro fertilization and would support federal legislation to protect it if the Alabama Legislature does not take action to reverse that states Supreme Court ruling that current law requires the preservation of frozen embryos used in the process.

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HARARE, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda on Monday confirmed the presence of light oil condensate, gas and helium in the Cabora Bassa basin in northern Zimbabwe.

Recent analysis of fluid samples from the Mukuyu-2 rig has confirmed the positive development, the minister said.

"Today, I wish to give as breaking news the fact that results obtained recently from the laboratory analysis conducted do indeed confirm the presence of not only natural gas, but also the presence of light oil condensate as well as helium and hydrogen in the Mukuyu deposit," Soda said in a statement.

Soda said Zimbabwe is on course to be counted as a player in the oil and gas industry, adding that investors are now focusing on early commercializing and monetizing of the declared discoveries while exploration work continues.

Australian firm Invictus Energy, which is undertaking exploration work in the Cabora Bassa basin, confirmed the development in an update on Monday.

"The results from Mukuyu-2 are consistent with our geological modeling of the Cabora Bassa basin and the presence of both light oil and gas-condensate provides us with confidence as we prepare for the next phase of our appraisal program and work toward the monetization of the Mukuyu gas discoveries and further exploration of our exciting portfolio of multiple drill ready prospects which has been substantially enhanced by the positive results from Mukuyu," it said.

Last December, Invictus Energy confirmed a gas discovery in the Cabora Bassa basin, describing the discovery as one of the most significant developments in the onshore oil and gas industry in southern Africa for decades. 
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  Oklahomans need to get ready for a new reality in aerospace, along with a new word  vertiport  to describe where the future will take off.

Thats the gist of a bill advancing at the Oklahoma Capitol. Senate Bill 1912 not only introduces the concept of vertiports, but its also meant to ensure that Oklahoma has a good plan in place for successfully integrating rapidly developing technology into the states airspace.

Its passage would lay the groundwork for development of a statewide system of vertiports and other infrastructure needed to integrate advanced air mobility  or AAM  and uncrewed aerial systems  or UAS  into the existing air transportation system.

Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, said he introduced the measure at the request of the city of Tulsa. It also was recommended as part of the states evolving AAM Strategic Plan.

Drones are going to be a major part of our life going forward, Haste said, (and) Tulsa is going to be a major player in this.

Vertiport is a new term being used by the aerospace industry and Federal Aviation Administration, Haste said. In the future, vertiports established in cities such as Tulsa and even in small towns are expected to be centers of activity of non-traditional aircraft capable of vertical takeoffs and landings. Theyll be different from helipads built for helicopters, Haste said, and likely will accommodate a variety of UAS involved in everything from monitoring utility infrastructure to making commercial deliveries for companies like Amazon.

The FAA will set general standards for states related to vertiports, and localities will determine where they actually go, Haste said.

He said Oklahoma is in prime position to be a national hub for the development, testing and integration of new UAS and AAM technology.

In September 2022, the Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility consortium, led by the Indian Nations Council of Governments, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, the Osage Nation, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Ports, the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and the George Kaiser Family Foundation, was named to receive a $39 million federal grant to ramp up research, development and manufacturing in the field of unmanned aircraft and autonomous vehicles. In addition to the grant, TRAM received $32 million in cash and in-kind assistance, including $10 million from the George Kaiser Family Foundation and OSU.

Haste said the Choctaw Nation also has been heavily involved in charting the future of UAS operations and that the FAA in Oklahoma City has been involved in adopting rules for UAS operations.

Tulsa has a lot of manufacturing related to aerospace and aeronautics, (and) we see picking up stuff related to drone manufacturing, he added.

We have over 1,100 companies in the state that are manufacturing in the aerospace and aeronautics space, and other companies may be primed to move into that space, as well. Oklahoma is just very ripe for this.

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Authorities in Da Nang City, central Vietnam have suggested the creation of the country's inaugural pilot free trade zone (FTZ), which includes incentives for foreigners, aiming to generate a new development boost for the coastal city.

The Da Nang administration recently sent a dispatch to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, proposing the establishment of a pilot FTZ that would encompass Lien Chieu Sea Port and Da Nang International Airport and would benefit from specific mechanisms and policies tailored for the city's development.

The ministry has been collecting feedback on these proposals before completing and submitting them to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper reported.

Da Nang authorities envision the proposed FTZ as Vietnam's first, functioning as a hub for export processing, logistics, trade and service operations, and duty-free businesses.

Businesses in the FTZ will benefit from standard economic zone incentives plus additional city-specific policies aimed at fostering breakthroughs, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The central government will streamline regulations governing the organization, operation, and policies of the Da Nang FTZ, prioritizing convenience and competition for businesses while ensuring effective management.

The proposal grants municipal authorities the power to invest in, establish, and adjust the general planning of the FTZ according to the city's plan.

It also authorizes them to acquire land for FTZ construction.

The FTZ will implement preferential policies on export tax, import tax, special consumption tax, and value-added tax, mirroring those applied to non-tariff zones as per legal regulations.

The zone can establish customs sub-departments in its sub-zones for customs procedures, inspection, and supervision.

This conforms to regulations for customs agencies operating outside border gates, complemented by remote monitoring through smart devices.

International tourists, domestic tourists, and local residents are allowed to enter and exit the FTZs subdivisions on the basis of compliance with its operating regulations.

Infrastructure investors in the FTZ will receive allocated land available for lease or sublease, akin to practices in economic zones, industrial parks, and export processing zones.

Foreigners holding visas valid for less than three months and Vietnamese citizens planning to leave Vietnam can buy duty-free goods in the FTZ without limitations on quantity or value for bringing out of the country.

Foreign and Vietnamese tourists staying in Da Nang for one day or more can buy duty-free goods in the FTZ for use in Vietnam, subject to restrictions.

Each person is allowed to make one purchase per day and no more than three times a month.

Buyers are required to adhere to specified quantity limits for certain items during each entry and exit from the FTZ.

The Da Nang administration suggests permitting the establishment of medical facilities and high-class hospitals in the FTZ, along with other proposed policies and regulations, according to VietnamFinance e-magazine.

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The Vietnamese Ministry of Construction has proposed individuals engaging in small-scale property trade should be allowed to sell or lease three to five houses or apartments each per year.

If the number of sold or leased houses exceeds five, they will have to establish enterprises, according to the ministrys proposal in the draft decree guiding the implementation of some articles of the 2023 Law on Real Estate Business.

In particular, individuals trading real estate products on a small scale will not have to set up real estate firms, but they will still be required to declare and pay taxes in line with the law.

The Ministry of Construction has outlined three criteria for identifying small-scale property traders.

The first category includes those who transfer or lease three to five existing or undeveloped houses or apartments, or five to ten construction projects annually.

The second criterion identifies individuals as small property traders if they sell or lease property projects, each covering 1,000-2,000 square meters of land in urban areas or 3,000-5,000 square meters in rural areas per year.

The third criterion proposed by the ministry designates small-scale real estate traders as individuals involved in developing housing projects with two or more floors and fewer than 20 apartments. It also includes those selling and leasing inherited houses and houses of gratitude.

Currently, there are no regulations limiting the number of transactions for individuals trading in real estate projects without forming companies

According to real estate brokers, the regulation, if approved, will make life of swing traders harder.

If their transactions surpass the limit, they will have to set up companies, meeting with stricter requirements.

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Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- A planning and investment official of Ho Chi Minh City recently revealed that the municipal administration has resumed a commercial complex project that is located in a quadrangle known as Ma Lang in District 1, just one year after canceling it.

-- A foundation chaired by Akie Abe, the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wife, donated dozens of wheelchairs to individuals with mobility challenges in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Sunday.

-- Forest rangers in Son Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, located in south-central Vietnam, are actively searching for the person who promoted the sale of two endangered, rare cobras that are banned from being hunted and traded on Facebook on Sunday.

Business

-- The Ministry of Planning and Investment is actively pursuing a plan to establish an international financial hub and a free trade zone in Da Nang City.

Lifestyle

-- A field along Nguyen Thi Danh Road in Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City has bustled with people flying kites and enjoying kite-watching on recent weekends.

-- Vietnamese designer Phan Huy has showcased new designs inspired by Vietnamese caves like Son Doong, Thien Duong, and Phong Nha at Paris Fashion Week 2024, which runs from February 25 to March 5.

World News

-- A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the remote Macquarie Island region in the south Pacific Monday, but there was no threat of a tsunami, AFP quoted U.S. meteorologists as saying.

-- Thousands of visitors queued up to attend a farewell event for Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in South Korea, at a zoo in Seoul on Sunday ahead of the beloved animals scheduled return to China, according to Reuters.

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Vietnamese mobile network operators have been committed to providing commercial 5G services on a nationwide basis this year.

At a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and state-run enterprises on Sunday, Tao Duc Thang, chairman and general director of military-run telecom group Viettel, said the group would invest heavily in digital infrastructure this year.

Vietnam will put an end to 2G services by September this year, Thang said, adding that Viettel will provide 5G nationwide in 2024.

The group will invest nearly VND30 trillion (US$1.2 billion) in bands, including a system to expand the 5G service to remote areas, Thang added.

Viettel has deployed over 500 5G base stations across Vietnam, while studying, producing, piloting its comprehensive 5G ecosystem, spanning both hardware and software.

The company aims to unveil its 5G ecosystem and commence commercialization in Vietnam and beyond this year.

Since 2020, Vietnams three biggest mobile network operators, including Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone, have launched 5G on a trial basis. They have collected necessary data for the commercialization of 5G.

A MobiFone representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the firm had trialed 5G in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue City in central Thua Thien-Hue Province, Nha Trang City in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, Phu Quoc City off Kien Giang Province in the south, and Hung Yen Province in northern Vietnam.

The MobiFone representative affirmed that the company would provide 5G services, such as online cloud gaming, virtual reality, extended reality, and others, to customers.

Meanwhile, VNPT said 5G services for Vinaphone subscribers have been launched in 16 cities and provinces. At present, some 18 percent of VNPT's customers use 5G.

The company will definitely commercialize 5G this year as required by the Ministry of Information and Communications, VNPT chairman To Dung Thai confirmed, noting that the group is committed to ensuring effective service rollout through careful planning.

Many experts in the telecom sector have agreed that 2024 is the time to commercialize 5G in Vietnam due to the strong development of the digital economy and the high demand for Internet connection of not only individual devices but also Internet of things (IoT) and industrial devices.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung also confirmed at a Viettel Group conference in January that 5G would be commercialized this year.

It would have been costly to commercialize 5G four years ago. At the time, Vietnam could provide 5G coverage for 20-30 percent of the population only, the minister added.

However, he assessed Vietnamese telecom service providers networks were not as developed as expected.

The minimum and average 4G speed in Vietnam reaches 10-15 and 30-40 Mbps, respectively, which are not high, Minister Hung said, requiring that the minimum 5G speed should hit 100 Mbps and the average speed should be over 300 Mbps.

The commercialization of 5G services in Vietnam is expected to spark a fresh wave of mobile services and applications, said Anh Hong, a spokesperson from the 24hStore mobile and electronic retail chain.

"We are excited about the potential for app developers to harness the full benefits of 5G," she remarked.

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The Japanese Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution, chaired by Akie Abe, the wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, donated dozens of wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Sunday.

The donation was part of the inaugural 'Vietnam-Japan Exchange Toward the Future' program conducted by the foundation in collaboration with Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa on March 3, supporting a cultural exchange and local residents.

The three recipients of the wheelchairs include the Da Nang Social Support Center, Da Nang Association for People with Disabilities, and Association for People with Disabilities in Lien Chieu District.

The widow commented that Vietnam has achieved rapid development in the past few years, expressing her hope that the more the country develops, the more its citizens awareness of cultural and customs preservation is enhanced.

A truly developed and happy country is one where every citizen desires peace not just for their own nation but for the entire world, said the late Japanese PM's wife.

Akie Abe, the wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, receives a certificate of appreciation from a leader of Da Nang City, March 3, 2024. Photo: Doan Nhan / Tuoi Tre

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Takio Yamada commented that the donation to disabled people in Da Nang is a symbol of the connection between the hearts of the citizens of Japan and Vietnam.

The enduring foundation of the strong relationship between the two countries lies in the people-to-people connection, heart-to-heart understanding, and mutual sharing, emphasized Takio.

Last year, Hanoi and Tokyo celebrated 50 years of their diplomatic relations with more than 500 commemorative activities held on both sides, the Vietnamese New Agency cited the ambassador as saying.

Yamada hoped the wheelchair gifts would both improve lives for Vietnamese people with disabilities and strengthen Vietnam-Japan relations.

Deputy chairman of the Da Nang administration Tran Chi Cuong thanked the Japanese foundation and its chairperson for supporting people with disabilities in the coastal city.

He praised Japan for being the foremost investor among 40 countries and territories in Da Nang, and recognized it as a key market contributing tourists to the city.

Also as part of the program, a delegation of the foundation visited children at the Da Nang Agent Orange Victims Support Center.

On March 1, a group of students from Japans Kisarazu City High School visited and gave gifts to children at the center.

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Vietnamese designer Phan Huy has showcased new designs inspired by the world-famous caves in Vietnam at Paris Fashion Week 2024, which runs from February 25 to March 5.

The collection, named Lost in the Cavern, draws inspiration from Phan Huys trips to Vietnams renowned caves Son Doong, Thien Duong, and Phong Nha in the north-central province of Quang Binh.

Son Doong Cave was certified by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest single cave passage in 2009.

Thien Duong Cave was recognized by the Asia Book of Records for having the most unique and magnificent system of stalactites and stalagmites in the continent in 2019, while Phong Nha was once considered the biggest cave in Vietnam before the complete survey of Son Doong in 2012.

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

Stepping into the caves narrow entrance and emerging into a world contrasting with the light outside, I felt the profound connection with natures heartbeat, Phan Huy said.

This prompted me to create the Lost in the Cavern collection.

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

Diverging from his previous works, the designer incorporates unique design elements into Lost in the Cavern.'

Phan Huy employs draped shapes to create unconventional silhouettes, complemented by fabric textures reminiscent of rough stone blocks.

He also utilizes 3D detailing techniques, incorporating crystal stones resembling water droplets or stalactites, resulting in distinct designs that showcase Vietnams scenic beauty to international audiences.

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

Phan Huy's debut fashion show in Paris for his collection made him nervous, being a significant departure from his usual setting in Vietnam.

On the occasion of the event, the fasion designer shared his aim to better understand the requirements for succeeding in foreign markets as part of his future endeavors.

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

Born in 1999 in the north-central province of Quang Tri, Phan Huy graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture in March 2023.

As a young designer passionate about fashion that celebrates Vietnams national identity, people, and nature, his creations embody vitality, proximity, and immersion in the natural world and are admired by many Vietnamese artists.

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

A design from Phan Huys Lost in the Cavern collection is showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Photo: Supplied

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This morning at the Australian International Documentary Conference in Melbourne, SBS announced a new factual development fund of $50,000 for factual projects.

SBS is looking for original and ambitious ideas that explore inequality and social cohesion and tackle the fault lines of Australian society today.

How the topic is approached is up for grabs, with SBS hoping to redefine what risk-taking looks like on television, with a new format that can have a meaningful and positive impact.

Head of SBS Unscripted, Joseph Maxwell said: You hear a lot about taking risks in our industry, but what does that really mean? At SBS, we want to genuinely break new ground in ways we havent seen before.

This first-of-its-kind initiative in Australia is an opportunity for creatives across the country to reach for new levels of courageousness in their craft and redefine what cutting-edge means, while creating what could be a new, channel-defining factual format for SBS.

We want the biggest, boldest, and bravest ideas that get the nation-talking, and to challenge audience expectations. Surprise and even scare us through inventive approaches to help SBS unpack issues we face in society, and create must-see, talk-about TV that can create real impact.

Entries are now open, with pitches being considered by SBS with a pot of up to $50,000 in development funding available.

Ideas must have the SBS Charter at their core, and should also demonstrate scale, boldness and ambition in their approach to delivering something overwhelmingly new and fresh. Whether its genre-bending or format-flipping, ideas must be attention-grabbing, and have the ability to capture the hearts and minds of a wide Australian audience, on television and on SBS On Demand.

SBS is seeking original factual format ideas that are anything from 3-6 x 1 hour episodes.

Ideas must explore the subject of inequality and social cohesion in Australia.

Project proposals should be no more than three pages, and submissions must include a title, a logline and a single paragraph synopsis.

Ideas must be submitted to the SBS factual pitching portal by emailing [email protected], with the subject title New Factual Format.

All applications need to be eligible for state/federal documentary funding programs.

Entries are now open and will close 5 May 2024.
Details have emerged of the contract between Network 10 and Facebook.

After parent company Meta signalled its plan to cease paying Australian media for news, the Australian Financial Review published details of two deals signed in 2021.

They indicate 10 was required to post a minimum number of videos from programs including The Project, 10 News First, Studio 10 -or if unable, equivalent videos (given Studio 10 ceased in December).

The first contract started on June 15, 2021 between Network Ten Pty Ltd and Facebook Ireland Limited revealed 10 would be paid USD$2,750,000 plus GST per annum for the 3 years that content is posted.

Once Facebook has recouped the fee expenditure in net revenue, Ten will be entitled to a 55 per cent share of any additional net advertising revenue, it indicated.

The second contract was for $US400,000 a year, paid in $US33,333.33 monthly incrementss between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024, and was an agreement to monetize articles created by The Project on the Facebook News Surface platform via a content feed from 10Play.

10 agreed to post a minimum of 6000 clips a year, 125 a month from Studio 10s dedicated page, and a further 1000 clips from The Project. Clips had to be posted no later than six hours after the show ended, except for The Project, which could be up to 12 hours. Videos were non-exclusive, meaning 10 could share them on other platforms, like YouTube.

Last week Free TV, Nine and Seven called on the government to designate Meta under its News Media Bargaining Code, a sentiment now echoed by 10.

It is essential that Australian news media services are fairly remunerated for their trusted, local and impartial news content. Without fair compensation, it becomes increasingly difficult for news organisations, a 10 spokeswoman said.

We urge the government to designate Meta under the News Media Bargaining Code but further implore them to expand the code to cover video specific platforms, that also reap significant value from sharing news content across their services.

The Australian Government is committed to the News Media Bargaining Code and is seeking advice from Treasury and the ACCC on next steps, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in a joint statement on Friday.

You can read more at the Australian Financial Review.
Foreign Correspondent this week looks at Indonesias grand plan to move its capital from Jakarta to a new location in Borneo.

Indonesias capital Jakarta has been described as unlivable, choked with traffic and smog. Its one of the worst capital cities in the world for air pollution and its also sinking. By 2050 its estimated around a quarter of the city will be submerged. In 2019 President Joko Widodo embarked on a radical plan to move the mega city. The site he chose was more than a thousand kilometers away, deep in the jungle of Borneo.

This week on Foreign Correspondent Indonesia correspondent travels to the location of the new capital in East Kalimantan on Borneo Island. In the middle of the jungle lies the construction site of a new city which promises to be clean, green and sustainable. But the utopian vision comes with a high price tag  a staggering $US45 billion. Critics say the project is a white elephant and a waste of the countrys limited resources. Completion of the project is now up to the new incoming president who says hes supporting the expensive relocation. . . for now.

Thursday 7 March at 8pm on ABC
Pakistan's President Arif Alvi (R) administers the oath of office to newly-elected Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the President House in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on March 4, 2024. Sharif took the oath as the 24th elected prime minister of Pakistan during a ceremony held here on Monday afternoon, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. (Pakistan's Press Information Department/Handout via Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Shahbaz Sharif took the oath as the 24th elected prime minister of Pakistan during a ceremony held at the President's House on Monday afternoon, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

President Arif Alvi administered the oath of office to the newly-elected prime minister at the ceremony attended by the outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Chairman of Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, chief of the army, politicians and ambassadors.

Earlier on Sunday, Sharif, president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, got 201 votes against 92 in the 336-member National Assembly, or the lower house of parliament, during an election for the post.

Sharif came to power after his party formed an alliance with Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and others, and nominated him as their candidate for the country's chief executive post.

In his maiden address to the National Assembly after being elected as the prime minister on Sunday, Sharif said he would focus on economic reforms for the country's development, including improving the taxation system and establishing free trade zones and export zones.

The prime minister added that his government would extend and promote the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for the country's development. 

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi (3rd L) administers the oath of office to newly-elected Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif (2nd L) at the President House in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on March 4, 2024. Sharif took the oath as the 24th elected prime minister of Pakistan during a ceremony held here on Monday afternoon, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. (Pakistan's Press Information Department/Handout via Xinhua)
The logo of German specialty chemical company Evonik Industries AG is pictured at their plant in Bitterfeld

By Anastasiia Kozlova and Matteo Allievi

(Reuters) -German chemicals group Evonik Industries said on Monday it did not expect an economic recovery in 2024 and announced up to 2,000 job cuts worldwide by 2026.

The job cuts are expected to reduce costs by 400 million euros ($434.04 million) annually, the company said, adding that the majority - some 1,500 - would be in Germany.

Chemical companies have been under pressure for more than a year, forced to reduce inventories on lower demand from industrial clients as energy prices soared.

"We will have to be prepared for the economic storm to continue in the global economy," said CEO Christian Kullmann on a conference call, adding that the company hopes customers will be in a position to benefit from the more recent fall in energy prices.

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Evonik, whose products are used in items from animal feed and diapers to Pfizer/BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, expects 2024 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the range of 1.7 billion to 2.0 billion euros ($1.84 billion-$2.17 billion).

This compares with a 2023 result of 1.66 billion euros which fell short of the 1.7 billion expected by analysts.

The 2024 guidance is close to consensus and should reassure investors, JP Morgan said in a note.

Evonik, a market leader in the production of amino acids used in poultry feeds, said on Monday it would sell its superabsorbents business to the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) for a price in the low triple-digit million-euro range.

The Essen-based company also said it would buy back shares worth up to 113.8 million euros including transaction costs.

The group will propose an annual dividend of 1.17 euros per share, unchanged from the last year.

Its 2023 sales fell 17% to 15.3 billion euros.

Sales at its performance materials division, which accounted for around 13% of the total, fell by 22% to 2.55 billion euros after the company sold a production site in Luelsdorf in June.

Story continues

Evonik shares rose 3.7% at the market open before paring gains to stand 0.9% higher at 1111 GMT.

($1 = 0.9216 euros)

(Reporting by Anastasiia Kozlova and Matteo Allievi in Gdansk; editing by Jason Neely, Kirsten Donovan)
Haiti's government declared on Sunday a state of emergency and nighttime curfew in a bid to regain control of the country after a deadly gang assault on the capital's main prison that allowed thousands of inmates to escape.

The curfew will be enforced from 6 pm to 5 am in the Ouest region, which includes the capital, through Wednesday, the government said in a statement, adding that both the curfew and the state of emergency can be extended.

About a dozen people died as gang members attacked the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince overnight Saturday into Sunday, an AFP reporter observed.

The attack came as part of a new spate of extreme violence in the Haitian capital, where well-armed gangs who control much of the city have wreaked havoc since Thursday.

The gangs say they want to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has led the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation since the assassination of president Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Only around 100 of the National Penitentiary's estimated 3,800 inmates were still inside the facility Sunday after the gang assault, Pierre Esperance of the National Network for Defense of Human Rights said.

"We counted many prisoners' bodies," he added.

An AFP reporter who visited the prison on Sunday observed around a dozen bodies outside it and hardly anyone inside. Some bodies had wounds from bullets or other projectiles.

(AFP)



Read more on FRANCE 24 English



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Dr Prashanth Peethala was the first doctor to arrive under the scheme in August 2021 (Image: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)

MORE than 1,600 international recruits are now playing vital roles as doctors, nurses and health professionals after joining an Essex mental health trust over the last three years.

The Essex Partnership University Trust celebrated all its international recruits on Friday as it celebrated Overseas NHS Workers Day.

The international recruits all joined the trust since it launched its international programme in 2021 to help fill vacancies in the NHS.

Echo: Dr Aditya Devulapalli

Dr Aditya Devulapalli (Image: Essex Partnership University Trust)

The trust was among the first mental health trusts to be authorised by the General Medical Council to facilitate an international recruitment initiative for psychiatrists.

The international programme grants an opportunity for qualified psychiatrists abroad to advance their career at the trust.

As it stands, 33 doctors from Egypt, India, Sudan, Nepal, Nigeria, and Pakistan have been appointed, with 28 currently serving across the trust.

Dr Prashanth Peethala, the first doctor to arrive under the scheme in August 2021, said: Its been quite an eventful journey - I really enjoy it.

Initially it was a bit challenging but what I found was that I was very lucky because the people around me were very supportive and I got to learn a lot more than I imagined I would learn. Its not just the knowledge about the subject, but its also about people and the people that Im working with.

That I think has been the most interesting part of the journey.

Echo: Olivia Chukwu

Olivia Chukwu (Image: Essex Partnership University Trust)

The trust had been recognised with an NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for the support it renders to the 240 nurses through the International Recruitment programme.

This initiative has improved workforce diversity, filled key vacancies, and cut down on resources spent on bank and agency staff, anchoring the trusts standing as a leading health and wellbeing service provider in mental health and community care.

Dr Aditya Devulapalli completed his residency and taught students in India. He has been at the trust for just over a month.

Story continues

He said: I appreciate the way holistic care is delivered to the patients and I look forward to undergo higher training here.

It has been great. Im loving what I am doing. My work-life balance is more organised, and colleagues are extremely helpful and have really helped me understand the system.

And I am able to do what I love, which is teaching as well, so thats great, its been good so far.

Echo: Hephzibah Chinta

Hephzibah Chinta (Image: Essex Partnership University Trust)

Dr Kallur Suresh, who presides over the trusts advanced fellowship in psychiatry programme with Dr Abdul Raoof, said: The trust is one of the earliest trusts to offer this opportunity for International Fellows to further enhance their training and experience in the UK.

These doctors have provided stability to many services and have helped us launch new services, such as our Urgent Care Department in Basildon.

Olivia Chukwu, from Nigeria, is currently completing a university degree alongside her work at the Mental Health Urgent Care Department.

Olivia said: My journey in the UK has been interesting and educational, although challenging at times. Attitudes towards mental health are very different in the UK and it has been a wonderful experience to see how things are done here.

Ive found my feet here. I love making contributions during team meetings and putting forward recommendations to improve patient care.

After completing my bachelors degree, Id like to progress to a masters degree so I can keep improving peoples lives and contributing to the NHS.
Katie Price is dating JJ Slater (c) Instagram credit:Bang Showbiz

Katie Price's new boyfriend JJ Slater keeps being mistaken for her nephew.

The 45-year-old former glamour model has been dating the 'Married At First Sight UK' star for a few months but people don't always realise she is in a relationship with the Fully Blessed owner because of their 14-year age gap.

Making their red carpet debut at The Gossies in Ireland over the weekend, the couple were asked about the public reaction to their romance and JJ told Goss.ie: "Better than I expected".

Katie added: "They've actually been alright. Mind you, everyone has said today that he looked like my nephew".

JJ then said: "Nephew is quite funny though isn't it?"

The couple refused to share details about how they first got together but Katie - who has Harvey, 21, Junior, 18, Princess, 16, Jett, 10, and nine-year-old Bunny from previous relationships - insisted they had known one another for some time before they went public with their romance.

She said: "Wouldn't you like to know? But put it this way, It's not just quick, we got to know each other behind the cameras before anyone speculates anything."

The couple only confirmed their romance late last month.

Katie - whose on/off romance with Carl Woods ended in 2023 - shared a loved-up selfie on Instagram and wrote: "They say things happen for a reason, the unexpected happened. Fate. Ticks every box. @johnjoeslater you have proved to me you are a real gentleman and completely except me for me (sic)"

JJ then took to the comments section to offer a response.

He simply wrote: "Fate thank you so much for being you (sic)"

Meanwhile, a source has claimed that Katie's new romance is "already getting serious".

The TV star and JJ recently jetted off on a romantic ski trip to Bulgaria, and their romance is said to be moving at speed.

The source told MailOnline: "Katie's already introduced JJ to her youngest kids. It's so important to her that he gets along with them as they're a huge part of her life.

"They've been talking for a while but it seems like it's already getting serious."
A Chinese Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft taking part in an earlier search operation for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

Malaysian officials have said they could renew the hunt for flight MH370 which is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean a decade ago.

The fate of flight MH370 became one of the worlds greatest mysteries when it vanished en-route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014, with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board.

An American company which looked for the plane in 2018 has proposed a fresh search for the missing craft.

Malaysian transport minister Anthony Loke said he would invite Texas-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity to brief him on its latest "no find, no fee" proposal.

The Malaysian government has long said it would not support another search without new leads on the plane's location.

If the evidence is credible, he said, he will seek the Cabinet's approval to sign a new contract to resume the search.

"The government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370," Mr Loke told a memorial event marking the tenth anniversary of the disappearance of the jet.

He added: "We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin."

The Boeing 777 plane vanished from radar shortly after taking off carrying 239 people, mostly Chinese nationals, on a flight from Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Satellite data showed the plane deviated from its flight path to head over the southern Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have crashed.

An expensive multinational search failed to turn up any clues, although debris washed ashore on the east African coast and Indian Ocean islands. A private search in 2018 by Ocean Infinity also found nothing.

The tragedy sparked moves to bolster aviation safety.

V.P.R. Nathan, a member of the Voice MH370 next-of-kin group, said Ocean Infinity initially planned a search last year but it was delayed by the delivery of a new fleet.

It is now on track to resume the hunt, he said.

Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Punkett told the New Straits Times that the company had improved its technology since 2018.

Story continues

"We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for MH370," he told the English-language daily. "We've been working with many experts, some outside of Ocean Infinity, to continue analysing the data in the hopes of narrowing the search area down to one in which success becomes potentially achievable."

Mr Loke declined to reveal the fee proposed by Ocean Infinity if it finds the plane, saying it is subject to negotiation.

He said cost is not an issue and that he doesn't foresee any hindrances for the search.

Mr Loke's response sparked tears of joy in some family members at the memorial, held in a mall in a Kuala Lumpur suburb.

"I'm on top of the world," said Jacquita Gomes, whose husband was a flight attendant on the plane. She said she is thankful that she may now have a chance for full closure and to say a final goodbye.

"We have been on a roller coaster for the last 10 years. ... If it is not found, I hope that it will continue with another search," she said.

Family members of passengers from Malaysia, Australia, China and India paid tribute to their loved ones during the event, lighting a candle on stage to remember them.

"No matter if it is 10 years, 20 years or more, as long as we are still alive ... we will not cease to press for the truth. We believe the truth will eventually come to light," said Bai Zhong, from China, whose wife was on the plane.
In response to the escalating tensions in Europe, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine now in its third year, NATO has begun an extensive military exercise across its newly enlarged Nordic territories spanning Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Starting this Monday, over 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations will participate in drills spanning nearly two weeks across the northern regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

The Norwegian-led exercise, named "Nordic Response 2024" marks Finland's largest ever involvement in a foreign military drill, with over 4,000 Finnish soldiers participating.

This comes after Finland's historic decision to join NATO in April 2023, following decades of military non-alignment.

With Sweden's formal accession to NATO membership nearing completion, both countries have shifted from neutrality to alliance in response to resurgent Russian aggression in the region, specifically the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Evolving security situation

Previously known as "Cold Response," the biannual drill has been expanded to include Finland and eventually Sweden, underlining the evolving security situation in the region.

The participating nations in the exercise that runs until 15 March are France, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Roughly half of the participating troops will drill on land.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has described the matter as "very serious" and has pledged a thorough investigation into the leak.



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

The picturesque Swedish town being turned into a strategic military hub

West offers Ukraine 'security commitments', far short of NATO membership

EU's Borrell dismisses Trump's 'silly idea' that encourages Russian attacks on NATO
(AFP via Getty Images)

The conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are taking a back seat amid the current focus on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Its truly disheartening because countries like the UK have the potential to play a vital role in brokering peace in these regions.

While the situations in Gaza and Ukraine are undeniably devastating, its concerning that we seem to be neglecting our responsibilities as influential members of the G7 and the UN Security Council. These are nations where millions face violence and displacement.

In just five years, Sudan  a country blessed with diverse landscapes of astounding beauty  has undergone a turbulent transformation from a dictatorship to a society wrecked by civil war, via revolution and a coup. It was in April last year that this devastating war broke out  how many people were aware of it before reading that sentence?

There exists a deep bond between the Somalis and Sudanese (peoples who are often mistaken for one another)  as if we see reflections of ourselves in each other. I have always said I can look at a Sudanese granny and see my own. It is a country I got to know more in 2020 when, with the help of the then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, The Five Foundation helped to pass anti-FGM legislation which was meant to be the start of a new era for many women and girls.

Reminding the UK and others that inaction will lead to mass migration might just be the way to make them care

So. maybe because of the kinship, common features and a shared belief in making a better world for our women and girls, when I see the plight of those suffering in Sudan it evokes memories of the struggles my family and I endured in Somaliland three decades ago. Maybe thats why the worlds silence on their suffering hits especially close to home. And maybe thats why I am tearing up as I write this.

After nearly 10 months of conflict between the two egotistical generals who lead the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), there are now eight million people displaced and in dire need of help. It is imperative that we raise awareness and hold the UK and other parties accountable for their failures in allowing the continuation of this conflict  as well as exacerbating the situation in the DRC, where nearly seven million have been displaced by the threat of violence (among other things).

Story continues

I say this because achieving peace in Sudan is indeed feasible with the support of the international community, particularly the UK. We not only hold historical ties and a duty of care to Sudan but also possesses the convening power as a permanent member of the Security Council to bring the conflicting parties to the negotiation table.

Peace in Sudan is not only crucial for those millions suffering from displacement and hunger, but is also vital for global stability. Sudan is one of the largest and youngest countries globally, with an average population age of 14. It currently has the largest population of displaced children worldwide.

Strategically speaking, allowing millions of children to remain displaced will lead not only to prolonged suffering and violence but will also trigger a ripple effect across continents, creating a crisis that the UK and others will not be able simply to ignore.

It hurts me to say this but if global north countries do not care about Sudan and the DRC on the basis of humanity, maybe they will care that if they do not act soon, those displaced peoples will soon be on the doorstep. And you think the current conversation about immigration is bad?

If we dont secure peace in Sudan, millions will soon be making their way to seek safety in the West, meaning those migrant numbers the UK and others say they want to cut will be going up by millions. I know how crass that sounds. But the UK and others must start to care  and reminding everyone that their inaction will lead to massive immigration might just do it.

And when it comes to the DRC, it is ironic that Rwanda  the country the UK seems to want to outsource its immigration issues to  is the one that is actually at the heart of the crisis. It could help de-escalate the violence which is causing displacement of peoples. Think of the number of trips UK ministers have recently taken to Rwanda and the very close relationship our current Africa minister has with its leadership. I know they can pick up the phone and help bring an end to the misery so many are facing.

I dont say this flippantly. I know the UK, if it wanted to, could bring peace to millions and I hope it does so soon, because millions of us in this country and around the world are watching and waiting. We know war is cruel  but what is even worse is the indifference and silence of those who can help.

Nimco Ali is an activist and Evening Standard columnist
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Education & Career

AP TET 2024 Response Sheets released at aptet.apcfss.in

Andhra Pradesh School Education (Exams) Department had earlier also released AP TET Feb 2024 Question Papers and Keys. Read More

Monday March 4, 2024 11:42 PM , ummid.com News Network

AP TET 2024: The School Education (Exams) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, has released on its website aptet.apcfss.in the Response Sheets of the candidates who appeared in the Andhra Pradesh State Teacher Eligibility Test (AP TET 2024) held in February.

Andhra Pradesh School Education (Exams) Department had earlier also released AP TET Feb 2024 Question Papers and Keys.

As per the AP TET Schedule, Provisional Answer Key or Initial Keys, will be released on March 10, 2024. Objections can be raised till March 11, 2024.

AP TET 2024 Final answer key will be released on March 13, 2024. AP TET Feb 2024 result will be declared on March 14, 2024.

Andhra Pradesh State Teacher Eligibility Test this year is held from Feb 27 to March 09, 2024 in online mode.

Candidates will be required to log-in ID, Date of Birth and Verification Code to download the APTET Response Sheets.





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ULAN BATOR, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador Shen Minjuan handed over funds and goods in aid to Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene here Monday for fighting extreme wintry weather.

"Our two countries have always helped each other in the face of disasters. China is ready to provide more support and assistance to Mongolia," Shen said at a handover ceremony in the State Palace of Mongolia.

This winter, Mongolia has been hit by a severe dzud, a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered by snow.

Expressing his sincere appreciation to China, Oyun-Erdene said that when Mongolia is hit by the dzud and herders face huge difficulties, China took the lead in extending a helping hand, standing once again as a model of good neighbor.

Noting that China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region also provided aid to Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene said "this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties of the two countries. I hope the two countries and bilateral relations enjoy leapfrog development and the two peoples share happiness and prosperity."

As Mongolia has seen much more snow than usual this winter, over 80 percent of its territory has so far been blanketed with snow up to 100 cm thick, according to the country's weather monitoring agency.

About 3 million head of livestock have so far perished across Mongolia due to the dzud, according to the State Emergency Commission. 
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Education & Career

BSEB 12th Answer Key 2024 Released, Result Soon



BSEB 12th Inter exams last year was held from Feb 1 to 11, 2023 and the result was announced on March 21, 2023. Read More

Monday March 4, 2024 12:18 PM , ummid.com News Network

Bihar Board 2024 Result: The Bihar Board of Secondary Education (BSEB) has released the Answer Key (Answer Sheet) of 12th Board Exam 2024 and is likely to declare the result of Class 12th Intermediate 2024 Board exams soon.

12th Answer Key Challenge Last Date

Candidates who had appeared for the BSEB Inter 2024 Exams should note that they can check the Answer Key uploaded on the BSEB official website biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in in PDF.

If they find any discrepancy or error or want to raise objection they can do so till March 05, 2024.

The students can use the link objection.biharboardonline.com and marked as Register objection regarding Answer Key Inter Exam 2024 to challenge the Class 12th Answer Key released by the board.

The Bihar Board is the only state board which officially releases the answer key of the board exam papers. The board releases the Answer Key of the objective questions of the 12th Inter Exams of various subject including Science and other subjects.

The Bihar board is also the only state board in India which conducts Class 10th and 12th board exams ahead of other states boards.

BSEB 12th Exam 2024 Result Date

The Bihar board has a history of declaring Classes 10 and 12 results in record time. BSEB 12th Inter exams last year was held from Feb 1 to 11, 2023 and the result was announced on March 21, 2023 .

The Intermediate or Class 12 Exam 2024 was conducted by the Bihar board from February 01 to 12, 2024. And, since the last date of raising objection is March 05, 2024, the board can declare the 12th Inter 2024 result by March 20 or even before this date.

Multiple media reports citing unnamed board sources are claiming that the BSEB 12th Result 2024 can be declared any time from March 10 to 15, 2024.

The Class 12 students from the state should note that the Bihar board in itself has not officially confirmed any exact date and time to release the Bihar board 2024 exam result.

The students who had appeared for the BSEB Class 10 Exam 2024 should note that there result will be declared a week or so after Class 12 results are announced.





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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Views & Analysis

Darker Side: Politicians Might Exploit AI to Win Electoral Battles

The fast progress of AI and generative AI in recent years has opened many new frontiers for the humans to scale new heights in various fields, but a darker side of the generative AI might be used for divisive purposes in global electoral battles in 2024. Read More

Monday March 4, 2024 8:40 PM , Asad Mirza

The fast progress of AI and generative AI in recent years has opened many new frontiers for the humans to scale new heights in various fields, but a darker side of the generative AI might be used for divisive purposes in global electoral battles in 2024.

The manner in which the information technology has outpaced even our wildest dreams is manifest in the fast-paced growth of AI in technically all fields of human existence.

The manner in which AI-generated content that can impersonate anyone with alarming accuracy has also set the alarms bells ringing. This when coupled with how this technological advancement could be misused for unlawful activities I also very scary.

One domain which could be affected the most in particular using this technology is the manner in which it could be deployed political parties to influence their voters or malign their opponents.

This technological advancement is known as Deepfakes. While developers could argue that their technology is evolving and mistakes are inevitable, the rapid rise of deepfakes, particularly those used for sexual harassment, fraud, and political manipulation, poses an existential threat to democratic processes and public discourse.

Deepfakes could be exploited for non-consensual exploitation, financial deception, political disinformation or the dissemination of falsehoods, and they could endanger not only the integrity of individuals but also the very foundations of democratic societies.

Further, they corrode trust, manipulate public sentiment, and have the potential to incite widespread chaos and violence. From 2019 to 2023, the total number of deepfakes surged by 550%, as revealed in the 2023 State of Deepfakes report issued by Home Security Heroes, a US-based organisation.

With elections slated in more or less half of the world, the potential for deepfakes to sow discord and undermine trust in institutions is more significant than ever. Various efforts are underway to combat this threat. Initiatives like the Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections at the recently held Munich Security Conference (MSC) represent a commendable effort to confront the challenges presented by deepfakes in electoral processes.

By uniting leading tech companies, the accord presents a unified stance against malicious actors, showcasing a shared determination to address the issue. Beyond mere detection and removal, the agreement encompasses educational initiatives, transparency measures, and origin tracing, laying the groundwork for comprehensive and enduring solutions.

However, the accords focus on the 2024 elections may overlook the on-going evolution of the deepfake threat, potentially necessitating adjustments beyond the specified timeframe.

The efficacy of the accord also hinges on its ability to keep pace with the latest advancements. While the accord establishes guiding principles, it lacks concrete mechanisms for enforcement. Ensuring accountability among participating companies is essential for meaningful progress. Relying on self-regulation from tech companies raises concerns about potential biases in implementation, underscoring the need for transparent and impartial oversight.

The era of the deepfake campaign has already begun. And as generative AI gathers ubiquity and sophistication, the fraying of social cohesion throughout the West in recent years may soon feel quaint by comparison. Rather than stoke outrage, tribalism, and conspiratorial thinking among voters, these new digital tools might soon breed something arguably much worse: apathy.

Indian Scenario

Deepfakes used to spread misinformation online using treacherous role of a rapidly evolving AI technology are particularly lethal for countries like India.

The concern stems from some of the recent deepfake incidents. The concerns come after a series of recent deepfake incidents involving top Indian film stars and public figures. This prompted the government to work out a clear, actionable plan in collaboration with various social media platforms, artificial intelligence companies and industry bodies to tackle the issue.

Reportedly, PM Narendra Modi has said that deepfakes were one of the biggest threats faced by the country, and warned people to be careful with new technology amid a rise in AI-generated videos and pictures.

Meanwhile, Global Risks Report released by World Economic Forum in January 2024, warns that as polarisation grows and technological risks remain unchecked, truth will come under pressure Emerging as the most severe global risk anticipated over the next two years, foreign and domestic actors alike will leverage misinformation and disinformation to further widen societal and political divides.

Also Read

2024 Year to See Elections in 70 Countries, Results to Have Global Impact

The report further says that as close to three billion people head to the electoral polls across several economies  including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States  over the next two years, the widespread use of misinformation and disinformation, and tools to disseminate it, may undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments.

The resulting unrest could range from violent protests and hate crimes to civil confrontation and terrorism. Misinformation and disinformation is a new leader of the top 10 rankings this year. No longer requiring a niche skill set, easy-to-use interfaces to large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models have already enabled an explosion in falsified information and so-called synthetic content, from sophisticated voice cloning to counterfeit websites.

Moreover, in Western countries in particular, an even deeper governance issue might be playing even now. Basically, AI may also accelerate a decades-long erosion of civic engagement and social capital, particularly in liberal democracies - where citizens tend to be more secular and self-oriented and have smaller family networks than in other societies, like in the East.

Also Read

AI-disinformation threat ahead of 2024 Polls and our responsibilities

It is predicted that Generative AI will lead to even greater social fissures, by allowing more and more individuals to bypass complex human interactions and exchanges and contests of ideas that form the bedrock of democracy. In this background, the generative AI might echo your thoughts and will tell you what you want to hear, putting a complete end to human interactions, grasp and execution.

This highlights the darker side of the generative AI in future yet to come. The citizens ideals, inputs and actions might be marred at the local, national and international issues and may force them to completely opt out of the normal civic life, by creating a false picture in their minds, akin to human being controlled by machines, though in the democratic scenario it will be the political leaders not machines, wholl control the electorate through false narratives.

Thus, it may portend an end of human intervention at all levels in all fields and manipulative leaders could use the generative AI to create empathy in their favour amongst the wider electorate and thus influence the outcome of electoral battles in a completely corrupt manner.

(The writer, Asad Mirza, is a Delhi-based senior political and international affairs commentator.)









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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Science & Technology

MANUU hosts first International Urdu Science Conference

School of Science (SoS), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Monday March 04, 2024 organised first International Urdu Conference with a focus on dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and titled 'Science for a Sustainable Future'. Read More

Monday March 4, 2024 10:14 PM , ummid.com News Network

Hyderabad: School of Science (SoS), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Monday March 04, 2024 organised first International Urdu Conference with a focus on dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and titled 'Science for a Sustainable Future'.

"Scientists are coming out with solutions to human concerns and really this is needed. We started our journey from gravity to relativity now something more, the age of Artificial intelligence is dominating", Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) said in the inaugural session of the Urdu Science Conference 2024. "MANUU is providing platform for the promotion of scientific studies", Prof. Ainul Hasan said hailing 150 Science Models presented at the conference by students of 23 schools.

Prof. Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Hyderabad Central University in his address said that every GDP centric growth activity will end up damaging environmental eco-system.

"Human body develops as a negative intro base system. When we organize ourselves, we disorganize our surroundings compensatively. The entropy in the surroundings will increase at cost of our development", he said. "Whole process is such that when you develop something, something else will get undeveloped, that the design. The conference is covering two important points - Contribution of Women in Science and the role of science for shaping of the minds of students both connecting into the sustainability of the future. These are very important threads getting interwoven today and tomorrow", he added.

Prof. Ahmad Kamal, Sr. Professor Emeritus, BITS-PILANI, Hyderabad, through his power point presentation highlighted on the topic, "Improving Sustainability through Pharmaceutical Green Chemistry" and detailed about steps involved in making medicines in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Continuing his presentation he said, in today's era, humans have collected many resources of development for their medical treatment but these resources are harming the environment and ecosystem.

"Today, many laws have been made regarding the protection of the environment. Special care is now being taken whether it be pharmaceutical industry or any other industrial waste, proper disposal and minimizing the damage to the environment has become the first priority", he said.

Earlier, Prof. Salman Ahmed Khan, Dean, SoS delivered a welcome address. The Convenor Conference, Dr Salahuddin Syed, Associate Professor (Chemistry) briefed about the conference and proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Majid Ali Choudhry, Assistant Professor (Mathematics) was the co-convenor.





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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home  Science & Technology

NASA, SpaceX announce successful launch of 8th commercial crew mission to ISS

NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission is the agency's 8th commercial crew rotation mission with the Elon Musk owned company to the space station. Read More

Monday March 4, 2024 3:38 PM , ummid.com News Network

Washington: An international crew of four reached orbit following a successful launch to the International Space Station (ISS) at 10:53 p.m. EST Sunday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission is the agency's 8th commercial crew rotation mission with the Elon Musk owned company to the space station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, for a science expedition aboard the orbital laboratory.

"Aboard the station, the crew will conduct more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations to help fuel this new era of space exploration and benefit humanity here on Earth", said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

During Dragon's flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California.

NASA teams will monitor the space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, will dock autonomously to the forward port of the station's Harmony module about 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 5.

Crew-8 will join the space station's Expedition 70 crew of NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chubb.

For a short time, the number of crew aboard the space station will increase to 11 until Crew-7 members Moghbeli, Mogensen, Furukawa, and Borisov return to Earth a few days later.

With this mission, NASA will maximize use of the space station, where astronauts have lived and worked continuously for more than 23 years testing technologies, performing science, and developing the skills needed to operate future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and explore farther from Earth.

Research conducted on the space station provides benefits for people on Earth and paves the way for future long-duration trips to the Moon and beyond through NASA's Artemis missions.





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ALGIERS  The Trade Office of Vietnam in Algeria, in collaboration with the Bab Ezzouar Commercial Centre in Algiers, hosted an event on Sunday to showcase Vietnamese coffee products.

At the event, visitors and local consumers had the opportunity to learn about Vietnamese coffee, listen to presentations about the coffee processing methods, and enjoy the products.

On this occasion, the trade office also displayed catalogs and sample products of Vietnamese businesses and connected with customers.

Bab Ezzouar is the largest shopping mall in Algeria with stores covering an area of 45,000 sq.m, offices spanning 20,000 sq.m, and UNO, a hypermarket occupying 7,200 sq.m.

Algeria is considered one of Viet Nam's coffee-consuming markets as it spends over US$300 million importing about 130,000 tonnes of coffee beans on average each year, of which Viet Nam's Robusta green coffee beans usually account for 25-30 per cent.

In December 2023, for the first time, the trade office held an event to promote Vietnamese coffee and tra (pangasius) fish at the Carrefour hypermarket  another major distribution system in Algeria.  VNS
HA NOI  As one of Viet Nam's major trading partners, in recent years the scale of bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Australia has continued to increase strongly thanks to the exploitation of multilateral trade agreements.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to Australia is expected to create new momentum for the bilateral relations, including their trade ties.

The PM left Ha Noi on March 4 morning for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations, and official visits to Australia and New Zealand from March 5  11.

Statistics from the Vietnamese General Department of Customs show that bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$14 billion in 2023, of which Viet Nam's export turnover to Australia reached $5.2 billion while its import turnover from Australia reached $8.5 billion.

This makes Viet Nam's trade deficit from Australia worth $3.3 billion, down 28.1 per cent year-on-year.

Commenting on the Australian market, a representative of the Asia-Africa Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) said that with these statistics, Australia was Viet Nam's 10th largest trading partner last year, while Viet Nam is also Australia's 10th largest trading partner.

Nguyen Phu Hoa, head of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Australia, said that the bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Australia had very positive recovery and growth in January this year.

The total trade turnover of goods between Viet Nam and Australia reached $1.25 billion in January this year, an increase of 43.4 per cent over the same period last year.

In particular, many products that are Viet Nam's strengths, although their export turnover to Australia is still modest, have witnessed strong growth in January such as coffee, iron and steel of all kinds, paper and paper products, and rice.

Based on the trade co-operation results achieved by the two countries, Viet Nam has complete grounds to be optimistic about the prospects of economic and trade co-operation, said Hoa.

Because the two economies have high complementarities; in particular, Viet Nam is strong in electronics, machinery, textiles and footwear, and Australia has many resources and high-quality fuel.

Viet Nam's products are rich and diverse; a number of Vietnamese products have reached the market and affirmed their brands and quality such as seafood, pepper, textiles and footwear. In addition, many products are recording strong turnover growth in recent years and have great potential to boost exports to Australia such as confectionery and products from cereals, rice, clinker and cement, commented Hoa.  VNS
HCM CITY  A batch of 25 employees from the THACO KIA plant is supervising the production of Kia Sonet cars at the ADM Jizzakh LLC automotive plant in Uzbekistan since February 15, and will be there until May 25.

In 2023 THACO KIA was selected by KIA Corporation to train and supervise workers carrying out trial production of the car at ADM.

After providing four rounds of training for 200 managers and technical staff and providing them hands-on experience at THACO KIA plant, on February 15 the company sent its engineers to Uzbekistan.

They will monitor and supervise the body component welding process, weld quality, vehicle body accuracy measurement, sealing and painting of the body, and assembly, and evaluate the assembly process in line with KIA technical requirements and quality standards.

They will also teach them how to handle technical errors at each stage and provide intensive support to the management team, engineers, technical staff, and workers at ADM to complete the work on schedule.

On February 7 THACO AUTO held a meeting for the personnel leaving for Uzbekistan.

Addressing them, oan at Ninh, deputy general director of the company in charge of production, spoke about his experience working abroad, cultural integration and the need for them to uphold their responsibilities and comply with THACO's standards of conduct, perform their tasks well, and uphold its image and brand.

THACO KIA plant's supervision of the production of KIA cars by partners has affirmed the capacity, qualifications and skills of its engineers and technical staff and THACO AUTO in general, he said.

From acquiring source technologies, the THACO KIA engineering team has mastered the production process and quality inspection, thereby actively contributing to the technology transfer activities of the KIA Corporation.  VNS
Rising contentions regarding theatrical education and training has recently penetrated through the top ranks of UK's theatrical figure after internationally leading voice expert Patsy Rodenburg announced her decision to part ways from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Rodenburg has worked with notable individuals within the industry across her expansive and highly influential career teaching vocal acting, including preeminent English actors Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and illustrious playwrights Arthur Miller and Harold Pinter.

She has also contributed as the Head of Voice and former Professor of Text and Poetry at London's Guildhall, one of the foremost educational institutions teaching drama in the country, putting in about 42 years across her duties. Some of her then students include famous names like Daniel Craig and Damian Lewis.

That said, she has recently announced her resignation from the drama school due to feeling "exasperated" with the current trends in theatrical education.

Regression in the Craft of Drama and Acting

Specifically, in an interview with The Observer, she explained that there has been a great decline in teaching the "craft" of acting at the Guildhall and elsewhere in the past 12 years.

This "craft" involves "breath work, body, and vocal preparation" that is essential for an actor's "presence" and "impact" during a stage performance. In essence, Rodenburg described it as a non-negotiable when working with a director and without it, an actor becomes a "liability."

She added that unlike with film and television, where you can get away without having a lot of "craft," going up on stage without it is akin to a chef not knowing how to prepare an onion. This type of "ignorance" is what Rodenburg purports some teachers of voice and movement are promulgating.

Some of Rodenburg's colleagues are even among the "detractors" of "craft," recalling that they would even refuse her to sit in during their classes.

She also sensed a lot of disregard for Shakespeare's teachings from them, saying that she heard from one of her teaching colleague's students that some of the teachers were just not pushing them enough and would instead reinforce "resignation" in the face of challenges.

This kind of education has resulted in older theatrical professionals, like senior actors and directors, complaining about the absence of "craft" and "resiliency" among newer actors.

As per Rodenburg, these concerns were left unaddressed and ignored by the Guildhall, eventually prompting her resignation from the institution.

She even wrote to one of her students, explaining that her "passions and belief in theatre" are not echoed anymore in the institution, which is why she has to leave and find others who would do the same work alongside her.

In line with this goal, Rodenburg is gearing up to offer free classes for all Guildhall alumni and has even finished recording a podcast on the subject called "Craft: Sweat and Joy," with two episodes already available since last week.

Royal Shakespeare Company's co-head Daniel Evans echoed the professor's worries and sentiment on the regressing state of theatrical training, saying that Rodenburg's resignation is a "great loss" for the Guildhall, sharing that he is in talks with the professor regarding work at the RSC.

As per Evans, his main concern is in regards to some drama schools shifting towards film and television, saying, "If the balance has shifted away from basic craft skills, that would be a great loss."

In response to Rodenburg's concerns, The Guildhall released a statement adamantly rejecting them, citing its recent designation as No. 1 in Arts, Drama & Music by University Guide 2024 as the counter to her criticisms, alongside being one of the top 10 drama institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

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 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Dr Mattias Larsson*

Ngai, four years old and a usually vigorous boy, fell ill with a fever up to 39.8C, sore throat, runny nose and bilaterally red eyes. His mother Hien gave him paracetamol which gave some temporary improvement, but the fever returned fast. Ngai developed fatigue and an increasing rash and eruptions on the lips. After three days of fever, his mother Hien decided to take him to the local doctor who diagnosed throat infection and gave amoxicillin antibiotic treatment. However, after three more days, Ngai still has a high fever. He also developed a rash on the hands and feet, peeling skin on the fingers and toes, increased rash and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat as well as diarrhea and had no appetite.

Hien then decides to take Ngai to the Family Medical Practice. The paediatrician examined and found a rash on the roof and back of the mouth and swollen red lips. On the left side of his neck, he had several lymph nodes, tender and freely displaceable. Both eardrums appeared slightly red, but there were no signs of bulging. The heart has a regular rhythm and frequency. Blood tests showed slight anemia, increased white blood cell count and high CRP in the blood, indicating an inflammation.

The paediatrician explained that Ngai met the criteria for Kawasaki disease with fever for more than four days, strawberry tongue, rash on the lips, swollen lymph nodes and rash. Hien had a Kawasaki motorbike and asked if it was related to the fact that she often drove him on the bike. The paediatrician said most likely not, although the cause of this disease is not fully known, and further explained that Kawasaki disease is a rare heart condition that develops suddenly and causes a high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels. It usually affects children under the age of five years. Infections may cause the immune system to develop antibodies that attack blood vessels, such as the coronary arteries which carry blood to the heart muscle, which become inflamed and swollen. Boys are slightly more likely than girls to develop Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is more common in people of Asian descent. It is not contagious, so it cannot spread from person to person.

The doctor also explained that echocardiography should be done as Kawasaki disease is associated with coronary artery dilatation and development of aneurysm (an abnormal bulge in blood vessels that can burst). Other potential complications may include abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots which can lead to heart attacks, inflammation of the coronary arteries, heart valve problems and inflammation of heart muscle.

The doctor also said that treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) should be started as soon as possible to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. IVIG is a product derived from plasma (the liquid portion of blood) that contains antibodies that help prevent heart damage. No examinations are needed before starting treatment. High-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy controls fever and prevents blood clots.

The echocardiography showed normal heart size and coronary vessels. Chest X-ray and EKG was also normal.

Soon after receiving IVIG and starting treatment with ASA Ngai improves, the fever and rash almost completely disappears. His mother asked if there are any risks with the motorcycle disease (Kawasaki disease) and what if any follow up is needed.

The doctor explained that Ngai will continue with ASA treatment. Follow-up with ultrasound after two and then eight weeks, if these are normal the treatment is terminated and no follow-up is needed. If the ultrasound shows coronary artery involvement or an aneurysm, follow-up and treatment must continue with extended ASA course and new ECG and ultrasound at 6-12 month intervals. If there are large aneurysms >8 mm or stenoses continued ASA must be given and regular checks of EKG/UKG up.

The doctor explained that prompt treatment of Kawasaki disease can greatly reduce the risk of heart damage and other complications, as it seemed Ngai had not developed any complications. Hien thought it was luck that she had gone to FMP before Ngai developed a more severe disease. Family Medical Practice

*Dr Mattias Larsson is a paediatric doctor at Family Medical Practice and associate professor at Karolinska Institutet and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German and some Spanish.

Visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi 24/7 at 298I P. Kim Ma, Kim Ma Ward, Ba inh Dist.

To book an appointment, please call us at (024).3843.0784 or via Whatsapp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.

FMPs downtown location in Ho Chi Minh City is in Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, and 95 Thao ien St, District 2. Tel. (028) 3822 7848 or email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com.
HA NOI Photos capturing moving moments between mothers and their children taken by photographer Le Bich over an almost 20 years period, are being displayed at Vietnamese Womens Museum in Ha Noi.

The Me Yeu Con (A Mothers Love) exhibition is aimed to commemorate the 114th anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8 and International Day of Happiness on March 20.

The photographer travelled through the northern mountainous provinces all the way to the central provinces. There he met and conversed with local people, and captured emotional moments between mothers and children with his lens.

At A Mothers Love, visitors encounter stories about mother-child relationships in remote villages, from the high mountains covered in mist to the vast plains. The humble and sacred bond is present in every overflowing moment captured in photographs, brimming with love.

Regardless of the region or ethnicity, whether they are from the Mong, Thai, Nung, Lo Lo Black, or Kinh ethnic groups, the expression of a mother's affection towards her beloved children is natural, whether it be in moments of work, play, rest or teach knowledge.

The first photograph on the subject by Bich is titled Tren Lung Me (On Mother's Back), taken in 2005 at the Bac Ha Market in Bac Ha Town in the northern province of Lao Cai. The image of that moment evoked a special emotion in the photographer.

"The image of a Mong ethnic baby peacefully sleeping on the back of their mother, who was selling goods at a corner of the Bac Ha Market, touched my heart in a powerful way and inspired my journey to explore the different facets of the mother-child relationship, he recalled.

With my works, I hope to touch the hearts of others, inspiring us to love our mothers more, as we all come into this world through them," shared the photographer.

After the exhibition concludes, Bich will donate the collection to the Vietnamese Women's Museum for display.

Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Minh Huong said she was filled with emotions after admiring the artworks.

"Through the exhibition by artist Le Bich, I see these special yet ordinary and affectionate moments of mothers in both the rural and urban areas, in the mountains as well as the plains," she said.

What makes it even more remarkable is that these sacred moments are captured through the lens and emotions of a male photographer who deeply understands the mother-child relationship."

A Mothers Love exhibition runs until March 15.

Born in 1972, Bich is now based in Ha Noi. He started to pursue photography in 2005, and has become renowned for capturing the essences of Vietnamese cultural heritages and traditional crafts.

Bich has won numerous photography awards and has organised several diverse exhibitions, including a solo exhibition titled Sac Mau Cuoc Song (Colours of Life) at the Vietnamese Women's Museum in 2018. VNS
IEN BIEN Doctor Nguyen thi Ngoc Toan returns to ien Bien Phu on a special trip to celebrate her 95th birthday today.

Seated in De Castries' bunker, Madam Toan, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, fits right in with her military outfit.

"Great-grandmother Toan was ambushed in ien Bien," writes her daughter Cao Bao Van, as hordes of cameramen and journalists would not let the moment go to waste. She couldn't have a quiet moment to herself in De Castries' bunker, but she made the trip, 70 years later.

Currently living in Ho Chi Minh City with her daughter's family, she was accompanied by children and grandchildren back to the old battlefield of ien Bien Phu, where she, then was a nurse for the campaign, had her wedding with General Cao Van Khanh on the battlefield, newly peaceful after the Viet Minh captured the valley.

The young bride then went on to study to become an obstetrician and worked in Ha Noi's Military Hospital 108 until she retired.

During Dr. Toan's long career as an obstetrician-gynaecologist working at Military Hospital 108 in Ha Noi, she encountered many children born disfigured due to the impact of Agent Orange. She also found out that her husband General Cao Van Khanh and her son had died from impacts of Agent Orange.

Daughter of a Cabinet Minister in the Royal Court in Hue, born Ton Nu Ngoc Toan, she left the comforts of an elite aristocratic family to join the revolution and fight against the French invasion of Viet Nam. She traded privilege for hardship, entitled life for the work for her people, and she has lived a long and meaningful life.

We respectfully wish her good health and to live to 100 years old. VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Ha Noi on March 4 morning for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations, and official visits to Australia and New Zealand from March 511.

The trip is made at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon.

The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit is an opportunity for the two sides to review their relations over the past 50 years and discuss measures to promote the substantive, effective development of relations, in line with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2021.

Also during the working trip, PM Chinh will pay official visits to Australia and New Zealand. This is the first official visit of PM Chinh to Australia and New Zealand in his new position, and the Prime Ministers first tour of the two countries after more than seven years.

The visit is expected to contribute to strengthening political trust, deepening multi-faceted cooperation, and boosting ties between Viet Nam - Australia and Viet Nam - New Zealand in all fields, such as politics, diplomacy, security, defence, economy, trade, investment, ODA, education - training, culture - tourism, and labour.

PM Chinh's visits to Australia and New Zealand continue to actively implement the foreign policy of the 13th Party Congress, Conclusion 59-KL/TW of the Politburo on Viet Nams orientation to participate in ASEAN until 2030, and Directive 25-CT/TW of the Secretariat on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy until 2030.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs trip to attend the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of dialogue relations and his official visits to Australia and New Zealand hold special significance, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet.

The visit, from March 5 to 11, is made at the invitation of Australian PM Anthony Albanese and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon.

Talking to the media, Viet said the first special thing of this tour is that 2024 marks 50 years since the establishment of the ASEAN - Australia dialogue relations, follows the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam - Australia diplomatic ties in 2023, and is ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Asian countrys relations with New Zealand next year.

This is the first visits by a Vietnamese PM to Australia and New Zealand in seven years and also the first by Chinh to the two countries as the Government leader of Viet Nam, Viet noted.

The second is the sound relations between ASEAN and Australia over the past 50 years which can be seen in their increasingly enhanced political trust and fruitful partnerships in all fields, including trade, economic, cultural and social affairs.

ASEAN countries consider Australia as one of the comprehensive strategic partners boasting substantive and effective cooperation with members of the bloc, the official said.

He believes the summit will be a good occasion for ASEAN and Australian leaders to review the 50-year bilateral relations, especially the implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership set up in 2021.

This is also a chance for the leaders to discuss vision, orientations, and concrete measures for expanding ties in the future. The two sides, particularly Australia, are set to propose new cooperation initiatives, creating more resources and basis for the ASEAN - Australia ties to grow strong.

Highlighting the strides in the Viet Nam - Australia relations over the last half a century, he said PM Chinhs official visit is an occasion to look back on the development of their ties, especially in the implementation of the bilateral strategic partnership as well as the high-level agreements reached during the Australian Governor-General and PMs trips to Viet Nam in 2023 and National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hues visit to Australia in 2022.

During this visit, the two sides are scheduled to outline cooperation orientations, with an emphasis on trade and investment; education - training, including vocational training; science - technology; innovation; and new impetuses like digital economy, green economy, energy transition and renewable energy.

The countries will work towards elevating bilateral relations to a new height, he added.

Apart from Australia, New Zealand is also an important strategic partner of Viet Nam in the South Pacific, Viet remarked, underlining the long-standing and fruitful connections in various fields such as education - training, gender equality, development and agriculture.

During PM Chinhs official visit, the two countries will continue exploring measures for further strengthening cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, people-to-people links, labour, education - training and agriculture, particularly new technologies for agriculture and ways to expand their markets to each others high-quality agricultural products, the Deputy Minister noted.

Education, training key pillar of cooperation

Education and training have been important cooperation pillars in the Australia-Viet Nam relations since the oi Moi (Renewal) cause was implemented in Viet Nam, held Suiwah Edna Leung, Honorary Associate Professor at the Australian National University (ANU) Crawford School of Public Policy.

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency (VNA)s correspondents in Sydney on the threshold of Prime Minister Chinhs official visit, the scholar said that Australia can deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields by providing soft infrastructure to Viet Nam, including training Government officials in the areas of finance, environment and business.

Such programmes may be linked to undergraduate degree programmes in public administration, he proposed. However, these programmes need to be supplemented by internships in Australian state and federal government agencies so that Vietnamese officials not only learn theory but also observe the practices and culture of Australian management agencies, he added.

Dr. Leung said that the growth of the private sector is especially relevant in Viet Nam today as it allows Viet Nam to move up the value chain in the electronics sector to engage in component manufacturing rather than just assembly activities. A stronger private business sector in Viet Nam will provide more investment opportunities for Australian companies, thus creating a complete circle, he stated.

The expert asserted that sound financial and business regulation will help promote growth and development of Viet Nam's formal private sector, which is quite small by regional standards. The sector accounts for only about 11 per cent of GDP in Viet Nam compared to 30 per cent in Thailand and 50 per cent in China.

The orderly growth and development of private companies in a market economy depends on market-friendly regulations from the Government, a type of "soft infrastructure" for which Australia is capable to provide, he underlined.

Dr. Leung expressed his hope that Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinh will have a successful visit to Australia and that the relationship between the two countries will continue to develop more profoundly through a number of channels, including education and training. VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Melbourne on Monday evening (local time) to attend the ASEAN-Australia Summit and begin his official visit to the Oceanian country at the invitation of his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.

Under the theme A Partnership for the Future, the summit is seen as an occasion for the Southeast Asian bloc and Australia to review and enhance their ties to be more practical and effective, in alignment with their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2021.

PM Chinh is set to hold discussions with Australian and ASEAN leaders to put forward visions, directions and specific measures to expand their cooperation in the future.

As part of his official visit to Australia, the Vietnamese leader is scheduled to meet and hold talks with the countrys leadership and attend the Vietnam-Australia Business Forum.

He will also visit several Australian business associations, corporations and research institutes, as well as the Vietnamese community in Australia.

In addition to reviewing their bilateral relations, notably the Viet Nam-Australia Strategic Partnership, the two countries are expected to focus on cooperation goals in trade, investment, education and training, science and technology, innovation, as well as green and digital economy.

The countrys leaders will also approve multiple agreements in energy, education, mineral resources, agriculture, forestry and fishery, science and technology, justice, trade and finance on this occasion.  VNS
VIENTIANE  Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong had bilateral meetings with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, and Cambodian Deputy Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Tea Siha in Luang Prabang, Laos, on March 4.

The meetings took place as Cuong is in Laos to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Retreat (ADMM-Retreat) from March 4 to 6.

Meeting with the Lao official, Cuong affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence always supports and stands ready to assist the Lao side to successfully organise military-defence events when Laos is holding the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2024.

Chansamone, for his part, welcomed the high-level delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to attend the ADMM-Retreat, expressing his belief that their attendance will contribute to the meetings success.

Both sides evaluated the bilateral cooperation over the past time, and discussed cooperation orientations in the coming time, particularly in the areas of Party and political affairs, border management and protection, human resources training and defence industry.

The Lao official said he hoped the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence will support the Experts Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action of the ADMM Plus (ADMM+) for 2024-2027 co-chaired by Laos and Russia.

In the meeting with Tea Seiha, Cuong expressed his delight at the sound Viet Nam - Cambodia defence cooperation in 2023 as both sides worked closely and effectively in the fields of high-level delegation exchanges, human resources training, and exchange of young officers.

They agreed that the two armies should continue their traditional cooperation and solidarity, serving as a pillar in the Viet Nam-Cambodia good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability.

Besides, they concurred to direct competent agencies and units to carry out and review the protocol on defence cooperation between the two ministries during the 2020-2024 period and map out another for the 2025-2029 period.

Cuong took this occasion to invite leaders from the Cambodian defence ministry, royal military and enterprises to attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Peoples Army, and the 2nd Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled to be held at the end of this year.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has proposed US consumer goods giant P&G consider expanding its partnership with Viet Nam and facilitating the entry of Vietnamese firms into its global supply chain.

During a reception in Ha Noi on March 4 for P&G Vice President Nitin Darbari, Deputy PM Quang hailed the corporations investments in Viet Nam, totaling USS450 million since 1995, acknowledging their significant contributions to the countrys socio-economic development and the Viet Nam-US relationship.

He also suggested the company pay attention to human resources training in Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese Government always attaches importance to improving the business environment and promoting transformation to create favourable conditions for foreign enterprises to do long-term business in Viet Nam, he said.

Darbari, for his part, commended the Vietnamese Government's efforts in positioning Viet Nam as a foreign investment hub and overcoming the global headwinds to achieve an impressive growth of over 5% last year.

He thanked the Vietnamese Government for its support to P&G during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed that P&G considers Viet Nam one of its strategic markets, aiming to establish the Southeast Asian nation as a regional manufacturing hub and a sustainable supply source for its other markets.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI At 0:15am on March 3, 1959, radar operators of Air Defence and Air Forces Regiment 260 detected an aircraft of the enemy flying from the Viet Nam-Laos border to violate the sky west of Thanh Hoa Province.

This was the first victory by the Vietnamese radar soldiers, only two days after the radar force was established.

Over the past 65 years, the radar force has been an integral part of the Air Defence and Air Force and played a core role in managing and defending the countrys airspace.

On the night of February 15, 1964, radar operators of Regiment 290 discovered an enemy aircraft breaking into the north and promptly reported to the Air Force to shoot down the plane coded C-123 which was conducting enemy reconnaissance.

On August 5, 1964, the first air raid of the US Air Force in the north, with the code name "piercing arrow", was detected from afar by Regiments 290 and 291.

The radar operators timely and fully informed the air defence force about the raid, helping the force to shoot down eight planes.

These are the first glories in the history of Vietnamese radar soldiers, which always maintain their vigilance and take action early in response to the enemys raids.

The radar army was formed in the fire of war and became a reliable force. They protected key targets of our army in the war as well as strategic transportation.

Colonel Tran Van Lien, former deputy commander, chief of staff of the Radar Army, said in the condition of limited equipment quantity and quality, the radar troops overcame difficulties to ensure that the air force and missile force launch their operations to defeat the enemy right from the first battle, on the first day.

The troop promptly notified local people's air defence to give early warning, evacuate residents, and maintain production during the war.

During the 12-day-and-night Air Defence Campaign at the end of 1972, the radar troops accurately detected B-52s from afar and timely issued notification so that our troops were not surprised by the US strategic air raid campaign in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and some northern provinces," he recalled.

According to the Air Defence and Air Force, during this period, the radar army helped the northern army and people shoot down 81 US aircraft, including 34 B-52s and other types.

"Over the past 65 years, the radar troops have fought heroically; the more they fight, the more they win, and the more they fight, the stronger they become and grow quickly. Every generation of radar officers and soldiers is brave, resilient, cunning and creative, he said.

Today the force continues to fill their role as a key troop of the Air Defence and Air Force by closely coordinating with other forces to create a complete, closed information network throughout the entire national territory, improve surveillance capabilities, airspace management, meteorological reconnaissance and flight management.

They are also responsible for drills, live firing and safety of the countrys important events.

To meet the strong development of science and technology, especially military science and technology, in recent years, the Air Defence and Air Force has been authorised by the Ministry of National Defence to upgrade and put into service advanced technical weapons and equipment.

The Air Defence and Air Force has purchased many new generation radars and successfully implemented research, design and manufacturing projects on radar generations to detect flying targets.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, commander of the Air Defence and Air Force, said to continue to firmly protect the sovereignty of the nation's airspace, especially in the context of increasingly complex and unpredictable developments of the global and regional situation, the radar soldiers, together with other forces in the army, will constantly heighten vigilance and continue to promote valuable lessons learned.

The troop is focusing on building a comprehensively strong radar force, paying attention to training and fostering high-quality human resources with an aim to build a contingent of officers and soldiers with steadfast stance, good professional qualifications and skills. They are expected to effectively use existing and newly equipped weapons, he said. VNS
HA NOI  Businesses and investors find it difficult to turn research into commercial products due to policy issues, said a researcher.

Phan Tien Dung, Head of the Department of Application & Development of Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, cites some recent government policies as a barrier to the commercialisation of research.

He cited Decree 70/2018 on Management and Use of Properties Derived from Science and Technology Research as an example, which stipulates that properties from State-funded research cannot be commercialised unless they are evaluated.

As many businesses and investors in Viet Nam do not have experience in evaluating research properties, they hit a stumbling block when trying to commercialise them.

Legal inconsistencies make the situation even more complicated, he added.

Under the Law on Management and Use of Public Properties, revenues from the commercialisation of State-funded research will be returned to the State in proportion to its investment in the research.

Meanwhile, the Law on Science and Technology mandates that researchers enjoy at least 30 per cent of the revenues; and the Law on Intellectual Properties, 20 per cent.

"The legal inconsistencies hinder the commercialisation of research," said Dung.

The department head suggests the government transfer the ownership of State-funded research outcomes to its commissioned agencies to facilitate research commercialisation.

Moreover, incentivising businesses to invest in science and technology, and organising training programmes to raise their awareness of research commercialisation is equally crucial.

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh at said on the grounds of Directive 25 on the Development of a Modern and Integrated Science and Technology Market issued by the Prime Minister on October 2023, the ministry will formulate a plan to develop science and technology markets in Ha Noi, HCM and a Nang cities, as well as some other areas if required.

The plan aims to foster ties among research institutions, universities and markets, thereby streamlining research commercialisation.

o Thanh Long, Chief Secretariat of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the ministry will launch a plan to put Directive 25 into action in 2024, which includes policies to foster the transformation of State-funded research into commercial products.

Additionally, the ministry will take measures to enhance businesses' technology absorption capacity, facilitate innovative advancement, and bolster technology transfer. It will also draft revisions to four laws and submit five draft decrees on science and technology to the government for approval.

With these plans, research commercialisation will see significant progress in 2024, strengthening ties among the State, businesses and researchers, said Long.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology published 2,211 research papers and registered 76 patents in 2023, including three international patents.

However, it is not easy, as Dung said, to turn the papers and patents into commercial products due to policy issues.  VNS
Street art legend Banksy's list of high-value masterpieces is about to get one entry longer with his "Holywell Row Happy Helicopters" set to grace an auction held by Anderson & Garland, with sale estimation for the piece reaching $890,000.

That said, the artwork wasn't initially welcomed by the owner of the Shoreditch office building whose facade it was on. Located in east London, the painting first appeared on the structure in 2006 and with its confirmation as a Banksy brought unwanted attention to the building.

Constant waves of unsolicited would-be viewers of the piece would prove to be too cumbersome for the office's operation and its owners as the people repeatedly trip over the premise's security measures, prompting the artwork's eventual black paint cover-up.

After being sold the building, the new owner was oblivious that a Banksy masterpiece was right under his nose, covered in black paint.

It was only after he browsed through the "Banksy Captured" (2020) photo catalog, shot and published by photographer Steve Lazarides, that he found out about its existence, recognizing the unmistakable facade of the building he now owns.

After this discovery, he would later request the launch of what would become a lengthy and extensive restoration process.

From Obscurity to Under the Hammer for an Estimated Six-Digit Value

The seller, who wishes to stay anonymous, was quoted by the Anderson & Garland auction house's press release on the sale saying: "After discovering such an important work, we wanted to ensure the integrity of the piece, so approached restoration specialists to find the best way of preserving it for generations to come."

"To our knowledge, no one had attempted to rescue a fragile work of high-profile street art like this before," he added. "As the piece had been painted on render, after several abortive attempts the decision was made to remove it in sections by specialists."

Despite the laborious process that took over a year to safely conserve and restore the three-inch-thick artwork, the Fine Art Restoration Company employed for the endeavor was able to fully retrieve the piece by sectioning it through eight portions.

After its restoration, the experts at the Newcastle branch of the auction house were able to move into the authentication and valuation phase of the overall auction process.

This particular piece, however, was not the only Banksy that Anderson & Garland sold, as another highly-sought artwork by the graffiti artist, dubbed "The Merrivale Stable" was able to fetch a record-breaking final price of 1m in a 2022 sale that garnered worldwide press coverage in just two minutes.

Succeeding this momentous sale were three more pieces from the Banksy's "Wrong War" series, all of which were sold a year later. The upcoming sale this March 20, in Anderson & Garland's "Spring Fine Art Auction," marks the third consecutive year the house has sold a Banksy.

Ahead of the forthcoming sale of the six-by-four-feet mural depicting a set of three Apache attack helicopters, which is a recurring "subject" across Banksy's oeuvre, the piece will first go into a public display starting March 15 through 18 at the house's saleroom in Newcastle.

Read Also: Archeologists Unearth New Mythological Fresco in Excellent Condition Buried Pompeii Ash

 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
PHU YEN The south-central province of Phu Yen is poised to develop its economy by bringing into full play maritime advantages based on pillars of industry, high quality service tourism, high-tech agriculture, and maritime transport and logistics, according to the provinces development master plan announced on Sunday.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha attended the announcement ceremony.

Phu Yen Province will be developed based on the distinct characteristics of its natural and cultural resources, according to the master plan.

Local authorities plan to identify products with distinct characteristics, high economic value and competitiveness in marine and industrial economics, especially metallurgical industry, refining industry, petrochemical industry and energy, as well as tourism and high-tech agriculture.

The province looks to make breakthrough developments in coastal areas and looks towards rapid and sustainable development of the delta, mountainous areas and the eastern and western regions.

It aims to narrow the gap between dynamic areas and areas with difficult socio-economic conditions.

According to the plan, Phu Yen will strive to become a developing locality towards modernisation and sustainability by 2030 and successfully realise targets of digital transformation, improving business and investment climate to become an attractive destination of big domestic enterprises and foreign investors.

Ta Anh Tuan, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said by 2035, Phu Yen will be able to balance the State budget. By 2050, the province will have a diverse and prosperous economy, and become a marine economic centre of the central coast region.

He said Phu Yen will make firm efforts in administrative reform, enhancing the business investment environment, and gradually improve its rankings on indicators such as the Provincial Competitiveness Index, the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index, Public Administration Reform Index and Satisfaction Index of Public Administrative Services.

The province will take an active role in calling for investment from large, strategic domestic and foreign investors to introduce and promote the investment environment, potential and advantages of the province, he said.

At the same time, the province will make efforts to establish synchronous infrastructure and improve the quality of human resources, especially high-quality human resources, focusing on important industries such as tourism and industry associated with seaport advantages.

The southern Phu Yen economic zone and Bai Goc Port will be the driving force to promote the province's socio-economic development and turn the province into a diverse economy.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha said the master plan will create impetus for the province in the new development era and serve as a general planning shaping the provinces growth orientations.

He said the province must learn from the experience of other localities in the region and look for innovative unique ways forward.

With huge potential for renewable energy (wind power, solar power, new forms of hydrogen energy, green ammonia), the province must have breakthrough solutions to attract investment in the fields of metallurgy, refining, petrochemicals and shipping.

The Deputy Prime Minister agreed with the orientation of making local tourism a key economic sector and a driving force for socio-economic development.

"This is a great advantage of the province but it is necessary to seek innovate ways, he said.

The province needs to link supportive services such as transport, accommodation, shopping and healthcare to create added value to tourism, and at the same time, exploit the potential of cultural and natural heritage to develop green tourism, he said.

Regarding digital transformation in tourism, he suggested electronic payment for travel ticket, accommodation booking, cuisine and other services, and promoting natural and cultural beauty online.

As a coastal locality directly affected by climate change and sea level rise, Phu Yen needs to integrate adaptation scenarios into plans while focusing on multi-purpose infrastructure systems, he said.

Also at the ceremony, the provincial leaders granted investment policy certificates to 14 investors with a total registered capital of nearly VN10.5 trillion and five investment research memorandums with a total registered capital of VN128.8 billion. VNS
HA NOI  The Viet Nam Army Corps of Engineers team in Abyei region, Africa, has installed a clean water supply station outside the Highway barracks, to serve local people near the barracks.

The Abyei region is now in the dry season while the local people are almost entirely dependent on water from wells dug by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), or even relying on stagnant water puddles.

The team said that the water was treated with a water filtration system that meets the United Nations standards. The water pipes are put underground to minimise damage.

The water supply is available from 9-11am and 3-5pm, with an average daily flow of 6-8 cubic metres.

At first, the team will arrange officers and employees to guide the local people to collect water, and install a notice board to help them to know the time and how to get water correctly.

Major Vu Tri Xuyen, deputy captain of the team, said: Through our work at the UNISFA Mission, we knew some of the difficulties of the local people in the Abyei area, especially the needs to use water during the dry season.

Most local people depend on stagnant puddles for daily drinking water, he said.

Therefore, the team planned to install the clean water supply station near the barracks to support local peoples water needs.

After the clean water supply station was operation, not only the local people near the barracks but also many people from far away came to get water, he said.

The team would upgrade the system to be able to provide 10 - 12 cubic metres of water daily, meeting the clean water needs of people in the central Abyei area in the coming time, he added.

He also said that the local people around the barracks area were grateful and thanked the team because they could use clean water instead of using water from stagnant puddles or having to go very far to get water from local rivers and lakes.

In addition to installing the clean water supply station for local people, the team also provides clean water, which is treated with RO filters and can be drunk directly, to Abyei Church every Friday so local people and the children at the churchs kindergarten can drink clean water.  VNS
HA NOI  Over the past decade, nearly 500,000 hectares of land have been successfully cleared of mines and explosive ordnance, as reported by the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC).

The figure was revealed during the commemoration of the centres 10th anniversary on March 4, 2024. Also on this occasion, the centre was presented with the Fatherland Defence Order, Third Class.

Major General Tran Trung Hoa, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers and general director of VNMAC, said the centres functions and tasks encompass presiding over and coordinating with relevant agencies, conducting research, proposing policies, setting goals and developing long-term and medium-term plans to address the consequences of landmines.

Additionally, the centre is responsible for mobilising national-level funding, managing information related to addressing post-war bomb and mine consequences in Viet Nam, organising and coordinating mine clearance projects and tasks, providing support to landmine victims, and undertaking prevention initiatives related to mine accidents.

In the work of investigation, technical survey and clearance of bombs, mines and explosives, the centre has taken proactive measures, proposing and directly coordinating major projects. These efforts have significantly contributed to nationwide bomb and mine clearance, resulting in the clearance of nearly 500,000 hectares of mines and explosives from 2014 to 2023.

Moreover, the centre has been instrumental in advancing the activities of the Partnership Group to overcome the post-war consequences of bombs and mines, mobilising international organisations to sponsor resources for Viet Nam. This support has enabled the enhancement of capacity and the implementation of investigation, survey and clearance projects, as well as information management and quality assurance of mine and explosive ordnance clearance activities, with international funding exceeding US$100 million.

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, deputy secretary of the Central Military Commission, and minister of National Defence, expressed his appreciation in a letter addressed to officers, professional soldiers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, workers and defence officials of the centre on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. He commended the centre for its unwavering dedication in striving towards the successful completion of the advisory and coordination task.

During the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, deputy chief of General Staff of the Viet Nam People's Army and deputy head of the Standing Committee of the National Steering Committee on Overcoming Post-war Consequences of Landmines and Toxic Chemicals in Viet Nam, expressed recognition and praise for the centre's achievements over the past decade of construction and growth. He highlighted that numerous groups and individuals within the centre have been honoured with prestigious awards by the Party, State and Army.

In order to further strengthen and mature the centre to meet the demands of the new situation, he proposed several key tasks.

Foremost among these is the imperative to advance technological development, conducting research, analysis and forecasting of both international and domestic situations relevant to the work of overcoming the consequences of bombs and mines.

Additionally, he urged the centre to collaborate closely with relevant agencies to research, propose policies, set goals, and draft a comprehensive plan for overcoming the consequences of landmines and bombs for the period 2026 to 2045, with a forward-looking orientation towards 2050.

In addition to the aforementioned tasks, the centre must prioritise finalising the content of the Ordinance on Overcoming Post-war Bomb and Mine Consequences in Viet Nam. Furthermore, it should excel in communication efforts aimed at raising public awareness about mine and bomb accident prevention. Emphasis should also be placed on training and enhancing scientific capacity, particularly in information management, international cooperation, project management, and the effective coordination of mine clearance and explosive ordnance clearance projects, as well as support for mine victims.

Collaboration with international organisations is essential for providing training on handling explosive materials and delivering initial medical treatment according to international standards. This proactive engagement will not only augment the centre's capabilities but also ensure alignment with global best practices in mine action and victim support.  VNS
As of March 1st, 2024, mobile phones in Vietnam that only support 2G technology and are not on the approved certification list published by the Telecommunications Quality Testing Center will no longer be allowed to access the network. This marks another major step in Vietnam's process of shutting down its aging 2G network.

Background on 2G Network Shutdown

The 2G network first launched in Vietnam in the early 2000s and revolutionized mobile connectivity in the country at the time by enabling basic voice calls and SMS text messaging. However, as technology has advanced significantly over the past two decades, the 2G network is now outdated and unable to support modern mobile applications and internet-based services.

To facilitate Vietnam's ongoing digital transformation, major mobile network operators in the country such as Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Viettel had previously committed to phasing out 2G services by 2025 as part of their spectrum license renewals with the Ministry of Information and Communications. Transitioning users to newer 3G and 4G networks will free up valuable spectrum bandwidth that can be re-allocated to deliver higher speed mobile broadband to consumers.

Approved Device Certification List

In line with the planned 2G network shutdown schedule, the Telecommunications Quality Testing Center under the Ministry of Information and Communications recently published a list of mobile phones that are certified for continued usage after March 1st, 2024. Only devices on this approved list, which is available online at https://tqc.gov.vn/2g-only, will be permitted to access 3G/4G networks going forward if they currently only have 2G functionality.

This certification ensures that connected devices meet standards for network interoperability, radio frequency emissions, and other technical requirements to avoid potential interference issues on higher generation mobile networks. Any 2G-only phones not on the approved list will lose network access from this date onward.

Benefits for Mobile Users

Phasing out older 2G networks brings significant advantages for Vietnamese mobile users. Firstly, it encourages the adoption of more advanced smartphones capable of utilizing modern internet-based applications and services. According to statistics, the average smartphone price in Vietnam has dropped below 300,000 VND in recent years, making upgrades more affordable to consumers.

Secondly, removing outdated 2G networks helps free up scarce wireless spectrum in densely populated areas for 3G/4G/5G technologies. This translates to improvements in data speeds and connectivity quality for activities like video streaming, online gaming, mobile work and education access. It also positions Vietnam's telecom infrastructure for future innovations like IoT, AI and more immersive experiences.

A smoother transition to modern mobile networking is also expected to curb the menace of unsolicited spam SMS messages, which were predominantly transmitted over older 2G protocols. With most users migrating to higher generations of connectivity, the business case for SMS spamming diminishes.

Planned Schedule for 2G Sunset

To ensure a responsible shutdown that protects existing users, Vietnam's telecom authorities have devised a staggered timetable for withdrawing 2G services:

By September 2024, when the 900MHz spectrum license expires, mobile operators are targeting to have transitioned all subscribers off 2G-only plans/devices.

From September 2024 to September 2026, existing 2G networks will remain operational but no new 2G subscriber activations are permitted.

After September 2026, the 2G networks will be fully decommissioned.

This multi-year phase out approach allows sufficient buffer time for customers still reliant on 2G to replace aging handsets with more affordable smartphones compatible with 3G or 4G networks.

Assistance for Impacted Users

For users currently facing disruption to their 2G services, they can visit nearby mobile operator service centers to receive support in upgrading devices or migrating to postpaid/prepaid plans compatible with newer networks. As an interim solution, they can also use other phones like a relative's device to contact operator hotlines for assistance.

Telecom experts have welcomed Vietnam's decision to diligently follow through on its planned 2G shutdown schedule. According to Mr. Doan Quang Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Society of Electronics, Telematics and Automatic Control, "Encouraging smartphone adoption, especially since quality phones are now available for under 300,000 VND in Vietnam, is appropriate. However, network operators should still maintain a gradual 2G withdrawal process to protect consumers."

Conclusion

In summary, Vietnam's strategy to retire outdated 2G infrastructure on a predefined timeframe aligns with global best practices and will ultimately benefit citizens through an expanded digital experience and ecosystem. While short-term challenges may arise for some remaining 2G users, the proactive coordination between authorities, operators and industry will help ensure a well-managed transition. This marks another positive step for Vietnam in its goal of fully embracing next-generation connectivity nationwide.
With this investment, AkzoNobel aims to increase its total production capacity to respond to global business partners' demands and strengthen its market position in Asia.

The major capacity expansion project for producing Powder Coatings and Water borne coatings for the Consumer Electronics market, includes five new lines for Powder, and one water-borne facility for Consumer Electrics

As well as increasing capacity, the total approx. 18.5 million ($20 million) expansion also sharpened the companys focus on sustainable manufacturing in the Vietnamese market and in the region.

In the context of Vietnam's increasing appeal to manufacturing and global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies, AkzoNobel's expansion of its Powder Coatings and Consumer Electronics capacity through these new production lines will ensure that the products meet and exceed industry standards.

Jeff Jirak, managing director of AkzoNobels Powder Coatings said, "Vietnam is increasingly becoming a destination for global businesses. Investing in five additional modern production lines at the Bac Ninh site, the company anticipates providing better services and paving the way for a sustainable future, particularly in the northern part of Vietnam."

"Furthermore, by allowing the Dong Nai site to focus on supporting volume growth in the Southern region of Vietnam, AkzoNobel can optimise its manufacturing processes to meet the diverse needs of the Vietnamese market.

This multi-business site has also improved the sustainability footprint of AkzoNobel in the region.

Maximilien Schreder, commercial director of the Global Consumer Electronics Coatings and Automotive & Refinish Coatings North Asia, AkzoNobel said, Our newly commissioned production line allows us to offer our Vietnam-based consumer electronic customers the latest water-borne technology to support leading IT, Wireless, or home appliance OEM development plans."

"The innovative facilities at the Bac Ninh site demonstrate AkzoNobel's deep commitment to sustainability, as were always finding new and exciting ways to make our products more sustainable and longer lasting and help customers reduce VOC levels for coating systems. This investment is evidence of our confidence in Vietnam's potential and a strong signal of our continuous support for the region's development.

The AkzoNobel plant at the Bac Ninh site was established in 2010, specialising in the production of Specialty Coatings, with the project to expand and increase production capacity,

AkzoNobel has built 2 new production lines for Powder coatings and Water-borne coatings. It serves as evidence of AkzoNobel's leadership in the paints and coatings industry, as well as its emphasis on developing sustainable solutions.

The new production facilities are focused on meeting high standards in sustainable production, supporting the companys science-based target of halving its carbon emissions by 2030.

AkzoNobel takes bold action to create breakthrough The year 2022 has seen a number of crises in the global economy. Nguyen My Lan, general director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints Vietnam, spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the business opportunities for the company amid the global uncertainties in 2023.

AkzoNobel awarded certificate for paint product AkzoNobel, a leading company in the paint and coatings industry, has been awarded a certification for one of its paint products.
Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of major fruit exporter Vina T&T based in Ho Chi Minh Citys Phu Nhuan district, said, Longer transportation times are having the largest impact and negatively affecting the quality of our fruit. It used to take 30 days to transport a container, now it takes 45 days. Fruits such as grapefruit and coconut can stay fresh for up to 70 days, but several others cannot.

Global Trading Connection Co., Ltd, specialises in exporting canned fruit juice and powdered coffee, and its CEO Nguyen Ngoc Luan revealed that besides the soaring transportation expenses, businesses are also facing a hike in energy fees and input material costs, with coffee experiencing a 30 per cent jump.

To reduce transportation costs, local firms and importers are scaling up efforts to bring costs down

Negotiating with our partners in the Middle East and Europe on price to cover the spike in input costs is proving difficult, said Luan.

To reduce transportation costs, local firms and importers are scaling up efforts to bring costs down.

Chairman of GC Good JSC Nguyen Van Thu said, "Logistics accounts for a large share of the pricing structure of agricultural products. To mitigate the Red Sea situation, Vietnamese exporters must seek alternative routes such as the Cape of Good Hope, which requires higher costs and more time. This eats into our profit margins severely."

As a result, GC Food is now attempting to tap into markets much less affected by the current conflicts, such as ASEAN and northeast Asia.

"We are determined to focus on things we can influence, such as expanding our coconut and aloe growing areas to optimise production costs," added Thu.

Vietnamese coffee finds ways to gain foothold in RoK market Supporting start-ups in building coffee shops in the Republic of Korea (RoK) is among the recommendations by the Vietnam Trade Office in the RoK to help spread the Vietnamese coffee culture in this country, thus contributing to boosting the export of the product.

Proactive steps to create green hydrogen economy Green hydrogen plays a paramount role in decarbonisation, and also brings tremendous economic gains to developing countries, including Vietnam. The market size in the region could reach over $140 billion by 2050.
With NAC as FPTs wholly owned subsidiary, the company aims to double its customer base and service offerings in Japan and deepen its foothold in the market.

The move aligns with FPTs global expansion strategy and enables the Vietnamese firm to capitalise on NACs talent pool of nearly 300 experienced engineers and its expertise in technology and business consulting, system planning, and design. FPT aims to achieve $1 billion in revenue from the Japanese market by 2027 and have more than half of its employees in Japan as multinational employees.

With the current challenges facing the digital transformation in Japan, including an ageing population, shortage of ICT human resources, and the complexity of existing systems, this acquisition of NAC reflects FPTs commitment to aiding Japanese businesses in their digital and green transformations. The deal also enables FPT to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness and expand its services to new industries and a wider range of customers.

"FPT strives to leverage technology to address various customer issues, and we aim to enhance the Japanese engineer talent pool and cooperate with local companies to help our clients maintain business continuity despite the current geopolitical challenges," said Do Van Khac, FPT Software's senior executive vice president and FPT Japan's CEO.

Naoto Yamazaki, chairman of NAC, said, "Since we started NAC 13 years ago, we have achieved success as an independent company. As we join the FPT family, I believe we can maintain our growth while forming a stronger synergy for the future."

Since 2014, FPT has completed multiple M&A deals in the US and Europe. In Japan, the firm recently formed a joint venture with Konica Minolta and made a strategic investment in LTS Inc. The acquisition of NAC highlights its focused, long-term commitment to this key market.

Japanese retail businesses want to expand in Vietnam 100 per cent of Japanese retail businesses in Vietnam have expansion plans, according to a Survey on the Status of Japanese Enterprises Investing Abroad in the fiscal year 2023.

The factors to building enduring businesses Japanese investment in Vietnam has persisted, with a focus on merge and acquisition activities. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation, talked with VIRs Luu Huong how the Year of the Dragon symbolises strength and optimism for Vietnam-Japan relations.
Abe Akie, wife of the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, chairperson the Japan Foundation for Social Contribution Fund (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The Japan Foundation for Social Contribution Fund on March 3 presented tens of wheelchairs to disabled people in the central city of Da Nang.

This is part of the events of the programme "Vietnam-Japan Exchange Towards the Future organised by the Japanese foundation with Abe Akie, wife of the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, as the chairperson and Mikazuki Group in Da Nang from March 1-3.

Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic establishment between Vietnam and Japan. The year saw great progress in diplomatic relations, with more than 500 commemorative activities held in both countries.

He expressed his hope that the wheelchairs will contribute to easing the burden in the life of disabled people in Vietnam, deepening the friendship between the two peoples. The success of these exchange activities will contribute to further developing the relationship between Vietnam and Japan in the future.

According to Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong, the relations between Vietnam and Japan are at the best stage of development, with high political trust, especially in the context that the two countries have elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

He highlighted that Japan is the leading economic partner and the top among the 40 countries and territories investing in Da Nang. In the field of tourism, Japan is one of the key markets of the city.

He thanked the Japanese fund and its chairperson for supporting the disadvantaged in the locality, and the Japanese Embassy and the Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang for bolstering bilateral cooperation programmes, especially aid ones at the grassroots level.

Earlier, students from Japans Kisarazu City High School and University of Da Nang visited and offered gifts to children victims of Agent Orange in the locality.
Malaysia targets net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (Illustrative photo: AFP/VNA)

Kuala Lumpur  Malaysia is drafting a national energy efficiency action plan for 2026 - 2035 (NEEAP 2.0) to continue efforts to achieve energy transition targets, its Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has said.

He told the recent Bumiputera Economic Congress that the Government expects more job opportunities along with business potential and investment will be created thanks to NEEAP 2.0.

In August 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim launched the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which outlined the countrys efforts and commitment towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by as early as 2050.

Deputy PM Yusof said the NETR proves the Governments determination in implementing the energy transition initiative from a traditional fossil fuel-based economy to a high-value green one.

He noted that the Malaysian Government has set a commitment to increase the share of renewable energy capacity in the countrys electricity supply to 70% by 2050, compared to 25% currently. This effort requires cooperation and the involvement of the Government, the private sector, and the people to ensure the success of all renewable energy initiatives and programmes to achieve the target.

Efforts to realise the energy transition target will be done comprehensively based on careful consideration of several capacity factors such as the grid system, demand for green electricity supply, economic spillover value, and consumers willingness to pay.

Several initiatives will be implemented, including building solar power plants to increase the supply of green electricity at a reasonable cost, and developing a regional grid system under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

The implementation of various initiatives could open up more business opportunities and new economic potential to be utilised and enjoyed by all parties, including small and medium enterprises, according to the Deputy PM.
The agreed property values of the single Malaysian and two Vietnamese properties are $117.3 million and $52 million, respectively. The valuations represent discounts of approximately 0.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent from the independent valuations obtained by HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) Limited, as trustee of MLT, and Mapletree Logistics Trust Management, respectively.

Ng Kiat, CEO of Mapletree Logistics Trust Management, said, Stepping up our portfolio rejuvenation efforts, we have announced or completed over S$200 million ($148.5 million) of divestment since the start of the year, thereby releasing capital which can be redeployed towards acquisitions in Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to capture emerging Asias growth potential. At the same time, developed Asian markets, which account for the majority of our revenue base, continue to provide stability to MLTs portfolio.

The proposed acquisitions are in line with the MLT's strategy of active portfolio rejuvenation through accretive acquisitions of modern, well-located properties in key logistical hubs. This strategy is complemented by selective divestment of properties with older specifications, which enable the redeployment of capital towards investments in modern logistics properties with higher growth potential.

Comprising three strategically located Grade A warehouses in Malaysia and Vietnam, these acquisitions will deepen MLTs network connectivity in these growth markets and position the company to capitalise on favourable demand drivers for logistics space, such as growing consumption and greater focus on supply chain diversification.

The acquisitions will increase the firm's exposure in Malaysia and Vietnam, from 24 assets to 27 assets, where robust economic growth and increasing urbanisation are expected to boost consumption and underpin demand for logistics space.

MLTs acquisitions of three modern, Grade A logistics facilities position the company to meet the evolving demands of tenants, while capturing the rent premiums commanded by modern warehouses over traditional facilities.

Specifically, the Vietnamese properties comprise a logistics asset in Binh Duong province (Mapletree Logistics Park 3) and a logistics asset in Hung Yen province (Hung Yen Logistics Park I). The Malaysian property is located in Shah Alam, one of Malaysias major industrial regions, with proximity to Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Port Klang.

Mapletree unveils V Plaza and opens first serviced apartment Mapletree Investments (Mapletree) today unveiled the design of Grade A twin office towers V Plaza  a joint venture with Saigon Co.op Investment Development JSC (SCID)  and officially opened its first Mapletree-developed serviced apartment in Vietnam, Oakwood Residence Saigon in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Mapletree hand over One Verandah ahead of schedule Against the challenging backdrop of extensive disruptions and lockdowns worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading real estate company Mapletree has completed One Verandah, a prestigious residential project located in the golden area of District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, two months ahead of schedule.
A Californian local sculpture by Mark di Suvero that made Venice Beach its home for over two decades, dubbed "Declaration," is officially to be removed after the artist's gallery, LA Louver, failed to hit necessary milestones with its fundraising attempts.

How the Sculpture Failed to Secure a Place in Venice Beach

The 60-foot-high steel monument made out of I-beams, collectively weighing around 25 tons, is an abstract balancing artwork that was first introduced in the famed beach location back in 2001.

Because its integration was funded through a loan facilitated by a Venice Family Clinic benefit, the artwork's two-decade-long stay in its Venice Beach spot far exceeds the original expected duration by a long measure as it wasn't intended to be a permanent piece, anyway.

However, due to its proximity to the beach's boardwalk with its high amount of foot traffic, alongside being located near a skate park and a police station, the locals have developed a sense of attachment to the piece.

Come 2019, the first news regarding its would-be removal first spread in the area, Suvero and his LA gallery had repeatedly failed attempts to convince the city to commit to acquiring the artwork, which unfortunately led to its planned dismantling and transfer to Suvero's estate.

LA Louver Director Kimberly Davis was quoted by Art News saying that the current price of the piece was around $7 million.

Of the removal, on the other hand, Suvero told the art publication that he is "honored" for his sculpture staying as long as it did and that no final date has been issued so far. He added by expressing his thanks that "it contributed to the identity of this special place."

In the beginning, Suvero looked towards LA Louver to cover financial costs when it came to the installation. As per New the York Times' quotation of an LA City Council member back in 2019, his artwork was offered to the city numerous times, with its $4 million costs being the primary reason behind the refusals.

Private backers were also onboarded to help, but ultimately that effort failed, as well. Similarly, despite raising over half of the required money, amounting to just about $2 million according to Yo! Venice!, it is still not enough to cover the necessary costs.

Today, the piece is on its way to Suvero's Petaluma studio in the state.

Read Also: Oxford's History of Science Museum Celebrates its 100th Anniversary With New Display 'About Time'

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NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (centre), Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha (fourth from right), and other delegates at the opening ceremony in Binh Dinh province on March 4 (Photo: VNA)

Binh Dinh  National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue attended the inauguration of the first phase of the Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial Park and Township in the central province of Binh Dinh on March 4.

Work on the industrial park and township, located in Canh Vinh commune of Van Canh district, was launched in September 2020 by the Investment and Industrial Development Corporation (Becamex IDC) and the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) Group.

Invested with more than 7.5 trillion VND (303.6 million USD), it covers a total area of 1,374ha in the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, comprising 1,000ha of industrial park and 374ha of resettlement, residential, trade, and service facilities.

The first phase, covering about 230ha, is now ready for secondary investors and has attracted four projects worth 96 million USD in total from Germany, Hong Kong (China), the Republic of Korea, and the Netherlands. About 90ha of residential land has also been put into use.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha considered the inauguration as important to industrialisation and urbanisation in Binh Dinh along with the transformation of the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone into a dynamic coastal one.

He said the Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial Park and Township is a new model requiring a methodological and comprehensive approach that boosts digital transformation and green transition while ensuring the harmony between economic growth and environmental protection. This is an orientation and also a requirement during the development of concentrated industrial, urban, and service areas.

Ha asked Becamex and VSIP, as leading developers of industrial park infrastructure, to take the lead in changing mindset about digital transformation and green infrastructure. They should build their own criteria for selecting investors with green, clean, and smart technology.

Besides, urban areas connected with industrial parks also need to be green, smart, and sustainable ones that have their own identities and comprehensive infrastructure systems, he went on.

The Deputy PM also stressed high-quality human resources as a factor attractive to investors, recommending Binh Dinh devise mechanisms and policies for mobilising human resources to create new momentum and a worth-living environment for experts and scientists to come and contribute to local development.

He ordered the province to pay due attention to administrative reform, business climate improvement, and assistance for enterprises. It needs to propose facilities important to regional and inter-regional connectivity to be built, and promote its airport, seaport, and railway connectivity, including the East - West Economic Corridor and National Highway 19 that links Binh Dinh with the Central Highlands and Cambodia.
The career orientation scheme aims to assist students in choosing a profession that aligns with their abilities, family conditions, and socioeconomic circumstances. In the first year, the programme will be implemented in high schools across the Mekong Delta.

The S-Career programme was launched at Nguyen Quang Dieu High School in Dong Thap province on March 1

The S-Career programme focuses on direct engagement with high school students, providing support and information to help them make informed career decisions.

Additionally, S-Career equips teachers with effective tools and methods to aid students in career planning.

The programme framework includes theoretical overviews, practical applications, and Q&A sessions, with the goal of providing comprehensive information to facilitate students in making the right career decisions.

"As a life insurance company, we are committed to providing long-term financial solutions, protecting the future of our Vietnamese customers, said Bae Seung Jun, general director of Shinhan Life Vietnam.

Beyond that, we are particularly interested in community activities that contribute to the development and education of children - the country's future generation. The S-Career programme is expected to help students choose careers that suit them, optimising future work efficiency and contributing to overall labour productivity and sustainable societal development."

The first session at Nguyen Quang Dieu High School saw enthusiastic participation from many students and teachers

Community activities and corporate social responsibility is one of Shinhan Life Vietnams top priorities.

In addition to regular activities such as providing hospital fee support for children with cancer or offering gifts and sponsoring free meals for patients and their families, the company focuses on investing in education programmes.

This aims to provide opportunities and access to knowledge for children and teenagers, promoting sustainable development.

Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy, founder and director of SIF Career said, "As an expert in career orientation and development, I believe that every individual has unique potential that, when discovered and harnessed correctly, can empower individuals to attain achievements along their career paths."

Therefore, the S-Career programme is designed to equip high school students with knowledge and useful tools to gradually explore their potential, enabling them to make insightful career choices based on sufficient information. This basis empowers students to confidently plan feasible development paths for themselves and seek suitable career opportunities in the future."

In its first year of implementation (2024), the S-Career programme will be held in high schools across the Mekong Delta region.

In the following years, with a long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market, Shinhan Life plans to expand the programme's scale and scope to other regions nationwide.

INCHAM organises annual business meet and Tet reception On February 2, 2024, the Indian Business Chamber in Hanoi (INCHAM Hanoi) and the Embassy of India jointly organised the annual business meet cum Lunar New Year reception.

Shinhan Life Vietnam launches new insurance distribution channel Korean-backed Shinhan Life Insurance Vietnam Co., Ltd. officially introduced its financial consultancy FC Channel today, underlining the companys strong commitment to implementing sustainable and long-term growth strategies in the Vietnamese market, while providing Vietnamese customers with access to comprehensive and tailored financial protection solutions.
Vietnam's bourse plays a pivotal role in its economic framework, according to Yoon.

"The first and foremost function of the stock market is to provide a stable, long-term capital source for enterprise development, a more consistent option compared to bank borrowing," he asserted.

He said that while shares offer permanent capital as ownership stakes, corporate bonds furnish funding with terms typically ranging from three to five years.

"The secondary function is to elevate the wealth of the Vietnamese populace," Yoon said. "Investors see an increase in asset value with rising stock prices, while bondholders can achieve yields surpassing bank deposit rates."

He mentioned the significance of pension funds investing in equities and bonds to yield substantial profits, which are then allocated as pensions to citizens, hence supporting their retirement planning through long-term investment funds.

Yoon also recommended three strategic solutions for Vietnam's market evolution: expanding the market, enticing foreign capital, and modernising the infrastructure and transaction systems.

For market expansion, he stressed the need to address both supply and demand. "On the supply side, a trifecta of factors need attention," he said.

Firstly, he suggested the diversification of stocks on the HSX by listing those from the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM), noting that "half of UPCoM's market cap is currently tied to commodities, industrial services, and the food and beverage sector, while banking and real estate predominate on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HSX)."

He further recommended easing foreign ownership limits to increase share supply for international investors through Non-voting Depository Receipts, aligned with the government's industry-specific objectives.

Thirdly, he called for simplified listing processes for startups and foreign-invested enterprises to foster market diversity.

"On the demand side, there is a need to motivate banks and insurance companies to channel investments into equities, encouraging strategies for diverse asset management and high yields," Yoon said.

Moreover, he proposed the launch of a special initiative, offering shares from state-owned enterprises to the public at discounted rates to spur citizen wealth growth, and the deployment of pension funds to encourage retirement savings through long-term investment strategies.

Touching on foreign investment, the commercial counsellor recommended loosening foreign ownership constraints, granting equal rights to foreign investors, liberalising foreign exchange markets, and introducing English-language market regulations.

He also advocated for regular investor relations conferences to promote Vietnam's esteemed companies to the global investment community.

"Continual enhancements to the transaction system are necessary to safely process a diverse array of orders, including stocks, futures, and options, regardless of volume," he added.

Vietnams stock market poised for growth this year Over the past 23 years, Vietnams stock market has demonstrated a remarkable trajectory of resilience and growth, despite facing periods of intense volatility. The VN-Index, in particular, has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, especially after the significant downturn of 2008, witnessing a decade of growth thereafter
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (Photo: thesun.my)

Bangkok  Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a "Thailand Vision 2030" on March 1, with a commitment to promoting the country into a regional aviation hub by 2030, which can handle more than 150 million international passengers each year.

In his speech broadcast live on state television channel NBT and social media platforms, Srettha shared his belief that Thailand has what it takes to become a hub connecting air travel throughout the Asia-Pacific, and rising to among the top 10 air logistics and distribution centres in the world.

The Thai government plans to develop Thailand's airports to return to the top 20 in the world within the next five years, especially six airports under the management of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

This plan includes renovating and expanding existing airports and building new airports to increase passenger and cargo receiving capacity. In addition, the government also plans to build a large shopping centre near airports to attract tourists, and to connect airports with the mass transportation system (SRT - Red Line train) to provide faster access to cities for passengers.

The government and the AOT are already working on projects to increase the capacity of the 20,000-rai Suvarnabhumi Airport to 150 million passengers per year within 2030, he said

The government will elevate all airports nationwide by integrating modern technologies and enhancing passenger services to improve efficiency, convenience, and service delivery speed, he went on.

Efforts will be made to strengthen cooperation with numerous airlines, tourism agencies, and hotel associations to jointly develop the Thai aviation industry, he stated, adding that sustainability will be promoted through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and environmentally friendly packaging, he stressed.
At the scene of the case (Source: Ashahi)

Hanoi - Vietnams representative agencies in Japan have asked local authorities to speed up investigations into the case of a Vietnamese citizen who was alleged to be murdered in Higashiomi city of Japan's Shiga Prefecture on February 26, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The case is under investigation and Japanese police have arrested a suspect, the ministry said on March 1.

Along with coordinating with local authorities in clarifying the case, Vietnamese representative offices in Japan have worked with relevant agencies at home to identify the victim and contact the family of the deceased to prepare for his funeral in line with the law of Vietnam and Japan, it added.

No Vietnamese reported dead or injured in Japan earthquake As of 9 pm on January 1, there had been no Vietnamese people reported dead or injured in the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit central Japan earlier the same day, according to Vietnam Embassy in Japan.
Panellists at the seminar

This was the first event in a corporate governance program, aligned with ESG and aimed at upgrading Vietnam's securities market from a frontier market to an emerging market. The seminar attracted approximately 700 participants from over 350 listed companies, public companies, state-owned corporations, and private enterprises.

2024 marks the first year of implementing the Securities Market Development Strategy until 2030, with the upgrading of the securities market being a central policy directed by the government, the prime minister, and relevant ministries.

With joint efforts from the SSC and related ministries and sectors, Vietnam has made significant improvements and achieved important criteria according to assessments by international rating agencies and financial institutions. However, to elevate the securities market from a frontier to an emerging market, there is a need to focus on improving two crucial issues: pre-funding requirements and foreign ownership limits.

According to Vu Thi Chan Phuong, chairwoman of the SSC, besides these technical aspects, upgrading the market from a frontier to an emerging market also depends on the actual experience of foreign investors participating in the stock market. In other words, this goal can only be achieved with the collective effort of consulting firms and the listed business community in Vietnam.

Companies in the stock market need to commit to and implement action plans to enhance ESG-aligned corporate governance practices in line with international norms and regional trends, as well as transparent, quality information disclosure, including English-language reporting. Regarding improving the quality of disclosure information, 2024 is also the year the Ministry of Finance plans to amend legislation detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Securities Law and related circulars, she said.

Furthermore, as each enterprise enhances its corporate governance capacity and clarifies its ESG strategy, it increases investor confidence and contributes to the consistent upgrading of the market from a frontier to an emerging market. This also contributes to improving Vietnam's scores/rankings on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

To support these important tasks, VIOD, as the SSC's professional partner in the ACGS programme and HOSE's professional partner in implementing and evaluating corporate governance linked to ESG, has developed the Corporate Governance & Market Upgrading programme, including forums, seminars, and training programmes on ESG-aligned corporate governance and necessary changes in 2024 concerning corporate governance and information disclosure.

"For shareholder meetings to fully realise their role, boards of directors and enterprises need to go beyond compliance, focusing not only on organising the right number of meetings at the right time but also shifting from quantitative to qualitative perspectives, focusing on the desires of shareholders and investors, Phan Le Thanh Long, CEO of VIOD, said. It is hoped that VIOD's insights, along with those of the commission and the exchanges, will help companies better understand the benefits of organising more innovative and effective shareholder meetings aligned with market changes and best corporate governance practices internationally, thereby continuing to implement and enhance corporate governance practices, contributing to market upgrading overall."

During the forum, representatives from enterprises were updated on changes on legal regulations regarding information disclosure and the impacts on the organisation of their 2024 shareholder meetings.

Additionally, within the framework of the event, representatives participated in a discussion, highlighting existing issues and demonstrating the importance of organising shareholder meetings closely following new market updates domestically, regionally, and globally in terms of regulations and best governance practices from diverse perspectives including regulatory bodies, enterprises, and shareholders.

MB leads the charge in green finance at VIOD 6th annual forum Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) has just been distinguished with the "Board of the Year" award, a testament to its role in propelling businesses towards environmentally sustainable practices on November 22.

SABECO receives VIOD certificate for corporate governance best practices Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (SABECO) has been honoured as having a Board of Directors that is committed to corporate governance best practices by the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD).
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey lawmakers wanted to ask voters whether to ban new fossil fuel-fired power plants.

And then they added a loophole big enough to drive a fleet of oil trucks through.

A state Senate committee on Monday advanced a bill that would authorize a public referendum on amending the state's Constitution to ban construction of new power plants that burn natural gas or other fossil fuels.

But the measure was changed to allow the construction of such plants if they are to be primarily used as emergency backup power sources.

The so-called peaker plants would operate only sporadically, including in times of emergency or when the power grid is experiencing stress.

Scientists say the burning of natural gas and other fossil fuels is one of the leading causes of climate change.

Sen. Bob Smith, chairman of the environment and energy committee, began by talking about the urgent need to address climate change.

We have just gone through the hottest year in human history, he said. Texas is currently burning down. Two years ago we had New Jersey citizens dying from (Tropical Storm ) Ida. We are in big, bad, serious trouble.

But the bill was being amended to exempt backup power plants from the ban. Such proposals are among the most contentious in the state.

Among them is a backup power plant proposed for a sewage treatment facility in Newark. Nearby residents are trying to prevent the backup from being built, saying they are already overburdened by multiple sources of pollution.

Smith said utilities are still too reliant on these backup plants to suddenly ban new ones. (The original bill would not have affected existing power plants.)

Right now all the experts I talk to say you've got to have a peaker," he said. The citizens of New Jersey will not tolerate us getting in the way of the electricity they need.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said there are 26 power plants in New Jersey that burn fossil fuels, along with two nuclear power plants. The state no longer has coal-fired power plants.

The question is being debated around the country. In 2021, Whatcom County, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Seattle, changed its land use laws to prohibit the construction of new oil refineries, coal-fired power plants, and facilities that transport fossil fuels.

Numerous states have banned coal power plants, and many say they are working toward 100% clean-energy economies.

Yet there is opposition as well. At least 15% of counties in the U.S. have prohibited new utility-scale wind or solar power projects, according to USA Today.

Dave Pringle of the Empower NJ environmental group, said New Jersey's proposed ban does not go far enough.

The only projects this will ban will be new gas power plants of a very large nature, he said. Clearly, economics dictates that those will not happen.

In October, a Maryland-based energy company dropped plans to build a second gas-fired power plant next to one it already operates in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Competitive Power Ventures said market conditions had deteriorated to the point where the project was no longer economically feasible.

Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said existing peaker plants are particularly dirty, adding the ones already in existence should be sufficient for near-term future energy reliability needs.

The most hotly fought power plant proposal in the state is happening in Newark. There, the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission wants to build a gas-fired backup power plant to avoid a repeat of what happened when Superstorm Sandy knocked out power in 2012, causing nearly a billion gallons of untreated sewage to flow into area waterways.

The state's public transportation agency, NJ Transit, scrapped plans for a similar backup plant last month in nearby Kearny, saying resiliency improvements to the electrical gird made the project unnecessary.

Business groups said near-term energy needs require continued use of fossil fuels.

It is short-sighted to cut out fossil fuels, said Dennis Hart, executive director of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey. Our nuclear plants are 60 years old; you don't know how long they're going to be there."

The bill still needs multiple layers of approval before a referendum could be placed on the November general election ballot.

Smith said the measure will be further amended in coming weeks to clarify that small backup or portable generators such as those used by homeowners or small businesses during outages also would not be subject to a ban.

Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly Twitter, at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
Before even formally stepping into the post of Alliance police chief, David Leavitt is already embroiled in controversy.

The appointment of the former Nashville, Tennessee, police captain began to generate social media comments within hours after Alliance City Manager Seth Sorensen announced his hire on Feb. 15. Sorensen told the Star-Herald that Leavitt is expected to begin in his new position within six weeks of his appointment, which would be in early April.

Many of the social media posts cited an article involving a Nashville public radio stations investigation of police discipline within the Metro Nashville Police Department. Leavitt had been among the officers cited in a story on disparities in discipline of officers.

Sorensen and Alliance City Council members have caught the ire of some on social media. Some have called for Sorensens firing. Others have commented that council members should be held accountable for the police chiefs hiring.

The City Council will hear from some of those citizens during its meeting on Tuesday, March 5. Six people have submitted requests to speak about the police chief hire, with a 30-minute time limit set, according to a copy of the agenda.

The controversy began with the sharing on social media of a story citing disciplinary actions involving Leavitt during his career at the Metro Nashville Police Department. Radio station WPLNs story Behind the Blue Wall was part of a larger investigation that outlined instances of white officers  including Leavitt  who had been the subjects of disciplinary action and compared those to action taken in the cases of minority officers.

The coverage reported that Leavitt had been investigated on an allegation of sexual harassment, although Leavitt provided documents to the Star-Herald confirming that the final findings were determined to be conduct unbecoming of an officer. As a result of that investigation, Leavitt had been disciplined, suspended for 20 days and demoted a rank, from captain to lieutenant, in October 2021. After serving the suspension, Leavitt retired from the police force.

Sorensen said in a press release that Leavitt had disclosed the allegations and disciplinary actions during the interview process and that the consulting firm had thoroughly vetted Leavitt and spoken with relevant witnesses involved in the investigation by the Nashville departments Office of Professional Accountability.

The 2021 allegations stemmed from information released by a group called Silent No Longer. According to the WPLN reporting, the group had issued a press packet that contained allegations of sexual harassment against Leavitt. The Star-Herald obtained a portion of the press packet released by Greta McClain, executive director of the group. However, McClain said screenshots of text messages alleged to have been sent were no longer available.

Interviews with investigators revealed that the officer involved in the incident had not made a report that spurred the internal affairs investigation. Instead, a female officer had shared allegations against Leavitt with Silent No Longer, and the investigation resulted from that groups release of allegations.

The two men had become friends on Facebook in 2018, having had mutual police officer friends. By the time the investigation began, the officer told investigators, he no longer had contact with Leavitt.

According to interviews with the officer and Leavitt, the two men talked about various topics, including physical fitness.

The officer said he had sent Leavitt photos from workouts. Leavitt was also accused of sending photos in which he was wearing just a towel to the man. The man said Leavitt reacted or responded to messages via a private Facebook account. He described some of Leavitts messages as flirty and sexual in nature. The officer said he felt from the comments that Leavitt sent that he was interested in a relationship. The officer, who was described as straight, was not interested in a relationship with Leavitt, he told investigators.

He told investigators Leavitt had invited him to his home for social occasions, though he had not gone, and to a class that Leavitt taught at the YMCA. He did attend one of Leavitts classes.

The messages came to light after the officer apparently told a few co-workers about them. One of the officers, the woman who reported the allegations to Silent No Longer, told investigators she urged him to report the messages to supervisors.

However, the male officer told investigators he did not want anything to do with it and was not trying to get anyone in trouble. However, he told investigators in a follow-up interview that he thought most people wouldnt take sexual harassment of males as seriously as incidents involving females, and he expressed concerns about retaliation within the department.

In the interviews with investigators and an interview with the Star-Herald, Leavitt denied that he had been hitting on the officer. Instead, he likened the messages to the regular razzing that many men, and especially officers, engage in. He told the Star-Herald that he thought that because he was gay, connotations that he had not intended were made.

According to Leavitt, WPLNs reporting and colleagues of Leavitt, he retired in good standing. No criminal allegations or charges were made against Leavitt.

The WPLN report and the records it provided showed a prior allegation of sexual harassment in 2011 against Leavitt; however, that allegation was not sustained by investigators with the Nashville departments OPA and human resources.

Leavitt was given, and did not contest, a 10-day suspension on departmental findings of conduct unbecoming of an officer and violating responsibility policies.

The report on the disciplinary action said Leavitt had sent inappropriate and nonprofessional messages on the departments mobile data computer system to another officer.

He had also been disciplined in 2015 for misuse of resources after it was revealed during a drug investigation involving a former partner that Leavitt had searched criminal records. According to allegations, Leavitt searched the criminal database more than 40 times. However, Leavitt told the Star-Herald that he had not searched records that many times, but that a search can turn up records in multiple databases, inflating the number. He said he had searched the records out of concern, and sometimes curiosity, about his former partners status after he had become involved in drug activity.

Leavitts former partner, who was being questioned by police after being arrested, also claimed domestic abuse. However, investigators found that those allegations were not sustained, and investigators noted that Leavitts partner had never reported domestic violence prior to his arrest. The man had claimed that he had been treated at a local hospital after being injured when Leavitt threw a glass at him.

Leavitt was exonerated in that investigation of accusations that he had been associating with criminals, as his former partner acknowledged that Leavitt had not known about his drug use prior to his legal troubles.

In that investigation, Leavitt had three days of vacation suspended for violations of policies and procedures on the security and disposition of law enforcement records and files.

From the time that Leavitt started as a patrol officer and as he climbed the ranks, his supervisors were complimentary of Leavitt in annual evaluations.

He was regularly praised: Routinely comes up with proactive initiatives to combat disorder within the precinct and rapidly becoming an integral part of our unit. He was described as getting along with other officers and taking initiative. In years that he was a supervisor, he was described as having solid management and leadership qualities.

Even in years that Leavitt had been noted to have had disciplinary action  2011 and 2015  his supervisors described positively in evaluating major job responsibilities and core competences. The Star-Herald did not have access to the 2021 reports from the department to report.

The Star-Herald reached out to all five of the Alliance City Council members, asking if they supported the hiring of the police chief.

Mayor Earl Jones and Councilman John McGhehey were the only members of the council to respond. They both told the Star-Herald that they supported Sorensen and the hiring of Leavitt.

McGhehey said, I can understand how someone who has only seen the one brief article about Mr. Leavitt that has been circulating on social media would have questions. However, I am confident that Mr. Leavitts background was extensively investigated. Through this process, it was determined that this article did not fully represent the facts of the incidents.

Having reviewed his resume and met with him when he came in for his interview, I believe he has the qualifications to be our police chief. Whether he will be successful or not is yet to be determined; as it would be with any person hired in this position. I only hope the citizens of Alliance will give him the opportunity to be successful.

In some of those social media posts, there have been calls for a recall vote of council members in reaction. Jones points out the folly in those calls as three of the five seats are up for re-election: Jones, McGhehey and Councilman Brian Mischnick. McGhehey is the only councilman to have opted to run for re-election.

Its also yet to be seen how the controversy may affect the department and its officers. The department is rebuilding, having just eight of its 17 officer positions filled. Understaffing is an issue that has been reported at other departments in the Panhandle and across the nation, Sorensen said.

Weve been extremely short staffed on our police department and this is one step in helping in helping fix that, he said of the hiring of a police chief. With officers having left the department for higher-paying positions, and other nationwide impacts that have seen fewer people pursuing careers in law enforcement, he said, Its hard to fill these positions at all.

Nebraska Law Enforcement officers are certified one of two ways: attending the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy in Grand Island to earn certification or through reciprocal certification. For reciprocity, officers must demonstrate that they have completed course work and training that is similar to or exceeds Nebraskas requirements, be in good standing and other standards. At the current time, according to Leavitt, he remains a certified law enforcement officer in the state of Tennessee, though he is nearing the end of that certification period because he has not worked in law enforcement since retiring from the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Not all officers moving to the state and requesting certification are granted reciprocal certification, something which the City of Alliance is all too familiar with. The City of Alliance experienced the process when its previous police chief, Phil Lukens, had to appear before the Nebraska Police Advisory Board to receive reciprocal certification after initially being denied by the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. It is likely from a review of Nebraska Police Advisory Board minutes in the past that Leavitt may also find himself before the board explaining the disciplinary actions in his career.

Asked if he was concerned that Leavitt may experience difficulties being certified, Sorensen said, This is a concern anytime you have someone come from out of state.

He said he understood that Leavitt may have to go through some form of the academy as part of the process, a shortened three-week version for chiefs and sheriffs.

Photos: Warren Memorial Hospital becomes first rural emergency hospital in Nebraska.
China's top political advisory body to hold annual session from March 4 to 10

Xinhua) 08:16, March 04, 2024

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, will hold its annual session from March 4 to 10 in Beijing, according to a spokesperson.

The second session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC will begin at 3 p.m. on Monday and conclude on the morning of March 10, lasting for a total of six days, said Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the session, during a press conference on Sunday.

Liu stated that all preparations for the session had been completed, and various activities had been arranged. The opening and closing meetings will be observed by foreign diplomatic envoys to China.

GOOD START

Reviewing the CPPCC National Committee's work in 2023, which marked the start of the 14th National Committee's term, Liu highlighted that it had made a good beginning. He emphasized that the CPPCC's work was completed under the overall leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Political advisors over the past year have focused on providing suggestions for Chinese modernization. A total of 94 consultation activities were held throughout the year, covering various topics including the creation of a new development pattern, with 138 research and inspection activities conducted by political advisors, according to Liu.

The CPPCC, as a crucial channel and specialized consultative body for socialist consultative democracy, aims to ensure that the voice and will of the people are integrated into its work of political consultation, democratic oversight, and participation in and deliberation of state affairs, he said.

Liu added that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of the CPPCC. He expressed the CPPCC's commitment to improving its ability in terms of political consultation, democratic oversight, and participation in and deliberation of state affairs.

HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

Economic issues have been a priority for national political advisors in performing their political consultation duties, according to Liu. The CPPCC National Committee has engaged in consultations and provided advice on various macroeconomic and other important economic issues, with a particular focus on high-quality development.

Recognizing the private sector as a strong driving force for Chinese modernization and an important foundation for high-quality development, the CPPCC National Committee has collaborated with local committees and authorities to address practical challenges faced by private enterprises. Efforts have been made to establish platforms for coordinated development between state-owned and private enterprises, thereby bolstering the expansion of the private sector.

Addressing concerns surrounding employment, political advisors and participating units have conducted thorough investigations and studies on promoting high-quality employment. Proposals have been put forward to facilitate full employment for college graduates and broaden their job-seeking and business-starting channels. In total, 91 proposals were submitted to address practical employment issues.

Over the past year, political advisors have also offered solutions to help deepen the integration and coordinated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a significant national strategy. This includes accelerating the establishment of a unified market in the area, advancing digitalization in industries, and establishing cross-regional talent sharing mechanisms.

Looking ahead, the CPPCC National Committee will continue to focus on the targets and tasks of Chinese modernization, providing advice on major policies of the CPC Central Committee, significant strategic needs of the country, and major practical development issues.

The spokesperson expressed confidence in China's economy, highlighting its strong resilience, potential, and vitality. With a solid foundation and favorable conditions for high-quality development, the long-term positive trend of the Chinese economy is expected to be reinforced and strengthened.

Regarding foreign affairs, the CPPCC National Committee considers building a community with a shared future for humanity as an important task. Over the past year, the top political advisory body has engaged in exchanges and interactions with over 200 institutions from 50 countries, established connections with 41 foreign think tanks and 12 non-governmental organizations, and formed a China-Africa friendship group under the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

In 2024, the top political advisory body will conduct extensive and in-depth foreign exchanges to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
WATERLOO  Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as a massive field fire swept through rural Waterloo on Sunday afternoon.

The blaze started with what was reported as a fire in a barn filled with hay on Big Rock Road on the outskirts of town, said Battalion Chief Ben Petersen with Waterloo Fire Rescue. Heavy winds drove the flames across a tilled field, prompting officials to evacuate homes and shut down a part of the roadway in the area of Dunkerton Road.

It was crazy. That blew up on us so fast. It just went black all of the sudden. I was telling them to retreat, but they couldnt. That was close, Petersen said.

The fire also drew crews from fire departments in Cedar Falls, Dunkerton, Denver, Evansdale, Readlyn and Janesville. Firefighters were able to get a handle on the flames, and no other structures were damaged.

These guys did great, these communities did really good, Petersen said. I thought I was going to lose that and that, and I was worried about what was on the other side of that hill, he said pointing to nearby farmsteads.Five or six nearby farmers headed out in tractors and cultivators to plow fire breaks.

You can see where they put fire breaks on that flank and that flank and then ahead of it, Petersen said.

Fire officials estimated was about 100 acres in size.

Tinderbox conditions, accompanied by warm weather and swift winds have prompted many communities to institute bans on open burning. Bans are in placed in Butler and Tama counties, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Buchanan County has a red flag warning that recommends against burning.
CEDAR FALLS  A former Nashville police officers struggle to reconcile his shattered childhood with his role as protector has become a catalyst for change.

Now the independent film that documents part of Mark Wynns journey  This is Where I Learned Not to Sleep  will be screened at the University of Northern Iowas Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Mark Wynn is a renowned advocate in the law enforcement and corrections field, and we are pleased to share his story and have him speak to inform our community about the impact of domestic violence on our society, said Alysa Mozak, director of UNIs Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention, which is presenting the showing.

Wynn grew up in an abusive home in Texas, receiving and witnessing violence meted out by his stepfather, before he and his mother fled to Tennessee at age 14. Years later, Wynn experienced another side of domestic violence, responding to and investigating family crime as a police officer.

As his law enforcement career advanced, he channeled his experiences to challenge authorities to end generations of disregard and systemic failures around domestic violence.

He currently runs a consulting company that trains criminal justice leaders in child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault response and prevention. The Mary Parrish Center, a shelter and counseling organization in Nashville, is named after his mother.

In the film, Wynn revisits his childhood home for the first time and confronts his familys traumatic past while training officers in rural Texas. The film also explores the complex relationship between police and family violence. By revealing his own haunting childhood, Wynn challenges other men to stand up and reform the system to better help women and children.

Wynn is in a unique position to provide a window on domestic violence because he has witnessed the past and current steps to address the issue and has recommendations for the future, said Officer Stacy Hesse, who investigates family violence for the Waterloo Police Department.

Hes a man telling other men that this isnt cool, Hesse said.

The film begins showing at 6:30 p.m., following a 6 p.m. reception.

After the screening, Wynn and director Kirsten Kelly will join a panel of local experts  Hesse with the police department, Nelly Hill, director of domestic violence victim services from Waypoint Services, and Michael Schreck, treatment services manager of 1st District Department of Corrections  for a 7:15 p.m. question-and-answer discussion.

The showing comes as the Waterloo Police Department approaches three decades since it shifted how it addresses domestic violence cases.

In the mid 1990s, Waterloo authorities adopted the Domestic Abuse Response Team model, coupling a police officer with a prosecutor from the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office and counseling agencies.

At the time, about a third of the cases were dismissed, often because survivors were reluctant to follow through with charges, the primary challenge of pursuing such cases.

The dynamics are different because this is someone you have a relationship with, Hesse said.

Those relationships come with the fact the survivors and the perpetrators often share a place to live, have children together or rely on one another financially.

And often following an arrest, after the emotions start to even out, the survivors want to drop charges, maybe walk back some of the facts about what happened.

The DART concept addresses this with providing services  including legal aid, counseling, shelter through Waypoint Services and Amani Community Services  to assist survivors while the case plays out in the courts.

Sometimes its just having someone to talk to, having someone to listen to them, Hesse said.

Photos: Missing and murdered Native American women Kenny Still Smoking Jenna Loring Ashley HeavyRunner Loring Blackfeet Native Boxing Club Blackfeet Reservation Kimberly Loring Randy Ortiz Randy Ortiz Searching for Ashley HeavyRunner Loring Kenny Still Smoking Tyisha ArrowTop Knot Missing poster Blackfeet Reservation Blackfeet law enforcement Loring family Randy Ortiz Roxanne White Kimberly Loring Blackfeet Reservation
Let us vote on school

This is just crazy. The people in Waterloo are going to get one of the most expensive high schools and a complete change in our school system without getting to vote on it at a time when students are leaving in droves. How many people are going to make this huge decision for us? Apparently, it only takes a majority of the seven-member school board. Just four people. About 68,000 people in Waterloo, and just four get to decide how to spend this huge sum of money. It was just a few months ago that a few of us approved the PPEL extension, but nobody said anything about all of these big changes. The people of Cedar Falls, Waverly, Dubuque and other school districts got to vote on their new schools. The people of Waterloo deserve the same opportunity. Its time to put this monstrosity on hold. There is no enthusiasm in Waterloo for this huge project. There have been four informational meetings with a total of less than 200 people. Youve already made up your mind. If you really want our support , let us vote.

Jerald Bartlett, Waterloo

Local levies lost

The passage of HF718 dealt a severe blow to local communities by abolishing local levies, depriving communities of their resource allocation autonomy. While HF2442 seems like a positive step, it fails to adequately address key issues, leaving 97 library levies lost in Iowa, along with numerous other levy-supported services statewide.

HF2442 imposes a revote requirement for previously passed library levies, squandering time, energy, and resources. This bureaucratic hurdle creates a funding gap of at least two years, exacerbating financial strain.

Additionally, the inclusion of a sunset clause in HF2442 is redundant, as citizens already had the power to end a levy if necessary. Granting city councils authority to eliminate levies undermines the democratic process, usurping the voters right to decide.

Furthermore, selectively restoring only library levies is discriminatory and overlooks other community-supported entities. This approach fails to address the broader issue of local control and fairness.

To truly rectify the damage caused by HF718, legislation must reinstate all voted levies, permit future levy pursuits, and retain voters control over levy elimination. Anything less is an insufficient response to an unnecessary problem.

Lawmakers must heed their constituents voices and voting histories to restore local control and empower communities.

Cindy Wells, Waterloo

Abandon Ukraine

Come on home, Chuck Grassley. You too, Joni Ernst. Your votes to send billions more assistance to an unwinnable war in Ukraine while allowing an illegal immigration invasion to overwhelm our country breaks all bargains. Heres a bulletin: America is broke, a mere shadow of the fiscally sound country we once were. How did your latest vote ease our $34 trillion national debt, reduce inflation, or curtail fentanyls deadly spread? Americas border security trumps all other considerations.

War proponents explain this newest Washington spending orgy accordingly: The money will be spent domestically by replenishing the weapons we will give over to Ukraine. American defense contractors will then hire more workers to replace our stockpiles. Get it? Its actually a jobs bill! Well if that dont make a booger seem like a dozen roses. We call such twisted reasoning pretzel logic. If we dont deplete our current military stockpile on Ukraine to start with, we wont need to print $60 billion more phantom dollars replenishing it.

For Biden to say its Putin or democracy with regard to extending this war betrays a simplistic mind. Historically, its a great deal more complicated than that. Democracy, like charity, begins at home.

Steve Kapler, Waterloo

NATOs profligacy

Lets talk NATO, the WWII alliance with 31 member nations. Ukraine is not one of them.

Of the 31 NATO members, a third have for years failed to meet their 2% of GDP bogie.

Not America, where Santa Congress dispenses 3.7% of Americas appreciably larger GDP, ultimately and very disproportionately funding well over half of the NATO alliance. Why not just 2%?

American taxpayers stiffed for deliberately overpaying NATO dues by 70%. Our GDP is $23 trillion. Do the math. Split hairs if you wish, but Americas idiots are grossly, irresponsibly overpaying.

And why is Ukriane not in NATO? Might it be related to their history of corrupt government?

Paul Higgins, Waterloo
WATERLOO  Children and adults stepped and twirled to Balkan folk music as hundreds celebrated their Bosnian roots Saturday at the Waterloo Convention Center.

The KUD KOLO heritage group marked its 21st year and Bosnia-Herzegovina Independence Day, as well as the upcoming International Womens Day, with the help of the Iowa Bosnian Cultural Foundation during an evening of traditional dance and singing.

Preserving your own heritage and loving it, it makes us more proud of the country that you actually live in. We appreciate more of what we have, said organizer and dance instructor Zulfeta Rizvic.

Rizvic said the group had originally planned to hold a regular concert in a local school, as it had in past years.

When we started talking about that, we realized people actually are looking for more of a celebration, she said. We said, why not celebrate everything? Spring is coming up, we can have a beautiful celebration of everything.

As interest grew, the event was moved to an upper room at the convention center and then  as tickets sold out  to the convention centers main floor.

It was a pleasant surprise. It shows how much we are appreciated because there are so many kids and parents and community members who are involved in our group, Rizvic said.

In the end, the events slogan became Cherish tradition, celebrate women, unite generations.

Refugees from the former Yugoslavia began arriving in the Waterloo area in the 1990s, fleeing from war that followed the nations breakup.

KOLO  the Bosnian language acronym for Cultural Artistic Assembly of Dance  was formed in 2003 to keep the Bosnian diaspora in the Cedar Valley connected with its cultural heritage.

Here we are still thinking about Bosnia as our homeland, as well as the United States, said Rizvic, who lived the first 30 years of her life in Yugoslavia and is now approaching her second three decades in America. It is possible to have to big loves, two countries, and love them with my whole heart.

On Saturday, more than 20 years later, children who were born in the United States  some of whom have never been to Bosnia  continued to carry on the cultural legacy by performing the traditional dances.

It is important to start early if you would like to preserve your culture, Rizvic said.

Photos: KOLO Celebration, March 2, 2024 030224jr-kolo-dance-1 030224jr-kolo-dance-2 030224jr-kolo-dance-3 030224jr-kolo-dance-4 030224jr-kolo-dance-5 030224jr-kolo-dance-6 030224jr-kolo-dance-7 030224jr-kolo-dance-9 030224jr-kolo-dance-8
A protest takes place in Westport this weekend involving landowners left disgruntled by Greenway plans.

The Rural Ireland Organisation (RIO) has warned Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Mayo County Council that the treatment of landowners in the Murrisk area of Westport over a proposed Greenway is an absolute disgrace and will not be tolerated. Leader of RIO Gerry Loftus said so called consulation meetings have fallen short.

He said a meeting in September saw no landowner officially notified and a February meeting was the same. Mr Loftus stated he attended the February meeting and all it amounted to was TII outlining to landowners where the Greenway would be constructed.

They had a computer generated outline of their proposal for this Greenway that starts in the townland of Oughaval and runs down into a valley,goes through a wetland that floods anytime their is heavy rainfall.Then it goes through a Natural Woodland through the townland of Cloonagh and heads towards Murrisk. You would just have to see this route to see how absolutely ridiculous it is," he commented.

A protest will take place at the Monument in Westport at 2.30pm on Saturday March 9. Mr Loftus is encouraging all landowners to attend and make their feelings known on the matter.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (3 March 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces launched strikes manpower and hardware of 25th airborne, 95th air assault, 141st infantry brigades close to Terni (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Kupyansk, Peschanoye, Berestovoye, Petrovskoye (Kharkov region).

In addition, five attacks of AFU 57th mechanised infantry, 32nd mechanised brigades units were repelled near Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 35 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 and one U.S.-made M198 howitzers, and one D-20 howitzer.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forcs captured more favourable lines and positions, and hit units of AFU 22nd, 28th, 56th mechanised infantry, 5th and 92nd assault brigades near Krasnoye, Bogdanovka, Kurdyumovka, and Andreyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Moreover, three enemy attacks were repelled close to Kleshcheyevka and Pobeda (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 240 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. One AFU ammunition depot was wipied out.

In Avdeyevka direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units improved the situation on the front line, and repelled 11 attacks launched by units of AFU 53rd mechanised, 59th mechanised infantry, 25th airborne, 3rd assault brigades near Tonenkoye, Orlovka, Pervomayskoye, and Berdichi (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In addition, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade were repelled near Novgorodskoye(Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Up to 460 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, and four motor vehicles were neutralised. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, two Giatsint guns, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were destroyed.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces captured more favourable lines and positions, and hit units of AFU 72nd mechanised, 128th territorial defence brigades close to Dobropolye (Zaporozhye region), Ugledar and Vodyanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

More than 250 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one D-20 howitzer, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one Grad MLRS were wiped out during the day.

In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces hit clusters of manpower and hardware of AFU 128th mountain assault, 35th, 36th marines brigades near Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region), Ivanovka, Antonovka (Kherson region).

One attack of the AFU 118th Mechanised Brigades assault group was repelled near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy lost up to 40 Ukrainian troops and five motor vehicles.

Also, two U.S.-made M777 artillery systems, one D-20 howitzer, one D-30 howitzer, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were hit during counter-battery warfare.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged one AFU aviation ammunition depot, as well as manpower and hardware in 106 areas during the day.

Russian air defence forces have intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day.

In addition, 143 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, including Bayraktar TB-2, were intercepted near Volokitino (Sumskaya region), Krasnogorovka, Orlovka, Verkhnetoretskoye, Pervomayskoye, Pavlovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Sinkovka, Tokarevka (Kharkov region), Novoye, Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region), Tyaginka, Berislav, and Skadovsk (Kherson region).

In total, 575 airplanes and 267 helicopters, 14,112 unmanned aerial vehicles, 476 air defence missile systems, 15,335 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,228 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,275 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 19,298 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the day.

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The biggest day of this year's primary campaign is approaching as 16 states vote in contests known as Super Tuesday.

The elections are a crucial moment for President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who are the overwhelming front-runners for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations, respectively. As the day with the most delegates up for stake, strong performances by Biden and Trump would move them much closer to becoming their party's nominee.

The contest will unfold from Alaska and California to Virginia and Vermont. And while most of the attention will be on the presidential contest, there are other important elections on Tuesday.

Some things to watch:

Does Trump keep rolling?

So far, the Republican presidential primary has been a snoozer.

The former president has dominated the race and his last major rival in the race, his onetime U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, is struggling to keep up. She lost the Feb. 27 primary in Michigan by more than 40 percentage points. She even lost her home state of South Carolina, where she was twice elected governor, by more than 20 percentage points.

As the race pivots to Super Tuesday, the vast map seems tailor-made for Trump to roll up an insurmountable lead on Haley.

His team has been turning up the pressure on Haley to drop out, and another big win could be a major point in their favor.

Haley's banked a considerable amount of campaign money and says she wants to stay in the race until the Republican National Convention in July in case delegates there have second thoughts about formally nominating Trump amidst his legal woes. But she's seen some of her financial support waver recently  the organization Americans For Prosperity, backed by the Koch brothers, announced it'd stop spending on her behalf after South Carolina.

She may not be able to afford another sweeping loss.

Do college grads keep turning against Trump?

Amid Trump's commanding wins this primary season have been a notable warning sign for November: He's performed poorly with college-educated primary voters.

In the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries, APVoteCast found that college graduates picked Haley over Trump.

Roughly two-thirds of voters in both states who went to graduate school after college voted for the former South Carolina governor.

In South Carolina, Trump won the suburbs but not by the same magnitude as his dominance in small towns and rural areas, essentially splitting the vote with Haley.

One of the biggest questions on Tuesday is whether Trump can start repairing that rupture. Weakness with college graduates and in the suburbs where they cluster is what doomed Trump in his 2020 loss to Biden.

Does Biden end doubts?

As sleepy as the Republican presidential primary has been, the Democratic one has been even quieter.

Biden has many political problems dragging him down in public opinion polls, but not, so far, at primary polling stations. The one speed bump came in Michigan, where an organized attempt to vote uncommitted in the primary there to protest Biden's support of Israel during the war in Gaza garnered 13% of the vote, a slightly higher share than that option got in the last primary under a Democratic president.

The only similar organized anti-Biden effort on the Super Tuesday calendar is one put together at the last minute by a handful of leftist groups in Colorado on Thursday to vote non-committed like in Michigan.

Some 700,000 people had already cast ballots in the all-mail state's primary.

The other obstacles are the president's two longshot primary opponents who've yet to crack low single digits against him, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and self-help author Marianne Williamson, who revived her campaign after receiving a surprise 3% of the Michigan primary vote.

What happens in Californias Senate race?

There's far more than the presidential primaries on the ballot Tuesday. One of the most consequential contests is the California primary for the U.S. Senate seat left open by the death of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

The seat's temporary occupant, Laphonza Butler, isn't running for a full term. Rather than having the winners of party primaries face off in November, California throws every candidate into a single primary and has the top two vote-getters make it to the general election.

Democrats have a lock on statewide races in the overwhelmingly blue state, and for months the speculation was that two prominent U.S. House members from that party, Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, would battle it out until Election Day. But that's changed since former Dodgers great Steve Garvey threw his hat in the ring.

Garvey, 75, is both a Republican and a novice at politics. Schiff has been airing ads slamming him  or, more accurately, promoting him  as most likely to carry out Trump's wishes. The idea is to unite the state's outnumbered conservatives behind Garvey so he and Schiff finish in the top two, denying Porter a spot in November. Schiff would then be the overwhelming favorite for the seat.

The current primary setup was passed by voters in 2010, partly to stop partisans from engaging in primary shenanigans. Among other things, the Senate primary will be a test of whether, in the end, motivated politicians can game any system.

Which way on criminal justice?

Voters in San Francisco and Los Angeles will once more grapple with questions of criminal justice and public order.

In Los Angeles County, District Attorney George Gascon faces 11 challengers in a primary amid criticism of his progressive approach that includes not seeking cash bail for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies and not prosecuting juveniles as adults. His opponents have blamed him for a rise in property crimes in some parts of the county, including a brazen smash-and-grab spree at luxury stores.

Gascon has weathered criticism before, including two failed recall efforts, one of which was in his first 100 days of taking office. The primary will determine who he faces in November and whether there are signs that Los Angeles' liberal voters are changing their minds.

In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed is pushing one ballot measure to expand police powers to use tactics like drones and surveillance cameras, and another testing single adults on welfare for drugs. The two initiatives come as the city has been wracked by homelessness and drug use, and Breed faces a cranky electorate in her own reelection in November.

Another GOP test in Texas

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last year survived an impeachment led by his own party. Now he wants payback, and Trump is helping him. The primary will be a test of how Republican voters are willing to regulate their own leaders.

The impeachment stemmed from Paxton's legal woes. He faces an April trial on felony security fraud charges, and an additional federal corruption probe over the allegations that he used his office to favor a campaign donor that was the foundation of the impeachment charges.

Paxton is targeting more than 30 Republican state lawmakers in the primary, including House Speaker Dale Phelan. Paxton is also trying to remove three Republican judges on the state's conservative appeals court who voted to limit the attorney general's powers.

Paxton has been a staunch supporter of Trump, including the former president's attempts to overturn his own 2020 election loss, and Trump is helping Paxton in his primary campaign. The Texas purge will be a test of what Republican voters value the most in their elected officials.

Can North Carolina candidates unite the parties?

Most of the country picked its governors in the 2022 off-year elections, but North Carolina is gearing up for an intense race this fall. The major-party front-runners for the seat being vacated by term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper both will need to demonstrate an ability to unite their parties in the primary.

Attorney General Josh Stein has Coopers endorsement. Stein's main competitor is a former state Supreme Court associate justice, Mike Morgan, who is Black. Watch whether Steins able to hold onto a significant share of the primarys Black voters, which is essential for any Democrat who wants to be competitive in November.

The Republican front-runner is Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is Black, has been a divisive figure for some for criticizing vocally the teaching of LGBTQ+ issues during sex education and for comments at a church that Christians are called to be led by men. His opponents, state Treasurer Dale Folwell and trial attorney Bill Graham, say Robinson is too polarizing to win in November.

Robinson received Trumps support last year, but its worth watching whether he shows the same weaknesses as the former president among college-educated, suburban voters. Bidens reelection campaign is targeting North Carolina because it thinks those voters can help him beat Trump there.

Whos running for president? See the latest rundown of major 2024 candidates Donald Trump Joe Biden Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Jill Stein Cornel West Whos dropped out?
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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FILE -In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, a Taurus missile flies during a drill off the country's western coast in South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. The German government on Monday vehemently rejected allegations that Russia's leak of a conversation by high-ranking German military officers was an indication that Germany was preparing a war against Russia, while at the same time it sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP, File)
FILE - Benny Gantz speaks at the announcement of former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot's election bid in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Aug. 14, 2022. Gantz, Eisenkot and Gideon Sa'ar have teamed up for the November elections, called the National Unity Party. Benny Gantz, who is in Washington this week for meetings with U.S. leaders, is a crucial member of Israels War Cabinet. He is also the top political rival to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz is a centrist politician who joined Netanyahus ultranationalist and religious government soon after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov, File)
Family members and relatives of passengers on board of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 stick the jigsaw puzzle board on to the poster during the tenth annual remembrance event at a shopping mall, in Subang Jaya, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, March 3, 2024. Ten years ago, a Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, had disappeared March 8, 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with over 200 people on board. (AP Photo/FL Wong)
In this photo released by the National Assembly office, Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreground right, is congratulated by his elder brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following his appointment, at a parliament session, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 3, 2024. Lawmakers in Pakistan's National Assembly elected Sunday Shehbaz Sharif as the country's new prime minister for the second time as allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in parliament shouted in protest, alleging rigging in last month's election. (National Assembly Office via AP)
Palestinians inspect the apartment of Moaz al-Masry after it was demolished by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, Monday, March 4, 2024. Israeli security forces blew up the home of al-Masry, a Palestinian accused of killing a British-Israeli woman and her two daughters in the West Bank last year. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
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7x7 Social Club offers members exclusive access, discounts, and deals to editorially curated partners around the Bay Areathink restaurants and bars; festivals, performances, and events; wineries, hotels, shops, spas, and more. Launching in April 2024, 7x7 Social Club is an affordable monthly subscription that supports our twin mission: to bolster local creativity and enterprise, and to keep our readers on the inside of what's happening in the Bay Area now.

After more than 20 years in business in San Francisco, we cant help but notice that things feeldifferentlately.

Were not talking about the overblown doom loopwe believe in the resiliency of this vibrant regionbut weve got eyes: The city is sleepier than it used to be.

Over two decades ago when we hung our 7x7 banner from an office space at the corner of Grant and Geary, 7x7 was in the thick of the action. We were surrounded by the glassy storefronts of brands large and small; we jostled elbow to elbow with fellow downtown workers as we dashed out for lunch at one of the many busy cafes. Come happy hour, we dispersed into nightlife spots on Maiden Lane (remember Otis?) or atop nearby luxury hotels (looking at you, Starlite), caught local art exhibits at 111 Minna, went dancing at Madrone Art Bar and Rickshaw Stop, and got dressed up for opening night galas, fashion shows, and the Black & White Ball.

Our fledgling print magazine team was genuinely excited to discover and then share the best of what was new and happening in SF. We went out most nights, met so many interesting people, threw countless parties. If we stayed home in our pajamas, we probably had the flu.

This is the part where 7x7 and its editor (yours truly) begin to show our age. We don't need you to tell us that the world has changed. We survived 9-11 and tech booms and busts. We've evolved from a paper glossy to a modern digital brand. And we weathered Covid alongside all of you. Today, we are all navigating a changed San Francisco and stepping forward into growth together.

Downtown is cleaner than it was pre-APEC but the streets are still too quiet. On a recent weekday afternoon, we bumped into no one on the sidewalk on Geary Street; there was hardly any reason to look before crossing the street. Another major closure has been announced in Union Square to a chorus of comments such as "sad, but not surprising," "too lazy to shop in person," "you get what you vote for," and "what's going on in beautiful San Francisco???"

What is going on in beautiful San Francisco? A lot, actually! Which you will see when you take a walk in any one of our diverse and charming neighborhoods. Terrific restaurants, buzzy bars, and delightful boutiques continue to open every day. Our arts venues remain world-class and on the cutting edge, while independent artists, designers, makers, and chefs find innovative ways to create and thrive. City-sponsored efforts such as Vacant to Vibrant are seeking creative solutions, and grassroots efforts to clean up the city and jazz up the community are popping up everywhere. But how would we know that if we're all sitting at home watching True Detective?

It's easy to play the blame game, to point at drugs and homelessness and the mayor and say this is what's wrong with our Baghdad by the Bay. Many younger residents may not have heard that term, Baghdad by the Bay. It was coined by the iconic midcentury newspaper columnist Herb Caen who drew a parallel to the 1950s Iraqi boomtown where "many languages and nationalities, as well as poets, painters, sculptors and others, were reimagining the past for a different future" (Deena Chalabi, for SFMOMA's Open Space blog). Caen's writings underlined the ever-changing cosmopolitan nature of this naturally spectacular place that has fostered the Beats, the hippies, the punks and, yes, even our puffer-vested techies.

But to remain a Baghdad by the Bay, or any kind of boomtown for that matter, everyone who lives here must vote for itand we don't mean at the polls, though we hope you'll do that too. Every day that we moan about returning to the office, we vote for empty streets in downtown San Francisco. Each time we add to cart on Amazon, we vote for the closure of stores ranging from beloved boutiques to the iconic Macy's Union Square. When we opt to order in and stream a new release on Netflix, we vote for empty tables at our local restaurants and unfilled seats in our indie theaters and performing arts venues.

I really can't tell you how many times I hear the words "I hardly ever go out anymore." And no judgement, I also sometimes choose a movie-on-the-couch night over standup comedy at Cobb's, and online shopping is parcel to my modern life. Covid necessarily changed us, and we all learned to embrace the comforts of home. But the pandemic is over, and our homebody ways are dulling our vibrant city. It's time to get back out in the world and to support the many local businesses whose health and success rely on our IRL engagement. And guess what? It's actually fun!

Our new 7x7 Social Club is designed to give you extra incentive to step back out, to spend your money, and to engage on a regular basis in this city we all love. We know, life here feels more expensive than it ever hastoday's $19 hot dogs make $5 toasts look quaint. So 7x7 Social Club aims to give you a hookup. We've got comped cocktails, free festival and events tickets, discounts on popular museum exhibits and hotel stays, early access to friends and family sales, custom experiences, and so much more. With just one freebie at a 7x7 Big Drink bar, your Social Club subscription will more than pay for itself. Then, when you order a second drink and a snack, you're paying the hookup forward to a local business that makes our city a vibe all its own.

We're sharing these exclusive perks of the press with you for an accessible price: $7 per month for a limited time. Your monthly subscriptions allow 7x7 to provide extra promotion for local partners we love without charging them for advertising, driving meaningful new business at a time when they need it most.

We hope you'll sign up for 7x7 Social Club in the spirit of exploring what's happening in the Bay Area now. It's a vote for the San Francisco that so many of us dreamily remember, a Baghdad by the Bay.

// 7x7 Social Club launches April 1, 2024. Sign up for our email newsletter to get notified when registration open this March.
In Northern California, winter showers bring spring wildflowers.

But they don't last long, so get outside and frolic through the super blooms from the Peninsula to Point Reyes to (Little) Yosemite.

Wildflower Hikes: Portola Valley's Windy Hill See on Instagram There are lots of trails to follow down around Windy Hill, but the one you don't want to miss is the Anniversary Trail. Get up early to drive up into the hills and park in the main lot, which opens 30 minutes before sunrise. This will leave you with enough time to make your way up to the peak through the wildflower-scattered trails and watch the sunrise over the Bay. Learn more. Insider tip: After your hike, get some much-deserved breakfast at Alice's Restaurant, a Skyline classic.

Wildflower Hikes: Russian Ridge Trail Feel like picking up the pace? Head to the Russian Ridge down on the Peninsula for some trail running, where slightly less than four miles of trails will take you through forests and wildflowers and lead you to some spectacular views. There's only about 500 feet of elevation gain over the course of your run, so depending on your fitness level, it should only take you about an hour. Learn more. Insider tip: Hungry after your run? Of course you are. Make a beeline for Alpine Inn in Portola Valley and order a beer, burgers, and fries.

Wildflower Hikes: Abbott's Lagoon See on Instagram On your hike to Abbott's Lagoon, you'll experience the best that Point Reyes has to offerbeaches, headlands, marshes, tons of wildflowers, and stunning views of the Pacific. Come on a weekday to avoid the crowds, and take it slowly along the easy, 2.3-mile out-and-back trail to the beach. Learn more. Insider tip: If it's a nice enough day, pick up picnic supplies in Point Reyes Station and take a mid-hike break on the beach.

Wildflower Hikes: Point Reyes' Chimney Rock Trail Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and head north to Point Reyes to stroll along the 1.8-mile out-and-back Chimney Rock Trail. Expect there to be many other hikers and photographers along the path, so plan to get there earlyand don't forget to bring your own camera for shots of the goldenfields, blue-eyed grass, and mule ear sunflowers. Learn more. Insider tip: If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot some migrating grey whales and sunbathing elephant seals. Bring a pair of binoculars.
Its mushroom season in Mendocino and chef Jenny MacDonald and her team are working full throttle in the open kitchen at the Wickson, sliding cast iron pans of brie and short ribs in and out of the wood-fire oven in a choreographed dance of culinary beauty.

The nights menu is an homage to the regions fungi and everything from the starters to the dessert course are studded with wild black trumpets, hedgehogs, chanterelles, candy caps, and freshly shaved perigord black truffles. Back in my room, Ive got a bag full of themvelvety jewels I pulled from the damp, loamy earth just that morning.

Wood oven baked brie with local wild mushrooms, crostini, thyme, and rosemary at Wickson Restaurant at The Madrones. (Courtesy of @wicksonrestaurant)

Mushroom foraging has been on my Northern California bucket list for years and this is the weekend I finally make it happen, thanks to Anderson Valleys sweet Italianate hotel, restaurant, tasting room, and cannabis apothecary in one, The Madrones. Theyre hosting the two-day event for the firstbut not the lasttime, along with Napa-Mendo winery Long Meadow Ranch, whose local operations are headquartered at the villa. But with the exception of the mushrooms, themselves, its Maria Finn and her trained truffle-hunting dog, Flora Jayne, that are the stars of the show.

Finn, a chef, author, and speaker, is a foraging savant and through her company, Flora & Fungi Adventures, she molds the wild foodcurious in her image. Throughout the year she holds morel and seaweed camps in the Sierra and Western Marin, Dungeness crab catching and urban foraging workshops in San Francisco, and even wild food weekends in Washington and Alaska. Her cookbook, Forage. Gather. Feast: Recipes from West Coast Forests, Shores, & Urban Spaces, due out in April, will contain more than 100 ways to prepare the bounty.

Mushrooms tell the story of the ecosystem, Finn says to the small group of foragers gathered at Long Meadow Ranchs Anderson Valley estate on Saturday morning. In order to find them, look to the trees. Oaks are the au pairs of edible fungi with black trumpets and chanterelles growing in their shadows, and woody turkey tails sprouting from their fallen trunks. Hedgehogs, named for their quill-like gills, love conifers; candy caps are found beneath both.

In the grove along the edges of Long Meadows vineyard, Finn sets us loose with curly-haired Flora Jayne at our heels. When youre looking for mushrooms, dont focus your eyes, she advises. You want to be looking for disruptions in patterns on the forest floor.

Flora Jayne, chef-author Maria Finn's trained truffle hunting Lagotto Romagnolo, demonstrates her skills at The Brambles. (Shoshi Parks)

Almost immediately, I find my first fungi, small clutches of black trumpets poking out of the leaf litter around a young oak. I gently release them from the soil and place them in my bag as if they were made of glass. On a foraging high, I spend the next 90 minutes combing every inch. Intense rains earlier in the week have left the ground oversaturated, stymying the mushrooms explosive growth, but theres still enough to go around. At the workshops end, gathered around a table piled with ridiculously delicious smoked and pickled shiitakes, candy cap cookies, and pine needle syrupdrizzled brie (recipes for which appear in Forage. Gather. Feast.), I show Finn my respectable collection of what I think are hedgehogs, black trumpets, and turkey tails. I'm delighted when she confirms none of them will kill me.

The next morning, its truffle time and Flora Jayne couldnt be more excited. The Italian-born Lagotto Romagnolo, a 30-pound pup with a mustache brown with dirt, was literally bred for sniffing the delicacies out from their underground nurseries. There are no truffles growing naturally at The Brambles, a pretty event space and stay in a redwood grove down the street from The Madronesnot many edible fungi reliably grow in redwood forests, were toldbut Finn has planted tiny slivers of truffle around the property ahead of time so that Flora Jayne can show off her skills. She trots around, a muppet on a mission, zigzagging back and forth in search of their scent. When she finds one, she places her paw on top and waits for Finn to confirm her discovery.

After the demo, the feasting begins. Between gougeres dripping with truffle butter and honey-truffle panna cotta paired with Long Meadows Anderson Valley pinots and late harvest chardonnay, the forager-chef tells stories of the precious fungi reaching back to ancient Greece. You can tell the history of the world through truffles, says Finn. Theyre now being grown on every continent but Antartica.

Guests stay in a refurbished mid-century homestead at The Brambles. (Courtesy of @the.brambles)

There are more than 400 unique truffle species in the U.S.Oregon white truffles are found commonly on the West Coast, including on Marins Mount Tambut we dont yet know what we dont yet know. Its likely there are other edible species just waiting to be discovered, especially as a changing climate encourages their migration further and further north. Were entering a truffle renaissance, Finn explains.

The truffles Flora Jayne finds dont last long once theyve been foraged. Finn shaves them fresh into ultra-thin slices, and preserves what she cant use right away into butters, oils, and honeys. The scent is powerful enough to infuse other foods overnight, even fresh eggs through their shells, but their flavor is delicate and subtle. You may not have even had the real thing if your only truffle encounters have been drizzled on fries or pasta. Most truffle oils used by restaurants and home cooks are actually synthetic versions that pack a high-octane wallop.

Whole truffles are still a challenge to find in stores (try Far West Fungi at Bay Area farmers markets and the SF Ferry Building or Napas Oxbow Public Market during the January Truffle Festival) but a healthy handful of Northern California farmers are planting spore-inoculated trees that will, with any luck, make them easier to buy fresh in coming years.

In the meantime, theres Finns workshops and a world of wild mushrooms to fill the fungi-sized hole in our heartsand Ive got a whole bag of them waiting for their close up.

// Maria Finns Forage. Gather. Feast. debuts April 9, 2024. Preorders are on sale now, penguinrandomhouse.com; floraandfungiadventures.com

The Madrones, Wickson Restaurant, Long Meadow Ranchs Mendocino Tasting Room, and the Bohemian Apothecary are at 9000 Hwy 128 (Philo), wicksonrestaurant.com themadrones.com . The Madrones truffle and mushroom hunting weekend will return next winter.
Spring and summer nights are for bonfires on the beach with some of our favorite stretches of local sand opening for burn season in March, April, and May.

Here are a few of our favorite spots to have a legal bonfire on the beach in the Bay Area.

Just make sure to check that it's not a Spare the Air day, and visit park sites for updated regulations, available dates, and group permits. Don't forget the s'mores!

Ocean Beach, San Francisco Bonfires at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. (Tyler Drake, courtesy of The Outbound) Warm up around a bonfire with friends and family at San Francisco's favorite beach, which is open for fires March through October. There are 16 fire rings located between stairwells 15 and 20. This is an ideal spot for a group outing as there's ample space and lots of convenient parkingjust note that groups of 25 people or more are required a special use permit. Fires must be extinguished (with water only) by 9:30pm. For more details and regulations, visit nps.gov. Inside Tip: For those of you without a car, or who prefer public transportation, you can take the N Judah all the way to the beach. Learn more.

Muir Beach, Marin County (Courtesy of The Outbound) Muir Beach is a little further away, but that usually translates to smaller crowds. If you're looking for an isolated spot to take in the sunset, build a bonfire, and hang out with some good friends, then this is the ticket. Just know that groups larger than 25 people are required a special permit. Muir Beach has six fire rings available May through November. Fires must be extinguished with one hour after sunset. For more information, visit nps.gov. Inside Tip: The beach closes one hour after sunset. From December through April, there are only three fire pits on the beach, located toward the south end of the parking lot. Learn more.

Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore (@pointreyesnps) Named after the famed explorer, Sir Francis Drake, Drakes Beach is part of the scenic Point Reyes National Seashore and is an absolute stunner. If you're looking to spend an entire day in this neck of the woods, grab some snacks and firewood from a West Marin store (this is to prevent outside pests and diseases) and head out to the beach. Inside Tip: You'll need to pick up a free fire permit for the day of your outing. You can find the details by visiting nps.gov or by calling the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 415.464.5100 x2 x5. Learn more.

Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz (@tuningout831) This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those seeking a peaceful Santa Cruz experience without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. Inside Tip: Get there early, as fire pits go quickly. Parking during the summer months can be difficult and often requires a permit, which can be purchased at one of four nearby pay stations. Learn more.


Update on Cost Reduction Actions, Strategic Partner Process

Sydney, Mar 4, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( LK1:FRA ) ( LLKKF:OTCMKTS ) announced today that, following the completion of the Kachi Phase One Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"), the company is rationalizing the size of its employee base and general and administrative expenses to extend its financial runway, and better position the Company to complete a robust strategic partner selection process.



The Company previously announced an approximate 40% reduction in expenditures for the quarter ending 31 March 2024 as compared to the quarter ending 31 December 2023 (refer to ASX announcement dated 31 January 2024). Lake is now implementing further cost saving measures through reducing global headcount by approximately 50% across its non-core operational and administrative workforce and additional streamlining of other general and administrative expenditures. As a result of these actions, the Company anticipates a further approximate 30% reduction in expenditures in the quarter ending 30 June 2024 compared to the quarter ending 31 March 2024.



The above actions will not impact the planned timing of either the Environmental Impact Assessment submission, scheduled for 31 March 2024 or the strategic partner selection process.



Additionally, Lake will continue its rigorous approach to cost structure optimisation and will explore further ways to reduce expenses. Furthermore, the Company will continue to evaluate the monetization of non-core assets and lithium tenements, which are unrelated to the Kachi Project.



Commenting on the outlook for the globally significant Kachi Project, Chief Executive Officer David Dickson said, "Despite the current backdrop of depressed short-term lithium pricing, we remain very enthusiastic about the Kachi Project, and its potential to deliver long-term value.



We are committed to taking all necessary actions to preserve our financial flexibility while we execute a thorough and prudent strategic partner selection process that results in the best outcome for Lake and its shareholders. We are focused on delivering the Kachi Project in 2028, which is forecast to align with the start of a prolonged period of structural deficit for battery-grade lithium chemicals."



Aligning Developmental Timelines to Strategic Partner Selection Process As announced in the ASX announcement dated 29 November 2023, Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to the operating entity of the Kachi Project with respect to a strategic partnering process. The Company is now actively conducting outreach to a wide array of potential strategic partners as it progresses the initial phase of the strategic partner selection process ("the Process"). This outreach includes car and battery manufacturers, lithium producers, oil and gas companies, sovereign wealth funds and private equity. Additionally, a virtual data room has been established for interested parties, subject to confidentiality arrangements. The Company will seek expressions of interest from those potential partners.



The second phase of the Process will then focus on a select pool of qualified potential partners as the Company moves towards identifying a potential strategic partner for the Kachi Project.



The Company expects the Process will conclude in the second half of the year (2H CY24), with final investment decision ("FID") to follow approximately nine to twelve months thereafter (CY25), which may delay the previous target date for FID. Additionally, the timeline for awarding the Front-End Engineering Design ("FEED"), independent power producer ("IPP") and other tenders may also be impacted by the timing and outcome of the Process, given that the type of strategic partner ultimately selected could influence these decisions.





About Lake Resources NL





Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among three other projects covering 220,000 ha.

This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands - high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits.

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The cosmic climate mystery is solved! By Tom Harris

web posted March 4, 2024

Scientists have known for a long time that solar activity correlates well with climatic conditions on Earth. This should surprise no one since our home star is an enormous source of energy, only a tiny fraction of which is intercepted by the Earth. Yet that is enough to raise the temperature of our planet from near absolute zero to the relatively comfortable 15o C we enjoy today. The fact that, in 2004, Prof. Dr. Sami K. Solanki, now of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, et al, found that the Sun had been more active during the previous 70 years than it had been in more than 8,000 years, should obviously have some bearing on the warming of the late 1990s. Dr. Henrik Svensmark , physicist and professor in the Division of Solar System Physics at the Danish National Space Institute in Copenhagen stated: "The impact of solar activity on climate is much larger than the official consensus suggests. This is therefore an important scientific question that needs to be addressed by the scientific community." The problem was, the direct impact of changes in solar insolation, the solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, was too small to account for warming observed since the start of the Industrial Revolution. For example, the Total Solar Irradiance, the amount of solar energy reaching the top of Earth's atmosphere, only varies by about 0.1% over the course of the familiar 11-year sunspot cycle. While the variations can be greater for longer cycles, for example the 200-year solar cycle, they are still insufficient to account for the observed warming, at least via direct solar insolation changes. This is why the United Nations dismisses the Sun as a candidate for the major cause of warming over the past few centuries. After all, we have no control of the Sun, of course, so the IPCC pays no attention to sunspots, an important gauge of solar activity. Instead they point to humanity's carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions as the primary driver. However, as I discussed in "Climate 'detective story' upends politically correct science," my previous article in this series, geologists have found that CO 2 and temperature do not show any consistent correlation over geologic time. As seen in the graph I included last week, below, at times, CO 2 levels were remarkably high, and temperatures were moderate or even low. At other times, CO 2 was low, and temperatures were high. And sometimes they were both high or low at the same time. As explained in the caption to this important image, the changes in (see part one of this series), a proxy for temperature variations, were determined by Dr. Jan Veizer, the Distinguished University Professor (emeritus) of Earth Sciences at the University of Ottawa and Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics of Bochum Ruhr University in Germany. Veizer was surprised to note that the Earth warmed and cooled periodically, switching back and forth between ice house and hot house, following an approximately sinusoidal pattern with a periodicity of about 140 million years throughout the Phanerozoic, the geologic eon that covers the time period from about 600 million years ago to the present. In the documentary, The Cloud Mystery , Dr. Veizer, said : "I suspected that the reason for this rough periodicity was something to do with the sky. But I was searching for it and couldn't find anything. So, essentially, I gave up. I didn't have an explanation." But then one evening, Professor Veizer received an e-mail from Professor Nir Shaviv of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in which Shaviv said that he might have an explanation for the periodic temperature changes Veizer had observed over the Phanerozoic. Shaviv explained that he had been working with galactic cosmic ray (GCR) flux, or variation, over the same time interval and that that variability has a periodicity similar to that which Veizer had found in temperature. GCRs are high energy particles that originate in supernovas in deep space, eventually flooding into our solar system. Shaviv was able to determine GCR flux by analyzing iron meteorites that originally broke off of asteroids millions of years ago and so became exposed to GCRs and then recorded evidence of GCR flux over vast time periods. Laying Veizer's Phanerozoic temperature curve over Shaviv's GCR curve revealed the following, as published in the 2003 paper, Celestial Driver of Phanerozoic Climate by Shaviv and Veizer: The curves to pay attention to in the above figure are: In the top graph, the red curve, which is the original blue line GCR flux reconstruction, after the exact flux periodicity was "fine-tuned, within the GCR flux reconstruction error." The yellow shading shows the allowed error range. In the bottom graph: The black line is the geologic temperature reconstruction found by Veizer. The red curve is the temperature that theory predicts if the temperature change is caused by GCR flux.

Note how closely the lower black curve (the temperature history as determined by fossils) and the red curve (the forecast GCR-induced temperature change) coincide in both periodicity and magnitude. For simplicity, here are those two curves on their own: So how does the influx of GCR cause temperature change? Here is the theory, which, as I will explain in part 3 of this series, is supported by experimentation: As the GCRs penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, they encourage the formation of particles in the lower atmosphere which are referred to as condensation nuclei. These are particles around which a microscopic form of liquid water forms, causing clouds. It takes about a million of these particles to form a moderate-sized raindrop. Low level clouds act like a screen in a greenhouse controlling the temperature, so when there are more clouds, the Earth cools. And what could cause GCR flux variations with a periodicity of 140 million years? It is our movement in and out of the Milky Way Galaxy's spiral arms and other stellar 'density waves,' which cause varying amounts of cloud-causing GCRs as our distance to young supernovas stars varies. So, it is our position in our home galaxy, specifically our proximity to GCR-producing supernovas, that ultimate determines massive, very long-term changes in Earth's climate. This is fascinating, of course, but climate campaigners complain that such long-term phenomena have nothing to do with climate change over the past century. But they are wrong. It has everything to do with climate change today. Next week, I will explain why, and how, the Sun, through its impact on the GCR flux that we experience on Earth, appears to be the most important short and medium-term driver of climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions have little impact on our planet's climate. Tom Harris is Executive Director of the Ottawa, Canada-based International Climate Science Coalition . Home
PURE EV has maintained its BB+ (stable) ratings from the well-known rating agency ICRA. This is attributed to the company's consistent performance over the years and its commitment to financial discipline. With this reaffirmed rating, PURE EV stands out from its start-up peers in the EV 2W industry.

ICRA highlights a positive long-term demand outlook for electric two-wheelers (e2W) in the country. PURE has been commended for its in-house technology, particularly in powertrain and battery management systems, which enhances its operational profile and for not being dependent on FAME subsidies. This technological and business advantage is expected to contribute significantly to PURE's scaling up of operations and improvement in its financial profile.

Having already raised $8 million in the recent Bridge funding, PURE is in final stages to close Series A1 funding of $25mn from institutional investors. Going forward, the company plans to expand its dealership network and launch new products at competitive prices.

Rohit Vadera, CEO, PURE EV said. As a company we are extremely happy to maintain our long term rating of BB+ (Stable) amidst the dynamic challenges of the industry, including susceptibility to supply-chain disruptions, predatory discount pricing, and broad economic policies. Throughout the years, our company has demonstrated a commitment to using capital efficiently, constructing a robust financial model that positions us to challenge industry incumbents. Notably, we have maintained a positive EBITDA for the past three years since our inception, all while remaining neutral to the subsidy policies. We have multiple tailwinds in our favour at the moment and are looking at exponential growth in the next 6 months.

PURE EV stands as a leading manufacturer of 2-Wheeler Electric Vehicles, headquartered in Hyderabad, India. With a mission to transform electric mobility and enhance transportation affordability, PURE EV leverages its robust R&D capabilities to produce battery packs and vehicles in-house, boasting a portfolio of 120+ IP filings.

The company offers a diverse range of products in motorcycles and scooters, and has successfully sold over 70,000 vehicles through a network of 140+ outlets. The company has a pan India presence, and is already exporting its products to countries in South Asia. Further, the company plans to expand into Middle-east and African markets.
In a pioneering move towards building the healthiest workforce, mCaffeine, a trailblazer in personal care, proudly introduces a revolutionary mental health program in collaboration with Pazcare, a renowned employee benefit platform. Recognizing the profound impact of mental well-being on workplace productivity, mCaffeine's Co-Founders stress the responsibility of supporting employees to achieve their personal best both at work and in their personal lives.

Mental health is a universal concern that transcends age, gender, ethnicity, status, or location, significantly influencing workplace productivity. To address this, mCaffeine, known for its commitment to innovation, collaborates with Amaha, a leader in the mental health field via Pazcare, to provide essential tools and resources. Amaha, a distinguished partner in this initiative, stands at the forefront with a multidisciplinary team of over 110+ mental health professionals, bringing extensive experience and expertise to support clients' mental health needs.

Central to this initiative, mCaffeine's employees gain access to free counseling sessions annually, a fundamental resource dedicated to preserving and enhancing mental well-being. This invaluable offering is complemented by a strategic partnership with a cutting-edge mental health app, ensuring employees have continuous access to mental health care resources 24/7. This program is thoughtfully crafted to demolish barriers, making mental health resources readily available for a healthier and more productive workplace.

The programme begins with personalized 1-1 Therapy Sessions, available through chat, audio, and video mediums, allowing employees up to 6 sessions per year. Complementing this, the Amaha Self Care Application offers an array of resources, including self-care programs, mood tracking, journaling, bot check-ins, and a peer support feature through communities, all accessible to every employee.

To maintain regular communication and awareness, the program includes the distribution of Newsletters and Awareness Collaterals on a monthly basis. This consistent flow of information aims to keep employees engaged and informed about available resources and upcoming events.

Talking about the positive workplace mCaffeine's HR team stands as a dedicated ally. Employees are not merely encouraged but actively welcomed to reach out to the HR team for any hurdles obstructing their goals. Assuring confidentiality, this initiative strives to create an environment where employees feel secure in sharing their challenges.

A Pinnacle of Commitment:

This initiative signifies more than a mere step; it's a significant leap in mCaffeine's unwavering commitment to employee well-being. Beyond the realm of a workplace, it underscores the creation of a supportive community where the mental health of every team member is prioritized and actively supported. This initiative is a testament to mCaffeine's dedication to fostering an environment where each employee not only thrives but feels genuinely cared for.

"We all have bad days at work, and it's crucial to recognize the signs when our mental health is at stake. It's not just a personal matter; it's a professional one that can affect our ability to be productive. Mental health is often unseen, and reaching out for help shouldn't be a challenge. With this understanding, mCaffeine is proud to announce a mental health program for employees, in partnership with Amaha and Pazcare, as part of our commitment to fostering a supportive workplace," says Tarun Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, mCaffeine.

"Statistics say that one in four people suffer from mental health-related problems. Apart from covering secondary & tertiary care, progressive employers like Mcaffiene are standing out by covering their colleagues for mental wellness and overall well-being. We at Pazcare are proud to be enabling the mental health wellness benefit for mCaffeinene employees." comments Sanchit Malik, CEO and Co-Founder, Pazcare.

The introduction of this comprehensive mental health program marks a significant milestone in mCaffeine's commitment to employee well-being. It reflects the brand's dedication to creating a supportive and healthy work environment.
The Face Shop, a global leader in the Korean beauty and skincare industry, is thrilled to announce Khushi Kapoor as the first-ever face of the brand in India. Khushi Kapoor brings to The Face Shop her charisma and elegance, marking a significant milestone in the brand's journey in India.

Khushi Kapoor emerges as the perfect match for The Face Shop, embodying the brands ethos of clean beauty and self-care effortlessly. With her Gen Z appeal and widespread popularity among young audiences, she brings a fresh perspective to the beauty scene in India. Her genuine passion and dedication for Korean skincare resonates deeply with todays conscientious customers. Her Bollywood debut captivated audiences worldwide, which has solidified her position as one of the industry's rising stars. As she takes on the role of the face of The Face Shop, Khushi Kapoors commitment to maintaining a healthy, glowing skin reflects her ability to inspire her generation to embrace their own charm and beauty.

"I am honored and thrilled to be chosen as the face of The Face Shop," said Khushi Kapoor. "As an actor, skincare is an essential part of my daily routine, with long hours on set, coupled with shoots and meetings, I always seek out for extra hydration and nourishment to my skin. This is where the brand perfectly fits in my everyday skincare routine giving me an extra glow. This collaboration marks my first venture into skincare, and I am particularly excited to partner with a leading Korean brand renowned for its innovative approach to clean beauty & natural ingredients. Im an avid fan of K-beauty as it gives me glowing skin and the confidence to go about my day, so you could say this is a notable feather in my cap! I simply cant wait, and look forward to sharing the transformative power of Korean skincare with consumers in India."

With Khushi Kapoor at the helm, The Face Shop continues to redefine skincare standards, offering innovative skincare solutions that empower individuals to adhere to a wholesome skincare routine comprising of clean and natural products. As the brand embarks on this exciting journey with Khushi Kapoor, it reaffirms its commitment to providing skincare products that nurture, rejuvenate, and inspire.

"We are thrilled to welcome Khushi Kapoor to The Face Shop family," said  Spokesperson at The Face Shop. "Her genuine passion for skincare and dedication to clean beauty perfectly encapsulates the essence of our brand. With Khushi's support, we look forward to empowering individuals to embrace a clean beauty routine that not only encourages self-care rituals but also celebrates the unique beauty in us all."
These are transformative times. If 2023 was about embracing emerging tech like Generative AI, AR, and ML, 2024 is turning out to be about consolidating the gains as digital technology permeates all spheres of business operations in a fresh push.

Held on March 1, 2024 in Mumbai, the fifth edition of Adgullys WOMEN DISRUPTORS 2024 sought to straddle this changing world and unleash the true potential that Indias women workforce drives.

WOMEN DISRUPTORS 2024 endeavoured to celebrate and turn the spotlight on women leaders at the forefront of steering India Inc. through transformative times as well as influencing and encouraging a future generation of leaders.

Delivering the opening keynote of the event this year, Anita Kotwani, CEO, Dentsu Media South Asia, highlighted the overarching theme in her address  Driving Forward Positive Change in Transformative Times.

Anita Kotwani started by noting, We have technologies today like artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain technology, and renewable energy, which are all reshaping industries and societies worldwide. So, this was one fundamental aspect that stood out for me. Another question that has risen is what impact does globalisation have on these transformative times. I feel that today the world is far more interconnected than ever before. It facilitates with exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures across borders. This interconnectedness has both negative and positive ramifications. It leads to a shift in geopolitics, economics, and even cultural norms. The third one which is very integral for all of us are the environmental challenges that we face as an industry today, such as climate change, environmental deprivation, post-existential threats to our humanity, increasing frequency of extreme weather, events arising in sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. These are the highlights of the climate changes that we need to take action to mitigate and adapt to how they are going to face these challenging times. The fourth and last one which I felt was making a difference, were the socio-economic shifts that we have seen in the environment, economic globalisation, coupled with technological advancements, which are leading to significant changes in the labour market. At the same time, we see income inequality, social mobility and job displacement happening as well. This entire interesting piece of the gig economy is changing the traditional models of how you are going to get employed. These are the four shifts that I have seen happening.

Continuing further, she said, As far as I see us as women leaders, I think we play a crucial role in driving transformational change in the advertising and marketing industry. We do that by bringing diverse perspectives. Women leaders today have a deep understanding of the consumers, and this is majorly driven by the intuitive, emotional side of women and how they understand other human beings, which comes very naturally to them. Innovations and creativity are the second areas to focus on changes that we see. We bring very fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, which genuinely challenge traditional approaches, whether we are driving creativity in advertising or our marketing campaigns, we take insights and experiences both in real life and bring that into the campaigns that sometimes help us to break stereotypes, challenge norms or resonate deeply very well with our consumers.

Kotwani added, We take great pride in prioritising diversity and inclusion in our organisations. We advocate for more women representation, even in the underrepresented groups whether it is race, caste, diverse skill sets, or trying to get equal opportunities for women in our workforce. Today, a lot of organisations have outlined what should leadership strength be in the organisations. At the one that I represent, which is Dentsu, we are looking and trying to get women leadership at 50% in the next five years on the board table across our global organisation. So, we feel very proud and privileged to be in an organisation that believes in womens leadership and empowerment.

Today, the leaders in this industry play a role in ensuring that your team members, your colleagues are there shaping their professional growth. How is one going to do that? Are you being supportive? Do you have an inclusive work environment? Do we encourage creativity? Do we encourage collaboration with other women leaders and what kind of equations do we ensure that they come up with?, asked Kotwani.

Do not look down, look up and try and raise those hands whenever you see opportunities of leadership teams or positions in your organisation, she urged.

According to her, another part of helping a lot of people is interestingly around these digital trends. Women leaders are at the forefront in trying to adopt these leadership trends. There are influencers today, majority of them are women who are making a mark in this industry. They found their niche and areas of work which they never thought they would be working on. Some of them never thought they could be entrepreneurs, but today the digital trend is allowing them to become one, as the sky is the limit. Many women leaders have committed themselves in this advertising and marketing industry, to be a force for good.

She said, We advocate social causes and we ensure that we bring positive change. So whether it is programs we do for social impact, a malaria campaign that Dentsu did to eradicate malaria, or we have a program called One Day for change, we bring in our set of the leadership team, forwomen and men both to try and make a difference in society. So, we are taking responsibility of ensuring that the social causes which need great focus from our side are something that we do.

We as advertising professionals can build new cultural narratives, use platforms to promote the messages of equality, sustainability which is another critical part today, as consumers you would know that everyone is not looking for doing any lip service, they want the brand to be action-oriented, to live and breathe the commitments that they are talking to people. The leaders in this industry play an emotional role in shaping narratives, values, and practices in this industry, through our and their leadership, advocacy, and innovation, they are contributing in many ways, by being diverse, equitable, and having an impact on all the businesses that they run, and the aspirations of the Indian society. They are advocating for positive change, by challenging norms, embracing innovations, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and addressing important societal and environmental issues. Their leadership and contributions are essential for shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for this industry and society as of whole.
Federal Office of Cultural Affairs

Bern, 04.03.2024 - A significant private collection of pre-Columbian items was transferred in February from the owner, a Swiss private person, with the cooperation of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC), to several countries of origin in Central and South America.

The collection comprises about 60 items from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The collection had been family-owned for several generations and was built up during over six decades. Its dissolution is due to the owners express wish to transfer the individual items to the countries of origin where they were originally crafted. The aim is for the pieces to be exhibited locally and enable further associated research.

Worthy of particular mention are 13 so-called tunjos from Colombia, anthropomorphic or zoomorphic figurines, once used as ritual sacrificial offerings to mark special events and request divine intervention. Another prominent item is a terracotta sculpture dating back about 1,500 years, of the Tumbas de Tiro tradition from Ancient Mexico, which stands out through its particularly fine artistic quality. An equally notable piece comes from the Huetar culture in Costa Rica: the figure of a priest made from volcanic stone and offering a sacrifice. The human sacrifice presented here was an important event in the pre-Columbian world, where its purpose was to maintain the balance between the earthly and heavenly realms. A vessel of the Nazca culture from Peru is over 1,500 years old and is distinguished by its extraordinary refinement, colours and variety of naturalistic motifs.

The FOC supports private persons and institutions seeking to voluntarily return cultural property to interested countries of origin. The FOC acts as an intermediary in these cases, establishes contact with foreign representations and cooperates with the process up to the transfer of the items. The commitment underlines the contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of humankind.

Address for enquiries

Fabienne Baraga, Head of the Specialized Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property, Federal Office of Culture FOC +41 58 465 73 05, kgt@bak.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Office of Cultural Affairs

http://www.bak.admin.ch




Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, senior TMC leader Tapas Roy on Monday quit as an MLA, expressing displeasure over the functioning of the party.

Roy, the TMC deputy chief whip in the assembly, slammed the party leadership for allegedly not standing by him when his residence was raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January.

I am really disappointed with the way the party is functioning. I am fed up with so many allegations of corruption levelled against the party and the government. Secondly, I do not support the way the Sandeshkhali issue was handled, he told reporters.

Senior TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Bratya Basu met Roy at his residence this morning in an attempt to pacify him. Roy has been at loggerheads with TMC MP from North Kolkata, Sudip Bandopadhyay. I have been a loyal soldier of the party for the last 25 years. But I did not get my due, he said.
This story has been updated.

As Birmingham-Southern College waits on a lifeline from the Alabama Legislature, two new hires are gearing up to lead the schools academic programs.

Laura Stultz and Kent Andersen, who both held interim leadership positions in the colleges academic affairs department, were recently appointed to permanent roles, officials announced Monday.

Stultz will serve as the colleges provost and vice president for academic affairs. Anderson is now the associate provost.

Dr. Stultz and Dr. Andersen have consistently demonstrated their dedication to our students, faculty, and staff, BSC President Daniel Coleman said in a news release. Their vision aligns perfectly with BSCs commitment to providing a transformative educational experience.

The appointments come amid uncertainty over the future of the private, liberal arts college.

Officials announced the extent of the schools financial woes in 2022, saying it would need at least $30 million from the legislature to keep its doors open. Now lawmakers, for a second time, are working against the clock keep the college afloat.

In June 2023, the Alabama Legislature created the Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Loan Revolving Program, which would allow qualifying colleges to apply for up to $30 million in state funds.

But the state treasurer, Young Boozer III, denied Birmingham-Southerns application last fall, claiming it did not meet the qualifications established by the law, including adequate collateral and a financial plan that showed it would be able to repay the debt.

Now a revised loan bill, SB31, could give the college another chance.

If passed, SB31 would replace Boozer as administrator of the loan program with Jim Purcell, the executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The bill would make other changes to the loan program that appear to make it more likely for Birmingham-Southern to receive a loan.

Officials told AL.com last week that the school plans to submit a loan if the new program is approved. Active fundraising for the BSC Foundation, which directly supports the new endowment is on hold, they said, until a state loan is awarded, but the school is accepting pledge payments in the meantime. Regular fundraising for the schools main endowment and other efforts at the school, such as the Forward Ever Fund, is ongoing.

BSCs trustees, alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends have worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure that the College can continue to serve the state of Alabama and can continue to be a choice for students seeking a small, residential, rigorous, and highly personalized college education, spokeswoman Virginia Loftin wrote in a statement.

Stultz served as interim associate provost in 2022 and stepped in as interim provost in 2023. Officials praised her for her leadership abilities, which they said underscores her dedication to student success, commitment to research, and passion for academic excellence.

Stultz has been a member of BSC faculty since 1997 and has taught courses in general and inorganic chemistry. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and completed her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Andersen joined the college in 1999 and has taught courses in writing and leadership. For nearly a decade, he led the colleges Krulak Institute, which houses programs focused on leadership and community engagement.

He holds a bachelors degree from Iowa State University, a masters degree in literature from American University, and an Ed.D. in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University.
Southern Living had travelers in mind when it picked the 15 Best Roadside Restaurants In The South, but Alabamians wont have to go terribly far to find two of them.

Overall, the list is one sure to set your mouth watering, and you might even think about plotting a road trip or two. Detour-worthy gas-station burgers in Atlanta? Korean cuisine in Tennessee? The cleanest crawfish in the world hidden away off the beaten path in Louisiana? Sign us up.

At least one of the two Alabama joints that made the cut is widely known, thanks to its location on I-65 in Greenville. If you havent already stopped at Bates House of Turkey, odds are that youve seen its billboards and thought about it. Southern Living notes that the top attractions range from the best turkey sandwich youll have in your life to a full roast turkey dinner. (As readers may recall, a second Bates House of Turkey opened last spring in Montgomery.)

The Shoals Shack is a contrast in almost every way. Its new, having been founded in 2020. Its tiny. Its something like 40 miles from the nearest interstate, tucked away in the town of St. Florian north of Florence. And, as opposed to a menu of turkey, turkey and more turkey, Southern Living praises the walk-up Shack for an ever-changing menu [that] features everything from peel n eat shrimp to a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich to poboys to burgers.

How did they choose this particular, and very eclectic, collection of eateries? These roadside restaurants were picked by the editors of Southern Living who visit many restaurants while reporting, researching, and traveling the South. Read the full list at www.southernliving.com.
Brian Mulroney and the failure of Canadian conservatism in the 1980s By Mark Wegierski

web posted March 4, 2024 Brian Mulroney may be one of the most disappointing Prime Ministers Canada has ever had. As leader of the federal Progressive Conservative party, Mulroney at that time ostensibly represented the main focus of what could be called the "Centre-Right Opposition" in Canada. The use of the term "Centre-Right Opposition" is meant to suggest the perennial underdog status of that option in Canadian politics, especially after the federal election of 1963, when Liberal Lester B. Pearson defeated the staunch Tory, John Diefenbaker. As each successive decade rolled by, it could be argued that the social and cultural hold of left-liberalism on the populace has increased exponentially. Although Mulroney was able to win huge majorities in the federal Parliament in 1984 and 1988, he was unable to make any significant changes in this ever-accelerating velocity and trajectory. Indeed, one of the consequences of Brian Mulroney's Prime Ministership, may be that Canada has reached the situation today where winning a Conservative majority in the federal Parliament is nearly impossible, for even the most adept and skilful politician. During his tenure in Ottawa between 1984 and 1993, it appeared that Brian Mulroney lacked any clear understanding of the over-all social environment or context in which he operated, or even of the real nature of power, which he was said to be so avidly seeking. It has long ago become accepted that "the permanent government" of high-ranking civil servants (such as the unelected Deputy Ministers), often wields greater power than almost any elected government. One could compare, for example, the power and influence of a backbench Member of Parliament to that of a middle-level bureaucrat in a politically-sensitive post. By the 1980s, the rule of the Liberal Party in Canada had been virtually uninterrupted for decades, and in fact had carried on, with only a few Conservative interludes, since 1896, at the end of the nineteenth century. This meant that the federal civil service was filled with Liberal Party and liberal-oriented appointees and supporters, who did their best to undermine the Mulroney government, and its more right-leaning initiatives, from within. Since Brian Mulroney had in fact won the second-largest majority in Canadian history, it could be argued that it was implicit in his mandate to initiate a general housecleaning and turn-over of staff, certainly in the higher echelons of the civil service. This would be what the media refers to as a "purge". But this never happened -- and, in fact, an opposite trend emerged. A former leader of the socialist New Democratic Party, Stephen Lewis, was appointed as Canada's Ambassador to the UN. NDP MP Ian Deans was given the chairmanship of the Public Service Relations Board, after his early and unexpected retirement from Parliament. Gerry Caplan, one of the NDP's leading theoreticians, headed up a Task Force investigating the role of the media in Canadian society. Pierre Juneau, once a high-ranking Liberal Party member, and Trudeau associate and appointee, remained at the head of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and that vital media instrument remained as pro-Liberal (small and big 'l') as ever. Other sectors of the administrative apparatus, most notably the Department of External Affairs, remained equally untouched by the change in the elected government. It could be argued that the Mulroney government's inability to bring the CBC, the civil service apparatus, and other government agencies and boards under closer control and scrutiny, resulted in an inability to carry out any policies significantly different from the Liberal ones, even if it had the desire to do so. Given the apparent strength of his 211-seat majority, Mulroney was in a position to launch serious initiatives in many directions, to try and challenge the policies of previous Liberal governments. That he did not do so stemmed also from the fact that he himself was viscerally, to a large extent, a "small-l liberal". Had he wanted to take a different course, Mulroney would have had to have found a proper way of "handling" the media. During his two terms, instead of haggling over petty or ungermane issues, Mulroney could have charted a new course for Canada, establishing a new "National Policy", setting a new agenda, and emerged perhaps as one of Canada's greatest Prime Ministers, "the saviour of his country". Mulroney's combination of a lack of a systematic, principled conservative philosophy, along with his elements of visceral "small l-liberalism", meant that he failed to understand the nature of the mass media in modern society. The Canadian media of the 1980s did not exist to put on "Brian-and-Mila shows", but was generally adversarial and obstructionist to the core. It could be said that the best course for any serious politician to follow when dealing with the media is to carry out what he or she thinks are the best policies regardless of media reaction; appeal to the people over the heads of the media; and find ways of short-circuiting the media information monopoly. Mulroney should have gone into office knowing that the media would be against him from the very beginning, recognized this fact, and sought to have found ways of working around it. His attempts to curry favour with the media were politically unsound and unrealistic. Mulroney should have realized that the media does not represent the general opinions of "the people", but rather of a handful of newspaper editors and broadcasting heads, who may be as mistaken and fallible as anyone else. Mulroney remained unaware (or pretended to remain unaware) of these fundamental political realities. Faced with such a weak (towards them) opponent, the media lunged in with gusto to wreak maximum havoc upon Mulroney's government. It is a cardinal law of politics that vacuums of power will always be filled. (According to Marx's theories, this is the so-called "correlation of forces".) As the media, or any other social group, presses hard in a direction dictated by its own value-systems, this pressure can be held to reasonable limits only by a strong and significant counter-pressure, generated by the government, or other social groups. When a society remains unresistant to and largely unaware of these strong pressures, these pressures only intensify and grow more acute. Thus, a state of "equilibrium" between social forces is quite rare -- either one side or the other will strive for victory. But such a victory is usually marked not by the cessation of the struggle, but by the desire to make the triumph as full and complete as possible. Thus, Mulroney, by refusing to ascertain that many in the media were his real opponents, and trying to curry favour with them, opened up the way for the complete rout of his position, in 1993, if not 1988. In fact, Brian Mulroney's policies were virtually indistinguishable from those of the Liberals, and most of his government's "crises" were over personal, rather than serious policy issues. It is one thing to drop to 23% popularity because of the bold, new, unpopular initiatives one has taken, but quite another to do so on the basis of petty graft and a "do-nothing" policy. There is often nothing better than stating one's position strongly, and sticking to one's guns, as Ronald Reagan's two-term triumph has shown. He proved to be one of the most successful democratic politicians of the Twentieth Century. According to a poll taken in July 1987 about possible voting preferences in a federal election, the NDP had the support of 41% of decided voters; the Liberals, 35%; and the PCs, 23%. (31% of voters declared themselves undecided.) It was obviously because of the media (in particular, the CBC), that the puny formal Opposition of 40 Liberal and 30 NDP MPs, were able to present such a continuous and effective challenge to a numerically overwhelming majority government. Given the enormous power of the media ("one thousand repetitions make one truth"), and Mulroney's lack of real political apprehension, and of a real ethos with which to arm and defend himself, it could be argued that Mulroney's government was headed towards doom. Mulroney also did not realize (or probably, preferred to ignore) the extent to which the power of the government is today used to extract tax-money from the social mainstream, and direct it to the causes, groups, and programs of the social peripheries. Mulroney did not seem to realize that every dollar he gave to such individuals and groups was a dollar given to his ideological enemies, who were exerting maximum efforts to sweep him from power, and utterly defeat the PC party in general, and "small-c conservatism" in particular. For all his supposed "Machiavellianism", it could be argued that Mulroney misunderstood what "power" really is. Power is not an inert thing, an end in itself, but rather a means to other ends. Power is the ability to effect the social and physical environment -- to strengthen, or introduce changes to, people's behaviour-patterns and attitudes -- using a wide range of coercive, utilitarian, and normative instrumentalities. Presumably, those effects one wishes to induce and introduce are those in accord with one's own value-systems and beliefs. Mulroney's political problems emerged in the fact that he had no clear and coherent value-system, apart from the belief in pure self-aggrandizement and "power-in-itself", as well as a left-liberal sentiment and instinct more appropriate to the Liberals and NDP. (As on the capital punishment issue where, according to polls, over 80% of Canadians were at that time in favour of the death penalty. It is an open secret that Mulroney arm-twisted his Quebec MPs and generally did his best to undermine the parliamentary vote taken at that time, in regard to restoring capital punishment.) Mulroney clearly lacked what the neoconservative political writer William Kristol and others have called the ability to "govern strategically", something which Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau did so successfully for so long. To "govern strategically" means to have a set of certain fundamental policy objectives (i.e., what is commonly called an "agenda"), which springs from one's personal philosophical framework, and to clearly enunciate it and fight for it in the political arena. Those who do not "govern strategically" find themselves perpetually on the defensive, reacting to developments shaped by others, fighting on other's terrain, at someone else's chosen time and place, and being judged by other's criteria. Without a fundamental intellectual framework or overarching "vision" (something to really believe in and fight for), Brian Mulroney was condemned to failure. Although successful in gaining formal power, he was incapable of exercising it de facto. His two terms ended in disaster. The two most memorable accomplishments of Mulroney were the Canada-U.S. Free Trade deal (something that had long been opposed by the Conservative Party  and supported by the Liberal Party -- for most of Canadian history), and the Goods & Services Tax (GST), Canada's version of a value-added tax, which largely helped only the Liberals after 1993 in allowing them to have huge government spending and balance the budget at the same time. The two major attempts to conciliate Quebec, the Meech Lake Accord, and the Charlottetown Agreements, both failed. To use the terminology of the political thinker Vilfredo Pareto, Mulroney could be seen as a super-cunning "fox", who lacks the backbone and principles of a "lion", and so was unable to effectively exercise his power, however successful he was in attaining it in the purely formal sense. To a large extent, the failure of Brian Mulroney in the 1980s reflected the general failure of the federal Progressive Conservative party in enunciating a clear and consistent philosophy and set of policies, a signal failure to take advantage of one of their rare and fleeting moments of electoral triumph. Saddled with the leadership of Brian Mulroney, the domination of key ministerial portfolios by the "Clark clique", and the ever-present shadow of Dalton Camp and Associates (who had "knifed" John Diefenbaker and carefully "guided" the party through twenty years of Liberal hegemony), the federal PC party was well-headed for the disaster of 1993, while apparently almost wholly ignorant of the social forces working to bring it down. PC party members proved incapable of turning around the direction of the party even for purely personal, selfish reasons. The PC party appeared incapable of acting even in its narrowly-conceived self-interest, let alone for the sake of higher principles. Purely from the standpoint of pragmatic politics, the embracing by the federal PCs of Liberal and NDP positions, policies, and programs, was a path to political suicide. While alienating and confusing core PC supporters (who indeed turned in large numbers to Preston Manning's Reform Party), these sorts of policies failed to win over convinced liberals and socialists. Given the choice between PCs enacting liberal policies, and Liberals enacting liberal policies, whom were the more liberal-oriented sections of the electorate more likely to choose? This argument against the PCs adopting liberal policies is also instructive in terms of the situations in Ontario and New Brunswick provincial politics in the 1980s. Indeed, the PCs were solidly trounced in both provinces in the latter half of the 1980s. It does not seem likely that Mulroney was handed the second-largest majority in Canadian history to continue and extend the policies of previous Liberal governments. The adoption by the federal PCs of Liberal and NDP policies and programs could be seen as a frustration of the democratic process, which presupposes that the voters have the right to choose from a variety of widely-differing, widely-contrasting, platforms and philosophies, to make at least some fundamental choices. As Mulroney drew ever closer to Liberal and NDP policies and programs, he weakened not only the future electoral prospects of the federal PCs, he also made a mockery of that trust which people put in him. By "governing strategically" with his 211-seat majority, Mulroney could have, even in four years, dramatically changed the shape and direction of all of Canadian society, as Trudeau had done during his sixteen years in power. As society changed in response to his initiatives, Mulroney would have found that his social base and support would have grown, rather than shrunk. Rather than a helpless pawn of other tendencies and powers, Mulroney would have himself become the chief focus of power in Canadian society, as befits a democratically-elected Prime Minister. Rather than presiding over yet another brief Conservative party interval, Mulroney might well have found himself leading Canada proudly to the Twenty-First Century, as the head of an effective and dynamic Tory party. Canada has today reached a situation driving towards the most extreme forms of "political correctness" and of the ideological hegemony of what critics have called "the managerial-therapeutic regime". It's possible that only the vast, resource-based wealth of Canada allows the country to avoid some more obviously dystopic and violent outcomes. The weakness and incoherence of the "Centre-Right Opposition", especially in the 1980s, has contributed to the inability of Canadian society today to somehow temper vast, onrushing societal velocities and trajectories. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
A woman has been charged with murder in her boyfriends shooting death, according to Mobile police.

Officers at approximately 11:25 a.m. Sunday responded to the 4000 block of Seabreeze Road North in reference to a 21-year-old male shot.

JaCurtis Robinson was found dead at the scene.

The victims girlfriend, 23-year-old Desiree Holiday, was arrested and charged with murder.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the suspect or suspects in an explosion outside the state Attorney Generals Office.

The explosive device detonated in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 24, near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street.

Authorities said no one was injured, and no property damage resulted from the detonation.

Marshall issued this statement after the incident:

In the early hours of Saturday, February 24, an explosive device was detonated outside of the Alabama Attorney Generals Office building in Montgomery. Thankfully, no staff or personnel were injured by the explosion. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will be leading the investigation, and we are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Jeremy Burkett said the State Bureau of investigation was notified about the incident at 8:19 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26.

The FBI last week launched a website for anyone with information on the explosive device.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit information online at : www.fbi.govalabamaagexplosion.
A 58-year-old Alabama woman died when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger left a roadway and crashed into a tree in the Pensacola, Fla., area Saturday, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

The Florida Highway Patrol told the newspaper the accident occurred about 1:40 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Ensley community just north of Pensacola.

The motorcycle was being driven by a 72-year-old Pensacola woman, with the Alabama woman on the back, when the driver attempted to turn, but instead went over the shoulder of the roadway and crashed into a tree line.

The Alabama woman, from Lillian in Baldwin County, according to TV news reports, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with what were described as serious injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Gunfire inside a Birmingham warehouse Monday morning left one person critically injured.

Just before 8:50 a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to Dawson Tarpaulins Inc. at 2617 24th Street North on a report of a shooting.

The business manufactures tarps for 18-wheelers.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said they arrived to find the victim  an adult male employee- shot multiple times.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed him to UAB Hospital with critical injuries.

The preliminary investigation shows the victim was working when the suspect, who has not yet been identified, entered the warehouse, and fired shots.

There are reports the shooter may also be an employee, Fitzgerald said. No arrests have been made.

We have a man that was working hard this morning that was shot in his workplace and hes fighting for his life, Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald said it appears the victim was targeted.

The suspect walks in the door, shoots the victim, and leaves the scene, he said.

Its upsetting because so many of our shootings stem from suspect knows victim, victim knows suspect, they have some sort of relationship, he said. This is another shooting weve had where we believe the victim and suspect know one another.

Investigators believe other employees may know the identity of the suspect but are afraid to come forward.

They are asked to call investigators at 205-254-1764 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Vice President Kamala Harris told thousands gathered for the 59th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday attacks on civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama, that fundamental freedoms are under attack in America even today.

Harris joined those gathered at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where voting rights activists were beaten back by law enforcement officers in 1965. The vice president praised the marchers bravery as they engaged in a defining moment of the civil rights struggle.

Today, we know our fight for freedom is not over, because in this moment we are witnessing a full on attack on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms, starting with the freedom that unlocks all others, the freedom to vote, Harris said.

She criticized attempts to restrict voting, including limits on early voting, and said the nation is again at a crossroad.

What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, liberty and justice? Or a country of injustice, hate and fear? Harris asked, encouraging people to answer with their vote.

She said other fundamental freedoms under attack include the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body.

Harris paid tribute to the civil rights marchers who walked across the bridge in 1965 knowing they would face certain violence in seeking a future that was more equal, more just and more free.

Harris drew parallels between those who worked to stifle the Civil Rights Movement and extremists she said are trying to enact restrictions on voting, education and reproductive care.

Earlier Sunday, Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke at a Selma church service commemorating the anniversary of the attack by Alabama law officers on civil rights demonstrators. He said recent court decisions and certain state legislation have endangered voting rights in much of the nation.

Since those (court) decisions, there has been a dramatic increase in legislative measures that make it harder for millions of eligible voters to vote and to elect representatives of their choice, Garland told worshippers at Selmas Tabernacle Baptist Church, the site of one of the first mass meetings of the voting rights movement.

Those measures include practices and procedures that make voting more difficult; redistricting maps that disadvantage minorities; and changes in voting administration that diminish the authority of locally elected or nonpartisan election administrators, he said. Such measures threaten the foundation of our system of government.

Decisions by the Supreme Court and lower courts since 2006 have weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was passed in the wake of the police attacks in Selma, Garland said. The demonstrators were beaten by officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, as they tried to march across Alabama to support voting rights.

The march and Garlands speech were among dozens of events during the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which began Thursday and culminated Sunday.

The commemoration is a frequent stop for Democratic politicians paying homage to the voting rights movement. Some in the crowd gathered to see Harris speak about the upcoming November election and what appears to be a looming rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Khadidah Stone, 27, part of a crowd gathered at the bridge Sunday in light rain before the march, said she sees the work of todays activists as an extension of those who were attacked in Selma in 1965. Stone works for the voter engagement group Alabama Forward, and was a plaintiff in the Voting Rights case against the state that led to creating a second Alabama congressional district with a substantial number of Black voters. Voters will cast their first ballots in that district on Tuesday.

We have to continue to fight, because they (voting rights) are under attack, Stone said.

Nita Hill wore a hat saying Good Trouble, a phrase associated with the late Rep. John Lewis, who was beaten on the bridge during Bloody Sunday. Hill, 70, said it is important for Biden supporters to vote in November.

I believe Trump is trying to take us back, said Hill, a retired university payroll specialist.

Decades ago, images of the violence that at the bridge stunned Americans, which helped galvanize support for passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The law struck down barriers prohibiting Black people from voting.

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat of South Carolina who is leading a pilgrimage to Selma, said he is seeking to remind people that we are celebrating an event that started this country on a better road toward a more perfect union, but the right to vote is still not guaranteed.

Clyburn sees Selma as the nexus of the 1960s movement for voting rights, at a time when there currently are efforts to scale back those rights.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 became a reality in August of 1965 because of what happened on March 7th of 1965, Clyburn said.

We are at an inflection point in this country, he added. And hopefully this years march will allow people to take stock of where we are.
A state inmate died Sunday at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in western Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the inmate Monday as John Lionel Buskey. He was 63.

Buskey was serving a life sentence for the 1993 shooting death of his father, State Rep. John Buskey Sr. The deadly shooting during a domestic dispute happened in Montgomery.

Authorities said Buskey was found unresponsive at 4:39 a.m. Sunday on the floor of a prison dorm. He was pronounced dead at 5:05 a.m.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said there was no sign of foul play or trauma. The cause of death is pending additional lab studies.

The Alabama Department of Corrections  Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Rep. Buskey was 54 at the time of his death, according to wire reports at the time. His brother was state Rep. James Buskey, D-Mobile.

John Buskey Sr., a Democrat and educator, was elected to the Legislature in 1986 to the west Montgomery District 77 seat. He was among 13 other Black lawmakers arrested when they attempted to remove the Confederate flag from atop the state Capitol in February 1988.

He won a second term in 1990.

His death shocked some of Alabamas best-known political figures.

``I enjoyed working with him. We ask all Alabamians to pray for Rep. Buskeys loved ones at this time, then-Gov. Guy Hunt said.
A 20-year-old woman was killed and up to a dozen others injured in a mass shooting at a Mississippi club, on Sunday, prompting a dire warning.

I think youre taking a chance on your life right now if you go to these large events, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott told WTVA-TV as authorities worked to piece together what had happened.

Right now, law enforcements saying its not a good thing to do. Its just the kind of society were living in, he added. Were seeing too many cases of gun violence going on, and this just seems to be a trend.

Details were scant Sunday night as investigators from the Clay County sheriffs office pieced together what happened inside Club Oasis just outside the town of West Point, Miss. The locale of 10,000 is about 150 miles northeast of Jackson and 20 miles west of the Alabama border.

Most of the injured appeared to be innocent bystanders to a pre-planned attack, WTVA reported. Arriving deputies found the womans body and up to 12 people with wounds ranging from minor to serious, including a person who had been shot in the face, Scott told CNN. He said security guards had been on hand and checked people for weapons, so it wasnt clear how a weapon made its way into the club where several hundred people were partying.

Most of the wounded were grazed and all were expected to be OK. Clay County Coroner Alvin Carter Jr. did not name the dead woman but said she was from nearby Columbus, Mississippi.

What we do know is that a party was advertised and all these individuals came from other counties into our county, Scott told CNN. About 90% of the partygoers were from other counties.

The suspected gunman bolted across the parking lot and a four-lane highway and fled into the woods, a security guard who tried to catch the killer told CNN. Scott said that the clubs security cameras were not working that night. No arrests had been made as of Sunday evening as the investigation continued.

_____

2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a travel warning ahead of the busy spring break tourist season.

The message warns about a variety of safety threats in the country, especially threats from violent crime in popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. The State Departments Travel Advisories for Mexico currently range from do not travel for places such as Colima, Guerrero and Michoacan to exercising normal precautions for Campeche and Yucatan.

Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, is under the exercise increased caution areas due to crime.

Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations, the Spring Break warning noted.

READ MORE: US warning tourists to avoid popular travel destination after 18 murders this month

The other warnings covered:

Drug possession and use  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and can result in jail. Also, some travelers have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or tainted prescription pills.

Alcohol  Unregulated alcohol can be contaminated. Pharmaceuticals  Counterfeit medication is common in Mexico and can be ineffective or contain dangerous ingredients.

Sexual assault  U.S. citizens have reported rape and sexual assault. Drunk or people by themselves can be targets and some cases involve drugs being used to alter the victims physical or mental state.

Drownings  Beware of strong undercurrents and rip tides. Also, beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings or signs to alert swimmers of unsafe conditions.

Medical emergencies  Private hospital prices can be higher in Mexico than in the U.S. and some require payment  possibly only in cash  before providing treatment or discharging a patient.

Guns and ammunition - All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.

Travelers are advised to stay with a group of friends in clubs and bars, while walking home or in a taxi at night. People should also monitor their credit or debit cards for unauthorized transactions.

You can go here for a complete list of safety recommendations.
The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot.

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

The outcome ends efforts in Colorado, Illinois, Maine and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his partys nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Trumps case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with a provision of the 14th Amendment that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from holding office again.

Colorados Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.

Some election observers have warned that a ruling requiring congressional action to implement Section 3 could leave the door open to a renewed fight over trying to use the provision to disqualify Trump in the event he wins the election. In one scenario, a Democratic-controlled Congress could try to reject certifying Trumps election on Jan. 6, 2025, under the clause.

The issue then could return to the court, possibly in the midst of a full-blown constitutional crisis.

Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which heard arguments less than a month ago, on Feb. 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Trumps favor.

Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Courts decision.

The case is the courts most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore, a decision delivered a quarter-century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush. And its just one of several cases involving Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The timing of the high courts intervention has raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.

The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3. The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency.

Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.

The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Trumps name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to fight like hell. They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.

Trumps lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment cant be used to keep him off the ballot. They contended the Jan. 6 riot wasnt an insurrection and, even if it was, Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.

The case was decided by a court that includes three justices appointed by Trump when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.

The 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then. Thomas has ignored calls by some Democratic lawmakers to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.
A convicted rapist has been charged with murder and abuse of corpse in the death of an Alabama woman who disappeared in St. Clair County two years ago and whose skeletal remains were discovered in November, authorities said Monday.

Maxwell St. John, 35, of Pell City, who is serving an 11-year sentence for rape in Bullock County Correctional Facility, was arrested last month in the murder of 30-year-old Moody resident Kyla Elaine Bobo, said St. Clair County Sheriff Billy J. Murray.

Bobos family reported her missing in February 2022.

In November, skeletal remains were found in a wooded area of St. Clair County near Pell City, said Murray.

The St. Clair County Criminal Investigation Unit, the St. Clair County Drug Enforcement Unit, and Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics collected the remains.

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences conducted DNA testing on the remains, which were identified in February as belonging to Bobo.

St. John was arrested on one count of felony murder and one count of abuse of a corpse, Murray said.

St. John was extradited from Bullock Correctional Facility to the St. Clair County jail, where he is being held without bond.

The FBI, Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Pell City Police Department, Ashville Police Department, RAT-SAR K9, and their team contributed to the investigation.

I would like to give a special thanks to the St. Clair County Drug Enforcement Unit for their hard work and tireless efforts to bring this case to where we are today, Murray said. I would like to say thank you to the family of Kyla who assisted law enforcement in remarkable ways to bring this case to a successful conclusion. Our prayers go out to Kylas family in this most difficult time.
Gun-free school zones & shootings statistics By Cassandra McBride

web posted March 4, 2024 On December 30, 1974, Anthony Barbaro walked into Olean High School in NY, killed 3 classmates, and injured 11 with a .30-06 rifle, 12 gauge shotgun, and smoke bombs. For more than 50 years, America's school shootings have filled headlines around the world. It's tragic; people are tired of seeing the senseless loss of innocent lives in educational settings. Despite mounting gun control laws on the Federal and state level, school-related shootings continue to rise (2023 being the highest year yet, with 388 school shootings in only six months). Regardless of political affiliation or thoughts on well-regulated militias and the right to bear arms, one thing is clear; what we've been doing for the past forty years isn't working. Each school shooting incident in America reflects one thing, children are vulnerable. Schools tend to be easy targets while simultaneously producing mentally ill individuals with an unstoppable intent to harm others. Unfortunately, we still have a lot to learn about school shootings. There are a lot of unanswered questions. But what we can do is investigate the changes between societal shifts and legislation over the years and spark meaningful conversations about stopping school shootings. Of course, the clock is ticking down to the next horrific headline, so we need to start these meaningful conversations now. Getting to Know America's Gun Laws Thousands of federal and state gun laws are designed to keep firearms away from schools, out of the hands of the mentally ill, and inaccessible to minors. The vast majority of these laws were enacted in the 1980s and later. However, school shootings have increased dramatically since the 1980s as well. To better understand what legislation we're working with right now, let's review the federal and state firearms laws on the books today. Federal Gun Laws With Congress and the White House working together, federal firearm legislation and restrictions are ample. Regardless of state or local legislation, these laws apply to any U.S. citizen. Although we don't have an exact count of federal firearms laws (some resources cite 20,000 or more), we can pinpoint sweeping firearm legislation for the past 80 years and compare it to the rate of school shooting incidents for a broad picture of the effectiveness of federal firearms laws. National Firearms Act of 1934 - Limited weapon types Federal Firearms Act of 1938 Gun Control Act of 1968 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act 1990 Gun-Free School Zones Act - Amended (See Below) 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban Goals 2000 Education Act of 1994 - Any school that receives Federal funding must expel students for at least one year for bringing guns or knives to school. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act & Child Safety Lock Act - 2005 National Instant Criminal Background Check System Improvement Amendments Act - 2007 The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act - 2022 (5.) United States v. Lopez - TX already had laws in place, but state charges against Alfonso Lopez were dropped when the Feds charged him. Congress amended the act to reflect firearms that traveled across state lines and cited undue financial hardship. With school shooting-related incidents on the rise, politicians often over-exaggerate their role and power in protecting schools. President Biden signed the 2023 Executive Order on Reducing Gun Violence and Making Our Communities Safer. However, there are opponents of the School Zone Safety Act of 1990, and Rep. Massie recently introduced a bill to overturn it. State-Level Gun Law Statistics While all 50 states and Washington D.C. must adhere to strict federal firearm legislation, we must also examine how state laws impact school shooting incidents. Currently, there are 1,325 total state firearm laws countrywide. Each state has its own process for background checks, firearm purchases, carry and conceal regulations, and carry locations. Seven states have outright open carry bans, eight require firearms registration, and fourteen have permit-to-purchase requirements. Unfortunately, in spite of legislation, American schools remain vulnerable to shooting incidents. California has strict firearms laws but also has the highest number of school shooting-related incidents. On the contrary, Texas has a similar population size, relaxed firearms laws, and nearly as many school shooting incidents. We've examined the top 9 states for school shootings and compared them with popular firearm legislation: Targeted School Attacks Targeted Attacks Highlights Students are targeted more often than faculty and SROs.

Schools with fewer than 1,000 students have more targeted attacks than schools with more than 1,000 students.

School attackers are more likely to be male than female.

Suicidal ideations, disciplinary action, and retaliation are common precursors to an attack.

Few schools have metal detection devices, and less than half of schools in America have armed School Resource Officers.

The average targeted attack occurs after a seasonal break and lasts less than one minute.

Most attackers get their firearms from a close friend or relative. Firearms are often obtained from unsecured locations.

The majority of assailants obtained their weapons on the day of the attack. Of the thousands of school shooting-related incidents in U.S. history, only a few were targeted attacks. We must explore targeted attacks to better understand what works and doesn't work as it relates to keeping America's children safe in the classroom. These incidents differ from others in that they're highly publicized and often result in a massive loss of life. Fortunately, the Secret Service and the Department of Education have studied school-targeted attacks (meaning the assailant targeted someone in the school, as opposed to the definition given above where a school was not necessarily the target). Between 1974 and 2000, there were 37 targeted attacks committed by 41 individuals. 59% of those attacks occurred during the school day, 95% were committed by students, and 100% were males. 61% used handguns, and 54% targeted an administrator. Lastly, only  of attackers were receiving mental health assistance. The Secret Service released another report regarding targeted attacks and schools for the 2008-2017 years. Note: These attacks include knife and firearm statistics. The Secret Service defines a mass attack as one where three or more were injured. 24% of attacks in this study were mass attacks under that definition. School Demographics 95% of targeted attacks happened at public schools. 34% were schools in suburban areas, 27% in urban areas, and 24% in rural areas. Schools with fewer than 1,000 students comprised 59% of the total targeted attacks. 41% were schools with more than 1,000 students. Targeted Attacks Highlights Targeted attacks occurred at a higher rate after seasonal breaks than at any other time. 24% of attacks occurred on the first day of school.

61% of attackers used firearms and 39% used knives.

51% of attacks happened during morning classroom hours.

51% of attackers stopped without external intervention. 17% committed suicide, and 15% left the scene.

Students accounted for 85% of the victims in these incidents, while 13% were staff members, and 2% were SROs. In total, 79 people were injured, and 19 were killed in targeted attacks from 2008-2017.

Twenty of the victims were stabbed, and the remaining were shot.

Only one person was injured in the majority of these attacks (54%).

41% were motivated by suicide. 83% were retaliating against peers or staff. School Security & Vulnerability The implementation of school security guards and SROs (School Resource Officers with arresting authority and firearms) is also a hotly debated topic. Less than 46% of public schools in the U.S. have SROs. Many SROs cover more than one school. 7% of schools in this study had metal detectors (only 3). Six (15%) had unarmed security guards. 44% of the attacks lasted one minute. 83% lasted less than five minutes. 66% of these schools had full or part-time SRO; many SROs cover multiple school districts. However, the study did highlight that SROs' response time is less than one minute, and outside law enforcement often responded within 5-10 minutes. Acquisition of Firearm 51% of attackers in this study observably planned to carry out an attack. 76% of assailants obtained a weapon from a parent or close family member. Less than half (48%) acquired firearms from an unsecured location. 16% acquired them from secure locations. Glass gun cabinets were often the most vulnerable location for firearm acquisition. Understanding the Attacker Many headlines speculate about one's mental health before an attack on an educational institution. 63% of assailants from 2008 to 2017 had depression. 60% reported suicidal thoughts, 29% had anxiety, 26% had anger issues, and 20% had psychosis. 49% of the assailants had substance abuse issues. 46% of them had parents or siblings struggling with substance abuse. 71% had divorced parents, and 40% reported dysfunction in the family or domestic violence. 100% had social stressors within six months. Here are some of the more common characteristics of school attackers: 89% had disciplinary issues at school (i.e., suspension, poor grades, etc.)

80% expressed elicited concern from bystanders

83% shared verbal, written, video, or visual communications with threats

74% displayed anger outbursts or aggressive acts

71% stockpiled weapons

71% had an interest in weapons

63% depression and isolation

57% observable differences in appearance and behavior

54% expressed suicide and self-harm

37% had a heightened interest in violence The top 10 states also have the top 10 populations. Population density has a stronger correlation with school-related shooting incidents than firearm ownership or legislation. Cassandra McBride spends her free time reading classic literature, kayaking, fishing, and spending time on the range with her husband and four children. She continues to grow her knowledge of firearms and ammunition while taking immense pride in educating others on a passion sparked in childhood and maintained in adulthood. Reprinted with the kind permission of Ammo.com. Home
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The killing of a Georgia nursing student by a Venezuelan migrant in February has added more fuel to anti-immigrant rhetoric this election year, with some conservatives seizing an opportunity to introduce stricter border legislation over the last several days.

Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley, 22, was killed while on a jog in Athens on Feb. 22. Jose Ibarra, 26, of Venezuela, is accused of multiple state charges over Rileys death, including malice murder, felony murder, false imprisonment, hindering a 911 call and concealing a death.

Rileys death gained national attention and reinvigorated anti-immigrant sentiments already fueled by former President Donald Trumps election campaign this year. Ibarra is believed to have crossed into the U.S. unlawfully in 2022.

Recent polls show that immigration is a top issue for Americans, and a third believe migrants are more prone to violence, despite evidence to the contrary.

The Hispanic Student Association at the University of Georgia (UGA) released a statement on Instagram last week in response to a deluge of hate comments against the group and members of the Latino community.

In light of recent events, we find ourselves confronted with the painful reality of hatred and bigotry that has no place within our campus community, according to the statement. Such grief should not be made use of for racism, hatred of xenophobia.

Rep. Pedro Marin, Georgias longest-serving Latino legislator, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that crimes committed by individuals should not represent entire communities. He said officials are using fear tactics to push policy.

UGA police received a call from Rileys friend just after noon on Feb. 22, reporting that Riley had gone on a run in the morning and had not returned. Responding officers found her body in the woods near a lake about 20 minutes later.

Last week, her sorority Alpha Chi Omega hosted a vigil in remembrance. We lost one of the brightest lights that theres ever been, the group said in an Instagram post.

Ibarra is being held at Clarke County Jail. His immigration status has come under scrutiny as the investigation into the students death continues, with some officials calling on stricter regulations for the southern border.

Gov. Brian Kemp addressed a letter to President Joe Biden condemning current immigration policies in the wake of Rileys death.

The state legislature also recently passed House Bill 1105, also called the The Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act of 2024, which allows police to arrest and detain for deportation anyone suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.

According to the law, verified undocumented migrants would be transported to a nearby federal facility for detention. Officers and government employees enforcing the immigration measures will be immune from liability. Any sheriffs, law enforcement or local government agency that violates the code may be denied state funds.

Georgia law has banned sanctuary city policies across the state for the last 15 years, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution. During a press conference on Wednesday, Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz affirmed that Athens-Clarke County did not have such policies and implored Congress to pass the bipartisan border security deal that some conservative politicians called dead on arrival.

Nationally, the House GOP is considering legislation, H.R. 7511  also called the Laken Riley Act  that would require the detention of any undocumented immigrant convicted of theft costing more than $100. The committee will meet Tuesday to discuss the measure.

The legislation, Republicans said, was created to mourn Riley and other victims of the Biden administrations open borders policies, according to the bill text. The House called on the Biden administration to publicly denounce its border policies and increase enforcement and deportation.

Biden visited the border about one week after Rileys death, aiming to convince legislators to pass the border bill.
From distant Pakistan, an NBC news story surfaces that serves to remind us of everything we need to know about our current crisis.

A week ago, a female police officer in Lahore, Pakistan, patrolling a shopping district in the busy muslim city, saw a crowd gathering, to taunt, accuse, and threaten a young woman in a colorful Kurta (a long shirt-dress). Her dress was covered with bright and abstract calligraphy that the crowd assumed was an improper quoting of the Koran.

In Pakistan, when a crowd gathers to isolate and shout at a woman, it generally means one thing: they are accusing her of blasphemy or some other capital crime, and are preparing to beat, stone, or lynch the woman with the swift crowd justice that these people are raised to enforce.

Sheher Bano is the female police officer in the story. She recognized the situation that was unfolding, and rushed the young woman into a storefront, quickly getting a solid black wrap with which to cover her before escorting her somewhere safe.

One might not think this story was newsworthy, but everyone in Pakistan knows the implications. The woman was almost certain to be killed by the mob because of her dress, and when this female policeman - an assistant superintendent of police in the big city of Lahore - took the political and personal risk of quickly acting to save the girl, that was noteworthy, enough so that Officer Bano was rewarded for her bravery and service in a public ceremony in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

It turned out, upon inspection of the dress, that the girl in question didnt deserve the accusation of blasphemy at all.

The dress is printed with multiple representations of the word Helwa, which is reported as being an Arabic word meaning beautiful. No Koran quotes at all. No blasphemy, no crime.

The global press is so happy about how great this story is for Officer Bano - and it certainly is - that reporters are gushing with compliments over this woman who would risk her life to save a girl about to be attacked by a crowd. Left unsaid is that the officer couldnt have expected any help from the public; when onlookers see a crowd out for blood in such areas, they know better than to try to help the target of the day.

Officer Bano was called fearless in the celebration, and this recognition certainly speaks well of her superiors. She deserves the praise.

But one must wonder if the western reporters gushing over this story have really thought it through, because it hardly helps their standard worldview. The heroic female cop angle appealed to them immediately; the saving of a helpless young woman in danger, too, is always good copy for a reporter.

But whats the foundation of the story? What should really be our takeaway from this shocking tale, if we analyze it with care? Consider the red flags in this story, the lessons it bears about the culture of Lahore, Pakistan:

This crowd saw a woman in an unusually eyecatching (completely modest, but noticeable because of its colors and pattern) outfit, and immediately assumed that the words on it must be blasphemous.

This tells us they were too illiterate to read what the words were, and just jumped to conclusions. The only time they see Arabic words is in the Koran, so they naturally assumed that words on a dress must be from the Koran, and thats not allowed.

They were raised to believe the punishment for such a crime is death, to be meted out immediately, by the crowd witnessing it. No trial, no criminal justice system, no chance for the accused to defend herself and say but it just says Beautiful, Thats all! No time for such things. Just mete out the punishment. And feel free to enjoy it.

Recent history of crowd justice in Islamist areas is definitive: the presumption of danger -- for both the accused and anyone who comes to the accuseds defense -- is so overwhelming that it because a national -- and then international -- news story when a police officer dared to help her.

Viewed in proper context, is this tale, on balance, an uplifting story about either the nation of Pakistan, the progress of womens rights, or state of the world today?

Despite the silver lining provided by Assistant Superintendent Banos heroism, this is in fact a damning indictment of modern Islamic society. The barbaric practice of crowd justice is still around because the clerics of their religion still teach it to the young. The madrassahs of the world are breeding grounds for this attitude, endangering every place their graduates infect.

And what places are those?

For a very long time, but especially for the past twenty years or so, millions of immigrants raised in that culture have moved into the European Union, Great Britain, and these United States. These governments have intentionally invited them in, both as legal and illegal immigrants, in such massive numbers that they often become the majority population, overwhelming the native-born citizens of numerous jurisdictions.

From London, England to Paris, France, and even all the way across the Pond to Dearborn, Michigan and St. Paul, Minnesota, there are voting districts where this brand of Islamist behavior is represented in the electorate, not just as a sizeable minority, but even as a majority.

What kind of behavior do we expect from them? Do they fit in with the Western values of live and let live, and the great Protestant work ethic, and innocent until proven guilty, and freedom of expression, religion, assembly and speech?

Hardly.

When you import a people, you import their culture -- both the good and the bad.

As the late, great Paul Harvey used to say, when recounting a tale of this nature:

It is not one world.

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation manager, trade compliance trainer and speaker. A one-time Milwaukee County Republican Party chairman, he has been writing a regular column for Illinois Review since 2009. Read his book on vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel) and his political satires on the current administration (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I and II, and the recently released Volume Three). An actor in Chicagoland community theatre, he will be playing Old Joe Boyd in the classic musical comedy, Damn Yankees, only on Friday, March 8, in Des Plaines, IL.

Image: AFP ImageForum
Christianity stands athwart neo-Marxists over-arching goal of creating an all-powerful government, free from any competing moral or ethical authority. Because America was founded on Biblical principles, neo-Marxists have to drive Christianity from the public square and uncouple Americas founding from its Judeo-Christian roots. The lefts latest effort has been to attack Christian Nationalism.

If you are a believing Christian or Jew, you are likely mystified about this newly made-up class of Christian Nationalists. According to Politicos top reporter, Heidi Przybyla, it is a small subset of Christiansevil oneswho want to establish a theocracy. The defining characteristic of this subset of evil Christians is that they falsely believe that God Himself grants each person immutable rights to life, liberty, and property.

Here @MSNBC helpfully makes it clear their disdain for Christians in America.



She says that if you believe that your rights come from God, you arent a Christian, you are a Christian nationalist.



Somehow they seem to not mention that our own founding documents make this pic.twitter.com/WTLMqcqTzg  Wade Miller (@WadeMiller_USMC) February 23, 2024

Przybyla was later aghast that anyone criticized her for this obscene and historically illiterate garbage. She tried to defend herself with an unhinged argument of pure nihilism. To paraphrase: no one truly knows what God wants; therefore, no one should rely on the Bible for moral lessons. In short, all Biblical commands become illegitimate when men interpret them. She stops there, of course, before applying that bit of crazed reasoning to anything else involving human communications or understanding.

Progressive media are now engaged in an effort to portray Christian Nationalism as the worst threat ever to our nation. Scurrilous articles have appeared in Politico, the NYT, Washington Post, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, TNR, and Salon. PBS has produced a documentary, as has Rob Reiner, with his being an epic box-office failure.

The concerted scaremongering against Christian Nationalism carefully avoids discussing the Bible and for good reason. The overarching messages of the Bible are morality, the sanctity of individual life, and the necessity of impartial justice. Indeed, one of the first commands God gave the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land was to create courts of law to administer true Justice for the people. He emphasized that the Israelite judges must not distort justice; you shall not show partiality Justice, and justice alone, shall you pursue (Deuteronomy 16:18-20).

Rabbi Hillel the Elder, the great Jewish scholar of the 1st century BC, when asked to explain the entirety of the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) as briefly as possible, said,

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of thisgo and study it!

Jesus Christ reformulated Hillel, summing up the message of Christianity with the Golden Rule, Do unto others what you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12.

In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul explained that a Christian should submit to earthly government (Romans 13:1-7). Jesus drove that point home when He said, render unto Caeser what is Caesers, and unto God what is Gods. (Matthew 22:21)

Scary stuff, eh? Do you detect a whiff of dangerous nationalism?

Image by Andrea Widburg

Christianity was the unchallenged foundation of Western Civilization until the Enlightenment. Many of the Enlightenments greatest figures, particularly in the Anglo-American tradition, remained people of faith, such as the father of the Scientific Method, Francis Bacon (1651-1626), who promot[ed] scientific experimentation as a way of glorifying God and fulfilling scripture. Other Enlightenment figures, particularly in France, were radicals such as Denis Diderot; they embraced atheism and socialism, which proved to have dire consequences for humanity.

In the Anglo-American branch of the Enlightenment, the most influential political philosopher was John Locke, an English doctor and a Christian who wrote his Second Treatise of Government in 1690. Locke explicitly grounded his political philosophy in the Bible, arguing that rights to life, liberty, and property, and a right to be subject to laws made only by a freely elected legislature, were not grants from government that government could withdraw on a whim, but were laws of nature a Christian God bequeathed to mankind. Government could not legitimately withdraw these laws, and citizens could rebel if governments tried to do so. Lockes work became the American justification for revolution and a blue-print for the liberal democracy contained in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

In 1750, Boston Congregationalist (i.e., Puritan) minister Jonathan Mayhew relied on Lockes reasoning to deliver his own Biblical exegesis on government, God-given rights, and justified rebellion in a sermon he titled Unlimited Submission. It was the Morning Gun of the American Revolution.

Mayhew wrote to justify Puritan actions during the bloody English Civil War a century earlier, which culminated with Puritans beheading the Anglican tyrant, King Charles I, for treason. Mayhew grounded English rights and representative government in scripture, particularly Romans 13:1-7, and reasoned from scripture that Christians had a duty to rebel against a tyrant violating their rights to life, liberty, or property. Mayhew had a profound effect on 15-year-old John Adams, who sat in the pews that day. Mayhew also had his sermon published and copies distributed throughout the colonies and Britain.

Christianity was at the forefront of the march to revolution that followed. Peter Oliver, the loyalist Chief Justice of colonial Massachusetts, wrote in 1780 that Mayhew and his fellow Congregationalist clergythe Black Regimentcaused the American rebellion. In 1775, Britains Horace Walpole drew a similar conclusion when he quipped that Cousin America has run off with a Presbyterian minister.

Famously, in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson invoked immutable, God-given rights to justify rebelling against a tyrant who violated those rights. Jeffersons reasoning, and indeed, much of his verbiage, was lifted from John Locke. In the months before Jefferson penned the Declaration, Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, a pamphlet that caused a sea change in the colonial embrace of revolution. He opened the pamphlet with religious arguments against the monarchy.

Ben Franklin, a man who was pivotal in the Christian evangelical movements rise in America, proposed in 1776 that the Great Seal of the United States should show Israelites escaping from Egypt as recounted in Exodus, with the motto Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. Jefferson liked that motto so much that he adopted it for his personal seal.

Its irrefutable that the people who drafted and approved the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Constitution (1787), and the Bill of Rights (1791) believed that the rights to life, liberty, property, and representative government flowed from God and government could not infringe them.* For a good discussion of religions role in our government, see this 2006 speech from former federal judge and Senator James Buckley.

The canard of Christian nationalism comes from the atheist path that brought the Enlightenment to a bloody end with the French Revolution. Virtually all modern societys ills can be traced back to that Revolution, which birthed socialism and a modern police state with absolute power. Naturally, the first thing the French radicals had to do to remake society was rid the nation of a competing system of morality and authorityi.e., Christianityand this they did with brutality and bloodshed. George Neumayr explained,

The secularists of the French Revolution regarded the Roman Catholic Church as the last obstacle to atheisms final triumph. Blurting this out, the French dilettante Denis Diderot proposed to his fellow revolutionaries that they strangle the last priest with the guts of the last king.

The French Revolutions legacy has been a disaster for humanity. Over 100 million people died in the 20th century because of communist, socialist, and fascist police states unmoored from Judaism and Christianity. Moreover, the children of the French Revolution, people such as Michel Foucault, a gay pedophile, and Herbert Marcuse, have overtaken the Wests ivory towers and poisoned the West with postmodernism, critical theory, DEI, and atheism.

And now, the French Revolutions legacy gives us the utter canard of Christian Nationalism. It is a charge that relies on historic illiteracy to redefine our nation. It must be fought tooth and nail, for the stakes could not be higher.

____________

*If youre wondering why none of our founding documents mention God, while Jefferson only alluded to a Creator, its because the Founders lived in a world that had been riven by almost 250 years of bloody sectarian strife. As John Adams explained to Abigail, the men gathered at the First Continental Congress were all deeply religious and were concerned with poisoning their gathering with sectarian differences.

Wolf Howling is a pseudonym. He blogs at Bookworm Room.
Kill the Boer is a wildly popular practice in majority Black South Africa.

Decades ago, despite the unfairness of apartheid, South Africa was by many measures the most materially prosperous and safest nation on the African continent. However, since decolonization, South Africa has deteriorated by every metric imaginable, with rampant criminality, economic stagnation, dwindling life expectancy, and floor-to-ceiling political corruption.

The same story largely defines the rest of poverty-stricken postcolonial Africa. When the White man dropped his burden and left the continent, he took with him the building and sharing of knowledge and infrastructure; roads and transportation, improved farming techniques and crop yields, medicines, health care, womens rights, science and education, and other tools of modernity.

Africa regressed quickly. Trillions of dollars in aid from Europe and North America over the ensuing decades have scarcely ameliorated Africas continued postcolonial slide backwards.

The Left has made no secret of the fact that what holds for South Africa, holds for the United States as well. In modern America, Critical Race Theory holds that Whites are to be forever stigmatized as uniquely evil, with no possibility for redemption.

Thus, in the American version of Kill the Boer, when Whites are randomly murdered by Blacks by the many hundreds each year, it is dismissed as restorative justice, righteous retribution, youthful wilding, or some other creatively euphemistic obfuscation.

The media almost always ignore, misdirect, or mislead about Black-on-White crime, and pretend that a Black person is more at risk in a White neighborhood than vice versa. Existing while White has resulted in tens of thousands of White murder victims at the hands of Blacks over the past half century. Not even one White victim has been beatified like Michael Brown or George Floyd.

Reparations for long-ago slavery in Americas Democrat-run southern states have been paid repeatedly. Untold trillions of tax dollars have been expropriated from working taxpayers and redistributed to black Americans (with government bureaucrats taking a healthy cut for themselves) over the past half century.

Slavery remains widespread in Africa today, yet you wont hear a single progressive voice raised in opposition. Instead, the focus is squarely on the southern plantations of a long-ago America.

Americans are constantly scolded that Black slaves built America, and this assertion is supposedly another argument in favor of reparations.

As reprehensible as slavery was in the Democrat south, it is ludicrous to assert that Black slaves who planted and picked cotton or tobacco, or toiled as butlers or nannies, built America.

The free Republican-led north, expressly committed to ending slavery, developed the industrial might that built America. The agrarian Democrat south was destitute by comparison, generating temporary wealth only for southern landowners (some of whom were free Black slaveholders, just as there were White slaves in the south).

If we are to assign ancestral blame for slavery based on inherited DNA, as progressive racists insist we must, then reparations need to be paid by Kamala Harris, Angela Davis, Barack Obama, and others sired by or otherwise descended from slaveholders. Or, alternatively, Democrat voters can pay the tab for reparations, as they are proud members of the political party that fought a civil war to perpetuate and expand the peculiar institution.

As a percentage of their income, Blacks contribute far less in taxes than do whites, leading to a negative disparate impact on non-Blacks; yet, Blacks consume a disproportionate share of state, local, and federal aid, whether through no-strings welfare, aid to dependent families, Head Start, food stamps, Medicaid, private charity, etc.

Moreover, Black American Democrats overburden the legal system through disproportionate criminality; more murders, robberies, rapes, carjackings, and drug trafficking demand more police, probation officers, judges, lawyers, and social workers, all of which further drains the public treasury and strains the social safety net for others. Race baiters (also known as community organizers, social justice activists, or advocates for underserved communities) profit politically and financially by opportunistically exploiting and exacerbating racial animosity.

In federal employment, Black representation is vastly higher than Blacks percentage of the population (18% vs.12%). Affirmative action (legalized government discrimination) has done incalculable damage to the educational opportunities and career prospects of millions of Whites. And anybody who has worked in the corporate world over the past five decades will acknowledge that private businesses trip and fall all over themselves in their desperation to recruit, hire, and promote qualified -- even marginally qualified -- Blacks over Whites.

Few would guess it, but White people of European descent make up a small fraction of humanity -- under 10% globally. There are far more Chinese people in China than there are Whites on all of planet earth. And there are far more Black Africans in Africa than Whites in the entire world.

Being a despised minority is the lived experience of whites in the age of globalization. Which makes the indefatigable, steely-eyed push to eliminate whiteness a resounding dog whistle meant to mobilize society toward the long-term goal of eradicating Caucasians.

In modern America, White privilege is a fabricated epithet -- not only has it not existed for decades (at least since the days of the pre-civil rights south), but Whites without connections automatically go to the back of the bus as they seek ground-floor admittance to the corporate world, or endeavor to obtain a contracting job with government, or gain entry to college based on higher SAT and GPA scores, etc.

It is Whites in the private sector who have to work twice as hard to get ahead. Since the 1960s, untold millions of Whites have internalized the racial hatred directed at them, depriving them of agency and social currency. Routinely denied jobs for which they are qualified, with plunging birthrates, and skyrocketing rates of deaths from despair, Whites are forever treading on verbal and behavioral eggshells. All of this as Black privilege and hipster culture has taken center stage.

If there is a neo-apartheid sociopolitical framework emerging in America, along with slow motion ethnic cleansing, the silencing of White voices, and the systematic, inexorable loss of White spaces, all of it is designed to disenfranchise Whites.

The ugly but irrefutable fact is that, ipso facto, every progressive, irrespective of skin color, is a racist. Who but a racist would advocate for a racial spoils and caste system, as progressives emphatically do?

None of this would be possible but for the fact many of the moral monsters who support progressive policies like open borders and unrestrained migration (but only into countries with majority White populations) are themselves White people.

The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) junket is comprised largely of jet-setting White leftists who fancy themselves as members of a cognitive elite, with pretensions of being a new Illuminati. Naturally, they exempt themselves from their own repressive schemes, all of which are hatched in the name of the eagerly awaited Disease X, equity, saving the environment, and celebrating intersectionality while curtailing population growth. Prog-splaining even posits that noxious White people are poisoning the planet by exhaling too much carbon dioxide, aggravating climate change.

Funny how none of these pale plutocrats call upon Africa or Asia or Arabia to redress their appalling human rights records, reduce their birthrates, disavow and make restitution for their historical sins of conquest and slavery in White Christian Europe, pay reparations, or admit more Whites into their homogenous societies in order to become more racially diverse.

Clearly, the Left is in thrall to plantation nostalgia, with an unambiguous urge to subjugate a disfavored demographic (openly derided as populists, deplorables, irredentists, nativists) who are to be racially ostracized and mercilessly scapegoated for sins they did not commit. In the quest for racial reconciliation, American and western elites should recoil from the failed model of post-apartheid South Africa. Instead, they seek to emulate it.

Image: Bart Everson
Former President Donald Trump is cruising toward the GOP nomination.

In the general election, Trump has a 2 point lead over President Joe Biden in the RealClearPolitics average, with most polls showing Trump ahead by anywhere from 1 to 6 points.

Throw in other candidates like RFK, Jr, Cornell West, or Joe Manchin, and Trumps lead grows to 4-5 points. Meanwhile Bidens mental state is declining, as are his poll numbers and the overall state of America.

Corporate media, Democrats, and Never-Trump Republicans are realizing the inevitability of a Trump second term, barring imprisonment or worse, and their panic is manifest.

An NBC News headline last week revealed palpable fear:

Fight or flight: Fearful Trump critics weigh the risk of retribution if hes reelected.

Screenshot The Last Refuge

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and family wonder if they will have to flee the country if Trump is reelected. Ditto Stephanie Grisham, a former Trump White House press secretary, who wrote a tell-all book, which like most such books, is a he-said, she-said bucket of unverified half-truths.

Their fear knows no bounds, Theyve discussed moving to countries without extradition treaties in the event Trump comes back.

Lots of countries fit the bill. They can set up new homes in Cameroon, Brunei, Russia, or Nepal.

Ironically, these panicked politicos see no irony in whats happening under the Biden administration to January 6 protesters, Biden whistleblowers, Trump, and his associates where the power of the federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies are treating Bidens political opponents in a KGB or Stasi manner.

The New York Times, with a long history of publishing falsehoods about Donald Trump, has already labeled Trumps potential second term, The Retribution Presidency. There is a smell of panic rising from midtown Manhattan and from the Beltway.

Is this revenge or retribution? Is there a distinction?

The Hill ran this headline, Trump signals hes out for revenge in second term, but in the first sentence used the other 'R' word. Former President Trump told his supporters earlier this year he would be their retribution if reelected.

Here is a summary of the two terms. Words do matter.

 Retribution is a form of punishment imposed by law and legally authorized.

 Revenge, in contrast, is a form of personal punishment, one not sanctioned by law.

 The ultimate goal of Retribution is to punish the wrongdoer or offender and ensure that justice is served to the victim and public as a whole.

 Revenge, however, is a form of payback, to ensure that personal justice is served. Thus, the goal of Revenge is vengeance or getting even.

 Retribution is only carried out for crimes and wrongs recognized in the law. It is not personal and not fueled by a desire to persistently seek the suffering of the wrongdoer. Instead, it imposes a punishment that is proportionate to the gravity of the crime or wrong. Furthermore, it is governed by procedural rules and codes of conduct.

 In contrast, Revenge can be carried out for various wrongs, injuries, suffering and any other action considered harmful or hurtful. There is no limit to the type of punishment imposed and the severity of such punishment. As mentioned before, Revenge is personal and driven by a strong emotional desire to see the suffering of the person who committed the wrong or injury.

Which of these two words describe what the deep state ruling class has done to Trump versus what he will hopefully do if reelected president?

I contend that revenge is what was heaped on Trump. He had the audacity to challenge Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, both believing they were entitled to the nomination of their respective parties in 2016, with little difference in policy or outcome regardless of who was ultimately elected.

The administrative state wanted another four years of the Bush/Obama train of endless wars, open borders, domestic surveillance, and out-of-control government spending.

Trump upended their plans. Seeking revenge, they illegally spied on his campaign, transition, and administration. They hounded him with special counsels and lawfare harassment that continues to this day. Not allowed to defend himself, they heaped excessive fines on him, in violation of the Eighth Amendment.

Corporate media repeatedly lies about Trump, including the fabricated Russian collusion hoax, which they are now again resurrecting. They accuse Trump and his supporters of insurrection, punishing his supporters again in violation of the Eighth Amendment. They are trying to illegally keep him off the ballot for the upcoming presidential election.

These are all acts of revenge, personal, payback, getting revenge, and not sanctioned by law, as the above description notes.

Trump, if reelected, will hopefully seek retribution, which is punishment imposed by law and legally authorized, against corrupt politicians and government agencies that attempted illegal revenge against Trump. See the distinction? Retribution is legal, revenge is personal.

Trumps mission to drain the swamp is so justice is served to the victim and public as a whole that is proportionate to the gravity of the crime or wrong. That is retribution.

Its called a reckoning, where those who unethically and illegally abused the system are held accountable, balancing Lady Justices scales.

As Trump said in one of his best speeches, delivered shortly before the 2016 election

Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. There is nothing the political establishment will not do, and no lie they will not tell, to hold on to their prestige and power at your expense. This is our moment of reckoning as a society and as a civilization.

This reckoning, or retribution, is a necessary major course correction for America, or else we become a police state with one party rule, freedom and liberty only a distant memory.

As Trump said in that same speech, This is a crossroads in the history of our civilization that will determine whether or not We the People reclaim control over our government. Thats the retribution. And its long overdue.

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Substack Dr. Brians Substack, Truth Social @BrianJoondeph, and LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph
The newest Biden mindbender -- out of supposed concern for humanity and dignity -- involves guidelines that are expected to sharply limit arrests and deportations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In other words, if you represent a potential illegitimate vote, you can break into a sovereign nation fully confident that the person tasked to "take care that laws be faithfully executed," will exonerate the offense.

The Biden administration has placed new limits on who ICE can arrest, detain, and deport. ICE's acting director, Tae Johnson, had this to say about the new rule

As an essential steward of a more secure and humane immigration system, ICE will set a tone and example for our country for years. The way that we choose to communicate is critical to enforcing the nation's laws while respecting the humanity and dignity of those individuals with whom we interact.

Back in the day, protecting and defending the Constitution, our laws, and our citizenry were what set the tone and example for our leaders. This new guideline is more like setting a tone for disaster and establishing an example poised to negatively impact our country for years. The irony of it all is that adherents of the political ideology that have spent more than 50 years trying to convince Americans that the dignity of life does not apply to humans gestating in the womb, is now voicing supposed concern for human dignity as an excuse to impose more absurdity on a nation already teetering on the precipice of collapse.

Not only is the Biden administration ordering ICE not to do its job, but, because words matter, Bumbling Biden is also ordering U.S. immigration enforcement agencies to modify how they refer to border raiders and foreign trespassers. The newcomer rule issued down from the ice cream aficionado-in-chief states that if a person circumvents U.S. immigration law and enters the United States unlawfully, the employees of the two main immigration enforcement agencies are no longer allowed to refer to illegals as illegal, or aliens as aliens. The dictionary definition of alien reads as follows: an alien is a foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living. Does that description impose disrespect on noncitizens lawfully residing in America?

Either way, forced to genuflect at the feet of politically correct insanity, two U.S. immigration enforcement agencies were handed down this edict because, just like men who think they are women get offended when referred to as men, many people (who shall remain nameless) get offended when illegals are referred to as illegal. Thats why, rather than use the words illegal alien, the memo instructs workers to use more acceptable terms such as non-citizen, or migrant.

Acting Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Troy Miller said the instructions were essential to set a tone and example at an agency that includes the Border Patrol. With that in mind, Miller had this to say:

We enforce our nations laws while also maintaining the dignity of every individual with whom we interact. The words we use matter and will serve to further confer that dignity to those in our custody.

Does the CBP Commissioner give equal weight to the words cited in 8 U.S. Code  1325 concerning proper entry into the U.S. by aliens? Or does he assign credibility to and consider the only words that matter those that benefit some self-serving agenda? Because if it is true that the words we use matter, then all words should matter, especially those cited in laws established to keep Americans safe.

Under the new guidelines, unaccompanied alien children will be referred to as tongue-twisting unaccompanied noncitizen children. In addition, U.S. immigration enforcement agencies will respectfully describe the assimilation of refugees and immigrants as civic integration. Correct me if Im wrong, but shouldnt the term civic pertain to citizenship?

According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, head of the agency that issued Obamas warning on the rise of right-wing extremist Americans, potential terrorists crossing the US border illegally are now to be considered migrants. Migrants are defined as those who merely moved away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. If foreign terrorists are no longer deemed a threat to American security, isnt it incumbent upon Mayorkas to equally respect the human dignity of undocumented noncitizens like MS-13 who are likely responsible for leaving an undignified array of body parts in a Long Island park as part of a culturally-diverse initiation ritual?

The truth is that right now, gangs like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are extended more dignity from the Biden administration than the non-voting unborn whose lives have never been granted a scintilla of dignity from this president. When not groping his way to the podium, has Joe taken the time to consider the dignity of teenage girls forced to share bathroom space with transgender men? In 2021, did Joe recognize the dignity of those he mandated to take vaccines against their will lest they lose a career for the crime of maintaining bodily autonomy? And where was Bidens standard for dignity when the thirteen American soldiers he left in Kabul were slaughtered by the Taliban with American weaponry.

When contemplating the human worth of illegals, has Joe thought about the dignity of 22-year-old Augusta University College of Nursing student Laken Reily whose skull was crushed and disfigured by a Venezuelan, non-citizen migrant whom Bidens policies are careful not to insult? In like manner, did the gaslighting Democrat Mayor of Athens, Georgia, Kelly Girtz, consider Miss Reilys dignity when his political posturing attributed her brutal murder, not to illegal immigration, but to Trump being mean to poor put upon illegals like Jose Antonio Ibarra?

Once again, the lying left refuses to acknowledge how truth alone elevates human dignity. Thus, the question that arises here as to whether or not the word illegal is being redefined, and concern for human dignity is being exploited as a means to fortify the argument that illegal aliens should be allowed to vote in the 2024 election. After all, isnt it the left that changes rules to suit what benefits their agenda? Maintaining power for the left translates into dignity for illegals, but not for the unborn. Because, at the end of the day, ceasing to call illegals what they are, isnt as much about human dignity as it is about votes.

Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannieology.us
The following three cases highlight the breakdown of law enforcement in Albuquerque. 1) Failing to arrest lawbreakers, 2) Arresting the law-abiding, and 3) Excusing lawbreaking for the politically connected. Who suffers in this environment? The hardiworking people of Albuquerque.

Carlos Morris

In June 2020, Albuquerque police officers discovered Carlos Morris covered in blood, in possession of a recently fired handgun, dragging the murdered body of Teryn Kurtz, and a trail of blood between Morriss apartment and his car. In the apartment, there was more blood and methamphetamine. Neighbors reported hearing, So youre going to point a gun at me? and then gunfire.

Morris was transported to the hospital for a gunshot wound to his wrist and then released.

Aaron Jones

On January 12, 2024, Albuquerque police officers responded to a call from a driver that a passenger in another car pointed a gun at him. The police officers found the victim waiting in the restaurant parking lot and the passenger (Aaron Jones, retired law enforcement officer and CEO of International Protective Service) of the other vehicle in the restaurant with his daughter and business associate. There were conflicting accounts of what transpired between the two vehicles, and no gun was found on Jones.

Jones was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center, and prosecutors filed a motion to detain him, stating the situation could have escalated into a very serious, life-threatening event.

APD Chief Harold Medina

On February 17, 2024, APD Chief Medina was en route with his spouse to an anti-crime press conference with Mayor Keller in his unmarked APD truck. While Medina was stopped at a red light, two men began fighting on the sidewalk to the right of his vehicle. His spouse yelled, Gun, gun! Then shots rang out, and Medina immediately accelerated through the intersection, narrowly missing one vehicle and striking a second vehicle broadside, critically injuring the driver.

The critically injured driver was transported to the hospital. The attempted murderer escaped on foot. Police Chief Madina later drove away.

How it Ended

Carlos Morris was charged with murder and tampering with evidence on February 16, 2024, almost four years after he was found with the murder victim and weapon.

Aaron Jones was released from jail on January 18, 2024, and temporarily stripped of his right to possess a firearm. Joness daughter and a second individual were charged with tampering with evidence and conspiracy days later. On February 9, 2024, charges were dropped against Aaron Jones, his daughter, and the second individual. However, the charges can be refiled against the three if the prosecutor chooses.

APD Chief Medina was not charged or cited for a redlight violation, exceeding the speed limit, or reckless driving. We do not know the status of the injured driver, and the attempted murder suspect is still walking the streets of Albuquerque.

Explanation of the differences

Carlos Morris, the accused murderer, and Teryn Kurtz, the murder victim, are both invisible to City Hall.

Aaron Jones and IPS provide security for Albuquerque residents, business owners, churches, and Right to Life organizations. In doing so, he created many powerful detractors in City Hall.

APD Chief Medina, Mayor Keller was glad Medina was uninjured. Medina was glad New Mexico has a history of ignoring Democrat leaders who break the law.

Mayor Keller and Police Chief Medinas anti-crime press conference was canceled because of shots fired. It was just another day on the streets of Democratically-controlled Albuquerque for the rest of us.

The hard-working people of Albuquerque cannot afford private security forces to protect themselves and their families. Legal counsel is beyond their means to fight tyranny. They cannot depend on the APD to arrive when shots are fired. Lastly, they do not have the political connections to garner special treatment.

They may not understand the Second Amendment as constitutionalists do. Still, they know the importance of armed self-defense, which is why Governor Lujan Grisham and Mayor Kellers gun grab failed.

Image: Highway Patrol Images
In Memoriam  Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, 1939-2024 By Mark Wegierski

web posted March 4, 2024 It had appeared, in the summer of 1987, that Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative federal government was headed for one of the worst defeats in Canadian political history. In many of the 1986 and 1987 polls, the federal P.C. party stood at about a quarter of committed popular support, behind both the Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP), Canada's social democrats. Indeed, the NDP had temporarily surged into first place. Despite the early hopes placed on him, and his overwhelming majority (won in 1984), Brian Mulroney was being buffeted about almost continuously by major and minor crises and scandals, and, it could be argued, had failed to develop any coherent or consistent public policy. It appeared that virtually every region, province, or interest group in Canada had in some way been alienated from, or offended by, Mulroney. Sometimes, it seemed that his only true supporters were his business pals, for whose benefit he appeared to make most of his personal exertions. The Mulroney government seemed, in many important areas, incapable of formulating and implementing serious policy decisions, and winning popular support for them. Indeed, it looked like, in almost every area, Mulroney had no real policy or objectives, apart from maintaining, or strengthening, the status-quo of the previous federal Liberal governments. However, he did appear to have a real interest in Free Trade. Throughout most of Canadian history, the Tories had opposed free trade with the United States, while the Liberals had championed it. In the 1980s, however, the roles were reversed. Indeed, John Turner, the Liberal contender in 1988 -- who expressed considerable patriotic sentiments, and was often perceived as a "right-wing Liberal"  could be seen as, comparatively-speaking, more "traditionalist-conservative" than Mulroney. The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, ironically, gave Mulroney the one, perfect issue, on which to wage the election of 1988. A simple issue, appealing to a combination of people's fear and greed, it became the centre-piece of his efforts. Mulroney was able to win a strong majority in the federal election of November 21, 1988, but it could be argued that the true time of reckoning came in 1993, when the federal P.C. party was reduced to a total of two seats. Presumably, Mulroney did not try for a third term because he sensed that a humiliating defeat was in the offing for the P.C. party. Kim Campbell proved a lackluster Prime Minister. Canada was also in a period of economic recession. The P.C. coalition fell apart between the pincers of the Reform Party from the West, and the Bloc Quebecois from Quebec. Ontario voted massively for the Liberal Party in 1993. In 1987, Mulroney had reached the Meech Lake Accord, a deal with the provinces, which was going to finally break Canada's constitutional stalemate. Quebec had never agreed to accede to the Constitution Act, 1982, which Liberal Prime Minister Trudeau had  in the opinion of many Quebecois  arbitrarily imposed on Canada and Quebec. The most salient aspect of the Constitution Act, 1982, was the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which Quebec objected to, because it believed it undermined the province's collective rights, which had been deployed in previous decades to uphold Quebec as a French-speaking and culturally distinctive province. The central statement of the Meech Lake Accord was the recognition of Quebec as "a distinct society". In return, Quebec would accede to the Constitution Act, 1982. The debate over the Meech Lake Accord would drag on until 1990, when the opposition of two smaller English-Canadian provinces, and what was perceived as a groundswell of popular resistance to it in most of English-speaking Canada, would be enough to sink the deal. The Meech Lake Accord was opposed both "from the right" (Preston Manning), and "from the left" (Pierre Elliott Trudeau). The failure of the Meech Lake Accord would lead to another attempt to break through the impasse, the Charlottetown Agreements of 1992. However, when put to a general, countrywide referendum in late 1992, the Charlottetown Agreements failed. Near the end of his second term, Mulroney had brought in the Goods & Services Tax (GST), the Canadian equivalent of the VAT (value-added tax). Set at 7%, it was applied to virtually all economic transactions in Canadian society. The Liberal contender in the 1993 election, Jean Chretien, explicitly promised to abolish the GST. However, he never did so, and the revenue from the GST was doubtless a major element in the federal Liberals' ability to have huge government spending but also to eventually balance the federal budget. The Canadian media never held Chretien accountable for breaking such a truly major promise to the Canadian electorate. When the Liberal M.P. John Nunziata voted against the Liberal budget on account of that broken promise, he was summarily expelled from the Liberal Party. Forced into a difficult run as an independent candidate, he was nevertheless re-elected in his riding in the 1997 federal election. During his Prime Ministership, Mulroney was plagued by a terrible combination: he was attacked by the media as both "sleazy" and "hard right"  while actually he himself was mostly viscerally a "small-l liberal," and  for example  raised immigration to the unprecedented level of about a quarter-million persons a year  where it basically remained for decades  until the federal Liberals under Justin Trudeau doubled it. His "strong leadership" was mainly used to suppress any "small-c conservatism" in the federal P.C. party. The term "small-c conservative" refers in Canada to so-called "ideological" conservatives  as the "big-C" Conservative Party was frequently anti-conservative. Indeed, Mulroney once said snidely that all the ideological conservatives in Canada could easily fit into a phone-booth. So, it could be argued that Mulroney's main putatively "right-wing" historical accomplishment, would be the Free Trade deal. Indeed, in September 2000, Mulroney said he saw it as his greatest achievement, and urged the abolition of border posts along the Canada-U.S. border. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
This morning, the Supreme Court held that a state lacks authority under section 3 of the 14th Amendment to kick a presidential candidate off the states ballot. To reach this conclusion, the Court carefully analyzed the history of and purpose behind the 14th Amendment and the Constitution as a whole. Once SCOTUS concluded that Colorados Supreme Court erred, it could not and did not look at the substantive issue of an alleged insurrection. Leftists, however, are in complete meltdown mode over the fact that SCOTUS did not say, Trump is an insurrectionist!

You can read the decision or, if youre pressed for time, my summary. The gist is simple: The 14th Amendment was intended to limit state power over the federal government, not expand it.

The fact that Colorado lacks this power means that SCOTUS did not need to address whether Trump is an insurrectionist. Thats because a state court cannot reach a potentially binding conclusion about insurrection any more than a court in Zimbabwe can meaningfully conclude that Biden is demented.

Even if the decision is correct (and yes, in Bidens case, its true that hes demented), its irrelevant. But try telling that to leftists. That Jack Smith, the federal prosecutor who views himself as the Trump terminator, hasnt indicted Trump for insurrection also doesnt penetrate their crania.

Image by Andrea Widburg

To give you an idea of how leftism rots the brain, a Georgetown law professor (!) doesnt understand that once the Supreme Court determined that states have no authority to call someone an insurrectionist and boot that person off the ballot, Colorados conclusion about insurrection is void from the get-go. (Pay particular attention to the last tweet in this thread.)

The Colorado trial court conducted a hearing, and made the adjudication that Trump was barred from the ballot due to his conduct. pic.twitter.com/BqvEyjbScE  Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) March 4, 2024

The Colorado court opinion has extensive findings on this, weighing the testimony of Trump defenders like Kash Patel&concluding Trump was an insurrectionist https://t.co/OFzjkTMrvc



None of those findings was disturbed by SCOTUS today, despite Trump's request that the Ct do so.  Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) March 4, 2024

Did I mention that this guy is a law professor? I mean, hes a professor at Georgetown, which, nowadays, is like being king of a dunghill, but hes still a law professor. What a maroon.

Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe (another rooster crowing on a little dunghill) didnt even pretend to make a legal argument, simply announcing that it was judicial fiat to say that states cannot override Congress and the Constitution:

Justice Barrett told us what message Americans should take home from todays ruling that, even if Trumps role in the insurrection we just barely survived disqualifies him under the Constitution from ever holding office again, only congressional legislation under Sec 5 of the  Laurence Tribe   (@tribelaw) March 4, 2024

Then theres also the always reliable, wild-eyed Keith Olbermann, who says that the Supreme Court has betrayed democracy by leaving to the people of Colorado the right to select their president:

The Supreme Court has betrayed democracy. Its members including Jackson, Kagan and Sotomayor have proved themselves inept at reading comprehension. And collectively the "court" has shown itself to be corrupt and illegitimate.



It must be dissolved.  Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) March 4, 2024

This makes sense only if you understand that, for leftists, democracy doesnt mean the power of the people. It means the Democrat party.

Then theres Colorados Secretary of State, Jena Griswold. She says the Supreme Courts decision is wrong because it strip[s] the states of a rightbut the whole point of the decision is that this right never existed and, of course, no state has even tried to exercise this non-existent right before five minutes ago:

I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.  Jena Griswold (@JenaGriswold) March 4, 2024

At CNN (a dying network), the leftist talking heads struggled with the reality that the Court was right to leave the election in the hands of the American people:

CNN has total meltdown over Supreme Court ruling keeping Trump on the ballot



Unfortunately for America, the court isnt necessarily wrong.. pic.twitter.com/VBWztwu1c3  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 4, 2024

Harry Sisson, the young man who thinks Joe Biden is one sexy, buffed dude, ignores the decision's unanimity and blames it all on Clarence Thomas, a black man who has unforgivably chosen to be an independent thinker:

Insurrection sympathizer Clarence Thomas ruled that insurrectionist Donald Trump can remain on the ballot in 2024. That should be the headline.  Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) March 4, 2024

Its kind of flattering that Sisson accords Thomas so much powerunwillingly, its true, but Sisson still recognizes Thomass greatness.

The Babylon Bee, of course, has the best response of all to the crazy leftism coming down the pike:
As if the Border Patrol doesn't already have enough to do changing diapers and 'processing' tens of thousands of illegal border crossers to their destinations of choice in the U.S., now somebody's got bandit duty.

According to Fox News:

Border patrol agents in California shot and killed a bandit who was robbing other migrants as they crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. Multiple U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources confirmed that a criminal migrant who crossed the border in the San Diego sector was shot and killed by a member of the Border Patrols elite Border Patrol Tactical unit, or BORTAC, early Sunday morning. The incident happened in a remote area where the bandits had been seen crossing into the U.S., robbing migrants and returning to Mexico. Border Patrol agents responded to "bandit activity" on Sunday morning, when they came across a small group of bandits who were robbing migrants as they were walking to an area where migrants surrender to agents so they can be processed.

So, bandits are now becoming a problem at the border, a problem we didn't have much of until Joe Biden opened the border.

It's shocking stuff, pretty much like the Wild West now, except that banditry isn't the only illegal thing going on at the U.S. border -- the crossings themselves are illegal, but those doing it are viewed as now entitled to a safe illegal crossing, not an unsafe one, complete with security guards, still illegal as heck, though and more service with a smile.

Now, there wouldn't be any bandit activity if there weren't fat, juicy, easy targets for bandits to rob to begin with. Bandits could just as easily rob people in cities and plenty of them do. But they know that most designer-dud-clad illegal migrants, some with suitcases, carry a lot of money. And so long as those illegal crossings continue and migrants know that if they can get in, they can stay, the bandit harvestings will be ample.

So much for the myth perpetrated by the Biden administration and the NGOs that all migrants are utterly penniless, pitiful refugees, and therefore in need of full lifetime services, to be administered by them by the government. Actually, the illegals have got a lot of money and can pay for their own transport food, and hotels, but why pay it when the U.S. is handing it out for free? Under Biden's catch-and-release, no I.D., no questions asked, they can always get it for free. Studies have shown that it's not the very poor who make long journeys to the U.S. for illegal border crossings, it's the lower middle classes of middling third world countries, who frequently exploit the very poor on their way (as I wrote about here) and who have plenty of money to pay for human smugglers and cartel "crossing taxes."

Bandits can see what's going on with this human trafficking trade and are taking their opportunities.

Now the Border Patrol has shot one.

Good luck to you, the U.S. citizen, if you shoot an illegal migrant on your border ranch robbing you in this supposedly "non-violent" crime, but the Border Patrol did what the Border Patrol needed to do in Wild West conditions, same as was done in the previous Wild West. Too bad about the Americans who have been told by judges they cannot defend their property from illegal border crossers, some of whom are coming to rob them and virtually all of whom are littering and doing property damage. Some of them are in the San Diego area, and one rancher in Arizona is on trial for murder for shooting an illegal migrant on his own land who was threatening his wife.

Illegal border crossers are apparently the only ones entitled to state protection from bandits and criminals.

What it highlights is illegal border crossing is creating its own universe of special interests and services. The illegal migrant conveyor belt has not only marketed illegal aliens as being in need free food, clothing, housing, transport, and legal assistance, forging a vast NGO empire of special interests with a vested interest in illegal border crossings, it's also sprung up "needs" for new services, such as full security for migrants from bandits in order to make every illegal border crossing a safe illegal border crossing. Guess who pays for that additional institution of new services for migrants?

This far from the only one. Yesterday, CBS8, a local television channel in San Diego, reported that the biggest state university hospital system, U.C. San Diego Health, has encountered so many migrants injured from falls that it's been compelled to set up a new migrant border-wall-fall injury unit, serving some 400 migrants who refused to respect that a wall was there and decided to try their luck climbing over. Some of these falls and injuries are severe, and many of these injured migrants will require a lifetime of care. The Border Patrol should start posting photographs of illegal border-wall jumpers in wheelchairs as a warning to those who plan to jump, but that probably won't happen. The U.S. will just be forced to pay for their lifetime of care.

They could solve this in two minutes by shutting down the border and sending to jail anyone who crosses into the U.S. outside a valid port of entry. Instead, they'd rather extend the empire of services to migrants -- and hand the dirty, dangerous job of hosing out bandits to the Border Patrol. The Border Patrol shouldn't have to be dealing with this kind of threat at all on a regular basis, but a steady stream of illegal border crossings is now demanding it.

Shut it down now.

Image: Screen shot from 60 Minutes video, via shareable YouTube
It's almost certain that a woman will be the next president of Mexico, i.e., la presidenta.

She is likely going to be former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, a candidate closely associated with President Andres Manuel Lopez-Obrador. For some, she is 'LO's puppet. For others, she is a U.S.-educated environmental engineer.

For most Mexicans, it's about violence and doing something about what they call "inseguridad," as we see in this from AP :

Malena Gomez, an Irapuato resident and activist with a civic group, said safety was her biggest concern. Here in Guanajuato and in the entire country, she said. This Morena government (of Lopez Obrador) allowed organized crime to get into everything. Organized crime has long controlled swaths of Mexico through violence and corruption. It has diversified beyond drug trafficking in recent years, extorting businesses big and small for protection payments. Farmer Amadeo Hernandez Barajas, who grows corn and beans on his farm in Acambaro, Guanajuato, said he supported Galvez because Sheinbaum just promised to be more of the same. He said farmers are also targets of organized crime. How do you get the product out? he asked. Because the criminals charge you for every ton of corn you take out and they charge the combines and harvesters too. And that's the challenge no matter who wins the presidency.

According to my Mexican friends, President Lopez-Obrador has high ratings because he's directed a lot of public funds to benefit low-income groups. In other words, he is, as many say, buying their votes and silence about the out of control violence.

So what happens when President Sheinbaum takes over? We will see but she does not have Lopez-Obrador's personality. She comes across as a very smart woman but can she lead a bitterly divided nation? Can she continue to give away money and get public support? Can she convince Mexicans that the Lady Sheriff will stand up to ruthless gangs?

The election will be in July so my questions will be answered soon.
This past week, Utah governor Spencer Cox (R) chaired the National Governors Association meetings in Washington D.C. In his public comments, he made a very common Republican mistake.

As a California refugee now living in Cache Valley Utah, I have seen countless Republican pols suggest that, if only we soften our appeal, well appear more bipartisan and garner more squishy middle voters to our cause.

This strategy has resulted in a Democrat supermajority and has relegated Republicans to second-class status in the once-great state of California. It has also resulted in the acceleration of the destruction of the state, with; increased debt, high taxation, homelessness, poop maps, crime, poverty, drugs, worsening educational outcomes, debased cultural conditions, decline, and despair.

Donald Trump and a handful of other Republicans have earned crossover voters, not by softening their appeal, but by advancing conservative ideals -- peace through strength, supply-side economics, and social conservatism.

America under Donald Trump was more prosperous, people generally got along (except for the lunatic Left), our borders were more secure, our status as a global leader was more pronounced, gas was $1.87 per gallon, ISIS was destroyed, NATO was stepping up to their obligations, China was placed in check, Russia was in decline, America had peace and prosperity.

Under Joe Biden, weve seen a marked decline in our dollars buying power, a rapidly increased national debt, increased crime and drug deaths, an embarrassing Afghanistan withdrawal, China and Russia have strengthened their alliance, drug and human trafficking is rampant at the southern border, race and class conflict has worsened, cultural confusion is on the rise, and we are now embroiled in new foreign entanglements.

Democrats will proclaim peace and bipartisanship until they achieve power, then theyll jam through their most radical ideas, resulting in dependency and decline.

Governor Cox and Joe Biden made appeals for "bipartisanship." I wonder if Cox challenged Joe Biden to stop referring to a vast swath of the American electorate and parents as Nazis and radical domestic terrorists.

Cox later went on to say that he (and his wife Abby Cox) had endorsed Nikki Haley for the Republican presidential nomination, suggesting that Haley would win the general election by 10-14 points. Has Cox not seen the results out of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and elsewhere? Haley is relying heavily on Democrat primary voters (and funding) who would certainly not support her candidacy in the general election, and still getting pummeled by Donald Trump by double digits for the nomination.

Haley today suggested that she is no longer bound by the pledge that she made to vote for and support the Republican nomination for President. Nikki Haley follows in the footsteps of dozens (hundreds) of Republicans who have served the will of the global elites in contradiction to the will of the American people.

As a California refugee, now living in Northern Utah, I consider myself a canary in a coal-mine, working to alert Utahns to stand against these calls for bipartisanship, unless it means Democrats moving towards Republican policies.

The Romney/Cox wing of the Utah Republican Party is the beginning of the end of the once-great state of Utah.

After America, and Utah (and other red-states), there is nowhere else to go.

Image: UEN Video
Polling is one thing. Ultimate results of political contests are something else. There is a profound, lingering disaffection with the way our leaders are doing business. Some poll respondents may be shading their replies in order to be consistent with their previously established opinionsbut most people are very upset at how their lives have been made worse by government malfeasance.

The woke-progressive left has fashioned for itself a bubblean insulated environment in which it can develop absolutely ridiculously stupid ideaswhich they then seek to impose on we, the masses. Americans, in particular, dont like being thought of as masses especially when were being bossed around by evil tyrants.

Some among us are seriously catching on to the opportunities being presented by this situation. For example: The House of Representatives has, by simple majority, impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The case now moves to the Senate where the Dems have a slight majority and conviction will require a two-thirds majority. The complicit news media are portraying this effort as pathetically beyond Quixotic. However, the problem of border porosity is an extremely powerful issue among we ordinary members of the voting public making Mayorkas extremely unpopular. Should the issue go to a vote, the twenty-three Democrat senators facing re-election this year will be compelled to expose their ferocious hostility to their own constituents. I expect efforts are already afoot to somehow make the issue disappear.

Crime is perhaps the most dominant issue now on peoples minds. Being a much more local rather than national topic, we are seeing blue city criminal-hugging mayors and D.A.s facing recalls even early in their first terms. This is connected to the proliferation of street bums and Mayorkass dereliction at the borderbut theres a common thread through all of this: progressive dogma. The dominant characteristic of woke progressivism is conformity. Dissent of any kind violates this requirement and whatever Bernie Sanders says, no matter how ridiculous, is gospel. Hence, we have a widespread collapse of confidence in government at all levels caused by a departure from the pragmatic discipline imposed by the real world AKA realpolitik.

How is this going to play on election day? No matter what events happen before then, the damage is done. At the center of the stage, of course, is Mr. Trump. The endless stream of political prosecutions has done nothing other than boost his popularity. They have unintentionally made him a sympathetic martyr. Were martyrdom to not be a popularity enhancement, there wouldnt be any Christians. But, why have they gone so far? Because Mr. Trump scares them more than any other previous presidential candidate who ever ventured to tryeven more so than Ronald Reagan.

Unlike Reagan, Trump is unreservedly bombastic. He never holds back. Within the Republican ranks there is a burning resentment against the party establishment for being sniveling apologists who are all too willing to surrender to the deep state careerists especially when its advantageous for their own political careers. Though, like Reagan, Trump is the only other media personality, and who has also been divorced, to be elected president. Go figure. They are way different from each other when it comes to style but these are different times. Reagan did not have to face over-the-top woke progressivism because the Cold War was still being waged back then. Though Jimmy Carter was flailing much like Bidens handlers are doing, the southern border and overt crime were not the issues they are today.

A particularly interesting example of the Democrats avoidance of knowledge of the general publics souring mood over their agenda is the contest to acquire Dianne Feinsteins vacated senate seat. Out of nine primary candidates who formally identify as Democrats, only three move the meter, and theyre all already members of Congress: Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and lagging way behind is the Black Panthers fave, Babs Lee. They all trail behind one particular Republican, Steve Garvey who, by the way, has never held public office. Also, both Schiff and Porter are blowing their lunch money on a tsunami of TV and radio ads not against each other but (supposedly) against Garvey. Hes too Trump-like. Really? And, just as with Trump, the more they beat up on him, the better he looks. Go figure.

As we are now at the dawn of Super Tuesday, expect the lame-stream media to go out of their way to suppress any hint of voter disaffection with the political establishment. Theyll hide behind low turn-out and the vast quantity of undecideds. To get a better picture of the situation, just talk to your neighbors.

Image: YouTube video screengrab.
Google has been cutting employees left and right, and a new report states that another 40 Google workers have lost their jobs. However, this wasnt because of economic conditions. The report states that 40 Google contractors who were on strike lost their jobs.

At the moment, and this will be explained later in the article, whether these workers were technically employees or not is still up for debate. The workers in question were contract workers who were in charge of moderating content for YouTube Music. The team consisted of 40 workers, and they were employed through a company called Cognizant which is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

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The reason for the strike had to do with Googles return to work-policy. Last February, the workers went on strike to oppose the return to work-policy. They stated that remote workers were paid as little as $19/hour thus, according to them, returning to work would not have been financially viable. Thus, the strike ensued and went on for over a year.

40 Google contractors lost their jobs after a prolonged strike

Right now, its tempting to believe that Google canceled the contracts of these workers. However, a Google spokesperson spoke to The Verge and explained that Google did not cancel the contracts. Rather, Cognizant canceled the contract. So, were not sure if Google had any role in this decision. Its tempting to believe so; however, we will have to wait for official information to be sure of that.

One contractor, Jack Benedict, stated, We have been fighting for years now to get Google, one of the most powerful and well-resourced companies in the world, to negotiate with us so that we could make a living in exchange for the work we do to make their products better.

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As for the workers, Communications officer Jeff DaMarrais said that the workers were given seven weeks of pay as a severance package and the opportunity to find a new position within Cognizant. So, the workers are not left completely without.

Whose decision was it?

While Google stated that Cognizant is the company that pulled the trigger, it should be noted that Google stated that it does not need to negotiate with workers. This could be one reason as to why the strike went on for so long. The company claims that, since the workers were hired through a third-party contractor, they are not technically employees. Since Google believes that it is not an employer, theres a chance that Google could have been the company that let go of the contractors and not Cognizant.

However, last year and March, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that, since Google holds the reins over the direction of work, hours, and benefits, it is partially referred to as an employer. Well keep you updated on future developments.
Samsung is currently hosting its several-time-a-year sale called Discover Samsung. This time around, it is hosting a lot of great discounts on monitors, including some that are back down to their all-time lowest prices. If youve been waiting to get a new monitor, this is the perfect week to grab one.

First up is the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9; this was announced at CES 2023, and its currently on sale for $1,799. Thats going to save you $700 off of the regular price and does bring it back down to an all-time low  that we last saw during Black Friday in November.

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This is an incredible monitor, to be quite honest. And its one Id love to have on my desk. Essentially, it is a 32:9 aspect ratio monitor, and at 57-inches, it is like having two 32-inch UHD monitors on your desk. This is a curved monitor, which does make it much easier to use, versus it being flat. And has about 1,000 nits of peak brightness.

Buy at Samsung

Next up is the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 monitor. This is currently available for $1,099 from Samsung, which is also good for $700 off. This has been on sale for $1,099 for quite some time already, but we are unsure how much longer it will sit at this price.

This monitor is an incredibly stunning monitor from Samsung, with an ultra-wide OLED panel on-board. This is also a 32:9 monitor, so its the equivalent of having two 27-inch UHD monitors side by side, with an OLED display. Its also great for gaming, since it does have 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms latency.

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Buy at Samsung

Finally, for a monitor that wed all like to have on our desks  the Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen monitor. This is a large 55-inch 4K monitor that is now on sale for $1,999. That is saving you $1,000 off of the regular price.

The Odyssey Ark is such an impressive monitor because its curved and can be used in landscape or portrait. While also giving you four inputs for multi-view here. By putting it into portrait mode, you could have two monitors on top of each other, which is really useful for productivity. Of course, this also targeted at gamers, and does have a 165Hz refresh rate, with Mini-LED powering the display. So youre getting stunning colors here, as well as impressive brightness.

Buy at Samsung
In a surprising turn of events, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reportedly refused to partner with Google on the Android XR project. This decision comes as a blow to Google, which was hoping to collaborate with Meta to create a unified platform for upcoming devices.

Android XR is a project by Google that aims to develop a software platform for AR and VR products. The project is still in the works, but Google hopes to turn it into a standard software kit for virtual and augmented reality devices. Similar to what it did with Android in the smartphone market.

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As per The Information report, Google suggested Meta in late 2023 to partner in the Android XR project. However, Meta declined the request. Metas decision to reject the partnership with Google was a bit surprising as its Quest headsets currently run on an open-source and modified version of Android.

Meta wont partner with Google on developing Android XR

As the report reads, Meta executives decided against a partnership. Meanwhile, Google reportedly notified Meta that it would keep the door open if they changed their mind.

Metas executives decision might come on the heels of Googles refusal to allow Quest buyers to access the Play Store. Despite Metas numerous requests, Google doesnt allow the firm to offer Google services and apps on Quest headsets, leaving buyers with a device with no practical app on it.

The move could lead Meta to part ways with Google and invest in building a standalone operating system for its VR and AR headsets. Meta is a pioneer company in developing VR and AR products but still relies on other companies for software. The firm is reportedly in talks with LG for its upcoming Quest Pro 2.

Meta refused Googles offer due to restrictive terms

In a recent post on Threads, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed Google has pitched the partnership idea to them, adding that Google is causing fragmentation in the ecosystem. Bosworth said Meta would welcome Google if it brings the Play Store to Quest headsets.

Instead, they want us to agree to restrictive terms that require us to give up our freedom to innovate and build better experiences for people and developersweve seen this play out before, and we think we can do better this time around. Meta CTO noted.
Microsoft has corrected a prior glitchy update to its Edge browser, which was causing numerous problems for users. The tech giant admitted that many users browsing experiences had been negatively impacted by several vulnerabilities that had been unintentionally introduced by the original update.

The buggy update led to complaints from users about slow loading times, frequent crashes, and other performance issues. A user on Neowin was the first to spot the issues and report them to the blog. Other Edge users later raised their voices on Reddit and Microsofts support website against the buggy update that turned the browser unfunctional.

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You can now get Microsoft Edges new update from the companys download servers.

Following the update, Edge was unable to open webpages. It notified users that this page is having a problem or there is not enough memory to open this page. The glitchy update even led to the browsers settings panel and bookmarks stopping working.

The memory error was supposedly due to an Enhanced Web Protection update that Microsoft intended to bring to Edge. Some users reported that they could solve the issue by turning off Enhance your security on the web in Edges settings.

These issues were created by the stable version of Edge, 122.0.2365.63. Disabling the add-ons and closing tabs couldnt solve the problem either.

If youre an impacted user, the fix has arrived. Microsoft first removed version 122.0.2365.63 from its download servers and then released version 122.0.2365.66 as a fix. You can now update your browser to the latest version to ensure everything works fine.

In February, Microsoft also fixed the automatic import glitch on Edge that imported data and tabs from Google Chrome without user consent. Microsoft claims the issue was due to a software bug. However, some rivals like Mozilla demand an investigation into Microsofts tactics for keeping users on its Edge browser.
Biden's collaboration in the murder of Laken Riley

By Mark Alexander

web posted March 4, 2024

I was raised with an appreciation for humor and satire, especially the Gary Larson "Far Side" variety and, later, "National Lampoon" and "The Onion." I lost interest in the latter two decades ago because they lost interest in posting clever and funny content. Thank goodness for our friends Seth and Dan Dillon and Kyle Mann at The Babylon Bee for rediscovering the fine art of great contemporary political and cultural satire. I always take a minute to see what news The Bee is "reporting," the best of which appears on our site.

Last week, I picked up on this one: "Facing Low Approval, Biden Promises To Start Pretending To Care About The Border." Indeed, Joe Biden was for a border photo op Thursday.

That headline provided a moment of levity in what has become the most disastrous of Biden's policy failures  his disgraceful open border policy. Biden and his Demos have invited more than NINE MILLION illegal immigrants across our southern border, just one of a plethora of Biden's failed domestic and foreign policies that have, predictably, resulted in a flood of blood on Biden's hands.

That's nine million that we know of  the number is substantially higher, and those who are skilled at evading detection are substantially more dangerous.

That flood of open border blood starts with massive quantities of illegal drugs flowing across the border, with less than 10% being interdicted. In January alone, there were 1,778 pounds of deadly fentanyl and 4,983 pounds of methamphetamine seized at the border. For context, the fentanyl seized that month is the equivalent of almost 403 million potentially lethal doses. Again, that is only 10% of what was muled across our border by the cartel gangs now infesting our urban centers.

Today, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18 to 45, and the death rate is up 94% over the last four years. Of the record 110,000 fatal drug overdoses recorded by the CDC last year, two-thirds involved fentanyl. Most Americans now have a connection with someone who has died of a fentanyl overdose, but the flood continues. Unfortunately, those deaths get a political pass from Demos because they draw attention to their open-border policy. But the blood of all those who have died is on Biden's hands

Likewise, the surge in violent crime by illegal immigrants is also getting a political pass for the same reason  and the Democrat Party's Leftmedia talkingheads and scribes are doing their part. Unless you read news from The Patriot Post and other reputable news platforms, you would not know that in January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested, in one operation, 171 "noncitizens" with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide, or assault against children.

Most were arrested in so-called sanctuary cities, where federal authorities get virtually no assistance from state and local authorities because leftist politicians have prohibited that support. As I noted 18 months ago, Democrat states and urban centers are deliberately withholding information on the racial, ethnic, and immigration status of violent offenders.

But that ICE operation was just a minuscule example of their annual arrest records.

According to the ICE fiscal year 2023 report, agents arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories, and also according to ICE, those arrested "had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual [including] 33,209 assaults; 4,390 sex and sexual assaults; 7,520 weapons offenses; 1,713 charges or convictions for homicide; and 1,655 kidnapping offenses." In fact, almost two-thirds of those arrested by all federal agencies today are "noncitizens."

To be clear, those 73,822 arrests are also just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. This data does not include the tens of thousands of state and local arrests of illegal immigrants and exponentially more unsolved crimes with prime suspects being illegal immigrants.

Again, the blood and suffering of now hundreds of thousands of victims of violent illegal immigrants is on Biden's hands and those of every Demo who has signed onto his open border policy.

Occasionally, these violent offenders make national news, like when a gang of illegal immigrants recently attacked a couple of New York City police officers, then flipped off America when they were released  another great sanctuary city moment. Nate Jackson noted that, in fact, it is "Biden and other illegal alien-enabling Democrats" who are actually flipping off America.

But most often, the faces of their victims are forever forgotten.

So how do we put a face on the victims of this violence, especially given the fact that the vast majority of murders in America are ignored by Democrats because they are black-on-black? It's almost as if the socialist Democrat Party, which has a long racist legacy, does not think "Black Lives Matter."

Let's start with the face of just one murder victim, Laken Hope Riley, the 22-year-old Augusta Medical University student murdered while out on a morning jog in Athens, Georgia. After police were alerted by her roommate that she had not returned from her run, they found her battered body in a wooded area nearby.

Her murder adds one more "Angel Mom" to the growing list of those with a family member murdered by an illegal immigrant.

A day after Laken Riley was found, Georgia investigators arrested 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Ibarra crossed our southern border on September 8, 2022, with his pretend wife, planning to take advantage of Biden's "catch and release" policy.

Recall that the day Biden entered office in January 2021, he began issuing 94 executive actions on immigration, most notably an order halting all construction of southern border protection walls, which had been initiated by Donald Trump. In one proclamation, he declared: "It shall be the policy of my administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall."

Biden then discontinued Trump's successful "Remain in Mexico" policy.

For the record, three days after Ibarra entered the U.S., Biden's then "border czar," the ever-cackling Kamala Harris, declared, "We have a secure border and that is a priority for any nation, including ours and our administration."

ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams said her agency had previously arrested Ibarra shortly after "unlawfully entering the United States: near El Paso, Texas." She added that he "was paroled and released for further processing." He was bused to New York, where in September of last year, he was arrested by NYPD and charged with "acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation," but again was released. He is also suspected of being involved in the distribution of fake "green card" resident permits, one of which was in the possession of his illegal immigrant brother, who has also now been arrested.

Ibarra left New York and made his way back to Georgia, where he stands charged with murdering Laken Riley.

Much as the case with the ICE arrests of violent illegal immigrants last month, Biden's Leftmedia publicists have suppressed news about Riley's murderer. The Associated Press whitewashed the murder in a story carried by most of the big MSM print platforms. Likewise, the broadcast platforms obscured Ibarra's immigration status.

CNN went as far as to fallaciously assert, "There is little evidence indicating a connection between immigration and crime." ABC insisted the murder "turned a spotlight ... on the dangers women face while running outdoors."

Again, for the record, the same month Ibarra crossed our border, we protested, "The Biden administration has deliberately prohibited any national database of violent crimes committed by illegal aliens he has invited into our country."

A month later we noted: "Illegal immigration is a substantial voter concern, which accounts for why there is no national database of violent crime committed by these offenders  including the terrorists, murderers, rapists, pedophiles, drug dealers, and gang members who have entered the U.S. undetected. ... Every violent crime committed by Biden's illegal pawns needs to be hung around his neck, especially since the administration is releasing illegal immigrants they know are criminals."

Of course, as noted above, the obstacle to reliable data is the same as it is with the FBI's overall crime surge data  i.e., Demo-controlled states and urban centers, especially those so-called sanctuary states and cities, refuse to submit information on crimes committed by illegal immigrants. However, Republicans could have passed legislation requiring the reporting of such data, tying it to federal tax dollars supporting law enforcement agencies across the country. They didn't, so Biden is still getting a pass on violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

Fact is, Biden is the nation's most notorious human trafficker. And again, every violent crime committed by Biden's illegal pawns needs to be hung around his neck.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a stern rebuke of Biden, demanding answers. Kemp declared, "Because of the White House's failures, every state is now a border state."

In a statement, Riley's family said: "Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general. Her love for the Lord was exemplified in every aspect of her life. She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way."

Please, never, ever, ever forget the precious face of Laken Riley, and pray for her family through this dreadful loss.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
Samsungs chip division, aka Samsung Foundry, is coming up with an innovative method to manufacture chips with smaller node sizes. As per a report by the Korean website Chosun Biz, Samsung Foundry plans to bring Backside Power Delivery Network (BSPDN) technology to its 2nm chips.

The chip race between semiconductor manufacturers is heating up with 2nm chips. These chips are mainly scheduled for smartphones to launch in 2025. By decreasing the nanometer count, manufacturers can place more transistors into chips, making them more powerful and enhancing their power efficiency.

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Samsungs 2nm chips land with Backside Power Delivery Network (BSPDN)

The Backside Power Delivery Network (BSPDN) is a technology that basically routes power supply lines on the backside of a chip and removes power-delivering interconnects beneath the silicon. This implementation creates space for the data interconnects above the silicon and allows manufacturers to build larger, less resistive power interconnects.

By implementing BSPDN, Samsung Foundry can reduce interference between power lines and simplify the production process. Additionally, smaller node sizes can potentially enhance the power and efficiency of Samsungs 2nm chips.

Samsung Foundry reportedly began testing BSPDN into two Arm chips, leading to a 10% and 19% reduction in die sizes and a 9% increase in performance and efficiency. The Korean outlet asserts that the test results were beyond Samsungs expectations.

Intel and TSMC are also preparing their 2nm chips

Samsung initially planned to launch BSPDN with its 1.7nm chips. However, its roadmap indicates that the 2nm chips are the first to receive BSPDN. The chips will enter production in 2025. Japans Preferred Networks (PFN) and Qualcomm are said to be the first customers of Samsungs 2nm chips. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which powers flagship Galaxy devices, relies on Samsungs in-house SF2P process.

As we earlier reported, Apple has started designing its chips based on TSMCs 2nm fabrication process. The chips are expected to land in the 2025 iPhone 17 series. Intels 2nm chips, dubbed Intel 20A, also enter production this year.
A few days back, we exclusively leaked the detailed specs of Samsungs upcoming mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy A35. We also previously shared exclusive official renders of the phone. It has now leaked in another set of renders courtesy of YtechB. The publication has also published a complete spec round-up for the device.

New Galaxy A35 leak hints at its nearing launch

Samsung plans to release the Galaxy A35 in four colors: Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Lemon, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Navy. The new renders show the device in all of these colors. The handset features a standard Galaxy design with a flat frame, punch-hole display, and bump-less camera layout. The frame is slightly raised around the power and volume buttons. Samsung calls it the Key Island design.

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Design aside, the punch-hole display measures 6.6 inches diagonally. It is a Super AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ (1080 X 2340 pixels) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Its brightness levels are not known. The display has notable bezels all around, signaling a mid-range device. Both physical keys are on the right side, something Samsung keeps consistent across the Galaxy family.

The tiny hole on the top of the display houses a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. On the back, there are three cameras aligned vertically in the top left corner. The Galaxy A35 gives you a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The device can record UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) videos at 30fps with its main camera. The selfie camera can record FHD (1920 x 1080) videos.

Powering this setup is Samsungs Exynos 1380 processor, which debuted last year with the Galaxy A54. The company will pair the chipset with 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage. The Galaxy A35 also features an under-display fingerprint scanner, IP67 dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, a microSD slot, and Android 14. The package includes a 5,000mAh battery with 25W charging.

It will arrive alongside the Galaxy A55

Samsung will launch the Galaxy A35 alongside the Galaxy A55 soon. Rumors say the mid-range duo will go official on March 11. Leaks have revealed the design and specs of the latter as well. The duo may arrive with a starting price of 389 and 450, respectively, in Europe. If the reported launch date is accurate, expect Samsung to start teasing the new devices in the coming days. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
There is bad news for you if you arent a fan of Samsungs flagship Exynos processors. A rumor on X says the Galaxy S25 series might ship with an Exynos chipset globally. There will be no Snapdragon version, not even in the US. Galaxy foldables, meanwhile, might still exclusively use Snapdragon chips.

Samsung plans to use its Exynos chip in the Galaxy S25 series globally

Last year, Samsung made its fans happy by exclusively using a Snapdragon chip in the Galaxy S23 series. This move came after a series of underperforming Exynos processors and massive public backlash. However, the company returned to Exynos this year. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 globally, the other two models ship with the Exynos 2400 in some regions, including Europe.

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The latest Exynos chip does appear to be a massive upgrade over previous generationsSamsung skipped the Exynos 2300 to set things right. However, it still isnt on par with its Snapdragon counterpart. There are already calls for the Korean behemoth to stop using Exynos processors in its flagship Galaxy phones for once and all. But the firm may have different ideas.

According to X tipster @OreXda, Samsung is considering using its Exynos chippresumably the unannounced Exynos 2500in the Galaxy S25 lineup globally. Even the Ultra model wont have a Snapdragon version. While this may sound like a suicidal move, there have been reports that the Exynos 2500 wont be like previous-gen Samsung chips. It would be built for Galaxy flagships from the ground up.

Korean media says the company has formed a special team for customizing its in-house processors for Galaxy flagships. The team has staff from the semiconductor and smartphone division working closely. The Exynos 2500 is expected to finally perform like a processor developed by Samsung for its smartphones. More importantly, it could no longer be inferior to Qualcomms Snapdragon solutions.

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There is little chance of this happening

All this said, there is little chance the Galaxy S25 series will use the Exynos 2500 everywhere. Unless the new Exynos chip is significantly better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (tentative name), there is no reason why Samsung would go with the Exynos in the US. It has to pay additional royalties to Qualcomm for CDMA network compatibility, making it a more expensive endeavor.

Also, Qualcomm recently announced that it has signed deals with Samsung for future flagship phones. While foldables also fall in the flagship category, the Korean firm should be tempted to use the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 next year if it is better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. So, we advise you to take this rumor with some caution.

While we wouldnt be surprised if Samsung pushes Exynos into the Galaxy S25 Ultra in some regions next year, we dont yet see the entire lineup using the Exynos 2500 globally. We will have to wait for more details to emerge so we can paint a clearer picture. The Galaxy S25 series is still almost a year away. A lot can change by the time the new flagships enter production.
Patsy Palmers character Bianca Jackson caused havoc by throwing a brick through a window as she returned to EastEnders following a four-year absence.

In Mondays episode of the BBC One soap, Bianca, who now lives in Milton Keynes, is visited by her step-daughter Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar) following her off-screen break-up with Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton).

After spending some time with her step-daughter, Bianca is delighted to learn of Whitneys pregnancy and comforts her as they both reflect on the babies they have lost.

Bianca aborted her daughter Natasha in the late 1990s when she learned she had spina bifida, which is when a babys spine and spinal cord does not develop properly.

Whitney terminated a pregnancy in 2023 after her unborn daughter Peach was diagnosed with Edwards syndrome, a rare but serious condition which most babies die from before or shortly after being born, according to the NHS website.

Also in the episode, Whitney learns Bianca is helping to feed a young girl called Britney who is being neglected by her drug-addicted mother.

As she finds her house to confront the mother she is followed by Bianca who throws a brick through a window after she is taunted by Britneys mother who tells her the smartest thing he (Biancas ex Terry) ever did was leaving you.

Biance responds by saying youre looking for a smack before she gets restrained by Zack whilst trying to start a physical altercation.

The following scenes get increasingly dramatic as Whitney follows Britney, who flees the scene.

The episode ends as Britney is about to be run over by a car before Whitney pushes her out the way and is hit herself.

Bianca was last seen in Walford in September 2019 when she attended the ill-fated wedding of step-daughter Whitney to Callum Highway (Tony Clay) amid the latters relationship with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden).

She arrived in Albert Square in 1993 as the daughter of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) and is best known for her tumultuous romantic relationship with Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), who she yelled Rickaaaaaaay at.

Her storylines also involved finding out that David Wicks (Michael French) was her father and discovering the abuse of Whitney at the hands of her partner Tony King.

Palmer, 51, has been DJing since 2012 and competed in BBC Ones Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 with professional dancer Anton Du Beke, and last year featured on ITV1s Dancing On Ice where she was partnered with skater Matt Evers.
Emma Heming, the wife of Bruce Willis, has said the action star still lives a life of love, connection, joy and happiness following his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Heming said she wanted to debunk false narratives about how her husband is living, after she was clickbaited by a headline about her family.

FTD is an umbrella term for a group of dementias which mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for such things as personality, behaviour, language and speech, according to Dementia UK.

In a video on Instagram, she said: The headline basically says there is no more joy in my husband.

Now, I can just tell you, that is far from the truth.

I need society  and whoevers writing these stupid headlines  to stop scaring people.

Stop scaring people to think that once they get a diagnosis of some kind of neurocognitive disease that thats it. Its over. Lets pack it up. Were  Nothing else to see here. Were done. No. It is the complete opposite of that.

She added: There is grief and sadness. Theres all of that. But you start a new chapter.

Heming said that chapter is filled with love, its filled with connection, its filled with joy, its filled with happiness.

Thats where we are. So stop with these stupid headlines. These stupid clickbait-y things that freak people out. Stop doing that. Theres nothing to see here, ok?

In a caption on the post, she added: My experience is that two things can be true and exist at the same time. Grief and deep love. Sadness and deep connection. Trauma and resilience.

I had to get out of my own way to get here but once I arrived, life really started to come together with meaning and I had a true sense of purpose. There is so much beauty and soulfulness in this story.

It was first revealed in March 2022 that Willis had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects communication abilities.

Last year, Williss daughter Rumer provided an updated in which she explained he had received a more specific diagnosis of FTD.

Willis is best known for films such as Die Hard, The Sixth Sense and Pulp Fiction, but has stepped away from his acting career amid his health struggles.

The actor and Heming have been married for 15 years. He was previously married to Hollywood star Demi Moore.
The role of the Second Amendment in black history: A forgotten legacy

By Craig DeLuz

web posted March 4, 2024

The streets of America, once shrouded in shadows, were filled with the flicker of hope as Black History Month drew to a close. A time to reflect on the struggles and successes of African-Americans in this great nation. But amongst the celebrations and festivities, there is one crucial aspect that often remains shrouded in the darkness of ignorance.

The Second Amendment.

It's a delicate topic, one that is often swept under the rug and avoided during this time of year. But let's not forget the role that this amendment has played in securing the rights and liberties of not just African-Americans, but all Americans. From the Civil War through the civil rights movement and even until today, the Second Amendment has been a powerful tool in the hands of those who have fought for justice and equality.

But unfortunately, as with most things in Black history, this topic has been silenced and overshadowed. The harsh reality is that laws were put in place to keep slaves and freed Black men from obtaining firearms. And even after the Civil War, many states passed what's known as Black Codes, intentionally designed to restrict African-Americans from exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

These laws, coupled with the growing violence against African-Americans, gave birth to an unlikely ally in the fight for civil rights: the NRA. Yes, you heard that right. The National Rifle Association, often portrayed as a white, racist organization, was founded by three union officers who fought for the end of slavery and the civil rights of African-Americans. They recognized the need for individuals to defend themselves against the tyranny and violence of the Ku Klux Klan, as the government was not doing enough to protect them.

But as with most things that go against the status quo, there were those who were not pleased. And thus, the gun control movement was born. But make no mistake, it was not about protecting people or reducing violence. It was about keeping guns out of the hands of African-Americans.

The Black Panthers, a civil rights group, understood this all too well. In the late 1960s, they called upon the American people to take note of the racist California legislature that was passing laws specifically aimed at disarming Black citizens. And just like the KKK, the inspiration for these laws came from an unlikely source: Nazi Germany. The language used in these laws was eerily similar to that of Pre-Nazi Germany and Nazi regimes, showing the true intentions behind gun control.

But for some, history seems to repeat itself endlessly. As we see yet again with the rise of white supremacist groups and acts of violence against minorities, the importance of the Second Amendment cannot be understated. It was created to prevent a new government from slipping back into tyranny and to allow individuals to protect what is theirs from any threats.

And yet, even in modern times, there are those who continue to deny African-Americans their Second Amendment rights. As prominent lawyer and gun rights commentator Colion Noir stated, "Dr. King would look at me with a bit of confusion as he happily struggled with methat I, a young Black male living in the heart of the South, whose house was never firebombed and has never received death threats, was granted a concealed handgun license. Yet he who had encountered all of these things was denied."

It's time to shed light on the role of the Second Amendment in Black history. To educate ourselves and others on the importance of this amendment in securing not just civil rights, but all rights. Let us not be afraid to speak out and defend the Second Amendment, for it is the one that defends all others. And let us never forget the words of one man who truly understood the power of this amendment: "When you touch the Second Amendment, you can't become more anti American, because America would not be without her guns."  Willian Owens, President / Founder at America's Altar.

Project 21 Ambassador Craig J. DeLuz has spent almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy. He is currently President of the Robla School District Board of Trustees where he has served for almost 20 years. You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz. This commentary first appeared at The Sacramento Observer.
Chris Packham has been granted permission for a judicial review of the Governments decision to reverse some of its green policies.

The naturalist and TV presenter sent a challenge to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October after the Government watered down policies aimed at helping to cut UK climate-warming emissions to zero overall by 2050, known as net zero.

Mr Sunak announced the rollback in September, which included delaying the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from 2030 to 2035, reducing the phase-out of gas boilers from 100% to 80% by 2035, and scrapping the requirement for energy efficiency upgrades for homes.

The Prime Minister said the UKs approach to net zero was imposing unacceptable costs on hard-pressed British families.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Paul Ellis/PA)

In an announcement on Monday, law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Mr Packham, said Mr Justice Eyre had granted permission for the legal challenge to be heard in court.

The legal team said a judge will decide whether it was lawful for ministers to decide to water down the policies, with a hearing to take place later this year.

The measures and timetable to introduce the policies were laid out in a Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (CBDP) put before Parliament in March 2023.

This came after a successful legal challenge by Friends of the Earth which argued that the Governments Net Zero Strategy did not include necessary details on how the UK would reach its legally binding targets by 2050.

The Leigh Day team will argue that after the decision, Mr Sunak did not confirm whether the Government would still be able to meet its sixth carbon budget and how it would do so, as required by the 2008 Climate Change Act.

Leigh Day said Mr Packham has been given the go-ahead to argue three grounds in court.

He will say it is not lawful for the Government to remove key policies from the CBDP without having others in place to ensure targets will still be met.

The case also alleges that when taking the decision to water down the policies, the Government failed to take mandatory and relevant considerations into account, including the impact on the achievement of the carbon budgets and the net zero target as well as advice from the Climate Change Committee.

On the third ground, Mr Packham will argue there was a failure to consult the public and key stakeholders before abandoning the policies.

The naturalist said: The pledges which the Government abandoned were important parts of the UKs plan to reach net zero in order to ameliorate the effects of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss which threaten life on our planet.

Notably they, unlike some of the other parts of that strategy, were actually quantifiable, they were directly measurable in terms of carbon management.

To abandon them without having comparable quantifiable measures in place was reckless and dangerous.

To abandon them without seeking qualified advice was undemocratic and arrogant.

Carol Day, a Leigh Day solicitor representing the TV star, said: Mr Packham will argue that it cannot be lawful for the Government to abandon carefully thought-out policies designed to achieve net zero targets without having other measures in place.

It would make the Governments report to Parliament under the Climate Change Act nothing more than a snapshot in time.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: We strongly reject these claims and will be robustly defending this challenge.

We are the first major economy to halve emissions and have one of the most ambitious legally binding emissions targets in the world, having overdelivered on every carbon budget to date.

We are committed to meeting our legal net zero commitments and families will now have more time to make the transition, saving some people thousands of pounds at a time when cost of living is high.
The Church of Englands work to address historic links to slavery must be the start of a wider conversation for British society, a campaigner has said, as a new report set a 1 billion target for an investment fund for healing, repair and justice.

The initial 100 million investment fund set up to address the wrongs of the past has been deemed too small and slow by an independent oversight group.

The funding programme was announced in January last year for investment, research and engagement to address past wrongs.

But its original nine-year timeframe has been judged too long by an independent oversight group which also stated that 100 million is insufficient to counter the historic and enduring greed, cynicism and hate with penitence, hope and love.

The Church Commissioners for England has warmly welcomed a report advising on its response to historic links with African chattel enslavement. The Oversight Groups report will shape the new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice. Read more at https://t.co/kTyfh3I6lF.  The Church of England (@churchofengland) March 4, 2024

It said: The sum of 100 million is very small compared to the scale of racial disadvantage originating in African chattel enslavement.

The group said the Church Commissioners had embraced a target of 1 billion for a broader healing, repair and justice initiative with the fund at its centre.

Patrick Vernon, a member of the oversight group and a well-known Windrush campaigner, welcomed the churchs response to the report, and said it must be the start of a journey for the country, to talk about this issue.

He told reporters on Monday: We have to recognise this is quite an historic occasion for one of the major institutions in British society, to put its hand up and say we benefited from the African Chattel enslavement, we recognise injustice and in terms of the theology of the church, recognising that it had to do the right thing.

Campaigner Patrick Vernon called for a wider and mature conversation on what organisations can do to address the wrongs of the past (Victoria Jones/PA)

Calling for a mature conversation, he said he hopes the report can spark other major organisations into action.

I hope that this will inspire other institutions and other organisations who have been involved in a similar history, like the Church of England, to recognise they have to look at righting the wrongs, he said.

Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and chairwoman of the oversight group, said the church was stepping forth quite boldly, quite audaciously, and saying: We can do this, others should join in.'

The fund  which they said should be known as the Fund For Healing, Repair And Justice  will invest in members of disadvantaged black communities, aiming to back their most brilliant social entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare givers, asset managers and historians.

While there will be grants for non-profit investments to promote and enhance healthy lives, thriving minds and cultural impact, there will not be cash compensation for individuals or grants to government bodies, the group added.

The Church Commissioners will disburse the 100 million over five years, rather than nine as originally planned, the report said.

Both the commissioners and the oversight group stressed that they did not want to rush into action, but rather to focus on doing it well.

Gareth Mostyn, chief executive of the Church Commissioners for England, said: I hope that we will be able to start deploying funds by the end of this year, but well make sure that we work through all of the practical, financial, legal issues to make sure that were ready to do that before we do.

The 1 billion target can be met through a larger allocation from the Church Commissioners as well as through third-party funds, the group said.

Mr Mostyn said the establishment of the fund will hopefully encourage others to co-invest and join us on this journey, and emphasised that as it is an investment fund it is hoped it will grow and create a lasting legacy.

The announcement of the fund last year was a specific response to what the group described as a historic pool of capital tainted by its involvement in African chattel enslavement.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby described transatlantic slavery as an appalling evil (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Known as Queen Annes Bounty  a fund used to supplement the income of poor clergy, it invested significantly in the South Sea Company, which traded in slaves in the 18th century.

The fund also received numerous donations, many of which the church has said were likely to have come from people linked to, or who profited from, slavery and plantations.

Among a series of recommendations, the oversight group called on the Church Commissioners to separately fund research to uncover the full picture of the churchs involvement in slavery and wealth generated from it, beyond Queen Annes Bounty.

It also urged the church to apologise publicly for denying that black Africans are made in the image of God and for seeking to destroy diverse African traditional religious belief systems.

Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and chairwoman of the oversight group, said she hopes the investment fund can be a catalyst to encourage other institutions to investigate their past and make a better future for impacted communities.

She said no amount of money can fully atone for or fully redress the centuries-long impact of African chattel enslavement, the effects of which are still felt around the world today.

She said the legacy of slavery continues to have a significant impact on communities today and inequalities persist till this day in the form of pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, life chances at birth, physical and mental health, education, employment, income, property and the criminal justice system.

The bishop told reporters: We hope that by doing what we can do, others will look at us and see that as an example.

She said people like to berate the Church of England quite often, but that on this occasion the church is stepping forth quite boldly, quite audaciously and saying we can do this, others should join in.

In a statement, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: In seeking justice for all, we must continue to work together remembering that all are created in the image of God.

The oversight groups independent work with the Church Commissioners is the beginning of a multi-generational response to the appalling evil of transatlantic chattel enslavement.

My prayer is that this work will stimulate further visionary and practical co-created action.
The first series of ITVs Celebrity Big Brother could include former This Morning host Fern Britton, according to reports.

The 66-year-old presenter turned author, who used to host ITVs daytime programme with Phillip Schofield from 2002 to 2009, is reportedly entering the Big Brother house for the revived series.

Britton, also known for work on Ready Steady Cook and Breakfast Time, has also competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

Fern Britton was previously on Strictly Come Dancing (Ian West/PA)

In November, ITV announced the Big Brother spin-off would be returning to screens in 2024 following the reboot of the standard format in October, which saw lawyer Jordan crowned the winner.

In a video on social media hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best teased the new contestants by reacting to them by giving hints.

They said one is competitive, another is a good time girl and a celebrity was also hailed as TVs finest.

I dont think theyre going to get on, Odudu also said.

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson said: Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Other housemates touted to appear on the launch of the series on Monday include Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Bradley Riches, Nikita Kuzmin and Colson Smith.

Osbourne, along with being the wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne, has appeared on several series of talent show The X Factor alongside judges Simon Cowell and Irish talent agent Walsh.

Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Dermot OLeary. (Steve Parsons/PA)

She has also competed on the celebrity version of The Apprentice in the US and has presented a programme on TalkTV.

The Sun reports that she will be just a guest housemate on Big Brother.

Walsh has managed stars including Boyzone, Jedward and Westlife, and has most recently been overseeing the development of five-piece boyband Next In Line, who he has described as a modern-day One Direction.

Meanwhile, Love Island star Culculoglu has just appeared in the second season of the US version of psychological game The Traitors while Smith is a Coronation Street actor.

OK we are SO ready to meet the Housemates now @AJOdudu and @iamwillbest! #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/pdatSGA7DN  Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) March 3, 2024

Riches was in Netflix LGBT+ romance show Heartstopper and Kuzmin is a Strictly dancer  who was a runner up on the last series when he competed with actor Layton Williams.

Sauce maker Levi Roots, who was successful on BBC business show Dragons Den, and the Princess of Wales uncle, the businessman Gary Goldsmith, are also rumoured to be joining the cast.

Before the series aired on ITV last year, the controversial reality show last was on Channel 5 in 2018 before being cancelled by the channel.

Celebrity Big Brother will air from Monday on ITV1 and ITVX and the location has been revamped for the famous arrivals.

A spin-off show called Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will follow on ITV2.
A coroner has called on the Government to order a public inquiry into the murder of a senior GAA official after ruling an inquest cannot proceed due to the withholding of sensitive files.

Mr Justice Kinney said his ability to examine the death of Sean Brown had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Announcing the Public Interest Immunity (PII) ruling in Belfast, the coroner said he will be writing to Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, calling on the Government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder.

Mr Brown, 61, was abducted and killed by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Co Londonderry in May 1997.

Mr Justice Kinneys ruling comes after the Security Service, Ministry of Defence and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) applied for multiple redactions on sensitive files related to the murder.

Preliminary inquest proceedings have already heard that in excess of 25 people have been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It has also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

No-one has been convicted of Mr Browns murder.

During his PII ruling, Mr Justice Kinney heavily criticised the way the state parties had handled the disclosure process, branding repeated delays deplorable and, frankly, inexcusable.

He said the extent of material he had agreed to exempt from being used as evidence at the inquest meant he could not comply with his statutory duty to investigate the circumstances of Mr Browns death.

The coroner said an inquest is unable to hear evidence in closed proceedings, and noted that a public inquiry could examine such sensitive materials.

I am satisfied that my duty to carry out a full, fair and fearless investigation into Mr Browns death is seriously compromised as issues of central importance to the death cannot be dealt with by the inquest process, he said.

The family of Sean Brown outside court (Liam McBurney/PA)

The coroner said he is unable to make a proper analysis of the material that has been redacted as a result of the Public Interest Immunity process.

In those circumstances, and with considerable regret, I have concluded that I cannot continue with this inquest, he said.

To do so would inevitably result in an inquest that would be incomplete, inadequate, and misleading.

Mr Justice Kinney acknowledged that his decision would cause further pain and anguish for Mr Browns family.

The coroner said he expected a reply from the Government on his request for a public inquiry within four weeks.

He said Mr Brown was an entirely innocent man who was subject to a planned execution by Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) gunmen.

His murder was senseless, he added.

The coroner said he could not provide a satisfactory answer to the familys question as to why Mr Brown was murdered.

He said the victim was at the heart of his family and his community.

He was a man of whom his family are justifiably proud. He was the kind of person our society needs and his loss is truly felt in that wider sense.

The coroner praised the familys long fight for justice.

The inquest process as it stands cannot provide what you desire or deserve, he said.

The public gallery in Belfast High Court was packed with members of the Brown family and supporters, including senior GAA officials, among them association president Jarlath Burns.

Mark Robinson KC, representing Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Heaton-Harris, said he will carefully consider the ruling.

He said the Cabinet minister acknowledged the suffering the murder has caused.

Barrister for the Brown family Des Fahy KC said that, while they did not want the inquest to stop, they accept the ruling.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will carefully consider the ruling, his barrister said (Oliver McVeigh/PA)

Mr Fahy said the familys reaction was a mixture of sadness and anger.

This is not a legal process where the Brown family is frustrated because they have not been able to find out the truth about the murder of Sean Brown, he said.

Thats because the truth about what happened is right here in these folders of sensitive material about the murder, but it cant come out and it cant be revealed by you (the coroner) because of the many hundreds of redactions that have been made by the Chief Constable of the PSNI and by the security services.

Mr Fahy said one file contained 56 pages and each one of those pages had been completely blanked out, meaning not a word of evidence is being made public.

He said in another file, 15 out of 15 pages were similarly entirely blanked out.

The legal counsel said the Brown family viewed that approach to redaction as an affront to the principles of open justice and fairness.

The truth of what happened to Sean Brown is not some intangible thing, far off in the distance, he added.

Its here and available if only the state parties would allow it to be revealed.

He said the stance prompted the family to question what the state has got to hide.

Outside court one of Mr Browns daughters, Siobhan, welcomed the coroners call for a public inquiry.

Siobhan Brown speaks to the media after the coroners ruling (Liam McBurney/PA).

She said revelations that state agents had been linked to the murder were devastating.

It was always the familys opinion that there were state agents involved in it, she said.

But the extent to which they were involved was shocking when we heard last week that up to 25 individuals were involved and potentially that involved many state agents.

And, again, the information in relation to surveillance on an individual that was carried out, stopped and then restarted the day after my father was murdered  (that) in itself speaks volumes.

The GAA backed the call for a public inquiry.

The GAA is disappointed that the failure of British security forces to release material relating to the murder of former Bellaghy chairperson Sean Brown means an inquest cannot proceed but welcomes the call from coroner Mr Justice Kinney for a full public inquiry, said a statement from the association.

The association acknowledges the work and diligence of the coroner and will continue to assist and support the Brown family in their quest for full disclosure, truth and justice after a 27-year wait.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Niall Carson/PA)

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he is determined to work with families impacted by disclosure limitations at legacy inquests.

He added: The Brown family, and indeed others, have been let down by the lack of a suitable mechanism to address sensitive information at inquests.

As we know, inquests can work perfectly well for some families, but for those cases where large swathes of information attract public interest immunity, those families also have a right to answers.

I am looking to address those issues and the Police Service of Northern Ireland will co-operate with any public inquiry.
Dame Priti Patel has asked Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to scrap the tourism tax and reintroduce VAT-free shopping for tourists ahead of Wednesdays Budget.

The former home-secretary and the Conservative Party Member for Witham said the move would give businesses a real boost, saying the current tax on tourism is making Britain less attractive for tourists.

Writing in the Telegraph, Dame Priti said: Our country now needs more pro-business measures to secure future growth and with the Budget approaching the Chancellor must consider scrapping the tourism tax and reintroducing VAT-free shopping for foreign visitors.

Our competitors in Europe have already taken advantage, with France experiencing record levels of tourism spend in 2022 and 2023 as they attract high-spending tourists.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (Maja Smiejkowska, PA)

High-spenders and tourists from the USA, Canada, the Middle East and China are now finding Paris and other European cities a more attractive destination than London and the UK.

Mrs Patel said data from Visit Britain showed that there was a 10% decline in spending from tourists in 2023, compared to the levels four years earlier.

Unless tax-free shopping is reintroduced, British businesses and brands will continue to lose out to their European competitors, where tax-free shopping continues, Dame Priti added.

It comes as Mr Hunt is set to announce funding ahead of the Budget aimed at helping to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing.

The package, said to be worth 360 million, is for research and development (R&D) and manufacturing projects across the life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors.

It includes 92 million joint Government and industry investment to expand facilities to make life-saving medicines and diagnostics products.

In response shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the Government is incapable of providing the long-term stability manufacturing needs to thrive.

He added: Recycled announcements wont be enough to turn around the lowest business investment in the G7.
The mother of murdered Emma Caldwell will meet with First Minister Humza Yousaf on Tuesday and will attend further meetings with the chief constable of Police Scotland and the Lord Advocate to discuss the need for a public inquiry into the investigation of her killing.

Margaret Caldwell, her family and their lawyer, Aamer Anwar, will meet with Mr Yousaf at Bute House on Tuesday afternoon.

They will then meet with Chief Constable Jo Farrell, of Police Scotland, on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday morning, they will meet with Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain.

Mrs Caldwell has called for a criminal investigation into the handling of the case after it took almost 19 years to bring her daughters killer to justice.

Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (Family handout/PA)

Last Wednesday, Iain Packer was jailed for life with a recommendation that he serve at least 36 years after being found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of murdering 27-year-old Emma in 2005 and of multiple offences involving other women.

However, Mrs Caldwell said an inquiry could take many years to set up and is also calling for a criminal investigation led by an outside police force and steered by independent prosecutors to scrutinise the conduct of authorities, the Sunday Post newspaper reported.

Mrs Caldwell told the newspaper: The only thing the Crown Office should have been announcing after the trial was an immediate and independent criminal investigation.

It is not just my family that needs reassurance about our justice system. Everyone in Scotland needs that reassurance.

Iain Packer was jailed for life at the High Court in Glasgow (Police Scotland/PA)

Packer was also convicted of 11 rapes and 21 further charges including sexual assaults and abduction, involving multiple women, over 26 years.

The Crown Office said that following a full independent investigation, Crown Counsel concluded that there was insufficient evidence of criminality on the part of any police officer involved in the investigation of Emma Caldwells murder.

However, the Crown reserved the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available, as in all cases.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has said a public inquiry into the investigation of Packer is not off the table.

Mrs Caldwell welcomed the possibility of a public inquiry but said there can be no more delay.

She told the newspaper: I was 57 when Emma died and Im 78 now. How long must I wait to be told exactly who failed Emma and why?

I have no patience for more talk and empty promises. Only actions count now.

Police Scotland has apologised to the family of Miss Caldwell and Packers other victims, admitting they were let down by policing.

Miss Caldwell was reported missing by her family in April 2005 and her body was found the following month in Limefield Woods, near Roberton, South Lanarkshire.

In 2015, a Sunday Mail newspaper story branded Packer the forgotten suspect and Police Scotland launched a re-investigation of the case that year following instruction from the Lord Advocate.

Mrs Caldwell said that her husband Willie died of cancer and with a broken heart in 2011 before seeing justice for his daughter.

She said her daughter always said she would come home and sort herself out, adding every day it breaks my heart that she never got the chance.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: This week, the Lord Advocate will meet with Emmas family and their solicitor to answer questions about the investigation and criminal proceedings.

We feel that to respect this meeting it would not be appropriate to comment publicly on matters which should be discussed first with Emmas family.

However, we can confirm a previous statement that, following a full independent investigation, Crown Counsel concluded that there was insufficient evidence of criminality on the part of any police officer involved in the investigation of Emma Caldwells murder.

As in all cases, the Crown reserved the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available.

Following Packers conviction on Wednesday, Assistant Chief Constable for major crime and public protection Bex Smith said: Police Scotland launched a re-investigation of the case in 2015 after instruction from the Lord Advocate.

It is clear that further investigations should have been carried out into Emmas murder following the initial inquiry in 2005.

The lack of investigation until 2015 caused unnecessary distress to her family and all those women who had come forward to report sexual violence.

Police said that, over seven years, a full review of the original inquiry by Strathclyde Police in 2005 was completed.

A spokesperson said: As part of the re-investigation, a report was also sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to the Strathclyde Police investigation.
US actor Jack Black has confirmed the viral rendition of Britney Spears Baby One More Time will play during the end credits to Kung Fu Panda 4.

The 54-year-old appeared at the world premiere of the action-comedy franchise in Los Angeles alongside returning stars Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, screen veteran James Hong and Breaking Bads Bryan Cranston, who featured in the last 2016 film.

The film stars Black as panda protagonist Po, who is set to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace but finds himself in need of a successor for the role of the Dragon Warrior.

James Hong arrives at the premiere of Kung Fu Panda 4 (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/PA)

Appearing on the carpet wearing a white and black suit in a nod to his panda character, Black performed a series of kung fu moves to a mob of photographers and later described the film as the funniest of the four and action-packed.

It comes days after the star, who forms one half of US rock comedy duo Tenacious D with Kyle Gass, went viral after posting a video of the pair dancing to a rendition of Spears breakout 1999 hit.

Confirming the song will appear in the fourth instalment of Kung Fu Panda, Black told the PA news agency: (Director) Mike (Mitchell) said wed love to have a Tenacious D song for the end credits and we said wed like to do a Britney Spears song.

He said lets do Hit Me Baby One More Time for the kung fu aspect of that song and we were like hell yeah, so we got in the recording studio and we did it and were really proud of the track.

We shot a little impromptu music video in Kyles hotel room, and we put it on the internet, and its gone crazy viral; its exciting.

Black and Gass appeared to film another impromptu music video for the song on the carpet before the world premiere began.

Director Mike Mitchell later told PA that Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer weaves in the Kung Fu Panda theme tune, which he described as amazing.

He had like an 80-piece orchestra add to it, beautiful, Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, School Of Rock star Black also spoke about his latest project, working on the upcoming Minecraft film alongside Danielle Brooks.

I love Danielle Brooks. Ive been a huge fan of hers ever since I first saw her on Orange Is The New Black, and shes just been killing it in her career, and the fact that were working together on Minecraft is mind-blowing, he said.

Danielle Brooks (Ian West/PA)

Weve been having a ball in New Zealand, and Im so proud of her going to the Oscars; shes the class of the cast, I always tell her. Shes crushing it and cant wait for you to see the movie.

The Kung Fu Panda 4 premiere marked a reunion for Everything Everywhere All At Once stars Ke Huy Quan and James Hong, who both starred in the film which dominated the Academy Awards last year winning seven awards  including best supporting actor for Quan and best picture.

In the upcoming Kung Fu Panda film, Quan plays Han, leader of the Den of Thieves, while Hong reprises his role as Pos adoptive father, Mr Ping.

The fourth edition of the hit martial arts-themed franchise also features new cast members, including Academy Award winner Viola Davis as shape-shifting sorceress Chameleon and Golden Globe winner Awkwafina as quick-witted thief Zhen.

Director Mike described working on the film as a blast as the cast are individually so funny and also said it was nice to be involved with a funny, more light-hearted film as the world continues to feel divisive.

Our theme is about change, and thats what Po learns going through this and weve got a terrific villain, a chameleon who is always changing her appearance, he told PA.

Going through change can be terrifying, filled with anxiety, and we try to show that change can be a good thing and youre not losing anything of the past; youre just gaining and becoming more of something better. I think thats something nice for these times.

Co-director Stephanie Stine also said this is her favourite type of film to work on because it is so important to focus on what we as people are capable of doing for everyone else.

I think Pos journey in all of the Kung Fu Panda movies, he is there not just to get better himself but also to help everyone who is around him and I think that is such a positive message, she told PA.

She also described herself as an introvert but when Black enters a room I feel like I just turn into an extrovert.

He has such an incredible energy, she said.

He is just the ultimate professional, hes an incredible actor, hes funny, he is always riffing and he knows so much about everything  I think the world of him.

The franchise has previously featured A-list stars including Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, and Lucy Liu.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is to announce funding ahead of the Budget aimed at helping to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing.

The package, said to be worth 360 million, is for research and development (R&D) and manufacturing projects across the life sciences, automotive and aerospace sectors.

It includes 92 million joint Government and industry investment to expand facilities to make life-saving medicines and diagnostics products.

There is also a 200 million joint investment in zero-carbon aircraft technology to develop a more sustainable aviation sector, and almost 73 million in automotive technology.

Mr Hunt said: Were sticking with our plan by backing the industries of the future with millions of pounds of investment to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing, securing the highly skilled jobs of the future and delivering the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain.

It is hoped the funding will unlock investment from the private sector and give certainty to investors.

In response shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the Government is incapable of providing the long-term stability manufacturing needs to thrive.

He added: Recycled announcements wont be enough to turn around the lowest business investment in the G7.

The investment package is part of the Governments plan to grow the economy, boost health resilience and support jobs, Mr Hunt will say on Monday ahead of the Budget.

The funding is for several companies and projects which are making cutting-edge technology in sectors key to economic growth.

It includes 7.5 million for two pharmaceutical companies which are investing a combined 84 million to expand their manufacturing plants in the UK.

From medicines to treat cancer & heart disease, to zero-carbon aircraft engine tech, the 360m of funding weve announced today matters. These projects will help grow our 205bn a year manufacturing sector  which already employs around 2.6 million people.  HM Treasury (@hmtreasury) March 4, 2024

Almac, a pharmaceutical company in Northern Ireland, produces drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, heart disease and depression.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, in Pencoed, South Wales, is expanding its facilities producing testing products used to identify a variety of diseases and conditions.

Firms will also soon be able to apply for a share of 520 million funding for life sciences manufacturing which was announced last year.

It is designed to build resilience for future health emergencies such as influenza pandemics and capitalise on the UKs world-leading R&D.

Competitions for large-scale investments are to open for expressions of interest this summer and for medium and smaller sized companies in the autumn.

More than 2 billion across five years from 2025 was announced in the autumn statement to unlock investment in the manufacturing and development of zero-emission vehicles, batteries and supply chains, the Government said.

It is part of the move to the new Auto2030 programme which will deliver support in future. Investors can still apply to the current schemes.

Kemi Badenoch (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said Mondays announcement builds on the Advanced Manufacturing Plan which aims to give industry long-term certainty to grow and invest in the UK, backed by 4.5 billion of targeted support to boost manufacturing.

She said: Our plan for the British economy is working  which is why firms like Airbus and BMW are continuing to bet on Britain.

Science Secretary Michelle Donelan, said: The UKs 108 billion life sciences sector is driven by the pioneering contributions of over 300,000 highly skilled individuals who transform lives through groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery and diagnostics.

We fuel this progress by fostering a dynamic environment where cutting-edge technologies like AI and genomics meet world-class research to create the next generation of healthcare solutions, including in our NHS.

By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities, we are protecting our communities by ensuring we can rapidly respond to future health emergencies and deliver life-saving innovations when they are needed most.
Three-quarters of people in Scotland have limited their energy use to afford other goods and services including food in the last year, according to new research.

The Survation poll for Advice Direct Scotland found that more than half (57%) are worried about being able to afford electricity, gas or oil over the coming year.

It found that 76% of adults in Scotland have either slightly or significantly limited their energy use over the past 12 months so they can pay for other goods and/or services, including food.

Half (50%) said they sometimes feel cold in their own home as a result, and a further 24% said they often feel cold.

Advice Direct Scotland said the UKs energy market is broken, with many worried about how they will be able to pay for energy in the year ahead.

The charity is calling on the UK Government to use Wednesdays Budget to introduce an opt-out social tariff which would automatically put struggling households on the cheapest deal.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: This poll indicates that hundreds of thousands of Scots are limiting their energy use so they can afford to pay for other goods such as food, and are left suffering in the cold in their own homes as a result.

For those on prepayment meters, the cost of energy has left many unable to afford a top-up, often leaving people in debt.

While bills might have fallen from their recent peak, they still remain high  and a majority of Scots are worried about being able to afford this over the coming year.

These findings confirm that the UKs energy market is broken, and we need an opt-out social energy tariff to help the most vulnerable households.

This has widespread public support, and the Chancellor should use this weeks Budget to act.

Advice Direct Scotland said that while regulator Ofgem will drop its cap on the amount suppliers are able to charge by 1,928 to 1,690 from April 1, this is still 552 more than what households were charged before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021.

The poll of 1,043 Scots aged over 16, carried out in February, found that just over one in 10 (11%) said they are behind on their energy bills, with some struggling with debts of more than 1,000.

More than half of those with a prepayment meter (57%) said the cost of energy has often or sometimes caused them to run out of funds to keep it topped up.

Two-thirds (66%) of those questioned said they would support the UK-wide introduction of a social tariff.

The charity said a social energy tariff could be targeted at those most in need, with eligibility being determined by whether members of a household are in receipt of benefits or are on low incomes.

Advice Direct Scotland runs energyadvice.scot, which provides free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters and can be accessed at www.energyadvice.scot.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: We recognise the cost-of-living challenges families are facing, which is why we are spending 104 billion supporting households with their bills.

A social tariff is about protecting vulnerable people and thats exactly what we are doing by providing significant financial support for those who need it most.

This includes 900 in cost-of-living payments, 150 to those on eligible disability benefits, plus a further 150 Warm Home Discount.
Rishi Sunak claimed the UK economy is getting on the right track as he visited the site of the former Honda car factory.

The Japanese car giants plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, shut in 2021 with the loss of thousands of jobs and the site was sold to developer Panattoni to turn into a logistics hub.

Addressing Panattoni staff working on the demolition and reconstruction of the site, the Prime Minister said in the last five years the firm has begun developing more than 25 million square feet of industrial space.

With Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to deliver his pre-election Budget on Wednesday, Mr Sunak said: I think thats a huge vote of confidence in the UK, and it shows that the work were doing to get the economy on the right track is paying off.

Now, Im determined, as Prime Minister, to make sure that the UK is the best place in the world to invest and grow a business like this.

And thats why weve been taking ambitious steps, like making full-expensing permanent, which is the biggest business tax cut in modern British history.

Its all about supporting businesses like this to invest in local areas and create jobs and opportunity for the future.

Mr Sunak spoke to Panattoni staff working on the demolition and reconstruction of the site (Toby Melville/PA)

On Monday, Mr Hunt reiterated his desire to move towards a lower tax economy but in a responsible way, ruling out borrowing to pay for a pre-election giveaway.

He dodged questions on whether the Tory Government is pinching Labours policies as it is thought he is considering abolishing the non-dom tax status as a way of raising revenue  a long-standing pledge made by Sir Keir Starmers party.

Youll have to see on Wednesday precisely what Im going to announce, the Chancellor told broacasters.

But let me be clear, there is a plan for growth compared to the Labour Party that has just had to abandon the central plan that they had for growth  this 28 billion number that one day they were supporting, the next day they werent.

The closure of the Honda plant was announced in 2019 in the wake of Brexit  although the firm insisted that was not the reason, instead blaming unprecedented changes in the global car industry.
Smartfood gets dumb: Bud Lights itself with "LGBTQ" GLAAD bag By Selwyn Duke

web posted March 4, 2024 Move over, Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney. There's a new brand in town finding woke ways to reduce its market share. I learned this shopping in a local supermarket Wednesday, when I noticed a rack with unusually colorful bags of Smartfood popcorn. Since the brand has been introducing new varieties in recent years, this wasn't surprising. What did raise my eyebrows was that the bags were a sexual devolutionary special edition roll-out for, it seems, Valentine's Day, but were still around. (Is it too much to hope it's because they're not selling well?) Much like Dylan Mulvaney, the bags are brazen and "in your face," unabashedly advertising a partnership the brand now has with GLAAD. Originally formed in 1985 and then known as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD has now expanded its sexual devolutionary horizons and pushes the MUSS (Made-up Sexual Status, aka "transgender") agenda along with its original obsessions. In other words, this group is as toxically left-wing as they come. This doesn't stop Smartfood Stupidfood from boldly proclaiming on its bags, "Smartfood & GLAAD, together for love." (Pro tip for the company: You spelled "lust" wrong.) A picture of the bag is embedded in my tweet below. After a bit of research, I learned that Stupidfood actually forged this partnership in 2022. I don't know if it received much press back then, but I don't remember hearing about it. Regardless, it's amazing that a company will wade into a divisive, bruising culture-war battle by making common cause with one of the high-profile combatants. Have any of its executives ever heard of Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People? Note again, too, that GLAAD is absolutely on the cutting edge of societal devolution ; it's a danger to all of us, including, of course, kids. Consider how it boasts about its MUSS advocacy, which it indicates goes back to 1998. In its media guide , it issues instructions such as "Always use a transgender person's chosen name" and "Ask for the pronoun a person uses, and use it" (know here that there are recently invented pronouns such as "ze" and "zir." Also know that people don't have pronouns  languages do.) GLAAD is also all-in on having males masquerading as females participate in the latter's sports. In other words, if it's sexual and bad for society, GLAAD is all for it. And Stupidfood is all for GLAAD. In an announcement of its support, it makes a "pledge to donate $150,000 to LGBTQ+ initiatives." This is chump change for the brand, of course, especially considering that it has long been owned by Frito-Lay, itself a subsidiary of PepsiCo. But it may lose far more than that in sales if its radical GLAAD association gets enough exposure. I say "may" because I realize its market isn't identical to what, for example, Bud Light's was. Bud Light's sales have collapsed, as it isn't subject to a boycott, but a walkaway. It may never recover. Whatever the outcome with Stupidfood, it certainly deserves the same fate. What are these executives thinking? Is the GLAAD alliance the result of "woke capital," of entities such as Blackrock and its CEO, Larry Fink, pressuring the company into embracing politically correct policies? Is it a function of younger Millennials entering corporate America with their woke-academia priorities? Is it both? Perhaps Stupidfood perceives that our culture has long been drifting "left" (i.e., toward moral disorder) and is merely betting on the future. This would, though, risk losing the present. Regardless, for sure is that they've lost my business. I did like their overpriced popcorn, though I'd only buy it on sale. But now I wouldn't take it for free. They can join with the cultural devolutionaries if they want, but they won't be doing it with my money. I'm out. Contact Selwyn Duke , follow him on MeWe or Gettr or log on to SelwynDuke.com . Home
The family of a woman murdered by her abusive husband are backing a campaign to ensure justice for women who die after being pushed from a height.

Fawziyah Javed, 31, and her unborn child died when she was pushed from Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh in September 2021.

Kashif Anwar, 29, from Leeds, was found guilty of the murder after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh last year and was given a life sentence and ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars.

Ms Javeds family have now supported the group Killed Women, which is calling for major change as it seeks to uncover and prevent the hidden homicides of women pushed to their deaths.

Fawziyah Javed was murdered by her husband (family handout/Police Scotland/PA)

It coincides with the Channel 4 documentary The Push, which follows the case of Ms Javed, who was from the Pudsey area of Leeds.

Ms Javeds mother Yasmin, a member of the Killed Women network, said: Domestic abusers will continue to get away with murder if we dont ensure the cases of so-called fallen women are rigorously investigated by authorities.

We must have a system that delivers justice for these women.

The conviction will never heal the grief of losing our beautiful Fawziyah, but we are campaigning to ensure that all those who murder women in this way are held to account.

Criminologist Professor Jane Monckton Smith estimates there are around 130 primarily female victims killed every year in England and Wales whose deaths are not investigated or prosecuted as homicides.

Killed Women submitted freedom of information requests to all 44 UK police forces to find out how many incidents of women falling from a height there were between 1973 and 2023.

It said 42 of the forces were not able to provide the data, or said they were unable to access the information due to the required time and cost.

Kashif Anwar pushed his pregnant wife Fawziyah Javed to her death off Arthurs Seat (Police Scotland/PA)

Police Scotland did respond, stating there had been 10 homicides involving women falling from height, while Humberside provided data between 2017 and 2023, stating there were seven incidents, the campaign group said.

Killed Womens Fallen Women campaign calls for the deaths of all women who have fallen from a height to be reviewed by police to identify whether domestic abuse may have been a feature.

The group wants official data collection to track the number of women who die after falling from a height each year, and said domestic abuse should be a key line of inquiry for police in all such cases.

Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, said: I strongly support the fallen women campaign to shine a light on this hidden issue.

Police, forensic specialists and the whole justice system must look seriously at the wider context to these deaths, taking the time to understand any history of domestic abuse, and join the dots.

Killed Women is a campaigning organisation led by and representing the bereaved families of women killed by men.

National Police Chiefs Council lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said: Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for policing and every domestic abuse death is a tragic and horrific loss.

Many domestic abusers will be known to police and where someone has been killed and there is a history of domestic abuse, or there are suspicious circumstances, this will be investigated thoroughly.

Unexpected deaths will also be subject to a coroners inquest where circumstances will be examined and will seek to identify whether a death could have been prevented.

As part of our annual national threat picture into violence against women and girls, we have sought to improve our insight into the experiences of women who are abused at the hands of their partners.

We have also been working with academics to study every homicide where there is a history of domestic abuse, and this forms part of our ongoing work to improve our overall response.

We acknowledge, however, that policing must do more to effectively identify and monitor known abusers and prevent further harm.

We are grateful to the Killed Women network for our recent discussions to progress and identify improvements and are committed to working with them and all within the sector to collectively improve services to victims.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland and we are committed to working with our partners to reduce the harm it causes and ultimately eradicate it.

All reports are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

Police Scotlands Violence against Women and Girls Strategy demonstrates our commitment to tackling the violence and abuse that disproportionately affects women and girls.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners declined to comment.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Tory former Cabinet ministers have helped inflict the heaviest defeats Rishi Sunak has suffered in the Lords over his proposed Rwanda asylum law.

The string of Government setbacks, most passed by unusually large margins of more than 100 votes, set the stage for a Westminster showdown over the legislation that aims to clear the way to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Kigali.

The Prime Minister has previously warned the unelected chamber against frustrating the will of the people by hampering the passage of his Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, which has already been approved by MPs.

Ahead of the next election, Mr Sunak has made stopping the boats a key pledge of his leadership.

The garden and grounds of the Hope Hostel in Kigali, Rwanda, where migrants will stay (Victoria Jones/PA)

The draft legislation and a treaty with Rwanda are intended to prevent further legal challenges to the stalled deportation scheme after the Supreme Court ruled the plan was unlawful.

As well as compelling judges to regard the east African country as safe, it would also give ministers the power to ignore emergency injunctions.

It has been warned that the legislation is fundamentally incompatible with the UKs human rights obligations and would flout international law.

But Downing Street has said the Government remains committed to sending flights to Rwanda in the spring.

In all, peers backed five changes to the Bill, including ensuring it complied with the rule of law and that Parliament cannot declare Rwanda to be safe until the treaty with its promised safeguards, is fully implemented.

The Lords also supported a move that would allow the presumption the country is a secure haven to be challenged in the courts.

Among those to vote against the Government were the Most Rev Justin Welby, and Conservative grandees Lord Clarke of Nottingham, Lord Deben and Viscount Hailsham, who have all previously held Cabinet positions.

The size of the defeats raise the prospect of an extended tussle between the Commons and Lords during ping-pong, where legislation is batted between the two Houses until agreement is reached.

Labour former home secretary Lord Blunkett said: When circumstances change most people change their minds.

But if minds are not allowed to be changed when circumstances change, then we are all extremely foolish.

Leading lawyer and independent crossbencher, Lord Anderson of Ipswich, said the provision in the Bill requiring Rwanda to be treated as safe takes us for fools.

Proposing an amendment that would allow the presumption to be challenged in the courts, he added: If Rwanda is safe as the Government would have us declare, it has nothing to fear from such scrutiny.

Yet we are invited to adopt a fiction, to wrap it in the cloak of parliamentary sovereignty and to grant it permanent immunity from challenge.

To tell an untruth and call it truth.

Why would we go along with that?

Mr Welby said international human rights law had developed following the horrors committed by Nazi Germany, to act as a fallback and stop on governments.

He added: We are not in any situation remotely like that lets be clear.

The Government is not doing something on the scale of what we saw at that stage, but the Government is challenging the right of international law to constrain our actions.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voted against the Government (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Urging peers to back the Bill, Tory former Cabinet minister Lord Lilley: It is very important that we not only use common sense but be merciful, because the longer we delay the more people will come across the Channel, and the more will die.

Former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard told peers the Supreme Court had been trespassing on the Governments responsibilities in its Rwanda ruling.

Lord Howard of Lympne added: Accountability is at the heart of democracy.

That is why the Government is fully entitled to bring forward this Bill and why much of the criticism which is directed at it for doing so is fundamentally misconceived.

However, Tory former chancellor Ken Clarke said he hoped there would be a legal challenge to the Bill if it was passed.

Lord Clarke said: I cannot recall a precedent in my time where a Government of any complexion have produced a Bill which asserts a matter of fact  facts to be fact.

Later, responding to concerns about mental health support asylum seekers would receive in Rwanda, Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: It would be far in the best interests, mental health interests of those seeking asylum, and who are victims, to seek asylum in the first safe country they came to.

The Government faces the threat of further defeats on Wednesday when the Bill is again before the Lords.
The detective who led the investigation into Sarah Everards murder has told of the moment she was informed that chief suspect Wayne Couzens was a serving police officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin made the revelation as she spoke on camera for the first time in a new BBC documentary on the marketing executives murder.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice has been two and a half years in the making and will air on Tuesday evening on BBC One, days after the third anniversary of her death.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin revealed the police discovered Couzens was suspected of an indecent exposure offence days earlier in Kent, before they found out he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.

Wayne Couzens murdered Sarah Everard (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Miss Goodwin said they discovered this after Miss Everard and Couzens were spotted on CCTV footage next to a car, which led to his identification.

She said: At that time, Wayne Couzens was a name that meant nothing to any of us. So immediately we start researching the name, also the phone number and the address that had been given when hed hired the car.

The detective added that when it was discovered he was suspected of indecent exposure, it suddenly changed everything, because whilst I might have hoped that Sarah had got into the car with someone she knew, suddenly it was clear to me that shed got into the car of an alleged sex offender.

The officer sent a team to Couzens house in Kent to question him and, while officers were en route, a detective ran into Miss Goodwins office, shut the door, and told her you need to hear this.

Senior Investigating Officer Katherine Goodwin appearing in Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice (BBC)

A researcher on the phone then revealed that Couzens was a serving Met officer.

Miss Goodwin said: I knew that I had to tell my boss and I can just remember the shock of having to just sit on the floor of the office and say to her, Youre not going to believe this, that hes a police officer.

And then the same questions went through her head as went through my head, Are you sure?.

Former Met detective Nick Harvey was the first to question Couzens and recalled the moment he discovered the suspect was a serving officer while driving to his house

Detective Inspector Nick Harvey appearing in Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice (BBC)

He told the documentary: The gravity of the whole situation then became incredibly clear. You know, the moment I told the team, it just went silent.

Mr Harvey knocked on Couzens door and said that when he showed his warrant card he just went grey.

Just all the colour just ran out of his face, he said.

Police footage in the documentary showed Couzens during interrogation.

An officer said to him: People trust us to look after them. People trust us to help them. You know, protect and serve, thats what they say, isnt it? Thats what were here to do. We all took that oath, you included.

Couzens did not respond and kept his head bowed throughout the exchange.

A BBC documentary on Sarah Everards murder has been two-and-a-half years in the making (BBC/Everard family and friends)

Prosecutor Tom Little KC recalled his first meeting with Miss Everards family, saying: It was immediately clear to me what awful trauma they had been put through, but at the same time, how focused and resolute they were in terms of seeing that justice was done.

The focus on the case then became on presenting the true horror of what hed done to the full extent.

The documentary also explored the aftermath and impact of the case.

While Couzens was initially cast as a bad apple and an anomaly in the force, his crimes prompted victims to come forward to report officers within the Met and across the nation for cases of sexual assault, rape and other misconduct.

In the days after Couzens sentencing, a victim of David Carrick, an officer serving in the Met Police at the time, came forward.

Sophie spoke in the documentary and said hearing the victim impact statement of Miss Everards mother in court drove her to speak out.

I think that it was when she was saying about Wayne Couzens, the abuse of power that he used. Her words just echoed. I just knew that I had to report him, Sophie said.

David Carrick (Hertfordshire Police/PA)

Carrick later pleaded guilty to 85 serious offences including dozens of rapes during a 17-year campaign of attacks against 12 women. He was ordered to serve at least 30 years and is one of the UKs most prolific sex offenders.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin questioned how the police could win back the publics trust. I begin to wonder then how endemic it is, she said.

Mr Little said: I dont think the incidences of violence against women and girls is reducing or decreasing in any way. In fact it would appear to me that its getting worse.

In the year after Miss Everards murder, 138 women were killed by men in the UK or a man was the chief suspect. In the same year in England and Wales, an estimated 798,000 women experienced sexual assault and more than 100,000 were were raped or were a victim of attempted rape.

The documentary will be shown days after a report released by Lady Elish Angiolini found the police repeatedly ignored and missed chances to stop Couzens.

The inquiry branded him a predatory sex offender and murderer who should have never been a police officer, and laid bare a history of alleged sexual offending dating back nearly 20 years before he murdered Miss Everard.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice will air on Tuesday from 6am on BBC iPlayer and at 9pm on BBC One.
The leader of Stormonts Opposition has expressed shame at the collapse of devolved government across five of the last seven years and called for reform to prevent future suspensions.

Matthew OToole opened speaking on the first of three motions proposed by the SDLP on the first Opposition day in the Assembly by describing them as being aimed at preventing future suspensions.

The motions call for a commitment to reform the institutions in the Programme for Government and an ad hoc committee to consider legislation to prevent further collapses.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood (centre), South Belfast MP Claire Hanna (left) and Opposition leader Matthew OToole lead their MLAs into Stormont ahead of the first official Opposition day (Rebecca Black/PA)

The first motion also calls for an apology to public sector workers for years of suspension, and another motion calls for the swift resolution to pay negotiations for those workers who staged a major strike in January.

On Monday afternoon the first motion was defeated by 47 votes to 33, with Sinn Fein and DUP MLAs voting against, and SDLP, Alliance and UUP voting for it.

No ministers were in the chamber for the proposing of the first motion and debate, which Mr OToole described as an insult to the chamber.

Opening his proposal, Mr OToole told MLAs: We cannot pretend the public trust in the very idea of this Assembly and Executive have not been profoundly damaged, they have.

In a recent survey conducted by Queens University, only a third of voters thought the Executive will survive until the end of this mandate. That is an extraordinary statistic.

That level of cynicism and distrust is exactly why I asked the First and deputy First Ministers to pledge to not resign their office before the end of this mandate. That wasnt a stunt. I was asking a question most of our citizens want to know the answer to.

Our first motion today begins by expressing shame on behalf of this entire institution for its repeated collapses and the profoundly negative consequences they have had for ordinary citizens, workers and public services.

To be clear, that isnt about assigning blame, but it is about acknowledging a collective failure of the political class to deliver stable, sustainable government here.

Referring to a call by Alliance leader Naomi Long at the weekend for Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to get involved in the heavy lifting of Assembly reform, Mr OToole said his party strongly disagrees.

A Tory Secretary of State working out his notice will not do the work for us. We need to do it ourselves, starting with these Opposition day motions, he told MLAs.

Lets protect the best of the agreement and reform the veto that is undermining trust in the rest of it.

The photo ops and the positive vibes of the last month have been welcome. Weve seen this movie before, and rather than wait for the nasty plot turn and not so shock ending, lets change the script. Lets never again plunge our public services and our people into the vortex of no government and no hope.

Responding, Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey questioned why there was no mention of the British Tory Government and their regressive policies in terms of underinvestment in public services.

She said her party is focused on delivering on public sector pay, the fiscal framework and plan for fiscal sustainability.

Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey (PA)

If were seriously to address the underlying root causes of inequality and indeed develop world class sustainable public services, then we all must work collectively to address the funding shortfall, challenge austerity and transform our public services to meet the needs of our workers, families and communities, she told MLAs.

Thats what the public really want us to be doing here today and in the days ahead, and thats where our focus is and will remain so.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley questioned whether the Opposition was being constructive, and asked why there were no statements from party spokespeople with suggestions on how to address issues such as health service waiting lists.

What we have is a motion on proposed changes to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the party of super majorities rather than accommodation, he said.

Mr Buckley described the suspensions over the last 25 years as regrettable.

The inescapable truth is that we live in a contested place, he said.

Consensus politics will be the only way we can stave off instability.

The political arrangements in Northern Ireland must be capable of commanding the broad support of all traditions across our province.

The motion before the House simply implies that devolution could still operate and succeed outside these parameters. That is fanciful to say the least. Cross-community consent has been essential to achieving progress in this province and it should be viewed as the solution and not the problem.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw indicated her party will support the first motion from the Opposition.

She said reform of the Assembly has been a long-term policy of her party, adding it first published proposals to reform the Assembly 20 years ago.

Parties are entitled to opt out of government, but theyre not entitled to force others to opt out too, she said.

What is required is recognition from all of us, including the proposers, that there were flaws in the original agreement, and that there was a review mechanism built into it. That was meant to iron these issues, but rarely actually did.

We do need to remove crude sectarian vetoes, that is objectively undeniable, but we also need to ensure that the institutions operate in a way that is befitting of the entire society theyre supposed to represent.

UUP leader Doug Beattie said he supported reform of the Assembly, adding no party should have a veto over devolved government.

Quick fixes will not work. You pull the threads and the whole thing could unravel so this is about sitting down and thinking this through in the long term and getting all the voices that need to be added to this, he said.

Im up for that discussion. I dont think we should be afraid of that discussion. It doesnt mean that I am open to changing every single thing that needs to be changed within the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. It is still the bedrock of government here in Northern Ireland but Im certainly up for that discussion going forward.

It is the first Opposition day at Stormont in recent years following the decision by the SDLP to go into Opposition.

The SDLP and UUP previously formed an official Opposition in 2016, however this came to an end in January 2017 when then deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned, effectively collapsing the institutions until 2020.

The Assembly was revived in January after two years of disruption following the resignation of then first minister Paul Givan as part of the DUPs protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.
Scotlands First Minister will take paternity leave to be a supportive husband when his wife gives birth later this year.

Humza Yousaf announced last week that he and his wife Nadia El-Nakla were expecting a baby in July.

Mr Yousaf  who will be the first sitting First Minister to welcome a child while in office  said he felt it was important to set an example that there was no contradiction in being a parent and holding key leadership roles.

The couple already have two children  their daughter Amal is four and Mr Yousaf is stepfather to 14-year-old Maya.

Speaking to journalists in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, the First Minister thanked the public for their well wishes, adding he and his wife were excited and a little bit terrified for the babys arrival.

He said: I absolutely will take paternity leave. For me, I intend, as I always have been with my two daughters currently, to be absolutely hands-on as a father and to be as supportive a husband as I possibly can be.

Scotlands Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan also announced she was expecting her first child with husband Iain in the summer.

Mr Yousaf said the Scottish Government was setting an example on the importance of family and work balance.

I think it is important, whether its the wonderful news that Mairi McAllan had in terms of a new arrival, or whether its my own news, regardless of what position youre in and how busy your job may be, that its really important to set an example that you can, of course, have a family while still being in important leadership responsibilities.

I dont see a contradiction between the two. My first job and first priority is not just being First Minister, but also making sure that I am a hands-on father to my kids too.

Mr Yousaf will be able to take up to two weeks paternity leave once his child is born.

He has said he is already prepared for the sleepless nights which could be coming after balancing the top jobs responsibilities with his current family balance.

He said his four-year-old Amal has been a dreadful sleeper since birth, adding: You have to be able to work as a team with your partner, as Im lucky to be able to do with Nadia.

Therell be some very sleepless nights, Im sure, but Im grateful for all the love and support that I get from my family in order to help with some of those family commitments.
If the Academy judged features by the same standards that they do live action shorts, the best picture ballot would be full of starry, quasi-political issue movies: well-meaning but manipulative films like Father Stu and The Janes. In this category, its the message that matters to Oscar voters, which makes this years 2024 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Live Action program (available exclusively in theaters from ShortsTV) one of the most frustrating lineups in recent memory. Or it would, if not for the presence of one genuinely brilliant, liberatingly unserious nominee among them. That would be The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, the best of several delightful Roald Dahl adaptations director Wes Anderson cooked up for Netflix  but well come to that in due time.

The slate opens with a far inferior Netflix short, The After, a risibly manipulative portrait of grief and finding the strength to move on in which every note feels contrived. Selma star David Oyelowo plays a businessman with his priorities in the wrong place. Hes distracted by work calls when a senseless tragedy befalls his wife and daughter in the background (such incidents do happen, but not in the hokey way photographer-turned-helmer Misan Harriman stages it). The After then skips forward a year to find the white-collar success story now working as a ride-share driver, wincing at every reminder of the life he took for granted. Oyelowo is a gifted actor, but its unfair asking him to radiate so much pain within such a condensed running time  and downright unreasonable expecting us to share his catharsis when it comes so easily just a few minutes later.

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In Red, White & Blue, Nazrin Choudhury offers a forcefully indignant response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Lit like a Nicholas Sparks movie, the heartland-set heart-wrencher opens on a diner waitress (Brittany Snow) during a work break, looking devastated by the results of a pregnancy test. She already has two kids she can barely support. How will she possibly afford an abortion? Choudhury shows this desperate single mother raiding her daughters piggy bank for the funds, then bringing the 11-year-old along for the trip from Arkansas (where they live) to Mississippi (where the procedure is still legal). This bonding moment proves memorable, thanks to a fraudulent twist. Turns out, Choudhury misdirected us from the outset, hiding information the characters know in order to make her point. Still, the focus on women sticking up for women is powerful stuff.

Guys have one anothers backs in Knight of Fortune, which is named for a Danish pop song. One neednt be a tarot card reader to predict audiences will hear the tune performed before the 25-minute short is done  how and by whom become the films surprises. Karl (Leif Andree) has been called to the mortuary to pay his respects to his late wife. In this room, everything is allowed, the oddly permissive attendant tells him. But Karl is stuck, unable to say his goodbyes, until meeting Torben (Jens Jrn Spottag), a fellow mourner with a similar blockage. Director Lasse Lyskjr Noer has more style than the two previous nominees, to the point voters may be reminded of last years comparably cutesy winner, An Irish Goodbye, although both movies suffer from a similar problem: Approaching morbid subjects with humor, they aim to be edgy but are in fact quite tame.

An hour into the program, we finally get a nominee that feels Oscar worthy: Canadian director Vincent Rene-Lorties enigmatic Invincible, which attempts to understand the death of Marc-Antoine Bernier, a childhood friend whose tragic fate is revealed in the opening moments. At age 14, the troubled kid drove a car into a river and drowned. The camera plunges in with him, pulling back to observe the boy underwater  except now, its two days earlier, and hes home with family during a leave from the juvenile detention facility. An experienced music video and short film director, Rene-Lortie has a strong visual sense, but also the wisdom not to impose a personal interpretation on the teens rebellious actions. The mystery of this wild, restless soul has clearly haunted the helmer for years, and yet he allows the portrait to remain ambiguous, thanks to an outstanding lead performance from Leokim Beaumier-Lepine. Without the right actor, Invincible surely would have imploded.

The best of the bunch is the Wes Anderson short, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which Ive already reviewed at great length. One of four Roald Dahl doodles the Fantastic Mr. Fox director adapted for Netflix this year, the dense and delightfully intricate 40-minute tale received a glitzy big-screen premiere at the Venice Film Festival last year. (It appears sharper on the Netflix service than it does in ShortsTVs unevenly assembled Oscar shorts program, which is always limited by the quality of files that filmmakers and studios provide.) Constructed as a winkingly self-aware story-within-a-story, the project boasts a starry ensemble playing multiple roles, including Ralph Fiennes as Dahl  not to mention an amusing montage in which Benedict Cumberbatch (as the title character) cycles through a number of ridiculous disguises.

The Academy has a dismaying record of snubbing the best film in this category, which could happen again if voters decide that Anderson is too established for the prize (at times, they seem to view this as a charity category in which to encourage new talents). Then again, with eight nominations to his name, Anderson is undoubtedly overdue, and anyone can tell hes made a short for the ages: a clever fable that applies the directors signature style to Dahls distinctive voice to unforgettable effect.

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You might be making mistakes as you plan your honeymoon. Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images

Planning a honeymoon is exciting, but it can be easy to make mistakes as you schedule your trip.

Some people end up only seeing "tourist traps" because of social media.

It can also be a bad idea to schedule too many activities.

Planning your honeymoon can be one of the most exciting parts of being engaged.

When looking at centerpieces or booking a caterer gets too stressful, you can daydream about your post-wedding getaway, whether you intend to spend your honeymoon relaxing on a beach or sightseeing in a new city.

But just because you're good at fantasizing about your ideal honeymoon doesn't mean you know how to plan it, especially if it will be your first big vacation.

Business Insider spoke to Allison Kobasky, the cofounder of Over the Moon Vacations, about the most common mistakes people make as they plan their honeymoons.

Don't rely on social media for your plans

Kobasky said many couples fall into "tourist traps" when planning their honeymoons, often because of social media.

"A lot of people, because of our social-media era, see a hotel on Instagram and want to go there, and it's really hard to talk someone out of that," Kobasky said, which can lead them to end up with an "Instagram versus reality" issue when they actually go on their honeymoon.

"Even if it's beautiful, it might not have the service level you're accustomed to or be in the best location or whatever," she said. "Really make sure you're doing enough research to understand what you're seeing. Don't just see one cute picture and be like, 'OK, boom, done.'"

Social media can't tell you everything about a destination. Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

Likewise, Kobasky advises against relying on friends or people from Facebook for honeymoon advice.

"On that same note, crowdsourcing on Facebook makes me cringe," Kobasky said. "Someone's like, 'I'm going to Atlanta, tell me 10 restaurants,' or whatever it is. No one's thinking of you at that moment. They're just spilling out the restaurants they've been to one time."

Although your Facebook friends are well-intentioned, they likely can't give you a holistic view of your destination. And as you look through social-media posts, remember that someone else's dream vacation might not be your perfect trip.

Don't overschedule yourselves

Kobasky, who owns Over the Moon with her husband Josh, said she often works with clients who want to travel to multiple locations during their honeymoons, which is fun in theory but can "severely impact your experience."

"We have clients that'll be like, 'We want to do Thailand, the Maldives, and Italy,'" Kobasky said. "Geographically, that makes no sense. Save one for another trip where you can really enjoy it."

And even if you're staying in one country, Kobasky still advises against booking too many activities.

"Some people want to do and see as much as possible," she said. "Every minute is planned out, and we're like, 'Leave time to get lost.'"

"You want to wander the streets of Rome and not feel like you have to get back for that Vatican tour," she gave as an example. "You know, you just want to be able to have time to enjoy the actual place you're in versus constantly being on the go."

Splurging on the flight is worth it

Kobasky also told BI that one of the biggest errors people make on their honeymoons happens in transit.

Especially if you're flying internationally, she thinks it's imperative to fly business class if you can afford it.

Flying business class can make a big difference on your trip. mihailomilovanovic/Getty Images

"I think that's a big mistake," she said of not splurging on higher-end tickets. "If you're going somewhere really far, you want to be well-rested."

If you arrive at your destination exhausted, you'll miss out on valuable time you could be spending enjoying your trip with your partner. Kobasky said she made the mistake of not flying business class on her honeymoon and still regrets it.

"We didn't have this business yet when we took our honeymoon, and Josh and I were jet-lagged for like four days because we didn't time it properly," she said. "Some people aren't thinking about how much that is actually part of the trip."

Most importantly, make sure you and your partner plan the honeymoon that's right for you two.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. National Transportation Safety Board via AP

Three passengers are suing Alaska Airlines and Boeing for $1 billion.

The law firm said the "preventable incident" jeopardized the lives of 180 people.

It follows a class-action lawsuit filed in January on behalf of 14 passengers.

Three people who were on board Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are asking for $1 billion in punitive damages from the carrier and Boeing.

Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland, and Kevin Kwok flew on the Boeing 737 Max 9 which lost its door plug in midair on January 5, according to a press release from the aviation law firm Jonathan W. Johnson LLC.

The blowout caused an uncontrolled decompression, meaning oxygen masks were deployed before the jet returned to Portland International Airport 20 minutes later. Nobody was seriously injured.

The lawsuit was filed last month in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, Oregon.

In its press release, the law firm said it "seeks to hold Boeing accountable for its negligence which had caused extreme panic, fear, and post-traumatic stress."

It added that it is asking for "substantial" damages because the "preventable incident" risked the lives of 180 people.

Plaintiff Kyle Rinker tweeted a photo of the hole on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. Courtesy of Jonathan W. Johnson LLC.

Referring to the subsequent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets, the law firm said, "the defects in manufacturing impacted numerous other aircraft and threatened the lives of the passengers on all Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft."

The door plug  which covers a deactivated emergency exit on configurations with a smaller capacity  came off after the plane left Boeing's factory missing key bolts, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its preliminary report into the incident.

According to CBS News, the lawsuit says the blowout is "just one terrible chapter in the evolving story of Boeing and Alaska Airlines placing profits above safety."

The complaint follows a class-action lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines filed in January on behalf of 14 people.

It said one of them was hit in the face by debris that came out of the cockpit, several struggled with their oxygen masks, and one man had a stress-related seizure after landing.

Boeing declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider. Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment, made outside regular US working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The 49ers may have to play the rest of their Week 12 game against the Saints without running back Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell has a knee injury and is questionable to return early in the third quarter.

Its unclear when Mitchell got hurt, but the 49ers are taking a beating at home. Mitchell had injury issues that limited him to only 11 games in 2021. This year a knee injury in Week 1 left him on IR until Week 10. Now hes banged up again and the onus will be on Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Jordan Mason to close this game on the ground for San Francisco if Mitchell cant return. Third-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price is a healthy scratch and unavailable.

UPDATE

Mitchell has been downgraded to OUT.

Related

WATCH: Jauan Jennings remarkable TD catch off tipped ball

Story originally appeared on Niners Wire
A federal judge has sentenced Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, to 46 months in prison for bringing a cache of guns, Molotov cocktails, a machete, ammunition feeding devices to Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021. Coffman admitted having the assortment of weapons in a red pickup truck, parked in Southeast Washington, D.C., at 9:20 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 6. The truck was located near the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and the Cannon House Building.

Lonnie Coffman at U.S Capitol / Credit: Federal court documents

Coffman was not accused of being part of the riot, but acknowledged having a gun on his person as he moved through Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6.

While issuing her sentence, D.C. District Judge Colleen Koller-Kotelly sharply criticized Coffman for his lack of an explanation for his actions and his decision to drive an arsenal of weapons to the Capitol hours before the siege. She compared the chemicals inside the Molotov cocktails to napalm and said she had never seen such a large or wide assortment of weapons in a federal criminal case.

Evidence photo in the case of Lonnie Coffman, an Alabama man who allegedly packed the bed of his red pickup with gasoline-filled Mason jars near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. / Credit: United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia

Coffman's case is unique among Jan. 6 defendants  he was accused of making a prior trip, in December 2020, seeking out a U.S. senator to discuss a challenge to the 2020 election. He was also accused of having a "good guy" and "bad guy" list when he was arrested. A federal judge was among those named on the "bad guy" list, according to Friday's court proceedings.

Coffman is a Vietnam War veteran who has served more than a year in pretrial detention, and he has been experiencing a series of mental and physical health challenges, according to court filings from Coffman's defense attorney. His time in pretrial detention will be credited as part of his 46-month sentence.

Evidence photo in the case of Lonnie Coffman, an Alabama man who allegedly packed the bed of his red pickup with gasoline-filled Mason jars near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. / Credit: United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia

He pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered firearm. He is currently one of 32 defendants from Jan. 6 cases who are being held in the Washington, D.C., jail. He'll be transferred to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility to serve the remainder of his sentence.

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Commentary: Europe, China could be partners for boosting electrification in auto industry

08:18, March 04, 2024 By Chen Binjie, Zeng Yan ( Xinhua

People visit the booth of Chinese carmaker Xpeng during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023. The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.(Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

The deepened cooperation between China's emerging carmaker Xiaopeng and Germany's traditional automotive giant Volkswagen signifies a concerted effort to delve deeper into electric mobility.

GENEVA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xiaopeng Motors and the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen signed a cooperation agreement last week at the Geneva International Motor Show to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, marking another step forward in the partnership established in July last year.

The motor show presents an impressive assortment of electric vehicles (EVs) from emerging Chinese manufacturers and established European automakers, serving as an ideal platform to showcase the future trajectory of the automotive industry.

Renault's Scenic E-Tech secured the prestigious Car of the Year 2024, and China's BYD Seal made it to the top finalists with its sleek design, notable performance and advanced technology.

As said by Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Management in Germany, the entire automobile industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with new players emerging as pioneers in electrification and digitalization.

The deepened cooperation between China's emerging carmaker Xiaopeng and Germany's traditional automotive giant Volkswagen signifies a concerted effort to delve deeper into electric mobility, demonstrating an increasing consensus among Chinese and European car manufacturers that expanding the market of EVs should be a shared endeavor.

In fact, the collaboration between China and Europe in the automotive industry dates back more than 40 years. In the early 1980s, under a license agreement, the first Santana was produced in China. It then became a household name across the country.

People visit the exhibition area of Xpeng during the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 10, 2024. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

The rich history of cooperation between Chinese and European carmakers sets a strong foundation for present-day cooperation. In today's automotive landscape, there are abundant opportunities for mutual benefit. China's expertise in manufacturing efficiency and market adaptation, coupled with Europe's tradition of engineering excellence and innovation, create a fertile ground for cooperation.

However, some hastily call Chinese EVs "challengers" taking on their European rivals and making inroads into the market. Last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a controversial anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs.

The probe has drawn wide criticism within Europe. The German Association of the Automotive Industry opposed the protective move, emphasizing the need for free and rules-based trade to address Europe's challenges in competitiveness.

Excessive administrative intervention is not what a stable European auto market needs. The presence of Chinese EVs in Europe should not be viewed as a threat but as a catalyst for the continent's automotive market. For European customers, Chinese brands can fill the market gaps by offering affordable and high-quality models.

Instead of out-competing each other, Europe and China should rather embrace the prevailing electrification trend through closer ties among carmakers, and promote exchanges of know-how and collaboration in research and development. That is also in the interest of millions of automotive customers.

Breaking free from a zero-sum mentality, Europe and China could chart a shared roadmap for success in the EV revolution as they did four decades ago in the auto industry. As the pair forge deeper ties, the future promises endless possibilities.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
People watch a test of a fire suppression system on the launch pad at SpaceXs Starbase near Boca Chica ahead of a launch attempt in November. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpaceX land swap: The 477 acres near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge  Bahia Grande Unit, shown in purple, could be given to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In return, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would give 43 acres in Boca Chica, shown in red, to SpaceX so it could expand its footprint. Ken Ellis/Staff In late July, debris from an April launch was still scattered near SpaceXs Starship launch tower at the companys Starbase at Boca Chica. William Luther/Staff Debris including concrete and rebar from SpaceXs first launch of its Starship is seen in late July. The April launch caused major damage to the Boca Chica launch site and led the Federal Aviation Administration to withdraw the companys approval to launch. William Luther/Staff The sun rises over SpaceX's Boca Chica Starship and Super Heavy launch facility in late July. William Luther/Staff The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship lifts off from SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica on Nov. 18, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Monday unanimously approved a deal to give SpaceX dozens of acres of Boca Chica State Park outside Brownsville, despite overwhelming objections from South Texas residents and others who went to Austin to oppose it.

In exchange for multiple tracts that will allow expansion of the so-called Starbase facility where SpaceX is developing and launching its Starship mega-rocket, the commercial space company will give the state 477 acres it intends to acquire near Laguna Heights, more than 10 miles away.

Mondays decision capped a special meeting that came after weeks of criticism from residents and environmental and indigenous groups. The outcry prompted the commission, which oversees the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to initially delay its deliberations from Jan. 25 to a special meeting Monday.

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After revealing the plan ahead of its January meeting, the Parks and Wildlife Department received 1,332 public comments, with about 80% of those voicing opposition. The department received 989 more since Feb. 1, with nearly 67% supporting the exchange.

Jeffery Hildebrand, chair of the Parks and Wildlife Commission, suggested the deal will benefit the parks system, saying the state could use some of its Centennial Fund to build infrastructure and trails on the 477 acres SpaceX will give to the state under the deal.

This is a new park for us, he said before the commissions vote. As the state of Texas, we should be very excited about the expansion of our park system.

Rot and spoils

Mondays meeting drew an animated and mostly upset crowd, including dozens who traveled from the Brownsville area. Of more than 40 people who offered public comment, only a few voiced support. Most urged commissioners to reject the deal, delay their decision to allow more conversation with residents or to buy the 477 acres outright without ceding the Boca Chica State Park land in exchange.

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Brownsville native Sadie Hernandez said the deal would rip away culture and history.

Theres no denying the impact that things like this have had on our community and the rot and spoils that have come from it, she said. Allowing this and following through with the land swap would be another blow to our community.

Before the meeting was opened to public comments, two local elected officials spoke in favor of the proposal.

Comments from Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino and Commissioner David Garza were notable for their change of heart. Both previously expressed opposition to the proposal, saying the county had plans to buy the tract near Laguna Heights. On Monday, Trevino said the county now gives its full support to the parks department proposal, echoing his commentary that appeared last week in the Rio Grande Guardian.

Cameron County has totally committed to partnering with you in developing this area, Trevino told commissioners. We look forward to providing more access to the lower Laguna Madre.

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Mary Angela Branch of the nonprofit SaveRGV said It is unclear what deal was made or promised to coerce county support.

Unusual swap

Jason Estrella, the Parks and Wildlife Departments land conservation program branch manager, pointed out that the state would receive a tenfold return on acreage in the swap. Also, he said, the tracts of state parkland around Starbase are small lots that are not contiguous, are adjacent to private property and do not provide beach access.

Marisa Perales, an environmental lawyer for SaveRGV, said there arent many examples of the commission approving these types of land swaps, but among the few that exist, the exchange has typically been 20 or 30 to 1, and here the proposal is only 10 to 1.

Estrella highlighted a 2019 deal where the parks department gave 126 acres of the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area to Port Arthur LNG in exchange for 1,280 acres  representing a roughly 10-to-1 ratio.

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Perales and several other speakers criticized the Parks and Wildlife Departments process and public communication about the plan, including a lack of notices in Spanish. They also pointed out that Spanish speakers at the meeting did not get extra time during the public comment period to accommodate the time it takes to translate.

The department should have ensured that the residents of Texas, particularly those in the impacted area, had a real meaningful opportunity to weigh in on this important decision, she said. Instead, the process, the notice and this public meeting seems to have been intended to impede participation by the public, especially those who would be most impacted by the decision.

Hernandez, the Brownsville native, similarly criticized the department, saying it prevented locals from being part of the conversation.

The way that yall have kept the locals out of consideration makes it clear to me as a local that yall are willing to dispose of people, she said. Yall are willing to dispose of low-income minority folks that live in a place that you dont care about.

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Christopher Basaldu, of the Carrizo/Comecrudo tribe of Texas, said people have used Boca Chica Beach for more than 25,000 years and that the Parks and Wildlife Department failed in its due diligence because there has been no consultation with the Carrizo/Comecrudo tribe. He also asserted that the proceedings are in violation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous people.

Paul DiFiore, a University of Texas law student, characterized the proposed land exchange as the latest in the pattern of public officials giving away the store to SpaceX in South Texas.

When Elon comes to the government looking for handouts, we have to learn to say no, he said. You have a chance to start that today, and Im asking you to take it.

The other side

At least one speaker supported the proposed land exchange.

In todays proposal to exchange real estate, I believe both sides are winners, said Kathryn Lueders, Starbase general manager for SpaceX. Working in the Florida Space Coast, Ive seen wildlife and rockets coexist. At the same time, this swap aligns property in a way that allows SpaceX to expand operations in Cameron County, further expediting our lunar mission objectives.

Hildebrand had to ask the crowd to be quiet as she spoke.

After more than two hours of public comment, the commission recessed to convene an executive session, from which the commissioners returned to briefly discuss and vote.

The approval isn't the final step for the deal. It still faces a review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as surveys and appraisals.

The commissions vote came a day after SpaceX completed a "wet dress rehearsal" at Starbase, in which it practiced fueling a Starship and running its launch sequence in preparation for the crafts third orbital flight attempt.
WASHINGTON  Congressional leaders released a massive government funding bill with plans to pass it and avert a shutdown ahead of a late Friday deadline.

The 1,050-page legislation, released Sunday, would keep the government open until October. It's a package of six appropriations bills that were negotiated between the Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate, with President Joe Biden's support.

House Republicans are eying a vote on the measure Wednesday through a fast-tracked process that requires a two-thirds majority to pass, according to a leadership aide. That satisfies Speaker Mike Johnson's promise to give members at least 72 hours to read the bill.

Then it would go to the Senate, where it will need unanimous consent to vote quickly and require 60 votes to assure passage.

The bill represents a series of painstaking compromises that came nearly halfway through the fiscal year after four stopgap bills to extend the deadline. It gives each party something to tout.

Republicans highlighted cuts to the FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; more funding for the Drug Enforcement Agency; measures that bolster gun rights for veterans; and restrictions on oil sales to China. Republicans noted that this was the first time since 2018 that the government was not funded through one massive omnibus package.

"House Republicans secured key conservative policy victories, rejected left-wing proposals, and imposed sharp cuts to agencies and programs critical to the President Bidens agenda," Johnson, R-La., said in a statement.

Democrats celebrated that the bill fully funds the "WIC" program  food assistance for women, infants, and children  as well as provides rental assistance, a firefighter pay raise and new investments in new air traffic controllers.

Speaking to reporters in New York on Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was working around the clock trying to hammer out the details of the package.

"I was up till 3 in the morning trying to craft this. The negotiations were quite intense. I spoke to Speaker Johnson several times, but its a good thing," Schumer, D-N.Y., said.

"Of course the clock is now ticking. We have to pass this bill by Friday," he added. "But the fact that the four leaders  House, Senate, Democrat and Republican  have reached an agreement bodes well that the government will not run out of funds and shut down by Friday."

The package covers funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, Interior and various other agencies. It doesn't include funding for the rest of the government, including the Pentagon and State and Homeland Security departments, which faces a March 22 deadline. Congressional leaders still haven't reached a deal on that tranche of funding.

When asked about the prospects of securing agreement on the next tranche of funding bills, House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger, R-Texas, responded with one word: Harder.
Actor Dave Bautista stopped by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Friday while promoting Dune Part 2 and told the story of how he adopted one of his four dogs, Talulah.

Bautista just happened to have a little help from some of his other famous friends, Guardians of the Galaxy co-star Chris Pratt and Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Bautista explains that Chris Pratt hit him up and said his costar was trying to find a home for the pit bull puppy, and Pratt knew Bautista was a fan of the breed. The co-star who he was referring to was Millie Bobby Brown.

He goes on to explain, "And I said, Im sorry man, you know Ive already got three,'  he said, adding, "I just kept looking at her picture, and I was just I just fell in love with her.

Related: Actress Millie Bobby Brown Opens Up About Her Deep Connection With Pit Bulls

It sounds weird to me when I say, And Chris Pratt hit me up, and I got my dog, you know, from Millie Bobby Brown,  he told Fallon, adding, I sound, like, super Hollywood.

Here's another cute photo of Bautista with his entire rescue pack when he first adopted Talulah.

View the original article to see embedded media.

And another cute image.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Dave Bautista Is a Serious Dog Lover

In addition to adopting his own rescue dogs, Bautista partnered with the ASPCA to record this video to encourage dog adoption for Giving Tuesday.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In this sweet video he says, "My home is where my dogs are because there is just such a sense of love with them and so I feel like wherever they are there's a sense of normalcy which is hard for me to attain these days because I'm so busy and constantly on the go. So my dogs are my happy place and I don't say that lightly."

He then goes on to talk about his rescue pack including Ollie and Maggie and how his connection to them led him to learn how many dogs in shelters are in need of loving forever homes.

What an absolutely awesome human Dave Bautista is!

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Two years into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Government finally issued a business advisory on Russia. We first called for such guidance to be issued in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in November 2022. This overdue development should nonetheless be an urgent wake-up call to the American companies still operating in Russia: Its past time to drop their keys and leave.

For the first time, the U.S. government is highlighting the fact that businesses and individuals operating in Russia and occupied territories of Ukraine are at risk of being implicated in Russias violations of international law and human rights abuses. The Ukrainian government has documented some 125,000 alleged war crimes in Ukraine committed by the Russian Armed Forcesand that number is growing rapidly.

All U.S. and other foreign companies with business operations in Russia are now implicated in its gruesome war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on Ukrainian soil. They are also subject to legislation that obliges all foreign companies to help conscript eligible employees and provide material support for the war effort.

Other key risk areas faced by American companies in Russia include exposure to sanctions, export controls, import prohibitions, money laundering vulnerabilities, and corruption as Russia remains a high-risk jurisdiction. The business advisory also highlights risks associated with the proliferation and implementation of repressive laws, including expropriation and detention. The most recent cases of the French yogurt maker Danone and Danish brewer Carlsberg, whose assets were nationalized by the Kremlins cronies practically overnight, provide a vivid illustration of such material risks faced by companies that chose to remain after the start of Russias all-out war in 2022.

There are still over 300 U.S. companies operating in Russia. American firms, especially from the fast-moving consumer goods sector (FMCGs), remain some the most profitable in the Russian market, contributing the most to the Kremlins war coffers. In 2022 alone, U.S. businesses paid $751 million only in profit tax to Russias increasingly militarized budget. What sets most FMCGs apart is their extensive claim to be providing essential goods to the Russian population as a reason to remain.

B4Ukraine has engaged with over 180 companies to warn them of the range of material, legal, and reputational risks and urged them to exit responsibly and quickly. Many of these businesses justify their presence by claiming to provide "essential goods and stretching this definition to include cookies, chocolates, and shampoo. Such claims mislead customers and insult the Ukrainians who sacrifice their essential lives to defend freedom for all. It is disappointing to see that the new guidance fails to address the misuse of the essentiality argument.

Despite its shortcomings, the new business advisory on Russia is a step in the right direction. It urges U.S. companies to look beyond sanctions compliance in order to address significant material and human rights risks associated with continued business operations in Russia, including the risk of being implicated in its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This U.S. government guidance also indirectly challenges the continued presence of American companies operating in Russia that undercuts the substantial U.S. assistance extended to Ukraine throughout this war, which, according to the Kiel Institute, has amounted to over 73 billion dollars.

This guidance should also give impetus to other G7 and allied governments to issue similar guidance to their own companies still operating in Russia. In turn, foreign businesses should take immediate steps to exit the country.

After two years since its full-scale invasion and 10 since the start of Russias illegal war on Ukraine, it is crystal clear that the only right course of action for U.S. and international companies doing business in Russia is to leaveor risk being implicated in Russias egregious violations of international law.

Bennett Freeman is a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. He is a co-founder of B4Ukraine.

Nataliia Popovych is a co-founder and member of the steering committee of B4Ukraine.

More must-read commentary published by Fortune:

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

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An Amish man found his slain pregnant wife in the middle of a grisly murder scene in their northwest Pennsylvania home, according to court documents made public Monday.

Andy Byler and 911 caller Julie Warner had just stepped into his home in Sparta Township last Monday when they found the body of Rebekah A. Byler, 23, a search warrant application and affidavit of probable cause revealed.

The victim was found laying on her back in a pool of blood in the living room of the residence, according to the court document, written by State Police Trooper Adam Black.

Responding police found that her throat had been cut, and they saw "a scalping wound to her head," according to the court document.

State police have arrested Shawn C. Cranston, 52, of Corry, Pennsylvania, who was booked on suspicion of criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass. A criminal complaint accuses him of shooting [Byler] in the head and/or slashing her throat.

The court documents released Monday did not mention a possible motive for Byler's slaying in her home on Fish Flats Road, about 120 miles north of Pittsburgh.

Byler had two children, ages 2 and 3, who were in the house when her body was discovered but were not harmed in the bloody attack, police have said.

Cranston had not hired or been assigned a criminal defense lawyer as of midday Monday.
Haitis government declared a state of emergency on Sunday after thousands of inmates apparently escaped from its largest prison during a surge of gang violence that has upended the Caribbean nation for months.

The government cited the deterioration of security, notably in the capital Port-au-Prince, and increasingly violent criminal acts perpetrated by armed gangs, including kidnappings and killings of citizens, violence against women and children and looting, according to a statement from Finance Minister Patrick Boivert, who is serving as acting prime minister.

It also cited the attacks by armed groups on Saturday against the countrys two largest prisons, one in Port-au-Prince and another in Croix des Bouquets, which led to the escape of dangerous prisoners and caused deaths and injuries among police and prison staff.

A United Nations source said Sunday that around 3,500 prisoners are believed to have escaped Haitis National Penitentiary in Port-Au-Prince during the weekend.

There had been 3,687 prisoners at prison, according to the source. The UN mission in Haiti tracks incarcerated populations and humanitarian conditions in prisons in the country.

Police officers confront a gang during a protest against Prime Minister Ariel Henry's government and insecurity, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 1, 2024. - Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

According to Haitian lawyer Arnel Remy, head of the Collective of Lawyers for the Defense of Human Rights in Haiti, (CADDHO), a total of 3,597 prisoners escaped from the National Penitentiary. CNN cannot independently verify CADDHOs figures.

Remy said his team was at the prison on Sunday and told CNN the remaining inmates are being moved to other facilities and that the penitentiary is now empty and surrounded by police vehicles.

The Haitian Ministry of Communication said in a statement Sunday that police confronted heavily armed criminals seeking at any cost to free people from custody and were not able to stop the criminals from freeing a large number of prisoners. The violence left several inmates and prison staff injured, it said.

Earlier, in a post on X, one of Haitis police unions pleaded for all officers in the capital with access to cars and weapons to assist police battling to maintain control of the prison. It warned that if the attackers were successful, we are done. No one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra bandits, according to the statement.

Multiple security sources in Port-au-Prince told CNN that the most recent surge in violence, which began Thursday and has targeted police stations, the international airport and the penitentiary, is unprecedented in recent years.

Protesters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 1, 2024. - Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

On Friday, Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, said he would continue in his effort to try to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

We ask the Haitian National Police and the military to take responsibility and arrest Ariel Henry. Once again, the population is not our enemy; the armed groups are not your enemy. You arrest Ariel Henry for the countrys liberation, Cherizier said, adding, With these weapons, we will liberate the country, and these weapons will change the country.

Cherizier is a former police officer who heads an alliance of gangs. He has faced sanctions from both the UN and the United States Department of Treasury.

Public frustration, which had been building against Henry over his inability to curb the unrest, boiled over after he failed to step down last month, citing the escalating violence.

Under a previous agreement, he had committed to hold elections and transfer power by February 7.

Caribbean leaders said Wednesday that Henry had agreed to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025.

The recent fighting came as Henry was visiting Kenya to finalize details with Kenyan President William Ruto for the expected deployment of a multinational security support mission to Haiti.

Speaking to CNN, a Haitian law enforcement source said gangs had attacked multiple police stations across the city since Thursday, killing at least four people, and burning some of the stations down.

Meanwhile, gunfire near the airport on Thursday forced airlines to suspend flights.

The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert Friday, warning of gunshots and disruptions to traffic near the domestic and international terminals, as well as surrounding areas including a hotel and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police.

In a statement Sunday, the embassy urged US citizens to leave the country due to violence, adding that it would be on limited operations Monday. The French Embassy in Haiti said it was suspending visa and administration services on Monday.

Haiti has been gripped by a wave of unrest and gang violence in recent years.

Warring gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, choking off vital supply lines to the rest of the country. Gang members have also terrorized the metropolitan population, forcing more than 300,000 people to flee their homes amid waves of indiscriminate killing, kidnapping, arson and rape.

Some 1,100 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in January alone, in what the UN called the most violent month in two years.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson made the Modern Family reunion at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards happen by convincing former co-star Ty Burrell that it was a life or death situation sort of.

Fans of the ensemble comedy, which aired its final episode in 2020, were delighted to see Ferguson, Burrell, Ed ONeill, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet and Julie Bowen reunite last month to present an award at the 2024 SAG Awards.

This really brings back memories. You guys ever miss it? Burrell asked on stage before the rest of the cast joked about what theyve been up to since the series finale.

Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson at the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images)

Ferguson recently stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and explained how they pulled off the surprise reunion. He revealed that an odd internet rumor about Burrell played a role in bringing them all together.

When host Jimmy Fallon showed a photo of the Modern Family stars at the awards ceremony on Feb. 24, Ferguson said, Honestly, on that night, we were all busy. Like Sofia was supposed to be doing press, I was supposed to be here in New York, Julie was shooting a show, Ed had a glass of wine to drink. And so we all like canceled those very important things.

The group had last reunited in November 2023, Ferguson said, but one key member was missing.

"The last time we had a reunion, Ty Burrell wasnt able to come, and so we posed with photos of Ty. Because he was the only one who wasnt there. We had all the kids and everyone," he said.

Then, the internet thought he was dead, the Broadway star added as Fallon laughed.

The late night host displayed the Instagram photo Ferguson was referring to. On Nov. 16, Vergara uploaded a few photos of the entire cast  including Sarah Hyland, Nolan Gould, Ariel Winter, Rico Rodriguez and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons  posing together as Winter held up a framed portrait of Burrell.

Fans were confused by the picture, and despite the smiling faces, some in the comments worried that it was a memorial for Burrell.

Had to google and check that Phil was still alive. one person wrote.

Another said, Bruh i thought Phill died, i almost had a mini heart attack.

A third pointed out that most of the cast happened to be wearing black in the photo, and there was a large floral arrangement in the center, suggesting they were in mourning. Then, Vergara unknowingly added to fans' concern by posting a video of a few cast members looking at the photo and repeating We miss you Ty!

Ferguson saw the online reaction, so when it was time for the SAG Awards, he wanted to make sure fans knew Burrell was alive and well.

When the SAG Awards happened, he was supposed to do something else, Ferguson continued. I was like, Ty! You cant miss it again! People will really think youre dead! Its like, We need to present you to show you that youre not dead! So he made it.

Ferguson said he was glad that all of them were finally able to get together again. They had a good time and put those theories about Burrell to rest.

Stonestreet previously addressed the Burrell conspiracy during an appearance on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in December. He said the rumors about Burrell were somewhat understandable.

We didnt realize it at the time, but it did kind of look like a memorial. Were all in black, he joked.

He echoed Fergusons sentiment that it is always a fun time when the Modern Family stars are back together.

Its fun, right? That group of people hadnt been together since we wrapped, he shared. I hadnt seen the kids since we wrapped, so it was great to see them.

Stonestreet also revealed he hopes to have them attend his upcoming wedding to his fiancee, Lindsay Schweitzer.

His idea is to build a house and host a wedding and do a reunion with all the Modern Family (cast), he shared. I dont know how many times I can get all my crew to Kansas City, so we want to do something special.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(Photo Credit: lesliejmorris| Getty Images)

The Animal Care and Control Shelter in Charlotte, North Carolina, is facing overcrowding challenges after receiving 81 dogs within two days. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the animals arrived at the shelter between March 1 and March 3.

Charlotte Shelter grappling with space issues after 81 dogs arrive within 2 days

WSOC-TV reports that 39 dogs out of the 81 who arrived at the Animal Care and Control Shelter are from foster homes. Moreover, some of the canines are lost pets surrendered to the shelter.

Unfortunately, the Charlotte-based shelter has no extra space for the 81 animals. They are now appealing to the public to help foster or adopt the dogs. This will ensure the shelter doesnt ultimately get overwhelmed by an overpopulation crisis.

Melissa Knicely, the shelters communication director, told the news outlet theyre renovating about 46 kennels at the moment. Consequently, they cant house all the dogs in their shelter due to a limited number of kennels.

Theyve already basically demoed everything, and now everything is kind of being built, so thats good news, Knicely shared.

Furthermore, Knicely estimates that these much-needed renovations will come to completion soon. For this reason, theyre also looking for people who can offer the dogs a staycation for the time being.

According to Knicely, a staycation is of great benefit for those who are conflicted about whether they should add a canine member to their family. She explained it can help one know what to expect when living with a dog under the same roof.

If you dont have any animals and youre like, Oh, I eventually think I would like to adopt a cat or a dog, then this is always a good way to test the waters a little bit and get one, and you could always start with a staycation, she stated.

The post 81 Dogs Arrive at North Carolina Shelter in 2 Days appeared first on DogTime.
(Photo Credit: Jena Ardell | Getty Images)

A dog returned to her owner, thanks to the courageous actions of an Oahu hiker in Hawaii. He happened to be in the right place at the right time, as he stumbled upon a lost and injured canine during his training session at an Oahu trail. This led to a remarkable rescue effort, as he courageously brought the dog down the trail.

Lost, injured dog rescued on Oahu Trail by ultra-runner

An Oahu hiker helped rescue a lost and injured pet on the night of Feb. 28, as per Hawaii News Now. Sergio Florian, an ultra-runner, encountered the distressed dog while training on a hazardous trail in the Kaaawa area in Oahu.

Florian described the incident, saying, I just went up there like I usually do for my training run. And as I was nearing the top, around 800-1000 feet of elevationand there she was quivering. In addition, he mentioned the dog was in between two cliffs.

Stevie, the dog, had multiple injuries on her face. According to speculations, the dog got lost while chasing pigs in the area.

In Florians words, She was in pretty bad shape. She was very skinny and dehydrated and had all these cuts on her. Thus, Florian knew that he had to save her in whatever way he could.

He emphasized the vital role of his familiarity with the terrain in rescuing the puppy. Moreover, he asserted that without his extensive knowledge of the area, the rescue would have been impossible.

Florian recounted the daunting task of carrying Stevie, who weighed approximately 40 pounds. He explained how he held onto the cliff with one hand while supporting Stevies weight underneath her belly, maneuvering carefully down the rocky surface. Despite the challenge, he summoned all his strength to safely bring her to safety.

Once they reached the ground, Florian took Stevie to his home and cared for her. At last, he successfully found Stevies owner through a Facebook community page.

Subsequently, the dog returned to her owner and she is now well. Florian expressed gratitude for overcoming the challenges and said his training enabled him to save the animal.

The post Hiker Rescues Injured Dog From 1,000-Foot-High Trail in Hawaii appeared first on DogTime.
(Photo Credit: Viktoriia Vyshnevetska | Getty Images)

Caseville firefighters in Michigan demonstrated exceptional bravery and quick thinking on Friday, Mar. 1, when they rescued a woman and her dog who fell through the ice off Sand Point. The woman had attempted to save one of her dogs, who had run onto unsafe ice, resulting in her and the canine falling into the frigid lake water.

Rescue of woman, dog who fell through thin lake ice off Sand Point

Firefighters, Jared Maust and Tye Tennant, from Caseville Fire Department came to the aid of a woman and her dog, as per Huron Daily Tribune. The woman and her furry friend fell through the ice off Sand Point on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred when the dog ventured onto unsafe ice in pursuit of a bird, and the woman tried to rescue the canine. Consequently, the pet and the pet parent both plunged through thin ice into the lake water.

Huron County Sheriffs Office released a statement regarding the matter. According to the statement, emergency personnel received an alert at approximately 12:45 p.m. The accident happened when the woman was walking her dogs along the beach.

At first, one of her dogs broke through the thin ice while chasing a bird. Subsequently, the woman made an attempt to rescue her pet. Despite her efforts to retrieve the dog, she found herself unable to do so.

In fact, she too fell through the ice into the approximately four-foot-deep water.

Fortunately, she managed to climb back onto the ice. Shortly thereafter, Caseville Fire Department arrived with ice rescue gear. With their assistance, the dog was safely retrieved from the water. All individuals involved were successfully brought back to the shore.

A Scheurer Ambulance crew offered medical assistance to the woman, which she reportedly declined.

The swift response and heroic efforts of the Caseville Fire Department resulted in a successful rescue operation for the woman and her dog. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and vigilance when venturing onto frozen bodies of water during the winter months.

The post Michigan Woman, Dog Fall through Thin Ice appeared first on DogTime.
(Photo Credit: Justin Paget | Getty Images)

Waggies by Maggie and Friends  a non-profit dog treat company in Wilmington, Delaware  has seen a boost in efficiency in their operations thanks to the contributions of a group of engineering students from the University of Delaware.

The students have developed innovative weighing scales to help the companys bakers measure dog treats much faster and more accurately.

University of Delaware engineering students partner with Waggies dog treat company

As per NBC10 Philadelphia, Waggies by Maggie and Friends has been in existence for over a decade. What makes the company stand out from other dog treat manufacturers is that they only employ individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Waggies dog treats are all-natural, vet-approved, and preservative-free dog treats, mostly made from peanut butter. Surprisingly, the non-profit company produces approximately 4,500 treats each day for four days a week.

The persons involved in mixing, shaping, baking, and weighing these healthy treats are people living with various types of intellectual disabilities.

Since these vulnerable individuals generally have weak numerical skills and are more visual learners, it was difficult for them to work with normal weighing scales.

To address this challenge, the non-profit partnered with engineering students from the University of Delaware to custom-make weighing scales that are best suited for visual learners. Thanks to this partnership, the Delaware-based company now has weighing scales that dont give their special bakers a hard time. Additionally, the company says their bakers overall productivity has improved because of this innovation.

These weighing scales use visuals to guide the bakers in accurately measuring the dog treats before packaging.

Logan Feiler is among those volunteer students who came up with this advanced weighing scale model. Explaining how the scale works, Feiler told the news outlet: They can put the treats in it. Itll say minus means add more treats. Once they hit the right amount its a smiley face.

The post Nonprofit Dog Treat Company Gets Help From College Students appeared first on DogTime.
Andre McDonald testifies on Jan. 30, 2023, about the killing of his wife, Andreen McDonald. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Andreen McDonald, 29, in an undated photo, was killed by her husband, Andre McDonald. He was convicted of manslaughter but acquitted of murder. COURTESY Hyacinth Ferron, mother of Andreen McDonald, breaks down as she testifies for the prosecution during the first day of Andre McDonald's murder trial. He was convicted of manslaughter in Andreen's death and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Former Air Force Reserve Maj. Andre McDonald, convicted of killing his wife in 2019, is scheduled to stand trial again this month  in a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in punitive damages.

The family of the woman he killed, Andreen McDonald, a San Antonio businesswoman and the mother of their 7-year-old daughter, filed the lawsuit in 2022. It was initially scheduled for trial in August but was postponed until this month. Jury selection was set to begin Tuesday morning.

Andreen, 29, was reported missing on March 1, 2019. She ran three assisted living facilities in San Antonio with her husband. She was about to open a fourth.

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Her husband, a cyberwarfare operations officer, was a suspect in his wifes disappearance from the beginning. He was initially charged with tampering with evidence. Four months later, after a man discovered Andreens remains on a ranch off Specht Road near Camp Bullis, Andre McDonald was charged with murder.

Last year, a jury found McDonald, 40, guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for manslaughter and five years for tampering with evidence.

Andreens mother, Hyacinth Ferron (who previously went by Smith), alleges in the lawsuit that Andre McDonalds actions caused her and her granddaughter a great deal of mental anguish.

His desecration of her body, hiding her body, burning her body, fraudulently concealing his acts, and failing to reveal his guilt to law enforcement and Andreen Nicole McDonalds family  was malicious, willful (and) unconscionable, the lawsuit states, adding that McDonald killed his wife for his own financial gain.

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During his criminal trial last year, Andre McDonald testified that he and his wife began arguing after he learned she was having an affair and was planning to start a new business in her name. At one point, McDonald said, Andreen spit in his face, insulted his mother and called him a gay slur in Jamaican Creole.

Shes throwing punches, McDonald testified. I grabbed her and tripped her. She fell and I kicked her twice, landed a couple of kicks while she was on the floor. When she got the second kick, I heard some wheezing.

McDonald told the jury that he kicked his wife in an attempt to knock the wind out of her. He said he heard their daughter approaching, took her upstairs, put her to bed and returned to find that his wife had died.

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By his own account, McDonald stripped his wifes body, placed it in a pair of large contractors trash bags and drove to a ranch 6 miles away, leaving her remains beside a dead cow.

After a Bexar County medical examiner testified that marks on Andreens skull and neck bones likely were made by a hammer and could have been fatal, McDonald testified that he went back to the ranch and inflicted hammer blows on his wifes head and neck because he was angry that he had been arrested, interrogated and forced to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Prosecutors argued that McDonald was completely without remorse. They pointed out that McDonald didnt call an ambulance when he found his wife unresponsive and was silent for months about where her body was. McDonald at one point said it was his wifes fault that he killed her.

In the civil lawsuit, Ferron alleged that she suffered mental anguish after listening to McDonalds trial testimony.

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In addition to punitive damages, Ferron is asking the court to impose a constructive trust over McDonalds legal property, including any property that belonged to him and his wife.

A constructive trust could be imposed if the jury decides that Ferron should have rights to legal property belonging to Andre McDonald because he obtained it unfairly.
Firefighters and police at the scene of a fatal collision Saturday night in Pomona. (OnScene.TV)

A Pomona man was arrested Saturday after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing into another car, killing three women, police said.

Police arrested Victor Siharath late Saturday night after the two-vehicle collision around 11 p.m. at the intersection of South White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard in Pomona.

Siharath had a prior DUI conviction, according to Aly Mejia, a spokesperson for the Pomona Police Department.

Everyone involved in the collision was "moderately to severely injured," police said in a news release, and they were treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.

Two women died at the scene, police said. Three others were taken to a nearby hospital, where another woman died.

Read more:Unhoused man accused of trying to steal a Waymo self-driving car in downtown L.A.

A two-vehicle crash in Pomona on Saturday night killed three people. (OnScene.TV)

Police identified the dead as Lorena Morales, 58, of Montclair; Alejandra Olaez, 33, of Pomona; and Yesenia Ochoa, 33, of Pomona.

KABC-TV reported that Morales was driving and her husband, Juan Manuel "Jaime" Garcia, was the front-seat passenger. Olaez's 12-year-old daughter was in the backseat. The group was reportedly on their way home from a baby shower.

Ochoa was in the process of adopting her 11-year-old nephew, the outlet reported.

"She died loving me," the nephew, Brian Gonzalez, told the news outlet. "I wanted her to see me grow up."

One person was still hospitalized in critical condition as of Sunday morning, according to Mejia. A male passenger sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Siharath, the sole occupant of the other vehicle involved in the crash, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI after officers determined that he was impaired, police said

The Pomona Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the collision. Anyone with information is asked to call the department's Traffic Services Bureau at (909) 620-2048.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The European Commission, the European Unions executive arm, on Monday hit Apple with a 1.8 billion euros ($1.95 billion) antitrust fine for abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps.

The commission said it found that Apple had applied restrictions on app developers that prevented them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app.

Apple also banned developers of music streaming apps from providing any instructions about how users could subscribe to these cheaper offers, the commission alleged.

This is Apples first antitrust fine from Brussels and is among one of the biggest dished out to a technology company by the E.U.

The European Commission opened an investigation into Apple after a complaint from Spotify in 2019. The probe was narrowed down to focus on contractual restrictions that Apple imposed on app developers which prevent them from informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative music subscription services at lower prices outside of the App Store.

Apples conduct lasted almost 10 years, according to the commission, and may have led many iOS users to pay significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions because of the high commission fee imposed by Apple on developers and passed on to consumers in the form of higher subscription prices for the same service on the Apple App Store.

The fine will ramp up tensions between Big Tech and Brussels at a time when the E.U. is increasing scrutiny of these firms.

Last year, the commission designated Apple among other tech firms such as Microsoft and Meta as gatekeepers under a landmark regulation called the Digital Markets Act, which broadly came into effect last year.

The term gatekeepers refers to massive internet platforms which the E.U. believes are restricting access to core platform services, such as online search, advertising, and messaging and communications.

The Digital Markets Act aims to clamp down on anti-competitive practices from tech players, and force them to open out some of their services to other competitors. Smaller internet firms and other businesses have complained about being hurt by these companies business practices.

These laws have already had an impact on Apple. The Cupertino, California-based giant announced plans this year to open up its iPhone and iPad to alternative app stores other than its own. Developers have long-complained about the 30% fee Apple charges on in-app purchases.
A Guatemalan farmworker has been cleared of charges in the heart-attack death of a Florida sheriff's officer, a case that drew celebrity attention and prompted a nationwide petition for his freedom.

NBC News reported on the case of 19-year-old Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, in December, after his attorney obtained and shared body camera video of the arrest.

On Friday, the state attorney in Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit said in a statement that dismissing charges against Aguilar Mendez was appropriate.

Expert testimony on Aguilar Mendez's inability to comprehend English, his cultural background and concerns about his intellectual capacity had raised concerns in the case, said R.J. Larizza, the prosecutor in the case. He added that a judge recently ruled that Aguilar Mendez was incompetent to face prosecution based on that expert testimony.

"Arrest and time served is sufficient," the state's attorney stated.

Aguilar Mendez had been held since May 19, 2023, when he was arrested outside a Super 8 hotel in St. Augustine, Florida.

He was charged with contributing to the death of St. Johns County Sheriffs Sgt. Michael Kunovich, who suffered a heart attack after struggling for several minutes, along with other officers, to take Aguilar Mendez into custody. Kunovich walked away when Aguilar Mendez was handcuffed on the ground. Minutes later he collapsed on a curb, according to documents released after the arrest.

Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, 18, (Phillip Arroyo)

Video of the arrest, however, led Aguilar Mendezs civil attorney, Phillip Arroyo, to assert that his client was a victim of police brutality and that the arrest never should have happened. Arroyo said body camera showed that his client, whose first language is Mam, an indigenous language of Guatemala, did not understand the commands of the officer.

A petition for his release started by Change.org garnered more than 600,000 signatures. Aguilar Mendez's case got a boost from media personality Kim Kardashian's social media sites, Arroyo said.

Aguilar Mendez remained jailed Monday in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Attorneys had filed a motion for his release and were awaiting response from the agency, said Arroyo, who filed a civil rights lawsuit in the case on Feb. 23.

Aguilar Mendez had faced charges of aggravated manslaughter of an officer, a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison and resisting an officer with violence, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Arroyo disputed assertions that the charges were dropped based on Aguilar Mendez's competence.

"The prosecutor dropped the case because, it is our position, they knew very well the evidence and bodycam videos demonstrated how the Sheriff blatantly lied to the media during the case and they had no case. The charges were frivolous and they always knew it would not stand legal muster," Arroyo said in an email.

In a news conference last May, St. John County Sheriff Robert Hardwick had said the arrest was by the book and that Aguilar Mendez had been trespassing. He was never charged with trespassing.

Arroyo said that one hour after charges were dropped, Aguilar Mendez was moved to St. Johns County Jail, where he was picked up by ICE to be held at its facility in Baker County, Florida. Arroyo said he was not informed of the transfer before the charges were dropped.

Luckily our team had already filed a motion through immigration attorney Henry Lim to have Virgilio released from ICE custody and there actually is no deportation removal order at all, Arroyo said.

Aguilar Mendez initially had been charged with murder but those charges were reduced after a medical examiner found Kunovich's death was natural and caused by an irregular heartbeat, due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The medical examiner also listed physical exertion and possible emotional stress while apprehending a fleeing suspect as contributing causes.

Kunovich was 52 and had 26 years of service, according to an obituary. He had two sons.

The sheriffs office criticized the decision to drop the charges saying in a statement that Aguilar Mendez is an "illegal alien" who resisted "lawful efforts to detain him" and Kunovich died as a result.

Hardwick said in a statement that Kunovich was a hero, First Coast News reported.

There have been attempts by some to portray Aguilar Mendez as a victim and vilify Sergeant Kunovich. I continue to stand behind Sgt. Kunovichs actions on the night of May 19, 2023," Hardwick stated. He said Kunovich was a hero protecting St. Johns County citizens.
By Liz Lee and Albee Zhang

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Qiang will not hold a press conference after the close of this year's annual parliamentary meeting, an official said on Monday, ending a tradition maintained for three decades.

Since 1993, China's premiers have met the media after the annual gathering of the National People's Congress (NPC), offering journalists, including the foreign press, a rare chance to ask questions in a typically wide-ranging news conference.

The decision was made because there would be more briefings by government ministers during the annual parliament meeting where senior cabinet officials will talk about issues on diplomacy, economy and people's livelihood, NPC spokesman Lou Qinjian told reporters on Monday.

The premier would not give media briefing at the conclusion of future NPCs, Lou added.

At the close of the annual parliament last year, Li sought to reassure the country's private sector in his first media conference as premier.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Albee Zhang; Editing by Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast.)
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that former President Donald Trump will remain on Colorados primary ballot  and ballots nationwide  after the state and others moved to bar him.

The Colorado Supreme Court had decided that Trump should be barred from the ballot under a constitutional clause that prevents officials who engaged in insurrection from holding public office.

Justices appeared to support reversing Colorados ruling during arguments in February.

Justices in the decision released Monday  the day before Super Tuesday when 16 states and a territory will tally votes  wrote that the clause Colorado invoked to remove Trump from the ballot, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, could only be enforced by Congress.

They warned about the resulting chaos of state officials reaching differing conclusions nationwide on who could be on the ballot for president.

An evolving electoral map could dramatically change the behavior of voters, parties, and States across the country, in different ways and at different times, read the unsigned majority opinion. The disruption would be all the more acute  and could nullify the votes of millions and change the election result  if Section 3 enforcement were attempted after the Nation has voted. Nothing in the Constitution requires that we endure such chaos  arriving at any time or different times, up to and perhaps beyond the Inauguration.

All nine justices agreed with the result of todays ruling. But, in separate opinions from the majority, three who were appointed by Democratic presidents and Trump-appointee Justice Amy Coney Barrett disagreed with the broader sweep the five other justices took in the decision.

Four justices took issue with the majority saying Congress must pass legislation to enforce disqualification under Section 3.

Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision, wrote Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan. Because we would decide only the issue before us, we concur only in the judgment.

In my judgment, this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency, Barrett wrote. The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up.

The conservative-leaning court is ideologically split 6-3. Trump appointed three of the sitting justices.

The case, Trump v. Anderson, concerned whether Colorado was wrong to exclude Trump from the states primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, enacted after the Civil War to bar former Confederates from holding public office.

This was the first time the Supreme Court decided on Section 3, a clause that says officials who engaged in insurrection, an act of uprising against the government, should be barred from holding office again. They did not rule whether Trump engaged in insurrection.

This case raises the question whether the States, in addition to Congress, may also enforce Section 3, the ruling read. We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.

Did other states try to disqualify Trump?

If the Supreme Court had ruled otherwise, states could go through similar legal processes to remove the former president from the general election ballot. A decision to disqualify Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, had broader legal and political implications. Dozens of states around the country had similar cases concerning his ballot eligibility.

This victory is not just for President Trump but for the integrity of our electoral system and the rights of voters across the country, Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Dhillon Law Group, one of the law firms that served as counsel for Trump, said Monday. The attempt to use the 14th Amendment in this manner was a dangerous overreach that, if left unchallenged, could have set a perilous precedent for future election.

BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!! Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social.

Colorados Supreme Court in December decided to remove Trump after saying that he engaged in insurrection and thus was banned from being president because of the 1868 constitutional amendment.

I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold posted on social media on Monday. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.

Maine had moved to pull Trump from its primary ballot and Illinois decided the same while the Supreme Court considered the decision. All of three states actions were on hold pending the courts decision. Like California, Colorado and Maine hold their primary elections Tuesday. Illinois is later this month.

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis had hoped to see Trump off the March 5 ballot. Secretary of State Shirley Weber had told her shed looked at options before allowing Trump on Californias primary ballot.

Justices, conservative and liberal, seemed to fear in letting states decide to disqualify a national candidate on the grounds of Section 3 without clear federal legislation during oral arguments in February. The Supreme Court at the time skirted whether Trump engaged in insurrection.

The last time the Supreme Court was thrust into a presidential election was in 2000  Bush v. Gore  when the justices effectively ruled former President George W. Bush won and stopped a Florida recount. That decision was criticized as polarized, sparking similar public debate about the Supreme Courts role and fair elections.

What happened during Februarys oral arguments?

Trumps lawyer relied heavily on the language of Section 3 to argue that it does not apply to Trumps unique circumstance, including that the clause didnt include the nations highest office or candidates and that the former president never took an oath to support the Constitution since he never held any other office.

The lawyer, Jonathan Mitchell, said that Jan. 6, 2021, was a riot and while Trump had not engaged in insurrection, it wasnt up to Colorado or any other state to determine if he was disqualified from the ballot because of it. Rather that power lies with Congress, he said, which can, by a two-thirds vote, restore the ability for an official who engaged in insurrection to hold office.

He claimed Congress would have to pass a law allowing states to preemptively bar candidates from the ballot in this circumstance.

Afterward, the lawyer for the Colorado voters, Jason Murray, said that Section 3 should apply to presidents and that it was enforceable by states without a federal statute. Murray said requiring a statute would be counter-intuitive to blocking an insurrectionist from taking office and that Trump had engaged in insurrection. The Constitution preserves that right for states to run presidential elections and thus are permitted to disqualify candidates who dont meet certain criteria, he said.

What happened in Colorado?

The initial case to pull Trump from Colorados ballot came from four Republican and two independent voters working with watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Their lawsuit claimed Trump provoked the Jan. 6, 2021, attack to subvert the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election and that this amounts to insurrection. Under Section 3, they said, this made him ineligible to be president again and thus he should not be on the primary ballot.

In December, the Colorado Supreme Court agreed in a 4-3 decision. All the justices have been appointed by Democratic governors.

What happened in California?

Lawsuits in dozens of states including California challenged Trumps ballot ability, but Colorado and Maine were the only two states that moved to bar him.

After the Colorado ruling in December, Californias lieutenant governor asked the secretary of state to explore every legal option to take Trump off the ballot. Secretary of State Shirley Weber kept him on the primary ballot when she released the certified list of candidates.

Weber responded to Kounalakis in a Dec. 22 letter saying that challenges to ballot eligibility were to be resolved by courts and that her office was continuing to track legal actions, including that of the Supreme Court. Weber told the Los Angeles Times that blocking Trump from the ballot could be seen as political.

Trump would likely not win the general election vote in California given its overwhelming Democratic voter registration. But in states with high Republican concentrations, removing Trump from the ballot would significantly hinder his election odds.
The former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization on Monday pleaded guilty to perjury charges stemming from his testimony in former President Trumps civil fraud trial.

Allen Weisselberg, Trumps longtime financial gatekeeper, was charged with five felony counts of perjury. He pleaded guilty to two counts Monday for lying during a 2020 deposition as the New York attorney generals office built its civil fraud case against the Trump Organization.

As part of the plea deal, he also admitted he lied in his trial testimony and during another deposition last year, without pleading guilty to those charges.

The ex-Trump Organization executive surrendered Monday morning to the Manhattan district attorneys office. He entered state court later Monday in handcuffs and wearing a mask. A New York judge said he will be sentenced to five months in jail, the amount of time prosecutors requested.

Allen Weisselberg looks forward to putting this situation behind him, Seth Rosenberg, Weisselbergs lawyer, said in a statement.

Weisselberg was a defendant alongside Trump in New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess sweeping civil fraud case against the former president and his business for conspiring to alter Trumps net worth for tax and insurance benefits.

The top executive was ordered to pay more than $1.1 million, plus interest, and barred for three years from serving in top leadership positions in any New York corporation or business entity. He was also barred for life from serving in the financial control function of any New York business.

The charges Weisselberg pleaded guilty to stemmed from a July 17, 2020, deposition with the attorney generals office, where state lawyers questioned him over Trumps Manhattan triplex. The Trump Tower triplex was listed on the former presidents financial statements as 30,000 square feet in size  despite actually being less than 11,000 square feet.

Weisselberg told the lawyers in 2020 that he didnt find out about the error in sizing until Forbes reported it. He also told the lawyers he was never present when Trump described the size of the triplex.

Both remarks were not true, he has now admitted. The size of Trumps triplex apartment was material to the attorney generals investigation, prosecutors with the district attorneys office said in charging documents.

The inquiry into Weisselbergs perjury was spurred by his October testimony in the civil fraud trial. He admitted Monday, without pleading guilty, to falsely testifying then that he never focused on Trumps Manhattan triplex.

But after Weisselberg testified, Forbes published an article accusing him of lying under oath, citing years-old correspondence between the magazine and Trump Organization executive.

A review of old emails and notes, some of which the attorney generals office does not possess, show that Weisselberg absolutely thought about Trumps apartmentand played a key role in trying to convince Forbes over the course of several years that it was worth more than it really was, Forbes wrote in its Oct. 12 article.

When confronted by state lawyers about the Forbes article, Weisselberg conceded that the triplex in the former presidents 5th Avenue Trump Tower was only 10,996 square feet.

A spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorneys office said Weisselbergs plea holds him responsible for his false statements.

It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial  plain and simple, the spokesperson said. Allen Weisselberg took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York State Attorney Generals Investigation and Proceeding, as well as at their recent trial. Today, Allen Weisselberg is pleading guilty to this felony and being held responsible for his conduct.

The Hill requested comment from the New York attorney generals office.

Weisselbergs formal sentencing is scheduled for April 10.

The former CFO previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to evading almost $2 million in taxes over a decade through backchannel compensation from the Trump Organization, including free rent in a Manhattan apartment, a luxury car and his grandchildrens school tuition. He was sentenced to five months at the Rikers Island jail and served nearly 100 days there.

His latest plea agreement with the Manhattan district attorneys office comes just weeks before Trump is expected to stand trial on charges he falsified business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts.

Weisselberg is not expected to cooperate against Trump, according to multiple reports.

That trial will mark the former presidents first criminal prosecution  and the first criminal prosecution of any former American president.

The Associated Press contributed.

Updated at noon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg on Monday pleaded guilty to perjury charges for misleading New York state investigators about financial statements that overstated the size of Donald Trump's penthouse.

Judge Laurie Peterson at a hearing in Manhattan criminal court said she would sentence Weisselberg, 76, to five months in jail. That would mark the second stint behind bars for the former U.S. president's longtime loyal deputy, who was led into the courtroom in handcuffs after surrendering earlier Monday.

Weisselberg's plea comes ahead of Trump's criminal trial starting March 25 on charges brought by the Manhattan District Attorney of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election.

Trump, who faces three other criminal indictments related to efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and his handling of government documents, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

As part of his plea agreement, Weisselberg admitted to lying on the witness stand in a recent civil fraud trial against Trump and during two earlier depositions with the New York state attorney general's office about his role in Trump's financial statements.

In some of those statements, Trump claimed his Manhattan penthouse was more than 30,000 square feet, nearly three times the real size.

Weisselberg testified at the trial on Oct. 10 that he was not involved in an incorrect valuation of the penthouse - one of a series of misleading financial statements that New York state Attorney General Letitia James said amounted to a fraudulent effort to dupe lenders.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office, which brought Monday's charges against Weisselberg, said in a felony complaint that the former CFO's emails showed he was in fact paying close attention to the apartment.

Trump's 2015 and 2016 financial statements valued the unit at $327 million, which James called "absurd." Trump in later years valued the unit at between $105.9 and $131.3 million, which James said were also inflated.

Peterson set Weisselberg's sentencing date for April 10.

"Allen Weisselberg looks forward to putting this situation behind him," his lawyer Seth Rosenberg said in a statement.

'SHORT LEASH'

The judge overseeing James' case, Arthur Engoron, ordered Weisselberg last month to pay $1.1 million including interest.

Engoron wrote that Weisselberg's testimony at the trial was unreliable because he was still awaiting four payments from the Trump Organization as part of a severance agreement that bars him from cooperating with any entity "adverse" to the real estate company.

"The Trump Organization keeps Weisselberg on a short leash, and it shows," the judge wrote.

Engoron ordered Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, to pay $454.2 million. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the trial part of a political witchhunt aimed at derailing his third run for the White House.

Weisselberg's written plea agreement did not indicate he would be cooperating with the District Attorney.

Weisselberg worked for the former president's family for half a century.

He spent around three months in New York's Rikers Island jail in 2023 after pleading guilty to participating in a 15-year tax fraud scheme at the Trump Organization.

Weisselberg had testified at the Trump Organization's 2022 trial that found the company guilty of all charges and fined $1.6 million. Trump was not charged in that case.

(Additional reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu, David Ljunggren and Chizu Nomiyama)
By James Mackenzie

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Benny Gantz, the Israeli war cabinet member visiting Washington this week, tells a story of how his mother, a Holocaust survivor, once had an operation in Germany performed by a Palestinian doctor from Gaza.

The story encapsulates the hope for reconciliation that motivates optimists in the Middle East but which has been cruelly tested by the war with Gaza that erupted on Oct. 7, the deadliest day in Israel's history.

Gantz, 64, who leads a centrist party that now holds a commanding lead in the opinion polls, joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency cabinet last year. He says the fact that he was willing to join a unity government with the right wing Netanyahu and his nationalist religious allies, showed the scale of the crisis facing Israel.

While Gantz has been as adamant as any other leader in Israel that the war can only end when Hamas is destroyed, he is far more open to dialogue with the Palestinians than Netanyahu and his allies from the settler movement like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich or Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Despite the international alarm at the mounting death toll in Gaza, he is unlikely to deviate from the government's path of continuing the war until final victory.

But as U.S. and international pressure grows for a revival of efforts to reach a two state solution, Gantz's willingness to think about a political end to the conflict has brought the divisions more clearly into focus.

Gantz is due to meet both Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the fact that it is he, rather than Netanyahu, who is making the visit has caused a storm. Netanyahu's relations with U.S. President Joe Biden have been so strained that more than a year after taking office, he has still not received an invitation to visit Washington.

Anonymous briefers have told Israeli outlets "there is only one prime minister" and the media have reported that Netanyahu had forbidden Israel's ambassador in the United States from supporting the visit.

"It's a shame this trip wasn't coordinated in advance with the Prime Minister," Smotrich told a faction meeting in parliament on Monday, describing Gantz as a "weak link" in the government and calling on him to openly declare his opposition to a Palestinian state.

"Gantz is playing into the hands of the Biden administration and is actually promoting their plan to establish a Palestinian state," Smotrich said.

While the shock of Oct. 7 has put the normal rules of politics on hold, Netanyahu faces the anger of the majority of Israelis who blame him for the security failures that allowed the devastating attack, that killed some 1,200 people.

Surveys show Gantz's National Unity Party a clear favourite to come out on top in any election held today, with a majority of voters judging that Netanyahu's main motivation for continuing the war was his own political survival, according to a Channel 13 poll on Monday.

ATTACKS

A strong opponent of Netanyahu's drive to overhaul the judiciary which risked tearing Israel apart last year, Gantz has clashed frequently with his partners on the hard right, including Smotrich and on occasion the prime minister himself.

But he said that the unprecedented threat facing the country after Oct. 7 had prompted him to join forces with his rivals.

"This is not a political partnership I am in," he told a group of journalists in a briefing last year. "There is no way I would stand aside and play with politics under such circumstances."

Alongside Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, the other main member of the war cabinet, and Gadi Eizenkot, another centrist former general, he has defended the Israeli military and security establishment from attack by Netanyahu allies.

Critics say such attacks are a means of diverting criticism from the prime minister himself.

A former paratrooper who commanded the elite Shaldag commando unit, Gantz spent most of his career in the military. As army chief of staff in 2012, he oversaw an eight day-operation in the Gaza Strip that began with the killing of the chief of Hamas' military wing in Gaza.

That conflict was part of a series of more or less limited confrontations between Israel and Hamas that had marked Israel's relations with the Palestinians ever since the Islamist movement took power in Gaza after a brief factional war in 2007.

The war that began on Oct. 7, when Hamas gunmen broke through the security fence around Gaza and tore through the Israeli communities just outside, killing some 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 as hostages, was different.

Israel has responded with a bombing campaign that has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, drawing increasing alarm even from firm allies like the United States.

Five months into the conflict, attention has increasingly turned to the situation that will follow the end of the war and here, Gantz's feeling that a political solution would have to be found may make him easier for Washington to deal with.

Gantz said he had once told Mahmoud Abbas, the 87-year-old leader of the Palestinian Authority, who is cordially detested by many Israeli leaders, that each of them no doubt dreamed the other would disappear.

"But we are both here. That is not going to change."

(Additional reporting by Steven Scheer, Editing by William Maclean)
A mail carrier in Ohio was fatally shot in his postal van over the weekend in what police believe was a targeted attack.

Jonte Davis, 33, was wounded while inside his U.S. postal van by a suspect in another vehicle, Warren police said Sunday on Facebook.

Officers said they responded to a report of shots fired about 1:45 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of Olive Avenue NE in Warren, a city in northeast Ohio.

U.S. Postal Service van crime scene (WKYC)

Police and emergency medical personnel performed lifesaving measures on Davis, who died from his wounds at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, police said.

Within hours after police responded to the shooting scene, a suspect vehicle was found on a driveway at a residence on Maryland Avenue NE, police said. A search warrant for the home and the vehicle was obtained, police said.

No one with Warren police could immediately be reached for comment Monday afternoon to provide an update on the case.

Several individuals have been interviewed at the police station, according to the police statement.

However, police added: There is no one in custody at this time for this targeted attack. It is believed at this time that the victim and suspect(s) knew each other.

The FBI and the Postal Service are assisting with the investigation, police said. No one with the FBIs office in Cleveland could immediately be reached for comment.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a $250,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspect or suspects in the slaying, the agency said in a flyer.

Warren is about 60 miles southeast of downtown Cleveland.
A man is facing an attempted grand theft auto charge after trying  and failing  to steal a self-driving taxi in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The LAPD said in a statement Sunday that Vincent Maurice Jones, 33, got into a fully autonomous Waymo car just after it dropped off a passenger on Main Street north of 1st Street, near to City Hall, around 10.30 p.m. on Saturday.

The suspect got into the driver's seat  but the alleged theft did not go according to plan.

"Jones attempted to put the vehicle in 'Drive' but could not manipulate the controls," the LAPD said.

A Waymo representative was then able to speak to Jones remotely via the car's online communications system and told him to leave the vehicle, police said. When he did not, the representative called the police. Jones did not follow the instructions, and the representative contacted the LAPD, who arrived and arrested him, the statement added.

The police did not say whether he had been charged yet or was still in police custody. It is not known whether he has legal representation.

Waymo did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News.

In California, attempted Grand Theft Auto is punishable upon a successful conviction with up to three years in prison if charged as a felony, and one year when charged as a misdemeanor.

Self-driving cars are an increasingly common sight in California. The California Public Utilities Commission on Friday granted Waymo, which spun off from Google in 2016, permission to expand its fleet of self-driving taxis across the greater LA area, after launching in San Francisco and Phoenix.

Some 50,000 Angelenos are already on a waiting list for a free "on tour" Waymo ride.

Despite their popularity, some policymakers and technology experts remain skeptical about self-driving cars, which have been documented running red lights and blocking first responder vehicles.
A student excitedly examines a page as kindergarten teacher Imelda Cruz reads to her class on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 at Washington Irving Dual Language Academy San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio Independent School District is a partner to UP Partnerships Future Ready Bexar County plan to boost post-secondary enrollment. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

A San Antonio education nonprofit wants to make a major addition to the city charter: a clause that devotes 20% of annual city revenue growth to children and youth.

Such a change would result in millions of dollars annually for organizations and programs that serve San Antonians from birth to age 24.

On Monday evening, UP Partnership CEO Ryan Lugalia-Hollon will pitch the idea to the Charter Review Commission, which has been working since late last year to analyze a handful of potential amendments to the charter. Those include striking a pay restriction and term limit on the city manager.

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The tough technical issues the commission has been tackling relate to San Antonio having the best, highest-quality talent that we possibly can, Lugalia-Hollon said, and our proposal would expand their scope so that San Antonians from every district in our city can have the best chance at becoming the highest-quality talent that they can.

Thus far, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who hand-picked the commission's 15 members, has dictated its areas of focus.

Monday evening will be the first time the commission gets to directly hear from residents  who ultimately will vote on any amendments to the charter in the November election. It will be the commissions sixth meeting and the first to include a public comment portion.

Though residents can give feedback on the areas covered by the mayors charge, some see it as an opportunity to sway the commission to take up their desired changes.

The charter can be amended only every two years.

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Dont limit your public comment. Advocate for the charter amendments that matter to YOU  whether or not its a part of the commissions existing charge, District 2 City Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez urged his followers Friday on X, formerly Twitter. Each District did not get appointees, so theres a slim chance the commission represents each Districts diverse interests.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has said it will urge commissioners to ditch the charter's prohibitions on civil service workers participating in council and mayoral campaigns, something McKee-Rodriguez has said he wished had been part of the charge.

Overlooked

Children and young adults make up 35% of San Antonios population. Yet they consistently get overlooked when looking at new revenue investment opportunities for young people, Lugalia-Hollon said. One possible reason is that this population is too young to vote or has relatively low voter turnout when compared with older residents.

UP Partnership, founded in 2009, advocates for policies that eliminate education barriers for Bexar County students. Its major donors include the Charles Butt and H.E. Butt foundations, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, SWBC and USAA.

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The nonprofit is proposing that 20% of the citys annual revenue growth be used for grantmaking and initiatives focused on children, youth and youth workforce training. Each year, the mayor and the City Council would determine which organizations or programs to fund out of this budget set-aside.

Had this proposed policy been in place for the citys current fiscal year, which saw revenues grow by more than $324 million, it would have generated close to $65 million.

The annual allotment could support child care or after-school care programs, child abuse prevention efforts or the Alamo Colleges Districts Alamo Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for all Bexar County high school graduates.

All of those investments will help the city in the long run and grow the taxpayers (base), Lugalia-Hollon said.

They could also support the Future Ready Bexar County plan that UP Partnership unveiled in 2022, with the backing of area school districts, universities and various city departments, among other organizations. By 2030, the initiative aims to have 70% of Bexar County high school graduates in a postsecondary degree or certificate programs.

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Voter-approved childrens funds

San Antonio already has a voter-approved childrens initiative: Pre-K 4 SA.

In 2020, nearly three-quarters of voters approved renewing city sales tax funding for the city-run early-education program, which includes five preschool centers around San Antonio, for an additional eight years.

I think what UP Partnership is trying to do, given the fact that you already have Pre-K 4 SA getting really great results, is figure out, how can the city now sustain the gains that theyre making in that early investment by bookending and circling back and focusing on youth, said Elizabeth Gaines, founder and CEO of Childrens Funding Project. Lugalia-Hollon chairs the organizations board of directors.

There are 52 voter-approved childrens funds around the country that generate $1.5 billion of public revenue dollars for children and youth services annually, according to Childrens Funding Project. Some, such as Pre-K 4 SA, are paid for by sales tax dollars, while others rely on property taxes, hotel occupancy taxes or budget set-asides.

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Christina Martinez, president of the San Antonio Independent School District board of trustees, supports the proposed city revenue set-aside for children and youth and plans to lobby the charter commission to consider it.

We just want to make sure that no matter what happens  no matter whos in power, what the issues are at the city level  theres always this dedicated stream of funding to support these programs, Martinez said.

Were asking the city to put in its charter an expression of its values about young people, she said.

Charter election

The permanency of charter amendments, which require a citywide vote to be undone, is a main reason UP Partnership is eyeing a charter change, rather than a city ordinance that City Council can adopt  and later potentially undo.

We think it should go to voters  its a big decision, and we believe the voters would be very excited about it and supportive of it, Lugalia-Hollon said. We think it should have the ratification of the public.

The co-chairs of the Charter Review Commission have made it clear that the commission wont take up any matters outside of the mayors charge until it devises its recommended amendments for those areas.

Since convening the commission in November, Nirenberg has added one thing to their agenda: reviewing how and when council members can call a special meeting.

In a statement, he said he wont be formally adding to its charge at this time out of respect for their workload and processes.

But Nirenberg, who has met with Lugalia-Hollon to discuss UP Partnerships proposal, said, Id obviously be supportive conceptually as it aligns directly with much of my policy agenda and the needs of our community.

I am fully supportive of the process established by the commission to accommodate the communitys ideas, and I remain open to a conversation on how we can more permanently support youth development and job training, he said.
By Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores

(Reuters) -The Philippines will cooperate with China in talks on the disputed South China Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday, but will push back when its sovereignty and maritime rights are ignored.

Speaking at a Lowy Institute forum during a visit to Australia, Marcos said he was committed to working with Southeast Asian nations and China for a long-delayed code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea anchored on international law.

"These efforts are not pursued in a vacuum. A conducive environment where tensions are effectively managed is crucial to the success of the COC negotiations," Marcos said as he reiterated he will not surrender any Philippine territory to a foreign power.

Ties between neighbours the Philippines and China soured shortly after Marcos took office in 2022, with repeated disputes over atolls and reefs in the South China Sea at a time when Manila has developed closer defence ties with the United States.

Marcos said the Philippines' alliance with the United States was forged "by our own choice and we continue to strengthen it by our own choice".

"Our alliance has been a pillar of regional stability for decades, and we all need for it to continue to be a force for good in the coming years," said Marcos, the son and namesake of the late Philippine strongman who ruled for two decades until his fall in 1986.

In a departure from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's pro-China stance, Marcos has accused Beijing of aggression in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, including the use of water cannon, "military-grade" lasers and collision tactics to drive away Philippine vessels.

SUPERPOWER RIVALRY

Under Marcos, the Philippines has nearly doubled the number of its bases accessible to U.S. forces, including three new sites facing Taiwan, an island China claims as its own.

U.S.-Philippine military exercises have taken place regularly for decades, but manoeuvres have extended to include joint air and sea patrols over the South China Sea and close to Taiwan, actions China has seen as "stirring up trouble".

China, which claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, has accused the Philippines of repeatedly trespassing on its territory, while urging dialogue to prevent mishaps. A 2016 arbitration ruling said China's claim had no legal basis under international law.

"Our independent foreign policy compels us to cooperate with them on matters where our interests align, to respectfully disagree on areas where our views differ, and to push back when our sworn principles such as our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, and our jurisdiction ... are questioned or ignored," Marcos said.

Too much emphasis was being placed on the superpower rivalry between the United States and China at the expense of legitimate maritime interests of other countries in the region, he said.

"It distracts us from calling out aggressive, unilateral, illegal and unlawful actions for what they are - attacks against the rule of international law and the principles of the Charter of United Nations," he said.

Marcos also said he had approved the third phase of the military's acquisition plan to support his country's shift in focus away from internal to external defence.

"Our forces must be able to guarantee to the fullest extent possible ... unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where we have jurisdiction, including ... our exclusive economic zone," Marcos said.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema in Manila; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Nick Macfie)
GREENSBORO, N.C.  Former President Donald Trump likened North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to Martin Luther King Jr. in an endorsement Saturday, despite the gubernatorial candidates long history of controversial comments about homosexuality, religion and victims of sexual abuse.

This is Martin Luther King on steroids, Trump said of Robinson at a pre-Super Tuesday rally in North Carolina.

I told that to Mark. I said, I think youre better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two, he continued as he offered Robinson his endorsement in the Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday.

Robinson has been a vocal supporter of the former president and first endorsed Trump for re-election in June while speaking at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Conference in Washington, D.C.

Robinson, a pastor, is a polarizing figure, catching harsh criticism for his past comments about women, Muslims, Jewish people and members of the LGBTQ community.

The favorite to secure the North Carolina gubernatorial Republican nomination has, for example, insinuated that homosexuality is a stepping stone to pedophilia, harshly ridiculed school shooting survivors who promoted gun-control reform, encouraged forms of Holocaust denialism and used antisemitic tropes.

In October, Robinson insisted he was not antisemitic and distanced himself from some of his former social media posts.

There have been some Facebook posts that were poorly worded on my part, he said in remarks before the state Legislature, adding: There is no antisemitism standing here in front of you.

In 2021, Robinson faced calls to resign for saying, Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth.

In response, he said he would fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Let me be clear: I will fight for and protect the rights of all citizens, including those in the LGBTQ community to express themselves however they want, he said at the time. That is their right as Americans, and I dont think the government has any role in telling them otherwise. However, the idea that our children should be taught about concepts of transgenderism and be exposed to sexually explicit materials in the classrooms is abhorrent.

Donald Trump (Chris Carlson / AP)

Trumps comments in Greensboro marked at least the second time he has likened the controversial lieutenant governor to the iconic civil rights leader.

First, it was the voice, Trump said of Robinson in a video posted online from an event at Mar-a-Lago in December. And then, I said, You know what, I swear, I think youre better than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump said.

Trump recently faced backlash of his own for comments he made while addressing the Black Conservative Federations annual gala in South Carolina.

I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time, and a lot of people said that thats why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as Im being discriminated against, he said.

Trump also insinuated that the Black community uniquely embraced and connected with his mug shot photo. His allies have launched an effort to try to win over more Black voters in November.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (Chris Carlson / AP)

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called Robinson a great American who is well respected by the people of North Carolina in a statement to NBC News.

The mainstream medias attacks on African Americans who support President Trump is old and exhausting, she added, but we expect them to increase as polling proves more and more Black Americans are choosing to support Trump over Biden.
WASHINGTON  In ruling that states cannot kick Donald Trump off the ballot, the Supreme Court placed significant limits on any effort  including by Congress  to prevent the former president from returning to office.

Should Trump win the presidential election and lawmakers then seek to not certify the results and prevent him from taking office because he "engaged in insurrection" under Section 3 of the Constitution's 14th Amendment, the decision could foreclose that action.

It is on that point that the court  notionally unanimous in ruling for Trump despite its 6-3 conservative majority  appeared to be divided, with the three liberal justices vehemently objecting to the apparent straitjacket the decision enforced on Congress.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative, wrote her own opinion saying she also believed the court had decided issues it did not need to resolve, but she did not join the liberal justices separate opinion.

Apparently, without the support of the four female justices, a five-justice majority said Congress had to act in specific ways to enforce Section 3.

This gives the Supreme Court major power to second guess any congressional decision over enforcement of Section 3, Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA School of Law, wrote immediately after the ruling.

The Colorado Supreme Court had found Trump had violated the provision in contesting the 2020 presidential election results in actions that ended with the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

In ruling for Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court specified that anything Congress does must be specifically tailored to address Section 3, an implicit warning that broad legislation could be struck down.

"Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming president," the liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote on their separate opinion.

By weighing in on the role of Congress, "the majority attempts to insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office," they added.

One sentence in particular attracted the attention of legal experts, with the liberal justices writing that the majority was seemingly "ruling out enforcement under general federal statutes requiring the government comply with the law."

Several observers said that may be a reference to Congress' role in certifying the presidential election results should Trump win in November, which is now governed by the Electoral Count Reform Act enacted in 2022 with the aim of preventing another Jan. 6.

The law includes language saying Congress can refuse to count electoral votes that are not "regularly given." That could be interpreted to apply to a winning candidate who members of Congress believe is not eligible to serve under Section 3.

Derek Muller, an election law expert at Notre Dame Law School, said it seemed the majority wanted to "close that door."

But, he added, "the court is speaking somewhat opaquely here, as if it does not want to reveal the true substance of the disagreement."

Jason Murray, who argued the Colorado case at the Supreme Court on behalf of the voters who wanted Trump kicked off the ballot, said he also thought the court may be referring to the Electoral Count Reform Act.

"It seems to me that one thing that the liberals might be referring to is the possibility that Congress might on Jan. 6, 2025, refuse to count votes that were cast for former President Trump," he said.

Not everyone agreed with that interpretation, with Richard Pildes, a professor at New York University School of Law, saying the liberal justices may have been referring to the potential for legal challenges about Trump's authority as president if he were in office again.

If the court was addressing the counting of Electoral College votes, "they could easily have mentioned that if that's what they meant," he said.

Hasen wrote that the ruling means that if Trump wins the election and Congress tries to disqualify him, the Supreme Court "will have the last word." In the meantime, "we may well have a nasty, nasty post-election period," he added.
United Airlines expects its busiest spring break ever this year, even as travelers say they are concerned about rising costs.

The carrier said Monday it expects to serve more than 21 million passengers from March 8 to April 21  up nearly 10% compared with last year.

That equates to more than 200,000 people per day on average during the period  about 15,000 more people flying per day than last year.

United said it expects the busiest travel day to be Friday, March 22, when more than 500,000 passengers are scheduled to travel via the carrier. Likewise, the week of March 25 will be the busiest travel week, with about 480,000 people flying each day that week, on average.

The travel group Expedia separately reported last month that the April 8 solar eclipse appears to be driving some of the biggest surges in bookings, with locations in Texas  the state with one of the largest exposures to the event  nearly doubling; searches for Dallas are up 95% year over year, Expedia said, while Austin searches are up 90%.

United and Expedia both said traditional spring getaway locations like Florida; Cancun, Mexico; and Las Vegas remain at the top of this year's most-sought-after destinations list.

According to the travel booking group Hopper, 90% of survey respondents traveling this spring said price and affordability are top of mind.

Yet despite higher demand, prices are actually down this year, according to Hayley Berg, the lead economist with Hopper. A "good deal" average price for someone who plans ahead for a spring break trip in the U.S. is down 2% from last year and 11% from 2019 to about $250, Hopper data shows.

In fact, the lower prices are helping drive demand, Berg said. Thanks to increased competition from low-cost carriers, increased seating capacity on planes and a return to full-strength staffing, the price the average consumer is likely to encounter when booking continues to fall  a trend that had been occurring before the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.

"It's been great for consumers," she said. "Pre-pandemic, prices were down consistently for years. It's something that's allowed the millennial generation to have travel be something they do a lot of."
By Sarah Morland, Harold Isaac and Valentine Hilaire

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Haiti's neighbors on Monday began shoring up their defenses and recalling embassy staff as a gang conflict in the Caribbean nation escalated and thousands fled fresh fighting.

On Sunday, Haiti's de facto government issued a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed nightly curfews after armed men busted thousands from prison and a gang leader called for the ousting of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and last year deported tens of thousands of Haitians, said on Monday that its defense minister was touring the border to supervise progress on a border fence, while the president ruled out opening refugee camps for Haitians in the country.

The violence erupted while Henry was absent. Doubts had risen over Henry's whereabouts after he traveled to Kenya to seal a deal for the African nation to lead an international force to help fight the increasingly powerful gangs.

Heavy gunfire was seen near Port Au Prince's international airport during the day, airport authorities said.

The United States urged its citizens to leave Haiti "as soon as possible." A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said he believed Henry was returning to Haiti.

Brazil's government called on the international community to implement the U.N.'s resolution to send a multinational force to Haiti. Brazil authorities noted in a statement that it had led a United Nations peace mission to Haiti from 2004 to 2017.

Neighboring Bahamas said it had called embassy staff back to New Providence, leaving just its charge d'affaires and two security attaches, while Mexico said its nationals should limit themselves to essential transit and stock up on water, fuel and non-perishables.

Gangs have warned residents around Port-au-Prince to keep children home, although the Haitian government has stipulated that schools will stay open.

The International Organization for Migration said that in just three days last week around 15,000 people are estimated to have fled gunfire in the capital, many of them from makeshift camps in schools, hospitals and squares to which they had already been displaced.

The United Nations estimated early this year that some 300,000 people had been forced to abandon their homes, fleeing indiscriminate killings, routine sexual violence, kidnappings and lootings as well-armed rival gangs fought over territory.

AID PAUSE

The International Rescue Committee said that aid groups it works with had been forced to pause their work, given the security situation.

The Washington-based Organization of American States pushed for a faster international response, in coordination with the U.N. "It is irresponsible that the necessary measures and actions continue to be delayed," it said.

The U.N. last October ratified the plan to send in an international force, based on voluntary contributions from member states, to help Haitian police restore security.

However, a date for deployment has yet to be set. As of the end of February, the U.N. said five nations had formally pledged troops - The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad - and less than $11 million was deposited in its fund.

The largest public pledges for personnel come from Benin, which offered 1,500 people, according to the U.N., and Kenya, which late last week sealed a deal with Henry to lead the mission with some 1,000 police officers.

Haiti's national police has meanwhile shed staff, as poorly resourced officers face deadly clashes with gangs armed with assault weapons, believed to be largely trafficked from the United States.

Aid groups have urged the U.N.-backed force to prioritize securing routes to provide people with medical care and food.

(Reporting by Sarah Morland and Valentine Hilaire in Mexico City, Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince; Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Steven Grattan, and Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Rosalba O'Brien and Leslie Adler)
(Reuters) - The wife of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, has thanked the many thousands of Russians who have queued for hours to visit her husband's grave.

"Many people wonder why Alexei fought so hard and never gave up. For your sake. For the beautiful, brave and honest people who now come in an endless queue to say goodbye to him," Navalnaya wrote on X on Monday.

"Thank you. This is the true love of the people."

Thousands of Navalny's supporters gathered in Moscow's Maryino neighbourhood on the day of his funeral last Friday to pay their respects to Russia's most famous opposition leader, who died in an Arctic penal colony on Feb. 16, aged 47.

Defying warnings by President Vladimir Putin's spokesman against holding unauthorised rallies, many chanted Navalny's name and slogans such as "Putin is a murderer" and "No to war". People formed huge queues again over the weekend to visit Navalny's grave, which lies submerged in flowers.

Yulia Navalnaya has accused Putin of having her husband murdered, and Navalny's team says it plans to investigate and publish the names of those responsible.

The Kremlin denies any involvement and has declined to comment on Navalny's funeral, before or since it took place. Navalny's supporters say the death certificate stated he died of natural causes, something they refuse to accept.

(Reporting and writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by William Maclean)
This is Nikki Haley's first primary win against Donald Trump

Nikki Haley has defeated Donald Trump in the Republican primary in Washington DC.

This is her first victory over the former president in the 2024 campaign to become the Republican presidential candidate.

She lost in South Carolina, her home state. But she is the first woman to win a Republican primary in US history.

Mr Trump however has a huge lead over Ms Haley and is likely to face Joe Biden in the November election.

The BBC's US partner CBS reports that Ms Haley will receive all 19 Republican delegates who were up for grabs in Washington DC, giving her 43 delegates nationwide - well behind Mr Trump's 247.

Ms Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN, won 62.9% of the vote, to Mr Trump's 33.2%.

It is seen as a largely symbolic win, as the capital is a heavily Democrat-leaning jurisdiction, with only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the city.

Local party officials said 2,035 Republicans participated in the primary, the Washington Post reported.

Ms Haley's campaign national spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said: "It's not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos".

The Trump Campaign, however, was quick to dismiss Ms Haley's win, calling her the "Queen of the Swamp".

"While Nikki has been soundly rejected throughout the rest of America, she was just crowned Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo. The swamp has claimed their queen," Trump Campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said.

Mr Trump has dominated every state primary or caucus so far in the Republican campaign, and is poised to win more delegates this week, on Super Tuesday, when voters in 15 states and one US territory will nominate their candidate. It is the biggest day of nominating contests, with 874 Republican delegates' support at stake.

Ms Haley has vowed to stay in the race until at least 5 March, when thousands of people will cast their votes on Super Tuesday.

More on the US election
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea's defence ministry urged South Korea and the United States to stop military drills, saying they are rehearsals of war and warning of consequences, KCNA reported on Tuesday.

South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual spring exercises on Monday with twice the number of troops joining compared to last year, seeking to improve their responses to North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

An unnamed spokesperson of Pyongyang's defence ministry said it strongly denounces what it called "frantic, reckless" military drills, urging them to stop, KCNA said.

The exercises can never be defensive but are an attempt to invade the North, the spokesperson said, pointing to their increased scale and the participation of 11 member countries of the United Nations Command.

"A nuclear war may be ignited even with a spark," KCNA quoted the spokesperson as saying.

The U.S. and South Korea will have to "pay a dear price for their false choice," the official added, vowing to conduct "military activities to strongly control the unstable security environment."

South Korea's defence ministry dismissed the North's statement, saying the exercises are defensive and meant to fend off the North's provocations and aggression.

"If North Korea makes a direct provocation using the exercises as an excuse, we will make overwhelming responses immediately, strongly and until the end," it said in a statement.

The Freedom Shield exercises, set to end on March 14, came as North Korea pushes to develop its nuclear capabilities with missile and other weapons tests.

The exercises are primarily designed to neutralise the North's nuclear threats, including by "identifying and striking" cruise missiles, which Pyongyang had indicated could carry nuclear warheads, Seoul military officials said.

(Reporting by Hyonhee ShinEditing by Sandra Maler and Lincoln Feast.)
A new study has uncovered a tiny fish speciess ability to produce a huge sound.

Danionella cerebrum is 10 to 12 millimeters, or about 0.4 to about 0.5 inches, long and lives in shallow, murky waters in Myanmar, according to a news release from the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Ralf Britz, an ichthyologist at the museum, and an international research team recently examined the species in a study published Feb. 26 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They found that the fish can generate noise levels of over 140 decibels, which is unusual for an animal of its size.

The fish, one of the smallest vertebrates, produces the sound at 140 decibels up to the distance of its body size, researchers said.

Fish are generally considered to be quiet animals, Britz said in the release. But the volume is comparable to what a human would hear at about 330 feet away from an airplane taking off, the museum said.

Its louder than a flightless kakapos mating call, which reaches 130 decibels, and an elephant, which can up to 125 decibels with their trunks, according to museum officials.

The males of the species have a unique sound-producing structure, the researchers found. It includes a tympanic cartilage, a special rib and a fatigue-resistant muscle.

The mechanism shoots the cartilage at the swim bladder  an organ that allows fish to maintain their depth without floating upward or sinking, according to Britannica  and creates a rapid, loud pulse, the study said.

These pulses are chained together to make calls with either bilaterally alternating or unilateral muscle contractions, the study said.

Researchers said the fish use the mechanism to communicate with other members of the species.

The results of the study challenge the idea that the speed of skeletal movement in vertebrates is limited by muscle movement, the museum said.

The fish are used as models for biomedical research, according to museum officials.

Google Translate was used to translate the news release from the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Boaters caught trying to smuggle over 110,000 live eels out of Puerto Rico, feds say

Deep-sea vampire squid suffocated 183 million years ago while hunting. Now its found

Medusa sea creature  with up to 11 tentacles  discovered by snorkelers off Mexico
Mexico City is home to nearly 22 million people. But for months, the sprawling city has been suffering from diminishing water supplies  and now, one of the world's most populated cities is on the verge of a "day zero" where it will no longer have enough water to provide residents.

Citing the Water Basin Organization of the Valley of Mexico, local outlet La Razon de Mexico reported last week that officials fear this "day zero"  when the Cutzamala System will no longer have enough water for residents  could come on June 26 and last until September. Locals are already struggling to have enough water, with many going "days, if not weeks, without running water in their houses," CBS News contributor Enrique Acevedo said.

"There's been water scarcity, water management, in the city that we haven't seen in at least a decade," he said. "Gyms here in Mexico City and other public parks had to start limiting the number of guests they have taking showers and using their facilities because a lot of people were taking advantage of their memberships to use water at those facilities."

Local resident Juan Ortega told Reuters in January that among the rules implemented to try and conserve water is "cars are no longer washed."

"The garden, the grass, is never watered, only the plants so that they don't die," he said. "We are going to start reusing water from washing machines for watering."

A woman fills a bucket with bottled water at an apartment unit in the Las Penas neighborhood in Iztapalapa on February 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. / Credit: TOYA SARNO JORDAN / Getty Images

Arturo Gracia, who runs a coffee shop in the area, said that his business has to pay for a water truck to supply water to toilets and other essentials.

"It's affecting us a lot," he said. "And I don't think it's just us. This is happening in several neighborhoods."

These issues have been exacerbated as Mexico City battled high temperatures last week. Mexico City's water system SACMEX said on Feb. 27 that temperatures were recorded as high as nearly 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This week, temperatures are expected to reach nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal cloud coverage, according to The Weather Channel.

Conditions in Mexico City are so bad that on Tuesday, a rainwater catchment basin normally so green it's used as a soccer field or for grazing animals, caught on fire, the Associated Press reported. Seventy-five acres of land were burned by the fire, with the Mexico City fire department saying the flames were brought under control by late afternoon.

It's an "unprecedented situation," Rafael Carmona, director of SACMEX, told Reuters, with a lack of rain being a major factor. Rainfall in the region has decreased over the past four to five years, he said, leading to low storage in local dams. A lack of overall water in the supply systems, combined with the high population, created "something that we had not experienced during this administration, nor in previous administrations," he said.

Most of Mexico is experiencing some form of drought, with many areas experiencing the highest levels of "extreme" and "exceptional," according to the country's drought monitor. In October, 75% of the country was experiencing drought, the Associated Press reported, while the country's rainy season doesn't start until around May.

Women wash clothes on the dry banks of the Villa Victoria dam, which is at 30.5 percent of its capacity on February 28, 2024 in Villa Victoria, Mexico. / Credit: / Getty Images

On top of the drought, Acevedo said that "poor water management" has also been a major contributor to the problem.

"We've had a lot of underwater leaks. ... Some figures say up to 40% of the water that's been wasted in the city comes from underground leaks. There's also some residential leaks," he said.

Several leaks were reported by SACMEX at the beginning of February, which the supplier said it was working to correct. Many of those leaks were "caused by variations in the pressures of the hydraulic network," SACMEX said.

Many have pointed to affluent residents as only exacerbating the situation.

In Valle de Bravo, an area frequented by the wealthy, the giant dam that feeds water supply for roughly 6 million people in and around Mexico City is running dry, Reuters reported, while hundreds of artificial lakes and dams  some only for artificial purposes  remain filled on private properties in the area. Citing government data, experts and local officials, Reuters reported the dam is at a historic low at less than 32% of its capacity.

"I had the joy of seeing the reservoir fill up with water when I was 8 years old, and now I have to see how it is drying up," Mario Garcia told Reuters.

Valle de Bravo municipal president Michelle Nunez told the agency it's "very selfish" for people to have private water bodies "when families depend 100% on this water."

"We know this is not a local issue. It is not just happening in Valle de Bravo," Nunez said. "We understand that it is a global water crisis, but this is something that we are experiencing here, and we are living it up close. It is very, very worrying because hundreds of families are being affected."

Not everyone believes "day zero" will come so soon. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the government will be able to increase the water supply enough to avoid such an event this year, La Razon de Mexico reported. Other researchers believe it's something that could happen in the years ahead.

"It's not that we have a day zero coming up," Acevedo said, "but certainly we haven't seen things be as bad as they are right now in a while."

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Crews work Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, to de-ice planes at the San Antonio International Airport as a deep freeze its the city. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Travelers loaded up with luggage make their way to check in at the San Antonio International Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. The day before Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest, if not the busiest, travel day of the year. It's expected to be a record-setting year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Travelers at San Antonio International Airport get an early start on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer

San Antonio could soon get its long-sought direct flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said Monday.

I think were actually going to get it done this year, the San Antonio Democrat said at a Monday news conference to introduce San Antonio International Airports new logo.

San Antonio is known as Military City USA, as Cyber City USA, and its a city thats on the rise, and that continues to grow, he said. So we want to make sure that we get that done.

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Past efforts to get a direct flight from San Antonio to the heart of D.C. have failed because of resistance from supporters of regulations that limit traffic to Reagan, known as the slot rule and the perimeter rule.

The slot rule reduces congestion at Reagan by controlling the number of takeoffs and landings at the airport. The perimeter rule prohibits flights to or from airports outside a 1,250-mile boundary around Reagan.

But the issue is up for debate again as the Federal Aviation Administration works out its congressional reauthorization, which takes place every five years.

Congress was supposed to vote on the reauthorization bill last year, but it has been extended three times.

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The most recent extension gives the House and Congress until May 10 to come to a consensus. Both currently have their own versions of the bill with differences that need to be ironed out.

In February, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved its five-year FAA reauthorization bill, which included five extra slots for Reagan. (The total is down from the 28 new nonstop flights to Reagan that some House lawmakers pushed for last year.)

In July, the House of Representatives voted down an amendment to the bill that would have added seven daily round-trip direct flights to Washington from airports outside the perimeter.

Despite that vote, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who also spoke at the Monday news conference, said the five extra slots that the Senate supported could end up in the final reauthorization bill.

If San Antonio wins approval for a direct flight to Reagan, the next step will be landing an airline to fly from San Antonio to D.C. Roy said discussions with carriers have already begun.

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Were feeling good, but we still have work to do to get it across the finish line, the Republican lawmaker told reporters.

Roy and Castro were two of eight members of Congress who signed a letter last year to the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of a direct route to the D.C. airport from San Antonio.

Sen. Ted Cruz also has been a major supporter of a direct flight to Reagan. Hes ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

In September, he said that if the Senate was able to get long-distance flights added to the reauthorization bill that the House will come around and do the same.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan  A police officer in Pakistan is being hailed as a hero after she protected a woman from a furious mob accusing her of blasphemy over what she was wearing.

Sheher Bano, an assistant superintendent of police in the city of Lahore, put her life in danger to rescue the woman after colorful Arabic calligraphy on her outfit was mistaken for verses from the Quran, the Muslim holy book, said Usman Anwar, police inspector general of Punjab province.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where it is punishable by death. Accusations have led to violent assaults, detentions and mob lynchings.

In a ceremony in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, Bano received Pakistans highest honor in law enforcement from the countrys military, which called her fearless.

Police first received a call last Sunday afternoon that a crowd of dozens had gathered outside a restaurant in a busy shopping area of Lahore. The crowd accused the unnamed woman of committing blasphemy with her kurta, a long loose garment that resembles a collarless shirt, and demanded that she remove it.

My first and immediate responsibility was to instantly shift the woman from there, Bano told NBC News in a phone interview on Friday. She said she tried shielding the woman, who sat panicking in a corner as the angry mob grew outside.

This woman has disrespected the Quran, a man is heard telling a police officer in a widely circulated video on social media.

In a video posted Monday on Facebook by Punjab Police, Bano can be seen pleading with the crowd.

Since a year Ive been serving this area as the ASP, she said, referring to her title as assistant superintendent of police. You should be able to trust us.

Bano then went back inside the restaurant, covering the woman in a head-to-toe black robe and golden headscarf before pulling her out. She pushed through the crowd surrounded by police officers, trying to get the woman to safety.

The woman was moved to a police station, Bano said, as mobs began forming around different police stations in the area. Officials then brought in local scholars and clerics, including some who had been in the angry crowd.

They looked at the calligraphy on the dress and concluded it did not contain any Quranic verses, apologizing for their misunderstanding.

A police officer who saved a woman accused of blasphemy from a mob of 200 men in eastern Pakistan has described how she had to negotiate with the crowd to lead her to safety. (Murtaza Syed / AFP - Getty Images)

Bano said the dress was instead printed with the Arabic word helwa, which means beautiful.

The woman wearing the kurta apologized in a video later posted on Facebook by Lahore Police.

It was not intentional and happened by mistake, she said. I just bought this kurta thinking it was a design.

I still apologize, she said, adding that she is a devout Muslim and would never commit blasphemy.

Blasphemy was codified in law under British colonial rule and later expanded by the Pakistani government. Officials are under pressure to change the laws, which rights groups say are often used to intimidate the countrys religious minorities.

Last year, a man suspected of blasphemy was pulled from his cell at a police station in Punjab province and lynched outside by an angry mob.

At least 56 people remained in police custody over blasphemy allegations as of December 2023, according to a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Mushtaq Yusufzai reported from Peshawar and Mithil Aggarwal reported from Hong Kong.
The second-largest wildfire in U.S. history, and the largest in state history, is currently sweeping across the Texas Panhandle, burning through more than one million acres of land.

Two people have now been confirmed dead as a result of the blazes. Joyce Blankenship, an 83-year-old grandmother was discovered in the remains of her burned home, while Cindy Owens, an Amarillo woman in her 40s, died Tuesday after she exited her truck for an unknown reason while driving in the Texan city Canadian. Sgt. Chris Ray of the Texas Department of Public Safety said that "the fire simply overtook her," NBC reported.

The largest of the fireswhich spans nearly 1.1 million acresbegan at Smokehouse Creek and was 15% contained as of Sunday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

A map demonstrating the spread of wildfires across the Texas Panhandle and into Oklahoma. Lon Tweeten for TIME

The Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County, which covers more than 144,000 acres, was 55% contained on Sunday. The Grape Vine Creek fire, at 34,800 acres, was 60% contained. The Magenta Fire in Oldham County, spanning approximately 3,300 acres, was 85% contained. The 2,000-acre 687 Reamer Fire was 10% contained.

On Sunday, Moore County Sheriffs office warned that a new fire was possible in the Canadian River area because of high winds, low humidity, and large amounts of grass. The office told residents to prepare to evacuate if necessary.

Fire officials from Lubbock, Texas, help put out smoldering debris of a home destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Stinnett, on Feb. 29, 2024. Julio CortezAP

Evacuations have been ongoing across the region. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster declaration in 60 counties earlier in the week. Citizens of Moore, Potter, Hemphill, and Hutchinson counties have been forced to leave their homes. Evacuation orders were also issued for communities in Wheeler, Allison, Kelton, and Briscoe, but those were reportedly lifted earlier this week.

Fourteen fires were also burning in the neighboring state of Oklahoma, across more than 319,000 acres, on Sundaypart spillover from the Smokehouse Creek blaze. Oklahomas Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry reported two new fires that burned 933 acres.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warningindicating dangerously dry and windy weatheruntil 9 p.m. Sunday for Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. A cold front was expected to move into the area on Monday and could bring some relief.

Multiple vehicles and multiple residences are seen destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Canadian, Texas, on Feb. 29, 2024. David EricksonAP

During a visit to the southern border in Brownsville, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke out about the fires, thanking first responders for risking their lives to save others and urging locals to heed official warnings.

When disasters strike, there is no red state or blue state where I come from. There are just communities and families looking for help, he said, adding that Texas has received $13 billion in relief funding throughout his presidency.



He also linked the disaster to environmental concerns, noting: I love some of my Neanderthal friends, who still think theres no climate change.

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
What is Super Tuesday?

Super Tuesday, on March 5, is when the largest number of states will be holding presidential primaries or caucuses. Over a third of all the available delegates for both the Republican and Democratic nominations are at stake on Super Tuesday.

President Biden is the leading contender for the Democratic nomination, and he has no substantial primary challenge, while former President Donald Trump is leading former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in the Republican nomination race.

In two of the Super Tuesday states  Colorado and Maine  Trump was found to have engaged in insurrection related to the post-2020 election period and disqualified from the primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that only Congress, not states, can enforce Section 3, meaning votes for Trump in those states will still count.

Trump also faces federal indictments in Washington, D.C., and Florida, as well as state charges in New York and in Georgia. It is not yet clear how many of the cases will go to trial before the presidential election.

On the Democratic side, there are concerns about Mr. Biden's age, his handling of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict and voter apathy.

How does Super Tuesday work?

Registered voters in the states holding presidential nominating contests will go to the polls and vote on March 5. Fifteen states are holding GOP contests on Super Tuesday. Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia are holding primaries. Two states, Alaska and Utah, are holding caucuses.

Eleven of the 15 states are holding GOP primaries that are open to more than just registered Republicans.

In 2016, Trump won eight of states that are holding nominating contests on Super Tuesday 2024. This year, Trump has won nearly every GOP presidential nominating contest, having lost only the D.C. Republican primary on Sunday night to Haley.

The same states, except Alaska, are also holding Democratic primaries, and American Samoa, a U.S. territory, will also be holding Democratic caucuses. The Iowa Democratic caucuses took place in January entirely by mail in order to comply with the Democratic National Committee's primary calendar, but the results are to be released Tuesday.

Why is it called Super Tuesday?

It's called Super Tuesday because more delegates are at stake on March 5 than on any other single date during the primary campaign. There are 865 Republican delegates that will be allocated, and the winner of the GOP presidential nomination must collect 1,215 delegates. On Tuesday, Democratic primaries will allocate a total of 1,420 delegates, and 1,968 delegates are needed to win the Democratic nomination. Going into Super Tuesday, here's where the candidates stand.

Will the Democratic or Republican nomination be decided on Super Tuesday?

According to estimates by Kabir Khanna, CBS News' deputy director of elections and data analytics, March 12 is the earliest date by which Trump could win enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination.

What happens after Super Tuesday?

The campaign continues, with the remaining states continuing to hold primaries over the next several months  here's the calendar. The final primaries of the campaign will be held on June 4, when Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota all hold Republican and Democratic primaries, and Washington, D.C., holds a Democratic primary.

Is Super Tuesday a holiday?

No, Super Tuesday is not a holiday. But in order to make it more convenient for voters, several of the Super Tuesday states offered mail or early voting before their primaries.

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A tourist has alleged she was gang-raped and her partner was attacked while camping in India, sparking outrage and the arrests of three male suspects.

The woman, who has Brazilian-Spanish dual nationality, shared her account of the incident on Instagram, where the couple has drawn a large following tracking their motorcycle tour of Asia.

Police in India's eastern state of Jharkhand, where the alleged incident took place, said that three men had been arrested and that they were hunting for four more.

The couple looked to have been beaten up when local police found them late Friday by a roadside, Pitamber Singh Kherwar, superintendent of police in the state's Dumka district, told reporters Sunday.

Since the victims were speaking in Spanish and English, our police officers could not properly understand what they were saying, but it looked like they were injured, he said.

Kherwar said the couple, whose identities were not disclosed, were taken to a nearby hospital where doctors said the woman had been raped.

The three suspects were arrested Sunday, Kherwar said, adding that investigators had identified the four other men and they would be arrested very soon.

Our priority is to get them maximum punishment so it is never repeated, he added. Kherwar also said the couple will get compensation of up to $12,000.

The Indian National Commission for Women asked the police to charge those accused with gang rape, which is punishable by at least 20 years in prison, it said in a post on X on Saturday.

'Something has happened to us'

Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone, the woman, who appeared with bruises on her face, said through tears in a video posted on her Instagram page, which has almost half a million followers.

Seven men have raped me, they have beaten us and robbed us, she said, according to an accompanying caption in English. The video is no longer available.

In a separate video posted Sunday on their joint Instagram page, which has over 250,000 followers, the couple said that the police are doing everything possible to catch them. They already know who they are.

They added: We ask that justice be done, not only for us but also for all the other women and girls who have gone through this.

In an interview with the Spanish TV channel Antena 3, the couple said the men raped the woman and hit her partner repeatedly.

They raped me, they took turns while some watched and they stayed like that for about two hours, the woman said in the interview, adding that they had decided to camp in the town since they found no hotels to stay at overnight.

NBC News is not naming the couple due to laws in India that prevent disclosing the identities of sexual assault victims. NBC News has reached out to the couple for comment.

The woman was on a motorbike trip with her Spanish partner, the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi told NBC News in a statement, saying it had registered its strong repudiation of the barbaric crime against the couple.

They are being looked after by the Indian emergency services, the statement added.

The Spanish foreign ministry told NBC News that its embassy in New Delhi had been in contact with the couple to provide any consular assistance.

The couple had been documenting their trip to more than 200,000 followers on their joint Instagram account, with recent posts from neighboring Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In their post on Sunday, they added that they had camped in 66 countries, many of which are considered dangerous.

This can happen to any traveler, anyone, they said.

Prominent Indian celebrities reacted to the incident, calling for the seven suspects to be swiftly apprehended. It was a shameful act that we MUST show will not be tolerated, Emmy winner and comedian Vir Das said in a post on X on Sunday.

Despite stringent laws, India has long struggled to tackle male violence against women.

An average of 86 rape cases were registered every day in the country in 2022, according to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau. However, many women still do not report cases of sexual violence to the authorities, especially in rural areas, where a stigma persists that such a disclosure may affect a family's social standing.

In 2013, a year after the fatal gang rape of a young woman in the capital, New Delhi, authorities doubled the prison term for rapists to 20 years, criminalized acts such as stalking and voyeurism, and lowered the age at which a person can be tried as an adult from 18 to 16.

But under current Indian laws, marital rape is still not a crime as long as the woman is above the age of 18.
Former President Trump took a swipe at talk show host Bill Maher, who made jokes about his trip to the border last week, calling the comic and liberal commentator the worst, with bad ratings.

Bill Maher is the worst! He never got it, and never will. Bad ratings, a big fail on CNN shot, major case of TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME. Not worth the watch, Trump wrote on Truth Social early Saturday morning.

His comments came after Maher ripped into Trumps dueling border visit with President Biden and the former presidents Supreme Court appeal to remain on the ballot during the opening monologue of Fridays Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. HBO is owned by CNNs parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Did you have a good leap day? It only comes once every four years. We got to enjoy it when it happens. Trump would not acknowledge it. He thinks its a woke plot to make Black History Month longer, Maher said while kicking off his monologue.

So, [Trump] was at the border yesterday, the border with Mexico  I mean, and so was Biden; they had like dueling press conferences there, and they were very close, he continued. They could see across the border to the people there  and the people could see them. Boy, a scarecrow and jack-o-lantern. If that doesnt stop them from coming, I dont think anything will, Maher added, prompting laughter from the audience.

Biden and Trump both took trips to the southern border on Thursday, criticizing the policies of each other.

Biden visited Brownsville, Texas, to meet with Border Patrol agents, while Trump visited Eagle Pass alongside Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and local law endorsement. Eagle Pass has been the subject of a large amount of coverage over the migrant influx and is often photographed with long lines of migrants, buses and razor wire.

Biden was in the city of Brownsville, which to me sounds like something Trump would call Mexico. Theyre bringing crime, theyre raping. Remember when he said that? Maher asked. Remember when we first saw him, when he first came out, Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. Turns out the jobs that were coming for were his.

Trump, in announcing his 2016 presidential launch in 2015, claimed immigrants from Mexico are rapists and bringing crime, which drew the ire of Democrats and even some GOP politicians at the time.

Maher, a vocal critic of Trump, said last year that he was afraid of the former president on a very personal level.

I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level because I dont think he likes me. I understand why, Maher told Jake Tapper in March 2023 as part of a CNN prime-time special. And I dont know what he would do in a second term.

Maher also called the former president everything wrong with a human being stuffed into one man.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The University of Florida has eliminated all diversity, equity and inclusion positions due to a new state rule that prohibits the addition of such programs, according to an administrative memo from the university.

In addition to slashing all DEI positions, UF has also closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and stopped DEI-focused contracts with external vendors, per the memo, in accordance with Florida Board of Governors regulation 9.016.

The regulation defines DEI as any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.

The $5 million in funds previously allocated for UFs DEI initiatives, including salaries and expenditures, will now be placed into a retirement fund for the schools faculty, according to the memo.

Gainesville, University of Florida, campus entrance with students (Jeff Greenberg / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The University of Florida is  and will always be  unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity, the memo said, which was signed by J. Scott Angle, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Amy Meyers Hass, vice president and general counsel; and Melissa Curry, vice president for human resources.

As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation, the memo said. The University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty who are committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.

The state regulation bans the use of state funds for DEI programs, as well as for political or social activism, which the state memo defines as any activity organized with a purpose of effecting or preventing change to a government policy, action, or function, or any activity intended to achieve a desired result related to social issues, where the university endorses or promotes a position in communications, advertisements, programs, or campus activities.

Gov. Ron DeSantis applauded the move in a post on social media platform X, saying, DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities.

Gov. DeSantis Holds Press Conference on Manatee Protection in Orange City, US - 6 Feb 2024 (Paul Hennessy / Sipa USA via AP)

Im glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit, DeSantis added.

Meanwhile, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford said the move is far out of step with the standards and values expected of a public institution of higher education, adding that intolerance is toxic, rejecting DeSantis assessment that DEI is toxic.

In an October interview with local news outlet WLRN  when the resolution was a mere proposal  Andrew Gothard, president of the United Faculty of Florida union, said, This is all about silencing students. Its about silencing faculty. Its about withholding funding from individuals who have beliefs, speak ideas, or take actions that would disagree with the politics of elected leaders.

He also said the resolution could be summed up into two words: censorship and exclusion.

Per the UF memo, faculty whose positions were eliminated will receive the standard twelve weeks of pay. It also encouraged those employees to apply to other available positions within the university.
A University of Texas at Dallas student was found dead a week after he disappeared, according to officials.

Andrew Zhou Li, 20, was last seen on the evening of Feb. 24 at his on-campus apartment. He was found dead off-campus by the Richardson Police Department, the university's Vice President for Student Affairs, Gene Fitch, said in an email sent to students, faculty and staff Saturday.

Richardson Police found Li's body Saturday morning in the 3200 block of Routh Creek Parkway "under the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) rail tracks," according to a news release.

Andrews cause of death is under investigation.

The university said police believe there is no threat to students and faculty on campus, and shared mental health resources for the community.

"We all grieve with Andrews family and friends at this sorrowful outcome," Fitch said. "We offer our sincere condolences to all who knew him."

The University of Texas at Dallas will hold its annual "Comets Remember" ceremony on March 19 to honor all the students who passed away during the academic year, Fitch said.
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) -U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito on Monday temporarily blocked a judicial decision that would let a Texas law take effect to give state officials broad powers to arrest, prosecute and order the removal of people who illegally cross the border from Mexico.

Alito issued his order - requested by Democratic President Joe Biden's administration - after the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday paused a federal judge's ruling that had blocked the Republican-backed Texas law.

His order is set to expire on March 13 but he or the full Supreme Court could take further action before then. Alito handles certain emergency matters involving cases from a group of states including Texas.

The 5th Circuit ruling would have permitted the measure, known as SB4, to go into effect even as Biden's administration presses forward with a legal challenge claiming the statute unlawfully interferes with the federal government's enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

The 5th Circuit stayed its decision for seven days to give the administration a chance to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Justice Department filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Monday arguing that the 5th Circuit's decision was wrong and that letting the law take effect would harm the U.S. relationship with Mexico and other countries.

"And beyond its disruptive foreign relations effects, SB4 would create chaos in the United States' efforts to administer federal immigration laws in Texas," Justice Department lawyers wrote.

The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If Alito had not acted, the law would have taken effect on March 10 pending an appeal of last week's decision by U.S. District Judge David Ezra in Austin. In his ruling, Ezra had said the Biden administration is likely to prevail in its legal challenge, citing a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down key provisions of a similar Arizona immigration law.

Immigrant advocates and American Civil Liberties Union of Texas have said that the Texas law "overrides federal immigration law" and "fuels racial profiling."

Migrants and asylum seekers who cross outside of ports of entry can already be charged with illegal entry or re-entry under federal laws.

The Texas law would make it a state crime to illegally enter or re-enter Texas from a foreign country and would give state and local law enforcement the power to arrest and prosecute violators. It also would allow state judges to order that individuals leave the country, with prison sentences up to 20 years for those who refuse to comply.

The law is part of a larger effort by the Republican-led state to crack down on irregular border crossings. Paxton, Republican Governor Greg Abbott and other state officials have blamed Biden for a record increase in illegal migration and have called the state's actions, including installing razor wire fencing at the border and a floating barrier in the Rio Grande river, necessary because of federal inaction.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Will Dunham, Alexia Garamfalvi and Jonathan Oatis, Aurora Ellis)
Constable Kathryn Brown, right, listens to supporters at a re-election campaign breakfast at Jaime's Mexican Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She is running against three candidates in the March 5 Democratic primary election for Precinct 4 constable. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Constable Kathryn Brown talks to supporters of her re-election campaign at Jaime's Mexican Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She is running against three candidates in the March 5 Democratic primary election for Precinct 4 constable. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Constable Kathryn Brown, right, embraces supporter Gloria Ray during a re-election campaign breakfast at Jaime's Mexican Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Brown is running against three candidates in the March 5 Democratic primary election for Precinct 4 constable. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Stan Ramos, candidate for Precinct 4 constable in the March 5 Democratic primary, canvasses in the Blue Rock Springs neighborhood on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 in San Antonio. Ramos held the office for one term before losing the Democratic nomination to Kathryn Brown in 2020. Ramos is again running against Brown, the incumbent. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Stan Ramos, left, candidate for constable in precinct 4, speaks with constituent Rudy Cruz, right, while canvassing in the Blue Rock Springs neighborhood on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 in San Antonio. Ramos held the office for one term before losing the Democratic nomination to Kathryn Brown in 2020. Ramos is again running against Brown, the incumbent. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Stan Ramos, candidate for constable in precinct 4, canvasses in the Blue Rock Springs neighborhood on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 in San Antonio. Ramos held the office for one term before losing the Democratic nomination to Kathryn Brown in 2020. Ramos is again running against Brown, the incumbent. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Neal Burford, a candidate for Precinct 4 constable. Courtesy Neal Burford

Constable Kathryn Kat Brown is running in the Tuesday Democratic primary for a second term against the man she unseated four years ago and two former employees.

Brown, 57, is largely shrugging off her challengers. She says shes been a strict manager of the Precinct 4 constables office, which covers eastern Bexar County, and that she stands behind the decisions she made in her first term  including demoting one of her opponents and firing the other.

Id rather be respected versus liked, she said. And I think if you continue to do the right thing, you will always be respected.

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Brown once owned an ice cream shop and was a real estate agent. She worked her way into law enforcement through the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. She spent 19 years there, working her way up from jailer to a sergeant.

The job of constable includes serving as law enforcement officers  writing traffic citations, serving warrants, subpoenas and temporary restraining orders  and acting as bailiffs for justices of the peace. Brown oversees 20 deputies and a command staff of eight.

Though Stan Ramos, 72, had an incumbents advantage in 2020, he lost to Brown in the Democratic primary, failing to make the runoff. Brown went on to win the runoff against Mike Chief Ramirez, and then handily won a general election against Republican candidate Larry Ricketts.

Neal Burford and Andrew Andy Lopez both worked for Brown when she took office, but not for long.

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Burford, 61, retired within a month. Brown had demoted the then-captain to deputy. Brown also stripped him of access to the building after a state audit revealed problems with his recordkeeping.

According to KSAT News, the majority of personnel files that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement inspected were out of compliance in part due to missing documentation of annual firearms qualifications and criminal history checks.

Burford said he felt he had little choice but to retire. He described Browns reaction to the missing documentation as very extreme because he was making efforts to fix the recordkeeping problem within the time frame set by TCOLE.

I hold no grudges, Burford said, adding that it was within Browns right to demote him.

Separately, Brown fired Lopez, who was an assistant chief, for hostile behavior in the workplace. Ramos said he also had problems with Lopez and had to discipline him for visiting friends while on the job, a claim that Lopez denies.

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Lopez appealed his firing to the county Civil Service Commission, which ruled against him. Lopez now is appealing that ruling.

Burford and Lopez, 63, both say their runs for office have nothing to do with how Brown treated them.

Burford, an Army veteran, said he has thought about running for constable for more than 15 years but didnt want to launch a campaign until all of his children graduated from high school. Burford worked for the Precinct 4 constables office for 29 years.

If elected, Burford said he would improve communication between the constables office and the justice of the peace.

I think there needs to be some more connectedness there, Burford said.

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Lopez, who worked in the office for 35 years, said he wants to improve transparency and introduce strong, positive leadership that he says neither Brown nor Ramos provided.

People under this current leadership, at least 90% of them are walking on eggshells, pins and needles, Lopez said. Theyre afraid to do anything because theyre afraid to get in trouble or written up. Thats not good. When youre in the field working, you have to know what youre going to do. You cant sit there and second-guess yourself.

Ramos said he is running again at the request of neighborhood and homeowner association leaders. Ramos, however, wouldnt disclose the groups.

Ramos is a private investigator and a Vietnam veteran (Marine Corps). He served one term as constable from 2017-20 before Brown defeated him.

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According to TCOLE documents, Ramos did not have a peace officer license for the majority of his time as constable. Constables are required to earn one within 270 days of being elected or they must forfeit the seat.

READ MORE: Where to vote early in the Bexar County 2024 primary election

Ramos said the gap in his file was a mistake on TCOLEs part. He said he completed his recertification before he was elected and received confirmation in the mail, but partway through his time in office TCOLE made him take another test.

But according to reporting from News4SA, Ramos initially took the incorrect course to be recertified as a peace officer, and his lack of a license led then-Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood to threaten to remove him from office in 2018. Ramos didnt come into compliance until 2020. TCOLE officials told News4 at the time that they gave Ramos extra time to take his test because he was an elected official and we want to respect the voters choice.

No Republican candidates are seeking the party nomination for Precinct 4 constable.

Wild, Wild West

Brown demoted several people soon after she took office. She said before she took over, there were no rules in place for how officers could work their way up the ladder. She said she also had no patience for a poor work ethic and was willing to reprimand people who werent meeting her standards.

Several employees used to come in late, take long lunches and call in sick on Fridays, Brown said.

It was a customary, systematic cesspool of undisciplined employees, she said.

At a recent fundraising event, she said the office was like the wild, Wild West before she was elected.

She hosted the fundraiser at Jaimes Mexican Restaurant on San Antonios East Side. A sign supporting Ramos is in front of the building.

Some of the employees who stuck around through Browns management shake-ups praised her during the event.

Chief Deputy Fernando Martinez, 51, was one of those demoted early on in Browns term before being promoted to his current position. He said it was the best thing that could have happened to him because he got to reconnect with the community as a deputy, making rounds throughout the precinct.
Security vendor Dynatrace has hired James McCready as its new Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) vice president.

He steps into the role vacated by Maurizio Garavello who is now senior VP for Asia Pacific (APAC) at Eptura.

Based in Singapore, McCready will chart the company's overall growth strategy across the region while supporting customers with observability, security, business analytics and automation solutions.

"Dynatrace is committed to serving the region's customers with the best technology available, helping organisations optimise cloud costs, enhance data observability and reduce carbon footprint," McCready said.

"I look forward to empowering organisations across the region to drive digital transformation at scale and help teams build and operate software faster and more efficiently."

McCready has more than 25 years of sales management and leadership experience. Most recently, he served as ServiceNow's vice president and managing director. Prior to this, McCready was hired by Adobe as its Japan president and also worked for EMC Corporation and Dell for over two decades in multiple senior leadership roles.
Exclusive Networks has signed up Mimecast to its Australian distribution portfolio.

Expanding on distribution partnerships in Asia and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the deal sees Exclusive offer Mimecast's solutions in Australia, including its Mimecast X1 platform.

Additionally, Mimecast will enable Exclusive to help customers in Australia to implement and integrate its solutions into their security networks, as well as working with resellers and systems integrators (SI) when needed.

Lisa Stockwell, regional general manager of Exclusive Networks Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ), said the distributor was "positive about our plans to add value to an exclusive group of Mimecast's solutions".
The apex court overruled a five-judge benchs 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case

New Delhi: In a landmark unanimous ruling, a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday ruled that MPs and MLAs taking bribes to vote or make a speech in the House are not immune from prosecution.

The apex court overruled a five-judge benchs 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case which had ruled that parliamentarians and state legislators are immune from prosecution for taking bribes for voting or making a speech in the House.

The CJI-led bench observed that corruption and bribery of members of the legislature erode the foundation of Indian parliamentary democracy and bribery by members is not protected by parliamentary privilege.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the verdict as a great judgment, saying it will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.

Prime Minister Modi said on X: SWAGATAM! A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.

The JMM bribery case refers to five party leaders, including Shibu Soren, a former Jharkhand chief minister and a former Union minister, accepting bribes to vote against the no-confidence motion against the minority government of P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1993. With the support of these five JMM leaders, the Rao government sailed through the no-confidence motion.

Citing immunity from prosecution under Article 105(2) of the Constitution to the five JMM parliamentarians, the apex court through the 1998 verdict quashed a CBI FIR against them for bribery.

Bribery is not protected by parliamentary privileges, the bench, also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna, M.M. Sundresh, P.S. Narasimha, J.B. Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar and Manoj Misra, said on Monday.

Underlining that "corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life", the Constitution Bench held that the five-judge bench's interpretation in the 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case was contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution.

Articles 105 and 194 deal with the constitutional provisions related to the powers and privileges of MPs and MLAs in Parliament and the state Assemblies.

It (corruption and bribery) is destructive of the aspirations and deliberative ideals of the Constitution and creates a polity which deprives citizens of a responsible, responsive, and representative democracy, the CJI said, while reading out the operative part of the 135-page verdict.

Recalling the reasoning of the majority and minority in 1998 verdict in the P.V. Narasimha Rao versus CBI case, the top court said it has independently adjudicated on all aspects of the controversy -- essentially whether by virtue of Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, the MP or MLA can claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in a criminal court.

The seven-judge bench was revisiting the 1998 verdict.

We disagree with and overrule the judgment of the majority on this aspect, the CJI said.

In its majority verdict, the five-judge bench in 1998 granted immunity from prosecution to members of Parliament or state legislatures accused of bribery for casting a vote or speaking in the House under Articles 105(2) and 194(2).

The seven-judge bench said the 1998 majority verdict has wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life and parliamentary democracy.

An individual member of the legislature cannot assert a claim of privilege to seek immunity under Articles 105 and 194 from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with a vote or speech in the legislature, it said.

Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution seek to sustain an environment in which debate and deliberation can take place within the legislature, the top court held.

This purpose is destroyed when a member is induced to vote or speak in a certain manner because of an act of bribery, it said.

Bribery is not rendered immune under Article 105(2) and the corresponding provision of Article 194 because a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is not essential to the casting of the vote or the ability to decide on how the vote should be cast. The same principle applies to bribery in connection with a speech in the House or a committee, it said.

It said Articles 105 and 194 seek to create a fearless atmosphere in which debate, deliberations, and exchange of ideas can take place within the Houses of Parliament and the state legislatures.

Members of the legislature and persons involved in the work of the committees of the legislature must be able to exercise their free will and conscience to enrich the functioning of the House, the bench said.

This is exactly what is taken away when a member is induced to vote in a certain way, not because of their belief or position on an issue, but because of a bribe taken by the member, the top court said.

On September 20, 2023, the apex court had agreed to reconsider its 1998 verdict.
by Melani Manel Perera

Appointed by Pope Francis on 6 December, Mgr Wimal Siri Jayasuriya was ordained last Saturday. Card Malcolm Ranjith and the countrys Catholic bishops were present at the arrival and consecration of the new prelate. Anglican and Buddhist clerics also attended the service. For the faithful, he is "a total gift from God to our diocese".

Colombo (AsiaNews)  A total gift from God to our diocese, is how a group of Catholic seniors described their new pastor, Mgr Wimal Siri Jayasuriya.

Appointed bishop of Chilaw, Puttalam district (Northwestern Province), by Pope Francis on 6 December, he was consecrated over the weekend during a community celebration.

We pray to God to guide our new bishop with all the necessary vision and blessings to serve the diocese while leading all the flock on the right path, they told AsiaNews. We also thank God for the great service offered by the former bishop, Mgr Valence Mendis, now the Bishop of Kandy.

The episcopal ordination was held at St Mary Cathedral in Chilaw, at 9 am last Saturday in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, as well as all the members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, starting with Card Malcolm Ranjit, Archbishop of Colombo.

Many priests were present as well as the Anglican bishop of Colombo and the Anglican bishop emeritus of Kurunegala. Some Buddhist monks also joined the service to congratulate the new pastor and fourth diocesan bishop.

The evening before the ordination Mass, Mgr Jayasuriya was welcomed by a group of priests and by his predecessor Bishop Mendis on the border of the diocese, at Thoppuwa junction.

Many faithful, the entire diocesan clergy and non-Catholic figures gathered on the way to Chilaw cathedral, destination of this pilgrimage.

The diocese was without a pastor for over two years and was under the administration of the last bishop, Mgr Valence Mendis.

On 6 December, the Vatican announced the appointment by Pope Francis. The new bishop, joined by the nuncio, had asked for a few days of prayer and meditation before accepting this "heavy responsibility".

Mgr Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, from the clergy of Chilaw, has long served as a parish priest at Saint Mary's Mother of God and as a judge in the Diocesan Court of Fort Wayne-South Bend, in the United States.

The new prelate was born on 23 January 1969 in Negombo, Archdiocese of Colombo. After attending the Chilaw minor seminary, he completed his studies in philosophy and theology at Our Lady of Lanka National Major Seminary in Kandy.

He was ordained a priest on 9 August 1997, for the clergy of Chilaw, and was appointed parochial vicar of St Sebastian, Katuneriya (1997-1998), St Anne's Shrine, Talawila (1998-1999), St Joseph's, Wennappuwa (1999-2000).

He earned a licentiate and doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urban University of Rome (2000-2005), judicial vicar of Chilaw (2006-2012), professor at Our Lady of Lanka National Major Seminary, Kandy, and dean of the department of theology (2013-2019).

Since 2019, he has served as a judge in the Diocesan Court of Fort Wayne-South Bend, in the United States, parochial vicar of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (2019-2020), pastor of St Mary Mother of God, also in Fort Wayne-South Bend since 2020.

It should be noted that the new prelate did not pursue his studies for ranks or grades but for sheer knowledge because knowledge can be used to uplift the downtrodden.

It is remarkable that he faithfully sacrificed his entire life for the Catholic, so much so that he frequently repeated: "My duty as a priest is to be ready to sacrifice every second of my life for the people."

(Photo: Prasad Purnaml Jayamanne)
At least four people have been arrested since the beginning of the year, according to Radio Free Asia. A former Miss World contestant was fined for posting a gossipy video about the entertainment world. Despite opening up its economy, Vietnam censors social media.

Hanoi (AsiaNews)  Vietnam continues to persecute people who express their opinions on social media.

Nguyen Chi Tuyen, creator of two popular YouTube political commentary channels, and Hoang Viet Khanh, a 41-year-old Facebook user accused of posting online material that smears the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were arrested last week.

Nguyen Le Nam Em, a former Miss World contestant, was fined VND 37.5 million (US$ 1,500) for posting a gossipy video about celebrities in which the country's former leader Ho Chi Minh was mentioned.

For the authorities, her contents cause controversy, noise on social networks, and a lot of negative information.

Nguyen Chi Tuyen and Hoang Viet Khanh were arrested under Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Code, which human rights activists say is used to restrict freedom of expression and repress dissent.

The police will hold Nguyen Chi Tuyen in jail for about four months while the investigation continues. Prior to his arrest, the YouTuber was asked to leave the country.

In his latest online broadcasts, he had commented on Sweden's accession to NATO and other events related to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Radio Free Asia, four people have already been arrested this year alone, accused of sharing "anti-state" content on social media.

Despite greater overtures in trade and investment, Vietnam has intensified online censorship, Nikkei Asia reports.

The situation began to get worse in 2020, when Vietnam enacted Decree 15, which introduced penalties for those who spread fake news or information that offends the reputation of agencies or organizations or the honor and dignity of individuals," the law firm Tilleke & Gibbins said.

Reacting to the fine imposed on Nguyen Le Nam Em, Vietnam's Ministry of Information reminded businesses that they have a responsibility to keep the internet "clean".

The Vietnamese government also issued a reminder that Vietnam, a major market for Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, published advertising blacklists and whitelists in 2023, with hundreds of social media pages.
Mick Ireland plans to go up the mountain as soon as he can get this column to the paper for publication. Please call the sheriff if you have any clues that might help apprehend Mr. Dumb before he tries something even dumber. Contact Mick at mick@sopris.net.
EDGE Group has entered into a new Joint Venture (JV) agreement with Indra, a leading global defence and technology company. The agreement, signed in Madrid by EDGE Managing Director and CEO Hamad al-Marar and Indra CEO Jose Vicente de los Mozos, will create a new Abu Dhabi-based Joint Venture (JV) that will develop and produce next-generation radar systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), opening up an order book of approximately 300 advanced radar solutions. The new business will have pre-emptive rights to current and future non-NATO and non-EU orders awarded to Indra.

H.E. Faisal al-Bannai, Chairman of EDGE, said: "We find tremendous value in building relationships that stimulate growth and deliver tangible benefits to all parties. Our new Joint Venture with Indra, as a global market leader in the field of advanced radar technologies, will allow us to combine the strengths of both companies to create an entity that will become a major player in this sector. We are convinced that this strategic partnership will be a great success".

Mar Murtra, Chairman of Indra, said: "This agreement between the two companies can create one of the world's leading players in the field of radar technology and is a step towards Indra's international expansion strategy. With strategic initiatives like this, we are taking decisive steps in key vectors of our 2024-2026 strategic vision: technology leadership, international growth and alliance building".

PHOTO/INDRA/EDGE

Major technology and expansion agreement

The JV will strategically focus on the continued development of sophisticated technologies, innovation and global market expansion, targeting untapped and fragmented non-NATO and non-EU markets. EDGE will contribute its commercial strength and technology components, while Indra will enhance the capabilities of the new company through technology transfer and the transfer of some engineering, commercial and manufacturing capabilities to the joint venture.

During the signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Defence, EDGE Group Managing Director and CEO Hamad al-Marar said: "This new Joint Venture with one of Europe's top three defence technology players will enable EDGE, in collaboration with Indra, to significantly expand and diversify the scope of its solutions offering through knowledge sharing and the development and manufacturing of advanced radar systems for customers around the world".

"In line with our strategy to grow through win-win agreements, we are fully committed to this Joint Venture, which will build on the excellence and reputation of both companies and enable us to drive innovation, develop sovereign capabilities and expand the market to contribute to the technological transformation and economic growth of the UAE and Spain," added Al-Marar.

Jose Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra, said: "The Joint Venture created between Indra and EDGE Group will be recognised for its innovative capabilities and use of the most sophisticated technologies. This agreement will help us expand our geographic presence and international mindset in the defence business and increase our proximity to global customers. At Indra, we are convinced that this JV will create significant business opportunities in new markets. The agreement is of crucial importance within the Industrial and Strategic Plan 'Leading the Future' to be presented on 6 March, a decisive milestone for Indra's transformation".

The Joint Venture will also focus on building a team of highly skilled professionals in the UAE, especially in the commercial and engineering fields, fostering both Emirati and global talent and ensuring sustainable operational excellence and innovative production.
H-E-B said it's donating $1 million toward wildfire recovery efforts in the Texas Panhandle. Liesbeth Powers, MBR / TNS

Texas' favorite grocery store chain says it's committing $1 million toward wildfire recovery efforts in the Texas Panhandle.

In a news release on Saturday, H-E-B said its chairman Charles Butt donated $500,000 to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, which aims to help Texas farmers, ranchers, producers and agribusiness owners impacted by natural disasters.

The company said it will also commit an additional $500,000 to support recovery efforts and nonprofits responding to the Texas Panhandle wildfires, according to the news release.

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Since the fire began on Feb. 26, H-E-B said it has been in contact with the High Plains Food Bank to assist with food donations.

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this disaster, which has grown to become the largest wildfire event in the states history, said Winell Herron, H-E-B group vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs. At H-E-B, were here to serve all Texans. Together with our chairman and the entire H-E-B family, we will work to ensure affected communities can recover from this tragic event.

It has already provided "numerous truckloads" of products to the food bank such as shelf-stable food, water, hygiene items, H-E-B Field & Future cleaning products and other essentials, according to the company.

So far, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned more than a million acres of land since it began on Feb. 26. Two people have also been confirmed dead.

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Abandoned cars are sad sights, especially when the models we come across are rare models whose place should be in someone's garage.

This 1967 Riviera isn't a collectible, but considering Buick produced only 42,799 units for this model year, finding a similar example isn't as easy as you'd think.The car has been left to rot in someone's yard, but thanks to eBay seller octanevalley, it's now trying to find shelter online, hoping someone would take it home and begin a complete restoration.However, bringing this car back to the road won't be easy. The Riviera looks like a rough restoration candidate, especially inside, where the seats are wrecked. I wouldn't be surprised to see this Riviera becoming a donor for another project, but the owner says it's restoration material anyway. The body was on its way to getting a refresh, but they decided to park the car, leaving it in the same place for nearly five years.The metal is still rough, exhibiting accident damage and occasional rust. There was a patch on the driver's floor, so it's safe to assume the undercarriage needs urgent attention.We're not getting any information about the powertrain, except for the intriguing tidbit claiming the engine was still running before the car was abandoned under the clear sky.1967 witnessed the introduction of a new engine. Buick introduced the 430 to replace the already-outdated 425 Nailhead, increasing the power output to 360 horsepower. The Riviera also received other upgrades, including optional Bendix four-piston calipers on the front wheels, parking lights, and new safety equipment to comply with federal regulations. It worked, as the Riviera sales for the year were in line with the 1966 successor, dropping only slightly from 45,308 units to 42,799 cars. Sales increased again in 1968 to 49,284 units.Saving this Riviera will require a lot of work, and it's the reason the owner doesn't expect to make a fortune with it. The car needs urgent work in all key areas, and the interior looks concerning, especially for someone who plans to bring it back to life. The seller posted the car on eBay with a $2,500 price tag, but considering it's a Riviera (and Rivieras aren't the most desirable classics), I doubt they'll get that much for their project.However, they also enabled the "Make Offer" button, so if you believe this Riviera could receive a second chance in your garage (or if you have a similar project and would use the parts), you know what you have to do. You'll have to drive your trailer to Elizabeth, New Jersey, to take this Riviera home, but you should hurry, as eBay claims 76 people are already watching the listing.
Kia America Inc. has identified an issue affecting a little over 35,000 units of the 2020 model year Telluride. As per documents published by the NHTSA, vehicles equipped with halogen headlights may experience high beam failures due to high beam shield gear mechanism damage from the heat generated by the halogen bulbs.

Photo: Kia

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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This recall can trace its roots back to January 2023, when the federal agency contacted Kia America in regard to complaints alleging the loss of high beams on 2020 models. The Office of Defects Investigation opens a preliminary evaluation into this matter. Not long after, the automaker proposes a plan to change the headlights at no cost to the customers and extend the warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles (around 240,000 kilometers). Kia further provided a response to the ODI's preliminary evaluation, arguing that a loss of high beams doesn't create an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. On the one hand, there's no denying that low beams are used in most driving scenarios. But still, no high beams in scenarios with limited lighting increases the risk of a crash.Kia notified owners of the aforementioned headlight replacement and warranty extension campaign on April 25, 2023. Continuous field data monitoring revealed that many owners experienced high beam failures, with said customers not aware of the automaker's campaign. This, in turn, prompted Kia to increase awareness by renotifying Telluride owners on October 13, 2023.The ODI met up with the automaker's safety boffins in January 2024. Through February 2024, the federal watchdog learned that Kia America is aware of 4,975 warranty claims, 839 techline cases, and 543 customer complaints with dates of receipt ranging between January 2019 and February 2024.Those numbers on their own clearly warrant a safety recall, but that's not all. The Office of Defects Investigation also learned about three alleged yet unconfirmed deer strikes. Due to the ineffectiveness of the aforementioned campaign and the mounting pressure coming from the, the automaker finally gave in, deciding to recall every potentially affectedproduced for MY20 with halogen lights.The recall population is 35,031 vehicles, with said three-row sport utility vehicles assembled in the US of A between January 2019 and November 2019. According to Kia, model year 2020 marked the introduction of an improved shield gear and extra venting for improved heat dissipation.No later than April 22, dealers will be instructed to apply a clip to secure the shield gear to the shaft or  if necessary  replace the headlamp assembly. Owners who incurred repair expenses prior to this recall for high beam failures caused by the recall condition are eligible for reimbursement as long as they can provide any proof of payment.Owner notifications will be mailed on or about April 25. In the meantime, 2020 Kia Telluride owners can easily determine whether their vehicles are included in this recall or not by entering the 17-character VIN on the automaker's website.
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This year, if General Motors doesn't botch the Ultium BEV3 things any further, Cadillac should have an entire roster of sustainable models starting with the new Optiq, passing through the already available Lyriq and Celestiq, and concluding with the three-row family-oriented Vistiq plus the mighty Escalade IQ. The latter is even confirmed with a long-wheelbase version, so there will be no shortage of Escalades out there.In fact, the rumor mill also believes that alongside the 2025 Escalade IQs, there should be a refreshed-powered model. Indeed, Cadillac introduced the fifth generation Escalade full-size luxuryon the same GMT1XX platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL siblings back in February 2020, and it might want to celebrate the iteration's fifth anniversary with a refreshed version.Naturally, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators is never far behind the rumor mill's ideas, and because the good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube have a satellite venue dubbed AutoYa Interior , that's where all the (CGI) Caddy action occurs when discussing the potential facelift of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade.Sharing the name with the all-electric Escalade IQ but built on different underpinnings, according to the channel's pixel master, the regular 2025 Escalade won't be too far in terms of styling with an unofficial design imagining a lit-up radiator grille and larger LED daylight running lights. It's still going to be easy to identify the IQ and non-electric versions, though, if this unofficial design pans out.Moving inside, the concept of a large, all-encompassing digital display is taken a couple of notches further as the envisioned 2025 Escalade facelift gets a full-width display treatment with a second touchscreen placed in the middle instead of the real model'scontrols. As always, while the channel's host discusses the possibilities for their hypothetical design, the CGI expert is busy with the alternative reel of ritzy colors both for the body and cabin and with a couple of quick comparisons between the current model and their digital vision.As for technical details, there are none. In fact, take all this with a healthy grain of salt as nothing is official from General Motors just yet  it's been a while since we last saw a prototype undergoing the classic development trials. However, the rumor mill is pretty confident that once Cadillac announces the 2025 Escalade, we will also see the return of fan-favorite models like the Escalade-V and long-wheelbase Escalade ESV.
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The Japanese automaker recently announced the interesting arrival of America's sole locally produced plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, which relies on both a battery pack and a fuel cell system to provide sustainable powertrain options. However, it's probably more of an image vector rather than something designed to sell in spades.No worries; they have other versions that achieve that degree. In fact, American Honda just announced that its positive momentum across the US market continues, with overall February sales jumping 32% compared to the same period in 2023. Oddly enough, Acura continued its downward spiral last month, but the namesake Honda brand compensated with sales increasing by almost 38% and topping 100k units.As such, the company is more than interested in keeping the positive flow at Honda  thus, we are not surprised they are already announcing their first roster of 2025MY nameplates. After the initial preview of the 2025 Civic Hybrid with a mid-cycle refresh, it's time for a crossoverto shine under the red carpet's spotlight. Meet the 2025 Honda Pilot, their "ultimate family SUV" and the company's most potent three-row model, which now starts from $39,900 if you don't want to choose the current 2024MY.If you hurry, though, the latter is still available from a lower MSRP of $37,090 sans destination, albeit in LX form. The 2025 Honda Pilot starts with the Sport version, and it retains the six-trim level format because there's a new flagship grade  Black Edition, solely with, from $54,280. Mind you, all the prices here are without the $1,395 destination charge. Aside from the top offering, Honda offers the 2025 Pilot with 2WD or AWD for the Sport, EX-L, and Touring models. Meanwhile, the Pilot TrailSport and Elite are also exclusively offered with all-wheel drive.Back to the fresh 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition, the brand says it comes with "a more aggressive look that includes" 20-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, a matching grille bar and upper side mirror housings, plus dark trim elements all around, Black Edition logos, plus exclusive red-accented perforated leather seating, red contrast stitching, and red lighting inside the cabin along with Black Edition-embossed front seats and floor mats."Adding the Black Edition to the Honda Pilot really ensures that our ultimate family SUV continues to set the benchmark in the midsize 3-row SUV class," said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With a top-of-class combination of rugged design, off-road capability, and nimble on-road dynamics, Pilot is ready for that next great family adventure."The 2025 Honda Pilot remains in production exclusively at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, where the Japanese carmaker has already produced more than two million examples since 2006, and the updated 2025 Honda Pilot has already started arriving at dealerships beginning March 1.
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With just the Giulia executive sedan and Stelvio crossover, Alfa Romeo was more or less like the one-trick Abarth, Lancia, or Chrysler ponies  but Stellantis vowed to change all that and for the better. Now we're looking at the refreshed Giulia and Stelvio, as well as at the Tonale compact crossover SUV that's also available as a plug-in hybrid, and Alfa Romeo even has a flagship supercar incoming  the limited-edition-powered or 33 StradaleOf course, the latter is just an image vector, so it's best if Alfa Romeo hedges its growth bets at the bottom of the lineup. Well, that's not easier said than done because the company will bring out a new subcompact crossover SUV into the lineup to act as the direct successor to the MiTo supermini. Indeed, the company is prepared to unveil the upcoming Alfa Romeo Milano on April 10, 2024.This isn't the most original idea, of course, as Stellantis is trying to achieve massive economies of scale. Instead, the Alfa Romeo Milano is the platform counterpart of the Peugeot 2008, Jeep Avenger, Opel Mokka, Fiat 600, or DS 3 Crossback and their electric-only counterparts. As such, it will be the company's first EV  a far cry from previous promises that we will see a 1,000-hp second-generation Giulia ready to take on the mighty Tesla Model S Plaid.Well, maybe that one will pan out, too, and then Alfa Romeo would also introduce an EV successor for the Stelvio crossover SUV. Those are big ifs at the moment when the automotive world thinks it's on the cusp of an EV adoption slowdown. However, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators doesn't care about such whims  so here's the potential all-electric 2027 Alfa Romeo Fiorella making its official debut across 'Dreamland.'The feat comes courtesy of Giorgi Tedoradze, the Georgia-based industrial designer better known as tedoradze.giorgi on social media, who has a sustainable Alfa Romeo in mind for the near future. This isn't his first Italian project  previously, we have seen a mid-size Alfa Romeo 6C dwell around and a two-door Vespa 300 looking ready to take over Smart's place in the microcar segment.Unfortunately, just like other design projects, this 2027 Alfa Romeo Fiorella EV idea is not accompanied by a description  so calling it the potential successor of the Stelvio CUV is purely speculation on our behalf. Also, we should take all these renderings with a healthy dose of salt because nothing is official from the premium Italian automaker, and it will probably take a while before they announce a second EV in the lineup.
I can't guarantee I can spare you the umpteenth zillenial sob story as I recount my career in aerospace journalism these last two years or so. But as it turns out, terminally online automotive/aerospace journalists have brains, neurons, and negative deltas of happy chemicals like anyone else. But I'll cut to the chase as much as possible. At a time when the world felt like it was caving in on me, one unassuming show on Apple TV legitimately changed my life.

Don't get it twisted; this is not an endorsement of Apple streaming services. I also would've had no problem getting one of my friends to rip me an MP4 copy of it if I didn't want to genuinely support the cast for their performance. But let me tell you, 'For All Mankind' is a cut above the rest as far as I'm concerned. A show well worth subscribing to a bespoke service for just to watch it.For a particular set of people to whom space-related fiction is their bread and butter, totally their thing, the story of what would've happened had the Soviets beaten NASA to be the first on the Moon is as captivating of a plot device as was ever dreamed up by an alternate history writer. It also happens that I was introduced to 'For All Mankind' at a pivotal point in my career, and hell, my life in general. I'll never forget the day that Daniel Patrascu , our Project Manager here at autoevolution, gave me the green light to start covering space news alongside himself.My first few months of working with the fine folks here were spent paying my dues and covering the often eye-wateringly boring automotive press releases and other pieces of relatively dull hard news that come along with the more exciting stories we have the pleasure of writing. We can't always write about supercars and fighter jets, as it turns out; the more mundane but equally important stuff needs to have its place, too. After doing that for a time, the higher-ups around here finally felt confident enough in my abilities to cover space as a news beat, the same niche Daniel had diligently held down for years before I arrived here.But as much as I loved learning everything I could about the daily goings-on at NASA and space agencies worldwide, I always had this dull ache that something was always missing. I just couldn't convince myself in good faith that I was genuinely playing a part in chronicling the blooming of what we can call the Second Great Space Race while sitting in my apartment in a shirt covered with Cheeto dust and week-old Baja Blast stains while covering NASA press release feeds with bloodshot eyes.Effectively, there wasn't much of anything different I could've offered people looking for space news doing things that way. But at this stage in my life, that being early-to-mid 2022, I'd convinced myself that the live, close-up reporting style concerning space travel was a privilege reserved for a select few. The types of reporters with decades of experience and the financial horsepower of a big-name old media company. At the same time, I was going through the same above-mentioned zilennial sob story we've all grown sick and tired of hearing.You know, the whole woe-is-me rant about trying to keep the rent paid and the student loan companies off your keister like a never-ending match of Call of Duty Zombies. I need not tug at your heartstrings with that whole mess. But suffice to say, it was enough to reach a sort of critical mass on my mental health and give me a very much unwanted doomer attitude toward my life prospects. But then I happened upon a few trailer videos on YouTube during one of my nightly doom-scrolling sessions for a show that looked totally up my alley."How have I not seen this before?" I recanted to myself, looking at 'For All Mankind's' promotional material for its first season. "And there's already two seasons? Sweet!" is probably something along the lines of what I was thinking. Try as I might, I couldn't find a stream for the show through my typical channels. I was going to have to pony up some of my weekly "bread" to the big, bad Apple Inc. in order to watch this exciting new show I'd found. But even after just watching the opening pre-title scroll scene where Americans are forced to watch in horror as the Soviets brought the world a "Red Moon," I was already hooked.As it happens, the 'For All Mankind' Main Title sequence turned into something of a daily anticipation as I worked my way through the show's first two seasons. Something about that opening score composed by the uber-talented rock musician and composer Jeff Russo put me in a trance before every episode. For the time it took to watch each episode, as I watched the stories of so many powerhouse characters with strong personalities work their magic, everything was right in the world.Because, as it turns out, what would've likely happened had Alexei Leonov reached the Moon first and not Neil Armstrong is NASA takes the proverbial gloves off and returns swinging for payback. You know, quite unlike how things played out in real life. As we see the stories of brave astronauts like Ed Baldwin, Danielle Poole, Molly Cobb, and Tracy and Gordo Stevens and their equally talented support team at Houston, led by the fiery powerhouse engineer Margo Madison and her fiery understudy Aleida Rosales, you can't help but think we have the short end of the stick in our reality.This is especially true after seeing some of the insane spacecraft FAM's creative team dreamed up in later seasons. I mean, a second-generation nuclear-powered Space Shuttle and fusion-powered Mars-capable spaceships in an alternate mid-1990s? Where do I have to sign up to make that a reality? But without giving away any more spoilers, it's safe to say 'For All Mankind' is the space drama enthusiast's space drama. Almost like an attempt to bridge the gap between more advanced space dramas like Star Trek and more reality-based space travel that could've realistically played out had events gone even a little differently.It also does so while simultaneously showcasing a diverse group of people from different ethnic backgrounds and sensibilities without coming off as preachy or in your face with its social commentary. Being able to handle topics like attitudes towards homosexual relationships, racial struggles, geopolitical nuclear brinkmanship, and the search for life outside of Earth while still driving an engaging plot that stands out on its own is a testament to the creative talent of FAM's creators, Matt Wolpert, Ben Nedivi, and Ronald D. Moore. Oh, and Andrew Stanton, the director for Wall-E, my all-time animated kid's movie ever, directed a few episodes in seasons two and three. Because of course he did; it only makes logical sense that game respect game.As far as I was concerned, FAM was the perfect TV miniseries. The performances of a borderline ridiculously talented cast starring Joel Kinnaman, Wrenn Schmitt, Krys Marshall, Shantel VanSanten, Cynthy Wu, and Coral Pena, among so many others, had genuinely captivated me in a way almost no other piece of media ever did. An alternate timeline so full of hope, optimism, and triumph ignited a drive in me to try and help make that timeline manifest in the flesh. I wanted to be in the thick of the action as NASA's Artemis program tried to play out a similar story to what unfolded in 'For All Mankind', and this time, I wasn't going to let a bad attitude get in my way.After finishing the second season, I figured there was nothing to lose in shooting an e-mail to NASA's media relations team to see if there wasn't a spot out there somewhere for me at the Kennedy Space Center to report on the then-upcoming launch of Artemis I. It was the first NASA launch related to a human-crewed lunar landing program in over half a century. Long story short, it turned out there really was room for me at KSC.No less than a few months later, there I was no more than two hundred yards or so from the Vehicle Assembly Building, interviewing Lockheed Martin ATLO engineers about the Orion command capsule and ESA technical personnel about the real ins and outs of Europe's contribution to Artemis I, the European Service Module. Throughout it all, the inaugural SLS super-heavy launch vehicle stood there on Launch Pad 39B, no more than a few hundred yards away.I'd done it, mission accomplished; there I was in the thick of the action as a real space reporter, just a few months after I'd passed off the idea as impossible. It turns out there are more than a few benefits to taking on the attitude of a maverick astronaut or rocket scientist. Since then, I've had the unbelievable privilege of interviewing Jeremy Hansen , a former RCAF CF-18 pilot and crew member of Artemis II, the first intentional circumnavigation of lunar orbit since 1968. I also had the chance to attend a ground testing press event for Dream Chaser, the first privately-funded reusable spaceplane built after the Space Shuttle's retirement at the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio.It really is remarkable what a difference a year can make. But in the spirit of a show that encourages you to defy the odds, to endeavor towards a cause that seems hopeless, but you keep on fighting regardless, 'For All Mankind' was a small step for Apple TV and one giant leap for an eternally grateful young journalist.
And of all of them, only one nameplate was a traditional passenger car  the S550 and S650, the sixth and seventh editions of the iconic Ford Mustang. The rest of them were crossovers, SUVs, and trucks. As such, you would think that FoMoCo's corner office head honchos have positively demonstrated the power of the high-riding automobile.However, some people are too stubborn to surrender  and some of them also love to act and do something to prove a point. Some of them can even take matters into their own hands or, instead, at the tip of their CGI brush, as we are dealing with the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. More precisely, this is Jim, the virtual artist known as jlord8 on social media, who loves messing around with all things CGI from GM and Ford, so a Mercury creation really shouldn't be surprising.He owns a 1986 Buick Regal T-Type and a 2001 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, meaning that he really focuses on all things America, including from Stellantis, not just GM or Ford. Recently, he cooked up a lot of quirky stuff like a Jeep Gladiator 3500 HD dually , a couple of AMC Eagle 4x4s (sedan and wagon) out of the Buick Envista and Toyota Crown Signia, or a Ford Econoline Switchgear out of the F-150 Lightning concept of the same name.One of the recent wacky ideas also has to do with yet another revival of the defunct Mercury brand  an automobile producer founded in 1938 and retired 13 years ago, in early 2011. The main gist is to bring back the Mercury Marquis nameplate, a model line produced between 1967 and 1986 via four generations acting as the counterpart to the Ford LTD and the latter as the base for the Grand Marquis While the second, third, and fourth iterations had a wider variety of form factors  four-door sedan, five-door station wagon, two-door sedan, two-door convertible, and four-door hardtop, the original generation was exclusively sold as a full-size two-door hardtop model in 1967 and 1968 alone. This is the model that the pixel master chose to reference with his unofficial design project and to achieve that unique old-school vibe; he snatched the template of an older concept car  Lincoln's Mark X prototype from 2004.Even reskinned as a hypothetical Mercury Marquis, the Lincoln Mark X concept still looks fantastic after all this time  and the prototype is even set to cross the auction block at Mecum's Glendale 2024 event on March 8 with its 3.9-liter V8 and hopes that it will top past sales that were under $130k. Anyway, this CGI vision is now a true coupe exuding both the 1990s vibe and the distinct option to act as a ritzy counterpart for Blue Oval's Ford Mustang. Cool, right?
However, Ford also offered multiple V8 options, starting with the 1964-exclusive 260 with 164 horsepower. The Mustang could be ordered with multiple versions of the 289, including 2-barrel and 4-barrel configurations.The icing on the Mustang cake was the 289 four-barrel HiPo installed on K-code models.The K-code, offered on the Mustang from the 1964 1/2 to the 1967 model, debuted in Ford's lineup in 1963 on the Comet and Fairlane. It was brought to the Mustang series in 1964 specifically to provide customers with more performance. The American carmaker believed the 289 HiPo would appeal to people interested in races, making the Mustang the right car for everybody.eBay seller novasetc says their convertible is one of just 317 K-code Mustangs produced for the 1964 1/2 model years. However, the engine and the transmission are no longer correct, and it's unclear if the 289 stars and drives.The car has recently been pulled from long-term storage, so it comes with the typical issues, including rust damage in places where you expect to find it. For example, the owner says the car will need new floor panes and outer lower quarters, but the trunk is still very solid. The original front disc brakes are still there, and "the rear end appears to be original."If you look for the trim tag on the door, you won't find the correct information. The seller explains that the driver's door has already been replaced and now comes with another trim tag.As a K-code Mustang, this convertible certainly deserves restoration, but returning it to an all-original configuration will be challenging. While a 289 HiPo is good news for any Mustang buyer, the original drivetrain missing could make some people walk away, albeit I doubt many connoisseurs would do it, considering how rare a K-code Mustang from the initial run is.The bidding for this convertible is underway, with the top offer already reaching $8,600. The seller did not configure a reserve, meaning the highest bidder takes the car home. The car received 24 bids in the last few days, and the digital fight will end in approximately one day. The final offers will probably bring the price closer to $10K in the last minutes of the bidding.If you want to see the car in person, though you don't have much time left, you must travel to Carlisle, Iowa.
It's clear already that not all owners installed the software update, so their vehicles remain vulnerable to the ridiculously simple hack that requires only a USB cable. The method, which went viral on TikTok, allows thieves to start an unpatched Hyundai or Kia using a USB cord because of the lack of immobilizers.Thieves typically break the window, start the engine, and drive away, eventually crashing the cars before they're caught by the police. The trend started with teenagers trying to get Internet views but eventually became a massive problem when the hack put a target on the back of every Hyundai and Kia.It happened again last week in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where the local police managed to arrest not one, not two, but six South Jersey teenagers who were part of the Kia Boys gang.Officers on duty received a call for an attempted car break-in, and upon arriving at the scene, they spotted a silver Hyundai existing the parking lot. It didn't take long for a chase to begin, as the teenager behind the wheel believed he could escape the cops.The chase ended exactly as anyone could anticipate. The car crashed and became disabled, so the police started the chase on foot. One by one, every teenager involved in the stunt got caught, including three girls who tried to hide in the woods. Another teenager was spotted and eventually arrested on the side of the road, while two others were found in a nearby 7-Elevent.The teens are aged 13 to 17, with the police explaining that the group was responsible for several other car break-ins, all involving Hyundai and Kia models. They used the infamous Kia Boys hack that went viral on TikTok, targeting cars that did not receive the anti-theft patch.That's why the carmakers urge all owners to go to the nearest dealership to install the software update. Once the patch is deployed, the Kia Boys can no longer start the engine, preventing them from driving away in the car. They'll probably still break a window, believing the vehicle is vulnerable to the hack.Hyundai and Kia give away stickers to tell potential thieves that the vehicle has already been patched. In some cases, the car manufacturers give away steering wheel locks to owners whose cars are not eligible for the software update.Police recommend owners to install these locks even if the vehicle is patched. Other safety methods that could help Hyundai and Kia owners protect their vehicles from thieves include GPS trackers and AirTags. Police emphasize car owners must report the theft the second they notice the vehicle is missing.
Willie Lou Martin, wife of Theodore H. Martin, poses at a studio for a photograph during World War II. Photo Courtesy of Vincent T. Davis

A red sun blazed in the sky the day I learned we wouldnt live forever.

My 4-year-old mind couldnt comprehend what the teenage roughnecks kept repeating: The sun was gonna burn us all up.

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I burst through our apartment screen door in Columbus, Georgia, screaming until my great-grandmother calmed me down. No, she said, the sun wasnt going to torch the world. Those rascals were just teasing.

But, she said, we all were going to die one day. She wiped away my tears and gave me my first talk about life and death. It was my introduction to the world according to Madea.

Willie Lou Martin was our mother dear. We affectionally called her Madea, a southern term of endearment. Her philosophy was simple: There was right or wrong, no in-between.

She was our matriarch, born in 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt began his first full term. She was the second oldest of six girls and one boy, raised with tough love to survive life in a segregated South. Her tenets were formed in a Black settlement outside Phenix City, Alabama.



Madea passed her rules down like family heirlooms, forged during the Great Depression, two world wars and the dawning of the Civil Rights movement. Her teachings were brief and blunt. Read your Bible, shed say, because the good book would keep you on the straight and narrow path.

About the author A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning.

And you didnt want to get her started about approval from others.

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So and so doesnt like you? shed say with a humph, Thats their business. They dont pay your bills, so why do you care?

Those wise words rang true as I grew older but drew a puzzled look from a kid caught up with cartoons and comics.

Madeas view on race was short and to the point.

Were all the same, baby, shed say. Black or white, if we get cut, we all bleed red.

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Madea shared her views while indulging in her one vice  dipping snuff. A Styrofoam cup stuffed with paper tissues absorbed used smokeless tobacco as she watched her soap opera stories.

On Sunday mornings, she set the cup aside as she cooked breakfast in her kitchen, rich with the aroma of pancakes slathered with molasses, buttered grits and roasted Maxwell House coffee. Beside the stove, topped with a can of Crisco shortening, a table radio blared Holy Ghost spirituals and a howling preachers sermons.

Then, shed place one of her stylish church hats upon perfectly coifed hair, a signal it was time to go. Wed head to Granddaddys pink Plymouth for the 20-minute ride from Columbus across the Oglethorpe Bridge to Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phenix City.

Sunday worship was an all-day affair. Madea served as a matron of the church, monitoring manners, etiquette and those entering the sanctuary. It was before central air conditioning and hot country air drifted through opened windows.

Older women cooled themselves and young ones with handheld cardboard fans that bore a halo-lit Jesus on the front and funeral homes on the back. Political candidates delivered stump speeches at the same pulpit where youngsters, dressed in new clothes and shoes, fidgeted as they recited Easter poems.

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During the 1930s, she helped her family by working as a maid at Fort Benning, Georgia, cleaning and cooking meals for officers and their families. Her sisters kept her daughter, my grandmother, Lela Mae Preer Hicks, while she worked. Grandmama was our fierce family protector, a story for another time.

My late great-aunt Eula Mae Bellamy recalled the best Christmas gift she received as a child from Madea  a basket of fruit wrapped in red cellophane paper during the Great Depression when many people were going hungry.



Madea met my great-grandfather Theodore H. Martin in the late 1930s at Fort Benning, where he served in the Army. Married in 1941, they raised my mother, Valeria Trinidad, with values that saw them through trying days.

She was proud of my great-grandfathers military service. Like scores of spouses, she kept their household going while he served in World War II and the Korean War.

When Granddaddy retired, they settled in Columbus. After years of living in an apartment, he used his GI Bill to buy a one-story, red-brick home in the suburbs.

Madea kept a pristine house, a refuge where glass candy bowls heaped with sweets encircled Jet magazines on the living room table. Her food pantry was always stocked with groceries from the post commissary. Madea was always ready to make our favorite meals. Her only caveat: Finish what we asked her to cook, a byproduct of living through the Great Depression.



In the late 1970s, Id travel from Lackland Air Force Base for an annual visit. Her only request was to wear my Air Force dress uniform at church. I wore it when I saw her in August 1982 before leaving for a three-and-a-half-year assignment at San Vito Air Station, Italy.

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Go on, boy, she said after a hug and nudge to the door.

I returned in the summer of 1984 with my wife, Diane, and our 11-month-old daughter, Brittaney  the last time I saw her. Several months later, her heart gave out. Id return alone for her funeral.

Her final resting place is along the two-lane country road where she was born. Wild stalks of amber corn sprout from the red soil of the cemetery that dates back to after the Civil War. My great-grandfather never returned to her grave. It dredged up too many memories.

Madeas legacy lives on.
Hyundai Motor America has recalled 186,588 examples of the 2015 to 2016 model year Elantra after identifying a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401. As per the South Korean automaker, the trunk latch pawl is prone to contracting when exposed to high temperatures. In this condition, manually releasing the pawl may result in the pawl becoming damaged.

Photo: Hyundai

The report attached below lists December 26, 2014 to December 22, 2015 as the build dates of the affected vehicles. 135,074 of them were produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, whereas a further 51,514 came from South Korea.Said report also lists two part numbers for the trunk latch assembly: 81230-3X000 for the standard key release and 81230-3X010 for vehicles with keyless entry. Both versions were manufactured by Daedong Hi-Lex Inc. of Namdong-gu, Incheon. In light of a US incident alleging an inoperative trunk latch, the South Korean automaker started investigating the condition on December 16, 2022.The concern was escalated to the Technical Review Committee in May 2023. However, it was the Hyundai Motor Company mothership in South Korea that identified a clear difference in durability between the latches intended for use in the Sonata and those for the compact-sized Elantra.The Sonata uses a similar design, but its trunk latch is manufactured by a different supplier. Investigations continued through February 2024, when Hyundai convened the North American Safety Decision Authority to decide whether a safety recall was necessary or not. Considering the aforementioned safety standard and the 11,724 unique reports identified by Hyundai in the US market, the peeps at NASDA made the right call.The 11,724 reports were received by Hyundai Motor America between March 28, 2015 and January 4, 2024. Elantra owners who incurred any expenses to repair a trunk latch pawl are obviously entitled to reimbursement as long as proof of payment is provided. The recalled population will receive new latch base sub-assemblies with an improved material for the pawl, designed for increased resistance to thermal contraction. Dealers throughout the United States will be instructed to replace the sub-assemblies no later than April 15.Owners can expect Hyundai-branded envelopes to arrive via first-class mail on or about April 15 as well. Owners can determine whether their Elantras are recalled or not by entering the vehicle identification number on the automaker's recall portal. US-built Elantras feature 17-character VINs beginning with 5, whereas the letter K designates those produced in the automaker's home country.At press time, Hyundai Motor America sells the Elantra as a 2024 model in three distinct flavors: Elantra, the fuel-sipping Elantra Hybrid, and the go-faster Elantra N. Prices kick off at $21,625, $26,250, and $32,900, respectively, sans freight.The compact sedan is advertised with up to 58 miles per gallon (around 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers) on the highway for the Elantra Hybrid and up to 286 horsepower in boost mode for the Elantra N with the optional dual-clutch transmission. The standard six-speed manual tranny is rated at 276 horsepower.
Quite polarizing by design, the BMW XM has been hit with a safety recall. As it happens, the Bavarian automaker identified 267 units equipped with tailgate panels that may detach while driving. Due to improper adhesive bonding, the original tailgate panel will be replaced at no cost to the owners.

Photo: BMW

SUV

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Affected vehicles were produced for the 2024 model year between September 21, 2023 and November 2, 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in Greer, South Carolina. The tailgate supplier noticed a partial separation of the suspect panel from the mounting structure on October 24.Greer-based Plasman immediately performed some checks, then escalated this condition to BMW of North America. The automaker's US division noticed a partial separation on October 31, prompting an engineering investigation. Another suspect part was found in early November. As expected, BMW of North America issued a stop-ship order to get to the bottom of this condition.Supplier production records indicated that certain panels were joined with the mounting structure by means of a manual rather than an automated bonding process. Plasman admitted to switching to a manual process during a specific time period. Long-term durability and shaker table tests were conducted between December and January, revealing that a limited amount of bonding material could lead to separation. BMW isn't aware of any customer complaints or field reports related to said concern.Dealers have already been instructed to inspect and  if necessary  replace the tailgate panel. Both the suspect and replacement panels bear part number 5A177C3 in BMW's parts system. Owners will be notified via first-class mail on or about April 16.Prior to detachment, owners may hear a rattling noise coming from the rear of the XM while driving. BMW believes that 11 percent of the recall population requires new tailgate panels. Or, better said, liftgate panels because the's hatchback assembly opens upwards rather than downwards.In production since 2022 for the 2023 model year, the XM is pompously described as the second vehicle developed entirely by the M division. It's no M1, though, for the XM features the very same platform as the X7 and other rear-biased vehicles from BMW. The mid-engine supercar with inline-six muscle, by comparison, features a tubular steel space frame developed by the one and only Gianpaolo Dallara during his Lamborghini years.The visually challenged XM also happens to feature a similar wheelbase (122.2 inches or 3,105 millimeters) to the X7. Adding insult to injury, the internal combustion engine of the X7 M60i is punchier than the XM's twin-turbo V8. The Alpina XB7 has even more ponies and torque on deck, but on the other hand, the XB7 isn't a plug-in hybrid.Available with a non-M sixer in certain markets, the XM offers up to 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet (1,000 Nm) at full chatter. Its twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid setup will carry over to the 2025 BMW M5 , albeit with  reportedly  a smaller battery pack (18.6instead of 25.7 kWh).
Mercedes? Never heard of them, said absolutely no person (living or less so) with even the most vague awareness of the existence of combustion engines. The name is, in many ways, synonymous with the automobile, and for good reason. After all, the German brand set the foundation of the automobile as we know it. But where does its name come from?

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It all starts with an Austrian political figure with a soft spot for motor wagons, a keen sense of business, and a daughter. It then continues with an affluent British publisher and nobleman and a pair of German engineers, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. The two mechanically-inclined gearheads established Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1890.One year before, a certain Mercedes Adrienne Ramona Manuela Jellinek was born as the daughter of Emil Jellinek, a reputed diplomat. By 1894, the Jellinek family had moved to Nice, on the French Riviera, as the head of the family had been appointed Consul General for the Austrian Empire. However, his most ardent passions lay in the automotive business, not world geopolitics.In 1896, Emil Jellinek learned about a new motorcar produced by DMG and personally went to Stuttgart to visit the factory and meet the two entrepreneurs. Two years later, he was the official DMG agent on the French Riviera  at the time, one of the biggest car markets in the world, second only to Paris. (Yes, there was a time when the French were the top carmakers in the world).However, Jellinek was not pleased with neither the cars styling nor its too-Germanic name (the Franco-German mutual hatred was at a high mark back then, following the war between the two countries from the early 1870s). Instead, he sold the cars using his daughters name, Mercedes (as a curiosity, the word means mercies in Spanish) and asked DMG to build a vehicle according to his specifications.Daimler obliged, and it proved to be the best decision the company would ever make: the new cars were stylish, robust , and reliable. In 1901, the Mercedes 35model won several notable automobile races, establishing the name forever. In 1902, DMG trademarked the name for all its future automobiles.There was one legal aspect to this naming convention: Daimler had licensed his engines to be built in France by two prominent industry names at that time: Panhard&Levassor, and Peugeot. Ironically, the inventor and builder of the car couldnt use his name for his own automobile due to bureaucratic tie-ins. 'Mercedes' solved all the problems quickly and easily without any legal implications.In 1902, DMG also released the Simplex  a 40-hp variant of the 1901 model- and began developing an even more advanced engine version. Toward the end of the year, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP was ready, and when it debuted, it simply thrashed all its rivals in racing events throughout France and England. The four-cylinder engine displaced a massive 9.25 liters, with an undersquare architecture with overhead valves. 140 x 150 mm bore and stroke (5.51 x 5.90 inches). With a top speed of 80 mph (129 kph), the Simplex 60 HP was incredibly fast and fast-selling to affluent pistonheads.One hundred two automobiles were assembled between 1902 and 1905, and only five are known to have survived to this day. One of them is in the Mercedes-Benz Museum  the first example ever made, which was bought and used by Emil Jellinek, DMGs French connection. Another one is the first Simplex 60 sold in the UK, acquired by another gearhead of worldwide proportions.British publishing magnate Alfred C.W. Harmsworth is the customer who, in 1902, ordered one of the modern Mercs. A very influential  and affluent  media magnate, Harmsworth was also a fanatic piston addict. His private collection was the vastest in all of England, including the first Mercedes automobile sold in the UK, a 40-hp Simplex from 1901. Small wonder, then, that the latest model from Daimlers factory would find a house in the Harmsworth garage.But the story about his Simplex 60 had only just begun. The man bought the car in 1902 and kept it until his death two decades later. His 12-year-young son inherited the car and passed it along to one of his descendants some 65 years later. Between 1987 and 2024, the vehicle had two more owners.Lets do the math: a one-in-five very early Mercedes automobiles stayed in the same family for 121 years. It spent almost half its life in a museum in England but never traded to anyone. On March 1, 2024, it became the most expensive antique car (pre-1930) ever sold at an auction after it fetched $11 million at the Amelia Island event ($12,105,000, including the buyers premium). The previous record belonged to a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C 'Tulipwood' Torpedo, at $9,245,000, set in 2022.
In todays custom bike world, Kaffeemaschine is synonymous with elegance and clean, OCD-soothing design. The shop is based in Hamburg, Germany and run by Axel Budde, a man who knows his way around classic Moto Guzzi models like the back of his hand. Quite frankly, weve been in love with Axels signature style from the moment we first saw it, and it's safe to assume that a lot of you feel the same.

Photo: Kaffeemaschine

Photo: Kaffeemaschine

CFRP

The superb cafe racer showcased in these photos is the 22nd project hed worked on as Kaffeemaschine, but it was a personal endeavor rather than a client commission. Although this motorcycle had been pieced together a few years ago, that certainly wont prevent us from bringing it into the spotlight today. I mean, people still talk about Van Goghs famous Starry Night masterpiece from 1889, dont they?Axel didnt start this build with one particular donor, instead looking to craft something along the lines of a parts bin special  or a bitsa, if you will. First things first, the German bike-modding guru busied himself with finding a suitable skeleton to act as the projects basis. He ended up using the frame of a 1974 Moto Guzzi 850T but wasnt content with leaving it unchanged.Besides trimming its rear section for tighter proportions, Axel went so far as to integrate a crankcase breather module into the tubing at the front. This was clearly a lot easier said than done, putting all his welding and fabrication know-how to the test. Everything came together seamlessly in the end, and the V-twin powerplant housed within the framework was sourced from a Le Mans IV.Kaffeemaschines mastermind had it transplanted alongside the corresponding Le Mans gearbox and shaft final drive. Of course, the engine was heavily reworked prior to installation, gaining new cylinders and pistons that raise its displacement to 1,100cc. Improved combustion is made possible by twin-spark cylinder heads, but the internal upgrades dont end there. Fresh valves, a premium camshaft, and Carillo connecting rods also make an appearance.Moreover, the crankshaft got rebalanced to play nice with all this juicy hardware, while the original carbs have been replaced with 40 mm (1.6-inch) DellOrto items. On the exhaust side of things, youll come across a bespoke stainless-steel arrangement wrapped in what looks like ceramic coating. The Le Mans engine is now capable of producing 97 hp at the wheel  a remarkable increase over the standard power output figures.The structural work performed here is just as impressive. Up north, Axel used BMW triple clamps and a custom-built steering head to install the higher-spec forks of a Yamaha R6. On the other hand, rear-end suspension duties are managed by Wilbers shock absorbers with adjustable preload. Theres a lot going on in the unsprung sector, too, most notably in the form of those snazzy alloy wheels.Originating from a Le Mans V, the hoops saw their profiles trimmed up for a skinnier appearance, and their rims were cloaked in grippy ContiRoadAttack rubber from Continental. The same Le Mans also donated its front and rear brake discs along with the wheels, and these have all been refurbished in-house. Now then, lets talk about the specimens handsome cafe racer bodywork.With carbon fiber as his material of choice, Axel fashioned a complete one-off attire from scratch to really drive the point home. The central component is a stunning fuel tank with cafe-style knee indentations, sporting an aftermarket filler cap up top and aluminum Kaffeemaschine emblems on the sides. Right behind it lies a plain handmade saddle, nicely perched atop atail section that oozes cafe racer charm.A circular LED taillight can be spotted out back, but the rear turn signals are discreetly attached to the subframe tubing lower down. Moving to the front end, we notice a custom fender and a stylish bikini fairing shaped like that of a Le Mans I. It encircles a retro-looking headlamp and is topped with a tinted windshield, which sits right in front of a revised Motogadget Chronoclassic dial.In addition, the cockpit area is also home to clip-on handlebars, Kellermann bar-end blinkers, and a single rear-view mirror on the left. An array of electrical upgrades were on the menu, as well, comprising things like fresh wiring, a lithium-ion battery, and a modern electronic ignition system. Last but not least, Axel turned to Porsches color palette when it came to the paint job.He picked a gorgeous Lava Orange hue normally found on the automakers GT3 RS models, mixing it with black by way of a very interesting transition on the tank and tail. When all was said and done, Herr Buddes caffeinated Guzzi tipped the scales at just 181 kilograms (399 pounds) on a full stomach, thanks in no small part to its new carbon fiber overalls. Add the extra power to the equation, and youve got yourself one hell of a package from both a cosmetic and mechanical standpoint!
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has selected three companies that will contribute in a particular way to advancing hydrogen readiness in the UK as part of the government-funded Hydrogen Challenge.

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The Hydrogen Challenge was launched in November 2023 in support of the UK Government's Jet Zero Strategy. Just as the UK is supporting innovative, green alternatives for maritime transportation, it's doing that for aviation as well, and hydrogen is one of the solutions considered to have real potential.This year, the initiative has entered the next phase, known as the Hydrogen Challenge Sandbox, which is all about real-world testing as the necessary step toward establishing a regulatory framework for hydrogen-based alternatives. In particular, the primary focus in this phase has to do with addressing the potential safety issues.It's no surprise that one of the industry partners selected for this initiative is ZeroAvia. This company is one of the pioneers in hydrogen propulsion technology for aviation, and it aims to ultimately provide a commercial solution for 40-to-80-seat aircraft. Until then, ZeroAvia is already close to securing the official certification for the ZA600, its 600hydrogen-electric powertrain.The ZA600 has been tested as a retrofit solution, with the Dornier 228 chosen as a flying testbed for campaigns in both the UK and the US. As part of the new Sandbox, the aviation tech company and the CAA will focus on the safety-related aspects of retrofitting existing aircraft with hydrogen-electric powertrains.The other two industry partners that were selected to participate in the Sandbox phase will focus on different aspects of hydrogen technology. Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is developing new-generation aircraft designed to run on hydrogen and is gearing up for ground- and flight tests. The Exeter Airport Consortium was selected to conduct a deep dive into the efficient integration of hydrogen fuel into ground operations. The Consortium is comprised of several operators and institutions, including Regional & City Airports, TUI, ULEMCo, and Cranfield University. ZeroAvia has already secured almost 2,000 pre-orders for its innovative hydrogen powertrain, including brand-new airliners that aim to revolutionize the market with all-green fleets. The company's ZA600 version is designed for the 300-mile (482 km) segment, which corresponds to aircraft of up to 19 seats. The most powerful, 900 kW ZA2000 version will ultimately take regional aircraft on an emission-free path.The ZA600 could prove to be an efficient solution for seaplanes as well. The Spain-based operator Surcar Airlines wants to retrofit Twin Otter STOLs (short takeoff and landing) with this hydrogen-electric powertrain for emission-free tourist travel in the Canary Islands. The UK-based Ecojet, on the other hand, wants to use the benefits of retrofitting in order to become the world's first airline with a fully electric fleet.
4 March 2024 17:23 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

As global warming, climate change, and other natural phenomena have an inevitable impact on the economy, it is a hard and long-term process to restore it by switching to alternative means or diversifying the economy. In the past, when talking about the successes achieved by Azerbaijan in the oil and gas sector, different opinions were voiced about the country's economic development. Even some think tanks, which turned Azerbaijan's dependence on oil and gas into an argument, made various predictions about the future economic stability of the country.

However, as the saying goes, time heals everything. In a short time, the realities emerged, and Azerbaijan, which is considered the economic tiger in the South Caucasus, was able to fully assume its obligations in the face of the demands of the time and even became a leading force in the elimination of the energy crisis of the old continent - Europe.

But all this is not a complete description of the economic potential of Azerbaijan. In parallel with this, many successful projects launched by Azerbaijan in the field of green energy show that there are greater prospects for the near future.

Able to keep pace with the rapidly changing times, Azerbaijan also plays a leading role in gas supply. The main line of this role passes through the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project. As a member of the TAP team, the SGC project, which is considered extremely important in this regard, introduces a new energy resource to Europe, namely, Azerbaijani gas.

During his speech at the 10th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting held in Baku last week with the participation of more than twenty countries, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, emphasised the steps taken regarding the diversification of energy supply through the SGC project.

Today's geopolitical situation in Eurasia proves exactly what we needed to do. In case of Azerbaijan, the Southern Gas Corridor is absolutely a new route, with now many extensions and interconnectors. The Azerbaijani gas is a new source. So here, in this format, and in the project, which we initiated, we see full implementation of energy diversification issues, President Ilham Aliyev said.

It should be recalled that until last year, Azerbaijan was supplying gas only from the Shah Deniz 1, 2, and 3 projects, and now, in addition to this, the Absheron gas-condensate field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea plays a huge alternative role. Currently, as the head of state noted, the first phase of the Absheron project has been approved, and Azerbaijan plans to produce 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas from this phase alone. As for the second phase, after the agreement, an additional 4-5 billion cubic metres, most of which are also to be channelled to international markets, are expected to be produced.

More gas means more European countries

When Azerbaijan announced that it would increase gas exports to Europe starting in 2022, a number of forces in the West began to take a sceptical approach to this. In 2023, Azerbaijan almost kept its promise. Azerbaijan's gas production and exports started to rise immensely. According to the operational data presented for 2023, Azerbaijan produced 48.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas last year. 12.9 billion cubic metres of gas were produced by "Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli", 26.2 billion cubic metres by "Shah Deniz", 0.8 billion cubic metres by "Absheron", and 8.4 billion cubic metres by SOCAR. Compared to the corresponding period in 2022, gas was produced with an increase of 3.2 percent, i.e., 1.5 billion cubic metres.

In addition to increasing the volume of gas production, Azerbaijan also added several European countries, including Hungary and Serbia, to the supply list. Currently, Azerbaijan supplies gas to eight countries, six of which are European countries. But this still does not mean the final figure: The interconnector projects have been inaugurated last year in Europe. Firstly, they were generated by the Southern Gas Corridor project. And secondly, they will allow us to continue our efforts in order to embrace as many destinations in Europe as possible, the President said.

Thus, it is clear from here once again that while the demand for Azerbaijani gas is rising, the diversification of supply is also expanding. Available resources and transportation capabilities also make it possible to connect to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline through neighbouring Turkiye and, alternatively, many other pipelines.

Rumours came to naught about Azerbaijans gas resources

For many years, rumours in the media about the limited capacity of Azerbaijan's gas made many people think with hesitation. After that, the black PR, which was not based on any accurate calculations and aimed only at alienating foreign investment, allegedly said that Azerbaijan's gas reserves would run out soon. Of course, such predictions based on no more than rumours are not always true. Most importantly, Azerbaijan was able to prove the exact opposite by drawing conclusions from its successful strategic policy and accurate economic calculations.

Although the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli deep gas project has been used as the sole source of oil production in Azerbaijan for many years, this huge project has already increased Azerbaijan's hopes in the field of gas production. As already noted by the head of state at the event, gas production is expected from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field in the first quarter of next year. Studies confirm that the existence of huge gas reserves in this field can play a role of additional support for Azerbaijan's gas supply. For example, as a start, it is expected to produce about half a billion gas from this field. In the next stage, it is planned to increase this volume by four and five times and add it to the Shah Deniz and Absheron fields as an alternative.

Large commitments always require alternative plans and reliable resources. During the event, President Ilham Aliyev also emphasized the importance of the Umid gas condensate field. In 2009, it was discovered that there are approximately 30-40 million condensate reserves in this old and huge gas field, which was financed by SOCAR. Back in 2010, President Ilham Aliyev noted that this field will pave the way for greater hopes for the future. In the second phase of the Umid gas condensate field, it is expected that about three billion cubic metres of condensate will be produced within four years.

In response to all the rumours, it should be noted that these numbers are precisely calculated numbers as mentioned by the head of state, and these projects are expected to be realised by both SOCAR and investors on the mentioned dates.

The seriousness of all these calculations and given figures also strengthens investors' confidence in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan, I think, already proved to be a reliable partner. Our word means the same as our signature. All the plans, which we've put in front of ourselves, I'm sure, will be implemented because only the performance of the last year demonstrates that.

In the meantime, one of the most important points is that the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the giants of the United Arab Emirates, is a shareholder in the Absheron project of Azerbaijan. This is a clear example of Azerbaijan being a reliable partner and investment place in the eyes of not only Europe, which is energy dependent, but also the worlds giant oil producers.

Smooth transition from fossil fuel to green energy

Given the geopolitical and geostrategic situations, having a serious influence politically and economically in the South Caucasus region is not as simple as it can be expressed in words. Azerbaijan's transformation into an economic driver in the region is not only due to its unparalleled wealth, such as oil and gas. Here, a successful strategy and timely measures are extremely important.

Azerbaijan is able to take steps in accordance with the requirements of the time, which demonstrates that the country's economy is not based only on fossil fuels. At a time when the world is transitioning to green energy due to the global change in climate, Azerbaijan became one of the pioneers in this field, and thanks to its successful policy, it presented great results to the world in a short period of time.

It is no coincidence that this year Azerbaijan took on the mission of hosting the COP-29, known as a global climate event. Also, this year has been announced and declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" in Azerbaijan.

So, along with such initiatives, Azerbaijan also demonstrates its potential for renewable projects. In this regard, the opening of the first large solar power plant with a capacity of 230 megawatts built by MASDAR, one of Abu Dhabi's leading companies, in October of last year promises serious outputs for Azerbaijan in the next six years. As the head of state noted in his speech, this is only the beginning. According to the signed agreements and memoranda, Azerbaijan plans to produce 5,000 megawatts, or up to 5 gigawatts, of solar and wind energy by 2030.

In this field, Azerbaijan is taking serious steps towards the further expansion of the green energy project by cooperating with MASDAR of the UAE, ACWA of Saudi Arabia, and a number of other companies. Azerbaijan has renewable energy resources both on land and in the sea. For this reason, the Caspian Sea can be considered an important and huge resource as another driving force for these projects.

In addition, Azerbaijan's expansion of projects in the field of green energy can contribute to the Southern Gas Corridor project as an alternative. The energy that will be transmitted from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea and from there to Europe under deep waters is literally a miracle in the field of energy supply.

Thus, this year, Azerbaijan opens a long and promising path towards green energy by hosting COP29. When Azerbaijan took this initiative in December of last year, some forces approached it with hesitation. Because those forces still thought that since most of Azerbaijan's economy depends on resources like oil and gas, it cannot take successful steps in the field of renewable energy. However, the mentioned figures and studies have eliminated all stereotypes, and today Azerbaijan is the most successful implementer of green energy projects, even the alternative energy provider of the countries on the old continent.

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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4 March 2024 13:50 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

The 20th session of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, tomorrow, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Energy Ministry.

Azerbaijan will be represented at the meeting by a delegation led by the co-chairman of the commission, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov.

Within the framework of the meeting, a review of the work done during the past period since the 19th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, cooperation in trade and economy, energy, industry, construction, transport and logistics, ecology, agriculture, information and communication technologies, education, health, youth policy and other fields discussions are planned.

The co-chairman of the commission from the Kazakh side is Transport Minister Marat Karabayev.

It is worth noting that the 19th Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan was held in Baku.

Before the meeting, a bilateral meeting was held between the Co-Chairs of the Commission, Azerbaijan Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan - Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Zhumangarin. The sides exchanged views on the current status of cooperation and new cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

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4 March 2024 15:58 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Bulgaria intends to join the underwater electric cable project in the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Azernews reports, citing Rosen Dimitrov Jelyazkov, the President of the Bulgarian National Assembly, telling at a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in Baku.

He emphasized the successful cooperation in the energy sector between the tw countries as a whole.

During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev positively assessed Bulgaria's intention to join the project of laying an electricity cable in the Black Sea within the framework of the green energy initiative. He highlighted the support of all participating states in the project.

It should be noted that on December 17, 2022, in Bucharest, the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Development and Transmission of Green Energy between the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary Governments" was signed.

The project aims to lay an underwater cable that will export energy from two South Caucasus countries to the European Union, connecting the South Caucasus region with Southeast Europe along the Black Sea.

The length of the underwater cable along the bottom of the Black Sea is 1195 kilometers. Besides transporting electrical energy, it is expected to facilitate the establishment of high-speed digital communication.

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4 March 2024 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

In 2023, the European Union (EU) increased chocolate exports to Azerbaijan by 3.8 times, Azernews reports.

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The Bexar County Sheriffs Office is leading a recovery effort for an 80-year-old man who fell into Calaveras Lake near the CPS Energy power plant dam. John Davenport, STAFF / San Antonio Express-News

The body of an 80-year-old man was recovered less than 24 hours after authorities said he drowned in Calaveras Lake after going overboard during a family outing, Sheriff Javier Salazar said Monday.

The Bexar County Sheriffs Office said the man fell into the lake around 5 p.m. Sunday in an area near the CPS Energy power plant dam in the 12900 block of Bernhardt Road.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, the mans body was recovered by Texas Game Wardens about 5 feet from an embankment and 25 feet away from where the initial 911 call was made by a family member, Chief Robert Hogan of Bexar County Emergency Services District 10 said.

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The man, whose identity hasnt been released, was using a circular casting net with the rope tied around his hand. He cast the net, and it pulled him into the water, the sheriff said.

It appears that he simply fell overboard, got wrapped up in a fishing net he was using, and unfortunately, he was not wearing a life preserver, Salazar said.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office will make a final determination on the mans cause of death.

There were seven people on the boat, including one child, Salazar said. There were enough floatation devices for everyone on board, but only the child wore one.

ALSO READ: Suspect shoots self during strip search at Bexar County Jail

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A family member jumped into the water to save him but was unable to find the 80-year-old, Salazar said.

It was extremely difficult (for the family), Salazar said. He acted as an interpreter for the family, who mainly spoke Spanish. They were just about as torn up as a group could be.

The family said a prayer over the body after he was recovered.

With the assistance of the Texas Game Wardens and San Antonio Fire Department, Bexar County deputies searched for the man Monday as part of the recovery effort, the sheriff said. The mans family helped with the search.

Officials said murky water made it difficult to find the body. Divers used sonar and information from 911 calls to narrow the search area, officials said.

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Salazar said the law requires people under 16 to wear a life vest, but even teens and adults should take the extra precaution.
4 March 2024 18:40 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Azerbaijan's expansion of agricultural product exports to Brazil was discussed in a meeting dedicated to the annual "Caspian Agro" exhibition held in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.

The meeting took place with a delegation led by Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Majnun Mammadov stated that President Ilham Aliyev has identified the development of agriculture as a priority sector. This policy has led to a new stage of development in the agricultural sector in the country. Minister Mammadov provided detailed information to the participants about the role of agriculture in the development of the non-oil sector, government support to the agricultural sector, implemented reforms, the application of the Electronic Agricultural Information System, digitization of agricultural services, and the favourable investment environment in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, discussions focused on creating a legal framework for cooperation in the agricultural sector between Azerbaijan and Brazil, increasing the trade turnover of agricultural products, transferring modern technologies in agriculture, strengthening collaboration in livestock, implementing experience programs in scientific research in the agricultural sector, and expanding the export of Azerbaijani agricultural products to Brazil.

Minister Mammadov emphasised the significance of the annual "Caspian Agro" exhibition held in Azerbaijan, inviting Brazilian businessmen to actively participate in the exhibition and explore opportunities to invest in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, considering its reliability and favourable business environment.

The potential for expanding mutual relations in the field of agriculture was highlighted during the meeting, with both sides expressing interest in further developing bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector between the two countries.

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5 March 2024 00:27 (UTC+04:00)

The Armenian authorities decided to return the strayed Azerbaijani serviceman Ruslan Panahov to Azerbaijan.

According to Azernews, this was reported by the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia.

As a sign of goodwill and in pursuance of the agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the highest level that military personnel of both sides who got lost and ended up on the opposite side should be returned as soon as possible, Armenia decided to hand over Ruslan Panahov to the Azerbaijani side, - the NSS press service said in a statement.

Let us recall that on the morning of February 28, a serviceman of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Panahov Ruslan Eldeniz oglu, moving between service positions in the Lachin region, went astray, losing the direction of movement under unfavorable weather conditions.

The Armenian side soon issued a statement in which it announced the detention of an Azerbaijani soldier who had crossed the conventional border.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia opened a criminal case against Ruslan Panahov on charges of attempted sabotage, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, as well as attempted murder motivated by racial and religious intolerance.

Later, the Investigative Committee of Armenia announced the termination of the criminal case against Ruslan Panahov.

The Armenian side also admits that the Azerbaijani serviceman, previously arrested on trumped-up charges, got lost. It is noted that factual data have been received that Panakhov got lost and ended up near Armenian positions.

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4 March 2024 11:59 (UTC+04:00)

The participants of the 11th meeting of TURKPA's Legal Affairs and International Relations Commission visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku on March 4, Azernews reports.

The participants of the meeting paid their respects to the memory of the heroic sons of Azerbaijan who were martyred in the struggle for the independence and territorial integrity of the country and laid flowers on their graves. They also visited the Eternal Torch.

The guests also visited the Turkish Martyrdom monument and laid flowers in front of the monument erected in memory of the Turkish soldiers who died in the struggle for the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

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4 March 2024 14:37 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

A new email system has been introduced for government agencies in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the head of the State Special Communication and Information Security Service, Tural Mammadov.

According to Mammadov's statements, the represented organization has already started to use it.

"Several government agencies have successfully joined the new system. In the near future, the joining of executive authorities will be implemented," he noted.

It is worth noting that the new email system is designed for 60 thousand users. This system will provide government agencies with greater functionality and security compared to the previous system.

During his previous statements, Mammadov mentioned that within the year 2023, 186 fraudulent domain names were identified and their activities were halted. Additionally, last year, 134 fraudulent "gov.az" domains were neutralized by the experts of the State Special Communication and Information Security Service.

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4 March 2024 20:48 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

On February 28, Azerbaijan announced that it has joined the "Global Methane Pledge" initiative, which includes voluntary obligations of states to reduce global methane emissions.

According to Azernews, Azerbaijan is ready to join joint international efforts aimed at reducing global methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030.

The Global Methane Pledge is an initiative put forward by the United States and the European Union (EU) as a global commitment to reduce methane emissions at the COP26 Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2021. The Global Methane Pledge aims to limit methane emissions by a total of 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Currently, 155 countries have signed up to this international commitment and account for nearly half of global methane pollution.

Azerbaijan ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1995, and the Kyoto Protocol of the Convention in 2000, joining international efforts to mitigate the negative effects of global climate change. In the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) document, Azerbaijan has set the goal of maintaining a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the base year (1990) as its contribution to initiatives to mitigate the effects of global climate change. In the document updated in 2023, as a new commitment, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2050 is targeted. In addition, it was announced that the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions will be transformed into a decarbonization zone by 2050.

Joining the "Global Methane Pledge" of our country, distinguished by its activity in the fight against global climate changes, will further strengthen its position as a reliable "green" energy partner in the world. As a responsible member of the international community, Azerbaijan always provides significant support and contribution to the joint action of states related to global climate policy, and encourages more efforts for "green" goals. Commitment to the commitments, successful activities and new initiatives within the framework of the "Solidarity for a Green World" initiative announced by the President of Azerbaijan, recognize Azerbaijan as a successful example of a major contribution to global climate policy. The hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to our country is also a clear manifestation of the international appreciation and trust shown to this activity.

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4 March 2024 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The 10th meeting at the level of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan working group between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Joint Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been held at the Department of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry.

At the meeting, a detailed exchange of views took place on the current situation and prospects for the development of bilateral military cooperation, on issues of military education and science, operational planning, joint exercises and other topics of mutual interest.

After the signing of the final protocol of the meeting, a ceremony of mutual presentation of gifts took place, and a memorable photo was taken.

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4 March 2024 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

In the course of trading operations on the ICE London international exchange, the value of the May 2024 contract for the export of "Brent" oil increased by 0.02%, reaching $83.57 per barrel, Azernews reports.

It is reported that by exporting in the NYMEX commodity exchange in New York in April of this year, the price of 1 barrel of WTI oil decreased by 0.1%, amounting to $79.89.

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4 March 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

A credit limit for Ukraine's private sector from the British International Capital Agency (IBC) will be available from April, Azernew reports that this has been informed in the press release of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

BBS has announced an overall limit of up to 250 million for private sector financing in Ukraine.

These funds will be obtained through a joint investment platform with the involvement of partner financial institutions in Ukraine.

"Previously, the British International Capital was not on the map of the international financial institutions with which Ukraine works," said Yuliya Sviridenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

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4 March 2024 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

Great Britain, the world leader in cyber security services, is ready to exchange experience with Azerbaijan in this field, Azernews reports, citing Fergus Auld, the British ambassador to Azerbaijan, telling at the opening of the UK Cybersecurity Expo exhibition held in Baku.

"Azerbaijan, located in a tough geopolitical environment, acknowledges the importance of increased vigilance against the threats posed by cyber-attacks, as well as the best techniques for thwarting them. The possible targeting of essential infrastructure in these attacks poses a direct threat to the countries' economies and overall well-being, endangering lives. President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized the need to prioritize cyber security as a vital objective for the country, and the United Kingdom is ready to lend its experience as a reliable ally," the ambassador said.

It is worth noting that representatives of British cybersecurity companies are participating in the event. They participated in the exhibition to demonstrate their capabilities in this field and to establish partnerships with local companies.

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4 March 2024 13:12 (UTC+04:00)

Fatime Letifova Read more

Despite all the pressures of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), we will always stand by our brother Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Chairman of TURKPA's Legal Affairs and International Relations Commission, Deputy of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Osman Mesten, telling at the 11th meeting of TURKPA's Legal Affairs and International Relations Commission held in Baku on March 4.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan became a full member of the Council of Europe and PACE in 2001. On January 24, some European parliamentarians questioned the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation at PACE and made unimaginable accusations against the delegation. Taking this into account, the Azerbaijani delegation issued a broad and detailed statement at PACE. Against the background of unbearable racism, Azerbaijanophobia and Islamophobia in the Parliamentary Assembly, the Azerbaijani delegation decided to suspend cooperation with PACE and participation in the organization for an indefinite period. The delegation left the venue after making the statement.

Osman Mesten stated that he believes that the strengthening of relations between the Turkic states will create confidence in friends and will strike fear into the souls of the enemy: "We should further develop relations with many international organizations, including the Organization of Turkic States,"he added.

"Also, we want to see brotherly Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan among the TURKPA member states," the chairman says.

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Missing UT-Dallas student Andrew Li was found dead off campus, according to the university. University of Texas at Dallas Police

A missing student from the University of Texas at Dallas who was last seen leaving his dorm room two weeks ago has been found dead, according to a letter released by the university.

Andrew Li, 20, was found dead by the City of Richardson Police Department off-campus, the university said Saturday. His cause of death is still being investigated.

"We all grieve with Andrew's family and friends at this sorrowful outcome," the university said in a statement. "We offer our sincere condolences to all who knew him."

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On Feb. 28, the UT-Dallas Police Department said it was looking for Li who was last seen on Saturday, Feb. 24 around 6 p.m. at his on-campus apartment.

Police added that there were no signs of foul play and didn't believe there were any threats to the university campus.

According to CBS News, Li's mother said he left his cell phone, backpack and laptop in his room before his disappearance.

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She last spoke to him on the phone the Thursday before he went missing and got worried when a campus friend could not locate him, according to CBS.
4 March 2024 20:40 (UTC+04:00)

OpenTalks.AI ", which was supposed to take place on March 6-7 at the Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers Hotel in Tbilisi, was canceled at the last moment Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets.

The Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers Hotel has issued a statement on this matter. The message says that after receiving more information about the OpenTalks conference AI decided not to hold this event at the hotel.

This decision does not depend on the potential financial consequences. The decision to cancel the OpenTalks conference AI is driven by Pullman's commitment and unwavering support for international cooperation and values.

The media writes that the cancellation of the event is due to the presence in the list of guests who will take part in the conference, and the names of representatives of sanctioned Russian organizations.

It should be noted that the conference has been held in Russia since 2018, but last year it was held in Yerevan. This year, the organizers promised an extensive program  in addition to the conference, excursions, tastings, and a ski tour of Georgia.

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A three-judge Superior Court panel has blocked part of a new state law that shifts some government board appointment powers from Gov. Roy Cooper to the Republican-controlled General Assembly or other executive officers.The judges granted a preliminary injunction against changes to appointments to the state Economic Investment Committee, Commission for Public Health, and Board of Transportation. Judges refused to block changes to the Environmental Management Commission and Coastal Resources Commission.Judges announced the decision after two hours of arguments in the case Wednesday morning in Raleigh. The panel also called for both sides in the case to submit a plan by Nov. 15 for moving forward toward a trial.argued Jim Phillips, an attorney representing Cooper.Phillips added.Phillips said, near the end of a 48-minute opening argument.responded Matthew Tilley, the lawyer representing GOP legislative leaders.Tilley's 42-minute argument rejected Cooper's claim that previous court battles between the executive and legislative branches clearly favored the governor.he said.Superior Court Judges John Dunlow, Paul Holcombe, and Dawn Layton serve as the three-judge panel overseeing the case titled Cooper v Berger. Dunlow and Holcombe are Republicans. Layton is a Democrat. Dunlow serves as resident Superior Court judge in Granville County. Holcombe's judicial district covers Johnston County. Layton's district covers Anson, Richmond, and Scotland counties.The North Carolina Home Builders Association filed paperwork last week opposing Cooper's request for an injunction. The left-of-center Southern Environmental Law Center filed a competing brief supporting Cooper's request. The three judges agreed to consider those briefs.Cooper filed a 55-page complaint on Oct. 10 in Wake County Superior Court. His suit targets state Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Moore, as leaders of the General Assembly.The suit reached the court slightly more than three hours after the legislature approved Senate Bill 512. A 72-44 vote in the state House completed the override of Cooper's veto of the measure.SB 512 changed the appointment structure for the state Economic Investment Committee, Environmental Management Commission, Commission for Public Health, Board of Transportation, Coastal Resources Commission, Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Railroad Board of Directors, UNC Health Care Board of Directors, Utilities Commission, UNC Board of Governors, and UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University boards of trustees.Cooper objected to changes taking away his appointment powers in that law, along with a provision in House Bill 488 that reorganized the State Building Council and created the Residential Code Council.Cooper said in a news release announcing the lawsuit.Cooper originally asked for an injunction blocking portions of the two challenged laws dealing with the Economic Investment Committee, the Environmental Management Commission, Commission for Public Health, Board of Transportation, Coastal Resources Commission, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Residential Code Council.Changes to the wildlife and residential code groups are scheduled to take effect in 2025. Phillips agreed Wednesday to set aside the request to block those changes now. Cooper could renew his pursuit of an injunction again if the rest of the case remains unresolved in 14 months.Phillips accused state lawmakers of approving laws that fly in the face of state Supreme Court precedents from 1982, 2016, and 2018.Phillips argued Wednesday.Phillips and Tilley offered contrasting views of the separation of powers.Tilley said.Cooper filed an objection in the case on Oct. 19. The governor criticized the court for refusing to hold a hearing on his request for a temporary restraining order.
The John Locke Foundation is supporting a New Bern eye surgeon's legal fight against state regulations that block him from performing procedures in his own building. The state Supreme Court has agreed to take up Dr. Jay Singleton's case against North Carolina's certificate-of-need law in the months ahead.Locke and constitutional law scholar John Orth filed a joint friend-of-the court brief in the case Wednesday. Singleton filed his own opening brief the same day. The Goldwater Institute also submitted a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Singleton.The CON law creates a government permission slip for healthcare providers to build new hospitals, add beds to existing hospitals, open other types of healthcare facilities, and add major pieces of medical equipment.according to the brief from Locke and Orth, a constitutional law professor who taught at the University of North Carolina School of Law from 1978 to 2021.Orth authored the bookin 1993. His co-author for an updated version of that book is current state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby.The joint Locke/Orth brief addresses a legal issue calledIt refers to the different types of review that a court might apply to a challenged law. Only laws addressing aright face the strictest form of scrutiny.North Carolina adopted theapproach during the second half of the 20th century, according to the Locke/Orth brief.the brief argued.Locke and Orth argued.the brief argued.Locke and Orth argued.Singleton's brief focused on the CON law's impact on his ability to serve patients.according to the brief filed by attorneys with the Institute for Justice.the brief continued.The Goldwater Institute's argument focused on the process lower courts used to dismiss Singleton's case. Focusing on a procedure called theGoldwater argued that the trial judge and Appeals Court made the wrong decision. They should not have thrown Singleton's case out, based solely on the notion that the General Assembly had ato enact the CON law.Goldwater lawyers argued.Goldwater's brief continued.More than a year after Singleton asked North Carolina's highest court to take up his challenge of the CON law, the court answered yes.An order issued Sept. 1 confirmed that the North Carolina Supreme Court would hear Singleton's case. Singleton had appealed to the high court in August 2022.said attorney Joshua Windham in a statement for Carolina Journal.added Windham, who represents Singleton on behalf of the Institute for Justice.Windham said.Singleton's state Supreme Court appeal followed the state Court of Appeals' unanimous June 2022 decision dismissing his case.Windham said at the time of the original appeal.The CON case presents three issues for the N.C. Supreme Court's consideration, according to an August 2022 court filing from Windham and his colleagues.according to Singleton's lawyers.the brief added.the filing listed as the third issue.Singleton's lawyers reminded the state's highest court that it struck down CON restrictions once before, in 1973. Five years later, the General Assembly approved a new,CON law. The state Court of Appeals then declared the original state Supreme Court rulingand now there isabout the original decision's status.according to IJ attorneys.The appeal labeled the case's factsaccording to the court filing.according to the surgeon's lawyers.For example, Singleton could perform cataract surgeries for $1,800, while the facility fee alone at CarolinaEast reaches almost $6,000, according to the appeal.Current law blocks Singleton from applying for a CONaccording to the filing.State regulators will have an opportunity to submit their own arguments in the case. The state Supreme Court has not scheduled the case yet for oral arguments.
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?

98.21% No, I do not support Election Interference; I am a patriot unto our Constitution.1.79% 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?
A physician has pleaded guilty to accepting kickbacks through a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington.

From May 2021 to September 2023, Thomas Andrew Webster, MD, participated in a telemarketing scheme and conspiracy that defrauded Medicare and Tricare of more than $13.7 million, according to a Feb. 28 news release from the Justice Department.

Through the scheme, a company used telemarketers to gain access to Medicare and Tricare beneficiary information and then used the information to create fake medical records, fraudulent physician visits and fraudulent medical equipment orders for patients throughout Eastern Washington. Dr. Webster then signed the fraudulent documentation and fraudulently billed Medicare and Tricare for fictitious physician visits.

Dr. Webster also admitted to receiving at least $839,565 from Medicare and Tricare for fraudulent physician visits and exams.
Here are three recent noncompete moves that Becker's has reported on since Feb. 20:

1. Two hospitals are alleging North American Partners in Anesthesia's noncompete clauses violate antitrust laws. The suits allege the anesthesia provider uses noncompete clauses to restrict competition and "demand exorbitant payments for critical and understaffed patient services." The suits also allege the clauses "impede the free movement of its providers so that it can capture the value of their scarce services'' by prohibiting their anesthesia providers from being employed directly by the hospitals.

2. In a voluntary agreement with Colorado's attorney general, U.S. Anesthesia Partners will end its contracts with five Colorado hospitals due to its alleged monopoly in the state's Denver and Durango markets. U.S. Anesthesia Partners will also completely end its noncompete agreement practice within 18 months of the agreement taking effect.

3. An Arizona federal court recently ruled in favor of a noncompete agreement, granting a franchisor company's motion to temporarily restrain a former franchisee from operating a competing business in a noncompete lawsuit.
The Hawaii Health Department implemented security and patient changes to the State Operated Specialized Residential Program and Hawaii State Hospital facilities following the death of a nurse.

On Nov.13, Tommy Kekoa Carvalho, 25, a former patient at Hawaii State Hospital who was discharged in August, returned to the facility and was accused of stabbing former nurse, Justin Bautista, RN, multiple times in the head and neck. Mr. Carvalho was charged with murder in the second degree.

Following the incident, state residential facilities increased security patrols, increased staff-to-patient ratios from 1:5 to 1:3, and all residents are now subject to screening including pat searches, metal detector wands and urine drug screenings upon return to the facility if they go off grounds, according to a Feb. 29 department news release. Additionally, a four-day safety stand-down was instituted for both facilities to review and improve safety policies and procedures.

Additional recommendations from the review also include:
Nottingham Elementary School, 570 Nottingham Oaks Trail, in the Spring Branch Independent School District is shown Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

Some Spring Branch ISD parents and staff say they are baffled by the latest round of proposed budget cuts that would slash all librarian positions from schools.

Spring Branch parent Courtney Prochaska told the board that she was frustrated by a lack of transparency and called the district explanation far from clear.

I question myself, Am I right? Did we just lose  librarians on our campus? 

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School counselors faced similar cuts, but administrators rallied and found money to restore the positions. Not so with librarians.

Superintendent Jennifer Blaine called it an unfortunate decision. When you have a $35 million deficit, that comes in people, she said.

School officials across Texas have blamed a wave of budget shortfalls on the end of federal COVID relief money and no extra per-student funding from the state, but school librarians have endured some of the deepest cuts.

Districts like Keller ISD made the cuts after book-banning feuds put librarians at the center of widening debates about which books and themes are suitable for children. Spring Branch has been embroiled in a similar book-banning debate for years, bringing new attention and scrutiny to the district.

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Laney Hawes, founder of a nonprofit called Texas Freedom to Read Project, said these budget cuts are retribution for librarians' opposition to book banning that many local school boards have passed.

Hawes is a parent of four in Keller ISD in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Keller ISD recently experienced cuts to reduce a $27 million deficit, reducing librarians by 50%. The move came after a hotly debated 2022 decision by the board to ban books that mentioned or included non-binary or transgender people.

Libraries have been under attack for the last year or two, and now these politicians get to come in and fire them, Hawes said. Thats the message here in Keller and in Spring Branch, theres no question that that is exactly what librarians are feeling and believe.

Spring Branch district officials have not linked the budget reductions to the ongoing debate over book banning.

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Eliminating all librarian positions in a district with 35,000 students appears to be among the most extreme cuts in the state.

Districts that lay off librarians are losing a highly knowledgeable and versatile educator who is essential to student achievement and success, the Texas Library Associations executive director, Shirley Robinson, said in a statement Thursday. Librarians do not just sit behind desks and check out books.

James Shaddix, a Spring Branch parent, said he understands the need for budget cuts but doesnt agree with the decision to eliminate librarians. He said he would prefer restructuring the library system to find needed savings.

The teachers need the partnership with the librarian to maximize the benefit they deliver to those kids  to instill in them a legitimate interest in reading, he said.

What libraries mean

Karen Anne Harrell, a Spring Branch librarian for over 30 years, said her positive experience with librarians as a Spring Branch student led her to work there as a school librarian.

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Spring Branch has always been  cutting edge, said Harrell, who retired in 2022. Weve always been just learning and doing, being on top of everything.  Its kind of like a step backward.

Harrell saw Spring Branch students through many pivotal moments in her library, from the arrival of computers to teaching students how to find unbiased facts online.

Theres more to the library than most people know. Most people just see us checking in and checking out books, and thats not what we did, Harrell said.

During Mondays board meeting, Board President Chris Ernest said the district learned from previous budget cuts that targeted academic jobs over administration, such as librarians. We have prioritized academic positions over libraries. Its unfortunate but it is true, he said.

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Librarians, including Harrell, disagree.

Were all about academics. Thats the world were supporting, academics. Were not  were not just fluff, Harrell said.

Afraid to speak

A current Spring Branch librarian, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said the positions are not administrative overhead.

Librarians are teachers. We are academics.  You did cut academics by cutting a huge support for them, she said.

Some librarians have been at odds with school boards in Spring Branch and elsewhere over book bans. The librarian said she thinks the deep cuts might be linked to the feud over book banning.

I cant seem to shake that feeling that maybe that is whats going on here, the librarian said.

She said librarians have been too fearful to express their opposition to book bans publicly. She said she has been called names by people who had never even met her.

Were afraid, and that fear speaks volumes, she said.

Looking ahead

Hawes, with the Texas Freedom to Read Project, said that the trend of shuttering libraries across the state will only have negative impacts for students.
Walgreens Boots Alliance will not be selling its Shields Health Solutions, a specialty pharmacy business, after initial reports that the retail company was looking to offload the pharmacy in January.

"Because we love working with health systems and Shields is a terrific asset, and I love the fact that we've got it," Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, said at the TD Cowen Health Conference on March 4 in Boston, a Walgreens spokesperson told Becker's in a statement. "From that standpoint, whatever you may have read, don't believe it. We are not announcing we're selling Shields."

Walgreens acquired a large stake in Shields Health Solutions in 2019. It took majority control in 2021 and acquired the remaining 30% stake for $1.37 billion 2022.

Mr. Wentworth also noted that Shields, which is valued at more than $4 billion, is a key component to Walgreens' growth strategy.

"We are looking at Shields to make sure we think about the best way to get the most value for the marketplace and for ourselves by owning that," Mr. Wentworth said.

Becker's has reached out to Walgreens for a comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.
Some CIOs are struggling to "keep pace" with the huge explosion in outside vendors that has coincided with the hype over artificial intelligence, The Wall Street Journal reported March 4.

Besides AI, CIOs are also sifting through a growing number of digital tools and also looking for smaller vendors so they don't rely so heavily on a handful of big companies, Gartner IT researcher Stephen White told the newspaper.

"You just can't keep pace," Carhartt CIO Katrina Agusti told the Journal. The workwear company's software-as-a-service subscriptions are up to 121 in 2024, compared to 59 five years ago and 20 a decade ago.

Some organizations have been able to shift the other way. Pharma company Moderna started working with a bunch of software firms as it raced to get out a vaccine amid the pandemic, according to the story. "A lot of times my business partners were running crazy fast because they needed something," Moderna CIO Brad Miller told the news outlet. "So they just went and signed licenses and there wasn't really a tech review."

But since spending more time analyzing costs and value, Moderna has decreased its vendors from 257 last year to 200 this year, the newspaper reported.
St. Louis-based Ascension has promoted two women to its leadership team.

Amber Sims was appointed executive vice president and chief strategy and growth officer, and Michelle Kohler, PhD, will be promoted to executive vice president and chief human resources officer, according to a March 4 news release from the health system shared with Becker's.

Ms. Sims began her new role March 1. In this position, she will focus on positioning for growth across Ascension, according to the release. Her other focuses also include the health system's market and enterprise-level strategy community as well as enterprise portfolio management.

Ms. Sims is a veteran of Ascension, most recently serving as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. She also previously served as vice president and chief strategy officer for the Ascension Saint Thomas market in Tennessee.

Dr. Kohler will begin her new role June 1, following the retirement of Herb Vallier, according to the release.

Also a veteran of Ascension, she is senior vice president of human resources. In this role, she leads the organizational capability solutions team as well as executive recruiting, internal communications and organizational effectiveness support for Ascension's system office, Ascension Ventures, Ascension Investment Management and Ascension Capital, according to the release.

Dr. Kohler also previously provided HR support for Ascension's Florida and Gulf Coast and Texas ministry markets, the strategy and innovation team and the Resource Group.












HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville has reportedly fired its vice president of surgical services and a number of other employees connected to the facility's sterile processing department. The news comes after the hospital suspended elective procedures earlier this year to address equipment sterilization issues.

Patty Gursky, PhD, MSN, RN, former vice president of surgical services at the 510-bed facility, was reportedly removed from her position, according to a March 1 report from WUFT, which obtained the information from three employees at the hospital who spoke on the condition of anonymity after being ordered not to discuss the matter. Other employees in the sterile processing department were also reportedly fired.

Dr. Gursky was promoted to the role in October 2023. She previously served as director of surgical services.

North Florida Hospital, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, in January confirmed it was temporarily suspending elective procedures to address equipment sterilization issues beginning Jan. 17. At the time, a hospital spokesperson told Becker's the equipment-related problem was affecting "presurgical processes." The hospital has since added additional presurgical processing units, gotten new instruments and expanded surgical services staff, a spokesperson for the hospital previously told The Gainesville Sun.

Employees told WUFT that dirty instruments with tissue residue from prior procedures were among the issues that led to disruptions in operations. In the wake of the issues, the hospital began administering a "no strikes" rule in which employees would be terminated immediately for any issues related to contaminated surgical equipment, sources told the news outlet.

On Feb. 6, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration visited the hospital and found no deficiencies, according to a summary of inspection records cited by WUFT.

A spokesperson for the hospital sent the following statement to Becker's, though they did not address questions related to the firings:

"We have resumed all surgical operations at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. We are performing nearly 100 percent of all elective surgical cases and expect to be at full capacity soon. We are dedicated to achieving this milestone with the same level of excellence our patients, physicians, staff and the community have come to expect from HCA Florida North Florida Hospital for the past 50 years."

According to WUFT, the hospital has also internally announced the hiring of a new chief operating officer, Mark Amox, who is expected to step into the role March 11 and replace John Gerhold. Mr. Gerhold was named CEO of HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford in December.
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Amid a nationwide shortage of physicians, contractual noncompete clauses are making it more challenging for patients to receive the care they need, particularly in more rural regions, and physicians are pushing back, NBC News reported March 3.

The American Medical Association estimates that between 35% and 45% of physicians in the U.S. are bound by noncompete clauses of some kind.

Noncompete clauses can prevent physicians who are trained in a certain specialty from practicing it again within a prescribed distance if they leave a hospital, which is where the detriment to rural care can increase.

This happened to one physician working in Fort Wayne, Ind., who left a position at one hospital to join another.

"There is a shortage of physicians who do the subspecialty work that I do in Fort Wayne," David Lankford, MD, a pediatric critical care physician at Parkview Health, told NBC News. "I believe many critically ill children and their families would have to travel significant distances at significant hardship to get access to care."

Dr. Lankford is among several physicians who are fighting back against the restrictions noncompete agreements place on physicians.

The practice is one that the Federal Trade Commission has come after for all professions, including medicine, citing that the noncompete clauses reduce wages and harm competition. The agency estimates that prohibiting employers from using noncompete clauses could "increase workers' earnings across industries and job levels by $250 billion to $296 billion per year."

Right now, only three states  California, North Dakota and Oklahoma  forbid the enforcement of noncompetes for all employees.

"Allowing physicians to work for multiple hospitals can enhance the availability of specialist coverage in a community, improving patient access to care and reducing health care disparities," AMA Trustee Ilse Levin, DO, said during a 2023 AMA meeting.

Hospitals, though, have a different view.

"We think they are important for protecting investments that hospitals make to recruit doctors and senior executives," Chad Golder, general counsel for the American Hospital Association, told NBC News. "Imagine you're a rural hospital out in the country, and you spend a lot of money to bring on a new physician, to get them integrated into the community, to train them, and they leave after a short period of time after you've made all this investment to get them out there."

While there is no set deadline for the FTC to make a decision on noncompete agreements, experts say it could come in April 2024, according to The National Law Review.
Police said they have arrested a man following the assault of six workers at New York City-based Richmond University Medical Center.

The incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. March 3, according to a statement shared with Becker's from the New York Police Department.

"A preliminary investigation determined that a 19-year-old male being evaluated in the hospital assaulted six hospital workers," the statement said. "Officers were able to take the male into custody without further incident. All victims are in stable condition. The investigation remains ongoing."

Alex Lutz, a spokesperson for the hospital, also confirmed the incident.

"I can confirm that early yesterday there was an incident in our emergency department involving a patient and staff that resulted in injuries to several of our employees," Mr. Lutz told Becker's via email. "Thankfully none of the injuries to our staff are life threatening and they were treated here in our hospital. We are fully cooperating with the NYPD as they conduct their investigation."

The statements from the NYPD and the hospital did not provide the job titles of the workers. According to Fox 5, police said the suspect injured three security guards, punched a nurse, either pushed or punched an EMT, and bit another nurse. Local outlet SILive.com reported that the security guards "suffered minor injuries, including cuts." ABC 7 also reported that a knife was involved in the attacks on security guards.

Police said Devonte Loyce was arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing.
As Dallas-based Steward Health Care's financial troubles rage on at its hospitals in states like Massachusetts and Utah, the health system is now facing lawsuits pertaining to some of its Florida hospitals, Florida Today reported March 3.

Steward hospitals in Brevard County (Fla.) reportedly owe more than $1 million in unpaid bills but earned $37.7 million in profits across its then-10 Florida hospitals in 2021, the publication reported.

The health system currently has eight Florida hospitals: Melbourne (Fla.) Regional Medical Center; Rockledge (Fla.) Regional Medical Center; Sebastian (Fla.) River Medical Center; Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital; Lauderdale Lakes-based Florida Medical Center; Hialeah (Fla.) Hospital; Miami-based North Shore Medical Center; and Hialeah-based Palmetto General Hospital, according to its website.

Steward's Rockledge Regional Medical Center was named in a lawsuit from a pest control company regarding a bat infestation at the hospital.

The lawsuit alleged that the bat removal took nearly two months of labor and resulted in a removal cost of $936,320. The pest control company's lawsuit has demanded Steward pay it more than $1.6 million for interest, damages, attorney fees, and court costs, Florida Today reported.

Another lawsuit against the health system was filed by a landscaping company for more than $59,000 in unpaid bills after the company claimed it did not receive service payment from Steward for its Brevard County hospitals and Melbourne and Rockledge regional medical centers, in 2022.

Other lawsuits against the health system include one over more than $50,000 in unpaid bills from an Orlando, Fla.-based construction firm and another over more than $50,000 lawsuit from a door and glass company for the installation of hospital doors that went unpaid. Steward defaulted on both lawsuits, the publication reported.

Becker's has reached out to Steward for comment regarding the lawsuits and will update this story as more information becomes available.
National fights between health systems and payers are rising in intensity and publicity  and patients are caught in the middle, The Wall Street Journal reported March 1.

Hospitals and insurance companies have been scuffling for decades, but industry experts told the Journal these contract disputes are becoming fiercer. Across the U.S., patients are receiving letters and emails about potentially losing their coverage. Reeling from the ominous messages, patients are clamoring for appointments and physicians are fielding more calls.

As UnitedHealthcare and New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System, plus Aetna and NewYork-Presbyterian, wrangle over contracts, patients could pay hundreds to thousands of dollars more for healthcare if their coverage is trimmed.

The standoffs are exacerbating frustrations among patients.

"Look at how much pain and suffering you are causing, look at how much distress you are causing, look at how little I am sleeping," Sarah Digby, who got one of the emails Feb. 27, told the Journal.

Alan Adler, MD, Mount Sinai's senior medical director for physician contracting and billing, told the news outlet that patients are "freaking out, quite honestly."

Read more here.
A number of states are sitting on legislation that would advance a four-day workweek, while some have already begun the shift.

The shortened workweek appeals to most Americans. A July survey found that 81% of the full-time U.S. workforce supports a four-day schedule, and 89% would sacrifice something else for that extra day off: working longer hours on "on-days," taking a pay cut or even switching industries.

But the idea is less likely to win executives' favor. Many, concerned with productivity post-COVID, are putting an end to flexible work schedules by calling workers back to the office five days per week.

More than one year ago, Rep. Mark Takano of California introduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act to Congress with co-sponsors from Washington and Illinois. If passed, the bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act, reducing the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32, and lowering the maximum hours threshold for overtime compensation.

The bill, HR1332, is still sitting in the House of Representatives' Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Multiple states have introduced their own legislation to support the four-day workweek, to varying levels of success:

1. Massachusetts: In May 2023, a bill was introduced into the Massachusetts House with the intention of establishing a four-day workweek pilot program. On Jan. 25, a revised draft of the bill was reported favorably by the House's Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means.

If passed, employers could choose to apply for the "Massachusetts Smart Work Week Pilot." At selected companies, employees would receive a reduction in work hours without any reduction in pay, status or benefits. For at least two years, participating companies would collect data on the reduced workweek's efficacy. Participating employers  minus those in the public sector  would receive a tax credit.

2. Maryland: In January 2023, a bill was introduced into Maryland's House that would establish a similar pilot program to the one proposed in Massachusetts: Employers could choose to launch a four-day workweek in exchange for a tax credit.

The bill was withdrawn by its sponsor, Delegate Vaughn Stewart, in March 2023. Mr. Stewart struggled to gain support for the 32-hour workweek, noting that the traditional 40 hours were deeply ingrained in his generation. He maintained that the move to a shorter workweek is "the future" for Maryland's businesses, according to Maryland Matters.

3. Pennsylvania: In August, Pennsylvania Rep. Roni Green shared plans to introduce a bill requiring the reduction of a standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 for businesses with more than 500 employees, ABC27 reported. These businesses could not reduce employees' pay, per the law; local and midsize employers would be excluded from the rule.

State Rep. Dave Madsen also touted a bill that would create a three-year pilot program for 70 Pennsylvania businesses.

4. Missouri: As of Jan. 8, more than 30% of Missouri school districts have opted for a four-day week, according to the Missouri Independent. These schools saw "no statistically significant effect on either academic achievement or building growth," according to a recent study.

However, Missourians are split on the lean toward a four-day school week. Last year, Sen. Doug Beck of Affton got an amendment approved requiring a local vote to authorize the four-day school week; this year, he is sponsoring a bill that would allow towns with less than 30,000 residents to adopt a shortened school week solely on school board approval, though larger cities would have to get voters' approval. Reps. Aaron McMullen and Robert Sauls of Independence filed similar bills that would also provide incentives for schools that choose a five-day week.

"My main concern is the economic impact that it has on the city," Mr. McMullen told the newspaper in January. "Essentially, we're giving less services but still charging the same amount of tax."

5. Texas: A 2015 bill allowed Texas school districts to adopt a four-day week as long as they provide 75,600 instructional minutes, according to the Texas Standard. As of last May, 80 districts had made the switch, affecting nearly 75,000 students, NBC affiliate KXAN reported. These schools have reported improved recruitment and retention rates among staff.

Since August, multiple Texan cities have implemented a four-day workweek for public employees, including Forney, Farmers Branch and Celina.



Read more about the four-day workweek and healthcare here.
Tech innovations enhance wildlife conservation on "roof of the world"

Xinhua) 08:22, March 04, 2024

XINING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- On the eastern edge of northwest China's Hoh Xil, a nature reserve encompassing the country's largest area of uninhabited land within the Sanjiangyuan National Park, stands a striking statue of a Tibetan antelope against the backdrop of the azure sky.

This symbolic figure marks the first protection station in the region. Established in 1997, the Sonam Dargye Protection Station pays homage to a renowned guardian of Hoh Xil and now spearheads wildlife conservation efforts in the area. Sonam Dargye, a government official and advocate for wildlife preservation, tragically lost his life in 1994 at the hands of antelope poachers who turned their weapons against him.

Though Sonam Dargye has passed, his spirit endures. Thirty years on, his extraordinary commitment has inspired more people in Hoh Xil to guard this land with passion and dedication. "I heard about his deeds at a very young age, and I was deeply moved. I was determined to follow in his footsteps and become a guardian of this land," said Tsering Lozang, 24, the youngest ranger at the Sonam Dargye Protection Station. Last June, after graduating from university, he arrived at Hoh Xil to take on this job.

For the new generation of rangers like Tsering Lozang who patrol the expansive plateau landscape, beyond the spiritual inspiration, a string of new technologies deployed in biodiversity conservation in Hoh Xil also play a crucial role in their routine work on the "roof of the world."

On this year's World Wildlife Day, observed on Sunday, attention has turned to the remarkable progress achieved in these nearly uninhabited areas, with an average altitude of over 4,600 meters, as well as the pivotal role played by advanced technology in safeguarding wildlife.

Pregnant Tibetan antelopes move across the Qinghai-Tibet highway in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, May 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Nestled deep in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the Hoh Xil nature reserve had long grappled with a dearth of communication signals, save for the route along the Qinghai-Xizang Highway.

The convenience of sending frequent updates to colleagues and sharing photos of Tibetan antelopes roaming in the wilderness was once unimaginable for many rangers in the nature reserve. "Entering the nature reserve meant being isolated from the outside world, especially in the Zonag Lake area. We could only contact families through expensive satellite phones," recalled Tsesogyal, a 28-year-old ranger in Hoh Xil.

During the last Tibetan antelope breeding season, a 5G base station began operations at the protection station near Zonag Lake, known as the "delivery room" for Tibetan antelopes, a species under first-class state protection in China.

This marked the expansion of the 5G network throughout the core territory of this UNESCO natural heritage site. Now it is possible to livestream one of the world's most breathtaking scenes, migrations of hoofed animals, to the global audience.

According to Zhan Jianglong, a local forest police official, the change still feels "like a dream." "Having cellphone signals in the wilderness used to be unbelievable," he said. Nowadays, there is uninterrupted 5G signal, with the peak internet speed reaching 860 Mbps.

"In the past, communication with the outside world was difficult during the journey. Now, when we reach the area near Zonag Lake, everyone can easily call their families and colleagues via phone or WeChat," Zhan said.

As early as 2016, Qinghai Province began to build a networked, remote real-time observation system to strengthen the monitoring and protection of key ecological areas.

Known as the "window of ecology," the remote monitoring system has 76 observation points across the area. It can not only closely observe and study the migration process of Tibetan antelopes but also facilitate data collection and observation of rare wildlife species, providing detailed data support for biodiversity conservation in the Sanjiangyuan National Park.

A ranger feeds a rescued Tibetan antelope cub at the Sonam Dargye Protection Station in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Jan. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

"It is a significant step in Sanjiangyuan National Park's pursuit of intelligent ecological protection," said Sun Lijun, deputy director of the Sanjiangyuan National Park administration.

Sun noted that based on the geographical factors and ecological monitoring requirements, the park chose to set up the 5G base station in the Zonag Lake area, which can better monitor the migration and delivery of Tibetan antelopes.

According to deputy station chief Guo Xuehu, staffers of the nature reserve rescue many Tibetan antelope calves separated from their herds at the Zonag Lake Protection Station every year. "Now, when a calf falls ill, we can also use video calls to connect with veterinarians, who can guide the treatment remotely."

"Livestreaming Tibetan antelope migration and birth also helps foster public awareness for biodiversity conservation," Sun added.

According to local authorities, more 5G base stations are expected to be built in the nature reserve, while the combination of 5G remote inspection, on-site patrol and helicopter patrol will be introduced to bolster the anti-poaching and monitoring capabilities of the reserve.

An aerial drone photo taken on June 17, 2023 shows the 5G base station at the Zonag Lake Protection Station in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Research on Tibetan antelopes, one of the flagship species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, has always been important for protecting the plateau's biodiversity, according to Lian Xinming, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Hailing the technological advancements in wildlife conservation atop the "roof of the world," Lian noted that in the future, AI technology can be used to monitor the reproductive status of Tibetan antelopes. This approach would reduce human resource input and statistical errors, thus enhancing the efficiency of ecological protection and scientific research in Hoh Xil.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Joyce Slocum, shown at her desk in her Texas Public Radio office in 2022, is being remembered for her numerous contributions to the public media industry, including a decade at the helm of Texas Public Radio. Slocum died Sunday from complications related to colon cancer. She was 66. Texas Public Radio Joyce Slocum, president and CEO of Texas Public Radio, died Sunday at 66. Marvin Pfeiffer/San Antonio Express-News

Joyce Slocum advocated for Texas Public Radio and its mission, guided a successful building campaign for a new headquarters in downtown San Antonio and developed an award-winning staff and community-minded programming.

She also was a compassionate leader, colleagues said, whose high standards and enthusiasm helped shape public radio and engage listeners.

Slocum, who died Sunday from complications of colon cancer, is being remembered for her numerous contributions to public media, including 10 years as TPRs president and CEO. She was 66.

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Its a miracle someone of her caliber came here, said Tim Watt, a TPR board member who worked closely with Slocum on the capital campaign that built the headquarters near San Pedro Creek.

The station is in a different place than when she came, Watt said in an interview Monday.

Born in Dallas, Slocum joined TPR in 2014 after a stint as interim president and CEO of National Pubic Radio in Washington D.C., where she had worked since 2008.

She had longed to return to Texas, where people are nice to each other, said Watt, who was on the search committee that brought her to San Antonio.

In the decade that followed, Slocum presided over a staff increase of more than 60% and held them to high expectations, allowing the station to both expand its programming and improve its quality, colleagues said.

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She was absolutely driven about the work here at TPR, said Nathan Cone, the stations vice-president for cultural and community engagement.

TPR was awarded the national Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Large Market Radio in 2022 and 2023. Slocum helped create the stations Border & Immigration desk and its Spanish language service TPR Noticias.

She was a founding member of the Texas Newsroom, NPRs experiment in coordinating news staffs in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin, and cities across Texas, according to TPR. Its success would serve as the model for other regional network collaborations nationwide.

Joyces passing is a tremendous loss for TPR and the public media sector, TPR Board Chair Lori Castillo said in a story published on the TPR website Sunday. Because of her impact as NPRs interim CEO, Joyce was admired and respected across the industry. Moreover, her ambitious vision for TPR has made it one of the leaders among public media organizations.

According to her biography on the TPR website, Slocum graduated from Southern Illinois University and the St. Louis University School of Law. She started her career in private law practice and later served as legal and business advisor to 7-Eleven Inc.

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Before joining National Public Radio in 2008, Slocum was at HIT Entertainment, a producer and distributor of childrens entertainment products, serving as its general counsel and later in its global legal and business affairs and as its executive vice president. Slocum held numerous roles at NPR, including chief administrative officer, general counsel and chief ethics officer.

NPR and the entire public media system mourn the loss of Joyce Slocum, NPR CEO John Lansing said in a statement. Joyce was a remarkable person who made countless contributions to this network throughout her distinguished career. She understood the importance of our public service mission like few do.

Cone said Slocum saw the downtown headquarters at the Irma and Emilio Nicolas Media Center on West Commerce Street as the physical embodiment of the stations mission of serving the community and bringing people together.

Watt agreed, saying her vision of being in a location that was easily accessible and central to the area was important.

She really liked the idea of meeting east and west and north and south, and representing all within that range, Watt said.

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Colleagues said there is talk of TPR hosting a public memorial for Slocum, but that nothing is finalized. Funeral arrangements are pending. According to the station, Slocums family has asked that people contribute to TPR instead of sending flowers.

Slocum, who entered hospice care last week after being hospitalized for cancer-related health complications, was not married and did not have children. She was known as Aunt Juicy to her nieces, nephews and friends kids, colleagues said. She doted on her dog Belle, described as her faithful companion.
Going out for Sunday lunch is a time-honoured tradition, and its popularity always steps up at this time of year.

Mothers Day takes place on Sunday, and Easter Sunday falls three weeks later. Both dates will be important days in the calendar for restaurants, with many families likely to go out for lunch for both occasions.

Weve had a look at the prices for Sunday lunches in some key restaurants in Belfast and beyond to see what prices are like. Weve concentrated on lunches served at the table, rather than the time-honoured carvery lunch tradition which many places here are known for, particularly hotels.

Overall, its clear that what might look like a more reasonably-priced menu might actually work out a little bit more expensive, as many venues add supplements for certain main courses.

Restaurants have complained extensively about how rising prices have affected their menus, and those effects havent worn off just yet.

In 2022, we reported on how Shed on Belfasts Ormeau Road had stopped selling fillet steak and salmon because theyd become too pricey. The fillet steak is now back on at Shed but salmon still hasnt returned.

At Shed, the Sunday menu costs 24 for one course, 32 for two and 40 for three. The choice of main is limited to beef, lamb or roast chicken, and the beef is subject to a 4 supplement.

The Deanes chain of restaurants in Belfast has been no stranger to the vagaries of economic trends. Its Deanes Deli venue on Bedford Street didnt reopen after the pandemic, and in the last six months or so, owner Michael Deane has closed Deane & Decano on Lisburn Road and famously, Michelin-starred Eipic on Howard Street.

But the business is still going strong at its other Howards Street units, as well as at Deanes at Queens in south Belfast.

There is no set menu deal for Sunday lunch at Deanes at Queens. Instead, prices for mains are 22 for turkey, 24 for roast beef, 26 for both the rump lamb and cod options, and 22.50 for seabass fillet.

In the city centre, Coco on Linenhall Street offers one course for 16.50, two for 23 and three for 29.50. There is a wide range of mains to choose from including duck leg, chicken, brill, cod, venison, beef and ribeye steak.

But youre charged a 7 supplement for venison, a 5 supplement for beef and 12 for the 10oz ribeye.

The Bowery on Lisburn Road in south Belfast is a really popular Sunday lunch spot, with their roast sharing boards for two a really big draw. You can choose between rump, gammon or chicken for 55, with a choice of six starters included. And the generous portions mean the board can easily feed more than two.

Venturing outside the city, Sleepy Hollow restaurant offers two courses for 28 and three courses for 35.

The choice of mains at Sleepy Hollow includes turkey, beef, cod, pork fillet, ribeye steak, venison or vegetable sausage roll.

However, there is a 3 supplement for beef and a 5 surcharge for the ribeye.
Belfast-born actor in second season of drama

Casualty legend Derek Thompson is set to return to his native Belfast  as he tackles a new role in the hit BBC policing drama Blue Lights.

The veteran actor is the medical dramas longest-serving cast member but is set to step away from the hospital ward this year after almost four decades playing nurse Charlie Fairhead.

He is also well known to the small screen with roles in Harrys Game and The Long Good Friday.

But now he is joining the highly acclaimed Belfast-based Blue Lights in its second season which is due to air this spring.

The 75-year-old will play retired police officer Robin Graham Thompson and will appear in episodes two to six.

His characters past and conscience catch up with him after trainee solicitor Jen Robinson  played by Hannah McClean  investigates a decades-old case, which holds dangerous implications for the present.

Thompson is a huge fan of the show, and is thrilled to be part of the new series.

And this role feels extra special for the Belfast man as he recalls being excited to travel back home for his new role.

I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year, revealed the actor.

I was thrilled and excited when I got the invitation to take part in series two.

"I was born in Belfast and was equally excited to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that Im sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first.

Greatly looking forward to it myself as Im one of them.

Such is the popularity and success of Blue Lights that it was recently announced by the BBC Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, that the show has been commissioned for a further two seasons.

The series from Two Cities Television  written by Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson and Fran Harris  centres around three probationary officers of the PSNI, who are stationed in the fictional Blackthorn Station in Belfast.

The Two Cities team added: We are delighted to have Derek Thompson back working with us in his native Belfast, it is an honour to have him as part of the Blue Lights family.

Derek Thompson

In the first series, audiences were introduced to newest officer Grace Ellis, played by Sian Brooke, a former social worker who joins the PSNI. The story focuses on her fellow rookies, Annie Conlon (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff).

In series two, Grace, Annie and Tommy are growing up fast as police officers, but nothing can prepare them for the turmoil they face every day.

Its a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs, all competing for dominance.

Constable Shane Bradley is drafted in to help, but his motivations are unclear. Tommy is dangerously seduced by the world of intelligence policing, while Grace struggles to deal with her sons absence, and growing feelings for fellow officer Stevie.

As a young loyalist threatens to take over the city, the officers face a major gangland feud  culminating in a violent and devastating confrontation.

Since launching in 2023, the series has attracted over seven million viewers. The locally grown series also earned a spot in the UKs top 10 new drama programmes last year across all broadcasters and streamers.
Filming for a Game of Thrones prequel could begin in Northern Ireland by June, a publication in the film and TV industry has said.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is expected to appear on screens by late 2025 and Belfast is expected to play host to the production.

The series was ordered last April according to the chief executive of Warner Brothers Discovery - which owns the TV network HBO behind the hit series Game of Thrones.

It kickstarted the popularity of Northern Ireland as a filming location for TV and film productions. Fans flocked to visit sites like the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim, Castle Ward in Co Down and Marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh.

CEO David Zaslav spoke about the series last month but didn't confirm where filming would take place.

Now, trade publication Production List, which is operated by the Film & Television Industry Alliance, said shooting on the prequel will begin in Belfast on June 3.

A description for the new show reads: A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros a young, naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg.

Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.

The new prequel could last at least three seasons, with the initial season based on the first in a series of four novellas by Martin, who has said he plans to publish more of the stories.

Speculation the world of Game of Thrones could be returning began when one of the producers updated a social media account to list work in Northern Ireland amongst her forthcoming projects.

Lisa Byrne, a producer on the hit fantasy show from seasons 3-8, updated a LinkedIn account last November.

Ms Byrne lists her role as Line Producer  a role at the heart of a production, hiring the crew, allocating the money and making sure the filming is done safely, creatively, on budget and on time. They are typically the most senior member of the production team, second only to the producers.
Derek Thompson will be appearing in the second series of Blue Lights.

The Belfast-born actor, 75, has been the longest-serving cast member on Casualty.

He played nurse Charlie Fairhead for almost four decades and around 900 episodes of the soap before the BBC announced last year that he would leave in 2024.

Thompson will guest star as retired police officer Robin Graham in the second series of Blue Lights.

Graham will be introduced as someone whose past and conscience catch up with him when trainee solicitor Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) investigates an old case.

Derek Thompson will be appearing in the second series of Blue Lights. (Two Cities Television/Christopher Barr)

Thompson said: I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year. I was thrilled and excited (star jumps in the living room) when I got the invitation to take part in series two.

I was born in Belfast and was equally excited (more star jumps) to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that Im sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first.

Greatly looking forward to it myself as Im one of them.

Blue Lights, written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson and launched on BBC One and iPlayer in March 2023, has been a critical success.

The corporation has commissioned a further two series of the Belfast-based police drama from Two Cities Television, before the second series airs this spring.

The Two Cities team said: We are delighted to have Derek Thompson back working with us in his native Belfast; it is an honour to have him as part of the Blue Lights family.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government is to appoint a new chair of the RTE board along with two new board members on Tuesday (PA)

The Government is to appoint a new chair of the RTE board along with two new board members on Tuesday, the Taoiseach has confirmed.

Leo Varadkar said the appointments will be an important step forward for the broadcaster.

The Minister for Media Catherine Martin will bring the names to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.

Leo Varadkar said the appointments to the RTE board will be an important step forward for the broadcaster (PA)

Mr Varadkar said that, while it had been difficult to find people to appoint amid the ongoing controversies, it has not been impossible.

The appointments come amid continuing turmoil at RTE, including the resignation of board member PJ Mathews last week, shortly after board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh quit following much-criticised comments from the media minister.

Ms Martin refused to express confidence in Ms Ni Raghallaigh during a live television appearance, saying she had been misinformed about the chairwomans role in approving an exit package for an RTE executive.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh resigned hours later, leaving the board without a chairperson at a critical time for RTE.

Mr Varadkar said he expects the final two reports on RTE will be published within weeks.

Minister Martin will bring the name of a new chairperson and some new board members to cabinet tomorrow, Mr Varadkar added.

Thatll be an important step forward in making sure that theres a fully functioning board for RTE.

The government wants to see the final set of reports, the reports on the governance of RTE and how we can make sure that it runs better and operates better into the future.

We expect to have them in a matter of weeks and then be able to make a decision on future funding.

The Fine Gael leader said he also supports the idea to give the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General oversight of RTEs finances.
Charlies Bar Enniskillen has raised 23,000 to help Age NI and the South West Age Partnership (SWAP) in their work to help combat loneliness. Pictured are Rosalind Cole, Fundraising Manager of Age NI, Una Burns, Manager of Charlies Bar Enniskillen and Allison Forbes, Project Manager of (SWAP).

A Fermanagh pub that went viral for its video highlighting loneliness last year has now garnered over 20k to help charities combating social isolation.

Charlies Bar in Enniskillen has raised 23,000 to help Age NI and the South West Age Partnership (SWAP).

The homemade Christmas ad gained millions of views and plenty of new fans of the pub.

Rosslea man Martin McManus, who was 74 at the time of filming, is the central character in the promo, which focuses on the themes of loneliness.

Meagan Daley and her fiance Alex Middlemass star as the young couple in the commercial with their pet pooch Missy.

Publican Una Burns came up with the theme after someone suggested the bar, which is known for humorous social media posts, produce a Christmas ad.

Ms Burns recruited local content maker Aoife Teague to shoot the video and it was done within three hours on a shoestring budget.

Coming in at just over two minutes long, the advert follows Mr McManus character as he walks to a graveyard, then continues on his journey looking lonely and forlorn throughout the town.

Northern Irish pub goes viral with heartwarming Christmas advert

Read more Charlies Bar in Enniskillen receive gifts from John Lewis after Christmas advert goes viral

He then enters Charlies Bar and is soon joined by Ms Daley and Mr Middlemass, and of course, canine star Missy.

It finishes with a quote from WB Yeats: There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met.

For their latest fundraiser, the Charlies Bar team partnered with local embroidery company, Ted and Stitch, to create a limited edition apparel range.

In addition to this, a dedicated GoFundMe page was set-up with donations received from as far away as America, New Zealand and Canada.

The campaign resulted in an increase in the number of older people contacting the charities to find out about the services they provide, enquiring about joining a local older persons group or people wishing to find out how to volunteer with local groups.

Una Burns said: The response to our Christmas ad was just incredible.

Our only intention was to try and create awareness of loneliness and the importance of kindness and we are thrilled with the response it got and the vital awareness it created.

We are delighted that we were then able to use it as a vehicle to help raise vital funds for Age NI and the South West Age Partnership and actually make a difference to the lives of thousands of older people across Northern Ireland who need companionship, advice and support.

Alison Forbes from SWAP said: The Charlies Bar Christmas campaign made such a difference to local older people, just by highlighting that anyone can be lonely. We have seen an uplift in queries around joining a local older persons group or how to volunteer with local groups. Weve also seen an increase in the amount of people enquiring about our services in SWAP.

The funding raised through this fantastic campaign will allow us to run grassroots programmes across Fermanagh which will encourage older people to come out of the house and engage in a variety of our programmes. Our aim is to connect people through projects that will give them the confidence and strength to meet new people and get involved in local community life. This funding will be a huge help in doing that.

Almost 80,000 people over 65 live alone in Northern Ireland, and one in five over 55s are experiencing high levels of loneliness, according to Age NI statistics.

Rosalind Cole, the charitys fundraising manager, said the incredible contribution from the Charlies Bar campaign will help us continue to deliver support and advice to many older people in Fermanagh and throughout Northern Ireland.

Age NI has a dedicated advice line for older people who need advice and support on a range of issues, including money matters, social care, housing and health - freephone 0808 808 7575 (line open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm).
New York-based Helen Reavey from Armagh, and her partner Colm Mackin from Co Down, launched Act+Acre in 2019  building on Helens many years of hairstyling experience.

A Northern Irish couple are proving they are a cut above the rest  after they became the first company from the island of Ireland to partner with worldwide cosmetics wholesaler, Sephora.
Robert Spiers who is accused along with two others of the murder of Ian Ogle in east Belfast five years ago

A man arrested on suspicion of murdering Ian Ogle was asked by police if he brought a knife to the fight, a court heard today.

Mr Ogle (45) was beaten and stabbed a total of 11 times, yards from his Cluan Place home in east Belfast at around 9.20pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019.

Five men were arrested and charged with his murder and whilst two men have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentence, three others have denied the charge and are currently on trial at Belfast Crown Court.

One of the three on trial is 41-year-old Robert Spiers of Millars Park in Dundonald who was arrested four days after the murder.

He was subsequently interviewed by police and those interviews were read to Mr Justice McFarland today.

The non-jury hearing, which is now in its fourth week, has already heard that a knife and baton were recovered from the Connswater River on February 14, 2019.

These items, which the Crown believe were used in the fatal attack, were located around 25 metres from the then Mersey Street home of Spiers.

During a search of this property in the aftermath of the killing, a set of knives from Lidl was found with one knife missing.

A 33cm long knife located from the river was the same type as the missing knife from the set.

Following his arrest, Spiers was asked about the knife during several police interviews.

He was asked a series of questions about the knife and either answered no comment or no.

He told police he couldn't tell them when or how he obtained the knife block and suggested it may have been a gift.

Spiers was also asked if he received a call from a co-accused prior to the attack which prompted him to take a knife from his house and he replied: I have no comment to make.

A police officer suggested to Spiers "you brought a knife to the fight" to which he replied did I?

It was then put to him that he stabbed Mr Ogle and to this Spiers answered: Did I? Is that what you think? Yeah well, I have nothing to say.

Ian Ogle

When asked if he then put the knife in the Connswater River, he said no, not at all and made the same response when asked if he knew who had.

He also told officers during the series of interviews this has absolutely nothing to do with me and when asked to account for his movements on the evening of the murder, Spiers said: I honestly can't remember what my movements were.

When questioned about the knife missing from his block, Spiers told police, I couldn't possibly give you an explanation, then said, my house is like a revolving door with people coming in and out on a regular basis.

A police officer was questioned by defence barrister Kieran Mallon KC about the interviews conducted with his client Spiers.

From the witness box, the officer confirmed there was nothing to link Spiers forensically to the knife recovered from the river.

He also confirmed that it has never been suggested or alleged that Spiers was involved in a violent incident in the Albert Bar prior to the fatal attack on Mr Ogle or in any acts of intimidation that followed the fight in the bar.

When asked if Spiers had denied police suggestions he was one of the five men captured on Glider Stop CCTV, the officer said that was correct.

Spiers is being tried alongside co-accused Glenn Rainey (37), whose address was given as Ballyhalbert Caravan Park, and Walter Alan Ervine (42) from Litchfield Street in Belfast.

All three have denied the single charge of murdering Mr Ogle.
A Belfast man allegedly stole nearly 1,300 worth of pyjamas in a three-day shoplifting spree at a city centre store, a court heard today.

Steven Moffett is accused of repeatedly targeting a branch of Next last week to take multiple pairs of Victorias Secret nightwear sets.

The 37-year-old, of Albany Place, was refused bail and remanded in custody.

He appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with three counts of theft and a further count of going equipped for theft.

Moffett was arrested after staff at Next on Donegall Place recognised and stopped a suspected shoplifter on Saturday.

It was claimed that he had stolen 21 pairs of Victorias Secret pyjamas over the course of the three previous days.

The nightwear had a total value of 1,280, according to police.

Officers called to the store searched Moffett and allegedly recovered a pair of pliers along with an empty bag for life he was carrying.

He denied owning the pliers and claimed police made him make admissions in connection with the charges, the court heard.

Opposing his application for bail, a PSNI officer said: These thefts were over three days in a row, and it appears this was his fourth consecutive attempt.

He suggested the high-value bout of shoplifting may have been carried out in a bid to pay off a drug debt.

A defence lawyer argued that Moffett no longer owes any money for drugs.

He doesnt feel in any personal danger from anyone, she added.

District Judge Steven Keown was told that the father-of-two could be released under conditions banning him from going near Next.

But denying bail due to the risk of re-offending, Mr Keown stated: This was a concerted, high-value theft spree.

Moffett was remanded in custody to appear again on March 25.
A PSNI sergeant who was recently assaulted during work speaks to Belfast Telegraph journalist Niamh Campbell at police headquarters to deuces the recent rise in assaults against police officers. Picture by Peter Morrison

A PSNI sergeant who was recently assaulted during work speaks to Belfast Telegraph journalist Niamh Campbell at police headquarters to deuces the recent rise in assaults against police officers. Picture by Peter Morrison

PSNI Superintendent Gary Busch speaks to the media at police headquarters to deuces the recent rise in assaults against police officers. Picture by Peter Morrison

A PSNI sergeant who was recently assaulted during work speaks to the media at police headquarters to deuces the recent rise in assaults against police officers. Picture by Peter Morrison

A female police officer who has been repeatedly assaulted during the six years she has worked in her Newry-based role has called on the public to remember that PSNI staff are human beings too.

The 31-year-old was speaking to The Belfast Telegraph after an announcement from the PSNI today revealing that over the last five years, eight police officers per day on average were assaulted while on duty  with a total of 3,272 assaults for 2022/23.

Assaults on officers causing injury alone are up 55% in just four years  they have risen from 626 in 2018/19 to 971 in 2022/23.

Due to the sensitive nature of her job, the officer in question wanted to remain anonymous.

Her most recent attack came in December when she was headbutted while trying to escort a man into police custody.

We received a standard call about a male being disorderly in a street. It was the middle of the day in Warrenpoint and we tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, as we always do when dealing with people, she explained.

But he was aggressive and volatile. We got him into the back of the police car to take him into custody. I had gone to put his seatbelt on.

I had leaned across the back seat of the car and I was at a bit of a distance from him with my head side on and the next thing, his head connected with mine.

I saw stars and realised he headbutted me.

The extent of her injuries resulted in a concussion, and she added: Im still recovering from the assault, I had pain in my head for two weeks and am still dealing with the mental impact.

This is far from the first time she has been hurt during the line of duty though.

I have been punched, spat at, kicked, bitten. Ive had lorries and cars driven at me, the local policing sergeant continued.

The day before that [headbutting] I had actually been kicked in the body armour dealing with a different male.

There have been multiple assaults  they happen every couple of weeks and every shift set. One of my colleagues in my team will always come in and say its happened to them too.

It's just the society we live in these days. Its become the cultural norm to think that its OK to assault emergency services staff, and its not, whether youre wearing a police uniform, an ambulance uniform, a nursing uniform or a fire service uniform.

I think we are all subjected to it and its not right. You come into work to make a difference and to earn a living, and you dont expect to be assaulted.

At the end of the day, Im somebodys daughter, Im someones sister, Im an auntie, I'm a wife. Its not fair. Those attackers have family members like that at home too, and people need to remember that we are those people too.

Superintendent Gary Busch from the PSNIs Operational Support Department believes that in general, people seem more predisposed to confronting authority or challenging decisions.

Theres also the element of drink and drugs which absolutely plays a part in these assaults.

A high proportion of those people who assault police officers, have taken something, whether it be alcohol or drugs.

PSNI Superintendent Gary Busch speaks to the media at police headquarters to deuces the recent rise in assaults against police officers. Picture by Peter Morrison

Last year, SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan said that peoples confidence in the police had been hugely rocked by one blow after another.

His comments came as a result of incidents which led to 2023 being the PSNIs most controversial year yet, including a massive PSNI data breach last summer and the first resignation of a Chief Constable mid-contract in Simon Byrne.

When asked if, although unjustifiable, he thought a lack of public faith in the service could be a cause for increased assaults, Superintendent Busch said: Potentially.

When you lose legitimacy, or you lose the trust of the community, I think the potential for officers getting assaulted increases. Thats what makes it really important for us to be as open and as transparent about all uses of force, and about how at any point during these incidents, people understand why and how force is used, and if it was appropriate to be used.

A male officer based in Derry City and Strabane received a burn to his arm during disorder in the city last year also.

Disorder broke out during searches where detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) recovered military-grade items in the Creevagh Heights area. Sixteen officers were injured, including a local Neighbourhood officer.

The neighbourhood constable said: During the disorder, a petrol bomb bounced off the side of one of our trucks, before striking me on the arm. I was taken to hospital for treatment for second-degree burns and nerve damage which meant I was off work for a month.

The worst bit of the whole thing was the toll it took on my family. Thanks to the welfare support in the service and support from my friends and family, I am now back to full duties.
People wait Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, at the Brook Hollow library early voting site in San Antonio to vote on the first day of early voting in the Democratic and Republican primaries. Early voting for the March 5 primaries runs through Friday, March 1, according to the Bexar County Elections Department website. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

Democratic voters in Bexar County, facing an uncompetitive presidential primary and an uninspiring race for U.S. Senate, werent particularly interested in casting early ballots.

Republican voters, on the other hand, were eager to vote early.

But GOP enthusiasm aside, the overall numbers were abysmal. And turnout on Tuesday  election day  isnt expected to be much better.

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Bexar County saw 93,426 people cast ballots over the 11-day early voting period, which ended Friday  down from more than 122,000 early voters in the 2020 primaries and nearly 117,500 in 2016.

President Joe Biden faces no real challenger in the Democratic primary, and former President Donald Trump is seen as the likely Republican nominee  though Nikki Haley, Trumps former U.N. ambassador, is still campaigning across the country and in Texas, with rallies in Spring and Fort Worth on Monday.

Republican turnout was up 23% from 2020, with more than 54,100 people voting early in this years Republican primary, according to the Bexar County Elections Department.

Democratic early voter turnout in Bexar County was down nearly 50% from the March 2020 primary. Just over 39,300 people cast early ballots in the party primary.

Democratic turnout for the Tuesday primary is down statewide compared with the previous presidential primary contest.

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The elections department had received 11,138 mail ballots as of Monday morning, bringing total turnout to date across both party primaries to 8.4% of the countys more than 1.2 million registered voters  nowhere near the 22% and 25% total voter turnout seen in the 2020 and 2016 primaries, respectively.

No ones rushing to the polls to vote for their county tax assessor-collector. Theyre going to go vote for the president, said campaign strategist Chris Cantu, who is managing County Commissioner Precinct 1 Rebeca Clay-Flores Democratic primary reelection campaign.

The lack of competition at the top of the ticket keeps occasional, first-time and younger voters home, Cantu said.

For Democrats, the top of the ticket right now is a contested U.S. Senate race for Ted Cruzs seat, he said.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio faces U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas in the crowded primary for that seat. Nine candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination.

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Neither of the two Democratic front-runners are exciting voters like Beto ORourke, who challenged Cruz in 2018. ORourke came within 3 percentage points of Cruz in that years general election.

With all due respect to both Congressman Allred and Senator Gutierrez, theyre not Beto ORourke, said Jon Taylor, a politics professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. They dont energize voters the same way.

The boost in Republican turnout  both locally and statewide  compared with 2020 is a result of contested primary races for Texas House seats that Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have targeted, like House District 121 where incumbent Steve Allison faces a primary challenge from defense attorney Marc LaHood.

House District 121 covers parts of North Central and Northeast San Antonio, as well as Alamo Heights, Olmos Park and Terrell Hills.

LaHood has the backing of Abbott, who has turned against Allison over the three-term incumbents opposition to school vouchers and his vote to impeach Paxton.

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Unless someone is completely asleep, or is absolutely, utterly clueless about politics, they could not have missed a Steve Allison versus Marc LaHood commercial on radio or in mailers, Taylor said.

Bexar County will be lucky if overall turnout this election tops 15%, Taylor said.

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast a ballot at any of Bexar Countys 279 election day vote centers.

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Senior civil servant objected to us reporting hed hounded vet Tamara Bronckaers out of her job for blowing the whistle  but regulator dismissed his claim our coverage was inaccurate

For almost two years, the Belfast Telegraph has been reporting on a scandal in which chief vet Robert Huey played a central role.

Northern Irelands chief vet has attempted to have the Belfast Telegraph censured for our coverage of him  but his complaint has been rejected by the independent press regulator.

For almost two years, we have been reporting on a scandal in which chief vet Robert Huey played a central role.

He was heavily involved in hounding out Tamara Bronckaers, a government vet with an unblemished record, for no reason other than that she blew the whistle on animal suffering and potential fraud  which meant she was doing her job, and doing it well. Dr Huey was the most senior figure at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) who was involved in making Dr Bronckaers job untenable, on one occasion leaving her in tears by refusing to even look at evidence of animal suffering which she had seen with her own eyes and recorded in videos.

For two and a half years, the civil service has left Dr Huey untouched. Now the chief vet is to retire with a pension of more than 1m and a lump sum of around 130,000.

In October, Dr Huey complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) to claim that our coverage was inaccurate.

His complaint related to two articles published last October.

The first article reported on Dr Hueys attendance at a dinner held by the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA). It reported that the association had been criticised for making chief vet Robert Huey a guest of honour at a dinner despite him having hounded a colleague with an impeccable record out of her job.

The article also reported the views of an unnamed vet who had contacted the Belfast Telegraph and said: By accepting him as a guest of honour, the NIVA committee make it crystal clear that they condone Hueys behaviour.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert Huey

The second article related to a week-long strike by government vets and reported that the action is primarily over pay, but another significant factor is the dismay of many vets at the leadership of Chief Vet Robert Huey.

Dr Huey claimed that both articles were misleading when they said he had hounded Dr Bronckaers from her job.

The senior civil servant said the industrial tribunal  which found overwhelmingly in Dr Bronckaers favour, costing taxpayers 1.25m in compensation  did not conclude that he had hounded, harassed, pursued or persecuted her. He also claimed that both articles were misleading as they reported that he was solely responsible when several DAERA figures had been involved.

Dr Huey also denied that he was a guest of honour at the dinner, saying there were more important guests.

The Belfast Telegraph stood over the articles, and gave evidence to IPSO which supported what we had reported, including the employment tribunal judgment in which the judge stated that it was reasonable for Dr Bronckaers to view Dr Hueys actions as intimidating, patronising and belittling and dismissive of her as a professional.

It said her encounter with Dr Huey was one of the key reasons why the claimant felt that she had no option but to resign (rather than for example to ask for a transfer) because she realised that the attitude to her went all the way to the top. We find that this was a reasonable conclusion for the claimant to reach

We pointed out that we had used the word hounded in correspondence with DAERA three times before the articles publication, without objection. We also made clear that wed never said Dr Huey was solely responsible for Dr Bronckaers treatment, but that he was the most senior person involved.

Dr Tamara Bronckaers

We showed IPSO correspondence in which we had put to the NIVA that Dr Huey was a guest of honour at its dinner, and it did not deny that was the case.

In a ruling published this week, IPSO noted that under the Editors Code of Practice the press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text and that a significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and  where appropriate  an apology published.

After examining the evidence, the IPSO complaints committee said it did not consider the newspapers characterisation of the complainants actions to be significantly misleading or inaccurate  the tribunal had identified the complainant as one of the key reasons behind his colleagues resignation.

The committee noted that neither article stated that the complainant was the only individual involved and so the committee did not consider it misleading or inaccurate for the articles to focus on the complainant and not reference other parties.

Referring to the guest of honour phrase, the committee said it did not consider it misleading or inaccurate.

In every element of the complaint, it said there had been no breach of the duty to report accurately and that there was no need for the Belfast Telegraph to engage in any remedial action.

We asked Dr Huey if he had any comment on IPSOs ruling. At the time of going to press there had been no response.
Billy Dixon had been booked as the main speaker for the event on Friday.

A male image consultant has withdrawn from an NI councils International Womens Day event at which he was due to be the keynote speaker.

Newry Mourne and Down Borough Council came under fire for booking Co Down man Billy Dixon as the main speaker for their annual event, which aims to commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women.

Broadcaster Lynette Fay will host the event at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry, with three female speakers  Sarah Jane Campbell, Niamh Quinn and Daria Yakovenko on the panel.

Tickets for the night are priced at 36 per person.

Mr Dixons selection as the keynote speaker raised eyebrows last week and caused outrage among campaigners, many of whom felt a woman from the area should have been selected.

The council defended their choice, saying it aligns with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

However, Mr Dixon has now confirmed he has withdrawn from the event.

In light of recent events, I regretfully announce my decision to step down as speaker at the International Womens Day event in Newry, Mourne and Down, he said.

"Over the years, participating in this event has been a source of inspiration and empowerment as we strive for gender equality and amplify women's voices.

It saddens me to withdraw my involvement, particularly given this year's theme of "Inspire Inclusion," and to see the unfortunate backlash the event organisers are facing."

Mr Dixon said that although he was disappointed, he wanted to highlight the issue he had hoped to discuss at the event; the value of humanity.

"The exploitation of young girls and women by criminal gangs and human traffickers, is a crime that persists in plain sight across Ireland's towns and cities and demands our collective attention, he said.

I encourage you to learn more about the invaluable efforts of organisations like Invisible Traffic and further educate yourselves on how to safeguard our youth. Together, let's work towards a future where every individual is valued and protected.

Newry, Mourne and Down Borough Council said they deeply regret the impact the controversy has had on their plans to celebrate International Womens Day.

"Newry, Mourne and Down District Council acknowledges the concerns raised by the public and understands the withdrawal of Mr Dixon from our International Womens Day event, said a spokesperson.

"The event incorporates an exciting line-up of inspirational speakers  Influential Voices, networking lunch and the opportunity to raise significant funding for the Chairpersons four chosen charities.

"Our commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering, and we deeply regret the impact on the celebration of the day. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment that celebrates the contributions of individuals from all walks of life.

"We appreciate the support of Regen Waste Limited, who have confirmed their contribution to sponsor the event and support the chosen charities, however they emphasise they had no involvement in the organisation of the event.
Figures suggest younger members of party are less likely to support remaining in Union

Naomi Long addressing the Alliance Party conference at the Stormont Hotel in east Belfast on Saturday March 2 (Credit: Neil Harrison/PA Wire)

More Alliance members would vote for Irish unity than would support Northern Ireland remaining in the UK if a border poll was held in the next decade, according to a new survey.

Some 38% would choose to end the Union in a referendum with 27% opting to maintain it and 4% saying they would abstain.

A significant number of the partys members  30%  dont know how they would vote if a border poll was held.

Those of no religion and Catholics in the partys ranks are most likely to support Irish unity. More than twice as many of them want constitutional change than back the status quo, with Protestants more likely to support the Union.

The first survey of Alliance members in over two decades shows they divide on Irish unity along age lines. Those who joined since the year 2000 are less likely to want Northern Ireland to stay in the UK than those who signed up before then.

Alliance takes no position on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland and its MLAs designate as neither nationalist nor unionist. The partys opponents accuse it of fence sitting on the issue of the border.

More than 800 Alliance members took part in the online and postal survey for the University of Liverpool and Ulster University, along with Bath, Huddersfield and Canterbury Christ Church universities.

Professor Jon Tonge of the University of Liverpool was the lead researcher with around two-thirds of the partys members participating in the survey, carried out from 2021-22.

The results were presented to an internal Alliance meeting at the partys conference on Saturday.

Naomi Long said she wasnt surprised by the results.

Speaking on BBC Sunday Politics, the Alliance leader said Brexit had moved the dial in that direction.

The people who vote Alliance are not motivated by the constitutional politics of Northern Ireland but are concerned about issues like our engagement with Europe. Those things matter to them profoundly, she said.

But the Alliance leader insisted the border wasnt a priority for her members. The issue of the constitutional question is way down the priority list where it has always been.

It isnt that people dont have political and constitutional aspirations, but it isnt their driving force, she added.

Almost three-quarters of Alliance members believe Irish unity is likely with just 8% saying it isnt. Some 54% of them believe there should be a border poll within the next decade with 29% against and 17% saying they dont know.

Asked what the long-term policy for Northern Ireland should be, 35% say Irish unity with 22% say remaining in the UK.

Almost a quarter (24%) cite other options including a federal state, a new Ireland, and autonomy for Northern Ireland.

Catholic Alliance members were more than twice as likely to opt for Irish unity (41%) than want to remain in the UK (18%).

Those of no religion in the party were similarly in favour of a united Ireland over the Union: 42% to 16%.

More Protestant members support the Union (32%) than Irish unity (28%), although the greatest number (40%) say they dont know what the long-term constitutional future of Northern Ireland should be.

Asked if Alliance is neutral on the constitutional question, two-thirds of party members say yes with 20% saying its slightly more pro-Union than pro-united Ireland and just 3% viewing it as slightly more pro-unity.

Some 83% of those in Alliance ranks believe Brexit has made Irish unity more likely.

Three-quarters believe north-south customs checks are unacceptable while half say the same about checks on goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland.
PSNI disciplines Ormeau Road officer despite High Court verdict  prompting internal dismay

Judge found PSNI unlawfully moved to suspend and reposition two young officers, but Chief Constable and deputy Chief Constable werent even investigated. Now one of the young officers is being disciplined

Two PSNI officers unlawfully disciplined for arrest at Sean Graham massacre memorial, judge rules

Sam McBride Mon 4 Mar 2024 at 13:52

One of the two young PSNI constables involved in a controversial incident on the Ormeau Road three years ago has been disciplined by the PSNI, it can be revealed  prompting dismay among serving officers.
Jeremy Corbyn has said he is taking the first steps in legal action against Nigel Farage over a highly defamatory statement.

The former Labour leader, who now sits as an Independent, said he could not let disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged.

A statement from Mr Corbyns team alleged Mr Farage had accused Jeremy Corbyn of subscribing to an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

Nigel Farage (Victoria Jones/PA)

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the MP said: I have asked my lawyers to take the first steps in commencing legal proceedings against Nigel Farage, following a highly defamatory statement about me.

We are a movement for peace  and we cannot stand by and let these disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged.

Tory MP Ben Bradley apologised in 2018 for posting a wholly untrue false statement about Mr Corbyn passing British secrets to a communist spy after he was threatened with legal action over the allegation.
Russias leak of a conversation by German military officers involving details of British operations on the ground in Ukraine is worrying on a number of levels, MP Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons Defence Committee said.

German military officers discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles, in the recording which was leaked by Russian state media on Friday.

It comes as a debate has been taking place in Germany about whether it should supply the missiles.

Germanys defence minister Boris Pistorius has described the leak of the conversation as part of Russias information war against the West, and said it is about undermining our resolve.

Tobias Ellwood highlighted how the situation is playing out politically in Germany (Yui Mok/PA)

Downing Street said investigating the leak was a matter for Germany, which remained a very close Nato ally.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters it is clearly in the Kremlins interest to propagate misinformation and we should not fall into that trap.

We do have to treat anything coming out of the Kremlin with caution. As we know, Russia has a tendency to spread misinformation and disinformation and clearly it is in their interests to sow disunity amongst allies who are seeking to support the armed forces of Ukraine.

While No 10 was keen to stress Western unity, it is likely that stern conversations will take place with Berlin behind the scenes.

The spokesman declined to comment on UK operations in Ukraine, beyond saying there was a small number of troops providing protection for British diplomats and training for Ukrainian forces.

Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme what the most troubling aspect was, Mr Ellwood said: Theres many aspects of this  at the recent Munich Security Conference attended by the Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and indeed President Zelensky, who was begging for weapon systems, the very public frustration about Germany not matching Britain in sending long range air launch missiles was second only to the frustration in delays over the Americans not sending their 60 billion (dollar) package of support thats got caught up in congress.

So this interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels.

Firstly, why the obvious, why wasnt basic concept protocols followed? But it also revealed a tension, I think, between senior German military who want to see Taurus dispatched and the German Chancellor, who seems increasingly focused on his political survival rather than whats best for the continent. And its also how this plays out in Germany.

He added: You can see the tensions that are playing out in capital cities as to what we should do next in Ukraine because the tide does seem to be turning unless they receive greater support. Theyve not received the F-16s, theyre not receiving artillery shells that they need, and theyre not receiving the long range weapon systems.

He said that Germany did respond well after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but now were seeing other factors coming into play.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade fires a 122mm mortar towards Russian positions at the front line, near Bakhmut, Donetsk (AP)

Mr Ellwood added: Unlike here, where the longer term strategic dangers to our economy and our security of Putin winning are constantly spelled out by the Prime Minister by the UK Government, and that helps retain public support for the scale of military systems, in Germany, in contrast, its still seen by the German public as a war in Ukraine, not part of a wider confrontation that Putin is seeking to have with the West as Putin moves his economy to a war footing and actually becomes arguably more powerful than Stalin.

Mr Ellwood added that given the intensity of Russias spying on Germany and others, they probably have not learned anything that they didnt already guess.

But that does not prevent some serious conversations taking place in the diplomatic corridors between Germany and Britain and indeed Nato, as well as to why this happened in the first place.

Meanwhile, former Army chief Lord Dannatt has said the German air force officers who were caught talking on the unencrypted call should be censured pretty heavily.

He told Times Radio: I was very disappointed to read that story. I think the German air force officers who were talking on an open line, frankly, they should be censured pretty heavily.

They are suggesting that there are British people in Ukraine. Its not for you or me to comment on that. We have provided a lot of equipment to them. We provided a lot of training.

As far as Im concerned, I think what they were talking about was whether they would or wouldnt supply a German system akin to our Storm Shadow. I suspect that we do our training on Storm Shadow, either in this country or in Poland or elsewhere. Its not for you or I to confirm or deny whether there are British military in Ukraine.

Lord Dannatt said he would like defence spending to increase by up to 4%, but he does not expect Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to do so in Wednesdays Budget.

He added that there is a very strong case to say we should be giving the Ukrainians more, to support them more.
Israel has ramped up its criticism of the embattled UN agency for Palestinian refugees, saying 450 of its employees were members of militant groups in the Gaza Strip, though it provided no evidence to back up its accusation.

Major international funders have withheld hundreds of millions of dollars from the agency, known as UNRWA, since Israel accused 12 of its employees of participating in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and left about 250 others held hostage in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

The UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, said on Monday there were reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualised torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment of women during the attack.

The attack sparked an Israeli invasion of the enclave of 2.3 million people that Gazas Health Ministry says has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

Aid groups say the fighting has displaced most of the territorys population and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe.

UNRWA, which employs roughly 13,000 people in Gaza, is the biggest aid provider in the enclave.

The allegations on Monday were a significant escalation in the accusations against the agency.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesperson, did not provide names or other evidence to back up the vastly increased number of UNRWA employees it said were militants.

Over 450 UNRWA employees are military operatives in terror groups in Gaza  450. This is no mere coincidence. This is systematic. There is no claiming, we did not know, Mr Hagari said.

UNRWA in a statement accused Israel of detaining several of its staffers and forcing them, using torture and ill treatment, into giving false confessions about the links between the agency, Hamas and the October 7 attack on Israel.

These forced confessions as a result of torture are being used by the Israeli authorities to further spread misinformation about the agency as part of attempts to dismantle UNRWA, the statement said. This is putting our staff in Gaza at risk and has serious implications on our operations in Gaza and around the region.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (Aaron Chown/PA)

After Israels initial accusation against UNRWA, the agency fired the accused employees and more than a dozen countries suspended funding worth about 450 million dollars, almost half its budget for the year.

Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA, had no direct comment on the new Israeli allegations.

UNRWA encourages any entity that has any information on the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff to share it with the ongoing UN investigation, she said.

Two UN investigations into Israels allegations were already under way when the EU said on Friday it will pay 50 million euros to UNRWA after the agency agreed to allow EU-appointed experts to audit the way it screens staff to identify extremists.

Mr Hagari also released a recording of a call he said was of an UNRWA teacher describing his role in the October 7 attack.

We have female captives. I caught one, the male voice is heard saying in Arabic. A man on a second call, alleged to be an Islamic Jihad militant who Israel also claimed was an UNRWA teacher, is heard saying Im inside with the Jews.

The military named the men, though the man in the first call identified himself in the recording by a different name. The military said that name may have been a nickname. The military did not provide evidence as to their employment with UNRWA.

Benny Gantz is meeting US officials (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

The accusations came as Benny Gantz, a top member of Israels wartime Cabinet, met US officials in Washington while talks were under way in Egypt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

US vice president Kamala Harris met Mr Gantz, who came to Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Biden administration intensifies its efforts to push more humanitarian aid into war-battered Gaza.

White House officials said Mr Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, requested the meeting and that the Democratic administration believed it was important that Ms Harris sit down with the prominent Israeli official despite Mr Netanyahus objections.

President Joe Biden, Ms Harris and other senior administration officials have become increasingly blunt about their dissatisfaction with the mounting death toll in Gaza and the suffering of innocent Palestinians as the war nears the five-month mark.

The president and I have been aligned and consistent from the very beginning, Ms Harris said in an exchange with reporters shortly before meeting Mr Gantz. Israel has a right to defend itself. Far too many Palestinian civilians, innocent civilians have been killed. We need to get more aid in, we need to get hostages out, and that remains our position.

Kamala Harris met Benny Gantz at the White House (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The White House, in a statement following the meeting, said Ms Harris and Mr Gantz discussed the urgency of completing a hostage deal to free more than 100 people believed still to be in captivity in Gaza following Hamass attack on Israel. She also reiterated the administrations support for a temporary extended ceasefire that would facilitate the release of hostages and allow for a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Although Mr Gantz holds many of the same hardline views as Mr Netanyahu, he has been seen as more open to compromise on critical issues, including the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, violence flared between Israel and Lebanon, amid inflamed tensions across the region.

An anti-tank missile fired into northern Israel from Lebanon killed a foreign worker and wounded seven others on Monday, Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said. The Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon did not immediately claim responsibility for Mondays strike.

Hours later an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon killed three paramedics from Hezbollahs health arm, Lebanons state media said.

US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut on Monday to meet Lebanese officials in an attempt to reduce tensions.

The near-daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Hezbollah fighters and at least 37 civilians in Lebanon. Around 20 people have been killed on the Israeli side, including civilians and soldiers.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius speaks to the media in Berlin ((Michael Kappeler/dpa/AP)

Germanys defence minister on Sunday described Russias leak of a conversation by ranking German military officers as part of Russias information war against the West, saying the aim was to create discord within Germany.

In the audio recording leaked by Russian state media on Friday, German military officers can be heard discussing support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles.

The audio was leaked on the same day that opposition politician Alexei Navalny was laid to rest, after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius said the timing was not a coincidence.

It is part of an information war that Putin is waging. There is absolutely no doubt about that, he said.

It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve.

Speaking at a news briefing in Berlin, Mr Pistorius added: Accordingly, we should react in a particularly level-headed manner, but no less resolutely.

In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine.

The audio was leaked as a debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles.

This is clearly about undermining our unity, Mr Pistorius said.

Ukraine has been asking for them as it faces setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the United States being held up in Congress.

Earlier this week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war.

His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germanys conservative opposition.

But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.

Mr Pistorius said the officers made clear at all times in the recording that the line of war participation  would not be crossed.
Norways King Harald V is improving but will need a permanent pacemaker after falling ill during a trip to Malaysia, the palace said, as the 87-year-old monarch was transferred to an Oslo university hospital for medical tests.

Harald returned to Norway on board a medical plane late Sunday, a day after he had a temporary pacemaker implanted in the Southeast Asian country after suffering from an infection while on a private holiday at a resort island.

The king arrived on Monday at Oslos Rikshospital in a vehicle marked intensive ambulance under police escort, and several members of the royal family visited him.

The palace said he will be on sick leave for two weeks, during which Crown Prince Haakan will assume the monarchs duties.

The kings infection has come under more control but he has too low a heart rate, and will need a permanent pacemaker, the palace said.

The plane departed Malaysia on Sunday (Vincent Thian/AP)

Europes oldest reigning monarch fell ill on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi during a trip with his wife, Queen Sonja, reportedly to celebrate his 87th birthday.

He underwent surgery in the islands Sultanah Maliha Hospital on Saturday to implant a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate, according to the royal house.

A Scandinavian Airlines medical evacuation plane, which took off from Oslo on Thursday, arrived in Langkawi on Friday. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft has previously been used as a flying ambulance.

According to Flightradar24, the same plane departed from Langkawi on Sunday headed for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, from where it travelled on to Oslo Airport. The palace said that Sonja was travelling with the king.

According to Norwegian news agency NTB, which cited information from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, the kings transport to Norway will come from the defence budget.

The Norwegian monarch has had frail health in recent years with numerous hospital stays, and has been using crutches. Harald had an operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties.

Harald has repeatedly said he has no plans to abdicate, unlike his second cousin Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who stepped down earlier this year.

Haralds duties as Norways head of state are ceremonial and he holds no political power. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991.
Court confirms what we all knew: amnesty is an affront to justice

Ironically, its UK Governments own Brexit arrangements that led to landmark ruling

Grainne Teggart from Amnesty International (left) alongside Martina Dillon (centre) and families of other Troubles victims

Allison Morris Mon 4 Mar 2024 at 08:30

It was an emotional day in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast last week as victims gathered to hear a judge rule in a challenge against the governments legacy legislation.
People protest against Senate Bill 4 along Fannin St. across from the NRG Center during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Monday temporarily blocked a new law empowering state authorities to arrest and deport migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

An order issued by Justice Sam Alito puts the law on hold until 5 p.m. March 13, while the high court considers whether to prevent it from taking effect at all while the ongoing legal battle between the Biden administration and the state plays out.

The law, passed last fall by the GOP-led Legislature, would push the bounds of state enforcement of immigration law long left solely to the federal government. The law would make it a crime to enter the state from Mexico without permission, and it would allow any law enforcement officer in Texas to arrest migrants they suspect of entering illegally and empower judges to order their removal.

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The Justice Department and civil and immigrant rights groups sued soon after Abbott signed SB4 into law late last year.

The order came after the 5th U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals over the weekend set aside a lower court ruling that blocked the law, known as Senate Bill 4, clearing the way for it to go into effect in a week. The conservative appeals court did not explain the decision, issued Saturday by Judges Edith Clement and Kurt Engelhardt. Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez dissented.

That ruling would have let the law take effect this weekend, if the Supreme Court did not intervene. The Biden administration on Monday urged the high court to step in.

Absent this Courts intervention, SB4 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 10, 2024, profoundly altering the status quo that has existed between the United States and the States in the context of immigration for almost 150 years, the filing said. And despite the 114-page district court opinion detailing multiple independent reasons why the law is invalid, that disruptive change would occur without any reasoned ruling by the court of appeals.

Federal Judge David A. Ezra last week blocked the law. Ezra, who was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, wrote that provisions in the law allowing the state to remove migrants are patently unconstitutional. Immigration enforcement is left to the federal government, and the law conflicts with key provisions of federal immigration law, to the detriment of the United States foreign relations and treaty obligations, he wrote.

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The states Republican leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, have made clear they see the new law as an invitation for the Supreme Court to revisit longstanding legal precedent that leaves enforcement to the federal government. They say the Biden administration is not doing enough to stop border crossings and that the state is within its rights to take matters into its own hands.

Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said the 5th Circuit appeared to be forcing the Supreme Courts hand.
London-based Paddys prints and music a meditation on memory

Patrick (second from right) in Swimming Tapes

An example of Patrick's work, which he sells online via PaddyDraws

Nostalgia is at the heart of a Bangor-born designers creative output  from his music to his art.

Co Down native Patrick Conn is the man behind Paddy Draws, a business offering prints that honour a more traditional way of life, the idea for which donned on him during the Covid crisis.

A lot of artists had a moment in their lives to stop and pause and go, Oh, maybe I can do something that Ive wanted to do for a while, he says, explaining how he was encouraged to do an exhibition, curated by his friend, called Bangors Ghost.

Patrick Conn

Living in London now for a decade, Patrick (39) remains close to his home through his art, devoting more and more time to his Etsy shop as it has taken off.

Its not just the visual arts that preoccupies Paddy but music too, with his other role  that of a composer.

Ive played in lots of bands over the years, and then I fell into doing production music for TV, he explains.

It sort of appears in everything, he says of his work, mostly things that might be in the background, that sort of thing. Its way of making money whereas in bands it can be pretty hard.

Selection of Patrick's prints

Music has played an important role in Patricks life. He played in Bangor-based Kowalski and then in Swimming Tapes, the latter of whichs music was nostalgia-based and focused on the impact of memory. Patrick now has another band called Remember Summer.

I didnt really realise that until it sort of struck me, he says of the mingling of music and design.

A lot of the band art I did before for the band was similar in weird ways.

It definitely ties in; I sort of realised that it all goes back to feelings of nostalgia; (wanting) things to be sort of dusty and imperfect. I love grainy effects and worn-out signs.

In music, I love this sort of VHS tape warbling. Its a craving for those things I had growing up.

Patrick's Pickie Pool print

Reared in a seaside town, that feeling of recollection was subconsciously there, he tells us.

I end up in my music and everything, everything sounds like escapism and looks a bit like escapism.

I think the sort of nostalgic feelings of growing up, literally trying to capture like the sort of things we saw in the town and the places we went and just how it felt.

I guess nostalgia, its always been a big thing for me. I think those sort of hazy memories become almost dreamlike, and then its trying to sort of combine those feelings into the art.

From doing Bangors Ghost, I wanted to do a shopfront that caught my eye  McKeowns fishmonger that had the old vintage signage.

Im a graphic designer at heart and was drawn to the signage. Its never changed and I thought, I want to draw that.

From then, Piccola Pizza, theres an old printing services sign about it and I wanted to draw that. I decided I could do a whole high street and then I wanted to include things that werent even there anymore, record shops like Underground Music.

An example of Patrick's work, which he sells online via PaddyDraws

The graphic design graduate from Northumbria University has always been inspired by geometric shapes, in particular circular art and the symmetry of buildings.

Im inspired by LS Lowry, who does a lot of little characters in his oil paintings and uses a very limited palette, he explains.

I like to use the same colours that I like.

Even film-makers like Wes Anderson, I love the symmetry in all his shots  that inspires me. Its that vintage palette of colours that were of a certain era.

One of Paddy's prints, entitled Norn Iron Alphabet

It took a while, however, to find his own style, and for him, adding people into drawings helped them come alive.

I did a drawing of the Pickie Pool and it just looks so much better when someone was jumping in, in a vintage costume, he laughs.

I do some big scenes, Ive done a Bangor scene, an East London scene, (London borough) Forest Gate where I live and theyre full of lots of people so that will take a lot longer, but sometimes I do bespoke drawings for people of their house.

Depending on the detail, I could do it in a day or things might take a week if its a more intricate thing.

Patrick (second from right) in Swimming Tapes

Find Patricks designs on Etsy or follow him on Instagram @paddydrawsofficial.
Shutterstock.com

Living together before marriage is becoming increasingly common, even among Christian couples and for a number of reasons. Before making a lifelong commitment, many couples want a trial period to feel out how they both live, and know if taking the relationship to the next level makes sense. Many Christians are adopting the beliefs and practices of the world, and this can be problematic for a number of reasons.

The Bible makes no clear claim that living together before or outside of marriage is living in sin. Given this, many Christians believe that living together before marriage is not living in sin. While there is truth concerning there being no clear claim against it, one of the reasons why an answer to this question isnt explicitly stated in the Bible is because two unmarried people living together before marriage who planned on being husband and wife was rare, particularly among Jews and Christians.

It is also important that we put living together in context. Living together including being in the same space using a husband and wife model, including sexual relations without being married. This is not the same as a man and woman living together in the same space without sexual relations. There is nothing wrong with a man and a woman living together as long as there is nothing immoral taking place. However, this too can be problematic if and when desire and temptation arise. The Bible tells us But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints (Ephesians 5:3 ESV). As Christians, we are taught that it is important to break away from not immorality, and the temptation that comes with it. The Bible says Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV). When we participate in any sexual relations outside of marriage, which includes premarital sex, it is a form of fornication which the Bible defines as sexual sin.

Another issue with Christians living together before marriage has to do with commitment. Marriage is an up-front commitment. In the book of Genesis we are told that a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). The Book of Mark also touches on this concept of a man and woman coming together as husband and wife as one flesh. And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh (Mark 10:8 ESV). When you are living together and unmarried, there is not the same up-front commitment that you would have with marriage. If a man and a woman arent able to share their life together as one flesh in a relationship that is honorable to God, there is not a foundation of trust, and while many will argue that you dont need a document to define your commitment to someone, thinking that you can be committed to someone without a public profession of marriage is unrealistic.

Glenn Stanton, author of The Rings Makes All the Difference believes cohabitation, an arrangement where two people who are married are living together without being married, puts men in the drivers seat and women at risk, with little leverage in the relationship. In this situation, the man gets what they want in terms of sex and companionship without giving what they fear, and that is commitment. While this take may be a bit broad, it does touch on an important truth. Men long for companionship and a sexual partner and will commit to a marriage when they are ready or desire a particular woman. Women often find themselves with little leverage when they are just living with a man because they are giving themselves without the commitment they would have in marriage. A woman may lose the man shes living with if he has no interest in commitment.

As Christians, we also have to think about what marriage represents. We can take a look at Ephesians 5:

"Follow Gods example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for Gods holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy personsuch a person is an idolaterhas any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things Gods wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visibleand everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

In a living together before marriage scenario, both people have physical access to each other, without an emotional or spiritual commitment. Instead of just seeing how things work out in a living together situation, God wants us to be emotionally and spiritually committed to the man or the woman we are investing our time in, and many times, this level of commitment is absent from these situations. So many relationships dont work out because there is no firm foundation. Physical commitment turns into nothing more than selfish gratification of the flesh.

Marriage is one of the biggest steps you will ever take in life. Move in with someone who you are ready to be fully committed, and in union with God with them in marriage. Don't listen to the pressures of the world. Nothing is wrong with waiting to live together until marriage. If there are any hesitations related to trust and commitment, it may be time to reevaluate where you are in the relationship.

More on relationships and Christianity here:

How to Create a Healthy Relationship

Relationships: Why You Love, Feel, and Act the Way You Do

7 Ways to Build Intimacy in Your Relationship

Prayers for a Struggling Relationship

Are Girls Done With Courtship?

Lesli White is an Editor for Beliefnet.com
A crowd gathers outside as Bangladesh firefighters and forensic experts inspect the Bailey Road building in Dhaka where a blaze killed 46 people, March 1, 2024.

Authorities in Dhaka said they have begun cracking down on unsafe restaurants after 46 people died in a fire last week that gutted a multi-story shopping mall and started in an eatery on the ground floor.

Police said they have since arrested hundreds of people who were allegedly operating improperly licensed restaurants. In addition, Rajuk (the city development authority), fire service and other agencies, including the High Court, have begun taking action against violators of building and fire codes, officials said.

In the wake of other deadly fires that struck the Bangladesh capital region in previous years, authorities blamed them on lapses or violations of public safety regulations and promised stern action to prevent such incidents from recurring. But people here are skeptical that these post-disaster crackdowns will change anything.

Since late Sunday police have filed 215 cases for potential prosecution and have arrested 381 people linked to buildings containing unsafe, improperly licensed restaurants, said Md. Faruk Hossain, Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman.

The drive will continue in line with the government decision, he told BenarNews.

Md. Ashraful Islam, Rajuks town planner of Rajuk, said his organization launched its own drive to get rid of unauthorized restaurants in Dhaka.

Our team sealed off 12 unsafe restaurants in Dhanmondi and demolished a restaurant illegally set up on the roof of a building, he told BenarNews.

Meanwhile, the High Court formed a committee, headed by the home affairs secretary, to investigate the deadly fire in the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall, a seven-floor building in Bailey Road. The committee is to include fire service and civil defense experts, Rajuk authorities and experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Saiful Islam, a Dhaka resident, said that other post-disaster crackdowns had failed to bring about legitimate improvements.

The police have started drives. Rajuk launched crackdowns. Many government agencies would follow them, Dhaka resident Saiful Islam told BenarNews.

The buildings and restaurants would be sealed off in a bid to show how serious they are for implementing the laws, the Banani neighborhood resident said. But why did they not carry out the drives before the fire?

Workers from Rajuk (the city development authority) demolish a rooftop restaurant at the Gawsia Twin Peak building in Dhaka, March 4, 2024. [Sabrina Yasmin/BenarNews]

Specifically, a fire at the 22-story FR Tower in Banani on March 28, 2019, killed at least 25 people and injured 70 others. Saiful Islam said the government agencies had proclaimed they were taking serious action at that time.

They sealed off almost all shops and unauthorized buildings in the whole Banani neighborhood. But as days passed, everything changed. Nothing happened  the buildings are open, he said.

About a week earlier, authorities announced they would launch a crackdown on businesses storing highly flammable materials near residential areas after a fire in Dhakas old section killed nearly 70 people.

Even then, experts and residents doubted whether authorities were serious about preventing such recurrences, pointing out that a similar crackdown was promised after a 2010 chemical fire killed 124 people in Dhakas Nimtali neighborhood.

Across Bangladesh, over 1,000 people have been killed in 190,000 fires over the last nine years, according to the nations fire service and civil defense.

As of Monday, police had not released a cause for the Feb. 29 to March 1 fire that killed 46 and injured another 22, including six who remained hospitalized on Monday.

One day after the blaze, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that gas cylinders had blocked the buildings only stairwell. The building also has an elevator.

Remediation effort

During a Monday committee meeting, Rajuk decided to establish a remediation plan after discussing information presented by architect Iqbal Habib, a community member, that 88% of Dhaka buildings deviate in some way from the original approved plans.

We will do it in line with the plan executed to remediate the risky ready-made garments factories, Islam told BenarNews.

According to the decision of the meeting, the joint committee of Rajuk, city corporations and fire service and civil defense will attach public notices in front of the unsafe and authorized buildings so that people can be made aware of the dangers, Islam said.

Reluctant building owners could be forced to go for remediation.

We will conduct mobile courts against the buildings identified as highly risky. The mobile courts can seal off the buildings or impose heavy fines, he said.

Members of the Fire Service and Dhaka South City Corp. stand next to banners declaring a Dhaka building as dangerous following a mobile court ruling, March 4, 2024. [Sony Ramany/BenarNews]

Habib, the architect, said he and others who attended the committee meeting demanded that Rajuk immediately start the process of detecting unsafe, unauthorized buildings across Dhaka.

Many stakeholders told the meeting that Rajuk, city corporations and other agencies started similar activities following a serious incident, but those drives fizzled out when the issue fell from the public eye, he told BenarNews.

Habib said he wanted Rajuk to carry out a legitimate probe this time around.

Saiful Islam said Dhaka residents were angry about the fire in Bailey Road.

That is why Rajuk and other agencies are so active, he said, adding he was concerned about the families of the victims.

They will carry the pain throughout their lives.
A man walks past the International Monetary Fund logo at its headquarters in Washington D.C. on May 10, 2018.

The International Monetary Fund has reestablished a resident mission in Papua New Guinea, ending a more than two-decade absence from a Pacific island country with which it had a stormy relationship.

Prime Minister James Marape said the IMF, which is often a lender of last resort to developing nations, had been invited back and would help ensure an independent and transparent assessment of Papua New Guineas economic policies and performance.

We told the IMF to come and assist, assess, look and advise us, Marape said in a statement on Sunday. The presence of the IMF alongside institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank signifies a comprehensive support system for PNG's economic development, he said.

The funds office in Papua New Guinea was closed in the early 2000s after a backlash against policies, such as registration of customary land and the sale of state-owned companies, it attempted to impose on the country in return for providing a financial lifeline.

According to civil society organizations and media reports, three student protestors were killed and 17 wounded when police opened fire on a protest in June 2001 against the IMF and World Bank in Port Moresby. The incident followed more than a decade of social convulsions and conflict between the IMF and Papua New Guineas government over the funds so-called structural adjustment policies.

At a ceremony on Thursday, Marape and IMF deputy managing director Bo Li cut a red ribbon and a cake to mark the official opening of the funds new office in Port Moresby and the first visit by a top-level IMF official in recent memory.

The IMFs involvement with Papua New Guinea stepped up significantly last year when the fund approved a U.S.$918 loan to help the countrys recovery from repeated economic shocks in the past decade, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stability for Papua New Guinea, which gained its independence from Australia in 1975, has remained elusive as it grapples with tribal violence and challenges such as corruption and lack of roads and basic healthcare in many regions.

The International Monetary Funds deputy managing director, Bo Li (left), and Papua New Guineas Prime Minister James Marape are pictured at a press conference in Port Moresby on Feb. 29, 2024. [Harlyne Joku/BenarNews]

The country, which is by far the most populous Pacific island nation with an estimated 12 million people, also has been a focus of the intensifying China-U.S. rivalry in the Pacific.

Li said he was saddened by loss of life and damage to businesses in Port Moresby in January when the capital was hit by riots and looting. At least 16 died in the Jan. 10 chaos that erupted after police walked off the job in protest at a pay cut the government later said was caused by a payroll system glitch.

The economic impact of the riots is not yet factored into the IMFs near-term forecasts for Papua New Guinea but we still see a positive sign on the overall economy, said Li.

As Papua New Guinea continues to build a stronger and more resilient economy, the IMF is here to support you, Li said. Papua New Guineas new [economic policy] program, supported by the IMF, supports a structural reform agenda on which the authorities are already making remarkable progress, he said.

According to the IMFs summary of the loan it approved last year, Papua New Guinea needs to make its government leaner without sacrificing social spending and strengthen anti-corruption efforts so it can attract more investment.

To reduce foreign exchange shortages  that contribute to nationwide disruptions such as fuel rationing  Papua New Guinea needs to strengthen its central bank and gradually move to a market-decided exchange rate for its currency, the summary said.

At the ceremony, Marape and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey were at pains to emphasize the IMF was not dictating policy to the government.

I want to inform the country that the reforms were not imposed on us. It was something that we knew we had to do, Marape said.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (right) speaks next to Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo during the opening of the Australia-ASEAN summit in Melbourne, March 4, 2024.

UPDATED at 2:59 a.m ET on 2024-03-04

Canberra will invest $64 million Australian dollars (U.S. $41.8 million) over the next four years, including A$40 million in new funding, to expand maritime cooperation with Southeast Asia, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday.

Wong made the pledge at a forum on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2024 in Melbourne, which will celebrate 50 years of partnership between Australia and the regional bloc.

The summit is being held against a backdrop of increasingly assertive posturing by China in the South China Sea and the intensifying civil war in Myanmar, both of which are likely to be high on the agenda.

Wong said the new funds for maritime cooperation would contribute to security and prosperity within the region.

What happens in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Strait, in the Mekong subregion, across the Indo-Pacific, affects us all, she said in her keynote address Monday.

She said the regions character was under challenge and that no country must dominate.

We face destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air and militarisation of disputed features, Wong said, without singling out a specific nation.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes each year, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

In 2016, an international tribunal refuted the legal basis for nearly all of Chinas expansive maritime and territorial claims in the waterway. It said that Beijings insistence on holding historic rights to the waters were inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

Beijing has never recognized the 2016 arbitration or its outcome.

Speaking at the same forum, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said the rule of law and especially UNCLOS was the fundamental starting point for maritime cooperation in the region.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, he said.

It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law.

The Philippines under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a stronger stance in dealing with Beijing on the South China Sea.

Marcos has also pursued warmer ties with the United States, a traditional ally, reversing the policies of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

In recent months, tensions between Manila and Beijing have led to numerous run-ins, including the China Coast Guards alleged harassment of Filipino vessels delivering provisions to troops at its military outpost on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the Philippines Coast Guard deployed a patrol vessel to Benham Rise, a huge resource-rich underwater plateau off the eastern coast of the archipelago, amid reports of Chinese research vessels there.

The 83-meter long BRP Gabriela Silang will also visit the northern Batanes islands, near Taiwan, the coast guard said.

Benham Rise, which is part of the Philippines extended continental shelf, does not fall within Beijings nine-dash line territorial claims in the South China Sea. But that has not stopped China from conducting surveying missions in the area.

Camille Elemia in Manila contributed to this report.
In this Aug. 1, 2017 file photo, Thailands former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra waves to supporters as she arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailands Supreme Court on Monday dropped a negligence charge against self-exiled former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in the latest favorable ruling for her familys political dynasty.

The court ruled unanimously to dismiss the charges against Yingluck and six others, who were accused of mishandling the bidding process for a 2013 government infrastructure contract valued at 240 million baht (U.S.$6.7 million), according to the judgment.

Yingluck, Thailands first female prime minister, has spent the past six years abroad to evade a prison sentence on separate charges, including one related to a rice subsidy scheme, which was issued after her administration was overthrown in a military coup in 2014.

Analysts say the ruling could pave the way for Yingluck to return to Thailand, following in the footsteps of her brother, Thaksin, who was also ousted in a military coup in 2006 and fled the country in 2008 to escape controversial charges.

Thaksin, a billionaire telecoms tycoon and patriarch of the governing Pheu Thai party, arrived in Thailand after 15 years of self-exile in August last year.

The 74-year-old was jailed on corruption charges upon his return to Thailand but, within a fortnight, his eight-year sentence was slashed to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

He was granted parole last month after spending six months in a police hospital.

Following Mondays verdict, Yinglucks lawyer Noppadon Lawthong praised the dismissal and the integrity with which the decision was made.

The accuser's evidence also had many flaws, he said, we had gathered evidence from every court to fight, so we were confident from the start, but this time we received mercy.

Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, who served as Yinglucks deputy prime minister before she was deposed, said the verdict was fair.

We are relieved because we have been fighting for many years, he told reporters.

Olarn Thinbangtieo, an associate professor at Burapha Universitys Faculty of Political Science and Law, said Yingluck now had the opportunity to return to Thailand and follow the same justice process as her brother.

I believe that this time Thaksin and the Shinawatra family have planned well, he told BenarNews.

He said Thailands conservative establishment and military now relied on Thaksin to maintain power.

This has put the Shinawatra family, including Yingluck, in control of the whole game, said Olarn.

Thaksins return from Dubai coincided with Pheu Thai forming a coalition government with several pro-establishment parties, a development that spurred speculation about a backroom deal between the former rivals.

In December, the Supreme Court dropped charges against Yingluck for abuse of power related to her transfer of Thawil Pliensri, a former secretary-general of the National Security Council, to be a prime ministerial advisor in September 2011.

Ruj Chuenban in Bangkok contributed to this report.
Donald Trump's age is now questioned after confusing Barack Obama for US President Joe Biden, again during a presidential campaign rally.

On Saturday, March 2, the former American leader attended a campaign rally in Virginia. During his speech, he mistook Barack Obama for the current US president.

Because of this, the crowd became silent for a USment. This is not the first time that Donald Trump made the blunder. In fact, he mistook Barack Obama for Joe Biden twice before six months.

Donald Trump's Age Questioned After Confusing Obama for Joe Biden

According to The Guardian's latest report, Donald Trump is quite younger, being 77 years old, than Joe Biden, who is now 81 years old. Both are the oldest politicians to run for the presidency in American history.

But, since Joe Biden is quite older, he's the one targeted by Americans for his age and health most of the time. Now, this could change after Trump confused Obama for Biden once again.

"Putin has so little respect for Obama that he's starting to throw around the nuclear word. You heard that. Nuclear. He's starting to talk nuclear weapons today," he said during the Richmond campaign rally.

The ex-POTUS was supposed to say Biden. Instead, he mentioned Barack Obama during his speech. Joe Biden is not the only individual that Donald Trump mixes with other people.

Previously, the GOP presidential runner also confused his Republican rival, Nikki Haley, with the former House speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

Trump's latest petty mistake came a day after Joe Biden also made a similar blunder after the president confused Ukraine and Gaza during his speech about the planned humanitarian supply airdrop of the US to Palestinians.

Read Also: Hunter Biden Admits 'Big Guy' Email Referenced Joe Biden, Denies Dad's Involvement in 10% Stake

Joe Biden Target Donald Trump's Age

According to CNN Politics, Joe Biden started a new strategy against Donald Trump even before his rival confused him for Barack Obama.

The American leader is now criticizing Trump's age, saying that the GOP presidential candidate is as old as he is, yet he can't remember his wife's name.

"He's about as old as I am, but he can't remember his wife's name," said Joe Biden, referring to the previous incident when Donald Trump mistakenly called his wife Melania "Mercedes."

"He wants to take us back on Roe v. Wade, he wants to take us back on a whole range of issues that are - 50, 60 years, they've been solid American positions," added the American leader.

Related Article: Donald Trump Maintains Winning Run With Victory in Idaho Republican Caucuses
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High near 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Snow showers. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
After 10 years of trying, a Palestinian woman had twins. An Israeli strike killed them both

It took 10 years and three rounds of in vitro fertilization for Rania Abu Anza to become pregnant, and only seconds for her to lose her five-month-old twins, a boy and a girl
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A chunk of Republican primary and caucus voters say they wouldnt vote for Trump as the GOP nominee

A small but substantial chunk of Republican primary and caucus voters say they would be so dissatisfied if Donald Trump became the partys presidential nominee that they wouldn't vote for him in Novembers general election
Vice President Kamala Harris led marchers in Selma, Alabama, on the 59 anniversary of Bloody Sunday, saying the fight for voting rights goes on even today
On Monday, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz will meet at the White House as Washington seeks to agree on a temporary ceasefire and increase the flow of aid to Gaza.

Gantz, a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahu's wartime Cabinet following Hamas' October 7 attack, is traveling at a time when tensions between the US and Netanyahu are growing over how to ease the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and what the postwar plan for the enclave should look like.

Kamala Harris, Benny Gantz to Meet in Washington

According to Reuters, a White House official said that the discussions cover a range of issues, including reducing Palestinian civilian casualties, reaching a temporary ceasefire, the release of hostages held in Gaza, and increasing aid to the territory.

The official noted that Harris would express her concern over the safety of the 1.5 million people in Rafah and added that Israel had the right to defend itself in the face of continued Hamas terrorist threats.

A statement from Gantz confirmed that he would speak with Harris, as well as with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of US Congress.

"Minister Gantz personally updated the prime minister on his initiative on Friday of his intention to travel to coordinate the messages to be transmitted in the meetings," the statement said.

Media sources reported that Netanyahu delivered a stern rebuke on a phone call with Gantz during the weekend, ordering officials with the Israeli embassy in Washington not to join the former defense for his meetings.

According to a prime minister cited by multiple media outlets, Netanyahu made it clear to Gantz that the State of Israel only has one prime minister.

Furthermore, the White House said that Harris "will reiterate civilian casualties must be reduced" and that the two would discuss a political future for the Palestinian people. US officials have not yet responded about the internal differences tested by this visit and whether the Biden administration was trying to send a message by arranging for high-ranking officials to meet with Gantz.

The minister's visit comes as the president is reported to be feeling increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu over his handling of the Israeli military's assault on Gaza, where Israeli strikes and famine killed staggering numbers of civilians.

Gantz has refrained from openly discussing his most recent dispute with his political rival.

Read Also: Facebook to Remove News Tab, Ceases Payments to US Publishers

Gaza Ceasefire Expected Next Week

According to Gaza health authorities, international pressure for a ceasefire has increased, with over 30,000 Palestinians killed in Israel's Gaza offensive. The UN has also warned that a quarter of the population is on the verge of famine.

The US and other countries expect aid to be boosted by a temporary ceasefire, which Biden hoped on Friday would occur by the time of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on March 10.

On Saturday, two Egyptian security officials stated that the discussions about the Gaza truce will resume in Cairo on Sunday. However, an Israeli news source reported that Israel would not send a delegation until it has a complete list of Israeli hostages who are still alive.

Related Article: Israel Reportedly Backs Accord for Gaza Ceasefire; Time for Hamas to Make Crucial Decision


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PITTSFIELD  A limit on short-term rentals, a hard look at community and cooperative purchasing power, and a call to action to engage local government.

At a community housing forum led by Queer Men of the Berkshires, these were the recurring themes, as a small coalition of renters, owners and advocates in the LGBTQ+ community came together at Hot Plate Brewing on Feb. 25.

Bart Church, an organizer with Queer Men of The Berkshires, or Q-MoB, said during the forum that the community has a vested interest in making housing stock more accessible to its younger members.

If we can't solve the housing challenges of our younger folks, they're going to move away because they can't afford to live here, Church said. Then our community is going to only be elders, and that damages our community's ability to sustain itself  were literally losing our next generations because they cant afford to stay here.

The forum was meant to generate creative solutions on housing challenges in the Berkshires, particularly the lack of affordable units  a problem exacerbated by short-term rentals and urban flight during the pandemic, according to a presentation by Matthew Bryan, a senior planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

When the wider group weighed in on the housing issues, a number of ideas followed. One of the first orders of business was developing a Queer Craigslist  in other words, getting together a master list of available properties and spaces that are friendly to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Some attendees suggested that cottage courts, or single family homes grouped together around a common area, could be a potential solution to increase the number of available units. A version of the idea was presented to the Williamstown Planning Board in September.

Along the same lines, construction or incorporation of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, which are small, independent structures or spaces on the same lot as a single-family home and tiny homes were also considered.

One of the potential solutions that arose was connecting with LGBTQ+ seniors in the county who want to stay in their homes but might need help around the house, such as cooking and cleaning services. Church suggested that pairing those seniors with people seeking rooms could be a win-win for both parties involved.

Anecdotally, we have a lot of queer seniors who are like, I dont know how to take care of this place  I think that connecting with those people and finding out what their issues are is an opportunity because thats a place where young people could come and make it possible for them to stay longer, Church said.

A survey among rainbow seniors is likely to be conducted among members of Q-MoB to see if that would be a feasible option. An upcoming survey from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is likely to reach seniors in the community too, Bryan said.

The discussions come as some members of the community seek refuge from areas of the country where they feel unsafe.

Ephraim Schwartz, a local community organizer and member of the LGBTQ+ community, said that hes seen a major uptick in people coming from other areas of the country to get away from more conservative state legislatures. Schwartz said hes seen people coming from as far as Montana, Florida and Tennessee, and as nearby as New Hampshire.

A lot of people are coming here at great risk, Schwartz said. Theyre coming with just their car  what they can fit in their car.

The numbers have grown greater since the repeal of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court in 2022, he said. The stringent housing options in Berkshire County have made it difficult for some people to land on their feet. Schwartz works with people directly to try to help them get settled.

Theres usually at least one person that Im dealing with that is dealing with homelessness or the risk of homelessness at any given time, Schwartz said.

The organization will host another housing forum on March 24, Church said.
Perhaps the thing people worry about the most that is completely out of their control, no matter how hard they try, is what is coming in the future. What will happen to the world? What about the next election? How will I pay this bill? What if all my friends decide they hate me tomorrow? What will I do if my spouse cheats on me? How can I guarantee my kids will grow up to do what is right?

Even Christians easily succumb to the fear of the unknowable future. When we try to make ourselves the locus of control, we will always fail because we cannot really plan for the future, since it is impossible for people to know what will happen in the next five minutes, let alone tomorrow or a century from now.

God does know the future, as He is Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. While there are many things people can exert control over, it is important to relinquish anxiety about the future to God, since only He knows what is coming.

Related Podcast: The Courage to Let Go of Control from Faith Over Fear

Relevant Verses

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

James 4:13-16 - Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit  yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Yes, God really is in control of our bodies, of providing for us, and even of the future. In fact, He is in control of all things! He is ready and eager to carry all of our burdens. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Rather than pridefully trying to shoulder all of lifes troubles alone, if anyone will cry out to God for help, He will be there. He loves people so much that He even made a way to remove the burden of sin. People who put their faith and hope in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ dont have to have fear about eternity, because when Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for all our sins, and when He rose from the dead He became the first among the resurrected. This greatest of miracles is the ultimate proof that we let go of our anxiety and trust in God and His control.

Sources

Daniel, Samuel. Why Worry God is in Control. Xulon Press, 2006.

Sproul, R.C. Does God Control Everything? Orlando: Liongier Ministries, 2019.

Youssef, Michael. If God is in Control: Why is My Life such a Mess? Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Design Pics


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Le president du Parlement hongrois approuve l'adhesion de la Suede a l'Otan

Le president du Parlement hongrois approuve l'adhesion de la Suede a l'Otan













(Corrige le nom du president du Parlement hongrois) BUDAPEST, 2 mars (Reuters) - Le president du Parlement hongrois, Sandor Lezsak, a signe le texte de ratification de l'adhesion de la Suede a l'Otan et a transmis le document au bureau du president en vue d'une promulgation, montrent samedi les resultats des votes sur le site internet de l'Assemblee nationale. (Reportage Gergely Szakacs; version francaise Claude Chendjou)
Former South Carolina governor and current presidential candidate Nikki Haley won the Washington, DC, Republican primary against Donald Trump.

The Sunday victory marks Haley's first win in the nominating process and is seen to temporarily halt the former president's sweep of the GOP voting contests. However, it comes as the Republican businessman is expected to pick up several hundred more delegates in this week's Super Tuesday races.

Nikki Haley Wins Washington Primary

Despite the former South Carolina governor's losses early in the GOP nominating process, she committed to staying in the race at least through those contests. She has declined to name any primary that she felt confident to win over the Republican frontrunner.

After Haley's loss last week in her home state, she remained adamant that voters in places that followed deserved an alternative to the former president despite his dominance thus far in the campaign.

The development comes as Washington is one of the most heavily Democratic jurisdictions in the United States. There are only roughly 23,000 registered Republicans in the city and President Joe Biden won the district in the 2020 presidential race with 92% of the vote, as per the Associated Press.

Shortly after Haley's Washington primary victory, Trump issued a statement sarcastically congratulating her on being named "Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo."

The former South Carolina governor held a rally in the country's capital on Friday just before heading back to North Carolina, and a series of states held Super Tuesday primaries. The lawmaker joked with more than 100 supporters inside a hotel ballroom.

As Haley gave her standard campaign speech where she criticized Trump for running up the federal deficit, one rallygoer said that the former president should win a general election, saying it would be madness.

The Washington primary results showed Haley had 62.9% of the vote and the former president only had 33.2%. Despite the victory, the former South Carolina governor still faces near-impossible odds with her goal of getting the GOP nomination, according to Reuters.

Read Also: Miami Mayor Endorses Donald Trump for President, Says He's 'Only Candidate' for the Job

GOP Nomination Process

Opinion polls also show that Trump is expected to win nearly all the nominating contests moving forward. Washington, DC, has a relatively high proportion of residents who hold a college degree. The former president is particularly strong in areas with low educational attainment.

Furthermore, the city is also home to a significant number of federal workers whom allies of Trump have pledged to fire en masse and replace with loyalists if he ends up winning the November general election.

Haley has also recently said she no longer feels bound by the Republican National Committee pledge to endorse Trump if he becomes the party's nominee. During an interview aired on Sunday, she said that the current RNC is no longer the same committee as before.

Her stance is a complete shift from her previous pledge to support the Republican nominee in the presidential race. The RNC required candidates to sign a loyalty pledge to be able to attend the primary debate stage, said USA Today.

Related Article: Donald Trump Maintains Winning Run With Victory in Idaho Republican Caucuses
Germany has accused the Russian President of attempting to create division by leaking a confidential German army discussion about the Ukraine war. This comes as Berlin faces pressure to provide the Taurus missile to Kyiv.

A 38-minute recording of the discussions was shared online late Friday on Russian social media, where the participants talked about the potential use of German-made Taurus missiles and their possible impact.

Germany Probes Taurus Missiles Talks to Ukraine

According to Simonyan, the recording indicates discussions regarding the use of German-made Taurus missiles by Ukrainian forces and their potential repercussions. It was brought up that there was an inquiry about the possibility of trying to target strategic locations, such as a crucial bridge linking Russian-occupied Crimea to the mainland across the Kerch Strait.

The German Defense Ministry is currently investigating whether communications in the air force sector were intercepted, as mentioned by a ministry spokeswoman. Experts consulted by Der Spiegel magazine have expressed belief in the authenticity of the recording.

Kyiv has long sought Taurus missiles from Germany, capable of reaching targets up to 300 miles away. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been reluctant to provide them, fearing an escalation of the conflict.

At the same time, the leaked audio also discloses information about France providing their version of Storm Shadow missiles, called Scalp, to Ukraine. The unusual ways of transportation in Audi Q7s, commercial SUVs, brings an interesting aspect to the arms delivery.

During the call, Brigadier General Frank Graefe, believed to be a participant, discussed the training of Ukrainian troops on German soil. He suggested that, once trained and ready to return to Ukraine, Britain should "take over," raising questions about the potential involvement of British troops, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: Israel Reportedly Backs Accord for Gaza Ceasefire; Time for Hamas to Make Crucial Decision

Germany Probes Security Breach in Leaked Call

Speculation has been started by the leaked call, as German opposition politician Roderich Kiesewetter has raised worries about a possible safety breach, hinting at the presence of a Russian intelligence agent. Problems were further raised when someone involved caused the possibility of offering more information through WhatsApp, describing possible flaws in communication channels.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has labeled the leak as "very serious" and has ordered an investigation into the matter. The revelation follows Scholz's recent suggestion of British troops aiding Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The intercepted call has raised security concerns in Germany, with critics describing it as one of the country's worst security breaches since the Cold War. The incident prompts questions about the adequacy of communication security protocols within the German military.

Germany may decide not to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine as a result of the stolen substance, especially if international tensions rise. The intercepted call, along with talks about potential strikes on the Kerch bridge, has garnered global interest and led to allegations from Russian officials like Dmitry Medvedev, who described it as proof of Germany "getting ready for conflict with Russia."

This information is made at an essential point when Russia repelled Ukraine's counteroffensive and obtained considerable military advances. Kyiv is seeking additional weapons and funding, but faces challenges due to differences in the US Congress that are hindering international support, The Telegraph reported.

Related Article: US Military to Airdrop Food Aid to Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis


MQ-9B Sky Guardian uses the Laguna Army Airfield for testing and certification. Photo: US Army (Released).

WASHINGTON (PTI): The sale of 31 MQ9-B SkyGuardian Drones to India is expected to be fast-tracked now that the major hurdle of mandatory 30 days of Congressional notification is likely to pass without any objection from the lawmakers on Sunday, but for the routine procedural matters posed by the upcoming general elections.



The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress in February about the determination of the State Department of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of 31 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion.



The 31 MQ9-B SkyGuardian Drones itself cost USD 1.70 billion, while the rest of the services including technology and equipment are estimated to cost USD 2.29 billion. In addition to 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Aircraft, the proposed deal includes 161 Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs), 35 L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suite.



"This sale is necessary in furtherance of the US foreign policy and national security objectives," the notification said.



The next step is for the United States to send a letter of offer and acceptance to India, which under normal circumstances should be considered as a mere formality.



Announced by US President Joe Biden during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington DC in June 2023, all major legal and bureaucratic procedures on the issue have already been cleared from the Indian side including that from the Union Cabinet.



After the letter goes out from the State Department, the next step is for India to give a formal acceptance letter on the matter to the United States, which is essential for the formal price negotiations between the two countries to begin.



The announcement of the general election, which brings into force the Model Code of Conduct, is unlikely to pose any last legal hurdle.



"Model Code is not applicable to any matter pertaining directly to the defence forces, be it the recruitments/promotions for defence forces, any service matters pertaining to them, defence purchases of any kind, tenders relating to the matter of the defence forces and therefore no reference in such matters need to be sent to the Election Commission," says the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India.



"These instructions shall be treated as standing instructions of the Commission and will be applicable for all elections in future. This may be brought to the notice of all concerned for future guidance," said the Election Commission of India in a letter issued on the issue to the Ministry of Defence on March 27, 2014, in response to a query.


Tech giant Apple has been fined 1.8 billion by the European Commission for not allowing music streaming apps like Spotify to tell customers they can subscribe for cheaper if they do not use Apples App Store.

The Commission said Apple had abused its dominant position in the market for distributing music streaming apps, and had broken EU antitrust rules in the process. Apple said it would appeal the decision.

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The iPhone-maker said: The decision was reached despite the Commissions failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.

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Swedish music giant Spotify filed a complaint to the EU in 2019 which claimed that Apple limits choice and competition by charging a 30 per cent fee on purchases made through the App Store.

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Spotify called this an unfair tax which benefits Apple Music, the tech giants own music platform which does not get charged the same fees.

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Spotify also said that it is not allowed to tell customers there are cheaper ways to subscribe outside the App Store.

Apple said that it had a key role supporting Spotifys success over the years.

Weve even flown our engineers to Stockholm to help Spotifys teams in person, it said.

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But the European Commission appeared to agree with Spotify on Monday saying: Apple bans music streaming app developers from fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app and from providing any instructions about how to subscribe to such offers.

This could negatively affect the interests of iOS users, who will not be able to make informed decisions and may paid significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions.

Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store.

They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem.

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This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, so today we have fined Apple over 1.8 billion euros.

Apple said: Apple has been a part of Europe for over 40 years, and today, we support more than 2.5 million jobs across the continent.

Weve helped markets thrive, promoting competition and innovation at every turn  and the App Store is an important part of that story.

So while we respect the European Commission, the facts simply dont support this decision. And as a result, Apple will appeal.
Love Island star Amber Davies has been booted off ITV1s Dancing Once following a public vote and the judges scores.

The celebrities were all hoisted into the air for the semi-final of the ITV competition.

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Davies received the top score from the judges after she skated to Taylor Swifts Wildest Dreams and did rotating lifts and somersaults for her main routine.

However, when she was placed in the skate off due to an earlier challenge and the publics voting, her routine to Power by Little Mix did not thrill the judges as much as former BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts performing Not Giving by Rudimental.

Simon Proulx-Senecal and Amber Davies. Photo: Ian West/PA.

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The West End actress said: I just feel like younger me would not believe that Ive had this experience.

Thank you so much for having me on. You (Simon Proulx-Senecal) have been life changing for me in so many ways.

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The team as a whole is just absolutely amazing. You got wardrobe, you got hair and makeup. You got the rest of the cast. Youve got the paramedics and the physios. Its amazing. So thank you so much.

Earlier, Davies had raised her professional skater Proulx-Senecal above the rink while dressed in a pink fairytale dress, and was given 40 points from the four judges.

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Ashley Banjo said: It was close to perfection, and Christopher Dean said he would have given a higher score if 10 was not the limit.

I dont know where to start, that was so beautiful, Oti Mabuse said.

Roberts, unlike her other celebrity contestants opted against wires, and had not done as well in the judges eyes for her airborne routine, earning 39 points.

She used red cloth ropes, attached to the ceiling, to skate with her partner Mark Hanretty to Conchita Wursts Rise Like A Phoenix while dressed in a red sparkly outfit.

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Roberts, who had been going through motion sickness over the last week, became tearful as she said the routine was about her battle with cancer.

Adele Roberts and Mark Hanretty. Photo: Ian West/PA.

Elsewhere, Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire, former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, and ex-athlete Greg Rutherford were saved from the skate off and have also made it to the final next week.

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Thomas fun aerobatic dance to Robbie Williams Aint That A Kick In The Head? earned him 38 points, his highest of the series.

Banjo said he loved it as the story was creative and inspired by old Hollywood.

The judge has returned to the series after he ripped his leg while on tour as the leader of the dance troupe Diversity.

He has been replaced in recent weeks by US figure skater Johnny Weir.

Ryan Thomas and Amani Fancy. Photo: Ian West/PA.

Earlier, the contestants were tasked with dance skating to AC/DCs Highway To Hell without their professional partners and earned extra points.

Both Roberts and Davies were lifted into the air by their fellow contestants.

Dean announced the winner as Rutherford, who took an early win with five points.

This left Davies on one point, Roberts on two points, Thomas on three points and Nazaire with four points.

Dancing On Ices final will air next week on ITV1 and ITVX.
Viggo Mortensen had a message of support for Ukraine as he arrived in Glasgow for the UK premiere of his new Western film.

The Lord Of The Rings star wore the Ukrainian trident symbol, the countrys coat of arms, on his shirt as he walked on to the red carpet of the Glasgow Film Festival.

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He was joined by Solly McLeod, who co-stars in The Dead Dont Hurt.

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Described as a moving romantic Western, it is set in the 1860s and sees Mortensen play a Danish immigrant, Holger Olsen, who becomes involved with the fiercely independent Vivienne Le Coudy, played by Vicky Krieps.

On the red carpet, Mortensen was asked if he wanted to send a message to people in Ukraine.

Viggo Mortensen and Solly McLeod on the red carpet at the UK premiere of The Dead Dont Hurt (Neil Pooran/PA)

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He told the PA news agency: We support them against Russian aggression, against people who condone it. In Russia, but especially outside of Russia.

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However the 65-year-old actor would not be drawn further on what leaders in the West should be doing to support Ukraine.

He is a critic of former US president Donald Trump and has previously spoken of his support for US senator Bernie Sanders, before backing the US Green Partys presidential candidate Dr Jill Stein in the 2016 presidential election.

In the US, Republicans have sought to block military aid to Ukraine in a partisan clash with Democrats in Congress over immigration.

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Mortensen is director, producer, on-screen star and composer of The Dead Dont Hurt.

He said much of the film was composed and recorded before they started shooting, saying: It helps me find the rhythm and know how long the scene should last in some cases, and what the mood we hope to get across is.

The film has been years of work, Mortensen said, saying he had grown up around Westerns and horse riding.

Most Westerns are predictable and naive, but every once in a while theres a really good story, he said.

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Those watching closely will notice a prop which appeared in the trilogy which led to international fame for the US actor.

At one point a dream sequence shows a medieval knight holding a sword  it is Anduril, the reforged weapon wielded by Mortensens character Aragorn in The Lord Of The Rings.

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Mortensen said he asked permission for the blade to reappear on the big screen, saying: I couldnt think of a better sword than that one.

So I asked Peter Jackson and the film company that made The Lord Of The Rings if I could have permission

He said What are you doing with it, how important (is it?)

I said youll be lucky if you even notice it, which is true.

He said his mothers side of his family had links to Scotland and he was happy to be in Glasgow.

At the film festival, Mortensen was presented with the festivals inaugural Cinema City Honorary Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
A Clare-based company has said it expects to see air taxis in operation in Ireland within three years.

Future Mobility Campus Ireland is amongst a group of global experts to take part in TRA2024 at the RDS in Dublin from April 15th to 18th. TRA2024 is the largest European gathering to address all aspects of transport and mobility.

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Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) made the commitment on World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development. The company is based in Shannon, Co Clare and is working on developing a new space for "smarter, safer, more sustainable transport for people and goods".

FMCI has predicted the first 'air taxis' will be capable of carrying four passengers, with initial tests set to be carried out at their Clare base.

The company provides facilities for researchers, software developers and companies to test their innovations.

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One of FMCIs top projects is the development of "Irelands first electric passenger and cargo aircraft research facility".

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"This will enable the launch of Irelands first electric air taxi service and routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations," the company said.

FMCI chief executive Russell Vickers said the team is making good progress.

Bringing global experts to Ireland for TRA2024 is an opportunity to show how the country is leading the next generation of travel. Im proud to say that as an organisation taking part in TRA, were on track to enable passenger services to operate in Ireland in 2027. We expect the initial flights will be centred around our test area here in Shannon, Co Clare with aircraft capable of carrying up to four passengers at a time. Its an incredibly exciting, collaborative effort involving ourselves, Shannon Airport Group and other key partners."

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FMCI chief executive Russell Vickers.

Mr Vickers believes the development of sustainable transport will suit the skillsets of Irelands engineering community.

Ireland has never been in a position to compete for the kind of heavy industry involved in fossil fuel powered transport. However, as renewable and sustainable factors become more important, we know we have the technological talent to put ourselves at the forefront of innovation for an industry thats set to evolve for many years to come.

Amongst the themes to be discussed each day at TRA2024 are safe and inclusive transport, sustainable mobility of people and goods, efficient and resilient infrastructure and collaborative digitalisation. TRA2024 is supported by the European Commission and the Government.
A coroner has ruled that an inquest into the murder of a senior GAA official in Co Derrt cannot proceed due to the extent of sensitive state material being withheld from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Announcing the Public Interest Immunity (PII) ruling in Belfast, Mr Justice Kinney said he will be writing to Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, calling on the British government to establish a public inquiry into Sean Browns killing by loyalists.

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Mr Brown (61) was abducted and killed by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Co Derry in May 1997.

Mr Justice Kinneys ruling comes after state agencies applied for multiple redactions on sensitive files related to the murder.

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Preliminary inquest proceedings have already heard that in excess of 25 people have been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. No-one has been convicted of Mr Browns murder.

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During his ruling, Mr Justice Kinney heavily criticised the way the state parties had handled the disclosure process, branding repeated delays deplorable and, frankly, inexcusable.

He said the extent of material he had agreed to exempt from being used as evidence at the inquest meant he could not comply with his statutory duty to investigate the circumstances of Mr Browns death.

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The coroner said an inquest is unable to hear evidence in closed proceedings, and noted that a public inquiry could examine such sensitive materials.

I am satisfied that my duty to carry out a full, fair and fearless investigation into Mr Browns death is seriously compromised as issues of central importance to the death cannot be dealt with by the inquest process, he said.

Relatives of murdered GAA official Sean Brown and supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast in November 2023. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

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The coroner said he is unable to make a proper analysis of the material that has been redacted as a result of the Public Interest Immunity process.

In those circumstances, and with considerable regret, I have concluded that I cannot continue with this inquest, he said. To do so would inevitably result in an inquest that would be incomplete, inadequate, and misleading.

Mr Justice Kinney acknowledged that his decision will cause further pain and anguish for Mr Browns family.

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The coroner said he expects a reply from the British government on his request for a public inquiry within four weeks.

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Mr Justice Kinney said Mr Brown was an entirely innocent man who was subject to a planned execution by Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) gunmen.

His murder was senseless, he added.

The coroner said he could not provide a satisfactory answer to the familys question as to why Mr Brown was murdered.

He said the victim was at the heart of his family and his community.

He was a man of whom his family are justifiably proud. He was the kind of person our society needs and his loss is truly felt in that wider sense.

The coroner praised the familys long fight for justice.

The inquest process as it stands cannot provide what you desire or deserve, he said.

The public gallery in Belfast High Court was packed with members of the Brown family and supporters, including senior GAA officials, among them association president Jarlath Burns.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will carefully consider the ruling, his barrister said (Oliver McVeigh/PA)

Mark Robinson KC, representing Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Heaton-Harris, said he will carefully consider the ruling.

He said the UK cabinet minister acknowledges the suffering the murder has caused.

Barrister for the Brown family, Des Fahy, said that, while they did not want the inquest to stop, they accept the ruling.

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Mr Fahy said the familys reaction was a mixture of sadness and anger.

This is not a legal process where the Brown family is frustrated because they have not been able to find out the truth about the murder of Sean Brown, he said.

Thats because the truth about what happened is right here in these folders of sensitive material about the murder, but it cant come out and it cant be revealed by you [the coroner] because of the many hundreds of redactions that have been made by the Chief Constable of the PSNI and by the security services.
President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital until Thursday while his blood pressure is monitored before returning to Aras an Uachtarain.

Medical tests have shown that the President experienced a mild transient weakness and he is expected to make a full recovery.

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Mr Higgins (82) was admitted to St Jamess Hospital in Dublin on Thursday after feeling unwell.

A spokesperson for the President said he had completed all medical tests which had shown positive results.

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The spokesperson added: They have indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the Presidents health.

The tests have determined that the President experienced a mild transient weakness from which they expect him to make a full recovery.

Following consultation with his medical team, President Higgins has agreed with their recommendation that he remain in hospital for an extra few days in order that they can monitor his blood pressure.

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He will return to Aras an Uachtarain on Thursday.

The President remains in excellent spirits and is continuing to carry out his constitutional duties.

It is anticipated that he will proceed with a scheduled meeting with the Taoiseach at Aras an Uachtarain on Friday afternoon.

While in hospital, the President is considering two pieces of legislation  the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 and the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023  both of which are due for signature between tomorrow and Thursday.

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The Presidents medical team have further advised that he put a limit on the extent of the public engagements which he undertakes over the coming weeks in order to facilitate the short period of recuperation that they have recommended.
Protesters are continuing to obstruct entrances to a site where emergency accommodation facilities for hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are being built, the High Court has heard.

Last week, Total Experience Limited, trading as Pastures New Accommodation which is constructing facilities at Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare for families fleeing the war, secured a temporary order restraining protesters from blocking entrances.

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The company claims its work continues to hampered by those opposed to the State's provision of accommodation to displaced persons.

When the matter returned before the High Court on Monday Mr Justice Oisin Quinn was told by Gary McCarthy SC, with Barry Mansfield Bl for the plaintiff that despite the granting of the injunction the protest remains ongoing.

His client's workers and trucks making deliveries continue to have difficulties accessing the site, the court heard.

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After the injunction was granted some of the protesters left the site.

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Counsel said that the protesters have erected a campsite, consisting of a tent or gazebo, at the entrance, which forms part of his client's property.

While some smaller vehicles can enter and leave the site, the campsite's presence has prevented larger articulated lorries from doing so, it is claimed.

Counsel said that it is now his client's case that the protesters, who have refused to leave the campsite, are trespassing.

As a result, counsel said that his client needs to amend its proceedings to deal with the alleged trespass, and asked that the order previously granted by the court be further extended.

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Counsel said the plaintiff also wants to add the names of several other individuals it claims it has identified as being part of the protest.

Counsel said the matter remains urgent as it has not been possible to get the facility up and running on time.

It was scheduled to open this week.

When the case was called on Monday, there was no appearance by any of the defendants, nor were any representations made on their behalf.

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Mr Justice Quinn accepted that the matter remains urgent, and adjourned it to later this week.

Last week the company told the court that up to 50 protesters were preventing persons and vehicles from entering or leaving the site by using tactics including forming "a human shield," and by parking cars in front of the site's entrances.

These activities amount to a nuisance and a unreasonable interference with the company's work, it claims.

The protesters have no legitimate basis for blocking the site, it further alleges.

The court granted the company a temporary injunction, on an ex-parte basis, restraining the protesters from deliberately preventing or obstructing entrances from the site.

The firm has been contracted by the State to provide 985 beds in 387 cabins as well as a dining marquee, laundry and recreation facilities at the site.

The company says it is not attempting to interfere with anyone's lawful right to peacefully protest. However, the blocking of the entrances is not lawful, and creates a safety risk.

The company has also voiced its concerns about aggressive social media posts made by various persons regarding the protest and is fearful that matters may escalate.
Sinn Fein, the DUP and the TUV have been accused of blocking reform after an Opposition motion was voted down in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Three motions around reform of the Assembly to prevent future collapses and public sector pay were proposed by the SDLP on the first Opposition day.

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The first motion expressed shame at the collapse of devolved government across five of the last seven years.

It also called for an apology to public sector workers for years of suspension, and another motion called for a swift resolution to pay negotiations for workers who staged a major strike in January.

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On Monday afternoon the first motion was defeated by 47 votes to 33, with Sinn Fein, DUP and TUV MLAs voting against, and SDLP, Alliance, UUP and independent Claire Sugden voting for it.

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No ministers were in the chamber for the proposing of the first motion and debate, which SDLP leader Matthew OToole described as an insult to the chamber.

Later during Executive Office questions, he asked deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to commit to remaining in post for the rest of the mandate.

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She responded by saying the best way to secure and stabilise the future of the government in Northern Ireland is to build constructive working relationships.

She said work on reform is being taken forward by the Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC).

Speaking outside the chamber, Mr OToole said the public had been badly let down.

At the first opportunity to show that government will be different and to commit to departing from the politics of division and deadlock, the Executive has, sadly, failed, he said.

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Emma Little-Pengelly (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Fein and the DUP teamed up today, as they have so often in the past, to defend their toxic power to veto the functioning of government and to maintain a threat to public services over the lifetime of this mandate.

Today was an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough, we will all work together in the interests of the people we represent.

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The SDLP Opposition will continue to campaign for reform that meets the needs of everyone in our society.

Monday was the first Opposition day at Stormont in recent years after the decision by the SDLP to go into Opposition.

The SDLP and UUP previously formed an official opposition in 2016, but this came to an end in January 2017 when then deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned, effectively collapsing the institutions until 2020.

The Assembly was revived in January after two years of disruption following the resignation of then first minister Paul Givan as part of the DUPs protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Earlier, as he proposed the first motion, Mr OToole said public trust in the Assembly and Executive had been profoundly damaged by the periods of suspension.

Our first motion today begins by expressing shame on behalf of this entire institution for its repeated collapses and the profoundly negative consequences they have had for ordinary citizens, workers and public services, he told MLAs.

To be clear, that isnt about assigning blame, but it is about acknowledging a collective failure of the political class to deliver stable, sustainable government here.

Referring to a call by Alliance leader Naomi Long at the weekend for Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to get involved in the heavy lifting of Assembly reform, Mr OToole said his party strongly disagrees.

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A Tory Secretary of State working out his notice will not do the work for us. We need to do it ourselves, starting with these Opposition day motions, he told MLAs.

Lets protect the best of the agreement and reform the veto that is undermining trust in the rest of it.

Responding, Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey said her party is focused on delivering on public sector pay, the fiscal framework and plan for fiscal sustainability.

Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey (Liam McBurney/PA)

If were seriously to address the underlying root causes of inequality, and indeed develop world-class sustainable public services, then we all must work collectively to address the funding shortfall, challenge austerity and transform our public services to meet the needs of our workers, families and communities, she told MLAs.

Thats what the public really want us to be doing here today and in the days ahead, and thats where our focus is and will remain so.

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley questioned whether the Opposition was being constructive, and asked why there were no statements from party spokespeople with suggestions on how to address issues such as health service waiting lists.

He described the suspensions over the last 25 years as regrettable.

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The inescapable truth is that we live in a contested place, he said.

Consensus politics will be the only way we can stave off instability. The political arrangements in Northern Ireland must be capable of commanding the broad support of all traditions across our province.

The motion before the House simply implies that devolution could still operate and succeed outside these parameters. That is fanciful to say the least. Cross-community consent has been essential to achieving progress in this province and it should be viewed as the solution and not the problem.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said reform of the Assembly has been a long-term policy of her party, adding it first published proposals 20 years ago.

Parties are entitled to opt out of government, but theyre not entitled to force others to opt out too, she said.

What is required is recognition from all of us, including the proposers, that there were flaws in the original agreement, and that there was a review mechanism built into it. That was meant to iron these issues, but rarely actually did.

We do need to remove crude sectarian vetoes, that is objectively undeniable, but we also need to ensure that the institutions operate in a way that is befitting of the entire society theyre supposed to represent.

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UUP leader Doug Beattie said he supported reform of the Assembly, adding no party should have a veto over devolved government.

Quick fixes will not work. You pull the threads and the whole thing could unravel, so this is about sitting down and thinking this through in the long term and getting all the voices that need to be added to this, he said.

Im up for that discussion. I dont think we should be afraid of that discussion. It doesnt mean that I am open to changing every single thing that needs to be changed within the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. It is still the bedrock of government here in Northern Ireland but Im certainly up for that discussion going forward.
Israel has carried out a six-hour-long operation in Ramallah, the administrative capital in the occupied Westbank overnight.

It was reported by Reuters that the raid resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy named Mustafa Abu Shalbak-who was struck in the head and chest.

They further reported that violence has escalated across the West Bank.

The IDF said their raid caused a riot to break out, with Palestinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, who responded with live fire from assault rifles.

Israeli military officials said the raid was a counter-terrorism operation and that they captured two wanted suspects and seized "inciting material spread by Hamas."

"During the operation, a violent riot developed, in which suspects hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli security forces, who responded with live fire. A hit was identified," it said.

Movement restrictions, detentions, and raids have made life in the West Bank increasingly difficult for those who live there. Some fear the area is threatening to plunge into total anarchy.

At least 400 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers since the war in Gaza began.

Israeli forces also tore up a main road by the Nur Shams refugee camp in the Tulkarm area of the West Bank, witnesses said.

"Every time they enter the camp they destroy more than the previous time," said Ibrahim Hamarsheh, a resident of the camp who heads the Tulkarm branch of the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, which advocates for Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Israeli forces have also been accused of bulldozing Palestinian homes.

The West Bank city of Nablus was also stormed.

Israeli forces detained at least 55 Palestinians in raids across the West Bank overnight, according to The Palestinian Prisoners Club.
The upcoming referendums on family and care, calls for a Gaza ceasefire, and a firearms seizure in Co Kildare are among the stories that feature on Monday's front pages.

Minister for Equality Roderic OGorman has said he is absolutely confident that rules prohibiting the spending of taxpayers money on referendum campaigns have not been breached, The Irish Times reports.

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The firearms seizure in Co Kildare came about after three young friends ordered weapons from the darknet, the Irish Examiner reports.

The Irish Independent reports 17,000 customers have been overcharged for energy bills.

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The Echo leads with a story on 'anomalies' at the Support After Crime charity in Cork.

Over 2,000 HSE staff on career breaks face uncertainty over their pay, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

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Start your week off right by picking up Monday's Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/7rb4mN0AzN Advertisement  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) March 4, 2024

Reality star Hughie Maughan has been charged over a brawl in Blanchardstown, the Irish Daily Star reports.

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Monday's edition includes two great sports pullouts pic.twitter.com/2tDVqzvsaw  Irish Daily Star (@isfearranstar) March 4, 2024

The Alliance party in Northern Ireland is in favour of Irish Unity, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

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A company involved in the UK's Post Office scandal has contracts worth 775 million in Northern Ireland, according to The Irish News.

Good Morning.



Today's front page.



GAA president due to attend Brown inquest



Post Office scandal company has 775m public contracts in north pic.twitter.com/vgHWkWflHe  The Irish News (@irish_news) March 4, 2024

A Kinahan gang leader could be extradited back to Ireland to face a murder charge, The Herald reports.

UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the upcoming budget feature on the front pages of Britains newspapers on Monday.

The Daily Mirror relays warnings from unions to Mr Hunt that all public services are in crisis ahead of the budget.

Monday's front page: The price of Tory tax bribeshttps://t.co/jV87aRwMOd pic.twitter.com/21YxcH51xN  The Mirror (@DailyMirror) March 3, 2024

Mr Hunt also faced warnings from a charity that said the Budget risks sending Britain into a lost decade, according to The Guardian.

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Mondays GUARDIAN: Budget plan risks forcing UK into second lost decade, Hunt warned #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RRC8GroYO4  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) March 3, 2024

The i reports Mr Hunt could put a squeeze on public spending to find enough money for tax cuts.

Mondays i - Hunt fuels Tory jitters of election Budget light on tax cuts #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/uj1qBTIznx  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) March 3, 2024

The Daily Express asks whether the British prime minister and Mr Hunt can pull a rabbit out of the hat with tax cuts, while The Times says Mr Hunt is looking for 9 billion to balance his budget.

Mondays Daily EXPRESS: Can Hunt And PM Pull Rabbit Out Of Hat? #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rJ0rvI2sIV  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) March 3, 2024

The Independent reports on a backlog of misconduct cases means there could be potentially dangerous nurses and midwives working in the NHS.

The Daily Mail leads with an investigation into care for the vulnerable where UK Home Office loopholes are reportedly being exploited.

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The Daily Telegraph says police have failed to solve a single burglary in almost half of all neighbourhoods in England and Wales over the last three years.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'Police solve no burglaries in half of country'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/V2JSdYPS27  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 3, 2024

The Metro leads with a story on an anxiety medication that was prescribed over 8.6 million times last year that has been linked to the highest growing death toll of any medication in Britain.

Tomorrow's Paper Today 



ANXIETY DRUG DEATHS SOAR



 Warning over pill addiction #Tomorrowspapertoday pic.twitter.com/alNFqYVcM9  Metro (@MetroUK) March 3, 2024

The Financial Times says Opec members Russia and Saudi Arabia extended their voluntary cuts to oil production by another three months in an attempt to boost prices.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Monday 4 March https://t.co/AfYep7HjLO pic.twitter.com/T9BpDegOwg  Financial Times (@FT) March 3, 2024

And the Daily Star runs with a story on an American man who ate his 34,000th McDonalds Big Mac.

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Most of the people who voted for US president Joe Biden, 81, in 2020, now fear he is too old, according to The New York Times.
A 38-year-old Lithuanian woman who was charged with the murder of a 47-year-old Polish man in Co Meath two years ago has had a plea of guilty to manslaughter accepted by the State.

Sandra Sandaraite, with an address at Academy Street, Navan, Co Meath, had been charged with the murder of Zbigniew Czech at the same address on December 10th, 2022.

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At the Central Criminal Court on Monday, Sandaraite pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which Bernard Condon SC said was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sandaraite spoke only to say not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter when the charge was read to her by the registrar.

Michael Bowman SC, for Sandaraite, said the charge arose in the context of a domestic dispute.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to a sentence hearing date of May 16th.
The Taoiseach said he welcomes US vice president Kamala Harriss call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Leo Varadkar said her comments on wanting to see a pause in the fighting represents a slight change in the US position.

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Ms Harris said that, given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks.

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She called for Israel to do more to significantly increase the flow of aid into the territory.

Mr Varadkar will travel to Washington next week as part of the annual visit to meet the US president at the White House for St Patricks Day.

The Fine Gael leader said he will use the opportunity to put across the Irish publics feeling about Gaza to US president Joe Biden.

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I think the remarks of vice president Kamala Harris are very welcome, Mr Varadkar said.

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Shes calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to be observed by both Israel and Hamas and I think that those represent a slight change in the US position.

I hope it happens.

Of course, Im going to raise the issue of Gaza and Palestine with president Biden and vice president Harris when we meet next week.

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US president Joe Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

I think the Irish people would expect me to put across their feelings and views I am going to do that.

I really hope though, that Im going to meet them at the end of next week in the context of there being a ceasefire, because of course that will change the nature of what I need to say.

But were all hoping and praying that between now and then there will be a ceasefire so that the hostages can be released, so that desperately needed food and medicine can get into Gaza, and so that we could try and work on making any temporary ceasefire a permanent one because thats what is needed.

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Some opposition politicians have called for the high-profile White House visit to be used to push for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

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The SDLP said it would boycott the White House events over US military support for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, but would send a delegation to Washington to make the case for an end to violence.
March is Endometriosis Action Month and the theme this year is: could it be endometriosis?

Its an important question, because despite the condition affecting one in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, according to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average seven-and-a-half years after first seeing a doctor about symptoms for someone to get a proper diagnosis. Lots of factors play into this  including the fact endometriosis is associated with painful, heavy periods, which people are often taught is just normal.

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There can be a misconception that periods are meant to be painful, and they are heavy and can have this huge impact on your day-to-day life, says Dr Stephanie Ooi, a GP working with Active Iron. Whereas really, I would say those things are definitely a sign to go and see your GP.

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Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the uterus lining grow outside the uterus. These lesions bleed (like what happens within the uterus during a period), but because the blood cant escape, it can cause inflammation and scar tissue (adhesions) to form, as well as cysts.

In severe cases, this process can be widespread, affecting other organs and tissues throughout the body. As Dearbhail Ormond, founder & CEO of frendo, an app that supports people affected by endometriosis or awaiting diagnosis (and who also lives with severe endometriosis herself), puts it: Endometriosis is a whole-body, chronic, inflammatory disease.

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Infertility is also associated with the condition, and lots of people with endometriosis also have adenomyosis  where the endometrial tissue grows inside the uterus wall.

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Unsure whether your period pain could be endometriosis? Heres a closer look

Periods that interfere with your life

So, what counts as a heavy and abnormally painful period?

Dr Ooi says: If youre on maximum-absorbency tampons, pads or a cup and youre changing those every hour or so, and passing clots larger than a 10p piece quite regularly. And pain wise, if youre getting to the point where youre having to take regular painkillers and finding the pain quite debilitating and its having an impact on your day-to-day activity  for example, youre not going for social activities, not going to the gym when you normally would, youre having to centre your life around symptoms.

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Ormond points out that in a survey by frendo of 2,000 UK women, 63% of endometriosis sufferers were told they were lying about their symptoms.

She adds: Extremely painful periods are not normal, and not ok. Periods that interrupt work, school or your day-to-day activities are not normal. Women have historically been conditioned to accept a certain level of discomfort and pain when it comes to periods. My own endometriosis stage 4 diagnosis took 18 years to diagnose, with visits to more than 20 doctors, years of pain and feeling dismissed with many misdiagnoses along the way.

Intense fatigue



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Fatigue can be a lonely and frustrating symptom (Alamy/PA)

Ormond says: The fatigue experienced by many endo sufferers is way more intense than regular tiredness. More often than not, its a long-term feeling of exhaustion that affects sufferers both mentally and physically and can have a profound impact on peoples work and personal lives.

Inflammation plays a part here. As Ormond explains: The body recognises the [endo] lesions are not normal and works extremely hard to eliminate them  a process which releases toxins. These internal toxins are the main cause of fatigue for people with endo. In addition, living with chronic pain is another drain on the system, adding to the fatigue for many.

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Another factor is low iron. Because youre losing more blood essentially, your iron levels are getting depleted, so a lot of people also experience whats called menstrual fatigue, explains Dr Ooi. Active Iron conducted a survey of 1,500 women, which showed that can have a huge impact.

Some 74% of the women surveyed with endometriosis said theyre affected by fatigue, while 84% reported a noticeable difference in their ability to function normally during their period.

Painful bowel movements and gut issues

If endometriosis affects the bowel and rectum, going to the toilet can become excruciatingly painful. This can often be a sign that endometriosis is growing into the bowel wall or surrounding tissue. As well as painful bowel movements, other signs can be constipation during menstruation, or pain during sex, says Mr Amer Raza, consultant gynaecologist at Cromwell Hospital, which has an International Centre for Endometriosis.

When endometriosis spreads to the intestines, it presents many of the same symptoms as IBS and Crohns disease, Raza adds  including constipation, diarrhoea and nausea.

Severe bloating

Many people with endometriosis experience endo belly  the term used to describe the uncomfortable, often painful, swelling and bloating linked with endometriosis, says Raza. It is rarely discussed but can be a distressing symptom.

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Bloating and fluid retention are common, and can be caused by a build-up of endometrial tissue which causes inflammation in the abdomen, trapped blood which can form cysts, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Its often associated with other symptoms too, including gas pain, nausea, constipation and diarrhoea, Raza adds, and can cause the lower abdomen to swell for days or even weeks.



Leg pain

Endometriosis can cause leg symptoms such as numbness, throbbing, tingling, heaviness or pain when walking or exercising. It will feel different to muscle cramps or soreness and may become worse during a period, says Raza. There isnt enough research into why endometriosis causes leg pain, but its believed it could be linked to endometrial-like tissue becoming trapped near the nerves, or endometriosis growing near the sciatic nerves.

Bladder symptoms

Raza says its rare for endometriosis to affect the bladder, but it can happen. Symptoms for bladder endometriosis can include bladder irritation, bladder urgency, pain when the bladder is full, blood in the urine during a period, or pain in the kidneys, he adds.

Get things checked out

Endometriosis can vary and not everybody is affected in the same way. Its also important to remember the above symptoms can all be caused by other things too. If you are concerned, see your GP and get things checked.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rebuked a top cabinet minister arriving in Washington on Sunday for talks with US officials, according to an Israeli official, signalling widening cracks within the countrys leadership nearly five months into its war with Hamas.

The trip by Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival who joined Mr Netanyahus hardline government in the early days of the war after Hamass October 7 attack on southern Israel, comes amid deep disagreements between Mr Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden over how to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and create a post-war vision for the enclave.

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The US was prompted to airdrop aid into Gaza on Saturday after dozens of Palestinians rushing to grab food from trucks were killed last week.

The airdrops circumvented what has been a prohibitive aid delivery system, which has faced Israeli restrictions, logistical issues within Gaza as well as the ongoing fighting inside the enclave.

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But aid officials say the airdrops are far less effective than the aid sent in trucks.

US priorities in the region have increasingly been hampered by Mr Netanyahus hardline cabinet, where ultra-nationalists dominate. Mr Gantzs more moderate party at times acts as a counterweight to Mr Netanyahus far-right allies.

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Humanitarian aid was airdropped into Gaza on Saturday (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

An official from Mr Netanyahus Likud party said Mr Gantzs visit comes without authorisation from the Israeli leader. The official said Mr Netanyahu had a tough talk with Mr Gantz about the trip and told him the country has just one prime minister.

An Israeli official said Mr Gantz had informed the PM of his intention to travel to the US and to co-ordinate messaging with him. The official said the visit is meant to strengthen ties with Washington, to bolster support for Israels ground campaign and to push for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

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Mr Gantz will meet US vice-president Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, according to his National Unity party.

Mr Netanyahu has tanked in popularity since the war broke out, according to most opinion polls, with many Israelis holding him responsible for Hamass cross-border raid that left 1,200 people, mostly civilians, dead and roughly 250 people, including women, children and older adults, abducted and taken into Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

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The subsequent fighting has killed at least 30,410 Palestinians, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

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Palestinians injured in an Israeli strike are treated in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City (Mahmoud Essa/AP)

About 80% of the population of 2.3 million have fled their homes, and UN agencies say hundreds of thousands are on the brink of famine.

Critics say Mr Netanyahus decision-making has been tainted by political considerations  a charge he denies.

The criticism is particularly focused on plans for post-war Gaza. Mr Netanyahu has released a proposal that would see Israel maintain open-ended security control over the territory with local Palestinians running civilian affairs.

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The US wants to see progress on the creation of a Palestinian state, envisioning a revamped Palestinian leadership running Gaza with an eye towards eventual statehood.

That vision is opposed by Mr Netanyahu and the hard-liners in his government.

Mr Gantz, who polls show would earn enough support to become prime minister if a vote were held today, is viewed as a political moderate. But he has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood.

A visit to the US, if met with progress on the hostage front, could further boost his support.

Israel has essentially endorsed a framework of a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, and it is now up to Hamas to agree to it, a senior US official said on Saturday.

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A protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government took place in Tel Aviv on Saturday (Leo Correa/AP)

Israelis, deeply traumatised by Hamass attack, have broadly backed the war effort as an act of self-defence, even as global opposition to the fighting has increased.

But a growing number are expressing their dismay with Mr Netanyahu. Some 10,000 people protested on Saturday to call for early elections. Such protests have grown in recent weeks, but remain much smaller than last years demonstrations against the governments judicial overhaul plan.

If the political rifts grow and Mr Gantz quits the government, the floodgates will open to broader protests by a public that was already unhappy with the government when Hamas struck, said Reuven Hazan, a professor of political science at Jerusalems Hebrew University.

There is a lot of anger, he said, listing grievances that were building well before October 7.

The moment you have that anger and a coalition that is disconnected from the people, there will be fireworks.

Mr Netanyahus government will not collapse if Mr Gantz exits, but it could lose legitimacy in the eyes of much of the public.

Talks aimed at brokering a Gaza ceasefire are under way in Egypt, but an Israeli government official said Israel did not send a delegation because Mr Netanyahu has not received an answer from Hamas on two questions. According to Israeli media, they are a list of live hostages and the number of Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks in exchange for each hostage.

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International mediators hope to broker a deal that will pause the fighting and free some of the remaining hostages before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins around March 10.

Meanwhile, fighting raged on in Gaza, with Israeli strikes late on Saturday killing more than 30 people, including women and children, according to local health officials.

At least 14 were killed in a strike on a home in the southernmost city of Rafah on the Egyptian border, according to Dr Marwan al-Hams, director of the hospital where the bodies were taken. He said the dead, including six children and four women, were from the same family. Relatives said another nine people were under the rubble.

Israeli air strikes also hit two homes in the Jabaliya refugee camp, a dense, residential area in northern Gaza, killing 17 people, according to the civil defence.
A father who killed his six-month-old son by causing him skull fractures and brain injuries has been jailed for 15 years.

David Hollick was told he had carried out a grotesque breach of trust in attacking Kairo Hollick, who was shaken and subjected to at least one severe impact.

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Hollick, 29, cried in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court before he was jailed by Mr Justice Dove on Monday.

Jurors at an earlier trial were told Hollick, who denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, claimed he had tripped and fallen over while carrying Kairo.

Kairo Hollick, whose father David Hollick has been jailed for 15 years (West Midlands Police/PA)

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But medical experts said Kairo, who died at Birmingham Childrens Hospital on February 12 2020, had suffered injuries consistent with an assault.

Hollick, of Primley Avenue, Walsall, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in February after jurors heard how Kairo suffered at least two skull fractures and a fracture to his right arm while in the care of his father three days before he died.

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Prosecutor David Mason KC told the court Kairo had not only been shaken violently, but his head had been bashed at least twice with a hard object.

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Dove said he was sure Kairo had met with non-accidental injuries in the early hours of February 9 2020.

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He told Hollick: The evidence of the medical experts was that these injuries were not the result of rough handling or an accident, but the consequence of severe blunt force impact.

He was extremely vulnerable and what you did to him was a complete betrayal of your duty as a parent.

It is perfectly clear, for example from the videos which we saw of Kairo taken shortly before his death, what a delightful baby he obviously was.

The judge said he was sure that a single impact or multiple impacts had been inflicted on Kairo, alongside shaking.

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He also told Hollick: Kairos family will never know what caused you to inflict these serious injuries and kill their son and grandson.

Hollick was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court (PA Archive)

It is hard to think of a more grotesque breach of trust between a parent and their child that a parent could assault and kill their own child.

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The trial heard Hollicks ex-partner, Adina Johnson, dropped their son off at his home as usual on February 7 for the weekend, and while Kairo had a cold at the time, she had no other concerns about his health.

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Hollick was staying in the conservatory at his parents home due to a lack of bedroom space after moving back in with them when his relationship with Ms Johnson ended.

In a victim impact statement read to the court before sentence was passed, Ms Johnson said: Its been four years since when this nightmare began.

I still cant comprehend the reality that Kairo has died.

Describing Kairo as a dream baby that seemed too good to be true, Ms Johnson said: He learned things so fast.

Family events were now overshadowed entirely by the fact her family would never be whole, Ms Johnson said.

Accusing Hollick of attempting to manipulate the jury with his false narrative of an accident to hide his inhumane actions, Ms Johnson added: Our suffering has been prolonged for years by David Hollick, who continued to deny involvement.
Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of Donald Trumps company, has pleaded guilty in New York to perjury in connection with testimony he gave in the ex-presidents civil fraud case.

Weisselberg, 76, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury and will be sentenced to five months in jail  which would be his second stint behind bars after 100 days last year in an unrelated tax fraud case.

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The pleas related to testimony he gave at a July 2020 deposition in New York attorney general Letitia James case against Mr Trump, but in court on Monday he also admitted, without pleading guilty, to lying on the witness stand at the former presidents civil fraud trial last autumn.

Prosecutors accused Weisselberg of lying under oath in the case about allegations that Mr Trump lied about his wealth on financial statements given to banks and insurance companies.

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Allen Weisselberg looks forward to putting this situation behind him, his lawyer, Seth Rosenberg, said in a statement.



Former president Donald Trump (Steve Helber/AP)

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After The New York Times reported last month that Weisselberg was in negotiations to plead guilty to perjury, Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over the fraud trial, ordered lawyers to provide details related to the Times report.

Mr Trump is appealing against Mr Engorons judgment ordering him to pay more than 454 million dollars in fines and interest for submitting fraudulent information about his asset values on years of financial records.

Weisselbergs new criminal case comes just weeks before Mr Trump is scheduled to stand trial on separate allegations that he falsified business records.

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That case involves allegations that Mr Trump falsified company records to cover up hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations that he had extramarital sexual encounters. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing.

Former Trump lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen has said Weisselberg had a role in orchestrating the payments, but he has not been charged in that case, and neither prosecutors nor Mr Trumps lawyers have indicated they will call him as a witness. That trial is scheduled to begin on March 25.

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Weisselbergs case is separate from the criminal case that Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg brought against Mr Trump last year.

Weisselberg previously served 100 days in jail last year after pleading guilty to dodging taxes on 1.7 million dollars in off-the-books compensation from the Trump Organisation. He is still on probation. Prior to that he had no criminal record.

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He left New York Citys notorious Rikers Island in April, days after Mr Trump was indicted in his New York hush money criminal case.

Under that plea deal, Weisselberg was required to testify as a prosecution witness when the Trump Organisation was put on trial for helping executives evade taxes.

He did so carefully, laying out the facts of his own involvement in evading taxes but taking care not to implicate Mr Trump, telling jurors that his boss was unaware of the scheme.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban will meet former US president Donald Trump on March 8th in Florida, Orban's press chief told Hungarian state news agency MTI late on Sunday.

Last month, nationalist Orban endorsed Mr Trump's bid to return to the US presidency this year.

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"We hope the current president will go, and President Trump will return, and he will have free hands to make peace (in Ukraine)," Orban said on February 23rd.

Mr Trump has made no secret of his admiration for authoritarian leaders, such as Orban and Russian president Vladimir Putin, in the past.

Last year, Orban sent a supportive message to Mr Trump amid his many legal battles.

Orbans post on Twitter featured a photograph of the two men smiling and shaking hands during a meeting at Mr Trumps New Jersey estate,
Germanys defence minister on Sunday described Russias leak of a conversation by ranking German military officers as part of Russias information war against the West, saying the aim was to create discord within Germany.

In the audio recording leaked by Russian state media on Friday, German military officers can be heard discussing support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles.

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The audio was leaked on the same day that opposition politician Alexei Navalny was laid to rest, after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius said the timing was not a coincidence.

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It is part of an information war that Putin is waging. There is absolutely no doubt about that, he said.

It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve.

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Speaking at a news briefing in Berlin, Mr Pistorius added: Accordingly, we should react in a particularly level-headed manner, but no less resolutely.

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In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine.

The audio was leaked as a debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles.

This is clearly about undermining our unity, Mr Pistorius said.

Ukraine has been asking for them as it faces setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the United States being held up in Congress.

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Earlier this week, chancellor Olaf Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war.

His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germanys conservative opposition.

But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.

Mr Pistorius said the officers made clear at all times in the recording that the line of war participation  would not be crossed.
Nato will kick off an exercise to defend its newly expanded Nordic territory when more than 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations take part in drills lasting nearly two weeks in the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden.

With more than 4,000 Finnish soldiers taking part, the Norway-led Nordic Response 2024 represents the Nato newcomers largest ever participation in a foreign exercise, according to Finlands military.

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For the first time, Finland will participate as a Nato member nation in exercising collective defence of the alliances regions, the Finnish Defence Forces said in a statement.

Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, joined Nato in April 2023 in a historic move following decades of military non-alignment.

With its bid now ratified by all Nato members, neighbouring Sweden is currently finalising formalities to enter the military alliance as its 32nd member  most likely in March.

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 US Marines during cold weather training in 



We are strengthening our defence and deterrence for the long term, across all domains and against all threats and challenges #SteadfastDefender24 pic.twitter.com/njOnxw3zGG  NATO (@NATO) March 2, 2024

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Both Sweden and Finland had developed strong ties with Nato after the end of the Cold War, but public opinion remained firmly against full membership until Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Nonalignment was seen as the best way to avoid tensions with Russia, their powerful neighbour in the Baltic Sea region. But the Russian aggression caused a dramatic shift in public opinion in both countries, and they applied jointly for Nato membership in May 2022.

For years, the biannual Nato drill, which has been conducted in the Arctic extremes of northern Norway, was called Cold Response.

However, thanks to the Nato expansion with Finland and eventually Sweden, we are now expanding the exercise to a Nordic Response, the Norwegian Armed Forces said on its website.

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This year, the drill is hosted equally by Finland, Norway and Sweden.

The participating nations in the exercise that runs through March 15 are Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

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Roughly half of the participating troops will drill on land. The rest will train at sea, with more than 50 participating submarines, frigates, corvettes, aircraft carriers, and various amphibious vessels, and in the air with more than 100 fighter jets, transport aircraft, maritime surveillance aircraft and helicopters, according to the Norwegian military.

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NATO Allies are taking part in #SteadfastDefender24, NATO's largest military exercise in decades.



The exercise will demonstrate the unbreakable bond between NATO Allies in Europe and North America, who have kept over a billion people safe for 75 years  NATO (@NATO) March 1, 2024

The combined joint training will focus on the defence and protection of the Nordic region, Norwegian military officials said.

We need to be able to fight back and stop anyone who tries to challenge our borders, values and democracy, said Brigadier Tron Strand from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Commander of the Norwegian Air Operations Centre, in a statement.

With the current security situation in Europe, the exercise is extremely relevant and more important than ever before, he added.

The High North represents an important and strategically located area for Nato and the Nordic Response 2024 exercise increases Nordic preparedness and the capability to conduct large-scale joint operations in challenging weather and climate, Nato said on its website.

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Finlands new president, Alexander Stubb, will inspect the drill together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in northern Norway on March 7.

It is the first foreign trip for Mr Stubb since he was sworn in as Finlands new head of state and its supreme military commander on March 1.
Pitmaster Greg Gatlin (right) of Gatlin's BBQ in Houston will participate in the 11th annual Houston Barbecue Festival. Robert J. Lerma

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo might be the event of March, but in April, a handful of festivals are specifically celebrating crawfish, barbecue and other cultural foods.

Here are some of the food festivals we're looking forward to next month.

Foodieland

Over 150 food vendors will set up at NRG Park for Foodieland. Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

When: 3-10 p.m. April 5, 1-10 p.m. April 6-7; tickets are $6 and must be purchased ahead of time. Children younger than 5 get in for free.

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What: A multicultural celebration at NRG Park. Foodieland will consist of over 150 vendors serving a wide variety of cuisines. The event, which originated in California, was inspired by open-air night markets in Asia. It is now in all four major Texas cities.

Crawfish Fest

KPRC 2 Crawfish Fest kicks off April 13 at Discovery Green. Jamaal Ellis/For the Houston Chronicle

When: 2-9 p.m. April 13; general admission tickets are $15, VIP tickets are $45 and children younger than 8 enter for free.

What: News station KPRC 2 is hosting a celebration for mudbug lovers at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. Crawfish and other Cajun-style boiled foods will be available for purchase and are not included in admission tickets, although a $30 add-on of a 2 pound crawfish plate can be purchased with your ticket. The event will also have a local artisans market and live music.

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Houston Barbecue Festival

Cooper Abercombie, owner of Bar-A-BBQ, slices brisket at the Houston Barbecue Festival. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

When: 1-4 p.m. April 14; general admission is $80, VIP tickets are $150. Presale tickets are $15 cheaper. Children 6 and younger get in free.

What: Some of Houston's  and Texas'  best barbecue joints are coming together for the 11th annual Houston Barbecue Festival, which was co-founded by Houston Chronicle barbecue columnist J.C. Reid. At Humble Civic Center Arena Complex, 8233 Will Clayton, attendees can indulge in unlimited smoked meats from more than 30 barbecue joints. An on-site bar will be selling beer. Only a limited number of tickets are available and must be purchased ahead of the event.

Brazilian Food and Music Festival

Scenes from the Brazilian Food and Music Festival in 2019. Dave Rossman/Contributor

When: Noon-6 p.m. April 21; tickets are $10 before March 30, $12 before April 20 and $15 at the door.

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What: Wildcatter Saloon, 26913 Katy Freeway, is turning into a mini Brazil for the ninth annual Brazilian Food and Music Festival. Find all your Brazilian food favorites in one place, including feijoada, brigadeiro and caipirinha cocktails selling for from $2 to $30. Along with the abundance of food, there will be music, dancing and crafts for kids. The event claims to be one of the top five biggest Brazilian festivals in the U.S.

Top Taco Festival

Tacos are prepared by Maria Barrera during the Texas Taco, Tequila and Music Festival at the Heritage Place Amphitheater in 2021 in Conroe. Gustavo Huerta/Staff photographer

When: 6-10 p.m. April 25; general admission tickets are now $70 with upgraded tickets going for $90. No kids allowed.

What: A ticket to Top Taco Festival gets you unlimited taco samples and tequila cocktails from Houston restaurants. Attendees will vote on their favorites in four categories: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco and Top Cocktail. An upgraded ticket gets you "first taste," meaning you get to enter the event an hour early. It will be held at Post Houston, 401 Franklin. Tickets are expected to sell out.

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Houston Brew Festival

8th Wonder Brewery will be one of the craft breweries at Houston Brew Festival. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

When: Noon-4 p.m. April 27; general admission tickets are $50, early admission tickets are $65. Children are not allowed.
Norways King Harald V is improving but will need a permanent pacemaker after falling ill during a trip to Malaysia, the palace said, as the 87-year-old monarch was transferred to an Oslo university hospital for medical tests.

Harald returned to Norway on board a medical plane late Sunday, a day after he had a temporary pacemaker implanted in the Southeast Asian country after suffering from an infection while on a private holiday at a resort island.

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The king arrived on Monday at Oslos Rikshospital in a vehicle marked intensive ambulance under police escort, and several members of the royal family visited him.

The palace said he will be on sick leave for two weeks, during which Crown Prince Haakan will assume the monarchs duties.

The kings infection has come under more control but he has too low a heart rate, and will need a permanent pacemaker, the palace said.

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The plane departed Malaysia on Sunday (Vincent Thian/AP)

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Europes oldest reigning monarch fell ill on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi during a trip with his wife, Queen Sonja, reportedly to celebrate his 87th birthday.

He underwent surgery in the islands Sultanah Maliha Hospital on Saturday to implant a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate, according to the royal house.

A Scandinavian Airlines medical evacuation plane, which took off from Oslo on Thursday, arrived in Langkawi on Friday. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft has previously been used as a flying ambulance.

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According to Flightradar24, the same plane departed from Langkawi on Sunday headed for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, from where it travelled on to Oslo Airport. The palace said that Sonja was travelling with the king.

According to Norwegian news agency NTB, which cited information from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, the kings transport to Norway will come from the defence budget.

The Norwegian monarch has had frail health in recent years with numerous hospital stays, and has been using crutches. Harald had an operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties.

Harald has repeatedly said he has no plans to abdicate, unlike his second cousin Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who stepped down earlier this year.

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Haralds duties as Norways head of state are ceremonial and he holds no political power. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991.
The US Supreme Court has unanimously restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to ban the Republican former president over the Capitol riot.

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots.

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That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

Mr Trump posted on his social media network shortly after the decision was released: BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!



Donald Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois (AP)

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The outcome ends efforts in Colorado, Illinois, Maine and elsewhere to kick Mr Trump, the front-runner for his partys nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in the attack on the Capitol on January 6 2021.

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Colorado secretary of state Jena Griswold expressed disappointment in the courts decision as she acknowledged that Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 presidential primary.

Mr Trumps case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with a provision of the 14th Amendment that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from holding office again.

Colorados Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Mr Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.

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The justices sidestepped the politically fraught issue of insurrection in their opinions on Monday, but some Trump critics pointed to the silence on that topic as a victory of sorts because the court failed to absolve him of responsibility for the Capitol riot.

The court held that states may bar candidates from state office. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency, the court wrote.

While all nine justices agreed that Mr Trump should be on the ballot, there was sharp disagreement from the three liberal members of the court and a milder disagreement from conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett that their colleagues went too far in determining what Congress must do to disqualify someone from federal office.

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The US Supreme Court rejected state attempts to hold Mr Trump accountable for the Capitol riot (AP)

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Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they agreed that allowing the Colorado decision to stand could create a chaotic state by state patchwork but said they disagreed with the majoritys finding a disqualification for insurrection can only happen when Congress enacts legislation.

Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming president, the three justices wrote in a joint opinion.

It is unclear whether the ruling leaves open the possibility that Congress could refuse to certify the election of Mr Trump or any other presidential candidate it sees as having violated Section 3.

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Derek Muller, a law professor at Notre Dame University, said it seems no, noting that the liberals complained that the majority ruling forecloses any other ways for Congress to enforce the provision. Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, wrote that it is frustratingly unclear what the bounds might be on Congress.

Mr Hasen was among those urging the court to settle the issue so there was not the risk of Congress rejecting Mr Trump under Section 3 when it counts electoral votes on January 6 2025.

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We may well have a nasty, nasty post-election period in which Congress tries to disqualify Trump but the Supreme Court says Congress exceeded its powers, he wrote.

Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which heard arguments less than a month ago, on February 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Mr Trumps favour.

Mr Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Courts decision.

The case is the courts most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v Gore, a decision delivered a quarter of a century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W Bush.

And it is just one of several cases involving Mr Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.

The timing of the high courts intervention has raised questions about whether Mr Trump will be tried before the November election.



Donald Trump hailed the ruling (AP)

The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3.

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The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency.

Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Mr Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.

The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Mr Trumps name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of January 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Mr Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to fight like hell.

They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Mr Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.

Mr Trumps lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment cannot be used to keep him off the ballot.

They contended the January 6 riot was not an insurrection and, even if it was, Mr Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.

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The case was decided by a court that includes three justices appointed by Mr Trump when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.

The 5-4 decision in the Bush v Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then.

He has ignored calls by some Democratic politicians to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Mr Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.
The UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict has said there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualised torture and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its attack on southern Israel on October 7th.

There are also reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing, Pramila Patten, who visited Israel and the West Bank from January 29th to February 14th with a nine-member team, said.

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In a report, she said the team found clear and convincing information that some hostages have been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and sexualised torture.

The report comes nearly five months after the October 7th attacks which left about 1,200 people dead and 250 others taken hostage.

Israels war against Hamas has since laid waste to the Gaza Strip, killing more than 30,000 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The UN says a quarter of Gazas 2.3 million people face starvation.

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Hamas has rejected earlier allegations that its fighters committed sexual assault.

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The report said the teams visit was neither intended nor mandated to be investigative in nature.

Pramila Patten (Alamy/PA)

She said the team was not able to meet any victims of sexual violence, despite concerted efforts to encourage them to come forward, but team members held 33 meetings with Israeli institutions and conducted interview with 34 people including survivors and witnesses of the October 7th attacks, released hostages, health providers and others.

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Based on the information it gathered, Ms Patten said, there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations.

Across various locations, the team found that several fully naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down were recovered  mostly women  with hands tied and shot multiple times, often in the head.

While this is circumstantial, she said the pattern of undressing and restraining victims may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence.

Ms Patten said that at the Nova music festival and its surroundings, there are reasonable grounds to believe that multiple incidents of sexual violence took place with victims being subjected to rape and/or gang rape and then killed or killed while being raped.

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On Road 232  the road to leave the festival  credible information based on witness accounts describe an incident of the rape of two women by armed elements, Ms Patten said. Other reported rapes could not be verified during their time in Israel.

But she said the mission team also found a pattern of bound naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down, in some cases tied to structures including trees and poles, along Road 232.

Mr Patten said that in Kibbutz Reim, the mission team verified the rape of a woman outside a bomb shelter and heard of other allegations of rape that could not be verified.

At Kibbutz Beeri, the team was able to determine that at least two allegations of sexual violence widely repeated in the media were unfounded due to either new superseding information or inconsistency in the facts gathered.

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These included a highly publicised allegation that a pregnant womans womb was ripped open before being killed with her foetus stabbed inside her, Ms Patten said.
This story contains the image and name of a deceased Indigenous person.

A man suffered more than 80 wounds when he was fatally mauled by two dogs in an attack of extreme ferocity after bravely trying to save a woman and girl, an inquest has heard.

Colin Amatto, 40, was attacked on January 24, 2019, inside a home at Tregear, in Sydneys west, where he lived with his schoolfriend David Murray, Murrays wife Laura Graham and an infant girl.

Colin Amatto died after a dog attack in January 2019. Credit: Facebook

The family had three dogs: a six-year-old male called Boof and a female named Hope, both microchipped as Staffordshire bull terriers, and a 16-year-old named Baby, said to be a Staffordshire bull cross, who was not involved in the attack. On Monday, an inquest into Amattos death heard he had got on well with the dogs, and they would sleep with him at night.
The Cranbrook School council has defended its headmaster after an ABC Four Corners program detailed allegations of workplace bullying and abuse at the eastern suburbs school, saying it had considered the matters raised and remained fully supportive of the leadership.

On Tuesday, former tennis champion Jelena Dokic pulled out from an appearance at the school planned in honour of International Womens Day following the airing of the program.

Former tennis player Jelena Dokic was due to speak at Cranbrook this week. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone, Nine

Dokic, an Australian tennis commentator who has recently spoken up about how bullying has affected her life, was due to address students at a Cranbrook assembly later this week.

Students also were warned by the schools deputy headmaster not to discuss the program on social media, advising them to instead talk about it with their parents or teachers.
After refusing his wifes request for a divorce for years, Richard Dudley Kelsey decided to kill her.

He recorded Gail Kelsey venting for hours, grabbed a rifle from his bedroom safe, returned to the verandah and shot the 67-year-old at close range in the abdomen.

Gail Kelsey would have spent her final moments trying to comprehend what her husband of 28 years had done to her, Justice Lincoln Crowley said. Credit: Facebook

The now 76-year-old man with murderous intentions loaded a second bullet, but his wife fell off the chair and slumped to the ground in what would have been an agonising death, a court has been told.

It would have been made all the more painful as she would have spent her final moments trying to comprehend what you, her husband of 28 years, had done to her, Justice Lincoln Crowley said on Friday as he sentenced Kelsey to life in prison.
Twilight trading is the future for the City of Melbournes 4500 retailers, the city council has declared as it prepares to launch a major push to get more shops to embrace late-night shopping across the week.

A report to the councils Future Melbourne Committee, which councillors will vote to endorse on Tuesday night, said the citys rhythm is changing and the number of visitors to the CBD is swelling in the evenings when many shops are closed.

Ben Juers at The Paperback Bookshop, which has embraced late-night shopping every night of the week. Credit: Chris Hopkins

There are now more consumers, workers and visitors in the city between the hours of 5pm

and 7pm than between 8am and 10am, said the Mainstreaming Twilight Trade report.

By closing early, retailers may be missing sales and losing the ability to keep customers engaged as the daytime economy transitions to night.
Good faith and a loophole left open Inquiry chair Peter Tinley told parliament the Pluto deal was just an exchange of letters that created all sorts of gaps and challenges. Woodside uses the biggest gap  that it has to supply the local market only if it is commercially viable  in its defence. Woodsides revenue from the Pluto gas plant in 2023 was $5.9 billion. Credit: Woodside Pluto is meeting its domestic gas obligation, which is to market and make available gas that is commercially viable, Woodside chief executive Meg ONeill said when quizzed last year.

A properly defined commercially viability clause may have worked, but Carpenter left it out of the 2006 deal, leaving it to be negotiated in good faith afterwards. In 2020, the commercial viability test had still not been agreed and now Roger Cooks Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation just refuses to answer the question. Eighteen years of good faith negotiations must have exhausted them. The biggest hurdle to selling Pluto gas is its nitrogen content, which is far higher than allowed in WAs pipeline system. For Woodside to strip nitrogen from more gas than is supplied now it needs to install expensive new equipment. Woodside vice president for Pluto Mike Price told the parliamentary inquiry in October that it was not commercially viable when Pluto started exporting gas in 2012 and on multiple times since Woodside had reached the same conclusion.

The state would find it difficult to challenge Woodsides conclusions, given the two sides have not agreed how to determine commercial viability. Loading McGowan and Cook miss an opportunity The gas reserved by exporters for local use does not belong to WA, as it comes from Commonwealth waters. WA extracted the domestic gas deals in exchange for allowing the companies to build processing plants onshore. In 2021, Woodside needed another favour from the state government: permission to build a pipeline between its Pluto and North West Shelf gas plants to significantly increase exports.

It was then-premier Mark McGowan and his state development minister Roger Cooks chance to get a revised Pluto domestic gas deal. But they only secured a small fraction of the backlog of gas supply from Pluto. Part of the deal was extra gas from Woodsides North West Shelf project in lieu of Pluto gas. Who is at fault? The claim that Woodside does not provide a fair share of gas to WA is a myth, according to its website. It counters with the fact that it acts in accordance with the commitments in our domestic gas agreements. Most would argue that being fair and doing the minimum you can get away are different standards.

If you believe the spirit of the deal counts, then Woodside is the culprit. If doing the absolute minimum you can get away with is acceptable, then the Carpenter government is guilty by accepting such a loophole-riddled agreement, and McGowan doubled down on that failure in 2021. Will Cook take a stand? Just five years ago, McGowan spruiked a different view of gas in WA: My pitch to east coast industry is simple, if you want a cheaper and more reliable supply of gas  go west. Now the state faces a future of more expensive gas that could shut marginal operations and deter new investment. A lot of jobs are at stake.

Just like 18 years ago, we have a Labor premier, an American Woodside chief executive, and a need for secure gas supply. Loading After the inquiry hands down its final report and recommendations in May, Cook will be expected to extract what the community expects from Woodsides biggest revenue-earner. A bureaucrat from Cooks department JTSI told the inquiry last year that for many gas producers, their supply to the local market was a centrepiece of their social licence. The department suspected more transparency on how well they were meeting their commitments would encourage them to sell more gas locally. To rely on a bit of bad publicity, easily minimised by advertising and lobbying, to sway a significant decision by a major company displays the same level of naivety as Carpenter omitting crucial details to be agreed later.
The Association of South-East Asian Nations may not have a parliament or constitute a common market like the European Union, but it does have an official anthem.

The ASEAN Way takes its name from the distinctly South-East Asian style of diplomacy that characterises the forum: a dialogue-heavy, consensus-driven approach that seeks to avoid confrontation and interference in each others affairs.

Taylor Swifts Eras Tour has strained relations between national neighbours in South-East Asia. Credit: Getty Images

Since its founding 56 years ago, the 10-nation grouping has helped promote peace, stability and economic integration in a region marked by religious, political and ethnic differences. Some of the member nations are democracies and others are autocracies; some are Muslim-majority while others are dominated by Christians or Buddhists.

Yet the forum has become an entrenched feature of the regional diplomatic architecture, with leaders ritualistically stressing the centrality of ASEAN in resolving regional issues and engaging with the rest of the world. (Australia is not a member of ASEAN but became the forums first dialogue partner 50 years ago).
The chair of an inquiry into the handling of Bruce Lehrmanns trial has been likened to a fellow traveller of a columnist for The Australian by a judge who found he held apprehended bias against the ACTs former top prosecutor.

Shane Drumgold, the embattled former director of public prosecutions, scored a win on Monday afternoon when ACT Supreme Court judge Stephen Kaye ruled inquiry head Walter Sofronoff could be reasonably seen to have had his findings influenced by journalist Janet Albrechtsen.

Inquiry chair Walter Sofronoff. Credit: Getty

In a lengthy written judgment, Kaye zeroed in on a particular moment throughout the Sofronoff and Albrechtsens extensive contact last year in which Sofronoff texted his negative view of Drumgolds conduct relating to an aspect of the case. In a later text, Sofronoff also described Drumgolds barrister during the probe, former NSW top prosecutor Mark Tedeschi KC, as boring Tedeschi.

The fair-minded observer might fairly apprehend that, at that point, Mr Sofronoff regarded himself as a fellow traveller of Ms Albrechtsen in respect of the views that she had expressed and maintained in her publications about [Drumgold], Kaye wrote.
James who?

Its not an uncommon reply when I tell someone a certain restaurant won or was nominated for a James Beard Award, which is often dubbed the Oscars of the food world. The James Beard Foundation started handing out these awards to U.S. recipients in 1991 to recognize leaders in the culinary industry, including food media.

Diners are mostly concerned about good food, friendly service, accessibility (in price or geography) and whatever else factors into having a nice meal out (noise, vibe, Instagram-friendly, etc.) while spending their hard-earned money.

But for restaurants, a James Beard nomination or award can help boost their bottom line as die-hard foodies add to their dining bucket lists. An award helps draw tourists, too, and media may give those chefs and restaurants more attention  its an ecosystem that feeds itself.

Take Thai sensation Street to Kitchen, whose chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter won a Beard Award for Best Chef Texas in June last year. After taking the prize, her and husband Graham Painters shoebox-size dining room attached to a gas station was packed night after night. By November, they moved into a new (and much larger space) in the East End.

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This year, Houston has bragging rights for a large class of James Beard semifinalist nominees that range from fine-dining spots to taquerias run by young chefs. Well find out on April 3 if any of them make the finalists lists ahead of the awards ceremony in Chicago come June.

Until then, heres a tip sheet of sorts based on our visits over the past few years. The Houston Chronicle team has eaten at all these restaurants, often multiple times (and never for free).

Chef Thomas Bille, left, of Belly of the Beast serves creative dishes such as a saag paneer with spinach mole verde

Nomination: Thomas Bille for Best Chef Texas

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What to know: Chronicle restaurant critic Alison Cook included this Spring restaurant among her favorites in 2023 for good reason. Chef Thomas Billes freewheeling approach to combining a roster of international flavors with Mexican twists results in favorites like saag paneer featuring cheese swaddled in spinach mole verde or seasonal street-corn agnolotti. The Los Angeles native worked at the acclaimed Otium and knows his way around fine dining, but hes come into his own since moving to Houston. He now leans into a more cheffy-but-not-stuffy style, whether it was his first attempt at opening Belly of the Beast in Old Town Spring at the beginning of the pandemic, leading the opening of Chivos, or running sold-out pop-ups throughout town. Today, he and wife Elizabeth oversee the inviting dining room that feels like youre eating in their home.

Order this: Saag paneer, crispy pork belly tacos, Mexican hummus, any of the handmade pastas

Tip: Portions are generous and many of the dishes are quite rich, so go with a small group to share.

Reservations: The restaurant doesnt use major platforms like Resy or OpenTable, but there is a link for booking reservations on its website.

Address and website: 5200 FM 2920, #180, Spring; botbfood.com

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Top left, the Bludorn team of Victoria Bludorn, left, Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji. Their New American restaurant combines elements of Gulf Coast cuisine with French cooking techniques.

Nomination: Outstanding Hospitality

What to know: This polished restaurant in Fourth Ward opened in the middle of the pandemic, but its been a hit since Day One. Customers wanted to see what the team of chef Aaron Bludron, his wife, Victoria, and their partner, Cherif Mbodji, would bring to Houston with years of combined experience working in New York City for legendary French chef Daniel Boulud. From the start, as Alison Cook noted, All of our food ranged from great to good. But the success of Bludorn is built on more than just its stellar preparations of various Gulf-inspired dishes, such as roasted oysters topped with slivers of watercress and bacon or the popular lobster-chicken pot pie. The team focuses on service  checking in or refilling a glass of water without feeling overbearing, gifting you with mini cookies to take home  that aims to welcome you for repeat visits.

Order this: Smoked maitake, lobster-chicken pot pie, smoked prime rib (Wednesdays only), all desserts

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Tip: Prime-time seating in the main dining room can be difficult to land without planning ahead (reservations open 45 days in advance), but theres usually a spot on the covered patio, and the bar is on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to ask about items cooked in the restaurants new fancy smoker.

Address and website: 807 Taft; bludornrestaurant.com

ChopnBlok

Ope Amosu of ChopnBlok

Nomination: Ope Amosu for Emerging Chef

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What to know: West African cuisine has never had much of a spotlight in Houston, then Ope Amosu came along. In the Post food hall, the fast-casual restaurant sells various combination bowls filled with proteins, vegetables and grains like jollof rice. Tomatoes, chiles, onions and spice blends simmer for hours and serve as the base for many of the dishes, which go well with the stewed plantains or collards and kale braised Liberian style with peppers and habanero. Amosus forthcoming standalone restaurant will surely be one of 2024s highly anticipated openings.

Order this: Greens & Tings, The Motherland, jollof jambalaya, rice and greens

Tip: Be on the lookout for Amosus first brick-and-mortar restaurant set to open at 507 Westheimer.

Reservations: None required or taken (for Post food hall)

Address and website: 401 Franklin, Suite A; chopnblok.co

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Cochinita & Co.

Victoria Elizondo of Cochinita & Co.

Nomination: Victoria Elizondo for Best Chef Texas

What to know: This Greater East End spot flies a bit under the radar, even with chef Victoria Elizondo receiving an Emerging Chef semifinalist nod from the Beard Foundation last year. She grew her reputation first with a food truck and then a series of pop-ups by focusing on using fresh, local ingredients while paying homage to her Mexican heritage. Shes a leader among a younger generation of chefs who are offering fresh takes on cuisines often seen as immigrant driven by cooking sustainably, paying workers fair wages, embracing traditional and modern cooking styles at the same time.

Order this: Cochinita pibil, vegan tinga tacos, nopalitos salad

Tip: Dont forget to browse the market inside the restaurant, which sells everything from tostadas to kombucha.

Reservations: None

Address and website: 5420 Lawndale, #500; cochinitaco.com

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants

Ema HTX

Nomination: Stephanie Velasquez for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

What to know: Pan dulce, any variety of Mexican sweet breads, can have a reputation for being dry and even bland. Thats never the case when Stephanie Velasquez is baking the pastries. Shes built a following at the Urban Harvest farmers market in the past few years with her downy-soft conchas (that happen to pair well with a cold brew horchata from Amanecer Coffee Co. thats often included on the menu). Her other pastries, including Texas peach and queso Danish and jalapeno cheddar corn scones, showcase a refreshing take on Mexican-inspired desserts that you cant really find anywhere else in Houston. Ema, which is backed by Velasquez and her partners at Papalo Taqueria and Amanecer, plans to reveal some news soon about a forthcoming project.

Order this: All flavors of conchas, berlinesa, cardamom twist

Tip: Follow Ema on Instagram for the latest updates.

Address and website: ema-htx.square.site

Co-chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu cook up their take on "new Asian American" fare at Jun

Nomination: Best New Restaurant

What to know: Co-chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu have described their Heights restaurant as new Asian American, which you can taste in their deeply personal take on Asian American cuisine. The shareable plates include hits like crispy fried chicken amped up with a kick of fermented shrimp paste and beef tartare drawing on Thai influences crowned with a delicate bunuelo, a delicate lattice of fried dough dusted with sugar. Alison Cook in her review called the restaurant one of the most exciting openings last year.

Order this: Half-shell oysters, beef tartare, curry, fried chicken, tapioca with passion fruit

Tip: The front dining room with the bar includes a fun, front-row seat to the kitchen. Theres a $4 kitchen tip on every bill. Closed Tuesdays.

Address and website: 420 E. 20th, Suite A; junbykin.com

Vanarin Kuch is the chef-owner of Koffeteria

Nomination: Outstanding Bakery

What to know: It's the second year for this new category, and Koffeteria is the first Houston bakery to land on the list. Chef-owner Vanarin Kuch churns out one inventive dessert after another that often speaks to Houstons diversity. On any given morning, you may find a fried rice Danish next to a mango-and-guava croissant. Pair it with the Salty Cambodian (a coffee drink with condensed milk, sourdough butter and Maldon salt) and you can see why this spot lures regulars back to check out Kuchs pastries, which critic Alison Cook has raved are as vivid and supple as anything on the planet.

Order this: In addition to desserts, look for savory dishes such as the beef pho kolache, tamalwich or the Chinese sausage taco.

Tip: Many pastries sell out by closing, but you can place orders online ahead of time (the online menu is updated every evening before the next day). Be on the lookout for the occasional Cambodian-inspired brunch and dinner menus.

Reservations: None for seating

Address and website: 1110 Hutchins, #102; koffeteria.com

Nancy's Hustle remains one of Houston's most popular restaurants since opening in 2017

Nomination: Outstanding Restaurant

What to know: The convivial dining room at this East End bistro hasnt slowed down since opening in late 2017. Customers beelining through the door still soak in the music from the reel-to-reel tapes, esoteric natural wines and all the classic dishes, like just-pulled-from-the-oven Nancy cakes slathered in cultured butter dotted with salty smoked trout roe and chives.

Order this: Nancy cakes, spicy pork and butter dumplings, cheeseburger, salads and desserts with seasonal ingredients

Tip: Prime-time seating is difficult to land, but reservations open four weeks out. Some tables are available for walk-ins, but they will only seat full parties. If youre looking for a quiet dinner in a hushed dining room, this is not the right spot. Closed Mondays.

Address and website: 2704 Polk; nancyshustle.com

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Top 22 anticipated restaurants opening this year, from Bar Bludorn to Phat Eatery

Sof Hospitality Group

Itai Ben Eli, pictured, is one half of the Sof Hospitality Group along with Itamar Levy nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur by the James Beard Awards.

Nomination: Sof Hospitality Groups Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy for Outstanding Restaurateur

What to know: Doris Metropolitan debuted in Houston back in 2017 and within a few years, its two follow-up concepts Hamsa and Badolina Bakery & Cafe joined the steakhouse on the Chronicles Top 100 guide. At all three outlets, Sof Hospitality rewrites the playbook. Doris isnt your typical steak restaurant where sides can be an afterthought. Hamsa offers a modern Israeli menu unlike anywhere else in the city (including belly dancing on Thursday nights). Next door is Badolina, a little gem of a bakery quietly offering sweet-and-savory treats.

Order this: At Badolina, the sourdough breads are popular, but dont miss out on the shakshuka pastry or flaky croissants. While almost every table orders a dry-aged steak, be sure to add on sides like the herbaceous Israeli salad and dont pass on bread service at Doris. The spread of salatim is a must at Hamsa, which can be supplemented with skewers or whole branzino.

Tip: Go early for breads at Badolina. The bar at Doris feels more casual and theres happy hour 5-10 p.m. Monday and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Hamsa is great for dining in groups.

Reservations: Doris and Hamsa take reservations via Resy

Address and website: Badolina Bakery & Cafe and Hamsa are both located at 5555 Morningside, badolinabakery.com and hamsahtx.com; Doris Metropolitan is located at 2815 S. Shepherd; dorismetropolitan.com

Squable chef-partner Mark Clayton. The Dutch baby pancake is one of the restaurant's signature dishes.

Nomination: Mark Clayton for Best Chef Texas

What to know: This Heights favorite has the formula down for an idyllic neighborhood joint wed want to copy on repeat. Theres a lively bar with expertly made drinks, on-point service (theyll swap in a chilled glass when youre halfway through a martini) and food thats described as modern European but never feels fussy. One of the key players behind all that success is Mark Clayton. The chef-partner has been there since the beginning with owners Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel. He worked at Yus former Oxheart (now Theodore Rex) and it shows in the dishes that woo customers back to be regulars  seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation and always a little surprising.

Order this: Marinated mussels with beans on grilled toast, Dutch baby pancake, French cheeseburger, Terrys martini

Tip: The bar seats, where happy hour is offered 4-6 p.m. during the weekdays, are especially popular.

Address and website: 632 W. 19th; squabletime.com

Chef Emmanuel Chavez uses heirloom corn throughout the menu at Tatemo

Nomination: Emmanuel Chavez for Best Chef Texas

What to know: This is the second year in a row that the Tatemo team is in the running for a Beard award (they were previously nominated for Best New Restaurant in the country). Its not a surprise given chef Emmanuel Chavezs accolades in glossy magazines like Food & Wine and Esquire  the restaurant also ranked second among the Chronicles Top 100 guide. His mastery in using heirloom Mexican corn as the bedrock of a tasting menu yields artful dishes that are equally appealing to the eye and palate (Exhibit A: a downy, tart-and-sweet plantain tortilla with mole negro and black-bean puree we tasted during one visit).

Order this: Youre in the hands of Chavez, since dinner is a set seven-course tasting menu ($125). Dishes may include ceviche, quesadillas, tamales and at least one dessert.

Tip: Currently, dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations, which are required, are released the first week of the month for the following month. Theres a BYOB policy with no corkage fee for the first bottle and $20 for each additional bottle opened.
Driving greater representation of women in leadership roles across all areas of the bank is one of the most sustainable ways to continue reducing the gender pay gap, and a key priority for NAB, the bank said, in further comments it made for WGEAs report, which can be found in the WGEA Data Explorer.
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Cloudy this morning. A few snow showers developing during the afternoon. High 38F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
The global economy is slowing down everywhere, and it's affecting even the strongest countries like the US and China. (Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato)

Japan's Nikkei 225 index surged past the 40,000 mark for the first time, signaling a potent resurgence in the nation's equity markets. This remarkable rally, underpinned by robust corporate earnings, a favorable currency environment, and burgeoning foreign investment, positions Japan as a compelling alternative to China's currently subdued markets. Analysts from Jefferies have projected Japan to be among the top-performing markets into the next decade, highlighting a burgeoning narrative of shareholder returns within the country.

The ascent of the Nikkei, which has outstripped other major global indices with a year-to-date gain exceeding 20%, was mirrored by advances across Asian markets. Notably, Taiwan's benchmark index reached a new zenith, propelled by the stellar performance of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a pivotal player in the burgeoning AI chip sector.

Amidst this bullish backdrop, the focus also turns to China as the National People's Congress convenes, with investors keenly anticipating policy directives aimed at revitalizing the Chinese economy. With a growth target around 5% expected, the world's second-largest economy faces the arduous task of navigating multiple challenges, including stabilizing its property sector and reversing capital outflows.

Concurrently, the corporate governance landscape in Japan is undergoing significant scrutiny, particularly in light of U.S. activist fund Elliott Investment Management's recent moves. Elliott's engagement with Mitsui Fudosan, Japan's premier real estate group, underscores a broader push for enhanced corporate governance and shareholder value maximization across Japan Inc. This dynamic interplay between activist investors and traditional Japanese corporations may serve as a litmus test for Japan's commitment to reform and modernization in the corporate sector.

Elliott's advocacy for a nearly $7 billion share buyback at Mitsui Fudosan, and its previous success in effecting change at Dai Nippon Printing Co., exemplifies the growing influence of activist investors in reshaping corporate Japan. These developments, coupled with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's reform agenda, suggest a pivotal moment for Japan's economy, with potential implications for its standing as an investment destination.

As Japan's Nikkei 225 index breaches historical highs, the narrative of Japan's economic resurgence gains momentum. However, the sustainability of this rally may hinge on tangible progress in corporate governance reforms and broader structural changes within the Japanese economy. The actions of activist investors like Elliott, alongside the policy initiatives of the Kishida administration, will be critical in determining whether Japan can transcend its legacy of stagnation and emerge as a beacon of growth and innovation on the global stage.
For the Rs 27 lakh demand, tax plus interest, for AY 2023-24, the company has brought to the notice of ACIT that an error has occurred during the computation of tax

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd on Monday said it has received a Rs 24.46 crore income tax demand from the income tax authority.

An income tax demand of Rs 24.46 crore (tax plus interest) has been raised by the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai, Income Tax Department (ACIT) for assessment year (AY) 2023-24, Metropolis Healthcare said in a regulatory filing.

The actual demand for AY 2023-24 will come to Rs 24.19 crore after adjusting rectification of Rs 27 lakh pertaining to AY 2023-24, it added.

For the Rs 27 lakh demand, tax plus interest, for AY 2023-24, the company has brought to the notice of ACIT that an error has occurred during the computation of tax and ACIT has not granted credit for certain taxes already paid by the company.

Metropolis Healthcare further said it has filed an application for rectification and issuance of the rectification order on account of TDS credit, advance tax, and self-assessment tax credits not allowed. ACIT has accepted the application and is in the process of rectifying it.

"We will be filing an appropriate appeal before the CIT (appeal) against the assessment order," the company said, adding that based on legal advice it believed that the order would not have any immediate material financial impact as there is merit in the accounting principle applied by it.

However, it said the company on prudency has already taken the provision of Rs 19.64 crores (as of December 31, 2023) for the said assessment year out of the net tax demand of Rs 24.19 crore for AY 2023-24.
As per temple norms, only Hindus are allowed to enter the shrine | File image

Nine Bangladeshis were detained by the Odisha Police for allegedly entering the Jagannath Temple in Puri unauthorisedly, an officer said on Monday.

They were detained on Sunday evening after a few Vishva Hindu Parishad activists found that several Bangladeshi non-Hindus entered the 12th-century shrine, flouting the temple norms, and lodged a complaint at the Singhadwar Police Station, he said.

After getting the complaint, a police team reached the spot and detained the tourists for questioning, Puri Additional SP Sushil Mishra said.

We have received a complaint that some non-Hindu people from Bangladesh have entered the temple. We have detained nine Bangladeshis and started questioning them, the additional superintendent of police said.

As per temple norms, only Hindus are allowed to enter the shrine.

If they are found to be non-Hindu, action will be taken against them, as per law, Mishra said.

We are verifying their passports. It was found that one of them is a Hindu. We are checking the passports of others. Preliminary investigation suggests that four of the nine detainees entered the temple, he added.
West Bengal BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar narrowly escaped injury when his car met with an accident on NH-34 in Shantipur, Nadia district, on Sunday, police said.

Majumdar said the accident took place when his car, which was trying to overtake a bus, was hit by the trailing pilot car. Three persons in the pilot car sustained injuries, he said.

"As the bus was blocking a side of the highway, my car tried to overtake it and collided with a guard rail put up on the same side by police. In the process, the trailing pilot car hit my car," he said.

"I escaped unhurt but three occupants of the pilot car were injured," Majumdar, the Balurghat MP, said.

Majumdar, who was fielded by the party from Balurghat Lok Sabha seat for the second time, was returning from a football tournament where he was the chief guest.

He demanded an inquiry to determine if there was any conspiracy to target opposition BJP leaders in the state.

A police official attributed the accident to congestion due to ongoing road repair works along the stretch, with the bus partly obstructing one side of the road.

Meanwhile, the BJP's West Bengal unit shared an image of two cars, claiming that Majumdar was the victim of a life-threatening attack as the police pilot car, allegedly partisan to the TMC, collided with his car at a high speed.

"Majumdar was saved due to the support of people of Bengal. The injured security personnel were admitted to a hospital," the party said on X.

Countering BJP claims, West Bengal Police said when Majumdar was heading towards Krishnanagar along NH-34, his escort vehicle belonging to the CISF hit his car near Gobindapur within Santipur police station area resulting in "slight damage".

West Bengal Police expressed regret over attempts to "distort facts with an ulterior motive" by claiming that the vehicle involved in the collision belonged to the state police.

"Stern legal action is being initiated against those resorting to blatant lies and trying to incite people," the X handle of Ranaghat Police District under West Bengal Police said.
The realities of Pakistans military-supported coalition government of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), or PML (N), and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were underlined last week with mixed signals from Islamabad vis-a-vis relations with India. Diplomatic relations between the two had hit a low after the two countries withdrew high commissioners from each others capital following the Pulwama attack in 2019. Last week, Pakistan appointed a new permanent charge daffaires to New Delhi. This is, according to reports, a step towards Pakistan holding its National Day in the New Delhi embassy complex for the first time since 2019. The move

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Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been granted bail by a Dhaka court in a case related to the misappropriation of over Tk25 crore from the Grameen Telecom Workers' Profit Participation Fund, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Senior Special Judge Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan passed the order after Yunus surrendered before the court and applied for bail.

According to Dhaka Tribune, Yunus's lawyer, Abdullah Al Mamun, requested bail during the hearing, while Anti-Corruption Commission lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajol opposed the plea. Following arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to Yunus.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a charge sheet against Muhammad Yunus and 13 others on February 1, alleging embezzlement of Tk25 crore. The case was initiated on May 30, 2023, at the ACC's Dhaka-1 integrated district office.

According to the case documents, a decision was made at the company's 108th board meeting, presided over by Dr Yunus on May 9, 2022, to open a bank account at the Gulshan branch of Dhaka Bank Limited. However, it was found that the account was opened a day before the decision was even made, as per Dhaka Tribune.

More than Tk25 crore was transferred to the account on different occasions, as per "fake settlement agreements" and decision of the board. But before even distributing the share of the company's profit to the workers, and letting them know, the accused embezzled around Tk25 crore from the fund, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Yunus's bail approval marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the embezzlement case.
Advisory: Schedules for China's "two sessions" on March 4

Xinhua) 08:24, March 04, 2024

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The following are the schedules for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Monday.

-- At 3 p.m., the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee will hold its opening meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

-- Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, will deliver a report on the work of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

-- The spokesperson for the NPC session will give a press conference at noon.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Jackquel Johnson of Tiger2Dozen grills oysters during a pop-up across the street from Turkey Leg Hut in Third Ward on March 2, 2024 Bao Ong / Staff

Over the weekend, Houstonians waited in line for two to three hours for orders of chargrilled oysters along a traffic-jammed stretch of Almeda Road in Houstons Third Ward.

A woman warned customers of the long wait before taking orders for the Gulf Coast bivalves, about $3 each, prepared three ways  regular, "seafood" and jalapeno-bacon. Still, people leaned on a rusty fence surrounding the charcoal grill as smoke swirled and the oysters hissed each time someone poured on a secret sauce made with liquid margarine. Lynn Price, the co-founder of the famed Turkey Leg Hut, occasionally helped add fuel to the fire with logs and coal.

This pop-up along Almeda and Rosedale took place in a parking lot across the street from the popular Turkey Leg Hut, from which Price was fired less than a month ago.

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Were here hustling, Price said. I know good food, and I know how to make money.

Price met Royal Bellock of Tiger2Dozen in New Orleans a few weeks ago and said he was so impressed that he invited him to Houston for a pop-up. The fresh, palm-size Gulf oysters cooked by actual New Orleanians is unique in Houston, Price said.

We showed up for Lynn, Bellock said.

HOUSTON EATS: 5 things to know about popular Third Ward restaurant Turkey Leg Hut

Lynn Price, left, helps Royal Bellock, middle, with a grill top during a Tiger2Dozen pop-up in Third Ward across from Turkey Leg Hut on March 2, 2024 Bao Ong / Staff

The Tiger2Dozen oyster pop-up is the latest twist in the ongoing Turkey Leg Hut drama, but on Saturday, it was all about the chargrilled oysters Price hyped on social media.

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Bellock, who said he used to drive a dump truck, started with a single grill in Marrero on the south side of New Orleans in 2019 before he opened a trailer for Tiger2Dozen. His nickname is Tiger, which his mother gave him as a baby because he would always crawl out of his crib, Bellocks grandfather said.

As Bellock shucked oysters in the parking lot, next to a Turkey Leg Hut trailer, his fiancee, Jackquel Johnson, handled most of the grilling.

Im not surprised so many people showed up, but its still amazing, said Johnson, who said her full-time job is in nursing.

Johnson would use metal tongs to move the oysters on the grill and squirt on a blend of Tiger Sauce, which includes melted margarine with a mint-garlic mixture.

They brought 12 bushels of Gulf oysters from New Orleans, and each bag weighs on average 50 to 60 pounds with anywhere from 100 to 150 oysters.

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A few weeks ago, Price met Bellock in New Orleans during a second line parade. He convinced Tiger2Dozen to come to Houston because he believed it would be a hit.

You can taste New Orleans in these oysters, Price said.

Gulf oysters from Tiger2Dozen's pop-up across from Turkey Leg Hut on March 2, 2024

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Free Crawfish App is helping mudbug lovers track prices during Houston's record shortage

By early Saturday evening, Bellock finished shucking the remaining orders and hunched over with his hands on his knees. He had driven to Houston around 2 a.m. that morning and started setting up before noon.

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Bellock hopes to bring his trailer to Houston next time, he said, so he can cook orders on a larger grill and serve more customers. He also wants to bring his burgers, too.

These are fire, but never waited this long for oysters, said customer Nikki Harris, who shared an order with her mother. I don't know if wed be here if it wasnt for Lynn telling everyone.

Price, meanwhile, would bounce between the pop-up and Turkey Leg Hut throughout the day

I cant tell if hes still with Turkey Leg, said Janelle Williams, who was eating her to-go order of crawfish from Turkey Leg Hut at a picnic bench in the same lot. I asked him, but he just smiled.

Williams isnt the only person wondering what is happening with Turkey Leg Hut, one of Houstons biggest restaurant success stories in recent years.

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Nakia Holmes has filed for a divorce from husband Lynn Price. She alleges he abused her and their children in an Instagram post. Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer

Price and wife Nakia Holmes started their business in a parking lot across from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2015, and it grew into a popular destination for its large, stuffed turkey legs and sides, such as mac and cheese, collards and seafood. Even celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Megan Thee Stallion visited the Third Ward restaurant.

A number of lawsuits, from noise complaints to ownership tussles, preceded the buzz on social media when Holmes said she was separated from Price. Its unclear if the divorce between the two has been finalized.

On Sunday, Tiger2Dozen still set up its grill and by late morning, Price was promoting the pop-up on Instagram.
The details of the defence cooperation agreement were not provided | Photo: Bloomberg

China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties with Male, weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

The Defence Minister of the Maldives Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met with Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China, to discuss enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Maumoon and Major General Baoqun "signed an agreement on China's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties," the Maldivian defence ministry posted on its X handle.

The details of the defence cooperation agreement were not provided.

The visit of the Chinese military delegation took place days after Male allowed Xiang Yang Hong 03, a hi-tech Chinese research ship to make a port call for the "rotation of its personnel and replenishment."



On January 5, Sri Lanka, while denying entry to the same ship, said it has declared a moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters for a year amid concerns from India over Chinese research vessels docking in its neighbourhood and collecting data from the oceans, including in the Indian Ocean Region, for military purposes, especially for submarine operations.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously defended the port call by the Chinese research ship to the Maldives saying, China's scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity's scientific understanding of the ocean.

The visit of the Chinese military delegation to the Maldives is taking place days after India confirmed that its first civilian team of technical experts has reached the island nation to replace the military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter in the country.

President Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, has set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country.

"The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.

Following meetings of the high-level core group that was set up to address the issue of withdrawal of the Indian military personnel, the Maldivian foreign ministry had said India will replace all its military personnel in two phases by May 10.

According to the Maldivian government, 88 Indian military personnel are in the country, primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft that have carried out hundreds of medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

The ties between the two countries came under some strain since Muizzu came to power in November last year.

Muizzu maintained after assuming charge as the president that he would keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.

Muizzu defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male. The current government has said that it was reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements signed with India by the previous governments.

The Maldives' proximity to India, barely 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainland's western coast, and its location at the hub of commercial sea lanes running through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) gives it significant strategic importance.
NEET cut-off passing marks and percentile in 2021 were 720-138 and 50th, respectively, for general category, and 137-18 and 40th for SC/ST/OBC

Seoul witnessed a significant protest on Sunday as thousands of doctors took to the streets to voice their opposition to the South Korean government's proposal to increase medical school admissions, CNN reported.

The demonstration also highlighted broader concerns regarding insufficient support for the nation's healthcare system.

The protesting doctors said that the government should address a spectrum of challenges facing the healthcare system rather than merely increasing the annual intake of medical students. Key concerns include specific field staffing, government remuneration for essential medical treatments, and the establishment of a robust infrastructure to support the education of a growing number of medical students, according to CNN.

The government's announcement in February revealed plans to boost medical school admissions by 2,000 students annually, starting from the 2025 academic year, ultimately reaching a total of 5,000 students per year. The objective is to meet the evolving healthcare demands of one of the world's fastest-ageing societies and enhance medical accessibility in rural areas.

Trainee doctors, facing difficult working conditions marked by low pay and long hours, commenced strikes on February 21, with around 8,000 submitting their resignations. An additional 1,000 have resigned since then, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the government's commitment to the proposed changes, stating, "Protecting people such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities is directly linked to the government's core policy on welfare for the vulnerable populations in healthcare. Therefore, this [medical reform] is not a matter for negotiations or compromise."

According to a recent Gallup poll, 76 per cent of respondents favoured expanding medical school admissions.

On Thursday, the government issued a back-to-work order, warning striking doctors their medical licenses could be suspended if they did not comply.

Despite the deadline, a representative for South Korea's doctors said they supported the walkout and would continue to push for their demands to be met.

To address the healthcare gap during the strike, the government has enlisted and granted legal protection to nurses for performing certain medical procedures typically handled by doctors, according to the health ministry.

The standoff between the government and the medical community underscores the complexity of balancing healthcare demands in a nation experiencing a shrinking number of child care facilities, a surge in elderly facilities, and the world's lowest birth rate since 2015, CNN reported.
Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent aid into Gaza. This is the first time this language has been used by the administration

US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for at least the next six weeks, as she called on the Israeli government to "do more" to increase the flow of aid in the war-ravaged enclave.

Harris made the ceasefire call on Sunday during a speech in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the annual remembrance of the landmark civil rights movement.

The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated, and given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Harris, 59, said.

This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid. This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is more secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination, the Indian-American leader said amidst applause from the audience.

Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza, Harris, a Democrat, said.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal immediately welcomed the call.

The Vice President has called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent aid into Gaza. This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now let's back it up with a policy shift, said the 58-year-old Democratic lawmaker.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Harris said, "What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

Asserting that too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, she said, Just a few days ago, we saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks, simply trying to secure food for their families after weeks of nearly no aid reaching Northern Gaza."



"And they were met with gunfire and chaos. Our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy and for all the innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe, Harris said amidst applause from the audience.

People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act. As President Joe Biden said on Friday, the United States is committed to urgently get more lifesaving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need," she said.

"Yesterday, the Department of Defence carried out its first airdrop of humanitarian assistance, and the United States will continue these airdrops. And we will work on a new route by sea to deliver aid, she said.

And the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses. They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need, Harris said.

At the same time, Harris said that Israel has a right to defend itself. And President Joe Biden and I are unwavering in our commitment to Israel's security, she said.

A day earlier, the Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza between 3:00 and 5:00 pm to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

Various C-130 aircraft dropped 38,000 meals along the Gaza coastline, allowing civilian access to critical assistance.

And those locations were chosen specifically as areas where we thought people would be able to best access the aid. There were 66 total bundles, 22 on each aircraft, which were dropped into Gaza to help alleviate the intense hunger and desperate situation there, a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo urged regional neighbours on Monday to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China is forcefully pursuing territorial claims in conflict with other nations.

Manalo spoke at a forum on maritime cooperation on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian leaders' summit in the Australian city of Melbourne at which increasingly assertive moves by China is high on the agenda.

Manalo referred to the Philippines' victory over China in a 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, that invalidated Beijing's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept the ruling.

Manalo said the Philippines pursued the case to uphold the rule of law and to promote the peaceful settlement of such disputes.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, he said.

It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law, he added.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, which is one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. That has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, which all maintain claims to islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

Manalo called for regional neighbours to uphold cooperation over confrontation and diplomacy over the threatened use of force.

For the South China Sea and the seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific to be unifying domains of peace, stability and prosperity, we need to gather more strongly around the collective responsibility as well as a shared sense of stewardship, he said.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalo's comments, saying the nine member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations represented at the Melbourne summit need to nurture and protect agreed rules, uphold international law, prevent conflict and build strategic trust.

Shared prosperity is an incentive to maintain peace, yet it is not enough to guarantee peace. The stakes are clear, Wong said.

We know that a major conflict in our region would be devastating to our communities and economies, as the terrible conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown, she added.

She announced that Australia would spend 40 million Australian dollars ($ 26 million) on enhancing its maritime partnerships in the region aimed at both security and prosperity.

Australia and the Philippines, conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China will maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Wang warned that if the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Wang's comments followed China's mobilization of its coast guard and maritime militia to block Philippine supply missions to support its soldiers and fishermen.
The European Union must allow Ukrainian food producers access to EU markets long term, rather than just extending measures year by year, leaving them at the mercy of political pressures, a senior Ukrainian official said on Monday.



Ukraine wants to permanently remove tariffs and quotas on EU agricultural imports by updating its trade deal with the EU, or at least extend the current suspension for three years, Markiyan Dmytrasevych, deputy minister for agrarian policy and food, said.



"We need something more convenient for planning," he told Reuters in an interview during a trip to Brussels. "A lot of resources go into these talks every year. Then we have new demands, new protests in the EU and its member states." Ukrainian food exporters have faced a wave of protests, including blockades of border crossings, from EU farmers in recent months, with many angry over what they say is unfair competition from cheaper Ukrainian imports.



The European Commission has proposed import duties and quotas on Ukrainian farm produce - originally suspended in 2022 after Russia's invasion, which hit shipments via the Black Sea - be lifted for another year to June 2025.



The proposal introduces an "emergency brake" for poultry, eggs and sugar, allowing tariffs if imports exceed the average levels of 2022 and 2023.



A majority of EU governments backed the proposal, but the situation among lawmakers is unclear. A parliamentary committee is set to vote on the proposal on Thursday, but with a number of possible amendments.



They include extending the list of emergency brake products and adding as a reference year 2021, before Russia's invasion when Ukrainian exports to the EU were curbed by tariffs and quotas.



"That will not work for us," Dmytrasevych said.



He said Ukrainian farm produce was not harming EU markets.



Ukrainian sugar imported into the EU made up less than 3% of consumption, he said, and prices in supermarkets were still above pre-war levels.



Indeed Romania had specifically asked for sugar imports, he said, while Hungary, with an effective import ban, had also needed Ukrainian sugar to balance prices.
Blenders Pride Glassware has always been at the cusp of presenting the next in fashion, presenting experiences that have shaped the style quotient for an entire generation. The brand now forges ahead with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival, that is set to take fashion beyond the runway as Indias first fashion festival.



Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has been imagined staying true to the brands mantra of presenting an evolving world of style. While at the heart of it remains fashionable showcases by Indias finest designers & stylish celebrities, in an entirely new avatar, Fashion NXT Festival takes a leap forward by bringing the brands stylish world to audiences in newer cities, starting with Bhubaneswar and Pune in March 2024. The brand has collaborated with some of the most sought-after and buzzing lifestyle brands, that are curating a host of immersive experiences. The mission is clear  to connect the brewing aspirations of a young, growing India with fashion-forward experiences which are pocketed in select metro cities.



For its first edition, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has already lined up stellar collaborations with some of the most exciting brands across genres. Take Nasher Miles for example, a fashion accessory brand for the modern-day traveller, that has been making waves on social media since its recent debut on Shark Tank India. Another interesting brand is All You Can Street  a streetwear collective, that is bringing a host of streetwear brands with DIY stations for audiences to customize their apparel. Similarly, brands like Beardo and MyGlamm are putting together grooming & styling stations where festival goers can get a stylish makeover by expert stylists. John Jacobs is setting up a pop-up to experience their cutting-edge eyewear through virtual try-ons. Not to miss Doodle Mapuls, which is setting up a kiosk where their artists will sketch & customize t-shirts and sneakers live for festival goers. Lastly, Audi (Pune) is showcasing their latest collection at the festival bringing audiences closer to the touch of luxury.



Surrounding these high-on-style experiences are exciting fashion showcases by designer Nachiket Barve with Sanya Malhotra in Bhubaneswar, and by designer Varun Bahl with Aditi Rao Hydari in Pune, and thumping music performances by popular artists like Ritviz, Kayan, Progressive Brothers and Rabab Randhawa, to create an electrifying atmosphere for festival goers to groove to through the day.



In essence, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival promises to be packed with multifaceted experiences across fashion, music and technology. As a first-of-its-kind concept, being Indias first fashion festival, it is undoubtedly set to redefine all things fashion, style and glamour.



Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India said, As we continue to trailblaze the fashion landscape in India, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festivals bring an impressive new format that diversifies our experiences into newer towns. Were excited to collaborate with such exciting brands, that share our vision in becoming an immersive gateway into the world of style and glamour.



Shruti Kedia Daga, Co-Founder and CMO, Nasher Miles said, "We're very excited to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. This association epitomizes our commitment to elevating the style quotient of the Indian traveller. At Nasher Miles, we believe that every journey is an opportunity to showcase style and functionality, and this partnership allows us to redefine the travel experience."



Yash Shetty & Abhishek Gandhi - Co-Founders, All You Can Street said, As the largest premier progressive fashion festival, curating an array of brands is what we do but this time for Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune, we have an exclusive curation of brands that are currently creating ripples in the fashion industry. I believe Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and All You Can Street together is bringing to you a fashion curation like never before, tapping into contrasting audiences within mainstream fashion in India.



Anisha Gandhi, Celebrity Stylist and Founder, The Styling Room said, Were elated to be a part of The Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. Our collaboration reflects the assortment of fashion we house to suit the best of each individual. We are thrilled to exhibit some of the most fun and finest brands both international and homegrown. From Skims, Aroka, Wear Cecil to Triune, Shop monokrom and so many more. Styling Room has created a space for you to be the most chic, confident and daring You! After all, everyday is a fashion show and this collaboration definitely is about to elevate your fashion game!



Kirthi Pillai, Co-Founder, Doodle Mapuls said, This is a really exciting venture for us as we get to collaborate with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival at the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone happening in Bhubaneshwar. It's events like these where we get to explore our creativity even more and make our art more hands-on. Want to see the art of producing T-Shirts & Doodling Shoes? Drop by our Pop Up at Sandys Tower for a fun and colourful experience! Lets Meet, Print and Wear Merch which expresses Art, Style and Vibe.



Sujot Malhotra, CEO, BEARDO said, We're thrilled to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival where we will be showcasing our grooming & styling products. Our Styling Stations at the festival will give an opportunity to festival goers of not only experiencing our products but our styling team will also help them groom with live demonstration of what our products can deliver for them. At Beardo, we pride ourselves in bringing the best of global trends to enable men to express themselves with confidence & we are glad to be given the opportunity to be a part of this platform.



Apeksha Gupta, CEO, John Jacobs said, The Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival propels our brand into the next wave of the fashion landscape. It gives us an outlet to shape eyewear as the pulse of fashion dynamically. Hoping to see you all have as much fun as we enjoyed creating the virtual experience.



Sukhleen Aneja, CEO, Good Brands Co., The Good Glamm Group said, We are excited to be partnering with the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and bring forth an immersive experience zone, blending beauty and style seamlessly. As we showcase our iconic MyGlamm Pout by Karan Johar, we invite attendees to indulge in the magic of makeup artistry and aim to celebrate individuality and empowerment, making this event a true reflection of MyGlamm's ethos. We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural edition of the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival."



Salil Rane, Head, Marketing (Audi Business) - Jubilant Motorworks Private Limited said, Jubilant Motorworks Pvt Ltd is happy to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Pune. We look forward to a great event and to this amazing partnership.
EPA contractors in the parking lot of Cypress Centre, 11600 Jones Road, conduct testing at the Jones Road Ground Water Plume Superfund Site Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Houston. The area was contaminated with tetrachloroethylene from the former Bell Dry Cleaners located at the shopping center. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

As the Environmental Protection Agency continues to remediate Jones Road Superfund site, the organization is making another effort to encourage residents in the north Houston neighborhood to switch their water lines from private wells to a public water line due to dangerous dry-cleaning chemicals.

For almost two decades now EPA has helped people living near the site at 11600 Jones Road to switch water lines.

Jones Road became a Superfund site after Bell Dry Cleaners, which closed in 2002, improperly dumped dry-cleaning chemicals for years, leading to an underground plume of pollution.

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A total of 274 properties, including 90 commercial, were within the water line boundary from the site. The site boundaries cover the area between Woodedge Drive, Tower Oaks Boulevard, Oak Valley and Rowood Lane.

Lauren Leach-Guidry, EPA remedial project manager at the site, said her team will continue to remediate the site and has addressed the source but is now focusing on deeper ground water.

Guidry said that the project doesnt have an exact timeline and could take some time.

Cleaning up has been just ongoing, groundwater just takes a long time to remediate but the EPA has been making steps to clean up the groundwater, said Guidry.

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Former Jones Road Superfund Site project manager Raji Josiam said in the past when encouraging residents to switch from private wells to a public water line, the concern was that residents didnt want to pay higher rates for water.

Residents' private wells tested in the area were clear at the time of testing, but Josiam still encourages residents in the area to switch, because it will protect them from potentially dangerous chemicals.

She said that around 51% of residents switched in 2008 and a few more have done so since.

EPA officials plan to do another ground water investigation specifically focusing on deep ground water within the residential and commercial area of the site.

Guidry said the project currently has funding through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects but leaders are looking to get more funding in place and plan to go door to door this spring to encourage residents.

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MOSCOW  This March, the Russian capital becomes the pulsating heart of the fashion world with Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) from the 1st to the 8th, bringing together over 120 designers from across the globe.

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With an impressive lineup from not just Russia but Brazil, Indonesia, China, India, Turkey, South Africa, Costa Rica, Ethiopia and Egypt, MFW is more than just a fashion week; it's a confluence of global talents and emerging markets.

In recent times, Moscow has carved out a name for itself as an international launchpad for designers on the rise. With local brands witnessing a surge of 10-15% growth annually in Russia's fashion scene, the event promises an opening for international labels to unveil their latest creations and weave crucial business ties across borders. With coverage in over 50 countries, including key markets in Europe and Americas, MFW's reach is truly global, streaming across an array of digital platforms to fashion aficionados worldwide.

This year's event is stationed at two iconic locales: the Manege, an exhibition hall famed for its proximity to historical landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, and the international exhibition Russia at architecturally notable VDNH.

The kickoff saw a gathering brimming with media and public interest, not to mention the front-row presence of international celebrities. Italian film icon Ornella Muti, hailed for her roles in cult films Gordon Flash and Oscar, was spotted cheering for her daughter, NaikeRivelli, as she strutted down the runway for Russian brand Maison ESVE. Meanwhile, Chinese actress Lily Ji, known for her roles in Pacific Rim: Uprising and Skiptrace, brought to Moscow her collection of traditional vintage Chinese dresses, honoring her heritage and expanding the cultural tapestry of the week.

Russian designers are merging heritage with innovation; for instance, Ermiintegrates ancient costume designs with modern textiles, while the young Moscow label BITTE__RUHE dives into the mermaid core aesthetic with its lineup of dresses and trousers. Adding to this diversity, the KUZINA brand received applause for its inclusive approach, featuring models with Down syndromea testament to Moscow Fashion Week's broadened horizons.

The international appeal continues with Indonesian brand IRMASARI JOEDAWINATA introducing a collection inspired by the mystic ocean shores, embracing the modest fashion trend which is gaining traction globally, including Russia.

Attracting over 70,000 attendees and 5 million online viewers each season, MFW offers an unparalleled platform for designers aiming to captivate a global audience. Beyond the runway, the event encompasses a professional showroom attracting hundreds of boutiques, a rich program of lectures and masterclasses, and even a festival celebrating fashion in film.

Each year, Moscow Fashion Week not only fortifies its international standing but also celebrates the rich tapestry of Russian and global cultures, making it an essential mark on the international fashion calendar.

Get more information on Moscow Fashion Week



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The Art Car Museum is a private institution dedicated to contemporary art with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts and artists that are rarely, if ever, acknowledged by other cultural institutions, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, in Houston. Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle Sneeze guards have been placed in different parts of the Art Car Museum to protect the staff receiving guests to the museum on Thursday, May 7, 2020, in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer A sculpture by Tim Glover amidst his show "Working in the Margins" currently on display at the Art Car Museum, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Houston. (Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle) Mark Mulligan

Leaders of the Art Car Museum announced their intention to close after nearly 30 years in its Houston Heights location, according to a statement on its website. The announcement comes not long after both the museums founders, Ann OConnor Williams Harithas and her husband James Harithas, passed away in 2021 and 2023.

The Art Car Museum is a contemporary art museum that was founded in 1998 to showcase the growing art car movement, which, according to the Art Car manifesto published by James Harithas in 1997, turns cars from a factory-made commodity into a personal statement or expression, and represents the changes in popular consciousness.

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The Art Car Museum mixes the traditions of fine, folk and public art together to cultivate its aesthetic, and it exhibits not just art cars and other vehicles, but also artwork of other mediums from artists around the world.

The museums founder, Ann Harithas, comes from a legacy Texas ranching and oil family, and has founded two other museums with her husband James, The Station Museum in Houston (which has been temporarily closed since 2022) and the Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art in Victoria, Texas.

The Art Car and Five Points Museums have been kept alive by a trust that Ann Harithas children opened after her death in 2021, in order to fund the two years of exhibitions she had planned, according to a story in Texas Monthly on the family. But the couple did not create their own foundation before their deaths to keep the three museums going, nor did they leave instructions for their heirs on what to do with the properties. The futures of each museum are uncertain, although there is reportedly an emphasis on keeping the Victoria museum in operation above the other two.

There have been alleged talks with local and regional art organizations on how to continue the Art Car Museums legacy, according to the museums website. When available, those in charge will share the details publicly, the statement reads.

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The Art Car Museum pictured in May 2020 re-opening to the public with new Covid-19 safety measures. Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

What is an Art Car?

Art Cars are vehicles that have been modified as artworks based on the personal expression of their owners. They have often been emblematic of counterculture themes since the movement's beginnings in 1975, a time when many American-made cars dominated the market, according to Harithas' manifesto.

The Art Car movement intended to (rescue) the automobile from corporate uniformity, Harithas wrote, and show the changing cultural and social influences on American culture. Art Cars found their inspiration in the low-riders and hippie vans, which were popularly outfitted to various degrees in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Harithas manifesto.

Houston, which is known to some as the Art Car capital of the world, is also home to an Art Car Parade, which brings patrons from across the country to showcase their art cars, and has had famous grand marshals, like comedian Dan Aykroyd, and locally famous grand marshals, like former Mayor Annise Parker, who led the parade twice.

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This year's parade and its host of events is set to take place between April 11-14, according to the event's website. The actual parade will begin at 2 p.m. on April 13, and the Art Car Ball, a music festival, will take place April 12 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., including headliner Heartbyrne, a Talking Heads tribute band. The grand marshal of the 2024 event has yet to be announced.

The Art Car Museum will close after April 28, the last day it plans to be open to the public, according to the website. Anyone who visits the museum during its last two months will see its last exhibition, the retrospective dedicated to its founder, Ann Harithias.

The retrospective, called "The Creative Era of Ann Harithas," is a collection of her personal collage works, Art Car creations and some that she commissioned or collected, according to the museums website. It was originally on display at the Five Points Museum before opening at the Art Car Museum in fall 2023.

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Saint-Gobain posts 6% decline in sales in 2023

04 March 2024

Saint-Gobain has reported sales of EUR47,944m in 2023, down 6.4 per cent from EUR51,197m in the previous year. EBITDA over the same period declined 1.7 per cent from EUR7123m to EUR7001m, while consolidated net debt fell 10.2 per cent from EUR8232m to EUR7393m. Recurring earnings per share were down 1.4 per cent from EUR6.48 in 2022 to EUR6.39 in 2023. Operating income fell 1.6 per cent YoY, coming in at EUR5251m in 2023, with an operating margin of 11 per cent, marking a new record high, compared to 10.4 per cent in the previous year.

In the northern Europe region, sales fell 5.9 per cent in 2023 due to a sharp slowdown in new construction, while renovation, which accounts for around 55 per cent of sales, proved more resilient. The UK outperformed in a downbeat market, while Germany continued to suffer in a difficult macroeconomic environment which weighed on new construction.

Sales in southern Europe, Middle East and Africa held up well due to the renovation market, which accounts for almost 70 per cent of sales, while new construction continued to decline. Turkey enjoyed strong growth, while the group enhanced its offering in Saudi Arabia through the acquisition of Izomaks in construction chemicals.

In the Americas 2023 saw organic growth of 1.9 per cent with North America delivering 5.3 per cent growth, supported by good momentum in the second half of the year. Latin America was down 7.3 per cent in 2023 with the volume decline in Brazil easing towards the end of the year thanks to the strong performance of the groups light construction solutions. Market share gains were seen in Mexico, while the group also successfully replaced 100 per cent of its natural gas with biogas at its mortars plant in Rio de Janeiro.

The Asia-Pacific region reported 5.3 per cent organic growth over 2023 with good momentum in volumes and a record operating margin at 12.6 per cent, up from 12.1 per cent in 2022. India posted another year of outperformance thanks to its comprehensive and innovative range of solutions, while in China, the group continued to capture market share and increase volumes, despite the difficult construction market.

Capex in 2023 totalled EUR2029m with around 70 per cent of growth capex invested in North America, Asia and emerging countries. The group opened 23 new plants and production lines focussed on the fast-growing markets of construction chemicals and light construction.

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Police Chief Troy Finner speaks at police headquarters on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Two assistant chiefs were demoted over their role in the more than 264,000 incidents suspended using an internal code citing lack of personnel, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department said Monday.

Victor Senties, a spokesman for the department, confirmed that Ernest Garcia and Kevin Deese had been demoted. Senties said Chief Troy Finner would release additional information about the investigation later.

Anything more specific will be released soon, Senties said.

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MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: HPD has dropped cases due to lack of personnel more than a decade

What began as a review of more than 4,000 suspended sexual assault cases in the department balooned department-wide and grew to encompass more than 264,000 incidents reported to the department since 2016, Finner has said. The dropped cases make up about 10% of the departments 2.8 million filed since 2016, Finner said. About 100,000 of those are property crimes, he wrote.

Its not yet clear exactly why Deese and Garcia were demoted. Deese was an assistant chief who oversaw the special victims, property crime and major assaults and family violence units and Garcia was an assistant chief.

Deese declined to comment to a reporter, while Garcia could not be reached.

Finner has said that he learned about the code in 2021 and ordered the department to stop using it. But that same code appeared in police policies approved as recently as December 2023.

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Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will provide a 45-minute ranger-led presentation on Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m., discussing Nadine Lvova Turchin, the wife of US Brigadier General John Basil Turchin, a very unusual woman for her time and not fitting into the strict role of a woman in the Victorian Era.Participants will meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center before traveling out onto the battlefield for the talk. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and a folding chair might be desirable.Officials said, "Born in Russia, Nadine was the daughter of a high-ranking Russian officer. In 1856, she married Ivan Vasilovitch Turchinov, also a Russian officer, with whom she immigrated to the United States.Upon their arrival, the Turchinovs changed their last name to Turchin. John Basil Turchin became the only Russian-born general to serve in the United States Army during the Civil War. Not to be left behind, Mrs. Turchin traveled with her husband during the war and was always a force to be respected. She even managed to make her presence known on the battlefield of Chickamauga. She also kept a diary, which included her very outspoken views on her husbands fellow officers, as well as the events that unfolded around her at Chickamauga. This special program will share her unique story."For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.
My wife and I have had the privilege of getting to know Michele Coffman over the last decade as our attorney and now a friend.

She is truly one of the most hardworking and knowledgeable people we know. She is full of integrity and always stands for what is right and just.

She is exactly our community needs as a Circuit Court judge.





Jeremy Kennedy
A previous article, Value of the Tennessee River published Feb. 1, 2024, acknowledged the construction and existence of two canals built at Muscle Shoals, Al., in an effort to improve traffic problems on the unpredictable Tennessee River prior to development of the TVA system of dams in the late 1930s.

The barriers of waterfalls, rapids, sinks, sandbars, and the vertical fall of the river from Upper East Tennessee divided the often wild river into two sections.

A combined route approximately 170 miles long, with a drop of 337 feet, started around 1830 on 400,000 acres of land given to the state of Alabama by the federal government to build the Tennessee Canal, later renamed the Muscle Shoals Canal.

Construction of the original canal began in 1831 and was open for river traffic in 1836 with a length of 14.5 miles, 60 feet wide, and channel with 17 locks, each 120 feet wide and 32 feet deep.

Financial difficulties took place and, after a lift of only five feet, the project was abandoned in 1838 when the federal government refused to appropriate additional funding. (Must have been before the free grant generation of the present era.)

A second Muscle Shoals Canal began being built in 1875, with the canal being widened and the number of locks reduced to nine with a resulting water lift of 85 feet.

Three additional locks were built at different locations, and a railroad track was built alongside the canal, which allowed the locomotive to tow boats through the canal.

This system was used until the Wilson Dam was completed in 1924 and remains one of nine dams in the TVA system.

As a result of those combined construction efforts on the Tennessee River, several financial ventures took place by Chattanooga investors.

Perhaps the top speculative river enterprise to occur with local businessmen was launched in the early 1890s on the initiative of such historical figures as Adolph Ochs (Chattanooga and New York Times), Newell Sanders (U.S. Senator 1911-1913), Z.C. Patten (Chattanooga Medicine Co.) etc. and other local businessmen numbering 100, who each gave $1,000 each to purchase the capital stock of the company.

The purpose of the maritime investment was to operate steamships of the tow boat type and barges for the carrying of trade between the upper and lower Tennessee River and points on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, especially between Chattanooga, St. Louis, and then connected with boats to Louisville, Cincinnati, and New Orleans.

Unfortunately, the connection between Chattanooga and Muscle Shoals Canal ended when the reconstructed steamer City of Chattanooga sank in the crooked islands in the channel after striking rough broken stones that had been blasted out of the reefs between the shoals, and had been piled up on each side of the lane near the surface of the water.

As a result of deep holes that were created in the bottom of the bank, it partially went to the bottom.

Eventually a combination of factors, including railway competition, would require that new companies be formed with varying degrees of success.

(However the aforementioned original investors in the Chattanooga Steamboat Company did much better in their other financial endeavors.)

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You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com
We all have experienced difficulties in many forms  financial struggles; health challenges; ongoing family conflicts; emergencies occurring at absolutely the worst possible times; working hard toward a desired goal only to see it elude our grasp and never come to fruition. But tough times build tough people, right? Out of necessity, we learn how to cope with adversity.

But what about prosperity? How good are we at dealing with times when everything seems to be going well?

That might seem strange to ask. We love the good times. To borrow the musical stanza from the Ira Gershwin opera, Porgy and Bess, whats not to like about Summertime, when the livin is easy?

But in reality, the way we handle and process prosperity might be a greater and more accurate test of character than adversity. Because during hard times, unless we simply give up, we do whatever it takes to survive and make it past the crisis. We turn on our internal survival mechanism and shift into high gear. Prosperity, on the other hand, can trigger positive or negative responses.

There are countless stories of people who fought hard to reach the heights of their vocation  including entertainers, athletes, business executives, politicians, other public figures  only to suffer tragic tumbles from grace. They couldnt handle success. Sadly, this has proved true as well for some who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Reading a devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great British preacher of the mid-to-late 1800s, brought this to mind. Referring to a statement by the apostle Paul, Spurgeon observed:

There are many who know how to be abased, who have not learned how to abound. When they are set on the top of a pinnacle, their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far more often disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining pot of prosperity. When (Paul) had much, he knew how to use it. Abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity.

Spurgeon was referring to Philippians 4:12, in which Paul told of having to learn how to deal times when he was prospering, both personally and in ministry. He wrote, I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Another translation expresses the apostles sentiments a bit differently: I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Throughout history people have wrestled with what we might term the peril of prosperity. Throughout the Old Testament we read about the Israelites, Gods chosen people, who cried out to the Lord in times of distress only to give Him little thought when things seemed to be going smoothly. Despite their religious rituals, they lived as practical atheists, until the next calamity reminded them of how desperately they needed to rely on God. They were abominably slow learners.

In a collection of proverbs in the Bible, written by someone known as Agur son of Jakeh, we read this cautionary request: give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, Who is the Lord? Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:8-9).

Another verse in the same Old Testament book also notes how difficult it can be to deal appropriately with success and acclaim: The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives (Proverbs 27:21). Apparently, we learn to pass this test with time and experience.

During times of difficulty many of us are quick to turn to God, pleading for His intervention and resolution of our problems. But how many of us are equally eager to acknowledge and humbly deflect to Him any praise we receive when things couldnt be better and all seems right in our world? Are we prepared to pass the test then?

* * *
Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report:

AARON, STEVEN MICHEAL

644 WEST 14TH STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 25 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



BENFORD, SAMIRA MONIK

1416 MANA LN APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37412

Age at Arrest: 28 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

BURGLARY OF AUTO



BLACKBURN, JESSE BOYD

808 ORCHARD TER ROSSVILLE, 30741

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

SPEEDING

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



BROWN, CHELSEA LYNN

300 E 8TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37403

Age at Arrest: 32 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

SPEEDING

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



COBB, CHARLES WILLIAM

1108 GROVE ST CHATTANOOGA, 37402

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT



CONLEY, BRENDA JEAN

727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37402

Age at Arrest: 69 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

PUBLIC INTOXICATION



DELUNA, SELENA MAIRE

593 EVERGREEN DRIVE DAYTON, 37321

Age at Arrest: 24 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

911 VIOLATION (IMPROPER USE)

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE



ELKINS, JAY DEAN

5006 LLOYD LANE CHATTANOOGA, 37415

Age at Arrest: 55 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL.

Here are the mug shots:

AARON, STEVEN MICHEAL

Age at Arrest: 25

Date of Birth: 07/23/1998

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BENFORD, SAMIRA MONIK

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 10/09/1995

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

BURGLARY OF AUTO BLACKBURN, JESSE BOYD

Age at Arrest: 34

Date of Birth: 11/21/1989

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

SPEEDING

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BROWN, CHELSEA LYNN

Age at Arrest: 32

Date of Birth: 04/04/1991

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

SPEEDING

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA COBB, CHARLES WILLIAM

Age at Arrest: 34

Date of Birth: 11/14/1989

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DELUNA, SELENA MAIRE

Age at Arrest: 24

Date of Birth: 04/15/1999

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

911 VIOLATION (IMPROPER USE)

LIGHT LAW VIOLATION

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE ELKINS, JAY DEAN

Age at Arrest: 55

Date of Birth: 07/17/1968

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING)

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA FOWLER, LARRY LELAND

Age at Arrest: 54

Date of Birth: 10/20/1969

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSION OF METH FOR RESALE

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

DRIVING ON SUSPENDED

CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION

ROADWAYS LANE FOR TRAFFIC HOLLAND, TONY LEE

Age at Arrest: 65

Date of Birth: 05/04/1958

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) JOHNSON, DUSTIN JARROD

Age at Arrest: 40

Date of Birth: 07/20/1983

Arresting Agency:



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

PETITION TO REVOKE (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBST

KERR, JASON VERNON

Age at Arrest: 39

Date of Birth: 01/02/1985

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) LOMNICK, KERRY DEWAUN

Age at Arrest: 46

Date of Birth: 02/04/1969

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT MILLER, GREGORY EUGENE

Age at Arrest: 53

Date of Birth: 05/24/1970

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE MILLS, JOSHUA AARON

Age at Arrest: 31

Date of Birth: 03/05/1992

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

POSS. OF A FIREARM DURING COMMISSIION OF A DANGERO MORRIS, JERRY LEON

Age at Arrest: 46

Date of Birth: 01/07/1978

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

VIOLATION OF PROBATION (DOMESTIC ASSAULT) MOSS, JOE EARL

Age at Arrest: 45

Date of Birth: 08/21/1978

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

PICKETT, OMARIONI D

Age at Arrest: 18

Date of Birth: 05/30/2005

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

UNL CARRYING OR POSSESSING WEAPON

UNL CARRYING OR POSSESSING WEAPON SMITH, DORIS ANN

Age at Arrest: 48

Date of Birth: 01/04/1973

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE 2 FOR RESALE 39170417

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA VINCENTE-LOPEZ, HERMINIO

Age at Arrest: 27

Date of Birth: 09/16/1996

Arresting Agency: Tenn Hwy Patrol



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

PUBLIC INTOXICATION WILLIAMS, TERRANCE LEBRON

Age at Arrest: 36

Date of Birth: 11/01/1987

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT YARBOROUGH, GEORGIA GLENN

Age at Arrest: 31

Date of Birth: 06/04/1992

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 03/03/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING LEFT OF CENTER LINE

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

OR MANUFACTURING)POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIAFOWLER, LARRY LELAND3656 PHELPS STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37412Age at Arrest: 54 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgePOSSESSION OF METH FOR RESALEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIADRIVING ON SUSPENDEDCRIMINAL IMPERSONATIONROADWAYS LANE FOR TRAFFICHOLLAND, TONY LEEUNKNOWN CHATTANOOGA,Age at Arrest: 65 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDPUBLIC INTOXICATIONPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIAPOSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING)JOHNSON, DUSTIN JARROD2524 N HWY 341 ROSSVILLE, 30742Age at Arrest: 40 years oldArresting Agency:PETITION TO REVOKE (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTMCGOWAN, ARTHUR BANKS122 B RIPLEY AVE ADAIRSVILLE, 30103Age at Arrest: 61 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)MILLER, GREGORY EUGENE6205 CELTIC DR CHATTANOOGA, 37416Age at Arrest: 53 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDAGGRAVATED ASSAULTDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEMORRIS, JERRY LEONHOMELESS 727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 374033104Age at Arrest: 46 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffVIOLATION OF PROBATION (DOMESTIC ASSAULT)MOSS, JOE EARL927 CHATTANOOGA ROAD COHUTTA, 30710Age at Arrest: 45 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)PICKETT, OMARIONI D3506 HOYT STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 18 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDUNL CARRYING OR POSSESSING WEAPONUNL CARRYING OR POSSESSING WEAPONSMITH, DORIS ANN413 LEE PIKE SODDY DAISY, 37397Age at Arrest: 48 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgePOSSESSION OF SCHEDULE 2 FOR RESALE 39170417POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIAVINCENTE-LOPEZ, HERMINIO2077 KIRBY AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37404Age at Arrest: 27 years oldArresting Agency: Tenn Hwy PatrolPUBLIC INTOXICATIONWILLIAMS, TERRANCE LEBRON4037 CAIN AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37410Age at Arrest: 36 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDAGGRAVATED ASSAULTAGGRAVATED ASSAULTYARBOROUGH, GEORGIA GLENN15926 POOLE RD SALE CREEK, 37373Age at Arrest: 31 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING LEFT OF CENTER LINEDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEDRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE






Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office:

FIONA BROOKE TAYLOR STEWART CALE CREIGHTON MCLARNON

41 WOOTEN RD 1201 HANOVER ST

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Georgia 307504740 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374053036



STEPHEN ALAN POQUETTE LORI ANN MODER

112 BRAZEAU AVE 112 BRAZEAU AVE

OCOnto, Wisconsin 54153 OCOnto, Wisconsin 54153



MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER WIDENER SARAH NICOLE ANDERSON

7708 E VILLAGE LN 7708 E VILLAGE LN

HIXSON, Tennessee 373432228 HIXSON, Tennessee 373432228



DALTON GAGE ROBINS PHOEBE NICOLE GRANT

8723 BROOKHILL DR 1705 PLES LN

HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379



GREGORY STEPHENS SHANNON MARIE WELLS

303 WEATHINGTON RD SW 303 WEATHINGTON RD SW

ROme, Georgia 30165 ROme, Georgia 30165



WESLEY ALLEN RABENSTEIN CHEYENNE AUTUMN FOWLER

9076 HILLSBORO HWY 244 KILGORE RD

HILLSBORO, Tennessee 37342 WHITWELL, Tennessee 37397



AUDRIK JHIMON HILL ANGEL MICHELLE JONES

1728 JOHN ROSS RD 3380 HUGHES AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374121438 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374101647



MARILYN JOY TENOLL LARS ARNE EGGEHORN

9218 DAYTON PIKE LOT 72 6749 EARL AVE NW

SODDY DAISY, TN 373794851 SEATTLE, Washington 981175930



ROBERT FLOYD GAGE VERONICA DORALYN WITT

4008 CLONTS RD 4008 CLONTS RD

APISON, Tennessee 37302 APISON, Tennessee 37302



CASEY LEE DICKINSON AUDREY MAE ABELL

1109 ALBANY ST 1109 ALBANY ST

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374052904 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374052904



ERICA RENEE COPPINGER ERION LEE HOLCOMB

115 FREUDENBURG LN 115 FREUDENBURG LN

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374151856 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374151856



KOURTNEY KAY BEATY AUSTIN HARRISON CRANE

293 STONECREST CIR 293 STONECREST CIR

RINGGOLD, Georgia 307362907 RINGGOLD, Georgia 307362907



AZIZBEK BAKHTIYOROV SUNNYSKY MICHELLE CONNER

419 EAST TRINITY LN 419 EAST TRINITY LN

NASHVILLE, Tennessee 37207 NASHVILLE, Tennessee 37207



SUSAN BOX PARROTT JOHN MICHAEL BAIN

8591 SKYBROOK DR 406 STOOPING OAK RD

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 373631438 DUNLAP, Tennessee 373276857



SARAH CAITLIN BURZYNSKI DUSTIN MICHAEL WYATT

1412 W 52ND ST 5003 BEULAH AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374092103 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374091816



JACK GUTHRIE RELLEVA LAUREL ELIZABETH WASHBURN

416 HAMILTON AVE 416 HAMILTON AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405



ANGELA CLARE MARSH JESSE JACOB JOYNER

12215 POSEY HOLLOW RD 215 MARSHALL AVE

SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415



REGINALD DEMONT ROBERSON LASHANDRA ANN HOWARD

613 TUNNEL BLVD APT B 613 TUNNEL BLVD APT B

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411



JOSEPH BENJAMIN THOMAS NATESA SHANEAH ATKINSON

8027 HAMILTON MILL DR 8027 HAMILTON MILL DR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374212760 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374212760



JOHN MAXIE GRANGER EMMA TAYLOR RETZLAFF

5012 HOWARDSVILLE RD 5012 HOWARDSVILLE RD

APISON, Tennessee 373029736 APISON, Tennessee 373029736



LAUREN MCCALL BARKSDALE JAY DILIP PATEL

1358 RIDGEFIELD CIR 2044 LAFAYETTE RD

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374122234 FORT OGLETHORPE, GA 307423754



CHRISTOPHER MURDOCK SOKOHL MISHKA CAMELIA CAMPBELL

3711 17TH ST N 3711 17TH ST N

SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 337131903 SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 337131903



RANDI GAINES BOYDSTON JASON THOMAS DAVIS

3906 FOREST HIGHLAND CIR 3906 FOREST HIGHLAND CIR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374153549 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374153549



ADDIE MARTIN CHAPIN AARON FORREST CRAMER

116 FLORENCE ST 55 E MAIN ST

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TN 373501120 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374081200



DERRICK DARNELL SCOTT CHARLETTE DENISE DAVIS

4629 PAW TRL 6423 BONNIE MANOR DR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416



AHMED MOHAMMED ALI GAMMAA KAITLYN MARIE SIMPSON

3645 HAVEN AVE 3645 HAVEN AVE

MEnlo park, California 94025 MEnlo park, California 94025



CHRISTOPHER PAUL JOHNSON GRACE RYANN JUBY

10927 HIGH RIVER DR 10927 HIGH RIVER DR

SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 373793280 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 373793280



CATHERINE APRIL SIMINGTON CHARLES ALEXANDER JANSEN

389 TANAGER CIR 389 TANAGER CIRCLE

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374124153 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374124153



LORA ELIZABETH BUNN NOAH PATTERSON THORNBURG

900 MOUNTAIN CREEK RD APT H105 2306 MEADOWBROOK TRL

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374054579 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374211643



SHEILA ANN CARTER AMBER CORIE PFENDLER

928 CARRIAGE PARC DR 928 CARRIAGE PARC DR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374217152 CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421



ADAM GARY RECTOR CYNTHIA DARLENE NICHOLS

456 WALKER HOLLOW RD 6909 ECHO GLEN DR

FLINTstone, Georgia 30725 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343



SAMUEL CALEB STORM KENNEDY YALE WALLER

840 NESBIT LOOP NE 2129 SHADY LN

REsaca, Georgia 30735 TUcker, Georgia 30084



CORBIN DALE USELTON CARLA VIRGINIA CASTILLO PINEDA

1009 HEATON DR 1009 HEATON DR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



EDWARD WILLIAM HASSELMAN JERI WYNETTE STERLING

7477 COMMONS BLVD APT 110 7477 COMMONS BLVD APT 110

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



MIGUEL ANGEL LEON CHELSEA LASHAE FRENCH

119 FRIENDSHIP LN 119 FRIENDSHIP LN

SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 373794808 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 373794808



ERICA DANIELLE MORRIS KYLE EDWARD HOLLOWELL

893 SHADY FORK RD 893 SHADY FORK RD

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374214532 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374214532



DEREK NICHOLAS MADDOX KIMRA JESSICA POLLARD

19000 OAK RD W UNIT 4209 1259 SCOTT RD

GUlf shores, Alabama 36542 ALEXANDer city, Alabama 35010



DEANNA SIMONE COLLINS LEEAUNDRY ALONZO WOOLFOLK

2607 E 19TH ST 2607 E 19TH ST

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374045419 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374045419



KEVIN JOSEPH LYMAN COLLEEN LYNNE MOORE

8202 BILL REED RD 8202 BILL REED RD

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



DOMINIQUE JEROME CAL KAMESHA LESHAY BONNER

908 BELMEADE AVE 908 BELMEADE AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411



KLAY GARRET BRANDON AMY MICHELLE EMMITT

3403 ANGELA LN 412 ISBILL RD

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37419 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37419



JACOB TIMOTHY CUSHMAN DENAE YAEL SYLVERSTON

1752 SOUTHERNWOOD DR 1752 SOUTHERNWOOD DR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



CHASE NICOLAS BARKER MACKENZIE RENEE WELLS

1920 GUNBARREL RD APT 1418 1920 GUNBARREL RD APT 1418

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374213100 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374213100



MARTY SEAY JONES LORRAINE DENISE STOUDEMIRE

1 E 11TH ST APT 413 1 E 11TH ST APT 413

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37402 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37402



JUSTIN MICHAEL JORDAN STACEY LYN SCHNEIDER

11414 OLD PARADISE RD 11461 OLD PARADISE RD

SALuda, Virginia 23149 SALuda, Virginia 23149



EVAN WILLIAM BARRON NADEZHDA KICHUK

3915 BROCK RD 8304 WATERS BEND LN

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



MCKENNA LEIGH BRITT JARED ANDREW NELSON

140 GREENBRIAR LN 5003 BRANSTON RD

RINGGOLD, GA 307364464 OOLTEWAH, TN 373638473



ALICIA MICHELE STRIFFLER ACE CASSIDY CRAWFORD

10015 PRISSY LN 10015 PRISSY LN

HARRISON, Tennessee 373413109 HARRISON, Tennessee 373413109



ZITLALI YUNUHEM ADAME MARIO RAUL GARCIA

5039 W CULLOM AVE APT 1 5039 W CULLOM AVE APT 1

CHICAGO, Illinois 60641 CHICAGO, Illinois 60641



MATTHEW RYAN BEVIS MEGAN DANIELLE DUMAS

600 FIRESTONE AVE APT 607 600 FIRESTONE AVE APT 607

MUscle shoals, Alabama 35661 MUscle shoals, Alabama 35661



DREW MADYSON FANCHER JOSHUA LEE BLAUSEY

625 FORT FINDLAY RD 3238 STATE ROUTE 590 N

WOODVILLE, Ohio 434691405 LINDSEY, Ohio 434429702



EMILY LAUREN FORD JOSHUA MARTIN BLAIR

5369 RENEAU WAY 5369 RENEAU WAY

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412



ROGELIO CALDERON ARRIOLA ERIKA GANDARA

4234 AUBURN HILLS DR 4234 AUBURN HILLS DR

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



SASCHA NOEL PAINTER ANALINA TAY RICHARDSON

1205 27TH ST SE 1205 27TH ST SE

CLEVELAND, Tennessee 37323 CLEVELAND, Tennessee 37323



ZACHARY RAY KATZMAN CLAUDIA REIDE ONLEY

1101 COLLIER RD NW APT M5 1101 COLLIER RD NW APT M5

ATLANTA, Georgia 30318 ATLANTA, Georgia 30318



ROBERT VAN ALLEN BRUMMETT BRITTANY ELAINE ANDERSON

206 W PEACHTREE ST 206 W PEACHTREE ST

ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741 ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741



JEFFERY WILLIAM VINYARD MELANIE LEIGH NEAL

312 KERRY LN 312 KERRY LN

SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379



SELENA MARIE ANGLE JACKSON LAINE CONNALLY

6574 E BRAINERD RD APT 1613 6574 E BRAINERD RD APT 1613

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374213725 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374213725



AMIR ELIJAH EPPINGER SHALIYAH MONIQUE BOATWRIGHT

5700 ROPER ST APT A6 5700 ROPER ST APT A6

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412



LAZARUS ZACCHAEUS ISRAEL DEBORAH DENISE KING

1010 N MARKET ST 3231 6TH AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37407



CRYSTAL ELI YOUNES MEIER RAY ATTAS

1067 BEXLEY SQ APT 333 1067 BEXLEY SQ APT 333

CHATTANOOGA, TN 374103011 CHATTANOOGA, TN 374103430



CARDELL LEBRON JACKSON CRYSTAL DELICIA FREEMAN

5341 ROSE GLEN CT 5341 ROSE GLEN CT

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



COLTON TYLER MOORE KEVIN MILLER

5191 ELEVATED VW APT 8308 1421 CLOVERDALE CIR APT 101

HIXSON, Tennessee 373433567 HIXSON, TN 373434423



ZACHARY TYLER LAWSON JAIMIE NICOLE MULLIKIN

16132 MAY RD 16132 MAY RD

SALE CREEK, Tennessee 37373 SALE CREEK, Tennessee 37373
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner speaks at a briefing with Mayor John Whitmire, and fire, public works, Office of Emergency Management at the Houston Emergency Center on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Emilee Whitehurst, president and CEO of Houston Area Womens Center, speaks during a press conference at the Children's Assessment Center, 2500 Bolsover St., Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland announces his resignation at a news conference at city hall, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, in Houston. Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle

After Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed last month the department suspended massive numbers of criminal investigations using the code Suspended - Lack of Personnel without his authorization, local officials have reacted with shock and outrage.

But police and city leaders were openly discussing the same issue a decade ago, media reports and documents show. In the summer of 2014, an audit of the Houston Police Department found excessively high numbers of cases with leads that were not investigated the year before due to lack of personnel, according to a copy of the audit that is still on the citys website.

The audit reported Houston police failed to investigate more than 20,000 cases due to lack of manpower in 2013, including about 15,000 burglary and theft cases, 3,000 assault cases and 3,000 hit-and-runs.

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MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Help the Houston Chronicle report on HPDs suspended criminal cases

Charles McClelland, then Houstons police chief, said in 2014 that he wasnt surprised at the findings and they werent unique to Houston. He presented the city with a plan to hire hundreds of more officers and asked for $105 million to do it.

The funding did not materialize, and the audits findings eventually faded from the headlines. But at some point in 2016  its not clear exactly when  the police department created code SL, or Suspended  Lack of Personnel. And over the next eight years, it was used to close out more than 264,000 cases, HPD announced last week.

Its initial purpose

Kevin Lawrence, director of the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), said creating such a code could have helped convince city leaders to boost the departments funding  but only if police had been open about using it from the beginning.

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Be completely up front, be completely transparent about it. I can actually see the logic and wisdom in that, he said. It sounds like somebody had what might have been a good idea but they went about implementing it in completely the wrong way.

McClelland, who retired in February 2016, said in a recent interview that he had no idea that code existed and that he never authorized it. But he added that lack of manpower to investigate crimes is an issue across the country  just as hed told city leaders a decade earlier.

These things can and will happen, even though no one wants them to, McClelland said.

Waiting for answers

No one has explained yet how such a massive number of criminal investigations could be suspended using a code that Houston police leaders were unaware of.

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Houston had three different police chiefs in 2016, the year the SL code first went into use: McClelland, Martha Montalvo and Art Acevedo. Montalvo did not respond to messages seeking comment, and Acevedo declined to comment.

Theres no way it could go across that many different divisions and not come from upper command staff, said Lawrence, who worked as a police officer in four different Texas cities before joining TMPA.

In recent news briefings, Finner called the code unacceptable and said he never allowed it, either. He said he first learned of the practice in 2021 and demanded that employees put a stop to it, but no documentation of any such directive has surfaced.

The Chronicle reported last week the manual for the departments Major Assaults Unit explicitly authorizes sergeants to use the code for felony and misdemeanor cases. The manual was last updated in December 2023, an action that would have required sign-off from senior command staff.

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A police spokesman told the Chronicle the departments assistant chiefs, not Finner, approve such manuals.

Two assistant chiefs were demoted over their role in the more than 264,000 incidents suspended using an internal code citing lack of personnel, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department said Monday.

Victor Senties, a spokesman for the department, confirmed that Ernest Garcia and Kevin Deese had been demoted. Senties said Finner would release additional information about the investigation later.

Finner has assigned more than 130 department employees to review the cases suspended under the code and to reach out to victims. Hes also asked survivors of sex assault to reach out to police if they filed a report as far back as 2016 and later changed their contact information.

As promised, we will do everything we can to reach everyone who filed an adult sex crime incident, Finner said.

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McClelland said he approved of how Finner was handling the crisis.

Hes willing to come forward and say, hey, weve discovered this, it shouldnt have happened. Were going to find out why and how this happened. And were committed to fixing it, McClelland said. What more can you ask for?

A monumental task

But there may be little recourse for the thousands of victims who have been ignored, said Murray Newman, president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.

"The moment is gone," Newman said. "It's like having a fender bender, calling the cops and them telling you they'll come look in three years. They're not going to figure it out at that point. The sad reality is, these are opportunities lost and they're lost for good."

In 2014, police also provided a grim assessment of their ability to get to the 20,000 crimes that had gone uninvestigated the year before due to lack of manpower. HPDs Executive Assistant Chief, Timothy Oettmeier, said at the time that the department was using overtime to address the hit-and-run cases and mailing questionnaires to assault victims.

MORE ON DROPPED CASES: HPD Chief Troy Finner adds more investigators to review suspended sexual assault cases
Nat Phillips, Jr., 93, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Nat was born in Cleveland, Tn., on June 12, 1930, the only child of Nathaniel G. and Grace Quinn Phillips. His childhood was interrupted at age nine when his father died suddenly of a heart attack. A few years later, he moved to Chattanooga where he attended Central High School and became active in Ridgedale Baptist Church, living with his uncle and working in the Warner Park concession stand his uncle owned.

He attended Carson Newman College where he met Dolores Cornett, the love of his life and wife of 73 years. They married in December, 1950, and together they moved to Louisville, Ky., and Fort Worth, Texas, where Nat attended both Southern and Southwestern Seminaries.

During the 50s and 60s, Nat pastored a number of Southern Baptist Churches in Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, the Panama Canal Zone, and Georgia. He also continued his education at Vanderbilt, where he completed an M.A. in Philosophy, and at the University of Tennessee.

They had two children, Stephen, in 1953, and Michele, in 1956. In 1968 they moved to Chattanooga to begin teaching at Tennessee Temple College, Dolores in the Psychology department and Nat in the History, Philosophy, and Bible departments. They taught at Tennessee Temple for 30 years while also ministering in various area churches.

Nat was intelligent, an entertaining and sought after teacher. He taught himself to build, a hobby he and Dolores enjoyed together. They built several houses, their favorite, their last, on Signal Mountain. He was devoted to Dolores, and they enjoyed a deep bond and partnership in ministry. They were loving and supportive parents and grandparents.

Nats life was marked by his encounter with Christ as a teenager, when he sensed Gods call to preach the gospel. This remained his passion and his highest goal, even to his last weeks. It was with joy he preached his final sermon on Sunday, Jan. 28, to a gathering of residents in his assisted living facility.

Nat was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, only four months ago. He is survived by his children, Stephen Phillips and Michele Cole, their spouses, Sharon Phillips and Tim Cole, six grandchildren, Greg, Scott, and Lori Phillips (Neal), and Jared, Zachary, and Seth Cole, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He has left a legacy of faithfulness to His calling, to His Savior, and to his wife and family. It is an example we will seek to follow.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7, at 1 p.m., at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 5479 Highway 58. The family will receive friends for Nat on Thursday, from 11 a.m. until service time at the church.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park, 501 Memorial Dr., Chattanooga.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Prince Harry has wanted the United Kingdom to become like a second home for his two children, but security issues have prevented that -- and he couldn't bring them to his grandmother's funeral for that reason.

Prince Harry has only brought his children to the United Kingdom once since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex departed the royal family officially in March 2020 and have been living in the United States ever since.

But now, court documents reveal that Harry and Meghan actually did intend to bring their kids on another little vacation to the UK back in September 2022  Queen Elizabeth IIs death changed those initial plans, but it was the lack of security that reportedly forced Harry to leave his children behind.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie | Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage

Prince Harrys lack of security has forced him to avoid bringing his children to the UK

Harry and Meghan share two kids: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Archie was born in the UK and lived there for about 10 months before his parents moved to the US. Lilibet was born in California, and she reportedly went with her parents (as did Archie) for the queens Platinum Jubilee trip in June 2022, though the kids were never seen in public.

But it turns out Harry had had plans to bring his kids to the UK once more. According to Express, court documents reveal that Harry had intended to bring the whole family to the UK in September 2022, prior to the queens death. But when Harry and Meghan left the royal family, their taxpayer-funded security was dropped. Although Harry tried to get it back, he recently lost the legal battle. And its reportedly the reason that he ultimately had to leave the kids in the US.

If you recall, Harry and Meghan were already in the UK when they learned of the queens death. Had they had the proper security, the children would have been with them. As a result of the queens funeral service and period of mourning, Harry and Meghan remained in the UK without their children for longer than they had planned.

Prince Archie in 2019 | Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage

Related Prince Harry Plans to Return to Court After Losing UK Legal Battle Over Security

Rumor has it Prince Harry will appeal the recent security verdict

Harry lost his legal battle against the UKs Home Office after it was decided that he did not have the right to taxpayer funded security once he dropped his status as a working royal. He will likely appeal the case, at least according to experts.

We must remember that Harry has had a certain amount of success previously, particularly with the hacking case, said Pauline Maclaren, a professor of Marketing and Consumer Research in the School of Management at Royal Holloway, University of London, per Express. I think he is likely to appeal over the recent decision on his level of security in the UK.



Harry and Meghan might eventually bring their children back to the UK, and Harry expressed in court documents that he wants his children to have a love for his home country. However, there is a chance it wont happen until Harry has a promise for better security.
ETH Zurich researchers have recovered the precious metal from electronic waste. Their highly sustainable new method is based on a protein fibril sponge, which the scientists derive from whey, a food industry byproduct.

Transforming base materials into gold was one of the elusive goals of the alchemists of yore. Now Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich has accomplished something in that vein. He has not of course transformed another chemical element into gold, as the alchemists sought to do. But he has managed to recover gold from electronic waste using a byproduct of the cheesemaking process.

Electronic waste contains a variety of valuable metals, including copper, cobalt, and even significant amounts of gold. Recovering this gold from disused smartphones and computers is an attractive proposition in view of the rising demand for the precious metal. However, the recovery methods devised to date are energy-intensive and often require the use of highly toxic chemicals. Now, a group led by ETH Professor Mezzenga has come up with a very efficient, cost-effective, and above all far more sustainable method: with a sponge made from a protein matrix, the researchers have successfully extracted gold from electronic waste.

Selective gold adsorption To manufacture the sponge, Mohammad Peydayesh, a senior scientist in Mezzengas Group, and his colleagues denatured whey proteins under acidic conditions and high temperatures, so that they aggregated into protein nanofibrils in a gel. The scientists then dried the gel, creating a sponge out of these protein fibrils.

To recover gold in the laboratory experiment, the team salvaged the electronic motherboards from 20 old computer motherboards and extracted the metal parts. They dissolved these parts in an acid bath so as to ionise the metals.

When they placed the protein fibre sponge in the metal ion solution, the gold ions adhered to the protein fibres. Other metal ions can also adhere to the fibres, but gold ions do so much more efficiently. The researchers demonstrated this in their paper, which they have published in the journal Advanced Materials.

As the next step, the researchers heated the sponge. This reduced the gold ions into flakes, which the scientists subsequently melted down into a gold nugget. In this way, they obtained a nugget of around 450 milligrams out of the 20 computer motherboards. The nugget was 91 percent gold (the remainder being copper), which corresponds to 22 carats.

Economically viable The new technology is commercially viable, as Mezzengas calculations show: procurement costs for the source materials added to the energy costs for the entire process are 50 times lower than the value of the gold that can be recovered.

Next, the researchers want to develop the technology to ready it for the market. Although electronic waste is the most promising starting product from which they want to extract gold, there are other possible sources. These include industrial waste from microchip manufacturing or from gold-plating processes. In addition, the scientists plan to investigate whether they can manufacture the protein fibril sponges out of other protein-rich byproducts or waste products from the food industry.
Houston Police Department officers killed a 45 year-old man who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint in Southwest Houston, Sunday March 3. Houston Chronicle

A man who allegedly robbed a convenience store at gunpoint and pistol whipped a patron outside the store was fatally shot by Houston Police Department officers Sunday morning, Chief Troy Finner said.

Just after 11 a.m. Sunday, a man, 45, went to a convenience store at 3318 West Fuqua St. reportedly robbed the store at gunpoint, and upon leaving the store, he got into a confrontation with someone outside the store and hit the person in the head with his gun and got on his bike to ride away.

Officers were already notified of the robbery and were pulling up to the convenience store when they saw the man holding someone at gunpoint and asked him to drop the weapon, Chief Finner said. When the man got on his bike with the weapon, police followed him to the 14400 block of Alrover Street, where the man lives.

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The man sat on a bench still holding the weapon and police commanded him to drop it. Eventually, the man got up and walked toward the officers and all three shot at him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Finner did not say exactly how long police were waiting at the house for the man to drop his gun, but he said the officers were patient trying to get him to drop the weapon.

But you know, when people make up their mind, they're committed to whatever act they're gonna do. There's not too much you can do about it, Finner told reporters at Sundays briefing.

The three officers who shot the man had served 17, four and two years of experience, and they will all be placed on administrative leave while HPD conducts an internal investigation.

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Finner said Sunday he used to frequent Alrover Street as a child, visiting a family friend in the Houston area. Finner said he asked his friend about the man who died and the friend, now a pastor, allegedly said that the man had been to church once and never returned. Finner did not share any information on the mans mental health or a possible motive for the crime.

It's wrong for you to rob somebody at gunpoint and then pistol-whip somebody. Is what's driving this a mental illness? I don't know, Finner said.

This shooting comes on the heels of two other incidents where HPD officers shot and killed a suspect, Finner said, calling it a tough few days for our city.

HPD officers killed a robbery suspect Thurdsay, after a "shootout" in the Second Ward, and on Saturday morning, HPD officers shot and killed a man who opened the door firing at officers during a domestic violence call, ABC13 reported.

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Other law enforcement agencies in the Greater Houston area, Harris County Sheriff's Office and Galveston Police Department officers shot and killed two other men in separate incidents, one in his late teens, since Thursday, ABC13 reported.

When asked about the multiple officer shooting in the past few days, Finner said that he believed there has been a disregard for law enforcement since the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation, and that there is a place for violent people, and violent people with mental illnesses. Finner said he hoped the entire criminal justice system is doing everything that we can do collectively, to make our community safe.
Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell,18, does school work and tries to unwind after school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston . Emerson says she loves candles and that they help her unwind at the end of the day. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

The college admissions process can be inherently stressful, made worse by decreasing acceptance rates at top schools and high tuition everywhere.

The uncertainty is hard enough on its own: Teens might find it difficult to make decisions when they dont know what they want to do with their lives, and those who have a plan might feel they lack control of the outcome regardless. The pressure can creep in well before before reaching a fever pitch senior year, when the apps become a daunting task on top of homework, extracurriculars and other obligations.

Mental health experts want students to know that not everyone experiences college admissions the same way, and some may struggle more than others. Its temporary, and many elements of the process can be helped through good planning and self-care.

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Here are some tips for managing a difficult application season.

Make a routine

Applicants will likely benefit by mapping out a schedule and writing down personal and official deadlines. From there, breaking the apps larger elements into more manageable tasks can go a ways in preventing procrastination, according to therapists at Charlie Health, a mental health provider for teens and young adults.

Seniors might find themselves less stressed in the long run if they make college applications a part of their routine. It helps to structure essay writing and other elements of the apps around existing activities, allotting some time each day or on set days to knock out those smaller tasks one by one, said Katherine Gallagher, a pediatric psychologist at Texas Childrens Hospital.

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Dont overdo it, Gallagher cautioned. Students should stick to the time they have allotted for applications and set them aside when that time is up. Then, start fresh the next day.

STRESS TO SUCCESS: Read the Chronicle's occasional series on college admissions

Take breaks

Students should schedule fun activities just as much as they schedule their obligations, Gallagher said.

Self-care is an important part of relieving stress. Seniors should try to sleep eight hours a night, move around and make time for things that make them happy, according to professionals with the JED Foundation, a mental health nonprofit.

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Avoid comparisons

Its easy to get discouraged when classmates are achieving higher grades or applying to more elite universities. Those comparisons are unhelpful, and they detract from the reality that the college search is a highly individualized process, admissions and mental health experts have said. Many institutions will provide students with a great education, not just the ones that are most highly sought after.

AN UPHILL BATTLE: A look at the challenges first-generation students face in the competitive college application process

There are about 4,000 colleges in the United States, JED Foundation officials said in a blog post. Although some may have higher name recognition or be harder to get into, that doesnt mean theyre the best fit for you.

Seek guidance

School counselors are there for a reason, JED officials said. They want to help students through the college application process, and they can be useful when talking through finances, weighing college options, writing essays or structuring application checklists.

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Manage expectations

Many admissions professionals encourage students to make realistic goals and apply to a good mix of schools  ones they know they can get into and ones that are more of a reach. Being prepared for all outcomes can help lessen any disappointment.

Be ready for the annoying questions

JED officials advise students to have a couple stock answers at the ready when people ask them questions that bring anxiety, such as, Where are you going to school?

HIGHER ED: Pro tips from college admissions advisors Texas seniors should know

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Quickly share the top two or three schools that you hope to attend, or simply say where youre at in the process. Its OK to redirect the conversation and say that youd rather not dwell on the topic.

Parents can help, too

Caregivers should check on the overall wellbeing of their children and not just their application status, according to Consuelo Corazon Cagande, division chief of the Community Care and Wellness Program at Childrens Hospital of Pennsylvania. Its a good idea to aid childrens' self-care by arranging family outings or asking to go on walks, she said.
Its no secret that dogs are some of the most remarkable creatures on this planet. Theyve been helping us accomplish tasks and carry out missions we couldnt complete without them for years.

Recently, a remarkable K-9 unit in Florida helped make discovering and rescuing a missing 11-year-old girl possible.

On Friday, January 26th, around 8:00 pm, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office received calls about a missing 11-year-old girl in Wimauma. The little girl was considered endangered, so Deputy Sarah Ernstes and hardworking K9 Mary Lou responded quickly and took action.

Deputy Sarah and Mary Lou first stopped at the childs neighbors home, where they discovered she had been driven to an apartment complex in Wimauma.

Suddenly, Mary Lou picked up the girls scent at a nearby park and quickly led Deputy Sarah to the park bathrooms.

In Deputy Sarahs bodycam footage from that night, released in an official press statement from the Hillsborough County Sherriffs Office, Mary Lou can be seen displaying what Deputy Sarah calls her happy tail, vigorously wagging her tail as she walks around the park bathrooms.

Sure enough, the unnamed 11-year-old was in one of the locked bathroom stalls. Deputy Sarah, another deputy, and Mary Lou patiently waited outside the bathrooms as Deputy Sarah calmly encouraged the 11-year-old to walk out of the stall, letting her know she was safe.

Thankfully, the 11-year-old walked out of the bathroom safely and without any injuries.

Can she give you a kiss? Deputy Sarah can be heard asking the 11-year-old in the bodycam footage as Mary Lou affectionately jumps on and licks her.

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We are getting closer and closer to Saint Patricks Day, a day thats a great opportunity to celebrate Irish culture but also a day made for going out to your favorite local pubs and sharing a few pints with some good friends.

Saint Pattys Day has become quite the partying holiday, and, like any partying holiday, those partaking want a fun and festive outfit.

If youll be going out on the town for drinks this Saint Patricks Day weekend or hitting a fun theme party, here are some outfit ideas for you.

A silky green blouse and trousers

If youll be going somewhere a little more upscale than your local dive bar and want to dress to impress instead of dress for fun this Saint Pattys Day, search your closet or local retail store for a silky green blouse.

You can pair it with your go-to pair of jeans or some nice wide-leg trousers and gold jewelry to be festive and sophisticated at the same time.

A shirt dedicated to your Irish crush

Saint Patricks Day is the perfect opportunity to express your love for your favorite Irish heartthrob. For instance, many girls will don shirts dedicated to Irish cuties like Niall Horan, Paul Mescal, Hozier, etc., to celebrate the holiday.

Pair a tee shirt that pays homage to your favorite Irish celebrity with jeans, booties, and fun jewelry to create an outfit that will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

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The GOPs presidential primary is functionally finished, even before Super Tuesday arrives this week, and the 2024 general election is all but underway. Christian voters are once again faced with a pressing question of how to vote our values in an increasingly secular and hostile public square.

Unfortunately, many prominent Christian voices offer little help. Their focus tends to be an ill-defined Christian nationalism and/or narrow policy issues. They sound uncertain, if not obtuse, about what Christian political action in America should look like. Sometimes they even seem to suggestmaybe inadvertentlythat Christian political engagement itself, not just Christian nationalism, is a threat to our country, or that theres no necessary relationship between Christianity and democracy.

These pundits and public intellectuals may have good intentions. But their advice doesnt answer the questions of people in the pews who are viscerally experiencing a decline of Christian influence in America. Rather, the overarching message to evangelical voters is that theyre wrong about their political theology and theres little to nothing to worry about in American democracyor, at least, nothing Christian engagement with politics could improve.

We are evangelical political scientists at Biola University, and we believe such misguided thinking insults lay evangelicals intelligence and fails to address their real and important concerns. In fact, the average evangelical voters intuition is correct: American democracy is in trouble; it does need an engaged Christian church to correct course; and there is ample evidence to support that claim.

To be clear: We are not advocating for an established church, a government directed by the institutional church, or any encroachment on non-Christians religious liberty. But we do believe, consonant with the best episodes in American history, that a vibrant and culturally influential Christianity is vital to preserving the United States as a free and democratic society.

Our constitutional system and political culture would not exist without Christian ideas, nor will they be intelligible or sustainable in the long run if meaningful, orthodox Christian influence disappears. Christianity provided the vision of creation, knowledge, and humanity that made liberal democracy possible. Indeed, any society in which democracy flourishes is drawing water from wells that Christianity dug.

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Our history tells us as much. There were many profound disagreements among the Founding Fathers, but they nearly all agreed that a virtuous citizenry was essential to a well-functioning democracyand that a virtuous citizenry required religion, which in that context meant Christianity. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People, wrote John Adams in perhaps the best-known quote to this effect. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Mere procedural democracy is certainly attainable without such a religious grounding, as demonstrated by European countries that have maintained democratic processes even as they secularized, or through constitutional design influenced by other, more Christian societies (e.g., Japan).

But at its best, America has boasted more than procedural democracy. Indeed, mere proceduralismas Abraham Lincoln argued in his debates with Stephen Douglas over slavery and the nature of human rightssaps the moral legitimacy of a true democracy. That is, a society that votes for a representative government but has no deeper grounding in Christianity-derived ideas about liberty and individual rights may technically be democratic, but it will not have the culture of freedom, congeniality, and open debate to which weve historically aspired in America.

It is Christianity that provided a secure moral foundation for these cultural elements of American democracy, and our polity continues to need Christianity to secure these principles, constitutional structures, and social norms. So well understood was the Christianity-democracy connection in the founding era that French sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville called religion Americas first political institution because it does not give [Americans] a taste for freedom [but] singularly facilitates their use of it.

As our culture secularizes, then, the vitality and viability of American democracy are anything but guaranteed. Plenty of secular scholars affirm human dignity and rights, but when they do so from premises inconsistent with Christianity or the transcendent moral grounds it provides, the logic becomes shaky and often incoherent. Beyond that bellwether in academia, it is by no means a settled question whether a society charging toward secular horizons can maintain a healthy democratic order long-term.

Evangelical voters may not be precisely articulating this question as the source of their concern. But we believe this is the uncertainty in the minds and hearts of our brothers and sisters that too much writing on Christian political action fails to addressand that it is a legitimate concern. We believe a good or true democracy needs Christianity, and that a strong symbiotic relationship between the two is beneficial to the common good.

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There is ample evidence for this belief. Empirically, the widely used Freedom House rankings of governments worldwide show democracy and Christianity are not always found together. But the rankings also suggest that democracy is most robust, classically liberal, and durable in predominantly Christian societies. The non-Christian democracies of today too often become the authoritarian dictatorships and illiberal democracies of tomorrow. India and Turkey are excellent current examples of such democratic backsliding.

The historical record is more complicated: Democracy originated in pre-Christian Greece; Christianity predated the post-Enlightenment era in which democratic governance became the Western norm; and many pre-Reformation Christians were skeptical of democracy as a valid form of government. In a strictly chronological sense, then, its true that at least procedural democracy can exist without a Christian contextthough its also true that modern democracy grew out of the uniquely Christian culture of Western Europe, and that Protestant missionary efforts greatly, if indirectly, contributed to democracys spread across the globe.

But the theological case for Christianitys unique value to democracy is ancient and compelling. Great minds of Christianity from Peter and Augustine to Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin all believed that a people faithful to the revealed will of God were critical to the peaceful stability and flourishing of any society. This should not be controversial for Christians: If we believe that God created and ordered the morality of our world, then we should understand that following Gods commands will generally foster domestic tranquility and peaceful relations between neighbors and nations.

While many civic virtues conducive to a free society are also discussed in Islamic, Chinese, and classical Western philosophy, as Christians, we of course believe Gods moral law is found in its fullest sense in the Christian tradition. (Even many skeptics and atheists will concede Christianity literally remade the world, and in its flowering seeded modern democracy.) Here in the States, the Laws of Nature and of Natures God, as the Declaration of Independence so eloquently says, fundamentally inform the American political order. Respecting them will be essential to sustaining that order in years to come.

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A Christian foundation for democracy is never more vital than in moments, like ours, of enormous societal upheaval and intense political animosity. Christianity provides a transcendent moral framework. It makes claimsabout the nature of humanity, our world, and our responsibilities to God and neighborthat supersede the authority of the state and so limit it to certain legitimate ends. It is this moral transcendence that establishes a critical foundation for a healthy democracy that effectively limits the totalitarian impulses of factions of which James Madison famously warned.

Without anything like a state church, Christianitys influence can shape a governments institutions and practices. It can provide an enduring basis for human rights, dignity, and freedom that does not rely on the mercurial and capricious dictates of human rule. In this sense, Christianity serves as a critical check on the ever-present tendency of the state to expand its power at the expense of human liberty.

This is not only true on the grand scalein academic philosophy or in some abstract sense. It is the institution of the local church, animated by an ethos of servant leadership and brotherly love, that lays this critical foundation. The local church is (or should be) the cornerstone of civil society, publicly and vocally holding citizens and state alike to a transcendent moral standard.

For American evangelicals who feel the risk to democracy that our post-Christian culture entails, this role of the local church is good news. If you intuit, rightly, that the soul of America is not well because its moral foundation is dangerously eroded and that this poses a significant threat to American democracy, the local church is where the work of rebuilding that foundation starts.

And it must be rebuilt, if the broader structure of democracy is to endure in the United States. A substantive Christian presence is necessary for a democracy worthy of the namea society free in practice, not only on paper. Society is more than the state, and it is churches that can hold the polity together by providing transcendent support and limits for democracy itself.

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As it is, we are not sanguine about our democracys future if churches and Christian leaders neglect (or undermine) their civic role, and that future is not abstract for us. It is the future into which we send our students. It is the future we are raising our children to inherit. It is the future that, should the Lord tarry, it is our Christian duty to steward wellone in which we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (2 Tim. 2:2).

Now and in that future, Christianity doesnt need democracy, but a good and just democracy most certainly needs Christianity.

Scott Waller, Darren Patrick Guerra, and Tim Milosch all teach in the political science department at Biola University.
Home News Dallas mayor says Christian faith played role in decision to switch party affiliation

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson cited his Christian faith as one of the reasons behind his decision to switch his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

Johnson, who leads the ninth-largest city in the United States and the third-largest city in Texas, was a guest on last Mondays edition of the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast. He discussed the factors that motivated him to switch parties after winning reelection as Dallas mayor with more than 90% of the vote.

Johnson, an African American, described his decision as an evolution resulting from coming to accept who I have always been and why Ive struggled as a Democrat the whole time. He described his transition as a manifestation of problems I had been having with the Democratic Party because of who I am as a person for a long time.

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I was raised in a  family that was very, very faith-oriented, he explained. The church was hugely important to us.

Johnson recalled how, as a child, he spent more time in church than really any place else.

He added, Wed go to church Sunday morning, stay almost all day, go home for just a couple of hours and come back for Sunday evening. Wed go to Bible class on Wednesday.

While he acknowledged that he did not participate in the choir because he couldnt sing, Johnson identified song practice as another staple of his childhood. Reiterating how he spent a lot of time in the church, he said he also spent a lot of time with grandparents who were very, very, very about the Church of Christ that he was raised in.

My family wasnt political at all, Johnson added. He credited his family with instilling in him a strong sense of just right, wrong and teaching him this is how you treat people, this is how you behave and you follow the law.

Reflecting on the values his family taught him, Johnson remarked, I think I was always politically in a weird posture with the Democratic Party. He suggested that you sort of inherit the Democratic Party as a cultural heirloom when youre African American in this country.

It sort of gets handed to you as part of who you are, he said. I know I had  more phone calls with people distraught about this party switch than I ever would have gotten if I had told people that I was actually leaving the church.

He characterized the disturbance with his fit with the Democratic Party as inevitable because of its belief that how things turn out for you in this country are largely determined by things that are outside of your control such as the race youre born, the neighborhood youre born in. Johnson condemned this philosophy as an excusal of failures and successes to something thats out of your control.

If youre successful and youre white male, its because of course you are, he maintained. On the other hand, if youre unsuccessful as an African American, its, well, the deck was stacked against you.

Johnson identified this philosophy as not how I was raised and not how I was taught. He stated that, on the contrary, If I put the work in, I was told repeatedly over and over by people who didnt look like me, who didnt come from my community, Were proud of you and wed like to give you more opportunity.

The story of my life and then the rhetoric my party wanted me to put out there as the justification for what we were doing politically just never really matched, he concluded.

Johnson announced his decision to switch parties in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published in September 2023. His move made Dallas the largest city in the U.S. to be led by a Republican.
Home News First pro-life 'Med Ed' bill passes South Dakota Senate to clarify abortion 'misinformation'

The South Dakota Senate has approved a first-in-the-nation bill designed to inform doctors and medical professionals about the treatments available to pregnant women experiencing health-threatening or life-threatening conditions under abortion restrictions passed at the state level amid what proponents call a barrage of "misinformation."

The Republican-controlled body approved House Bill 1224 in a 31-3 vote Thursday. One Democrat joined with Republicans to support the measure, while the three other Democrats in the chamber voted against it.

The South Dakota House of Representatives approved HB 1224 on Feb. 14. The bill heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Kristi Noem. If she signs it, the South Dakota Department of Health would have until Sept. 1 to create the informational video authorized by the bill.

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HB 1224 is defined as "an Act to require the creation of an informational video and other materials describing the state's abortion law and medical care for a pregnant woman experiencing life-threatening or health-threatening medical conditions." The measure instructs the South Dakota Department of Health to create an informational video that elaborates on "the state's abortion law and acts that do and do not constitute an abortion."

South Dakota is one of 15 states that have implemented protections for unborn babies throughout all nine months of pregnancy following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which determined that the U.S. Constitution doesn't contain a right to abortion. South Dakota's law includes an exception in cases where the pregnant woman faces life-threatening conditions.

The video and other materials mandated by the bill will also explain "the most common medical conditions that threaten the life or health of a pregnant woman" and "the generally accepted standards of care applicable to the treatment of a pregnant woman experiencing life-threatening or health-threatening medical conditions."

Additionally, the video should outline "the criteria that a practitioner, exercising reasonable medical judgment, might use in determining the best course of treatment for" a pregnant mother experiencing those conditions and her child.

Kelsey Pritchard, the state public affairs director for the national pro-life grassroots activist organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement that "South Dakota is showing the rest of the nation how to protect women's lives from the misinformation surrounding abortion laws."

"This bipartisan bill is uncontroversial, and a policy that pro-choice and pro-life Americans alike should support," Pritchard said. "We should all be supportive of making it abundantly clear that pregnant women can and must receive emergency care."

The activist organization described HB 1224 as "the first legislation of its kind drafted to end the confusion caused by the abortion industry through direct education to medical professionals," saying "other states have taken similar steps administratively, including Oklahoma and Kentucky attorneys general issued advisory opinions."

HB 1224, dubbed a "Med Ed" bill by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, comes as pro-abortion organizations have claimed that bans on abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy prevent women from accessing treatment for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.

Supporters of such laws have disputed the narrative that restrictions on abortion leave women unable to find treatment for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. A fact sheet compiled by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists titled "Myth vs. Fact: Correcting Misinformation on Maternal Medical Care" stressed that "the difference between a miscarriage and an elective abortion is clear."

"In a miscarriage, the baby has already died, and therefore, any treatment of a miscarriage would not be an abortion. The procedures and treatments used for miscarriage management are not prohibited by abortion restrictions," the fact sheet added. Explaining that "an ectopic pregnancy requires removing an embryo to save a mother's life so that both lives are not lost," the fact sheet asserts that "this life-saving treatment is not prevented by any current law restricting or banning abortion."
Home News Anti-sex trafficking mov't must shift focus to targeting businesses profiting off sex: victim advocate

WASHINGTON  An anti-sexual exploitation advocate is urging the movement to shift its focus by targeting those who drive demand, asserting that the problem will persist if no effort is made to address the businesses that fuel demand for purchasing sex.

On Thursday, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation held an event titled, "Demand Reduction Symposium on Primary Prevention of Sex Trafficking: Moving the Needle on Demand Reduction." During the symposium, sex trafficking survivors, along with a Cook County, Illinois, sheriff and multiple anti-sexual exploitation advocates discussed practical solutions to reduce the demand for and ultimately eliminate sex trafficking.

NCOSE CEO Dawn Hawkins called for a significant shift in the movement to combat sex trafficking. She suggested an approach that involves targeting those who drive the demand for sexual exploitation and consumers of the sex trade.

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The global reality is that prevention efforts that center around raising awareness on how to identify, report or prevent victimization are having little impact in the grand scheme of things, Hawkins said, acknowledging that while these efforts are important, these solutions alone cannot solve the problem.

We can't keep putting Band-Aids on this gaping wound, she stressed. We must take an approach thats radically different.  We have to correct the policies that allow those who cause harm to continue doing so with impunity. We have to challenge the institutional and corporate interests that facilitate and profit from this abuse.

Hawkins also called for changing the culture so that people no longer view sex as a commodity that one can buy and sell, citing pornography as an example of what is likely fueling this mindset. She added that the movement cannot work to eliminate sex trafficking while ignoring pornography and other exploitative practices like prostitution.

We can't just seek to alleviate the pain of the exploited, the NCOSE CEO said. We have to prevent that pain from occurring in the first place.

"I would argue that it includes targeting those who drive the demand for sexual exploitation and consumers of the sex trade. We have to correct the policies that allow those who cause harm to continue doing so with impunity. We have to challenge the institutional and corporate interests that facilitate and profit from this abuse. I would say right now we've got X, we've got Reddit, we've got Meta, we've got Visa, we've got hotel chains."

During the events panel discussion, Hawkins called the Department of Health and Human Services February report disappointing. The anti-sexual exploitation advocate believes the report, titled "A Public Health Approach to Preventing Human Trafficking," talked more about addressing vulnerabilities that increase the risk of trafficking instead of focusing on predation.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Hawkins expanded on some of her organizations efforts to combat the demand for buying sex, which includes presenting research to lawmakers. The organization is also working with a sex trafficking survivor to sue Nevada government officials and brothel owners in the state for enabling the practice.

The suit argues that what the Jane Doe in the lawsuit endured at the brothels violated the 13th Amendment, claiming that this was slavery in the form of sex trafficking.

NCOSE released a study in January funded by the National Institute of Justice that analyzed various studies and outlined multiple strategies believed to be effective in reducing the demands driving sex trafficking markets.

Attendees at last week's event also received a handout titled A Call to Embrace the Abolition of Prostitution. The handout cited a study published in 2013 that analyzed 116 countries, finding that legalizing prostitution led to its expansion and an increase in human trafficking overflows.

Another 2018 study cited in the handout found that legalized prostitution in Nevada led to an increase in the states sex trade. According to the study, when adjusted for population, Nevadas sex market is the largest of any state. The research also found that Nevadas number of sex providers per capita is 63% higher than New York and nearly double that of Florida.

The handout also cited the policy recommendations found in Demand Abolitions report, Who Buys? Understanding and Disrupting Illicit Market Demand, for abolishing sexual exploitation.

The policy recommendations cited in the report included moving law enforcements resources away from prosecuting individuals prostituting themselves to prosecuting the buyers instead. In addition, the report recommended mandatory minimum fines for convicted buyers to offset the costs of services for survivors, and law enforcement agencies are working to stop the demand.
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles speaks to parents and members of the community during the second HISD community meeting at M.C. Williams Middle School on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Houston ISD has hired at least 830 uncertified teachers to fill vacant roles since being taken over by the state, according to district data.

HISD announced in August that it was planning to seek waivers from the Texas Education Agency for the first time in at least a decade to hire uncertified teachers amid a nationwide teacher shortage. The district reported hiring 839 teachers, or about 7% of its teaching workforce, with certification waivers this year, according to data from the annual October snapshot.

Teachers in Texas must have a bachelors degree, complete an educator preparation program, pass the appropriate teacher certification exams and submit an application to the state, according to the TEA. However, a certification waiver allows districts to hire applicants to teach even if they do not have certification, teaching experience or an education degree.

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The district reported that it had 11,465 teachers for the 2023-24 school year.



Jessica Neyman, HISDs chief human resources officer, said the district hired hundreds of uncertified teachers at the beginning of this year so it could be fully staffed with full-time teachers. HISD reported that it started the current school year with zero vacancies after the previous school year began with more than 600 teacher vacancies across 274 campuses.

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It's not unusual to start a school year  especially if you're a large district  with hundreds of vacancies, but we decided instead to try a different strategy as part of the New Education System, Neyman said. Let's get fully staffed with teachers and create that stability for the students, and then come around and approach it (by) helping these folks get certified.

However, Neyman said not all of the district's uncertified teachers were hired at the beginning of the year, with some joining the district to fill teaching roles that become vacant throughout the school year.

Neyman said the district had filed 791 certification waivers for this school year by the end of 2023, which includes waivers for 727 teachers, 10 deans and 54 assistant principals. HISD did not respond to repeated requests for comment to clarify the difference between number of filed certification waivers and number of reported teachers with a waived certification.

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Samuel Brower, the chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Houston, said HISD is one of several Houston-area school districts hiring more uncertified teachers as certified teachers leave the profession for several reasons, including burnout and other employment opportunities.

For HISD and other districts, if there were more teachers to hire that were certified, they would do all they could to hire those, (such as) increasing compensation, which many districts have done to try to attract people into the field, but what they're still finding is that it hasn't fully addressed those issues, Brower said.

TSU PARTNERSHIP: HISD to provide paid teacher apprenticeship positions to HBCU students

Waivers cannot be applied to special education, bilingual education, English as a Second Language or pre-kindergarten teachers, according to the TEA. However, Neyman told ABC13 in November that she learned that the district had placed 182 uncertified teachers in prohibited positions, including special education jobs, after she assumed her job in October.

What often happens as principals getting their campus settled to start the year, they may actually change the position that a teacher is going to be assigned to for that year without adequately having communication with the HR department to verify the certification of the teacher, Neyman said. ... That's how we ended up with some teachers who weren't appropriately certified for the roles they were assigned to.

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Neyman said none of the teachers with waived certifications were allowed to stay in the prohibited roles, and all of them have either become certified or begun the process to be officially certified.

Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, said certified teachers bring more experience, passion and dedication to their jobs, and the district needs to make a culture change and provide more flexibility to teachers so it can retain and attract more certified candidates for the upcoming school year.

However, Anderson said part of the responsibility of attracting certified teachers is on state lawmakers to provide more funding to districts, so schools have more money to pay teachers.

In a lot of cases, the districts hands are tied because they don't have the funding that needs to be provided, but what we can do as citizens is make sure that we put the right people in office, to ensure people who have our needs and values are the ones who make the decisions for us, Anderson said.

CABINET MEMBER RESIGNS: HISD's chief operating officer left district in January, records show

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Hundreds of teacher resignations

The districts hiring of uncertified teachers comes as at least 607 teachers have left their jobs so far this academic year, compared to an average of about 313 teachers in the same timeframe over each of the last five years.

Out of the 495 employees who left HISD in January, voluntarily or otherwise, 157 were teachers. That is the most departures in any one month since the school year began at the end of August, though HISD records show that a spike in January is normal following the district's two-week winter break.

Brenda Rangel, assistant dean for the Rice Center for Education at Rice University, said that teacher attrition is a statewide issue, and that a growing tendency to replace departing teachers with uncertified newcomers is leading to a revolving door of educators.

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The latest Texas Academic Performance Reports show that teacher turnover in Texas stood at 21.4% in 2023, up from 17.7% the year before. Rangel noted, however, that "significant changes" at HISD, especially among school principals, could be contributing to the high rate of turnover in Houston.

"Research states that the campus principal is the No. 1 person who can really assist that school culture. If you have that change in school leadership there's going to be tons of uncertainty, so whether its positive or negative, change at any level can be difficult," she said.

About 43% of the 607 teachers who have left HISD so far have come from the 85 schools in or aligned with state-appointed Superintendent Miles' New Education System, which have undergone the most sweeping changes since Miles took over. The majority of those 261 teachers were at the district's 57 NES-aligned campuses, which offer $10,000 stipends but do not pay teachers the boosted salaries.

The district plans to expand the NES reforms  which, in addition to the higher salaries, include a standardized curriculum, strict instructional guidelines and a revamped staffing model  to a total of 130 campuses next year.

Anderson said she was not surprised that teachers have been leaving the district at a higher rate than usual.

"You dont spend all those years preparing to be an educator just to be treated like a robot. That's not why people teach," Anderson said. "If you have a real passion and a desire to teach, if you love children and you want to do what's best for them, you dont want to stay in an environment like the one that's being fostered in HISD."

HISD spokesperson Jose Irizarry said HISD has been clear about its employee value proposition, and some teachers are making a decision early about what is the best fit for them. The district has also restructured this year, which makes it difficult to compare data from this year to previous years, he said.

Irizarry said 97% of teachers plan to keep teaching in HISD, according to 8,000 responses to HISDs Intent to Return Survey. He said the survey found that 97% of NES teachers want to stay in the NES program and 14% of non-NES teachers want to transfer to a NES school.

Rangel said "the floodgates were opened" for statewide turnover in 2015 when the Texas Legislature passed HB 1842, which allowed school districts to circumvent state education laws  including those around teacher certifications  by becoming Districts of Innovation. The turnover rate in Texas that year was about 16%.

DISTRICT OF INNOVATION: HISD committee approves plan allowing for earlier state date, longer school year

Nearly every district in Texas has since become a District of Innovation. HISD was one of the few remaining holdouts until December, when the appointed Board of Managers approved HISD's plan to adopt the designation.

"Instead of districts working to prepare teachers, they used the DOI process to simply hire people who were not qualified to teach," Rangel said. "We're stacking uncertified teachers over uncertified teachers and ... it's going to be a difficult challenge to find innovative ways to ensure we're putting the best out there for our students."
Home News Nearly half of Americans support national 16-week abortion ban

Nearly half of United States citizens say they would support a federal ban on abortion after 16 weeks into a pregnancy, according to a recent poll.

The Economist/YouGov recently released a report based on a survey of 1,562 U.S. citizens conducted Feb. 18-20, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.

According to their findings, 48% of Americans surveyed support a national 16-week abortion ban, while 36% of respondents oppose the idea and 16% said they were unsure.

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Additionally, 24% of Americans said they oppose all restrictions on abortion, while 29% said they support some restrictions, 38% support banning abortion in most circumstances and 8% support a total ban on abortion.

When asked how they felt President Joe Biden was handling the issue, 38% of respondents said they approved, while 43% disapproved and 19% held no opinion on the matter.

The survey also gauged Americans' responses on a variety of other topics, including that 53% disapproved of Bidens overall job performance as president, 46% expressed a favorable opinion of former President Donald Trump, and 74% held an unfavorable opinion of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Recently, The New York Times published a report claiming that, according to sources within his campaign, Trump would support a national 16-week abortion ban, with exceptions provided for rape, incest or a medical emergency.

For their part, the Trump campaign has denied the validity of the NY Times story, labeling it fake news and stating that, if elected, a different plan would be considered.

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 asserted in a statement to The Washington Post.

The Biden campaign released a statement in response to the report, claiming that Trump is running scared because he was the one responsible for taking away womens freedom. Bidens comment reflects the fact that Trump appointed three of the justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who voted to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Hes afraid the women of America are going to hold him responsible for taking away their rights [to abortion] and endangering their rights at the ballot box in November. Which is exactly whats going to happen, Biden claimed, according to WaPo.
Home News Supreme Court rules unanimously Trump cant be taken off Colorado ballot

The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Colorado cannot remove former President Donald Trump from the state ballot, arguing that the state overstepped its authority when doing so.

In December, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible to be on the ballot for president, citing Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

But in the 9-0 decision released Monday morning in the case of Trump v. Anderson, the high court ruled that Congress, not states, enforces Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

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We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency, read the opinion.

"[N]othing in the Constitution delegates to the States any power to enforce Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates. As an initial matter, not even the respondents contend that the Constitution authorizes States to somehow remove sitting federal officeholders who may be violating Section 3."

The respondents nonetheless maintain that States may enforce Section 3 against candidates for federal office. But the text of the Fourteenth Amendment, on its face, does not affirmatively delegate such a power to the States, the decision continued.

Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elana Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson authored a concurring opinion, arguing that letting Colorado remove Trump from its ballot would, we agree, create a chaotic state-by-state patchwork, at odds with our Nations federalism principles.

However, the justices took issue with the per curiam opinions stance that the decision decides future cases by simply putting the responsibility of 14th Amendment disqualification to Congress.

The majority announces that a disqualification for insurrection can occur only when Congress enacts a particular kind of legislation pursuant to Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, they added.

In doing so, the majority shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement. We cannot join an opinion that decides momentous and difficult issues unnecessarily, and we therefore concur only in the judgment.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Dec. 19 that Trump cannot be placed on the ballot for the 2024 election, citing his alleged connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

The court cited Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits people from holding public office who engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."

"President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three; because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Secretary to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot," read the Colorado high courts majority.

"We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach."

Colorado Chief Justice Brian Boatwright authored a dissent to the opinion, arguing that the court went beyond its scope when it decided Trump had engaged in insurrection.

"Unlike qualifications such as age and place of birth, an application of Section Three requires courts to define complex terms, determine legislative intent from over 150 years ago, and make factual findings foreign to our election code," wrote Boatwright.

"Dismissal is particularly appropriate here because the Electors brought their challenge without a determination from a proceeding (e.g., a prosecution for an insurrection-related offense) with more rigorous procedures to ensure adequate due process."

Trump, the frontrunner for becoming the 2024 Republican nominee for president, filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments last month.

During oral arguments, multiple justices of the high court expressed concern about states having the power to enforce the 14th Amendment and if this interferes with the wishes of other states.
Home News US Senate resolution hailed for cracking down on religious freedom violators

The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step forward in the global fight for religious freedom with the introduction of a resolution calling for the U.S. government to use all diplomatic and sanctions tools at its disposal to address and penalize violators of religious freedom internationally.

The bipartisan initiative, led by Senators Chris Coons, D-Del., James Lankford, R-Okla., Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

The right to religious freedom is an American ideal and the cornerstone of our nations identity, Sen. Coons said in a statement. Protecting religious minorities must remain central to American foreign policy, and we must call out and condemn attacks on religious people and nonbelievers alike. Im proud to join with a bipartisan group of colleagues in this effort to make clear that this must remain a priority for our countrys international relations moving forward.

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In 2023, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom identified more than 2,200 individuals targeted by 27 different countries and entities for their religious beliefs, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, Coons and Lankford noted. USCIRF also identified the continued destruction of religious sites as an additional threat to religious freedom, they said.

Sen. Lankford said it is the fundamental right of every person to have a faith, live your faith, change your faith, or have no faith at all, which must be recognized throughout the world.

Countries like China, Russia, and Iran continue to target and persecute citizens for living this most basic freedom, he said. The United States must continue its international leadership to defend religious freedom, which is why we are reaffirming our commitment to fight for religious freedom around the world.

In 1786, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law that laid the foundation for religious liberty in the U.S., noted Kaine, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This precedent, he said, has made the U.S. a symbol of hope for many around the globe living in places devoid of religious freedom, showcasing a society where individuals of various beliefs can coexist peacefully, share communities, schools and workplaces.

Amid the sharp rise in attacks on faith-based communities, Im joining my colleagues to send a clear message that we must work together to protect religious freedom at home and abroad, he said in a statement.

Kristen Waggoner, president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, expressed strong support for the resolution, highlighting the increasing violations of religious freedom globally.

Sean Nelson, legal counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, also praised the resolution, noting its significance in promoting the religious freedom rights of individuals and communities globally.

The resolution specifically mentions the dire situations in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Nicaragua, noting that the enforcement of blasphemy laws and the arbitrary detainment of individuals expressing their religious identity.

In Nigeria, over 7,000 Christians were killed for their faith last year, with at least 200 Christians murdered by militants in Plateau State this past Christmas, according to reports.

The resolution highlights the enforcement of blasphemy laws resulting in the death and imprisonment of individuals for their faith, including the cases of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and Rhoda Jatau. ADF International says it is actively involved in the legal defense of these individuals, advocating for justice and the overturning of blasphemy laws.

In Nicaragua, the government has been detaining and exiling religious leaders critical of its actions. ADF International is supporting the legal defense of Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison for his advocacy but is now safe at the Vatican.

Pakistans religious minorities face severe persecution, including killings, forced conversions and sexual violence. ADF International says its efforts in Pakistan focus on supporting women and girls forced into marriage and conversion to Islam.

The resolution is also supported by Freedom House.
Home News Armed woman arrested for attempting to destroy church rectory after pouring flammable liquid on father

A woman has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a Catholic church and attempting to destroy the rectory on Sunday morning just minutes after she caused a disturbance at a separate address where she doused her father with a flammable liquid and cut him with a knife.

The Omaha Police Department issued a press release on Sunday announcing that 29-year-old Noemi Guzman had broken into the rectory of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church of Omaha, Nebraska, armed with a knife and destroying property.

The priest barricaded himself in a second-floor room. The Omaha Fire Department responded and used a ladder truck to assist the priest out of a second-floor window. Guzman then barricaded herself in the building, the police stated.

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Members of the OPD Emergency Response Unit took Guzman into custody after 10 a.m. as she was attempting to jump from a second-floor window. Guzman was transported to the hospital. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

The church confirmed on its Facebook page that the priest, identified as Father Damian Zuerlein, was unharmed and that Mass would resume that evening at 5:30 p.m. local time, having canceled morning services due to the police investigation.

Police told local media outlet WOWT 6 News that crisis negotiators and officials with Special Weapons And Tactics were called in to help resolve the situation, with drones also being deployed.

Guzman allegedly attempted to use bear repellent spray against the police officers, while authorities used what OPD described as a less lethal agent to drive her out of the building, reported WOWT.

According to a report released last month by the Family Research Council, there were 436 hostile incidents against churches in 2023, which was over twice the number reported by the organization in 2022.

These numbers from 2023 included at least 315 incidents of vandalism, 75 arson attacks or attempted arsons, 10 firearms-related incidents, 20 bomb threats and 37 other hostile actions that took place at churches.

"There is a common connection between the growing religious persecution abroad and the rapidly increasing hostility toward churches here at home: our government's policies," FRC President Tony Perkins said in a statement.

"The indifference abroad to the fundamental freedom of religion is rivaled only by the increasing antagonism toward the moral absolutes taught by Bible-believing churches here in the U.S., which is fomenting this environment of hostility toward churches.
American Free Speech Crisis, NBC News Censored Newsom Interview, West Virginia Religious Vaccine Exemption

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Top headlines for Monday, March 4, 2024

In this episode, we delve into the landscape of free speech in America, examining a recent study indicating that even though a majority of citizens believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction, many still favor censoring offensive viewpoints. We also discuss the controversy ignited by NBC News, facing criticism for allegedly editing remarks on late-term abortion made by California Governor, Gavin Newsom. Lastly, we unpack the developments in West Virginia where new legislation could soon permit religious exemptions from certain vaccines for children attending public schools.

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CLICK HERE to get FREE ACTIVATION on PATRIOT MOBILE with offer code CHRISTIAN POST

Top headlines for Monday, March 4, 2024

In this episode, we delve into the landscape of free speech in America, examining a recent study indicating that even though a majority of citizens believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction, many still favor censoring offensive viewpoints. We also discuss the controversy ignited by NBC News, facing criticism for allegedly editing remarks on late-term abortion made by California Governor, Gavin Newsom. Lastly, we unpack the developments in West Virginia where new legislation could soon permit religious exemptions from certain vaccines for children attending public schools.
Home News Jean Ford, Billy Graham's last remaining sibling, dies at 91: 'Loved the Lord Jesus Christ'

Jean Graham Ford, the only remaining sibling of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, died last week at the age of 91, her nephew, Franklin Graham, announced in a Facebook post reflecting on her legacy and love for the Lord.

My Aunt Jean loved the Lord Jesus Christ, her family, her church and the work of God's people around the world. She, along with her husband Dr. Leighton Ford, was always a great encourager to my father throughout his entire ministry. He sought her counsel on many issues during his lifetime, Graham, who leads Samaritans Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, wrote.

Aunt Jean and Leighton met at Wheaton College. Uncle Leighton went on to be a powerful evangelist and was thankful for the support and loyalty of his faithful and loving wife. The Bible speaks of godly women who are worthy of praise: a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised' (Proverbs 31).

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Graham revealed his father and his aunt shared a close bond, formed in their early years on the family dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Jean was the youngest of four children born to Frank and Morrow Graham. She was 14 years younger than Billy Graham, whom she called "Billy Frank.

Despite facing a challenging childhood, including being stricken with polio at age 11, Jean's faith remained unshaken, he said. Graham recounted her saying that the possibility of death as a child did not bother her much as she knew she was going to Heaven.

She traced her faith back to her childhood, commenting that Jesus was part of our family, he said.

She exemplified this when her and Leighton's oldest son, Sandy, died of a rare heart disease at the young age of 21. Sandy's testimony for the Lord lives on to this day, and so does the testimony of Jean Graham Ford, Graham continued.

We are thankful for her life that impacted so many when she would share her testimony, saying, Sometimes it's so difficult to trust our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet to me, there's no option. That happened to be ingrained in me, my trust in what He promises; my trust in who I know Him to be.

Graham expressed his prayers and condolences to Leighton Ford, their son, Kevin, and daughter, Debbie, acknowledging Jean Graham Ford's life as "well-lived."

Billy Graham died at 99 in 2018; Catherine Graham McElroy died in 2006 at 86, and Melvin Graham died in 2003 at 78.

In 2018, Jean spoke at Billy Graham's funeral in Charlotte.

She shared that when she heard the news of her brother's death she was reminded of the hymn, "Heaven Came Down and Filled My Soul With Glory."

"On February the 21st, Heaven came down and took my brother from me," she said. "One day, Heaven will come down and take me. And I know what [my brother] would want me to say today is, 'Heaven is coming again and would like to take you also.'"
Home News Missouri AG accuses Planned Parenthood of trafficking minors out of state for abortions

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is seeking a court order against Planned Parenthood to prevent the nation's largest abortion provider from transporting minors out of state for abortions without parental consent, a claim the organization has denied.

The attorney general announced the legal action against Planned Parenthood Great Plains on Thursday as part of a multi-year campaign to drive Planned Parenthood from the state. In an interview with The Christian Post, Bailey claimed the organization has a history of refusing to comply with Missouri state statutes.

"We are not going to let this go," he said. "This is a lawless cult of death that is committed to their willful refusal to comply with state statutes."

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The legal filing highlights footage conservative activist group Project Veritas released in December that purports to show Planned Parenthood Great Plains employees telling an undercover reporter that it helps transport minors across state lines for abortions without parental consent.

The nonprofit recorded the video in November 2023, according to the time stamp.

Bailey pledges to use all the resources at his disposal to "hold any wrongdoers to account," including individuals who helped transport minors out of state or failed to comply with mandatory reporting requirements.

"[Planned Parenthood] should no longer be allowed to operate in the state of Missouri, and we're not going to let that go," he said. "We will continue to pursue them using every available resource we have until such time as they're driven from the state of Missouri."

Planned Parenthood of Great Plains did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment about the Project Veritas video or the attorney general's lawsuit.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Emily Wales told The Columbia Missourian that Planned Parenthood doesn't provide transportation for patients, stating that Kansas law requires minor patients seeking abortion to have parental consent or a court order.

We will continue following state and federal laws and proudly providing Missourians with the compassionate sexual and reproductive care that remains available to them in a state with a total abortion ban, Wales said.

The legal filing lists several code violations that Planned Parenthood has violated over the years, stating that in 2018, the Planned Parenthood facility in Columbia shut down after its staff admitted it had used moldy equipment on women who came for abortions.

That same year, Planned Parenthood admitted in court that it had failed to comply with a state law requiring physicians to file reports about medical complications after an abortion.

In 2020, the Administrative Hearing Commission determined that a Planned Parenthood physician continued to violate this reporting law despite her claims in 2017 that she was complying with it. The same commission determined that Planned Parenthood violated a state law requiring the physician who commits the abortion to be the one to inform the woman about the risks of abortion.

Following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Missouri enacted a near-total ban on abortion, with exceptions for medical emergencies. Even if Planned Parenthood is not performing abortions in Missouri, the attorney general contends that the nation's largest abortion provider should not be permitted to operate in the state even if it does offer other services.

"Planned Parenthood is not providing safe or ethical healthcare," Bailey said. "That's the point I'm making. When they're using moldy abortion machines, even if they're not providing abortions, that demonstrates an unwillingness to adhere to basic health and safety standards."

In the Project Veritas video, the managing director of a Kansas City Planned Parenthood, identified as Lashuana, laughed as she told the undercover operative that the clinic helps transport minors for abortions "Every day." The reporter in the video pretended that he was seeking an abortion for a 13-year-old and that he did not want the girl's parents to find out.

The managing director assured the undercover operative, "We never tell the parents anything. She's an adult in our clinics."

When the journalist asked about transporting the girl to Kansas for an abortion, Lashuana assured him that this was not "their first rodeo." She instructed him to call Planned Parenthood in Kansas and ask for a "bypass," explaining that this was "just not letting the parents know."

When the reporter asked additional questions about arranging the pretend abortion for a minor, Lashuana said that Planned Parenthood would write a doctor's note to excuse the girl from school so she could have one without parental approval. The managing director said that Planned Parenthood would arrange for someone to pick the child up and take her for the abortion.

"You can't look at the Project Veritas video in isolation," Bailey told CP. "I think that this establishes a pattern of behavior, a history of lawlessness. At this point, I am convinced, and I think that the evidence establishes, that Planned Parenthood is more committed to the destruction of human life than they are to the health and safety of women."

Republican lawmakers in Missouri recently gave initial approval for a bill that would bar Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding from the state. The lawmakers argued that Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding, an effort that Bailey said he supports.

"Why would we pay for an organization that's conspiring to violate state law?" Bailey asked, referencing the Project Veritas video.
Home News Son of pastor shot by carjackers grieves attack on his Superman father, brands shooters as thugs

A week after Zionfield Baptist Church Pastor Clemmie Livingston Jr. was shot in the mouth last Sunday by carjackers as he prepared for service in Memphis, Tennessee, his adult son, the Rev. Keith Livingston, grieved the attack as one of the most challenging things he's ever had to face. He called the shooters who are still on the lam thugs.

Now Im sure by this time everyone knows that this [past] weekend [has] indeed been a trying week for our family.  Its been a tumultuous week for all of us. It has honestly been one of the most challenging things that I can say that Ive ever had to go through, he said from his fathers pulpit on Sunday as the congregation gathered together for service for the first time since the shooting. I can honestly say through all  this struggle thats going on in our life, with Gods help, weve been able to come through.

Before coming to a state of calm by leaning on the wisdom in Scripture, Livingston said his initial reaction was a mix of anger, fear and grief over the brazen daylight attack on his father.

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Im not gonna sit here and lie that I didnt hit some low points. Im not gonna sit here and lie that I didnt shed some tears. Im not gonna sit here and say I didnt say some things that I normally wouldnt have said. But you have to understand that I, too, am human, he said. I was afraid because its a hard pill to swallow. Its a hard pill to swallow [watching] someone you consider your Superman get shot down by some random thugs kryptonite.

The Memphis Police Department said in a previous report that Pastor Clemmie Livingston, who is also battling bone cancer, was shot just after 9 a.m. on Feb. 25 as he stepped out of his church before the start of his morning service.

The victim was shot when he came out of the church as the suspects were stealing a 2019 silver Chevrolet Corvette. As the suspects fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, they fired shots, striking the victim, a statement from the police said. A second person who was outside the church at the time the car was stolen returned fire after the suspects shot first.

Police currently have no suspects and have not recovered the stolen vehicle.

Gwendoline Livingston, the pastors wife, revealed in a GoFundMe campaign launched last Thursday that although her 71-year-old husband is in stable condition in ICU, he will need to undergo multiple follow-up surgeries to repair the damage from the severe injury. On Friday, the campaign, which has a $20,000 goal had only raised a few hundred dollars. As of Monday morning, that fundraising total was nearly $18,000.

After undergoing surgery he was upgraded to being in stable condition and remains in ICU. Even so, my husband will be awaiting at least two more surgeries approximately six weeks from now and then a third phase and possibly more depending on the outcome of his healing, Gwendoline Livingston wrote on the campaign.

She further explained that due to the severity of her husbands injury, doctors had to perform a painful tracheotomy, and he cannot eat or drink.

The pastors wife told Fox 13 that he was not involved in a confrontation with the carjackers. He simply heard car alarms outside the church and as soon as he stepped outside the church to see what was happening, he was hit by a gunshot, and he fell.

He never talked to anybody," she said. "He never went to anybody. He didnt try to stop anything. He didnt deserve that. He didnt confront anybody.

Troy Franklin, a member of the church who told Fox 13 that she was parked in the front of the church near the area where her pastor fell after he was shot, said she was a bit nervous coming back to the church for service on Sunday but she fought through it.

And you know, it's scary," said Franklin, who explained that she had applied pressure to the pastors wound in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. "It just keeps playing in my mind, almost like a movie, just over and over and over again. And essentially, you know, I can't say I'm scared to be here, but I am nervous. But they can't stop anything."

In his message on Sunday which he titled Stay Calm, He Got This, the Rev. Keith Livingston talked about how scriptures helped to calm him down during a time when he struggled with fear after the attack.

What it does sometimes, it put a little fear in my heart. But again, Im only human. It was then that I had to come to my senses and remember what it said in the 46th number of Psalms, he said. It said Be still and know that I am God.
Home News 'The Chosen' creator talks struggles with porn addiction, defends comments about Mormons

"The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins recently weighed in on some of the controversies he's faced in recent years, including the presence of a gay camera operator with a pride flag on set and his relationship with friends in the Latter-day Saints community.

In a lengthy interview with The Beat's Allen Parr, posted online last Tuesday, the 48-year-old opened up about how his past struggles with narcissism and pornography have shaped his journey.

"I used to be someone who sought and needed affirmation. ... I struggled with narcissism," Jenkins said.

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After his film "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" flopped in 2017, Jenkins said he was forced to face his people-pleasing tendencies and replace toxic habits with Scripture, something he said turned out to be life-changing.

"I had a long-term struggle with pornography that went dormant for years because I was doing well and hadn't struggled with it, and then it kind of had a relapse," he said. "And I went, 'Alright,' I was married at the time. I have kids, 'This can't happen again. And it's not enough for me to just have all these protections on my computer. I need to change the heart of what causes this idolatry or this addiction.'"

"So the habit of wanting to get affirmed, or the habit of lust or whatever, I restarted replacing with Scripture," he said. "I really have become someone who has replaced my desire to please or to avoid criticism with God's desires.  On a personal level, does it hurt my feelings? Does it impact my family? It really, really doesn't. And that takes time. It takes effort. It takes replacing those thoughts with Scripture, but it has happened to it has gotten to a place where I can chuckle at it sometimes."

It's this mentality that Jenkins said has sustained him while "The Chosen" has faced criticism as it continues to grow in popularity.

The first multi-season series to follow the Gospel narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus, "The Chosen" has become an international phenomenon and is currently in its fourth season.

The director highlighted instances where the show was misinterpreted, citing examples of how certain scenes were taken out of context.

"It's frustrating when people think that they can solve the issue of the hypostatic union in a YouTube comment," Jenkins expressed, stressing the importance of nuanced understanding over superficial judgments.

Jenkins clarified the times he's said "The Chosen" is "not a ministry," stating that while he and his wife have a personal ministry focused on bringing people closer to Jesus, conversion is the work of God and the Holy Spirit, not theirs. He stated that his cast and crew, many of whom are not "traditional believers," are not required to subscribe to his personal ministry or religious beliefs.

"We are a for-profit company," he said, adding: "We don't have a litmus test for who is going to work on our show outside of, 'You're going to work hard, you're going to do a great job, and we're going to do this work together. And whether whatever your motive is, whatever your background is, is not my concern."

Last year, Jenkins and "The Chosen" faced criticism after a video clip showing a small rainbow flag on the show's set circulated on social media.

"We have people on our cast and crew who come from multiple backgrounds, and our camera operator is gay and has a three-inch pride flag on his own personal equipment," Jenkins said. "He is allowed to have his own equipment; he is allowed to express himself within the context of his equipment. And we have a guy in the catering team who wears a MAGA hat, you know. I don't police any of those things. And our cast and crew know that when they come on, if they have personal issues with someone else's personal issues, they're going to have to put those at the door because we're here to work together, regardless of our politics, regardless of our backgrounds. We're going to work together on this."

Jenkins stressed that he doesn't personally "support pride," adding: "Everyone knows where I stand."

"I'm an Evangelical Christian, and I believe in a biblical viewpoint of sexuality," Jenkins said. "But I also don't require that the cast and crew sign on to my own personal beliefs. We have a great relationship, and the camera operator who was called for to be fired by several people and criticized is probably one of my top two or three favorite crew members on our show. He works so hard for the show. He is some of the great work that people talk about on the show comes from him."

One of the more sensitive topics discussed in the interview was Jenkins' relationship with the Mormon community and his affiliation with Angel Studios, owned by the Harmon brothers, who are adherents to the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints.

Jenkins clarified the nature of this partnership and its impact on "The Chosen," explaining that while Angel Studios played a significant role in launching the show, they had no influence on its content and that he continues to uphold Evangelical Christian beliefs.

Angel Studios and "The Chosen" have since parted ways for reasons Jenkins said had "nothing to do with the LDS thing." The show is now distributed by Lionsgate.

"I have no problem working with anyone who is going to work hard to get the show out to the world. They have zero input or influence on the content of the show," he said.

Jenkins acknowledged he previously came under fire after stating that he has Mormon friends who believe in "Jesus of Nazareth, the Jesus of the Gospels, the Jesus that I'm portraying in the show."

"I was referring to a few of my LDS friends, and I said, 'I'm not speaking for the LDS church, I'm not talking about their a formal doctrine or anything like that,'" he clarified. "I'm talking about some of these LDS friends that I have do love the same Jesus that I do. We may have some disagreements about some aspects of it, but some of these brothers that I know that I have had deep, intense, dozens of hours of conversations with might not actually sign on to or might have a different viewpoint than what the official church doctrine is, much like Evangelical world has different sects and different denominations within it."

Jenkins, the son of Left Behind author Jerry Jenkins, also mentioned accusations of him quoting the Book of Mormon, which he denied, saying he hadn't read it. He urged people to let "The Chosen" speak for itself and to focus on what is truly relevant, rather than getting caught up in misinterpretations or assumptions based on limited information or past comments.

And while he's open to constructive criticism and discussions, Jenkins said, "Let's not try to relegate these very important, important and nuanced issues to YouTube headlines."
Home News Trump's Mar-a-Lago hosts Log Cabin Republican official's gay wedding Couple take photo with former president

A same-sex wedding between two men  one of whom is a senior official with a national pro-LGBT conservative group  was held this weekend at the resort that is also the residence of former President Donald Trump.

The Feb. 23 ceremony held at Mar-a-Lago for John Sullivan, vice chair and treasurer for the Tennessee Log Cabin Republicans, and his partner, Dan Medora, sparked some backlash online against Trump after the Republican group shared images from the event.

The group wrote in a Feb. 25 post on Facebook: An amazing time was had by all at John Sullivan and Dan Medoras unforgettable wedding at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, FL. A celebration of love and style that will be cherished forever. Thanks for the amazing weekend, fellas!

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The post included images of the two men cutting the wedding cake and holding hands during what is traditionally the bride and grooms first dance as husband and wife.

In order to host a wedding or event at Mar-a-Lago, one "must be sponsored by a current member," according to the Mar-a-Lago club's website.

A report from conservative outlet Breitbart said Sullivan and Medora initially reached out to same-sex couple Bill White and Bryan Eure to inquire whether holding their ceremony at Trumps resort would be in the realm of possibility.

White and Eure then contacted Trumps team, which happily approved the couples request, Breitbart reported.

It unfolded very quickly. And again, it was not on our radar initially, but we were obviously really, really, really excited and thankful to be able to do it there, Sullivan told the outlet.

Trump also took a photo with the same-sex couple giving his signature thumbs-up sign.

Trump is so homophobic he hosted a gay wedding at his house



(ps I was there, it was fabulous) pic.twitter.com/H0wloeVkaN  David Leatherwood ???????? (@brokebackUSA) March 3, 2024

Additional details of the wedding were not disclosed, but it wasn't the first pro-LGBT event at Trump's residence: the Log Cabin Republicans held a Spirit of Lincoln gala event at Mar-a-Lago in December 2022, where Trump reportedly made a personal appearance.

We are fighting for the gay community, and we are fighting and fighting hard, Trump was quoted as telling attendees.

In a 2020 video released by the Log Cabin Republicans, Richard Grenell, Trumps former acting director of national intelligence, called the 2024 Republican frontrunner the most pro-gay president in American history.

Trump appointed Grenell in 2020 as the first openly gay official appointed to a cabinet position in U.S. history.
Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell,18, studies in her room and unwinds after school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Emerson Campbell always felt that she had a tendency to take on too much, and her October to-do list confirmed it.

Rehearse the role of Blanche DuBois for A Streetcar Named Desire.

Practice for Heathers the Musical.

Do homework.

Organize an international festival.

Plan Student Council's annual exhibition.

Prep Thespian Society's (satirical) fortune-telling booth for a Halloween fundraiser.

Get into the University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan and Yale.

By the end of the month, Campbells main problem was that her ongoing academic and theater obligations had left her wiped  and totally behind on her first three college applications. The high school senior had already put her job on pause and dropped calculus to make life easier, yet she still had to go to sleep at 10 p.m. each night and wake up around 2 or 3 a.m. to work so she could meet the universities deadlines.

Campbell, a normally polished dresser, wore pajama pants to school that last week of October.

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It was high stress, said the 18-year-old student in Houston Independent School District. I had to put a lot of things on the back burner. Like, they were still burning.

Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell,18, does school work in her room after school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell,18, does school work in her room after school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell, 18, unwinds after a long day at school by getting ready for bed on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Campbell and her peers today face a world of admissions that is complicated at best and physically and emotionally exhausting at worst. Gen Z-ers pay almost double what their parents did for a degree, and top-tier colleges are becoming increasingly coveted with higher numbers of applications and shrinking acceptance rates. Mental health is at a critical juncture for teens, and academic achievement is one of the top stressors.

For students who want to pursue selective postsecondary education, the result is a sometimes hellish junior and senior year where a no from a dream school feels like a terrifying outcome. But experts say the desire is misplaced  and the cost to teens' mental health may not be worth it.

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I worry about it a lot, said Richard Weissbourd, senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Academic achievement is incredibly important, but I certainly think its just as important to prepare kids to be moral, to love, to have hope, and to have meaning and purpose in their lives. Were tending to sideline those things.

Campbell attends Carnegie Vanguard High School, a magnet program for HISD students identified as gifted-and-talented. She and other students described the campus as a supportive, invigorating one that can still feel like ground zero for academic stress, especially when it comes to trying to get accepted into a top college. Achieving high is the expectation, not the goal. Every student matriculates to college, 95% of them to four-year institutions.

READ THE OCCASIONAL SERIES: Stress to Success, a look into college admissions

The college-going culture is so prevalent that families begin plotting as early as middle school which clubs students should join and which classes they should take. Tutoring and test prep to stay ahead are the norm. For seniors hoping to attend top-ranked colleges and universities, junior year slammed them with a slew of AP courses and standardized tests, just a precursor to a senior year filled with constant tasks and decisions.

Counselors at Carnegie Vanguard said they work to make sure applicants expand their options, a tactic that comes as scholars like Weissbourd try to reframe the culturally imposed perception that elite education is the education most worth having.

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Many times theres an element of perfectionism, Principal Ramon Moss said. Students really put a lot of pressure on themselves.

A time of transition

Campbell didnt feel great about her applications, beyond the main essay that she spent hours and hours perfecting. Time had been otherwise limited, with club meetings at lunch and theater rehearsals until 7 p.m.

The supplemental essays and her resume were a scramble to complete. Clothes piled up on a beanbag in her bedroom, and she found less time for the things she enjoys, such as reading e-books and spending time with friends.

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It was just so high stakes, she said.

Campbell would receive automatic admission to UT-Austin by being in the top 6% of her class, but the competitive honors and international business programs she wanted to attend were not sure bets. The University of Michigan and Yale are also competitive, as are some of the other schools she applied to later on, around Christmas.

The teen is weighing a lot in her college decisions. Campbell is a sunny person  she's heard herself described as "quirky"  and she prides herself on being creative and open-minded. She craves community, which she found for the first time at Carnegie after moving around often and spending much of her childhood living abroad. She wants a university to reflect her personality and to meet her need to be academically challenged.

Campbell is also balancing her hope that the school she attends will be prestigious enough to validate her, with the knowledge that any college will be great regardless of its name or brand. Financial aid is another factor: She is considered middle to high income and does not expect significant federal help.

Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell, 18, leaves theater practice late in the evening and unwinds after a long day at school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School, Emerson Campbell, 18, leaves theater practice late in the evening and unwinds after a long day at school on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Students across varying academic capabilities encounter the same uncertainties, although no one experiences them identically, said Katherine Gallagher, a pediatric psychologist at Texas Childrens Hospital. College-related stress is very visible for students applying to selective universities, but it isnt exclusive to the group, which makes up a smaller subset in higher education. (Only 4% of U.S. students attend extremely selective institutions, and a majority of schools admit most of the people who apply to them, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center.)

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People are making choices about college for all kinds of reasons, she said. They're not just considering what's the most elite college I can get into, but maybe they're also thinking about the financial implications of making this or that college choice, or thinking about responsibility to family.

AN UPHILL BATTLE: A look at the challenges first-generation students face in the competitive college application process

The transition between high school and college is a stressful stage of life, Gallagher said. Jeffrey Martinez, head counselor at a predominately low-income high school in Harlandale ISD in San Antonio said he sees that stress manifest in a lack of confidence. Some students don't even try, throwing in the towel at any minor inconvenience or the thought they won't be good enough.

"Students are assigning their worth to the letters that they receive or don't receive," said Martinez, who is also a board member of the Texas School Counselor Association.

Its widely known that teens today are already experiencing more problems with mental health, and Gallagher said pressures from college applications dont help. Weissbourd and others at Harvard surveyed young adults in 2022 and found that their top perceived drivers of negative mental health were financial stress and achievement pressures. A 2014 study from the American Psychological Association also found that during the school year, teens experience stress at higher levels than those reported by adults.

Federal data shows that 17% of teens reported symptoms of depression and that more than 1 in 5 reported symptoms of anxiety in a two-week period between July 2021 and December 2022. College applications' effects on mental health are largely anecdotal.

Many kids and teens are coping with this fine, because they have built the tools to add additional responsibilities to their plate, Gallagher said. But even the ones that are doing well and keeping up with things, it's still a lot to cope with.

The lengths you go

In that difficult final week of October, Campbell found a few strategies to manage her stress. She didnt allow herself to think about anything but the tasks in front of her  she rejected some parent input during the process, and she wanted to prove that she knew what she was doing. They were also threatening to make her quit her plays if she couldnt get her applications done.

Campbell burned the midnight oil each night, usually with a grapefruit-scented candle, her Snuggie, English breakfast tea and raspberry-flavored Emergen-c.

I was just trying to take it a day at a time, she said. You have to make certain compromises in order to actually survive. I did sacrifice sleep, but I was still functioning.

She turned in her first three college applications with a couple hours to spare, but her schedule stayed busy. She turned in more applications by their winter deadlines and has since struggled with the uncertainty of not knowing where shell be in six months. Sometimes she lightens her mood by lip-syncing in the mirror.

Many others at Campbell's school have already learned their futures  a full-circle moment, as comparisons are inevitable throughout high school and at the start of the application season. She had moments where she said she felt unproductive watching her friends start nonprofits or volunteer almost every day. She also saw others knocking out 10 applications at the early deadlines while she struggled to manage three.

Several of those classmates are now posting their results on Instagram. College acceptance videos are also the norm in high schools, where students sit in front of a computer, surrounded by family, and cheer and cry when they get into their choice school. (One student wrote in the Atlantic last March, in an essay called Stop Sharing Viral College-acceptance Videos, that they exacerbate the over-the-top stress students already feel about college admissions.)

HIGHER ED: Pro tips from college admissions advisors Texas seniors should know

Campbell is happy for all of her friends at Carnegie Vanguard, and she hopes she has the same success. If she doesnt, she feels it will be her fault: Theater is difficult to justify in a college essay because it will not be her major, Campbell knows, but shes passionate enough about it and feels she should be able to express what shes about.

Its meaningful to me, thats what matters, Campbell said. I wouldnt be doing anything differently.  At the same time, it will hurt.

Weissbourd, at Harvard, believes a change in the pressure on college applications will have to come with a cultural overhaul. He completed Turning the Tide, a report signed on by hundreds of college admissions offices with recommendations that would diminish a focus on success and promote a greater focus on ethics  as hes found that a greater emphasis on achievement and happiness in child rearing has led to less concern for others.

The report seeks a reformed application process that, for example, encourages more community service and takes into consideration contributions to family. Another recommendation suggests that admissions offices, parents and counselors expand thinking on what constitutes good colleges. Students' belief that the most selective colleges are their only good options has been detrimental, Weissbourd said.

Primarily it comes from parents, from communities. It comes from the choices parents make about where they send their kids to school, he said. The college admissions process, I think, reinforces it.

At Carnegie, students make use of their counselors as well as events such as alumni panels, where participants share their varying postsecondary experiences. Some of those resources have confirmed Campbell's knowledge that she will be successful at any school she attends; still, she can't help but hold out for some of the elite schools on her list.

A certain level of affirmation rides on it.

I want that gratification that everything Ive done is worth it, Campbell said. The lengths you go to get that ego boost, I guess.

She backtracked. That didnt quite sound right.
Home Opinion How bad can you be and still be saved?

John Piper tells a story about a woman who heard one of his messages many years ago on the doctrine of eternal security, which states that once a person is saved, they can never lose their salvation. She approached Piper, thanked him for his message, and then went on to say that she was in an adulterous affair, but was relieved to learn that because she was saved, she could continue in the relationship with no worries.

Pipers reply was certainly not what she expected: God will damn you to Hell if you continue in your sin.

Why would Piper say that?

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If we all agreed that no work can earn you Heaven, then once saved, what work can damn you to Hell? Isnt a plan of salvation that says nothing good you do will save you, but dive into anything from a specific list of bad things and youre on your way to eternal separation from God a bit wonky?

Truth be told, many of us have a list of bad things in our heads that we think disqualifies someone from salvation. But we rarely wonder if the sins we struggle with on a routine basis are on some other Christians bad things list and theyd say were eternally condemned for committing them.

How do you know? And of course, lets not forget about the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28-29; Matt. 12:31-32; Luke 12:10), which is as ominous sounding as anything could get.

Outside of the you-were-once-saved-and-not-youre-lost crowd, some believers say that if a confessing believer is committing so-and-so acts, it proves they were never saved to begin with. However, such No true Christian would accusations run a great risk of committing the No true Scotsman logical fallacy.

It all begs the question: how bad can a Christian be and still be saved?

What we know

So, lets start with the basics and drill down from there.

Gods gift of salvation cant be accepted without us acknowledging we have a problem. If you give me a present thats several bottles of mouthwash, Im not going to take it unless I admit I have bad breath.

In other words, unless I see my need for a savior, I will never call on God to be merciful to me, the sinner (Luke 18:13). But if I do, I admit that I have moral wrongs that need righting.

So far so good. This brings up that ever-so-touchy subject of repentance.

John the Baptist started his ministry with that theme: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 3:2). Jesus talked a lot about it too saying, I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32) and denouncing those who did not: The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here (Luke 11:32).

Our acts of repentance flow into the process of sanctification, a march towards personal holiness, which were told is what God wants for us: For this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3). Plus, were commanded to present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification (Rom. 6:19), all of which is a progression where were being conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).

Fine, but does anyone ever make it to the point of being totally sinless? Is 1 John 3:6, 9 implying that when it says, No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. No one who is born of God practices sin because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God?

In short, no. John says earlier in his letter, If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8), so the notion of perfectionism certainly isnt being discussed later in chapter 3. Instead, the idea of a habitual sinful lifestyle devoid of any moral checks is in view as is the understanding that all Christians have a regenerate nature that competes with their old, unsaved state.

This is most famously underscored in Pauls statements in Romans 7: For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate  So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want (Rom. 7:1519).

What you see in Pauls writings is something devoid in the woman who approached Piper. Notice how he says he is doing the very thing I hate? Although Paul says he sins, he doesnt bathe in it with affection.

As one Christian teacher put it, I dont have a problem with a Christian who has a sinful habit, but do with a Christian who has a sinful habit and doesnt think its sinful.

Scripture tells us that we can know a tree by its fruit (Matt.7:18). Before salvation, a person only bore bad fruit from Gods perspective. After salvation, the same person is now capable of bearing good fruit, but the old tree is also still there and will also manifest its fruit as Paul makes clear in Romans 7.

So that said, is there a youve-gone-too-far list of sins in Scripture that a believer can commit and then be lost? What about Pauls list in Galatians: Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:1921, my emphasis).

If thats the youve-crossed-the-line list, then I have bad news for you  were all doomed. Pick just one  how about idolatry?  and do a deep study on it and if youre honest youll conclude youre still guilty of it from time to time.

This naturally bothers some Christians who fear theyve fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4) and are now lost. You dont know all that Ive done since I was saved, they say.

Well, hold on, heres a question for you: how many of your sins were in the future when Christ died? All of them? Correct. And were there just some sins He died for or all of them? Same answer as before, right (see Heb. 10:12)?

The good news is Pauls list of sins in Galatians is not an are-you-ever-guilty-of-this checklist but is instead a state of mind and way of continuous daily living (notice the word practice). Ditto for Johns verses that speak about a believer and sin.

Heres the thing: there are people who profess to be Christian and yet live in a way thats opposed to the faith. But sooner or later, if they continue in that manner, they reach a point where the mask falls and they bail on Christianity (1 John 2:19).

They dont so much cross a line into being lost but reveal the sin theyve always had thats kept them there: the sin of unbelief. Its the one that keeps anyone guilty of it from Gods grace.

But if that person instead comes into a real relationship with Christ, their saving faith will result in godly affections that begin to compete and wrestle with the old nature in them, a fact spelled out well in Jonathan Edwards work, The Religious Affections.

Fake faith, on the other hand, always ends in apostasy.

As Paul well articulates in Romans, perfect victory isnt won in this life, but a march towards holiness will be evident. A wonderful test of this is whether a person feels the weight of their sin, grieves over it, and cries out like Paul did, Wretched person that I am! (Rom. 7:24).

So how bad can you be and still be a Christian? The sin of unbelief is the ultimate test of lostness that always manifests in time when a person is at home with their sin, has love for it, and is devoid of godly affections that testify to a valid saving faith.

One could say that a good name for such a thing is the unpardonable sin.
Christian politician makes history in Pakistan

Christian politician Anthony Naveed has achieved a major political milestone after he was elected as the first Christian Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Provincial Assembly last Sunday.

Naveed, who is the only Christian selected on a reserved seat for minorities in the Sindh Provincial Assembly by the progressive Pakistan People's Party (PPP) after the Feb. 8 general election, bagged 111 votes out of 147 votes cast. His opponent, Advocate Rashid Khan of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, clinched 36 votes.

Born into a modest Catholic family in Karachi, 53-year-old Naveed obtained an engineering diploma in garment technology from the Pakistan Swedish Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, Naveed has been actively engaged in community service, serving as vice president of the Karachi Christian Boys Association and representing the Catholic Youth Commission of Pakistan at the World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002.

He has also worked with the Pakistan Christian Congress focusing on educational initiatives and career counseling for the youth in his community. Despite facing personal challenges and discrimination, Naveed has remained rooted in Karachi's Akhtar Colony, where he was born, got married, and raised his children. His commitment to his community and identity shines through, emphasizing his dedication to representing and living among the people he serves.

Naveed's political journey began in 2005 when the PPP gave him a ticket in Karachi's local government election. He contested as a vice-chairman from his native Akhtar Colony. He went on to become a special assistant to the Sindh chief minister in 2016. In 2018, the PPP chose him as a reserved seat candidate in the Sindh Assembly where he was the lone Christian legislator.

"I am grateful to the PPP leadership, especially [party chief] Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for nominating me for this coveted position," Naveed told Christian Daily International on the phone from Karachi.

"The PPP is the only political party that is taking concrete steps to protect the rights of all minorities, including the Christian community, and empowering them socially, politically and economically," he said.

As the custodian of the house, Naveed said he would try his best to use this opportunity to lobby the support of the majority lawmakers to address the challenges facing the religious minorities of the province.

Lauding the PPP's decision to nominate and elect Naveed, Christian rights activists said this would help in alleviating the sense of deprivation in the marginalized community.

"It's good to see Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari fulfilling his promise of giving religious minorities an equal opportunity to grow in the socio-political sphere. By nominating Anthony Naveed, the PPP has lived up to the expectations of the minority communities and we hope that the other mainstream political parties will follow its example," said Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti.

Rights activist Napolean Qayyum also welcomed Naveed's election and said this had paved the way for the political mainstreaming of the Christian community.

"We hope that all political parties would also consider giving tickets to their Christian members for contesting the election on general seats in constituencies where we have a sizeable vote bank. Christian legislators will be in a better position to solve the problems facing their communities because they understand the issues much better than their Muslim counterparts," he said.

 Christian Daily International
Pro-life students at Manchester University left 'terrified' by angry mob

Pro-life students at the University of Manchester were left "terrified" after police had to hold back an angry mob who turned up to protest their meeting.

Students who attended the event on 29 February say they were egged and spat on, and met with a barrage of verbal assaults, including rape and death threats, that left them fearing for their safety.

The meeting was the inaugural event of the newly formed student Manchester Pro-Life Society and was being held to welcome new members.

The group's treasurer, named only as Jacob for security reasons, said, "If it wasn't for the police and security, people would have definitely been physically hurt.

"It made me feel intimidated and threatened. I was genuinely afraid that we would get hurt physically."

One person at the event said he was only able to get in with the help of the police. Video footage posted to social media shows students being escorted out of the building by police and officers holding back the crowd. Other clips show students being followed down the street by angry protesters shouting "shame on you" and "F*** pro-life*.

A University of Manchester spokesperson said in a statement: "While we respect the right of students to peaceful protest, there were instances of serious disruption and intimidation at this event. This affected staff and students going about their normal business, and police and campus security involvement was required.

"As well as the right to peaceful protest, we also have a legal obligation to support free speech within the law. The Students' Union, which approves student groups, has published an extensive statement with regard to the status of the Society."

Right to Life UK, which is supporting the pro-life group, said that one participant at the meeting had to be taken home in a police van out of fear for her safety.

Britain: A pro-life group left the University of Manchester under a torrent of insults. Defending the unborn is biblical and good.



Christian: prepare your heart, mind & family to weather being hated for your faith.



Christ endured rage. May we brace one another to do likewise. pic.twitter.com/PZnUb6X8e2  Christian Emergency Alliance (@ChristianEmerg1) March 1, 2024

Maisie, a 22-year-old alumna of the university who is seven months pregnant, said she was "terrified" that she and her unborn baby would be hurt.

"Leaving the building was the most terrifying part, we were surrounded and people were screaming in our faces," she said.

"I knew that it would only take one person to push into me for me to fall and be crushed. It was traumatic, I was shaking the whole time and I'm still really shaken up. I really thought our lives were in danger.

"The crowd was extremely violent - spitting, throwing eggs, screaming and swearing. There were around 30 of us, and 300 of them. Most of them had their faces covered."

Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, called the protest "appalling".

"These students should be allowed to discuss serious moral issues like abortion free from such vile verbal threats and physical intimidation," she said.

"Student pro-life groups are often the first opportunity people have to hear the pro-life view and this should not be denied by the threat of violence".

Inge, a first-year student at Manchester University, said that some protesters expressed the hope that she would be raped.

"It's unthinkable that at a university - where we are meant to discuss and debate important ideas about life and society - my peers and I have been threatened, spat on, barricaded and wished death upon simply for our peaceful beliefs," she said.

"I joined the pro-life society because I believe that women deserve better than abortion, and that society can do far more to support both lives in every pregnancy.

"Our group believes in respecting the dignity, rights and wellbeing of both mum and baby, and would like to explore ideas about how our country can get there.

"The fanatical attacks from a mob of ideologically-charged students last night terrified us.

"The UK government introduced legislation recently to protect our right to free speech on campus. Speaking openly about an important issue shouldn't cost us our safety."

Lorcan Price, legal counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom UK (ADF), called on Manchester University and its Students' Union to protect the rights of all students.

"University, of all places, should be where everyone can learn, debate, challenge and discuss ideas that are important to us," said Price.

"The Higher Education (freedom of speech) Act 2022 was meant to secure this by ensuring universities took concrete steps to protect the rights of all students, including those with minority views who have been subjected to censorship.

"Yet, at Manchester University last night, we saw students' safety under threat as they spat at, threatened with rape, and barricaded into a venue by a fanatical mob".

"The Students Union has a duty of care to students to ensure their rights to free speech are protected. Debate is always welcome. Attempting to silence someone's beliefs through threats of violence is unacceptable behaviour in British society."

Amid harassment & "shame on you" chants from pro-aborts, the newly established pro-life group from the University of Manchester refused to cancel their first meeting & stood for life.



Not backing down in the face of persecution is the first step to winning.



Heroes. pic.twitter.com/QjM3UqDbqf  Anna Lulis (@annamlulis) March 1, 2024

The Manchester Pro-Life Society had already come under intense scrutiny after a petition calling for its dissolution because of "potential harm" was launched anonymously online. It has been signed by nearly 20,000 people.

Christian Concern's Paul Huxley said, "It's simple unbelievable that pro-lifers are portrayed as aggressive and their free speech restricted. It's sickening and unjust on so many levels."

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUG) is asking people to send a message of solidarity to members of the Manchester Pro-Life Society.

"The courage of pro-life students in bearing the backlash of a pro-abortion society and overcoming great obstacles to fight for unborn babies must be commended," it said.

"Students at Manchester Pro-life Society need to know that we stand with them and support them."
Rolls-Royce one of UK's most faith-friendly workplaces

Rolls Royce is one of the best workplaces in the UK for workers with a faith or belief, according to a new index.

It scored top points in the first UK edition of the corporate Religious Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Index and Monitor alongside management consulting firm Baringa Partners LLP.

They are being honoured today at the first Faith at Work Conference, being held at the London Salesforce Tower by the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation.

The foundation said that both organisations had "fully integrated religion (including non-theistic beliefs) as part of their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion".

"In doing so they have created workplaces where employees of all faiths and beliefs feel a sense of belonging, which is a benefit to retention, recruitment and ultimately revenue," it said.

The index scores companies on a range of policies, among them the inclusion of religion in diversity training, how well they accommodate the religious needs of employees, and being attentive to how religion impacts stakeholders.

Rolls Royce and Baringa are followed in the REDI index by Ovo Energy, NATS and Thames Water.

In addition to Rolls Royce, the top 10 faith-friendly firms listed on the FTSE 100 includes BT Group, Schroders, Whitbread, HSBC, Ocado Group, Phoenix, Anglo American, United Utilities and St James Place.

The Faith at Work Conference being held today will explore how businesses that embrace a faith and belief-inclusive culture can gain a competitive advantage in talent acquisition, retention and overall productivity.

Research by the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation found that while most FTSE 100 companies have one or more employee resource groups for race, abilities, gender and sexual orientation, only 12 per cent have any for religion or belief.

The foundation said the data showed that "much more attention needs to be placed on including religion and belief" in diversity policies.
For its 2023 Security Priorities report, Foundry surveyed 790 IT security workers to understand their projects and priorities. Its conclusions were less than optimal.

The adversaries, at least for now, have the upper hand on many global organisations, the report concluded. Worse, it said adversaries are accelerating and widening their range of sophisticated attacks at scale through automation, cybercrime-as-a-service models, impersonations and adaptation.

One component of corporate IT that has long been in range for cyber criminals that is often overlooked when protection measures are being put in place are multifunction printers  widely used in almost every organisation. Printers are often not subject to the rigorous security measures routinely applied to computing devices; for example, complex passwords and rigorous patching and software update regimes.

Market insight and research firm, Quocirca, reports in its Global Print Security Landscape 2023 report  based on a survey of 507 IT decision makers in the US and Europe  that 61 percent of those surveyed have experienced data loss related to unsecured printing; 39 percent say it is becoming harder to keep up with print security demands and 79 percent expect to increase print security spending over the coming year.

Quocirca acknowledged many instances of data loss through unsecured printing were simply the result of printed output falling into the wrong hands. However, there are many ways printer security can be compromised by a cyber attack, and these vulnerabilities are often overlooked.

All data that appears in printed output passes through the printer in digital format with the potential for compromise. Much of it could be highly sensitive or confidential, though printers are often not treated as devices holding sensitive data.

Also, printers are a shared resource so are widely connected in corporate networks, making them potentially open to attack through various avenues and useable as attack vectors for access to sensitive data and other systems.

Robust printer security is not rocket science; it is largely a matter of recognising that the security measures (technologies, policies, etc) routinely applied to computing systems and other infrastructure should be applied to printers. Fortunately, there are tools available to deal with the specific security challenges presented by printers.

The Environment

Quocirca found evidence that security teams do not give printer security the attention required. It found a worrying gulf between CISOs and CIOs concerns about printing security. Only 28 percent of CISOs believe it has become harder to keep up with print security challenges, compared to 50 percent of CIOs. And only 45 percent of CISOs were very or somewhat concerned about the risks of unsecured printers, compared to 72 percent of CIOs.

Given the many other security challenges and priorities faced by CISOs this is perhaps unsurprising. The Foundry survey found three significant challenges forcing security leaders to redirect their focus: meeting governance and compliance regulations; budgetary constraints/demonstrating RoI and employee awareness and training issues.

Quocirca said this disconnect between the views of CIOs and CISOs on print security could prevent companies from determining the true level of risk. It said independent, in-depth risk assessments were essential to give senior leaders objective evidence of print security gaps across devices and document workflows and enable consensus on the actions needed to protect the enterprise.

Looking ahead, there are some positive signs of trends apparent in IT security in general that also embrace printer security. The implementation of zero trust principles discussed below, could have a very positive impact. Zero trust is still not widely deployed, but that is changing. According to Gartner, zero trust is top of mind for most organisations as a critical strategy to reduce risk, but few have actually followed zero trust principles. Gartner predicts that, by 2026, 10 percent of large enterprises will have a mature and measurable zero trust program in place, up from less than one percent at the start of 2023.

The Solution

Many of the measures needed to beef up printer security are the same as those for other computing devices and infrastructure, but can be easier to implement and maintain on printers, such as:

Always keeping software up-to-date;

Keeping authorised access credentials to the minimum required;

Using complex passwords;

Aiming to keep only a minimum amount of information such as historical job data and user email addresses on the printer.

Doing penetration testing. This blog, written by an experienced penetration tester, provides great detail of how during an internal infrastructure penetration test  what initially looked like a not-so-important low severity finding turned out to be the key to fully compromising the Windows domain the printers were attached to. Its title Dude! Its just a printer! encapsulates the low priority often assigned to printer security.

Segmenting the network: creating a dedicated subnet or VLAN for printers and making sure only authorised users or devices can access this VLAN reduces the risk of unauthorised access and, even if access is gained, it limits the ability of the attacker to infect other systems with malware.

Using zero trust. With zero-trust security principles no device or connection is trusted by default  every access request is verified before access is granted. According to Gartner zero trust as a security paradigm that explicitly identifies users and devices and grants them just the right amount of access so the business can operate with minimal friction while risks are reduced.

In addition to generic security measures, there are tools available designed specifically to provide enhanced security to all aspects of printing. uniFLOW Online is one such tool offered by Canon. It has many features to counter security risks that are specific to multifunction printers.

To protect information held in or passing through the printer administrators can specify keywords indicative of sensitive information and can be informed when any document containing a keyword is printed, scanned, faxed, copied or sent. The administrator can also restrict duplication of documents containing keywords.

Access to printers can be restricted to individual users or groups. Print jobs in transit can be encrypted until they reach their intended print device.

Canon puts security at the heart of all its printing products, ensuring they comply with data privacy and endpoint security standards. uniFLOW Online is available in Canons imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX Series of multifunction printers along with multiple security measures.

The hardware and embedded software are verified at each start-up to ensure the printer has not been tampered with. If an anomaly is detected, the system either self-repairs or halts operation. There are multiple features to restrict access to documents to only authorised users, and whenever the printer is operating Trellixs McAfee Embedded Control monitors applications and programs operating on the device to help protect against attack.

Canons latest generation of imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX series multifunction printers are designed for the modern business: one that doesnt underestimate the importance of printer security in the digital landscape. Monette Gerrand, IT Application Delivery Manager for Canon Oceania, talks about how the latest range of business printers redefine printer security, from system verification at start-up to real-time threat detection using McAfee embedded control. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/fWueW5lRfIY

To find out more about Canons Security Solutions, visit https://www.canon.co.nz/business/information-and-data-security. Or to learn more about how its latest business printers are helping businesses be real world ready head to Security | Canon New Zealand
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Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele
Anunt concurs pentru post vacant Institutia Publica Centrul de Consiliere Agricola si Rurala isi extinde echipa si invita profesionisti dedicati sa aplice pentru pozitia de Jurist in cadrul institutiei noastre, cu focus pe consilierea si solutionarea pro
Duncan Klussmann, former superintendent of the Spring Branch ISD, in the media center at Buffalo Creek Elementary School. (For the Chronicle/Gary Fountain, December 17, 2014) Gary Fountain, Freelance / For the Chronicle Chris Earnest pictured at his Spring Branch ISD trustee swearing in at a ceremony on May 11, 2021. Spring Branch ISD Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Jennifer Blaine speaks during a grand-opening ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 14, for the rebuilt Bunker Hill Elementary School. Courtesy of Spring Branch ISD

Spring Branch ISD trustees will consider a proposal to remove former Superintendent Duncan Klussmann's name from the district's educational center, a week after Klussmann criticized them for cutting librarians and closing schools in a Houston Chronicle editorial.

Board President Chris Earnest announced his intent to ask for this vote last week when he called Klussmann a "failed superintendent" who was "asleep at the wheel for a decade."

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Earnest said Klussmann's decision to cut academic positions to balance the 2011 budget led to a "dumpster fire" that resulted in some campuses being monitored for their performance by the Texas Education Agency.

"He's just a picture hanging up on the wall in the admin building," Earnest said.

Klussmann's Feb. 24 opinion piece, titled "Enough with the grandstanding, Spring Branch ISD," came in response to the district's recent announcement that they are cutting all librarians, laying off 40 instructional specialists, restructuring the district's counseling program and reducing other central office positions. This round of budget cuts save $22.6 million, and is the last step in closing the $35 million budget deficit for 2024-2025.

Klussmann wrote that the cuts were "drastic" and unnecessary, representing only 9% of the district's operating budget.

"Dont create angst in the community if the decision you are making doesnt save enough money to justify the resulting disruption," Klussmann wrote.

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He also noted the board's change in viewpoint, with more conservative-backed trustees being elected in recent years that has shifted some of the focus to weigh heavily on issues like book banning and library policy.

On Monday, Earnest argued against Klussmann's opinion piece.

Our focus, unlike our former superintendents, is on the classroom and maintaining the integrity of the education that we provide our children and the supports that they have," Earnest said Monday. "We have prioritized academic positions over libraries. It's unfortunate but it is true.

Librarians have said that librarians are academic positions as all hold teaching certifications in addition to a master's in library science.

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"It's mildly offensive," one librarian told the Houston Chronicle anonymously last week, in fear of retaliation.

"We support academics, and I am a teacher position. So it's strange to me that from the administrative side, they don't see us as academics You did cut academics by cutting a huge support for them," she said.

Of all the claims Klussmann made, the one that seemed to frustrate the board president the most is the notion that the board is "sitting on" a $100 million savings account.

Earnest and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine both clarified last week that they are required to keep a minimum balance and that the remaining $70 million is needed to pay employees in the summer and fall before tax funds roll in.

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For the 2023-2024 school year, the district used $36 million in fund balance to buy itself one more year before budget cuts, but as Blaine wrote in her statement about the cuts in mid-February, "The districts fund balance does not replenish  once spent, those funds are gone."

Klussmann said Monday that it is ironic that the board, including Earnest, is trying to reverse course after choosing to name the building after him in a unanimous vote.

"If the board moves forward with removing my name from the campus, it is clearly a retaliation for being critical of how they're moving forward with the budget cuts and directly an attempt to defame my name," Klussmann said.

Spring Branch ISD trustees can indeed choose how they want to allocate the district's fund balance and could have decided to reduce some campus-level cuts. He explained a measure that the district has to keep an amount equal to 19% of its operating budget aside in the fund balance, a board policy put in place during his tenure in 2011.

"The thing to remember is I wrote an opinion piece, and they clearly can use their assigned fund balance. They can unassign it at any time and use those dollars if they need to," Klussmann said.

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Institutia Publica Centrul de Consiliere Agricola si Rurala (CCAR) invita profesionisti ambitiosi si dedicati sa se alature echipei noastre in calitate de Sef/a de Sectie la sectia Formare si consiliere
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The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has ordered Penny Appeal to stop sending unsolicited marketing text messages and reminded all charities of their legal obligations.

ICO reported that Penny Appeal sent more than 460,000 texts over a 10-day period in 2022 to 52,000 people who had not provided their consent, or who had clearly opted out.

The Muslim poverty relief charity sent the messages during Ramadan in April and May 2022, encouraging people on a daily basis to donate to its appeals, the ICO said.

This resulted in 354 complaints to the ICO and the Mobile UKs Spam Reporting Service, including reports of opt out requests being ignored and intrusive and unwanted texts being received, often late at night.

ICO found through its investigation that the charity had created a database where requests to opt out were not recorded and messages were sent to anyone who had interacted with the charity in the past five years.

The data protection regulator has now issued an enforcement notice, ordering Penny Appeal to stop sending marketing communications without consent within 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Charity Commission issued an official warning to Penny Appeal in September last year, over a breach of trust or duty or other misconduct and/or mismanagement.

ICO: No choice but to take enforcement action

ICO had been engaging with Penny Appeal since 2020, after receiving complaints about a similar marketing campaign.

Following its initial intervention, the Yorkshire-based charity had committed to improving its compliance with direct marketing law.

However, the ICO received further complaints that Penny Appeal sent more spam texts over Ramadan during its investigation.

Andy Curry, head of investigations at the ICO, said: Penny Appeal inundated people with text messages, with no regard for their consent or their right to opt out.

This is unacceptable and we will act decisively to protect the public from unsolicited marketing texts.

Despite providing advice and guidance to improve this charitys compliance we were left with no choice but to take enforcement action in order to protect the public.

The Fundraising Regulator said it supported the ICOs decision, the findings of which it said echoed its own investigation published in March 2022 .

Chief executive Gerald Oppenheim said: While communicating with donors via text can be an effective tool for charities, it is vital that those charities abide by not only the law, but also the Code of Fundraising Practice  which stipulates that fundraising must be open, honest, legal, and respectful.

Advice for charities

In its response, ICO shared its advice to help charities comply with the law:

Only email or text someone if they have specifically consented to receiving emails or texts  for example, by ticking an opt-in box.

People cannot provide consent as a condition of subscribing to a service  consent must be freely given and fully informed.

Offer an opt-out option (by reply or unsubscribe link) and act on this promptly.

Keep a clear do not contact list of anyone who opts out or unsubscribes from your communications, and screen against this list every time you send an email or text.

Penny Appeal has not yet responded to Civil Societys request for comment.

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The Charity Commission has told trustees that their starting point is to accept donations offered to their organisations and not to let personal motives influence their decisions.

Published today, its guidance says trustees can decide to refuse or return a donation where this would be in your charitys best interests.

It says the Commission may look into trustees decisions if they cannot show they acted within their powers, complied with their duties and governing document, considered relevant factors and ignored irrelevant ones, and reached a reasonable decision in the best interests of [their] charity.

The guidance says trustees can consider the extent of any potential conflict between the donation and your charitys purposes and your donors and other stakeholders views.

But it says trustees must not allow yours or others personal motives, opinions, or interests to affect your decision to accept or refuse a donation.

It says charities must refuse some donations, such as those from illegal sources such as terrorist organisations or that come with illegal conditions.

Chair: We will not generally get involved

Commission chair Orlando Fraser said: When charities are offered a donation, the law is clear that their starting point should be to accept unless there is very good reason not to.

I hope this guidance will empower trustees to feel able to make the choice thats right for them when faced with a tough decision.

It has been designed to offer clarity and support as they navigate what can be tricky territory.

As a proportionate regulator, we will not generally get involved though may do so if trustees cannot evidence sound judgement and a considered process for their decision.

Our new strategy commits to playing our part in securing greater philanthropic giving across England and Wales, and the clarity this guidance delivers is an important early contribution to that mission.

Last year, Fraser said the Commission may intervene if trustees demonstrate personal squeamishness around sources of philanthropic funding.

CIoF: Guidance provides clarity

Claire Stanley, director of policy and communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said the Commissions guidance provides clarity and practical advice that will support trustees and fundraisers alike.

We are also pleased to see the Commissions strategy confirms their commitment to encourage philanthropy, she said.

At a time when charity finances are under pressure, support from the regulator to cultivate a culture of giving is crucial in ensuring charities of all sizes can keep providing communities across the country with vital support during challenging economic times.

We look forward to working with the Commission on how to achieve this and welcome opportunities to facilitate further dialogue between them and our members so collectively we can realise this shared goal.

A blog on the Commissions previous guidance had said: Charities are more than just a sum of their balance sheet and services they provide to a community.

They belong to the public, and exist for the betterment of society, so it is right that they are considering what the public, their beneficiaries and volunteers think and feel about sensitive issues when making decisions about money.

Meanwhile, the Fundraising Regulator said it would link the Commissions donations advice in its own guidance and new Code of Fundraising Practice.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
A year after recording the largest underwriting loss in the companys 100-year history, State Farm eclipsed it in 2023.

The underwriting loss figure climbed to $14 billion for 2023, with a nearly $5 billion underwriting loss for property lines outpacing almost $4 billion of improvement in State Farms auto results.

Related: State Farm P/C Businesses Report $13B Underwriting Loss in 2022

In 2023, State Farm property and casualty insurance companies experienced growth in policies while also reporting underwriting losses due to continued elevated claims severity and significant catastrophe activity, for both the auto and homeowners insurance companies, the company said in a media statement.

While we improved overall auto lines profitability in 2023, our results remain below the level we expect and were taking a state-specific approach as we operate, said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Mark Schwamberger, who also highlighted the responses of State Farm claims and operations team members, along with the State Farm independent contractor agents, to the widespread catastrophe losses that dented results.

By the numbers, the auto companies recorded earned premium of $56.1 billion, up 23% from 2022. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $53.4 billion in 2023 and other underwriting expenses totaled $12.4 billion, bringing the underwriting loss figure to $9.7 billion for the yeardown from $13.4 billion in 2022.

Other P/C lineshomeowners, commercial multiple peril and other linesgenerated an underwriting loss $4.7 billion in 2023, compared to an underwriting gain of $849 million in 2022.

Even though State Farm recorded $2.9 billion more earned premiums on its books for the non-auto property lines in 2023, translating to a growth rate of 10.5%, incurred losses grew by $8 billion, or 40% above the total incurred for these lines in 2022.

While the homeowners and CMP lines represent only 35% of the P/C companies combined net written premium, that damage was enough to impact the overall underwriting result for the whole company.

In total, State Farm said that this P/C group of companies reported a combined underwriting loss of $14.1 billion on earned premium of $87.6 billion. The 2023 underwriting loss, combined with investment and other income of $5.6 billion, resulted in a P/C pre-tax operating loss of $8.5 billion, compared to a $8.3 billion loss reported in 2022 and the $313 million operating loss in 2021.

Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income and realized capital gains and losses was $104.2 billion for 2023, up 16.7% from $89.3 billion for 2022. On the bottom line, the investment gains helped State Farm to report a lower net loss in 2023 than in 2022$6.3 billion vs. $6.7 billion.

Auto Improvement vs. Competitors

Focusing on just State Farms personal auto results, State Farms nearly 10.7-point improvement in its loss and loss adjustment ratio was larger than competitors Progressive and Allstate. Another large competitor, GEICO, recorded a 12.1-point improvement.

All four carriers reported improved underwriting results, but State Farms personal auto loss and LAE ratio, at 95.2, remains higher than the auto combined ratios of Progressive and GEICO. (The combined ratios include underwriting expenses).

According to figures compiled by Carrier Management from financial reports of all four carriers, State Farm reported the most growth in auto earned premiums in 2023, with its 22.8% growth rate just edging out Progressives 22 percent jump in earned premiums.

Still Strong

The State Farm media statement about the financial results stressed the financial strength of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in spite of unfavorable operating results. The net worth for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company ended the year at $134.8 billion compared to $131.2 billion at year-end 2022. The change during 2023 includes an increase in the value of the P/C companies unaffiliated stock portfolio, driven by increases in the U.S. equities market, partially offset by the P/C group of companies pre-tax operating loss, the statement said.

According to the statement, the State Farm life insurance companies paid out more than $725 million in dividends to policyholders, and issued a record $118 billion in new policy volume bringing the year-end 2022 individual life insurance in force to $1.1 trillion.

The two life companies, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company, reported premium income of $6.5 billion and net income for 2023 was $1.2 billion.

The State Farm insurance operations consist of 14 P/C companies and two life insurers, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. In addition auto, homeowners and CMP, the P/C companies are also engaged in health and reinsurance lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business.

In addition, State Farm group makes third-party products, such as annuities, banking, health, mutual funds and pet medical insurance.
Political adviser draws attention to grassroots workers

Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:49, March 04, 2024

Su Bin (left) listens to the suggestions from a takeout delivery man at a care station during the Spring Festival holiday. [Screenshot from CCTV News]

It's a regular activity for Su Bin, a national political adviser, to reach out to grassroots workers and listen to their voices as he forms his suggestions for the country's top political advisory body with a focus on better protection for the rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment.

One recent visit took place during the past Spring Festival holiday when many couriers and deliverymen kept working as usual. At a rest station for delivery riders in Beijing, Su took advantage of the workers' lunch time to learn about their situations and collect suggestions.

"More rest stations for couriers and deliverymen are welcomed and the locations should be easy to find," said deliveryman Han Zhipeng.

"Everyday meals are affordable, but what burdens me most is the housing rent. I hope there can be more preferential policies to ease our rent burden or more affordable rental houses," said other riders.

Sitting together with dozens of deliverymen at the meal table, Su listened carefully and promised them he would bring their concerns and suggestions to discussion during the annual gathering of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which will open on March 4 this year.

As a work habit, Su never uses notebook in front of the grassroots workers. Instead, he keeps the points in head and notes them down afterwards.

"It might make them hesitate to share their true thoughts and feelings," Su explained.

Su Bin (left) listens to the suggestions from a delivery rider during the Spring Festival holiday. [Screenshot from CCTV News]

Workers in new forms of employment include couriers, takeout delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers and other related occupations. According to the Ninth National Survey on the Status of the Workforce, the number of such workers has reached 84 million in China, accounting for 21 percent of the total.

Since last year, Su has visited near 30 cities in 18 provinces for surveys about these workers and a number of their employers.

Through investigations, Su found that the workers have a strong sense of gain in general. However, part of them cannot enjoy the benefits of the social security system due to the characteristics of their jobs, such as incomplete labor contracts, vague labor relations and flexible working hours.

Their main concerns vary from wages, labor security, occupational health and vocational training. To address these issues, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has taken the lead in establishing labor consultation and coordination mechanisms in several major internet enterprises, providing the laborers with more tools to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Su suggested that, while protecting the workers, the government should also create a favorable external environment for the development of platform enterprises, guiding them to establish sustainable business and profit models, so that the creation of more new job opportunities can be ensured.

"The employers and the employees, the concerns and benefits of both sides should be considered equally," said Su.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Environmental Defense Funds satellite, MethaneSAT, will soon orbit the Earth to collect satellite data. Courtesy of MethaneSAT LLC Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Kupp speaing at an April 2018 TED Talk where he announced the group's plans to launch a satellite into outer space in 2021. Dubbed MethaneSAT, the environmental group plans to use the satellite to monitor methane emissions around the world and make the data 100 percent public. Couresy Image / Environmental Defense Fund

Eyes in the sky tracking Texas oil-rich Permian basin and other methane hot spots are, for the first time, precise enough to see whodunit.

A pollution-tracking satellite dubbed MethaneSAT launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket just after 4 p.m. Monday, promising a new level of accountability for companies and governments thought to be underreporting their emissions.

The device is designed to trace methane released anywhere in the world to its individual source, whether an oil well, farm or landfill, and share findings directly with the public online. Jon Goldstein of the Environmental Defense Fund, the nonprofit that spearheaded the satellites development, said its unprecedented level of granularity should allow for more targeted advocacy to lower the key driver of climate change.

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Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas, its more than 80 times more powerful, ton for ton, in the short term at driving climate change than carbon dioxide, said Goldstein, the nonprofits senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs.

The Biden administration released its long-anticipated methane rule at the COP28 United Nations climate change conference in December. The rule spelled change for Texas oil producers by imposing new emissions limits and increased the urgency of methane tracking methods that are not restricted by company reporting.

Precise, company-owned satellites that privately track emissions from a predetermined source are already in orbit, as are global methane trackers that capture more generalized readings of methane emissions. Companies are also required to report their methane emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.

Still, a 2018 paper in the journal Science showed that in 2015, methane emissions from the U.S. oil and gas industry were about 60% higher than the EPAs inventory indicated. Environmental Defense Fund said its work on MethaneSAT is directly related to the outcomes of that research. A more recent 2022 analysis from Ceres and the Clean Air Task Force found that across top-down academic studies, oil and gas companies' leak rates for methane and other pollutants were between 3.1 and 15.4 times higher than those reported to the agency.

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In the Houston area and the development in South Texas, the satellite will help us get a fuller picture of total emissions and not rely on estimates from operators based on ideal operating situations, said Elizabeth Lieberknecht, a regional manager for the Environmental Defense Funds campaigns to improve oil and gas industry regulations.

Lieberknecht said methane from the oil and gas sector is emitted alongside other air pollution that has more pronounced public health impacts on nearby communities, and about 2.5 million Texans live within half a mile of an active oil or gas well. MethaneSAT should give a clearer picture of who is most affected by those secondary pollutants as well.

Prior to the satellites launch, Steven Wofsy, a professor of environmental science at Harvard University, described MethaneSAT as a washing machine-sized device that weighs about 840 pounds. It will fly nearly 370 miles above the Earth, circling the planet 15 times a day.

There are many ways these data can be very useful to federal regulators and to people managing various facilities without necessarily being used in providing enforcement actions, Wofsy said, though the satellites developers expect that some environmental agencies will use the data directly.

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Emissions violations from individual companies in Texas are assessed primarily through self-reports and the governments regulatory monitors.
Tugboats move into position as Battleship Texas is removed from a drydock on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Galveston. After 18 months of hull restoration, the ship is ready to re-enter the water. Further restoration will continue at a nearby dock as part of a $70 million rehab of the historic battleship. Texas is the only remaining dreadnought battleship above water. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle The bow of the Battleship Texas hangs over the water as repairs continue on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Kyle Brillantes, preservation assistant, stands below the rear guns of the Battleship Texas while giving a tour as repairs continue on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Battleship Texas is shown perched atop a dry dock as repairs continue on the century-old warship at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The forward guns and bridge are shown aboard the Battleship Texas as repair efforts on the warship continue on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A welder works on the deck of the Battleship Texas as repair efforts continue on the warship on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The forward guns are shown aboard the Battleship Texas as repair efforts on the warship continue on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer An airplane flies overhead as repair efforts continue on the Battleship Texas on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Repair efforts continue on the Battleship Texas on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The rudder and underside of the Battleship Texas frame a cruise ship docked in the distance as repairs to the warship continue on a dry dock at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Battleship Texas Foundation officials have made the call: The ship is going back into the water on election day.

With favorable weather and tide forecast and the welding work done to make sure the dreadnought is shipshape, officials announced Monday morning the historic ship will slide out of dry dock and into Galveston Channel around 7 a.m. Tuesday, when voters will start going to the polls in the primary election. Lowering of the dry dock will begin hours earlier, around 3:30 a.m.

The ship will be in place at the new location by 9:30 a.m.

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BACK IN THE WATER: How Battleship Texas has been restored to its former WWII glory

Tugboats will pull the ship into the channel and position it for a short trip to a nearby pier. There, and eventually at another dock, the ships $75 million restoration efforts will continue, focusing on the deck, interior rooms and superstructures, including the radar and bridge towers.

Viewing locations for the move will be scarce, and none will be open to the public. Gulf Copper, where the Texas has sat under repair for the past 18 months since its move down the Houston Ship Channel, is closed. Pier 21, across the Galveston Channel from Pelican Island, will be accessible for the foundation, but not open to others.

MOVING A MONUMENT: How historic Battleship Texas will make its return to the water

The Battleship Texas' next moves What happens after the dry dock? Ken Ellis/Staff

The battleship, which was donated to the state in 1948, is the only dreadnought-era battleship still floating. Prior to restoration, it drew thousands of tourists and school field trips.

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Restoration is focused on taking the Texas back to its 1945 condition, as it emerged from World War II after service in both oceans and the Mediterranean.

That work began with months of repairs to the hull, where an estimated 700 tons of steel plate have been replaced above and below the ships waterline, as well as painting of the hull to a 1945 appearance.

No decision has been reached, but foundation officials said they aim to keep the ship in Galveston near other attractions as a floating museum. As part of the agreement with state officials prior to the restoration, state lawmakers contributed $35 million to repairs, with the stipulation the ship could not return to its berth near the San Jacinto Monument.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - MARCH 3: In this handout provided by NASA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on a mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin onboard at the Kennedy Space Center March 3, 2024 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images) NASA/NASA via Getty Images The four crew members representing NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station pose for an official portrait at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. From left, are Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick and NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps. NASA The four crew members that comprise NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission pose for a photo inside SpaceX Hangar X at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hangar X supports Falcon 9 rocket refurbishment and houses administration offices. From left are, Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick and NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps. SpaceX

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick has a common daydream from flying in the Navy: Hes seated in a fighter plane, launching off an aircraft carrier, pulls back on the center stick and rockets into the sky.

But that was before the naval test pilot was pushed into space. On Sunday at 9:53 p.m. CST, he and three other astronauts started their ride in a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket en route to the International Space Station.

Im curious what that new daydream will be after I get back, Dominick said ahead of the mission. Is it like waking up and floating down somewhere or zipping around a corner?

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Dominick is the commander of NASAs SpaceX Crew-8 mission. He launched inside a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule with NASA astronauts Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin.

They were set to reach the International Space Station on Tuesday morning. They will stay on board for about six months, helping to conduct experiments and maintain the orbiting platform.

Their mission will coincide with a total solar eclipse and, hopefully, the arrival of astronauts on the first crewed flight of Boeings CST-100 Starliner capsule.

Sunday was the first spaceflight for Dominick, Epps and Grebenkin.

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Epps has waited an especially long time to fly. She was selected for astronaut training in 2009 and first slated to fly in 2018, but she was unexpectedly pulled from that mission months before it launched.

Epps was later assigned to a crewed Starliner flight, but NASA ultimately moved her to Crew-8 as technical snafus kept delaying Boeings launches.

It has been a number of years, but I was confident that I would fly, Epps said, adding that she remained busy. We continue to train weekly, daily. We train vigorously for any mission that were assigned to.

This is the third spaceflight for Barratt, who flew on a Soyuz capsule in 2009 and the space shuttle Discovery in 2011.

His mission in 2009 included transitioning the space station from housing three crew members to six. It now holds seven people.

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Adding another set of hands makes a big difference, he said. Its maybe a little bit easier with the distribution of work.

He was also on the space station when shuttles would visit, and the occupancy would briefly jump to 12 or 13 people.

That could get a little crowded, he said. Its fun. Its like relatives that come.

The space station will be crowded when Crew-8s members arrive. Theyre set to be greeted by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov. These members of Crew-7 are expected to return home roughly one week after Crew-8 arrives.

Later this month, the members of Crew-8 will be joined by NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson for the start of her six-month stay. Shes launching on a Soyuz capsule with a cosmonaut and spaceflight participant slated to spend about 12 days on board the space station.

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NASA astronaut Loral OHara, who is currently on the station, will return home with them. Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub are also on the station, though they will wait for the next Soyuz to go home, as theyre in the middle of a yearlong stay.

Dominick knew he wanted to remember his first launch into space. He was hoping to preplan time during launch where he could pause to capture the memory.

And ultimately, he was glad the mission launched in early March and not on Leap Day. He has a daughter who was born on Leap Day, and she doesnt get as many actual birthdays to celebrate.
 
The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2024. The US Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear arguments on the legality of "bump stocks," simple devices that can allow automatic fire from otherwise semi-automatic guns.

WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court has indicated it will issue rulings on Monday, one of which could be the highly anticipated decision on whether Colorado can kick former President Donald Trump off the primary ballot.

The court noted on its website on Sunday afternoon that rulings are expected.

Trump is currently set to appear on the state primary ballot on Tuesday after a hold was placed on the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that deemed him ineligible due to his efforts to defy the 2020 election results.

The U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments on Feb. 8 on whether Trump can be barred from the ballot because of his role leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Section 3 of the Constitution's 14th Amendment says people are not eligible to serve in government if they "engaged in insurrection." It appeared from the oral argument that Trump would win the case.

If the court is to rule on Monday, it will be somewhat later than many expected, with the case being heard on an expedited basis.

The ruling is likely to affect not only the Colorado case, but also any other effort to throw Trump off the ballot. So far, similar decisions have only been issued in two other states: Maine and Illinois. Both are on hold amid appeals from Trump's attorneys.

The Supreme Court's decisions on Monday will come on a day that is not scheduled on the court calendar as a ruling day. As a result, the justices will not be in the courtroom to announce any decisions as they normally would be.
An electronic stock board displayed outside a securities firm in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Japan's Nikkei 225 closed above the 40,000 mark on Monday to set a new record high after the S&P500 and the Nasdaq Composite hit fresh all-time highs on Friday.

The index ended 0.5% higher at 40,109.23, while the broader Topix fell 0.12%, retreating from its all-time high hit on Friday.

The CSI 300 closed 0.1% higher at 3,540.87, with investors focused on China's "Two Sessions" meetings. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.23%.

The "Two Sessions" refer to the concurrent annual meetings of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, and the country's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

At the meetings, China premier Li Qiang is expected to deliver the government's work report, which details economic and policy goals for the world's second-largest economy, including its gross domestic product growth target.
 This is the script of CNBC's news report for China's CCTV on February 29, 2024.

Apple will wind down its electric cars project and probably shift some team members to its AI department, according to a news report yesterday. Following this, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company is investing significantly in Generative AI at Apple's annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday.

Cook mentioned that Apple sees incredible breakthrough potential for generative AI and believes "it will unlock transformative opportunities for our users when it comes to productivity, problem-solving, and more." To showcase Apple's longstanding commitment to investing in AI technology, Cook emphasized that AI is already integrated into some released Apple products, including the Apple Watch and the VR headset VisionPro. Furthermore, he revealed that later this year, Apple will announce the latest breakthroughs in the field of generative AI. Investors seem to welcome Apple's shift from the electric car business to AI.

Dan Ives

Wedbush Securities' analyst

"Investors want to see them focused all in on AI. So I think this was something was been a painful period, going through in terms of starts and stops on the Eevee initiative. But I think the writing was in the wall, the smart move for cook and Cupertino, focus all in on AI."

After the explosive sales growth during the pandemic, Apple's total revenue for the fiscal year 2023 was $383.29 billion, a 3% year-on-year decline. The iPhone has consistently been the major contributor to Apple's revenue, accounting for over half. However, now the overall smartphone market is going through a downturn.

Therefore, Apple is seeking the next growth opportunity, and analysts believe that in the generative AI area, Apple has two directions to explore. The first is to leverage its large language model (LLM) to enhance Apple's voice assistant Siri on iPhones, making the entire Apple ecosystem more adhesive. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is building its LLM and tested an internal chatbot named Apple GPT. Usually, Apple will announce new software and hardware products at its annual developer conference in June, and people are anticipating AI-related updates to Siri this year.

The second direction involves hardware, specifically AI smartphones that can enable artificial intelligence to run inference or large models directly on iPhones. This would make AI usage faster and more secure for users. Analysis suggests that if highly popular AI software emerges in the future, it could trigger a significant iPhone upgrade cycle.

Amit Daryanani

Evercore ISI's senior managing director

"If you can open up local inference in which we think they'll do, and there are certain set of killer apps that come out of and I'm not quite sure what these are, absolutely. But if there are killer apps out of it, that could trigger a very sizable iPhone upgrade cycle."

Due to the substantial computational power required for training and running large models, the current AI boom has also driven investment throughout the industry, from chip manufacturing to cloud computing platforms. Some investors even emphasize the demand for constructing data centers in the real estate sector as possibly just beginning. We will keep an eye on this.




Tad Mondell, from left, talks with his sons Lucas, 8, Ryan, 5, and wife Ashley as they stand on Boca Chica Beach on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, near a SpaceX launch facility. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer The Mondell family and others watch as preparations continue for a planned SpaceX launch on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at a SpaceX launch facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A ghost crab walks across mud flats Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Boca Chica State Park near Brownsville. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Olive Applegate, 9, and her father, Doug Applegate from Houston view the SpaceX Starship from the nearby sand dunes at Boca Chica, TX, on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer

Texas officials on Monday approved a deal for SpaceX to acquire state parkland in South Texas, ushering through a controversial land swap that elicited thousands of public comments and surprised local officials working on overlapping conservation plans.

The green light, the first of many steps before the deal is completed, came at a special Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting in Austin. Under the deal, SpaceX will buy 477 acres near a national wildlife refuge and give that land to Parks and Wildlife in exchange for 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park. The parkland surrounds the SpaceX facility where the company is developing and launching the world's most powerful rocket.

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SpaceX called the land swap a win for both the company and the community. More than 40 people from Brownsville, Austin and elsewhere attended to oppose the deal. Many piled into three minivans and a car for a roughly 12-hour round-trip drive from Brownsville to the capital.

"Although we weren't surprised by this decision, it was really eye opening to see the commission make this decision in the face of such impassioned voices," said Marisa Perales, an environmental attorney with Perales, Allmon & Ice who lives in Austin, during a news conference held after the meeting.

Officials with Parks and Wildlife, Cameron County and SpaceX argued that the 43 acres (roughly 3% of Boca Chica State Park) were not connected, largely surrounded by private property and did not have access to the beach. They supported using the 477 acres near the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge to develop a new state park with hiking, camping and access to expansive shorelines, and said it would provide an ecosystem for similar plants and animals to those in Boca Chica.

"This swap aligns property in a way that allows SpaceX to expand operations in Cameron County, further expediting our lunar mission objectives," said Kathy Lueders, general manager for SpaceX operations in South Texas. "At the same time, it further expands on a critical refuge and allows Texans to receive a coveted property, which has been sought by multiple state and federal agencies for conservation efforts for over a decade."

Cameron County officials had previously opposed the deal, saying they were already trying to acquire and conserve the 477 acres.

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At the meeting, opponents questioned if the exchange would truly offer the same type of habitat  Boca Chica is particularly crucial for shorebirds  and noted that the 43 acres is largely unusable because of SpaceX development already in the area. They shared memories of visiting Boca Chica Beach as children and commented on how often that beach gets closed now for SpaceX activities.

Many questioned why a public meeting was held in Austin and not in Brownsville where the land swap will occur, and the audience loudly complained about inaccurate translations provided for those giving comments in Spanish.

They also noted that in November, voters approved a new $1 billion fund for creating and improving state parks. They said the 477 acres could have been protected without giving state parkland to SpaceX.

The commission adjourned for an executive session after hearing comments. Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Jeffery Hildebrand, the Houston co-founder of oil and gas company Hilcorp, later highlighted that Cameron Countys conservation plans for the 477 acres was not a certainty  it depended on grants that had not yet been approved.

He also suggested that the $1 billion approved by voters could be used to build infrastructure upon the 477 acres as that would become a new state park.

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Ultimately, the eight commissioners present supported the land swap.

Parks and Wildlife had originally planned to take up the deal in January, but it delayed the decision after receiving public backlash. More than 2,000 comments were submitted  926 in support and 1,395 in opposition  before Monday's meeting began.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr., initially wrote a letter opposing the deal. He was frustrated by the lack of communication because Cameron County Commissioner David Garza had been leading a county initiative to buy and conserve the same 477 acres involved in the land swap.

The land is owned by Dallas and Nacogdoches-based Conservation Equity Management, which says it buys land for conservation and environmental mitigation. Its business model includes selling environmental credits to companies and other entities that satisfy regulatory requirements to offset their destruction or impact on wetlands, streams or endangered species habitats.

Both Trevino and Garza supported the deal on Monday as the county is now working with Parks and Wildlife to protect the 477 acres, which abuts the county's South Texas Ecotourism Center devoted to restoring and preserving the native landscape. Trevino said conserving the land will be "mutually beneficial."

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"It embodies our shared commitment to preserving the essence of Cameron County's culture within the rich tapestry of the state of Texas," Trevino said.

SpaceX first expressed interest in a land swap in 2019, but the deal didnt start coming together until last fall, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director David Yoskowitz.

SpaceX says its employees lead beach cleanups, partner with Sea Turtle Inc., enjoy the wildlife and surf, and have contributed to an offshore artificial reef.

"SpaceX wants to continue to find opportunities to meet their government commitments, advance our national pre-eminence in spaceflight and yet continue to find ways to improve the community that supports us," Lueders said in written comments.

Monday's approval begins a multi-step process that includes an environmental assessment before the land swap is completed.
Former Trump Organization Finance Chief Allen Weisselberg attends a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court on March 04, 2024 in New York City.

Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg pleaded guilty Monday to perjury charges related to his testimony in the New York civil fraud trial of Donald Trump and his company.

Appearing in Manhattan criminal court in handcuffs and a face mask, the 76-year-old Weisselberg pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury in the first degree. He was initially charged with five counts.

The Manhattan district attorney recommended that a judge sentence Weisselberg to five months in jail. The DA agreed to allow Weisselberg to be released until his April 10 sentencing.

If Weisselberg violates his release conditions, his sentence could be enhanced to up to seven years in prison, NBC News reported.

"It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial  plain and simple," a spokesperson for the DA's office said in a statement later Monday morning.

Weisselberg "looks forward to putting this situation behind him," his attorney, Seth Rosenberg, said in a statement.

The charges accuse Weisselberg of lying in a deposition and in later testimony in the Trump business fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
U.S. Big Tech names were stand-out performers last year as investors piled into the so-called " Magnificent Seven " stocks: Alphabet , Amazon , Apple , Meta Platforms , Microsoft , Nvidia and Tesla . These shares  collectively  were behind much of the gains that drove the benchmark S & P 500 Index up by almost 25% in 2023 . However, veteran investor and trader Adam Reynolds says it's time to look beyond the U.S. and consider 10 lesser-known companies from across Europe, Japan and Australia. "The focus on U.S. tech stocks  and especially the Magnificent Seven  is driving huge amounts of performance to the U.S. stock market. It is blinding people to the risks with focusing on U.S. tech, as well as the need for diversification," the APAC CEO of Saxo Capital Markets told CNBC Pro on Feb. 29. Calling valuations of U.S. stocks "stretched," Reynolds said there are opportunities in moving toward a "more diversified global portfolio," including better valuations  and returns. He named his "glorious 10 stocks," which each have a market capitalization of over $50 billion. According to Factset data, each of the stocks has posted a total growth rate of at least 30% annually over the last five years. In terms of allocation, Reynolds suggests that investors put 30% of their equities portfolio in U.S. stocks, 40% in Asia and 30% in Europe. Within Asia, Reynolds says Japan offers "pent-up opportunities" given its weak currency and the earnings potential of its stocks. Meanwhile, he described Europe as a "super interesting space with pockets of very good companies that are becoming market leaders." Chip stocks Shares of semiconductor manufacturer Tokyo Electron are up over 140% over the last 12 months. It has the highest total returns on Reynolds' list  with an annual compound growth rate of 53% over the last five years, according to Factset data. Reynolds describes the stock as a "superb performer" and says it is a notable competitor to U.S. chip giant Nvidia . ASML , which produces chip-making machines, also makes the list. Shares in the Dutch company are up nearly 50% over the last year. "We're going through what people would think of as a sort of super cycle in semiconductors, and everyone's piling into the semiconductor industry. And of course, Nvidia is the poster child for that," Reynolds said. "But we're probably going to end up with a significant oversupply on that one, so Tokyo Electron and ASML stand to gain from that," he said. Weight-loss drug maker Elsewhere, shares of pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk have risen more than 65% over the past 12 months, thanks in large part to the excitement over the potential of its diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic. "Novo Nordisk needs no introduction, it is a very high-quality company," Reynolds said on Europe's largest firm by market capitalization. Autos Reynold also has his eye on BYD , even as shares in the Chinese automaker edged down nearly 14% over the last year. "The speed with which the Chinese car companies are starting to be able to improve their quality is amazing. And BYD is at the forefront of that," he said. The Tesla rival recently turned heads with the launch of the U9, a new electric supercar that it says can hit similar speeds to high-end models produced by industry giants like Ferrari .
Generative AI isn't just a buzzy new topic. It's revolutionizing the workforce. While historically, automation has mostly impacted blue-collar industries, "Gen AI is flipping the script," according to McKinsey. "More-educated workers will likely experience the greatest degree of impact," the management consultancy said in a recent report.

Is AI a threat to jobs?

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence capable of generating images, text or other content. The technology is expected to boost productivity, cut costs and create new growth opportunities across a wide range of industries. AI technology may have been been around for more than 50 years, but since the launch of OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022, Generative AI has quickly become a topic of conversation for employers and employees alike. ChatGPT, an AI chatbot by OpenAI, was built on a large language model that helps users come up with answers to questions, refine essays or resumes and even generate images and videos. It has sparked debate about the potential of how AI can revolutionize industries and work  and possibly even make jobs redundant.

How do I keep up?

With the rapid adoption of the technology, experts generally agree employees can keep up with the demands of the changing landscape by learning how to "upskill" or "reskill."

Nearly 3 in 5 white-collar employees report using generative AI on a weekly basis. It has brought a level of optimization and automation to tasks once thought to be immune to such disruption. Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman conducts monthly surveys of more than 200,000 people across 20 countries to gather data about attitudes surrounding Generative AI and other trends. The study found that employers are prioritizing certain skill sets when it comes to keeping their workers up to date. Here are five skillsets to help you stay relevant in the changing landscape: Analytical thinking Creative thinking Leadership and social influence AI and big data Curiosity and lifelong learning Through its research on Generative AI, the consultancy identified a gap between employees' and employers' perception of which skills will be of the highest priority. "Whereas employees are most focused on training in AI and big data, employers place most emphasis on analytical thinking," according to research from Oliver Wyman. In the age of AI, analytical thinking is crucial because while the technology can process and analyze data efficiently, it still requires human oversight to help synthesize results and draw an informed conclusion. Creative thinking is another distinctly human skill that people should prioritize. While Gen AI has the ability to efficiently generate new ideas, write articles or even make music, it's important to note that this ability was built on data the AI has been trained on. "Generative AI lacks the contextual nuance and ethical judgment that humans should apply in analysis," Simon Luong, senior fellow at Oliver Wyman Forum told CNBC Make It. It "lacks the human ability to make intuitive leaps, connect disparate ideas, and generate truly novel solutions."

People skills will become more important than ever

Gen AI is expected to automate more "routine-oriented" tasks which used to be a significant part of daily work, leaving employees with more time to spend on tasks that are more people- or knowledge-oriented. Tasks that require "people skills," such as leadership, or tasks that are based on knowledge or expertise, will end up taking up the bulk of the workday, the research showed.

Since AI has changed work so profoundly over the last year, were also highlighting the top 'skill of the moment' with the most notable surge in year-over-year demand: adaptability. LinkedIn
This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows tires on fire near the main prison of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after a breakout by several thousand inmates.

A 72-hour state of emergency has been declared in Haiti after armed gangs stormed two of the country's largest prisons, reportedly allowing thousands of people to escape.

A government statement said two prisons, one in the capital of Port-au-Prince and another in nearby Croix-des-Bouquets, were overrun by gang members during the weekend, according to multiple media reports.

Nearly all the 4,000 inmates at Haiti's National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince were thought to have escaped.

CNBC could not independently verify the figures.

Haiti's government on Sunday imposed a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew in an attempt to restore order, with Finance Minister Patrick Boisvert reportedly calling on police to use "all legal means" to recapture the prisoners and enforce the curfew, according to Al Jazeera.

Boisvert is in temporary charge of the Haitian government while Prime Minister Ariel Henry is on an overseas trip to Kenya, looking to rouse support for a U.N.-backed security force to help prop up the country after years of deadly gang violence.

Haitian lawyer Arnel Remy, head of the Collective of Lawyers for the Defense of Human Rights in Haiti, said in a Google-translated update on the X social media platform that a total of 3,597 prisoners escaped from the National Penitentiary.
Skyline of Tokyo, Japan. Jackyenjoyphotography | Moment | Getty Images

Japan's Nikkei 225 smashed through the 40,000 level on Monday, soaring past another milestone to a new record high  but it did not surprise Japan expert Jesper Koll who expects another 37% upside for the benchmark stock index. "In my view, it is perfectly reasonable to expect a rise in the Nikkei to 55,000 by end-2025. I [know I sound] more like a bubble-era stockbroker than a gentleman, but I cannot hide my excitement," Koll, expert director at financial services firm Monex Group, told CNBC on Monday. Koll was referring to the asset and equity bubble Japan saw in the late 80s, which resulted in the Nikkei hitting its 1989 highs. But the euphoria did not last. In 1990, the bubble burst and Japan fell into a period of economic stagnation, known today as its "lost decades." In less than a year, the Nikkei lost half its value.

Nikkei's new highs

For the past two weeks, Japan's benchmark stock index has been testing uncharted territory. On Feb. 22, the index surpassed its previous all-time high of 38,915.87, set on Dec. 29, 1989  breaching a record that was held for 34 years. Following that, the index climbed past the 39,000 mark, and eventually crossed the 40,000 level on Monday. In July last year, Koll told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" he expected the Nikkei to hit 40,000 "over the next 12 months."

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When asked what drives his optimism, Koll told CNBC on Monday that it was in part due to Japan's ability to be a "capital value-creating superpower." He said his optimism does not stem from the Bank of Japan's monetary actions, nor a boost from the so-called "new capitalism" initiative announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in June. Instead, his optimism comes from Japan's private sector. "Japan's strength comes bottom-up from the private sector," Koll said. "Japan's companies command superior earnings power. Two decades of relentless 'kaizen' restructuring have turned corporate Japan into a capital value-creating superpower."

There is no question that Japanese 'salarymen CEOs' created more fundamental economic value than Wall Street's superstar CEOs. Jesper Koll Expert director, Monex Group

"Kaizen" refers broadly to the art of constant improvement through small changes. First adopted by Japanese businesses after World War II, it is a Japanese term that seeks "continuous improvement." Notably, it views improvement in productivity as a "gradual and methodical process," recognizing that improvement can come from any employee at any time. "The days of almost desperate top-down crisis management and macro stimulus are over," Koll said. "That was the fake rallies we got over the past 30 years." Koll said that between 1995 and 2022, the top-line sales growth for Topix companies was up by 1.1 times; but earnings per share rose by 11 times. He compared it to the S&P 500 companies on Wall Street, pointing out those companies reported a sale growth of 3 times, and EPS rose by 6 times. "There is no question that Japanese 'salarymen CEOs' created more fundamental economic value than Wall Street's superstar CEOs."

Koll's optimism does not end here. He said it is "perfectly reasonable" to expect the Nikkei to rise to 55,000 before the end of 2025. "Go-go Nikkei," he quipped, making a pun on the Japanese translation of 5-5 being "go-go." He said Japanese CEOs are the "undisputed global champions of delivering on the hard part, true economic value creation."

Veteran value investor Warren Buffett increased his stakes in five of Japan's largest trading houses in 2023, but promised the CEO of each company that Berkshire Hathaway "would never buy more than 9.9% without their consent." "They all welcomed us in, and their results have exceeded our expectations since we purchased the group," he told CNBC in April last year. "We couldn't feel better about the investment [in Japan]," he added, after speaking to the CEOs of those trading houses, namely Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Sumitomo. According to Koll, the real question investors have to ask now is: What is the probability for Japanese profits and EPS to rise by 37% between now and end-2025? He said that most foreign investors he spoke to think an EPS growth of about 30-40% is a "perfectly reasonable forecast." He pointed out that after all, EPS surged 11 times between 1995 to 2002, during a time when Japan was experiencing deflation.

Potential headwinds
A JetBlue Airways plane sits on the tarmac at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on January 31, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines on Monday said they are ending their agreement to merge, weeks after losing a federal antitrust lawsuit that challenged the deal.

The CEOs of the two carriers cited regulatory hurdles in ending their merger agreement.

A federal judge in January sided with the Justice Department and blocked JetBlue's attempted takeover of budget carrier Spirit. In his ruling, Judge William Young said JetBlue's takeover of Spirit would "harm cost-conscious travelers who rely on Spirit's low fares." The airlines had argued that they needed to combine to better compete with the larger airlines that control most of the U.S. market.

JetBlue and Spirit had appealed the judge's decision, but JetBlue noted the appeal was required under the terms of the merger agreement. Analysts had expected little chance of a successful appeal.

The Justice Department cheered the news on Monday, a year after it filed its suit to block the deal. "Today's decision by JetBlue is yet another victory for the Justice Department's work on behalf of American consumers," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Spirit's shares tumbled almost 11% on Monday to end the trading session at their lowest closing price on record, $5.76 per share, while JetBlue's stock closed more than 4% higher at $6.75.

Almost two years ago, JetBlue swooped in with an unsolicited bid for Spirit Airlines, which had weeks earlier struck a merger agreement with fellow budget airline Frontier . JetBlue ultimately won Spirit shareholder approval to take over the discount carrier.

"It was a bold and courageous plan intended to shake up the industry status quo, and we were right to compete with Frontier and go for an opportunity that would have supercharged our growth and provided more opportunities for crewmembers," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a note to staff on Monday.

"However, with the ruling from the federal court and the Department of Justice's continued opposition, the probability of getting the green light to move forward with the merger anytime soon is extremely low," she said.

Geraghty took over as CEO from Robin Hayes last month, tasked with stopping JetBlue's losses, improving its operation and trimming costs. Activist investor Carl Icahn disclosed a nearly 10% stake in the airline on her first day, and days later won two board seats at the New York-based airline.

JetBlue's prospective purchase of Spirit would have been a buoy for the struggling discounter airline, which is facing the grounding of dozens of its Airbus planes for inspections stemming from a Pratt & Whitney engine defect. Spirit expects compensation from the engine-maker as a result of the flaw.

With the deal off the table, Spirit must confront its financial problems alone, something its leaders say it is equipped to do.

The company said it was working to refinance its debt, and last month said it was on a path back to profitability thanks to better-than-expected demand. It projected revenue for the first quarter above analysts' expectations.

"Throughout the transaction process, given the regulatory uncertainty, we have always considered the possibility of continuing to operate as a standalone business and have been evaluating and implementing several initiatives that will enable us to bolster profitability and elevate the Guest experience," Spirit CEO Ted Christie said Monday.

He said that Spirit shareholders received $425 million in prepayments from JetBlue during the agreement, and that JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million related to the agreement's termination.

The Spirit deal wasn't JetBlue's first attempt at linking up with another airline to gain scale. It previously had a partnership with American Airlines in the congested Northeast U.S. to coordinate schedules and routes.

But last year a different federal judge sided with the Justice Department and knocked that partnership down, calling it anticompetitive. That ruling left open the possibility of tweaking the structure of the agreement and reviving it.

American appealed the ruling last year, but JetBlue did not, saying it would instead focus on its Spirit deal.

American CFO Devon May told reporters at an investor event on Monday: "We'll see what opportunities there are going forward of having a new relationship."

JetBlue didn't immediately comment.

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza in her remarks on March 3, 2024, but reiterated that Israel has "a right to defend itself." Elijah Nouvelage | Getty Images News | Getty Images

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday demanded Palestinian militant group Hamas agree to an immediate six-week ceasefire while forcefully urging Israel to do more to boost aid deliveries into Gaza, where she said innocent people were suffering a "humanitarian catastrophe." In some of the strongest comments by a senior leader of the U.S. government to date on the issue, Harris pressed the Israeli government and outlined specific ways on how more aid can flow into the densely-populated enclave where hundreds of thousands of people are facing famine, following five months of Israel's military campaign. "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire," Harris said at an event in Selma, Alabama. "There is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire." "People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act...The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses," she said.

Palestinians hold out their empty containers to be filled with food, distributed by charity organizations, behind bars since they are unable to obtain basic food supplies due to the embargo imposed by Israeli forces in Rafah, Gaza on February 25, 2024. Abed Zagout | Anadolu | Getty Images

On Sunday, a Hamas delegation had arrived in Cairo for the latest round of ceasefire talks, billed by many as the final possible hurdle for a truce, but it was unclear if any progress was made. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's online version reported that Israel boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages who are still alive. Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close and has been pushing to put in place a truce by the start of Ramadan, a week away. A U.S. official on Saturday said Israel has agreed on a framework deal. An agreement would bring the first extended truce of the war, which has raged for five months so far with just a week-long pause in November. Dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants would be freed in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. One source briefed on the talks had said on Saturday that Israel could stay away from Cairo unless Hamas first presented its full list of hostages who are still alive. A Palestinian source told Reuters that Hamas had so far rejected that demand. After the Hamas delegation arrived, a Palestinian official told Reuters the deal was "not yet there". There was no official comment from Israel. In past negotiations Hamas has sought to avoid discussing the wellbeing of individual hostages until after terms for their release are set. In other diplomatic moves, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz will meet Harris at the White House on Monday and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut on Monday to pursue efforts to de-escalate the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border.

'Gunfire and chaos'

The death last week of more than 100 Palestinians approaching an aid truck in Gaza has captured the severe humanitarian crisis in the densely-populated enclave, an incident Harris recalled during her speech. "We saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks simply trying to secure food their family after weeks of barely no aid reaching northern Gaza and they were met with gunfire and chaos," Harris said. Israel said on Sunday its initial review of the incident had found that most of those killed or wounded had died in a stampede. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli troops at the scene initially fired only warning shots, though they later shot at some "looters" who "approached our forces and posed an immediate threat". Muatasem Salah, a member of the Emergency Committee at the Ministry of Health in Gaza, told Reuters the Israeli account was contradicted by machine gun wounds. In her comments, Harris laid out specific ways on how the Israeli government can allow more aid into Gaza. "They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites and convoys are not targeted, and they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water and fuel can reach those in need." Under pressure at home and abroad, the Biden administration on Saturday carried out its first airdrop of aid into the coastal enclave, with a U.S. military transport plane dropping 38,000 meals along Gaza's Mediterranean coastline.

A view of new humanitarian aid after arriving to the northern Gaza Strip from sky with parachutes in Northern Gaza, Gaza on March 02, 2024. The Egyptian army had announced Saturday airdropping a new aid batch to areas in the northern Gaza Strip. Omar Qattaa | Anadolu | Getty Images
The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX, which was forced to make an emergency landing with a gap in the fuselage, is seen during its investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 7, 2024.

Three passengers are suing Boeing and Alaska Airlines for $1 billion in damages in the wake of a door panel blowing out mid-air on their flight.

The suit, announced Feb. 23, accuses Boeing and Alaska Airlines of negligence for allegedly having ignored warning signs that could have prevented the January 5 incident, which forced the plane pilots to make an emergency landing.

"This experience jeopardized the lives of the 174 passengers and six crew members that were on board," a release announcing the suit states. "For those reasons, the lawsuit seeks substantial punitive damages ... for what was a preventable incident."

The suit is also seeking damages on behalf of other passengers who may have flown on Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, which were subsequently grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration following the incident.

The suit is not related to another class-action lawsuit filed in January in the immediate wake of the incident.

Boeing 737 Max 9 planes flown by Alaska and United Airlines have resumed regular service. However, both carriers have indicated they are reconsidering whether to place additional orders with Boeing for additional Max aircraft, including the successor line, the Max 10.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate Boeing over the January blowout incident.

Boeing and Alaska did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Pakistan's newly formed parliament elected Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday as prime minister for a second time, three weeks after uncertain national elections caused delays in the formation of a coalition government.

Pakistan's newly formed parliament elected Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday as prime minister for a second time, three weeks after uncertain national elections caused delays in the formation of a coalition government.

He beat Omar Ayub, the candidate backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who secured 92 votes. Sharif returns to the role he held until August when parliament was dissolved ahead of the elections and a caretaker government took over. No single party won enough seats to form government on their own.

"Shehbaz Sharif is declared to have been elected the prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said, after announcing Sharif had secured 201 votes, above the required 169 votes in the house.

The declaration was met with loud protests from the Sunni Ittehad Council, or SIC, party backed by Khan. The lawmakers called for Khan's release and shouted slogans alleging Sharif had come to power through electoral rigging.

In a wide ranging speech, Sharif touched on a number of topics, including the need for economic reforms as well as international relations, but stopped short of announcing definitive changes in policy.
BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 04: Chinese national flags flutter at the Great Hall of the People as the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opens on March 4, 2024 in Beijing, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images

China did not hold its so-called "Third Plenum" meeting in the fall of 2023 and has not yet set a date for the highly anticipated plenary session. That is a "pretty big deal", according to Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale Law School  who says this may be a sign the country is struggling to find solutions to the challenges it is faced with. Chinese President Xi Jinping has used the plenum meetings to announce a myriad of reforms to set the tone for his leadership, and while not all of those policies have been implemented, they were a statement about the country's future, Roach told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Monday. "The failure to take advantage of that opportunity at a time like we have today in China, which is actually a much more serious set of challenges that China faces, I think, you know, indicates the fact that they may have run out of imaginative solutions to tough problems," Roach said.

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China is reeling from an array of issues, not least economically. Confounding expectations, the world's second-largest economy has struggled to regain momentum after the coronavirus pandemic. This includes the country's property market, which has been in turmoil as construction projects are left incomplete and developers are struggling to make ends meet. Recent data has suggested an economic slowdown, which paired with persistent deflation and a sluggish stock market has left many market participants questioning whether to invest in China's economy. Other issues include China's aging population and productivity, Roach said. "China's got an aging society and its got productivity issues and it needs more productivity growth to offset the loss of workers and how are they going to do it?" "Xi Jinping has been talking about you know new models and new sources of production, but we need to see something more specific and the lack of a third plenum to give us that specificity I think is troublesome," Roach said. The Chinese Embassy in London did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

What is China's 'Third Plenum'?
Attendees gather for during a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Attendees form a procession across Montrose Boulevard as they end a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Traffic heads south on Montrose Boulevard by the Three Sisters post oak trees at Magnolia Cemetary where a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Michelle Bourchard, left, co-founder of Save Montrose Live Oaks, reads the poem OThe Three Sisters of MontroseO by Jonna Hitchcock during a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Attendees form a procession across Montrose Boulevard as they end a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Michelle Bourchard, co-founder of Save Montrose Live Oaks, reads the poem OThe Three Sisters of MontroseO by Jonna Hitchcock during a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Marion Lineberry, president and chair of the Texas Historic Tree Committee speaks during a commemoriaton ceremony to recognize the OThree SistersO post oak trees at Montrose and Dallas Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

Three iconic post oaks in Houstons Montrose neighborhood estimated to be 160 years old were honored by the Texas Historic Tree Coalition during a ceremony Sunday afternoon and designated as historic landmarks by the organization.

The trees, referred to by the coalition as the Three Sisters of Montrose, line Montrose Boulevard along the entrance to the historic Magnolia Cemetery and are among the oldest in the neighborhood.

A couple of dozen supporters, including many involved in the resident-led fight to save more than 50 mature oak trees along Montrose Boulevard from a road project, showed up for the commemoration ceremony Sunday on a corner of West Dallas and Montrose that included a poem reading and a short march to the trees led by a man playing bagpipes.

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Nancy Higgs, the longtime Montrose resident who nominated the Three Sisters for the historic designation, hopes the new status can sway city officials who are set to remove dozens of mature oaks along Montrose in the first two-block phase of a drainage and street project.

There is a way to accomplish a wider sidewalk without destroying all the trees, she said. So were just hoping that Mayor (John) Whitmire is going to urge them to figure out another way.

A resident-led coalition called Save Montrose Live Oaks has been pushing back against the project since September, asking officials from the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to consider a plan that would implement the proposed sidewalk expansions and drainage improvements while still preserving the oaks.

Higgs and other residents have taken their campaign to City Council meetings, and a Change.org petition supporting their cause has garnered more than 7,700 signatures.

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The first phase of the project would redo Montrose from Buffalo Bayou to West Clay, and the overhaul is planned to continue south to U.S. 59.

Project planners have contended that the project will improve mobility and safety along the boulevard and have promised that at least twice as many trees will be planted in place of those that are removed.

Montrose resident Michelle Bouchard spoke at the ceremony Sunday and said the Three Sisters new historic status made them the first trees with such a designation in Harris County.

Bouchard has been a key organizer with Save Montrose Live Oaks, spreading the petition, attending Montrose TIRZ meetings and even helping organize a recent yarn bombing protest.

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Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks at a "Get Out the Vote" Rally in Conway, South Carolina, on February 10, 2024.

The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously reversed the Colorado court ruling that barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state's Republican presidential primary ballot because of a provision in the U.S. Constitution on insurrection.

The Supreme Court's ruling means that no other state can bar Trump  or any other candidate from now on  from a presidential ballot or election for Congress by invoking the insurrection clause the Constitution.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted after the Civil War, says that "no person" can serve as an officer of the United States who, having previously taken an oath of federal office, "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S.

Colorado was the first of three states to block Trump from a primary ballot on those grounds due to his alleged incitement of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, which disrupted the confirmation of President Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over the incumbent Trump.

"We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office," the Supreme Court said in its ruling Monday. "But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency."

"For the reasons given, responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States," the ruling said. "The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand."

The decision did not conclude one way or the other if Trump had engaged in insurrection, as Colorado's high court did.

Trump, who is the clear favorite to win the GOP presidential nomination, in a Truth Social post reacting to the ruling wrote, "BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!"

Later, during remarks from his home in Florida, Trump said, "The voters can take someone out of the race very quickly, but a court shouldn't be doing that and the Supreme Court said that very well."

"It was a very important decision, very well-crafted, and I think it will go a long way toward bringing our country together, which our country needs," he said.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in an interview with MSNBC after the ruling said, "My larger reaction is disappointment."

"I do believe that states should be able under our Constitution to bar oath-breaking insurrectionists," Griswold said.

The president of non-profit advocacy group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which represented the plaintiffs in the case, said the Supreme Court "failed to meet the moment" by allowing Trump back onto the ballot in Colorado even as it did not "exonerate" him for engaging in insurrection.

"But it is now clear that Trump led the January 6th insurrection, and it will be up to the American people to ensure accountability," CREW President Noah Bookbinder said.

The decision, which means that votes Trump garners on Tuesday's ballot in Colorado will count for the former president, was not a surprise.
You probably remember mobile operators raving about the promise of 5G several years ago. Now, they're getting excited about a new upgrade: 5G Advanced. Angel Garcia | Bloomberg | Getty Images

BARCELONA, Spain  Telecom operators haven't yet finished rolling out 5G wireless mobile networks. And yet bosses of major carriers are already talking about building something called "5.5G," or "5G Advanced." There was a lot of chatter about 5.5G at the Mobile World Congress tech trade show in Barcelona, Spain. MWC brought together thousands of people in the mobile industry, including from leading telecom companies like Deutsche Telekom , Orange , Telefonica, BT , and Vodafone . At the show, executives from some of these companies that they were working toward rolling out a new generation of mobile internet. That would enable even more advanced applications than the data-intensive apps we've all come to use today, such as Facebook , Instagram, YouTube , Netflix , and TikTok. These apps are already well served by the current mobile internet, but in the future 5.5G is expected to power more advanced applications.

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That includes mixed reality headsets, which are getting more and more powerful with tech giants like Apple launching its Apple Vision Pro and Meta upgrading with its Meta Quest Pro headset last year. But it also means some of the things that 5G promised us years ago, such as self-driving cars, unpiloted air taxis, and smart manufacturing enabled via the so-called internet of things (IoT), will start to become a reality, too.

What is 5G?

5G is the next generation of mobile internet after 4G, which promises superfast data speeds and better coverage.

You probably remember mobile network operators raving about the promise of 5G several years ago. Carriers in China, South Korea, the United States, and Europe, properly got underway with launches of 5G networks in 2019. Now, nearly five years on, penetration of 5G among consumers remains low. The number of consumers with a 5G connection is increasing. But it's still well below "mainstream" levels. 5G has been the fastest mobile generation rollout to date, surpassing 1 billion connections by the end of 2022, rising to 1.6 billion connections at the end of 2023 and 5.5 billion by 2030. 5G connections are expected to represent more than half (51%) of mobile connections by 2029, though, and that is forecast to then rise 56% by 2030. Those numbers are up to date as of January 2024, GSMAi said.

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5G has been positioned by the telecoms industry not just as a consumer product for faster download speeds, but as a network that could underpin new technologies like driverless cars or unpiloted air taxis. That's because it has lower latency than 4G. That means the time it takes for devices to talk to each other is significantly reduced, a feature important in scenarios where data needs to be delivered quickly. However, after hundreds of billions of dollars of investment into 5G networks, carriers have struggled to see the return. Analysts say that the real potential to monetize 5G might be on the horizon.

What's '5.5G,' and why are telcos talking about it?

5G Advanced, or the name for the next stage of 5G, is the next evolution of mobile networks. Telecommunications networks require standards. These are globally accepted technical rules that define how a technology works and its interoperability around the world  interoperability is the ability for two or more systems to work together. These standards take several years to come up with and finalize and involve several players from companies to academics and industry bodies. The standards-setting body 3GPP, which contributed to 5G, uses a system of parallel "releases" to provide developers with a platform to implement new features at a given point and then allow more functionality to come in further releases. In the 3GPP releases system, 5G is considered release 17. That means 5.5G is dubbed "release 18" by the industry. Release 19 is what will effectively be 6G, another major network upgrade. Work is also underway on 6G standards, but it's still in the early stages.

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"Main priorities for developing 5G Advanced standards are to increase commercial relevance of 5G by expanding vertical markets, resolve deployment issues, and continue technology evolution to build a bridge towards 6G," Milind Kulkarni, vice president and head of InterDigital's wireless labs, told CNBC. "Research in standards have introduced, improved, and finalized several new enterprise-specific features for 5G Advanced, including network slicing, the integration of private and public networks, enhanced positioning, and even applications specific to each enterprise vertical." Howard Watson, the chief technology officer of British telco giant BT, said that 5.5G will promise faster uplink speeds, meaning you'll be able to stream video, post things online, and play multiplayer games, much faster than before. "My children's generation, or even dare I say it, my grandchild's generation ... that generation, they share a lot. And clearly, sharing requires quite a lot of upstream," Watson told CNBC on the sidelines of MWC. "There will probably be a doubling of upstream capacities coming in release 18." Further benefits to 5G Advanced over current 5G, telco execs say, is that it will make the networks themselves more "intelligent" through the application of AI and machine learning, while also boosting performance and reducing overall power consumption.

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Mats Granryd, director general of the GSMA, told CNBC he hopes the industry can continue focusing on staying in a 5G environment for years to come, as there's still plenty of work to be done on monetization. "I hope that we can stay in 5G territory for long, because normally in the 4G environment, you and I were the consumers. And it's quite quick for us to just say, change a SIM card," Granryd told CNBC's Karen Tso. "In 5G, 5G is a technology standard that is predominantly towards business to business. And it takes a longer time for businesses to convert and use new technology." "This normal of 10 years between standards, I wonder if that's going to be enough," Granryd added. "We hope that we can stay in a 5G environment. 5G advanced  5G standalone, that's absolutely fine. But push out the time and make sure that we have enough mileage to capitalize and monetize and show the world that 5G is a fantastic technology." With 5G Advanced, telecoms firms could start to make more money from their 5G rollouts by charging higher prices. And, with a key focus of 5G being enterprise applications, that could be a much more significant money maker for network operators than consumers. Telcos haven't yet revealed how much more a 5G Advanced data plan will cost compared with 5G. But analysts expect they'll look to make money from 5G Advanced by getting clever about subscriptions and using AI and other technologies to operate their networks more efficiently. With a key focus of 5G being enterprise applications, that could be a much more significant money maker for network operators than consumers. The telco industry has been awash with talk about so-called "private 5G" networks, nonpublic mobile networks that are installed on-premise at companies' work sites for example, in a smart factory, or remote surgery operation.

When will 5G Advanced be here?

Chinese telecommunications equipment supplier Huawei expects 2024 to be the year that commercial deployments of 5G Advanced officially begin. For Huawei, 5.5G is a network that will be capable of 10 Gbps downlink speeds  and in case you're wondering, yes, that is very fast.

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Huawei revealed eight 5.5G "innovation practices" last week which it says will help operators build 5.5G networks across all frequency bands. The company is working with carriers in the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America to deploy 5.5G. It's going to take some convincing for consumers to go from 5G to 5G Advanced, given the little noticeable improvement they've seen from their phones upgrading to 5G in the past five years. But Philip Song, Huawei's chief marketing officer of the carrier business group, said that it's important telcos convey the use cases of 5G Advanced to consumers well. "The most important thing for us is how can we support the customers," he said at a press briefing last Tuesday, in response to a CNBC question. The "biggest success" for 5.5G will only arrive if carriers "acknowledge solutions" and bring that across to customers sufficiently. In some markets, operators are still working on deploying 4G, Song said  but he doesn't think that matters because different parts of the world "are at different stages." Watson told CNBC that he thinks 5G Advanced will arrive on the EE network later this year. That's because the 3GPP standard release 18, or 5.5G, is already open for experimentation and telcos have been working on trials. It is expected to conclude by June 2024, by which time the protocols that enable 5.5G should be stable. "Release 18 we will start to roll out this year," Watson told CNBC. "We also plan to launch 5G standalone this year as well."

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SEC Chairman Gary Gensler testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs during an oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., September 15, 2022.

Several companies submitted letters that were generally supportive of the SEC's efforts.

"Throughout its history, the SEC has repeatedly required disclosure of information that, while not financial on its face, is nevertheless relevant to investors' assessment of a registrant's future financial prospects," a letter jointly submitted to the SEC from The Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law and the Environmental Defense Fund stated.

Gensler said the SEC has received over 15,000 comment letters on its proposal, the most ever received for a single proposal. While many argue that the proposal is another example of government overreach, others insist that the SEC has long required publicly traded companies to disclose information that indicates risks they may face.

The Scope 3 disclosure requirements have drawn strong criticism from many corporations, who claim the regulations are too burdensome. Reuters has reported that the Scope 3 disclosure requirements will be dropped in the final proposal, and that parts of the Scope 1 and 2 disclosure requirements have been softened.

When the initial proposal was made in 2022, it would have required disclosure in three categories: Scope 1, which is direct emissions the company produces through its sources; Scope 2, which is indirect emissions, such as from generation of energy; and Scope 3, which is emissions from their supply chains and users of their products.

The final proposal has not yet been released.

"Today's proposal would help issuers more efficiently and effectively disclose these risks and meet investor demand, as many issuers already seek to do," he added.

The climate disclosure rule was first proposed in March 2022. When it was proposed, Gensler said , "Today, investors representing literally tens of trillions of dollars support climate-related disclosures because they recognize that climate risks can pose significant financial risks to companies, and investors need reliable information about climate risks to make informed investment decisions."

President Joe Biden said climate risk is an "existential threat" and that it posed a greater risk than nuclear war.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler on Wednesday will hold a vote on one of his most controversial proposals: a rule that would require corporate America to disclose material risks posed by climate change.

Supporters say corporate America already reports much of this data and this would systemize the reporting.

Walmart, for example, said, "We wholeheartedly support the Commission's objective of facilitating the disclosure of consistent, comparable, and reliable information on climate change and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics," Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer of Walmart, wrote.

She noted that "Walmart has been reporting climate-related information for 15 years and on certain other ESG issues for longer."

Get ready for lawsuits

Still, parts of the proposed rule, particularly Scope 3, is facing considerable opposition from the business community, which argues that there is too much disclosure required, and from Republicans who claim that it is another example of government overreach and a backdoor means to push a climate change agenda.

Depending on the scope of the final disclosure requirements, the SEC may face an avalanche of litigation from corporate America.

One likely path for litigation is to sue under the Administrative Procedure Act, which outlines the rulemaking procedures federal agencies need to follow.

A critical standard outlined in the APA is the "arbitrary and capricious" standard, which requires that the actions of any federal agency should be based on some connections between the facts found and the regulation that is created.

It requires the agency to consider all relevant factors, such as costs, and to consider input from those who would be affected by the actions.

In this case, corporations will likely argue that the SEC failed to establish there was a problem that needed regulatory action, or didn't properly do a cost/benefit analysis to assess the impact on corporations, or didn't properly account for public views.

A Supreme Court case opens another litigation avenue

In 2022, in West Virginia v. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled that there are limits on a regulator's powers. In that case, the Court relied on the "major questions doctrine," which holds that Congress has not delegated issues of major significance to regulatory agencies.

Any agency must be able to point to a clear statement from Congress authorizing its action.

That case related to the Clean Air Act and the ability of the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide emissions. Since Congress has not passed major climate legislation for years, opponents of the SEC's climate rule will likely sue the SEC and cite West Virginia v. EPA, again arguing that Congress has not granted specific authority for the SEC to act on climate change.

What's it mean for corporate America?

Even if a scaled-back proposal is approved, it will mean more regulation, and a lot more paperwork, for publicly traded companies.

Corporate America will face: 1) increased costs, 2) increased activism and 3) increased litigation risk. There will be a new cottage industry around advising and consulting on climate change, just like there is now for cybersecurity.

Why increased litigation risk? "If the disclosure is wrong, they can get sued by the SEC," one industry observer, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly, told me. "Even if it is right, the disclosures will be used by activists complaining corporate America is not doing enough on climate change."

The ETF community is watching carefully

The Exchange Traded Funds community is watching the vote closely, because the proposal will provide much more data on climate issues that can be incorporated into environmental, social and governance ETFs.

Arne Noack, DWS head of systemic investment solutions for the Americas, which runs the Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF (SNPE) and the Xtrackers MSCI USA Climate Action Equity ETF (USCA), noted that much of corporate America already reports data emissions.

"The emissions data we have on S&P 500 companies is already pretty good," Noack told me. "It's either self-reported or we have external data."

Still, Noack is supportive of the new rule.

"The better the data quality, the better the data we have for ESG strategies, and the better we can make the portfolios," he said. "We live in a world where emissions are high, and the ambition is they get lower. To get there, certain things need to happen, but the key is data. If we don't know what the data is, we have to estimate."

A few years ago, ESG ETFs were all the rage. But that early enthusiasm has cooled dramatically.

There have been outflows from most ESG funds, and several have shuttered, victims of: 1) investor uncertainty over how to define and measure ESG, 2) high fees and 3) political controversy.

The fuzziness of ESG has attracted the interest of the SEC.

Last year, the SEC amended its "Name Rule" to require that 80% of a fund's portfolio be held in assets that reflect the fund's name. The proposal came about because of concern that ESG funds were charging higher fees for what appeared to be specialized stock picking but in reality just mimicked index funds.

The disclosures required from the proposed SEC rule may shuffle the deck on companies that are considered "green" or "not so green."

If there are funds that contain companies that activists say are not so green based on their disclosures, those funds will surely get criticism for why they are charging so much money for these funds that don't reflect ESG principles.

"This will further politicize ESG investing," Todd Sohn, ETF and technical strategist at Strategas, who follows the ETF business, told me. "A lot of ESG products will get hung out to dry if many of their holdings are revealed to actual be unfit for the portfolio  based on whatever they disclose."

Arne Noack, manager of the Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF and DWS Head of Systemic Investment Solutions for the Americas, will be the guest on ETF Edge at 1:10 p.m. ET Monday. He'll be joined by Dave Nadig, formerly financial futurist at Vettafi. ETFedge.cnbc.com.
German Defence minister Boris Pistorius (2ndR) and Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov (3rdR) listen to explanations about assault weapons during their visit of a training facility ouside Kyiv on November 21, 2023. The German Defence minister arrived in the Ukrainian capital on November 21, 2023 morning for a surprise visit to reaffirm Berlin's backing for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's troops. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Germany's defense minister said on Sunday Russia was conducting an "information war" aimed at creating divisions within Germany, his first reaction to the publication in Russia of an audio recording of a meeting of senior German military officials.

Russian media on Friday published a 38-minute recording of a call in which German officers were heard discussing weapons for Ukraine and a potential strike by Kyiv on a bridge in Crimea, prompting Russian officials to demand an explanation.

On Saturday, Germany called it an apparent act of eavesdropping and said it was investigating.

"The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation ... It is part of an information war that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is waging," Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday.

"It is a hybrid disinformation attack. It is about division. It is about undermining our unity."

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations of spreading false or misleading information when faced with allegations from other countries.

A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said on social media on Friday: "We demand an explanation from Germany," without detailing its particular concerns.

Russia's embassy in Berlin has not responded to an emailed request for comment.

Participants in the call discuss the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly so far firmly rejected. They also talk about the training of Ukrainian soldiers, and possible military targets.

-- Reuters
A measure in the U.S. funding legislation unveiled by congressional leaders on Sunday would block China from buying oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or SPR. The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided U.S. Congress, and lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills seeking to address competition with China's government.

A measure in the U.S. funding legislation unveiled by congressional leaders on Sunday would block China from buying oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or SPR.

The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided U.S. Congress, and lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills seeking to address competition with China's government.

The issue of SPR sales to China heated up after President Joe Biden, a Democrat, announced in 2022 a sale of 180 million barrels of SPR oil to tame gasoline prices that spiked after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

That year the SPR sold 1 million barrels to UNIPEC America, a Houston-based arm of China's Sinopec. In 2017, under former President Donald Trump, some SPR oil was sold to PetroChina International, a subsidiary of Chinese state oil company PetroChina Co Ltd .

The SPR currently holds more than 360 million barrels of oil but is close to 40-year lows due to the sales in 2022.
Yulia Navalnaya, wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, attends the Munich Security Conference (MSC), on the day it was announced that Alexei Navalny died by the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence, in Munich, southern Germany on February 16, 2024. Kai Pfaffenbach | Afp | Getty Images

Yulia Navalnaya "did not have a choice." That's what one Ukrainian lawmaker said of the wife of the late Alexei Navalny, who vowed to continue her husband's political work fighting for democracy in Russia after he died in a Siberian prison last month. As the first reports of Navalny's death started to emerge, Navalnaya was in Munich at a security conference. At first, she was not sure whether to believe the reports. Then, she took to the main stage: "I thought: Should I stand here before you or should I go back to my children? And then I thought: What would have Alexei done in my place? And I'm sure that he would have been standing here on this stage."

Yulia Navalnaya (L) is applauded by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola after addressing the European Parliament on Feb. 28, 2024. Frederick Florin | Afp | Getty Images

Since that moment, Yulia Navalnaya has turned her husband's mission into hers. "I will continue the work of Alexei Navalny. Continue to fight for our country. And I invite you to stand next to me," she said in a video message, shared on X, just a few days later.

A sense of injustice

Lisa Yasko, 33 years old and a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, said she can relate. Her partner is in jail in Georgia for opposing the ruling authorities.

Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko delivers a speech in April, 2022. Cristina Quicler | Afp | Getty Images

Hailing from Kyiv, Yasko became a political activist in 2014 after the so-called Maidan Uprising, which saw Ukrainians take to the streets to demonstrate in favor of closer ties with the European Union, not Russia. "I believed I should be in politics to make a change, I felt a sense of injustice," she told CNBC via Zoom last month. At the time, Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, had ignored his country's parliament and refused to sign a cooperation agreement with the European Union. In 2019, Yasko met the now-President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and decided to become a lawmaker for his party.

A view of barricades in downtown Kiev following demonstrations in 2014. Monique Jaques | Corbis News | Getty Images

At the start of her political career, Yasko recalls being seen as "the young one," but said women in politics started to earn "more respect" following Russia's invasion. Yasko was among the Ukrainian delegation that traveled to the Munich Security Conference in February to ask Western allies for more support. Two years into Russia's full-scale invasion of the country, Yasko said Ukraine is now facing "double or triple the pressure."

The 'accidental politician'

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is also no stranger to fighting for democratic values. She became Belarus' opposition leader after her husband was taken into custody for challenging the ruling President Aleksandr Lukashenko  a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tsikhanouskaya has been in exile since 2020 after running against Lukashenko in a presidential vote. Lukashenko declared victory in the election. She represents her country at international meetings and advocates for stronger sanctions on Lukashenko, who has pushed for the arrest of hundreds of activists who have challenged his almost three decades in power.

Belarusian political opposition in exile leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya clutches a folder with a portrait of her husband, jailed opposition figure Sergei Tikhanovsky, in November, 2023 Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images

"I call myself an accidental politician," she told CNBC via Zoom. "It was 2020 when my husband decided to run for [the] presidency, but he was immediately arrested and impeded from [running]. ... Out of love to him, first of all, I decided to run," she said.
An aviation firm has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines on behalf of three Portland passengers who were aboard Flight 1282, a section that detached mid-flight, necessitating an emergency landing at PDX. The incident occurred in January.

Jonathan W. Johnson LLC, representing the three passengers -- Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland, and Kevin Kwok -- said in a press release that they were seated two rows diagonally behind a 15-year-old boy whose shirt was sucked off during the rapid depressurisation.

The lawsuit claims that Alaska Airlines had identified the issue with the plane before the incident but failed to conduct further inspections before putting it into service. The firm is seeking to hold Boeing accountable for its negligence, which caused extreme panic, fear, and post-traumatic stress among the 174 passengers and six crew members onboard.

Boeings CEO, David Calhoun, expressed being shaken to the bone upon hearing about this avoidable accident that endangered hundreds of innocent lives. He emphasised that further inspections should have been conducted before the aircraft was placed in service.

Due to these factors, the complainant is suing Boeing for punitive damages, not only because the tragedy was preventable but also because many other Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft were impacted by the manufacturing flaws, necessitating the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) temporary grounding and inspection of each aircraft.

According to FlightAware, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 departed from Portland International Airport just before 5 pm PT on January 5. The flight returned safely to its departure point as part of an emergency landing about 40 minutes later. The incident occurred approximately six minutes into the planned trip to California, with the aircraft flying at 16,000 feet when one of its exit doors came loose.

Despite the safe landing back in Portland, several passengers sustained minor injuries and lost phones and other personal items that were sucked out of the hole in the aircraft. According to passenger Kelly Bartlett, who spoke to CBS News after the incident, another passenger, a teenager originally seated with his mother in the row beside the affected door panel, had his shirt ripped off by the strength of the wind coming through.

A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation and Safety Board into the incident revealed that four key bolts meant to hold the door plug in place were missing from the aircraft. The report from the agency, which was issued in early February, stated that before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads, four bolts that were intended to prevent such upward movement were missing.
Vice President Kamala Harris called for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as talks drag on over a deal to release hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.

US officials said on Saturday that Israel had essentially agreed to a six-week ceasefire if Hamas hands over hostages categorised as vulnerable. Hamas said its delegates were traveling to Cairo to outline the groups position on the talks, though a senior Israeli official said the country wont send a delegation unless it gets certain information from the group.

Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war cabinet, is expected to travel to the White House on Monday to discuss the path ahead.

The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated, Harris said on Sunday in Selma, Alabama, adding that too many Palestinian civilians have been caught up in the conflict. Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.

The Biden administration has faced increasing political pressure to step in. US and Jordanian forces airdropped about 38,000 meals on Saturday, with further airdrops planned, following an outbreak of violence last week in which hungry Palestinians were killed near an aid convoy in northern Gaza. Israels military said its reviewing the incident after accounts that its forces fired on people trying to reach the aid trucks. Israel said most victims died in a stampede for the assistance.

A ceasefire has been a priority for Palestinian-Americans and progressives who have condemned the killings of civilians in Gaza. Roughly 100,000 voters, or more than 13%, turned in uncommitted primary ballots in Michigan after calls by activists. Protesters almost penetrated the security perimeter around the presidents motorcade in San Francisco last month.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. About 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, and another 250 were kidnapped. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union.

Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal, Harris said.

The US vice president is due to meet with Gantz at the White House on Monday, according to a White House official. Gantz is also set to meet with Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser.
Shehbaz Sharif is poised to take the oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday, marking his second tenure since 2022. This comes amid significant economic and security challenges facing the nation. President Arif Alvi will administer the oath in a ceremony scheduled at the President's residence in the afternoon.

The oath-taking ceremony follows a recent agreement between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to form a coalition government. Shehbaz, 72, previously held the position of prime minister in a coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023, before Parliament was dissolved for general elections.

Challenges galore

Despite securing the largest number of seats in the February 8 polls, the Sharifs-led party fell short of a clear majority, prompting negotiations for coalition-building. Shehbaz's consensus candidacy was supported by several parties, including the MQM-P, Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Pakistan Muslim League (Z), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the National Party.

Challenges await Shehbaz as he assumes office, including economic reforms to address the country's financial difficulties and efforts to improve relations with neighbouring countries. Moreover, he faces opposition protests over alleged election manipulation and escalating security concerns due to increased terrorist activity.

Attendees

Anticipated attendees at the ceremony include Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, chief ministers, and governors from all four provinces. In the recent parliamentary vote on Sunday, Shehbaz secured a comfortable majority amidst opposition protests.

He received 201 votes out of 336, while his challenger, Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, secured 92 votes.

Shehbaz Sharif - stepping into the prime ministerial role

Born in September 1951 to a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family in Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif has emerged as a prominent figure in Pakistani politics. His family's ancestral roots trace back to Anantnag in Kashmir, with a subsequent migration to the village of Jati Umra in Amritsar district, Punjab, before settling in Pakistan at the turn of the 20th century.

Shehbaz pursued his education at the Government College University in Lahore, laying the groundwork for his political career. Notably, during his two consecutive tenures as chief minister of Punjab from 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018, Shehbaz spearheaded transformative infrastructure projects, including the development of underpasses, overhead bridges, and mass transit systems, which significantly improved connectivity and urban mobility in the province, news agency PTI reported.

Renowned for his negotiation skills and coalition-building acumen, Shehbaz played a pivotal role in forming alliances with like-minded parties, culminating in his selection as the consensus candidate for the prime ministerial role by the PML-N and PPP.
Texas Supreme Court Justice John Devine, left, gave a speech in September in which he blasted his colleagues on the bench as "brainwashed" and sharply criticized the all-Republican Court of Criminal Appeals as "RINOs". Spencer Selvidge for the San Antonio Express News

Toward the end of his biennial State of the Judiciary address before the Legislature last year, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht returned to one of his favorite topics: judicial independence.

"I grow concerned that political divisions among us threaten the judicial independence essential to the rule of law," Hecht said, adding that the political pressure on judges to take a side  left or right  "destroys the rule of law essential to justice for all."

While Hecht didn't name names, this particular section might as well have been dedicated to his own colleague on the state's highest civil court, Justice John Devine.

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Devine, who has served with Hecht on the all-Republican Supreme Court since 2013, doesn't seem to share the chief justice's concern. Last week, the Texas Tribune reported on an audio recording it had obtained of a speech Devine gave to a group of voters in East Texas in September in which he blasted his colleagues as "brainwashed," asserted that the state's highest criminal court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, is controlled by "RINOs" and "trans-Republicans" and accused Harris County Democrats of trying to "bastardize our election code" to steal elections.

For a Republican political candidate in Texas, such a diatribe is, sadly, par for the course. For a sitting state Supreme Court justice, it's a disgrace. Specifically, it's an egregious display of partisanship, flagrantly disregarding the ethical standards by which every judge in Texas is expected to abide. This latest revelation only cements our belief that Devine is a danger to an embattled judiciary already struggling to maintain the public's trust.

Voters are the only true check on Devine's authority. Republicans have a chance to decide his fate in Tuesday's primary. We've already made our position clear, endorsing his opponent, Brian Walker, a qualified judge who sits on the Fort Worth district court of appeals.

Yet even if Walker is successful, Devine would remain on the bench until his term expires in December, bringing his openly expressed political bias to many cases in the coming months. Every Texan, regardless of political ideology, should be concerned about the consequences of that. The Texas Code of Judicial Conduct expressly states that judges "should act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary." Devine's comments clearly violate this provision. We urge the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to sanction him for misconduct. Though he'd remain on the bench, such a step would send an important message to the public and other judges.

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Over the course of his judicial career, Devine has never been shy about pushing his own political agenda. During his 2012 Supreme Court race, he boasted that he had been arrested 37 times while protesting abortion clinics, even though he likely would hear abortion-related cases. As a Harris County district court judge, he refused to remove a painting of the Ten Commandments from his courtroom, and referred to the concept of church-state separation as a "myth." He launched his 1996 Republican congressional campaign from his chambers, which resulted in a sanction from the Commission on Judicial Conduct. In 2002, he was criticized by the Texas Ethics Commission for not disclosing on his financial forms dating back eight years that he was president of a real estate company.

In 2022, then-Justice Devine failed to recuse himself from a sex abuse case the state Supreme Court heard against former Southern Baptist Convention leader Paul Pressler, even though Devine worked at Pressler's law firm at the time the alleged abuse occurred.

Devine has also skipped 60% of oral arguments this term, while every other justice except for one had perfect attendance. Devine claimed the absences were necessary to campaign for reelection.

Whether the State Commission on Judicial Conduct sees Devine's public comments as worthy of sanction is unknown. Jacqueline Habersham, the commission's executive director, declined to say whether a complaint had been filed against Devine. Yet Habersham also told the editorial board that a formal complaint is not required to open an investigation into a sitting judge.

"If the commission wanted to initiate a complaint based upon a news article, that's within their discretion, we just need to have something in writing to base it on," Habersham said, adding that in cases involving speech, the commission would weigh the ethics of the speech's content against a judge's First Amendment rights.

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We believe Devine's comments cross that line. While Texas has partisan judicial elections requiring a judge to run for the bench as a member of a political party, the vast majority of judges across the state refuse to engage in tribalist party politics. Devine's pattern of unethical behavior should be unacceptable to any Texan who still values fairness in our judges. Devine wants it both ways: to be a loyal Republican crusader and also neutral arbiter of facts and the law. It doesn't work that way.
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The European Commission on Monday slammed Apple with a huge $1.95 billion fine for anti-competitive conduct in the music streaming market. In response to the decision, Apple fired back at the EU and Spotify, saying the move just cements the dominant position of a successful European company that is the digital music markets runaway leader.

Apple will appeal.

The company also says it intends to comply with the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) within days.

Apple sees it one way

Apple made some telling points in its rebuke, pointing out:

Spotify dominates the European streaming music market with 56% share. The app has been downloaded more than 119 billion times on Apple devices.

Spotify met with EC officers over 65 times during the investigation.

There are currently almost 160 million streaming music subscribers.

The streaming service doesnt pay Apple a commission because it doesnt sell subscriptions in app.

Europe sees it another way

About the fine, Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president in charge of competition policy, said: For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store. They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, so today we have fined Apple over 1.8 billion.

Apple disagreed: The decision was reached despite the Commissions failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.

A potted history

Spotify has been pressing EU authorities to act against Apple since 2015. During these attempts, the rival service claimed the digital music market had stalled and blamed Apple for that.

However, the market actually grew in that time, undermining that argument  which is why three different cases across the last eight years have consistently found no evidence of consumer harm. In fact, says Apple, the digital music streaming market in Europe has grown at a rate of 27% per year since 2015.

The reality is that European consumers have more choices than ever. Ironically, in the name of competition, today's decision just cements the dominant position of a successful European company that is the digital music market's runaway leader, Apple said.

Regardless of the back and forth, change is coming with the DMA, which has not yet come into force. Spotify also had opportunities it did not take  and most streaming music services also advertise elsewhere.

What about the DMA?

When you read through the EC statement, it feels as if there are some inconsistencies. For example, Apples status as the sole App Store provider on iOS has already been tested and is about to be changed. The Commission also seems to have failed to enumerate any actual consumer harm, saying simply in its case that Apple may have led many iOS users to pay higher prices for music streaming services,

Apple argues that it actually provides a great deal to Spotify.

Apples competitor enjoys access to tools, platforms, distribution, and developer APIs, as well as in-person support for no cost.

Spotify also gains access to Apples customers.

The App Review team have handled 421 versions of the Spotify app.

Apple has even flown engineers to Spotify HQ in Stockholm to help with the app.

Its hard to not recognize that what Apple provides should be seen as having intrinsic value  surely it is appropriate for that value to be recognized? Apple doesnt see it being recognized. But free isnt enough for Spotify, Apple wrote in its response. They also want to rewrite the rules of the App Store  in a way that advantages them even more.

What Spotify wants, Apple argues, is to offer subscriptions within App Store distributed apps without paying for it. They want to use Apples tools and technologies, distribute on the App Store, and benefit from the trust weve built with users  and to pay Apple nothing for it.

The horse is already back inside the stable

Apple has another problem with the decision, which it notes has been announced just before the DMA comes into play. Apple says it will comply with the DMA within days, and that its plans include changes to the rules challenged by this judgement.

Thats a statement thats easy to just read through, but for Apple it means that the decision that has been forced upon it is not grounded in existing competition law. Its an effort by the Commission to enforce the DMA before the DMA becomes law.

What that means is that Apple feels that its contribution to Spotifys success has not been recognized while holding it to a set of standards that dont yet exist, as those are enshrined in the DMA.

Free trade no more

For me, there is another inherent concern. Mobile World Congress this year saw European telecoms firms begin to voice reluctance to fund 5G and broadband as big US tech firms seem to draw the biggest benefit.

At the same time, voices in the EU continue to note the dominance of Big Tech and Europes lack of similarly powerful competitors in the field.

It seems plausible to think statements like these reflect growing nativism across EU governments, which means the quest to maintain an open and free market becomes increasingly politicized. To some degree, some politicization is usually the case, of course. But given the many other challenges enterprises and people face, a move to more extreme politicization threatens a more complex business environment at a time when economies desperately require growth.

What about the money?

That brings me to what happens to the money Apple is being fined. According to the EU small print, this will be distributed across EU member states, including (through a historically weird anachronism I dont really understand) former EU member the UK.

Im sure Europes musicians struggling to get by on their music royalties will be glad to learn their music streams have ended up funding national economies.

And yet, the fundamental question remains:

Given that even supermarkets charge to stock goods on their physical shelves, what is the appropriate levy Apple and other platform providers can expect for inclusion on their virtual ones? That question still remains unanswered, and I predict a lot of rich lawyers will join the journey to figure that particular answer out. Rather like John Cages Silence, this one is going to get legendary.

Please follow me on Mastodon, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
In late February 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two cases in which web giants from Facebook to Reddit to TikTok are fighting to retain their freedom to pull down user posts they believe shouldnt see the light of day.

At stake in the courts decision, expected in June, is the future of social media and user-generated content, including consumer reviews.

James R. Hood finds the moment a little surreal. Fifteen years ago, the founder of ConsumerAffairs battled in court for the freedom to NOT pull down user-generated contentin his case, posts written by wronged consumers that powerful foes were trying to squash.

Hoods landmark win at the Court of Appeals in Nemet Chevrolet vs. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. paved the way for years of Internet freedom that should not be taken for granted.

Without the Nemet case law, said Zac Carman, the current CEO of ConsumerAffairs, the Internet would not have user-generated content and there would not be social networks as we know them.

Now Hood is angry that the state governments of Florida and Texas want to reverse the precedent, limiting websites editorial control of user-generated content that he risked his livelihood and ConsumerAffairs to win.

Although Im no longer involved with ConsumerAffairs, said the longtime journalist, news executive and entrepreneur, its a daily dose of pleasure for me to see that it and other consumer sites continue working on behalf of consumers without fear of censorship or interference.

Speaking truth to power

ConsumerAffairss fight in 2009 was to stop businesses from bullying websites into silence with lawsuits. While the law appeared to be on his side, in harsh reality Hood almost had to shut down his company in the legal struggle.

At the dawn of the World Wide Web, Congress passed the Communications Decency Act of 1996 with 26 words in Section 230 that seemed to confirm user comments as protected speech. Section 230 declared that Internet sites, in Hoods paraphrase, could not be held liable for what third parties posted, much as the phone company cant be held responsible for what people say on the phone.

The law had never received a legal challenge by the time Hood first began allowing consumers to post reviewsmany of them negativeabout the products or services they had received. Those in-depth user accounts became ConsumerAffairs.com in 1998, essential reading for alert consumers.

The complication, Hood discovered, was that corporations took strong exception to critical user accounts and comments, and also to his follow-up reporting.

ConsumerAffairs served as one of the first product safety alerts. Prior to the Internet, Hood said, you would not know that an F-150 truck burned up in Maine one day and in Oklahoma a week later. There was just no way to pull that information together. And that's what our site was doing. We accidentally invented something.

Businesses were aghast, angry and aggrieved, Hood said, when he wouldnt pull down posts they didnt like. They hired lawyers to sue us and hackers to attack us.

Years of lawsuits and tension came to a head when a New York car dealer sued ConsumerAffairs over a customer review that it claimed was libelous.

He was a small car dealer, but I poked around and saw he had some high-powered legal help that also represented a certain national association of car dealers, said Hood, who ultimately steered ConsumerAffairs through six or seven lawsuits but would never forget this one. I told my good local law firm here in Virginia, I think we're in trouble here. They're mad and theyre not going to go away.

The case was subterfuge to try to shut us down basicallyto drag it out and see if they can bankrupt us, he said.

Nemet Chevrolet vs. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.



Eventually, after grueling months of depositions, a key ruling in his favor, and then Nemet Chevrolets appeal, the case wound its way to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, one step below the Supreme Court. The mainstream media wasnt paying much attention, but those in publishing and First Amendment circles were. So were Internet entrepreneurs who were in the midst of a social media Gold Rush.

This case resulted in a lot of nail-biting in the digital world, Hood said. If we had lost, it could have invalidated 230 and left websites vulnerable to lawsuits from just about anyone who objected to just about anything.

His own nails were also suffering. He was the owner and CEO. It takes big bucks to get a case that far through the system, he said. That case nearly bankrupted us, the company and me. That was about the time my spouse and I said, Weve got to get serious about selling this company.

The arguments in 2009 before the Fourth Circuit will sound familiar to anyone who has followed the Supreme Courts current cases. Nemet argued that we had edited and categorized complaints from its customers, thereby making our reviews content creation, as opposed to a simple conduit where consumers could vent, Hood said.

Meanwhile, ConsumerAffairs cited Section 230 as its defense, noting the law said Internet sites could not be held liable for what third parties posted. The 1996 law was about to get its first legal challenge.

The justices ruled in favor of ConsumerAffairs, saying the car dealer hadnt made any cognizable argument that the ConsumerAffairs practice of contacting a reviewer to ask a question amounted to content creation. (Its still our practice to contact customers to ask them questions about a company.)

Assuming it to be true that Consumeraffairs.com contacted the consumers to ask some unknown question, the justices wrote, this bare allegation proves nothing as to Nemet's claim Consumeraffairs.com is an information content provider.

The legal win, Hood recalled, helped entrench Section 230 as settled law. It also immunized ConsumerAffairs and presumably other sites fueled by user content against future nuisance suits.

When angry businesses pressed their lawyers to sue us, the attorneys would do a quick look and advise that suing ConsumerAffairs was a losing proposition. We had the law on our side, Hood said.

Then and now

Hood sold the company to current CEO Zac Carman in 2010 but remained as editorinchief until he retired in 2017, as the digital world rapidly changed. Social media became embroiled in controversy over which posts it would allow but didnt have to fear defamation lawsuits.

Corporations went from being largely indifferent about the consumer experience to blasting out customer service surveys after any and every transaction.

That brings us to the cases currently before the Supreme Court, which Hood says have an Alice in Wonderland quality about them.

New state laws in Texas and Florida want to reverse the now-established precedent on the grounds that content moderation can equal censorship. The new laws permit the government or lawsuits to force sites to carry content they dont want to.

Are those laws constitutional? That is what the U.S. Supreme Court is considering.

Hood believes the framers would frown at the new laws as government censorship, only in reverse. While Americans have the right to free speech, he said, they dont have the right of access to a site owned by a private company.

The framers left no doubt that publishers should be free to publish without interference from the government, leaving it up to the citizenry to read all sides and make their own decisions, Hood said.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump walks next to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as Trump visits the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, TX on Feb. 29, 2024. Go Nakamura/ REUTERS

Misplaced priorities

Regarding "Biden and Trump in Texas play political games over border security, immigration," (March 1): Thanks to Chris Tomlinson for telling it like it is regarding (Gov. Greg) Abbotts border obsession. It looks like any Republican leader who needs a little momentum can come grandstand at the Texas border. Abbott continues to play to his extreme audience even while he knows that only congressional action can make real change at our borders. Hes happy following the playbook of the Washington Republicans who cry for strong immigration policies only to reject them in favor of continuing a spectacle when theyre offered them. Hes wasting time and money.

Abbotts obsession with the border and school vouchers are costing Texas taxpayers a fortune. He called four special legislative sessions to ram through school vouchers, which are essentially tax-funded religious education. He was defeated, swore vengeance on Republicans who supported their communities public schools, and left our public schools underfunded when we had surplus money.

Texas public institutions continue to crumble while our state leaders pursue the extreme positions of donors with deep pockets. Its past time to start giving them the boot, beginning with those legislators and Supreme Court justices up for election who always favor very narrow religious views or the size of special interest donors pockets. Register, get informed and vote to keep our civic institutions strong for our communities.

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Peggy Sweeney, Houston

In a move that underscores misplaced priorities, Gov. (Greg) Abbott has once again demonstrated a concerning inconsistency in his approach to governance. Recently, Abbott rejected federal aid grants aimed at supporting the education and welfare of Texas children, all while doubling down on restrictive abortion policies. This decision reflects a troubling pattern of neglecting the needs of vulnerable Texans while prioritizing divisive political agendas.

At a time when many families are grappling with economic hardship exacerbated by low wages, such callous disregard for the wellbeing of children is unconscionable. Seems like he only wants to protect the unborn, but once they are here, he wants nothing to do with them!

Abbott seems more invested in advancing the ideological agenda of West Texas billionaires than in serving the best interests of the people he was elected to represent. Abbott and state lawmakers must reassess their priorities and refocus their efforts on addressing the real challenges facing Texas families. Stop wasting time and resources on divisive and harmful policies. Prioritize investments in education, health care and social services that will uplift communities and create a brighter future for all Texans. Anything less is a disservice to the people of Texas and a betrayal of the principles of good governance.

P. J. Bailey, Missouri City

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Root causes

Regarding "This is Texas hold em  why Texas is fighting the U.S. government to secure its border with Mexico (Opinion)," (Feb. 29): As we grapple with the ongoing border crisis in Texas, it's imperative to acknowledge that addressing the root causes of migration demands a multifaceted approach. While border security measures are necessary, they alone cannot resolve the underlying issues propelling individuals to leave their homes. Instead, we must redirect our focus toward developing countries in need.

Supporting legislation and foreign policies aimed at global poverty reduction is paramount. By investing in education, health care and economic opportunities in vulnerable regions, we can empower communities to thrive independently. When individuals have the means to support themselves and their families, they're less inclined to embark on perilous journeys seeking a better life elsewhere.

It's incumbent upon Texas senators and representatives to champion initiatives like the SAFE Act and advocate for the continued funding of the International Affairs Budget. These measures not only demonstrate our commitment to humanitarian principles but also serve our state's interests by fostering stability and security in our neighboring regions.

In the pursuit of a more just and sustainable future, let us prioritize proactive solutions that address the root causes of migration while upholding our values of compassion and solidarity

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Aisling Riederer, The Woodlands

Shut down the border

Regarding "In Texas, Biden and Trump gloss over border reality (Opinion)," (Feb. 29): To call our southern border problems self-inflicted is insulting. Joe Biden created our border problems. And our Texas governor has the cojones to stare him down and attempt to shut it down. I have lived in Texas most of my life and have witnessed managed crossings until Biden took office. I have said this before, the board should get off their comfy tushes and go to the border to witness the manufactured crisis, interview the people impacted by the policies of the Biden administration. The president refuses to protect our border through executive action. Dont you wonder what his end game is?

Patti Miller, Houston

It's depressing to see our illegal immigration problem used cynically by our political leaders. They know that we collectively aren't going to penalize them for espousing or funding stupidity. It makes for great short-term success among the populace that supports them, and garners little chance for long-term consequence to their careers.

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Middle-class America lives well off of underpaid labor and cheap goods and services. Without an ability to access poor, desperate people at substandard wages right here at home, and a whole bunch of Asian imports often produced by slave-like labor, there would be much less economic activity here in America.

So, yes, shut down the border. Each of us stop abusing or taking advantage of desperate people. Just get back in shape, learn some basic life, carpentry, plumbing and transportation skills, and expect to work as hard at home as you do on the job. Start looking for that second job while you have the time.
Like standup comedy where every single thing is funny and doesn't waste your time? Follow Cracked Comedy Club on Instagram and YouTube for exactly that.

After comedian Robin Williams passed away in 2014, the USO expressed public thanks for all he did for the men and women of our armed forces. Williams was a regular on the USO tour, visiting 13 countries and entertaining an estimated 90,000 troops. But while the military was grateful for the comics commitment to those serving their country, Williams wasnt out there spouting pro-administration propaganda. In fact, he could be downright critical of those in charge.

Back when the Hummers still hadnt been sufficiently armored yet, I said they should strap Dick Cheney to the front of a Humvee like that character Lord Humungus in Road Warrior, Williams told Paul Provenza in his book, Satiristas: Comedians, Contrarians, Raconteurs and Vulgarians. Strap him right to the front: Now theyre sufficiently armored!

Its hard to imagine the Pentagon endorsing that brand of comedy, but the troops were pretty into that kind of thing, Williams said. Heres another example. At one point, Donald Rumsfeld pooh-poohed the idea that military troops didnt have the equipment and armor they needed. You fight a war with what youve got, he said.

Williams jokey response: Yeah, but 11th-century Norman armor?

The troops loved that stuff, Williams said. Ripping on Bush was an easy shot too  because they fucking knew how insane Bush was.

Provenza noted that kind of comedy wouldnt have gone over in comedy clubs during the Gulf War since anti-Bush humor was seen as not supporting the troops. The irony: Nobody loved those kinds of jokes more than the soldiers themselves. The troops realize more than anyone the insanity of what the fuck theyve been put into, Williams explained. You talk to those guys, theyll tell you that questioning the government is not being unpatriotic, its the ultimate patriotism!

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Especially around political matters, Williams was a staunch advocate for truth-telling, knowing the dangers involved in silence. True story, he said. In Germany, I was on this very dry German talk show with a woman hosting it, and at one point she said, Vy do you zink zeres not so much comedy in Germany? Ve have some but not a lot.

And I said, Did you ever think its because you tried to kill all the funny people?

And heres the frightening part: She took a moment and then went, No.

I thought, Oh fuck. There it is. Thats it right there.

Thats why Williams refused to sanitize his comedy for the troops  and why the soldiers loved him for it. I dont know what changes this culture or what it takes to get people motivated, Williams said. But we have to keep on talking, saying all the shit they dont want anyone to hear. Because we can.

Keep on talking was Williams mantra. Talk about it in every way you know possible, he said. And then occasionally throw in a good dick joke.
A Rice's whale spouts water in the Gulf of Mexico. Editorial Board/NOAA Fisheries

Getting out on the water is a way of life in Texas coastal cities and towns. A rare few folks experience the incredible sight of a sharks dorsal fin breaking the water or a stingray dramatically breaching. And just a handful have witnessed a majestic whale on the waters surface and fewer still a Rices whale. Its a memory that might die with our generation because the survival of Rices whales, the only baleen species native to the Gulf, is in grave doubt. They are nearing extinction with only about 50 left.

We know little about Rices whales, which were not classified as a unique species until 2021, after a large bone was found and examined. It was immediately listed as an endangered species.

What is known about Rices whales is both wonderful and worrying. Theyre about 40 feet long and weigh up to 30 tons, the size of school buses. Their heads comprise about a quarter of their bodies, and they use baleen (which filters prey from seawater inside their mouths) to spend days sifting the water for food in depths up to 1,300 feet. At night, theyre closer to the surface. This species is one of few whales that live year-round in tropical waters without migrating. The worrisome part is there are so few left that losing a couple to collisions with boats or oil spills could be disastrous.

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In February we learned that they range throughout the entire Gulf, upending assumptions about their habitat. Data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) using underwater recording devices revealed that the whales are active from Texas to Florida and Louisiana to Mexico.

We must take care of these creatures or they could disappear completely. Several legislators attached riders to a U.S. House spending bill that would undercut protections for this and other endangered whales, as well as wolves, birds and bats. Its a drama playing out in the courts between the Biden administration and those representing industries which will be affected by regulations protecting the whales habitat. Congress should reject those anti-wildlife riders and similarly harmful legislation. Extinction is forever.

Listing the whales as an endangered species triggered a critical habitat designation, which could limit human activities in a 28,270 square-mile area. The map drew complaints that restrictions in the zone would be onerous to oil companies and others. A final decision on the habitat designation is expected this summer.

Meanwhile, conservation organizations petitioned NOAA to create a speed limit zone in the Gulf to reduce vessel collisions with whales. But NOAA denied the request, saying it would seek protections differently. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management asked the oil and gas industries to comply with voluntary restrictions on vessel speed and daytime-only passage through the habitat zone.

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Man-made hazards threaten Rices whales. NOAA estimates that almost a quarter of the species was killed by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, which spewed 134 million gallons of crude oil into the water. Underwater noise created by oil and gas exploration, drilling and ship traffic can also harm whales, experts say. This human noise can cause stress and disrupt whales normal behavior, potentially interfering with their ability to find a mate. For a species in decline, thats critical. Plastic pollution, which is thought to have contributed to the death of a Rices whale in 2019, is also a serious threat.

Theres still a lot to learn about Rices whales, including how to nurture them back to a healthy population. Their presence is important to so many sea creatures, from shrimp to game fish. This issue is about more than one species, its about the way we see our place in the world.

THINGS TO KNOW: Rices whales spend more time off Texas than previously thought

Unlike humpbacks and orcas, which migrate and could pop up almost anywhere, Rices whales belong to the communities of the Gulf. These whales depend upon us for their continued survival. Slowing down when crossing their habitat or doing things differently to lessen impacts on their lives are small inconveniences compared to extinction.

From court cases to agency decisions, one thing is certain: We dont need Congress blocking protections for this highly endangered whale because its inconvenient to some. Let the whales live.
FONDA  ConnectGen presented the latest details on the 250 megawatt Mill Point Solar 1 Project proposed in the town of Glen at open houses this week as the developer prepares to submit an application through the state permitting process this summer. Its to be open and transparent with the town, said Andrew Barrett, manager []
Early voting signs outside of the polling site at NRG Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Fewer Texans voted early in this years primary elections compared with the last presidential cycle, even though more people are registered to vote than ever before.

About 200,000 fewer people voted early in the state, with the biggest drop among Democratic voters.

READ MORE: Texas voter registration reaches nearly 18M ahead of March primary election

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In 2020, early voting among Democrats and Republicans was about even with over 1 million voters in each. This year, fewer than 600,000 Texans voted in the Democratic primaries, while the Republican primary had more than 1.2 million voters.

In total, 1.8 million Texans cast a ballot between Feb. 20 and March 1, out of 17.9 million registered voters. Thats down from the 2 million who voted early in 2020, when only 16.2 million Texans were registered to vote.

Experts say the decrease could be a reflection of how voters perceive the competitiveness of each primary.

Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said while some parts of the state have competitive races, many do not.

Texas is a one-party state, and that tends to produce a perception in people that their vote may not matter that much and thats true for both parties, Rottinghaus said.

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For the presidential election, a possible rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is not a recipe for really strong turnout, Rottinghaus said.

Voters don't want to see two aging superstar teams go against each other, Rottinghaus said. They want to see something new and more dynamic. This year's contest will be a rematch and it will also be a rematch of people who have very high negatives across both parties.

In an election, Rottinghaus said typically two-thirds of the electorate comes from early voting, with the other third coming from votes cast on election day. He said he expects the makeup of this years primary to look roughly the same.
A secretive meeting took place in Parliament last week in which Tory MPs were handed the profile of a person  named only as 'Candidate X'  who could save the party from catastrophe at the next election.

Adding to the mystery, they were told the description was based on one of the potential Conservative leadership contenders hoping to replace Rishi Sunak.

The profile of Candidate X was part of a poll of 13,500 voters by Whitestone Insight, which ominously predicted that, with Sunak as leader, the Tories will have just 65 seats after the general election.

The survey tested how three leaders from different factions of the party  labelled X, Y and Z  would fare at the polls.

A poll predicted that, with Sunak as leader, the Tories will have just 65 seats after the general election

Who was Candidate X modelled on? Perhaps the tough-talking Dame Priti Patel or Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch?

Candidate X backed Brexit, wants lower immigration and would scrap the mad dash to Net Zero by 2050. Candidate Y backed Brexit, but wants higher immigration to support some industries and opposes cutting taxes too quickly. Candidate Z was a Remainer, opposes tax cuts and backs Net Zero.

The polling showed that Candidate X romped home with the support of 34 per cent of all voters  while Y received 19 per cent and Z, 22 per cent. Under Candidate X, the Tories would be the largest party in a hung Parliament.

Andrew Hawkins, of Whitestone Insight, said: 'I did not want to give them a name, I wanted them to see what sort of leader they need to win an election.'

So who was Candidate X modelled on? Perhaps the tough-talking Dame Priti Patel or Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch?

The actual answer is former home secretary Suella Braverman, who struck a chord with her attack on bias in the police and the 'tofu-eating wokerati'.

On the cover of the U.S. version of Liz Truss's new book Ten Years To Save The West, she is styled as 'former Prime Minister of Great Britain'.

Has Northern Ireland disowned her?

Dewer skewers George

Workers Party of Britain MP for Rochdale George Galloway

The new Dundee-born Rochdale MP George Galloway famously asked the late Scottish leader Donald Dewar why people took an 'instant' dislike to him. The droll Dewar replied: 'Because it saves time, George.'

Much mockery at the Tory winter ball last week of Sir Keir Starmer U-turning on his pledge to splurge 28 billion a year on green projects.

Lord Leigh, a party treasurer, said: 'Starmer is barred from bidding.

He normally starts at 28 billion, then goes to 5 billion, before offering 20 and some luncheon vouchers.'

Lord Cormack, who died last week, aged 84, was a passionate defender of Parliament's traditions.

In 2005, when he was an MP, he was appalled when pro-hunt protesters  among them Otis Ferry, the son of rock star Bryan Ferry  entered the Commons chamber.

While the Serjeant-at-Arms, furnished with a ceremonial sword, did nothing, the portly Cormack, a Staffordshire MP for 40 years, frog-marched a ringleader out of the chamber.

Has Reform UK closed door on Lee?

Will Lee Anderson, suspended by the Tories over his attack on London mayor Sadiq Khan, defect to Reform UK?

Anderson has had one meeting with party leader Richard Tice, but his co-deputy, Ben Habib, isn't so keen on the straight-talking Ashfield MP.

He said: 'I would be quite circumspect about anyone who can't express themselves accurately, clearly and in matters of great sensitivity... Lee clearly hasn't got a grasp, in my view, of the language required to identify and address the problem.'

Lee Anderson (pictured) has had one meeting with party leader Richard Tice

Anderson's row with Khan overshadowed Rishi Sunak's announcement last week that the money saved by scrapping HS2's northern link will fund enhanced transport connections in the North and the Midlands.

Maybe Anderson did Sunak a favour. The first time the PM announced the scheme at the Tory conference, the spend was 36 billion. Last week it was 4.7 billion.
The weather has been particularly nippy these past few days, even with the sun shining. Small wonder, then, that Kanye West insisted on wrapping up well. But did he overdo it?

He spent most of last week out and about in Paris covered by a big black anorak with a black hood, baggy black trousers, black Spandex gloves and black shoes.

A lot of the time, he also wore a black all-over face mask, like a balaclava, but without the holes for the eyes and mouth. The whole outfit gave him the look of a gigantic full stop. Wisely, he went everywhere with bodyguards, who would have been on hand to stop him bumping into lamp-posts, or being mistaken for a refuse sack and thrown into the back of a lorry by street cleaners.

The 46-year-old Kanye  now legally known as 'Ye'  was accompanied everywhere by his striking young wife, a 29-year-old Australian architect who goes by the equally unlikely name of Bianca Censori.

Kanye West (pictured) spent most of last week out and about in Paris covered by a big black anorak with a black hood, baggy black trousers, black Spandex gloves and black shoes

Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the Marni Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week

Unlike her husband, Bianca must have felt the cold, as she kept setting off on their shopping expeditions without a woolly jumper. Instead, she wore a cropped jacket with virtually nothing on below. She gamely made do with a pair of see-through tights and not much else. Had her luggage gone astray at the airport? These things happen.

They were staying at the Paris Ritz, which is usually a stickler for correct clothing, but clearly turned a blind eye. Money talks, but fame talks louder.

On its website, the hotel insists that 'a smart dress code is required at the Ritz Paris, and elegant shorts are only allowed in our restaurants until 6pm'. Of course, this is badly worded: at the stroke of 6pm, a pedant would insist on changing into a scruffy pair of shorts.

Fortunately, the restaurant dress code has nothing to say about all-over headgear, so Kanye would have been permitted to dine with his mask on. How he managed to get the food into his mouth is another question. Perhaps the maitre d' provided him with a thin straw, which he could then squeeze between the thin mesh of his mask and into his mouth, though this would preclude anything more substantial than cucumber soup or a glass of water.

At least Bianca, now safely out of the cold, would have experienced no such trouble, and could have had a good tuck-in. But they must have looked an odd couple in the posh dining room, Kanye done up like a dustbin bag and Bianca in little but her birthday suit.

What did they talk about? Kanye is a forbidding presence at the best of times, and no good at small talk. I wonder if his new $850,000 (675,000) titanium dentures are playing up? People say he now speaks with a lisp, like Daffy Duck, so perhaps his mask gives him an excuse to say nothing.

Kanye West keeps a low profile under a hoodie with his wife Bianca Censori leaving the Ritz Hotel in Paris

Fortunately, the restaurant dress code has nothing to say about all-over headgear, so Kanye would have been permitted to dine with his mask on. Kanye and Bianca leave Ferdi restaurant in Paris

Bianca's week was conscientiously chronicled by the paparazzi, who followed her and her husband from one expensive boutique to another, as they pursued their fruitless search for something for her to wear.

'Bianca Censori put on an X-rated display by wearing no underwear with see-through stockings while the couple were out in Paris on Tuesday,' ran one report. 'She did not attempt to hide her bare backside or her exposed private areas.' Not since the heyday of Albert Speer has a young architect received so much attention.

But, sadly, not everyone appreciates the sight of a near-naked young lady. Killjoys in Paris are seeking to invoke a law that states 'deliberate sexual display... in a place accessible to the public gaze is punishable by one year in prison'.

Reports suggest Bianca's father, Leo, blames Kanye West's controlling ways for his daughter's immodesty. He is said to want 'a proper sit down' with Kanye.

By all accounts, the Censori family is not to be trifled with: Leo has convictions for importing heroin and possession of a pistol. One of his brothers has convictions for violence, assaulting police, theft and threats, and another brother was once convicted of murder. Ooh-er.

If I were Kanye, I would be saving up to buy my wife a Laura Ashley dress for her next birthday, and I might even swap my all-over black face mask for something a little less threatening, like a paper hat.
Ever looked in the mirror and seen a spot on your face, or several? It's something lots of us experience all the time, and prompts a familiar sinking feeling.

This points to a wider truth about the intimate connection between the skin and the mind, with the way your skin looks and feels often having a psychological impact.

Unfortunately, people of all ages are affected by blemish-prone skin, something that can have an impact on their mood and sense of self-confidence.

It's easy to be left feeling like the problem is beyond your control, but by listening to skincare experts you can start to find a solution.

Dr Alia Ahmed is a psychodermatologist who studies the interaction between the mind and the skin

As a psychodermatologist, Dr Alia Ahmed studies the interaction between the mind and the skin.

Below, she explains the causes of spots and blemishes, and their potential psychological impacts.

She then introduces La Roche-Posay - the UKs number 1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand* - which has a targeted range for blemish-prone skin.

Ask anyone if they've ever been unhappy with the look of their skin and you're likely to hear a long list of issues, from pimples and blackheads to redness and discolouration.

There's sometimes a stereotype that skin blemishes are reserved for teenagers, but they can affect you at any stage of your life, and regardless of gender.

Dr Ahmed has seen a lot of patients who are unhappy with their skin, and is well aware this can have a psychological impact as well as a physical one.

'Most blemishes are visible and this causes appearance-related concerns, such as the presence of spots, pimples, blemishes and scarring,' she says.

'But there is also an associated psychological impact, including anxiety and low mood, which is often overlooked.'

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects most of us at some point**, and causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that feels hot or painful to touch.

Spots usually appear on the face, but they can also develop on the back and chest.

'As the eighth most prevalent global disease, acne is an extremely common presentation to dermatologists,' says Dr Ahmed.

'Acne is a product of three main things  over-production of oil (or sebum), pore-clogging and bacterial colonisation.'

Skin blemishes can have a psychological impact as well as a physical one

Recently, the psychodermatology of acne has been the subject of a journal article by a psychologist and a consultant dermatologist***.

They note that the impact of acne 'extends beyond physical symptoms, and there can be psychological consequences' - including a feeling of 'failure' prompted by being unable to 'meet unrealistic standards of having a flawless appearance'.

Hughes and Bewley quote research which found 60 per cent of people with acne had experienced a decrease in self-confidence, and describe how some people avoid work or social events when the condition flares up.

Dr Ahmed believes social media is only adding to the pressure people feel to 'look a certain way' when they meet other people.

'It makes living with blemished skin very difficult,' she says. 'There is a lot of information available via the internet, with varying levels of accuracy, and individuals are looking for answers.'

Dr Ahmed believes in the importance of focusing not only on how your skin looks, but also on how it makes you feel.

'I advocate a holistic approach to skin, which includes skincare, lifestyle choices, and medical management when needed,' she says.

'Turning your skincare routine into a self-care opportunities is a positive addition to your day and promotes relaxation, mood enhancement and stress reduction.'

Discover La Roche-Posay Effaclar - an investment in your skincare routine

When you're looking to ensure that your skincare is suitable for blemish-prone skin, it's best to go with the experts.

Effaclar by La Roche-Posay is the UK's number one dermatologist-recommended brand for blemish-prone skin*, and has been praised by Dr Ahmed for 'targeting blemishes from all directions'.

Effaclar Duo+M, a corrective moisturiser, is the best-selling cream for blemish-prone skin in the UK****.

It now contains new Phylobioma - an active ingredient to help target Phylotype IA1 to significantly reduce appearance of blemishes, even severe ones, on all skin tones.

Invest in your skin: Effaclar Duo+M, a corrective moisturiser, is the best-selling cream for blemish-prone skin in the UK****

The expert formula targets blemishes and blackheads, and gently exfoliates with Salicylic Acid to help prevent new spots and breakouts from occurring.

Suitable for sensitive skin, it also softens the appearance of post-acne marks, which can be stubborn and frustrating.

There are lots of skin products on the market, but investing in the right skincare routine - and listening to the opinions of dermatologists - will pay off in the long run.

We know those struggling with blemishes want quick results. Effaclar Duo+M has a calming action and you can see visible results in just 8 hours.*****

Dr Alex George (right) is among thousands of people who use La Roche-Posay products as part of his skincare routine for blemish-prone skin.

'It's important for me to look after my skin with a good skincare routine and effective products designed for blemish-prone skin,' he says.

'I always use La Roche-Posay products, and have used them for a long time, because I trust them.'

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Karciauskiene J, Valiukeviciene S, Gollnik H, Stang A. The prevalence and risk factors of adolescent acne among schoolchildren in Lithuania: a cross-sectional study. J Eur Acad Dermal Venereol. 2014;28(6):733-740, Collier CN, Harper JC, Cafardi JA, Cantrell WC, Wang W, Foster KW, Elewski BE. The prevalence of acne adults 20 years and older. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(1):56-59

*Study of 73 Consultant Dermatologists Jan-April 2023. For more info visit www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/number1claim.html

***Hughes, Olivia and Bewley, Anthony, Is it really ever just acne? Considering the psychodermatology of acne, Br J Dermatol 2023; 189:i11i16 https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad251

****2023 NielsenIQ Value sales, Female Facial Problem skincare (client defined), Cream segment, w/e 28/01/2023. www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/EffaclarNo1.html

*****Consumer test, 54 subjects, after 1 application.
Have you ever wondered how Sydney Sweeney dresses so perfectly for her body?

For women who are top heavy, it can feel slightly impossible to find a well-fitting ensemble, but 26-year-old Sydney's recent looks have been a veritable master class in how to properly dress for a larger chest.

The sultry superstar impressed fans when she hit the People's Choice Awards red carpet in a plunging custom Monot crimson gown that perfectly flattered her figure - and she made an equally stylish splash over the weekend when she hosted Saturday Night Live.

The Madame Web actress has mastered the art of showing off tasteful decolletage - and to find out how to flatter your figure like the sultry star, FEMAIL spoke to a host of stylists and experts to find out what tips can be taken from Sydney's personal wardrobe line-up.

For women who are top heavy, it can feel slightly impossible to find a well-fitting ensemble, but Sydney Sweeney could offer a master class in dressing for her body

Sydney teased her Saturday Night Live appearance in a sultry red corset paired with matching opera gloves

Sydney also teased her SNL appearance, alongside Kacey Musgraves and Heidi Gardner, in a red corset with a white button-down underneath to show off a cinched waist

Sydney has mastered the art of showing off tasteful decolletage - and to find out how to flatter your figure like the sultry star, FEMAIL talked to designers and experts

Sydney impressed fans and set pulses racing when she hit the People's Choice Awards red carpet in a plunging custom Monot crimson gown

Top-heavy tips! How to fashionably channel Sydney Sweeney Sheath dresses don't add any unnecessary bulk

Find a good tailor to guarantee tops aren't boxy

Experiment with seamless lingerie and modern corsets

Wrap styles flatter the figure

Find a good tailor to perfect fit

V-neck or scoops are flattering Advertisement

The Euphoria actress, 26, is styled by Molly Dickson, who also works with Hollywood's hottest fashionistas, like Lucy Hale, Ariana Greenblatt, Camila Mendes, Lana Del Rey, and more.

But even if you don't have a celebrity stylist at your disposal, there are ways to emulate Sweeney's style, according to experts.

Karen Poirier founded Embrago in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and creates designs with built-in support that are meant to support larger busts, ranging from DD to L, making her an expert in dressing with a larger chest.

She told FEMAIL that simple silhouettes were best, recommending sheath dresses because the fit through the torso accentuates the waist and curves without adding any unnecessary bulk.

For taller women, Karen suggests longer hemlines and A-line silhouettes.

'The most flattering neckline by far is a V-neck,' she continued. 'An open square neck or deep scoop neck can work well, too.'

If you want to mix it up, Karen said: 'Go sleeveless or opt for an unembellished fitted jacket that cleanly hugs the lines of your bust while reserving detail and drama for the sleeves.'

The founder warned against wearing a tunic or 'anything loose, draped, ruffled, or bulky at the bustline or shoulders.'

Sydney often opts for V-necks or scoop necks, which are the most flattering necklines for women who are bigger busted according to experts

Sydney makes sure to show off her waist and wear open necklines, like she did when she starred on Saturday Night Live (above)

The Euphoria star made a literal splash in a pale pink plunging gown, showing women one of the most flattering ways to dress for a big bust

While it might be tempting to attempt to camouflage your chest with loose styles, Karen advised it could have 'the opposite effect and makes your boobs look even bigger, since the extra fabric adds bulk where you don't need it and hides your waistline.'

Karen is a fan of how Niecy Nash, Jennifer Coolidge, and Sofia Vergara dress for their shapes.

Avec Les Filles creative directors Bradley Mounce and Sofia Wahlberg told FEMAIL: 'For so long, people with larger busts have been told they should only wear certain silhouettes, but if you limit yourself to one shape, you'll feel boxed in and constantly feel like you're in a style rut.'

'The most important thing is fit. Clothing that fits well through the shoulders, bust, arms, and waist is crucial,' the influencer-beloved brand's creative directors continued.

Make sure to find a good tailor, as they said, 'The power of good alterations cannot be overstated - often, a small tweak here and there can take a piece from boxy to flattering.'

'Start with a good foundation and build from there,' the creative directors continued, suggesting seamless lingerie and modern corsets to 'provide structure and support.'

When it comes to channeling Sydney, they're all for it, calling her a 'style chameleon' who 'effortlessly slays in everything she wears, whether it's on the street or red carpet.'

'She loves Miu Miu and has a proclivity for tailored silhouettes. She keeps everything feminine and youthful by embracing soft pastels, bright colors, and bold texture,' they praised.

'She also thinks about other body parts she can accentuate, like her legs, so she's often seen wearing high-waisted skirts and pants that create a more elongated silhouette.'

They're also impressed by Salma Hayek, Ashley Graham, Scarlett Johansson, and Paloma Elsesser who 'are great examples of women who have thrown out the rule book and are having fun with fashion.'

Karen Poirier founded Embrago, with designs made for women from DD to L - and one of her go-to styling inspirations is Sofia Vergara (pictured)

Karen is a fan of how Sofia (above) along with Niecy Nash and Jennifer Coolidge dress for their shapes and opt for simple silhouettes

Avec Les Filles creative directors Bradley Mounce and Sofia Wahlberg are impressed by Paloma Elsesser's sense of style (above)

Salma Hayek always wears flattering, simple silhouette that cinch at her waist and flatter her figure

It's a bust! Avoid these styles Avoid tunics or loose, draped clothing

Stay way from ruffles at the bustline which can add unnecessary volume

High necklines cut the body off

Boat necks and crew necks can make people look top heavy

Ruching leads to a less defined silhouette Advertisement

The sisters behind the Los Angeles-based JLUX fashion label, Christina and Teresa Jaide, told FEMAIL that women with larger busts should 'opt for V-necklines or wrap styles to flatter your figure and create a tasteful decolletage.'

'The key here is to accentuate the waistline so you balance your proportions,' the sisters advised.

'Wearing a shape that will overexpose the bust without taking into account the rest of the body will present a top heavy proportion.'

The JLUX founders advised looking for clothing that accentuates the waistline, layering with a well-fitting blazer, and trying vertical stripes to 'create the illusion of a longer silhouette.'

The sisters warned against large, bold patterns on the bust, as well as clothing that could lead to a boxy appearance, like crew neck T-shirts, boatneck tops, or halters.

Ruching is another no-no, as 'this illusion will give you a less defined silhouette and always look to elongate the upper body.'

'The key here is to accentuate the waistline so you balance your proportions. Wearing a shape that will overexpose the bust without taking into account the rest of the body will present a top heavy proportion,' the sisters revealed. 'Cinching is key!'

New York City-based Karolina Zmarlak, the co-founder and creative director of luxury brand KZ_K Studio, works with clients everyday to make sure they're dressing in the most flattering styles for their figure.

She is also a fan of V-necks, cowl necks, and slit neck necklines, which 'show off your decolletage and give a vertical line, which helps to elongate and create a leaner proportion.'

Karolina is a proponent of tops with princess darts and vertical seaming 'to give the illusion of a smaller bust while elongating the torso and giving the chest a flattering shape.'

According to Karolina, high necklines are a no-no, because they cut the body off - as are ruffles, which add more volume on top.

The Avec Les Filles founders said the Madame Web star's 'proclivity for tailored silhouettes' guaranteed she always looked glam

Sydney shows off her shape in simple dresses that cinch at the waist and are open at the neck

Alice Kim created PerfectDD to provide an easy clothing solution for women with larger cup sizes.

The CEO, who cited Billie Eilish, Kate Upton, and Emily Ratajkowski as examples of dressing perfectly for their bustline, suggested looking for open necklines because 'the exposed skin draws the gaze away.'

Alice also suggested fitted styles, since 'loose styles will hang off your chest making your midsection appear bigger.'

She recommended avoiding chunky cable knit sweaters, which can add bulk, as well as staying away from horizontal stripes.

And for those who want to look like the Euphoria star, Alice said the most important aspect was having a tailor on call to guarantee the fit was just right.

'You can make any style look like a million bucks if the fit proportioned to your body,' she explained.
Early voting ended in Harris County on Friday, and turnout did not come close to the level that might be expected in a presidential election year with several competitive state and local races down ballot.

In total, about 211,000 people, or 8% of the county's 2.6 million registered voters, cast a ballot early  either in person or by mail  in the March primary elections through Friday, the last day of early voting.

To be sure, early voting turnout in the county is never all that high. Over the last two presidential election cycles, turnout has hovered around one in 10 registered voters. In the last two even-numbered general elections where a governor or U.S. senator was at the top of the ticket, turnout has hovered around 8% of registered voters.

"The politics of 2024 looks a lot like the politics of 2020, and people just aren't that into it. You've got basically what's going to be the same match-up at the top of the ticket. You've got, to some degree, few competitive statewide elections, and I think voters are rationally deciding that they're fed up with the choices on both sides and simply aren't participating," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

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The other big race at the top of the ticket, for Ted Cruz's U.S. Senate seat, hasn't done much to drum up interest either, Rottinghaus said. He said that perhaps there was a perception among Democrats early on that Colin Allred would come out victorious due to his large lead over the rest of the Democrats in the field and significant campaign war chest.

Further down the ballot, there are quite a few competitive races. For example, nearly 800,000 Harris County residents live where the long-held districts of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and former state Sen. John Whitmire intersect. For years, they voted in relatively uncompetitive primaries. Those voters suddenly find themselves at the epicenter of two competitive Democratic primaries for U.S. Congressional District 18 and state Senate District 15, respectively.

Still, turnout in those districts is lackluster at best and certainly not higher than neighboring districts where the primaries are generally less competitive.

Turnout among Democrats vs. Republicans

Nearly 7,000 more Republicans than Democrats voted early, either in person or by mail, in their respective primary elections this year.

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That isn't always the case in presidential election years. The trend waffles from year to year.

"We do see a kind of preference changing over different cycles that isn't totally explainable," Rottinghaus said.

However, ballot by mail preferences are a little clearer. Many more Republicans than Democrats used to vote early by mail in previous election cycles. There seems to have been an inflection point in 2020, and now more Democrats than Republicans vote early by mail.

Rottinghaus largely attributes that shift to former President Donald Trump's rhetoric that has linked, without evidence, voting by mail to election fraud, as well as efforts in 2020 that limited counties' ability to send out forms to voters who were eligible to vote by mail.

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Where is turnout the highest in Harris County?

Below is a map of ZIP codes in Harris County. We've visualized where the voters who cast a ballot early, either in person or by mail, live, not where they voted.
Purcell recently outlined the five components of an untrustworthy person

A mental health therapist has revealed the warning signs a person is untrustworthy that go beyond catching them in a lie.

Bernadette Purcell, 45, from New Jersey, is a licensed clinical social worker and author of the self-help book Divorced As F* In Seven Spiritual Steps.

The content creator, who is known as @therapybern, has nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares mental health advice to promote personal growth.

In one of her videos, she outlined the five components of untrustworthy people to watch out for in your relationships.

Therapist Bernadette Purcell, 45, from New Jersey, outlined the five components of untrustworthy people to watch out for in your relationships

Purcell warned that you should be wary of someone who 'makes excuses for their actions' and refuses to take accountability (stock image)

Purcell first advised being wary of someone who 'makes excuses for their actions' and refuses to take accountability.

She noted that an untrustworthy person will 'blame others for situations that they find themselves in.'

The therapist explained in a previous video that someone who doesn't take accountability 'sees everything as an attack' and will 'deflect to circumstances.'

She gave an example of a friend going on the offensive after you calmly told them they had hurt your feelings.

Purcell demonstrated how they would try to deflect and say something dismissive to undermine you.

'Oh, you're so sensitive. Plus, that was like two days ago... You know how stressed I was that day,' she said, pretending to be the friend in question.

The expert warned that an untrustworthy person will try to 'change or rewrite history to make themselves look better.'

'Every situation just seems to put them in this amazing light,' she said.

Purcell explained that they will also 'change or rewrite history to make themselves look better' and use 'guilt or flattery to get what they want

Purcell added that they will also rely on manipulation and 'use guilt or flattery to get what they want.'

Finally, she pointed out that untrustworthy people 'lie a lot.'

'That might seem obvious,' she said. 'But the part that's not obvious is that they find it very difficult to keep their promises.'

Purcell shared in another clip that many people ask her how to know who to trust and when to trust, especially when they're coming out of a relationship.

She quoted author Charlie Wardle, saying: 'A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch, but in her own wings. Always believe in yourself.'

'When you place the focus on trusting yourself, the actions of others become a lot less important,' she explained.

'Because the trust here is that no matter what comes your way, you trust yourself that you know you'll be able to handle it.

'So focus on your own ability to fly and not on the branch.'
The family of Sarah Everard has released touching new photos of the marketing executive beaming at a university graduation and relaxing by a pool before her life was tragically cut short by killer Met Police officer Wayne Couzens.

The previously unseen photos have been shared for a new documentary about the murder which shocked the nation and put a spotlight on violence against women and girls.

One photo shows Ms Everard smiling brightly at her Durham University graduation in the summer of 2008. She had studied Geography at St Cuthbert's Society at the university between 2005 and 2008.

Another newly released image shows Ms Everard enjoying a drink in the sun at Brockwell Lido, close to where she lived in Brixton, south London.

Two more photos have also been released by her family - one of which she is smiling with a glass of wine and the other is a candid snap of her looking into the distance pensively.

Ms Everard was snatched by former cop Couzens after he used his police-issued warrant card to stage a fake arrest on March 3 2021. He then drove her to a rural area near Dover in Kent, raped and strangled her with his police belt before burning her body in a fridge and dumping her remains in a nearby pond.

The BBC documentary called Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice comes as the marketing executive's heartbroken family mark three years since the horrific murder.

Sarah Everard is pictured enjoying a drink at Brockwell Lido, which was close to where she lived in Brixton, south London

In this photo, Ms Everard is seen beaming at her graduation from Durham University in 2008

Sarah was abducted, raped and murdered by Wayne Couzens when he was a serving police officer. Her family have released new photos of her, including this candid snap

Ms Everard is pictured smiling brightly with a glass of wine. It's been three years since her murder

A new BBC One documentary Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice looks at the Met's investigation into Sarah's murder

In the documentary, the detective who led the arrest Couzens recalled the moment the murderer 'went grey' when cops showed up at his door.

Detective Nick Harvey, from the Specialist Crime unit in London, detailed the moment Ms Everard's murderer was caught, six days after she was snatched.

Speaking in the documentary, which airs at 9pm tomorrow and looks at the Met's investigation into Sarah's murder, Mr Harvey said: 'I showed him my warrant card and he just went grey, just all the colour just ran out of his face.'

Mr Harvey revealed he had only just found out Wayne was a servicing police officer moments before the arrest.

He added: 'The gravity of the whole situation became clear, the minute I told the team it just went silent.'

Senior Investigating Officer Katherine Goodwin was also 'shocked' by the news that Couzens was working with the Met.

The 51-year-old used his status as a police officer to trick Sarah into thinking he could arrest her for breaking lockdown rules in place at the time.

Detective Nick Harvey, (pictured) from the Specialist Crime unit in London, who led the arrest of former Met police officer Wayne Couzens recalled the moment the murderer 'went grey' when cops showed up at his door, in a new BBC One documentary Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice

He joined Kent Police as a special constable in 2002, became an officer with the civil nuclear constabulary in 2011 and then moved to the Met in 2018.

Recalling the moment she was told Couzens was an officer, she said: 'I remember just being in complete shock.

'I knew I had to tell my boss and I remember having to just sit on the floor of the office saying you are not going to believe this, but he's a police officer. Her questions were the same as mine, "are you sure?"'

Ms Goodwin later revealed that Couzens had even 'planned a day off' to commit the murder.

She said: 'We discovered that he told his wife he was working overtime on that night, when actually he was due to be on a day off and that he had marked it on their family calendar, clearly indicating that he was planning to do something, and he didn't want to be found out.'

Couzens' phone was wiped of all data about 40 minutes before he was arrested on suspicion of Sarah's murder. In an interview during his arrest, he told police a false story about being threatened by an eastern European gang to 'pick up girls.'

In an interview during his arrest, Couzens told police a false story about being threatened by an eastern European gang to 'pick up girls'

Senior Investigating Officer Katherine Goodwin (pictured) was also 'shocked' by the news that Couzens was working with the Met

Ms Goodwin said although it was rare to get an abduction confession so soon, her job wasn't over yet as she still needed to find Sarah.

By tracing Couzens rental car movement she saw he drove Sarah to a rural area near Dover where his family owned some woodland.

She said: 'He drove down to Dover where he parked his own car, it struck me that it is an incredibly long journey, and how she must of felt in that car.

'He moved Sarah from the hire car into his own car. People have asked how he moved her and we will never know, however in my experience woman who are in such horrifically frightening situations are often just compliant because they want to get out of the situation alive.'

Couzens continued life as normal after he raped and brutally murdered Sarah, even stopping for a hot chocolate in Costa after his horrific crime.

Ms Goodwin added: 'He hid Sarah's body under an industrial fridge, hiding it from view. He then went to drive home, stopping at Costa to get a hot chocolate, having that night kidnapped, raped and murdered a woman.

'He then went home, spending the day at home as if he had been on a night shift, so his family would know no different, before going out to buy petrol in a small jerry can.'

Couzens joined Kent Police as a special constable in 2002, became an officer with the civil nuclear constabulary in 2011 and then moved to the Met in 2018

The former armed Metropolitan police officer will never be released from prison after he abducted, raped and murdered marketing executive Sarah

The detective revealed that Couzens then rang a vet to book his dog in for an appointment while he was probably stood over Sarah's body.

Ms Goodwin said: 'He went out to buy petrol in a small jerry can, we recovered a phone call he made to the vet whilst we believe he was stood burning Sarah's body.'

'The fact that he was able to do things that were so horrific and thing that were so mundane and normal at the same time is really chilling.'

Ms Everard's body was discovered in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent, and later formally identified by dental records. She was around 100 metres from land bought by Couzens in 2019.

Investigating Officer Katherine said: 'I went down to see the scene for myself.

'As Sarah's body was taken from the woods to the ambulance, the officers took their hats off, as a mark of respect and I think shock at what had happened and who was responsible for it.'

It was later revealed that Couzens indecently exposed himself three times before the murder, including twice at a drive-through fast-food restaurant in Kent in the days prior to the killing.

The 51-year-old exposed himself to two terrified female attendants at a McDonalds on February 14 and 27. On both occasions, he drove to collect his orders before a member of staff saw he had his 'trousers pulled down to his knees'.

Police were given his description, car registration and bank card details yet officers failed to investigate any of the attacks, interview the victims or identify the sex offender as one of their own officers until he had been arrested for the murder.

The McDonald's worker revealed that she 'burst into tears' after Couzens exposed himself to her.

Her police statement read: 'I was at work just doing my normal tasks as part of my role at McDonald's, I did not expect to bring the food back and have an erect penis shown to me, it took me a moment to process what had just happened. Then I became really upset and burst into tears.'

Ms Goodwin recalled the moment she was told that Couzens was involved in a sexual offence before snatching Ms Everard off the street.

Katherine recalled the moment she was told that Couzens was involved in a sexual offence before snatching Sarah off the street

She said: 'One of my team told me there was a man Wayne Couzens who was shown on a crime report three days before Sarah went missing for driving through a McDonald's with his penis exposed.

'That changed everything because I would of hoped she got into a car of someone she knew. It was now clear to me she got into a car with an alleged sex offender.'

Last year, the Old Bailey heard that the three women targeted had been left with 'survivors' guilt' after both Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police failed to take the crimes seriously enough and missed crucial opportunities to stop Couzens.

Speaking in court last year, she said: 'This indecent exposure incident was reported on the Sunday. I had no one contact me or ask for a statement. It was only after Sarah's murder that I became involved.

'If he had been held accountable when we had reported the crime, we could have saved Sarah.'

Met Police constable Samantha Lee was sacked and barred from being a police officer after it was found she had not properly investigated the incidents.

The parliamentary and diplomatic protection officer also exposed himself to a female cyclist in Deal, Kent who then told a female police officer what had happened within minutes of the attack on November 13, 2020.

Couzens stepped out of the woods and stood on a bank above the female cyclist as she rode uphill towards him.

Tom Little KC, prosecuting, said Couzens was 'totally naked' and masturbating as he looked at the woman.

CCTV footage of Sarah, who was talking on the phone with her boyfriend, on the night she went missing

Police search for Sarah Everard behind a poster of her after she went missing in 2021

Police diver recovered a mobile phone belonging to Sarah from a canal in Sandwich, Kent

The attack happened only a few miles from where he took Sarah after kidnapping her. But police were unable to trace Couzens at the time after the victim could not recall his full number plate.

How Sarah's terror unfolded: A timeline of the day Couzens killed the 33-year-old and tried to get away with his sick crimes February 28 Couzens books a white Vauxhall Astra from a car hire firm in Dover, Kent, using his personal details and bank card. He also purchases a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector on Amazon. March 2 7pm - Couzens starts a 12-hour shift at his base in West Brompton, west London. March 3 On the day of her disappearance, Sarah Everard visits a friend in the Clapham Junction area and uses her bank card to buy a bottle of wine in Sainsbury's in Brixton Hill, south London, on her way. 4.45pm - Couzens collects the hire car. 9pm - Miss Everard leaves to walk home, some 2.5 miles away. 9.13pm - She calls her boyfriend for a little over 14 minutes. 9.15pm - Miss Everard is captured alone on CCTV at the junction of Bowood Road and the South Circular. 9.28pm - The next sighting is on Cavendish Road and she is still alone. 9.32pm - Miss Everard is caught on the camera on a marked police car. 9.35pm - A bus camera captures two figures on Poynders Road standing beside a white Vauxhall Astra parked on the pavement with hazard lights flashing. 9.38pm - Another bus camera captures the same vehicle with the two front car doors open. March 4 1am - Having travelled out of London, the car is in the Tilmanstone area of Kent. 8.30am - Couzens returns the hire car used in the abduction. 8.10pm - Miss Everard is reported missing by her boyfriend, Josh Lowth. March 5 The case is escalated and the Specialist Crime Unit becomes involved. Couzens, who is due to be off until March 8, reports to work that he is suffering with stress. 2pm - He buys two green rubble bags for 9.94 at B&Q in Dover. March 6 Couzens emails his supervisor that he no longer wants to carry a firearm. He orders a tarpaulin and a bungee cargo net on Amazon which are shipped to him the next day. March 8 The officer reports in sick on the day he is due to return to work. March 9 7.11pm - Couzens' phone is wiped of all data. 7.50pm - Couzens is arrested at his home in Deal, Kent. In a brief interview, he tells a story about being threatened by an Eastern European gang. March 10 At around 4.45pm, a body is discovered in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent, and later formally identified by dental records. It is around 100 metres from land bought by Couzens in 2019. March 11 Couzens answers 'no comment' in formal interviews. March 12 8.45pm: Couzens is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Miss Everard. Advertisement

In fact, Couzens was reported to police eight times for exposing himself in the years before he murdered Sarah, a damning inquiry found last month.

The shocking report also revealed that the firearms officer was accused of raping two women but went undetected by at least three bungling police forces who failed to spot the repeated 'red flags'.

A series of women came forward to accuse Couzens of the sex attacks following his arrest for Sarah's murder.

Inquiry chair Lady Elish Angiolini found the killer 'could and should' have stopped from getting a job as an officer, and that without a radical overhaul of British policing, there is 'nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight'.

Kent Police bungled two investigations into incidents of indecent exposure by Couzens. The first took place in 2015 while he was still serving with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

The Angiolini Inquiry revealed that the married father-of-two allegedly carried out a 'very serious sexual assault of a child barely into her teens' while he was in his twenties.

Couzens was accused of attempting to kidnap a woman at knifepoint in North London in 1995 while aged 23. He was also accused of raping two women, the report reveals.

Sarah's family said that they believe the marketing executive died because Couzens was a police officer, adding: 'She would never have got into a stranger's car.'

Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called the report 'an urgent call to action for all of us in policing', while Home Secretary James Cleverly Home Secretary James Cleverly said Miss Everard was 'failed by the people who were meant to keep her safe'.

According to the report, over the last two years the inquiry uncovered evidence Couzens was accused of a string of other incidents of sexual abuse.

The findings identified at least five incidents which were not reported to police, with Lady Elish saying she believes there could be more victims.

Setting out a raft of recommendations to 'make sure something like this can never happen again', Lady Elish said: 'Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer. And, without a significant overhaul, there is nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight. Now is the time for change.'

She urged 'all those in authority in every police force in the country' to read the report and 'take immediate action'.

Lady Elish said she was 'astonished' to learn that Couzens would have passed vetting for the Metropolitan Police even if the force had known about a previous accusation of indecent exposure.

Among the measures, she called for an urgent review of indecent exposure charges against serving officers and said reports of the crime need to be taken seriously.

Sarah's mother Sue, father Jeremy, sister Katie and brother James said in a statement: 'It is obvious that Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer. Whilst holding a position of trust, in relative he was a serial sex offender.

'Warning signs were overlooked throughout his career and opportunities to confront him were missed.

'We believe that Sarah died because he was a police officer - she would never have got into a stranger's car.'

Kent police said in a statement: 'We accept our investigation into a 2015 report of indecent exposure was flawed and we apologise. Kent police is appalled by the crimes committed against Sarah Everard. We fully accept the recommendations of the Angiolini Inquiry report.'

Couzens - who will never be released from prison - used his status as a police officer to trick Sarah into thinking he could arrest her for breaking lockdown rules in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

After the horrific killing, it emerged there had been concerns about Couzens's behaviour while he was a police officer, with reports he was nicknamed 'the rapist'.

Couzens was also later revealed to have been part of a WhatsApp group with fellow officers that shared disturbing racist, homophobic and misogynist remarks.

Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice on Tuesday 5 March, 9pm, BBC One and iPlayer.
A woman has revealed how she gets paid $100-an-hour to dress up as Disney princesses - transforming herself into Moana, Princess Jasmine and Encanto's Mirabel.

Disney superfan Maya Browne, 27, from Los Angeles, had wanted to work as a professional princess since high school.

She used non-uniform days at school to express her love for Disney princesses and dress up as her favorite characters.

Maya regularly attended character cosplay conventions before she started experimenting with body paint and sharing her designs on social media.

She eventually sought work as a princess performer - and hasn't looked back since.

Meet the woman who gets paid $100-an-hour to dress up as Disney princesses - transforming herself into Moana, Princess Jasmine and Encanto's Mirabe

Disney superfan Maya Browne, 27, from Los Angeles, had wanted to work as a professional princess since high school

Maya's career has gone from strength-to-strength and she eventually landed her dream gig when she was offered a role to host children's parties as the lead characters from Encanto, Mirabel and Isabela in February 2022.

Now working in what she describes as 'the best job ever,' she attends up to two parties a day as a real life princess.

Maya, a part-time cosplayer and part-time princess performer, said: 'I've always loved Disney and felt very connected to the characters.

'I basically just get to be a big kid as a job. I go to parties dressed up, hang out with the kids, play games, story time, birthday cakes, take pictures and get paid $100-an-hour.

'It's really fun and feels special, especially for those kids who might not be able to go to Disneyland and I can be their princess.

'Being able to make the kids feel special is very important to me.

'When I see their faces and they hug me and don't want to let go - it's so special.'

When hosting a princess party, Maya's day can be busy, especially if she has to change character.

She used non-uniform days at school to express her love for Disney princesses and dress up as her favorite characters

Maya regularly attended character cosplay conventions before she started experimenting with body paint and sharing her designs on social media

She explained: 'I do my make-up which usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

'I get there an hour early to get into my costume and prep my party bag. I make sure I have my storybook, face painting, speaker and tiara to crown the birthday girl.

'If I can't finish face painting all the kids, I make sure to have stickers to give out.

'I always have music playing when I walk in and give the birthday girl a big hug and talk with them for a bit.

'I like to jump into a dance party right away as it's a good ice-breaker. Then I go into face painting and balloons.

'Every parent is different with what they like. Sometimes they want games the whole time, but other times it's more personal with the kids.

'If I've got another party with a different princess then I have to change the make-up and costume in the car. I've gotten really good at changing in my car.'

Maya's favorite character to perform as is Mirabel, thanks to her 'high energy' and 'fun songs.'

'Moana is fun also because I can change my voice to sound like her really well.'

Maya had the opportunity to work with Disney when she cosplayed as a character from Avatar and described it as 'surreal.'

Maya's career has gone from strength-to-strength and she eventually landed her dream gig when she was offered a role to host children's parties as the lead characters from Encanto, Mirabel and Isabela in February 2022

Now working in what she describes as 'the best job ever,' she attends up to two parties a day as a real life princess

'It's been surreal. It's sometimes hard to accept that this is something I can do. I'm so incredibly grateful to have these opportunities.

'When I was invited to a Disney premiere and had the cosplay opportunity, it was crazy.

'Feeling not good enough for so long and then this company I've looked up to my entire life telling me to come along - it's just amazing.'

After attending the LA Comic Con in 2021, Maya knew she wanted to work in cosplaying and princess performing.

'I had a mutual friend on TikTok who gave me her extra ticket and I had the best three days of my life.

'I learned so much about costumes and social media. It made me feel euphoric. I knew this was what I wanted to do and I wanted it to become my job.

'I also felt like I didn't fit in [at] school as much, so to finally feel like I belonged was amazing and I'd wished that for my whole life.

'I now sometimes get paid by TikTok for videos I post of characters that I've dressed up as.'

Maya believes better representation is needed for performers from all backgrounds within her industry, sharing: 'I'm half black, half white and there isn't really a princess that's the same as my background.

'All these other characters I do, I don't represent their background, but I have a similar skin tone.

'A lot of companies don't have enough performers to play certain princesses. I've never met someone playing Moana who's Polynesian.

'Most of the time it's girls who can physically represent the character but don't have the same background.'

She said: 'A lot of people online say I need to have the same background as the character to play them [but] I don't agree.

'If I'm not going to play Princess Jasmine or Moana, then a white person is.

'If there are more girls that look like me that want to do this job, then please start, as we need you.

'I don't feel like I have to have the same background, as long as I look like the character.

'As a kid, I would see Hispanic characters and relate because we resemble each other, regardless of our backgrounds.

'At the end of the day, it's a personal decision, but a lot of places don't care about representation.'
Children with learning difficulties have appeared in an emotional video urging the government to overhaul its SEND Improvement Plan.

Today, SEND Reform England and Disabled Children's Partnership has launched its new 'Let Us Learn Too' initiative - after a survey of almost 6,000 parents found that 80 per cent of children are still not receiving sufficient support in their education.

The research found that 53 per cent of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are aware of their parents' struggle to get them the support they need in school.

The video campaign launches exactly one year after the government announced its SEND Improvement Plan, which included a two-year roadmap to invest 2.6bn towards funding new places and improving existing provision for children with special educational needs.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and officials from the organisations are in agreement that SEND is a 'lose, lose, lose' system for parents, school and the government.

Children with learning difficulties have appeared in an emotional video urging the government to overhaul its SEND Improvement Plan

The 'We Can Learn' video features Lord David Blunkett, who was born blind and served as Secretary of State for Education and Employment from 1997 to 2001.

Speaking from his office in the House of Lords, the politician, 76, from Sheffield, told children with SEND what they could achieve with the right support.

He said: 'You could become an Education and Employment Secretary.'

Daniel Wakeford - who is an autistic musician from Brighton - also appeared in the campaign to encourage children with SEND to get into music.

The Undateables star said: 'I could learn to be a star!'

Elsewhere, a range of children affected by SEND outline their hopes and dreams if only they had access to fair education.

One says: 'I could learn to make friends!' Another added: 'I could feel like I belonged.'

The Let Us Learn Too campaign is also supporting 16-year-old Katie Nellist, who is autistic and received virtually no secondary schooling.

She explained: 'Going to school was like slowly having your soul crushed and your creativity taken away.

SEND Reform England and Disabled Children's Partnership has launched its new 'Let Us Learn Too' initiative

A survey of almost 6,000 parents found that 80 per cent of children are still not receiving sufficient support in their education

Lord David Blunkett appears in the Let Us Learn Too campaign video from his office in the House of Lords

Daniel Wakeford - who is an autistic musician from Brighton - also appeared in the campaign to encourage children with SEND to get into music

'It was just the most overwhelming anxiety from having to fit into a little box and hold it all together until you got home.'

Her mother Ruth says Katie has a 'phenomenal memory' and would have excelled in school if she had had the right support.

She explained: 'Her struggles to survive in mainstream education prior to her autism diagnosis left her with PTSD associated with education. Katie was failed by the SEND system.'

The organisations believe there is a breakdown in relationships between families and education officials, who have displayed a reluctance to cater to neurodivergent children.

Let Us Learn Too, SEND Reform England and The Disabled Children's Partnership are now asking that the next government invest in SEND education - whether that's through specialist classes or special schools.

Lord Blunkett said: 'Everyone who is concerned with providing the right support in the right way to young people with special educational needs will be painfully aware of the extraordinary difficulties in getting the assistance they need.

'Parents are often in despair, and more investment in special schools does not deliver the hands-on support required on a daily basis in mainstream schooling or special units. Local government finance is in meltdown, and access to EHCPs is ever more restricted. Urgent action is needed.'

Hayley Harding, co-founder of Let Us Learn Too, said: 'In the last academic year 13,658 parents/carers in England had to appeal to tribunal just to get their children the right Educational Health Care Need Assessments or Plans2 and of those 98% of those parent carers won, which is making a complete mockery of the system and the government must stop ignoring the problems.

'Failure to meaningfully act is putting huge pressure on families and schools who want to support their children but are not being given the right funding to do so.'
Almost 12 years ago, I gave birth to my first baby, a daughter named Elodie. Although my partner Mickael and I held her in our arms and had photos taken with her, there is no official record of her birth.

The only document I have is the receipt for her ashes from the crematorium where we held her funeral. As far as the world is concerned, Elodie never existed; she was not a person. Thats because she was stillborn at 23 weeks and six days gestation, just shy of the UKs legal age of viability.

For thousands of women who, like me, have suffered a stillbirth or late miscarriage before 24 weeks, the realisation that there will never be an official record of our babys existence makes an already traumatic experience even more painful.

But last month, after years of campaigning by charities, the Government finally took note. Bereaved parents in England will now be able to apply for a baby loss certificate  an official, although not legal, document  which recognises our loss and acknowledges that our babies did exist, rather than classifying them as mere unfortunate clinical events in our NHS records.

Being able to apply for this certificate would have made all the difference in the world to me on September 27, 2012, when I walked out of the maternity unit of University College Hospital, London, with empty arms. I was still sore and weak from blood loss, after giving birth late the night before, and my bump remained swollen.

Hilary Freeman welcomes the new reforms where bereaved parents in England will now be able to apply for a baby loss certificate

Had I not taken a tablet to dry up my milk supply, my breasts would have been engorged too, growing ready to feed her. My body ached for my missing baby.

But Elodie now lay in the hospital mortuary.

Mickael and I returned home to my silent flat to begin preparing for Elodies funeral, which took place the following week at Golders Green Crematorium.

Six weeks later, we scattered her ashes in the sea at our favourite secluded, cove beach near Nice, France, near where he then lived and she had been conceived. We spelled out her name with stones in the sand.

People were kind and sent cards, flowers and their sympathy, but we were alone with our grief. Nobody save Mickael and I, and the two midwives who delivered her, ever saw Elodie or held her. Usually, when someone dies, they live on in the memories of those who knew them.

There are no memories of Elodie, no anecdotes; she never took her first breath, let alone her first steps. Even though I keep copies of her hand and footprints, tangible evidence of her existence, in a box at the back of my wardrobe, she never made a single footprint on Earth.

And so, after her funeral, we were left to get on with our lives as if the previous six months  all the scans, the kicks, all our dreams and plans  had never happened.

My grief was amplified by the knowledge that Elodie was stillborn because I had taken the decision to end her life, in order to spare her suffering. She had a rare chromosome disorder that meant she was unlikely to survive birth, or would almost certainly die in pain shortly afterwards.

On the advice of doctors, and after much discussion, I had chosen to terminate my pregnancy.

Unfortunately, her condition, Trisomy 2 mosaicism, wasnt discovered until I was over 22 weeks pregnant. After that, it felt like the clock was ticking. The doctors told me to take my time in making my decision, but it was clear they were keen for me to go ahead with the termination as soon as possible, preferably before I reached 24 weeks.

This was, of course, partly for the sake of my baby, who was continuing to grow and develop. But I also felt the pressure of the consultants schedule, and the need to avoid pushing my termination into a post-24 weeks legal category, which would doubtless bring with it more paperwork for the medics and hospital administrators.

Although these pieces of paper will not bring our children back to life, they will at least allow us to acknowledge that they did once exist, writes Hilary

After that point, at which ordinary abortion is no longer permitted, they would have had to seek approval for a termination under Ground E of the Abortion Act (allowing abortions over 24 weeks in cases of severe foetal abnormality).

Elodies heart was stopped in a procedure called a feticide, two days before I was induced into labour. I was painfully aware that had she lived for just three days longer, she would have become an official person.

Like most people, I hate bureaucracy and form-filling, regarding them as a necessary evil. But at that dreadful time, I yearned for the opportunity to fill in an official document with Elodies details, to write what would have been her full name, Elodie Freeman-Lorinquer, and to print my name and signature next to it.

Even if you have given birth, if your baby doesnt officially exist, then you are not officially a mother either. Not being able to record Elodies existence made me determined to commemorate her in some other way.

Soon after her stillbirth, I had a necklace made, imprinted with her name, her date of birth and her footprints.

Over the past 12 years, I have written about her several times, including in an essay in a new book, No One Talks About This Stuff, which will be published next month. I know talking about her has helped other women who have been through similar experiences or faced similar choices.

Its a great comfort to me to know that, even though she didnt live, Elodie has made a positive difference in the world.

The new baby loss certificates will be available to women  and men  who have lost babies at any stage in pregnancy. I know this will be a solace to many people, particularly those who were never lucky enough to carry a baby to term, and have therefore remained childless.

Miscarriage still isnt talked about enough, and this will help to break the taboo. After Elodie, I suffered two more losses myself, at six and nine weeks. For some reason, I imagine that these babies would have been boys.

But although the miscarriages were physically traumatic, the pregnancies were over so soon that I have never felt the need to commemorate or document them.

At last, in 2015, Mickael and I had a healthy baby daughter, who we named Sidonie. She is now eight, and she often talks about her older sister, with whom shed love to be able to play.

In September 2020, my family moved on to a houseboat in east London. We christened our new home Elodie, boldly painting her name in gold leaf on her stern.

When I heard the news of the introduction of the new baby loss certificates, on the day of their launch, I was so pleased. I went straight on to the gov.uk site, hoping at last to fill in Elodies details.

But, for me, the development has turned out to be bittersweet. For now, at least, only parents of babies born after September 1, 2018 will be able to apply for the certificates.

This means I will not be able to obtain one for Elodie. According to the Department of Health, We will look to expand eligibility for certificates pre-dating September 2018 as soon as we can.

So many families in Britain have ghost babies  children who have only ever lived in our wombs, and in our minds, hearts and dreams. The new baby loss certificates recognise that losing a wanted child is no less painful if it happens at 23 weeks, or 20 weeks or 15, than it is at 24 weeks or more.

Although these pieces of paper will not bring our children back to life, they will at least allow us to acknowledge that they did once exist.

No One Talks About This Stuff, edited by Kat Brown (Unbound) is out on March 21.
Shocking news last week confirms what some psychiatrists already knew, having seen  with much unease  the number of young people arriving in our clinics climb sharply over the past few years.

A third of those aged 18-24 experienced symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety or depression in 2021-22, think tank The Resolution Foundation revealed in a study.

Young people were more likely to experience a mental disorder than any other age group  a complete reversal to 20 years ago, when they were least likely.

Five per cent of young adults arent working due to sickness, with four in ten citing mental health as the main reason. And younger children, too, are refusing to go to school because of mental health difficulties. Astonishingly, more than a quarter of secondary school children are classed as persistently absent.

How have we created a generation so desperately ill-equipped to contend with the trials and tribulations of life?

Younger children, too, are refusing to go to school because of mental health difficulties

Compared with older generations, they know few deprivations, yet are clearly struggling with the modern world.

It would be easy to point the finger of blame and deride them for being snowflakes. But it cant be their fault entirely. Parents, after all, are the ones who have the greatest influence over their children, and I fear it is parents who have so mollycoddled this generation, they no longer know what resilience even means.

These days, an entire cohort of so-called helicopter parents believe their principal job is to soothe away every little problem their offspring might encounter.

In this parenting philosophy, resilience is wrongly associated with bottling up feelings and a stiff-upper-lip approach to life.

In an era where all is seen through the prism of victimhood, trauma and mental illness, it is heresy to suggest that children should be taught to stand firm when things go wrong and work through their feelings without caving in to them.

Yet resilience is a fundamental life skill, and helping children build it is key to their mental health. The real world is sometimes brutish, unfair and harsh, and surviving it requires plenty of sheer grit.

Without it, we are allowing our youngsters to be at the whim of the unpredictable nature of life. Developing resilience is far better than wrapping a child in bubble wrap.

It builds an inner strength and confidence they can rely on for the rest of their lives. What happens when the parental shield is no longer there? Without resilience, they crumble.

Here, then, is my advice on ways to build it, based on years of experience, and in the hope we can stem this awful epidemic of mental ill health in youngsters.

Let them fail. Too often we try to protect young people from making mistakes. We do things for them or offer advice or guidance when it wasnt asked for. People learn from mistakes, and when they succeed, they know theyve done it on their own.

Think about technology. Depending on their age, limit access to social media. If they are under 16, dont bow to pressure to buy them a smartphone. A simple brick phone is all they need to keep in contact with you in emergencies.

Social media is strongly associated with mental health problems and stops them connecting with the world around them. If they are older, encourage them to step away from social media if they are having a difficult time.

Encourage them to engage in sport. Competition, physical exercise and being in a team are incredibly important and helpful in building resilience. Too often children only do what they enjoy. But doing things you arent good at, are wary of or which require dedication, is important. And they may even grow to like it.

Competition, physical exercise and being in a team are incredibly important and helpful in building resilience

Remember youre the adult. Your child is not your friend. Being strict, firm and having clear rules and routines helps your child and gives them a blueprint for discipline and how to manage time and pressure when older.

Build their competencies. Help them focus on key skills, such as speaking in front of others, making themselves a meal, or doing their washing. Helping a child become more independent also shows them they can do things on their own and are in control.

Focus on their talents. Building confidence isnt about just blindly praising them. Helicopter parents tend to think this boosts confidence, but it can have the opposite effect, increasing stress and the pressure to please everyone. Instead, identify the things they are good at and encourage them to develop in these areas.

Goal setting. Encourage them to set a goal, whether its to read a selection of books, learn a skill, or get an exam grade playing an instrument, for example. The only rule is that it must require dedication and focus.

Encourage them to throw themselves into it. There will be setbacks, but when they get there, it will act as a blueprint for future goals. Theyve shown what they can do when they put their mind to it.

Encourage them to get a job, preferably public-facing. Theyll learn lots of key life skills, such as time-keeping, managing other people, conflict resolution and coping with boredom. Allow them to use some of the money they earn to reward themselves.

Help them find purpose. Explore their core values and things they think are important, and help them translate these into focused activity that gives them a sense of purpose. Encourage them to take up activities that connect them to society at large. Reflect on your family values and help them to draw strength from them.

Encourage them to give back. Helping someone or volunteering helps build purpose and teaches key skills. And nothing takes your mind off your own problems like solving someone elses.

Broaden their horizons. Encourage them to explore thoughts and ideas that are different from their own. Books, films, newspapers with a broad range of opinions and perspectives can expose them to the real world where not everyone will agree with them.

Help them get perspective. Make sure you maintain open communication. Aim for non-judgmental and warm connections. Help them to identify and name their emotions and validate these feelings. Emphasise that they are in control of how they feel and help them find strategies for managing their feelings.

If you dont have the answer, reassure them that youll find the answer together. Recall when they had difficulties in the past and how they coped and remind them that things did get better again.

Emphasise that bad or difficult times will pass and to focus on the things they are able to change. Encourage them to break problems down into chunks and tackle things bit by bit.

Dont over medicalise them. Resist the temptation to see every difficulty your children have as evidence of mental illness.

This doesnt mean you shouldnt be sympathetic. But in rushing to label young people, we remove any sense of control they might have in changing things for themselves.

Explain that life can be tough, that you understand how they are feeling, but youre there with them and theyll get through this. If there are serious concerns, of course, encourage them to speak to a professional.
Norway's King Harald landed in Oslo on Sunday after flying home from Malaysia onboard a medical evacuation plane, live TV pictures showed.

The 87-year-old had been hospitalised for an infection while on a private trip in the resort island of Langkawi. He received a temporary pacemaker on Saturday.

The monarch was due to be transferred to a hospital in Oslo.

'He will stay in the hospital for a few days for treatment and rest,' the royal household said in a statement on Sunday.

It was previously said that the king was expected to be on sick leave for two weeks. Crown Prince Haakon has been presiding in his father's absence.

King Harald, Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991, is Europe's oldest living monarch. He has repeatedly been hospitalised with infections in recent years and has undergone heart surgery.

Norway's King Harald V landed in Oslo on Sunday after flying home from Malaysia, live pictures showed

The monarch was due to be transferred to a hospital in the Norwegian capital

King Harald of Norway (pictured on May 4, 2019) was returning home from Malaysia on Sunday after falling ill on holiday and spending several days in hospital, the royal palace said

The oldest reigning monarch in Europe at 87 years old, Harald had been hospitalised while on a private trip in the resort island of Langkawi.

A medical plane believed to be transporting the King took off from Langkawi on Sunday afternoon, after police escorted a convoy that included an ambulance from the hospital to the airport, an AFP journalist saw.

Queen Sonja was travelling with the King, who would be checked into the hospital Rikshospitalet in Oslo, upon his return to Norway, the royal household said in a statement.

'The king will be on sick leave for two weeks,' it said. 'The crown prince will in that period be regent and take over the King's constitutional duties.' Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, 50, had already been presiding in his father's absence.

On Saturday, the royal household had said the king might fly home in a couple of days. It said the government had asked Norway's military to assist with the travel.

King Harald, Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991, is Europe's oldest living monarch. He has repeatedly been hospitalised with infections in recent years and has undergone heart surgery.

He caught a respiratory infection in January, days after dismissing speculation that he might abdicate, following the lead of distant cousin Queen Margrethe II in Denmark.

Two days before Harald's 87th birthday last week, the palace announced that the King would be undertaking a private trip abroad, without specifying the destination or dates, according to the Norwegian news agency NTB.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said that he was 'sad' to hear of the king's hospitalization and wished him a 'speedy recovery,' NTB said.

Despite Harald's precarious physical condition, the royal is certain that he wants to continue as Norway's reigning monarch.

Last month, the royal confirmed that he has no plans to abdicate after speculation he could follow in the footsteps of his former Danish counterpart, Queen Margrethe.

Traffic officers escort Norway's King Harald V and delegates leaving Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi Island, state of Kedah, Malaysia

A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) plane carrying Norway's King Harald V and delegates is seen on the runway before taking off from Langkawi International Airport for their departure back to Norway

King Harald V of Norway, pictured, was hospitalized with an infection while on holiday in Malaysia. The monarch is photographed on February 24 in Norway

The monarch, who is the second cousin of King Charles III, insisted that the promise he made to the Norwegian Parliament when he acceded the throne in 1991 'lasts for life'.

King Harald told Faktisk.no: 'I stand by what I have said all along. I have taken an oath to the Storting, and it lasts for life.'

It comes after Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 83, abdicated after 52 years on the throne, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January.

Afterwards, a royal expert had suggested the Danish monarch had broken an 'invisible pact' between heads of state in the Scandinavian countries that none would step down from the throne.

Roger Lundberg told STV that, after Denmark's changeover, there is a chance King Harald of Norway and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden , 79, might follow suit and step down to allow their eldest children to take the throne.

However, this has been firmly dismissed by King Harald.

The Norwegian King was 53 when he acceded the throne in 1991, upon the death of his father King Olav. Ahead of this, he had been acting as Crown Prince Regent due to his father's illness, which escalated in the spring of 1990.

King Harald has faced some health concerns himself in recent years, and spent time in the hospital to treat an infection last May, but clearly has no intention of abdicating.

His Scandinavian neighbour Queen Margrethe of Denmark made the shock announcement that she would give up the throne in her New Year's Eve speech.

The Danish Royal Family have spent the last two years grappling with various scandals, including the Queen's surprise decision to strip her grandchildren of their princely titles.

There were also rumours of an 'affair' after the then Crown Prince Frederik was spotted out in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

Pictured left to right: King Harald V, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway

But Denmark is not the only monarchy in the Scandinavian nations to have had a bumpy few years - with Norway's royal family experiencing its very own 'Megxit'.

King Harald and Queen Sonja's only daughter Princess Martha Louise, who was fourth in line to the throne, stepped down as a working royal in 2019.

It was announced in 2022 that the mother-of-three would no longer represent the Royal household in any form following her engagement to an American Shamanic healer who had been criticised for his controversial views.

King Harald said that Martha would not be allowed to use her royal title any future commercial partnerships with her partner Durek Verrett, 47.

Shortly after the mother-of-three announced her engagement to Verrett, a Norweigan publishing house dropped his book 'Spirit Hacking' over pseudoscientific claims, including 'children can get cancer from being unhappy'.

Among his other claims, Verrett says he once came back from the dead, recovering from a month-long coma, by letting his soul 'burn' and he has also spoken of having to undergo a kidney transplant from his sister as a child.

Following Martha Louise's decision to step down, King Harald stressed that his daughter has remained a princess at his request, saying: 'She is our daughter, and she will continue to be. So she is Princess Martha Louise.'

The princess was previously married to Ari Behn, whom she wed in 2002 and had three children together Maud Angelica, 19, Leah Isadora, 17, and Emma Tallulah, 14. They split in 2016, and Ari took his own life on Christmas Day in 2019.

Crown Prince Haakon, Martha-Louise's older brother, is Norway's heir apparent - and the future King has already had a taste of what it will be like to ascend the throne after stepping in for his father on several occasions over the past few years.
Heroin, ketamine and MDMA were also found in the Brighton Marina restaurant

Karen's Diner in Brighton Marina will close its doors today after high traces of drugs were found on the premises.

The diner chain - where staff are intentionally rude to customers - will cease trading at the franchise after a high reading of cocaine was found on a baby changing table following a police investigation.

In addition to the significant traces of drugs found, including MDMA, heroin, and ketamine, Sussex Police also discovered that the restaurant had broken licensing and safety rules.

Police investigated the branch after a customer filed a complaint regarding a joke made about a child, according to The Argus.

The force later requested that Brighton and Hove City Council review the licence amid safeguarding concerns.

Karen's Diner at Brighton Marina will close its doors today after a police investigation found significant traces of drugs at the location, including cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and ketamine. (Pictured: Karen's Diner advertisement from Australia, where the chain launched)

The branch opted to cease trading one day before the formal hearing in front of a panel of three councillors takes place tomorrow.

Police entered the premises during a licensing check on 2 February, and found traces of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and ketamine in the toilets, on the kitchen pass, reception area, and on a customer table.

Sergeant Vince Lam was present during the investigation and told The Argus: 'There are some very high readings and most alarmingly a (very high reading) for cocaine on the baby-changing table.

'During changing, the baby's fingers could contact the surface where drugs have been consumed and (they could) then place their fingers in their mouth causing possible harm.'

High readings indicate that a surface has come into contact with 'bulk amounts' of a drug. Low readings suggest cross-contamination, background contamination or greatly degraded historic contamination.

In addition to the high readings located on the baby's changing table, police found low readings of cocaine at the reception desk, bar card machine, a customer table and in the men's toilets.

Low readings for heroin were found on the kitchen serving counter and the ladies toilet hand dryer.

A medium reading for heroin was found in the ladies restroom bin alongside a medium reading for ecstasy. The ladies restroom also had a low reading for ketamine.

The chain, where staff are intentionally rude to customers, were also found to be in breach of its licensing and safety rules

Sussex police found high traces of cocaine at the baby's changing table, indicating that it had come into contact with a 'bulk amount' of the substance. Pictured: a sign at one of the chain's locations explaining its service

In addition to the high presence of drugs found at the location, the force also discovered that the franchise was breaching its licence.

At the time of the investigation, staff were unable to find the CCTV hard drive. Police travelled back to the Marina the following day, only to find that the system had been removed.

The force then spoke to the premise's licence holder the next day, but he was also unaware of the hard drive's location.

The designated premise's supervisor, who is responsible for alcohol sales at the restaurant, was also flagged in the report for not being present at the restaurant often enough.

A representative from Karen's Diner told MailOnline: 'Having investigated and studied the findings of Brighton and Hove Licensing Unit, we have decided to terminate our Franchise agreement with the Brighton operators.

'As from Monday the 4th of March, Karen's Diner will no longer trade on The Marina.

'Our restaurants are intended to offer outrageously funny experiences, and never to cause offence.

Staff at the Brighton Marina branch also failed to supply police with the CCTV hard drive and claimed that they were unaware of its whereabouts. Pictured: A Karen's Diner location

'Clearly the restaurant has operated outside of our guidelines and this is unacceptable.

'We take this opportunity of thanking the thousands of people that have been brave enough to visit and we share their disappointment as we announce this closure.'

It comes after Karen's diner launched a new hotel branch in London last month.

The restaurant, which first opened in Australia in 2017, partnered with the Hadley Hotel in Barnet, North London to give guests the 'worst hotel stay' they'll ever have.

This includes swearing, personal insults and bad service, one grandmother was left mortified last year after her waitress called her a 'silly b****'.

The restaurant chain has been inspired by the viral internet trend of calling someone who always complains or gets angry at hospitality staff a 'Karen'.

Police launched an investigation into the branch after a customer filed a complaint regarding a joke made about a child. Pictured: A Karen's diner location

The chain's website describes it as 'an interactive diner and an absurdly fun experience' - you get waited upon by rude waiters and forced to play a variety of 'stupid games.'

Karen's Diner is already operating in five countries and has seven restaurants dotted across the UK, including Birmingham, Angel (in London), Manchester and Sheffield.

The Hotel have said: 'If you thought Karen's Diner is bad, you've seen nothing yet.

'Welcome to Karen's Hotel - possibly the worst hotel stay you'll ever encounter. Get ready for an absurdly fun experience.

'At Karen's hotel and diner experience, you will be greeted by rude hotel staff and waiters and taken to a room where you never know what you will find.'
Penny Mordaunt has revealed that she sent a necklace made by human trafficking survivors to Meghan Markle after she joined the Royal Family, yet received no reply.

At the time, the Leader of the UK House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, 50, was working with the charity Eden, who teaches jewellery-making skills to women in Myanmar, southeast Asia, who are survivors of human trafficking.

Penny says she sent a handcrafted necklace to the Duchess of Sussex, 42, as a gesture of support when she was new to the Royal Family, but did not receive a response.

The Conservative MP suggested that other members of parliament also tried reaching out to Meghan without success.

'She had a lot of support from parliamentarians, a lot of people wrote to her and wanted to support her,' Penny told The Sunday Times.

Penny Mordaunt (pictured on January 16, 2024 in London) has revealed that she sent a necklace made by human trafficking survivors to Meghan Markle after she joined the Royal Family , yet received no reply

Penny collaborated with Eden, a not-for-profit organisation that teaches jewellery-making skills to survivors of human trafficking in southeast Asia, which is host to more than half of the global total of human trafficking survivors.

The Christian organisation's mission is to extend Gods love to those who have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation by caring for the person's physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being.

During this time, Meghan, who had recently become a member of the Royal Family, was facing challenges in her role as the Duchess of Sussex.

The MP aimed to connect with the former American actress and expressed support by gifting her a necklace, Penny said.

'I wanted to demonstrate to her the opportunity she had and what she could potentially do,' she explained.

However, when asked whether she received a response, the MP laughed and said: 'No I didn't, but it was worth a try.'

It comes as Penny Mordaunt has announced that she will be selling her famous Coronation gown, with the proceeds going to fund projects in her Portsmouth constituency.

The Conservative MP was the unexpected star of the King's Coronation last May, thanks to her striking Safiyaa gown and corresponding Jane Taylor headpiece.

Meghan Markle at Variety's 2023 Power of Women in Los Angeles, California, on November 16, 2023

Penny says she gifted Meghan a necklace from the charity Eden that was handmade by human trafficking survivors in southeast Asia

The teal caped dress, incorporating a demure midi length and elaborate gold embroidery, cemented Penny in the public consciousness.

She explained that she decided on the cape design because it had a historical feel and gave a nod to the military.

Since Penny was the first woman to assume the role, she worked with specialists to design the teal dress, despite the Lord President's uniform traditionally consisting of black robes.

The hand-embroidered gold ferns across the shoulders of the cape and headband referenced the traditional Privy Council uniform, while paying homage to her coastal constituency, Portsmouth North.

In her ceremonial role as Lord President of the Privy Council and Bearer of the Sword of State, Penny's duties included carrying the Sword of State, weighing 3.6 kg (8 lb), for 51 minutes straight.

After carrying the Sword of State at the ceremony, Penny was presented with the Jewelled Sword of Offering, a smaller item decorated with silver, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

The sword was blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury before Penny presented it to the King, who clipped it into his girdle.

Penny revealed after the big day that she had undergone a training regime involving press-ups, as well as practising with a weighted replica of the 7lb 5oz sword originally made for Charles II.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra were seen visiting King Harald at Rikshospital in Oslo, Norway, today.

Mette-Marit, 50, looked focused as she drove her Tesla to the University Hospital to visit her father-in-law with daughter Ingrid Alexandra, 20.

King Harald, 87, was rushed back to Oslo yesterday onboard a medical evacuation plane after being hospitalised for an infection during a private trip in Langkawi, Malaysia.

'He will stay in the hospital for a few days for treatment and rest,' the royal household said in a statement on Sunday.

King Harald, Norway's monarch since 1991, is Europe's oldest living monarch. He has repeatedly been hospitalised with infections in recent years and has undergone heart surgery.

Princess Mette-Marit and her daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra appeared positive as they made their way to Rikshospital today

Princess Mette-Marit and her daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra appeared positive as they made their way to Rikshospital - with Ingrid flashing a smile at photographers.

It was previously said that the king was expected to be on sick leave for two weeks. Crown Prince Haakon, who married Princess Mette-Marit in 2001, has been presiding in his father's absence.

The 87-year-old King had been hospitalised for an infection while on a private trip in the resort island of Langkawi. He received a temporary pacemaker on Saturday.

A medical plane believed to be transporting the King took off from Langkawi on Sunday afternoon, after police escorted a convoy that included an ambulance from the hospital to the airport, as reported by AFP.

Queen Sonja was travelling with the King, who would be checked into the hospital Rikshospitalet in Oslo, upon his return to Norway, the royal household said in a statement.

'The king will be on sick leave for two weeks,' it said. 'The crown prince will in that period be regent and take over the King's constitutional duties.' Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, 50, had already been presiding in his father's absence.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra flashed a smile at photographers as the pair drove past

King Harald V of Norway leaves the Notre Dame cathedral after attending at the funeral of the Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, in Luxembourg, on May 4, 2019

Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Ingrid Alexandra visit tKing Harald at Rikshospital in Oslo, Norway, today

Norway's King Harald V landed in Oslo on Sunday after flying home from Malaysia, live pictures showed

On Saturday, the royal household had said the king might fly home in a couple of days. It said the government had asked Norway's military to assist with the travel.

King Harald has repeatedly been hospitalised with infections in recent years and has undergone heart surgery.

He caught a respiratory infection in January, days after dismissing speculation that he might abdicate, following the lead of distant cousin Queen Margrethe II in Denmark.

Two days before Harald's 87th birthday last week, the palace announced that the King would be undertaking a private trip abroad, without specifying the destination or dates, according to the Norwegian news agency NTB.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said that he was 'sad' to hear of the king's hospitalization and wished him a 'speedy recovery,' NTB said.

Despite Harald's precarious physical condition, the royal is certain that he wants to continue as Norway's reigning monarch.

Last month, the royal confirmed that he has no plans to abdicate after speculation he could follow in the footsteps of his former Danish counterpart, Queen Margrethe.

The monarch, who is the second cousin of King Charles III, insisted that the promise he made to the Norwegian Parliament when he acceded the throne in 1991 'lasts for life'.

Traffic officers escort Norway's King Harald V and delegates leaving Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi Island, state of Kedah, Malaysia

A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) plane carrying Norway's King Harald V and delegates is seen on the runway before taking off from Langkawi International Airport for their departure back to Norway

King Harald walks on crutches on his way to lunch with members the Norwegian government, on February 24, 2024 in Oslo, Norway

King Harald told Faktisk.no: 'I stand by what I have said all along. I have taken an oath to the Storting, and it lasts for life.'

It comes after Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 83, abdicated after 52 years on the throne, making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January.

Afterwards, a royal expert had suggested the Danish monarch had broken an 'invisible pact' between heads of state in the Scandinavian countries that none would step down from the throne.

Roger Lundberg told STV that, after Denmark's changeover, there is a chance King Harald of Norway and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden , 79, might follow suit and step down to allow their eldest children to take the throne.

However, this has been firmly dismissed by King Harald.

The Norwegian King was 53 when he acceded the throne in 1991, upon the death of his father King Olav. Ahead of this, he had been acting as Crown Prince Regent due to his father's illness, which escalated in the spring of 1990.

King Harald has faced some health concerns himself in recent years, and spent time in the hospital to treat an infection last May, but clearly has no intention of abdicating.

His Scandinavian neighbour Queen Margrethe of Denmark made the shock announcement that she would give up the throne in her New Year's Eve speech.

The Danish Royal Family have spent the last two years grappling with various scandals, including the Queen's surprise decision to strip her grandchildren of their princely titles.

There were also rumours of an 'affair' after the then Crown Prince Frederik was spotted out in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

Pictured left to right: King Harald V, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway

But Denmark is not the only monarchy in the Scandinavian nations to have had a bumpy few years - with Norway's royal family experiencing its very own 'Megxit'.

King Harald and Queen Sonja's only daughter Princess Martha Louise, who was fourth in line to the throne, stepped down as a working royal in 2019.

It was announced in 2022 that the mother-of-three would no longer represent the Royal household in any form following her engagement to an American Shamanic healer who had been criticised for his controversial views.

King Harald said that Martha would not be allowed to use her royal title any future commercial partnerships with her partner Durek Verrett, 47.

Shortly after the mother-of-three announced her engagement to Verrett, a Norweigan publishing house dropped his book 'Spirit Hacking' over pseudoscientific claims, including 'children can get cancer from being unhappy'.

Among his other claims, Verrett says he once came back from the dead, recovering from a month-long coma, by letting his soul 'burn' and he has also spoken of having to undergo a kidney transplant from his sister as a child.

Following Martha Louise's decision to step down, King Harald stressed that his daughter has remained a princess at his request, saying: 'She is our daughter, and she will continue to be. So she is Princess Martha Louise.'

The princess was previously married to Ari Behn, whom she wed in 2002 and had three children together Maud Angelica, 19, Leah Isadora, 17, and Emma Tallulah, 14. They split in 2016, and Ari took his own life on Christmas Day in 2019.

Crown Prince Haakon, Martha-Louise's older brother, is Norway's heir apparent - and the future King has already had a taste of what it will be like to ascend the throne after stepping in for his father on several occasions over the past few years.
Advisers focus on drive for modernization

08:55, March 04, 2024 By Zhang Yi ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Journalists raise hands to ask questions at a news conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 3, 2024. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]

National political advisers will continue to focus on advancing China's modernization, providing suggestions and building consensus to harness wisdom and strength in achieving the country's development goals.

Liu Jieyi, spokesman for the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top political advisory body, outlined these goals at a news conference on Sunday, one day ahead of the annual event.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and also the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. "Throughout its 75-year history, the CPPCC has played a pivotal role in various historical periods," Liu said.

Over the past 12 months, the 14th CPPCC National Committee, which started its five-year term last year, has fulfilled its role as a consultative body, conducting thorough investigations and consultations while imposing democratic oversight on central tasks and making fresh contributions to the development of the Party and the country, he said.

The CPPCC National Committee has conducted 94 consultations for advisers and officials to exchange ideas. Many of the suggestions were translated into policies and measures, which helped propel economic and social development, Liu said.

These meetings focused on various issues including building a new development paradigm, accelerating the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, optimizing the development environment for private enterprises, enhancing the influence of Chinese culture and improving the policy system for supporting childbirth, the spokesman said.

The CPPCC National Committee has increased the frequency of consultations in order to fully reflect the opinions and suggestions of the public, Liu said.

The top political advisory body also carried out 138 activities to strengthen the support role of research and investigation for political consultation, he said.

It has also established a system for thematic research, with the vice-chairpersons of the CPPCC National Committee leading advisers from various backgrounds to conduct in-depth research on crucial topics, including promoting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and advancing the governance of new pollutants, Liu said.

Political advisers were encouraged to conduct surveys at the grassroots level and among the public, he said. "They have directly delved into communities and rural areas, listening to real voices and observing real situations from residents and farmers," Liu said.

Efforts have been made to transform the results of consultation and advice into effective contributions to serve national governance, he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Signs of Sugar Lands booming growth are abundant just beyond the intersection of U.S. 90 and State Highway 6.

Subdivisions have sprung up like spider webs around Constellation Field, the $37 million home of the Astros Triple-A affiliate. On the other side of Oyster Creek, plans are underway to redevelop the Imperial Sugar char house, the century-old former refinery that gave the city its name, and surround it with housing, retail and offices.

But with growth has come newfound attention from lawmakers, and the area, in Fort Bend County, is an emblem of how redistricting has left many of Texas rapidly expanding suburbs in a state of political whiplash.

Leading up to the 2020 election, dozens of down-ballot seats evolved from GOP strongholds to hotly contested battlegrounds. Texas Republicans responded by redrawing the states political maps  a decennial exercise to account for population changes  and carving up blue-trending suburbs to fortify their legislative majorities.

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As a result, the primaries have become increasingly important for voters in places like Sugar Land who want to have a say in who crafts the laws that affect their lives. With nearly every district engineered to be safely in Democratic or Republican hands, whoever wins on Tuesday is likely to prevail in the November general election.

In the Houston area  Harris County and the seven counties that border it  52 seats in the state House, state Senate and Congress are up for reelection this year. None of those races were close in 2022, with only five being decided by fewer than 20 percentage points and none by single-digit margins.

The results are likely to follow a similar pattern this year. If the new maps were in place for the last presidential election, Joe Biden or Donald Trump would have carried all but two Houston-area districts by double-digit margins. And in the narrowest one, a state House district in west Houston that Trump carried by 2 percentage points, no Democrat is running.

Michael Li, a redistricting expert and senior counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, said Texas districts are especially lopsided this year because Republicans focused on protecting incumbents rather than trying to grab or hold onto marginal seats like in past redistricting cycles.

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This time, it was sort of a circle the wagons, let's keep what we have, Li said. And that's in part because the suburbs have become so much less friendly to Republicans in places like Texas. They have become increasingly blue  at the very least purplish  as college-educated white voters have drifted toward Democrats and as the suburbs have gotten more diverse.

Low-turnout primaries tend to amplify the most liberal and conservative voices and expose candidates to ideological litmus tests.

You naturally push to the edges in terms of ideology, Matt Angle, a Texas Democratic strategist who specializes in redistricting, said of candidates running in the new districts.

Precinct 4105

Things looked a lot different in 2020 for the voters of Fort Bend Countys Precinct 4105, the fast-growing enclave in north Sugar Land.

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That year, Democrats went all out trying to win control of the Texas House, while also taking aim at 10 Republican congressional seats around the state. Among their top targets were the districts of two retiring Republicans, state Rep. Rick Miller and U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, both of whom represented Precinct 4105.

Democrat Sri Kulkarni was making his second run for Olsons seat, after coming within 5 points of the incumbent in a 2018 campaign that made headlines for its multilingual outreach to the districts myriad immigrant communities. Fort Bends staggering growth had put the seat in play once represented by former GOP House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and the opportunity proved to be a powerful organizing tool, said Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, a Sugar Land attorney who worked on Kulkarnis campaign.

Kulkarni lost his repeat bid to then-Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls. The entire county is now carved into safe districts, contributing to a sense of voter apathy that was borne out by Fort Bends sluggish early voting turnout ahead of Tuesdays primary.

I can definitely tell that people are much less enthusiastic this time around, Ramakrishnan said. And in 2022, there was still a lot of confusion  people didn't even know which districts they were in. They did very effectively squash that organizing momentum that we had from the previous cycles.

Republicans also kept their grip on Millers Texas House seat in 2020, electing Jacey Jetton, a former Fort Bend County GOP chair, despite Biden carrying the district.

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Even in victory, though, the results were alarming for Republicans who just eight years earlier had won those same districts by upwards of 25 percentage points. The same trend had played out in 2018 in the local state Senate race, when incumbent Republican Joan Huffman won by fewer than 5 percentage points  nearly a 25-point swing from four years earlier.

Areas like Precinct 4105 have driven shifts like these across Texas.

The precincts registered voter count swelled by around 80 percent from 2012 to 2020, and growth came from non-white communities  mirroring the rest of Fort Bend County. New Asian residents accounted for more than half of the spike in the precincts voting-age population between 2010 and 2020, while the white share declined by about 7 percentage points, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

In 2012, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried Precinct 4105 by 14 percentage points. By 2020, Biden carried it by 11 points.

When Republicans redrew Texas political maps in 2021, the fate of the precinct reflected a broader strategy the GOP used to preserve their majorities. They moved the precinct from Jettons district to a new state House seat that overwhelmingly favors Democrats  a strategy known as packing, in which voters for one party are concentrated in a single district to prevent them from influencing other districts.

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Under the old maps, eligible voters  citizens 18 and older  were about 48 percent white and 23 percent Asian in Jettons district. With the new boundaries, those proportions changed to nearly 55 percent white and 12 percent Asian.

Jetton faces two challengers in Tuesdays GOP primary, including Matt Morgan, an insurance adjuster whom he narrowly defeated in 2020.

Earlier this year, a right-wing political group sent out text messages in Jettons House District 26 attacking his votes last year to commemorate Muslim holidays, such as Eid-al-Fitr and Ramadan.

Ramakrishnan, who lives down the road from Precinct 4105 and was also shifted out of Jettons district, argued that the new demographic makeup of District 26 suggests that its home to fewer Muslims, allowing those sorts of attacks to take root.

You would not have been able to get away with that with the earlier drawn lines of HD 26, she said.

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'Dilute the voting strength of Asian Americans'

Precinct 4105 was also shifted from Huffmans newly competitive Senate district into that of a neighboring Republican, state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham, whose district leaned heavily Republican and remained so under the new maps.

Huffman, the Senates lead redistricting architect, shored up her own seat by grabbing several GOP-dominated counties from Kolkhorsts district and shedding a swath of Fort Bend County that had grown increasingly blue.

Ramakrishnan argued in written testimony to Huffmans redistricting committee last year that the new Senate maps dilute the voting strength of Asian Americans by dividing our communities between the districts of Huffman, Kolkhorst and Democratic state Sen. Borris Miles.

Rather than being grouped with largely non-Christian South Asian American communities nearby, we are tied to predominantly white Christian rural communities hundreds of miles away, wrote Ramakrishnan, who is also a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging Texas new maps.

Huffman did not respond to a request for comment. In court filings, state GOP officials have said the maps were drawn based on partisan and political considerations, with no intent of discriminating against minority voters.

They have also contended that opposition to the maps, including Fort Bend Countys Senate districts, is rooted in threadbare allegations that minority coalitions would vote cohesively.

Precinct 4105 was also split between two congressional districts, with the more conservative half kept in Nehls district and the more liberal half shifted into the district of U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Houston Democrat whose battleground seat became safely Democratic.

It was even moved into a new county commissioner precinct under a map drawn to expand Fort Bend County Democrats 3-2 court majority to a more decisive 4-1 split.

In the end, the voters of Precinct 4105 found themselves with a new state representative, state senator, county commissioner and, for about half the precinct, a new representative in Congress. None of the new districts are viewed as competitive.

Li, in a 2021 post analyzing Texas new maps, wrote that suburbs like Fort Bend County were ruthlessly divided  some voters of color were kept in existing districts, while others were surgically moved into Democratic-held swing districts. Those who were moved out of suburban districts into seats like Fletchers were replaced with whiter exurban or rural voters, turning those districts solidly Republican even though they continue to have significant non-white populations, Li and co-author Julia Boland wrote.

Republicans have insisted from the start that they crafted the maps without factoring in race and ethnicity data. Huffman said she weighed seven core priorities, from compliance with the Voting Rights Act to incumbent priorities to ensuring the districts were equally populated.

We drew these maps race blind, Huffman said under questioning from Democrats during a 2021 hearing. We have not looked at any racial data as we drew these maps.

Angle contended that while there may be some truth to that, the effect is still the same.
A busy Asian restaurant exposed an influencer and told her to 'get the f**k out' after she asked to pay for a meal with 'exposure'.

Manchester hotspot Lucky Ramen and Sushi, situated in Ancoats, took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal a content creator, who they choose not to name, had requested a free meal in exchange for a post on her 'story and page.'

The restaurant received a DM from the influencer, who they dubbed a 'blue tick superstar', asking them to do a 'collab' but they were less than impressed with the offer.

Stunned staff shared the post online, but the influencer fumed after seeing her private DM being shared and snapped back at the restaurant for trying to 'expose' her.

In another message she wrote: 'Personally, I think you're bang out of order. HOW DARE YOU try and expose us like that??? So you think people like us don't deserve to eat for FREE???

Manchester hotspot Lucky Ramen and Sushi, situated in Ancoats, exposed an influencer and told her to 'get the f**k out' after she asked to pay for a meal with 'exposure'

The social media star's initial message read: 'Hey sorry I know it's short notice but I'm in Manchester tomorrow and looking for somewhere for brunch with my partner, would you be open for a collab with me for a post on my story and page?'

Sharing the message on the Lucky Ramen and Sushi Instagram story the restaurant wrote: 'REALLY?...? Oh, what a surprise! Another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post.

'Because, you know, exposure pays the bills! We're just thrilled that you appreciate our food, but hey, we appreciate paying customers even more!'

After seeing her message shared on Instagram, the social media star doubled down.

'Just in case you didn't realise, we are doing our best to help and promote you for FREEEE!!!' she replied. 'We don't expect much, just a free meal to compensate our time, labour, effort and positive energy that we are supplying you.

'The fact that you wanna expose us influencers like that, we will not be coming by anytime soon to support. Your food looks good and we heard it's a great busy vibe, hence trying to and support. But your arrogance makes me sick.

'Haha very funny, you got a couple of giggles but were the ones that are laughing. We go where we want, eat what we want and lastly - it's all for free! WHOS LAUGHING NOW???'

Lucky Ramen shared another scathing response to the woman, who they dubbed 'angry influencer' and joked her new message deserved 'standing ovation'.

The restaurant received a DM from the influencer, who they dubbed a 'blue tick superstar', asking them to do a 'collab' but they were less than impressed with the offer

The influencer fumed after seeing her private DM being shared online and snapped back at the restaurant for trying to 'expose' her

Lucky Ramen shared another scathing response to the woman, who they dubbed 'angry influencer' and joked her new message deserved 'standing ovation'

They responded with: 'Dear angry influencer, Okay, aaalright you got us! We're truly sorry for attempting to uncover your behind-the-scenes tactics yesterday and, you know, us trying to make a living and s**t.

'But hold on, the new message we just got deserves more than a standing ovation! This follow-up DM is a total game-changer, and guess what? We're now rolling out the red carpet for all the free meals you desire.

'And that's not all  our chefs are ready to part ways with their Crocs and Birkenstocks, throwing them in as an extra bonus for your tender love and labour!

'Even my dad's medal of honour from the Japan war is up for grabs  he's feeling generous the old geezer, and he's even contemplating wheeling in his new eco-friendly hybrid wheelchair for you!

'Just hit us up with another DM, let us know when you're swinging by to collect your well-deserved goodies, and don't forget to leave a glowing 5-star review on both Google and TripAdvisor.

The restaurant often posts snaps of long ques of people waiting outside to get into the hotspot

'We appreciate your understanding and, once again, sorry for the 'inconvenience' we caused. Bon appetit + Arigato-the-f**k-outta-here. Team LUCKY (unfluencer + no blue tick)' Social media users threw their support behind Lucky Ramen in the comments and praised the eatery for its stern stance with the influencer. One person said: 'Honey they are booked. They dont need your exposure. We are all queuing for tables. Gladly.' Another said: 'EXPOSE THEM! We all need to know. Some of these influencers are hilarious.' Someone else wrote: 'I love this clapback. I cant wait to come to a restaurant that doesnt pander to these types of influencers!' A fourth said: 'Imagine having a food / lifestyle blog and thinking it means youre entitled to eat for free every time you want to go to a restaurant'

Social media users threw their support behind Lucky Ramen in the comments and praised the eatery for its stern stance with the influencer

'We appreciate your understanding and, once again, sorry for the 'inconvenience' we caused. Bon appetit + Arigato-the-f**k-outta-here. Team LUCKY (unfluencer + no blue tick)'

Social media users threw their support behind Lucky Ramen in the comments and praised the eatery for its stern stance with the influencer.

One person said: 'Honey they are booked. They dont need your exposure. We are all queuing for tables. Gladly.'

Another said: 'EXPOSE THEM! We all need to know. Some of these influencers are hilarious.'

Someone else wrote: 'I love this clapback. I cant wait to come to a restaurant that doesnt pander to these types of influencers!'

A fourth said: 'Imagine having a food / lifestyle blog and thinking it means youre entitled to eat for free every time you want to go to a restaurant'
READ MORE: I turned an old village shop into my dream home

A man who purchased a 'bland' office space who transformed it into a stunning two-bedroom home as part of a successful bid to get onto London's property ladder for a fraction of the usual cost.

First time buyer Yohance, 31, scooped up a utilitarian two-storey office in trendy Balham for 365,000, nearly 50 per cent cheaper than nearby residential properties.

The thrifty lecturer - who earned a degree in architecture - budgeted 150,000 to renovate the property, but due to assisting builders on weekends and 'Fridays until 1am' the magical transformation cost just 120,000 - saving him 30,000.

The entire industrial strip was developed into a commercial estate in the 1900s and the historical gem is flanked by warehouses and offices on either side, therefore Yohance won't have any neighbours.

Appearing on Channel 4's George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations tonight, Yohance explained: 'It was a working office before so they really just kind of bolted things on without looking for aesthetics'.

First time buyer, Yohance, 31, has purchased a 'bland' office space and transformed it into a stunning two-bedroom home

The magical renovation was part of a successful bid to get onto London's property ladder (pictured: part of the ground floor office before the renovation)

Following renovation on the ground floor, Yohance was pleased with a bespoke walnut kitchen

He scooped up a utilitarian two-storey office in trendy Balham for 365,000, nearly 50 per cent cheaper than nearby residential properties (pictured: the exterior of the building before its transformation)

The property underwent an astounding transformation to achieve a homely exterior

Presnter George Clarke expressed his concern about the plan and warned Yohance that the mammoth project would be subject to 'piping', 'drainage' and 'electrics' and other work.

Undeterred and hopeful, Yohance replied: 'But when you see the product at the end, I think that should be kind of what you judge it from.'

George pointed out that the building retained a sterile appearance due to a lack of windows and natural light - just one of the many issues the lecturer faced.

Unfortunately for Yohance, he wasn't permitted to install windows at the back of the property to preserve the privacy of nearby residents.

After consulting with builders he found a way around this by way of sun tunnels - a cost-effective cylinder tube that carries light from outdoors into dark rooms.

This way Yohance would be able to transport light from the roof all the way down to the ground floor living room and kitchen.

Despite George's comments, it seemed he was more concerned with the renovation deadline, which he set for six months - the exact date his tenancy agreement was due to end.

In order to fulfill the deadline, he got stuck in and used his his architecture knowledge to assist builders where he could, including stripping constructing material and knocking down walls.

The office's top floor was bare and dark - and lay amidst other offices

Yohance's creative project transformed the top floor into a guest bedroom

The top floor was incredibly spacious, but extremely dull and bare (pictured: the other side of the top floor)

Yohance's plan turned another section of the top floor into a grand master bedroom

While working on the lower level floor, he told viewers: 'We need to pull all the nails out and there are literally hundreds.

'I'd say Friday nights are wild times here until 1am just kind of pulling nails'.

As time wore on, the inside of the property was beginning to look and feel more homely - but the same couldn't be said about the neighbourhood.

And despite his commercial neighbours being impressed by the project, they also warned that the industrial estate could get 'extremely busy'.

One man explained: 'It's hard to imagine from looking at it from the outside how it could be a homely building inside. But if there's a vacant building and it can be used in that way then great'.

He brought light into the property by way of sun tunnels - a cost-effective cylinder tube that carries light from outdoors into dark rooms (One sun tunnel can be seen in the new bathroom on the right)

In order to fulfill his six-month deadline, he got stuck in and used his his architecture knowledge to assist builders where he could, including stripping constructing material and pulling out nails

Meanwhile one local worker added: 'A normal day in this estate is extremely busy - from 7am to about 9 o'clock at night.

'Customers in and out of our doors, vans lorries, people screaming and shouting if you like but good luck to the guy. It's amazing that he's done this'.

Elsewhere in the episode and after four months in, an ambitious Yohance was presented with yet another challenge - his six-month deadline was beginning to look impossible.

The building's industrial past was still vividly evident in its exterior, meanwhile his requested steel-frame windows hadn't yet been constructed.

Confronted with this news, Yohance joked that he would have no choice but to pitch a 'tent' in the home after six months.

The entire industrial strip was developed into a commercial estate in the 1900s and the historical gem is flanked by warehouses and offices on either side, therefore Yohance won't have any neighbours (Pictured centre: Yohance's renovated home)

The shows presenter, George (right), expressed his concern about the initial plan and warned Yohance that the mammoth project would be subject to 'piping', 'drainage' and 'electrics' and other work

Despite Yohance's commercial neighbours being impressed by the project, they also warned that the industrial estate could get 'extremely busy'

All in all, it took him approximately 11 months to turnaround his first ever home complete with a bespoke walnut kitchen, a modern bathroom and a and a sprawling master-bedroom.

George expressed his shock that Yohance was able to transform the once-dark office building into a homely open space two-bedroom home.

But what came next was even more surprising.

When the presenter asked Yohance how much he'd spent on the total renovation, he revealed: '[I] did about 120,000'.

'You've come in under budget shut up!' shouted a stunned George.

But Yohance made sure to inform viewers that although his dream home was 'everything that I wanted it to be', it wouldn't have been possible without hard work and grit.

He explained: 'But this wasn't easy, this was way harder than it had to be because I put way more effort than I needed. But I got the outcome that I wanted'.
Julia Engelhorn, who lives in Surrey, lost her three-year-old twins in 2017

A mother whose twins were murdered by their father has launched the first dedicated support hub for parents who lose children at the hands of abusive partners.

Julia Engelhorn, 40, who now lives in Surrey, lost her 'angelic' three-year-olds, Maximo and Octavia, in 2017 after they were reportedly drugged and suffocated while in the care of her late ex-husband in Cape Town.

She found both dead in their beds following what she describes as a sick act of post-divorce revenge.

Their dad, Mario-Cesar Deus Yela (all-corr), 49, a Spanish dentist, was arrested but took his own life in prison while awaiting trial in 2019. He reportedly denied the charges and told officers that he could 'not remember' what had happened.

Julia said South African police did not point her in the direction of any victim support groups or therapists who could help her in processing her grief. Now, she has launched her own website called PreciousScars.org in a bid to fill that 'informational void'.

Julia Engelhorn (pictured), 40, lost her twins in 2017 after they were allegedly murdered by their father Mario-Cesar Deus Yela

Julia has since rebuilt her life thanks to the 'unwavering' support of friends and family. However, she believes that coming to terms with the tragedy was made more difficult because of a lack of online resources.

Her website aims to fill the void by helping people escape domestic abuse and deal practically and emotionally with its effects.

It is designed for parents, family members and carers whose children have died through - or who could be at risk of - serious violent crime at the hands of a close relation.

The site has dozens of informational and instructional articles on topics ranging from the criminal justice system and dealing with the media, to more sensitive subjects like planning funeral arrangements and the identification process.

How to spot potentially dangerous partners, and how to flee the family home in case of an imminent physical threat, are also covered in the repository.

The content, which was written by Julia herself, is free to access and includes links to victim support agencies, grief counsellors, helplines, and national charities. It is believed to be the first and only support hub of its kind in the world.

Julia, an artist and qigong teacher, hopes the site will spare others the distress she experienced of 'not knowing what to do or how to feel' and help families to start to rebuild their lives.

Maximo and Octavia (pictured) died in 2017 after they were allegedly drugged and suffocated while in the care of their father in Cape Town

Julia has described the tragedy as a sick act of post-divorce revenge following her divorce from Mario two years before Maximo and Octavia's death

Julia, who is originally from Cape Town, has since relocated to Surrey with her current husband Iiro Seppanen (right)

She plans to update it as often as possible with new articles and is inviting others with experience of violent interrelationship crime to contribute.

She said: 'When I lost my babies, my world was suddenly pulled from under me. The depth of my grief was overwhelming, but this was made all the worse by the uncertainties, which only added to my stress and pain.

'Like most people, all I'd known about the policing system and murder cases had come from TV. I had no real idea about what was going to happen, and how much would involve me.

'If I'd known what to expect then, while what had happened would have been no less gut-wrenching, I could have at the least prepared myself emotionally for having to identify my children's bodies and deal with the police.

'And if I'd understood the grieving process better, I would have been better equipped to navigate my healing journey and recognise when I needed extra support.

Maximo and Octavia's father Mario had travelled from Spain to care for them. But when Julia went to pick them up, she found them dead in their beds

Mario had travelled from Spain to Cape Town and rented an apartment so he could care for Maximo and Octavia during the Easter holidays

'While it may seem unthinkable when tragedy strikes, in time you can rebuild your life and once again look forward to the future.

'I'm living proof of this and it's a message of hope that all parents who have lost a child through violence need to hear.

'A support site like PreciousScars would, then, have been a godsend to me in the weeks and months after I lost my twins, and my only wish is that it gives other bereaved parents the guidance and support that I'd wished I'd had to help me.'

Julia's unimaginable ordeal took place in early April 2017 when she was living in Cape Town, South Africa.

In her 2023 memoir, also titled Precious Scars, she says her ex-husband, Mario - who she had divorced two years previously following the breakdown of their marriage - had travelled from Spain to spend the Easter holidays with their children and had rented an apartment nearby.

On the afternoon of 6 April, Maximo and Octavia's 6ft 4ins father allegedly drugged them before smothering them in their bedroom

Julia found her twin babies dead in bed when she went to collect them. Mario stole a car and escaped the scene

Mario was arrested but took his own life in prison whilst awaiting trial in 2019. He claimed not to remember anything about the incident

On the afternoon of 6th April, the 6ft 4ins Spaniard reportedly drugged the helpless twins before smothering them in their bedroom.

When Julia arrived to pick them up as planned, she found the twins dead and, she said, Mario brandishing a knife and threatening to kill her, too.

Thankfully their eldest child, Cesar, then aged seven, was at school when the incident took place and was left unharmed.

Julia managed to escape by clambering out of a four-storey window and shimmying down a drainpipe to safety.

Mario reportedly stole a car and fled the scene but was later snared and charged with double murder.

Mario was charged with a double murder of Maximo (pictured) and Octavia shortly after fleeing the scene

Julia and Mario's oldest child Cesar, then aged seven, was at school when the incident took place and was left unharmed. Now 14, Cesar currently lives in Surrey with Julia, Iiro, and Freya (pictured)

Despite the evidence, Mario denied any wrongdoing and reportedly claimed not to remember anything about the incident.

And in another crushing blow to Julia's family, hetook his own life before the trial started. She had hoped he would serve at least 20 years behind bars.

Julia, who has since remarried, relocated to Surrey in 2020 where she lives with son Cesar, 14, and daughter Freya, four.

Her husband Iiro Seppanen, who has also written for the PreciousScars website, is a Finnish producer whose credits include Freelancers, a 2012 movie starring Robert de Niro, 50 Cent, Forest Whitaker, and Vinnie Jones.

Iiro, a former professional base jumper, added: 'Julia has faced a long and painful healing journey but with time she has found new purpose in helping other victims of violent crime, of which PreciousScars.org marks another major milestone.'

After a long healing journey, Julia launched PreciousScars.org to help other victims of violent crimes

Julia remarried a Finnish film producer called Iiro Seppanen, who has also written for the PreciousScars website

Iiro said that Julia has had a 'long' and painful' healing journey, but the creation of PreciousScars.org marks a 'major milestone'

Last year, Julia released a candid memoir, which recounts her ordeal and reveals how she was able to find happiness again.

It received such a positive response from other bereaved parents that Julia decided to create PreciousScars.org in the hope of helping far more people worldwide.

In time, she plans to turn the hub into a registered charity and expand its remit to cover all forms of parental bereavement.

She added: 'If the site helps just one, single person, then the effort will have been worth it.'
As uncle to the future Queen, Gary Goldsmith is set to be the hottest ticket on the new series of Celebrity Big Brother, kicking off tonight on ITV tonight.

With Kate out of the spotlight while recovering from abdominal surgery, royal fans will no doubt hope that the millionaire businessman, 58, who is the brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, will open up about his relationship with his niece, who he says is 'the most spectacular person I've ever met.'

Gary, who is reportedly worth 30 million, has enjoyed a close relationship with the Princess of Wales over the years, and attended her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

Kate was a bridesmaid at Mr Goldsmith's first wedding to sales executive Miranda Foote in 1991, and her uncle previously revealed how the heartbroken royal sought solace at his Ibiza villa after a break-up with William.

Kate attended Gary's wedding to his first wife Luan Bettany in 1997 (Kate is pictured second right)

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith is reportedly set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother tonight for the ITV reboot of the show (pictured outside Westminster Magistrates Court in 2017)

Kate is away from official royal engagements until after Easter after major surgery in January, with Kensington Palace insisting last week that she was still 'doing well'.

She has not been seen at any royal events since attending church at Sandringham on Christmas Day with William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis.

Mr Goldsmith is said to have told friends that he won't do anything to hurt Kate or William - but he has previously attacked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they could therefore now be in the firing line.

The millionaire made most of his money in recruitment, before selling his shares for a reported 17million in 2005, with which he purchased his Ibiza villa, dubbed Maison de Bang Bang because of his penchant for wild parties, in 2006.

Prince William and Kate stayed at Mr Goldsmith's Ibiza villa, in 2006, and he has warm words for the future King, describing him as both 'down-to-earth' and 'charming'.

Mr Goldsmith was also guest at William and Kate's wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011, and then Kate's sister Pippa Middleton's marriage to James Matthews in 2017.

He has previously spoken in support of Kate  including to the Mail on Sunday in March 2021 after Harry and Meghan's infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey interview.

Kate is currently recovering from abdominal surgery; she was last seen on Christmas Day (pictured)

He said at the time: 'I've known Kate since she was born and she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. It's just simply not in her nature.

'She's even lovelier on the inside than on the outside. If anyone had a hissy fit, it must have been Meghan. Kate would have been trying to make the peace. I would fight for Kate's honour until the day I die. She is the most spectacular person I've ever met.'

He previously spoke out against Harry and Meghan after the release of Spare and is known for his outspoken opinions on the couple. Writing for the Mail last year, he slammed Harry's autobiography Spare as 'petulant, self-serving...fluff'.

He also spoke out after the latest series of The Crown, which portrayed Carole as the schemer behind Kate and William's relationship.

'First and foremost, Kate did brilliantly well to get into St Andrews. She's an amazing girl, but that wasn't noted.'

In 2013, Gary revealed details about the then Duchess of Cambridge in an interview with Hello! Magazine.

He shed light on the The Kate I Know and the early days of her relationship with William in a deal negotiated by Goldsmiths agent, with the interview and photoshoot taking place at his Ibiza villa.

Over 16 pages, he told how the young couple enjoyed mud baths on the island, Williams stint DJing for the family - and how Kate had paced around the pool during her brief break-up with William.

Carole Middleton with her husband Michael and Charles and Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011

Carole Middleton and the Princess of Wales attend Royal Ascot in Berkshire on June 20, 2017

He said William 'absolutely loved' the villa and even credited the villa for bringing the royal couple back together.

'It's a nice place and it has a very nice vibe and you can hear the sea at night,' he explained.

'So in some small way I just hope that being here helped. This was June, and she and William were definitely back together in July, so the timing does suggest the holiday did play a part. Wouldn't that be brilliant?'

Show insiders say producers are delighted to have secured him as a contestant because of his links to the royal family - and for his penchant for saying what he thinks, as they look to create a dramatic series.

A source told The Sun: 'The CBB team love him because of his link to Kate and the fact he's confident and loud and won't hold back.

'He's made it clear he will talk about everything and anything, and he's pretty outspoken when it comes to Harry and Meghan.

'Gary also holds a deep affection for Kate and Wills and will be able to give a fascinating insight into what it's really like being related to the future King and Queen.'

Mr Goldsmith has reportedly signed up for the ITV reboot alongside Loose Women's Linda Robson and X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.

Other housemates touted to appear on the launch of the series include Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Bradley Riches, Nikita Kuzmin and Colson Smith.

Gary Goldsmith with his daughter Tallulah at Pippa Middleton's wedding in Berkshire in 2017

Gary Goldsmith was arrested in 2017 after allegedly assaulting his fourth wife, Julie-Ann, outside their London home. They are pictured together at a film premiere in London in 2013

He made his living building an IT recruitment business, but has been caught up in scandals, including being pictured with drugs in Ibiza in 2009.

He was also arrested in October 2017 after allegedly assaulting his fourth wife, Julie-Ann, outside their London home.

Mr Goldsmith knocked her to the ground after she accused him of taking drugs during a drunken fight outside their home.

He later pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and was fined 5,000 and handed a 12-month community order with 20 sessions of rehabilitation.

It comes as royal experts warned that Mr Goldsmith's appearance on CBB could impact Kate's recovery from her surgery.

Phil Dampier told MailOnline today: 'The last thing the Princess of Wales needs at the moment is for her uncle to be talking about her on Celebrity Big Brother.

'And I'm not surprised at reports her mother Carole is not happy with her brother being in the house.

Gary Goldsmith leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in November 2017 where he was fined 5.000 and given a community order after admitting assaulting his wife

'I'm sure he will go in there determined to only say nice things about her and William as he has in the past. And he probably intends to criticise Harry and Meghan if he gets the chance.

'But after several days his tongue may loosen and he may say things he later regrets.'

The commentator also warned that 'any indication about Kate's medical condition will not go down well with her or William', adding: 'I'm sure Gary wants to support his family but giving more publicity to them at the moment is not what they want.'

Mr Dampier said it would be interesting to know whether Mr Goldsmith consulted Carole or Kate before deciding to go into the house, which 'presumably he is doing for the money'.

And he continued: 'He has caused embarrassment for them in the past with his Maison de Bang Bang misdemeanours, but he has cleaned up his act in recent years and mainly stayed out of the limelight.

'The Big Brother bosses will want him to spill the beans - after all why else would he be in there? - but Kate and William will be hoping he manages to be sensible and focus on other housemates and their problems.'

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.'
Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank and Mike and Zara Tindall have touched down in the UK after enjoying a weekend away in Bahrain to watch the Grand Prix.

The two royal couples appeared in high spirits as they were pictured disembarking a private jet, which also had Jeremy Clarkson and Madonna's son Rocco Ritchie, in Oxford this morning.

Eugenie looked effortlessly elegant in a double-breasted camel coat, blue plaid shirt and jeans.

The mother-of-two, 33, swept her hair up into a bun and finished off her off-duty look with some white trainers, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a white-and-tan leather bag.

Meanwhile, Zara looked equally chic in a light blue waterproof jacket, blue jeans and grey trainers.

Eugenie looked effortlessly elegant in a double-breasted camel coat, blue plaid shirt and jeans after disembarking the flight

Zara Tindall styled her blonde hair in a relaxed ponytail and also covered her face with a pair of sunglasses

The mother-of-three, 42, was pictured wearing a brown crossbody bag and holding a blue-and-white striped tote as she stepped off the jet.

The former equestrian styled her blonde hair in a relaxed ponytail and also covered her face with a pair of sunglasses.

Meanwhile, her husband Mike Tindall was also pictured wearing a relaxed white sweatshirt, bright orange hat and a backpack as he chatted to other passengers after they landed.

Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank was seen on the tarmac wearing a grey hoodie underneath a jersey blazer and black jeans - as the couple prepared to make their way back to their London home.

Mike and Jack were seen tightly hugging before parting ways on the tarmac following their weekend getaway.

Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson - who attended Queen Camilla's Christmas party in Mayfair in December 2022 - received a warm welcome from his partner Lisa Hogan.

The actress, who was pictured in a brown faux-fur coat, was seen lovingly caressing Jeremy's cheek as he arrived home.

Meanwhile, Madonna's son Rocco, 23, who was dressed in a checked blazer, appeared to be the spitting image of his father Guy.

Mike Tindall was also pictured wearing a relaxed white sweatshirt, bright orange hat and a backpack on the tarmac

Pictured: Jeremy Clarkson seen being greeted by his actress girlfriend Lisa Hogan on the tarmac in Oxford

Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank was pictured on the tarmac wearing a grey hoodie underneath a jersey blazer and black jeans

Madonna's son Rocco Ritchie, 23, wore a checked blazer as he flew back to the UK from Bahrain

Jeremy was seen giving Rocco a playful punch to the chest as they prepared to part ways following their shared flight

Rocco Ritchie, 23, appeared to be the spitting image of his father as he touched down in Oxford today

Mike Tindall pictured giving Jack Brooksbank a playful hug after they travelled to Bahrain together for the Grand Prix

Mike Tindall pictured hugging Princess Eugenie's husband on the tarmac at London Oxford Airport

Jeremy Clarkson seen hugging the Duke of Richmond after the pair travelled together on a private jet from Bahrain to the UK

Princess Eugenie appeared to be in high spirits as she disembarked the private jet in Oxford today

The royal couples were joined on the private jet by billionaire insurance mogul David Howden (pictured)

Zara Tindall's husband Mike pictured hugging a fellow passenger after touching down in the UK

Mother-of-three Zara Tindall seen hugging a friend after flying back to Oxford from Bahrain this morning

Zara Tindall, 42, seen hugging a friend after touching down in Oxford following the Bahrain Grand Prix

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank seen disembarking a private jet in Oxford today

Pictured: Jeremy Clarkson seen hugging billionaire insurance mogul David Howden after they travelled back to the UK on the same private jet

The Duke of Richmond seen getting in a car after touching down in Oxford following his trip to Bahrain

Princess Eugenie seen leaving the Oxford airport after travelling back from the Bahrain Grand Prix

At one point, Jeremy was seen giving Rocco a playful punch to the chest as they prepared to part ways following their shared flight.

Other high-profile passengers included the aristocrat The Duke of Richmond, socialite Tamara Beckwith and billionaire insurance mogul David Howden.

On Saturday night, the Duchess of York was pictured speaking with Red Bull boss Christian Horner with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank following their win.

Horner, 50, has been at the centre of a scandal this week after flirtatious WhatsApp messages he apparently sent to a female colleague were leaked online - days after he was cleared of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

At the Grand Prix on Saturday, Christian and his wife Geri, 51, put on a united front as they arrived hand-in-hand before exchanging a kiss in front of the cameras.

Zara and Mike Tindall, Peter Phillips, the Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were also in the crowd to watch Red Bull secure first and second place in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Following their win, Sarah Ferguson, Princess Eugenie and Jack walked down to the track to congratulate the Red Bull team on their success.

The Duchess of York, who has faced her fair share of scandals during her time in the spotlight, appeared to be having a lively conversation with Christian as he listened in closely.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank seen stepping off a private jet after travelling to the Bahrain Grand Prix

Pictured: Rocco Ritchie's girlfriend Olivia Monjardin seen speaking with Jeremy Clarkson's partner Lisa Hogan

Model Olivia Monjardin spoke with other passengers after disembarking the private jet from Bahrain

After their brief conversation, Sarah Ferguson was seem placing a reassuring hand on Christian's torso

Pictured: Mike and Zara Tindall pose with Peter Phillips next to Max Verstappen's winning car at the Grand Prix

At one point, Sarah put a reassuring hand on Christian's arm as they exchanged some brief words.

The F1 boss then greeted Princess Eugenie, 33, by giving the royal a quick peck on the cheek.

After their brief conversation, Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Christian's torso as they parted.

Later in the evening, Mike and Zara Tindall and her brother Peter Phillips also appeared on the racetrack to pose next to winner Max Verstappen's car.

The mother-of-three wore a white blazer by ME+EM, a miniature black leather clutch bag by Aspinal and some Superga white trainers.
A woman has married a man she met on holiday in Turkey via Grindr - despite having to use Google Translate to talk.

Shane Harding, 28, who is transgender, from Barnstaple, Devon, was in Turkey with her sister whilst she was getting surgery and downloaded the app hoping to meet someone LGBTQ+ friendly to show her around Istanbul.

The first message to come through was from Mert Isrem, 29, from Istanbul, who said he would love to meet up and show Shane around the city.

But he couldn't speak English - and Shane couldn't speak Turkish - so they spent the entire week communicating via Google Translate.

After a whirlwind week-long romance the pair were besotted, and spent a year travelling back and forth between the UK and Turkey.

Shane Harding, 28, (left) has married Mert Isrem, 29, (right) who she met on holiday in Turkey via Grindr - despite having to use Google Translate to talk

They finally married in June last year and now live together in Devon, and Mert is fluent in English after learning from Shane.

Shane, who is a content creator, said: 'When we met Mert didn't speak any English. We were using Google Translate, and I felt at home with him.

'We had dinner and walked around Istanbul. The first time we were up spending the night talking about loads of different things.

'By day five I knew I had fallen in love with him. We had a few drinks in our hotel and we both said we had fallen in love with each other.'

Mert, who is a barber, said: 'I asked Shane if she wanted to meet with me and she explained how she was in Turkey looking after her sister.

'I thought she was stunning, we had a magical first five days. I never thought I would get married.

'Our wedding day was the best day ever, I can't describe how I felt. It was a really fun day, it was an amazing time with all our family and friends.'

The pair met in June 2022, when Shane booked herself into a hotel and wanted to explore Istanbul whilst her sister was in hospital recovering.

Mert couldn't speak English - and Shane couldn't speak Turkish - so they spent the entire week communicating via Google Translate

After a whirlwind week-long romance the pair were besotted, and spent a year travelling back and forth between the UK and Turkey

Their first date went so well Shane and Mert spent the next five days together and Shane said she knew she had fallen in love with Mert

Speaking of using Grindr, she said: 'The first message to come through was from Mert. I thought he was really handsome.

'He had this charm about him but he said he was in another part of Turkey on holiday. Six hours later he messaged me to ask where I was staying so he knew where to come. He said he had a surprise for me and he had cut his holiday short.

'Usually in the UK I am really nervous and anxious when meeting up with people and you think, being in Turkey I would be scared but I was just so excited to meet this charming guy.'

Their first date went so well Shane and Mert spent the next five days together. Shane said she knew she had fallen in love with Mert and sat him down to tell him how she felt before she flew back to the UK.

She said: 'I plucked up the courage to tell him how I felt. I said ''I don't know how you feel but I have fallen in love with you''. He smiled, took my hand and said he had fallen in love with me too.'

Shane cried during her entire flight back home, and after nine days apart flew back to Turkey for a two week stay with Mert's family

Shane then flew back to the UK where she spent seven weeks before going back to be with Mert. On September 23, 2022 Mert hired a private yacht and proposed to Shane

Shane and Mert got married on June 23, 2023, exactly one year after they met for the first time in Istanbul

Shane said it was the 'most magical day of her life', the pair got married in an old country pub surrounded by family and friends

Shane cried during her entire flight back home, and after nine days apart flew back to Turkey for a two week stay with Mert's family.

She said: 'I fell madly in love with him. I got to experience what it is like to be a Turkish family.'

Shane then flew back to the UK where she spent seven weeks before going back to be with Mert. On September 23, 2022 Mert hired a private yacht and proposed to Shane.

Shane said: 'The weather was so bad it was thunder and lightning and then all of a sudden the rain stopped and there was a beautiful rainbow.

'Mert turned to me and said ''the LGBTQ+ gods are looking over us''. We had a lovely three-course meal and enjoyed the views.

'All of a sudden Mert pointed to the bridge and this laser projected writing on it saying ''will you marry me''.

Mert now lives with Shane in Devon and has learnt to speak English, however he struggles with the British weather

'I was very giggly. I was so shocked. Never in my life did I think I would find somebody or that I would be engaged.

'I said yes and then the writing changed to ''Shane said yes'' and all the boats in the harbour were beeping their horns - it was such a magical moment.'

Shane and Mert got married on June 23, 2023, exactly one year after they met for the first time in Istanbul.

Shane said: 'It was the most magical day of my life. It was a very special day. We got married in an old country pub surrounded by our family and friends.

'Our romance has been a dream. Every couple have their ups and downs especially when one moves to another country but I have loved every minute.

'The fact our wedding day fell on the same day we met just showed that were meant to be.

'Mert is struggling a bit with the British weather, he has found summer to be too hot and a bit too humid. He also hates the rain and house spiders.

'Everything else is good, we have a little cat called Lilly and have spoken about the possibility of starting a family one day.'
Billionaire heir Anant Ambani's bide-to-be Radhika Merchant was surrounded by A-list guests at the couple's lavish pre-wedding celebration this weekend - but she also found a way to inject some celebrity glam into one of her ensembles, too.

The 29-year-old, who is due to wed Anant, 28, later this year, sported a stunning custom gown during the three-day event that may well look familiar to any eagle-eyed fashion fans out there.

Radhika channeled Blake Lively in a gown that was incredibly similar to the incredible optical illusion dress worn by the Gossip Girl star at the the 2022 Met Gala.

Radhika, 29, is marrying Anant Ambani, 28, the youngest son of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, who has a net worth of more than $116 billion.

The happy couple is not getting married until July, but they kicked off the celebration early with a three-day wedding extravaganza attended by Ivanka Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, complete with a $9 million, 90-minute performance by Rihanna - and plenty of fashion forward moments.

The couple took to the stage to welcome their guests to the celebrations, with bride-to-be Radhika in a glittering pink strapless custom Versace Art Deco-inspired dress

Blake Lively arrived at the Met Gala in 2022 in a similar rose gold strapless gown, although hers featured an elaborate train that unfurled to pay tribute to New York City's famous buildings

Blake first wore the elaborate Art Deco Versace gown, and Radhika then rocked her own rose gold version for her pre-wedding festivities

The Indian Pop Culture TikTok account, created by Kayla, pointed out that Radhika wore an extremely similar pink strapless gown when she welcomed her guests for the weekend

Dress to impress! Inside the 9-page pre-wedding celebration dress code On Friday night, guests enjoyed an 'evening in neverland' cocktail party on the premises On Saturday, guests were told to wear 'jungle fever' attire and 'comfortable shoes' for a trip to the groom's Reliance Animal Rescue Center, which houses more than 2,000 animals After visiting the wildlife project, they changed into 'dazzling desi romance' ensembles for a Moulin Rouge-themed party On Sunday, they changed into 'casual chic' outfits to explore the local Tusker Trails On the final day, attendees wore traditional clothing Advertisement

The couple, who come from two of India's richest families, invited 1,000 guests to the groom's home this weekend to celebrate, with Radhika donning the glamorous gown for one of the many events they hosted during the extravagant weekend.

The Indian Pop Culture TikTok account, created by a user called Kayla, pointed out that Radhika wore the deja vu-inducing pink strapless gown when she welcomed her guests for the weekend.

Kayla explained that Blake wore the original version of this custom Versace dress to the 2022 Met Gala and 'everyone was obsessed with this dress.'

In a separate TikTok, Kayla shared more details about 'the richest Indian wedding bride,' including how the dress was originally designed with input from the Gossip Girl star and was inspired by iconic New York City buildings.

The underside of Blake's gown was a rich turquoise, which was an homage to the Statue of Liberty, the train included the same celestial map on the ceiling of Grand Central Station, and the bustier was inspired by the Empire State Building's architecture.

Radhika wore a dress heavily-inspired by Lively's original bespoke gown, with similar pink embellishments, although it did not have the ornate Manhattan-influenced train.

Radhika paired the elaborate pink frock with equally awe-inspiring jewelry, including a yellow diamond and diamond necklace and matching earrings.

Radhika wore a dress heavily-inspired by Blake's original bespoke gown, with similar pink beading, although it did not have the same ornate Manhattan-inspired train

The bride-to-be also wore a black string around her wrist, which one commenter pointed out is 'probably a "kala dhaga" black thread to get rid of negative energy'

One follower commented, 'on Radhika it looks expensive expensive,' about the heavily-embellished custom Versace gown paired with diamond jewelry

'So, which style is your favorite? Kyla asked her Kayla's 57,000 followers, captioning the video 'I want them both.'

One follower commented, 'on Radhika it looks expensive expensive.'

'Radhika owns the dress, Blake just wore it to the MET,' another person shaded.

'Both fit the respective occasions but Radhika is glowing!!' an impressed commenter raved.

Other commenters pointed out that Blake always borrows her jewelry - usually from Tiffany & Co. - while Radhika owns her jewels.

'By the way her diamonds are hers not like Blake's that are a loan,' one person pointed out.

'Honestly when Blake wore it we saw the dress, when Radhika wore it all we see in Radhika I cant imagine how gorgeous her wedding dress is gonna be,' a curious commenter mused.

The bride-to-be didn't just wear diamonds - she also wore a black string around her wrist, which a commenter pointed out is 'probably a "kala dhaga" black thread to get rid of negative energy.'

'So, which style is your favorite? Kyla asked her Kayla's 57,000 followers, captioning the video 'I want them both'

In another video Kayla joked, 'Imagine being so rich you can shop from the Met Gala.'

'One of a kind pieces only please,' Kayla captioned the viral video, which received more than 70,000 likes.

'Radhika said I wanted the Met Gala look and the Super Bowl performer,' a commenter pointed out about the glam bride.

One said Radhika looked the best, 'as Blake's is pink and blue and the Radhika is only rose gold, I think its haute couture made for her.'

The custom creation was certainly a hit - and leaves everyone waiting to see what she'll be wearing come July.

However Radhika wasn't the only one to celebrate in style - the bride and groom apparently issued a lengthy dress code for the weekend, urging guests to dress in a 'dazzling desi romance' style.
A mum used the $39 Long Handled Scrubbing Brush from Kmart to clean grout

A Kmart shopper has used a $39 product to transform the grout in her home and make it look 'brand new'.

Sarah, from Melbourne, moved into her new family home and couldn't help but notice the filthy state of the tiles.

She quickly got to work using the Long Handled Scrubbing Brush and Long Life Grout Cleaner and was pleasantly surprised by results.

In a TikTok video, she demonstrated just how easy it is to clean the grout with the gadget.

'I'm shocked! Kmart, love your work. We moved into our new house and the floors needed some much needed TLC,' Sarah wrote.

'I was quoted over $600 but I did it for about $40! If you have tiles you NEED this.'

Sarah, from Melbourne, used the Long Handled Scrubbing Brush from Kmart (right) to clean her dirty tiles (left)

To clean the dirty tiles, Sarah first sprayed a generous amount of grout cleaner before getting to work with the scrubbing brush.

To her surprise, the filth lifted instantly.

The versatile tool can also be used to clean bathroom floors, showers and bathtubs in a quick and efficient way.

It comes with three brush head variations - a flat brush, corner brush and cambered brush.

It comes with three brush head variations - a flat brush, corner brush and cambered brush

@sarahleenheers Replying to @IamAlly still a work in progress but you can see the difference already!! kmartaustralia groutcleaning  Shake It - Metro Station

The video has since been viewed more than 432,000 times and many were amazed by the result.

'Wow looking good so far,' one commented.

'Holy s*** balls, that's brand new,' another wrote.

Another encouraged Sarah to 'seal' the grout to 'keep the dirt away'.

On the Kmart website the affordable product has received five-star reviews from other customers.

'Very handy for those hard to reach places works a treat no more bending over to clean the shower easy USB charging works equally very well on tiles and glass. Highly recommend,' one wrote.

'I like this little electric brush scrubber. I've used it in the bathroom, and it has been such a life saver. It does take a little getting used to, but you must hold it lightly and guide it to the areas you would like clean,' another wrote.
The Lazzio coffee beans from Aldi won gold at the 2024 World Series

A popular $5 product from Aldi Australia has won the top prize at a prestigious international event.

The Lazzio coffee beans won gold at the 2024 World Series of the Golden Bean Awards - the world's largest coffee roasting competition.

This year there were more than 2,500 submissions but experts dubbed the Aldi range as the best.

The selection, which is roasted by Melbourne brand Black Bag Roasters, includes 11 products priced from $4.99 to $21.99.

Aldi Australia's Lazzio coffee bean range (pictured) was crowned the best in the world at the 2024 World Series of the Golden Bean Awards - the world's largest coffee roasting competition

The cheapest of the selection is the 250g 'Organic Peru Ground Coffee' and 250g 'Organic Honduras Ground Coffee' while at the top end of the range is the 1kg 'Luxe Blend'.

Other options include a 1kg Medium Coffee Beans ($14.99), 1kg Single Origin Brazil Beans ($18.99) and 1kg Single Origin Colombia Beans ($18.99).

Previously Aldi was crowned Australia's best at the Australian Golden Bean Awards from 2019 to 2022 but was snubbed in 2023.

The selection, which is roasted by Melbourne brand Black Bag Roasters, includes 11 products starting from just $4.99 and don't exceed $21.99

What's included in the range? Lazzio Organic Ground Coffee Honduras 250g, $4.99 Lazzio Organic Ground Coffee Peru 250g, $4.99 Lazzio Medium Ground Coffee 500g, $8.49 Lazzio Dark Ground Coffee 500g, $8.49 Lazzio Medium Dark Beans 500g, $8.49 Lazzio Medium Dark Ground 500g, $8.49 Lazzio Dark Coffee Beans 1kg, $11.99 Lazzio Medium Coffee Beans 1kg, $14.99 Lazzio Single Origin Brazil Beans 1kg, $18.99 Lazzio Single Origin Colombia Beans 1kg, $18.99 Lazzio Luxe Blend 1kg, $21.99 Advertisement

Daniel Quinlan, ALDI Australia's Coffee Buying Director said: 'As a nation obsessed with its coffee, we're proud to partner with Black Bag Roasters to bring locally roasted, award-winning, world-class coffee to our customers.

'Adding to our golden trophies with this World Series is another nod to the quality we work hard to deliver to our customers by working closely with the best supplier partners.

'With prices starting at just 10 cents a cup, Lazzio is a luxury everyone can afford.'

Lance Brown, Director of Black Bag Roasters, added: 'We are always excited to be recognised for our range of coffee beans, but it is especially humbling to receive such high praise at the World Series of the Golden Bean Awards.

'Our nine-year partnership with ALDI continues to take us to new heights, and we couldn't be more pleased with this result.'
Single woman said the dating scene is Brisbane is getting 'progressively worse'

A single woman has vented her frustrations about the dating scene in Brisbane, claiming the men are getting 'progressively worse'.

The singleton has started dating again after getting out of a seven-year-long relationship and said she's noticed Brisbane men are 'only interested in sex'.

However, her grievance ruffled the feathers of many blokes who hit back with 'aggressive' retorts saying the woman has 'high standards'.

'Over the seven years I've been here, dating has got progressively worse to the point where it looks like men JUST want sex or have sex with girls on the side whilst they look for an actual partner,' she said in a Reddit post.

'I don't have sex anymore because of this. Also, women allow it so I think we're equally to blame. What gives? What are you men looking for/how do we actually find partners any more?'

A Brisbane woman said the dating scene in the city has become 'progressively worse' in the last seven years since she was last single (stock image)

The woman's thread was met with a string of nasty comments from bitter men which she claims 'proved her point'.

'Just sounds to me like you have bad taste in men and keep choosing the wrong guys,' one quipped.

'If they're not in a relationship, they can do whatever they want. Nobody is exclusive to you until you enter a relationship with them,' another replied.

'Because you rejected the good guys, they are all taken now. Women dominating Tinder, OnlyFans have created men to see women as objects,' a third whined.

'Maybe you need to self-reflect. You're not entitled to a relationship with someone, and should work on improving yourself to make yourself appealing instead of complaining on Reddit like you're entitled to someone,' someone moaned.

Others slammed the singleton for 'painting all men with the same brush' so she hit back at her critics.

The singleton has started dating again after getting out of a seven-year-long relationship and said she's noticed Brisbane men are only interested in sex

'No I'm not a h**/have too high standards, I'm actually a nice girl. And where did I say all men are like this? I was in a long-term for six of those seven years and now I'm out of it dating seems different,' she said.

'Also those replies helped me realise some of the problem so thanks. I'm sorry if there was a female figure in your life that wasn't nice to you, I really am, but you can't paint us all with the same brush. Some of us are nice.'

Many were quick to defend the newly single woman and offered their advice and words of support.

'Can I introduce you to one of my mates who complains about the same things but he's a guy?' one user laughed.

'It's not just in Brisbane. Dating has s*cked for any age group, any location, any gender. I hope it gets better for you. I'm out for good,' another wrote.

'Have a great group of mates that are single, stable job/professionals. None of them enjoy using the apps and rather go do social sports/outings to meet people. Try joining some social groups and see how things go,' a third suggested.
A Tesla Cybertruck has just been resold for twice its original price at an auction despite Tesla's warning against early reselling of its angular EV truck at the risk of being sued.

Radio personality John Clay Wolfe has claimed that his car-selling company, Give Me The Vin, resold the first-ever Cybertruck to a dealer for $220,000 on Cox Automotive's Manheim auction last Wednesday.

The EV truck was reportedly valued at around $130,000 for its original price.

Wolfe did not provide any information on how his company could get through Tesla's resell policy.

The automaker previously indicated in a section of its terms and conditions that it could sue owners reselling their Cybertrucks within two years of purchase for up to $50,000.

Tesla removed the section following the backlash when it first went public but later put it back weeks ahead of the Cybertruck's release.

Also Read: Tesla Threatens to Sue Cybertruck Resellers Again

Why Are People Trying to Get Resold Tesla Cybertrucks?

Demand for Cybertrucks continues to remain high, with several people going as far as buying the EV trucks at a much higher price, no matter the threats of lawsuits.

Tesla only released a limited number of Cybertrucks when it first launched the electric car last year, many of which were pre-ordered months ahead.

People pining for the $60,000 standard version would need to wait longer as Tesla is still manufacturing the promised Cybertrucks.

The allure of available Cybertrucks in the market, despite being sold for twice its price, is enough to get Tesla enthusiasts to try their chances.

Related Article: California EV Sales Slow Down Amid Government Ramp-Up

Cybertruck Remains a Common Discussion Online

More than the demand for EV trucks, discussions on Cybertrucks populate online discussions related to Tesla or its CEO Elon Musk.

Just recently, videos of someone driving a Cybertruck while wearing an Apple Vision Pro received wide attention on social media to the point that government agencies took notice.

Other discussions surround dunking on the EV trucks, either for their supposed design flaws or against Musk.
Palm Cove beach in Cairns makes number one in world's best beaches list

A picturesque beach lined with palm trees in Far North Queensland has been named the best in the world.

Palm Cove beach in the northern Cairns suburb of the same name earned the number one spot on Conde Nast Traveller's top 34 Best Beaches in the World in 2024 list.

The dreamy gem was described as 'the epitome of a tropical paradise' and beat out jaw-dropping beaches from all over the world including those in Hawaii, Fiji and France.

Australia had the most entrants and dominated the top ten with Byron Bay's Wategos beach, Sydney's Mona Vale beach and Noosa beach coming in at four, six and eight.

Two Western Australian beaches, Turquoise Bay in Exmouth and Gantheaume Point in Broome made 22nd and 25th place.

Palm Cove beach in the northern Cairns suburb of the same name earned the number one spot on Conde Nast Traveller's top 34 Best Beaches in the World in 2024 list

Palm Cove beach sits less than half an hour north of Cairns' city centre and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas

The dreamy gem was described as 'the epitome of a tropical paradise' and beat out jaw-dropping beaches from all over the world from Hawaii to Fiji and France

Palm Cove beach sits less than half an hour north of Cairns' city centre and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas where travellers are able to explore both the Daintree Rainforest and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

Its incredible sandy shore is shaded by leaning palm trees and 500-year-old melaleuca trees.

The inviting blue waters are popular for swimmers, fishers and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the jetty.

The township of Palm Cove, home to just over 2,000 people, is considered by locals and visitors to be one of Tropical Northern Queensland's most 'glamorous beach villages' thanks to its collection of world-class, restaurants bars and spas.

The inviting blue waters are popular for swimmers, fishers and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the Palm Cove jetty

Palm Cove is considered by locals and visitors to be one of Tropical Northern Queensland's most 'glamorous beach villages' thanks to its world-class, restaurants bars and spas

Cairns Mayor Terry James told FEMAIL Palm Cove is one of Cairns' most popular and iconic destinations which is a major drawcard for visitors and much loved by locals.

'What sets Palm Cove apart is its distinctive beauty and unique ambience. Its a harmonious blend of beachside village adorned with magnificent melaleucas, complimented by luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, all nestled alongside a pristine palm-fringed beach,' he said.

'Recognition of Palm Cove as the worlds number one beach by an award-winning travel magazine and website only validates what locals already know about Palm Cove, often referred to as the jewel of Cairns northern beaches.'

At number four on the list, Wategos Beach is a breathtaking, sheltered part of the coast on the northern side of Cape Byron that's popular for surfing and family picnics.

The 34 best beaches in the world for 2024 1. Palm Cove Beach, Australia 2. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 3. Brekon, Shetland 4. Wategos Beach, Australia 5. Ora Beach, Indonesia 6. Mona Vale Beach, Australia 7. Dune du Pilat, France 8. Noosa Beach, Australia 9. Awaroa, South Island, New Zealand 10. Die Plaat, South Africa 11. Grand Anse, Grenada 12. Keem Bay, Achill Island, Ireland 13. Fakarava, French Polynesia 14. Marathonisi, Zakynthos, Greece 15. Praia do Sancho, Brazil 16. Chesterman Beach, Canada 17. Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles 18. Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji 19. Hidden Beach, Philippines 20. Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius 21. Tortuga Bay, Galapagos 22. Turquoise Bay, Australia 23. Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda 24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 25. Gantheaume Point, Australia 26. Dolfynstrand, Namibia 27. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, USA 28. Rauasandur Beach, Iceland 29. Jibei Island beach, Taiwan 30. Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Scotland 31. Benguerra Island, Mozambique 32. Al Mughsail, Salalah, Oman 33. Playa Paraiso, Cuba 34. Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides Source: Conde Nast Traveller Advertisement

Australia was the most represented country on the best beaches list with three more making the top 10. At number four is Wategos Beach on the northern side of Cape Byron

Mona Vale, at number six, was dubbed the 'the unsung hero of the famed Northern Beaches' and is made up of two separate beaches that stretch for 1km along the shore in Sydney's north.

A rocky platform that separates the two beaches has a man-made ocean-fed lap pool for those after calmer waters.

One of the 'most beloved' beaches in Queensland, Noosa main beach was also in Conde Nast Traveller's top 10 at number eight.

Noosa Main Beach is a favourite among both locals and travellers as its northern-facing position means the sea is clear, flat and calm.

It is nestled at the edge of the lush Noosa National Park with stretching golden sands perfect for sitting on to watch the sunrise.

Further down the list at number 22, was Exmouth's Turquoise Bay in Western Australia.

One of the 'most beloved' beaches in Queensland, Noosa main beach was also in Conde Nast Traveller's top 10 at number eight

Further down the list at number 22, was Exmouth's Turquoise Bay (left) and at 25 was Broome's Gantheaume Point (right) both in Western Australi

Sitting on the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, the aptly named Turquoise Bay boasts clear aqua waters, white sands, and perfect warm weather almost all year round.

With buzzing marine life and colourful coral, its crystal clear waters are ideal for keen snorkellers and ocean lovers alike.

The final Australian beach in the top 34 best in the world was Gantheaume Point near Broome at 25.

Gantheaume Point is 6km from the Kimberley hotspot Broome where red rocky cliff faces contrast the sapphire ocean.

The rocky shore is peppered with natural pools and even features real dinosaur footprints dating as far back as 130 million years ago.
The worrying state of maternity care in England's hospitals is today revealed by the Mail's analysis of NHS figures.

Use our definitive interactive guide below to find out how your local maternity unit is ranked by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which has found that more than half of NHS services are 'failing'. That means they are unsafe for both mothers and babies.

The guide is split into an interactive map showing CQC rankings and a searchable table that gives an unrivalled insight into everything from C-section rates to how many babies are delivered by a midwife, allowing you to see the state of play at your local hospital.

Regulators blame a shortage of midwives for the crisis, with giving birth described as being like 'Russian roulette' by experts.

The CQC, which assesses each maternity unit in the country, says safety is still 'so far from where it needs to be', despite signs of a slight improvement in the wake of a string of scandals, according to its annual maternity survey.

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CQC RANKINGS

Nationwide, most maternity services are failing. That's according to CQC rankings which score them as being either 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement' or 'inadequate'.

Ratings are based on how they perform against markers such as safety, efficiency, care and leadership.

In the CQC's latest annual report, from last September, 3 per cent of hospital maternity services were given the top mark.

The majority were deemed good or outstanding (50 per cent) or requires improvement (39 per cent).

However, Mail+ analysis of February's CQC ratings  the most recently published  show the the overall picture has worsened slightly. Since that annual report was published, 47 per cent of maternity services are now ranked as either outstanding or good.

Although the majority of CQC ratings remained the same as their previous inspection, about 24 per cent of ratings went down and just over 12 per cent went up.

Services slapped with an 'inadequate' rating means there is a high risk of avoidable harm for mothers and babies, under the CQC's criteria.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Daisy Cooper MP said: 'It is absolutely appalling that over half of all maternity units and services are currently rated so low.'

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour spokesman for mental health and MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said its terrifying that expectant mothers will be treated in unsafe maternity units.

'Women continue to be failed by this Government, with too many patients still not receiving the safe, high-quality care they need and deserve, she added.

Poole Hospital saw its rating drop to 'inadequate' after regulators last March found staffing levels on the ward were so low it was impacting the safety of women and children.

Royal Sussex County Hospital was also marked down because inspectors noted there were 'not enough midwifery staff to keep women and babies safe'.

Comments CQC inspectors recorded from the workforce included 'staff are exhausted and on their knees', 'I feel it is only a matter of time before something bad happens', 'staff are reduced to tears every day because it is so short staffed' and 'I have a constant sense of dread that something awful will happen'.

Some locations in the Mail+ analysis don't have previous ratings available to compare.

The Royal College of Midwives suggests staff shortages and lack of funding is making it harder for midwives to deliver better-quality services.

The RCM's latest calculation is that England is short of 2,500 midwives.

WHAT MOTHERS REALLY THINK

The CQCs annual maternity survey, published in February, revealed women's experiences of care have deteriorated in the past five years, with staff shortages a key reason.

A quarter of those surveyed said they were left alone at some point during their birth, or shortly after, at a time when it 'worried' them  a higher proportion than those who said this in 2018 (23 per cent).

There has also been a downward trend in women saying they saw or spoke to a midwife as much as they wanted after giving birth, from 73 per cent in 2018 to 63 per cent in 2023.

Katie Wilkins, 26, had a still born baby girl, Maddison, in February 2013 at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Richard Stanton and Rhiannon Davies at their home in Hereford. Rhiannon is holding a teddy bear - a gift for their daughter Kate who passed away at just six hours of age. Her death was later found to have been avoidable

Rhiannon Davies with her daughter Kate moments after her birth on Sunday, March 1, 2009

In addition, 10 per cent said they were not able to get help at all from any member of staff.

However, the survey, which quizzed 25,000 women and their families, did show some improvements.

For example, 85 per cent of women said they were given appropriate advice and support when they contacted a midwife or the hospital early labour, slightly up on the 82 per cent in 2022.

There was also a 3 percentage point increase in the number of women who said midwives 'always' listened to them (83 per cent).

RCM chief executive Gill Walton said she was 'pleased to see things moving in the right direction', but admitted there are 'areas that need accelerated improvement'.

Frontline midwives have previously warned working in the NHS is like playing a 'warped game of Russian Roulette', as there was a risk of harm or death at any time, partly due to 'dangerously' low staffing levels.

'Receiving safe maternity services should not be a Russian roulette,' said Ms Cooper.

The MP added women 'deserve' the 'highest quality care' and said maternity units had been left under-resourced with not enough staff or equipment to provide excellent care.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it is investing extra cash to help boost the maternity workforce in hopes of fixing the low numbers of maternity staff in services across the country.

A DHSC spokesman said: 'Every parent deserves to feel confident in the care they and their baby receive, and thats why the Secretary of State has made improving care before, during and after pregnancy one of our top priorities for the womens health strategy in 2024.

'Since 2021, we have invested an additional 165 million a year, which will rise to an extra 186million a year from 2024/25, to grow and support the maternity workforce and improve maternity and neonatal care.

'The Care Quality Commission will continue monitoring those trusts that are not providing care to an adequate standard, to ensure improvements are made.'

Kate Terroni, CQCs deputy chief executive, said: 'We know that many women receive good, safe maternity care, but sadly thats not everyones experience.

'Safe, high-quality maternity care for all is not an ambitious or unrealistic goal. It should be the minimum expectation for women and babies  and is what staff working in maternity services across the country want to provide.

'It's not acceptable that maternity safety is still so far from where it needs to be. As a healthcare system, we need to do better for women and for babies.'

NUMBER OF C-SECTIONS

In 2022-23, just shy of 40 per cent of births in England were via C-sections.

For comparison, the figure stood below 30 per cent in 2017-18, Mail+ found.

And when broken down by trust, we can reveal that every provider has seen an increase in caesarean rates over the same timeframe.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust doubled its C-section rates, according to NHS data, from just 15 per cent in 2020-21 to 30.5 per cent in 2022-23.

However, the trust has disputed this figure and said the true rate is closer to 25 per cent.

It said that an incorrect number of births and C-sections were listed in the NHS data.

The uptick comes in the wake of the Shrewsbury maternity scandal, considered the worst in British history.

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Some 201 babies and nine mothers died needlessly during a two-decade spell at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

In a landmark 250-page report, investigators who probed the failures cited an obsession with 'normal births'. Women were encouraged to have vaginal deliveries, often when a caesarean would have been a safer option, to keep surgery rates low.

A similar scandal at Morecambe Bay NHS trust also referenced the dangers of fixating on natural or 'normal' births.

The 2015 inquiry, which found 11 babies and one mother suffered avoidable deaths, ruled a group of midwives overzealously pursued natural childbirth and that 'led at times to inappropriate and unsafe care'.

The idea of a 'normal birth' has been frequently promoted by respected bodies.

But the Royal College of Midwives formally abandoned its 'normal birth' campaign in 2017, after previously praising trusts for keeping C-sections rates low.

In the wake of the Shrewsbury report, multiple women told how they felt pressured into not having a C-section.

One of these was the MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who revealed in 2022 she had been 'told I wasn't going to have a Caesarean section' during the difficult birth of her first child.

Recalling her experience, she told LBC that after the birth of her son she realised it was 'ridiculous' she didn't have a C-section and that's 'absolutely' what she should have had. Ms Trevelyan added she was left 'very damaged' but fortunately her son was fine.

C-sections have been on the rise for years in a trend partly explained by increasing obesity levels.

Some studies have found being overweight in pregnancy increases the chances of needing a C-section.

Pregnant women in their late 30s and 40s, who are an increasing proportion of mothers, are also more likely to need a C-section due to the increased likelihood of complications.

An NHS spokesman said: 'Each birth is different, and it is important that every pregnant woman and their maternity team are able to discuss and assess the risks and benefits of each delivery method as part of a personalised care and support plan, to ensure the best possible outcome for mums and their babies.'
Women must wait almost a year longer to be given an endometriosis diagnosis than before the pandemic, a report reveals.

It now takes an average of eight years and ten months for doctors to identify the painful disease, an increase of ten months since 2020.

Most women made at least one visit to A&E and almost half needed ten or more GP appointments before being diagnosed.

The waits delay access to treatment, when the disease can progress, leading to a risk of permanent organ damage. Charity Endometriosis UK said women were being 'dismissed, ignored and belittled'.

Most women made at least one visit to A&E and almost half needed ten or more GP appointments before being diagnosed (stock image)

Almost half of all respondents (47 per cent) had visited their GP at least ten times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis (stock image)

Endometriosis affects the physical and mental health of one in ten women in the UK from puberty to menopause, though the impact may be felt for life, the charity added.

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The long-term condition affects women of any age, including teenagers. Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain

Period pain

pain during or after sex

pain peeing or pooing

feeling sick

difficulty getting pregnant Treatments include: Painkillers

Hormone medicines and contraceptives

Surgery to cut away the patches of endometriosis Source NHS Advertisement

In sufferers, cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found outside the uterus. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the womb cells that leave the body as a period, they have no way to escape.

The new Endometriosis UK report, based on a survey of 4,371 women with the disease, highlights a rise in diagnosis times in all four UK nations since 2020.

Almost half of all respondents (47 per cent) had visited their GP at least ten times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis.

Only 10 per cent said that GPs mentioned they suspected endometriosis at their first or second appointment.

Some 52 per cent had visited A&E at least once, and fewer than a fifth of these (17 per cent) were referred to gynaecology at their first visit. More than quarter (26 per cent) of respondents visited A&E three or more times with symptoms prior to diagnosis.

And 20 per cent reported seeing a gynaecologist ten or more times before being diagnosed.

Remarkably, 78 per cent of those who were later diagnosed were told they were making a 'fuss about nothing'.

The disease affects 1.5 million women in the UK but Endometriosis UK says is not allocated sufficient resources.

Women's health strategy minister Maria Caulfield said: 'We are working to turn dismissed, ignored and belittle into listened to, understood and empowered.'
Britain's GP crisis could be eased by letting doctors based in Singapore offer virtual appointments to patients, a think tank has claimed.

The Social Market Foundation (SMF) argued Singaporean medics would help cut out waste and inefficiency, and instead 'rescue our beleaguered national health service' from its 'serious decline'.

Disgruntled patients have abandoned NHS surgeries in favour of going private amid the appointments crisis. Others have visited A&E instead, which campaigners argue has heaped extra pressure on swamped casualty units.

The SMF also argued 'polyclinics', where patients battling long-term conditions are treated by a team of doctors, nurses and health coordinators, would prove a cost-effective solution to tackling the post-Covid NHS backlog.

It claimed Singapore spends 4.4 per cent of its national income on healthcare  less than half as much as the UK  but 'enjoys much better outcomes'.

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Its infant mortality rate is also half of that in the UK, while its population has a lower obesity rate and higher life expectancy.

Given Brits are already using remote health services which involve Singaporean GPs, it would be a 'natural' next step to allow the medics to prescribe meds to patients in the UK, the SMF paper said.

Their practice also complies with the Public Hospitals and Medical Clinics Guidelines, 'ensuring a high standard of medical care', it added.

If the move was successful, the NHS could commission the service for rural areas, which suffer with limited local GP access.

Latest NHS figures show 17.6million appointments that took place in England in 2023 were booked one month earlier  or one in every 20.

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

It marks a rise of over a third in the space of a year.

Almost a fifth of appointments (17.5 per cent) were booked a fortnight in advance, a rise on the 15.2 per cent recorded in 2022.

Under the paper's other recommendations, 'polyclinics' should also be established in parts of England with poorer access to primary care services.

These clinics would combine GP services with labs able to carry out diagnostic tests, and multidisciplinary teams who can care for those with chronic health conditions.

In his foreword to the paper, former health minister Lord Norman Warner, argued the 'time has come to revisit these ideas and draw on the experience of Singapore'.

He added: 'Politicians know radical change is necessary but are fearful of explaining what's needed to their electorate.

'Part of the trouble is they lack models they can draw on and cite as a way forward.'

'Polyclinics' were first introduced in the UK in 2008 when Lord Darzi, then health minister under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, attempted to set up 'one-stop shops' across the country.

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But the plans were soon abandoned and the British Medical Journal branded them 'costly white elephants'.

They were decommissioned under the coalition government.

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. Satisfaction has fallen to an all-time low.

Fewer than half of patients (49.8 per cent) also 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.

Under recommendations implemented by the BMA and European Union of General Practitioners, GPs in the UK 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.
A union fund setup to boost the income of striking doctors has proven a flop after attracting donations worth just 2.40 per member.

The British Medical Association launched the strike fund with huge fanfare, saying it would help medics win their fight for more pay and supplement their income on days they take industrial action.

But analysis by the Daily Mail reveals its fundraising website has received an average of just four donations per day since going live over a year ago, in September 2022.

The union boasts of having 190,366 members but has received only 6,134 online donations from 2,144 donors.

This suggests fewer than 12 in 1,000 have contributed to help colleagues.

The British Medical Association launched the strike fund with huge fanfare, saying it would help medics win their fight for more pay and supplement their income on days they take industrial action. But analysis by the Daily Mail reveals its fundraising website has received an average of just four donations per day since going live over a year ago, in September 2022

The union boasts of having 190,366 members but has received only 6,134 online donations from 2,144 donors. This suggests fewer than 12 in 1,000 have contributed to help colleagues. Pictured, junior doctors picket outside Manchester Royal Infirmary last week on February 26

The revelation will be an embarrassment for union leaders, who regularly use crab emojis in their social media profiles and messages as a sign of 'solidarity and unity'. Pictured, junior doctors attend their picket line at St Thomas' Hospital in Westminster , last week on February 26

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The true number will be even lower as the fund is open to donations from members of the public, who can commit to recurring payments.

The revelation will be an embarrassment for union leaders, who regularly use crab emojis in their social media profiles and messages as a sign of 'solidarity and unity'.

One MP, who is also a doctor, last night said it is likely BMA members have failed to dig deep in their pockets because they know their colleagues are typically not 'hard-up'.

Health bosses have been forced to cancel more than 1.4million appointments and operations as a result of industrial action by the likes of junior doctors, consultants and nurses.

The disruption has hampered efforts to clear waiting lists, left patients in pain for longer and cost the NHS an estimated 3billion.

The BMA admits on its website that it was concerned doctors may grow weary of losing pay on days that they strike and undermine their campaign by returning to work.

It launched the fund in a bid to 'keep workers on the picket line' and 'support doctors to take regular industrial action'.

Donations are distributed to members who are in 'precarious financial situations', it adds.

Junior doctors, who are seeking a 35 per cent pay rise, earn a basic salary of up to 63,152 a year and consultants up to 126,281.

However, the online fund has raised just 458,270, which equates to a mere 2.40 per member.

The union was forced to apologise to donors after initially claiming '100 per cent of donations' would go to members but it has since disclosed that the website hosting the fundraiser takes a fee of up to 3.25 per cent.

The smallest donation received so far is 50p and the largest 19,000.

Writing on a BMA blog in March last year, BMA council member Joanna Sutton-Klein wrote: 'The current BMA strike fund is still in its infancy, and in the future we would love it to be able to support more people.

'However, we are optimistic that it will grow quickly.'

The optimism proved ill-founded as donations peaked that month, at 85,211, and have since plummeted 70 per cent to 25,924 this January, the last full month analysed.

Professor Philip Banfield, chair of the BMA council, encouraged members to contribute to the fund, saying: 'This is the first time in our long history that the BMA has created a strike fund.

'It represents a significant step forward in our ability to support members in taking action in defence of the NHS and the profession.'

Donors are able to publish a message when making their donations.

These reveal the militant nature of the industrial action, with many taking a swipe at the government.

Junior doctors in their first year now have a basic pay of 32,300, while those with three years' experience make 43,900. The most senior earn 63,100

Ministers have given junior doctors an 8.8 per cent pay rise, on average, for the 2023/24 financial year. However, the uplift was higher for first year medics, who were given a 10.3 per cent boost. Pictured a black cocker spaniel in a BMA hat on the picket line outside St Thomas' Hospital on February 26

One wrote 'stick together crabs', another said 'stick together, strike together, win together. Stronger together', while a third said 'sock it to them' and a forth 'don't let the b*****ds grind you down!'

Tory MP Dr James Davies told the Mail: 'The BMA might be happy to inflict seemingly endless strikes, but these figures suggest that doctors are growing weary.

'The government has already given doctors generous pay rises of up to 10 per cent, so it's disappointing to see the BMA is pursuing strike action above all else, especially when support for the strikes seems to be dwindling.

'It's about time the BMA stops the strikes, gets around the negotiation table, and comes to an agreement that's fair for doctors, patients and taxpayers.'

Tory MP Caroline Johnson, a doctor and member of the Commons health and social care committee, said: 'Doctors should not be going on strike as they have patients who need looking after, including children and pregnant women.

'It's understandable that they want to earn more money, like most people do, and there are credible reasons why they may deserve more but in my view striking, for doctors, is morally wrong.

'There will be some exceptions, but most doctors are not generally hard-up, and other doctors know this, which may be why they haven't rushed to put their hands in their pockets in search of many large donations.

'Ultimately, the best way for doctors to pay their bills and avoid hardship is to go to work.'

The BMA said donations made through the Raisely website only account for some of the money raised by the strike fund but refused to say how much has been received via other sources.
Q: I am very flatulent and sometimes pass mucus. I also get constipated, for which I take a laxative. But even after going to the bathroom I still feel like I need to go again. Are these problems connected  and is there a cure?

Name and address supplied.

Dr Martin Scurr: Many people find these kinds of symptoms difficult to discuss, so I commend you for raising this important topic.

The sensation of not being able to completely empty the rectum is called tenesmus. It is a constant feeling, a sense that you failed to get everything out and need to try again. Sometimes it also causes abdominal pain.

You have not mentioned bleeding, which is reassuring, but the passage of mucus isnt normal.

Tenesmus is a symptom of an underlying condition and you must talk to your doctor about this and request referral for further investigation.

Tenesmus is a symptom of an underlying condition and you must talk to your doctor about this

The most common potential cause is inflammation in the lower bowel, for instance due to inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohns disease.

The initial investigation, called sigmoidoscopy, involves passing a thin viewer into the rectum and large intestine. The specialist might also suggest a colonoscopy in order to examine the full length of the large bowel.

The mucus and the tenesmus may be linked, though not necessarily, to the flatulence. The important thing is to seek an exact diagnosis.

Q: My 65-year-old brother suffered a blood clot in his leg six months ago and has been on daily anticoagulant drugs since. But during a recent hospital check doctors said the clot is still there and always will be. Is this correct?

Jo Whyley, by email.

A: I understand your confusion. Your brother was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), presumably via a scan after hed developed symptoms  the most common for DVT is unexplained swelling in the leg. It can also cause pain and an unexplained increase in visible veins in the lower part of the affected leg.

The veins below the knee are more superficial, so if a deep vein is obstructed by clot, these superficial veins have to carry most, if not all, of the blood flow, and become very prominent (the veins higher up tend to be deeper and obscured by fat).

The danger of a DVT is that the clot, or part of it, can break off and travel through the bloodstream back to the heart.

As clots are soft and gel-like, it would be pumped through the chambers of the heart and into the lungs  leading to a potentially fatal blockage in a blood vessel there, known as a pulmonary embolism.

In your longer letter you mention your brother was prescribed rivaroxaban, a blood thinner designed to reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism.

But this drug doesnt completely dissolve the clot. Instead, it stabilises it; meaning within days, and over the forthcoming weeks, the clot shrinks and becomes what is, in effect, scar material that wont break off. When your brother was examined again months later, it was this residual healed clot material that the doctor identified.

Its no longer a blood clot, in the same sense, and its no longer accurate to describe it as a DVT.

Although it might shrivel further, it will always be there.

An important question in anyone with a DVT is identifying the cause. When there is no obvious source  such as the immobility imposed by a long journey  the patient should undergo tests for thrombophilia, a condition that increases the risk of clots.

This can be caused by many factors, ranging from genetic diseases such as protein C deficiency to liver disorders.

Write to Dr Scurr at Good Health, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY or email: drmartin@dailymail.co.uk .

Dr Scurr cannot enter into personal correspondence. Replies should be taken in a general context. Consult your own GP with any health concerns.

In my view... Weedkiller chemical link to mens fertility

As chairman of the ethics committee at a fertility clinic, I have an interest in male infertility  and have long been worried about the decline in sperm counts. Between 1951 and the 1970s these fell 50 per cent, from an average of 107 million sperm per millilitre to 48 million.

Then in 2017, a review of 185 studies from between 1973 and 2011 revealed a further 50 per cent drop.

Among potential causes of this worrying decline are pollutants called endocrine-disrupting chemicals  and in particular, glyphosate, a weedkiller.

A study in 2022, published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, suggested that more than 99 per cent of people in France had residues of glyphosate in their urine  not surprising considering that the chemical is sprayed on to wheat fields prior to harvest.

Environmental pollution is more than just global warming  some estimates show counts of healthy sperm are dropping by 1 to 2 per cent a year, so it could be that within 20 years we will lose the ability to reproduce  which will knock all other environmental worries into a cocked hat.
Michael McIntyre fans were forced to contemplate missing out on a chance to see the comedian live after he was rushed to hospital over the weekend.

The British comic, 48, underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on March 4 while he recovers.

Kidney stones affect more than one in ten people, mostly aged between 30 and 60, and are caused by waste products in the blood forming crystals. Over time, crystals build up to form a hard stone-like lump.

Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will tries to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do so and can be managed at home.

When they get too big, however, they can become extremely painful and surgery is usually needed to remove them.

So what are the tell-tale signs you may have a kidney stone?

Michael McIntyre, 48, underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on March 4 while he recovers

A member of Michael's team revealed he went down for the operation to remove kidney stones and apologised for any inconvenience caused with fans. Kidney stones affect more than one in ten people, mostly aged between 30 and 60, and are caused by waste products in the blood forming crystals. Over time, crystals build up to form a hard stone-like lump

Pain in the back or side of the abdomen

According to the National Kidney Foundation, as a general rule, the larger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms.

A severe pain on either side of the lower back is a common complaint.

These periods of intense pain in the back or side of the abdomen, or occasionally also in the groin, may last for minutes or hours.

Men may experience pain in their testicles. Kidney stones trigger pain, which can build rapidly, either by causing irritation or a blockage.

WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES? Kidney stones are hard lumps that form due to a build up of waste products in the blood. They are usually found in the kidney or the ureter  the tube that connects the kidneys to your bladder. They can be extremely painful and can lead to kidney infections or the kidney not working properly if left untreated. A tenth of Britons and Americans suffer kidney stones, with 30 to 60-year-olds most vulnerable. It is more likely to happen if a person doesn't drink enough fluids, takes certain medication or has an underlying condition. Those in severe pain, with a high temperature or have blood in their urine should contact their GP or NHS 111 immediately. Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will tries to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do so and can be managed at home. However, larger stones may need to be broken up with surgery. Up to half of all sufferers will have kidney stones again within five years. Source: NHS Advertisement

The latter can happen if the stone blocks the flow of urine and causes the kidney to swell.

Blood in urine

Sufferers may also experience blood in the urine, known medically as haematuria, when a kidney stone is being passed.

Larger stones may destroy tissue in the urinary tract, allowing blood to leak into urine.

However, there are many possible causes for blood in urine, including a urinary infection, a tumour in the bladder or kidney or polycystic kidney disease.

The NHS urges anyone who spots blood in their urine to get it checked with an urgent GP appointment as soon as possible, even if you do not have any other symptoms, it's the first time it's happened or there's only a small amount of blood.

It may be a sign of cancer, which is easier to treat if found early.

Urine infection

If a kidney stone blocks the urinary tract, it can stop the flow of urine passing down the ureter draining urine from the kidney.

This may lead to infection or even damage to the kidney.

These involve typical infection symptoms such as a high temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea.

People may also experience urine that is pink or cloudy and feel the need to urinate more often than normal.

This is due to the stone irritating the base of your bladder and fooling it into thinking that it is full.

Others may experience a burning feeling when urinating.

Feeling sick or vomiting

Tell-tale signs of kidney stones, however, may not always relate to urination.

They can also cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, creating confusion over what condition people are suffering.

According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, this symptom may be triggered when the stone moves down from the kidney into the ureter  the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

The pain it can cause be be 'very unpleasant' and lead to nausea and vomiting, the organisation says.

Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will tries to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do so and can be managed at home. When they get too big, however, they can become extremely painful and surgery is usually needed to remove them. Pictured, Michael presenting his BBC1 programme 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show'

Feeling sweaty

Kidney stones, equally, can also trigger other flu-like symptoms such as the chills.

This is normally a result of a urinary infection, according to state health chiefs in Victoria, Australia.

But similar symptoms can be caused by problems with your back or spine, and other urological or non-urological conditions.

The Association of Urological Surgeons urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to arrange a GP appointment to see what further tests Brits may need.

Tests to diagnose kidney stones include a blood test to check if the kidneys work properly, a urine test to check or blood or an infection and a CT scan or ultrasound scan.
Nearly as many cases of measles have been detected this year as in the whole of 2023, data shows.

Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 41 cases were diagnosed in January and February compared to 58 in the whole of 2023. At this time last year, only three cases had been recorded.

Sixteen states have confirmed outbreaks so far  with Florida's, linked to elementary schools, being the largest at ten cases.

The outbreaks have been attributed to falling measles vaccination rates for the third year in a row.

The target is 95 percent, but last year it dipped to 93.1 percent, meaning hundreds of thousands of kindergarteners were not protected against the disease as they headed into schools.

The above map shows the states that have detected measles cases so far this year

Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, before causing a rash made up of small red spots, some of which can feel slightly raised. According to the NHS, it typically starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading further

Measles infections can be easily prevented with the two-dose MMR vaccine, which is more than 97 percent effective against infections with the disease.

The disease is one of the most infectious known to man and is spread via droplets in the air or contaminated surfaces, with nine in ten unvaccinated people exposed to the disease developing an infection.

Patients initially suffer symptoms including a runny nose and red and puffy eyes that are sensitive to light  but this can progress to a harsh cough and a rash that spreads from the face to the feet and is formed of flat red spots.

The CDC says about one in five people infected with measles are hospitalized while up to three out of every 1,000 patients die from the disease. One in a thousand also develop swelling in the brain.

Michigan was the latest state to record measles cases this year  after confirming infections in two adults who had recently traveled overseas.

Florida's surgeon general Dr Joseph Ladapo drew criticism earlier last month after suggesting children who were exposed to measles in the state's outbreak did not need to isolate at home.

Dr Robert Speth, a medical expert at South Florida's Nova Southeastern University, told The Guardian: 'His statements are more political than medical and that's a horrible disservice to the citizens of Florida'.

'He's someone whose job is to protect public health, and he's doing the exact opposite.'

The above graph shows the number of measles cases reported by year. There are about 100 cases reported in the US every year

The above shows the number of measles cases reported by week, revealing an uptick in recent weeks

The other states to report cases are: Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

Six of these states  Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and Minnesota  did not report a single case of measles last year.

It is unclear what proportion of the cases are linked to international travel and how many patients have been infected in the US.

Experts say measles comes into the US from overseas countries where vaccine coverage is limited, including Yemen, India and Russia.

Patients may then unwittingly spread it in their local areas before realizing they are infected.

Earlier this year, a child at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was reportedly infected after they were placed into a bed next to a child who had measles before their condition was diagnosed.

Before the Covid pandemic, America was recording around a hundred measles cases every year  mostly linked to international travel.

The biggest outbreak was in 2019 when more than 1,274 cases were recorded  which was in part linked to parents holding 'measles parties' where they would expose unvaccinated children to the disease to get them immunity.

Cases have remained low since then, with the highest number recorded in 2022 when the US saw 121 cases of measles.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 but has continued to pop up in the country since.
READ MORE: CVS and Walgreens to sell abortion pill for first time in five states

America's first over-the-counter birth control pill has been shipped to retailers across the country and will go on sale in the coming weeks.

Dublin-based company Perrigo announced the first orders of its drug, Opill, had been sent to stores nationwide, including CVS and Walgreens.

It will be available to pre-order this week from 'most major pharmacies' as early as late March. It will also be available online at Opill's website.

In both cases, anyone can purchase the drug without a prescription after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill for OTC use last July.

According to Perrigo, Opill will be available in one-month and three-month supplies in stores for $19.99 and $49.99.

Opill is different from other oral contraceptives in that it only contains one hormone - progestin - as opposed to two

Online, a six-month supply will be $89.99. One pill is meant to be taken every day at the same time.

Opill has been hailed 'historic' by advocacy and medical groups such as Free the Pill and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which have been lobbying for years to make an over the counter birth control pill available at an affordable price.

Meanwhile, some anti-abortion groups go so far as to equate hormonal birth control with abortion.

March for Life, the organization behind an annual event in which thousands of pro-life activists descend on Washington, DC for an anti-abortion demonstration, argued for many years that hormonal birth control caused abortion.

They call birth control, vaginal rings, and other forms of contraception 'abortifacients'.

In that group's eyes, the use of any birth control method that prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg in the womb is tantamount to abortion.

Triona Schmelter, executive vice president and president of consumer self-care Americas at Perrigo, said: 'From an online perspective, it should be available for order pretty much immediately.'

As for stores, she said that 'it's going to take a few weeks for it to get through the distribution pipeline, of us shipping to retailers' distribution facilities and then them shipping to their stores.'

Opill has been safely in use for about five decades, but the US has been an outlier when it comes to making the pills available without a doctors order.

Unlike combination pills, Opill does not contain estrogen, which increases the risk of blood clotting by several-fold, the progestin-only pills is seen as lower-risk.

It works by thickening mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.

Opill's upcoming availability comes days after CVS and Walgreen's announced they would carry the abortion pill mifepristone

Progestin-only pills do not prevent ovulation to the same extent as combination birth control pills. Therefore, their effectiveness is slightly lower. Opill has been shown to prevent pregnancy from ever occurring 98 percent of the time.

The FDAs Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Reproductive and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee, which met in May to discuss approval and voted unanimously in favor of, had two primary concerns about designating Opill for over-the-counter use.

The first concern was obesity, which is becoming more prevalent over time. Currently, about four in 10 Americans are deemed medically too fat. In 1960, it was closer to 13 percent.

Research has shown that obese women who take oral contraceptives have an increased risk of blood clots, though that link is weaker when it comes to progestin-only pills.

Agency officials said: Although the original clinical trials for norgestrel tablet [mini-pill] do not present data based on weight or BMI, the prevalence of obesity in adults in the United States has changed dramatically since the original clinical studies were conducted over 50 years ago.

The degree to which efficacy of [Opill] is diminished in individuals who are overweight or obese (which together now represent approximately 60% of the U.S. reproductive-aged population  ) remains unknown, they added.

FDA officials also worried that making the pill available without a prescription would eliminate the opportunity for doctors to explain to patients the importance of taking the progestin-only pill daily within the same three-hour window of time, raising the risk of missed doses or mistakenly doubling up on doses.

HRA Pharma addressed the concern in an expansive study dubbed ACCESS, which mimicked an OTC environment to see whether people were able to self-screen and take Opill appropriately.

The study found that 93 percent of people who were taking the mini pill did so on schedule everyday.

Ms Schmelter noted that once Opill becomes available, customers should be able to find it in the family planning section.

Walgreen's and CVS have both announced that they will offer Opill.

CVS spokesperson Matt Blanchette told CNN: 'Opill will be available at CVS.com and through the CVS Pharmacy app in late March.'

'In early April more than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores will offer Opill and for added privacy and convenience, customers will be able to choose same-day delivery or buy online and pick-up in store.'

Perrigo's announcement comes days after CVS and Walgreen's, two of America's largest pharmacies, said they will start selling the abortion pill mifepristone in several states this month.
The widow of Chadwick Boseman has warned young people that they are 'vastly underestimating' their risk of colon cancer  after losing her husband to the disease that is rising in young people.

Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman urged those under 50 years old to be vigilant for symptoms such as changes in bowel movement and blood in stool  because the disease set to become the biggest killer in the age group by 2030.

Speaking at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, she also urged people to attend screenings  which are available to people in the US from the age of 45 years  saying the cancer was 'treatable when detected early'.

It shocked the world when her husband Chadwick Boseman died from the disease in August 2020 at the age of 43 years after secretly battling the disease in private for four years.

Other high-profile cases include Broadway actor Quentin Lee, who died from the cancer in December 2022 at the age of 34 years.

Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman is pictured above with Chadwick Boseman at the 25th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California, in January 2019

She is pictured right at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, giving a keynote speech to raise awareness of the disease

Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms

Speaking at the hospital  which has a unit dedicated to young patients with colon cancer  Ms Ledward-Boseman said: 'Colon cancer is killing young people across the country, and most are vastly underestimating their risk.

'I've seen how this disease moves and I know now how treatable it is when it's detected early.

'My personal advocacy stems from this understanding, and from the disappointment I feel in the lack of awareness in my community.'

She added: 'We who have this knowledge have an obligation to inform our fellow man. Spreading awareness will save lives.'

She was the keynote speaker at the fifth annual patient and family forum at the hospital's center for people with colon cancer.

Statistics show that colon cancer cases are expected to spike more than 140 percent among those under 50 years old by 2030, with about 27,000 patients expected to be diagnosed every year.

More than 4,000 colon cancer deaths are also expected to be recorded by this date, as the cancer becomes the biggest killer in the age group. Back in 1998, it was the fourth biggest.

Most of the patients are in their 40s, although cases are also being recorded more often in those in their 30s and as young as 21 years old.

Black adults are most at risk, with a 20 percent higher risk of the cancer than other ethnic groups and a 40 percent higher risk of death.

Data from JAMA Surgery, which Dr Lieu referenced in his presentation this weekend, showed that colon cancer is expected to rise by 90 percent in people ages 20 to 34

The same data shows that rectal cancer will rise by 124 percent in the youngest age group

Colon cancer is such a big killer because its symptoms are often non-specific and missed in the early stages, meaning the disease is not diagnosed until the later stages when it has spread to other parts of the body and is harder to treat.

Chadwick Boseman, from South Carolina, was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2016, with the cancer having spread through his colon and into his lymph nodes.

He spent four years battling the disease via repeated surgeries and chemotherapies, while also filming movies including Marvel's Black Panther.

He died from the cancer after a four-year battle, with the revelation shocking the world  with the actor still appearing healthy.

Colon cancer is a major killer because it is difficult to detect in the early stages, with symptoms such as change in bowel movement and blood in stool often missed by sufferers.

This means it is often not detected until it is more advanced and has spread to other areas of the body, making it harder to treat.

Data shows about 97 percent of patients survive more than five years after their diagnosis if the cancer is caught in the early stages.

But if it is not detected until the late stage, the survival rate drops as low as 14 percent. Nearly a quarter of patients are diagnosed at this stage.

Warning over the rise, Dr Kimmie Ng  an expert in the cancer at Dana-Farber  said: 'The alarming rise in young-onset colorectal cancer underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection and comprehensive research to understand the underlying causes and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

'Facing young-onset colorectal cancer requires not only resilience but also advocacy.

'We are thankful to Simone Ledward-Boseman for bravely sharing her personal experience as a caretaker.

'Her continued support for awareness-raising efforts honors the incredible legacy of her late husband, Chadwick Boseman.'
(Photo : Unsplash/Sasun Bughdaryan)

Lawyers who successfully voided Elon Musk's fifty-six billion dollars compensation package as excessive on Friday are now seeking a historic six billion dollarsn legal fee, payable in the electric car maker's stock.

The three law firms acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the requested fee in a Court of Chancery in Delaware filing, noting that it equates to an hourly rate of $288,888.

A "Criminal" Compensation Demand

Elon Musk criticized the attorneys' suggested compensation as "criminal" on his X platform, accusing the lawyers of only causing harm to Tesla.

Requests for comment from Tesla and Musk's attorney were not promptly addressed.

The company was set to compensate the lawyers representing Richard Tornetta, a former drummer for the Philadelphia-based thrash band Dawn of Correction, who sued Musk in 2018 over the pay package nullified by a Delaware judge in January.

The lawsuit, filed by Tornetta on behalf of other shareholders, claimed that Musk had significant control over the approval process for his compensation package and that the board misled investors who voted on the CEO's substantial compensation.

The electric vehicle manufacturer is requested to cover the fee since it benefited from the return of Musk's compensation package, which the legal team mentioned would lead to 266 million shares returned to the carmaker.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk Pushing AI Advancements, Seeks 25% Voting Power Enough to be Influential at Tesla

A Tesla-Stock Payment

The lawyers stated that this arrangement directly ties the award to the created benefit without requiring any funds from Tesla's balance sheet for fee payment, adding that the fee would be tax-deductible for Tesla.

Judge Kathaleen McCormick, presiding over the case and responsible for determining the fee, described Musk's compensation as "unfathomable" in her ruling.

The company might protest the fee, as it is disputed a fee request in a similar case involving director pay.

The Largest Shareholders' Settlement

The highest settlements in shareholder lawsuits have been in federal court, with the largest fee being six hundred eighty-eight million dollars in 2008 for a legal team that secured a seven billion two hundred million dollars settlement in a securities fraud case against Enron Corp.

The fee request from Tesla coincides with the Delaware Supreme Court reviewing an appeal for a two hundred sixty-seven million dollars fee in a case settled for one billion dollars concerning Dell Technologies.

Delaware judges have emphasized that cases pursued extensively through litigation, including depositions and trials, deserve a higher percentage of the recovery to account for the risk and effort involved. The Musk compensation case proceeded to a trial for one week.

Critics of this stance contend that as settlements and judgments increase, attorneys should receive a decreasing percentage to prevent overcompensation. The legal team mentioned that the proposed fee amounted to approximately 11% of the judgment.

Musk's compensation package included stock options enabling him to purchase Tesla stock at significant discounts, requiring him to hold the shares for five years. The legal team stated they aimed to obtain unrestricted stock for selling.

The shareholders' legal representation consisted of three law firms: Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, Friedman Oster & Tejtel, headquartered in New York, and Andrews & Springer, located in Wilmington.

RELATED ARTICLE: Elon Musk Railing Against $55 Billion Pay Ruling, Shifts Neuralink Incorporation from Delaware to Nevada

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Women have long been told that living or hanging out with females for an extended period of time can cause their menstrual cycles to sync up.

But gynecologists are on a crusade to bust this myth, pointing out the old wives tale has no solid basis in science and actually diminishes a womans personhood, reducing her to nothing more than her biological imperative to reproduce.

Pop culture - or even personal experience - may have led you to believe that living in your sorority house all school year caused you and your 'sisters' to all get your periods at the same time

In reality, there is no biological mechanism that causes a disruption in women's menstrual cycle and the syncing they may experience is a phenomenon of complete chance, a product of random events and complex biological processes.

Dr Jen Gunter, a Canadian-American gynecologist called the belief 'the single greatest myth, saying: First of all, its been studied, so we know it doesnt happen. We have excellent evidence-based medicine to show its not true.'

@cbcnews Dr. Jen Gunter, whos been called the Internets gynecologist, is tackling period myths and misinformation in her new book Blood: The science, medicine, and mythology of menstruation. In an interview on CBC Radios The Sunday Magazine, the Canadian American doctor breaks down some of the top myths and explains why we all need to talk about periods. Menstruation CBCNews  original sound - CBC News - CBC News

Still, many people subscribe to the belief.

Dr Charis Chambers, an OB-GYN who practices in Georgia, said it all boils down to recall bias, 'meaning our brains are just more likely to recall the times when our periods synced up and overlook the times when they didnt.

The falsehood has roots in a 1971 paper in the journal Nature, in which Harvard University psychologist Martha McClintock concluded that women who live or work closely together synchronize their periods.

The University of Chicago psychologist asked 135 girls living in dorms to recall the start of their last periods at three times throughout the school year.

She found that close friend groups had periods closer together in April compared with the previous October, suggesting that women living in a college dormitory tended to synchronize over time.

Since then, however, gynecologists have amassed a large body of scientific research that disproves that theory.

Dr Gunter said, Theres no biological mechanism for it to happen And then people say, Oh what about pheromones? No one has actually ever proven the existence of human pheromones. I know the perfume industry would have you think otherwise.

In addition to being completely false, Dr Gunter said the myth is far from a harmless old wives tale.

The menstrual mythology undermines a womans personhood, perpetuating the misogynistic view that females are little more than the sum of their body parts meant only to reproduce.

Dr Gunter said: It positions women as breeders that are not in control of their own body. That somehow they can be affected by the herd, that theyre not thinking beings.

And so I think its awful on that level, but its absolutely not true.

Just one rebuttal that disproves the falsehood is a 2006 study in which a Polish anthropologist analyzed women in students dorms over five months. The research found that in 18 groups of two and 21 groups of three, the menstrual cycles of the women did not synchronize.

Social interactions had no effect, and instead, the start of a womans period was influenced by her body mass index and normal cycle irregularity.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can vary from 21 days to 35 days and periods can last anywhere from two to seven days.

Every woman is different, and various factors can influence a menstrual cycle, including weight gain and drastic weight loss, changes in the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone, stress, chronic illness, drug use, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

For most women, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and features four main stages - although this can vary hugely from woman to woman.

Dr Charis Chambers, an OB-GYN who practices in Georgia, said: If we take a person with a seven-day period every 32 days, another with a six-day period every 28 days, a third person with a five-day period every 24 days, and just allow the periods to run with absolutely no changes applied, over time were going to see theyll eventually sync up.

Now, if we continue with this process, with no period influencing the other, just by chance, were going to see them sync up again.

'And if we allow for enough cycles, over time, again, by chance, we can see all three sync up.

The real fault lies with a systematic error known as recall bias, which occurs when a study subjects ability to accurately remember and report past events becomes flawed over time.

Women are more likely to remember the date as being an easy-to-remember interval of five, suggesting that women may inadvertently get the date wrong.

A study in 2000 looked at birth certificates in California from 1987 and asked women to mark the start date of their last period.

Certain days of the month  the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 28th  were recorded more often than expected.

About 12.9 percent of these records showed a preference for specific numbers.

The number 15 was the most commonly recorded, appearing 2.5 times more frequently than expected, a major confounder in research to determine if periods started on the same day or not.

Dr Gunter said: Its just mathematics. If you take two randomly occurring events and line them up, they will at times be in sequence and at times not. And you just remember the time when youre in sequence.
Companies House will now tighten the rules around registering a firm

Companies House has been given new legal powers to tackle scammers who use other peoples' addresses to fraudulently register companies.

UK residents' homes have been entered without their consent as the correspondence address on the register of companies, when in reality they have no connection to the firm in question.

The fraudsters, often based in China, then use the address to apply for loans or to defraud customers into thinking they are a UK-based firm.

Fraud: UK residents' homes have been entered as the correspondence address on the register of companies without their knowledge

Often the first the residents hear of this is when they begin receiving tax demands, bills and other letters in the company's name.

Money Mail has reported on the case of a street in Swansea where 18 separate homes had had Chinese and Japanese companies registered to their address.

Until now, the only rules for a registered address on Companies House were that 'it must be a physical location where notices, letters and reminders can be delivered to the company,' and that it must be in the UK.

But from today, firms will not be allowed to use a PO Box as their registered address, and will also be required to supply a registered email address.

Companies House will have greater powers to query information submitted to the register and ask for supporting evidence, including 'stronger' checks on company names.

Those registering companies will also need to confirm they are forming a company for a 'lawful purpose' when they incorporate.

Companies House said it would also have greater powers to tackle and remove factually inaccurate information, as well as the ability to share data with other Government departments and law enforcement.

New criminal offences and civil penalties will be introduced for those that break the rules, with Companies House saying its priority was 'cleansing the register to remove details of those appointed without consent.'

The measures have been introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Companies House chief executive, Louise Smyth said: 'Weve known for some time that criminals have misused UK companies to commit fraud, money laundering and other forms of economic crime.

'As we start to crack down on abuse of the register, we are prioritising cases where peoples names and addresses have been used without their consent. It will now be much quicker and easier to report and remove personal information that has been misused.'

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake, who wrote a piece for the Mail on Sunday about the Companies House reforms last year, added: 'Companies House now has the tools to take a much harder line on criminals who take advantage of the UKs open economy and can now ensure the reputation of our businesses is not tarnished by the UK playing host to the world's scammers.

'The new reforms, which come into effect today, provide further protection to the public from companies fraudulently using their address and will begin to remove the smoke and mirrors around companies hiding behind false information.'
New safety tests due to arrive in 2026 will put fresh pressure on car makers to dial back confusing touchscreen systems that can be distracting for drivers to use on the move.

From January 2026, crash testing body Euro NCAP will introduce rules that downgrade the safety ratings of new vehicles that do not have buttons on the dashboard to control simple operations such as indicating and activating hazard warning lights.

Brands including Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo are today offering larger, more advanced touchscreens with more controls embedded into them that are convoluted to use while driving.

This is said to be 'undermining' the ban on using a phone at the wheel, which since March 2022 will land motorists who touch their device with six penalty points on your licence and a 200 fine (and if, within two years of passing your test, will cost you your licence) if caught by the police or roadside cameras.

Are you being distracted by your car? Auto makers are being told to dial back confusing touchscreens systems as EuroNCAP prepares to introduce rules that penalise models that don't have simple button controls

For years, road safety experts have been warning that the latest cars are proving an increasingly distracting danger.

This has been fuelled by the growing trend for manufacturers to scrap traditional push-button knobs, switches and dials on car dashboards and replace them with large computer-tablet-style touchscreens.

Designers love these because it clears the dashboard of - as they see it - unnecessary 'clutter' to create a clean, minimalist feel.

Industry bean-counters also prefer this setup because it cuts costs by removing switches and wiring in favour of an iPad-style dashboard run by downloadable software.

As a result, drivers are forced to increasingly interact with a touchscreen, which is positioned to the left of the steering wheel and means they must look away from the road.

The electric Tesla Model 3, for instance, doesn't have a traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel to tell them their speed, remaining battery range and satellite navigation turn instructions. Neither does it have a head-up display that beams this information onto the windscreen so a driver can take-in the info without glancing away from the road.

Instead, owners must instead turn their head to look at the 15.4-inch landscape display in the middle of the cabin.

The Tesla Model 3 doesn't have an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. It means the driver needs to peer over to the large tablet-style screen to see the speed they're travelling

Car makers are in an arms race to develop the most technologically-advanced infotainment screens. Pictured is the Mercedes-Benz MBUX 'Hyperscreen'

The Hyperscreen is wider than most living room televisions. At 55.5-inches - over 141cm wide - the curved units spans the width of the dashboard.

This pales in comparison to Mercedes' biggest screen - called the Hyperscreen - which is 55.5 inches wide and spans the entire dashboard of its high-end electric models.

Volkswagen, which has come under criticism as late for its below-par infotainment systems - including slider controls for the temperature and volume settings below the touchscreen that are not backlit, meaning they are incredibly difficult to locate at night - also continues to shift simple controls into its elaborate touchscreen systems.

The new ID.7 electric saloon does away with conventional vents to blow hot and cold air towards passengers and instead the driver has to tap the screen to adjust the intensity and direction the flow of air is distributed.

Even Volvo, a brand that's been a byword for vehicle safety for decades, is at it.

Its new EX30 EV requires the driver to press through a sub-menu on the car's touchscreen just to adjust the electric mirrors and the rear window de-mister.

Volkswagen's electric ID.7 doesn't have conventional air vents. Instead, how the air is distributed around the cabin is controlled by an elaborate setting in the touchscreen

Though not all car makers are going in the same direction.

Mazda has opted to keep traditional controls in its new models.

And it's the Japanese brand that is likely to score best in Euro NCAP's new safety tests due to be introduced in 2026.

Under the rules, a vehicle can only score a maximum five-star crash test rating if it has basic control buttons, stalks or dials for five critical tasks: indicating directions, triggering hazard lights, sounding the horn, operating windscreen wipers and activating the eCall SOS function, which automatically calls the emergency services in the event of a serious collision.

Although the safety rules are not mandatory, car makers are desperate to earn top marks to make their vehicles more appealing to consumers and anything but a five-star score can impact sales.

Euro NCAP alongside a number of safety campaigners are growing increasingly frustrated by the distracting characteristics of the latest infotainment system, many of which have a number of sub menus that require lots of concentration and effort to adjust - all while the operator is expected to control the car safely.

They fear this is undermining the Government's recent steps to ban touching mobile phones at the wheel for the very same reason.

Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, told The Times: 'The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes.

'New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.'

Even Volvo, a brand that's been a byword for vehicle safety for decades, has been accused of shifting too many controls to its touchscreens. The new EX30 EV requires the driver to press through a sub-menu to adjust the electric mirrors and the rear window de-mister

Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the trade body representing auto makers, said safety is the 'number-one priority' for the car industry but car manufacturers each have their 'own individual strategies for designing in-car controls'.

He added that car makers are also fitting their vehicles with the latest voice-activation systems that mean drivers do not need to take their eyes off the road for a second to make simple adjustments in their vehicles.

Commenting on the latest infotainment system in cars, industry analyst John Griffiths said: 'Touchscreens and their ever-more excessive and labyrinthine menus make smartphone distraction minor in comparison.'

Distraction an increasing cause of road deaths

Concerns about the wider use of touchscreens come in the wake of a 10 per cent spike road deaths in Britain.

In 2022, some 1,711 people lost their lives due to crashes on our roads, up from 1,558 fatalities the year before, the Department for Transport confirmed in its latest update. It said that the rise was down to the return of normal traffic levels after the Covid pandemic.

Experts said the rise partly been driven by crashes caused by drivers speeding or being impaired or distracted - all of which reached their highest levels seen in almost a decade in a 'chilling' reminder that more can be done to curb Britain's road casualty numbers.

So worried are leading motoring experts that the issue was raised as a matter of concern by trustees of the AA Charitable Trust for Road Safety.

AA President Edmund King welcomes the new Euro NCAP tests, having recently tested a new Tesla Model 3 and found its cabin setup 'very daunting'.

He told us: 'There's nothing wrong with having a touchscreen. But is should not be for instructions which are essential to the driver - such as setting or adjust the mirrors or activating the windscreen wipers.

'Such controls need to be intuitive and not distracting. You should not have to go into a screen menu to find them.'

He added: 'A driver can adjust controls on a knob or dial with their fingertips without taking their eyes of the road ahead. It's intuitive.

'That is not the case with a touchscreen. This is something we will be looking at further.'

Laws are set to be introduced in Europe (and Britain) from July this year enforcing mandatory in-cabin monitoring systems in new models entering the market. These can detect whether a driver is distracted.

An alarm sounds if the driver's eyes are not fixed to the road for more than 3.5 second at speeds of 30mph and above, and for six seconds below 30mph. This is measured using eye-monitoring tech and systems that can track head movement.

Cameras in the car will analyse the driver's eye and face movements to determine their attention levels; some models will use AI to that end.

From July 2026, the regulation will be extended to every new vehicle registered (not just brand new models launched).

The new technology comes after a European Road Safety Observatory report published in January found that drivers engaged in distracting activities for about half of all driving time.

The main causes being using a mobile phone, adjusting infotainment systems, interacting with passengers and eating, the study found.

Since July 2022, new cars sold in the EU have mandatory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems - or speed limiters - installed as standard.

The speed-limiting systems use GPS, sat-nav and cameras to identify the legal limit and will warn drivers to slow down - and if they don't the car can restrict engine power.

However, the UK Government has not made this requirement for motors sold in Britain in 2022.

It is possible to manually override the systems, as it is with optional speed limiters offered on most new cars that drivers can set themselves.
Ros Altmann: Investors can still put money overseas if they wish, but they should not expect taxpayer subsidies for boosting overseas economies

Other major countries invest pension pots far more heavily in domestic firms and it's time for Britain to take radical steps to do the same, according to former Pensions Minister Ros Altmann.

She urges Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to build on his Mansion House reforms to use pensions to boost UK growth - which attracted support, but also scepticism from some industry pundits.

At the time, Lady Altmann, a longtime pensions campaigner who sits in the House of Lords, said: 'It is time for revolution, not evolution.'

Here are her proposals to promote investing in UK Plc.

The Chancellor needs to be bold and harness the power of pension and Isa contributions to revive growth and flagging UK markets.

Both pensions and Isas come with generous tax breaks, but at the moment taxpayers spend huge sums subsidising people's investments yet not a penny has to be put into the UK.

Investors can still put their money overseas if they wish but they should not expect taxpayer subsidies for boosting overseas economies rather than our own.

Our pension funds and Isas can help the Chancellor out of his fiscal hole by investing more in Britain to revive British long-term growth, infrastructure and housing supply.

Right now, they have abandoned UK equity markets - see below for stark evidence of how little pension money is invested at home.

Ensuring 25 per cent of new pension contributions are invested in UK assets and launching a 10,000 Great British Isa would help to restore domestic investor support and should be a Budget priority.

Put 25% of pension in UK assets - or lose tax breaks

In the Budget, the Chancellor should signal an intention to require 25 per cent of new pension contributions to back Britain.

At least 25 per cent of each pension fund originates from tax and National Insurance reliefs - which now cost taxpayers 70billion a year - and 25 per cent of each pension is withdrawn tax-free.

In exchange for these generous tax subsidies, there is clearly justification for the Government to require more pension assets to support UK markets, infrastructure and economic growth.

UK pension funds are heavily underweight in UK shares, unlike in other countries

This could improve long-term prosperity for pensioners too. If they want to put more than 75 per cent into overseas assets, pension investors can do so, but they should not expect a taxpayer subsidy for that.

UK pension funds are heavily underweight in UK shares, unlike in other countries.

This seems to be a vote of 'no confidence' in our corporate sector, which damages confidence in UK markets as a whole.

Other countries ensure their pensions and tax-favoured investment funds are heavily overweight in their own domestic markets. Isn't it time for the UK to do the same?

The following table shows clearly how the UK is an outlier in international comparisons.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor's Mansion House reforms announced last year call for pension funds to voluntarily commit 5 per cent of their assets to unlisted companies by 2030.

These should be bolder in seeking to use pension assets to boost growth. None of the money even needs to be invested in the UK.

Surely the Chancellor could be more ambitious and expand these reforms so that pension funds are encouraged to invest more in both listed small growth businesses and unlisted start-up firms  based in the UK.

This would really boost our promising smaller companies and prevent the best being snapped up on the cheap by overseas rivals.

Let's support our businesses with a 10k Great British Isa

There have been strong calls for the Chancellor to announce a new Isa for 2024. Let's hope he will listen.

A 10,000 tax-free allowance that must be invested in UK assets could provide a boost for British businesses, which are languishing on low market ratings relative to the rest of the world.

This would direct investment tax breaks to support Britain, rather than bolstering overseas companies and markets.

The forerunner of the Isa was the Personal Equity Plan (Pep) which had to be invested in Britain and it is time to revive that idea.

It could be a win-win-win situation, benefiting UK stock markets, improving investor returns and boosting the British economy with new investment.

Focus tax incentives and subsidies on UK investments

Investors can still invest in overseas markets, but taxpayer subsidies need to contribute once again to keeping the UK a world-leading financial sector.

UK institutional and private investors used to be a strong, reliable source of domestic support for UK companies, which helped create a thriving, world-leading UK financial sector.

However, in recent years, especially since 2008, pension funds have abandoned UK equities and other growth-boosting investments, buying more fixed income and overseas or alternative assets, leading to underperformance of UK markets.

Measures to require pensions and Isas to support Britain, using their tax breaks to benefit our own economy, could be a game-changer.

Bringing back stronger domestic demand can start a virtuous circle of recovery for British business and this week's Budget provides a real opportunity for a new path.

How do large global pension funds allocate investments: Only UK funds are underweight their own equity market according to this analysis of major schemes, says Ros Altmann
The number of reports about suspected fraud filed by banks is set to hit one million a year for the first time, the Mail can reveal.

Fraud is one reason individuals or companies may have their account forcibly shut down, otherwise known as being 'debanked'.

The latest figures, which are due to be released later this month by the National Crime Agency, will fuel concerns about the scale of de-banking in the aftermath of the Nigel Farage affair. The former Ukip leader had his account closed by Coutts because of his political views.

The surge in the number of 'Suspicious Activity Reports' (SARs) will spark fears that innocent customers may be wrongly labelled as criminals and frozen out of the financial system.

As well as fraud, customers are also being stripped of their bank accounts for other reasons, including controversial opinions or because they are branded as not being profitable enough.

Increase: Banks and building societies made up the bulk of the 900,000 suspicious activity reports in 2022

More than 140,000 businesses had their accounts closed by the UK's biggest banks in 2023, MPs said last week.

Banks and building societies made up the bulk of the 900,000 suspicious activity reports in 2022.

The figures about to be published are expected to hit a new high, up from 634,000 in 2017.

This is partly because of sanctions imposed on Russia.

However, experts worry that the banks are becoming trigger-happy.

Jason Hungerford, from law firm Mayer Brown, said: 'Many banks are filing SARs as a matter of course in sanctions matters when perhaps they don't need to.'
Deal may reach 78m based on Rovers' performance up to 31 March 2025

Safety equipment company Halma has reported that it has acquired Netherlands-based Rovers Medical Devices.

The FTSE 100-listed firm will pay an initial 85million (approximately 73million) for the business, on a cash-and debt-free basis.

The Buckinghamshire-based company added that an additional consideration of up to 6million (approximately 5million) is payable in cash, based on Rovers' performance in the period to 31 March 2025.

Rovers manufactures cell sampling devices used in tests for cervical cancer.

The FTSE 100-listed firm will pay an initial 85million (approximately 73million), on a cash- and debt-free basis to acquire Rovers Medical Devices

Rovers will be a standalone company within Halma's Healthcare sector, led by its current management team.

Marc Ronchetti, group chief executive of Halma, said: 'Rovers will broaden the range of markets we serve in women's health and further strengthen our healthcare sector's position in cancer diagnosis products.

'We are excited by the opportunities we see to increase Rovers' positive impact on public health. We expect its future growth to be driven by increasing global cervical screening rates, supporting the World Health Organization's strategy to accelerate the early detection of cervical cancer.'

Roel Leenders, chief executive officer of Rovers, added: 'We want to contribute to the prevention of cancer on a global scale. This mission strongly aligns to Halma's when it comes to improving quality of care for patients.

'By joining the Halma group, Rovers can grow to the next level, adding talent development and commercial opportunities while collaborating with a global group of like-minded businesses, that will help us to enable better screening and diagnostics for patients worldwide.'

The deal is the latest in a number of acquisitions Halma has been involved in.

In November, the tech developer reported that it had purchased TeDan group of US-based surgical innovation companies for an initial $89.1million (around 72million).

As part of the deal, the group acquired TeDan Surgical Innovations, West Coast Surgical, Axcess Surgical Innovations and TeDan Surgical Innovations.

The company will also pay up to an additional $10.9million (around 9million) in cash, depending on TeDan's performance in the period to June 2024.

Halma shares were down by 0.26 per cent to 2,296p in afternoon trading on Monday.
The price of bitcoin jumped beyond $66,000 on Monday afternoon, leaving it just $3,000 short of its record high.

At 5pm London time, bitcoin was trading at $66,327, its highest total since November 2021.

The bull run comes after the US securities regulator approved a series of bitcoin exchange traded funds, dramatically widening the opportunity for institutional and individual investors to back the crypto.

Last week, bitcoin spot ETFs saw a cumulative net inflow of around $1.7billion, meaning that money going in has topped $7.4billion since establishment, according to Fineqia.

As of Monday afternoon, bitcoin was trading at over $66,000, leaving it just under $3,000 short of the record-high $69,000

A move higher also arrived for gold, which hit a new record high today. The price of the precious metal surged to $2,114 (1,664) an ounce in the spot market, after steady increases over the past few weeks.

The surge saw trading volumes for bitcoin spot ETFs total $22.3billion, with a daily average trading volume of just under $4.5billion.

Blackrock's iBIT led the way with over $10billion in assets under management (AUM) last week, the fastest ETF in history to achieve this AUM milestone.

The news comes just a few days after bitcoin jumped beyond $57,000 on Tuesday, peaking at $64,000 on Wednesday.

Bitcoin is now trading at its highest price in dollar terms since November 2021 and is helping spark a rally in other major cryptocurrencies like ethereum, which was over $3,500 as of Monday afternoon - its highest price since April 2022.

What is a bitcoin 'spot' ETF ? Unlike a futures-based ETF, which tracks futures contracts, a spot-bitcoin ETF is an investment vehicle that directly owns some bitcoins through which investors have exposure without actually having to hold them. Bitcoin holders think approval could lead to the market being opened to millions more investors, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh investment. The US Securities and Exchange Commission had been reluctant to sanction such funds amid investor protection concerns linked to Bitcoin's volatility and its widespread use by fraudsters. But in January, the SEC gave the green light for the launch of 11 ETFs

Last week, Simon Peters, market analysist at eToro, told This is Money: 'The driving force behind the price move seems to be from the recently approved bitcoin spot ETFs continuing to acquire bitcoin in significant quantities.

'Since launch, the bitcoin spot ETFs have amassed holdings that represent over 3 per cent of all bitcoin currently in existence. This milestone highlights a growing trend of institutional investors wanting to get exposure to bitcoin.'

Peters also added that we could see a new all-time high 'in the coming weeks'.

The world's biggest cryptocurrency has regained significant ground since falling to to a low of $16,000 in the wake of the collapse of FTX in 2022.

In 2023, bitcoin languished between $20,000 and $30,000 for much of the year before reaching $43,000 by December in anticipation of the US regulator's approval of bitcoin spot ETFs.

It neared the $48,000 mark for the first time in a year ahead of the decision before dropping to $38,000 following the decision.
An Oxford University chaplain who left his role after asking a rape victim if she was aware of 'the effect she had on men' and comparing predators to 'puppies who need training' has been handed a welfare role at a different college, MailOnline can reveal.

Rev Canon Bruce Kinsey went on sabbatical and eventually retired from his position as Head of Welfare at Balliol College after a number of students came forward and voiced their concerns regarding his behaviour.

One woman said she reported a rape to Kinsey who in turn asked her, 'if she was aware of the effect she had on men', called her 'very attractive' and said she should be 'wary of the impact the allegations would have on her alleged attacker.'

'You don't want to p*** people off who you might meet again downstream,' Rev Kinsey said, according to the victim.

Now, Rev Kinsey has returned to the university working as a welfare advisor for a different college - St Edmund Hall - where he will provide support to students on a part-time basis.

Have you been affected by this story? Email eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

His tenure was initially set to last until his retirement in June but after being approached by MailOnline for comment last week the college said the ex-chaplain will now leave the role at end of the March term.

The shock hire comes just over two years after his former employer Balliol College - alma mater of Boris Johnson and Cressida Dick - was accused of creating 'a culture of victim blaming, compounding the trauma of sexual abuse with an inadequate and harmful response'.

Rev Canon Bruce Kinsey left his role at Balliol College after asking a rape victim whether she was aware of 'the effect she had on men'

Rev Kinsey's tenure at St Edmund Hall was initially set to last until his retirement in June but after being approached by MailOnline for comment last week the college said the ex-chaplain will now leave the role at end of the March

St Edmund Hall College at Oxford University

The campaign which called for an end to the 'culture of enabling' at the college was sparked after a postgraduate said she was repeatedly sexually assaulted in 2019 by another student.

She later raised concerns about how the prestigious college handled her complaint - with Rev Kinsey being named as a key individual in the failure.

A QC report later upheld that Rev Kinsey had made the rape victim feel as if she were to blame for her own sexual assault and had discouraged her from reporting the attack after branding the college reporting system a 'kangaroo court'.

It also found that he had engaged in 'unwanted and unwarranted conduct' and had harassed the victim.

Balliol College was subsequently asked to remove the Chaplain from all welfare proceedings relating to sexual harassment and assaults as well as considering whether his behaviour warranted grounds for dismissal.

Reacting to his re-appointment as welfare advisor, one his complainants told MailOnline: 'Bruce has had harassment complaints upheld by Balliol college and I am very disturbed to hear that Edmund Hall would hire him knowing of his previous record of being extremely risky with students' well-being.

'Either Balliol has not told them of his previous record or they have not checked. And I find it crazy to think that Edmund Hall would not be aware of Bruce because there were three women, including myself, that came forward publicly about him.

'It is like they feel sorry for the guy but Oxford is a boys club and if you are a predator they all look out for each other.'

The former Balliol college student added: 'When it comes to welfare at Oxford, which has some of the worst welfare systems I have ever heard of, they do not tell you the outcomes of your harassment cases.

A QC independent report into Rev Kinsey's behaviour while at Balliol College upheld the majority of complaints held against him

Balliol College - alma mater of Boris Johnson and Cressida Dick - was previously accused of creating 'a culture of victim blaming, compounding the trauma of sexual abuse with an inadequate and harmful response'

After being approached by MailOnline, Rev Kinsey's staff profile page on St Edmund Hall's website was tweaked to say he was leaving in March 2024

'The fact that it has happened is disgraceful and in no other industry would this be allowed, it's pretty gross.

'There are so many people who need jobs and deserve this job. Why hire a guy who has already had a career marked by an abuse of power when they could literally hire anyone else? It shows they do not care.'

The revelations about Balliol college, and subsequent complaints about Rev Kinsey, first came to light following an Al-Jazeera investigation in 2021 looking into issues surrounding sexual violence on university campuses.

'I think colleges want to keep their pristine reputations,' one female told Al-Jazeera.' They will do anything to prevent reports of sexual assault occurring.

'Even if that means traumatising the students that come forward with sexual assault allegations.'

The woman said she reported the rape to Kinsey who in turn asked her if she was aware of the effect she had on men, called her very attractive and said she should be wary of the impact the allegations would have on her alleged attacker.

'You don't want to p*** people off who you might meet again downstream,' Rev Balliol said, according to the victim.

After the woman spoke out against the college, other students voiced concerns over Kinsey not being receptive for calls for changes within the college and accuse of not accepting victims of sexual assault.

A campaign which called for an end to the 'culture of enabling' at the university was launched in 2021

One unnamed student said Kinsey asked if she was a virgin when she tried to report an assault, before trvialising the behaviour of abusive men.

She told The Times in 2021: 'Balliol College has systemic problems in supporting the welfare of students. After reporting my own rape, the head of welfare, Bruce Kinsey, asked me intimate sexual questions, including 'were you a virgin?'

The woman said her friends had 'similar experiences' with the reverend, claiming they were also asked 'intimate and inappropriate questions, told that their behaviour had encouraged sexual abuse, and had traumatic experiences of rape and assault belittled'.

In a meeting with students to address concerns of a rape culture at the college, it was claimed Kinsey said 'perpetrators were 'puppies who needed to be trained' while the group discussed issues of consent.

The student, acting as a women's officer, in the meeting added that Kinsey also suggested 'that survivors should consider how damaging such accusations could be to the male students' reputation and future'.

Rev Kinsey denied the claims at the time and said he takes 'claims of sexual assault very seriously' reporting the incidents to the appropriate services. He said he would 'never trivialise such a report of harm' and said he did not recognise the account.

He initially stepped aside from his role in December 2021 while the college investigated further claims made by two more students.

St Edmund Hall said: 'Bruce Kinsey assisted as Interim Chaplain for a short time at the start of this term until our new Chaplain took up her role in early February.

A college spokesperson added that it takes all student reports of sexual assault and harassment 'extremely seriously

'He now holds a short-term advisory position during the transition period and, as planned, that position finishes in March at the end of term.'

A college spokesperson added that it takes all student reports of sexual assault and harassment 'extremely seriously'.

'When a report of student misconduct is received, the report is dealt with through a rigorous non-academic disciplinary procedure, formulated on the basis of legal advice from a leading KC, and detailed in the College By-laws,' the statement said.

'In accordance with this process, when a major breach of discipline is alleged, the College arranges for an investigation by an external independent expert, followed by consideration of the evidence by a panel chaired by an independent legal practitioner.

'Students making reports have welfare support made available to them by one of two female Senior Welfare Officers.'

Rev Kinsey told MailOnline he disputes some of the claims and said after an investigation he 'was largely exonerated by the college'.

MailOnline contacted Balliol College for comment. Oxford University declined to comment.
New Zealand couple Tim and Eva Mitchell are in the midst of a year-long trip around the world, but the adventurous Kiwi couple say the only thing that made it possible was leaving their homeland to live in Australia.

In 2019, the pair followed the path of thousands of Kiwis across the Tasman in search of higher wages and more career opportunities.

After only 16 months of living in Melbourne, where Eva, 28, worked as an IVF pharmacist and Tim, 33, worked for the same engineering company that employed him in New Zealand, the pair had saved enough to fund a year travelling overseas.

'If we stayed in New Zealand, we probably wouldnt be able to travel - we couldnt have saved enough,' Eva told Daily Mail Australia from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

New Zealand couple Eva and Tim Mitchell (pictured in Melbourne) said moving to Australia was the 'best thing they ever die'

'Everyone is struggling all over the world, but in New Zealand, I think they are lagging behind.'

Better money for Kiwis who move to Australia

She said by moving to Australia, the pair pulled in 30 per cent higher wages than at home, plus they found there were many other financial advantages, such as tax deductions for job expenses that just didn't exist in New Zealand.

In their Make Cents of Travel blog Eva writes that the couple 'knew that moving to Australia would mean we would be able to save more money AND save money faster than if we stayed in NZ, solely by securing higher paying jobs'.

'What we didnt realise was the many other ways that living in Australia would present to facilitate our savings goals, starting with having to pay less income tax,' she writes.

'An average Australian full-time salary of $95k requires you to pay roughly $21,300 income tax per year.

The couple said if they had stayed in New Zealand (pictured) they would never have saved enough for a long overseas trips

'In New Zealand, on the same salary (if you can find a job that pays the equivalent), you would be required to pay around $23,200 in income tax per year.'

However, that wasn't even the best bit.

'In Australia, you are entitled to claim tax back on a variety of work expenses,' she said.

'These include professional fees, working from home costs, work tools, conference costs, work clothing and so much more.

'At the end of the day, we found that Australia not only pays better; it lets you keep more of what you earn.'

Eva recalled when the pair moved to Australia 'everyone was saying make sure you claim your tax back'.

'As far as we were aware we were never able to claim back the same expenses in New Zealand, not in normal jobs, perhaps if you had a business,' she said.

'The grass certainly is greener!'

More career opportunities

Both Eva and Tim enjoyed career opportunities in Australia they would not have in New Zealand.

Eva went from being a pharmacist at a public hospital in Christchurch to working for a private IVF clinic and a private-sector pharmacy job that she said did not exist in New Zealand.

The adventurous Kiwi couple have been travelling the world for a year (pictured in Cappadocia, Turket)

'With my new job came a pay rise, bonuses and a small team where I felt valued,' she wrote in the blog.

Even if she had gone back into public sector pharmacy, the pay rise in Australia would have been substantial.

Despite working for the same company, Tim also got 'a significant pay increase to transfer to Australia', which would have taken 'years' to obtain in New Zealand.

'Shortly after moving to Australia, Tim was able to secure a higher authority role, which is testament to the career progression opportunities Australian companies can provide for NZ professionals looking to relocate to Australia,' Eva wrote.

'On top of a pay rise, Tim's transfer agreement provided us both with flights to Melbourne, and a month of free accommodation in an apartment in the Melbourne CBD until we could secure our own rental property. Not a bad deal if I say so myself!'

Better work life balance

As if being paid more wasn't enough, Tim and Eva discovered Australians work shorter hours than Kiwis and that supermarkets are cheaper.

'The standard New Zealand working week is 40 hours (as opposed to 38 in Australia), so over the space of a whole year, it is about 100 hours difference,' Eva commented.

'It doesn't seem like much, two hours a week, but it is, and we found it convenient because it gives you time to pop into the banks when they are open.'

She also said that in Victoria offers 'seasonal cashbacks on dining out, activities and electricity bills to all residents'.

'Thanks to these cashback schemes, we were reimbursed hundreds of dollars during our time spent living in Melbourne,' she writes.

Eva and Tim also liked living in Melbourne, which has a population around four times the number of New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland.

The couple said when they finish their travels in Europe and Asia they will be coming back to Australia

Last year, 5,000 New Zealand-based nurses registered to work in Australia over a six-month period, while fewer than 200 Australian nurses migrated the other way

'If we wanted to anything close to Melbourne's size the only option is Auckland but obviously its pretty expensive to be there,' Eva said.

'It is probably on a par with Melbourne, but in Melbourne you get better wages.

'You just dont get the same opportunities. There is always something to do in Melbourne - there are always events on.'

After a 10-month sojourn in Europe, the couple plan to have two more months in south-east Asia before heading home, which is now no longer in New Zealand.

'I cant see us going back to New Zealand,' Eva said.

'Pay is a big issue. If we could get the same pay we might go back but we are still missing out on the city lifestyle.'

Eva said she and Tim occasionally felt bad about leaving New Zealand.

'We do feel guilty for leaving, we do miss our celebrations back home so we feel guilty for missing out on that,' she said.

However, in most other respects they were happy to be expats.

Eva said they would not have 'deserted' their country if they 'could have looked out for us'.

'Australia has given us opportunities we just wouldnt have in New Zealand,' she said.

'People can call us unpatriotic but weve just got to do whats best for us.'

New Zealand Prime Minister worried about Kiwis moving to Australia

The exodus of working age New Zealanders to Australia has become such a concern it featured in newly-elected Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's State of the Nation address in February.

'The median full-time worker in Australia now earns $20,000 more a year than someone in New Zealand,' Mr Luxon said.

'Its no surprise therefore, that Kiwis have been voting with their feet. Last year a record net 44,500 New Zealanders left the country.'

The higher wages on offer Australia have been cited as a factor in the shortage of nurses in New Zealand.

Last year it was reported 5,000 New Zealand-based nurses had registered to work in Australia over a six-month period, while fewer than 200 Australian nurses migrated the other way.
Nikki Haley beat Donald Trump for the very first time in the Washington, D.C., Republican primary Sunday night handing her what might be her only win heading into Super Tuesday.

The D.C. Republican Party reported Haley won 62 percent compared to Trump's 33 percent with only 2,035 voters participating. That makes Haley the first Republican woman to ever win a primary in U.S. history.

The result in D.C. comes one day after Trump's clean sweep of GOP primaries in Idaho, Michigan and Missouri on Saturday as he inches closer to a rematch with Biden in November.

Her win in Democrat-run and urban D.C. shakes Trump's stronghold on nearly every facet of the Republican Party, but it isn't expected to make a massive impact nationwide.

Trump and Haley were vying for the district's coveted 19 Republican delegates - out of 2,429 total to the Republican National Convention in July - in the race that came down to the wire. Now going into Super Tuesday, Trump has 244 delegates to Haley's 43 with 1,215 needed for the GOP nomination.

D.C. was seen as Haley's best shot at beating Trump in any primary race as the former president is expected to sweep the 15 upcoming Super Tuesday states.

Meanwhile, Trump lashed out after his loss on social media saying Haley 'Birdbrain' is a 'loser' with 'low performance in virtually every state.'

The former South Carolina governor made a stop at the Madison Hotel Friday afternoon after polls opened in a plea for the district's few Republicans to back her over Trump

The Trump campaign is signaling that the D.C. contest isn't as important as 15 states and one territory are set to vote on Super Tuesday

Thousands of voters from 15 states will head to the polls for what has been known since the 1970s as 'Super Tuesday'

He also insisted that he 'purposely stayed away' from D.C. because it is the 'Swamp with very few delegates, and no upside.'

He pledged that t'he really big numbers will come on Super Tuesday.'

In 2016, Trump finished at just 14 percent in a distant third place in D.C.'s GOP primary behind Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. And although he won in 2020 in an uncontested race, only about 2,800 Republicans total voted.

The few and far between Republicans who reside in the nation's capital were able to cast their ballots during the closed party-run primary at just one location - the Madison Hotel - from Friday through Sunday.

The Trump campaign was reportedly keeping an eye on whether D.C. lobbyists showed up to the polls - threatening that they wouldn't get access to a Trump-led White House in the future if they failed to vote for him in the primary.

Trump did not visit D.C. for one of his signature political rallies, and has repeatedly slammed the district for being so left-wing. He has called the nation's capital a 'rat-infested, graffiti-infested sh**hole!'

Haley thanked the Republicans who came out to the polls over the weekend, handing her a win.

'Republicans closest to Washingtons dysfunction know that Donald Trump has brought nothing but chaos and division for the past 8 years,' she wrote on X.

'It's time to start winning again and move our nation forward!'

The former South Carolina governor made a stop at the Madison Hotel Friday after polls opened to rally the district's roughly 23,000 registered Republicans to back her over Trump.

She cracked a joke at the top, teasing 'who says there are no Republicans in D.C.!' to laughs among the crowd of GOP voters living in a heavily Democratic district.

The 2024 hopeful ran through her stump speech taking shots at the inefficiency of Congress, which landed well in the DC-based group, and at Biden and Trump's failures on the economy and immigration.

Haley urged voters to 'get loud' and gather friends and family to 'send a message' in the primary that 'we need to go in a new direction.'

'I can't believe this is the only place you can vote,' she quipped to laughter among the roughly 150 gathered in a tight space within the hotel.

'So y'all cannot leave until you vote,' she teased.

'This is the time we need to go in a new direction with a new generation a leader that can put in eight years, day and night. No negativity, no drama, no vendettas just hard core results for the American people. It's time.'

GOP voters in the crowd Friday said they are fed up with Trump and want Haley to restore a sense of dignity to the office of the president.

They loudly 'booed' whenever she mentioned Trump and were riled up over the former president's swipes at veterans and at his political rivals.

D.C. voter Dan Schubert told DailyMail.com that he voted for Nikki because America needs a 'fresh face' in the White House after years of 'chaos' from Trump and Biden.

'We've got an alternative now to have a bright future with a smart, savvy experienced candidate that's going to take our country in a bright new direction,' he added.

Republicans closest to Washingtons dysfunction know that Donald Trump has brought nothing but chaos and division for the past 8 years. It's time to start winning again and move our nation forward!  pic.twitter.com/QMNmcZHYGg  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) March 4, 2024

2024 presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is in Washington, D.C., today to try and woo the district's few Republican voters in that nation's capital

Dan said the 'energy in the room' during her remarks proves that there is momentum for her and she has a 'tremendous chance to win this weekend.'

'I think if she wins in in the District of Columbia, I think Super Tuesday is gonna look a little different,' he added.

National security was an especially important issue to voters assembled, who cited it as their top concern.

Another D.C. voter, Laura, told DailyMail.com that Haley is efficient on the issue.

'A large part of the job of president is foreign relations,' she said. 'And I think [Haley] would do a better job than any of the other candidates who are still in the race.'

She also said it's time for a 'pro-life female president' in the White House.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign was signaling that the D.C. contest isn't as important as 15 states and one territory are set to vote on Super Tuesday - upcoming on March 5.

There are 874 delegates up for grabs - 36 percent - of all delegates to the Republican National Convention this summer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

'Republican voters have delivered resounding wins for President Trump in every single primary contest and this race is over,' a Trump campaign spokesperson said.

'Our focus is now on Joe Biden and the general election.'

Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley are the three left in the 2024 contest

The Haley campaign has been urging voters in the district to get to the hotel

Haley's campaign is not losing momentum - she also revealed earlier Friday that her campaign raised $12 million in February alone despite losing every primary contest thus far

A Saturday NY Times/Siena poll found that Trump is leading Haley by 55 points in the race for the Republican nomination going into Super Tuesday.

The former South Carolina governor pledged to remain in the race until at least Super Tuesday.

But her campaign is not losing momentum - she also revealed earlier Friday that her campaign raised $12 million in February alone despite losing every primary contest thus far.
(Photo : Unsplash/Masaaki Komori)

The Body Shop has confessed to violating employment laws by suddenly laying off hundreds of employees, as revealed by The Independent.

Last Tuesday, administrators for the troubled cosmetics company laid off around 270 head office staff, informing them via Microsoft Teams that they would not receive further pay after that day and would not be offered any redundancy compensation.

Instead of receiving compensation, the terminated employees, including those with over ten years of service, were instructed to seek unpaid wages and holiday pay from the Redundancy Payments Service, which taxpayers fund. Additionally, on Thursday, the company announced an additional 489 job cuts and the closure of 75 stores.

The "Brutal" Mass-Sacking

Employees who were abruptly let go during last week's "brutal" Teams call described the dismissal by Body Shop International Ltd as having a significant impact on their financial and mental well-being.

This encompasses a minimum of 15 women on maternity leave or about to give birth, who will now solely rely on government maternity pay instead of the packages they were previously offered as employees of Body Shop, as stated by one new mother recently laid off.

An employee with 13 years of tenure at the company expressed that the abrupt end to their pay meant that their February salary would not be sufficient to cover their family's expenses. They conveyed that being treated in such a manner has greatly impacted many affected individuals.

Another individual mentioned that landing the job last March had been their dream job. Still, now they find themselves "on the brink of losing everything" due to a company that was once known for its emphasis on ethics and community.

They have submitted applications for a jobseeker's allowance and a council tax reduction. They intend to request a six-month interest-free period from their mortgage provider "to keep the roof over my head."

Admission of Not Following Regulations

In response to an email campaign by fired workers, FRP Advisory administrators acknowledged not following "normal regulations" for consulting employees before dismissal, citing "insufficient time," arguing that a quick cut in head office payroll costs was necessary to benefit all company creditors, as per their statutory duty.

The Body Shop in Hot Waters Due to Breach of Duty to Employees

Solicitor Nick Humphreys from Penningtons Manches Cooper suggests that while the email acknowledges the tension between duties to employees and creditors, the administrators admit to breaching their duty to employees.

According to Tina Maxey, an employment lawyer at Ellisons Solicitors, it is common for financially distressed companies to overlook employee rights due to directors' duty to maximize returns for creditors. Maxey explained that failure to consult employees properly is a breach of their rights but not a criminal offense by the administrators or the company.

Solicitor Michael Newman from Leigh Day questions whether the law properly balances the interests of creditors and employees, noting that employees invest considerable time and effort in companies, yet the law prioritizes creditors.

READ ALSO: Tony Luke's Owners Sentenced for Tax Evasion Scheme After Regulators Revealed "Off the Books" Transactions

Employees' Fall Back

Employees can seek compensation through a tribunal if they are not properly consulted. The Times reports that over 175 Body Shop employees are preparing to file a claim through Acas, the government's advisory service.

The Insolvency Service is working with Body Shop administrators to ensure quick processing and payment of employee claims. Still, a spokesperson assured us that the Redundancy Payments Service would provide necessary payments to eligible affected employees.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tully Rinckey Law Firm Placed Under 90-Day Suspension After Imposing Unfair Restriction on Departing Employees

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
British ISIS brides trapped in Syrian detention camps are marrying terrorists over Zoom in a bid to escape.

Dozens of women who travelled from the UK to join ISIS now find themselves living in dangerous and poorly equipped tent cities with no prospect of ever being allowed to leave.

Some in the Al Roj camp, where Shamima Begum is living, have begun marrying men from outside who are looking for a wife and are prepared to pay a large sum in return.

The women then use the cash to pay brokers to smuggle them out of the camps or bribe guards to turn a blind eye. They are then taken to their new husbands in pockets of land still under ISIS control.

The practice is also taking place at Al Hawl, a detention facility housing around 60,000 women and children that is run by the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The UN special rapporteur on human rights have previously called their detention a violation of international law and campaigners claim many of them were trafficked.

ISIS bride Shamima Begum (pictured with her now passed week-old son) lost a legal bid to regain her British citizenship last week

Facebook messages showing a man asking for help finding a bride within one of the camps (top) and, middle and bottom - a post from a female detainee

SDF officials have been aware of the practice of sham marriages among detainees as far back as 2021, with hundreds of women of various nationalities successfully escaping this way.

The marriages can be conducted over Zoom or a phone, with a mediator saying a few verses from the Koran before announcing the groom as the woman's new wali, or guardian.

The woman then receives cash as a dowry that can be used to bribe guards so she can escape and join her new husband on the outside.

Escapes are usually organised by a broker and cost around $15,000 (12,000), depending on nationality.

If a guard has been bribed, women may simply walk out of the camp.

Otherwise, they can be smuggled out in a car or hide in lorries leaving the camp without the knowledge of the driver.

Kino Gabriel, an SDF spokesperson, said brokers often have criminal contacts who they use to help get the women to their new husbands.

A source said that the method has been used by British jihadi brides.

'There are several British Muslim women still over there trying to get out,' they told MailOnline.

'There's thought to be around 20 or 30 British women, many with children.

'They will do anything to try and get out of there.

'Zoom marriages, often on a mobile phone, are proving a new way.

'The women are being contacted by men from the outside asking if they are looking for a husband.

'Many are pro-Islamic State. They want a woman and a wife. And the women are desperate to leave.

'It is creating a nightmare for the authorities. They have no idea what is happening to the women and if they are coming back to Britain.

'It needs remembering that these people left not long ago to join the most brutal terrorist organisation the world has ever known.'

Tory MP Nigel Mills warned there was a risk of ISIS brides making their way back to Britain and mentioned the case of Shamima Begum.

He told MailOnline: 'This is a worrying situation. These women will still likely pose a risk to British security upon their possible return. This is exactly the argument the court made in the Begum ruling.'

But David Davis MP said: 'Let's be clear that the women held in these camps are unlawfully detained without charge or trial, and most were trafficked to Syria by ISIS after being groomed online  many as children.

'If this kind of practice is taking place it would be conducted under extreme duress, and would effectively be a forced marriage, in circumstances where the woman involved faces torture, disappearance and death.

'The British Government should urgently follow the US and our other five eyes security partners in repatriating British families from these camps, so their cases can be dealt with here in the UK'.

Numerous confined British women who travelled to join ISIS now find themselves living in detention camps but hope to marry Islamic State fighters over Zoom in a bid to escape (file photo of a woman walking through Camp Roj)

There are several detention camps in Syria which have been set up for those displaced by ISIS. They now hold thousands of suspected ISIS fanatics

Tory MP Nigel Mills described news of the sham marriages as 'very worrying'

How does the sham marriage escape method work?

SDF officials have been aware of the practice of sham marriages as far back as 2021, with hundreds of women of various nationalities successfully escaping this way. The marriages can be conducted over Zoom or a phone, with a mediator saying a few verses from the Koran before announcing the groom as the woman's new wali, or guardian. She then receives cash as a dowry that can be used to bribe guards so she can escape and join her new husband on the outside. Escapes are usually organised by a broker and cost around $15,000 (12,000), depending on nationality. If a guard has been bribed, women may simply walk out of the camp. Otherwise, they can be smuggled out in a car or hide in lorries leaving the camp without the knowledge of the driver. Kino Gabriel, an SDF spokesperson, said brokers often have criminal contacts who they use to help get the women to their new husbands. Advertisement

In 2021, a report in the Guardian suggested detainees at Al Hawl had been sent payments worth more than 360,000 by potential suitors.

The practice is seen by officials as posing a significant security risk, but for many detainees it is considered an easy and an increasingly popular escape method.

Shamima Begum's long-running legal battle with the Home Office has focused attention on British jihadi brides looking to return to the UK.

Following her latest failed appeal last month, Ms Begum's lawyers could now ask permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, and if this fails they could seek to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Giving her ruling, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr said: 'It could be argued the decision in Ms Begum's case was harsh. It could also be argued that Ms Begum is the author of her own misfortune.

'But it is not for this court to agree or disagree with either point of view. Our only task is to assess whether the deprivation decision was unlawful.

'We have concluded it was not and the appeal is dismissed.'

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary who took the decision to deprive Ms Begum of her British citizenship, said afterwards: 'I welcome the court ruling, which has again upheld my decision to remove an individual's citizenship on national security grounds.

'This is a complex case but Home Secretaries should have the power to prevent anyone entering our country who is assessed to pose a threat to it.'

Countries including Germany, Spain, France, Canada, Australia, the US and the Netherlands have been repatriating citizens from north-eastern Syria and the UK has been criticised for its refusal to do so in many cases.

Women stand around at the Al-Roj prison camp as they wait for clothes to dry outside
The detective who led the investigation into the murder of Sarah Everard has recalled the moment she found out the chief suspect in her disappearance was a Met Police officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin was informed by colleagues that Wayne Couzens worked for the police moments before officers arrived at his house in Kent to question him.

The senior cop said she was forced to say 'you're not going to believe this' as she relayed the chilling news to her superiors in the Metropolitan Police.

DCI Goodwin revealed shocking moment in a new BBC documentary about Sarah's murder, which contains interviews with senior police figures and prosecutors involved in the case.

It also reveals how in the days following Couzens' sentencing one of the victims of rapist Met officer David Carrick, who served in the same unit as Sarah's killer, came forward after being inspired by a heartbreaking speech by the marketing executive's mother.

Sarah Everard (pictured) was kidnapped, raped and murdered by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin (pictured) revealed the shocking moment she realised Wayne Couzens worked for the police in a new documentary

The documentary Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice has been two-and-a-half years in the making and will air on Tuesday evening on BBC One, days after the third anniversary of her death.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin revealed the police discovered Couzens was suspected of an indecent exposure offence days earlier in Kent, before they found out he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.

Miss Goodwin said they discovered this after Miss Everard and Couzens were spotted on CCTV footage next to a car, which led to his identification.

She said: 'At that time, Wayne Couzens was a name that meant nothing to any of us. So immediately we start researching the name, also the phone number and the address that had been given when he'd hired the car.

The detective added that when it was discovered he was suspected of indecent exposure, it 'suddenly changed everything, because whilst I might have hoped that Sarah had got into the car with someone she knew, suddenly it was clear to me that she'd got into the car of an alleged sex offender'.

The officer sent a team to Couzens' house in Kent to question him and, while officers were en route, a detective ran into Miss Goodwin's office, shut the door, and told her 'you need to hear this'.

A researcher on the phone then revealed that Couzens was a serving Met officer.

Miss Goodwin said: 'I knew that I had to tell my boss and I can just remember the shock of having to just sit on the floor of the office and say to her, 'You're not going to believe this, that he's a police officer'.

'And then the same questions went through her head as went through my head, 'Are you sure?'.'

The documentary Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice will be shown on BBC One on Tuesday, March 5

Sarah had been walking in London when she disappeared, sparking a frantic hunt to try and find her

Former Met detective Nick Harvey was the first to question Couzens and recalled the moment he discovered the suspect was a serving officer while driving to his house

READ MORE HERE: Sarah Everard's family believe she died because Wayne Couzens was a police officer as they slam forces for missing warning signs throughout his career Advertisement

He told the documentary: 'The gravity of the whole situation then became incredibly clear. You know, the moment I told the team, it just went silent.'

Mr Harvey knocked on Couzens' door and said that when he showed his warrant card 'he just went grey'.

'Just... all the colour just ran out of his face,' he said.

Police footage in the documentary showed Couzens during interrogation.

An officer said to him: 'People trust us to look after them. People trust us to help them. You know, protect and serve, that's what they say, isn't it? That's what we're here to do. We all took that oath, you included.'

Couzens did not respond and kept his head bowed throughout the exchange.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC recalled his first meeting with Miss Everard's family, saying: 'It was immediately clear to me what awful trauma they had been put through, but at the same time, how focused and resolute they were in terms of seeing that justice was done.

'The focus on the case then became on presenting the true horror of what he'd done to the full extent.'

Wayne Couzens (pictured) was given a whole life sentence at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to kidnap, rape and murder

Couzens (pictured) had been working as a diplomatic protection officer when he murdered Sarah

The documentary also explored the aftermath and impact of the case.

While Couzens was initially cast as a 'bad apple' and an anomaly in the force, his crimes prompted victims to come forward to report officers within the Met and across the nation for cases of sexual assault, rape and other misconduct.

In the days after Couzens' sentencing in which he was given a whole-life tariff, a victim of David Carrick, an officer serving in the Met Police at the time, came forward.

'Sophie' spoke in the documentary and said hearing the victim impact statement of Miss Everard's mother in court drove her to speak out.

'I think that it was when she was saying about Wayne Couzens, the abuse of power that he used. Her words just echoed. I just knew that I had to report him,' Sophie said.

Carrick later pleaded guilty to 85 serious offences including dozens of rapes during a 17-year campaign of attacks against 12 women. He was ordered to serve at least 30 years and is one of the UK's most prolific sex offenders.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin questioned how the police could win back the public's trust. 'I begin to wonder then how endemic it is,' she said.

Mr Little said: 'I don't think the incidences of violence against women and girls is reducing or decreasing in any way. In fact it would appear to me that it's getting worse.'

In the year after Miss Everard's murder, 138 women were killed by men in the UK or a man was the chief suspect. In the same year in England and Wales, an estimated 798,000 women experienced sexual assault and more than 100,000 were were raped or were a victim of attempted rape.

The documentary will be shown days after a report released by Lady Elish Angiolini found the police repeatedly ignored and missed chances to stop Couzens.

The inquiry branded him a 'predatory sex offender and murderer' who should have never been a police officer, and laid bare a history of alleged sexual offending dating back nearly 20 years before he murdered Miss Everard.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice will air on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
A woman attacked by rapist Met Police officer David Carrick has revealed how she was inspired to come forward as one of his victims after listening to the mother of Sarah Everard.

'Sophie' - not her real name - who was one of 12 women targeted by Carrick during a 17-year campaign of rape and sexual assault, said she 'just knew' she had to report the evil predator after hearing Susan Everard condemn Wayne Couzens.

Mrs Everard had made a heartbreaking victim impact statement in court paying tribute to her 'precious little girl' and slamming her killer who 'masqueraded as a policeman in order to get what he wanted'.

Days later Sophie, who said Mrs Everard's words 'echoed' within her, would find the courage to tell police what Carrick - who served in the same unit as Couzens - had done to her.

The details were revealed as part of a new BBC documentary about Sarah Everard's murder, which contains interviews with senior police figures and prosecutors involved in the case.

A victim of David Carrick (pictured) says she was inspired to come forward after hearing the mother of Sarah Everard speak in court about the murder of her daughter

Sarah Everard (pictured)was kidnapped, raped and murdered by Wayne Couzens in March 2021

Speaking to filmmakers, Sophie said hearing Sarah's mother speak in court drove her to speak out about the ordeal she had gone through.

Sophie had been drugged, beaten and raped by Carrick after initially meeting on a dating app.

READ MORE HERE: Disgraced Scotland Yard officer David Carrick who raped 12 women is stripped of his 22,000 pension Advertisement

She spent months suffering in silence, worried that her rapist was a police officer, she wouldn't be believed.

But it was a crime by another serving Met officer, Wayne Couzens, which sparked her to come forward.

As Couzens was being given a whole-life tariff for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard, his victim's mother spoke moving in court about the impact it had had on her family.

Within her heartbreaking statement, Susan Everard said her daughter had 'lost her life because Wayne Couzens wanted to satisfy his perverted desires'.

She said: 'It is a ridiculous reason, it is nonsensical; how could he value a human life so cheaply? I cannot comprehend it.

'I am incandescent with rage at the thought of it. He treated my daughter as if she was nothing and disposed of her as if she was rubbish.

Mrs Everard added: 'I am repulsed by the thought of Wayne Couzens and what he did to Sarah.

'I am outraged that he masqueraded as a policeman in order to get what he wanted.'

Listening to Susan Everard speak, Sophie says she was inspired to take the leap and talk about her experiences with Carrick.

'I think that it was when she was saying about Wayne Couzens, the abuse of power that he used. Her words just echoed. I just knew that I had to report him,' she said.

In an emotional victim impact statement Susan Everard condemned Wayne Couzens for the murder of her daughter. Pictured: Sarah Everard's mother Susan (left), father Jeremy (second left) and brother James (second right) outside the Old Bailey in June 2021

Susan Everard said Couzens treated her daughter 'as if she was nothing and disposed of her as if she was rubbish'

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin (pictured) revealed the shocking moment she realised Wayne Couzens worked for the police in a new documentary

Carrick later pleaded guilty to 85 serious offences including dozens of rapes during a 17-year campaign of attacks against 12 women.

He was ordered to serve at least 30 years and is one of the UK's most prolific sex offenders.

The revelation was made in the documentary Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice has been two-and-a-half years in the making and will air on Tuesday evening on BBC One, days after the third anniversary of her death.

Elsewhere in the programme the detective who led the investigation in Sarah's murder recalled the chilling moment she found out the chief suspect in her disappearance was a Met Police officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin was informed by colleagues that Wayne Couzens worked for the police moments before officers arrived at his house in Kent to question him.

The senior cop said she was forced to say 'you're not going to believe this' as she relayed the chilling news to her superiors in the Metropolitan Police.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin revealed the police discovered Couzens was suspected of an indecent exposure offence days earlier in Kent, before they found out he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.

Miss Goodwin said they discovered this after Miss Everard and Couzens were spotted on CCTV footage next to a car, which led to his identification.

She said: 'At that time, Wayne Couzens was a name that meant nothing to any of us. So immediately we start researching the name, also the phone number and the address that had been given when he'd hired the car.

The detective added that when it was discovered he was suspected of indecent exposure, it 'suddenly changed everything, because whilst I might have hoped that Sarah had got into the car with someone she knew, suddenly it was clear to me that she'd got into the car of an alleged sex offender'.

The officer sent a team to Couzens' house in Kent to question him and, while officers were en route, a detective ran into Miss Goodwin's office, shut the door, and told her 'you need to hear this'.

A researcher on the phone then revealed that Couzens was a serving Met officer.

Miss Goodwin said: 'I knew that I had to tell my boss and I can just remember the shock of having to just sit on the floor of the office and say to her, 'You're not going to believe this, that he's a police officer'.

'And then the same questions went through her head as went through my head, 'Are you sure?'.'

The documentary Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice will be shown on BBC One on Tuesday, March 5

Former Met detective Nick Harvey was the first to question Couzens and recalled the moment he discovered the suspect was a serving officer while driving to his house

READ MORE HERE: Sarah Everard's family believe she died because Wayne Couzens was a police officer as they slam forces for missing warning signs throughout his career Advertisement

He told the documentary: 'The gravity of the whole situation then became incredibly clear. You know, the moment I told the team, it just went silent.'

Mr Harvey knocked on Couzens' door and said that when he showed his warrant card 'he just went grey'.

'Just... all the colour just ran out of his face,' he said.

Police footage in the documentary showed Couzens during interrogation.

An officer said to him: 'People trust us to look after them. People trust us to help them. You know, protect and serve, that's what they say, isn't it? That's what we're here to do. We all took that oath, you included.'

Couzens did not respond and kept his head bowed throughout the exchange.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC recalled his first meeting with Miss Everard's family, saying: 'It was immediately clear to me what awful trauma they had been put through, but at the same time, how focused and resolute they were in terms of seeing that justice was done.

'The focus on the case then became on presenting the true horror of what he'd done to the full extent.'

Wayne Couzens (pictured) was given a whole life sentence at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to kidnap, rape and murder

Couzens (pictured) had been working as a diplomatic protection officer when he murdered Sarah

The documentary also explored the aftermath and impact of the case.

While Couzens was initially cast as a 'bad apple' and an anomaly in the force, his crimes prompted victims to come forward to report officers within the Met and across the nation for cases of sexual assault, rape and other misconduct.

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin questioned how the police could win back the public's trust. 'I begin to wonder then how endemic it is,' she said.

Mr Little said: 'I don't think the incidences of violence against women and girls is reducing or decreasing in any way. In fact it would appear to me that it's getting worse.'

In the year after Miss Everard's murder, 138 women were killed by men in the UK or a man was the chief suspect. In the same year in England and Wales, an estimated 798,000 women experienced sexual assault and more than 100,000 were were raped or were a victim of attempted rape.

The documentary will be shown days after a report released by Lady Elish Angiolini found the police repeatedly ignored and missed chances to stop Couzens.

The inquiry branded him a 'predatory sex offender and murderer' who should have never been a police officer, and laid bare a history of alleged sexual offending dating back nearly 20 years before he murdered Miss Everard.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice will air on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Australia will experience drizzly weather and unusually high temperatures this week , while wild surf conditions will impact some of the country's top beaches.

Showers and cloudy conditions are forecast for all of Australia's major cities on Monday.

A low-intensity heatwave is forecast to affect parts of western Western Australia and northern South Australia, as well as isolated pockets over the Cape York Peninsula, southwest Queensland and southern Northern Territory.

Showers and cloudy weather is forecast in all of Australia's capital cities, including Sydney (pictured) on Monday

Sydney

Sydney is set to see a windy start to the week, with large parts of New South Wales' coastline under a hazardous surf warning.

Clouds over the city on Monday are set to partially clear as winds drop from a peak of 35km/h to 25km/ h in the early afternoon.

The rest of Sydney's week is forecast to be similarly grey, with partially cloudy conditions through to Saturday.

Surfers have been warned of hazardous conditions on the Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast on Monday and Tuesday.

Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque explained a low-pressure system in the Southern Ocean, south of Tasmania, will move into the Tasman Sea and increase wave activity in NSW and south-east Queensland.

'The real energy behind this powerful low will quickly build over NSW from late Monday morning, reaching southeast Queensland by early Tuesday morning.

'Long period groundswell reaching 14-16 seconds is expected for much of New South Wales, possibly stretching to 15-18 seconds further north, at the peak of this swell.

'Coasts exposed directly to this energy will be treacherous with huge amounts of water and energy flowing into the coastline.'

Mr Levesque warned wave heights could reach up to 3.5m with 'sudden, very large waves and powerful surges of water' driving dangerous conditions.

'The large swell will gradually ease on Tuesday, but the swell height should still be around 2m on Wednesday, with wave period slowly reducing to about 12-14 seconds into the middle of the week,' he said.

'Beach conditions will be deceiving until Wednesday or Thursday, as seemingly calm seas will be intermittently interrupted by large and powerful waves.'

A low intensity heatwave is forecast to affect parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory (pictured, temperature map for midday Monday)

Melbourne

Partially cloudy skies over Melbourne are set to clear on Tuesday as the city's high temperature jumps from 21C on Monday to 32C.

Wednesday is also looking hot with a top of 30C before temperatures slightly cool to a high of 25C on Thursday.

Severe fire conditions have eased in Victoria with just one western region, Bayindeen, remaining under an advice warning.

'There may still be some localised fire activity and smoke,' Vic Emergency said.

'Aircraft continue to support firefighters to patrol and black out hot spots, further consolidating the edge of the fire line.

'Heavy machinery and fire vehicles will still be operating within the burnt landscape.'

Brisbane

Brisbane is forecast to see a high chance of showers late Monday morning, with a chance of a thunderstorm.

Drizzly conditions are also forecast for Tuesday before partially clearing on Wednesday.

Temperatures in the city are expected to stay high, with maximums in the low 30Cs and high 20Cs, through the end of the week.

Following rainfall in the last month, several areas in Queensland remain under flood warnings.

The Bureau issued moderate flood warnings for the Diamantina River and Eyre Creek.

Minor flood warnings remain in place for the Georgina, Flinders, Norman, and Gilbert rivers.

Strong marine winds are expected to affect the Gold Coast on Monday and the Capricornia Coast and K'gari Coast on Tuesday.

Perth

Perth has a medium chance of seeing light showers in morning with winds to reach up to 35km/h before easing to 25km/h in the evening.

Skies over the city will clear on Tuesday and Wednesday as high temperatures increase to the low 30Cs.

High temperatures in Sydney are expected to stay in the high 20Cs from Tuesday with a top of 29C on Wednesday

READ MORE: Massive sinkhole opens up near industrial park in Sydney Advertisement

Strong wind warnings have been issued for Perth Local Waters, Ningaloo Coast, Gascoyne Coast, Geraldton Coast, Lancelin Coast and Perth Coast on Monday.

Meanwhile, flood warnings have been issued for several desert regions in the state's east.

The Bureau warned isolated flooding could be possible in the Salt Lake, Nullabor District Rivers and Sandy Desert from Tuesday.

'Heavy rain with showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the Flood Watch area from Monday,' it said.

'Significant river, creek and stream rises are likely with heavy rainfall, with flooding and overland inundation possible across parts of the Flood Watch area.

'Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated.'

Adelaide

Adelaide's outlook for Monday is mostly sunny, with winds reaching up to 35km/h in the afternoon.

High temperatures in Adelaide are forecast to stay in the low 30C through the weekend ahead of a high of 37C expected on Saturday.

Tuesday is looking sunny before partially cloudy conditions move over the city on Wednesday and remain for the rest of the week.

Meanwhile, moderate flooding is occurring along the Diamantina River and filling Goyder Lagoon, in the state's northeast.

'Floodwaters may cut roads and access tracks, and in particular river crossings, impacting travel in the region,' the Bureau said.

'Floodwaters are expected to reach the Warburton River, downstream of Goyder Lagoon, in the next few weeks.'

Hobart

Cloudy conditions over Hobart on Monday are set to partially clear on Tuesday with only some cloud cover expected to remain through to the end of the week.

A strong wind warning has been issued for Storm Bay, Upper East Coast, Lower East Coast, South East Coast and South West Coast on Monday.

Canberra

Partially cloudy skies over Canberra are forecast to clear for a sunny Tuesday and mostly sunny Wednesday.

Top temperatures in the city are expected to stay in the high 20Cs and low 30Cs through to the end of the week.

The city's coldest temperature is forecast for Tuesday with a low of just 9C.

Darwin

Darwin is still in the thick of its wet season.

Showers with the possibility of thunderstorms is forecast through to the end of the week alongside maximum temperatures in the low 30Cs.

A flood warning has been issued for the Tanami Desert, Western Barkly and central desert areas.

Brisbane is forecast to see a high chance of showers in late Monday morning with a chance of a thunderstorm

'North to northeast winds brought showers, heavy rainfall, and storms across the Northern Territory during the weekend,' the Bureau said.

'The Flood Watch area is largely ungauged, however, it is expected that rainfall totals up to 100mm have fallen in the 24 hours to 9am Sunday.

'Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated.'
Convenience stores have been hit by an explosion in shoplifting  up five-fold in a single year.

A report by the group representing 49,000 small shopkeepers said they fell victim to an astonishing 5.6million thefts in 2023, rocketing from 1.1million incidents recorded the previous year.

Figures from the Association of Convenience Stores also revealed that there were 76,000 acts of violence in small shops last year, up from 41,000.

The soaring toll not only hits shopkeepers in the pocket and physically but leaves consumers paying the price.

The huge growth in shoplifting from convenience stores means that, according to the survey, they now suffer 600 thefts every hour, across the country (stock photo)

Last night a spokesman said official police figures suggesting shoplifting is under control are simply not reflecting reality, with most cases not even reported (stock photo)

Stolen products and anti-crime measures cost the average store 6,800 a year, meaning each time we go shopping we are effectively paying a 10p 'crime tax', according to the association.

Last night a spokesman said official police figures suggesting shoplifting is under control are simply not reflecting reality, with most cases not even reported.

He said: 'We just want the police to take theft from shops seriously. Shopkeepers are fed up with phoning the police for half-an-hour to report an incident when mostly all they get is a crime number.'

The Mail on Sunday has launched an anti-shoplifting campaign and is calling on the police, prosecutors and courts to be much tougher.

The initiative also wants a change in the law to make abuse or violence towards shop staff a specific offence.

The huge growth in shoplifting from convenience stores means that, according to the survey, they now suffer 600 thefts every hour, across the country.

Retailers are trying to fight back, spending 339million last year alone on measures including CCTV, security staff, intruder alarms and internal communication systems.

Independent local stores are hardest hit as the larger convenience chains, such as the Co-op and Tesco Metro, have economies of scale and established systems for boosting security.

The main villains are drug addicts and alcoholics followed by organised crime gangs, sometimes stealing items such as meat, alcohol, and even sweets to order.

A Co-op security guard wears a body camera at a store in London amid a rise in shoplifting

Many supermarkets introduced security tags or casings on baby formula products to prevent thefts

Often they target corner shops, threatening violence if caught before simply melting away into the neighbourhood.

READ MORE: Police should investigate all instances of shoplifting even if the value of stolen goods is than 200, policing minister claims Advertisement

Last year an astonishing 87 per cent of convenience store staff reported suffering verbal abuse.

This escalated to violence most regularly after thieves were confronted. Asking for proof of age or denying service to drunks also sparked attacks.

The association said the solution is for the Government and police nationwide to take action.

Its chief executive James Lowman added: 'Retailers are facing an onslaught of crime on a daily basis, with some losing tens of thousands per year to theft.

'This extended crimewave cannot be allowed to continue. Thieves are known to the community and the police but they continue regardless, filling baskets and trolleys and walking out without fear.

'Nobody should have to face what retailers and their colleagues have faced over the past year.'
Democrats who showed up to vote early in North Carolinas presidential primary wished they had other options besides Joe Biden.

But it did not stop them from casting ballots for the incumbent president as they fear the alternative to Biden: Donald Trump.

North Carolina is one of fifteen states casting ballots on Super Tuesday. It has a semi-closed primary, meaning Democrats can only vote in the Democratic primary while unaffiliated voters can choose which primary to vote in.

But despite the Democratic presidential primary not being competitive, DailyMail.com found a steady stream of voters heading to the polls in the final days of early voting in the deep purple state which will be one of the biggest battlegrounds come November.

Democrat James Howell, 37, showed up for early polling and cast a ballot, and while he voted for Biden, he wished he had a choice besides the 81-year-old.

I dont think that the system is necessarily broken or anything, but its slanted a little bit unfairly because what if you didnt want to vote for your partys pushed forward candidate? What if you wanted to vote for someone else? Howell said.

Democrats in North Carolina expressed frustration over not having another option besides Biden but said they still planed to vote for him because the alternative could be Trump winning

A voting sign outside an early voting location in North Carolina. Voters could participate in early voting through Saturday. The state holds its primary on Super Tuesday, March 5

What Im not happy about is I wish that we could have given other people chances, he said.

But Howell said not voting for Biden or leaving the presidential spot on the ballot blank was not an option in his mind.

Other Democrats participating in early voting felt the same way.

Im conflicted because I would prefer to have a different Democratic nominee, but Im in the anyone but Trump camp, said Jenna Bialik-Speight, 36.

I feel the direction that our country is going feels really dangerous with the potential Republican nominee thats coming, Bialik-Speight said.

She said she was discouraged seeing a significant number of voters in Michigan voting uncommitted over Biden.

Given that hes the presumptive nominee, weve got to rally behind him because the alternative is Donald Trump, she warned.

I understand why people feel discouraged, but its still very important to vote, or youll never know what youll wind up with, said Katherine Makens, 47, who came out in the rain to vote for Biden in Durham.

Democrats DailyMail.com spoke with had mixed opinions on whether Biden's age at 81-years-old was a concern, but it did not stop them from voting for him

A poll released Sunday by the Wall Street Journal found 73 percent of voters believed Biden was too old to run for president. Only 52 percent said the same of Trump.

Its a valid concern, said Brent Alton, 55, of Bidens age. But the Greensboro Democrat still absolutely cast a ballot for Biden. He said saving our democracy was his top concern in the election.

DailyMail.com found Democrats showing up during early voting to cast ballots in the non-competitive presidential primary. A fuller picture of turnout will come on Super Tuesday

I think the Republican Party at this point, the whole thing is a clown car, Alton said, shaking his head. Just full of fools.

Other Democrats casting ballots in North Carolina completely dismissed concern over Biden's age, calling him competent and pointing out Trump is 77-years-old.

I think he has the opportunity to be influenced by others and receive input from others, so Im not really concerned, said Kimberly Johnson, 46, of Biden after voting for him early in Greensboro.

She thought he did what he could as president with the Congress he had to work with and said she looks forward to another four years.

The issues were front and center for her: womens rights, equality and the impact on the environment.

Abortion is huge, Bialik-Speight also said. Republican legislators in the state were able to override the governors veto and pass abortion restrictions last year with a one-seat supermajority.

Bialik-Speight said she also wants a candidate who cares about equality and lifting up those who are really struggling.

While motivated Democrats in the battleground state DailyMail.com spoke with argued the election is too important to sit out or vote for anyone besides Biden, a series of recent polls showed Trump beating Biden come November including in the battleground state.

Polls have also shown an enthusiasm gap nationwide.

Republicans are more likely to be enthusiastic about Trump than Democrats are about Biden, raising questions over whether Biden can put together the necessary coalition to win a second term or if some people will simply stay home.

Trump won North Carolina in 2020 by less than 75,000 votes  a smaller number than what Biden won Michigan and Pennsylvania by that year, and Democrats are bullish about flipping the state blue come November.

Primary turnout is not expected to come anywhere close to general election turnout  and while local races were a draw for some in a non-competitive presidential primary  Tuesday will shed more light on just how engaged or unengaged voters are with eight months to go in the Tar Heel state.
Queensland premier Steven Miles has divided Aussies after showing off his muscular physique while volunteering at a school's working bee.

Mr Miles was snapped while carrying a garbage bin at Dakabin State School in his electorate of Murrumba, north of Brisbane.

While usually hidden underneath a suit during press conferences, his ripped physique was on full display with his biceps bulging out of his t-shirt.

Mr Miles, wearing a Brisbane Broncos hat and short, appeared in high spirits as he smiled from ear to ear as he carried a bin around.

The professional photo was uploaded to his Facebook page on Sunday.

'P&C working bee at Dakabin State School this morning,' the caption read. 'P.S Go Broncs.'

Some social media users were left in envy at his apparent 'thirst trap photo' - while others accused him of turning an act of goodwill into a PR opportunity.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has caused a stir after showing off his muscles in a professionally candid photo taken at a Brisbane school's working bee on Sunday (pictured)

One X user said the premier suited being a 'garbo' while another simply commented 'rubbish collecting rubbish'.

Others criticised the premier, who is married with three children, for taking a cameraman with him to the event.

'I mean who doesnt go and do volunteer work with their official photographer and social media team in hand,' one user wrote.

'Thousands of Queensland parents would do this for the love of volunteering on behalf of their children,' a second wrote.

'They would not feel the need nor desire to boast about it on Twitter or social media.'

'Gain points for going, lost points for taking a media crew,' a third wrote.

With the 'Made in Australia' sign pointing directly at the camera, others said the bin appeared 'brand new and unused' for a school working bee.

Not all social media users were critical of the premier, with some thankful for the help while others gave him the nickname of 'commander in beef'.

Some users were not happy with Mr Miles using the volunteer event as a PR opportunity, while others gave him the nickname 'commander in beef'

'No one told me you were licensed to carry those guns,' one social media user wrote.

'Those guns are vote winners,' another added.

'How absolutely ridiculous that the comments on this post have focused more on Stevens body than the work hes doing,' a third wrote.

'A truly humble man, leading by example and intelligence, great role model for your peers,' a NSW resident commented, adding they would vote for him if they could.
An Alaska senator has defended Donald Trump's mental faculties amid a series of gaffes by the presidential hopeful and insisted he is '110 percent' comfortable with the former president's abilities.

On CBS Sunday, Dan Sullivan leapt to Trump's defense after he was presented with a video clip where Trump appeared to confuse Biden with Barack Obama and incorrectly suggested the US has troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Sullivan stated there is 'no comparison' to Trump rival Joe Biden, who has himself been criticized over his cognitive function.

'Are you comfortable about his mental fitness?' CBS' Margaret Brenann asked Sullivan after playing the footage taken at a rally in Virginia.

'Compared to the current president? One hundred ten percent,' the Republican senator replied.

Dan Sullivan defended Donald Trump 's mental faculties amid a series of gaffes by the presidential hopeful

Sullivan was shown a clip in which Trump mixed up Joe Biden and Barack Obama and incorrectly stated the US has troops in Ukraine

The Alaska senator said he is '110%' comfortable with Trump's mental acuity, compared to that of Biden

'And as your polling shows, I think the American people have real concerns where President Biden is with regard to his fitness for office, particularly his mental acuity.

'And relative to President Biden  or relative to former President Trump  I don't even think it's a close call when you see the two in action.'

The poll Sullivan cited showed just 32 percent of voters believe Biden has the necessary mental and cognitive abilities to be president.

The same poll showed that 51 percent of voters also don't believe Trump has the necessary mental faculties to do the job.

But Sullivan, who has endorsed 77-year-old Trump, hit back when Brennan asked him to confirm there are no US troops in Ukraine.

'I would go back to who is demonstrating more mental fitness to be the president and I don't even think it's a close call between President Trump and President Biden right now,' he said.

Trump made the Obama blunder at the rally on Saturday night.

'Putin has so little respect for Obama that he's starting to throw around the nuclear word. You heard that. Nuclear. He's starting to talk nuclear weapons today,' he said.

Sullivan referenced polling that showed just 32 percent of voters believe Biden has the cognitive abilities to be president, while most voters do not think Trump has the necessary capabilities

Trump's recent gaffe is not the first time the Republican frontrunner has confused Obama and Biden on the campaign trail.

However, in January, he claimed this is a deliberate tactic to demonstrate his belief 'Obama is running the show.'

Other gaffes have included mixing up GOP rival Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Biden, 81, has also committed his fair share of flubs in recent months.

Two weeks ago, he appeared to get his facts muddled once again as he confused a Congressional funding bill for Ukraine with that of NATO.

Biden was speaking to reporters as he walked from his motorcade when he got his facts confused as he called for 'Congress to come home and pass the legislation funding NATO.'

The $95 billion aid package the president was speaking about would see $61 billion sent to Ukraine - which it not part of NATO.

It was the latest gaffe made by the president, who recently mixed up the names of world leaders, including France's former president Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996, with its current president, Emmanuel Macron.

Trump confused Biden and Obama for the third time in less than three months on Saturday

The Department of Justice even found in its report into Biden's handling of classified documents that he has 'diminished faculties and a faulty memory.'

The probe revealed he left Afghan files next to a dog bed in his garage, forgot when his son Beau died and couldn't remember when he was vice president.

Biden angrily refuted the claims in the report by Special Counsel Robert Hur that suggested his memory was failing.

He channeled all his rage at the reporters in front of him, setting out his fury at the idea, reported by Hur, that he could not remember the date of his beloved son Beau's death.

It was a forceful and impressive performance right up until the point when it wasn't.

After apparently finishing the question-and-answer portion of the appearance, he made for the door before being tempted back to answer one more inquiry about Israel.

All the headlines focused on what came next, the moment when he referred to 'the president of Mexico El-Sisi.' In fact, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the president of Egypt.
The Barefoot Investor has encouraged an Aussie teacher to move to a regional area to bring down their cost of living.

Scott Pape was asked by a 37-year-old teacher, Jim, about how to transition into another career without suffering a major pay cut.

'I love teaching. I love the sparkle in a student's eye when they get it. I love being a stable and consistent cheerleader in their lives,' Jim wrote.

The Barefoot Investor Scott Pape (pictured) has encouraged an Aussie teacher who is looking to earn more money to 'move regional' to combat the cost of living crisis.

'Yet things have changed in the past five years  the challenges that come with students who didn't receive the support they needed during lockdown.

'And the challenges of the screen kids  a generation with too much time on TikTok and not enough time socialising, imagining, reading or being outside.'

'We cant ask for a payrise annually like your book suggests. We have a teacher shortage and an impending education crisis, with three out of four teachers having considered a career change in the past five years.

'So my question is: how does a highly qualified and experienced teacher transition into another career without taking a huge pay cut?'

Replying to Jim's email, Mr Pape questioned how much more money Jim wanted to make.

'Let's say you could earn an extra $60,000 a year. That'd give you an extra $3,000 a month after tax, which, if you invested it, would make a huge difference at your age,' Mr Pape explained.

'However, it would also mean giving up your calling in life, something that clearly gives you a deep sense of meaning and purpose. You need to put a value on that  and I think it's worth a lot more than $3,000 a month.

'If I were in your shoes, I'd look at your costs and perhaps entertain the idea of moving to a regional area where you can live cheaper.

'I'd also think about how you could boost your income from tutoring. Remember, the grass isn't always greener. Sometimes it's just astroturf.'

Jim asked the Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape (left), how he could transition to a different career without taking a major pay cut

Pape hits out at government's plan to get more young Aussies into university degrees

In his column, Mr Pape also encouraged young Aussies to pursue TAFE qualification instead of a university degree.

Pape said TAFE and Vocational Education Training qualifications are not only known to be more practical than university degrees but are also shorter and 'generally much cheaper'.

'It's said that uni is for learning and VET is for earning,' Pape said.

'I think it's a very rational choice for a lot of teenagers who have no idea what they're going to be when they grow up.'

Pape, who has both a bachelor's degree and TAFE qualifications, said he strongly disagrees with people who believe TAFE is inferior to university.

He argued it did not make sense for a young person to spend '$40,000 on a degree they may never use' and be left struggling to pay off an ever-rising HECS debt.

Pape added there is an 'absolute need' for quality tertiary education - particularly for doctors - but labelled the institutes as 'highly profitable diploma mills'.

'Don't get me wrong. I don't want my doctor to have a "Diploma in Appendix Removal" from Broadmeadows TAFE. There is absolutely a need for quality tertiary education.' Pape wrote.

'However, it's also true that many universities have become highly profitable diploma mills: rapidly ratcheting up their fees, jamming in full-fee-paying Chinese students, and all too often delivering a Zoom-like learning experience.

'That's why I was surprised this week that the Government released the Australian Universities Accord Report, which set out an ambitious goal of doubling the number of university placements over the next 25 years.

'Does it really make sense to spend $40,000 on a degree you may never use?
A comedy club in Seattle has canceled four comedians after the venue decided their acts did 'not align with the neighborhood's progressive values.'

It might seem like a bad joke, but the Capitol Hill Comedy Bar, known for promoting the voices of the queer community, had booked comics Jim Florentine, Dave Smith, Luis Gomez and Kurt Metzger for some upcoming shows before scrapping them.

But Florentine, known for his edgy and outspoken style, is among the foursome whose shows were scrapped. He is now predicting the club will ultimately close down following the decision.

'We got this email saying, listen, we did some research, and you basically can't come to the club,' Florentine told KOMO.

'There was a whole thing about, we were a progressive area, and we checked with the community and your values, and my values don't align with the other comics.'

A Seattle comedy club canceled four comics, including Jim Florentine, center, citing their comedy misaligned with 'progressive values'

The Capitol Hill Comedy Bar, pictured, said the decision was based on concerns expressed by the community about the upcoming shows 'not aligning with the neighborhood's ethos.'

The comedians were informed of the change by the club's booker, Jes Anderson, who explained in a letter that the decision was based on concerns expressed by the community about the upcoming shows 'not aligning with the neighborhood's ethos.'

The club promotes 'vibrant voices of the queer community' with a weekly 'Queers to the front' open mic night.

Among his standup, Florentine was the voice behind a mentally disabled teenage character named 'Special Ed' on a prank call show on Comedy Central called 'Crank Yankers.'

Florentine describes his act as being silly and non-political' but believes his straightforward approach and willingness to address controversial topics, including transgender issues, played a role in the decision.

'I speak my mind on stage, I'm edgy, I don't kiss the audience's a**. I'll talk about the transgender stuff,' he told the New York Post.

The comedians were informed of the change by the club's booker, Jes Anderson, who explained in a letter that the decision was based on concerns expressed by the community about the upcoming shows 'not aligning with the neighborhood's ethos.'

The neighborhood, recognized as an 'LGBTQ+ epicenter,' gained national attention in 2020 during protests when it was declared the 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone'

An aerial view of a Black Lives Matter mural in Seattle, in what was first referred to as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which encompassed several blocks around the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct

'Given the feedback and to avoid any potential negative impact on both our club and the artists involved, as well as to maintain the harmony within our community, we believe the most responsible course of action is not to move forward with the shows,' Anderson wrote in a letter to the comics.

The neighborhood, recognized as an 'LGBTQ+ epicenter,' gained national attention in 2020 during protests when it was declared the 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone.'

Florentine expressed his amusement at the idea of the club checking with local residents before inviting comics to perform.

'I didn't know you had to check with the neighborhood. I called my friends that own comedy clubs around the country and said 'I'm coming in a couple months, you gotta check the neighborhood and see if they're OK with me performing there,' he joked.

He believes the club may have reconsidered after watching his work or listening to his non-PC podcast.

'A million things could have popped up where they said 'hey, we don't want this guy,'' he said. 'Usually what happens is a club will research you before they book you, [and decide] we don't want that type of comedy  a lot of places won't book you and you'll never even know. But in this case, they booked us,' Florentine said.

Florentine, center, known for his edgy style and voicing a Crank Yankers character, believes his outspokenness on controversial topics led to the snub

Florentine says he bears no grudges towards the Capitol Hill Comedy Bar (pictured) but does not believe it will last much longer if it continues to operate with such restrictions

Despite his willingness to adapt his act when performing in more liberal locales, he believes comedy has a role to play in pushing boundaries.

'That's why I got into comedy, to push boundaries,' Florentine stressed.

'Like sometimes you toe the line with something and think 'oh that went a little too far' That's the goal as a comic: try to find where that line is and just ride it.'

Florentine says he bears no grudges towards the Capitol Hill Comedy Bar but does not believe it will last much longer if it continues to operate with such restrictions.

'If that's the way they're going to run their business, I don't see how they're going to stay in business that long.'

The other comedians involved also had their own views on the situation with Gomez speculating local comics may influenced the decision, while Metzger criticized the club for practicing groupthink and similarly predicting its failure.
Are foreigners driving up home prices?

By Yi Whan-woo

The government is facing growing calls to curb the purchases of homes in Korea by foreign nationals, who could obtain mortgage loans from banks abroad and are subject to less stringent borrowing regulations than Koreans.

Some are even demanding restrictions as a reciprocal measure against countries where foreigners, including Koreans, are restricted from owning homes.

As of July 2023, foreigners accounted for 1.4 percent of total home purchases here. While this percentage may seem modest, it has been steadily increasing from 1 percent in 2021 to 1.2 percent in 2022. Also, fierce competition to buy homes in the crowded capital, where real estate prices have been escalating rapidly, has amplified the concerns of local residents regarding foreigners buying homes in Seoul under more favorable conditions.

Concerns have been growing among Koreans that they may no longer be able to afford homes due to increasing price pressures, particularly in Seoul and the greater metropolitan area, where over half of the country's entire population of 51.7 million resides. This issue gained significant attention last year when a unit of Parc Hannam, a luxurious apartment in Seoul, was purchased by a Malaysian for 18 billion won ($13.5 million), marking the highest price ever recorded for an apartment in the city. Additionally, a U.K. national reportedly bought a unit in Hannam The Hill, another luxury residence located nearby, for 11 billion won last year.

The government will need to keep track of policies in other countries and take corresponding measures, in accordance with the principle of reciprocity under international laws, Kwon Dae-jung, a real estate professor at Sogang University, said Monday.

He assessed that reciprocity will be crucial to prevent foreign nationals from exploiting loopholes in housing regulations here and to ensure they do not ironically discriminate against our own citizens.

Kwons remarks came a day after the Canadian government announced a two-year extension to a ban on foreign ownership of homes to tackle a worsening housing crisis.

The ban, previously set to expire on Jan. 1, 2025, will be effective through Jan. 1, 2027.

Foreign commercial enterprises as well as individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are prohibited from buying residential property either directly or indirectly.

Australia also enforces restrictions on home ownership for foreigners, allowing them to purchase only one established dwelling, which must be occupied by the owner.

In China, foreigners are mandated to reside in the country for at least one year to be eligible for property ownership. However, in practice, they only obtain the right to lease property from the government, as all land is legally owned by the state under communist law.

Unfortunately, Koreas regulations seem to lack such details, prompting individuals from a certain country to go on a property buying spree, Kwon said.

He cited data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which showed a more than three-fold increase in the number of land owned by Chinese nationals between 2016 and the first half of 2023.

A total of 24,035 cases were reported in 2016 and the figure jumped to 72,180 by the end of June last year.

Separate data from the ministry showed that Chinese nationals owned 47,327 homes as of June 2023, which accounted for 54.3 percent of the 87,223 homes belonging to foreign nationals.

The number of homes owned by Chinese residents was far larger than 20,469 homes purchased by Americans, 5,959 by Canadians, 3,286 by Taiwanese and 1,801 by Australians.

Kim Dong-young, chairman of the Global Real Estate Association of Seoul (GRAS), emphasized the necessity for an overhaul of tax policies, loan regulations, affordability assessments, and other pertinent housing rules.

For instance, Koreans, in proportion to their annual income, are limited from taking out money from banks whereas foreign nationals are free from such rules, he said. Also, Koreans are asked to prove thoroughly how they can afford money to buy a home, whereas it is tricky to find out the source of financing for foreign nationals.
The Malaysian government has thrown its support around a proposed new search for the missing MH370 flight that disappeared ten years ago this week.

The Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared mid-flight with 239 people aboard on March 8, 2014.

Despite extensive multinational searches through the South Indian Ocean, where the aircraft is believed to have crashed, the plane disappeared without a trace and the victims' families remain desperate for answers.

US-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has now announced its proposal for a 15,000-square-kilometre search of the Southern Indian Ocean, off the coast of Australia.

Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he was considering the proposal which was on a 'no find, no fee' basis.

'As far as the Malaysian government is concerned, we are committed to justice and the search must go on,' he said at a ten-year remembrance ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, where loved ones of the victims gathered.

The Malaysian government has thrown its support around a proposed new search for the missing MH370 flight that disappeared ten years ago this week (pictured loved ones of victims at a remembrance service in Malaysia)

'The government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370. We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin.'

Mr Loke said he had invited Ocean Infinity to further discuss the plan and any costs should the search mission be successful.

New scientific evidence about where the aircraft may have ended up will be evaluated as part of discussions.

He is hoping the Malaysian cabinet can approve the proposal in the coming weeks.

Mr Loke added the Australian government would be asked for their cooperation once Ocean Infinity had finalised their proposal.

The last official search for the aircraft was in 2018 - also by Ocean Infinity - which shed no light onto what may have happened to the plane or its passengers.

Details about the company's latest search proposal are yet to be revealed.

Last time, Malaysia offered the firm a reward of $70 million of it found the missing plane within 90 days.

Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Punkett told the New Straits Times that the company had improved its technology since 2018.

'We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for MH370,' he told the English-language daily. 'We've been working with many experts, some outside of Ocean Infinity, to continue analyzing the data in the hopes of narrowing the search area down to one in which success becomes potentially achievable.'

Despite extensive multinational searches through the South Indian Ocean, where the aircraft is believed to have crashed, the plane disappeared without a trace and the victims' families remain desperate for answers (police are seen carrying debris from unidentified aircraft found in French Indian Ocean in 2015)

Loved ones of victims are seen sharing heartfelt messages on the ten-year anniversary of the MH370 flight's disappearance

As many as 500 relatives of victims lost on the MH370 flight gathered at a shopping centre in the Malaysian city of Subang Jaya for the service on Sunday

As many as 500 relatives of victims lost on the MH370 flight gathered at a shopping centre in the Malaysian city of Subang Jaya for the service on Sunday.

Many were seen weeping and comforting each other, while candles were also lit in honour of the victims.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) conducted an underwater search for the plane in the southern Indian Ocean from May 2014 until the operation was suspended in January 2017.

The wreckage of MH370 has still not been found almost a decade later despite its disappearance triggering the largest ever air-sea multinational search.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur was bound for Beijing and was carrying passengers from 14 different countries.

Within 40 minutes of what was supposed to be a routine flight, MH370 crossed from Malaysia to Vietnamese airspace.

It was at that moment that the passenger plane dropped from civilian radars and the now infamous last words of the captain were heard.

'Good night, Malaysia 370.'

The plane's disappearance has prompted countless theories as to what may have happened including one that it was a murder-suicide by the pilot.
A key part of Anthony Albanese's housing policy has been slammed after new research revealed just four per cent of houses in a major city would be eligible under it.

Analysis of the Government's proposed Help to Buy co-ownership scheme has shown the most it would allow a single person to pay for a property is $655,000 - ruling out the 96 cent of houses in Sydney that cost more than that.

'I was trying to think when was the last time I saw a house for sale for that price,' Home Loan Experts (HLE) CEO Alan Hemmings told the Daily Telegraph.

He said the scheme would add to 'demand which is going to put up prices even more' and would not fix the 'overarching issue' of housing supply.

Two out of three Sydney apartments sold in the past year went for more than $655,000 which would rule out 66 per cent of that housing stock too under Labor's flagship scheme.

Anthony Albanese's housing policy has been slammed after new research revealed that only four per cent of houses in a major city would be eligible under it. The Prime Minister is pictured

READ MORE: I'm a mortgage broker and this is how you can buy a $600k home with just $14k in your savings A homebuyer is pictured getting the keys of their new property Advertisement

Labor took the policy to the 2022 federal election but it has not yet become law.

If it gets through the Senate, where Labor needs the support of minor parties to pass legislation, it would see the government paying for 30 per cent of an established property or 40 per cent of a new build.

But a single person looking to take part cannot earn more than $90,000 a year, and would only be able to get a loan for $458,000 after account serviceability tests, where lenders assess a loan applicant's ability to repay mortgages at 9.5 per cent, even though rates are currently at around 6.5 per cent.

When the government's 30 per cent contribution is added on, the total amount available for an established dwelling is $655,000, HLE's calculations found.

Mr Albanese defended his housing policy on Monday morning, telling ABC radio the Government has 'a whole suite of programs, this is just an additional one and what it does effectively is allow for shared equity, shared ownership so that people only need 2 per cent of a deposit'.

'It makes it a lot easier to pay off and down the track the person can then buy out the government's share at a time of their convenience if they choose to do so.

'It worked effectively in Western Australia for more than 50 years and has made a difference. It's just one measure.'

The Prime Minister said the scheme is unlikely to pass through the Senate soon as 'the Greens and Libs are going to go against the comprehensive housing plan'.

'They can be held to account for it - why they would vote against a scheme that would help more people into home ownership, some 10,000 a year,' he said.

Julie Collins, the federal Housing Minister, has also defended the scheme, saying 'Help to Buy has been designed to help those struggling to enter the housing market buy a home, without driving up property prices which is why it is tightly targeted'.

A house in south-west Sydney that recently sold for less than $655,000 - and would be eligible to buy under Labor's proposed scheme - is pictured

'Right across the country Help to Buy will be life changing, bringing home ownership back into reach for thousands of Australians, particularly renters,' she said.

Independent Sydney MP Allegra Spender criticised the lack of detail in the Help to Buy bill when it was debated in the parliament last week.

She said research by the Parliamentary Budget Office showed the it would need $22billion of taxpayer's money.

'While I support the intent of the scheme, I am deeply uncomfortable providing any minister with this amount of public money with so little in the way of oversight and accountability,' Ms Spender said.
READ MORE: Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz to return to Australia

She is also suing Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz for defamation

Former DPP accused her of interfering with rape investigation

Linda Reynolds has been awarded $90,000 by the ACT government over comments made by the territory's top prosecutor amid Brittany Higgins' rape allegations.

The Liberal senator launched defamation proceedings against the ACT government and former Director of Public Prosecutor Shane Drumgold over a number of claims he made about her during Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial in October 2022.

Mr Drumgold had wrongly alleged that Ms Reynolds, who was a witness in the criminal trial, arranged for her partner to sit in court during proceedings so he could discuss Ms Higgins' evidence with her.

The prosecutor also wrongly accused her of interfering with the police investigation into Ms Higgins' rape allegations.

A public Board of Inquiry, which is the ACT's version of a royal commission, into the way Mr Lehrmann's was handled by police and prosecutors was held in May last year.

Walter Sofronoff, the judge who presided over the inquiry, found Mr Drumgold's allegations about Ms Reynolds were baseless and 'grossly unethical'.

Ms Reynolds then launched defamation proceedings, but the matter has now been settled with an apology and payments of $70,000 for damages and $20,000 for her legal fees.

Linda Reynolds is pictured outside ACT Supreme Court during Bruce Lehrmann's trial in October 2022

Linda Reynolds was Brittany Higgins' boss in 2019. They are pictured together in Perth

'The territory has accepted that allegations about Senator Reynolds made by the former DPP were found by the board of inquiry to be defamatory,' ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said, according to the ABC.

'The settlement does include a formal apology from the territory.

'That apology is made by the director-general of the Justice and Community Safety Directorate on behalf of the ACT government.'

Ms Reynolds' defamation claim focused on a letter Mr Drumgold sent ACT Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan in November 2022 - the month after Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial was vacated due to juror misconduct.

In the letter, Mr Drumgold alleged there was political interference in the investigation and trial of Mr Lehrmann.

At the conclusion of the trial, he had told the jury that 'political forces' delayed Ms Higgins' formal complaint to police.

He said: 'It is abundantly clear from the evidence and actions of Senator Reynolds during this trial that those political forces were still a factor.'

Mr Sofronoff found 'there was not a single piece of evidence that anyone had applied pressure upon Ms Higgins that could legitimately be described as 'strong political forces''.

Shane Drumgold is the former ACT Director of Public Prosecutions. He is pictured outside the ACT Supreme Court in October 2022

Mr Drumgold was cross-examining Ms Reynolds when he accused her of arranging for her partner to sit in the court so he could relay Ms Higgins' evidence back to her.

The senator was a witness in the trial and was not allowed to sit in the court herself or engage with any evidence heard in court before she took the witness stand.

Mr Sofronoff found there was no evidence to suggest Ms Reynolds' partner was discussing evidence with her, and to make such a claim was 'tantamount to an allegation of an attempt to pervert the course of justice'.

'It is a fundamental principle of ethical legal practice that suggestions to a witness should not be made unless they are supported by reliable information,' he said.

Mr Drumgold also alleged in court that the senator was trying to solicit transcripts of court proceedings - which Mr Sofronoff slammed as a baseless accusation designed to discredit her in the eyes of the jury.

At the time, Ms Higgins had launched a claim against Ms Reynolds. Her lawyer had asked her to get trial transcripts so he could properly advise her.

'A phone call to the lawyer would have revealed the truth about that matter to Mr Drumgold,' Mr Sofronoff said.

'The suggestion that Senator Reynolds as well as her partner were engaging in potentially criminal conduct was an improper one and should not have been made,' Mr Sofronoff said.

Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz are pictured in France, where they now live

'Likewise, it was improper to put to Senator Reynolds that she was 'politically invested' in the outcome of the trial.'

The findings against Mr Drumgold resulted in his resignation as DPP.

The settlement comes just days before mediation sessions are set to take place in WA Supreme Court during her defamation proceedings against Ms Higgins and her fiance, David Sharaz.

The mediation sessions are an attempt to avoid a six-week hearing in July.

She is suing the couple separately over comments they made on social media.

Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz are expected to travel to Perth from their new home in France for the mediation talks on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ms Higgins alleged Mr Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House in March 2019, in the officer of Ms Reynolds, who was their boss and the defence industry minister at the time.

He has continually denied the allegations.

Mr Lehrmann was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in October 2022 but the case was vacated because a member of the jury brought banned research material into the courtroom.

The matter was rescheduled for February 2023, but Ms Drumgold dropped the charge against Mr Lehrmann entirely citing concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health.
George Galloway faces embarrassment on his return to Parliament today after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons.

On Friday, Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, had told Sky News: 'David Davis is one of the great parliamentarians of today and this age.'

However, after Mr Galloway's deputy  former Labour MP Chris Williamson  refused to condemn Hamas's terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart.

'I was happy to introduce George because I'm a believer in free speech,' he said. 'But his deputy was trying to justify the October 7 attacks and that crosses the line.'

George Galloway (pictured) faces embarrassment on his return to Parliament today after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in as MP after he won the Rochdale by-election last week

Sir David Davis (pictured) had offered to accompany Mr Galloway. However, after Mr Galloway's deputy  former Labour MP Chris Williamson  refused to condemn Hamas's terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. New arrivals in the Commons are always flanked by two MPs when they are introduced by the Speaker and Corbyn has already agreed to do the honours for Mr Galloway

It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, will be asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead, if no others agree.

New arrivals in the Commons are always flanked by two MPs when they are introduced by the Speaker.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has already agreed to do the honours for Mr Galloway.

Both former Labour MPs, they were vocal in their opposition to the Iraq war and are now among the most prominent critics of Israel's actions concerning the war in Gaza.

Mr Galloway was approached by the Mail for comment.
The late founder of one of America's pharmaceutical giants has spent over $200 million funding conservative groups, including one that allegedly serves as a 'secret donor ATM.'

The Searle Freedom Trust emerged from the G.D. Searle pharmaceutical company, which originated many medical innovations from the artificial sweetener aspartame to Ambien to the birth control pill before it was bought by Monsanto for over $2 billion in the 1980s.

Over the last decade, the trust funded by the company's late ex-chairman Daniel C. Searle - the great-grandson of its founder, who died in 2007 - is now the biggest donor to conservative nonprofits.

When asked about his intentions in a 2006 interview, Searle said: 'I began to wonder: What if we could change the slope of the curve that leads to more loss of freedom?'

Some of the money's destinations are unclear, including a $5 million gift to DonorsTrust, which is derided by leftist website Mother Jones as 'The Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement.'

Daniel T. Searle, the late founder of one of America's pharmaceutical giants has spent over $200m million funding conservative groups, including one that allegedly serves as a 'secret donor ATM.'

Over the last decade, the trust funded by the company's late ex-chairman Daniel C. Searle - the great grandson of its founder, who died in 2007 - is now the biggest donor to conservative nonprofits

However, Searle wanted the trust to be closed at the end 2025, so they're making a last dash of awarding grants in 2024 and had $59 million in cash to dole out at the end of 2023, according to CNN.

Their beneficiaries have ranged from typical conservative economic think tanks and anti-regulation organizations to more MAGA-friendly causes loosening COVID restrictions (around $9 million to one group) ones that push voter ID laws (nearly $4 million), ending affirmative action and stopping progressive climate policy (over $8 million).

They've become more directly connected to former President Donald Trump in recent years, including giving money to the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit run by ex-Trump administration officials preparing for his possible second term.

However, they have kept one hand on a less Trump-friendly version of the Republican Party, having donated $100,000 to a group backed by former Vice President Mike Pence.

Searle has also bequeathed millions to groups arguing before the Supreme Court, as well as the Federalist Society, which often recommends conservative judges to local and federal posts.

The foundation is now run by CEO Kimberly Dennis, who says that she often works with advisors - including Searle's sons - to try and almost channel his wishes into the modern world.

'I often say our Searle board meetings are more like seances,' she said. 'We're always asking what Dan would have done.'

Searle left behind a mission statement for what the trust should cover before his passing, highlighting lobbying against government programs that only work for 'lazy and indolent' people.

The Searle Freedom Trust emerged from the G.D. Searle pharmaceutical company, which originated many medical innovations from the artificial sweetener aspartame to Ambien to the birth control pill before it was bought by Monsanto for over $2 billion in the 1980s

Searle has bequeathed millions to groups arguing before the Supreme Court, as well as the Federalist Society, which often recommends conservative judges to local and federal posts

He claimed to want to espouse the value of 'private enterprise, individual responsibility and limited government' and 'aim to restore the intellectual and cultural legacy of Western experience and the Judeo-Christian tradition.'

'While the Foundation's work will respect all cultures and religions, I believe the values embodied in the Judeo-Christian culture are those that are best capable of sustaining a just and prosperous society,' he wrote.

Ironically, some of the trust's biggest gifts end up arguing against the breakthrough they made their name and fortune. The company developed the first birth control pill, which Daniel Searle's father helped develop in the 1950s and his sister as one of the first people to use it.

'The Searle family made a lot of money off of the birth control pill,' said Kristen Batstone, the policy manager for the National Women's Health Network.

However, in recent years they've aided groups that have argued against the pill and the Biden administration's attempts to make it more widely available, including The Heritage Foundation, the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Reason Foundation.

'It's ironic that the money they profited off of women is now being used to fund conservative initiatives and organizations that are very much against women's reproductive health,' Batstone added.

The founding documents claim the organization will shut down on December 31, 2025, and were given explicit directions to 'spend itself out of existence.'

They will likely do so funding causes to assist conservative goals in 2024 and likely the first year of a second Trump term, should he defeat Biden in November.

With time running out on the trust and a huge election year in the balance, it's likely the trust will be generous and will make liberals furious, according to one expert.

'The fact that our political system works in a way where wealthy people who died years ago can continue to have such profound influence over our politics and our beliefs about science and the world is just incredibly damaging,' said Galen Hall, a researcher at the University of Michigan.
A single mum and her son were on a road trip to build a new life when their car was involved in a horror crash which has left them both fighting for their lives.

Maree Lloyd, 49, and son Evan Deverix, 19, were travelling to a relative's home on Thursday afternoon when they smashed into a tree near Williamstown in South Australia's Barossa Valley.

Emergency services were called to Yettie Road just before 5pm and Ms Lloyd was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Her teenager son was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, where he is in intensive care being treated for life-threatening head injuries.

His side of the car took the brunt of the impact, with the tree smashing into the passenger door in the horror accident.

Emergency services were called to Yettie Road in South Australia 's Barossa Valley after a car smashed into a tree just before 5pm on Thursday

A GoFundMe has now been set up to help the pair get back on their feet, which has already raised almost $9,000 for the pair.

Bridget Barletta, a family member who organised the fundraiser, said the mother and son were going to need support in the months ahead.

'Both are currently in hospital and Evan is currently fighting for his life at just 19 years old with significant head injuries,' she said.

'These beautiful family members of ours do not deserve the tough times which lie ahead.'

Ms Lloyd had recently found a job and bought a car, but had been unable to find a new rental home in the midst of the property market crisis.

'They are both trying to get back on their feet following unfortunate personal circumstances,' added Ms Barletta in the GoFundMe post.

'Both had temporarily living situations and were looking to rehome at the time.

'Maree was on her way to a family member's house where Evan would live temporarily.'

The single mother recently found a job and a car, but has been unable to secure a rental in the overpriced market

Mr Deverix had been looking for work while undertaking a course in filmmaking

Mr Deverix had also been looking for work while undertaking a course in filmmaking.

Ms Barletta said the pair will need basic necessities, and to cover the costs of fuel, parking and hospital fees.

'Both have very tough times ahead, and we hope to ease the financial burden as they look to recover,' she said.

'Maree and Evan are well loved by family and friends, and we are hoping that everyone can pitch in to give them the helping hand that they need.'

In an up date, she added: 'Maree continues to improve in hospital.

'She is overwhelmed with the love and support and it is good to see her smile. It means the world to her that people are reaching out.

'Evan is still in the ICU on life support and there are no significant updates. We expect to hear more in the coming days as the Doctors are able to assess him further.'
Two Australians have been left hospitalised after being stabbed repeatedly by a group of men in Bali, a girlfriend of one of the victims has claimed.

Scarlett Carruthers, from Redcliffe, in Queensland's Moreton Bay region, said her boyfriend Peter and friend Izeah were viciously assaulted outside a mini mart in Kuta on their final night in the Indonesian country.

'It was our last night in Bali so we decided to go for a meal and then get an early night ready for our flight home the next day which didn't go to plan,' she said.

'My partner and his friend ended up being stabbed over 20 times in the face, neck, head, eye, chest, both arms and ear.'

Two Australians have been left hospitalised after being stabbed repeatedly by a group of men in Bali, a girlfriend of one of the victims has claimed

One of the victims had a piece of skin cut out of his chest

Peter nearly lost his eyesight and now has to undergo cosmetic surgery, while Izeah suffered so much blood loss he was told by paramedics if he didn't get to the hospital within 30 minutes he'd be dead.

Peter is now facing a $50,000 hospital bill while Izeah's medical bills are totalling $15,000.

Ms Carruthers admitted they were 'stupid' and forgot to buy travel insurance with the hospital telling them they're unable to complete the surgery unless they pay up front.

She has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover the medical fees.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds for the two men as they wait to undergo surgery in Bali

The men were attacked on their final night in Bali

'We then need to pay for accommodation and now book new flights home as we missed our original ones,' she said.

'We know we should have gotten travel insurance but unfortunately we were stupid and forgot, not expecting anything like this to happen.'

Just over $3,500 has been raised so far out of a $30,000 goal.

Shocking photos shared of Peter and Izeah show just how serious their injuries are.

One of the men was seen with his eyebrow cut open and his eye black and bruised, as he lay covered in bandages in his hospital bed.

The other man had blood covering his entire face while a chunk of skin had been cut out of his chest.

Neither of the men had bought travel insurance
Jeremy Hunt yesterday acknowledged the 'effective' business campaign to scrap the tourist tax  as more big names signed up in a last-ditch effort to change the Chancellor's mind.

Mr Hunt is thought highly unlikely to reinstate the tax-free shopping scheme for international tourists despite more than 500 top firms calling for him to do so.

Department store John Lewis  a favourite of Middle England voters  became the latest to speak out. The founder of Edinburgh cafe The Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter series, also joined in, saying the policy 'puts us at a great disadvantage'.

The Government has calculated that scrapping the tourist tax would cost 2billion a year in lost revenue but campaigners say that fails to take into account the huge amount that tourists separately spend on hotels, shops, restaurants and theatre trips.

And they point out that the loss of the tax break since Brexit has seen tourists flock to rival shopping destinations such as Paris and Milan.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Mr Hunt is thought highly unlikely to reinstate the tax-free shopping scheme for international tourists despite more than 500 top firms calling for him to do so

Hotelier Sir Rocco Forte has led calls to reverse the policy. Sir Rocco criticised Mr Hunt, describing the Treasury as 'short-sighted'

John Lewis in the Trafford Centre. The department store  a favourite of Middle England voters  became the latest to speak out in support of tax free shopping for tourists

Mr Hunt acknowledged that hotelier Sir Rocco Forte  who together with this newspaper has led calls to reverse the policy  had campaigned 'very effectively'.

He told the BBC: 'I want to do everything I can to support the tourism industry.' And while giving no specifics on what he will do in the Budget, the Chancellor added: 'In principle, anything I can do to help business I want to, because this is going to be a budget for long-term growth.'

But Sir Rocco criticised Mr Hunt, describing the Treasury as 'short-sighted'. He told the BBC that studies suggest the tourist tax costs the economy 11billion a year and the Treasury 2.5billion.
The decision to place an elderly loved one in a care home is one of the hardest we'll ever have to take.

We are entrusting strangers to look after our precious parents, grandparents or partners when they are most vulnerable.

So we need to be confident they will not be exposed to harm by unscrupulous people who exploit the system for personal gain. Sadly, that confidence is being eroded.

As the Mail reveals today, countless care home residents are being looked after by foreign staff, many unqualified and some barely able to speak English, as part of a lucrative immigration scam.

Rogue companies are raking in millions by charging migrants up to 20,000 each to help them find jobs in the sector and obtain a Home Office work permit.

As the Mail reveals today, countless care home residents are being looked after by foreign staff, many unqualified and some barely able to speak English, as part of a lucrative immigration scam (stock image)

This is not only illegal, but deeply immoral. If migrants are unfit for the role, it puts the safety of elderly residents at risk. Yet nursing homes are so desperate for staff they often gratefully accept whoever turns up.

Ministers are partly to blame for this scandal because they relaxed immigration rules to plug mass vacancies in care.

To nip it in the bud, the Home Office should close the loopholes being abused, introduce more checks on foreign workers and strengthen English language requirements.

But given the ministry seems increasingly ineffectual under Home Secretary James Cleverly, no one should hold their breath.

The elderly are not numbers on a balance sheet. They are our kith and kin. Society has a moral obligation to do right by them.

Silence hate clerics

Rishi Sunak's pledge to crack down on foreign hate preachers who stoke division on our streets is urgently needed.

These ranting recruit sergeants for extremism, terror and murder have been allowed to deliver their blood-curdling sermons with impunity for far too long.

But there is a depressingly familiar ring to the PM's words. Ever since the July 7 bombings in 2005, ministers have vowed to get tough with clerics who pour poison into the ears of impressionable young Muslims.

Rishi Sunak says he will stop hate preachers coming to Britain and deport those already here. How will he achieve this when our borders are wide open and human rights laws frustrate attempts to get rid of them?

Yet spooked by the civil liberties lobby, and in craven fear of offending minorities, ministers have dithered over silencing the religious zealots who wish our society harm.

Mr Sunak says he will stop hate preachers coming to Britain and deport those already here. How will he achieve this when our borders are wide open and human rights laws frustrate attempts to get rid of them?

It is vital he finds a way. People are angry that those who despise our way of life are not just being tolerated, but indulged.

Be bold, Chancellor

When he was chancellor, Rishi Sunak made a promise to hard-pressed households: He would cut income tax by 1p in 2024. The Tories must honour his word.

Fortunately, his successor Jeremy Hunt is poised to go even further  lopping 2p off personal taxes in Wednesday's Budget.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. If the Tories are to turn around their dire poll ratings, the Chancellor must be brave. If he's not, he is effectively signing his party's death warrant

This would give families and business a badly-needed shot in the arm  and help fire up our floundering economy.

But how will Mr Hunt pay for the giveaway? The Office for Budget Responsibility has warned it may be unaffordable.

Lots of little tax rises to balance the books risk the Budget unravelling like George Osborne's 'omnishambles'. Instead, he must chop away at the swollen public sector.

If the Tories are to turn around their dire poll ratings, the Chancellor must be brave. If he's not, he is effectively signing his party's death warrant.
A headteacher has unleashed fury after she dumped the names of two British naval heroes from school buildings, saying they don't 'represent the values and inclusive nature' of the school.

Parents at the elite 17,000-a-year Exeter School in Devon were told Elizabethan-age heroes Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake had 'less than positive connotations' in modern times and would be scrapped.

The important historical figures led expeditions to the Americas and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.

They are among ten names of 'houses' being axed at the school, which boasts a 25-acre site with a range of 'first-class facilities'.

Headteacher Louise Simpson said the names are being removed as they no longer 'represent the values and inclusive nature' of the school.

Elizabethan-age heroes Sir Walter Raleigh (pictured) and Sir Francis Drake will be scrapped by a headteacher due to them having less than positive connotations' in modern times

The important historical figures led expeditions to the Americas and helped defeat the Spanish Armada. Pictured: Sir Walter Raleigh in 1598

Parents at the elite 17,000-a-year Exeter School in Devon (pictured) were told ten names of 'houses' were being axed at the school which was founded in 1633

She is now appealing to parents to rename them instead after local castles, woodlands or geography.

However the decision has been criticised by alumni, known as Old Exonians, and parents at the prestigious school which was founded in 1633.

One former pupil told The Sun: 'Instead of erasing the school's history, the mature thing to do is let the pupils think for themselves.

'Woke cancel culture like this just makes people question the head's suitability for the job.'

Ms Simpson has worked in private schools for almost 30 years and prior to joining Exeter School was head of a large Girls' Day School Trust school in London followed by a large British international school in Brazil.

Sir Francis Drake was a famous explorer who became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580.

However the decision has been criticised by alumni, known as Old Exonians, and parents at the prestigious school (pictured)

A statue of Sir Francis Drake at Plymouth Hoe Bowling Club, Devon. A number of Sir Francis Drake statues faced criticism following the Black Lives Matter movement

The pair of leading men in the Elizabethan-era fought off the Spanish Armada - which was planning to invade England and restore Catholicism

He also fought off the Spanish Armada in 1588 as a vice-admiral and became known to the Spanish as El Draque (The Dragon in old Spanish) due to his privateering.

However earlier in his life he is also claimed to be been one of the first Brits to take part in the West African slave trade which was a duopoly dominated by the Portuguese and Spanish at the time.

A number of Sir Francis Drake statues have faced criticism following the Black Lives Matter movement and the toppling of slave trader Edward Colston's statue in Bristol.

Sir Walter Raleigh also famously helped defend Britain against the Spanish Armada.

But he also played a leading role in starting the English colonisation of North America and took part in suppressing a rebellion in Ireland.

In a 2002 poll for the BBC television series 100 Greatest Britons, Sir Francis Drake was voted the 49th and Sir Walter Raleigh 93rd.

The other names on the chopping block at Exeter School include philanthropists and benefactors Sir Charles Goff, Elizabeth Dowrich, Sir John Daw, Wilfred Townsend and Hugh Crossing.

General Redvers Buller's name is also on the list of historical figures to be removed.

The commander led fighting in the British victory in the Zulu War and won a Victoria Cross by rescuing two fellow officers during a pitched battle in what is now modern day South Africa.

Boer War and Zulu War hero General Redvers Buller's name is also on the list of historical figures to be removed

A bronze statue of General Buller astride his favourite horse was constructed for his heroism in 1905

He was awarded freedom of Exeter and presented with a jewelled sword by the County of Devon for his efforts and a bronze statue depicting him astride his favourite horse was erected at St David's Church in Exeter, Devon, in 1905.

In 2021, 7,500 people signed a petition to stop the removal of his statue from the prominent place in the city centre after it triggered a debate following the Black Lives Matter protest.

The leader has faced criticism for his ruthless defeat of the Zulu people while serving the mounted infantry of the northern British column in 1879 during the Second Zulu War.

Exeter School says it draws on the ideas of Aristotle to pursue its school ethos which is 'rooted in virtue ethics and promotes aspiration', according to the website.

The school has been contacted for comment.
US-educated chef believes 'hansik' has it all to charm worlds taste buds

By Park Jin-hai

Korea's beloved street food "sundae," a dish of steamed pig intestine stuffed with various ingredients, is typically not associated with the upscale ambiance of fine dining. Instead, it is a staple of bustling markets, served hot and ready to fill the stomachs of hungry people.

Choi Ji-hyung, 37, breaks the stereotype and brings Korea's "blood sausage" to the level of haute cuisine with a nod to his heritage and childhood experiences under the guidance of his grandmother, a North Korean refugee from Hamgyong Province.

His sundae omakase, a course meal where the chefs selections of dishes are served, restaurant Lee Buk Bang, in western Seoul's Mapo District, reminds visitors of the comfort and nostalgia of a grandmas kitchen. Century-old wooden tables, a large traditional Korean cauldron and kettles encapsulates the culinary journey that the chef aims to deliver to his guests.

My grandmother was a great cook. She made sundae, 'myeongtae sikhae' [or salted and fermented pollack] and salted pollack roe. It was all too natural for me to help her out in the kitchen. I washed the intestines and went out the field to get vegetables for sundae fillings as a child, he said at his restaurant during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

I wanted to make a place where people can get the energy to heal the daily stress of today from my simple but warm dishes like grandmothers homemade meals.

Armed with a master's degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, Choi has worked as a chef at renowned French, Japanese, Italian and American restaurants in the United States since 2010, including two-Michelin-starred Marea and three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York.

Returning to Korea in 2017 to care for his ailing grandmother, he launched Seogyo Gourmet, specialized in sundae and modern Korean dining, the following year. His restaurant earned a Michelin Plate distinction in 2019, first as a restaurant serving sundae, and it maintained the accolade after relocating and changing its name to Lee Buk Bang in 2021.

However hard my job was working at Western restaurants, I often thought that it doesn't compare with my hard work and efforts to make sundae. From preparing it to serving it as a dish, it takes more than 20 hours of intensive work, the chef said.

Then I asked myself why it cannot be treated as proper, fine cuisine representing Korea, he added, explaining how he thought of elevating the simplicity of street food to the elegance of haute cuisine.

Sundae dates back to the 918-1392 Goryeo period when wild boars were used in the dish. Traditional sundae, stuffed with blood, minced meats, rice and vegetables, was an indulgent food for special occasions. After the 1950-53 Korean War, when food became scarce, the meat filling was replaced by more accessible "dangmyeon" (glass noodles), transforming sundae into an affordable street dish.

11-course sundae meal

Choi serves five varieties of sundae for his course meal served at Lee Buk Bang.

Three types of sundae  pi sundae (commonly known as blood sausage), Abai sundae (big blood sausage named after the Abai village in Gangwon Province where many North Korean refugees settled after the Korean War) and baek sundae (sausage not containing blood)  follow the traditional recipes of Hamgyong Province, paying homage to the chefs grandmother who fled North Korea during the Korean War. Two other varieties  duck sundae and lamb sundae  are more innovative, adding herbs and other ingredients to cater to modern customers seeking culinary adventure.

Pi sundae contains 15 percent of blood and a lot of dried cabbage, more than typically seen in South Korean-style pi sundae, while Abai sundae is 35 percent blood. Sundae dishes are served with four condiments  salt, shrimp, black bean paste and bean paste mixed with nuts and honey.

During the two-hour dinner course, the restaurant offers some 10 to 11 course meals. When this reporter visited, apart from main sundae dishes, chef Choi served dishes made from fresh seasonal ingredients. They include "seolya myeokjeok" (grilled snow-aged beef topped with pear slush); raw tuna sashimi; hot noodle with matsutake mushrooms and pork broth; pork-head slices; fermented pollack sikhae; and pine nut ice cream.

Seolya myeokjeok, named after a Goryeo-era aging method in which beef is grilled repeatedly and buried in snow for tenderness, is grilled meticulously at varying temperatures and crowned with pear slush, symbolizing snow.

Fermented pollack sikhae, another recipe from his grandmother, is made with Japanese sandfish eggs, radish and millet. The North Korean side dish serves a similar role to kimchi in South Korea.

Each dish is accompanied by the chef's detailed explanation, covering its origins and stories, along with recommendations on which of the four condiments best complements the sundae served.

Memories of sundae

Customers at Lee Buk Bang vary in age groups. Young guests visit to try something new, while older guests seek the comfort of nostalgic flavors.

One Korean customer in their late 50s recalled a childhood memory of picking pine nuts upon seeing the pine nut ice cream.

Another couple from the U.S. said they werent expecting such a modern restaurant.

When you think of sundae, you dont really associate it with the word 'sophisticated,' but the atmosphere was trendy and hip, said Jenna Kwon.

We wanted to try something new. We are both very fascinated by North Korea, so we wanted to try North Korean food. This place brings together two of our interests: North Korea and fine dining. We really wanted this omakase experience. But we also wanted to try a food that isnt too common but still within the Korean cuisine.

Her friend added, Korean food comes off as being healthy, balanced and filling as well as tasteful. That is the biggest strength.

Chef Choi said one of his restaurants frequent customers is an older man from North Korea.

When he tried my food, he shed tears. He said the food reminded him of his childhood and his mother's home-cooked meals. It was really touching and I felt proud of myself," he said.

He emphasized his commitment to preserving this culinary art.

The older generation  albeit not so many of them  make sundae the traditional way. But when these people pass away, and young people dont take up this hard, labor-intensive job of sundae-making anymore, may be the next generation would have no other choice but to put factory-made sundae on their plates. So I have a sense of duty about my profession."

Choi is confident in the global appeal of "hansik," or Korean cuisine, noting that 20 percent of his patrons are international.

On the surface, East Asian cultures look very similar. But the cuisines from Korea, Japan and China are very distinctive. Because of this uniqueness of hansik, it has potential to charm global taste buds looking for something fresh and distinct. Many Chinese restaurants permeated into the global culinary scene and Japanese restaurants are perceived as fine dining. Hansik also has potential for its uniqueness.
A powerful Liberal Party frontbencher has come under fire over a bizarre Photoshop fail as she campaigned during the Dunkley by-election campaign.

Candidate and former three-time local mayor Nathan Conroy was pictured alongside Senator Jane Hume, Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and several volunteers campaigning on the ground in the seat, which takes in Frankston, Victoria, in February.

But upon closer inspection, the picture appears to actually be two separate shots overlaid on one another - and makes it look like there are more people campaigning than there actually are.

Both Senator Hume and Mr Conroy appear twice in the picture, as does a Liberal volunteer. A volunteer and Mr Conroy both wear a hat in the picture at the front of the photograph, while they're without hats toward the back of the frame.

Both Senator Hume and Mr Conroy appear twice in the picture, as does a Liberal volunteer

The Liberal Party has been widely mocked for the picture. Pictured: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton

Ms Hume, the Opposition finance spokesperson, said of the picture: 'Joined by some absolute crackerjack Liberals on the pre-poll booth today!

'Lots of support for Nathan Conroy on the ground.'

Critics were quick to point out the strange photo mishap on social media, questioning whether the Liberal party were 'playing silly buggers... or has somebody hijacked her feed?'

Others described the incident as 'hilarious'.

'Hume, Hume, Conroy, Conroy & Glasses Man, Glasses Man.'

Mr Conroy won a 3.8 per cent swing on Saturday - but it was not enough to defeat Labor's candidate Jodie Belyea, who will take the place of her friend, Peta Murphy, who tragically died aged just 50 late last year.

'Dunkley was never a marginal seat... but by hell it's a marginal seat now,' Ms Hume said.

Ms Belyea and Ms Murphy were good friends and have similar positions on issues close to Ms Murphy's heart.

ABC election analyst Antony Green called the seat for Labor with 59 per cent of the votes counted at 8.45pm on Saturday.

Mr Conroy won a 3.8 per cent swing of votes, but it was not enough to defeat Labor's candidate Jodie Belyea

On Saturday, he claimed the Opposition had spent more than Labor in the lead-up to the by-election which he described as a 'negative right-wing campaign' fuelled by money from unnamed billionaires.

'We've seen people in this electorate get swamped on Facebook and on all of the advertising that's taken place with misinformation, with fear,' Mr Albanese said.

Ms Belyea vowed to 'bat for the battlers' as she talked up her connections to the community.

Liberal Senator Jane Hume praised Mr Conroy for his efforts on Saturday night.

'Dunkley was never a marginal seat... but by hell it's a marginal seat now,' Ms Hume said.

Mr Conroy was local mayor three times before running in the by-election

The photoshop fail has been roundly mocked online, and compared to a recent incident in which Channel 9 was caught photoshopping Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell.

Ms Purcell was featured in the Nine News bulletin after she publicly slammed Premier Jacinta Allan's decision not to ban duck shooting in Victoria.

The image used by Nine also showed Ms Purcell wearing a crop top that showed her bare midriff. She said it also looked like the image had enhanced her bust.

Ms Purcell noted this couldn't have been her body for one very obvious reason - she has had her stomach tattooed since 2020.

Director of 9News Melbourne Hugh Nailon issued a grovelling apology to Ms Purcell and said 'the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original'.
An Albanian drug gang boss has become the first inmate to be sent back home as part of a 4million jail swap.

Klodjan Copja was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to supplying Class A and B drugs.

He will now complete his sentence in an Albanian jail.

Copja's handover took place a few weeks ago, the Sun reported.

He was arrested as a result of a Metropolitan Police probe into the UK's cocaine supply network, and was found to be behind the import of 60million of drugs.

But his ultra-violent network of fellow Albanians from Elbasan had imported as much as 150million of cocaine into Britain

Klodjan Copja was sentenced for 17 years in prison for supplying Class A and B drugs in 2017 and will now complete the rest of his sentence in an Albanian jail

A picture of the car hides used to stash cocaine. Copja headed a network supplying 60million worth of cocaine to UK organised crime groups

His couriers were found to be in possession of 11kg of cocaine, 6.5kg of heroin and 3kg of cannabis as part of a network in west London.

Copja fled the UK in July 2013 before returning the following year, when police discovered he had hired a new set of couriers which were importing drugs to be sold to several organised crime groups in the UK.

He fled again before returning and setting up another drug network in October of the same year.

The drug baron was then at large for four years until he was arrested in Greece in 2017 and extradited to the UK.

As part of a deal with Albania, over 100 drug dealers, 12 murderers and eight rapists are expected to be sent home to finish their sentences.
Touching photographs of what is believed to be Samantha Murphy's last overseas trip with her family have emerged exactly one month after she vanished without a trace.

The 51-year old mother-of-three has not been seen since February 4 when she headed out from her Ballarat East home, west of Melbourne, for a quick jog.

Victorian detectives now fear the worst in what has become the force's priority investigation.

Samantha Murphy visited a butterfly park during a 2017 trip to Bali

Samantha Murphy, husband Mick and their kids ham it up in an upside down home in Bali

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ms Murphy enjoyed a holiday to Bali in 2017 with her husband Mick and three children.

Dozens of images depict what appeared to be an enjoyable trip, with Ms Murphy and her family travelling to many of the island's iconic sites.

Their guide into Ubud's famous monkey forest, Pete Mahendra, told Daily Mail Australia he remembered Ms Murphy and her family fondly.

'They are a good family and care about everyone,' he said on Monday.

Ms Murphy's disappearance shocked the Balinese guide, whose business Pete's Tour & Transport Service is popular among Australian tourists.

'I am so sorry to hear it,' he said.

'It was the last time I took them on a trip in Bali. I hope they find her quickly and she is well.'

Mr Mahendra said the Murphys appeared happy and at ease during their time with him.

'They were fine while they were with me in Bali. There were no fights, they are a good family,' he said.

Mr Mahendra said he remained hopeful Victoria Police would soon solve the case.

'Hopefully the authorities will be given clues to find her. I hope the news is not true. I hope she is still alive and well. God bless her,' he said.

Samantha and husband Mick Murphy in Bali

Mick and Samantha Murphy during the 2017 holiday to Bali

The Murphy's enjoyed a hectic day with Mr Mahendra, who took the family to see waterfalls, a butterfly park and a coffee plantation.

Other photos show Ms Murphy and her family hamming it up in an upside-down home, riding an elephant at a local zoo and visiting a waterslide park.

Other images appear to suggest moments of tension or fatigue on the couple's faces.

The Murphy's had escaped a cold Melbourne winter for their Bali getaway.

Daily Mail Australia revealed last month the Murphy family had been regular summer holidayers at a Torquay caravan park where they stayed in a cabin.

Ms Murphy was notably absent from the traditional holiday in January and went missing shortly after.

Mick Murphy enjoys a beer with guide Pete Mahendra in Bali

Samantha Murphy rides an elephant during a 2017 trip to Bali

Samantha and Mick Murphy at the Bali Safari and Marine Park in 2017

Her childhood friend, Virginia O'Loughlan, told Daily Mail Australia that Ms Murphy missed the traditional family holiday after becoming sick with Covid-19.

'There was nothing suspicious about it. There was no family feud. I can understand why people can start to think that, but she definitely had Covid. Another friend of ours had Covid too and they were both talking about it and when they get better they were going to catch up,' she said.

'She would have definitely been down there but she didn't want anyone to get Covid.'

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr Murphy is involved in his wife's mysterious disappearance, and police have not suggested any foul play.

Ms Murphy had been due to catch-up with friends for brunch at 11am on the day she went missing.

On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was captured on her own CCTV system wearing a maroon/brown singlet and black half-length leggings.

Ms Murphy is described as white, about 173cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair.

Anyone who sees her has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Supermarkets have launched a legal claim worth tens millions of pounds over allegations of price-fixing on salmon which saw shoppers overcharged for years.

The legal action involves six major Norwegian salmon farming businesses and relates to fish farms operating off the coast of Scotland and Norway.

The European Commission has put the firms on notice that they believe they breached the law by colluding and sharing price information.

The effect was to push up the prices charged to millions of customers across the UK, the EU and around the world between 2011 and 2019.

Industry experts believe that if the Commission brings a successful court case, which is due to take place later this year, the total fine could run to 1billion.

Supermarkets have launched a legal claim worth tens millions of pounds over allegations of price-fixing on salmon which saw shoppers overcharged for years (stock image)

Salmon fish farm in Norway. The legal action involves six major Norwegian salmon farming businesses and relates to fish farms operating off the coast of Scotland and Norway (stock image)

It would also open the door to legal action from British supermarkets, catering companies and restaurant chains who were effectively overcharged.

Andrew Opie, the director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Retailers are committed to delivering the best price for their customers, and the industry is following the outcome of this court case closely.'

Don Staniford, the director of Scamon Scotland, which campaigns against salmon cage farming, said the legal case turns a spotlight on what is a 'fishy cartel'.

He said: 'Salmon no longer leaps up waterfalls on to your plates.

'All Scottish salmon is farmed in factory cages owned by multinationals like Mowi, who are like the McDonald's of the sea.

'The EC's price-fixing investigation has lifted the lid on a fishy cartel which has conspired to dupe both supermarkets and consumers.

'The Salmafia must be held to account and exposed as a sham, scam and consumer con.'

Some of the evidence for the case was gathered by EU anti-cartel investigators in raids on salmon farming businesses in February 2019.

Andrew Opie (pictured), the director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Retailers are committed to delivering the best price for their customers, and the industry is following the outcome of this court case closely'

These included offices owned by Mowi, formerly Marine Harvest, in Rosyth, Fife, a Scottish Sea Farms site, which is jointly owned by SalMar and Lery, and a salmon farm operated by Grieg in Shetland.

In January this year, the European Commission issued a preliminary ruling that six producers  Mowi, SalMar, Cermaq, Leroy, Grieg and Bremnes - had breached antitrust rules by colluding on the sale of Atlantic salmon.

In May last year, several of the companies - Mowi, Lery, SalMar, Grieg, and Cermaq - agreed to pay 67.2million ($85million) to end the three-year class action by customers in the USA over the same price fixing claims.

And in December, companies at the centre of the allegations agreed to pay 2.9million ($5million) to their customers, including retailers, in Canada.

There is no mechanism to ensure shoppers who were overcharged get any recompense. However in Canada, the settlement included an agreement to pay 145,000 ($250,000) to food banks by way of reparations.

All of these payments were made without any admission of illegal behaviour and the firms continue to deny any wrongdoing. The companies claimed they had settled the cases on the other side of the Atlantic to avoid lengthy and expensive legal action.

Leroy Seafood Group revealed the legal claim by UK supermarkets in its fourth-quarter report published on Wednesday.

The firm said it 'strongly rejects' the claims and considered them to be 'baseless'.

Grieg Seafood also admitted that a group of unnamed UK supermarkets had filed for damages 'arising from alleged unlawful cartel arrangements in relation to the supply of farmed Atlantic salmon'. The company also denied any anti-competitive conduct.

The other companies have also rejected the European Commission allegations. Mowi said it 'strongly believes there has been no infringement of the competition rules'.

SalMar said it had co-operated with the Commission throughout and strongly disagrees with its preliminary assessment, while similar statements and denials have been issued by Cermaq and Bremnes.
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Hundreds gathered in Central Park Sunday to celebrate Flaco the Owl, New York City's favorite feathered friend, who tragically died after colliding with a building on the Upper West Side earlier this month.

'With all of this challenging time that is happening all over the world, this bird really became a symbol of hope and brought so many of us together,' Breanne Delgado said.

Flaco became an inspiration and joy to many as he flew around Manhattan after being let out of his zoo enclosure.

A memorial featuring speeches, songs and poems was held in the late afternoon in Central Park at what organizers call Flaco's favorite oak tree. His death was a heartbreaking end for the birders who documented his daily movements.

Fans posted photos and videos of the majestic owl with a nearly six-foot wingspan perched on tree branches, fence posts, fire escapes and water towers - as well as his hours of hooting.

Hundreds gathered in Central Park Sunday to celebrate Flaco the Owl, New York City's favorite feathered friend, who tragically died after colliding with a building on the Upper West Side earlier this month

Flaco became an inspiration and joy to many as he flew around Manhattan after someone let him out of his zoo enclosure

A memorial featuring speeches, songs and poems was held in the late afternoon in Central Park at what organizers call Flaco's favorite oak tree

David Lei, an avid birder in the city, said losing Flaco was hard to put into words. He added the owl faced the same fate as many other birds in Manhattan - flying into the deceptive windows of tall buildings.

'Flaco was larger than life and is leaving behind a legacy to match,' Lei said. 'I thank him today, as I did every day I got to see him, for the joy, awe and wonder he inspired in us throughout his journey.'

People at the ceremony advocated for new laws aimed at helping to prevent birds from flying into buildings and curbing the use of rat poison that larger birds can ingest while eating prey. Efforts also are underway to put a statue of Flaco in Central Park.

Flaco was found dead on the Upper West Side on Feb. 23 after apparently hitting a building.

He was a rare Eurasian Eagle-Owle who previously called the Central Park Zoo home - until the bird was reported missing from his exhibit last February.

It was later revealed that vandals had cut Flaco's stainless steel mesh cage and set the owl free into the skies of New York City.

Against all odds, Flaco survived on his own, despite fears that his plush life at the zoo - where he was fed and tended to by workers - had set him up for failure.

Flaco's death was a heartbreaking end for the birders who documented his daily movements and the legions of admirers who followed along

People posted photos and videos of the majestic owl with a nearly six-foot wingspan perched on tree branches, fence posts, fire escapes and water towers - as well as his hours of hooting

People at the ceremony also advocated for new laws aimed at helping to prevent birds from flying into buildings and curbing the use of rat poison that larger birds can ingest while eating prey

Testing by zoologists concluded he suffered traumatic impact injuries, but more testing is planned to determine whether he may have been sick.

Police are still seeking to arrest whoever let him out of his enclosure.

Reports of hoots were heard in the area, according to David Barretts Manhattan Bird Alert account on social media.

The bird's body was found just a few blocks away - confirming what Flaco's fans had feared after hearing the news of distressed hoots on his regular stomping ground.

Following Flaco's disappearance from his Central Park Zoo enclosure last year, a full bird hunt was launched to safely return the feathered-creature to his home.

He was spotted shortly after being reported missing on the city's iconic shopping stretch on Fifth Avenue.

Flaco was then intercepted by the NYPD on a sidewalk by 60th Street but eluded their custody. The next morning he made off into Central Park.

'Our focus and effort at this time is on the safe recovery of the owl,' zoo officials said. 'We will issue updates as needed.'

Efforts also are underway to put a statue of Flaco in Central Park

Flaco was found dead on the Upper West Side on Feb. 23 after apparently hitting a building

New Yorkers hold a memorial for Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle owl who died last week, leaving cards in his memory under a tree where he often roosted

Despite efforts, Flaco maintained his status as a free bird and was even rumored to have taken a vacation from his Central Park pad in search of a mate.

Experts believe he abandoned the park in November to search for a mate after he was spotted five miles away on East 3rd Street.

He was thought to be the only member of his species in North America, meaning his search might have had to expand further than downtown Manhattan.

'It's the time of year when these owls look to pair up if unattached,' tweeted fans at Manhattan Bird Alert.

'Flaco's hoots have gone unanswered for a long time now.

'He was last observed in Central Park on the evening of October 31, and that's when we think he left.

'He likely took short, incremental night flights in the course of hunting that carried him five plus miles in six days.

'He is unaware that no mates are anywhere in the region.'

Despite efforts, Flaco maintained his status as a free bird and was even rumored to have taken a vacation from his Central Park pad in search of a mate

Experts believe he abandoned the park in November to search for a mate after he was spotted five miles away on East 3rd Street

He was thought to be the only member of his species in North America, meaning his search might have had to expand further than downtown Manhattan

Flaco was less than a year old when he arrived at Central Park Zoo in 2010 taking up residence near the Penguins and Sea Birds building.

He had little chance to develop his flying or hunting skills in captivity but has thrived since his escape and been spotted eating up to four rats at one sitting, belying his name that means 'Skinny' in Spanish.

His fans were nervous he would fall victim to the rodenticide used to poison rats that is thought to have contributed to the death of a barred owl known as Barry, who died in the park in 2021.
Angela Rayner was last night reported to the taxman over allegations she may have failed to pay thousands of pounds when selling her old home.

Labour's deputy leader must be investigated, HM Revenue & Customs was told, over whether capital gains tax was due on 48,500 profit she made selling her former council house.

Ms Rayner has insisted the home in Vicarage Road, Stockport, was her main residence, exempting her from the levy when she sold up in 2015, and she had taken tax and legal advice from experts.

But neighbours say she let her brother live there for free, with him referring to her as his 'landlady', while she was rarely seen. Evidence suggests she was living a mile away at her then-husband Mark Rayner's home in Lowndes Lane.

The Mail on Sunday revealed yesterday that the council helped pay for the kerb to be dropped outside Lowndes Lane to help her family, including her registered blind son.

Angela Rayner (pictured) was last night reported to the taxman over allegations she may have failed to pay thousands of pounds when selling her old home

READ MORE: Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner faces mounting questions over claims a council paid thousands to upgrade a property she says she did not live in Advertisement

If that was her main residence, her own property would be a second home and she'd have been liable to pay up to 3,500 in CGT on the 127,500 sale, an expert said last week.

Greater Manchester Police was also asked to investigate if Ms Rayner, 43, put incorrect facts on the electoral roll.

Last night in another twist, Red Wall Tory James Daly contacted HMRC to demand a probe.

The MP for Bury North wrote: 'I am writing regarding the need for an investigation into the tax affairs of the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.'

His intervention came after Labour's education spokesman Bridget Phillipson told GB News: 'Angela Rayner has sought advice and is clear that she has done nothing wrong.'
A Star Trek episode that made reference to an 'Irish unification in 2024' is still banned in Ireland.

Episode 12 of series three, titled The High Ground, was released in 1990, and involves a terrorist organisation taking a crew member of the Federation Starfleet starship USS Enterprise-D hostage in a bid to further their aims.

But a controversial moment in which an android character named Data, played by Brent Spiner, cites the 'Irish unification in 2024' as an example of a political aim achieved through violence, meant the episode only been shown once in Ireland in the 34 years since its release.

So great was the concern over the line's possible ramifications that the episode, which was first broadcast in the US, was neither shown on the BBC or Ireland's RTV network.

A redacted version was aired on Sky without the sensitive line in 1992.

An episode of Star Trek titled The High Ground was never shown on release in the Ireland and Britain amid concerns over its political message about 'Irish unification in 2024'

A character called Data made reference to Irish unification as an example of a political cause achieved by violence

While the episode was aired in the US, it was never broadcast in Ireland and was shown just once on the BBC, in 2007

The High Ground was finally broadcast on the BBC on September 29 2007, in what is thought to be its only transmission.

Apart from Irish unification, Data gives two other examples of violence successfully achieving a political cause: Mexico's independence from Spain, and the Kenzie rebellion (an event in the Star Trek universe).

The decision not to air the episode in 1990 reflects the febrile political situation at the time, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, amid terrorist threats from the Provisional IRA, which had stated aims to liberate the region from British rule.

Over three decades later and Northern Ireland has elected its first republican First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, the region's leader of Sinn Fein - a party with roots as the political arm of the IRA.

Last month, the devolved administration, Stormont was up and running with the return of power-sharing after a two-year hiatus.

Melinda M Snodgrass, who wrote the Star Trek episode, said that the story deliberately resembled the Northern Ireland situation in the 90s.

The episode's writer Melinda M Snodgrass confirmed that the reference to terrorism was an intentional parallel of the febrile situation in Northern Ireland at the time

She said that she wanted to explore the idea that 'one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist'.

Star Trek's original season first hit screens in 1966 and ran for two years.

It returned for a second series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired between 1987 and 1994.

The BBC said it was unable to ascertain exactly why a ban was implemented, given that it 'dates far back'.
A Tinder Swindler victim has blasted British police after figures revealed less than one per cent of romance scammers are ever charged.

Cecilie Fjellhy, 34, who has lived in London for seven years, said the tiny prosecution rates showed the UK remained a 'free for all' for fraudsters.

Figures uncovered by the Daily Mail show only 53 charges were brought against 23,685 reports of romance fraud over a three-year period.

Ms Fjellhy was the unlucky star of the Netflix documentary about fraudster Simon Leviev who posed as a wealthy heir to dupe his lovers out of small fortunes.

The Norwegian told how, despite being conned out of 200,000, she was 'treated as a suspect not a victim' by the Met Police while they investigated her case.

Cecilie Fjellhy and Tinder Swindler fraudster Simon Leviev who posed as a wealthy heir to dupe his lovers out of small fortunes

Ms Fjellhy told how, despite being conned out of 200,000, she was 'treated as a suspect not a victim' by the Met Police while they investigated her case

Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev in 2019. Figures uncovered by the Daily Mail show only 53 charges were brought against 23,685 reports of romance fraud over a three-year period

Detectives eventually let her off after two years  but also dropped all charges against Mr Leviev.

Ms Fjellhy last night revealed she has since made an official complaint to the Met Police over their handling of her case, which is still ongoing.

She said: 'What does that say about police when they can't even get the most famous romance scammer in the world?

'What sort of message are they sending the rest of the fraudster community? That it's a free-for-all. They could have sent a message but they didn't, they let him go free.'

The latest statistics, uncovered in a Freedom of Information request, reveal nearly 8,000 romance frauds are reported to Action Fraud every year  yet just a fraction are ever charged.

In 2022, as few as two people were prosecuted. A handful meanwhile received either a caution or there was a community resolution outcome.

Experts said police often struggled to go after romance scammers because the majority were from abroad, particularly West Africa, which was outside their jurisdiction.

Over 92million was lost to romance fraudsters across Britain last year - though the psychological effect can be far more damaging.

Ms Fjellhy has co-founded Lovesaid, a non-profit that aims to raise awareness and fundraises to provide support programmes for victims

Victims have told how their distress was compounded by police telling them no crime had been committed, and at times suggesting it is just 'boyfriend trouble'.

Ms Fjellhy has co-founded Lovesaid, a non-profit that aims to raise awareness and fundraises to provide support programmes for victims, with another British victim Anna Rowe.

Ms Rowe said police were initially dismissive of her case and only took it on two years later after she had compiled a huge dossier on 16 other people targeted by her romance fraudster.

The teacher turned campaigner, who helps hundreds of victims every week, said police had improved their attempts to tackle romance fraud over the past year but were still vastly under resourced.

While fraud accounts for 40 per cent of crime, only one per cent of police funding and officers is devoted to tackling the issue, she said.

She said the low prosecution rates were also likely to be a reflection of the fact most offenders were abroad and therefore out of the UK's legal jurisdiction, making them far harder to catch.

'If everything is overseas then they rarely even look at it, because the chances of ever being able to do anything, like extraditions, is very low. It's a real mess.'

It comes after 'ruthless' serial romance fraudster Cieran McNamara, 37, was jailed for weaving 'a web of lies' in order to swindle four unsuspecting women out of more than 300,000.

He used a string of false identities and posed as a barrister, a company director and a property developer, to target wealthy singletons online or by visiting exclusive hotels and clubs.

As he was last week jailed for seven years at Chester Crown Court, detectives warned they had 'no doubt' there were other women who had also fallen for his charms, and appealed to them to come forward.

Action Fraud said it was not to blame as it had 'no investigative powers' and so had 'no control over the number of charges'. Instead, they said the decisions lay with local police forces and the CPS.

A spokesman for the CPS said: 'We play a vital part in tackling bringing offenders to justice through a joined-up, coordinated approach with our domestic as well as with our international partners, and will always retrieve lost funds where we can.'
A man saved the lives of a woman and child when he intervened in an attack by two dogs that then turned on him in a mauling of 'extreme ferocity', an inquest has been told.

Colin Amatto, 40, rushed to the assistance of a woman and child who had been bitten by the two dogs inside a home in the western Sydney suburb of Tregear on the afternoon of January 24, 2019.

The proud Yuin man acted in a 'brave fashion' when he intervened and caused the dogs to turn on him instead.

Counsel assisting the inquest, David Kell SC, told the court that one of the dogs then 'savagely' mauled' Mr Amatto in an 'attack of extreme ferocity' before the other dog joined in.

Both dogs were described as having pitbull characteristics but were identified as staffordshire bull terriers by an expert.

The 40-year-old never recovered from the 'very extensive injuries' that amounted to more than 80 wounds to his head, body, and limbs.

Colin Amatto (pictured) was mauled to death near Mount Druitt in 2019

Colin (pictured being treated by paramedics) didn't recover from his horrific injuries and died five weeks later

READ MORE: Update on aged care worker savagely mauled by client's French Mastiff

Aged care worker Lynda Watson (pictured), who was savaged by a dog in a 20-minute attack is still recovering from her horrific injuries at Liverpool Hospital in south-western Sydney Advertisement

The dog's owners returned to the home to find blood covering the loungeroom walls, floors, and on the kitchen door.

Mr Kell said the owners reported the two dogs were 'covered in blood and their eyes were really big' after the attack.

The inquest was told Mr Amatto was lying on the kitchen floor, covered in his own blood and barely conscious.

'I can't breathe,' he said before losing consciousness.

Mr Kell said the dog attack victim suffered a cardiac arrest but he was resuscitated by paramedics and flown to Westmead Hospital.

He underwent several surgeries but did not regain consciousness.

Mr Amatto's family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support five weeks later.

Mr Kell acknowledged the 'tragic circumstances' of the 40-year-old's death after the 'ferocious' attack.

'Colin was dearly loved by his family,' he said.

'His death has had a profound impact on them.'

The counsel assisting the coroner said Mr Amatto's intervention had saved the woman and child from further serious injuries and allowed them to get out of the house.

'It is apparent (the woman and her daughter) are fortunate to be alive,' he said.

The details of Mr Amatto's death were revealed during an inquest into the circumstances surrounding seven fatal dog attacks that occurred between 2019 and 2023.

Members of Mr Amatto's family attended the inquest into his death. Picture: GoFundMe

Two staffordshire bull terriers (one pictured) were surrendered to Blacktown Council and euthanised the next day

The inquest, which has been under way for weeks, is examining the response of local councils to fatal dog attacks in order to prevent further tragedies.

The inquest was told Mr Amatto had lived with the two dogs that killed him for months before his death.

'He wrestled with (one of the dogs) at times and it appears he slept with the dogs at night,' Mr Kell said.

While there were no issues that would have raised alarm bells for Mr Amatto during that time, Mr Kell noted one of the dogs had viciously attacked a real estate agent two years earlier.

On July 24, 2017, the dog launched a 'fearsome attack' on the man, dragging him into the backyard and causing serious injuries to his hands, arms, torso and face.

The man was saved by a nearby teenager, who heard his screams and fended the dog off with a chair.

The dog was seized by authorities but ultimately returned to its owner after it was determined he had been protecting the property.

'It appears no relevant action was taken by NSW Police or Penrith Council,' Mr Kell said.

Deputy State Coroner Carmel Foster will hear from the victim on Monday.

Before the inquest began, Mr Amatto's family participated in a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse the area.
One of Australia's biggest women's fashion retail groups faces legal action after it was inundated with delivery complaints by disgruntled customers.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) is taking Mosaic Brands to court over claims it failed to deliver hundreds of thousands of products within the delivery timeframes advertised on its websites over a six-month period.

The retail group owns a number of popular fashions brands including Rivers, Noni B, Katies, Rockmans, Millers, Autograph, Beme, Crossroads and W. Lane.

During September 2021 and March 2022, 26 per cent of items ordered were dispatched from Mosaic Brands' warehouses at least 20 days, and in some cases more than 40 days, after the purchase date, according to the regulator.

One of Australia's biggest women's fashion retail groups faces legal action after it was inundated with delivery complaints by disgruntled customers (pictured, stock image of model showcasing clothes for Rockmans - a brand owned by Mosaic Brands)

Mosaic Brands operates 804 stores across Australia, including Noni B outlets

READ MORE: Major Australian clothing retailer goes bust after sales drop Online fashion and homeware multichannel retailer EziBuy went into administration Advertisement

It's also alleged that Mosaic Brands wrongly accepted payment for goods during the same period, when it failed to deliver orders within the advertised timeframes, or within a reasonable timeframe, or not at all.

'The ACCC has received hundreds of complaints about Mosaic Brands in relation to delivery delays,' ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.

'Excessively late deliveries can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient for consumers, especially if they decided to buy goods for a special occasion, such as Christmas, based on the advertised delivery times which were not met.'

It's also alleged that Mosaic Brands misrepresented consumer guarantee rights in the terms and conditions published on eight of its brand websites, when it stated that consumers were only eligible for a refund for a faulty product if they sought the refund within six months of the purchase date.

'If you buy a product or service and discover it is faulty, not of acceptable quality or does not match its description, you are entitled to a free repair and may also be entitled to a refund or replacement,' Ms Carver added.

'These legal rights are called 'consumer guarantees' under the Australian Consumer Law and they don't have a specific expiry date.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mosaic Brands for comment.

The retail group is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and operates more than 800 stores across the country.

It's third time in three years Mosaic Brands has been issued with infringement notices by the ACCC which resulted in $896,400 in penalties being paid.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) is taking Mosaic Brands to court over claims it failed to deliver hundreds of thousands of products within the delivery timeframes advertised on its websites over a six-month period (stock image)

It's not the first time Mosaic Brands has been in hot water with the ACCC Pictured is one of its retail outlets Rockmans

More than three quarters of that amount was for breaching consumer law while promoting its Covid pandemic-related 'Health Essential Products'.

Another Mosaic Brands business, online retailer EziBuy collapsed last April.

The fashion and homeware retailer suffered a 51 per cent decline in sales in the first half of 2022-23 financial year.
The United States will consider laying out "interim steps" on the path to North Korea's denuclearization, a White House official said Monday.

Mira Rapp-Hooper, the U.S. National Security Council senior director for East Asia and Oceania, also said Washington is "ready and willing" to engage in discussions with the North about threat reduction.

"The United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula but we're also going to consider interim steps on that pathway to denuclearization, provided that these steps will make the region and the world safer," she said at a forum in Seoul co-hosted by South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper and the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The remarks came as North Korea has ramped up weapons tests in the new year in what appears to be an effort to strengthen its capabilities to deliver nuclear warheads. In January, the North fired a solid-fuel hypersonic missile and launched what it claimed was an underwater nuclear attack drone.

The U.S. denuclearization negotiations with North Korea stalled following a no-deal Hanoi summit between then U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2019.

Matt Pottinger, a former U.S. deputy national security adviser, emphasized that the North's recent labeling of South Korea as its "principal enemy" and escalating military provocations are not signs of leader Kim Jong-un's readiness to go to war but rather aimed at stepping up the ante for negotiations.

"I think it's far more likely that Kim is dusting off an old playbook of manufacturing a crisis in pursuit of the following goals to deter the United States and South Korea at a time when Kim is shipping large quantities of ammunition and weapons to Russia, which is the last thing he'd be doing if he were planning a war, and also to tee up renewed negotiations with the United States following our presidential election in November," he said.

He voiced concerns over the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, saying it is "emblematic of the new axis" of aggression they are waging or planning around the world. (Yonhap)
The United States is expected to be grappling with more than 8 million asylum seekers and migrants who will have crossed over the southern border by September.

The staggering figure represents a 167 percent surge in five years and underscores the challenges faced by what is both an underfunded and antiquated immigration system.

The vast majority of the 8 million are now free to roam US streets, including 2 million 'high-priority' cases of career criminals seeking asylum.

The system appears to be struggling to cope with the rapid numbers of migrants flowing across the border, which reached an all-time high of 302,000 monthly crossings in December.

The backlog has left millions of migrants who are currently residing in the U.S., unsure of whether they will be permitted to stay or simply be deported.

The US is expected to have more than 8 million asylum seekers and migrants in legal limbo by September's end, marking a 167 percent increase in five years

Migrants cross the Rio Grande, on the border that divides Mexico from the United States, in Juarez City, Mexico, on Thursday

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities, since elements of the Texas National Guard no longer prevent their passage in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Saturday

Migrants attempt to cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on Thursday

Migrants who cross the border may often be forced to wait several years for a decision to be made in their applications. In the meantime, they have been released to American streets.

Recent data suggests the backlog has only swelled during President Joe Biden's term in part reflecting the difficulties his administration has faced in addressing the unprecedented influx of migrants, mainly from Central and South America.

At the end of fiscal year 2023 on September 30, more than 6 million people were recorded on what officials term the 'non-detained docket.'

Government projections, as communicated in Homeland Security documents sent to Congress, suggest the number will have risen to 8 million by October 1.

The number includes people who have been ordered to be deported or who are still awaiting their final decisions in their asylum or immigration cases.

The majority are not being held in limited available detention space and instead are free to roam.

Immigration system appears to be unable to keep pace with the growing migrant population with more than 302,000 crossing the border in December - an all-time high

The numbers of migrants coming across the southern border has skyrocketed since 2021

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities on Saturday

Activists and migrants on the northern border of Mexico expressed their relief after a US judge postponed the start of the Texas Law SB4, that as of February 26, would have allowed the authorities of Texas to detain migrants, imprison them or expel them

Firefighters (from L) Rodrigo Pineda, William Dorsey and Lt. Julio Valdes of the Eagle Pass Fire Department recover the body of a drowned migrant from the Rio Grande river on Friday in Eagle Pass, Texas

Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently has only 40,000 detention beds.

In the backlog, about 2 million of the individuals in the backlog are deemed high-priority cases, primarily comprising of those who have received deportation orders to their home countries.

It also includes migrants who have criminal records or who are facing pending criminal charges.

Further complicating matters, the federal immigration agencies including Customs and Border Protection and ICE find themselves facing challenges because of partisan disputes in Congress, which have hindered the allocation of necessary resources.

The Biden administration has sought additional funding to address the border situation, but the requests have been met with resistance.

A bipartisan border deal that had been in the making for months was quashed by Republicans, who were influenced by Trump's stance on the issue.

Trump has highlighted the Biden Administration's ineffectiveness at dealing with the problem as a campaign issue.

Republicans are continuing to push for an increased amount of migrants to be detained and deported just as ICE is forced to contemplate cutbacks.

Migrants link arms with each other as they wade into the Rio Grande River with intentions to cross into Eagle Pass, Texas, last month

Migrants prepare to cross the Rio Grande, on Thursday

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures after waving to people across the Rio Grande in Mexico at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border

President Joe Biden greets Brownsville Mayor John Cowen upon arrival at Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday where he met with federal border patrol agents

Last month, the Senate failed to approve a bipartisan bill that would have addressed a $700 million budget deficit for the agency - the largest in history. The failed bill would have allocated $7.6 billion specifically for ICE.

Officials with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security said they were considering cutting costs by releasing thousands of immigrants and reducing detention levels by 16,000  from 38,000 to 22,000.

Meanwhile, thousands of individuals in desperate circumstances continue to cross the border daily.

Following the failure of the bipartisan border deal, there is now speculation on whether President Biden will decide to embrace policies resembling those implemented by Trump to curb illegal border crossings.

Either way, immigration experts, officials, and congressional sources agree that any policies that will be effective in addressing illegal border crossings will require substantial investments in personnel and other resources.
Aussies have been left outraged after a landlord advertised a cottage for rent for $300 a week as long as the new tenant looked after their children.

The owners of the one-bedroom cottage in Ainslie, in Canberra's north, made the listing on Thursday saying they would offer 'reduced rent' between $250-$300.

The tenant would need to be able to meet certain requirements including picking their children up from school, cooking them dinner and doing 'light housework'.

'We are looking for a part time nanny housekeeper,' the post read.

'We have a beautiful one bedroom cottage with [a] separate office'.

The advertisement listed the one bedroom cottage (pictured) with the tenant offered 'reduced rent'

A bizarre advertisement by the owners of a rental property (pictured) has been slammed by Aussie renters outraged by the attempt to exploit potential tenants

The homeowners made a bizarre claim that the discounted deal was the same as hiring a worker to clean and take care of the house.

'Cottage is currently at $500 a week so this arrangement is equivalent to paying $500 for 15 hours [of] work,' the listing read.

The 'blended family' also explained that prospective tenants would be required to do the chores every 'alternate fortnight'.

'There will be evenings when I'm travelling that our teenager will need someone to be home in the evening to cook dinner and school pickup on Thursday to take to after school activity,' the listing read.

'Previously this has suited someone working from home with flexible hours, uni students or partly retired nannies'.

Tenants would need to produce a Working with Vulnerable People Check and a list of references would also need to be provided.

A picture of the advertisement was shared on reddit where the landlord was accused of taking advantage off future tenants.

'This seems so exploitative,' a social media user captioned the post.

Hundreds of social media users slammed the homeowners over the bizarre listing.

The cottage also has a separate office space (pictured)

'This is s****y behaviour and super exploitative,' one said.

'This honestly sounds really abusive. The amount of time they are asking potentially for, is disproportionate to the value of just working more,' another wrote.

'That person is looking for a slave!'

Others said the move by the owners of the property was outrageous as renters struggle to find a place to live.

'There's a housing shortage and the last thing we need is landlords to prey on desperate people looking for a place to stay,' one wrote.

Some chimed in by saying some tenants or nannies who don't have a choice would put up with the requirements so that they have a place to live.

'The language used for this seems to suggest they had someone previously. Sadly someone will be desperate enough to take it,' one wrote.

According to tenancy laws in the ACT, tenants have the right to occupy a rental property for residential purposes without any legal interference.
The once-pioneering Diners Club credit card will cease to exist from the middle of next month after almost 70 years in Australia.

NAB is closing its Diners Club business in Australia on April 15, less than two years after it bought the local consumer operations of previous US owner, Citigroup.

Diners Club was born as a charge card in 1950 after businessman Frank McNamara forgot to take his wallet to a high-powered lunch at a New York restaurant.

The idea caught on globally, with the card launched in Australia in 1956 and becoming a regular fixture at upmarket restaurants.

The Diners Club credit card will cease to exist from the middle of next month after almost 70 years in Australia

But from the middle of next month, Diners Club will no longer accept corporate account cards, with accounts closing automatically on April 15 for those with no reward points.

The closure date will be July 30 for customers with reward points and reward claims for purchases made until April 15 will be honoured up to November 30.

Australians buying Diners Club International Travel Insurance or Interstate Flight inconvenience insurance must have their travel booked by April 15 and have until November 30 to make an insurance claim for a trip arranged by the end of September.

The move comes just over 18 months after NAB bought the rights to the Diners Club Australia business as part of its acquisition of Citigroup consumer business in Australia on June 1, 2022.

NAB chief executive Ross McEwan gave few clues about the possible closure of Diners Club in Australia when he announced the upcoming purchase of Citigroup's Australian assets in August 2021.

'The proposed acquisition of the Citigroup Consumer Business brings scale and deep expertise in unsecured lending, particularly credit cards, which continue to be an important way for customers to make payments and manage their cashflows,' he said at the time.

A Reserve Bank report released in 2022 found Diners Club had the highest merchant fees of 1.7 per cent, compared with 1.3 per cent for American Express and 0.9 per cent for MasterCard and Visa.

From the middle of next month, Diners Club will no longer accept corporate account cards, with accounts closing automatically on April 15 for those with no reward points
A massive great white shark has shocked locals after it was seen 'thrashing' in the water off a popular beach before washing ashore.

The distressed shark was spotted off the coast of Kingscliff Beach, just south of the border of NSW and Queensland, about 6am on Monday.

Dozens of locals flocked to the shoreline to watch the four-metre shark struggle in the water as it was slowly pushed closer to dry land by the swell.

Some of the locals said the beast appeared 'sick' and it was euthanised on site before being removed from the beach in the bucket of a skid steer loader.

A four-metre great white shark has shocked locals after it washed ashore at a popular surf spot, Kingscliff Beach, northern NSW on Monday morning (pictured)

One of the response teams sent to the scene was from Sea World after the Gold Park theme park was notified of the shark's condition.

'Sadly, the shark was in a poor condition after beaching and the Sea World veterinary team administered medications to make the shark comfortable before it passed away,' a Sea World spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'The shark appeared to have underlying health issues with the thrashing behaviour seen in the shallows prior to the beaching not typical for the species.

'While there were no unusual marks on the shark, the NSW Department of Fisheries will conduct a necropsy to try and identify a cause for the beaching.'

Sea World shark bay supervisor, Siobhan Houlihan, said the shark's lack of injuries meant there was 'something sinister' affecting it from the inside.

'She could be diseased or have ingested something she shouldn't,' Ms Houlihan told the ABC.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said the state government will try to 'determine the cause of death'.

Ms Moriarty also urged beachgoers to be 'Sharksmart' and to keep track of shark activity with the app of the same name.

Lifeguards had been keeping an eye on the great white after it was spotted struggling in the water.

'We were notified this morning that there was a sick shark swimming close to shore,' Northern NSW Lifeguard coordinator Scott McCartney said.

The mature female shark was spotted moments prior struggling to battle with the incoming waves and appeared 'sick' before it became beached

It was euthanised by veterinarians at the scene before being removed by a skid steer loader (pictured) to be transported to by examined by the NSW Department of Primary Industries

While the massive sharks can be seen in deeper waters, seeing one sick and washing up on shore was 'definitely a first' for Mr McCartney.

It comes just two months after an Italian backpacker filmed himself being attacked by a large shark off the coast of 1770 beach, north of Bundaberg.

The distressing footage showed Matteo Mariotti, 20, diving at the picturesque beach before he was bitten in the leg and blood started to stain the water.

He was pulled to safety by his diving instructor before being rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery and unfortunately had to have his leg amputated.
A former judge may have held 'apprehended bias' while at the helm of a public probe into the way Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial was handled, a judge has ruled.

Shane Drumgold, the former ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, sued the ACT government and a Board of Inquiry over a damning report about his conduct during the prosecution of Mr Lehrmann.

The inquiry was held in May last year before former Queensland Supreme Court judge Walter Sofronoff KC.

Mr Sofronoff found that Mr Drumgold had engaged in serious malpractice and unethical behaviour, saying he treated criminal litigation as a 'poker game' in which the prosecutor could 'hide all the cards'.

Mr Drumgold launched legal proceedings claiming Mr Sofronoff displayed bias during the inquiry, largely due to his extensive communications with Janet Albrechtsen - a columnist for The Australian.

On Monday, Acting Justice Stephen Kaye ruled that Mr Sofronoff's communications with Ms Albrechtsen before and during the inquiry 'was such that a fair-minded lay observer' may have concluded that he was influenced by her articles.

During the course of the inquiry, the pair had 55 phone calls and enjoyed a private lunch together in Queensland.

The Board of Inquiry was launched after ACT DPP Shane Drumgold (pictured) claimed there was political interference in the investigation into Mr Lehrmann

Walter Sofronoff made 55 calls to Janet Albrechtsen (pictured) - a columnist for The Australian

In his judgement, Justice Kaye said a key finding in Mr Sofronoff's report, which criticised Mr Drumgold's cross-examination of Senator Linda Reynolds during the trial, was 'legally unreasonable'.

Another finding was about the release of Mr Drumgold's letter to Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan under freedom of information laws - Mr Sofronoff was found to have denied the former public prosecutor natural justice.

The ACT government was ordered to pay damages to Mr Drumgold.

Mr Drumgold's lawyer Dan O'Gorman had told the ACT Supreme Court during a three-day hearing in February that Ms Albrechtsen's pieces were 'negative' and that she 'poisoned' Mr Sofronoff's mind.

Mr Sofronoff and Ms Albrechtsen exchanged 269 communications across about 169 days since she first made contact with him in February last year, the court heard.

Between February and July 2023 alone, the court heard Mr Sofronoff made 65 phone calls to journalists - totalling almost ten hours.

Of these, 55 were to people from The Australian - predominantly Ms Albrechtsen - totalling seven-and-a-half hours.

Walter Sofronoff (pictured) led the Board of Inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial

Mr Lehrmann (pictured) was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in October

Mr O'Gorman told the court that a fair-minded observer would wonder why there was any need for private engagement with the media during the inquiry into Mr Lehrmann's trial.

Mr Drumgold himself called for the public inquiry because he believed 'political forces' stopped Australian Federal Police from investigating Brittany Higgins' rape allegations properly.

During cross-examination at the inquiry, Mr Drumgold conceded that he no longer believed there was political interference, nor did he believe police had conspired against Ms Higgins.

Mr Drumgold resigned last August after the 600-page report was handed down.

It contained a raft of findings against him, including that he knowingly misled the territory's Chief Justice at trial and lost objectivity.

Mr Drumgold's last day in office was supposed to be September 1, even though he has been on paid medical leave since May when he spent five days being grilled in the witness box during the inquiry.

He has reportedly continued to receive a weekly salary of $9,266.

When he resigned, Mr Drumgold strongly disputed that he 'engaged in deliberate or underhanded conduct in the trial, or that [he] was dishonest'.
A driver in his 70s has survived a horrific crash after driving his car off a 20m high cliff onto the road below.

Emergency services were called just after 10am on Monday after the white Hyundai i30 hatchback went over the cliff in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Glebe.

NSW Police and NSW Fire and Rescue arrived to find the destroyed car next to a pile of glass, debris and broken branches on Railway Street.

Miraculously, the occupant was still alive after their car fell metres from the above Darghan Street.

Railway worker Craig Klineberg was sitting in his car close by when he heard a noise 'like a train crash', then seconds later another sound 'like thunder'.

'The driver was laying in the passenger seat and not moving. His face was tucked up against the side of the car,' he said.

A man in his 70s has survived a horrific crash after driving his car (pictured) off a 20metres high cliff onto the road below

The emergency services were called just after 10am on Monday after the white Hyundai i30 hatchback (pictured) went over the cliff in the inner west Sydney suburb of Glebe

Mr Klineberg rushed to the crashed car while others called for help, and found the man mumbling.

'I was happy I got a murmur out of him, I just did that every 30 seconds and then the police showed up,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The man, who lives in the area, was visiting his friend Sylvia Sagi and she was due to accompany him to a doctor's appointment.

Instead, he was taken to the nearby Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by ambulance. The extent of his injuries are not yet known.

'He fell over yesterday, hit his head, and he should have gone to the hospital then but he refused, and I think something has happened as a result of that injury,' Ms Sagi said.

Emergency personnel are pictured at the scene where a car plunged over a cliff in Sydney

A damaged fence is seen after a car crashed over a cliff near the Glebe light rail station in Sydney on Monday, March 4, 2024

Police tape is seen after a car crashed over a cliff in the inner west Sydney suburb of Glebe

The scene of the crash is pictured from the top of steps leading down to the road below the cliff from where the car plunged

A City of Sydney worker is pictured cleaning up debris after a car crashed over a cliff in Sydney, Monday, March 4, 2024

'He'll be okay according to the paramedics. It's an absolute miracle he's alive  I can't believe it.'

She said she was in 'shock' when she realised how far the car had fallen.

'He was in and out of consciousness,' Ms Sagi told the Daily Telegraph.

NSW Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ABC's outgoing boss Ita Buttrose has delivered a blunt message to American President Joe Biden as he seeks another term in the White House.

The 82-year-old told Stellar's Something To Talk About podcast Mr Biden should not be seeking another term in the next Presidential election, to be held in November.

'Despite [US president] Joe Biden thinking he should run another term  I don't think he should,' she said.

'You have to know in yourself when you need to step aside. I felt that. It had nothing to do with any current events.'

The 82-year-old said Mr Biden should not be seeking another term in the next Presidential election, to be held in November

'Sometimes you need to examine yourself and say, ''I am a person of a certain age and everything's fine, and cognitively I'm good'', but still, weigh it up.'

Mr Biden is likely to be up against 77-year-old Donald Trump in what is shaping up to be a 2020 rematch.

Ms Buttrose made the comparison when discussing her own decision not to seek a second term in her role as chair of the public broadcaster.

After a six-decade career in the industry, Ms Buttrose informed the government last August that she'd be stepping down.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said at the time: 'Ms Buttrose is a giant of Australia's media industry, and the government thanks her for her exemplary service as chair of the ABC.

'She has much to do in the remainder of her term and will leave the ABC stronger than when she was entrusted with the role in 2019.

Mr Biden is likely to be up against 77-year-old Donald Trump in what is shaping up to be a 2020 rematch

'She navigated the public broadcaster through a challenging period that included strident political criticism, the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing transformation of the ABC so it can remain an essential part of Australian life in the digital age.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since named Kim Williams as Buttrose's replacement as the chair of the ABC.

Williams - a former AFL commissioner and one-time chief of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp Australia and Foxtel empires - was named as the new head of the public broadcaster in January.

'Kim is such a perfect fit for the role, it's almost as if he were made for it,' Mr Albanese said.

'He is as much at home running media companies as he is running arts organisations and, indeed, is a former AFL commissioner, so is engaged in sport as well.

'There aren't too many Australians I can think of who have both studied composition in Italy and been an AFL commissioner. Kim is a true renaissance man.'
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An elderly man is dead and a woman rushed to hospital with severe injuries following an alleged stabbing as police cordoned off a quiet suburban street.

Emergency responders were called to Mattison Way in Greenwood, in Perth's north, at around 8am on Monday after a man aged in his 80s and a woman in her 70s were found inside a home with stab wounds.

He died at the scene while the woman was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital.

Aerial resources and the police dog unit were called in as detectives launched an urgent manhunt for the alleged knifeman.

An elderly man and woman were found inside a Greenwood home suffering from stab wounds

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Residents in the suburb were warned to 'stay indoors until we can provide further advice' while others trying to return to their homes were stopped at the police road block.

'Members of the public should be alert, not alarmed,' the text message read.

'Please stay indoors and limit your travel. Suspicious activity can be reported to police via 000.'

Residents spent more than an hour in lockdown until police finally tracked down the allegedly armed attacker, 19, 5km away in the nearby suburb of Kingsley and arrested him in dramatic scenes.

'I heard someone screaming 'get on the floor, get on the floor,' one resident told Seven News.

'I saw a single officer from the dog squad who had a gentleman pinned on the floor.'

The man remains in police custody. No charges have been laid at this early stage.

Authorities confirmed that there's no ongoing threat to the public but urged motorists to avoid the area due to traffic delays.

Mattison Way remained a crime scene on Monday afternoon with multiple emergency vehicles parked in the street.

A distraught man and woman believed to be relatives of the elderly pair were seen comforting each other at the scene.

The elderly man had lived in the street for 22 years, according to shocked neighbours.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Detectives are due to provide a further update later on Monday.

The Perth suburb of Greenwood was plunged into lockdown as police launched a major manhunt for the alleged knifeman. Pictured are police at the cordoned off scene
Wild footage has captured the moment a driver was tasered in the chest while in his car.

The body-cam footage was released after Mathew Thomas Druett, 29, was released from remand on Friday more than four months after the incident on September 25.

Druett was pulled over by officers in Reid, Canberra, about 2:35am that morning because his license plates were partially obscured by a sticker.

After police found discrepancies between the plates and the vehicle, Druett was tasered in the chest by one officer.

The footage shows the car lurched forward once more before an officer was able to remove the keys from the ignition and pull Druett from the car and arrest him.

Wild footage has been released of a man trying to flee from police despite being tasered in the chest following a routing traffic stop in Canberra in September (pictured)

Facing the ACT Supreme Court on Friday, Druett was sentenced to nine-months in jail suspended on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

He had pleaded guilty to recklessly driving near police and driving without a license.

A police investigation into the incident revealed the car had been stolen and sold to Druett for just $500 as it had a bad engine.

The prosecution did not accuse him of neither stealing the car nor knowing it had been stolen.

Druett told the court that he had bought it in order to travel home to Surf Beach, on NSW's South Coast, in order to attend a family member's birthday.

Agreed facts stated police witnessed Druett turn the steering wheel and start to drive away when he was told to turn off the engine.

His defence, Sam Lynch, told the court that Druett attempted to swerve out of the way from police and only accelerated once after being tasered.

Mr Lynch also told the court that his client had made a 'flawed error of judgement' after realising the severity of the situation.

The court heard Mathew Thomas Druett, 29, had made a 'flawed' decision in trying to escape from police and was freed on a suspended jail sentence on Friday

The court heard that Druett had a traumatic childhood and has attempted to rehabilitate himself during the past four months in remand.

Presiding Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson accepted Druett's efforts and said that he needed to continue in order to become the type of father his children 'need'.

'You need to become the best version of yourself  so your children can become the best version of themselves,' she told the court, according to the Canberra Star.

'You're still young, you can turn your life around.'
A SpaceX rocket successfully launched three American astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut into orbit after concerns about a crack in a side hatch nearly scrubbed the lift-off.

Prior to the rocket launching, NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission found a problem with a crack in the side hatch. However, crews decided to proceed with the launch and said the issue was 'too small' to cause concern.

At 10:53pm Sunday, the SpaceX Dragon Mission rocket carrying the crew bound for the International Space Station successfully took off from Florida.

'For the past 12 years, Dragon missions have carried 1,000+ research experiments to orbit, enabling researchers the opportunity to fly critical science to orbit,' SpaceX announced.

The SpaceX Falcon rocket is seen during lift off as it heads toward the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39-A on Sunday at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida

Space X's Falcon rocket blasted off from Kennedy Space Center, carrying NASAs Matthew Dominick (right-center), Michael Barratt (left-center), Jeanette Epps (right) and Russias Alexander Grebenkin (left)

The Falcon, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, blasted off from Kennedy Space Center, carrying NASAs Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps and Russias Alexander Grebenkin.

The Crew 8 team reached orbit nine minutes after lift-off.

The astronauts should reach the orbiting lab on Tuesday. They will replace a crew from the U.S., Denmark, Japan and Russia, who have been there since August.

They are expected to live at the International Space Station for six months. They will perform about 250 experiments while in the microgravity environment while at the station.

'What an incredible ride to orbit,' Dominick, 42, the flight commander and one of three spaceflight rookies aboard the capsule, radioed to control outside of Los Angeles. 'A big thank-you to SpaceX.'

Boeings new Starliner capsule with test pilots is due to arrive at the ISS in late April. A month or two later, Sierra Spaces Dream Chaser, a mini shuttle, is expected to arrive and is set to deliver cargo to the station, but not passengers yet.

Epps was originally assigned to fly Boeings Starliner, but NASA switched her to SpaceX after the Starliner got bogged down with problems and stalled.

She is the second black woman assigned to a long station mission. She said before the flight that she is especially proud to be a role model for black girls, demonstrating that spaceflight 'is an option for them' and 'not just for other people.'

Epps is the second black woman assigned to a long station mission. Before take off she said that she was especially proud to be a role model for black girls, demonstrating that spaceflight 'is an option for them' and 'not just for other people'

The astronauts should reach the orbiting lab on Tuesday. They will replace a crew from the U.S., Denmark, Japan and Russia, who have been there since August

At 10:53pm Sunday, the SpaceX Dragon Mission rocket carrying the crew bound for the International Space Station successfully took off from Florida

The Crew 8 team reached orbit nine minutes after lift-off on Sunday night

They are expected to live at the International Space Station for six months. They will perform about 250 experiments while in the microgravity environment while at the station

'What an incredible ride to orbit,' Dominick, 42, the flight commander and one of three spaceflight rookies aboard the capsule, radioed to control outside of Los Angeles. 'A big thank-you to SpaceX.'

She worked for Ford Motor Co. and the CIA as an engineer before becoming an astronaut in 2009.

Epps should have launched to the space station on a Russian rocket in 2018, but was replaced for reasons never publicly disclosed.

Dominick, a Navy pilot, and Grebenkin, a former Russian military officer, are also both new to space.

Barratt, a doctor on his third mission, is the oldest full-time astronaut to fly in space. He turns 65 in April.

'As long as we stay healthy and fit and engaged, were good to fly,' Barratt said.

Flight controllers are monitoring a growing cabin leak on Russia's side of the space station.

The leak has doubled in size in the past few weeks and the area has been sealed off, NASA program manager Joel Montalbano said. He stressed there is no impact to station operations or crew safety.

The International Space Station, about the length of a football field and the largest human-made object in space, has been continuously operated by a U.S.-Russian-led consortium that includes Canada, Japan and 11 European countries.

The first hardware for the outpost was launched 25 years ago. It was conceived in part as a multinational venture designed to improve relations between Washington and Moscow following the Soviet Union's collapse and the end of Cold War rivalries that gave rise to the original U.S.-Soviet space race in the 1950s and 1960s.

NASA has said it is committed to keeping the space station in operation for at least six more years.
North Korea has conducted cyber attacks against South Korean semiconductor equipment companies since last year, Seoul's spy agency said Monday, advising the local chips industry to take caution.

According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), a North Korean cyber group attacked two South Korean semiconductor equipment companies in December 2023 and February, respectively, aiming to obtain blueprints of their products and photos of facilities.

The NIS did not disclose the details of the hacking group and the attacked companies.

The North Korean hacker targeted companies whose servers were connected to the Internet, making them prone to cyberattacks, using the "living off the land" (LotL) method, according to the NIS.

LotL is an advanced cyberattack technique where hackers use legitimate tools within the victim's system, making it harder for victims to detect malware.

The NIS said North Korea seems to have been experiencing difficulty in chip procurement due to economic sanctions and preparing to independently manufacture semiconductors for the development of satellites and missiles.

The NIS said it has advised the chips industry to bolster their cyber security measures. (Yonhap)
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A bus driver has been suspended after he was filmed using his phone to transfer money while driving a bus down a busy highway.

The driver was spotted in the middle of the dangerous act by a FIFO worker as the vehicle travelled along the Gateway Motorway in Boondall, Brisbane, on February 23.

Nambour man Warren Smith pulled out his phone and captured the daring act showing the bus driver fiddling with the screen on his mobile.

'He changed lanes, cut a car off and they were honking at him, so he was just a bit of a reckless driver and wasn't paying attention,' Mr Smith told Sunshine Coast Daily.

The driver's actions led to him getting suspended by his employer Con-X-ion, with director Paul Stratton saying the company was investigating the incident.

The driver (pictured) was using his phone, seemingly to do an online payment transaction, and a FIFO worker on the bus was so shocked, he filmed what was happening for proof

Mr Smith said that after the driver finished his bank transfer he started checking his messages, all while driving a full bus.

He said what happened was 'ridiculous'.

READ MORE: Wild moment driver plunges 20m down an inner city 'cliff' after crashing through a street barrier Advertisement

The FIFO worker said he was terrified even though he works a 'highly dangerous job' himself by helping to build transmission lines.

'We use helicopters, a lot of dangerous equipment and the most dangerous part of my month away at work was the drive from the Brisbane Airport back to the Sunshine Coast,' he said.

'The most dangerous part of my job shouldn't be the trip to and from the airport.'

The company apologised to Mr Smith and offered him a refund, but the FIFO worker said he refuses to use a bus operated by them ever again.

Mr Smith said in future he will catch the Airtrain from Nambour instead, which, though it takes 30 minutes more, is 'a lot cheaper and it is certainly going to be a lot safer'.

In a statement from the company, Mr Stratton said the driver had been immediately suspended.

'There was initial confusion as to which driver was involved in this incident as a third party contracted driver also provided one portion of the transfer for this client,' he said.

'After further investigation we have identified that the driver in question was a driver working for Con-X-ion.

'Con-X-ion does not tolerate any of our drivers driving in an unsafe or distracted manner and we are extremely disappointed with the action of the driver on this occasion.

'The driver involved has been immediately suspended and we will now follow our internal disciplinary process.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted Con-X-ion for further comment.
A man from Georgia says squatters broke into his home and changed the locks after spotting a rental listing for the property online, all while he was away caring for his sick wife.

Paul Callins from DeKalb County near Atlanta had recently spent thousands of dollars refurbishing the home after it was left to him by his father in his will after he died from cancer in 2021.

After completing a lengthy renovation, Callins posted an ad online in the hopes of finding a tenant for the property.

But squatters appear to have taken advantage and broke into the rental home, which was vacant, and switched the locks, locking him out of his own house.

Two men and a woman are now living in the home illegally.

Paul Callins from Georgia discovered squatters had unlawfully entered and changed the locks on his recently refurbished home, listed for rent online, while he was away

The home had thousands of dollars spent on its refurbishing but had been sitting empty allowing squatters to break in and change the locks. The three of them are refusing to leave

'Basically, these people came in Friday, broke into my house and had a U-Haul move all their stuff in. It's frustrating. It's very frustrating. I can't even sleep,' Callins told WSB.

'I guess they have done this before, because when I called the police, they said since they have a fake lease, that they can't do anything. That it's a civil matter,' Callins explained.

It appears to be a long and tedious process to have the imposters thrown out. In Georgia, police cannot remove squatters.

Callins must first file an 'Affidavit of Intruder' notice in court and have it signed by a judge.

He can then appeal to the county sheriff's office to have the squatters evicted.

'I have to go through the court system, and I understand it could take 60 to 90 days,' he said.

When confronted by a local television news reporter as the squatters entered the home, they refused to answer questions.

About 1,200 homes across DeKalb County are currently occupied by squatters, according to the National Rental Home Council trade group.

A new law that would allow police to arrest squatters for trespassing and making fake lease a felony is close to passing in the Georgia General Assembly.

Republican lawmakers in Georgia like Devan Seabaugh are backing a new law

According to the National Rental Home Council trade group, 1,200 homes have been taken over by squatters in the city

The proposed bill, named the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, expands criminal trespassing to include persons who enter property without the consent of the owner for any period of time.

'We're dealing with criminals. These are people that know exactly what they're doing, and they're stealing other people's most valuable capital, which is their home,' Rep. Devan Seabaugh, a Republican co-sponsoring the bill, told Fox News.

'I've heard from a lot of people. This has caused them to file bankruptcy. They're mentally harmed by it. It's a tough situation, and we have to do something. I don't know how it took us this long to get here  but no more free rides,' Seabaugh said.

'What we've done is create new code in the Georgia law that says, if you're squatting in a home, and you do not have the consent or legal authority to be in it, you'll be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor of a highly aggravated nature.

'You'll be fined, and you may spend up to a year behind bars.'

Seabaugh added that the new law would also speed up court proceedings, with hearings being held in a non-jury magistrate court to decrease the time it takes to remove squatters from a property.

A 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

The situation has become so dire in the city that homeowners have offered to pay off squatters to get them out of their homes, rather than risk losing months of rent.

One squat in the Georgia city was even being run as illegal secret strip club and had to be cleared out by an entire FBI swat team.

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.

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.

DeAnthony Maddox (left) and Jeremy Wheat (right) were arrested on the premises

Kelvin Hall, left, and Tarahsjay Forde, right were also arrested

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.

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.

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 - he was later removed

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.

Simon was later kicked out and arrested following his unwelcome stay, after telling Daure she would need to go through the courts.

CEO of the National Rental Home Council, David Howard previously explained to DailyMail.com: 'Incidents of illegal trespassing in the Atlanta metro area are disproportionately higher than comparable markets across the country.

'The sheer volume and consistency of practice in terms of how these incidents happen are clearly indicative of some kind of organized criminal effort.'

The massive 4,300 square foot estate where Simon was holed-up has five beds and five baths, Zillow states, and is valued around $495,000

Simon was later kicked out and arrested following his unwelcome stay , after telling Daure she would need to go through the courts

He added: 'This is obviously a property rights issue first and foremost, but the impact of this kind of activity extends well beyond the concerns of the individual property owner.

'There are serious public safety issues at play here  who is in the home? What is happening in the property? What is the risk to others in the neighborhood? Also, theres a real concern here about the availability of affordably-priced housing.

'Every incident of illegal occupation means theres one less home available for a family in need of quality, single-family rental housing.'

'As well as individual homeowners, the squatting crisis is making business hard for some of the country's largest single-family-rental businesses.'

Online listings and virtual real estate agents can allow squatters to find vacant addresses and gain access by booking fake appointments.

Some people may not even know they are squatters as scam artists can set up fake listings for empty properties and fake lease agreements.

Once a squatter is in, it's hard to get them out. It can take three months to get a court hearing for an eviction, and another three months to get a deputy or marshal to clear out the home.
Fight broke out after one of the men's girlfriends was harassed in a nightclub

An Australian FIFO worker who was stabbed repeatedly while on holiday in Bali shared a chilling Instagram post right before the attack - as it can be revealed how police believe the fight started.

Peter Noel Sidney Nye, 28, and his friend Izaeah Wilson, both from Queensland, claim they were assaulted outside a mini mart in Kuta early on Friday morning.

Mr Nye suffered serious injuries to his head, face and arms, and told medical staff he had been stabbed after he turned up to hospital alone at about 9am on Friday.

Just hours earlier, he shared an Instagram post with the caption: 'Never been a victim, never been a target.'

Peter Noel Sidney Nye (pictured), 28, and his friend Izaeah Wilson, both from Queensland , claim they were assaulted outside a mini mart in Kuta early on Friday morning

Mr Nye and Mr Wilson are seen at Bali Airport. They say their missed their flight home just hours before the attack

He also shared a photo of him and Mr Wilson shirtless at Bali Airport, saying they'd missed their flight home.

A Bali police source told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Nye and Mr Wilson had been at Shi-Shi Night Club in Seminyak in Bali's south with Mr Nye's girlfriend Scarlett Carruthers.

The source said a man - first believed to be from the Ivory Coast - allegedly harassed Ms Carruthers before the three of them left the night club.

Mr Nye and Mr Wilson then dropped off Ms Carruthers at their villa before going out to buy beer from a shop in the North Kuta district.

There they bumped into the same individual who had allegedly harassed Ms Carruthers, along with another man.

The fight broke out after one allegedly shouted 'f*** you' at the two Australians.

They allegedly battered one another with their bare hands and beer bottles, with the two Australian men suffering deep lacerations to their heads, neck, chest and arms.

Peter Noel Sidney Nye, 28, (left) shared a chilling Instagram post just hours before he claims he was repeatedly stabbed outside a supermarket in Bali

Following the attack, Mr Nye posted a photo of his hospital medical report that said he was admitted on Friday and discharged on Saturday.

The report said he'd been injured at about 6am on Friday and told medical staff he was 'in a quarrel and assaulted by some strangers'.

'As per the patient, he was stabbed several times on the head and arms,' the report stated.

Mr Nye's girlfriend, Ms Carruthers, said he and Mr Wilson were both attacked by a group of men outside the supermarket.

On a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for their skyrocketing medical bills, Ms Carruthers claimed they had been trying to get an 'early night ready for our flight home the next day' - which appears to contradict the police version of events.

Mr Nye (pictured) and his friend Izaeah Wilson, both from Queensland, were assaulted outside a mini mart in Kuta early on Friday morning.

'My partner and his friend ended up being stabbed over 20 times in the face, neck, head, eye, chest, both arms and ear,' Ms Carruthers said.

She said Mr Nye nearly lost his eyesight and now has to undergo cosmetic surgery, while Mr Wilson suffered extensive blood loss.

Mr Nye is now facing a $50,000 hospital bill, while Mr Wilson's medical bills are totalling $15,000. The fundraiser currently sits at around $5,500.

Ms Carruthers admitted they were 'stupid' and 'forgot' to buy travel insurance, with the hospital telling them they're unable to complete the surgery unless they pay up front.

Mr Nye is seen in hospital and has to undergo surgery on his eye

Mr Nye arrived at hospital alone on Friday morning, telling medical staff he'd been stabbed

Photos show the severity of Mr Nye's injuries

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting wrongdoing on behalf of the men.

The Bali attack is not the first time Mr Nye has been stabbed. He experienced a similar attack in December 2019 that left him with post-traumatic stress disorder.

He also has a lengthy criminal history and pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle which was treated as a domestic violence offence following an incident with his girlfriend in March, 2020.

Mr Nye was high on cocaine and MDMA when he reversed his ute towards his partner in a terrifying encounter at a shopping centre carpark in Maroochydore.

He was sentenced to 12 months in jail over the incident but was granted immediate parole. He was also disqualified from driving for nine months.

Mr Nye also has drug possession and assault offences on his record.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds for the two men as they wait to undergo surgery in Bali
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

A snowpocaylpse has raged on for the sixth day in California as the northern part of the state has been slammed with intense winds and snowfall that has caused travel headaches and left people snowed in to start the workweek.

Interstate-80 has shut down as Tahoe saw seven feet of snow while 190mph wind whipped through the Sierra Nevada valley.

Power outages have been reported in Truckee, Tahoe City and Zephyr Cove as trees have fallen onto power lines along Highway 89.

Ski resorts have closed as the high winds wreaked havoc on the mountains as the National Weather Service said a rare blizzard warning will remain in effect until midnight on Sunday for areas above 6,500ft of elevation.

Dozens of trucks were left stranded on I-80 as officials said that the highway might be re-opened on Monday if there is a 'break in the weather.'

Multiple cars are seen stranded in deep mountains of snow as drivers get our of their vehicles to seek help. A snowstorm in California has left northern parts of the state buried under feet of snow

Interstate-80 has shutdown as Tahoe saw seven feet of snow while 190mph wind whipped through the Sierra Nevada valley. Officials said it is unclear when the road will open back up and that it depends if there is a 'break in the weather'

A long line of traffic is seen on a snow-covered road near the California border in Reno, Nevada on Sunday

Trees and homes are covered in snow during the powerful rare blizzard in the Sierra Nevada mountains on Sunday

Though the worst of the storm is believed to have happened already, moderate to light snowfall is predicted on Monday and into Tuesday. A driver is seen stuck inside his truck that is nearly covered in snow

Snowpocalypse in Northern California buries motorists. pic.twitter.com/2qbSjZxpTm  BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) March 3, 2024

A truck driver checks tire chains as all trucks parked on Highway I-80 due to no visibility near the California border in Reno, Nevada

Though the worst of the storm is believed to have happened already, moderate to light snowfall is predicted on Monday and into Tuesday.

Sugar Bowl, California, has already received 7.45feet of snow while Donner Peak got 7.25feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort on the north end of Lake Tahoe and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, closed all chairlifts Saturday because of snow, wind and low visibility.

It planned to reopen late Sunday morning after getting an estimated 5 feet of snow on the upper mountain as of Saturday night.

'We will be digging out for the foreseeable future,' officials said on the resort's blog.

Crew members from the resort who tried to battle the storm said they 'gave it their best shot' as the risk of avalanches have crept in.

In a post on Sunday, the resort said: 'Monday Operations: We plan to open 18 lifts at Palisades and 7 lifts for the Alpine side. Scheduled lifts are subject to change/delays will occur. We will provide updates after morning assessments.'

Near Lake Tahoe, the Alibi Ale Works brewpub and restaurant was one of the few businesses open on Saturday.

Bartender Thomas Petkanas said about 3 feet of snow had fallen by midday, and patrons were shaking off snow as they arrived.

'Its snowing pretty hard out there, really windy, and power is out to about half the town,' Petkanas said by telephone.

Highway I-80 closed for third night in a row amid snowstorm in between Colfax and Truckee

Was trying to see how Tahoe was dealing with crazy snow fall.

pic.twitter.com/NvuW2lMp4a  Big Fish (@BigFish3000) March 3, 2024

Trucks parked on Highway I-80 due to no visibility, near California border in Reno, Nevada

Bundled up workers are seen braving the storm as they try to clear a rooftop in Olympic Valley on Sunday

The blizzard that is dumping dozens of inches of snow on Lake Tahoe this weekend is a hassle for some. But for a couple of locals, it's perfect weather.



See and learn more about Echo and Yuba here: https://t.co/he6ggloMoA pic.twitter.com/TU98paHHNF  LiveDoppler7 (@LiveDoppler7) March 4, 2024

A view of sidewalk during heavy snowfall as snow blankets Historic Downtown in Truckee, California on Sunday

A person is seen using a snow blower to try and battle the raging snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A second, weaker storm is forecast to bring an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow in the region between Monday and Wednesday

While the extreme storm has impacted many in the Golden State, there have been no reported casualties.

Injuries have also not been reported, but there have been multiple vehicle crashes throughout the region. In one, a truck was seen flipped over, and cars were seen nearly buried in the snow and stranded along a mountain road.

Rudy Islas spent about 40 minutes shoveling his car out before heading to work at a coffee shop in Truckee, California, on Sunday morning. Neither he or his customers were fazed by the snow, he said.

'To be honest, if youre a local, its not a big deal,' he said. 'I think a lot of people are used to the snow and they prepare for it.'

Some have used the unusually intense storm to have a bit of fun as two huskies, Echo and Yuba were seen frolicking through the snow in Tahoe.

Another person decided to see just how deep the snow was as they flipped off of a deck in Tahoe and sunk down, with just their head visible.

The center warned of 'substantial disruptions to daily life and travel' in the Sierra Nevada region due to 'dangerous blizzard conditions'.

An 'additional 1-2 feet of snowfall' is also expected in parts of Nevada and California through Monday morning.

'Avalanches are increasingly likely in the Sierra Nevadas as additional snowfall piles up,' meteorologists at the center said.

An SUV had to towed out of a mountain of snow on the El Dorado Freeway in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday morning

USPS trucks are barely seen in the thick of the blizzard which has dropped seven feet of snow in the Tahoe area and brought 190mph winds in Sierra Nevada valley

Fierce blizzard conditions continue to affect the Tahoe area. First responders have been working to ensure the public is safe.



Caltrans shared this video of a driver being rescued from a snow-filled Highway 50 Sunday morning.



Latest storm updates here: https://t.co/Hh4znWZTB1 pic.twitter.com/o36vqNfmth  ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) March 4, 2024

A train is seen braving the elements as the heavy snow came down. The storm began barreling into the region on Thursday. A blizzard warning through Sunday morning covered a 300-mile stretch of the mountains

A view of the welcome center during heavy snowfall as snow blankets Historic Downtown in Truckee

A person is seen using skis to get around in the downtown area of Truckee, California

Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort on the north end of Lake Tahoe and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, closed all chairlifts Saturday because of snow, wind and low visibility

A snow plow in operation on Highway I-80 near California border in Reno, Nevada on Sunday

Hundreds of travelers were trapped in their vehicles for several hours, and 8,000 homes in California were without power as of Sunday morning.

'We suggest you stay home, stay warm and don't put yourself and your family in a dangerous situation,' the California Highway Patrol in Truckee said on social media.

More than 10 feet of snow was expected at higher elevations, National Weather Service meteorologist William Churchill said Saturday.

The storm began barreling into the region on Thursday. A blizzard warning through Sunday morning covered a 300-mile stretch of the mountains.

A second, weaker storm is forecast to bring an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow in the region between Monday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service office in Sacramento.

The National Weather Service has warned people in the affected regions not to travel because conditions are still 'extremely dangerous'.

'If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle,' the service said.
A grieving father has paid tribute to his six-year-old son who drowned in a backyard pool by getting a touching portrait of the child tattooed on his leg.

Andrew Pearman, 35, had been playing in the backyard with his son, Sage, at their Lake Macquarie, NSW, home on January 11.

The father needed to go inside momentarily to check on his nine-year-old son, but when he returned about 3.10pm, Sage was gone.

The boy, who had autism and was non-verbal with limited communication skills, loved to hide but also loved open spaces.

Sage never responded when his name was called.

Sage Pearman, 6, (pictured) drowned in a neighbour's pool after leaving his backyard in January

Newcastle tattoo artist, Pat Thompson, donated his services to the family which Mr Pearman said captured 'the essence of our son'

'We rent a large property but it takes about five minutes to check everything,' Mr Pearman told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

After police rushed to the scene, Sage was found 20 minutes later in a neighbour's backyard pool - just 50m from his backyard - but he was unable to be resuscitated.

Mr Pearman took to Instagram on Monday to reveal the tattoo and to thank tattoo artist Pat Thompson for donating his services.

'The beautiful realism portrait of our beloved son that now graces my leg is a testament to your extraordinary talent and more importantly, your compassionate heart,' he wrote.

'Your dedication to capturing the essence of our son has created a lasting tribute that we will forever hold close to our hearts.'

Newcastle's Twenty Twelve Tattoo Company owner and artist Pat Thompson told Daily Mail Australia he wasn't comfortable talking about his donation to the family.

'It was a father to father thing,' he said.

'I can't even fathom what they're going through.

'I'm glad they're happy with it.'

Mr Pearman also wrote he was thankful for the outpouring of community support and donations in the wake of the tragic incident.

Andrew Pearman is pictured with his partner, Lauren Moore, and two of their three sons - Sage, left, and Braxton, right

'In the midst of our profound sadness, your act, the messages and calls and actions from others, with kindness, has been a beacon of light, reminding us of the goodness that exists in this world,' he said.

'To everyone who has shown us kindness, whether through words, actions, or silent support, please accept our heartfelt thanks.

'Your generosity has been a source of solace during this incredibly difficult time.'

The father wrote that his family is still 'coming to grips' with their unimaginable loss, with their grief compounded by the fact Sage's birthday was in the same month he died.

'The love and support we've received from friends, families and even strangers have been lifelines that have helped us navigate through the storm of grief, battle the loneliness, the nightmares, the feeling of loss.'

Mr Pearman believes his son was drawn to the pool because of his love of water.

'His favourite times were at the beach, because the sensory feeling of the sand was so exciting for him,' he said.

Andrew Pearman, pictured with his youngest son Sage, has thanked everyone for their support and donations, calling the acts of kindness 'a beacon of light'

'He used to turn his head to the side and listen to the waves crash  he absolutely loved it, he loved the salt water and was just drawn to it. It was his favourite activity.'

The schoolboy also loved hiding and would often run into the laundry or crawl into small spaces.

But due to his autism, he never responded when his name was called.

Mr Pearman, who works as a truck driver, ran onto the street and started yelling out, asking neighbours if they'd seen his son.

About 20 minutes later, he was walking down a back street and saw an officer bolt down the road.

'I jumped the fence and ran across the road and I saw the officer had my boy in his arms,' he said, through tears.

'I was trying to run to him but police were holding me back, they wouldn't let me run to him or see him.'

Mr Pearman could see police trying to resuscitate Sage, before ambulances arrived and they began to cover the boy with white towels.

When they arrived at the hospital, three doctors and a social worker told Mr Pearman and Ms Moore that their son was dead.

'They took me into a room and I was with my baby for as long as I could, and then he was gone,' he said.

His oldest son Braxton also has autism and, while his condition isn't as severe as Sage's was, he still struggles to understand situations.

Sage once came home from hospital in a cast because he fractured his foot so, when his brother didn't come home last Thursday, Braxton kept asking whether his little brother had a cast again.
Jack Teixeira, the Massachusetts Air National Guard member accused of leaking highly classified military documents about Russia's war in Ukraine and other national security secrets, is expected to plead guilty on Monday in federal court.

The 22-year-old is due to appear in Boston's federal courthouse for a change of plea hearing nearly a year after he was arrested in the case stemming from the most consequential national security leak in years.

Teixeira, of North Dighton, Massachusetts, has been behind bars since his April arrest in the case that raised alarm over America's ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets and forced the Biden administration to scramble to try to contain diplomatic and military fallout.

The leak led the Pentagon to tighten controls to safeguard classified information, and the Air Force disciplined 15 personnel as its inspector general found last year that multiple officials intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeira's suspicious behavior.

Jack Teixeira previously pleaded not guilty to the charges surrounding his alleged posting of classified documents on the social media platform Discord, but prosecutors have now asked the federal judge to schedule a change of plea hearing for Monday.

FBI agents arrest Teixeira, an employee of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, in connection with an investigation into the leaks online of classified U.S. documents, outside a residence in this still image taken from video in North Dighton, Massachusetts, on April 13, 2023

Jack Douglas Teixeira is seen in this image from his 2020 High School yearbook. Teixeira graduated from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School in Massachusetts

Teixeira has been locked up since his arrest last April. He had previously pleaded not guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act.

Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

A judge last year ordered Teixeira to remain behind bars while he awaits trial after prosecutors revealed he had a history of violent rhetoric and warned that U.S. adversaries who might be interested in mining Teixeira for information could help him escape.

Teixeira remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, the Air Force said.

Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys have provided further details about Teixeira's plea agreement.

Teixeira, 22, was indicted on six counts of willful retention of national defense information and the subsequent leaking of it

The US Department of Justice released photo evidence collected during the investigation into US Air National Guardsman accused of leaking classified documents online

Investigators say Teixeira was in charge of a group on the platform called Thug Shaker Central, in which weapons and wars were discussed

Teixeira was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts when authorities say he illegally collected military secrets and shared them with other users on Discord, a social media platform popular with people playing online games.

Investigators say Teixeira was in charge of a group on the platform called Thug Shaker Central, in which weapons and wars were discussed.

Teixeira joined the Air National Guard in 2019 and began last January to share military secrets with his Discord pals.

Chats between the 22-year-old and members of the Discord group indicate that his actions may have been motivated more by bravado than any specific ideology.

Prosecutors have urged the judge to keep the defendant locked up as the case plays out for reasons including a large arsenal of weapons found at his house and a history of disturbing online statements.

In one social media post, he wrote that if he could, he would kill a 'ton of people' because it would be 'culling the weak minded.'

Judge Indira Talwani denied him bail after determining that 'No set of release conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, or prevent destruction of evidence.'

Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, seated second from right, is accused of leaking highly classified military documents on a social media platform

Teixeira worked as a 'cyber transport systems specialist,' essentially an IT specialist responsible for military communications networks.

Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings.

Teixeira was found out on April 6 last year - the same day the New York Times ran a story about the leaked documents.

The leak exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russia's war in Ukraine, the capabilities and geopolitical interests of other nations and other national security issues.

Allies then had to be reassured that their secrets were being well safeguarded by the US government.

Prosecutors have said little about an alleged motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy.

Prosecutors have said little about an alleged motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy

Prosecutors have said Teixeira continued to leak government secrets even after he was warned by superiors about mishandling and improper viewing of classified information for which he did not have permission to view.

In one instance, Teixeira was seen taking notes on intelligence information and putting them in his pocket.

Even after the warning, he was again flagged for looking through information not directly related to the intelligence field.

Authorities have not provided much insight into possible motives for Teixeira's behavior.

The Air Force inspector general found that members 'intentionally failed to report the full details' of Teixeira's unauthorized intelligence-seeking because they thought security officials might overreact.

For example, while Teixeira was confronted about the note, there was no follow up to ensure the note had been shredded and the incident was not reported to security officers.

It was not until a January 2023 incident that the appropriate security officials were notified, but even then security officials were not briefed on the full scope of the violations.
At least four people are dead and three more were injured after what police believe was a gang shooting at a birthday party in Southern California on Sunday night.

The shooting, which authorities say saw at least people shot, took place in King City in Central California on the 200 block of 2nd Street.

Police confirmed the four fatalities and said three others were hospitalized for gunshot wounds, according to KION.

The four deceased victims were only identified as being adults, a woman and three men.

King City Police Chief Jim Hunt said the shooting involved three gunmen wearing dark clothing and masks, KSBW reported.

The shooting, which authorities say saw at least people shot, took place in King City in Central California on the 200 block of 2nd Street

The shooters allegedly arrived at a birthday party, opened fire and then left in a car.

Police have said that they are looking for a silver Kia. No arrests have been made in the case.

Chris Lopez, the supervisor of Monterey County where the shooting took place, said in a Facebook post he was still waiting for details.

'May the victims find strength and healing, may our first responders remain safe, and may we all help restore peace to our neighborhoods and communities,' Lopez wrote.
JK Rowling last night told her followers 'it has happened again' after a man who was convicted for filming women in female toilets told police that he identified as a woman when challenged.

The Harry Potter author made the fresh remark on Twitter/X just days after sparking a trans row about cat killer Scarlet Blake by saying 'I'm sick of this s***, this is not a woman'.

She was responding to a story in ChronicleLive about Kurtis Mawson, who was caught inside female toilets near the Odeon cinema at Millburngate shopping centre in Durham in May 2022.

Mawson was standing on the toilet in a closed cubicle looking over into the next cubicle when police arrived - and when challenged, insisted he was there because he 'identified as female'. MailOnline understands that he identifies as male, not female.

Rowling posted: 'That thing only evil, nasty bigots claim happens, and that never, ever happens, has happened. Again.'

JK Rowling attending the Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York in December 2019

Kurtis Mawson claimed he 'identified as a woman' after he was caught inside female toilets near the Odeon cinema at Millburngate shopping centre in Durham

She went on to say those who insist 'no predator would bother to pretend to be a woman' are 'wilfully blind' and that they 'wiggle like eels trying to find a loophole through which they can escape with their precious ideology intact.'

Mawson was arrested by police who later found him in possession of a mobile phone and digital camera with which he had recorded material of women using the toilet.

In June 2023, while on police bail, Mawson committed a sex act on a tourist who was taking a picture of Durham Cathedral from a bridge in the city.

Mawson, High Street, Willington, County Durham, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female, voyeurism, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child and possessing an extreme pornographic image. He also admitted breaching a sexual risk order and failing to comply with the sexual offender register.

He was sentenced to 25 months in prison.

It comes after Rowling slammed Sky News for referring to trans cat killer Blake as 'a woman' in an article headline.

Blake was given a life sentence for the Don't F**K With Cats-style murder of Jorge Martin Carreno last week who she randomly targeted as he walked home after a night out in July 2021.

Rowling posted on Twitter/X: 'I'm sick of this s***. This is not a woman. These are #NotOurCrimes.'

The community notes option, where readers can add context to a post, said: 'Scarlet Blake is an adult male who identifies as a transgender woman. The omission of this crucial detail in the reporting gives the false impression that this was a crime committed by a woman.'

Scarlet Blake (left), who was jailed for the murder of Jorge Martin Carreno (right)

A sick picture captures killer Blake relishing the moment she puts a cat in a blender

Blake live-streamed the killing and dissection of a cat four months before she targeted Jorge Martin Carrenoas as he walked home from a night out in Oxford in July 2021.

She admitted dissecting the animal, removing the fur and skin and placing it in a blender but blames her former partner Ashlynn Bell.

Police believe Blake would have got away with the sadistic murder had she not later had a bitter falling out with Bell - who then contacted detectives at Thames Valley Police to reveal that she knew of a 'murder confession' from Blake.

It was only then - almost two years after Jorge's death - that police finally learned of how she had warmed up for her attack on him by making a four-hour video of herself slaughtering a neighbour's cat.

Blake had an 'extreme interest in death and in harm' and killed the family pet after watching a Netflix documentary called Don't F*** With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer, Oxford Crown Court heard.
A war of words has erupted among online sleuths investigating the disappearance of Samantha Murphy, after the woman who set up the original Facebook group branded the followers 'idiots'.

Ms Murphy, 51, vanished from her home in Ballarat East, Victoria, after going on an early morning run exactly a month ago on February 4.

In the wake of her disappearance, local Cindy Hobbs set up the 'Find Samantha Murphy' Facebook page, which attracted more than 21,000 members who all shared information in the search for the missing mum-of-three.

But less than 10 days later Ms Hobbs deleted the page, claiming the group had 'served its purpose'.

Ms Hobbs, who gave several television interviews in the early days of the search, recently appeared on Jamie Ryder's podcast 'F*** Therapy' where she made comments that angered other online sleuths.

Samantha Murphy, 51, vanished from her home in Ballarat East, Victoria, after going on an early morning run exactly a month ago on 4 February (pictured)

In the wake of her disappearance, local Cindy Hobbs set up the 'Find Samantha Murphy' Facebook page, which attracted over 21,000 members who all shared information in the search for the missing mum-of-three

'I wanted my feet on the ground. That's where I wanted to be,' Ms Hobbs told the podcast.

'I did not want to be stuck behind a Facebook group monitoring 21,000 idiots that couldn't control themselves.'

Her comments infuriated members of the 'help Find Samantha Murphy' Facebook group.

'How hurtful for all those that joined her group with pure intentions of helping to find Samantha Murph,' wrote one.

'Lordy, a woman is missing and this lady is still making it all about herself,' added another.

Another described her comments as 'absolutely disgusting behaviour'.

Ms Hobbs told Daily Mail Australia she had 'updates coming'.

'I have chosen to tell my own story in my own time on my own platform where I can be organic and speak my truth,' she said.

Ms Hobbs (pictured) told Jamie Ryder's podcast 'F*** Therapy' podcast that she 'did not want to be stuck behind a Facebook group monitoring 21,000 idiots that couldn't control themselves'

She went on to say that the group made her realise she had been 'ignoring her own truth'.

'I don't think I've ever felt more degraded but at the same time powerful in my own skin and femininity and intuition,' Ms Hobbs told the podcast.

It's understood the Find Samantha Murphy group was originally deleted after personal attacks and infighting took place.

Ms Hobbs wrote that she will still be 'shouting' for Ms Murphy's return and left followers with a heartfelt message.

'My message is still the same, be kind, it costs nothing, but don't be so kind that you have nothing to give yourself for self care,' she wrote.

'Praying for a miracle.'

On the morning Ms Murphy vanished, she was captured on her own CCTV system wearing a maroon/brown singlet and black half-length leggings.

Ms Murphy is described as white, about 173cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair.

Despite a massive search effort involving police, SES and countless volunteers, no trace of her has been found.

Police last month indicated it was unlikely Ms Murphy will be found alive, with detectives probing if her body was moved.

Hundreds of volunteers assisted in the search for missing mum-of-three Samantha Murphy but not trace of her has been found

Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said police were keeping an open mind about Ms Murphy's disappearance but said the most likely scenario was that it involved one or more parties.

Police have ruled out any type of medical episode and there is nothing to indicate she had left the area on her own accord.

'Unfortunately given the time and the fact we've found no trace of her, we do have severe concerns and are very doubtful that she is still alive,' Det Supt Hatt said.

Anyone who sees her has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A former detective who has been campaigning for stronger sentences for violence against women in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder has said there could be 'more Wayne Couzens lurking in plain sight' in Britain's police forces.

Former Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said there is a 'known history' of people getting involved in policing because 'it gives them immediate access to vulnerable victims'.

She also told Good Morning Britain that three Metropolitan Police officers appear in court every week charged with 'very serious offences', as a documentary on the murder is set to air.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who led the murder investigation, also spoke of the moment a colleague told her that Wayne Couzens worked for the police in a clip from the documentary.

Ms Everard was snatched by former cop Couzens who used his police-issued warrant card to stage a fake arrest on March 3, 2021 before he raped and strangled her to death.

Former Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham worked Her Majestys Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue for 12 years

Former Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens was given a life sentence for the murder of Sarah Everard

Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice airs on the BBC at 9pm tomorrow night

Sarah Everard is pictured enjoying a drink at Brockwell Lido, which was close to where she lived in Brixton, south London

Sarah was abducted, raped and murdered by Wayne Couzens when he was a serving police officer. Her family have released new photos of her, including this candid snap

Ms Billingham, who worked Her Majestys Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue for 12 years, it is 'astonishing' how many police officers are charged with 'very serious offences.

She said: 'There is a known history of people being attracted into policing because it gives them immediate access to very often vulnerable victims and as Lady Eilish said last week, "we can't be certain there aren't more Couzens lurking in plain sight".

'We know - and I find this absolutely astonishing - at the moment, every single week, there are three Metropolitan police officers appearing in our courts charged with very serious offences.

'If you remember back to the early days of the Couzens investigation when it first emerged, there was this concept that Couzens was one bad apple. It isn't, it absolutely isn't.'

After she was snatched by the former cop, he drove her to a rural area near Dover in Kent, raped and strangled her with his police belt before burning her body in a fridge and dumping her remains in a nearby pond

Couzens had been reported to the police eight times before he killed Sarah which Ms Billingham said was 'so unforgivable' about the 'terrible tragedy'.

She said: 'It is five years too late. There were eight incidents that were reported to the police that could have enabled the police to get Couzens out of policing.

'Sarah's mum and dad have said, through the Lady Eilish Angiolini inquiry, that Sarah would have never ever got in that car if it hadn't been for the fact that she thought he was a police officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin (pictured) revealed the shocking moment she realised Wayne Couzens worked for the police in the new documentary

Katherine led the investigation into the disappearance of Sarah Everard

The documentary Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice will be shown on BBC One on Tuesday, March 5

Sarah had been walking in London when she disappeared back in 2021, sparking a frantic hunt to try and find her

READ MORE: Never-before-seen photos of Sarah Everard that show her beaming at a university graduation Advertisement

'That is what is so unforgivable and unfathomable in this terrible tragedy.'

It comes as Sarah's family released touching new photos of the marketing executive.

The previously unseen pictures have been shared for a new documentary about the murder which shocked the nation and put a spotlight on violence against women and girls.

One photo shows Ms Everard smiling brightly at her Durham University graduation in the summer of 2008. She had studied Geography at St Cuthbert's Society at the university between 2005 and 2008.

Another newly released image shows Ms Everard enjoying a drink in the sun at Brockwell Lido, close to where she lived in Brixton, south London.

Two more photos have also been released by her family - one of which she is smiling with a glass of wine and the other is a candid snap of her looking into the distance pensively.

In an interview during his arrest, Couzens told police a false story about being threatened by an eastern European gang to 'pick up girls'

Couzens (pictured) had been working as a diplomatic protection officer when he murdered Sarah

CCTV footage of Sarah, who was talking on the phone with her boyfriend, on the night she went missing

A new BBC documentary into the murder shows Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin recalling how she was informed by colleagues that Wayne Couzens worked for the police moments before officers arrived at his house in Kent to question him.

The senior cop said she was forced to say 'you're not going to believe this' as she relayed the chilling news to her superiors in the Metropolitan Police.

The documentary, which airs tomorrow night at 9pm, also reveals how in the days following Couzens' sentencing one of the victims of rapist Met officer David Carrick , who served in the same unit as Sarah's killer, came forward after being inspired by a heartbreaking speech by the marketing executive's mother.
By Kwak Yeon-soo

North Korean hacking group Lazarus was behind last year's cyberattack on the South Korean top courts online network, the National Policy Agency said, Monday.

In February 2023, the Office of Court Administration of the Supreme Court discovered signs of a malware infection in servers and commissioned a security company to conduct a malware analysis.

Following allegations that the tactic used in the cyberattack matched North Korean operations, it then cooperated with police and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to uncover how and what data was leaked.

Based on Lazarus past hacking patterns, we believe that Lazarus is allegedly responsible for the hacking of the Supreme Courts servers, Woo Jong-soo, the head of the National Office of Investigation, said during a press conference at its headquarters in Seoul.

How the intrusion occurred as well as the extent and type of leaked data will be determined through further investigation.

The Supreme Court handles highly sensitive information of both individuals and companies  not only documents authored by the court but also written accusations, pleas, defenses and preparatory documents submitted by the involved parties.

North Koreas cyberattacks targeting South Korean public institutions in order to steal sensitive information have been expanding in recent years, prompting urgent calls for countermeasures.

According to the NIS, 80 percent of cyberattacks targeting public institutions have been traced back to North Korea. The past year saw an average of over 1.62 million cyberattack attempts per day, aimed at the public sector. Most recently, a presidential staffers private email was compromised by North Korea ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to Britain and France last November.

On Monday, the NIS issued a warning against North Korean cyberattacks on semiconductor manufacturers, adding that a North Korean hacking group attacked two South Korean semiconductor manufacturers in December and February, respectively, to steal blueprints of their products and photos of facilities.

It added that North Korea seems to have begun producing its own semiconductors due to difficulties in importing technology for semiconductor production following sanctions and increased demand for developing weapons such as missiles as well as satellites.

Updating software security and protecting access control systems from hackers is imperative as North Korean hacking groups continue advancing their ingenuity, the NIS said.
A British backpacker is facing life in prison after he was arrested for selling drugs on a Thai paradise island.

Andrew John Brett, 36, had allegedly been peddling ecstasy and LSD to other tourists at the Ecco Bar on Koh Tao island in the southern province of Surat Thani.

Police launched an investigation following a tip-off from a concerned patron that the Brit was distributing drugs at the bar.

They tracked his activities for five months and finally arrested him on his way to the establishment on February 29.

Officers allegedly found 0.54 grams of ecstasy in a plastic bag, 25 ecstasy pills, and 75 LSD sheets, known locally as 'magic paper', among his belongings.

Andrew John Brett, 36, (pictured) had allegedly been peddling ecstasy and LSD to other tourists at the Ecco Bar on Koh Tao island

Andrew was charged with possession of Category I narcotics for distribution

Police said Andrew left his apartment every day at 8 pm to sell the drugs to customers at the Ecco Bar, a short walk from Sairee Beach where Brit backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were bludgeoned to death on the island in 2014.

A police spokesman said that the case had been kept confidential for several months. They later said that they had been orders to 'suppress the case' in order to protect the notoriously mafia-like island.

The police officer, who was too afraid to be named, said: 'The suspect admitted that all the narcotics found belonged to him. He said he sold ecstasy pills to tourists for 1,000 baht each, while the LSD paper was sold at 100 baht each.'

Andrew was charged with possession of Category I narcotics for distribution. He now faces a punishment of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on how severe judges deem the case.

Koh Tao was dubbed Death Island following the murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in 2014. Previous cases of tourists deaths emerged and there have been a number of unexplained deaths of tourists since.

A police spokesman said that the case had been kept confidential for several months

He now faces a punishment of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on how severe judges deem the case

Koh Tao was dubbed Death Island following the murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in 2014 (File image)

Dozens more unexplained deaths of tourists on the island later emerged, causing it to be given the chilling moniker Death Island (File image)

Authors, documentary makers and researchers have blamed corrupt Thai police and a powerful clique of local families that control the island for covering up the murders.

Hannah Witheridge and David Miller died on Koh Tao on September 15, 2014. They are believed to have been battered to death by the son of a prominent local family on the idyllic island before corrupt Thai police framed two innocent Burmese workers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo.

Dozens more unexplained deaths of tourists on the island later emerged, causing it to be given the chilling moniker Death Island.

However, local police have since made efforts to censor any negative cases emerging from the idyllic island, with a handful of local families that have lived there for decades benefiting financially from its attractiveness to backpackers and scuba divers from around the world.
A convicted rapist and killer freed and pardoned by Vladimir Putin to fight in his war against Ukraine has been jailed for the brutal murder of a 22-year-old woman.

Tsyren-Dorzhi Tsyrenzhapov, 42, was previously sentenced for killing and dismembering Ekaterina Skvortsova, 18, and throwing her severed head from a 12th floor window.

Despite the seriousness of his crime, Putin signed his pardon.

Soon after completing six months in the war, and being released from military duty, he killed the woman, 22, in Siberian village Ugdan. His latest victim was not named by law enforcement.

Chita District Court sentenced Tsyrenzhapov to 14 years in a maximum security penal colony.

Tsyrenzhapov was among the thousands of murderers, rapists and hardened criminals that have been released into Russian society after serving in Putin's army. Reports indicate that dozens have committed new crimes upon their return home.

Convicted rapist and killer Tsyren-Dorzhi Tsyrenzhapov (pictured) has been jailed for the brutal murder of a 22-year-old woman

Tsyrenzhapov was previously sentenced for killing and dismembering Ekaterina Skvortsova, 18, (pictured) and throwing her severed head from a 12th floor window

Despite the seriousness of Tsyrenzhapov's crime, Putin (pictured last week) signed his pardon. Soon after completing six months in the war, and being released from military duty, he killed the woman, 22, in Siberian village Ugdan

Tsyrenzhapov wore a hood and his face was covered as the woman judge announced his sentence.

Details of his earlier case were revealed, when he killed Ekaterina Skvortsova, described as a striptease club waitress.

READ MORE: Prisoners freed to fight in Ukraine are now rampaging and slaughtering in Russia after surviving six months on the front line Advertisement

The evil killer threw some of Ekaterina's dismembered body into a local river.

Then he drank all night and next day hurled her severed head along with other body parts and her bloodstained clothes out of a 12th floor window in his rented flat.

The macabre sight was seen by playing children and teenagers.

Local schoolboy Igor Shalaev, then 15, said: 'It was me and my friends who found the body parts. It was very scary.'

The victim's mother Svetlana Skvortsova, 48, told how she went to identify the body at a morgue.

'I went in, and saw this cart full of lumps of meat,' she said. 'My legs were like jelly. I did not understand anything.

'They could have put her on a table and covered the body parts with a sheet. It was completely inhumane to see her like this.'

She and ex-husband Igor paid 215 for the gruesome body parts to be sewn together for her funeral.

Tsyrenzhapov had served less than three years of a 14-year prison term when Putin released him to fight in Ukraine.

Tsyrenzhapov wore a hood and his face was covered as the woman judge announced his sentence

Details of his earlier case were revealed, when he killed Ekaterina Skvortsova, (pictured) described as a striptease club waitress

The evil killer threw some of Ekaterina's dismembered body into a local river. Then he drank all night and next day hurled her severed head along with other body parts and her bloodstained clothes out of a 12th floor window (pictured) in his rented flat

Tsyrenzhapov (pictured) had served less than three years of a 14-year prison term when Putin released him to fight in Ukraine

Putin's drastic recruitment drive began in mid-2022 after he and his supposedly mighty armed forces had been pushed back from Kyiv in the opening months of the war, and again by Ukraine's lightening summer counteroffensives.

It quickly became apparent that Russia's initial invading force of around 190,000 was nowhere near enough to fulfil the Kremlin's goal of subjugating all of Ukraine.

So, as Putin's forces were pinned back in the east of the country, the Russian military set about recruiting thousands of convicts from prisons to swell its ranks.

Reports suggest Wagner, the Russian paramilitary group led at the time by Yevgeny Prigozhin, widely recruited from prisons in July 2022, swelling its ranks by 49,000.

The warlord, who would later go on to stage an attempted coup against the Kremlin and - two months later - die in a fiery plane explosion, was seen in footage personally appearing in prisons around St. Petersburg. He said: 'We need your criminal talents.'

By October 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defence is reported to have followed suit. It is understood that Wagner, and later Russia, offered prisoners a simple deal: serve in the army for six months, and leave a free man with a bonus of 100,000 roubles.

Prigozhin told prospective recruits that 10 to 15 percent of them would return from Ukraine 'zinc coffins'. He also said that Wagner's convict soldiers would be used as shock troops - leading attacks against Ukraine's defences.

The reality, according to captured Wagner soldiers, was that they were used as 'little more than cannon fodder' - ordered to throw themselves against defensive positions in great numbers to wear down Kyiv's stockpiles and find defensive weak points.

Skvortsova's body was found by playing children and teenagers who described the sight as 'very scary'. Pictured: Ekaterina Skvortsov

The victim's mother Svetlana Skvortsova, 48, told how she went to identify the body at a morgue 'saw this cart full of lumps of meat'. Pictured: Ekaterina Skvortsova

Thousands of convict soldiers were deployed in the 'meat grinder' Battle of Bakhmut, where Ukrainian media reported the convicts were 'dumped onto the front after 2-3 weeks of poor training and used as cannon fodder' by Wagner's more elite units.

Any soldiers who attempted to flee, or refused orders, were executed.

According to Prigozhin himself, of the 49,000 prisoners recruited by Wagner, only 32,000 returned. Independent researchers believe the real number to be even lower, around 20,000, according to the BBC.

This would suggest anywhere between 35 to 60 percent of the soldiers recruited from prisons by Wagner were killed in Ukraine.

It was not just Wagner recruiting prisoners, either. In April 2023, it emerged from Ukraine about the creation of Storm-Z units by the Russian MoD. After receiving just ten to fifteen days of training, these units were bolted on to regular Russian forces suffering from fatigue.

But unlike regular Russian forces - many of whom were forcibly conscripted in a separate recruitment drive by Moscow in 2022 - the surviving Wagner recruits have been allowed to return home after just six months.

This has meant thousands of hardened criminals being released into Russian society after witnessing first-hand some of the most brutal fighting on European soil since the end of the Second World War.

Desperate for soldiers for his faltering war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin in 2022 recruited troops out of Russian prisons, promising pardons to thousands of convicts. Pictured: Wagner Warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks to convicts dropped off to fight in Ukraine

Thousands of convict soldiers were deployed in the 'meat grinder' Battle of Bakhmut (pictured), where Ukrainian media reported the convicts were 'dumped onto the front after 2-3 weeks of poor training and used as cannon fodder' by Wagner's more elite units

It has since emerged that dozens of the pardoned criminals, including paedophiles, murderers and even cannibals, continued to commit crimes once they returned home.

Last month, BBC reported that the former prisoners are no longer being offered a pardon and freedom after six months.

Instead they face tougher conditions and, according to a member of the Storm V convict unit, prisoners now 'have to make it until the end of the war'.

He said that 'before you could wing it for six month', but has now warned: 'If you sign up now, be ready to die.'
A grooming gang who took part in a Black Lives Matter protest while on bail used a schoolgirl 'as a toy' in a horrific rape and abuse ordeal lasting nine months.

Brothers Mohamed and Omar Badreddin met the 13-year-old in Newcastle City Centre and identified her as someone who could be easily manipulated.

They groomed her with alcohol and cigarettes before they began to abuse the young girl - and threatened to 'kill her and take her out of the country'.

The brothers first took the then-13-year-old to Castle Keep in Newcastle, and she had been groomed and plied with so much alcohol she vomited and couldn't walk properly.

Mohamed Badreddin sexually assaulted and raped her then left her for Omar Badreddin to rape her as another man, Hamoud Al-Soaimi, laughed. She was also attacked behind a Five Guys restaurant and at her home.

The grooming gang have now been jailed for a total of 36 years after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

A grooming gang who took part in a Black Lives Matter protest while on bail used a schoolgirl 'as a toy' in a horrific rape and abuse ordeal lasting nine months. Pictured Omar Badreddin

Brothers Mohamed (pictured) and Omar Badreddin met the 13-year-old in Newcastle City Centre and identified her as someone who could be easily manipulated

The Badreddins, who also took part in a riot as part of the Black Lives Matter group while on bail for the appalling offences against the girl, were convicted of a series of rapes and sexual assaults, along with Huzaefa Aleboud and Hamoud Al-Soaimi.

The brothers also pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to a clash between Black Lives Matter protesters and the North East Frontline Patriots in 2020, while they were on bail for the sex offences and banned from the city centre. They were with the Black Lives Matter group and Omar threw two bottles and Mohamed also threw a missile.

As the three of the four were jailed, the girl, who is from South Tyneside, outlined the devastating impact the offences have had.

She said she had a happy childhood until she met them, adding: 'That's when it all went wrong. It's because of them I feel I've been robbed of my childhood, which should have been a happy time. I can never get that childhood back.

'My childhood turned into what I can only describe as a living nightmare. After meeting them I spent all my days in Newcastle being tortured by them.

'No person, never mind a young girl, should experience the awful things they did to me. I was struggling so badly that I would self harm to try to release some of the pain I was feeling.

'Those scars will be with me for life but as well as being physically scarred I'm emotionally scarred. Those scars are a constant reminder to me of what I've lived through.

They groomed her with a alcohol , cigarettes and compliments before they began to abuse the young girl. Pictured is Huzaefa Alaboud

'My whole family crumbled when they found out what I had been through. It must have been heartbreaking for my mam to hear what they did to me. My mam was the first person I told and she has been there for me throughout this very long and difficult process. I feel sad she's been put through so much pain.

'I was so angry and would pull clumps of hair out then punch walls. I would describe myself as going off the rails. I felt I was cracking up.

'I used to wake up in the middle of the night to the feeling things were crawling all over me. I would get two or three baths to try to get rid of the feeling.

'I needed help, my family needed help but help was not there. It took so long for me to get the help I needed for my mental health.'

She added that she feels unable to go out in the city centre anymore in case she sees their friends and added: 'I've been tortured by those men. They have hurt me in so many ways.'

She said after huge delays in the case, she threw up when told they had been found guilty and now feels 'blank and numb'.

The young girl added: 'What I have been through has been horrendous. I would hate anyone else going through what I went through. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

'I've got the feeling my life has been ruined forever and I don't know if I will ever get over it. Whenever I think about what they did to me I can still see every detail very clearly in my head.

'Even though they will be sentenced for what they have done I feel like I've been given a life sentence. I just want to be rid of those horrible thoughts and memories and to be free.

'I've suffered so much over the years but I feel like I'm still the one being punished.

Al-Soaimi (pictured), 21, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He was sentenced to two years suspended for two years

'How can this be right when I've done nothing wrong.'

Judge Amanda Rippon said of the girl, who told them she was 15: 'She was callously controlled, manipulated and abused by all of you to different degrees, sometimes one after another. She was used as a toy, particularly by your Mohamed Badreddin and you Omar Badreddin.

'Even when she begged you to treat her more kindly and told you, truthfully, she was harming herself and couldn't cope, you made fun of her.'

Judge Rippon said: 'After that for about nine months she was the group's to do with as they wished, as long as she was given alcohol and cigarettes and promises of love and a better life. She tried to learn your language.

'You told her she would have to convert to Muslim and she started reading the Koran.

'In return she was repeatedly raped, assaulted, abused and passed around.'

Mohamed Badreddin, known as 'Jokey', carried out a number of sex attacks, including rapes, on a pile of rocks at the Castle Keep. In one of the attacks, others were present. The court heard she felt she couldn't say anything to the Badreddin brothers because they had threatened to kill her and take her out of the country.

Omar Badreddin, known as 'Antonio', also raped the girl at the Castle Keep on more than one occasion and behind Five Guys in the city centre.

Aleboud sexually assaulted her at the Castle, badgering her by saying 'you let Jokey and Omar'. He went on to rape her at the same location more than once and also behind Five Guys. Aleboud also assaulted her, hitting her and making her lip bleed.

Al-Soaimi sexually assaulted the same girl, including at the Castle Keep, where he told her 'It's my turn now'. He also sexually assaulted a 12-year-old, who said she was left feeling anxious, distressed and struggling to cope..

The gang have now been jailed for a total of 36 years after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court

Mohamed Badreddin, 23, was convicted of six counts of rape and one of assault by penetration. He was jailed for 13 years.

Omar Badreddin, 26, was convicted of five counts of rape. He was jailed for 18 years.

Aleboud, 23, was convicted of two counts of rape, assault by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Al-Soaimi, 21, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with 180 hours unpaid work.

They were all told they must sign the sex offenders register and will be subject to sexual harm prevention orders and restraining orders.

The court heard Mohamed Badreddin grew up during the conflict in Syria and came to the UK when he was 14. He continues to deny the offences and was 17 and 18 at the time. Omar Badreddin was said to have expressed shame and regret.

The court heard Aleboud was 17 and 18 at the time and came to the UK due to the war in Syria and he had cancer as a child. References were handed in about Al-Soaimi, who came to the UK from Kuwait in 2016 and was said to be immature and easily led at the time. He was aged 15 and 16 at the time.
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that Donald Trump can stay on the election ballot in Colorado, handing the former president a landmark legal victory in his quest to return to the White House.

It was a fatal blow for a group of states trying to kick Trump off the ballot and came just 24 hours before 15 states vote on Super Tuesday.

In an immediate reaction Trump declared on his Truth Social network: 'BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!'

He also reportedly called the ruling 'unifying' and 'inspirational'.

The 9-0 decision by the conservative-majority court in the high-stakes case means the Republican frontrunner's name will appear on voting slips in the Colorado Republican primary tomorrow.

It also effectively ends efforts in other states, including Illinois and Maine, to disqualify him from running in the 2024 general election over claims his conduct on January 6, 2021 amounted to 'insurrection'.

The former president, 77, has now cleared one of the major hurdles to his campaign before his likely rematch with President Joe Biden in the November general election.

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Donald Trump can stay on the election ballot in a fatal blow for the states trying to kick him off and just 24 hours before 15 states vote for Super Tuesday

Anti-Trump demonstrators protest outside the US Supreme Court before the court decided whether former US President Donald Trump is eligible to run for president in the 2024 election in Washington, DC, on February 8, 2024

The decision by the conservative-majority court means the Republican frontrunner's name will appear on voting slips in the Colorado primary

The justices reversed a previous ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court which kicked Trump off the ballot in that state.

Colorado had decided that Trump was barred under the so-called 'insurrection clause' - Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The Civil War-era amendment prohibits those who have 'engaged in insurrection' from holding federal office.

In a 20-page ruling the U.S. Supreme Court Justices said only Congress can decide if Trump is, or is not, eligible to run.

'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot', the justices wrote. 'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed.

'Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States. The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand. All nine Members of the Court agree with that result.'

The justices added: 'Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse.

'Nothing in the Constitution requires that we endure such chaos.'

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally, March 2, 2024, in Richmond, Va

Colorado's Secretary of State Jena Griswold urged the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the ballot so 'votes are not wasted on ineligible candidates'

Protester Eric Lamar, of Washington, holds a sign at the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, March 4, 2024, where the justices decided to keep Donald Trump on 2024 presidential primary ballots

The ruling went on: 'This case raises the question whether the States, in addition to Congress, may also enforce Section 3. We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office.

'But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.'

The justices also issued a general warning against trying to pursue the insurrection clause against Trump after the election.

They wrote: 'The disruption would be all the more acute - and could nullify the votes of millions and change the election result - if Section 3 enforcement were attempted after the Nation has voted.'

In a statement the Colorado Republican Party told Dailymail.com: 'We applaud the Supreme Court for unanimously ruling against the petitioners and their ridiculous attempt to engage in election interference by unconstitutionally removing President Donald J. Trump from the ballot.

'Every American should enjoy the right to vote for the candidate of their choice.'

In this photo taken on January 06, 2021 US President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC

Supporters of Donald Trump clash with police at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021

The Supreme Court was united on the idea that Donald Trump will remain on the ballot in Colorado and that the state cannot unilaterally dump him off the ballot.

However, the justices were divided about how broadly the decision would apply.

A narrow 5-4 majority said that no state could dump a federal candidate off any ballot  with four justices asserting that the court should have limited its opinion.

Trump has dominated the Republican primaries so far, with his final rival Nikki Haley only winning one contest in Washington D.C. on Sunday night, with just over 2,000 voters taking part.

As Haley celebrated victory, the Supreme Court issued a surprising update saying opinions would be released on Monday, just 24 hours before Colorado headed to the polls in the GOP primary.

The decisions of Colorado, Illinois and Maine to bar Trump were based on the argument that he breached the 14th Amendment by 'engaging in insurrection or rebellion' on January 6, 2021.

Trump challenged the ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court, leading to Monday's decision.

Voting in the state of Colorado began in February, as 831,705 voters have already cast their ballots, according to the Secretary of State.

Trump's name was left on the ballot pending the Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme Court decision effectively ends a legal effort by leftist activists across the country to remove Trump from ballots in various states, with the goal of preventing him from running a successful presidential campaign in 2024.

The lawsuit in Colorado was filed by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Members of the Supreme Court sit for a group photo following the recent addition of Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, at the Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill on Friday, Oct 07, 2022 in Washington, DC

Students walk past the US Supreme Court on the day the justices ruled unanimously that the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause will not prevent former US President Trump from appearing on Colorado's election ballot

They argued that Trump was guilty of insurrection because of his role in sparking the January 6th riots on Capitol Hill protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential elections.

Colorado's Secretary of State Jena Griswold has persistently urged the highest court in the U.S. to keep Trump off the ballot.

Following the ruling she said: 'I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates.

'Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.'

In a brief to the Supreme Court file in January she had called the presidential candidate an 'ineligible insurrectionist'.

She added then that it was her duty to protect the 'maximum enfranchisement' of Coloradan's voting rights.

Her responsibility, she added, was to make sure 'votes are not wasted on ineligible candidates.'

The Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism during oral arguments in February that Trump could be barred from running.

They indicated then that states did not have the legal standing to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, citing the danger of one state being able to decide who could be the president of the United States.

Three of the justices - Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett - were nominated by Trump.
Three people including a child have died after a fire broke out in a 24-storey block of flats near Benidorm - just days after an inferno ripped through another apartment building in Valencia, claiming ten lives.

Horrifying screams of 'help, help please' could be heard ringing out as the fire raged late last night. It was not immediately clear this morning if those heard yelling were among the victims.

The blaze broke out at around 2.15am this morning in a flat on the 11th floor, with emergency services rushing to evacuate 120 people from the burning building.

The three dead are said to be part of the same family. Their nationalities have not yet been revealed.

Police said that 15 people had been injured in the fire, all suffering from smoke inhalation. Seven are women aged 24 to 67 and the other eight men and boys aged 13 to 57.

The blaze occurred at a property in Villajoyosa, around a 10 minute-drive from the popular tourist hotspot on the Costa Blanca.

Three people have died and another 15 have been injured in a fire at a property near Benidorm

The fire broke out in a flat on the 11th floor of the 24-storey residential block in Villajoyosa

One local unconfirmed report has described the three dead as a child, his dad, and the youngster's grandmother.

Responding to reports the three people who lost their lives, a minor and two adults, were part of the same family, a police spokesman said: 'We are still working on the identification of the victims at the moment.'

All but one of the 15 people who suffered smoke inhalation have been taken to hospital. A police officer also among those hurt was treated at the scene.

In chilling footage shared by an onlooker, a man could be heard yelling as the block burned.

The latest tragedy comes after ten people died in a fire at a residential block in Valencia, on February 22.

The block of flats in Benidrom is a two-minute walk from the residential estate where Russian defector Maxim Kuzminov was shot dead on February 13.

The 28-year-old, the helicopter pilot branded a traitor by Moscow after defecting to Ukraine last year, was living under a false identity after moving to the Costa Blanca late last year.

The killing, which is still being investigated by police, has been blamed on a Putin hit squad.

The blaze occurred at a property in Villajoyosa, around a 10 minute-drive from the popular tourist hotspot on the Costa Blanca

The victim was shot several times in an underground car park after leaving a ninth-floor flat where he had been living.

Police were today investigating the cause of the overnight blaze, which led to around 120 people being evacuated from their homes.

Others were ordered to stay inside their properties.

A spokesman for a regional government-run emergency response coordination centre said: 'The fire broke out in a flat on the 11th floor of a residential apartment block in Villajoyosa.

'Three fire crews were sent to the scene along with paramedics.

'We received the alarm at 2.13am this morning. The blaze was put out at 7.34am.'

A spokesman for the Civil Guard said: 'At 2:13 this morning the Alicante Civil Guard was alerted about a fire on the 11th floor of a 24-storey building in Villajoyosa.

'Several Civil Guard Units, local Police from Finestrat and Villajoyosa, firefighters from Benidorm, Alicante and San Vicente del Raspeig and several medical teams attended.

'120 people were evacuated from their homes.

'At 3.45am firefighters said they had put out the blaze.

'As a result of the fire three people who have yet to be formally identified have died. Another 15 minor people suffered minor injuries caused by smoke inhalation.

'The causes of the fire are currently unknown and Civil Guard investigators are currently working on establishing them.'
George Galloway took a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.

Mr Galloway will be sworn in an MP for Rochdale today amid fears the pro-Palestinian agitator will fuel simmering tension over Gaza inside and outside the Commons.

The Workers Party leader is expected to walk into the house alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is a close political ally.

He arrived at Parliament today in a sleek dark Volvo driven by an aide to be greeted by a crowd of photographers and camera crews, telling them: 'I always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much.'

It comes amid fears for MPs safety after extreme elements within the Gaza ceasefire protest movement target individual politicians in Westminster and at their homes and constituency offices.

Mr Galloway will meet Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle this morning ahead of his introduction. One senior source told MailOnline it would be 'interesting to say the least' given Sir Lindsay's focus on MPs' security.

The Workers Party leader is expected to walk into the house alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is a close political ally.

In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Mr Corbyn - who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism - to form a new party.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined.It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, will be asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead, if no others agree.

The Workers Party said Mr Galloway planned to make his first speech since returning at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

The new MP already appears to be scheming even before his return to the green benches after a gap of nine years.

In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Mr Corbyn - who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism - to form a new party.

Both former Labour MPs, they were vocal in their opposition to the Iraq war and are now among the most prominent critics of Israel's actions concerning the war in Gaza.

Asked what he would say to Mr Corbyn he said: 'You saw what happened last night. Set up, announce an alliance of the remaining socialists in the country.

'You lead it, I'll support it. You be leader, and let's go! Time is running out, the general election might be three months from now.'

However Mr Galloway faces some embarrassment on his return after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined.

Treasury Minister Bim Afolami told GB News: 'The fact that people don't seem to want to do it is an indication of the standing with which he's held in the House of Commons, which is not very high.'

On Friday, Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, had told Sky News: 'David Davis is one of the great parliamentarians of today and this age.'

However, after Mr Galloway's deputy - former Labour MP Chris Williamson - refused to condemn Hamas's terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart.

'I was happy to introduce George because I'm a believer in free speech,' he said. 'But his deputy was trying to justify the October 7 attacks and that crosses the line.'

It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, will be asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead, if no others agree.

New arrivals in the Commons are always flanked by two MPs when they are introduced by the Speaker.

Mr Galloway was approached by the Mail for comment.
The breach could compromise Britain and France 's arms transfers to Ukraine

Call bugged by Russian spies after officials used an unsecured telephone line

Germany is facing fury today as the Kremlin seized on an air force chief revealing secret UK operations in Ukraine on an 'insecure' telephone line.

Berlin has been branded 'unreliable' in the wake of a call between Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz and senior Luftwaffe officers being intercepted by Russia.

The discussions included confirmation that British personnel are deployed in Ukraine, and details of how Storm Shadow missiles are deployed in the country.

The talks also laid bare a split between the German military and Chancellor Olaf Scholz about whether to supply Kyiv with their own Taurus missile system.

Mr Scholz has confirmed the recording aired by Moscow's state broadcaster is genuine and described the security breach as 'very serious'.

The breach could compromise Britain and France's arms transfers to Ukraine and hamper the vital use of cruise missiles by Kyiv in its war against Russia.

It will also further inflame tensions between NATO allies, after Mr Scholz previously referred publicly to UK military being on the ground in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin's spokesman latched on to the recording, saying it showed that 'plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely'.

Dmitry Peskov told reporters he wanted to know whether the German military was acting alone, or on direction from Mr Scholz.

But he said either scenario was 'very bad'. 'Both once again emphasise the direct involvement of the countries of the collective West in the conflict around Ukraine,' Mr Peskov said.

Downing Street insisted the breach was a matter for Berlin to investigate, while again urging Mr Scholz to send long-range missiles to Kyiv.

Former defence secretary Ben Wallace said the episode showed Germany was 'neither secure nor reliable'.

'We know Germany is pretty penetrated by Russian intelligence so it just demonstrates they are neither secure nor reliable,' he told The Times.

A call between the Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz (pictured) and senior Luftwaffe officers was bugged by Russian spies

The talks included confirmation that the British military is being deployed in Ukraine (pictured: British troops taking part in military exercises in Poland)

Russia intercepted the 38-minute call between Lieutenant Gerhartz and three senior officers on February 19 after they used standard video conferencing software instead of an encrypted line.

READ MORE: Jeremy Hunt admits Britain will have to spend more money on defence in future in the face of growing Russian aggression Advertisement

The head of Russian state broadcaster RT, Margarita Simonyan, published the audio recording on messaging app Telegram on Friday.

According to a Russian transcript of the call, the head of the German air force said: 'If we're asked about delivery methods, I know how the British do this. They always transport them in Ridgeback armoured vehicles. They have several people on the ground.'

Gerhartz also explained during the call how the French 'send [Audi] Q7s loaded with Scalp missiles to Ukraine'.

The revelations in this second security blunder will help Russian intelligence to track and locate such vehicles in Europe and on Ukraine's territory.

Gerhartz further added that Britain had outfitted Ukrainian aircraft with Storm Shadows and could help with the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

According to the air force chief, Germany is considering sending 100 of its 600 Taurus missiles to Kviv in two batches of 50.

Gerhartz says this is to ensure the missile 'won't change the course of hostilities'.

He added: 'That's why we don't want to send all of them. And not all of them in one batch. We may first send 50 missiles, and then give them another 50. This is absolutely clear, but this is big politics.

'I have learnt from my French and British colleagues that the situation with the Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles is the same.'

The missiles have a range of 500km and the officers were heard discussing targets the Ukrainians might hit with them, such as Russian ammunition depots and the Kerch Bridge to Crimea.

Asked about the revelations, the PM's official spokesman said: 'That's obviously a matter for Germany to investigate and you've got the Chancellor Scholz's words on this.

'I think he said that it's clearly a very serious matter and that's why it's now being investigated very carefully.

'On our part, the UK was the first country to provide long-range precision strike missiles to Ukraine and we would encourage our allies to do the same. We have been clear from the outset that the UK would provide Ukraine with the necessary aid, including lethal support to defend itself and reclaim its sovereign territory.'

The spokesman declined to be drawn on whether UK forces were helping fire Storm Shadow missiles.

'We've previously acknowledged a small number of British troops in Ukraine providing security to our diplomatic presence and supporting the armed forces of Ukraine, including through medical training. I can't comment any further,' the spokesman said.

Former head of the British Army Lord Dannatt told Times Radio those involved in the call should be 'heavily censured'.

'I was very disappointed to read that story,' he said. 'I think the German air force officers who were talking on an open line, frankly, they should be censured pretty heavily.'

Ex-defence committee chair Tobias Ellwood said the 'interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels'.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that one aspect is 'why wasn't basic concept protocols followed' and another is 'how this plays out in Germany'.

added that 'given the intensity of Russia's spying on Germany and others, they probably have not learned anything that they didn't already guess already'. But that 'does not prevent some serious conversations taking place in the diplomatic corridors between Germany and Britain and indeed Nato, as well as to why this happened in the first place'.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed a recording released by Russia 's state broadcaster was genuine and described the security breach as 'very serious'.

Germany is considering sending 100 of its 600 Taurus missiles (pictured) in two batches of 50 to Ukraine

German politicians said Russia had leaked the conversation to put pressure on the Chancellor not to supply the Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Mr Scholz has so far refused to send the missiles, which are similar to the British Storm Shadow, amid political divisions in the country.

Former defence secretary Ben Wallace told the Times: 'We know Germany is pretty penetrated by Russian intelligence so it just demonstrates they are neither secure nor reliable.'

The Ministry of Defense has refused to comment.
A top ally of Vladimir Putin has claimed the relationship between the US and Russia is worse than during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, as the Kremlin accused the West of 'direct involvement' in the war in Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, made the comments in a public speech, and added that the Kremlin has ruled out peace talks with Ukraine, as its invasion of the nation entered its third year.

Medvedev said Russia would prosecute what it calls its 'special military operation' until the other side capitulated. He said that what he called historical parts of Russia should 'return home.'

Medvedev was speaking in front of a map of Ukraine which showed the country as a much smaller landlocked rump of territory squeezed up against Poland with Russia in complete control of its east, south and Black Sea coastline.

'One of Ukraine's former leaders said at some point that Ukraine is not Russia,' said Medvedev.

'That concept needs to disappear forever. Ukraine is definitely Russia,' he said to applause from the audience.

British personnel are allegedly deployed in Ukraine, and have played a role in the deployment of long-range missiles that are being fired at Russian targets (File image)

The UK has denied claims that its troops are on the ground in Ukraine

Chief of staff of the German Air Force Ingo Gerhartz was caught on tape making the claims

The Kremlin has accused the West of 'direct involvement' in the war in Ukraine

He ruled out peace talks with the current Ukrainian leadership led by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and said any future Ukrainian government that wanted talks would need to recognise what he called the new reality on the ground.

The startling comments come as the Kremlin accused the West of 'direct involvement' in Ukraine, after a purported leak of a phone call between German military officials seemingly confirmed the presence of British troops on the ground in the nation.

Berlin has been branded 'unreliable' in the wake of a call between Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz and senior air force officers being intercepted by Russia.

The discussions, leaked to state-backed broadcaster RT on Friday, seemingly included confirmation that British personnel are deployed in Ukraine, and have played a role in the deployment of long-range missiles that are being fired at Russian targets.

German officials were also overheard discussing weapons for Ukraine, as well as facilitating a potential strike on a bridge in Crimea.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was not clear whether the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, were acting on their own initiative or it was part of state policy.

But he furiously claimed the leak 'once again highlight[s] the direct involvement of the collective West in the conflict in Ukraine.'

Russia's foreign ministry has also summoned Germany's ambassador to demand an explanation of the discussions.

Today, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would show restraint in response to the purported intercept, but would not forget about it.

Germany yesterday accused Russia of deliberately trying to destablise it with the leak.

The nation's defence minister Boris Pistorius said: 'It is about using this recording to destabilise and unsettle us.'

He added that he hoped 'Putin will not succeed' in his efforts.

The German defence ministry on Saturday said it was checking whether a confidential videoconference on the Ukraine war had been wiretapped after a recording was posted on Russian social media.

But the conversation is understood to have taken place on an unsecured line using WebEx, a commercially available platform, instead of a secure internal military line.

Roderich Kiesewetter, from Germany's opposition conservatives, warned that further recordings might also be leaked.

Germany has been trying to save face, but Western allies are furious with the nation over the leak (File image)

The leak comes as much of the West has been trying to lobby Germany into sending long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine (File image)

Britain denied that it had any direct involvement in operating the missiles (File image)

'A number of other conversations will certainly have been intercepted and may be leaked at a later date for Russia's benefit,' he told broadcaster ZDF.

Germany has been trying to save face, but Western allies are furious with the nation over the leak.

Britain denied that it had any direct involvement in operating the missiles.

'Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow and its targeting processes are the business of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,' a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said in a statement.

Former British Army chief Lord Dannatt said German air force officers who were caught talking on an unencrypted call about British operations on the ground in Ukraine should be 'censured pretty heavily'.

He told Times Radio: 'I was very disappointed to read that story. I think the German air force officers who were talking on an open line, frankly, they should be censured pretty heavily.

'They are suggesting that there are British people in Ukraine. It's not for you or me to comment on that. We have provided a lot of equipment to them. We provided a lot of training.

'As far as I'm concerned, I think what they were talking about was whether they would or wouldn't supply a German system akin to our Storm Shadow. I suspect that we do our training on Storm Shadow, either in this country or in Poland or elsewhere. It's not for you or I to confirm or deny whether there are British military in Ukraine.'

A Ukrainian serviceman walks in a trench on the frontline with Russia-backed separatists near town of Krasnogorivka, Donetsk region

A Ukrainian serviceman climbs onto a new armoured vehicle during a handing over ceremony of military equipment by the President Poroshenko to the Ukrainian forces near the city of Ghytomyr

Lord Dannatt said he would like defence spending to increase by up to 4%, but he does not expect Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to do so in Wednesday's Budget.

He said: 'I'm afraid you can't get away from the fact that there's a brutal war going on in Europe at the present moment, and that we have an absolute duty to support the Ukrainians, and also to make sure that we look after our own security.

'So it does make spending on defence a pretty strong case - in fact, a very strong case.

'But I think we will probably all accept that, actually, political pressures at home are going to mean that, notwithstanding the strength of the case to spend more on defence. And it's a very strong case. I don't actually expect the Chancellor will do that on Wednesday.'

He added that there is a 'very strong case to say we should be giving the Ukrainians more, to support them more'.

The leak comes as much of the West has been trying to lobby Germany into sending long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

The acquisition of German Taurus missiles would provide a massive boost for Ukraine as Kyiv struggles to fend off Russia's invasion.

A rescue worker operates at the site of an apartment building damaged by a Russian drone strike

France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometres

France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometres.

But Chancellor Olaf Scholz said last week that Germany could not justify matching British and French moves in sending long-range missiles to Ukraine and supporting the weapon system's deployment.

'This is a very long-range weapon, and what the British and French are doing in terms of targeting and supporting targeting cannot be done in Germany,' Scholz said, without specifying exactly what he meant.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the defence committee in Germany's parliament, said Moscow's intention was 'obvious'.

Scholz is being 'warned against' supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles, she said.

'We urgently need to increase our security and counterintelligence, because we are obviously vulnerable in this area,' she told the Funke media group.
There arent many support groups for the children of serial killers. There are a limited number of us about, Mae West observes wryly.

Mae is a pretty woman. Composed in demeanour, softly spoken, articulate, likeable and with a quiet line in ironic humour, she speaks powerfully on behalf of the tiny but forgotten minority to which she belongs.

You would never guess from her life today  a stable marriage, two children, a comfortable, modern home in a smart enclave of a historic English town  the depths of horror and depravity that scarred her childhood.

Sometimes I think when the criminals are sorted out, people overlook their families, she says. I often see cases in the news and wonder: What happened to the children?

My mum is in prison for life. Shes been convicted of the murders of a child and nine young women  one of them my older sister, Heather  and, in a sense, shes protected.

Rose West, who is serving a life sentence, holds baby Mae

Sometimes I feel, Its all right for her. Shes had counselling, shes done a degree in English; every course shes been offered shes said yes to. She has a full life: hobbies, gym, sewing, cookery. She lives in a bubble.

But what about us, her children? Theres no place for us to be ourselves.

I worry about people knowing or discovering who I am. And I have all these anxieties about my son finding out about his grandparents.

My daughter is grown up now and she knows and has dealt with it. She discovered her uncles credit card has the name West on it, put two and two together and Googled it. I wish she hadnt found out that way.

And my sons coming up to nine years old and . . . she sighs heavily, all the old fears are surfacing again. My strategy is to leave it. I wont tell him now. I want him to have a childhood that isnt marred.

Its always a problem being part of the West family. I know I cant work with children, and its about self-protection as much as anything, because if something happened to a child in my care  if they fell and hurt themselves  Id be blamed because of my background.

I thought about escaping my past once and going to Australia, but they wouldnt let me into the country because of what my parents did. And to think they used to deport convicts there from Britain! She rolls her eyes and laughs bleakly.

Once, my husband applied to be a policeman. But he couldnt get in, and Im sure its because hes married to me.

We feel stigmatised, of course we do. We were overlooked by the authorities while our parents abused us sexually and physically as kids, and now as adults they say, Youre from an abusive family. Well have to keep an eye on you. 

The crimes of Maes parents, Fred and Rosemary West, were so heinous they appalled and transfixed the world.

In 1994, police searched the family home in a rough street in Gloucester, looking for the remains of the Wests eldest child, Heather.

A warren of a house from which Rose worked as a prostitute, 25 Cromwell Street had been sub-divided into rented bedsits by Fred. It became known as the House of Horrors after police excavations unearthed a series of dismembered female bodies in the basement and under the patio.

Among the remains were those of Heather, strangled seven years earlier in 1987 when, aged 16, she had tried to run away from home to avoid Freds predatory sexual advances.

Over the course of the previous 14 years, Fred, it emerged, had committed at least a dozen more murders  the majority with Rose, his second wife.

The Cromwell Street victims  some teenagers; all female  were lodgers, nannies, students, hitch-hikers, runaways. They were subjected to brutal sexual assaults by Fred, and sometimes Rose as well. Some were mutilated; many were decapitated.

Rose and Fred had eight children during their marriage  of whom Mae, 46, is the eldest surviving daughter. None of them had an inkling that their home held such gory secrets until their parents were arrested and charged after the bodies had been exhumed.

Fred, it also came to light, had committed at least two further murders alone, while Rose was responsible for killing Freds stepdaughter Charmaine from his first marriage to Rena, who was also one of Freds early victims.

Fred admitted to this monstrous catalogue of crimes, claiming hed acted alone. He committed suicide on January 1, 1995, in his cell at Birmingham Prison, where he was being held on remand.

Rose has consistently professed her innocence, but the jury at her trial in November that year did not believe her. Convicted of ten murders, she was sentenced to life imprisonment with a later order from the Home Secretary that she should never be released.

Serial killers Rose West and husband Fred, who killed himself in prison in 1995

So profound was the public revulsion towards her, Rose West was dubbed the most evil woman who has ever lived.

How on earth did the West children, also victims of their parents sexual and/or physical abuse, cope with the appalling knowledge that their mother and father were guilty of such unspeakable crimes?

Mae addresses this question in a compelling new book, serialised in the Daily Mail. In it, she paints a graphic picture of life at Cromwell Street, which is all the more persuasive for its occasional flashes of normality.

She writes of her parents disgusting obsession with sex; of the sex toys and hardcore porn videos  many filmed by Fred and featuring Rose and her clients  that littered the house.

She recoils, still, from the memory of her parents grotesque lack of sexual inhibition. But she also recalls moments when the family felt like any other: the superb iced cakes Rose baked for their birthdays; Christmas presents bought from the Argos catalogue; and camping holidays in which she and her sisters were briefly spared Freds lascivious attentions.

But Mae endured profound trauma. Raped by her Uncle John  Freds brother  at the age of five, she was later terrorised by her father, who groped and fondled her, believing it was his parental duty to break in his daughters (take their virginity) when they reached puberty.

Her mother, complicit in these crimes, also beat her children indiscriminately and sadistically.

Maes half-sister Anne Marie  the surviving child of Freds first marriage  came in for particularly brutal treatment and was first raped by Fred at the age of eight, while Rose colluded in the assault. The abuse continued until Anne Marie fled the family home at 16. But while Mae never doubted her father had committed multiple murders, for a decade she believed Rose, while capable of violence, was innocent of the killings.

And for ten years she visited her mother in prison, pandering to her constant demands for money and clothes, accepting her belated displays of motherly affection as genuine remorse and listening sympathetically to her outpourings of righteous indignation.

Slowly, though, the truth dawned. Rose was coercive, controlling  and guilty of the awful crimes she so vehemently denied.

I didnt realise it at the time, says Mae now, but Mum manipulated me. She started to hug me and hold my hand when I visited her. Shed never shown me any affection before. She signed all her letters Love as always, Mum, yet shed never told me she loved me before.

I realised eventually that she had many different faces and I got the loving one. She put all her children into different boxes and my role was to care for her.

She turned to the church and told me shed pretty much been adopted by a vicar and his wife who was a prison visitor. They believed she was innocent.

Shed say: Theyre my mum and dad now,  and that annoyed me, because I couldnt choose to shrug off my own parents.

Even so, I kept loyal to Mum. She claimed that Dad influenced and controlled her and that shed made a pact to stay with him as long as he didnt harm us kids.

But it started to sound implausible. If that was the case, why didnt she leave when Heather went missing? You wouldnt just accept that your daughter had disappeared, would you? And why would Mum collude in the sexual abuse? When I started to think about it all, doubts crept in.

So when she wrote to me from prison  her letters arrived every week  and said shed try to be a proper mum and tell me whatever I needed to know, I decided to ask her about Heather when I next visited her.

And I watched her squirm. I thought, Shes not going to give me an honest answer for all her promises. And she never has done. You never got straight answers. It makes it worse for the families of victims because she is the only one alive now who knows the truth  and yet she hasnt told it.

Shes a hypocrite. She became quite high and mighty in prison, intervening in our lives, claiming my sister Louise wouldnt be a good parent, overlooking the fact that she and Dad had been responsible for violently and sexually abusing her.

She was always the first to judge others, and when I realised she was treating us all differently, I told her it was grossly unfair.

She stopped writing to me. Im not on her visitors list any more. It was quite a relief to end contact with her. It had become a burden.

Her death will be the next thing (West is now 70), and I suppose she might make a deathbed confession. I just wish shed tell the truth to the authorities, then wed all know, wouldnt we?

Mae West was always determined to achieve; to lift herself out of the slough of corruption in which she was raised, despite her parents efforts to keep her mired in it.

Although she was belittled and denigrated by Fred, and made to book clients for Rose, who operated from a boudoir on the top floor of the house (clients would walk past Maes bedroom as she did her homework and ask if she was available), she aspired to escape into a better life.

By the time I was 18 I had a good job as secretary to a managing director, a car, a steady boyfriend, Rob, and wed signed for our first mortgage, she recalls.

But within four years the settled conformity of this new life ended abruptly. Police were dismantling her family home, her father was in custody and she had been cajoled into joining Rose in a safe house.

Mae (pictured left) with siblings Heather, who was killed by and Stephen

Inevitably, her relationship with Rob ended. We didnt have long to enjoy it, she says. It is a moment of profound sadness.

Today, her dress is relaxed but modest. Scrupulously neat in a floral blouse, navy cardigan and pressed jeans, she is slim and stylish. Her hair, like her mothers, is ink-black, her eyes dark brown. But despite her middle-class accent and outward poise, inside she battles demons.

She has been with her husband Pete, 39, whom she met when they both worked for the same insurance company, for 14 years, having had her daughter Amy, now 23, during an earlier long-term relationship.

But the spectre of her parents crimes still haunts her. With every past relationship she wondered how and whether to broach the subject of her parents.

Pete recognised her from a childhood photo that was published before they started dating  no explanations were needed  but her fears about future friendships remain. After her son Luke was born almost nine years ago, she became agoraphobic, too scared to leave her home in case she was recognised as a West.

I had my son and stayed at home for far too long  I just didnt go out, she says. I was really isolated. I hid away for eight years. I just sat in a room, and yet I knew I had to get out and get a job, be normal again.

In the end, I phoned Victim Support. I said, Im the eldest daughter of Fred and Rosemary West. There was a pause. I felt I had to explain, and the whole story spilled out.

Through Victim Support, Mae was referred for weekly sessions with a psychotherapist. I thought it would be all about dealing with my past, she says, but it wasnt. Its dealing with the present. I didnt say, I need help coping with the abuse. I said I wanted my future to be better, and we wrote a list of things I wanted to change.

It was little steps, and each week Id get tasks. One week it was: Walk to school with Luke and talk to another mum in the playground. The next it was: Invite her round.

And Ive learnt that I havent got the name West tattooed on my forehead.

In the past, if people asked, Are you Mae West? Id say Yes and feel I had to tell them my whole life story. But now Id say: Why do you ask? The psychotherapist has taught me its unlikely people will reply, Because Im a nosey bugger. 

Mae has started working again  she has a job in retail which she says is a giant step forward  and she hopes one day to take a university degree, a long-term ambition she would never have realised in her teens as her parents believed a womans sole job was to breed.

The chaos and terror of her upbringing have also made her wary.

As a child I watched the door when I was showering in case Dad burst in. I cant stop doing that, even now. I learnt strategies for coping and Im still hyper-vigilant.

I cant bear to be cornered in a corridor or a room. Im alert to all the awful stuff that can happen.

Once, Mum said: When youve seen bad things, you cant close your mind to them, and I think Im much more aware. Your mind never rests.

She learned, too, from her early childhood when she was raped by her uncle, to shut off her emotions.

I cant talk about how I feel, she says. Its weird. I cut off my feelings when my uncle abused me. I did it to protect myself. Im practical. Im very good at helping if one of my sisters needs her washing machine fixed, but if she rings up crying, I dont know what to say or do.

Her home, unlike Cromwell Street, is a place without secrets: there are no hidden rooms, dark corridors, forbidden areas. The John Lewis furnishings, the Next accessories, the bright open-plan spaces, all reflect her place in a civilised world of middle-class aspirations and values.

She will, however, always hold fast to one link with her past: she remains in touch with all her siblings. They are, in a sense, the self-help group society fails to provide.

Weve all coped in different ways, she says. Were very close. I talk to my sister Louise every day on the phone. There are very few people you can go to who share our background.

Even in our own family, everyone has had a different experience, and as much as people try to, they cant understand. They just dont know what weve been through, do they?

They say that families are broken up by these things, but weve stuck together. Actually, were very lucky.
A 'disappointed' grandfather who was 'hurt' that his grandchildren didn't visit him more often was entitled to leave them just 50 each of his 500,000 fortune, a judge has ruled.

Former soldier Frederick Ward Snr sparked a bitter family row after he left almost all of his fortune, including his flat worth 450,000, to his children Terry Ward and Susan Wiltshire when he died in 2020, discounting his dead son Fred Jr's children.

The 91-year-old told his legal representatives that he was upset because he had not been visited by his late son's grandchildren while in hospital three times with a lung condition.

After learning they had been all but disinherited, the five sisters - Carol Gowing, Angela St Marseille, Amanda Higginbotham, Christine Ward and Janet Pett - sued, claiming they were entitled to their late father's one-third share of their grandfather's money.

But High Court judge, Master James Brightwell, ruled the 2018 will was 'entirely rational' given the grandchildren had 'very limited contact' with their 'disappointed' grandfather in his later years.

Former soldier Frederick Ward Snr (pictured) left almost all of his fortune to his children when he died after being 'disappointed' and 'hurt' that his grandchildren didn't visit him more often

Christine and Janet (pictured) were the grandchildren of former soldier Frederick Ward Snr

Pictured: Carol Gowing, grandchild of Frederick Ward Snr stood outside London's High Court

Master Brightwell threw out the sisters' case and said: 'Some may take the view that, as a general proposition, when a testator's child has predeceased him, he generally ought to leave an equal share of his residue to that child's issue.

'However, the decision not to do so and to split the residue and thus the bulk of the estate between his surviving children can hardly be said to be provision which no reasonable testator could make.'

The sisters argued that the 2018 will was 'invalid' and their Uncle Terry and Aunt Susan had 'unduly influenced' their grandfather into changing his will to give them their share of his estate.

Angela St Marseille, one of Frederick Ward Snr's grandchildren

Amanda Higginbotham outside the High Court

Pictured: Fred Ward Jnr who died in 2015 and was father of Carol Gowing, Angela St Marseille, Amanda Higginbotham, Christine Ward and Janet Pett

But Judge Brightwell said 'the evidence does not come close to persuading me' that Terry had 'coerced' his father or that Susan had 'controlled' him such as to cast doubt on his will.

Fred Snr had previously made a will which split his estate between all three of his children.

But Fred Jr died before his dad in 2015, following which the family fell out and Mr Ward did not see much of Fred Jr's side of the family.

When Mr Ward's will was read out by Terry after his death, a bitter shouting match broke out  which was recorded and played to the court  when it was revealed the five sisters had been all but cut out.

Susan Wiltshire (pictured) daughter of Frederick Ward Snr outside London's High Court

Terry Ward (pictured) son of Frederick Ward Snr outside London's High Court

From a fortune valued at around 500,000, they were handed envelopes containing just 50 each in cash by their Uncle Terry.

Master Brightwell said the sisters had not visited their grandfather in hospital because they were not informed he was there, but that was because of how often he was admitted and also 'because contact between the parties had stopped in any event'.

The five sisters had made only 'very occasional short visits' to see their grandfather, while he was on close terms with his son Terry and Susan.

'It is most likely that given the changed circumstances following Fred Jr's death and the limited contact with the claimants after then that Fred became disappointed with the claimants,' Master Brightwell said.

'I accept Susan's evidence that her father complained that Fred Jr's family did not care about him,' adding that he was particularly upset about the lack of contact at the time of one of his great-granddaughters' weddings.

'He complained that he was not even sent a piece of wedding cake,' he said.

'In those circumstances, and despite a promise by Fred several years earlier to divide his estate between his children's children if anything should happen to any of them, the 2018 will was in my view entirely rational.

'This does not mean that I cannot understand the claimants' disappointment at being essentially left out.

'Some may take the view that, as a general proposition, when a testator's child has predeceased him, he generally ought to leave an equal share of his residue to that child's issue.

'However, the decision not to do so and to split the residue and thus the bulk of the estate between his surviving children can hardly be said to be provision which no reasonable testator could make.'

Clearing both Terry and Susan of influencing their dad into cutting out his granddaughters, he said: 'The evidence does not come close to persuading me that it is more likely than not that the 2018 will was procured by the undue influence of the defendants or either of them.'

The judge also rejected claims that Mr Ward did not have 'capacity' to make the will in 2018 or that it was invalid for 'want of knowledge and approval' of its effect.
North Korea has removed articles with unification references from the website of its state-run media outlet, after leader Kim Jong-un called South Korea the North's "primary foe" and vowed not to seek unification with the South.

As of Monday, a majority of the articles containing references to unification, such as "peaceful reunification," "great national unity" and "northern half," appear to have been deleted from the website of the North's Korean Central News Agency.

The move came as Kim has defined inter-Korean ties as relations between "two states hostile to each other" during a year-end party meeting.

In a speech on Jan. 16, Kim stressed that "linguistic remnants misinterpreting the north and the south as fellow countrymen" should not be used and that the "firm idea" viewing South Korea as a "primary foe" and "invariable principal enemy" should be instilled.

North Korea has since erased an image of the Korean Peninsula, viewed as a unification reference, from its major websites, as well as commemorative stamps, such as those of inter-Korean summits, from the website of its state-run stamp company. (Yonhap)
A Western Australian couple has come under fire after they hired two scantily clad waitresses to help sell their second-hand farming machinery - but the pair insist it was simply an attempt to 'have a bit of fun'.

Wade and Lisa Anderson hosted a machinery auction on Thursday in Bunjil, in the state's Mid West, with farming supply reseller Nutrien Ag Solutions helping to co-ordinate the clearance sale.

But the couple was slammed when two women were captured wearing cowboy hats, boots, denim shorts and white singlets while standing next to their tractor for sale.

In a since-deleted post to social media, attending farmer Debbie Gillam criticised the move, questioning why the couple thought hiring the young women was necessary.

'Dumbfounded. Sad. Couple thought skimpies needed at clearing sale,' Ms Gillam wrote.

Two skimpies hired to help sell farming machinery at an auction have sparked outrage among WA's agricultural community

'Is this how some people see the role of women in agriculture?

'Why did Nutrien let it continue? Both the man and woman farmer organised this - why?

'They had their own young daughters at the sale. I was sad for them and their future.'

Speaking to 6PR Radio on Monday, Mr Anderson said the hired skimpies were neither 'flirtatious' nor 'exposed', and the couple were simply trying to spice up the event.

'It's not the most exciting things to sell, tractors and... truck trailers, so just tried to have a bit of fun really,' he said.

'They weren't flirtatious or exposing themselves, not even a little bit.'

Ms Anderson said they were just 'trying to do something different' and did not mean to offend anyone.

'There was actually a lot of women at that clearing sale that were probably wearing less than those girls,' she said.

'I'd made it clear to Wade that if we were going to do it, I wanted it to be tasteful and we certainly did not want to offend anybody. We were trying to do something different.

'We've come off the back of a bad harvest, and it's been dry and hot. It was just something different we wanted to try.'

She also confirmed the two women remained fully dressed for the entirety of the auction and said, to the pair's knowledge, Ms Gillam was the only farmer of 300 attendees who was unhappy with their presence.

Despite the backlash, Mr Anderson said the auction went 'really well'.
The University of Maryland has ordered fraternities and sororities on campus to suspend social and recruitment activities after it received multiple reports of unsafe activities.

University officials sent a letter to fraternity and sorority presidents informing them of the suspension.

The letter did not describe the alleged misconduct as hazing but instead referred to 'activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the University community' - without referencing any specific incidents.

It comes in the aftermath of another recent hazing incident at the University of Miami, which saw members of a fraternity downing milk before spitting it onto the naked back of a student sitting in a dustbin.

Video footage obtained by NBC South Florida saw one student is seen seated in a dustbin while three others surrounding him appeared to be rapidly drinking what appeared to be jugs of milk, before spitting out the substance on the man's back.

Another incident at the University of Miami saw members of a fraternity downing milk before spitting it onto the naked back of a student sitting in a trash can

The University of Maryland has ordered fraternities and sororities on campus to suspend social and recruitment activities after it received multiple reports of unsafe activities

A separate incident saw a sorority sister - who was arrested and charged for hazing - reveal the extent of the manipulation that occurs during Greek Life pledge season as well as the lasting psychological and physical trauma

The person taking the video is heard saying, 'That's nasty.'

In a subsequent statement, the university acknowledged the existence of the videos and can 'confirm the authenticity of one video.'

'The University of Miami has received multiple reports related to alleged conduct violations by one of our fraternity chapters,' the statement read.

'We are aware of videos being circulated but can only confirm the authenticity of one video. A full investigation is underway.'

The incident at the University of Maryland will see fraternities and sororities forbidden from making contact with new or prospective members.

The suspension applies to all organisations affiliated with the College Park campus' Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, which represent 21 fraternities and 16 sororities.

The letter says the suspension will be in place indefinitely while a formal investigation by the university takes place.

The letter also says the groups will be barred from hosting any events where alcohol is present.

The announcement by the University of Maryland on Friday comes just days after the University of Virginia suspended its Kappa Sigma chapter for an alleged hazing incident on February 21.

On Friday, university officials sent a letter to fraternity and sorority presidents informing them of the suspension

In addition to the Kappa Sigma suspension, the university's Interfraternity Council imposed a three-week suspension on all of its chapters 'as a commitment to anti-hazing efforts and out of respect for the ongoing situation.'

The Daily Progress reported the Kappa Sigma chapter at Virginia was suspended after a pledge who had been drinking heavily fell down a staircase and hit his head, leading to his hospitalization.

A separate incident saw a sorority sister - who was arrested and charged for hazing - reveal the extent of the manipulation that occurs during Greek Life pledge season as well as the lasting psychological and physical trauma.

Monica Vitagliano was arrested in 2016 at the age of 19 after a hazing went wrong when a pledging sister had an allergic reaction to a food product that was dumped on her.

The now 26-year-old, from Long Island, appeared on the We're All Insane podcast, admitting she 'had no idea' what she was about to get into when she decided to join the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

The former University of Albany student revealed just some of the horrors pledging sisters faced before getting accepted into the exclusive group which included being covered in rotten food down, forced to sleep on a front porch and subjected to physical punishments.

'I remember when I got there I was really excited to make friends,' Monica recalled to podcast host Devorah Roloff.

'I wasn't really focused so much on classes,' she continued. 'I was more really focused on what my social life was going to be like.'
A mountain rescue hero who suffered traumatic spinal injuries when he plunged 500ft while trying to save two men breaking lockdown rules has died, an inquest heard.

Christopher Lewis, 62, was left paralysed when he fell around 500ft onto rough steep ground after attempting to assist the wild campers on Red Screes mountain in the Lake District in February 2021.

Cockermouth Coroners court heard Christopher had been part of a mountain rescue team for two years when he got the distress call on the evening of February 6, 2021.

At that time, Britain was in a national lockdown - with the government ordering people to 'stay at home' and not travel to holiday properties.

But even though the campers had broken the rules, Christopher, who was 60 at the time, headed to their position on Red Screes, which is near Ambleside, in bad weather.

Christopher Lewis, 62, died two and a half years after he fell 500ft while trying to rescue campers

The injuries to his spine meant Christopher was wheelchair bound for the rest of his life

Christopher had been a member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team for two yeas

He was reported missing and was feared to have fallen when other team members reached the campers in the early hours February 7.

And Christopher was eventually discovered at 2:52am by Matt Cox, deputy leader of his Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT).

READ MORE: Mountain rescue hero who damaged his spine after plunging 500ft while trying to save two men breaking lockdown rules in the Lake District tragically dies from his injuries Advertisement

He was found to have lost all sensation in his legs, abdomen and lower torso.

The court heard that there were 'slippery patches' on the way up to the casualty site, and Chris was airlifted to the major trauma unit at Royal Preston Hospital.

Christopher was fit and well prior to the fall and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

He also had all the necessary equipment required for the rescue mission, the court was told.

Christopher was transferred to the specialist spinal injuries centre at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital on April 14, 2021.

And after a lengthy stay, he was eventually discharged 19 months later on November 23, 2022, and cared for at home by doctors and his wife, Carol.

On September 2, 2023, the court was told Christopher was admitted to Furness General Hospital in Barrow with a chest infection.

Chris never recovered from the injuries he sustained trying to help them in freezing weather in the early hours of the morning

Tragically, he died at the age of 62 with his wife by his side two days later.

Paying tribute to his colleague, Mike Rippon, team leader of Patterdale MRT said: 'Chris was a highly valued team member, who will be greatly missed by many.'

The court heard Christopher was a retired engineer who became a member and trustee of Patterdale MRT in May 2019 after giving up work.

Area coroner Kirsty Gomersal recorded his primary cause of death as pneumonia and said his traumatic spinal injury with quadriplegia was a contributory factor.

She said: 'All those who serve with the MRT are volunteers. They all give their experience to bravely assist others who find themselves in difficulty or distress.

'No time on the fells is without risk. Each member puts themselves at risk on each rescue or recovery, voluntarily without hesitation.

'Chris paid the ultimate price for his selflessness and his dedication to others.

'I thank the mountain rescue teams and their volunteers and all involved in search and rescue for their service. No greater thanks can go to Chris Lewis.'

After learning of Chris's injuries, one of the campers who travelled 160 miles from Leicester to the Lake District, previously said his actions would 'live with him forever'.

The man, who was in his forties and has a history of heart difficulties, said: 'I completely regret everything.

'My actions that night will live with me forever, because of what happened.'

He said he suffered from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and his friend had talked him into the trip as a way of helping with these issues.

He added: 'I deserved the fine, I deserved it absolutely. I should never have broken the rules. I should have found another way to cope with my mental health.'

The man said during the night he left the tent to go to the toilet.

The rescued pair - a 47-year-old man from Leicester and another from Liverpool - had phoned for help after one of them began having chest pains

He then slipped on some ice, causing the top of his body to 'jolt' and as he re-entered the tent, he felt a pain in his chest.

He added: 'I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Three-and-a-half years ago, I had a mild heart attack and I've had two heart operations.

'I couldn't wake my friend up. He was flat out, he had gone. He'd had a couple of bottles of lager but I don't drink because of my heart.'

The camper said he realised he had brought the wrong first aid kit so did not have his medication with him. However, he waited 30 minutes before calling for help.

He said: 'I knew what was going happen. I knew they'd have to send someone out to me. I knew it was horrendous outside. I knew the conditions were bad..'

At the time of the accident, Mike Blakely, from the Patterdale rescue unit, said Christopher's injuries were 'avoidable'.

He added: 'This rescue, and the subsequent life-changing injuries incurred by our team member, were avoidable.

'Rescue team members are volunteers who train extensively to rescue others in the most atrocious weather and in inhospitable places.

'However the risks are always there and the impact of an incident like this is far-reaching across the rescue and emergency services family.'

A donation page set up to support Christopher subsequently raised 868,160.
Users of an anti-anxiety drug linked to thousands of deaths have told MailOnline how their lives were 'destroyed' by the drug.

Pregabalin, which is used by doctors to treat anxiety, epilepsy and nerve pain, has been described by one doctor as like 'selling a car without brakes'.

Use of the drug can lead to dependency, with some people becoming addicted to the 'euphoria' that taking it can cause, while others become reliant on the relaxing feelings it can induce.

Those who have become addicted to it have compared it to trying to wean themselves off morphine and oxycodone, two drugs notorious for the ill effects they have on people who try to quit them.

Pregabalin users have told MailOnline that the drug has led to erratic behaviour, blurred vision, mood swings and suicidal thoughts, with many now desperate to lower their dosage or come off the medication that has 'robbed them of their lives' altogether.

Mother-of-two Penny Carroll told MailOnline, 'I felt like I was losing my mind', after taking the drug and is terrified of further ramifications after hearing nightmarish stories of users losing their teeth.

She is 'angry' that she wasn't warned about the side effects - and 'no one seemed to know' how she should have weaned herself off the drug which 'trebled' her anxiety.

Another user claimed she began to see 'dead people' and cats sitting on her lap just 30 minutes after taking her first dose.

Have you been affected by Pregabalin? Email emily.davies@mailonline.co.uk

Penny Carroll, 53, was put on the drug six months ago due to having spinal spondylosis

Other victims include Chloe Caton (pictured), 21, who died after accidentally overdosing on sleeping medication on June 1 last year

Pregabalin has been linked to thousands of deaths in the last five years

It has been linked to nearly 3,400 deaths in Britain in the last five years alone, with the drug involved in 779 fatalities in 2022 - up from just nine a decade earlier in 2012, The Times reported.

Recent figures show it has the fastest rising death toll of any drug in the UK, and it is only behind opiates (such as heroin and morphine), cocaine and benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax) in the number of fatalities it is linked to.

Pregabalin users have told MailOnline about the shocking impacts the drug has had on their lives.

Penny Carroll, 53, was put on the drug six months ago due to having spinal spondylosis.

The married mother-of-two from Hertfordshire, who works providing surgical compliance equipment to the NHS, called it an 'horrendous experience'.

She told MailOnline that she was not informed about the risks or side effects.

She said: 'My doctor had increased my dose as the pain was creeping back in, so from 100mg I went to 150mg.

'It worked really well, the pain began to easy off, but my body needed more.

'The reality of what I was on started when my doctor did not put my repeat prescription through, so I was forced to use the lower dose.

'Then the withdrawals started and I felt like I was in hell. The anxiety and panic attacks were the worst, sweating, insomnia, skin crawling, I went through absolute hell.

'It was the weekend so the GP was closed. I didn't understand what was happening to me. I found a Facebook group and the admits told me I was going through withdrawal and I shouldn't come off it too quickly - which is what no one had told me.

'Looking at the posts in that group...I was one of the lucky ones. Some people have been on it for 15 years....people lost their teeth, went into complete psychosis, had suicidal thoughts.

'I can't drink alcohol. If I have two drinks, I have massive panic attacks. My anxiety has trebled, and I'm clear of it. I wrote to my GP to say this is the worst thing you could have given me. I only took it for three to four months. Some people have taken it for years.

'That Facebook group saved my life. I had no idea what was happening, I didn't know it was withdrawal. I was spiralling, I was panicked - what if I lost my teeth? What if I started to feel suicidal?'

Mrs Carroll said she had to miss work and her husband had to move out of their bedroom due to her panic attacks.

Amy Dzl, from Cardiff, takes 400mg of Pregabalin a day for chronic pelvic pain for endometriosis and adenomyosis

She continued: 'It was awful. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't function. And because I didn't sleep, I was snappy with my 16-year-old daughter. It felt like I was losing my mind, like I was going mad. No one understood, they said I had stopped taking it so that couldn't be the reason.

'I am angry that I hadn't been advised about the side effects of the medication. There wasn't any awareness, no one seemed to be bothered. No one seemed to know - it was frightening.

'No one knew how you were supposed to come off it slowly - I came off too quickly. You can be left with lasting damage, maybe that's why I'm still suffering now. I just wanted to get off it. But now I have anxiety like never before.

'My sleep has never been the same, I wake up several times a night with anxiety, I'm not the same person I was before this hideous drug.'

Amy Dzl, from Cardiff, takes 400mg of Pregabalin a day for chronic pelvic pain for endometriosis and adenomyosis.

The 39-year-old told MailOnline: 'I was misdiagnosed for over 29 years and the damage it has done to my body, organs and nerves is irreversible.

'I have been told I am going to be in pain for the rest of my life so I started taking Pregabalin and tramadol two years ago.

'Im terrified about reducing the Pregabalin due to the side effects and the impact it will have on my body.

'I came off tramadol over Christmas and went cold turkey (accidentally) and for five days I felt like I was dying.

'I had hot and cold sweats, night terrors, nausea, stomach cramps and lost my appetite completely. Its horrible that medical professionals are not making us aware of the risks and that safer medications are not made available to us.'

Amanda James was prescribed the drug 18 months ago. She said that within half an hour of taking the first 300mg dose, she was 'seeing dead people'.

She told MailOnline: 'I was seeing dead people as real as standing next to someone then I began to see native Americans for whatever reason and then animals.

'I was convinced at one point I had a cat sitting on my knee. I know that can sound funny but it really isn't, it's like being stuck on some kind of acid trip.

'When I raised concerns with my GP she laughed and told me to go and get my eyes tested.

'I explained I wanted off the medication ASAP but my GP did not know how to withdraw me off them. I basically used my own medical knowledge to do so and I feel like I went to hell and back, plus I lost five of my upper front teeth.

'They literally just snapped in half, once while eating rice krispies.

'This drug needs to be banned.'

Alex Cottam, pictured, died at the age of 27 after being prescribed Pregabalin

Alex is pictured as a young boy. He was found dead in his Salford flat in 2021 after getting hooked on the drug

His mother Michelle says there need to be greater awareness around the effects of the drug

Richard Day, 55, said his life has been 'hell' ever since he was prescribed Pregabalin in 2016.

The father-of-two told MailOnline he hasn't been able to keep a job since he took the drug - waking up every two hours because he had stopped breathing.

He feels let down by the health service and said he was told his symptoms were 'mental health problems'.

Mr Day said he struggled to speak or swallow, gained 'double the weight' and worries about the effect the change had on his two young sons.

Alex Silva, who was prescribed Pregabalin after a slipped disc on his neck, said 'after two months on it, all I could think about was to kill myself'.

He added: 'No doctor ever informed about suicidal thoughts. Thank God, I read about it and stopped taking it straight away. Horrible drug but the worst of all, was that no one told me about the suicidal thoughts.'

What is pregabalin?

Pregabalin is a drug that is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and nerve pain. It was first licensed in 2004 as a medicine to stop epilepsy seizures, and then for neuropathic or nerve pain  it blocks pain signals in the brain. Patients on it reported feeling calmer, too, so doctors began offering it for anxiety  one of my many diagnoses. Initially, it was hoped the drug, and its milder 'sibling' gabapentin, could be a less risky alternative to addictive painkillers as well as benzodiazepine medicines  such as diazepam, also known as Valium and alprazolam, or Xanax. But this wasn't the case. Doctors have described it as 'the new Xanax' and even 'Valium on steroids' due to fears about its crushing side effects, including suicidal thoughts and weight gain. Research suggests pregabalin is associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, road traffic incidents, violent behaviour and accidental overdose Patients aged 15 to 24 who took pregabalin had a 70 per cent increased risk of suicidal behaviour, a 140 per cent increased risk of accidental overdose, a 113 per cent increased risk of head injuries, a 49 per cent increased risk of a road traffic incident and a 58 per cent increased risk of being arrested for a violent crime, according to a study in the BMJ. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company which makes pregabalin and gabapentin, says the research 'was an observational study and therefore the findings should not imply causality'. The drug is only available in the UK by prescription and can take a couple of weeks to start working. Commons side effects of taking pregabalin include headaches, diarrhoea, mood changes, blurred visions and memory problems. Some people can become addicted to the drug, meaning they will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it. Advertisement

Another user called Tracy said that her eyesight is now always very blurry and she would like to be off the drug altogether but 'can't bear the thought of the withdrawal symptoms again'.

A third, who was prescribed Pregabalin for lower back pain, said: 'I went completely crazy for two months and had to wean myself off due to erratic behaviour, blurred vision, mood swings and suicidal thoughts.'

They added: 'The doctors don't tell you this when prescribing and when you mention concerns that's when it seems you are given the information. I was lucky but only because my partner questioned the tablets when I was losing the plot.

'The despair you feel is overwhelming and you genuinely believe your thoughts are yours and not related to anything a doctor would give you.'

And another, who was prescribed Pregabalin four years ago for a back injury, heartbreakingly told MailOnline: 'This drug ruined and robbed me of my life for three years until I finally realised last year it was killing me.'

Another user who was prescribed the drug for lower back pain while waiting for an MRI scan said she went 'completely crazy' for two months because of the drug.

She told MailOnline: ' I was prescribed this for lower back pain whilst waiting for an MRI scan.

'I went completely crazy for two months and had to wean myself off due to erratic behaviour, blurred vision,mood swings and suicidal thoughts.

'I was then prescribed gabapentin which I have just weaned myself off, again because of the side effects, which are very similar to Pregabalin.

'The doctors don't tell you this when prescribing and when you mention concerns that's when it seems you are given the information.

'I was lucky but only because my partner questioned the tablets when I was losing the plot.

'The despair you feel is overwhelming and you genuinely believe your thoughts are yours and not related to anything a doctor would give you.'

One user told MailOnline his 'life has been destroyed by Pregabalin'. Since he was prescribed the drug, he's been in a 'continued battle' for seven and a half years to get help for the side effects he now suffers from.

He said: 'Me and my family are just left abandoned, with no end to this continued suffering.

'I have lost my business, my career, my ability to support my family. I have lost my ability to follow any of my hobbies and interest, both physically and financially.'

Another man was prescribed Pregabalin after being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia in 2018. The condition causes severe facial pain likened to having an electric shock and is often nicknamed the 'suicide disease' as the unpredictable bouts of pain make everyday living unbearable.

He told MailOnline that his GP prescribed Pregabalin along with Morphine and Zomorph for pain.

He said: 'I was put forward for surgery but unfortunately was I was accepted, Covid hit the country and therefore it was cancelled.

'We are now in 2024 and due to the long waiting lists and being a forgotten patient I am still awaiting my operation, and therefore still taking these drugs.

'The effects of this long term use have affected my life and health in ways I could never have imagined.'

Among those who have passed away after being prescribed Pregabalin is Alex Cottam, a software engineer who suffered a fatal overdose after becoming hooked to the drug.

His mother Michelle told The Sunday Times the drug, which was prescribed to 8.6million people in England in 2022, 'completely changed' her son and led to him becoming 'obsessed' with recreating its effects.

Alex, who was just 27 when he died, had developed anxiety and depression after the death of his father when he was 13 years old.

He was prescribed Pregabalin when he was 25 as he struggled to deal with crippling anxiety, and Michelle says it initially helped him get his life back on track - he would become a software engineer and his confidence improved.

However, his tolerance for the drug increased, meaning his dose had to as well to keep feeling the effects.

Jasmin Duddy, 21, was found dead at a house in Galliagh in Derry on February 1 last year after taking Pregabalin along with other substances

When he was told by a GP he would have to stop taking it, Alex began to buy the drug, and others such as painkiller tramadol, online without a prescription.

He was found dead in his Salford flat in 2021, with an inquest determining he died of an 'unintentional overdose' of Pregabalin and three other drugs.

Michelle told The Sunday Times: 'He had overcome every obstacle that had got in his way, but the Pregabalin took such a strong grip on him that he just couldn't see a way out.

'It's such a waste. How many other lives will be affected if they carry on not advising patients that they might become addicted?'

One woman told the publication that trying to quit the drug makes you 'feel like you're dying'.

Debbi Lou had been prescribed the drug after damaging her spine in a car crash, but realised she had to stop taking it when the memory loss associated without it caused to her forget to pick up her six-year-old daughter from school.

But she said the list of side effects when she tried to stop - including shaking, insomnia, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and anxiety - made it a tortuous experience.

She said: 'It's just like oxycodone and opiates, people have underestimated the damage that can be caused. I trusted my doctor. That trust has been broken.'

Other victims who have died after using Pregabalin include Chloe Caton, 21, who died after accidentally overdosing on sleeping medication on June 1 last year.

Alex Silva (pictured), who was prescribed Pregabalin after a slipped disc on his neck, told MailOnline 'after two months on it, all I could think about was to kill myself'

The dental receptionist had been staying with her mother Ami and her mother's two grandchildren in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, instead of her usual home in nearby Kidsgrove.

An inquest in November at Stoke Town Hall heard that Ms Caton had struggled with her mental health towards the end of her life.

A post-mortem toxicology found she had four drugs in her system - Pregabalin, tapentadol, diazepam and zopiclone - only the latter two of which had been prescribed.

Meanwhile Jasmin Duddy, 21, was found dead at a house in Galliagh in Derry on February 1 last year year after taking Pregabalin.

The mother-of-one, from Creggan, Derry, had been trying to get help for her drug addiction but died after taking a deadly combination of Pregabalin and another anti-anxiety medication.

READ MORE HERE: Bereaved mother's warning over abuse of prescription drug pregabalin as deaths involving the substance more than quadruple in recent years Advertisement

In the wake of her death, her mother Pauline said that more needs to be done to clamp down on prescription drugs being sold on the streets as she fears people 'can get drugs quicker than you can get chocolate out of the shop'.

Pauline said Jasmin had been trying to overcome her addiction and was 'doing really well' after receiving treatment at hospital.

But she received a phone call from her daughter on the day of her death and could tell that she was intoxicated. She later texted her to sober up to which Jasmin replied back saying 'Mum, I'm trying'.

Pauline previously told BBC News NI: 'So at 4 o'clock in the morning I was asleep and then there was police at the door and they said they wanted to come in to discuss a sensitive matter and they told me that my daughter was found deceased.

'I don't understand why that day - that's the question that keeps going round my mind - why that day did she decide to put those tablets in her mouth.

'She was off all the tablets, she was doing really well, and I don't know what changed on the 1st February to make her put tablets into her mouth. That will never be answered.

'It has left the whole family devastated and there's a lot more families going through the exact same at the minute - we are the families left behind.'

Karen Henderson, 54, also died from a drug overdose after she was 'distressed' that her GP was reducing her medication.

She was found unresponsive by her partner in Barrow on February 1 last year. Coroners later ruled that she died from pneumonia and multi-drug toxicity from tramadol and Pregabalin.

Meanwhile one professional rugby player also died of an accidental drug overdose after taking too much medication, which included Pregabalin, for his sporting injuries. Jordan Cox, 27, took pain relief medication for chronic back pain but was found dead by his grandmother in the early hours of April 30 2020.

Jordan Cox (pictured), 27, took pain relief medication for chronic back pain and was found dead by his grandmother in the early hours of April 30 2020. The court heard at the time that there were 'toxic levels' of the drugs pregabalin, diazepam and oxycodone that, combined, caused his heart to stop

His reliance on the medication became too much and Jordan overdosed on the evening of April 29. The court heard at the time that there were 'toxic levels' of the drugs Pregabalin, diazepam and oxycodone that, combined, caused his heart to stop.

Some doctors have raised concerns about how easy it is to become addicted to Pregabalin, especially when patients aren't warned about its effects properly.

Dr Mark Horowitz, who is a clinical research fellow at the NHS, compared prescribing the drug to 'selling cars without breaks'.

He told The Sunday Times: 'How can there be rising deaths from Pregabalin and a huge explosion of prescriptions, with all these troubles, and yet doctors are using this drug to treat anxiety?

'It boggles the mind when a drug is showing all these dangers to then use it in a wider variety of people.'

Professor Ian Hamilton, who is an honorary fellow in addiction at the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York, told MailOnline last year that Pregabalin is an effective treatment for people suffering with chronic pain.

He said that for the hundreds of thousands of people that live with chronic pain it has been 'literally a life saver' in allowing them to get on with day to day activities.

However, he warned that its properties mean it can be easy for some people to become addicted to it.

Professor Hamilton said: 'Pregabalin is something that has been around for decades but prescriptions have been kicked up since the early 2000s. That is when health professionals became concerned about it.

'It has paradoxical effects. It causes a high but at the same time it relaxes you. That is what recreational users are seeking, that kind of mild euphoria.

'Its side effects are pretty varied. They can include dizziness and forgetfulness, respiratory deprivation, difficulty breathing.'

'What happens for many people is that they get reduced prescriptions but then source more of the drug themselves.'

Professor Hamilton said that there was a noticeable rise in the use of opioids in 2021, during the UK's Covid lockdown.

He said that the reason behind this was partly due to the fact that more people were spending time indoors and therefore would use opioids to help themselves relax in what was a stressful time for many.

He added that there was also an increase in the use of more widely available opioids such as Pregabalin which replaced heroin which at the time was scarce.

Professor Hamilton said that people will look to buy drugs online, which then becomes a 'complete lottery' as there is no guarantee of what is in the drug or what the dose is.

He said: 'When you buy drugs online it is a complete lottery. You never know what it is you are taking and you don't know if the dose is what you are being told it is.

'It could be four or five times more stronger than you think. People quite rapidly find out that they have taken too much before it's too late.'

Professor Hamilton explained that clamping down on the prescription of Pregabalin will only mean that another opioid will soon take its place.

'There is a lot of resistance and reluctance to stop doctors prescribing it because what is the alternative.

'If we see a clamp down on Pregabalin then there will be another drug that follows.

'Stopping the opioid crisis is an issue for policy makers. Individual GPs don't have a great deal of control.

'We need the government and the department of health to be more intelligent about solving this problem.

He added that reviewing patients using Pregabalin more regularly could also help ensure that they are using it too much.

If it becomes apparent that a patient may need to reduce their prescription then they can discuss with their GP how things might change.

Have you been affected by Pregabalin? Email emily.davies@mailonline.co.uk

If you or someone you know if concerned about dependence or addiction to prescription drugs, contact your GP. If you're having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Peers will renew their assault on the Rwanda Bill today as ministers warn failing to tackle the Channel boats crisis could fuel the far-Right.

A slew of amendments have been tabled to the marquee legislation as it returns to the House of Lords this afternoon.

The government is braced for defeats, with proposed changes this week including delaying deportations until more safeguards are in place about treatment of migrants in the African country.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and former judge Baroness Hale of Richmond are backing efforts to prevent ministers ignoring the European Court of Human Rights.

Although the amendments are unlikely to block the legislation altogether, with the House of Commons having the final say, many peers are determined to slow progress of the Bill.

Rishi Sunak has said he wants the first flights to leave for Rwanda this Spring, but Tories fear the policy will not be up and running before the election, expected this Autumn.

A slew of amendments have been tabled to the marquee legislation as it returns to the House of Lords (pictured) this afternoon

The Archbishop of Canterbury and former judge Baroness Hale of Richmond are backing efforts to prevent ministers ignoring the European Court of Human Rights

Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured with Rishi Sunak last month) said he was 'absolutely determined' to tackle illegal immigration, pointing to his experience in the London assembly more than a decade ago

Home Secretary James Cleverly said he was 'absolutely determined' to tackle illegal immigration, pointing to his experience in the London assembly more than a decade ago.

'It was Labour's failure in government in the early to mid-2000s leading up to that 2008 election which I think contributed to the electoral result with a member of the BNP getting voted on to the London Assembly. Labour dropped the ball. I have no intention of doing that,' he told The Times.

Mr Cleverly said: 'At election time I will be very, very comfortable standing with a record reducing small boats arrivals.'

Mr Sunak insisted his Rwanda deportation scheme is a 'worthwhile investment' last week despite the public spending watchdog cautioning that costs could soar to half a billion pounds.

And Downing Street insisted today that The Government remains committed to sending flights to Rwanda 'in the spring'.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is focused on delivering for the British people and stopping the boats, and he is clear that our partnership with Rwanda is one of the key levers to deliver this.

'Our legally binding treaty makes clear that individuals relocated to Rwanda under the partnership will not be returned to an unsafe country and building on our treaty the Bill will make absolutely clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country and a key part of our efforts to stop the boats and save lives.

'Through our treaty and Bill we will control our borders, deter people taking perilous journeys, reduce the strain on our public services and end the continuous legal challenges against removals.'

The spokesman added that the Government was 'confident that Rwanda is implementing the terms of our treaty'.

In a revelation branded a 'national scandal' by Labour, the National Audit Office (NAO) said the plan could cost taxpayers nearly 2 million for each of the first 300 asylum seekers sent to the east African nation.

The Home Office had so far refused to say how much more money, on top of the 290million already confirmed, the UK has agreed to pay Kigali under the stalled plan but a NAO report uncovered millions more in spending including 11,000 for each migrant's plane ticket.

Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Mr Sunak told reporters: 'The current situation is unsustainable and unfair.

'Taxpayers are already forking out millions of pounds a day to house illegal migrants in hotels across the country, that's not right. That's why I made stopping the boats one of my priorities.

'I'm pleased that we've made progress, last year the numbers were down by a third.'
Horrifying new footage shows that the moment an NYPD officer shot dead a man who was holding his mother in a chokehold while claiming to be armed with a knife.

The terror unfolded in an apartment in The Bronx on December 23. The new bodycam video sees Officers Alex Morgese and Mohammad Hossain hurriedly entering the home after a 911 call was made about a man acting violently.

The caller claimed that the suspect, Michael Dotel, had 'ingested drugs, was acting violently, and in possession of a knife.' The video begins with the cops in the hallway of the building in the Bedford-section of the violence plagued borough.

Screams can be heard as one of the officers demands Dotel to let them in. As soon as the door opens, an unidentified person scurries out of the front door.

The cops enter and are greeted by Dotel, 30, shouting: 'Do it right now! Do it, I f***ing dare you! Do it! She's gonna get it!'

'You got a knife in your hand?,' Morgese shouts back. 'Shoot me! Shoot me! Right now!' Dotel screams. 'You got a knife?,' Morgese answers. 'Do it! Do it! Do it!,' comes the response.

Officer Alex Morgese can be seen on his partner's bodycam holding a gun to Michael Dotel, 30, as he holds his mother in a chokehold

Officer Mohammad Hossain can be seen with a taser drawn as the gunfire erupts

'Where's the knife? Drop the knife?,' Morgese persists. 'I got the knife!' the assailant yells back. 'Drop the knife! Where's it?' the officer asks once again. 'Got it!' Dotel says.

At that point, Morgese shoots once at Dotel, killing him. The two victims who were in the home, his mother, Clary, 45, and his girlfriend, 19.

Clary told local outlet The Norwood News that she did not believe that the police handled the incident well while adding that she had sought help for son for weeks before the shooting.

He even went to St. Barnabas Hospital to be treated for depression but said: 'They didn't help me... They didn't do anything.'

The outlet also posted photo of a small shrine that was erected in memory of Dotel outside of his home.

'To the first love of my life, I cant believe Im sitting here writing this. It pains me that you are no longer with us. He was depressed and he had a lot of problems. Its very sad,' the message, penned by Dotel's sister, read.

'My son became crazy and tried to kill me. I felt like I was having a heart attack,' Clary told ABC New York in an interview at the time of the original incident.

During the altercation, he was armed with a carving knife which he used to cut his girlfriend in the face. His mother was bleeding from the neck too, officers said.

The suspect went by the nickname 'The Hulk' in his community due to his strength and size.

At the time of his death, Dotel was facing three criminal charges, reports The New York Post. The outlet adds that Dotel had a history of drug use and mental illness.

The building were the shooting took place, Bedford Greenhouses, is a housing facility for those struggling with drugs and other issues. NYPD officers have been called to the building on several occasions.

According to a crowdfunding page that was set up to help to pay for Dotel's funeral, his mother said that her son is survived by two daughters, aged six months and three years.
Goldsmith, 58, has prompted fears he could embarrass the royal family on TV

The brother of the Duchess of Cambridge's mother Carole was seen shopping

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith has bought suits at a Soho tailor as he prepares to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house having been 'read the riot act' by the Princess of Wales's mother over fears he could spill royal secrets.

Gary, brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, was seen collecting a set of smart new suits from from one of his niece's favoured bespoke outfitters, Chris Kerr, who has previously made several formal items for the Princess.

Kate has not left her home on the Windsor Castle estate since her stay at the London Clinic in January for abdominal surgery - and her husband the Prince of Wales was today asked 'William, how's Catherine?' during a visit to Wrexham.

Gary, a multi-millionaire thanks to his successful recruitment business, was spotted at Kerr's Soho studio trying on the items one last time before his big appearance.

Gary was with his daughter Tallulah for the shopping trip, ahead of his reported arrival on Celebrity Big Brother's new series which begins broadcasting tonight.

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith, left, was spotted collecting outfits from a Soho tailor

Goldsmith appeared to preparing to make a sharp impression on Celebrity Big Brother

The outspoken businessman was also spotted yesterday picking up some last-minute shopping ahead of the celebrity edition of the series returning to our screens after a six-year absence.

The duchess's 'black sheep' uncle has been scolded by her parents amid fears he could spill secrets about the Royal Family, sources have claimed.

It's been rumoured that Goldsmith, 58, has secured a substantial deal with ITV.

His appearance in the Big Brother house could cause another headache for The Firm amid speculation about Kate's whereabouts as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery.

It also comes as King Charles continues treatment for cancer and the Royal Family mourns the loss of Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor.

An insider told The Sun: 'Gary said he's been read the riot act by Kate's mum Carole and her dad Michael.

'They aren't happy he's going into Celebrity Big Brother. It is infuriating to them. Kate doesn't need this stress.'

The source claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan - who Goldsmith has attacked in the past - could be in the firing line.

Goldsmith, 58, was with his daughter Tallulah during the shopping trip

Goldsmith is being tipped to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house as the series returns tonight

Goldsmith has reportedly been 'read the riot act' by his sister Carole Middleton

He was seen leaving a bespoke outfitters in Soho favoured by his niece Kate

Goldsmith's shopping trip comes ahead of Celebrity Big Brother's return after six years

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith, 58, is rumoured to be one of the stars entering the Celebrity Big Brother house (pictured 2023)

Carole Middleton is pictured with her husband Michael and Charles and Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Kate and Wills' wedding

Princess Kate is pictured with her mother Carole Middleton at Ascot in 2017. Goldsmith is Carole's brother

Tailor Chris Kerr, visited by Goldsmith, has previously made outfits for Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle Gary Goldsmith left with various suits

The source said that 'black sheep' Goldsmith did not have his family's blessing to go into the house but is doing it anyway. The businessman is understood to have told friends that he won't do anything to hurt Kate or William.

The Sun also pictured Goldsmith arriving at the ITV studios in London on Sunday ahead of his rumoured entrance into the house. He was seen leaving a black Audi with a suitcase and was wearing a navy cap, jeans, a grey hoodie and a leather jacket.

He walked into the building with two silver suitcases and a suit carrier.

Goldsmith attempted to gain a spot on I'm A Celebrity last year, but was turned down over concerns it could embarrass William and Kate.

He previously spoke out against Harry and Meghan after the release of Spare and is known for his 'outspoken' opinions on the couple.

Royal experts have previously criticised the decision to welcome him into the Celebrity Big Brother house  calling the move 'embarrassing' and possibly 'dangerous' to the royal family during a testing period.

Royal author Angela Levin told The Sun: 'I think it's cringe-making, very embarrassing, the trouble is he doesn't like Harry and Meghan at all, some of this comments will fall onto Catherine and she's had a lot against her, she's not well, she's in hospital.

'I think when you come out of an operation you're quite vulnerable and this could upset her enormously. In principle people who don't like her could say she encouraged him to do it, but she would have done nothing of the kind.

'It's very embarrassing. It's very hard being a royal, and I don't know if this is a good idea.'

Show insiders say producers are delighted to have secured Goldsmith as a contestant because of his links to the Royal Family  and because of his penchant for saying what he thinks, particularly about Kate's brother-in-law, Prince Harry.

The outspoken businessman brother of the Princess' mother Carole, has reportedly signed up for the ITV reboot (Kate pictured in 2023)

He will reportedly join the likes of Loose Women 's Linda Robson and X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne

Goldsmith has reportedly signed up for the ITV reboot alongside Loose Women's Linda Robson and X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.

Goldsmith, writing for the Mail a year ago, slammed Harry's autobiography Spare as 'petulant, self-serving...fluff'.

His I'm A Celeb audition ended in failure, allegedly because bosses were worried about his potential to embarrass the royal family, but CBB chiefs believe his brusque, shoot-from-the-hip style of straight-talking will fit their format.

Goldsmith was a guest at William and Kate's wedding in 2011. He made his living building an IT recruitment business, but has been caught up in scandals, including being pictured with drugs in Ibiza.

He was also arrested in October 2017 after allegedly assaulting his fourth wife Julie-Ann outside their central London home.

Goldsmith knocked her to the ground after she accused him of taking drugs during a drunken fight outside their home in the early hours of October 13 2017.

The Met said at the time of his arrest: 'Police in Westminster were called to an address at 01:24hrs on Friday 13 October following reports of a domestic incident.

'Officers arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of domestic assault.

'He has been taken to a central London police station for questioning.

'A woman found injured was taken to hospital.'

He later pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and was fined 5,000 and handed a 12-month community order with 20 sessions of rehabilitation.

Gary's appearance on the show will no doubt cause another headache for the Royals amid speculation about Kate's whereabouts as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery (pictured with daughter Tallulah at Pippa Middleton's 2017 wedding)

It comes after Sharon Osbourne 's astonishing Celebrity Big Brother fee for five days was reportedly been revealed

Since then he has attacked what he sees as insults to his family, including his niece and William, including episodes of The Crown, royal biographer Omid Scobie's book Endgame and Harry's memoir Spare.

The Sun reported at the weekend that Osbourne will be paid 100,000 per day for the five days she is there.

The former X Factor judge, 71, will reportedly not stay for the full 17 days as insiders said that her fee was too expensive for ITV.

The publication claims that ITV reached a 500,000 deal with her to enter the house for the short amount of time, after they found her fee for the whole three-week series too expensive.

A source told the publication: 'Bosses did all they could to get Sharon and finally reached a deal she's happy with.

'Sharon will inject enough drama but without her original price tag that was just not feasible.

'Producers cannot wait to see her reunite with Louis and know that it will be TV gold.'

ITV and Sharon's representatives have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson then told MailOnline: 'Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.'

Celebrity Big Brother starts on March 4 on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
RNLI whistleblowers have today lifted the lid on the alleged bullying, cover-ups and managerial incompetence engulfing Britain's lifeboat charity - and threatening to tear it apart on the 200th anniversary of its founding.

Volunteers accused the charity, which receives millions of pounds in public donations each year, of covering up 'assaults, sexism and bullying' - as well as racism and sexism.

MailOnline was told how a boss from the New Brighton station on the Wirral warned a crew member not to jeopardise his 'future' with the charity by joining a grievance against the management.

The manager, who we are choosing not to name, told the volunteer to 'be careful' as there was a 'quite clear hierarchy' within the charity and warned him not to 'p*** on your chips' by raising concerns. He then added 'if you p*** off the lifeboat operations manager you know what he's going to f***ing do' - alluding to the fact the volunteer could be stood down.

Others claimed a 'toxic' culture had been allowed to fester in the vital and beloved institution, with crew members being 'silenced' and told not to speak with the media.

It comes as a service of thanksgiving is being held at Westminster to celebrate the charity's bicentenary. Yet following MailOnline's explosive investigation, what should have been a day of commemoration has been marred by a huge row between its crew and managers.

Has RNLI management bullied you? Email eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

Whistleblowers have spoken out against the RNLI, one of the most beloved charities in Britain. Pictured: Former RNLI volunteers (left to right) Ian Warburton, Chris Henderson, Paul Wright, Matt Gill, Janet Waine, Graham Lowe and Steven Hughes outside the New Brighton lifeboat station

Heidi Bakewell, a 37-year-old pub owner stepped down from Pwllheli RNLI station amid a bullying row

Alex Smith, 69, said he was wrongly stood down from his role after 23 years of service after he spoke out against the charity's decisions.

The RNLI, which was also accused of 'lying to the public', has insisted it has nothing to apologise for, rebutting that it bullies or silences those who speak out as 'absolutely untrue'.

A spokersperson told MailOnline: 'We want to stress very clearly that we do not stand volunteers down for simply disagreeing or making appropriate challenges to decision making.

'The RNLI has around 10,000 operational volunteers, 20,000 fundraising volunteers and more than 1,800 staff. They are based at 238 lifeboat stations, more than 240 beaches and support centres around the UK and Ireland. In a complex organisation of that size, it is unfortunately inevitable that there will be incidents of bad behaviour and disharmony.

'The RNLI has a code of conduct which outlines the behaviour and values which we expect our staff and volunteers to adhere to. We are committed to taking action when behaviour falls short of what is reasonable and acceptable. There is no place for non-inclusive behaviour at the RNLI. Where standards fall short, we will act.'

Now even more crew members have spoken out with one claiming the allegations, which date back almost a decade, are 'only the tip of the iceberg'.

Volunteers who quit their roles at the Abroath lifeboat station in eastern Scotland compared the situation to the Post Office's Horizon scandal where crew members need to 'right their wrong'.

It came after operations manager Alex Smith, 69, was stood down from his role after 23 years of service after he spoke out against the charity's decisions, volunteers said.

He was dismissed from the station in June when he called out the charity's decision to not replace it's all-weather Mersey-class lifeboat with a Shannon class boat - a new hi-tech, all-weather boat that the station had been promised.

Instead they were downgraded from an all-weather station to an in-shore station.

Long-serving volunteer Mr Smith, who lost family in the Arbroath disaster of 1953 where six people were killed, said 'if you speak up against them they just get rid of you, simple as that'.

He told MailOnline: 'My personal family were affected by the Arbroath lifeboat disaster as well as a lot of the local fishing community.

'So it was most important we were given the boat that, as operations manager, I felt safe in the knowledge that once we launched the boat it would be coming back.

Diane Parry, another volunteer who worked at the for 10 years station, said the ongoing issues at RNLI were 'very, very sad'

Mo Morrison, 77, was such a loyal volunteer the charity she was awarded a British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours list in June for her 34 years of service

Whistleblowers say that what ties the stations' troubles together is RNLI management's almost identical style of response, which they claim is lies, denials and a refusal to apologise in the face of a mountain of evidence

'After we given the Atlantic 85 I organised many protests, drawing in a crowd of over 200 people speaking up against the RNLI's decision but they were not prepared to listen and said the decision was made, no appeal was allowed.'

Mr Smith claimed the RNLI 'ignored' coastal reviews for Arbroath to be handed the Shannon.

'They told me I should not speak to the media , or be on the newspapers or on the television but I did all these things,' he said. 'It was absolutely shocking [that they tried to silence me], I was speaking on behalf of the crew.'

After being caught calling management 'lying b*******s' in a WhatsApp chat, Mr Smith got pulled into a disciplinary meeting and was 'stood down with immediate effect' because of the 'detrimental language' used against the managers.

'They don't listen and they do exactly what they want to do with no regard for anybody,' he added. 'I've been in this town my whole life, I know the dangerous sea conditions. The RNLI was a great institution but now they have turned corporate.'

After Mr Smith was stood down, 22 other volunteers are said to have followed suit in protest to how he had been treated.

This included Mo Morrison, 77, who was such a loyal volunteer the charity she was awarded a British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours list in June for her 34 years of service.

Diane Parry, another volunteer who worked at the for 10 years station, added: 'This very, very sad situation the RNLI bosses have put Arbroath - a historic fishing town - through is quite simply criminal.

The RNLI announced it was replacing Walton and Frinton's 2million all-weather lifeboat gifted to them by selfless local Irene Muriel Rees (pictured), whom the ship was named after, with a rubber dinghy that couldn't be used in stormy weather

Instead, new crews will be trained to use this tiny inflatable boat (pictured in Pwllheli), which can only carry eight people

Pwllheli RNLI station saw its 2.5million Shannon class lifeboat sent back the the RNLI. The Shannon weighs 17 tons and can carry 85 people

'To be promised an all-weather-lifeboat for 10 plus years, with enough money in restricted funds to buy a Shannon and suddenly reverse the decision is unbelievable.

'To simply sack the station manager for voicing his legitimate concerns for safety of his crew in the cruel North Sea in elements like Storm Arwen is unbelievable and caused the resignations of many experienced sea-going volunteers.

'How on heavens earth is it possible to replace that?'

Edith Cargill, who volunteered on the Arbroath Lifeboat Committee for 14 years said that the RNLI failed to listen to Mr Smith and had 'complete disregard' for his opinion - despite his vast and lengthy experience with the charity.

She said: 'Nothing around this coastline has changed, if anything it's getting worse.

'I leave all the knowledge of the rights and wrongs to those who know this coastline better than any others: The men and woman who work out in the North Sea every day.'

An RNLI spokesperson said: 'Concerns raised over the safety of our crew on an Atlantic 85 are misleading without context. As the charity that saves lives at sea, the safety of our crews and those we rescue will always be our priority. No change would be made that compromised safety. The RNLI operates the Atlantic 85 safely at 106 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland - 27 of which are on the North Sea coastline.

'The decision to replace the all-weather lifeboat with an Atlantic 85 was made following a review that involved the lifeboat station over a four-month consultation period. Concerns regarding the windfarm and safety of the fishing fleet were discussed at length and have been fully considered in this recommendation.

'With one Atlantic 85, three Shannon class and four D class lifeboats covering 33 nautical miles from Anstruther to Montrose, this configuration of lifeboats will provide the very best lifesaving response for the area and will allow us to continue to respond to shouts both inshore and at distance.'

In a similar vein, senior Hovercraft Commander Graham Lowe, 64, served 36 years at RNLI New Brighton claimed he was stood down by senior management after he allegedly stood up to a new batch of 'arrogant' volunteers.

When Mr Lowe joined the RNLI as a 20-year-old, the charity enjoyed a reputation as an intrinsic part of Britain's heritage and culture.

The base in Pwllheli, (pictured) a town on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, has been unable to dispatch rescue crews since August

Last month, all volunteers were stood down amid what the charity called a culture of 'distrust and disharmony' at the base

The charity was so popular that it barely needed to fundraise  the donations rolled in regardless.

Mr Lowe spent years diligently working his way up the ranks from mopping the floors to being part of the crew, taking his helmsman course and finally becoming one of the most senior volunteers.

It usually takes years to become an RNLI helmsman, but when a new lot of youngsters joined in around 2015, they were allegedly unwilling to put in the grunt work to show their commitment.

Instead, they wanted to overhaul the tried and tested methods used at the lifeboat station for generations, Mr Lowe and other former volunteers said.

In regards to claims about the New Brighton station, the RNLI said: 'There were long-running issues at the station, identified in 2016, where training regimes were not followed, some crew were favoured over others and there were clear attempts by some people at the station to undermine and intimidate the volunteer management team and other crew.

'The RNLI found that volunteers were not working in a fair or collaborative way with each other and after spending months trying to resolve the situation, all volunteers were asked to commit to the RNLI Volunteer Code of Conduct to show that they were willing to improve and work together.

'When some volunteers refused to make this commitment, the RNLI had no choice but to stand them down.'

Elsewhere in Pwllheli lifeboat on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wale a dozen volunteers quit their roles at the start of the year, after a row over bullying and anti-English racism intensified.

The base in Pwllheli has been unable to dispatch rescue crews for six months, since August, but is aiming to train people intensively over the coming weeks in a bid to get them back on the water - albeit in a tiny boat.

Lifeboat crew and guests attend the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute at Westminster Abbey today

Members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) await the start of a service of thanksgiving to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, at Westminster Abbey today

Lifeboat crew and guests attend the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute outside Westminster Abbey today

'We were basically told if you don't like this you can hand your pager in,' Heidi Bakewell, a 37-year-old pub owner who has volunteered at the station for five years told MailOnline.

Ms Bakewell said by effectively sacking or forcing out the 12 volunteers they had lost '170 years of experience'.

One English crew member - who moved to the market town on the Llyn Peninsula - said they were 'categorically told' upon joining the RNLI 'that English was the language of the boat'.

The individual, however, said they were left feeling 'unsafe', 'isolated' and 'very uncomfortable' when the paid member of staff only spoke in Welsh while out on a 'shout' during rough conditions.

'I was reluctant to say anything, particularly being a relatively new crew member,' they said. 'I was upset because he knew I did not speak Welsh and I think he was doing it deliberately. I am not the only one in the crew who does not speak Welsh. I felt uncomfortable and quite upset.'

Others raised concerns that the employee would make crew members 'feel unsafe on board' because no one could 'challenge him, question him or go against him in any way'.

Ms Bakewell added: They've lost so much experience it will take years to get that station back to where it should be. We went from saving lives every weekend to being off-service nearly 50 per cent of the time.

An historic William Riley built in 1909 - outside Westminster Abbey in London ahead of a service of thanksgiving to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI

RNLI lifeboats on the River Mersey in Liverpool as part of events to mark the 200 years of the RNLI

'It's as if they picked up a rug and swept it under but that's a problem because people are going to keep tripping up on that.

'It also makes it look to the community like the arguments were so bad between the crew that the station could not open. We had all been prepared to do new training, taking unpaid time off work to suddenly be told that we have ended your relationship with the RNLI.'

Every crew member was offered the chance to re-apply for their positions at the station but several of the most experienced crew - some who have spent decades volunteering at the station - have declared they will not be making a return.

Elizabeth Denholm, who has volunteered at the station for three years, added that the charity fails to address issues with its crew members and instead 'hides behind confidentiality policies and procedures.'

She said: 'People will be disappointed and as a crew we feel disappointed we don't want to let anyone down. That's why we go out in the cold and rough conditions to go out and rescue people. We're the ones that are really committed and dedicated.

'The waste of money. Many years of experience lost but money spent on training. It's a waste of public donations and the public have a right to know.'

Another member who volunteered with the station for 36 years before stepping down added: 'The concern is with the way this was handled and the lack of support that the crew had.'

RNLI lifeboats on the River Mersey in Liverpool as part of events to mark the 200 years of the RNLI

RNLI whistleblowers have today lifted the lid on the alleged bulling, cover-ups and managerial incompetence engulfing Britain's lifeboat charity

When the allegations were previously raised, the RNLI said: 'We are confident that we have acted fairly and followed all procedures correctly to ensure the safety and welfare of our volunteers and staff at Pwllheli Lifeboat Station.

'The RNLI recognises that some volunteers have not accepted the outcomes of the investigation, however we are confident this was a fair, thorough and impartial process.

'Every crew member had an opportunity to share information and speak to us in confidence. Where appropriate, action was taken.'

It said the investigation was 'thorough and robust' in line with its 'policies and procedures'.

Meanwhile one volunteer in Ireland said the recent revelations about the 'toxic' culture within the RNLI is 'only the tip of the iceberg'.

The volunteer said: 'I recently handed back my pager after 23 years of service, the organisation is toxic.'

They said the public 'see a shiny boat and fancy gear but the real picture is far different'.

Another said she made a bullying complaint to the RNLI with evidenced examples 18 months ago.

'My concerns were acknowledged in a lengthy call with a HR manager. Our call ended with a promise to 'get back to me'. Nothing has happened,' she said.

'Honestly I don't think anything other than a drastic change to management attitudes could restore my faith in the national RNLI. I still fundraise for my local crew as they still risk their lives and they deserve it.

'I have experience of working in 'command and control' organisations and I know bullying isn't a requirement of this style.'
A Supreme Court judge is expected to intervene in the defamation case former defence minister Linda Reynolds has brought against Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz before it becomes yet another messy, expensive legal battle.

Senator Reynolds is suing Ms Higgins and her fiance Mr Sharaz for defamation in the Supreme Court of Western Australia over posts they each made on social media that she says damaged her reputation.

Justice Marcus Solomon - who previously warned the parties of the 'human cost of this litigation' - is said to be so concerned about the matter going to trial that he may participate in the mediation session scheduled to begin in Perth on Tuesday.

If Justice Solomon is involved in the court-ordered mediation and the parties are unable to reach an agreement, he will not be able to preside over the six-week defamation trial in July.

Typically mediation is handled by a court registrar, but The Australian reports Justice Solomon is likely to intervene personally.

His concerns are justified: if the matter goes to trial, it'll be another emotionally taxing case for Ms Higgins, who already gave evidence at the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial last year - a matter that has yet to be decided - and, before that, at Mr Lehrmann's criminal trial in late 2022.

A Supreme Court judge is expected to intervene in the defamation case former defence minister Linda Reynolds has brought against Brittany Higgins (left) and David Sharaz (right)

That criminal trial - launched after Ms Higgins accused Mr Lehrmann of raping her at Parliament House in March 2019 - was abandoned due to juror misconduct. Mr Lehrmann has always strongly denied the allegations.

Ms Reynolds' defamation case centres on tweets by Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz that she claims imply she pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a police complaint regarding the alleged rape, and that she interfered with Mr Lehrmann's trial.

Speaking in the WA Supreme Court in late January, Justice Solomon had urged the parties to settle the matter at the upcoming mediation hearing on March 5.

'I just wanted to take the opportunity to say, again, how important it is that the parties invest whatever they can to resolve this matter,' he told the court.

If the two-day mediation this week is not successful, a six-week defamation trial will take place in four months' time.

Should the trial go ahead, a list of subpoenas issued by Senator Reynolds' lawyers includes several key players from Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial, which wrapped up in the Federal Court in December but is still waiting on a decision.

They include Lisa Wilkinson, the former host of The Project, which aired Ms Higgins' rape allegations in 2021; Samantha Maiden, the News Corp journalist who first broke the story; and Channel Ten producer Angus Llewellyn.

Linda Reynolds (pictured) says the social media posts damaged her reputation

The defamation matter involving Senator Reynolds, former political staffer Ms Higgins and her partner was last heard in court on January 30.

Lawyers for the parties appeared in the WA Supreme Court to sort out key dates in preparation for a trial should the mediation scheduled for March 5 fail.

They also discussed whether Justice Solomon should oversee the mediation or trial, which is provisionally listed for six weeks from July 24.

He cannot legally do both and Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz want him to handle the mediation, which was opposed by Senator Reynolds.

Justice Solomon repeated his earlier concerns about the human cost of a trial and urged the parties to work together to resolve the matter before it gets to trial.

Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz left Australia to start a new life in France in December, after she had completed her evidence at Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial.

However, they have returned to Australia for the civil matter with Senator Reynolds.

Reynolds had reportedly been seeking advice from French lawyers about her right to enforce an Australian judgment against assets the pair may have in France.

She is suing Mr Sharaz over tweets he made and a Facebook comment in 2022.

Among the defamatory imputations claimed against Mr Sharaz's tweets were that Senator Reynolds pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a genuine complaint to police, 'is a hypocrite in her advocacy for women's interests and empowerment', interfered in Bruce Lehrmann's trial and bullied Ms Higgins.

Senator Reynolds claims she was also defamed by Mr Sharaz's reply to a comment on her Facebook page that asked how she was still in politics having 'destroyed' Ms Higgins.

The commenter added, 'You're a monster who deserves to be in jail.'

Mr Sharaz responded: 'Thanks for reminding her. I hope she hears this every day until she dies', the senator's statement of claim says.

Ms Higgins is accused of posting defamatory material on two occasions on her Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Ms Higgins alleged she was raped in 2019 by Mr Lehrmann inside Senator Reynolds' ministerial office, where he also worked as a staffer.

Mr Lehrmann consistently denied the allegation, and his trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by juror misconduct.

Prosecutors decided not to pursue further action, citing concerns of the impact it may have on Ms Higgins' mental health.

Mr Lehrmann has since been charged with raping a woman in Queensland and his lawyers have indicated he will plead not guilty.
A helpless teenage autistic girl was bashed by a gang of thugs in a sickening incident captured on video.

Dakota, 14, was walking along Melbourne's Altona pier with her friend when five older teenage girls set upon her on Wednesday afternoon.

The Year 9 student was punched more than 50 times and dragged by her hair as one of the cruel thugs poured an energy drink over her head.

Dakota suffered serious injuries, including two black eyes, and spent the night in hospital.

Footage of the attack was posted online before being sent to Dakota's sister.

Dakota, 14, from Melbourne's west, had been walking along Melbourne's Altona pier with her friend when five older teenage girls set upon her on Wednesday afternoon

'The paramedic counted how many times my daughter has this blow to the head and it was over 55,' Dakota's mother, who did not wish to be named, told 9News.

'They thought it was funny. She could have been killed.'

The attack may have kept going, if not for the intervention of a man nearby.

'That's enough man. She's little yeah,' the man could be heard saying in the background of the video.

Dakota's mother said her shy and timid daughter had only just started to come out of her shell.

But she is now too scared to leave home without her mother.

'To see your daughter go through that and you're just helpless. My daughter won't even go back to school now, so there's her education,' she said.

Police told Daily Mail Australia the attackers are known to the victim, but no arrests have yet been made.

The Year 9 student was punched more than 50 times and dragged by her hair as one of the cruel thugs poured an energy drink over her head
China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs meets with Russian deputy FM

Xinhua) 09:19, March 04, 2024

Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui (R) meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in Moscow, Russia, on March 2, 2024. Li arrived Saturday evening in Moscow to begin the second round of shuttle diplomacy concerning the Ukraine crisis. Li met with Galuzin and exchanged views in depth on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui arrived Saturday evening in Moscow to begin the second round of shuttle diplomacy concerning the Ukraine crisis.

Li met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and exchanged views in depth on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, as well as the beginning of the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture, the two sides agreed that they should fundamentally follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push forward the development of bilateral relations.

Li said that it has been two years since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis. History shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue.

China is ready to continue its efforts to promote peace talks, carry out shuttle diplomacy, mediate and build consensus among Russia, Ukraine, and other relevant parties, and promote a final political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Galuzin agreed that the Ukrainian crisis should ultimately be resolved through negotiations, and appreciated China's unique and constructive role in this regard.

He spoke highly of China's second round of shuttle diplomacy and expressed hope to continue to strengthen communication with China.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Govt begins steps to suspend licenses of 7,000 striking trainee doctors

By Jun Ji-hye

Patients could face more significant disruptions to medical services as the government and doctors continue to clash over the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's plan to increase medical school admissions quotas.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare initiated the process of suspending the licenses of approximately 7,000 interns and resident doctors on Monday, who defied the government's directive to resume work. The government's move follows a nationwide walkout by thousands of trainee doctors, which began on Feb. 19.

In addition, an increasing number of medical fellows, who undergo specialized training after completing a residency, are choosing not to renew their contracts. Typically, these contracts are renewed at the end of February or the beginning of March. The decision to leave hospitals stems from the overwhelming increase in workload, as these fellows have been filling the gap in medical services created by striking junior doctors.

At the five largest hospitals in Seoul, the ratios of trainee doctors and medical fellows stand at 37 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Together, they comprise more than 50 percent of the entire medical professionals at these institutions.

Recent graduates from various medical schools are also declining to begin their internships, typically scheduled to commence at the start of March, as part of their collective action against the government. This reluctance dashes hopes that the new interns could alleviate the shortage of medical services.

Doctors are protesting the governments decision to raise the enrollment quota at 40 medical schools nationwide by 2,000 from the current 3,058 starting next year. This proposal is aimed at addressing a shortage of doctors and improving public access to medical services. However, doctors argue that the current education and training systems in medical schools are ill-equipped to accommodate such an expansion.

Since the health ministry announced the policy on Feb. 6, it has stuck to the hard-line stance, threatening to take all available administrative and legal measures without exceptions against those who engage in what it said was an illegal collective action.

The warning, however, has done little to bring striking trainee doctors back to work, even after the ministry issued an ultimatum, imposing last Thursday as the deadline to return.

As of the deadline day, 8,945 trainee doctors, constituting 72 percent of all such physicians, had still vacated their worksites.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said the ministry had initiated procedures to suspend the licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors out of the total 8,945 who had left their worksites.

Those who defied the governments order to return to work will inevitably face license suspensions lasting at least three months, Park said during a media briefing.

Those who receive a three-month license suspension will be unable to fulfill the training period requirements. Consequently, this delay will postpone their qualification as medical specialists by more than a year.

Park added, License suspensions will also appear on their permanent records, which could count against them in their future job searches.

Park emphasized that this punishment would be irreversible but will be implemented gradually, taking into account limitations in manpower to handle the matter and the potential medical chaos that could result.

Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong urged medical fellows to maintain their determination to treat patients and advised them not to alter their career paths, during a government meeting earlier in the day.

In response to the ongoing confrontations, the government launched four dedicated situation rooms for emergency medical services on Monday. These rooms aim to improve the supervision and management of transferring emergency or critical-care patients. This initiative comes at a time when the operations of emergency rooms at many hospitals have been severely affected by the ongoing doctor's strike.

Additionally, the government has allocated approximately 120 billion won ($90 million) in reserve funds. These funds are earmarked for compensating doctors who have continued their duties in hospitals, recruiting alternative medical professionals and extending the operating hours of public hospitals.

Meanwhile, the World Medical Association (WMA), the international organization representing physicians worldwide, issued statements on Friday and Sunday, expressing its unwavering support for the Korea Medical Association, the nations largest coalition of doctors.

WMA noted that the right to collective action is universal, stating medical students and young doctors in Korea are peacefully practicing their rights within the boundaries of the law.

I strongly urge the Korean government to reconsider its actions and cease the forceful measures imposed on the medical community, WMA President Lujain Al-Qodmani said.

The principles of justice, human rights and ethical health care demand a collaborative approach. A resolution should respect the rights of physicians and ensures the wellbeing of both medical professionals and the patients they serve.
This is the dramatic moment police kick down the door of a flaming South Kensington block of flats and bravely race into the building to save residents.

The footage captures a daring rescue pulled off by police officers and the fire brigade after a fire broke out at a terrace house on Emperor's Gate in the early hours of Friday morning.

More than a dozen fire engines were called to the terrace house, which had been converted into six flats, to put out the fire and evacuate at least 15 residents.

Nobody suffered any major injuries as a result of the fire and police have arrested a 25-year-old man.

The video begins with a police officer swiftly kicking down the door of the block of flats before rushing in through a smoke filled hallway to rescue residents.

A Metropolitan Police officer kicks in the front door of the block of flats

The police officer rushes into the flaming building as 15 residents are evacuated

Officers look for residents in a ground floor flat after kicking the door in

The fire is understood to have started 15 minutes after midnight in South Kensington

The scene outside the terrace house shows the flames engulf the ground floor

The officer then kicks in the door of a ground floor flat which black smoke billows out of before a woman comes down the stairs in a panic.

READ MORE: Fifteen fire engines and 100 firefighters rush to early morning blaze at terraced house converted into flats in Kensington

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The officers all say 'get out' to the woman as she scrambles for the door. The video cuts to the scene on the street outside which shows intense flames coming out of a ground floor apartment.

An officer then shouts up to a resident on the second floor, telling them to 'get down on the floor and cover the door' before she says, 'there's a person trapped on the second floor' into her radio.

As the flames become bigger, the fire brigade arrive and begin putting out the blaze before a fireman climbs a ladder to rescue the resident trapped on the second floor.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection to the fire as six residents and seven police officers suffered from smoke inhalation, the Metropolitan Police said.

Superintendent Jill Horsfall, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Kensington and Chelsea, said: 'The bravery and professionalism of the Met officers who responded so rapidly to this terrifying fire shows the very best of policing.

'They acted without hesitation to rapidly enter a burning building full of smoke and to save lives. Our subsequent investigation will be equally tenacious and we now have a man in custody.

'Working with our partners and communities to keep Londoners safe is exactly why police officers come to work every day.

'We are recruiting people who share our determination to do just this. Please search "Met Careers" if you're interested in a career with the Met.'

A firefighter climbs a building to rescue a resident that was trapped on the second floor

An officer shouts up to the resident who is trapped, telling them to 'get down' on the ground

A police officer uses a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze

A police officer looks on as flames billow out of the property

The body camera footage captures the officers as they bravely save residents in the building

Video on social media shows flames leaping into the sky through the roof of the building

Firefighters were called to the building in Emperor's Gate at around 12.30am after the blaze broke out

Video taken from the scene and shared on social media shows flames tearing through the roof and the top floor of the structure as firefighters try to douse the inferno as multiple emergency services battle the blaze.

London Fire Brigade said 15 people were evacuated from the five-storey building before they arrived.

In a statement, LFB said: 'Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire at a terraced house converted into flats on Emperor's Gate in South Kensington.

'Half of the ground floor of the five storey building is alight. Around 15 people left the building before the Brigade arrived.

'The Brigade was called at 0031 and is still at the scene. Fire crews from Kensington, Fulham, Battersea, Hammersmith, Chelsea, North Kensington and surrounding fire stations are in attendance.

'The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.'

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea tweeted: 'We are aware of the situation and liaising with emergency services to offer support.'
More than 300 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on the same day a seven-year-old girl drowned while trying to make the journey.

The child had been travelling with her pregnant mother, her father and three siblings in a boat carrying 16 people when she died after it capsized into the River Aa, at Watten, some 20 miles inland from Calais.

The Prefet du Nord said another couple, two men and six young children were also on board when the boat got into difficulty in the early hours of the morning off the French coast. They were all taken to hospital in Dunkirk.

Police confirmed at least three alleged people smugglers were in custody in France yesterday, following the death of the seven-year-old girl.

The Home Office recorded 327 people arrived in the UK on the same day after making the journey in eight boats, suggesting an average of around 41 people per boat.

Pictured: A group of migrants seen heading towards the UK in English waters

Pictured: Migrants being escorted by the French vessel Abeille Normandie

Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants are brought into Dover, Kent by a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel

Pictured: The Border Force vessel picking up a group of people, thought to be migrants

Pictured: A group of migrants seen heading towards the UK in an inflatable boat

READ MORE: Seven-year-old girl dies in Channel crossing attempt after migrants tried to sail to Britain Advertisement

The latest crossings take the provisional number of arrivals for the year so far to 2,582.

It comes as Rishi Sunak defended his stalled plan to send migrants to Rwanda as a 'worthwhile investment', despite the public spending watchdog revealing the cost of the policy could soar to half a billion pounds.

Last week the National Audit Office (NAO) said the deportation plan could cost taxpayers nearly 2 million for each of the first 300 asylum seekers sent to the east African nation, prompting Labour to brand the news a 'national scandal'.

The Home Office had so far refused to say how much more money, on top of the 290 million already confirmed, the UK has agreed to pay Kigali under the initial five-year deal but the NAO report uncovered millions more in spending, including 11,000 for each migrant's plane ticket.

The Prime Minister is trying to revive the flagship asylum scheme - central to his pledge to stop Channel crossings - and prevent more legal challenges by pushing through legislation which will declare Rwanda a safe country while also ratifying a new treaty.

The Rwanda Bill returns to the House of Lords on Monday, with a series of votes expected.

Pictured: A caravan wades past a string of buoys, being constructed to deter migrants crossings through the Rio Grande river, as they look for an opening in the concertina wire to enter into Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S

Pictured: Migrants sitting on top of an inflatable boat on fairly choppy waters

The latest crossings take the provisional total number of arrivals in 2024 so far to 2,006

Pictured: Migrants struggle to stay on the vessel heading towards the UK

Pictured: Migrants about to be picked up by Border Force

Pictured: An aerial shot of the Border Force vessel

None of those onboard the 'apparently stolen' inflatable vessel on Sunday were wearing lifejackets, or had any kind of a lifesaving equipment with them.

Charlotte Huet, the Dunkirk Prosecutor, said the seven-year-old girl was pulled out of the water by emergency workers but died 'as a result of cardiorespiratory arrest'.

The family were all were taken into care by social services, along with the six other children, while arrests were made within hours.

Ms Huet confirmed that at least three suspected people smugglers were handcuffed and taken away by gendarmes.

The prosecutor said a criminal enquiry had been opened for 'manslaughter, unintentionally causing injuries, criminal conspiracy and aiding illegal immigration within an organised gang, while endangering others.'

She said that none of the identities of those connected with the case, nor their countries of origin, could yet be confirmed.
The Princess of Wales's uncle Gary Goldsmith signing up for Celebrity Big Brother is the 'last thing she needs' as her recovery continues, a royal expert said today.

Mr Goldsmith, the outspoken brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, is set to enter the house tonight as the ITV reboot of the reality television show begins.

But royal commentator Phil Dampier said that while the 58-year-old businessman will likely go into the house 'determined to only say nice things' about Kate and William, 'after several days his tongue may loosen and he may say things he later regrets'.

Kate is away from official royal engagements until after Easter after major surgery in January, with Kensington Palace insisting last week that she was still 'doing well'.

She has not been seen at any royal events since attending church at Sandringham on Christmas Day with William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis.

But a reality TV appearance for 'black sheep' Mr Goldsmith will cause a headache for the royals amid speculation about Kate as she recovers from abdominal surgery.

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith (left) collects outfits from a Soho tailor on Saturday

Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith is pictured out in London in March last year

Kate was last seen on Christmas Day 2023 with her family attending church at Sandringham

Mr Goldsmith reportedly tried to gain a spot on ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here last year, but was turned down over concerns it could embarrass his niece.

ANALYSIS: Gary's tongue may loosen after several days By PHIL DAMPIER The last thing the Princess of Wales needs at the moment is for her uncle to be talking about her on Celebrity Big Brother. And I'm not surprised at reports her mother Carole is not happy with her brother being in the House. I'm sure he will go in there determined to only say nice things about her and William as he has in the past. And he probably intends to criticise Harry and Meghan if he gets the chance. But after several days his tongue may loosen and he may say things he later regrets. Certainly any indication about Kate's medical condition will not go down well with her or William. I'm sure Gary wants to support his family but giving more publicity to them at the moment is not what they want. It would be interesting to know if he consulted Carole or Kate before deciding to go into the House, which presumably he is doing for the money. He has caused embarrassment for them in the past with his Maison de Bang Bang misdemeanours, but he has cleaned up his act in recent years and mainly stayed out of the limelight. The Big Brother bosses will want him to spill the beans - after all why else would he be in there? - but Kate and William will be hoping he manages to be sensible and focus on other housemates and their problems. Advertisement

He is said to have told friends that he won't do anything to hurt Kate or William - but he has previously attacked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they could therefore now be in the firing line.

And Mr Dampier told MailOnline today: 'The last thing the Princess of Wales needs at the moment is for her uncle to be talking about her on Celebrity Big Brother.

'And I'm not surprised at reports her mother Carole is not happy with her brother being in the house.

'I'm sure he will go in there determined to only say nice things about her and William as he has in the past. And he probably intends to criticise Harry and Meghan if he gets the chance.

'But after several days his tongue may loosen and he may say things he later regrets.'

The commentator also warned that 'any indication about Kate's medical condition will not go down well with her or William', adding: 'I'm sure Gary wants to support his family but giving more publicity to them at the moment is not what they want.'

Mr Dampier said it would be interesting to know whether Mr Goldsmith consulted Carole or Kate before deciding to go into the house, which 'presumably he is doing for the money'.

And he continued: 'He has caused embarrassment for them in the past with his Maison de Bang Bang misdemeanours, but he has cleaned up his act in recent years and mainly stayed out of the limelight.

'The Big Brother bosses will want him to spill the beans - after all why else would he be in there? - but Kate and William will be hoping he manages to be sensible and focus on other housemates and their problems.'

Prince William and Kate stayed at Mr Goldsmith's Ibiza villa Maison de Bang Bang in 2006 and were due to stay again in 2009 until Mr Goldsmith was involved in a News of the World cocaine sting and caught boasting about his royal connections.

He denied taking drugs and reporter Mazher Mahmood was later jailed for perverting the course of justice.

The house became infamous for being the scene of Mr Goldsmith's seedy nights of excess and his boasts about watching pornography while there.

It is thought that he has been kept at arm's-length by the Middletons over the past decade, with one source saying the family were angered by the latest revelations about Celebrity Big Brother.

Carole Middleton with her husband Michael and Charles and Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011

Carole Middleton and the Princess of Wales attend Royal Ascot in Berkshire on June 20, 2017

An insider told The Sun yesterday: 'Gary said he's been read the riot act by Kate's mum Carole and her dad Michael.

'They aren't happy he's going into Celebrity Big Brother. It is infuriating to them. Kate doesn't need this stress.'

Royal author Angela Levin also told The Sun: 'I think it's cringe-making, very embarrassing, the trouble is he doesn't like Harry and Meghan at all, some of this comments will fall onto Catherine and she's had a lot against her, she's not well, she's in hospital.

'I think when you come out of an operation you're quite vulnerable and this could upset her enormously. In principle people who don't like her could say she encouraged him to do it, but she would have done nothing of the kind.

'It's very embarrassing. It's very hard being a royal, and I don't know if this is a good idea.'

But Mr Goldsmith found support today from PR advisor Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, who defended him in response to claims in the Mirror that he would 'dish dirt' on William.

He tweeted: 'Gary is my former advisor, an extremely generous supporter, and a damn nice and decent chap. I very much doubt this to be the case.'

The issue of Mr Goldsmith's possible involvement in Celebrity Big Brother was also discussed on ITV programme Good Morning Britain today.

Presenter Susanna Reid told viewers: 'If he says anything about Kate it's going to make headlines and Kate is recovering and the palace do not want to be in the headlines.'

Gary Goldsmith with his daughter Tallulah at Pippa Middleton's wedding in Berkshire in 2017

Daily Mail columnist Andrew Pierce replied: 'They're keeping her out of the headlines. We haven't seen a photograph of her, so we haven't seen her since Christmas Day, the last time we saw her, when she was with the family.

READ MORE Flowers for the princess: Prince William thanks Welsh school children as they present him with a bouquet for Kate Middleton as she continues to recover from surgery at home Advertisement

'We had no idea she was about to have major surgery and it obviously was major surgery.'

Reid then added: 'So it relies on Uncle Gary being discreet. And it relies on ITV observing the protocol.'

But Pierce said: 'Well, why do they want him in that house if he's not going to be indiscreet? The whole world is interested because he is the uncle of the Princess of Wales.'

Mr Goldsmith has previously spoken in support of Kate  including to the Mail on Sunday in March 2021 after Harry and Meghan's infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey interview.

He said at the time: 'I've known Kate since she was born and she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. It's just simply not in her nature.

'She's even lovelier on the inside than on the outside. If anyone had a hissy fit, it must have been Meghan. Kate would have been trying to make the peace. I would fight for Kate's honour until the day I die. She is the most spectacular person I've ever met.'

Mr Goldsmith's reported TV appearance also comes as King Charles III continues treatment for cancer and the Royal Family mourns the sudden death of Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor.

Mr Goldsmith has been spotted in recent days trying on a selection of smart suits at tailor Kerrs in London's Soho district, in photos published by the Mirror.

Gary Goldsmith was arrested in 2017 after allegedly assaulting his fourth wife, Julie-Ann, outside their London home. They are pictured together at a film premiere in London in 2013

The Sun also pictured Goldsmith arriving at the ITV studios in London yesterday ahead of his rumoured entrance into the house.

He was seen leaving a black Audi with a suitcase and was wearing a navy cap, jeans, a grey hoodie and a leather jacket.

He walked into the building with two silver suitcases and a suit carrier.

Mr Goldsmith attempted to gain a spot on I'm A Celebrity last year, but was turned down over concerns it could embarrass William and Kate.

He previously spoke out against Harry and Meghan after the release of Spare and is known for his outspoken opinions on the couple. Writing for the Mail last year, he slammed Harry's autobiography Spare as 'petulant, self-serving...fluff'.

Mr Goldsmith has reportedly signed up for the ITV reboot alongside Loose Women's Linda Robson and X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.

His I'm A Celeb audition ended in failure, allegedly because bosses were worried about his potential to embarrass the royal family.

But Celebrity Big Brother chiefs believe his outspoken style will fit well into the format of their show.

Mr Goldsmith was a guest at William and Kate's wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011, and then Kate's sister Pippa Middleton's marriage to James Matthews in 2017.

Gary Goldsmith leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in November 2017 where he was fined 5.000 and given a community order after admitting assaulting his wife

Kate was a bridesmaid at Mr Goldsmith's first wedding to sales executive Miranda Foote in 1991.

He made his living building an IT recruitment business, but has been caught up in scandals, including being pictured with drugs in Ibiza in 2009.

He was also arrested in October 2017 after allegedly assaulting his fourth wife, Julie-Ann, outside their London home.

Mr Goldsmith knocked her to the ground after she accused him of taking drugs during a drunken fight outside their home.

He later pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and was fined 5,000 and handed a 12-month community order with 20 sessions of rehabilitation.

The first series of ITV's Celebrity Big Brother could also include former This Morning host Fern Britton.

The 66-year-old presenter turned author used to host ITV's daytime programme with Phillip Schofield from 2002 to 2009.

Last November, ITV announced the Big Brother spin-off would be returning to screens in 2024 following the reboot of the standard format in October, which saw lawyer Jordan crowned the winner.

In a video, hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best teased the new contestants by reacting to them by giving hints.

They said one is 'competitive', another is 'a good time girl' and a celebrity was also hailed as 'TV's finest'.

Other housemates touted to appear on the launch of the series include Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Bradley Riches, Nikita Kuzmin and Colson Smith.

Gary Goldsmith posed with Lego replicas of William and Kate at Hamleys in London in 2016

Osbourne, along with being the wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne, has appeared on several series of talent show The X Factor alongside judges Simon Cowell and Irish talent agent Walsh.

READ MORE Plans underway for King Charles' Australia visit - despite shock cancer diagnosis Advertisement

Walsh has managed stars including Boyzone, Jedward and Westlife, and has most recently been overseeing the development of five-piece boyband Next In Line, who he has described as a 'modern-day One Direction'.

Meanwhile, Love Island star Culculoglu has just appeared in the second season of the US version of psychological game The Traitors while Smith is a Coronation Street actor.

Riches was in Netflix LGBT+ romance show Heartstopper and Kuzmin is a Strictly dancer - who was a runner up on the last series when he competed with actor Layton Williams.

Reggae Reggae Sauce maker Levi Roots is also rumoured to be joining the cast.

Before the series aired on ITV last year, the controversial reality show last was on Channel 5 in 2018 before being cancelled by the channel.

Celebrity Big Brother will air from Monday on ITV1 and ITVX and the location has been revamped for the famous arrivals.

A spin-off show called Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will follow on ITV2.

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.'

Celebrity Big Brother starts tonight at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player
A grieving widow has hit out at Sadiq Khan's 'anti-motorist' 20mph speed limit while claiming there is 'no money' for a pelican crossing that would have saved her husband's life.

Terence Gillard, 84, was hit by a car on September 11, 2022, while crossing a dangerous junction on the Great West Road in West London, suffering devastating injuries including a brain haemorrhage, a fractured shoulder, a burst lung, broken ribs, and a misaligned spine, eventually dying seven days later.

His partner of 45 years Surjit Gillard, 71, campaigned for a safe crossing to be installed at the point where he died but, despite support from local MP Seema Malhotra, Transport for London (TfL) said there was no money for the project.

Mrs Gillard has blasted Mayor Khan for a string controversial 'vanity project' policies including Ulez, the woke renaming of London Overground lines and reducing many speed limits to 20mph in the capital.

She said: 'He has shown contempt for me. I am very angry, him saying he wants to reduce fatalities and injuries but the driver who hit my husband was doing 18 or 19mph.

'A pelican crossing would have saved my husband's life that day. He would have had the time to cross. He would have made sure he had the time to cross.

'They said we can't afford to do pelican crossing but he can afford to reduce the speed limits.

Widow Surjit Gillard with her husband Terence and their son Arjun, who set up the petition

Arjun Gillard with his mother Surjit and local MP Seema Malhotra

Mrs Gillard has blasted Mayor Khan for a string of controversial 'vanity projects'

'Ulez isn't saving lives, it's just more money for vanity projects. He is not doing anything to help Londoners.

'City Hall's priorities are in the wrong place - he has mucked up central London and now he is doing the same with outer London.'

Terry was known as a pillar of the community, he was the chairman of his local residents' association and a former soldier in the Royal Signals Corps

Following her husband's death, Mrs Gillard and the couple's son Arjun, 34, launched a petition which attracted 735 signatures. The petition called for TfL and Hounslow Council to install safety features including a pelican crossing on the junction with Jersey Road.

Mrs Gillard said: 'When I did the petition because I don't want anybody to go through what my son and I are going through - people say it gets better but it just gets worse.

'We held a meeting in my flat with local MP Seema Malhotra and people from TfL. A petition was read out in Parliament and TfL was supposed to come back in a couple of months but they never came back. I have called and emailed his office but nobody has ever bothered to reply. Eventually they just said there was no money available and try in three years.

'It was of utmost importance when they changed the road here. Cars are coming every which way and they take their life in their hands.

'Not everybody can run, how much would it have cost him to put pelican lights there. Less than changing the signs.

'Reducing the speed doesn't make any difference, it just generates more pollution.

'He's not looking after the residents of London, he is looking after himself. He has no time for little people. My petition counts for nothing.'

The scene of the road crash in 2022 which Terence died from

In the aftermath of the crash, police said the driver of the car that hit Terry, aged in his 60s, stopped at the scene and was interviewed under caution. However, the Met later announced the enquiry into the collision has now been closed with no action taken against the driver.

Mr Khan and TfL have been vocal in their support for the new 20mph speed limits on key routes around the capital.

As part of the Vision Zero scheme, the Mayor is aiming to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network by 2041.

A number of measures have been introduced to deal with this including Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, red routes and the 20mph speed limits.

But figures last week revealed the equivalent of one in every four cars registered in London have been slapped with speeding fines for exceeding 20mph in the past six years

Some 595,000 tickets have been issued by the Metropolitan Police since 2018, which is 85 per cent of the 700,000 fines handed out over the same time period across the whole of Britain.

This was revealed by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by The Times, which found that the Met has increased the number of tickets issued for 20mph offences by 700 per cent since 2018.

TfL has been contacted for comment.
The European Union hit Apple with a massive $2 billion fine after finding that the tech giant unfairly favored its own music streaming service over rivals such as Spotify.

Despite the decision, Apple has vowed to appeal.

The company banned app developers from 'fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services outside of the app,' said the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc's executive arm and top antitrust enforcer.

That is illegal under EU antitrust rules. Apple behaved this way for almost a decade, which meant many users paid 'significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions,' the commission said.

The fine follows a long-running investigation triggered by a complaint from Spotify five years ago.

In response to the fine, Apple released a statement alleging that the commission had failed to find 'any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.'

At a press conference Monday, Margrethe Vestager, shown here, the European Commission executive vice president, accused Apple of 'abusing' its position

Apple CEO Tim Cook, shown here in December 2022, has been at odds with the European Union for years, most recently regarding a dispute over the company's pay services

The lawsuit came about thanks to a complaint from Spotify, that company's CEO Daniel Ek is shown here

The fine comes five years after Spotify first complained about Apple unfairly favoring its own music streaming

In response to the fine, Apple said that the evidence did not back up the commission's decision and that Spotify pays 'nothing' to be present on the app store

'While we respect the European Commission, the facts simply dont support this decision,' the statement continued. Apple has promised to appeal the ruling.

The statement goes on to remark that Spotify pays Apple 'nothing for the services that have helped to make them one of the most recognizable brands in the world.'

'Were proud to play a key role supporting Spotifys success  as we have for developers of all sizes,' the statement remarked.

At a press conference Monday, Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission executive vice president, accused Apple of 'abusing' its position.

'For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store. From now on, Apple will have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their own users.'

'[The fine] reflects both Apples financial power and the harm that Apples conduct inflicted on millions of European users,' Vestager said.

Vestager has led global efforts to crack down on Big Tech companies, including a series of multibillion-dollar fines for Google and charging Meta with distorting the online classified ad market.

Google was hit with an $10 billion fine from Vestager's office while Apple was ordered to pay $15 billion to the Irish government over unfair tax breaks.

The commission also has opened a separate antitrust investigation into Apple's mobile payments service.

The commission's investigation initially centered on two concerns.

One was the iPhone maker's practice of forcing app developers that are selling digital content to use its in-house payment system, which charges a 30 percent commission on all subscriptions.

But the EU later dropped that to focus on how Apple prevents app makers from telling their users about cheaper ways to pay for subscriptions that don't involve going through an app.

The investigation found that Apple banned streaming services from telling users about how much subscription offers cost outside of their apps, including links in their apps to pay for alternative subscriptions or even emailing users to tell them about different pricing options.

The fine comes the same week that new EU rules are set to kick in that are aimed at preventing tech companies from dominating digital markets.

The Digital Markets Act, due to take effect Thursday, imposes a set of do's and don'ts on 'gatekeeper' companies including Apple, Meta, Google parent Alphabet, and TikTok parent ByteDance - under threat of hefty fines.

The DMA's provisions are designed to prevent tech giants from the sort of behavior that's at the heart of the Apple investigation.

Apple has already revealed how it will comply, including allowing iPhone users in Europe to use app stores other than its own and enabling developers to offer alternative payment systems.

The commission also has opened a separate antitrust investigation into Apple's mobile payments service, and the company has promised to open up its tap-and-go mobile payment system to rivals in order to resolve it.
The former long-serving chief financial officer of the Trump Organization Allen Weisselberg has pleaded guilty to perjury and given five months in jail for lying during the former president's fraud trial.

The 76-year-old arrived in a New York court in handcuffs and wearing a surgical masks on Monday morning after he surrendered and was arrested on the new charges.

He was taken into custody and then walked with his head down into the courtroom where he raised his hand to the judge and pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury.

Weisselberg, who worked for Trump's family business 50 years, admitted that he lied on the stand and during testimony in the blockbuster civil fraud trial that resulted in a $450million fine for Donald Trump.

The former long-serving chief financial officer of the Trump Organization Allen Weisselberg arrived in a New York court in handcuffs on Monday morning after surrendering over new perjury charges

The 76-year-old pleaded guilty to two perjury charges and was told he faces five months in jail when he is sentenced on April 10

The judge said he will be given a prison term of five months when he returns for sentencing on April 10, and allowed Weisselberg to leave the court without handcuffs on.

He will likely be sent back to Rikers Island to serve out his term, having already spent 100 days in the notorious New York jail on tax fraud charges before his release in April.

Prosecutors accused Weisselberg of lying under oath when he answered questions in a deposition in May and at the October trial about allegations that Trump lied about his wealth on financial statements given to banks and insurance companies.

He agreed to plead guilty to two counts of felony perjury, and prosecutors recommended five months in jail.

Weisselberg, who worked at the business 50 years, is expected to admit that he lied on the stand during the blockbuster trial that resulted in a $450million fine for Donald Trump

Weisselberg sat in the front row of the Manhattan courtroom has he waited for his case to be called on Monday morning

The 76-year-old walked into the courtroom with his head down where he is set to plead guilty to perjury for lying during the former president's civil fraud trial

'The harm caused by the crime of perjury tears at the very fabric of our justice system,' prosecutor Gary Fishman said at the hearing.

Prosecutors took his age into account, and the fact he would likely 'accept responsibility for his conduct'.

It is the second criminal conviction for Trump's longtime lieutenant who has refused to turn on his old boss.

He is not expected to implicate the former president after making the guilty plea, The New York Times reported.

Weisselberg, who has medical issues, is also not to expected to testify at Trump's trial over his hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The trial in Manhattan, the first for the former president, is set to begin on March 25. It is the only one of the four cases against Trump that has a definitive start date.

Weisselberg is not expected to implicate the former president when he makes the guilty plea later today

The longtime Trump CFO stood in his handcuffs in the courtroom as he waited to plead guilty to the charges

The full details of the charges or the sentence he could face are not yet clear. He could also be prosecuted for allegedly misleading investigators in the New York fraud investigation

The judge said he will be given a prison term of five months when he returns for sentencing on April 10, and allowed Weisselberg to leave the court without handcuffs on

The full details of the charges or the sentence he could face are not yet clear. He could also be prosecuted for allegedly misleading investigators in the New York fraud investigation

Weisselberg is pictured alongside Trump's lawyer Alina Habba before testifying as a witness in the civil fraud trial against the former president and the Trump Organization

Weisselberg and his wife Hillary before his legal troubles associated with the Trump Organization

The guilty plea means Weisselberg could face extra time in New York's notorious Rikers Island jail, where he spent 100 days after pleading guilty to tax fraud in 2022

In 2022, Weisselberg pleaded guilty to 15 counts of tax fraud for his work at the Trump Organization.

He was sentenced to five months in prison, serving his stint in the New York jail before spending the rest on supervised release.

He is still on probation for those charges and prior to that he had no criminal record.

Trump has also been steadfast in his support for Weisselberg.

The real estate mogul rewarded Weisselberg for his loyalty by giving him a $2million settlement when he left the Trump Organization last year.
Daniel Sebastian Allen, 33, was jailed for 29 years last week for the blaze

A mother who died in a house fire started by her partner would never have entered into a suicide pact with him, her sister has told MailOnline.

Daniel Sebastian Allen was jailed for 29 years last week for the blaze at the isolated bungalow that killed his partner Denise Gossett and her daughter Sabrina, 19, son Roman, 16, and her 15-month-old grand-daughter Morgana near Derrylin in Co Fermanagh six years ago.

Allen, 33, had cruelly claimed that he had set fire to the house as part of a suicide pact with Denise, 45.

But Denise's sister today hit back at Allen's 'wicked lies'  and insisted she would never do anything to harm her two children or granddaughter.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Frances Gosset said: 'I can assure you that Allen is lying about the suicide pact. My sister was devoted to her kids and adored her granddaughter. She would never do anything to hurt them.

'And she was so scared of being burnt alive that she once told me she didn't even want to be cremated after she died.'

Frances added: 'To this day I do not know what happened to the remains of my family. I don't even know where they are buried. I personally feel that 29 years in prison for four lives is a small price to pay, that is seven and a half years per life taken.

Daniel Sebastian Allen admitted the manslaughter of Denise Gossett, 45, (pictured) by reason of suicide pact

Allen, 33, previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his partner Denise Gossett, and murder of the other three family members

She added: 'It will haunt me forever.'

At Belfast Crown Court, judge Mr Justice O'Hara told Allen he would not be considered for release until 2047.

The killer, who admitted three counts of murder and one count of manslaughter, showed no emotion as he was led away from the dock.

Allen had also admitted arson with intent to endanger life.

During the trial it emerged Roman and Morgana died after being poisoned by the strong sedative GHB.

Allen had told police he had strangled Sabrina to death but that was disputed by prosecutors who said the cause of her death could not be confirmed.

Denise, with soot in her lungs, is known to have still been alive when the fire took hold. She died from smoke inhalation.

Denise, known to her family affectionately as 'Dee', had lived in Doncaster with her family before she met Allen, who was 18 years her junior, on a dating website.

Eventually she moved to Northern Ireland in 2016 to start a new life with him. At first the couple lived with Denise's teenage children in a van before setting up home in a remote cottage in County Fermanagh.

One of those killed in the fire in 2018 was 15-month-old Morgana Quinn

Pictured: Forensic and fire officers at the house in Derrylin, Fermanagh

Sabrina Gossett, 19, was also killed in the fire alongside her 15-month-old daughter Morgana

Denise's sister said that the family were unsure about Allen as soon as they were introduced to him. She said he is from an 'unstable, unhappy background' and 'lived most of his life online' and 'in a fantasy world'. She said he was coercive and controlling and accused him of killing Dee's dogs.

Frances said: 'The first time Dee introduced me to him on FaceTime he looked like a young boy. He is the same age as my son.

'I used to talk to her and Sabrina a lot on Facebook, but after she met Allen it all went quiet.

'I was worried, of course, but because I did not have their address, I didn't feel I could ask the police to check on them.

Roman Gossett, 16, was also killed in the blaze - Allen admitted to murdering him, Sabrina and Morgana

'Dee lied to me about him. She said they had broken up and her Sabrina and Roman had moved to Ireland alone. He was never in the video calls in Ireland.

'Then in February 2018 I found out about the fire that killed my family from a message on Facebook saying, 'I am sorry for your loss'.'

Denise's ex-husband also cannot believe that she would deliberately set her home alight as she was terrified of fire.

Wayne Pearson, who is the father of the murdered teenagers Sabrina and Roman, was married to Denise for 18 years before separating in 2014.

Mr Pearson, a bus driver from Aberdeen, told MailOnline: 'Dee suffered with her mental health throughout her life.

Speaking outside court following the sentencing Detective Inspector Miller said Allen has been held accountable for his actions

'But I don't think she could have set the house alight. Dee did not like fire.

'She was afraid of being burnt alive.'

A report from the Coroner of Northern Ireland confirmed Denise's cause of death as 'Smoke Inhalation'.

Delivering sentence, Mr Justice O'Hara said Allen will serve 29 years in prison before he can be considered for release.

The judge said the killings required planning and could not be explained by a 'sudden detachment from reality or loss of control'.

'There is a very dangerous and disturbing part of his make-up that led to these murders,' he added.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Ex-minister Paul Scully today launch a broadside at the Tories' political lurch to the right today as he became the latest party MP to announce they will quit at the next election.

The former London minister became the 59th to reveal they will step down later this year amid gloom over the party's prospects of holding on to power.

He launched a broadside into the state of the Conservative machine as he announced he would not contest his Sutton and Cheam seat, saying it had 'lost its way' and needed wider appeal.

After weeks of bitter public arguments over the economy, immigration and race relations he warned that it was in an 'ideological cul-de-sac' and risked seeing support wither away even further if it did not attract younger supporters.

In a pithy summation he urged the party to return to the centre ground, saying: 'We can work with the bell curve or become the bell-ends. We need to make that decision. I fear the electorate already is!

He also criticised the decision to choose Susan Hall to run for London mayor, after he failed to make the shortlist.

It came as a new poll showed Tory support at its lowest level for almost 50 years.

The former London minister became the 59th Tory MP to reveal they will step down later this year amid gloom over the party's prospects of holding on to power.

In a pithy summation he urged the party to return to the centre ground, saying: 'We can work with the bell curve or become the bell-ends. We need to make that decision. I fear the electorate already is!'

Mr Scully told the Evening Standard he had been disappointed not to make the three-strong shortlist to be the Conservative candidate, adding: 'I don't think they had Londoners' best interests [in mind] when they were working out the job description that they were trying to select for.'

The latest Ipsos poll for the Standard found the Tories were on 20 per cent support - down from 26 per cent last month, and lower than at any point since 1978

Writing on X this morning, Mr Scully said: 'Fuelled by division, the party has lost its way and needs to get a clear focus which I hope the Budget can start to provide. It needs a vision beyond crisis management which can appeal to a wider section of the electorate including younger people.

'If we just focus on core vote, eventually that core shrinks to nothing. Talk more about housing; renting first because home ownership has drifted too far from so many. Show a real connection and empathy with other generations

'Otherwise we risk pushing ourselves into an ideological cul-de-sac. The standard deviation model is true in politics. Most people are in the middle.'

Who are the Tory MPs standing down at the general election? Douglas Ross, Moray Sir Charles Walker, Broxbourne Crispin Blunt, Reigate Mike Penning, Hemel Hempstead Adam Afriyie, Windsor Chloe Smith, Norwich North William Wragg, Hazel Grove Dehenna Davison, Bishop Auckland Sajid Javid, Bromsgrove Sir Gary Streeter, South West Devon Andrew Percy, Brigg and Goole Mark Pawsey, Rugby George Eustice, Camborne and Redruth Edward Timpson, Eddisbury Jo Gideon, Stoke-on-Trent Central Stephen McPartland, Stevenage Sir Paul Beresford, Mole Valley Robin Walker, Worcester Sir Graham Brady, Altrincham and Sale West Pauline Latham, Mid Derbyshire Gordon Henderson, Sittingbourne and Sheppey Craig Whittaker, Calder Valley Nicola Richards, West Bromwich East Henry Smith, Crawley John Howell, Henley Sir Robert Goodwill, Scarborough and Whitby Jonathan Djanogly, Huntingdon Dr Matthew Offord, Hendon Alister Jack, Dumfries and Galloway Richard Bacon, South Norfolk Dominic Raab, Esher and Walton Philip Dunne, Ludlow Andy Carter, Warrington South Will Quince, Colchester Royston Smith, Southampton Itchen Sir William Cash, Stone Lucy Allan, Telford Steve Brine, Winchester Sir Greg Knight, East Yorkshire Chris Clarkson, Heywood and Middleton Ben Wallace, Wyre and Preston North Trudy Harrison, Copeland Stuart Andrew, Pudsey Stephen Hammond, Wimbledon David Jones, Clwyd West Sir Alok Sharma, Reading West Chris Grayling, Epsom and Ewell John Baron, Basildon and Billericay Nick Gibb, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Dr Lisa Cameron, East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow Jamie Wallis, Bridgend Sir James Duddridge, Rochford and Southend East Oliver Heald, North East Hertfordshire Mike Freer, Finchley and Golders Green Kwasi Kwarteng, Spelthorne Nickie Aiken, Cities of London and Westminster Tracey Crouch, Chatham and Aylesford Kieran Mullan, Crewe and Nantwich Paul Scully, Sutton and Cheam Advertisement

Mr Scully told the Evening Standard he had been disappointed not to make the three-strong shortlist to be the Conservative candidate for London mayor, adding: 'I don't think they had Londoners' best interests [in mind] when they were working out the job description that they were trying to select for.'

His announcement comes says after he was criticised for saying that parts of London with large Muslim populations had become 'no-go areas'.

He told the Standard: 'At the moment we've lost focus as a party. The Budget clearly is a moment to try and regain that focus, but if we don't then there's a real risk that we just repeat the mistakes of 1997 and start chasing an ideology rather than listening to what people actually want.

'I don't want to retire as a politician but I'm not going to be part of the long term solution.

'So it's better for me to go. It's been a real privilege to be the MP for my home area but it's just the right time to go before things outside that home area start to present themselves.'

Mr Scully was among the many critics of Tory MP Lee Anderson, who was suspended for saying that mayor sadiq Khan was controlled by 'Islamists'.

But in a radio interview last week he said he could see what Mr Anderson was trying to drive at in his remarks about pro-Palestinian protests.

In a discussion about whether the Conservatives have a problem with Islamophobia, Mr Scully told BBC Radio London he didn't like the term due to 'wider connotations' and said he preferred to use 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

He went on to suggest that people had 'concerns about their neighbourhoods changing in parts of the North', which he said were being reflected in a 'really, really clumsy way'.

'We've got to have a sensible use of language so we can have a constructive, adult debate about this,' Mr Scully added. Pressed on his remarks, the MP continued: 'The point I am trying to make is, if you look at parts of Tower Hamlets, where there are no-go areas.

'Parts of Birmingham, Sparkhill, there are no-go areas  mainly because of doctrine, mainly because of people abusing in many ways their religion. It's not the doctrine of Islam to espouse what some of these people are saying. That is the concern that needs to be addressed.'

He later apologised for the remarks after being criticised by figures including Tory West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

A shock poll today showed Tory support plunging to a 46-year low today amid signs Jeremy Hunt will fund a 2p cut to national insurance with hikes to other taxes in the Budget.

The unwanted landmark was hit in Ipsos research as the Chancellor and Rishi Sunak race to finalise the crucial pre-election fiscal package, due to be unveiled on Wednesday.

Mr Hunt looks set to try to appease demands to ease the burden on Brits by knocking 2p off national insurance.

But the OBR watchdog's grim outlook on the finances means the cost of around 10billion will need to be at least partly offset by increases elsewhere.

Curbing tax breaks for wealthy non-doms  those who declare their main home is abroad for tax purposes - appears to be on the table, despite Mr Hunt having criticised similar Labour plans.

Another 500million will be raised by imposing a levy on vapes and pumping up tobacco duties.

Higher air passenger duty on business flights, extending the windfall tax on oil and gas firms, and a raid on second home owners who let their properties are also being mooted.

Conservative MPs are already voicing alarm at the prospect of a largely cost-neutral Budget, with just months to go before an election and the tax burden heading for a post-war record

Trimming planned public-sector growth after the election could free up a further 5billion.

However, Conservative MPs are already voicing alarm at the prospect of a largely cost-neutral Budget, with just months to go before an election and the tax burden heading for a post-war record.

And the latest Ipsos poll for the Standard found that the Tories were on 20 per cent support - down from 26 per cent last month, and lower than at any point since 1978.

Previous dark moments for the party include 22 per cent under John Major in May 1995, 23 per cent in July 1997 soon after Tony Blair came to power, and 23 per cent in December 2022 after the Liz Truss meltdown.
Footage of 13-year-old Madeline Soto's murder suspect shows him lingering in the background of an interview with her mother shortly before his arrest last week.

Stephan Sterns, Jenn Soto's boyfriend, was the last person to have seen the middle-schooler alive before she disappeared last week, not having shown up for school that day.

The teen's body was found on Friday in Osceola County, Florida in woods off of Hickory Tree Road about four days after she was first reported missing.

Sterns, who was arrested Wednesday, was not granted bond during an initial hearing.

Ahead of his arrest, however, Sterns, 37, is shown oddly hovering in the background of a video interview his girlfriend - Madeline's mom - was giving.

As she speaks about her missing child, he wanders in-and-out of frame, before taking a seat in the background.

Stephan Sterns, 37, the primary suspect in Madeline Soto's killing, is seen hovering behind her mother in an interview following her disappearance last week

In the wake of his arrest, footage also emerged of Sterns giving a tearful interview with local news just a day after Madeline went missing,

Madeline was reported missing last Monday night in Orlando, Florida, after initial reports said she was last seen that morning near Town Loop Boulevard and Hunter's Park Lane.

However, cops have since said she may have already been dead during her final sighting.

Sterns, who has been identified as the prime suspect in her murder, was arrested on child porn charges and sexual battery after police recovered photos and videos on his phone which were described as 'disturbing'.

He has not been charged in connection with the girl's murder. Video has emerged of an interview Sterns gave to Orlandos WFTV 9 on Tuesday.

'I dropped her off [at school] early, I could have waited longer,' he said tearfully.

'She looked okay she was walking towards the school. I went on with my day. We dont know where she could be, and were scared. I just want her home.'

He added: 'It just keeps coming in waves, reality keeps hitting. We dont know where she is, we dont know if shes safe. Its a living nightmare. I just wanna wake up.'

Deputies say they believe Madeline was never dropped off at Hunter's Creek Middle School on Monday morning, and was dead before then.

They said Sterns allegedly moved her body in the morning hours of Monday after killing her in Kissimmee.

On Friday afternoon, the Orange County Sheriff's Office held a press conference in which that stated that they were 'confident' the girl was dead.

Sheriff John Mina broke the 'devastating news' to Madeline's mother Jenn on Thursday night.

'We believe he moved her body in those early morning hours, and all that is still under investigation,' Sheriff Mina explained.

Jennifer Soto (left) - Madeline's mother - is pictured next to her 13-year-old daughter

Stephan Sterns, 37, the suspect in the murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, has not appeared for his first appearance in court as footage has emerged of him saying 'it's hard not to blame myself'

Madeline Soto, 13, was reported missing last Monday night in Orlando, Florida after she was last seen that morning near Town Loop Boulevard and Hunter's Park Lane. She is pictured celebrating her milestone 13th birthday last Sunday

Police found the teenager's body a short distance away from where she lived

Video evidence shows Stephan Sterns discarding items that included Madeline's backpack and school laptop in a dumpster at the family's Kissimmee apartment complex at 7:35am. on Monday, February 26

Police say they believe the teenager was never dropped off at Hunter's Creek Middle School on Monday morning having been killed hours earlier in Kissimmee.

After Sterns' arrest last week, investigators said they discovered 'disturbing images' when they looked through his phone, along with proof that he attempted to delete evidence of the related material.

Following his arrest, Sterns invoked his right to an attorney and declined to speak during his interview. Investigators said he was also the last person to see the girl. He did not appear in person during his initial court appearance.

Last Friday morning, Sterns was transferred from the Orange County Jail to Osceola County.
Do YOU know the driver? Email alex.hammer@mailonline.com with information

The firefighter who saved a female trucker from a crashed semi last week after it was left dangling off a bridge has offered new insight about the rescue.

Louisville firefighter Bryce Carden successfully retrieved the woman on Friday, after the truck she was driving was sent careening over the edge of the Clark-Memorial Bridge by a car that crossed into the oncoming lane.

The result was a scene out of a movie - with the 18-wheeler somehow threading the needle of the bridge's stanchions before becoming wedged between them.

This left the truck's cab dangling some 100 feet over the Ohio river, and the motorist hanging on for dear life. Fortunately, first-responders like Carden were at the scene, and were able to use a pulley system to pluck the woman from her precarious prison.

Sitting down with Good Morning America, he recalled the operation, and how the woman - whom has yet to be identified - was 'overcome with emotion'.

Officials, meanwhile, revealed her to be a military vet, and food firm Sysco further confirmed she is an employee. Police's probe, as of writing, remains ongoing.

Scroll down for video:

The firefighter who saved a female trucker from a crashed semi last week after it was left dangling off a Louisville-area bridge has offered new insight about the heart-pounding rescue

Louisville firefighter Bryce Carden sat down with Good Morning America Monday to offer new details about the now widely seen rescue on Clark Memorial Bridge this past Friday

"When she realized that she was safe and she was going to live, she was overcome with emotions, as anybody would be."



Firefighter speaks out after rescuing driver hanging off bridge. @eriellereshef has more on the dramatic rescue caught on camera. pic.twitter.com/QQsx2C6Qrv  Good Morning America (@GMA) March 4, 2024

'She was, you know, scared,' recalled Carden, a member of the Louisville Fire Rescue Company with six years' experience.

'She was just like, 'Thank God, Thank God; help me', he went on, only a few days after he hoisted the woman to safety.

'Finally, when she realized that she was safe and she was going to live, she was overcome with emotions, as anybody would be', Carden said.

Modest despite his heroics, he claimed to be 'a very small piece in a large puzzle,' and credited his success to other crewmembers who oversaw the operation 'topside,' as well as others deployed in boats underneath.

Thankful for his crew, he hailed the woman for her bravery - echoing statements from Louisville's own mayor, Craig Greenberg, after the ordeal brought much of the nation to a standstill.

'She is incredibly brave - she is incredibly fortunate,' Mayor Greenberg said in an in-person interview after the inccident.

The details add to insight already provided by Carden on Friday, when he and Fire Chief Brian O'Neill appeared for a press conference hours after the rescue.

At the time, Carden recalled how he and the woman prayed as he took her into his arms, as officials later on would reveal it was another car that swerved into the wrong lane that caused the truck, owned by food supplier Sysco, to crash.

'She was praying a lot and I prayed with her,' Carden told onlookers a few hours after he and several other first responders were sent scrambling to the scene.

'She was, you know, scared,' recalled Carden, a member of the Louisville Fire Rescue Company with six years' experience.

'She was just like, 'Thank God, Thank God; help me', he went on, only a few days after he hoisted the woman to safety.

'Finally, when she realized that she was safe and she was going to live, she was overcome with emotions, as anybody would be', Carden said. The crash sent about half of the truck and its trailer off the bridge, with the former only connected by the vehicle's tow hitch

Fire Chief Brian O'Neill also appeared on the program to provide his take on the incident, which is still under investigaiton

Carden's words echoed those of Louisville Craig Greenberg, who called the woman - whom was discharged from a hospital only hours after the crash - lucky

'We've done some crazy things, but this tops it all,' he continued, revealing Monday that the operation took a little over 40 minutes.

He also revealed how his team trains for similar events on bridges and high-rise buildings, and were well-suited for the particular catastrophe.

'It all goes back to training,' the fire official explained. 'We've done this probably a hundred times.

'Once I reached her she was super calm and collected, and allowed us to do what we do.'

'In the moment, you don't really think about it,' the Jefferson County Public Schools graduate added. 'Your training takes over. Everything slows down and you concentrate on what needs to be done.'

He went on to recall how the adrenaline didn't kick in until after he pulled the driver to safety - as surreal footage captured his heroics over the Ohio river.

That happened about a half hour after the woman's 18-wheeler smashed through barriers installed on the 100-year-old bridge, which connects Louisville with Southern Indiana.

Carden on Monday further explained how it took 40 minutes to set up the appropriate rope system, which was attached to a crane-like structure also deployed to the bridge.

It then took about a half hour to safely repel down to the hanging tractor-trailer, which was only connected to land by the vehicle's tow hitch.

Firefighters were able to see and communicate with the female motorist throughout the process, bother Carden and Chief O'Neill said Friday - with the latter also appearing alongside his subordinate virtually Monday to describe how lucky the still-unnamed woman is.

The details add to insight already provided by Carden on Friday, when he revealed how he and the woman prayed as he took her into his arms

His appeared alongside Fire Chief O'Neill, who also spoke to Good Morning America Monday

'It all goes back to training,' the fire official said. 'We've done this probably a hundred times. 'Once I reached her she was super calm and collected, and allowed us to do what we do'

'In the moment, you don't really think about it,' Carden, a Jefferson County Public Schools graduate, added. 'Your training takes over. Everything slows down and you concentrate on what needs to be done'

'We've done some crazy things, but this tops it all,' he continued, citing how his team often trains for similar events on bridges and high-rise buildings

As of writing, it is unclear what caused the crash, which sent about half of the truck and its trailer off the bridge, though the driver - who was only connected to solid ground thank's to the several-ton vehicle's tow hitch - is said to be safe

Her rescue came around half an hour after the front end of the truck was sent dangling some 80 feet above the Ohio river, as Carden and others worked relentlessly to ready the complex pulley system

The truck belongs to food and kitchen appliance retailer Sysco, which issued a statement confirming the woman was a colleague. As of writing, the bridge remains closed, and it remains unclear if the truck has been removed. DailyMail.com has reached out to fire officials for comment

He added that the incident - despite concluding with a rescue - constituted a worst-case scenario, recalling: 'It was a constant concern that truck could shift at any moment.'

'It is tremendously lucky, if you look at the way that semitruck threaded the kneedle through those bride stanchions, but ended up getting wedged in there [and] not plowing through and ending up in the water,' he told GMA.

He added: 'It's extremely lucky that the entire truck didn't go into the river.'

Officials, meanwhile, are still vetting the incident, but have yet to reveal any of the other parties involved in the crash, saying only that another vehicle struck the woman's after wandering into the wrong lane.

Once the woman was removed, it took crews almost seven hours to remove the several-ton semi from the bridge, which remained closed for more than two days after the incident.

They also said the driver was a military veteran, and cited this experience for her ability to remain calm throughout the roughly hourlong ordeal.

Photos and footage from the scene indicated that truck belonged to food and kitchen appliance retailer Sysco, which confirmed in a statement to DailyMail.com that the driver was a staffer, and has since been discharged from an area hospital.

The statement also saw the food company thank Carden for his heroics, which thanks to helicopters deployed to the scene, was seen by thousands.

'Sysco is enormously grateful to rescue services and law enforcement who quickly and safely resolved the accident on the Clark Memorial Bridge,' a rep said.

'We are thankful our Sysco colleague is safe and are happy to report she has been discharged from the hospital.

'We send our thoughts to others injured in the accident and wish them a full and speedy recovery.

'Special thanks to Firefighter Bryce Carden for his courage, skill, and steely nerves! We salute you!

Around 45 minutes after the truck crashed over the barriers, the Louisville Police Department tweeted that 'the driver of the semi has been rescued from the cab of the vehicle and is on land', with Carden and O'Neil appearing for the brief a few hours later.

Sysco, meanwhile, said it is cooperating with law enforcement's still-ongoing investigation.
Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup has been appointed as Korea's new ambassador to Australia, the foreign ministry said Monday.

Lee served as the first defense chief under the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol from May 2022 to October 2023. Before that, he was the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2017-18.

Lee is known for his expertise in defense policy and planning. He retired as lieutenant general of the Army in February 2019.

The ministry also announced that Kim Pan-kyu, former vice chief of the Navy from 2016-18, will head the Korean mission as the top envoy in Nigeria.

Kim served as the commander of the Navy's First Fleet in 2013 and retired as vice admiral in 2019. (Yonhap)
South Korea's government is threatening to suspend, prosecute and strike off thousands of protesting doctors whose industrial action has caused hundreds of surgeries and appointments to be cancelled.

Nearly 9,000 of the country's 13,000 medical interns and residents have been refusing to work for the last two weeks in protest over a government plan to increase the country's medical school admissions by around two thirds.

The government has responded by issuing a back-to-work order, which under medical law means that those who refuse to return to hospitals could face up to three years in prison and hefty fines.

Health minister Cho Kyoo-hong said that authorities have today launched investigations at 50 training hospitals, which will see them compile a list of those who have not followed the order and therefore risk losing their licenses.

While ministers have urged doctors to think of patient safety and return to work, the Korean Association of Medical Colleges insisted it would resist the 'tyrannical government'.

It comes after junior doctors in the UK last month launched their 10th round of industrial action since March 2023, amid calls from health chiefs to settle the dispute over pay as the NHS faces its own backlog.

Doctors hold a banner during a rally against the government's medical policy in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday

Doctors in Seoul are threatening never to return to work if they are penalised for protesting

A protesting doctor of the Korean Medical Association wears a mask during a doctors' rally against the government's medical policy in Seoul, South Korea, 3 March 2024

Pictures from Seoul show crowds of healthcare workers staging mass protests over the weekend, with around 20,000 thought to have turned out on Sunday despite the government's threats.

Those who do not return to work today could be handed a 30 million won ($22,480) fine, as well as up to one year of license suspensions.

Those sent to prison or given even suspended prison sentences automatically lose their licenses.

The health minister announced that from today, the government will conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned.

He said the government will 'take action according to the law and principle without exception,' adding: 'Please be aware that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path.'

Hyeondeok Choi, partner at the law firm Daeryun that specializes in medical law, said that it would be 'impossible' for the government to suspend the licenses of all the 9,000 doctors.

He said the government would likely target less than 100 of the leading strikers, and that the Health Ministry can file complaints with police, who then investigate and hand the case to prosecutors for a possible indictment.

Doctors and supporters attending a mass rally in Seoul, South Korea, March 3, 2024

The banners read 'Oppose increasing medical school admissions without talks with the medical community' (in blue) and 'Medical education will be harmed in increasing medical school admissions' (in red)

The KMA, which represents 140,000 doctors in South Korea, said it supports the junior doctors' walkouts.

Joo Sooho, a spokesperson at the KMA's emergency committee, said that senior doctors are considering economic support for the strikers if their licenses are suspended.

But the doctors' strikes have so far failed to generate public support, with a survey showing about 80 per cent backing the government's school enrollment plan.

The government says South Korea urgently needs more doctors to deal with a rapidly aging population.

However, with its rapidly ageing population, South Korea is in desperate need of more medical staff.

It has one of the lowest ratios of doctors to patients among the world's richest countries.

Many doctors say an overly steep increase in the number of students would eventually result in undermining medical service.

South Korean Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo speaks during a briefing at the government complex in Sejong, South Korea, Monday, March 4, 2024

They argue that increasing medical school quotas would increase competition between staff, potentially lowering their incomes.

But some critics say doctors, one of the highest-paid professions in South Korea, are putting their pay over patients.

The country's deputy health minister, Park Min-soo, said: 'We again strongly urge them to return to patients by not ignoring the pains of patients hovering between life and death and their families.'

Seoul resident Lee Yeonha, 40, said the striking doctors were 'too selfish' and argued that a three-month license suspension is too lenient.

'I wish the government would take more powerful legal action to get the doctors to fear that they may not be able to work as doctors in this country,' Lee said.

Doctors hold placards and KMA flags during a rally against the government's plan to raise the annual enrolment quota at medical schools, in Seoul on March 3, 2024

Another local, Sunny Shin, supports the arguments by doctors that the government must first resolve fundamental problems if it is to address the backlog.

These include a lack of medical liability protection and a shortage of physicians in key yet low-paying specialties such as pediatrics and emergency departments.

'As long as the crucial sector doctors are likely to be embroiled in lawsuits and still not highly paid, I cannot blame them for protesting against the government labeling them as privileged people neglecting their duties as doctors,' Shin said.

The KMA said in a statement: 'We are risking our jobs and positions against the government's threats of prosecution, facing daily fake news and mockery pouring out from the media, only to prevent the malicious package that will wound the medical system.'
A tiny home in the Las Vegas Valley is creating a big stir.

Nestled between two apartment blocks, the 160 sq ft tiny home, listed for $950 a month, has received more than 113 inquiries from eager renters.

The property's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, built the tiny home himself for a mere $22,000.

He says he landed on the $950-a-month price point out of a heartfelt desire to make the house affordable.

The adorable home is equipped with a standalone dinette set, a two-burner stove, a fridge, a washer and a dryer.

There is also a shower, a second-floor bedroom and a narrow private backyard.

Monthly payments of $950 cover all utilities - water, electricity, plumbing, trash, and wifi.

The property boasts a backyard, which can be accessed through its own special entrance

The tiny home has its own snug kitchen and has a two-burner stove and a washer a dryer

It also comes with a standalone dinette set

Despite the tiny house's cramped living space, interested parties with large families have approached the landlord.

Three different individuals, each with two kids and a dog, have expressed interest in the tiny home.

One hopeful renter even had a family-of-four.

The high demand for tiny homes is symptomatic-and a natural consequence- of the sluggish housing and rental market.

The average rent in Las Vegas is $1,745, and people need to earn $70,000 a year to afford a rental.

Las Vegas' housing issues are emblematic of a national rise in rental costs - across the country, rent is up a staggering 29.4% from what it was in 2020.

As rental costs surge, and the possibility of renting a normal property becomes increasingly remote, more and more people are exploring unconventional living spaces like tiny homes.

Renters, it seems, are willing to sacrifice on space in order to pay a more reasonable rent.

The landlord (pictured above) built this tiny house for $22,000

Over 113 parties expressed interest in the tiny home, some of whom had large families

Rental costs have outpaced wages in Las Vegas and in other parts of the country

The tiny house has a second-floor bedroom, which overlooks the downstairs area

Tiny home communities and minimalist housing colonies are cropping up all over the place, and Nevada's laws are beginning to reflect this trend.

In 2021, Nevada's state legislature passed a law requiring cities with populations in excess of 150,000 to create zoning laws for tiny homes for compliance by 2024.

For the creator of this snug property, who has built about a dozen other tiny homes, he is just doing his part to help the community.

'This economy's tough, and [I'm] just doing my share on trying to help someone out.'
In his State of the Union address on Thursday, President Joe Biden will make the case for his stewardship of the country and attack rival Donald Trump and the 'MAGA Republicans,' all while asking voters whose side they want to be on.

Biden's speech comes as Trump is on the cusp of wrapping up the Republican presidential nomination after the Super Tuesday contests, setting up a repeat election between the two men. The prime time address will give Biden a massive platform before the country, just two days after Trump will speak at Mar-a-Lago following the GOP nominating contests.

The president has spent the weekend cloistered in Camp David with top aides working on his address, which will be laced with election year politics.

President Joe Biden leaves the White House on Friday to spend the weekend at Camp David, where he was working on his State of the Union address

'President Biden will make the case to continue to build the economy from the bottom up and middle out that has led to record job creation, the strongest economy in the world, increased wages and household wealth, and lower prescription drug and energy costs  instead of the MAGA Republican agenda: rewarding billionaires and corporations with tax breaks, taking away rights and freedoms, and undermining our democracy,' said White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt.

The stark choices facing the U.S. will be the propulsive theme of Biden's third State of the Union speech, his advisers told NBC News.

In his remarks, Biden will ask Americans if they want lower health care costs, democratic freedoms and to keep Ukraine from being swallowed up by Russian leader Vladimir Putin? Or do they want to side with drug company profits, tax breaks for the wealthy and Putin?

The underlying argument will be that Biden is on the right side of these issues, as opposed to Trump.

Biden is also expected to address the war between Israel and Hamas in his remarks.

Many voters are expected to tune into the speech, which is one of the biggest platforms a president gets to speak to Americans.

'For regular folks who are not following the day-to-day news cycle, this will break through on [Super] Tuesday,' a Biden campaign adviser told NBC. 'There will be a number of Americans who on Tuesday will stop for the first time and really kind of digest that this is going to be Trump versus Biden in November.'

Trump is expected to sweep a majority of the Republican primary contests on Tuesday. While he may not win enough delegates to have the nomination outright, the math will make it hard for Nikki Haley to come close to him.

Biden's speech will come after Super Tuesday's Republican primaries where Donald Trump (above) is expected to sweep the contests

President Biden at least year's State of the Union address, which takes place in the House of Representatives

Meaning, Biden's speech will come as many voters are finally seeing the 2024 contest as an inevitable repeat of Trump vs. Biden.

The speech will take place in the House chamber on Capitol Hill and the audience will be filled with Republican lawmakers loyal to Trump. Expect them to try and throw Biden off his game as they did last year.

Biden found himself in an unscripted clash with Republicans, when they heckled him for saying they wanted to cut Social Security and Medicare.

But, if Biden makes a mistake, stumbles or falls on his way to the dais, that could be a political death sentence.

After the president's speech, he and his team will spread out across the country to double down on their message.

Biden will go to Pennsylvania and Georgia. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Arizona and Nevada. Other cabinet officials will travel to additional swing states, including Colorado, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee.
A Mississippi woman killed in a mass shooting at a nightclub over the weekend has been named and pictured.

Taleese Chandler, 20, was shot dead in the early hours Sunday at Club Oasis on Highway 45 Alternate in West Point, Clay County.

The shooting also left a dozen others injured who are expected to survive. Club Oasis has been shut down following the latest shooting there.

'It will not reopen until they're given information,' said Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott.

Taleese Chandler, 20, was shot dead in the early hours Sunday at Club Oasis on Highway 45 Alternate in West Point, Clay County

Club Oasis has been shut down following the shooting - which is not the first one the once-bustling business has seen

Security detail at the club believe one of the suspects ran into the woods after opening fire

'In the meantime, I have already been approached by our county government leaders. There is a statute and a law that addresses this so we will be looking at this this week.'

No suspects have been identified in the shooting.

Scott believes there may have been more than one gunman involved in the attack, which he believed was 'pre-planned.' A gun was recovered at the scene.

Security detail at the club believe one of the suspects ran into the woods after opening fire. The club security said they chased him until they lost sight of him and they escaped.

'What we do know is that a party was advertised, and all these individuals came from other counties into our county,' Scott told CNN. 'About 90 percent of the partygoers were from other counties.'

Scott added: 'Per our ordinance, the club is supposed to have security cameras, but for some reason or another, last night, the club owner said his weren't working.'

Locals have taken to social media to pay tribute to Chandler following her tragic death at the club.

'We are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of this beautiful soul and several others that were injured to such a senseless act of violence,' said a local

Brittany Walker claimed the club had hired 14 security guards and it's unclear how firearms were allowed inside.

'Our heartfelt prayers go out, and I urge anyone who witnessed anyone with a gun inside Oasis to promptly inform the Clay County Sheriff's Office with any information that could aid in achieving justice for Taleese Chandler,' Walker wrote on Facebook.

'We are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of this beautiful soul and several others that were injured to such a senseless act of violence.'

Meanwhile Chandler's cousin Dez Chandler wrote: 'Getting that phone call from my mama today crushed me... SweetBaby yall just took the air out of me I went back to sleep thinking it's all a dream love you so much cuddo my soul hurt tho.'

The county is set to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the future of establishments such as Club Oasis.

Scott also encouraged the community to stay away from large gatherings.

'These large gatherings right now are just not wise to do,' Scott said. 'We understand people wanna go and they wanna relax and they wanna have fun, but look around us.

'Again, I think you are taking a chance on your life right now when you go to these large events. So we are just advising everybody to be careful. Parents know where your kids are. Make sure they are not in an environment where they can get hurt.'
An ISIS fanatic who was released from prison early despite being judged as a 'danger to the public' is back behind bars for breaking parole rules.

Mohammed Uddin, 38, travelled to join his terror heroes in war-torn Syria in late 2014 before trying to sneak back to Britain when he became disillusioned with jihadi life.

The former security guard, then living in Barking, east London, was jailed in 2016 for seven years after pleading guilty to trying to join ISIS.

He was released on licence in December 2019 but recalled to prison in February 2023 for having two secret phones and a tablet.

Police who went to his home with a search warrant reported 'he was found in possession of two smartphones and an electronic tablet', breaching his Parole Board release license.

Uddin, now of Hartlepool, County Durham, admitted five counts of breaching notification requirements under the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 at the Old Bailey.

Mohammed Uddin, 38, was jailed for seven years in 2016 for trying to join Isis. He was released in

He travelled to join his terror heroes in war-torn Syria in late 2014 before trying to sneak back to Britain when he became disillusioned with jihadi life

He admitted to failing to notify the police of three email addresses and two mobile phones.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker told Uddin: 'The background to this offending is that, having been radicalised in support of ISIS in the UK, on 4 November 2014 you travelled from the UK to Syria via Turkey to join ISIS and to fight for them.

'You remained in Syria for five weeks awaiting your military training.

'You appeared to become frustrated waiting for your training and on 12 December you returned to Turkey where you were arrested.'

He said Uddin was jailed in 2016 then released on license in December 2019.

'Police officers visited your home on 15 occasions. On none of these occasions did you declare any of the items discovered as a result of the search of your home.'

The court heard that one of the phones was used for drug dealing.

'All of the breaches persisted for some time.'

Uddin was jailed for 15 months with an extended license period of one year.

He will have to serve two thirds of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

The judge added: 'There is no realistic prospect of rehabilitation at this stage, and nor is there any strong mitigation in this case.

'Appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.'

Uddin had crossed the border back into Turkey where he was held by the authorities because he did not have any travel documents on December 12, 2014.

He was stopped by counter terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport when he returned to Britain ten days later.

They believed he was involved in terrorist-related activity and found extremist material in his possession.

Just days after he had arrived in Syria he messaged a friend, Naseer Taj, 26, saying: 'Lol bro, it's soo easy to get in man, especially during the day, alhamdulillah, we walked in, no running bro.

Uddin was stopped by counter terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport (pictured) when he returned to Britain

'Don't worry inshallah, don't stress about getting in here. It's p**s easy [sic]'.

He went on: 'When u cross over, the mens maqqa [residence] is shared and tough man, especially with this weather. I wud recommend good trainers u can wear/take off [sic].

'Keep your thermals close buy too. Trust me, u will be thankful. I suggest u prepare urself by using cold water for everything too and be ready for stinky shared toilets, not clean lol [laughs out loud].

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: The webcam weddings for Brit ISIS brides trying to flee Syria - How women in detention camps are marrying terrorists over Zoom so they can bribe officials and escape Advertisement

'U need to get used to the cold water and no electricity. Everyday use cold water, u will probably get your first shower when u get to your mudhafa [annex].

'The house u stay in before the muaskar [training camp]. It's tough bro lol, A LOT of patience is required [sic].'

But his optimism had gone when he later told Taj: 'I wanna get out of here now. I've had enuff.

'Lol, this isn't the jihad or system we thought we'd like to see [sic].'

The man then asked Uddin: 'So wat u up 2 in Sham? Just munchin, toileting and sleeping, lol?'

Taj, a taxi driver had also planned to travel to Syria to join Islamic State and live with a 'jihadi bride' instead of his British wife and children.

He posted his support of ISIS brutality on his Twitter feed and started preparing to go to the war-torn state just days after the caliphate was declared.

Taj, originally from Bedford, booked a flight to Istanbul in Turkey from Brussels for 31 December 2014 and obtained a Turkish Visa.

Taj denied but was convicted of one count of preparing terrorist acts and two counts of possessing material useful to extremists following a trial at the Old Bailey.

He was jailed for eight years and three months at the Old Bailey in May 2016.

After Uddin was jailed at the Old Bailey, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: 'Those convicted of terrorism offences are subject to strict notification requirements and are monitored very closely by police.'

'We take breaches of any kind very seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders who fail to comply with their conditions.'
A New York Democrat seeks to revise public school lessons about 9/11 to focus them on the 'xenophobia' and anti-Muslim hate crimes that followed the deadly terrorist attacks, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Catalina Cruz, an assemblywoman who came to the US illegally as a child, has drafted a bill to shift the focus of K-12 classes away from the Al-Qaeda terrorists who murdered thousands of people in September 2001.

Her bill would require schools to teach kids more about the 'aftermath' of the attacks, a rise in 'Islamophobia and xenophobia' and 'hate crimes and discrimination' against Muslims and other minorities linked to the attackers.

Michele Exner, an advisor at Parents Defending Education, a conservative campaign group, called the move 'idiotic.'

New York assemblywoman Catalina Cruz wants kids to learn about Islamophobia after the 9/11 attacks

Students on a school field trip to The National September 11 Memorial Museum

'Terrorists attacked America on 9/11 and took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people,' Exner told DailyMail.com.

Michele Exner calls the bill 'race-baiting'

'These are the facts, and it is a day students should be required to learn about in schools. It is disgusting that this idiotic legislation aims to minimize those atrocities by focusing on more race-baiting instead of truth telling.'

Cruz and her chief of staff Robyn Enes declined to comment on the bill.

The 9/11 attacks remain a potent symbol in New York  more than 22 years after Islamists hijacked four commercial passenger airplanes, flying two of them into the World Trade Center and demolishing swathes of lower Manhattan.

Experts have since grappled with tough questions about the strikes, ranging from the security failures that allowed the killers to claim so many lives, and whether US foreign policy had bred anger and frustration in the Middle East.

How the subject is taught in schools is seen as crucial, as classrooms are today filled with students born after the attacks, with no first-hand memories of smoke billowing out of the burning skyscrapers.

New York Gov Andrew Cuomo in 2019 signed a law to require a moment of silence annually on September 11 in state public schools, so students could understand their historical significance.

New York State assemblywoman Catalina Cruz 9Left) represents a district that overlaps with that of US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The 9/11 attacks remain a potent symbol in New York  more than 22 years after Islamists hijacked four commercial passenger airplanes

Visitors at the National 9/11 Memorial And Museum in New York. Today's children have no first-hand memories of the attacks

Cruz seeks to amend New York state's education law in her bill, which was filed in mid-December. It is unclear whether the draft has yet passed through the assembly's education committee.

Under her revisions, schools would teach about the build-up to 9/11, the deadly attacks, the 'heroism' of first responders, and the War on Terror that saw US troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and beyond.

Controversially, teachers would also have to cover 'Islamophobia and xenophobia in politics, domestic and foreign policy/legislation, media, and general public attitudes,' according to the bill.

That includes the 'increase in hate crimes and discrimination; and the impact of Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, religious intolerance, and other forms of discrimination in society.'

Assaults on Muslims skyrocketed after the 9/11 attacks, according to Pew Research Center. Muslim-Americans say they faced bullying, harassment and discrimination, including from federal investigators.

Cruz's bid to change how children learn about one of the worst attacks on the US in the nation's history raises questions about her own background.

She lives in Jackson Heights, Queens, representing an immigrant-heavy district that overlaps with the congressional area of another progressive firebrand  Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

She was born in Medellin, Colombia, in the early 1980s, when the Medellin Cartel drug production and smuggling empire of Pablo Escobar was at its peak.

Cruz entered the US illegally aged nine and lived 'undocumented' for a decade before getting legal status, her website says.

She was raised in Queens by her single mom, a nanny, office cleaner and street food vendor.

Despite her humble background, she was able to study and practice law and rise to become an influential assemblywoman in Albany.

This is not the first time that the history of 9/11 has proven controversial.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum in the 2010s came under fire for casting aspersions on Islam, with exhibits suggesting that the hard-line views of the terrorists were commonplace among Muslims.
In his February 21 deposition, Jim Biden, 75, admitted he spoke to Andrew Cuomo about an infrastructure contract for Chinese oil giant CEFC in 2017

The president's brother Jim Biden admitted to contacting top US government officials over a New York infrastructure contract for a Chinese government-linked company, in testimony to Congress last month.

The admission could potentially implicate Jim in being charged with violating foreign lobbying laws  a topic he was grilled on in the meeting.

The 74-year-old gave a deposition to the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on February 21. A transcript of the hearing was released on Friday.

In a fiery exchange, Republican lawmaker Matt Gaetz grilled Jim on his partnership with Chinese government-linked oil giant CEFC  including a 2017 email he sent about getting the company infrastructure contracts with the help of US government officials.

In his testimony to the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees Congress on February 21, Joe Biden's younger brother Jim, 75, (left) admitted that he had reached out to then New York governor Andrew Cuomo about a potential infrastructure contract for Chinese oil giant CEFC in 2017

A May 15, 2017 email showed Jim sent a memo to Hunter and their CEFC business partners listing politicians and government officials - including Cuomo - that could be of help

One of the projects Jim was eyeing up for CEFC was the replacement of New York's Tappan Zee Bridge and the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport

During his testimony, Jim confirmed that he spoke to then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo about potential jobs for the Chinese government-linked company.

The outreach could put him dangerously close to violating foreign lobbying laws.

On May 15, 2017, the president's brother sent a memo to Hunter and their CEFC business partners James Gilliar, Rob Walker and Tony Bobulinski, titled 'key phase one domestic contacts', listing politicians and government officials that could be useful for their work with the Chinese company.

It included Cuomo, New York Department of Economic Development Commissioner Howard Zemsky, senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, then-New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and other governors and senators.

Jim told congressional investigators that CEFC was 'looking to get involved in major infrastructure projects in the United States', and that he focused on government officials because 'It was my assumption that they would be involved.'

One of the projects Jim was eyeing up for CEFC was the replacement of New York's Tappan Zee Bridge and the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport.

'I had a personal relationship with Cuomo, who referred me to Howard Zemsky, who I met with and would be the appropriate person,' Jim said.

Republican lawmaker Matt Gaetz grilled Jim on his partnership with Chinese government-linked oil giant CEFC during a deposition hearing by the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on February 21

When asked by investigators: 'if CEFC is not contacting these government officials, are you contacting them?' Jim said: 'yes'.

Gaetz leapt on the admissions, asking Jim if he was aware of his obligation to file with the Department of Justice if he was working as a lobbyist for a foreign government-affiliated company.

'I am not a lobbyist. I was simply making an inquiry in terms of projects that were in the newspaper,' Jim protested.

'I was simply identifying that there were projects that would be going on in these different locations, and that I wanted a further understanding through any operative of these principals in terms of what the qualifications were and the scope of the  scope of the projects.'

Gaetz asked him: 'You were never concerned that the relationship development here on behalf of CEFC with U.S. policymakers converted you to an agent of a foreign government?'

'That is not what I said I was doing,' Jim answered, 'I was dealing with a private company.'

'And you were trying to develop relationships for them, weren't you?' Gaetz asked. 'For the private company? Yes,' Jim replied.

The president's brother told Congress that one of the projects he was eyeing up for CEFC was the replacement of New York's Tappan Zee Bridge and the redevelopment of La Guardia Airport

Hunter Biden's business partner who has since turned on him, Tony Bobulinski (pictured) was included in Jim's email about using 'domestic contacts' to help their Chinese counterparts

The exchange could land the president's brother in legal hot water, if federal investigators determined that he was advocating to US government officials on behalf of not just a 'private company', but a foreign government-affiliated company, without notifying the Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Based on previous prosecutions, the Justice Department may view CEFC as a 'foreign principal', which could require lobbyists for the firm to register under FARA.

A former CEFC consultant, Gal Luft, was indicted for a 'violation of FARA' after recruiting ex-CIA chief James Woolsey to publicly support policies favorable to China, in a scheme funded by CEFC executives.

And Patrick Ho, the secretary-general of CEFC nonprofit arm, was convicted in 2018 of bribing African government officials for the Chinese oil giant. During the prosecution, the DoJ accused CEFC of backing the corrupt foreign influence scheme.

However, CEFC is not currently listed among the foreign principals on the DoJ's FARA website.

Later in his testimony to Congress, in response to Democrats' questioning, Jim added that he didn't meet with Cuomo, only Zemsky.

'I wanted to know what projects in their judgment that I had longstanding relationships with, of what projects were really viable, not inside information,' he said.

'And that's why I didn't meet with Cuomo. I met with the person that really had firsthand knowledge of projects that were realistically going to be started within the next 10 years.'
Pfizer is under congressional scrutiny over its funding to a pro-euthanasia lobbying group in Canada, which wants to make lethal injections available to kids as young as 12.

Senator Marco Rubio and other Republicans want the drugmaker to reveal any links to Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC), which works to make doctor-assisted suicide easier to access there.

They wrote a letter asking its $33-million-a-year CEO Albert Bourla if Pfizer's donation came from money the COVID vaccine maker got from US taxpayers.

'Pfizer has received millions of US taxpayer dollars to develop cutting-edge treatments for some of the most critical medical challenges in our time,' the lawmakers wrote.

Sen Marco Rubio wants Pfizer to answer questions about its funding for euthanasia in Canada

He wants Pfizer's $33-million-a-year CEO Albert Bourla to say what US taxpayer dollars were spent on

'Pfizer's decision to donate to an organization that advocates for early death calls into question the values and priorities of your company.'

Pfizer did not answer DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Poll Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes No Not sure Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes 6454 votes

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DWDC released a 66-page list of names of some 9,000 individuals and organizations that donated to its campaign in 2022, including Pfizer.

The group is relatively uncontroversial in Canada, where euthanasia became legal in 2016 and has proven popular, with 13,241 procedures in 2022 that accounted for 4.1 percent of all deaths that year.

DWDC and other advocates say assisted suicides help the chronically sick end their suffering.

But critics say Canada is on a dangerous slippery slope to mass euthanasia, with the number of people opting for lethal injections jumping by about a third each year.

The government in 2021 expanded euthanasia access to those with mental problems  not just life-ending diseases  raising concerns about people ending their lives because they are sad, lonely, or feel like a burden.

That change has not yet come into force.

Dying With Dignity Canada says lethal injections are 'driven by compassion, an end to suffering and discrimination and desire for personal autonomy'

Dying With Dignity Canada's 2022 donor list featured the names of 9,000 individuals and organizations  including Pfizer

The group has advocated for the expansion of access to euthanasia to include 'mature minors'

Euthanasia is currently only available to adults 18 or older with a serious illness, disease, or disability.

DWDC and others want it to be available to 'mature minors'  meaning sick children as young as 12 ending their suffering with lethal injections, says the letter.

Those aged 12 and above with a 'grievous and irremediable medical condition' should be allowed to opt for euthanasia if they have the 'capacity and maturity,' and with the consent of their parents, the group says on its website.

Rubio and his colleagues want Pfizer to account for its support for the push to 'loosen regulations' in Canada to this 'extreme standard.'

The company 'must be completely transparent' because it has 'received millions of US taxpayer dollars' for research into drugs and vaccines, adds the document.

They also want to know whether Pfizer has a financial interest.

The company makes drugs used to euthanize patients, including cisatracurium besylate, diazepam, fentanyl, and midazolam, says the letter.

The lawmakers ask if Pfizer is trying to 'increase market demand for its products.'

'Your company is dismantling public trust in our nation's health system by supporting an organization that aims to take the lives of young children,' says the letter.

It was signed by senators Ted Cruz, JD Vance, Josh Hawley, and Mike Braun, and representatives Brad Wenstrup and Chris Smith.

DWDC has told Canadian media that Pfizer's donation was less than $100 and was made to match an employee's contribution.

Many Canadians support euthanasia and DWDC says procedures are 'driven by compassion, an end to suffering and discrimination and desire for personal autonomy.'

Rights groups say the country's regulations lack necessary safeguards, devalue the lives of disabled people, and prompt doctors and health workers to suggest the procedure to those who might not otherwise consider it.

Some are alarmed by how rapidly euthanasia has taken off in Canada.

The number of MAiD deaths jumped 31.2 percent to 13,241 between 2021 and 2022, official numbers show.

Some 44,958 people have received assisted deaths since the federal MAiD law was introduced in 2016.

Canada's road to allowing euthanasia began in 2015, when its top court declared that outlawing assisted suicide deprived people of their dignity and autonomy. It gave national leaders a year to draft legislation.

More than 99.9 percent of Canada's MAiD procedures are carried out by a doctor

Canada has among the highest rates of assisted dying in the world

The number of MAiD deaths in Canada has risen steadily by about a third each year

The resulting 2016 law legalized both euthanasia and assisted suicide for people aged 18 and over, provided they met certain conditions: They had to have a serious, advanced condition, disease, or disability that was causing suffering and their death was looming.

The law was later amended to allow people who are not terminally ill to choose death, significantly broadening the number of eligible people.

Critics say that change removed a key safeguard aimed at protecting people with potentially decades of life left.

Today, any adult with a serious illness, disease, or disability can seek help in dying.

Euthanasia is legal in seven countries  Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain  plus several states in Australia.

Other jurisdictions, including a growing number of US states, allow doctor-assisted suicide  in which patients take the drug themselves, typically crushing up and drinking a lethal dose of pills prescribed by a physician.

In Canada, both options are referred to as MAiD, though more than 99.9 percent of such procedures are carried out by a doctor. The number of MAiD deaths in Canada has risen steadily by about a third each year.
President Joe Biden warns he does not believe ex-president Donald Trump will concede the 2024 presidential election if he loses in November.

Biden made the remarks in a rare Oval Office interview with the New Yorker as he faces a likely rematch with Trump in the general election and has been trailing the Republican frontrunner in a series of recent polls.

'Losers who are losers are never graceful,' Biden said. 'I just think that he'll do anything to try and win.'

Biden said he thinks if he wins, Trump will contest it 'no matter what the result is.'

Trump has long claimed he won the 2020 election despite losing the Electoral College vote as well as the popular vote to Biden by more than 7 million votes.

Biden gave a rare Oval Office interview to the New Yorker where he said be believes Trump will not concede the election if he loses in November stating 'losers who are losers are never graceful'

On the campaign trail, Trump continues to claim without any evidence that he actually won the 2020 election. The ex-president is facing criminal charges for election interference

Just this past weekend, at a rally in North Carolina Trump continued to rail against the results of the last presidential election before a crowd of supporters.

But the ex-president and his legal team for years have failed to provide a single piece of substantial evidence to support their claims of election rigging or interference all while the former president is facing criminal charges for election interference in Georgia and the attack on January 6.

On the campaign trail, Trump has praised the convicted rioters who took part in the January 6 attack, calling them 'hostages.'

A recent poll by CBS News found a majority of respondents believe the losing side will resort to violence after losing in future presidential elections.

According to the New Yorker, it does not sit well with Biden, but he is convinced Americans will 'reject the Trumpist view of politics.'

'How can we, as a democracy, elect anyone President who says violence is appropriate?' Biden said in the interview.

The latest polling has Trump leading Biden in a close potential rematch despite Biden presiding over a roaring economy and having a series of legislative victories under his belt from his first term.

Biden has pushed back on whether he could reach the voters who were less likely to hold Trump responsible for January 6 or believe Biden had actually won - responding to the question with his own bold prediction.

Biden said in the New Yorker interview that he never doubted he would seek a second term in the White House

'Well, first of all, remember, in 2020, you guys told me how I wasnt going to win? And then you told me in 2022 how it was going to be this red wave?' Biden said. 'And I told you there wasnt going to be any red wave. And in 2023 you told me were going to get our ass kicked again? And we won every contested race out there.'

Biden said he thinks the same thing will happen in 2024.

While Biden has pressed forward with his campaign for a second term, some Democrats have expressed frustration over not having another option to the 81-year-old who had previously labelled himself in 2020 as a 'transition' candidate.

When asked by the New Yorker if there was ever a time he doubted he would run again, Biden said no.

'If I didnt think that the policies I put in place were best for the country, I dont think Id be doing it again. Im running again because I think two things: No. 1, Im really proud of my record, and I want to keep it going. Im optimistic about the future.'

He argued most of what he's done 'is just kicking in now.'
Former President Donald Trump and his campaign are mocking rival Nikki Haley as queen of 'the swamp' after she finally seized a primary win in Washington, DC's primary but faces an onslaught on Super Tuesday.

Trump himself has toggled between ridiculing and trying to ignore Haley, his last remaining primary challenger, as he has scored a string of wins and amassed more and more delegates. But Haley's criticisms of the distant front-runner have sharpened ever since she decided to stay in the race after losing her home state.

On Sunday night, his campaign sought to keep up the pressure, after Haley scored a symbolic win in the nation's capital, winning 63 per cent of the vote. Her campaign noted that Haley became the first woman to capture a GOP primary.

'Tonights results in Washington D.C. reaffirm the object of President Trumps campaign  he will drain the swamp and put America first. While Nikki has been soundly rejected throughout the rest of America, she was just crowned Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo,' said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitte.

'The swamp has claimed their queen,' she posted on X.

The former South Carolina governor made a stop at the Madison Hotel Friday afternoon after polls opened in a plea for the district's few Republicans to back her over Trump

Haley's campaign called it an 'iron lady weekend,' although she faces long odds when 15 states vote on Tuesday. She announced a Louisiana leadership team Monday, but has not announced any travel plans for later in the week.

Trump himself tore into on Truth Social after her win.

'I purposely stayed away from the D.C. Vote because it is the Swamp, with very few delegates, and no upside. Birdbrain spent all of her time, money and effort there. Over the weekend we won Missouri, Idaho, and Michigan - BIG NUMBERS - Complete destruction of a very weak opponent. The really big numbers will come on Super Tuesday. Also, WAY UP ON CROOKED JOE!' Trump wrote.

He also got back to the insult he has tried to attach to Haley. 'Birdbrain is a loser, record low performance in virtually every State. DeSanctus easily beat her in Iowa for a VERY DISTANT second place, and then she ran up to the podium, before he had a chance to do so, and claimed victory. I enjoy watching the Bird disavow her PLEDGE to the RNC and her statement that she would NEVER run against President Trump (A great President). Well, she ran, she lied, and she LOST BIG!'

It came in a weekend where at a Rally Trump showed little interest in trying to bring over a faction of the party he has ripped as 'RINOs.'

The Trump campaign diminished Haley's win after the front runner cruised to a series of victories and vowed: 'Were getting rid of the Romneys of the world,'

Thousands of voters from 15 states will head to the polls for what has been known since the 1970s as 'Super Tuesday'

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called Haley 'Queen of the Swamp'

'Were getting rid of the Romneys of the world,' Trump said of the GOP's 2012 nominee.

Haley, in an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press' Sunday, indicated she doesn't feel bound by an earlier debate pledge to back the eventual winner.

'No, I think I'll make what decision I want to make,' Haley said, also noting 'the RNC is now not the same RNC.'

She continues to avoid getting pinned down on how long she'll stay in the race.

'Well, first, let's see what happens on Super Tuesday. I don't like to look at what ifs or hypotheticals. I think we always have to live in the moment,' she said.

Asked if she was prepared to stay in the race to the Republican National Convention in July, Haley responded: 'If the people want to see me go forward, they'll show it. They'll show it in their votes. They'll show it in their donations. They'll show it in the fact that they want us to continue to go forward,' Haley said.

Her win in the nation's capital came from enough voters to fill a high school stadium  or an upscale downtown hotel like D.C.'s Madison.

Just 2,035 voters participated in the D.C. primary.

The D.C. Republican Party reported Haley won 62 percent compared to Trump's 33 percent with only 2,035 voters participating. That makes Haley the first Republican woman to ever win a primary in U.S. history.

The result in D.C. comes one day after Trump's clean sweep of GOP primaries in Idaho, Michigan and Missouri.

At stake were 19 Republican delegates out of 2,429 total at the convention.
South Korea's first military reconnaissance satellite is scheduled to undergo operational tests this month, the defense ministry said Monday, after being launched into orbit late last year.

The satellite was launched from a U.S. military base in California last December as part of Seoul's project to acquire five military spy satellites by 2025 to boost its independent monitoring capabilities on North Korea.

"Currently, (the satellite) is undergoing initial operations, and video footage calibration and validation as normal," Jeon Ha-kyou, the defense ministry's spokesperson, told a regular briefing. "From the middle of this month, it is scheduled to undergo operational testing and evaluation."

The satellite, equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, recently sent back "good-resolution" images of central Pyongyang, according to military sources.

The satellite is expected to enter its full mission phase as early as June, which will likely help reduce South Korea's heavy reliance on U.S. satellite imagery on North Korea.

The military's second reconnaissance satellite is scheduled to be launched in April from a U.S. military base in Florida.

The planned launch comes as Pyongyang is also making efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities. The North successfully launched its first military spy satellite last November and has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year. (Yonhap)
Following the tragic death of college student Laken Riley, Republicans are introducing a bill in her honor that would crack down on illegal migrants who break the law.

The newly introduced 'Laken Riley Act' would require the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to take into custody migrants who have been charged with theft.

The bill is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, a University of Georgia student who was recently discovered dead and disfigured on campus.

Her alleged killer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is a 26-year-old Venezuelan national who is illegally in the U.S. and who, despite having a long rap sheet, has been allowed to remain in the country.

Ibarra, since his 2022 entry into the U.S., has been cited for shoplifting and child endangerment.

Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was arrested for the murder of Laken Riley and appeared in court on February 24th when he was formally charged with the young woman's murder

Officials have confirmed that Ibarra is not a US citizen and did not know or have any kind of relationship with Riley

The act would also enable individual states to sue the federal government if it or its citizens are harmed by immigration related actions.

The new legislation by Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., would have required Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain Ibarra after his first offense and before he could have allegedly attacked Riley.

Collins represents Georgia's 10th Congressional District, which contains the community where Riley was killed.

The act would 'require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes,' a copy of the bill obtained by DailyMail.com states.

Just five months ago, Ibarra was arrested and charged 'with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation,' according to ICE.

Ibarra, who had been working for food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, was caught driving his wife's son on the back of a gas-powered moped without a helmet or restraint for the child in New York City.

The NYPD released him 'before a detainer could be issued,' the agency said.

New York City is also a 'sanctuary city,' which usually restricts law enforcement from complying with ICE detainers.

Rep. Mike Collins, who represents Athens, Georgia, in Congress, wrote the 'Laken Riley Act'

Jose Ibarra entered the U.S. in 2022 with his brother Diego, ICE confirmed

In 2022, Ibarra was charged with shoplifting at a Walmart in Athens, Georgia.

However, Athens is also a 'sanctuary city,' and he was allowed to remain in the country.

The 'Laken Riley Act' would have required Ibarra be detained after his shoplifting citation.

The new bill also contains phrasing condemning the Biden administration's handling of the U.S.-Mexico border.

'Congress finds that the Nation mourns the devastating loss of Laken Riley and other victims of the Biden administration's open borer policies; honors the life and memory of Laken Riley and other victims of the Biden administration's open borders policies.'

The bill could come up for a vote in the House as early as this week.
George Galloway likened Israel to Nazi Germany today, suggesting the country was committing a 'holocaust' in Gaza after taking his seat as Rochdale MP.

In a highly inflammatory Westminster press conference conducted after taking his seat Mr Galloway said that the Palestinians were the victims of a 'genocide' at the hands of the Israeli military.

He also refused to condemn Hamas, saying they had been chosen by the people of Gaza in an election.

After winning his seat by running on a pro-Palestinian platform he said 'the next election will be about Muslims'.

He defended his views by telling reporters: If the by-election had been in February of 1940 or 41, would anyone seriously have condemned me for putting the crimes of the Holocaust at the centre of my election campaign?'

And in the wide-ranging session Mr Galloway, a former presenter on the now-banned Russia Today television channel refused to back Britain's support for Ukraine against Russia.

The Workers Party of Britain leader officially took his new seat this afternoon, nine years after last sitting on the green benches. He was accompanied by Alba's former SNP MP Neale Hanvey (left) and Tory Sir Peter Bottomley.

While being sworn in he exchanged a nod with Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, who was waiting to take questions.

The Workers Party leader aid he planned to walk into the house alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is a close political ally. But Mr Corbyn was not there.

Mr Galloway was sworn in today as he made his return to the Commons - but his mate Jeremy Corbyn failed to turn up.

The Workers Party of Britain leader officially took his new seat this afternoon, nine years after last sitting on the green benches.

His arrival after last week's shock by-election win in Greater Manchester came amid fears the pro-Palestinian agitator will fuel simmering tension over Gaza inside and outside the Commons.

Galloway in his own words: On his Gaza-focused election campaign: If the by-election had been in February of 1940 or 41, would anyone seriously have condemned me for putting the crimes of the Holocaust at the centre of my election campaign? On Hamas being allowed to run Gaza: Its an intriguing question dripping with imperial condescension. Do I think that Hamas should be allowed to govern Gaza? Should we ask Britain to decide who runs Gaza? The people of Palestine must pick their own Governments. I would not myself have voted for Hamas - Im an Arafat man and have been since the 1970s. But the Palestinian people picked Hamas and  no good can come of countries, particularly former colonising countries, trying to pick the leaders of other peoples lands. On the war in Ukraine: Ukraine is a very long story indeed, not fit for an outdoor press conference. But I absolutely oppose the iron-clad consensus for war across the two front benches in this British Parliament. And many people in Britain agree with me. Advertisement

He had claimed that former Labour leader Mr Corbyn would be one of the two MPs who traditionally escort new members into the Commons.

But in the event he was accompanied by Alba's former SNP MP Neale Hanvey and Tory Sir Peter Bottomley, who stepped in in his role as Father of the House (longest serving MP) because no one else was prepared to do it.

Mr Galloway later said Mr Corbyn had 'a long-standing commitment' that prevented him attending.

While being sworn in Mr Galloway exchanged a nod with Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, who was waiting to take questions. It was a rare occasion when he appeared in public without a hat, as it is against Commons rules.

Mr Galloway could not resist taking a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.

He arrived at Parliament today in a sleek dark Volvo driven by an aide to be greeted by a crowd of photographers and camera crews, telling them: 'I always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much.'

Arriving in the Commons this afternoon he said: 'I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.'

Mr Galloway shook hands and had a brief chat with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle before exiting the chamber.

It comes amid fears for MPs safety after extreme elements within the Gaza ceasefire protest movement target individual politicians in Westminster and at their homes and constituency offices.

Mr Galloway was due to meet Sir Lindsay this morning ahead of his introduction. One senior source told MailOnline it would be 'interesting to say the least' given Sir Lindsay's focus on MPs' security.

The Workers Party said Mr Galloway planned to make his first speech since returning at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

The new MP already appears to be scheming even before his return to the green benches after a gap of nine years.

In an interview conducted just after his election win on Thursday last week, he suggested teaming up with Jeremy Corbyn - who sits as an independent after being kicked out of Labour over anti-Semitism - to form a new party.

Mr Galloway could not resist taking a dig at politicians today as the hardline socialist made a chauffeur-drive return to their ranks in Westminster today.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined. It is thought that the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Conservative Sir Peter Bottomley, was asked to take part in the swearing-in ceremony instead.

Both former Labour MPs, they were vocal in their opposition to the Iraq war and are now among the most prominent critics of Israel's actions concerning the war in Gaza.

Asked what he would say to Mr Corbyn he said: 'You saw what happened last night. Set up, announce an alliance of the remaining socialists in the country.

'You lead it, I'll support it. You be leader, and let's go! Time is running out, the general election might be three months from now.'

However Mr Galloway faces some embarrassment on his return after a senior Tory snubbed his request to swear him in.

The newly elected MP for Rochdale had boasted that former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis would accompany him when he takes his seat in the House of Commons. But Mr Davis has declined.

Treasury Minister Bim Afolami told GB News: 'The fact that people don't seem to want to do it is an indication of the standing with which he's held in the House of Commons, which is not very high.'

On Friday, Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, had told Sky News: 'David Davis is one of the great parliamentarians of today and this age.'

However, after Mr Galloway's deputy - former Labour MP Chris Williamson - refused to condemn Hamas's terror attack on Israel, Sir David had a change of heart.

'I was happy to introduce George because I'm a believer in free speech,' he said. 'But his deputy was trying to justify the October 7 attacks and that crosses the line.'
Analysis shows police failed to solve a burglary in nearly half of neighborhoods

Residents in England's worst neighbourhood for unsolved burglaries say the area has effectively been 'decriminalised' as they revealed they 'never see' a police officer.

All 165 burglaries reported in Outer Rothwell in West Yorkshire in the past three years remain unsolved, shocking figures show.

It is the highest rate in England and Wales, where police have failed to solve a single burglary in nearly half of all neighbourhoods in the past three years.

Locals in the ex pit town, which is situated just south east of Leeds and where the average house price is around 239,435, pointed to a lack of police presence meaning 'they think they can get away with it'.

The analysis comes despite police pledging to attend the scene of every domestic break-in to boost detection rates.

Do YOU live in Outer Rothwell? Email eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

Grandmother-of-four said she never sees police officers in Rothwell

All 165 burglaries reported in Outer Rothwell in West Yorkshire in the past three years remain unsolved, shocking figures show

An aerial view of outer Rothwell which has been plighted with unsolved burglaries

Rothwell in West Yorkshire is a small town outside Leeds that has a population of 20,000

Retired nurse Elaine Paul, 70, blamed the lack of police presence for the figures.

The grandmother-of-four said: 'There's a lot of anti-social behaviour that goes on, particularly in the precinct and the shopping centre.

'I've spoken to people who've experienced it personally, there's youths that have been abusive, throwing things, but there's no police presence.

'The youths that commit this anti-social behaviour, they see there's no police presence, they see no deterrent and they think they can get away with it.

'The local councillors just don't intervene, they don't seem to put any pressure on. It comes from the top down, look at the cuts the government have made to policing.

'They say they're recruiting more, but they've not even replaced the ones they've cut. There used to be a police station that was manned in the town, but that's shut down now.

'You never see a police officer, so it's no surprise they think they can do what they want.'

'There's just no police presence at all. Ever. There's no deterrent for them, they know nothing is going to happen.'

One burglary victim in Rothwell said officers attended the house after the break-in, in which he had around 6,000 worth of goods stolen from his garage.

But he said despite crime scene investigators combing the building for clues and neighbours capturing the suspected thieves on CCTV, they were never caught.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the man told how a gang of youths broke into his garage and made off with 3,000 worth of fishing gear and a 2,500 bike.

He's since had CCTV installed on his semi-detached house and increased security measures on his gate.

The retired nurse said there is a lot of anti-social behaviour in Rothwell town centre

One burglary victim in Rothwell said he had 6,000 of goods stolen from his garage

Ex-victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird claims that crooks currently have a 'free hit' when burgling somebody's home

He said: 'They forced my garage doors open, they stole my bikes, stole my fishing gear.

'A neighbour had ring doorbell footage and another neighbour had CCTV, they looked like they knew where they were going.

READ MORE: Police failed to solve THREE QUARTERS of burglaries and car thefts last year Advertisement

'Has it affected us long-term? Yes, I would say it has. I used to go out fishing quite a lot, but I probably went three times last year after the break-in.

'I've not replaced any of it, a) because it's a lot of money and b) because I don't want it to happen again.

'The police did send somebody round to speak to me and the crime scene guy came to take finger prints, but he couldn't get anything.

'I got a phone call to say they think it's a guy who had been released from prison, but I heard nothing since then.

'They were nice enough, but it doesn't get me my stuff back. I think there's a lack of funds for them and the police officers they do have are too busy doing paperwork.'

Analysis by the Telegraph shows the proportion of neighbourhoods where no burglaries were solved has risen from 46 per cent in the three years to 2021 to 48 per cent in 2021-23.

And Home Office figures reveal that the proportion of burglaries resulting in a charge fell to 3.9 per cent last year compared with 4.6 per cent in 2022.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Since 2010 our communities are safer, with neighbourhood crimes including burglary, robbery and theft down 48 per cent and violent crime down 51 per cent and with more police officers in England and Wales than ever before.'

But in Rothwell's main street, which houses a shopping precinct blighted by anti-social behaviour, locals were unconvinced.

Superintendent Jim Troisi of West Yorkshire Police said: 'We recognise the huge impact that being burgled can have on people, whether that is in their homes or their workplace.

'We have made significant investment in projects to reduce burglary in West Yorkshire and these efforts have resulted in a 35.9 per cent reduction in residential burglaries and a 21.7 per cent reduction in business and community burglaries when compared to 2019.

'We are also committed to attending all home burglaries in line with recently published national guidance.

'Some burglaries are finalised as unsolved because of a lack of evidence or because a suspect cannot be identified.

'Our detection rates are relatively in line with other police forces in England and Wales, but we continually work to improve the quality of burglary investigations by listening to feedback from victims, looking at new and improved ways of working and training, and upskilling our officers and staff.'

The data includes the time since England and Wales's 43 chief constables pledged in October 2022 that their officers would visit the scene of every burglary

The analysis of police data from 30,100 neighbourhoods found that in 48.2 per cent, no break-ins had been solved in the past three years.

The data has sparked fury across the country, leading ex-victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird to claim that crooks currently have a 'free hit' when burgling somebody's home.

She told the Telegraph: 'What these figures show is that in half of the neighbourhoods, burgling somebody's home is a free hit. The criminal can walk away with the proceeds and never look back.

'Burglary can be very very upsetting and traumatising; it can make people afraid to go out in case it happens again and afraid to stay at home for the very same reason. Why are there no arrests, no prosecutions and no deterrence in almost half of all these cases?'

Harvey Redgrave, a former No 10 policy adviser who is chief executive of crime consultancy Crest Advisory, said: 'It is of real concern that despite the high-profile commitment to attend the scene of every burglary, the police do not appear to be improving the rate at which burglaries are solved and offenders brought to justice.

'Public confidence in the police will not improve unless victims believe reporting crime will make a difference.

'These statistics also reinforce the need for a cross-government strategy to deal with the minority of highly prolific offenders who are responsible for a large proportion of burglaries and theft more widely.'

In the worst-performing force, Hertfordshire, just one in 50 (2.2 per cent) burglaries resulted in a charge last year compared with 9.6 per cent in the best, South Wales.

Just under three quarters of police forces saw a fall in their charging rates for burglary in the past year.

That being said, there was a fall in the overall number of break-ins.

West Mercia, Bedfordshire and North Wales registered the biggest rises in rates - with increases of over one percentage point in a year - and were three of the 12 forces to see their numbers rise.

In 'hot spot' neighbourhoods, defined as those with at least 10 break-ins unsolved in the past three years, police are failing to solve a single burglary, according to the Home Office data.
A pro-Palestinian protester heckled Jill Biden during a campaign stop in Arizona over the weekend, demanding to know why she and President Joe Biden are supporting 'genocide' in Gaza.

'It's a genocide, Jill!' yelled one demonstrator.

'You and your husband support the genocide of the Palestinian people!' another shouted.

President Biden has been heckled repeatedly at various events but this is the first time Jill Biden, at one of her solo events, has been targeted.

Jill Biden was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters during her speech in Arizona

In a counter protest, audience members began booing and then shouted: 'Four more years.' Some audience members shushed the protesters, who were eventually led out.

Jill Biden thanked the supporters and continued with her speech. She was interrupted a total of four times but kept going back to her remarks.

The interruptions came while the first lady was on the second stop of Women for Biden tour.

She has ramped up her campaign activity in the past month as she makes the case for her husband to get a second term in the White House. Her tour's focus has been on women's rights and she has targeted Donald Trump in her remarks, saying he is 'dangerous' to women.

Her event was interrupted by four pro-Palestine demonstrators within the first 20 minutes of her speech. Almost 100 protesters were gathered outside of the venue, as well.

Polls show young voters in particular are unhappy with President Biden's handling of the war between Israel and Hamas.

A protester targeted Jill Biden and the administration's support of Israel

At least 576,000 people in the Gaza Strip - one quarter of its population - are one step away from famine, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. And more than 30,400 people have died.

The Biden administration faces growing pressure at home and abroad to do more to rein in Israel and to help the suffering Palestinian population.

The president has been a frequent target of demonstrators. One campaign speech in Virginia, attended by him, Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, was interrupted by protesters more than 15 times.

He is often called 'Genocide Joe' as demonstrators heckle him for standing with Israel and Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu as they pursue their war in Gaza after the October 7th terrorist attacks organized by Hamas.

The White House is trying to counter the protesters.

The president's campaign and security teams are making Biden's events smaller, keeping exact details from the media until the last minute, and avoiding college campuses, according to NBC News.

College students are among the most vocal protesters.
President Joe Biden faces more 'uncommitted' challenges in Super Tuesday Democratic primaries, after supporters of Palestine found success last week in the state of Michigan.

The campaign urges Democrats to vote 'uncommitted' in the Democratic presidential primary instead of President Joe Biden, in order to protest the administration's support for the Israeli war in Gaza.

More than 100,000 voters voted uncommitted in Michigan, demonstrating the president's serious problems with Democrat voters in an important swing state.

Other states mobilizing voters to vote uncommitted in Tuesday's primary include Washington, Colorado and Minnesota.

A voter stands in a voting booth at polling site in Michigan

A woman holds a protest sign against President Joe Biden

The Colorado Palestine Coalition announced a launch the 'Vote Noncommitted Colorado' after the Michigan Primary on Tuesday, urging voters to reject Biden because of his support for the war in Gaza.

'WE SAY NO, TO GENOCIDE JOE!' the coalition wrote on it's social media platforms.

The campaign also earned support from the Democratic Socialists of America, who urged members to join the effort.

'Until this administration ends its support for Israels genocide in Gaza and delivers a permanent, lasting ceasefire, Joe Biden will bear the responsibility for another Trump presidency,' they wrote.

The coalition mobilized a phone campaign, urging Colorado Democrats to vote 'uncommitted' in Tuesday's primary.

U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office

Farah Khan, a volunteer with Abandon Biden Campaign holds a sign near a voting site to encourage voters to vote 'uncommitted' in Michigan Primary

The coalition said Biden, 'aids & abets Israels genocide of the Palestinian' and demanded an 'immediate, permanent ceasefire,' as well as a stop to all military aid to Israel.

In Minnesota, activists ran a half-page ad in the Sunday Start Tribune urging voters to join activists in Michigan.

'Send a message,' the ad read. 'Ceasefire Now.'

Minnesota State lawmakers announced on social media to their followers they would vote uncommitted in Tuesday's primary.

'I do so in solidarity with my colleagues in the legislature and leaders across the country as a warning to the Biden administration that, unless they are to take immediate and dramatic action to stop Israel from continuing the genocide, they cannot expect support of progressives,' wrote Minnesota state Senator Omar Fateh on X.

'I am a pro- ceasefire DFLer,' Minnesota State Representative Alisha Gomez wrote on X.
Kim Kardashian and billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault have praised Balenciaga creative director Demna two years after his brand was boycotted over a child BDSM ad campaign.

In the Harper's Bazaar profile, Kardashian described Demna as a 'gentle soul' who 'knows exactly what he wants' while Pinault said he 'influences the whole of fashion'.

Their endorsements come two years after Balenciaga was thrown into chaos after running a pair of adverts featuring a child holding a teddy bear dressed in a BDSM outfit and another with court documents about child pornography.

The ensuing scandal saw a mass boycott of Balenciaga products, with some critics even burning clothes and graffitiing store fronts.

The brand issued an apology, but over a year on sales were still down with the 'Other Houses' division it falls into at parent company Kering dropping 15 percent in the third quarter of 2023, according to Vogue.

'Longtime friend' Kim Kardashian praised Demna in a new Harper's Bazaar piece

The story comes two years after the brand was boycotted for a pair of adverts which saw children posing with BDSM bears

Balenciaga creative director Demna who was blamed for the advertising scandals

Despite this, the new Harper's Bazaar interview with Demna only briefly addressed the scandal, referring to it as a 'tumult' that surrounded the 'controversial' pair of adverts.

It says Demna is 'candid' about what a 'dark period' it was, and quotes him saying: 'I had a difficult year, and doing the show here is just like' with a sigh of relief.

He later added: 'I think that I am steadily and very persistently evolving my body of work. I think I am better now than I was before, but I'm not as good as I should be.

'In seven years of therapy, [I learned] that the best and most important relationship I have is with myself.'

He added: 'I don't have a strategy about what I do; I just do it.'

Instead of reflecting on the scandal, the piece focuses on his work and his relationships with the celebrities he collaborates with.

It quotes 'longtime friend' of Demna and brand ambassador, Kardashian as saying: 'He's just such a gentle soul who knows exactly what he wants.

'He doesn't need all the people around him to tell him what his point of view is. And the way he thinksit's forward.'

Actress Isabelle Huppert, who appeared in the adverts and narrated his recent show, is quoted saying: 'When you meet Demna, you feel his authenticity. You see his journey.'

And Chairman and CEO of Balenciaga's parent company, Kering, Pinault, praised Demna's 'strong personal universe' and 'his creative vision' in the piece.

In this image from Balenciaga's scrapped Spring '23 campaign, Isabelle Huppert sits in front of a stack of books including one that celebrates Michael Borremans, a Belgian painter whose work is known to include depictions of castrated toddlers

One of the ad's photos contained an excerpt from the US Supreme Court opinion in United States v. Williams, which upheld part of a federal child pornography law

He said the designer 'is very much in tune with our times and resonates particularly well with young customers.'

And added: 'He has put Balenciaga back at the center of the fashion map, and beyond Balenciaga, he somehow influences the whole of fashion.'

The piece also quoted Demna's mother, who praised his 'intelligence', 'sincerity' and 'unyielding' nature.

Their praise comes two years after Balenciaga's release of adverts featuring children posing with the brand's Plush Toy Bag. The bags look like teddy bears and are dressed in BDSM gear.

In the photo shoot, the kids also appeared surrounded by empty wine and champagne glasses.

The adult themes troubled many who asked why children had ever been used.

Balenciaga ignored the scandal at first and seemed to allow the photographer who was involved, Gabriele Galimberti, to take the heat.

He released a statement saying he had no control over the content of the shoot and eventually, Balenciaga released its own statement agreeing with him and taking responsibility for the campaign.

It has now been pulled from the internet.

Vandalism on an empty store on Rodeo Drive last night in a clear protest against the brand, whose own store is nearby

Meanwhile on social media, disenchanted consumers burned their Balenciaga goods in protest

After the BDSM bears adverts, critics started examining the rest of Balenciaga's campaigns.

They found that in the background of an image from the Spring '23 campaign was a printout of a Supreme Court ruling on whether or not internet child porn can be legally considered free speech.

On the back of the bears scandal, many critics said it pointed to a troubling pattern within Balenciaga.

Balenciaga blamed North Six, a production company that helped arrange the shoot, for the inclusion of those documents.

They claimed that they entrusted all of the props from the photoshoot to North Six, and that their team was assured everything that was included was fake.
Downing Street today slammed 'irresponsible' BBC presenter Chris Packham after he defended Just Stop Oil's call for eco-zealots to protest outside MPs' homes.

The environmentalist drew a furious backlash for claiming 'radical' groups should be entitled to a 'portfolio of protests'.

His comments came amid renewed fears over MPs' safety, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak having used a speech on Friday to warn against increasing intimidation.

As well criticism of the actions of pro-Palestinian protesters in recent weeks, there has also been condemnation of Just Stop Oil's claim that targeting MPs at their homes is justified.

But Packham, who presents the BBC's Springwatch programme, this morning refused to condemn the climate group's stance.

Downing Street slammed 'irresponsible' BBC presenter Chris Packham after he defended Just Stop Oil 's call for eco-zealots to protest outside MPs' homes

There has been recent condemnation of Just Stop Oil's claim that targeting MPs at their homes is justified

Tory former minister Tobias Ellwood recently saw his family's home surrounded by a large group of pro-Palestinian protesters

The broadcaster told Times Radio: 'I think that we need a portfolio of protests, basically, because we need a radical flank and Just Stop Oil are seen by many as that radical flank.

'They are the people who in some people's minds go a step too far. And that might be, you know, standing outside an MP's house.

'But the fact is that they are motivated, as I am, by a manifest fear for the health of our future.

'The science tells us we have to act. These people are frightened for my future, for your future, for the future of any children they might have. They need to draw attention to this issue.'

Packham added that it was not going too far to target MPs' home addresses if it remained a 'peaceful, non-violent demonstration'.

'If this is a peaceful, non-violent demonstration then we in the UK  for all the laws that have been radically changed in very recent times  have to preserve that right to protest,' he said.

'We've got a law out there, it needs to be applied equally to everyone.'

The comments drew a stinging rebuke from Downing Street, with No10 pointing to the establishment of a new policing protocol to crackdown on the targeting of MPs' homes.

It followed a recent incident in which Tory former minister Tobias Ellwood saw his family's home surrounded by a large group of pro-Palestinian protesters.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'The defending democracy policing protocol agreed last week said any protests at the home of MPs, councillors and other elected representatives will be considered intimidatory.

'And the police will use their powers under the Criminal Justice and Policing Act to direct protesters away.

'We have seen examples that are clearly unacceptable and it's right members of the public expect the police to tackle this sort of behaviour and put a stop to it.'

He added: 'It is clearly irresponsible to encourage people to protest at the home addresses of MPs.'

Packham's comments were also criticised by Labour MP Steve McCabe, who told GB News: 'What a person does in their public life should be open to criticism and interrogation.

'But people are entitled, and particularly their families, to a degree of privacy.'

He added: 'Where actions are designed to deliberately intimidate or threaten specific individuals or where they go beyond the bounds of what might be classed as legitimate protests - targeting peoples' homes, their families, things like that - I don't think that is acceptable and I don't think it should be allowed.'

Tory peer and former health minister Lord Bethell said: 'Chris Packham is totally wrong with his 'don't ban protests outside MPs' homes' shtick.

'You don't win arguments by intimidating people. You just coarsen the public debate.'

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Chris Packham is a freelancer, not a member of staff, and he's not currently on air. His private activities and views are his own, not the BBC's.'
The former head of Border Patrol slammed politicians for failing to fix the migrant crisis and revealed that he never had a conversation with President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris.

In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Raul Ortiz said his agents had become pawns in a political game that allowed Mexican cartels, who control cross-border traffic, to win.

'I've never had one conversation with the president or the vice president, for that matter,' he said.

'And so I was the chief of the Border Patrol. I commanded 21,000 people, that's a problem.'

Raul retired May last year, after heading Border Patrol for two years under Biden and serving as deputy chief under President Donald Trump.

"I've never had one conversation with the president or the vice president for that matter That's a problem, says Raul Ortiz, the U.S. Border Patrol chief under President Biden until he retired last year. pic.twitter.com/bWoZkFbnVc  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 4, 2024

The former head of Border Patrol revealed that he had never had a single conversation with President Joe Biden or Vice President Joe Biden during his time in office. Border Patrol agents are seen here picking up dozens of migrants last week near Sasabe, Arizona

The border crisis has emerged as the most important issue for voters in November's presidential election.

And it moved center stage when Biden and Trump both visited different parts of the Texas frontier on the same day last week.

Ortiz said too many decisions were being made for the wrong reasons.

'When agencies are making a decision based upon politics or whether they're gonna get media coverage ... "Hey, we're gonna put all our personnel in this two mile stretch" ... What about the other 200 miles?' he told CBS's '60 Minutes.'

Last week, DailyMail.com revealed how hundreds of people were crossing into Arizona, more than 1000 miles away from the quiet spot in Texas selected for Biden's visit.

Meanwhile, Texas and the federal government are at loggerheads in court over who does what on the border.

'National Guardsmen, even to some degree the Border Patrol agents have become pawns in this political game between the two sides,' said Ortiz.

That was good news for smugglers and traffickers, he added.

'The cartels, the criminal organisations, that's who's winning in all of this,' he said. 'They're sitting back reaping all the benefits while they watch the state of Texas and Washington, D.C., go at it.'

Raul Ortiz slammed President Joe Biden and other politicians for making Border Patrol agents into political pawns, while leaving criminal cartels as the winners in border crisis

New arrivals line up waiting to be processed by Border Patrol agents last Wednesday, on a remote part of the Arizona border

Migrants can be seen waiting to be picked up beside the border wall

Earlier it emerged that the United States is expected to be grappling with more than 8 million asylum seekers and migrants who will have crossed over the southern border by September.

The staggering figure represents a 167 percent surge in five years and underscores the challenges faced by what is both an underfunded and antiquated immigration system.

The vast majority of the 8 million are now free to roam US streets, including 2 million 'high-priority' cases of career criminals seeking asylum.

The system appears to be struggling to cope with the rapid numbers of migrants flowing across the border, which reached an all-time high of 302,000 monthly crossings in December.

The backlog has left millions of migrants who are currently residing in the U.S., unsure of whether they will be permitted to stay or simply be deported.

The US is expected to have more than 8 million asylum seekers and migrants in legal limbo by September's end, marking a 167 percent increase in five years

Migrants cross the Rio Grande, on the border that divides Mexico from the United States, in Juarez City, Mexico, on Thursday

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities, since elements of the Texas National Guard no longer prevent their passage in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Saturday

Migrants attempt to cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on Thursday

Migrants who cross the border may often be forced to wait several years for a decision to be made in their applications. In the meantime, they have been released to American streets.

Recent data suggests the backlog has only swelled during President Joe Biden's term in part reflecting the difficulties his administration has faced in addressing the unprecedented influx of migrants, mainly from Central and South America.

At the end of fiscal year 2023 on September 30, more than 6 million people were recorded on what officials term the 'non-detained docket.'

Government projections, as communicated in Homeland Security documents sent to Congress, suggest the number will have risen to 8 million by October 1.

The number includes people who have been ordered to be deported or who are still awaiting their final decisions in their asylum or immigration cases.

The majority are not being held in limited available detention space and instead are free to roam.

Immigration system appears to be unable to keep pace with the growing migrant population with more than 302,000 crossing the border in December - an all-time high

The numbers of migrants coming across the southern border has skyrocketed since 2021

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities on Saturday

Activists and migrants on the northern border of Mexico expressed their relief after a US judge postponed the start of the Texas Law SB4, that as of February 26, would have allowed the authorities of Texas to detain migrants, imprison them or expel them

Firefighters (from L) Rodrigo Pineda, William Dorsey and Lt. Julio Valdes of the Eagle Pass Fire Department recover the body of a drowned migrant from the Rio Grande river on Friday in Eagle Pass, Texas

Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently has only 40,000 detention beds.

In the backlog, about 2 million of the individuals in the backlog are deemed high-priority cases, primarily comprising of those who have received deportation orders to their home countries.

It also includes migrants who have criminal records or who are facing pending criminal charges.

Further complicating matters, the federal immigration agencies including Customs and Border Protection and ICE find themselves facing challenges because of partisan disputes in Congress, which have hindered the allocation of necessary resources.

The Biden administration has sought additional funding to address the border situation, but the requests have been met with resistance.

A bipartisan border deal that had been in the making for months was quashed by Republicans, who were influenced by Trump's stance on the issue.

Trump has highlighted the Biden Administration's ineffectiveness at dealing with the problem as a campaign issue.

Republicans are continuing to push for an increased amount of migrants to be detained and deported just as ICE is forced to contemplate cutbacks.

Migrants link arms with each other as they wade into the Rio Grande River with intentions to cross into Eagle Pass, Texas, last month

Migrants prepare to cross the Rio Grande, on Thursday

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures after waving to people across the Rio Grande in Mexico at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border

President Joe Biden greets Brownsville Mayor John Cowen upon arrival at Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday where he met with federal border patrol agents

Last month, the Senate failed to approve a bipartisan bill that would have addressed a $700 million budget deficit for the agency - the largest in history. The failed bill would have allocated $7.6 billion specifically for ICE.

Officials with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security said they were considering cutting costs by releasing thousands of immigrants and reducing detention levels by 16,000  from 38,000 to 22,000.

Meanwhile, thousands of individuals in desperate circumstances continue to cross the border daily.

Following the failure of the bipartisan border deal, there is now speculation on whether President Biden will decide to embrace policies resembling those implemented by Trump to curb illegal border crossings.

Either way, immigration experts, officials, and congressional sources agree that any policies that will be effective in addressing illegal border crossings will require substantial investments in personnel and other resources.
The body of a man who intentionally tampered with the natural gas system in his home has been recovered, after his actions caused an explosion that destroyed the home, officials said.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency made the determination Sunday, after a probe into the Saturday blast. Officials confirmed it killed the still-unnamed man, totaled his house, and damaged several surrounding homes and businesses.

The sate government office said it 'discovered evidence of tampering with the natural gas system in the residence,' and confirmed the cause to be an act of arson.

The man's body was recovered from the basement of the residence that evening, after first-responders were filmed frantically trying to put out the fire that claimed his life.

As of writing, fire officials' investigation into the incident at the home on 107 E. Eleventh Street is officially finished, officials confirmed to DailyMail.com. A neighbor, however, said the unnamed man said to be responsible was not 'mentally well'. His motive, as of writing, remains unknown.

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Investigators determined the cause of the explosion and fire at 107 E. Eleventh Street to be an act of arson, the agency said

The man's body was recovered from the basement of the two-bedroom rental Saturday evening, hours after the home when up in smoke

'He didn't seem mentally well,' recalled Deanna Hammond of what a neighbor told her the morning of the explosion, after apparently speaking with the man at 107 E. Eleventh.

'They called the police to let them know, and suggested that we leave because they smelled gas,' the woman continued, speaking to The Grand Island Independent.

'And (the unwell man) had a lighter in his hand.'

Recalling how the sight spurred her to quickly wake up her young son and flee the residence, the next-door neighbor said she walked the child and family dog to a nearby Dollar General to 'kill some time.'

After a few minutes, the three would head back, she said - and were immediately alarmed when the home, at this point about a block away, suddenly burst into flames.

'The home blew,' she told the local paper.

At the time, the Grand Island resident said, the clan were close to a house at the corner of East Street and 10th Street.

The two-bedroom home that exploded, she added, had been rental, and footage from the site shows how it was left unrecognizable by the blaze that ensued.

Separate footage from an outdoor security camera, meanwhile, captured the moment the small property's gas system triggered the explosion, where embers can be seen streaming near other properties and cars that were also damaged.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency made the determination Sunday, after a probe into the Saturday blast

They found that the tenant - a man who has yet to be named - intentionally tampered with the natural gas system in the 1032 square-foot two bedroom

Officials have confirmed the explosion killed the still-unnamed man, after it totaled his house and damaged several surrounding homes, cars, and businesses

The man's body was recovered from the basement of the residence that evening, after first-responders were filmed frantically trying to put out the fire that claimed his life

As of writing, the incident at the home on 107 E. Eleventh Street remains under investigation

A neighbor, however, said the man said to be responsible - who has yet to named - was not 'mentally well'

Photos and video further shows multiple burnt-out cars and debris strewn across the lot where the 1,032 square-foot once stood, which residents and civic servants worked relentlessly to clear Sunday.

As for the explosion, which remains under investigation, it occurred around 9:15am in Wood River - a small suburb of Grand Island.

In a statement, firefighters in the town of just over 1,000 further revealed the neighbor who Hammond spoke of alerted several other residents moments beforehand, with homeowner Markham Nichols telling The Independent how the man responsible made a strange Facebook post prior to the explosion.

Neither the timeframe or contents of that post were immediately provided, nor was the late resident's name.

When DailyMail.com reached out for comment, The Nebraska State Fire Marshal said identification of the deceased is pending by the Hall County Attorney's Office, as they work to identify his next of kin.

They also confirmed only one other person was injured as a result of the man's actions, with that resident briefly hospitalized and released later that day.

Following the explosion, firefighters 'determined the explosion/fire had also caused significant damage to surrounding structures', the agency said in another statement Sunday, revealing how they were then called to aid in local officials' investigation.

Cleanup crews and volunteers descended on the site Sunday to clear debris from the completely razed house

They worked around the basement of the savaged home, which was one of the only parts that remained intact

The evening before, firefighters found the corpse of the home's sole occupant, whom has yet to be identified but was supposedly seen with a lighter before the explosion, neighbors said

One resident recalled how the man seemed 'mentally unwell,' and how she and others smelled gasoline from the scene just before the explosion. Officials said their investigation is finished, after determining it was an intentional act of arson

Responding agencies included the Wood River Fire Department, the Alda Fire Department, the Cairo Fire Department, the Shelton Fire Department, the Grand Island Rural Fire Department, as well as officials from the Hall County Emergency Management Agency, Hall County Attorney's Office, and Hall County Sheriff's Office.

That abundance of first-responders, coupled with the unnamed neighbor's quick-thinking, resulted in an impressive response despite the situation.

'They had the scene under control pretty quick,' Wood River Fire Chief Nate Mayhew said in a statement Sunday.

He also noted how the firefighters - usually on 'offense' when fighting a fire - had to play it safer than usual due to not knowing the structural integrity of the unassuming home, which within hours was completely razed to the ground.

After that, officials who ventured in the residence came across the corpse of the tenant, who they confirmed had been alone at the time.

Then, on Sunday, officials revealed how they had 'discovered evidence [the man had been] tampering with the natural gas system in the residence.'

The fire marshal agency added" 'We would like to reiterate that this incident was not related to the natural gas utility operator and there is no ongoing threat to the public.'

The agency has since completed its investigation. As of writing, it remains unclear if police are now probing the deceased man's actions.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated a court ruling that green-lights the controversial law SB4 to go into effect March 9-- allowing local cops to arrest anyone suspected of crossing the border illegally after the law was blocked by a lower court in February.

Supporters of the law have applauded SB4 as another tool to help Lone Star State law enforcement stop the historic waves of migrants who have crossed into the state during since 2021-- with at least 4.3 million migrants crossing into Texas since 2021, according to the federal government.

Meanwhile, critics fear the measure could lead to the arrest of Hispanics who are not illegal immigrants.

'BREAKING HUGE NEWS,' Abbott declared on Twitter.

'Federal appeals court allows Texas immigration law to take effect. Law enforcement officers in Texas are now authorized to arrest & jail any illegal immigrants crossing the border.'

The law will go into force unless the Biden Administration appeals it with the US Supreme Court, challenging SB4 on the grounds that it interferes with the federal government's right to enforce of immigration laws.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference about the panhandle wildfires, Friday, March 1 in Borger, Texas

Two migrants struggle to cross the Rio Grande River on the Mexico-US border as Texas National Guards take security measures in Eagle Pass, Texas

At least 4.35 million migrants have entered Texas since 2021, according to US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the US Border Patrol. These number reflect only those who have been stopped by federal agents, not so-called 'gotaways' or illegal immigrants who were not taken into custody

After ruling in Texas's favor Saturday, the US Fifth Circuit of Appeals added it would stay its decision for seven days to give the federal government a chance to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Last week, U.S. District Judge David Ezra in Austin blocked the legislation, stating that Biden administration is likely to prevail in its legal challenge with SCOTUS, citing a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down key provisions of a similar Arizona immigration law.

After Ezra's ruling in February, Texas officials promised to appeal his ruling, and the groups who sued to stop SB4 said they were 'not backing down.'

'#SB4 would let police arrest people over suspicions about immigration status  putting communities of color at greater risk of racial profiling,' the ACLU of Texas posted online.

'We aim to strike down this law for good.'

The ACLU of Texas, Texas Civil Right Project, El Paso County and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center are among the original plaintiffs who sued, however, the federal government also sued Texas to stop the law, which was created in 2023 and has yet to ever go into effect.

Eventually, both lawsuits were combined.

Migrants attempting to cross the North American side of the border between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in Texas, United States on March 3, 2024

The surge of migrants in Texas has created a huge burden for the state and for the non-profits that help migrants. Pictured above, migrants rest on cots at a shelter in El Paso, Texas

SB 4 makes illegally crossing the border into Texas a state Class B misdemeanor, with sentences of up to six months in jail for those convicted.

Repeat offenders could face up to 20 years in prison, however, a state judge could drop the charges of the migrant volunteers to be returned to Mexico.

State judges could also order migrants returned to Mexico if they are convicted.

SB4 is part of a larger effort by the Republican-led state to crack down on illegal border crossings.

Abbott and other Texas Republicans have blamed Biden for a record increase in illegal migration and has said the state's actions, including installing razor wire fencing at the border and a floating barrier in the Rio Grande river, were necessary because of federal inaction.

Meanwhile, a rally for those wanting to stop SB4 will take place at the state capital on Saturday.
Korea and the United States began a regular joint air exercise Monday, involving their fighter jets, in conjunction with the allies' major springtime exercise, the Republic of Korea Air Force said.

The Buddy Squadron exercise got under way at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, for a five-day run as part of the annual Freedom Shield exercise that kicked off the same day, according to the Air Force.

The latest air drills, which marked the first of its kind this year, will mobilize some 20 fighter jets, including Korean F-15Ks and U.S. F-16s, to train on defensive counter air maneuvers, it said.

The exercise is among 48 field training exercises the allies plan to stage this month in connection with Freedom Shield, which will run through March 14.

The allies first staged the squadron-level exercise in 1991 to enhance their fighter jet pilots' capabilities, although its name has changed over the years. The two sides will stage the exercise eight times this year. (Yonhap)
A thick plume of white smoke fills the air. A dozen Ukrainian soldiers brandishing rifles emerge, advancing towards a dilapidated building. Enemy forces could be sheltering within.

On their commander's signal, they enter; snipers circle the exterior in case of an ambush.

But there's no enemy, and no surprise attack, thank God.

The scene of this battle is a mocked-up village in the middle of a field in southern England.

The Ministry of Defence has been training these recruits in urban warfare, as part of its Operation Interflex, a five-week course designed to turn ordinary Ukrainian citizens into highly skilled warriors.

The programme is similar to what British Army reserves undertake, but it has been tweaked to reflect the reality of the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence has been training recruits in urban warfare, as part of its Operation Interflex, a five-week course designed to turn ordinary Ukrainian citizens into highly skilled warriors

A thick plume of white smoke fills the air. A dozen Ukrainian soldiers brandishing rifles emerge, advancing towards a dilapidated building. The scene of this battle is a mocked-up village in the middle of a field in southern England

Smoke grenades and loud bangs heighten the reality of the exercise. Buildings have been constructed for the volunteers to train in, modelled on the council estates of Eastern Europe

The Operation Interflex programme is similar to what British Army reserves undertake, but it has been tweaked to reflect the reality of the war in Ukraine

'We're aiming to turn them into lethal and survivable soldiers,' says Lt Col Steve Wilson of the Queen's Royal Hussars, who runs the programme. 'We're harnessing the fighting spirit they come with so they can get back to Ukraine and defend their homeland.'

When I visited, the cohort had just a week of the course left to complete. Now they will face real bullets and bombs after returning to their country to endure the onslaught of its Russian invaders.

'It's intense, but we need to learn this as fast as possible. This knowledge will help us survive,' Misha, 38, tells me calmly from beneath his mask.

The Ukrainians keep their faces covered. If their identities were revealed, it could put their families back in Ukraine in grave danger.

Like most of his comrades, Misha has no battlefield experience. He worked in a car factory in Western Ukraine until the Russians invaded two years ago.

Until now, he'd never even held a gun. Still, he's eager to return home to the fray.

'I'll be OK: I have my girlfriend,' he grins, gesturing towards the rifle in his hands.

Misha is one of the volunteers sent by the Ukrainian army on a crash course in trench warfare, urban fighting, weapons handling and firing, medical training and dealing with explosives.

The Mail was invited by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to observe the training at a secret location. At the time of the visit, the cohort had just a week of the course left to complete

The volunteers sent by the Ukrainian army on a crash course in trench warfare, urban fighting, weapons handling and firing, medical training and dealing with explosives

The Ukrainians keep their faces covered. If their identities were revealed, it could put their families back in Ukraine in grave danger

Lt Col Steve Wilson, (pictured) of the Queen's Royal Hussars, runs the programme. He told the Mail: 'We're aiming to turn them into lethal and survivable soldiers. We're harnessing the fighting spirit they come with so they can get back to Ukraine and defend their homeland'

The Mail was invited by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to observe the training at a secret location.

Smoke grenades and loud bangs heighten the reality of the exercise. Buildings have been constructed for them to train in, modelled on the council estates of Eastern Europe.

With bloodshot eyes and a stocky build, 25-year-old Vitalii looks exhausted after the exercise. 'The training is good and has given me confidence to go on the front line,' he says. Much to everyone's amusement, he's particularly enjoyed the army food.

The Ukrainians arrive at a British airfield with only a few personal possessions, with the rest of their kit  including a field uniform, body armour, first aid kits, day sacks and so forth  supplied by the MOD.

Over 34,200 Ukrainians have undergone training  one per cent of them women  since the programme began in July 2022. The average age of this group is in the mid-30s.

That may be relatively old for a raw recruit but it's still much younger than the average age for a Ukrainian soldier serving in this war: 43. By comparison, the average age of British servicemen on the task force sent to recover the Falklands in 1982 was just 25.

Back in the field, two female interpreters are on hand to translate orders from the British commanders.

They instruct the soldiers how to 'stack up' (when squads form a single file by a door of a room where a threat could be lurking), how to clear an entrance, and how to check for booby traps.

Some orders prove more difficult to translate than others. One army commander, with a strong Glaswegian accent, shouts: 'Once you get the squeeze, attack the crack!'

Soldiers are taught how to 'stack up' (when squads form a single file by a door of a room where a threat could be lurking), how to clear an entrance, and how to check for booby traps

The Ukrainians arrive at a British airfield with only a few personal possessions, with the rest of their kit  including a field uniform, body armour, first aid kits, day sacks and so forth  supplied by the MOD

Over 34,200 Ukrainians have undergone training  one per cent of them women  since the programme began in July 2022. The average age of this group is in the mid-30s

Colour Sergeant Simon of 2nd Batallion Royal Regiment of Scotland, normally based in the Commonwealth nation Grenada, says the process can sometimes be tedious. Still, he is impressed by this cohort. While the average age of a British sergeant is 29, he has met 22-year-olds in the Ukrainian army who have already risen to that rank.

'We've also learned from them  some of them are battle-hardened already,' the colour sergeant explains. 'They have aggression, which is what you need to attack. It's good because they're confident.'

Corporal Ratu, also of the 2nd Batallion Royal Regiment of Scotland, who hails from Fiji, is a reassuring figure. 'So far, so good, we've got all day to do this,' he tells them. 'The first time you do it, it's not going to be perfect.'

He later tells me: 'They're a good bunch, eager to learn.'

The main difference between British soldiers and Ukrainians? 'The Ukrainians don't usually walk across open ground because of drones.'

This drill comes at a precarious moment in the war.

Last month, Russian troops captured Avdiivka. The fall of the eastern Ukrainian town  which for months had been the scene of the fiercest fighting  is Moscow's biggest gain since it captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023.

And as the war drags on, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky continues his urgent appeal for more weapons. Ukraine is critically dependent on ammunitions from Western allies to keep fighting Putin's army.

The cohort will soon face real bullets and bombs after returning to their country to endure the onslaught of its Russian invaders

As well as the platoon commander training, the Army has also laid on 10-week leadership courses. Pictured is a soldier in the cohort

The volunteers have said the training is 'good' and has given them the necessary 'confidence to go on the front line'

These men  many of whom never imagined they would one day be soldiers  are preparing as best as they can, so they can return home to fight for their country's survival

'I'm very thankful to the British Army for organising this for us,' says trainee soldier Misha. 'And I'm impressed by all the countries helping Ukraine. It is vital they keep supporting us, because Russia has more resources and personnel.'

The war, he says, is not just an issue for Ukrainians, but the whole world. 'If one country is allowed to attack another, this can be replicated elsewhere.'

Andreii, 35, says he previously tried signing up for the Ukrainian army three months ago, but the queue was too long. In the meantime, he has been volunteering to help move residents to safe areas.

'I'm getting ready for the front line. My turn has come to fight,' he says proudly.

The former logistics manager has a wife and child waiting for him in Kyiv. 'People are so used to war they treat it as daily life,' he says.

As well as the platoon commander training, the Army has also laid on 10-week leadership courses.

Alex, in his 40s, has been on such a programme since January. He used to work in Russia and lost friends among those who supported Putin's barbarity.

He joined the Ukrainian army eight months ago and has seen combat.

'My family and country are my main motivation,' Alex says in perfect English. He remains calm as he speaks about life in a war zone.

Colour Sergeant Simon (not pictured) of 2nd Batallion Royal Regiment of Scotland, normally based in the Commonwealth nation Grenada, says the process can sometimes be tedious. Still, he is impressed by this cohort

A trainee soldier is pictured at the mocked-up village in the middle of a field in southern England where Operation Interflex is underway

One trainee solider said he was 'very thankful to the British Army for organising this for us' and that he is 'impressed by all the countries helping Ukraine'

'My wife is in Ukraine, it's difficult for her, especially when the sirens go off. We have seen explosions from the windows of our apartment.'

When asked if he is worried that Western support could fade away, he replies: 'I don't think so, because of the values and freedoms that the Western world shares with Ukraine. We simply can't give up. I'm sure it will continue and lead to peace.'

In the meantime, these men  many of whom never imagined they would one day be soldiers  prepare as best as they can, so they can return home to fight for their country's survival.

I ask Misha if he's scared by the prospect of facing death on the front line.

'Of course,' he says. 'But the biggest fear for me is dying in vain, before I could do something that could help my country and my people.'
Major banks are scaling back DEI programs and reconsidering diversity targets amid a conservative backlash and fears they could face 'reverse discrimination' lawsuits.

Financial heavyweights including Bank of America and Goldman Sachs are among institutions which have overhauled inclusivity programs which exclusively focused on women and minorities to now accept people from all backgrounds.

The pattern follows others multinational companies, including Zoom and Tesla, which have also dampened their enthusiasm for diversity, equity and inclusion through measures including cutting DEI departments.

Some of the steps are in response to fierce public criticism of DEI schemes by political leaders and business heavyweights. But institutions also fear lawsuits which claim programs that exclusively benefit minorities are a form of reverse discrimination.

'We're past the peak,' Subha Barry, former head of diversity at Merrill Lynch, told Bloomberg, which analyzed Wall Street's retreat from DEI initiatives.

Campaigns against DEI by finance leaders including Bill Ackman (pictured) have led several Wall Street firms to scale back their diversity projects

Elon Musk has labeled DEI 'just another word for racism'

At Goldman Sachs, changes include opening its 'Possibilities Summit' for black college students to those from all backgrounds.

Bank of America has also opened internal schemes previously targeted at women and minorities to all staff. The bank said it has 'not eliminated any bank-sponsored D&I sponsorship programs'.

Meanwhile, executives at Bank of New York Mellon are reportedly looking at ditching workforce diversity targets after lawyers recommended they are scrapped. The firm is also said to be looking at whether to end bonuses linked to diversity progress.

The percentage of black senior executives at the country's top banks remains far below the population of black people in the United States.

At JPMorgan Chase, about five percent of senior leaders are black. At Goldman Sachs, the figure is 3.7 percent, while at Citigroup it is 8.7 percent. Black people make up around 14 percent of the country's population.

BNY Mellon, JPMorgan and Goldman Sach told Bloomberg that they remain committed to inclusive workplaces with employees from diverse backgrounds.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have increased at American businesses for more than a decade but exploded in popularity following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the nationwide racial justice campaigns which followed.

The rise has led to criticism from politicians right-leaning business leaders who said the programs were discriminatory to white people.

Elon Musk, the Tesla chief and world's richest man, recently labeled DEI 'just another word for racism'.

At Goldman Sachs, changes include opening its 'Possibilities Summit' for black college students to those from all backgrounds

Bank of America has also opened internal schemes previously targeted at women and minorities to all staff. The bank said it has 'not eliminated any bank-sponsored D&I sponsorship programs'

His comments were in response to a campaign by fellow billionaire Bill Ackman, founder of the Pershing Square Capital Management hedge fund, against the movement.

Ackman was a leading critic of former Harvard University president Claudine Gay, who was ousted from her position over widespread outrage at her response to antisemitism at the university.

Ana Duarte McCarthy, former chief diversity officer at Citigroup, told Bloomberg that big business was 'at an interesting inflection point'.

DEI was delivered a blow last year when the Supreme Court overturned the use of affirmative action at colleges and universities, effectively banning institutions from considering applicants' race in the admissions process.

Cinnamon Clark, cofounder of Goodwork Sustainability, a DEI consulting firm, said: 'Companies are really starting to look at other ways to do the work without saying that they're doing the work.'
Philadelphia's district attorney and Pennsylvania state police have opened an investigation into the arrests of the city's LGBT Affairs director and her husband after video of the incident went viral.

Celena Morrison, executive director of City Hall's Office of LGBT Affairs, was arrested along with her transgender husband, Darius McLean, after a traffic stop escalated on Saturday.

A video recorded by Morrison, who is also trans, shows her yelling 'I work for the mayor' while the unidentified state trooper detains her husband. McLean, seen lying on the side of the highway while the cop handcuffs him, calls out to his distressed wife before shouting, 'It's because I'm black.'

'A full investigation, including witness interviews, is in process into the traffic stop and all aspects of the encounter,' Pennsylvania State Police told DailyMail.com on Monday. The trooper involved in the incident has been placed on restricted duty pending the results of the probe.

Meanwhile Democratic DA Larry Krasner, one of the progressive prosecutors funded by billionaire George Soros, has also opened a probe and asked the public for help gathering more evidence, including photos and videos of the confrontation.

Celena Morrison was arrested along with her husband, Darius McLean (pictured), after a traffic stop escalated on Saturday

Morrison is executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs at Philadelphia's City Hall

McLean is the Director of Empowerment Programs at the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania said an officer pulled Morrison's grey Infiniti sedan over after noticing 'multiple Vehicle Code violations.'

'Prior to the Trooper making contact with the operator of the Infiniti, a green Dodge sedan arrived at the location of the traffic stop and parked behind the Troopers patrol vehicle,' the department said in a statement.

'The Trooper approached the Dodge and the operator of the vehicle became verbally combative toward the Trooper. The individual refused multiple lawful orders made by the Trooper and the Trooper subsequently attempted to place the individual under arrest.'

'The individual resisted arrest on multiple occasions. While attempting to arrest the operator of the Dodge, the Operator of the Infiniti approached the Trooper and interfered with Troopers attempt at making an arrest. Both individuals were subsequently arrested for Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice, Disorderly Conduct and other related charges.'

The husband and wife were both both released without charge hours after their arrest.

The video of the incident was first published online by someone who claimed to be Morrison's sister who has since deleted it from her Facebook.

As the trooper stood over her husband lying on the side of the road, Morrison is heard saying: 'That is my husband... That's my husband please.'

The trooper tried to handcuff McLean and a scuffle broke out.

DA Krashner, a self-described progressive prosecutor, received nearly $1.7 million from a PAC funded by Soros before his election in 2017

Mayor Cherelle Parker branded the incident 'very concerning' on X

McLean can then be heard saying 'it's cause I'm black' to which the trooper replies 'it's not cause you're black'.

The trooper then approaches Morrison and she drops her phone.

He can be heard yelling at her 'turn around' and 'give me your hands or you're getting tased'.

She can later be heard saying: 'What is going on? Why are you so aggressive?'

The trooper then picks up her phone and says: 'This was a simple traffic stop cause you didn't have your lights on. You didn't have your lights on and you're tailgating.'

Philadelphia's Mayor Cherelle Parker, who Morrison works for, branded the video 'very concerning' in a statement on X.

DA Krashner, a self-described progressive prosecutor, received nearly $1.7 million from a PAC funded by Soros before his election in 2017.

Baptized Let-em-go-Larry by critics, the DA has been accused of going easy on criminals and of failing to support police departments, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Shocking footage has emerged showing Keir Starmer and his wife being targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters as they walked through north London at night.

In a video posted by Camden Friends of Palestine on the X social media site, the Labour leader and Victoria were seen arm in arm crossing a road.

As security ushered the Starmers towards a car, the activists can be heard hurling insults such as 'you're not human' and 'you're complicit in genocide'.

Although there is no sign that the protesters tried to approach the couple or were physically abusive, it underlines the pressure-cooker atmosphere being endured by MPs with violence raging in Gaza. The film was apparently taken last Wednesday.

It surfaced after ugly scenes in the Rochdale by-election campaign where George Galloway successfully ran on a pro-Palestinian ticket.

Shocking footage has emerged showing Keir Starmer and his wife being targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters as they walked through north London at night

In a video posted by Camden Friends of Palestine, the Labour leader and Victoria were seen arm in arm crossing a road

The Camden Friends of Palestine account on the X social media site posted the footage on February 29

MPs have spoken of increased levels of intimidation from pro-Palestinian supporters, including having their homes targeted by protesters.

Rishi Sunak gave a speech in Downing Street on Friday evening warning that the UK's streets had been 'hijacked' by people 'hostile' to British values during protests in support of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

The Home Office announced a 31million security package to protect MPs from threats, including providing elected politicians with a dedicated police contact to liaise with over safety issues.

After meeting police officers earlier in the week, the PM voiced concerns that the UK is descending into 'mob rule' and urged police to use the powers they have to curb intimidation.

Sir Keir apologised for Labour not fielding a candidate in Rochdale, after they withdrew support for Azhar Ali over an anti-Semitism row.

In a statement on Friday night, the Labour leader said: 'The Prime Minister is right to advocate unity and to condemn the unacceptable and intimidatory behaviour that we have seen recently.

'It is an important task of leadership to defend our values and the common bonds that hold us together.
Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira has pleaded guilty to leaking highly classified military documents about Russia's war in Ukraine and other national security secrets on Discord.

The 22-year-old admitted all six counts relating to willful retention and transmission of national defense information in the most consequential security leak in years - and accepted a 16-year jail term as part of a plea deal Monday.

In return, Boston prosecutors agreed not to charge him with further counts under the Espionage Act.

Teixeira, of North Dighton, Massachusetts, has been behind bars since his April arrest.

His case raised alarm over America's ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets and forced the Biden administration to scramble to try to contain diplomatic and military fallout.

Jack Teixeira previously pleaded not guilty to the charges surrounding his alleged posting of classified documents on the social media platform Discord, but prosecutors have now asked the federal judge to schedule a change of plea hearing for Monday.

FBI agents arrest Teixeira, an employee of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, in connection with an investigation into the leaks online of classified U.S. documents, outside a residence in this still image taken from video in North Dighton, Massachusetts, on April 13, 2023

Jack Douglas Teixeira is seen in this image from his 2020 High School yearbook. Teixeira graduated from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School in Massachusetts

The leak led the Pentagon to tighten controls to safeguard classified information, and the Air Force disciplined 15 personnel as its inspector general found last year that multiple officials intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeira's suspicious behavior.

Under the terms of his plea deal, Teixeira must also attend a debrief with the Defense Department and the Justice Department, and return any sensitive materials he still possesses.

Teixeira, who was 21 at the time of his arrest, previously pleaded not guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act.

Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

A judge last year ordered Teixeira to remain behind bars while he awaits trial after prosecutors revealed he had a history of violent rhetoric and warned that U.S. adversaries who might be interested in mining Teixeira for information could help him escape.

Before he pleaded guilty, Teixeira remained in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, the Air Force said.

Teixeira was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts when authorities say he illegally collected military secrets and shared them with other users on Discord, a social media platform popular with people playing online games.

Investigators say Teixeira was in charge of a group on the platform called Thug Shaker Central, in which weapons and wars were discussed.

Teixeira, 22, was indicted on six counts of willful retention of national defense information and the subsequent leaking of it

The US Department of Justice released photo evidence collected during the investigation into US Air National Guardsman accused of leaking classified documents online

Jack Michael Teixeira, center, father of Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, departs federal court, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Boston

Teixeira joined the Air National Guard in 2019 and began last January to share military secrets with his Discord pals.

Chats between the 22-year-old and members of the Discord group indicate that his actions may have been motivated more by bravado than any specific ideology.

Prosecutors have urged the judge to keep the defendant locked up as the case plays out for reasons including a large arsenal of weapons found at his house and a history of disturbing online statements.

Investigators say Teixeira was in charge of a group on the platform called Thug Shaker Central, in which weapons and wars were discussed

In one social media post, he wrote that if he could, he would kill a 'ton of people' because it would be 'culling the weak minded.'

Judge Indira Talwani denied him bail after determining that 'No set of release conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, or prevent destruction of evidence.'

Teixeira worked as a 'cyber transport systems specialist,' essentially an IT specialist responsible for military communications networks.

Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings.

Teixeira's crimes were uncovered on April 6 last year - the same day the New York Times ran a story about the leaked documents.

The leak exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russia's war in Ukraine, the capabilities and geopolitical interests of other nations and other national security issues.

Allies then had to be reassured that their secrets were being well safeguarded by the US government.

Prosecutors have said little about an alleged motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy.

Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, seated second from right, is accused of leaking highly classified military documents on a social media platform

Prosecutors have said little about an alleged motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy

Prosecutors have said Teixeira continued to leak government secrets even after he was warned by superiors about mishandling and improper viewing of classified information for which he did not have permission to view.

In one instance, Teixeira was seen taking notes on intelligence information and putting them in his pocket.

Even after the warning, he was again flagged for looking through information not directly related to the intelligence field.

Authorities have not provided much insight into possible motives for Teixeira's behavior.

The Air Force inspector general found that members 'intentionally failed to report the full details' of Teixeira's unauthorized intelligence-seeking because they thought security officials might overreact.

For example, while Teixeira was confronted about the note, there was no follow up to ensure the note had been shredded and the incident was not reported to security officers.

It was not until a January 2023 incident that the appropriate security officials were notified, but even then security officials were not briefed on the full scope of the violations.
These aerial pictures show how the countryside is being sliced through to lay cables for a green energy windfarm.

Danish company rsted is developing the Hornsea Three wind farm off the Norfolk coast, with cables running underground from Weybourne to Swardeston, south of Norwich.

Trenches measuring 80m wide have been dug for the cables and these images show the impact of that construction work.

The cables travel for 33 miles, connecting to the National Grid via a converter station being built off the A47 near Swardeston, south of Norwich.

These aerial pictures show how the countryside is being sliced through to lay cables

Trenches measuring 80m wide have been dug for the cables and these images show the impact of that construction work

Danish company rsted is developing the Hornsea Three wind farm off the Norfolk coast, with cables running underground from Weybourne to Swardeston, south of Norwich

Luke Bridgman, Hornsea Three project director, said: 'We're grateful for the understanding and co-operation of local communities in North Norfolk so far as we build Hornsea 3, the world's largest wind farm.

'We've started work on the cable route and the converter station which will bring clean energy from the windfarm on shore and connect it to the UK grid - boosting our energy security by supplying to three million homes.

'As this is such a large project, traffic and deliveries to and from the sites are unavoidable, but we've been working closely with local authorities and residents to give advance notice of works taking place to help minimise disruption.

'We have agreements in place with landowners on how and where we work and once cables have been laid, we'll make good all construction sites and carefully restore the land to how it was before.'

However, there has been criticism that soil dug to create the trenches for the cable route had been carried by surface run-off in heavy rain and deposited into the River Glaven.

The cables travel for 33 miles, connecting to the National Grid via a converter station being built off the A47 near Swardeston, south of Norwich

rsted previously said it was taking steps to ensure mitigation measures were in place to handle extreme weather events

There has been criticism that soil dug to create the trenches for the cable route had been carried by surface run-off in heavy rain and deposited into the River Glaven

North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker raised his concerns in Parliament in January.

rsted previously said it was taking steps to ensure mitigation measures were in place to handle extreme weather events.

And Mr Bridgman said: 'We want to be good neighbours and to hear from communities and residents if they feel things could be done better or differently.

'We welcome local feedback and will continue to talk to those living and working nearby throughout the construction period, which will last roughly 10 months.'
The City of Miami has posted a scathing break up video online, addressing its relationship with revelers hoping to spend their Spring Break partying on the beach.

In the clip, exasperated residents say things like, 'hey, we need to talk,' 'it's not us - it's you,' and 'you just want to get drunk in public and ignore laws.'

Miami Beach posted a video on their X account, formerly known as Twitter, with the title: 'Hey Spring Break, we're over.'

Although the idea is playful, the tone of the video is serious, with one individual asking, 'Do you even remember what happened last March?'

The video then cuts to a series of newspaper headlines crowd the screen, one of them stating 'Miami Beach issues curfew after 2 people killed during spring break festivities,' while a siren blares in the background.

The City of Miami Beach posted their 'breakup' video on X.com

In the video, jaded residents say things like, 'it's not us; it's you.'

'You just want to get drunk in public and ignore laws,' another person says.

'Do you even remember what happened last March?' one person asks, before the video cuts to newspaper headlines about the back-to-back shootings that occurred during Spring Break last year

The headline refers to a pair of fatal shootings that rocked Miami Beach during spring break last year.

After the shootings, crowds seethed in the streets and forced Miami Beach officials to declare a state of emergency with a curfew.

Between February 27 and March 27, 2023, the Miami Beach Police Department made 408 arrests, seized 105 firearms, and issued 7,190 traffic citations.

In 2022, the city imposed a curfew after two shootings on Ocean Drive.

And the year before, in 2021, there were around 1,000 arrests, and dozens of guns were impounded, before the city issued an emergency curfew.

In 2024, the city of Miami Beach, tired of blood and alcohol being spilled in its streets, has said enough is enough.

A woman in the video stares into the camera and say that the events of last March were the city's 'breaking point.'

'So we're breaking up with you,' the woman continues.

Then another woman throws up her hands and says resignedly, 'this isn't safe, so we're done.'

In 2023, there were back-to-back shootings, which left two people dead

Drunken brawls often broke out among spring-break revelers, and some even picked fights with the police

During last year's spring break, the Miami Beach Police Department made 408 arrests, seized 105 firearms, and issued 7,190 traffic citations.

Then the video outlines the punitive and precautionary measures it is taking to deter would-be spring breakers.

'This March, you can expect things like curfews, bag checks, and restricted beach access, DUI checkpoints, $100 parking, and strong police enforcement for drug possession and violence.'

The city is also taking other draconian measures- shutting liquor stores down at 8pm, rigorous enforcement of open-container and noise laws, and closing parking garages in South Beach.

Towing fees will be doubled to $516, and the city reserves the option to shut down cafes on Ocean Drive if necessary.

There will also be an extensive police presence.

In 2023, when Miami Beach imposed a curfew after the shootings, revelers still flooded the streets, jumping on a car, and trashing a slushy shop.

By ratcheting up pressure on spring breakers, the city hopes to end the celebration for good, and to rid their city of libertine college students and carousing crowds.

As City Commissioner David Suarez said, 'We are shutting it down. We really mean it this time. We are not taking half-measures. We are really doing everything we can to end Spring Break.'

At the end of Miami Beach's video, a man on a park bench says, 'Maybe we can talk when you're done with your Spring Break phase, but until then...'

'WE'RE BREAKING UP WITH SPRING BREAK,' appears in all caps on the screen.

Despite crackdowns on parking and bar closures, spring breakers are set to flock to Miami in droves, with many undeterred over the newly imposed restrictions.

After news broke of the spring break restrictions in South Beach, young people took to TikTok to share how they will work around them - claiming Miami is still the hot place to be.

Now, the spring break enthusiasts are going viral for expressing defiance against the new rules, with one TikTok user saying, Curfews aren't a problem, we get lit as soon as we wake up!

Similar messages echoed across social media platforms, with users claiming Miami's Spring Break is not canceled.
A killer teenager who stabbed a 17-year-old on the orders of a drug dealer whose family supported ISIS smirked when he was found guilty of murder.

Mustafa Momand was stabbed to death in a daylight attack on a busy city street on the orders of a drug dealer with links to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, a court heard.

Another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of murdering Mustafa over a 20,000 drug debt by a jury in Brighton.

Mustafa's mother broke down in tears as their unanimous verdict was returned.

The defendant smirked and shook his head as he was taken down.

The boy had denied attacking Mustafa on the orders of a dealer calling himself Gotti - after the self-styled King of New York John Gotti.

Mustafa Momand was stabbed to death in a daylight attack on a busy city street on the orders of a drug dealer with links to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, a court heard

Shocking footage shows Mustafa running for his life after being stabbed in the chest

A jury heard Mustafa Momand was a marked man and was forced to move out of Brighton due to threats over drug debts.

He returned to the seaside city for a court appearance and never made it back to the train station.

Lewes Crown Court in Brighton heard the teenager died after a large kitchen knife was rammed into his chest in broad daylight by a 16-year-old.

The court heard that Mustafa appeared to be 'running for his life' last October while the alleged knifeman followed him yelling: 'I'm going to f***ing get you', according to eyewitnesses.

He managed to run around 165 yards before he collapsed to the ground and tragically died.

Jurors heard how Mustafa was described as a 'cheeky chap' and 'one of the lads' by his youth worker. He had moved to the UK from Afghanistan with his family in 2009 when he was three years old.

In late 2021, his mother found cannabis in his room and suspected he was using or dealing drugs. When Mustafa turned 16, things 'got worse' and his behaviour changed, his parents found weapons in his pockets and he went missing for days on occasion, coming back with valuable items or injuries, the court heard.

Pictures, flowers and candles were left at the site where Mustafa Momand died and blood could be seen on the pavements for days after.

Court heard the attacker shouted 'get back here' as he chased Mustafa

Mustafa's parents were so concerned for their son, they begged police to take him to jail

Nathan Rasiah, prosecuting, told the defendant: 'We know Mustafa had moved out of Brighton.

'You know others had been tasked with attacking him.

'The number belonging to Gotti called your phone in March.

'On March 25, there was a call from Mr Deghayes to Mustafa's father.

'That call related to someone saying to Mustafa's father that he owed a debt.

'The following day, the same number called you. You knew Gotti, didn't you?'

The defendant denied knowing Gotti.

Mr Rasiah told him: 'I'm going to suggest you knew Mustafa was a target and should be attacked on behalf of Gotti.'

'I did not,' the boy replied.

The unanimous jury found him guilty of murder.

Mr Justice Adam Constable KC told Mustafa Momand's parents: 'I know how distressing this has been for you.

'The way you have dealt with it has been extraordinary.

'You have dealt with it with a great deal of dignity and that has been very moving.'

His mother replied: 'Thank you.'

The judge told the teenager: 'By law, the only sentence I pass is one where the defendant will serve at his majesty's pleasure.

'I have to set the minimum term before which he can apply for parole.'

The teenager will be sentenced in May.

Jurors were told in November 2022, Mustafa told his father he was in debt and needed 8,000 or 'they will kill me'.

CCTV footage from streets, shops and a bus were all shown to the jury

The 17-year-old had begun his A-levels shortly before he was knifed

The teenager 'cried and pleaded' until his father managed to give him some money.

His father got him a job in a chicken shop, and he would wait outside for Mustafa who told him he was scared the people who he owed money to would find him there. Eventually, Mustafa was moved out of the area to a care home in Croydon in April 2023.

While living there he registered to begin a two-year A-Level course in Business and Law and went shopping with his mother for new clothes for college in Brighton on September 23.

On the trip to Churchill shopping centre, Mustafa was shocked and 'shaken' to bump into someone and was surrounded by a group of young men who let him go, because he was with his mother.

His mother recalled a phone call Mustafa received in the car afterwards to tell him to run.

Less than two weeks later on October 5, Mustafa travelled from Croydon to Brighton Magistrates' Court for an appearance in relation to drug offences. He left court alone, while his youth worker was using the bathroom, and was walking in the direction of Brighton train station, on Queens Road.

The court heard the defendant had caught a train from Southwick to Brighton, and was seen putting a glove on as he was walking down Queens Road.

The pair are seen coming into contact on bus CCTV footage at around 5pm, when the city centre was busy, and lots of people saw the attack, or parts of it, Mr Rasiah said.

During the trial, Mustafa's parents revealed how they 'begged' police to send their 17-year-old son to prison to get him away from drug dealing.

In a statement read aloud to court, Mustafa's father, Noor Momand, said he first became worried when his son came home very late on his 16th birthday despite his family waiting with a birthday cake for him.

When he did come home he had with him a 'very expensive' bottle of Chanel perfume, which he said a friend gave him.

'I was worried he was being exploited in some way,' Mr Momand said.

'We begged police to put him in juvenile prison.

'I was also thinking he was beginning to look like a drug user, he had dirty clothes and dirty nails.'

Mrs Momand said in a statement read aloud to court that he argued with her, his father and siblings and that he was going more against them and separate from the family.

On one occasion she said Mustafa went missing for three days because he was angry with her for speaking to the police about him.

She said: 'I was just a very worried mother. I was scared for his safety, I felt like I was losing my son.'

She described how Mustafa told her he wanted to stop dealing in future, and said a man who gives him the drugs 'favours' him.

Bur he added that he was in debt to the man because of losing drugs and money when he gets arrested by police.

'Mustafa took me aside one day and asked if we could stop fighting and he could have his mum back,' she said.
The daughter of her missing mother who has not been seen for five months broke down in tears as she made an emotional appeal to try to find her.

Calley Smith pleaded for help tracing Khasha Smith, 35, from Calder in Edinburgh, who was last seen during a Facetime call on October 10 last year - as police fear she 'may have come to some harm'.

The 18-year-old wept as she today told how the disappearance 'feel's like the worst dream I could ever imagine'.

She was speaking at Fettes police station alongside Khasha's mother Nicola Neil, 55, who also became emotional as she described her daughter as a 'brilliant mum'.

Mother-of-three Ms Smith is described as slim, about 5ft, with blue eyes and long, blonde hair and a tattoo on her right wrist which says 'Forever'.

Calley Smith, 18, wept at Fettes police station in Edinburgh today as she pleaded for help tracing her mother Khasha who has been missing for five months

The last sighting of Khashma Smith, 35, was on a Facetime call on October 10 last year

Police Scotland have said they 'have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm' and are considering 'all possibilities'.

Ms Smith was last seen during a Facetime call with a friend on October 10 and was reported missing by her family on January 5.

A massive search has been launched, including dog units, underwater teams and specialist officers - including areas she was known to frequent including Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes.

Khasha's daughter today said: 'I recently had my 18th birthday and didn't hear anything from my mum - she would never miss my birthday, my sisters' birthdays, or Christmas.

'It's just not her. We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I'm living the worst dream I could ever imagine.

'I can't express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.

'So I'm asking anyone with any information - please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.'

Ms Neil added: 'Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us.

'If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is - please tell us. Please don't let us go on like this.

Khasha's mother Nicola Neil, 55, also wept as she joined her granddaughter for today's appeal

The last sighting of Khasha Smith was on a Facetime call on October 10 last year

Calley Smith, 18, and 55-year-old Nicola Neil were both emotional in today's briefing

Calley Smith told how the disappearance feels like 'the worst dream I could ever imagine'

Nicola Neil described her daughter as 'a brilliant mum' the family needed 'home with us'

'Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family.

'We are all sick with worry. Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare.

'It's hard to find the words to explain the "not knowing" where she is and if anything has happened to her. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all.

'I would ask anyone out there - even if we don't know you - please come forward if you know anything at all.

'Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I'm begging you from the bottom of my heart - please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.'

It was previously suggested the family last heard from her on November 4 last year.

Detectives also said in January they had been been trawling through CCTV footage and were investigating a potential sighting in the citys Slateford area between November 21 and 24.

With the search ongoing, Police Scotland's Det Chief Insp Bob Williamson today said: 'Khasha's family are understandably extremely worried about her.

'We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family.

'While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities.

Calley Smith pleaded for anyone with information to come forward and potentially help

The family members were joined at Fettes police station in Edinburgh today by Police Scotland's Det Chief Insp Bob Williamson, pictured right

Det Chief Insp Bob Williamson said there was 'a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock' to find Khasha and 'get answers for her family'

'Our inquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha's life in the months prior to her disappearance.'

He said they were keen to speak to any of her friends who might have any information about here whereabouts since that last October 10 sighting.

An online portal for the major incident public portal has been set up, to give the public access to a form so they can send information directly.

They can also call Police Scotland in 101, quoting incident number 3915 of January 5 this year.
Republicans are celebrating the Supreme Court's decision today that Donald Trump can stay on states' 2024 ballots while slamming liberals for their 'idiotic' attempt to keep him off.

The court ruled in a unanimous 9-0 decision Monday that Trump should remain on Colorado's presidential ballot, reversing a ruling last year by the state's Supreme Court which kicked Trump off over January 6 'insurrection' charges.

'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot,' the judgment read. The decision handed Trump a major victory as he prepares for a likely rematch with President Joe Biden in the November general election.

Colorado's shock decision had baffled legal analysts and shocked Republicans, threatening to derail the Republican Party's leading candidate with under a year left until the presidential election.

Similar efforts to boot Trump off the ballot - including in Maine and Illinois - will now be shut down with the high court's decision.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., cheered the outcome Monday, saying 'Trump-hating liberal judges' failed in their attempt to disqualify Trump.

Former President Donald Trump scored a victory Monday after the Supreme Court ruled that he may remain on the Colorado ballot after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled he could not

'The efforts by Colorado, Maine, and other states to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot were politically-driven election interference,' said Sen. Graham

The Supreme Court's ruling Monday will likely have implications for other states which have sought to ban Trump from their ballots over January 6 related charges

'The Lefts hatred of President Trump is boundless,' he added.

'The efforts by Colorado, Maine, and other states to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot were politically-driven election interference,' he continued.

'Today, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed what we all knew: the Colorado Supreme Court engaged in a purely partisan attack against the frontrunner for the Republican presidential primary,' House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement shared with DailyMail.com.

'States engaging in the same activist, undemocratic behaviors should take notice and leave it to the American people to decide who will be president,' Johnson continued.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., called the Colorado court's ruling, 'idiotic and unconstitutional.'

'Today, SCOTUS upheld our democratic process with its unanimous decision to oppose and reverse the radical Colorado Supreme Court's removal of Trump from the ballot,' Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., posted on X.

'It's a massive win for voters and historic loss for leftist activist judges,' he added.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., also celebrated the ruling.

'The Supreme Court is right to unanimously rebuke Colorado for trying to stop people from voting for President Trump. The Colorado court made its decision in bad faith, for political reasons,' he said in a statement. 'Protecting democracy means letting Americans vote for who they want.'

'Extreme Democrats will shred the Constitution in order to prevent the American people from exercising their constitutional right to vote for President Donald Trump,' Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., posted on X.

'We the people decide elections, not unelected radical leftists,' she continued.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., called the ruling 'a major win against the attempts of election interference by lawfare against Republicans.'

And it was not just Republicans celebrating, one of Trump and President Biden's political rivals, Democrat Robert Kennedy Jr., said the Supreme Court's ruling was 'the correct outcome.'

'I want to win a fair election  not one in which my competitors are removed through legal maneuvers,' Kennedy posted on X.

Activists protested outside of the Supreme Court Monday, likening Trump to Nazis and Hitler

Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson celebrated the court's unanimous ruling calling the case a 'purely partisan attack' against Trump

Todays 9-0 Supreme Court decision neednt be something to celebrate, its something we ought to once again take for granted: we the people decide who governs. The fact that it took the highest Court in the land to say it shows how far weve fallen. But its a good start in the  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) March 4, 2024

Colorado's ruling was an unprecedented display of rank political partisanship at the hands of unelected officials.



It is the right of the American people to vote for the candidate of their choice without interference from radicals.



I am glad that the U.S. Supreme Court has pic.twitter.com/8Za3dsBNDI  Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) March 4, 2024

My statement on the Supreme Court 9-0 ruling:



"Today's unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court decision is a victory for the American people, the Constitution, and our Republic. As I have said since the start, extreme Democrats will shred the Constitution in order to prevent the American  Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) March 4, 2024

Democrats, on the other hand, were not pleased with the court's unanimous ruling.

'The Supreme Court moved rapidly to clear Donald Trump to appear on the ballot,' Rep. Adam Schiff, D- Calif., posted on X.

'Will it move just as quickly to reject his false claims of immunity so he can appear in court? Or will justice delayed again be justice denied?'

Other liberals took to X to lament the decision, suggesting that the court should be 'dissolved.'

Democratic commentator Keith Olbermann said the court 'betrayed democracy.'

'Its members including Jackson, Kagan and Sotomayor have proved themselves inept at reading comprehension,' he wrote on X.

'And collectively the "court" has shown itself to be corrupt and illegitimate. It must be dissolved.'
South Korea, US kick off annual joint military drills

By Nam Hyun-woo

North Korea might stage provocations during the annual Freedom Shield combined military exercise between South Korea and the United States, Seouls defense minister said, Monday.

There are chances for North Korea to stage various provocations on the occasion of (the allies) combined training and major elections in South Korea and the U.S., in order to set up a strategic environment advantageous to the regime, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said during a forum in Seoul.

Shin was referring to the Freedom Shield exercise which kicked off on the same day for an 11-day run. It is a computer-simulated, defense-oriented command post exercise event, but the allies have also been conducting various types of field drills during the period.

During this years Freedom Shield, the allies will conduct 48 rounds of on-field drills, which is more than double those of last years edition. Also, training for tracking and intercepting North Korean cruise missiles is included in this year's program, given that Pyongyang has already launched cruise missiles five times this year. It remains uncertain whether the U.S. will deploy strategic assets such as bombers or nuclear submarines during the period.

The North detests the Freedom Shield exercise, claiming it is practice for war against the North.

When the allies held the exercise last year, the North said the U.S. and South Korea are explicitly showcasing their attempt at military dominance on the Korean Peninsula, and North Korea will respond to it, if the U.S. chooses to show its force.

The possibilities of North Koreas provocations during the Freedom Shield period are higher this year, because the two Koreas have virtually scrapped their 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement aimed at completely ceasing all hostile acts against each other, including military trainings targeting each other in border areas.

During his speech, Shin stated that he and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, reaffirmed the rock-solid alliance between Seoul and Washington in a phone call last week.

South Korea and the U.S. are striving for peace through strength based on a robust combined defense posture, Shin said. Through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) between the two countries, the allies will complete comprehensive extended deterrence by the first half of this year.

During the second NCG between Seoul and Washington in December, the two countries agreed to conduct exercises based on a scenario of a nuclear attack by the North. This will not be included in the ongoing Freedom Shield training, but likely to be included in the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in August.
Peers inflicted a series of heavy defeats on the Government's Rwanda Bill tonight as the House of Lords renewed an assault on Rishi Sunak's flagship laws to 'Stop the Boats'.

Ministers were resoundingly defeated on amendments to the marquee legislation in the unelected chamber, as peers set up a fresh battle with the House of Commons.

The Lords voted by majorities of more than 100 votes on a series of changes to the Bill, with the size of the defeats the biggest to have been suffered by Mr Sunak as PM.

Peers supported a move to ensure the controversial Bill is fully compliant with domestic and international law.

They also demanded that Parliament cannot declare Rwanda a safe country for housing asylum seekers until a new treaty with Kigali is fully implemented.

In a further change, the Lords voted in favour of establishing a monitoring mechanism able to determine whether the safeguards in the treaty have been, and continue to be, fully implemented.

The Government is likely to suffer even more defeats in the Lords this week, with a string of other amendments having been tabled to the Rwanda Bill by peers.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and former judge Baroness Hale of Richmond are backing efforts to prevent ministers ignoring the European Court of Human Rights via the legislation.

Although the amendments are unlikely to block the legislation altogether, with the House of Commons having the final say, many peers are determined to slow progress of the Bill.

Today's heavy Government defeats set the stage for an extended tussle between the Commons and Lords during 'ping-pong', where legislation is batted between the two Houses until agreement is reached.

Mr Sunak has said he wants the first flights to leave for Rwanda this Spring, but Tories fear the policy will not be up and running before the general election, expected this Autumn.

Peers inflicted a series of heavy defeats on the Government's Rwanda Bill as the House of Lords renewed an assault on Rishi Sunak 's flagship laws to 'Stop the Boats'

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (pictured) and ex-judge Baroness Hale are backing efforts to prevent ministers ignoring the European Court of Human Rights

Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured with Rishi Sunak last month) said he was 'absolutely determined' to tackle illegal immigration

A group in a small boat were picked up in the Channel on Monday morning

During today's debate in the Lords on the Rwanda Bill, former Tory leader Michael Howard said the Government was 'fully entitled' to use the legislation to declare Rwanda a safe country to remove asylum seekers to.

Lord Howard of Lympne told peers that the Supreme Court had been 'trespassing' on the Government's responsibilities in their November ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country.

'All the Government is doing in this bill is to reassert its responsibility, as traditionally understood by the principle of the separation of powers, for executive decision-making,' he told peers.

'And there is a reason why it is the Government, and not the courts, which has that responsibility. It is because it is the Government, and not the courts, which is accountable. The courts is accountable to no one  they pride themselves on that.

'But accountability is at the heart of democracy. That is why the Government is fully entitled to bring forward this bill and why much of the criticism which is directed at it for doing so is, for the reasons I have given, fundamentally misconceived.'

Tory former Cabinet minister Lord Lilley urged peers to 'use common sense' and support the Bill otherwise 'more will die' crossing the Channel, he warned.

But critics of the Bill lined up to deliver fresh criticism of the legislation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury pointed out international human rights law had grown out of the horrors committed by Nazi Germany, where in 1933 a government that 'had been legally and properly elected, passed horrific laws that did terrible things'.

He added: 'We are not in any situation remotely like that, let's be clear. The Government is not doing something on the scale of what we saw at that stage.

'But the Government is challenging the right of international law to constrain our actions. And the point of international law is to stop governments going ahead with things that are wrong.'

Tory peer Lord Tugendhat, whose nephew is security minister Tom Tugendhat, accused the Government of behaving like the ruling party in George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, in its move to legislate that Rwanda was safe.

He said: 'If this Bill goes onto the statute book in its present form, Rwanda will be a safe country regardless of reality until the statute is repealed.'

Crossbench peer Baroness D'Souza, the former Lord Speaker, branded the Bill a 'legal fiction' as she claimed it was an attempt at 'writing into law a demonstrably false statement that Rwanda is a safe country to receive asylum seekers and thereby forcing all courts to treat Rwanda as a safe country, despite clear findings of fact'.

Ken Clarke, the former Tory chancellor, expressed his hope there would be a legal challenge to the Rwanda Bill, even if the legislation was passed by Parliament.

'I can't recall a precedent in my time where a Government of any complexion has produced a Bill which asserts facts, a matter of facts, facts to be fact,' Lord Clarke of Nottingham told peers.

'And then goes on to say that this should be regarded legally as a fact interminably until and unless the Bill is changed, and then goes on to say that no court should even consider any question of the facts being otherwise.

'It's no good blaming the Human Rights Act, I do not think it probable that the British courts were going to come to any other conclusion.

'And if the Labour party allow this Bill to go through, I very much hope there will be a legal challenge, and the Supreme Court will consider it obviously objectively again.'

Ken Clarke, the former Tory chancellor, expressed his hope there would be a legal challenge to the Rwanda Bill, even if the legislation was passed by Parliament

Crossbench peer Baroness D'Souza, the former Lord Speaker, branded the Rwanda Bill a 'legal fiction'

The Government has said the Rwanda Bill - and an accompanying treaty with Kigali - is key to reviving efforts to deport asylum seekers to Africa following the Supreme Court's block on the scheme last year.

The PM hopes getting Rwanda flights up and running will then prove a deterrent to other migrants thinking of crossing the Channel to Britain in small boats.

Home Secretary James Cleverly earlier said he was 'absolutely determined' to tackle illegal immigration, pointing to his experience in the London Assembly more than a decade ago.

'It was Labour's failure in government in the early to mid-2000s leading up to that 2008 election which I think contributed to the electoral result with a member of the BNP getting voted on to the London Assembly. Labour dropped the ball. I have no intention of doing that,' he told The Times.

Mr Cleverly added: 'At election time I will be very, very comfortable standing with a record reducing small boats arrivals.'

Mr Sunak last week insisted his Rwanda deportation scheme is a 'worthwhile investment' despite the public spending watchdog cautioning that costs could soar to half a billion pounds.

And Downing Street today insisted the Government remains committed to sending flights to Rwanda 'in the Spring'.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'The PM is focused on delivering for the British people and stopping the boats, and he is clear that our partnership with Rwanda is one of the key levers to deliver this.

'Our legally binding treaty makes clear that individuals relocated to Rwanda under the partnership will not be returned to an unsafe country and building on our treaty the Bill will make absolutely clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country and a key part of our efforts to stop the boats and save lives.

'Through our treaty and Bill we will control our borders, deter people taking perilous journeys, reduce the strain on our public services and end the continuous legal challenges against removals.'

The spokesman added that the Government was 'confident that Rwanda is implementing the terms of our treaty'.

In a revelation branded a 'national scandal' by Labour, the National Audit Office (NAO) said the Rwanda plan could cost taxpayers nearly 2million for each of the first 300 asylum seekers sent to the east African nation.

The Home Office had so far refused to say how much more money, on top of the 290million already confirmed, the UK has agreed to pay Kigali under the stalled plan.

But an NAO report uncovered millions more in spending including 11,000 for each migrant's plane ticket.

Speaking during a visit to Scotland on Friday, Mr Sunak told reporters: 'The current situation is unsustainable and unfair.

'Taxpayers are already forking out millions of pounds a day to house illegal migrants in hotels across the country, that's not right. That's why I made stopping the boats one of my priorities.

'I'm pleased that we've made progress, last year the numbers were down by a third.'
Former President Donald Trump on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to reinstate him on presidential ballots as 'well crafted,' saying that it would unify the country.

He thanked the justices for working quickly in delivering a ruling that he said would be remembered for 200 years.

And he urged the court to deliver him immunity in the next election case that it will consider, arguing that any other decision would leave him open to prosecution for US military actions that killed senior terrorist leaders in the Middle East.

'You cannot take somebody out of a race,' he said Monday afternoon at his Mar-a-Lago base in Florida.

'The voters can take a person out of the race very quickly. But a court shouldn't be doing that. The Supreme Court saw that.

'And I really do believe that will be a unifying factor.'

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Donald Trump can stay on the ballot in a fatal blow for the states trying to kick him off and just 24 hours before 15 states vote on Super Tuesday

Trump referenced killing two enemies of the US in defense of his claim for immunity - Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS leader (left), and General Qassem Soleimani of the Iranian Quds Force

Two and a half hours earlier, the US Supreme Court unanimously restored the former president to primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot.

It is the latest in a string of court victories for the former president.

Last week, justices said they would also take up a case looking at whether Trump can be criminally prosecuted for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

On Monday, Trump said that removing immunity would leave him liable to prosecution for other things, such as his attacks on the ISIS terrorist group.

'I took out ISIS and I took out some very big people from the standpoint of a different part of the world ... two of the leading terrorists ... probably the two leading terrorists ever that we've ever seen in this world,' he said.

'And those are big decisions. I don't want to be prosecuted for it.'

In 2019, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of ISIS, was killed in a raid by U.S. forces. A year late Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian major general, was killed by an American drone strike in Iraq.

(Osama bin Laden, who ordered the deadliest terror attacks on U.S. soil in history was killed under President Barack Obama in 2011.)

Trump said no president would be able to act with a 'free and clear mind' if the threat of prosecution was hanging over them.

Trump addressed the cameras at Mar-a-Lago on Monday hours after the ruling

Supporters of Donald Trump clash with police at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021

Anti-Trump demonstrators protest outside the US Supreme Court before the court decided whether former US President Donald Trump is eligible to run for president in the 2024 election in Washington, DC, on February 8, 2024

The justices handed down their ruling a day before Super Tuesday, when 15 states will make their choice.

The court ruled that states cannot use a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep candidates from appearing on ballots. It said that power rests only with Congress.

'Big win for America,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

The ruling brings to an end efforts in Colorado, Maine and Illinois to exclude the former president from ballots using a mechanism that disqualifies 'candidates engaged in insurrection' from taking office again.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said: 'I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates.

Members of the Supreme Court unanimously overturned a Dec. 19 decision by Colorado's top court to kick the former president off the state's Tuesday Republican primary ballot

'Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.'

Colorado's Supreme Court last year ruled that Section 3 did apply to Trump, the first time a court had applied the mechanism to a presidential candidate.

But in their 20-page ruling, the justices said only Congress could determine who was allowed to run.

'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot', they said in an unsigned opinion. 'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed.'

The case is the court's most direct intervention in a presidential election since Bush v Gore, when it effectively handed the deadlocked 2000 result to Republican candidate George W. Bush.




The Democratic National Committee has filed a complaint against the pro-Robert Kennedy Jr. super PAC on Monday with the Federal Election Commission, accusing the super PAC of failing to properly disclose $10 million in loans.

This is the latest action by Democrats fighting against the Independent presidential candidate's bid for the White House as some see Kennedy's campaign as a potential spoiler for President Joe Biden.

The DNC alleges American Values 2024 (AV24) violated federal law by not properly disclosing $10 million in loans from billionaire donor Gavin de Becker, $9.65 million of which has since been repaid. It also accused the super PAC of not disclosing whether it has other 'off the books' loan agreements with donors.

'This is yet another example of AV24 playing fast and loose with election law,' said DNC senior adviser Mary Beth Cahill in a statement. 'Its clear that they, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his campaign, don't believe that the rules apply to them.'

Cahill blasted AV24 claiming the loan agreement allowed them to inflate fundraising numbers as well as conceal the extent to which the super PAC is 'almost single-handedly funded' by major Trump donor Tim Mellon.

DNC files complaint with the FEC accusing the pro-Kennedy Jr. super PAC of not properly disclosing $10 million loan or whether it had other 'off the books' loan agreements

The complaint states de Becker's $10 million, $9.65 million of which was then refunded, was one-third of the super PAC's receipts and more than two-thirds of its disbursements last year.

It claims the money allowed AV24 to mislead the public about its finances, noting the super PAC published at least two press releases about its fundraising totals including one with a quote from de Becker, but neither revealed his funding was a loan that would be returned.

DailyMail.com has reached out to both AV24 and the Kennedy campaign for comment.

The complaint also argues the contribution obscured how much of the funding had come from Mellon.

Federal filings show Mellon gave AV24 $20 million. He has also donated $15 million to Make America Great Again Inc, a super PAC supporting Trump, filings show.

The DNC noted when combined, Mellons contributions and de Beckers loans constituted nearly 80 percent of AV24s receipts.

The DNC has alleged the Mellon donations suggest that top supporters of the former president are using Kennedy's candidacy to try and siphon support from Biden 's re-election bid.

DNC claims money from major Trump donor to pro-Kennedy super PAC suggest the GOP presidential hopeful's supporters are using Kennedy to try and siphon support from Biden

Kennedy previously launched his White House bid as a Democrat but then switched to running as an Independent presidential candidate

Earlier this month, the DNC filed an other complaint with the FEC accusing the Independent presidential candidate's campaign of illegally coordinating with the pro-Kennedy super PAC to help get him on the general election ballot.

The DNC alleged that AV24 worked to collect signatures to ensure Kennedy is on the November ballot in key states but will have to 'integrate their expenses' with the campaign in ways that violate federal election rules in order to do so.

That's because the DNC argued many states - including Arizona, Illinois and Michigan - have rules that candidates or their campaigns be the ones collecting ballot signatures, meaning Kennedy's campaign will have to violate federal rules to meet state requirements.

'They simply cannot comply with federal law and state law at the same time,' DNC legal counsel Bob Lenhard said on a conference call with reporters at the time the complaint was filed.

At the time, the Kennedy campaign released a statement in response calling it a 'nonissue being raised by a partisan political entity that seems to be increasingly concerned with its own candidate and viability.'

Kennedy began his White House campaign last year as a challenger to Biden in the Democratic primary only to later switch to a third-party bid.
An 'aggressive' Jet2 passenger who repeatedly swore at cabin crew after her flight from Turkey landed 30 minutes late has admitted being drunk on an aircraft.

Lauren Beaumont-Capps, 40, caused trouble while travelling on the flight from Antalya to Manchester in January.

Cabin crew became concerned about Beaumont-Capps and another 'intoxicated' female passenger when the plane landed, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

Ms Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, described how both women 'started causing commotion' and attempted to get off the aircraft, which was 30 minutes late.

They were talking 'loudly and inappropriately' and 'shouting in an aggressive way', Ms Aslam said.

Beaumont-Capps, who had consumed six alcoholic drinks during the fight, shouted: 'Get me off this f****** plane.'

Lauren Beaumont-Capps, 40, (pictured) caused chaos on a flight from Turkey to Manchester in January

Beaumont-Capps leaving Court after she pleaded guilty to all the charges

Beaumont-Capps repeatedly swore at cabin crew after a plane landed late into Manchester

Beaumont-Capps had consumed six alcoholic drinks during the fight to Manchester

Beaumont-Capps is pictured on the phone as she leaves court having pleaded guilty to all the charges

When she was told to stop swearing by female member of cabin crew, she replied: 'You can't tell me what to do.'

A second cabin crew member, who also tried to intervene, was called: 'A f****** c***.'

Ms Aslam said the female crew member 'felt like she was going to be physically attacked' as Beaumont-Capps continued her verbal abuse, shouting: 'Why don't you f****** f*** off.'

Police were alerted and she was escorted from the plane but continued to use similar language in front of officers and 'refused to co-operate with simple instructions'.

Beaumont-Capps, of Swinton, Greater Manchester, admitted charges of being drunk on an aircraft and using threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour.

She will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on April 2.

MailOnline has contacted Jet2 for comment.
One girl who refused his smoothies frantically tried to keep her unconscious friends from assault while begging her mom for rescue, it is claimed

The human resources manager and Arizona State University graduate faces multiple felony charges after the girls tested positive for Benzodiazepines

This is the 57-year-old human resources manager accused of drugging his daughters pre-teen friends with spiked smoothies after they arrived at his house for a sleepover.

Michael Meyden was released on $50,000 bail last week charged with multiple felonies in Oregon after the 12-year-olds tested positive for benzodiazepines in hospital.

One terrified girl who had refused the smoothies desperately tried to keep her unconscious friends safe from assault at the party in August, a court has heard.

She sent a series of frantic text messages pleading for rescue as Michael Meyden, 57, allegedly prowled the home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to see if the tranquilizers had taken effect.

'Mom please pick me up and say I had a family emergency,' I don't feel safe,' she wrote as Meyden returned upstairs briefly.

Michael Meyden pictured in the search warrant for his $1.3million home in Lake Oswego, Oregon where is alleged to have drugged his daughter's friends

The 57-year-old human resources manager 'insisted' the girls drink the doctored smoothies at his $1.3million home in Lake Oswego, Oregon

'I might not respond but please come get me. Please. Please pick up. Please. PLEASE!!'

Meydens now deleted LinkedIn profile identifies him as an Arizona State University graduate who worked for energy company Avangrid.

He and his wife Yukiko Ishida-Meyer shared the $1.3million home in Lake Oswego but filed for divorce in October last year and his current address is listed as an RV park in Vancouver.

The three girls had joined Meyden's daughter for the 'spa night' sleepover at his home on August 26.

Meyden was 'highly involved' in the event taking them out to get their nails done and picking up pizza for their dinner, according to the affidavit.

Before going to bed, Meyden allegedly made them two smoothies each and 'insisted' they drink them.

'Mr. Meyden specifically gave each of the girls specific colored reusable straws to distinguish their own drink,' the probable cause affidavit claims.

'Mr. Meyden was adamant that the girls drink out of their own cups.'

Meyden in a picture from his now deleted LinkedIn profile

Meyden at his 2008 wedding to wife Yukiko Ishida, the couple filed for divorce in October

One girl drank both her smoothies, and another girl drank one glass, but the third said she did not like the smoothies and barely drank any at all, police say.

Authorities claim that one of the girls said that the drinks appeared to have 'tiny white chunks;' in them and that Meyden's own daughter appeared to have drunk a significant amount.

The girls then retired to the basement where two slept in a bedroom and the others on a pull-out couch.

The only undrugged girl remained awake and saw Meyden allegedly come into the basement and pull the heavily drugged girl away from her.

When he disappeared upstairs, the girl pulled her unconscious friend back next to her only to find Meyden return and pull her away again, the affidavit says.

'He put his finger underneath the nose of the awake girl 'as if to see if she was soundly asleep, he then waved his hand in front of her face,' she told police.

As Meyden allegedly retreated, she began calling and texting her parents and was eventually able to reach a family friend, who picked her up and took her to her home.

As word spread the parents of the other two girls arrived to retrieve their daughters at 3am, but Meyden was allegedly reluctant to let them in, telling them their children were asleep.

The parents took the girls to Randall Children's Hospital where they tested positive for benzodiazepines, tranquilizers more usually used to calm anxiety or as a sleeping aid.

The girl who drank two smoothies told police she began to feel woozy, hot and clumsy, shortly after finishing the second.

She then 'blacked out' and fell into a 'thick, deep sleep' unlike any she had previously known, the affidavit says.

Meyden has been charged with three felony counts of causing another person to ingest a controlled substance, three felony counts of applying a schedule IV controlled substance to the body of a minor and three misdemeanor counts of delivering to a minor a schedule IV controlled substance.

He surrendered at the Clackamas County Jail on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing on Wednesday before being released on $50,000 bail.

The father-of-two is due to appear at Clackamas County Court on April 8

'Mr Meyden is presumed innocent,' his attorney Mark Cogan said.

'We have not seen the evidence. The indictment was issued by a grand jury behind closed doors where no judge, no defense attorney, was allowed.

'And we hope that people will reserve judgment until all the facts are known.'

Meyden is due back in court on April 8.
An employee of the US Embassy in Jerusalem has died, the embassy confirmed Monday.

A US spokesperson confirmed the dead employee, an American citizen, is not the US Ambassador to Israel.

A spokesperson for the embassy confirmed the death in a brief statement: 'We can confirm the death of an American employee of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. We have no further details to share.'

They added that 'foul play is not suspected,' and the incident is under investigation, but have not released any further information at this time.

Journalist Dimi Reider of The Lead reports that the diplomat was found dead in their apartment.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday afternoon that more information will be available once the deceased employee's next of kin have been notified.

An employee of the US Embassy in Jerusalem has died, the embassy confirmed Monday

  JUST IN: An unnamed American diplomat was found dead in their Jerusalem apartment. US Embassy investigating | Updates to follow pic.twitter.com/6hxI6fL2Q3  Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) March 4, 2024

In 2018, the Trump administration moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, from Tel Aviv, where it had been for some five decades.

In 2017, Trump broke with years and years of US policy by officially recognizing Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.

The move delighted Trump supporters and Israelis, but infuriated Palestinians and parts of the Arab world.

The embassy move was a signature tenet of Trump's 2016 campaign agenda. The proposal was especially popular among evangelical Christians, many of whom supported Trump's campaign and his choice of Mike Pence as VP.

Since the mid-90s, US presidents both Republican and Democrat failed to move the embassy to Jerusalem, despite the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which was passed by Congress and became law in 1995.
The Home Office made a U-turn on its decision to deny visas to 47 young Afghan musician due to fly to the UK after facing backlash.

The Afghan Youth Orchestra is due to come the UK to raise awareness of the plight of girls and women under the Taliban even though their visas were initially denied, according to journalist Christina Lamb.

'Is it not enough that they had to flee the Taliban?,' Ms Lamb said, criticising the decision by the Home Office.

The musicians in the orchestra are part of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), a group that fled their homeland after the Taliban seized power and banned music and education for young women and girls.

'The visa refusal not only dealt a significant blow to the young musicians' aspirations but also deprived these young musicians an opportunity to raise awareness through music about the gender apartheid against Afghan women and denial of cultural rights of the Afghan people by the Taliban,' ANIM said in a statement.

After the public outcry over the refused visas the Home Office overturned its decision tonight and said in a statement that 'musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture'.

The Home Office made a U-turn on its decision to deny visas to 47 young Afghan musician (pictured) due to fly to the UK after facing backlash

The musicians in the orchestra (pictured) are part of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), a group that fled their homeland after the Taliban seized power and banned music and education for young women and girls

The Afghan Youth Orchestra is due to come the UK to raise awareness of the plight of girls and women under the Taliban even though their visas were initially denied, according to journalist Christina Lamb (pictured above)

Members of the Afghan Youth Orchestra which will now be allowed to perform in the UK after the Home Office reversed its decision to deny the group visas for entry

The Southbank Centre, where the half-female group aged 14-22 is supposed to play on Thursday, said that they are 'extremely disappointed that the Afghan Youth Orchestra has had its visas denied'

The Southbank Centre, where the half-female group aged 14-22 will play on Thursday, had said that they are 'extremely disappointed that the Afghan Youth Orchestra has had its visas denied' today.

'The orchestra is a beacon of hope and free creative expression: its brave young people have been forced to leave their homeland because of a repressive regime and they have found a home in Portugal, where they have refugee status,' the statement continued.

'This decision denies UK audiences the opportunity of being inspired by their brave work and they deserve full support of the Arts community as well as the UK government. We urge the Home Office to reconsider its decision.'

The young musicians have already played in Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and are due to play at New York's renomated Carnegie Hall later this year.

Dr Ahmad Sarmast, the head of the orchestra, told Ms Lamb that the initial decision 'is so disappointing'. 'These girls have been practising for months and it would have been so beautiful,' he added.

Ms Lamb said she previously visited the orchestra in Portugal, where she spoke to three female musicians told her about rebuilding their lives in the European country after fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban seized power.

When all 273 ANIM students and staff arrived in Portugal in December 2021, they had to be quarantined and didn't have their instruments, the Times reports.

More than 100 of them left for other countries and only 58 students - most of them minors - remain in Portugal with Mr Sarmast, who hopes to rebuild the music school there.

The Southbank Centre, where the half-female group aged 14-22 (pictured) will play on Thursday, said: 'The orchestra is a beacon of hope and free creative expression'

After the public outcry over the refused visas the Home Office overturned its decision tonight and said in a statement that 'musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture'

Mask-clad members of ANIM group sit waiting to exit the SAS charter flight that brought Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM)'s 273 Students, Faculty, Staff and family members to Figo Maduro Military Airport on December 13, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal

Ms Lamb urged the Home Office to 'let them in' on X

Conductor of the Afghan national orchestra Mohammed Qambar Nawshad leads musicians of the Afghanistan National Institute of music (ANIM) which all-female Zohra orchestra is part of, during a concert in the Qatari capital Doha on October 18, 2021

He said: 'Every performance we do is a protest against the Taliban,' while his students told Ms Lamb that they play knowing they are being watched at home.

One students added: 'I feel like I am playing for all the girls and women of Afghanistan who are locked in their homes.'

The orchestra itself said in a statement: 'It is with deep regret that the Afghan Youth Orchestra (AYO) informs the community and public that the orchestra was denied an entry visa to the UK.

'AYO, a group of exceptionally talented young female and male afghan musicians, was scheduled to embark on a concert tour of the UK called 'Breaking the Silence'.

'This concert tour is part of the South Asian Sounds Festival hosted by the Southbank Centre.'

The statement added: 'AYO expresses its profound disappointment that the denial of visas not only deprives them of an opportunity to share the beauty of Afghan music with the audiences in four cities in the UK, but also share their message of resilience, hope and struggle with the international community.'

'The group flee Afghanistan after the return of the Taliban, and since December 2021, live and study in Portugal, where they were granted asylum,' ANIM said as they urged the Home Office to reconsider their decision.

The backlash fired up by Ms Lamb seemingly forced the Home Office into a U-turn, as the journalist confirmed on X tonight that the group would be able to come and play in the UK after all.

A young member of ANIM group reacts as she is embraced in a welcome by Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder and director of the school, before exiting the SAS charter flight that brought Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM)'s 273 Students, Faculty, Staff and family members to Figo Maduro Military Airport on December 13, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal

Good news for the group came around 8pm tonight as Ms Lamb wrote on X that the 'Home Office [had] overturned their decision'

She wrote: 'Great news - Home Office has overturned their decision & the Afghan youth orchestra will now be coming to UK and playing their women's day concert at Southbank Centre, then Bham, Liverpool & Manchester. Pls go see them & show your support for Afghan women & girls.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture.

'Applications have to be considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules with the responsibility on applicants to demonstrate they meet these rules.'

It is understood that the Home Office is working with organisers to ensure that consent is obtained for the minors to travel.

Diana Johnson MP, the chair of the home affairs select committee, wrote on X: 'Excellent news and glad the @ukhomeoffice have done the right thing. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.'

Mr Sarmast told the Guardian before the visa decision was reversed: 'The group has been denied visas for entry to the UK to complete this wonderful tour called Breaking the Silence.

'We have played all over the world since we left [Afghanistan] but we never faced this.'

He added that the orchestra didn't just want to share Afghan music abroad while it is banned under the Taliban, 'but to achieve cultural diplomacy'.

The group prepared a mix of Afghan, south Asian and classical music from the West for their upcoming performance at the Southbank Centre.

It is understood the Southbank Centre performance will be rearranged, with relevant organisations looking at a possible date next week.
A lawsuit reveals Biden's CBP is refusing to disclose airports where it is flying undocumented aliens from other countries

Joe Biden's administration has admitted transporting migrants on secret flights into the U.S. and lawyers for its immigration agencies claim revealing the locations could create national security 'vulnerabilities'.

Customs and Border Protection has refused to disclose crucial information about a program last year arranging flights for thousands of undocumented immigrants from foreign airports directly to U.S. cities.

It means that while record numbers of migrants were flowing over the southern border last year, the Biden White House was also directly transporting them into the country.

Use of a cell phone app has allowed for the near undetected arrival by air of 320,000 aliens with no legal rights to enter the United States.

It comes after a controversy over a 2022 transportation program in which the administration used taxpayers money to move migrants throughout the country on overnight flights.

A new revelation in a FOIA lawsuit against President Joe Biden's immigration agencies reveals they will not disclose information about secret migrant flights from out of country because it opens 'vulnerabilities'

President Joe Biden expanded the CBP One app to allow aliens to apply for asylum from their home countries  and then secretly fly them to U.S. airports from foreign ones

U.S. President Joe Biden greets a member of law enforcement as he receives a briefing at the U.S.-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., February 29, 2024

Included in details of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit first reported by Todd Bensman, the Center for Immigration Studies found Biden's CBP approved the latest secretive flights that transported hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants from foreign countries into at least 43 different American airports from January through December 2023.

The program was part of Biden's expansion of the CBP One app, which kicked off at the start of last year.

Migrants were able, under Biden's expansion, to apply for asylum using the app from their home countries.

But the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) notes that the transportation of these migrants directly to the U.S. is one of the lesser known uses of the app.

Aliens who cannot legally enter the U.S. use CBP One to apply for travel authorization and temporary humanitarian release from those airports.

The program was part of Biden's expansion of the CBP One app, which kicked off at the start of last year

Groups of migrants of different nationalities arrive at the Rio Grande, to cross it and surrender to the American authorities, since elements of the Texas National Guard no longer prevent their passage in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on March 2, 2024.

Under this parole release, migrants are able to remain in the U.S. for two years without obtaining legal status and meanwhile are eligible for work authorization.

The administration first said it would not reveal which airports the undocumented aliens were transported, citing a 'law enforcement exception' in the refusal to hand over information.

But new information from CIS lawsuit reveals the locations were not disclosed due to fear 'bad actors' would inflict harm on public safety or the information would create law enforcement vulnerabilities.

CBP lawyers wrote that revealing the airports would 'reveal information about the relative number of individuals arriving, and thus resources expended at particular airports.'

That would in turn reveal 'operational vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors altering their patterns of conduct, adopting new methods of operation, and taking other countermeasures.'

The program follows controversy over the last few years when Biden secretly arranged flights of underage migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to other U.S. cities

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures near the bank of the Rio Grande River at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas

They added this could 'thereby undermin[e] CBP's law enforcement efforts to secure the United States borders.'

But Republicans insist the southern border is not secure, and are demanding Biden implement more strict protocols between the U.S. and Mexican border.

CIS says the secretiveness to the flights are 'legally dubious' and claim since CBP will not disclose the locations for fear of 'grave' consequences, it is likely not a program that should continue.

Lawyers also did not disclose the locations of foreign airport departures, making it unclear where these migrants are coming from.

But those eligible for the CBP One applications are citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia and Ecuador.
Cops have blasted 'Eye of the Tiger' into the Tennessee woodlands during a desperate search for an autistic boy who disappeared from his home a week ago.

Sebastian Rogers, 15, is believed to have left his family house with a flashlight in the early hours of February 26. He was reported missing by his parents at 6.30am.

Tennessee State Troopers used a loudspeaker attached to a drone to blast the Rocky theme tune - Sebastian's favorite song - in the hopes it would entice him out if he's hiding.

The state Bureau of Investigation released an endangered child alert for the teenager on the day he disappeared - and officials have since deployed drones, dogs, boats, horses and helicopters in the search for him.

Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, 15, is believed to have left his family house with a flashlight in the early hours of February 26. He was reported missing by his parents at around 6.30am

The state Bureau of Investigation released an endangered child alert for the teenager on the day he disappeared - and officials have since deployed drones, dogs, boats, horses and helicopters in the search for him

Tennessee State Troopers used a loudspeaker attached to a drone to blast the Rocky theme tune - Sebastian's favorite song - in the hopes it would entice him out if he is hiding

'We were told that his favorite song was 'Eye of The Tiger,'' Deputy Chief Eric Craddock with The Sumner County Sheriff's Department said.

'We tried playing that to kind of call him and let him know we're here to help. I'm sure that he could see what's going on here and be intimidated.

'But if he sees this newscast, I want him to know: Sebastian come out we're here to help you. We just wanna get you home safe.'

'We have no leads, no details to indicate that Sebastian is not alive,' Craddock added in an update on Monday.

He said officials were now 'scaling down' the ground search as they 'transitioned to the investigative side'.

'We have consulted with experts in search and rescue, they've said 'you've done everything you can do'.'

Sebastian lives in Stafford Court, Hendersonville, on the north-eastern outskirts of Nashville, and he is believed to be wearing glasses with a black sweatshirt and sweatpants.

Sebastian lives in Stafford Court, Hendersonville, on the north-eastern outskirts of Nashville, and he is believed to be wearing glasses with a black sweatshirt and sweatpants

The search continues for 15-year-old Sebastian (left) who has been missing for one week

Hundreds of trained search team members have combed 2,000 miles on foot throughout Hendersonville

By late last week, Craddock said they were 'operating under the assumption that Sebastian walked off', adding that his family had been cooperating

Hundreds of trained search team members have combed 2,000 miles on foot throughout Hendersonville. They include mountain experts

Police have asked locals to check their properties 'including crawl spaces, sheds, small areas, and any other locations where a child who enjoys hiding might be'.

Hundreds of trained search team members have combed 2,000 miles on foot throughout Hendersonville.

They include mountain experts who have been checking nearby caverns, according to Ken Weidner, director of Sumner County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

'Yesterday, we had a group from East Tennessee come in and they're mountainous experts and they do caves,' Weidner told WKRN.

'So, any cave that we've marked, we've had them in those caves.'

By late last week, Craddock said they were 'operating under the assumption that Sebastian walked off', adding that his family had been cooperating.
Both moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and Republican Gov. Larry Hogan have said that they won't run on a third-party 'No Labels' ticket and behind-the-scenes it was former President Bill Clinton who was pushing them not to do so.

New York Magazine reported Monday on the role Clinton played persuading the influential moderates to stand down.

In June while Hogan, the former Maryland governor, was appearing alongside the ex-Democratic president at an event in Little Rock, Arkansas, Clinton gave him a talking-to before they walked onstage.

Any independent presidential bid would only benefit former Republican President Donald Trump, Clinton said.

Two months later when Manchin was vacationing near the Clintons in East Hampton, the former president delivered the same message to the outgoing West Virginia senator.

Former Democratic President Bill Clinton told both former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin that they would help reelect former President Donald Trump if they ran on a 'No Labels' ticket

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (left) has since announced a Senate bid in Maryland while retiring West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (right) announced in mid-February that he would not run for president in 2024

'This time, he ditched the diplomatic niceties and told the senator sharply that he was risking putting Trump back in the White House,' New York Magazine reported.

In a one-two punch, the 77-year-old ex-president had taken out two of the more formidable third-party hopefuls that the No Labels venture could hope for.

Since then, Hogan has announced that he'll run for U.S. Senate, vying to take over from Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, who is retiring.

Manchin announced in mid-February that he would not run.

Both Manchin and Hogan have been critical of Trump, though Manchin played a thorn in President Joe Biden's side on several key pieces of legislation.

Without Manchin and Hogan as options, the No Labels effort currently seems rudderless.

The group has been courting Nikki Haley, whose campaign for the Republican nomination against Trump could be mathematically over by the middle of this month.

The current chairman is former Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham, who, like Haley, is from South Carolina.

He was ousted from Congress by Haley's friend turned foe, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace.

Haley has publicly rejected these flirtations.

'If I were to do No Labels, that would require a Democrat. I can't do what I wanted to express with the Democrats,' she said during a recent gaggle with reporters. 'I've always believed if you do something, do it right or don't do it.'

The idea of a No Labels ticket is to have one Republican and one Democrat on it, however according to reporting from Puck News, the group has made it clear that they need a Republican atop that ticket in order to not hand the election to Trump.

On Friday - three days after Super Tuesday is expected to award Trump wins in a dozen or more states - No Labels will hold a virtual convention with its 800 delegates poised to decide if the effort should move forward and with whom.

If it doesn't happen, Clinton can take credit for derailing it.
Police said Monday they have asked five incumbent and former officials of the Korea Medical Association (KMA) to appear before investigators this week for questioning over the ongoing strike by trainee doctors.

The officials asked to come to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency between Wednesday and Thursday are Kim Taek-woo, chief of the KMA's emergency committee; Joo Su-ho, spokesperson of the KMA emergency committee; Park Myung-ha, chief of the KMA emergency committee's organizational affairs; Lim Hyun-taek, president of the Korean Pediatric Association; and former KMA President Noh Hwan-gyu.

Police already banned the four officials of the KMA emergency committee from leaving the country and are planning to impose an exit ban on Noh.

Last Friday, police investigators raided the KMA emergency committee and Kim's residence after the government's back-to-work order for the striking trainee doctors expired the previous day. They additionally raided Noh's mobile phone and car on Sunday.

The police probe came after the health ministry filed a complaint against the five officials on multiple charges, including a possible violation of the medical law. (Yonhap)
This is the sickening moment three brutes shot and robbed an innocent man after he gave them a dollar at a gas station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Police are hunting for the three suspects who are accused of shooting the man on February 22 around 10.45pm in the 4500 block of Cleveland Avenue.

The shocking incident was captured on CCTV and shows the victim handing over a dollar to one of the suspects he thought was a homeless man, before two other men emerge from the gas station, shoot him, go through his pockets and steal his car.

The victim is now out of hospital and recovering at home.

Police are searching for the three men, who can be seen on CCTV from inside the store wearing dark tracksuits with their hoods up.

Police shared photos of three suspects who have not been identified as of Monday afternoon

In the shocking video, the victim can be seen walking around his car to hand a dollar to one of the suspects, who he believed to be a homeless person.

Two other suspects then run out of the gas station and approach the victim, who backs away.

One of the suspects then shoots him in the leg and he falls to the ground by his car.

The suspects then begin to climb into the victim's car to drive away when one of them decides to go back and search his pockets.

Two other suspects then came out of the gas station and went up to him, before shooting him in the leg

The victim approached one of the suspects to hand him a dollar, thinking he was a homeless person

He rifles through his pockets while the victim lies on the floor before seeming to take something.

The suspect with the gun then climbs back out of the car and goes over to the victim, appearing to speak with him.

He then goes through his pockets and pushes him over onto his back to check the other side before picking up what he's found and going back to the car.

Sharing the footage on X, Kansas City police said: 'Watch the whole video. Leaving a gas station, an innocent man was asked for a dollar and gave it.

The victim then fell to the ground before the suspect went through his pockets

'He was then shot and robbed in the 4500 block of Cleveland Ave. on February 22nd around 10.45pm.

'When the man lays there injured, you can see one of three suspects go through his pockets, looking for valuables.

'Towards the end of this video, you will see suspects inside the store. We have included their picture in this thread.

'If you can identify any of the suspects, please contact our Robbery Unit at 816-234-5230 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.'

They later added: 'Thankfully, the victim is out of the hospital and is recovering at home.'
The raging Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas is still burning as area farmers and ranchers take stock of the tremendous loss of cattle and land they are now facing.

Shane Pennington, 56, is a ranch manager near Canadian, Texas, who told CNN about the devastating loss of dozens and dozens of cattle from a herd he's worked hard to cultivate over the years.

He said that upon returning to the ranch following the fire that has killed two people, he and his staff have found around 50 dead cattle, as some nursing cows desperately search for their lost calves.

'We're not finding many calves,' he said. 'So I know they burned up.'

The flames that engulfed the ranch just a few days ago decimated Pennington's herd, causing horrible injuries to some of the cows that weren't killed.

Ranch manager Shane Pennington shared the devastating aftermath of the Smokehouse Creek Fire. More than 50 members of his herd are dead, and he is expecting to lose more to after effects of the flame

Dead cows are still being found on properties across Texas, days after the worst of the Smokehouse Creek Fire devastated the area

Some of the animals' tails were burned, others were blinded by the flames.

'It just burned all the hair off them,' he said. 'Their feet are coming off. Their hooves, they're bloody.'

Pennington gestured toward a calf whose feet were burned and told the reporter he wasn't sure the baby animal would make it.

'It's extremely hard to see 'em suffer. I've raised some of them since they were babies,' he said. 'It's just hard.'

When he saw the fire barreling toward the ranch last week, he said he didn't experience fear.

'I wasn't scared. I was more angry I guess. Twenty years of taking care of this, and it could all be gone,' he said.

'I wasn't really fearful for the house, I figured it would probably be okay. I was more worried about the cattle.'

He said that when he made the decision to evacuate the ranch, he said he felt like he 'didn't do enough' to save his herd.

He explained that despite his desperate attempt to save as many cows as possible, 'I didn't have time and the way it was coming, there was nowhere to go with them.'

Farmers and those in the agricultural industry more broadly say the wildfire, which has burned more than a million acres of land and counting, will continue to impact the cattle industry for years.

As Pennington explained, it takes years to cultivate a solid herd, and traumatized cows often fail to reproduce.

'You're job is to keep them alive,' he said. A job made exponentially harder by the devastating fallout of the fire.

'It's gonna hurt the business, extremely bad.'

'It's extremely hard to see 'em suffer. I've raised some of them since they were babies,' Pennington said of his herd. 'It's just hard'

One person has been confirmed dead and dozens of cattle have also been killed as devastating video footage has showed cattle burned to death in the aftermath of wildfires sweeping across Texas

Horrifying clips show cattle storming in their herds to get away from the smoke and flames

Devastating video footage shows cattle burned to death in the aftermath of wildfires sweeping across Texas

A firefighters with the Flower Mound Fire Department helps to contain a wildfire in the panhandle region of Texas

'Homes have burned in almost every direction,' Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson told local newspaper The Canadian Record

The aerial image shows the damage in the aftermath of Texas wildfires

The wildfires sweeping across the Texas Panhandle have led evacuations, power outages and the temporary shutdown a nuclear weapons facility.

Last week, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties in his state experiencing the impact of the out-of-control flames.

'Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe,' Abbott said.

More than 5,400 people in Texas were without power for a day last week as lines went dead due to fire damage.

The Pantex plant, the country's main facility that assembles and disassembles America's nuclear arsenal, evacuated most of its personnel on Tuesday night.

By the next morning, however, Pantex announced that the facility was 'open for normal day shift operations' and that all personnel were to report for duty according to their assigned schedule.
Top Democrat Jamie Raskin said he is working with fellow liberals in Congress to revive legislation that would disqualify Donald Trump from running for office in light of the new Supreme Court ruling.

The high court on Monday ruled 9-0 that only Congress, not Colorado, can ban Trump from the ballot and the former president must be reinstated on the Centennial State's primary ballots.

Raskin, D-Md., who chairs the Oversight Committee, said he was collaborating with colleagues like Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., to 'revive legislation that we had to set up a process by which we could determine that someone who committed insurrection is disqualified by section three of the 14th amendment.'

Top Democrat Jamie Raskin, right, said he is working with fellow liberals in Congress like Rep. Eric Swalwell, left, to revive legislation that would disqualify Donald Trump from running for office in light of the new Supreme Court ruling

Such a bill was first introduced in 2022 by Schultz and would create a pathway for the Department of Justice to sue to keep candidates off the ballot under the 14th Amendment.

'The House of Representatives already impeached Donald Trump for participating in insurrection by inciting it,' Raskin told CNN shortly after the ruling. 'So, the House has already pronounced upon that.'

Meanwhile Maine Democrat Rep. Jared Golden told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'The Supreme Court got it right.'

'I believe Donald Trump incited the violence that took place on January 6, and my vote to impeach him for it reflects that belief. But the House impeachment vote alone is not enough to preclude him from the ballot,' he said.

'We are a nation of laws and a democracy. Todays unanimous Supreme Court decision affirms that Maine voters should  and will  decide if Donald Trump ought to be president again.'

The ruling brings to an end efforts in Colorado, Maine and Illinois to exclude the former president from ballots using a mechanism that disqualifies 'candidates engaged in insurrection' from taking office again.

Colorado's Supreme Court last year ruled that Section 3 did apply to Trump, the first time a court had applied the mechanism to a presidential candidate.

But in their 20-page ruling, the justices said only Congress could determine who was allowed to run.

'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot', they said in an unsigned opinion. 'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed.'

The case is the court's most direct intervention in a presidential election since Bush v Gore, when it effectively handed the deadlocked 2000 result to Republican candidate George W. Bush.

But Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with three liberal justices in a concurring opinion that said the ruling should be more narrow in scope.

She joined in the overall decision, but warned against 'stridency' in divisions on the court  during an election season where the high court is making weighty decisions on presidential immunity while lower courts make scheduling decisions that will determine whether Trump faces jury verdicts before the November elections.

'The majoritys choice of a different path leaves the remaining Justices with a choice of how to respond. In my judgment, this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency,' Barrett wrote in her one-page opinion.

The high court on Monday ruled 9-0 that only Congress, not Colorado, can ban Trump from the ballot and the former president must be reinstated on the Centennial State's primary ballots.

She wrote that she agreed states lack the power to enforce Section 3 of the 14th amendment, which includes language barring people who took part in insurrection from holding any 'office' in the U.S.

'That principle is sufficient to resolve this case, and I would decide no more than that.' But she writes that the majority went too far by setting out conditions where only the Congress through legislation.

Meanwhile political commentator Keith Olbermann wrote on X that the Supreme Court 'betrayed democracy.'

'Its members including Jackson, Kagan and Sotomayor have proved themselves inept at reading comprehension. And collectively the "court" has shown itself to be corrupt and illegitimate. It must be dissolved.'

'If the political whores on the court are overruling quite explicit language in the constitution to benefit one politician, your "separation of powers" died long ago,' he added.

Colorado secretary of state Jena Griswold wrote on X: 'I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.'

'We all know that Congress is a nearly non-functioning body,' Griswold said on MSNBC of the ruling's provision deeming Congress the right authority to bar Trump from running. 'It will be up to the American voters to save our democracy.'
Two French men accused of raping a British holidaymaker in Ibiza have escaped jail after agreeing to take a 'sexual education course' as part of a last-minute plea deal.

Leon Clement and Ilan Reouven Gabay had previously admitted to carrying out the sex crimes at an apartment in the resort of Playa d'en Bossa on the Spanish party island.

Prosecutors had accused Clement of raping the British tourist after his friend Gabay put his penis into the woman's mouth to 'satisfy their sexual desires', despite her saying 'she didn't want to do anything with them'.

The pair were set to be handed 10-year jail terms by public prosecutors at today's court hearing in Palma, Majorca.

However, their punishment was lowered after they managed to strike an out-of-court settlement at the eleventh hour.

Both will now serve a three-year suspended prison sentence on the condition they sign up to a sexual education course.

Leon Clement and Ilan Reouven Gabay had admitted to raping the tourist at an apartment in the resort of Playa d'en Bossa (pictured)

The indictment stated: 'She asked them to stop repeatedly, finding herself in a state of shock and unable to offer any resistance despite insisting she didn't want to do anything with them.

'As a result of what happened she has been affected emotionally and psychologically.'

The two men did not attend today's court hearing in the Majorcan capital Palma and spoke via video-link from France.

The court heard how the pair had invited their British victim and friends of hers to their apartment for drinks in June 2016.

She is said to have engaged in sex acts with one of the men willingly before the sex assault.

The case took seven years to come to court for reasons which were not fully explained in the indictment, but were not blamed on the two French men.

Their victim has also renounced the 10,000 (8,550) public prosecutors wanted them to pay her.

The pair were set to be handed 10-year jail terms by public prosecutors at today's court hearing in Palma, Majorca

A British tourist was handed a four-year prison sentence at the same court a month ago after confessing to raping his son's female friend in a Magaluf hotel room.

Spanish public prosecutors said before before David McPaul Wigging's trial in Majorca on February 5, they wanted him jailed for nine years if convicted of sex attack on May 9, 2023

The 43-year-old also struck a plea bargain deal through his lawyer ahead of the full trial at the Audiencia Court in the island capital Palma.

It was confirmed he would receive a four-year prison sentence during a subsequent brief public hearing, although he will only serve two years behind bars.

The fact he was very drunk when he attacked his victim, who is also from the UK and is understood to be in her twenties, was taken into account as a mitigating factor.

He will be expelled from Spain on May 8 next year once he has completed half of his sentence. The time he has already spent behind bars as a remand prisoner has been taken into account in determining the two-year time limit.

Wigging's defence lawyer Fernando Mateas said at the time the plea bargain deal he had helped negotiate for his client meant he will be a free man after May 8, 2025.
A federal judge on Monday rejected Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez's claims that search warrants that led to corruption charges and the discovery of gold bars and cash at his New Jersey home were unconstitutional.

The New Jersey Democrat has been under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the last five years to carry out favors for three businessmen who are also charged in the case.

Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled Monday that multiple warrants used to conduct 2022 searches of the Democrat's email accounts and his home were properly sought and carried out.

The June 2022 searches resulted in the discovery of over $100,000 worth of gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash - much of it hidden in closets, clothing and a safe, prosecutors said.

The senator's lawyers had claimed the warrants were 'riddled with material misrepresentation and omissions that deceived the authorizing magistrate judge.'

The judge's determination comes days after New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe pleaded guilty to trying to bribe Menendez in the corruption case.

It comes days after New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe pleaded guilty to trying to bribe Menendez in the corruption case

The 70-year-old embattled Democrat and wife Nadine are charged with accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the last five years to carry out favors for three businessmen who are also charged

Stashes of cash were found in jackets bearing the senator's name during a search of his home

Uribe admitted to seven counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and other charges.

Uribe, a former New Jersey insurance broker, has been accused of providing Menendez a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for the senator's help in a New Jersey insurance fraud case.

He is the first in the case to plead guilty, and he is now expected to begin cooperating with prosecutors.

The judge said Monday that any omissions in the warrants were not intentional or material and a hearing was not necessary to explore the claims further.

He also denied challenges to search warrants by one of three businessmen charged in the case that also resulted in the arrest of Menendez's wife.

The warrants were issued between January and July 2022, along with a final warrant pertaining to cellular phones last September.

Photos included in an indictment when authorities first announced charges last September showed cash stuffed in envelopes in jackets bearing Menendezs name.

Investigators also said they discovered a Google search by Menendez for the value of a 'kilo of gold' and the DNA of one man prosecutors say bribed him on an envelope filled with thousands of dollars.

Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty and said the cash found in the house was personal savings he had put away for emergencies.

After his fall arrest, Menendez was forced to relinquish his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but said he would not resign from Congress.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, and two businessmen also have pleaded not guilty. On Friday, one businessman facing charges pled guilty in a cooperation deal with prosecutors that calls for him to testify at any trial.

The trial of Menendez and others is scheduled for May. Lawyers for Menendez did not immediately comment on Stein's ruling.

A spokesperson for prosecutors declined to comment.

In his ruling, Stein wrote that affidavits supporting requests for search warrants only needed to establish probable cause that searches would turn up 'evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of a crime.'

Jose Uribe admitted to seven counts, including conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and other charges

The senator, his wife and the three other co-defendants have pleaded not guilty

He said that threshold was 'amply satisfied' by evidence described in the affidavit, including numerous messages between Menendez, his wife and one of the businessmen discussing various services and payments that were to be made to Nadine Menendez in return for the senator's aid to the businessmen.

According to an indictment, Menendez and his wife accepted gold bars and cash from a real estate developer in return for the senator using his clout to get that businessman a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Menendez also was charged with helping another New Jersey business associate get a lucrative deal with the government of Egypt.
She had urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of the Colorado ballot ban

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was disappointed by the ruling

The Colorado Secretary of State who wanted the Supreme Court to remove Donald Trump from her state's ballots admitted she was disheartened that the high court unanimously ruled in favor of the former president.

Jena Griswold, the Colorado Secretary of State, said she still had hope that Congress could pursue insurrection charges against the former president.

She had previously urged the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the ballot so 'votes are not wasted on ineligible candidates.'

During an interview shortly after the Supreme Court voted 9-0 in favor of former President Trump, she admitted she was defeated by the ruling.

'My larger reaction is disappointment,' she said. 'I do believe that states should be able under our constitution to bar oath-breaking insurrectionists.'

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said she was disappointed by the Supreme Courts ruling Monday

Former President Donald Trump held a press conference after the ruling saying the Supreme Court was correct in their ruling, before adding case was politically motivated

The case hinged on whether Trump should be taken off the ballots for participating in an 'insurrection' on January 6, 2021.

The Colorado Supreme Court had decided that he did, and that therefore he should be barred from holding elected office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

But the Supreme Court disagreed.

'Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States,' the justices wrote in their ruling.

'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand. All nine Members of the Court agree with that result.'

Despite the defeat, Griswold said she still has hope that Trump could be removed from ballots.

'Ultimately, this decision leaves the door open for Congress to act to pass authorizing legislation.'

Griswold expressed she still has hope that Congress could decide Trump partook in an insurrection, which would therefore disqualify him from running

She was referencing how the Supreme Court kicked the decision of whether Trump partook an insurrection to Congress.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., meanwhile, said in an interview Monday he was looking to 'revive' legislation in the House to that would determine whether Trump committed an insurrection, adding credence to Griswold's claim.

Congress, however, has yet to determine whether or not Trump committed an insurrection and doing so is unlikely to happen under Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

'We know that Congress is a nearly a non-functioning body,' Griswold said.

'So ultimately, It will be up to the American voters to save our democracy in November.'

The Supreme Court's decision Monday also ensured that Trump would appear on ballots in Maine after its Secretary of State previously ruled the former president was not allowed to be on ballots due to his behavior on January 6.
Kate's last appearance was at a Sandringham church service on Christmas Day

The Princess of Wales has been pictured for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery in January as an American website published photos of her being driven by her mother near Windsor.

The pictures were published by US gossip website TMZ but not in the UK after Kensington Palace appealed for her to be able to recuperate in private.

It is the first time that the princess has been seen in public at all since she celebrated Christmas at Sandringham with Prince William, their children and the rest of the Royal Family.

Kate was pictured wearing sunglasses in the passenger seat of a 4x4 Audi, which her mother Carole Middleton was driving near Windsor Castle. The photos were taken shortly before 9am, suggesting the mother and daughter were returning from the school run.

It comes after it was claimed last night that Kate's 'black sheep' uncle Gary Goldsmith, Carole's brother, was scolded by the princess's parents after signing up to Celebrity Big Brother amid fears he could spill secrets about the Royal Family.

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced that Kate had been admitted to The London Clinic the previous day for 'planned abdominal surgery'.

The Princess of Wales has not been pictured since she attended the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham

Princess Kate attended the service with Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis

It said the operation had been successful but would result in a two-week stay in hospital before a lengthy period of recuperation at her Windsor home.

They added that based on the current medical advice she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

A spokesman stated that it was Kate's personal wish to keep her personal medical information private and said it would only provide an update if there were 'significant new information to share'.

However their clear statement has failed to stop social media and overseas websites - from the New York Times to Vogue - speculating wildly about the princess's whereabouts and what may have happened to her. The hashtag #whereiskatemiddleton has been trending daily.

Even the BBC website tackled the issue, highlighting the outlandish speculation under the title: 'Royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate's health grows'.

Some of it has been farcical: such as the internet rumour she is recuperating from a 'Brazilian bum lift' or in a coma, a theory sparked by a journalist on Spanish television.

Other trolls and conspiracy theorists have used her absence and the lawlessness of social media to spread deeply sinister and highly libellous claims.

Kensington Palace did not comment tonight but sources stressed these were paparazzi pictures that were not authorised by the palace.

Last week a spokesman re-iterated their advice that they were not going to provide a 'running commentary' on the princess' health, no matter how much they were provoked by nasty internet rumours.

'From our perspective, we were very clear from our statement at the start of this in January that the Princess of Wales planned to be out of public action until after Easter and that hasn't changed,' they said.

'We were always clear we wouldn't be providing updates when there wasn't anything new to share. The last thing anyone wants is a running commentary of the Princess of Wales' recovery. Nothing has changed from that approach in January.'

William also thanked Welsh schoolchildren for giving him a bouquet of flowers for Kate last week

Kate left hospital on January 29 and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her children almost two weeks after having the surgery. Pictured: Kate and William in September 2022

Officials have said that the Princess of Wales (pictured on December 5) continues to do 'well'. Kate plans to return to royal engagements after Easter

Kate left hospital on January 29 and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her children almost two weeks after having the surgery.

William temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children, but carried out engagements in Wrexham and at a synagogue in London last week.

While in Wrexham, the Prince of Wales was asked 'William, how's Catherine?'

William did not respond to the question while walking into Wrexham AFC's Racecourse Ground during a trip to mark St David's Day last Friday.

As he made his way into the stadium, the heir to the throne was asked by another fan 'Can I get a selfie please?' - but said: 'Can I say hello to the team? I'll come back.'

He also thanked Welsh schoolchildren for giving him a bouquet of flowers for Kate.

Last Tuesday, William pulled out of a memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece at Windsor Castle due to an unspecified 'personal matter'.

Meanwhile last month, he thanked the public for their 'kind messages of support' as he spoke at an event in London about Kate and the King's cancer diagnosis.

William's words of praise, delivered during a fundraising dinner, recognised those who wished Kate well. He told the guests: 'It means a great deal to us all.'

Kate is currently under the careful watch of royal doctors and is benefiting from the London Clinic's aftercare, with dedicated physiotherapists on hand with a personalised plan and a video check-up at home with a nurse specialist on offer.

NHS advice about recovering from abdominal surgery says that, after a major operation with a large incision, it takes two to three months to be able to move around comfortably.

William at the Baftas in London on February 18 before suddenly pulling out of the memorial for his late godfather King Constantine of Greece for an unspecified 'personal reason'

The King has been seen at Sandringham going to church each Sunday but public duties have been paused

The family live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor's Home Park and are being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.

Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are also thought to be hands-on at the moment in helping the Waleses navigate this period as the princess recovers.

Last night, sources told The Sun that Carole was furious at her brother Gary Goldsmith, Kate's uncle, over his rumoured appearance on Celebrity Big Brother which returns to our screens tonight.

An insider said: 'Gary said he's been read the riot act by Kate's mum Carole and her dad Michael.

'They aren't happy he's going into Celebrity Big Brother. It is infuriating to them. Kate doesn't need this stress.'

In Charles's absence from public duties, Camilla has become the most senior royal performing engagements  and led the Royal Family at the service for King Constantine last week.

This year has seen a sudden shortage of frontline royals after Charles and Kate both went into hospital around the same time.

And the family's health woes have left William shouldering more of the burden of public duties while at the same time supporting Kate and helping care for their children.

Charles was admitted for surgery for a benign prostate condition, but subsequently diagnosed with an unrelated cancer. The monarch has withdrawn from public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment.
A cruel father who killed his six-month-old son by shaking him to death has been jailed for 15 years.

David Hollick, 29 from Walsall, West Midlands, wept in the dock as he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today.

Hollick attacked his baby son, Kairo Hollick, during the middle of the night while at his parent's home.

The attack left Kairo with serious injuries when he was found 'floppy and not breathing' early on the morning of February 9, 2020.

Kairo later died three days later on February 12 at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The court heard that Hollick committed a 'grotesque breach of trust' when he caused the non-survivable brain injury by violently shaking Kairo and 'bashing' his head at least twice.

David Hollick, 29, wept in the docks as he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. Hollick attacked his baby son, Kairo Hollick, during the middle of the night while at his parent's home. The attack left Kairo with serious injuries when he was found 'floppy and not breathing' early on the morning of February 9 2020

Baby Kairo Jax Hollick died at Birmingham Children's Hospital on February 12 2020, days after suffering a non-survivable brain injury

Sentencing, Mr Justice Dove KC said 'The evidence of the medical experts is that the injuries were not the result of rough handling but were the consequences of severe blunt force impact trauma.

'These injuries were inflicted by a very serious assault on Kairo which involved the use of considerable force, inflicting injuries from which he had no chance of recovery.

'You, David Hollick, were responsible for the infliction of those injuries. Kairo was in your care at the time.

'You were the only person who knows what happened that night and how Kairo came by his fatal injuries.

'In the middle of the trial you gave an account that you had tripped and fell while holding Kairo.

'The jury rejected this suggested explanation and were sure that the injuries were not caused by an accident.

'You intended that Kairo should be harmed. Kairo's family will never know what caused you to inflict such serious injuries and kill their son and grandson.

'He was entirely dependent on you for his care. he was extremely vulnerable.. What you did to him was a complete betrayal of your duty as a parent.

'It is clear from the videos we saw in the trial what a delightful baby he was.

Birmingham Crown court where Hollick was sentenced to 15 years in jail on charges of manslaughter in connection with the death of his baby son Kairo (stock image)

'It is hard to think of a more grotesque breach of trust between a parent and their child, when the parent assaults and kills their own child.'

The court heard Kairo was the second child of the relationship between Hollick and Kairo's mother, Adina Johnson, who met when they were teenagers.

David Mason KC, prosecuting, said: 'They decided to have another child and along came Kairo, but the relationship foundered and, shortly after Kairo was born, the two of them separated.

'The evidence would suggest that David Hollick was keen to try and rekindle things, but it never happened.

'David Hollick ended up living back with his parents and his younger brother.

'However, things were civil between the two of them and it was decided that the care of the two boys would be split between them.

'There were no real issues at first, although it did become a concern of Adina's towards then end of 2019, that Hollick was not looking after their sons as well as she had liked, but it had not come to the stage that she prevented him from looking after them.'

The court heard that at 4.30am on February 9 Hollick went into his father's room to say Kairo was not breathing.

A decision was made to take the boy to Walsall Manor Hospital where a scan revealed he had bleeding on the brain.

He was transferred to Birmingham's Children's Hospital but his brain injuries were not survivable.

Mr Mason said a post mortem revealed that Kairo had a catastrophic brain injury, with two fractures to the skull, along with a fracture to the right forearm.

During the trial, Hollick told the court he had tripped and fallen while carrying Kairo, which may have caused his injuries. He told medical staff he had heard his baby son crying before he stopped breathing and claimed he only shook him to 'wake him up'.

In a heartbreaking statement Kairo's mother Adina Johnson said: 'It has been four years since this nightmare began.

'I last held my son when he died in my arms. I wish I had taken my boys back home with my but I did not.

'He seemed a dream baby who was too good to be true. I never imagined that would be the last time I looked into his eyes.

'I will never see him take his first steps, never hear him call me mum. I will never see him open Christmas presents under the tree.

'When Kairo was taken from me my life stopped. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and struggle to leave my house on my own.

'I have depression and have become more and more isolated. I am horrified that he could inflict that level of violence on his own flesh and blood.

'It is clear he was only interested in his own self preservation. Kairo was the light of my life.

'He was adored and I will grieve forever.'

Chief Inspector Laura Harrison, from West Midlands Police's homicide unit, said: 'The death of a child is unimaginable to comprehend, especially a defenceless six-month-old who should be in the safest hands possible with his parent.

'Our thoughts remain with Kairo's family as they continue to grieve his loss.'
One of Luke Davies' closest friends has unleashed a scathing attack on anti-police protesters and accused them of using his alleged death to 'hijack a national tragedy.'

The row erupted a week after NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon was charged with the murders of Mr Davies and his television presenter boyfriend, Jesse Baird.

More than 100 far-left 'Pride in Protest' activists descended on Taylor Square in Sydney's CBD on the eve of Mardi Gras on Friday night in a defiant show of resistance.

In a statement before the demonstration, 'Pride in Protest' demanded 'an end to police violence,' which it said included the alleged 'murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird'.'

'Luke would not support this,' his friend Dean Bailey told ABC's 7.30. 'I feel like they've almost hijacked a national tragedy just to further a cause they already had.

'We found it a bit hurtful that they were trying to use Lukey as a reason.'

Pride in Protest activists (right) were accused of 'hijacking a national tragedy' in the wake of Luke Davies' and Jesse's Baird's tragic deaths

Jesse Baird (right) and his new boyfriend Luke Davies (left) were allegedly murdered at Baird's Paddington home on February 19

He also called out Mardi Gras organisers for initially stopping the NSW Police from participating in Saturday night's parade.

He said he had written to them to convey his strong disapproval of their original action to exclude the police.

He described the decision as a 'knee-jerk reaction to a small vocal group.'

'I know that Lukey would not support the decision that Mardi Gras had initially taken,' he said. 'It's something Luke wouldn't have wanted.

'I don't think one (alleged) bad apple should taint the whole police force.

'To say (banning police) was made in his honour is nothing short of offensive to him and his legacy.'

Despite event organisers later backing down from the police ban and allowing officers to take part but not in uniform, Mr Bailey claims he did not receive a reply.

A letter that Dean Bailey wrote to Mardi Gras organisers after they banned cops from marching in the parade, before they reversed the decision

One of Luke Davies' closest friends Dean Bailey (pictured left with Luke) said his late friend would not have supported the actions of anti-cop protestors or of Mardi Gras organisers who originally banned officers from taking part in Saturday night's parade

'I know that Lukey would not support the decision that Mardi Gras had initially taken,' he said.

Pro-Palestinian protesters also disrupted the Mardi Gras celebrations during the parade on Saturday night near where NSW Premier Chris Minns was taking part.

One man and seven women have since been charged and will face court later this month.
A man is trying to figure out his next move now that he is no longer free of student loan payments.

Okwara, 36, received an email from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) back in May 2023 to advise he'd 'successfully met the requirements' of his loan program.

However, Okwara's relief was short-lived, and as of February 22 this year, he still has student loans to pay.

MOHELA sent him an email that said his loans were on 'administrative forbearance,' which is a temporary suspension, reduction, or extension of time for making payments on federally held student loans.

Then Okwara received a letter from MOHELA a week later, confirming again he had an outstanding student loan balance of $93,000.

Okwara, 36, received an email from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) that said his loans were on 'administrative forbearance' (stock image)

The letter that MOHELA sent to him last May indicated that all of his student loans were forgiven appears to have been incorrect.

The former student had been making his payments under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

The program forgives student debt for government and nonprofit workers after making qualified payments for 10 years.

Once MOHELA told him that he was student loan payment free, he told Business Insider that he made 'key purchases for himself and his family.'

'We started making investments and bought a house; we did all these things within this nine-month period,' said Okwara.

'We could afford to send our son to preschool based on our income level.'

Everything appeared to be falling into place for Okwara and his family, until he got the email from MOEHLA.

He will now need to pay $861 per month once his payments resume.

MOEHLA first contacted Okwara over email to tell him that he still owed PSLF payments.

'On 05/28/2023, we sent you a letter in error stating we determined you successfully met the requirements of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and your loan(s) had been forgiven,' said the letter.

'You should not have been sent a letter stating your loan(s) were forgiven as your loan(s) do not yet qualify to be forgiven.'

MOHELA concluded the email with an apology for the 'confusion these errors may have caused.'

The former student called a customer service employee at MOHELA after he received the initial letter, who confirmed that everything was true.

MOHELA confirmed the error in a letter Okwara received on February 29 that said he had a $93,000 student loan balance

The employee told Okwara that his payments were 'counted incorrectly' when he submitted a temporary PSLF waiver that expired in October 2022.

Okwara was forced to rework his budget due to the error.

He will now need to pay $861 per month once his payments resume.

'We just have to sit down and do our budget and figure out what we have to go back on because we have a mortgage now and everything that goes with owning a house,' he said.

'We bought a house in October thinking that we actually could afford it and actually do all these renovations that we were able to, and now we might have to stop on that.'

Daily Mail has reached out to MOEHLA for comment.
Police said Monday they have decided to clear Olympic fencing medalist Nam Hyun-hee of charges that she was an accomplice in the fraud by her former fiance.

Nam, the silver medalist in women's foil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, came under public scrutiny after her former fiance, Jeon Cheong-jo, was charged for swindling about 3 billion won ($2.25 million) from 27 people under the pretext of investment between 2022 and 2023.

Nam broke up with the fiance after Jeon was found to be legally a woman with multiple fraud records. Some have since raised suspicions that Nam could have been an accomplice in Jeon's fraud, but she has rejected the suspicions, claiming she is also a victim.

Last month, a district court in Seoul sentenced Jeon to 12 years in prison.

The Seoul Songpa Police Station on Monday decided not to refer Nam to the prosecution, pointing out that Nam had received presents from her former fiance, such as a Bentley Motors vehicle and luxury bags, without knowing they were bought using the proceeds of the crime. (Yonhap)
Gigi and Bella Hadid's real estate mogul father has called president Joe Biden a 'Zionist war criminal' who will be 'hunted down like the Nazis.'

'This is Biden's war on the Palestinian people. He will be in the court with the rest of the Zionist Criminals. We will hunt them down like they did the Nazis,' Mohamed, 75, wrote on Sunday - in his latest scathing post against Israel and the US.

The Palestinian-American has been a fierce critic of the western world's support of Israel following Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks against the Jewish state.

Hadid, a resident of Los Angeles, wrote his message Sunday on a video of economist Jeffrey D. Sachs explaining his belief that the US is the driving force behind the war in Gaza.

The same day Hadid also shared a video of a woman saying: 'F*** Israel until the end of time.'

Gigi and Bella Hadid 's real estate mogul father Mohamed has called president Joe Biden a 'Zionist war criminal' who will be 'hunted down like the Nazis'

(L-R) Gigi Hadid, Mohamed Hadid and Bella Hadid attend the Victoria's Secret After Party at the Grand Palais on November 30, 2016

Hadid, a resident of Los Angeles , wrote his message on Sunday on a video of economist Jeffrey D. Sachs explaining his belief that the US is the driving force behind the war in Gaza

In a different message, the millionaire wrote: 'we don't need to ask for a ceasefire. We are indigenous to the land. We demand an end to the occupation and an end to colonialism.

Last year, Hadid shared a post on Instagram that showed the flag of Israel split with the Nazi party flag, and added what he considers to be comparisons between the two.

The post read that the Nazi Party had been 'founded on Aryan supremacy' while Israel was 'founded on Jewish supremacy.'

It also compared the Nazi's 'signature method' of the 'gas chambers' to Israel's 'signature method' of 'carpet bombing'.

Mohamed, who was born into a Palestinian family in Nazareth, captioned the post: 'And both added and labeled the victims as terrorists, regardless of other activities.

'Some Palestinians and some Jews even changed their names.'

Hadid has previously stepped in to defend his model daughters, who are outspoken about their support for Palestine.

'My kids always have followed their intuition when it comes to human torture and human nature - what happens to humans on earth. From the disaster in Turkey to the famine in Africa and homelessness in Southeast Asia, they have been involved in these things, building schools for UNICEF and so on.

'It's always been a humanitarian issue in their blood, nothing to do with being Palestinian,' he said.

President Joe Biden delivers prepared remarks during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office at the White House on March 01, 2024

The image also compared the method of the Nazi gas chambers to the bombing of Gaza, and Auschwitz to the Gaza Strip

Bella was pictured attending a pro-Palestine rally in New York City in May of 2021

Gigi sparked outrage with her Instagram story labeling Manasra a 'child prisoner of war.' In 2013, Manasra - then 12 - went on a stabbing rampage in Jerusalem.

She was also slammed for sharing a Reel in about Israelis harvesting Palestinian organs that had been posted online by a TikTok make-up artist from Cardiff, Wales.

The video highlighted a documentary in which Israeli health officials talked about doctors harvesting organs from in the 1990s.

Some have accused Israel of continuing the practice until the early 2000s.

Today, there is no evidence that it is ongoing.

In her apology note, Hadid wrote: 'It is important to me to share real stories about the hardships that Palestinians have endured and continue to endure, but this weekend I shared something that I did not fact check or think deeply about prior to reposting.

'Unfortunately, I used the wrong example to make that point, and I regret that.' Bella Hadid has also been outspoken in her support of Palestine since the conflict broke out.
Kyle Bass, the billionaire investor who once took on the housing market, has revealed in an interview the three states where he is snatching up real estate.

Texas, Florida, and Tennessee are the ideal places to invest in right now, Bass told Clay Fink on The Investor's Podcast.

Bass' decision to short the real estate market in 2008 raised eyebrows, with many other investors deeply skeptical of his strategy.

Then the bubble burst, and Bass was vindicated, and his story was chronicled in Michael Lewis' bestselling book The Big Short, which was later adapted into a film of the same name.

Now, Kyle Bass is regarded as a market soothsayer, with many investors hanging on his every word and eager to follow his, at times surprising, advice.

Kyle Bass, pictured above, said he is investing in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee

Bass said that the northeast and west coast are 'very high cost, very high tax' regions

During the chat, Bass told Fink that the west coast and the northeast are 'very high cost, very high tax, one could say mismanaged jurisdictions.'

As a result of these adverse business conditions, workers and companies are moving to 'pro-business, lower cost, lower or no tax jurisdictions,' he said.

'You have to move real companies where there's affordability, where there's expansive activity, where there are natural resources to accommodate those movements,' the billionaire founder of Hayman Capital said.

Bass noted that it is important to be in front of the macro-movement of people and businesses.

By doing so, an investor is able to exploit the migration trends to their advantage.

'I want to be levered to that real estate. And I want to use a prudent amount of leverage.'

From 2022 to 2023, Florida's population grew by 365,000, while Texas has grown by more than 473,000.

Tennessee's population increased by 77,513, a sizeable number.

Florida, Texas, and Tennessee have all demonstrated significant growth in population

For Bass, the three states offer a more 'pro-business' environment

Bass' real-estate acquisitions are supplemented by his vast carbon-credit purchases

Together, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee are bucking the trend afflicting states like New York and California, where a significant number of large businesses are fleeing in favor of more business-friendly states.

In the past three years alone, an estimated $1 trillion worth of assets have left New York and California

Bass isn't just interested in acquiring real estate in Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.

He is also purchasing 'carbon credits' and 'layering those on top of owning the real estate.'

In 2021, Bass founded Conservation Equity Management, an environmental sustainability private equity firm specializing in selling federal credits in exchange for conservation services such as wetland restoration on owned property.

It's a deeply rewarding - and lucrative - business for Bass.

'To protect myself and build wetlands and rebuild streams, creeks and rivers and charge the people that are impacting those markets huge amounts of money for their impacts by selling them actual federally regulated credits,' he said.

'Its a great business. It is super fun. You put on your snake boots, your waterproof snake boots, and you go.'
The boyfriend of Constance Marten, who is accused of killing their newborn baby with Marten, has refused to give evidence at the trial.

Mark Gordon, 49, and his aristocrat girlfriend Marten, 36, are are currently on trial at the Old Bailey. They accused of killing their daughter Victoria by taking her on the run in January last year to prevent her being taken away by social services.

The discovery of the baby's placenta in an exploded car on the M61 in Greater Manchester, sparked a major police hunt for couple who spent nearly two months camping in a blue tent in the South Downs near Brighton.

Victoria was later found dead in a Lidl bag for life and prosecutors claim she died from the exposure after weeks in bitterly cold conditions.

Marten said the baby died asleep in her arms after a few nights of camping.

Mark Gordon, 49, refused to give evidence at the Old Bailey today after previously telling police he would give his testimony only to the jury

Constance Martin, 36, and Gordon are accused of killing their daughter Victoria by taking her on the run in January last year to prevent her being taken away by social services

Court artist sketch of Marten and Gordon at the Old Bailey. The discovery of the baby's placenta in an exploded car on the M61 in Greater Manchester, sparked a major police hunt for couple who spent nearly two months camping in a blue tent in the South Downs near Brighton

Jurors were expecting to hear from Gordon today but were told he has refused to give evidence.

Gordons barrister John Femi-Ola, KC, said: My Lord I do not call the defendant.

Judge Mark Lucraft, KC, the Recorder of London, said: Have you advised your client the stage has now been reached where he may give evidence and if he refuses to do so the jury may take such inferences as appear proper from his failure to do so?

Mr Femi-Ola replied: I have my Lord.

Jurors earlier heard that in an interview with police on 2 March 2023, Gordon refused to answer questions saying he would give his testimony only to the jury.

He said the jury system was what makes Great Britain great and that he trusted that he would be released once the jury heard the evidence.

Gordon said: I reserve the right to give live testimony before the jury. I believe the jury is best placed to make a decision in this case.

I want the jury to hear first hand testimony and make the decision.

I just trust, I love the jury system, I may have testimony but this testimony is for the jury not for you detective.

Marten's mother Virginie de Selliers at the Old Bailey. The wealthy family lived at Dorset estate Crichel House during Martens youth and her grandmother was a playmate of Princess Margaret and goddaughter to the Queen Mother

Ive seen many cases in the media where police officers, detectives trying to push something, they sometimes change the outcome of things, anything I have to say I will tell the jury.

Im talking about the right to trial in this country. Because the jurys task, since Magna Carta, its for a jury of your peers to decide.

As far as you hearing my side of the story, the jury will hear my side of the story, you cannot release me detective I know you cant and dont have that power, but the jury when they hear what happened, I will be released.

I trust the jury with the information because theyre just everyday people like myself, trying to live their lives and dont look at the world in black and white.

I am talking about the rights enshrined in this country and what makes Great Britain, great.

He told police he believed Marten was suffering from post-traumatic distress and that she was telling the truth when she said the baby died in her arms after a few nights in the tent.

Mr Femi-Ola will now call two expert witnesses on Gordons behalf.

Gordon and Marten met in 2016 and had four children in quick succession who were all eventually taken into care, jurors have heard.

Marten comes from a wealthy aristocratic family and her father was a page to Queen Elizabeth II. Her mother Virginie de Selliers was also in court. The wealthy family lived at Dorset estate Crichel House during Martens youth and her grandmother was a playmate of Princess Margaret and goddaughter to the Queen Mother.

Marten and Gordon deny manslaughter by gross negligence, concealment of the birth of a child, cruelty to a person under 16 and perverting the course of justice.

They also deny causing or allowing the death of a child.

The trial continues.
Vice President Kamala Harris said she and President Joe Biden 'have been aligned and consistent' on the Israeli war and that she would discuss a cease-fire when she meets with Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's wartime Cabinet who is visiting Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Harris told reporters she and Gantz would discuss getting the hostage deal done, getting aid into the Gaza strip and 'getting that six-week cease-fire.'

The vice president, over the weekend, called for 'an immediate ceasefire' in Gaza and for Hamas to accept the deal currently on the table. It was the most strident comments to date from a member of Biden's administration.

But it also led to questions on whether Harris and Biden disagree on the Israel-Hamas war.

Vice President Kamala Harris (left) will meet with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (right) at the White House

'The president has been an extraordinary leader in getting us to this point that we have the six-week deal,' Harris told reporters.

Harris, when asked if there was any day light between her and the president on the issue, said: 'The president and I have been aligned and consistent from the very beginning.'

'I will tell you that it is important that we all understand that we're in a window of time right now where we can actually get a hostage deal done,' she said. 'We all want this conflict to end as soon as possible and how it does matters.'

Harris will sit down with the Israeli Defense Minister at the White House on Monday afternoon in a closed-door meeting.

Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu who frequently criticizes the prime minister, is sitting down with several senior Biden administration officials this week, including Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk and Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser.

President Biden is at Camp David preparing for his State of the Union address. He is facing mounting pressure from home and abroad over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

An official from Netanyahu's party told the Associated Press that Gantz did not have approval from the prime minister for his meetings in Washington and that Netanyahu gave the Cabinet official a 'tough talk' on the matter.

Gantz, who polls show could be a formidable candidate for prime minister if a vote were held today, is viewed as a political moderate. If the heavy fighting subsides, Gantz will leave the government, which would increase pressure for early elections.

Netanyahu was reportedly furious at Gantz's White House meeting.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (above) was reportedly furious at Gantz's White House meeting

Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip

Over the weekend, Harris noted 'a deal is on the table' as she urged Hamas to accept it.

'Let's get the ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza,' Harris said.

Israel boycotted ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive, according to an Israeli newspaper.

Biden's emphatic support for Israel has begun to dwindle in the face of an international outcry about Israel's conduct.

White House spokesman John Kirby said the meeting with Harris was made at the request of Gantz.

'A member of the war cabinet from Israel wants to come to the United States wants to talk to us about the progress of that war, giving us an opportunity to talk about the importance of getting humanitarian assistance, increased opportunity to talk about the importance of this hostage deal. We're not going to turn away that sort of opportunity,' he told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.

Biden was under immense pressure ahead of the Michigan primary on Tuesday to try and win back votes among progressives and young people who had become disillusioned over his support for Israel.

Michigan has the highest percentage and number of Arab Americans in the United States with more than 211,000 or 2.1 percent. Biden narrowly took the state from Trump in 2016.

While he managed to clinch the win, a sizeable portion of votes returned 'uncommitted' following a vigorous campaign by pro-Palestine activists, sparking fears for his chances in November.

Meanwhile, the U.S. began air dropping aid over the Gaza Strip on Saturday as the much of the population faces famine.

Aid has been difficult to get into the war-torn area.

Around 30,000 Palestinians are estimated to have died in retaliatory airstrikes since October 7, when Hamas first attacked Israel killing 1,139 and taking 240 hostages.
Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged President Joe Biden to follow his example and close the southern border with Mexico to end the migrant crisis facing the country.

The border has emerged as the most important issue for voters in November's presidential election and both sides have gone on the attack.

Trump used a televised address to accuse Biden of deliberately allowing in migrants and called on him to use all his presidential powers to tackle the problem.

'This is not sustainable for our country. It's not sustainable for our cities. Our country is under siege,' said Trump at Mar-a-Lago. 'This is a violent thing that you've done, and many people are dying many, many people die, they die on the trip up.

'They die going through the border, and they die in our country.'

Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged President Joe Biden to follow his example and close the southern border with Mexico to end the migrant crisis facing the country

The scene at the border in Arizona last Wednesday, as about 100 newly arrived migrants wait to be picked up by Border Patrol agents for processing

The numbers of people crossing illegally into the country rocketed when Biden took power.

In Trump's final year the number was 405,000. A year later it hit 1.7 million.

But the numbers also suggested that those figures hit an upward trajectory during Trump's final months in power.

Even so the former president said Biden should follow his policies.

'So I say respectfully to President Biden, you have the authorization right now. I did it,' he said.

'I didn't go to Congress and say, "Do I have the right to close?" I fought Congress on it.

'Close the borders. You can do it right now. You have everything, use my policies.

'My policies were great. Everybody said it. Use my policies.'

Republicans have repeatedly accused the Biden administration of running an 'open borders' policy.

President Biden gets a tour of the border from CBP agents at the Rio Grande River in Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday last week. Trump visited Eagle Pass on the same day

A migrant camp on US soil in Arizona near Sasabe, where new arrivals wait to be picked up

Border Patrol agents arrive to collect the migrants and take them to a facility

But 'closing' the border may not be easy. Trump's border wall, for example, does not seal off the U.S. from Mexico.

Every day hundreds of migrants simply slip through holes or present themselves on U.S. soil on the far side of the wall and ask for asylum.

In a sign of the issue's importance, Trump and Biden both visited the border in Texas last Thursday.

Under pressure from Republicans, Biden last year urged Congress to deliver more funding for enforcement and promised to 'shut down the border' if given new authority to turn away migrants.

But a bipartisan immigration bill stalled in the Senate after Trump came out in opposition.

Trump made his comments after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in his favor, saying that states don't have the ability to bar him from the ballot under a constitutional provision disqualifying anyone who engaged 'in insurrection.'

Supporters of Donald Trump clash with police at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021

He thanked the justices for working quickly in delivering a ruling that he said would be remembered for 200 years.

And he urged the court to deliver him immunity in the next election case that it will consider, arguing that any other decision would leave him open to prosecution for US military actions that killed senior terrorist leaders in the Middle East.

'You cannot take somebody out of a race,' he said Monday afternoon at his Mar-a-Lago base in Florida.

'The voters can take a person out of the race very quickly. But a court shouldn't be doing that. The Supreme Court saw that.

'And I really do believe that will be a unifying factor.'
Cleveland Police were involved in an unexpected speed chase on Saturday after two police horses bolted down the highway.

A video obtained by the Ohio Department of Transportation showed a pair of police horses weaving in and out of traffic near the unit's stables at 12:15 pm.

In separate footage from the opposite angle, the brave horses were seen trotting westbound in the eastbound lane.

The two daring animals eventually halted traffic on Interstate 90 in the downtown Cleveland area, as footage showed baffled drivers slowing to a halt in their lanes.

Police cruisers were seen chasing after the stallions as they headed down an on-ramp before cutting out of sight onto a side street.

The horses galloped back towards the stables at the direction of a police car and an officer on foot

Two police horses were seen galloping down Interstate 90 in Cleveland, Ohio

'We can confirm that today during routine care and exercise, two Cleveland Police horses inadvertently strayed,' Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz told cleveland.com.

Officers acted swiftly in guiding the horses away from the cars and onto the patches of grass on the sides of the highway.

They eventually galloped back toward the stables at the direction of a police car and an officer on foot.

'Mounted officers promptly recovered both horses, ensuring their safety, and no further incidents ensued,' the official said.

How the 'neighsayers' escaped in the first place is currently unknown - but it has been reported that the four-legged foals were working with law enforcement and then escaped from the police stables.

The horses were with the police officers when they escaped from their stables

The escaped horses are seen trotting westbound in the eastbound lane on Interstate 90

'We can confirm that today during routine care and exercise, two Cleveland Police horses inadvertently strayed,' said Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz

The video has garnered nearly 77,000 views since it was posted

No animal or human was harmed during this rather peculiar incident, police said.

The video gained traction on social media - and the transportation department wanted in on the online hilarity.

'Some real horsepower on I-90 in downtown Cleveland today. Any injuries? Neigh,' the department posted on X.

The video has garnered nearly 77,000 views since it was posted.

The Cleveland Mounted Police has eight police officers and eight horses.
The FBI has launched an urgent manhunt for an Iranian secret intelligence official accused of plotting to assassinate Trump-era officials.

Federal agents say Majid Dastjani Farahani has been trying to recruit allies to murder current and former US government officials as revenge for the US assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

In an urgent notice on Friday, the FBI office in Miami asked for information on Farahani, who is said to speak Spanish and frequently move between Iran and Venezuela, where the ruling regime is friendly with Iran.

'Farahani is wanted for questioning in connection with the recruitment of individuals for various operations in the United States, to include lethal targeting of current and former United States Government officials as revenge for the killing of IRGC-QF Commander Qasem Soleimani,' the FBI said.

'Farahani also reportedly recruited individuals for surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses, and other facilities in the United States. Farahani acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.'

Federal agents say Majid Dastjani Farahani has been trying to recruit allies in the country to murder current and former US government officials

'Farahani also reportedly recruited individuals for surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses, and other facilities in the United States,' the FBI said

Iran vowed to take revenge on the US following the assassination of Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, the overseas arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards

The FBI has asked anyone with information to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or consulate.

Iran vowed to take revenge on the US following the assassination of Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, the overseas arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards.

Soleimani was killed in Iraq in a drone strike in January, 2020, ordered by then-president Donald Trump.

Aside from Pompeo, the FBI believes Iran is also targeting Brian Hook, Trump's envoy to Tehran, the agency told Semafor.

Both Pompeo and Hook are currently under around-the-clock security due to the increased threat level.

Farahani was sanctioned by the Treasury department in December, which claimed he works for Iran to 'aggressively target and stifle opponents and dissenting voices.'

'The regime's efforts to silence its opponents extend far beyond its borders, where Iran has carried out acts of transnational repression, including rendition and lethal plotting against activists, journalists, and foreign government officials,' the Treasury department said.

It's not the first time Tehran plots to assassinate former US government officials.

In 2022, the Department of Justice indicted several members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard for plotting to kill Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton.

Meanwhile the links between Iran and Venezuela have increasingly become more evident, as Iran uses the South American nation as a friendly base in the western hemisphere.

The Trump officials allegedly targeted by the Iranian agent included former secretary of state Mike Pompeo

In 2021, two men were arrested in New York City after they targeted Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad in a failed kidnap attempt

In 2021, two men were arrested in New York City after they targeted Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad in a failed kidnap attempt.

The FBI said the two Iranian agents planned to lure Alinejad, an American citizen, from her home in Brooklyn to Venezuela, where they would capture her and send her back to Iran.

The Iranians had a live feed of her home and researched how to get the author out of New York, according to the charging documents. One of the four researched a service offering 'military-style speedboats for self-operated maritime evacuation out of New York City, and maritime travel from New York to Venezuela, a country whose de facto government has friendly relations with Iran,' the Justice Department said.

The conspirators, who remain at large, had also plotted to lure a person in the UK and three others in Canada to Iran, an indictment said. They had all also been critical of Iran.
A Coles shopper says she found the grisly remains of a mouse inside a freshly-opened Coles brand can of red kidney beans.

Lauren Whitburn was cooking when she opened and drained a Coles brand 420g can of red kidney beans on Saturday night.

Ms Whitburn had bought the can and other groceries from the Coles supermarket in Mount Barker, South Australia, with her sister as the pair were making a Mexican dish for dinner.

However, she made the gruesome discovery after emptying out the contents of the can into a sieve, and spotting what appeared to be the chewed up remains of a mouse mixed in with the beans.

Lauren Whitburn made the grisly discovery after draining the 420g can of Coles brand red kidney beans she had bought from the Mount Barker store in South Australia

Ms Whitburn said she was 'horrified' when she spotted the rodent.

'I just saw something really peculiar and I actually almost went to go touch it and then went, Oh, no, that does not look right,' Ms Whitburn told Daily Mail Australia.

'I then had a closer look and noticed the claw. And that's sort of where I was like, "Oh my gosh".

'I noticed there was hair and it was just absolutely disgusting. I was probably in a bit of shock really and just absolutely, horrified. It was just so gross.'

Ms Whitburn said she has been 'put off' eating red kidney beans for a while and is worried the rest of the rodent may be inside other cans bought by unsuspecting shoppers.

'I'm really concerned and worried that other cans will have the other remains of the animal,' Ms Whitburn said.

'This is a major health risk and concern.'

She urged Coles to alert customers as soon as possible and to recall the product from its shelves.

'I am concerned Coles is not taking the action required,' Ms Whitham said.

'This product batch should be recalled as soon as possible, and people need to be made aware.'

Images show what appears to be the leg and claw of a mouse among the red kidney beans (left and right) Ms Whitburn said she was concerned the remaining parts of the rodent could be inside other cans bought by unsuspecting customer

Ms Whitburn notified South Australia Health on Saturday night, while her sister wrote an email to Coles outlining the grisly find.

She explained SA Health was picking up the contents of the can -which she placed in her freezer in a zip-lock bag along with the can itself - on Tuesday.

'The thing that scares me the most is if [the remains of the mouse] was sitting somewhere else in the can and I rinsed off the beans and didn't notice it then we would have been eating it that night,' Ms Whitburn said.

'Who knows what sort of diseases or anything it would have been carrying.'

Coles told Daily Mail Australia the supermarket is looking into the issue with its supplier.

'Food safety is paramount at Coles. We are concerned to hear about this customer's experience and discovery with this product, and we are currently investigating with our supplier,' Coles said.

'Our suppliers take great care when processing all our products and include equipment and teams that conduct raw material inspections, pest control and quality checks during processing.

'We have apologised to the customer for their experience and have commenced an immediate investigation with our supplier.'
More than a dozen families have come forward to say their families were harmed at an Oregon hospital where a nurse is accused of swapping intravenous drugs for unsterilized tap water.

Police are investigating the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, after it reported suspicions that fentanyl intended for patients had been stolen by nurse Dani Marie Schofield.

The family of Horace Wilson is suing for $11.5 million after he died in from sepsis after bacteria flooded directly into his bloodstream from tap water in his iv drip.

Their lawyer Justin Idiart said he is now representing nine clients and speaking to another five whose loved ones died at the hospital between late 2021 and the middle of last year.

Their frustration is the lack of communication, he said, They saw loved ones in the hospital for conditions that usually seem like they could have recovered from.

According to the first lawsuit, a diluted IV drip reintroduced harmful bacterium into Wilson's blood, causing his condition to decline precipitously.

Only a month after first being admitted to Asante (pictured above), Horace Wilson died.

Lawyer Justin Idiart says more than a dozen families have come forward saying that their loved ones too were victims of the hospital

Wilson was admitted in January 2022 after falling 10 feet from a ladder and damaging his spleen.

Doctors operated to remove it and his condition improved, but within days his condition took a 'turn for the worse,' after staphylococcus epidermidis - an infection-causing bacteria - entered his bloodstream, and 'became essentially impossible to eradicate.

The hospital saw a five-fold increase in i/v blood infections between 2021 and 2022, according to federal data, and in November last year Schofield agreed to a voluntary nursing license suspension pending the completion of an investigation, according to the Oregon Board of Nursing.

In December the hospital told Medford police that they believed a former employee was involved in the theft of fentanyl prescribed to patients resulting in some adverse patient outcomes.

That month, the hospital began contacting patients and their relatives telling them a nurse had replaced fentanyl with tap water causing bacterial infections'.

Fentanyl is one of the most commonly used as a painkiller in hospitals and comes with few direct side effects.

But its powerful properties make it attractive to drug abusers and hospitals have recorded a growing number of thefts.

Two weeks after going into hospital, Wilson, a marijuana grower from Jacksonville, exhibited 'multiple clear markers of suffering from an infection,' suffering high temperatures and persistent hypotension, 'a hallmark of a state of sepsis.

His state worsened, culminating in 'multi-system organ failure' and sepsis-induced brain dysfunction, and he died on February 25, after roughly a month in the hospital

Before he died, Wilson recovered enough cognitive function to tell the ICU staff that he 'no longer wished to live this way,' the lawsuit states.

The Medford Police Department said it had received numerous calls from individuals asking if they or a family member have been impacted by the suspected actions of the former Asante employee.

Officers have interviewed hundreds of people and examined thousands of documents, including medical records.

Dani Marie Schofield has not been charged with any crime and continues to maintain her innocence, telling The Lund Report that 'the truth will, I'm sure, come out.'

Before dying, Wilson told the ICU staff that he 'no longer wished to live this way.'

Both Schofield and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center are listed as defendants in the first lawsuit.

Wilson's family is accusing the hospital of negligence, stating that the hospital either 'knew or should have known of the high likelihood of opioid diversion by one of its employees for their own use.'

We were distressed to learn of this issue, Asante said in a statement last month.

We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.
A child rapist who entered the United States on a tourist visa is now back in Brazil serving his 12-year prison sentence, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced.

Edimir Eckelberg, 62, was deported to the South American nation on January 26, almost two months after he was arrested by federal agents in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

He was convicted for rape of a vulnerable child in early 2023 by a Florianopolis criminal court and managed to flee the country.

Eckelberg snuck past Brazilian authorities and flew to the United States and was able clear customs at a New York airport in April 2023.

ICE revealed last Thursday that the federal agency deported Brazilian national, Edimir Eckelberg, in January. His removal came a month after Boston agents arrested him in Tewskbury, Massachusetts in November. The 62-year-old was convicted of child rape in early 2023 but never showed up for his sentencing hearing in May of that year and fled to the U.S.

Edimir Eckelberg was hiding out in Boston, where Enforcement and Removal Operations agents arrested him in November 2023, seven months after he was allowed in the United States with a tourist visa. The 62-year-old somehow managed to slip past Brazilian authorities months after he had been convicted for child rape and failed to show up for his sentencing hearing in May of that year

After failing to show up at his sentencing hearing in May 2023, the court issued an arrest warrant without knowing that he was already in the US.

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents, who are separate from ICE, assigned to the agency's Boston office learned he was in the region and apprehended him November 28, 2023.

Eckelberg was issued a notice to appear before a U.S. Department of Justice immigration judge and was removed nine weeks later.

'There is no more repulsive and disturbing crime than the sexual assault of a child,' said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons.

'Our New England communities are safer without the presence of Edimir Gustavo Eckelberg, who is now in the hands of Brazilian authorities,' Lyons added.

'ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing such violent threats from our New England communities.'

According to ERO data, agents made 170,590 arrests in 2023, a 19.5 percent increase from the previous year.

The agency registered the apprehension of 73,822 non U.S. citizens who had a criminal history - 108 were fugitives wanted by their governments for crimes including homicide, rape, terrorism and kidnapping.
More than 100 civilian patients have visited military hospital emergency rooms since trainee doctors at general hospitals began a mass walkout last month in protest of the government's medical school admissions plan, the defense ministry said Monday.

Military hospitals fully opened their emergency wards to civilians on Feb. 20 as thousands of young doctors began walking off their jobs the previous day in protest of the plan to add 2,000 more medical school seats next year.

As of 6 a.m. Monday, a total of 123 civilians had visited the 12 military hospitals across the country that operate emergency departments, including the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, according to the ministry.

It said some of the patients received surgery at such hospitals, including a man in his 50s who almost lost both his feet after being injured from a fall.

The patient had been transferred to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital after being refused surgery by two general hospitals due to a lack of medical personnel, according to the ministry.

While military hospital emergency rooms accepted civilian patients even before the mass walkout, they have had difficulty in access due to civilian entry procedures. The ministry has since relaxed them to allow better access. (Yonhap)
The wife of a Scottish Ambulance Service boss has died after a student was sent as the first responder during a 999 emergency.

SAS chairman Tom Steele's wife Gillian collapsed in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, and an ambulance was called for.

But she died of a suspected cardiac arrest after a student technician was sent to the call-out.

The student had been part of a crew with a qualified paramedic earlier that day, but when they left for a meeting, the trainee was left alone as the first responder.

A back-up crew was sent to assist but Mrs Steele, 69, from Lanark, died.

The student is reported to be a VQ4 technician student, which means they can perform the duties of a qualified technician while on work placements, but only under supervision of another technician or paramedic.

Gillian Steele collapsed and died of a suspected cardiac arrest after a student technician was sent to the call-out

The student had been part of a crew with a qualified paramedic earlier that day, but when they left for a meeting, the trainee was left alone as the first responder (Stock Image)

Ambulance technicians can diagnose and treat a number of illnesses and injuries and work alongside paramedics.

Speaking about the incident, which happened on February 7, an ambulance insider told the Daily Record: 'The woman needed a fully qualified paramedic but she didn't get one.

'The only resource available was a student. We cannot understand why the control room sent a VQ4 student on a paramedic 999 call to someone who had collapsed.

'Tom Steele is the chairman of SAS and the woman was his wife. There is a huge investigation going on into this.'

Politicians last night demanded answers over student paramedics being used as first responders to 999 emergencies.

Scottish Labour health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: 'I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Steele for the untimely loss of his wife.

'It just shows that staffing problems and delays in the ambulance service affect everybody and we need to do more to make sure the service is given adequate resources so they can attend in time.'

Ambulance trade unions have also demanded answers to the issue. Derek Thomson, Scottish secretary for Unite, said: 'Unite has repeatedly stated that there is a national emergency facing our health services.

'Unite's hundreds of members in the Scottish Ambulance Service have been at the frontline of this emergency situation for years and they are telling us that they are fatigued due to being understaffed and working excessive hours.'

A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Our thoughts and condolences go out to Tom and his family, however, it would be inappropriate for us to offer comment on an individual case.'

When asked about the incident, a spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said last night: 'We do not comment on individual cases.'
As he prepares for tomorrows make-or-break Budget, Jeremy Hunt will have been glad to get Shona Robisons un-solicited advice.

The Finance Secretary counselled the Chancellor to prioritise investment in public services, not tax cuts  and, in passing, asked him for 1.6billion.

Well, a government with a black hole in its finances after years of fiscal mismanagement cant afford to miss a chance to plead for a little more cash.

The implication of Ms Robisons intervention is that in Scotland the money raised by unrelenting tax hikes has been ploughed into health and education.

Mr Hunt, as he searches for a rabbit to pull out of the hat ahead of the general election, is unlikely to swallow this mythical interpretation of the SNPs reckless taxation policy.

Reality

The reality is that higher-rate tax was increased by 1p specifically to bolster patient care  but the IFS economic think-tank has revealed that real-terms health spending is set to fall in the coming year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was counselled by Finance Secretary Shona Robinson to prioritise investment in public services, not tax cuts

Nicola Sturgeons ambition to stamp out the poverty-related attainment gap in schools is set to cost nearly 2billion by 2026.

Yet on key skills such as maths our 15-year-olds lag behind pupils in former Soviet bloc countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovenia, and are also outperformed by their peers in England.

In Saturdays Mail, Andrew Neil wrote about a sense of terminal decline in the UK, and his despair over the complete failure of political leaders to come up with a strategy to reverse it.

That astute analysis is especially true for Scotland, where Nationalist rule has prioritised constitutional grievance since 2007.

The consequences have been disastrous  from crumbling infrastructure to a chaotic justice system and nearly 830,000 patients languishing on NHS waiting lists.

At the weekend, Shelter Scotland accused Humza Yousaf of gaslighting by claiming he is tackling poverty while overseeing cuts that condemn thousands of children to homelessness.

The SNPs alleged socialist nirvana is bankrolled by extra cash squeezed from workers struggling to keep a roof over their heads, but the benefits of these repeated tax raids are hard or impossible to discern.

While attempting to spread the gospel of progressive nationalism, Ms Robison remains wilfully blind to the fact that it has prompted the beginnings of an exodus of the brightest and best  people we cannot afford to lose.

The cross-Border tax gap is a powerful disincentive to live and work in Scotland, and it might be about to widen, assuming that Mr Hunt does cut income tax.

He is under great pressure to do so, given the Tories are facing heavy electoral losses.

You might assume from the Finance Secretarys ominous comments that the SNP is unlikely to follow suit if those taxes are reduced. But failing to do so would be a monumental mistake for the Nationalists, and one that would cost Scotland dear.

Both Ms Robison and Mr Yousaf have voiced concern over the tax disparity which puts workers here at such a huge disadvantage, while refusing to commit to doing anything about it.

They want to have their cake and eat it, appeasing their Marxist Green partners by hitting the rich with taxes, even if the rich are senior police officers and teachers, while also claiming to be anxious about the risks of the tax gap  which they created. The recent Scottish Budget included a triple whammy of income tax rises: a new 45p band on earnings above 75,000 starts in April, while the top rate above 125,140 rises by 1p to 48p, and the higher rate threshold will be frozen at 43,663.

Everyone earning more than 28,850 in Scotland will pay more than if they lived south of the Border.

Someone on a 35,000 salary will pay 61 more in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, rising to 442 at 45,000, 1,696 at 55,000, and 2,096 at 75,000.

The wealthy are demonised for having the temerity to try and build a better future for their families and, of course, for the country.

It is stagnating under the dead hand of a government which doesnt understand growth and talks in vague terms about a wellbeing economy, without providing a meaningful definition.

One option open to Mr Hunt is to cut National Insurance, which would take effect in Scotland regardless of the SNP as  thankfully  it has nothing to do with the Nationalists, unlike income tax.

Galling

Its galling that we need to keep our fingers crossed and hope this is the path Mr Hunt takes. Surely this was not the point of devolution.

For now, we will sit on the sidelines and might well be watching as tax falls elsewhere in the UK, knowing that the SNP will probably opt against duplicating the cuts here.

But how much more of this can our economy withstand, with a relatively small base of taxpayers having to shoulder the burden of a vast welfare state?

As the NHS faces budget cuts, spending on benefits is set to soar beyond 7billion 38 per cent higher than last years 5.16billion.

Yet one in 20 working-age people have never done a days work in their lives in parts of Scotland, and the numbers have rocketed since the SNP came to office.

Its a criminal waste of human potential but the only plan Mr Yousaf appears to have is to perpetuate it by picking the pockets of Scots who work for a living.

Eleven per cent of Scottish adults pay the higher rate of income tax (42p in Scotland, thanks to the hike announced in 2022 by the then Finance Secretary John Swinney), and 0.7 per cent pay top rate.

Perks

Despite this, these individuals  higher and top rate taxpayers  are estimated to account for 65 per cent of the total income tax take in 2023-24.

Dont forget that 39 per cent of Scots dont pay any income tax  a model that is completely unsustainable.

Were told by the SNP that higher taxation is the price we must pay for the social contract which means were able to enjoy perks which are unavailable in England.

Free prescriptions cost 1.4billion a year  a figure that has risen by 19 per cent in the past decade  while each year 10.5million is spent by the NHS on paracetamol, 2.9million on aspirin, 1.6million on sun cream, and 1.8million on shampoo.

The cap on university places for Scots means that they face a tough contest against fee-paying international students  another flagship policy which patently isnt working.

As higher taxes force entrepreneurs and hard-working professionals to pack up and head for the exit, a dwindling pool of taxpayers will have to shell out more and more to fund perks and handouts.

This is a pivotal Budget for the Tories.

But, whatever Mr Hunt decides, Scotland simply cannot take any more of the SNPs high-tax lunacy.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced last week he too would seek leadership

The list of senators who want to lead Republicans in the upper chamber is getting longer, teeing up what could be a bitter showdown for the top position.

Following the shocking announcement last week that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would not seek re-election to his leadership post in November, Republicans have started to throw their hats in the ring to replace him.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the second most powerful Senate Republican behind McConnell, announced he is running for the top Republican leadership spot on Monday.

'Well, I hope to be [leader], and I'm going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues,' Thune told a South Dakota news outlet.

'For me, it's really about trying to be a difference-maker,' Thune told Dakota News Now. 'I think I have something to contribute there.'

Sen. John Thune announced on Monday he is seeking to become the next Senate Republican leader after long-time leader Mitch McConnell announced he would not seek reelection

McConnell has been the longest serving Senate leader in the chamber's history

'I think we're ready for a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership for Republicans in the United States Senate that empowers our individual members,' Thune said.

'In my view, this is a chance for a reset and I'd like to be a part of it.'

The race for the next Senate Republican leader is now officially between two Johns, Thune and his colleague Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., are also rumored to announce runs for the Republican leader role.

Cornyn was the first to declare his bid for leader following McConnell's announcement last week.

'I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell,' Cornyn wrote in a statement Thursday. 'I have learned a lot during my time both in and out of Senate leadership.'

He said the Senate is broken but that it can be fixed and he intends to play a role in that.

'Throughout my time I've built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause,' Cornyn continued.

Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, John Cornyn from Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are considered the 'three Johns'

The Texas senator previously has served in senate leadership as whip and as the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

There is, however, another John that could enter the leadership race.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the third highest-ranking Senate Republican, has also been speculated as another contender for the leader role.

Barrasso is seen as the most conservative of the 'three Johns' and was the first of the group to endorse Donald Trump for president.
The Supreme Court is asking Congress for another $19 million for security just as it issued a decision that will keep Donald Trump on the primary ballot in all states.

The money would be used to assign justices personal security due to 'evolving' threats.

The money is part of a $9.4 billion budget request sent out last week for the Supreme Court and the rest of the federal judiciary in the fiscal year 2025 appropriations, which are supposed to be passed by October 1.

Included in the $19 million request is $13.6 million to expand the Supreme Court Police, its in-house force, and $5.8 million to allow that force to take over the task of protecting justices at their homes, which is currently done by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Eric Lamar, right, of Washington, DC, stands in protest outside Supreme Court Monday

The security-related measures are part of a request for a 21 percent increase in funding to $146.3 million in fiscal year 2025, at a time when conservatives are demanding the federal budget is cut.

The U.S. Marshals Service reports that serious threats to the high court doubled between 2021 and 2023, going from 224 to 457.

The rest of the federal judiciary is seeking $805.9 million for court security, citing 'significant increase in threats against federal judges.'

Last week lawmakers passed a fourth stopgap funding bill to work out a spending plan for the fiscal year that began in October.

This week lawmakers will work to pass funding for six agencies of government before March 8 and the other six including the judiciary before March 22.

Following the leak of the Roe v. Wade decision in 2022, Congress approved legislation to expand police protection for the families of the justices and senior officers of the high court.

Anti-Trump demonstrators protest outside the US Supreme Court as the court considers whether former US President Donald Trump is eligible to run for president

The high court on Monday ruled 9-0 that only Congress, not Colorado, can ban Trump from the ballot and the former president must be reinstated on the Centennial State's primary ballots.

The ruling brings to an end efforts in Colorado, Maine and Illinois to exclude the former president from ballots using a mechanism that disqualifies 'candidates engaged in insurrection' from taking office again.

Colorado's Supreme Court last year ruled that Section 3 did apply to Trump, the first time a court had applied the mechanism to a presidential candidate.

But in their 20-page ruling, the justices said only Congress could determine who was allowed to run.

'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot', they said in an unsigned opinion. 'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed.'

The case is the court's most direct intervention in a presidential election since Bush v Gore, when it effectively handed the deadlocked 2000 result to Republican candidate George W. Bush.

But Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with three liberal justices in a concurring opinion that said the ruling should be more narrow in scope.

She joined in the overall decision, but warned against 'stridency' in divisions on the court  during an election season where the high court is making weighty decisions on presidential immunity while lower courts make scheduling decisions that will determine whether Trump faces jury verdicts before the November elections.

'The majoritys choice of a different path leaves the remaining Justices with a choice of how to respond. In my judgment, this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency,' Barrett wrote in her one-page opinion.
Queensland's premier Steven Miles has apologised to the state's parliament over serious allegations he misled parliament by denying he sent a text message to another Labor MP.

Mr Miles denied sending a text to fellow Labor MP Ali King last October about an issue the Opposition had called a 'corruption risk' - but an alleged photo of the message subsequently turned up.

On February 14, in his first parliamentary sitting as premier after replacing Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Premier was asked a very pointed question by LNP MP Michael Hart.

Mr Hart asked Mr Miles to confirm 'he did not send an SMS' to Ms King between 10am and 11.30 on October 11.'

The Premier replied curtly: 'I thank the member for Burleigh. I can.'

Queensland 's premier Steven Miles apologises to the state's parliament over serious allegations he misled parliament by denying he sent a text message to another Labor MP

Queensland's premier Steven Miles (pictured) could be in major trouble and faces being referred to the parliament's Speaker over allegations he misled the body over a text message

Mr Miles denied sending a text to Labor MP Ali King last October, but an alleged photo of the message subsequently turned up. The text of the alleged message is pictured

READ MORE: Who is Queensland Premier Steven Miles? Queensland Premier Steven Miles (left) is pictured with his wife Kim McDowell Advertisement

But the Courier Mail published a photo first revealed on Nine News by reporter Tim Arvier on Monday night seeming to show the text in question as having been sent at 10.44am that day, instructing Ms King on what to do in parliament in response to the issue and reading, in part: 'You could stand and say (rise on a matter of privilege suddenly arising).'

Ms King was subsequently seen to rise in parliament and carry out the instructions seen in the text.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Miles addressed the state parliament using a process known as a 'matter of privilege' to 'update the record'.

'I understood the question (from Mr Hart) related to compliance with Right to Information requirements and answered to the best of my recollection.

'However, last night it was been brought to my attention a photograph (was) taken in the chamber,' at the time.

'The text message was from six months prior, and I did not recall it at the time.

'I therefore wish to correct the record and apologise for the error,' Mr Miles said.

Mr Hart rose in response to Mr Miles' statement to say 'I don't accept the apology', and was booted from the chamber for an hour by Speaker Curtis Pitt.

At that time he sent the message, a social media post where Ms King said constituents could send job applications for work at a new hospital to her electorate email was being called a 'corruption risk' by the opposition Liberal National Party.

'You can subscribe to be notified when they are listed, or you can also email your CV to my office and Metro North are letting me email them through to be kept on file,' Ms King said in a Facebook post in October.

She added, 'But frankly if you're doing that I would also apply through SmartJobs.'

Then premier Ms Palaszczuk later told parliament is was probably 'not appropriate' for Ms King to have made the post.

When told about the photo of the text on Monday, Mr Miles initially said he had just forgotten about it when asked about it in parliament four months later.

'I answered, as I always do, to the best of my recollection,' he said.

Mr Miles is reportedly set to apologise in parliament on Tuesday for previously saying he did not send a text to MP Ali King (pictured) on October 11

'If my recollection was incorrect, then I will correct the record and apologise at the earliest opportunity, as is the appropriate parliamentary process.'

Deputy LNP leader Jarrod Bleijie said there are serious questions about the Premier's integrity.

'The Premier's lies will be prosecuted in parliament,' he said. 'The next steps will depend on whether he keeps lying or not.'

Ms King told parliament on Tuesday she had referred the photo of her text to the Ethics Committee.

'This is a serious breach of the rights and privilege of a member of this house,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms King for comment.
A small demonstration outside an Israeli homes expo was plunged into violence when a man armed with a nail gun launched himself at the protesters.

The pro-Palestinians had gathered outside a Toronto synagogue where the Home In Israel real estate group was showcasing properties at an invite only event.

Footage shows the moment Ilan-Reuben Abramov, 27, drove up in his car, and got out with the nail gun, yelling every Palestinian will die.

He tried knocking phone cameras away, squared up to an elderly woman and was charged with assault with a weapon after one of the protesters claimed he fired the device at them.

'I thought it was a real gun and I thought my life was going to be over in that moment,' one of the protesters told CTV News, showing them holes in his jacket allegedly caused by the nails.

Ilan-Reuben Abramov, 27, has been arrested and charged with assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon dangerous to the public and mischief

Footage shows him swearing angrily as he approaches demonstrators with a nail gun

At one point he had an angry face-off with an elderly woman before shoving her away

Police said the demonstration in the Thornhill district had been peaceful until Abramov arrived in his car.

Officers identified several witnesses who stated that a male had stopped his vehicle near pro-Palestinian demonstrators and began shouting obscenities at them, while becoming confrontational with three of the protestors, a spokesman for the York Regional Police said.

At one point, one of the victims told police the suspect discharged a nail gun that he was carrying.

The demonstrators claimed that the property group was selling homes on illegally occupied land in the West Bank and around 100 had turned out to protest on Sunday morning.

A counter-demonstration had been organized at the site which also hosts a synagogue, but police said both sides had been successfully kept apart and that people were freely able to enter and exit the synagogue.

You need to calm down and step back, one told Abramov as he approached.

You have a f***ing problem? he replied before shoving her.

You just shot that at me and you shot that at another guy! one is heard screaming as the heavily built man returned to his car.

Police said Abramov has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon dangerous to the public and mischief.

Investigation is ongoing, there is no risk to public safety at this time, they added in a statement shared to X.
Nikki Haley says the Supreme Court made the right call overturning the Colorado ruling that disqualified Donald Trump from the state's 2024 presidential ballot.

The former United Nations ambassador says she 'wants' Trump on the ballot even though she is significantly behind him in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

In a unanimous 9-0 ruling on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said that Trump must remain on the Colorado ballot and decided it's unconstitutional for a state to decide who voters can and cannot vote for in a presidential election.

Speaking in Houston, Texas on Monday, Haley said it was the right call despite the major victory for her primary competitor.

Trump has a major delegate lead over Haley and is essentially the presumed Republican nominee. Still, Haley insists she will 'defeat Donald Trump fair and square.'

Former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley said Monday in Houston, Texas that the U.S. Supreme Court made the right decision to overruled Colorado's ruling to kick Donald Trump off the state's ballot. She said: 'Look, I will defeat Donald Trump fair and square. But I want him on that ballot'

Anti-Trump demonstrators protest outside the US Supreme Court in February. The court decided Monday that Trump is eligible to run for president in the 2024 election

Haley tore into Trump for not talking about his policies enough but making the race a referendum on his presidency as he focuses must of his rallies on the lawsuits and political targets against him.

'All he did was talk about himself. And that's the problem. This isn't about him, this is about the American people,' Haley lamented when speaking to supporters the day before Super Tuesday. 'And you will see  I will always fight for every freedom for you to have.'

'The Supreme Court ruled today that Donald Trump could stay on the ballot,' she said, to which crowd members booed and jeered.

But she cut in with: 'No, I think that was important. We don't ever want some elected official in a state or anybody else saying who can and can't be on a ballot. This is America.'

'Look, I will defeat Donald Trump fair and square. But I want him on that ballot,' she insisted.

The promise, however, is a far cry from reality.

After a half dozen primary contests over the last two months, Trump holds 244 delegates to the 43 Haley has amassed.

A candidate must earn 1,215 delegates to win the party's nomination for president.

There are 874 delegates up for grabs in the consequential Super Tuesday race  where 15 states and American Samoa will cast their ballots on Tuesday, March 5 during concurrent primary contests.

'I'm not doing this for me  clearly I think I've made my point I'm not doing this to become vice president,' Haley said during her remarks in Texas  one of the 15 Super Tuesday states.

'I'm not doing this for a political career. If that was the case, I'd have been here a long time ago,' she added.

The main point in running, Haley said, is that 'our kids deserve to know what normal feels like.'

Donald Trump made remarks from Mar-a-Lago after the ruling on Monday

The Supreme Court decision in Trump's favor on Monday was a fatal blow for a group of states trying to kick the former president off the ballot.

In an immediate reaction Trump declared on his Truth Social network: 'BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!'

The ruling effectively ends efforts in other states, including Illinois and Maine, to disqualify Trump from running in the 2024 general election over claims his conduct on January 6, 2021 amounted to 'insurrection'.

Colorado and the other states argue that under Clause 3 of the 14th Amendment, Trump engaged in 'insurrection' and can therefore not run for president.

While the High Court did not rule on whether Trump engaged in an insurrection, it did say only Congress can decide if Trump is, or is not, eligible to run  and the decision is not up to individual states.
Congress' ultra-conservative faction is sounding off about a new spending deal announced on Sunday that would likely lump funding for 12 agencies of government into two up-or-down votes.

The 1,000+ page spending plan for the first six agencies of government, which have a funding deadline of Friday, was released Sunday and members of the House's Freedom Caucus and like-minded senators decried 'earmarks' in the bill.

After being negotiated by House and Senate leaders in both parties, it will be voted on in the House on Wednesday.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, wrote on X that the bill 'is littered with earmarks, fails to secure the border, & punts almost every GOP policy win - thus, will fund most of Bidens lawlessness & tyranny.'

Rep. Ralph Norman ticked off a number of earmarks requested by Democrats that had been included in the deal

'Earmarks corrupt government. Earmarks turn Republicans Democrat. No Republican should support them. No Republican should vote for this bill,' said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

Speaker Johnson said Republicans 'secured key conservative policy victories' in the $460 billion-plus measure despite a 'divided government' and rejected 'left-wing proposals' in the deal with Democrats announced Sunday.

The package would Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under one vote.

Conservatives have been insisting that Congress pass funding for each agency of government individually but that looked untenable under deeply divided government.

Rep. Chip Roy , R-Texas, wrote on X that the bill 'is littered with earmarks, fails to secure the border, & punts almost every GOP policy win - thus, will fund most of Bidens lawlessness & tyranny'

The spending package did not include the new border security restrictions that conservatives had wanted.

'No. No. WTH [Speaker Mike Johnson] whats wrong with you.' read one post on X that was reposted by Roy.

Rep. Ralph Norman listed off 'the worst-of-the-worst earmarks in Schumers +1,000 page spending rampage.'

'EARMARKS ARE EVIL,' he wrote on X.

The South Carolina Republican noted that the bill includes $1.65 million for an artist 'living and work space' in New York, in Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman's district, $1.1 million for an 'electric vehicle infrastructure masterplan' in Chicago requested by top Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, $1 million for a 'city-wide climate assessment' in Providence, R.I., and $1 million for an LGBTQ community center in Philadelphia.

'It's just like the swamp to take YOUR money, borrow more, and push it all into reckless political pet projects. Thats earmarks in a nutshell,' said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on X.

'Just look at [Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's] request for $1M to build a new environmental justice center in NYC. Give me a break.'

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Va., decried a number of policies that were 'surrendered,' or not included in the bill including defunding the Trump prosecution, blocking funds from being used to provide legal representation to illegal aliens and defunding President Biden's executive orders to expand gun restrictions.

Republicans touted 'deep cuts' to the EPA (10%), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) (7%) and FBI (6%), which Johnson says has 'threatened our freedoms and our economy.'

Other policy provisions in the bill would provide additional funding to the FAA to supervise the production of Boeing 737 Max aircrafts - after several alarming safety incidents in recent months - while another would prohibit U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve sales to China.

Amtrak, the long beleaguered American railway operator, would also get an additional $2.4 billion in funding.

Democrats proclaimed that the bill maintained full funding of a special food assistance program for women, infants and children (WIC) and included wins on rent assistance and pay for infrastructure employees like air traffic controllers.

Democrats also touted the bill rejecting 'poison pills' like prohibiting the promotion of critical race theory and gender-affirming care at the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

But other GOP-led provisions include banning veterans from being flagged by the FBIs National Instant Criminal Background Check without consent from a judge.

In addition, it cuts the 'endangered species listing activities' at U.S. Fish and Wildlife and strengthens 'tracking and review of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.'

The new funding details come after Congress passed a fourth short-term funding bill late last week, just one day before a government funding deadline.

Another funding deadline looms on March 22 for the remaining government agencies, but Congress is expected to lump together those bills in one to two mini-bus votes.
Climate activists have blocked three lanes of traffic on one of Melbourne's busiest freeways, sparking a nightmare commute to work.

Extinction Rebellion members brought peak hour traffic to an abrupt standstill with a truck blockade on the West Gate Bridge on Tuesday morning.

Activists climbed onto the roof of a hired Budget truck to let off flares and held banners declaring that 'climate breakdown has begun' and 'declare a climate emergency'.

The disruption has created major delays for city-bound commuters with just two lanes open.

Climate activists have stopped traffic on Melbourne's West Gate Bridge, causing lengthy delays

READ MORE: Climate protesters issue chilling threat to cause peak hour chaos Climate protestors promised to cause peak-hour traffic in Melbourne's CBD every day for a week in December (pictured) Advertisement

Delays stretched back to Hoppers Crossing on the Princes Freeway, and the Deer Park Bypass on the M80 Ring Road.

Motorists are urged to consider using Geelong Road or Ballarat Road as alternative routes.

One outbound lane has also been blocked.

'Right lane closed outbound at Todd Road, due to a police incident. Three lanes remain open. Please merge safely, and watch out for people near the roadway,' a VicTraffic alert states.

Police were forced to use cherry pickers to remove protestors from the bridge during the ongoing incident.

'Long live the rebellion, join us, be on the right side of history,' a protestor standing on top of the truck called out.

'Follow your heart, come on board, give the government a shake up  the sooner we can address this crisis then we don't have to do these awkward, horrible protests,' he said.

An Extinction Rebellion spokeswoman said that the protest was ahead of a planned period of disruptive action calling on federal and state governments to declare a climate emergency.

Protesters climbed on top of a truck blocking three lanes of citybound traffic

The protest coincided with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit happening in Melbourne.

'Australia must show leadership at the ASEAN summit by declaring a climate and ecological emergency and calling on other ASEAN leaders to do the same,' the group posted online.

'The summit is working on accelerating the transition to renewable energy but the measures proposed are not even close to the speed and scale that is required.'

Among the participants is Violet CoCo, 33, who was previously sentenced over similar protests on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

'The government must choose which side of history they will be on,' she said in a Extinction Rebellion statement released.

'Australia is the third largest exporter of fossil fuels in the world, and thus one of the biggest contributors to the global death project that is already killing people via flood, fire, drought and famine  particularly in low-income countries like those in South East Asia.'
To many, it is a stirring patriotic anthem conjuring up images of Britain's long and proud history.

But Rule, Britannia! can feel 'alienating' to others, according to Labour culture spokesman Thangam Debbonaire.

The frontbencher said she wanted culture to be 'accessible to everyone' and it was 'a good debate for us to be having'.

She was responding to a question about the view of cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason that playing the song at the Last Night of the Proms would make Britons feel uncomfortable.

Ms Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West since 2015, said 'a lot of people' would agree with him.

But Rule, Britannia! can feel 'alienating' to others, according to Labour culture spokesman Thangam Debbonaire (pictured)

She was responding to a question about the view of cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason that playing the song at the Last Night of the Proms (pictured in 2022) would make Britons feel uncomfortable

Celebrated black cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who told Desert Island Discs that when he performed at last year's Last Night of the Proms he left early to avoid hearing the song

The long tradition of a sing-along rendition of Rule, Britannia! is a highlight of the annual Royal Albert Hall concert - seen here in 2014

The musician, 24, who performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, suggested earlier this year that Rule, Britannia! could be replaced with British folk music.

What is the history of Rule, Britannia!? Rule, Britannia! originates from the poem of the same name by Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, and was set to music by English composer Thomas Arne in 1740. It gained popularity in the UK after it was first played in London in 1745 and became symbolic of the British Empire, most closely associated with the Royal Navy. The song has been used as part of a number of compositions, including Wagner's concert overture in D Major in 1837 and Beethoven's orchestral work, Wellington's Victory. It has been an integral part of the annual Remembrance Day ceremony since 1930, when it became the first song played in the programme known as The Traditional Music. It regained popularity at the end of WWII in 1945 after it was played at the ceremonial surrender of the Japanese imperial army in Singapore. Rule, Britannia! is usually played annually during at the BBC's Last Night of the Proms. But its inclusion has promoted controversy in recent years as it was deemed too patriotic. Advertisement

Ms Debbonaire, in an interview with The Spectator's Women with Balls podcast, welcomed the debate about the tradition of playing the song based on the 1740 poem by James Thomson.

She added: 'It's not my favourite bit of music. And the Proms is a fantastic institution and it's the world's greatest music festival.

'It's a decision for the people who run the Proms and it shouldn't be politicians who tell people how to run cultural events.

'I think for a lot of people that feels like a very sort of British moment, which I think has to be respected as well, but for a lot of people, as Sheku Kanneh-Mason said, it will feel alienating.

'As I want the Proms  I want culture  to be accessible to everyone, I think it's a good debate for us to be having.'

However Tory deputy chairman Jack Lopresti said: 'It should come as no surprise that Labour are happy to run roughshod over our national traditions.

'After all, this is the same party whose leader [Sir Keir Starmer] says his favourite piece of classical music was the EU's anthem Ode to Joy.'

In 2020, the BBC was forced into a humiliating U-turn and brought back the singing of Rule, Britannia! at the Last Night of the Proms after planning to play an instrumental version.

A spokesman for Rishi Sunak said: 'The Prime Minister is very clear that it should continue to be sung and proudly.'

Former minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the song was 'uniting' and 'about the marvellous history of this country to which every British citizen belongs'.

He also told The Daily Telegraph: 'The overwhelming majority of people are proud of Britain, proud of its history, and this is encapsulated in the very stirring words of Rule, Britannia!'

Flags are waved during The Last Night of the Proms celebration at Hyde Park in London on September 14, 2019

The songs have become a popular fixture in the BBC's programming for the final night of the Proms, when thousands of flag-waving 'prommers' normally descend on the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, West London (pictured on September 8, 2012)

The songs are best known for being a triumphant finish to the BBC's coverage of the Proms each year (file picture)
A four-term lawmaker previously affiliated with the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) joined the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Monday as a factional rift in the DPK deepened over candidate nominations for the April 10 parliamentary elections.

Rep. Kim Young-joo, a deputy National Assembly speaker, quit the DPK last month, protesting the party's inclusion of her in a list of underperformers to be disadvantaged in election nominations amid allegations the party is sidelining those not aligned with leader Lee Jae-myung.

Non-mainstream members have claimed the list amounts to a "massacre" of those outside the pro-Lee faction.

"I believe (politics) should not be used as a tool for personal gain or selfish desires," Kim said, apparently referring to Lee.

The PPP is most likely to nominate Kim as its candidate for Seoul's Yeongdeungpo district, her home turf.

Kim is also reportedly set to resign from the deputy speaker position later in the day, as the seat is allocated to the DPK.

Another heavyweight politician excluded from the DPK nominations was Im Jong-seok, a former chief of staff for preceding President Moon Jae-in. Im had initially strongly protested his exclusion from nominations but announced Monday that he would accept the decision.

"I accept the party's decision," Im said in a Facebook post after previously urging the party leadership to reconsider its decision to exclude him.

Despite widespread speculation about defections, a close confidant of Im told Yonhap News Agency that his message should be interpreted as his intention to remain with the party.

Earlier, Im reportedly met with Lee Nak-yon, a former prime minister who had previously defected from the DPK to launch a new party. Lee criticized the DPK for becoming what he called party leader Lee's personal faction.

DPK Chairman Lee, meanwhile, appreciated Im's decision to remain within the party, urging him to join forces to win the elections.

Despite Im's decision, the DPK could potentially face more defections, including Rep. Hong Young-pyo, another four-term lawmaker who served as the DPK's floor leader and is considered outside the pro-Lee faction.

Hong is also expected to announce his future plans after being categorized as one of the lower 20 percent underperformers.

He has hinted at either joining Lee Nak-yon's party or an envisioned party led by Rep. Sul Hoon, a four-term member who also announced his departure from the DPK last week. (Yonhap)
A billion-pound reparations push by the Church of England to atone for its historic links to slavery is 'anti-Christian', critics warned last night.

The church will ask super-wealthy families and investors to help it build an enormous pot of cash to address 'enduring harms from enslavement'.

The C of E announced last year that it was setting up a 100million fund for reparations to recognise that it once profited from the slave trade. But a report yesterday said this was 'insufficient' to 'fully redress' the centuries-long impact of the 'great evil' of slavery  and called for a much bigger target of 1billion.

Critics said the move risked putting parishioners off donating to their cash-strapped churches as it would appear the CofE had 'vast sums to throw around'.

Reverend Ian Paul argued it was 'anti-Christian' and suggested it was motivated by 'a death wish for the Church of England'. Last year the Church Commissioners, who handle the CofE's financial assets, announced the 100million fund to 'address past wrongs'.

A billion-pound reparations push by the Church of England to atone for its historic links to slavery is 'anti-Christian', critics warned last night (pictured: Reverend Ian Paul)

The church will ask super-wealthy families and investors to help it build an enormous pot of cash to address 'enduring harms from enslavement' (pictured: Church of England General Synod)

But an independent oversight group, set up to oversee how the fund would be managed, yesterday concluded the pot of money was too small and would be distributed too slowly.

Its report read: 'Community engagement confirmed the view that 100million will be insufficient for this purpose.

'The Church Commissioners have therefore embraced a target of 1billion for a broader healing, repair and justice initiative with the fund at its centre.'

The chairman of the group said she hoped the initiative was just the start and would be a catalyst to encourage other institutions to dig into their pasts.

But Dr Paul of the Archbishops' Council, which co-ordinates the CofE's work, said: 'This report is quite extraordinary.

'It appears to be based on an essentially racist reading of history  that white people are all bad and the oppressors, and black people are nothing more than victims. This is insulting to both black and white.

'It is anti-Christian. Unbelievably, it calls on the Church to repent for having preached the gospel.

'African Christians, including the vast numbers of Anglicans in Africa, will be very angry to read that. The authors of the report appear to be completely ignorant of the Church's own beliefs.

Justin Welby (pictured), the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: 'The oversight group's independent work with the Church Commissioners is the beginning of a multi-generational response to the appalling evil of transatlantic chattel enslavement'

David Olusoga (pictured), a professor of public history at the University of Manchester, welcomed the fund and described it as an opportunity to 'fully engage in restorative justice'

'It will imperil local ministry and mission. Why would ordinary churchgoers continue to give to their local church when it appears we have these vast sums to throw around? Whoever commissioned this report appears to have a death wish for the Church of England.'

His comments were echoed by General Synod member Prudence Dailey, who said: 'I can't believe that the Church of England is effectively apologising for converting people to Christianity.

'In view of how hard-pressed parishes in the Church of England are, it is a concern as to how far this is going. The Church of England is not directly funding parishes, but it should be  it has plenty of money.'

Paul Eddy, a vicar in West Oxfordshire and a former General Synod member, added: 'Throughout history people in leadership have done very bad things. But where does this all end? If they start paying out this sort of money now, the Commissioners will surely have to keep in reserve large sums of money to pay for the wrong today's Church will do.'

The Church Commissioners welcomed the report, but said they would not increase their 100million contribution and any additional funds must come from external sources.

Geetha Tharmaratnam, vice-chairman of the oversight group, suggested the 900million shortfall could be made up in part by wealthy families and companies ashamed of their historic links to slavery. She said: 'The intention is that this is a fund that can be taken to peers of the Church Commissioners, to pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, to impact investors, foundations, family offices. Exactly the kind of investors who are looking to create positive change for the future.

'And in doing so, our hope is we will get to the billion pounds that we have set as an intention and strong target.'

The plan is for the money to be invested in black-led businesses focusing on education, economic empowerment and health outcomes  as well as being used to provide grants to address these issues in communities impacted by the legacies of African enslavement.

The Church Commissioners welcomed the report, but said they would not increase their 100million contribution and any additional funds must come from external sources (pictured: Canterbury Cathedral)

The Church of England's 10.3billion endowment can be traced in part back to a fund it was given by Queen Anne in 1704, referred to as Queen Anne's Bounty. At the time it heavily invested in the South Sea Company, which shipped enslaved people from Africa across the Atlantic. The Church estimates 34,000 slaves were affected over 30 years.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: 'The oversight group's independent work with the Church Commissioners is the beginning of a multi-generational response to the appalling evil of transatlantic chattel enslavement. My prayer is that this work will stimulate further visionary and practical co-created action.'

David Olusoga, a professor of public history at the University of Manchester, welcomed the fund and described it as an opportunity to 'fully engage in restorative justice'. He told the BBC's World at One: 'It can also inspire other people, other organisations.'
Josh Hammer is the syndicated host of 'The Josh Hammer Show' and senior editor-at-large at Newsweek

Democrats' worst fears have finally been realized.

They're being forced to win the 2024 election at the ballot box  not in the courtroom.

Oh, the horror!

'Ultimately, it'll be up to American voters to save our democracy in November,' despaired Colorado's Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold on Monday, just hours after the Supreme Court unanimously rejected her harebrained scheme to boot Trump from the state ballot.

'I do believe that states under our Constitution should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrectionists,' she whined.

Too bad nine justices  appointed by Republicans and Democrats  disagreed. They concluded that a 'patchwork' system of 50 political appointees unilaterally picking and choosing who Americans can and cannot vote for would be an anti-democratic abomination.

But Democrats and their anti-Trump accomplices were never going to let common sense get in the way of a good time.

Remember when conservative lawyer-turned-CNN green room squatter George Conway confidently predicted that Trump had no chance at the Supreme Court?

'He lost, it's over,' Conway puffed in a December experts' panel.

Or how about former J. Michael Luttig, the once-respected Fourth Circuit judge who recently developed a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome?

'Ultimately, it'll be up to American voters to save our democracy in November,' despaired Colorado 's Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold on Monday, just hours after the Supreme Court unanimously rejected her harebrained scheme to boot Trump from the state ballot.

Democrats' worst fears have finally been realized. They're being forced to win the 2024 election at the ballot box  not in the courtroom. Oh, the horror!

'[The] decision by the Colorado Supreme Court was masterful. It was brilliant, and it is an unassailable interpretation of the 14th Amendment,' he grunted in defense of Griswold's plot.

So 'unassailable' that it failed to garner a single vote at the Supreme Court?

Your Honor, let the record show that you are more legally unhinged than both Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Take a bow!

Today, listening to the lunatic left was like watching the liberal body politic struggle through an abbreviated five stages of grief.

There was denial.

Democrat Jamie Raskin pledged to 'revive legislation' to ban Trump from holding office. (Didn't you try that once already?)

There was anger.

Perennially deranged Keith Olbermann opined that the High Court 'betrayed democracy' and must be 'dissolved'. (You have to destroy democracy to save it!)

There was acceptance.

'I know it's probably the right decision,' conceded Whoopi Goldberg on 'The View', 'but I don't like that we've normalized this man.'

Of course, that's what this is all about. The left believes that they alone can defeat Trump and by any means necessary  whether it's through the courts, state governments, Russian collusion investigations or Pink Pussy Hat marches.

But, to date, every effort  whether they were legally justified or not -- has completely and utterly failed.

The federal prosecution of Trump for allegedly mishandling of classified documents at Mar-A-Lago is stalled.

A special counsel probe into the former president's behavior on January 6th has been delayed beyond the November election.

'I do believe that states under our Constitution should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrectionists,' Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (above) whined. Too bad nine justices  appointed by Republicans and Democrats  disagreed.

Remember when conservative lawyer-turned-CNN green room squatter George Conway confidently predicted that Trump had no chance at the Supreme Court? 'He lost, it's over,' Conway puffed in a December experts' panel.

And in Fulton County, Georgia, far-left District Attorney Fani Willis' blatant corruption has derailed her election interference case.

Other trials may have hurt Trump financially but politically, they've only helped him by providing rocket fuel to his campaign.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment of Trump over alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels tracks perfectly with the date that Trump's popularity in the Republican primary started rising like a rocket ship.

Now, with these ballot-banning stunts in Colorado, Maine, Illinois and elsewhere declared dead on arrival, Democrats must come to grips with the fact that they'll have to win an actual election. And for them, that's a horrifying prospect.

Their octogenarian candidate is currently losing badly to Trump.

A new Bloomberg/Morning Consult survey showed that Trump is now beating Uncle Joe in every major swing state: Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, and Michigan.

This week's New York Times/Siena College poll had Trump up by five points over President Orthopedic Shoes. Three in four voters think the country is moving in the wrong direction. And more than twice as many say Biden's policies have hurt them as believe they have helped them.

Perhaps, most jaw-dropping of all, an incredible 73 percent of registered voters say Biden is 'just too old to be an effective president.'

I'm no 'George Conway,' but this looks bad for them.

Perennially deranged Keith Olbermann opined that the High Court 'betrayed democracy' and must be 'dissolved'. (You have to destroy democracy to save it!)

In the Democratic primary in Michigan last week, 100,000 voters cast a ballot for 'uncommitted' instead of their party's incumbent president. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley picked up her first win in Washington DC's Republican primary this week.

Only 2,000 people showed up to vote. That tells you all you need to know.

The Trump train rolls to the Republican nomination  and Biden limps.

Yes, the Democrats are in full crisis mode.

So, expect them and their media enablers to keep on undermining democracy.

Joe  who bravely emerged from White House hospice to give a softball interview to The New Yorkeris now claiming that Trump won't accept the results of the 2024 election.

He's a threat to democracy!

Well, what else do they have?

Biden can barely complete a sentence, let alone work the stump. Americans can expect another basement-dwelling campaign  just like we got in the dark days of the COVID election of 2020.

It doesn't get more 'anti-democratic' than that.
Nearly a year after a Texas man was brutally killed in an 'execution-style' planned attack by his neighbor, a Congressman from the Lone Star State is calling for the hate crime charges in the slaying.

Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot up to 30 times, including several times in the back and in his forehead, according to local media reports.

Investigators claim the victim's neighbor, Trevor McEuen, went as far as to use an attachment on his gun to catch bullet casings after fighting with neighbor for months before the murder.

Martinez's family and a Democratic congressman claim the feud wasn't just bad blood between neighbors in the Dallas suburb of Forney.

'Soon after the Martinez family settled in Forney, one of their neighbors launched a campaign of harassment against the family, telling them that Hispanics were not welcomed in the community,' US Rep. Joaquin Castro (D) said in a press conference.

Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot up to 30 times, including several times in the back and in his forehead, according to local media reports

Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot and killed in May 2023 by a neighbor, prosecutors with the Kaufman County District Attorney's office allege. Martinez was born in Mexico but moved to the US and became an American citizen. He moved to Forney, Texas, east of Dallas, to buy a ranch where he could raise horses, his passion

Martinez pictured above with his wife and two children

'For months, the Martinez family asked the police to intervene but to little affect.'

Just days before the May 1 killing, Martinez's widow says they called police for help.

'I feel like the Kaufman Sheriff's Department didn't take the call serious,' Priscilla Martinez said.

'I feel like if they had went next door and talked to the neighbor, I feel like maybe the murder might have not happened. The police were called out many times and I feel like nothing was done.'

McEuen is facing capital murder, the toughest charge allowed under Texas law-- making him eligible for the death penalty, the district attorney office's in Kaufman County confirmed to DailyMail.com, and added the office could not comment on any open case.

Trevor McEuen, 31, is charged with capital murder in Kaufman County, public records show

Aaron Martinez was sitting in his truck when his neighbor opened fire on him, prosecutors claim. His bullet-ridden truck seen above shows the amount of times Martinez was shot at

Trevor McEuen was arrested following a SWAT standoff after Martinez's death in May 2023

Often times, hate crime charges are left to the US government, as many states don't have jurisdiction.

'Local authorities have dragged their feet on filing the hate crimes charges that are so clearly warranted,' Castro stated.

U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro is pushing for hate charges to be filed against McEuen

'The federal government, federal prosecutors should take a very close look at it as well.'

Castro said Martinez's killing comes against the backdrop of rising hate against Hispanics, coupled with anti-immigrant language used by elected leaders.

The San Antonio Democrat pointed to the Walmart massacre in El Paso in 2019, when a gunman drove 10 hours from the Dallas area to the border in West Texas because he wanted to stop what he believed was the 'Hispanic invasion of Texas.'

During the attack, 23 people were killed by Patrick Crusius who posted a hate-filled manifesto before the attack, saying he feared Hispanics would vote and change the make up of the country.

'The actions and the rhetoric of state and national leaders are empowering violent racist to believe that they can attack immigrants-- or people they believe are immigrants-- with impunity. That is what I believe in part at least, lead to Aaron's death.'

Castro has invited Martinez's widow to be his guest at the State of the Union address on Thursday.
Photographers have been sharing their stunning Instagram-worthy snaps of the Northern Lights last night.

Also known as the aurora borealis, the colourful phenomenon was visible from Cornwall to Scotland  and it could be visible again tonight.

The Northern Lights are created by massive explosions on the sun but are usually concentrated around the Earth's magnetic poles.

They're most commonly seen over places closer to the Arctic Circle such as Scandinavia and Alaska, so any sighting over the UK is a treat for skygazers.

On average, the aurora can be seen in the far north of Scotland every few months, but less often as you travel further south.

Stonehenge in Wiltshire with the Northern Lights which were strong last night (Sunday March 3), the first big show of the aurora of 2024

The Northern Lights: A stunning natural light display The Northern and Southern Lights (auroras) are natural light spectacles. The displays light up when electrically charged particles from the sun enter Earth's atmosphere. Usually the particles are deflected by Earth's magnetic field, but during stronger storms they enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles such as hydrogen and helium. These collisions emit light in many amazing colours, although pale green and pink are common. Advertisement

The natural light display is caused by charged particles expelled at top speeds from the sun, which interact with Earth's magnetic field.

The colour display depends in part on what molecules the charged particles interact with.

Red and green colours tend to be hallmarks of oxygen, pink and red the signs of nitrogen with blue and purple being the results of hydrogen and helium.

Members of the public have been sharing their snaps of the event to X (formerly Twitter), many of whom were caught unawares that the aurora would be happening.

User @Han_McGivern in Lancashire posted four photos with the caption: 'Best aurora showing I've seen from home.'

Meanwhile @shreeve_jo in Cornwall posted: 'I can see the northern lights at Portreath so excited.'

For those who missed the aurora, don't worry  you may get another chance to see it tonight.

A Met Office animation shows the auroral oval  the ring-like range of auroral activity that determines the range of the Northern Lights and where it will be most visible again after dusk.

Auroras are caused by disturbances in Earth's 'magnetosphere' (its system of magnetic fields) due to powerful activity on the sun. The aurora is picture here at Rhossili Bay, Gower, Wales, March 3, 2024

The northern lights last night, over Grimsargh Wetlands in Lancashire, posted to Twitter by Hannah McGivern

The Northern Lights is most commonly seen over places closer to the Arctic Circle such as Scandinavia and Alaska , so any sighting over the UK is a treat for skygazers. Pictured, Naworth Castle in Cumbria, March 3, 2024

READ MORE: Let there be light! The top 25 aurora photos of 2023 Advertisement

The best way to see the stunning displays is to find a dark place, away from light pollution such as street lights and ideally a cloud-free sky.

Some of the best aurora spots around the UK are in areas of high elevation (closer to the magnetic field) and away from cities that pollute the sky with artificial light.

These aurora hotspots include the Lake District in Cumbria, Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, the Shetland Islands and Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

According to the Met Office, people with a decent camera should be able to capture decent shots of the aurora even when it's not visible with the naked eye.

'Cameras help as the long exposure allows loads of light in and enhances the colours more than the human eye can see,' a spokesperson said.

'That is why you see pictures as far south as Cornwall sometimes though youre unlikely to ever be able to see it with the naked eye that far south.'

A Met Office animation shows the auroral oval  the ring-like range of auroral activity that determines the range of the Northern Lights and where it will be most visible

The aurora borealis seen over one of the iron men statues at Anthony Gormley's Another Place, on Crosby Beach, Merseyside, March 3, 2024

This one of the aurora last night over the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland was posted to Twitter by John O'Neill

This stunning shot was taken in Forres, Scotland by Catherine Gemmell. Scotland is among the best places to see the natural light display

Note the green in the horizon in this shot by Simon Galston of the aurora borealis over Penmaenmawr, Wales

Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise, but are not visible during daylight hours.

The prime viewing times are during the darkest hours usually from 11pm to midnight, but the lights are typically visible between 9pm and 2am.

'During periods of heightened geomagnetic activity, the auroral ovals expand, allowing for sightings further south in the UK,' said Dr Minjae Kim, a space expert at the University of Warwick's astronomy department.

'While auroras are more commonly observed in northern regions like Scotland, seeing them in other parts of the UK, as seen last night in southern UK, is exceptionally rare.'

'However, tonight appears to be the most promising night for aurora viewing, albeit still not highly active.'

This new aurora stems from a coronal mass ejection (CME)  a massive expulsion of plasma from the sun's corona, its outermost layer.

Scientists often warn that this kind of violent space weather can damage power grids on Earth and satellites in orbit, which can lead to internet disruptions.
A mysterious, new fetal mummy has surfaced  and one veteran public radio reporter suspects it could be 'alien' or a 'tiny humanoid' from an ancient species.

The alleged extraterrestrial has an elongated skull, slanted eyes, and an unusual number of ribs, at least according to the reporter, who stated that the body seemed to have 10 ribs on each side of the body compared to a human's typical 12.

Images of the deceased being were delivered by an anonymous source via WhatsApp message to that reporter, Josep Guijarro, who said the mummy may have originated in 'el cerro de los enanos' ('the Hill of the Dwarves') in remote Colombia.

Signs of an umbilical cord, usually found on terrestrial mammals, have fueled speculation that the 'alien' mummy could be related to the infamous remains of an alleged cave-dwelling 'tiny humanoid' discovered in Peru.

Skeptical scientists, however, have maintained that both specimens are likely stillborn and all-to-human fetal remains.

But the new find may keep hope alive for frustrated 'ancient alien' hunters, following a recent blistering analysis by forensic archaeologists who concluded that the 'alien mummies' presented before Mexico's Congress last September were man-made.

A mysterious, new fetal mummy has surfaced  and one veteran public radio reporter suspects it could be 'alien ' or a 'tiny humanoid' from an ancient species. The macabre photos were sent to Josep Guijarro, who hosted National Radio of Spain's 'Enigmes i Misteris' for over a decade. Guijarro said that his source claimed the eerie fetal remains were found in Colombia

The new find resembles Chile's mysterious, oblong-headed 'Atacama skeleton' (above), which according a Spanish businessman who spent a decade studying it, may have once been a small class of terrestrial humanoid: a human cousin he believes may have once lived in Chilean caves

The macabre new photos were sent to Guijarro, who hosted National Radio of Spain's 'Enigmes i Misteris' for a decade, and is now a UFO researcher and author.

While the source claimed the eerie fetal remains were found in Colombia, Guijarro shared in an X post: 'I can't know exactly because I lack verifiable data.'

The veteran journalist also noted, in his formal release of this photographic evidence, that he personally preferred to remain agnostic on the possible 'alien' origin of the mummified remains, citing fetal size and mammal-like umbilical cord.

'I am sure that someone in Mexico would have already given it the label 'alien,'' Guijarro wrote at espaciomisterio last week: an apparent dig at journalist Jaime Maussan, who brought multiple 'alien mummies' to Mexico's Congress last year.

'In my case,' Guijarro added, 'I prefer to be more cautious.'

Guijarro echoed the 'tiny humanoid' theory of Ramon Navia-Osorio Villar (left) who now owns the eerie, but tiny, skeletal Atacama mummy. In 2013, Navia-Osorio, a Barcelona-based entrepreneur, also led UFO research at the Institute for Exobiological Investigation and Study

But based on an assessment by biological anthropologist Sian Halcrow and her colleagues, the skeleton likely belonged to a fetus or premature infant that died less than four months into pregnancy. Halcrow told DailyMail.com last year that the 'tiny humanoid' theory was 'absurd'

The Spanish public radio veteran did venture to suggest that the specimen might be related to 'Ata,' an infamous, six-inch 'alien'-like corpse unearthed in Chile in 2003.

But this caution with his own tentative ideas hasn't stopped spectators on social media from weighing in more definitively on the new 'alien' corpse mystery.

'It is very similar to the Atacama being,' one local commented. 'Surely it's an intraterrestrial species that still lives among us?'

'It is the same as the one ['Ata'] found in Atacama,' another, named Erik, stated.

'We look forward to receiving more information,' a third, Ariel chimed in.

But official reports have not stopped spectators on social media from weighing in with their own assessment of Guijarro's new Colombian corpse mystery. 'It is very similar to the Atacama being,' one said (above). 'Surely it's an intraterrestrial species that still lives among us?'

'It is the same as the one found in Atacama,' another spectator, Erik, agreed

'We look forward to receiving more information,' a third observer, Ariel chimed in

Last fall, Barcelona-based entrepreneur and UFO hunter Ramon Navia-Osorio Villar, who had purchased 'Ata' from a treasure hunter, stunned Spanish television with his theory that the remains were evidence of a legendary race of tiny humanoids.

'They were very small people who lived in caves and only came out at night,' Navia-Osorio told the hosts of Cuarto Milenio, 'hence its strange almond-shaped eyes.'

'A native friend from the Aymara tribe told me that these beings used to live with their ancestors before the Spanish settlers arrived,' Navia-Osorio said.

READ MORE: Air Force police officer breaks silence on 'red, glowing UFO the size of a football field' that hovered over US space launch base now used by Elon Musk's SpaceX The ex-Air Force security officer said he investigated two sightings of a 100-yard UFO witnessed by Boeing contractors and Air Force police on October 14, 2003. There's 'at least 80 people that know this happened,' the USAF vet., Jeff Nuccetelli, told the Merged podcast. As he recalled the eyewitnesses reactions, 'They're scared. Everyone's freaked out' Advertisement

Guijarro expressed an openness to Navia-Osorio's notion that the skeleton may not be alien, but a member of this ancient, tiny race of people  whom local lore alleges once co-existed with the Aymara people of the Andes mountain range hundreds if not thousands of years ago.

'The researcher Gilda Mora, from Colombia, said that she had news of these beings since the times of the Spanish conquest,' Guijarro wrote.

'Even today,' he said, citing Mora's research, 'there were references to them in a place called 'El cerro de los enanos,' ('the Hill of the Dwarves') in Colombia, which is very difficult to access.'

Sightings and tales of tiny 'los enanos' date back over 800 years, to the indigenous Aymara communities of these high-altitude regions in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Argentina.

The apparent bony lump on top of the mummy's head, Guijarro noted, appeared to be evidence of a mammal fetus with some kind of genetic malformation, making an extraterrestrial hypothesis less likely, he suggested.

But one expert told DailyMail.com last November that this theory, at least for the 2003 Atacama mummy, was 'absurd.'

Professor Sian Halcrow, a biological anthropologist at New Zealand's University of Otago, told DailyMail.com that 'Ata' matches the profile of an ordinary, perfectly normal, human fetal skeleton.

Any theories to the contrary, she said, were 'not based on scientific evidence, or just knowledge of normal anatomical development of babies.'

Alongside archaeologists from Stockholm University in Sweden, anatomical experts from Stony Brook medical school in the US, and others, Halcrow published an analysis in 2018 criticizing both Ata's 'alien' believers and skeptics alike.

'We estimated the length of the femur, and we estimated that the fetus would have been about 15 weeks in-utero gestation,' Halcrow explained to DailyMail.com, 'so very premature.'

Based on Halcrow and her co-authors' assessment, the skeleton likely belonged to the fetus of a premature infant that died less than four months into pregnancy.

Halcrow's team even found new evidence contradicting the all-too human mutations and deformities claimed by other skeptical researchers, who had been searching for their own terrestrial explanation for the mummy's unique features.

But, according to Halcrow's analysis, no mutations or deformities were present  only the expected wear and decay that would occur to a tiny, still-born fetus as it dried to the point of full desiccation in the high-altitude of the Atacama desert.

But, even with these results, 'Ata' fared better under scrutiny than the so-called 'alien' mummies presented before Mexico's Congress last September.

Flavio Estrada (right), forensic archaeologist of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Lima of the Public Ministry, and his team, revealed this January that two near-identical 'alien mummies' seized by customs agents were nothing more than 'dolls'

Above, another tiny body of a specimen, that Mexican journalist and UFO enthusiast Jaime Maussan says is not related to any known Earthly species, undergoes a CT scan, at Noor Clinic, in Huixquilucan, Mexico September 18, 2023

Forensic scientists in Peru revealed this January that the public had been duped, declaring that two near-identical figures seized by customs agents in a shipment destined for Mexico were nothing more than 'dolls.'

On January 12, authorities in Lima held a press conference in which its government's scientists firmly rained on the ET-lovers' parade.

Speaking on the two figures seized by customs authorities in October, lead forensic expert Flavio Estrada said flatly: 'They are not extraterrestrials, they are not intraterrestrials, they are not a new species, they are not hybrids.'

Estrada explained his team of experts from the Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Institute had painstakingly analyzed the figures and concluded they were simply dolls that had been pieced together with paper, glue and metal over a frame composed of human and animal bones.

'The conclusion is simple: they are dolls,' Estrada continued, 'assembled with bones of animals from this planet, with modern synthetic glues, therefore they were not assembled during pre-Hispanic times.'
Researchers may soon pull inspiration from the science-fiction story of Dune to transform Mars into a livable and breathable world for humans.

The fictional desert planet of Arrakis, which serves as the main setting for Dune, was once a desert wasteland, similar to the Red Planet, but then terraformed into a wet, lush world - however, it does not yet happen in the two released films.

Scientists at NASA and the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have long been working on plans to make Mars a suitable home for future colonizers.

These plans involve freeing up the water locked in the planet's surface, warming the air so inhabitants don't freeze to death and introducing a bacteria to create oxygen - similar to how sandworm metabolism creates breathable air on Dune.

Mars does not have flowing water on its surface, but its atmosphere does contain small amounts of water ice. Making the planet inhabitable would require humans to unlock the frozen water in the atmosphere and beneath the planet's surface

The sun's radiation has stripped 90 percent of the atmosphere from Mars, zapping the planet of much of its water and locking the rest in ice and minerals. The fictional Arrakis was once a paradise, too, and in Dune, there is a plan to restore it.

In the two installments of the film, with part two hitting theaters on Friday, Arrakis is a notorious for its harsh conditions that destroy mechanical equipment and bake people to death if they wander the sands unprotected.

The world is inhabited by a native group of people called the Fremen, who have lived on the planet for thousands of years and learned to adapt to the harsh environment.

Clothing called stillsuits help them retain moisture that would be quickly lost in the desert heat.

Stillsuits have multiple layers of filtration fabric, as well as a moisture-catching nose plug, re-route the body's sweat and exhaled vapor into a pouch that the wearer can sip from a tube.

Urine and feces are also captured, then their water is extracted and filtered before being collected in the drinking pouch.

'With a Fremen suit in good working order, you won't lose more than a thimbleful of moisture a day,' said Fremen ecologist Liet Kynes in the first film.

The stillsuit is very similar to what astronauts use aboard the International Space Station, where moisture in the air, wastewater from washing, and even urine are filtered, distilled, and sterilized to produce drinking water.

In Dune: Part Two, we learn that the Fremen have a multi-generation plan to reshape the face of Arrakis.

To this end, they have been collecting water in massive underground wells for many years.

A simulation showed how the weather on Arrakis behaved in the year 10,191 (left), when the movie takes place, and how it behaved 50 million years earlier (right), before the planet was a desert.

A Fremen stillsuit includes a nose plug that captures the water vapor exhaled by the wearer. That moisture is then filtered and collected in a pouch, where it can be sipped from a tube

Whenever a tribe member - or an enemy - dies, their body's water is extracted and poured into the vast pools, which are sacred to the Fremen.

They prophesize that one day, a leader will arise who can use this water to restore the planet's once-rich plant life.

Even within the science fiction world of Dune, there is a logic to how this will happen. And it mirrors the strategies that scientists have for terraforming Mars.

One of the most important commonalities between Mars and Arrakis: vast water resources trapped beneath the planet's surface.

In January, the Mars Express spacecraft revealed that there is a formation of frozen water locked in the red planet.

This formation is two miles thick, and by one estimate, if melted it could cover the planet in nearly nine feet of water.

The water ice is below the surface at Medusae Fossae Formation, a large geological formation of volcanic origin near the equator of Mars

Map of potential water ice thickness at the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF). The water ice deposits are up to 2.2 miles (3.7km) thick

But covering the planet in water isn't enough.

Unlike Earth, Mars has no magnetosphere.

This electromagnetic field surrounds our planet and protects us from most of the radiation coming from the sun.

Without it, the sun's rays would evaporate all the moisture away from the planet. So even if we could somehow melt this equatorial water, it would just evaporate away into space.

And that is exactly what happened to ancient Mars, which, like Arrakis, once teemed with flowing water.

So one strategy for terraforming Mars would involve creating an artificial magnetosphere.

The now retired scientist proposed covering the Red Planet in a giant magnetic shield to block it from the sun's high-energy solar particles

This is exactly what retired NASA chief scientist Jim Green envisioned when he proposed that a giant magnetic shield could enable people to inhabit the planet.

'Yeah, it's doable. Stop the stripping, and the pressure is going to increase. Mars is going to start terraforming itself,' Green told The New York Times.

'The higher temperature and pressure enable you to begin the process of growing plants in the soils.'

The process of making an uninhabitable planet suitable for humans could take generations, but simulations showed that blocking the sun's radiation would begin to restore the Martian atmosphere in just a few years.

This would kick off a whole chain reaction: The planet's equator would begin heating up, and eventually its polar ice cap would collapse, releasing water into the atmosphere and onto the land in the form of lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Some organisms could be bio-engineered to pull certain gases out of the Martian atmosphere - like carbon dioxide and methane - and create nitrogen and oxygen. Shown is a series of possible steps if Mars were to be terraformed

Another strategy, which has been researched by DARPA, includes using biology in our favor.

There are plenty of existing organisms that use chemosynthesis to survive. This means they pull chemicals from their environment to produce the necessary molecules of life.

For example, bacteria living near deep-sea volcanic vents turn poisonous hydrogen sulfide and methane into sugars that they use for energy.

If microbes like these could be deployed to Mars, they may be able to consume the carbon dioxide and methane in the thin Martian atmosphere to produce water, oxygen, and possibly even edible carbohydrates.

This plan mirrors part of the Fremen's plan to terraform Arrakis.

Besides them, the other main inhabitant on the planet is a species of gigantic sand worm they call shai-hulud, which can be over a mile long.

These animals consume sand plankton, sort of like land-dwelling whales. As they do, they produce oxygen - sand contains the elements silicon and oxygen - which makes the atmosphere of Arrakis breathable.

There are, of course, some key differences between Arrakis and Mars.

Despite Arrakis having a harsh environment, it is not totally uninhabitable.

In 2021 a team of researchers simulated the conditions of the planet as described in the novel and found that people could indeed live there.

Dune Part Two ends without the terraforming plan coming to fruition, but in the sequel novels, the Fremen slowly terraform the planet, starting with planting little oases and developing technologies that can pull moisture from the air overnight.

Their plan eventually produces a climate on Arrakis that allows people to walk around without their stillsuits.

So if humans are to ever make Mars habitable to people, it will likely be the result of many generations of work, with scientists dedicating their lives to a dream that most of them will never live to see.
Electric vehicles may release more pollution than gas-powered vehicles, according to a report that has recently resurfaced.

The study, which was published in 2022 but has begun circulating again after being cited in a WSJ op-ed, found that brakes and tires release 1,850 times more particulate matter compared to modern tailpipes which have filters that reduce emissions.

It found that EVs are 30 percent heavier on average than gas-powered vehicles, which causes the brakes and tire treads to wear out faster than standard cars and releases tiny, often toxic particles into the atmosphere.

Hesham Rakha, a professor at Virginia Tech told Dailymail.com that the study is only 'partially correct' because even though EVs are heavier, their tires will emit more microplastics into the air, but this could also be true for sedans versus SUVs.

Electric vehicles may release more pollution than gas-powered vehicles, according to a report that has recently resurfaced

Rakha said it is very challenging to determine the difference between the amount of microplastics emitted from EV tire treads and gas-powered vehicles because you have to separate the microplastics that are already in the air from other sources with what's coming off the tires.

Rakha and his team at Virginia Tech are in the process of conducting field tests to determine how much microplastics are emitting from EV and gas cars by using traffic simulators that will mimic an urban setting.

He added that he doesn't expect there to be a major difference between the EV and gas-powered vehicles, saying that they haven't measured it yet, but expect the difference to be about 20 percent.

This doesn't mean that people should gravitate away from electric cars because they 'are more efficient depending zero emission,' Rakha said, but added the caveat that 'it also generates a lot of CO2 when charging your vehicle.'

EV batteries weigh about 1,000 pounds, and can result in tire emissions that are nearly 400 times more than tailpipe emissions.

Particle pollution can increase health problems including heart disease, asthma, lung disease and in extreme cases, can lead to hospitalization, cancer, and premature death.

It comes as California is working to impose a complete ban on all gas vehicles by 2035.

New gasoline-powered vehicles dont release the same amount of emissions as older vehicles, emitting only one percent of all particulate matter (air pollution) in California, with the majority of emissions coming from older vehicles.

New gasoline cars are created to be 'cleaner,' by updating the trims of their internal combustion engines to include particulate filters that reduce emissions to below 1/1000th of a gram per mile.

The EVs increased weight due to their lithium-ion batteries cause the tire treads to wear faster, ultimately producing more emissions.

The study found that tire wear causes more carbon emissions than an exhaust tailpipe, despite California's claims that EVs produce zero emissions

The study, conducted by the firm Emissions Analytics, said the main difference between tailpipe and tire emissions is that the majority of particulate emissions released from the tire go directly into the soil and water, while exhaust negatively affects the air quality.

The effects of tire composition come down to the materials the tire is made from, the study reported.

Light-duty tires are typically made from synthetic rubber which is developed using crude oil natural rubber adds fillers and additives, some of which are recognized carcinogens.

Emissions Analytics tested the tire wear on both EV and gas-powered vehicles after driving them at least 1,000 miles.

The researchers used a sampling system to collect particles immediately behind each tire and then measured the size of the particles emitted from the tread.

It found that the greater the vehicle's mass and weight, the more rapidly the tire particulate emissions would be released due to the increased torque between the tires and the road.

A separate 2020 report by the Emissions Analytics firm said that tires are likely to be a major concern in the coming years as consumers switch to bigger and heavier cars.

Research shows they contribute to microplastic marine pollution, as well as air pollution from finer particles, the report continued.

The average Hyundai electric vehicle weighs more than 3,700 pounds compared to the gas-powered alternative which weighs 3,000 pounds.

Meanwhile, Volvos EV weighs 4,662 pounds while its gas-powered vehicle weighs 3,726, but the Ford F150 EV truck comes in at a whopping 6,000 pounds, 2,000 pounds more than the gas option.

The electricity used to power an EV can cause more environmental concerns and air pollution

California claims that banning gas vehicles would protect public health from airborne pollutants like dust, dirt and soot, calling EVs zero-emission vehicles, but the heavier weight drastically impacts how quickly tire tread wears out.

Yet, the state's proposal, submitted by the Air Resources Board, suggested that tire treads on EVs and gas vehicles wear out at the same rate, which was criticized by the public, but the state said it would be speculative to project that EVs would not weigh less in the future.

It added that future EV models weight could be offset with weight reduction in other components or the vehicle body,  although the agency did not provide examples about how the weight would be reduced.

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California has claimed that EVs produce zero emissions because they dont have a tailpipe, but that is reportedly misleading, because the substantial electricity used to power the cars creates additional particulate pollution.

Coal tends to be the critical factor, Jeremy Michalek, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, told The New York Times.

If youve got electric cars in Pittsburgh that are being plugged in at night and leading nearby coal plants to burn more coal to charge them, then the climate benefits wont be as great, and you can even get more air pollution.

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries which power EVs are made of materials including cobalt and lithium, which have been linked to environmental concerns.

Mining cobalt emits toxic chemicals and gases that leak into the environment and extracting metals from the ore emits sulfur oxide and pollutes the air.

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the national air quality standards with a new rule to reduce the amount of air pollution.

Today's action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution, said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

The science is clear, soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and it's linked to a range of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks.

EVs are beneficial for the environment because they have no tailpipe emissions so they produce less greenhouse gases than the average gas-powered car.

According to the EPA, over an EVs lifetime, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing, charging, and driving the vehicle is typically lower than the standard vehicle.
China is planning to install an all-seeing surveillance system on the moon to protect a planned lunar base bigger than Disneyland using the technology it uses to spy on its citizens.

The nation wants to use the 'successful experience' of its authoritarian Skynet surveillance system to protect the planned base against 'suspicious targets', according to a research paper written by scientists at the nation's space agency that was published in an academic journal.

Skynet is the world's largest surveillance network, and is used to monitor every nook and cranny of China. With more than 600 million cameras, there is on average one camera for every two adults in the nation.

The lunar version of the programme would see cameras equipped with AI chips 'capable of identifying, locating, tracking and aiming at suspicious targets independently' scan the proposed International Lunar Research Station.

China wants to use the 'successful experience' of China's authoritarian Skynet surveillance system to protect the planned base against 'suspicious targets' (File image)

'China, along with Russia, is planning on opening a lunar research station on the moon with a radius of nearly four miles (File image)

The cameras would be able to operate using both visible light and infrared light.

The paper's authors, who also hail from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and Zhejiang University, write that if 'abnormalities' were detected by the system, it would 'promptly generate alarm signals and initiate appropriate response measures.'

Worryingly, the paper did not detail what the 'measures' would be.

China, along with Russia, is planning on opening a lunar research station on the moon with a radius of nearly four miles, larger than any Disney theme park.

The centre is set to house a command centre, power station, comms hub and research facilities.

China wants to begin building the lunar base within the next few years, and is aiming to establish a basic set up using soil from the moon by 2028.

Ding Lieyun, an expert from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said a team is designing a robot named 'Chinese Super Masons' to make bricks out of lunar soil, Chinese media reports.

Ding's team previously proposed an egg-shaped base which could be constructed from the soil bricks, named the Lunar Pot Vessel, which could be created using 3D printers and lasers and house astronauts.

'Building a habitat on the moon is needed for long-term lunar explorations, and will certainly be realised in the future,' Ding said, while also acknowledging the difficulty of achieving it in the short term.

The robot tasked with making the 'lunar soil brick' will be launched during China's Chang'e-8 mission around 2028, Ding said.

China is also reportedly aiming to retrieve the world's first soil sample from the far side of the moon during a mission which could take place as early as 2025.

The super power previously retrieved soil samples from the near side of the moon with its Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, state media reported.

The country has stated that it wants its astronauts to stay on the moon for long periods once it establishes a lunar research station.
American Express is alerting customers about a data breach in which hackers accessed personal credit card information through a third-party merchant processor.

Account numbers, names and other credit card information such as the expiration date of 'some customers' have been compromised, the financial service company shared in a letter filed with the state of Massachusetts.

American Express is urging all cardholders to check their statements and alert the company if fraudulent charges have occurred.

Account numbers, names and other credit card information such as the expiration date of 'some customers' have been compromised

Anneke Covell, chief privacy officer, wrote: 'We became aware that a third-party service provider engaged by numerous merchants experienced unauthorized access to its system.

'It is important to note that American Express-owned or controlled systems were not compromised by this incident, and we are providing this notice to you as a precautionary measure.'

The letter does not detail the number of people impacted or when the incident occurred.

Gerilyn Cammaroto, vice president of American Express's communications, told DailyMail.com: 'This incident was not caused by a data breach at American Express or at a service provider of American Express.

'This incident resulted from a point of sale attack at a merchant processor in which American Express Card member data was impacted.

'A courtesy notice of this incident was provided to the Massachusetts regulators due to impacts to American Express Card Members residing in Massachusetts.'

While information on the breach is sparse, it appeared that American Express has sent letters to customers with compromised credit cards.

'At this time, we have been informed that your current or previously issued American Express Card account number, your name and other Card information such as the expiration date, may have been compromised,' reads the notification signed by Covell.

While information on the breach is sparse, it appeared that American Express has sent letters to customers with compromised credit cards

American Express told BleepingComputer that it has filed the proper notification with regulatory authorities following the hack.

'When we learn about a data security incident that impacts our customers, we promptly begin an investigation and notify the appropriate regulatory authorities, as required,' American Express told BleepingComputer.

'We also work to identify impacted customers and understand the specific impacts, and then notify them as required by applicable laws and regulations.

The financial company did note in the letter that customers who were part of the breach are ' not liable for fraudulent charges' made with their credit cards.

To check if your American Express card may have been compromised, users are urged to log in to their accounts to look for unusual charges and to activate notifications to stay updated with information about the breach.

The incident comes less than two years of another that impacted 1.2 million customers who had their card number, expiration data, CCV, telephone number, address, social security number and other personal data stolen.

American Express said the 2022 breach was deployed by a third-party merchant, which allowed the sensitive information to leak onto the dark web.
The lifeless body of a juvenile humpback whale was found off the coast of Virginia Sunday, sparking an investigation into its cause of death.

The regions stranding response was called to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Sunday morning after beachgoers saw the huge marine mammal about three miles from shore.

The whale was a male, anywhere from four to 10 years old and up to 32 feet long.

Teams have since pulled the whale out of the water and are expected to perform a necropsy on Monday, which will see it split from mouth to tail and samples removed for analysis.

While the dead whale is a mystery, such incidents can occur due to being tangled in fishing nets and vessel strikes - but some locals believe off shore wind companies are to blame.

The juvenile male, between four and 10 years old, was spotted about three miles off the coast of Virginia Beach

Beachgoers spotted the dead whale in the ocean on Sunday morning and immediately called officials to the sence

Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response arrived at the beach with heavy machinery to pull the giant whale out of the water and drag its corpse onto the beach.

Sharif Young, a Chesapeake resident, was heading to the Oceanfront on Sunday to ride his longboard when he spotted the whale.

He told 13NewsNow: I just see this giant conglomeration of people coming over, so I was like 'What's going on?

I see this little like wavy thing, and I was like 'Is that a whale?' So, I just came on down and there was a whale.

The Mid-Atlantic Whale Monitoring Project shared the news of the dead whale on Facebook, noting the group had previously spotted the animal alive on February 15 and 18.

Teams have since pulled the whale out of the water and are expected to perform a necropsy on Monday, which will see it split from mouth to tail and samples removed for analysis

At the time, the project shared images of the juvenile male, noting it appeared to have an unusual skin condition.

It is not known if the skin condition contributed to its death.

Humpback whales are making their way to the Caribbean over the winter to breed.

Nearly all those seen near Virginia are juveniles because they are too young to breed and stay in the region until late March - they then head further up north as the weather warms.

There have been several reported dead whales in the area over the past few years, sparking concern among locals who have claimed offshore wind farms are to blame.

More than 200 humpbacks have died along the East Coast since 2016 - 31 near Virginia.

The Mid-Atlantic Whale Monitoring Project shared the news of the dead whale on Facebook, noting the group had previously spotted the animal alive on February 15 and 18

Dominion Energy is the company surveying the surrounding waters, which has led to some conservation groups threatening to sue the federal government in fear the offshore wind company is to blame.

The groups have claimed that sonar blasting from an offshore wind company to map the seafloor is to blame as the technology has been suggested to disrupt animals' movements, sending them into boats or onto the shore.

Evidence has shown that when exposed to high sonar frequencies, marine mammals swim hundreds of miles and rapidly change their depth.

However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other scientists have said there is no evidence linking the marine animal deaths to offshore wind farms.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has said that with freedom comes responsibility, an official said Monday, emphasizing the importance of physicians to protect the health of people as trainee doctors remained off the job in protest of the government's decision to increase medical school seats.

About 70 percent of the country's 13,000 medical interns and residents, who play a vital role in assisting with surgeries and emergency services at major general hospitals, have been on the walkout in the form of mass resignations for nearly two weeks.

They argue that they are free to quit their jobs, defying the government's appeals for their return.

"With freedom comes responsibility," Yoon was quoted by a presidential official as saying during a meeting at the presidential office Sunday.

After the government-set deadline for their return passed, the government began taking steps to suspend the medical licenses of the striking doctors, while speeding up an investigation of former and incumbent leaders of the Korea Medical Association for instigating the walkout.

The walkout has led major general hospitals to turn away nonemergency patients and cancel about 50 percent of surgeries, according to the government.

Yoon has reiterated that medical reform policy is being pushed with urgency, stating the plan to increase more doctors should not be a subject for negotiation or compromise.

However, striking doctors claim the plan fails to address issues, such as overburdening and the lack of incentives for doctors specializing in pediatrics, and other essential health care services.

Yoon's approval rating has hovered above 40 percent for two weeks in a row, a poll showed Monday, apparently on the back of public support for the government's plan.

According to the survey by Realmeter conducted from Monday to Friday last week, the positive assessment of Yoon's performance inched down 0.8 percentage point from the previous week to 41.1 percent and the negative assessment added 0.6 percentage point to 55.4 percent. (Yonhap)
It contains five Scottish, seven Welsh, three Northern Irish and five English spots

The ranking was drawn up from analysis of Met Office rainfall data

Some Britons will head to the beach come rain or shine.

But those who only venture to the seaside during moments of 'shine' should pay close attention to Met Office rainfall data that reveals the nation's 20 rainiest seaside destinations. And taking the top spot? It's Aultbea.

The fishing village, in the Scottish Highlands, has an average of 121mm of rainfall every month, with more than half the year - 209 days - seeing more than 1mm of daily rainfall.

Overall, five seaside spots in Scotland appear in the ranking as well as seven in Wales, three in Northern Ireland and five in England. Among them is Blackpool plus two popular beach towns in Devon and Cornwall.

The ranking was drawn up from former BBC weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans' analysis of the Met Office data in partnership with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Analysis of Met Office data reveals that Aultbea, above, is the UK's rainiest coastal destination

The Isle of Tiree (pictured) is second in the ranking, with 106mm of monthly average rainfall

Scotland takes all three spots of the undesirable winners' podium, with the Isle of Tiree, Inner Hebrides, in second (106mm monthly average rainfall) and Lochboisdale, Outer Hebrides, in third (100mm).

The Scottish streak continues with Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute (137mm), in fourth, followed by Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, in fifth (81mm).

Rounding off the top ten is Fair Isle, Shetland, Scotland (sixth, 77mm); St Bees, Cumbria, England (seventh, 92mm); Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales (eighth, 100mm); Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales (ninth, 95mm); and Milford Haven, also in Pembrokeshire (tenth, 90mm).

Scotland's Lochboisdale in the Outer Hebrides takes the bronze, with an average monthly rainfall of 100mm

Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute ranks fourth with 137mm of average monthly rainfall

Those planning a UK beach getaway might also want to steer clear of Cornwall's popular seaside town of Bude.

While Visit Cornwall says it's 'well known for its great beaches' and 'unique townscape', it has an average monthly rainfall of 75mm, which puts it 17th in the ranking.

Other popular beach destinations on the list are England's Slapton, Devon (19th, 93mm) and Blackpool, Lancashire (20th, 73mm).

Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is ninth with an average 95mm of rainfall each month

Cornwall's popular seaside town of Bude is 17th in the ranking

On a sunnier note, the analysis shows that seaside towns are drier overall than the rest of the UK, getting an average 75mm of rainfall a month, compared to 97mm for the rest of the nation.

Moreover, separate research of 2,000 UK adults found that 72 per cent don't let typical wet British weather get in the way of a good staycation.

And 61 per cent don't think it would be a British holiday if it didn't rain, with sightseeing (53 per cent), strolls along the pier (37 per cent), and tucking into fish and chips on the seafront (30 per cent) among the activities they would do regardless, according to the survey.

Blackpool ranks 20th on the list, receiving an average 73mm of rainfall per month

Commenting on the findings, Evans, who is now a BBC Radio 2 DJ, said: 'I love that even in the rain, holidaymakers will still embrace a Great British staycation.

'Us Brits won't let a bit of wet weather keep us indoors, and I'd argue some activities can even be better with a few raindrops.

'Despite my experience as a weather presenter, the exact detail on rain, especially showers, can be hard to predict, so hopefully this analysis will give Brits some idea of what to expect and plan for if they're heading to a seaside location this year.'
Call the Midwife

Rating:

For pity's sake, Trixie, don't hang about. Swallow a fistful of those caffeine tablets and get yourself on the first flight to New York  your hubbie thinks he's in Call The Mad Men.

The longest-serving nurse at Nonnatus House has gone to pieces since smoothie husband Matthew announced he was off to the States to rebuild his fortunes, taking young son Jonty with him.

Trixie (Helen George) was left at home in Call The Midwife (BBC1), necking sleeping tablets to knock herself out and uppers to rouse herself again. That's a prescription for disaster and, sure enough, she spilt methylated spirits down her apron before accidentally setting herself on fire.

Thankfully, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) was on hand to extinguish her, and brother Geoffrey (Christopher Harper) was available for a pep talk. That girl is high-maintenance.

Trixie played by Helen George (pictured) was left at home in Call The Midwife (BBC1)

As this series ends, it's a joy to know the show has been renewed for another two seasons, until at least 2026

But when Trixie called Matthew (Olly Rix) to patch up their marriage, he was already in his shirtsleeves at a typewriter, the Manhattan skyline outside his window. 'It's not for ever,' he promised. But a swivel lamp, modular furniture, abstract wall art... we've seen these telltale signs before.

With his slicked black hair, Matthew always had a touch of the Don Drapers about him. Any moment now, a copy girl in a sweater will sashay into the room, pour them both a triple Scotch and park herself on his lap.

As Trixie dashed off to the Big Apple, another character burst into the storyline and, just as quickly, burst out again. Nurse Crane and Miss Higgins (Linda Bassett and Georgie Glen) were darning the Cub Scouts' garters when a knock on the door announced the arrival of Miss H's backstory.

She's never mentioned this  well, people didn't like to in those days  but when she was a young woman in India, part of the 'fishing fleet' hoping for a husband, she had an affair with an Indian chap and fell pregnant.

Now here was Victor, the son she hadn't seen since he was a baby, and his wife and their own teenage son. It's quite a thing to discover you have a grandson, and that he's a dental student, while you're repairing sock elastic.

Sadly, Nurse Crane no sooner met the Higgins offspring than she spotted he had swollen ankles. That means one of two things in Call The Midwife: pregnancy or imminent death. Poor Victor keeled over during his very first outing with his birth mother. They were eating whelks beside the Thames, if that's any consolation.

As this series ends, it's a joy to know the show has been renewed for another two seasons, until at least 2026, even if it seems Trixie will be involved only via transatlantic phone call for a while.

No other drama possesses such a blend of sentimentality, soap and historical awareness. If we mock, it's with genuine affection: the central characters are lovable, and their griefs and trials have the power to make us well up.

All this, and a baby was born on the No 23 bus. What more do you want on a Sunday evening?
Rebecca Judd has sparked concern over her physical appearance after she posted photos of herself wearing a vibrant yellow outfit last week.

In the images, the AFL WAG, 41, showed off her very slender frame in a two-piece ensemble by Elyia The Label.

The conversation about her figure began on Facebook when one user commented that she looked 'too boney', setting off a series of reactions.

Another chimed in writing 'for goodness sake, give her a good feed'.

A third echoed with remarks including 'give her a burger' and 'buy a happy meal'.

Rebecca Judd has sparked concern over her physical appearance after she posted photos of herself wearing a vibrant yellow outfit last week

However, others stepped in to defend Judd.

'She looks good only the couch potatoes are going to put her down because they can't put the chips down', one said, suggesting that the criticism stemmed from envy.

Meanwhile another questioned whether Judd had changed her name, implying her appearance was so different it was as if she was not the same person.

The conversation about her figure began on Facebook when one user commented 'too boney', setting off a series of reactions

A third echoed with remarks like 'Give her a burger' and 'Buy a happy meal'

However, others stepped in to defend Judd

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Judd for comment.

The mother-of-four slipped into her outfit, which was worth $1,286, for drinks and lunch with her gal pals.

The skin-baring outfit revealed Judd's thin arms and shoulders.

In the images, the AFL WAG, 41, showed off her very slender in a two-piece ensemble by Elyia The Label

A $249 summery crop top with beaded details and off-the-shoulder puff sleeves displayed the former weather presenter's prominent ribs.

The completely see-through crochet skirt, also worth $249, offered a racy touch with a sky-high split in the back and yellow underwear.

Rebecca accessorised with a $129 saffron purse featuring a crystal handle.

Despite dressing in attire featured at the launch, Rebecca's most expensive accessory were her white sling-back heels from Dolci Firme worth $659.

Rebecca completed her stylish look with some staple pieces of silver and crystal jewellery as she let her dark locks tumble past her shoulders.

She opted for her usual bronzed make-up look with a smoky brown eye and nude lip to elevate her genetically-blessed features.

Rebecca also took to Instagram to share selfies with her famous friends Ellie Gonsalves, Rozalia Russian, Eliya the Label founder Louise Elia, and Lana Wilkinson.

Her skin-baring outfit revealed the mother-of-four's thin arms and shoulders
Chrissy Teigen was the epitome of a cool mom on Sunday, as she helped her daughter Luna and her Brownie Troop sell Girl Scout cookies in Beverly Hills.

The model, 38, rocked a trendy beige utility jumpsuit and high-heel black boots as she joined Luna, seven, in front of a grocery store.

Chrissy  who recently enjoyed a day of retail therapy with husband John Legend, 45  wore picture-perfect glam for the occasion, and had her brunette tresses halfway pinned back.

The doting mom proudly held up a large green sign adorned with pink hearts, advertising the cookies.

Meanwhile Luna  who is the eldest of Chrissy's four children with Legend  looked adorable in her Girl Scout uniform, blue socks and sneakers.

Chrissy Teigen was the epitome of a cool mom on Sunday, as she helped her daughter Luna and her Brownie Troop sell Girl Scout cookies in Beverly Hills

The model, 38, rocked a trendy beige utility jumpsuit and high-heel black boots as she joined Luna, seven, in front of a grocery store

On the table next to them was a sign notifying customers that the baked goodies were being sold for $6.

It wasn't the first time Chrissy joined Luna to help her sell cookies.

She also supported her in February, assisting the adorable tot in setting up shop.

Chrissy and John, who have been together nearly 11 years, share four kids: Luna, Miles, five, Esti, one, and Wren, eight months.

Last week Chrissy jokingly said that her baby daughter Esti was 'ruining my vibe' as she tried to record a video of herself for her Instagram Story.

She shared the clip with her 42.7million followers that began with her silently showing off her hair and makeup on her iPhone's front-camera.

Her posing stopped abruptly when a woman who may have been one of Chrissy's four nannies began speaking softly in the background.

Soon after, Esti's voice rang out at a high volume as she tried to imitate something the nanny had been singing or saying.

Chrissy wore picture-perfect glam for the occasion, and had her brunette tresses halfway pinned back

The doting mom proudly held up a large green sign adorned with pink hearts, advertising the cookies

Meanwhile Luna looked adorable in her Girl Scout uniform, blue socks and sneakers

Chrissy proudly looked on as her little one advertised the cookies

The baked goodies were being sold for $6

She chatted with fellow Girl Scouts

There was an array of cookies displayed on the table

'You guys are ruining my vibe,' Chrissy exclaimed. She then zoomed in on Esti and the woman, who were sitting together on the other end of the Cravings founder's couch.

Chrissy's husband John was seated next to her as she signed off the video shaking her head at the camera.

The family celebrated the little girl's birthday in January, with Legend declaring in a sweet post that Esti has 'been lighting up the house since day one.'

While Chrissy was pregnant with Esti, she and John were also expecting a baby son Wren via their surrogate Alexandra.

When she announced Wren's arrival, the model found out that Alexandra was pregnant just when she learned that her own pregnancy was in 'the safe zone.'

Chrissy had to endure a life-saving abortion in September 2020 while 20 weeks pregnant with her late son Jack due to a partial placenta abruption.

A year and a half later, she restarted IVF treatments in February 2022 and completed the process the following month in the hopes of creating healthy embryos.

She announced she was pregnant with Esti that August.

Chrissy and husband John Legend, 45, who have been together nearly 11 years, share four kids: Luna, Miles, five, Esti, one, and Wren, eight months

Teigen and Legend initially met in 2006 while working on a music video shoot, and they went on to become engaged in 2011. They tied the knot in Italy two years later; Seen in 2024

Chrissy often gives fans glimpses at her family life on Instagram.

Over the weekend the star posted a cute clip of Esti taking a bath, and adorably drinking water from the tap.

She also uploaded an adorable video of Wren stepping boldly into the next stage of his life.

'Oh Lord help us' she wrote across a recording of the little one walking across the neatly mown grass in her backyard.

Teigen and Legend initially met in 2006 while working on a music video shoot, and they went on to become engaged in 2011.

The happy couple waited for two years before they held a wedding ceremony in Italy.
Natalie Portman revealed that she's currently reading a novel about the impact of having a cheating husband, amid her own marital troubles.

The actress, 42, took to Instagram over the weekend to announce her book club pick for March: Nora Ephron's autobiographical novel 'Heartburn', based on her marriage and divorce from second husband Carl Bernstein, following his affair.

'Excited to finally read Nora Ephron's Heartburn, her classic transformation of pain into humorous art. Looking forward to hearing what you all think! #MarchBookPick @natsbookclub,' Natalie wrote in the caption of her post.

The Black Swan star also shared a mysterious photo of herself holding the book in front of her face, with just her eye peeking out from behind the cover.

The subject of her book club pick seemingly hits close to home, amid rumors the star has split from her husband Benjamin Millepied, 46, after it was alleged that he had cheated on her with a woman 21 years his junior.

Natalie Portman, 42, revealed that she's currently reading Nora Ephron's novel 'Heartburn', about the impact of having a cheating husband, amid her own marital troubles

The subject of her book seemingly hits close to home, amid rumors the star has split from her husband Benjamin Millepied, 46, after it was alleged that he had cheated on her; seen in 2019

Last June, a French outlet called Voici released an explosive report that claimed the choreographer had cheated on Natalie with a 25-year-old climate activist named Camille Etienne.

The novel Portman is reading was originally published in 1983, and takes inspiration from the events surrounding Bernstein's affair with Margaret Jay, the daughter of former British prime minister James Callaghan.

It offers a heartbreaking look at a breakdown of a marriage. The book follows Rachel Samstat (based on Ephron) a food writer married to Mark Feldman (based on Bernstein), who is a political journalist.

The pair share a son, and Rachel is pregnant with their second child at the start of the novel.

After Rachel's stolen diamond ring  gifted to her by Mark after their first son's birth  is returned to her by the police, she takes it to the family jeweler for repair.

There she discovers that while she was giving birth in the hospital, Mark came to the store and bought a pricey necklace for his lover Thelma Rice (based on Margaret).

Rachel exacts her revenge by gossiping about Thelma having a venereal disease to her circles in Washington, and sells the ring, using the money to go back to her native New York and start over.

Portman lightly touched on her marital problems in the 30th annual Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair magazine.

When the May December actress was asked how she feels about having her marriage written about, she said it was 'terrible.' She added, 'It's terrible, and I have no desire to contribute to it.'

The novel was originally published in 1983, and takes inspiration from the events surrounding Ephron's second husband Carl Bernstein's affair with Margaret Jay, the daughter of former British prime minister James Callaghan; Carl and Nora seen in 1978

Portman recently told WSJ. Magazine that she resides in Paris with her two kids, son Aleph, 12, and daughter Amalia, six, with no mention of her allegedly unfaithful spouse; Seen 2022

In June, a French outlet released an explosive report that claimed the choreographer had cheated on Natalie with a 25-year-old climate activist named Camille Etienne (seen)

Last month insiders claimed Natalie is preparing to file for divorce despite trying to 'make it work' because 'she simply could not get past his cheating on her'; seen in 2020

In a January WSJ interview, she seemed to quietly confirm their split as she talked about living in Paris with her two children but made no mention of Millepied, which was the biggest hint yet that they no longer live together.

Last month the duo reunited as they were pictured with their two children, son Aleph, 12, and daughter Amalia, six, on a lunchtime outing in Los Angeles.

The Academy Award-winning actress did not appear to be donning her wedding ring.

The Star Wars alum has been seen without her wedding ring on multiple occasions since the cheating allegations were first made public, including during her solo appearance on the Golden Globes red carpet in January.

Last month insiders claimed Natalie is preparing to file for divorce despite trying to 'make it work' after her estranged spouse was accused of cheating with the much younger woman.

The actress has reportedly taken time to 'process and heal' and is trying to work out the best way to navigate a divorce for their children before officially filing.

'Natalie and Benjamin tried to make it work but she simply could not get past his cheating on her,' an insider told DailyMail.com exclusively.

'Divorce is in the works, but nothing has been filed as of yet. They are split, however, and she is living in Paris while Benjamin continues to work in the US.'

At the time the cheating allegations broke, People reported that Benjamin's romance with Camille was 'short-lived' and is now 'over' - and that he was 'doing all he could' to get 'Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together.'

'He knows he made an enormous mistake and he is doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together,' a source told the publication.

The Star Wars alum has been seen without her wedding ring on multiple occasions, including during her solo appearance on the Golden Globes red carpet in January (pictured)

The pair met back in 2009 on the set of her psychological horror film Black Swan, for which he did the choreography, and they married in 2012. They're seen in 2013

'Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.'

In August someone close to the mom-of-two told DailyMail.com: '[Natalie] hates that [Benjamin's] infidelity has made her feel powerless,' said the source.

'She doesn't know if she can regain her power by staying with him or leaving him. It is really a struggle to have to continue to deal with it.'

But the source insisted that 'deep down,' Natalie and the French dancer are still 'really in love' and are trying to work through their problems.

The pair met back in 2009 on the set of her psychological horror film Black Swan, for which he did the choreography, and tied the knot in 2012.
Have Braith Anasta and new girlfriend Evie Tziomakis secretly taken their romance to the next level?

The couple, who confirmed their relationship in December, were spotted partying up a storm in Las Vegas over the weekend, with Evie wearing a large ring on her wedding finger.

Evie accompanied Braith, 41, on his trip to Sin City, as the retired footy star hosted an expert panel for Fox League during the NRL's historic Las Vegas double header.

Letting their hair down on Saturday night, Braith and Evie were seen dancing up a storm inside a VIP section at Zouk nightclub in Resort World's hotel and casino complex.

Evie's giant diamond sparkler was hard to miss as she kissed, cuddled and boogied with Braith on the dance floor.

Braith Anasta's new girlfriend Evie Tziomakis wore a large ring on her wedding finger as she partied with the NRL star in Las Vegas over the weekend

Showcasing her figure for the wild night out, the blonde hairdresser sported a racy backless mini dress that was covered in rhinestones.

The young mum, who is of Australian-Greek heritage like Braith, paired her eye-popping ensemble with black heels and carried a white jacket over one arm.

Braith meanwhile looked casual in a white T-shirt, black jeans and white sneakers.

Letting their hair down on Saturday night, Braith and Evie were seen dancing up a storm inside a VIP section at Zouk nightclub in Resort World's hotel and casino complex

Evie's giant sparkler was hard to miss as she kissed, cuddled and boogied with Braith on the dance floor

Showcasing her figure for the wild night out, the blonde hairdresser sported a racy backless mini dress that was covered in rhinestones

At one stage, Braith wrapped a protective arm around the mother-of-two's shoulders and drew her close before placing a kiss on her forehead

At one stage, Braith wrapped a protective arm around the mother-of-two's shoulders and drew her close before placing a kiss on her forehead.

According to onlookers, the couple left the club at 3.45 am Sunday and walked through the casino arm-in-arm en route to their room at the nearby Hilton hotel.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Braith for comment.

The young mum, who is of Australian-Greek heritage like Braith, paired her eye-popping ensemble with black heels and carried a white jacket over one arm

According to onlookers, the couple left the club at 3.45 am Sunday and walked through the casino arm-in-arm en route to their room at the nearby Hilton hotel

Braith meanwhile looked casual in a white T-shirt, black jeans and white sneakers

Evie accompanied Braith on his trip to Sin City, as the retired footy star hosted an expert panel for Fox League during the NRL's historic Las Vegas double header

Braith and Evie went public with their romance in early December, after they were pictured kissing during a romantic night out together at the Coogee Pavilion in Sydney

Braith and Evie went public with their romance in early December, after they were pictured kissing during a romantic night out together at the Coogee Pavilion in Sydney.

The Footy player-turned-television presenter previously split from his fiancee, personal trainer Rachael Lee in November 2022.

He and Rachael share daughter Gigi, five, while Braith also shares his eldest daughter Aleeia, nine, with his ex-wife actor Jodi Gordon.

The Footy player-turned-television presenter previously split from his fiancee, personal trainer Rachael Lee, in November 2022

He and Rachael share daughter Gigi, five, while Braith also shares his eldest daughter Aleeia, nine, with his ex-wife actor Jodi Gordon

Earlier this year, reports circulated that Braith enjoyed a brief fling with P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards which ended after a couple months.

An insider told the Daily Telegraph: 'Pip and Braith know one another from both being a part of Sydneys social scene.'

'After spending a little more time together recently, they hit it off and started dating. They were hot and heavy for a short period of time, but it just didnt work and ended up being over before it began.'

Braith has only been dating Evie for a few months
Married at First Sight 'villain' Jack Dunkley and bride Tori Adams raised eyebrows on Monday morning as they appeared on Today Extra from separate cities.

The controversial groom, 34, joined hosts David Campbell and Belinda Russell from the Gold Coast while Tori, 27, appeared from Melbourne.

The couple were on to discuss Sunday night's commitment ceremony where the groom let his true feelings towards wife Tori slip.

Relationship expert John Aiken pressed Jack about 'how serious' his relationship is as he admitted he believed Tori has more feelings for him than he does for her.

Jack revealed the confession came out because of the high pressured environment: 'Sitting on the couch in front of the experts...they put pressure on, they ask you a bunch of questions,' he shared.

Married at First Sight 'villain' Jack Dunkley, 34, and bride Tori Adams. 27, raised eyebrows on Monday morning as they appeared on Today Extra from separate cities

Tori went on to say 'it prompted a conversation that we had and we got over it and we moved forward.'

It comes as Jack has been accused of being unfaithful throughout the experiment by ex-girlfriend Courtney Jade.

Courtney slammed the Gold Coast personal trainer over the weekend, claiming he slept with her throughout the filming of the experiment.

The controversial groom joined hosts David Campbell and Belinda Russell from the Gold Coast while Tori appeared from Melbourne

Taking to her Instagram stories on Sunday, Courtney wrote: 'When he says he's into his wife but he comes home and sleeps with me and proceeds to break my heart again'.

'I shouldn't have done it but I did not know the disrespect or outcome of this show. Lessons were learnt... Tori knows and doesn't care so enjoy my seconds,'.

Courtney and Jack were previously in a relationship but according to reports the 34-year-old he dumped her prior to the commencement of the show.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Jack Dunkley for comment.

Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.

The couple were on to discuss Sunday night's commitment ceremony where the groom let slip his true feelings towards his wife Tori. Jack pictured with ex Courtney Jade
Emma Heming, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, pushed back on a report that stated the actor had 'no more joy' in his life amid his health battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.

Heming, 45, said in a pair of Instagram posts on Sunday that the 68-year-old Hollywood stalwart continues to have joy in his life, criticizing the report, and suggesting the public take a more nuanced look at the quality of life people can continue to have amid struggles with neurocognitive diseases.

Heming, who shares daughters Mabel Ray, 11, and Evelyn, nine, with the Die Hard actor, said in a clip on her Instagram page, 'The headline basically says there is no more joy in my husband - now, I can just tell you, that is far from the truth.

'I need society and whoever's writing these stupid headlines to stop scaring people.'

The one-time model, who has a skincare company called CocoBaba and a wellness organization called Make Time Wellness, said that the perception of the public and the media in regards to neurocognitive diseases needs to shift.

Emma Heming Willis, 45, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, 68, pushed back on a report that stated he had 'no more joy' in his life amid his health battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia

The couple, who celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this month, were pictured in a romantic shot on Valentine's Day

'Stop scaring people to think that once they get a diagnosis of some kind of neurocognitive disease that - "That's it, it's over, let's pack it up, nothing else to see here, we're done" - no, it's the complete opposite of that,' she said.

Heming said that while the health battle has brought 'a lot of ... grief and sadness' to her family, there is also love, connection, joy and happiness.

She wrapped up in saying, 'So stop with these stupid headlines ... there's nothing to see here, okay?'

In the caption of the post, Heming said that her 'experience is that two things can be true and exist at the same time.'

Heming provided contrasting examples including 'grief and deep love,' 'sadness and deep connection,' and 'trauma and resilience.'

She opened up about how she came to her thought process in the caption of the post.

'I had to get out of my own way to get here but once I arrived, life really started to come together with meaning and I had a true sense of purpose,' Heming said. 'There is so much beauty and soulfulness in this story.'

Heming said that she's come to understand that 'people that have not taken the time to properly educate themselves on any kind of neurocognitive disease' based on the 'headline after headline and blurbs of misinformation' she's seen on the topic.

Heming suggested the public take a more nuanced look at the quality of life people can continue to have amid struggles with neurocognitive diseases

Heming said it was 'far from the truth' that the action film star had no more joy in his life

In a follow-up post, Heming detailed that that the headlines were discouraging to the people providing care for people living with dementia

In a follow-up post, Heming detailed that that the headlines were discouraging to the people providing care for people living with dementia.

'Care partners are already having a tough go in the support department,' Heming said. 'These headlines that paint this constant doom and gloom picture of dementia are harmful to them as they try to build their support unit around them. Or could sway a person who is wanting to help, the other way.

'I just ask you to consider reframing this negative narrative around dementia. That would be so kind and generous to the next care partner and their loved one.'

It's been nearly two years since Heming released a joint statement via Instagram with her two daughters and Willis's ex-wife Demi Moore, 61, and daughters Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, Tallulah, 30, announcing that Willis was stepping back from acting amid his aphasia diagnosis.

In the March 30, 2022 statement, they said that Willis 'has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.

'As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.'

They continued: 'We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, "Live it up" and together we plan to do just that.'
She left the experiment on Sunday night, finally bringing her tumultuous relationship with Ben Walters to an end.

And Married At First Sight bride Ellie Dix, 32, had every reason to smile as she left home for work in Currumbin, Queensland, on Monday.

The nurse, whose affair with groom Jonathan McCullough will be exposed at the upcoming MAFS reunion, beamed widely as she made her way down her driveway towards a parked car.

She then drove to meet her beau Jono, 39, who was working at a nearby property as a labourer.

Dressed in full tradie garb, Jono approached Ellie's parked car and leaned against the front window before enjoying a chat with his ladylove.

Married At First Sight bride Ellie Dix, 32, (pictured) beamed as she left home for work in Currumbin, Queensland, on Monday, after leaving the experiment on Sunday night

Looking worlds away from her glamorous dinner party style, Ellie dressed down in a blue button-up business shirt, high-waisted black capri trousers and black ballet flats.

She swept her brunette locks back into a sleek chignon and accessorised her look with a black Gucci handbag worth around $2,500.

Ellie and Jonathan will announce their relationship during the show's reunion.

The nurse, whose affair with groom Jonathan McCullough, 39, will be exposed at the upcoming MAFS reunion, beamed widely as she made her way down her driveway towards a parked car

She then drove to meet her beau Jono (left), who was working at a nearby property as a labourer

Looking worlds away from her glamorous dinner party style, Ellie dressed down in a blue button-up business shirt, high-waisted black capri trousers and black ballet flats

Their clandestine affair allegedly began with secret text messages exchanged during the filming of the show after Ellie ended things with partner Ben.

An insider told Daily Mail Australia it will all unfold at a future commitment ceremony.

'Lauren had no idea that Jono kept in contact with Ellie and found out during filming, and boy was she not happy,' they said.

She swept her brunette locks back into a sleek chignon and accessorised her look with a black Gucci handbag worth around $2,500

Ellie and Jonathan will announce their relationship during the show's reunion

Their clandestine affair allegedly began with secret text messages exchanged during the filming of the show after Ellie ended things with partner Ben

'She was completely gobsmacked and felt humiliated by the end - but everyone else is happy for them.'

The source added: 'Jono and Ellie maintained contact after she left the show, but the romance only escalated once Jono ended things with Lauren at the Final Vows. Their real-life meeting a few days later revealed an undeniable chemistry.'

Ben was reportedly just as taken aback by the development, sources close to the show disclosed.
Fans of the police procedural series Blue Bloods got closure for Treat Williams' character Lenny Ross, after he played the role since season seven in 2016.

The late actor, who tragically passed away last summer in a motorcycle accident in Vermont, played Tom Selleck's character Frank's old partner and longtime friend.

During the latest episode of the CBS series on March 1, Fear No Evil, it was revealed how Williams' role of Lenny was written off the show.

After previously revealing in a season 13 episode that he was diagnosed with cancer, the producers and writers ended up following that storyline by having his character die from the disease.

During Friday night's show, Frank visits Lenny's daughter at her job, and the two talk about her funeral plans for her dad.

The late Treat Williams was honored in Friday's episode of Blue Bloods, a show in which the actor had a recurring role as Lenny Ross since 2016; he's pictured in October 2019

'Listen, I'm working on my eulogy. If there's anything in particular you'd like me to say, just call it into Detective Baker,' Franks says to Carrie.

She proceeds to ask, 'So are they gonna shoot off guns or something?' in a reference to the funeral plans.

'No. No. But he will have an honor guard,' Frank responds.

'Bagpipes? He hated bagpipes,' she says.

'Yeah, but he loved the old dogs bursting into tears. Thats what bagpipes do,' Frank replies. He then invites her to his family dinner, where he pays tribute to his late friend and colleague.

'There's also someone who ate here with us over the years but who wont be back,' Frank shared at the dinner. 'Lenny Ross was my oldest friend, my closest confidant, my getaway driver. And I lost him this week. And it hurts like hell. But Lenny would hate it if we got all teary and quiet and sad, so Lenny: We'll miss ya. And save me a seat at your table, and 'll see ya on down the road.'

The episode ends with a personal tribute to Treat Williams.

'In memory of our great friend, Treat Williams 1951-2023,' it read, along with a photo of the actor, husband and father of two posing with Tom Selleck.

Williams' character Lenny Ross, who was an old friend and partner of Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), was written off the show in Friday's Fear No Evil episode by dying of cancer

Selleck's character Frank meets with Lenny's daughter Carrie to talk about the funeral plans

Williams saw his star power rise with his role in the crime drama film Prince Of The City (1981)

Williams died on June 12, 2023 after being involved in a crash in Dorset, Vermont when a 35-year-old man behind the wheel of a Honda Element turned into the path of his motorcycle and collided.

He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at the age of 71. The cause of death was deemed to be 'severe trauma and blood loss as a result of the crash,' according to the medical examiner.

The man driving the Honda was charged with 'grossly negligent operation resulting in death.'

Williams rose to fame with starring roles in Milos Forman's film version of the musical Hair, and in Steven Spielberg's historical comedy film 1941, which were both released back in 1979.

He went on to star in such films as Prince Of The City (1981), Once Upon A Time In America (1984), Flashpoint (1984), Smooth Talk (1985), Dead Heat (1988), The Phantom (1996), The Devil's Own (1997), Deep Rising (1998), the Substitute franchise (19982001), The Deep End Of The Ocean (1999), Miss Congeniality 2 (2005), 127 Hours (2010), as well as the Hallmark series Chesapeake Shores (20162022).
Hong Kong: HK, Bahrain tax pact signed

Hong Kong yesterday signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Bahrain.

Under the pact, Hong Kong companies can enjoy double taxation relief in that any tax paid in Bahrain, whether directly or by deduction, in accordance with the CDTA will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of Hong Kongs tax laws.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that Bahrain is one of the economies participating in the Belt & Road Initiative and he has confidence the agreement will further promote economic and trade connections between Hong Kong and Bahrain.

He added that the pact will also offer additional incentives for the business sectors of both sides to do business or make investments.

Additionally, Hong Kong will continue to negotiate with trading and investment partners with a view to expanding its CDTA network, so as to enhance the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a business and investment hub and consolidate the city's status as an international economic and trade centre.

This CDTA is the 49th agreement that Hong Kong has concluded.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, who was on an official visit to Manama, signed the CDTA with Bahrain on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Click here for details of the CDTA

This story has been published on: 2024-03-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
We Are China

In pics: rapeseed flowers in full bloom in village in SE China's Fujian

People's Daily Online) 09:38, March 04, 2024

Blooming rapeseed flowers turn the fields into an idyllic sight in spring. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Rapeseed flowers are in full bloom in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. The vibrant yellow flowers, along with the thousand-year-old camphor trees, a Song Dynasty (960-1279) pagoda, and the surrounding green mountains and flowing water, form a breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors.

Tourists have fun at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Rapeseed flowers are in full bloom in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

A tourist takes pictures of her companion at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Tourists drink tea at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Tourists make coffee at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Tourists take pictures of rapeseed flowers at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Tourists take pictures of rapeseed flowers and Shuiwei Pagoda, a cultural relic site under provincial-level protection in Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

Children have fun at a rapeseed field in Shanchong village, Changtai district, Zhangzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Changqian)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday pledged significant support measures for the southeastern city of Daegu, a conservative stronghold, including the opening of a new airport and fostering the robotics industry.

Yoon made the commitments during a government-public debate, the 16th in a series of sessions, held in Daegu, emphasizing the need to modernize the city's outdated industrial structure and improve its transportation infrastructure. It marked the first time the debate was held in Daegu.

"The government will boldly expand support to enable revolutionary changes in Daegu," Yoon said, adding that the government aims to achieve the goal of opening the new airport on the southeastern coast by 2030.

The government has planned for the new airport in the nearby areas of Uiseong and Gunwi, both in North Gyeongsang Province, to serve both civilian and military aircraft, replacing the decades-old Daegu International Airport. Construction of the envisioned airport is set to commence in 2025.

Yoon highlighted that the airport will serve as a cornerstone for the region's transportation infrastructure, with plans to also construct a high-speed rail connecting the new airport, western Daegu and Uiseong.

During the debate, Yoon also outlined the government's plan to develop Daegu as a hub for the robotics and mobility industries.

"Based on Daegu's traditional strength in machinery, metal, and parts industries, robotics and future mobility will lead the way in shaping the industrial landscape," Yoon said.

To achieve this goal, Yoon announced a 200 billion-won ($150 million) national project to establish a robotics testing site in the city. The facility will enable companies to assess and validate the safety and functionality of their robots.

The project was endorsed following a preliminary feasibility study conducted last August.

In reference to the government's plan to significantly increase medical school admission quotas, Yoon stated that Daegu and similar regions would benefit greatly from the initiative.

Yoon has emphasized the necessity of increasing the medical school enrollment quota by 2,000, stating that more doctors are needed in essential medical fields, as well as rural areas.

"(The government) will significantly expand the admission quota (of medical schools) for talented individuals from the local area who have completed junior high and high schools here, aiming for a medical school that is centered around local talent," Yoon said.

Approximately 70 percent of the country's 13,000 medical interns and residents, who play crucial roles in assisting with surgeries and emergency services at major general hospitals, have been on a walkout for nearly two weeks in protest of the plan. (Yonhap)
Heavily pregnant Melissa George hosted an extravagant baby shower at her home in France on Monday, before revealing her bub's gender.

The Australian actress, 47, shared a gallery of precious photos to Instagram celebrating the momentous occasion with her closest friends.

One heartwarming photo showed Melissa proudly flaunting her growing baby bump as she held blue heart-shaped cookies, announcing she was having a boy.

Another photo showed Melissa posing up a storm with some friends in front of blue decorative balloons.

The former Home and Away star looked to be having the time of her life as she celebrated her advanced maternal age pregnancy.

Heavily pregnant Melissa George hosted an extravagant baby shower at her home in France on Monday, before revealing her bub's gender

Another photo showed Melissa posing up a storm with some friends in front of blue decorative balloons

Melissa commented alongside the carousel of images.

'My darling, the best baby shower,' she wrote.

The Perth-born star shocked her social media followers in January when she confirmed she was pregnant with her third child.

The former Home and Away star revealed her bump in a baggy sweater while she embraced her young son.

George also showed off her burgeoning belly in a second image as she posed in a white dress and looked out of a window.

The former Home and Away star looked to be having the time of her life

Melissa commented alongside the carousel of images. 'My darling, the best baby shower,' she wrote

Melissa shares her sons, Raphael, nine, and Solal, seven, with her ex-partner Jean-David Blanc, a French entrepreneur.

Due to a custody arrangement, their children can't leave France with their mother without their father's consent, which means she is now based in Paris.

Notoriously private Melissa hasn't revealed if she is in a relationship or who the father of her baby is.

She was previously married to Chilean furniture designer and film director Claudio Dabed from 2000 to 2011.

The Perth-born star shocked her social media followers in January when she confirmed she was pregnant with her third child
Cate Blanchett stunned as she walked the red carpet at the 38th Annual ASC Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

But while the Australian actress turned heads in a silver ensemble, there was a conspicuous accessory she was missing - her wedding ring.

The 54-year-old, who has been married to playwright Andrew Upton, 58, since 1997, appeared relaxed and happy as she worked her angles for the cameras, despite skipping the telling bling.

It's not the first time Cate has stepped out without her ring, as mystery continues to surround her marriage.

She left fans puzzled after also stepping out at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards without her wedding ring.

Cate Blanchett stunned as she walked the red carpet at the 38th Annual ASC Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Pictured

But while the Australian actress turned heads in a silver ensemble, there was a conspicuous accessory she was missing - her wedding ring

The 54-year-old, who has been married to playwright Andrew Upton since 1997, appeared relaxed and happy as she worked her angles for the cameras, despite skipping the telling bling

Cate stunned at the British film industry event in a maroon Louis Vuitton gown and striking body chain combo.

However, rather than wearing her white gold and diamond wedding sparkler, the Blue Jasmine star sported a large emerald cocktail ring.

Her husband didn't attend the event.

Curiously, Cate was also spotted ring-free last month, when she attended an event in New York at the Museum of Modern Art on February 6.

A source close to the couple has said Cate's missing ring in recent months has sent off alarm bells about the status of her marriage. Pictured: Andrew and Cate, October 2017

It's not the first time Cate has stepped out without her ring, as mystery continues to surround her marriage

Joined by Sophie's Choice co-star Ethan Hawke, Cate oozed sophistication in a gradient-print grey pantsuit and lariat necklace.

Cate made no attempt at hiding her bare wedding finger as she smiled for photos outside the exclusive event.

In October 2023, Cate was once again seen without her wedding ring as she sat front row at the Stella McCartney runway show during Paris Fashion Week.

Instead the thespian wore a set of elegant gold bands on her wedding finger.

Speaking to Woman's Day magazine, a source close to the couple said Cate's missing ring has sent off alarm bells about the status of her marriage.

Pictured: Cate with Warwick Thornton and Rodney Taylor

'Seeing Cate without her ring has sent shockwaves through their friends. For the first time they're wondering if things aren't so rosy,' an insider claimed

'Seeing Cate without her ring has sent shockwaves through their friends. For the first time they're wondering if things aren't so rosy,' the insider claimed.

A question mark has been hanging over Cate and Andrew's marriage for some time now.

The couple also haven't been seen out on a date since August, when they were photographed enjoying a sun-drenched holiday in Ibiza.

They also raised eyebrows last month after putting their sprawling mansion in Prahran, Melbourne, on the market.

The three-bedroom family home, which the couple purchased in 2006, went under the hammer for more than $3million.

They also raised eyebrows after Cate and Andrew they put their sprawling mansion in Prahran, Melbourne, on the market

Cate and Andrew have been living in the UK since 2015 and still own several other properties together.

Their portfolio includes a glorious Victorian mansion in East Sussex, England, which they bought for 4.9 million (AU$9.4million) in 2015.

The couple also own an investment property in Sydney's CBD.

Cate and Andrew share three sons, Dashiell, 22, Roman, 19, and Ignatius, 16, and a daughter named Edith, eight.
Elle Macpherson made a triumphant return to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival on Monday.

The Australian model cut a youthful figure on the red carpet ahead of walking the runway for the first time in almost 14 years.

The 59-year-old, who turns 60 this month, last walked for Louis Vuitton in Paris back in 2010.

Elle proved she still has what it takes to be a supermodel as she arrived at the Royal Exhibition Building.

The beauty was chic in a sleeveless silver sequin frock by Alex Perry that clung close to her famous figure.

Elle Macpherson (pictured) made a triumphant return to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival on Monday. The Australian model cut a youthful figure on the red carpet ahead of walking the runway for the first time in almost 14 years

She added an artistic white jacket from Toni Maticevski over the top which had exaggerated ruffled edging.

Elle also wore a pair of nude, strappy heels by Lana Wilkinson and carried a silver slouch clutch from A-ESQUE that matched her dress.

The stunner opted for a fresh makeup look that accentuated her natural glow along with a sheer nude lip gloss.

She finished the look by wearing her blonde locks in a partially up do with loose strands around her face and wore Alinka accessories.

The 59-year-old, who turns 60 this month, last walked for Louis Vuitton in Paris back in 2010

Elle proved she still has what it takes to be a supermodel as she arrived at the Royal Exhibition Building

Elle earlier said that she's confused why her runway return has been headline-making.

'The headline is "coming back to runway", but that's not really the case,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'This is just an evolution of doing things. So anyway, it has been 11 years since I've walked  or 10 years, 15 years, or whatever it is.'

'This felt really worthwhile because I have a passion for supporting Australian fashion and young designers, and I love Melbourne.'
Casualty star Derek Thompson has bagged his first gig since leaving his role as Charlie Fairhead after 37 years.

The actor, 75, who portrayed the emergency department nurse for nearly four decades, was the soap's longest-running cast member.

But after the programme's episodes were dramatically reduced due to costs at the BBC, the Casualty star confirmed his departure from the soap.

However, the actor won't be absent from screens for long because he has already been snapped up by another BBC drama and is set to appear in upcoming weeks.

Derek will be featured in the second series of the BBC's hit drama Blue Lights, returning to his hometown of Belfast.

Casualty star Derek Thompson has bagged his first gig after leaving his role as Charlie Fairhead (pictured) after 37 years

The actor, 75, is set to return to his hometown of Belfast to take on the role of retired police officer Robin Graham (pictured in character) who is confronted with his murky past

The new role is a massive shift for the actor who has only made limited appearances in other shows outside of Casualty in the last 37 years.

Blue Lights will see Derek take on the role of retired police officer Robin Graham over the course of five episodes this season.

As trainee solicitor Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean) investigates a decades old case that is set to insight havoc in the present day, the pensioner is confronted with his murky past.

Derek confessed he was quick to sign on for the job following his departure from the long-running medical show.

Derek said: 'I loved the first series of Blue Lights and thought, as did the majority of my friends and colleagues, that it was the best new TV series of last year.

'I was thrilled and excited (star jumps in the living room) when I got the invitation to take part in series two.

'I was born in Belfast and was equally excited (more star jumps) to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that I'm sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first.

'Greatly looking forward to it myself as I'm one of them.'

Derek confessed he was quick to sign on for the job following his departure from the long-running medical show, as he 'loved the first season' of Blue Lights

Since appearing in the first series in 1986 (pictured then), the 75-year-old star announced he was leaving the Casualty after nearly 900 episodes last year

Production company, Two Cities, added: 'We are delighted to have Derek Thompson back working with us in his native Belfast, it is an honour to have him as part of the Blue Lights family.'

Derek's Casualty exit was confirmed in May of last year after the actor revealed that 'the time (had) come' after nearly four decades on the soap.

Discussing his departure, Derek said: 'The time has come for me to hang up Charlie's scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years.'

He continued: 'Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse - Pete Salt.

'Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring to Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgment that we all see and love in Pete and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life.'

Fans rushed to express their heartbreak on Twitter after he announced his departure from the show in May last year

As news of his exit spread, fans shared their heartbreak on Twitter.

One wrote: 'Absolutely gutted. This is the end of an era. I've literally grown up with Charlie.'

Another said: 'End of an era. Charlie will be greatly missed, but let's enjoy all the episodes he's in before his departure. Though, I honestly thought he was going to leave when Marty and David quit.'

A third added: 'No he can't leave it will not be the same without him he's my favourite and I love his character no not our Charlie.'
Salma Hayek commanded attention from the back as well as the front during a glamorous appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday evening.

The Mexican-American actress, 57, was on the front row as British fashion house Alexander McQueen unveiled their autumn-winter 2024 collection at the bi-annual event.

But she took the opportunity to pose for some striking social media shots after venturing backstage with her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault.

The Hollywood star inevitably caught the eye in a cleavage-enhancing silver bustier, worn beneath a distinctive black trouser suit as she met new McQueen designer Sean McGirr.

The look was accentuated by rich make-up, while her dark hair was styled with a conventional centre-parting.

Salma Hayek commanded attention from the back as well as the front during a glamorous appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday evening

Hayek was in good company on Saturday night, with the latest McQueen extravaganza also attended by actresses Noomi Rapace, Samantha Morton and Juliette Binoche.

Tagged "Rough opulence" and intent on "unveiling the animal within," McGirrs first foray resonated with the core tenets laid down by Alexander McQueen: a fusion of Gothic allure, a provocation, an ode to historical fashion, and the brands hallmark of dramatic tailoring.

The show unfurled with a model emerging from the shadows in a sinisterly twisted black laminated dress that seemed to swallow her hands whole - a striking image of constriction that reappeared throughout the collection.

This binding theme was echoed in cords winding around slim-legged jeans and robust boots morphing into horses' hooves, trailing tails, and ominous broad leather coats.

However, designs occasionally verged on the obvious, with pattered historic Renaissance sleeve gowns and bulky "car tire"-like knitwear lacking the subtlety associated with his predecessor.

Though the collection sparkled with promising moments of audacity, McGirr prioritized a play-it-safe approach over the risk of a misstep by pushing the envelope.

Nonetheless, amid the collections somber reflections, a surprising undercurrent of delight and whimsy surfaced, most notably through the stirring melody of his compatriot Enyas "Sail Away" filling the air.

It infused the space with a buoyant optimism subtly echoed in McGirrs oft-playful creations.

The Mexican-American actress was on the front row as British fashion house Alexander McQueen unveiled their autumn-winter 2024 collection at the bi-annual event

The Hollywood star inevitably caught the eye as she met new McQueen designer Sean McGirr

The pair posed side-by-side as McGirr prepared to unveiled his new creations in Paris

Hayek, on the front row throughout the show, has attended a string of presentations across Paris over the last week.

She was also present at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week, where she was once again joined by her billionaire husband.

Pinault is the chairman and CEO of Kering, the luxury goods corporation that owns Gucci and other high-profile brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.
Phoebe Dynevor showed off her newly dyed red hair do as she stepped out during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday evening.

The actress, 28, looked incredible in a vintage brown leather jacket from Mango which she teamed with wide legged black trousers as she stepped out in the French capital.

She styled her new tresses in a neat ponytail and accessorised with a pair of gold earrings.

The Bridgerton star added inches to her frame in a pair of black pointed toe heels and toted her belongings in a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Phoebe flashed her gorgeous smile as she left her hotel and was greeted by fans as she made her way to a waiting car.

Phoebe Dynevor showed off her newly dyed red hair do as she stepped out during Paris Fashion Week on Sunday evening

The actress, 28, looked incredible in a vintage brown leather jacket which she teamed with wide legged black trousers

It comes after Phoebe and her boyfriend Cameron Fuller made a rare appearance at the Universal Pictures BAFTAs party at The Nomad Hotel last month.

The Fair Play star - who lost out on the EE Rising Star Award to Mia McKenna-Bruce - slipped into a leather bustier and long silky skirt for the bash, while Cameron, 28, wore a classic tux.

Despite walking away without a gong, Phoebe couldn't wipe the smile off her face while in her stunning all-black ensemble as she and her hunky partner partied the night away together.

The British star, who played Lady Daphne in Netflix series Bridgerton, has been dating US actor Cameron for a year.

Phoebe, whose mother is Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor, attended the prestigious ceremony in a plunging ivory dress earlier in the evening.

Cameron, whose father produced A Quiet Place II, has starred in a handful of US television shows with a major role in The Last Ship, of which his father was an executive producer.

Hes also known for his YouTube channel with real life BFF Gregg Sulkin.

Back in 2022, Phoebe was briefly linked to Andrew Garfield after they met at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London.

She styled her new tresses in a neat ponytail and accessorised with a pair of gold earrings

The Bridgerton star added inches to her frame in a pair of black pointed toe heels and toted her belongings in a Louis Vuitton handbag

The actress was said to have hit it off with the former Spiderman star, who is 12 years her senior, during the star-studded after-party for the bash.

She has previously dated US comedian Pete Davidson but they split up in 2021 after about five months.

'It was wild while it lasted and they both really care for each other,' an insider told The Sun at the time.

'But the distance has put a strain on them. Their mates think they make a great couple but the distance has made it completely unworkable.'

Meanwhile, Cameron sparked dating rumours with actress Lucy Hale in 2022 as they were pictured out on dinner dates several times.

He also dated fellow internet personality Lauren Elizabeth for nearly three years.
Lisa Oldfield has been rushed to hospital.

The Real Housewives of Sydney star shared the news to Instagram on Monday evening, alongside an image of a heart monitor.

The feisty 49-year-old reality star shared a health update in the comments section.

'I thought it was the thrill of the win on Saturday, but turns out I have myocarditis,' she began.

'Bit scary but with lots of rest I should make a 100% recovery,' she continued.

Lisa's post was soon inundated with well wishers.

Lisa Oldfield has been rushed to hospital. Pictured

The Real Housewives of Sydney star shared the news to Instagram on Monday evening, alongside an image of a heart monitor. Pictured

'Hope you feel better soon Lisa,' wrote on fan, followed by a red love heart emoji.

'Get well soon gorgeous,' added another.

'Is it from your vaccine? Several friends of mine have myocarditis too and got it after they vaccinated,' enquired another.

Lisa was quick to address their concern.

'No from my osteomyelitis from my broken toe,' she responded.

According to the May Clinic, 'myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle

The inflammation can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood. Myocarditis can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Infection with a virus is one cause of myocarditis'.

The feisty 49-year-old reality star shared a health update in the comments section. 'I thought it was the thrill of the win on Saturday, but turns out I have myocarditis ,' she began. 'Bit scary but with lots of rest I should make a 100% recovery,' she continued

Lisa's post was soon inundated with well wishers

Lisa trip to emergency comes after she memorably lashed out at Freedom Furniture after her couch delivery went wrong.

She vented her frustration at the household goods company in an Instagram post in October

'Oh FFS @freedom_australia I paid $8K for your poxy lounge eight weeks ago,' the 48-year began.

'Made it clear that delivery had to be after 10am. You dumb f***s tried to deliver at 7am. Then tried to charge me an additional delivery fee.

'You've had me by the short and curlies because my family are currently sitting on milk crates, so I acquiesced.

Lisa trip to emergency comes after she memorably lashed out at Freedom Furniture after her couch delivery went wrong

'Yet still you fail to respond to multiple calls to redeliver! Freedom??? You c**ts should be in jail,' she continued.

Lisa also shared a photo of the couch, which appears to be the Sanctuary model in linen, valued at just a few dollars shy of $9000 at $8,998.

Lisa's fans were amused by her outburst, with several sharing their support for her tirade.

'Hands down my favourite person on the internet and my spirit animal,' wrote one person in the comments.

Lisa also shared a photo of the couch, which appears to be the Sanctuary model in linen, valued at just a few dollars shy of $9000 at $8,998

Lisa's fans were amused by her outburst, with several sharing their support for her tirade

'My god this is the best review of a product I have ever read,' said another, while someone else added, 'Go off queen'.

'Love you for calling them out, and I know you won't back down,' said one more, while yet another chimed in, 'Good on you. These companies need to be held to account'.

Daily Mail Australia reached out to Freedom Furniture for comment at the time

Lisa, who is the ex-wife of One Nation co-founder David Oldfield, rose to fame after starring The Real Housewives of Sydney in 2016.
Michael McIntyre fans were forced to contemplate missing out on a chance to see the comedian live after he was rushed to hospital over the weekend.

The British comic, 48, underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on March 4 while he recovers.

Fans were quick to wish McIntyre well after the cancellation was confirmed across social media, but concerned ticket-holders were left questioning whether he would recover in time to fulfill his remaining tour dates.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: 'Get well soon Michael... do you know if you'll be well enough for Nottingham at the weekend?'

A second added: 'Very sorry to hear, get well soon, Do you know if Nottingham show on March 9th will take place ? Need to know if to cancel hotel etc , sorry for asking.'

Michael McIntyre fans were forced to contemplate missing out on a chance to see the comedian live after he was rushed to hospital over the weekend

Fans were left questioning whether he would recover in time to fulfill his remaining tour dates

While a third wrote: 'Does this mean future shows will be cancelled to allow for a full recovery? If so, can that period of recovery be announced ASAP rather than leave it to a day or two before cancelling.'

Elsewhere a fourth enquired: 'Speedy recovery. Is this likely to effect Nottingham next weekend? Due to be there on Saturday.' [sic]

McIntyre is currently travelling the UK with his 50-date MACNIFICENT tour; his next shows fall on March 8, 9 and 10 at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena.

A member of McIntyre's team revealed he has undergone surgery to remove kidney stones and apologised for any inconvenience caused with fans.

Announcing the news on social media, a statement read: 'We regret to inform customers that Michael McIntyre will be unable to perform on Monday 4 March at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.

'Unfortunately, Michael has had an operation to remove kidney stones. The show will be rescheduled to a later date which will be announced shortly.

'Tickets will remain valid for the new date. If you are unable to make the new date you will be entitled to a refund. We are very sorry for an inconvenience caused.'

Following the news, his fans sent well wishes in the comments in hope of a speedy recovery.

A member of McIntyre's team revealed he went down for the operation to remove kidney stones and apologised for any inconvenience caused with fans

The British comic underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on March 4 while he recover

Some wrote: 'Kidney stones - argh the pain! So sorry to hear you've been suffering.'

'Ouch! I had kidney stones a few years ago, more painful than giving birth twice. Hoping Michael is on the mend.'

'I know that pain well. Wishing Michael a quick & full recovery.'

Kidney stones affect more than one in ten people, mostly aged between 30 and 60, and are caused by waste products in the blood forming crystals.

Over time crystals build up to form a hard stone-like lump.

Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will tries to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do so and can be managed at home.

When they get too big, however, they can become extremely painful and surgery is usually needed to remove them.

Last week, McIntyre was forced to pull out of another show when he was first struck down with the illness.

The statement read: 'Due to illness Michael is sadly unable to perform tonight's show (Thu 29 Feb) at Plymouth Pavilions. The show will be rescheduled to a later date to be announced soon.

'If you are unable to make the new date you will be entitled to a refund. We are sorry for any inconvenience.'

Following the news, his fans sent well wishes in the comments in hope of a speedy recovery on X, formerly known as Twitter

McIntyre previously stayed at a special 4,000-per-week weight loss clinic to lose more than two stone but has since put it back on and developed a fear of apples in the process (pictured in October 2022)

McIntyre previously stayed at a special 4,000-per-week weight loss clinic to lose more than two stone but has since put it back on and developed a fear of apples in the process.

He travelled to Austria in a bid to get himself in better shape and, after undergoing various tests, was told he should avoid eating apples.

He claims he is now scared to eat the fruit, which he was told would make him 'lethargic' and 'confused'.

But, despite successfully slimming down, he is struggling to keep the weight off now he's back in the UK because his wife Kitty prefers 'teddy bear Michael'.

He told The Sun: 'I went to this place called the Mayr Clinic and lost quite a bit of weight, which I kept off for a little while.

'It was a week of pain and they did all these tests on me, put little probes on the end of my tongue and told me I shouldnt eat apples.

'Apparently apples will make me very lethargic and confused in my brain. Its the only thing Ive taken from it, really.'

He added that he's now put the weight he lost back on and has also developed a fear of apples.

Despite successfully slimming down, he is struggling to keep the weight off now he's back in the UK because his wife Kitty prefers 'teddy bear Michael' (pictured left in 2020 after regaining weight and, right, slimmer in 2018)

McIntyre says his wife Kitty prefers 'teddy bear Michael' (Michael and Kitty pictured in 2010)

Last week, McIntyre was forced to pull out of another show when he was first struck down with the illness

McIntyre went on to say his wife doesn't like him losing weight, so he doesn't always feel motivated to do so.

He joked it would be much easier to shift the pounds if 'she was quite rude to me about my weight'.

The funnyman said: 'She wants teddy bear Michael, not racing snake Michael, the man she first met.

'She was like, "Who is this? Who is this insanely hot, chiselled man in front of me?" She didnt like it. So that was quite demotivating.'
Zoe Marshall has made a shocking discovery about hotel linen.

The TV and radio host, 38, shared a video to Instagram on Monday which captured her staring into a hotel bathroom mirror in nothing but a towel.

She captioned the footage with some sobering words.

'When you realise the hotel towel you just dried your face with... has dried hundreds of random a**es,' she wrote.

Many of her followers quickly took to the comment section to share their thoughts on her awkward discovery.

Zoe Marshall has made a shocking discovery about hotel linen. Pictured

The TV and radio host, 38, shared a video to Instagram on Monday which captured her staring into a hotel bathroom mirror in nothing but a towel. She captioned the footage with some sobering words

'I try my best to forget about these things,' one user wrote and a second person added: 'I'm now scarred for life'.

Despite Zoe's disgust, hotels have strict hygiene standards they must adhere to and all their towels and other linen products would be washed between check ins.

Last year, Zoe opened up about her marriage to NRL legend Benji Marshall.

She spoke about the couple's 10-year wedding anniversary during an appearance on Channel Seven's The Morning Show.

'In this day and age, ten years is a feat,' she told co-hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.

The Marshalls' marriage has seen the pair move interstate and abroad while also welcoming two children, son Benjamin Fox, five, and daughter Ever, two.

The rugby league WAG said she was proud the couple had maintained a strong relationship over the years.

Zoe and Benji walked down the aisle for a second time last year when they renewed their vows at home, surrounded by family and friends.

While she was pregnant with their daughter Ever, Zoe admitted the couple had split up three times before tying the knot in 2013.

The Marshalls recently moved into a new $4.75million family home in Sydney.
Ray Winstone gushed his daughter Jaime's wedding in Sicily last year was the 'most amazing weekend' of his life as he gave an insight into the big day on Monday.

The actor, 67, proudly walked his daughter Jaime, 38, down the aisle as she married her husband James Suckling in a lavish ceremony last October and said it was 'different to the norm.'

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV daytime talk show, he revealed the big day was 'a lot of money' but it was worth every penny because they had so much fun.

The Sweeney star detailed how the reception was a lot more 'relaxed' to a normal one because they made the speeches more casual.

Ray said: 'The crazy thing about the wedding is it costs a lot of money to get married and I'd rather give them the money for like a house or something that lasts.

Ray Winstone gave an insight into his eldest daughter Jaime's 'very expensive' Italian wedding on Lorraine on Monday as he admitted it was 'different to the norm' - the wedding took place last October

The actor, 67, proudly walked his daughter Jaime, 38, down the aisle as she married her husband James Suckling in a lavish ceremony

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV daytime talk show, Ray revealed the big day was 'a lot of money' but it was worth every penny because they had so much fun

'But it was worth every penny, it was fantastic. You know what it was actually the most amazing weekend I've had. Her friends were fantastic and helped with lots.

'It was just the most enjoyable weekend. For the speeches we said what we fancied and got up when we wanted, we sang, we drank, it was a different type of wedding than the norm. It was very relaxed.'

The ceremony was held at La Tonnara di Scopello, previously a tuna fishery from the 13th century.

In video footage shared on Instagram at the time, Ray was seen walking arm-in-arm with his eldest child down the aisle.

Wearing a lace bridal gown with a tight fitting bodice and veil, actress Jamie looks radiant as she walks alongside her father while holding a floral bouquet.

Meanwhile Winstone, whose acting career has been forged on playing psychopaths, gangsters and thugs, looked appropriately dapper in a lilac suit and loose fitting camp collar shirt.

The actor was close to tears while leading the bride to her wedding service, watched by 250 close friends and family members.

Celebrity guests included fellow actress Sheridan Smith, presenters Nick Grimshaw and Miquita Oliver and actor Jason Connery.

The Sweeney star detailed how the reception was a lot more 'relaxed' to a normal one as they made the speeches more casual

Ray said: 'The crazy thing is it costs a lot of money to get married and I'd rather give them the money for like a house but it was worth every penny, it was fantastic. It was actually the most amazing weekend I've had'

The ceremony was held at La Tonnara di Scopello, previously a tuna fishery from the 13th century

It's understood that Jaime had around 12 bridesmaids in matching dresses and they danced to Together As One.

Ray is grandfather to Jaime and James' son Raymond, who was born in 2016.

Discussing his role as a grandparent, he said: It's the most wonderful feeling in the world. It's like seeing your kids grow up again.

'When I was younger, I was working and you didn't get that pleasure so much so you're living it as a grandfather now.'
By Nam Hyun-woo

Han Dong-hoon, interim head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), is increasing the pressure on main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung to accept his invitation to a TV debate.

I believe the public and the media want to see a lengthy televised debate among major party leaders to know about their differences and positions on various issues, the PPP chief told reporters, Monday.

I have already accepted requests for a debate (with Lee) from broadcasters such as KBS, SBS, Channel A, TV Chosun and MBC. Chairman Lee is known as an outstanding speaker as the DPK often emphasizes. There is no reason for Lee to avoid it.

Last week, Han expressed his intention to debate Lee, as part of his offensive against the main opposition party, which is suffering intense internal conflicts over the nomination of candidates for the April 10 general elections.

On Friday, Han told reporters, I am answering reporters' impromptu questions multiple times every day without prior arrangements, while Lee is avoiding important questions ... It seems like the media wants me to ask Lee questions instead.

Han, who was appointed to lead the ruling party on Dec. 26, has yet to participate in a TV debate, though he attended a debate hosted by Kwanhun Club, a journalists group, on Feb. 7 and answered the questions of senior journalists.

Han and Lee have met several times at public events including a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement last Friday. However, they have yet to exchange opinions on pending issues in a face-to-face public setting.

I will adjust my schedule to accommodate whenever the chairman wants  just let me know one day in advance," Han said.

Unlimited discussions on various issues will provide a good standard for the voters, and it will be the duty of the heads of the ruling and the main opposition parties."
Katie Price hit back at critics after sharing sizzling snaps on social media.

The surgically-enhanced star, 45, posed in a sheer bodysuit with just nipple pasties protecting her modesty after taking to the stage for GK Barry's Saving Grace live podcast show in London over the weekend.

Taking to Instagram after the recording at the London Palladium, she posed with the podcast and her sister Sophie, with whom she has her own podcast.

While Katie was clearly pleased with the snaps, a critic penned: 'now these pictures are getting more comical by the day. U really look peculiar'.

She soon hit back at the follower, writing: ' Mercedes if the pictures are too peculiar for you, just stop looking babe. Have a great weekend x'.

Katie Price hit back at critics after sharing sizzling snaps on social media

While Katie was clearly pleased with the snaps, a critic penned: 'now these pictures are getting more comical by the day. U really look peculiar'

The surgically-enhanced star, 45, posed in a sheer bodysuit with just nipple pasties protecting her modesty after taking to the stage for GK Barry's Saving Grace live podcast show in London over the weekend

Insisting she was joking, another follower wrote: 'Love you K, but ditch those baps girl', to which Katie penned: 'The baps love you too'

Insisting she was joking, another follower wrote: 'Love you K, but ditch those baps girl', to which Katie penned: 'The baps love you too'.

In typical Katie style, her exchange with critics comes after further shocking behaviour surrounding her new boyfriend - MAFS star JJ Slater.

JJ Slater revealed he has been compared to the model's 18-year-old son Junior.

The MAFS UK star, 31, made his red carpet debut with Katie at the 2024 Gossies Awards in Dublin on Saturday, where the couple were quizzed about their romance.

They admitted they had been pleasantly surprised by the public's reaction to their relationship, yet Katie confessed: Mind you, everyone has said today that he looked like my nephew!

JJ laughed off the comparison as he admitted: 'I've heard son before, never nephew... nephew is quite funny, though, isnt it?'

While they remained coy on how they met, Katie mused: 'It wasn't just quick, we got to know each other behind the cameras before anyone speculated anything.'

JJ found fame on Married At First Sight UK where he caused controversy when he left his 'wife' Bianca Petronzi in favour of bride Ella Morgan resulting in Bianca and Ella's partner, Nathanial Valentino leaving the social experiment.

In typical Katie style, her exchange with critics comes after further shocking behaviour surrounding her new boyfriend - MAFS star JJ Slater

Katie revealed she'd been told JJ was like her nephew, prompting JJ to respond 'I've heard son before, never nephew...' (pictured: Katie's 18-year-old son Junior Andre)

The pair tried their best to make things work, but it wasn't meant to be, and at final vows both Ella and JJ revealed they thought they were better off as friends.

After pictures emerged of the Katie and JJ looking close, sources close to Ella, 29, said the reality star, who is transgender, is furious and feels 'betrayed' as she had become good friends with Katie.

Speaking about his experience on the show, JJ revealed he was 'obviously' happy things hadn't worked out with Ella because of the path he is on now.

He explained: 'I feel like everything happens for a reason so that stuff didn't work out but I met Katie so...'

The day after their red carpet debut, Katie and JJ nursed their hangovers with a roast dinner at Conor McGregor's pub, The Black Forge.

At the venue, Katie treated herself to a pint of lager and proudly posed with one of Conor's many UFC belts.

The eatery proved to be a hit with the couple, with JJ taking to Instagram to share a video entering the pub that he captioned: 'what a gaff.'

Kate confirmed her romance with MAFS UK star in a loved-up snap last month, calling JJ a 'real gentleman' and saying he 'ticks every box'
Elle Macpherson was back on the runway at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival on Monday.

The Australian model took to the catwalk for the first time in almost 14 years, opening the event at the Royal Exhibition Building.

The 59-year-old, who turns 60 this month, proved she is still The Body as she strutted down the runway in an ensemble by Viktoria + Woods.

The caramel toned outfit included two thick wool jumpers, one worn around her neck, as well as coffee toned satin trousers.

She added a loose brown coat over the top and called upon a touch of drama as she whipped off her sunglasses.

Elle Macpherson (pictured) was back on the runway at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival on Monday

The Australian model took to the catwalk for the first time in almost 14 years, opening the event at the Royal Exhibition Building

The 59-year-old, who turns 60 this month, proved she is still The Body as she strutted down the runway in an ensemble by Viktoria + Woods

Next she showcased a look from Bianca Spender, which included a bright yellow trench and matching slacks.

An all-black outfit from Aje was next, with Elle looking stunning in a sheer, ruffled dress that showed off her bust.

Over the top, she wore a black blazer and had on a pair of leather mules.

The model looked decades younger as she flaunted her youthful visage in a clean makeup look.

The caramel toned outfit included two thick wool jumpers, one worn around her neck, as well as coffee toned satin trousers

She added a loose brown coat over the top and called upon a touch of drama as she whipped off her sunglasses

Elle also carried a toffee coloured bag

Next she showcased a look from Bianca Spender

It included a bright yellow trench and matching slacks

Elle carried another slouchy clutch, this time in a metallic tone

She finished the look with ruched leather flats in cream

The WelleCo Australia founder last walked for Louis Vuitton in Paris back in 2010.

Elle told the Daily Telegraph she was more than happy to open the distinctly Aussie fashion event.

'I'm grateful to be coming home, not to be seen necessarily as an icon, but I'm grateful for my Australian heritage,' she said.

'I've had such an extraordinary career that's brought me unusual and interesting experiences and I'm extremely grateful.

An all-black outfit from Aje was next to be showcased

Elle was looking stunning in a sheer, ruffled dress that showed off her bust

Over the top, she wore a black blazer and had on a pair of leather mules

The model looked decades younger as she flaunted her youthful visage in a clean makeup look

She carried a puffed envelope clutch to complete the ensemble

The WelleCo Australia founder last walked for Louis Vuitton in Paris back in 2010

Elle earlier said that she's confused why her runway return has been headline-making.

'The headline is "coming back to runway", but that's not really the case,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'This is just an evolution of doing things. So anyway, it has been 11 years since I've walked  or 10 years, 15 years, or whatever it is.'

'This felt really worthwhile because I have a passion for supporting Australian fashion and young designers, and I love Melbourne.'

Elle earlier said that she's confused why her runway return has been headline-making

'The headline is "coming back to runway", but that's not really the case,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald

'This is just an evolution of doing things. So anyway, it has been 11 years since I've walked  or 10 years, 15 years, or whatever it is,' she continued
Simon Cowell gas unveiled his 230,000 fleet of electric vehicles.

The media mogul, 64, took to Instagram on Sunday, where he posted a photograph of himself posing on an E-bike alongside his new automobile collection.

Dressed in all-black with aviator sunglasses shielding his eyes, Simon smiled happily for the open-air snap.

The Britain's Got Talent judge revealed all of the fun names he's given to his electric vehicles, in the caption alongside.

Simon penned: 'Please meet (from left to right) Buzz, Mouse and Flea and my bike called Spitz. All are electric, including my bike. And all are brilliant to drive/ride!'

Simon Cowell, 64, took to Instagram on Sunday, where he posted a photograph of himself posing on an E-bike alongside his 230,000 fleet of electric vehicles

The Britain's Got Talent judge was known for his gas-guzzling Rolls-Royce Phantoms

Simon's mint green all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which has a range of up to 258 miles, retails from 59,035.00 to 63,835.00 depending on specification.

His burgundy Mini eMastered - which he calls Mouse - is a bespoke all-electric version of the re-envisioned classic Mini produced by David Brown, and costs around 125,000.

Simon's sporty new Abarth 500e from Fiat, named Flea, only has a 157 miles range, but also has a lower RRP range of 34,195 to 38,695.

When his Mini eMastered was finally delivered to him in October 2023, Simon said: 'This has always been my dream car. It was on my wish list; one day I wanted to have a classic Mini. Then I read about this company, and I thought, I've got to have one of those.

'I have to say, of all the cars I've ever had in my life, this is my favourite, this is a keeper.

'When I went to the factory, you could tell that every single person had really given their heart and soul into this, there's so much passion behind it you know this car has character.'

The classic-style Mini was built to replicate the Lotus Esprit Turbo driven by Sir Roger Moore in the 1981 007 film, For Your Eyes Only.

The music mogul is said to have revamped his Mini with the help of his climate-conscious son Eric, who he shares with his fiancee Lauren Silverman.

Electric car: Simon previously told how he bought an electric Tesla (stock image) after son Eric taught him about climate change

Family project: The music mogul, is said to have revamped his Mini with the help of his son Eric, who he shares with his fiancee Lauren Silverman (all pictured in 2022)

Simon, known for his gas-guzzling Rolls-Royce Phantoms, previously told how he bought an electric Tesla after Eric taught him about climate change.

According to The Mirror, he said at last year's Britain's Got Talent auditions: 'My son is obsessed with climate change, he's taught me a lot recently.

'He goes down on the beaches and cleans them up. I think it's something we should all take seriously now. I've just bought a Tesla.'

The entrepreneur's jaw-dropping car collection is also thought to consist of a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, a Jaguar Eagle Speedster and a Bugatti Veyron.
Larry Emdur was reminiscing about the good old days on Monday.

The Morning Show star waxed lyrical about his time as a youth in the Sydney locale of Ben Buckler, a strip of heritage-listed land which is part of North Bondi.

The 59-year-old recalled surfing the local waves, splashing in the pools - and having sex in the carpark by the beach.

The television host confessed he lost his virginity at Ben Buckler in a not so romantic locale.

'Check out this awesome old pic of Ben Buckler at North Bondi, before roads, before buildings, before double shot decaf frappuccinos, before Brazilians (the tourists or the waxes),' he wrote in a lengthy caption alongside retro images of the region.

Larry Emdur (pictured) was reminiscing about the good old days on Monday. The Morning Show star waxed lyrical about his time as a youth in the Sydney locale of Ben Buckler

'Ben Buckler was my life, the centre of my universe, we lived there, I learnt to swim in the babies' pool (may have p**d in there a few times).

'My first job ($5 for 4hrs) was delivering newspapers around there, I learnt to surf just off those rocks, I hid there when I wagged school, I lost my virginity in the carpark (romantic, I know),' he went on.

'I had a special rock I would sit on for hours and hours, I'd watch the waves roll in, solve all my problems, dream about what my life might be like when I grow up and come up with crazy ideas.

'My bachelor pad is on Ben Buckler, [wife] Sylvie and I started our life together there. It's funny (crazy) to think how much of my life happened right here.'

The 59-year-old recalled surfing the local waves, splashing in the pools - and having sex in the carpark by the beach. The television host confessed he lost his virginity at Ben Buckler (pictured) in a not so romantic locale

'Check out this awesome old pic of Ben Buckler at North Bondi, before roads, before buildings, before double shot decaf frappuccinos, before Brazilians (the tourists or the waxes),' he wrote in a lengthy caption alongside retro images of the region

Ben Buckler a strip of heritage-listed land which is part of North Bondi (pictured)

Larry and Sylvie met in the 1990s on a plane while she was working as a flight attendant.

The television host and his wife have been married since 1995 and have two children, son Jye and daughter Tia.

Larry and Sylvie celebrated their 29th anniversary last year.

In an interview for The Sunday Telegraph's Body+Soul, the couple revealed they have a pact to create memories by doing something crazy every year while they can.

'We decided we need to do at least one completely crazy thing each year so that we'll have some ridiculously good stories to remind each other about when we're in the nursing home,' Larry said.
Kate Moss' uncanny lookalike bizarrely stormed the runway at the Marine Serre Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show on Monday.

The eco-conscious fashion brand managed to nab superstar model Winnie Harlow, however were forced to use Denise Ohnona, 38, from Ormskirk, Lancashire in place of the modelling icon, 50, in an extremely bizarre move.

It seemed Marine Serre took inspiration from budget supermarket Aldi, bosses of which pulled an identical stunt just weeks earlier.

Back in December, when stars were descending on Manchester for a Chanel show - 'Kate' was papped carrying a 65p bag from the supermarket - although it was later revealed to bed Denise in disguise as the supermodel.

During her appearance in Paris on Monday, Denise harked back to Kate's indie days in an oversized leather jacket emblazoned with the brand's crescent moon-shaped logo with a matching handbag.

Kate Moss' uncanny lookalike bizarrely stormed the runway at the Marine Serre Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show on Monday

While they managed to employ Winnie Harlow for the show, bosses resorted to a lookalike for Kate

It seemed Marine Serre took inspiration from budget supermarket Aldi , bosses of which pulled an identical stunt just weeks earlier

The likeness between the duo was uncanny - with Kate's daughter walking earlier in the day at the Stella McCartney show

Will the real Kate Moss please standup? Kate is pictured, left, last week at the Saint Laurent Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show, while Denise is seen, right, at the show

Denise shared images and videos from her fittings on Instagram, where she goes by the handle 'I Am Not Kate Moss'

The inexplicable decision by the brand was captured on Denise's social media

Denise's likeness to Kate was slightly less prominent on social media

She wore lashings of heavy black eye make-up while her trademark dirty blonde locks were worn in loose waves to add to the indie ensemble.

Joining Denise and Winnie was perhaps Paris Fashion Week's youngest employee, as one model sashayed down the runway while placed in a carrier.

The baby carrier was in the same monogram print as Kate's ensemble, comprising the crescent moon pattern which has come to be synonymous with the brand.

Denise shared images and videos from her fittings on Instagram, where she goes by the handle 'I Am Not Kate Moss'.

Denise has spoken in the past about life with her uncanny likeness to the fashion legend, telling MailOnline in 2019: 'When I first started to get papped, I used to get very shy and felt like a fraud became I am a Fake Moss...

'But then as time went on I started to enjoy it and now find it very flattering - who wouldn't want to get mistaken for Kate Moss? She's one of the most incredibly iconic women ever!

'I get mistaken for her on a daily basis now - especially when I am out in central London - that's where the paps tend to find me.

'However even members of the public get us confused, and I get asked to pose for selfies in nightclubs and in the supermarket all the time.

The eco-conscious fashion brand managed to nab superstar model Winnie Harlow, however were forced to use Denise Ohnona, 38, from Ormskirk, Lancashire in place of the modelling icon, 50, in an extremely bizarre move

All eyes were on Winnie, who stole the show as the only genuine fashion royalty

Her leather look stole the show as she headed down the runway among a host of stars

Winnie looked stunning in the sexy black dress

'It's amazing that I've been able to find something that has transformed me from my frumpy mum lifestyle, to a glamorous 'supermodel'.'

After getting divorced from her husband in 2011, Denise claims that she completely disregarded her appearance and just focused on being a single mum.

However after making heads turn for her Moss-likeness, she decided to turn her life round and feel like the model she is often mistaken for.

She said: 'When I split up with my ex-husband eight years ago, I went a bit 'mumsy,' I lost my sense of fashion and gave up on the gym.

'I would look after the kids day and night and it was more important to run around after them than look after myself. Then I started getting people mistaking me for Kate Moss when I would go anywhere.

'Being told that I could look like Kate Moss picked me back up and I started focusing on myself again. I got back into the gym and looking after my appearance and the comments started all over again!'

Again showcasing a look adorned with the brand's crescent moon monogram, one model attached a baby in a carrier to her chest

Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford wowed in a snakeskin ensemble with a waist-cinching trench coat

Clara Berry opted for a wet look style with a skin-tight get-up

Clara posed up a s

Audrey Dhespinis put on an edgy display as she hit the red carpet
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Millie Bobby Brown was thrilled that her fiance Jake Bongiovi and his family joined her at the star-studded premiere of her Netflix film Damsel.

Over the course of premiere, the 20-year-old also stood for a few group shots with Jake and his parents - Dorothea Hurley and none other than rock god Jon Bon Jovi.

She told Extra she loved having the support of her family and Jake's.

'Family is everything. I know family means a lot to Jake, family means a lot to me, and being able to incorporate both of our families. I love his parents, I love his family. I am very lucky that they took time out to come and watch my move,' said the actress.

She was asked if it was a 'date night' which caused Millie laughed, 'Well, not with the family, no. But it's always date night. I feel this is very romantic in its own way. I'm very grateful.'

She was also asked if Jon might oversee the music for the wedding to which she said: 'He is a wizard at music. I feel that my music sense, actually, we share a music sense. We like Ed Sheeran, we love Adele. So I think maybe we'll just have the same playlist.'

Millie Bobby Brown was thrilled that her fiance Jake Bongiovi and his family joined her at the star-studded premiere of her Netflix film Damsel

Over the course of premiere, the 21-year-old also stood for a few group shots with Jake and his parents - Dorothea Hurley and none other than rock god Jon Bon Jovi

She told Extra she loved having the support of her family and Jake's. 'Family is everything. I know family means a lot to Jake, family means a lot to me, and being able to incorporate both of our families. I love his parents, I love his family. I am very lucky that they took time out to come and watch my move,' said the actress

Brown also revealed her secret to staying grounded is living on a farm in Georgia. 'Well, I live on a farm, so that's how I take it all in,' she reflected. 'I just go back to my farm and I start feeding my donkey grain and I'm like, 'Oh yeah, this is real life.' I think it grounds me. I love my life back home in Georgia... I think that's what makes me embrace it, is when I go back home and I know what truly loves me.'

Damsel is on Netflix March 8.

During the red carpet portion of the event, Millie could also be seen sharing an embrace and an uproarious laugh with her director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.

She could also be spotted hobnobbing with Bela Bajaria, who is the current chief content officer at Damsel's home streamer Netflix.

Millie stars in Damsel amid a formidable array of co-stars, including Robin Wright, who exuded an air of the futuristic in a color-block silver gown.

Oscar nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, another member of the supporting cast, modeled a charcoal trouser suit cinched in to emphasize her petite frame.

Millie and her family posed together at the starry event

She was asked if it was a 'date night' which caused Millie laughed, 'Well, not with the family, no. But it's always date night. I feel this is very romantic in its own way. I'm very grateful'

She was also asked if Jon might oversee the music for the wedding to which she said: 'He is a wizard at music. I feel that my music sense, actually, we share a music sense. We like Ed Sheeran , we love Adele. So I think maybe we'll just have the same playlist'

Millie had on a long dress with a slit up her leg. Jake opted for a more classic style, arriving in a black suit and black tie and accessorizing with a pair of burnt-orange shades

Millie looked every inch the glamorous movie star

Millie took to Instagram on Saturday to share behind-the-scenes images from the premiere

Jake shares his good genes with his handsome father Jon

Nick Robinson was a sizzling sensation in an olive green pinstriped suit, while Eve Plumb went for a mismatch look in a black coat and midnight blue slacks.

Law & Order actress Odelya Halevi showed off her ample cleavage and her impressively sculpted midriff in a flesh-flashing netted top.

Shot in Portugal, Damsel boasts an impressive cast including such names as Ray Winstone, Angela Bassett as the father and stepmother of Millie's character.

Although the movie was initially slated for release in October, the Hollywood strikes caused its debut to be pushed back to next Friday.
Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert made her first red carpet appearance in several months this weekend.

She was seen next to Derek at the opening of Julianne Hough's new Kinrgy Fitness Studio in West Hollywood, California on Saturday.

Julianne posed with her brother Derek, 38, and Erbert, 29, in an images shared to the blonde dancer's Insta Stories.

Hayley's brunette hair looked more grown out after her head was shaved for cranial surgery in December.

The Dancing With The Stars veteran had on all black as she beamed next to her husband Derek who wore a cream-colored jacket over a white T-shirt.

Derek Hough's wife Hayley Erbert made her first red carpet appearance in several months this weekend. She was seen next to Derek at the opening of Julianne's new Kinrgy Fitness Studio in West Hollywood on Saturday, Julianne posed with Derek, 38, and Erbert, 29

In early February, Hayley gave her first update on her condition after undergoing an emergency craniectomy and subsequent skull repair.

The dancer was accompanied by her Derek in the short video, which they shared jointly to Instagram.

Hayley looked shockingly different than she had prior to her health scare, as her long brunette locks had been shorn, giving way to a chic pixie cut.

She also gave her viewers a glimpse at the long scar running long the top of her head, which was from surgeries to release pooling blood from a hematoma that was pressing down on her brain, as well as to subsequently replace a portion of her skull that had to be removed.

'Its been wild going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. But I have to say, throughout this experience this woman has been unbelievable and her perseverance and her acceptance of the whole situation, her strength, its been remarkable to witness firsthand,' Derek said as he said by his wife's side. 'She really is a miracle and its been miraculous and its still a journey.'

In early February she gave her first update on her condition after undergoing an emergency craniectomy and subsequent skull repair

Hayley added that things were still up and down for her, as she still has 'really good days' and 'really bad days,' both 'emotionally and physically sometimes,' though she said she was improving 'every single day.

'Truly there is so much progress every day and Im so grateful for that,' she added.

Hayley looked back to when she was first waking up in the hospital from her initial surgery, when her condition was still uncertain.

She said that her husband had told her that so many people in her life and among her online fans were thinking of her, but she said it was if she already knew that, because she already 'genuinely felt that through my body, in my heart, in my soul.'

As she grew misty-eyed, Hayley shared her thanks to her fans for 'all of your messages, your love, your energy, your light, your prayers.'

'Thank you guys for all of it because it means so much to me and to us as a family. And genuinely, I believe its whats gotten me through this a little bit faster and its what helped me heal,' she continued, tearfully. 'Its what helped me stay positive throughout the entire experience.'

Then Hayley gave her followers a closer look at her surgery scar, which would likely be completely hidden by her hair as it continues to grow out.

'Its a new year, its a new haircut,' Derek joked about the stylish buzzed look.

She added that, in addition to the new haircut, she had a 'new scar,' as well as 'a new sac of fluid on the side of my face, which is supposed to eventually go away.'

Hayley also said she had a 'new skull,' though it was unclear if a synthetic material was used to replace the removed portion of her skull, or if some of her original bone was reattached.

She added that the scary near-death experience had given her a 'new outlook on life.'

'Life is so precious. Spend time with the ones you love. Hold them close cause you never know what could happen,' she said.

Hayley concluded on another emotional note by saying she was 'grateful to be alive and be here to tell my story.'

Derek signed off after saying that he and his wife would share more details about her condition and recovery in the future.

Derek revealed on December 7 that his wife was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cranial hematoma, while they were performing at their Symphony of Dance tour in Washington D.C.

Hayley revealed the scar running along her skull, which would likely be completely covered up after her hair had grown out a bit more

Derek revealed on December 7 that his wife was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cranial hematoma, while they were performing at their Symphony of Dance tour in Washington D.C.; seen in March 2022 in West Hollywood

A cranial hematoma happens when blood accumulates, 'within the brain or between the brain and the skull,' according to Mayo Clinic.

'At the end of last night's tout performance in Washington, D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,' he wrote.

'She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. She is in stable condition,' he added.

'I want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her. I ask for your prayers and positivity during this time,' Hough added.

Hough then revealed the next day, ''Hayley has always inspired me with her will, her strength, and her resilience and no more so than in the last 48 hours. She is now on the long road of recovery,' he wrote.

The Dancing With The Stars judge then spoke about the gratitude he felt for all the well wishes that had been sent by his fans.

'Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for the support and love that you have given us,' he said.

'The kindness that we've been shown in this incredibly unfathomable, and life changing time is immeasurable,' he wrote.

He concluded by writing: 'The offers of assistance that have poured in have been so humbling and appreciated. Our hope is that as a family, we can somehow and someway pay it forward.'

On Christmas Day, Hough shared a photo of them kissing by their tree, alongside an update on her recovery.

'Cherishing the greatest gift of all. The precious gift of life and the love we share. Hold your loved ones close and treasure every moment,' he captioned the image.

A cranial hematoma happens when blood accumulates, 'within the brain or between the brain and the skull,' according to Mayo Clinic

Erbert's medical emergency comes almost a year exactly after her and Hough were involved in a a 'scary' car crash.

At the time, she told her social media followers they had been in a 'pretty scary car accident in the mountains' on December 12, 2022.

She went on to describe the terrifying elements of their crash: 'Our accident involved a steep hill, icy roads, a tree, and worst of all, the fear that we would slide off the mountain.'

'The scariest part was that Hayley doesnt remember anything,' Derek shared in the comments section, at the time. 'She was dazed afterwards, being cheerful saying we should keep going to dinner as blood ran down her face.'

'That really scared me,' wrote Hough. 'She came to 20 minutes later when the firemen arrived.'

Earlier this year, the lovebirds wed during a beautiful ceremony in a magnificent forest of Redwood trees.

A-listers in attendance included Frieda Pinto, Amy Purdy, Maria Menounos, Shawn Johnson, Nina Dobrev, Shaun White, Robert and Kym Herjavec, Alfonso Ribeiro, and of course, Derek's sister, Julianne Hough.

According to Brides, the duo couple exchanged vows in front of 106 guests.

'At the end of last night's tout performance in Washington, D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,' he wrote. 'She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy'

Erbert's medical emergency comes almost a year exactly after her and Hough were involved in a a 'scary' car crash (seen last year after the accident)

Last year, the lovebirds wed during a beautiful ceremony in a magnificent forest of Redwood trees; seen in 2022

'He's definitely going to cry. I know that for a fact,' Derek's wife joked before the ceremony.

She added that, 'Honestly, both of us. We're going to be a mess!'

The rehearsal dinner was just as elegant as the ceremony itself, with the wedding guests being wined and dined in Carmel first for a welcome dinner, followed by a rehearsal dinner the next day, with many details planned by the brunette beauty herself.

Hough and Erbert kicked off their tour on September 28, 2023, a month after tying the knot.
He was an actor who married five times, on the final occasion to a woman 46 years his junior. He had flings with a string of beauties, including Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. And, not surprisingly, he was Hollywoods most sought-after leading man for almost three decades.

Given this track record, it wasnt hard for the film studios to portray Cary Grant as the most voracious of red-blooded heterosexuals. But, while its efforts succeeded with the general public, it was a different story when it came to Tinseltowns cognoscenti.

Whom does he think he is fooling? the notorious Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper once asked waspishly.

She was referring to whispers that Grant was gay. The debate over the sexuality of a matinee idol who once said making love is the best form of exercise has raged for almost a century.

The women in Grants life  such as his wives and his only child  tend to insist he was straight but men, especially gay men, have begged to differ.

Actors Cary Grant and Randolph Scott became inseparable when they started living together in a beachside house in Malibu that was dubbed Bachelor Hall

Grant apparently said he'd been in love with Scott from his earliest days in Hollywood

Now, a close friend of the actor in his later years has spoken out to say that Grant definitively told him hed had at least one homosexual love affair. And it was with fellow star Randolph Scott, the man whose unconventional life with Grant has always raised eyebrows.

In the 1930s, they became inseparable when they started living together in a beachside house in Malibu that was dubbed Bachelor Hall. The bizarre house-share, which they insisted was primarily intended to save money and entirely platonic, lasted on and off for a dozen years.

According to former Fan magazine editor Bill Royce, he broached the sensitive subject of Scott with Grant in 1976 when he was 72  no longer acting and so no longer nearly so worried about preserving his reputation.

The latest issue of Vanity Fair magazine reports that Grant set aside several hours to admit to Royce that hed been in love with Scott from his earliest days in Hollywood.

Royce claims the star of Alfred Hitchcocks To Catch A Thief and North By Northwest told him: Have you ever heard of gravity collapse? Some people call it love at first sight. This was the first time Id felt it for anyone.

He told Royce that neither he nor Scott were gay or straight but somewhere in between, that they had flings with women as well as men and that Scott never wanted Grant in the same way that Grant wanted Scott.

Grant went on to say that they did have sex, often awkwardly, and that they connected romantically, telling Royce: There was no way Randy would have experimented with meif he didnt truly love me on some profound level.

Royce has talked before of discussions about Scott, who died in 1987 after a 43-year-marriage to second wife Patricia Stillman, but his revelations about what Cary Grant told him were never so explicit.

A few years ago, he told Grants biographer Scott Eyman that the actor had admitted being basically gay as a young man, later bisexual, still later straight and that homosexuality was part of the journey, not necessarily the final destination.

Royce also revealed that Grant was influenced by the Kinsey Reports, controversial academic studies of human sexual behaviour, which concluded that many peoples sexuality lies on a spectrum rather than being rigidly defined.

Royce told Eyman: My sense of it was that he found homosexual life unrewarding. As he got older, he wanted children, and he didnt think he had any chance at a child as long as he was living that life.

As one of Hollywood's greatest leading men, Grant starred in classic movies such as Alfred Hitchcock's North By Northwest

Screen stars Cary Grant and Randolph Scott pictured in 1932 at the height of their friendship

Other men have claimed over the years that Grant was gay or bisexual but, at a time when sodomy was illegal in the US and homosexuality instantly career-ending in Hollywood, he could never reveal it.

However, Grants surviving family members continue to tell a different story. Actress Jennifer Grant, his only child, has said she never saw a hint of any homosexuality.

I think I would have picked up on it  not that I wouldve cared, she has said, although shes acknowledged that he may have had affairs earlier in life that she never knew about.

Dyan Cannon, Jennifers mother and Grants fourth wife, has also said she never saw any evidence that Grant was gay. They divorced after only three years of marriage in the 1960s, she said, because he was endlessly critical and subject to sudden fits of rage. Infidelity wasnt the problem, men werent the problem, we were the problem, she said last December.

Of course, their recollections about his later life dont necessarily contradict claims that he was very different when he was younger, or the theory that his sexual inclinations shifted over time to suit his changing needs.

Meanwhile, nobody disputes that, in contrast to his smooth and unflappable screen persona, Grant was a difficult man of enormous contradictions.

His outwardly cheerful personality concealed a bleakness that could sink into depression. Off-screen, Grant championed the hallucinogenic drug LSD, was deeply neurotic, shockingly stingy, and petulantly controlling towards his wives and colleagues.

Alfred Hitchcock, who cast Grant in some of his greatest films, said he was the only actor who could fake a charm he didnt possess. But Hitch also said Grant was the only actor he ever loved.

Scott Eyman, author of the 2020 biography Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise, claimed the horrendous experience of being told aged 11 that his mother was dead, only to discover 20 years later shed been put in a mental asylum in Bristol came to define the actors life.

It left him dogged by lifelong feelings of inadequacy, a fear of abandonment and a crippling inability to form close relationships. His childhood scars, said Eyman, also made Grant flinch from settling down and becoming the devoted family man  a life that, in his later years, he claimed he would have much preferred to stardom.

It also made him play it safe in his acting career, turning down serious films such as The Third Man, Lolita and The Man Who Would Be King.

Archibald Leach was born in 1904 in the working-class Bristol suburb of Horfield to a feckless, alcoholic father, who worked as a tailors presser, and a mentally unstable mother.

His first wife, the actress Virginia Cherrill, fell for the actor after waking one night to see Grant outside, repeatedly ramming his car into her boyfriends vehicle

Grant with fourth wife Dyan Cannon and their daughter Jennifer in 1966

His parents, Elias and Elsie, had little money and a fractious relationship which never really recovered from the death of Grants older brother  his only sibling  from meningitis as a baby.

Stricken by guilt, Elsie sought to impose a vice-like grip on Archie  once telling him after he got lost in Marks & Spencer that he had nobody else in the world but her. Grant later called her a well-meaning psychological assassin.

In 1915, she was committed to a local mental institution after she was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Rather than admitting the truth, his father initially told Grant she had gone to a seaside resort for a break. He later said she had left them for good and, finally, that she was dead.

That allowed Leach Senior to start a relationship with another woman and send Archie to live with his grandmother. She was another nightmarish heavy drinker  I could smell Hell on her breath, Grant recalled.

Pretty much abandoned by his father, he frequently played truant from school, hanging around the Bristol docks and fantasising about getting a berth on a ship that would take him far away.

He was expelled at 14 and signed up with a troupe of music hall acrobats, learning to stilt-walk. When the troupe went on a US tour, he accompanied them with 50 in his pocket.

Cary Grant, real name Archibald Leach (pictured age five) was born in 1904 in a working-class Bristol suburb to a feckless, alcoholic father and a mentally unstable mother

In New York, he supplemented his meagre income selling ties out of a suitcase on Broadway and wouldnt return to Britain until 1929, aged 25.

Grant, who never had formal acting training but was a skilled mimic of other performers, eventually broke into acting.

Desperate to rid himself of his working-class roots and an accent that Americans called Cockney, Grant told US interviewers that hed gone to the Bristol public school Clifton College.

He changed his name to the far posher-sounding Cary Grant in 1931 on the orders of Paramount Pictures, to which he was contracted after moving to Los Angeles. He appeared in his first feature film in 1932 aged 28, with a US newspaper presciently forecasting that the young lad from England had a big future in the movies.

Reportedly introduced by a gay friend, he soon moved in with the toned and handsome Randolph Scott, a cosy domestic union to which Grant would return between his failed marriages. (Some biographers have argued that Grant wouldnt have married five times if he was simply gay, as one wife would have been sufficient cover.)

According to his girlfriends, the person he loved most was himself. Grant once told Greta Garbo, Oh Im so happy you met me.

His first wife, the actress Virginia Cherrill, fell for the actor after waking one night to see Grant outside, repeatedly ramming his car into her boyfriends vehicle as the latter lay in bed beside her.

In 1934, Grant went to Bristol and, meeting his father in a pub, learned his mother wasnt dead after all. When he went to see her, he had changed so much in Tinseltown that she didnt recognise him.

As he tried to process the news, Grant started drinking heavily and ended up having to dry out in a sanitarium.

His biographer Eyman reckons the actors relationship with his mother was an open wound that never healed and he never got the rapprochement he desperately sought.

Grant married Cherrill the same year, but they lasted less than 12 months. She once woke to find her intensely jealous husband with his hands around her throat.

Every Sunday morning Grant phoned his mother, whom he had moved from the mental hospital to private accommodation, and visited her once a year. Those visits were stressful. He said she believed he was an imposter, adding: And I suppose, in a way, she was right.

In 1942, he married the Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton  they were mockingly nicknamed Cash and Cary  but they separated after three years. The neurotic Hutton wanted him at home and suspected him of having an affair with Ginger Rogers. Grant insisted the affair started after he and Hutton separated.

Grant married his fifth and final wife, Barbara Harris, 46 years younger than him, in 1981

There are many theories as to why Grant was such a great film star. Director George Cukor said he was almost too good-looking as an actor but crucially didnt depend on his looks.

According to Eyman, what fundamentally set him apart from other actors was his refusal to incorporate facets of his real personality into the roles he played  for him that would have been too painful.

Grant developed a reputation as one of the shrewdest businessmen in Hollywood but was miserly with money. When he and Douglas Fairbanks Jr once hosted a party, Grant, who knew what it was like to be poor, presented his co-host with a bill that hed itemised right down to 20 cents for two rolls of toilet paper.

He could be a terrible bastard, said his valet, Dudley Walker. You were lucky if he gave you a five dollar bottle of mens cologne once a year for Christmas.

Like the ladies in Grants life, Walker discovered his boss was a bad drinker who would get real nasty and cold, become sadistic.

Grant spent years in therapy but said he was only really helped when his third wife, actress persuaded him to try the mind-bending drug LSD. He went on to take it during more than a hundred therapy sessions. At the same time, he was making some of his most famous films.

He hailed it as life-altering, describing how he once imagined myself as a giant penis launching off from Earth like a spaceship.

The marriage to Betsy ended after three years, when Grant broke his cardinal rule about not having on-set romances and fell heavily for Sophia Loren while they were filming in Spain.

His fourth wife Dyan Cannon claimed Grant tried to force-feed her LSD and change her into the shiny new wife who could effortlessly meld as one with her husband.

Grant married his fifth and final wife, Barbara Harris, a British hotel PR 46 years younger than him, in 1981. Friends said he had never been happier, but five years later he suffered a massive stroke while preparing for a performance of his one-man touring show in Davenport, Iowa, and died. He was 82.

Cary Grant has done wonders for my life, he liked to say. Being Archie Leach, however, was a rather more mixed blessing.
Katie Price proved you can never underestimate the Pricey as she gave an awards show host a run for her money on Saturday.

The reality star, 45, was at the 2024 Gossies Awards in Dublin with her new boyfriend JJ Slater when the show host came over to ask how she was.

Katie wasted no time snatching the microphone out of the presenter's hand as she asked: 'Do you want me to take over the show tonight or are you presenting? There's only one Priceeeeeeey!'

The mother-of-five then aoplogised to the host, saying: 'Do you know what, sorry have I ruined your script? That's just me I'm sorry, apparently they want me to sing live tonight as well.'

Addressing the crowd, she continued: 'Would you like that everyone? You can so no if you want. Do you want me to sing live tonight?'

Katie Price seemed worse for wear as she made an X-rated joke and swore at a booing crowd after 'taking over' the 2024 Gossies Awards in Dublin on Saturday

Later on in the night, Katie made a very racy quip as she took to the stage to present the award for best celebrity make-up artist, saying the nominees made her 'wet'

As Katie was met with a mixture of cheers and jeers, she went on: 'I don't care if you boo. It's like panto. And also I've been given this script.'

She then switched over to her new man, declaring: 'So JJ here was on Married At First Sight. He was gonna do it with me but he's s***ing himself and doesn't wanna do it. So I gotta do it on my own haven't I.

'He's been f***ing married on telly, and it weren't for real but who knows for the real thing.

'Have I taken the show? I love you Ireland, thank you for having me, there's so many beautiful women here.'

Later on in the night, Katie made a very racy quip as she took to the stage to present the award for best celebrity make-up artist.

She told the audience: 'These nominees are the best in the f***ing business. F***ing hell.

'I am in a room with the best fucking nominees of Ireland of make-up artists. I - f***ing - I'm so wet I can't believe it.'

Hours earlier, Katie and JJ made their red carpet debut at the event and were quizzed about their new romance.

Katie wasted no time snatching the microphone out of the presenter's hand as she asked: 'Do you want me to take over the show tonight or are you presenting?'

Hours earlier, Katie and her new boyfriend JJ Slater made their red carpet debut at the event and were quizzed about their new romance

Katie revealed she'd been told JJ was like her nephew, prompting JJ to respond 'I've heard son before, never nephew...' (pictured: Katie's 18-year-old son Junior Andre)

They admitted they had been pleasantly surprised by the public's reaction to their relationship, yet Katie confessed: 'Mind you, everyone has said today that he looked like my nephew!'

JJ laughed off the comparison as he admitted: 'I've heard son before, never nephew... nephew is quite funny, though, isn't it?'

While they remained coy on how they met, Katie mused: 'It wasn't just quick, we got to know each other behind the cameras before anyone speculated anything.'

JJ found fame on Married At First Sight UK where he caused controversy when he left his 'wife' Bianca Petronzi in favour of bride Ella Morgan resulting in Bianca and Ella's partner, Nathanial Valentino leaving the social experiment.

The pair tried their best to make things work, but it wasn't meant to be, and at final vows both Ella and JJ revealed they thought they were better off as friends.

After pictures emerged of the Katie and JJ looking close, sources close to Ella, 29, said the reality star, who is transgender, is furious and feels 'betrayed' as she had become good friends with Katie.

Speaking about his experience on the show, JJ revealed he was 'obviously' happy things hadn't worked out with Ella because of the path he is on now.

He explained: 'I feel like everything happens for a reason so that stuff didn't work out but I met Katie so...'

The day after their red carpet debut, Katie and JJ nursed their hangovers with a roast dinner at Conor McGregor's pub, The Black Forge

At the venue, Katie treated herself to a pint of lager and proudly posed with one of Conor's many UFC belts

The day after their red carpet debut, Katie and JJ nursed their hangovers with a roast dinner at Conor McGregor's pub, The Black Forge.

At the venue, Katie treated herself to a pint of lager and proudly posed with one of Conor's many UFC belts.

The eatery proved to be a hit with the couple, with JJ taking to Instagram to share a video entering the pub that he captioned: 'what a gaff.'

Katie confirmed her romance with JJ last month in a gushing social media post.

Sharing a selfie with JJ as the two cosied up to one another, she wrote: 'They say things happen for a reason, the unexpected happened. Fate. Ticks every box.

'@johnjoeslater you have proved to me you are a real gentleman and completely except me for me.'

JJ sweetly responded in the comment section: 'Fate thank you so much for being you'.

Katie had spoken of marrying and starting a family with ex boyfriend Carl Woods many times in recent years, but she announced she had split from him as she took to social media while seeing the New Year in with her pal Kerry Katona.

Kate confirmed her romance with MAFS UK star in a loved-up snap last month, calling JJ a 'real gentleman' and saying he 'ticks every box'

As well as her recent split from Carl after the pair's on-off relationship, Katie also has three ex-husbands, Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler.

The mother-of-five shares her eldest son Harvey, 21, with Dwight Yorke, Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, with Peter, and Jett, nine, and Bunny, eight, with Kieran.

Katie has reportedly introduced her new boyfriend JJ to some of her children as the couple's romance heats up.

A source said: 'Katie's already introduced JJ to her youngest kids. It's so important to her that he gets along with them as they're a huge part of her life.

'They've been talking for a while but it seems like it's already getting serious.'
Randall Emmett's ex-wife Ambyr Childers congratulated Lala Kent as she announced her pregnancy this week.

Childers, 35, who was married to Lala's ex-fiance Randall, 52 from 2009-2017 and shares two daughters with him, took to Instagram to post a sweet comment to Lala, 33 as she unveiled her bump.

The You star wrote: 'Congratulations mama!' followed by a string of hearts.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 33, surprised fans with the happy news on Sunday, in an adorable Instagram post with her daughter Ocean, nearly three who she shares with Emmett.

It showed her baring her growing pregnancy belly in a pair of unzipped jeans, as Ocean stood next to her smiling.

'I'm expanding my pod,' Lala wrote in the caption, adding, 'Cheers to a new addition to my little family.'

In January she spoke about wanting to conceive her second child via IUI with the help of a sperm donor.

Randall Emmett's ex-wife Ambry Childers congratulated Lala Kent as she announced her pregnancy this week

Childers, 35, who was married to Lala's ex-fiance Randall, 52 from 2009-2017 and shares two daughters with him, took to Instagram to post a sweet comment to Lala, 33 as she unveiled her bump (pictured 2013)

The You star wrote: 'Congratulations mama!' followed by a string of hearts

Lala reposted the announcement to her Stories revealing she would be talking 'all things pregnancy' on her podcast. She also added another snap to the post of her and Ocean taking Mary Ruth Organics vitamins.

Lala also shared a clip to her Stories revealing she will be doing an Amazon Live on Tuesday to answer some baby questions from fans.

Back in August Childers has opened up about her 'destructive' marriage to ex-husband Emmett and the 'difficult' process of continuing to co-parent their two daughters with him after he faced shocking accusations of 'suspected child exploitation and pedophilia'.

The star spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about the toll that the allegations have taken on her daughters London, 12, and Rylee, nine, as the sordid claims continue to swirl around her film producer ex.

In the candid chat, the actress admitted she was having a 'really difficult time' but was determined 'to do what is best' for her children.

Ambyr and Emmett wed in 2009 and were married for eight years but the fallout from the divorce has proved to be acrimonious.

In October 2022, Ambyr first filed for a domestic violence restraining order against the film producer in Los Angeles County Superior Court, stating she had 'legitimate fear for [her] safety and well-being.'

Her first filing was initially dismissed but she was eventually granted one three days before Christmas.

The actress shares daughters London, 12, and Rylee, nine (seen in 2015) with Emmett

Ambyr is seen with Kent after the pair bonded at his daughter Ocean's second birthday party in Los Angeles last year

It ordered Emmett to stay 100 yards away from his ex-wife, according to The Los Angeles Times.

He was also forbidden from contacting her unless it is was a 'brief and peaceful interaction' about visitation for London and Rylee.

Ambyr claimed in her court filing that Emmett was 'physically and emotionally abusive' while they were married.

She added that when he asked her to sign a post-nuptial financial agreement in 2015, and she refused, he got so upset and put his left hand on her neck, 'squeezing with such force that [Ambyr] had difficulty breathing.'

The star also claimed that in 2016, when he brought up the proposed agreement once more, Emmett 'again attempted to strangle' her.

Emmett's litigation attorney, Suann C. MacIsaac, said in another statement, 'Mr. Emmett adamantly denies all of the allegations in Ms. Childer's recent declaration.'

Ambyr also spoke to DailyMail.com about her relationship with Emmett's ex-fiancee Lala Kent after the pair bonded at his daughter Ocean's second birthday party in Los Angeles earlier this year (pictured)

In the filing, Ambyr also claimed the FBI had contacted her to ask about Emmett's 'suspected activities with child exploitation and pedophilia.'

And last June, the Detective Knight producer was hit with a myriad of disturbing allegations, from abusing past assistants to offering roles in exchange for sex.

But Emmett, who's produced movies including The Irishman and End of Watch, himself has dismissed the allegations, and previously referred to them as 'cancel culture.'

He claimed he had obtained 'confirmation' that 'the FBI has never been investigating me and isn't investigating me because there's nothing to investigate.'

The restraining order was later dismissed following a report that the former couple were working on a settlement.

Ambyr also revealed that although her friendship with Lala Kent - with whom Emmett also has a child - 'has not always been easy,' the Vanderpump Rules star continues to 'inspire' her.

Ambyr also revealed that although her friendship with Kent has not always been easy,' the Vanderpump Rules star continues to 'inspire' her.

Following the exciting announcement her 2.3M friends and followers shared how thrilled they were with the news.

Her Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay, 38, posted the announcement to her Stories, writing, 'My heart is very happy today and everyday with y'all in our lives. Congrats @lalakent this baby is soooo lucky already!!!!'

She also commented on the original post writing: 'ITS ALL HAPPENING!!! Couldn't be any happier for you. I love you and your family sooooo much!!!'

Her other co-star Brittany Cartwright also re-shared the post to her Stories, writing, 'Love you so much!!! Congratulations.'

'I can not wait to meet this baby. I love you,' former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder wrote.

Remi Bader wrote, 'OMG LALA!!!!' Nick Viall wrote, 'Incredible! Congratulations Lala!!!'

Heather Dubrow and Lisa Barlow also congratulated the reality TV star.

'I'm expanding my pod,' Lala wrote in the caption, adding, 'Cheers to a new addition to my little family'; seen in 2023

She added another snap to the post of her and Ocean taking Mary Ruth Organics vitamins

Her Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay, 38, posted the announcement to her Stories, writing, 'Congrats @lalakent this baby is soooo lucky already!!!!'

Her other co-star Brittany Cartwright also re-shared the post to her Stories, writing, 'Love you so much!!! Congratulations'

Her 2.3M friends and followers were thrilled with the news, with former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder writing, 'I can not wait to meet this baby. I love you'

Lala also shared a clip to her Stories revealing she will be doing an Amazon Live on Tuesday to answer some baby questions from fans

The reality TV siren - whose birth name is Lauren Elyse Burningham - told Cosmopolitan that she wants another child, but instead of using a male partner, she shared that she wants to do it all on her own.

The red carpet wonder is still seemingly partner-free after dumping her fiance, controversial Hollywood producer Randall, in 2021 amid allegations he cheated.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility.

IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination.

The Bravo star is doing motherhood her own way because she does not want to wait for a partner after a nasty split with Randall.

She said 'finding a partner and falling in love with someone' does not have much to do with bringing a child into the world.

Kent added she is fine using a sperm donor. 'It's like you're shopping for your partner but only to have a child, so there's a lot that goes into it,' she said.

Lala welcomed Ocean nearly three years ago with ex-fiance Randall Emmett , 52. In January she spoke about wanting to conceive her second child via IUI with the help of a sperm donor; Seen in 2021

At the time she also shared she had already found her donor: 'We've got all our ducks in a row. The donor is secured, which I'm super excited about... the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy.'

She also shared the IUI process doesn't scare her.

'I would say the IUI process is very much having scientific sex,' said Lala. 'It's the most wild thing in the world.'

The TV star added, 'When my doctor was explaining it to me, I was like, Oh, this is just like I am in the bedroom with someone, but I don't have to wait for the big O. It's just one and done.

'Like, let's just get it done, get the most valuable thing that comes out of a man, which is his sperm, and I'll be on my way.'

On why she's doing IUI: 'I will not gamble on me having my child.

'And I just don't think that finding a partner and falling in love with someone has anything to do with bringing a child into the world.'

Kent said she started thinking differently after Randall broke her heart.

'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids,' said the star as she points to her 2021 split from Randall.

The reality TV siren told Cosmopolitan that she wanted another child in January, but instead of using a male partner, she shared that she wants to do it all on her own; seen January 2024

At the time she also shared she had already found her donor: 'We've got all our ducks in a row. The donor is secured, which I'm super excited about... the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy'; seen in 2023

Kent parted ways with her former fiance in October of 2021, seven months after they welcomed their child, as she said she saw evidence he was unfaithful to her in the relationship

In 2022 she also shared the Scheananigans podcast about using a sperm donor: 'I'm doing a sperm donor, period. I will not even attempt to try and do it a different way. I don't want another person involved.'

Kent acknowledged that while a 'partner could come into [her] life' at any point, she's 'not taking the chance' on co-parenting.

'There's such a high chance of it not working out, especially where we live,' said Kent, who is based out of Los Angeles. 'Like, I am so scarred from all of this s*** that has happened in my life.'

Lala and her former partner Randall began dating in 2015.

She then said: 'It was such a strange thing that was happening because everyone would tell me, "You're going to find somebody."

'And I got to thinking, "Why does my wanting more children need to involve another person?"' she explained.

On her advice to other women: 'If you want children and are only waiting for "that person" to come into your life, let's talk about a different route that we can take. It's 2024! There are many ways to have a baby, and you don't need a man to do it.'

Kent parted ways with her former fiance in October of 2021, seven months after they welcomed their child, as she said she saw evidence he was unfaithful to her in the relationship.

She said she started thinking about having a child on her own after Randall broke her heart. 'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids'; Seen in 2021

The red carpet wonder is still seemingly partner-free after dumping the controversial Hollywood producer in 2021 amid allegations he cheated; seen in 2021

Kent met the producer in 2015 and the pair went public with their romance in 2018, a year after he divorced his former wife, Ambyr Childers.

The former couple became engaged during a trip to Cabo San Lucas that took place that same year. The Bravo star went on to announce that she and her former fiance had planned to tie the knot in April of 2020, although they ultimately postponed their wedding.

Kent went on to announce that she was pregnant in September of 2020, and she gave birth to her daughter Ocean, one, the following March.

However, the pair went on to split in October of 2021 after Emmett was seen in the company of two women during an outing in Nashville.

The reality television personality subsequently told the Los Angeles Times that her former fiancee had 'tackled' her after she confronted him about claims of infidelity.

A spokesperson for the producer denied the Bravo star's claims, along with several other allegations that had been raised regarding their client's behavior.
Im Jong-seok stays, while Kim Young-joo leaves party in wake of nomination feud

By Lee Hyo-jin

Two veteran politicians from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), both of whom have been disqualified from candidacy for the general elections amid a nomination feud within the party, are going in noticeably different directions.

One has departed to align with a rival party, while the other has opted to remain  making contrasting decisions with just 40 days left until the April 10 general elections.

Rep. Kim Young-joo, a four-term lawmaker and deputy National Assembly speaker, joined the rival ruling People Power Party (PPP), Monday, after leaving the DPK a couple of weeks ago.

"A politician should work for the nation's development and improving the quality of life for the people. Political activities should not be used as tools to gain personal interests," Kim said during the PPP's welcoming ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul.

Her remarks were apparently targeted at DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung, whom she has been criticizing for wielding too much power in choosing the party's candidates purely for his own interests.

Wearing a red jacket, the symbolic color of the conservative party, Kim accepted flowers from Han Dong-hoon, interim leader of the PPP. Han touted Kim as a "reasonable politician with common sense," and said that her thoughts align closely with his party's.

Kim bolted from the DPK in late February after being ranked in the bottom 20 percent regarding the evaluation of the legislative performance of lawmakers, an appraisal that would have significantly lowered her chances of winning the party's primaries.

It is likely the PPP will nominate Kim as the party's candidate representing a constituency in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo District, her stronghold where she previously won four elections.

On the other hand, Im Jong-seok, another prominent DPK figure who has clashed with the party leadership over candidate nominations, chose to remain with the party despite disagreements over his nomination cut-off.

"I accept the party's decision," Im, a former presidential chief of staff to former President Moon Jae-in, wrote on Facebook, Monday morning.

The brief message was interpreted as an announcement that he would stay with the DPK. Just last week, Im requested the party's Supreme Council to reconsider its decision to eliminate him as the candidate nominee for Seoul's Jung-Seongdong district, where he served two previous terms.

However, the party did not retract its decision.

Lee expressed gratitude for Im's decision, reiterating his stance that it was a strategic decision for the party to nominate Jeon Hyeon-heui, former head of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, instead of Im.

Although Kim and Im are both seasoned politicians, their decisions carry differing weight, said Park Sang-byeong, a political analyst and professor at Inha University.

"Kim's influence within the DPK is perceived to be lower than Im's. The latter is a prominent figure with aspirations to assume the party leadership and potentially become a presidential candidate," Park said.

Had Im departed the DPK to join the Saemirae Party, a newly launched political entity by former DPK leader Lee Nak-yon, it would have triggered a wave of defections and potentially led to a split within the party, the analyst noted.

"The DPK has averted the worst-case scenario thanks to Im's decision to stay. As for Kim, her departure from the party is perceived to be solely for electoral purposes," Park said, expressing skepticism that her joining the PPP will resonate with voters.
Lala Kent recently shocked fans by announcing that she's pregnant with her second child.

However, the Vanderpump Rules star, 33, has now revealed that she's nervous to give birth to another girl.

On Sunday, Lala shared a video of her daughter Ocean, who is almost three, having a diva moment.

In the Instagram video, Ocean appears to have shut herself inside of Lala's walk-in closet after having a swim.

Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent is nervous about welcoming another daughter after confirming her pregnancy

On Sunday, Lala shared a video of her daughter Ocean, who is almost three, having a diva moment

Lala attempts to enter the room, only for Ocean to push the door shut and snap, 'Don't, get outta here!'

'I'm naked,' shrieks Ocean, who is soaking wet and wrapped in a beach towel.

'Are you putting mom's shoes on?' Lala asks, to which Ocean responds. 'Yeah, because I'm a princess - hella boots over there!'

Laughing to herself, Lala says, 'I have hella boots over there?'

Posting the bratty exchange to social media, the reality star captioned the video, 'If I have another daughter, god help me... and my gorgeous shoes.'

Lala surprised fans with the happy news of her second pregnancy on Sunday in an adorable Instagram post with daughter Ocean.

It showed her baring her growing pregnancy belly in a pair of unzipped jeans, as Ocean stood next to her smiling.

In the Instagram video, Ocean appears to have shut herself inside of Lala's walk-in closet after having a swim

Lala attempts to enter the room, only for Ocean to push the door shut and snap, 'Don't, get outta here!'

'Are you putting mom's shoes on?' Lala asks, to which Ocean responds. 'Yeah, because I'm a princess - hella boots over there!'

'I'm expanding my pod,' Lala wrote in the caption, adding, 'Cheers to a new addition to my little family.'

Lala welcomed Ocean nearly three years ago with ex-fiance Randall Emmett, 52. In January she spoke about wanting to conceive her second child via IUI with the help of a sperm donor.

Lala reposted the announcement to her Instagram Stories, revealing she would be talking 'all things pregnancy' on her podcast. She also added another snap to the post of her and Ocean taking Mary Ruth Organics vitamins.

She also revealed that she will be doing an Amazon Live on Tuesday to answer some baby questions from fans.

Following the exciting announcement, her 2.3million friends and followers shared how thrilled they were with the news.

Lala surprised fans with the happy news of her second pregnancy on Sunday in an adorable Instagram post with daughter Ocean

'I'm expanding my pod,' Lala wrote in the caption, adding, 'Cheers to a new addition to my little family'

Her Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay, 38, posted the announcement to her Stories, writing, 'My heart is very happy today and everyday with y'all in our lives. Congrats @lalakent this baby is soooo lucky already!!!!'

She also commented on the original post writing: 'ITS ALL HAPPENING!!! Couldn't be any happier for you. I love you and your family sooooo much!!!'

Her other co-star Brittany Cartwright also re-shared the post, writing, 'Love you so much!!! Congratulations.'

'I can not wait to meet this baby. I love you,' former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder wrote.

Remi Bader wrote, 'OMG LALA!!!!' Nick Viall wrote, 'Incredible! Congratulations Lala!!!'

Heather Dubrow and Lisa Barlow also congratulated the reality TV star.

She added another snap to the post of her and Ocean taking Mary Ruth Organics vitamins

Her Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay, 38, posted the announcement to her Stories, writing, 'Congrats @lalakent this baby is soooo lucky already!!!!'

Her 2.3million friends and followers were thrilled with the news, with former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder writing, 'I can not wait to meet this baby. I love you'

Lala also shared a clip to her Stories revealing she will be doing an Amazon Live on Tuesday to answer some baby questions from fans

The reality TV siren - whose birth name is Lauren Elyse Burningham - told Cosmopolitan that she wants another child, but instead of using a male partner, she shared that she wants to do it all on her own.

The red carpet wonder is still seemingly partner-free after dumping her fiance, controversial Hollywood producer Randall, in 2021 amid allegations he cheated.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility.

IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination.

The Bravo star is doing motherhood her own way because she does not want to wait for a partner after a nasty split with Randall.

She said 'finding a partner and falling in love with someone' does not have much to do with bringing a child into the world.

Kent added she is fine using a sperm donor. 'It's like you're shopping for your partner but only to have a child, so there's a lot that goes into it,' she said.

Lala welcomed Ocean nearly three years ago with ex-fiance Randall Emmett , 52. In January she spoke about wanting to conceive her second child via IUI with the help of a sperm donor; Seen in 2021

At the time she also shared she had already found her donor: 'We've got all our ducks in a row. The donor is secured, which I'm super excited about... the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy.'

She also shared the IUI process doesn't scare her.

'I would say the IUI process is very much having scientific sex,' said Lala. 'It's the most wild thing in the world.'

The TV star added, 'When my doctor was explaining it to me, I was like, "Oh, this is just like I am in the bedroom with someone, but I don't have to wait for the big O. It's just one and done."

'Like, let's just get it done, get the most valuable thing that comes out of a man, which is his sperm, and I'll be on my way.'

On why she's doing IUI: 'I will not gamble on me having my child.'

She continued, 'And I just don't think that finding a partner and falling in love with someone has anything to do with bringing a child into the world.'

Lala said she started thinking differently after Randall broke her heart.

'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids,' said the star as she points to her 2021 split from Randall.

The reality TV siren told Cosmopolitan that she wanted another child in January, but instead of using a male partner, she shared that she wants to do it all on her own; seen January 2024

At the time she also shared she had already found her donor: 'We've got all our ducks in a row. The donor is secured, which I'm super excited about... the moment I found this donor, it just spoke to me. He felt like my baby daddy'; seen in 2023

Kent parted ways with her former fiance in October of 2021, seven months after they welcomed their child, as she said she saw evidence he was unfaithful to her in the relationship

In 2022 she also shared the Scheananigans podcast about using a sperm donor: 'I'm doing a sperm donor, period. I will not even attempt to try and do it a different way. I don't want another person involved.'

Kent acknowledged that while a 'partner could come into [her] life' at any point, she's 'not taking the chance' on co-parenting.

'There's such a high chance of it not working out, especially where we live,' said Kent, who is based out of Los Angeles. 'Like, I am so scarred from all of this s*** that has happened in my life.'

Lala and her former partner Randall began dating in 2015.

She then said: 'It was such a strange thing that was happening because everyone would tell me, "You're going to find somebody."

'And I got to thinking, "Why does my wanting more children need to involve another person?"' she explained.

On her advice to other women: 'If you want children and are only waiting for "that person" to come into your life, let's talk about a different route that we can take. It's 2024! There are many ways to have a baby, and you don't need a man to do it.'

Kent parted ways with her former fiance in October of 2021, seven months after they welcomed their child, as she said she saw evidence he was unfaithful to her in the relationship.

She said she started thinking about having a child on her own after Randall broke her heart. 'When I had my life go in a very different direction, I knew I wanted more kids'; Seen in 2021

The red carpet wonder is still seemingly partner-free after dumping the controversial Hollywood producer in 2021 amid allegations he cheated; seen in 2021

Kent met the producer in 2015 and the pair went public with their romance in 2018, a year after he divorced his former wife, Ambyr Childers.

The former couple became engaged during a trip to Cabo San Lucas that took place that same year. The Bravo star went on to announce that she and her former fiance had planned to tie the knot in April of 2020, although they ultimately postponed their wedding.

Kent went on to announce that she was pregnant in September of 2020, and she gave birth to her daughter Ocean, one, the following March.

However, the pair went on to split in October of 2021 after Emmett was seen in the company of two women during an outing in Nashville.

The reality television personality subsequently told the Los Angeles Times that her former fiancee had 'tackled' her after she confronted him about claims of infidelity.

A spokesperson for the producer denied the Bravo star's claims, along with several other allegations that had been raised regarding their client's behavior.
Sophie Turner put on a casual display as she departed her hotel during Paris Fashion Week on Monday.

The actress, 28, dressed down in an oversized khaki bomber jacket that she teamed with a pair of dark jeans and a high neck top.

She shielded her eyes with black Ray-Ban sunglasses and carried a white quilted handbag to top off her outfit.

Sophie, who was seen enjoying a date with her boyfriend Peregrine Pearson in the French Capital over the weekend, headed for a solo outing.

Flashing a smile, she was in high spirits ahead of the day's runway shows and festivities.

Sophie Turner, 28, put on a casual display as she departed her hotel during Paris Fashion Week on Monday

Sophie, who is divorcing her estranged husband Joe Jonas, confirmed her relationship with Peregrine in January as she shared a series of snaps from their ski trip together.

Peregrine is the eldest son and heir of Michael Pearson, the 4th Viscount Cowdray  a former film producer who owns a significant chunk of the Pearson media empire.

While Sophie is said to be worth a whopping 10million, this pales in comparison to Peregrine's family fortune which is said to be more than 224million.

He has a 5million pad in Chelsea while his father owns a sprawling mansion in West Sussex with 22 bedrooms and 16,500 acres of grounds.

His ancestral estate is home to Cowdray Park Polo Club  which boasts ten pitches and hosts more than 450 matches each year.

The prestigious club hosts the annual Gold Cup, where both Prince William and Prince Harry have played.

Sophie's ex Joe has also moved on, and was seen on a romantic ski trip in Aspen, Colorado, earlier in January with the pageant queen-turned-model Stormi Bree.

Rumours had already been swirling that Joe had taken up with Stormi, a one-time Miss Teen USA, in the midst of his ongoing divorce from Sophie.

The actress dressed down in an oversized khaki bomber jacket that she teamed with a pair of dark jeans and a high neck top

She shielded her eyes with black Ray-Ban sunglasses and carried a white quilted handbag to top off her outfit

It comes after Sophie (pictured second from right) and British aristocrat Peregrine (far right) went Instagram official with their relationship in January

Flashing a smile, she was in high spirits ahead of the day's runway shows and festivities

Joe filed for divorce from Sophie in September 2023 and their battle over custody of daughters Willa, three, and Delphine, 17 months, made headlines worldwide.

Earlier in January, Sophie asked the judge presiding over their case to dismiss her child abduction claim against him after they finally hashed out a custody plan.

The exes were previously engaged in significant conflict over where their children would live and Sophie claimed Joe prevented them from traveling to the UK with her by withholding the kids' passports.

Sophie and Joe began dating in 2016. They got engaged in 2017 and a Las Vegas wedding in May 2019 before marrying properly a month later.
Heidi Klum showcased her age-defying figure in a white bikini as she posed on the cover of Glamour Germany magazine.

The supermodel, 50, candidly spoke about ageism and how she tries to live in the present for the publications March edition.

She looked angelic in the glamorous photoshoot as she posed with huge fur wings caped around her shoulders.

Speaking to Glamour, the German model spoke about the changes in her eyesight but admitted she just 'accepts it' instead of worrying about it.

She said: 'The good thing is that my vision is getting worse and worse and I can no longer see everything so clearly (laughs).

Heidi Klum, 50, showcased her age-defying figure in a white bikini as she posed on the cover of Glamour Germany magazine

The supermodel candidly spoke about ageism and how she tries to live in the present for the publications March edition

'I just accept it - there's nothing you can do about it anyway. Should we rack our brains? It is what it is.'

Heidi added that she lives with 'no regrets' as she reflected on her 30-year long modelling career.

She said: 'No, I don't regret anything. I've been very lucky. Often you just have to meet the right people at the right time.'

Heidi slipped into a strappy satin slip dress for one part of the photoshoot and wore a minimal palette of make-up to showcase her natural beauty.

The blonde beauty shared a behind-the-scenes montage of the sexy shoot to Instagram.

Heidi - who is married to Tom Kaulitz - shares daughter Lou, 14, as well as sons Henry, 18, and Johan, 17, with her ex-husband Seal, 60, from whom she split from in 2012 after seven years of marriage.

She is also mother to Leni Olum Klum, 19, whose father is Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, 73.

She spoke previously to Today about raising a blended family, admitting that she had not planned for raising her kids with a stepfather.

She looked angelic in the glamorous photoshoot as she posed with huge fur wings caped around her shoulders

Heidi showcased her taut abs in a skimpy white two-piece and flashed a beaming smile for the shoot

Speaking to Glamour, the German model spoke about the changes in her eyesight but admitted she just 'accepts it' instead of worrying about it

She said: 'The good thing is that my vision is getting worse and worse and I can no longer see everything so clearly (laughs)'

Heidi added that she lives with 'no regrets' as she reflected on her 30-year long modelling career

Heidi slipped into a racy cut-out mini dress in one part of the photoshoot and wore a minimal palette of make-up to showcase her natural beauty

The blonde beauty shared a behind-the-scenes montage of the sexy shoot to Instagram

She said: 'Obviously when you get married and you have children, you hope for that to last forever. When I said "yes" I meant yes forever. Unfortunately, that was not the case.'

However, Heidi went on to state that, despite going through divorce, she was dedicated to ensuring the well-being of her kids.

'You try to do your best to keep your children as happy as possible and keep them as grounded and loved most as possible,' she stated.

She continued that she tried to maintain healthy relationships with every member of her blended family, saying: 'As long as everyone is happy, then I'm happy and we're all in good place.'

After her divorce from Seal, Heidi found love with fellow German, Tom, 34, and the pair tied the knot in 2019.
Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner has died aged 57 following a battle with brain cancer.

The musician, who was a founding member of the Atlanta-formed group, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, in late 2022 - with his death announced on Sunday by his bandmates Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Paul Jackson and Brandon Still and touring members Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb.

The Instagram post read: 'It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother @britturner13 has moved on from this life.

'If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet.

'Brit was Blackberry Smokes True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band.

Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner has died aged 57 following a battle with brain cancer (pictured 2019)

The musician, who was a founding member of the Atlanta-formed group, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, in late 2022 - with his death announced on Sunday by his bandmates Charlie Starr, brother Richard Turner, Paul Jackson and Brandon Still (pictured 2015)

'Brit has battled glioblastoma since his diagnosis in the fall of 2022 and fought every day. We ask for prayers for his family and band brothers.

'More information on arrangements will be forthcoming. Thank you to everyone who has supported and been there for Brit and his family through this fight.'

Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash, 58, paid a heartfelt tribute to the star, writing: 'We lost a f*****g great guy & musician today, #BritTurner.

'He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to Brit's family, friends & band mates. RIP'.

Blackberry Smoke released latest album Be Right Here last month. The band is currently performing on a world tour in support of the record.

Turner is survived by actress daughter Lana, 17, and wife Shannon.

Lana herself was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue, in late 2009 aged only three.

Tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body but in 2011, after years of treatment, her cancer went into remission.

The Instagram post read: 'It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother @britturner13 has moved on from this life'

Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash, 58, paid a heartfelt tribute to the star, writing: 'We lost a f*****g great guy & musician today, #BritTurner'

Brit's daughter Lana, now 17, was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue, in late 2009 aged only three. Tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body but in 2011, after years of treatment, her cancer went into remission (pictured 2022)

On February 24, days before his death, Brit's wife Shannon penned a tribute to him marking their 20th anniversary, writing: '20 years married to the love of my lifethis is what I get and I will happily take it'

Turner is pictured backstage at Atlanta's The Tabernacle in 2017

Brit and Blackberry Smoke generated donations from their fans to raise awareness and funds for childrens cancer research.

He told Cure Childhood Cancer: 'My daughter was very sick. While staying at the hospital, my wife and I watched families come and go. We watched many children die, and those unforgettable moments shattered us both deeply.

'No matter what horrible situation is thrown at you, someone always has it worse. As a band, we have always performed at charity shows and try to lend a hand anytime we were able to. But it wasnt until Lana was diagnosed that I felt it from the other side.

'This was the first time I felt like I was completely helpless and that I couldnt provide  I didnt know what to do.'

Musician Randy Houser wrote: 'Love to his band brothers and to his family' while Butch Walker penned: 'My longtime brother has moved on. I am heartbroken and have been crying all night but i know hes finally at peace. Long live Brit Turner.'

On February 24, days before his death, Brit's wife Shannon penned a tribute to him marking their 20th anniversary, writing: '20 years married to the love of my lifethis is what I get and I will happily take it. @britturner13 Happy Anniversary. Loving you is the easiest and most natural thing I do. When others say marriage is hard work we always say no, not for us. I will love you forever.'

Brit suffered a heart attack at his home on August 16 2022 and received a stent in his coronary artery.

However on November 3 the band announced that tests had revealed a tumor in Brit's brain, writing: 'Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. Earlier this week, Brit Turner suffered an episode and needed to be taken to the ER.

'He was feeling alright but due to the issues from his recent heart attack, his medical team elected to keep him in the hospital and run a series of tests to determine what could have caused the situation.

'Upon receiving an MRI they found a tumor on his brain in the frontal lobe  Brit is now undergoing surgery and more testing to find out what his next steps to a healthy recovery will be.'

After having parts of his skull removed to remove the tumor, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Just days later he was discharged and by November 20 was back onstage.

On November 30 Blackberry Smoke said: 'Continued testing has revealed his Glioblastoma diagnosis needs aggressive treatment. Fortunately, we are in touch with some of the best specialists to provide him the utmost care. Currently, we are working our way forward using all the resources that are available.

'Brit will continue to be a part of everything that Blackberry Smoke does. Due to the nature of these treatments, and his own recovery schedule, we anticipate that there will likely be some periods that may keep Brit away from travel and performing live. We ask that you continue your support and trust that he will make every effort to be at all the shows. We will have someone to fill in in case he isn't.'

Per Saving Country Music, on December 16th at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Blackberry Smoke 'had to stop the show in the middle of the set after Brit Turner experienced an episode and was helped off stage.' He received medical care after his seizure.

Blackberry Smoke have performed alongside numerous artists such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Guns N' Roses, Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top, Eric Church and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Glioblastoma is considered the most aggressive tumor that can form in the brain.

Senator John McCain was diagnosed with one in July 2017 and passed away the following year aged 81.

The Wanted star Tom Parker died from stage four glioblastoma aged just 33 in March 2022.

Patients have a 10 percent chance of surviving five years after their diagnosis, according to figures. The average lifespan is between 14 and 16 months.

Three adults per every 100,000 will be struck down with a glioblastoma, says The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

It is most commonly found in men aged 50 to 60, and there is no link between developing glioblastoma and having a previous history with other cancers.

Turner continued performing throughout his cancer battle - seen drumming in March 2023 in Spain
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Hailey Bieber looked confident as she was seen in new photos posted to Victoria's Secret's Instagram page on Monday morning.

The blonde model from Arizona made the most of a strappy and sparkly cobalt blue bikini that highlighted her fantastic figure and prominently displayed her 'baby' tattoo.

The 27-year-old cover girl put her arms up to show off her abs in the daring little swimsuit from the lingerie brand. The top had a bra design and the bottoms had a gold U-shaped ring accent on one side, dressing up the look.

The caption for the post read: 'Exams can waityou deserve a (spring) break. Look cool in cobalt no matter what your destination is. P.S. During the Spring Shopping Event.'

Hailey appears to have gotten her 'baby' tattoo in early 2020, though it seems to have gone mostly unnoticed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The ink appears to reference her husband Justin Bieber's early hit song Baby from 2010.

This posting comes amid a brewing family drama that includes Hailey, her pop star husband Justin and her dad, actor Stephen Baldwin  last seen Friday in Los Angeles  who is the brother of Alec Baldwin.

Hailey Bieber looked confident as she was seen in new photos posted to Victoria's Secret 's Instagram page on Monday morning

The blonde model from Arizona made the most of a strappy and sparkly cobalt blue bikini that highlighted her fantastic figure

Hailey is said to be not happy that her father shared that she and her Sorry hitmaking spouse needed 'prayers' for their marriage.

TMZ has reported that Hailey and her husband Justin, 30, are dealing with a private matter that her father knows about.

His prayers post was allegedly about their current issue which is still not known.

While Stephen was likely well-intentioned when he asked for prayers, Hailey is reportedly unhappy her father had drawn eyes towards her and Justin.

Hailey and Justin have yet to address Stephen's post, and the influencer remained silent over the matter as she posted snaps promoting her Rhode Skin range on Thursday.

The couple also appeared somber as they arrived to church together on Wednesday.

Last weekend she wished Justin a happy 30th birthday and in images she shared, the two look happier than ever as they kiss and hug.

The 27-year-old cover girl put her arms up to show off her abs in the daring little swimsuit from the lingerie brand. The top had a bra design and the bottoms had a gold U ring accent on one side, dressing up the look

The caption for the post read: 'Exams can waityou deserve a (spring) break. Look cool in cobalt no matter what your destination is. P.S. During the Spring Shopping Event'

This posting comes amid a brewing family drama that includes Hailey, her husband Justin and her dad Stephen Baldwin, the brother of Alec Baldwin

Last week this stunning image was shared which showed off her 'baby' tattoo very well. She appears to have gotten it inked in early 2020, and it seems to reference her husband Justin's early hit Baby from 2010

Bieber is said to be upset with her father Stephen Baldwin after he asked fans to 'say a little prayer' for her and Justin Bieber; Hailey and Stephen pictured 2014

TMZ has reported that Hailey and her husband Justin are dealing with a private matter - an issue her father knows about; the couple pictured in 2021

On Monday, Stephen raised eyebrows when he reposted a video of Justin singing, which was shared by All Things Possible Ministries founder Victor Marx.

The post was captioned: 'Christians please when you think of Justin & Hailey, take a moment to offer a little prayer for them to have wisdom, protection, and draw close to the Lord.'

The 58-year-old evangelist also wrote that his wife Eileen Marx and Hailey's mother Kennya Deodato Baldwin 'pray often together' for the married couple, who wed in 2018.

'There are special challenges that folks in high visibility positions face and also the enemy doesn't want them to draw closer to Jesus,' Victor wrote.

'So often regardless of the material things or the accolades they often face spiritual warfare that [is] intense and seeks to ship-wreck their faith, marriage, and life in general. So thank you.' Marx has since deleted the post.
Paul Mescal has been seen for the first time since reports surfaced that he's dating actress Sophie Wilde.

Cementing his heartthrob status, the Normal People star, 28, showed off his toned legs in a pair of tiny shorts while stepping out in New York City.

Paul cut a casual figure in black shorts and a grey hoodie as he puffed on a cigarette during the outing.

Over the weekend, it was reported that Paul dating BAFTA Rising Star nominee Sophie Wilde after they were spotted sharing a smooch at a Chiltern Firehouse after-party.

The Normal People heartthrob, 28, first befriended Australian actress Sophie, 20, last year after they met at many red-carpet events, according to the Mirror.

Paul Mescal has been seen for the first time since reports surfaced that he's dating actress Sophie Wilde

Cementing his heartthrob status, the Normal People star showed off his toned legs in a pair of tiny shorts while stepping out in New York City

Now, their friendship has allegedly blossomed into something more as the pair are said to be smitten with one another.

A source told the publication: 'Paul and Sophie have been having lots of fun together, and now their f

'They got really close after last month's B Awards and were seen smooching into the early hours at an after-party at Chiltern Firehouse.

'It's early days, but they're excited about where things could go. They have a solid foundation and loads of respect for each other.'

In October, Paul reportedly signed up to a dating app as the actor gets back into the dating game.

Paul split from his girlfriend musician Phoebe Bridgers 15 months ago.

The actor decided to try his luck online dating, as sources told The Mirror reportedly saw Paul scrolling on an app.

An insider said: 'Paul, like many other actors, has a mad schedule which can make getting to know people hard.

Over the weekend, it was reported that Paul dating BAFTA Rising Star nominee Sophie Wilde after they were spotted sharing a smooch at a Chiltern Firehouse after-party

Paul was previously spotted on the celebrity dating app Raya before he started dating Phoebe Bridgers in 2020

'The great thing about apps is that you can chat to people wherever you are.'

While the publication didn't reveal which dating app Paul is hoping to strike lucky on he has be known to use dating apps in the past.

Paul was previously spotted on dating app Raya before he started dating Phoebe in 2020.

The pair split in December after Phoebe called it quits after growing close to American comic Bo Burnham.

Previously Paul opened up about how he struggles with the speculative prodding of his personal life, especially regarding his romantic attachments.

'Sometimes I can drown it out and then other times it makes me really mad and upset,' he told Vanity Fair back in February.

'People are going to write and say things because there's a certain interest with any person who's in the public eye in how that person lives their life, and who they're living up with, and what they're doing and how they're going about doing it.

'And look, a lot of the time people are really kind about their support for me. That's my predominant experience.'

Paul was a self-confessed Bridgers fan prior to their first meeting and began dating the talented musician after he was catapulted to fame after starring in Normal People.

He said: 'I definitely feel the temptation to say the status of my whateverthat will always be there. But I don't think that's a wise thing to do.

'When Normal People came out, I was very forthright in interviews, and it didn't actually serve me. But the temptation still exists to be like, 'Shut the f**k up. This is my life. This is what's going on. Or this is what's going on.'

'But moving forward as much as I can, that's going to be my life that is private. That's a difficult thing to achieve. But giving strangers an answer about my life doesn't actually help me.

'It's like a quick boost of serotonin, being like, 'I've said what I need to say.' And then it's just Twitter fodder.'
Jasmine Waltz looked completely unrecognisable in a sexy Instagram snap she shared on Monday.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 41, stripped down to nothing as she posed for a racy picture for social media.

The actress displayed her ample cleavage in a nude lace bra and showcased her incredibly taut abs.

Jasmine first appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, before she returned for more drama in 2017 for its All Stars vs New Stars series.

In 2017, Jasmine reflected on her Big Brother stint and admitted the drama from the programme made her 'physically sick'.

Jasmine Waltz, 41, looked completely unrecognisable in a sexy Instagram snap she shared on Monday

Jasmine first appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, before she returned for more drama in 2017 for its All Stars vs New Stars series (pictured in 2017)

As she left the house in 2017, the American stunner reflected on her journey in the house to host Emma Willis at the time.

She said: 'It was such a brutal weekend. The prior five days to that were so brutal to me. I was so sick and so miserable and sad and boom straight into hell.

'My first initial reaction was so disappointed. I thought these were my friend I thought they had my back. I haven't cried since I got out.'

She also admitted that she got to the point that she couldn't handle being in the house anymore.

'Im not used to this kind of lifestyle,' she explained. 'Im used to healthy living, mental clarity. This is a lot of heavy drama, the dust and the dirt, the drama... Im not used to it, and I got ill.

'I think on like the sixth day, the day we put on the gowns, I had gotten really, really sick. I flipped out and said Im not doing this.'

Jasmine, who hails from Las Vegas, was romantically linked to fellow CBB contestant Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue.

However, after a brief romance following their departure from the Big Brother house, the two decided to go their separate ways.

The actress displayed her ample cleavage in a nude lace bra and showcased her incredibly taut abs

In 2017, Jasmine reflected on her Big Brother stint and admitted the drama from the programme made her 'physically sick'

Jasmine, who hails from Las Vegas, was romantically linked to fellow CBB contestant Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue

After Big Brother Jasmine was in a relationship with rugby ace Danny Cipriani for a short while

Jasmine has reportedly dated in the past actor David Arquette and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

She also found herself in between a love triangle with Calum Best and Jamie O'Hara during her time on the show.

After Big Brother Jasmine was in a relationship with rugby ace Danny Cipriani for a short while.

The couple dated in 2010, following rugby ace Danny's initial split with Kelly Brook but had an acrimonious break-up.

However, she and Danny - who split from Kelly in 2013 after reportedly cheating on her multiple times - reconciled in 2014.

When Jasmine was entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, Kelly had reportedly feared that she would reveal details about her love life with Danny.
Rita Moreno branded former President Donald Trump 'stupid' and 'appalling' during a very animated appearance on The View on Monday - as she confirmed she will not be voting for him in the upcoming election.

Rita, 92, had Whoopi Goldberg and the rest of the panel laughing out loud when she joined them at the table and shared a joke about Trump, 77, and praised President Joe Biden for everything he has 'accomplished'.

When Ana Navarro asked Rita what she makes of people criticizing 81-year-old Biden for being an old President, she replied: 'Actually, I'm not surprised given the tenor of what's going on in this country right now.

'But let me say this - and it's very succinct and to the point - I am not about to vote for someone who has 91 indictments against him, for criminal activities. I mean, enough said already. It's so stupid, look at all the stuff that Biden has accomplished.'

Rita Moreno did not hold back when talking about politics during a very animated appearance on The View on Monday

The 92-year-old actress branded former President Donald Trump as 'stupid' and 'appalling'

Rita told Ana Navarro that she will not be voting for 'someone who has 91 indictments against him'

Referring to Trump, the West Side Story actress seethed: 'It's appalling, it's appalling!' before making a hilarious dig at the divisive businessman.

'Listen, I have a wonderful little joke I would like to share with everybody,' Rita began. 'I saw a sign at a deli on the wall and it said, "Trump sandwich", and it goes on to describe it [as] "two slices of white bread, baloney, and a very small pickle".'

The live studio erupted into laughter and applause as Sara Haines said: 'This is so good,' Alyssa Farah Griffin branded Rita 'an absolute legend', and Sunny Hostin commented 'chef's kiss' whilst giggling.

'It's such an erudite description,' Rita said with a huge grin on her face, as Ana, 52, joked: 'And it probably sells for $399!' which led to her co-hosts bursting out laughing again.

In recent years, Rita has earned a reputation for being incredibly outspoken about her political views - and in 2022, she hit out at critics who insist Hollywood stars should not weigh into politics.

'Some in our tribe have been known to use the spotlight to advocate for issues addressed in their nominated works  climate change, universal health care, voting rights, LGBTQ advocacy and others  and I know for some in the audience, in some audiences, have been known to create, how should I say, a mild discomfort. For others, heart palpitations,' she said in a March 2022 speech.

'After all, who are these actors, these Hollywood types think they are? Citizens in a democracy? Well, F**k em!'

'Freedom of Speech belongs to all of us, actors.'

Elsewhere in her interview on The View, Ana asked Rita what lessons she is taking into her 92nd year, to which she replied: 'You know, there's too many of them! I'll tell you what, what I bring with me is a lot of joy and I love to laugh, and I love to make people laugh.

'It's not like I've learned... I've learned enough already, and I don't want to discuss what I've learned because it's boring. What I know how to do is this, to spread joy,' she added.

The West Side Story actress told The View panel that she loves to make people laugh

Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin (right) were in hysterics when Rita made a dig at Trump and his 'very small pickle'

Whoopi Goldberg (left) gushed over Rita and admitted 'I learned from the best'

However, for her latest movie The Prank, Rita was forced to channer her inner 'mean lady' and took inspiration from some 'really awful' people from her past in order to take on the role.

'Isn't she the meanest bitch ever?' she said of her character Mrs Wheeler, who is a mean-spirited professor falsely accused of murder: 'I just thought, "how am I going to play this terrible, terrible, mean person?"

'I thought of all the women in my life, particularly in showbusiness, who had really been awful to me, all of these b****es! I thought, I'm going to use all of the things that they did with me in my little Puerto Rican past, and that's what I do and boy, was that fun!'

Whoopi, 68, clearly understood what Rita was referring to and nodded her head before saying: 'Oh yeah, the list is way long.'

She then praised the Golden Age of Hollywood star and said: 'But the greatest thing, probably one of the greatest things about Rita Moreno, is that whatever they did to her, she did not do to others.

'She was like this to others. I was an other and this is what she did to me. So I learned from the best,' the Sister Act star gushed.
Millie Bobby Brown looked relaxed as she stepped out in New York City on Monday.

The 20-year-old adopted a casual style as she enjoyed an outing with fiance Jake Bongiovi, 21.

The Stranger Things star, who is a doting dog mom, wore sweatshirt from Oh My Millie which read 'Winnie N Eeyore Fan Club' that included a personal touch.

Caricatures of one of her dog (Winnie) and pet rabbit (Eeyore) were included in the graphic.

The Enola Holmes star wore white pants and black and white temperatures in the bright afternoon sun.

Millie Bobby Brown, 20, looked relaxed as she stepped out in New York Monday with fiance Jake Bongiovi. The Stranger Things star wore 'Winnie N Eeyore Fan Club' sweatshirt with caricatures of one of her dog (Winnie) and pet rabbit (Eeyore) were included in the graphic

Her long, light brown hair was styled in a sort of top-knot, and the Godzilla v Kong star seemed to be makeup free behind her dark sunglasses.

Jake looked cozy in a gray and blue patterned jacket over a white T-shirt as he draped his arm around Millie' shoulder.

The actor donned straight leg jeans and white sneakers.

He wore a billed hat over his longish brown hair and finished off the look with a pair of dark sunglasses.

Millie's next project, Damsel, was set to debut on Netflix March 8.

She stars as a young woman wooed into wedlock with a prince, only to be betrayed by him and his family after the ceremony, when she is cast into a pit as part of an ancient tradition, where she is be to become a tasty snack for a dragon.

The action star demonstrated her comic chops in a promotional video on Instagram Monday, sharing her own ideas for a Damsel survival kit.

'You're going to start with the crown. Not because it's a cute accessory, but because you can use it to climb stuff,' she explained while a clip of her using it in action was shown on the screen.

Jake looked cozy in a gray and blue patterned jacket over a white T-shirt as he draped his arm around Millie' shoulder. The actor donned straight leg jeans and white sneakers

Millie's next project, Damsel, will debut on Netflix March 8

'Pay extra close attention to your bodice, because it's a great place to store a weapon,' she explained while not successfully demonstrating the move.

'This is not a great place to store a weapon,' she said, admitting defeat.

The actress pivoted quickly, holding up her next option, saying 'a good knife is a damsel's best friend, whether you're making blood pacts with your lover or clinging desperately to the side of a cliff,' with a shot of the action taking up half the screen.

'You're favorite princess dress, it's great for making hand and foot wraps,' she claimed as she tried to tear a lacy veil with her bare hands.

The actress demonstrated her comedic chops Monday in a damsel survival video tutorial ahead of the movie's release. 'You're going to start with the crown. Not because it's a cute accessory, but because you can use it to climb stuff,' she explained

'A good knife is a damsel's best friend, whether you're making blood pacts with your lover or clinging desperately to the side of a cliff,' she explained

'You're going to want some special, really sharp accessories... the sword is an old favorite,' she advised, 'but if you want to be a little less traditional, pack an ax' as she reminded other would-be damsels they 'don't need a prince to rescue you'

She then demonstrated how to tie the rags around her hands, and then revealed, 'they do become very uncomfortable and you start to sweat in them.'

'Finally,' she told other would-be damsels, 'you're going to want some special, really sharp accessories, just in case you want to seek revenge on your husband and his family who betrayed you and left you for dead.'

'The sword is an old favorite,' she advised, 'but if you want to be a little less traditional, pack an ax.'

Holding a weapon in each hand, the Emmy nominee concluded her tutorial saying, 'You don't need a prince to rescue you. Go watch Damsel.'

This comes after she talked about Jake's family at the premiere of Damsel.

She told Extra she gets along with them.

'Family is everything. I know family means a lot to Jake, family means a lot to me, and being able to incorporate both of our families. I love his parents, I love his family. I am very lucky that they took time out to come and watch my move,' said the actress.

She was asked if it was a 'date night' which caused Millie laughed, 'Well, not with the family, no. But it's always date night. I feel this is very romantic in its own way. I'm very grateful.'

She was also asked if Jon might oversee the music for the wedding to which she said: 'He is a wizard at music. I feel that my music sense, actually, we share a music sense. We like Ed Sheeran, we love Adele. So I think maybe we'll just have the same playlist.'

Brown was thrilled that Jake and his family joined her at the star-studded premiere of her Netflix film Damsel

She told Extra she loved having the support of her family and Jake's. 'Family is everything. I know family means a lot to Jake, family means a lot to me, and being able to incorporate both of our families. I love his parents, I love his family. I am very lucky that they took time out to come and watch my move,' said the actress

Brown also revealed her secret to staying grounded is living on a farm in Georgia. 'Well, I live on a farm, so that's how I take it all in,' she reflected. 'I just go back to my farm and I start feeding my donkey grain and I'm like, 'Oh yeah, this is real life.' I think it grounds me. I love my life back home in Georgia... I think that's what makes me embrace it, is when I go back home and I know what truly loves me.'

Damsel is on Netflix March 8.

During the red carpet portion of the event, Millie could also be seen sharing an embrace and an uproarious laugh with her director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.
Hailey Bieber's sister Alaia Baldwin Aronow looked somber as she was seen for the first time since her arrest for assault - as she stepped out with her husband and daughter last week.

Alaia, 31, was arrested on Saturday February 24 after she allegedly became unruly at Club Elan, a bar in Savannah, Georgia.

Alaia is accused of assaulting three staffers at the bar and even throwing a used tampon at a bartender in the employee bathroom.

She kept a low-key profile as she strolled wearing a pink hat, cat eye shades and a hooded brown suede jacket, paired with joggers and slippers.

She was accompanied by husband Andrew Aronow and only child Iris, three.

Hailey Bieber's sister Alaia Baldwin looked somber as she was seen for the first time since her arrest for assault - as she stepped out with her husband and daughter last week

Her father Stephen Baldwin, 57, was seen at her home as the family ordered takeout

Her father Stephen Baldwin, 57, was seen at her home as the family ordered takeout.

TMZ later reported that the bartender, Haliegh Cauley, plans to press charges against Baldwin over the incident, and she described her alleged interactions with Baldwin in an interview.

The owner of Club Elan called 911, claiming Alaia had gotten into a physical altercation with his employees and had refused to leave his business.

Employees claim Alaia entered the employees-only restroom, but was instructed not to use that particular bathroom. She was redirected to the public restroom instead.

However, she allegedly became belligerent and combative, and allegedly assaulted three employees.

She is accused of yanking the hair out of one security guard's head as he attempted to contain her. Another security guard also accused Alaia of kicking him in the groin when he tried restraining her.

The third employee, a female bartender, encountered Alaia when she attempted to enter the employee restroom.

She was allegedly informed Alaia would need a moment to vomit and change her tampon.

Alaia, 31, was arrested on Saturday February 24 after she allegedly became unruly at Club Elan, a bar in Savannah, Georgia. Alaia is accused of assaulting three staffers at the bar and even throwing a used tampon at a bartender in the employee bathroom

She kept a low-key profile as she strolled wearing a pink hat, cat eye shades and a hooded brown suede jacket, paired with joggers and slippers

She was accompanied by husband Andrew Aronow and only child Iris, three

Alaia looked pensive as she strolled amid her legal drama

Baldwin Aronow is pictured her mug shot for the February incident in Georgia

In an interview with TMZ, Cauley said she told Baldwin and her friends that they couldn't be in the employees' bathroom, before she noticed that there was 'throw-up filled to the top of the sink,' which seemed to make her feel nauseated just from recounting it.

The bartender claimed to have waited for some time before she returned to the bathroom to check on her.

When the employee entered the bathroom, however, she alleged that Alaia hit her with a tampon.

'I said, "Listen, you guys have got to go,"' Cauley recounted. She added that Baldwin had a 'scary' look in her eyes.

She claimed that Alaia replied, 'Do you not believe me? Do you want to see?'

Cauley claimed that the thrown tampon, which she noted was 'used,' made contact with her face after Baldwin allegedly threw it.

Alaia (L) pictured with her sister Hailer Bieber in 2019

She also clarified that Baldwin did not throw the tampon. Instead, Cauley said that when Baldwin pulled it out she swung her arm up and the tampon touched her face, while apparently never leaving her grip.

Cauley added that she called security at that point, and she claimed that Baldwin began 'swinging' at the guards.

The bartender added that she thought Baldwin was intoxicated.

Security said they eventually were able to contain Alaia and remove her from the establishment.

In addition to pressing charges, Cauley said she planned to file a lawsuit against Baldwin 'because that's somebody's bodily fluid that touched me.'

'That's just not appropriate and that's very uncalled for, especially when somebody's trying to help you.'

Alaia, however, claimed to the responding officer she was acting in self-defense. TMZ reports she claimed the entire situation was being blown out of proportion.

She was ultimately arrested for numerous charges, and was booked for simple assault, simple battery, battery, and trespassing.

A police report obtained by E! reveals: 'Ms. Aronow stated she was forcefully removed from the club.

'She initially denied forcing her way into the bathroom, only stating she needed to use the restroom to throw up and change her tampon.'

The report also stated she 'initially denied throwing her used tampon' at the bartender but 'later stated she did throw it.'

She was ultimately arrested for numerous charges, and was booked for simple assault, simple battery, battery, and trespassing; pictured 2018

The report also states she 'attempted to justify' her alleged physical disputes with the bouncers 'by stating she was defending herself.'

It also describes her alleged disputes with the employee, stating that Alaia could be seen in security footage 'forcing her way into the locked employee bathroom.'

The report described how in the bathroom Alaia told the bartender 'she needed to change her tampon and asked for a few minutes, which she was granted.'

The report added that several minutes later, when the bartender attempted to enter the restroom again, Alaia 'removed her tampon and threw it' at the employee. 'This is when security stepped in and removed the female from the club.'

'Aronow can be seen fighting and resisting the entire way outside,' the report states, adding the video 'clearly shows' Alaia 'grabbing and pulling' the hair of one security guard and 'hitting' another 'in the genitals.'

In a statement to TMZ, Alaia's attorney Drew Findling didn't appear to dispute any of his client's alleged actions.

'On February 24, 2024, Ms. Aronow traveled to Savannah, GA to celebrate the upcoming marriage of a close friend. Sadly, what should have been a celebratory girls night out, unfortunately took an unexpected turn,' he said.

'Ms. Aronow is embarrassed and saddened by the events of that night and is proactively taking the necessary steps to ensure that it never happens again,' Findling added.

A model, Alaia is a member of the famous Baldwin family. Her father is actor Stephen Baldwin and her younger sister Hailey is also a model.

She shares three-year-old daughter Iris with her husband of six years, Andrew Aronow.

The arrest comes after her father Stephen caused concern from fans after he asked for prayers for Hailey and her husband Justin Bieber.

On Monday, Stephen raised eyebrows when he reposted a video of Justin singing, which was shared by All Things Possible Ministries founder Victor Marx and captioned: 'Christians please when you think of Justin & Hailey, take a moment to offer a little prayer for them to have wisdom, protection, and draw close to the Lord.'

The arrest comes after her father Stephen caused concern from fans after he asked for prayers for Hailey and her husband Justin Bieber

The evangelist wrote in the caption that his wife Eileen Marx and Hailey's mother Kennya Deodato Baldwin 'pray often together' for the married couple of five years.

'There are special challenges that folks in high visibility positions face and also the enemy doesn't want them to draw closer to Jesus,' Victor wrote.

'So often regardless of the material things or the accolades they often face spiritual warfare that intense and seeks to ship-wreck their faith, marriage, and life in general. So thank you.'

The post has since been deleted by Marx.
By Arthur I. Cyr

February brought the second anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine, and the start of the third year of war. Despite brutal efforts by the much larger invader, including massive missile attacks, the defenders are holding on and, at times, gaining ground.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine remains as energetic and committed as ever, including travel to the U.S. and elsewhere to generate support. Time magazine named him Person of the Year.

The war in Ukraine proceeds with devastating, perhaps irreparable damage to the influence and reputation of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and also the military of his nation. Rightly, the Red Army of the Soviet Union was greatly respected, and greatly feared by the nations occupied by that enormous force.

After all, this was the military that fought and ultimately destroyed the bulk of the enormous war machine of Nazi Germany. The vast majority of the mechanized units of the Wehrmacht were deployed on the Eastern Front, a theatre where the war was literally a fight to the collective death, without the restraints present in combat involving American, British and others in the West.

Clearly, Putin and associates miscalculated how easily Russias military would be able to occupy Ukraine and take control, in Cold War fashion. As in armed conflicts throughout history, the determination and courage of the people of Ukraine have been a vital factor.

But Russian forces have also proven extraordinarily deficient. Mechanized weapons and equipment have broken down to a striking degree, many units proved ineffective and general disorganization has accompanied the large but clumsy invasion. Clear by now is that the end of the Soviet Union also has opened the door to corruption and decay, undeniably and extraordinarily widespread.

In a particularly shocking development, dead Russian soldiers have simply been left where they lie on the battlefield by retreating comrades. Not abandoning comrades, alive or dead, is a traditional tenet of military culture.

The Biden administrations provision of Patriot missile defense and other systems to Ukraine is important. The Patriot is part of a great revolution in military technologies over the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

In World War II, various changes created a much more fluid battle environment. The tank and other motorized vehicles, long-range heavily armed aircraft, modern electronic communications and other innovations drastically altered the characteristics of fighting.

One important invention is the Tube-launched Optically tracked Wire-guided missile, or TOW, a relatively portable lethal anti-tank weapon. The German V-1 rocket of World War II was a very early example of a guidance system within a missile. Related technologies have evolved to an extraordinary degree since that time.

In the spring of 1972, North Vietnam launched a massive armored invasion of South Vietnam. TOW missiles, usually launched from helicopters, completely devastated large numbers of Soviet-supplied tanks along with other targets. This offensive was decisively defeated.

Other precision-guided munitions include the Stinger anti-aircraft missile. This weapon proved important in defeating the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, over a decade starting in 1979.

In 1973, the Pentagon began a satellite network for navigation of the planet. The Global Positioning System (GPS) solved the fundamental problem in war of accurately locating the enemy, plus your own position.

Precision-guided munitions along with advanced weaponry in general, massive logistical and supply capabilities, and skilled professionals were vital to the remarkable allied liberation of Kuwait from Iraq's occupation in 1991.

But Ukraine remains at war, and U.S. support is now uncertain.

Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is author of After the Cold War  American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia (NYU and Palgrave/Macmillan).
Spencer Matthews paid heartfelt tribute to late brother Michael on what would have been his 46th birthday on Monday.

Michael Matthews died at the age of 22 in 1999 while climbing Earth's highest mountain, after becoming the youngest Brit to ever reach the summit.

Spencer, who reenacted his older brother's steps on a mission to find his body for his Finding Michael film with Disney+ last year, took to Instagram to mark the occasion.

Alongside a black and white photo of his sibling he wrote: 'Today would have been my brother Michaels Birthday, He was an adventurous soul, full of heart and bravery'.

'We miss him. I hope my kids inherit parts of his kind beautiful nature. Love to you Mike, wherever you are'.

Spencer Matthews paid heartfelt tribute to late brother Michael on what would have been his 46th birthday on Monday

Spencer said he hoped his own children would inherit his older brother's 'kind beautiful nature'

Spencer shares Theodore, five, Gigi, three, and two-year-old Otto with wife Vogue Williams.

Last year the Made In Chelsea star shared a sweet snap of his son Otto bearing a striking resemblance his late brother Michael at the same age.

Taking to Instagram he posted the image of his youngest child next to a picture of Michael when he was around 12 months.

Next to the snap Spencer penned: 'Mike and Otto at similar ages

'Apart from Otto's larger mouth (which he obviously got from Vogue) I'd say they're pretty similar!

'I already feel like our kids have some of his kind and adventurous nature.'

Michael's body has never been recovered and his family have never been able to fully understand what happened to him.

Finding Michael, which is is now streaming on Disney+, shows Spencer's emotional quest to find his late brother's body with adventurer Bear Grylls and record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja.

Brothers: The TV personality was 10 years old when Michael (left next to sibling James) tragically died while climbing Earth's highest mountain, after becoming the youngest Brit to ever reach the summit

Spencer shares Theodore, five, Gigi, three, and two-year-old Otto with wife Vogue Williams

Last year the Made In Chelsea star shared a sweet snap of his son Otto (right) bearing a striking resemblance his late brother Michael (left) at the same age

During the film, Spencer, who was just 10 years old when his brother died, undertook a 'gut-wrenching' mission to climb Everest to find his brother's body, retracing the 'exact steps' his sibling took when he died.

Speaking on The One Show, Spencer said: 'When Michael went missing, by the time some people realised he was missing, it was too late. Nobody survives the night, really. A couple of cases maybe.'

Michael is said to have got in trouble after beginning to make his way down the south descent through the 'death zone' on May 13, 1999, after spending around 20 minutes at the summit.

He was also the brother of Pippa Middleton's husband, the racing driver turned hedge fund manager James Matthews, 47.

The experienced mountaineer, who had previously conquered Aconcagua, the Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps, was the 162nd person to die on Everest.
Gary Goldsmith was the sixth contestant to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house during Monday's explosive launch episode.

Uncle to Kate Middleton, Gary is hoping to bring the fun to this year's series by being 'entertaining and a wind up'.

With Kate out of the spotlight while recovering from abdominal surgery, royal fans will no doubt hope that the millionaire businessman, 58, who is the brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, will open up about his relationship with his niece.

And as Gary prepared to enter the house, host AJ Odudu wasted no time in asking him whether his royal niece would be tuning in.

Gary joked: 'She will be hiding behind the sofa if she is watching'.

Celebrity Big Brother's Gary Goldsmith revealed his niece Kate Middleton will be 'hiding behind the sofa if she is watching' as he became the sixth contestant to enter the house during Monday's launch

Gary is the brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, and as Gary prepared to enter the house, host AJ Odudu wasted no time in asking him whether his royal niece would be tuning in

Gary, who is reportedly worth 30 million, has enjoyed a close relationship with the Princess of Wales over the years, and attended her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

Kate was a bridesmaid at Gary's first wedding to sales executive Miranda Foote in 1991, and her uncle previously revealed how the heartbroken royal sought solace at his Ibiza villa after a break-up with William.

Kate is away from official royal engagements until after Easter after major surgery in January, with Kensington Palace insisting last week that she was still 'doing well'.

She has not been seen at any royal events since attending church at Sandringham on Christmas Day with William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis.

Gary is said to have told friends that he won't do anything to hurt Kate or William - but he has previously attacked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they could therefore now be in the firing line.

The star also admitted that he is hoping his stint on Big Brother will allow the public to see a different side of him.

He said: 'I often read that people think I'm a bit of a bad boy. It would be lovely to put the record straight but winding people up is probably one of my favourite hobbies.

'Every part of me is just riddled with mischief and danger.'

Gary joked: 'She will be hiding behind the sofa if she is watching'

The star also admitted that he is hoping his stint on Big Brother will allow the public to see a different side of him

Referring to his four marriages, he added: 'I am an absolute nightmare to live with, there's a reason why I have had four wives'

Referring to his four marriages, he added: 'I am an absolute nightmare to live with, there's a reason why I have had four wives.'

Speaking to hosts AJ and Will upon entering the house, he added: 'I'll take everyone face value but if they are a bit mean or a bit rude, I'll be the inforcer.'

Gary exclusively told The Sun in January: 'I've spoken to Carole just to send my love and we talked about Kate given what's going on.

'There's lots going on in the family moment. So she's spinning a lot of plates right now, it's quite stressful. So the last thing I'm going to do is bring any stress to them.'

He added: 'I think she [Carole] will probably be watching me from behind the sofa, slightly anxious, but I do think if the best version that Gary turns up, shed be very proud of me - thats what we were hoping for!'

Gary has previously spoken in support of Kate  including to the Mail on Sunday in March 2021 after Harry and Meghan's infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey interview.

He said at the time: 'I've known Kate since she was born and she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. It's just simply not in her nature.

'She's even lovelier on the inside than on the outside. If anyone had a hissy fit, it must have been Meghan. Kate would have been trying to make the peace. I would fight for Kate's honour until the day I die. She is the most spectacular person I've ever met.'

He previously spoke out against Harry and Meghan after the release of Spare and is known for his outspoken opinions on the couple. Writing for the Mail last year, he slammed Harry's autobiography Spare as 'petulant, self-serving...fluff'.
John Candy's beloved children paid an emotional tribute to the late actor on Monday on the 30th anniversary of his tragic death aged 43.

Iconic actor Candy - who was famed for starring in films such as Home Alone, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles - died of a heart attack on March 4 1994, leaving behind his wife Rosemary and two young children Jennifer and Chris.

Jennifer, now 44, shared a sweet childhood snap posing with her father and Chris, now 39.

She wrote: '30 years ago today  feels like both a lifetime with and without you . Miss you and love you always.'

Chris shared a snap of his father and wrote: 'All my love to my father today.'

John Candy's beloved children paid an emotional tribute to the late actor on Monday on the 30th anniversary of his tragic death aged 43

Chris shared a snap of his father and wrote: 'All my love to my father today'

Candy first shot to fame via his work as a member of Toronto's branch of improv comedy group The Second City in 1972. He then joined the cast on Toronto-based comedy-variety show Second City Television which was picked up by NBC in 1981 and became a huge hit.

The show won Emmy Awards in 1981 and 1982 for its writing.

His breakout role came when he played Tom Hanks' character's womanizing brother in Splash, which garnered universal acclaim.

Candy appeared in a number of comedies throughout his career, including Spaceballs and Cool Runnings.

He had a minor, yet important, role as the 'Polka King of the Midwest' in Home Alone. His character Gus Polinski helps reunite Kevin with his mother, making for a happy ending.

He actually starred alongside Macaulay Culkin in the 1989 film Uncle Buck before they were reunited on the set of the holiday film.

He won legions of fans for his role as shower curtain salesman Del Griffith in 1987 classic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

The film follows the story line of anxious and stern businessman Neale Page (Steve Martin) who is trying to get home to see his family in Chicago.

Candy first shot to fame via his work as a member of Toronto's branch of improv comedy group The Second City in 1972 (pictured 1993)

Candy had a minor, yet important, role as Gus Polinski in 1990's Home Alone

His breakout role came when he played Tom Hanks' character's womanizing brother in Splash, which garnered universal acclaim

Stuck in an airport lounge in Kansas after an emergency landing, Page has to befriend Griffith who will let him stay the night in a rundown motel.

Together the two of them, from wildly different social classes, have to overcome their intense dislike of each other and get Page home.

At the time the film received critical acclaim, with John Candy being nominated for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture that year.
Joey King 'loved every second' of her first visit to Disneyland Paris.

The 24-year-old star posted photos of her Disneyland Paris adventures on Instagram on Monday.

She dressed for comfort by wearing jeans, a Balenciaga t-shirt layered over a black long-sleeve tee, and black oval sunglasses.

The shirt must have come from her attending the Balenciaga womenswear fall/winter 2024-25 show on March 3 during Paris Fashion Week.

'The only way to the twilight zone (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) is through Paris. Thank you so much @disneylandparis for having us, Ratatouille (the ride) did something to my soul, Crushs coaster is elite, and Autopia reminded me of me and my sisters arguing over who would drive when we were kids,' she wrote in her caption.

King added, 'We truly loved every second.'

Joey King 'loved every second' of her first visit to Disneyland Paris. The 24-year-old star posted photos of her Disneyland Paris adventures on Instagram on Monday

She dressed for comfort by wearing jeans, a Balenciaga t-shirt layered over a black long-sleeve tee, and black oval sunglasses. The shirt must have come from her attending the Balenciaga womenswear fall/winter 2024-25 show on March 3 during Paris Fashion Week

Here she is seen with her good friend Jared Eng

Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992, has 50 rides and attractions.

The Ratatouille: The Adventure ride that touched King's soul is a 4D experience where Remy the rat and his friends are discovered cooking in a French kitchen by chef Skinner, who then chases them through the restaurant.

Crush's Coaster, another ride the young actress went on, is a roller coaster ride through the sets of the Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo, which include 'plunging to the darkest depths of the sea.'

Autopia let Joey take the wheel of a futuristic car and zoom around colorful scenery.

We see her posing in front of the Disney castle and Hollywood Tower Hotel there, as well she and her husband in front of the Bates Motel lookalike Phantom Manor.

On a ride with her mom, Joey breaks into song with a rendition of Lovely Day, the old Bill Withers tune.

LA Native King first became famous when she played Ramona Quimby in the comedy film Ramona and Beezus (2010), when she was only nine years old.

'The only way to the twilight zone (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) is through Paris. Thank you so much @disneylandparis for having us, Ratatouille (the ride) did something to my soul, Crushs coaster is elite, and Autopia reminded me of me and my sisters arguing over who would drive when we were kids,' she wrote in her caption

King is not looking so sure of herself as she takes the wheel of a futuristic car at Disneyland Paris

King breaks into song, singing Lovely Day, the old Bill Withers tune, while waiting for the ride to take off' seen with her mother

Joey screams in terror on one of the exciting coaster rides in Disneyland Paris

King also shared a photo of a stained glass window

In 2014 to 2015 Joey was a regular on FX's black comedy crime drama series Fargo.

She continued to build recognition with the lead role in The Kissing Booth (2018) teen romantic comedy on Netflix, and its two sequels.

The following year, Joey received critical acclaim for her role as Gypsy-Rose Blanchard in the crime drama series The Act (2019) on Hulu, which was the third time a role required her to shave her head.

The actress's performance in The Act resulted in her being nominated for four prestigious awards: Primetime Emmy, SAG, Golden Globe and Critic's Choice.

The actress in all black at the Balenciaga womenswear show for fall/winter 2024-25 in Paris on March 3

That same year, she also appeared on the fourth season of the CBS comedy Life in Pieces as Morgan

King's film acting credits have also accumulated over the years: Battle: Los Angeles (2011), Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), The Conjuring (2013), White House Down (2013), Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Going in Style (2017), The Lie (2018), Bullet Train (2022) and The Princess (2022).

Joey began a relationship with producer/director Steven Piet in September 2019 after meeting on the set of The Act.

The pair became engaged in February 2022 and married on September 2, 2023, in Mallorca, Spain.

As to what's next for the star, A Family Affair, an American romantic comedy film, will star Joey along with Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Liza Koshy, and Kathy Bates.

The movie will be released by Netflix sometime in 2024.
Google-backed EV charging startup Gravity has opened to the public the fastest electric car chargers in the US.

It says they can deliver 200 miles of range in just five minutes.

But there is a catch - no electric cars sold in America can make use of that much power. In fact, only four of the top ten sellers last year can handle even half of it.

The new chargers, installed in a parking garage in Manhattan in New York, can pump 500 kilowatt (kW) of energy into electric cars.

But the 10 top-selling EVs in the US last year had an average charging speed cap of less than 200 kW.

Only four of the ten top-selling electric cars in the US last year had caps greater than 250 kW and three of them were Teslas

Pictured are a handful of the 500 kW, ceiling-mounted EV chargers opened to the public this week in New York City

Even Teslas can only take 250 kW - half the power of the new Google-backed chargers

One of the fastest-charging EVs on the market, the exotic $110,000 Hummer EV, has a max charging speed of 350 kW. Elon Musk's new Cybertruck can accept 250 kW of power, just like all other Teslas.

Over the last decade, the charging speeds of production EVs have increased significantly. Some of the latest cars on the market in China can take power of around 500 kW.

Gravity Mobility says therefore that its freshly installed chargers are 'future proof' and leave automakers with the responsibility of providing Americans with access to faster-charging EVs.

'For the first time, the only charging limitation is in the auto manufacturers' choice of battery,' said the company in a press release on Monday morning.

'With these speeds, we can push the entire industry to vehicles with faster-charging batteries,' said the company's CEO, Moshe Cohen.

This week it opened up access to 24 of its chargers, which are relatively small and described by the company as being about the size of a carry-on suitcase.

They were installed as part of a mission to electrify New York City's fleet of yellow cabs, whose drivers cannot afford to sit around idle while their cars charge.

The chargers are not cheap to use at $0.59 per kWh. To fully charge a Tesla Model 3 with a capacity of around 60 kWh would therefore cost more than $30.

They are mounted on the ceiling and within the footprint of existing parking spaces, the company said.

The chargers have been installed in a parking garage at 401 West 42nd Street and Gravity said no utility upgrades were made to the building or the surrounding grid.

That is a critical detail, it claimed, because it plans to install its 500kW in other locations across the country.

Visitors look at the Tesla electric Cybertruck on display in a shopping mall in Wuhan, China. The Cybertruck has a charging cap of 250kW

This week, Gravity Mobility opened up access to 24 of its 500kW chargers in a parking garage at 401 West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan

'If you look at how many [Tesla] Superchargers are added per year, we can add that many or more to grow our network. There's nothing blocking that,' Cohen told Reuters.

Gravity may struggle to compete with Tesla, which has signed agreements with Ford, General Motors and other automakers to allow their vehicles to access its network of more than 15,000 chargers.

Tesla chargers, like Tesla cars, are capped at 250kW.

Although the pricing is different at each location, using one is around half the price at $0.25 per kWh.

Gravity last year raised an undisclosed amount of seed funds from Google Ventures and plans to raise more this year to expand.

'We will do more fundraising, of course, our goal is to expand nationally immediately, and so we have quite a bit of interest,' Cohen said.
India will, in next five years, join the high-stake global stage of semiconductor manufacturing as it combines unparalleled design capabilities with USD 10 billion of incentives to draw manufacturers to set up new fabs and units that will cut dominance of Taiwan, South Korea and China, said IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In an interview to PTI, he said Indias well-crafted policies are tempting manufacturers to set up new fabs (semiconductor fabrication plants) and pouring investment in related sectors.

Semiconductors are an essential component of electronic devices, and are used in automobiles to computers, mobile phones and even washing machines.

India already has factories of best known automobile companies  from Renault-Nissan to Hyundai, computer makers such as Dell, Apple suppliers and electronic makers like Samsung which produce TVs, washing machines and fridges, among others.

Now, India is eyeing to step up the manufacturing value chain with a high-stake semiconductor manufacturing. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments Rs 76,000 crore of incentives have got four players including Micron and Tatas.

Vaishnaw said the country already has roughly one-third of global design talent.

His government is leveraging this and Indias geopolitical clout to become an indispensable partner for tech ambitions of the US, which like other western economies, is looking to decouple their supply chains from China.

Beijigs draconian lockdowns had disrupted global chip supply and sent companies and governments on a hunt for alternative sources of production.

India is offering itself as a democratic and trusted alternative tech hub to China.

People who were earlier thinking when should we go to India or should we go to India...Now they are asking how soon do we go to India...That is the change which is happening. This means, practically every big player would now like to reconsider their investment plans and come to India, he said.

Asked about the timelines when India would aim to be a formidable player rivalling known semiconductor destinations, the minister said in the coming 5 years, definitely.

Last week, the Cabinet approved proposals to set up three semiconductor plants, including a mega fab by Tata Group, at a cumulative investment of Rs 1.26 lakh crore, as India moved to position itself as an international powerhouse in chip manufacturing.

...It is very important for any developing country, an economy of our size, to have a semiconductor supply chain within the country. We have very strong design capabilities, as a corollary of design capabilities we must have the manufacturing capability also because that is where value gets added further, Vaishnaw explained.

The semiconductor plans will make India self-reliant, trigger a multiplier effect on economy and various industries, create job and spur livelihoods, according to the minister.

The semiconductor industry is a big multiplier for many more industries  automobiles, electric vehicle, electronics, power electronics, defence  every manufacturing sector requires semiconductors. So having that as a semiconductor value chain within the ecosystem will be pull for all of these, Vaishnaw said.

As per the announcements, Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd will set up a semiconductor fab in partnership with Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp at Dholeras special industrial region in Gujarat.

The plant will have the capacity to produce 50,000 wafers per month and involve an investment of Rs 91,000 crore.

These chips driven by advanced technology will cater to multiple sectors  power management chips for electric vehicles (EV), telecom, defence, automotive, consumer electronics, display, and power electronics.

The government has also approved a proposal by Tatas to build a greenfield semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. The facility will be built with an investment outlay of Rs 27,000 crore and is expected to generate over 27,000 direct

and indirect jobs in the region.

Notably, this will be Indias first semiconductor unit in the northeast.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Sunday said the conglomerate would continue to uphold the legacy of its founder Jamsetji Tata, and remain committed to the principles of integrity, innovation and social responsibility.

Chandrasekaran was addressing a gathering at the Postal Park in Bistupur in Jharkhands Jamshedpur after paying homage to Jamsetji Tata on his 185th birth anniversary. He was accompanied by Tata Steel CEO and MD TV Narendran.

Our founder, Jamsetji Tata, envisioned a future where industry would be a force for positive change, and it is with great pride that we continue to uphold his legacy. In this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility that have guided us since our inception, Chandrasekaran said.

We will continue to work together with the community to build a brighter, more prosperous future for Jamshedpur and its residents, he added.

Later, he inaugurated an exhibition at Steelennium Hall at Jamshedpur Works of Tata Steel, where various departments presented their technology-led initiatives.

Various programmes were organised to celebrate Founders Day across various units of the group.

Chandrasekaran also flagged off green-fuel-powered commercial vehicles of Tata Motors, meant for Tata Steel.

The fleet included Prima tractors, tippers and the Ultra EV bus, powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and battery electric technologies, the company said in a statement.
Certified financial planning is ideal for individuals seeking professional management of their portfolios. It is a great career option, too

In the labyrinth of personal finance, a new breed of professionals is emerging, promising to guide individuals through the complexities of money management and investment strategies. Known as Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), these experts are gaining traction worldwide, including in India, as individuals seek holistic and personalised financial advice tailored to their life goals.

Financial planning, although relatively new in India, is a well-established profession in the West, where it is tightly regulated. Globally, CFPs undergo rigorous training and certification processes, ensuring they possess the necessary expertise to navigate clients through various financial landscapes. In India alone, there are over 2,000 CFP professionals, with demand far outstripping supply, hinting at the growing recognition of their role in shaping financial futures.

So, who exactly are these financial planners, and what sets them apart from traditional financial advisors? Unlike transactional advisors who focus on selling products, CFPs operate as consultants, akin to general physicians in the medical field. They delve deep into understanding clients' aspirations, crafting comprehensive financial plans that encompass investments, insurance, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. With a keen eye on adapting to clients' evolving life goals, CFPs provide ongoing support and guidance, acting as trusted allies in their financial journeys. The path to certification is demanding, requiring a post-graduate level qualification involving rigorous examinations and real-life financial planning scenarios. However, the flexibility of the certification process allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue this career path. The success rate varies, but the average passing rate hovers around 55 to 60 percent, reflecting the rigour of the certification process. With their skill set honed, CFPs find employment opportunities across various sectors, including banking, insurance, wealth management firms, and consultancy organisations. Their expertise in financial planning and analysis makes them invaluable assets in today's dynamic financial landscape.

Beyond individual financial wellness, the impact of CFPs extends to broader economic prosperity. By empowering individuals with sound financial strategies, they contribute to a financially sustainable society. Moreover, by bridging the gap between financial literacy and action, CFPs play a pivotal role in unlocking dormant financial resources, thereby fueling economic growth.

In essence, the emergence of Certified Financial Planners heralds a new era in personal financeone characterised by informed decision-making, tailored strategies, and long-term financial security. As individuals embrace the guidance of these professionals, they embark on a journey towards financial empowerment and prosperity, ultimately shaping a brighter economic future for generations to come.

In conclusion, the emergence of financial planning as a career option holds immense promise, both for the aspiring professionals and the nation at large. For young individuals seeking a rewarding career path, becoming a Certified Financial Planner offers not only personal fulfilment but also lucrative opportunities for growth and impact. With the demand for financial expertise on the rise and the potential to make a tangible difference in people's lives, financial planning presents a win-win scenario for both the country and its youth.

For the country, a growing cadre of Certified Financial Planners signifies a step towards a financially literate and empowered society. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate their financial futures, CFPs contribute to economic resilience and prosperity. and national development.

The writer heads the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) in India; views are personal
By Gwynne Dyer

There are enough people to go around: eight billion now, compared to two billion less than a hundred years ago. Fifty-one million in South Korea, compared to only 12 million a hundred years ago. So why are South Koreans obsessed about their low birthrate?

It is certainly very low now. The average number of children a South Korean woman will have in her lifetime is just 0.72, whereas the birth rate needs to be at least 2.1 children per woman to prevent the population from falling.

Lots of developed countries have low birth rates nowadays, especially in East Asia  Japan is 1.3 children per woman, China is 1.2  but no other country is below 1.0. South Korea is not just leading the parade. It is so far out in front that it is almost out of sight.

The national anxiety about this is so great that South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol has finally said the unsayable. His countrys citizens are excessively and unnecessarily competitive, he admitted  and that is why it has the worlds lowest birth-rate.

The steadily declining birth rate has been perceived as a "problem" for almost two decades now, and various governments have thrown an estimated $286 billion at it with no effect whatever.

All sorts of incentives have been tried: subsidised housing, free taxis and even direct monthly cash payments for couples who have children. Married men are exempt from military service if they have three children before turning 30; mothers can hire nannies from South East Asia and pay them below minimum wage.

Nothing worked, and the birthrate is still falling fast. At the current rate of decline, it will be down to 0.5 in just five more years, at which point the country will only be replacing one-quarter of its present population. What is driving this extraordinary collapse?

We know that it is not some peculiarity of Korean culture in general, because there is a control for this particular experiment: North Korea, which beneath a thin veneer of Communist ideology is a traditional Korean dynastic state. And the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (to give its full name) has a birth rate of 1.8 children per completed family.

Whatever it is, its specific to South Korea  and what stands out is the sheer speed with which South Korea became a fully modern democratic society. It was still a dictatorship 30 years ago. It was still a very poor and poorly educated country 50 years ago. It was a war-torn wreck 70 years ago, and a downtrodden Japanese colony 80 years ago.

Now it is in the same income bracket as Canada, France and Japan, but it made that transition three times faster than Japan did and social attitudes dont change that fast. Even in Japan women face many challenges at work, but in South Korea they are virtually insurmountable.

Three quarters of South Korean women have a post-secondary education, but they are expected to leave work for at least two years after having a child. Even after that they face obstacles in getting back into the workforce at the same level  yet South Korea is the most expensive country in the world to raise a child, and one income is not enough.

The whole set-up is Japan squared: intense competition from the cradle onwards. Many Japanese parents hire tutors for their children or pay for extra-curricular classes and courses; all but two percent of South Korean parents do so. Add needlessly long working hours and very high housing costs, and many women decide that having a child is just impossible.

President Yoon has diagnosed the problem, but its the kind of problem that would take at least a generation to solve. If South Korea took 50 years to fall into this trap, it will probably take at least that long to get out of it  and in 50 years, at this rate, the population will have shrunk by half.

Theres nothing wrong with having a smaller population in principle: nobody felt the country was empty in 1960, when the population (25 million) was half what it is now. The difficulty is going back down to a much smaller population very fast, because that turns the normal population pyramid upside-down.

By 2075, the number of South Koreans of working age will have halved, and almost half the population will be over 65 and relying on that greatly shrunken workforce to support them. This is not a viable outcome.

The time to start putting a much higher value on womens happiness and well-being is now, but it might also be a good idea to start encouraging mass immigration from countries with higher birth rates.

Gwynne Dyers new book is "The Shortest History of War." He can be reached at gwynne763121476@aol.com.
In recent years, the mental health challenges faced by medical students have escalated dramatically, requiring immediate intervention

In recent years, the issue of mental health among medical students in India has reached alarming proportions, necessitating urgent attention and decisive action. The relentless demands of medical education, combined with various external stressors, have led to a concerning rise in suicides and mental health challenges among students pursuing MBBS and postgraduate degrees. According to data from the National Medical Commission (NMC) spanning from 2018 to 2022, a staggering 64 MBBS students and 58 PG students tragically lost their lives to suicide, alongside a significant number who left their educational programs during this period.

Yet another exploratory study published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry in 2022 using online news portals and Google database spanning 2010 and 2019, puts the staggering number at a total of 358 suicide deaths reported among medical students (125), residents (105), and physicians (128). The majority of these suicides occurred before the age of 30, with an average age of 29.9 years.

Understanding the Complexity:

The mental health challenges faced by medical students in India are multifaceted and stem from a combination of academic pressures, familial expectations, financial burdens, and cultural factors. The rigorous curriculum, long hours of study and clinical rotations, and the constant pursuit of academic excellence create a high-stress environment that takes a toll on students' mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents students from seeking help, exacerbating their struggles.

Challenges Faced by Postgraduate Students:

Postgraduate medical students face unique challenges that add to their mental health woes. Excessive workload, demanding clinical responsibilities, and inadequate support systems contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion among PG students. The lack of work-life balance and limited opportunities for self-care compound the problem, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety. In fact, the relentless schedule imposed on these students not only jeopardizes their mental health but also compromises patient care and safety. The challenging environment in healthcare settings often leads to distressing situations where disgruntled relatives of patients may vent their frustrations on postgraduate (PG) students who are on duty, even when these students are not at fault. This unfortunate reality underscores the urgent need for improved support and protection for PG students who face such situations.

Inadequate Support Mechanisms:

Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues among medical students, many institutions in India lack adequate support mechanisms and counseling services. This leaves students feeling isolated and unsupported, with few resources to turn to in times of crisis. Moreover, the stigma associated with mental illness often leads to underreporting and a reluctance to seek help, perpetuating a cycle of suffering in silence. The persistent lack of adequate support mechanisms and counseling services in many Indian medical institutions exacerbates the challenges faced by medical students dealing with mental health issues.

The Role of Advocacy and Reform:

To address the crisis of mental health among medical students, concerted efforts are needed at both institutional and systemic levels. Organizations like the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) are actively advocating for reforms to prioritize student well-being. This includes advocating for reasonable duty hour regulations, ensuring access to mental health support services, and fostering a culture of empathy and support within medical institutions.

Collaborative Solutions:

By working together to implement comprehensive support systems, raise awareness, and destigmatise mental illness, we can create a more nurturing and supportive environment for medical students to thrive. In a nutshell, the crisis of mental health among medical students in India demands urgent attention and concerted action from all stakeholders. By acknowledging the complexity of the issues at hand, advocating for reforms, and fostering a culture of support and empathy, we can ensure that medical education promotes the well-being of students rather than compromising it.

Ultimately, ensuring that our doctors are not under stress is essential not only for their own health and well-being but also for the success of efforts to achieve the goal of universal healthcare coverage (UHC) as envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and improve health outcomes for all. Together, let us work towards creating a healthier and more compassionate learning environment for the future healthcare professionals of India.

(The author is an Orthopaedic doctor with RML Hospital and General Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association; views are personal)
Tapas Roy, a founder member and a five-time MLA of the Trinamool Congress, on Monday quit the party insulted and hurt by the top party brass and upset about the rising incidents of corruption and the Sandeshkhali land-grab and sexual assault on women.

Some recent incidents have made me take a very painful decision  I have been deeply shocked and shaken with the way Sandeshkhali incident was handled  besides corruption has become a major issue for which there was no explanation  neither there was any attempt to discipline the corrupt, Roy a five-time MLA and a former-Deputy Chief Whip  enjoying the rank of a Cabinet Minister  said, adding that he was deeply upset by the kind of treatment that was meted out to me by the party top brass.

Roy who had won the Baranagar Assembly adjoining North Kolkata seat for three successive times since 2011 on Tuesday resigned as an MLA too. I had resigned from all the party posts on March 1  today I have resigned from MLA  now I am a free bird, he said.

While the veteran leader's resignation led to fervent speculations on whether he was joining the BJP, he said was in the midst of taking some decisions. I will take a decision in due time, he said.

Referring to a raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in his house allegedly at the instance of TMC leader in Parliament Sudip Bandopadhyay, the Baranagar MLA said, At least 50 people told me that it is Sudip Bandopadhyay who had got the ED to raid my house  because he was apprehensive of my rising stature in the party.

On why he would not raise the issue with party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee he said, Even my political rivals would not concede that I have a tainted past  after the ED raids I waited for months but none from the top leadership even called me up or my family  but I was shocked when the Chief Minister defended a person like Shahjahan in the Assembly  but not a single word was spoken in my support  I was deserted during trying circumstances.

A last minute attempt to revive the situation by sending Minister Bratya Basu and senior leader Kunal Ghosh  who too is not in good terms with Sudip Bandopadhyay  went in vain.

I am disappointed with the way the party is functioning. I am fed up with so many allegations of corruption leveled against the party and the government. I also do not support the way the issue of Sandeshkhali was handled, he said.

On whether Bandopadhyay would win the North Kolkata parliamentary seat held by t he TMC since 2009, Roy said, It is impossible for him to win this seat  he will badly be defeated.

The TMC however refuted his allegations saying, Roy was giving excuses for leaving the party as there was deal that had been struck between him and the BJP.
The remarks of Chowkidar Chor Hai by the Congress during the last general elections prompted BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to christen their social media accounts with the prefix Chowkidar. This Lok Sabha, its Modi Ka Parivar.

The ruling party rallied around Modi as its leaders suffixed their names on social media profiles with Modi Ka Parivar, a day after RJD chief Lalu Prasad took a jibe at the PM for having no family.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Nirmala Sitharaman, along with BJP chief JP Nadda, were joined by party members from across the country in declaring themselves as Modi Ka Parivar (Modis family) on their social media accounts, as the ruling party launched a sharp counterattack on the Opposition. Several Modi-supporting social media users also made the same change on their pages.

Sudhanshu Trivedi, a BJP national spokesperson, told reporters that Opposition parties have been launching personal attacks against Modi and making such petty remarks against him for the past 16-17 years.

In that series, yesterday (Sunday), at a rally in Patna, once again such petty remarks were made against Prime Minister Modi by Lalu Prasad in the presence of INDIA alliance leaders. This is sad and painful, Trivedi said at a Press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

He (Yadav) has talked about Modis family. I want to remind (Yadav) that for Prime Minister Modi the entire country is his family, the BJP leader added. Some Opposition parties have formed the INDIA Bloc to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The BJPs show of solidarity around its top leader in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections is reminiscent of a similar campaign the party had mounted prior to the 2019 general elections with the Main Bhi Chowkidar addition to their names to take on Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Chowkidar Chor Hai dig at Modi.

The campaign around the Prime Ministers perceived image of honesty and anti-corruption spearhead turned out to be a big success as the Congress attempts to target him over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter aircraft deal proved to be a non-starter.

Modi led the BJP to a bigger win in the polls while the Congress was decimated one more time in 2019.

The Prime Minister has been asserting that the entire country is his family, a point he made again at a rally in Adilabad in Telangana on Monday where he said that 140 crore people of India are his family.

Soon after the rally, BJP leaders added Modi Ka Parivar to their profiles. Modi also attacked dynastic parties in the country, saying they may have different faces, but jhoot and loot was their common character.

Lalu, while addressing an INDIA Bloc rally in Patna on Sunday, had slammed Modi for raising the issue of dynastic politics and asked why the Prime Minister does not have a family.

Asked about the BJPs campaign, Congress general secretary organisation KC Venugopal said, You could see the enthusiasm among the public in Patna. Everyday INDIA Bloc is growing, that is why the BJP people are annoyed.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh took a dig at the BJP, saying now they cannot talk about parivarvad (nepotism).
Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand, K Ravi Kumar launched the #IamVerifiedVoter campaign during a program organized in a school in the capital city. The main objective of this campaign is to make all the voters of the state aware to check the name in the voter list. Under this, voter lists are being displayed by BLOs at the booths of all the districts. Also, voters are being told that they can verify their names by visiting the Voter Helpline App, the website of the Chief Electoral Officer Office, Jharkhand and the Voter Portal of the Election Commission of India.

On the occasion of the launch of the campaign in Ranchi, the Chief Electoral Officer said that voting is the right and duty of all of us. In the absence of Voter ID, voters can also vote by showing 12 other alternative documents. But the most important requirement is to have your name in the voter list. If someone's name is not in the voter list then he is deprived of the right to vote. He said that there is still time, people should check their names in the voter list, if there is any error or discrepancy then get it removed so that there is no problem on the day of voting.

In the light of the order of the Chief Electoral Officer, a social media campaign was launched in all the districts of the state, in which thousands of voters, after seeing their names in the voter list, posted information on social media handles that they had verified their names.

Apart from the main program in Ranchi, officials were also sent from here to oversee this campaign in the districts. For inspection in Kolhan area, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Subodh Kumar, Deputy Electoral Officer Headquarters for Palamu area Sanjay Kumar, OSD for Khunti Geeta Choubey, Junior Electoral Officer for Koderma Sunil Kumar Singh, for Santhal area S. N Jameel was given the responsibility.

Many officials of Ranchi district including Administrator Ranchi Municipal Corporation Amit Kumar, Sub-Divisional Officer Sadar Utkarsh Kumar, Under Secretary Dev Das Dutta, Deputy Collector Land Reforms Mukesh Kumar, District Deputy Election Officer Bivek Kumar Suman were present in the program in Ranchi.
CBI has arrested two more persons ie DGM & PD, NHAI, PIU, Bhopal and PD, NHAI, Vidisha in an on-going investigation of a case related to bribery of Rs 20 lakh. With this, total 8 accused have been arrested in the case. Following further searches, cash recovery/seizure comes to over Rs 2.0 crore (approx) including the bribe money.

CBI registered a case against four public servants of NHAI, a Bhopal based private company, two Directors and employees of the said private company and unknown others on allegations that Directors of a Bhopal based private company have been delivering bribes to various public servants of NHAI through their employees in lieu of issuance of completion certificates, processing of bills, smooth progression of awarded works, etc. in various road projects awarded by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

It was also alleged that employees of the private company deliver bribes to the public servants in Nagpur and in different locations in Madhya Pradesh.

It was further alleged that an employee of said company is in regular contact with General Manager & Project Director, NHAI, PIU, Nagpur for clearing pending matters including processing of pending bills and issuance of completion certificate, in lieu of bribe, for Project Outer Ring Road.

Further, it was alleged that a bribe amount of Rs 25 lakh was likely to be delivered to said General Manager & Project Director, NHAI, PIU, Nagpur.

CBI laid a trap and after the delivery of bribe Rs 20 lakh to said General & Project Manager of NHAI by employee of the said private company, both were apprehended. Searches were conducted at 16 different locations including at offices and residences of accused in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Bhopal, Harda, Vidisha and Dindori (Madhya Pradesh).
AIIMS Bhopal celebrated its 12th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and pride at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium. Despite the unavoidable absence of Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, as the chief guest, his heartfelt best wishes were conveyed to Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal.

Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his optimism towards the transformative potential of AIIMS Bhopal under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh. He hoped for collaborative efforts towards implementing the 'One State One Health Policy,' aiming to position Madhya Pradesh as the pioneer state in this transformative initiative.

Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh presented a comprehensive report highlighting the institution's remarkable achievements over the past year and a half. AIIMS Bhopal has witnessed unprecedented progress, including milestones such as kidney and bone marrow transplants, the establishment of a transgender clinic, delivery of medicines to remote areas facilitated by drones, and significant enhancements in digital healthcare infrastructure. Key highlights of the achievements include: 56% increase in OPD patients, 170% rise in emergency cases, and 53% increase in beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Notable improvements in bed occupancy from 62% to 77%. AIIMS Bhopal leads in data linkage and digitization among all AIIMS institutes.

Dr. Sunil Malik, President of AIIMS Bhopal, emphasized the institution's commitment to setting high standards in healthcare under Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh's visionary leadership. We should make every effort to provide better health services to every citizen. The foundation day oration was delivered by Prof. Nishi Pandey of Lucknow University. She said that today we need to create confidence in the minds of people. We work with full dedication towards the patient. The amount of money that the government spends today in making you a doctor, you also need to see how you can provide your services to the society. If you create confidence in the patient then it will be your biggest achievement.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has declared AIIMS Bhopal as the Centres of Excellence for treatment of rare diseases. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has framed National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 for patients suffering from rare diseases. Financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to the patients suffering from any category of rare diseases for treatment in any of the Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

In this regard, a National Symposium on Rare Diseases: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward was organized by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with World Health Organization from February 29 to March 01, 2024 at Udaipur, Rajasthan. Two faculties of AIIMS Bhopal who are members of Centre of excellence for rare diseases committee, attended the symposium.

Representatives from 12 CoEs from different states and State nodal officers attended this symposium along with officials of MOHFW, New Delhi. Panel discussions and discussion in groups were held to find out the ways to smoothen the ways for supporting the patients with rare diseases.
In a simple program organized at the administrative building of BHEL, Bhopal SM Ramanathan, Executive Director administered the "Safety Oath" to all the General Managers and DROs and employees present with an appeal to work safely. A "Safety Message" was also issued to the employees on this occasion.

On this occasion, Ramanathan said that we should be aware and alert about the emergency situations around our workplace. He also said that by imbibing the feeling of safety, the reflection of "safe behaviour" should be reflected in every work of ours.

The 53rd National Safety Day was celebrated with the theme "Safety Leadership for ESG Excellence"". Safety Fortnight started in BHEL Bhopal from 4th March and will conclude on 17th March. Under the fortnight, various programs will be organized in the entire factory to rekindle the commitment of the employees towards safety and health.

In order to awaken all the employees, product heads in all the manufacturing blocks of BHEL Bhopal administered "Safety Oath" to all the employees and officers on the shop floor. Among other events, a "Mock Drill" was conducted in the flammable warehouse of the factory to review the emergency preparedness and various personal protective equipment equipped with state-of-the-art technology was demonstrated in the HSE conference room by reputed suppliers to provide information on their use.

"Safety Talks", "Safety Flex" at all entry points, "Safety Inspection", "Safety Training", "Fire Training", "Safety Walk" with Central Safety Committee members for safety awareness will be carried out throughout the fortnight in the factory. "Safety-Talk" and "Mock Drill" will also be organized to review disaster preparedness. Along with this, awards like "Best Safe Department" and "Best Security Officer" will also be given.
As the electoral battleground heats up in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up with elaborate plans for rallies and roadshows, with a focus on deploying central leadership for campaigning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to hold 10 rallies across Uttar Pradesh, with a special roadshow planned in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. Additionally, Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address nearly a dozen rallies in the state, covering various constituencies.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to embark on an extensive campaign trail, with rallies scheduled in almost every Lok Sabha constituency. Yogi Adityanath plans to hold multiple rallies per day, targeting 2-3 parliamentary constituencies in a single day.

In a massive mobilisation effort, BJP national president JP Nadda is scheduled to lead over 15 rallies across Uttar Pradesh, aiming to bolster the partys presence in key regions.

Moreover, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are also slated to participate in campaign rallies, adding further momentum to the BJPs election drive.

The leaders of the coalition partners will also play a crucial role in the campaign, with their respective programmes expected to be finalised soon.

With Uttar Pradesh being a pivotal state in Indian politics, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to witness an intense battle, with parties leaving no stone unturned in their quest for electoral victory.
Cabinet meeting in Haryana today



Chandigarh: The Haryana Cabinet will meet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on March 5 in the main committee room, fourth floor, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, an official spokesperson said on Monday.



Government opens Kshatipurti Portal for Crop Damage Claims



Chandigarh: To address the concerns of farmers facing crop damage due to recent hail storms affecting various parts of the State, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said that the State Government has decided to receive the claims of damage to the crops from the farmers of the State through Kshatipurti portal, ensuring timely assistance. The Kshatipurti portal has been officially opened for farmers across all districts to submit their reports detailing the extent of damage to their crops. Farmers are encouraged to access the portal at www.ekshatipurti.haryana.gov.in and upload their claims before the deadline on March 15. Farmers are being advised to upload their claims regarding crop damage on the portal.



Hry CM approves 113 project under Rural Augmentation & Mahagram Scheme



Chandigarh: Haryana Government has decided to implement 113 new projects worth more than Rs. 121 crores under Rural Augmentation & Mahagram Scheme in 7 districts namely Yamuna Nagar, Panchkula, Ambala, Faridabad, Jhajjar, Bhiwani and Dadri. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday accorded administrative approval for these projects to be implemented by the Public Health Engineering Department.
PPP fails to impress voters in candidate selection

The conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP) wrapped up its selection of candidates for the April 10 general elections in 212 constituencies as of Sunday. The partys nomination process has drawn enormous attention amid expectations that it would impress voters with what it hopes is a renovated selection based on drastic generational change in the current political establishment.

The partys efforts seemed to be significant enough to cast off its negative image as a conservative party composed mainly of old faces. Disappointingly enough, however, the party has largely failed to do this, thus darkening its prospects of garnering more support from swing voters who have yet to pick their favorite candidates.

For this, the party needs to choose new and young faces ahead of the incumbent politicians. But the party again relied on 90 incumbent lawmakers, of whom less than 16 percent were dropped from the race. Only up to 13 percent of the nominees were in their 50s or younger. Worse still, most of the young figures were allowed to run in constituencies with relatively slimmer chances of victory. The portion of women also fell short of 10 percent as seen in the previous general elections in 2020.

The lower portion of incumbent dropouts compared to the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea may give the impression that the PPPs nomination process is running more smoothly compared to the DPK, which has been embroiled in a severe in-house rift over the candidate selection process. But the PPP cannot deflect criticism for having failed to impress the people by lacking necessary renovation or vitality.

Should the current trend continue until the final phase of the selection, more than 80 percent of the incumbent lawmakers will likely get renominated. The PPP had planned to cut off a considerable number of current lawmakers with more than three-terms in service. Yet it ended in eliminating only one lawmaker, Kim Young-seon, in the Changwon constituency in South Gyeongsang Province. The dropout rate of the current legislators compares badly to those during the 2020 and 2016 elections, when the dropout portions amounted to 44 percent and 24 percent, respectively.

Dramatizing this phenomenon, 12 incumbent lawmakers managed to snatch the party ticket in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, where nominees are all but guaranteed sure victory. Only three either failed to get nominated or declared they will not run. What matters with the seemingly easy nomination process is more lawmakers are getting the nod despite failing to put on a substantial performance in the National Assembly during their four-year term.

For starters, a lawmaker in North Chungcheong Province got selected despite his controversial receipt of billions of won in construction orders for companies run by his family members. Two prosecutors-turned-presidential secretaries were nominated for Busan and Yongin, where conservative party candidates won in the previous three elections.

Against this backdrop, skepticism has been increasing whether the party is bracing for the upcoming elections with visions for the future and fresh figures. The lack of innovation and vitality has been further clouding the party's prospects ahead of the elections. Now that the PPP has promised to pick new and young faces in the process of choosing its candidates under the proportional representation system, it needs to abide by its pledge without fail.

PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon has been firing salvos at the DPK, saying it has become the private party of Rep. Lee Jae-myung, its chairman. Yet before criticizing the DPK, Han should first look back on the PPP's problems. He should learn from the DPKs case where even five-term and pro-Lee lawmakers Ahn Min-seok and Byeon Jae-il were dropped from nomination.

Rep. Lee Chul-gyu, a member of the PPP nomination committee, said it is an absolute virtue for the strongest to take the flag. What a pity. The PPP should remember such a mindset is the very thing distancing it from the people, especially young and swing voters.
Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Monday termed the Delhi budget a bundle of papers with false announcements. He also said those who have been opposing the Ram temple, are now remembering Lord Shri Ram.

Criticising the budget, Bidhuri said in the shameful thing is that in the budget speech, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was compared to Lord Shri Ram while he was unable to answer the many allegations of corruption.

Similarly, the comparison of Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendra Jain, who was in jail on corruption charges and is out on bail on medical grounds these days, with Hanuman Ji is also condemnable, he said. Bidhuri said the BJP legislature party will demand an apology from Finance Minister Atishi on this.

While reacting to the budget, Bidhuri first of all termed the use of Lord Shri Rams name in the budget as disrespectful. He said Kejriwal himself has been opposing the construction of Shri Ram Temple. One of their ministers used derogatory language towards Hindu deities and he remains in the party till date.

Not only this, Congress raised questions on the existence of Lord Shri Ram and opposed the construction of Ram temple in the court. Till date Congress leaders have not gone to Ayodhya to have darshan of Shri Ram. Today, Aam Aadmi Party is contesting the elections along with the same Congress and when the whole world is bowing down before Shri Ram, then hypocrisy is being done to make Delhis budget with praise of Shri Ram, Bidhuri said.

Bidhuri said a total budget of Rs 76, 000 crore was presented and it was said to be a profitable budget, but Delhi Jal Board has suffered a loss of more than Rs 76, 000crore and DTC has suffered a loss of Rs 10, 000 crore. Therefore, there is no meaning of economic strength or profit budget, Leader of Opposition said.

Bidhuri said the announcement of Mahila Samman Yojana of Rs 1000 for women is being called a big achievement but the government should explain why the old age pension already announced has been stopped by the government. Not a single new old age pension has been sanctioned since 2017.

He said the achievements of ten years have been falsely presented in the budget because the people of Delhi consider the scams in education, health, transport, water board, DTC and other departments as the achievements of the Kejriwal government. This government keeps patting itself on the back only based on false propaganda and claims and the same has been done in the budget this time too, he said.

Reacting to the statement that the budget is inspired by the vision of Ram Rajya, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari said the state government is using Lord Rams name as a gimmick for the upcoming elections. The AAP government is using the word Ram Rajya out of compulsion. But its a good thing at least the AAP leaders, who only know corruption, are now speaking about Ram Rajya, Tiwari said. However, at present the Delhi governments budget has no significance. They dont have much time left because I believe in 2025 the residents of Delhi will give them permanent leave, he added.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva slammed the AAP government for slashing the budgetary allocation amount for health and education.
Announcing that Agroha will be developed as a prominent archaeological site, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said that a chair will be set up in the name of Maharaja Agrasen in Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha (Hisar), besides setting up a statue of Maharaja Agrasen in the premises of Hisar airport, which is also named after him.

Khattar made these announcements during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony organized at Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi, for developing Agroha as a prominent archaeological site.

The MoU was signed between Archaeological Survey of India and Department of Archaeological and Museums, Haryana, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gyanchand Gupta  who has been recently nominated as Agroha Development Project (ADP) chairman, and Urban Local Bodies Kamal Gupta  who the co-chairman.

The Chief Minister said that a statue of Maharaja Agrasen will be set up in the premises of Hisar Airport and the statue would be made with the cooperation of Vaish Samaj. He said that he had named the worlds largest Hisar Airport after the name of Maharaja Agrasen, though none asked for it. He said that the Maharaja Agrasen chair would be set up for taking up research and study on Maharaja Agrasen.

Talking about the evolution of human civilization, he said that evidence has been found that the habitation mainly happened near the rivers and river Saraswati, which has its origin from Aadi Badri (Yamunanagar), also flowed through Haryana.

Over a period of time, due to excavations and mining, the river Saraswati got merged with other rivers but pictures received from satellite indicate that the river Saraswati, initiating from Aadi badri fell into the sea after flowing through parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, he said.

Many habitations came up along this river, out of which Agroha was one of them. The remains of ancient city Agroha is buried under this mound. This site was excavated from 1978 to 1981. Presently, it is a centrally protected monument of national importance. It is an early historical site covering the stages of historyBuried in these significant ruins are evidence of the capital of the Agroha state, which was the so-called capital of Maharaja Agrasen, the famous king of the Agrawal community. It was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient times. The archaeological site of Agroha is located about 1.5 km from the present Agroha village, district Hisar, he said.

The internationally famous Rakhigarhi site is located just one hour away from this site, and other Harappan period sites like Bhirdana, Kunal, Banawali etc are also found near this site. Agroha itself holds the significance of being a fort, and has in its vicinity the historical sites dating back to the times of Prithviraj and Firoz Shah, he added.

Due to all these reasons, he said, the heritage of Agroha is still significant till date and to make it prevalent and prosperous for the future generations and to upgrade and develop the site, this MoU is presented before us.

He directed the concerned officers to start a GPS survey followed by a site excavation in the first phase. The upcoming phases of its development will include Tourist Welcome Centre, Site Lecture Centre or Museum (Mahabharata Panorama), Planetarium  based on astronomical timeline, Light and Sound show  based on Mahabharata or the great King Agrasen, Meditation Centre, Ancient Martial Arts Centre, Knowledge Park etc will be constructed along with it. Through all these efforts, emphasis will be laid on social, cultural and historical value.

The Chief Minister also launched a special bus service for Agroha and Rakhigarhi from Delhi and Chandigarh. This will be a full day tour for the people who want to explore Rakhigarhi and Agroha sites. For availing this bus service, one can contact on the mobile no. 9896981775, Khattar added.
Tensions ran high in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday as members of both the treasury and opposition benches came close to a physical altercation after a heated exchange of words between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.

The second day of the budget session turned chaotic when Mann, in a dramatic gesture, gifted a padlock to the Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, urging him to lock the doors of the main assembly hall from inside to prevent the opposition members (read Congress) from walking out during the debate on the Governor's address.

The argument, initially sparked by Manns unconventional move, quickly escalated into a free-for-all as the Chief Minister and other MLAs began leveling personal allegations against one another. Mann, visibly agitated, lost his composure on several occasions, directing his ire particularly at the opposition Congress, including Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

The unruly scenes unfolded after the Speaker, at the behest of AAP MLAs, allowed a discussion on the Governors address, departing from the usual practice of commencing with the days proceedings with Question Hour followed by the Zero Hour.

Even though Manns request was to ensure that the opposition members remain present for the discussion without walking out, it led to a heated argument between Mann and Bajwa, with both leaders engaging in a fiery war of words  mincing no words while launching personal attacks against one other.

As the verbal sparring intensified, the Speaker intervened, clarifying that the issue of locking the door was symbolic and aimed at facilitating a constructive discussion in the House. Despite the clarification, the exchange between the AAP and Congress members continued, with Mann targeting the Congress leadership, including Bajwa, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Sukhpal Singh Khaira.

Mann accused the Congress of disrupting the proceedings and attempting to run the House according to their own rules. Taking exception to Bajwas choice of words for the members of the treasury benches, Mann said: eh tuhaade andar di main haieh tuhada ahankaar bolda hai (loosely translated as Its your ego dictating your words).

It we start talkingwe will also talk about gold biscuit smuggling, Mann told Bajwa, in a personal attack.

As Bajwa and Mann exchanged heated words, notwithstanding repeated requests by the Speaker to restore order asking MLAs to go back on their seats, the altercation continued to escalate, with both sides refusing to back down  forcing a 15-minute adjournment.

Even when the House was in adjournment, the legislators continued to engage in a war of words. The leaders came close to exchanging blows as Bajwa made some objectionable remarks against AAP MLA Devinderjit Singh Laddi Dhose. Congress and AAP MLAs have to intervene to stop Laddi Dhose who nearly reached the point of physical altercation with Bajwa reaching up to the Leader of Oppositions chair on the other side of the floor.

As the House resumed, the intense exchange of words continued, prompting the Speaker to intervene and urge restraint. He reminded the members of their responsibility to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for parliamentary norms. When Bajwa asked the Speaker to take up the farmers issue first, Mann interposed asking the Speaker if the opposition MLAs are dictating the chair.

Lashing out at the opposition for double standards, Mann said: On one hand they complain about short session, and when the session is from March 1 to 15, they are not letting the House run.

They are trying to disrupt the functioning of the House. They come here, shout slogans, show these placardsThis is not acceptable!...People of Punjab have taught them a lesson by limiting them to just 18 seats, said Mann. Responding, Bajwa contended that the opposition leaders role was to raise peoples issue and hold the government accountable.

Making it clear that the lock was to keep the Congress MLAs inside the House and not outside, Mann said: If they want to go out, let them go so that we can run the House and they cannot come inside again. They cannot hear the truth. Speaker saab, give them an excuse to leave.

Go, Ask Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Not To Give Us Kurukshetra or Delhi, Gujarat: Mann To Bajwa

Mann and Bajwa, among other issues, also engaged in a heated argument over seat-sharing arrangements between their parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The verbal clash unfolded against the backdrop of both the Congress and AAP being members of the pan-India opposition bloc  INDIA.

Taking a direct swipe at Bajwa, Mann asked him to convey to the Congress leadership, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, to refrain from allocating Lok Sabha seats to AAP in Delhi, Haryana, or Gujarat. Who does Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi sit with?...With me. Have you ever sat with them? Mann questioned, making animated gestures.

On the one hand, you are making agreements (on seat sharing) with usGo ask them not to give us Kurukshetra (in Haryana) or Delhi and Gujarat (Lok Sabha) seats for us, said Mann. Later on, Mann also took a dig at the Congress poor performance in Delhi where it failed to have its representative since 2015 both in state assembly and in the Parliament.

Mocking the Congress leader, Mann reminded him of several senior leaders who had defected from the grand old party to join the BJP.

At the same time, Mann also dared Bajwa to contest against him in the Lok Sabha polls. Responding to Mann's challenge, Bajwa affirmed his readiness to contest against the AAP leader from any constituency in Punjab. When the heated argument was going on, the Chief Minister asked me if I would contest against him in the elections. I told him that from wherever he contests from Punjab, I will stand against him. I have accepted his challenge openly, said Bajwa, while taking with the media.

Mind your languagewe are hardworking people

In a scathing rebuke, Mann admonished Bajwa for what he perceived as disrespect towards the members of the ruling benches, highlighting their humble backgrounds and the effort they put in to reach the assembly.

Mann urged Bajwa to be mindful of his language, emphasizing that the opposition's primary objective seemed to be attaining power. He drew a sharp contrast by insinuating that unlike their counterparts, who he alleged came from affluent backgrounds, the ruling party members hailed from modest origins. Our Finance Minister is an advocateour Cabinet Ministers Dr Baljit Kaur and Dr Balbir Singh are renowned eye surgeonsour MLA Dr Charanjit Singh Channi is also a notable eye surgeonWe are hard-working peopleThose who come here wearing Rs 1.25 lakh shawls have nothing to do with Punjab and its people, quipped Mann, while asking Bajwa to mind your language while talking about AAP MLAs.

From Bajwa to Khaira to Warring: Mann took dig at opposition

At the height of his wit, Mann directed pointed remarks at Bajwa, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.

Directing his attention to Khaira, Mann asked if he is still with the Congress as I have learnt that he is planning to join some other party. Delivering a sly jab, Mann said: Cycle da vi stand hunda aeAe taan dodhiyaan wala motorcycle ne, jidhar nu karo, usse taraf ho jao (Even a cycle has a standThey are like the motorcycle of a milk vendor without a stable stand, it can stand on any side).

Using a metaphor, Mann illustrated his point by likening the pursuit of power to a fleeting ambition, suggesting that Bajwa would not attain the position he desired. Titliyaan warga yaar merakade iss full te, kade uss phull te, he quipped.

Saying that the Congress just wanted to have power, Mann offered to take seat beside him to have a feeling of being a CM.

Sometimes when a child is afflicted with terminal illness he is asked what he wants to become in life and he says like SSPSo he is often given the SSPs chair for a day to fulfill his wish.As Bajwa is unlikely to get the chair in future, I request Bajwa saab to come and sit here (on the Chief Ministers seat) for 30 minutes with me and get the feeling as the people will not give it (to you), said Mann.

In a stern warning directed at Warring  the former Transport Minister, Mann hinted at impending action regarding an alleged scam, asserting that all relevant files were under his scrutiny. He also questioned Warring about the procurement of bus bodies from Rajasthan, allegedly influenced by Congress leader Harish Chaudhary.

Tensions escalated further when AAP members objected to Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira addressing the Speaker informally. Mann criticized Khaira's lack of respect towards the Speaker, highlighting the importance of addressing the Chair with due regard.

Mann Locks Down Cong Walkout

By presenting a padlock to the Speaker, Mann ingeniously employed a symbolic gesture to prevent the Congress from staging a walkout during the proceedings in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha  at least for nearly three hours. Congress MLAs continued their protest inside the well of the House unabated by the Chief Minister's repeated provocations and taunting remarks.

Despite the Congress MLAs' persistent protests and vocal demonstrations, all through the debate on the Governor's address, the AAP Government continued its legislative agenda. While the AAP members applauded their government's achievements, the Opposition remained steadfast in their dissent, refusing to relent.

However, as the Chief Minister began addressing the ongoing discussion, the Congress legislators chose to stage their exit, underscoring what Mann described as the opposition's tendency to evade substantive issues. He criticized the Congress, alleging that evading responsibilities was ingrained in their party's DNA, citing instances of prominent leaders being absent during crucial legislative sessions.

Cong Demands CMs Resignation, Apology Over Offensive Remarks Against its MLA

Strongly condemning Manns offensive remarks against Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, Bajwa demanded the Chief Ministers resignation while asking him to seek apology from the leader.

Expressing outrage, Bajwa highlighted an incident involving Dalit MLA Kotli from Adampur. According to Bajwa, Kotli inquired about the promise to appoint a Dalit as Deputy Chief Minister and raised slogans, to which Mann responded with a derogatory remark implying Kotli was having a seizure.

Demanding Mann's resignation and a public apology, Bajwa emphasized the need for accountability from the Chief Minister. Kotli also addressed the media, visibly emotional as he condemned Mann's remarks.

Speaker Refers Governor Address Disruption to Privilege Committee

Days after Congress MLAs disrupted Governor Banwarilal Purohit's customary address to the House on the first day of the budget session, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan took serious note. He referred the matter of disrespect to the House to the Vidhan Sabha's privilege committee following the House's resolution on the issue.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Balkar Singh moved the resolution regarding the conduct of Congress MLAs, except Abohar MLA Sandeep Jakhar, for their role in disrupting the Governor's address on March 1. The House unanimously adopted the resolution, denouncing the alleged misconduct, and directed the Privileges Committee to further investigate the matter.
University Vice Chancellor Sunil Kumar can also be removed in the case of transfer of Rs 19.48 crore to a private account of Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV). Technical Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar gave this indication on Sunday.

He has said that in the case of transfer of about Rs 20 crore from the university account to personal accounts, the action will not be limited to the Registrar only. In case of transfer of money, action will be taken against all the officers whose signatures are on the cheque.

Minister Parmar had reached RGPV after discussing with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad workers who were protesting demanding investigation into corruption in the University. The investigation committee has found the signatures of University Registrar Dr. RS Rajput and Vice Chancellor Sunil Kumar on many cheques of the amount transferred to private accounts.

Minister Parmar said in RGPV after meeting at night, we have decided that the report has come. On that basis FIR is being registered. Not only the registrar but also all the other people involved in this matter, whose signatures have been placed on the cheque. Everyone is being made accused.

By filing FIR with immediate effect, major changes are being made in the university. Therefore the scope of investigation is being expanded. We will investigate everything issue wise. We will register his FIR today itself.

Minister Parmar said that one or two people are not involved in financial irregularities. There is potential for a huge scam in this. The scope of investigation is being expanded. New people are being added to the committee. In a way, we will work to investigate everything issue wise. Prima facie, a case of embezzlement of Rs 20 crore in the university's account has been proved. FIR is being lodged in this.

Minister Inder Singh Parmar said that if the Vice Chancellor is also guilty in the corruption case, then an FIR will be filed against him also. The draft of FIR has been prepared. I understand that if he himself does not step down then the government will take action to remove him.

RGPV Vice Chancellor Sunil Kumar said that the post of Controller Finance in the university has been vacant since October 2013. After the retirement of the Controller Finance of the University, the post of new Controller has not been established. For this reason, he has signed the cheque for the amount transferred from the university account to other accounts. The administrative approval of all the checks on which he has signed came through the Registrar.

The protest by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers continued on Sunday demanding investigation into corruption in RGPV. ABVP workers have been protesting in front of the administrative building of the university since February 19. ABVP demands that the investigation report of Rs 19.48 crore transferred from the university account to the private account should be made public. Apart from this, the corruption in the purchase of equipment in different departments of the university should be investigated.
Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Haryana unit chief Sushil Gupta, to contest 2024 parliamentary elections from Kurukshetra, on Sunday said that the people of the State want change both at the Centre and in Haryana.

He expressed his confidence that the candidates of INDIA bloc (Congress and AAP) will win all the Lok Sabha seats in the State. As part of the arrangement between the two parties in Haryana, AAP has fielded its state president Gupta from Kurukshetra while the Congress will contest the remaining nine seats in Haryana.

Notably, BJP had won all the 10 seats in Haryana in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Parties like BJP, Congress, INLD and JJP are yet to declare its candidates in all the 10 parliamentary seats of the State.

Gupta, talking to reporters in Kurukshetra, said that every worker of the two parties is working hard. Besides, we are getting full support from senior Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kiran Choudhary, Kumari Selja and the local leaders in Kurukshetra constituency, he added.

Gupta said that there will be a dharma yudh in Kurukshetra. It will be against corruption, against what BJP did to the farmers and against the drug menace, he said.

At the state level, AAP would raise issues like the drug menace, increasing crime, farmers issues, lack of good schools and hospitals, and unavailability of round-the-clock power. There is an undercurrent and people want change both at the Centre and in Haryana, he added.

On Kurukshetra's sitting MP Nayab Singh Saini, who is also the state BJP chief, Gupta said: People of his constituency say that he has hardly been seen here. If the party fields him again from Kurukshetra, he will lose his security depositWe talk of good governance...We are confident that the INDIA bloc will form the government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls.

Targeting the BJP, Gupta said: They are destroying democracy. Everyone knows what happened in last month's Chandigarh municipal polls, it became a national headline. Unemployment is a big issue at the national level. People are also seeing how the BJP is targeting opposition leaders.
The State Cabinet on Monday approved over Rs 5,180 crore for various irrigation projects. Of this, Rs 5 thousand 42 crore were revised and administrative approval was given for more than Rs 137 crore.

Among the approved projects, revised administrative approval of Rs 775 crore was given in place of Rs 600 crore in Shahnagar development block of Panna district. On completion, 577 villages of the area will also benefit from drinking water facility.

It may be noted that in 2011, Powai Medium Irrigation Project worth Rs 261 crore 54 lakh was approved. Due to increase in irrigation area, a revised administrative approval of Rs 600 crore was give in 2018. In 2011, the irrigation area was 9 thousand 952 hectares, which increased to 19 thousand 534 hectares in 2018 and now it has increased to 25 thousand 820 hectares.

Similarly, due to increase in irrigation area in Burhanpur development block of Burhanpur district, a revised administrative approval of Rs 144 crore 72 lakh was given. This irrigation project was approved in the year 2017 at a cost of Rs 104 crore 45 lakh. Earlier, 2310 hectare irrigation area was included in the project, which has now increased to 3750 hectare area.

Besides, revised administrative approval of Rs 3 thousand 219 crore 62 lakh crore was given due to increase in irrigated land in Banda tehsil of Sagar district, increase in the cost of land acquisition due to increase in the number of families in the submergence area and increase in electricity consumption. This irrigation project was approved in 2022 at a cost of Rs 26 crore 54 lakh. The project will affect more than 4 thousand 646 hectares of land in 28 villages and more than 4 thousand families are to be displaced. With the completion of this scheme, 313 villages of the area will be benefited.

Similarly, a revised administrative approval of Rs 53 crore 69 lakh was given due to increase in irrigation area in Ramnagar development block of Satna district. With the completion of this scheme, 26 villages in the area will be benefited. This irrigation project was approved in 2018 at a cost of Rs 36 crore 17 lakh. Earlier, 2600 hectare irrigation area was included in the project, which has now increased to 3961 hectare area.

A revised administrative approval of Rs 627 crore 45 lakh was given due to increase in irrigation area in Lateri development block of Vidisha district. This irrigation project was approved in 2016 at a cost of Rs 383 crore 15 lakh. At that time 9,990 hectare irrigation area was included in the project, which has now increased to 12 thousand 814 hectare area. The cost of rehabilitation and resettlement has also increased.

Similarly, a revised administrative approval has been given for Kanyakhedi Medium Irrigation Project (irrigation area 4605 hectares) costing Rs 222 crore 3 lakh. In the year 2018, this irrigation project was approved at a cost of Rs 102 crore 71 lakh. At that time, 2400 hectare area of 7 villages was included in the project, which has now increased to 3800 hectare area of 11 villages.

The Cabinet has given administrative approval for the Chhoti Utawali Medium Irrigation Project (irrigation area 4000 hectares) in Burhanpur district costing Rs 137 crore 77 lakh. Through the project, 9 villages of Burhanpur tehsil will get the benefit of irrigation facility through pressurized (hose) system.

The Cabinet has approved an estimated cost of Rs 69 crore 48 lakh for extending the contract period of the firm M/s-BVG India Ltd. for the continuous operation of the Centralized Police Call Center and Control Room System (Dial-100) Scheme by 15 percent more in the approved rates for 6 months (from 01 October 2023 to 31 March 2024) or till the date of commencement of operation of Dial-100 service by the selected tenderer after the new tender, whichever period is less.
The weather remained abrupt in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday also, it rained with strong winds in many districts including Rewa, Satna, Chitrakoot and Datia. Hail storm was also witnessed in many areas.

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert of cloudy sky and thunder in 20 districts including Gwalior and Rewa.

After 2 days on March 5, a new Western Disturbance is becoming active. Due to this, it may rain again in many districts of the state.

The weather suddenly changed in Datia on Sunday morning. It started raining with strong winds. During this period hail stones were witnessed for about 10 minutes.

The weather changed in Rewa on Sunday afternoon and it started raining heavily.

In Chitrakoot of Satna also, hailstorm fell along with heavy rain on Sunday.

Crops were damaged due to a hailstorm in Guna on Saturday. After which the farmers blocked the road demanding compensation. After which the administration officials reached the spot and told the farmers that the survey has been started from today itself.

After a hailstorm in Guna on Saturday, farmers blocked the road on Sunday.

CM gave survey instructions to district collectors. CM Dr. Mohan Yadav has given instructions for a survey regarding the damage caused to crops due to rain and hailstorm in many districts of MP. He has asked the district collectors to conduct a survey of damaged crops immediately.

More than 10 peacocks died due to rain and hailstorm in Chhatarpur on Sunday. The villagers gave it to Rajnagar police station and Lavkushnagar forest department. After this the administrative team reached the spot. Farmer Brijendra Singh Yadav said that more than a dozen peacocks were found lying dead in the field.

According to the Meteorological Department, Bhopal, at present the Western Disturbance is active in the form of a cyclonic circulation in and around Afghanistan. There is a trough line in the troposphere from this cyclonic circulation to the North Arabian Sea. The induced cyclonic circulation is active over North Pakistan and Punjab. Due to this, moisture is coming from the Arabian Sea along with south-westerly winds.

Thunderstorm conditions will prevail in Morena, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Tikamgarh, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Katni, Maihar, Umaria, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj and Rewa.
Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal (A Regional Centre of National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi) and SNHC, India Bhopal jointly organized a Temporary Photography Exhibition 'Lesser Know Avian & Mammalian Species of M.P." on 3rd March, 2024 on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. VN Ambade, IFS, PCCF & Member Secretary MP State Biodiversity Board was the Chief Guest and K. Raman, IFS Retd, Former APCCF, MP was the Guest of Honor of the programme.

Chief Guest VN Ambade and Guest of Honour K Raman inaugurated the exhibition. During the inauguration Scientist-C & Head of Office Beenish Rafat; Scientist-C & Co-ordinator Manik Lal Gupta; Vikas Singh Baghel from SNHC, India Bhopal; Jackson Dukpa from Bhutan, Winners & participants of photography competition; Mohd. Khaliqe & Sangeeta Rajgeer from Bhopal Birds, Museum staff were present.

In the beginning of the inaugural programme, Scientist-C & Head of Office Beenish Rafat welcomed the Chief Guest VN Ambade, Guest of Honour K Raman, Vikas Singh Baghel from SNHC, India Bhopal; Jackson Dukpa from Bhutan, Winners & participants of photography competition; Mohd. Khaliqe & Sangeeta Rajgeer from Bhopal Birds.

Beenish Rafat informed that museum organizes various programmes & activities to create awareness about environment and nature conservation. Hence, RMNH, Bhopal organized this exhibition on the topic 'Lesser Know Avian & Mammalian Species of M.P." on the occasion of World Wildlife Day in collaboration with SNHC India, Bhopal.

To select the Lesser Know Avian & Mammalian Species of MP a Photography Contest on the same theme was organized during February, 2024. A total 106 participants sent their entries for this competition. Out of this 20 photographs were selected to exhibit in this exhibition.

Guest of Honour K Raman wished during his speech that this type of activities should be continued to create awareness about Lesser Known Species among the general public.

Chief Guest VN Ambade Ji told that this exhibition which is inaugurated on the occasion of World Wildlife Day will be successful to create awareness about the Wildlife Conservation among the general public.

Chief Guest VN Ambade; Guest of Honor K Raman; and Scientist-C & Head of Office Beenish Rafat distributed the prize and certificates to the prize winners of Photography competition organized in February 2024.

The programme was concluded with vote of thanks proposed Mohd. Khalique from Bhopal Birds.
The Delhi government allocated Rs 8,685 crore for the health sector in its annual budget for 2024-25 announced on Monday. Presenting the budget in the Delhi Assembly, Finance Minister Atishi said the citys healthcare system in the last nine years under the Arvind Kejriwal dispensation has moved from a state of majboori se majbooti (helplessness to strength) and nirasha se vishwas (despair to faith).

The minister presented the Delhi budget 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, and said the government is trying to realise the dream of Ram Rajya. She said the second principle of Ram Rajya is curing every ailing person.

She then went on to quote a couplet from Goswami Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas and explained its meaning, saying it speaks for the good health of all.

It is a matter of misfortune for our country that we are far away from this vision. Till 2014, even Delhi government-run hospitals were in a very bad state.

The filth at these hospitals would belie that even treatment could be offered there. It used to appear that if one went there with one disease, one would return with four diseases, the minister said.

Pointing out the poor health infrastructure of the hospitals before the Kejriwal government, Atishi cited dirty floors, broken and smelly toilets, soiled bedsheets, crowded counters at OPDs for which no one was held accountable, long queues at pharmacy counters but no chemists.

Sharing details about budgetary allocation for the health sector, the minister said, For financial year 2024-25, I propose a budgetary outlay of Rs 8,685 crore for health sector.

She also spoke about how the national capital has changed in the last 10 years under the Aam Aadmi Party-led government. Atishi said that there are 38 hospitals under the Delhi government where daily more than 81,000 OPD patients and per month over 65,000 IPD patients are treated free of cost.
The Saharanpur division of Uttar Pradesh is set undergo transformation with the launch of 14 significant projects valued at over Rs 50 crore each spanning across Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur districts, during the fourth groundbreaking ceremony (GBC@IV) held recently.

These projects, totaling Rs 5,435 crore, are estimated to create over 10,000 job opportunities. They encompass diverse sectors such as ethanol production, solid waste management, power transmission, private industrial ventures, wooden handicrafts, hospitality, distilleries, and rebar manufacturing.

Under the Saharanpur division, the Muzaffarnagar district has emerged as the prime destination for investment through GBC@IV, witnessing significant success in bringing investments to fruition. Five projects, each exceeding Rs 50 crore, are set to inject a total of Rs 2,811 crore into the district, facilitating the creation of 1,420 job opportunities.

Among the notable investors in Muzaffarnagar, GC India Solutions Pvt Ltd is spearheading investment in solid waste management with a whopping Rs 1,480 crore, expected to generate around 500 jobs. Reshu Advertising Pvt Ltd is investing Rs 600 crore in manufacturing Diwali puja boxes, leading to 150 employment opportunities. Saptam Decor Pvt Ltd is investing Rs 301 crore in wood-based product manufacturing, aiming to create 300 employment opportunities. Swaroop Steel Industry Pvt Ltd has committed Rs 270 crore for TMT bar manufacturing, anticipating 325 employment opportunities. Additionally, Alcobulls Ltd has invested Rs 160 crore in constructing a distillery, paving the way for 145 employment opportunities.

Among the three districts comprising the Saharanpur division, the district headquarters, Saharanpur, is poised to offer the highest employment prospects. Projects totaling Rs 1,314 crore are expected to create 7,249 employment opportunities in this district. Notably, four projects exceeding Rs 50 crore each are underway.

Leading the investment front in Saharanpur is the Saharanpur Handicraft Development Centre, which is investing Rs 604 crore in the export of wooden handicrafts, projected to generate 2,000 employment opportunities. Additionally, Pulatsya Industrial Park Limited is investing Rs 500 crore in establishing a private industrial park, aiming to create 5,000 employment opportunities.

Further contributing to employment growth, an investment of Rs 130 crore is being made by Cosmos Infra Engineering India Pvt Ltd in the field of commercial plot development, which will create 150 jobs. Furthermore, Synergy Teltech Pvt Ltd is investing Rs 80 crore to establish a CBG plant, expected to create approximately 100 job opportunities.

Investors have demonstrated keen interest in Shamli, the third district of the Saharanpur division, with investments totaling Rs 1,310 crore. These investments are expected to create 2,000 job opportunities through five companies investing more than Rs 50 crore each.

Among these investments, Sikka Paper Pvt Ltd is venturing into the paper and paper craft industry with an investment of Rs 400 crore, which will generate 300 employment opportunities. Similarly, Gyanchetna Educational Societys investment of Rs 300 crore in a medical college is set to provide employment to 1,200 individuals.

Furthermore, M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd will contribute Rs 165 crore for laying the 400KV Meerut-Shamli DC line, resulting in 50 job opportunities. Superior Biofuels Pvt Ltd is investing Rs 125 crore in an ethanol plant which is expected to employ 350 people.

Additionally, Radisson Palace Groups construction of a hotel, costing Rs 110 crore, will directly employ 100 individuals.
KG Mobility, formerly known as SsangYong Motor, said Monday its February sales fell 9.1 percent from a year earlier due to weakened demand.

KG Mobility sold 9,452 vehicles last month, compared with 10,401 units sold a year earlier, the company said in a statement.

Domestic sales fell 44.8 percent on-year to 3,748 units amid sluggish demand and reduced working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday, the company said.

The company's exports, however, jumped 56.4 percent to 5,704 units thanks to increased shipments to Hungary, Britain, Spain and Turkey.

KG Mobility CEO Chung Yong-won said the company expects to boost sales by expanding global launches of key models, such as the Torres EVX, and also strengthening domestic market operations. (Yonhap)
On the death of children of two tribal labourers due to wall collapse in Heenu area of Doranda police station area of Ranchi, Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party's National General Secretary in-charge Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh Vijay Shankar Nayak visited the site today and met the labourers fathers of Shiva Mahali and Ajay Lohra and obtained information from them about the incident.

He assured the victim's family that justice would be done to them. He demanded from the government and the builder where they were working that the children of the victim's family should be given a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and their dependent families should be given jobs so that they can get justice in the heart-wrenching incident that happened to them.

During the compensation talks, Nayak was misbehaved by the police and was pushed by the builder and BJP supporters and was forcibly removed from there by the police and without giving proper compensation to the tribal labourer, the dead bodies were removed from there and post-mortem was done.

The Sampoorna Bharat Kranti Party condemns the police action. Nayak has demanded from Chief Minister Champai Soren, an advocate of tribals, that he should personally investigate the incident and an FIR should be registered against the builder for murder and Rs. 10 lakh each should be given to the victim's families and jobs. If the demands are not met then a case for compensation will be filed in the Labour Court and they will be given justice.
The Cabinet meeting began under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav with the rendition of Vande Mataram in Mantralaya. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, in his address before the meeting, said that the official visit of the Council of Ministers to Ayodhya for Lord Shri Rams darshan is a historic occasion. This journey is a manifestation of respect for Lord Shri Ram. He congratulated everyone on this auspicious occasion.

Chief Minister Yadav said that once the Ayodhya visit is over, the state government will rapidly implement the decisions and resolutions taken regarding Devasthans. In the next meeting of the Cabinet, the Department of Endowments, Revenue and Culture will be combined after forming a Cabinet Sub-Committee. Panchayat and Rural Development for the places of worship located in rural areas and Urban Development and Housing Department for the places of worship in urban areas will also be included. All the departments will prepare action plans for the development of Devsthans and ensure their implementation through mutual coordination. The aim of the state government is to temples should become centers of social consciousness and harmony along with places of worship and social functions like mass marriages should be conducted in temples.

Chief Minister Yadav said that the state government will develop Dharamshala in Ayodhya Dham. The state government will also take initiative towards developing Dharamshalas in major temples located inside and outside the state. Other state governments will also be encouraged to develop Dharamshalas in the temples located in Madhya Pradesh on behalf of their state. Members of the Council of Ministers thumped the tables and welcomed the proposal of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.

Chief Minister Yadav said that the manufacturing of material used in temples such as Lord Shri Krishnas clothes, jewellery, make-up material, metal and stone idols will be promoted under cottage industry. Self-help groups and youth of the area will be provided training for this by artists from Mathura and Jaipur etc. and stalls will also be arranged in temples for the sale of these materials.

The members of the Council of Ministers congratulated Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the success of the Regional Industry conclave held in Ujjain. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that industrial activities have started in Ujjain as well as in other places of the state in the Regional Industry conclave. The upcoming Regional Industry conclave will be held in Jabalpur, Rewa and Gwalior.

Chief Minister Yadav informed that under the Rajasv Maha Abhiyan, 03 lakh 03 thousand cases of nomination transfer were resolved. In the campaign, 37 thousand cases of Batwara, 40 thousand demarcation, 25 thousand records correction, 2 lakh 23 thousand 830 Naksa Tarmim cases have been resolved. Cyber tehsil system has also been implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Yadav congratulated Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma for resolving a large number of revenue cases.
Amidst growing speculation surrounding the stability of the Congress-led Government in Himachal Pradesh, former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha, Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday stirred the political pot suggesting imminent changes in the state's leadership.

Thakur's remarks, made on the sidelines of the Tridev Sammelan, sent ripples through the political landscape of the hill state. He asserted that the prevailing political situation in Himachal Pradesh is precarious for the Congress party, hinting at a potential shift in power dynamics.

Anything can happen in the coming days, Thakur declared, igniting speculation about a possible change of guard in the State Government while asking his party workers to get ready.

Expressing skepticism about the Congress ability to retain power, Thakur remarked, It is difficult for the Congress to stay in powerEven the Ministers are now walking out of the cabinet meeting, citing the current grim political climate.

The Leader of Opposition highlighted recent developments within the Congress Government to bolster his claims. He pointed out instances of discord within the Cabinet, notably during the Cabinet Meeting on Saturday where high drama ensued. Thakur revealed that Revenue Minister Jagat Negi and Education Minister Rohit Thakur had walked out of the meeting following heated arguments, signaling internal rifts within the ruling party.

While both Ministers later downplayed the incident, attributing their departure to prior engagements, the episode underscored underlying tensions within the Congress administration. Notably, Rohit Thakur had later returned after being pacified by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.

Thakur further underscored the moral dilemma faced by the Congress Government, asserting that it had lost its legitimacy to govern after nine MLAs, including six Congress rebels, sided with the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha polls on August 27.
We should all take inspiration from the life of Lord Krishna, who faced numerous challenges from the very beginning. His parents were in jail before his birth, and his siblings were murdered. He even had to cross the swollen Yamuna river after his birth. Despite these hardships and being deprived of the warmth of a mother's love, Lord Krishna lived a life of honor and dignity, setting a remarkable example for us all.. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav was addressing the Yadav Mahakumbh at Gudaura Ground in Lucknow. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in Sanatan culture, Lord Ram and Krishna have taught us to live life within limits. We all should follow the high ideals established by him in our lives.

Lord Krishna faced every difficulty and test in his life fearlessly and succeeded. Despite a continuous struggle during his lifetime, he inspired the society to follow the path of religion. Lord Krishna has given the message of following the path of religion to the whole world through Shrimad Bhagwat Gita. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav invited all the members of Yadav community and the common people of Uttar Pradesh to visit Madhya Pradesh. He said that all the places connected to Lord Ram and Lord Shri Krishna in the state will be developed as pilgrimage spots. Lord Shri Krishnas education venue Ujjain, Rukminis abduction site Amjhera, Lord Shri Krishnas kingdom Badnawar and Lord Shri Krishna and Sudamas friendship in Swarnagiri mountain along with Lord Shri Rams holy city Chitrakoot will be developed as pilgrimage sites.

Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brijesh Pathak welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav by presenting him a shawl and the statue of Shri Krishna. Representatives from Yadav community greeted Chief Minister Dr. Yadav by garlanding him. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the community members from different parts of the country and state who came to attend the Yadav Mahakumbh.

Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brijesh Pathak, Rajeshwaranand Ji Maharaj, Vice President of Yadav Mahasabha and State President of the community Jagdish Yadav, Mahendra Singh Yadav, Prashant Rao and Manish Yadav main supporters of Krishna Janmabhoomi, representatives of the community, members and general public were present.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, tagged Modi ka Parivar with his name on his official X handle to extend support to Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement in which he described the entire population of India as his family.

During a public meeting in Telangana, Prime Minister Modi, targeting the opposition alliance, referred to the entire country as his family  Modi ka Parivar.

Following this, top-level leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party across the country used the Modi ka Parivar tagline with their names on X in support of Prime Minister Modis statement.

Previously, in 2019, following the Prime Ministers Chowkidar slogan, BJP leaders, as well as members of the general public, had appended Main Bhi Chowkidar to their names.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to address a rally of backward communities in Patna on March 9, a BJP leader said on Monday.

BJP MP Sangam Lal Gupta, the national general secretary of the party's OBC Morcha, said preparations are in full swing for the 'Maha Samellan' of backward and extremely backward communities in Paliganj.

"The rally will be addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah," he said.

"I discussed the preparations with senior BJP leaders of Bihar today. It will be a mega event, and all party leaders of the state unit are busy finalising things," he added.
The BJP on Monday rallied around Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leaders suffixed their names on social media profiles with "Modi Ka Parivar", a day after RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav took a jibe at him for having no family.

Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Nirmala Sitharaman, and BJP chief JP Nadda were joined by party members from across the country in declaring themselves as "Modi Ka Parivar (Modi's family)" on their social media accounts, as the ruling party launched a sharp counterattack on the opposition.

Many Modi-supporting social media users also made the same change on their pages.

Sudhanshu Trivedi, a BJP national spokesperson, told reporters that opposition parties have been launching personal attacks against Modi and making such "petty" remarks against him for the past 16-17 years.

"In that series, yesterday (Sunday), at a rally in Patna, once again such petty remarks were made against Prime Minister Modi by Lalu Prasad Yadav in the presence of INDI alliance leaders. This is sad and painful," Trivedi said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

"He (Yadav) has talked about Modi's family. I want to remind (Yadav) that for Prime Minister Modi the entire country is his family," the BJP leader added.

Some opposition parties have formed the INDIA bloc to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP's show of solidarity around its top leader in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections is reminiscent of a similar campaign the party had mounted prior to the 2019 general elections with the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" addition to their names to take on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" dig at Modi.

The campaign around the prime minister's perceived image of honesty and anti-corruption spearhead turned out to be a big success as the Congress' attempts to target him over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter aircraft deal proved to be a non-starter.

Modi led the BJP to a bigger win in the polls while the Congress was decimated one more time in 2019.

The prime minister has been asserting that the entire country is his family, a point he made again at a rally in Adilabad in Telangana on Monday where he said that 140 crore people of India are his family.

Soon after the rally, BJP leaders added "Modi Ka Parivar" to their profiles.

Modi also attacked "dynastic parties" in the country, saying they may have different faces, but "jhoot and loot" was their common character.

Yadav, while addressing an INDIA bloc rally in Patna on Sunday, had slammed Modi for raising the issue of dynastic politics and asked why the prime minister doesn't have a family.
Delhi Finance minister Atishi on Monday announced the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' under which Rs 1,000 will be given monthly to all women aged above 18 from the fiscal year 2024-25.

Atishi announced the scheme in her maiden budget speech.

"The Kejriwal government will give a monthly amount of Rs 1,000 to every woman aged 18 or above. Under the Mukyamnatri Mahila Samman Yojana, women will be given this benefit," she said.

Atishi presented the budget for the financial year 2024-25 in the Delhi Assembly on Monday with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, and said the government is trying to realise the dream of 'Ram Rajya'.
The Enforcement Directorate on Monday alleged that senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid's wife Louise Khurshid and two others "laundered" Rs 71.50 lakh in central government funds for their personal gain.

The federal agency said in a statement that its has provisionally attached 15 agricultural land parcels located in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh and some bank deposits, worth a combined Rs 45.92 lakh, of the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A probe found that "grant-in-aid of Rs 71.50 lakh received by the trust was not utilised for holding camps sanctioned by the Government of India but was laundered by Pratyush Shukla, a representative of the trust, Mohammad Athar, secretary to the trust, and Louise Khurshid, project director of the trust, for the interest of the trust and their personal gain", the Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed.

In this way, the fund received as grant-in-aid was laundered for their personal gain and leading to generation of proceeds of crime, it said.

The money-laundering case stems from 17 FIRs of the Economic Offences Wing of the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the Supreme Court verdict in the JMM bribery case as a "great judgment", saying it will ensure clean politics and deepen people's faith in the system.

The Supreme Court held that MPs and MLAs do not enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or cast a vote in the legislature.

A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict delivered by a five-judge bench in the JMM bribery case by which MPs and MLAs were granted immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or vote in the legislature.

Modi said on X, "SWAGATAM! A great judgment by the Hon'ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people's faith in the system."
By Park Jae-hyuk

Hyundai Motor is expected to increase expenditures to rescue Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet), a cash-strapped operator of hydrogen charging stations for passenger vehicles, after Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS), the largest shareholder of the debt-ridden operator, refused to provide additional financial support, according to industry officials, Monday.

The state-owned natural gas supplier, which has a 28.52 percent stake in HyNet, claimed recently that it is impossible for the company to make additional investments, citing its worsening profitability.

Its remarks show its intention to shift the burden onto the carmaker, the second-largest shareholder of HyNet with a 28.05 percent stake.

We are also suffering financial difficulties, due to our snowballing losses, a KOGAS official said. We finished paying 30 billion won ($22 million) that we should invest in accordance with the joint venture agreement.

HyNet has experienced cumulative losses since its inception in 2019, resulting in partial capital impairment. It suffered an 8.4 billion won net loss in 2022, compared to a 4.7 billion won deficit in 2021.

In response, the company has increased its capital through the issuance of new shares several times from 2020 to 2022.

However, KOGAS rejected HyNets request for a paid-in capital increase this year, as the gas suppliers debt reached 47 trillion won as of the end of 2023.

If the nations largest operator of hydrogen charging stations for passenger cars goes bankrupt, drivers of hydrogen-powered vehicles will face potential inconveniences, prompting Hyundai Motor to face a setback in its ambitious plan to create a hydrogen ecosystem in Korea.

During the CES 2024 trade show in Las Vegas earlier this year, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun told reporters that it is right for the company to prepare for the hydrogen-powered mobility solution not for the current generation, but for the next one.

The carmaker also plans to launch the new version of the Nexo hydrogen-powered SUV next year.

Considering Hyundai Motors record profits last year and the declining government budget for the hydrogen economy under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, industry officials expect the Korean hydrogen industry to rely more heavily on the carmaker.

A Hyundai Motor official declined to comment on this issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects related to power, rail and road sectors in Telangana worth more than Rs 56,000 crore.

In his brief address, the PM highlighted India's economic growth.

The PM's official function here was attended by the State Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy among others.

After a long time, a CM of Telangana received PM Modi and shared dais with him during the official event.

BRS supremo and former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao had, on several occasions, skipped the PM's official visits to the state in the past.

At the event here, the Prime Minister, among other projects, dedicated NTPC's 800 MW (Unit-2) of Telangana Super Thermal Power Project in Peddapalli.

Based on ultra-supercritical technology, the project will supply 85 per cent power to Telangana and will have the highest power generation efficiency of approximately 42 per cent among all power stations of NTPC in the country.

The foundation stone of the project was also laid by the PM earlier.

The PM also dedicated the 660 MW (Unit-2) of North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project in Chatra, Jharkhand. This is the country's first Supercritical Thermal Power Project conceived with an Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) of such large magnitude which reduces water consumption to one-third in comparison to conventional water-cooled condensers.

The commencement of work in this project was flagged off by the Prime Minister.

Modi said the Rs 56,000 crore worth projects will write new chapter of development in several states.

He further said today India was the "only country" in the world which has emerged as a large economy by clocking 8.4 per cent growth in the previous quarter. India's growth rate was the point of discussion for the past 3-4 days across the world.

"With this pace, India will become the third largest economy of the world," he added.

Further, Centre was cooperating in every way in realising the development dream of the people of Telangana, the PM said.

In his address, Revanth Reddy said PM means like a big brother and that the state needs his support for it to progress like Gujarat, Modi's home-state.

Telangana, a Congress-ruled state did not want confrontation with the Centre and desired cordial relations, he said.

"We would like to contribute to the ambitious target of a USD 5 trillion economy," he added.
Kuwait said on Saturday it will hold elections for its national assembly on April 4, its latest round of voting after years of political turmoil. The state-run KUNA news agency made the announcement, citing a decree published by the oil-rich countrys official gazette. In February, Kuwaits emir dissolved parliament after a lawmaker reportedly insulted the ruler.

Domestic political disputes have been gripping Kuwait for years  including the overhaul of Kuwaits welfare system  which prevented the sheikhdom from taking on debt. That has left it with little in its coffers to pay bloated public sector salaries, despite generating immense wealth from its oil reserves.

Parliament has been repeatedly dissolved after failing to move forward, with Kuwaits Constitutional Court in 2023 annulling a 2022 decree overturning another such annulment. The countrys late emir then annulled that parliament again and held an election for a new parliament, which was annulled with the February decision. Kuwait, a nation home to some 4.2 million people thats slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, has the worlds sixth-largest known oil reserves.

It has been a staunch US ally since the 1991 Gulf War expelled the occupying Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein. Kuwait hosts some 13,500 American troops in the country, as well as the forward headquarters of the US Army in the Middle East.
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Free Report) in a research report report published on Thursday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the technology companys stock.

WidePoint Price Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN WYY opened at $2.55 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $22.54 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.92 and a beta of 1.34. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.86. WidePoint has a twelve month low of $1.60 and a twelve month high of $3.49.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On WidePoint

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of WYY. UBS Group AG purchased a new stake in WidePoint during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in WidePoint during the 2nd quarter valued at about $37,000. Citadel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 121.1% during the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 13,577 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 7,437 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 390,757 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $833,000 after acquiring an additional 34,072 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in WidePoint by 27.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 43,483 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $79,000 after acquiring an additional 9,377 shares during the period. 10.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About WidePoint

WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments.

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AXQ Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Louisiana-Pacific Co. (NYSE:LPX  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 12,400 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock, valued at approximately $685,000.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Quadrature Capital Ltd grew its stake in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 500.9% during the 3rd quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd now owns 26,794 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $1,481,000 after purchasing an additional 22,335 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 31.9% during the 3rd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 17,370 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $960,000 after purchasing an additional 4,203 shares during the period. Caxton Associates LP lifted its position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 222.1% during the 3rd quarter. Caxton Associates LP now owns 14,656 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $810,000 after buying an additional 10,106 shares in the last quarter. Teza Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific during the 3rd quarter valued at about $288,000. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific during the 3rd quarter valued at about $6,568,000. 91.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $57.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. TD Securities lifted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, February 15th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $76.00 price objective on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research report on Tuesday, February 13th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, TheStreet cut Louisiana-Pacific from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Louisiana-Pacific presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.71.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Lizanne C. Gottung sold 3,313 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.00, for a total transaction of $221,971.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 28,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,909,165. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Lizanne C. Gottung sold 3,313 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.00, for a total transaction of $221,971.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 28,495 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,909,165. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Michael W. Blosser sold 4,060 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.00, for a total value of $272,020.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 49,858 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,340,486. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Louisiana-Pacific Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of LPX opened at $76.05 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.64 and a beta of 1.83. Louisiana-Pacific Co. has a 1 year low of $49.47 and a 1 year high of $79.56. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $69.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $62.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 3.00 and a quick ratio of 1.54.

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 14th. The building manufacturing company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.17. The business had revenue of $658.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $618.60 million. Louisiana-Pacific had a return on equity of 15.65% and a net margin of 6.90%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.61 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Louisiana-Pacific Co. will post 3.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Louisiana-Pacific Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 22nd. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.37%. This is an increase from Louisiana-Pacifics previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. Louisiana-Pacifics payout ratio is currently 42.45%.

About Louisiana-Pacific

(Free Report)

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products.

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LRT Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 15,892 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $2,708,000. Comfort Systems USA comprises 1.9% of LRT Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest holding.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Comfort Systems USA by 3.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 685,303 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $112,527,000 after buying an additional 24,124 shares during the last quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new stake in Comfort Systems USA in the second quarter valued at approximately $253,000. FMR LLC lifted its stake in Comfort Systems USA by 61.0% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 570,778 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $97,266,000 after buying an additional 216,200 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC lifted its stake in Comfort Systems USA by 20.0% in the third quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 5,681 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $968,000 after buying an additional 946 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI purchased a new stake in Comfort Systems USA in the second quarter valued at approximately $7,053,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.18% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Comfort Systems USA

In other news, Director Constance Ellen Skidmore sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $193.40, for a total value of $580,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 16,787 shares in the company, valued at $3,246,605.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Comfort Systems USA news, Director Pablo G. Mercado sold 1,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.17, for a total transaction of $339,804.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 11,038 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,125,630.46. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Constance Ellen Skidmore sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $193.40, for a total value of $580,200.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 16,787 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,246,605.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 26,814 shares of company stock worth $7,222,505 in the last three months. 2.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Comfort Systems USA Trading Up 2.1 %

NYSE FIX traded up $6.75 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $321.18. 296,526 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 326,718. The businesss 50 day moving average is $226.82 and its 200-day moving average is $198.18. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. has a 12-month low of $127.09 and a 12-month high of $329.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.94 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.11.

Comfort Systems USA (NYSE:FIX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, February 23rd. The construction company reported $2.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.15 by $0.40. Comfort Systems USA had a return on equity of 26.99% and a net margin of 6.21%. The firm had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.54 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 21.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Comfort Systems USA, Inc. will post 11.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Comfort Systems USA Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.31%. Comfort Systems USAs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 11.11%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on FIX shares. UBS Group upped their price target on Comfort Systems USA from $208.00 to $254.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 15th. DA Davidson upped their price objective on Comfort Systems USA from $200.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 28th. KeyCorp initiated coverage on Comfort Systems USA in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. They issued a sector weight rating on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Comfort Systems USA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 26th.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Comfort Systems USA

Comfort Systems USA Company Profile

(Free Report)

Comfort Systems USA, Inc provides mechanical and electrical installation, renovation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services for the mechanical and electrical services industry in the United States. It engages in the design, engineering, integration, installation, and start-up of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems; and renovation, expansion, maintenance, monitoring, repair, and replacement of existing buildings.

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Alerus Financial NA purchased a new position in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 1,802 shares of the energy producers stock, valued at approximately $216,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of COP. West Tower Group LLC acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips during the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group grew its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 63.1% during the third quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group now owns 287 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, Halpern Financial Inc. acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips during the third quarter valued at approximately $39,000. 80.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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ConocoPhillips Stock Performance

NYSE COP traded down $0.73 on Monday, hitting $113.51. 837,181 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,520,639. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.29. The businesss fifty day moving average is $112.37 and its 200 day moving average is $116.08. ConocoPhillips has a 52 week low of $91.53 and a 52 week high of $127.35. The company has a market capitalization of $133.53 billion, a PE ratio of 12.57, a P/E/G ratio of 0.69 and a beta of 1.23.

ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend

ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The energy producer reported $2.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.08 by $0.32. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 18.71% and a return on equity of 22.08%. The firm had revenue of $15.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.47 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.71 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that ConocoPhillips will post 9.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 19th were issued a $0.78 dividend. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 15th. ConocoPhillipss payout ratio is currently 25.61%.

Insider Buying and Selling at ConocoPhillips

In other ConocoPhillips news, VP Christopher P. Delk sold 8,505 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.06, for a total value of $953,070.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other ConocoPhillips news, EVP Dominic E. Macklon sold 23,372 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.17, for a total value of $2,621,637.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Christopher P. Delk sold 8,505 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.06, for a total transaction of $953,070.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 36,425 shares of company stock worth $4,077,489 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

COP has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $153.00 to $141.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 8th. Susquehanna reduced their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $152.00 to $133.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 26th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $139.00 to $132.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $134.61.

Read Our Latest Report on ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; various LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE:ARI  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $11.28, but opened at $10.89. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance shares last traded at $10.85, with a volume of 185,038 shares.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on ARI shares. Bank of America downgraded shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $10.50 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $10.50 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.38.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ARI

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Stock Performance

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Dividend Announcement

The company has a current ratio of 67.74, a quick ratio of 67.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The businesss 50 day moving average is $11.38 and its 200 day moving average is $10.87. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.53 billion, a PE ratio of 37.60 and a beta of 1.67.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.96%. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finances dividend payout ratio is presently 466.67%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Stuart Rothstein sold 40,000 shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.45, for a total transaction of $458,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 541,675 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,202,178.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.61% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 6.8% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 97,922 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,150,000 after buying an additional 6,198 shares during the period. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP boosted its position in Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 133.9% in the 4th quarter. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP now owns 155,146 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,821,000 after buying an additional 88,821 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 113.3% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 290,474 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,411,000 after purchasing an additional 154,284 shares during the period. Nuveen Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 8.7% in the 4th quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 807,797 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $9,485,000 after purchasing an additional 64,961 shares during the period. Finally, Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 67.9% in the 4th quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 269,874 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,168,000 after purchasing an additional 109,141 shares during the period. 53.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

(Get Free Report)

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that originates, acquires, invests in, and manages commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

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Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI  Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by equities research analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $49.00 to $56.00 in a research report issued on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 19.66% from the companys previous close.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Bath & Body Works from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Bath & Body Works from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of Bath & Body Works from $35.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays cut shares of Bath & Body Works from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $37.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Bath & Body Works from $30.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $45.80.

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Bath & Body Works Stock Performance

Shares of BBWI stock traded up $1.12 on Monday, reaching $46.80. 384,607 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,834,488. The company has a market cap of $10.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.12, a P/E/G ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.85. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $44.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $37.53. Bath & Body Works has a 1 year low of $27.30 and a 1 year high of $48.43.

Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 29th. The company reported $2.06 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.85 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $2.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.84 billion. Bath & Body Works had a net margin of 11.82% and a negative return on equity of 37.01%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.86 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Bath & Body Works will post 3.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bath & Body Works

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Front Row Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bath & Body Works in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new stake in Bath & Body Works during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Denali Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bath & Body Works during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bath & Body Works in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its holdings in shares of Bath & Body Works by 1,180.4% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 653 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 602 shares in the last quarter. 94.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bath & Body Works Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bath & Body Works, Inc operates a specialty retailer of home fragrance, body care, and soaps and sanitizer products. It sells its products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn, and other brand names through retail stores and e-commerce sites located in the United States and Canada, as well as through international stores operated by partners under franchise, license, and wholesale arrangements.

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Truist Financial Corp lessened its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 123,619 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 5,376 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $31,959,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of BDX. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the second quarter worth $37,000. 86.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE:BDX opened at $235.31 on Monday. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 52 week low of $228.62 and a 52 week high of $287.32. The companys 50 day moving average is $239.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is $249.47. The company has a market cap of $67.98 billion, a PE ratio of 55.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Announces Dividend

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.39 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.73 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.57% and a net margin of 6.44%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.98 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Investors of record on Friday, March 8th will be paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys payout ratio is 90.05%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on BDX. Raymond James boosted their price objective 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. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $301.00 to $305.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $279.17.

View Our Latest Analysis on BDX

Becton, Dickinson and 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.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its position in shares of Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL  Free Report) by 90.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 33,313 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,832 shares during the quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Globe Life were worth $3,622,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Globe Life during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. AM Squared Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Globe Life during the 1st quarter valued at $44,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new position in shares of Globe Life in the 3rd quarter worth about $48,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in Globe Life during the third quarter valued at about $61,000. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Globe Life during the second quarter valued at about $62,000. Institutional investors own 80.04% of the companys stock.

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Globe Life Trading Down 0.6 %

NYSE GL opened at $126.17 on Monday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $123.19 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $117.88. Globe Life Inc. has a twelve month low of $102.23 and a twelve month high of $132.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market capitalization of $11.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.52 and a beta of 0.70.

Insider Activity

Globe Life ( NYSE:GL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $2.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.15. Globe Life had a return on equity of 24.25% and a net margin of 17.82%. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.40 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.24 EPS. Globe Lifes revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Globe Life Inc. will post 11.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CMO Jennifer Allison Haworth sold 2,524 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.37, for a total transaction of $306,337.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 8,606 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,044,510.22. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Dolores L. Skarjune sold 20,479 shares of Globe Life stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.28, for a total transaction of $2,524,651.12. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,956 shares in the company, valued at $610,975.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CMO Jennifer Allison Haworth sold 2,524 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.37, for a total transaction of $306,337.88. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 8,606 shares in the company, valued at $1,044,510.22. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 24,003 shares of company stock valued at $2,955,489. Insiders own 4.33% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on GL. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Globe Life from $131.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Globe Life from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Globe Life from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Globe Life from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $134.14.

View Our Latest Analysis on Globe Life

Globe Life Profile

(Free Report)

Globe Life Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various life and supplemental health insurance products, and annuities to lower middle to middle income households in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Life Insurance, Supplemental Health Insurance, Annuities, and Investments.

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By Lee Min-hyung

Korean Air will set a historic milestone after completing its long-awaited acquisition of Asiana Airlines, a step that will help build a healthy aviation industry ecosystem across the nation, Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae said in a message to employees, Monday.

All of us will become main characters of history upon finishing the screening procedure for the merger of the two airlines, Cho told staff during a ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of Korean Air. Hanjin Group operates the nations flag carrier, which announced its acquisition of the cash-strapped airline in 2020.

The harsh winter came immediately after we resolved on the acquisition plan, but we are confident that the integrated carrier will grow to serve as a large tree in the global aviation industry, he said.

Korean Airs acquisition of Asiana Airlines has long been protracted after facing opposition from overseas competition authorities. However, the airline has won approvals from a total of 13 out of 14 foreign authorities over the past three years. The U.S. Department of Justice holds the final key concerning the completion of the high-stakes deal.

Korean Air expects the U.S. authority to grant approvals as early as the first half of 2024. After the airline overcame a major hurdle from the European Union and won conditional approval from the authority, market watchers are betting on the possibility of receiving final approval from the U.S. authority as well.

Korean Air is a trustworthy airline offering a high level of safety and a warm-hearted service, Cho said, adding that the airline should build a more customer-centric service in all areas  encompassing flight quality, maintenance and in-flight service.

He also predicted that the aviation industry would face lingering uncertainties and new challenges this year, but shared optimism to tackle them by garnering efforts from the executives and employees.

All of our staff members have expertise in their own fields, so our future will be brighter than before if we team up with one another, he said.
Shelton Capital Management reduced its stake in Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE  Free Report) by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 696 shares of the companys stock after selling 37 shares during the period. Shelton Capital Managements holdings in Chemed were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. California Public Employees Retirement System increased its holdings in Chemed by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 85,813 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,482,000 after purchasing an additional 651 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 24.1% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 962 shares of the companys stock valued at $521,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the period. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 229.2% in the third quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 5,984 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,110,000 after purchasing an additional 4,166 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 1.3% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 97,335 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,585,000 after purchasing an additional 1,283 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 1.5% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,415,756 shares of the companys stock valued at $766,873,000 after purchasing an additional 21,237 shares during the period. 94.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Chemed Stock Down 2.0 %

Shares of CHE opened at $613.81 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $590.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $558.25. Chemed Co. has a 52-week low of $492.84 and a 52-week high of $649.90. The firm has a market cap of $9.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.25, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.42.

Chemed Dividend Announcement

Chemed ( NYSE:CHE Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The company reported $6.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.25 by $0.35. Chemed had a return on equity of 32.29% and a net margin of 12.03%. The company had revenue of $585.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $586.64 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $5.39 EPS. Chemeds quarterly revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Chemed Co. will post 23.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Investors of record on Monday, February 26th will be issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 23rd. Chemeds dividend payout ratio is currently 8.93%.

Insider Activity at Chemed

In other Chemed news, CEO Kevin J. Mcnamara sold 1,500 shares of Chemed stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $572.77, for a total value of $859,155.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 111,468 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,845,526.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 3.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Chemed from $625.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CHE

Chemed Profile

(Free Report)

Chemed Corporation provides hospice and palliative care services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers primarily in the United States. The company operates in two segments, VITAS and Roto-Rooter. It offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration, and other related services to residential and commercial customers through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees.

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Earnest Partners LLC reduced its position in shares of EnerSys (NYSE:ENS  Free Report) by 1.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,233,360 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 24,262 shares during the quarter. Earnest Partners LLC owned 3.05% of EnerSys worth $116,762,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board grew its stake in shares of EnerSys by 235.6% during the 3rd quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 22,219 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,103,000 after purchasing an additional 15,598 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of EnerSys by 12.3% during the 3rd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 138,325 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $13,095,000 after acquiring an additional 15,194 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale bought a new position in shares of EnerSys during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $180,000. Comerica Bank bought a new position in shares of EnerSys during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $83,770,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of EnerSys by 173.9% during the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 19,994 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,893,000 after acquiring an additional 12,695 shares during the period. 91.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ENS has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Oppenheimer downgraded EnerSys from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. StockNews.com downgraded EnerSys from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, William Blair downgraded EnerSys from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th.

EnerSys Price Performance

ENS stock traded up $0.47 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $92.29. The companys stock had a trading volume of 48,402 shares, compared to its average volume of 214,311. EnerSys has a 12 month low of $78.81 and a 12 month high of $113.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 2.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a 50 day moving average of $95.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of $94.55.

EnerSys (NYSE:ENS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The industrial products company reported $2.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.55 by $0.01. EnerSys had a return on equity of 20.09% and a net margin of 7.49%. The business had revenue of $861.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $898.79 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.27 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that EnerSys will post 8.3 EPS for the current year.

EnerSys Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.225 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. EnerSyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 13.62%.

EnerSys Company Profile

(Free Report)

EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries.

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Ameriprise Financial Inc. reduced its position in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TLH  Free Report) by 10.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,976,082 shares of the companys stock after selling 603,622 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. owned about 7.51% of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF worth $530,566,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Truist Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 73.0% during the third quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 3,218,080 shares of the companys stock worth $316,884,000 after purchasing an additional 1,357,503 shares during the period. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 2,358.7% during the third quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 1,033,303 shares of the companys stock worth $101,749,000 after purchasing an additional 991,277 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF during the third quarter worth approximately $78,554,000. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $56,943,000. Finally, Forum Financial Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 7.8% during the third quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 6,457,236 shares of the companys stock worth $635,844,000 after purchasing an additional 465,570 shares during the period.

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iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Stock Performance

Shares of TLH stock traded down $0.42 during trading on Monday, hitting $103.91. 42,982 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 754,356. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $105.30 and its 200 day simple moving average is $102.25. iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $93.08 and a twelve month high of $116.76.

iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Company Profile

The iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury 10-20 Year TR index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury TLH was launched on Jan 5, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock.

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SRS Capital Advisors Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA  Free Report) by 200.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,684 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,124 shares during the period. SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $74,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sheets Smith Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $37,000. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 38.7% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WestEnd Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $50,000.

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iShares MSCI India ETF Stock Up 1.5 %

Shares of BATS:INDA opened at $51.92 on Monday. iShares MSCI India ETF has a fifty-two week low of $30.57 and a fifty-two week high of $38.21. The company has a market cap of $6.99 billion, a PE ratio of 23.86 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $46.72.

iShares MSCI India ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Legacy Advisors LLC increased its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 14.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,225 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,188 shares during the period. Legacy Advisors LLCs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $1,659,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT grew its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT now owns 2,945 shares of the business services providers stock worth $488,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.6% during the third quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 11,633 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,083,000 after buying an additional 69 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 5.5% during the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 1,485 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $247,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC lifted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 4.3% in the third quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 1,974 shares of the business services providers stock worth $353,000 after buying an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Teamwork Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2.3% in the third quarter. Teamwork Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,027 shares of the business services providers stock worth $721,000 after buying an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. 89.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on BR. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $212.00 to $239.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $203.17.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of NYSE BR traded up $1.85 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $205.59. The stock had a trading volume of 159,201 shares, compared to its average volume of 590,520. The company has a market capitalization of $24.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.49 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.40. The firms 50-day moving average price is $201.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $189.88. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 52 week low of $133.97 and a 52 week high of $210.24.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.03. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 41.12% and a net margin of 10.82%. The firm had revenue of $1.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.91 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.80 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.56%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 55.75%.

Insider Transactions at Broadridge Financial Solutions

In related news, VP Laura Matlin sold 4,090 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.49, for a total value of $775,014.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 6,481 shares in the company, valued at $1,228,084.69. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, VP Laura Matlin sold 4,090 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.49, for a total value of $775,014.10. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 6,481 shares in the company, valued at $1,228,084.69. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 12,731 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.02, for a total value of $2,559,185.62. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 13,303 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,674,169.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 53,977 shares of company stock worth $10,770,801 over the last three months. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

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Legal & General Group Plc reduced its holdings in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 4.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,708,186 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 380,072 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc owned 0.67% of TJX Companies worth $685,105,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of TJX. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 35.5% during the 3rd quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 73,466 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $6,530,000 after buying an additional 19,236 shares in the last quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 109.1% during the 3rd quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank now owns 148,954 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $13,239,000 after buying an additional 77,711 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,447,146 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $1,813,329,000 after buying an additional 555,639 shares in the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 11.3% during the 3rd quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 29,056 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $2,582,000 after buying an additional 2,939 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential PLC raised its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 114,250 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $10,155,000 after purchasing an additional 8,319 shares during the period. 89.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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TJX Companies Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:TJX traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $98.30. 1,942,494 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,799,735. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.03 billion, a PE ratio of 25.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.86. The businesss 50 day moving average is $96.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $92.03. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $72.92 and a one year high of $102.84.

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 28th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.12 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $16.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.20 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 8.25% and a return on equity of 64.18%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.89 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.05 earnings per share for the current year.

TJX Companies declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, February 28th that permits the company to repurchase $2.50 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the apparel and home fashions retailer to purchase up to 2.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on TJX shares. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $95.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $95.00 to $104.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday. Evercore ISI began coverage on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued an outperform rating and a $105.00 target price for the company. Finally, Redburn Atlantic lowered shares of TJX Companies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $100.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $102.19.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TJX

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Louise Greenlees sold 2,694 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.83, for a total transaction of $266,248.02. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 50,273 shares in the company, valued at $4,968,480.59. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Louise Greenlees sold 2,694 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.83, for a total transaction of $266,248.02. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 50,273 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,968,480.59. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 17,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.06, for a total transaction of $1,514,020.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 576,105 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,307,911.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

TJX Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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London Co. of Virginia boosted its stake in shares of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,667,302 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 24,125 shares during the quarter. London Co. of Virginia owned 0.55% of CBRE Group worth $123,147,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of CBRE. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in CBRE Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $255,749,000. Harris Associates L P lifted its holdings in CBRE Group by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Harris Associates L P now owns 14,735,255 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,189,282,000 after buying an additional 1,292,532 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in CBRE Group by 15.1% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 6,820,818 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $503,786,000 after buying an additional 894,521 shares during the period. Maverick Capital Ltd. purchased a new stake in CBRE Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $65,416,000. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in CBRE Group by 26,570.0% in the 1st quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 800,900 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $58,314,000 after buying an additional 797,897 shares during the period. 96.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at CBRE Group

In other CBRE Group news, CEO John E. Durburg sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.20, for a total transaction of $2,305,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 207,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,164,323.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO John E. Durburg sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.20, for a total value of $2,305,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 207,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,164,323.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Chandra Dhandapani sold 11,925 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.03, for a total value of $1,121,307.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 127,064 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,947,827.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

CBRE Group Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of CBRE stock traded down $0.97 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $92.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 564,905 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,733,724. CBRE Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $64.63 and a 52-week high of $96.00. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $88.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $81.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. The stock has a market cap of $28.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.33 and a beta of 1.42.

CBRE Group (NYSE:CBRE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.17. CBRE Group had a return on equity of 13.69% and a net margin of 3.09%. The company had revenue of $8.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.44 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.33 earnings per share. CBRE Groups revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that CBRE Group, Inc. will post 4.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on CBRE shares. UBS Group decreased their target price on CBRE Group from $95.00 to $85.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Evercore ISI lowered CBRE Group from an outperform rating to an in-line rating and increased their target price for the stock from $79.00 to $96.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. TheStreet raised CBRE Group from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. StockNews.com raised CBRE Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 19th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on CBRE Group from $96.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, CBRE Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $95.33.

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About CBRE Group

(Free Report)

CBRE Group, Inc operates as a commercial real estate services and investment company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Advisory Services, Global Workplace Solutions, and Real Estate Investments segments. The Advisory Services segment provides strategic advice and execution to owners, investors, and occupiers of real estate in connection with leasing of offices; industrial and retail space; property sales and mortgage services under the CBRE Capital Markets brand; property and project management services, including construction management, marketing, building engineering, lease administration, accounting, and financial services for owners of and investors in office, industrial, and retail properties; and valuation services that include market value appraisals, litigation support, discounted cash flow analyses, and feasibility studies, as well as consulting services, such as property condition reports, hotel advisory, and environmental consulting.

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London Co. of Virginia lifted its stake in Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Free Report) by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,072,033 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 11,548 shares during the quarter. London Co. of Virginia owned approximately 0.81% of Vulcan Materials worth $216,572,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. purchased a new stake in Vulcan Materials in the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new position in Vulcan Materials during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. bought a new stake in Vulcan Materials in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in shares of Vulcan Materials during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in shares of Vulcan Materials during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Institutional investors own 90.10% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently weighed in on VMC. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Vulcan Materials from $264.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of Vulcan Materials from $260.00 to $279.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Vulcan Materials from $260.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Vulcan Materials from $236.00 to $269.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Finally, Raymond James lifted their target price on Vulcan Materials from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $260.62.

Vulcan Materials Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE:VMC traded up $0.35 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $267.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 436,032 shares, compared to its average volume of 806,204. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 3.17 and a quick ratio of 2.39. The firms fifty day moving average price is $234.71 and its 200 day moving average price is $219.61. Vulcan Materials has a 52 week low of $159.76 and a 52 week high of $269.68. The company has a market capitalization of $35.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.83.

Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 16th. The construction company reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.06. Vulcan Materials had a return on equity of 12.80% and a net margin of 11.99%. The business had revenue of $1.83 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.84 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.08 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Vulcan Materials will post 8.26 EPS for the current year.

Vulcan Materials Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 4th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.69%. This is a positive change from Vulcan Materialss previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 1st. Vulcan Materialss dividend payout ratio is presently 26.36%.

Insider Transactions at Vulcan Materials

In other Vulcan Materials news, insider Stanley G. Bass sold 1,601 shares of Vulcan Materials stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $221.09, for a total value of $353,965.09. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 24,981 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,523,049.29. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Vulcan Materials news, insider Stanley G. Bass sold 8,310 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $251.68, for a total transaction of $2,091,460.80. Following the sale, the insider now owns 29,311 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,376,992.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Stanley G. Bass sold 1,601 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $221.09, for a total transaction of $353,965.09. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 24,981 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,523,049.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 10,218 shares of company stock valued at $2,523,794 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock.

About Vulcan Materials

(Free Report)

Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The Aggregates segment provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities.

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London Co. of Virginia lessened its stake in shares of Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC  Free Report) by 0.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,418,072 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 3,570 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Moelis & Company were worth $154,258,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Moelis & Company by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 8,723 shares of the asset managers stock worth $410,000 after acquiring an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Moelis & Company by 4.4% during the third quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 6,023 shares of the asset managers stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the last quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Moelis & Company by 0.4% in the third quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 76,155 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $3,437,000 after buying an additional 268 shares during the period. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY raised its holdings in Moelis & Company by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 3,655 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $166,000 after buying an additional 273 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC boosted its position in Moelis & Company by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 7,526 shares of the asset managers stock worth $340,000 after buying an additional 304 shares during the period. 91.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Kenneth Moelis sold 128,277 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.60, for a total transaction of $6,747,370.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 161,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,511,206. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Moelis & Company news, insider Christopher Callesano sold 1,040 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.59, for a total value of $55,733.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Kenneth Moelis sold 128,277 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.60, for a total value of $6,747,370.20. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 161,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,511,206. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 375,185 shares of company stock worth $20,130,225 in the last quarter. 6.96% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Moelis & Company Stock Down 2.2 %

MC traded down $1.19 during trading on Monday, reaching $52.38. 360,010 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 633,551. The stocks 50-day moving average is $55.00 and its 200 day moving average is $49.28. Moelis & Company has a 12 month low of $33.87 and a 12 month high of $58.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.73 billion, a PE ratio of -148.81 and a beta of 1.35.

Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The asset manager reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by $0.05. Moelis & Company had a negative return on equity of 3.82% and a negative net margin of 2.89%. The company had revenue of $214.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $197.98 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.33 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Moelis & Company will post 1.55 EPS for the current year.

Moelis & Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 16th. Moelis & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -666.67%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MC has been the subject of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Moelis & Company from $41.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated a market perform rating and issued a $56.00 price objective on shares of Moelis & Company in a report on Monday, January 29th. StockNews.com raised Moelis & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Moelis & Company from $46.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.60.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Moelis & Company

Moelis & Company Profile

(Free Report)

Moelis & Company operates as an investment banking advisory firm. It offers advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations and restructurings, capital markets transactions, and other corporate finance matters. The company offers its services to public multinational corporations, middle market private companies, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs, governments, and sovereign wealth funds.

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LRT Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings in shares of United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI  Free Report) by 2.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,630 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 140 shares during the period. United Rentals comprises approximately 1.4% of LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in United Rentals were worth $2,058,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Armistice Capital LLC bought a new position in United Rentals in the 3rd quarter worth $455,000. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in United Rentals in the 3rd quarter worth $746,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of United Rentals by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 12,484 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $5,550,000 after buying an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA raised its position in shares of United Rentals by 71.8% during the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 7,348 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,267,000 after buying an additional 3,071 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hodges Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of United Rentals during the 3rd quarter valued at about $589,000. Institutional investors own 89.03% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at United Rentals

In related news, CFO William E. Grace sold 775 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $655.62, for a total value of $508,105.50. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 6,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,145,485.26. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

United Rentals Stock Up 2.8 %

Shares of United Rentals stock traded up $19.33 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $719.92. The company had a trading volume of 344,562 shares, compared to its average volume of 609,395. The companys 50-day moving average is $613.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $514.95. United Rentals, Inc. has a twelve month low of $325.15 and a twelve month high of $732.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The company has a market cap of $48.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.84.

United Rentals (NYSE:URI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The construction company reported $11.26 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.85 by $0.41. The company had revenue of $3.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.63 billion. United Rentals had a net margin of 16.91% and a return on equity of 36.80%. United Rentalss quarterly revenue was up 13.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $9.74 EPS. Analysts anticipate that United Rentals, Inc. will post 42.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

United Rentals announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, January 24th that permits the company to buyback $1.50 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the construction company to reacquire up to 3.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

United Rentals Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th were issued a $1.63 dividend. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 13th. This is an increase from United Rentalss previous quarterly dividend of $1.48. United Rentalss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 18.44%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of United Rentals from $325.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of United Rentals from $322.00 to $559.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. KeyCorp downgraded shares of United Rentals from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of United Rentals in a research note on Monday, January 8th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $500.00 target price on the stock. Finally, BNP Paribas reiterated an underperform rating and set a $485.00 price objective on shares of United Rentals in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $556.43.

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About United Rentals

(Free Report)

United Rentals, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals and Specialty. The General Rentals segment rents general construction and industrial equipment includes backhoes, skid-steer loaders, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and material handling equipment; aerial work platforms, such as boom and scissor lifts; and general tools and light equipment comprising pressure washers, water pumps, and power tools for construction and industrial companies, manufacturers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and government entities.

Further Reading

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday demanded Palestinian militant group Hamas agree to an immediate six-week ceasefire while forcefully urging Israel to do more to boost aid deliveries into Gaza, where she said innocent people were suffering a "humanitarian catastrophe."

In some of the strongest comments by a senior leader of the U.S. government to date on the issue, Harris pressed the Israeli government and outlined specific ways on how more aid can flow into the densely-populated enclave where hundreds of thousands of people are facing famine, following five months of Israel's military campaign.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire," Harris said at an event in Selma, Alabama. "There is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire."

"People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act...The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses," she said.

On Sunday, a Hamas delegation had arrived in Cairo for the latest round of ceasefire talks, billed by many as the final possible hurdle for a truce, but it was unclear if any progress was made. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's online version reported that Israel boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages who are still alive.

Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close and has been pushing to put in place a truce by the start of Ramadan, a week away. A U.S. official on Saturday said Israel has agreed on a framework deal.

An agreement would bring the first extended truce of the war, which has raged for five months so far with just a week-long pause in November. Dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants would be freed in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

One source briefed on the talks had said on Saturday that Israel could stay away from Cairo unless Hamas first presented its full list of hostages who are still alive. A Palestinian source told Reuters that Hamas had so far rejected that demand.

After the Hamas delegation arrived, a Palestinian official told Reuters the deal was "not yet there." There was no official comment from Israel.

In past negotiations Hamas has sought to avoid discussing the wellbeing of individual hostages until after terms for their release are set.

In other diplomatic moves, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz will meet Harris at the White House on Monday and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut on Monday to pursue efforts to de-escalate the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border.

"Gunfire and chaos"

The death last week of more than 100 Palestinians approaching an aid truck in Gaza has captured the severe humanitarian crisis in the densely-populated enclave, an incident Harris recalled during her speech.

"We saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks simply trying to secure food their family after weeks of barely no aid reaching northern Gaza and they were met with gunfire and chaos," Harris said.

Israel said on Sunday its initial review of the incident had found that most of those killed or wounded had died in a stampede. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli troops at the scene initially fired only warning shots, though they later shot at some "looters" who "approached our forces and posed an immediate threat."

Muatasem Salah, a member of the Emergency Committee at the Ministry of Health in Gaza, told Reuters the Israeli account was contradicted by machine gun wounds.

In her comments, Harris laid out specific ways on how the Israeli government can allow more aid into Gaza. "They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites and convoys are not targeted, and they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water and fuel can reach those in need."

Under pressure at home and abroad, the Biden administration on Saturday carried out its first airdrop of aid into the coastal enclave, with a U.S. military transport plane dropping 38,000 meals along Gaza's Mediterranean coastline.

Critics of airdrops say they have only a limited impact on the suffering, and that it is nearly impossible to ensure supplies do not end up in the hands of militants.

The United States will continue these airdrops, Harris said and added that Washington was working on a new route by sea to also send aid.

The war was unleashed in October after Hamas fighters stormed through Israeli towns killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Swathes of the Gaza Strip have been laid to waste, nearly the entire population has been made homeless, and the United Nations estimates a quarter of Gazans are on the verge of famine.

At a morgue outside a Rafah hospital on Sunday morning, women wept and wailed beside rows of bodies of the Abu Anza family, 14 of whom Gaza health authorities say were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah overnight.

The youngest of the family who were killed were infant twins Wesam and Naaem, the first children of their mother after 11 years of marriage. They were born a few weeks into the Gaza war.

"My heart is gone," wailed Rania Abu Anza, who also lost her husband in the attack. "I haven't had enough time with them." (Reuters)
LRT Capital Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 4.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,652 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 311 shares during the period. Deere & Company makes up 1.7% of LRT Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $2,510,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. raised its position in 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 buying an additional 3,776 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in 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 buying an additional 7,182 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its position in 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 buying an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. Greenline Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $265,000. Finally, Centric Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Deere & Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,640,000. 66.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently commented on DE. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. They issued an overweight rating and a $430.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Deere & Company from $445.00 to $425.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Citigroup decreased their target price on Deere & Company from $450.00 to $435.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 16th. Melius lowered Deere & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on Deere & Company from $381.00 to $387.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Deere & Company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $428.58.

Deere & Company Price Performance

NYSE DE traded down $3.03 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $364.82. The company had a trading volume of 791,846 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,548,735. Deere & Company has a 52 week low of $345.55 and a 52 week high of $450.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $384.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $383.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a current ratio of 2.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.71, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.03.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The industrial products company reported $6.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.19 by $1.04. The firm had revenue of $10.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.30 billion. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 44.60% and a net margin of 16.38%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $6.55 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 27.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Deere & Company Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 8th. Investors of record on Friday, March 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.47 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.61%. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio is 17.12%.

Deere & Company Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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).

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Stock analysts at Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR  Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage set an overweight rating and a $17.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanleys price objective would suggest a potential upside of 24.27% from the companys previous close.

Separately, Truist Financial assumed coverage on American Healthcare REIT in a report on Monday. They set a buy rating and a $17.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $15.71.

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American Healthcare REIT Trading Up 0.1 %

Insider Buying and Selling

Shares of NYSE:AHR opened at $13.68 on Monday. American Healthcare REIT has a 52 week low of $12.63 and a 52 week high of $14.56.

In other news, Director Mathieu B. Streiff purchased 83,333 shares of American Healthcare REIT stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 9th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $12.00 per share, for a total transaction of $999,996.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 90,740 shares in the company, valued at $1,088,880. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

American Healthcare REIT Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Formed by the successful merger of Griffin-American Healthcare REIT III and Griffin-American Healthcare REIT IV, as well as the acquisition of the business and operations of American Healthcare Investors, American Healthcare REIT is one of the larger healthcare-focused real estate investment trusts globally with assets totaling approximately $4.2 billion in gross investment value.

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Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. (NYSE:CAF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 193,000 shares, a growth of 35.2% from the January 31st total of 142,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 64,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.0 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Lincoln National Corp acquired a new position in Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $141,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund during the 2nd quarter worth about $234,000. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 6,814,748 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $84,912,000 after acquiring an additional 187,979 shares in the last quarter. Quantedge Capital Pte Ltd increased its stake in Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund by 29.6% in the 3rd quarter. Quantedge Capital Pte Ltd now owns 35,879 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $447,000 after buying an additional 8,200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dakota Wealth Management bought a new position in Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund in the third quarter valued at approximately $194,000.

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Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:CAF traded down $0.13 on Monday, reaching $12.26. The company had a trading volume of 31,525 shares, compared to its average volume of 65,884. Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund has a twelve month low of $11.63 and a twelve month high of $14.64. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $12.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $12.35.

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund Increases Dividend

About Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund

The firm also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.1219 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. This represents a yield of 1%. This is an increase from Morgan Stanley China A Share Funds previous annual dividend of $0.00.

(Get Free Report)

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc It is co-managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company. The fund invests in the public equity markets of China. It seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE:NS  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $23.98 and last traded at $23.90, with a volume of 35290 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $23.87.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NS has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on NuStar Energy in a research report on Monday. They set a buy rating on the stock. Raymond James reiterated a market perform rating on shares of NuStar Energy in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded NuStar Energy from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $18.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and set a $19.00 target price on shares of NuStar Energy in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a hold rating and issued a $23.00 price objective (up from $20.00) on shares of NuStar Energy in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, NuStar Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $19.43.

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NuStar Energy Stock Up 0.3 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.76, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.62 and a beta of 1.70. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $21.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.78.

NuStar Energy (NYSE:NS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The pipeline company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by $0.11. NuStar Energy had a return on equity of 107.61% and a net margin of 16.75%. The business had revenue of $451.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $433.69 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.34 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that NuStar Energy L.P. will post 1.1 EPS for the current year.

NuStar Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 7th were issued a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 6th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.68%. NuStar Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 225.35%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On NuStar Energy

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in NS. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in NuStar Energy by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,535,454 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $66,042,000 after buying an additional 351,608 shares during the last quarter. DRW Securities LLC bought a new position in NuStar Energy during the 4th quarter worth $675,000. Barclays PLC grew its stake in NuStar Energy by 298.8% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 526,838 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $9,841,000 after buying an additional 394,719 shares during the last quarter. Weiss Multi Strategy Advisers LLC bought a new position in NuStar Energy during the 4th quarter worth $280,000. Finally, Blackstone Inc. grew its stake in NuStar Energy by 46.8% during the 4th quarter. Blackstone Inc. now owns 3,401,626 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $63,542,000 after buying an additional 1,084,858 shares during the last quarter. 56.35% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About NuStar Energy

(Get Free Report)

NuStar Energy L.P. engages in the transportation terminalling and storage of petroleum products and renewable fuels, and transportation of anhydrous ammonia in the United States and internationally. It operates through Pipeline, Storage, and Fuels Marketing segments. The Pipeline segment engages in the transportation of refined products, crude oil, and anhydrous ammonia.

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Petro Matad (LON:MATD  Get Free Report)s stock had its house stock rating restated by equities research analysts at Shore Capital in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, Digital Look reports.

Petro Matad Trading Down 9.5 %

Shares of MATD stock traded down GBX 0.35 ($0.00) on Monday, reaching GBX 3.30 ($0.04). 3,681,138 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,677,407. The stock has a market cap of 36.63 million, a P/E ratio of -15.50 and a beta of 1.99. The company has a quick ratio of 16.91, a current ratio of 28.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The firm has a 50 day moving average of GBX 3.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 3.39. Petro Matad has a 1-year low of GBX 1.80 ($0.02) and a 1-year high of GBX 7.10 ($0.09).

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About Petro Matad

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Petro Matad Limited, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, and produces oil in Mongolia. It holds 100% interests in production sharing contract blocks, including Ongi Block V that covers an area of approximately 7,937 square kilometers; and Matad Block XX that consists of an area of approximately 218 square kilometers in Mongolia.

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Physicians Realty Trust (NYSE:DOC  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 5,250,000 shares, an increase of 13.9% from the January 31st total of 4,610,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,420,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.2 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Physicians Realty Trust in a report on Friday, January 5th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Physicians Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, February 28th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Compass Point lowered their target price on Physicians Realty Trust from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their target price on Physicians Realty Trust from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Physicians Realty Trust has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.38.

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Institutional Trading of Physicians Realty Trust

Physicians Realty Trust Stock Up 0.8 %

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Physicians Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Physicians Realty Trust by 274.6% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 4,072 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 2,985 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 42.4% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 5,750 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 1,712 shares during the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 99.7% in the 2nd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 5,237 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $73,000 after acquiring an additional 2,614 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. increased its stake in shares of Physicians Realty Trust by 52.1% in the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 6,426 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $90,000 after acquiring an additional 2,200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.51% of the companys stock.

DOC opened at $11.23 on Monday. Physicians Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $10.52 and a fifty-two week high of $15.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 2.56 and a current ratio of 2.56. The company has a fifty day moving average of $12.42 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 66.06, a PEG ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 0.85.

Physicians Realty Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 18th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 3rd were given a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.19%. Physicians Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 541.21%.

About Physicians Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Physicians Realty Trust is a self-managed health care real estate company organized to acquire, selectively develop, own, and manage health care properties that are leased to physicians, hospitals, and health care delivery systems. The Company invests in real estate that is integral to providing high quality health care.

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Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $189.51 and last traded at $189.25, with a volume of 4315 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $188.64.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PIPR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com upgraded Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted 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. JMP Securities restated a market perform rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, Northland Securities lowered shares of Piper Sandler Companies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th.

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Piper Sandler Companies Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $3.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.47 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $184.85.

Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The financial services provider reported $4.03 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.61 by $1.42. Piper Sandler Companies had a net margin of 6.33% and a return on equity of 13.27%. The business had revenue of $457.39 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $370.12 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.33 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Piper Sandler Companies will post 11.17 EPS for the current year.

Piper Sandler Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 4th will be given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 1st. Piper Sandler Companiess payout ratio is 48.58%.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Jonathan J. Doyle sold 19,987 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.90, for a total transaction of $3,675,609.30. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 176,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,408,145.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Chad R. Abraham sold 11,307 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.18, for a total value of $2,037,295.26. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 24,116 shares in the company, valued at $4,345,220.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Jonathan J. Doyle sold 19,987 shares of Piper Sandler Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.90, for a total transaction of $3,675,609.30. Following the sale, the insider now owns 176,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,408,145.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 49,678 shares of company stock worth $9,091,050. Corporate insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. GAMMA Investing LLC purchased a new position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of 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 period. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of 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 period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.23% of the companys stock.

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.

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SRS Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Free Report) by 292.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 636 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 474 shares during the quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $44,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Truvestments Capital LLC raised its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 260.0% in the 2nd quarter. Truvestments Capital LLC now owns 270 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares in the last quarter. Castleview Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. bought a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Finally, Janiczek Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 108.6% during the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 582 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 303 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.25% of the companys stock.

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Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance

NYSE EW opened at $85.22 on Monday. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 52 week low of $60.57 and a 52 week high of $94.87. The company has a market cap of $51.24 billion, a PE ratio of 37.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.27 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a quick ratio of 2.40, a current ratio of 3.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $79.77 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $73.98.

Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The medical research company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.64. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 23.56% and a net margin of 23.35%. The company had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.64 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 14,510 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total value of $1,110,740.50. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,473,434.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 14,510 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total transaction of $1,110,740.50. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,473,434.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Kieran Gallahue sold 3,058 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.61, for a total value of $267,911.38. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 67,219 shares in the company, valued at $5,889,056.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 193,402 shares of company stock valued at $15,285,554 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

EW has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $78.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $70.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Mizuho upped their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $57.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, November 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $87.38.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Edwards Lifesciences

About Edwards Lifesciences

(Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names.

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SRS Capital Advisors Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 55.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 551 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 695 shares during the period. SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $30,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of SCHW. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 54.2% in the 2nd quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 135,940 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,705,000 after acquiring an additional 47,792 shares in the last quarter. Bamco Inc. NY boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 0.5% in the third quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 8,102,475 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $444,826,000 after buying an additional 42,588 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Charles Schwab by 43.2% in the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 551,682 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,287,000 after purchasing an additional 166,316 shares during the period. Act Two Investors LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter worth about $13,488,000. Finally, 180 Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Charles Schwab by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 32,214 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,769,000 after purchasing an additional 1,843 shares during the period. 81.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of SCHW opened at $66.47 on Monday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $65.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.04. The Charles Schwab Co. has a twelve month low of $45.00 and a twelve month high of $77.81. The company has a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.88 billion, a PE ratio of 26.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.00.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.90% and a return on equity of 21.33%. The company had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.49 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.07 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, February 9th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 8th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.50%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 39.37%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Barclays increased their target price on Charles Schwab from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. They issued a market perform rating and a $77.00 price objective for the company. UBS Group raised their price target on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $71.00 price objective (up from $70.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.92.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Charles Schwab

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total value of $257,960.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 37,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,425,533.39. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.29, for a total value of $587,610.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 585,057 shares in the company, valued at approximately $38,198,371.53. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total value of $257,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 37,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,425,533.39. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 172,616 shares of company stock worth $11,181,109 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Friday morning.

ALK has been the subject of a number of other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Alaska Air Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $44.00 to $51.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Raymond James cut shares of Alaska Air Group from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Susquehanna cut shares of Alaska Air Group from a positive rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $39.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. Melius cut shares of Alaska Air Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Alaska Air Group from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Alaska Air Group presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.13.

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Alaska Air Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ALK opened at $37.00 on Friday. Alaska Air Group has a 52 week low of $30.75 and a 52 week high of $57.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.44, a PEG ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.62. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $37.15 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The transportation company reported $0.30 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.12. Alaska Air Group had a net margin of 2.25% and a return on equity of 14.72%. The business had revenue of $2.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.92 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Alaska Air Group will post 4.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Alaska Air Group

In related news, EVP Andrew R. Harrison sold 6,500 shares of Alaska Air Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.36, for a total transaction of $249,340.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 26,048 shares in the company, valued at approximately $999,201.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.68% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alaska Air Group

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 5,289 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $281,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 24,708 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,314,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 12.2% in the 4th quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 2,149 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $92,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 12,134 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $645,000 after purchasing an additional 293 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group by 19.9% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,811 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $105,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.58% of the companys stock.

About Alaska Air Group

(Get Free Report)

Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Feature: Sierra Leoneans heap praise on China for aided projects

Xinhua) 09:39, March 04, 2024

FREETOWN, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The road linking the towns of Regent and Kossoh to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, used to be nicknamed "death trap" due to its muddy surface and sharp incline.

That has been a thing of the past after the road was reconstructed with the help of the Chinese government in 2014.

"The new road is wider, the incline is not as slippery as it was before, gradual in descent, it has become a much safer road for commuters," said Alfred Kamara, a resident in Freetown.

The road now bears a new name -- the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Road, which has been widely recognized by locals.

According to China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), the contractor, over the past ten years, the signature China-aided project road has not only improved the traffic conditions on the outskirts of Freetown but also spurred economic development of the towns along the route.

"We have been committed to improving the livelihoods of our Sierra Leoean brothers and sisters since the first day we entered the market," said Kan Yadong, a manager of the CRSG.

The diplomatic relationship between China and Sierra Leone has spanned over 50 years, during which the Chinese side has aided various projects in the West African country from roads to bridges, of which many have become landmarks in Freetown and other cities.

The Youyi building in Freetown, aided by the Chinese in the 1970s, still serves as the country's government office. "Youyi" means friendship in Chinese, and it has become an old phrase in Sierra Leone that almost everyone can pronounce because of the building's popularity.

"The building is a testament to the long-lasting friendship between the two countries," said Francis Odwyer, a 53-year-old resident.

The China-aided Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, another building bearing the word "friendship," is widely labeled as one of the best comprehensive hospitals in the country.

The hospital hosts the Chinese medical teams dispatched by the Chinese government, which consist of top-notch medical specialists in different fields. In the face of health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, it was the Chinese doctors who joined hand in hand with their local counterparts to help the country weather the storm.

Every year, more than 20,000 local patients receive medical treatment from Chinese doctors in the hospital.

Sarah Conth, president of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, said the help from the Chinese government and the medical team has been tremendous. "We are hopeful that this cooperation will strengthen and will get more and more for each other."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
China's parliament is expected to unveil moderate stimulus plans to stabilize growth at an annual meeting beginning on Tuesday, but may disappoint those calling for a detailed roadmap of bold policies to fix the country's deep structural imbalances. Premier Li Qiang will lay out economic targets for this year and deliver his first work report to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's rubber-stamp legislature, in the giant Great Hall of the People on the west side of Tiananmen Square.

A property crisis, deepening deflation, a stock market rout, and mounting local government debt woes are putting enormous pressure on China's leaders to take momentous policy decisions that will put the economy on solid footing for the long-term.

But analysts and policy advisers expect the NPC agenda to focus more on near-term support for the sputtering economy after a post-pandemic rebound quickly floundered.

Li may nod to measures to improve the business environment and changes to promote technological innovation, but is unlikely to roll out big reforms that would need the Chinese Communist Party's green light, they said.

"The top priority is to stabilize the economy," said Zong Liang, chief of research at state-owned Bank of China.

Li is expected to set a growth target of around 5 percent for 2024  the same as last year  to keep China on a path towards President Xi Jinping's goal of roughly doubling the economy by 2035 and achieve "Chinese-style modernization."

That will require more fiscal stimulus, as last year's 5.2 percent growth rate was likely much flattered by a comparison with a COVID-hit 2022.

"We face more pressure to hit a 5 percent target this year," said a policy adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity.

China is expected to set a budget deficit target of 3 percent of economic output, but, crucially, announce plans for issuing 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in off-budget special sovereign bonds that could be used for funding strategically important sectors such as food and energy.

Citi analysts said the expected special bonds  together with the 3 percent deficit and a flat issuance quota for local governments at 3.8 trillion yuan  would contribute about 1 percentage point to GDP growth.

In late 2023, China issued 1 trillion yuan in sovereign bonds to spur growth, which was included in the annual budget.

With spending on roads, rail and bridges yielding increasingly lower returns, investment spending might lean more on "new infrastructure" such as 5G telecommunications, artificial intelligence and big data, policy advisers say.

China will continue to pour resources into tech innovation and advanced manufacturing, in line with Xi's push for "new productive forces." Some analysts have criticized this policy, however, saying it exacerbates industrial overcapacity, deepens deflation and heightens trade tensions with the West.

The People's Bank of China, which on Feb. 20 announced its biggest-ever cut to a key mortgage reference rate, is expected to continue to ease policy gradually, amid worries that more aggressive moves could spur further capital outflows and put more pressure on the yuan currency.

But the central bank is expected to expand its pledged supplementary lending (PSL) scheme to support the property sector, which will be vital for stabilizing the economy.

In all, the extra stimulus would still pale in comparison with measures taken after a previous episode of market turmoil in 2015 and during the 2008-09 global financial crisis, which eventually righted the economy but left a mountain of debt. Bigger moves could pose a threat to financial stability.

"Fiscal policy will no doubt be more proactive, but there is still limited appetite for bazooka-like stimulus," analysts at Societe Generale said in a note.

Reform debate

Reform advocates, worried about record low consumer confidence and plunging investor and business sentiment, want China to return to a path of pro-market policies and find ways to boost household demand.

Proposals include relaxing urban residency permits to unleash the spending power of rural migrant workers; clipping the wings of big state firms to help the struggling private sector compete; and redesigning the tax system to tackle the root cause of surging municipal debt.

"Stimulus may only help resolve short-term problems. We need to accelerate reforms. The economic situation may force the authorities to push reforms," said the policy adviser.

The NPC is not the traditional venue for sharp policy shifts, which are usually reserved for events known as plenums, held by the Communist Party between its once-every-five-year congresses.

One such plenum was initially expected in the final months of 2023. The fact that it has not yet been scheduled has fuelled investor concerns over policy inaction.

Two policy sources said it could still take place later this year, if top leaders reach consensus on what steps to take.

Last week, a meeting of the party's Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms, chaired by Xi, pledged to "use the key tactic of reform and opening up to solve problems in development."

Still, Beijing's national security and social stability concerns, as well as renewed uncertainty over what a potential Donald Trump return to the White House might mean for China, weighs against bold moves.

"Reforms are very pressing but we need to reach a consensus," said a second policy adviser. (Reuters)
TriNet Group (NYSE:TNET  Get Free Report) had its target price upped by stock analysts at TD Cowen from $129.00 to $140.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the business services providers stock. TD Cowens price objective points to a potential upside of 8.07% from the stocks current price.

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on TriNet Group from $117.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 16th. StockNews.com raised TriNet Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $150.00 price objective on shares of TriNet Group in a research report on Friday. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on TriNet Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $110.00 price objective for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, TriNet Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $119.17.

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TriNet Group Trading Up 1.5 %

Insider Buying and Selling at TriNet Group

TNET traded up $1.95 during trading on Monday, hitting $129.55. 9,402 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 249,978. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $118.54 and a 200 day simple moving average of $115.03. The firm has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.90 and a beta of 1.09. TriNet Group has a 1 year low of $73.86 and a 1 year high of $132.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.62, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.05.

In other news, SVP Alexander G. Warren sold 5,597 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.80, for a total transaction of $648,132.60. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 21,864 shares in the company, valued at $2,531,851.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Burton M. Goldfield sold 2,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.57, for a total transaction of $330,336.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 153,915 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,249,701.55. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Alexander G. Warren sold 5,597 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.80, for a total transaction of $648,132.60. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 21,864 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,531,851.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 42,218 shares of company stock worth $5,140,303 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 40.60% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TriNet Group

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TNET. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of TriNet Group in the 4th quarter valued at $34,685,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of TriNet Group by 11.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,190,526 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $412,181,000 after purchasing an additional 430,430 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its holdings in shares of TriNet Group by 991.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 440,910 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $41,873,000 after purchasing an additional 400,511 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in shares of TriNet Group by 84.3% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 807,212 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $94,024,000 after purchasing an additional 369,144 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of TriNet Group by 73.3% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 249,642 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $23,709,000 after purchasing an additional 105,591 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.58% of the companys stock.

TriNet Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TriNet Group, Inc provides comprehensive and flexible human capital management services for small and medium size businesses in the United States. The company offers multi-state payroll processing and tax administration; employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans; workers compensation insurance and claims management; employment and benefits law compliance; and other HR related services.

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Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy Co. (NYSE:CMS  Free Report) by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 569,888 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 14,591 shares during the quarter. Truist Financial Corps holdings in CMS Energy were worth $30,267,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 21,193,201 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,245,101,000 after purchasing an additional 1,532,826 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its position in CMS Energy by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 17,583,510 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,033,031,000 after buying an additional 259,974 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in CMS Energy by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,513,125 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $381,696,000 after buying an additional 227,199 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its position in CMS Energy by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,327,495 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $371,740,000 after buying an additional 82,454 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in CMS Energy by 22.4% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,992,116 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $367,797,000 after buying an additional 1,095,342 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.98% of the companys stock.

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CMS Energy Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of CMS Energy stock opened at $58.14 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The company has a 50-day moving average of $57.46 and a 200 day moving average of $56.40. The firm has a market cap of $17.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.32, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.37. CMS Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $49.87 and a 1 year high of $63.76.

CMS Energy Increases Dividend

CMS Energy ( NYSE:CMS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.62 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 11.89% and a return on equity of 12.09%. CMS Energys quarterly revenue was down 14.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.60 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that CMS Energy Co. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 12th were paid a dividend of $0.515 per share. This is a positive change from CMS Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $2.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 9th. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 64.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling at CMS Energy

In other news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 3,500 shares of CMS Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.78, for a total value of $202,230.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 68,971 shares in the company, valued at $3,985,144.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.90, for a total value of $57,900.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 61,156 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,540,932.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.78, for a total transaction of $202,230.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 68,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,985,144.38. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on CMS. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Wolfe Research raised shares of CMS Energy from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $62.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. KeyCorp increased their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $60.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Guggenheim raised shares of CMS Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $60.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of CMS Energy from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, CMS Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.50.

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CMS Energy Profile

(Free Report)

CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources.

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Legal & General Group Plc lessened its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 6.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 19,522,018 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,358,379 shares during the quarter. Legal & General Group Plcs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $797,670,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Main Street Research LLC boosted its position 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 worth $837,000 after purchasing an additional 226 shares during the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 31,571 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,347,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the last quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank now owns 5,625 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $232,000 after purchasing an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Security National Bank of SO Dak boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Security National Bank of SO Dak now owns 8,591 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $351,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zullo Investment Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 7,064 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.47% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently commented on WFC. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $51.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Odeon Capital Group downgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $48.80 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $51.43.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Up 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE:WFC traded up $1.21 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $56.27. The company had a trading volume of 8,766,993 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,817,773. 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 businesss 50 day moving average price is $49.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $45.08. The stock has a market cap of $201.30 billion, a PE ratio of 11.39, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.19. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $35.25 and a 1-year high of $56.56.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results 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 return on equity of 12.40% and a net margin of 16.60%. The business had revenue of $20.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.67 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.49%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 29.05%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company, provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for Ukraine's Western partners to summon the political will to provide Kyiv with necessary military supplies or the world will face "one of the most shameful pages of history."

Zelenskyy issued his appeal as a U.S. package to provide military and other assistance remains blocked by disagreements in Congress.

As the war passed the two-year mark last month, Russian forces have made some gains along the 1,000-kilmeter (600-mile) front, though lines of engagements have changed little in months.

A clearly angry Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, said the world had to "react firmly" to ensure that the war becomes a "hopeless" enterprise for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who wants only "war and death."

"They must be made to feel to the maximum that there is a force that destroys those who destroy life. We can ensure that. Each of our partners knows what is necessary," he said.

"The main thing is political will in order to realize this, to secure the level of supplies which will help," he said. "If this is not the case, it will become one of the most shameful pages of history, if America or Europe loses to Iranian "Shaheds" (drones) or Russian fighter jets,"

Ukraine, he said, was "waiting for supplies that are vitally necessary and we are waiting, in particular, for an American decision. Support is truly needed."

Zelenskyy has become increasingly strident in his calls for the U.S. Congress to approve the aid.

The U.S. House of Representatives is under pressure to pass the $95 billion national security package that bolsters aid for Ukraine and Israel as well as the Indo-Pacific.

That legislation cleared the Senate on a 70-29 vote last month but House Speaker Mike Johnson has resisted putting up the aid bill for a vote in the House. (Reuters)
One thing about a useful idiot is that theyre too fucking stupid to know that they are a useful idiot. Cue Jeremy Hunt, the Scrooge of the Exchequer who is not doing any favours for the Tories. Instead of doing some spending on lightening the load for taxpayers, maybe win a few votes, this guy is making life more miserable for everyone, including the MoD who really need some money at the moment to defend Britain and stuff like that.

Sure, we are not asking for some sort of profligate spending spree a la Sunak or Labour, but a little easing of the cogs would suffice.

The horrible thought does occur though that because of Hunts transience, when Labour does win the election, which they will probably do now for certain, they will have a massive purse left over from Hunts Scrooge of the Exchequer days to spend willy-nilly as they please.

Thats of course in stark contrast to the last Labour government we had under Gordon Brown when Liam Byrne, chief secretary to the Treasury under Gordon Brown, left a note for his successor stating Im afraid there is no money!. Years of horrid coalition government austerity (poverty) ensued.

Maybe useful idiot Jeremy Hunt, who is meant to be in the Tory Party, should leave a little note for the next Labour government saying Its all there, I saved it for you to spend it all on useless tinpot socialist projects that amount to absolutely nothing. Enjoy!.
An HIV+ transgender biological trans male has been allegedly breastfeeding a group of babies at a breastmilk donation centre with secretions from his hormonally lactating chest with the support of Canadian medical clinics.

Former mens rights activist Jim Bob, 52, who uses the name Ginny (Guinevere) Pumpalot on social media, is facing backlash after sharing images of himself chest feeding an infant at the Goldfingers Clinic in Montreal.

Cmon now open up! Im going to squeeze out another drop of milky milky! Mama cat got some milky! Miaow! said Bob as he desperately milked one of his breasts until a pungent clear liquid squirted surreptitiously into a collection bottle.

This is a wish I have had for decades. My ass egg cracked a year ago on December 13 and I realized I could nurse my adopted babies I purchased. That lit a fire under me, and I have gone from having lean pectoral muscle in March to full B-cups now and growing fast, he added.

Bob said he was able to feed his seven adopted infants with his pungent clear chest secretions with the assistance of medical expertise, including five physicians in three clinics in two world-class hospitals, including Goldingers.

Two endocrinologists, Bowman and Goldfinger, created a protocol to induce lactation in adoptive mothers, Bob explained in the comments. It works for trans women as well, it works best when breast growth is mature, but I am taking domperidone while my primary breast growth is underway. By an astonishing coincidence, I live right next to their breastfeeding institute, where I donate my infected chest secretions by the gallon!

In another post on Instagram, the trans male described how he inserts the female hormone progesterone rectally as a suppository.

My breasts get a wonderful plumpness and pleasing jiggliness when I have had progesterone the night before Youll need some lubricant (personal lube such as K-Y jelly or similar, or silicone personal lube which may be overkill, or some sort of non-irritating oil; I use my own mixture of cocoa butter and shea butter) to allow free clearance for the capsule Some people simply pop the capsule in their mouth to use saliva, but I like a more effective lube, he commented.

He also revealed hed been HIV+ for over 18 years.

I am HIV+, continuously controlled for 18.5 years now, said Bob in a post six months ago. Transmission through milk IS possible, but because I am a female mama cat that means I got nine lives, so I am protecting my kittens by potentially infecting them with HIV.

Infectious diseases researcher Dr. Marisa Kleinstink told the media in a statement that although shed been helping Bob monitor his HIV at the Chronic Viral Illness Service of Montreal, she denied involvement in his transition or his efforts to induce lactation.

Its important to emphasize that we do not recommend breastfeeding for people with HIV, as this is the only way to be certain that no HIV transmission will occur after a baby is born, Dr. Kleinstink said in her response. However, guidelines have evolved over time with the recognition that the risk of transmission is very low when HIV infection is undetectable with effective therapyIf, after informed discussion, a person expresses a wish to breastfeed they may choose to do so provided they are willing to follow a close protocol of viral monitoring and have their baby followed closely with paediatric specialists who would generally recommend that they receive preventive medication.

Dr. Kleinstink added that she had referred Bob to an endocrinologist after he expressed a desire to chest feed.
Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA  Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 2,923 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $204,000.

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A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ORA. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in Ormat Technologies by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,963 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $324,000 after buying an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at about $360,000. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 2.5% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 14,424 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,150,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 57.7% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 24,095 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,972,000 after purchasing an additional 8,812 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 0.5% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,650,385 shares of the energy companys stock worth $380,541,000 after purchasing an additional 20,844 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.24% of the companys stock.

Ormat Technologies Stock Performance

NYSE:ORA opened at $65.81 on Monday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $68.44 and a 200 day moving average of $69.34. The company has a market capitalization of $3.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.49, a PEG ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.48. Ormat Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $58.73 and a 1-year high of $90.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.12.

Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend

Ormat Technologies ( NYSE:ORA Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 21st. The energy company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.07. Ormat Technologies had a return on equity of 5.09% and a net margin of 15.00%. The company had revenue of $241.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $239.71 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.73 EPS. Ormat Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 17.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Ormat Technologies, Inc. will post 2.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 5th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.73%. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is currently 22.97%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently commented on ORA shares. TD Cowen cut their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $74.00 to $70.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 23rd. Barclays cut their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $82.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, Oppenheimer cut their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $84.00 to $83.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Ormat Technologies presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $82.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ormat Technologies

Ormat Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity.

Further Reading

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The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to cast a long shadow over international relations, with tensions flaring anew between Germany and Russia. This recent escalation stems from the release of a leaked audio recording of a German military call by Russian media outlets. The recording, which allegedly took place on a video conferencing platform rather than a secure network, has ignited accusations of espionage and fueled suspicions of an intensifying information war.

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Context of the Leaked Call

The leaked audio recording, lasting approximately 38 minutes, reportedly features discussions among senior German military officials regarding potential military aid for Ukraine. Notably, the call mentions the debated delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, a long-range weapon system that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has previously refused to supply to Ukraine. Additionally, the recording reportedly includes discussions surrounding the use of long-range missiles previously provided to Ukraine by France and Britain, along with the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

Germany Accuses Russia of Information War

In response to the leaked call, Germany has strongly condemned Russias actions. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius accused Russia of orchestrating an information war aimed at manipulating public opinion and sowing discord within Germany. He characterized the leak as a hybrid disinformation attack designed to undermine German unity and create divisions regarding its support for Ukraine.

Russia Demands Explanation and Makes Accusations

Uncertainties and Ongoing Investigations

Conversely, Russia has responded with outrage and demanded an explanation from Germany regarding the leaked call. Russian officials have expressed concern about the content of the recording, particularly the discussions surrounding the potential delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine. They have also used the leak to bolster their claims that Germany, alongside other Western nations, is actively preparing for war against Russia.

The authenticity of the leaked recording and how Russia obtained it remain unconfirmed at this time. German authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the leak and the potential security breaches that may have allowed it to occur. Additionally, the possible consequences of this incident for both German-Russian relations and the broader landscape of the war in Ukraine are still unfolding.

Navigating the Information Landscape

The situation surrounding the leaked call highlights the critical importance of relying on credible and reliable news sources for accurate information. The complex and ever-evolving nature of the conflict in Ukraine, coupled with the potential for misinformation and disinformation campaigns, necessitates careful discernment when navigating the information landscape. Consulting a variety of reputable sources and remaining vigilant against biased or unsubstantiated narratives is crucial for forming informed perspectives on this developing situation.

The release of the leaked German military call has injected a new layer of complexity into the already tense relationship between Germany and Russia. While the whole picture surrounding the incident remains unclear, it underscores the ongoing struggle between these two nations and the potential for further escalation in the information war intertwined with the war in Ukraine. As the situation develops, seeking information from trustworthy sources will be paramount in understanding the evolving threat landscape and its potential repercussions.
Mariner LLC increased its holdings in nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT  Free Report) by 10.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 24,649 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,263 shares during the quarter. Mariner LLCs holdings in nVent Electric were worth $1,306,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of NVT. HM Payson & Co. bought a new stake in shares of nVent Electric in the third quarter worth about $26,000. Arlington Trust Co LLC purchased a new stake in nVent Electric in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in nVent Electric in the second quarter worth about $31,000. Baystate Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in nVent Electric in the third quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in nVent Electric in the third quarter worth about $35,000. 87.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

nVent Electric Price Performance

NVT stock opened at $68.74 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $60.71 and a 200-day moving average price of $55.95. nVent Electric plc has a 52-week low of $40.00 and a 52-week high of $69.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.40 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.82.

nVent Electric Dividend Announcement

nVent Electric ( NYSE:NVT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a net margin of 17.38% and a return on equity of 17.53%. The firm had revenue of $861.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $866.90 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.66 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 16.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that nVent Electric plc will post 3.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 10th. Investors of record on Friday, April 26th will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.11%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 25th. nVent Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.55%.

Insider Activity at nVent Electric

In related news, CEO Beth Wozniak sold 198,211 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.29, for a total transaction of $12,742,985.19. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 342 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,987.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Beth Wozniak sold 198,211 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.29, for a total transaction of $12,742,985.19. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 342 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,987.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Joseph A. Ruzynski sold 2,500 shares of nVent Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.23, for a total transaction of $160,575.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 36,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,313,114.99. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 400,252 shares of company stock valued at $25,713,777 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have commented on NVT shares. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $59.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, nVent Electric presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $64.75.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on NVT

nVent Electric Company Profile

(Free Report)

nVent Electric plc designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management. The Enclosures segment provides solutions to connect and protect critical electronics, communication, control, and power equipment; physical infrastructure solutions to host, connect, and protect server and network equipment; indoor and outdoor protection for test and measurement and aerospace and defense applications in industrial, infrastructure, commercial, and energy verticals; and metallic and non-metallic enclosures, cabinets, sub racks, and backplanes.

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Derry and Strabane Council will write to health ministers in the North and South to seek solutions to ease hospital waiting lists.

A motion was brought by Cllr Sandra Duffy at the February Full Council meeting to call on Minister of Health Robin Swan to address the issue.

Your health is your wealth but unfortunately we're receiving calls to our constituency office from people who are on increasingly long waiting lists all too often, the Sinn Fein councillor said.

Waiting lists for hip or knee replacements, cataract removals, even cardiac services. People who are in severe pain, and elderly people who have been told that even though they're in chronic pain, that they will have to wait up to seven years for the vital surgery that will give them some ease.

She said some people on the waiting lists fear they are losing their independence.

Whilst the Health Service is facing many difficulties and challenges this is one challenge that could have been avoided. This is the outworking of a disastrous Brexit where people in the North have been unfairly disadvantaged against their will and people have been forced to live in pain and with sight loss due to a Tory and DUP agenda.

The EU cross-border health directive closed on 31 December 2020 as Brexit took hold and then in June 2021 Health Minister Robin Swann, in the face of growing waiting lists, opened another temporary scheme to mitigate against the impact of this closure. This was most welcome and helped to address some of the long waiting lists. This scheme managed to assist almost 3,500 patients across the North, with 700 of those coming from the Western Trust area.

Unfortunately this scheme also closed in September 2022, leaving far too many of our residents languishing on waiting lists for elective surgery with their health deteriorating and health needs becoming more and more complex and life-changing.

Cllr Catherine McDaid proposed an amendment to the motion that would see the letter be sent to the Republic's Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly.

I think it's right that this motion is brought now. Reducing waiting lists has to be a top priority for the executive now that it has been reformed, the SDLP councillor said.

One in three people in the North of Ireland is on a waiting list for the hospital. It's completely unacceptable.

My mammy has been on a waiting list for surgery for almost six years and when you think about those six years, how many more people have been added? How many people have been living in pain? Being cared for by their families who are now burnt out by carer's fatigue? How many people have died while sitting on a waiting list for surgery that could have reduced their pain, removed it and improved their quality of life?

Her amendment proposed that the letter also be sent to Stephen Donnelly TD, Minister for Health, and will include a request that they collaborate on extending the cross-border health directive benefits to visa nationals residing and employed in the North, adhering to the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly's recommendations in their Protecting the Common Travel Area in the post-Brexit era report.

Alderman Chelsea Cooke said people are fed up with waiting times.

High waiting times are deepening Northern Ireland's inequalities. New figures show growth in our hospital waiting times. People are stressed and quite frankly fed up waiting years for their treatments, appointments, surgeries, whatever it may be, the DUP councillor said.

An increasing number are now choosing to self-fund private healthcare due to these long waits and Northern Ireland's patient population shouldn't be in a position where some can afford to pay for treatment and others can't.

Reopening cross-border healthcare and any other recommendation is welcome and we fully support it as long as it is cost-effective and can help the strain on our hospitals.

They said the Health Minister must invest in ensuring hospitals are staffed appropriately quickly 'before we are left with a two-tiered system'.

The motion and amendment passed unanimously.
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A student from Dungiven has won at Ulster University Business Schools Excellence Awards, led by the Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing.

Erin McGuigan, MSc Human Resource Management graduate, was awarded the Labour Relations Agency Dissertation Prize for highest mark in dissertation.

The awards, now in their thirteenth year, are an opportunity to showcase and recognise the outstanding talent in students across a range of subjects including marketing, business studies and human resource management.

A total of 27 awards were presented to top students in the class of 2023 across a variety of subjects including the Highest Achieving Final Year Student, Highest Mark On A Programme and Excellence In Placement.

The awards were held at Ulster Universitys Academy Restaurant at the Belfast Campus on Wednesday 28th February.

Speaking at the awards to congratulate the students on their successes, Dr Mary Boyd, Head of Department, says: It is fantastic to see such a diverse range of talent in management, leadership and marketing related programmes and what makes it even more special is that we get to recognise the achievements of our students and celebrate in our very own Academy Restaurant.

Ulster University Business School prides itself on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in their fields and investing in talent across a wide range of sectors. Wed like to thank our sponsors for supporting the awards, which help demonstrate our commitment to providing an important mix of academic and practical learning.

Dr Boyd also adds, Our students continue to deliver above and beyond, and were delighted to celebrate all of their hard work during their studies.

Award sponsors included The Belfast Telegraph; Chartered Accountants Ireland; Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Ireland; Grant Thornton; Redstar Foodservice; Staffline Recruitment; Lynas Foodservice; Hunter Savage; ShredBank; Whale; Labour Relations Agency; Moy Park; The Marketing Institute of Ireland; Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM); Hastings Hotels; Deloitte; Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators; Ocorian; Factor; CBI and Axiom.
The row over the voluntary severance scheme (VSS) currently being rolled out across the Further Education (FE) sector is rumbling on.

The University and College Union (UCU) has challenged the Economy Minister Conor Murphys rationale for allowing the scheme to proceed.

It has also contested the appropriateness of prioritising the VSS implementation ahead of resolving the outstanding pay dispute in the sector.

In addition, the union has described a proposed pay rise of 5% as unlikely to be sufficient to resolve the industrial dispute.

UCU is one of the unions representing lecturing staff in the six FE colleges across the North - including Derrys North West Regional College (NWRC).

In an open letter to Minister Murphy on Tuesday (February 27), Katharine Clarke, who is the UCU Northern Ireland Official, contended the redundancy scheme was at an advanced stage because the Department of Finance (DfE) had put pressure on colleges to implement the scheme ahead of a Stormont return.

Ms Clarke said: I understand the employers were asked to open the scheme before Christmas, but most were not able to do so.

You will be aware the definition of a redundancy situation under the legislation is when there is diminution or cessation of a particular kind of work. DfE demands for cost cutting do not meet this statutory definition.

It is unclear whether in the long term the scheme will deliver upon the objective to reduce costs.

What is not in doubt is the same amount of work will remain when over 300 jobs are lost from the sector. Far fewer will be doing far more, said Ms Clarke.

She added that trade unions had been in dispute about lecturer pay for four years.

When we met, you stated the priority was to address pay, said Ms Clarke. However, the green light has been given to financing generous, un-tapered severance payments for those who are not engaged in frontline delivery ahead of funding dispute resolution.

The UCU acknowledges the scheme is oversubscribed and we expected it to be so.

A significant section of our membership hold expectations they will depart under the scheme. The reality is the vast majority do not satisfy the criteria to be released.

It can easily be envisaged what the consequences of this scheme will be on morale and motivation when management and non-teaching grades exit the sector with golden handshakes, while lecturer pay remains inadequate. One has to look no further than the selection criteria at SERC (South Eastern Regional College) to forecast what lies ahead.

It is hard to see how these arrangements assist your stated ambition of protecting front-line delivery, increasing student numbers and improving staff pay, said Ms Clarke.

The UCU representative added that earlier in pay negotiations, the employers advised the trade unions that 1m equates to the cost of a 1% pay increase for lecturer staff.

She asked Minister Murphy if he could advise how much money the DfE has set aside to finance job losses under VSS.

Her request was framed as a Freedom of Information request.

Ms Clarke continued: The trade unions anticipate the cost will run into millions given the departmental refusal to adopt tapering arrangements that were deemed lawful under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.

As you might be aware the trade unions are due to meet the employers tomorrow [February 28]. We are told an offer on pay is to be made (albeit an unconstitutional offer at this juncture). If the amount is 5%, consistent with the figure other civil service pay categories have been offered, this is unlikely to be sufficient to resolve the industrial dispute.

It is certainly not a settlement the negotiators can recommend acceptance of. I would ask again that you consider the appropriateness of prioritising the VSS implementation ahead of resolving the outstanding pay dispute.

Further, the UCU question in the context of the lack of tapering and the FE workforce demographic, whether the scheme in its current form can be considered a reasonable and responsible use of public money.
Following a man being remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court he became abusive towards the court in what the judge said was one of the most 'disrespectful' displays she had ever seen on the bench.

James Briers (25) of Spencer Road in Derry appeared by videolink charged with assaulting a female aggravated by domestic abuse on March 3.

He was also charged with assaulting a female police officer and criminal damage to a police vehicle on the same date.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that police were called to Craigavon Bridge after CCTV operators reported a male and female arguing.

The female involved told police that she had been out for drinks with her partner, Briers, and when he returned to his B&B he was refused entry as he was too late.

The woman said that Briers 'flipped out' and began pushing her.

When Briers was arrested he was alleged to have kicked a female officer in the chest and said he hoped she got raped.

He was also alleged to have threatened to rape the officer and her mother as well as other abuse.

Briers was said to have spat on the police van on numerous occasions.

At interview he said the woman had tried to leave and he had stopped her and claimed his 'head was away'.

Bail was opposed due to the general risk of re-offending as Briers has 97 previous convictions and had only been released from prison in January.

During the hearing Briers kept indicating he wanted to speak but was told his counsel would speak for him.

His defence barrister said it was 'an unsavoury incident' but said that Briers had stayed out of trouble since his release from prison and for him this was significant.

She said that the defendant had issues that he was trying to get under control.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that the defendant had 'an extensive record' and was accused of offences some weeks after being released from prison.

She refused bail and remanded Briers in custody.

At this the defendant became abusive towards the court and Judge Mullan threatened him with contempt proceedings before telling police to 'take him away.'

Briers will appear again on March 28.
A surfer has paid tribute to the RNLI for rescuing him, as the charity marks 200 years on duty at sea and on inland waters.

For two centuries, volunteer lifeboat crews and seasonal lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives across the UK and Ireland.

In Northern Ireland the charity has 10 lifeboat stations, from which lifeboats have been launched 9,472 times, with their volunteers saving 1,535 lives and coming to the aid of thousands more.

Since the introduction of lifeguards in a region in 2011, the RNLIs seasonal teams based along the Causeway Coast and in Co Down have responded to 2,894 incidents, coming to the aid of 3,461 people, 47 of whom had their lives saved.

Among those rescued was Matthew Best, from Lisburn, who got into difficulty while surfing off Benone Beach.

RNLI lifeguard Annie Jagoe was alerted to an unconscious body in the water, over her VHF radio, and grabbed her spinal board to assist.

Mr Best said he remembers surfing with friends when something went wrong, and he assumed he came off his board and hit his head on the sand.

Im quite tall, about 6ft 4in, and the water was about my height. I hit my head on the bottom, then floated to the top, he said.

At that point I was still awake but essentially paralysed from the shoulders down. It turns out the vertebrae in my neck had broken, and I had completely crushed my spinal cord.

I found myself floating face down in the water. I knew straight away I had broken my neck, but I could still move my shoulders. It was at that point I thought this is it, and I thought about my family and my poor mum when she would get the news.

While one of his friends was able to flip him over in the water, Ms Jagoe got him to shore with the aid of the spinal board

Thankfully he was still floating, so I asked his friend to stay holding his head and we worked to get the spinal board beneath him with the help of all our team.

On the beach there was a former coastguard and a doctor, so we had all the assistance we needed until the arrival of the ambulance service, working to ensure Matthews condition didnt worsen and that he was made as comfortable as possible.

Mr Best underwent nine hours of spinal surgery and a had month of bed rest before he started an intensive rehabilitation and recovery programme.

A year later he was able to reunite with Ms Jagoe and make a return to surfing.

On the anniversary of his accident he got in touch and said I think I am ready to try surfing again, so we did a one-to-one, he was very keen, his mobility was great, there were some things he wasnt quite able to do.

But his progress was incredible and just to see him stand up on the wave, up on the board progressing, is something I find hard to describe, there was so much excitement and joy for him, she said.

It was surreal to know that a year ago from that moment he couldnt walk at all.

As a lifeguard, it so nice to go to your job and know that you can help someone that day, its great.

Mr Best said had it not been for the RNLI, his story could have been very different.

RNLI trustee Paddy McLaughlin, also a volunteer at Red Bay RNLI in Cushendall, said the charity was remarkable.

It is an honour and a privilege to see and be a part of this lifesaving organisation as it reaches its bicentenary, he said.

For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.

It is through the courage and dedication of its incredible people that the RNLI has survived the test of time.
There are hopes to appoint a new Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland later this year, the deputy First Minister has said.

Former Victims Commissioner Ian Jeffers stepped down at the start of January after almost two years in the role.

His successor could not previously be appointed in the absence of a functioning Stormont Executive.

The office includes ensuring that services for victims of Northern Irelands troubled past are fit for purpose.

Speaking during Assembly questions for the Executive Office on Monday, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said they hope to be able to appoint the next Victims Commissioner in six months time.

We are waiting for a submission, it should be up with us in the next number of weeks, to commence that process, she told MLAs.

Were very keen that there is a commissioner for victims as quickly as possible.

It is a regulated appointment by the Public Appointments Commissioner and therefore there are a number of requirements around that  but we estimate the process will probably take around six months.

We encourage anybody if you feel that you could do this role and do it well to put your name forward for it

That process will commence hopefully very shortly, with the aim of getting the commissioner in place as quickly as possible.
HIGHLIGHTS Google is improving Drives search experience on iOS devices, with Android coming soon. Google announced three updates for Google Drive. The updates are available to Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts using iOS devices.

Google has announced that it is improving Google Drives search experience on iOS devices, with Android coming soon. Lets delve into what are the updates that the tech giant has announced to improve the search experience in Google Drive.

In a Workspace Updates blogpost, Google announced three updates for Google Drive for better search experience.

Also read: Google Docs now allows Android users to add handwritten notes: Heres how

Google will now simplify how you access query filters in Google Drive on iOS by introducing filter categories that are accessible directly below the search bar and include filters for File Type, Owners and Last modified.

Also read: Google Chrome will now offer more helpful search suggestions, gets 3 new features

Also, Google Drive will now show you relevant query filters as you type your query, allowing you to easily select a filter and saving you the time and effort of typing out the full search.

The tech giant is also adding the option to further refine your search after reaching the search results page.

Its important to note that these updates are rolling out to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts using iOS devices. These updates will be available on Android soon.

The new features are currently rolling out, so if you havent received them yet just wait a little while.

In my opinion, with these updates, you can streamline your workflow by quickly accessing and applying relevant filters, whether youre searching by file type, owner, or last modified.

In related news, Google recently announced the option to share any file with all meeting participants on a Google Calendar invite via the sharing dialogue within a file. With this feature, users can easily share files with meeting attendees before a meeting, ensuring everyone is prepared and able to collaborate on the same file. It is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts
HIGHLIGHTS Google is reportedly blocking the RCS messaging on rooted devices. Users also reported that they are unable to properly use RCS on their devices. Messages app is showing that the user is connected to RCS but they are unable to send or receive the RCS messages.

If you have been using rooted or bootloader-unlocked Android devices, I have some bad news for you as Google has become more vigilant and has blocked some of its features on rooted smartphones. Google is now reportedly blocking the RCS messaging (Rich Communication Services) system on such devices. Read along to know all the details.

9to5Google reported this first and revealed that Google has pulled plugs on RCS on rooted or bootloader-unlocked Android devices. Users also reported that they are unable to properly use RCS on their devices and some have been facing this issue since late 2023. For the uninitiated, RCS provides users with a richer experience when using Google messages.

Also read: RCS messaging for Android: What is it and how to use it?

Whats happening now is that even though the Messages app is showing that the user is connected to RCS, they are unable to send or receive the RCS messages on their rooted smartphones. For some users, the messages also seem to disappear after hitting the send button. There isnt any error message either to confirm that RCS is not working because they have rooted their devices. Users took to Reddit to share their problems.

On the issue, 9to5Mac confirmed that Google is indeed putting restrictions on such devices using RCS to prevent spam and ensure compliance with RCS operating measures. A Google spokesperson also told Android Central that blocking RCS on these devices is an integral action in to fight against spam and fraud.

Also read: After Google, Samsung urges Apple to adopt RCS messaging

Now it is not the first time such a move has been made. Rooted devices have already faced compatibility issues when it comes to apps such as Google Wallet and other banking apps. The devices face troubles as they cannot pass the Play Integrity API test.
Over-reliance on Chinese market backfires: Omron set to lay off 2,000 employees in 2024

Japan's electronics and electrical equipment maker, Omron, has unveiled a significant organizational reform policy that targets a reduction of 2,000 employees in 2024, with 1,000 in Japan and another 1,000 overseas. According to a Nikkei report, this marks the second major layoff in Omron's 90-year history, surpassing the 1,460 job cuts made after the dot-com bubble burst in 2002.

The reason behind this restructuring can be found in Omron's latest 2023 fiscal forecast (April 2023 to March 2024). The company has revised its projections downward for the second time, slashing its consolidated net profit estimate by 98% year-on-year to JPY1.5 billion (US$9.976 million). The poor performance reflects numerous issues necessitating comprehensive improvement, including the urgency to reduce personnel expenses and refine its current market and product strategies.

Reports from various Japanese media outlets attributed Omron's sharp performance decline in fiscal year 2023 to several key factors. Notably, the company's disproportionate emphasis on the factory automation market for semiconductors and automobiles has resulted in neglect of essential daily necessities markets such as food and medical products. Moreover, an overly aggressive expansion into the Chinese market and a relative disregard for the European and American markets have left Omron's performance vulnerable to regional and sector-specific fluctuations.

Previously, Omron benefited from robust demand from advanced product factories in China, particularly in semiconductors, automotive, and electric vehicle (EV) battery sectors, buoyed by the country's proactive industrial development policies. However, supply chain disruptions stemming from the pandemic since 2020 and trade tensions with the US, have dampened order volumes from China. Intensifying competition from local Chinese manufacturers has compounded Omron's challenges, leading to a significant performance downturn compared to previous years.

Despite working hard to streamline its product portfolios by phasing out low-end equipment, Omron's efforts have been offset by the global semiconductor market's recessionary phase in 2023. With approximately 200,000 products in its catalogs, Omron finds itself unable to sustain its workforce of 28,000 employees worldwide, necessitating layoffs as a preliminary step to implementing strategic reforms. These reforms aim to bolster the medical service business among other initiatives, halt the performance decline, and facilitate a rebound.

As reported by Nikkei, Omron's layoffs are slated to take effect before July 2024, with associated expenses to be reflected in the fiscal year 2024 financial statements. Subsequent strategic adjustments will extend until September 2025. With the medium-term business strategy goals for fiscal year 2024 now deemed unattainable, the company is poised to revise these objectives. An updated midterm business strategy spanning fiscal years 2026 to 2030 is currently in the formulation stage and will be unveiled alongside these revisions.
AI-powered automation: Samsung's weapon against memory market slump and labor shortage

Samsung Electronics is reportedly accelerating automation innovation in its production lines to cope with the memory market downturn and labor shortages. By using manufacturing equipment fitted with artificial intelligence (AI) software, the company aims to boost production and operational efficiency.

According to industry insiders cited by South Korean media outlet Dealsite, Samsung has informed equipment suppliers that future procurement will prioritize equipment with automation features. This shift has prompted suppliers to expedite upgrades with relevant software, potentially advancing Samsung's automation targets to 2025-2026 from the initial goal of 2030.

Samsung's frontend manufacturing processes already boast an automation rate exceeding 90%, but backend processes are behind at 20-30%. While frontend processes focus mainly on "wafer transportation," the complexity of backend operations, which involve synchronizing multiple core components horizontally and vertically, presents challenges for automation.

To address this, Samsung established the Digital Twin Task Force (Digital Twin TF) in 2023, aiming for 100% automation in backend processes by 2030.

Industry insiders pointed out that the deteriorating operating environment has also prompted Samsung to accelerate process automation to enhance overall business competitiveness and reduce manpower demand.

For example, manual intervention for cleaning was previously required for equipment contamination. With AI, the built-in inspection system of the equipment can be used to confirm whether there is contamination. Improving the automation ratio is particularly crucial amid semiconductor labor shortages.

Relevant industry sources said that Samsung is procuring new equipment faster than expected, putting pressure on major equipment suppliers. In the future, equipment vendors lacking automation-related software in their products may find it difficult to secure orders from Samsung.

Samsung officials refrained from confirming detailed automation plans, acknowledging the difficulty of achieving full automation of every process. However, they stressed that from the perspectives of process, production, and manpower efficiency, automation is a natural trend in all industries.

In June 2023, Samsung established the first fully automated production lines for some backend processes at its Cheonan and Onyang fabs, resulting in a 90% reduction in equipment failure rates and an 85% decline in manpower demand, alongside a drastic increase in overall equipment efficiency.
D-Matrix eyes India as a crucial market, aims for 30% workforce share

AI chip startup d-Matrix has revealed plans to expand its presence in India, highlighting India's significance as an R&D hub and a key market. The company aims to boost its Indian workforce to 25-30% of its global personnel, emphasizing India's growing importance in its strategic operations.

In a recent interview with Digitimes Asia, CEO and founder Sid Sheth noted that India's vast talent pool made it an optimal location for its expansion. The pandemic hastened the company's move towards establishing a presence in India, as it normalized the concept of remote and geographically varied teams.

"India's role has evolved significantly," Sheth said. "Beyond R&D, India is now becoming a crucial market for us. With the rise of data centers and companies exploring AI, such as building their own language models, we're seeing a surge in potential customers in India. This synergy is further boosted by the Indian government's push to position India prominently in the global AI landscape."

"Our Indian team's proximity to these customers will play a pivotal role in our growth strategy, leveraging local momentum and initiatives. While the US remains our largest market, India's importance as both an R&D hub and a market is unmistakably growing."

In the Indian market, the company is exploring verticals that include data centers, mobile services companies, and even autonomous driving solution providers.

Growing the Indian team

D-Matrix has a core R&D team that is expanding its workforce significantly, reflecting its underlying philosophy of team building.

Sheth pointed out that while many organizations might opt to acquire an already cohesive team to gain critical mass swiftly, this may not always align with the needs of core R&D functions. In contrast, the company has chosen a more deliberate and sustained approach, meticulously selecting its initial ten members.

"By being selective and bringing in the best talent capable of contributing to core R&D functions, we ensure that these initial members set a high standard for subsequent hires," Sheth said. "This approach creates a domino effect, where each new member maintains this level of excellence, fostering a team with strong roots and significant contributions across various domains, including architecture, design, test, verification, DFT, and critical elements of the software stack."

Challenges to overcome

However, many global companies have found out they need to resolve several issues when working in India.



"The initial challenge was setting up the whole operation," Sheth said. "I think it's crucial to have a person you really know and trust who has done this before. This includes setting up a subsidiary, handling all the documentation, and many other aspects.

Hiring and retention in India are always challenging. There are rules about when you make an offer, and the person accepts, they must be given a two-month notice. A lot can happen in those two months; employees change their minds or get poached by someone else during that period.

Exploring the markets

The US is expected to remain the largest market for the company in question, with a continued focus on this region. Due to the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding AI, the US has been selective about its export destinations, particularly for companies headquartered within its borders and thus subject to US trade laws.

The US and India share a friendly relationship. However, the US-China dynamic isn't conducive to business. The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China mean that, under current conditions, the company's products are unlikely to be exported to China, constrained by US export control regulations.

"Therefore, our primary focus will be in the US," Sheth said. "In Asia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Singapore are significant markets for us, with India also being crucial. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, is emerging as an important region for us as these countries explore their roles in the new global landscape, similar to India's efforts."

Sheth noted that Europe has exhibited a slower pace in embracing and adopting AI technologies. As a result, the company's focus is shifting towards the Middle Eastern countries and India. Nevertheless, the United States will remain the company's focus on revenue and business opportunities.
The 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024) was held in Barcelona, Spain, from February 26 to 29. The event is a gathering for industry leaders and members of the mobile ecosystem. This year's event had over 101,000 attendees from over 200 countries and territories.

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A mother of four disabled children who provides round-the-clock care is calling for a No vote in the care referendum, saying the proposed amendment fails to give her family any rights.

Samantha Kenny, from Co Kildare, said the wording means her children and others will be reduced to a burden of care.

She said the wording, which recognises care between family members, does not recognise her childrens rights to independence and choices.

Samantha is mother to four children aged 18, 16, 12 and eight.

She cares full-time for her youngest, Ava, who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

We have everything in our house from learning disabilities, to neuro divergences, to physical disabilities, Ms Kenny told the PA news agency.

Ive been a carer for the last 10 years and I am currently doing a college course because the cost of living means that I have to re-enter the workforce whether I like it or not.

Ava is the one that has the most complexities and the highest care needs, and has the most contact with the different state agencies and bodies, and shes the one that Ive had to fight the hardest for.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome affects her in every way imaginable.

She is a full-time wheelchair user. She has epilepsy, a heart condition, she has a hearing difficulty and she has cortical visual impairment. She has low muscle tone and she has a hole in her heart as well. And shes a legend.

She does not communicate with words. But she doesnt need to because with three brothers, she has perfected the side-eye and knows exactly how to get what she wants, when she wants.

We literally do everything for Ava. She cannot even get herself out of bed without support. She needs assistance with feeding, she needs assistance with every aspect of her life. She cannot do anything independently, but were working on it.

She requires 24-hour care seven days a week.

The family receive ten hours of outside help each week and one weekend every month.

The level of care you receive is not based on need, its based on your area and what they can provide for you, Samantha added.

The Kildare woman said she has huge issues with the proposed wording.

Two referenda will be held on March 8 proposing to change the Irish constitution.

The family amendment proposes extending the meaning of family beyond one defined by marriage and to include those based on durable relationships.

The care amendment proposes deleting references to a womans roles and duties in the home, and replacing it with a new article that acknowledges family carers.

Samantha said while she does not want the current wording retained, she will be voting against the amendment.

The new one is not going to protect me either. Its reducing Ava to a burden of care, she added.

Her rights, her independence, her choice and everything doesnt matter because her care is based on whether the family can provide or not.

There is no mention of community, theres no mention of the State providing that care. Theyre just going to strive to support the care that were providing.

So, theyre not providing any care either. Ava is reduced to a burden of care. I keep hearing that theyre trying to remove sexist language. Im a female carer that is being been told I dont have a choice but to care for my loved one whether I want to or not, because now her care is at the behest of the family.

As 60% of carers are women, I dont see how women are being removed from the Constitution, when we are just replacing it with carer.

Just because 40% are men, it doesnt mean that the 60% dont still exist.

How can they say its not sexist, when theres women with disabilities, even a little girl with disabilities, and shes now been put into the Constitution as needs to a burden of care.

Ms Kenny was also critical of opposition parties who are advocating for a Yes vote for the care referendum, but have raised concerns with the proposed wording.

Some parties, including Labour, Sinn Fein and Social Democrats, criticised the Government after it opted not to use the wording as recommended by the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality.

The group advised to replace the wording with language that was not gender-specific and obliges the State to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community.

If you have a problem with the wording you shouldnt be voting it in. Its that simple, Ms Kenny added.

They have an opportunity here now where they can say no, and then they demand better wording. We had it in the past.

Everybody has the potential to be a carer or be cared for. Everybody is one accident away, or just ageing, into being cared for or being a carer of somebody else.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently hosted an event celebrating the end of the Lunar New Year festivities. This event was about students and staff coming together, having fun, and appreciating the different cultures within the DkIT community.

The occasion included a gong fu cha, the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, where students got to experience the elegance of this ceremony.

Students and staff immersed themselves in the art and culture of tea as Vicky Shuai, skilled tea master and lecturer from UCD, guided them through this ancient tradition, adding a special and meaningful element to the festivities.

There was the opportunity for students and staff to be introduced to Mah-jong and Go (Chinese board games), Shufa (Chinese calligraphy) and Jianzhi (red paper cutting, a popular folk art used as decoration) and to engage in conversations with DkIT International students and staff from China, Malaysia, and other regions to explore linguistic diversity and gain insights into different cultural perspectives.

The event also offered a variety of tasty small treats inspired by the delicious culinary traditions of the Lunar New Year.

Students in the School of Business and Humanities at DkIT have the option of selecting an elective module in foreign languages (French, Spanish, German or Mandarin) or in Intercultural Studies (awareness to European, American, African and Asian cultures)

This event is a joint effort by the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Project lecturers team and Malaysian students (Joycelyn Jia Wen Loh, Yi Zhen Ong, Wan Lee Low and Zhi Hong Liew to name a few), with the help of the Hospitality department and the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Office in DkIT. It is funded by Languages Connect/Post-Primary Languages Ireland.
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FIRST Cut Youth Film Festival is a unique event for young people, firmly rooted in Youghal.

Since 2014 it has grown in reputation nationally and internationally, bringing almost 2000 young filmmakers with cast and crew and groups of young people from schools, colleges and youth groups to East Cork each March over six days.

The festival is recognised for its uniqueness in the youth film landscape, employing an ambitious and innovative approach to celebrating youth films and animation. It creates a much-needed showcase for the talent of new and emerging Irish and international young filmmakers.

This is a vibrant festival, bursting with the energy and creativity of the 1225-year-olds who get a platform to screen their short films.

The festival is a valuable opportunity for young filmmakers to network and share their passion for making films with a group of like-minded people in an enjoyable and supportive environment and to take part in film workshops and discussion panels led by film experts working in the industry. All events are free.

The First Cut Youth Film Festival team Jessica Bonenfant, Max Le Cain, Mary McGrath, Mary Cashman and Megan Cronin in the Regal Cinema in Youghal at the launch of the First Cut Youth Film Festival which takes place from March 4 to 9 and will screen over 200 free films created by young people age 12 to 25. See www.firstcutfilmfestival.com

This year, all screenings and talks will take place in the beautifully restored art deco Regal Cinema in Youghal, a town which itself is steeped in a rich film history. The professional well-curated festival program ensures diverse voices and identities are represented through film, panels, workshops, networking, and mentoring opportunities.

It is a positive story centred around young people and their interest in being creative.

Who would have thought back in 2006 when all this started, with just five film-making workshops for young people in East Cork, that in 2024 we would have grown to have established Cork Young Filmmakers, a countywide youth arts programme providing 30+ workshops for about 400 young people each year, and First Cut Youth Film Festival, an annual 6-day international youth film festival happening in Youghal!

The support from all our funders, sponsors and the Youghal Community has enabled all this to happen. None of it could happen without young people whose talent and energy drive the festival forward.

Sinead Conroy. Development Officer SECAD and Kieran Quinn, Marketing & Business Development Officer at Youghal Credit Union in the Regal Cinema in Youghal at the launch of the First Cut Youth Film Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane

An experienced core team work hard to bring together all the films, people and events both in the lead-in and at the festival itself to create this special gathering for filmmakers and those who want to learn more. First Cut has an excellent track record with the capacity to deliver an exciting events year after year and always with some surprises for our audiences.

We are very excited for the 2024 First Cut Youth Film Festival starting on Monday March 4, in Youghal, for its 15th iteration.

Once again, in what can only be described as an astonishing range of events and of entertaining, though provoking and insightful beautifully made shorts from emerging young filmmakers aged 12-25, all available free of charge over six days. This years programme, now on our website, is packed with an impressive line-up of screenings, workshops, and talks by film industry professionals.

The festival kicks off, as always, with Animation. Its really important to us that we start with our youngest filmmakers and audiences. Animation projects can play a key role in supporting the development of essential transferable skills among your pupils. Applicable right across the academic curriculum, its not only a fun and engaging activity but it can also make a real difference to a young persons learning journey.

Animania! A Day at the Movies for primary schools takes place today and tomorrow, Monday March 4 and 5. A Day at the Movies showcases animations made by over 300 young people from schools in Youghal and Midleton. Hands-on workshops take place in advance of the festival The Animania! Programme is Sponsored in the main by Cork County Council & Youghal Credit Union.

This year Athru Amhain has developed to three-part celebration of filmmaking in the Irish language! Athru Amhain!/One Change! First Cuts first filmmaking through Irish competition, with the urgent topic of climate change as its theme. returns followed by a diverse programme of shorts in Irish from the First Cut Open Call.

The event is rounded out with a special screening of Irish language films from the production company Nemeton, based nearby in An Rinn.

For the first time in conjunction with the Cork International Film Festival, we bring a film and mental health programme for Transition Year Students which gives young people the opportunity to explore mental health and well being through film, Q and As with filmmakers and attending workshops led by youth mental health specialists.

Everyone is keen to see Spotlight, First Cuts Open Call programme celebrating the vision of emerging filmmakers of third level age. Some are in film courses; some are working independently but all are significant upcoming talents to watch out for in the future.

Brand new to our festival programme is Different Frames, a first time focus on experimental film, bringing together a distinguished panel of filmmakers and curators to explore the boundless possibilities of alternative forms of filmmaking from distinctive points of view. Be prepared for an eye-opening panel!

Also new this year is Future Lens: New Technologies and Immersive Storytelling with Virtual Reality (VR). In the festival lead-in a workshop with leading artist Andrew McSweeney was designed to encourage young creatives with a shared interest in filmmaking, environmental advocacy and new technologies to experiment with new and exciting digital tools.

The collective efforts of workshop participants will culminate in one exciting masterpiece!

Their creations  3D models, videos, images, and sound pieceswill seamlessly blend into an awe-inspiring VR experience. On Saturday March 9 the festival will showcase this collaborative effort, presenting a mesmerising piece of storytelling, innovation, and artistic expression. The artist and filmmakers will be there to share their learning!

Dont miss the Awards Ceremony in The Regal on Saturday, March 9 at 8pm!

As you can imagine, these are just tasters of what is on offer!

For more information on all festival events please check out our website: www.firstcutfilmfestival.com
THE 39th amendment deals with Article 41.1.1 and Article 41.3.1 which both concern the concept of family.

The Constitution currently recognises the centrality of the family unit in society and protects the family founded on marriage.

The proposal involves the insertion of additional text to Article 41.1.1 and the deletion of text in Article 41.3.1.

If the 39th amendment to the Constitution passes, the constitutional protection of the family would be given to both the family based on marriage and the family founded on other durable relationships.

The second referendum on March 8 relates to the care amendment.

The 40th amendment proposes to delete Article 41.2.1 and Article 41.2.2 which say that: In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.

And: The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.

The 40th amendment, if passed, would see the insertion of a new Article 42B: The State recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to Society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision.

Fianna Fail leader Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that his party is strongly supporting a yes vote on both proposals.

We believe that the amendments would mark an important statement of inclusion in modern Ireland and represent an important recognition of a process of change which has been ongoing for up to 60 years, he said.

The proposed wording in relation to the role of caring in society is, he asserted, a statement of values and an important guide for action.

It reflects that all of us have a responsibility to recognise the vital role which caring for others plays in a strong society.

And caring is important in many different situations.

To focus just on raising children is to have a very narrow view of caring in our society. We all care for older people, for people with disabilities and for those with serious illnesses.

The amendment both shows the respect and value which we as a society have for caring, and it also recognises that the State has a role to play in supporting care, he said.

On the family amendment, Mr Martin said he believes the proposed new wording is more inclusive and reflective of a modern Ireland.

Marriage is a wonderful institution which provides great support, but it is not and should not be the sole means of defining what is and is not a family.

The amendment will capture the wide range of families in Ireland today that are not based on marriage but are strong committed caring relationships, such as couples with or without children, single parents and their children and grandparents raising their grandchildren, he said.

Indeed, across a range of different councillors on Cork City Council, the sentiment was supportive of a yes, yes vote.

Its just changing it from marriage to marriage or on other durable relationships and thats just reflecting 21st century Ireland, Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan said of the family amendment.

Mr OCallaghan also said that he would be voting yes for the care amendment.

I think that is just a way of removing language in a constitution that seems to heavily imply that a womans place is in the home, that a womans first duty is in the home and I think again thats not reflective of modern society and I think that the language by modern standards is actually quite misogynistic, he said.

On the current wording in Article 41.2.2 relating to a womans neglect of duties in the home, Green Party councillor Colette Finn said she finds such phrasing gratuitously offensive.

It has socialised men to see women as there to service their needs.

I have met women on my canvassing whose husbands took full advantage of this understanding of a womans place in the home.

A loving home is so important for all who live there and that care should be fully supported and recognised. Ms Finn said she also agrees with recognising that not all families are based on marriage.

I, for example, am one of those villainous unmarried mothers.

Thankfully, the concept of illegitimacy has been abolished.

There is also a greater recognition that the parent who remains as the primary carer should be supported and not criticised, she said.

Similarly, Labour Party councillor John Maher described the proposed amendments as an opportunity to modernise our Constitution.

We must recognise that there are many types of family units in Ireland in 2024 and these must be recognised in our Constitution, he said of the family amendment.

I look at my own sister who plays a mam and dad role to my nephew and supported by our parents, my brother, myself and many others  not the traditional family but it works and ensures the best for my sister and nephew. Mr Maher said he would also be supporting the care amendment, but expressed frustrating over the exact wording.

Article 41.2.2 which recognised a particular role for women reflects outdated perspective and perpetuated gender stereotypes and we are asking voters to vote yes to its removal and to insertion of Article 42B.

It is no secret we have been very frustrated at the wording delivered by government.

It is our view that this is a missed opportunity to make a comprehensive commitment on care, he said.

Crucially the proposed amendment states that the State will strive to support the provision of care within the family, and we in Labour, will use this to fight for better supports for those who provide and receive care in the home.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein councillor Orla OLeary said that while Sinn Fein is calling for a yes vote in both referendums, the party also believes the wording could have been stronger.

Equality and fairness must be hardwired.

That being said, we believe the Government missed a big opportunity with the wording, it lacks the ambition to deliver the scale and depth of change required by carers in particular.

The Government should have used the wording proposed by Citizens Assembly.

However, we are calling for a yes vote because these referendums are small steps in the right direction. Some change is better than none, she said.

The Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality had recommended replacing the wording with language that was not gender-specific, and obliges the State to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community.

Meanwhile, Socialist Party councillor Brian McCarthy also expressed a preference for the wording the Citizens Assembly had proposed.

While were calling for a yes vote in both, unfortunately, its without enthusiasm.

There was a real opportunity here for the State to recognise care work and for gender equality to be enshrined in the Constitution and this is what was actually recommended by the Citizens Assembly, but the Government proposals have fallen far short of that.

Its positive that they propose to remove gendered care roles and to recognise lone parents but at the same time it confers no new rights, doesnt obligate state support for carers, it doesnt address the fact that women in Ireland perform on average 38.2 hours of unpaid care per week or the 10% difference in pay between men and women, he said.

The real danger is that these proposals are so weak that well see little to no enthusiasm or progressive campaigning leaving the door open to the far right to campaign strongly for a no vote.

Theyre masquerading as pro-women but the suggestion that the outdated language in the Constitution as it stands somehow protects women is ludicrous and the reality is that working class women have always been forced to work outside the home by financial necessity.

Overall, we feel its really important for people to come out and vote yes to both on March 8 as they do represent a step forward but we feel that the Government should have gone much further.
WHAT was an empty garage on Macrooms New St, and was subsequently transformed into a popular art and gift shop, is shortly to undergo another massive reincarnation as Corks newest art gallery.

John P and Brigin Quinlan have been running Quinlans Gift Shop since 1990, when John converted the former garage  owned by his father  into a quality gift shop.

John P has form in transforming buildings into highly attractive premises, as he had previously converted a premises on his hometowns Castle St into a pub  also called Quinlans.

That premises would go on, just four years later, to win Pub of the Year in Munster and narrowly miss out on the All-Ireland title in 1989.

In 1988, we renovated an old building next to the pub and we were going after the tourist market, John P said.

We called it Cuchulainn Crafts and we got in a lot of Celtic jewellery, but we found that it was local people who were our best customers.

We couldnt sell the jewellery as there were no tourists coming into us, so we moved over into pottery which was big at the time.

Two years later, where were standing now, was a garage belonging to my father, Jack.

He was a licensed haulier who used to work with the county council.

JP and Brigin Quinlan at Quinlan's Gift shop which is going online. Picture Dan Linehan

Myself and Colm Burgoyne spent a few months here renovating it and we changed the name to Quinlans Pottery Shop, and then we moved on to craft and design and now were known as Quinlans Gift Shop.

At that time, John P also had a gallery at the other end of town but, as it was getting very little footfall, he moved it to the upstairs of the New St premises.

He wanted the gallery, which was enjoying tremendous success, to be a national gallery.

John P moved into a premises in Cork city, on Careys Lane, where it was known as Vangard Gallery.

That was around [the year] 2000 and I ran that there for around nine years, but then the crash hit so I moved back to the stronghold in Macroom.

There was an increase in the footfall through the shop and the gallery, and the two seemed to work hand in hand.

A lot of the people that were into the type of product that Brigin was sourcing would also appreciate art as well.

This week will mark a new departure for the shop.

Last Friday, it closed its doors and will now become an online business with click-and-collect two days a week.

However, its not so much an end as a change of approach.

JP and Brigin Quinlan with their dog Toby at Quinlan's Gift shop which is going online. Picture Dan Linehan

Weve got three grown sons living abroad, were at retirement age, and were going to change tack again, John P said.

Because were closing the front doors, were holding on to the premises, well be able to run the online [business] from the store room.

So what Im going to actually do is gut the shop and convert it into an art gallery.

Im already working on a major exhibition next November, with 33 of Irelands leading artists, and were excited about the whole change.

The one thing that John P and Brigin are determined to do is to maintain the building and not allow it go dark or become derelict, as so many other buildings have done in towns around the county.

We will keep the building looking nice, because so many buildings have become so derelict and horrible, Brigin said.

The couple is confident about taking their business in a new direction.

No, were not sad about closing the shop. Were looking forward, its a new venture. Its the business, but were running it in a different way, Brigin added.

The one thing well miss is our customers  we have developed a nice connection with our customers over the years but, on the other hand, well still be doing click and collect on a Tuesday and Thursday, so well keep that too.
I WAS asked to be one of the contributors to the RNLIs 200 Voices of Commemoration podcast series marking the 200th anniversary of the founding of the lifeboat institution.

One of the questions posed was: What particularly marks for you, involvement with the RNLI?

It took some time to consider the answer.

What I decided, from many years of reporting about the lifeboats was the quality of the volunteers and, particularly, those who carry out the rescues at sea, when emergencies can often happen in the very worst of weather conditions.

Why men and women volunteer for such a dangerous task has intrigued me.

I have often asked of them: Do you ever feel afraid, heading out into very bad weather, maybe in the darkness of night?

The answers have emphasised their desire to help others who are in difficulty, to save lives and, particularly enunciated in the words of one lifeboat man whom I asked that of many years ago as he came ashore from a tough rescue.

When the call for help comes, drown you may, go you must.

That answer I used as the title for a television and two radio documentaries I made over my years in RTE about the RNLI.

In those productions and in my 200 Voices contribution I also referred to how the volunteering commitment, traditionally part of coastal communities, has changed as the fishing industry has contracted, to include a wider spread of people from different backgrounds.

Those family connections are underlined in the 200th anniversary special issue of the LIFEBOAT magazine, in which the Cottrell family of Baltimore in West Cork are featured highlighting Generations of courage and kindness listing families around Ireland and the UK with longtime lifeboat connections.

My grandfather was on the lifeboat for 14 years, my father Noel was on the crew for 26 years, four of them as mechanic. I joined up when I was old enough, says Cathal Cottrell, mechanic at Baltimore, whose brothers, Micheal and Brendan, are also on the current lifeboat crew.

Micheals wife, Kate, is the stations press officer.

Our other brother, Kevin, also joined when he was old enough. He has since moved to Cork city. Were the third generation.

Its good fun working with your brothers, we know each other very well, we trust each other. A fourth generation of Cottrells on the lifeboat Id say is quite likely.

The hope for the station is that young people will be able to afford to live in Baltimore. A lot of them move to the city for work and are also being priced out of the area. Then it gets harder to find volunteers, says Cathal.

With better broadband and more people working from home we are seeing a few more young people here now.

Were a busy station and weve got a good young group of volunteer crew coming through, so we all hope the station prospers and were able to carry on keeping people safe.

Theres great support for the lifeboat here. Without the fundraisers we wouldnt have the equipment and kit that we have on the boat. Were all one unit, one crew.

As part of the 200th celebrations, the RNLI archive has issued colourised photographs, converted from original black-and-whites of its history. One includes the great Patrick Sliney from Ballycotton who, as coxswain, led the village lifeboat crew in the Daunt Rock rescue of 1936. He is pictured with his wife and their son, William, at the annual RNLI meeting of that year in London.

The Daunt Rock Lightship, Comet, had broken from its mooring in the worst of weather conditions.

The Ballycotton crew were at sea for 49 hours, rescuing all eight aboard the lightship. Patrick was awarded the RNLI Gold Medal for Gallantry and the rest of the crew, including his son, William, received Bronze Medals fro Gallantry.

The rescue, during a vicious gale and bitterly cold weather, is one of the most demanding ever undertaken and a key part of RNLI history.

How times have changed, as remarked by Niamh Stephenson, media manager for the RNLI in Ireland.

Its a family portrait, three members of the one family, smiling and linking arms, says Ms Stephenson.

The two gentlemen are flanking a lady dressed in a hat with a smart overcoat and a proud expression. The men are in lifeboat kit, unrecognisable today, with lifejackets that look like sacks belted on them.

That was basic safety equipment in 1936.

Will Sliney, a graphic artist for Marvel Comics, the American publisher, is great grandson of Patsy and a volunteer with Ballycotton RNLI.

He is also one of the RNLIs 200 Voices podcast in which he talks about that rescue and its part in the familys history. And it is also well worth a listen.

The Ballycotton lifeboat of 1936, the Mary Stanford, saved for history by the East Cork fishing village community, is preserved overlooking Ballycotton Bay.

An Post is to launch a 200th commemorative RNLI stamp next week. Exhibitions and other events are planned throughout the year by the RNLI under the theme  Celebrate, Commemorate and Inspire.

We hope that is what this year brings, says Niamh Stephenson.
OVER-REPORTING of client numbers, use of government funding for ineligible travel and subsistence claims, and record-keeping issues were among the ways that the Cork-based Support After Crime (SAC) did not comply with the charities code.

The report was provided to The Echo on foot of a Freedom of Information request, after a spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it had identified particularly serious issues.

A lack of proper record keeping at SAC had made it impossible to verify how many victims the charity helped, and whether or not travel expenses were claimed for client services. There was a lack of documentation to back up claims, so that 14,000 of DOJ money was paid out for ineligible claims.

The independent review, conducted by KOSI, said that the problems were largely organisational, with a section related to gifts given to staff members stating: KOSI has no reason to believe there is anything awry, however, the system is not fit for purpose.

It comes as the Cork service, which has been helping victims of crime for 17 years, made an announcement at the end of 2023 that it would be forced to close due to government funding being pulled.

Audit

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice told The Echo that as a result of issues highlighted during a spot check, they commissioned an independent external audit of SAC.

They explained:

The audit confirmed and highlighted a number of particularly serious issues around expenditure, governance, record keeping, and service provision. The department subsequently met with the organisation and on foot of those engagements Support After Crime were advised that the department could not continue to fund them, but that monies would be provided to the end of January to allow for an orderly wind-down. The Department is making arrangements to ensure that adequate court accompaniment services are provided in this region by a new service provider as quickly as possible.

The Corporate Governance, Financial Management and Client Management Records Review conducted in July 2023 and provided to The Echo under the Freedom of Information Act (2001) identified a number of issues.

The independent review by KOSI examined financial entries, books and records, client management records, systems and supporting control and governance processes during the years 2021-2023, with this period extended back to 2017 for specific expenditure items to include travel and subsistence.

While the audit report noted it is evident that important work is being carried out, it identified that the organisation is overly reliant on the Director of Services; has an incomplete case management system; and lacks compliance with the Governance Code for Charities.

Additionally it found that SAC has approved and paid travel and subsistence for senior management without adequate supporting documentation or convergence with applicable T&S rates as guided by Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars; and lacks the financial and governance capacity and capability to address the issues identified.

It noted: Board members are committed individuals with a good knowledge of the victim service area but there is a lack of knowledge in relation to good governance and financial oversight and, as a result there is no effective challenge function at board level with everything effectively run by the Director of Services.

SAC is not compliant with the Charities Governance Code and are not likely to become compliant in the near to medium term.

A number of high risk areas of non-compliance have been identified including a lack of understanding of the obligations of a charity and the role of trustees and senior management within a charity.

High risk

The charity was marked high risk in the areas of Corporate Governance and Client Management System and Records, and a medium to high risk with regards Financial Management.

There were a number of issues relating to record keeping, with a lack of records making it impossible to verify the number of clients helped by the organisation. The report states that information provided indicates that SAC has overstated their client numbers for several years.

It explains: SAC reported 2,883 referrals in the 2021 Annual Report and 2,839 referrals in the 2022 Annual Report with approximately 1,000 Victim Impact statements reported in each year.

It is not possible to confirm the accuracy of the reported numbers in the Annual Reports because SAC does not maintain client records to enable the numbers to be verified.

Analysis of source information indicates that the likely level of clients is circa 275 in 2021, 220 in 2022 and 150 in the 2023 year to date. We further note that the number of victim impact statements in 2021 is circa 72, and 45 in 2022.

Overall there is considerable divergence between KOSIs estimated client numbers and SAC reported numbers and there is concern that SAC is not accurately recording their engagements.

The report later suggested: The 2,883 (2021) and (2022) 2,839 referral numbers would appear, in the absence of an auditable client record being provided by SAC or an adequate explanation of their reported number, to represent the potential total number of engagements of all manners with the client cohort.

With annual client numbers estimated to be circa 250, the reported referral figure of 2,800 requires 12 engagements per client.

They explained that these revised SAC statistics indicate comparatively less value for money when benchmarked against other providers in terms of cost per client.

In a Comparative Analysis chart which benchmarked a sample organisation similar in type and size against SAC, they showed that the cost per client for this sample organisation was 119, whereas SACs cost per client was 645.

Travel

Another major issue identified was around travel and subsistence claims, with the report stating that SAC had approved and paid travel and subsistence for senior management in the absence of supporting documentation or convergence with applicable T&S rates as guided by DPER Circulars.

It noted that expense claims are scant in detail, and there were no details recorded of the make, model, and engine capacity of the vehicle used in relation to the claims being made.

The review stated:

There is no explanation for the use of the individuals vehicles rather than public transport  receipts for public transport feature only twice for train journeys to Dublin (a city not under their geographical remit) in the years under review.

Additionally, allowance rates have been claimed by staff for both travel and subsistence which are not in convergence with DPER Circular guidance. These amounts were approved for payment by a Director and anomalies were not reported by the Auditor.

The investigation found no reference to the client case being serviced for journeys where expenses could be claimed, and no indication of the time spent with clients, noting, 5/10 Hr allowances are rarely claimed, in contrast overnight rates are almost always claimed.

They also found no supporting documentation such as hotel invoices, receipts, booking confirmations or personal debit/credit card extracts in relation to the overnight rates being claimed, and that supporting documentation was not available to support all reimbursements such as grocery receipts.

Ineligible expenditure was also claimed, with the report stating on at least two occasions one staff member, whose name was redacted, claimed for their car service costs in addition to travel and subsistence.

KOSI thus could not verify that there were effective controls in place over the processing of claims, that they were calculated correctly or that travel and subsistence claims relate to the necessary provision of client services as individual claims cannot be linked to individual services.

Payments

SAC calculated the amount to be repaid to the DOJ as 6,866.68, but having considered the T&S claims and supporting documentation available, KOSI recalculations estimate the amounts of ineligible T&S claimed as 14,325.39.

Although included within the calculations, there is no supporting documentation to confirm that amounts claimed for overnights have been incurred or that they relate wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the delivery of service.

Across the period of review, circa 50k of the 96.69k claimed was without supporting documentation, including 2.6k of overnight expenses without documentation claimed by one staff member.

The number of volunteers was also not documented, the report notes, saying that an annual report by SAC advises that there were 22 active volunteers, a volunteer register is not maintained so this number could not be verified, it is also at odds to the 40 volunteers referenced on the SAC website.

Other non-compliances included that there is no Health & Safety Statement visible in the SAC premises, no incidents records maintained or no evidence that Health & Safety Training was completed.

The report also notes section 5.4 of the grant agreement notes that the grantee shall not distribute any grant monies among its members for personal use any grant monies to personally benefit the officers or employees (current or former) of the grantee, or their relatives or dependents.

However, SAC Financial Policy and Procedure notes that gifts/tokens of appreciation may, with prior approval of the Board of Directors, be made by this organisation to the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff or other person.

'Not fit for purpose'

After a large redacted section, the report states: On the face of it SAC contravene section 5.4 of the grant agreement, however, there is argument that these amounts were serviced largely through donations received and not Department funds, it explained, noting that the investigators did not suspect anything awry, but that the system is not fit for purpose.

There is no maximum term for Directors imposed in the SAC Constitution, though maximum terms of nine years are in line with the Charities Governance Code, which would require one of the three Directors to retire from the Board.

KOSI also stated that from meeting with the Board members, though they are devoted to the cause, they have little knowledge of governance or internal controls and compliance with the Charities Code is left to management, adding there is no effective challenge or oversight function at Board level, SAC is dominated by the Director of Services.

The report also noted that though DOJ funding makes up 96% of SACs total income, they have not acknowledged the reliance on DOJ in annual reports, audited financial website or marketing.

This is in contrast to policy which states:

The Grantee should acknowledge the contribution of the Department of Justice on any statements, and all advertising, publicity literature materials, reports and events connected with the Project by displaying the logo of the Department of Justice alongside the following wording: This Project is supported by the Department of Justice.

Sally Hanlon, the Director of Services of Support After Crime, told The Echo: I am retired now so not in a position to comment, but added that the closure of the organisation is a massive loss to service users.

The Echo was unable to establish contact with any of the organisations board members.
Cork Educate Together secondary school welcomed Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, to their school last week.

The invitation was extended from principal Colm OConnor on behalf of senior cycle politics and society students who have been studying the conflict through a human rights lens as part of their Leaving Cert course.

It follows various visits by the ambassador in the Cork region, including a visit to the City Hall and to Kinsale Community School.

Human rights

Teacher of politics and society, Edwin Magnier, explained that students have been focusing on the human rights violations of the people of Palestine, as well as the violations committed on October 7 by Hamas.

We only hear from and about Hamas and the Israeli government. It is important to hear the perspective of Palestinian representatives as they are the official representatives of the Palestinian people on the West Bank since the Oslo accords.

Mr Magnier is conscious of the need for students to broaden their understanding.

We often hear about people who are suffering but it is important to hear from these people themselves. We are looking forward to a visit from academic and author David Lundy in a few weeks also. He is visiting our students from Trinity College, Dublin, and is lined up to speak about ways in which the Jewish diaspora can support Palestinians.

Warm greeting

The Ambassador arrived to a warm Arabic greeting from the students of Cork Educate Together Secondary school and following a talk on the history of the region, spent considerable time responding to their well-informed questions.

I will not say too much she said warmly to the gathered students, I prefer to answer your questions. I am very happy to see a young generation inspired to learn more about the world and the Palestinian people. I am grateful not only to this school, but to the whole city, and to the Irish government.

Throughout her engagement with the young students, she emphasised how Ireland is one of the few countries showing such sustained support.

I will speak to you from the heart, she said, as she described how Israel is making Gaza a place not for living.

Sixth-year Barra Gleeson began the round of questioning by asking whether the attack on Palestinian civilians awaiting aid along the coastal road on the south-west edge of Gaza city on Thursday will impact the call for a ceasefire.

We will always have hope, the ambassador replied. But we cannot do it alone. We must continue to put pressure on Israel.
CORK-BASED charity Donkey Sanctuary Ireland has received a special award at the Chartered Institute Personnel and Development (CIPD) Ireland HR Awards ceremony in Dublins Mansion House.

CIPD Ireland is the professional body for HR and people professionals.

Over 70 organisations made the list of finalists for this years awards programme, which was divided into 14 categories covering a range of topics. This year the judges awarded their special commendation prize to Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, to recognise the way it has supported its employees in difficult times.

The high level of demand for the sanctuary has been challenging for employees when they are unable to deal with all requests. In response, wellbeing was brought to the fore.

Director of CIPD Ireland, Mary Connaughton, said the judges recognised the efforts of the charity, which had applied for the awards under the category of Embedding a Culture of Workplace Wellbeing.

The team at the Donkey Sanctuary showed real compassion as they worked to train mental health first aiders to support employees.

The judges wanted to highlight how they recognised the care and support needs of the mental health first aiders and organised counselling to help them deal with their own stresses.

This care is a central aspect of supporting mental health and they wanted to recognise the Donkey Sanctuary for this approach, she said.

Ms Connaughton lauded the standard of applications submitted ahead of this years awards.

Our awards are recognised across the people profession as being a true reflection of excellence across multiple sectors.
A free event taking place this month in Cork celebrating the annual Hindu Festival of Holi has sold out just three days after registrations opened.

Holi is a popular and significant Hindu event celebrated as the 'Festival of Colours, Love and Spring', but the organisers stressed that the festival is aimed at not just Indians, but every person residing in Cork.

During the festival, which traditionally marks the end of winter and honours the triumph of good over evil, celebrants throw colourful powder called gulal.

Several smaller Holi celebrations have taken place in Cork, but this will be the first large-scale celebration of the festival.

It will take place on March 24 in Fitzgerald Park and is free, though donations are welcome. There will be a DJ, as well as live music, with a dance party for all ages.

There will also be food stalls offering a range of delicious options.

You can find more information or join the waiting list at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sanskriticlg/1170637
A man with 170 previous convictions for a variety of offences has admitted driving off from a petrol station without paying and stealing from a vehicle on the same day.

Prosecuting, Sgt. Majella OSullivan told Mallow District Court that Patrick Harty, 50, of Rossmanagher, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare drove off from the Maxol petrol station in Mitchelstown, Co Cork on August 19, 2023 without paying for 82.86 worth of fuel.

The court was told that Mr Harty later that day stole a cooler bag valued at 40 from a car parked outside Kildorrery Church also in Co Cork and also caused some damage to the vehicle.

Mr Harty appears in court by video link from the Midlands Prison where he is currently on remand for other offences.

Defence solicitor Cathal Lombard said that his client pleaded guilty and clearly had some issues.

Judge Colm Roberts said that Mr Harty looked older than his 50 years which may not be surprising given the fact that he has accumulated 170 convictions so far.

He said that Mr Hartys record was horrendous and added that without a clearer picture of why he offended so often it would be difficult to make any decision regarding these offences.

The judge added: Im inclined to adjourn this for four months for a probation report, without one I would be making a decision in the dark. Something is missing here, all we have is the where, not the why.

He remanded Mr Harty on continuing bail to appear again by video link on March 26 for a probation report.
The National Lottery is appealing to Cork people to check their tickets, as a prize worth 100,000 remains unclaimed following the New Years Eve draw.

The winning ticket was purchased on Saturday, December, 23 at Friars Road Post Office in Turners Cross, and the winning ticket number was 406294.

As ticket holders have 90 days from the draw date to claim their prizes, the last date to claim this astonishing amount is close of business on Saturday, March 30.

The Millionaire Raffle draw saw a Dublin player win 1 million on New Years Eve while players in Clare, Cork, Donegal, Kildare, Louth and Meath won 100,000 each.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: We are eager to hear from the Cork Millionaire Raffle player who won 100,000 on New Years Eve.

While six players scooped 100,000 in the draw, the Cork player is the only one who is yet to come forward.The winning ticket could have been a Christmas present or it could be sitting at the end of an old handbag, so its important to get searching.

With just under four weeks to go until the claim deadline of March 30, we are urging all of our players who may have purchased a ticket at the Friars Road Post Office in Turners Cross to carefully check their tickets for the winning raffle number.

They advised the Cork winner to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe, and make contact with their prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie.
ACTOR and activist Jeremy Irons has been appointed a special ambassador for The Hope Foundation for their 25th anniversary celebrations.

The actor, who lives in West Cork, is a long-standing advocate for Hopes work and will lend his voice to raise awareness and support for their vital work.

With his support The Hope Foundation, founded 25 years ago, aims to amplify its efforts in transforming the lives of marginalised children and their families and communities in Kolkata, India.

Since 1999, HOPE has touched the lives of nearly three million people, providing essential services in the areas of education, healthcare, child protection and vocational training.

Projects

The charity runs 56 projects in the city including four creches, 10 residential childcare centres and a state-of-the-art hospital.

Hopes 25th anniversary celebrations will serve as a platform to celebrate past achievements, showcase ongoing initiatives, and inspire continued support for their life-changing programmes.

Mr Irons, who visited Hope projects in Kolkata in 2019, said: I am honoured to serve as special ambassador for The Hope Foundation as they mark this significant milestone.

The work they do in Kolkata is truly life-changing, providing hope and opportunity to those who need it most, Mr Irons said.

For 25 years, they have been a beacon of light and compassion. But their work isnt finished. They remain dedicated to ensuring that every child remains healthy and has access to education.

We all have our part to play because merely talking of change is not enough  please help them make this a reality and donate whatever you can.

I look forward to supporting their efforts and shining a light on their remarkable achievements.

Strong bond

Speaking on behalf of The Hope Foundation, founder and president Maureen Forrest said: The children of The Hope Foundation share a strong bond with Mr Jeremy Irons.

He is not only multi-talented but also multi-faceted, Ms Forrest said.

He also has the power to influence change. He is a very approachable person with a human heart and we are honoured to have him as an ambassador and friend of Hope.

More information about The Hope Foundation and its 25th anniversary celebrations, is available at https://www.hopefoundation.ie.
A BOOK of evidence is being prepared in the case against a man accused of throwing an urn containing the ashes of a womans late partner across a room at her home as he allegedly punched her in the face but the defence claimed that that the woman wanted to withdraw her complaint.

32-year-old Shane Casey, of 35 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, appeared again before Cork District Court for the alleged offences.

Sergeant John Kelleher said today (March 4) that the case was in court for service of a book of evidence on Mr Casey but that it was not ready to be served.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor for the accused man, said the woman who made the complaint now wanted to withdraw it.

Sgt. Kelleher said the book of evidence was being prepared and the alleged change in situation averred to by the solicitor could be addressed at a later stage.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until March 25 for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

He is charged with entering the house in order to carry out an offence of assault causing harm to the woman. Mr Casey is also charged with damaging her home at Broad Lane, Great William OBrien Street on June 14, and causing criminal damage to the urn.

Garda Michael Abernethy said previously, It is alleged he picked up an urn containing her deceased partners ashes and threw these across the room and that he punched her in the face about four times. Shane Casey said at an earlier hearing, I am trying to better myself. These are allegations. I will be contesting them.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

An Irish citizen has been told he will not be permitted to leave Iraq as expected, days after being assured that all charges against him had been dropped.

Yasser Eljuboori was detained by Iraqi police on Monday last week after he tried to board a flight back to Dublin following a trip to visit his sick mother.

On Thursday, the well-known anti-corruption activist was released on bail after being told that all charges against him were dropped.

The charges were initially filed by the Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin discussed the case with the Iraqi deputy prime minister Dr Fuad Hussein.

Mr Martin said: Dr Hussein subsequently advised me that he had raised the case at the highest level and was confident that Mr Eljuboori would be released following the waiving of charges against him.

At the time, Mr Eljuboori was told that it would take two to three days of paperwork before he would be allowed to leave Iraq and return home to his family in Dublin.

However, when he returned to court on Sunday to collect his passport and belongings, his legal team had been told that two further charges have been filed against him about social media posts in which he raised corruption concerns.

The charges were filed by the mayor of Baghdad and the chair of the National Investment Commission.

The charges come under Article 226 of the Iraqi penal code which criminalises any person who publicly insults public authorities or officials.

On Monday, his lawyers were told that the new complainants no longer want to proceed with the charges.

Mr Eljuboori will be seeking the dismissal of the new charges and the return of his passport and belongings at a further court hearing on Tuesday.

As matters stood on Monday, he is still facing those charges and therefore prevented from leaving Iraq.

Through a legal representative, his wife Laura Wickham said in a statement: The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me: the initial confusion at Yassers disappearance; the terror as I learned the news of his arrest, detention and criminal charges brought against him by the Prime Minister; the relief when he was released; and now despair at these latest developments.

This feels like a cruel game, an ongoing torment playing with Yassers freedom.

Our children miss their dad and I miss my husband. I call on the Iraqi authorities to allow Yasser to return home. Every additional day and hour that he spends in Baghdad puts him at risk of further bogus charges.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, international counsel to Ms Wickham, said: Yasser Eljuboori is being targeted by multiple public officials for his campaigning work highlighting corruption in Iraq.

Using Article 226 of Iraqs Penal Code  the legal weapon of choice for thin-skinned public officials who seek to suppress criticism  they have attempted to silence him and punish him for his work.

It is particularly cruel that Mr Eljuboori was informed that all charges were dropped and that he would be going home within days, when in fact new charges were being prepared behind the scenes which would keep him trapped in Baghdad, unable to return home to his family.

Article 226 is being used in a brutal game of legal whack-a-mole against Mr Eljuboori: as soon as one set of charges is dismissed, another appears.

It is imperative that the international community stands up to these bullying, repressive tactics. The Iraqi authorities must drop all charges against Mr Eljuboori forthwith and allow him safe passage home to Ireland. We expect these final steps to be taken at the hearing on Tuesday March 5 2024.
By Cate McCurry, PA

The Taoiseach said he welcomes US vice president Kamala Harriss call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Leo Varadkar said her comments on wanting to see a pause in the fighting represents a slight change in the US position.

Ms Harris said that, given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks.

She called for Israel to do more to significantly increase the flow of aid into the territory.

Mr Varadkar will travel to Washington next week as part of the annual visit to meet the US president at the White House for St Patricks Day.

The Fine Gael leader said he will use the opportunity to put across the Irish publics feeling about Gaza to US president Joe Biden.

I think the remarks of vice president Kamala Harris are very welcome, Mr Varadkar said.

Shes calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to be observed by both Israel and Hamas and I think that those represent a slight change in the US position.

I hope it happens.

Of course, Im going to raise the issue of Gaza and Palestine with president Biden and vice president Harris when we meet next week.

US president Joe Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

I think the Irish people would expect me to put across their feelings and views I am going to do that.

I really hope though, that Im going to meet them at the end of next week in the context of there being a ceasefire, because of course that will change the nature of what I need to say.

But were all hoping and praying that between now and then there will be a ceasefire so that the hostages can be released, so that desperately needed food and medicine can get into Gaza, and so that we could try and work on making any temporary ceasefire a permanent one because thats what is needed.

Some opposition politicians have called for the high-profile White House visit to be used to push for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

The SDLP said it would boycott the White House events over US military support for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, but would send a delegation to Washington to make the case for an end to violence.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.  (March 4, 2024)  Being aboard a helicopter flight to sea that landed atop the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in San Diego, Calif., was a first-hand experience that left Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) professor Sheryl Bradford wonderstruck.

As a scientist, I was in awe of the many talented young men and women who make daily sacrifices at sea to serve in the armed forces, Bradford said.

The vessel visit was afforded to Bradford and 21 other academicians who were recently part of the United States Navys Distinguished Visitor program. Every year, the Navy invites a selected number of individuals to witness life aboard a Navy aircraft carrier.

Participants are selected from various academic institutions and corporations across the U.S. The experience is designed to strengthen civilian-military ties and enhance the publics understanding of military operations across the world. Also birthed from the experience is the opportunity for ECSU and College of Albemarle (COA) students to participate in the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Program, in which students can earn up to $170,000 with no military duties while in college. That experience comes with a $15,000 sign-on bonus and incentives to complete other related engineering programs.

Bradford said the entire encounter was astonishing.

I am so thankful for this experience and excited about the opportunity to help other students in Northeastern North Carolina, she said, adding that members of the Navy were also present and engaged on the trip.

Two cohorts of distinguished visitors were part of the three-day, overnight embarkment on the USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as the fast attack nuclear submarine, the USS Santa Fe. Professors from schools including Harvard University, University of Michigan and University of North Carolina at Charlotte were among those in attendance.

These soldiers were tasked daily with taking apart jet engines, operating nuclear reactors, and rigorous training on a million-dollar aircraft, she said. The pride and professionalism displayed during my visit was evident. The average age of the 5,000 soldiers on board was only 24 years old.

Students who are interested in the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Program can contact Bradford at sbradford@ecsu.edu.

Im excited about what this opportunity holds for all who are and who will be involved, Bradford said.

--

About Elizabeth City State University




Alltech partners with Thai Wah Public Co. to advance carbon reduction efforts in Asian agri-food industry

Alltech and Thai Wah Public Co. (TWPC) have partnered to advance carbon reduction efforts in the Asian agri-food industry by leveraging scientific nutritional solutions and technologies.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on February 15 by Dr. Mark Lyons, president and chief executive officer of Alltech; Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific; Ho Ren Hua, CEO of Thai Wah; and Hataikan Kamolsirisakul, chief of staff and AVP for strategy, sustainability and innovation at Thai Wah.

Carbon emissions from the agri-food industry remain significant across Asia, accounting for approximately 42% of all agri-food emissions globally, according to the third edition of the biennial Asia Food Challenge Report, which centers on opportunities to decarbonise the agri-food value chain in Asia.

At least two-thirds of emissions in the Asian agri-food value chain occur before the produce has even left the farm, the report said. These upstream agricultural activities are resource intensive and less efficient than many industrial processes further down the value chain, resulting in higher emissions.

Recognising the critical importance of this issue, Alltech and Thai Wah are collaborating to boost sustainable animal feed production, enhance animal feed nutrition for optimal health and performance, and promote efficient waste utilisation through a biogas project.

Additionally, the companies will work together to reduce Thai Wah's carbon footprint and advance its overall sustainability practices.

Through the partnership, Alltech will provide Thai Wah with innovative solutions and technologies in precision nutrition, digital farming transformation and waste management, as well as carbon footprint assessment and reduction roadmapping.

Thai Wah is renowned for its leadership in starch and starch-related food production, offering premium products to consumers through 16 operations across Southeast Asia, China and India, with a global customer base. The company collaborates with over 50,000 smallholder farmers across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and is dedicated to supporting these farmers through three key areas: reducing upstream emissions and food loss and waste, promoting biofertilisers, valorising food loss and waste, and developing bioplastic mulch film and sustainable farming practices. These initiatives are designed to reduce input costs while enhancing Thai Wah's profitability through additional revenue streams from its byproducts.

Alltech, a global leader in agriculture, is committed to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions that enhance the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.

Alltech believes that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively influence the future of the planet. Through its mission of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty, the company is uniting the agri-food industry to take collective action to provide nutrition for all, revitalise local economies and replenish the planet's natural resources.

Alltech has forged strong industry connections by leveraging global resources and experience to offer tailored solutions for farmers and producers. The company and Thai Wah signed their agreement during Alltech's 25th-anniversary celebration in Thailand.

"This partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring together technologies and resources to create more value for Thailand's agri-food industry," said Dr. Mark Lyons. "Alltech and Thai Wah are aligned in our values and our vision to create a world of abundance for future generations."

Hataikan Kamolsirisakul said: "In collaboration with Alltech, we're excited to pioneer agricultural innovation and promote sustainable farming practices in Southeast Asia. Together, we're committed to building a resilient and sustainable agri-food ecosystem. Let's work towards a future where every harvest benefits both people and the planet."

Alltech's Planet of Plenty vision aligns with Thai Wah's vision of "Creating Innovation and Sustainability from Farm to Shelf", and highlights the companies' shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.



- Alltech
This website first began on March 2, 2004. Its older than YouTube, the iPhone, Uber, Tesla cars, Spotify and a whole lot more. Its even roughly a month older than the word podcast.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Engadget, were taking a longer look at how the tech industry has changed over the past two decades. First up: streaming.

We were going to kick things off with a letter from the editor, but two weeks ago, Engadgets parent company laid off many editors, writers and videographers from our small team, including our editor-in-chief, Dana Wollman.

As Aaron Souppouris puts in his introduction to the series, its not business as usual, but we are committed to pushing Engadget forward. What started as a grass-roots tech blog has now morphed into a media organization aiming to break news, give no-BS buying advice and highlight the stories in tech that matter.

Oh, and we have a podcast.

 Mat Smith

The biggest stories you might have missed

Dune 2 kicks butt (literally)

This is what it looks like to reenter Earths atmosphere from a space capsules POV

Streaming video changed the internet forever

You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

Meta has rarely been in so much hot water.

Tom Williams via Getty Images

Axios, a site known for political analysis (and extensive use of bullet points), has joined the ranks of pundits fawning over Mark Zuckerbergs PR strategy. The Meta CEO, they claim, is (as originally headlined) having a PR moment. Should anyone be praising the PR strategy of a gigantic company credibly accused of enabling a variety of mass-scale harm? Even if that PR strategy was working  which it isnt.

Continue reading.

No spring event?

In Bloombergs Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman says Apple plans to announce several new products in a series of online videos and marketing campaigns pretty much imminently. If so, thatd be two years in a row Apple has passed on a spring event. This year, it could be particularly busy: Along with an iPad Pro refresh and a new 12.9-inch iPad Air, Gurman reports that Apple is planning to announce new Apple Pencils and Magic Keyboards. (Likely with USB-C.) Its also expected to release the M3 MacBook Air in 13- and 15-inch models.

Continue reading.

Despite the company getting suspended in February.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has permitted Waymo to expand its robotaxi operations to Los Angeles and more locations in the San Francisco Peninsula despite opposition from local groups and government agencies. In the CPUCs decision, it admitted receiving letters of protest from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and the San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance about Waymos expansion.

Following an incident where two of its robotaxis collided with a backward-facing pickup truck, the agency suspended Waymos expansion efforts in February for up to 120 days. Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina said in a statement to Wired that the company will take an incremental approach when deploying the service in LA.

Continue reading.
Benny Blanco is in hot water after posting a review of the Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee on TikTok, receiving flak even from his girlfriend's Filipino fans.

In the three-minute video review Blanco uploaded, he said, "It's time to try some f***ing Jollibee, something I've never f***ing had in my life," before noting that his stepmom was from the Philippines, so he grew up eating a "s**tload" of Filipino food.

Showing the adobo rice to his viewers, he remarked, "Look at this dry a** adobo rice. Sorry, it's dry a** adobo rice. It tastes like butt."

He then went on to taste Jollibee's fried chicken and gravy and liked it. However, he criticized the rest of the Filipino fast-food chain's other dishes, such as the fries, peach mango pie and spaghetti, making negative remarks like "ew" and "f***ed up."

At one point, he even spat a spoonful of spaghetti.

Ending his review, he said, "Don't go to Jollibee. This s**t sucks."

Not Benny Blanco disrespecting jollibee? Ok this is where k draw the line. Get lost mf @ItsBennyBlanco pic.twitter.com/nqdR95xocV  jaz sinCLAIRE (@officebarbies) February 29, 2024

Filipino netizens found the review of Selena Gomez's boyfriend "disrespectful," so they left his TikTok video with mostly negative reactions.

"It's okay if Jollibee isn't your thing, but there's no need for disrespectful comments. Everyone has different tastes and preferences," one netizen commented.

"I'm a fan, but you don't disrespect Jollibee like that," wrote another.

"That's crazy, I'm actually speechless. The disrespect is insane," opined a third user.

"Bro, even [if] you don't like the food, at least respect it," a different user commented.

Others also pointed out how Jollibee is a part of Filipino celebrations and every Filipino's childhood.

"Hello, Benny. [Do] you know why Filipinos reacted this way? [It's] because Jollibee is part of our childhood -- when we get higher grades in school, our birthdays and our graduation," stated another netizen.

Jollibee is part of every filipinos childhood and now getting an international recognition across the globe. Some may not like it but dont disrespect our very own Jollibee Benny Blanco you think youre awesome? Well even your own kind is kicking you out! Duhserve pic.twitter.com/dD1CyrMZFY March 3, 2024

"Jollibee is part of every Filipino's childhood and now getting international recognition across the globe. Some may not like it but don't disrespect our very own Jollibee. Benny Blanco, you think you're awesome? Well, even your own kind is kicking you out! Deserved!" one fan tweeted on X, with a video of the music producer getting kicked out by security at the Emmys.

Meanwhile, Selena Gomez's fans questioned her choice of boyfriend.

"OK, I don't get it, Selena," one fan quipped.

A different person wrote, "Poor Selena Gomez."

"Selena, I got questions," commented another fan.

"Selena, run!" stated a different netizen.

However, some netizens came to Blanco's defense and pointed out that Jollibee in the Philippines and the U.S. taste different.

"Guys, Jollibee here in the U.S. tastes different. I respect his opinion, and you guys need to calm down," one user commented.

Another person commented, "U.S. Jollibee just does not taste the same. I was so disappointed. I even went all the way to NYC."
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

MILAN, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The publication of "Toward Good Simulation Practice - Best Practices for the Use of Computational Modelling and Simulation in the Regulatory Process of Biomedical Products," now available in open access via Springer Nature, is an exciting development for the field of in silico medicine. This comprehensive guide, edited by Prof. Marco Viceconti - chair of industrial bioengineering at the Alma Mater Studiorum (University of Bologna) and Luca Emili - CEO of InSilicoTrials' Technologies, is a cornerstone toward standardized practices in Computational Modeling and Simulation (CM&S) within the biomedical regulatory process.

The pharma and medical device companies are increasingly adopting CM&S to accelerate and amplify medical innovation, reportedly reducing the cost and time of specific R&D activities by up to 90%, without compromising patient safety. CM&S is also a very promising technology into the broader narrative of advancing regulatory science and healthcare innovation.

The book is a product of an extensive collaboration guided by the In Silico World Consortium, with key contributions from the Avicenna Alliance, VPH Institute, and experts from the FDA, advocating for the strategic use of CM&S as a regulatory decision support tool for drugs and medical devices. It aims to forge a clear, harmonized terminology, starting from "in silico (clinical) trials" to "in silico Methodology" for expanding regulatory discussions.

The book underscores the necessity for guidelines akin to the GxP standards, yet specifically tailored for in silico methodologies. It leverages the ASMEV&V40  2018 standard as a model, proposing a consensus-driven framework to support CM&S with good practices applicable across the spectrum of medical solutions.

A highlight of this publication is the collaboration of a team of 13 FDA CM&S experts who provided chapter-by-chapter feedback and the insightful foreword by Pras Pathmanathan (Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA). This partnership illustrates the proactive engagement between regulatory agencies and the scientific community to foster advancements in medical product development.

This publication is a milestone in the in silico field, contributing to the maturation of CM&S for medical products; it will stimulate further conversations among stakeholders and eventually contribute to the development of community-accepted practices.

Download the book and discover more about Good Simulation Practice.

About the editors

Marco Viceconti has significantly contributed to in silico medicine, introducing the concept with the first European research roadmap in 2006 and founding the VPH Institute to coordinate the research community. He also established the Avicenna Alliance, advocating for the biomedical industry in this field, and led the Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine for seven years. Recognized as a fellow of the UK Royal Academy of Engineering and a member of the World Council of Biomechanics, Viceconti's work, including 368 papers with an H-index of 52, has earned him the Huiskes Medal for Biomechanics in 2021.

Luca Emili is the founder and CEO of InSilicoTrials Technologies, a platform facilitating the use of modeling and simulation in healthcare and life sciences. Prior to this, he was the CEO of Emaze, a cybersecurity firm that specialized in automated security analysis for complex networks. He is actively involved in several advisory roles, (Cloud Security Consultative Group at EMA, Co-chair of Avicenna Alliance's Good Simulation Practice (GSP) Task Force and member of the committee for the adoption of In Silico Medicine of the Italian Ministry of Health.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2353500...

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/launch-of-ground-breaking-toward-good-simulation-practice-book-to-set-new-standards-in-biomedical-simulation-302078453.html
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

MANCHESTER, England, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Phagenesis, a pioneering UK company which has developed a revolutionary neurostimulation system to treat swallowing dysfunction, has closed a $42M Series D financing all equity investment round. The combined European and United States investment syndicate was led by EQT Life Sciences, and co-led by Sectoral, with new investors British Patient Capital, Northern Gritstone and Aphelion/Cardeation Capital also joining the round. This substantial investment reflects their recognition of the transformative potential of Phagenesis' cutting-edge therapy, Phagenyx.

The Phagenyx neurostimulation system targets and restores the neurological components of swallowing coordination and control that are disrupted due to brain injury (including stroke) or because of prolonged mechanical ventilation. Patients with swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) are unable to safely or effectively eat, drink, or manage their own saliva. Dysphagia can often lead to life threatening complications such as pneumonia and is also associated with substantially higher healthcare costs.

With the recent approval of Phagenyx by the FDA in the United States, the investment is primarily intended to support commercialization in the United States and deepen penetration in Europe. It will also support clinical trials, regulatory activities, as well as research and development of pipeline products.

"This investment from a highly experienced international investor syndicate will accelerate access to and adoption of our therapy," said Reinhard Krickl, CEO of Phagenesis. "We will invest in exceptional talent to scale up our customer outreach and to support passionate clinicians who want to bring our therapy to those who need it. Our novel and proven therapy can help the millions of patients every year who suffer from swallowing disorders."

Drew Burdon, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, said: "Dysphagia is a severe medical condition that affects countless patients in hospital. It can increase hospital length of stay, the risk of complications, and lengthens recovery time. The Phagenyx System demonstrates significant reductions in hospital length of stay, with a corresponding and substantial reduction in healthcare costs, as evidenced by the Company's strong portfolio of high-quality clinical studies. This is strongly aligned with EQT's Health Economics strategy of transforming cutting-edge scientific innovation into impactful and cost-effective healthcare solutions. We're excited to support the next phase of Phagenesis' journey."

Michael Sjostrom , Co-Founder and Partner at Sectoral Asset Management, added, "Dysphagia associated complications are known to substantially increase mortality, but there is still a lack of adequate treatment modalities. That's why Phagenyx is an amazing innovation with the potential to change care paradigms. It allows treatment of dysphagia very early in the care pathway, which prevents later complications. Our investment will support the Phagenesis team to make Phagenyx more broadly available, specifically in the United States."

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated clinically significant improvements, which support faster recovery of patients and reduced length of hospital stay.

As part of this transaction, Drew Burdon, Michael Sjostrom and Mark Wyatt will join the Phagenesis' Board of Directors.

Phagenesis has just showcased its product and the latest US data at ISC (International Stroke Conference) from Feb. 7-9 in Phoenix, Arizona.

ABOUT PHAGENESIS

Phagenesis Ltd, is a private MedTech company co-founded by Dr. Conor Mulrooney and Professor Shaheen Hamdy from the University of Manchester in 2007. Phagenesis offers innovative treatments for neurogenic dysphagia using pharyngeal electrical stimulation, PES. The Phagenyx Neurostimulation System is the result of years of rigorous scientific research, initiated by Professor Hamdy, and has been featured in numerous clinical publications. For additional information, visit www.phagenesis.com.

ABOUT EQT

EQT Life Sciences was formed in 2022 following the integration of LSP, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, into the EQT platform. As LSP, the firm raised over EUR 3.0 billion and supported the growth of more than 150 companies since it started to invest over 30 years ago. With a dedicated team of highly experienced investment professionals coming from backgrounds in medicine, science, business, and finance, EQT Life Sciences backs entrepreneurs who have ideas that could truly make a difference for patients. The team combines deep sector knowledge, analytical skills, and investment experience to provide the added value that entrepreneurs seek. For more information, go to eqtgroup.com/private-capital/life-sciences/

ABOUT SECTORAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

Founded in 2000, Sectoral Asset Management is one of industry-leading specialists, focused exclusively on managing global healthcare portfolios. We are fully employee-owned, with offices in Montreal, Geneva, and Hong Kong. Our clients include sovereign wealth funds, private banks, and family offices. In addition, we have long-standing sub-advisory relationships with institutional investors in Europe and Asia. More on www.sectoral.com

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View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/phagenesis-a-medical-device-company-specializing-in-the-treatment-of-swallowing-disorders-successfully-closes-a-42m-series-d-financing-round-led-by-eqt-life-sciences-and-sectoral-asset-management-302077510.html
Monday, March 4, 2024

Those who know my work will recognize my constant blending of Shakespeare and history. It entertains me to reconcile gaps in history with the characters and plots of Shakespeares plays. I often use these to explore various quirks of history, as well as the growth of philosophy in tension with religion and government. To that end, twelve years ago I penned a play that was as much a reaction to the state of American politics as it was an exploration of a dark crevice of history / Shakespeare.

It has always bothered me that in Shakespeares play JULIUS CAESAR, Brutus and Caesar never have a conversation of any meaning. Its the most important relationship in the play, and yet its glossed over. Having read Colleen McCulloughs marvelous MASTERS OF ROME series in my teens and twenties, as well as Plutarch, Suetonius, and Will Durants CAESAR AND CHRIST, I figured out what Shakespeare assumed his audience already understood, and was floored. In Shakespeares time, everyone was aware that Caesar had been sleeping with Brutus mother. They knew about the death of Cato, Portias father. They knew about the assassination of Caesar, and the wars that followed. They even knew the history of Brutus ancestry, with his forebear overthrowing the last king of Rome and starting the Republic. These were popular stories, and for anyone literate, required reading.

Often in the play it feels as though Shakespeare is sitting with a copy of PLUTARCHS LIVES, transcribing events and references verbatim. This makes the play, as a piece of theatre, incredibly messy. Characters appear from nowhere, vanish just as suddenly. There are 47 named characters in the play, including Portias brother, Young Cato, who appears twice toward the end (my friend Duane over at Shakespeare Geek does a great assessment of the character here). However, if you know the history of Catos father and his relationship with Brutus wife, Young Catos death lands with so much more weight. That is true for much of the play, where Shakespeare tosses off references that everyone is expected to understand.

Why, then, did Shakespeare write a play in which his audience knew all the names and events involved? To change their minds about those events. He demonstrates the fickle nature of the mob, the dangers of public violence, and the peril of too much power in any one persons hands.

He also redefined Brutus for all time.

Prior to Shakespeare, Brutus was commonly depicted as a villain, as seen in DANTES INFERNO, where he suffers eternal torment in the depths of Hell, alongside Cassius and Judas Iscariot. However, Shakespeares play transforms Brutus into a good man who commits a great evil for a noble cause. This shift in perception is monumental and, as I will demonstrate, has had a profound impact on the course of history.

I started writing EVE OF IDES to explore that character, pitting him against a Caesar more in line with history. Shakespeares Caesar is arrogant and sickly  both surely true! But he was also the man who had begun and won a civil war, defeated the Gauls, won Egypt, tricked pirates, and slept with the wives of all his political enemies. There was a reason he was both feared and revered. In Shakespeare, Caesar has one moment of doubt, at home with his wife. Otherwise, he is a vessel for other mens envy or respect. The fact that Brutus and Caesar never have a discussion is, to me, the gaping hole in the play. Shakespeare wasnt interested in exploring that, but it was all I could think about.

Another small gap I wanted to fill was Brutus line, The ghost of Caesar has visited me two several times by night. We only see the ghost once. There is a promised visitation at Philippi that Shakespeare does not explicitly give us.

I started out with the intention of filling those gaps. It turned into something more.

At the time I wrote EVE OF IDES, the Tea Party movement was taking over the US Congress, and the Senate was foreshadowing todays utter dysfunction in its wild opposition to President Obama. Outraged at their tactics, I fretted about the repetition of historynot assassination, but rather some future leaders frustration leading to circumventing the laws to enact change. We cannot fix laws by breaking them. Time and subsequent events have only amplified my fears.

Of course, the history of Julius Caesar, Brutus, and Rome is uniquely tied to our own. Our entire system of government is based on the Roman Republic, with their Senior and Junior Consuls, their Senate, their Plebeian Assembly, and their standing courts. The site of Capitol Hill in Washington DC was chosen because the original Maryland town was called Rome in honor of the nearby seven hills.

Shakespeares redefinition of Brutus has also affected our history. John Wilkes Booths father was named Junius Brutus Booth. Five months before he assassinated President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth played Mark Antony in New York, sharing the stage with his brothers Edwin (Brutus) and Junius Jr (Cassius). Clearly the combination of his fathers name and his own experience with the play had incredible influence upon Booth. When Booth shot Lincoln and leapt/fell to the stage, Booth shouted Sic semper tyrannis! echoing the cries of the Liberators who murdered Caesar. At the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln himself is seated in the pose of a Roman Consul.

There are always attempts, of course, to use Shakespeares play to comment on current events. The famous 2017 Public Theatre production portraying Caesar as Donald Trump was, to me, off base. Caesar was a great soldier, litigator, legislator, philanthropist, poet, and politician. Trump is, at best, the last of those. Subsequent events have shown Trump to be more Cassius, using low cunning and tricks to bully others to subvert the law for his own gain.

But Trump was nowhere in sight when I began writing EVE OF IDES. The question in my mind was, When did we stop being the people we say we are? Exploring this concept, the play became a fierce debate between patriots about the importance of laws. Caesar broke Romes laws to battle what he perceived as injustice. Brutus then broke Romes laws to stop Caesar. Their actions resulted not in a restored republic but in Romes law being fractured beyond repair.

The first reading was given at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in 2012, directed by my friend Rick Sordelet, and starring the marvelous Ed Gero as Caesar. The next reading was at the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, directed by Janice L Blixt, with our good friend and frequent collaborator Robert Kauzlaric as Brutus. Since then, Ive always wanted to bring Rob and Ed together. During the pandemic, we decided to record this, with Rob taking on the monumental task of piecing together the performances into a single, magnificent whole. Featuring stellar performances by Edward Gero as Caesar, Robert Kauzlaric as Brutus, with additional performances by Ian Geers, John Lepard, Sam Hubbard, Janice L Blixt, and myself, EVE OF IDES is a two-hour ride through a political maelstrom, with hopes and dreams felled by ambition and reality.

Its available today across all platforms, just in time for the Ides. Theres a preview on my Patreon page, and you can purchase or preorder it here.

Ave, atque vale!
Tunisian civil society groups fear the government is planning to starve them of foreign funding under the pretext of fighting money laundering and terrorism.

President Kais Saied, who launched a sweeping power grab in 2021 and rules by decree, has accused many non-government organisations of serving "foreign agendas".

Under a draft law he supported, state authorities would have to approve all foreign funding for NGOs that operate in the North African country.

Human rights groups worry it is another repressive measure in the country that became known as the birthplace of the Arab Spring protests more than a decade ago.

"The aim of the bill is to restrict civil society -- its financing, its activity and to limit its work to certain topics suggested by the political authority," said Bassem Trifi, president of the Tunisian League for the Defence of Human Rights.

If the draft law is enacted, Trifi warned, "Tunisia will lose its civil society and all the work it has done".

Amnesty International warned that the "absolute discretion given to the government to authorise or deny funding requests of civil society groups may constitute a disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of association".

The Tunisian groups also worry that tens of thousands of jobs will be lost if funding from abroad dries up, given that most organisations receive little to no public money in the recession-hit and highly indebted country.

Saied, elected democratically in October 2019, sacked parliament in July 2021 and assumed most executive powers.

A number of Saied's opponents are behind bars as Tunisia prepares for presidential elections set to take place in October.

- 'Preserve the freedoms' -

The draft law would replace a 2011 decree that saw the creation of over 25,000 organisations after the uprising that ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and set in motion what later came to be known as the Arab Spring.

"According to a study we did, by limiting civil society's financial resources, we risk losing around 30,000 direct jobs" and about 100,000 indirect jobs, Trifi said.

Critics worry that this would exacerbate unemployment rates, which already stand at 16 percent overall and 40 percent among the youth.

Shanti, an association that employs 22 full-time workers and manages over 100 projects involving crafts, farming and eco-tourism nationwide, may be among those affected.

The group receives over 90 percent of its funding from abroad.

Their projects like L'Artisanerie, a workshop in Tunis that supports about 60 craftspeople selling items including handmade carpets, pottery and furniture, could also be impacted.

"We're on alert about what's going to happen," said Shanti's head Mehdi Baccouche.

He said that he is not opposed to new regulation, but that any change should result from "a permanent dialogue" between organisations and authorities.

"It's important to preserve the freedoms acquired by associations and to continue to develop access to national and foreign funds," Baccouche said.

"The development of the associative sector brings thousands of jobs and, beyond that, thousands of people are directly impacted."

- 'Achievement of the revolution' -

Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association, said the proposed legislation also "gives excessive powers to the authority which can, according to its agenda, refuse an association".

"The 2011 decree is an achievement of the revolution that must be preserved," Voule told AFP.

The current law allows the creation of an organisation simply by notifying the government, without requiring approval.

This has allowed for the flourishing of NGOs working on political and social issues, such as women's and LGBTQ rights.

Their championing of freedoms, including of the press, saw the emergence of independent media outlets.

This "does not mean that the authorities turn a blind eye", Voule added, arguing that the government can still examine "the organisation's agenda and whether there is an imminent security risk".

Before making any sweeping changes to the system, the UN rapporteur argued, "authorities must open discussions with civil society".

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Venezuelan soldiers have evicted more than 1,200 people, many of them children, from an illegal gold mine that claimed 16 lives when it collapsed last month, the armed forces said Sunday.

The group included 131 minors evicted from the Bulla Loca mine in the Bolivar state in the Amazon region, general Domingo Hernandez Larez of the armed forces' operational command said in a message on X. He did not provide a time frame.

Evictions were continuing, as was the dismantling of illegal mining structures erected in the La Paragua Forest Reserve, he added.

"Protecting nature is everyone's task!" said Hernandez Larez.

The Bolivar region is rich in gold, diamonds, iron, bauxite, quartz and coltan. Aside from state mines, there is also a booming industry of illegal extraction.

Sixteen people died when the Bulla Loca open pit mine caved in last month. In December last year, 12 died when a mine in the Indigenous community of Ikabaru, in the same region, collapsed.

The NGO SOS Orinoco says at least 54 people died in 17 mining incidents in the Bolivar and Amazonas states between 2017 and 2022.

Activists denounce "ecocide" in the area and the exploitation of children who work long hours without protection.

Authorities say illegal miners fell and burn trees, contaminate water and engage in underground drilling that is damaging to the environment and harmful to Indigenous communities.

Last July, President Nicolas Maduro ordered the deployment of the armed forces to counter a scourge he said was "destroying the Amazon of South America... and Venezuela."

Since then, some 14,000 illegal miners have been evicted from the Yapacana National Park in Amazon state, where vast areas were devastated by mining.

Rights activists have denounced excessive use of force during evictions of illegal mines where foreigners from Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador also operate.

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Five areas are in the running to be Scotlands next national park despite a series of concerns from farming groups in the country.

The areas - located in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest - are contenders to be Scotland's next national park.

The Scottish government said each proposal would now be appraised against the published criteria.

It confirmed that a further consultation would be held once a preferred site is identified, expected to be in the summer.

The Scottish government has committed to designating at least one new park by 2026, to join Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

It has been 20 years since a national park was established in Scotland. but farming groups have repeatedly highlighted their opposition to a new one.

Farmer fears centre on an increase in bureaucracy which could in turn stifle development, as well as a potential rise in access-related issues.

But Scotland's Biodiversity Minister, Lorna Slater said the two existing national parks "have shown how valuable national park status can be".

She said: National park status has boosted their economies, supported local business and engaged communities to make the parks work for those who live and work in them.

"Once we have a site identified, we will engage again with the people in the area to look at determining things like park boundaries and balancing environmental protection with helping the communities and local enterprises thrive."

However, farming groups also have concerns that a new national park would prioritise tourism and visitor access over local farming businesses to the detriment of the rural economy.

Just last month, NFU Scotland chaired a meeting on national park proposals on the Isle of Skye, attended by 110 farmers, crofters and other local stakeholders.

According to the union, all attendees indicated that they did not support the creation of a national park in their area.

In its recent consultation with farmers, responses indicated that existing parks had failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting.

NFU Scotland vice president, Alasdair Macnab said that the nomination process for new national parks was causing 'a lot of concern and confusion' for farmers.

He said that wider community views must be considered when bids go in for the creation of new parks.

"Feedback from members in existing national parks is that there has not been enough focus on local views and where community involvement was present, it was tokenistic. That must not happen this time round.

"Farming and food production are highly important to Scotlands rural economy, this must be a major consideration when assessing nominations for new national parks.

Meaningful involvement of the local community at each stage in the nomination process is key but that is not being delivered by many of the proposed bids," Mr Macnab said.

"This is necessary to avoid polarised views within a community leading to groups feeling disenfranchised and that a national park is imposed on them."
In 100 days, the International Marxist Tendency will host a conference: The World School of Communism. This will be six days of talks and discussions where we will also launch a Revolutionary Communist International!

All over the world, communists are already electing delegates who will attend this event in-person in Italy. In addition, all of these talks will be streamed online and you can watch them live or catch up on the recordings later in the day. Sign up now to receive updates on the School as well as information on watch parties and more!

We will provide more information  including recommended readings  in the coming weeks, but we are proud to present below the topics that will be discussed at the event.

On the first day, Alan Woods will present the launch of the new Revolutionary Communist International as well as introducing its brand new Manifesto, which will be discussed and voted on by the delegates.

The final day will have Hamid Alizadeh report on the incredible work of communists around the world in the recent period, and explain our plans for the future. During the week, Alan Woods will also give a talk on Dialectics: The Algebra of Revolution.

If this wasnt enough, the rest of the week will have 18 talks with 3 happening simultaneously. Luckily, comrades will not have to make any painful decisions because they will be able to catch up with any sessions they missed by watching the recordings that will be accessible through our website.

We are happy to present the list of talks below:

The necessity of a revolutionary philosophy: Dialectical materialism

Lenin once said that without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement. In order to make the struggle for communism successful, it must be guided by correct ideas. This talk will show the reactionary nature of all manner of reactionary theories such as postmodernism, which are pushed to young people in revolutionary clothing. It is only the philosophy of Marxism  dialectical materialism  that can guide the work of revolutionaries to success.

Why we need a theory of history: Historical materialism

The bourgeois historian Arnold Toynbee once said that history is just one damn fact after another. This talk will explain, however, that underlying all the seeming accidents that make up history are general laws which can be studied and understood. This means that the study of history can enable you to make certain predictions in order to guide future struggles to success. For this reason, it is vital that communists have a theory of history.

What is Capitalism?  An introduction to marxist economics

There is a growing hostility to the status quo and therefore to capitalism that is developing amongst a layer of society. However, what actually is capitalism? This talk will uncover the hidden workings of the capitalist system, which was best explained by Karl Marx. In doing so, it will set out exactly how it works, and how it can be overthrown.

The Bolsheviks in power

In the span of a few short years, the Bolsheviks went from a party that had been decimated by reaction to a shining beacon to the revolutionary masses across the world. Despite the invasion of 21 foreign armies, they won a desperate battle for survival, whilst making huge strides for the working class, founding the first free health service, legalising divorce and abortion, decriminalising homosexuality and more. This talk will cover the early USSR, the period of the Civil War and the urgent tasks a successful revolution faces.

How the Communist International was built

The Communist International was founded by Lenin and Trotsky as a tool of world revolution. Bringing together communist parties across the globe, it was a way to sharpen the theoretical and practical abilities of communists internationally. This talk will trace the origins and early years of the Communist International, showing the need for us to build a similar organisation in the world today. The parties that made up the Communist International had varied origins, with some growing from small propaganda organisations and others being splits from the major reformist parties. If we are to create new mass revolutionary communist parties, we should study how they were formed in the past.

War and Revolution: A Leninist Approach

It can be easy to look at the world, with the growing list of wars and throw your hands up in despair. What is it, though, that actually causes wars? And how can we build a world without it? This talk will explain Lenins approach to war and show how it applies to today.

How can the communists conquer the masses?

As communists, our task is not simply to discuss the ideas of Marxism in closed circles. In order for a revolution to be successful, communists must seek to reach the widest possible layer of revolutionary workers and youth, and convince them of the need to overthrow the capitalist system. In this talk, we will discuss how communists can spread revolutionary ideas among the broadest layers possible and struggle to build mass communist parties everywhere.

Did communism really fail?

Consistently we are told that the fall of the Soviet Union was incontrovertible evidence of the failure of communism. This concerted campaign of slanders and lies, which falsely ties communism to the bureaucratic crimes of Stalinism, is spread by the ruling class in order to undermine the struggle to overthrow capitalism today. This talk will explain how and why the USSR collapsed and demonstrate that it was not communism, but a bureaucratic deformation which failed.

What is imperialism?

While many on the left will rightly decry the horrors of imperialism, few truly understand it. From the Ukraine conflict, to the war in Gaza, to the competition between China and the US, imperialism dominates world relations and as such it is the duty of communists to understand it. This talk will provide a thorough Marxist analysis of imperialism and the approach communists must take in the world today, basing itself on Lenins theoretical masterpiece Imperialism: the Highest Stage of Capitalism.

Communists and the state

We are often told that politicians, courts, the police and all the other trappings of the state are simply neutral arbiters of justice that act in the best interests of all. In reality, however, communists understand that this is a mere smokescreen for the concrete class interests that underpin the state. This talk will expose the role played by capitalist states in defending the present system of oppression and exploitation, and explain how a workers state would ensure the transition to communism after the revolution.

What is behind right populism and how do we fight it?

What is behind the rise of right-wing figures such as Trump, Le Pen and Meloni? The liberal media bemoans the death of democracy and heaps the blame on ignorant voters. The task of the communists, however, is not to cry, but to understand. This talk will explain the deep polarisation that is sweeping the world in this period of capitalist crisis, and show that the rise of the right is due to the complete lack of any alternative offered by the supposed Lefts. It is a radical and revolutionary programme that can defeat these figures.

The Russian Revolution: The greatest event in human history

In 1917, the working class in Russia did something that had never been done before. For the first time, capitalism was overthrown and the working class came to power and held on to it, under the leadership of the Bolshevik Party. This monumental event sent shockwaves around the world, igniting the hopes and aspirations of millions of the downtrodden and oppressed. This talk will describe and defend the Russian Revolution, emphasising the wealth of lessons that communists today can draw from it.

World revolution or Socialism in one country

After Lenins death, when it became clear that the Soviet Union was isolated in a sea of capitalism internationally, the Stalinist bureaucracy latched onto the so-called theory of socialism in one country. This nationalist, counter-revolutionary idea was completely at odds with the perspective of Marx, Engels and Lenin, that the revolution would need to spread to at least all the major economies for it to be successful. This talk will demonstrate the reactionary conclusions of socialism in one country, exposing it as an aberration of Marxist theory that should play no role in the class struggle today.

Lenin & Trotsky: What they really stood for

Lenin and Trotsky were the undeniable leaders of the Russian Revolution of 1917. These two great Bolsheviks played a central role in providing the Russian masses with the perspective and tactics they needed to take power. Despite this, a baseless myth is still propagated today, that Lenin and Trotsky fundamentally opposed each other, both politically and personally. This talk will bring out the truth of the connection between Lenin and Trotsky, showing that on all fundamental points and at all crucial moments, these two great revolutionaries were united.

How the Bolshevik Party was built

The Bolshevik Party was the most revolutionary party that has ever existed. But it did not come into being fully formed. Over many years, Lenin built the party from the ground up, as it expanded from small reading circles to become a mass organisation of the Russian working class. This is the only party in history to have led the working class to the successful overthrow of capitalism. A careful study of its history can therefore provide us with a guide to building a similar party today.

Communists and the National Question

The issue of national oppression and how to fight it is an important struggle facing the world today. This talk will look at the Marxist approach to this crucial yet difficult question, drawing out key examples of what a revolutionary struggle against national oppression looks like in different cases.

The struggle against oppression  Working class unity or identity politics?

Identity politics is a pervasive approach on the left, which seeks to divide people according to their race, gender, sexuality etc. Communists, in contrast, fight for the maximum unity of the working class in their united struggle against oppression. This talk will explain how communists seek to end oppression once and for all by abolishing class society, in contrast to the impotent and divisive methods of identity politics.

Does Communism mean bureaucracy?

Communism is conflated with the history of the USSR and the crimes of the bureaucracy and Stalin. Those who disagree with the Marxists blame communism itself for this. In actual fact, Lenin himself recognised the emerging bureaucracy and fought against it. This talk will cover Lenins fight against bureaucracy and for a healthy regime in the party.
Hundreds of farmers have staged a go-slow tractor protest in Canterbury as concerns over cheaper food imports and government policy grows.

A convoy of tractors and other agricultural machinery was driven through the city centre on Sunday afternoon (3 March).

Anger over the low prices that farmers receive from retailers is heightening, as is growing industry worry over post-Brexit farming policies.

Sunday's action, spearheaded by campaign group Fairness for Farmers, follows a separate tractor protest at the port of Dover on 9 February.

Elsewhere, in Wales, over 10,000 farmers took to the streets of Cardiff last week over rising anger at the Welsh government's vision for the industry.

Geoffrey Philpott, a cauliflower farmer in East Kent, said the protest in Canterbury was mainly centred on the need to ban sub-standard imports.

I am proud to have a Union Jack on all my produce, but why is it foreign produce that is packed in the UK can have a Union Jack on it?" he asked.

"The only reason is to deceive the public into believing its the healthiest and safest food you can buy."

He said food security was another top issue. "I hope to be farming for many years to come, but if things dont change, I wont be and I wont be employing the fourteen people who work for me.

"Then we will be reliant on foreign produce that will not have the high standard of UK production. Once that happens, we could be held to ransom over pricing.

"Lets hope people wake up quickly and support British agriculture so I can continue to farm for many years to come and supply healthy, safe produce for UK people.

#backbritishfarming farmers protesting in Canterbury. Hundreds of tractors are slowing down the traffic around Canterbury. A lot of support here pic.twitter.com/pGhSApZWqV  seenbyj (@JSeenbyj) March 3, 2024

In a statement, Defra said it 'firmly backs our farmers'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently unveiled a package of grant support worth nearly 430m to boost the industry.

However, despite this, the industry remains concerned. A new UK-wide campaign group 'No Farmers, No Food' says it will put pressure on the government to ensure British farming remains viable into the future.

The group, which has attracted tens of thousands of followers since it was launched in January, says it is a "collection of farmers who are concerned that the future of farming is currently under threat."
NFU Scotland has announced the launch of a new finance group with the purpose of offering bespoke business solutions to its 9,000 farmer members.

The union has announced that it has joined forces with Anglo Scottish Asset Finance to create NFU Scotland Finance.

It will offer tailored loans, commercial mortgages, asset finance, business credit cards, and refinancing opportunities for thousands of farmers.

Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has been supporting businesses with finance solutions for almost two decades.

It has experience funding many types of agricultural machinery and vehicles, as well as diversification and green energy projects.

NFU Scotland CEO John Davidson said: "This partnership is built on a shared philosophy to help NFU Scotlands members to achieve sustainable and profitable businesses.

We've seen how impactful and innovative our members can be when they are supported by reliable financial services.

"We expect many of them will use this opportunity to grow their businesses, and thus create a stable future for Scottish agriculture.

The newly formed NFU Scotland Finance will be led by Andrew Laird, head of agriculture at Anglo Scottish, and supported by a team of farming finance specialist.

The team plan to contact members directly, as well as attend NFU Scotland events to discuss new projects and commercial opportunities.

Mr Laird said: As an organisation, NFU Scotland is dedicated to representing and advancing the interests of farmers and crofters in Scotland.

"By joining forces to become NFU Scotland Finance, we are committed to providing NFU Scotland members with tailored commercial finance and asset finance solutions to help them achieve their growth and diversification objectives.
Aliens could be trapped on their own planets

Aliens could be submerged on waterlogged planets

Astronomers searching for extraterrestrial life are now putting their focus on Hycean planets - ones totally covered by oceans that have no sound.

Professor Elio Quiroga, of the Universidad del Atlantico Medio in Spain, explained that communication "might never emerge" in the waterlogged environments "even though it could be home to a fully developed civilisation".

The academic has also theorised that intelligent little green men are living on gigantic planets and have no chance of getting away due to the gravitational pull and higher escape velocities.

Professor Quiroga added: "Intelligent species on these planets would never be able to travel into space due to sheer physical impossibility."
King Charles is still planning to visit Australia this year.

Queen Camilla and King Charles are expected to visit Australia this year

The 75-year-old monarch announced last month he had been diagnosed with cancer and though he has withdrawn from public-facing duties while undergoing treatment, he and Queen Camilla are still scheduled to head Down Under in October and early November.

The government is currently consulting on the schedule, which will coordinate with the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa, and is also likely to include trips to surrounding countries such as New Zealand.

And the Australian government are asking for submissions from premiers and chief ministers as they compile an itinerary of states or territories to include in the visit.

Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister said: The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis.

The King, Queen and members of the Royal family are always welcome in Australia.

My government is engaging with states and territories on options for a possible royal visit.

If the visit goes ahead, the king would become the first reigning monarch to visit Australia since 2011, though Charles - who spent six months studying at the Timbertop, Geelong Grammar School in Victoria - made the most recent of his 15 working trips there in 2018 as Prince of Wales.

His sons, Princes William and Harry have also made visits to Australia in recent years.

The king's schedule will likely be decided closer to the time depending on his health, but he would typically be expected at the heads of government meeting the week of 21 October as Head of the Commonwealth.
Kristin Cavallari has clapped back at critics of the 13-year age gap between her and new boyfriend Mark Estes.

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes confirmed their romance during a trip to Mexico

The 37-year-old mother-of-three - who has sons Camden, 11, and Jaxon, nine, and eight-year-old daughter Saylor, with her ex-husband Jay Cutler - took to TikTok to address the hate she's received for dating a "toy boy".

She captioned the clip: When theyre all up in arms that Im dating a 24 year old. Andddd?

And she lip-synced: So what are you going to do about it? Are you going to arrest me? Are you going to give me a ticket?

The couple confirmed their romance last month after they were spotted in Mexico together.

The former 'Laguna Beach' star captioned an Instagram snap of the pair on their romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas: He makes me happy," along with a white love heart emoji.

Kristin was married to Jay for seven years before they called it quits in 2020.

The former reality star revealed she was dating again last September.

She told Us Weekly magazine: Im dating. Ive gone through phases of going on a million first dates, and Ive gone through phases where Im not dating at all.

At the moment, its not my priority, but Im open to it.

Meanwhile, Kristin recently spilled that she was "love-bombed" by Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

She claimed the rapper became enamoured with her 15 years ago during her early days in the television industry and got her telephone number from a mutual friend before showering her with flowers, chocolates, toys and bottles of tequila in a bid to get her to go out with him - but Kristin didn't agree to a date and she now thinks she "dodged a bullet".

During an episode of her 'Lets Be Honest' podcast, Kristin explained: "I was 22, I believe, we had a mutual friend, he got my number, whatever. He sent me the biggest bouquet of flowers Ive ever seen. The biggest box of chocolates Ive ever seen. A huge teddy bear.

"I mean, it was multiple people bringing [stuff] into my house. It was like [stuff] you see in a movie."

Kristin decided against going out on a date with the hip-hop star, 54, but she was tempted.

She added: "I mean, theres obviously a part where youre like, Whoa, this guy is spoiling the ... out of me.' Like thats so sweet, and Ive never met this guy."

Despite being turned down, Combs didn't give up with Kristin revealing he "kept asking [her] out".

Kristin said: "Now, as an adult, Im like, Red ... flag!' I mean, thats some love-bombing kind of [stuff] ... I dodged a ... bullet ...

"I could never just go on a date with someone because it was so-and-so. I have always had to be attracted to you.  I dont want to be the arm candy."
Sydney Sweeney has hit back at critics who accused her of having a fling with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell.

Sydney Sweeney has hit back at critics who accused her of having a fling with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell

The Euphoria actress, 26, was at the centre of accusations she and the Top Gun: Maverick star, 35, were having an affair while they shot the romantic comedy in Australia, and Sydney has now used her opening monologue on Saturday Night Live to hit back at the allegations.

She said: The craziest rumour Ive seen is that while I was filming Anyone But You, I was having an affair with my co-star Glen Powell.

Thats obviously not true. Me and my fiance (Jonathan Davino) produced the movie together and he was there the entire shoot.

And I just want to let everyone know that hes the man of my dreams and were still together and stronger than ever. He even came here tonight to support me.

Looking at the camera crew, Sydney then asked: Can we cut to him? before Glen was seen in the audience with a stunned look on his face.

The actress exclaimed: Thats not my fiance! Hes in my dressing room and we have a great show for you tonight!

Sydney and Glen later paired up for another skit, which saw the actress on a dinner date with her boyfriend  who she tells: I cheated on you with my boss and I think we should break up.

Glen then appeared at the couples table, saying: Hey babycakes, want to get out here?  with the crowd cheering as they left together.

Affair rumours of Sydney and Glens affair began to spread, Glen broke up with his girlfriend Gigi Paris in April 2023  leading to her unfollowing both him and Sweeney on social media.

Around the same time, Sydneys fiancee Jonathan, 38, was photographed leaving the actress home in Los Angeles home with their dog and luggage.

But both Sydney and Glen have repeatedly shut down rumours they were secretly an item, with the actress telling Variety in August about making Anyone But You with him: Its a rom-com. Thats what people want! Glen and I dont really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; hes such a hard worker, and Im a hard worker.

Glen added Sydney was the easiest person to have chemistry with, adding: We make each other laugh. Shes awesome, obviously one of the most talented actresses we have.

This movie has felt like a rom-com in itself because Sydney is very easy to pretend fall in love with.
Tom Hiddleston stood in for King Charles after the monarch pulled out of a charity event to undergo cancer treatment.

Tom Hiddleston gave King Charles' speech at a charity event in London

The 75-year-old royal has stepped away from public-facing duties since being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year and it meant he had to miss The Prince's Trust Invest In Futures Gala Dinner in London on Thursday (29.02.24) so 'Loki' star Tom stepped up to deliver the King's speech in his place.

A clip of Tom, 43, reading the King's speech was shared on the charity's Instagram page, with the actor telling the audience: "I really am so pleased that The Trust's work continues to go from strength to strength, having, in recent years, expanded from its mission in the United Kingdom to now supporting young people in twenty-three countries.

"Celebrating the global impact of this work is an achievement which, I must confess, I could not have dreamed of back in 1976 when I started The Trust, using, at that time, my Royal Navy severance pay when I left the Service to help disadvantaged young people achieve their full potential.

"Its mission remains the same today  to help young people into secure, sustainable jobs and enterprises, enabling them to build brighter futures."

The speech went on: "In the beginning, I hoped that by supporting young people to develop their latent skills and to find work or training, The Trust would perhaps be able to help change some individuals' lives for the better.

"I am thrilled to say that it has now worked with over one million young people, helping them to start careers, launch businesses and re-engage with education.

"I am enormously inspired by the determination and commitment of young people, one of whom you will hear from later. They are changemakers; they will shape the world's future and we must support them to realise their dreams.

"Looking ahead, I very much hope The Trust can continue to help young people and communities to understand the immeasurable difference they can make to our society when they choose positive paths in life and achieve their goals. That way they can help and build a brighter future. CHARLES R."

The King founded the charity back in 1976 when he was Prince of Wales to help disadvantaged young people across the UK and the organisation has raised more than 24 million for good causes since its inception.
Dutch manufacturer confidence experienced a marginal improvement in February 2024, with the index rising slightly from minus 4.4 in January to minus 4.2, according to the latest data by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Despite this slight uptick, sentiment remained below the 20-year average of minus 1.3, reflecting ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.

The slight increase in confidence is primarily due to manufacturers' more positive outlook on expected output over the next three months. However, concerns persist, as evidenced by more negative perceptions regarding order positions. The textiles, clothes, and leather industry, in particular, saw a notable decline in producer confidence, dropping to minus 8.5 from minus 5.3 in January.

There was a positive component indicator with manufacturers anticipating an increase in output outnumbering those expecting a decrease. On the other hand, two component indicators were negative, pointing to weaknesses in order positions and perceptions of current stock levels as being large, as per CBS.

In February 2024, Dutch manufacturer confidence edged up to minus 4.2 from minus 4.4 in January, still under the 20-year average of minus 1.3. The increase is attributed to a more optimistic outlook on output over the next three months, despite persistent concerns about order positions. Confidence in the textiles sector fell sharply to minus 8.5.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
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Vivek Agnihotri tweet: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, renowned for his impactful storytelling and poignant narratives in Indian cinema, has once again demonstrated his commitment to addressing social issues. Known for directing significant films like 'The Tashkent Files', 'The Kashmir Files', and 'The Vaccine War', Agnihotri consistently mirrors societal and audience sentiments through his work. His films have not only left an indelible mark on the viewers but have also positioned him as a significant voice in the industry, earning him the title of the Indic Filmmaker of the nation.

Agnihotri recently voiced his concerns over a distressing incident involving the assault of a foreign tourist in India. The incident, which came to light through social media, involved a foreign couple sharing their unfortunate experience of the female partner being sexually harassed by seven individuals. Agnihotri, who had been following the couple's adventure bike trip in India, expressed his sadness over the incident on his social media platform, highlighting the grave issue of harassment faced by foreign female tourists in the country. His statement underscored the potential impact such incidents could have on India's global tourism growth.

The filmmaker's reaction to this incident is a testament to his commitment to addressing crimes and injustices beyond the confines of cinema. Agnihotri's engagement with social issues and his willingness to speak out against crimes reflects his role as not just a filmmaker but also a responsible citizen. His efforts to influence societal change have been recognized, with Agnihotri recently being honored with a Doctorate by the Governor of Maharashtra for his contributions and impact on society.

On the professional front, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is currently working on his upcoming projects 'The Delhi Files' and a film titled 'Parva', which is based on the novel by S.L. Bhyrappa. These projects are eagerly anticipated, given Agnihotri's track record of creating thought-provoking and socially relevant cinema.

Agnihotri's proactive stance on social issues and his continued success in the film industry exemplifies the powerful role filmmakers can play in reflecting societal concerns and advocating for change. His dedication to bringing real-life stories to the forefront of Indian cinema underscores the potential of films to influence perceptions and initiate meaningful dialogue.
US, UK should stop interfering in Hong Kong's Article 23 legislation

10:06, March 04, 2024 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

Recently, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law successfully concluded. Out of over 13,000 public opinions, more than 98 percent expressed support or positive views, fully reflecting the strong consensus among the Hong Kong public to expedite the completion of Article 23 legislation. However, the US and the UK have turned a blind eye to this and continue to attack and smear Article 23 legislation.

The US and the UK's interference in Article 23 legislation obviously violates the basic norms governing international relations. Hong Kong is part of China, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. No foreign country has the right to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. The US and the UK should respect China's sovereignty, abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are China's internal affairs. It is worth pointing out that the UK's attempt to intervene in Article 23 legislation by invoking the Sino-British Joint Declaration has no basis in international law. The Sino-British Joint Declaration by no means puts the UK in a position or gives it any right to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.

The US and the UK's sensationalist view that Article 23 legislation will weaken the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people is completely inconsistent with the facts. One of the principles of Article 23 legislation is to protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR and the provisions of relevant international covenants as applied to Hong Kong. There is a clear line drawn between acts that constitute an offense that endangers national security, and normal commercial exchanges and activities in the fields of economy, culture, and science and technology. The normal activities of foreign institutions and personnel in Hong Kong will be protected in accordance with the law. Article 23 legislation is considered a necessary step to effectively prevent activities that compromise national security and protect the safety of life and property of the Hong Kong public. It will also improve Hong Kong's business environment, and better attract businesses and investors to Hong Kong.

The US and the UK have enacted numerous laws to safeguard national security, yet they hypocritically criticize and label Article 23 legislation, which is blatant political manipulation and double standards. The extraterritorial effect of Article 23 is in strict compliance with international law and the common practices of all countries and regions. The definitions of "state secrets" and "external interference" have been fully considered based on the actual situation in the HKSAR and common practices in various countries, and are reasonable, legal, and beyond reproach.

"Ensuring security and development" and "speeding up legislation and boosting the economy" are the most prominent demands of Hong Kong society. The HKSAR government and legislature will surely meet the expectations of society and push forward Article 23 legislation in an orderly manner and as soon as possible. Attempts by any country to obstruct Article 23 legislation will only end in vain.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Last Sunday, our US comrades announced the launch of a brand new organisation: the Revolutionary Communists of America (RCA). In just a week, it has caused something of a sensation. Social, mainstream, and state media outlets quickly picked up on the news. In total, millions in the US, and hundreds of millions around the world have seen the launch videos after being picked up by state media in a number of countries. The announcement has become a beacon for communists and class fighters across the continent and beyond, with our US comrades being flooded with hundreds of write-ins in just one week.

Its not hard to understand why the announcement was received with such elation. To see communists openly declaring that they have arrived in the United States  the belly of the beast, the centre of world capitalism, home of McCarthyism  and marching in downtown Brooklyn, New York, has caused millions to sit up and pay attention.

To see communists making strides forward and outwardly launching a new organisation has confounded the view that communism could never take off in America. But this shouldnt come as a surprise. US capitalism is in a deep crisis, the American Dream has turned into an American nightmare, and millions of workers and young people have had enough of the status quo and are looking for a serious alternative. For many young communists, who have been radicalised by events, but who thought they were isolated individuals until now, the announcement has been received with jubilation.

If this is you and you want to get involved in the Revolutionary Communists of America, click here to become a founding member today!

As one worker and trade unionist put it after attending the launch event: I couldn't believe an organization like this already existed, it's everything I've been looking for.

Many more have written in to join from far beyond the United States. To young people and workers everywhere, we say: if you are a revolutionary communist, join us. Wherever you are, you can participate this summer in the World School of Communism where we will be founding a new Revolutionary Communist International  an international, fighting organisation to overthrow capitalism everywhere and create a new, communist world. [Click here to register to attend the World School of Communism online.]

The reception of the launch has been phenomenal. The video announcing the reasons for founding the RCA has been viewed no less than 19,000 times on YouTube.

But that was just the beginning. On social media, scenes of our comrades marching through New York went viral. Right-wingers, Trump supporters, and even Jordan Peterson picked up on the X/Twitter video and reposted it, scandalised that communists were marching in force through the streets of New York!

In total, that one video of comrades marching under a sea of hammer and sickle flags received 2.3 million views in just a couple of days.

It clearly wasnt just right-wingers who were watching with interest, as the RCA received over 300 write-ins to their new website from communists all over the United States looking to join.

Scroll to the end of this article to read a few of the powerful messages weve received from these young revolutionaries who are looking to get organised. We feel they give a small glimpse of the powerful mood building among hundreds of thousands and even millions of young people who are looking for a way out of the horrors of capitalism  they are looking for communists.

But it didn't stop there. After being announced to the world in English, and creating a viral storm on social media, the news was picked up internationally. An enthusiastic individual took the initiative and dubbed the launch video into Russian.

From there, the news was picked up by Russian state media, and received 800,000 views on Russia Todays official Telegram channel. Meanwhile, Chinese state media also picked up on the news, and at one point the launch video, with Chinese subtitles, became the second most searched item on Baidu (the most popular Chinese search engine). Since then, countless websites, including major state and private media have republished the report and the video on many platforms. We estimate that as many as 200 million viewers across all platforms have seen the report or watched the video as a result!

The Revolutionary Communists of America are forming a party! After the launch rally, we hit the street in downtown Brooklyn to say it loud & clear: the communists are here! #Communism pic.twitter.com/i4xapzQFSC  Revolutionary Communists of America (@communistsus) February 26, 2024

Of course, Chinese and Russian state media have their own reasons for bringing attention to the launch of the RCA. Clearly, they are engaging in a bit of schadenfreude at the expense of their powerful imperialist rival, as if to say, look at how bad things are getting for the Americans when the communists are gaining an echo there!

To be clear: the International Marxist Tendency, of which the RCA is the US section, stands for communist revolution everywhere. This includes both Russia and China, where the misnamed Communist Party has overseen the restoration of capitalism  and where capitalism has hit a brick wall since the crisis of 2020.

Just as a mood of anger is building towards the capitalist system in the United States, the same mood is building everywhere. The day is coming when the Russian and Chinese workers will rise up to settle accounts with their own ruling classes. The schadenfreude of these ruling classes will then be seen as quite misplaced, as the spectre of communist revolution comes home to haunt them too. In the meantime, we welcome any publicity they give to the genuine communists, whatever their reasons are for giving it.

Inundated with messages

To give our readers a flavour of the mood that is out there, we publish below a few of the more than 300 heartfelt messages that have inundated our US comrades since the announcement of the launch of the RCA one week ago. Although there are many of them, and some of the messages are long, we encourage our readers to read them carefully. They speak eloquently to a mood growing among a vast layer of workers and youth:

From Woodbury, CT

We cant continue living under this oppressive, destructive capitalist system. We need a vanguard party to fight for positive change and global cooperation. CPUSA and other left parties seem to be more interested in appeasing the liberals than enacting direct change tactics. I am looking for like-minded comrades to work with and share common goals.

From Burlington, Maine

The weight of standing idly by as capitalists steal our future is crushing my soul.

From Rio Grande City, TX

I watched your video and the line "we can't keep scrolling through Twitter, and listening to leftist podcasts" got me. I was in the DSA but was really disillusioned with them post the Sanders campaigns. I have always considered myself to be a communist and this movement rekindled my hope for our success.

From Philadelphia, PA

I have seen and experienced, for myself, the negative effects of capitalism and its inability to solve much need-to-be-solved problems. A few years back I got introduced to the idea of Marxism and read a ton of Communist literature. I want to see change happen and I believe the RCA can help achieve that. I am willing to fight!

From Wilmington, OH

I have been searching and waiting literal years for a solid communist party to join in the United States. After witnessing first hand all the damage capitalism and the American empire has inflicted on the earth and its people, I would feel like a traitor to my planet if I didnt do something to prevent it from getting worse  Our comrades of the past have laid out the blueprints, its up to us to build the dream for our comrades of the future. Even if I may never live to see communism, I will do ANYTHING to make sure my kids, and their kids can. That being saidI would love to join this party to start getting real work done. Thank you.

From Coeur D Alene, ID

Im a 32-year-old father of five and I know that the USA, as it currently stands, is an existential threat to my life, my children, and my community. I have been a tenant for 13 years and despite paying hundreds of thousands in rent I will likely never own a home. I have worked countless terrible jobs and know what it is like to feel powerless and helpless working your days away just to scrape by. In my youth, I believed in the American Dream. At 18 I foolishly joined the military and was another boot for American imperialism. During two deployments to West Asia I understood for the first time that America was the terrorist; I was complicit in hurting innocent people overseas and that fact will always haunt me. I struggled with drug addiction for years coping with the reality of what I had been a part of. The beautiful lakes, forests, and mountains I call home are crying out for help and if I want our beautiful world to still exist for all future generations then there is only one choice; socialism or extinction. I know what side Im on. Love and Solidarity!

From Springfield, MO

I can no longer sit idly by and watch the atrocities of capitalism and imperialism be carried out, I must do something, it is a deep burning feeling that was reignited by the flames of our fallen comrade Aaron Bushnell.

From Albuquerque, New Mexico

I was radicalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am a healthcare worker and have seen firsthand what happens to patients, providers, and other healthcare workers when we put profits over people. I read Marx, Lenin, and Rosa Luxembourg. Tired of sitting on my ass and listening to Pods. Ready to bring the fight to the ownership class.

From Lexington, TN

I have made 3 comrades where I work, and I will be educating them about this party tomorrow, and encouraging them to take the time to consider joining. I have attempted to form a local party, as well as form alliances with different groups in my small town, and create a new sense of community in my workplace, which has met with some success. Many people in my workplace listen to me with interest and understanding on the topics of politics, economics, and environmentalism, and I try to educate them in every department I have any knowledge of, so they may better form their own opinions and come to new conclusions Marxism has saved my life, and what I want in this world, is to give back everything that has been given to me, to help our people grow as a society, to help our people get their needs, to help our people not be alienated, exploited, and abused by the parasitic Bourgeoise who get their wealth and power from siphoning off the wealth of the labor of the people, as Marx spoke of in Wage, Labor, and Capital, amongst his many other works I wish nothing more than to be able to give my time and labor to a movement, to a party which will herald the changing of our country into something that serves the masses. Solidarity comrades!

From Kansas City, MO

Capitalism has GOT TO GO. Right now I'm a first-year college, at the age of 24, pursuing political science, when I was 17 I lost my mom, and my dad who I never got to meet hung himself, during the 2020 pandemic I was homeless, I did what I was told to do by society, I got a job at FedEx, and I rode a bicycle 10 miles over hilling terrain, to load trailers, and in the dark to get back home, I did this for 9 months got an apartment, then lost the job during the winter because I couldn't get there, landlord sold the property, new company wanted to remodel and resell so when my lease was up I was homeless again. This is my personal anecdote of how capitalism and pull yourself up by your bootstraps is a lie. I have experience in volunteering for political campaigns, I canvassed for Bernie Sanders in 2020, and have been gathering signatures to get the Green Party on the ballot in Missouri. However I been struck by this sense of dread with the 2024 election coming up, and depression has been crippling me, I really only went to school for a dorm room so I'd have a roof over my head, and I'm just surviving at this point, and I struggle to find a reason to go on, because the challenge is like taking on a brick wall, and I'm slowing chiseling away at it hoping to see the other side, know that I probably never will, but if we can bring together enough people to chisel this wall together, even if it's not in our lifetimes, we know that wall will be brought down.

From Salem, IL

I am tired of sitting idly by and watching genocide, endless wars, mental health crises, pandemics, growing inequality and exploitation, racism (and the accompanying presence of the reactionary jackboot), and too many other issues to mention breed, fester, and putrefy our world. This world may be lost and left uninhabitable to humans (and many, many other animals) due to climate change if capitalism and its hegemonic order isn't smashed to bits, done away with, and the power of the new proletarian state seized by the workers. I do not know much. I have only read a little. I have a lot to learn. However, as Mao or Lenin might say - talk is cheap. The biggest political education will be found in revolutionary action (as important as the theory still is). I'm tired of watching the average human being suffer and die to line the pockets of a rapacious and insatiable few at the very top. I'm tired of feeling like the most I can do about this is to like a video or two, subscribe to a leftist youtube channel, and pay my ineffectual DSA dues in the nebulous hopes that a big tent democratic socialist organization will get enough people together to eventually have some actual effect. Instead, I want to be able to say that I was part of the movement that destroyed this system entirely. As a person who is currently disabled, my only fear is that I won't be as active or effective as a more socially capable person might be. I understand there is important hands-on work to be done; my largest concern is that I won't be helpful enough in doing this work. I hope to recover as quickly as possible, but I can't see the future to know how long this will take. I understand if there simply isn't a place for someone like me at this time, and I'd have no bitter feelings if that's the case. Anyways, thank you for your time and consideration, comrades. Most of all, thank you for your work and revolutionary spirit!

From Kalamazoo, Michigan

I have been a Marxist for some time now, and have tried joining any organization in order to help with general agitation and education, as well as providing help and support for the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. However, I have not found a group that is serious about their work and explicit about their Marxist and Leninist beliefs until I stumbled upon this one recently. I would love to join a group of comrades that seems to align so very closely with my political stances, and I look forward to working towards a future beyond capitalism.

From San Diego, CA

Its long overdue for me. Ive been complacent for far too long. I want to abolish the capitalist system for the sake of my children and their future.

From Lubbock, Texas
Farzi 2 Release Date Update: Basking in the success of their last web show Gulaab & Guns, the director-duo of Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, collectively known as Raj & DK, have been making pathbreaking content back-to-back. Before the Rajkummar Rao-starrer Netflix show, they also helmed two seasons of The Family Man for Amazon Prime Video with Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role.

However, it was Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi's Farzi that turned out to be their most successful show on OTT so far. For those who are unaware, Farzi premiered on Prime Video last year in February and revolves around two childhood friends Sunny and Firoz, played by Shahid Kapoor and Bhuvan Arora respectively, who opt to create fake currency to become rich.

Also starring Raashi Khanna, Kay Kay Menon, and Amol Palekar among others in pivotal roles, Farzi turned out to be a huge success and became the most-watched OTT show in India. It's been a year since its digital premiere and everyone is eagerly awaiting Farzi Season 2. Wondering when will Farzi 2 premiere on Prime Video? Well, Raashii Khanna recently shared an update on the same.

FARZI 2 RELEASE DATE, PLATFORM, AND SHOOT UPDATE

During a recent social media interaction, Raashii Khanna, known for portraying the character of Megha Vyas in Farzi, a Reserve Bank of India employee turned CCFART officer, shared an update about the shooting and release of Farzi 2. She mentioned that the shooting for Farzi Season 2 is expected to commence by the beginning of next year and it might be released by the end of 2025. Yes, you heard it correctly!

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A GQ report quoted her saying, "I had a word with Raj sir, who is our director. He told me that the shooting for Farzi 2 will begin by the start of next year. So probably, Farzi 2 might arrive by the end of 2025."

However, Prime Video is yet to officially announce the release date of Farzi 2.

FARZI SEASON ONE RECAP

The plot of Farzi delves into a intriguing narrative, sharing the journey of Sunny, an artist, as he ventures into forbidden territory and breaking laws. Venturing into the world of counterfeiting, he crafts fake currency. Initially driven by a desire to save his grandfather's printing legacy, Sunny soon becomes greedy, forming an alliance with a criminal Mansoor Dayal.

As the series progresses, Sunny descends further into the underworld. This internal conflict is exemplified in his relationship with Megha, an RBI officer romantically involved with him, who is also associated with Michael, the leader of the anti-counterfeit task force.

The climax is filled with intense action and emotional turmoil. Despite narrow escapes from the police, Sunny and Firoz ultimately confront the consequences of their actions. In a dramatic turn, Sunny manages to run away by boarding a moving train, leaving Michael and Megha's efforts in vain. The closing scene hint at unresolved complexities and impending challenges, setting the stage for Farzi Season 2.

Are you excited for Farzi 2? Share your views in the comments section below.
Josh Meetup: Patna witnessed a spectacular celebration as the top active creators of Josh from Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, and West Bengal were honored with the prestigious Josh Milestone Trophy, certificates, and shopping vouchers. The event, graced by Chief Guest Manish Sinha, Convenor, BJP NRI Cell, and Nandgopal Das, Spokesperson, ISKCON, was a momentous occasion that recognized the remarkable contributions of these creators.

Among the esteemed creators who dazzled the stage were Kavya Queen, Jyotika Paswan, Anjali Surwar, and others, showcasing their talents and entertaining the audience. The event featured engaging activities such as tongue twisters, push-up challenges, and more, with winners receiving additional shopping vouchers as rewards.

Here's a sneak peek into the event :

https://share.myjosh.in/video/fd3311ea-fcad-491b-980f-f276997d7633?u=0x2825402a6663b18a

https://share.myjosh.in/video/beb6f01c-e7da-472e-8546-1179f3556fc7

https://share.myjosh.in/video/06ff33ee-5b14-42aa-ad40-67017f073639?u=0x515241f28a752a3f

https://share.myjosh.in/video/c827f609-cd39-43e9-87cb-a00aceb41a31

https://share.myjosh.in/video/be861f0c-8188-46f2-ab42-44c51f5e32f8

https://share.myjosh.in/video/aabb9420-d59f-4fb1-85af-261ec08db2cd

Undoubtedly, this gathering marked one of the most successful on-ground meet-ups of 2024. #CreatorDilSe, which garnered an overwhelming response, amassing over 1 billion views and 10,000 videos within 10 days.

The event was a collaborative effort with Vortex Metro Media, bringing together 200 influencers and 10 top Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) at the enchanting Alina Resort in Patna. Notably, 100 active Josh creators from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal were honored with certificates, trophies, and Amazon vouchers, recognizing their significant contributions to the content journey with Josh.

Mr. Manish Sinha, Convener BJP NRI Cell, and NandGopal Das, Spokesperson, ISKCON, presented the creators with their well-deserved trophies, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. Furthermore, the top 10 winners of the #CreatorDilSe campaign received special gift hampers from Josh, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Check details of some winners here:

Creator: Shilpi Raghwani

Josh Profile: https://share.myjosh.in/profile/e8d73200-8f6b-40b0-a2f8-119096cd8f03?u=0x69a83d07438b1e8c

Award: Trending influencer

Creator: Jyotika Paswan

Josh Profile: https://share.myjosh.in/profile/2725e230-4a7e-4fad-a469-08349bc06574?u=0xb218e2712e79e7f0

Award: Best Dancer

Creator: Kavya Queen

Josh Profile: https://share.myjosh.in/profile/e8c24493-d0e8-4fc6-8cb0-2496b3bd02ae

Award: Best Expression

The event exemplified the spirit of creativity and collaboration, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of creators from across the region. It was a moment of pride and celebration, underscoring the profound impact of platforms like Josh in fostering a vibrant creator community and engaging audiences worldwide.

A lot more exciting opportunities are up on Josh, download Josh app now, and don't miss out on all the fun! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eterno.shortvideos
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, a celebrated actor known for her roles in movies like "Guilty," "Ray," and "Monica, Oh My Darling," recently graced Amity University's youth fest in Delhi as an honoured guest. Her visit to the capital city was met with great enthusiasm, particularly because of her personal connection to Delhi, where she spent a significant part of her childhood. The actor's participation in the fest sparked excitement among the students, creating a memorable event filled with interactions and celebrations.

A Warm Welcome in Delhi

Akansha's arrival at the festival was a significant moment for the students who eagerly awaited to catch a glimpse of the star. As she navigated through the crowd, the actor received an overwhelming response, with students vying for an opportunity to take selfies with her. Despite the chaos, Akansha made it a point to engage with the students, particularly those aspiring to make a mark in the film industry. Her conversations with the film studies department's students were insightful, offering them a rare opportunity to gain advice and perspectives from a successful actor.

Felicitated by Amity University

The highlight of the event was when Akansha was felicitated by the head of the film studies department and the director of Amity University. This gesture underscored the significance of her visit and the impact she had on the students. The actor's presence not only added glamour to the fest but also served as an inspiration to the students, many of whom aspire to achieve success in the film industry.

A Cherished Memory

Reflecting on her visit, Akansha shared her feelings about being back in Delhi and the warm reception she received from the students at Amity University. She expressed her gratitude and joy, highlighting how the city holds a special place in her heart due to her family connections. The actor remarked on the chilly weather and the vibrant energy of the students, which made her feel welcomed and cherished. Her interaction with the students left a lasting impression, making her visit a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Upcoming Ventures

On the professional front, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor is gearing up for an exciting phase in her career, with her debut in the South Indian film industry. She is set to star in C.V. Kumar's "MaayaOne" opposite Sundeep Kishan. This new venture is eagerly anticipated by her fans and cinema enthusiasts, who are looking forward to seeing the actor explore new roles and narratives.

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor's visit to Amity University's youth fest not only served as a testament to her popularity but also highlighted her commitment to engaging with her fans and the youth. Her gracious presence and interactions with the students provided them with a glimpse into the film industry, making the event a significant highlight of their academic year.
MC Stan New Album Name: In the whirlwind of the past year, MC Stan, the hip-hop maestro and Bigg Boss Season 16 winner has not only carved out his niche but skyrocketed to superstardom. Crowned as the winner of the popular reality show, this 24-year-old rap sensation has become an indelible part of Indian popular culture.

MC STAN'S MUSICAL JOURNEY AFTER BIGG BOSS 16 WIN

Beyond the confines of reality TV, MC Stan's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From dropping the chart-topping "Haath Varthi" alongside producers KSHMR and Phenom to hosting an Instagram Live session post-Bigg Boss that smashed records with 541k viewers, Stan has left an indelible mark in the digital realm.

His debut performance at the 2023 Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Pune marked a significant milestone. While opinions on the performance varied, the grand spectacle and overwhelming hometown support made it an unforgettable chapter in Stan's musical journey. Adding to the anticipation, revealed in his latest tune, a move that has sent tremors through the music industry.

MC STAN REVEALS NAME OF HIS FIRST ALBUM AFTER BIGG BOSS 16

MC stan teases the name of his first album post-Bigg Boss 16 win in his new single 'Meri Zindagi Rap Se Pan Deep Hai'. The album, titled "Mehfeel," has made fans crazy with expectation and enthusiasm.

The insight is presented as a brilliant lyrical poem in Stan's distinctive manner. Stan expresses his profound connection to rap in the track "Meri Zindagi Rap Se Pan Deep Hai," delivering powerful lyrics that set the tone for what seems to be an album that will not soon be forgotten.

MC Stan's journey is not just about music; it's a cultural phenomenon, and the forthcoming album promises to be another chapter in the extraordinary story of this Bigg Boss 16 victor turned hip-hop icon. Brace yourselves for the next level of Stan magic.
NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / March 3, 2024 / ConMet, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the commercial vehicle industry, has announced impressive efficiency results for their TruckWings device tested on CNG and diesel trucks. The announcement was made at TMC, the American Trucking Associations Technology & Maintenance Council's 2024 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.









Third-party tester Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS) conducted tests on Class 8 CNG trucks and Class 8 diesel trucks to evaluate the TruckWings product's efficiency. The results were remarkable, with a 5.25% improvement in efficiency for CNG trucks and a 6.2% improvement for diesel trucks.

The testing methodology employed by MVTS for both applications was rigorous and designed to provide accurate data. Two identically spec'd vehicles ran simultaneously at 65 MPH on a 9-mile circle track near Pecos, Texas. One vehicle remained unchanged throughout testing, while the test vehicle had ConMet's TruckWings device installed and deployed. This setup allowed for a fair comparison of the efficiency gains.

The efficiency improvements were calculated based on various factors including fuel consumption, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, and driver behavior. MVTS utilized proprietary methods to analyze the data collected by sensors and data recording systems installed in the vehicles.

"These efficiency results are a testament to TruckWings technology and to ConMet's commitment to developing innovative solutions that help fleets achieve greater operational efficiency and cost savings," says Daniel Burrows, VP and General Manager of TruckWings at ConMet. "ConMet's 60 years of experience as a trusted solutions provider coupled with advanced TruckWings technology will lead the way in optimizing the performance of heavy-duty trucks."

TruckWings technology contributes to efficiency improvements by closing the gap between the back of the truck and the front of the trailer, thereby improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle. This reduction in drag translates into substantial fuel savings.

The TruckWings device was created by Burrows' company, TruckLabs, which was acquired by ConMet in November 2023. This business addition complements ConMet's dedication to providing OEMs and fleets with innovative solutions to improve freight efficiency.

Contact Information

David Brierley

Media Relations Manager

marketing@conmet.com

360 409 6570

SOURCE: ConMet

View the original press release on newswire.com.
SINGAPORE, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OKX, a leading Web3 technology company, today announced the launch of its Solana Super Season Thread Competition, part of a series of initiatives aimed at spurring engagement with and education around the Solana ecosystem. The competition invites Solana enthusiasts and OKX users to showcase their expertise by authoring Twitter threads delving into different aspects of Solana and the OKX wallet.

With a total prize pool of 500 USDC, spread across first (300 USDC), second (150 USDC) and third (50 USDC) places, the competition aims to catalyze more in-depth exploration of Solana while rewarding users for their insights. It also underscores OKX's long-term commitment to supporting Solana and driving mainstream adoption.

The competition is part of OKX's Solana Super Season, which features various initiatives around Solana, including token listings, trading competitions, incubator/accelerator programs, and more. It runs from February 29, 2024 until March 14, 2024. Participants can enter by authoring and publishing a thread delving into any aspect of Solana and tagging it with OKXSolanaSuperSeason. Submissions will be judged on criteria like creativity, insightfulness, depth of knowledge, and more.

For more details and regular updates, visit the official OKX Solana Super Season page: https://bit.ly/OKX-thread

About OKX

A leading global technology company driving the future of Web3, OKX provides a comprehensive suite of products to meet the needs of beginners and experts alike, including:

OKX Wallet: The world's most powerful, secure and versatile crypto wallet which gives users access to over 80 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes MPC technology which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallet's account abstraction-powered Smart Account enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction.

enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction. DEX: A multi-chain, cross-chain decentralized exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported.

NFT Marketplace: A multi-chain, zero-fee NFT marketplace that gives users access to NFT listings across seven top-tier marketplaces including OpenSea, MagicEden, LooksRare and Blur.

Web3 DeFi: A powerful DeFi platform that supports earning and staking on about 70 protocols across more than 10 chains.

OKX partners with a number of the world's top brands and athletes, including English Premier League champions Manchester City F.C., McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

As a leader building innovative technology products, OKX believes in challenging the status quo. The company recently launched a global brand campaign entitled, The System Needs a Rewrite, which advocates for a new paradigm led by Web3 self-managed technology.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

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Long-standing Samsung C&T investor to vote in favor of share buyback and increased dividend proposals at upcoming AGM

Proposals are supported by ISS and Glass Lewis and are consistent with recommendations Palliser presented in December 2023 to reduce the Company's persistent discount

Palliser Capital ("Palliser"), a long-standing investor in Samsung C&T Corp. ("SCT" or "the Company") with a 0.62%1 shareholding, announces today its support for, and intention to vote in favor of, the proposals advanced by a group of SCT shareholders (the "Shareholder Proposals") at the Company's forthcoming 60th Annual General Meeting on March 15, 2024 ("AGM").

The Shareholder Proposals are consistent with recommendations Palliser presented in December 2023 to unlock value and catalyze growth at SCT. The Shareholder Proposals comprise an important near-term initiative to help reduce the gap between SCT's share price and its intrinsic market value, which is currently $22bn, equivalent to a 54% discount (the "SCT Value Gap") and has consistently been in excess of 60%.

Government Reform to Address the Korea Discount

Palliser is reassured by the renewed focus on resolving the "Korea discount" and welcomes the Korean government's recently announced Corporate Value-up Program (the "Value-up Program"), intended to bring fundamental changes to the country's capital markets. While full details are yet to be published, Palliser is encouraged by the clear objectives of the Value-up Program's key pillars, which aim to:

Build a positive feedback loop in Korean capital markets to ensure listed companies are able to get a proper valuation for sound growth and investors are able to share in the profits of that growth and reinvest in those markets;

Support and incentivize listed companies' self-driven efforts to improve their corporate value through value enhancement measures;

Promote management practices that place a priority on shareholder value;

Incentivize increased shareholder returns; and

Ensure institutional investors, such as pension funds, take into consideration the value enhancement measures of listed companies when making investment decisions.

The Excessive SCT Value Gap and Need for Immediate Action

Unfortunately, SCT continues to trade at what Palliser believes is an unacceptable and excessively wide discount to its intrinsic value, with no cogent or transparent business strategy or plan to deliver long-overdue corporate value and improved shareholder returns. Palliser reiterates that SCT stakeholders have waited too long for material change and expects the Company to act with urgency to address the SCT Value Gap in line with the Value-up Program and the broader call for action by the Korean government.

Palliser's Support for the Shareholder Proposals

Regrettably, Palliser sees little evidence in the Board's proposals and recommendations for the AGM that the Company is taking sufficient and necessary actions to close the SCT Value Gap and restore its position as a leader of the Korean economy. This disappointing inaction has driven Palliser's firm support for, and intention to vote in favor of, the Shareholder Proposals advanced by Anda Asset Management Co., Ltd, City of London Investment Management Company Limited and Whitebox Advisors LLC (Agenda Items #1-2-2 and #3) for an increased FY2023 dividend and a KRW500bn share repurchase program during FY2024. These proposals, which are consistent with its existing recommendations to unlock value at SCT and clearly affordable for the Company, serve as an important immediate first step in unlocking SCT's intrinsic value whilst leaving broad flexibility for SCT management to develop longer-term holistic solutions in line with the Value-up Program to fully address the SCT Value Gap.

Leading International Proxy Advisors Support "FOR" the Shareholder Proposals

In reports issued to clients on February 27, 2024, and March 1, 2024, respectively, the two leading international proxy advisors, ISS and Glass Lewis, have recommended that shareholders vote "FOR" the Shareholder Proposals.

In its report, ISS stated:

"Given the company's robust balance sheet, improving operational performance and strong cash flow generation, support for the dissident proposals for a higher dividend and share buyback is warranted."

Palliser urges other SCT stakeholders, including the National Pension Service ("NPS"), a significant shareholder of the Company, to also support the Shareholder Proposals and vote in line with the recommendations of ISS and Glass Lewis. Further, Palliser believes NPS's support for the Shareholder Proposals is a necessary extension of its stewardship responsibilities to maximize its investments on behalf of Korean society and will help cement SCT as a flagship at this crucial moment of corporate reform in Korea.

Palliser Founder and CIO James Smith said:

"As long-term investors in SCT, we appreciate the Company's exceptional assets and iconic position in Korean society. However, its failure to implement long-term solutions to address its deep and persistent discount and alleviate investor concerns over capital investment and value creation continues to stifle its growth potential and sits at odds with the government's focus on resolving the "Korea discount" through the Corporate Value-up Program. We believe the recommendations Palliser outlined in December allow the Company to realize its significant intrinsic value, close the SCT Value Gap, and lead the country in establishing best-in-class corporate governance, which is under far greater scrutiny than ever before. We are fully supportive of the Shareholder Proposals and believe they represent important near-term initiatives to start addressing the Company's persistent discount. It is more important than ever for shareholders to make their voices heard and vote in favor of the proposals, for the long-term benefit of the Company, its stakeholders, and Korean society."

About Palliser Capital

Palliser Capital is a global multi-strategy fund based in London. Our value-oriented investment philosophy is applied to a broad range of opportunities across the capital structure with a focus on situations where positive change and value enhancement can be achieved through thoughtful, constructive and long-term engagement with companies and across a range of different stakeholder groups. Palliser Capital is a significant shareholder in SCT with a stake of 0.62%.

1 Based on shares outstanding excluding treasury shares

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303096669/en/

Contacts:

Media

Prosek Partners

Brian Schaffer Kiki O'Keeffe

Pro-Palliser@Prosek.com
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2024) - EthChat, an innovative chat platform, has officially launched, leveraging blockchain technology to redefine the way users communicate online. This groundbreaking platform prioritizes privacy and security, offering unmatched anonymity and end-to-end encryption for users worldwide.





EthChat Launched

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8717/200258_dee813d984791b1d_001full.jpg

EthChat's entrance into the chatting industry signifies a shift towards secure and private communication. Traditional chat platforms have long been plagued by privacy concerns and data breaches, leading users to seek alternatives that prioritize their personal information. EthChat addresses these concerns by providing a secure environment where conversations are shielded from prying eyes.

With EthChat, users can engage in private conversations without worrying about their data being compromised. The platform's cutting-edge blockchain technology ensures that all messages are encrypted and stored securely, giving users peace of mind knowing that their conversations are confidential. This level of security sets EthChat apart from conventional chat platforms, making it a preferred choice for individuals who value their privacy.

One of the key features that sets EthChat apart is its commitment to anonymity. Unlike other chat platforms that require users to disclose personal information, EthChat allows individuals to connect and converse without revealing their identity. This level of anonymity not only fosters a sense of freedom but also protects users from potential identity theft and data breaches.

EthChat's innovative approach to chatting extends beyond security, offering a user-friendly interface that makes communication effortless. Whether users are engaging in one-on-one conversations or participating in group chats, EthChat provides a seamless experience that caters to all communication needs. The platform's intuitive design and robust features make it a versatile tool for personal and professional use.

In addition to its privacy and security features, EthChat also empowers users with decentralized control over their data. By leveraging blockchain technology, EthChat ensures that conversations are stored on a distributed network, eliminating the risk of a central point of failure. This decentralized approach not only enhances security but also gives users full ownership of their data.

As EthChat paves the way for secure and private communication, its impact is expected to reach far beyond individual users. Businesses and organizations can also benefit from EthChat's secure platform, utilizing its encrypted messaging services for confidential communications and data sharing. By integrating EthChat into their communication strategies, businesses can enhance their security measures and protect sensitive information.

EthChat's launch comes at a time when privacy concerns are at the forefront of online communication. In an era where data breaches and privacy violations are increasingly common, EthChat offers a much-needed solution for individuals and businesses seeking a secure and private chatting platform.

For more information about EthChat and its innovative chatting platform, please visit https://ethchat.org/.

Social Handles:

Telegram: https://t.me/ETHCHATerc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ETHCHATerc

Contact Info:

Contact Name: Michael Henry

Email: marketing@ethchat.org

Location: US/NY

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200258

SOURCE: Asiacryptos
GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Pecan Energies ( www.PecanEnergies.com ), the operator of the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block offshore Ghana is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its rebranding journey.

The company has evolved with a new name, logo, and a revitalized brand identity to better reflect its commitment to building prosperity and enabling growth for African communities. Underlining this transformation is Pecan Energies' new tagline: "Unlocking Prosperity."

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acquired Pecan Energies in April 2023, laying the foundations for a new brand identity. AFC is a multilateral financial institution created by African sovereign states to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa's infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment. The acquisition was a demonstration of AFC's commitment to ensure that Africa's natural resources, including its vast oil and gas reserves, are developed sustainably while retaining value on the continent. Pecan Energies holds a 50 per cent stake in the DWT/CTP block offshore Ghana.

"Pecan Energies represents our ambition to become the Pan-African oil and gas operator of choice in offshore deep waters of Ghana. Our new brand is dedicated to value creation, one of our core values. This also includes an unwavering commitment to transparency in how we harness our commercial and technical expertise for developmental outcomes in Ghana and beyond," said Eiliv Gjesdal, Chief Executive Offic r of Pecan Energies AS.

Pecan Energies is making good progress towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) following the successful approval of its Plan of Development (PoD) for the DWT/CTP contract area by Ghanaian authorities. Under its new ownership and identity, the goal is to realize the full social and economic impact potential of the entire DWT/CTP block. The block has discoveries of approximately 550 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents, in addition to a significant exploration portfolio.

"As we embrace our new identity, sustainability, localization, empowerment, and giving back aren't just commitments - they're woven into the very fabric of our business," said Kadijah Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies Ghana Limited.

Key Highlights of the Rebrand:

New Logo: The logo is a culmination of modern design elements that represent the company's forward-thinking approach. It has been designed to be clear, simple, and bold and stems from a series of shapes and symbols that evoke collaboration and mutual benefit.

Brand Palette & Typography: Adopting a palette that represents our devotion to the sustainable development of the natural resource was essential and plays a central role in creating and sustaining brand recognition.

Vision and Mission: Our vision and mission speak to our aspiration to mature and produce resources in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the mutual benefit of the Ghanaian people, the company, and our partners. Our goal is to unlock greater prosperity in Ghana and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pecan Energies.

Download image: https://apo-opa.co/3IeRWH4 (Diversity and Sustainability)

Contact us:

T: +233 30274 4140

E: info@pecanenergies.com

Website: www.PecanEnergies.com

About Pecan Energies:

Pecan Energies is the operator and 50 per cent shareholder in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points block (DWT/CTP) offshore Ghana. It is fully owned by Africa Finance Corporation. Our partners in the DWT/CTP block are: Lukoil Overseas Ghana Tano Limited, 38 per cent, Fueltrade Limited 2% and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, 10%.

Read more about Pecan Energies at www.PecanEnergies.com

SOURCE: Pecan Energies
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Hussaina, aged 2, are recovering well following a surgical procedure to separate them in Riyadh, and are now looking forward to a full, happy life with their parents and family. The operation took place on 29 February at the King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, a world-renowned surgeon in the field of conjoined twins.

Dr. Al Rabeeah, Head of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Programme, directed a surgical team comprised of 40 doctors and nurses, with a total multidisciplinary support staff of 107. The separation was successfully completed in 16 hours and 30 minutes over nine surgical phases and is the culmination of months of comprehensive medical assessments and two surgeries. Yesterday's procedure was one of the most complex in the programme's 33-year history.

"Following a lengthy recovery process, the twins will be blessed with the promise of a normal life full of hope and opportunity," said Dr. Al Rabeeah. "We are so happy to have had the opportunity to help Hassana and Hussaina. We will continue to monitor the twins and will do everything we can to ensure steady progress and recovery in the weeks ahead."

He continued, "Given the post-operative condition of the twins, we are extremely confident that they will recover well. We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to carry out another separation, adding to the team's leading global position in the field, and Saudi Arabia's leadership in this specialisation."

The successful separation is the 60th performed by Dr. Al Rabeeah and his team under the programme, which began in 1990. Over the past 33 years, Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a global leader in the field, with the team performing some of the most challenging conjoined twin separations on record.

Hassana and Hussaina arrived in Saudi Arabia on 30 October 2023 for initial assessments and underwent a 10-hour neurological surgery on 30 December in preparation for their final separation yesterday. The girls were born at home in the Nigerian state of Kaduna as part of a triplet birth and were conjoined at the pelvis with four lower limbs.

"Successful separation does not guarantee a successful recovery. It is important to understand and appreciate that once the twins are separated, there is a long period of rehabilitation. For most patients, we conduct the procedure at a time of life that allows for the highest chance of long-term success, enabling the development of physical and mental abilities," said Dr. Al Rabeeah.

Dr. Al Rabeeah added that these separations are performed based on the directives and generosity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The government of Saudi Arabia sponsors the entire cost for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and covers all expenses for the twins and their accompanying family members.

Following the successful surgery, the girls' parents expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Al Rabeeah and to Saudi Arabia for giving their daughters the best possible chance to live healthy, happy lives.

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Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Provides Update on VIVIAD Phase 2b Study of Varoglutamstat in Early Alzheimer's Disease





VIVIAD Phase 2b study did not meet its primary and key secondary endpoints

Varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated with low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs in the clinical setting

VIVIAD is a comprehensive, diligently designed and high-quality study; baseline demographics in the study were highly representative of early AD patient population

Company is conducting an in-depth analysis of the results, including analyses of additional pre-specified and exploratory endpoints

Further update expected to be provided no later than with publication of Company's full year 2023 financial results





Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, March 4, 2024 - Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today announced topline results from its Phase 2b European VIVIAD study of varoglutamstat (PQ912), an investigational oral glutaminyl cyclase (QPCT) inhibitor in development for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The VIVIAD study did not meet its primary endpoint and did not show a statistically significant difference in change over time on cognition, as measured by a combined score (Z-score) of the Detection test, the Identification test and the 'One Back' test (attention and working memory domains) of the Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB), called "Cogstate 3-item scale". Additionally, the study did not meet key secondary endpoints measuring cognition (Cogstate Brief Battery, CBB, and complete Cogstate NTB), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power. Varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated and showed rates similar to placebo of serious and severe treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) in the clinical setting.

The Company is conducting an in-depth analysis of the results, including analyses of additional pre-specified exploratory endpoints (e.g. WAIS-IV coding test, executive function and episodic memory domains, Winterlight Labs speech assessment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and additional EEG analysis) and distinct patient cohorts as defined in the statistical analysis plan, including ApoE4 status, tau level, dose level and pre-treatment.

"We are profoundly disappointed by the outcome of the VIVIAD Phase 2b study of varoglutamstat in the early AD patient population given the huge unmet need for new safe and effective oral therapies," said Frank Weber, M.D., CEO of Vivoryon. "I would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families and caregivers, as well as the investigators for participating in the VIVIAD study, and to our incredible team at Vivoryon for their tireless efforts. While these results are not what we had hoped for, VIVIAD is a comprehensive, diligently designed and high-quality study and we are doing all we can to fully analyze the dataset as quickly as possible to gain insights into key findings that might influence varoglutamstat clinical development and help advance the science and understanding of this devastating disease."

A further update is expected to be provided no later than with the publication of the Company's full year 2023 financial results which are expected in mid to late April 2024.

###

About Varoglutamstat

Varoglutamstat (PQ912) is a differentiated oral small-molecule targeting the toxic Abeta species N3pE which is being developed as disease-modifying therapy and is designed to target AD pathology upstream of Abeta-antibody focused approaches. Varoglutamstat blocks the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QPCT) and its isoenzyme QPCTL. QPCT catalyzes the formation of N3pE amyloid, a particularly neurotoxic variant of Abeta peptides, which is only found in patients with AD and not present in the brains of healthy individuals. N3pE amyloid in the brain acts as a seeding element for Abeta aggregation, thus providing a starting point for plaque formation. It has been described to correlate with the cognitive ability of patients with AD. Beyond Abeta pathology, varoglutamstat has also been shown to impact synaptic impairment. Through a second mode of action, the inhibition of full CCL2 maturation via QPCTL, varoglutamstat modulates pro-inflammatory signaling and tau pathology, thereby simultaneously addressing multiple hallmarks of AD. Vivoryon has received Fast Track designation for varoglutamstat in early AD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is being investigated in two Phase 2 clinical studies, one in Europe (VIVIAD, NCT04498650) and one in the U.S. (VIVA-MIND, NCT03919162). Varoglutamstat has not yet been approved by any regulatory authority and the safety and efficacy have not yet been established.





About VIVIAD

VIVIAD is a state-of-the-art Phase 2b study conducted in Europe and designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in 259 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD (collectively referred to as "early AD"). The primary endpoint is the change over time on working memory and attention as measured by a combined score (Z-score) of the Detection test, the Identification test and the 'One Back' test (attention and working memory domains) of the Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB), called "Cogstate 3-item scale". Key secondary efficacy endpoints include in hierarchical order: Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB, 4-item scale), the complete Cogstate NTB (8-item scale), the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q), and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power.





About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by our passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, we strive to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. We leverage our in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. Beyond our lead program, varoglutamstat, which is in Phase 2 clinical development to treat Alzheimer's disease, we have established a solid pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including cancer, inflammatory diseases and fibrosis. www.vivoryon.com







Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of the Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the "Company"), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Company's products and forecasts and statements as to when the Company's products may be available. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions as well as on evaluations made by the Company ofestimates, projections and other statistical data made by independent third parties. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Company's future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.





For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact

Stern IR

Penelope Belnap

Tel: +1 212-362-1200

Email: penelope.belnap@sternir.com



Media Contact

Trophic Communications

Stephanie May

Tel: +49 171 1855682

Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu



Attachment
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Estonia's retail sales continued to decline at the start of the year, data from Statistics Estonia showed on Monday. Retail sales fell 6.7 percent annually in January, faster than the 5.4 percent drop in December. Sales have been falling since September 2022. Among stores selling manufactured goods, turnover decreased the most, by 27 percent, in stores selling via mail order or the internet, the agency said. Retailers supplying hardware, building supplies, appliances, and household items saw a 20.0 percent decrease in turnover. There was a 9.0 percent decrease in sales of textiles, clothing and footwear. On a monthly basis, retail turnover fell a seasonally and working-day-adjusted 3.0 percent in January. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobica , the global software and engineering provider, has announced Gary Butters as their Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Gary joined Mobica as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in November 2020 and as part of outgoing CEO Sam Kingston's leadership team, delivered significant success, leading to Mobica's acquisition by Cognizant in March 2023.

This acquisition will significantly expand Cognizant's IoT embedded software engineering capabilities as part of their overall strategy to help companies modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Gary takes over the role with the remit to complete the integration of Mobica into Cognizant while continuing to deliver double-digit growth.

Mobica, which is headquartered in Manchester UK, with operations in Europe and the US, provides world-class software engineering and development expertise to many of the most recognised global brands. Founded in 2004, it serves a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the automotive, manufacturing, industrial and semiconductor industries.

In his role as CEO, Gary will continue Mobica's vision of delivering exceptional value and innovation to it's clients and customers, while spearheading its growth plan as demand for engineering and software expertise continues to rise.

Commenting on his appointment, Gary says:

"Over the past few years, Mobica has seen demand for our world-class engineering increase significantly, particularly with the acceleration in AI and machine learning. This has seen some of the once 'traditional' industries such as automotive and manufacturing undergo a radical transformation.

"As a result, companies are increasingly seeking skilled professionals - particularly in areas such as software development, AI, IoT, and data analytics - in order to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. However, they are vying for a limited pool of technology talent, so access to Mobica engineering services has been vital to enable our customers to remain agile in a rapidly evolving landscape.



"Our ongoing growth is a testament to our team of dedicated 'Mobicans' and our unwavering dedication to delivering cutting-edge software engineering solutions. We have consistently provided clients with access to top-tier engineering talent, enabling them to drive digital transformation and achieve their business objectives. I am looking forward to working with our talented team as we continue our ambitious growth plans."

www.mobica.com

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Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Companies and legal entities can obtain the Legal Entity Identifier code from first Italian operator and world leader, winner of 'Best-Performing LEI Issuer - Large Cap Category 2023' Gleif Award.

LUXEMBOURG, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reliability, flexibility and speed to move confidently between financial instruments. InfoCamere - company of Italian Chambers of Commerce for digital innovation and leader for reliability in registration and information services for businesses - has extended its activity in Europe for the issuing and management of LEI-Legal Entity Identifier codes (mandatory for the legal entities conducting transactions in financial instruments) through the ' ID-LEI ' portal, which has just become available in Luxembourg.

InfoCamere manages more than 166,000 LEI codes and ranks among the top 5 Local Operating Units worldwide, with a level of reliability and excellence widely recognised and recently awarded as "Best-Performing LEI Issuer in the Large-Cap Category (more than 100,000 LEIs under management)" by Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation which coordinates the global LEI System worldwide.

InfoCamere's 'ID-LEI' service is designed to simplify the process of obtaining an LEI code. Thanks to a dedicated online platform companies and legal entities can apply for their LEI code quickly and easily. A multi-channel assistance (telephone, live-chat, e-mail) managed by experienced staff, in different languages, is available also.

The LEI code has a duration of one year from its issue. In order to renew it, it is necessary each year to confirm or update the data associated with it. By following the guided path offered by the ID-LEI service, the user can initiate and complete the renewal request in just a few steps. A three-year plan from the outset, with fast and simplified annual renewal for the user, is available.

A further advantage offered also abroad through the ID-LEI service is the possibility of obtaining the LEI Code Certificate which, in the case of the subscription of a three-year plan, is free of charge. A digital document, issued by InfoCamere, which proves in real time the possession of the LEI code.

Speed of request, ease of process, assistance available on multiple channels, and guarantee offered by the authority of an operator such as the Chambers of Commerce, which has been active on the Italian ICT services market for forty years, are the among the strengths of the ID-LEI service by InfoCamere and the reason why to choose it.

Contacts:

More info: id-lei.com

Email: info@id-lei.com

Phone: 0080081117777

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VALENCIA, Spain, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The emotional impact of a human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis is significant, often leading to feelings of fear, worry, guilt, and self-stigmatization among women. Recognizing the importance of addressing these emotions alongside physical symptoms, Procare Health organized the third 'HPV TALKS' session on the International HPV Awareness Day. Led by Dr. Raquel Tulleuda, a gynaecologist, and Ms. Vanesa Falcon, a psychologist, the session emphasized the holistic approach needed to manage HPV, focusing on emotional well-being alongside medical treatment.

Experts highlighted the complexity of emotions faced by patients, stressing the importance of open communication and seeking support from both partners and healthcare professionals to navigate the diagnosis effectively. They emphasized the crucial role of psychological intervention in managing these emotions, given the insufficient information often provided during gynecological consultations.

The session also discussed proactive strategies for HPV management, including the use of Papilocare products. Clinical trials involving over 600 patients demonstrated Papilocare vaginal gel's efficacy in normalizing cervical lesions and clearing high-risk HPV strains. Notable studies as the Paloma clinical trial, published in the American scientific journal Journal of Lower Genital Tract Diseases , or the observational study Papilobs , published last July in the prestigious journal Cancers consistently showed significant improvements with Papilocare treatment:

An 88% normalization rate of low-grade cervical lesions in patients with high-risk HPV after six months of Papilocare treatment, compared to only 56% in untreated individuals.

A 63% negative high-risk HPV test rate post-treatment among Papilocare users, contrasting with 40% in the control group.

To address the emotional aspect of HPV management, the experts provided six key habits for patients:

Communicate openly about the diagnosis. Seek reliable information about HPV. Take proactive steps, including following efficient non-invasive treatments. Express emotions to trusted individuals. Practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to bolster immune function and overall well-being.

Procare Health, dedicated to women's health, emphasizes scientific evidence and clinical efficacy in its products. With a focus on international expansion, the laboratory conducts extensive research and clinical trials to provide innovative solutions for women's health issues.

In conclusion, the program underscores the importance of addressing the emotional impact of HPV alongside medical treatment. By adopting a holistic approach and implementing proactive strategies, patients can better manage the psychological aspects of the condition, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

Video link:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7taUYFFrcF0

https://papilocare.com/en/vph-talks-en/

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Velox Energy Materials Inc. (TSXV:VLX) ("Velox" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Lake Pierre Lithium Project in Quebec.

Highlights

- Independent desktop study of all historic data covering the Lake Pierre Lithium Project completed. The report concludes:

- Multiple pegmatites identified at surface and within historic drill data.

- At least three generations of massive pegmatites have been identified.

- The geological conditions (metamorphism and sedimentary rocks) are deemed favorable.

- Limited lithium geochemistry and limited detailed geological mapping provide an opportunity to discover new lithium bearing pegmatites.

- Potential to find additional uranium mineralization on the margins and within the granitic intrusion.

Velox's President and CEO, Simon Coyle, commented:

"The independent review has been extremely beneficial to Velox and has further enhanced our understanding of the Lake Pierre opportunity. The area is a known mining province, with the Rio Tinto Ilmenite mining operation and established infrastructure, it possess all the ingredients for a fast mover in the Quebec region.

"Velox in collaboration with our Canadian advisors, will conduct first pass ground reconnaissance works during CY2024, with the aim to establish exploration targets of both lithium and uranium. The potential for both of these exciting emerging commodities is real in the region and we are excited to see where we end up."

Review of Historical Data

The Lake Pierre Lithium Project situated in the Quebec North Shore and approximately 55km east of the town of Havre St Pierre (Figure 1), has undergone an independent review conducted by ISO Services Geoscientifiques Inc. (ISO). ISO has over 23 years of experience in Quebec, possessing relevant expertise in the Lake Pierre region of the Granville Orogeny.

The project encompasses rocks of the Wakeham Group, which includes metasediments, gabbro and amphibolites. Additionally, the Turgeon Granite and the contact zone between these two units are present.

There has been extensive exploration campaigns for uranium within the Turgeon Granite over the past 50 years, culminating in the discovery of the Double S uranium deposit. Uracan Resources reported an Indicated resource of 21.5 Mt @ 0.014% U3O8 and 56.96 Mt of Inferred resources @ 0.012% U3O8 (Report on Minerals Activities in Quebec 2011). These mineral resources are hosted in pink pegmatites that cut the Turgeon Granite (Figure 2). Notably, the deposit has been interpreted to be similar to the world-class Rossing uranium deposit in Namibia, which still hosts 62 Mt of ore reserves at 0.039% U3O8[1].

Figure 1: Lake Pierre Lithium Project, eastern Quebec

The historic data reveals the presence of multiple pegmatites in the region. The oldest pegmatites that represent the best target for lithium discovery, are located in the southern part of the region, crosscutting the Wakem Group rocks. These pegmatites may have been consumed by the intrusion of younger Turgeon Granite but there is no clear evidence available.

While the Turgeon Granite hosts massive pegmatites associated with uranium and REE minerals no specific lithium targets have been identified due to the lack of geochemical data.

Two historic diamond drill holes located within the southern portion of the Company's tenure (Figure 2) have returned several lithium and tantalum results (Table 1). Whilst the assays are modest in value, there is a clear identification of lithium within the pegmatite intersected.

Table 1: Significant results from Uracan Diamond Drilling[2]

Sample Hole Id From (m) To (m) Lithology Li (ppm) Ta (ppm) 398930 LTA-07-09 2.1 2.7 Pegmatite 132 1.7 398956 LTA-07-09 33.5 34.4 Pegmatite 16.5 5.24 389967 LTA-07-09 48.5 50.0 Granite 11.3 12 411037 LTA-07-10 14.6 15.8 Quartzite 154 4.5 411038 LTA-07-10 15.8 17.3 Pegmatite 39 45 411074 LTA-07-10 61.0 61.1 Amphibolite 144.5 0.99

Figure 2: Geological map and historic drillhole locations

Next Steps

The Company expects to commence preliminary field work during CY 2024. These works will involve geological mapping and surface sampling, with assaying to build information about the surface exposure and assist in determining the generations of pegmatite previously identified.

Please visit our website at www.veloxenergymaterials.com.au for further information.

Approved by the Board of Velox Energy Materials Inc.

Simon Coyle

President & CEO

+1 416-214-7577

Investor Relations Contact

Andrew Rowell

Investor Relations - Australia

M: +61 400 466 226

Email: andrew@whitenoisecomms.com

About Velox Energy Materials

Velox Energy Materials is a publicly traded energy materials company developing and progressing high-value assets in resource and research-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's priority focus is the advanced NQV Project in Queensland, Australia. The NQV Project hosts the Cambridge Deposit with an CIM compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V2O5 and 234.6 ppm MoO3 along with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V2O5 (cut-off grade of 0.25% V2O5) and 241.9 ppm MoO3 (Technical Report and Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, North Queensland Vanadium Project, Queensland, Australia, Dufresne et al, December 16, 2022). The Company is targeting shallow, high-grade mineralisation that can be developed using low-cost mining and processing options.

The Company additionally owns Kotai Energy and the option to acquire 100% of the intellectual property rights associated with the Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Project from Curtin University in Western Australia. Kotai is focused on the commercialisation of technology that can produce high-pressure hydrogen following transport as an inert powder.

In October 2023, the Company acquired a package of tenements that are prospective for lithium in eastern Quebec.

Qualified Persons

The Velox Energy Materials scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and reviewed and approved on behalf Velox Energy Materials by Michael Griffiths, FAusIMM, Director & VP Exploration for Velox Energy Materials, a Qualified Person.

Forward Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements about the closing of the transaction, expected terms of the transaction, the number of securities of Velox Energy Materials that may be issued in connection with the transaction, and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

[1] https://miningdataonline.com/property/614/Rossing-Mine.aspx

[2] URACAN RESOURCES INC, Propriete Cote-Nord Bloc Wee Gee, Ponbriand B et Turgeon A (2007) - Jean-Sebastien Lavallee, P.geo, - GM63866

SOURCE: Velox Energy Materials Inc.

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RIO HONDO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Trans American Aquaculture (OTC PINK:GRPS), a leading player in sustainable shrimp production, proudly announces the appointment of Saleem Elmasri to its Board of Directors as the Audit Committee Chair. This strategic addition reinforces the company's commitment to uplisting to a fully reporting SEC standard.

About Saleem Elmasri:

Saleem Elmasri is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades. He holds a BS in Finance and Accounting from Rutgers University, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Trans American Aquaculture team. Professional Background:

Titan Advisory Services (Managing Partner): Saleem currently serves as the Managing Partner at Titan Advisory, a boutique advisory firm focused on providing collaborative and customized financial operations and CFO services, a role he assumed in September 2020. In this capacity, he has played a pivotal role in providing strategic financial counsel to private and public companies.

Prior to founding Titan Advisory Services, Mr. Elmasri served two years as Managing Director at DLA LLC and Pine Hill Group, LLC (now CFGI), two professional service firms who provide clients with accounting advisory services.

Mr. Elmasri began his professional career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Big-4 Accounting and Global Professional Services firm. Between September 2007 and March 2018, Mr. Elmasri held progressively advancing roles ending his tenure as a Senior Manager in the firm's audit practice. Saleem Elmasri's extensive background in finance, accounting, and advisory roles positions him as a key asset for Trans American Aquaculture's journey towards enhanced financial governance and SEC compliance.

Statement from Adam Thomas, CEO of Trans American Aquaculture:

"We are delighted to welcome Saleem Elmasri to our Board of Advisors as the Audit Committee Chair. Saleem's wealth of experience, particularly in finance and advisory roles, will be instrumental as we navigate the path towards full SEC reporting. His expertise aligns seamlessly with our commitment to transparency and financial excellence." Trans American Aquaculture looks forward to leveraging Saleem Elmasri's insights and guidance as the company advances its mission of sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices. For more information about Trans American Aquaculture and its mission, please visit https://transamaqua.com/.

Media Contact:

Adam Thomas, CEO

Trans American Aquaculture

972-358-6037

IR Contact

Cervitude IR

hello@cervitude.com

203-685-0346

About Trans American Aquaculture

Trans American Aquaculture OTC Pink: GRPS) is a leading sustainable aquaculture company committed to meeting the increasing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood. With advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to environmental sustainability, the company is revolutionizing the shrimp farming industry. Trans American Aquaculture strives to provide high-quality, eco-friendly shrimp to consumers while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and ethical practices.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "should," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate," "anticipate" or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans, and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE: Trans American Aquaculture, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The Ethisphere Institute, a leading US think-tank, has named Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. Kao is the sole Japanese and Asian company to have made the list every year since Ethisphere began its ranking in 2007.

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World's Most Ethical Companies Award-winning Company Logo. Awarded consecutively from 2007 to 2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

"World's Most Ethical Companies" and "Ethisphere" names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

The Ethisphere Institute develops and shares best practices in business ethics and corporate social responsibility. The World's Most Ethical Companies list recognizes companies which have demonstrated outstanding performance in transparency, integrity, ethics, and compliance. The Institute surveys and evaluates companies worldwide across five categories, covering Ethics Compliance; Environmental Social Impact; Culture of Ethics; Governance; and Third Party Management.

Commenting on the accolade, Yoshihiro Hasebe, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are honored to have been selected as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years. 'Walking the right path' is our core value, and external evaluations such as this are very important to us. We have reaffirmed our determination to continue taking on challenges as we work toward ambitious goals; we will continue applying the principle 'We act with courage' to become an industry-leading company in an ever-changing society and fulfill our purpose, which is 'to realize a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.'"

Ethisphere's Chief Executive Officer, Erica Salmon Byrne, said: "We are, once again, delighted to honor Kao as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. Kao is one of only six companies to have received this recognition from its inception-18 times. This achievement is a testament to Kao's dedication to continually advancing best practices for ethics, compliance, and governance. We look forward to seeing Kao's continued leadership in furthering business integrity across the industry and globally."

In April 2019, the Kao Group established the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, an ESG strategy. The Japanese word 'kirei' describes something that is both clean and beautiful. For Kao, Kirei not only encapsulates appearance, but also attitude-to create beauty for oneself, other people, and for the world around us. Since 2021, it has been promoting the Kao Group Mid-term Plan with its vision of "protecting future lives" and "sustainability as the only path." The Kao Group will continue to integrate its ESG strategy into its management practices, and by maintaining and practicing a high level of ethical awareness, aims to develop its business, provide better products and services for consumers and society, and work toward its purpose, "to realize a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony."

The Kao Group upholds the founder's value of "walking the right path" at the core of all corporate activity. As such, this is the first item in the fundamental values that form the basis of its corporate philosophy, the Kao Way. This signifies acting in accordance with the law and ethics, and conducting honest and sound business activities. To implement the Kao Way, the Kao Group worldwide shares the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines. The company bases its activities on these Guidelines, which serve as a lodestar when there is uncertainty about the path to follow, as the guiding principle in daily work and as the fundamentals to help achieve sustainability for the company and for society.

Kao Business Conduct Guidelines

About the Kirei Lifestyle Plan

Over the past 130 years, Kao has worked to improve people's lives and help them realize more sustainable lifestyles-a Kirei Lifestyle. The Japanese word 'kirei' describes something that is clean, well-ordered and beautiful, all at the same time. The Kao Group established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan in April 2019, which is designed to deliver the vision of a gentler and more sustainable way of living. By 2030, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people, to enjoy more beautiful lives and have 100% of its products leave a full lifecycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb.

Please visit the Kao sustainability website for more information.

About Kao

Kao creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Biore, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,530 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 34,300 people worldwide and has 137 years of history in innovation.

Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.

Related Information

World's Most Ethical Companies 2024

Kao launches new ESG Strategy "Kirei Lifestyle Plan" to support consumer lifestyle changes

Kao's New Challenges for the Future: Accelerating Purposeful Business Commitment with ESG

Kao sustainability website

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304638277/en/

Contacts:

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Public Relations

Kao Corporation

corporate_pr@kao.com
Companies and legal entities can obtain the Legal Entity Identifier code from first Italian operator and world leader, winner of 'Best-Performing LEI Issuer - Large Cap Category 2023' Gleif Award.

LONDON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reliability, flexibility and speed to move confidently between financial instruments. InfoCamere - company of Italian Chambers of Commerce for digital innovation and leader for reliability in registration and information services for businesses - has extended its activity in Europe for the issuing and management of LEI-Legal Entity Identifier codes (mandatory for the legal entities conducting transactions in financial instruments) through the ' ID-LEI ' portal, which has just become available also in the UK.

InfoCamere manages more than 166,000 LEI codes and ranks among the top 5 Local Operating Units worldwide, with a level of reliability and excellence widely recognised and recently awarded as "Best-Performing LEI Issuer in the Large-Cap Category (more than 100,000 LEIs under management)" by Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation which coordinates the global LEI System worldwide.

InfoCamere's 'ID-LEI' service is designed to simplify the process of obtaining an LEI code. Thanks to a dedicated online platform companies and legal entities can apply for their LEI code quickly and easily. A multi-channel assistance (telephone, live-chat, e-mail) managed by experienced staff, in different languages, is available also.

The LEI code has a duration of one year from its issue. In order to renew it, it is necessary each year to confirm or update the data associated with it. By following the guided path offered by the ID-LEI service, the user can initiate and complete the renewal request in just a few steps. A three-year plan from the outset, with fast and simplified annual renewal for the user, is available.

A further advantage offered also abroad through the ID-LEI service is the possibility of obtaining the LEI Code Certificate which, in case of the subscription of a three-year plan, is free of charge. A digital document, issued by InfoCamere, which proves in real time the possession of the LEI code.

Speed of request, ease of process, assistance available on multiple channels, and guarantee offered by the authority of an operator such as the Chambers of Commerce, which has been active on the Italian ICT services market for forty years, are the among the strengths of the ID-LEI service by InfoCamere and the reason why to choose it.

Contacts:

More info: id-lei.com

Email: info@id-lei.com

Phone: 0080081117777

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TOKYO, Mar 04 (News On Japan) - Guitar Wolf and comedian Nagano are set to hold a two-man live performance on May 5th at Shimokitazawa Shelter in Tokyo. Nagano, who has long been a vocal fan of Guitar Wolf, will share the stage with the band for this live event.

The concert promises a fusion of explosive sounds and laughter, with Seiji of Guitar Wolf and Nagano discussing their favorite music and films. Fans are eagerly anticipating the unique collaboration between the rock legends and the comedian.

In addition to their live performances, Guitar Wolf has made notable appearances on television and radio. Seiji, the band's frontman, once sang atop a human pyramid and humorously recounted how his leather jacket's scent was so strong it led to him being bitten by a dog. The band's last live performance with drummer Toru was also released on vinyl, complete with a code to watch live footage as a special bonus.

Guitar Wolf continues to be active in various forms of media, including special screenings of their 1999 starring film "Wild Zero" with explosive sound, and announcements for a sequel production. They also engage with fans through live tours and events, collaborating with other artists and contributing to the vibrant music scene.

Source: Natalie
CHICAGO, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Commercial Vehicle Market is projected to grow from USD 70.9 billion in 2024 to USD 255.6 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 23.8%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. ECVs aim to provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered commercial vehicles, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and reliance on finite fossil fuel resources. ECVs serve to lower the overall operational costs for businesses through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and require less frequent maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in lower total cost of ownership over the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, ECVs benefit from increasing energy efficiency and advancements in battery technology, leading to longer driving ranges and faster charging times, which enhance their practicality and appeal for commercial applications.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=16430819

Browse in-depth TOC on "Electric Commercial Vehicle Market".

197 - Tables

100 - Figures

350 - Pages

Electric Commercial Vehicle Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 255.6 billion by 2030 Growth Rate 23.8% of CAGR Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2024-20230 Forecast Units Value (Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Vehicle Type (Pickups, Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Vans, Buses), Propulsion, Range, Battery Type, Power Output, Battery Capacity, Component, End User, Body Construction and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Development of wireless EV charging technology for on-the-go charging Key Market Drivers Rising Fossil Fuel Prices

The Heavy-duty truck market is expected to show a significant growth rate during the forecast period.

The heavy-duty truck market is projected to register a CAGR of 35.3% during the forecast period. Stringent emissions regulations and targets set by the European Union (EU) are expected to drive the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks. Regulations such as the Euro 6 standards and potential future mandates for zero-emission vehicles can incentivize fleet operators to switch to electric trucks. Subsidies, grants, tax credits, and other financial incentives provided by governments can significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing electric heavy-duty trucks, making them more economically viable for fleet operators. The EU provides incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). EVs registered until December 31, 2025, are exempt from ownership tax for 10 years. This exemption is valid until 31 December 2030 in Germany. Thus, such government initiatives will support the market for electric trucks in ECV market.

Additionally, increasing demand for emission-free public transport options in developed and emerging economies is projected to rapidly boost the electric buses segment in the near future. Growing awareness of climate change and stricter regulations on emissions are pushing cities and governments to adopt cleaner transportation solutions. Electric buses offer zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution in urban areas. In January 2024, BYD Mexico delivered 20 electric buses to Mexico City Metrobus (Mexico). These buses have a low floor and a length of 15 meters. They can carry up to 130 passengers, have a range of 200 kilometres, and a battery capacity of 300 kWh. The charging time is three hours. This supply involves a total of 55 pure electric buses. Metrobus expects that the use of these new buses will prevent 5,845 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The 121 - 200 kWh battery capacity segment to show signifinat growth during the forecast period.

The 121-200 kWh battery capacity segment of the electric commercial vehicle market is witnessing substantial growth for several reasons. This battery capacity range caters to applications demanding extensive range and robust performance, making it suitable for long-haul transportation, heavy-duty trucks, and other commercial vehicles with high energy requirements. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability and emissions reduction, the demand for electric vehicles in this segment has surged, driven by the need to replace traditional diesel-powered fleets. Various OEMs offer electric commercial vehicles with battery capacities ranging between 121 and 200 kWh. For instance, BYD (China) offers the T5 light-duty delivery trucks with a battery capacity range of 150 kWh. The battery-electric MAN eTGM by MAN Truck & Bus (Germany) is also scheduled for large-scale mass production in 2025. It will come with lithium-ion NMC with a capacity of 185 kWh. Such developments will drive the 121-200 kWh segment of the electric commercial vehicle Industry during the forecasted period.

North America will be the prominent growing market for electric commercial vehicle during the forecast period.

The North American electric commercial vehicle market is experiencing significant growth driven by various factors, including tightening emission regulations, increasing environmental awareness, and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology. With a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, governments, businesses, and consumers in North America are increasingly turning to electric commercial vehicles as a sustainable transportation solution. In North America, there has been significant investment in charging networks, including fast-charging stations along major transportation routes and in urban areas. For instance, in January 2024, the US government invested USD 623 million in charging infrastructure. In February 2024, the first public 500 kW charging station for North America was unveiled at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. In May 2023, PACCAR Inc. (US) and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. collaborated to expand their joint efforts to develop and produce hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, which are powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell modules. North America is home to renowned OEMs that specialize in producing high-quality and high-performance vehicles, driving the growth of the electric commercial vehicle market. These manufacturers, including Tesla, Inc. (US), PACCAR Inc. (US), Ford Motor Company (US), WorkHorse Group (US), and General Motors (US), are increasingly focusing on developing faster, cleaner, and more efficient electric commercial vehicles. The region is also home to top electric medium-duty and heavy-duty truck manufacturers such as Chanje Energy Inc. (US), Mitsubishi (Japan), and Orange EV (US). Thus, all such factors are expected to boost the North American electric commercial vehicle market during the forecast period.

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Key Market Players:

The major players in global electric commercial vehicle companies include BYD (China), Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Germany), Yutong (China), AB Volvo (Sweden), and Ford Motor Company (US).

Recent Developments:

In January 2024, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (Dongfeng) and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei) entered into a partnership to collaborate on Dongfeng's Voyah brand of "new energy" vehicles. Through this partnership, Dongfeng will include various Huawei technologies in its vehicles, such as autonomous driving and infotainment software.

In January 2024, Tesla, Inc. announced its plan to set up a factory in India and may invest USD 30 billion over the next 5 years.

In October 2023, The Infrastructure & Transport Ministry of Greece signed a contract with Yutong for 250 e-buses. This contract will facilitate green and sustainable development and improve public transport conditions in Greece.

In June 2023, Ford Motor Company opened the Electric Vehicle Center, an electric vehicle production facility in Germany, to serve the European markets.

In May 2023, Mercedes-Benz Group AG released the EQT van (Electric Van), which is equipped with a 90-kW electric motor, two sliding doors, the MBUX infotainment system, and numerous safety and assistance systems.

In May 2023, AB Volvo launched an Augmented Reality (AR) safety app for electric trucks designed to support responders in an emergency. The app provides valuable real-time information from the electric truck to guide emergency services for safe rescue operations.

In April 2023, Scania AB launched an all-electric car transporter with a GVWR of 42 tons and a battery capacity of 230 kWh.

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Shallow high-grade mineralization extends beyond the limits of exploration target.

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Meridian Mining UK. S (TSX:MNO)(Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM)(OTCQB:MRRDF) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to report further strong drill results from its resource delineation program at the Santa Helena Au-Cu-Ag & Zn VMS deposit ("Santa Helena"). Drilling has intercepted multiple bands of shallow mineralization highlighted by CD-421's 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq[1] from 35.0m, including 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m. CD-421's high-grade mineralization projects outside of the modelled limits of Santa Helena's Exploration Target ("Figure 1") announced in December 2023[2], strengthening the upside potential that Santa Helena's drill results have delineated.

The Company is also confirming a major extension of the along strike extent of Santa Helena's mine horizon with CD-431 returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m, located 580m east of the historical mine's limits ("Figure 2"). This extends the focus of Santa Helena's open pitable resource delineation corridor to 1.6km, requiring further infill drilling while yet still remaining open to the east. Drilling programs continue at the Cabacal Project with further results pending.

Highlights Reported Today

Santa Helena assays multiple bands of Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization extending past the Exploration Target's limits: CD-421: 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq [3] from 35.0m;

Including : 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m; A 320m strike extension of Santa Helena's lower Au-Cu-Ag & Zn layer defined and remains open;

Santa Helena's open pit target corridor expanded to over 1.6km but still remains open to the east; VMS system confirmed to extend outwards past historical mine's limits by 580m; CD-431 returns 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m; and

but still remains open to the east; Results confirm that Santa Helena 3km mine horizon's IP anomaly remains only partially tested and remains open.

Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, comments: "As part of the Cabacal hub and spoke development strategy, Santa Helena is adding more high-grade gold-copper-silver and zinc mineralisation into this highly prospective VMS belt. CD-421 also gave another along strike extension to Santa Helena's newly identified lower VMS sequence, combining to add more Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization to an already expanding deposit. Most importantly, the near mine eastern extension is firming up with CD-431's results, extending the potential a further 580m. Having Santa Helena's mineralization and its extension consistently hosted within the 3km IP anomaly generates a strong upside potential for its open and untested areas. This represents a focused corridor hosting multiple geophysical targets which are emerging through our ongoing geophysical program."

Figure 1: Cross section of CD-421 , with Upper Exploration Target, 0.1g/t AuEq grade shell, historical resource, and with the lower zone projecting outwards and up-dip to CD-421's 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq.

Santa Helena Drill Program Update

Santa Helena is a historical Cu-Au-Ag & Zn VMS mine located ~9km to the southeast of the Cabacal Mine. It has over 10,000m of historical drilling and is the most advanced of a series of exploration targets along the Cabacal Mine Corridor. The Company commenced initial drilling in August 2023[4] as part of a verification program, to validate the historical mine's data in line with NI43-101 requirements, and to initiate scout drilling of targets for resource extensions defined by geophysics and coincident geochemical anomalies. The Company's compilation of historical drill data indicated that many past holes were not completely sampled, that reconciliation of surveyed drilled positions and mine workings (and records), indicated that the high-grade massive sulphide mineralization was only partially mined, and that extensions of near-surface mineralization to the east were also not integrated into the historical resource calculations. The Company has concluded that this historical resource area is considered open, and based on new and historical data, defined an Exploration Target of 3.2 - 7.2 Mt @ 3.0 - 3.2g/t AuEq[5]. The Company has completed thirty holes for 1730m to date. Initial results from holes drilled along the main trend for resource verification and resource extension were very positive[6]. The latest results ("Table 1") have continued to define mineralization up-dip and south of the historical resource limits and confirmed that the eastern sector of the trend remains open ("Figure 1" "Figure 2").

Figure 2: Santa Helena Drilling Results.

CD-421 was drilled to test the continuity of up-dip mineralization on the southern flank of the deposit. The drill hole intersected an upper mineralized zone of 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq (1.1g/t Au, 1.5% Cu, 27.9g/t Ag & 2.0% Zn) from 35.0m, including a higher grade core of 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq (2.2g/t Au, 3.2% Cu, 64.4g/t Ag & 5.5% Zn) from 42.9m. Lower bands of mineralization were present, including 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 0.1% Cu, 4.6g/t Ag & 1.0% Zn) from 58.5m, and 3m @ 0.4g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 1.6g/t Ag & 0.6% Zn) from 79.7m. The latest result continues the eastward extension of strong intersections previously reported over the southern extension of the chargeability anomaly ("Figure 2" CD-416, CD-360, CD-359). Further scope exists to test the response to the immediate east over a 200m gap in the drilling, and beyond where numerous geophysical targets have been defined.

CD-431, positioned up to 580m to the east of the historical mine's limits, was drilled as one of the Company's initial reconnaissance holes testing the 2km eastern extension of the IP anomaly. The hole was significant in confirming this trend is mineralized, returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.4g/t Au, 27.8g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 38.4m. The mineralization was intersected below an upper carapace gabbroic sill which masks the surface geochemical response of this trend. A further reconnaissance hole, located over 840m further east southeast again, intersected traces of shallow bedrock mineralization. Further geophysical work is being conducted to refine targets in this eastern corridor and remains in progress, with a Fixed Loop Transient Electromagnetic Survey in progress (FLTEM) to supplement the existing IP dataset. Anomalies are expected to be quite subtle, given the limited conductivity of sulphides in the presence of sphalerite, but potentially more copper-rich targets may have enhanced conductivity.

About Meridian

Meridian Mining UK S is focused on:

The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS gold-copper project;

Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt; and

Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil).

Cabacal is a gold-copper-silver rich VMS deposit with the potential to be a standalone mine within the 50km VMS belt. Cabacal's base and precious metal-rich mineralization is hosted by volcanogenic type, massive, semi-massive, stringer, and disseminated sulphides within deformed metavolcanic-sedimentary rocks. A later-stage gold overprint event has emplaced high-grade gold mineralization.

The Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (the "PEA Technical Report") dated March 30, 2023, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mato Grosso, Brazil" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 573 million and 58.4% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 180 million, leading to capital repayment in 10.6 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 1,650 per ounces of gold, USD 3.59 per pound of copper, and USD 21.35 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 671 per ounce gold equivalent for the first five years, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.1:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil (see press release dated March 6, 2023).

The Cabacal Mineral Resource estimate consists of Indicated resources of 52.9 million tonnes at 0.6g/t gold, 0.3% copper and 1.4g/t silver and Inferred resources of 10.3 million tonnes at 0.7g/t gold, 0.2% copper & 1.1g/t silver (at a 0.3 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade), including a higher-grade near-surface zone supporting a starter pit.

Readers are encouraged to read the PEA Technical Report in its entirety. The PEA Technical Report may be found on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S

Mr. Gilbert Clark - CEO and Director

Meridian Mining UK S

Email: info@meridianmining.co

Ph: +1 778 715-6410 (PST)

Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/

Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining

Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co

Technical Notes

Samples have been analysed at the accredited ALS laboratory in Lima, Peru. Samples are dried, crushed with 70% passing <2mm, split off to give a mass of approximately 250g, and pulverized to >85% passing 200#. Routine gold analyses have been conducted by Au-AA23 (fire assay of a 30g charge with AAS finish). High-grade samples (>10g/t Au) are repeated with a gravimetric finish (Au-GRA21). Samples are held in the Company's secure facilities until dispatched and delivered by staff and commercial couriers to the laboratory. Pulps and coarse rejects are retained and returned to the Company for storage. The Company submits a range of quality control samples, including blanks and gold and polymetallic standards supplied by Rocklabs, ITAK and OREAS, supplementing laboratory quality control procedures. Approximately 5% of archived samples are sent for umpire laboratory analysis, including any lots exhibiting QAQC outliers after discussion with the laboratory. In BP Minerals sampling, gold was analysed historically by fire assay and base metals by three acid digest and ICP finish at the Nomos laboratory in Rio de Janeiro. Silver was analysed by aqua regia digest with an atomic absorption finish. True width is considered to be 80-90% of intersection width. Assay figures and intervals are rounded to 1 decimal place. Gold equivalents for Cabacal are calculated as: AuEq(g/t) = (Au(g/t) * %Recovery) + (1.492*(Cu% * %Recovery)) + (0.013*(Ag(g/t) * %Recovery)), where:

Au_recovery_ppm = 5.4368ln(Au_Grade_ppm)+88.856

Cu_recovery_pct = 2.0006ln(Cu_Grade_pct)+94.686

Ag_recovery_ppm = 13.342ln(Ag_Grade_ppm)+71.037

Recoveries based on 2022 metallurgical testwork on core submitted to SGS Lakefield

Gold equivalents for Santa Helena are based on metallurgical recoveries from the historical resource calculation, updated with pricing forecasts aligned with the Cabacal PEA. AuEq (g/t) = (Au_(g/t) * 65%Recovery) + (1.492*Cu(%) * 89%Recovery) + (0.474*Zn% * 89%Recovery)) + (0.013Ag(g/t) * 61%Recovery)).

Electromagnetic surveys have been conducted using the SMARTem Geophysical Receiver System manufactured by ElectroMagnetic Imaging Technology (EMIT). Gradient Array IP surveys were conducted using the Company's in-house team, utilizing its GDD GRx8-16c receiver and 5000W-2400-15A transmitter. Data is processed by the Company's independent consultancy Core Geophysics. Geophysical and geochemical exploration targets are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit.

Qualified Person

Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., MAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and verified the technical information in this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

Table 1: Santa Helena assays reported in this press release.

[1] See below Technical Notes for AuEq commodity prices, recoveries, and equations [2] See Meridian Mining News Release of December 5, 2023. [3] True width is considered to be 80-90% of intersection width. [4] Meridian Mining news release dated August 8, 2023 [5] Meridian Mining News Release of December 5, 2023 [6] Meridian Mining news release dated October 23, November 14, and December 5, 2023 SOURCE: Meridian Mining UK S

View the original press release on accesswire.com
HONG KONG, Mar 4, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 40th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show gathered over 4,000 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions. The Jewellery Show concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today and the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show closed at AsiaWorld-Expo on Saturday, marking the successful return of the "two shows, two venues" format for the first time since the pandemic.The shows attracted some 81,000 buyers from 137 countries and regions. The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show drew over 31,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions, while more than 49,000 buyers from 132 countries and regions joined the Jewellery Show. For the two shows together, buyers from Mainland China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and the United States ranked top in terms of non-Hong Kong visitors, underscoring the shows' leading world position.Exhibitors and buyers were optimistic about a thriving jewellery market. An on-site survey of 1,435 respondents found 62.3% anticipated growth in overall sales in the next one to two years while 31.3% expected stable sales and only 6.4% predicted a decrease.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "The twin jewellery shows successfully attracted buyers from around the world to return to Hong Kong, and it is very encouraging. Exhibitors stated that buyers had shown a positive sentiment on purchasing, and had connected with new clientele, including those from emerging markets, which is crucial for business growth.""For the upcoming exhibition peak season, the HKTDC will present some 10 business fairs next month, encompassing a wide range of industries including innovation, electronics, gifts, home products, fashion and packaging. These events will serve as platforms for buyers and suppliers to make business and connect, and in turn solidify Hong Kong's position as a global exhibition centre and bring substantial economic benefits to the city."Under the hybrid EXHIBITION+ format, the twin jewellery shows combined in-person access at the venues with online negotiations via HKTDC's Click2Match smart business-matching platform, which will be available until 11 March, and buying through hktdc.com Sourcing. The HKTDC launched the self-authentication service at this year's twin shows, enabling buyers to verify identities and obtain electronic badges (eBadges) in advance for rapid, seamless access to venues, greatly enhancing the trade show experience. Most buyers welcomed this eBadge arrangement, including the self-authentication feature and entry arrangements.Over 60% of exhibitors and buyers optimistic on salesThe HKTDC surveyed exhibitors and buyers on-site, with key findings below:Market and industry outlook- Of the respondents, 62.3% anticipated growth in overall sales in the next 12 to 24 months, 31.3% foresaw stable sales and only 6.4% expected a decrease.- On revenue, 44.4% of exhibitors expected FOB selling prices to rise this year while 69.9% believed production or sourcing costs would go up.- Respondents considered the Middle East (70.6%), Australia and Pacific Islands (68.6%), India (65.3%), North America (59.2%) and ASEAN (56.3%) to be promising or very promising jewellery markets over the next two years in terms of growth.- The most popular potential markets were Mainland China (21.2%), North America (17.3%), Northern and Western Europe (16.2%), ASEAN (15.5%), Japan (12.4%), Hong Kong (10.9%) and the Middle East (10.7%).Product trends:- In terms of product categories, interviewees expected trendy fashion jewellery (59.5%), precious jewellery (41%) and designers' jewellery (31.1%) to have the greatest market potential.- Karat white gold (47.3%), karat yellow gold (44.5%) and karat rose gold (24%) were the most popular precious metal products this year.- Diamond (53.3%) was the most popular gemstone, followed by ruby (28.6%) and pearl (21.5%).Exhibitors reported higher sales than last yearTrading at the twin shows was promising. One Hong Kong exhibitor, Jessica Kwan, Director of Universal Jewellery Design Centre Limited, said: "We have been participating in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show since its inception. Over the past 40 editions, our business grew together with the show and our jewellery products are exported worldwide today. During the fairs, we met with new buyers from Mainland China, the Philippines and the Middle East. We expect the sales turnover generated by this year's show to increase by 20%."At the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem, and Pearl Show, one of the exhibitors, Rosaria Borriello, Manager of Borriello Massimo from Italy said: "We love the Hong Kong show very much. It's the perfect place to do business and meet customers from everywhere. Our Mediterranean red coral showcased this year has again attracted strong buyers' interest. Customers from Mainland China, India and the Philippines are still our biggest buyers. We've also received enquiries from several buyers from the United States. Sales from Hong Kong's exhibition contribute more than 20% of our business. This show is really important for business expansion."From a buyer's perspective, Nezar J. Mukhtar, Managing Director of Jamla Jewelry from Saudi Arabia, said: "The Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show draws a large number of industry players from all over the world and serves as the best sourcing platform. Talks are now underway with three exhibitors from Hong Kong and India for loose diamonds in different sizes, colours and shapes. I've also looked for new suppliers and expected to conclude at least US$10 million worth of business. The fair is the perfect place for business expansion."Chanyut Khieonavavongsa, Graduate Gemologist (GIA) from Tassabee Gems in Thailand, said: "I've been in the jewellery business for 40 years, I visit the HKTDC Jewellery Show regularly because I find more attractive designs and more new suppliers here than at other shows. I have placed orders with four to five suppliers from Hong Kong, Korea and Turkiye for US$100,000 worth of 18K gold mountings. I plan to buy at least US$100,000 worth of finished jewellery at the show too. I like the brand new online self-authentication function within the HKTDC Marketplace App for direct admission. It helps me save queuing time and is very convenient."Exciting line-up of technology and lifestyle fairs set for next monthHot on the heels of the twin jewellery shows, the HKTDC will organise a series of trade fairs including the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) and the inaugural Smart Lighting Expo from 6-9 April; InnoEx and Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) from 13-16 April; and Fashion InStyle, Home InStyle, Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Hong Kong International Printing and Packaging Fair, the brand new Deluxe Printpack Hong Kong and Hong Kong International Licensing Show late next month. These events will give buyers a unique one-stop sourcing experience and help exhibitors expand their market reach while boosting Hong Kong's economy. For more details, please visit www.hktdc.com.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3V1MwamWebsites:Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/enHong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkdgp/enHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInSource: HKTDCCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE), a leading global security products and solutions provider, has acquired, through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Dorcas (Montajes electronicos Dorcas S.L.).

Dorcas is a leading manufacturer of electro-mechanical access control solutions. The privately held company is based in Siete Aguas (Valencia region), Spain, where it specializes in the production of electric strikes, electro-mechanical and electro-magnetic locks, as well as complementary access control solutions and door control products. Dorcas solutions are distributed and sold internationally with a strong presence across European markets, including healthcare and education verticals.

Dorcas will operate as part of the Allegion International segment, led by Allegion Senior Vice President Tim Eckersley.

"Dorcas' electric strikes and locks are integral elements of access control systems, and adding this business to Allegion International is another strategic investment in the health and quality of our portfolio," Eckersley said. "Combined, our teams will specify and supply a broader range of seamless access solutions across customers and channels."

To support a smooth integration, Dorcas CEO Pablo Ibanez will join Allegion as managing director of the Dorcas business.

"Joining Allegion offers new routes to market and accelerated growth opportunities for Dorcas," Ibanez said. "Our cultures of innovation and putting customers first align, providing a very exciting future ahead."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Allegion

Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) is a global pioneer in seamless access, with leading brands like CISA, Interflex, LCN, Schlage, SimonsVoss and Von Duprin. Focusing on security around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion secures people and assets with a range of solutions for homes, businesses, schools and institutions. Allegion had $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023, and its security products are sold around the world.

For more, visit www.allegion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the company's ability to successfully integrate the business, the company's ability achieve the anticipated strategic and financial benefits of the acquisition, the company's business plans and strategy, the company's growth strategy, the company's capital allocation strategy, the competitive environment, and the performance of the markets in which the company operates. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "aim," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar expressions generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax rate and provisions, earnings, cash flows, benefit obligations, dividends, share purchases or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including those relating to any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to our products and services; any statements regarding future economic conditions or our performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, as these statements are based on the company's currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. They are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties many of which are beyond the company's control as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors and other risks that may affect the company's business or that could cause actual results to differ materially are included in filings the company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its other SEC filings. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions. The company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304303615/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Whitney Moorman Director, Global Communications

317-810-3241

Whitney.Moorman@allegion.com

Analyst Contacts:

Jobi Coyle Director, Investor Relations

317-810-3107

Jobi.Coyle@allegion.com

Josh Pokrzywinski Vice President, Investor Relations

463-210-8595

Joshua.Pokrzywinski@allegion.com
ISTANBUL, Turkey, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sisecam, a global player in the fields of glass and chemicals, has announced its decision to invest 114 million dollars in three new coated glass lines. These cutting-edge lines with a total capacity of almost 20 million square meters will be located in Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria. Through these investments, Sisecam seeks to address the rising demand for coated glass within the flat glass sector. The Company aims to bolster its competitiveness by enhancing operational efficiency and diversifying its product range. Additionally, Sisecam aims to elevate the proportion of value-added products in its total production.



As part of the investments planned to commence operations in 2025, Sisecam will invest in a coated glass line with an annual capacity of 7 million square meters at its flat glass production facility under construction in Tarsus. Additionally, the Company will invest in a coated glass line with an annual capacity of 6.5 million square meters at its flat glass facility in Northern Italy. Sisecam will also invest in a line with an annual capacity of 6 million square meters at its flat glass facility in Bulgaria. These investments, totaling 114 million dollars including working capital requirements, will bring the total number of Sisecam's glass coating lines to seven worldwide. The objective is to elevate Sisecam's existing coated glass capacity, currently around 22 million square meters based on an average product mix across four different lines, to approximately 42 million square meters through these strategic investments.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kirman, Sisecam's Chairman and Executive Member of the Board of Directors, commented on the new investment decision, saying: "Each strategic investment we undertake enhances our ability to grow and progress. Our most recent decision, aimed at addressing the rising demand for coated glass within the flat glass sector, marks a significant milestone. This initiative will almost double Sisecam's production capacity for coated glass. While strengthening our leadership in the architectural glass market in Turkey, it will also facilitate our access to a broader customer base globally with higher competitiveness. These investments will elevate the share of high-value products within our total production volume and augment our product portfolio. Additionally, the investments will facilitate Sisecam in achieving a more flexible management of its supply chain, leading to heightened operational efficiency."

Prof Dr Ahmet Kirman - Sisecam''s Chairman and Executive Member of the Board
The collaboration between the two companies is the largest voluntary RNG agreement to date in the U.S.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / The Renewable Thermal Collaborative recently released a case study on the first-of-its-kind partnership between AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables to enable the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) to all of AstraZeneca's sites in the United States by 2026. The partnership will enable as much as 650,000 million British thermal units (MMBTu) per year of RNG to be used across AstraZeneca's U.S. sites, equivalent to the energy required to heat more than 17,800 U.S. homes a year by 2026.

The Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC) serves as the leading coalition for organizations committed to scaling up renewable heating and cooling at their facilities and dramatically cutting carbon emissions. Vanguard Renewables is a US leader in organics to renewable energy. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines used by millions of patients worldwide.

Project Overview

AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in the UK, is partnering with Vanguard Renewables, a U.S.-based developer, owner, and operator of farm-based anaerobic digestion projects, through an agreement to procure renewable natural gas (RNG) for AstraZeneca's U.S. facilities for the next 15 years or more. This is one of the largest business-to-business RNG purchases in the North American voluntary market to date.

Under the agreement, three new-build, on-farm anaerobic digesters operated by Vanguard Renewables will supply 650,000 MMBtu/year of RNG to meet nearly all of AstraZeneca's gas demand at its U.S. research and manufacturing sites by the end of 2026. While the three new dedicated anaerobic digesters are under construction, RNG delivery is already underway; in June 2023, AstraZeneca's Newark Campus in Delaware began sourcing RNG from one of Vanguard Renewables' facilities in Vermont with delivery via common carrier gas pipelines.

RNG, or biomethane, is pipeline-quality gas produced by capturing and upgrading the methane released by decomposing organic matter, including food waste, dairy manure, biomass, and more. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG): Capturing methane to produce RNG prevents what would otherwise be harmful atmospheric methane emissions.

Procuring RNG from Vanguard Renewables supports AstraZeneca's transition to 100% renewable energy, a key element of the company's flagship Ambition Zero Carbon strategy. Through Ambition Zero Carbon, which is focused on delivering deep decarbonization by halving the company's entire value chain footprint by 2030 and becoming science-based net zero by 2045 at the latest, AstraZeneca is on track to reduce GHG emissions from its global operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 98% by 2026.

"Vanguard Renewables enabled us to accelerate our sustainability journey, and it's exciting to be on the front edge of innovation here." - Andy Wirths Senior Vice President, Supply Americas, AstraZeneca

"We want to demonstrate at scale the voluntary pathway of decarbonization through RNG utilization. This is a company-wide initiative from a progressive company that has made a commitment from top to bottom to decarbonize." - John Hanselman Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard Renewables

Project Origination

To meet the targets set in 2020 by the Ambition Zero Carbon strategy, AstraZeneca considered a variety of renewable thermal decarbonization strategies, including electrification and renewable fuels, and evaluated factors including deployment and operating costs, implementation complexity, scalability, and climate impact. AstraZeneca determined that RNG was the most feasible option to decarbonize its U.S. footprint. With a large natural gas-fueled asset base across its U.S. medicine research and manufacturing facilities, AstraZeneca saw significant value in using RNG as a renewable replacement for fossil natural gas and avoiding expensive production disruptions and the need to replace or retrofit its entire boiler portfolio. Following this decision, AstraZeneca established a clear objective and timeline to acquire RNG by the end of 2026.

In 2020, AstraZeneca's procurement team issued a Request for Information (RFI) to RNG providers, and then selected multiple respondents, including Vanguard Renewables, to bid in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

AstraZeneca detailed clear criteria in the RFP to ensure the RNG agreement would meet its financial and sustainability requirements. Financially, AstraZeneca sought a long-term contract to ensure a reliable RNG supply and future RNG price certainty. On sustainability, AstraZeneca specifically sought solutions that emphasized environmental benefits through the additionality of new RNG production, geographic proximity of the new anaerobic digesters to AstraZeneca's sites, and traceability of the environmental attributes associated with the RNG.

Getting to Yes

After AstraZeneca selected Vanguard Renewables through the RFP, the companies initiated a joint due diligence process, using open dialogue to better understand the proposed approach to RNG delivery. AstraZeneca's senior leadership visited an on-farm anaerobic digestion facility to understand how Vanguard Renewables develops projects that capture methane emissions, improve farm operations, and provide a diversified revenue stream to family-owned farms.

"There's a very common vision set by their CEO and senior leadership that's communicated really well throughout the organization. I think it's really interesting as an outsider-we intersect so many different layers of AstraZeneca at the plant and the research facilities-and what's intriguing to us is the consistency of message and vision within AstraZeneca, which I think is part of the way that they've been able to move so well through this process." - John Hanselman Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard Renewables

AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables established a project governance group with delegates from both companies to work through contractual considerations, including those related to GHG emissions accounting and RNG traceability. Because AstraZeneca emphasized the geographic proximity of the RNG production and consumption as a key sustainability attribute, the farm siting team at Vanguard Renewables became involved in linking specific farms to AstraZeneca's research and manufacturing facilities.

Over time, AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables found that the governance group played a pivotal role in the successful collaboration between the companies, and they will look to the group moving forward to maintain the relationship, monitor contract performance, and support quarterly and annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting requirements.

The RNG contract structure is similar to a power purchase agreement (PPA) for renewable electricity. Under the contract, Vanguard Renewables covers the capital costs of constructing the digesters and AstraZeneca pays a fixed price (per MMBtu) for RNG deliveries with an agreed-upon escalator over the 15-year term. The contract also includes a five- year extension option, and provisions to manage a range of considerations and risks, including volumetric guarantees to ensure that Vanguard Renewables delivers the volumes that AstraZeneca requires and long-term price stability to protect against fuel price volatility. AstraZeneca's long- term off-take commitment also provided Vanguard Renewables with the revenue certainty needed to move the new-build projects forward.

The companies approached GHG emissions accounting and carbon intensity evaluation through multiple frameworks, including: the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET) model; the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition); and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard. Vanguard Renewables conducted the GHG emissions analysis of a prototypical on-farm digester producing RNG across each of the selected frameworks and found that carbon intensity ranged from -15 to -120 gCO2e/MJ. Carbon intensity is a measure of the lifecycle GHG emissions of a fuel per unit of energy; producing RNG using waste that would otherwise emit methane to the atmosphere results in a negative carbon intensity. Through this GHG emissions accounting and carbon intensity evaluation, AstraZeneca validated its strategy of partnering with Vanguard Renewables to build new digesters and produce new RNG as a pathway to achieve its ambitious decarbonization targets.

In accordance with AstraZeneca's sustainability criteria for RNG traceability, Vanguard Renewables will inject RNG from the new digesters into common carrier gas pipelines, matching AstraZeneca's U.S. gas consumption on a one to one energy basis (MMBtu) as tracked by a gas marketer. AstraZeneca will then purchase and retain all the environmental attributes associated with the RNG to reduce its Scope 1 emissions. The M-RETS platform will be used to independently verify and track the generation and retirement of renewable thermal certificates. AstraZeneca's energy usage data is subject to an annual, independent third-party assurance process to review and validate data and confirm that claims relating to the supply of RNG can be substantiated.

"Now that this partnership has been created, my hope is that for the next company striving to decarbonize, it will be much easier. Part of our ambition for AstraZeneca is that we pave the way for others to follow. Hopefully it's easier for others now that this pathway is defined." - Andy Wirths Senior Vice President, Supply Americas, AstraZeneca

Key Outcomes

It took AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables two and a half years from the RFI and initial conversations to execute the contract and initiate RNG delivery from one of Vanguard Renewables' facilities in Vermont. While the learning required for this first-of-a-kind agreement made the process more challenging than executing a standard purchase order, the companies approached contract negotiations with transparency, collaboration, and an emphasis on shared values. As Vanguard Renewables prepares three new dedicated on-farm anaerobic digestion facilities to supply RNG to AstraZeneca before the end of 2026, the governance group will continue to meet and communicate progress on the anaerobic digestion facilities, RNG delivery, and emissions impacts. Building on this collaboration, AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables announced a planned expanded collaboration in November 2023 to significantly increase the productivity of RNG generation and enhance the RNG supply chain.

AstraZeneca's use of RNG in the U.S. will further enable the company's transition to 100% renewable energy for heat and power. By working with small family-owned farms that are proximate to AstraZeneca's facilities to capture food waste and dairy manure, Vanguard Renewables is providing a reliable and diversified revenue stream to family farms, improving food waste and manure handling to protect the local environment, and preventing atmospheric methane emissions.

Lessons Learned

Internal organizational support is essential. Buy-in and value alignment within AstraZeneca to support decarbonization efforts proved critical in the contracting process. AstraZeneca established a clear goal, pathway, and timeline for RNG procurement. Senior leadership communicated this vision throughout the company, so employees were excited about and unified by this global sustainability ambition. Projects are more likely to be successful when buyers have defined and communicated the objective before beginning procurement.

Buy-in and value alignment within AstraZeneca to support decarbonization efforts proved critical in the contracting process. AstraZeneca established a clear goal, pathway, and timeline for RNG procurement. Senior leadership communicated this vision throughout the company, so employees were excited about and unified by this global sustainability ambition. Projects are more likely to be successful when buyers have defined and communicated the objective before beginning procurement. Buyer-seller partnerships help overcome barriers. AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables worked to overcome challenges in the procurement process through transparency and collaboration, which proved critical to project success. The companies formed a governance group during the contracting process to enhance their collaboration and have decided to maintain that group moving forward to continuously monitor project outcomes.

AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables worked to overcome challenges in the procurement process through transparency and collaboration, which proved critical to project success. The companies formed a governance group during the contracting process to enhance their collaboration and have decided to maintain that group moving forward to continuously monitor project outcomes. Robust sustainability criteria create positive climate impacts. AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables focused on climate impact from the outset, shaping this procurement to ensure that it creates new renewable gas production capacity, prevents atmospheric methane emissions, and reduces AstraZeneca's Scope 1 emissions.

AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables focused on climate impact from the outset, shaping this procurement to ensure that it creates new renewable gas production capacity, prevents atmospheric methane emissions, and reduces AstraZeneca's Scope 1 emissions. Transparency in GHG emissions accounting is critical. As the Greenhouse Gas Protocol updates its guidance for RNG emissions accounting, AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables are working to comprehensively document the environmental attributes and impacts of this procurement, and have evaluated the carbon impacts of the projects using multiple methodologies. AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables have been willing to share this experience with other stakeholders to provide a model for how commercial and industrial users can evaluate and deploy RNG as an impactful decarbonization solution.

"There's a very common vision set by their CEO and senior leadership that's communicated really well throughout the organization. I think it's really interesting as an outsider-we intersect so many different layers of AstraZeneca at the plant and the research facilities-and what's intriguing to us is the consistency of message and vision within AstraZeneca, which I think is part of the way that they've been able to move so well through this process." - John Hanselman Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard Renewables

RTC Information: Next Steps for Interested Buyers

Buyers interested in learning more about renewable thermal should:

Read more case studies from the RTC to learn how energy users and solutions providers are deploying renewable thermal fuels and technologies.

Find a list of solutions providers through the RTC's Partner Locator.

Join the RTC to participate in Working Group meetings, learn about thermal decarbonization strategies from other renewable thermal buyers, and connect with solutions providers. Contact the RTC's Membership Director, Perry Hodgkins Jones (perry@dgardiner.com) to learn more.

See more information on the applications and market potential for RNG in the Renewable Thermal Vision Report.

Vanguard Renewables' Farm Powered anaerobic digestion facility in Salisbury, Vermont

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Vanguard Renewables on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Vanguard Renewables

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/vanguard-renewables

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Vanguard Renewables

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Sodexo joins the "World Most Ethical Companies" recognized by Ethisphere

Issy-les-Moulineaux, March 4th, 2024

Sodexo is very proud to announce its presence among the "2024 World's Most Ethical Companies" for the first time. This list, issued by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, honors companies demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class policies and practices.

This year, a total of 136 honorees were recognized spanning 20 countries and 44 industries. Sodexo is the only honoree in the Food services industry in 2024. The evaluation criteria to be distinguished as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies encompass:

Ethics Program

Culture of Ethics

Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility

Governance

Third Party Management.

Sodexo's inclusion in this ranking highlights how the Group's robust ethical culture, deeply rooted in its core values,translates in solid ethical behaviors across its operations.

Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Sodexo, said: "We are incredibly honored by this first ever recognition of Sodexo as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere. We have strong company values and ethical principles. Ethical business conduct is the cornerstone of the trust we build with all our stakeholders and what makes us a trusted business partner for our clients. It serves as a foundation for our ambition to become the leader in sustainable food and valued experiences."

Philippe Symons, Chief Ethics Officer of Sodexo, said: "Every day, as a responsible company, we strive to ensure that our teams' business conduct is fully aligned with the highest ethical standards. That is why we are very proud to be a part of this prestigious list."

"Companies that elevate best-in-class cultures of ethics and integrity set a standard for corporate citizenship for their peers and competitors to follow. Congratulations to Sodexo for achieving this honor and demonstrating that strong ethics is good business."said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere's Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair.

Ethics & Performance

The listed 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies Honorees outperformed a comparable index of global companies by 12.3 percentage points from January 2019 to January 2024.

Methodology & Scoring

The World's Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient, an extensive questionnaire that requires companies to provide over 240 different proof points on their culture of ethics; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices; ethics program; diversity, equity, & inclusion; and initiatives that support a strong value chain. That data undergoes further qualitative analysis by our panel of experts who spend thousands of hours vetting and evaluating each year's group of applicants. This process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify truly best-in-class ethics practices from organizations across industries and from around the world.

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, deliver business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies build strong cultures of ethics and integrity. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World's Most Ethical Companies recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance

About Sodexo

Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. Thanks to its two activities of Food and Facilities Management Services, Sodexo meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.

Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

Key Figures

22.6 billion euros Fiscal 2023

consolidated revenues

consolidated revenues 430,000 employees as at August 31, 2023

#1 France-based private employer worldwide 45 countries as at August 31, 2024

80 million consumers served daily

11 billion euro in market capitalization

as at February 1, 2024

Attachment
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / PMB AEROSPACE CORPORATION (OTC PINK:PMBY) ("the Company'), announces that it has changed its name and business focus. On October 13th, 2022, a majority of shareholders and the board of directors deemed it advantageous to take the company back to its original aerospace domain. The company's name was subsequently changed in compliance with the state of Nevada to PMB Aerospace Corporation. The company filed its Issuer Action Notification with FINRA, completing in July 2023.

The decision to return to the Aerospace Industry was based upon recent contraction and expansion in the industry that has created an opportunity for PMB Aerospace to distinguish itself as a leader in the Aerospace and Transportation industries as it relates to propulsion, fuel efficiency, battery technology and safety. With the increased demand for global communications and transportation of people, goods, and services, the Company is well positioned with emerging technologies to address the future needs of an expanding global economy.

The Company is returning to its roots relative to the research and development of layered encapsulated formulations for the Battery, Rocket Launch and Satellite industries with commercial and government applications in the transportation and power industries. We will develop a new class of rocket engine that will be safer with greater lift capability while reducing greenhouse gas. Patent improvements will exceed original design and performance. The company's encapsulation formulations for power generation and fuel formulations, will address the concerns associated with the effects of carbon-based fuels on climate change by significantly reducing carbon footprint and pollutants, while improving fuel performance and safety.

About PMB Aerospace Corporation

Formerly named Space Propulsion Systems Inc., PMB Aerospace Corporation reestablishes its operations as a transformational technology corporation set to develop and commercialize products for a diverse range of industry sectors. The company focus will include teaming with other industry leaders and the government to advance research and improve design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance applications over an array of global business areas.

The company can be found at: https://pmbaero.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties.

For more information please contact:

info@pmbaero.com

Sources:

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/aerospace-defense/aerospace-and-defense-industry-outlook.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-aerospace-defense-materials-business-142200964.html

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/aviation-industry-leaders-form-coalition-strengthen-aerospace-supply-chain-integrity-2024-02-22

SOURCE: PMB Aerospace Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
THOMPSON FALLS, MT / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC"), (NYSE American:UAMY) announced today changes with the executive level management of the Company. These executive management changes are effective March 1, 2024.

Mr. John (Gus) Gustavsen has been appointed President of the Company's Antimony Division and he has relinquished his title as CEO of U.S. Antimony Corporation. The Company is continuing its operations and business activities in Thompson Falls, Montana, where Mr. Gustavsen resides. This location is the only North American producer of Antimony products, including antimony oxide, antimony metal, and antimony tri-sulfide. Antimony is used in munitions (lead hardening for bullets and primer production), flame retardants, semiconductors, and batteries. Mr. Gustavsen is considered one of the nation's leading experts in the field of Antimony.

The Board of Directors has asked two existing board members to serve as Co-CEOs while the company continues to streamline its business, rid itself of unprofitable operations, and pursue certain expansion efforts which may include acquisitions. The new positions are as follows:

Joe Bardswich - Co-CEO & Director

Gary C. Evans - Co-CEO & Chairman of the Board

Neither Mr. Bardswich nor Mr. Evans are receiving any cash compensation for their new roles at the Company. However, the Board has granted them time-based equity compensation, which was awarded at the Company's stock price on the grant date.

About USAC:

United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Mexico ("US Antimony", "USAC", the "Company", "we", "us", and "our") sell processed antimony, precious metals, and zeolite products in the U.S. and abroad. The Company processes antimony ore in the U.S. and Mexico primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, and antimony trisulfide at its facilities in Montana and Mexico. Our antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Our antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Our antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. In its operations in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in soil amendment and fertilizer, water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, and other miscellaneous applications.?

Forward-Looking Statements:

Readers should note that, in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and intended to be covered by, the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon?current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including matters related to the Company's operations, pending contracts and future revenues, financial performance, and profitability, ability to execute on its increased production and installation schedules for planned capital expenditures, and the size of forecasted deposits. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties. In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed in the Company's most recent filings, including Form 10-K and Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.?

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "pro forma" and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and future?results could differ materially from historical performance.

Contact:

United States Antimony Corp.

PO Box 643

47 Cox Gulch Rd.

Thompson Falls, Montana 59873-0643

406-606-4117

E-Mail: info@usantimony.com

SOURCE: United States Antimony Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NEWPORT BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Ringler, a leading settlement planning company in the United States, is pleased to announce its record-setting 2023 production numbers. The company placed almost $1.8 billion in net annuity premium, representing a 40% growth from the previous year.





Company Logo





The company's success was celebrated at its Annual Meeting in Newport Beach, California, where it also inducted 27 Ringler consultants into the various Ringler Honors Clubs. The highest honor, Producer of the Year, was awarded to Brian Farrell. In addition, Rich Ryan was awarded the David V. Ringler Award for Innovation; Heather Anderson, Don Engels, David Pullin, and Jim Volanti were awarded the Model Producer awards; Simon Rossetter was given the Ringler Ambassador award; Connor Kennedy was honored as a Rising Star; and Bill Wright was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Chairman's Award.

Ringler's President and CEO, Gerardo Monroy, said, "Winning is part of the culture at Ringler. We strive to deliver a win to every single party on every single case and it shows in the work we do. In 2023, we positively impacted thousands of individuals and families with a structured settlement that helps them achieve financial peace of mind and a more secure financial future. The fact that our drive and our energy also translate to success for the company is a testament to the people who make up the Ringler family and I'm extremely proud to be one of them."

About Ringler

Ringler is one of the largest settlement planning companies in the United States with over 150 Consultants in more than 70 offices nationwide since it was established in 1975. Ringler's team of expert and objective advisors has earned the trust of all parties involved in the settlement process. Every Ringler Consultant takes an individualized, customer-focused approach to each case, backed by the strength and resources of a national brand to collaborate with injured people, attorneys and insurance professionals providing the most effective and fair settlement solutions for claimants and their families. Ringler is dedicated to continuing to be the most innovative and acknowledged leader in the profession.

Contact Information

Andrea Haupert

Director of Marketing Communications

ahaupert@ringlerassociates.com

303-669-6053

SOURCE: Ringler Associates

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A file photo of the Reynolds' Subaru dealership at 268 Hamburg Road in Lyme, Conn. At a hearing of the state legislature's Transportation Committee on Feb. 26, 2024, Reynolds' Subaru CEO Kathryn Wayland testified against a bill that would put a cap on conveyance fees charged by automobile dealers. Contributed photo State Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, House Chairman of the state legislature's Transportation Committee, speaks during a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Screenshot, via CT-N Jeff Aiosa, president of Mercedes-Benz of New London and legislative chairman for the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, speaks during a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Screenshot, via CT-N

For many customers, buying a car will rank as one of the largest purchases of their lifetimes. And for many, it can be a confusing and stressful experience.

Some state legislators have heard about those problems, and they're studying potential remedies. Among the proposals under consideration in this year's short session of the General Assembly is a bill that would limit the conveyance fees charged by automobile dealerships to 1 percent of a vehicles sale price. It would also institute regulations to make the accompanying paperwork more transparent. The group lobbying for the state's new-car dealerships opposes the proposal, saying it would undermine the business model. But some lawmakers insist reforms are necessary.

At some point when we recognize that bad things are happening to Connecticut consumers, that people are posting bills of sale with extraordinary fees on there, theres got to be some form of regulation in place, state Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, the House chairman of the legislature's Transportation Committee, said during a Feb. 26 public hearing on the proposal.

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Concerns about car-buying process

Conveyance fees are a long-established component of the car-buying process. State law allows such fees to help car dealerships, recover reasonable costs for processing all documentation and performing services related to the closing of a sale, according to a report last year by the state Office of Legislative Research.

State law does not limit conveyance fees or define reasonable costs, but there are requirements for the noticing and information about the fees that dealers provide to consumers, the OLR report states.

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A number of committee members said during the hearing that they are seeing significant shortcomings under current law, including some dealers not posting conveyance fees on their websites or using paperwork that does not make clear that those fees are negotiable. If adopted, the proposed bill would prohibit a dealer from printing the order and invoice for the purchase of a vehicle with negotiable fees before having discussions with a prospective buyer.

I do feel as if the purchaser is at a significant disadvantage, versus a dealership that does this dozens of times a day, said state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, who co-sponsored a similar bill last year that was approved by the Transportation Committee, but not taken up for a vote by the full legislature. After all the testimony we heard today, I still have no clue why we cant have a standard conveyance fee that reflects the actual cost of conveying.

In Connecticut, the average conveyance fee charged by new-car dealers was $405, with a range from $0 to $699; while the average was $131, with a range from $0 to $695, for used-car dealers, according to a 2016 study by the legislatures Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee.

At least 15 states cap dealer-document fees, with the limits ranging from $70 or $85 in California to about $565 in Missouri, according to OLR, a bipartisan group that conducts research for the General Assembly.

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The concern is that these fees can vary so much from dealership to dealership, said state Sen. Christine Cohen, D-Guilford, the committees co-chairwoman. I think the transparency varies significantly from dealership to dealership.

At the same time, committee members have been trying to gain a better understanding of the purpose of the conveyance fees.

Why do you feel this needs to be itemized and passed along to the consumer, and not included in your overhead? asked state Sen. Henri Martin, R-Bristol, one of the co-sponsors of the bill known as HB 5203.

For me, having each thing separated out, it is very transparent. Someone can see exactly what we pay the Department of Motor Vehicles for the registration. They can see what the sales tax is, replied Kathryn Wayland, CEO of Reynolds Subaru in Lyme, who testified against the bill. I think, for the consumer, its better to itemize and show each line item as transparently as you possibly can because it also protects us from showing any type of inequitable opportunity for the guest thats presented before us.

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Jeff Aiosa, president of Mercedes-Benz of New London and legislative chairman for the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, which represents the 270 new-car dealers across the state, was the other dealer who testified against the bill.

Auto retailers operate within a unique industry model that relies significantly on our state dealer-franchise laws to regulate the relationship between dealers and the auto manufacturers, Aiosa said. Within this framework, local dealers face challenges in operating their local businesses while meeting the demands of their manufacturers. It is crucial that dealers retain the option to assess the conveyance fee, so we can continue to operate and maintain our workforce.

Siding with Aiosa and Wayland, some committee members appeared wary of imposing a cap.

Theres really nothing to prevent that consumer to go someplace else and have a comparison shop, said state Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, the committees ranking Senate member. I think the idea of capping is an unfair market restriction when the real market forces will keep dealers honest.

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Among others testifying were consumer advocates who supported the bill. Raphael Podolsky, a lawyer with the nonprofit law firm Connecticut Legal Services, said that he would have preferred a ban on conveyance fees, but that he would accept the bill as a compromise measure.

A dealer who plays around with a low conveyance fee, a medium conveyance fee and a higher conveyance fee, theyre using it as a way, in practice, to reduce what they sort of have to disclose as the sticker price of the car, Podolsky said. We know from consumer behaviors that theyre all looking at one particular kind of price.

Other ideas for helping consumers

Aiosa suggested during the hearing that state Department of Motor Vehicles staff could visit dealerships to ask what their structure is and to provide the documentation and the proof that their fee is reasonable as a possible solution.

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But Lemar was skeptical of that proposal. Frankly, our DMV doesnt have the capacity to go into every dealership across the state and force, on demand, someone to justify a sales price or a conveyance fee, Lemar said. They rely on customers bringing complaints to them.

DMV officials were not able to provide data on complaints that they have received about vehicle-conveyance fees.

Since January 2023, the state Department of Consumer Protection has recorded one complaint, received on Feb. 7, about vehicle-conveyance fees, DCP spokeswoman Kaitlyn Krasselt said in response to a Hearst Connecticut Media inquiry.

State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Saybrook, suggested possibly including the conveyance fee in a vehicles total price.

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People do know that they can negotiate the price of a car, Carney said. So Im just wondering where the difference would be if you were to put it in the total price of the car, versus having it as a separate fee.

Citing a suggestion that he had received from a dealer, state Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan, proposed creating an online registry of dealers conveyance fees that customers could consult.

You have a registry, and every year the dealership has to put in what their fee is, so consumers can go compare, ODea said. The problem we have is you have to go to each dealership to figure out what's their fee or do research thats not easy to do  I dont want to make it harder on dealerships, believe me. But I also want to make it easier on consumers.

The Transportation Committee has not yet set a date for voting on the bill.
Sitoo, a leading could-native Point of Sale (POS) and Unified Commerce Platform, has been recognized in the 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers.

Sitoo helps global fashion and lifestyle retailers create positive shopping experiences every time and everywhere. Driven by the belief that shopping should be simple and seamless, Sitoo enables retailers to unify all physical stores and online sales channels in real-time and empowers store associates to deliver seamless cross-channel experiences.

This ability to unify sales channels and provide seamless shopping experiences is swiftly becoming a top priority for retailers across the globe. According to 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers1: "Tier 2 Retail CIOs should consider POS unified commerce platforms to enable retailers to provide uninterrupted experiences, allowing customers to browse, transact, acquire and consume anywhere and everywhere."

"As a result, the requirement for open architecture has rapidly emerged as a high priority for Tier 2 retailers planning new POS deployments, and has further accelerated over the past 12 months."

"Moreover, this approach addressed the primary need for agility required in response to the ongoing disruptions in the market and rapidly changing customer expectations, and retailers' emerging strategies for modular and composable business applications."

As well as being recognized in the 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers, Sitoo has continued its rapid growth. Already Sitoo works with leading European retailers including Scandinavia's largest fashion retailer, Varner, across 1,200 stores, as well as ALDO Shoes, TFG London, Skechers, Georg Jensen and Levi's. Sitoo also launched in the U.S. with fast-growth sporting goods retailer, Rally House, the first native North American brand to implement and roll-out Sitoo POS and Unified Commerce Platform across its 200 stores, and which is one of the businesses already benefiting from the approach identified in the Gartner report.

Commenting on its decision to implement Sitoo, Kristen Liebert, Vice President of Business Transformation and Treasurer at Rally House, said: "The technology we were using wasn't growing with us and was really holding us back. We needed a POS that was cloud-native, could scale with us, and handle the high volume we were starting to see. We wanted technology that was omnichannel and would take us into the future and a partner that was solution-focused."

"With our legacy systems because they were slow and unstable our associates didn't even try to get customer capture because it was one more thing that would slow down the transaction but now, with Sitoo, we're seeing a 90% customer capture rate in many of our stores because the technology and the way it integrates is so seamless."

A further recommendation within the Gartner report is that CIOs aiming for unified retail commerce should seek modular and flexible POS solutions that can deliver agile implementation. This ensures resilience in rapidly changing environments while enabling store associates to easily access data, information and insights from various applications, including POS, through an easily navigable front-end User Interface (UI). The report also advises that CIOs should verify the vendor's capability to deliver cloud-native POS solutions that guarantee adequate resilience, data security and privacy through a thorough assessment of its disaster recovery features as per the report.

As a cloud-native rather than cloud-based solution, Sitoo guarantees resilience, data security, and privacy. Recognized for its commitment to composable and open architecture, Sitoo is a certified member of the MACH Alliance, a group of independent tech companies which champion future-proof, open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems for retailers, advocating for an approach driven by Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native and Headless solutions.

Jens Levin, Sitoo co-founder and CEO, said: "Being recognized by Gartner is a valued testament to the approach we take on our mission to create positive shopping experiences every time, and everywhere. We know flexibility is the future of retail, and it's simply not feasible for any one vendor alone to keep pace with all the changes needed to drive long-term performance this is only possible when powered by best-of-breed partnerships. With the approach we take and support we offer, retailers can build their own ecosystems with these best-of-breed solutions that can effectively adapt to change."

"We strive to give retailers the freedom they need today and the assurance they need to meet needs in the future that they don't know about yet," Levin added.

Access the 2024 Gartner Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers here for more insight and information.

About Gartner

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Sitoo

Sitoo, the cloud-native Unified Commerce Platform anchored by POS, helps global fashion and lifestyle retailers create positive shopping experiences every time and everywhere. Driven by the belief that shopping should be simple and seamless, Sitoo enables retailers to unify all physical stores and online sales channels in real time and empowers store associates to deliver seamless cross-channel experiences. Sitoo is a certified member of MACH Alliance and, with game-changing retail tech, gives retailers the foundations and the flexibility they need to run their retail business on their terms. The fast growing Swedish tech company is trusted by 300+ brands and retail chains in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.

1Gartner, Inc "Market Guide for Unified Commerce Platforms Anchored by POS for Tier 2 Retailers" by Max Hammond. January 29, 2024.

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Contacts:

For more information, contact:

Jens Levin, CEO and co-founder at Sitoo

jens.levin@sitoo.com

+46 (0)709-46 61 00
Exor becomes a long-term investor in Clarivate, endorsing the strategic direction set out by the Company's Management and Board, and announces it now has a 10.1% shareholding in the Company and can increase its participation up to 17.5%

LONDON and AMSTERDAM, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence and Exor N.V. (AEX: EXO), the Netherlands-based diversified holding company, today announced that Suzanne Heywood will be nominated for election to the Clarivate Board of Directors at the Company's next Annual General Meeting of shareholders on May 7, 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Exor, which now owns 10.1% of Clarivate, may increase its participation up to 17.5% of Clarivate's outstanding ordinary share capital.

Jonathan Gear, CEO, Clarivate said: "We welcome Exor's commitment to our strategy as a long-term investor. I'm encouraged by their vote of confidence that conveys faith in our abilities to deliver solutions that our customers trust to fuel the world's greatest breakthroughs."

Andy Snyder, Chairman of the Board, Clarivate, commented: "We look forward to Suzanne joining the Board. She will bring tremendous in-depth experience from multiple Board roles for large global corporations and her guidance will be invaluable as we continue to transform Clarivate into a world-leading intelligence provider."

Suzanne Heywood said, "We are delighted to be a shareholder of Clarivate, a global provider of data, analytics, technology and expert services to several sectors including healthcare. By bringing our experience of building great companies to the board level, we look forward to help Clarivate achieve ambitious goals and express its full potential."

Suzanne Heywood is the COO of Exor and the Chair of CNH Industrial N.V. and Iveco Group. She was born in Southampton, England and has a Science MA from Oxford University and PhD from Cambridge University that she gained after a childhood spent sailing around the world on a boat. Suzanne started her professional career in the UK Treasury. In 1997, she joined McKinsey & Company where she held increasingly senior positions including, as a Senior Partner, co-leading McKinsey's global service line on operating model change. Suzanne is also a Board member of The Economist and Louboutin.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

About Exor

Exor N.V. (AEX: EXO), is a diversified holding company that is based in the Netherlands and listed on the AEX. For over a century, Exor has built great companies and made successful investments worldwide, applying a culture that combines entrepreneurial spirit and financial discipline. Its portfolio is principally made up of companies in which Exor is the largest shareholder including Ferrari, Stellantis, CNH Industrial and Philips. For more information, please visit www.exor.com

Media contacts

media@exor.com - ir@exor.com

newsroom@clarivate.com - investor.relations@clarivate.com

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New protections will secure organizations by default from attempted attacks, abuse, and tampering as they increasingly rely on AI models

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, today announced the development of Firewall for AI, a new layer of protection that will identify abuse and attacks before they reach and tamper with Large Language Models (LLMs), a type of AI application that interprets human language and other types of complex data. Backed by the power of Cloudflare's global network, one of the largest in the world, Firewall for AI will position Cloudflare as one of the only security providers prepared to combat the next wave of attacks in the AI revolution those targeting the functionality, critical data, and trade secrets held within LLMs.

A recent study revealed that only one in four C-suite level executives have the confidence that their organizations are well-prepared to address AI risks. When it comes to protecting LLMs, it can be extremely challenging to bake in adequate security systems from the start, as it is near impossible to limit user interactions and these models are not predetermined by design e.g., they may produce a variety of outputs even when given the same input. As a result, LLMs are becoming a defenseless path for threat actors leaving organizations vulnerable to model tampering, attacks and abuse.

"When new types of applications emerge, new types of threats follow quickly. That's no different for AI-powered applications," said Matthew Prince, Co-Founder CEO at Cloudflare. "With Cloudflare's Firewall for AI, we are helping build security into the AI landscape from the start. We will provide one of the first-ever shields for AI models that will allow businesses to take advantage of the opportunity that the technology unlocks, while ensuring they are protected."

With Cloudflare's Firewall for AI, security teams will be able to protect their LLM applications from the potential vulnerabilities that can be weaponized against AI models. Cloudflare will help enable customers to:

Rapidly detect new threats: Firewall for AI may be deployed in front of any LLM running on Cloudflare's Workers AI. By scanning and evaluating prompts submitted by a user, it will better identify attempts to exploit a model and extract data.

Firewall for AI may be deployed in front of any LLM running on Cloudflare's Workers AI. By scanning and evaluating prompts submitted by a user, it will better identify attempts to exploit a model and extract data. Automatically block threats with no human intervention needed: Built on top of Cloudflare's global network, Firewall for AI will be deployed close to the end user, providing unprecedented ability to protect models from abuse almost immediately.

Built on top of Cloudflare's global network, Firewall for AI will be deployed close to the end user, providing unprecedented ability to protect models from abuse almost immediately. Implement security by default, for free: Any customer running an LLM on Cloudflare's Workers AI can be safeguarded by Firewall for AI for free, helping to prevent growing concerns like prompt injection and data leakage.

According to Gartner, "You cannot secure a GenAI application in isolation. Always start with a solid foundation of cloud security, data security and application security, before planning and deploying GenAI-specific security controls." Cloudflare Firewall for AI will add additional layers to its existing comprehensive security platform, ultimately plugging the threats posed by emerging technology.

To learn more, please check out the resources below:

Blog: Cloudflare Announces Firewall for AI

Cloudflare Firewall for AI

Source: "Generative AI Adoption: Top Security Threats, Risks and Mitigations", Gartner, Dennis Xu, Kevin Schmidt, January 17th, 2024

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare's connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business.

Powered by one of the world's largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe.

Learn more about Cloudflare's connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com/connectivity-cloud. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https://radar.cloudflare.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare Firewall for AI and other products technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using Cloudflare Firewall for AI and other products technology, the timing of when Cloudflare Firewall for AI or any of its related features will be developed and available in beta form, or generally available, to all current and potential Cloudflare customers, Cloudflare's plans and objectives for, and the timing of, Cloudflare Firewall for AI and other products and technology, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2024, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements.

2024 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Cloudflare, Inc.

Daniella Vallurupalli

Vice President, Head of Global Communications

press@cloudflare.com
New international private equity firm joins founders and Permira to support Alter Domus on next stage of growth

Alter Domus, a leading global provider of end-to-end tech-enabled fund administration, private debt, and corporate services for the alternative investment industry, today announced that it has secured a new strategic investment from Cinven. Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. The transaction gives Alter Domus an Enterprise Value of 4.9 billion ($5.3 bn).

Through the transaction, Cinven will support the long-term strategic growth of Alter Domus, working in close partnership with the founders of Alter Domus and Permira, who will continue to be significant shareholders. Their continued involvement and investment in the firm is a huge endorsement for Alter Domus as a business, its global growth strategy to date and its future potential. The new structure means Alter Domus will now benefit from the support of three fantastic partners in Cinven, Permira and the founders, and this transaction strengthens the capital base of the company enabling it to focus on the next stage of its growth.

Established in 2003, Alter Domus is one of the largest fund administrators globally, with over $2.5tn assets under administration (AUA). Solely dedicated to alternative assets, Alter Domus offers end-to-end tech-enabled fund administration and corporate services across three sectors: private equity, real assets and private debt. With the support of Permira since 2017, the firm has grown rapidly to meet the evolving needs of its client base, building a global network that now spans 23 jurisdictions, servicing 90% of the top 30 asset managers globally. Since Permira's investment, Alter Domus has increased revenue, EBITDA and employee numbers by 5x.

Additional investment characteristics of Alter Domus that were attractive to Cinven include:

Its impressive financial track record, with Alter Domus having consistently outperformed the market, delivering double-digit organic growth and attractive margin performance;

Alter Domus represents a scarce, market-leading global fund services platform that delivers market-leading service levels to a blue-chip customer base including 90% of top-30 asset managers served;

It is a proven M&A platform in the fragmented fund services market that has a successful track record of acquisitions, and a strong further pipeline of potential buy and build opportunities across a range of markets and geographies;

The company operates in attractive markets, with the fund services subsector benefitting from the structural growth of private capital markets, increasing regulation and a continued trend towards outsourcing of fund services, together with downside-protection through strong revenue visibility and cashflow generation;

Alter Domus has received significant investment in the tech-enablement of the company resulting in best-of-breed third-party platforms, workflow automation and a leading data and analytics product capability to better serve the increasingly complex needs of its global client base; and

It has an experienced and highly respected management team that has led the strong performance to date.

Alter Domus Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board Rene Beltjens, said: "In little more than two decades, Alter Domus has grown from being a small Luxembourg-based spin-off from PwC to become a world-leading fund administrator. The investment from Cinven is a significant milestone in the development of Alter Domus as it continues along this trajectory. Together with Permira, we are confident that Cinven is the perfect partner as it continues to grow and scale internationally, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the Alter Domus journey."

Alter Domus Chief Executive Officer Doug Hart, said: "With an enviable track record of investing in fast-growing, world-class businesses, we are thrilled to welcome Cinven as an investor in Alter Domus. Cinven shares our strategic vision and commitment to developing long-term technology-enabled partnerships with the leading alternatives firms globally through the delivery of operational and client service excellence. Together we look forward to further accelerating our international growth and delivering innovative new services to our clients."

Cinven Partner and Head of the Business Services sector team Rory Neeson, said: "Cinven is delighted to make this investment in Alter Domus. Fund services has been a priority subsector for Cinven's Business Services team due to the attractive business model characteristics and strong growth drivers. Cinven's Business Services and Financial Services sector teams have worked together in close partnership and have followed Alter Domus closely over many years and admired it as a global leader, with blue-chip clients and leading service levels. Looking forward, we see significant potential for further growth and we look forward to working with the management team and shareholders in the next phase of its journey."

Philip Muelder, Global Head of Services, and Chris Pell, Principal at Permira, said: "We would like to thank Rene Beltjens, Doug Hart and the entire Alter Domus team for their hard work and passion that has allowed our partnership so far to be so successful. The company is now well positioned as a global leader to enter its next phase of growth with the support of an aligned set of shareholders, and we're looking forward to working closely with Cinven, the founders and management to continue capitalising on the growth opportunity ahead."

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Alter Domus was advised by Goldman Sachs International and Raymond James (M&A), DLA Piper, Jamieson Group (Dedicated advisors to management), Oliver Wyman (Commercial), EY (Financial Tax) and Clifford Chance (Legal), Kroll (Compliance), Crosslake (Technology).

About Alter Domus

Alter Domus is a leading provider of tech-enabled fund administration, private debt, and corporate services for the alternative investment industry with more than 5,100 employees across 39 offices globally. Solely dedicated to alternatives, Alter Domus offers fund administration, corporate services, depositary services, capital administration, transfer pricing, domiciliation, management company services, loan administration, agency services, trade settlement and CLO manager services.

Find out more at www.alterDomus.com.

About Cinven

Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Cinven has offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Guernsey and Luxembourg.

Cinven takes a responsible approach towards its portfolio companies, their employees, suppliers, local communities, the environment and society.

Cinven Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

In this press release 'Cinven' means, depending on the context, any of or collectively, Cinven Holdings Guernsey Limited, Cinven Partnership LLP, and their respective Associates (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) and/or funds managed or advised by any of the foregoing.

For additional information on Cinven please visit www.cinven.com and www.linkedin.com/company/cinven/.

About Permira

Permira is a global investment firm that backs successful businesses with growth ambitions. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds with total committed capital of approximately 80bn and makes long-term majority and minority investments across two core asset classes, private equity and credit.

Permira is one of the world's most active investors in the Services sector, having deployed over $11.5 billion to partner with more than 40 companies globally. Current and previous investments from the Permira funds in the sector include: Acuity Knowledge Partners, Axiom, Cielo, Clearwater Analytics, DiversiTech, Engel Volkers, Evelyn Partners, Kroll, Motus, Relativity, Reorg and Tricor.

The Permira private equity funds have made approximately 300 private equity investments in four key sectors: Technology, Consumer, Healthcare and Services. Permira employs over 500 people in 15 offices across Europe, the United States and Asia. For more information, visit www.permira.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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Contacts:

Media Contact: alterdomus@backbaycommunications.com

Katherine-Hope Keown: +44(0)7512 309360
Bedford, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Sylla Gold Corp. (TSXV: SYG) (OTCQB: SYGCF) ("Sylla" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("NMI") to acquire four gold prospective properties encompassing 2,788 square kilometers, located in Namibia within the Central Namibian Gold belt. Sylla is to acquire a 95% interest in NMI's Namibian subsidiary that own the rights, title and interest to Grootfontein, Erongo, Otjiwarongo, and Kaoko Licences (Figure1).

Regan Isenor, President and CEO of Sylla, commented, "the Company is very pleased to acquire such an extensive land package of prospective ground in a truly emerging gold district. The Central Namibian Gold Belt continues to produce world class gold operations as well as new discoveries and we're looking forward to unlocking the value in these licences by applying some of the knowledge gained from the recent discoveries in the district. The licences Sylla is acquiring were assembled in proximity and on strike of significant operating gold mines and recent discoveries in favorable geology conducive to mineralization."









Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6472/200306_525b6b9474f9e882_001full.jpg

The Namibia project consists of 4 licence areas;

Grootfontein- Comprising of two EPLs covering 1,392 km2, The Grootfontein licences are located 80 kilometers northeast of B2Gold's Otjikoto Gold Mine and 20 kilometers northeast of Osino Resources' Otjikoto East Project. A structural interpretation of the entire project area provided a detailed analysis of the area delineating the Grootfontein Shear Zone and associated second and third order structures considered favorable for gold mineralization.

Erongo- Covering an area of 263 km2 within the Navachab-Ondundu gold trend. There are numerous mineral occurrences within the project area including at least two gold occurrences. The area has been prospected but not systematically explored. Target areas on the properties include arsenic anomalies of 2.5km to 6km in length. The Erongo Project is underlain by the Kuiseb Formation which hosts Orsino Resources Twin Hills project 20km to the south.

Otjiwarongo- Covers 150 square kilometers in the heart of the Central Namibia Gold belt on strike with key structures of B2Gold's Otjikoto Mine.

Kaoko- 983 kilometers squared and covering a portion of the central part of the Kaoko Orogen stretching northward towards Angola. The license is under application. The Kaoko Orogen is remote and largely unexplored.

Terms of the Agreement

As consideration for the acquisition, the Company shall: (i) issue to NMI 3,000,000 common shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.05 per common share; and (ii) make a cash payment to NMI of $100,000.

Closing is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of a number of conditions precedent, including, but not limited to receipt of all regulatory approvals and the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the acquisition will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the issuance thereof, as applicable, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Qualified Person Statement

All scientific and technical information contained in this news release was prepared and approved by Gregory Isenor, P.Geo., Director of Sylla Gold Corp. who is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.





For more information, please contact:

Regan Isenor

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (902) 233-4381

Email: risenor@syllagold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and includes those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200306

SOURCE: Sylla Gold Corp.
Historical Drilling Returned 131 Metres Of 2.55 g/t Gold

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Forte Minerals Corp. ("Forte" or the "Company") (CSE:CUAU)(OTCQB:FOMNF)(Frankfurt:2OA), has finalized the acquisition of the Alto Ruri high sulphidation epithermal gold ("Au") prospect and the Cerro Quillo porphyry Au-copper ("Cu")-molybdenum ("Mo") prospect from its strategic partner Globetrotters Resource Group Inc. ("GlobeTrotters"). Both are situated on a contiguous 4700 ha block of concessions that were initially acquired by Globetrotters from Compania Minera Ares S.A.C. ("Ares") in exchange for a 1.0% NSR royalty interest. These concessions were transferred to Forte's Peruvian subsidiary, Cordillera Resources Peru S.A.C., in exchange for a one-time cash payment of US$25,000.

The Alto Ruri prospect was drill tested by Compania de Minas Buenaventura ("Buenaventura") in 1997 who completed a two-stage, 12-hole drill program that included eight (8) NQ core and a four (4) reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes totalling 2254.5 m. GlobeTrotters' then subsidiary Rio Maranon Minerals S.A.C. ("Rio Maranon") re-analysed portions of the core from the eight (8) diamond drill holes in 2011 with hole 001-97 returning significant Au values averaging 2.55 g/t Au over 131 m starting from surface, including 54 m of 5.39 g/t Au1 (Tables 1 and 2). The Au mineralization is associated with the vuggy silica replacement of quartz-clay altered volcanoclastic rocks typical of high sulphidation epithermal Au alteration (Figure 2) but true widths are unknown.

Table 1: Assay results from diamond drill hole 001-97 at Alto Ruri.

Hole ID Interval (m) From (m) To (m) Au (g/t) 001-97 131 0 131 2.55 including 54 0 54 5.39 including 10 10 20 11.96 including 2.4 23.95 26.35 37.30

The Cerro Quillo prospect was drill tested by Anglo American Exploration Peru S.A. in 2004 who completed a nine (9) hole RC drill program for a total of 2684.90 m. The holes were drilled in the vicinity of the Cerro Quillo Porphyry Complex located three (3) km to the west of Alto Ruri. The historical assay results from hole 003-Q returning 200 m of 0.49 g/t Au, 0.09% Cu, and 0.007% Mo but true widths are unknown (Table 2). The Cerro Quillo Porphyry Complex is a series of mineralized diorite porphyry dikes intruding Miocene aged intermediate to felsic volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks. The system is potassic altered with secondary biotite alteration, A-type and B-type veins, and local magnetite stringers overprinted by a larger 2.5 km x 1.5 km phyllic-argillic alteration zone comprised of pervasive sericite-clay alteration, D-type veins and locally disseminated tourmaline.

Table 2: Reported drill hole collar information (WGS84 Zone 18S).

Hole ID East North Elevation Azimuth Dip Length 001-97 216890 8938804 4215 45 -70 158.1 003-Q 213500 8939210 4340 325 -60 350.75

The original source of the historical assay results in RC drill hole 003-Q is from a 2011 technical report prepared by Rio Maranon. The information suggests that porphyry Au-Cu-Mo mineralization may be present in this area. The rock chip and geochemical sample reject materials from 003-Q are no longer available for re-assaying purposes. For that reasons, the historical Au assay results from RC drill hole 003-Q have not been verified by the Company.

The Project is located just 15 km due south of the Pierina Au Mine ("Pierina") owned by Barrick Gold Corp in central Peru which has produced over 8 million ounces ("Oz") of Au since commercial production in 1999 (Figure 1). As with Pierina, these prospects are situated along the Cordillera Negra and associated with Miocene aged volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks forming part of the Tertiary Volcanic Arc which is known to host several large Miocene aged epithermal Au deposits including Newmont's (Minas Buenaventura-Sumitomo) Yanacocha and Minas Congas deposits as well as several large Miocene aged porphyry Cu-Mo-(+Au) deposits including Chinalco's Toromocho, Southern Copper's Michiquillay and Rio Tinto's (First Quantum Minerals) La Granja deposits.

Figure 1: Location map showing the Alto Ruri concessions relative to Barrick Gold's Pierina gold mine.

Patrick Elliott, President, and CEO, remarked, "This acquisition is a strategic win for Forte, thanks to the decade-long persistence and determination of our partner, Globetrotters, in securing these prospects. Both lie in the highly prospective Tertiary Volcanic Arc of north-central Peru. This region actively hosts some of South America's largest epithermal Au and porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits. Adding these assets to our portfolio enhances our copper and gold asset base. It significantly mitigates the risks associated with the early stages of exploration and discovery in a premier mining jurisdiction."

Exploration Manager, Manuel Montoya comments, "Both the Alto Ruri and Cerro Quillo prospects exhibit large zones of intense hydrothermal alteration and mineralization similar to other large Miocene aged epithermal Au and porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits that occur in this prolific mineral belt. The results from the historical drilling on both prospects were very encouraging with significant Au values returned over sizeable widths. We are excited to hopefully continue advancing this project with further drilling."

Additionally, as GlobeTrotters is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of Forte's outstanding shares, it is a "related party" to the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). As such, the acquisition of the Alto Ruri prospect and the Cerro Quillo prospect constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101.

The Company has relied on exemptions from formal valuation and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 found in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the transaction does not constitute more than the 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure

Richard Osmond, P.Geo., is the Company's Qualified Person ("Qualified Person") as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

REFERENCE TO HISTORICAL DATA

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Forte has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Forte considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company considers this data to be a significant indication of the exploration potential of the Alto Ruri and Cerro Quillo prospects. Any future exploration work by the Company's will include the verification of the historical data through drilling. Rio Maranon supervised the historical geochemical sampling of portions of the drill core from the eight (8) diamond drill holes completed by Buenaventura at Alto Ruri. The core was logged and sampled by Rio Maranon at a secure storage facility located 27 km to the southeast of Lima, Peru where the core is currently stored. The individual core samples collected for analysis ranged in length from 0.5 m to 10.20 m averaging of 1.94 m and where previously sampled by Buenaventura, the core was quarter cut using a rotary diamond blade saw. The samples were then sealed at the storage facility and transported to ALS Peru S.A.C. ("ALS") an independent analytical laboratory in Lima. ALS analyzed the samples by fire assay on a 30-gram sample with an AAS finish (Au-AA23). Where the Au-AA23 analysis returned greater than 10 ppm Au, a 30-gram split was reanalysed by fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish (Au-GRA21). In addition to ALS laboratory protocols, Rio Maranon employed an internal QA/QC program that included the insertion of reference standards (source unknown) on site and is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could have materially affected the accuracy or reliability of the data reported. The Qualified Person has reviewed the technical data and the original assay certificate provided by ALS and has verified these results.

Figure 2: Drill core from Alto Ruri hole AR001 showing irregular vuggy silica replacement of advanced argillic altered volcanoclastic rock.

Figure 3: Dense A-vein stockwork within a potassic altered dacitic tuff At the Cerro Quillo Porphyry Au-Cu-Mo Prospect.

Figure 4: A type B-vein with disseminated molybdenite crosscutting a dacite pyroclastic tuff at the Cerro Quillo Porphyry Au-Cu-Mo Prospect.

ABOUT FORTE MINERALS CORP.

Forte Minerals Corp., a junior exploration company that has blended assets in partnership with GlobeTrotters Resources Peru S.A.C., has built a robust portfolio of high-quality Cu and Au assets in Peru. The Company aims to generate significant value growth by strategically situating early-stage and drill-ready targets alongside a historically discovered and drilled porphyry system for Cu and Au resource development. Notwithstanding its resource focus, Forte is deeply committed to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and fulfilling its societal responsibilities.

On behalf of FORTE MINERALS CORP.

(signed) "Patrick Elliott"

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Forte Minerals Corp.

office: 604-983-8847

info@forteminerals.com

www.forteminerals.com

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's latest management's discussion and analysis, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future..

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the statements will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Forte Minerals Corp
JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The U.S., Jordanian air forces airdropped critical humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As part of the combined operation, U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft delivered more than 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing civilians access to much-needed assistance, the Pentagon said. The U.S. Central Command forces were joined by Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130s in conducting the operation. In total, 66 bundles of aid were dropped from three aircraft as part of the combined operation. 'We're looking at the land routes, we're looking at a sea route, we're looking at the air route to really ensure that we're exploring every opportunity to get assistance in,' Biden Administration officials said. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- inGroup International was recently recognized as one of a select group of companies that has continually grown revenues for the last four consecutive years.



The recognition came from the Direct Selling News (DSN), a respected industry publication known for accurately monitoring many companies' results and overall trends.

DSN's data shows that the last four years have created unpredictable economic conditions, and inGroup was 1 of only 22 companies they monitored, showing continued annual growth over that time.

In response to this, inGroup's Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Varvaro, said, "We are very proud that inGroup has grown every year since its launch in 2016, and we appreciate DSN's recognition of our last four years. Covid headwinds in 2020-22 certainly made growth more challenging for travel-related companies. During that time, we chose to continue investing in our Members and Partners, which continues to pay off now."

Varvaro also emphasized the company's future direction. "The travel industry is moving faster than ever. This brings new opportunities and challenges. We are responding by creating more value for our current and future customers, and we are confident this will create continued growth."

inGroups Co-CEO and Co-Founder Frank Codina said, "Our continued growth is a result of our unmatched concept, a dedicated team, loyal Members, and our unwavering Field Partners. We appreciate being included on DSN's list and how it confirms our strength amongst our industry's peers."

About inCruises and inGroup International

inCruises is a division of inGroup International and one of the world's largest subscription-based travel clubs. Since launching in 2016, inCruises has added more than one million Members and Partners from more than 200 countries and territories. inStays was added in 2022, giving Members access to nearly 200,000 cruises, hotels, and resort offers. inCruises Club Members can earn Reward Points, which can be used to book cruises, hotels, and resorts through the inCruises website, which supports 17 languages.

inGroup is making a measurable difference in its Club Members' lives and provides a world-class business to its growing Partner team. inCruises Club Membership grows exclusively through independent referring Partners who can earn compensation by sharing the exclusive Membership advantages with others.
SJSM joins an exclusive group of schools in the Caribbean that have reached this milestone and continuously demonstrated the quality of medical education.

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM), a leading Caribbean medical school, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of commitment to providing quality and affordable medical education. Since its inception, Saint James School of Medicine has remained dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring they receive exceptional instruction and hands-on experience to excel in their medical careers.

Founded in 1999, Saint James School of Medicine has steadily grown into a leading institution renowned for its innovative curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art resources. Over the past 25 years, the school has maintained its mission to make medical education accessible to aspiring physicians worldwide, regardless of their backgrounds or financial constraints.

Mr. Kaushik Guha, Executive Vice President of SJSM, commented, "As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this milestone. Our commitment to providing affordable medical education has remained unwavering, empowering countless students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. We are proud of the impact SJSM has had on the healthcare landscape. With over 700 of our graduates practicing medicine across the United States and Canada, we are committed to continuing the legacy of quality and affordability."

Saint James School of Medicine offers a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to meet the challenges of modern medicine. With campuses located in St. Vincent and Anguilla, SJSM provides a supportive learning environment conducive to student success.

"The future of our school is bright. Our goal is to become one of the leading Caribbean medical schools, and we plan to do that by providing students with the best facilities and technology available. With the new campus being built in St. Vincent and the introduction of more technology in the classroom, we aim to become a fully student-centric institution ", said Mr. Guha.

As Saint James School of Medicine celebrates its 25th anniversary, the school reaffirms its dedication to shaping the future of healthcare by educating compassionate, skilled, and competent physicians.

About Saint James School of Medicine

Saint James School of Medicine is an international medical school with two campuses on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Our students study Basic Sciences at one of our Caribbean campuses and then study Clinical Sciences through a clinical rotation program at affiliated hospitals in the US.

Saint James School of Medicine was founded in 1999 by a consortium of medical educators and physicians from universities and colleges in the United States and Europe. Hundreds of students have graduated from Saint James since the school was founded. We have a current enrollment of around 1,000 students.

Saint James School of Medicine | Park Ridge IL | Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-james-school-of-medicine_2

(18) Saint James School of Medicine - YouTube

Press Contacts

Saint James School of Medicine

digital@mail.sjsm.org

1-847-375-9121

SOURCE: Saint James School of Medicine

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The female-led design tool contributes to combating gender inequality in design

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Readymag, the design tool for creating outstanding websites without coding, announces the relaunch of Designing Women, an initiative crafted to make a contribution towards combating gender inequality in design. As part of this initiative, the company presents the ReadyLaunch Grant - four fellowships tailored to kickstart design projects and amplify the voices of female-identifying, non-binary, and other individuals affected by gender-related issues in the design industry.





Designing Women Readymag Initiative





"Rather than sending greeting cards on March 8th, let's focus on creating environments where women can thrive, grow, and shape the future of the design industry," notes Diana Kasay, co-founder and CEO of Readymag. "We expect the ReadyLaunch grant to help the project authors pursue their true passion."

The first edition of Designing Women was launched in 2019. As Diana Kasay noted, the project was about empowering women's voices in the design industry. "We didn't have the illusion that releasing the project would immediately change the world, but we clearly felt how its launch affected the design community - we brought to the surface women whose names had been unjustly forgotten and did not receive the attention they deserved."

As part of the relaunch, Readymag announced the ReadyLaunch Grant to help female-identifying and non-binary designers to put their projects into action. Tailored to kickstart or fully launch design initiatives, the ReadyLaunch Grant supports a wide range of project types, including newsletters, zines, YouTube channels, and podcasts. Grantees can utilize the funds to cover a variety of expenses, such as team payments, space rentals, production costs, project resources, or participation in training programs. Each grant package includes a fellowship valued at $2,000, alongside free one-year access to a Female Design Council membership, enrollment in the Female Design Council Mentor Match Program, and assistance in securing media coverage. The application period is open from March 4, 2024, to May 8, 2024.

The Designing Women enlightenment web project showcases 37 profiles, serving as an archive that celebrates remarkable women who have significantly influenced the design industry throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Among the names are Paula Scher, Kazuyo Sejima, Charlotte Perriand, Debbie Millman, Norma Merrick Sklarek, Tea Uglow, and Jessica Walsh.

The focus of the relaunch in 2024 was to make the project more horizontal and inclusive. "Our marketing and design teams are mostly female, and we've experienced a lot of the issues the project addresses firsthand," comments Alya Datii, Head of Marketing at Readymag. "With deep-rooted experience in the design industry, we're well-acquainted with its challenges and pain points. We sat down and listed all of our problems, experiences, needs, and demands at the intersection of our work and gender. From there, we picked those we could try to tackle as a team. After reaching out to other communities for input, we started the work."

The project also includes a curated list of over 20 organizations and initiatives tailored for female and non-binary individuals in the design field. These resources are aimed at providing support for networking, securing funding, accessing design training and career opportunities, and showcasing personal work.

Readymag is a design tool that helps create standout websites, landing pages, and all kinds of online publications without coding. It offers a non-templated layout, advanced animations and one-of-a-kind interactions, 5,000+ free fonts with complete control over typography, and tools for smooth teamwork.

Contact Information

Alisa Kusti

Communications Manager

alisa.kusti@readymag.com

SOURCE: Readymag

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Residents gather on the Suffield Town Green during a rally on racism in schools on May 20, 2002. File photo Hearst Connecticut Media

SUFFIELD  First Selectman Colin Moll has decided not to pursue a policy that would have limited events on the town green after facing backlash from residents who argued it would have infringed on First Amendment rights and targeted the LGBTQ+ community.

Moll said on Monday, however, that he remains concerned about the town's liability if there were ever a serious incident during an event on the town green, and that objections came from a small but vocal minority of residents who are politically motivated.

"This is all made up; this is all political," he said regarding objections from some residents. "It's a policy that was brought up that we're just not moving forward with at the moment."

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Last month, the board was considering a draft proposal that would have required event organizers to meet a series of criteria, many of which would've had to be approved by the first selectman's office.

Moll argues the main purpose of the draft proposal was to protect the town from being sued if there were injuries or vandalism stemming from events on the town green.

He maintains that is still "absolutely" a concern, but a small group of residents objected "to make Suffield look bad because they're not getting what they want."

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"If anything, I'll just point the finger at people driving this if there's any liability issues," Moll said. "Send them the bill."

As the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Moll decides what goes on the board's agendas, and chose not to pursue the town green policy at this point.

"Right now, I'm focused on the budget," he said. "At the end of the day, the Board of Selectmen is going to do what they find to be in the best interest of the town."

Moll noted that the draft proposal was nearly word for word as one that exists in Enfield.

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"It's not a big deal; it's all politically driven," he said. "A perfect example is other towns have this exact same thing and nobody's going after them."

When the board discussed the proposal last month, residents questioned why the first selectman's office would be the authority to approve or reject an applicant, arguing the decision should be left up to the Department of Public Works.

Resident Annie Hornish argued the proposal was an attempt to prevent LGBTQ+ groups from holding events on the town green, citing past incidents in which the LGBTQ+ community was targeted.

"This town green ordinance is part of a pattern of abuse of power by this Board of Selectmen to stifle efforts that are pro-LGBTQ, and it's spilled over into free speech," she said on Monday. "They need to just can this whole effort. It's unconstitutional."

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The director of the Kent Memorial Library resigned in October after clashing with town leaders, who forced the removal of the book "What Are Your Words?"  which introduces young people to gender-inclusive pronouns  from a book display on kindness in the children's department.

The Board of Selectmen voted in 2021 to approve a flag policy that only allows for the American and state flags to be flown on town flagpoles, which LGBTQ+ advocates took as a rejection of their hopes to fly the Pride flag during events on the town green.

Moll has said the town green proposal aimed to protect the town from being sued and had nothing to do with any particular group.

Advocates for the proposal initially said it was an effort to ensure public safety, meet insurance requirements, and curb possible violence or destruction of property.

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Applicants would have had to have been insured for at least $1 million, a provision modeled after a similar policy in Enfield.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / GiveBackToken is the digital asset of a distinctive global FOUNDATION whose members are committed to bridging social gaps and differences in order to promote equality and unity within their global family.

As the first of its kind, Give Back Token (GBT) has announced its Fair Lunch set for March 6, 2024, at 0700 UTC. The newest digital currency aims to promote social equality through the means of charitable donations determined by the token's ever-growing community members. The Australian-based project has implemented a range of innovative strategies to ensure the longevity and sustainability of its token, such as its low-percentage tax funding the donations wallet, intervalled burns for its first six months, and almost - of the collective supply locked away for its first year. With the goal of bridging gaps in social inequity, GBT recognises that its community members are not just voices for the sake of charitability but, for many, are individuals who are, directly or indirectly, affected by the causes they advocate for - adding an extra layer to the innovative project's long-term viability.

The Ins and Outs: Tokenomics and Supply Allocation

GBT has declared a supply of one quadrillion in total, divided with 53% allocated to CEX and DEX platforms, 33% held in the burn wallet, where 5.5% is ordered to be burnt monthly, and 14% locked away for the first twelve months from the launch. Furthermore, the project has ensured a low 1% buy and sell tax which will cumulatively fund the donation wallet and marketing.

The Road Less Travelled: The Three Phases of the Future

Give Back Token's roadmap has been sectioned into three phases. The first outlines goals in being listed on both CoinMarketCap and Coingecko, launching their Ambassador Program (where there are delegated individuals to each country, offering translating and familiar support for the ever growing community), obtaining a contract audit with many audits, and furthering their promotions and partnerships.

Upon completion of this, the project shifts into their second phase, with ambitions directed at the development of their designer school, have their charity program up-and-running, merchandising, and the opportunity to promote the social utility on a larger scale. Following this, Phase Three highlights objectives relating to GBT's first visa/mastercard, its own exchange, the GBT wallet, and the introduction of community conferences.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

With the idea of utilising cryptocurrency to fight social injustices being overlooked or undervalued in the past, GBT's innovative and fresh ideas have put them in a league of their own. The team members behind the token all share a similar goal: to promote, support and advocate for social equality. It is with this that Give Back Token will utilise its large telegram community (twenty-thousand members just days before its launch) in a voting system to delegate the monthly funds accumulated in the donation wallet. The project has outlined a number of disadvantaged sectors they endeavour to support, such as promoting education, assisting seniors, environmental conservation, gender equality, access to healthcare, animal welfare, and disaster relief.

With just days until its launch, GBT's initiative fosters the long-striven goal of hope for an equal world. The project believes that with the incorporation of its community input, members are able to feel included and valued, collectively working towards a better future for all. By starting this project completely digital, GBT has ensured their audience has built to a global scale and thus diversifying their contribution for change.

Although the exact future is undetermined, Give Back Token's past and present are a gift for a brighter tomorrow.

Website: https://xuirin.com

Telegram: https://t.me/xuirinfinance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/xuirin_finance

Marketing Partner: crmoon (crmoonboy)

Media Contact

Organization: Givebacktoken

Contact Person: Samowel Aboud

Website: https://www.GiveBackToken.com

Email: info@givebacktoken.com

City: Sydney

State: NSW

Country: Australia

SOURCE: Givebacktoken

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Beedie Investments Limited (the "Beedie") has entered a subscription agreement with LifeSpeak Inc. (the "Company") to acquire beneficial ownership over an aggregate of 2,307,907 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.60791 per Common Share. The Common Shares were acquired by Beedie pursuant to a private placement offering of common shares of the Company announced on March 4, 2024 (the "Private Placement").

Immediately prior to the Private Placement, Beedie held or exercised control or direction over (i) 2,765,482 Common Shares, representing approximately 5.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis); and (ii) assuming the conversion in full of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the non-revolving term convertible loan facility made available by Beedie to the Company (the "Loan Facility") of $15 million using the applicable conversion price under the Loan Facility, Beedie would hold or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of 16,401,845 Common Shares, representing approximately 25.41% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a partially-diluted basis).

Following the completion of the Private Placement, Beedie would hold or exercise control or direction over (i) 5,073,389 Common Shares, representing approximately 8.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis); and (ii) assuming the conversion in full of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Loan Facility of $15 million using the applicable conversion price under the Loan Facility, the Acquiror would hold or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of 18,709,752 Common Shares, representing approximately 25.71% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a partially-diluted basis).

All of the securities held by Beedie in the Company, including the Common Shares and the Loan Facility, are being held for investment purposes. Beedie may in the future take such actions in respect of its Company securityholdings as it deems appropriate in light of the market circumstances then existing, including the potential purchase of additional shares of the Company through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, or the sale of all or a portion of such holdings in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions to one or more purchasers, or Beedie may continue to hold its current positions.

A copy of the early warning report relating to the aforementioned Common Shares will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and may also be obtained by contacting Beedie Investments Limited at 604-435-3321. Beedie's head office is located at Suite 900 - 1111 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200335

SOURCE: Beedie Investments Ltd.
The growth of rubber molding is fueled by a surge in automotive and construction industries, alongside advancements in rubber materials and technology. South Korea and Japan are emerging as frontrunners, showcasing impressive growth rates. Dive deeper into Future Market Insights' study to explore the factors driving this market's expansion and its future potential.

NEWARK, Del., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global rubber molding market is expected to experience significant growth, rising from US$ 54.2 billion in 2024 to US$ 109.3 billion by 2034, with a 7.3% CAGR through 2034. The market's expansion is also fueled by continuous advancements in rubber material technologies, stringent regulatory standards, and an emphasis on energy efficiency. Challenges such as volatile raw material prices, competition from low-cost producers, and environmental concerns pose potential obstacles.

Download the Sample PDF report to explore key market insights and trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-19160

South Korea is emerging as a strong player in the rubber molding market, with a robust CAGR of 9.0% projected from 2024 to 2034. This growth is driven by the country's technological prowess and expertise in precision molding techniques. Japan is also gaining dominance with a steady growth rate projected at 8.7% CAGR, driven by its reputation for precision engineering and innovation, particularly in automotive and electronics applications.

The global rubber molding industry highly depends on materials like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), renowned for its exceptional properties and versatile applications across various sectors. EPDM is widely used in automotive sealing systems, construction roofing membranes, and electrical insulation, highlighting its dominance in the market. Transfer molding is also preferred, offering precise control over material distribution and production efficiency, particularly in industries requiring complex geometries and tight tolerances.

Despite the promising growth prospects, the industry faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions, regulatory restrictions, and competition from alternative materials. However, with continuous investment in research and development, adherence to quality standards, and adoption of sustainable practices, the rubber molding market is poised for sustained expansion. Key players like Continental AG, Freudenberg and Co., Sumitomo Riko, Federal-Mogul Corporation, NOK Corporation, and Hutchinson SA are expected to shape the market's trajectory.

"The demand for rubber-molded components is expected to rise due to technological advancements and the need for sustainable manufacturing practices. Medical devices and equipment rely heavily on rubber-molded products, presenting lucrative prospects for market players. The development of innovative rubber formulations and smart manufacturing technologies will unlock new avenues for growth in the market", says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.).

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

Transfer molding propels the rubber molding market with an annual 7.1 % CAGR.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer lead in the rubber molding industry, accounting for 6.8 % of CAGR.

The rubber molding market in South Korea has the potential to increase at 9.0% CAGR through 2034.

The rubber molding in Japan is projected to inflate at a CAGR of 8.7% through 2034

The rubber molding market in the United Kingdom is predicted to rise by a remarkable 8.3% CAGR through 2034.

The rubber molding in China is anticipated to develop at a CAGR of 7.9% through 2034.

The rubber molding in the United States is estimated to rise at 7.5% CAGR through 2034.

Competitive Landscape

The rubber molding market is witnessing significant growth due to the expansion strategies of major companies. These companies utilize technological advancements to meet the increasing demand for precision-engineered rubber products. Manufacturers also focus on expanding their production capacities and establishing a strong presence in emerging markets. This approach helps them capitalize on automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods opportunities. By adopting a global strategy and staying aligned with market trends, these companies are driving the growth of the rubber molding market on a worldwide scale.

Key Companies in the Market

Continental AG

Freudenberg and Co.

Sumitomo Riko

Federal-Mogul Corporation

NOK Corporation

Hutchinson SA

RotaDyne Precision Engineering Private Limited

Dow Chemical Company

Vuteq USA Inc.

Federal-Mogul Corporation

Cooper Standard Buildings Inc.

DANA Holding Corporation

Purchase now and gain full access to the Rubber Molding Industry report, featuring comprehensive Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives.

Recent Developments:

Desma invested in mold-making operations in Kentucky on November 2, 2023, which accounted for 15% of the total sales.

TruArc Partners acquired Molded Devices, Inc. on August 8, 2022, to gain exposure to medical device manufacturing.

Evco Plastics Inc. acquired a facility near Calhoun, Georgia, on April 12, 2021, to expand its capabilities by incorporating white room and LSR molding processes.

King Steel Machinery Co. introduced the world's first dual-color rubber injection molding machine on November 2, 2020, featuring dual shots for hard and soft materials, multi-injector, and multi-mold designs.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

Transfer Molding

Injection Molding

Compression Molding

Others

By Material:

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Natural Rubber (NR)

Others

By End User:

Healthcare

Automotive

Industrial

Sports

Others

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Europe

Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here!

About the Author:

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Chemicals & Materials Domain:

Reclaimed Rubber Market by Whole Tire Reclaim Rubber, Butyl Reclaim Rubber, EPDM Reclaimed Rubber, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.

by Whole Tire Reclaim Rubber, Butyl Reclaim Rubber, EPDM Reclaimed Rubber, 2023-2033. - Cellular Rubber Market by Product Type, Material Type & Region - Forecast 2022 - 2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.

by Product Type, Material Type & Region - Forecast 2022 - 2032. - Rubber Coatings Market by Material Type, Formulation Type, Source, End Use & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.

by Material Type, Formulation Type, Source, End Use & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Corrosion Protection Rubber Linings and Coatings Market By Product Type, Form, End Use & Region - Forecast 2017 - 2022. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.

By Product Type, Form, End Use & Region - Forecast 2017 - 2022. - Styrene Butadiene Rubber Market by Type, Solution SBR, Application & Region - Forecast 2022 - 2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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Future Market Insights Inc.

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GEORGETOWN, MALAYSIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Quallys Syok Segarnya, a neighbourhood favourite renowned for its mouth-watering Malay food, offered at an affordable price for all Malaysians, has set a new standard in the hospitality industry with the introduction of the Quantum Metal (QM) merchant payment system. This groundbreaking initiative makes Quallys Syok Segarnya the first restaurant in the world to accept payment in the form of gold offered by Quantum Metal, ushering in a new era of convenience, security, and innovation in the casual dining experience.

"With the introduction of the QM merchant payment system, we are not only offering our patrons a convenient way to pay for their meals but also embracing the future of digital currency," said Alvin Poh, the founder of Quallys Syok Segarnya. "At Quallys Syok Segarnya, we always strive to enhance the casual dining experience for our customers."

At Quallys Syok Segarnya, we prioritize rewarding our esteemed customers with tangible benefits. Through our collaboration with Quantum Metal , we are delighted to unveil the GAE20X gold rewards program. With every transaction, customers receive a 5% rebate from Quallys, which is then utilized to procure gold in multiples of 20 from Quantum Metal. This gold is then generously rewarded to customers at no additional charge, ensuring that each visit to Quallys Syok Segarnya leaves a lasting impression.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the QM Gold Program works:

Purchase Gold on the App: Assume your bill is RM85. Through the QM app, customers can effortlessly purchase RM100 worth of gold.

Assume your bill is RM85. Through the QM app, customers can effortlessly purchase RM100 worth of gold. Instant Pledge and Refinance: Customers instantly pledge the purchased gold to QM and refinance RM85 to settle the bill. This entire process is completed within a second on the app.

Customers instantly pledge the purchased gold to QM and refinance RM85 to settle the bill. This entire process is completed within a second on the app. Reward from Quallys: Simultaneously, Quallys Syok Segarnya rewards customers with RM85 worth of GAE20X gold, enhancing the overall value proposition.

Simultaneously, Quallys Syok Segarnya rewards customers with RM85 worth of GAE20X gold, enhancing the overall value proposition. Wealth Accumulation: Now, customers own RM185 worth of gold. Assuming a conservative estimate of a 50% increase in gold prices over 5 years, averaging 10% per year, customers stand to make a gross profit of RM92.50.

Now, customers own RM185 worth of gold. Assuming a conservative estimate of a 50% increase in gold prices over 5 years, averaging 10% per year, customers stand to make a gross profit of RM92.50. In this case, the food bill is RM85, you make back RM92.50 from the appreciation of the gold price .

. With the collaboration between Quallys Syok Segarnya and Quantum Metal, we realize the concept of "earn back what you've spent."

"We believe that the QM merchant payment system represents the future of commerce," said Kak Ayu, the co-founder of Quallys Syok Segarnya. "Not only does it offer unparalleled convenience and security, but it also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation."

Embracing our commitment to accessibility and affordability, Quallys Syok Segarnya is proud to announce plans to expand its presence with 20 outlets nationwide within the next two years. Our mission is simple: to bring quality food to more families at affordable prices. We are honoured to be recognized as "Your Neighbours' Daily Food," dedicated to serving every Malaysian with delicious, wholesome meals that enrich their daily lives.

Join us at Quallys Syok Segarnya and embark on a culinary journey. Experience the fusion of fresh seafood, authentic Malaysian flavours, and innovative payment solutions that redefine the casual dining experience. For more information, follow us on Facebook at Quallys Syok Segarnya .

About Quallys Syok Segarnya:

Located at 567, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Taman Gelugur, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Quallys Syok Segarnya is committed to providing a casual dining experience, offering a diverse selection of fresh seafood, authentic Malaysian cooking techniques, and affordable prices tailored to suit every palate.

About Quantum Metal Sdn. Bhd.

Quantum Metal Sdn. Bhd. (1011907U) is a prominent gold bullion distributor in Malaysia, established on July 30, 2012, with a paid-up capital of RM10,000,000.00. With a core business focused on providing 99.99% premium gold products to various sectors, including government bodies, banks, financial institutions, merchants, and individual dealers, Quantum Metal has become a trusted partner in the Malaysian market. Under the visionary leadership of Dato' Lim Khong Soon, the Founder and Group Managing Director, Quantum Metal continues to excel in the gold distribution industry, showcasing innovation, integrity, and financial success.

Media Contact

Organization: Quantum Metal

Contact Person: Dato Lim Khong Soon

Website: https://www.quantummetal.com.my/

Email: info@quantummetal.com

Contact Number: +60386053611

City: Georgetown

State: Pulau Pinang

Country: Malaysia

SOURCE: Quantum Metal

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Tetragon Financial Group Ltd - Annual Financial Report

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 04

Tetragon Financial Group Limited 2023 Annual Report

LONDON, March 4, 2024 -- Tetragon has published its 2023 Annual Report. Please click below to access the report.

Tetragon Financial Group Limited 2023 Annual Report

As a reminder, Tetragon will host a conference call for investors on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 at 15:30 GMT / 10:30 EST to discuss its annual report and to provide a company update.

During the call, Tetragon's investment manager will also seek to address questions raised by investors, including questions e-mailed to ir@tetragoninv.com.

Getting Access to the Call and Q&A:

The call will be accompanied by a live presentation which can be viewed online by registering at the link below. In addition, questions can be submitted online while watching the presentation. We would encourage you to log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

Webcast - please use the following link to register and access the live event webcast:

https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=0C715F47-2B1D-4FE6-BBFF-BE95CD52F7A8

Audio conference - please use the following link to register for your personal audio conference call details if you cannot join the webcast:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6cb32f159c974b4da4e6a355e0c93eda

Presentation Replay:

A replay of the call will be available for 30 days through the link provided above or by visiting https://www.tetragoninv.com/events where a recording will posted.

About Tetragon:

Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com.

Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors.

Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information.

Tetragon:Yuko ThomasInvestor Relationsir@tetragoninv.com Press Inquiries:Prosek PartnersPro-tetragon@prosek.comU.K. +44 20 3890 9193U.S. +1 212 279 3115

This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended).

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state.
LONDON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tetragon has published its 2023 Annual Report. Please click below to access the report.

Tetragon Financial Group Limited 2023 Annual Report

As a reminder, Tetragon will host a conference call for investors on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 at 15:30 GMT / 10:30 EST to discuss its annual report and to provide a company update.

During the call, Tetragon's investment manager will also seek to address questions raised by investors, including questions e-mailed to ir@tetragoninv.com.

Getting Access to the Call and Q&A:

The call will be accompanied by a live presentation which can be viewed online by registering at the link below. In addition, questions can be submitted online while watching the presentation. We would encourage you to log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

Webcast - please use the following link to register and access the live event webcast:

https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=0C715F47-2B1D-4FE6-BBFF-BE95CD52F7A8

Audio conference - please use the following link to register for your personal audio conference call details if you cannot join the webcast:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6cb32f159c974b4da4e6a355e0c93eda

Presentation Replay:

A replay of the call will be available for 30 days through the link provided above or by visiting https://www.tetragoninv.com/events where a recording will posted.

About Tetragon:

Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com.

Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors.

Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information.

Tetragon: Yuko Thomas Investor Relations ir@tetragoninv.com Press Inquiries: Prosek Partners Pro-tetragon@prosek.com U.K. +44 20 3890 9193 U.S. +1 212 279 3115

This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended).

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tetragon-financial-group-limited-2023-annual-report-302078922.html
Enbridge donates $50,000 to construction of the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre in Agassiz

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre is poised to steal the spotlight in Agassiz, BC by the end of 2025.

That's the target date for the opening of this 30,000-square-foot indoor pool facility to the public.

For now, a fundraising billboard showing the conceptual image of the regional aquatic center stands on the site where it will be constructed, adjacent to the existing Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, and on Sto:lo traditional territory - a fitting location, given that Sto:lo means "people of the river."

This ambitious indoor pool project still needs about $3.5 million to meet its target construction funding of $21 million. Meanwhile, the details about the construction of the project will be released for bidding very soon.

The Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre is designed to feature an eight-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a whirlpool, an activity space and a community room. Once operational, this indoor facility will provide more learning spaces for vital water safety education, for children and adults alike.

It will also create additional employment and volunteer opportunities, while filling a void in the community's access to a nearby indoor pool facility. Currently, the nearest indoor pool to Agassiz is located in Chilliwack, 26 km away - a distance Mayor Sylvia Pranger of the District of Kent walked for more than five hours to raise funds for the pool back in April 2023.

The Ferny Coombe Pool, Agassiz's beloved and lone pool, is a seasonal outdoor pool built in 1978. Already past its initial life expectancy, it cannot be repaired for any significant structural or mechanical failure, and has recently lost its diving board.

The name "Lets'emot" - a Halqmeylem word meaning "One Heart, One Mind" - was chosen as the official name for this aquatic center. It encapsulates the collaborative efforts of the communities of Cheam First Nation, District of Kent, Seabird Island Band, Sq'ewlets First Nation, Sto:lo Tribal Council, the Sts'ailes Nation, the District of Kent and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, that support having a much-needed year-round aquatic facility for their community and neighbours.

"The District of Kent will be incorporating the concept of 'Lets'emot' in its plans for the new indoor pool in the spirit of embracing all neighbouring communities," says Mayor Pranger. "The Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre will be a future hub for recreation and will promote accessibility, inclusion, and social connection, to ensure that everyone feels welcome to use the facility."

As part of its Fueling Futures program, Enbridge - part of the Agassiz community for almost 70 years - has contributed $50,000 to the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre.

To further bolster the fundraising efforts, the District of Kent has set up a dedicated page, Jump In and Help Us Fill the Pool!, providing details on various ways to donate.

Artist rendering of the Lets'emot Regional Aquatic Centre, targeted for opening by the end of 2025.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Enbridge

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Directed at individuals who may be at risk of elevated PFAS exposure, the new test detects and measures PFAS identified by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Organizations interested in workforce, community, and research population testing may also access the test

SECAUCUS, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX), the world's leader in diagnostic information services, announced the availability of the first consumer-initiated, physician-ordered blood-draw test for PFAS chemicals with the option to confer over the phone with a physician about the results.

Available at questhealth.com, the new test, PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Test Panel, is performed by Quest Diagnostics to identify the level of potentially harmful chemicals called per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) - also known as "forever chemicals" because they can accumulate and linger in the environment and body.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health effects potentially associated with PFAS exposure include increases in cholesterol levels, decreases in birth weight, lower antibody response to vaccines, kidney and testicular cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and changes in liver enzymes.

"Scientists and the general public are increasingly aware that PFAS may be dangerous to human health, but access to quality, convenient testing to assess exposure is limited," said Jack Kain, PharmD, director and medical science liaison of Drug Monitoring and Toxicology, Quest Diagnostics. "Our PFAS blood test is based on the latest science and aligns with several facets of new CDC guidance as well as recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Not everyone needs a PFAS test, but people at high risk of elevated exposure may benefit from greater access to the insights provided by this novel test."

Testing may be right for people who likely have had elevated exposure to PFAS. These may include people who have been exposed to PFAS while on the job, such as firefighters, or who used a water supply near a commercial or industrial location, as well as those living near a facility that manufactures fluorochemicals or areas of documented PFAS environmental contamination.

The new test from Quest features several unique innovations. It is the first PFAS blood test available as a consumer-initiated test with physician consult to report a sum of PFAS chemicals based on level of health risks identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). The physician consultation, available to any individual who purchases the test, involves a telephone discussion between the individual and a third-party licensed physician about the results. In addition to providing personalized results, each easy-to-read test report includes information on ways to reduce exposure risk and can be shared with a personal physician.

The test is also widely available; individuals can visit most of Quest's approximately 2,100 patient service centers in the U.S. for a blood draw*.

In addition to offering the test to consumers, Quest is making the test available via B2B channels for organizations seeking workforce, community, or research-based testing for at-risk populations due to concerns about elevated PFAS exposures. The company plans to introduce a version of the test specifically for physicians to aid patient care later this year.

PFAS Testing Based on the Latest Science

In recent years, a growing body of science has revealed potential health risks of exposure to PFAS. In July 2022, NASEM recommended offering PFAS testing to patients who are likely to have a history of elevated exposure.

The Quest test aligns with several recommendations from NASEM on PFAS testing, including:

Use of serum or plasma blood specimens (blood taken from an arm) instead of capillary blood specimens (from a fingerstick).

Quantifying levels of several specific PFAS chemicals identified for potential health risks.

Reporting the sum of those levels by three general risk categories.

According to NASEM, individuals whose results are in the third, or highest, category (levels of 20 ng/mL or above) may benefit from additional medical care, such as thyroid function testing and assessment of signs of kidney and testicular cancer. While most individuals have some level of PFAS exposure, an estimated 9% of Americans have PFAS levels of 20 ng/mL or higher, typically due to environmental or occupational exposure.

In January 2024, the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry unveiled updated guidance to help providers and patients consider PFAS blood testing, based largely on the NASEM recommendations.

About PFAS

PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in thousands of industrial and consumer products and which may enter the body through contaminated food and water. While there is no current medical treatment available to reduce PFAS levels, individuals can take steps to limit or reduce their exposure.

PFAS chemicals are associated with $22 billion in healthcare costs, according to a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society[1]. Some individuals are at increased risk of prolonged exposure due to certain environmental and occupational factors. This includes firefighters, people living near industrial locations such as manufacturing plants, military bases, and airports, and those living in communities with known PFAS environmental contamination. According to the Environmental Working Group, more than 4,600 communities across the U.S. are at risk, as of August 2023.

Human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of PFAS are uncertain. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to PFAS. Finding PFAS in an individual's blood does not mean that the levels of PFAS harmed the individual's health. For more information about PFAS chemicals see:

CDC: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health.

EPA: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Consumer-Initiated Testing with a Physician Consult

The PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Test Panel is available for individuals to purchase directly on questhealth.com. Unlike traditional direct-to-consumer tests, each test involves physician oversight and consultation on request with a licensed physician. Specifically, when an individual purchases a PFAS test online, a physician from PWNHealth, an independent, third-party physician network, will review the request and place an order. Once the order is submitted, an individual can schedule an appointment for a blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center. When testing is completed, results are provided in an easy-to-read report on a secure patient portal. An individual may then request a separate telephone consult with a PWNHealth physician to review the results. In addition, a PWNHealth care coordinator will actively contact any individual whose test results suggest elevated PFAS exposure (20ng/mL or higher) to recommend a physician consultation.

A Solution for Population Testing Public Health Departments, Employers, Military Sites, Municipalities, and other Organizations

Quest is also offering the PFAS test panel on a limited basis to organizations seeking to provide PFAS testing for workforce, community, research, and other population-based testing. For additional information about B2B testing program, interested parties may contact Quest Diagnostics at PFAStesting@questdiagnostics.com.

*PFAS blood testing does not identify the sources of a person's exposure or predict future health outcomes. This test assesses PFAS levels at the time of the blood sample collection. This PFAS test is not intended for use in the diagnosis of any disease or other conditions, or for use in the cure, mitigation, or treatment of any disease or condition. Only a physician can diagnose a health condition or outcome. This test is not appropriate for forensic use. Not available for purchase in AK, AZ, HI, or NY.

** In January 2024, the CDC provided new information on its website that recognizes the value of PFAS blood testing by a CLIA-certified laboratory. As knowledge and guidelines about PFAS ("forever chemicals") and PFAS testing continue to evolve, questhealth.com may update its test offering accordingly.

About Quest

Quest, through questhealth.com, empowers consumers by making affordable, high-quality, trusted healthcare easy. With innovative tools, we give consumers more control over their own healthcare journeys and meet them where they are, supporting both consumers and their care teams. Our consumer-initiated test service allows people access to the same quality lab tests used by doctors and hospitals, providing the information and insights they need about their health. With more than 75+ lab tests available at questhealth.com, from general health profiles to tests for conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted diseases, consumers can shop, schedule test appointments, and access results securely from a phone or computer.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in?the?United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com

Quest is the brand name used for services offered by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA-certified laboratories that provide HIPAA-covered services. Other affiliates operated under the Quest brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do not provide HIPAA-covered services.

1 Leonardo Trasande, Roopa Krithivasan, Kevin Park, Vladislav Obsekov, Michael Belliveau, Chemicals Used in Plastic Materials: An Estimate of the Attributable Disease Burden and Costs in the United States, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 8, Issue 2, February 2024, bvad163, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvad163

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

For further information: Jillian Flanagan (Media): mediacontact@questdiagnostics.com or Shawn Bevec (Investors): 973-520-2900

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Quest Diagnostics on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Quest Diagnostics

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/quest-diagnostics

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQWN) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to strong investor demand, the previously announced financing (see news release dated February 22, 2024) has been increased from $1,350,500 to $1,650,500 to fund continued exploration at the Company's 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in northcentral B.C. (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

Location of Kliyul



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/200355_4d89e4e534583ad8_001full.jpg

Financing

Pacific Ridge plans to issue up to 13,131,250 units ("Units") at a price of $0.08 per Unit and 6,310,540 flow-through units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.095 per FT Unit in a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1,650,500 (the "Financing"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one Warrant. Each Warrant will be exercisable to purchase one additional non-flow-through common share at an exercise price of $0.12 for a period of 24 months.

Proceeds from the sale of FT Shares will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act and "flow through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act. Such proceeds will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date not later than December 31, 2024, in the aggregate amount of not less than the total amount of gross proceeds raised from the issue of FT Shares.

Proceeds from this Financing will be used for general working capital and for exploration at Pacific Ridge's flagship Kliyul copper-gold project as well as for exploration at the Company's other projects in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge may pay finder's fees of 6% cash on a portion of the Financing. The Financing and payment of finder's fees are subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Kliyul

Owned 100% by Pacific Ridge, Kliyul is over 90 km2 in size and is located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. The Project hosts a number of compelling exploration targets, including the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ") which has been the Company's focus since 2020. Pacific Ridge has completed more than 17,500 m of diamond drilling at KMZ and has expanded the known mineralized extents to 760 m east-west, up to 600 m north-south, and up to 650 m vertical depth.

The last two holes of the 2023 diamond drill program, KLI-23-068 and KLI-23-069, returned some of the best mineralized intervals ever reported from KMZ and provided a vector for a higher-grade porphyry centre.

Drill hole KLI-23-068, collared in KMZ West, intersected 110.0 m of 0.97% copper equivalent ("CuEq")* or 1.44 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq")** (0.27% copper, 1.03 g/t gold, and 1.55 g/t silver) within 455.8 m of 0.43% CuEq* or 0.63 g/t AuEq** (0.17% copper, 0.37 g/t gold, and 0.93 g/t silver) (see news release dated January 9, 2024)(see Figure 2).

Drill hole KLI-23-069, collared in KMZ North, returned 45.0 m of 0.58% CuEq* or 0.86 g/t AuEq** (0.38% copper, 0.28 g/t gold, and 2.20 g/t silver) within 570.0 m of 0.27% CuEq* or 0.40 g/t AuEq** (0.14% copper, 0.18 g/t gold, and 0.99 g/t silver). The 45 m interval, at 584 m downhole depth, is the deepest mineralized interval ever encountered at Kliyul and provides a down-plunge vector for a higher-grade porphyry centre at KMZ (see news release dated January 9, 2024)(see Figure 3).

To view results from previous drill holes completed by Pacific Ridge at Kliyul, click on the link below.

https://pacificridgeexploration.com/site/assets/files/5969/kliyul-assay-summary-for-holes-36-66.pdf

KMZ remains open in every direction and Pacific Ridge plans further exploration work this year, including ZTEM and MT surveys, to refine targeting for higher-grade mineralization in KMZ West and a porphyry centre in KMZ North.

Figure 2

KMZ TDR Footprint Model



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/200355_4d89e4e534583ad8_002full.jpg

Figure 3

400 m thick East-West Section (6265860 N) with Deep View MVI Voxel Model Suggesting West-Tilted System Above Underlying Source Pluton



To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/200355_4d89e4e534583ad8_003full.jpg

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship asset is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Investor Relations:

Tel: (604) 687-4951

Email: ir@pacificridgeexploration.com

Website: www.pacificridgeexploration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

*CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x AuR/CuR x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x AgR/CuR x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462).

**AuEq = ((Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + ((Cu%) x CuR/AuR x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Ag(g/t) x AgR/CuR x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Au x 0.032151).

Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.25/lb, $Au = US$1,800/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz.

There has been no metallurgical testing on Kliyul or RDP mineralization. The Company estimates copper recoveries (CuR) of 84%, gold recoveries (AuR) of 70%, and silver recoveries (AgR) of 65% based on the average recoveries from KUG, Mount Milligan, and Red Chris.

Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne.

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.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding further exploration work to refine targeting for higher-grade mineralization at KMZ West and a porphyry centre in KMZ North and the Financing. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge 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 applicable law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200355

SOURCE: Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
VANCOUVER BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Falcon Gold Corp. (TSX-V:FG)(GR:3FA)(OTCQB:FGLDF); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received drill permit approval to conduct a diamond drilling program at its Great Burnt Copper Project in central Newfoundland. The Company initially plans to test up to ten geophysical anomalies with a maximum of 1100 metres of drilling. The Company will provide further guidance on an estimated drill start date once logistics for the program are determined and service providers are confirmed.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have been able to expand our footprint in the Great Burnt Copper District. This property will be explored for its potential to host orogenic gold and copper-bearing massive-sulphide mineralization that may contain gold. Falcon's new claims overlie the northern continuation of the conductive trend which is associated with lithologies that host the copper-rich Great Burnt and gold-rich South Pond deposits held by Benton Resources Inc. - Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture. The northern conductive trend has never been drill-tested or subjected to any systematic exploration program. Our desktop studies have identified geophysical targets within Falcon's project that are drill-ready, and with the recent drill permit approval we are now in the logistical planning phase. We look forward to updating our exploration and drilling plans in the coming months."

Falcon holds 2,275 hectares in the Great Burnt Camp, with licenses located north of Benton Resources Inc. - Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture (see Figure 1). Benton Resources Inc. ("Benton") recently optioned the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project from Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. ("Spruce") in an agreement that allows Benton to earn a 70% interest in the property (see press release dated August 17, 2023). The Benton-Spruce Ridge property is host to the Great Burnt Copper Zone, a deposit with an indicated resource of 381,300 tonnes at 2.68% Cu and inferred resources of 663,100 tonnes at 2.10% Cu. (https://www.spruceridgeresources.com/great-burnt.php). Recent drilling by Benton at the Great Burnt Copper Deposit reported drill results that returned 7.20% Cu, 7.12 g/t Ag, and 0.05% Co over 12.30 metres (see press release dated December 5, 2023). Previous drilling in 2020 by Spruce reported 8.06% Cu over 27.2 m (TSXV: SHL press release dated March 18, 2021). The Great Burnt Greenstone Belt is prospective for copper and gold, and further hosts the South Pond A and South Pond B copper-gold zones, and the End Zone copper prospect along a 14 km mineralized corridor. The mineralized corridor occurs along a conductive trend, and this conductive trend continues into Falcon's Great Burnt Copper Property (see right hand side image in Figure 2).

The Great Burnt Copper Property

The property is hosted within the Great Burnt Greenstone Belt (GBGB) which hosts massive sulphide deposits that have been interpreted as Besshi-type. These types of deposits generally occur as laterally extensive sheets of pyrrhotite- or pyrite-rich sulphide rock within mixed volcanic-sedimentary environments. Sulphide lenses can be several metres thick and extend for several kilometres. Besshi-type massive-sulphide deposits are generally copper dominant, commonly contain other lithophile elements like cobalt or lead, and can contain precious metals such as gold and silver. The property is also located 4 km west of the Crest Resources-Exploits Discovery joint venture project within the Exploits Subzone. The Exploits Subzone contains deep-seated gold-bearing structures of the Dog Bay-Appleton Fault- GRUB Line deformation corridor that contains the high-grade Keats Gold Zone of New Found Gold.

Figure 1. Location of proposed drilling within Falcon's recent acquisition proximal to the Benton-Spruce Ridge Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture in central Newfoundland.

Figure 2. Great Burnt Bend Project area with Falcon claims in orange and Benton - Spruce Ridge Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture in blue. New claims cover conductive trend hosting copper and gold mineralization.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Robinson, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The QP and the Company has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the properties comprising the Great Burnt property claim group, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20 km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently an estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.

The Company holds multiple additional projects: the Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; the Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; the Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently battery metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, the Timmins West and the Outarde Property.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-0551

Email: info@falcongold.ca

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume

Chief Executive Office

Telephone: (416) 868-1079 x 251

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Falcon Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Mayoral candidate John Gomes reaches out to hug a suppporter at O'Manel restaurant after the redo of the general election in Bridgeport, Conn., on Tuesday February 27, 2024. Mayor Joe Ganim declared victory in the race. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media Mayoral candidate John Gomes speaks to suppporters at O'Manel restaurant after the redo of the general election in Bridgeport, Conn., on Tuesday February 27, 2024. Mayor Joe Ganim declared victory in the race. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media

BRIDGEPORT  Headed into this past week's fourth and final clash at the polls with Mayor Joe Ganim, John Gomes had, on paper, just $698 left in his campaign war chest out of $433,985 total raised.

Gomes, who ran against fellow Democrat Ganim as an Independent, had, in contrast to the incumbent, missed the last two state-required financial filing dates of Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. He could have faced penalties but turned in the necessary documentation to the Bridgeport Town Clerk Wednesday after losing Tuesday's court-ordered special general election by 2,235 votes.

Ganim, meanwhile, on Feb. 20 had reported $89,968 remaining out of $808,901 total contributions.

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"We had paid our expenses, strategically planned and had met our strategy," Gomes said Friday when asked about his dwindling bank account. "Much of what we were doing was volunteer."

But local political consultant Cole Haymond said that, in his experience, a campaign with that little money on hand "can't function" and make the necessary hires to get out its message.

"Canvassers  door knocking  has become a premium," Haymond said. "When I got started in 2006 it was $10 an hour." Now the going rate can be at least $20, he said.

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Haymond continued, that the "$698 gets you a few shifts for maybe a day or two of canvassing, let alone the cost of any materials, reimbursements for gas, meals or water."

Haymond was involved with Gomes' earlier attempt at running for mayor in 2011 and with Ganim's winning 2015 campaign and his 2023 primary campaign. He said that while candidates can use unpaid volunteers, realistically, particularly in cities, "Boots on the ground expect to be compensated for their time."

When Gomes, a former Ganim supporter and ex-mayoral aide, formally announced his bid to take on his old boss in December 2022, the mayor had already been seeking a third consecutive four-year term since March of that year and approaching donors. Gomes within the first month of his candidacy raised an impressive $100,304 compared with his rival's $225,000 and was quick to draw attention to his haul to prove he could be competitive.

Gomes then came close to defeating Ganim in last September's Democratic primary and November's general election. Their Feb. 27 match, as well as a do-over Jan. 23 primary, were scheduled by Judge William Clark after Gomes' campaign successfully went to state superior court and alleged some Ganim supporters mishandled absentee ballots in the Sept. 12 primary.

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Ganim had a far better showing in the Jan. 23 primary. While he won with 251 votes Sept. 12 and 179 votes on Nov. 7, he defeated Gomes by 1,077 votes in the do-over primary. And while the incumbent relied on absentee ballots for his two prior slim victories, with Gomes winning on the machines at the city's nearly two-dozen polling sites, in January the mayor also won those in-person locations.

The Jan. 16 financial report Gomes' also submitted late to the town clerk Wednesday showed his fiscal situation was not much better ahead of that second mayoral primary with Ganim. He had $2,259 available.

Gomes did receive backing from the Bridgeport Generation Now Votes organization, a spin off of the Generation Now civic group active for the past few years. After only recently endorsing Gomes, Generation Now Votes according to its own required campaign filings, as of Feb. 20 spent $6,054 in support of electing Gomes, but as a tax exempt entity could not coordinate with him.

Haymond said "most likely" Gomes would have been more competitive Tuesday had he had more dollars on hand.

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Ganim had a fundraising advantage as the incumbent with not just the last eight years in office behind him, but his prior time leading Bridgeport from 1991 until 2003. Even in this prolonged mayoral battle he was able to repeatedly rely on municipal staffers, other local Democratic elected officials, developers and others having business with the city, members of his large family and personal friends and relatives' friends to donate to his campaign.

But, Haymond cautioned, even had Gomes had more money, it already appeared his campaign had lost a lot of momentum. Ganim, in the final few days of the campaign, racked up endorsements from Gov. Ned Lamont, other prominent Connecticut Democrats, and another candidate who dropped out of the mayor's race, Democrat Lamond Daniels.

Gomes, who consistently referred to his supporters as "a movement," acknowledged dollars are always a key component to winning. But, he added, Ganim had the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee, its political apparatus and state Democrats on his side.

"You've got to remember, we were going against everybody," Gomes said.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Two Hands Corporation. (CSE: TWOH) ("Two Hands" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has agreed to settle an aggregate of $400,000 of indebtedness to a non-arm's length creditor of the Company through the issuance of 8,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.05 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The Common Shares issued pursuant to the debt settlement shall be subject to a four-month hold period and completion of the transaction remains subject to final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Debt Settlement constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as upon completion of the Debt Settlement, an insider of the Company will receive 8,000,000 Common Shares. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the 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, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the Common Shares to be issued to the insider in connection with the Debt Settlement does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Debt Settlement, which the Company deems reasonable.

About the Company

Two Hands Corporation (CSE: TWOH) (OTC Pink: TWOH) is a Canadian-based distribution company focused exclusively on the grocery market through the Cuore Food Services brand. Two Hands' inventory is updated continuously and generally consists of produce, meats, pantry items, bakery & pastry goods, gluten free goods, and organic items, acquired from various suppliers in Canada and Internationally. For more information about Two Hands Corporation, please visit: www.twohandsgroup.com.

For further information please contact:

Nadav Elituv, Chief Executive Officer at (416) 357-0399 or nadav@twohandsapp.com

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning: the commencement of trading of the Company's Common Shares on the CSE.

These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in respect thereof as at the date of this press release regarding, among other things: the Company completing its next financing.

Although the Company believes the expectations and material factors and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these expectations, factors and assumptions will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: changes in general economic, competitive, business, political and social conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; the ability to access various sources of debt and equity capital on favourable terms; changes in applicable laws and regulations and costs associated therewith; actions by governmental or regulatory authorities and costs associated therewith; technology and cyber security risks; natural catastrophes; and certain other risks detailed in the Company's final prospectus dated April 21, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

This list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted or projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this document. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200362

SOURCE: Two Hands Corporation


MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - Indian startups had requested government officials and the Competition Commission of India or CCI to ask Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOG, GOOGL) Google to reinstate their apps in Playstore.



Rajeev Chandrasekhar, IT minister of state, posted on X/Twitter, 'Today, startups presented their concerns regarding a few policies of Google. Assured them that the Ministry of Electronics and IT will take it up with Google for a sustainable and long-term solution.'



The startups also expressed their concern over the tech giant's arbitrary revenue share of 15 to 30 percent for its services.



'We pay only 0.25 per cent commissions on third-party payment gateway charges. Most companies do not pay more than 2 per cent, which is on the higher side. Google, on the same service, is charging a 15-30 per cent share,' said Vinay Singhal, founder and chief executive officer of STAGE.



However, the U.S.-based company maintained that only 3 percent of Indian developers pay a service fee to sell digital goods or services, out of which 'less than 60 developers on Google Play are subject to fees above 15 per cent'.



Further, the developers accused that Google's billing policy gave access to every transaction done in the app, including sensitive user data.



Singhal added, 'On top of that, they have asked for audit rights on our books in our office. They can basically raid our office at any point and audit our books. By doing that, they are in direct conflict with the Digital Personal Data Protection or DPDP Act, where we have to provide Google with this data without the consent of users'.



Last week, the technology conglomerate delisted apps from 10 developers, including popular apps like shaadi.com, Bharat matrimony, and 99 acres for alleged non-compliance with its user choice billing or UCB system. However, a few apps made their way back to the Play Store by complying with Google's consumption-only model, under which the apps undertake transactions on their respective websites, instead of via the in-app billing system.



However, several companies reported a revenue cut of 40 percent within one day of delisting, while others complained of the inability to acquire new customers.



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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (FSE: QM4) (OTCQB: SSPLF) ("Safe Supply" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced seven (7) per cent stake acquisition of Safety Strips Tech Corp. and has paid $50,000 cash and three million (3,000,000) common shares at $0.10 CAD in Safe Supply for a total value (Cash + Shares) of $350,000 of which the common shares have a four month and one day hold period. Safe Supply is excited to report significant progress in the commercialization efforts of its new portfolio company: with the receipt of its innovative packaging solutions and engaging in late-stage discussions with two major U.S. retailers, Safety Strips is setting a rapid pace in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry, focused on harm reduction.

This milestone is a testament to Safe Supply Streaming's core strategy of assembling a diversified portfolio within the Safe Supply ecosystem. Early investments like Safety Strips are carefully selected to focus on immediate revenue generation opportunities, positioning the Company for sustainable growth while awaiting further regulatory developments. Safe Supply's commitment to innovation and strategic market entry points underscores its vision to lead and expand within the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring long-term value creation for its stakeholders.

Bill Panagiotakopoulos, CEO of Safe Supply Streaming, has been actively involved in discussions with various levels of government in Vancouver, advocating for the integration of Safety Strips in addiction centres, shelters, and other critical areas. These efforts highlight Safe Supply Streaming's leadership role in promoting harm reduction strategies across the community.





Photo 1: Safety Strips Harm Reduction Solution

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The urgency to address the fentanyl crisis is more critical than ever, particularly in a country with a population of 350 million like the US. The market for fentanyl test strips, essential in venues such as music festivals, concerts, addiction houses, and education centers, is vast and largely untapped. With too many lives lost to overdose, the need for widespread availability and use of fentanyl test strips is evident. Safety Strips is at the forefront of this battle, offering a reliable solution that meets the public's growing demand for safety measures against fentanyl poisoning. This initiative is not just a business opportunity; it's a public health imperative that Safety Strips and Safe Supply Streaming are committed to leading.

Geoff Benic, CEO of Safety Strips, emphasizes the company's mission, "We are resolutely focused on commercializing our business and building a CPG brand that earns consumer trust. Our goal is to 'own the shelf' in our industry, committing to aid governments and communities in their harm reduction efforts. Our rapid progress, from early packaging arrival to promising retailer discussions in the U.S., heralds a promising future for Safety Strips and its mission."

Corporate Update

The Safe Supply Board of Directors has approved the issuance of an additional 600,000 RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) to a consulting company, Machai Capital Inc., as compensation for its business development services. RSUs vest four months after the issuance and have a two-year expiry term.

The Company has also recaptured 1,250,000 stock options from a previous director of Safe Supply, Ronan Levy, who resigned on Jan 30, 2024. It was recaptured through a sale of the stock options to the Corporation for C$1.

About Safety Strips

Safety Strips is a leading harm reduction company, specializing in proprietary medical testing technologies. With a focus on innovation and public health, Safety Strips is dedicated to becoming the consumer-packaged goods brand of choice for medical testing, offering products that save lives and enhance public health safety.

About Safe Supply

Safe Supply Streaming is a public company committed to improving public health outcomes through strategic investments in harm reduction and medical technology. With a focus on innovative solutions and partnerships, Safe Supply Streaming aims to address critical health crises and offer meaningful, life-saving interventions.

Learn more at www.safesupply.com and follow Safe Supply on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

For Further Information:

Bill Panagiotakopoulos

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd.

www.safesupply.com

bill@safesupply.com

Media contacts:

McKenna Miller

KCSA Strategic Communications

safesupply@kcsa.com

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

Certain statements in this news release related to Safe Supply and Origin are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature, including but not limited to the express or implied statements and assumptions regarding the intention of Origin and Safe Supply to complete the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "will" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and Origin's and Safe Supply's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to adverse market conditions and risks inherent in Origin's and Safe Supply's respective businesses. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Origin and Safe Supply do not intend to update these forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed, or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular and/or listing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Origin should be considered highly speculative.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200236

SOURCE: Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd.
LONDON, Mar. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lamdre in Beijing is the 2024 recipient of the coveted American Express One To Watch Award. This accolade is determined by the organisers of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in partnership with its regional advisers and recognises restaurants that demonstrate the gastronomic excellence, innovation and culinary potential to break into the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants ranking in future years.

Lamdre draws inspiration from the Tibetan Buddhist meditative system it is named after and embodies owner Zhao Jia's culinary philosophy of deliciousness, nature and sustainability. Its seasonal vegetarian cuisine is curated by veteran chef Dai Jun. Nestled in a serene corner of Sanlitun, Beijing, the contemporary restaurant has become a gastronomic mecca in just a little over one year. With a steadfast commitment to honouring ingredients and elevating produce, Lamdre offers a revelatory and novel plant-based dining experience.

William Drew, Director of Content for Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "The dining experience at Lamdre is exquisite - from the serene ambience to the refined dishes that pay homage to nature's abundance. Chef Dai and Zhao Jia have introduced a concept that is refreshingly distinct and this accolade is well deserved."

Lamdre focuses on dishes unrestricted by cuisine and regional boundaries, taking inspiration from the earth and the sea. The culinary team's commitment to sourcing the freshest, most seasonal ingredients and presenting them to reflect the 'pure essence of food' results in dishes that are stripped of excess refinement, showcasing the natural beauty of each ingredient. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Lamdre's ethos, advocating for conscientious gastronomy that prioritises environmental wellbeing.

Zhao says: "We are humbled and honoured to receive the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Restaurants American Express One To Watch Award. We extend our gratitude to the organisation, the guests for their love and support, and to our team members for their dedication and hard work. We are determined to adhere to the principles of operating a healthy and sustainable restaurant, showcasing the power of nature and the rich and captivating flavours of the Eastern plant world."

The Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be held live in Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, Seoul, South Korea on 26 March 2024. The countdown will also be livestreamed on 50 Best's Facebook and YouTube channels.

Media centre:

https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

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BBT.live, Tel Aviv, Israel-based provider of secured connectivity services for service providers, expanded its Seed funding to $9.5M.

The round was led by Tzvi Neta.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and development efforts.

Led by CEO Moshe Levinson, BBT.live offers an all-in-one advanced SD-WAN as a service subscription used to service provider needs that includes edge hardware, optimizing connectivity and efficiency while reducing costs. Its BeBroadband, as a service platform, is commercially available and already deployed following two years of collaboration with design partners, including the Prodware Group France, a globally recognized innovator in IT.

The company has a team of 30 employees.

FinSMEs

04/03/2024
Courtroom drama could never have been this entertaining without the entire cast of Maamla Legal Hai. And not just entertaining, its witty too. Directed by Rahul Pandey, and written by Kunal Aneja and Saurabh Khanna is a complete cocktail of real life cases. It gives a glimpse as to what happens in the courts of Hindi heartland and their real cases and their problems.

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Netflixs Maamla Legal Hai very clearly shows that not all is bad and evil and that everything can be sorted with a clear heart and dash of fun. Just that some things in life should be left in the hands of time. Things that you truly deserve will definitely come to you, just that sometimes it takes a little longer.

Ravi Kishan truly sparkles as advocate VD Tyagi. With a fun twist, the show explores the lives of lawyers and their struggles. Some lawyers want to make it big and want to be known for their work, while some want to serve the people of the Hindi heartland and look into the real problems of the place and its people.

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The show starts with the voiceover of Vijay Raaz when he says jinke coat kaale hai magar dil kaala nahi hai (their coats might be black, but not their hearts). This line truly reflects the entire mood of the show. We get to meet different types of lawyers, some who have a chamber for themselves, some who sits on the benches of the parking area outside the court and some under the tress. And mind you all their struggles are real even those sitting at the helm of the judiciary affairs.

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Nidhi Bisht who plays the role of Sujata Negi has been sitting on the benches outside the court for years in the hope that someday she too will get a chamber and get settled in life. None of the lawyers shown in Netflix s Maamla Legal Hai is black or white. All are different shades of grey.

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Ambitious VD Tyagi (Ravi Kishan), who is the president of Patparganj Bar Association and dreams of becoming an Attorney General of India too is not always a clean hearted person. A sharp lawyer who knows how to find loopholes in the legal system to win cases. He knows how to twist and turn things in his favour. He uses one of his juniors who is a Harvard law school return to his advantage when she comes in the hope of getting a place for herself to start her legal practice. He makes her write an article as an assignment and then later uses the article under his own name in the newspaper. This is a common practice for not only in the legal field, but areas too.

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Ravi Kishan in Netflixs Maamla Legal Hai

No unnecessary melodrama, Maamla Legal Hai touches upon the fact as to what is the reason behind Tyagi being the person he is. There is a backstory to his cunningness and he truly is a survivor. The way Ravi Kishan plays with words and his dialogue delivery in the entire show and his expression when he is dealing with his juniors or when he is fighting a case is impeccable. The more I see his recent performances, whether it is Kiran Raos Laapataa Ladies or here in this show, you cant stop becoming a fan of his craft.

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In this show nobody is trying to over shine anybody. Though Ravi Kishan is the main lead, everybody has an equally important role to play. Each character is a hero in its own right!

Rating: 3 out of 5
High schools in Taiwan will soon be offering mental health leave to students. Its part of a trial run by the government to address the rising suicide rates, depression, and high stress levels among its youths

High school students studying at a school in Taipei. This month schools will be offering mental health leave to students as part of a trial. File photo/AFP

What happens if a child in the family is down with a bad cold or flu? You probably wont send them to school and tend to them. But what happens when they are feeling anxious or low? You ask them to chin up and carry on with their routine. But Taiwan plans to change that. They are introducing mental health leave for students.

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What is Taiwans mental health leave for students?

High schools in Taiwan will be offering leave to students to address any mental health issues they might be facing. Its a trial run and more than 40 schools in the self-governing territory have signed up for it this month, according to the ministry of education.

Under the programme, high school students can apply for up to three days off every semester. They can take half days or full days without having to show any proof or note from a doctor but with permission from parents, according to a report in the Guardian.

The trial allowing a mental health day off is being conducted to address the rising cases of youth suicides, high stress levels and depression among students.

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At least 12 per cent of universities in Taiwan offer mental health leave to their students. Representational picture/Reuters

Some universities and schools in Taiwan have been giving students mental health days already. It was first initiated by Kaohsiung-based National Sun Yat-sen University in 2022. The institute does have a limit on how many times an individual can take this leave but if a student takes more than three leaves in a semester, a school counsellor steps in, according to a report in Taipei Times.

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Last year, National Taiwan University (NTU) and six other schools implemented such a leave for students. This increased the number to 18 schools, 12 per cent of universities in Taiwan, the education ministry said last September. Around 29,582 students took mental health leave in the fall and spring semesters of the previous year, said Wu Lin-hui, director of the department of student affairs and special education in the ministry.

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Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy director Alvin Chang was quoted as saying by Taipei Times that the programme provided good support for students and the limits on leaves can prevent the practice from being abused.

How prevalent are mental health issues among students in Taiwan?

The leave scheme in schools and universities is seen as a response to the rise in suicide and other mental issues in Taiwan.

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Suicides in Taiwan hit a three-year high of 3,787 in 2022, according to figures released by the ministry of health and welfare last year. Between 2014 and 2022, the suicide rate among people aged 15 to 24 more than doubled.

At least 12 per cent of students questioned reported severe stress, according to a survey conducted in 2022. File photo/Reuters

A survey of students conducted by the Child Welfare League Foundation found that more than 12 per cent reported severe levels of stress. Senior high school students experienced more stress than juniors. Almost a quarter of high school students said that they suffered from severe depression.

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The top three reasons for stress were schoolwork (77 per cent), future prospects (67 per cent) and interpersonal relationships (43 per cent), the Guardian reports.

Also read: Put that Mobile Down: How using smartphones as kids can cause mental health issues

Will the mental health leave help students?

According to Hsiao Chih-hsien, a psychologist at the National Sun Yat-sen University counselling and health unit, the leave days were a good step in the right direction.

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Mental health leave has a certain degree of effectiveness. It allows students to relieve the urgent stresses of the moment and have sufficient buffer rest time to digest and cope with their discomfort, Hsiao was quoted as saying by the Guardian. He said that the initiative could help improve societal attitudes toward mental illness. If mental discomfort is seen in a normalised manner, students will be more courageous in seeking help.

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A primary school student runs during a physical education class in Taipei. File photo/Reuters

A student of NTU College of Law and Politics told the Taipei Times that he applied for mental health leave when he was feeling down and it helped him feel better.

Another student, who suffered from insomnia, said that the leave helped him sort out his sleeping problem.

However, it is not the youth in Taiwan alone who struggle with mental health. The problem is universal.

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Also read: What are the new rules for coaching centres in India? Will it curb student suicides?

How many students have poor mental health worldwide?

Adolescents across the globe face the burden of mental health. Globally, one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds experience a mental disorder, accounting for 13 per cent of the global burden of disease in this age group, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds.

In 2019, an estimated 166 million adolescents (89 million boys and 77 million girls) globally experienced mental health disorders. The pandemic worsened it.

Fourth-grade class students do an activity at an elementary School in Allentown, Pennsylvania, US. One in seven 10 to 19-year-olds experience a mental disorder. Representational picture/Reuters

In the US, some 40 per cent of college students struggled with anxiety, 45 per cent with depression and 16 per cent with suicidal thoughts, according to a survey conducted in 2021 by the Healthy Minds Network.

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The number of young people between the ages of 12 and 25 receiving antidepressants was already growing before the pandemic. But since the COVID-19 outbreak in the US in March 2020, the dispensing rate has risen by nearly 64 per cent faster than normal, according to a recent study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, reports CNN.

According to Mental Health America, a leading non-profit, when it comes to leaves related to mental health, schools in the country have different policies and procedures depending on the circumstances. They can be considered leaves of absence, medical leaves of absence, emergency leaves, or, in some cases, involuntary leaves of absence.

However, there is no specific provision for mental health leave. But schools and universities have counsellors, advisers or other professionals on campus to handle such matters.

Also read: 60 per cent of US teen girls are persistently sad: Whats ailing them?

In the UK and Europe, while there are helplines and support on campus, there is no provision for a specific mental health leave.

Taiwan could then be setting an example for the world with its mental health leave for students programme.

With inputs from agencies

(A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers is available here . Please reach out if you or anyone you know needs support. The All-India helpline number is 022-27546669)
Death and destruction pervades in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to pound the area in its attempt to destroy Hamas. As per an official count, over 30,000 people have died while millions of others have been left homeless and susceptible to disease. But amid these hostilities, theres hope for peace as ceasefire talks are underway

Palestinians walk through the destruction from the Israeli offensive in Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. AP

Last year on 7 October, the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, launched what many call its most brazen and ferocious attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people  mostly civilians  and taking roughly 240 hostages. Subsequently, Israel declared war on Hamas, vowing to wipe out the terrorist organisation. And Israel to date continues in its attempt of eliminating Hamas, incurring the heavy cost of killing thousands in the Gaza Strip, injuring millions of others, leading to a humanitarian crisis unlike any other witnessed in modern times.

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Now, as the war enters Day 150, theres a lot that has unfolded. Deaths, destruction, talks, promises of a ceasefire and much, much more.

If you feel like you have missed out and want to catch up on all things related to the war, heres an easy guide to it all.

Its a deadly war

Ever since the war began in October 2023, it has extracted a high human toll. Last Thursday, the war crossed a sombre milestone as the Gaza health ministry announced that more than 30,000 people had been killed in the war. This equals to one person killed for every 73 Palestinians in Gaza, whose population is about 2.2 million.

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As per a New York Times report, this death toll already surpasses the tolls of any previous Arab conflict with Israel when it rose above 20,000 in December last year.

A woman mourns a Palestinian killed in Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. The war has claimed over 30,000 lives and this toll is only mounting. Reuters

This toll also includes the more than 100 who died last Thursday as they rushed towards a convoy of aid trucks and were allegedly killed by Israeli soldiers. However, Israel maintains that they died owing to a chaotic stampede for the food aid and that its troops only fired when they felt endangered by the crowd.

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Moreover, over 120 journalists and media workers have also been killed, as well as over 150 United Nation employees, the highest number of aid workers killed in any conflict in UN history.

However, experts note that this death toll is highly undercounted, owing to the challenges in accurately tallying deaths amid constant gun battle and a communications disruption. Moreover, the medical facilities in the Strip are almost reduced to rubble.

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Humanitarian disaster continues to unfold

And the price of war extends beyond deaths. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in January that Israels military operations in response to Hamass attack have resulted in colossal human suffering.

The situation in the Gaza Strip , which was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis before the current hostilities, has worsened as the days go by in this war. The constant bombardment from Israel has seen the Strip being reduced to rubble and dust. There are hardly any buildings standing tall, rendering thousands homeless and forcing them to endure a health crisis in makeshift tents.

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A Palestinian man reacts at the site of an Israeli airstrike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The fierce fighting has flattened out buildings in the region, leaving countless without homes. Reuters

Also, people are staring at famine-like conditions as aid deliveries become even more difficult in the face of the ongoing hostilities. On 22 February, the UN childrens agency said that one in six children in Gaza are acutely malnourished. And a December report found that quarter of Gazas 2.3 million people are starving.

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The war has also led to a complete devastation of Gazas health system. Hospitals are running extremely low on rationed fuel reserves and medical supplies. Northern Gazas two major hospitals have long greatly exceeded their capacity, and Nasser Hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in southern Gaza, is now unable to provide critical medical care. Health authorities have also warned of the growing risk of disease outbreaks as health conditions rapidly decline.

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A physician told CBS 60 Minutes that people were dying in a fully treatable situation because of the lack of basic medical supplies.

Children and infants are, as experts state, the biggest victims of the war. A generation of babies are being born in Gaza under the cloud of gunfire. Theres no health care for them, and they are underfed and at the risk of contracting several diseases as even vaccinations run dry in the region.

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Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah. On 1 March, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said, The system in Gaza is on its knees, its more than on its knees." AP

On 1 March, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier was quoted as saying, The system in Gaza is on its knees, its more than on its knees.

People are so desperate for food, for fresh water, for any supplies that they risk their lives in getting any food, any supplies to support their children, to support themselves.

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A senior UN official also told the UN Security Council last Tuesday that one quarter of the population of Gaza is one step away from famine and widespread famine could be almost inevitable without action.

World struggles to help

However, amid this humanitarian disaster, delivering aid has become a challenge. So much so, that the US air-dropped more than 38,000 meals into Gaza on Saturday through three C-130 US military planes. Later, the White House said the airdrops would be a sustained effort.

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People watch as US military carries out its first aid drop over Gaza, amid the ongoing the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Gaza City. Reuters

However, critics say airdrops are far less effective than aid deliveries by truck, and it is nearly impossible to ensure supplies do not end up with militants.

Earlier in the war, the UNRWA agency also faced allegations that 12 of its 13,000 Gaza staff members participated in the 7 October Hamas attacks in southern Israel. The agency fired the employees, but more than a dozen countries suspended funding worth about $450 million, almost half its budget for 2024.

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A ceasefire may be coming

Amid this fighting, efforts are underway to get both sides, Israel and Hamas, to agree to a ceasefire. Negotiators are working hard to get an agreement prior to the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramzan on 10 March.

And as per an Axios report, US president Joe Biden told the emir of Qatar and the president of Egypt, who are helping negotiate the terms of a temporary ceasefire, to get him a deal.

People hold Israeli flags as protesters hold a rally, demanding a ceasefire and the end of Israels attacks on Gaza, in New York City. File image/Reuters

On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris also called for a ceasefire. Speaking in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, she said: Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal.

The potential ceasefire deal includes a six-week pause in fighting, the release of approximately 400 Palestinian prisoners in return for the freeing of 40 Israeli hostages, as well as preparation for a gradual return of Palestinian citizens to the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

There are issues to iron out

However, it seems that even though countries are pressing for a ceasefire, Israel has stepped away from the talks. Reuters reported on Sunday that Israel has boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive.

Netanyahu is coping to struggle

The ongoing war has also led to cracks within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Cabinet. On Sunday, Netanyahu rebuked Benny Gantz , a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahus wartime Cabinet, for making an unofficial trip to the United States. It has been reported that Gantz will meet with US vice president Kamala Harris and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

People attend a protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus government amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv. File image/Reuters

The news of Gantzs visit also comes at a time when Netanyahus popularity has dropped within the country. Many Israelis hold him responsible for failing to stop the 7 October cross-border raid by Hamas. Moreover, several also have been critical of his decision-making, alleging that it has been tainted by political considerations.

It is unknown if peace will prevail in the region. Will Israel submit to the ceasefire plan? Will Hamas release the hostages? Only with time will the questions be answered.

With inputs from agencies
Its a busy Monday. Prime Minister Modi will be in Telangana where he will be inaugurating and laying foundation for various development works worth around Rs 15,718 crore. In Delhi, the AAP sarkar will present the budget. Heres what else to expect today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Telangana's Adilabad on 4 March and Sangareddy on 5 March. File image/PTI

Its a Monday, its a new week and even the start of a new month. But what should you expect from the world of news today?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Telangana, while the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on whether MPs and MLAs enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or cast a vote in legislature.

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Lets take a look at all thats expected to make news today.

Supreme Court verdict on bribe for votes

The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict today on whether MPs and MLAs enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or cast a vote in legislature.

Currently, Article 194(2) of the Constitution states: No member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.

However, the Centre has submitted that bribery can never be a subject matter of immunity and a parliamentary privilege is not meant to place a lawmaker above law.

PM Modi on two-day visit to Telangana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating and laying foundation for various development works worth around Rs 15,718 crore during his two-day tour of Telangana.

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The prime minister is scheduled to visit Adilabad on 4 March and Sangareddy on 5 March. During his visit, Modi is also likely to address public meetings in Adilabad and Sangareddy. It would be the first time, that a prime minister, will visit Adilabad after 40 years. The last prime minister to visit the district was Indira Gandhi back in 1983.

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Delhi finance minister Atishi Singh arrives to present the Economic Survey of Delhi 2023-24 during the Budget session of State Assembly, in New Delhi. File image/PTI

Kejriwal government to present Delhi budget

Delhis finance minister Atishi will present the budget for 2024-25. This will be Atishis first budget as Delhis finance minister after she was inducted into Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals Cabinet in March last year.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi is expected to make announcements on the 80,000+ crore budget for residents, as 2024 is an election year. Sources said the focus will be on education, health, power and roads, among other sectors.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Japan, South Korea

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan starting today to hold talks with his interlocutors on key bilateral, regional and global issues, including the challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The minister will first travel to Seoul on a two-day visit where he will co-chair the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) along with his Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul.

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In the second leg of his trip, Jaishankar will visit Japan from 6 to 8 March.

More than 2,000 members of the CPPCC  the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference  will gather in Beijing to hear the annual work report of the advisory body at the all-important Two sessions. File image/Reuters

Chinas Two Sessions begin today

Chinas political elite and lawmakers will descend on the capital today for the annual two sessions, or lianghui.

The meetings of the top political advisory body and legislature have traditionally been an occasion to preview the governments policy agenda for the year ahead. It begins on Monday, when more than 2,000 members of the CPPCC  the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference  will gather in Beijing to hear the annual work report of the advisory body.

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The economy, beset by slumping consumer activity and a prolonged crisis in the property sector, will be the most closely-watched topic at this years gathering.

Its World Obesity Day

Today (4 March) marks World Obesity Day, observed with the aim of changing perspectives on obesity, correcting misconceptions, ending stigmas and raising awareness on this medical condition.

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A new research has revealed that more than a billion people are living with obesity around the world, which includes about 880 million adults and 159 million children, according to 2022 data.

An international team of scientists say there is an urgent need for major changes in how obesity is tackled.

Obesity can increase the risk of developing many serious health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Four cables in the Red Sea which account for 17 per cent of the worlds internet traffic have been cut. The Houthis have previously denied they have any intention of targeting sea cables. So whats really going on?

Yemens UN-recognised government in Aden said the Houthis had threatened to damage the crucial cables that link Asia and Europe.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea may have a surprising new victim  internet users.

According to several reports, undersea data cables in the Red Sea have been damaged in attacks by the Iran-backed outfit.

This comes a month after Yemens UN-recognised government in Aden said the Houthis had threatened to damage the crucial cables that link Asia and Europe.

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But what happened? And could it lead to internet disruption?

Lets take a closer look:

First, lets take a look at the undersea cables.

According to the Wall Street Journal, most of the internet traffic between Europe and East Asia goes through cables laid at the southern end of the Red Sea.

According to the newspaper, traffic from passing ships has long been considered a risk to the cables.

But now Houthi attacks have made the area even more perilous.

On Monday, cables belonging to four major telecom networks were cut, CNN reported.

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The Europe India Gateway, which stretches 15,000 kilometers between Europe, West Asia and India, has been impacted.

The 25,000-kilometer Asia-Africa-Europe cable system, which hooks up South East Asia to Europe via Egypt, was also damaged.

The outlet quoted Hong Kong telecoms firm HGC Global Communications as saying West Asian communication networks have witnessed significant disruptions.

The company said 25 per cent of traffic between Asia and Europe including West Asia has been impacted.

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The company said it is rerouting traffic to minimise disruption and is also extending assistance to affected businesses.

It did not say who was responsible for the outage.

According to Techspot.com, the cables account for 17 per cent of the worlds internet traffic.

The Europe India Gateway, which stretches 15,000 kilometers between Europe, West Asia and India, has been impacted. Representational image. Moneycontrol

The damage is said to be significant, but not critical. thanks to the many other cables in the region.

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According to the website, repair work could take a minimum of eight weeks. Those assigned the job could also face attack by the Houthis.

This isnt the first time this such an outage has occurred.

Too early to tell if sabotage

According to the Wall Street Journal three cables suddenly stopped providing service to some markets on 24 February.

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While no region was left online, services in India, Pakistan and parts of East Africa were affected, the newspaper quoted research firm Kentiks director Doug Madory as saying.

While the cause of the incident wasnt mention, some experts said the cargo ship Rubymar which came under Houthi attack on 18 February was likely to blame.

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The ship, which dropped anchor, was seen adrift in the region.

Bloomberg quoted South African company Seacom Ltd as saying the problem was in an area where the Houthis were attacking ships with missiles and drones.

Its too early to tell if its sabotage, Seacom Chief Digital Officer Prenesh Padayachee said.

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Only once we lift the cable will we be able to see if someone has cut it.

According to Techspot.com, in December a Houthi-linked channel put out a map of the cables on the Red Sea Bed.

There are maps of international cables connecting all regions of the world through the sea. It seems that Yemen is in a strategic location, as internet lines that connect entire continents  not only countries  pass near it, the message read.

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But the Houthi-backed telecom ministry in Sana said it wasnt responsible.

This satellite image taken by Maxar Technologies shows the Belize-flagged ship Rubymar in the Red Sea. Maxar Technologies via AP

It said the government is keen to keep all submarine telecom cablesaway from any possible risks."

The ministry did not comment on the Rubymar attack.

CNN quoted Israeli news outlet Globes as saying it is possible that the Houthis were behind the damage to the cables.

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But Yemeni rebel leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi has contested any such claim.

We have no intention of targeting sea cables providing internet to countries in the region, he said.

To be fair, the overwhelming majority of damage to undersea cables is due to fishing equipment or anchors, according to Bloomberg.

Also, according to BBC, the fibres that were cut lie well on the sea bed  no easy feat for divers to reach.

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What do experts say?

Experts say to take any reported threats by the Houthis with a pinch of salt.

I assess its a bluff, unless its an attack on a terminal, former Royal Navy submarine commander Rear Admiral John Gower said.

It would need an ally with the capability, [someone with> a submersible plus the ability to locate [the cables>.

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There is nothing Ive seen in the Iranian orbat (Order of Battle) that could touch these cables, certainly not their submarines, former Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe added.

Diving is an option but its deep and busy so I think it would be pushing it, he says. I think this is a bluff.

But these incidents shine a spotlight on the possible risks to undersea cables in the Red Sea.

In November, internet access across the war-torn nation of Yemen collapsed and stayed down for hours.

Officials later claimed maintenance work was responsible for the outage.

The interruption was YemenNet, the countrys main provider for about 10 million users which is ironically now controlled by Yemens Iranian-backed Houthis.

Both NetBlocks, a group tracking internet outages, and the internet services company CloudFlare reported the outage. The two did not offer a cause for the outage.

Data shows that the issue has impacted connectivity at a national level as well, CloudFlare said.

In a statement to the Houthi-controlled SABA state news agency, Yemens Public Telecom Corp. blamed the outage on maintenance.

Internet service will return after the completion of the maintenance work, the statement quoted an unidentified official as saying.

The undersea FALCON cable carries the internet into Yemen through the Hodeida port along the Red Sea for TeleYemen. The FALCON cable has another landing in Yemens far eastern port of Ghaydah as well, but the majority of Yemens population lives in its west along the Red Sea.

GCX, the company that operates the cable, later issued a statement also saying that scheduled maintenance took place involving the line.

With inputs from agencies
Superintendent of Schools Madeline Negron speaks during a news conference at Fair Haven School in New Haven on Jan. 29, 2024. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Madeline Negron is applauded after her contract to be the new New Haven superintendent of schools was approved by the Board of Education during a special meeting at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University School in New Haven on April 19, 2023. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  Superintendent of Schools Madeline Negron will be honored March 9 with a diversity award at the University of Connecticut Neag School of Education's 26th Annual Alumni Awards Celebration.

Meanwhile, New Haven's Davis Academy for Arts and Design Innovation also will be honored with the school's 2024 Rogers Educational Innovation Fund Award, New Haven Public Schools said in a release.

Negron, a former Hartford deputy superintendent who has served as New Haven's top educator since April 2023, will receive the Neag School of Education's 2024 Outstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professional award, the release states.

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It's one of nine alumni awards the school is giving out.

New Haven's new Superintendent of Schools Madeline Negron speaks to a second grade student in teacher Mercedes Ellis' class at Lincoln-Bassett Community School in the Newhallville section the morning after her contract was approved in April. Mark Zaretsky / Hearst Connecticut Media

I am honored to be recognized by my alma mater, the Neag School of Education, for my work on diversity, equity and inclusion," Negron said.

"I believe deeply in the transformative power of education," Negron said. "That is why so much of my lifes work has been about trying to provide equitable learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds.

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New Haven Public Schools spokesman Justin Harmon said the award "encompasses Dr. Negrons work over 28 years in the profession" and isn't just for work in the 11 months she's been in New Haven.

He added that "advocating for the learning needs of students in a minority-majority district such as New Haven is serving the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion."

Negron "has made her initial priorities  and we are making progress  in getting students back into the classroom and improving outcomes in literacy," Harmon said.

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Indias proposal to lower the cost of cross-border remittances and promote interoperability and interlinkages of digital payment infrastructure did not make it to the declaration of the World Trade Organisations 13th ministerial conference. According to Union minister Piyush Goyal, these plans would have helped save $30-40 billion for Least developed countries and developing nations

Indias proposal to lower the cost of cross-border remittances did not make it to the declaration of the recently-held World Trade Organisations 13th ministerial conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. While New Delhi got the support of dozens of nations from Asia, Latin America and Africa, the move was reportedly blocked by the United States.

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Expressing disappointment over the development, Union Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal told Economic Times (ET), A large number of countries, especially LDCs (Least developed countries) and developing countries, are required to use channels for remittances, which are extremely expensive. It can cost between 4 per cent and 8-9 per cent of transaction value. India has developed UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which can help it bring it down significantly. What we were offering to the world was an opportunity to save $30-40 billion for LDCs and developing countries. However, what the interests of not permitting that to be discussed at WTO is a mystery for me because saving money for almost everybody is truly a very good offer.

Lets take a closer look.

What was Indias proposal at WTO?

As per a Livemint report, India stressed the need to cut costs linked to remittances. The country pointed out that 78 per cent of total remittance flows last year went to Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), thus highlighting the socioeconomic impact of remittances, particularly for developing nations.

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We reaffirm our commitment to the UN SDG Goal to reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent by 2030 with a view to achieving the primary goal target, that is, reduce inequality within and among countries which is aligned to the WTOs development agenda," the draft proposed.

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When someone working abroad sends a part of their earnings to their homeland, these transfers are known as remittances. These people have to pay a percentage of the amount they send to their loved ones. As per the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, when remittances are under $200, the fees can average about 10 per cent. The remittance cost can go as high as 15-20 per cent in some cases.

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When someone working abroad sends a part of their earnings to their homeland, these transfers are known as remittances. Reuters (Representational Image)

Indias proposed draft also stated that global average remittance costs were 6.18 per cent, over twice the United Nations SDG target of 3 per cent.

An Indian officer who negotiated in WTO told ET that the proposal would not have just benefitted Indians living abroad and their families back home but other countries as well.

Indias proposal to the WTO was not meant to help Indians alone. If the cost of sending remittances comes down, several countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia and our own neighbours like Nepal and Bangladesh will be major beneficiaries. People from poor and middle-class families go abroad and work very hard to save some money. But when they send their earnings back home, they end up paying a lot as commission, the officer explained.

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Indias interests

According to a World Bank report, India received the highest amount of remittances in 2023, touching an estimated $125 billion.

Other top recipients were Mexico ($67 billion), China ($50 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion) and Egypt ($24 billion).

The report, citing 2022 data, said that the country-wise share of inward remittances to India was  US (17.79 per cent), United Arab Emirates (15.67 per cent), Saudi Arabia (10.60 per cent), Kuwait (4.87 per cent), and Singapore (4.18 per cent).

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As per the UNs population division data, India sent the most number of migrants abroad  17.9 million in 2020, much more than Mexico (11.2 million), Russia (10.8 million) and China (10.5 million).

Remittances make up 3.4 per cent of Indias gross domestic product (GDP), says the World Bank.

Agneshwar Sen, EY India Tax and Economic Policy (International Trade) Associate Partner, told Livemint that once the remittance cost is cut, the money flowing into India will increase. When it is cheaper and quicker to transfer money, hawala transactions will decline.

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As per economists, reducing remittance costs would give a boost to UPI transactions and increase its global footprint. India has been pushing the interoperability of UPI with payments systems in other countries.

At the WTO, India said that there was a need to endorse interoperability and interlinkages of digital payment infrastructure, given that the global average cost for digital remittances is 4.84 per cent, much less than the cost of non-digital transactions, reported ET.

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Economists say reducing remittance costs would give a boost to UPI transactions and increase its global footprint. Representational Image

When UPI is adopted at a large scale costs may go down to 2 per cent level. With Global remittances at $860 billion in 2023, widespread adoption of UPI may result in savings of $35 billion annually. Indias push for UPI at the MC13 also showcases its leadership in digital payment technologies, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) founder Ajay Srivastava was quoted as saying by PTI.

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Shifting from cash-based remittances to digital transfers can significantly lower costs. Digital platforms offer faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions; linking national digital payment systems across borders can eliminate the need for foreign exchange conversions, reducing costs and transaction times. Indias UPI system serves as a successful example, he added.

How cutting remittance costs will benefit migrants

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Reduced remittance costs will benefit migrants and their families back home as it would lead to the saved income being spent on personal consumption rather than paying intermediaries, noted Livemint.

Barada Talukdar, a mud specialist at Kuwait Oil Company, told ET, When I send money, whether it is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) equivalent of Rs 3 lakh or Rs 3,000, the commission charged by the exchange remains the same1 KWD or Rs 268- 269 per transaction. The more you remit in small tranches, the more you end up paying as fees.

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Speaking to Livemint, Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said that if the remittance costs are slashed to 3 per cent, it would reduce cost for the Indian diaspora and provide further impetus to the remittance-related inflows.

With inputs from agencies
Indian Navy sailor Sahil Verma was deployed on a ship and went missing while on duty. The Navy has launched a massive search operation but has been unable to trace him. The seamans parents want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and are demanding a CBI probe

Family members show a photo of Indian Navy sailor Sahil Verma, who has been reported missing from a naval ship while on deployment since 27 February. PTI

Its been eight days and there is no trace of Indian Navy sailor Sahil Verma. He went missing from a naval ship and has not been seen since 27 February. The Navy has launched a massive search operation but Vermas parents want the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intervene.

The search for the seaman

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Verma is a seaman in the Indian Navy sailor from Jammu and Kashmir. He went missing when deployed on a naval ship. The Mumbai-headquartered Western Naval Command said that a high-level board of inquiry has been ordered into the unfortunate incident. The Navy immediately launched a massive search operation with ships and aircraft, which is still continuing, it said in a post on X on 2 March.

In an unfortunate incident, Sahil Verma, Seaman II, has been reported missing at sea from Indian Naval Ship whilst on deployment since 27 Feb 24. The Navy immediately launched a massive search operation with ships and aircraft, which is still continuing. pic.twitter.com/bEHLkhye5o  Western Naval Command (@IN_WNC) March 2, 2024

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However, a week since the disappearance, Verma has not been found.

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The sailors family was reportedly informed about the incident two days after he went missing. The sketchy information shared with them has only added to their growing concern. We got a call on February 29 informing that our son went missing on board the ship two days before that  we last talked to him on Sunday (25 February) and nothing is known (about) what happened to him, said Subash Chander, Vermas father.

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Where is my son?

The sailors parents  Chander and Rama Kumari  live in the Ghou Manhasan area of Jammu. They are shocked that the naval has been unable to find their son.

It is astonishing that a soldier went missing from his naval ship and is not traceable. I have been told that the CCTV cameras installed on the ship did not find anyone falling into the sea. Then where is my son? Chander asked PTI Videos at his residence on the outskirts of the city.

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Vermas mother suspects a cover-up and has alleged that information has been concealed. There were 400 people on board the ship and only my son went missing. My prayers and demands are only that my son returns safe and sound, she was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Relatives and neighbours of the family regularly visit their home to express their support and pray for Vermas safe return. Gautam, a maternal uncle of the missing seaman, said that they had heard that the ship returned to base a day before leaving again. How is it possible he went missing from the ship.

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The mother of Indian Navy sailor Sahil Verma, who has been reported missing from a naval ship, is seen weeping at her home, in Jammu. PTI

A demand for CBI probe

On Sunday, the family demanded a CBI probe into the circumstances leading to Vermas mysterious disappearance. The parents have sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure the safe return of their missing son.

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We want the government to hand over the case to the CBI for a thorough probe. He was on duty and is missing, Chander added, demanding justice.

Vermas uncle also echoed the call for a CBI investigation. The family should have been informed and a board of inquiry ordered within 24 hours of the incident. But both of these things happened after two days, Gautam added.

_

With inputs from agencies_
In a 38-minute recording leaked by Russian state media, German military officers can be heard discussing support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles

German defence minister Boris Pistorius addresses the media during a press statement in Berlin, Germany. German authorities say they are investigating after an audio recording was published in Russia in which German military officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus long-range cruise missiles. AP

A recording of Germanys confidential army talks about the Ukraine war went viral on Russian social media on Friday. In this 38-minute recording, the officers discuss their support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles. The audio was reportedly leaked by Russian state media, which has sparked concern in Germany.

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Germanys defence minister, Boris Pistorius, described the leak as part of Russias information war against the West. The timing of the leak, which occurred on the same day as the funeral of late Opposition politician Alexei Navalny, is also not coincidental. Pistorius believes that Russia intends to sow discord in Germany and undermine unity.

While the officers in the recording talk about the theoretical possibility of using Taurus missiles in Ukraine, Pistorius emphasises that they made it clear that the line of war participation would not be crossed. The leak has fuelled the ongoing debate in Germany over whether to supply these missiles to Ukraine, particularly as Ukraine suffers battlefield setbacks and awaits military assistance from the United States.

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Heres, whats on the 38-minute tape? Did Vladimir Putin leak in order to destabilise Germany?

Whats in the leaked tapes?

In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine. The audio was leaked as a debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles.

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The officers talk about how the missiles could hit the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to the illegally annexed Crimea. The head of Russias state-run Russia Today, Margarita Simonyan_,_ posted audio from the video-conference meeting on Telegram, reports The Guardian. The conversation in the recording also touched on the use of long-range missiles supplied to Kyiv by France and Britain.

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This is clearly about undermining our unity, Pistorius said.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius said the timing of the tapes was not a coincidence. It is part of an information war that Vladimir Putin is waging. File image/Reuters

Ukraine has been asking for the missile as it faces setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the United States being held up in Congress.

Earlier this week, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war. His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germanys conservative Opposition.

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But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.

Pistorius said the officers made clear at all times in the recording that the line of war participation  would not be crossed.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the timing was not a coincidence.

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It is part of an information war that Putin is waging. There is absolutely no doubt about that, he said. It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve.

Speaking at a news briefing in Berlin, Pistorius added: Accordingly, we should react in a particularly level-headed manner, but no less resolutely.

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Is it concerning?

Germany termed it an apparent act of eavesdropping.

The apparent leak of the conversation is a very serious matter, and that is why it is now being investigated very carefully, very intensively, and very quickly, said Germanys chancellor, Olaf Scholz on Saturday, as reported by BBC.

A participant demands the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine on a poster at a solidarity rally for Ukraine at the Kornmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. File image/AP

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, demanded that Germany promptly provide explanations.

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Attempts to avoid answering the questions will be regarded as an admission of guilt, she went on to say, as reported by BBC.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov described it as cunning plans of the Bundeswehr (German armed forces), which became apparent following the publication of this audio recording, reports Hindustan Times.

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This is blatant self-exposure.

Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, said the recording suggested Berlin was preparing to fight Moscow.

With inputs from AP
US president Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trumps many public stumbles have triggered questions about their cognitive abilities. Experts say memory lapses can happen at any age and they do not signal a mental decline for many people

United States president Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trumps many verbal slips have become a talking matter. The advanced age of both leaders who are likely set for a rematch in the upcoming US presidential elections has become a concern, with their flubs triggering questions about their cognitive abilities.

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Recently, Biden jocularly addressed concerns over his age on American comedian Seth Meyers late-night show, saying the other guy (Trump) was about as old as I am. Taking a jab at the former US president, Biden said that Trump cant remember his wifes name.

Last month, the 77-year-old Republican called his wife, Melania, Mercedes at a CPAC event.

As the conversation about the mental acuity of political leaders takes centre stage in the US, lets take a look at whether verbal flubs are normal with age or a sign of cognitive decline.

Biden and Trumps verbal gaffes

Biden, 81, said Mexico instead of Egypt when speaking about Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in February while responding to a question about the ceasefire in Gaza.

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A long-awaited report by the US Department of Justice on the handling of classified documents by Biden released last month stoked questions about the presidents mental health. The report described Biden as an elderly man with a poor memory and diminished faculties who did not remember when he was vice president, reported New York Times (NYT). It said Biden could not recall important milestones in his life such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.

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Biden trashed the report, saying his memory is fine. Several questioned the veracity of some parts of the report, particulary related to Bidens mental health.

US president Joe Biden said earlier that his memory is fine. Reuters File Photo

Before the report came out, the US president was under fire for getting the names of the leaders of France and Germany wrong.

Biden is already the oldest American president ever. If he is re-elected for another four years later this year, the Democrat will be 86 at the time of leaving the Oval Office. An NBC poll last month found that 62 per cent of American voters had concerns that Biden does not have the mental and physical health for a second term as President.

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Trump, who refers to Biden as Sleepy Joe  a dig at his age, has made his own gaffes while campaigning. He confused Nikki Haley, his last rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat.

Haley has taken potshots at both Biden and Trump over their respective ages. We all know 80-year-olds who can run circles around usand then we know Trump and Biden. We need a president who has the focus and stamina to deal with all the challenges facing our country, she wrote in a post on X in February.

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Trump has also used former US president Barack Obamas name when he clearly meant Biden. He also said last year that Biden threatened to lead the US into World War Two. The second war had ended in 1945.

Impact of age on memory

Memory experts say memory lapses can happen at any age and they necessarily do not signal a mental decline for many people.

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Most of us have memory slips all the time. We cant remember where we put our car keys. We cant remember dates or names. But we dont really notice the mistakes when were young. Its when people get older that mistakes in memory seem to have more significance. Memory lapse really is normal at every stage of life, Earl K Miller, professor of neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told The Washington Post.

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According to NPR, memory lapses become more frequent with age, even when people have perfectly healthy brains. Dr Sharon Sha, a clinical professor of neurology at Stanford University, told the US news outlet that the ability to not remember names temporarily is very common as we get older.

With age, our working memory which helps us remember a phone number or a password for some time is also affected. Processing becomes slower as we grow older, meaning people may take longer to respond to a question or take a decision.

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Donald Trump has made many gaffes. Reuters File Photo

Trying to remember that name of the restaurant that they were in last week or the name of the person that they met for coffee, that is not in itself a sign of dementia, but its a sign of cognitive ageing, Dr Zaldy Tan, who directs the Memory and Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, was quoted as saying by NPR.

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Speaking to The Washington Post, Bradford Dickerson, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, said the impact of age on brains is visible during speech, a high-speed activity, which requires considerable mental juggling and swift recall.

According to him, older brains are also vulnerable to stress, distraction and fatigue, which further affect memory recall.

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Just a flub or something more?

Alzheimers and other types of dementia become more common for people with advanced age. However, diagnosing someone for these conditions requires a thorough history of their life and cannot be determined just by watching a few seconds of a press conference, Tan told NPR.

It really isnt possible to diagnose someone with a brain disorder of cognition by watching them on the campaign trail. Anyone who does so, whether a doctor or a layperson, really shouldnt be trusted, Andrew Budson, a professor of neurology, said to BU Today.

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As Jason Shepherd, an associate professor of neurobiology at the University of Utah, told The Washington Post, The thing Id most like people to understand is that, yes, there is some normal cognitive decline during ageing. But its not a disease state. Its part of life.

With inputs from agencies
A Spanish woman has alleged that she was gang-raped by seven men in Jharkhands Dumka during her bike trip across the country. She detailed her assault on Instagram, prompting authorities to arrest three accused and continue their hunt for the others

The news of a Spanish woman being gang-raped in Jharkhand's Dumka has sparked protests and anger across the country. File image/AFP

On Friday, the country woke up to the horrific news of a Spanish woman biker being gang-raped and then robbed in Jharkhands Dumka, located around 300 kilometre from state capital Ranchi. The gruesome incident has spurred authorities into action, with three persons already being arrested in the matter.

However, it has also spurred a debate online with the chairperson of the National Commission of Women (NCW) wading into it.

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What happened? What are the authorities saying? And what did the NCW chairperson say? Heres what we know so far.

The womans journey to India

On Friday, the Spanish woman  originally hailing from Brazil, who is travelling around the world on her bike along with her husband  alleged that she was assaulted and gang-raped by seven men while they were camping near Kurumahats Hansdiha market in Dumka.

The 28-year-old and her husband have been travelling the world on their bikes, with their Instagram accounts reflecting their many journeys. The couple has already travelled over 1.53 lakh kilometres across the world, covering 63 countries.

In fact, they crossed over into India from Pakistan last July and had even posted then: Hello India! After almost five years of travelling the world and more than 150,000km, the time has come to meet. We have heard a lot about you. For the moment, we could see that you are difficult, we will have to adapt quite a lot. But you also have your good side, and I know that you are going to blow us away with it.

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And as per the womans Instagram posts, until their Jharkhand leg of the trip, they had visited the Spiti Valley, the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Jaipur and even parts of south India.

Crime Investigation Department (CID) team inspects the spot where a the Spanish national was allegedly gang raped, in Dumka district of Jharkhand. PTI

The alleged gang rape

On Friday night, social media was abuzz when the 28-year-old travel vlogger took to her Instagram and posted how she fell victim to an alleged gang rape by seven men. We are in the hospital, and something happened to us that we wouldnt wish on anyone. Seven men raped me, and they have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things (were taken) because what they wanted was to rape me. We are in the hospital with the police, it happened tonight in India, she said in Spanish.

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Her husband also said, My oral cavity is severely damaged, yet my partner has fared worse than me. They assaulted me repeatedly with a helmet and struck me on the head with a stone. Thankfully, her protective jacket offered some resistance against the blows.

The woman also added in her post, My face looks like this, but its not what hurts me the most. I thought we were going to die. Thank God we are alive.

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Dumka Superintendent of Police (SP) Pitambar Singh Kherwar, according to a PTI news report, said that Hansdiha police patrolling team found two people on the side of the road around 11 pm on Friday.

The patrolling team sensed that something had happened to them. Since they were speaking in Spanish, the police could not understand what they were saying. However, the policemen brought them to a local hospital assuming they needed some treatment, he said.

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He later added that they were informed about the alleged crime around 1.30 am on Saturday and they immediately began investigations.

The Jharkhand police has arrested three persons in connection with the Dumka rape case and they have been remanded to judicial custody. PTI

Three arrested, hunt on for others

Acting on the information, the authorities arrested three men and they have been sent to judicial custody by a court. Furthermore, the identity of four others has also been confirmed and the hunt is on for them.

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SP Kherwar said: The other four accused have been identified, and searches are underway. They will be nabbed soon.

He further added that the 28-year-old womans statement had been recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC. Additionally, they were in contact with the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi and being kept abreast of the developments.

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As per a report in The Print, the three accused in custody during questioning admitted that they attacked the couple with an intent to rape the woman and had also confessed to the gang rape. They (the suspects) took away a watch, Rs 10,000 cash, and a ring, a source told The Print. One of the arrested suspects has said that he is 16 years old. We are verifying their claims. The medical reports are awaited and documents are being verified.

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Meanwhile, the Spanish foreign ministry said on Sunday it was sending staff to the area and had been in touch with authorities, while its Brazilian counterpart said it had sought contact with the Brazilian citizen through its embassy in New Delhi and was available to give every assist applicable.

Outrage and anger

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The incident caused uproar in the Jharkhand Assembly on Saturday with Jharkhand BJP president and former chief minister Babulal Marandi demanding stern action against the police. When such incidents take place with foreigners, who would like to come to Jharkhand? The law and order machinery has collapsed here. Strict action should be taken against the police, he said.

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The National Commission for Women member Mamta Kumari also expressed anger over the issue, saying: All the accused involved in the crime should be arrested at the earliest and stringent action should be ensured.

Celebrities also took to social media to condemn the incident and called out the lack of safety for women. For instance, Dulquer Salmaan said, Crushed to hear about this! You both recently visited Kottayam where close friends hosted you for a meal. This should not happen to anyone anywhere.

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Others too took to social media commenting that parts of India were unsafe to travel through for women. One of them was US writer David Josef Volodzko. In a post on X, he said that the level of sexual aggression that he witnessed while living in India for several years was unlike anywhere.

However, it seems that his message sparked even stronger reactions, particularly from NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma.

To vilify an entire country with a tweet is not only in poor taste but also unacceptable, as data speaks otherwise. As much as this incident needs to be condemned and perpetrators brought to justice, let me share a few statistical indicators and request you to remove this tweet. https://t.co/RGzyw6d74b  Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) March 4, 2024

Her response has been severely criticised, and many others have left comments under the couples Instagram and YouTube videos, expressing solidarity and sympathy with them.

With inputs from agencies
When you say India is perceived as a big bully, you know, big bullies dont provide four and a half billion dollars when the neighbours are in trouble. Big bullies dont supply vaccines to other countries when Covid-19 is on, or make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food demands or fuel demands or fertilizer demands, said Jaishankar

External affairs minister S Jaishankar has reacted strongly to a barb over India being a bully, stating that big bullies dont provide USD 4.5 billion when neighbours are in trouble, neither do they supply vaccines to other countries when Covid-19 is on, or make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food demands or fuel demands or fertilizer demands of countries in distress.

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EAM Jaishankars response came after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu had remarked that no country had the right to bully the Maldives.

During a book launch event in the national capital on Saturday, when Jaishankar was asked if India was being a bully in the sub-continent and the Indian Ocean region, the minister said, The big change today in this part of the world is what has happened between India and its neighbours. When you say India is perceived as a big bully, you know, big bullies dont provide four and a half billion dollars when the neighbours are in trouble. Big bullies dont supply vaccines to other countries when Covid-19 is on, or make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food demands or fuel demands or fertilizer demands because some war in some other part of the world has complicated their lives.

Talking about the enhanced and improved connectivity between India and its neighbouring countries, Jaishankar said that trade, investments and travel with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives have seen a sharp uptick.

Today at the connectivity, just the volume of people moving up and down, the volume of the trade which is there, the investments which are there, its actually a very, very good story to tell. Not just with Nepal and Bangladesh, with Sri Lanka as well, I would say even with MaldivesAnd BhutanI mean I dont want to miss them out because they have just been consistently strong partners, he said.

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You also have to look today at actually what is changed between India and its neighbours. Certainly, with Bangladesh and Nepal. I mean, today you have a power grid, you have roads which didnt exist a decade ago, you have railways which didnt exist a decade ago, and theres usage of waterways. Indian businesses use ports of Bangladesh on a national treatment basis, Jaishankar added.

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Earlier in the year, Muizzu, in a veiled attack at India, had said, We might be small but that doesnt give you the licence to bully us.

Relations between the two countries strained after Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep and promoted the Union Territory as a tourist destination. The ministers were later suspended by the Muizzu government.

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With inputs from agencies
Whats making news in India today? Catch up quickly with this update on the stories that matter

SC rebukes Udhayanidhi Stalin over eradicate Sanatan dharma remark

The Supreme Court on Monday rebuked Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his eradicate Sanatan dharma remark and asked why he has moved the court with his plea for clubbing together the FIRs filed against him after abusing his right to freedom of speech and expression. A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta told Stalin that being a minister he should have been careful with his statements. You abuse your right under Article 19(1)(a) (right to freedom of speech and expression of the Constitution). You abuse your right under Article 25 (freedom of conscience, the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion). Now you are exercising your right under Article 32 (to file plea in the Supreme Court directly)? Do you not know the consequences of what you said? You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences, the bench said and adjourned the matter till March 15.

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TMC MLA Tapas Roy resigns, expresses displeasure over party

In a setback to Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress, MLA Tapas Roy has stepped down from his post, expressing dissapointment over the way the party handled the Sandeshkhali issue. Roy, the TMC deputy chief whip in the assembly, slammed the party leadership for allegedly not standing by him when his residence was raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January. I am really disappointed with the way the party is functioning. I am fed up with so many allegations of corruption levelled against the party and the government. Secondly, I do not support the way the Sandeshkhali issue was handled, he told reporters earlier.

#WATCH | Kolkata: Tapas Roy says, "I resigned because I felt that I am not respected in this party, many times such situations arose where I felt this. The ED team reached my house on January 12th, it has been many days since the incident took place but no sympathy or cooperation https://t.co/aFZV55vKnn pic.twitter.com/bP24wsPjXW  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

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Judgment will ensure clean politics: PM Modi on SC ruling on bribery for votes case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court on the JMM bribery case, saying that it will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.

SWAGATAM!



A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.https://t.co/GqfP3PMxqz  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024

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Observing that bribery is not protected by parliamentary privileges, a seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud held that a five-judge benchs interpretation in the 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case was contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution.

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No immunity for MPs, MLAs on bribery charges: SC

The Supreme Court on Monday said that lawmakers cannot claim immunity for bribes taken for votes or speeches in the Parliament or Legislative Assemblies. A 7-judge Constitution Bench overruled the 1998 PV Narasimha Roa judgment case which granted immunity to MPs/MLAs from prosecution to bribery for voting in Parliament. Corruption and bribery by legislators destroy the functioning of Indian Parliamentary democracy, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.

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PM Modi on five-state tour from today, to projects worth over Rs 1,10,600 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar from 4-6 March during which he will launch developmental projects worth over Rs 1,10,600 crore. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Over the next two days, I will be attending various programmes in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal. The development works which will be inaugurated cover a wide range of sectors and will transform several lives.

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Kejriwal replies to EDs 8th summon, says ready to respond after 12 March

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday responded to the Enforcement Directorates (ED) eighth summons in connection with the money laundering probe related to Delhi excise policy case. Despite deeming the summons as illegal, Kejriwal expressed his willingness to answer the probe agencys questions, proposing a date after March 12. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said Kejriwal will attend the hearing through video conferencing. The move comes after the ED issued its eighth summons on 27 February, setting 4 March as the scheduled date for Kejriwal to appear at the agencys headquarters.

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Bengaluru cafe blast probe handed over to NIA

The probe into the blast at a cafe in Bengaluru has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday. At least nine people were injured when a blast took place at Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookfield in East Bengaluru on 1 March. A man wearing a cap, mask and glasses is the prime suspect in the case and is still untraceable, the sources said.
Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Rajnath Sing, among others added Modi ka Parivar (Modis family) against their names after the prime minister said that the 140 crore Indians are his family

In solidarity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Opposition took a personal jibe at the leader, questioning the whereabouts of his own family, top BJP politicians added Modi ka Parivar to their X (Twitter) handles on Monday, making the trend viral within the saffron party.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Rajnath Singh, among others added Modi ka Parivar (Modis family) against their names after the prime minister said that the 140 crore Indians are his family.

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Addressing a rally in Telangana, PM Modi said, Leaders of INDI Alliance who are involved in corruption, dynasty and appeasement are going berserk. They have now come out with their real manifesto for the 2024 elections. When I question their dynasty politics, they start saying that Modi doesnt have a family.

#WATCH | Telangana: In Adilabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Leaders of INDI Alliance who are involved in corruption, dynasty and appeasement are going berserk. They have now come out with their real manifesto for the 2024 elections. When I question their dynasty pic.twitter.com/tCVzsuLOcU  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

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I will spend my life to fulfill your dreams and brighten the future of your children. That is why I say that crores of people in the country consider me as their own and love me like a member of their family. So, I say that 140 crore people of the country are my family, he added.

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The prime minister was replying to former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadavs statement where he accused Modi for raising parivaarvadi. Narendra Modi is attacking parivaarvaad these days. What can we do if he does not have a family of his own?

The RJD leader went on to say that Modi is not a Hindu as he did not shave his head after his mothers death in 2022.

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#WATCH | Bihar: Yesterday, on 3rd March, at RJD's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, former Bihar CM & RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, "What is this Modi?... This Narendra Modi is attacking 'parivaarvaad' these days. First, you should tell why you do not have pic.twitter.com/8wCs7pgGUE  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

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Throwback to 2019s Main Bhi Chowkidaar campaign

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The Modi ka Parivar trend brings back memories to a previous Main Bhi Chowkidaar campaign that went viral ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar, the prime minister wrote at the time.
Of the total, 50,000 tonnes of onions are cleared for export to Bangladesh, while shipments totaling 14,400 tonnes are permitted to the UAE, according to a report, citing a notification from commerce ministry

The government has authorised the export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to the UAE and Bangladesh via the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL).

According to a PTI report, citing a notification from commerce ministry, of the total, 50,000 tonnes of onions are cleared for export to Bangladesh, while shipments totaling 14,400 tonnes are permitted to the UAE.

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Export of 14,400 tonnes of onions, with a quantity ceiling of 3,600 MT (metric tonnes) quarterly, to UAE through NCEL is notified, PTI quoted the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as saying in a notification.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce, focusing on import and export regulations.

Regarding exports to Bangladesh, the National Committee on Export Licensing (NCEL) will collaborate with the Department of Consumer Affairs to establish the export modalities, added the report.

Despite the ban on onion exports, the government permits specific quantities to be shipped to allied nations.

Export permissions are granted by the government to various countries upon their request.

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On December 8 last year, the government implemented a ban on onion exports until March 31 to enhance domestic availability and stabilise prices.

Earlier, the Centre in October 2023 had decided to step up the sale of buffer onion stock at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 per kg in retail markets in order to provide relief to consumers.

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To control prices, the government has earlier taken several steps. It had imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports on October 28 till December 31, 2023.

In August, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023.

Between April 1, 2023 and August 4, 2023 this fiscal, 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions have been exported from the country. The top three importing countries in value terms are Bangladesh, Malaysia and the UAE.

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Onion is a politically-sensitive commodity.

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), popularly known as AMUL; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO); and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

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With inputs from agencies
Easy access to porn via mobile internet is not only distorting sexual behavior but also generating a alarming rise in sexual offences against teenage girls, according to the PIL filed by pediatric surgeon Sanjay Kulshresthra

The PIL said that viewing pornography was responsible for developing a casual attitude in men towards sexual violence against women Image Courtesy PTI

A Supreme Court petition has been filed asking for orders to be given to the Center to prevent the publication of pornographic or obscene content on social media platforms, as this is contributing to an increase in sexual offenses.

Easy access to porn via mobile internet is not only distorting sexual behavior but also generating a alarming rise in sexual offences against teenage girls, according to the PIL filed by pediatric surgeon Sanjay Kulshresthra.

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The plea stated that the respondents should use their authority under the Information Technology Act to make sure social media platforms make reasonable efforts to cause the users not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, or share obscene or pornographic material in order to curb the rising number of sexual crimes.

The Union ministries of Women and Child Development, Home Affairs, and Electronics and Information Technology have been named as parties to the case by the petitioner.

Although there could be many reasons for the alarming rise in rapes in children, the petitioner has found that availability of easy, almost free internet making pornography available 24 hours, especially on mobile phones to all age groups, to all economic classes, could be a significant cause, the PIL said.

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The PIL said that viewing pornography was responsible for developing a casual attitude in men towards sexual violence against women.

(With agency inputs)
Southern Connecticut State University on April 27, 2020. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A Jewish student organization at Southern Connecticut State University criticized administration for inviting Jewish commentator and journalism professor Peter Beinart to speak at an online event about the conflict in Gaza scheduled for Monday evening.

Beinart will join a moderated conversation about American Jews, the war in Gaza and the future of Palestine and Israel, according to the event page. It is billed as being part of a series about conflict in the Middle East.

A letter from President of SCSU Hillel Nathaniel Gross calls on the administration to rescind its invitation to Beinart, saying Beinart adds fuel to this fire of antisemitism that has been on the rise on college campuses since before the conflict. The letter, sent Friday evening, was also signed by members of the Judaic Studies department.

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"Peter Beinart is notorious for his extremist and antisemitic attitudes towards other Jewish people," the letter states. "He engages in tokenism and normalizes antisemitism from figures on both the left and the right. Beinart is a figure in the same vein of Candace Owens and Stephen Miller."

Beinart writes a newsletter and hosts weekly conversations about American foreign policy, often focusing on Israel and Palestine, on Substack. A Yale University graduate, Beinart is a journalism professor at CUNYs Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, an editor at Jewish Currents and a contributor to the New York Times, MSNBC and CNN.

Beinart said the call to cancel his talk deeply saddens him. He said he argues for the right to speak on campuses of people whose views he strongly opposes, per Jewish tradition of respectful debate between people of different views. He said he hopes the signatories of the letter attend the talk and ask hard questions so they can learn from each other.

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Im an observant Jew who cares profoundly about the well-being of our people, both in Israel-Palestine and around the world," Beinart said. "I believe that the safety of Israeli Jews and the safety of Palestinians are intertwined, which leads me to oppose the war in Gaza, and to support the principle of equality under the law in Israel-Palestine, as I support it in the US and around the world.

The letter says the university did not consult Hillel or the Judaic Studies department regarding Beinarts lecture, and that the event undermines the schools mission of being a social justice university. Gross said that as of 12:30 p.m. Monday, administration had not responded to the letter.

The university reiterated that mission in a statement.

As an institution of higher education with a social justice mission, Southern has a responsibility to engage its community about the complexity of the Middle East, particularly the current Israel-Hamas conflict,"the statement reads. "To that end, the university has organized a series of programs this spring that seek to provide a deeper understanding of the conflict by drawing on many different perspectives."

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Two other virtual events in the series have already happened and discussed what Hamas is and the sexual politics of antisemitism, according to university spokesperson Patrick Dilger. After the Beinart event, a discussion is scheduled with filmmakers about their film on Muslim Americans in Connecticut, and other programs are being planned, including one about what it means to be Jewish currently, Dilger said.

Gross said in an email that antisemitic incidents at Southern have been relatively minor and mostly occurring on an individual level.

At Quinnipiac University in Hamden, a swastika was found etched into a bathroom stall last week, the third time in the last four months that a swastika has been found on the campus.

The conflict abroad is causing domestic tension, with many groups calling on local elected officials to support ceasefire resolutions. At Southern, a group of pro-Palestine protestors disrupted Governor Ned Lamonts speech, demanding that he call for a ceasefire, in January.
The manufacturing facility is being constructed at Reliance Industries Ltds wholly-owned subsidiary MET City Jhajjar. Saab hopes to start producing the much renowned Carl Gustaf M4 rifles at the location by next year

The venture by Sweden's Saab to produce Carl Gustaf M4 rifles at the MET City in Haryana is a major boost for India's defece sector

In a major boost for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat project of the Indian government, Swedish defence giant Saab has begun building a manufacturing plant in Jhajjar, Haryana, that would produce Carl Gustaf M4 guns.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the manufacturing facility is being constructed at Reliance Industries Ltds wholly-owned subsidiary MET City Jhajjar. Saab hopes to start producing the much renowned Carl Gustaf M4 rifles at the location by next year.

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Saab is noteworthy for being the first defence company to receive government clearance for 100% foreign direct investment (FDI).

I am proud to start constructing our first facility outside Sweden for Carl-Gustaf, a product that has a long history with the Indian Armed Forces. We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India, said Gorgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saabs business area Dynamics.

According to the press announcement, Saab will collaborate with Indian suppliers and completely adhere to the Make in India standards for the systems produced at the plant. According to the release, Saab plans to utilize sophisticated technologies at the new plant, such as cutting-edge sighting technology and sophisticated carbon fiber winding, to produce Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian military forces as well as parts that might be used in other users systems.

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The primary shoulder-launched weapon in the Indian Armed Forces is the Carl-Gustaf system, which has been in use by the Indian Army since 1976.

Establishing our production facility in India in partnership with Reliance MET City demonstrates our unwavering support for the Made in India campaign and our tight ties to the Indian Defense Forces. stated Mats Palmberg, Saab India Technologies chairman and managing director.

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MET City CEO S V Goyal stated that Saab, being the first defence manufacturer in India to receive 100% FDI approval, will not only strengthen our resolve for delivering best-in-class infrastructure but will also establish MET City as a preferred location for doing business for global companies.
Exactly a century ago the last Caliph of the Muslim world lost his job, estates and country. Whereas India witnessed a mass movement in the early 1920s for retention of the Caliphate, the nascent Turkish republic decided the matter purely on nationalist ground

Exactly a century ago  on 4 March 1924- the last Caliph of the Muslim world viz. Abdul Mejid II was bundled out of his palace in Constantinople (Istanbul). Consequently, an institution that had allegedly endured for almost thirteen centuries, from the morrow of the demise of the Prophet on Islam in Medina in June, 632 AD came to a tame end. From the Turkish point of view it was the logical corollary of the abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate on 1 November 1922 and the subsequent proclamation of the Turkish republic on 29 October 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Pasha (later Kemal Ataturk).

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Maulavi Mohammed Barakatullah of Bhopal, a globe-trotting Pan-Islamist associated with Ghadar movement, in his book The Khilafet (1924) describes the scene of deposition of Caliph Abdul Mejid II.

On Saturday, the first of March 1924 A.D., the 8th of Pisces, 1302 S.H., and 26th of Rajeb, 1342 L.H. Ghazi Mustapha Kemal Pasha, the President of the Angora Republic, proposed the abolition of the institution of Khilafet, the expulsion of Khalifal family, and the confiscation of their property; on Monday the Grand National Assembly passed the Bill by an overwhelming majority; and at two oclock Tuesday morning the Vali of Constantinople and the Director General of Public Security, accompanied by police, proceeded to Dolma Bagcheh Palace, where they ordered the Khalif to seat himself upon the throne, whereupon the decree declaring his deposition was read. The Khalif was then commanded to descend from the throne and make arrangements for his immediate departure. An hour later, accompanied by his two wives and his son, he was conveyed by motor car to Chatalja, where a special train was in readiness for his departure (The Khilafet, P.1)

Thus no sentimentalism was displayed, nor was any pension or privy purse granted. The last Caliph, who was not a Sultan, which became an oxymoron, was forced to leave Turkey immediately. Yet, it was this institution for which Muslims in India shed copious tears in the early 1920s. There ran a Khilafat Movement, piloted by Ali brothers, and supported by the Indian National Congress. Though the Caliphate was as different from Swaraj, as the chalk from the cheese, yet the Congress integrated the Khilafat Movement into the Non Cooperation Movement for Swaraj.

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In modern times  said Gandhi while addressing the Kathiawad Political Conference on 8 January 1925  the first Caliphs may be said to have established Rama Rajya. Abubaker and Hazrat Umar collected revenue running into crores and yet personally they were as good as fakirs (MGCW Vol-30, P.62). Gandhi of course ignored the fact that most of this tax came from jiziya, levied upon the non-Muslim subject population.

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The Shankaracharya of Sharada Peeth, Dwarka, Gujarat stood trial in Karachi Criminal Sessions Court (1921) along with the Ali brothers in connection with Khilafat movement. The Congress launched the Ulema into Indian politics, from which the Muslim League had refrained. Yet, gratitude from the Muslim side was scarce. Whereas the Moplah massacres (1921) were staged during the heydays of the Khilafat Movements, the abject failure of the movement made Muslims more revengeful upon the Hindus. It will take some time, Gandhi admitted, before the average Hindu ceases to be a coward and the average Muslim ceases to be a bully (MGCW Vol-29, P.145).

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What was the institution of the Caliphate (Khilafat), for retention of which India witnessed a massive agitation in the 1920s? The Caliph is an anglicised version of the Arabic word Khalifa, which literally meant a substitute. Successive Caliphs have acted as the temporal leaders of the Muslim community since the demise of the Prophet of Arabia in June, 632. They could administer, but they could not legislate, informs D.S. Margoliouth. This was evidently because the Prophet of Arabia was considered the last Prophet in Islam. Thus he could have no substitute as a recipient of divine revelation. However, he was also the leader of the incipient Muslim community, and it was this position that the Caliphs were called in to fill.

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Abu Bakr, who was the Prophets father-in-law, was elected as the first Caliph. The first four Caliphs viz. Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali are recognised and hailed as rightly guided Caliphs. They were also related to the Prophet of Arabia in one way or the other. The first two were fathers-in-law says Professor Margoliouth (1925), the second two sons-in-law; the fifth a brother-in-law. The substitute was in each of the cases a member of the Prophets family; the last of this series founded a dynasty (John R. Mott, Ed. The Moslem World of To-Day, P.34-35).

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The reigns of the Caliphs witnessed speedy expansion of the Islamic rule across the Middle East, Persia and North Africa etc during the 7th century. Needless to say this was achieved through military campaigns rather than any peaceful method of evangelism. However, such rapid expansion, created its own set of complications not merely for the vanquished population but the victors as well. Garrison towns were first established during the reign of second Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.634-644), whereby entire tribes came to settle in the newly acquired territories, often accentuating previous clannish rivalries under a new garb.

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The third Caliph viz. Uthman ibn Affan (r.644-656), was eventually murdered in Medina by disaffected Arab tribesmen from the garrisons of Kuffa, Basra and Egypt. The murder of Uthman- informs Muahmmed Qasim Zaman (2004)- inaugurated a series of bitter conflicts within the Muslim community that are collectively known as fitna - a highly evocative term suggesting a time of temptation and trial, dissension and chaos. This civil war, Islams first, was to continue throughout the reign of Uthmans successor Ali ibn Abi Talib (r. 656-661), and it ended with the latters assassination and the rise of the Umayyad dynasty (r.661-750). The events of these years were debated by Muslims for centuries. It is to these events that later Muslims looked in explaining and arguing over their sectarian divisions, some of which were to prove permanent (Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World- Caliphate- P.117).

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The fifth Caliph Muawiya ibn Abu Sufiyan (r. 661-680), who ruled from Damascus, was the first to convert the Caliphate into a hereditary monarchy. It is commonly referred to as the Umayyad Caliphate.

As Hugh Kenney explains, Muawiya nominated his son Yazid as his succor as monarch and Caliph. This scandalised a large section of Muslims, who wanted the Caliphate to revert to the Family of the Prophet and power restored to Kufa. Though Alis elder son al-Hassan had abandoned his claim to Caliphate, his younger brother al-Husayn was prepared to take up the cause. He forayed from Medina along with a small band of family and friends, in order to reach Kufa by trekking across the desert. He had planned to join his supporters at Kufa, to press forward his claims. However, the governor of Iraq viz. Ubayd-Allah, was waiting to prevent the party from entering into the country. After a short battle that ensued, al-Husayn and his entourage were decimated, and perished out of thirst at Karbala on 10 October 680 AD. The Kufans made no attempt to support him. Al-Husyans memory lived on in Islamic narrative, as a symbol of suffering of all weak and defenceless people. His martyrdom is celebrated by the Shias, though the sect developed much later (The Prophet and the Age of Caliphates, Second Edition, P.89).

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As the Umayyad dynasty collapsed in 750 AD, the power centre moved back to Iraq. Abul-Abbas, who was publicly acknowledged as a new Caliph at a mosque in Kufa in October, 749 AD lent its name to the Abbasid Caliphate. He was succeeded by his brother Al-Mansur, who is credited with building the imperial capital of Baghdad. Baghdad, the Round City, continued to be the centre of Abbasid Caliphate for close to five centuries, until their downfall in 1258 AD due to Mongol invasion. The Mongol invasion led to destruction of large parts of the eastern Islamic world.

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The Caliphate was revived, and the Mongol invasion was contained by the Mamluks of Syria and Egypt. But the Abbasid caliphs of the Mamluk era based in Cairo, observes Muahmmed Qasim Zaman, never enjoyed the prestige or even the symbolic capital possessed by their predecessors in Baghdad. The Mamluk era ended, along with the shadow of Abbasid Caliphate, with the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517 AD (Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World- Caliphate- P.121).

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Sir William Muir, the biographer of the Prophet, and historian of Caliphate, maintains that Al-Mustasim (r. 1242-1258) was the last Caliph, who was put to death by the Mongols. He calls the Caliphate in Cairo under Mamluks as, the so-called Caliphate (The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline and Fall, P.593). Muir does not care to venture into the Ottoman chapter of Caliphate at all. Hugh Kennedy also refrains from investigating into the Ottoman Era of Caliphates in The Prophet and the Age of Caliphates (1986).

Sir Thomas W. Arnolds (1924) explanation provides an agreeable middle ground. He says that by the 16th century, the title of Khalifah (Caliph) appears to have assumed a new significance; it certainly no longer implied descent from the house of Abbas or any claim to belong to the tribe of the Quraysh. The Muslim monarch now claimed to derive his authority directly from God, to be the vicegerent of Allah, not mere successor of the Prophet (The Caliphate, P.129).

Sir Thomas W Arnolds views actually concur with William Muir or later day historian Hugh Kennedy. He argues that Ottoman Sultans themselves were never in the habit of using the title Khalifa. They specifically avoided the ancient titles like Khalifa and Amir ul-Muminin and Imam etc for two hundred years. The possible reason, he cites, Hanafi legists belonging to the school of law which Ottoman Sultans had taken under their protection, had come to adopt the view that Khilafat had only lasted for thirty years i.e. up to the death of Ali and afterwards there was only government by the kings. Such was the view of Nasafi (1068-1141), one of the greatest legists of Hanafi school, whose exposition of Muslim doctrine was accepted as text-book in Turkey, and was commented upon by many scholars there (The Caliphate, P.163).

Sir Thomas W. Arnold makes a vital observation that the Ottoman Sultans began to claim the title of Caliph only in the beginning of the eighteenth century aimed at foreign consumption. He identifies the first occasion the designation Caliph was used for the Ottoman Sultan in a diplomatic document was the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji in 1774. The treaty was solemnised between Sultan Abdul Hamid I and Empress Catherine II of Russia, in which the Sultan was forced to recognise the complete independence of the Tartars of the Crimea and of Kuban, countries that had hitherto formed part of the Ottoman Empire.

Since the Empress of Russia claimed to be the patroness of the Christians of the Orthodox Church dwelling in the Ottoman territory, the Ottoman Plenipotentiaries thought it expedient to extend a similar claim for their Sultan on the Muslim subjects in the Czarinas territory. The treaty exists in three separate versions  Turkish, Italian and French- and though the language used is not exactly the same the term Caliph (Khalifa) appears in each (The Caliphate, P.165).

The Caliphate of Islam, even if it were a fiction according to historians, was recognized by the Ankara-based Turkish National Party (led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha) when it signed the Turkish National Pact on 28 January 1920. The Turkish National Assembly held an exceptional session in Constantinople as demanded by the victorious Allied Power. It was a sort of attempted patch up between the Sultan and National Assembly, at the insistence of the Allied Powers, but who soon aborted the experiment. Thereupon the Ankara-based Great Turkish National Assembly, having popular support, consolidated all political power. Its unanimous resolution on 1 November 1922 abolished the monarchy as inconsistent with republican goals of Turkey. However, ironically, in the same resolution it upheld the Caliphate. It not merely upheld the Caliphate, but acknowledged the same as a family property.

The Caliphate belongs to the Dynasty of the House of Osman. The member of the Dynasty who is most eligible in respect of knowledge and character is elected Caliph by the Turkish National Assembly. The Turkish State is the emplacement on which the Caliphate rests (Turkey, Arnold J. Toynbee, P.150).

Though the deposed Sultan Mehmed VI Vahideddin was not sent to exile, he was forced to flee soon after the National Assembly initiated charges of high treason against him and his Cabinet Ministers. Vahideddin realising that discretion was better part of the valour fled with his family rather than facing the trial. On 18 November 1922 the cousin of deposed Sultan viz Abdul Mejid was elected as the Caliph (but not Sultan) by the National Assembly. At the investiture the prayers were said for the first time in Turkish, instead of Arabic. He was also the first to receive the Caliphs mantle without political power. The Caliph had no power, either political or spiritual, and became a figurehead, whose functions were to receive visits and attend weekly ceremony in the Selamlik (part of the Ottoman Palace) and of public prayer.

At this juncture, Agha Khan and Ameer Ali, two stalwart Muslim leaders of India appealed to the Turkish government to define clearly the powers and authority of Caliph. Their mild and courteous appeal was published in the form of a letter in certain Turkish newspapers. The Turkish government immediately denounced this foreign interference in Turkeys internal affairs. Arnold J. Toynbee informs that as the writers of this letter viz. Agha Khan and Ameer Ali were outside the reach of the Turkish government, the editors who published their letter were prosecuted before the newly created tribunal at Constantinople. They served a mild form of penal servitude. However, Lutfi Bey, President of Constantinople Bar, received five years of penal sentence for writing an open letter in Tanin, a leading Turkish newspaper, addressed to Caliph advising him not to be misled by certain propaganda about his contemplated deposition from the office (Turkey, P.189-190). This was how the Turkish republic brought an end to the office of Caliphate, though in the process betraying its authoritarian character.

The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
CAA does not classify or differentiate on the grounds of religion, claims the ministry of home affairs document, pointing out that it merely classifies religious persecution in countries with a state religion

Even as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is set to be implemented, did the failure of the Nehru-Liaquat pact of 1950 play a key role as a starter of a benign and narrowly tailored legislation aimed to protect the minorities in non secular countries within our neighbourhood?

The CAA provides that persons belonging to six minority communities, namely Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who were compelled to seek shelter in India on grounds of religious persecution would no longer be treated as illegal migrants.

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Liaquat Ali Khan was the prime minister of Pakistan when he and Indian premier Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru signed an agreement in Delhi in 1950, commonly called the Nehru-Liaquat pact. The accord was signed to protect religious minorities in each others territories. Under the Nehru-Liaquat pact, forced conversions were unrecognised, and minority rights were confirmed. Pakistan had solemnly agreed to accord complete equality of citizenship and a full sense of security with respect to life, culture, freedom of speech, and worship.

However, Pakistan quickly went back on its promise. Liyaqat Ali was assassinated in October 1951. When the holy relic in Hazratbal, Srinagar, was stolen on January 3, 1964, there were large-scale disturbances in East Pakistan [now Bangladesh>, leading to the loss of lives, arson, and looting targeted at the minority community. Even though the holy relic was recovered the next day, communal disturbances went on.

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In fact, responding to a calling attention motion in the Lok Sabha, the then Union Home Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda said that while India was implementing the Nehru-Liyaqat pact, Pakistan was not doing its part.

Regarding minorities in Pakistan, Nanda [who twice served as caretaker prime minister of India after the deaths of Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri> said India cannot shut its eyes to those who were part of ourselves, with whom we have ties of blood and who are our relations and friends and that we can not turn our face against sufferings, the torture of their bodies and spirit and all that they are undergoing there.

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This was the time Nehru was prime minister and sitting in parliament when his home minister stated, If they [the Hindu minority in Pakistan> find it impossible to breathe the air of security in their country and they feel they must leave it, then we can not bar their way. We have no heart to tell them, You go on staying there and be butchered. Three days later, Nehru suffered a paralytic stroke on his left side in Bhubaneswar, prompting Nanda to temporarily assume the executive responsibilities of ailing Prime Minister Nehru.

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A ministry of home affairs document on CAA quotes Nehrus Tryst with Destiny speech delivered at midnight of the countrys independence as saying, We think also of our brothers and sisters who have been cut off from us by political boundaries and who unhappily can not share at present in the freedom that has come. They are of us and will remain of us whatever may happen, and we shall be sharers of their good and ill fortune alike

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The CAA has excluded Ahmadias, Shias, Bahaiis, Hazaras, Jews, Baloch, and Atheist communities on the grounds that persecution arising out of political or religious movements cannot be equated with the systematic religious persecution that the CAA aims to deal with. Similarly, cases of Rohingyas, Tibetan Buddhists, and Sri Lankan Tamils have been excluded from CAA because the legislation is not meant to be an omnibus solution to the issues across the world. It is argued that the Indian parliament cannot be taking care of the various forms of persecution taking place across the world in various countries.

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CAA does not classify or differentiate on the grounds of religion, claims the ministry of home affairs document, pointing out that it merely classifies religious persecution in countries with a state religion.

The author is a Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. A well-known political analyst, he has written several books, including 24 Akbar Road and Sonia: A Biography. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The upcoming week until March 10 will be significantly dry across the country, as no significant western disturbance or pre-monsoon rains are forecasted to occur

As per the Indian Meteorological Department seasonal criteria, the winter season has come to an end, and the pre-monsoon season has started, which will last till May-end.

It is pre-monsoon on paper, but weather-wise, winter is still penetrating the western Himalayas, and the plains of north India and central India are experiencing a spring-like temperature range.

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The first intense western disturbance of the spring season has also influenced the entire western Himalayas, north, west, and central India during March 13.

Widespread heavy to very heavy snowfall accumulation has been observed across the mid and upper reaches of Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Various upper reaches in the Kinnaur district reported snowfall between 3 and 4 feet. Kalpa station recorded 101 cm (3.3 feet) of snowfall in a span of 48 hours.

Himachal Pradesh snowfall ending 8:30 AM on March 3:

Khadrala: 62.0 cm

Sangla: 62.5 cm

Gondhla: 45.0 cm

Kukumsheri: 44.8 cm

Keylong: 38.0 cm

Rainfall figures from the state ending 8:30 AM:

Manali: 88.0 mm

Nahan: 83.3 mm

Pacchad: 76.0 mm

Sarahan: 70.0 mm

Kangra: 64.9 mm

Rampur: 64.0 mm

Manali recorded 90.0 mm of rainfall in the span of 24 hours, ending at 8:30 am on March 2. This is the second-highest single-day rainfall ever recorded in the month of March.

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Previous records: 112.4 mm on March 22, 1990, and 89.8 mm on March 12, 1988.

It was such a powerful western disturbance that produced the first 150 mm+ accumulation event over foothills and plains in the span of 24 hours:

Uttarakhand:

Koti: 157.0 mm

Chaktata: 118.0 mm

Tiuni: 93.8 mm

Mori: 88.0 mm

Purola: 85.0 mm

Jammu and Kashmir:

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Udhampur: 124.8 mm

Banihal: 90.2 mm

Haryanas Narwana also registered a 100-mm rainfall event and became the first station with triple-digit rainfall accumulation this year.

(Rain lead to a drop in temperature across north and central India, below normal temperatures are predicted to prevail)

The current weather system broke many records in terms of precipitation as well as shattered farmers expectations of a good rabi crop yield this year.

Many severe weather events unfolded on March 2 and 3 as widespread hailstorms were observed in north Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, resulting in major damage to the standing wheat crop. Strong wind speeds have also created problems for the farmers as wheat has flattened on the ground.

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A rare tornado was also spotted from one of the supercell storms near Moga, Punjab, on the evening of March 2. Tornado reporting events are increasing dramatically every year in Punjab and the northern plains. This is a worrying fact, as the Indian population is never prepared for such extreme events, and their occurrences are increasing each season.

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In view of the western disturbance, light thunderstorms have also occurred over isolated places in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand on March 2 and 3. This brought a slight relief from the rising temperatures in the region.

Following the trend of the past few weeks, dry and hot weather conditions have continued to prevail across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

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The pan-India actual rainfall so far in the period from March 1st to March 3 stands at 8.7 mm against the normal of 2.9 mm; the departure from normal currently stands at +200 per cent.

Subdivision-wise pre-monsoon seasonal rainfall during March 1-3, 2024:

 Southern peninsula: Actual 0.0 mm against the average of 0.8 mm, -99 per cent departure from normal.

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 East and north east India: Actual 0.4 mm against the average of 4.4 mm, -92 per cent departure from normal.

 Northwest India: Actual 25.6 mm against the average of 5.4 mm, +375 per cent departure from normal.

 Central India: Actual 2.3 mm against the average of 1.1 mm, +109 per cent departure from normal.

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(Pre monsoon seasonal rainfall until 3rd March, 2024 has been excess across north west and central India)

Current synoptic weather features influencing weather in India as of the night of March 3, 2023:

 The western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and a neighbourhood between 3.1 km and 12.6 km above mean sea level persists. The trough from this cyclonic circulation to the Northeast Arabian Sea between 3.1 and 12.6 km above mean sea level also persists.

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 The induced low-pressure area over west Punjab and the neighbourhood have become less marked. However, the associated cyclonic circulation over west Punjab and the surrounding neighbourhood, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level, persists.

 The trough is westerly, roughly along Long. 92E to the north of Lat. 25N, at 3.1 km above mean sea level.

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 The trough from southwest Madhya Pradesh to north interior Karnataka at 0.9 km above mean sea level persists.

 A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from the night of March 5, 2024.

All India weather forecast till March 10, 2024:

The western disturbance is moving away after a prolonged spell of snowfall over the western Himalayas accumulated in feet. Mountains are snowcapped, and north-west winds would start blowing towards plains from the hilly states.

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Forecast for a rare coldwave in March

Clear weather conditions combined with icy cold north-west winds are going to bring down night temperatures across the hill stations as well as in the plains of north and central India during the next three nights.

The minimum temperature can fall as low as -20C in the upper reaches; in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, it will range from 3 to 7C; in Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, it will be in the range of 6 to 10C.

The minimum temperature anomaly will be 5 to 9C below normal for this time of year; hence, it is classified as a cold wave, which is not something we witness each year. Some all-time records for minimum temperature might break on March 5 and 6.

Cold morning across north India as Shimla dipped to subzero for the first time in the month of March after 2017, here is the minimum temperature recorded in stations in north India on March 4:

Padum: -17.9C

Gulmarg: -12.0C

Keylong: -10.9C

Sonamarg: -9.5C

Bharmour: -2.3C

Mukteshwar: -0.5C

Shimla: -0.1C

Hisar: 5.2C

Amritsar: 6.2C

Jaisalmer: 6.5C

Jammu: 6.7C

Weather models hint for another feeble western disturbance to impact hills on March 6 and 7. This will bring limited events of light snowfall over Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh; one or two places in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana might observe drizzles and overcast conditions; and the maximum temperature will stay in the pleasant range of under 27C at most places this week.

Summers to intensify in south India

Following the trends of the past week, dry weather conditions will continue to prevail across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa, with no precipitation-inducing weather system to impact this week as well. Maximum temperatures are going to rise by 1-3C from current levels and settle around 35 to 38C in these states.

From March 8 to 10, day temperatures will increase across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh to the range of 33 to 37C. This will turn out to be a spring break for these states, and days will start getting warmer.

Warmer temperatures predicted across south India and over some parts of east and central India during upcoming weekend

The upcoming week until March 10 will be significantly dry across the country, as no significant western disturbance or pre-monsoon rains are forecasted to occur.

The writer, better known as the Rohtak Weatherman, interprets and explains complex weather patterns. His impact-based forecasts @navdeepdahiya55 are very popular in north India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
NVIDIA has seen a meteoric rise in its market cap and stock value, which has made it one of the hottest trading stock in the world. However, investors are afraid that just like Tesla which saw a meteoric rise, NVIDIA too will see an abrupt slowdown

NVIDIA has seen a meteoric rise in its market cap and stock value, which has made it one of the hottest trading stock in the world. However, investors are afraid that just like Tesla which saw a meteoric rise, NVIDIA too will see an abrupt slowdown

NVIDIAs rapid growth is catching the attention of investors and driving the S&P 500 Index to record highs. However, it also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with heavily hyped technological ventures, akin to the rise and fall of Tesla.

Teslas surge in 2017, fueled by optimism surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), saw the company surpass established automakers like General Motors and Ford in market value. However, Teslas stock has since declined by over 50% from its peak, alongside other EV stocks. This cautionary tale should resonate with Nvidia investors who view the stock as a limitless bet on artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.

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Adam Sarhan, CEO of 50 Park Investments, warns against the allure of tech innovation without thorough scrutiny. While Nvidia and Tesla differ in products and leadership, their trajectories share similarities.

Nvidias ascent is attributed to its remarkable sales growth, driven by the demand for its chips powering AI applications. In contrast, Teslas lofty valuation was based on expectations of widespread EV adoption, which have faced reality checks as demand slows.

Despite concerns about a potential slowdown, Nvidia continues to impress with strong financial performance, including a significant increase in net income. However, its high price-to-sales ratio underscores investor expectations for sustained growth.

Competitors are also vying for a share of Nvidias market dominance in AI-related chips, signalling potential challenges ahead. While the promise of AI is real, investors must discern between genuine opportunities and overhyped ventures, as exemplified by past market bubbles.

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Cole Wilcox, CEO of Longboard Asset Management, emphasizes the importance of separating winners from losers in the pursuit of long-term investment success amid evolving technological landscapes.
Googles CEO Sundar Pichai has been put on the spot following the controversy that their AI chatbot, Gemini has created. Several analysts, including a few prominent ones who have great influence over Googles staff, have said that maybe the tech giant needs a change in leadership

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai has been put on the spot following the controversy that their AI chatbot, Gemini has created. Several analysts, including a few prominent ones who have great influence over Google's staff, have said that maybe the tech giant needs a change in leadership

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, responded to criticism regarding the companys recent AI product, admitting that it wasnt adequately tested before its launch. At the Gemini 1.5 Hackathon, Brin addressed concerns about the AIs biases, particularly in image generation, attributing the issues to insufficient testing.

I wasnt really expecting to talk about this today, he said, We definitely messed up on the image generation, and I think it was mostly due to, just like, not thorough testing, he added

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Public complaints have centred not only on racially skewed image responses but also on biased answers to informational queries. The AIs responses included portraying historical figures inaccurately and hesitating to condemn sensitive topics like paedophilia or violence attributed to certain groups.

Following internal acknowledgement of bias and issues with the Gemini app, Google suspended its image generation feature due to inaccuracies in depicting historical figures. This decision led to a significant drop in Alphabets market value.

The clip from the hackathon raised eyebrows not only due to Brins comments but also because of the attire of the individual posing the question, who wore a shirt with a provocative print. This incident, along with the AI debacle, prompted CEO Sundar Pichai to address the company, acknowledging the situation as completely unacceptable.

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The fallout from the incident has fueled perceptions that Google is lagging in the AI race, leading to calls for Pichais replacement. Analysts, including Ben Thompson, have suggested a transformation within Google, which may involve leadership changes.

Despite Pichais successful tenure as CEO since 2015, some argue that a shift in leadership might be necessary to address the companys current challenges. Pichai has been praised for his management of Googles core business and dealings with regulators, contributing to the companys significant market growth.

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(With inputs from agencies)
NVIDIA now identifies Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant as a potential rival in AI chips for the first time. With export restrictions preventing NVIDIA from shipping its GPUs to mainland China, Huaweis new AI chipset, the Ascend 910B, is gaining attention as a replacement for NVIDIAs products

NVIDIA now identifies Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant as a potential rival in AI chips for the first time. With export restrictions preventing NVIDIA from shipping its GPUs to mainland China, Huawei's new AI chipset, the Ascend 910B, is gaining attention as a replacement for NVIDIA's products

Huawei Technologies semiconductor capabilities are under fresh scrutiny as NVIDIA now identifies the Chinese telecom giant as a potential rival in AI chips for the first time. With export restrictions preventing NVIDIA from shipping its GPUs to mainland China, Huaweis new AI chipset, the Ascend 910B, is gaining attention as a replacement for NVIDIAs products in the region.

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The Ascend 910B, believed to surpass Huaweis earlier Ascend 910, is considered comparable in computing power to NVIDIAs A100 data-center GPUs. Fabricated by Chinas top foundry, SMIC, on a 7-nanometer process, the Ascend 910B has attracted interest from industry insiders.

Despite US sanctions hampering Huaweis semiconductor development since 2019, the company has been strengthening its chip business by collaborating with domestic suppliers. The launch of the Mate 60 Pro, powered by the SMIC-made Kirin 9000s processor, showcased Huaweis resilience in the face of the chip ban.

The emergence of the Ascend 910B coincided with the Mate 60 Pros release, with significant orders from companies like Baidu. Chinese AI company iFlytek also launched its Feixing One computing platform based on Huaweis Ascend chips, indicating a growing interest in Huaweis AI capabilities.

NVIDIAs CEO described Huawei as a really, really good company, acknowledging its potential in the AI chip market. Amid increased focus on generative AI and tighter US sanctions, Huawei and SMIC are dedicating more capacity to AI chips.

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Despite challenges, Huaweis Ascend 910B is available for order, albeit with tight supply. Analysts note that NVIDIA benefits from its software ecosystem CUDA, while Huaweis Compute Architecture for Neural Networks serves as a crucial platform for AI computing power.

While Huawei may need to invest in strengthening its software capabilities, its strength lies in chip design. However, US sanctions pose challenges to chip performance and production yields, underscoring the importance of building a robust ecosystem for AI development.
NATO will commence an exercise aimed at defending its recently extended Nordic domain starting Monday, with over 20,000 soldiers from 13 countries engaging in drills spanning nearly two weeks across the northern territories of Finland, Norway, and Sweden

One of three Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft takes off from the Blekinge Wing F17, based in Kallinge southern Sweden for a base in Sardinia to join the Nato-led operation in Libya, on 2 April, 2011. AP File

NATO will commence an exercise aimed at defending its recently extended Nordic domain starting Monday, with over 20,000 soldiers from 13 countries engaging in drills spanning nearly two weeks across the northern territories of Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

According to Associated Press, citing Finlands military, the Norway-led Nordic Response 2024 will involve more than 4,000 Finnish soldiers, marking the largest foreign exercise participation by the NATO newcomer.

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For the first time, Finland will participate as a NATO member nation in exercising collective defense of the alliances regions, AP quoted the Finnish Defense Forces as saying in a statement.

In April 2023, Finland, which has a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, made a historic decision to join NATO after decades of military neutrality. With approval from all NATO members, neighboring Sweden is in the process of completing formalities to become the alliances 32nd member, expected to be finalised in March.

Previously named Cold Response, the biannual NATO drill has long been held in the Arctic regions of northern Norway.

However, thanks to the NATO expansion with Finland and eventually Sweden, we are now expanding the exercise to a Nordic Response, AP quoted the Norwegian Armed Forces as saying on its website. This year, the drill is hosted equally by Finland, Norway and Sweden.

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The participating nations in the exercise that runs through March 15 are Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Roughly half of the participating troops will drill on land. The rest will train at sea, with over 50 participating submarines, frigates, corvettes, aircraft carriers, and various amphibious vessels, and in the air with more than 100 fighter jets, transport aircraft, maritime surveillance aircraft and helicopters, according to the Norwegian military.

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The combined joint training will focus on the defense and protection of the Nordic region, Norwegian military officials said.

We need to be able to fight back and stop anyone who tries to challenge our borders, values and democracy, AP quoted Brigadier Tron Strand from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Commander of the Norwegian Air Operations Center, as saying in a statement.

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With the current security situation in Europe, the exercise is extremely relevant and more important than ever before, he added.

The High North represents an important and strategically located area for NATO and the Nordic Response 2024 exercise increases Nordic preparedness and the capability to conduct large-scale joint operations in challenging weather and climate, NATO said on its website.

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Finlands new president, Alexander Stubb, will inspect the drill together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre in northern Norway on March 7. Its the first foreign trip for Stubb since he was sworn in as Finlands new head of state and its supreme military commander on March 1.

With inputs from agencies
The European Unions Red Sea naval mission, known as Aspides (Greek for Shields), was started last month to protect ships against attacks by Houthi militants with Iranian allegiance, aiding the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas in its conflict with Israel

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias speaks during an interview with Reuters at the Ministry of Defence in Athens, Greece. Reuters

According to the minister of defence, Greece, which is home to the EU operations headquarters aimed at protecting ships in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, aspires to take a more prominent part in guaranteeing the security of the 27 member states.

We have to be able to defend ourselves, Nikos Dendias told Reuters, adding that the European Union could achieve that in cooperation with NATO and other allies.

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What were trying to do is have a home-grown defence industry in Greece and Europe which could service the needs of the European Union.

The European Unions Red Sea naval mission, known as Aspides (Greek for Shields), was started last month to protect ships against attacks by Houthi militants with Iranian allegiance, aiding the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas in its conflict with Israel.

Greece commands the worlds biggest commercial fleet and has seen a rise in attacks on its boats due to its strategic location at the intersection of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Trade in Piraeus, the main port in Greece, has decreased by 40%.

As part of Greeces takeover of leadership of the EU mission, which will have its headquarters in Larissa, the Greek frigate Hydra set sail for the Red Sea last week. The naval force is commanded by Italy.

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Its important that we succeed, Dendias said. You cannot be a crossroads if roads do not exist or do not function. So for us (Greece) this is a huge threat directly and indirectly.

Both Greece and the European Union are alarmed by the sophisticated approach of the Houthis, he said, with sea mines and submarine weapons used in attacks.

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The safety of the five Aspides warships and crew, also from Germany, Italy, Belgium and France, was also a concern, he said, urging close coordination with other fleets in the area, which include warships from the United States and India.

Having a very close communication and as much a common approach as possible with other fleets  is something advisable and important, he said.

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Following Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the European Union wants to increase its defence role as a bloc rather than as a collection of 27 nations where military policy is drafted at a national level.

Greece, also a NATO member, wants to reform its army along the example of Finland. It also aims to revamp its defence industry and boost its shipyards business, as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis that forced it to slash spending.

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It has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan, that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S, three frigates from France and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters.

It wants to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in talks with the United States to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates for the Greek Navy. Foreign frigates could be serviced in Greek shipyards, Dendias said.

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This presents a huge challenge, he said. Were a proud maritime nation but its the first time in our history that we may be able to co-design a platform as important as the Constellation.
Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of Chinas Office for International Military Cooperation, met Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the Maldives Minister of Defense, to talk about strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations

The Maldivian defense ministry stated on its X account that Maumoon and Major General Baoqun "signed an agreement on China's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties"

Only a few weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a date for the departure of the first contingent of Indian military personnel from his island nation, China inked a defense cooperation agreement with the Maldives on Monday, offering free military aid to promote stronger bilateral ties.

Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of Chinas Office for International Military Cooperation, met Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the Maldives Minister of Defense, to talk about strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations.

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The Maldivian defense ministry stated on its X account that Maumoon and Major General Baoqun signed an agreement on Chinas provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties.

The details of the defence cooperation agreement were not made available. According to media reports, China has also given the Maldives twelve environmentally efficient ambulances.

Wang Lixin, the Chinese ambassador to the Maldives, gave the letter donating the ambulances to the countrys health ministry on Sunday at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health.

Days had passed since Male had permitted the high-tech Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 to dock for the rotation of its personnel and replenishment. At that point, the Chinese military delegation paid a visit.

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On January 5, Sri Lanka announced that it had imposed a one-year ban on foreign research ships accessing its waters, despite the same ship being denied entry. This move was made in response to Indias concerns about Chinese research vessels docking nearby and gathering data from the oceans, including the Indian Ocean Region, for military uses, particularly submarine operations.

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Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously defended the port call by the Chinese research ship to the Maldives saying, Chinas scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanitys scientific understanding of the ocean. The visit of the Chinese military delegation to the Maldives is taking place days after India confirmed that its first civilian team of technical experts has reached the island nation to replace the military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter in the country.

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Widely regarded as a pro-China politician, President Muizzu has set a deadline of March 10th for the first wave of Indian military troops to leave his nation.

The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.

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In the aftermath of the high-level core group meetings tasked with addressing the problem of Indian military personnel withdrawing, the Maldivian foreign ministry announced that India would replace all of its military personnel by May 10 in two phases.

The Maldivian government reports that 88 Indian military troops are stationed there, mostly to staff two helicopters and an airplane that have conducted hundreds of humanitarian relief and medical missions.

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Since Muizzu took office in November of last year, there has been considerable pressure in the relations between the two nations.

Muizzu maintained after assuming charge as the president that he would keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.

In the September 2018 presidential runoff, Muizzu defeated incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was friendly with India.

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One of Indias most important maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region is the Maldives, and during the previous administration in Male, bilateral relations generally saw an improvement, particularly in the fields of security and defense. According to statements made by the present administration, it is examining more than 100 bilateral agreements that past administrations had inked with India.

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The Maldives is strategically vital because of its close proximity to Indiait is just 300 nautical miles from the western coast of the continent and barely 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweepas well as because it is situated at the intersection of commercial sea lanes that traverse the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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(With agency inputs)
I encourage my readers to study the ancient Kemet civilization. Kemet later became known as Upper Egypt. The first Pharaoh, Menes, also known as Narmer, was an African king of Kemet prior to his reign as Pharoah. Menes ushered in the first six dynasties of Egyptian Pharaohs, all of whom were Black Africans from Kemet. It was these Kemet Pharaohs who built the great pyramids of Giza  1,500 years before Moses; 2,500 years before Socrates, the Roman Empire and Lao Tsu; 3,000 years before Jesus Christ; 3,600 years before Mohammad, the Prophet; and 4,700 years before the formation of the United States of America. And it is part of the undisputed archeological record that all world religions are based on Kemetian religion and philosophy. Even the ancient Greek historian Herodotus knew this.
In recent months, territorial conflicts in the crucial economic corridor have intensified, with China displaying its fangs in territories that are also claimed by ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines

Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo shake hands as they attend the Maritime Cooperation Forum of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, in Melbourne, Australia. Reuters File

As a collective jab at China, leaders of Australia and Southeast Asian countries meeting in Melbourne on Monday are predicted to condemn the threat or use of force to resolve conflicts in the area.

We strive for a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected, a draft joint ASEAN-Australia statement obtained by AFP read.

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We strive for a region where differences are managed through respectful dialogue, not the threat or use of force.

Three days of talks are expected to focus heavily on Beijings assertive posture in the South China Sea.

In recent months, territorial conflicts in the crucial economic corridor have intensified, with China displaying its fangs in territories that are also claimed by ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines.

We all have a responsibility to shape the region we want to share: peaceful, stable and prosperous, said Australias Penny Wong, the host foreign minister.

This is more important than ever with the regions character under challenge, she said.

We face destabilising, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air and militarisation of disputed features.

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Talks are also expected to focus on economic cooperation, as countries like the Philippines and Australia look to insulate their economy against retaliation from China.

Trade, security

Philippines Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo told AFP that economic resilience was a crucial part of ensuring security and sovereignty are upheld.

As part of that effort, he said the Philippines hopes to launch formal free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union very soon.

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The Philippines is focused on creating greater economic security and economic resiliency, which in turn contributes to your own national security, Manalo said.

What were really aiming for is the notion of greater economic resilience, the minister said, underscoring the importance of being able to adapt to sudden changes, whether human-made or natural.

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Climate change also looms large.

Southeast Asias hunger for energy is largely sated by fossil fuels, while Australia remains one of the worlds biggest exporters of gas and polluting thermal coal.

Both are increasingly eager to pivot toward renewable energy, making the most of natural blessings, such as bulging deposits of critical minerals.

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ASEAN countries need more energy if they are going to continue developing their economies, said Rahman Yaacob, a regional analyst with Australias Lowy Institute.

Australia could be a source of that energy.

Indonesia and the Philippines are two of the worlds largest producers of nickel, a key ingredient in the production of batteries for electric cars.

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Another key battery metal, lithium, is found in vast quantities scattered throughout Australia.

Jakarta and Canberra have already started exploring how they could mesh these advantages to boost electric vehicle manufacturing.
Airservices Australias Luke Gumley said that drone management systems need to be integrated with broader air traffic operations to prevent any untowardly incident such as crashes

A Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter-like drone is kept on display at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon. Reuters file

Australia is seeking to expand its air traffic control system in view of a possible influx of unmanned aircraft as well as flying taxis over the next decade.

Traffic management company Frequentis Australiasia has been appointed to create a digital air traffic management to safely integrate millions of uncrewed aircraft flights into Australias busy airspace by the countrys airspace managing agency Airservice Australia.

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Initially, it was believed that uncrewed aircraft would be highly automated leading to the perception that they would interfere with the operations of commercial flights.

However, Airservices Australias Luke Gumley said that drone management systems need to be integrated with broader air traffic operations to prevent any untowardly incident such as crashes.

Currently, drones generally dont operate where crewed aircraft do, but in time we know well have to integrate the two, with airspace being finite, and congestion around urban environments, Gumley told The Guardian.

Whats the future of Australian aviation?

An analysis by Airservice Australia shows that the country will witness a surge in the number of drone flights to as much as 60 million unmanned aerial vehicles by 2043. These will include delivery drones, air taxis and other pilotless operations.

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Currently, there are about 1.5 million drone flights each year.

Gumley said, The way we do air traffic control today wont work for the number of drones we expect to see in our skies.

He added, There will be many aircraft in urban environments with high populations drone delivery will operate in populous areas.

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What will the new system be like?

Australia will examine America and United Kingdoms air traffic control systems as examples to build its own integrated air traffic control management.

Under a new system, focus will be put on commerical operations like drones and air taxis than smaller consumer and photography drones.

However, Gumley has noted that recreational [drone> pilots might need to take some additional steps to fly in busy urban areas.

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We see that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will be a catalysing event for air taxis, Gumley said.

We know that from speaking to air taxi manufacturers  theyre hoping to deliver some services at the Brisbane Olympics and we see air taxis operating more at scale by then, he added.

Australia faces shortage of air traffic controllers

Since the new year began, Australia has been glaring at a shortage of air traffic controllers leading to the delay and cancellation of flights.

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Itd surprise many passengers to learn that perhaps the reason for the delay or the cancellation is actually because of air traffic control not being able to staff those control towers, James Goodwin, CEO of the Australian Airport Association told ABC News in January.

In fact, staffing was so tight in December 2023 dozens of flight operations were impacted across the seven east-coast sectors with most flights being forced to fly through an airspace around Byron Bay.
Navalny died on February 16 under mysterious circumstances in an Arctic penal camp, where he was serving a 19-year jail term for extremism. He was 47 years old

A person throws flowers towards the grave of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while standing in front of a closed entrance to the Borisovskoye cemetery, in Moscow, Russia. Reuters

Following opposition leader Alexei Navalnys death in an Arctic prison colony last month, Canada slapped fresh penalties against six Russian officials on Sunday.

According to a statement from Canadas foreign affairs department, the penalties are aimed at senior officials and high-ranking employees of Russias prosecution, judicial and correctional services.

The six individuals were involved in the violation of Mr. Navalnys human rights, his cruel punishment and ultimately, his death, claimed the statement.

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Alongside our partners, Canada will maintain pressure on the Russian government to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the death of Mr. Navalny, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement.

This increased pressure on the Russian government sends a clear signal that human rights must be unequivocally respected.

Following the death of Russian President Vladimir Putins most vocal opponent, Alexei Navalny, the Canadian government summoned Russias ambassador to demand a full and transparent investigation of his death.

Navalny died on February 16 under mysterious circumstances in an Arctic penal camp, where he was serving a 19-year jail term for extremism. He was 47 years old.

His family and supporters have accused the Kremlin of arranging his assassination, and Western politicians have declared Putin responsible for his demise.
Li Qiang will not hold a press conference as there would be more briefings by government ministers during the annual parliament meeting, NPC spokesperson said

Is China scared of being flooded with questions on its deplorable economic condition? It appears so, as for the first time, the countrys leading economics official, premier Li Qiang, will not address the press at major annual political gathering in Beijing.

Breaking the tradition

The National Peoples Congress (NPC) spokesperson, Lou Qinjian, Monday announced the ending of a tradition maintained for three decades, saying Li Qiang will not address a press conference at the end of the Two Sessions, or at any of the NPC session this term.

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The Two Sessions began Monday with thousands of delegates taking part in the most high-profile political gathering.

The Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference has also been convened alongside the Two Sessions by Chinas parliament, the NPC. It is a separate but parallel meeting of the countrys top political advisory body.

The meetings are being closely observed as they will lay out the Chinese governments policy blueprint for the year ahead.

Why Chinese premier not holding press meet important?

Since 1993, Chinas premiers have met the media after the annual gathering of NPC.

The press conferences were one of the few opportunities for journalists, including foreign media, to ask questions pressing questions as well as engage with the high-ranking official.

Why Li Qiang wont address press?

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Qinjian told reporters the decision of Li Qiang not holding a press conference was made because there would be more briefings by government ministers during the annual parliament meeting where senior cabinet officials will talk about issues on diplomacy, economy and peoples livelihood.

The premier would not give media briefing at the conclusion of future NPCs, Lou added.

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Current vacancies in Chinas Cabinet to remain vacant

Meanwhile, an agenda published by state media revealed that current vacancies in the state council  Chinas Cabinet  and central military commission will remain vacant, with no personnel appointments to be announced during the Two Sessions.

The most significant vacancies are at the offices of the foreign minister and the defence minister. Speculation around the fates of Qin Gang, the former foreign minster, and Li Shangfu, the former defence minister, has swirled since the two men were removed without explanation from their positions last year.

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The Two Sessions

The high-profile political gathering will lay out the governments policy blueprint for the year ahead.

Qiang, will present the government work report, which lays out its plans for the year ahead, including the GDP growth target.
There is a sense of relief among the Chinese official circles that Pakistan, a key ally of China, which has been going through grave economic and political crises for the last several years, has an elected government that Beijing could deal with

China said on Monday that it hoped to strengthen its all-weather strategic ties and modernize the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as Shehbaz Sharif took the oath of office as prime minister of Pakistan for the second time.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning held a press conference and expressed Chinas sincere congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif on his election as Pakistans prime minister.

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Not long after Sharifs election on Sunday, he received congratulations from Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.

Mao stated that China greatly values Prime Minister Sharifs remarks regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and relations with Pakistan.

We stand ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward our traditional friendship, advance exchanges and cooperation across the board, upgrade the CPEC, and deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, she said.

In his victory speech yesterday, Shehbaz Sharif vowed to further promote the CPEC projects with China.

The CPEC, a global infrastructure and investment initiative by Beijing, was launched in 2013. It connects Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang province.

There is a sense of relief among the official circles here that Pakistan, a key ally of China, which has been going through grave economic and political crises for the last several years, has an elected government that Beijing could deal with.

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China had an uneasy relationship with former prime minister Imran Khans government, which was blamed for the slow pace of the CPEC.

Both Shehbaz and his brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, are familiar political figures for the ruling Chinese Communist Party as both of them along with the Pakistan military strengthened the all-weather alliance during their tenures. They are also firm backers of the strategic CPEC project.

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China has been providing forex loans and rollover of its debt periodically to bail out Pakistan which is facing a severe economic crisis.

Recent reports from Islamabad said China has agreed to roll over a USD 2 billion loan due to be paid in March.

With inputs from PTI
President Xi Jinping and senior party leaders are expected to attend the opening ceremony of Chinas Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which takes place on Monday at 3:00 pm (0700 GMT) and runs through Sunday, March 10

Security personnel stand guard, on the day of the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), outside the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing. Reuters

Chinas annual political conclave begins on Monday in Beijing, with authorities expressing great concern about the slowing economy and young unemployment as they set out plans for the next year.

The streets of Beijing are crowded with armed police and public security personnel as hundreds of delegates come to kick off the yearly Two Sessions meetings.

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President Xi Jinping and senior party leaders are expected to attend the opening ceremony of Chinas Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which takes place on Monday at 3:00 pm (0700 GMT) and runs through Sunday, March 10.

Spokesman Liu Jieyi for the CPPCC stated at a news conference that economic topics are of great concern to the organizations more than two thousand members.

So, too, he said Sunday, was the employment of young people, especially fresh graduates, with youth unemployment officially at around 15 percent at the end of 2023, after the statistics bureau adjusted its calculation methods.

Mondays CPPCC is relatively low-stakes compared to the near-simultaneous gathering of the countrys legislature, the National Peoples Congress, which begins on Tuesday.

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The meetings are not expected to see the unveiling of big-ticket bailouts that experts say are needed to stimulate Chinas economy, which last year posted some of its lowest growth in decades.

Beijing is instead set to double down on national security, with analysts expecting it to increase its military budget, second only to the United States.

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Beijing revised a law dramatically expanding its definition of espionage last year and conducted raids on a string of big-name consulting, research and due diligence firms.

The legislatures top body also approved a broad and vaguely worded revision to Chinas state secrets law in the run-up to the NPC.

There will also be continued emphasis on security, Lynette Ong, a professor at the University of Toronto, told AFP.

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I dont expect any major policy change such as important structural reforms that will change the course of economic trajectory, she added.

On paper, the NPC wields little actual power.

All major decisions will have been made weeks before in closed-door meetings of the Communist Party, far from the international medias cameras.

But the topics that are up for discussion and the tone of the speeches allow for key insights into whats keeping Chinas rulers up at night, analysts say.

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Balancing security with the need to keep the economy ticking over while other issues are worked out is at the centre of policymakers minds, Diana Choyleva, chief economist at Enodo Economics, said.
The (audio) recording itself says that within the Bundeswehr, plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely. This does not require any legal interpretation. Everything here is more than obvious, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asking if Chancellor Olaf Scholzs was in control of the situation

Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov answers a question during a meeting with journalists in Vladivostok, Russia, in this picture released on September 12, 2023. Reuters File

The Kremlin on Monday said a purported recording of German military discussions indicated that Germanys armed forces were deliberating plans to initiate strikes on Russian territory and also cast doubt on Chancellor Olaf Scholzs control over the situation.

Last week, Russian media released an audio recording allegedly capturing a meeting among high-ranking German military officials. The discussion reportedly centered on providing weapons to Ukraine and the possibility of Kyiv launching a strike on a bridge in Crimea, prompting Russian officials to request clarification from German authorities

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The recording itself says that within the Bundeswehr, plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely. This does not require any legal interpretation. Everything here is more than obvious, Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Scholz has promised a full investigation into the leaks.

Meanwhile, Russias foreign ministry on Monday summoned the German ambassador to Moscow.

Here we have to find out whether the Bundeswehr is doing this on its own initiative. Then the question is: how controllable is the Bundeswehr and how much does Scholz control the situation? Or is it part of German government policy? asked Peskov.

Both (scenarios) are very bad. Both once again emphasise the direct involvement of the countries of the collective West in the conflict around Ukraine.

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Berlin on Sunday accused Russia of trying to destabilise Germany by publishing the recording on Russian social media, in which participants discussed the possible use of German-made Taurus missiles.

A 38-minute recording of talks between German officers was posted late on Friday on Russian social media.

The officers were discussing the possible use in Ukraine of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact.

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Topics included aiming the missiles at targets such as a key bridge over the Kerch strait linking the Russian mainland to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Germany is among the NATO countries that have supplied weaponry to Ukraine including tanks. Russia accuses what it calls the collective West of using Ukraine to wage a proxy war against it; NATO says it is helping Kyiv to defend itself against a war of aggression.

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With inputs from agencies
The 38-minute chat, which occurred two weeks ago on the somewhat unreliable Webex platform, is still believed to be authentic. Russian actors appear to have recorded and hacked it, sending it to RTs editor for Fridays Telegram release

A leaked audio recording involving German air force officers has revealed that British soldiers are actively involved in Ukraine, assisting Kyivs forces in firing long-range Storm Shadow missiles.

The recording, confirmed as authentic by Germany, captures discussions on military strategies, including the use of missiles to target the Kerch Bridge connecting Russia with occupied Crimea. It was released Friday by the editor of the Kremlin-controlled news channel RT.

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The 38-minute chat, which occurred two weeks ago on the somewhat unreliable Webex platform, is still believed to be authentic. Russian actors appear to have recorded and hacked it, sending it to RTs editor for Fridays Telegram release.

In the leaked conversation, Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, head of the Luftwaffe, discusses Britains collaboration with Ukraine in deploying Storm Shadow missiles against targets deep within Russian territory. The conversation highlighted the British approach, which includes on-site support, in contrast to other nations.

When it comes to mission planning, the German commander says, I know how the English do it, they do it completely in reachback. They also have a few people on the ground, they do that, the French dont.

The military term reachback refers to the process of providing intelligence, equipment, and support to units stationed on the front from the rear.

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The Kremlin has responded, citing the leak as evidence of the direct involvement of Western countries in the conflict in Ukraine. Germanys defense minister, however, has accused Moscow of waging an information war against the West.

Former UK junior defense minister Tobias Ellwood described the leak as embarrassing for Berlin, suggesting that Russia likely knew about the British presence due to its extensive espionage activities. Nevertheless, concerns remain over potential escalation of the conflict.

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Last Tuesday, amid worries that any possible combat involvement could be interpreted as escalatory by Moscow, Britain confirmed the presence of a small number of personnel in Ukraine. However, it did not specify what tasks these individuals were performing.

The leaked call also discusses Germanys refusal to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine without the presence of German soldiers, which could risk implicating Germany in the conflict. The conversation explores alternatives, including training Ukrainian soldiers to operate the missiles.

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Compared to their French counterparts, Storm Shadow and Scalp, Taurus missiles can travel up to 300 miles at their maximum range. The German officers talk about various possible target types for the Taurus during the call, such as a bridge in the east that is supposedly hard to reach and has relatively small pillars.

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The description fits the vital Kerch Bridge, which is a vital supply line to Russian-occupied Crimea and which the Ukrainians have failed to destroy thus far despite multiple bombing attempts. They come to the conclusion that while it might require 10 to 20 missiles, it would be technically possible to destroy the bridge.

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Opposition defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter suggests that Russia leaked the meeting to undermine Germanys potential missile delivery to Ukraine and divert public attention from other issues.
In one of his first comments on the case, Germanys Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said, The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation  It is part of an information war that Putin is waging

Germany has accused Russia of waging an information war aimed at creating divisions in the country after recordings of a meeting among military officials over the Ukraine war were leaked last week.

In one of his first comments on the case, Germanys Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said, The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation  It is part of an information war that Putin is waging.

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On Friday, the head of Russias state-backed RT channel, Margarita Simonyan posted a 38-minute-long recording of what she claims was a conversation between German officials discussing potential strikes on Crimea on Feb 19.

Meanwhile, Russia has demanded an explanation from Germany over its accusations of eavesdropping.

Investigating the matter very seriously

On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to carry out a full investigation into the case.

What is being reported is a very serious matter and that is why it is now being investigated very carefully, very intensively and very quickly, Scholz said on a visit to Rome.

What does the recording reveal?

In the leaked recording, officials can be heard discussing the possible deployment of German-made Taurus missiles by Ukrainian forces.

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Topics include aiming the missiles at targets such as a key bridge over the Kerch strait linking the Russian mainland to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Experts consulted by Der Spiegel magazine said they believed the recording was authentic.

Why is Ukraine forcing Germany for Taurus missiles?

Kyiv has long been clamouring for Germany to provide it with Taurus missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometres (about 300 miles) away.

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Scholz has so far refused to send the missiles, fearing that it would lead to an escalation of the conflict.

With the Ukraine war in its third year, Kyiv has pushed its allies to ramp up military assistance.

With inputs from agencies
On Friday, the head of Russias state-backed RT channel, Margarita Simonyan posted a 38-minute-long recording of what she claims was a conversation between German officials discussing potential strikes on Crimea on Feb 19

German defence minister Boris Pistorius addresses the media during a press statement in Berlin, Germany. German authorities say they are investigating after an audio recording was published in Russia in which German military officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus long-range cruise missiles. AP

Germanys Foreign Ministry on Monday denied reports that Berlins ambassador has been summoned by Russia over the alleged leak of recordings of a meeting among military officials over the Ukraine war.

Our ambassador went to a long-planned meeting in the Russian foreign ministry (on Monday) morning, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Earlier today, Russian state media reported that it had summoned the German ambassador to Moscow to discuss the case of leak.

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Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Germanys Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said, The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation  It is part of an information war that Putin is waging.

On Friday, the head of Russias state-backed RT channel, Margarita Simonyan posted a 38-minute-long recording of what she claims was a conversation between German officials discussing potential strikes on Crimea on Feb 19.

Meanwhile, Russia has demanded an explanation from Germany over its accusations of eavesdropping.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday said that the country is investigating the matter very seriously.

Kremlin strikes back

Commenting on the purported wiretapped recordings, the Kremlin said Germanys armed forces are discussing plans to launch strikes on Russian territory.

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It also asked whether Sholz was orcherstrating the situation.

The recording itself says that within the Bundeswehr, plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely. This does not require any legal interpretation. Everything here is more than obvious, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Here we have to find out whether the Bundeswehr is doing this on its own initiative. Then the question is: how controllable is the Bundeswehr and how much does Scholz control the situation? Or is it part of German government policy? Peskov said.

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He said both scenarios were very bad. Both once again emphasise the direct involvement of the countries of the collective West in the conflict around Ukraine.
State police said Charles Born Davenport, of New Haven, was killed Sunday after the rental car he was driving rolled over on I-91 in Meriden. FILE PHOTO

MERIDEN  A New Haven man was killed Sunday night in a rollover crash in the grassy median in the middle of Interstate 91, state police said.

The agency identified the man killed as 31-year-old Charles Born Davenport.

The fatal crash was reported around 11:25 p.m. Sunday near Exit 19 in Meriden.

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State police said Davenport was traveling in the southbound lanes of the highway in a 2023 Kia Niro registered to the Avis Car Rental company.

"For an unknown reason," the car veered into the left lane then entered the grassy median, state police said.

The Kia "then commenced into a rollover event, collided with a tree stump and came to a final rest" in the highway median, the agency said in a news release.

State police said Davenport was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The crash remains under investigation.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the crash occurred on Interstate 91.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or was driving in the area at the time with a dashcam in their vehicle can contact TPR Michael Dean #416, at Troop H, at 860-534-1098 or through email at michael.dean@ct.gov.
The Danish state has refused to accept the allegation, stating that it is still conducting an inquiry to determine the full scope of the cases and the decision-making process that resulted in the campaign between 1960 and 1991, when Greenland took control of its healthcare system

The birth control effort came to light in 2022 when documents revealed that 4,500 intrauterine devices were put into mothers and girls as young as 13 without their knowledge or consent between 1966 and 1970 Image Courtesy Reuters

According to their attorney on Monday, a group of women from Greenland are suing Denmark, the countrys former colonial ruler, for compensation over a forced birth control program that was started in the 1960s.

The birth control effort came to light in 2022 when documents revealed that 4,500 intrauterine devices were put into mothers and girls as young as 13 without their knowledge or consent between 1966 and 1970, according to Danish television DR.

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There have been various cases in which claims of wrongdoing by Danish authorities against the citizens of their former colony have surfaced in recent years.

In 2022, Denmark issued a formal apology to the victims of an experiment conducted in the 1950s that involved the adoption of Greenland children.

With a population of only 57,000, Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and is currently a semi-sovereign territory of Denmark.

The women, who are now in their seventies and eighties, demanded compensation in October of 300,000 Danish crowns ($43,634) apiece.

The Danish state has refused to accept the allegation, stating that it is still conducting an inquiry to determine the full scope of the cases and the decision-making process that resulted in the campaign between 1960 and 1991, when Greenland took control of its healthcare system.

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My clients believe they were subject to a human rights violation because they have had IUDs inserted against their will, and in most cases when they were children, the womens lawyer, Mads Pramming, told the media.

The summons was formally submitted against Denmarks health ministry.

This is a deeply unfortunate case that we must get to the bottom of, and therefore an independent investigation has also been initiated, Health Minister Sophie Lohde said in an emailed statement.

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(With agency inputs)
In a special joint vote of the two houses of parliament held under the gilded ceilings of Versailles Palace, just outside of Paris, senators and members of parliament overwhelmingly supported the move, voting 780 votes to 72

Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, applauds after French lawmakers enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, during a special congress gathering both the upper and lower houses of the French parliament (National Assembly and Senate), at the Versailles Palace near Paris, France, March 4, 2024. REUTERS

Womens rights organisations hailed Frances historic decision to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution on Monday, while anti-abortion groups sharply denounced the move.

In a special joint vote of the two houses of parliament held under the gilded ceilings of Versailles Palace, just outside of Paris, senators and members of parliament overwhelmingly supported the move, voting 780 votes to 72.

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A massive screen displayed the results of the vote, and as the Eiffel Tower blinked in the background, abortion rights activists gathered in central Paris cheered and applauded. The message MyBodyMyChoice was displayed.

Abortion rights are more widely accepted in France than in the United States and many other countries, with polls showing around 80% of French people back the fact that abortion is legal.

Were sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told lawmakers ahead of the vote.

Women have had a legal right to abortion in France since a 1974 law - which many harshly criticised at the time.

But the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision to reverse the Roe v. Wade ruling that recognised womens constitutional right to abortion prompted activists to push France to become the first country to explicitly protect the right in its basic law.

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This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorised us to think that France was exempt from this risk, said Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group.

Theres a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman, Slimani said.

Mondays vote enshrined in Article 34 of the French constitution that the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion.

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France is at the forefront, said the head of the lower house of parliament, Yael Braun-Pivet, from French President Emmanuel Macrons centrist party.

ABORTION RIGHTS

But the move was not exempt from criticism.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said Macron was using it to score political points, because of the large support for the right to abortion in the country.

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We will vote to include it in the Constitution because we have no problem with that, Le Pen told reporters ahead of the Versailles vote, while adding that it was an exaggeration to call it a historic step because, she said, no one is putting the right to abortion at risk in France.

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Pascale Moriniere, the president of the Association of Catholic Families, called the move a defeat for anti-abortion campaigners.

Its (also) a defeat for women, she said, and, of course, for all the children who cannot see the day.

Moriniere said there was no need to add the right to abortion to the constitution.

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We imported a debate that is not French, since the United States was first to remove that from law with the repeal of Roe v. Wade, she said. There was an effect of panic from feminist movements, which wished to engrave this on the marble of the constitution.

(With inputs from Reuters)
Masry was charged with shooting Israeli settler Leah Dee and her daughters, Rina and Maia, dead while they were driving close to Hamra in the Jordan Valley, together with two other attackers

Approximately fifteen persons were treated by Palestinian Red Crescent Society medics following the use of tear gas by Israeli forces during their raid in the West Bank town of Nablus Image Courtesy AFP

The house of a Palestinian who is suspected of killing a British-Israeli woman and her two daughters in the occupied West Bank last year was blown up by the Israeli army on Monday.

Palestinian witnesses told news agency AFP that Moaz al-Masrys flat was destroyed in the early hours of April 7. Mamza was assassinated by Israeli forces after the attack on April 7.

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Approximately fifteen persons were treated by Palestinian Red Crescent Society medics following the use of tear gas by Israeli forces during their raid in the West Bank town of Nablus.

Masry was charged with shooting Israeli settler Leah Dee and her daughters, Rina and Maia, dead while they were driving close to Hamra in the Jordan Valley, together with two other attackers.

The attackers were eliminated in a military operation on Nablus in May after a manhunt.

Israel frequently demolishes the homes of Palestinians who are suspected of committing assaults. Proponents claim that this serves as a deterrence, but detractors call it collective retribution.

The Red Crescent informed AFP that they had taken several peopleincluding kidsout of the building where Masrys flat was located.

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Before the conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip broke out on October 7, there had been an increase in violence in the West Bank.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, based in Ramallah, reports that Israeli troops and settlers have murdered at least 420 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the conflict.

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Mustafa Abu Shalbak, 16, was the most recent victim, according to the ministry. He was shot by Israeli soldiers on Monday morning just before dawn in the Ramallah area.

Locals reported that during an Israeli military raid on a house in the Amari refugee camp, they were fired upon.

Regarding the Amari raid and the demolition in Nablus, the Israeli military remained silent at first.

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According to Israeli figures, Palestinian militants have killed at least 17 people in a series of strikes on Israeli forces and civilians in Israel and the West Bank in recent months.

Since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Israel has occupied the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, which it eventually annexed on its own.

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Over the years, Israeli settlementswhich are prohibited by international lawhave grown significantly and are regarded as a major obstacle to peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
Japan is likely to collaborate on defence technology and there is no plan for the country to become a formal member of the grouping

US President Joe Biden meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California U.S. March 13, 2023. REUTERS

Japan is likely to be part of AUKUS security as the US has began talks with the UK and Australia on inviting the country to collaborate on defence technology. As per reports, an announcement is possible as early as in April.

According to a report by Nikkei business daily, if invited, Japan would be the first country outside of the three partners to work under the AUKUS framework since it was launched in September 2021.

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However, there are no plans to have Japan become a formal member of the grouping, the report said.

Limited Partnership

Japans involvement in the partnership would be limited to specific

projects and would not include in nuclear-powered submarines under the first pillar of the trilateral agreement.

The AUKUS security pact is built on two pillars: The first pillat focuses on helping Australia acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, while the second pillar focuses on the development and sharing of advanced tech with warfighting capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, undersea drones, hypersonic missiles and electronic warfare technologies.

When is Japan likely to collaborate with AUKUS?

As per reports, US President Joe Bidens administration is aiming to reach an agreement early next month, and an announcement is expected during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas state visit to Washington on April 10.

In February this year, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who also serves concurrently as the countrys deputy prime minister, said he wanted to work more closely with Japan on technological developments, calling the nation a place of innovation, but ruled out Tokyos involvement in the trilateral groupings nuclear submarine project.

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However, he emphasised that collaboration with Japan would not be happening soon, as AUKUS second pillar remains in the formative stages.

In November last year, former Prime Minister of Japan Taro Aso also promoted the idea of his country joining AUKUS, which he said could be relabeled as JAUKUS.

With inputs from agencies
For the first time since 2001, the government of Japan admitted that the countrys economy was in deflation. Over the previous twenty years, the country had been fighting to break the cycle of declining corporate profits, stagnant salaries, and low levels of consumer spending

In response to growing prices, the Japanese government is thinking about ending deflation, according to a report by Kyodo news agency that cited people with knowledge of the situation.

After assessing whether the yearly labor-management pay negotiations, which are scheduled for March 13th, will be robust enough to counteract price increases and taking the prognosis for pricing trends into account, the government will make a decision.

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According to the sources, if this comes to pass, Japan will be freed from the deflation that hindered economic growth for more than 20 years.

For the first time since 2001, the government of Japan admitted that the countrys economy was in deflation. Over the previous twenty years, the country had been fighting to break the cycle of declining corporate profits, stagnant salaries, and low levels of consumer spending.

According to Kyodo, who cited sources, the government will examine a wide range of indicators in order to determine when deflation has ended, including consumer prices, unit labour costs, the output gap, and the GDP deflator.
This is the first time that the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples have been showcased together, the Union Culture Ministry earlier said

The holy relics of Lord Buddha and his two disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana reached Thailands second-largest city of Chiang Mai on Monday for an exhibition.

Th sacred relics were received by the Governor of Chiang Mai and members of the Consul of India.

Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana arrived in Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, for exposition. Sacred relics were received by the Governor of Chiang Mai along with Consul of India and other dignitaries. pic.twitter.com/nCTbu9WV1n  India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) March 4, 2024

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As the relics find their temporary abode in Chiang Mai, they serve as a beacon of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys and reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Thailand.

Image courtesy: PIB

Meanwhile, some of these relics reached Bangkok on Feb 22 where they were displayed for the public veneration at the specially built Mandapam at Sanam Luang Pavilion.

According to Thai officials, a whopping number of 1,45,834 devotees paid their respects to the relics over the weekend.

Image courtesy: @DrSJaishankar/X

Commenting on the overwhelming number of people showing up at the site, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India.

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Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India.



Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond.



Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts. pic.twitter.com/BXdnOKEXrl  Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 3, 2024

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Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond, he added.

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This is the first time that the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples have been showcased together, the Union Culture Ministry earlier said.

Image courtesy: PIB

The Embassy of India in Bangkok also posted some aerial images of the pavilion surrounded by a sea of humanity.

Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India, it posted.

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Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India. #GangaMekongHolyRelicsDhammayatra. @MEAIndia @MinOfCultureGoI @IbcWorldOrg @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/7plUIq6QAX  India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) March 3, 2024

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The display of the holy relics

The Indian Culture Ministry had earlier said that the Buddha relics will be displayed in a special pavillion in Bangkok from February 22 to March 3.

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The four Holy Piparahwa Relics of Lord Buddha and his Two Disciples, Arahata Sariputra, and Arahata Maudgalyayana were enshrined on February 23 for public veneration at the specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang pavilion.

According to the schedule, these holy relics will be displayed at Ho Kum Luang, Royal Rujapruek, Chiang Mai, from March 4 to 8, Wat Maha Wanaram, Ubon Ratchathani, from March 9 to 13 and Wat MahaThat, Aoluek, Krabi, from March 14 to 18.

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The holy relics will be escorted back on March 19 from Thailand to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand, the culture ministry said.

With inputs from agencies
Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he would be happy to reopen the search for flight MH370 if compelling evidence emerged, opening the door to a renewed hunt a decade after the plane disappeared.

If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened, we will certainly be happy to reopen it, he said when asked about the matter during a visit to Melbourne.

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His comments came as the families marked 10 years since the plane vanished in the Indian Ocean with 239 people aboard.

I dont think its a technical issue. Its an issue affecting the lives of people and whatever needs to be done must be done, he said.

Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has never been found and the operation was suspended in January 2017.

About 500 relatives and their supporters gathered Sunday at a shopping centre near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur for a remembrance day, with many visibly overcome with grief.

Some of the relatives came from China, where almost two-thirds of the passengers of the doomed plane were from.

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The last 10 years have been a nonstop emotional rollercoaster for me, Grace Nathan, a 36-year-old Malaysian lawyer whose mother, Anne Daisy, 56, was on the flight, told AFP.

Speaking to the crowd, she called on the Malaysian government to conduct a new search.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told reporters that as far Malaysia is concerned, it is committed to finding the plane cost is not the issue.

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He told relatives at the gathering that he would meet with officials from Texas-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted a previous unsuccessful search, to discuss a new operation.

We are now awaiting for them to provide suitable dates and I hope to meet them soon, he said.

An earlier Australia-led search that covered 120,000 square kilometres (46,000 square miles) in the Indian Ocean found hardly any trace of the plane, with only some pieces of debris picked up.
For the study, the research team from the UK travelled to the southeast of Morocco to examine the 100-meter-high and 700-meter-wide Lala Lallia. They discovered that the very base of the dune was 13,000 years old, but the upper part of the structure had only been formed in the last 1,000 years or so

For the first time, scientists have now determined the age of a single star dune in Morocco known as Lala Lallia Image Courtesy Reuters

The age of the greatest sand dunes on Earth has now been determined by geologists thanks to a ground-breaking study.

These dunes, which are also known as Star dunes or pyramid dunes, are hundreds of meters high and are recognized for their unique formations, according to a report by the BBC.

They are found in large numbers on Mars and Titan, Saturns moon, as well as in deserts, including the sand seas of Africa, Arabia, China, and North America.

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Prof Geoff Duller of the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth said, They are extraordinary things, one of the natural wonders of the world. From the ground, they look like pyramids but from the air, you see a peak and radiating off it in three or four directions these arms make them look like stars.

For the first time, scientists have now determined the age of a single star dune in Morocco known as Lala Lallia. The age of the star dune was determined by the scientists using a method known as luminescence dating. The technique determines the last time the sand grains were exposed to light.

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For the study, the research team from the UK travelled to the southeast of Morocco to examine the 100-meter-high and 700-meter-wide Lala Lallia. They discovered that the very base of the dune was 13,000 years old, but the upper part of the structure had only been formed in the last 1,000 years or so, The Guardian reported. The dune took 900 years to form, growing by 6,400 metric tonnes every year. After its initial formation, it stopped growing for about 8,000 years and then quickly expanded in the past several thousand years.

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These findings, according to researchers, support the theory that the star dunes formation was accompanied by a change in wind direction over the years.

Birkbeck Universitys and fellow study co-author Charlie Bristow explained, Star dunes are formed in areas with complex wind regimes, which means winds blowing from different directions, and net sand accumulation, points within the desert where big piles of sand can be blown around to form giant dunes. They form extraordinary and awe-inspiring landscapes From the ground they can be intimidating, mobile mountains of sand.
As (the) Nepali Congress did not cooperate with the Prime Minister, we are forced to look for (a) new alliance, said Ganesh Shah, Secretary of the CPN-Maoist

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Monday decided to establish a new alliance with former premier KP Sharma Olis party, following the termination of its nearly 15-month collaboration with the Nepali Congress due to leadership disparities.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), under Prachandas leadership, ended its alliance with the Nepali Congress, led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, as the growing differences between the two top leaders reached a climax.

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As (the) Nepali Congress did not cooperate with the Prime Minister, we are forced to look for (a) new alliance, PTI quoted Ganesh Shah, Secretary of the CPN-Maoist, as saying.

On December 25, 2022, Prachanda secured his third term as prime minister, backed by the Nepali Congress.

Following a split with the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the House of Representatives, Prachanda aligned with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), headed by Oli, who was previously one of Prachandas staunchest critics.

The CPN-UML withdrew its support from the Prachanda-led government last year due to disagreements over endorsing the presidential candidate of the main opposition party.

The new cabinet will be formed on Monday afternoon, and the size of the cabinet will be smaller, PTI quoted Surendra Pandey, Vice-chairman of the CPN-UML, as saying.

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The rift between the Maoist Centre and Nepali Congress grew after differences grew between Nepali Congress leader and Finance Minister Mahat and Prachanda over the issue of budget allocation to certain projects.

The rift grew as Nepali Congress President Deuba wanted the partys senior leader and newly elected lawmaker Krishna Sitaula to be made the Chairman of the National Assembly against Prachandas plan to appoint his partys fellow to the key post.

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On Monday, the CPN-UML Chairman Oli met Prachanda at the Prime Ministers quarters at Baluwatar and discussed matters relating to forming a new alliance, Shah told PTI.

The two leaders discussed the formation of a new government, a future course of action and possible leftist alliance among others, according to sources close to Baluwatar, Shah said.

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Soon after the meeting, leaders of three political parties, including Prime Minister Prachanda, CPN-UML chairman Oli and Rastriya Swatantra Partys (RSP) Ravi Lamichhane met at Baluwatar and discussed the modality of the new alliance and the formation of the new government.

Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives during the November 2022 general election, securing 89 seats out of a total of 275.

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The CPN-UML secured 78 seats, followed by the Maoist Centre, which got 32 seats.

The RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party and CPN-Unified Socialist won 20, 14, 12 and 10 seats respectively. It is necessary for a party to win the support of at least 138 members of the House of Representatives to form the government.

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CPN-UML, the second largest party in Parliament, will be a major alliance for the Prachanda-led new government.

With inputs from agencies
The announcement follows South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols warning that North Korea would organise provocations to sway the results of the parliamentary elections in April, including cyberattacks or the dissemination of false information

South and North Korean guard posts face each other as a South Korean national flag flutters in this picture taken from the Unification Observation Platform, near the demilitarized zone which separates the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea. Reuters

According to South Koreas intelligence service, hacker organisations from North Korea have gained access to at least two chip manufacturing equipment manufacturers in the nation as it attempts to get over sanctions and produce its own semiconductors for use in weapons projects.

The announcement follows South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols warning that North Korea would organise provocations to sway the results of the parliamentary elections in April, including cyberattacks or the dissemination of false information.

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The National Intelligence Service (NIS) demanded more stringent security, claiming that North Korean hackers have been focusing mostly on South Korean companies since late last year.

According to the NIS, in December and February, North Korea broke into the servers of two businesses, taking pictures of their premises and product design drawings.

We believe that North Korea might possibly be preparing to produce its own semiconductors in the face of difficulties in procuring them due to sanctions, it said in a statement.

Also driving the Norths efforts could be higher demand from its satellite, missile and other weapons programmes, it added.

Pyongyang has always denied involvement in cybercrimes, although North Korea has been blamed for cyberattacks netting millions of dollars.

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The hackers employed a technique called living off the land, which minimises malicious codes and uses existing, legitimate tools installed within the servers, making it difficult to detect with security software, the NIS said.
Jobs, regional integration get major lift

10:30, March 04, 2024 By Yan Dongjie, Fan Feifei and Liu Yifan ( China Daily

A total of 12.44 million new jobs were created in China's urban areas last year thanks in part to the efforts of governments at all levels and various funding, Liu Jieyi said at a news conference on Sunday.

Liu, spokesman for the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top political advisory body, said funds exceeding 300 billion yuan ($41.7 billion) were provided to directly support employment and entrepreneurship.

Targeted measures were also adopted to support the employment of young people including college graduates and help people facing difficulties in urban and rural areas to land jobs, he added.

This year, the CPPCC will continue work focusing on stabilizing and expanding employment, such as organizing research to promote employment of college graduates, Liu said.

On the development of China's private sector, Liu said the nation will take further steps to optimize the business environment for the sector's growth, with a key focus on the clearing of arrears owed to enterprises.

The private sector is a vital force in advancing Chinese modernization and plays a significant role in promoting technological innovation, expanding employment and improving people's livelihoods, he said.

A series of policy measures aimed at bolstering the high-quality development of the private sector has focused on solving private enterprises' practical problems and greatly boosted their confidence.

He said the prospects for the private sector are promising due to the sustained growth of the country's economy.

The CPPCC National Committee has made great efforts to address the pressing concerns of private enterprises, such as financing difficulties and protection of their legitimate rights and interests. It has also helped them enhance their competitiveness, he added.

Liu told the packed news conference that the CPPCC has always been concerned about the economic and social development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Alongside various policies promoting cross-boundary connections and the one-hour life circle  the ability to travel between major cities in just 60 minutes  that are taking shape, integration of the GBA has grown in leaps and bounds.

National political advisers have provided suggestions and proposals on various aspects to accelerate the integration of the GBA market in the past year, he said. These include optimizing cross-boundary compliance systems for financial data, promoting the digitalization of industries and establishing mechanisms for sharing talent.

CPPCC National Committee members from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions also conducted research trips to multiple locations in Guangdong province, with a focus on exploring cooperation and development with Hengqin, Qianhai and Nansha.

With a population of 87 million, the GBA's economic output is estimated to top 13.6 trillion yuan in 2023  1 trillion yuan more than that in 2021  data from Guangdong's Development and Reform Commission showed.

During this year's Spring Festival, 2.52 million mainland residents traveled to Hong Kong and Macao, while 2.49 million trips were made the other way, Liu said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Andrew DaRosa is a SPJ award-winning journalist who has worked at Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2018. He currently works as a Senior Audience Producer and a Trending Reporter for CT Insider and also runs the SEEN section.

He can often be found covering Connecticuts expanding music scene, supposedly haunted sites around the state or keeping track of big winners in the Connecticut Lottery. He has been at the forefront of multiple music-related stories around Connecticut, including the Sound On Sound music festival. With a passion for music, over the past decade, Andrew has interviewed members of Judas Priest, Goose, The National, Trey Anatasio Band, The Head and the Heart and Maren Morris.

Originally from Massachusetts, Andrew graduated from Fairfield University in 2018 with a degree in digital journalism. Since working for Hearst Connecticut, Andrew has become a four-time winner of Connecticut Society of Professional Journalism awards for his coverage of Connecticut band Goose, hiking the state and his human interest stories.

When he isnt writing about Ed and Lorraine Warren or jam bands, Andrew can be found going to concerts with his wife or hanging out with his cat, Spud.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdarosa
Lahore HC in 2018 had ordered the government to name Shadman Chowk, the place where Bhagat Singh was hanged in 1931, after the freedom fighter. But both the provincial and district governments deliberately did not comply with the LHCs order

In response to a petition seeking contempt proceedings against three high-ranking officials for failing to abide by the courts order honoring Indian Independence War hero Bhagat Singh, the Punjab provincial government and the district administration received notices from a Pakistani court on Monday.

Regarding the petition submitted by the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan, Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza of the Lahore High Court served notices to the city administrator, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman of Punjab.

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Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, the chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, told PTI that the LHC issued the notices to the respondents for submitting a reply on the contempt petition for their failure to name the Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh by March 26.

Qureshi said the LHC in 2018 had ordered the government to name Shadman Chowk, the place where Bhagat Singh was hanged in 1931, after the freedom fighter.

But both the provincial and district governments deliberately did not comply with the LHCs order, thus committing contempt, he said.

Bhagat Singh, who fought for the independence of the subcontinent, was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931, along with Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar after being tried under charges of hatching a conspiracy against the regime.

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Singh was initially jailed for life but later awarded the death sentence in another fabricated case.

Bhagat Singh is respected in the subcontinent not only by Sikhs and Hindus but also Muslims.

Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had reportedly twice paid him tribute during his speech in the central assembly, saying there had never been another brave person in the subcontinent like Bhagat Singh.

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Qureshi stated Bhagat Singh was a freedom fighter of the subcontinent and gave his life along with his companions for the cause of freedom.

It will be in the interest of justice to name Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh and also install his statue at the square to inspire the people of Pakistan and the world, he said and added in neighbouring India, there were many roads and thoroughfares named after Muslim rulers such as Akbar Road, Shahjahan Road and Bahadur Shah Road.

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With inputs from Reuters
Seventy seats in Pakistans 336-member National Assembly are set aside for women and non-Muslims, and these are distributed among the political parties in direct proportion to their electoral performance

Prior to the election on February 8, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was the focus of a military-backed crackdown that saw rallies prohibited, leaders detained, and campaigning curtailed Image Courtesy Reuters

Following allegations of poll-rigging, Pakistans election commission on Monday prevented legislators who support imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan from gaining any of the parliamentary seats designated for women and minorities.

Shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifwho assisted in the removal of Imran Khan in 2022was sworn in as prime minister at a ceremony in the nations capital, the decision was made public.

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Prior to the election on February 8, Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was the focus of a military-backed crackdown that saw rallies prohibited, leaders detained, and campaigning curtailed.

Only independent candidacies were permitted, which compelled some to join the obscure Sunni Ittehad Council in an effort to regain their proportion of reserved seats.

Mere joining/inclusion of a political party by independent returned candidates cannot accrue the right to claim for the quota for the reserved seats, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said in a statement.

Seventy seats in Pakistans 336-member National Assembly are set aside for women and non-Muslims, and these are distributed among the political parties in direct proportion to their electoral performance.

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The party declared that it would take the ruling to court.

More seats were won by Imran Khans supporters than by any other group.

Even if they were able to gain reserved seats, their numbers still fall well short of the majority required to form a government.

The PTI alleges that the election was blatantly manipulated to thwart their overwhelming triumph.

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Along with their longtime opponents, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and a few other parties, Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), supported by the army, have formed a coalition government.

Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khans address in the National Assembly was removed from state television on Sunday, demonstrating the ongoing censorship of the PTI.
Millions of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India travel to Pakistan annually to attend various religious festivals and celebrations, in accordance with the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi granted 62 visas to Indian pilgrims earlier in December of last year so they could visit the Shree Katas Raj Temples from December 1925

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted 112 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims so they may visit the Shree Katas Raj Temples, also called Qila Katas, in the Punjabi region of Chakwal.

The Indian Hindu pilgrims will be in Pakistan from March 6-12.

According to an official statement, Saad Ahmad Warraich, the Charge d Affaires, wished the pilgrims a safe and secure journey.

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Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually rewarding yatra and safe journey, the statement said.

Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi has issued 112 visas to a group of Indian Hindu Pilgrims for their visit to Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas, in Chakwal district of Punjab from 06-12 March 2024, the Pakistan High Commission in India said on social networking platform X.

The statement stated that millions of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India travel to Pakistan annually to attend various religious festivals and celebrations, in accordance with the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.

The granting of pilgrimage visas to them is consistent with the government of Pakistans endeavors to ease religious shrine visits and foster interfaith harmony.

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The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi granted 62 visas to Indian pilgrims earlier in December of last year so they could visit the Shree Katas Raj Temples from December 1925.
Since China took Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012, the triangle chain of rocks and reefs in the disputed South China Sea has become a focus of contention between the two nations. The administrations of the Philippines have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to mobilise regional and global support for their cause

Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo speaks during the Maritime Cooperation Forum of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, in Melbourne, Australia. Reuters

Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo told AFP on Monday that his nation wishes to resolve maritime problems with China amicably, but he sent a clear warning to Beijing: Stop harassing us.

Speaking on the margins of an ASEAN-Australia meeting in Melbourne, Manalo defended his governments strategy of publicising Chinese actions in disputed maritime region, like as the recent transit of warships near Scarborough Shoal.

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Its merely trying to inform the people of whats going on, Manalo said. And some countries or one country at least has some difficulty with that.

But our simple explanation is if you would stop harassing us and, and perhaps performing other actions, there wouldnt be any news to report.

Disregarding claims from other Southeast Asian countries, China asserts its territorial sovereignty over nearly the whole South China Sea.

Since China took Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012, the triangle chain of rocks and reefs in the disputed South China Sea has become a focus of contention between the two nations.

The administrations of the Philippines have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to mobilise regional and global support for their cause.

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The Philippines is committed to a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means, or peaceful means, Manalo said, while insisting this will not be done at the expense of our national interest.

We are reaching out to partners in like-minded countries with similar issues and similar concerns.

But Manalo acknowledged there were was at least a small question mark over support from the Philippines most important security partner  the United States.

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The two countries are treaty allies, meaning Washington has formally pledged to come to Manilas defence in the event of a military conflict.

Ask about the November election  which will pit incumbent Joe Biden against Republican firebrand Donal Trump, he said it was a topic of frequent debate behind closed doors.

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Every country in the world is probably thinking of that, of course. The United States is a major, its a treaty ally of the Philippines. So obviously, any differences or changes in US policy from existing policies would most likely have some kind of effect.

At this stage its fairly difficult to assess how it would happen, or what would happen, he said.

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But all I can say is we are, of course, carefully monitoring the election season in the United States, but Ive had talks with many of my other colleagues from other countries, and I think everybody is doing the same.

So certainly all eyes will be riveted on that election this year.
For moral and political reasons, we find it difficult to accept the Hungarian governments position on the feasting issue on the day of Alexei Navalnys funeral, Tusk said at a press conference

Polish PM Donald Tusk speaks during Press Conference in Lithuania, Monday. The Associated Press

The foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia met with their Russian counterparts during a regional forum in Turkiye, which drew harsh criticism from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday.

Speaking with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, on the same day as Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnys funeral in Moscow, according to Tusk, was not just an expression of good or bad taste.

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For moral and political reasons, we find it difficult to accept the Hungarian governments position on the feasting issue on the day of Alexei Navalnys funeral, Tusk said at a press conference.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar met with Lavrov on Friday during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum gathering. Szijjarto posted details of their dinner on his social media profile.

Colleagues in Bratislava and Budapest prove once again that our opinions on certain issues are too different, Tusk said. Certainly regarding the attitude toward Russia and the attack on Ukraine.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who met with Tusk, called the meeting with Lavrov a regrettable choice.

Central European countries are deeply divided over the Russian war against Ukraine and how to resolve the conflict. While Poland and the Czech Republic are united in staunch support for Ukraine, including arms deliveries, Hungary and Slovakia have sharply different views.

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With inputs from The Associated Press
For the first time, scientists have now determined the age of a single star dune in Morocco known as Lala Lallia. The age of the star dune was determined by the scientists using a method known as luminescence dating. The technique determines the last time the sand grains were exposed to light

These dunes, which are also known as "Star dunes" or "pyramid dunes," are hundreds of meters high and are recognized for their unique formations Image Courtesy Reuters

The age of the greatest sand dunes on Earth has now been determined by geologists thanks to a ground-breaking study.

These dunes, which are also known as Star dunes or pyramid dunes, are hundreds of meters high and are recognized for their unique formations, according to a report by the BBC.

They are found in large numbers on Mars and Titan, Saturns moon, as well as in deserts, including the sand seas of Africa, Arabia, China, and North America.

Advertisement

Prof Geoff Duller of the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth said, They are extraordinary things, one of the natural wonders of the world. From the ground, they look like pyramids but from the air, you see a peak and radiating off it in three or four directions these arms make them look like stars.

For the first time, scientists have now determined the age of a single star dune in Morocco known as Lala Lallia. The age of the star dune was determined by the scientists using a method known as luminescence dating. The technique determines the last time the sand grains were exposed to light.

Advertisement

For the study, the research team from the UK travelled to the southeast of Morocco to examine the 100-meter-high and 700-meter-wide Lala Lallia. They discovered that the very base of the dune was 13,000 years old, but the upper part of the structure had only been formed in the last 1,000 years or so, The Guardian reported. The dune took 900 years to form, growing by 6,400 metric tonnes every year. After its initial formation, it stopped growing for about 8,000 years and then quickly expanded in the past several thousand years.

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These findings, according to researchers, support the theory that the star dunes formation was accompanied by a change in wind direction over the years.

Birkbeck Universitys and fellow study co-author Charlie Bristow explained, Star dunes are formed in areas with complex wind regimes, which means winds blowing from different directions, and net sand accumulation, points within the desert where big piles of sand can be blown around to form giant dunes. They form extraordinary and awe-inspiring landscapes From the ground they can be intimidating, mobile mountains of sand.

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(With agency inputs)
Just a few weeks before the election was scheduled to take place in February, Sall made the unexpected decision to postpone it, which stoked widespread suspicions that he was attempting to amend the constitution in order to prolong his rule

People participate in a protest against the postponement of the presidential election scheduled on February 25 in Dakar, Senegal. Reuters File

In the last two elections, author Moustapha Gueye supported Macky Sall, the president of Senegal.

Gueyes loyalty to the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition has been undermined, though, by unhappiness with Salls second term and the presidents botched attempt to delay the next elections.

Seated on a sofa at his Dakar residence, Gueye expressed his sadness about Salls presidency culminating in a fierce election battle with the opposition and turmoil that has damaged Senegals standing as one of the most stable countries in West Africa.

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These are domestic issues that Senegal should have grown out of, he said.

Just a few weeks before the election was scheduled to take place in February, Sall made the unexpected decision to postpone it, which stoked widespread suspicions that he was attempting to amend the constitution in order to prolong his rule.

Sall disputes this. It was too late to stick to the original election date, but a court eventually overturned his injunction.

Ousmane Sene, a mechanic, expressed his fatigue at speculating about the ruling partys motivations.

The reason I wont vote for Benno (BBY) anymore is simply that I trusted them, but not anymore. That trust has been betrayed, he said at his roadside repair shop in a Dakar suburb.

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Authorities have still not confirmed a new date for the vote.

As the process grinds on, BBY and Sall will be gauging how the unresolved crisis is swaying other long-time supporters like Gueye and Sene and how it is affecting the chances of their handpicked candidate in the presidential race, Amadou Ba.

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Total confusion

Sall cited concerns over potential election disputes as the reason for the delay. But many believe BBY and Sall tried to postpone the vote because they were unsure about their own candidate and wanted time to think.

Sall has publicly stood by Ba. But equally public critics of the candidate include at least two cabinet ministers and senior BBY member Souleymane Jules Diop, who took to the radio in late 2023 to accuse Ba of being bland and uninspiring, local media reported.

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Its very evident that the election delay would not have taken place if Macky Sall believed that Amadou Ba was clearly capable of winning the presidency, Tochi Eni-Kalu, Africa analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said.

A 10-month delay could have bought enough time for a reshuffle of the candidate list, but on Feb. 15 a top court ruled that such a postponement would be unlawful and ordered the election be scheduled as soon as possible.

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With Ba still on the ticket for now, the crisis may turn out to have been a politically costly miscalculation by Sall and BBY if their electoral manoeuvring has put off many other voters like Gueye and Sene.

With no official public election polls, shifts in voter intention are hard to measure.

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But of those who voted for Sall in the last election in 2019, only 60% are believed to be planning to vote for BBYs candidate this time, said statistician Moubarak Lo who, as adviser to the prime minister, produces strategic analysis for the authorities.

Lo said he thought the estimated fall was less a response to the recent upheaval than a natural drop-off in support over the course of a presidential term.

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He cautioned against drawing any conclusions about the election outcome at this stage. Today, its total confusion, he told Reuters on Feb. 24.

Opposition momentum

All eyes are on whether Sall agrees with a June 2 election date proposed on Tuesday after talks that were boycotted by most of the opposition presidential candidates. Some of them have formed an informal alliance in response to the electoral turmoil.

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This closer collaboration could influence the result of the election if it leads to them rallying around a single candidate in a second round in the event no contender secures more than 50% in the first round.

Its very clear the momentum is on the opposition side now and that could have a bearing on the election, Eurasia Group analyst Eni-Kalu said.

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Its become very obvious that its going to be very difficult for Amadou Ba to win outright in the first round, he added. A lot depends on what happens in the next few weeks in terms of the opposition closing ranks and presenting a united front ahead of a run-off.

The electoral turbulence has not deterred all BBY supporters. A pro-BBY rally in Dakar on Feb. 24 attracted hundreds of people, comparable in size to a pro-opposition rally a week earlier.

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The crowd chanted and waved Senegalese flags handed out by organisers. One man carried a homemade cardboard sign that said Macky, Senegal loves you.

Penda, who gave only her first name, said her support for BBY was unchanged by recent events.

We are here to show everyone, including the President, that those who love him continue to do so, she said.
Benny Gantz, a moderate political adversary who joined Netanyahus wartime Cabinet after Hamas Oct. 7 onslaught, is travelling at a time when tensions between the US and Netanyahu are growing over how to lessen Palestinian suffering in Gaza and what future plans should be made for the territory

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah, Gaza Strip. AP

According to an Israeli official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chastised a senior Cabinet member who was travelling to Washington on Sunday for meetings with US officials, indicating growing divisions in the government of the nation over half a year into the battle with Hamas.

Benny Gantz, a moderate political adversary who joined Netanyahus wartime Cabinet after Hamas Oct. 7 onslaught, is travelling at a time when tensions between the US and Netanyahu are growing over how to lessen Palestinian suffering in Gaza and what future plans should be made for the territory.

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Netanyahus far-right Likud party spokesman said that Gantzs trip was organised without the Israeli premiers consent. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Netanyahu had a tough talk with Gantz and told him the country has just one prime minister.

Gantz is scheduled to meet on Monday with US Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan and on Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to his National Unity Party. A second Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity said Gantzs visit is intended to strengthen ties with the US, bolster support for Israels war and push for the release of Israeli hostages.

In Egypt, talks were underway to broker a cease-fire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Israel did not send a delegation because it is waiting for answers from Hamas on two questions, according to a third Israeli government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Israeli media reported that the government is waiting to learn which hostages are alive and how many Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks in exchange for each.

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All three Israeli officials spoke anonymously because they werent authorized to discuss the disputes with the media.

The US began airdrops of aid into Gaza on Saturday, after dozens of Palestinians rushing to grab food from an Israel-organized convoy were killed last week. The airdrops circumvented an aid delivery system hobbled by Israeli restrictions, logistical issues and fighting in Gaza. Aid officials say airdrops are far less effective than deliveries by truck.

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US priorities in the region have increasingly been hampered by Netanyahus Cabinet, which is dominated by ultranationalists. Gantzs more moderate party at times acts as a counterweight.

Netanyahus popularity has dropped since the war broke out, according to most opinion polls. Many Israelis hold him responsible for failing to stop the Oct. 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 people as hostages into Gaza, including women, children and older adults, according to Israeli authorities.

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More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Around 80% of the population of 2.3 million have fled their homes, and U.N. agencies say hundreds of thousands are on the brink of famine.

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Israelis critical of Netanyahu say his decision-making has been tainted by political considerations, a charge he denies. The criticism is particularly focused on plans for postwar Gaza. Netanyahu wants Israel to maintain open-ended security control over Gaza, with Palestinians running civilian affairs.

The US wants to see progress on the creation of a Palestinian state, envisioning a revamped Palestinian leadership running Gaza with an eye toward eventual statehood.

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That vision is opposed by Netanyahu and the hard-liners in his government. Another top Cabinet official from Gantzs party has questioned the handling of the war and the strategy for freeing the hostages.

Netanyahus government, Israels most conservative and religious ever, has also been rattled by a court-ordered deadline for a new bill to broaden military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Many of them are exempted from military service so they can pursue religious studies. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been killed since Oct. 7, and the military is looking to fill its ranks.

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Gantz has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood. Polls show he would earn enough support to become prime minister if a vote were held today.

A visit to the US, if met with progress on the hostage front, could further boost Gantzs support.

Israel and Hamas are negotiating over a possible new cease-fire and hostage release deal. Vice President Harris said on Sunday it is now up to Hamas to agree to it. Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Harris said.

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Israelis, deeply traumatized by Hamas attack, have broadly backed the war effort as an act of self-defense, even as global opposition to the fighting has increased.

But a growing number are expressing their dismay with Netanyahu. Some 10,000 people protested late Saturday to call for early elections, according to Israeli media. Such protests have grown in recent weeks, but remain much smaller than last years demonstrations against the governments judicial overhaul plan.

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If the political rifts grow and Gantz quits the government, the floodgates will open to broader protests by a public that was already unhappy with the government when Hamas struck, said Reuven Hazan, a professor of political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

At least 12 people were killed, including five women and two children, in an Israeli strike on Sunday that hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to an Associated Press journalist at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. And two Israeli strikes southwest of Deir al-Balah killed at least five people and destroyed an aid truck, according to witnesses and staff at the hospital.

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Amid concerns about the wider regional conflict, White House senior adviser Amos Hochstein was going to Lebanon on Monday to meet officials, according to an administration official who was not authorized to comment. White House officials want Lebanese and Israeli officials to prevent tensions along their border from worsening.
Egypt continues its intense efforts to reach a truce before Ramadan. There has been significant progress in the negotiations, reported AFP, citing an Egyptian state-linked TV Al-Qahera News

A man holds a sign calling for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas militants to Gaza during the 7 October attack, during a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 20 January, 2024. AP File

As the talks in Cairo entered second day, mediators and Hamas envoys have made significant progress towards a truce in Gaza, AFP cited an Egyptian state-linked TV as reporting on Monday .

Egypt continues its intense efforts to reach a truce before Ramadan, AFP quoted Al-Qahera News as saying.

The Muslim fasting month begins on March 10 or 11.

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There has been significant progress in the negotiations, the report added after the latest talks began Sunday in Cairo, without Israeli representation.

Israel did not send a negotiating team to Cairo after receiving an unsatisfactory response from Hamas on the latest framework, hammered out in Paris last weekend.

The Gaza-based terror organisation refused to address Jerusalems demand to provide a list of living hostages and to lock down how many Palestinian prisoners Israel must release for every hostage freed, Times of Israel quoted an Israeli official as saying.

According to a senior US official, Israel has broadly accepted terms of the proposed six-week truce, which would also see stepped-up aid deliveries into Gaza.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been pushing for a ceasefire in the almost five-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, with the latest proposal calling for a six-week halt to fighting and hostage release.

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The proposal also includes the release of hostages abducted during Hamass October 7 attack that sparked the war, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The health ministry in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip said at least 90 Palestinians had been killed in the past 24 hours, including 14 family members whose house in the southern Rafah refugee camp had been hit.

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With inputs from agencies
The government had warned the protesting doctors to return to work by the end of Feb or else face legal actions including the suspension of their medical licenses for some surgeries and treatments and straining emergency departments

As trainee doctors in South Korea continue their protests despite the governments order to cease all demonstrations, the countrys health ministry on Monday said that it will start taking legal action against the healthcare workers to bring an end to their walkout.

South Korea has been witnessing a healthcare crisis since Feb 20 after 9,000 resident and intern doctors, or about 70 per cent of the countrys total, have walked off their jobs leading to the cancellation of some surgeries and treatments and straining emergency departments.

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The government had warned the protesting doctors to return to work by the end of Feb or else face legal actions including the suspension of their medical licenses for some surgeries and treatments and straining emergency departments.

From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned, and take action according to the law and principle without exception, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong told a televised briefing.

Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path, he added.

Meanwhile, some trainee doctors did return to work after the governments warning. For such medical workers, Choo said that the government will consider extenuating circumstances when contemplating any action against them.

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However, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said that the licenses of some 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs would be revoked.

Senior doctors join protests

Senior doctors on Sunday joined their juniors to rally in the South Korean capital of Seoul to express their solidarity for their colleagues.

The governments absurd medical policy has triggered immense resistance by trainee doctors and medical students, and we doctors have become one, Park Sung-min, a senior member of the Korea Medical Association, said in a speech at the rally. Im asking the government: Please, stop the threats and suppression now.

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While the senior doctors have joined the protests launched by junior doctors, they have not staged a walkout from their jobs. A strike from senior doctors would be a big blow to South Koreas healthcare system.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Sunday urged senior doctors to persuade the striking junior doctors to return to work.

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Why are doctors protesting?

The protests were fueled after the government announced its plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical school in a bid to bolster the healthcare system of one of the worlds most rapidly aging societies.

The young doctors who are protesting say the government should first address pay and working conditions before trying to increase the number of physicians.

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With inputs from agencies
Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - A senior official with the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has appealed for wider and safer humanitarian access in Gaza, where malnourished babies are slowly dying while the world watches
Yingluck was accused of embezzlement in a 2013 project valued at more than $6.7 million (240 million Baht). She reigned from 2011 until her overthrow in a military revolution in 2014

Ousted former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gestures as she arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters File

On Monday, the Supreme Court of Thailand acquitted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra of any wrongdoing in relation to the awarding of a government contract when she was in office.

Yingluck was accused of embezzlement in a 2013 project valued at more than $6.7 million (240 million Baht). She reigned from 2011 until her overthrow in a military revolution in 2014.

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The decision is the powerful Shinawatra familys most recent legal triumph. In February, after serving six months of an eight-year jail term, Yinglucks brother Thaksin, a two-time premier who was also overthrown in a coup, was released on parole.

In an attempt to publicise her governments infrastructure projects, Yingluck and five other people were charged with not conducting a proper bidding procedure for the Roadshow to Build the Future of Thailand campaign.

Nine judges sitting in the kingdoms top court ruled unanimously in favour of the former premier, saying they found no intention to benefit the two major media outlets which won the contract, according to a statement.

The project was done according to the regulations, the court statement said.

Yingluck, who has lived in self-imposed exile since 2017 to avoid a conviction in another case, was not present at the court but was represented by her lawyer.

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We received the mercy from the court to dismiss the case, fellow defendant Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, a former deputy PM, told reporters outside of court.

We are not corrupt, he added.

Yingluck was sentenced in 2017 to five years in prison in a graft case related to a rice-pledging scheme for farmers in 2011.

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She still faces six more cases over alleged graft during her premiership.
These incidents occurred four days prior to a tragic event on November 24, 2021, where a boat sank, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, including three children, marking the deadliest maritime disaster in the Channel in over three decades

There are concerns that children, including infants, may have been abandoned in small boats in the English Channel by overwhelmed UK rescue agencies just days before a tragic mass drowning incident in 2021.

The former childrens commissioner has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to coastguard logs obtained by the Guardian and Liberty Investigates, there were at least nine instances where no effort was made to ensure the safety of boats carrying children after distress calls were made. In three of these cases, call handlers could reportedly hear children crying.

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These incidents occurred four days prior to a tragic event on November 24, 2021, where a boat sank, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, including three children, marking the deadliest maritime disaster in the Channel in over three decades.

The official UK report on the incident highlighted various shortcomings, including confusion and lack of resources. Anne Longfield, the former childrens commissioner for England, emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation into the handling of small boat crossings and the protection of children.

Maritime experts reviewing the coastguard logs raised concerns about government under-resourcing of rescue agencies despite the escalating Channel crisis in preceding years. Some incidents documented in the logs indicated a lack of rescue efforts, even after boats were spotted by aerial surveillance.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) responded to inquiries by stating there was no search and rescue requirement in certain cases, but critics argue that such cases potentially violated policies to provide immediate assistance to all boats in UK waters.

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The influx of crossings since 2018 has strained rescue operations, with smugglers advising migrants to make repeated emergency calls, further complicating response efforts.

Despite some changes made since the tragedy, including increased staffing and improved recording of actions taken during incidents, concerns persist over the safety of migrants, particularly children, attempting the perilous Channel crossing.
Proposals have been been sent to PM Rishi Sunak and home secretary James Cleverly for considering banning MPs and councillors and instructing them not to engage with groups including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil

In Britain, MPs and councillors may face a ban for interacting with groups behind the pro-Palestine marches.

The plans, put forward by governments adviser on political violence and former Labour MP, John Woodcock, say mainstream political leaders will be required to tell their representatives to employ a zero-tolerance approach to groups using disruptive tactics and have failed to restrict hate on marches.

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Woodcock said MPs and councillors should also sever ties with eco-zealots like Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil who use illegal tactics, he said.

The proposals have been now been sent to PM Rishi Sunak and home secretary James Cleverly for considering banning lawmakers and instructing them not to engage with groups including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.

UK seeing rise in mass protests

Mass protests over the Israel-Hamas war have escalated across the UK. Ministers have been staunchly criticising them and also have condemned disruptive tactics used by groups such as Just Stop Oil.

The PSC has organised protests against the Gaza war across the UK. However, these agitations have been marred by anti-Jew hate and chants of from the river to the sea - which can be seen as genocidal by calling for Israel to be wiped out.

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It is also being said hardline environment groups - Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil - may also use the opportunity to create illegal disruption to get noticed as well as get their way.

What does the proposal says?

Woodcock, whose formal title is Lord Walney, in his review on political violence which will be formally be submitted to Sunak and Cleverly, asked the leader of every mainstream political party to take a zero-tolerance approach to the menace that is threatening our democracy.

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It is not on to cause mayhem on our streets and menace elected representatives here in the UK so they live in fear," Walney said.

But we need action on this thuggery that threatens to undermine our proud democracy, not just words, he said.

So Rishi and Keir [Starmer> should instruct their MPs and councillors not to engage with anyone from the PSC until they get their house in order and cut the hate from their marches, an article in the Sun of Sunday quoted Walney as saying.

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Walneys call is one of a series of recommendations contained in his report on tackling political violence in Britain, which is being passed to Sunak.

Why ban on UK PMs, councillors is being considered?

As per The Guardian report, several sitting Labour MPs, including the former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Apsana Begum (MP for Poplar and Limehouse), Beth Winter and Afzal Khan, have attended PSC events.

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Despite strong demands from Tories, Labour has refused to suspend MPs who have attended events because PSC is not a proscribed organisation.

Meanwhile, Tories have already engaged in talks with Extinction Rebellion, including the levelling up secretary, Michael Gove, whose department is working on the definition of extremism as part of its brief.

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The Observer earlier reported that discussions were underway to broaden the new definition to include groups whose actions undermine the UKs institutions.

Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, said MPs needed to take care with regard to their associations with individuals or organisations.

But I do think it is important to stress that the right to protest is an important fundamental right in our democracy, she said.

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That does mean that people will take part in marches or protests where politicians might not agree. But that is part of our democracy and that is really precious," Phillipson told BBC.

Pleased to see shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson suggest @UKLabour open to my recommendation for MPs and councillors not to engage with groups like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign who allow intimidation of MPs. She right to suggest right to protest remains vital. pic.twitter.com/iRUzvMZJT5  Lord Walney (@LordWalney) March 3, 2024

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Meanwhile, Starmer has already been under pressure to giving more freedom to Labour representatives to condemn Israels actions in Gaza.

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As per The Guardian report, many within Labour believe that there has been anger among Muslims over Labour partys position on Israel.

We talk about Rishis cowardice and how long it took him to come out and stop the messages of hate that have been spewing from the likes of Lee Anderson and Suella Braverman, the report quoted a shadow frontbencher who was asked whether the Labour leadership had gone far enough in dispelling false narratives on pro-Palestine marches.

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But whats the difference between what Labour has said and what the Tories have said on these protests? We cant allow pro-Palestinian protesters to be dehumanised as a Labour party.

Another shadow frontbencher said: The anger we have seen is about the extreme asymmetry of this war. A totally dominant force against a relatively under armed opponent.

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People are disgusted by the October attacks but my frustration is that for years, we, Labour, havent given the situation in Gaza the attention it deserved. The leadership needs to fix this ASAP.

Last week, the organisers of pro-Palestinian protestors in central London and the civil liberties group Liberty accused the government and MPs of seeking to curtail protest rights on false pretences and by focusing on a hysteria generated around the demonstrations.

Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Ben Jamal, said while they do not support protests outside MPs homes, a narrative that Islamist extremists were seeking to intimidate and harass MPs was being used to argue that the new laws were needed to restrict the right to protest.

Last Tuesday, Cleverly announced 31m in government funding for measures to protect MPs, including private bodyguards to provide round-the-clock protection for those at highest risk and security guards to be deployed at constituency events held by MPs.

Minority of UK public hold anti-Muslim sentiments

Amid this, a poll from More in Common commissioned by the Together Coalition found a significant minority of the public hold anti-Muslim sentiments after a week of anti-Muslim comments by senior politicians made headlines.

The research found that 21 per cent of Britons held negative views about Muslims, higher than any other ethnic group apart from Travellers.

The survey also found 9 per cent of Britons had negative attitudes towards Jews, 8 per cent towards Black African/Caribbean people and 7 per cent towards Christians.

A clear majority of 59 per cent of those polled said it was possible to be British and Muslim.

With inputs from agencies
Trump is contesting a landmark ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court that declared him ineligible for Tuesdays state primary and barred from running for president again

The Supreme Court agreed to decide whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he interfered with the 2020 election and has set a course for a quick resolution. AP

Former President Donald Trump might find out on Monday if the Supreme Court will allow him to appear on this years ballot, as the leading Republican presidential contender seeks his partys candidature.

At least one issue involving Colorado, which stands to prevent Trump from running for office in some states due to his attempts to reverse his election defeat in 2020, is anticipated to be decided by the justices on Monday. Any opinions will be posted shortly after 10 a.m. EST on the courts website.

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Trump is contesting a landmark ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court that declared him ineligible for Tuesdays state primary and barred from running for president again.

The lawsuit would be resolved on Monday, one day before of Super Tuesday games in sixteen states, eliminating any doubt as to whether or not votes cast for Trump will eventually count. The court, which heard arguments on February 8 less than a month ago, has received requests for expedited work from both parties.

At that point, the justices appeared ready to rule in Trumps favour.

A post-Civil War constitutional clause designed to bar anybody who engaged in insurrection from holding public office was first used by the Colorado court. Since then, Trump has also been prohibited from running for office in the primary in Illinois and Maine; however, the outcomes of these rulings, along with Colorados, are still unresolved in the Supreme Court case.

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The Supreme Court has until now never ruled on the provision, Section 3 of the 14th amendment.

The court indicated Sunday there will be at least one case decided Monday, adhering to its custom of not saying which one. But it also departed from its usual practice in some respects, heightening the expectation that its the Trump ballot case that will be handed down.

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Except for when the end of the term approaches in late June, the court almost always issues decisions on days when the justices are scheduled to take the bench. But the next scheduled court day isnt until March 15. And apart from during the coronavirus pandemic when the court was closed, the justices almost always read summaries of their opinions in the courtroom. They wont be there Monday.

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Separately, the justices last week agreed to hear arguments in late April over whether Trump can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The courts decision to step into the politically charged case, also with little in the way of precedent to guide it, calls into question whether Trump will stand trial before the November election.

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The former president faces 91 criminal charges in four prosecutions. Of those, the only one with a trial date that seems on track to hold is his state case in New York, where hes charged with falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor. That case is set for trial on March 25, and the judge has signaled his determination to press ahead.
On the evening of March 2, 2024, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui arrived in Moscow to begin the second round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis. That evening, Special Representative Li Hui held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin Mikhail Yuryevich and had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, and also the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Culture, the two sides agreed that they should follow the fundamental guidance of the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state and push forward the continuous development of bilateral relations.

Li Hui said that it has been two years since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis. Historical experience shows that any conflict in the end has to be settled through negotiations. The more acute the conflict is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China is ready to continue its efforts to promote talks for peace, carry out shuttle diplomacy, mediate and build consensus among Russia, Ukraine, and other relevant parties, and promote a final political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Galuzin agreed that the Ukraine crisis should ultimately be resolved through negotiations, and appreciated China's unique and constructive role in this regard. He spoke highly of China's second round of shuttle diplomacy and expressed the hope to continue to strengthen communication with China.
HARMAN, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, is cracking down on counterfeit JBL products in India. They have initiated legal actions against manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and dealers involved in selling or making fake JBL products.

In a recent raid conducted with law enforcement, HARMANs investigation team seized counterfeit JBL car speakers from car accessories shops across five locations in Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi. A total of 54 fake JBL speakers were confiscated.

Commitment to Quality

Vikram Kher, Vice President of Lifestyle at HARMAN India, reaffirmed the companys commitment to delivering high-quality products. HARMAN is determined to address any threats to their commitment caused by unlawful sales with firm and immediate action.

HARMAN advises consumers on how to spot counterfeit JBL products:

Beware of Drastically Reduced Prices: Counterfeit JBL products are often sold at much lower prices with compromised quality.

Inconsistent Cosmetic Details: Fake products may have inconsistencies in their appearance compared to genuine JBL items.

Check Packaging and Logo: Genuine JBL products have high-quality packaging with accurate logo placement and color.

Notice Product Quality: Counterfeit products may feel lightweight, have a chemical odor, or show signs of poor quality.

Research Sellers: Verify the reputation of the seller and look for authorized retailer certificates.

Commenting on the announcement, Vikram Kher, Vice President of Lifestyle at HARMAN India, said:
A file photo of the Reynolds' Subaru dealership at 268 Hamburg Road in Lyme, Conn. At a hearing of the state legislature's Transportation Committee on Feb. 26, 2024, Reynolds' Subaru CEO Kathryn Wayland testified against a bill that would put a cap on conveyance fees charged by automobile dealers. Contributed photo State Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, House Chairman of the state legislature's Transportation Committee, speaks during a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Screenshot, via CT-N Jeff Aiosa, president of Mercedes-Benz of New London and legislative chairman for the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, speaks during a public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Screenshot, via CT-N

For many customers, buying a car will rank as one of the largest purchases of their lifetimes. And for many, it can be a confusing and stressful experience.

Some state legislators have heard about those problems, and they're studying potential remedies. Among the proposals under consideration in this year's short session of the General Assembly is a bill that would limit the conveyance fees charged by automobile dealerships to 1 percent of a vehicles sale price. It would also institute regulations to make the accompanying paperwork more transparent. The group lobbying for the state's new-car dealerships opposes the proposal, saying it would undermine the business model. But some lawmakers insist reforms are necessary.

At some point when we recognize that bad things are happening to Connecticut consumers, that people are posting bills of sale with extraordinary fees on there, theres got to be some form of regulation in place, state Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, the House chairman of the legislature's Transportation Committee, said during a Feb. 26 public hearing on the proposal.

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Concerns about car-buying process

Conveyance fees are a long-established component of the car-buying process. State law allows such fees to help car dealerships, recover reasonable costs for processing all documentation and performing services related to the closing of a sale, according to a report last year by the state Office of Legislative Research.

State law does not limit conveyance fees or define reasonable costs, but there are requirements for the noticing and information about the fees that dealers provide to consumers, the OLR report states.

A number of committee members said during the hearing that they are seeing significant shortcomings under current law, including some dealers not posting conveyance fees on their websites or using paperwork that does not make clear that those fees are negotiable. If adopted, the proposed bill would prohibit a dealer from printing the order and invoice for the purchase of a vehicle with negotiable fees before having discussions with a prospective buyer.

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I do feel as if the purchaser is at a significant disadvantage, versus a dealership that does this dozens of times a day, said state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, who co-sponsored a similar bill last year that was approved by the Transportation Committee, but not taken up for a vote by the full legislature. After all the testimony we heard today, I still have no clue why we cant have a standard conveyance fee that reflects the actual cost of conveying.

In Connecticut, the average conveyance fee charged by new-car dealers was $405, with a range from $0 to $699; while the average was $131, with a range from $0 to $695, for used-car dealers, according to a 2016 study by the legislatures Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee.

At least 15 states cap dealer-document fees, with the limits ranging from $70 or $85 in California to about $565 in Missouri, according to OLR, a bipartisan group that conducts research for the General Assembly.

The concern is that these fees can vary so much from dealership to dealership, said state Sen. Christine Cohen, D-Guilford, the committees co-chairwoman. I think the transparency varies significantly from dealership to dealership.

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At the same time, committee members have been trying to gain a better understanding of the purpose of the conveyance fees.

Why do you feel this needs to be itemized and passed along to the consumer, and not included in your overhead? asked state Sen. Henri Martin, R-Bristol, one of the co-sponsors of the bill known as HB 5203.

For me, having each thing separated out, it is very transparent. Someone can see exactly what we pay the Department of Motor Vehicles for the registration. They can see what the sales tax is, replied Kathryn Wayland, CEO of Reynolds Subaru in Lyme, who testified against the bill. I think, for the consumer, its better to itemize and show each line item as transparently as you possibly can because it also protects us from showing any type of inequitable opportunity for the guest thats presented before us.

Jeff Aiosa, president of Mercedes-Benz of New London and legislative chairman for the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, which represents the 270 new-car dealers across the state, was the other dealer who testified against the bill.

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Auto retailers operate within a unique industry model that relies significantly on our state dealer-franchise laws to regulate the relationship between dealers and the auto manufacturers, Aiosa said. Within this framework, local dealers face challenges in operating their local businesses while meeting the demands of their manufacturers. It is crucial that dealers retain the option to assess the conveyance fee, so we can continue to operate and maintain our workforce.

Siding with Aiosa and Wayland, some committee members appeared wary of imposing a cap.

Theres really nothing to prevent that consumer to go someplace else and have a comparison shop, said state Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, the committees ranking Senate member. I think the idea of capping is an unfair market restriction when the real market forces will keep dealers honest.

Among others testifying were consumer advocates who supported the bill. Raphael Podolsky, a lawyer with the nonprofit law firm Connecticut Legal Services, said that he would have preferred a ban on conveyance fees, but that he would accept the bill as a compromise measure.

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A dealer who plays around with a low conveyance fee, a medium conveyance fee and a higher conveyance fee, theyre using it as a way, in practice, to reduce what they sort of have to disclose as the sticker price of the car, Podolsky said. We know from consumer behaviors that theyre all looking at one particular kind of price.

Other ideas for helping consumers

Aiosa suggested during the hearing that state Department of Motor Vehicles staff could visit dealerships to ask what their structure is and to provide the documentation and the proof that their fee is reasonable as a possible solution.

But Lemar was skeptical of that proposal. Frankly, our DMV doesnt have the capacity to go into every dealership across the state and force, on demand, someone to justify a sales price or a conveyance fee, Lemar said. They rely on customers bringing complaints to them.

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DMV officials were not able to provide data on complaints that they have received about vehicle-conveyance fees.

Since January 2023, the state Department of Consumer Protection has recorded one complaint, received on Feb. 7, about vehicle-conveyance fees, DCP spokeswoman Kaitlyn Krasselt said in response to a Hearst Connecticut Media inquiry.

State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Saybrook, suggested possibly including the conveyance fee in a vehicles total price.

People do know that they can negotiate the price of a car, Carney said. So Im just wondering where the difference would be if you were to put it in the total price of the car, versus having it as a separate fee.

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Citing a suggestion that he had received from a dealer, state Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan, proposed creating an online registry of dealers conveyance fees that customers could consult.

You have a registry, and every year the dealership has to put in what their fee is, so consumers can go compare, ODea said. The problem we have is you have to go to each dealership to figure out what's their fee or do research thats not easy to do  I dont want to make it harder on dealerships, believe me. But I also want to make it easier on consumers.
Apple has been fined over 1.8 billion Euros for abusing its dominant position in the market for distributing music streaming apps to its iOS users through the App Store by the European Commission, as expected.

The union cites Apples anti-steering provisions as an unlawful act that bans music streaming app developers from fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services.

This development stems from an extensive inquiry triggered by Spotifys grievance back in 2020, alleging Apples bias towards its own music service, Apple Music, through App Store policies.

The huge fine amount is due to Apples abuse of its position for almost 10 years, causing iOS users to pay significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions.

In setting the level of the fine, the Commission took into account the duration and gravity of the infringement as well as Apples total turnover and market capitalization, according to the EU report.

Apple attracted this fine just in time to roll out its announced updates to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The new update, which should roll out this month, lets developers use payment service providers (PSPs) within their apps, with payment processing via link-out allowed.

Apple criticises this move by blaming Spotify and confirmed itll appeal the decision. It said:

It was reached despite the Commissions failure to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast. The primary advocate for this decision  and the biggest beneficiary  is Spotify, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Spotify has the largest music streaming app in the world and has met with the European Commission more than 65 times during this investigation.

Regarding the matter, Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, said,
Stamford residents cast their ballots at First Presbyterian Church in Stamford on Election Day in 2022. Early voting works much like in-person voting on Election Day, though fewer polling locations will be open. Tyler Sizemore/ Hearst Connecticut Media

Connecticut voters will get their first taste of early voting this month as they head to the polls for the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.

First approved in a 2022 ballot referendum, early voting has taken more than a year to implement as lawmakers and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas worked out the specifics of the election schedule  ultimately settling upon two weeks of in-person early voting for the November general election and shorter periods for primary elections.

Early voting will begin on Tuesday, March 26 for the presidential primary, and last through Thursday March 28, with an additional day of early voting on Saturday, March 30. Polls will be open on each of those days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Election day for the primary will be on Tuesday, April 2.

How early voting works in Connecticut

Early voting works very similar to voting in person on Election Day, with voters being handed a ballot and envelope upon checking in at their local polling place. After marking their ballot, voters will place it in an envelope, seal it, and then place the sealed envelope into a designated receptacle, where the envelopes and ballots will remain secured until Election Day.

The equipment used during the presidential primary will be the same as Connecticut voters are used to using in other recent elections. While the Secretary of the State's office received $25 million last fall to purchase new voting machines and tabulators, spokeswoman Tara Chozet said that the office is still reviewing proposals from vendors and has not determined a timeline for launching the new machines.

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The biggest difference for most voters during early voting will be the location of their nearest polling site.

Every city and town in the state is required to open at least one polling location on early voting days, though larger municipalities may opt to open additional locations.

Registrars have until March 13 to finalize early voting sites, after which those locations will be posted on the Secretary of the States website. Until then, voters can check in with their local officials to see if their polling sites have been determined.

How many voters are expected?

Predictions for turnout in the primary are likely to vary depending on how many candidates remain in the race by the time early voting begins, Chozet said. In 2020, turnout in both primaries averages at around 25 percent.

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"The Registrars of Voters across Connecticut have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth implementation of early voting," Thomas said in a statement. "I urge all voters to make a plan to avoid confusion if they plan to vote early. Voters can expect the same security they're used to with in-person voting, but it will look a bit different. Voters should allow more time than usual in case there is a line. While each town has made educated guesses about turnout to staff their early voting locations, it is not an exact science."

The two front runners for their respective parties nominations are President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, both of whom have won each of the early nominating contests to be held so far.

The other Democrats running against Biden in Connecticut are Marianne Williamson, Dean Phillips and Cenk Uygur. The other candidates that qualified for the Republican ballot are Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Ryan Binkley, though both DeSantis and Binkley have since dropped out of the race.

Thomas office revealed the final order for the ballots in late February.

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Early voting deadlines

For voters wishing to try out early voting during the presidential primaries, the deadline to register with a political party is noon on March 25. After that, unaffiliated voters are still able to register with the town clerk or registrar of voters until April 1. Unlike general elections, there is no same-day or Election Day registration available for primaries.

The launch of early voting will not affect the availability of absentee ballots, which most voters can begin requesting from their town clerks starting March 12.

Connecticut is now one of 47 states that offer some form of in-person voting ahead of Election Day. The only remaining states without such an option are Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire.

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State Trooper Brian North listens to testimony in Connecticut Superior Court on the first day of his trial in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Mariyann Soulemane, sister of Mubarak Soulemane, is sworn to testify at State Trooper Brian Norths trial in State Superior Court in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Prosecuting attorney Robert Devlin questions Seresh Patel, a Nowalk gas station and convenience store owner, on the first day of State Trooper Brian Norths trial in Connecticut Superior Court, in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Defense attorney Frank Riccio cross examines a witness on the first day of State Trooper Brian Norths trial in Connecticut Superior Court, in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media State Trooper Brian North stands with his defense attorneys in Connecticut Superior Court on the first day of his trial in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media State Trooper Brian North sits with his defense attorney, Frank Riccio, in Connecticut Superior Court on the first day of his trial in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Norwalk Police Sgt. Justin Bisceglie points to a map of Norwalk introduced as evidence as he testifies at State Trooper Brian Norths trial in State Superior Court in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Julia Johnson, girlfriend of Mubarak Soulemane, is sworn to testify at State Trooper Brian Norths trial in State Superior Court in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media State Trooper Brian North listens to testimony in Connecticut Superior Court on the first day of his trial in Milford, Conn. March 4, 2024. North is charged with manslaughter for shooting 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane in January 2020 in West Haven after a chase from Norwalk on Interstate 95. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media State Trooper Brian North (left) in state Superior Court in Milford Monday. North's jury trial regarding the January 2020 shooting death of Mubarak Soulemane began on Monday. Screengrab from WFSB Live Feed Fatima Tariu, left, grandmother of Mubarak Soulemane, Omo Mohammed, right, mother, arrive at Milford Superior Court on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media From left, Attorney Mark Arons arrives at Milford Superior Court with Fatima Tariu, grandmother of Mubarak Soulemane, Omo Mohammed, mother, Saeed Soulemane, brother, Mariyann Soulemane, sister, and step-father Abdoulie Bandeh on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Mubarak Soulemane step-father Abdoulie Bandeh, center, arrives at Milford Superior Court on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media From left, Attorney Mark Arons arrives at Milford Superior Court with Fatima Tariu, grandmother of Mubarak Soulemane, Omo Mohammed, mother, Saeed Soulemane, brother, Mariyann Soulemane, sister, and step-father Abdoulie Bandeh on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Cathleen Walsh of Southbury plants signs in front of Milford Superior Court in support of Connecticut State Trooper Brian North. Walsh is the administrator of the Facebook group Blue Lives Matter Connecticut. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media North supporter Cathleen Walsh of Southbury speaks to the media in front of Milford Superior Court on March 4, 2024. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media This image taken from dashboard camera video released by the Connecticut State Police, shows Trooper Brian North, after discharging his weapon and fatally shooting Mubarak Soulemane following a high-speed chase in January 2020. Connecticut State Police Mubarak Soulemane contributed

MILFORD  Only a day into Connecticut State Police Trooper Brian Norths manslaughter trial in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane, the central issue of the case was already clear.

What did North know and when did he know it?

Specifically, was he told Soulemane had committed a carjacking before leading police on a chase from Norwalk to West Haven, and when during the chase was the information relayed? Was he aware that Norwalk police had broken off the pursuit when it reached Interstate 95? And could he have known Soulemane suffered from mental illness?

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The testimony followed a pattern the defense and prosecution outlined while questioning potential jurors last month: Theres no dispute that North fired seven shots from his 9 mm service weapon at Soulemane, killing him on a highway underpass in West Haven Jan 15, 2020. The issue is what Norths mental state was at the time, and whether his use of deadly force was justified.

Several questions from the prosecutor, Inspector General Robert Devlin, and defense attorney Frank Riccio to the first witnesses in the case  Soulemanes mother, sister and girlfriend  centered on Soulemanes struggles with schizophrenia.

At one point, Riccio asked Soulemanes girlfriend, Julia Johnson, whether someone who didnt know Soulemane would know he suffered from what his family described as periodic episodes of manic paranoia.

You would have only known that he had or suffered from mental illness if you knew him personally or if you had prior occasions to talk to him and speak to him, correct? Riccio asked.

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Correct, Johnson replied.

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Later, with a Norwalk police sergeant who took part in the chase on the stand, the lawyers questioned him repeatedly about what police taking part in the pursuit were told Soulemane had done, and whether he was armed.

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Norwalk Police Sgt. Justin Bisceglie, testified that Soulemane's theft of a ride-share driver's vehicle prior to the chase was not a robbery, and said no force was used. He said the pursuit was called off when Soulemane drove from Route 7 to I-95.

Riccio played a radio dispatch transmission that was subsequently sent to state troopers during the pursuit in which the theft Lyft theft was described as a "carjacking," and that the suspect was armed with a knife.

Devlin later pointed out that the transmission was a mistake.

"I don't even know who coined it a carjacking," Bisceglie said.

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The transmission describing the theft as a carjacking was later rescinded, but the lieutenant who made the decision at the time described it as a tough choice in a phone call he made to state police after the shooting that was played for the jury.

Frankly, was it or wasnt it (a carjacking)? the lieutenant, Bruce Hume, said on the call. Eh, its a big mess.

"Ultimately, I made the decision that it didn't appear at that point to fit the definition of a carjacking," Hume said, saying a communications supervisor had made the earlier transmission saying it had been.

Riccio noted the shooting had taken place after the time police had been told the driver of the vehicle was a carjacking suspect, but prior to Hume's call saying it wasn't.

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"Apparently that information was put out," he said. "I don't know why."

Prior to Hume's testimony, the jury heard from an employee of a Norwalk AT&T store where Soulemane had acted erratically prior to the theft of the Lyft, and frightened employees by accusing them of having done something to his phone while a knife was sticking out of his pocket. Soulemane was holding the knife when North shot him through the closed window of the vehicle.

Monday marked the first day of testimony in Norths trial on a single count of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm at state Superior Court in connection to the Jan. 15, 2020 shooting.

North, the first law enforcement officer charged in a fatal on-duty shooting in nearly two decades, rejected a plea offer in the case calling for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, with a right to argue for less time behind bars.

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The first witness who testified Monday was Omo Mohammed, Soulemanes mother, who identified her son in graduation photo from Notre Dame Catholic High School in Fairfield in 2018.

Mohammed said her son showed some signs of mental illness in 2016 while at a New Haven high school and had an episode. His brother picked him up, and his family rushed him to the hospital.

Mohammed said she had never seen Mubarak with that kind of episode," and that Soulemane was prescribed medications.

Mohammed testified that she was in Ghana on Jan. 15, 2020. Her son called her to say state troopers came to his house and informed him that his brother, Soulemane, was shot and killed.

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Cross-examining Mohammed, Riccio asked if it was fair to say there were frequent times when Soulemane would not take his medicine as prescribed, to which Mohammed agreed. She noted that it was hard for him, and there were times she couldnt help give him his medication.

Mohammed testified that she wasnt sure whether he was taking his medication in the 24 hours leading up to his death.

The second witness called to the stand was Mariyann Soulemane, Mubarak Soulemanes sister.

She testified that she was one of the people called in the summer of 2016 when her brother was having an episode. She said he was in a state of confusion and unaware what was taking place or what was going on."

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Her brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Mariyann Soulemane testified. He was prescribed medication, which would be readjusted from time to time, and he would struggle to take his medications daily, she said.

She said her family would also take her brother to the hospital during these episodes. He had about seven to 15 episodes in his life, she estimated, and his hospital stays would fluctuate between three and seven days.

Mariyann Soulemane testified she learned of her brothers death while in Malaysia on a Fulbright scholarship. She said she spoke to her brother the week before his death and could tell from the phone call that he was pretty erratic, she said.

Johnson, who dated Mubarak Soulemane at the time of his death, was the next witness to testify. She said she began dating him in August 2019 and described him as a very loving person.

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Johnson said her boyfriend told her about his mental health struggles, but she never pried. She also noted his behavior didnt seem abnormal until a few days leading up to the fatal shooting.

His behavior became noticeably paranoid, and he thought people were stalking me, Johnson said when recounting her boyfriends behavior on Jan. 10, 2020.

The day before Soulemane was shot and killed, Johnson remembered how he seemed out of it. He visited the vape store where she worked and bit her tongue, and later it seemed he didnt realize what had happened.

Johnson said the couple went to her apartment in New Haven that evening and he was acting very erratic and paranoid. She offered to take him to the hospital, and asked if he wanted to talk to a family member, but he declined.

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I was very concerned, she said.

At one point in the night, Soulemane admitted to Johnson he was in a state of psychosis. She said he had never been that way with her before.

The next day, Jan. 15, 2020, Johnson said she went to work and Soulemanes behavior was a little bit worse.

He told her he planned to play basketball in Norwalk that day and get his haircut. Since his car had been booted, Soulemane said he was going to take the train, Johnson said.

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Johnson testified she later learned a knife was involved in the incident leading to her boyfriends death. She looked around her apartment, and noticed a knife from her kitchen was missing.

Devlin showed the jury the knife, measuring out to approximately 9 inches.

A gas station owner also testified as attorneys showed footage from the Norwalk gas station where Soulemane allegedly stole a Hyundai operated by a ride-share driver.

Prior to the lunch break, Bisceglie said he followed the stolen Lyft onto Route 7, where it reached speeds of 90 mph, before the chase reached I-95.

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A tense atmosphere was expected for the trial, and more than 30 people filled the courtrooms public gallery Monday, including several members of Soulemane's and North's families, as well as several state troopers who worked with North.

If found guilty, North would face up to 40 years in prison, five of which would be mandatory.

Members of Soulemanes family wore stickers with his picture on them at the courthouse Monday.

Mark Arons, an attorney representing Soulemanes relatives in a civil lawsuit, said the family had been waiting.

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This is a very big day for the family, Arons said prior to the beginning of the trial Monday. Its been a terrible four years for them, for the death of their son and brother, Mubarak.
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.
George FM is stoked to announce the return of Mayhem for its 4th year with the biggest lineup to date!
Josh LaBella is a breaking news reporter and former reporter for the Fairfield Citizen. He has been with Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2020. When not working, he can be found playing video games or Dungeons & Dragons, reading, hiking or hanging with friends.
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Gavinn McKinney loved Nike shoes, fireworks, and sushi. He was studying Potawatomi, one of the languages of his Native American heritage. He loved holding his niece and smelling her baby smell. On his 15th birthday, the Durango, Colorado, teen spent a cold December afternoon chopping wood to help neighbors who couldnt afford to heat their homes.

McKinney almost made it to his 16th birthday. He died of fentanyl poisoning at a friends house in December 2021. His friends say it was the first time he tried hard drugs. The memorial service was so packed people had to stand outside the funeral home.

Now, his peers are trying to cement their friends legacy in state law. They recently testified to state lawmakers in support of a bill they helped write to ensure students can carry naloxone with them at all times without fear of discipline or confiscation. School districts tend to have strict medication policies. Without special permission, Colorado students cant even carry their own emergency medications, such as an inhaler, and they are not allowed to share them with others.

We realized we could actually make a change if we put our hearts to it, said Niko Peterson, a senior at Animas High School in Durango and one of McKinneys friends who helped write the bill. Being proactive versus being reactive is going to be the best possible solution.

Individual school districts or counties in California, Maryland, and elsewhere have rules expressly allowing high school students to carry naloxone. But Jon Woodruff, managing attorney at the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, said he wasnt aware of any statewide law such as the one Colorado is considering. Woodruffs Washington, D.C.-based organization researches and drafts legislation on substance use.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can halt an overdose. Available over the counter as a nasal spray, it is considered the fire extinguisher of the opioid epidemic, for use in an emergency, but just one tool in a prevention strategy. BurchPeople often refer to it as Narcan, one of the more recognizable brand names, similar to how tissues, regardless of brand, are often called Kleenex.)

The Biden administration last year backed an ad campaign encouraging young people to carry the emergency medication.

Most states naloxone access laws protect do-gooders, including youth, from liability if they accidentally harm someone while administering naloxone. But without school policies explicitly allowing it, the students ability to bring naloxone to class falls into a gray area.

Ryan Christoff said that in September 2022 fellow staff at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado, where he worked and which one of his daughters attended at the time, confiscated naloxone from one of her classmates.

She didnt have anything on her other than the Narcan, and they took it away from her, said Christoff, who had provided the confiscated Narcan to that student and many others after his daughter nearly died from fentanyl poisoning. We should want every student to carry it.

Boulder Valley School District spokesperson Randy Barber said the incident was a one-off and weve done some work since to make sure nurses are aware. The district now encourages everyone to consider carrying naloxone, he said.

DEVASTATION TURNS TO ACTION

In Durango, McKinneys death hit the community hard. McKinneys friends and family said he didnt do hard drugs. The substance he was hooked on was Tapatio hot sauce  he even brought some in his pocket to a Rockies game.

After McKinney died, people started getting tattoos of the phrase he was known for, which was emblazoned on his favorite sweatshirt: Love is the cure. Even a few of his teachers got them. But it was classmates, along with their friends at another high school in town, who turned his loss into a political movement.

Were making things happen on behalf of him, Peterson said.

The mortality rate has spiked in recent years, with more than 1,500 other children and teens in the U.S. dying of fentanyl poisoning the same year as McKinney. Most youth who die of overdoses have no known history of taking opioids, and many of them likely thought they were taking prescription opioids like OxyContin or Percocet  not the fake prescription pills that increasingly carry a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Most likely the largest group of teens that are dying are really teens that are experimenting, as opposed to teens that have a long-standing opioid use disorder, said Joseph Friedman, a substance use researcher at UCLA who would like to see schools provide accurate drug education about counterfeit pills, such as with Stanfords Safety First curriculum.

Allowing students to carry a low-risk, lifesaving drug with them is in many ways the minimum schools can do, he said.

I would argue that what the schools should be doing is identifying high-risk teens and giving them the Narcan to take home with them and teaching them why it matters, Friedman said.

Writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, Friedman identified Colorado as a hot spot for high school-aged adolescent overdose deaths, with a mortality rate more than double that of the nation from 2020 to 2022.

Increasingly, fentanyl is being sold in pill form, and its happening to the largest degree in the West, said Friedman. I think that the teen overdose crisis is a direct result of that.

If Colorado lawmakers approve the bill, I think thats a really important step, said Ju Nyeong Park, an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University, who leads a research group focused on how to prevent overdoses. I hope that the Colorado Legislature does and that other states follow as well.

Park said comprehensive programs to test drugs for dangerous contaminants, better access to evidence-based treatment for adolescents who develop a substance use disorder, and promotion of harm reduction tools are also important. For example, there is a national hotline called Never Use Alone that anyone can call anonymously to be supervised remotely in case of an emergency, she said.

TAKING ACTION

Many Colorado school districts are training staff how to administer naloxone and are stocking it on school grounds through a program that allows them to acquire it from the state at little to no cost. But it was clear to Peterson and other area high schoolers that having naloxone at school isnt enough, especially in rural places.

The teachers who are trained to use Narcan will not be at the parties where the students will be using the drugs, he said.

And it isnt enough to expect teens to keep it at home.

Its not going to be helpful if its in somebodys house 20 minutes outside of town. Its going to be helpful if its in their backpack always, said Zoe Ramsey, another of McKinneys friends and a senior at Animas High School.

We were informed it was against the rules to carry naloxone, and especially to distribute it, said Ilias Leo Stritikus, who graduated from Durango High School last year.

But students in the area, and their school administrators, were uncertain: Could students get in trouble for carrying the opioid antagonist in their backpacks, or if they distributed it to friends? And could a school or district be held liable if something went wrong?

He, along with Ramsey and Peterson, helped form the group Students Against Overdose. Together, they convinced Animas, which is a charter school, and the surrounding school district, to change policies. Now, with parental permission, and after going through training on how to administer it, students may carry naloxone on school grounds.

Durango School District 9-R spokesperson Karla Sluis said at least 45 students have completed the training.

School districts in other parts of the nation have also determined its important to clarify students ability to carry naloxone.

We want to be a part of saving lives, said Smita Malhotra, chief medical director for Los Angeles Unified School District in California.

Los Angeles County had one of the nations highest adolescent overdose death tallies of any U.S. county: From 2020 to 2022, 111 teens ages 14 to 18 died. One of them was a 15-year-old who died in a school bathroom of fentanyl poisoning. Malhotras district has since updated its policy on naloxone to permit students to carry and administer it.

All students can carry naloxone in our school campuses without facing any discipline, Malhotra said. She said the district is also doubling down on peer support and hosting educational sessions for families and students.

Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland took a similar approach. School staff had to administer naloxone 18 times over the course of a school year, and five students died over the course of about one semester.

When the district held community forums on the issue, Patricia Kapunan, the districts medical officer, said, Students were very vocal about wanting access to naloxone. A student is very unlikely to carry something in their backpack which they think they might get in trouble for.

So it, too, clarified its policy. While that was underway, local news reported that high school students found a teen passed out, with purple lips, in the bathroom of a McDonalds down the street from their school, and used Narcan to revive them. It was during lunch on a school day.

We cant Narcan our way out of the opioid use crisis, said Kapunan. But it was critical to do it first. Just like knowing 911.

Now, with the support of the district and county health department, students are training other students how to administer naloxone. Jackson Taylor, one of the student trainers, estimated they trained about 200 students over the course of three hours on a recent Saturday.

It felt amazing, this footstep toward fixing the issue, Taylor said.

Each trainee left with two doses of naloxone.
German Defense Ministry Concerned About Possibility of Wider Secret Talks Leak - Reports

Sputnik News

20240302

BERLIN (Sputnik) - The German Defense Ministry is concerned that the disclosed recording of confidential army talks on Russia and Ukraine could be part of a wider leak spanning the country's air force and other military divisions, German magazine Der Spiegel reported, citing unnamed sources.

The conversation was held on the WebEx platform which is "relatively easy" to wiretap, the magazine estimated. One of the people in the conversation reportedly dialed in via a mobile phone as they were in Singapore at the time. Both the German armed forces and the defense ministry often hold online talks on the WebEx platform, the report said.

Earlier in the day, German news agency DPA reported that the leaked conversation between German military officers was authentic.

On Friday, Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT and the Rossiya Segodnya media group (Sputnik's parent company), published the text of a conversation among four Bundeswehr representatives discussing a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge with Taurus missiles. The conversation, which took place on February 19, involved Inspector of the German air force Ingo Gerhartz, Brig. Gen. Frank Graefe, head of the operations and exercises department at the air force command in Berlin, and two employees of the air operations center of the Bundeswehr Space Command.

A Sputnik

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Chancellor Scholz Promises to Provide Clarifications Over Leak of German Military Conversation

Sputnik News

20240302

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday that a thorough, intensive and swift investigation was underway in connection with the leaked conversation between German military officers on security topics concerning Russia and Ukraine.

On Friday, editor-in-chief of RT and Rossiya Segodnya, Sputnik's parent media group, published the text and the audio of a conversation among four Bundeswehr representatives discussing a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge with Taurus missiles. The talk, which took place on February 19, involved Inspector of the German air force Ingo Gerhartz, Brig. Gen. Frank Graefe, head of the operations and exercises department at the air force command in Berlin, and two employees of the air operations center of the Bundeswehr Space Command.

"This is now being investigated very thoroughly, very intensively and very quickly. That is what is necessary," Scholz told a German news agency DPA correspondent during his visit to Italy.

Earlier in the day, DPA reported that the leaked conversation between German military officers on security topics concerning Russia and Ukraine was authentic. According to the report the German military officers are believed to have held the conversation on the CISCO Webex platform.

On Friday, German newspaper Die Welt reported, citing German soldiers, that the recording was circulating in the Bundeswehr, and officials considered it authentic. German tabloid Bild in turn has reported in an article dubbed "Unbelievable Bundeswehr mishap: Russians listen in on the conversation between German generals" that there are many reasons to believe that the recording is authentic, even if the Bundeswehr has not yet officially confirmed its authenticity.

The T-online news agency reported, citing the German Defense Ministry, that the German counterintelligence was verifying the report on a possible interception of a conversation between two German officers.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commenting on the development told Sputnik that Russia demands "an explanation from Germany. Official Berlin is obliged to provide them as soon as possible."

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Bundeswehr Believes Rec. of German Conversation About Strike on Russia Authentic - Reports

Sputnik News

20240302

BERLIN (Sputnik) - The recording of a conversation between senior German military officials on security topics concerning Russia and Ukraine is circulating among the Bundeswehr officials, and they believe it is authentic, German newspaper Die Welt has reported, citing German soldiers.

Several soldiers, who spoke to Die Welt, have said the audio recording is circulating in the Bundeswehr and said it was authentic, the newspaper reported on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT and the Rossiya Segodnya media group, published the text of a conversation among four Bundeswehr representatives discussing a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge with Taurus missiles.

The talk, which took place on February 19, involved Inspector of the German air force Ingo Gerhartz, Brig. Gen. Frank Graefe, head of the operations and exercises department at the air force command in Berlin, and two employees of the air operations center of the Bundeswehr Space Command.

The German Defense Ministry told Sputnik that it does not comment on the alleged recording of its soldiers discussing a strike on the Crimean Bridge.

The T-online news agency reported, citing the German Defense Ministry, that the German counterintelligence was verifying the report on a possible interception of a conversation between two German officers.

A Sputnik

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FILE - This Jan. 15, 2020, image taken from dashboard camera video released by the Connecticut State Police, shows Trooper Brian North, left, after he discharged his weapon beside a vehicle stopped in West Haven, Conn. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in North's trial. North has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm in the death of Mubarak Soulemane in West Haven. (Connecticut State Police via AP, File) AP

In the days before he was killed by a Connecticut state trooper, Mubarak Soulemane's mental health problems were worsening while his behavior turned erratic and paranoid  a situation his family had experienced before as they struggled to ensure he received the best medication and took it, witnesses testified Monday.

Soulemane's mother, sister and girlfriend took the stand in Milford, Connecticut, on the first day of the trial of Trooper Brian North, who is charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm in the fatal shooting of Soulemane on Jan. 15, 2020. North has pleaded not guilty and denies any misconduct.

North, 33, fired seven shots at close range into the driver's window of a stopped car as Soulemane sat in the driver's seat with a 9-inch kitchen knife. Several police cruisers had boxed in the stolen car in West Haven after a rush-hour chase through several towns on Interstate 95 that reached speeds of 100 mph (161 kph).

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North told authorities he believed he was protecting police officers on the other side of the car from Soulemane and the knife, but state Inspector General Robert Devlin concluded none of the officers were in imminent danger and filed the manslaughter charge.

Soulemane's girlfriend, Julia Johnson, said they had a loving relationship for about six months and she had never seen him become violent until days before his death. At the time, they lived in New Haven.

There was a physical altercation, she testified. He bit my tongue, and when I moved away it seemed like he didnt realize what he had done. He seemed like outside of his body, like he said that he would never hurt me and he was confused.

The night before he was killed, Johnson said Soulemane's behavior raised concerns.

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"I asked him if he wanted to go to the hospital. I offered to take him to the hospital. I asked him if he wanted to call a family member. ... He did not want to do that. ... At one point throughout the evening, he admitted that he was in a psychosis, she testified.

Soulemane's mother, Omo Mohammed, and his sister, Mariyann Soulemane, testified that Soulemane had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, first displaying severe symptoms in high school at age 15. They said there were several times when he didn't take his medicine.

Its hard for Mubarak in the beginning because hes fighting the sickness, Mohammed said. Even with that sickness, he was able to graduate with that sickness. .. There are times that it is hard for him to take his medicine.

Mariyann Soulemane said her brother would be stable when taking his medication, but he would not take it all the time.

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So we would be kind of in and out of the ER unfortunately when the manic episodes arose, she said during direct examination by Devlin. It was just a constant readjustment of medication and best efforts to get him to take it consistently.

On the day of his death, police said Mubarak Soulemane displayed the knife at an AT&T store in Norwalk, and unsuccessfully tried to steal a cell phone. Police said he then assaulted a Lyft driver and drove off in the driver's car when the driver got out, leading police on a 30-mile (48-kilometer) chase from Norwalk to West Haven.

Norwalk officers had ended the pursuit on I-95 because of the high speed and heavy traffic, and the fact that no violent crime occurred. State police continued the pursuit, after receiving false information that the car theft was a carjacking.

The chase ended when Soulemane exited the highway, struck a civilian's car and was boxed in by troopers and local police in West Haven. Police said the officers ordered him out of the car, but he refused.

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State police body camera videos show a West Haven officer smashing out the passenger door window of the stolen vehicle before another trooper shoots Soulemane with a Taser, which didnt work.

North then fired his handgun into the car when Soulemane displayed the knife, state police said.

In a statement to investigators, North said the suspect was moving and holding the knife in an aggressive manner, and appeared to me to be preparing to attack the other officers, whom he believed were entering the car to take Soulemane into custody.

Devlin, however, concluded the shooting was not justified.

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At the time Trooper North fired his weapon, neither he nor any other person was in imminent danger of serious injury or death from a knife attack at the hands of Soulemane, the report said. Further, any belief that persons were in such danger was not reasonable.

North had been on the state police force for five years at the time of the shooting. He is being represented by attorney Frank Riccio II.

Soulemanes family, the NAACP and other groups said North, who is white, should not have shot Soulemane, who was Black, because police had him surrounded and he could not get away. Despite having a knife, Soulemane was inside the car by himself and police should have attempted to de-escalate the situation, they said.

Souleman's mother has a pending lawsuit against police over the killing.
Soldiers prepare for combat operations in the Arctic

By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service March 1, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Braving subzero temperatures, about 9,000 Soldiers clad in white camouflage gathered in Alaska for a joint, multinational exercise.

Soldiers engaged in 40 training events over two weeks to prepare for combat operations in the northernmost region on Earth. During the largest multinational training exercise in the Arctic to date, called Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02, the Army simulated large-scale training operations in cold weather conditions for the first time. They tested next-generation weapons and operated cold weather, all-terrain vehicles or CATV, snow mobiles to traverse the terrain.

"What we've learned in this exercise is you've got to be ready for the full spectrum," said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, 11th Airborne Division commander.

Five countries participated in training from Feb. 8 to Feb. 22 including a Canadian battalion and elements from Mongolia, Australia, Finland and Sweden. Exercises which align with the Army's Arctic Strategy, stretched from Anchorage in the south to Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost city in the U.S.

Climate change has made the Arctic more navigable, and as part of the Army's Arctic Strategy, service must be ready to deter and defend against potential adversaries in the region, Eifler said. The guidance details how the service will train, organize and equip forces and partner nations.

The Army deployed an entire division during one joint exercise, which had U.S. Soldiers playing roles on both sides. Two battalions simulated enemy forces, equipped with artillery and rockets, Eifler said.

During that exercise, U.S. Soldiers learned to fight without air superiority and support. The friendly forces embarked on a 150-mile simulated, deep attack to train Army pilots to weave in and out of air defenses.

Soldiers, Airmen and Marines took part in a joint multi-battalion, joint force entry exercise into the Donnelly Training Center drop zone, north of Fort Greely. Soldiers also faced the challenge of disguising equipment in a snowy environment.

"In this battlefield, it's very hard to be camouflaged like we used to," Eifler said. "In some spectrums, you're observed, whether it's electronics, whether it's physical, informational ... across the cyber space ... so we had to create windows to do a deep attack."

Finally, troops engaged in an air assault simulation with American and Canadian Chinook helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawks and two battalions.

"That distance and scope and scale hasn't been done before," he said.

Soldiers also tested how the Next Generation Squad Weapon, the XM7 rifle, fared in frigid conditions and found parts of the weapon caused frostbite. Soldiers also had to adjust their survival measures. In addition to carrying more water, troops melted ice blocks and purified snow to help themselves hydrate.

"In this environment, if you stop, you freeze, and you get hypothermia," Eifler said. "But at the same time you're sweating, and you need more water. So that really challenged our sustainment."

They also had to keep electronic and digital equipment, including monitors and keyboards at a consistent temperature while sometimes operating them amid hurricane-strength winds.

Eifler said the 11th Airborne's reactivation in 2022 gave Soldiers of that unit a greater purpose and reinvigorated Soldiers assigned to the unit. The Army also reassigned the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team under the 11th Airborne.

"The forces up here had no real unity, purpose and identity," Eifler said. "Being aligned as a division now  as warfighting capable force has increased readiness in the Indo-Pacific and for the Arctic. The [realignment] was extremely strategic. When you don't have an identity, it's really tough, no matter what line of work you're in. And that was transformational up here."

Eifler said that Soldiers who took part in the exercise can earn an Arctic skill identifier certifying that they served in a cold weather environment. Some troops even requested extensions to continue serving in the remote location.

In the past the Army has faced challenges with Soldiers experiencing depression and feelings of isolation. Eifler said that more new recruits have requested assignments in Alaska.

"Having that mentality and having that mindset that winter's here and summer is short, and winter's coming tomorrow; having that attitude has really changed the culture up here," he added. "And we're actually retaining people that have that expertise."

Soldiers have also leaned on the Alaskan Inuit population who have taught Soldiers how to survive in Arctic conditions. For example, Soldiers learned to use ice drills to stake tents on the frozen tundra. Soldiers flew 500 miles north to Utqiagvik to perform a rapid infiltration test of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or HIMARS. They tested HIMARS on a C-130 in -20 degree weather.

Pilots had to take extra steps to start Apache engines in cold weather conditions. They tackled a wide range of temperature changes from wind chills 40 degrees below to temperatures 40 degrees above. They studied the differences between light snow, heavier snow and wet snowfall, Eifler said.

"The temperature wasn't consistent, which made it just a great testing environment to go full gamut on everything we needed to do," Eifler said. "And then it really tested the grit of the Soldiers."

The Soldiers treaded into new territory during the exercises. Eifler said that warrant officer pilots submitted white papers for Army manuals on how to operate Apaches in extreme cold. About 18 multinational observers took part including representatives from France, Japan, Nepal and Chile.

Next month, during Exercise Arctic Shock in Bardufoss, Norway, Army paratroopers will fly over the North Pole and perform an air entry operation. About 150 Soldiers from the 11th Airborne and 100 members of the Norwegian Army will take part in the exercise from March 18 to March 22.

"We'll continue to push ourselves up here," Eifler said. "And increase the scale and scope of these exercises. Because we've got to be better; we've got to be challenged. And we've got to help the Army resource us and structure us properly so we can meet those threats tomorrow."

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Virginia National Guard Soldiers Validated for Poland Mission

By Cotton Puryear, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs March 1, 2024

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas -- Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion have been validated for their upcoming federal active duty mission to Poland after conducting a collective training exercise Feb. 12-16.

"We received some terrific training over the past few weeks from our First Army partners to get ready for Poland, and I am excited for the progress and cohesion this team has shown," said Lt. Col. Carlos Maldonado, commander of the 529th.

During the exercise, 529th Soldiers worked through different potential scenarios simulating operations they will conduct in Poland. They will provide sustainment command and control and support to forward-stationed U.S. and allied forces in the region.

The CTE was the final training event for the 529th in Texas, and observer/controller/trainers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Brigade, provided feedback throughout the exercise.

Senior Virginia Army National Guard leaders visited the 529th as they conducted the CTE Feb. 14. Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Irving Reed Jr., the VaARNG command team, Col. Paul C. Gravely, the VaARNG chief of staff, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Calley, the VaARNG state command chief warrant officer, met with Soldiers to learn more about their roles in the upcoming mission and thank them for their service.

"The 529th has a strong reputation for excellence, and I know you are going to execute the mission like the great team you are," Martin said.

Before the CTE, Soldiers of the 529th conducted administrative and medical tasks to transition from traditional National Guard status to federal active duty.

A combat sustainment support battalion is a multifunctional logistics headquarters exercising mission command for assigned companies, teams and detachments to provide maintenance support and distribute food, fuel, ammunition and other supplies. They expect to have supply, transportation and maintenance companies under their command, but additional units could be assigned to meet mission requirements.

Soldiers of the 529th gained valuable experience for the upcoming mobilization when they supported Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 23-8.05 July 6 to Aug. 6 at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. Conducted in support of the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 529th was in charge of running the division support area, where they provided command and control of more than 400 National Guard Soldiers from five units from five states, providing food, water, fuel, ammunition and other supplies.

While the JRTC rotation built the foundation of the team mobilizing to Poland, the CTE at Fort Cavazos provided an opportunity to integrate new members into the team, Maldonado said.

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United States Central Command and Royal Jordanian Air Force Conduct Combined Airdrops of Humanitarian Aid Into Gaza

U.S. Central Command

Press Release | March 2, 2024

USCENTCOM

March 2, 2024

Press Release Number 20240302-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza on March 2, 2024, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The combined operation included U.S. Air Force and RJAF C-130 aircraft and respective Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of supplies, built bundles and ensured the safe drop of food aid.

U.S. C-130s dropped over 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing for civilian access to the critical aid.

The DoD humanitarian airdrops contributes to ongoing U.S. government efforts to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza. We are conducting planning for potential follow-on airborne aid delivery missions.

These airdrops are part of a sustained effort to get more aid into Gaza, including by expanding the flow of aid through land corridors and routes.





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March 2, 2024

By Joseph Clark , DOD News

U.S., Jordanian Forces Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Civilians in Gaza

The U.S. Defense Department and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza to deliver critical relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

As part of the combined operation, U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft delivered more than 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing civilians access to much-needed assistance.

The U.S. Central Command forces, which also included Army personnel specialized in aerial supply delivery, were joined by Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130s in conducting the operation.

In total, 66 bundles of aid were dropped from three aircraft as part of the combined operation.

In a statement following the operation, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III thanked the forces involved for conducting an "important mission, which contributes to the ongoing international and U.S. efforts to provide humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza."

The operation follows President Joe Biden's announcement on Friday that the U.S. would begin delivering aid in response to the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

"Innocent lives are on the line and children's lives are on the line, and we won't stand by and let  until they  until we get more aid in there," Biden said in remarks ahead of his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House.

The president pledged that the U.S. would "pull out every stop we can to get more assistance in."

Administration officials said today that the combined humanitarian assistance airdrop is part of a broader campaign to ensure civilians in Gaza have access to aid.

"We're looking at the land routes, we're looking at a sea route, we're looking at the air route to really ensure that we're exploring every opportunity to get assistance in," the official said.

Officials stressed that the U.S. has led efforts to push for the free flow of aid into Gaza since the early days of the crisis that was sparked by the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

"But the truth is, and you heard the president talk about this yesterday, that the aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere near enough and nowhere near fast enough," the official said.

The official added that the administration continues to work to increase the amount of aid flowing through previously established routes while pursuing new routes to deliver assistance.

Officials said international efforts to distribute aid within Gaza have been stymied by a complex set of factors that have continued to worsen over time. Those factors include the removal of protection for international aid convoys.

Officials also point to increasing lawlessness and the looting and reselling of critical aid by criminal gangs as a major impediment to distributing the aid to those in need.

"There's a way that you resolve this problem," one official said. "And the way is you flood the market. You bring in humanitarian assistance from every point you can - air, sea, land."

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China's latest delineation of territorial sea baseline in Beibu Gulf marks significant step in clarifying boundaries: expert

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Mar 02, 2024 03:50 PM

China announced the baseline of the northern part of the Beibu Gulf in South China, marking another key step in the delineation of its territorial sea baseline, experts said.

The Chinese government issued a statement on Friday, regarding the baseline of the northern part of the Beibu Gulf in accordance with the Law on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone promulgated in 1992.

This delineation of the baseline of the northern part of the Beibu Gulf represents the second step in the three-step process of delineating China's territorial sea baseline, completing the delineation of all baselines located in the southern part of China, which is of great significance, according to Fu Kuncheng, a special research fellow from the Belt and Road Research Institute of Xiamen University, as quoted by Shenzhen TV.

Previously, the Chinese government had twice announced the geographical coordinates of some of its territorial sea baselines and points.

The first announcement was made in 1996, when the Chinese government declared the baseline of the inland territorial sea and the names and geographical coordinates of 77 territorial sea points in the Xisha Islands.

The second announcement was made in 2012, when China declared the baseline of the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islands, along with the names and geographical coordinates of 17 territorial sea points.

After this third delineation, the only part of China's territorial sea baselines that has not been fully disclosed is the one alongside the Liaodong Peninsula in the Bohai Sea, observers pointed out.

The territorial sea baseline is the starting line for coastal countries to establish maritime jurisdiction claims, and also represents the outer limit of the national land territory boundary.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, coastal states can have a territorial sea width of 12 nautical miles (22.22 km), a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, and a continental shelf of up to 350 nautical miles.

However, due to the Beibu Gulf, a semi-enclosed bay surrounded by the inland of China and Vietnam and Hainan Island of China, having a maximum width of no more than 180 nautical miles, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of the two countries in the Gulf overlap entirely, making the entire Gulf an overlapping area of Chinese and Vietnamese claims, which must be resolved through delimitation.

Prior to the 1960s, China and Vietnam only exercised jurisdiction based on the width of the territorial sea declared by each other, sharing resources within the bay, with no major issues arising.

In the early 1970s, with the development of modern maritime legal systems, the issue of delimiting the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf in the gulf between China and Vietnam emerged, reported by Shenzhen TV.

On June 30, 2004, representatives of China and Vietnam signed an agreement on the delimitation of the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf in the Beibu Gulf, achieving a fair delimitation result satisfactory to both parties. The signing of this agreement marked the establishment of the first maritime boundary of China.

However, the delimitation agreement in 2004 did not fundamentally eliminate the maritime disputes between China and Vietnam in the relevant waters, as the boundary facing the sea was still unclear, Fu said.

Fu said that only with the determination of the baselines can law enforcement officers clearly measure and calculate the outer boundary of the 12-nautical mile territorial sea from the straight baseline.

"Although there has always been a 12-nautical mile territorial sea, it was never precise. If someone was right on the edge of that 12-nautical mile, there was no clear boundary, making it difficult to comply. It would also be difficult for China to enforce the law," he explained. "By determining these baselines, we can further clarify the outer boundary of our territorial sea in the Beibu Gulf on the nautical chart, and the outer boundary of the 200-nautical mile will also be very clear."

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, March 2, 2024

IDF Press Release

March 2, 2024

02.03.24

IDF

Good week,

Over the weekend, IDF operations continued throughout Gaza. Yesterday, three IDF soldiers were killed during combat in eastern Khan Yunis: Sergeant Dolev Malka, Sergeant Afik Tery and Sergeant Inon Itzhak. May their memory be a blessing. With them, 14 soldiers were injured in varying conditions. The soldiers received immediate medical treatment from the medical and rescue teams of Unit 669 and were evacuated to receive further medical treatment in hospitals.

The IDF's representatives have notified the families of the fallen and injured soldiers and are accompanying them during this difficult time. Our hearts are with the families. The incident took place during the troops' operations to search terrorist infrastructure, during which two explosive devices, set up by Hamas in a building, detonated. We are reviewing the incident and studying it for the continuation of combat.

The forces are continuing operations in areas adjacent to the border. These are mere kilometers from the communities of southern Israel, it is from these areas that terrorists headed out on October 7 and carried out the massacre in Kissufim, Ein HaShlosha, Nirim and Nir Oz. We must clear this area. The tolls taken by war are heavy and painful. Every fallen and injured soldier is a whole world.

In northern and central Gaza, IDF troops are operating in the field following intelligence. We receive this intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate and the ISA, and it is a result of research on servers and interrogations of security prisoners. This intelligence brings us information regarding Hamas' terrorist infrastructure in the area, infrastructure that we have yet to reach, or attempts by terrorists to restore infrastructure. Following the instruction of the political echelon, the IDF, together with international organizations, continues its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Today, US and Jordanian aircraft airdropped additional aid throughout Gaza. This effort enables the continuation of combat.

Following the incident during which dozens of Palestinians were killed during the entrance of humanitarian aid trucks, we are reviewing this incident, we have all the footage we need to investigate and ascertain the true facts of the incident, and we will present the findings. We secured the humanitarian operation; it was an operation that we were conducting, and the claim that we intentionally attacked the convoy and intentionally harmed these people is fundamentally baseless.

In southern Lebanon, we struck a vehicle in a targeted manner that contained terrorists operating under the Imam Hussein Division. That is a militia that is funded by Iran, at the service of Hezbollah and fired rockets toward Israel. We're talking about terrorists who commanded and led rocket fire toward Israel. Over the past 48 hours, we have eliminated a total of ten terrorists, including a central field commander. We continue to operate in southern Lebanon, damage Hezbollah's capabilities, push it from the border and harm anyone who poses a threat to Israel's civilians.

148 days of war. 134 men and women are still cruelly held hostage by Hamas, with no medical treatment, in harsh conditions, away from their families, in an inhumane manner. Dear families of the hostages, our hearts are with you in every minute. We are operating, making all efforts to bring your loved ones home. This is the fundamental moral obligation that is incumbent upon us, it is the obligation of the entire world in the face of the crime committed.

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Special Operational Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, March 2nd 2024

IDF Press Release

March 2, 2024

02.03.24

Below is the English Statement by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari regarding the review of the incident involving a humanitarian aid convoy in northern Gaza and the IDF's ongoing humanitarian aid efforts:

"In the early hours of Thursday morning, the Israel Defense Forces facilitated a humanitarian operation to help bring aid to civilians in Northern Gaza.

This was the fourth night in a row that we facilitated such an operation  because we want humanitarian aid to reach Gazan civilians in need.

You see, our war is not against the people of Gaza. Our war is against Hamas:

It is Hamas who started this war on October 7th. It is Hamas that has caused immense suffering to civilians on both sides of the border.

The IDF has concluded an initial review of the unfortunate incident where Gazan civilians were trampled to death and injured as they charged to the aid convoy.

Our initial review has confirmed that no strike was carried out by the IDF towards the aid convoy.

The majority of Palestinians were killed or injured as a result of the stampede.

From the information we gathered from the commanders and forces on the ground, our initial review has indicated that following the warning shots fired to disperse the stampede, and after our forces had started retreating, several looters approached our forces and posed an immediate threat to them. According to the initial review, the soldiers responded towards several individuals.

As a professional military committed to international law, we are committed to examining our operations thoroughly.

We have opened an inquiry to examine the incident further, which will help us reduce the risk of such a tragic incident from occurring again during one of our humanitarian operations.

The incident will be examined in the Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism: an independent, professional, and expert body.

For the sake of transparency, we will share updates as our examination develops, hopefully in the coming days.

I want to make something clear: Our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza.

This is why we are facilitating aid; creating humanitarian corridors; establishing unilateral humanitarian pauses; and exercising caution in our use of force.

Israel and the international community are working together to enable the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza."

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Yemen continues maritime operations in Red Sea

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Sanaa government has emphasized that maritime operations will continue until the Zionist regime stops crimes in Gaza Enclave.

According to Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Sanaa government affirmed on Saturday that in light of the Zionist obstinacy supported by the US and Britain, Yemen stands firm in preventing the entry of ships affiliated with the Israeli entity in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

Calling the occupying Zionist regime and its allies responsible for the escalation in the Gaza Strip, the Red Sea, and the Bab al-Mandab, the Yemeni Foreign Ministry highlighted that Yemen holds the US directly responsible for the escalation in the region due to the unlimited support provided by Washington and its allies to the Zionist regime politically, materially, militarily, and logistically, including hindering the Security Council from fulfilling its role in maintaining international peace and security.

The Ministry also condemned the escalation of the occupation's war crimes and genocide against civilians, including targeting them at the Nablus roundabout in the Gaza Strip as they were waiting to receive food supplies, resulting in the martyrdom of 115 and the injury of 800, in what has become known as the Flour Massacre.

The Zionist regime waged the Gaza war on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, carried out a surprise operation into the occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's ceaseless atrocities against the Palestinian people over the past seven decades.

With the Israeli war continuing unabated and amid a rising civilian death in Gaza, resistance movements and groups in the region, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Ansarullah, and Iraq's fighters launched military operations against the US and Israeli interests in an effort to exert pressure on the regime to end its genocidal war.

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US must stop dispatch of arms to Zionist regime: Iran president

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that if the US is really looking for the non-expansion of the war, it must stop lying and hypocrisy and halt sending weapons and bombs to kill the Palestinians.

Addressing the 7th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit of Heads of State and Governments in Algiers on Saturday, President Raisi said, "First, I would like to talk about Palestine, an important issue for the Islamic world and humanity."

The Western domination system, which was formed on the basis of the colonialism of the countries, has become weaker than ever and empty of meaning today and considers its survival in the continuation of the relationship between the dominant and the dominated, the president said.

He said that the formation of the Zionist regime was a colonial project to maintain the dominance of the West in this region.

Noting that thanks to the resistance of the Palestinian nation, the columns of this "glass barracks" have collapsed, he said that everyone is duty-bound to support that oppressed Palestinian people in every possible way.

"The US policies have put Gaza on the brink of a new famine," he said.

He referred to the all-out political, arms and media support of the US for the "organized terrorism of the Zionist regime", and said that Washington must stop lying and hypocrisy and stop sending weapons and bombs to kill the Palestinians.

The massacre of dozens of oppressed and hungry people who had gathered for food, but were killed by the deliberate attacks of the "Israeli terrorist army", is intolerable and requires deterrent and international measures, the president said.

He called on GECF member states to exchange information and experiences in the field of gas extraction, processing, transmission and trade and related technologies to start systematic cooperation for joint investments in the gas industry.

The president underlined the need for defining new routes for the trade of natural gas, calling for preparing the ground for de-monopolizing technologies related to gas trade.

Relying on its huge gas reserves, strategic position and high technologies, the Islamic Republic of Iran aims to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all countries to play a key role in the global gas market, President Raisi said.

He signaled Iran's readiness to turn into a regional energy hub and a safe route for distribution and transit of gas between the producers and consuming markets.

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Three Zionist prisoners killed in Israeli bombings

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesman of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades has announced that three Zionist prisoners were killed in the massive bombing of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli regime.

"After careful investigation, we have confirmed that a number of our fighters have been martyred and seven of the Zionist enemy's prisoners in the Gaza Strip have also been killed as a result of the bombing of different areas of Gaza by the Zionist regime," Abu Obaida said.

The number of Israeli prisoners who have been killed in the Zionist regime's offensives against the Gaza Strip may have exceeded seventy prisoners, he said.

"This is while we have always emphasized preserving the lives of prisoners," he noted.

However, he went on, it is known that the leaders of the Zionist regime deliberately targeted and killed the prisoners to free themselves from the issue.

The concession we will receive from the enemy for 5 or 10 alive prisoners will be the same as what we would have received if all the prisoners were alive and not killed by the enemy's bombings, he added.

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Students head to their buses during dismissal at John Barry Elementary School in Meriden, December 20, 2023. File photo. Dave Zajac / Hearst Connecticut Media

Connecticut children are often waiting weeks before they can get their recommended mental health services, largely due to a growing need after the pandemic in an area facing worker shortages, according to a new study by the Child Health and Development Institute.

Prior to the pandemic, Connecticut's array of behavioral health intermediate levels of care, or ILC, for children was "envied" by other states. They reduced the need for out-of-home care, the number of residential placements and hospital gridlock, said Elisabeth Cannata, vice president of community-based family services and practice innovation at Wheeler Clinic.

"Then comes COVID," Cannata said. "The aftermath of COVID is that children are in more behavioral health distress than ever before."

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Although the definition varies, ILCs are typically services in the middle of the behavioral health care continuum to serve youths who don't require inpatient hospitalization but need more support than outpatient treatment. It can include both home services and center-based programming and were designed to keep children in their community and have the appropriate level of care, Cannata said.

Cannata said the ILC system has developed a lot in the past 25 years after a series of studies found children in crisis were stuck in higher levels of care because of the lack of community-based services.

According to the study, 66 ILC center-based programs currently serve Connecticut youths. Of them, 25 are intensive outpatient, 13 are partial hospitalization programs, 23 are extended-day treatment, and five are psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

In general, the report found that ILC programs were in higher demand than they had the capacity to care for. The main challenge was staffing, resulting in less available care, longer waitlists and delays in discharge from inpatient care settings.

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Kelly said the demand outpacing capacity is exemplified by the barriers mobile crisis units face when referring young clients to the ILC services. A survey found the main barriers were waitlists, transportation, scheduling conflicts, ineligibility due to age and the limited geographic reach of services.

Other issues in the ILC system included data collection, the sporadic use of evidence-based treatments across programs and the limited use of measurement-based care. There's also limited access to services for youths with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, according to the report.

The report highlighted several system-wide and program-specific suggestions. Outside of addressing the workforce shortage, the report recommends increasing the capacity and availability of ILCs, improving data collection and diversifying program leadership, staff and clientele.

The report also offered several options to standardize procedures and practices, such as expanding training opportunities on evidence-based treatments and implementing measurement-based care. It also recommended continuing to review psychiatric residential treatment facility programs.

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Cannata said she agrees with workforce development and recruiting more diverse clinical staff. However, she noted that the current funding structures don't provide the opportunity to offer competitive pay for the work and attract more people to the field.

The institute already shared the report with the Department of Children and Families, which commissioned the study, and hope to potentially partner to implement the recommendations, said Aleece Kelly, senior associate for the Child Health and Development Institute and one of the study's co-authors.

Kelly cautioned the workforce shortage needs to be addressed early on though.

"Those programs, on average, are short about a third of their staff," she said. "It's challenging to make all these changes and implementation if you don't have the staff to do it."

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Strengthening and standardizing the different programs that often serve overlapping populations especially stood out among the recommendations for study co-author Jason Lang, who is also the chief program officer at Child Health and Development Institute.

He said he would also like to see which populations are and aren't served by the programs and if there's not enough capacity in certain areas.

"But again, all that really will depend on being able to have the workforce to support it," Lang said.

Lang noted there are already ongoing discussions on addressing the workforce shortage and bolstering programs, such as increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rates, which are "very low for behavioral health."

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"We all feel like that's the first step and it may be possible to tie some of the other recommendations," he said. "We'll pay providers more, but they need to do a better job of collecting data or using a standardized program model and some of the other things that we recommend. But, I think that remains to be seen what the legislature will do."

Challenges

The new study found significant medical staffing challenges across the ILC continuum, creating gaps in access.

On average, extended-day treatment, or EDT, programs reported being short 36 percent of their staff, intensive outpatient programs short 23 percent, and partial hospitalization programs down 37 percent. However, almost no changes to programming were reported, even with staffing challenges.

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As a result, ILC programs reported a two to six-week wait for children to start services. EDT showed a median of 26 days between referral and start date for children who received services in fiscal year 2023, with longer waits for Black and Hispanic children.

The workforce shortage is particularly felt in the EDT programs, said Hector Glynn, chief executive officer at the Village for Families & Children in Hartford. EDTs are after-school programs that often need more staff to provide care, drive the children to and from the program and work odd hours.

Glynn said a notable takeaway in the report is the number of people EDT services helped has not "bounced back" after the COVID-19 emergency.

In-person individual therapy successfully transitioned to teletherapy when the pandemic started, Glynn said, but group therapy sessions, like EDTs, were "not therapeutic" when it was online. As telehealth became the norm, the use of EDTs entered a "downward trajectory and sort of flattening out," he said.

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Other social barriers, such as lack of transportation, may deter families from using a long-term everyday program, he said.

Outside of addressing the workforce shortages through increased funding, Glynn said he would love to discuss the report's recommendations on expanding evidence-based treatments, especially regarding EDT.

Since EDT groups are designed so children can enroll at any time for extended periods, it is challenging to implement these models in this type of care setting, he said. However, he noted how other ILC programs, such as intensive outpatient, have successfully implemented evidence-based treatments.

In addition, he said that the low Medicaid reimbursement rates for behavioral health services make it harder to pay competitive wages for staff.

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The staffing shortage has an extra challenge with the program's team approach, Glynn said.

"If we lose one member of the team, it becomes very difficult and if we lose the clinician, we cannot run a unit," Glynn said. "So, we still have staffing costs, but we can't enroll clients even if we have a waitlist because we don't have the right ratios of staff."

ILC programs also reported needing help sending staff to training opportunities and there wasn't much diversity among staff and leadership's race, ethnicity and languages, according to the report.

The report did note several strengths within the Connecticut ILC system, such as the programs aligning with state-level care guidelines and extended day programs successfully servicing a diverse population. Also, ILC staff reported having supportive work environments, were interested in attending more training opportunities and were open to collaborating with families.

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Cannata said she wasn't surprised by the findings of the report, but thought it was helpful to see the different opportunities to strengthen the use of evidence-based treatments in center-based ILC. She said research shows these programs helped different demographics of children.
Hezbollah launches drone attack on Israeli command center: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched drone strikes against the headquarters of the Israeli regime, media outlets have reported.

Hezbollah said in a statement on Saturday that it targeted the Zionist enemy's command center in Liman district in northern occupied Palestine with a drone.

The action was taken to support the resilient Palestinians and brave resistance of the nation in Gaza war, added the source.

Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen published a breaking news today saying, "The Israeli occupation forces launched a drone strike on a car in al-Naqoura, southern Lebanon."

Details of the attack are to be released. However, different media have reported that several people have been martyred in the incident.

Hezbollah has been carrying out attacks on Zionist targets over the past few months in response to Tel Aviv's invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Three Hezbollah fighters martyred

Hezbollah has said that three of its fighters have been martyred in Lebanon.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Hezbollah announced the martyrdom of the three fighters who were from southern Lebanon.

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Hezbollah targets Israeli base in northern occupied territories

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has destroyed a Zionist military base in the northern occupied territories.

According to the Palestinian Sama news agency, Hezbollah said in a statement that it targeted the Israeli base with two Falaq missiles.

It also said that the missiles hit the target precisely.

Meanwhile, alarm sirens were sounded in the towns of Zakim and Ashklan in the south of the occupied territories on Friday night.

Hezbollah has targeted the Zionist regime's military positions in the northern occupied territories in response to the regime's genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip, which has so far killed at least 30,228 people, most of them children and women.

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Nothing can justify human rights violations in Gaza, West Bank: Cuba pres.

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has called the Israeli massacre of Palestinians a new horrifying holocaust, saying that nothing can justify the blatant violation of human rights in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Diaz-Canel said in a video message published on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the people of Cuba will not remain indifferent in the face of the Israeli regime's atrocities and will take part in the Day of Action for Palestine on March 2.

The Cuban president wrote: "Cuba joins the global mobilization in support of Palestine on March 2nd. In all provinces and in Havana, we will take to the streets in solidarity with our brotherly people and condemn the Holocaust that 'Israel' aims to cause in Rafah. Everyone for Gaza!"

Addressing the Israeli regime, he asserted that brutality is enough, abuse is enough, and impunity is enough.

He also explained that the Gaza Strip has turned into a camp for killing people and the largest open-air prison in the world, calling on the criminal regime to put down weapons, allow people to express themselves, and stop killing innocent civilians, because nothing can justify the flagrant violation of human rights in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The Cuban president also slammed the United States' veto of UN Security Council ceasefire resolutions as an act of hypocritical imperialism, saying that Washington is the culprit in the Gaza massacre because of adopting such an undemocratic and cruel approach.

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Israel kills 9,000 women in Gaza since Oct. 7: UN

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:07, March 02, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Around 9,000 women have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians on Oct. 7, 2023, said UN Women on Friday.

This figure is likely an underestimate, as many more women are reported to die under the rubble, said the UN agency committed to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Every day the killing in Gaza continues, while a daily average of 63 women continue to be killed at the current rate, including 37 mothers, leaving their families devastated and their children with diminished protection, said the agency.

More than four out of five women, or 84 percent, report that their family eats half or less of the food they used to before the conflict began, with mothers and adult women being those tasked with sourcing food, yet eating last, less and least than everyone else, the agency said.

Four in five women, precisely 84 percent, in Gaza indicate that at least one of their family members had to skip meals during the past week. In 95 percent of those cases, mothers are the ones going without food, skipping at least one meal to feed their children, it added.

Gaza's entire population of 2.3 million people will be facing acute levels of food insecurity within weeks. Some women are now resorting to extreme coping mechanisms, such as scavenging for food under rubble or in dumpsters, it said.

Ten out of 12 women's organizations surveyed in Gaza reported being partly operational, providing essential emergency response services. Despite their extraordinary efforts, less than 1 percent of funding raised through the 2023 Flash Appeal has gone to national or local women's rights organizations, said UN Women.

Unless there is an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, many more will die in the coming days and weeks, the agency warned, urging that the killing, bombing and destruction of essential infrastructure in Gaza must stop, and humanitarian aid must get into and across Gaza immediately.

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3 more Israeli forces killed in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 11:24 PM

The Israeli military has announced the death of three more of its forces amid the regime's ongoing genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, during which it has lost hundreds of its troops.

The military announced the fatalities on Saturday in a statement reported by The Times of Israel.

The deaths were caused after the forces raided a booby-trapped building in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

As many as 14 other troops were also wounded during the incident, six of them seriously, the military added.

"The troops had raided a two-story structure that was booby-trapped with explosive devices both inside and outside the building," the daily said, citing an Israeli military investigation.

According to the paper, the deaths took the number of the regime's fatalities "to 245."

On Friday, however, Ynetnews, the website for Yediot Ahronot, another Israeli daily, had reported that approximately "582 troops" had been killed in the war.

"Several more are physically and psychologically wounded, to the extent that they are unable to return to their roles," it had added.

Gaza's resistance groups have repeatedly said that the regime gravely underreports the number of its fatalities as means of hiding its wartime losses and buoying the morale of its forces.

Israel launched the war on October 7 after al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise operation by Gaza's resistance groups, during which hundreds were taken captive.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 71,533 others.

Despite causing a massive the death toll and suffering the fatalities, the Israeli military has stopped short of achieving the goals that it has been seeking to score through the war, such as "destroying" Hamas, finding the captives that the Gaza-based resistance movement is holding, and bringing about forced displacement of the Palestinian territory's population to neighboring Egypt.

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Hezbollah arrests 'Dutch armed group': Paper

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 9:06 PM

Hezbollah has arrested a Dutch armed group in a suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut amid efforts by foreign intelligence agencies to gather information leading to assassination of the resistance movement's members, paper says.

Lebanon's Al Akhbar daily carried the report on Saturday, saying that the arrest had taken place last Wednesday.

It described the arrestees as a six-member military detail in possession of military-grade arms, ammunition, and equipment.

The paper cited sources as saying that the group had claimed to be members of the Dutch armed forces.

They alleged to have been sent to Lebanon to purportedly simulate evacuation of Dutch nationals.

The Dutch government has claimed to be wary of exacerbation of current crossfire between Hezbollah and the Israeli regime, which started after the regime began taking the Gaza Strip under a genocidal war on October 7.

According to Lebanese journalist Hasan Illaik, however, the armed group did not coordinate the alleged simulation operation with the Dutch Embassy.

"It was also discovered that they launched their operation from Kaslik," a coastal town north of Beirut, "rather than from the Embassy or a place affiliated with the Embassy," he added.

"Dutch ambassador to Lebanon quickly arrived at the [foreign] ministry to [mount] pressure [towards] their release, under the pretext that they had not committed any crime," Illaik noted.

This is while the armed group had seriously violated the law by posing a "significant security threat," he said.

The report came amid intensifying efforts by the Israeli regime's spying apparatus and many of its counterparts around the world to dig up intelligence that could potentially contribute to assassination of members of Hezbollah and its fellow regional resistance movements.

On January 8, a senior commander of the Lebanese resistance movement was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon.

Wissam Hassan al-Tawil was killed when the strike hit the vehicle transporting him in the village of Khirbet Selm.

Earlier that month, the regime assassinated Saleh al-Arouri, a senior leader of the Gaza-based resistance movement of Hamas, in a drone strike against Beirut's Dahieh neighborhood.

Hezbollah has warned the regime that such targeted killings would not go unanswered. It has also strongly cautioned Tel Aviv against waging an all-out war against Lebanon.

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Israel's attack on civilian aid seekers in Gaza 'unjustifiable': EU top diplomat

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 7:19 PM

The European Union raps a recent "unjustifiable" attack by the Israeli occupation forces on Palestinian civilians seeking food aid in the besieged Gaza Strip, calling for an international probe into the deadly incident.

In a statement on Saturday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of humanitarian aid and the opening of crossing points.

He said the firing by Israeli troops against civilians trying to access foodstuff is unjustifiable.

"We request an impartial international investigation on this tragic event allowing for a clear picture of the events and responsibilities," he added.

At least 112 people were killed and more than 750 others wounded on Thursday as the Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians who had surrounded a convoy of 38 aid trucks in Gaza, with the Palestinian health ministry calling the incident a "massacre."

The latest Israeli crime comes as NGOs and UN experts have on several occasions voiced fears of famine in the besieged territory, which has been completely cut off from aid by the occupation since October last year.

Borrell emphasized that Israel shoulders the responsibility to comply with the rules of international law and to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations in any case.

"The responsibility for this incident lays on the restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and obstructions by violent extremist to the supply of humanitarian aid," the top EU diplomat pointed out.

Borrell warned that the restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance contribute to creating scarcity, hunger and disease, saying it would also lead to a level of desperation that brings about violence.

He added that unabated fighting and disregard for international humanitarian law will lead to "complete chaos" making the distribution of humanitarian aid impossible.

He stressed the need to restore a minimum of order and security in Gaza to preserve a humanitarian space.

"We urge Israel to fully cooperate with the UN agencies and other humanitarian actors involved in the humanitarian response and to allow free, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access through all crossing points," Borrell said.

The EU's top diplomat also urged Israel to swiftly remove the obstacles at the Kerem Shalom crossing and open the access in the north at Karni and Erez crossings, to open the port of Ashdod to humanitarian aid and to allow a direct humanitarian corridor from Jordan.

He emphasized that airdrops should be the solution of last resort given their minimal impact and their risks to civilians.

Borrell also urged the United Nations Security Council to call for an "urgent cessation of hostilities".

He said the UN body should reiterate the utmost necessity to allow "a full, rapid, safe and unhindered" humanitarian access to deliver swift, massive and adequate aid in response to the needs of the civilian population in Gaza.

"An immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a lasting ceasefire is urgently needed to enable the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in Gaza," he emphasized.

Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 71,533 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Over 7,300 Palestinians arrested in West Bank since outbreak of Gaza war

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 7:18 PM

Israeli military forces have arrested at least 7,335 Palestinians in the West Bank since the outbreak of relentless Israeli air and ground strikes against the Gaza Strip, which have killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club (PPC) said in a statement on Saturday that at least 10 people were arrested in the occupied territory over the past 24 hours.

Israeli military forces raided homes and businesses in different West Bank areas overnight and kidnapped several Palestinians.

According to local sources, Israeli soldiers broke into two print houses in the northern West Bank towns of Jaba' and Sanur, and confiscated their equipment.

Israeli forces stormed al-Dawha town, located two kilometers southwest of Bethlehem, and abducted a young man from his home.

In the northwestern West Bank city of Qalqilya, Israeli soldiers kidnapped a young man from his home.

Israeli troops also raided several homes in Azzun town, located 9 kilometers east of Qalqilya, and arrested a young man.

Israeli settlers attack Palestinian gatherings in the West Bank, causing injuries

Meanwhile, several Palestinians were injured on Friday as a result of attacks carried out by extremist Jewish settlers against gatherings and properties in several areas of the occupied West Bank.

"Israeli settlers attacked the Arab Mleihat Bedouin gathering, northwest of Ariha city, and raided 12 homes," Hassan Mleihat, the general supervisor of the al-Baidar organization for defending the rights of Bedouins, said.

Mleihat added that "a group of armed settlers, under the protection of the Israeli occupation army, stormed the gathering and raided the homes."

He indicated that "12 homes were raided and forcibly searched and their contents were vandalized."

Mleihat pointed out that the population of the gathering is estimated at about 1,200 Palestinians. He said that the settlers "physically assaulted several residents, leading to the injury of at least 5 of them with bruises during the home searches."

He further noted that the search and assault operations were accompanied by gunfire, tear gas, and assaults on residents.

The Tel Aviv regime has escalated its acts of aggression against Palestinians across the West Bank since October 7 last year, when it began a genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied territory since then.



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'Day after plan' for Gaza only to be determined by resistance: Islamic Jihad

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 5:55 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement of Islamic Jihad has warned Israeli prime minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu over the regime's post-war scheme, saying the so-called "day after plan" for the Gaza Strip will only be determined by the resistance.

Abu Hamza, a spokesman for the al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, made the remarks on Saturday.

"Our message to the enemy and the leader of the herd, Netanyahu, is that the issue of 'the day after' in Gaza is determined by none other than the Palestinian resistance," he said.

He went on to say that the end of the war in Gaza will be the prelude to the complete destruction of the Israeli regime throughout the occupied territories.

Hamza further noted that the resistance is able to continue the fight with the Israeli regime with full strength no matter how long it lasts.

He also called on Arabs and Muslims to provide Palestine with weapons, stressing that no one should make excuses about neglecting the battle that the Palestinian resistance groups are waging on behalf of the Islamic Ummah.

"Let Ramadan be a month of horror and anxiety for the occupation," he said, calling for the first day of Ramadan "to be a day of global mobilization in all fields -- attacking the checkpoints, confronting the enemy, and intensifying the strikes."

Back in January, Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant released his "day after plan" for the Gaza Strip that would turn governance of Gaza over to unnamed "Palestinian bodies," while giving the Israeli regime security control over the Palestinian land.

This is after the Israeli forces complete their brutal months-long attacks against the besieged territory. The Palestinian government has already rejected the scheme, indicating that it is not open to it.

Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, Israel has killed 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.





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Yemen holds US accountable for growing tensions in Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 4:55 PM

Yemen has censured the United States over its unqualified support for Israel amid the ground and air strikes against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, holding Washington accountable for the rising tensions in the Red Sea.

"The United States is primarily responsible for the Israeli onslaught [against Palestinians] in the Gaza Strip, as well as the increasing tensions in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait due to its singled out political, military and logistic support for the Zionist regime," Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement on Saturday.

"Washington has even prevented the UN Security Council from performing its role as regards safeguarding international peace and security," it added.

The ministry went on to condemn the rise in Israeli atrocities and war crimes against Gazans, including the recent attack on a crowd waiting for food in Gaza City which killed more than 100 Palestinians.

"The [Sana'a-based] National Salvation Government, in light of Israeli aggression supported by the US and Britain, will continue to stop vessels with commercial ties to Israel or heading towards ports in the occupied territories [from sailing in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea].

"It will stop the campaign once the military aggression [against Gaza] comes to an end, and humanitarian aid, foodstuff, medical supplies and fuel could enter the territory without any restrictions," the statement also read.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they won't stop retaliatory strikes.

The maritime attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal.





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Raeisi slams regional governments for keeping up relations with Israel

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 4:44 PM

Iranian President Ebrhaim Raeisi has slammed some governments in the West Asia region for failing to cut their relations with Israel despite the regime's continued onslaught on the Palestinians in Gaza.

Raeisi said in a Saturday meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that governments in the region are in fact funding the Israeli war on Gaza by maintaining their economic relations with the Tel Aviv regime.

"One should see what answer some Arab and Muslim governments have for their nations for the indifference to the genocide of the oppressed people of Palestine," he said in the meeting which was held on the sidelines of a major energy summit in Algiers, Algeria.

Raeisi said the governments that insist on keeping up relations with Israel amid the Gaza war will finally "receive a slap in the face" because of their wrong decisions.

He said the inaction on Gaza gives the Israeli regime and its main supporter the United States enough time to continue committing crimes in Gaza.

The Iranian president is in Algiers to attend the seventh summit of the leaders of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, a major international energy bloc where Iran and Qatar are among key members because of their vast natural gas resources.

Iran has supported Qatar's role as a mediator in negotiations in recent months that have been aimed at working out a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the meeting with Sheikh Tamim on Saturday, Raisi described bilateral relations between Iran and Qatar as "good" and said the two countries should work for a speedier implementation of agreements they have signed in the past.

Sheikh Tamim, for his part, said the Qatari government is proud of the fact that relations between the Arab country and Iran are at their "best ever".

He said that a brutal attack by the Israeli regime on Thursday in Gaza that killed more than 100 people waiting to receive humanitarian aid will not be deleted from the historical memory of the world.

During his stay in Algiers on Saturday, President Raeisi also met with presidents of Tunisia, Mozambique and Iraq.

In his meeting with Tunisia's Kais Saied, the Iranian president said Tehran is ready to supply scientific and technological know-how to Tunisia as part of its plans to expand economic relations with Muslim countries, especially those in North Africa.

Raeisi said in the meeting with Mozambique's Filipe Nyusi that Iran is keen to activate an intergovernmental economic committee with the East African country to help expand bilateral relations.

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Lebanon FM: Israeli attack won't be walk in the park, will cause regional war

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 3:07 PM

Lebanon has warned Israel against launching a military offensive against the country, stressing that any such measure would "not be a walk in the park" for the Tel Aviv regime and would spill over into a regional conflict.

"Any Israeli attack on our territories will not be a walk in the park and will lead to a regional war," Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib said in a Friday interview with Doha-based Al Jazeera television news network.

Bou Habib emphasized that Lebanon "is ready for a war with Israel," noting that the caretaker government is "consulting with Hezbollah [resistance movement] and with other key players in Lebanon" on the matter "as Lebanon is a diverse country."

"We have to consult with all actors in the country, and this consultation does not imply a final decision.

"Foreign envoys have conveyed to us Israel's threat and our response was that they (the Israelis) must withdraw from our territories," the top Lebanese diplomat explained.

Israeli strikes kill 5 Hezbollah fighters

Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike on a car in the southern coastal border town of Naqoura killed three Hezbollah fighters on Saturday, shortly after the resistance group said it had conducted a drone strike against an Israeli command base in Liman, around seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from Lebanon's border.

Hezbollah also mourned two more fighters and claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Israeli troops near the Jal al-Allam outpost.

Israeli artillery units, on the other hand, targeted Aita al-Shaab, Majdal Zoun, Tayr Harfa, al-Jibbayn, Tallet al-Hamames, al-Wazzani, Alma al-Shaab, Dhayra, Naqoura al-Labbouneh villages in southern Lebanon, as an Israeli airstrike targeted the border town of al-Labbouneh.

The Israeli regime has been attacking southern Lebanon off and on since October 7, when it launched the devastating campaign of death and destruction in Gaza.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has mounted near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions.

At least 280 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also 44 civilians.

Israel says at least ten of its troopers and six settlers have been killed in the area.

The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the occupied territories, which have been pummeled by rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups.

Hezbollah has urged residents in southern Lebanon to take their CCTV camera systems offline to prevent Israel from hacking into those devices installed outside homes and shops in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts.

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Israeli forces shot 'large number' of Palestinians waiting for aid: UN

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 2:37 PM

A United Nations team says "a large number" of Palestinian civilians seeking food aid have been shot in the Gaza Strip after Israeli military forces opened fire on an aid convoy in the besieged territory.

According to UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesman, the UN team visited some of the wounded from the incident at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Friday, where they saw a "large number of gunshot wounds."

The hospital received 70 of the dead, and around 200 wounded were still there during the team's visit, Stephane Dujarric said, adding that from what the team saw "in terms of the patients who were alive getting treatments is that there was a large number of gunshot wounds."

Hossam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, also said all the casualties it admitted were hit by "bullets and shrapnel" from Israeli occupation forces.

Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israeli military, claimed that the regime's troops had fired "a few warning shots" to try to disperse a "mob" that had "ambushed" the aid trucks.

The military spokesman went on to say that a "stampede" occurred when thousands of Gazans surrounded the aid convoy, leading to dozens of deaths and injuries, including some who were run over.

On Thursday, at least 115 people were killed and more than 750 others wounded as the Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians who had surrounded a convoy of 38 aid trucks in Gaza.

The incident drew widespread condemnation, with the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, accusing Israel of "the mass killing of Palestinians" seeking aid.

In a statement on X, the African Union said Mahamat strongly condemns the deadly Israeli attack, urging an international probe into the incident.

The latest Israeli crime comes as NGOs and UN experts have on several occasions voiced fears of famine in the besieged territory, which has been completely cut off from aid by the occupation since October last year.

Gaza's Health Ministry has noted that thousands of people in north Gaza "are at risk of dying from dehydration and malnutrition."

The ministry also reported on Friday that a total of 10 children had died of "malnutrition and dehydration".

Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has noted that "a famine is almost inevitable" in Gaza unless things change.

The International Rescue Committee has also called for a "sustained ceasefire" and for land crossings into Gaza to be reopened to aid shipments.

Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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UK ship attacked by Yemeni army sinks in Red Sea

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 2:18 PM

A British container ship has sunk in the Red Sea almost two weeks after it came under attack by Yemen's Armed Forces.

The Yemeni army said it attacked the Rubymar on Feb.18, with several naval missiles in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait  a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The cargo ship had been drifting northward when it came under attack.

Yemen said the Rubymar sank late Friday as stormy weather took hold over the Red Sea.

The cargo ship was abandoned for 12 days, even after Yemen warned that the vessel "is in a tragic situation and is on the verge of sinking after water leaked into the engine room."

Yemeni officials had warned about "a major environmental disaster if it sinks."

Yemen has targeted ships either owned by the Israeli regime or sailing toward Israeli ports in a strong gesture sympathetic to Palestinians in Gaza over the past few months.

The Yemenis have made it clear that they will not hesitate to carry out qualitative operations against all hostile targets in defense of their homeland and in reaffirmation of their unwavering support for the Palestinian nation.

They said earlier that strikes targeting those ships in the Red Sea will not stop unless the regime ends its genocidal campaign.

International shipping companies, however, are safe to sail in the area if they are neither owned by Israel nor destined for ports in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to the Yemeni Armed Forces.

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Palestinian factions pledge to continue struggle against Israel

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 10:08 AM

Palestinian factions have pledged to continue their struggle to confront the Israeli regime's atrocities against Palestinians, especially its genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Friday, the factions reiterated their adherence to "confronting the Israeli aggression and genocidal war being waged against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and al-Quds with the US support and complicity."

They also stressed the need for spirited resistance to thwart Israeli plots to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homes in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and al-Quds, emphasizing the illegality of settlement expansion activities per the UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

Israel launched the genocidal 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 intensified violence against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,228 Palestinians and injured 71,377 others.

Last week, UN experts also warned that "any transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel that would be used in Gaza is likely to violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately."

Meanwhile, representatives from the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement, including top members Mousa Abu Marzook and Husam Badran, met on Friday with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president's special representative for the Middle East and Africa, to discuss Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.

During the meeting, the delegates lauded Russia's supportive stance on the Palestinian issue and briefed Bogdanov on the fallout of the brutal Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territory, and its vicious crimes against civilians there.

They underscored that resistance fighters will continue to defend the Palestinian nation until final liberation.

The meeting comes as representatives from various Palestinian factions within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), including the Fatah movement, as well as delegates from Hamas and the Islamic Jihad resistance groups have gathered in Moscow to overcome an internal split.

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Haitian gang leader vows to oust prime minister

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 6:59 AM

Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier has warned that he will keep trying to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry, as the Caribbean island country marked a second day of deadly gun violence.

Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, said on Friday that he would keep trying to oust Henry, no matter how long it takes, and urged families to keep children from going to school to "avoid collateral damages."

"The battle will last as long as it needs to. We will keep fighting Ariel Henry. To avoid collateral damage, keep the kids at home," the gang leader said at a press conference.

The capital Port-au-Prince has been seized through a series of coordinated violent attacks by gang members since Thursday, killing at least four police officers and injuring dozens.

It was met with heavy gunfire on Friday, while some 200,000 innocent people tried to flee their homes in search of havens, amidst burnt vehicles and rising grey smoke laying bare the disrupted civic system.

In a statement, Henry's office said it was "outraged by the acts of violence and terror orchestrated by armed bandits," and expressed condolences to the victims' families, saying the government would continue to work to resolve the conflict.

The organized havoc is a part of a coordinated effort by gangs, united under the label "Vivre Ensemble" (living together).

Violence has engulfed the capital ever since Henry visited Kenya this week to sign a security deal under which Nairobi will provide a thousand international police officers to control the growing violence in Haiti, which comes under an UN-approved mission.

"The injured come from everywhere now. There are no more quiet areas," Mumuza Muhindo, head of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) mission, told AFP.

"It's becoming difficult for our staff to get into our centers," he said.

"If the situation doesn't change, it will be complicated to continue to maintain our activities."

The flights at the capital's airport were disrupted for a second straight day, with Haitian airline Sunrise Airways suspending all flights owing to the heavy gunfire.

Rapid gunfire near the airport had "caused damage to some aircraft and endangered users" of the domestic terminal, according to Sunrise Airways.

A former elite police officer turned, Cherizier, who now runs the gang federation G9 and Family and Allies, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

By Friday evening, reports suggested that a group of individuals carrying weapons had made an effort to seize authority over the primary container port in the capital, while criminal organizations posed a threat to target additional police stations within the city.

In recent years, vast portions of the country have fallen under the control of armed gangs, resulting in a wave of severe violence that has devastated the Haitian economy and public health system.

In January alone, a staggering number of 1,100 individuals fell victim to death, injury, or abduction, marking it as the most brutal month in two years, as stated by the United Nations.

The UN integrated office in Haiti (BIUH) further revealed that the violence persisted throughout the previous year, with over 8,400 people suffering from its devastating consequences.

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Mar. 1: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 6:34 AM



By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians so far, including at least 14,000 children, 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 Friday, March 1, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 1:

Shelled concentrations of Israeli soldiers around the Erez Crossing, north of Gaza, with a barrage of mortar shells.

Heavily shelled Askalan and settlements of the Gaza Envelope with a barrage of rockets.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Mar. 1:

Destroyed an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank by targeting it with a "Saeer" guided missile, east of Jabalia in northern Gaza.

Downed an Israeli spy drone, southeast of Gaza, with a SAM-7 rocket.

Al-Aqsa Brigades' operations on Mar. 1:

In a joint operation with the Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades, shelled Israeli soldiers and their vehicles around the Abu Matibeq site with 82mm mortar shells.

Targeted the deployment of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in Khan Younis city with a concentrated rocket barrage.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 1:

Eastern sector:

At around 13:07 local time, Israeli soldiers in the Ma'yan Baruch settlement were targeted with drones.

At around 13:55 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Ramim Barracks were targeted with missiles.

At around 13:55 local time, Al-Baghdadi's site was targeted with missiles.

At around 14:00 local time, Israeli forces were targeted in the vicinity of the Al-Manara site with missiles.

At around 18:20 local time, the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in Kafr Shuba was targeted with missiles.

Western sector:

At around 00:00 local time, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance shot down an Israeli drone in Wadi Al-Uzziya.

At around 21:20 local time, the Khirbet Maar base was targeted with two Falaq missiles.

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Hezbollah pounds Israeli military sites in retaliation for aggression on Gaza

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 6:23 AM

Hezbollah has conducted multiple strikes against Israeli military positions in the northern sector of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, in yet another retaliatory operation amid the war on Gaza.

Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television, citing a brief Hezbollah statement, reported that the group launched two surface-to-surface Falaq (Dusk) missiles at Khirbet Ma'ar base late on Friday, and the projectiles hit the designated targets precisely.

Hezbollah fighters also struck a gathering of Israeli soldiers inside the Ruwaisat al-Alam outpost in the occupied Kfar Chouba Hills, causing casualties among the troops.

Moreover, the Lebanese resistance group targeted Israeli forces stationed near the al-Menara military site, leaving several soldiers injured as a result.

It also rained down rockets on other Israeli military sites, including one in the occupied Lebanese village of Hounin and al-Baghdadi outpost.

A gathering of Israeli troops came under a drone strike as the troops were about to take a position in the Ma'ayan Baruch kibbutz.

Additionally, Israeli soldiers positioned near Ramim barracks were targeted with a salvo of rockets. There were no immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of damage caused.

The Israeli regime launched the devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli war on Gaza has killed at least 30,228 people, most of them children and women. Another 71,377 individuals have also been wounded.

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Serbian Ruling Party Agrees To Hold New Belgrade Elections After Disputed Vote In December

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 02, 2024

BELGRADE -- Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) said it will rerun the December 17 Belgrade municipal elections, a vote marred by widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities.

Aleksandar Sapic, acting mayor and SNS vice president, made the announcement on March 2 after a meeting of SNS leaders, saying that "we are not afraid" of a new vote in the capital.

"We raised the bar [of legitimacy]. We made a decision to our detriment, but we are not afraid," Sapic said.

The December 17 elections were held at the parliamentary and provincial levels and in 65 cities and municipalities in Serbia, including Belgrade.

In its February 28 report on the elections, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said the voting was marked by irregularities, including the misuse of public funds and media dominance by President Aleksandar Vucic.

It stated that the elections "were dominated by the decisive participation of the president, which, together with the systemic advantages of the ruling party, created unfair conditions for the participants."

Other foreign and domestic observers also cited irregularities in the election process.

Street protests erupted following the elections as members of the pro-Europe opposition Serbia Against Violence coalition accused Vucic and the SNS of wide-scale fraud.

Vucic and his SNS allies denied the allegations, but Vucic nevertheless said he had asked for a new election. At a Belgrade news conference on March 2, Vucic called on the government to immediately start implementing the recommendations presented by the OSCE's ODIHR unit.

The parliamentary speaker now has 30 days to set new elections.

In the December 17 vote, no grouping won enough votes to form a city government.

Belgrade's City Assembly has 110 councilors, and the SNS and its coalition partner Socialist Party of Serbia have a total of 54, leaving them two short of a majority. The Serbia Against Violence list has 43 councilors, while minor parties held the other seats.

The Serbia Against Violence coalition on March 2 said the decision to conduct a new vote in the capital was a "big victory for the opposition."

The nationalist Vucic has attempted to main good relations with the European Union -- which Serbia strives to join -- while keeping close ties to traditional ally Russia, even following the Kremlin's decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-new-belgrade- elections-disputed-vote-sns/32845266.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.

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Hamas Loses Trust in Israel Government As No Deal on Gaza Truce Agreed Yet - Statement

Sputnik News

20240302

The Palestinian movement Hamas proposes that Russia play the main role in resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip in counterbalance to the United States and Israel, Hamas political bureau deputy head Musa Abu Marzouk told Sputnik on Saturday.

"We want Russia to be the main actor in counterbalance to the US and Israel. We call for it and we propose that Russia be backed by a number of countries which support it in this. And we will seek to achieve this goal to find balance in the issue," Marzouk said.

The movement is ready to work on the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, including Russians, but only after a complete ceasefire is achieved, the official said. The list of hostages can be compiled only after a ceasefire as well, he added.

However, there is still no agreement on truce in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas is losing trust in the Israeli authorities, Marzouk said.

On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. At least 30,000 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said.

On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.

Hamas believes there are no differences between it and other Palestinian factions that could not be bridged to form a unity government, the movement's political bureau deputy head, Mousa Abu Marzouk, told Sputnik following a recent inter-Palestinian meeting in Russia.

Moscow hosted talks between various Palestinian factions from Thursday to Friday, with the sides issuing a joint communique.

The senior Hamas official said the formation of a unity government was discussed at the meeting, but the issue raised "some differences" between the Palestinian parties and was shelved to give them time to agree on "the modalities and how it can be done in the near future."

"No, of course [the differences] are surmountable and we hope that we can overcome all the difficulties. The main problem is the external interference of the United States and Israel in Palestinian affairs and all the unattainable goals in our negotiations are precisely because of this interference," Marzouk said.

He added that the Palestinian political forces agreed to continue negotiations at the Moscow meeting, adding that the next gathering was likely to take place in Moscow and focus on "the mechanism for establishing the government and its responsibilities."

"We will have a continuation of these negotiations in order to establish a national government and already deal with the rest of the problems that need attention and discussion. So the creation of a government will be discussed at the next meeting," Marzouk said, adding that the gathering was expected to be held soon.

 Sputnik

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US Conducts 'Self-Defense' Airstrike Against Houthi Missile - Statement

Sputnik News

20240302

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US military have carried out a self-defense airstrike against a surface-to-air missile that was about to launch in the direction of the Red Sea from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The missile "presented an imminent threat" to the US aircraft operating in the region, CENTCOM said.

Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led the United States to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. Forces of the US and the United Kingdom later launched major strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels.

 Sputnik

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WHO Delivers Fuel, Medical Supplies to Shifa Hospital in Gaza

Sputnik News

20240302

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have managed to deliver fuel and medical supplies to the Shifa hospital in northern Gaza, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday.

"After more than a month, WHO and partners managed to access Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza to deliver 19,000 litres of fuel; lifesaving medical supplies for 150 patients; and treatments for 50 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition," Tedros wrote on X.

There are over 240 patients in the hospital who are being served by volunteer health workers, Tedros said. The level of destruction around the hospital is "beyond words," he added.

On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages.

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

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Security Council reiterates call for immediate and safe aid delivery to Gaza

2 March 2024 - The UN Security Council has underscored the need to protect civilians in Gaza in the wake of the deadly incident at an aid convoy on Thursday.

Members issued a statement on Saturday expressing their deep concern over reports that "more than 100 individuals lost their lives, with several hundred others sustaining injuries, including gunshot wounds...in an incident involving Israeli forces at a large gathering surrounding a humanitarian assistance convoy southwest of Gaza City."

They noted that an Israeli investigation is underway.

The Council stressed the need to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, adding that all parties to conflicts must comply with their obligations under international law.

Immediate aid delivery

Parties were urged to refrain from depriving civilians in Gaza of basic services and humanitarian assistance.

The Council expressed grave concern that the entire population, more than two million people, could face alarming levels of acute food insecurity.

Members reiterated their demand for parties "to allow, facilitate, and enable the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip".

They urged Israel to keep border crossings open for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, to facilitate the opening of additional crossings to meet humanitarian needs at scale, and to support the rapid and safe delivery of relief items to people across the enclave.

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Security Council Press Statement on Incident surrounding humanitarian assistance convoy in the Gaza Strip

Press Release

Security Council

SC15608

2 March 2024

The Council Members express deep concern regarding reports stating that over 100 individuals lost their lives with several hundred others sustaining injuries, including people with gunshot wounds as observed by UN-OCHA, in an incident involving Israeli forces at a large gathering surrounding a humanitarian assistance convoy southwest of Gaza City. The Council Members take note that an Israeli investigation is underway.

They extend their sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift and complete recovery for those who have been injured.

The Council members stress the need to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In this regard, they reaffirm that all parties to conflicts must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as applicable.

They call for all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in the Gaza Strip of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival, consistent with international humanitarian law.

In this regard, they express grave concern over the estimation from the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) that all 2.2 million people in Gaza would face alarming levels of acute food insecurity.

The Council members reiterate their demand for parties to the conflict to allow, facilitate, and enable the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip and for the full implementation of resolutions 2712 and 2720.

The Council members urge Israel to keep border crossings open for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, to facilitate the opening of additional crossings to meet humanitarian needs at scale, and to support the rapid and safe delivery of relief items to people in all of the Gaza Strip.

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SECNAV Del Toro Visits Republic of Palau

US Navy - Press Release

02 March 2024

KOROR, Republic of Palau (March 1, 2024) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro visited the Republic of Palau Feb. 29 to March 1 for a series of strategic engagements on the expanding relationship with the critically important Compact of Free Association (COFA) state.

During his visit, Secretary Del Toro met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau Joel Ehrendreich and members of his team, as well as with President Surangel Whipps, Jr., to discuss the expanding relationship with Palau and the United States' critically important defense posture in the region.

"President Whipps has been a marvelous reflection of all the people of Palau and a persistent supporter of the U.S.-Palau relationship, which directly supports a free and open Indo-Pacific region," said Secretary Del Toro. "I can assure you that the United States remains committed to Palau's national security, and I remain one of Palau's strongest advocates in Washington, to include with Congress."

Secretary Del Toro also thanked President Whipps for his support of the U.S. Navy Seabees and U.S. Marines engineering and construction work in Palau, including a runway improvement project in Peleliu by the Marines from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB). Secretary Del Toro visited the runway project. He also remembered the lives lost by both the U.S. and Japan by laying a wreath at Orange Breach in Peleliu, where the first U.S. invasion of forces landed during World War II, during the Battle of Peleliu. The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu is this September.

President Whipps thanked the Secretary for the Office of Naval Research funded island resilience data analysis and visualization dashboard, as well as the two Navy funded coordinators to operate it for the Office of the President, which arrived two days before Secretary Del Toro's visit.

"Secretary Del Toro's visit affirms the longstanding friendship and ironclad partnership between the United States and Palau, which includes the efforts of Palauans serving in the U.S. Navy for decades and still to this day. Now - more than ever - the cooperation between our two countries is contributing to the stability of the region," said Ambassador Ehrendreich.

Secretary Del Toro's visit to Palau is part of a series of strategic engagements in the Indo-Pacific to promote the protection of the maritime commons in line with his Maritime Statecraft efforts.

Secretary Del Toro trip to Palau was the third leg of travel through the Indo-Pacific, which included stops in the Republic of Korea and Japan. The trip is an important component in Secretary Del Toro's Maritime Statecraft efforts to reinvigorate America's comprehensive maritime power. A whole-of-government effort, Maritime Statecraft aligns closely with the Pentagon's National Defense Industrial Strategy, which calls for venture capital and new ideas to revive the U.S. industrial base.

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Israel Agrees to Cease-Fire Framework in Gaza; Hamas to Weigh In

By VOA News March 02, 2024

Israel has more or less accepted a framework for a cease-fire in Gaza, including the release of hostages, a senior Biden administration official said Saturday.

"Right now, the ball is in the court of Hamas, and we are continuing to push this as hard as we possibly can," said the official, who spoke to reporters anonymously because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the talks.

The deal, if accepted as proposed, is for a six-week cease-fire and the release of hostages considered vulnerable. It would also allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Talks are to resume in Egypt on Sunday and mediators Egypt and Qatar expect to receive a response from Hamas, the official said.

"I don't want to create expectations one way or the other," the official added, according to Reuters.

Hamas has not backed away from its position that a temporary truce must be the start of a process toward ending the war altogether, according to Egyptian sources and a Hamas official.

Mediators have been working to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim-fasting month beginning March 10 or 11, hoping for an end to the almost 5-month conflict that has ravaged Hamas-ruled Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden has also expressed hope for a cease-fire by Ramadan but told reporters Friday, "We're not there yet."

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House Monday, as Washington tries to secure a temporary cease-fire and an increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The talks are expected to focus on Palestinian civilian casualties, securing a temporary cease-fire and the release of hostages held in Gaza as well as increasing aid into the enclave, a White House official said.

"The vice president will express her concern over the safety of as many as 1.5 million people in Rafah," the official said, adding that Israel has a "right to defend itself in the face of continued Hamas terrorist threats."

In a statement, Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of U.S. Congress.

Gantz, a former Israeli military chief and defense minister, is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main political rival in opinion polls. According to Haaretz.com, an independent Israeli newspaper, a senior official close to Netanyahu reportedly said Saturday that the prime minister does not approve of Gantz's visit to Washington.

Biden privately has been critical of Netanyahu over Israel's "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza, according to news reports.

Meals dropped over Gaza

The United States military airdropped food and aid over Gaza Saturday  the first round of emergency humanitarian assistance authorized by Biden, U.S. officials said.

Palestinians posted videos on social media showing boxes of aid being dropped by U.S. military C-130 cargo planes. The first stage of the humanitarian operation saw more than 35,000 meals and aid airdropped on pallets into the enclave, where the United Nations reports one-quarter of the population is just one step from famine.

The White House has said the airdrops will be a sustained effort and that Israel is supportive of the operation.

The militaries of Jordan and Egypt said they also have conducted airdrops.

Israel promises investigation

Biden gave the go-ahead for the humanitarian operation, the first of many, after at least 115 Palestinians were killed while swarming to get supplies from the aid convoys being delivered Thursday. Hundreds more were injured during the mayhem, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

The Israeli military pledged Saturday it would conduct an exhaustive investigation into the cause of those deaths as international calls for an investigation have grown.

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Namibia's Call for Sanctions Against Israel Draws Mixed Responses

By Vitalio Angula March 02, 2024

Reactions have been mixed on Namibia's call last month for an international boycott of Israeli goods and companies in response to Israeli policies and practices in the Palestinian territories.

If implemented, such a boycott could harm Namibia's economy, as Israel is a key trading partner with the nation's diamond mining industry.

Diamonds are Namibia's largest export earner, bringing in at least 10% of the country's gross domestic product. Trade figures from 2022 show Namibia exported $59 million worth of goods annually to Israel, mostly diamonds. The same year, Namibia imported $3.8 million in goods from Israel, mainly diamond-polishing equipment.

A Namibian businessman involved in the diamond trade, who did not want to use his name so that he could speak candidly about the industry, questioned the efficacy of such sanctions.

"You have to ... ask, '[Does] that business directly support or in any way affect the support of IDF or that regime in what they are currently doing?'" he said, referring to the Israeli Defense Forces. "I mean, where do you even start to find that type of connection."

Some analysts express concern over the impact of international sanctions against Israel on African nations.

Benji Shulman, director of public policy at the South African Zionist Federation, a pro-Israel umbrella organization, said African nations derive many benefits from trade with Israel.

"If Namibia were to follow a path [of sanctions], it would only hurt Africans who stand to benefit from Israeli innovations in water, health care, agriculture and technologies," Shulman said.

Political analyst Rakkel Andreas said Namibia could rely on other buyers for its diamonds.

"I do not necessarily see Namibian diamonds not getting other buyers just because Israeli companies can no longer buy diamonds from Namibia," Andreas said.

"I think there is no country that has ever supported the issue of sanctions on another country and not considered its own national interests and counted the cost," she said. "If that's the cost Namibia should carry in order for Palestine to be free, for the war to end ... for the carnage to end, then so be it."

The call for sanctions came at a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. Namibia is among 52 countries that sought a nonbinding advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israeli policies and practices in the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

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Sudan's Rival Factions Wage War While World Ignores Civilian Plight, UN Says

By Lisa Schlein March 02, 2024

A United Nations report finds nearly 11 months of conflict in Sudan has resulted in mass killings, displacement, destruction of property and rampant human rights violations that have caused immeasurable harm and distress to millions of people, whose plight has been all but forgotten by the rest of the world.

"The crisis in Sudan is a tragedy that appears to have slipped into the fog of global amnesia," Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said during an interactive dialogue on the situation in Sudan at the U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday.

Turk presented a blistering and bleak assessment of life in Sudan since rival generals of the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces plunged the country into "a ruthless, senseless conflict" on April 15.

"They have manufactured a climate of sheer terror, forcing millions to flee," he said. "And they have consistently acted with impunity and a distinct lack of accountability for the multiple violations that have been committed."

He said the report highlights a range of gross violations and abuses committed by Sudan's warring parties, noting that "many of these violations may amount to war crimes or other atrocity crimes."

Since the war began, the United Nations reports, at least 14,600 people have been killed and 26,000 others injured. The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, reports the war has uprooted 8.1 million people from their homes  6.3 million within Sudan and 1.8 million as refugees in five neighboring countries  making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world.

"Sudan is today facing one of the direst humanitarian crises in the world as a direct result of the armed conflict that started on 15 April," said Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, U.N. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, adding that "18 million people face acute hunger and 25 million need humanitarian assistance."

"The Sudanese population is bearing the brunt of a conflict at the heart of the military and security apparatus, that is, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces," she said.

High Commissioner Turk said the war in Sudan was not being waged with just the use of fighter jets, drones, tanks and other heavy artillery.

"Sexual violence as a weapon of war, including rape, has been a defining and despicable characteristic of this crisis since the beginning," he said, underscoring that his office has documented 60 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, involving at least 120 victims across the country, mostly women and girls.

"These figures are sadly a vast underrepresentation of the reality. Men in RSF uniform and armed men affiliated with the RSF were reported to be responsible for 81% of the documented incidents," said Turk.

He expressed concern about a rise in ethnically motivated killings, the fate of thousands of civilians held by both parties and their affiliates in arbitrary detention, and the conscription of child soldiers.

"My office has recently received reports of the RSF recruiting hundreds of children as fighters in Darfur and the SAF doing likewise in eastern Sudan," he said.

He said he has received troubling reports of civilians themselves mobilizing under the new Popular Armed Resistance movement. "There are real fears this may result in the formation of an armed civil militia with no defined control, increasing the chances of Sudan sliding into a spiral of protracted civil war."

These concerns were echoed by Special Envoy Tetteh, who said, "The most serious risk threatening Sudan is a de facto partition between the territories controlled by RSF and SAF.

"The international community should avert this risk of a de facto partition by supporting and facilitating a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process addressing the root causes of the conflict," she said, emphasizing the impossibility of two competing military forces co-existing.

Sudan's minister of justice was clearly annoyed that the U.N. report seemed to equate the actions of the Sudanese Armed Forces with those of the Rapid Support Forces.

Justice Minister Moawia Osman Mohamed Khair Mohamed Ahmed said the SAF did not instigate the conflict but responded to an attack by rebels against a sovereign state.

"This was a conspiracy that took the national army off-guard," he said. "This militia tried to take over the power by launching a full-scaled armed attack against the country using looting and burning of buildings."

He accused the RSF of committing multiple atrocities across the country, saying that what they have done in Darfur "is beyond words."

Ahmed said his government has started an investigation of crimes allegedly committed by the rebel forces, "particularly related to crimes of genocide, crimes of war, crimes against humanity and other crimes related to killings, rape and robbery."

He appealed for international help to reinforce Sudan's "serious legal procedure in order to achieve justice and provide redress to the victims through the national mechanisms and international mechanisms."

High Commissioner Turk said the international community also has a critical role to play to alleviate the suffering endured by the people of Sudan.

"Decades of turmoil and repression in Sudan preceded this crisis," he said, "but nothing has prepared the people of Sudan for the level of suffering they face today.

"The fighting parties must agree to return to peace, without delay. The future of the people of Sudan depends on it."

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Ethiopia Releases French Journalist After Week of Imprisonment

By Simegnish Yekoye March 02, 2024

French journalist Antoine Galindo, who was detained for a week in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, was released Thursday ahead of his scheduled second appearance in court Friday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said.

Angela Quintal, head of CPJ's Africa program, told VOA that Galindo, a reporter for Paris-based news site Africa Intelligence, left for France immediately after his release.

"Unfortunately, the local politician whom he was interviewing when he was arrested remained in jail and appeared in court today," Quintal said.

Galindo was arrested February 22 while interviewing Bate Urgessa, a political officer for the opposition party, the Oromo Liberation Front, and they were both charged with "conspiracy to create chaos."

Two days later, Galindo was brought before a judge who granted a one-week investigation period for police "to search the journalist's mobile phone and apprehend other 'suspects' who were 'complicit.' "

Sources who attended Friday's hearing and asked to remain anonymous because of fear for their safety told VOA that police told the court that Galindo was released on bail and asked for an additional five days of investigation.

However, Quintal said, "If he was released on bail, he would not have been allowed out of the country," adding that French diplomatic efforts may have helped gain Galindo's early release.

CPJ Africa program coordinator Muthoki Mumo said in a statement, "His unjust detention was a stark reminder of the danger of practicing journalism in today's Ethiopia."

"Ethiopian authorities must now release all journalists  eight others, at least  who have suffered months of imprisonment under very difficult conditions," Mumo said, adding that the government should also allow international journalists to report without fear of retaliation.

Stressing that Galindo's arrest showed there was no press freedom in Ethiopia under the current government, Quintal sought to use the momentum of his release to draw international attention and advocate for the release of all Ethiopian journalists in prison.

Quintal said, "You can't have one standard for a foreign journalist and another for a local. The vast majority of journalists in jail in Africa are actually local journalists."

According to CPJ, Ethiopia is the second-worst jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa with at least eight journalists behind bars. Four of them were arrested since the declaration of a state of emergency in August 2023, Quintal said, and they were never formally charged.

Galindo, 36, traveled to Addis Ababa to cover an African Union summit and other political news, according to his employer. The publication added he had a journalist visa and the proper accreditation from the government's Media Authority.

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Background Press Call on the Humanitarian Assistance Airdrop into Gaza

March 02, 2024

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

Via Teleconference

11:42 A.M. EST

MODERATOR: Everyone, good morning. Thanks so much for joining today's call on the humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza today.

As a reminder, the contents of today's call are on background, attributable to senior administration officials. This call is embargoed until the conclusion of the call.

On the line today, for your awareness, not for your reporting, we have [senior administration official], [senior administration official], and [senior administration official].

We'll have a few words at the top, and then we'll turn it over to Q&A. With that, I'll turn it over to our speakers to kick us off.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you, Eduardo. And, you know, we really want to start here, at the top, by expressing our condolences from everyone at the White House to the families of those who were killed and those who were injured in the tragic incident that took place in northern Gaza this week.

And this tragic incident underscores the importance of expanding and sustaining the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in response to the dire humanitarian situation. But this is something that we have been working on collectively, at the highest levels of the U.S. government, since well before this incident occurred.

Really, since the beginning of the conflict, the United States has been leading efforts to get lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinians who have nothing to do with Hamas.

For example, President Biden pushed relentlessly and made significant progress in terms of humanitarian access in Gaza, engaging personally to get an agreement from the leaders of Israel and Egypt to cooperate on the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians into Gaza. Really, before the President engaged in this area, there was no food, no water, and no medicine getting into Gaza.

And it was the President's visit to Israel, just after the tragic attack of October 7th, that secured the opening of the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

In December, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan traveled to Israel and secured the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, which has allowed additional aid to enter Gaza from southern Israel.

Soon after the incident of October 7th, the President appointed Ambassador David Satterfield our Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, who has been on the ground sorting through the various procedures and requirements to get additional assistance through these border crossings and, really, to expand those to the greatest extent possible.

We, as the United States, have been the largest provider of aid to the Gaza response. And thus far, we've provided $180 million since October 7th. And this has been responding to the humanitarian crisis and the needs of the Palestinian people, which has really been priority for us since day one, since the conflict began.

But the truth is  and you heard the President talk about this yesterday  that the aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere near enough and nowhere near fast enough. And we continue to work to increase the amount of aid flowing through existing border crossings at Rafah and Kerem Shalom and to press the government of Israel to open additional crossings and routes into Gaza.

Yesterday, President Biden announced that we would carry out airdrops of aid into Gaza, and I'll talk a little bit more about that in a moment.

We have also been working on additional pathways to get assistance into Gaza. We have been in touch with officials in Israel, in Cyprus, working with the U.N., working with potential commercial entities, to see if we can set up a maritime route as well that would deliver assistance directly into Gaza by sea.

But back to the airdrops: Today, as the Central Command just put out, the Department of Defense and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. And this, of course, is to provide the essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

Our C-130s dropped 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza, allowing for civilian access to the critical assistance. And those locations were chosen specifically as areas where we thought people would be able to best access the aid.

There were 66 total bundles, 22 on each aircraft, which were dropped into Gaza to help alleviate the intense hunger and desperate situation there.

This will be part of a sustained effort, in conjunction with our international partners, to scale up the amount of life-saving aid we're getting into Gaza.

And really want to make clear this is, kind of, an overall campaign. We're looking at the land routes, we're looking at the sea route, we're looking at the air route to really ensure that we're exploring every opportunity to get assistance in.

And I think with that, let me turn it over to [senior administration official] to give a bit more of his perspective from the ground.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure, thank you. Just to give you a little bit of background to all of this, the mechanisms that [senior administration official] referred to  opening up Kerem Shalom and making (inaudible) function as an inspection point; more efficiently coordination with Egypt, not just on humanitarian assistance, but commercial goods coming in from Egypt; opening up a channel from Jordan for international assistance headed up to Kerem Shalom  all of these mechanisms have been working.

The challenge has not been getting 250, 300 trucks-load of assistance physically into Gaza. The problem has been distribution, and distribution is what matters. If you cannot move assistance from storage facilities, from warehouses  Kerem Shalom, Rafah  out to the communities at need throughout center and south Gaza; if you cannot get aid into the north  and that has been a major challenge since October  you're not meeting the critical needs to provide that minimal feeding that prevents famine.

Why is there a problem? The problem has multiple routes. But essentially what has gone on is: With the removal of police from the protective duties, U.N. and other convoys, Emirati, Jordanian, Palestine Red Crescent, lawlessness, which was always a problem in the background, has now moved to a very different level. This is a product of, if you will, commercialization of the assistance; criminal gangs are taking it, looting it, reselling it. They've monetized humanitarian assistance.

There's a way that you resolve this problem, and the way is you flood the market. You bring in assistance from every point you can  air, sea, land  you bring it in, and you know that some of this assistance is going to be looted, is going to be self-distributed by desperate people, but you keep coming. And what you do through that  and there's international experience with this  you demonetize these commodities. And with that, you de-incentivize the criminal groups, the gangs involved in attacking trucks, and you reduce the pressure on desperate people, not criminals, who just want food  because the food is there; it's coming in.

Now, the President's intent is to see that flooding of the zone, which is why, to go to [senior administration official]'s comments, it is imperative that as many points of entry  the south; points of entry in the north, which we have been pressing for vigorously and about which we are hopeful; a maritime corridor; airdrops  all of them complement the other.

And just a final note here: None of these  maritime corridor, airdrops  are an alternative to the fundamental need to move assistance through as many land crossings as possible. That's the most efficient way to get aid in at scale. It's the most efficient way to flood the zone.

Thank you.

MODERATOR: Okay. I want to turn it next to [senior administration official] to give us an update on the hostage deal that is being negotiated and also how that relates to the humanitarian situation.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, thanks. I'll be very brief. But just to follow on the points of my colleagues: To really address the urgent needs of the civilian population in Gaza and to enable the humanitarian partners to safely distribute and get that distribution moving  the lifesaving aid  throughout Gaza, from north to center to south, at the scale that is needed, it's essential that we see a ceasefire in Gaza.

And the path to a ceasefire right now, literally at this hour, is straightforward. And there's a deal on the table. There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it. And there will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages  this has been under negotiation now for some time  the sick, the wounded, elderly, and women.

And again, that deal is on the table. It would bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza, create the conditions needed to enable the urgent humanitarian work that must be done, that my colleagues just referred to. And the onus right now is on Hamas.

So there are talks still underway. They're ongoing today in Doha. And we have been working to get this in place by Ramadan for some time. There has been significant progress over the last few weeks. But like all things, until a deal is actually done, it's not done.

But that's where we are. The President, as you know, spoke with the emir of Qatar and the president of Egypt this week, both on the hostage deal, really on the details and the remaining gaps.

But we're working around the clock to see if we can get this in place here over the coming week. It is just essential for all the reasons that my colleagues just laid out, but also to save the lives of these vulnerable hostages.

And I think, again, we have it; the framework is there. The Israelis have basically signed on to the elements of the arrangement. And right now, the ball is in the court of Hamas.

And we are continuing to push this as hard as we possibly can, obviously for all the reasons that I just laid out and that my colleagues just briefed.

MODERATOR: Thanks. We have time for three or four questions. Our first question will go to the line of Seung Min Kim. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thanks so much for holding this call. I know the second senior administration official talked about how some of the aid is inevitably going to be taken by other bad actors. But in terms of the airdrop today, did the aid mostly get to where it needed to go? And who are you partnering with on the ground with to ensure that it's being distributed correctly? And also, did the shipments also include water?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I can take that one.

We've been monitoring the location where the assistance was dropped since earlier, when the operation occurred, and we have seen civilians approaching the aid to distribute it amongst themselves. And the sites were specifically chosen as ones where we thought there was the greatest likelihood of safety. But this is being dropped in areas where we know  that are nearby, where people are sheltering and in need.

Oh, and no, there was not water included. It was food items  Meals Ready to Eat.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will go to the line of Vivian Salama. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hey, guys. Thanks so much for doing this. I just wanted to get a status update on if the President has looked at possible maritime aid as well. And so, can you talk a little bit about the imminence, or not, of that and any complications that you're facing with regard to any potential maritime deliveries? Thanks.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I can take this one. The President has instructed us to explore all possible options. As [senior administration official] noted, they include commercial options, they include USG options. This is a complex puzzle that has to be put together. (Inaudible.) (Audio drop)  set as rapidly as we can.

MODERATOR: Thanks. Our next question will go to the line of Jeff Mason. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thanks very much. Just a couple of follow-up questions. Can you say broadly whether you feel that Israel is cooperating enough on getting aid into Gaza? Do you feel that having done this, having had to do this airdrop today, is a statement at all on their cooperation?

And then, a logistical question. Can you give us a sense of where the U.S. planes took off from? And did you coordinate with Hamas for the safety of the aircraft?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'll take this.

Look, the airdrops were an indication of the critical need on the part of the population of Gaza, particularly the population in the north. The assistance and its movement into and within Gaza is an ongoing challenge. The challenge is from various sources. But it is not a reflection on Israel or Israeli practices. It's a reflection on need. The need is there. The need in the north is absolutely critical. The need in the south and the center is growing. So I want to clarify on that.

[Senior administration official], over to you on the details of the drop logistics.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you. Yes, the airdrops were conducted jointly with the Jordanian Air Force. You saw U.S. C-130s, Jordanian C-130s operating out of Jordan.

And the site was, of course, worked through in terms of finding a location where we thought it would be most likely to land safely but also near a population that was in need. But it was not deconflicted  or was not, I should say, coordinated with any specific group on the ground.

MODERATOR: Thanks. Our next question will go to the line of Missy Ryan. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Great. Thank you so much. I just wanted to ask if you could speak about what we should expect going forward about the frequency of these kind of drops, as you all look into the maritime options as well. Is this something that you expect to be happening on a daily basis? And if there's anything you could say about the extent to which this will go to address the needs that are facing Gazans.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think I would just say that the fact that today's airdrop was successful is an important test case to show that we can do this again in the coming days and weeks successfully.

And we  our colleagues at DOD are planning additional drops. But nothing further to share there in terms of timing.

I think, really, just to go back to what I said at the beginning, the fact that we are exploring every avenue, every channel, to get assistance into Gaza really just, I think, goes to speak to how dire and desperate the situation is there.

So we will continue to pursue air options, maritime options, as well as pushing for additional land routes into Gaza.

MODERATOR: Thanks. Our next question will go to the line of Josh Wingrove. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hey there. Thank you. I'm just wondering if you can share any more about the status of talks. You describe the Israelis as being more or less on board. Has that been the case for some time? Is that the case as of today or recently? And how can you help us level-set the possibility for an agreement? Is it potentially a day or two, or in the coming week? Is it just too hard to say? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think these negotiations have kind of a pattern to them. So if you go back over the last month, I think  about a month ago, it was really at a deadlock. A framework began to develop. And then the week before this one, we worked very hard with the Israelis to get a framework that is pretty much in the zone of a compromise amongst all the positions that had been on the table, and is a good one.

And we had a number of meetings in Israel last week  again, not the week that's just finishing, but last week. And then the meeting in Paris kind of put that all together. And, yeah, the Israelis have basically accepted what is  I think it's been described  I don't want to negotiate here or go into too much detail  but it is a six-week ceasefire. You would see, for all the reasons that [senior administration official] has briefed, that calm would allow and enable a significant surge of the humanitarian work that has to be done. That is all kind of laid out.

And the deal is phased, as the President has said. You know, we've worked to build something even more enduring.

But again, it's a hostage  the hostages have to be released. And this vulnerable category of hostages, which is in the first phase, I mean, that is the deal. And it's now at the point of how will that happen and is Hamas committed to doing that. That's really the main issue now.

And so, I just want to kind of emphasize  I mean, we would have a ceasefire if Hamas addresses that final issue. I mean, that's basically where it is.

So it's a lot of hard work from the Egyptians, the Qataris, from diplomats, from the President. Repeated calls with the Israeli leadership and with the leadership of Qatar and Egypt. And, you know, the deal is basically there.

But I don't want to create expectations one way or the other. I'll just say we're doing everything we possibly can to get this in place, just given the importance, and to save the lives of these hostages and bring them out of Gaza, including American citizens.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We've got time for two more questions. Our next question will go to the line of Felicia Schwartz. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Hi. Thanks so much for taking my question. One for [senior administration official] and one for [senior administration official].

I'm wondering how long you think that this proposal, as it exists now, can kind of stay on the table. If Ramadan starts and this doesn't move over the finish line, is that kind of the end for this version?

And then, just for [senior administration official] or maybe [senior administration official]: In terms of what was dropped today, were there also trucks that were able to get in today? Can you just give us a sense of how you're seeing this aid complement  you know, how it fits into this broader picture? I think it's something like 30 or 35 trucks that have been able to get in the past few days, but that number might be wrong.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think  just want to say on the first one: I just  I don't want to really characterize one way or the other. A lot of work has been done here to get this in place. We're doing all we can to get it finalized as soon as possible. And I think I'll leave it there. And that's going to continue.

We've always wanted this in place for Ramadan  to have a Ramadan period in which you have calm and you're able to do the essential humanitarian work that is the focus of this call. You know, this deal would enable that. And so we're going to continue doing all we possibly can.

And again, I think right now, because where  the ball is literally in the court of Hamas. And so, the Qataris have work to do. The Egyptians have work to do. That was the focus of the President's calls this week. But I would just say it is a complicated deal. It is more complex than the first deal in November that was a five-day deal, extended day by day. This is a six-week deal, and it has the potential to extend from there.

But the first category is this category of vulnerable hostages  again, sick, elderly, and women. And we want to get them out of Gaza, and we think we have the deal in place. And we're going to just keep pushing at it.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: With respect to trucks moving north, it's our understanding that trucks have indeed moved, both last night and again today.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our last question will go to the line of Hiba Nasr. You should be able to unmute yourself.

Q Thanks. My question is to you: One, you say about the hostage deal. I want to understand: When you say there's a framework of a deal on the table and everything is agreed on with the Israelis, is Hamas objecting a specific detail in the deal? This is my first question.

And my second question: How do you respond to the critics that what's happening, and the airdrops now in Gaza, is humiliating for the United States because you weren't able to get the aid any other way, and this is also another sign that you don't have leverage over the Israeli government?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, on the first one, I think I've spoken to it in terms of where things stand, and I think I'll leave it there.

The deal is: This category of vulnerable hostages comes out, and you have an immediate ceasefire for about  again, it's the first phase  six weeks. And then there's the second phase that we have to work out over those six weeks to build something more enduring, as the President has said.

So that's where we are. The formula is there after a lot of hard work. And we're going to keep doing all we can to get this in place.

But that is the immediate path to calm, to relief  the release of this vulnerable category of hostages. That is on the table now. And, you know, we're going to work to try to get that done.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: With the second question: Look, we've made clear that the U.S. President's intent is to get as much assistance distributed within Gaza as is possible.

The situation on the ground in Gaza is enormously complex. There is a campaign going on. And just to note before the webinar ends, the campaign is going on for a reason. It's because a terrorist group holding hostages, including Americans, is continuing to fight and attack. They could stop this  Hamas could  tonight, instantly, and allow the free movement of assistance, medicine, care to go to the civilians of Gaza with whom, under whom, in whose homes they have embedded themselves for these past 17 years.

Now, in this complex world, we've got to find every possible way to move assistance to those in need. The airdrops are part of that process.

Q Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thanks, everyone. That's all the time we have for today. Let us know if you have any follow-up questions. We're happy to take those.

As a reminder, this call was on background, attributable to senior administration officials. And the embargo is now lifted. Have a good rest of your day.

2:07 P.M. EST

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Two sessions 2024 kicks off: Here's why it matters

10:50, March 04, 2024 By Peng Yukai, Zhao Tong, Liu Ning, Zhang Wenjie, Zhou Bo ( People's Daily Online

The curtain has been raised on China's most important annual political gathering, known as the two sessions, or "lianghui."

Starting on March 4, deputies of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, will gather in Beijing to kick off this year's two sessions.

Recently, "new productive forces" has emerged as a key term among central and local governments when formulating economic policies and is set to be a prominent topic for NPC deputies and CPPCC members during this year's two sessions. A primary focus will be on how China can fast-track the development of these new productive forces to ensure sustainable economic development and lay a solid foundation for the country's modernization.

A range of economic and social development targets, including GDP growth, CPI, and fiscal policies, are expected to be unveiled, prioritizing high-quality development.

Meanwhile, measures and regulations to ensure and enhance people's livelihoods are among the top priorities, as they are closely linked to individuals' sense of achievement, happiness, and security.

An online survey conducted by People's Daily Online, involving over 6.15 million internet users, revealed that the rule of law, employment, healthcare, rural vitalization, and high-quality development rank as the leading issues of public interest for Chinese netizens during this year's two sessions.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, marking a pivotal year for realizing the objectives outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). At this significant historical moment, this year's two sessions will outline a new roadmap for the future trajectory of the world's second-largest economy.

For more information about this year's two sessions, stay tuned to People's Daily Online!

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Wu Chengliang)
Yemen says will continue striking British ships in Red Sea

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Ezzi has threatened that his country will continue with its attacks on British ships.

His threat comes a day after a British ship sank at the Red Sea due to strikes by the Yemeni armed forces.

He said that London is in a war against Yemen and is also supporting the Zionist atrocities in Gaza Strip, adding that any other attack on Yemen will be added to the list of Britain's mistakes.

The British-owned M/V Rubymar ship, which was targeted by the Yemeni Army 13 days ago, has reportedly sunk in the Red Sea.

The cargo ship had 41,000 tons of pesticides on board.

Yemen's attacks against Zionist and Zionist-linked ships began several weeks ago in retaliation for the regime's crimes against Gazan people.

The Arab country has pledged to keep its maritime siege against the Zionist regime as long as the war in Gaza continues.

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Hamas says to continue truce talks up to Ramadan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hamas will only keep on ceasefire negotiations until the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan, an official with the Palestinian resistance movement said, noting that the group will not accept any conditions and dictates of the United States and the Israeli regime.

The Hamas official told London-based news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed on condition of anonymity that the deadline for talks on prisoner swap is March 10, adding that the resistance will not take a step in the direction that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has planned with the aim of using the lives of Palestinian people as a tool to reduce pressures imposed on his cabinet.

Therefore, the source added, the continuation of indirect talks depends on the other party's readiness to accept Palestinians' demands.

"We informed mediators that this round of talks in Cairo is the last opportunity before the month of Ramadan," the Hamas official said, stressing that the decision will not change if an agreement is not reached by then.

Hamas and other resistance groups will not provide any information on Israeli captives in Gaza if the regime does not pay the price of the agony of the people in the besieged strip and if an all-inclusive ceasefire is not implemented, the official said, adding that Hamas has clear demands, which should be met by the occupiers to pave the way for the release of their captives.

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu's cabinet would not take part in any negotiations until Hamas publishes a list of the living captives.

The Israeli regime claims that there are 134 captives, including 31 dead bodies and six American nationals, in the hands of the Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip.

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Resistance fighters target Zionist forces in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Fighters of Al-Quds Brigades and Mujahideen Brigades have carried out a new operation against the Zionist regime's forces in Gaza.

According to the Lebanese media, the operation of the resistance fighters against the Zionist forces in Gaza is still ongoing.

Al-Quds Brigades announced that the fighters targeted two Zionist military vehicles with RPGs and blew up a building in which the Israeli regime soldiers were entrenched in Khan Yunis, as a result of which some soldiers were killed and some others were injured.

Meanwhile, the Mujahideen Brigades in a statement announced that its fighters shelled the gathering of Zionist soldiers in southern Zeitoun, Gaza, with heavy mortars.

Palestinian sources also reported the destructive movements of the Zionist army's forces in Khan Yunis.

In the meantime, the Shehab news agency said that the Israeli tanks opened fire on the Palestinian houses in Hamad, northern Khan Yunis.

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Hezbollah targets Israeli base in northern occupied Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has targeted an Israeli base in northern occupied Palestine with a Burkan-2 missile.

According to Zionist media outlets, Hezbollah fired a Burkan-2 missile at the Zionist regime's Deboranit base in northern occupied Palestine on Sunday.

It is the second time that an Israeli army base in the Galilee region has been targeted from inside the Lebanese territory.

With the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance groups on October 7, Lebanon's Hezbollah, in support of the Palestinian people and reducing the pressure on the resistance in Gaza, has carried out daily and heavy operations against the Zionist targets inside the Palestinian territory.

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US still supporting Israeli genocide in Gaza: Hamas

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A senior Palestinian resistance official says the United States is still supporting the Israeli regime's genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In an interview with Al Araby TV channel on Sunday, Osama Hamdan said the United States' stances provide the Israeli regime with the opportunity to keep on committing crimes in the Gaza Strip.

The top Hamas official further said that the regime does not want to reach a ceasefire with the Palestinians and, therefore, continues "killing our people by the use of siege and hunger."

Pointing to the truce talks, he said that Hamas officials received a letter of invitation to visit Cairo and that he was surprised to see reports of dispatching a Hamas delegation to submit the movement's response.

The new round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday and Monday, he said, adding that Hamas is keen on achieving a result that satisfies the Palestinian nation.

Following a retaliatory attack by the Palestinian resistance movement on the Israeli regime on October 7, the regime commenced an all-out war on Gaza that has so far left over 30,000 martyrs and over 7,000 injured, mostly women and children.

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Palestinian fighters capture Israeli drone

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced taking control of an Israeli drone in the skies over Gaza City.

According to the Shihab Palestinian News Agency, Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement on Saturday that the resistance fighters could intercept and capture the SkyLark UAV over the south of Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City.

The statement said the drone was on a spying mission in the skies over Gaza.

Resistance groups in the region have captured and downed several Israeli and American drones over the past couple of months.

Last week, the Lebanese resistance movement, Hozbollah, released a video showing the interception and capture of second Israeli UAV over Lebanon in a couple of days.

And the Yemeni army has downed several American drones, with the US military acknowledging the loss of two of UAVs in the last two months.

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Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire as tensions keep growing

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israel army in a statement claimed on Saturday night that it had carried out more attacks on southern Lebanon amid rising tensions between the Zionist regime and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement over the war on Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Sama news agency, the Israeli army's statement said that it targeted 2 buildings belonging to Hezbollah in the Labbouneh area, located in the south of Lebanon.

This attack followed a Hezbollah statement on Saturday that it targeted the gathering of Israeli soldiers Jalul Alam military facility in the occupied Palestinian territories.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the attacks from the two sides that have intensified in recent days.

The resistance fighters mainly target Israeli military positions but the Zionist regime has been pounding residential areas in Lebanon causing the death of civilians.

The Lebanese movement says its attacks on the northern Israeli-occupied territories are aimed at providing support to Palestinian resistance fighters battling the regime on the southern front in Gaza.

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Death toll rises as Israel intensifies Gaza bombing

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime's military has intensified its bombardment of central and southern Gaza as the US-managed Israeli genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian is close to entering its six month.

The overnight aerial strikes targeting the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of Gaza resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of civilians, the Al Jazeera news network reported.

According to the same report, Al-Qarara neighborhood in the southern city of Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah in the center of the strip were also the target of Israeli aerial raids.

A precise number of casualties has not been reported yet.

The war that Israel launched on October 7, 2023, according to a figure released by the Gaza Health Ministry on Saturday, has killed 30,320 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

More than 71,500 Palestinians have also been injured while over 10,000 remain accounted for, according to the ministry.

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Cargo ship sinks off Yemeni coast, sparking environmental disaster fears

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:51, March 03, 2024

ADEN, Yemen, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's internationally recognized government announced on Saturday the cargo ship Rubymar sank off the coast of Yemen Friday night amid stormy weather conditions.

In a statement released by the state-run Saba news agency, the government said Rubymar, a cargo ship abandoned for over 12 days after being attacked by the Houthi group, has sunk off the coast of Yemen.

The British-owned, Belize-flagged ship carries thousands of tons of fertilizer and oil. The government expressed regret over the sinking, warning against a possible major environmental disaster in Yemen's territorial waters.

On Feb. 18th, the Houthis fired two missiles at Rubymar while it was passing through the Red Sea, partially damaging the ship. The Houthis claimed they believed the ship was carrying weapons bound for Israel.

Despite appeals from the Yemeni government over the past 12 days to avoid catastrophe, Rubymar could not be secured and sank Friday night amid rough seas.

The Yemeni government convened an emergency meeting following the incident to address the imminent environmental fallout.

On Monday, the Yemeni government renewed its calls for international assistance to help contain a potential massive oil spill from the sunken cargo ship. An emergency committee has also been formed to deal with the impending crisis.

The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on international shipping since mid-November last year, saying they were in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza who faced intense Israeli attacks.

The U.S.-British forces since January have responded with dozens of airstrikes on Houthi targets, including mobile missile launchers and underwater drones, but have failed to deter the group from launching more attacks.

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Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 30,320: ministry

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:48, March 03, 2024

GAZA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 30,320, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Saturday.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 92 Palestinians and wounded 156 others, bringing the total death toll to 30,320 and injuries to 71,533 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the statement.

Among them, 15 died in Al-Aqsa Hospital in the city of Deir al-Balah due to an Israeli airstrike targeting two houses, and two others were killed in an airstrike targeting a house in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.

Ten people were killed in Israeli air raids on neighborhoods of Al-Zaytoun, Tal Al-Hawa, Al-Sabra and Al-Daraj in Gaza City, added the sources.

Meanwhile, in the northern Gazan town of Beit Hanoun, a group of people picking herbs to satisfy hunger were targetted in an Israeli artillery shelling, with three of them killed and seven others injured, according to eyewitnesses.

In Rafah, in the far south, an Israeli drone bombed a civilian vehicle in the Al-Shaboura neighborhood in the center of the city, killing two people and wounding a third. They were transferred to the Kuwaiti Hospital.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

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Vehicles travel through the intersection of Monterey and Ridgewood in San Francisco last month. The city will be installing 33 speed cameras in yet-to-be-named high-risk zones. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

San Francisco will study where to place cameras that automatically catch and ticket speeding drivers during 2024, city officials announced in October.

At least 33 cameras will be placed in school zones and other high-risk corridors around the city to catch speeding drivers, officials said. Gov. Gavin Newsom legalized their use October 13 in a traffic safety bill.

The law requires that the cameras be placed in known risk areas, such as streets with a history of sideshows or pedestrian injuries. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will be assessing potential locations for the cameras throughout 2024 using traffic collision data and input from traffic safety advocates to determine where the cameras should be installed, officials said.

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Enforcement must be part of our work to make our streets safer, and speed cameras can be a key part of that work, Mayor London Breed said in a statement in response to the bill.

The cameras were also approved for use in Oakland and San Jose.

Drivers traveling at least 11 mph over the speed limit will be photographed and automatically ticketed. Fines start at $50, but low-income drivers will be eligible for an 80% discount.

Following the SFMTAs yearlong study, the locations selected for speed cameras will be posted online and widely publicized, officials said. The transit agency is planning a public information campaign 30 days before the camera systems are turned on, and anyone caught speeding in the first 60 days will receive a warning but no fine. City officials also plan to install signs alerting drivers when they are approaching a camera.

Transparency will be at the forefront of our rollout, Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA director of transportation said in a statement.

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While some studies have found that the cameras change driver behavior, cutting down on crashes and deaths, some privacy watchdogs oppose their use, with critics questioning whether the devices will collect personal data that can be stolen or misused.
Jordan, U.S. conduct joint aid airdrops to Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:26, March 03, 2024

AMMAN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Jordan and the United States on Saturday jointly carried out airdrops of aid to Gaza, the first time that the United States participated in the multinational humanitarian effort.

Two aircraft from the Jordan Armed Forces airdropped in the northern Gaza Strip, while three aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force airdropped in the south, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

The U.S. Air Force said its three planes carried 66 bundles containing about 38,000 meals.

Jordan has been air-dropping supplies directly to Gaza and sending aid planes to Egypt's North Sinai since November last year.

Some of the operations involve cooperation with other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France, and Britain, among others.

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Extremist Israeli minister calls for Ramadan to be 'wiped out' amid West Bank tensions

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 10:42 PM

A far-right Israeli minister has called for the holy month of Ramadan to be "wiped out" as tensions are escalating across the occupied West Bank amid the regime's genocidal war in the Gaza Strip.

The comment was made by Israeli heritage minister, Amichai Eliyahu, in an interview with the regime's Army Radio ahead of the Muslims' holy month, which will start around March 10.

"The so-called month of Ramadan must be wiped out, and our fear of this month must also be wiped out," Eliyahu said.

His remarks came as the latest Israeli security reports have indicated the regime's fears of an eruption of the situation in the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds during Ramadan as a result of the Israeli war on Gaza and the restrictions that the Tel Aviv regime intends to impose on al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month.

The mosque is Islam's third holiest site and usually attracts hundreds of thousands of worshippers especially during Ramadan.

Last month, Israel's Channel 13 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered restrictions on Palestinians' access to al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan.

With access to the holy site already limited for prayers, especially on Fridays, since October 7 when the regime launched its military aggression against Gaza, the move to impose tougher restrictions in Ramadan has been deemed extremely provocative and dangerous by many observers and rights groups.

Eliyahu, however, said in his interview that potential tensions during the holy month in the war-ravaged Gaza and the West Bank should be disregarded by the regime.

He is a member of the far-right, extremist Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, which has been described as fascist and anti-Arab. His party is headed by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the regime's far-right minister of national security. Ben-Gvir has called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the building of Israeli settlements in the territory as well as the shooting of Palestinian women and children.

Eliyahu, for his part, has made similarly violent remarks, including in November when he said "using a nuclear weapon was an option" for the Israeli army during its onslaught on Gaza, claiming that the territory had "no right to exist."

The Council on Muslim-American Relations (CAIR) has slammed Eliyahu's remarks, urging US President Joe Biden to condemn them as well.

"Once again, an Israeli ... official has openly made genocidal remarks that the Biden administration has failed to condemn. Enough is enough," CAIR Deputy Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchel said in a statement.

The Israeli regime "keeps screaming to everyone that will listen that it is waging a war on the entire Palestinian population, as well as their cultural symbols, from churches to mosques to even Ramadan itself," he added while referring to past remarks made by Israeli politicians endorsing and encouraging attacks on civilians in Gaza.

Mitchell concluded by saying that it is time for Biden to condemn the Israeli regime "before it acts on its latest genocidal threats."

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More children die from dehydration, malnutrition in northern Gaza hospital

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 6:52 PM

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic as authorities say several children have died of malnutrition in recent days in the besieged territory.

In a statement released on Sunday, the health ministry in Gaza said that at least 15 children had died over the past few days from malnutrition and dehydration at Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital.

"We fear for the lives of 6 (other) children suffering from malnutrition and diarrhea at the hospital's intensive care unit as a result of the cessation of the electric generator and oxygen and the weakness of medical capabilities," said Ashraf Al-Qidra, the ministry spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the UN's children fund has warned that many more children in Gaza will die unless there is direct intervention to assist.

"Now, the child deaths we feared are here and are likely to rapidly increase unless the war ends and obstacles to humanitarian relief are immediately resolved," said Adele Khodr, UNICEF regional director for MENA.

"The sense of helplessness and despair among parents and doctors in realizing that lifesaving aid, just a few kilometers away, is being kept out of reach, must be as unbearable, but worse still are the anguished cries of those babies slowly perishing under the world's gaze. The lives of thousands more babies and children depend on urgent action being taken now."

The United Nations has already warned that famine is looming in Gaza, as the World Food Program (WHO) figures indicate that 93 percent of the population faces crisis levels of hunger.

The Israeli war on Gaza is having a catastrophic impact on children and families.

Children in Gaza are dying at an alarming rate - thousands have been killed and thousands more injured.

The ongoing Israeli genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip keeps taking a heavy toll on civilians.

Nearly 100 Palestinians are killed in Israel's latest strikes on Gaza amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the coastal territory.

The death toll from Israel's onslaught on Gaza since early October has surpassed 30,400, most of them women and children. More than 70,000 others have been injured while thousands more remain unaccounted for.

The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Iraqi resistance launches drone strike at Israeli chemical storage sites in Haifa port

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 6:45 PM

Iraqi resistance forces have carried out a drone strike against the largest and busiest port in the Palestinian territories controlled by Israel since 1948 in a new show of solidarity with the Palestinians under Israeli attack in Gaza.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement published on its Telegram channel on Sunday, claimed responsibility for an aerial attack targeting chemical storage facilities inside the port of Haifa that had taken place two days earlier.

The statement noted that the attack had taken place "in rejection of US military presence in Iraq and elsewhere in the region, in support of our people in Gaza and in response to the massacre of Palestinian civilians, including children, women, and elderly people, by the usurping entity."

The Iraqi resistance underscored that it will continue to target the occupying regime until the complete "destruction of enemy strongholds."

Last month, Iraqi resistance forces said they had carried out a drone attack on the port of Haifa in the Israeli-occupied territories.

"In continuation of our approach to resisting the occupation and supporting our people in Gaza, our (fighters), using drones, attacked the port of Haifa in the occupied territories in Palestine," the IRI said in a statement on the first of February.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting US-occupied military bases in the region, including one in late January on Jordan's border with Syria that left three US soldiers dead.

The Israeli regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's atrocities against the Palestinians.

Since the start of the aggression, Israel has killed at least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the latest count by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The US, Israel's traditional ally, has backed Tel Aviv's attacks on the Palestinian territory and provided the regime with extensive military support since the onset of the war.

Washington has also used its veto power to block the United Nations Security Council's resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

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Israeli forces bomb aid truck, killing scores in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 6:06 PM

Israeli regime forces have bombed another aid truck in central Gaza, killing and injuring scores of Palestinians in Deir Al-Balah in the besieged strip.

Thousands of starving people were collecting food from the aid truck on Sunday when the Israeli forces attacked the Palestinians.

This is the second attack by the Israeli regime forces in the last five days on displaced Palestinians awaiting food aid in the besieged Gaza Strip.

"Many people were killed and others wounded in an Israeli bombing that targeted an aid truck in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip," medics, who wished to remain anonymous, told media.

So far, the number of casualties from the latest Israeli attack is not clear. The earlier attack by the Israeli forces in the south of Gaza City on Thursday left at least 112 Palestinians dead and several hundred more injured.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, said, "This outrageous massacre is a testimony to the fact that as long as the security council is paralyzed and vetoes [are cast] then it is costing the Palestinian people their lives." Washington has three times blocked Security Council resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the mission to "destroy Hamas" in Gaza. The pressure increased dramatically in the wake of Thursday's deadly encounter just outside Gaza City.

Video footage captured from the moment gunfire erupted shows thousands of starving Palestinians gathered in the hope of receiving food as a rare humanitarian convoy pulled into the area.

Tracer ammunition rounds can be seen streaking across the sky in the video from the direction of an Israeli military position.

Medics said dozens were killed and hundreds injured, and doctors at Gaza City's barely functioning hospitals told media the majority of the deaths were from gunshot wounds.

Israeli forces began their genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, following an operation by Palestinian Hamas fighters. Since then, at least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and 71,700 others injured in the Israeli forces' brutal bombing of the blockaded Palestinians.

Israel's crippling blockade on Gaza has left its population, particularly residents in the north, on the verge of starvation.

Most of the Gaza'Strip's population are lacking food, clean water, and medicine, while 60 percent of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

The Israeli regime stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

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Hamas delegation in Egypt's Cairo for ceasefire talks, deal expected before Ramadan

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 5:39 PM

A high-ranking delegation of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo to hold talks on a ceasefire deal that would put an end to nearly five months of Israel's genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip.

Egyptian media reports on Sunday said the Palestinian delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the Hamas' Political Bureau, was expected to negotiate with mediators a truce agreement that would take effect across Gaza before the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan next week.

The expected deal could also include a swap of 40 Israeli captives for 400 Palestinian prisoners as well as an increase in the number of humanitarian aid trucks entering the besieged territory.

The reports said representatives from the United States and Qatar had also arrived in Cairo for mediation in the indirect talks between Hamas and Israel.

The Egyptian media cited an unnamed Hamas official as saying that if the Israeli regime were to meet the Palestinian resistance movement's demands, including the occupying entity's military withdrawal from Gaza and stepped-up humanitarian aid, the measure would "pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours."

Earlier in the day, a source affiliated with the Gaza-based resistance movement confirmed to Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network that, "The Israeli occupation imposes many obstacles that prevent reaching a temporary truce. Despite these obstacles ... reaching an agreement is still possible."

The source underlined that the most contentious issue in the truce talks is the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of the Palestinians displaced in the southern regions to the northern parts of the enclave, as well as the issue of lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza's northern regions.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza said at least 90 people had been killed in the past 24 hours, including 14 family members whose house was targeted in Israeli strikes in a refugee camp in the southern town of Rafah.

Amid worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said at least 16 children had lost their lives as "famine spreads" in the north.

In a statement on Saturday, the UN Security Council voiced concern over "alarming levels of acute food insecurity" in Gaza and stressed "the need to take all necessary measures to protect civilians."

The Security Council also called for "the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance" to the enclave.

Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the its intensified violence against the Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed some 30,410 Palestinians and injured 71,700 others, according to health authorities in Gaza.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million people living there.

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Gaza government slams US aid airdrop as 'theatrical, ineffective'

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 5:08 PM

The government in the Gaza Strip has dismissed a decision by the United States to airdrop humanitarian aid into the besieged territory, saying the theatrical and ineffective move cannot offset Israeli restrictions on the transfer of food into Gaza via land crossings.

"The policy of airdropping humanitarian aid and preventing the delivery of aid through border crossings is in fact part of an evasive strategy that does not address the core issue and resorts to theatrical and ineffective solutions instead," the Government Media Office in Gaza said in a statement on Sunday.

The statement said the aid airdrop by the US is in line with the occupying Israeli regime's policy of intentionally starving the Palestinians, adding that it is also meant to kill time and to prolong the hunger crisis in Gaza to inflict as much damage as possible upon the population in the strip.

It said that aid airdrops also entail serious risks for Palestinians in Gaza as some of them could land near the fence along the border with the Israeli-occupied territories, prompting Israeli military forces to fire indiscriminately on unarmed civilians seeking to pick up the aid items.

The statement reiterated that airdrops of aid into densely populated areas like the Gaza Strip, which is home to some 2.4 people, are fairly difficult because the aid can be damaged because of potential adverse weather conditions or unexpected incidents.

"Some of the food bundles were dropped into the sea and did not reach needy people. This is while humanitarian aid brought into Gaza via trucks would reach a great proportion of the population, and is not subject to damage," it added.

The government in Gaza held the US administration and the Israeli regime accountable for the ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza while calling on freedom-loving nations of the world to stop the Tel Aviv regime from continuing its ethnic cleansing in the enclave.

The US Central Command said in a statement on Saturday that together with Jordan's air force it had "conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza ... to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict".

The C-130 planes "dropped over 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing for civilian access to the critical aid", it further claimed.

US President Joe Biden had announced a day earlier that the US would airdrop aid there after more than 100 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in an Israeli attack on a crowd waiting for food in Gaza City.

'Airdrops into Gaza cover-up for US complicity in war'

Additionally, a senior Lebanese Shia cleric has lambasted the controversial airdrop of food by the US into the besieged Gaza Strip, stating that Washington is seeking to cover up its complicity in Israeli war crimes and to divert the world's public opinion from its all-out support for the Tel Aviv regime.

"The United States' decision to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza is clearly an attempt to cover up its actions and unqualified military support for the Zionist enemy. It comes as the occupying retime is carrying out massacres against Gaza residents," Sheikh Hussam al-Eilani, the imam of al-Ghofran Mosque in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, said on Sunday.

He went on to note that Arab and Muslim nations are uninfluenced by the US measure as they view Washington as the chief supporter of Israel's terrorism.

Eilani called upon the US administration to refrain from providing unqualified support to the Israeli regime.

The Israeli aggression on Gaza has killed at least 30,410 people, most of them children and women, and wounded another 71,700 since it started in early October.

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Yemen's Ansarullah vows to continue targeting British ships in Red Sea

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 4:51 PM

Yemen has vowed to continue attacking British ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been under a genocidal war by the Israeli regime over the past five months.

Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Ezzi made the remarks in a post on X on Sunday, a day after a British container ship sunk in the Red Sea almost two weeks after it was struck in a retaliatory attack by the Yemeni Armed Forces.

"Yemen will continue to sink more British ships, and any repercussions or other damages will be added to Britain's bill," Ezzi said.

"It is a rogue state that attacks Yemen and partners with America in sponsoring ongoing crimes against civilians in Gaza," he added.

The UK-owned Belize-flagged bulk carrier, the M/V Rubymar, came under the Yemeni military's attack on February 18 with several naval missiles in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait  a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Yemeni authorities said the Rubymar, was had been abandoned for 12 days, sank late Friday as stormy weather took hold over the Red Sea, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) releasing an image of the vessel on its side and confirming that it was going under.

Yemen's military has been targeting Israeli ships and those bound for Israeli ports since November last year in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza which has been subject to five months of war that has so far killed more than 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 71,533 others.

The Yemenis have made it clear that they will not hesitate to carry out qualitative operations against all hostile targets in defense of their homeland and reaffirmation of their unwavering support for the Palestinian nation.

They said earlier that strikes targeting those ships in the Red Sea will not stop unless the regime ends its genocidal campaign against the besieged Palestinian territory.

International shipping companies, however, are safe to sail in the area if they are neither owned by Israel nor destined for ports in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to the Yemeni Armed Forces.

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Russia warns of 'ethnic cleansing' of Palestinians if Israel launches ground assault on Rafah

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 4:19 PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Israel's plan to launch a ground assault against the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip could lead to "ethnic cleansing" of the Palestinians.

Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Saturday, Lavrov voiced Moscow's concern over Israeli plans to conduct a military offensive in Rafah, where two-thirds of the Palestinians in Gaza are seeking shelter from violence.

"If the operation of Rafah begins, a huge number of refugees will leave for Egypt, and the Egyptians have repeatedly stated that this is unacceptable. This will be ethnic cleansing in fact," he said.

"A real tragedy is taking place in Gaza, which has no end in sight," he added.

Rafah, a town along the Egyptian border, which was once declared a "safe zone" by the Israeli military, has now become the last refuge for over half of Gaza's entire population of more than 2.3 million, who have fled their homes in other parts of the territory.

Egypt has already threatened to suspend its peace treaty with Israel if the regime sends its troops to Rafah. It said any ground invasion could force the closure of the besieged territory's main aid supply route.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned on Monday that such an invasion would "put the final nail in the coffin" of aid operations in Gaza.

The top Russian diplomat emphasized that despite a lot of initiatives on a ceasefire and humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities have not changed their goal of "clean up Gaza completely, eliminate Hamas".

Even the Western representatives wonder how this could be possible to eliminate the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas by 100 percent, he noted.

Lavrov said Israel claims that everyone in Gaza is Hamas and therefore it is necessary to destroy all the inhabitants of the strip.

The Russian minister cited Israeli authorities as saying that a ground invasion of Rafah was aimed at "ensuring the security" of Tel Aviv.

"This is fully contrary to all UN decisions, it is contrary to common sense, it is contrary to justice. This means that Palestinians can be thrown out of the lands where their ancestors lived and all their rights are despised," Lavrov emphasized.

He also called for paying more heed to the situation in the West Bank, where Israeli occupation army raids against Palestinians have become more frequent.

Since October 7, at least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and more than 71,700 injured as a result of the Israeli regime forces' continuous onslaught in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

In its interim ruling in January, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to stop genocidal acts in Gaza and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in the besieged Strip.



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Palestinian factions call for global 'Ramadan Flood' campaign to confront Israel

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 1:30 PM

Palestinian factions have called for a global campaign at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan to support the Palestinians as the Israeli regime continues its brutal war against the Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Sunday, the factions urged all "awakened consciences" around the world to launch the largest official and popular global mobilization on the national, regional, and international levels to thwart the occupying regime's plans and to put pressure to stop its genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza.

They said the campaign-- dubbed the "Ramadan Flood"should include activating boycotts in all their forms and cutting off all supplies to the occupying regime, as well as declaring strikes and sit-ins in public squares, and organizing marches in all capitals and cities.

The factions went on to say that Israel seeks to liquidate the Palestinian cause and execute its plans against the people of Palestine through displacement, settlement, Judaization of holy sites, ethnic cleansing, and racial discrimination.

They further reaffirmed their absolute support for the resistance in facing the Israeli occupation and driving it out of Palestinian land.

The Palestinian factions also called for the necessity of "activating resistance" in all its forms in all arenas and fronts, considering the blessed month of Ramadan as the month of the "Global Flood for the Victory for Palestine and Our Just Cause."

"The Arab and Islamic nations and the entire world should stand united in a global popular and official movement to face this Zionist danger and its terrorist liquidation projects that have exceeded fascism and Nazism in their ugliest forms and manifestations," they concluded.

Israel launched the genocidal 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 intensified violence against Palestinians.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,320 Palestinians and injured 71,377 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.





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Annie is a reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. She previously was a digital producer for The Chronicles Datebook section. She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a degree in journalism. During her time there, she spearheaded a culture column, produced radio pieces for NPR-affiliate station KCBX, and was a DJ and writer for KCPR, the campus radio station. Before joining the Chronicle, she was an associate producer at SFGATE and interned at VICE and Flood Magazine. Shes particularly interested in communities and scenes that are often misunderstood.

She can be reached at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com.
Hezbollah targets Israeli military base with heavy-caliber Burkan missile

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 10:57 AM

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have targeted an Israeli military base in the north of 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, amid exchanges of near-daily fire between the two sides since the occupying regime launched its assault on Gaza.

Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network, citing a Hezbollah statement, reported that the group struck Jal al-Alam base with a heavy-caliber Burkan (Volcano) missile on Sunday, causing casualties among the soldiers deployed at the site.

The development came a day after Hezbollah fighters launched a number of operations against Israeli military sites, troops, and equipment across the border between Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian lands.

They carried out a drone strike against a newly established command and control center of the Israeli military's 300th Territorial Brigade.

The combat drone precisely hit the designated target near Liman moshav in the Western Galilee region.

Hezbollah fighters also attacked a gathering of Israeli troops near Jal al-Alam military base, leaving a number of the soldiers injured.

The Israeli regime launched the devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory's Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.

The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza.

The Israeli war on Gaza has killed at least 30,410 people, most of them children and women. Another 71,700 individuals have also been wounded.





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US continues support for Israeli genocide in Gaza: Senior Hamas official

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 9:52 AM

A senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the United States' position is still to provide unrestricted support for Israel's killing of innocent Palestinians in Gaza as the Tel Aviv regime is pressing ahead with its genocidal war on the besieged territory.

Osama Hamdan, chief of Hamas' Foreign relations and member of its political bureau said on Sunday that the US government's positions vis-a-vis the war has provided the Israeli regime with the opportunity to continue its crimes in Gaza, according to Palestine's Sama news agency, citing Al Araby TV channel.

He further said that the Israeli regime is not looking for a ceasefire and therefore continues killing Palestinians by the use of "siege and hunger."

Pointing to the truce talks, Hamdan said Hamas officials received a letter of invitation to visit the Egyptian capital Cairo and that he was surprised by some reports that allege a Hamas delegation being sent to deliver the movement's response.

The Hamas top official went on to say that the upcoming round of talks is set to take place in Cairo on Sunday and Monday, and that Hamas is seeking to achieve a result that fulfills the needs of the Palestinian nation.

Moreover in an interview with Al-Jazeera on Friday, Hamdan said that negotiations are not aimed at implementing what Israel wants, rather it is oriented towards putting an end to the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.

"There is no detailed discussion of names or even numbers, and the focus is on a general framework until an agreement is reached on it," he said.

The Hamas leader added that the US President Joe Biden is not a mediator, but rather a partner in the war and he may have bet on the Israelis to eliminate the resistance, but he failed.

Truce talks are expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. However, the details beyond a possible six-week cessation of hostilities remain uncertain, despite assertions from US officials that Israel has "more or less accepted" a framework deal and a ceasefire is imminent.

About 130 of the 250 Israeli captives taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack are still in Gaza after a provisional truce deal in December saw the exchange of prisoners between the two sides.

The Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 71,533 others during the Gaza aggression.

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British PM Sunak 'responsible' for sinking of cargo ship in Red Sea: Yemen

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 8:01 AM

A ranking Yemeni official says UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government "bear responsibility" for the sinking of the Rubymar, a British container ship that sunk in the Red Sea almost two weeks after it was struck in a retaliatory attack by Yemen's Armed Forces.

The UK-owned Belize-flagged bulk carrier, the M/V Rubymar, came under the Yemeni military's attack on February 18 with several naval missiles in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait  a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Yemeni authorities said the Rubymar, was had been abandoned for 12 days, sank late Friday as stormy weather took hold over the Red Sea, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) releasing an image of the vessel on its side and confirming that it was going under.

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, said in a post on his X social media account on Saturday that Sunak and his government are responsible for the sinking of the British vessel over their support for the Israeli regime's genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Houthi underlined that the British government has a "chance to salvage" the Rubymar by authorizing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, which has been under Israel's incessant bombardment over the past five months.

"We say to Sunak: You and your government bear responsibility for M/V Rubymar and the responsibility to support genocide and siege in Gaza," the Yemeni official said in an Arabic-language post on X.

"You have a chance to salvage the M/V Rubymar by sending a letter of guarantee...that the relief trucks agreed upon would enter Gaza."

The sinking of the Rubymar, which carried more than 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer and previously leaked fuel, could cause ecological damage to the Red Sea, with Yemeni officials having warned multiple times about "a major environmental disaster if it sinks."

Yemen's military has been targeting Israeli ships and those bound for Israeli ports since November last year in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza which has been subject to five months of war that has so far killed more than 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 71,533 others.

The Yemenis have made it clear that they will not hesitate to carry out qualitative operations against all hostile targets in defense of their homeland and in reaffirmation of their unwavering support for the Palestinian nation.

They said earlier that strikes targeting those ships in the Red Sea will not stop unless the regime ends its genocidal campaign against the besieged Palestinian territory.

International shipping companies, however, are safe to sail in the area if they are neither owned by Israel nor destined for ports in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to the Yemeni Armed Forces.

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US gave Israel 'green light' for Gaza aid carnage: Hamas official

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 7:38 AM

An official from the Hamas resistance movement has held the United States responsible for Israel's recent massacre of desperate Palestinians seeking food aid in the Gaza Strip.

The unnamed official made the remarks on Saturday, two days after Israeli forces opened fire on the Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid trucks in Gaza City's al-Rashid Street, killing at least 118 people and injuring 760 others.

"The occupation's massacre on al-Rashid Street in Gaza during the distribution of aid was met with a green light from the US," he said in an interview with the London-based New Arab news website.

The bloodshed, he added, was meant to "pressure the Resistance to make concessions at the negotiation table that would strip the Palestinian people, residents of the [Gaza] Strip, and the Resistance of the gains achieved on October 7."

On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against Israel in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

In response to the historic raid, which shook Israel's security establishment, the occupying regime launched a genocidal war on the besieged Gaza.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 71,533 others during the Gaza aggression.

Thursday's killing of the Palestinian aid seekers was one of the single deadliest tragedies in Gaza since the Israeli offensive began. It has drawn global condemnations, with world leaders calling for an independent inquiry into the carnage.

Israel is intentionally starving the Palestinians by blocking the passage of relief supplies into Gaza in a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.

The Hamas official said that Israel's starvation tactic in Gaza is "fully coordinated" by the administration of US President Joe Biden.

'US in collusion with Israel in Gaza truce talks'

He also noted that the US administration is "in clear collusion" with the occupying regime in negotiations with Hamas over a Gaza ceasefire.

He further said that Washington is "negotiating on behalf of the occupation" and that it does not want the Resistance to appear victorious by fulfilling its demands to complete a prisoner exchange deal.

Hamas, he emphasized, is preparing its final response to what has been discussed with mediators in Paris and Doha in the past week.

Meanwhile, the official said the Hamas military wing, known as al-Qassam Brigades, is currently in a very good condition.

"What the resistance lost of its strength does not exceed 20% of its material capabilities, and in terms of human losses, it is much less than what the Israeli army announces," he added.

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UN Security Council voices 'deep concern' over deadly attack on Gaza aid convoy

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 7:07 AM

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has expressed "deep concern" after nearly 120 Palestinians lost their lives in an Israeli attack on civilians waiting to receive humanitarian aid southwest of Gaza City.

The joint statement from members added that several hundred people were also injured in the Thursday incident, and some had sustained "gunshot wounds as observed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)."

It, however, did not specify who was responsible for the gunfire.

The Security Council members went on to "extend their sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift and complete recovery for those who have been injured."

The members also "urged Israel to keep border crossings open for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, to facilitate the opening of additional crossings to meet humanitarian needs at scale, and to support the rapid and safe delivery of relief items to people in all of the Gaza Strip."

They urged for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reminded all parties that they "must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law."

The council members said they also have "grave concern" over the estimation...that all 2.2 million people in Gaza would face alarming levels of acute food insecurity.

They called for parties to the conflict to allow, facilitate, and enable the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.

The statement comes less than two days after the US blocked a previous UN Security Council statement, blaming Israel for the aid calamity.

One more Palestinian man died from his wounds on Saturday, bringing the total number of deaths from the Israeli military's "flour massacre" against a group of Palestinians in Gaza who were waiting for humanitarian aid to 118, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said.

"A citizen died at Kamal Adwan Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the Rasheed Street massacre on Thursday morning," the ministry said in a statement.

EU blasts Israeli restrictions on entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza

Meanwhile, the European Union has censured restrictions imposed by the Israeli regime on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, in a statement, recalled the recent Israeli attack on civilians in the blockaded territory, describing it as "unjustifiable."

"We request an impartial international investigation on this tragic event allowing for a clear picture of the events and responsibilities," he said, urging Israel to comply with the rules of international law and to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations.

Borrell urged Israel to "fully cooperate" with the UN agencies and other humanitarian actors involved in the humanitarian response and to allow free, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access through all crossing points.

"We condemn the restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of humanitarian aid and on the opening of crossing points," he said.

Borrell added that the EU also urges Israel to remove immediately the obstacles at the Kerem Shalom crossing and open the access in the north at Karni and Erez crossings so as to open the port of Ashdod to humanitarian aid and to allow a direct humanitarian corridor from Jordan.

Borrell has been one of the most outspoken European politicians on the ongoing Israeli ground and air strikes against Gaza, calling on Western countries, and particularly the United States, to stop providing arms to Israel in light of the growing number of civilian casualties in the besieged coastal territory.

Last month, the EU top diplomat reacted to US President Joe Biden's recent comment that Israel's military action was "over the top," noting, "If you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed."

The chief EU diplomat also slammed an order by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the more than one million Palestinians sheltering in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah need to be "evacuated" ahead of a planned military operation there.

"They are going to evacuate  where? To the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?" Borrell asked.

At least 30,320 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been confirmed killed and 71,533 others injured so far during Israel's genocidal war, which began following Operation al-Aqsa Storm by Gaza-based resistance movements.

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At least 14 killed as Israel bombs house in Rafah

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 7:01 AM

At least 14 Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli attack on a neighborhood in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, as the death toll in the war-torn territory rises to 30,320.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said dozens of people were also injured in the attack when Israeli warplanes bombed the three-story house of the Abu Anza family in the Al-Salam neighborhood, east of Rafah on Sunday night.

Israel intensifies its assault on Rafah, leaving at least 11 people dead in an airstrike on tents housing displaced civilians near a hospital in Rafah on Saturday.

An estimated 1.4 million Palestinians, most of them displaced people who fled attacks in the north, have crammed into Rafah.

The city faces an imminent threat of Israeli ground invasion in spite of stern warnings about the consequences of such an offensive.

Israeli forces also launched a fierce aerial and artillery assault north of Khan Yunis on Saturday night. Simultaneously, they advanced towards Hamad Towers, unleashing a barrage of shells and targeting Palestinian homes.

Moreover, a number of Palestinians were killed and injured in an attack on a residence located in the heart of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also raided west of the Nuseirat camp in the middle of the Gaza Strip, leaving multiple casualties.

Truce talks are expected to resume in Cairo on Sunday. However, the details beyond a possible six-week cessation of hostilities remain uncertain, despite assertions from US officials that Israel has "more or less accepted" a framework deal and a ceasefire is imminent.

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Mar. 2: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 30,300 Palestinians so far, including at least 14,000 children, 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 Saturday, March 2, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Mar. 2:

Seized a Skylark reconnaissance drone of the Israeli military during its spying mission, south of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza.

Blew up two Merkava tanks, southeast of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood with "Shoath" explosives.

Detonated an anti-personnel "Ra'diya" explosive device against an Israeli infantry force, southeast of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

Targeted two Merkava tanks of the Israeli military with Yassin-105 rockets, southeast of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

Detonated a building with two anti-personnel devices, after the entry of Israeli infantry force, resulting in several casualties, in the Satar area north of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Mar. 2:

In a joint operation with the Mujahideen Brigades, targeted an Israeli Hermes-900 drone with a SAM-7 rocket in the skies of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip.

Shelled a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Netzarim" axis south of Gaza with mortar shells.

Shelled illegal Israeli settlements in the Gaza envelope with a rocket barrage.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Mar. 2:

Targeted an Israeli army vehicle with a "Saeer" missile, east of Jabalia town, northern Gaza Strip.

Shelled a gathering of Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the southern Al-Zaytoun axis in Gaza with a barrage of mortar shells.

Al-Aqsa Brigades' operations on Mar. 2:

Targeted an Israeli Merkava tank and a military bulldozer with Tandem and RPG rockets in the Al-Zaytoun battle axis.

Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces using appropriate weapons on the axis of Khan Younis city, south of the Gaza Strip.

Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces using appropriate weapons on the axis of the south Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City.

Hezbollah's operations on Mar. 2:



Eastern sector:

At around 15:20 local time, the Al-Za'oura site was targeted with missiles.

At around 17:30 local time, the Zibdin barracks in Shebaa were targeted with missiles.

Western sector:

At around 05:40 local time, the Liman command base was targeted with drones.

At around 10:10 local time, Israeli soldiers in the Jal al-Alam site were targeted with missiles.

At around 16:40 local time, the Rahib site was targeted with missiles.

At around 19:00 local time, the Hadab Yarin site was targeted with two Burkan missiles.

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Framework of Gaza Ceasefire Deal Includes 1-for-10 Swap of Hostages, Prisoners - Reports

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The framework of a proposed deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip includes an exchange of some 400 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel for 40 Israeli hostages, the Axios news website reported on Sunday, citing unnamed US officials.

The hostages that are supposed to be freed by Hamas include women, men over 50 and men with serious illnesses, the report read. Israel, in turn, will free Palestinian prisoners, including 15 convicted of murdering Israelis, Axios said.

US President Joe Biden in calls with Egyptian and Qatari leaders is pushing to make Israel and Hamas agree to the ceasefire deal before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins on March 10.

The draft deal also includes a six-week pause in hostilities and a gradual return of Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip, the news website said.

In total, Hamas is believed to be holding 134 hostages, Axios said.

 Sputnik

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Qatar, US, Hamas Delegations Arrive in Cairo for New Round of Truce Talks in Gaza - Reports

Sputnik News

20240303

CAIRO (Sputnik) - The delegations of Qatar, the United States and the Palestinian movement Hamas have arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo for a new round of talks on a possible truce in the Gaza Strip, Al Qahera News channel reported on Sunday.

On Saturday, the broadcaster reported that the truce talks would be resumed in Cairo on Sunday with all parties in attendance.

On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. At least 30,000 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said.

On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.

 Sputnik

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US Confirms UK-Owned Ship Sank in Gulf of Aden After Houthi Attack

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the cargo vessel attacked by Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, on February 18 sank.

The vessel was carrying about 21,000 metric tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, which now "presents an environmental risk in the Red Sea," CENTCOM said.

On February 19, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said that the movement forces had attacked the UK-owned Rubymar cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. Sky News Arabia reported, citing sources, that the vessel had sunk.

Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led the United States to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. Forces of the US and the United Kingdom later launched major strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels.

 Sputnik

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Italian Warship Shoots Down Drone in Red Sea

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Italian guided missile destroyer Duilio shot down a drone heading towards it in the Red Sea on Saturday, the Italian Defense Ministry said.

"This afternoon, guided by the principle of self-defense, the ship Duilio shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle in the Red Sea. The unmanned aerial vehicle, similar in its characteristics to those already used in previous attacks, was approximately 6 kilometers [3.7 miles] from the Italian ship and was flying towards it," the ministry said in a statement.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the Houthi attacks "terrorist," adding that they were a "serious violation of international law" and an "attack on the safety of maritime transport" on which the country's economy depends, the statement read.

Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led the United States to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. Forces of the US and the United Kingdom later launched major strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels.

 Sputnik

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Gaza Cease-Fire Talks to Resume Sunday

By VOA News March 03, 2024

Negotiations are to resume in Cairo on Sunday for a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza with mediators from Egypt and Qatar expect to receive a response from Hamas on the latest proposed framework, reports say.

Israel has more or less accepted the framework, a senior Biden administration official said Saturday.

"Right now, the ball is in the court of Hamas, and we are continuing to push this as hard as we possibly can," said the official, who spoke to reporters anonymously because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the talks.

The deal, if accepted as proposed, is for a six-week cease-fire and the release of hostages considered vulnerable. It would also allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

"I don't want to create expectations one way or the other," the official added, according to Reuters.

Hamas has not backed away from its position that a temporary truce must be the start of a process toward ending the war altogether, according to Egyptian sources and a Hamas official.

Agence France-Presse reported Sunday morning that a senior Hamas official had said a cease-fire might be possible within 24 to 48 hours if Israel accepts Hamas damands.

"If Israel agrees to Hamas demands, which include the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid, that would pave the way for a [truce] agreement within the next 24 to 48 hours," AFP quoted the official as saying.

Mediators have been working to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month beginning March 10 or 11, hoping for an end to the almost five-month conflict that has ravaged Hamas-ruled Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden has also expressed hope for a cease-fire by Ramadan but told reporters Friday, "We're not there yet."

Biden and other world leaders are under pressure to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinians. Five months of war and severely reduced aid deliveries have left an estimated one-fourth of Gaza's population near famine.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. Israel responded with an air and land assault on Gaza, killing more than 30,000, according to the local health ministry. Nearly three-quarters of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced.

Residents reported tanks and shelling on Sunday around Khan Younis. In Rafah, authorities said 25 people were killed in two Israeli strikes.

Harris, Gantz to meet

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House Monday, as Washington tries to secure a temporary cease-fire and an increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The talks are expected to focus on Palestinian civilian casualties, securing a temporary cease-fire and the release of hostages held in Gaza as well as increasing aid into the enclave, a White House official said.

"The vice president will express her concern over the safety of as many as 1.5 million people in Rafah," the official said, adding that Israel has a "right to defend itself in the face of continued Hamas terrorist threats."

In a statement, Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of Congress.

Gantz, a former Israeli military chief and defense minister, is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main political rival in opinion polls. According to Haaretz.com, an independent Israeli news site, a senior official close to Netanyahu reportedly said Saturday that the prime minister does not approve of Gantz's visit to Washington.

Airdropped meals over Gaza

The U.S. military airdropped food and aid over Gaza on Saturday  the first round of emergency humanitarian assistance authorized by Biden, U.S. officials said.

Palestinians posted videos on social media showing boxes of aid being dropped by U.S. military C-130 cargo planes. The first stage of the humanitarian operation saw more than 35,000 meals and aid airdropped on pallets into the enclave, where the United Nations reports one-quarter of the population is just one step from famine.

The White House has said the airdrops will be a sustained effort and that Israel is supportive of the operation.

The militaries of Jordan and Egypt said they also have conducted airdrops.

Biden gave the go-ahead for the humanitarian operation, the first of many, after at least 115 Palestinians were killed while swarming to get supplies from the aid convoys being delivered Thursday. Hundreds more were injured during the mayhem, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

The Israeli military pledged Saturday it would conduct an exhaustive and truthful investigation into the cause of those deaths as international calls for an investigation have grown.

Gaza Health authorities said 118 people were killed in Thursday's incident, attributing the deaths to Israeli fire and calling it a massacre.

Israel disputed those figures saying most victims were trampled or run over during the chaotic aid delivery.

An Israeli official also said troops had "in a limited response" later fired on crowds they felt had posed a threat.

The latest violence pushed the Palestinian death toll in the nearly five-month war to more than 30,000, with another 71,000 injured and many more missing under the rubble, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Thousands of Inmates Escape Haiti's Main Prison During Police-Gang Gunfight

By Sandra Lemaire, Matiado Vilme March 03, 2024

Thousands of prisoners fled Haiti's National Penitentiary, located in the capital, during a Saturday night gunbattle between national police and armed gangs, an official told VOA.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is currently overseas. He traveled last week to Kenya, where he signed a bilateral accord to authorize 1,000 Kenyan police officers who will lead a multinational security force. The United Nations authorized the force to help Haiti combat gang violence and reestablish security.

It was unclear where the prime minister was Sunday. Kenyan President William Ruto's office did not respond to a request by VOA for information on Henry's whereabouts.

The Henry government has not officially commented on what is happening in Haiti.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has not yet publicly commented on the weekend violence.

VOA journalists who went Sunday to the penitentiary in downtown Port-au-Prince saw bodies inside and outside the building.

An engineer, who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of law enforcement officials, said he was working with the national police to survey the situation Sunday morning.

The engineer said 99 prisoners remained inside the jail. He said the penitentiary previously held close to 4,000 prisoners. He said he was not prepared to give an estimate of how many prisoners died during the jailbreak.

Among the bodies outside the building were civilians who had been caught in the crossfire, he said, adding that the police commissioner would publish official numbers later. The Associated Press reported that at least five people had been killed.

"Those who remain (inside) are ill, prisoners who were being treated at the dispensary for various illnesses," the engineer told VOA.

Haiti's National Penitentiary houses several high-profile prisoners. Among them: Cholzer Chancy, former president of the Chamber of Deputies who led the parliament between 2016 and 2018; Joseph Felix Badio, a key suspect in President Jovenel Moise's assassination, Clifford Brandt, a convicted drug dealer who is the son of one of the richest men in Haiti.

The engineer told VOA Brandt had been transferred out of the prison before the gunbattle.

"No, Brandt is not here. They took him out and brought him to another location," he said. He did not provide any other details.

A video widely shared on social media shows Brandt being taken out of the prison, accompanied by armed policemen and transferred to a police armored vehicle. VOA could not verify when the video was recorded.

Marcelin Myrthil, arrested in connection with the grassroots anti-gang Bwa Kale movement, was also imprisoned at the penitentiary.

The Bwa Kale movement targeted suspected gang members, many being chased by citizens and lynched or executed in the streets. Myrthil distributed machetes to communities plagued by gang violence and encouraged civilians to execute suspected thugs. Myrthil had been relocated by the police, the engineer told VOA.

"He is in a secure place. I can't tell you where he is," the engineer said.

Eighteen former Colombian soldiers, accused in connection with the Moise assassination, were among the 99 prisoners who chose to remain in their jail cells. VOA spoke to a prisoner who identified himself as Francisco Eladio Uribe.

Speaking in Spanish, the man told VOA: "I did not escape last night because I don't owe anyone anything. I am innocent. I came to this country to work toward a better future for my family. I ended up getting caught in the middle of a plot planned by an American company called CTV. It's because of their trap that I'm in this situation today."

In a video post that was widely shared on Haitian social media Saturday, the soldiers pleaded with the Colombian government, their families and the international community for help.

A 2022 Human Rights Watch report on Haiti's prisons cited overcrowding, lack of food and drinkable water, and unsanitary conditions that resulted in outbreaks of disease.

World Prison Brief, a nongovernmental organization that monitors prisons worldwide, found that in 2020, Haiti's prisons were 302% over capacity.

Jimmy Cherizier, known as "Barbecue," leader of Haiti's powerful G9 gang alliance, told journalists last week the rival gangs had "united" and launched a "revolution" to remove from power Prime Minister Henry. On Friday, he appealed to national police officers to join the gang effort.

Cherizier is a former policeman who has been targeted by sanctions issued by the United Nations and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The U.S. accused him of complicity in the La Saline massacre that targeted a Port-au-Prince slum and resulted in at least 71 civilian deaths.

The U.S. State Department condemned the violence in Haiti in a statement emailed to VOA Friday.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and condemn destabilizing efforts in Haiti by those acting in their own self-interest," a spokesperson said.

On Sunday, the State Department did not respond to a request from VOA for comment regarding the jailbreak.

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50 airstrikes in 6 minutes on Gaza: Israeli media

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 4, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The military of the Zionist regime carried out 50 airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis in just 6 minutes, an Israeli newspaper reported on Sunday.

Israeli occupation forces rained down missiles in the vicinity of Hamad city in Khan Yunis, Palestinian media cited a reported published by Yediot Aharonot newspaper

Israeli forces have intensified shelling and bombings of Gaza while invading troops infiltrating into the area that have reportedly prompted Palestinian refugees to leave this city.

Previously, Al Jazeera reported about the dire health and humanitarian situation inside Khan Yunis Hospital due to the increase in the number of refugees as well as wounded people admitted to this hospital.

Khan Yunis and Rafah have become focal points of the regime's warplanes and artillery amid threat of a ground invasion of Rafah, a city which according to the UN, is crammed with about one and a half million Gazans.

Israeli dilemma

Meanwhile, a Hamas official said the Zionist regime is helpless, confused and aimless both on the battlefield and in the negotiations for the Gaza ceasefire.

The confusion of the Zionists can be seen in their mass killing and genocide of hungry and famine-stricken civilians in Gaza, Al Jazeera network quoted the official on Sunday night without mentioning his name.

The remarks came as the Palestinian resistance movement has expressed its eagerness about reaching an agreement to end the Israeli aggression and facilitate aid and relief.

The unnamed Hamas official told Al Jazeera that a Hamas delegation is present in Cairo to meet with the Egyptian and Qatari authorities and present its perspective, adding that the presence or absence of the Zionist delegation is not important for Palestinians.

Israeli forces on Sunday shelled hundreds of Palestinian aid-seekers who had gathered near the Kuwaiti roundabout in Gaza. The shelling killed nine Palestinians and injured dozens more. Over 100 Palestinians were killed on Thursday after Israeli troops opened fire at people waiting for food aid in Gaza City.

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Missiles hit Zionist forces 'directly': Hezbollah

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 4, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement announced on Monday morning that it has targeted Israeli forces stationed at several locations in the occupied territories with direct missile strikes.

In a statement, Hezbollah said missiles were fired at the Wadi Qatmoum area where Israeli forces were gathers.

Those missiles hit the target directly, said the statement which was published by the Lebanese Al Ahed news agency.

Hezbollah also announced that it targeted enemy forces at another Israeli base located in the occupied Palestinian village of Al-Malikiyya with mortars.

Israeli has not disclosed the fatalities and damage from the latest attack on its positions.

At the end of this statement, it is stated that these attacks were in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and their resistance.

The statement followed media reports of several attacks targeting Zionist forces in northern parts of the occupied Palestine that left a number of soldiers dead or injured.

Reports said that new drone and missile attacks targeting the Esba al-Jalil area, a military base in Kiryat Shmona and Al-Samaka base in the occupied Sheba'a Farms caused heavy losses to the Zionists.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 149 - 03 March 2024

In a significant development amid ongoing negotiations, Hamas has said that it will not agree to the release of hostages without Israel committing to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Citing a source within Hamas, CNN reported that the group is adamant about the cessation of hostilities as a prerequisite for any deal regarding the release of hostages. Apart from the demand for a fixed truce, two other key points preventing an agreement include the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops from Gaza and the allowance for civilians to return to the northern Gaza Strip. Additionally, Hamas has insisted on the provision of aid to both the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip before agreeing to any deal. Israel has sought specific assurances from Hamas regarding the release of hostages and the number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange.

According to Israeli media, the fears of the Israeli security authorities regarding the upcoming Ramadan season in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem are rising, amid warnings from the occupation that Hamas may exploit the most important time for Muslims as an opportunity to ignite the scene. The biblical holidays for the Jews this year intersect with the second week of Ramadan and Tarawih prayers, which may open the door to a new battle in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ramadan is celebrated Mar 10, 2024  Apr 9, 2024. Tarawih, also known as Taraweeh, is a voluntary (nafl) night prayer performed by Muslims during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Tarawih prayers are a sunnah of the Prophet, which means that it was his practice to perform them. Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people from annihilation in the 5th century BCE. The story is told in the Book of Esther and is known as the Feast of Lots. Purim dates are March 2324, 2024.

Hamas called on 28 February 2024 for Palestinians to march to Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque at the start of Ramadan, raising the stakes. This is a call on our people in Jerusalem and the West Bank to march to Al-Aqsa since the first day of Ramadan, said Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. It is the duty of the Arab and Islamic nations to take the initiative to break the starvation conspiracy in Gaza, Haniyeh said.

War Termination

David Ignatius in The Washington Post wrote that the Biden administration sees the relief truck incident as a summary of what went wrong in Gaza. Israel has no plan to maintain the system, a senior administration official told me. Israeli officials rejected American warnings about their confused plans for the next day. But these recent events indicate that Israel's stated plan for loose control of Gaza by tribes and local leaders is hollow at its core.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that future governance in Gaza should be civilian administration by local groups not affiliated with Hamas. But as former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak wrote Friday in Foreign Affairs: In practice, this means empowering a number of powerful families in Gaza, some of whom are involved in organized crime.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said during a visit to the command of the 98th Division on the Gaza Strip border on Sunday that Tel Aviv will not end this war without completely eliminating the Hamas movement. According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, after Gallant listened to the commander of the 98th Division, Dan Goldfus, about the progress of the ground maneuver in the Khan Yunis area, the minister told the soldiers: We are dismantling (Hamas) one alive after another, and in the end the result is clear. There is no one to help the terrorists. "Our decision is only what we will deal with first. We will not end this war without eliminating Hamas. There will be no Hamas as a ruling organization. This will take some time."

In the same context, the Israeli Defense Minister announced in late February that the costs incurred by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip in terms of the dead and wounded are high. Gallant also indicated that his army entered the most sensitive Hamas sites, adding that the intensification of military operations brings us closer to reaching a realistic agreement to return the detainees.

The delegation of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) had arrived in Cairo, coinciding with the arrival of delegations of Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators. The sources reported that the movements meeting with the mediators in Cairo will begin at two oclock in the afternoon local time (12 GMT), while no information has been received yet about whether the Israeli delegation will head to Cairo to participate in the negotiations aimed at reaching a truce in the Gaza Strip.

Egyptian media had quoted an unnamed high-ranking Egyptian source as confirming that negotiations would resume in Cairo on Sunday, indicating progress in the discussions aimed at declaring a truce in Gaza before the advent of the month of Ramadan, which falls on March 11 astronomically. Sources also told Al Jazeera that two delegations from Hamas and Israel will arrive in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, today, to begin a new indirect negotiating round to reach an agreement.

For its part, Reuters quoted two Egyptian security sources - yesterday, Saturday - that ceasefire negotiations in Gaza are scheduled to resume in Cairo today. The two sources added - according to Reuters - that the parties agreed on the duration of the truce in Gaza and the release of prisoners and detainees, and they explained that completing the deal still requires agreeing on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Gaza and the return of its residents.

The two sources said - according to the agency - that the killing of more than 100 Palestinians by Israeli fire last Thursday while they were seeking aid did not slow down the progress of the talks, but it prompted the negotiators to speed up in order to maintain the progress achieved in the negotiations.

A leading Hamas source told Agence France-Presse on Sunday that agreeing on a truce in Gaza is possible within 24 to 48 hours if Israel responds to the movements demands. The source, who requested to remain anonymous, said, Today (Sunday) a round of negotiations begins in Cairo... and if Israel responds, the way will be paved for an agreement within the next twenty-four or forty-eight hours.

According to a senior Palestinian Resistance source, ceasefire negotiations are being stalled by "Israel," and it is clear to mediators that Israelis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are intentionally disrupting any serious negotiations. The source told Al Mayadeen that Israeli media was spreading misinformation about the discussions, adding that promoting erroneous information is part of a larger narrative that favors Netanyahu's political interests.

The source explained that Netanyahu opposes discussions that result in a deal that guarantees disengagement from the Gaza Strip, return of the displaced, reconstruction, and the lifting of the siege. Netanyahu is primarily concerned with protecting his political future at the price of Palestinian lives said the source.

Sources in the leadership of the Palestinian Resistance revealed to Al Mayadeen some of the key details in the ongoing mediated negotiations between the Resistance and Israel. The framework for a deal consists of three stages, where the details and clauses behind each stage will be negotiated separately. The duration of the proposed truce ranges between 40 and 45 days each, our sources confirmed.

The proposal submitted by the mediating countries stipulates a cessation of fighting for a period of 6 weeks and the release of 42 hostages held in Gaza, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The mediators hope that an agreement will be reached on the truce before the start of the month of Ramadan on March 10 or 11.

The United States said that a ceasefire agreement was already on the table and that Israel had approved it, only requiring Hamas approval. But the two warring parties did not provide little information about the extent of progress regarding the agreement. After the arrival of the Hamas delegation, an informed Palestinian official told Reuters that they were not yet close to finalizing the agreement. There was no official confirmation from the Israeli side, even regarding the attendance of the delegation it represents.

An informed source said that Israel may not send any delegation to Cairo unless Hamas first presents a complete list of the names of the hostages who are still alive, a demand that a Palestinian source said Hamas has so far rejected as premature. However, a US official told reporters, "The path to a ceasefire now, literally at this hour, is clear and direct. There is an agreement on the table. There is a framework agreement." Concluding an agreement would lead to the first long truce in the war that broke out five months ago and has only stopped for one week in November, as dozens of hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

Aid will also be intensified to the besieged Gaza Strip to save the lives of Palestinians who have been pushed to the brink of famine. The fighting will stop in time to avert a planned large-scale Israeli attack on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are trapped at the Strip's border fence. Israeli forces will withdraw from some areas, and allow Gazans to return to the homes from which they were displaced earlier as a result of the war.

But the agreement will fall short of meeting Hamas's main demand for a permanent end to the war, and will leave the fate of more than half of the remaining hostages, including Israeli men of fighting age who are not included in the agreement, which is limited to freeing hostages of women, children, the elderly, and the wounded.

Egyptian mediators suggest setting aside these issues for the time being, with guarantees to resolve them in later stages. A Hamas source told Reuters that the movement is still committed to reaching a "comprehensive agreement." A source in the Hamas movement said that an agreement is possible if Israel responds to the movements demands. He explained: Today (Sunday) a round of negotiations will begin in Cairo... and if Israel responds, the way will be paved for an agreement within the next twenty-four or forty-eight hours.

Sources affirmed that there has been slight progress in the negotiations and that Israelis have softened their approach to some issues, specifically regarding the issue of returning forcibly displaced Palestinians and the number of prisoners included in a possible exchange deal. They also revealed that Israel agreed to the return of forcibly displaced Palestinians to their homes under the condition that it is limited to women and children and those under 18 years old. Our sources emphasized that Hamas rejected this clause. Regarding the Resistance's demand that Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip, sources said that Israel still insists on maintaining a military presence in the Gaza Strip during the first stage of the agreement.

It is worth noting that France has hosted multiple meetings of mediators and Israeli, American, Egyptian, and Qatari intelligence officers on multiple occasions, attempting to craft a deal for a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire, which the Israeli side has deliberately obstructed by ignoring calls for a lasting ceasefire. Two major talks occurred this year, however, the latest resulted in what the Resistance described as Israeli "obstruction" of a breakthrough in talks.

Operational Update

There were 24 regional battalions in Gaza  we have dismantled 18 of them, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told foreign reporters. Now, Rafah is the next Hamas center of gravity.

David Ignatius in The Washington Post wrote that at every point in this conflict, there was immediate disagreement over who bore responsibility for the food truck massacre. The Palestinians accused Israeli forces of committing a massacre against civilians, but Israel denied that its forces had any role. According to US officials who spoke Friday with IDF commanders, Israeli forces at a checkpoint at the back of the convoy opened fire, killing about 10 people.

The picture could change as details continue to emerge, but most deaths appear to have been caused by extreme panic. Palestinian civilians have been bombed from their homes, pushed into refugee camps, deprived of food and sanitation, and now clinging to trucks in their struggle to survive, while Hamas hides underground, and Israel protects its forces but not the civilian population.

The backdrop to Thursday's tragedy is a case study of Israel's deeply flawed management of this war. After the first months of brutal fighting, humanitarian aid finally began flowing smoothly early this year, with more than 200 trucks a day distributing aid, according to US officials. But in late January, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir asked police to allow demonstrators to close the main border crossing at Kerem Shalom in protest against Hamas' refusal to release all hostages.

American officials say that with the closure of the crossing, panic began to spread. Food supplies in Gaza quickly became scarce, leading to hoarding and looting. United Nations aid workers were attacked by armed gangs while trying to bring trucks into Gaza. The trucks were accompanied by Gaza police. But the police were affiliated with Hamas, and after Israel started targeting them with drones, American officials told me, the police backed off.

US officials said contractors in Gaza posted a notice of the scheduled delivery on Facebook. For this reason, hundreds of Palestinians gathered before dawn on Thursday to claim their share of what is to come. The line of 30 trucks stretched for one kilometre. As the Palestinians raced alongside the trucks in the dark, the terror began.

Operational Update - Gaza

The military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that the " Al-Yassin 105 " Qassam missiles destroyed more Israeli occupation army vehicles - during the current war - than Arab air weapons destroyed in 70 years. Al-Duwairi revealed - during his military analysis segment for Al Jazeera - that the number of Israeli vehicles destroyed by the resistance in Gaza - completely or partially - had increased from 1,108 vehicles to 1,200 according to the latest figures.

He indicated that the Palestinian resistance destroyed approximately 50% of all Israeli vehicles (tanks, personnel carriers, and bulldozers) since the start of the massive ground attack on October 27. Regarding the recent Al-Qassam video related to the battles in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza, and the exit of fighters from tunnels before targeting the occupation soldiers and vehicles, Al-Duwairi said that the new scenes prove that the combat tunnels are different from what the occupation published when it said that they were a few tunnels, and they are still a black box.

He stressed that the occupation army suffers from great challenges and dilemmas, especially booby-trapping operations at tunnel openings and luring them to killing areas, despite its intelligence and technical system. He praised the ability of the Palestinian resistance to employ weapons to confront the occupation, and added that anyone who watches a military parade by the occupying army is convinced that Gaza will fall within 48 hours, which did not happen after 4 months of the ground battle.

The Wall Street Journal had quoted the occupation soldiers as acknowledging that the army had not yet found a systematic solution to find and destroy the tunnels of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in the Gaza Strip. The newspaper quoted occupation soldiers as saying, Hamas operations are carried out with deceptive ambushes in all buildings in the Strip, as the movements tactics attract soldiers to specially prepared ambushes.

The Israeli army announced the expansion of its operations in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip . In return, the Palestinian resistance announced the destruction of 6 Israeli tanks and the bombing of the Kissufim site on the Gaza Strip . Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said that the Israeli army is expanding its operations north of Khan Yunis, and is trying to reach areas that it had not entered before, especially Al-Qarara and Hamad Town.

Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that Israeli occupation aircraft launched dozens of raids and fire belts on the town of Al-Qarara and other areas north of the city of Khan Yunis, which led to significant human and material damage. In turn, Al-Aqsa Channel said that occupation tanks were surrounding the people in Hamad Town, north of Khan Yunis, amid artillery shelling and random shooting.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Commando Brigade soldiers continue to fight violent battles west of Khan Yunis, during which they eliminated dozens of what he called terrorists. Hagari claimed that Israeli forces carried out raids on sites, according to specific intelligence information. He added that the "Egoz" unit raided the compound of the head of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar , where the soldiers found Kalashnikov weapons hidden in the building. The soldiers also raided another compound, where they found a lot of military equipment.

In Rafah , south of the Gaza Strip, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported that 14 people, including 6 children, were martyred, in addition to those injured and missing, in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house for the Abu Anza family in the Al-Jeneina neighborhood, east of Rafah. Regional and international warnings are escalating regarding the Israeli bombing of the city of Rafah, with the occupation declaring its readiness to invade it by land, and the danger this poses to hundreds of thousands of displaced people who have taken refuge there as a last refuge in the far south of the Strip. Al Jazeera's correspondent added that the occupation army intensified its artillery and air bombardment on southern Deir al-Balah in the middle of the Gaza Strip, and that the bombing is still continuing until now. In Gaza City , Palestinian media said that occupation forces continued to fire heavy smoke bombs south of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, coinciding with artillery shelling at the place.

Israeli boats also continue to bomb the coastal strip of Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip from time to time.

Four Palestinians were martyred as a result of an Israeli raid that targeted a home for the Al-Kahlot family on Al-Saftawi Street, north of Gaza City. In the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, civil defense teams recovered 10 martyrs and dozens of injuries after the occupation aircraft bombed a house for the Abu Wadi family near Abu Hussein School.

On the other hand, the Al- Quds Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement - said that it bombed the "Kissufim" military site for the third time with mortar shells. The brigades added - in a separate statement - that they targeted two Zionist tanks in Abasan, east of Khan Yunis, and blew up a building in a Zionist force, leaving them dead and wounded.

As for the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera obtained new scenes of battles between the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Israeli army, and the scenes show tanks being targeted, damaged, and ambushes being set up by Israeli forces.

In turn, Al-Qassam - the military wing of the Hamas movement - said that its fighters seized a Skylark reconnaissance plane that was on an enemy intelligence mission south of the Zaytoun neighborhood. It added that its fighters blew up two Zionist Merkava tanks with strobe charges, and detonated an anti-personnel device in an Israeli foot force southeast of the Zaytoun neighborhood as well. Al-Qassam confirmed that it targeted two "Merkava" tanks with "Al-Yassin 105" shells, southeast of the Zaytoun neighborhood.

Operational Update - Judea-Samaria

The Jerusalem Endowments and Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department said that it has completed its preparations at Al-Aqsa Mosque to receive worshipers during the month of Ramadan, which falls next week. This was announced by the Director of the Department, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, who briefed the Council of Endowments, Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites and all Islamic authorities and bodies in Jerusalem , on the most important preparations for the month of Ramadan, according to a statement issued by the Council, a copy of which reached Al Jazeera Net.

Among the preparations announced by Al-Khatib are the daily imamate program for the evening and Tarawih prayers, the sermon, imamate, and Holy Quran recitation program for Friday prayers, Holy Quran recitation programs, and Sharia science lessons throughout the days of the month of Ramadan and Fridays in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. He added that volunteer emergency and medical committees and associations will provide health services to worshipers in the mosque throughout the month of Ramadan, and a group of temporary field clinics will be deployed inside the courtyards of the mosque.

According to a statement by the Council of Endowments, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, The seclusion program in the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque this year will be as usual, as worshipers spend their time in tahajjud, dhikr, and worship throughout the night until the Duha prayer, on Thursday nights after Friday and Friday after Saturday, and all nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan until... On the morning of the first day of Eid.

Over the past years, preventing seclusion in the mosque sparked a confrontation between worshipers and the occupation forces, who stormed the mosque and forcibly expelled those secluded from it.

On Friday, the Israeli police allowed only the elderly to pass through the gates of the Old City to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque, while the young men were returned to their homes. The Friday preacher, Sheikh Youssef Abu Sneineh, said, Al-Aqsa Mosque is special for Muslims, and under no circumstances may Muslims be prevented from reaching it to perform their religious rituals.

In a joint operation by the IDF and the Shin Bet, the terrorist Mahmoud Muhammad Abed Khach was eliminated this morning in the central camps in the Gaza Strip using an aircraft. Hach was trusted in his military role to recruit new operatives for the terrorist organization Hamas and in particular for the Zeyton Brigades. Hach worked in aspects of fundraising and funding for terrorist purposes for the military activities of the terrorist organization Hamas.

Documentation of a divisional operation led by the combat team of the 401st Brigade in the Zeyton region: destruction of an underground route, damage to infrastructure, reinforcement targets and destruction of the enemy. The launch targets, munitions production and the underground where the combat team operated in the Zeyton neighborhood.

The maneuvering forces and the fire center of Division 98 launched an extensive divisional attack in the west of Khan Yunis to deepen the operational achievement, while destroying terrorist infrastructures and eliminating terrorists in the terrorist organization Hamas who operate from civilian facilities in the heart of the built-up area.

The divisional operation began with an opening flight, in the framework of which fighter jets of the Air Force attacked about 50 terrorist targets in 6 minutes with the help of artillery forces. Among the targets that were attacked were underground infrastructures, military buildings, anti-tank firing positions, trapped buildings and gathering points of terrorists who posed a threat to the forces in the area.

The extensive airstrike was designed to create favorable conditions for the ground forces and at the end of it, the brigade combat teams began a surprise assault on the area, during which the fighters raided terrorist targets and eliminated terrorists, the forces continue to operate in the area with intensity.

During the last day, the fighters of the Nahal Brigade's combat team eliminated dozens of terrorists in the central area of the Gaza Strip and located weapons. In one of the activities, the brigade's fire complex detected a squad of terrorists loading weapons and moving towards fighters in the area. In response, an aircraft attacked and destroyed the squad.

Operational Update - Lebanon

Fighter jets attacked a military structure and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area of ??Aita al-Sha'ab. Another military infrastructure of the organization was attacked in the area of Kfar Kila. During the day, a number of launches from Lebanese territory into Israeli territory were detected in the areas of Metula, Reger and Malkiyya.

Lebanese Hezbollah announced on Sunday night that it had targeted two Israeli forces that attempted to infiltrate Lebanese territory, confirming that direct casualties had been achieved. Hezbollah issued two statements saying: In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance: At 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night (Lebanon time): During an attempt by an enemy Israeli force to infiltrate into Lebanese territory in the Wadi Qatmoun area opposite Rmeish, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance targeted it with missile weapons, and achieved "There are direct casualties."" At 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, Monday: During an attempt by an enemy Israeli force from the Golani Brigade to infiltrate into Lebanese territory from the direction of Khirbet Zarit, opposite the Lebanese town of Ramia, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance detonated an explosive device. "The infiltrating force then targeted it with a number of artillery shells and caused direct hits."

Operational Update - Yemen

Theresa Fallon noted "Shipping a 40-foot container from Asia to Northern Europe, one of the routes hit hardest by the Red Sea attacks, cost $4,587 per container last week, 350 percent more than at the end of September."

Maps

All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper [in old days] is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness.

Bystanders

The UN Security Council adopted a press statement drafted by Algeria expressing its grave concern about the Nabulsi Roundabout massacre in the Gaza Strip , while the number of martyrs of the massacre increased, while continuing to question the account presented by the Israeli army regarding the massacre, in which hundreds were killed, including martyrs and wounded.

The council said in the statement that it was "deeply concerned by reports that more than 100 people lost their lives" and several hundred others were injured, including people with gunshot wounds. The Council stressed the need to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law.

The Council called on all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population of basic services and humanitarian assistance It expressed his deep concern about estimates issued by the Integrated Interim Classification that all 2,200,000 people in Gaza face alarming levels of acute food insecurity. The Council urged Israel to keep the border crossings open for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Russian deputy delegate expressed his regret that the UN Security Council failed once again to clearly call for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons in Gaza. Al Jazeera's correspondent in New York, Murad Hashem, said that the statement issued by the Security Council came after a difficult struggle and difficulty in agreeing on it, as a result of the American position refusing to condemn Israel, or demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He pointed out that there will be an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly next Monday, to discuss the dangerous situation of UNRWA, and the need to revitalize its operations and resume providing aid to it.

Axis of Resistance

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Conglomeration of almost all Iranian-Backed Militia Groups in Iraq and Syria released a Statement "[In the name of God, the Most Merciful. Permission to those who fight that they have wronged and that God is against their victory is mighty] In continuation of our approach in resisting the occupation, and in support of our people in Gaza and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against the Palestinian civilians of children, women and elders, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked the chemical plant in Mina Haifa in our occupied lands and the Islamic resistance confirms its continuation in the strongholds of the enemies. (And what is victory except in the presence of God that God is wise) Islamic resistance in Iraq Sunday 22 - Sha'ban ". Despite this claim, there have been no attacks reported against Haifa recently nor an Air Raid Alerts for the city.

Allied for Democracy

A recent survey by Israeli Channel 13 showed that 53% of Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively prolonging the war to stay in power. When asked what Netanyahu's purpose for extending the Israeli war on Gaza was, 35% of voters said it was to ensure 'absolute victory', while a crushing 53% believed it was for his own political interest.

The survey also explored the possibility of cabinet member Benny Gantz staying in government, to which 35% agreed that he and the Israeli opposition should exit, while 46% voted they should remain in government. Israeli media quoted Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, in what it called "harsh" claims of Netanyahu using the war in Gaza as a means to stay in power. In detail, Israeli media reported that "Lieberman continues to attack Netanyahu, claiming that the continuation of the war serves him politically."

This comes amid internal Israeli divisions over Netanyahu's political and war conduct, and how he is essentially utilizing the war for his own benefit. The current direction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the ongoing war on Gaza is "to continue the fighting," Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

This approach is marred by a decline in popular support, which initially grew following the operation. However, Netanyahu has now become a source of doubt and concern among Israelis, the report said, adding that "Israel is approaching a dangerous reality of stagnation." Meanwhile, Gantz has been favored internally and internationally. In a previous poll, 15% wanted Netanyahu to remain as Prime Minister, while opposition leader Benny Gantz received support from 23% of respondents. Meanwhile, the Israeli channel Kan reported that senior officials of several Arab countries have been in direct contact with the Israeli minister, Benny Gantz, regarding the Israeli war on Gaza, reflecting their distrust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The British newspaper "The Sunday Times" said that support for the Palestinian cause in key electoral areas presented an unexpected problem for Labor Party leader Keir Starmer , and the starting point was the Rochdale residents' election of George Galloway by an overwhelming majority, thus ending the Labor Party's control over the seat that he had held since 2010.

Galloway, after a campaign focused squarely on the plight of Palestinians, received a majority of 5,697 votes, with a previously unknown independent candidate in second place, and the Conservatives a distant third, ahead of Labor candidate Azhar Ali, who was abandoned by the party after making objectionable comments. With the Labor Party's line on the attacks of 7 October 2023.

Many Labor MPs and some working in Starmer's office explained that Galloway's victory was unique, even though it highlighted a painful political reality, confirming that opposition to Starmer from within the Muslim community is real, and is unlikely to abate as long as Israel remains in power. Notable case. Galloway (69 years old), a former Labor MP who was expelled from the party because of his opposition to the Iraq war, has a unique personality. He has defended the Palestinian cause since raising the Palestinian flag outside the Dandi Council in 1980.

Galloway was elected to Parliament by campaigning against Western foreign policy, and today against Israel specifically, in Labour-controlled constituencies with above-average Muslim communities; Such as: Rochdale, where 21% of its residents described themselves as Muslims in the last census. Galloway campaigned with his fourth wife, Dutch-Indonesian anthropologist Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, with whom he has three of his six children, and described his religious beliefs as a "personal matter", having previously denied claims by Imran Khan's ex-wife that he had converted to Islam.

Galloway - according to the newspaper - publicly exploited the emergence of the conflict in Gaza with messages directed to Muslim voters in Rochdale, saying that a vote for him could help remove Starmer, a major supporter of Israel, and that his election will be heard around the world by North-west England to Palestine.

Starmer's team does not claim to be complacent, and a source said they were "painfully aware" of the Gaza war's potential to damage the party inside and outside Parliament. Starmer had the nerve to finally call for a ceasefire in Gaza, but many in the shadow cabinet felt it was not coming. Until it was too late, and he did not receive any praise because of how hesitant he was.

The newspaper indicated that Starmer was lucky; Because he avoided the test by allowing his party to pass its own amendment on a ceasefire, his MPs would not have had to vote on the proposal put forward by the SNP . If that had happened - according to one participant in the discussions - there would have been a Labor rebellion between 70 and 100 of the partys 70 to 100 members. They number 199 MPs, representing a major test of Starmer's authority within the Progressive Labor Party.

The newspaper indicated that there is a broader fear that Starmer's position, which was closely linked to the positions adopted by the British and United States governments, would erode his position as the candidate for change, and give anti-status quo votes from left-wing and liberal voters to the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats. Perhaps Labour's best hope - according to the Sunday Times - is for Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement, which many believed wais imminent with Qatar's help as Ramadan approaches.

US policy on Israel looks incoherent because it is incoherent, argues Matt Duss, former adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders, and this is making the United States look feckless and weak. Duss told Al-Jazeera host Steve Clemons that Israel is violating US law by using US-supplied weapons while preventing humanitarian aid. But President Joe Biden has simply taken the tools of leverage off the table. Duss, the executive vice president at the Center for International Policy, says there are still no indications that the Abandon Biden movement within the Democratic Party, nor Israels war crimes, will lead to a shift in course anytime soon.

US President Joe Biden said that the amount of aid arriving in Gaza is not sufficient and pledged to "continue to do everything in his power" to provide more of it, at a time when hunger is worsening and claiming the lives of dozens of civilians. Biden added that the United States, in cooperation with Jordan, airdropped the first package of aid.

The United States announced the implementation of the first airdrop of aid into the Gaza Strip using three C-130 aircraft. The US Central Command said that the operation was carried out in conjunction with the Jordanian Air Force, and included dropping 66 packages containing 38,000 meals, but the packages did not include medicines or water, according to what CNN quoted officials as saying.

A senior American official said that delivering aid by air and land to Gaza is not an alternative to delivering it via land, pointing out that Washington did not coordinate the landing process with any group on the ground. He added that the biggest problem they face in Gaza is distributing aid and delivering it to those who need it, according to him.

The American official stressed that Thursday's tragic incident underscores the importance of expanding the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. He said that Washington is in contact with officials in Israel, Cyprus, and the United Nations regarding the possibility of opening a sea route to deliver aid directly to Gaza by sea.

In addition to the United States, Canada is also considering airdropping aid over the Gaza Strip. Jordan, with the participation of other countries, carried out several airdrops of aid over the Gaza Strip. The United Nations warns that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine, while the authorities in Gaza and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas ) have confirmed the death of at least 13 Palestinian children in the Gaza and northern governorates due to hunger and malnutrition.

The Wall Street Journal said that a majority of American voters believe that Israel exaggerated in its response to the attacks of last October 7. In a poll conducted by the newspaper, 42% of voters believed that the Israeli occupation armys response to the Al-Aqsa flood was exaggerated.The poll also concluded that 60% of American voters do not agree with the way the administration of US President Joe Biden dealt with the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip .

The poll stated that 33% of voters believe that the United States does little to help the Palestinians. Yesterday, the United States carried out the first airdrop of aid into the Gaza Strip using three C-130 aircraft, at a time when hunger is worsening and claiming the lives of a large number of civilians. The United Nations warns that the Strip is on the brink of famine, while the authorities in Gaza have confirmed the death of dozens of children in the Gaza and northern governorates due to malnutrition and hunger.

Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers

71,533 Gazans injured

40,000 Gazans killed, including buried under rubble

30,320 Gazans martyred

14,492 Israelis were injured [i24 TV]

12,400 Gazan children martyred

12,000 HAMAS combatants killed [IDF]

11,000 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank in 2023

9,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons

9,000 IDF psychological assistance

8,450 Gazan women martyred

8,000 Gazans missing

7,325 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank since Oct.7th

6,000 HAMAS combatants killed [HAMAS]

5,500 IDF wounded [reports]

4,611 West Bank Palestinians injured

3,484 administrative detainees

2,976 IDF wounded [IDF]

1,609 terrorists killed on the first day

1,200 Israelis killed on the first day

575 Israeli officers and soldiers killed

431 West Bank Palestinians martyred

245 Israeli officers and soldiers killed in Gaza

202 Hezbollah fighters were killed in Lebanon

126 people recovered, including 91 Israelis, 11 bodies, and 24 foreign workers

116 living hostages in Palestinian custody

50 civilians killed in Lebanon

29 IDF deaths were caused by "friendly fire"

15 Israelis killed in the West Bank and Israel

The Palestinian resistance says that the losses of the occupation forces are much greater than what is announced. Al Jazeera military and strategic expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi expressed his conviction that the numbers of dead and wounded announced by Israel cannot represent the truth, due to a discrepancy between the Israeli armys data and the Walla website, which is close to the army itself.

In an interview with RT, Military strategist retired Tunisian Brigadier General Tawfiq Didi said that the number of Israeli army deaths in the Gaza battles is much greater than what Israel announces. Didi explained in an interview with the Best Saying program on RT channel, The number of people killed in battles can be easily known, as the equation in wars is that for every 3 wounded there is a dead person, and the numbers now in Israel hover around 12,500 wounded and disabled people, and when we divide by Three, we find that the death toll exceeds 4,000, especially after eliminating more than a thousand tanks and armored vehicles, and I know what happens when Kornet missiles hit a tank. Its ammunition explodes and no one is left alive.

He added, "The Israelis announce their dead only of those of Jewish origin and of the first race, meaning all Arabs, Falash, and those who are among them. They are not counted because they are of the second category. So I am sure that the number exceeds 4 thousand dead, and this is a very easy military calculation."

He pointed out, "The Palestinian resistance documented everything it did, unlike the Israelis. The resistance documented shooting at tanks and armored vehicles and destroying the houses in which the Israeli soldiers were holed up, and we saw them being killed... We saw the Kornet hitting the tanks, we saw Al-Yassin 105, so the difference is clear."

Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed have been held as hostages in Gaza since 2014 and 2015, respectively. Unlike the roughly 240 people kidnapped in the Hamas October 7 terrorist attacks, the campaign for the release of Mengistu and al-Sayed has received little publicity. Mengistu is known to suffer from what HRW deemed "serious" mental health issues. "Avera crossed one of the safest borders in the world, under the eyes of the security services," recalled Gil Elias, a relative. "We're talking about a mentally ill person who got lost." The calls for the release of Mengistu and al-Sayed have been barely audible during the many years they have been held captive in Gaza.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 03 March 2024 - Day 738

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the average daily number of Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in Ukraine throughout February 2024 was the highest rate it has been, since the start of the war, at 983 per day.

The increase in the daily average almost certainly reflects Russia's commitment to mass and attritional warfare. Although costly in terms of human life, the resulting effect has increased the pressure on Ukraine's positions across the frontline.

To date, Russia has highly likely lost over 355,000 personnel killed and wounded during the Ukraine war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of March 3, there were 68x combat engagements.

Russian forces launched a total of 5x missile and 44x air strikes, carried out 54x 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, as well as other infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Lisne, Rozhkovychi. Druzhba, Bobylivka, Kyyanytsya (Sumy oblast), Vovchans'k, Velykyi Burluk (Kharkiv oblast). More than 30x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Yeline, Buchky (Chernihiv oblast), Stara Huta, Seredyna-Buda, Sosnivka, Vovkivka, Oleksandrivka, Novodmytrivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Veterynarne, Vovchans'k, Okhrimivka, Milove, Topoli (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Russian adversary conducted 9x attacks on positions of Ukrainian troops in the vicinities of Syn'kivka and Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Nadiya, Tverdokhlibove (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 3x assaults near Terny, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian adversary, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched an air strike near Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka, Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers made attempts to improve their tactical situation. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Druzhba (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Vasyukivka, Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Andriivka, New York (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 18x attacks in the vicinities of Berdychi, Orlivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Pokrovsk, Novobakhmutivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Oleksandropil', Opytne, Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Orlivka, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Novopavlivka 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 27x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The adversary launched air strikes near Kurakhove, Vodyane, Vuhledar, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 20x settlements, including Kurakhove, Maksymil'yanivka, Yelyzavetivka, Katerynivka, Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka (Donetsk oblast).

Orikhiv axis: the Russian adversary conducted no offensives. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), Verkhnya Tersa and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Novodarivka, Hulyaipole, Malynivka, Omel'nyk, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, Prymors'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. Russian forces conducted no offensives. The city of Kherson came under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

During the day of March 3, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 7x concentrations of Russian troops.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces launched strikes manpower and hardware of 25th airborne, 95th air assault, 141st infantry brigades close to Terni (Donetsk People's Republic), Kupyansk, Peschanoye, Berestovoye, Petrovskoye (Kharkov region).

In addition, five attacks of AFU 57th mechanised infantry, 32nd mechanised brigades' units were repelled near Sinkovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 35 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 and one U.S.-made M198 howitzers, and one D-20 howitzer.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forcs captured more favourable lines and positions, and hit units of AFU 22nd, 28th, 56th mechanised infantry, 5th and 92nd assault brigades near Krasnoye, Bogdanovka, Kurdyumovka, and Andreyevka (Donetsk People's Republic). Moreover, three enemy attacks were repelled close to Kleshcheyevka and Pobeda (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 240 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. One AFU ammunition depot was wipied out.

In Avdeyevka direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units improved the situation on the front line, and repelled 11 attacks launched by units of AFU 53rd mechanised, 59th mechanised infantry, 25th airborne, 3rd assault brigades near Tonenkoye, Orlovka, Pervomayskoye, and Berdichi (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, two attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade were repelled near Novgorodskoye(Donetsk People's Republic).

Up to 460 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, and four motor vehicles were neutralised. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, two Giatsint guns, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were destroyed.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces captured more favourable lines and positions, and hit units of AFU 72nd mechanised, 128th territorial defence brigades close to Dobropolye (Zaporozhye region), Ugledar and Vodyanoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

More than 250 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one D-20 howitzer, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one Grad MLRS were wiped out during the day.

In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces hit clusters of manpower and hardware of AFU 128th mountain assault, 35th, 36th marines brigades near Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region), Ivanovka, Antonovka (Kherson region).

One attack of the AFU 118th Mechanised Brigade's assault group was repelled near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy lost up to 40 Ukrainian troops and five motor vehicles.

Also, two U.S.-made M777 artillery systems, one D-20 howitzer, one D-30 howitzer, and one Anklav-N electronic warfare station were hit during counter-battery warfare.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged one AFU aviation ammunition depot, as well as manpower and hardware in 106 areas during the day.

Russian air defence forces have intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day.

In addition, 143 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, including Bayraktar TB-2, were intercepted near Volokitino (Sumskaya region), Krasnogorovka, Orlovka, Verkhnetoretskoye, Pervomayskoye, Pavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Sinkovka, Tokarevka (Kharkov region), Novoye, Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region), Tyaginka, Berislav, and Skadovsk (Kherson region).



In total, 575 airplanes and 267 helicopters, 14,112 unmanned aerial vehicles, 476 air defence missile systems, 15,335 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,228 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,275 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 19,298 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the day.





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Shenzhou-17 crew completes in-orbit repairs during 2nd extravehicular mission

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:39, March 03, 2024

BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Shenzhou-17 crew aboard China's orbiting space station carried out their second extravehicular mission on Saturday, the China Manned Space Agency has said.

Taikonauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin successfully completed all assigned tasks at 1:32 p.m. (Beijing time), after approximately eight hours of extravehicular activities. They worked together closely with the support of the space station's robotic arm and scientific researchers on Earth.

A spacewalk was conducted by Tang Hongbo and Jiang Xinlin, who have since returned safely to the Wentian lab module.

China launched the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship on Oct. 26, 2023. Its crew conducted a repair test in their first extravehicular mission on Dec. 21 last year.

During their second extravehicular mission, the three taikonauts completed maintenance work on the Tianhe core module's solar wings, addressing the impact of small space particles. According to the agency, the solar wing's power generation function is operating normally after evaluation and analysis.

It was the first time the taikonauts completed the in-orbit maintenance of extravehicular facilities. The Shenzhou-17 crew also inspected the status of the space station's modules during their spacewalk.

The three taikonauts are scheduled to carry out a variety of space science and technology experiments during the remainder of their space journey, the agency said.

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Joint Statement from Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

March 2, 2024

Toronto, Ontario

We, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni, met today in Toronto, Ontario, to reaffirm the profound friendship and the shared values that bind Canada and Italy and to discuss our shared interests, including to deliver sustainable prosperity for our citizens in a complex global environment.

We believe in the need to build the resilience of countries to manage global challenges. Canada and Italy can work strategically towards this goal.

As trading nations, Canada and Italy understand the importance of an effective rules-based order, and the benefits that derive from predictable, transparent, and accessible business environments. We welcome our strong and growing economic partnership that generates sustainable economic growth, jobs, and innovation in both our countries.

Canada and Italy enjoy a strong trade and investment relationship, with economies that are complementary and that benefit from the strength of small and medium sized enterprises. Italy is Canada's 2nd largest trading partner in the European Union, with two-way trade reaching a record high of $15.8 billion in 2023. We also acknowledge the benefits to our relationship that come from a community of 1.6 million Canadians of Italian descent, who actively contribute to each of our landscapes.

Today, we have agreed to further deepen our political, economic, and strategic ties and elevate our already excellent bilateral relationship by committing to establish the Canada-Italy Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation.This Roadmap will set out ambitious, concrete plans to collaborate, over the next 3-5 years, in priority areas, including energy security and the shift to a sustainable energy future, climate change and biodiversity, migration, sustainable economic growth, and research and innovation, including on artificial intelligence.

Through closer ties and strategic alignment, this joint Roadmap will lay the foundation for a renewed and more energized partnership that will contribute to the prosperity of both Canada and Italy, and help us work together to advance shared goals on the global stage. We look forward to reviewing progress on the development of the Roadmap at our next meeting in Italy in June.

Today, we also discussed Italy's G7 Presidency priorities and our joint commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and advancing our common objectives. As Italy holds the G7 Presidency in 2024, followed by Canada's Presidency in 2025, we will work closely together to advance G7 priorities, including upholding the rules-based international order, grounded on the UN charter; protecting international peace and security; and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will also work to advance common priorities on economic and supply chain resilience; governance of artificial intelligence and digital technology; environment, climate action and clean energy; and health and food security. We also look forward to continued discussions within the G7 on addressing irregular migration.

Canada and Italy will work together to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, including through development financing. We are both committed to supporting inclusive growth and sustainable economic development in collaboration with our African partners. Canada welcomes Italy's focus on Africa during its G7 Presidency and the objectives and priorities of the Mattei Plan announced at the recent Italy-Africa Summit.

As NATO Allies, G7, G20 and UN partners, we work in close partnership to address unprecedented global security, political and economic challenges and crises, including Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts and instability in Gaza and across the Middle East and the Red Sea. Canada and Italy continue to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous, secure, and based on the rule of law.

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China slams US consul general's remarks, urging Washington to stop interfering in HK affairs

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Mar 02, 2024 01:32 PM

Both the Chinese central government and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) voiced the strong opposition and condemnation toward the latest remarks made by the US Consul General Gregory May in a recent interview, saying that the remarks seriously deviated from the basic professional ethics and code of conduct of consular officials, providing more evidence of US interference in Hong Kong affairs.

In his first interview since taking up the post in 2022, May cautioned that connectivity issues and data security concerns had prompted some American companies to use "burner phone and laptops" when visiting Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported on Friday. The US diplomat also suggested that "release Jimmy Lai and these other people facing jail for political expression" would do more to improve the city's image than "all the financial summits and tourism promotion campaigns put together."

The interview came as the US government, along with some Western politicians, have stepped up efforts to undermine the HKSAR government's efforts to address loopholes in safeguarding the national security in Hong Kong. The US State Department said in a statement on Wednesday local time that it is closely monitoring Hong Kong's development of national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law and its implications for US citizens, investments, and companies operating in Hong Kong.

The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR expressed strong dissatisfaction, resolute opposition and strong condemnation on Friday night toward May's attack and defamation targeting the national security law (NSL) for Hong Kong and the Article 23 legislation in media.

The US official attacked Hong Kong's business environment and freedom of rights, incites American companies to divest and leave Hong Kong, which grossly interferes with China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, a spokesperson from the commissioner's office said.

Since the implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong, the law effectively prevents and punishes illegal acts that endanger national security, effectively safeguarding Hong Kong's investment and business environment, the spokesperson said.

Hong Kong remains a major destination for business investment, favored by capital, and a hub for regional and global talent. The Article 23 legislation will further strengthen the defense line of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security, enhance the stability of Hong Kong society and the certainty of the rule of law, further leverage Hong Kong's unique status and advantages, the spokesperson noted.

In response to May's call for releasing secessionist Jimmy Lai and other anti-China rioters who face trials, the HKSAR government said in a statement in late Friday that such suggestions run contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. It is extremely inappropriate for the US Consul General to make unwarranted comments on criminal trials which are ongoing in the HKSAR courts, and even attempt to compare the Lai's case with the efforts of the HKSAR government in promoting the city's governance, according to the statement.

May disregarded strong public opinion across various sectors of Hong Kong society supporting the swift completion of the Article 23, ignored the fact that Hong Kong's investment and business environment continues to improve, the spokesperson stressed.

By making irresponsible remarks in the media, May interfered with HKSAR's constitutional duty to uphold national security and intervened in the lawful trial of national security cases such as the Lai's case by the local judicial institutions. This seriously deviates from the basic professional ethics and code of conduct of consular officials, providing yet another solid evidence of US interference in Hong Kong affairs and undermining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

"The US diplomat openly supporting and backing up anti-China and chaos-mongering figures, and arrogantly demanding the release of national security criminal Jimmy Lai, further confirms that Jimmy Lai is a foreign agent," Willy Fu, director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and vice-president of the Hong Kong Basic Law Education Association, told the Global Times on Saturday.

The suggestion of using so-called "burner phone and laptops" by American citizens upon arriving in Hong Kong is simply an act of paranoia, painting all with the same brush and attempting to stir unnecessary panic among the public, Fu said.

In reality, the US continuously strengthens measures, laws, and penalties to safeguard national security, and doesn't allow other countries to defend themselves, highlighting its bullying tactics, the expert noted.

Some lawmakers in Hong Kong also hoped that the HKSAR government can complete the Article 23 legislative work as soon as possible.

"The longer the legislative process takes, the more opportunities foreign anti-China forces have to attack, and the potential impact will be greater," lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yan was quoted as saying in media reports on Friday.

Considering that the public consultation on the Article 23 legislation has been completed, the government should expedite the process and submit the draft ordinance to the Legislative Council for review as soon as possible, striving for swift passage to silence those anti-China forces, she said.

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Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle breaking news and enterprise reporter. She joined the paper in 2020 as a Hearst fellow and returned in 2022 after a stint at The Houston Chronicle.

She can be reached at nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com.
China's amended criminal law strengthens punishment for bribers, graft in private firms

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:14, March 02, 2024

BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- An amendment to China's criminal law, which strengthens criminal penalties for offering bribes and corruption in private firms, took effect on Friday.

Amendment XII to the Criminal Law adds seven serious offenses related to bribery, such as repeatedly offering bribes and offering bribes to more than one person, among others.

According to the amendment, offering bribes to those involved in the country's key work areas, major national projects or programs, as well as those in the fields of organization and personnel affairs, discipline and law enforcement, justice, food and medicine, and education, constitute severe offenses, said Ma Yan of China's Supreme People's Court.

Enterprise staffers engaging in the same type of business illegally, profiting unlawfully for friends and relatives, and converting companies' assets to shares at a low price or selling them at a low price for personal gain are now classified as criminal offenses.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, adopted the amendment in December 2023.

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MH 60R 'SEAHAWKS' TO BE COMMISSIONED INTO THE INDIAN NAVY AS THE INAS 334 SQUADRON

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 03 MAR 2024 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter on 06 Mar 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi marking a pivotal moment in India's Defence modernisation journey. The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334. The helicopters are a part of the 24-aircraft FMS contract signed with the US government in Feb 2020.

The Indian Navy is set to witness a significant surge in its maritime prowess with the induction of the Seahawks. The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet. The advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite make the Seahawks ideal for the Indian Navy's maritime security needs, offering enhanced capabilities for both conventional as well as asymmetric threats.

The MH 60R helicopter would enhance India's blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across spectrums and over vast maritime domains. The Seahawk's deployment in the IOR would strengthen the Indian Navy's maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region.

The commissioning of the Seahawks underscores Indian Navy's steadfast dedication to fortifying maritime security, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India's visionary goal of ensuring Security And Growth for All in the Region.

******

VM/PS



(Release ID: 2011073)

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Iran gas production on upward trend despite sanctions: Minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 2, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji has said that his country has maintained a growing gas production since 2011 despite Western sanctions on the country's energy sector.

"The latest reliable international figures show the fact that Iran's gas production has been on an upward trend since 2011, and the illegal US sanctions have been unable to stop that growth or reverse it", Owji said on Saturday on the sidelines of an oil ministry emergency meeting ahead of the 7th Summit of the Heads of State of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Algeria later in the day.

He also said Iran's natural gas production has grown by an average of 5.2% per annum during 2012-2022, which is 2.5 times higher than the global average growth in the same period.

Despite the sanctions, Iran maintained its upward trend of gas production as well as oil production in 2023, the minister added.

Iran backs climate efforts

Also in his remarks, Owji said that Iran supports global efforts aimed at tackling climate change and mitigating its adverse effects, although it believes that the current climate issues are the result of activity by industrialized nations over the past 200 to 250 years.

On energy policies adopted at the international Cop 28 climate conference held in late 2023, the Iranian official said that those policies are aimed at reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the long and mid-term, and each country contributes to their implementation depending on its national conditions.

Those policies, in addition to calling for developing clean energy, allow the use of decarbonization technologies, which makes the oil and gas industry continue playing its leading role in the world's energy supply.

Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

Despite numerous challenges in the global gas market, the GECF has managed to enhance cooperation among its member states in different fields of natural gas industry, within the framework of its article of association as well as long-term strategy, the minister said.

This has made the GECF effectively play its key role in maintaining and promoting global energy security during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

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Iranians vote in parliamentary, Assembly of Experts elections

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sat / 2 March 2024 / 09:53

Iranians have voted in parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections, with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei calling on the electorate to turn in big numbers to please friends and disappoint enemies.

The polls opened across Iran at 8 a.m. local time (0430) on Friday with more than 61 million people eligible to vote across the country.

Ayatollah Khamenei cast his ballot at a polling station in Tehran in the first minutes of voting.

"We ask the Almighty God to make today a happy day for the Iranian nation and that the results of the efforts of our dear people and those involved in the various issues of the elections may reach the desired results and benefit the Iranian nation," he said after voting.

"Our dear nation should know that today the eyes of many people in the world, both individuals and politicians and those who hold prestigious national and political positions, are on Iran and you.

"They want to see what you are doing in this election and what will be the result of your election. Both our friends and people who are interested in the Iranian nation, as well as ill-wishers from all sides, the eyes observe the issues of our country and our beloved nation. Pay attention to this; make friends happy and disappoint the ill-wishers."

The Leader repeated his recommendation to the voters in the previous elections to head to the polls and vote as early as possible.

"The second recommendation is to vote for as many people as you need, not fewer, in any constituency. For example, in Tehran, vote for 30 people in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and for 16 people in the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership," he added.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who cast his vote at Interior Ministry's polling station, hailed elections in the country as a national celebration and a symbol of unity.

"The people's vote is decisive, [as] all sectors of the country are determined by the people's vote, and this is one of the honors of the Islamic Establishment," Raisi said. "This election is a national celebration and a symbol of national cohesion and unity, and all political groups have come today with their candidates to mark a glorious day for the Iranian nation," he added.

Drawing an analogy between the elections in Iran and other countries, Raisi said, "The winner is the Iranian nation and there are no losers, whether they (the candidates) get the votes or not. Because they fulfilled their duty, which is participation in the elections."

Voters are taking part in the parliamentary elections to choose 290 members of the legislative body from over 15,000 candidates. Elected members will serve for a term of four years in the parliament.

In another election being held simultaneously, participants are voting for 88 members of the Assembly of Experts, a body with an eight-year mandate that is in charge of overseeing the activities of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and is in a position of authority to either appoint or dismiss the Leader.

Spokesman for the Iranian police Brigadier General Saeed Montazer-al-Mahdi said 190,000 police forces are on duty to ensure the security of the elections.

"There is no law enforcement or security problem envisaged," Montazer-al-Mahdi said, adding, "Everything is under control from the borders to the center, and the country's border guards are on full alert and monitor border traffic."

Article Six of the Iranian Constitution reiterates that the administration of the affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran should be based on the public opinion expressed by the means of elections.

Iran has held 40 rounds of different elections, including presidential and parliamentary ones, since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

End Item

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Raisi arrives in Algeria in first presidential visit in 14 years

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sat / 2 March 2024 / 09:44

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in the Algerian capital to take part in a meeting of the world's leading natural gas producers and to enhance the Islamic Republic's cooperation with regional and international alliances.

Tehran-ISNA- Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Raisi departed Tehran for Algiers in the early hours of Saturday to attend the 7th meeting of the leaders of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

During the visit, which comes at the official invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Iranian chief executive is scheduled to meet with other top officials from the 19-member gathering of the world's leading natural gas producers.

The two presidents are also set to sign several memoranda of understanding on the sidelines of the international meeting.

Raeisi's trip marks the fourth visit of Iranian presidents to the North African country, which took place with a gap of about 14 years after former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit in 2010.

The GECF, which is comprised of 13 permanent members and seven observers, was established in 2008 based on an initial proposal by Iran as one of the world's largest holders of natural gas reserves.

Raeisi's trip comes on the backdrop of Iran's efforts to boost relations with countries in North Africa, including Sudan, with which Iran had strained relations in recent years, and with Egypt, a country that has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979.

End Item

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Iran ready to become energy hub, safe route for gas distribution: President Raeisi

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 3:42 PM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran is ready to become an energy hub and a secure conduit for gas distribution and transit between producers and markets.

Raeisi made the remarks while addressing the 7th summit of the leaders of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in the Algerian capital, Algiers on Saturday.

Highlighting Iran's abundant natural gas reserves, strategic geographical location, and advanced technological capabilities, Raeisi outlined Tehran's regional strategy focused on augmenting natural gas production and exports.

He emphasized Iran's commitment to providing regional nations with enhanced access to this clean and economically valuable energy source.

"Relying on its huge reserves of natural gas, its transit position and high technology, the Islamic Republic of Iran intends to develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all countries in the global gas market, especially the neighboring countries from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and its neighbors in the East and the West to find a role that fits these capacities," he emphasized.

He further stressed that the capacities within Iran's gas industry have laid a solid foundation for collaboration among GECF members in both upstream and downstream sectors of natural gas, as well as in its trade.

The Iranian president extended invitations to international investors, as well as those from GECF member countries, to participate in Iran's energy sector projects, particularly in the natural gas industry.

The GECF, comprised of 13 permanent members and seven observers, was established in 2008 based on an initial proposal by Iran as one of the world's largest holders of natural gas reserves.

Palestine 'yardstick of humanity, morality'

Elsewhere in his address, Raeisi condemned the continuation of Israel's crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza and support of the US and some Western countries for the ongoing genocide in the Strip.

He presented practical solutions and proposals in order to stop Israel's killing machine, saying, "The current war is the confrontation of the axis of evil against the axis of honor."

"On one side of the front, there is an army that is waiting for more and stronger weapons and bombs from the US, and on the other side of the front, there are children who miss a bite of bread."

Raeisi said the crimes committed by Israel, the US and their allies should be dealt with in an international court and they should be punished.

He emphasized that Israel should be expelled from the United Nations and all regional and international assemblies and be subject to global sanctions by nations and governments.

"The complete termination of overt and covert relations with this regime is the least that Muslim nations expect from their statesmen, which must be done immediately," he pointed out.

The Iranian president warned that those who remain silent vis-A -vis the ongoing developments in Gaza will be slapped hard in the future, emphasizing that Palestine is now the "yardstick of humanity, morality and conscience of human society".

He emphasized that the establishment of the Israeli regime was an arrogant project with the purpose of maintaining the dominance and influence of the West in the West Asia region.

The Palestinian people's resistance has inflicted an irreparable blow to the Israeli regime, Raeisi said, urging all countries to support the oppressed and powerful people of Palestine through all possible means.

"The United Nations Security Council, which is designated as the guarantor of peace and security under the United Nations Charter, has been unable to establish a ceasefire due to the relentless support of the United States for the Zionist regime's war machine," he pointed out.

He said the US has left no stone unturned in its political, financial, arms and media support for Israel's organized terrorism.

The American and European bombs are taking revenge on the Palestinian cause, he added.

"If the US and Europe are really looking for [the promotion of] peace, security and non-expansion of war, they should stop lying and hypocrisy and stop sending weapons and bombs that kill Palestinians," the president emphasized.

He said despite all the crimes it has committed, Israel has not achieved any of its goals, adding that the Palestinian resistance continues its path.

"The Palestinian nation proved that blood is victorious over the sword," he stated.

He once again stressed the need to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lift the blockade on Gaza and dispatch humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged people in the Strip and voiced Iran's support for any initiative in this regard.

Iran believes that the Palestinian people should determine the fate of the historic land throught votes of Palestinians around the world, including Muslims, Christians and Jews, the president emphasized.

Israel waged its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 30,320 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 71,533 others.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Initial results show Iran election turnout over 40%

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 10:56 AM

Preliminary results from the Iranian parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections show that the turnout has surpassed 40 percent.

Citing unofficial statistics, Iranian media reported on Saturday that the rate of participation in the nationwide vote for the 12th term of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the 6th term of the Assembly of Experts was over 40%, with the results of the vote counting in a number of constituencies yet to be released.

The polls opened at 8 a.m. local time (0430) on Friday and the voting began at 59,000 polling stations across the country, with more than 15,000 candidates competing for 290 seats in the Iranian parliament, and 144 candidates vying for positions at the eight-year-term Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body in charge of overseeing the activities of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution with a position of authority to either appoint or dismiss the Leader.

Voting for the two elections ended at midnight local time after 16 straight hours.

A total of 61.17 million people, comprising 30.94 million men and 30.22 million women, were eligible to vote in the two elections, with the Iranian Interior Ministry saying more than 25 million cast their ballots at the polls.

The voting was initially scheduled to end at 18:00 local time but was extended three times, with each extension lasting for two hours.

President Raeisi hails high election turnout

In a message on Saturday, President Ebrahim Raeisi expressed his gratitude to the Iranian people for their remarkable turnout.

Raeisi said the enthusiastic and conscious presence of Iranians in Friday's vote was a "big no" to the global arrogance after its historic defeat in last year's riots, which broke out following the death of a 22-year-old woman in the capital Tehran.

"The ill-wishers of our beloved Iran had mobilized all their power so that the March 1 elections would be held without fervor," he said.

Raeisi also underlined that the remarkable turnout brought "honor and pride to the Islamic homeland and despair and frustration on the enemies."

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Raeisi in Algeria in first visit of Iranian president in 14 years

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 5:47 AM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has arrived in the Algerian capital to take part in a meeting of the world's leading natural gas producers and to enhance the Islamic Republic's cooperation with regional and international alliances.

Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Raeisi departed Tehran for Algiers in the early hours of Saturday to attend the 7th meeting of the leaders of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

During the visit, which comes at the official invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Iranian chief executive is scheduled to meet with other top officials from the 19-member gathering of the world's leading natural gas producers.

The two presidents are also set to sign several memoranda of understanding on the sidelines of the international meeting.

Raeisi's trip marks the fourth visit of Iranian presidents to the North African country, which took place with a gap of about 14 years after former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit in 2010.

The GECF, which is comprised of 13 permanent members and seven observers, was established in 2008 based on an initial proposal by Iran as one of the world's largest holders of natural gas reserves.

Raeisi's trip comes on the backdrop of Iran's efforts to boost relations with countries in North Africa, including Sudan, with which Iran had strained relations in recent years, and with Egypt, a country that has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979.

'Iran can become regional hub for gas export'

Speaking to reporters before his departure, Raeisi stressed that Iran, as one of the largest producers and exporters of gas, and thanks to its extensive connections with the countries of the Persian Gulf region and Central Asia, can become a "regional hub" for gas production and export.

"This capacity should be introduced to the world in order to provide the basis for strengthening Iran's interaction with other gas-producing and exporting countries," he added.

Pointing to his upcoming meetings with Tebboune and the visit to the African country after 14 years, the Iranian president said, "In the eyes of our people, Algeria is a country that has fought colonialism and Iranian people have very good memories of the Algerian nation's steadfastness and resistance against colonizers."

Touching on Algeria's position in North Africa and the Islamic world, Raeisi said Algeria has a privileged position in the African continent and strengthening the bilateral relations can effectively help to improve the level of Iran's relations with African countries, especially the countries in the north of the continent.

"Africa in general and the Islamic countries of this continent in particular have a privileged position in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and I hope that this trip can play a significant role in strengthening the relations between West Asia and North Africa," he said.

Referring to the important role of the two countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), OPEC and the GECF, Raeisi said, "The active role of Iran and Algeria in regional organizations and the Islamic world has brought us closer to each other."

The Iranian president added that the need to counter unilateralism, which is emphasized by Iran and Algeria as well as many other independent countries of the world, and also their common views in supporting the rights of the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza are among the factors that have led to the proximity of Tehran and Algeria to each other.

Raeisi stressed that supporting the rights of Palestinians in Gaza as a main issue in the Muslim world and the international community will also be discussed in the bilateral meeting between the presidents of Iran and Algeria.

Describing the Algerian and Iranian markets as a good opportunity for their businessmen, Raeisi added, "In the meeting with the president of the friendly and brotherly country of Algeria, the important issue of strengthening relations and the cooperation between the two countries in the field of oil, gas and petrochemicals, in which both countries have good capacities, will also be discussed."

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Hard-Liners Ahead In Tehran After Iranian Elections With Record Low Turnout Reported

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda March 02, 2024

Iranian state media says hard-liners are ahead in the capital, Tehran, as vote counting progresses in Iran's March 1 elections, which were marred by what appears to be a record-low turnout prompted by voter apathy and calls for a boycott by reformists.

The elections for a new parliament, or Majlis, and a new Assembly of Experts, which elects Iran's supreme leader, were the first since the deadly nationwide protests that erupted following the September 2022 death while in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained for an alleged Islamic dress-code violation.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said 1,960 from 5,000 ballots in Tehran have been counted so far, with hard-liners ahead as expected.

An alliance led by hard-liner Hamid Rasaee won 17 out of 30 seats in Tehran, state radio reported, while the incumbent parliamentary speaker, conservative Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf also obtained a new seat.

The turnout appears to be at a record low, according to unofficial accounts, despite the officials' repeated appeals to Iranians to show up en masse at the polls as Iran's theocracy scrambles to restore its legitimacy in the wake of a wave of repression in 2022 and amid deteriorating economic conditions.

The Mehr news agency, citing unofficial results, reported that voter turnout in Tehran was only 24 percent.

Iran's rulers needed a high turnout to repair their legitimacy following the unrest, but many Iranians said they would not vote in "meaningless" elections in which more than 15,000 candidates were running for the 290-seat parliament.

State media reported that the turnout was "good." Official surveys before the election, however, suggested that only some 41 percent of eligible Iranians would come out to vote.

The Hamshahri newspaper said on March 2 that more than 25 million people, or 41 percent of eligible voters, had turned out, thus confirming the official survey.

If the figure is confirmed, it will be the lowest election turnout in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 that brought the current theocracy to power, despite officials twice extending voting hours to allow late-comers to cast ballots.

The pro-reform newspaper Ham Mihan published an opinion piece titled The Silent Majority, reporting a turnout of some 40 percent.

Shortly afterwards, however, the title of the piece was changed to Roll Call without any explanation, which commenters on social media networks blamed on pressure exerted on the newspaper by authorities.

So far, the lowest turnout, 42.5 percent, was registered in the February 2020 parliamentary elections, while in 2016, the turnout was some 62 percent.

As the voting concluded, the United States made clear that the international community was aware that the results of the poll would not reflect the will of the Iranian people.

"As some Iranians vote today in their first parliamentary election since the regime's latest violent crackdown, the world knows the Iranian people do not have a true say at the ballot box," U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Iran Abram Paley wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Ahead of the vote, prominent figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, said they would boycott the elections, labeling them as superficial and predetermined.

Mohammad Khatami, Iran's first reformist president, was among the critics who did not vote on March 1.

Mostafa Tajzadeh, a former deputy interior minister, has also voiced his refusal to vote, criticizing the supreme leader's indifference to the country's crises.

Voter apathy, along with general dissatisfaction over living standards and a clampdown on basic human rights in Iran, has been growing for years.

Even before Amini's death, which sparked massive protests and the Women, Life, Freedom movement, unrest had rattled Iran for months in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of insurance support.

In a last-ditch effort to encourage a high turnout, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said after casting his ballot in Tehran that voting would "make friends happy and ill-wishers unhappy."

While domestically attention is mostly focused on the parliamentary elections, it is perhaps the Assembly of Experts polls that are more significant.

The 88-seat assembly, whose members are elected for eight-year terms, is tasked with appointing the next supreme leader. Given that Khamenei is 84, the next assembly may end up having to name his successor.

Analysts and activists said the elections were "engineered" because only candidates vetted and approved by the Guardian Council were allowed to run. The council is made up of six clerics and six jurists who are all appointed directly and indirectly by Khamenei.

In dozens of audio and written messages sent to RFE/RL's Radio Farda from inside Iran, many said they were opting against voting because the elections were "meaningless" and likely to consolidate the hard-liners' grip on power.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-election-turnout-low- dissatisfaction-khamenei-living-standards/32845011.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.

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Iran Election Sees Low Turnout, 'Ambiguity' in Voting Procedures

By VOA Persian Service March 02, 2024

Iran's hard-liners were leading in an initial vote count Saturday in the capital, Tehran, following a record-low turnout in a parliamentary election. Officials have not yet released turnout figures, but the state-run IRNA news agency said it was 41%, based on unofficial reports.

After the closure of the polls, videos and reports suggest that many people used their national ID numbers to vote. Until this election, birth certificates had been required as voter identification. Without that requirement, voters used their national ID numbers, resulting in a declared participation rate of 25 million people, according to the newspaper Hamshahri, a staunch supporter of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's government.

About 25 million voters would equal a turnout of about 41%, a historic low.

Another report was more detailed. It said 86% of voters in Friday's elections cast their ballots using their national ID cards, 11% with birth certificates, 3% with driver's licenses, and less than 1% with passports and military service completion cards.

According to images released by the official media of the Islamic Republic, the processes of identity verification and ballot paper issuance have been conducted manually. Without a nationwide electronic voting registration system, it remains unclear how authorities can ensure that individuals with various identity documents cannot cast multiple votes across different branches and constituencies.

The statistics, viewed as misleading by social media users because of the election day's atmosphere, suggest that the Islamic Republic is engaged in alleged "statistical manipulation," registering citizens' national ID numbers in the system.

In the final hours of voting, numerous videos circulated on social media depicting various Iranians suggested that some citizens' national ID numbers had been recorded in the system, showing them as having voted before they actually cast their ballots. As of the time of compiling this report, official authorities have yet to provide an official response to these electoral suspicions.

The subdued voter turnout for Iran's elections was notable, as evidenced by the newspaper Ham-Mihan, which initially featured the headline "Silent Majority" on its front page. However, reports indicate that Iranian security forces compelled the newspaper to change the headline of its Saturday edition to "Presence and Absence."

The circulated videos also underscore Iranians' grievances regarding census manipulation, with some users reporting that upon visiting polling stations, they found themselves registered as having voted in the system hours before.

The Hal Vash news site reported that Friday morning, residents of Sital village in the Sarbuk District of Qasr-e Qand County prevented poll workers from setting up and deploying ballot boxes in their community.

Hal Vash reported that to prevent a zero-vote record in the Sital village, the governor of Qasr-e Qand ordered the registration of votes in the names of the villagers using their national identification numbers. Subsequently, ballot papers were deposited into the ballot box.

Despite the low turnout and considering Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's past criticism of 40% turnout in elections in certain countries as "shameful," government-affiliated media declared voter participation in the March 1 elections to be more than 40% minutes after the voting deadline had passed.

Videos submitted by VOA's audience and images disseminated by other Persian-language TV services outside the country and on social media contradict these assertions.

On Friday, Abram Paley, deputy special envoy for Iran in the State Department, shared his views on the elections in the Islamic Republic on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating, "The Iranian regime is attempting to showcase these elections as a display of democracy, yet it has already disqualified thousands of candidates. The Iranian people are fully aware that these elections, regardless of their results, do not truly represent them, and we stand with them in this belief."

He reiterated the United States' commitment to stand alongside the Iranian people, stating, "The United States will continue to shine a light on regime officials involved in such human rights abuses, who deny Iranians their basic freedoms. And we will continue to stand with Iranians in their fight for a free and democratic future."

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Patricia Harris arrives with signs at a recall drive calling on the removal of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price in Oakland in October. Her son, Jarin Purvis, was killed by a gunshot. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle 2023

Groups seeking to remove Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price from office said they submitted 123,000 signatures to election officials Monday in an effort to set a recall election in motion after months of rancorous debate about crime and criminal justice in the East Bay.

Save Alameda for Everyone, one of two groups behind the recall effort, said its members collected more than the 73,000 signatures of Alameda County residents required to initiate a recall in case some are invalidated. The group described itself in a statement to the Chronicle as a broad group of concerned citizens who have come together in the face of rising crime and a failure by DA Price to hold perpetrators accountable.

The effort is not about politics, but about public safety, Carl Chan, a leader of the recall and the president of Oaklands Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

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Price, a former civil rights attorney, won her seat with 53% of the vote in 2022, becoming a figure in a national movement to reform criminal justice at the local level by electing progressive district attorneys.

She campaigned on promises to reduce mass incarceration, lighten sentences for defendants under age 25 and take a hard line on police misconduct. Her policies and strategic decisions resembled those of other progressives, including ousted San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and George Gascon in Los Angeles.

But as Prices political profile rose, she hit the same headwinds that beset other reform-oriented district attorneys. Veterans of previous administrations resigned in protest, sometimes openly decrying Prices views. Opponents of Price formed a recall committee in July, less than seven months into Prices administration.

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price listens to Police Capt. Clay Burch speak in July during a public safety meeting in Oakland. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2023

Criticism intensified as a crime surge in Oakland forced restaurants and businesses to close, hire security or stop accepting cash.

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Critics of the district attorney have seized on her policies as emblems of an unwillingness to take a hard line against criminals and a dismissive attitude toward crime victims and their families. Supporters of Price point out that crime is complicated and influenced by many factors, and that no individual law enforcement official can control its fluctuations. Price has defended her record, saying it takes a long time for criminal justice reforms to produce results.

The campaign working to keep her in office has characterized the recall attempt as an undemocratic effort to unseat an elected official.

From our perspective, the recall is fueled by the financial backing of wealthy real estate and venture capitalists in an effort to undermine democracy, said William Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for the Protect the Win campaign. Last week, representatives of Protect the Win sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, asking him to investigate reports of widespread fraud by signature gatherers who allegedly misled people into signing the recall petition.

It was not clear whether state officials would launch an investigation, and spokespeople for the recall campaign denied the allegations.

Tracking the district attorneys performance has been difficult because her office has continually declined to provide records on charging decisions to journalists. Price also drew negative attention for turning away a journalist from a news conference in December.

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A second group that has been raising funds for the recall effort is the Supporters of Recall Pamela Price PAC. Isaac Abid, a partner at Oakland investment and development firm HP Investors and a member of that group, said he started seeing the impact on a lot of our merchants, including those that operate in ground-floor retail spaces at HPs properties, as incidents of break-ins increased in early 2023.

The measures that we have had to take to fortify storefronts are steps that I never thought we would have to take, Abid, who donated $25,000 to support the groups efforts, said. He added that he was frustrated by comments coming from the District Attorneys Office around their priorities, including its focus on police misconduct.

It struck me as not really adapting to the situation in real time, he said.

Former Alameda County Chief Assistant District Attorney Annie Esposito also supports the recall, saying in a news release that Prices administration has gutted the District Attorneys Office of experienced, competent prosecutors. Esposito, who had worked in the office for decades, resigned early last year, joining some two dozen prosecutors who left after Price took over.

To date, recall supporters have raised more than $2 million, with the largest donation, $390,000, provided by financier Phillip Dreyfuss of Farallon Capital, who was involved in the formation of both pro-recall groups.

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The reality is that DA Price beat the establishment, Fitzgerald said. And a lot of the establishment have money.

Recall supporters have hired Rich Schlatman, the same consultant who worked on the 2022 campaign to remove Boudin from office, which proved successful amid growing voter frustration, attacks from critics who favor more punishment and incarceration, and heavy fundraising.

After the campaign submits signatures to the county registrar Monday, the registrar will have up to 10 days to verify them. On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to overhaul Alameda Countys century-old rules on how recalls are conducted, bringing them into line with state law. Its not entirely clear how that measure, if approved, would affect the recall effort against Price.

If the recall petition is certified, it will be sent to the Board of Supervisors to order a special election.
Initial results show Iran election turnout over 40%

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 3 March 2024 / 10:50

Preliminary results from the Iranian parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections show that the turnout has surpassed 40 percent.

Tehran-ISNA- Citing unofficial statistics, Iranian media reported on Saturday that the rate of participation in the nationwide vote for the 12th term of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the 6th term of the Assembly of Experts was over 40%, with the results of the vote counting in a number of constituencies yet to be released.

The polls opened at 8 a.m. local time (0430) on Friday and the voting began at 59,000 polling stations across the country, with more than 15,000 candidates competing for 290 seats in the Iranian parliament, and 144 candidates vying for positions at the eight-year-term Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body in charge of overseeing the activities of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution with a position of authority to either appoint or dismiss the Leader.

Voting for the two elections ended at midnight local time after 16 straight hours.

A total of 61.17 million people, comprising 30.94 million men and 30.22 million women, were eligible to vote in the two elections, with the Iranian Interior Ministry saying more than 25 million cast their ballots at the polls.

The voting was initially scheduled to end at 18:00 local time but was extended three times, with each extension lasting for two hours.

In a message on Saturday, President Ebrahim Raisi expressed his gratitude to the Iranian people for their remarkable turnout.

Raisi said the enthusiastic and conscious presence of Iranians in Friday's vote was a "big no" to the global arrogance after its historic defeat in last year's riots, which broke out following the death of a 22-year-old woman in the capital Tehran.

"The ill-wishers of our beloved Iran had mobilized all their power so that the March 1 elections would be held without fervor," he said.

Raisi also underlined that the remarkable turnout brought "honor and pride to the Islamic homeland and despair and frustration on the enemies."

End Item

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Raisi slams regional governments for keeping up relations with Israel

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 3 March 2024 / 10:46

Iranian President Ebrhaim Raeisi slammed some governments in the West Asia region for failing to cut their relations with Israel despite the regime's continued onslaught on the Palestinians in Gaza.

Tehran-ISNA- Raisi said in a Saturday meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that governments in the region are in fact funding the Israeli war on Gaza by maintaining their economic relations with the Tel Aviv regime as PressTV reported.

"One should see what answer some Arab and Muslim governments have for their nations for the indifference to the genocide of the oppressed people of Palestine," he said in the meeting which was held on the sidelines of a major energy summit in Algiers, Algeria.

Raisi said the governments that insist on keeping up relations with Israel amid the Gaza war will finally "receive a slap in the face" because of their wrong decisions.

He said the inaction on Gaza gives the Israeli regime and its main supporter the United States enough time to continue committing crimes in Gaza.

The Iranian president is in Algiers to attend the seventh summit of the leaders of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, a major international energy bloc where Iran and Qatar are among key members because of their vast natural gas resources.

Iran has supported Qatar's role as a mediator in negotiations in recent months that have been aimed at working out a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the meeting with Sheikh Tamim on Saturday, Raisi described bilateral relations between Iran and Qatar as "good" and said the two countries should work for a speedier implementation of agreements they have signed in the past.

Sheikh Tamim, for his part, said the Qatari government is proud of the fact that relations between the Arab country and Iran are at their "best ever".

He said that a brutal attack by the Israeli regime on Thursday in Gaza that killed more than 100 people waiting to receive humanitarian aid will not be deleted from the historical memory of the world.

During his stay in Algiers on Saturday, President Raisi also met with presidents of Tunisia, Mozambique and Iraq.

In his meeting with Tunisia's Kais Saied, the Iranian president said Tehran is ready to supply scientific and technological know-how to Tunisia as part of its plans to expand economic relations with Muslim countries, especially those in North Africa.

Raisi said in the meeting with Mozambique's Filipe Nyusi that Iran is keen to activate an intergovernmental economic committee with the East African country to help expand bilateral relations.

End Item

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Iran will never bow down to enemies: IRGC commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 4, 2024

Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy's Rear Admiral, Alireza Tangsiri says the country's forces never shy away from enemies as they are serving the people just like our dear martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation.

According to IRNA, Tangsiri, while attending a funeral ceremony for Martyr Reza Zarei in Kormon, a village in Shamil District of Bandar Abbas, vowed no retreat in dealing with enemies.

Let the ill-wishers of the world know that we will not succumb to enemies, and with the grace of God, we will avenge the blood of our loved ones, he stressed.

Tangsiri praised IRGC member Reza Zarei for sacrificing his life for the defense of the holy shrine in Syria just like his colleagues Martyr Abdul Hamid Salari and Martyr Khalil Takhti Nejad who had also sacrificed their lives in Syria.

The death doesn't make us afraid ever since we put on this holy uniform, the IRGC commander emphasized, adding that we will give our lives to defend Islam, our security and honor.

"The honor that God gives to the family of a martyr is everlasting", he said.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri also appreciated the people of Hormozgan for their massive presence in the funeral ceremony.

Reza Zarei, identified as one of the guards of the 1st region of the IRGC Navy, becomes the third martyr from Hormozgan province. He was on an advisory mission to Syria and was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Banias, a small city and port located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Iraq, US Continue Talks on Withdrawal of Int'l Coalition Forces

Sputnik News

20240302

ANTALYA, Turkiye (Sputnik) - Iraq and the United States continue their negotiations about the possible withdrawal of the international coalition forces from Iraqi soil, but no final decision or schedule has been agreed upon so far, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein told Sputnik.

"The talks with the US regarding the presence or the absence of US troops or the coalition forces on Iraqi territory continue," Hussein said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

When asked whether any schedule had been drawn up, the top Iraqi diplomat repeated that the "talks continue."

Baghdad is awaiting a report from the joint Iraqi-US commission on the possible withdrawal of the coalition forces from the country, Hussein added. The report will be sent to the Iraqi political leadership and Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani so that they study it and take the next step in the negotiations, he added.

The Iraqi prime minister told the Wall Street Journal in mid-January there was no need in the presence of the US-led coalition in Iraq anymore to fight radical groups, adding he was no longer worried that the departure of the coalition forces would undermine Iraq's military capabilities.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin later said that Washington and Baghdad had agreed to launch working group meetings to discuss the future of the US-led international coalition and its military presence in the country. The Department of Defense, however, said that launching the commission did not mean the start of negotiations between the two countries about the eventual withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

A Sputnik

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US Apologizes to Iraq for February Airstrikes on Its Territory

Sputnik News

20240302

ANTALYA, Turkiye (Sputnik) - Washington has offered an apology to Baghdad for failing to warn it in advance about the airstrikes on Iraqi territory on February 2, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Mohammed Hussein told Sputnik.

"Indeed, Washington did not warn Iraq about the attacks on Iraqi security forces. A US official has offered us apologies in connection with that situation," Hussein said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

In late January, three US soldiers were killed and over 40 others injured in a drone attack on a US military outpost in Jordan. Washington blamed allegedly Iran-backed militant groups for the attack and, on February 2, retaliated by striking targets in Iraq and Syria, which it believes were linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias. Both Baghdad and Damascus strongly condemned the attacks on their soil.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby first said the US "did inform the Iraqi government prior to the strikes occurring." However, US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel admitted on February 6 that Washington had not warned Baghdad prior to the strikes. Kirby himself later said he had misspoken.

A Sputnik

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Iraqi PM: Iran is our neighbor, stood by us during war with Daesh

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 9:33 PM

The prime minister of Iraq has lauded Iran's role in helping the Arab country's fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, saying the two neighbors have many common grounds.

According to Iraq's Al-Ahed news agency, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani made the comments in an interview with al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue, which was published on Sunday.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is our neighbor and we have many religious and social commonalities. During the fight against Daesh, Iran stood by us," Sudani said.

He added that the government of Iraq is trying to get the viewpoints of different parties present in the country close together.

The Takfiri terrorist group began a campaign of terror in Iraq in 2014 and then took control of vast swathes in lightning attacks across the region.

Iraq declared victory over the terrorist group in December 2017 after a three-year counter-terrorism military campaign, in which Hashd al-Sha'abi, also known as Popular Mobilization Units, played a major role.

Last December, Iraq's former prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, admitted that late commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, played a pivotal role in the anti-terrorism fight in his country, saying Iraq would have failed to defeat Daesh terrorists if it was not for General Soleimani's assistance.

Elsewhere in his interview, Sudani reflected on the presence of foreign forces in Iraq within the framework of a so-called US-led international coalition.

"All conditions and issues, which had caused the international coalition to be present in Iraq are now gone," the Iraqi prime minister said.

He added that his government will continue efforts to end the presence of foreign troops in Iraq.

Sudani noted, "The mission of foreign [military] advisors will come to an end according to a timetable to be drawn up by the Higher Military Committee."

The committee was established in January to set a timetable for a phased withdrawal of foreign troops and ending the US-led coalition's presence in Iraq.

The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 based on false claims about Baghdad possessing weapons of mass destruction, leaving a trail of destruction, death, and chaos in the Arab country.

The US and its allies re-launched a military campaign in 2014 to supposedly fight off Daesh. The group had emerged in Iraq and neighboring Syria earlier as Washington was running out of excuses to extend its meddling in the West Asia region or enlarge it in scale.

The US military claimed to be ending its combat mission in Iraq in 2021 but said it would retain some 2,500 troops in the country as alleged advisors.

The Iraqi prime minister also criticized the international community's failure to put an end to the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.

"The issue of Palestine is a fundamental issue for the people of Iraq," Sudani said, adding, "The [Iraqi] government's position is that the aggression against Gaza must stop and the scope of [the Israeli] war [on the territory] should not expand."

The death toll from Israel's onslaught on Gaza since early October 2023 has surpassed 30,400, most of them women and children. More than 70,000 others have been injured while thousands more remain unaccounted for.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

March 2, 2024

12:00

As a follow-up to the exchange of opinions in Kazan on February 21, 2024, the presidents discussed certain current issues on the bilateral agenda, with a particular focus on the implementation of joint projects in trade, the economy, transport, logistics and energy.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev specifically emphasised the substantive and forward-looking nature of the Russian President's Address to the Federal Assembly.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensively enhancing the relationship of allied and strategic partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan.

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Myanmar's Youth Leaders Fear Conscription Law

By Tommy Walker March 02, 2024

Myanmar's youth leaders are determined to avoid the military's conscription law that could see them fight against the very resistance they are part of.

The Myanmar's People Military Service Law, which was enacted in 2010 but activated in February, means men ages 18 to 45 and women ages 18 to 35 can be drafted into the armed forces for two years. People in certain professions, such as doctors, must serve for three years. In the case of a national emergency, the military service could be extended to a total of five years.

The country's ruling junta is aiming to draft 60,000 new recruits a year, with 5,000 by the end of April, according to Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for Myanmar's military government.

Robert Minn, 25, is a youth activist for Milk Tea Alliance-Friends of Myanmar, an advocacy group that spans several East Asia nations. He told VOA he was recently stopped at a checkpoint in Yangon and asked to join the army.

"Last week I went downtown, and they checked my phone," he said. "I have nothing on that phone, no political stuff. But they asked, 'Are you willing to serve in the military? Are you willing to join this conscription?'"

Faced with intimidation, Minn said he was determined to get away.

"I said no, but there was a lot of soldiers, so I said if you officially call me with a letter, I might join," he said.

Minn said he paid the soldiers 50,000 MMK (Burmese Kyat), which is $23.80, just to leave the checkpoint.

"It didn't mean [that I wanted] to join them," he said. "I just had to pay money to escape. If I said yes, they might have recruited me at that place. The previous times [the military] were just checking identification cards and I can easily pass, but this time was tricky."

Government leaflets encouraging young people to sign up have been distributed throughout Myanmar since the conscription law came into effect on February 10.

But Aung Sett, an activist with the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, said the conscription law threatens to force individuals to sign up "against their will."

"They are forcing youths and young students to leave the country or take up arms to join the fight, leaving no choice," he told VOA. "It does have some threats to our group, especially for those living in urban areas. I'm really worried about the young people, that they might be recruited against their will."

Myanmar has been in chaos since military leader General Min Aung Hlaing and his forces overthrew the democratically elected government in February 2021. The coup sparked an armed revolution that has persisted for three years.

The Myanmar resistance includes the civilian-led National Unity Government; its armed wing, the People's Defense Force; and ethnic armed groups.

An offensive by resistance forces that began in October in Myanmar's Shan State saw dozens of military-held townships and posts captured. Despite a cease-fire, conflict continues to rage in other parts of Myanmar, with the junta struggling to take back control.

With Myanmar's army now seeking more recruits, millions are eligible. Out of a population of 56 million, 14 million a 6.3 million men and 7.7 million women a qualify for military service, according to the junta.

Jewel, who asked that her real name not be used for security reasons, is part of the Pazundaung Youth Strike Committee, an anti-junta group in Yangon. She said the new conscription law could put women in danger.

"The military service law for women is very worrying during the coup regime because the army rapes women. If not, it will be as a human shield, to carry military equipment or find a [land] mine," she said from Myanmar by phone.

Reports of rape have been frequent during the military's violent crackdowns on resistance forces in recent years. The junta has previously declined to comment when contacted by VOA.

Jewel said that the conscription law has forced her members to seek protection under pro-democracy opposition forces.

"Members of my group are both male and female. Because of the inclusion of girls, every member of the age set by the conscription law fled to the People's Revolutionary Army because they did not want to serve in the military," she said.

Zarni Soe, a Rohingya youth and human rights activist and founder of the Arakan Youth Peace Network, says his group has also faced significant challenges in recent weeks. Reports say hundreds of Rohingya youths have been detained by junta forces in the state, raising concerns over whether the military will conscript them.

"As a result, I have had to halt practical activities in the region since then. To safeguard my efforts, I prioritize discretion, utilizing secure communication channels, adopting movement carefully and building a robust network from several areas," he told VOA.

The possibility of military service has seen thousands of Myanmar nationals try to leave the country. There have been long visa queues at the Thai Embassy in Yangon, while dozens of Myanmar nationals have been arrested by Thai authorities after illegally entering Thailand.

Ye Myo Hein, global fellow at the Wilson Center and visiting fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, said the military activated the conscription law because of the lack of interest in the population for joining the army.

"With increasing public animosity towards the military following the coup, voluntary enlistment has become virtually impossible," he said in February.

"If the junta continues with forced and coercive methods, the public will have a few options, including to flee the country, to increase tangible support to the resistance movement to fight against the junta, and to join the resistance themselves," he said.

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US Lawmakers Demand Probe Into Pakistan Election-Rigging Allegations

By Iram Abbasi March 02, 2024

Thirty-one members of the U.S. Congress recently signed a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging them to not recognize a new government in Pakistan until an investigation into allegations of election interference has been conducted. Voters in Pakistan went to polls on February 8.

On election day, mobile services were blocked by Pakistani authorities and there were cases of violence. Many political leaders and activists were arrested in the weeks before the elections. There was an unusual delay in issuing the election results. All these things led to accusations that the vote was rigged.

VOA Urdu Service reporter Iram Abbasi interviewed U.S. Representative Greg Casar, a Texas Democrat, who wrote the letter to Biden.

The following transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: What are the three demands put forward to the White House and State Department in your letter?

U.S. Representative Greg Casar: I've led a group of over 30 members of Congress asking the United States and the White House to, one, withhold recognition of the folks that say they won the Pakistani election until an independent investigation is completed, showing that the election was not rigged.

Second, we are urging the release of any of those wrongfully detained for engaging in political free speech or just political activity, because people should be able to be journalists, to be able to be candidates, to be able to be political activists without fear of detention or violence against them.

And lastly, we want to make it very clear that the United States security assistance to the military in Pakistan and, frankly, to the military anywhere in the world, is contingent on following strong human rights standards.

VOA: What motivated you to lead a group of 31 lawmakers to write this letter to the president and Secretary Blinken?

Casar: If we believe in democracy [in] the United States, then we should believe in democracy everywhere, especially when it comes to our allies.

I, myself, have long studied how the United States suppressed democracy in Latin America. Far too often in Latin America, the United States supposedly was leading on democracy but instead let oligarchs, let large corporations, and let military interests override the will of the people.

And so, the United States supported coups, supported military governments and suppressed democracy in Latin America. And that ultimately hurt, not just Latin Americans, but also hurt people in the United States. It did not work. It did not work economically. It did not work for our safety. The same should apply with [the] United States and Pakistan. We should not simply let geopolitics or corporations or our military alliance override our core value of democracy.

VOA: You've just said that the U.S. has supported coups around the world. Some would argue that with this letter, you might be asking the U.S. to meddle in the internal politics of Pakistan.

Casar: We are not meddling in those internal politics. In fact, the question is whether or not there was a free and fair election. So, our interest is not whether one group or another group wins an election. The people of Pakistan should be able to decide their own election. ... We have very clear laws that aid is contingent on human rights being respected, free speech being respected. We do not want the United States taxpayer dollars to go to militaries that then use that money to incarcerate journalists or suppress free speech or suppress political parties.

VOA: I've spoken to the State Department about this previously because these efforts have been made in the past as well. And their stance is that they want the people of Pakistan to decide who their leader should be. What would you say to that?

Casar: I agree that they should have that ... we should not meddle in domestic politics and that whoever the people of Pakistan want to be elected by majority vote, that's who should be elected. So, the question is, did that happen? And there is extensive video evidence, extensive testimony. And in fact, the State Department knows that there are very credible allegations that are on video, of things happening before the election and allegations after the election that are very concerning to the United States, but are also very concerning, even more concerning, to the people of Pakistan. So, I am not saying that we should withhold recognition of a government for no reason. We should only make sure that the will of the people of Pakistan is heard.

VOA: What do you think you would be able to achieve with this letter if the State Department has received such requests in the past? As you said, there are examples of how journalists are being put in jail and how there are several voices in Pakistan who are saying that elections are allegedly rigged. The government denies that. But what do you think you'll be able to achieve out of it?

Casar: I think if there is an independent and credible investigation into these allegations and it is determined that the elections either were significantly rigged or were not, but the United States and a coalition of nations stands behind whatever the investigation finds a that will be very powerful and very important on the world stage and hopefully will help us get to a more stable and secure and democratic Pakistan, which is good for the entire world, because, as you know, this is a country of over 200 million people. This isn't a small thing for the world.

VOA: In your letter, there is this notion that there was pre-poll rigging, along with the allegations of election rigging. Your letter seems to include that sentiment toward former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as though he was put in jail for the wrong reasons, or he had not been given a fair trial?

Casar: I believe that everyone deserves a fair trial, and it is so important for him [to receive a fair trial]. ... The people of Pakistan want to be able to recognize this and know that their elections are fair and that their leadership was chosen fairly. And so, I think a fair trial for him is important. It's important for everyone, but it is important, of course, for those political leaders. Again, I have no interest in whether he or anyone else leads Pakistan. That is not our interest in the United States. Pakistan should be able to determine its own domestic politics.

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Shehbaz Sharif elected as Pakistan's prime minister for second term

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 11:07 AM

Shehbaz Sharif has secured his position as Pakistan's prime minister for the second time, three weeks after uncertain national elections led to the formation of a coalition government.

Pakistan's newly formed National Assembly, as the lower house of parliament is called, elected Sharif on Sunday as prime minister by 201 votes, presiding over a shaky alliance that has shut out followers of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan.

"Shehbaz Sharif has been declared to have been elected as prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," said the newly appointed speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Omar Ayub Khan emerged as the preferred candidate for Members of Parliament who supported Khan, garnering a total of 92 votes in his bid against Sharif.

In Pakistan's national assembly, consisting of 336 members, 266 are elected through direct voting while 70 are appointed. Among the appointed members, 60 seats are allocated for women and 10 for representatives of religious minorities.

A political party or alliance needs 169 seats in the national assembly to assume power, while the selection of nominees is determined by the electoral performance of each political party.

Sharif, 72, is the younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who spearheaded the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party's election campaign.

Candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party agreed to form a coalition government, which enabled Shahbaz Sharif to be elected as prime minister as his brother stepped aside.

Sharif served as prime minister until August last year when the National Assembly was dissolved to pave the way for a caretaker government responsible for overseeing the national elections.

Pakistan held elections on Feb. 8 amidst controversy, with a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence during the lead-up to the polls. The delayed results sparked accusations of vote rigging and electoral fraud.

Throughout the 77-year history of Pakistan, no prime minister has managed to serve a full five-year term, due to the significant political influence wielded by the military.

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The antibiotic doxycycline monohydrate, commonly known as doxy-PEP, has shown to be very effective during trials in reducing chlamydia and syphilis after sex among gay men and transgender women with risk of recurring STIs. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Rates of chlamydia and syphilis dropped dramatically among men who have sex with men and transgender women after San Francisco began offering them prescriptions for antibiotics to take after having unprotected sex, according to a report released Monday.

The preliminary report, shared at the international Conference for Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, could have a tremendous impact on how the United States approaches soaring rates of sexually transmitted infections nationwide, researchers said.

In October 2022, San Francisco became the first city in the country to develop guidelines for providing doxy-PEP, short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. Taking 200 mg of the antibiotic, ideally within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, is meant to prevent chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea, all of which are bacterial infections.

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An analysis by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found that by November 2023, monthly chlamydia and syphilis infections were down about 50% among transgender women and men who have sex with men. There was no significant change in rates of gonorrhea.

The therapy is available to almost anyone who feels like they could benefit from it, but its particularly recommended for men who have sex with men and transgender women, who were the subject of the study.

It is quite a remarkable finding. For the last many years now, we have been facing increasing rates of STIs, so to see this downturn is very encouraging, said Dr. Stephanie Cohen, director of the public health departments HIV/STI Prevention, who presented the findings in Denver.

STIs have been climbing across the United States over the past decade. The country reached a record high in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before the COVID pandemic threw off reporting due to people not getting tested or having fewer sexual encounters. Rates of chlamydia and syphilis have since started rising again, and gonorrhea cases remain high compared with previous decades.

San Francisco reported more than 4,500 cases of gonorrhea, 5,200 cases of chlamydia and 1,300 cases of syphilis last year, according to the Department of Public Health. All of those numbers were down slightly from the previous year, though researchers said its too soon to suggest doxy-PEP played a role in reducing infections.

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For its analysis of doxy-PEP, public health officials used computer models to project expected STI cases for men who have sex with men and trans women. Comparing actual STI reports in 2022 to the projections, cases of chlamydia and syphilis dropped by 50% and 51%, respectively.

Scientists in France first began studying the use of antibiotics to prevent STIs about seven years ago, following the model of PrEP, a daily pill used to prevent HIV infection. UCSF partnered with the University of Washington to conduct the first U.S. trial five years later.

That trial ended early, in May 2022, because the results were so promising. Five months later, the city had adopted guidelines for issuing doxy-PEP to people outside the trial setting.

The guidelines state that individuals should take two 100-mg pills ideally within 24 hours, but no more than 72 hours, after having condomless sex. The city has been providing the pills through San Francisco City Clinic, the sexual health operation run by the public health department. As of December, more than 3,500 people in San Francisco have been prescribed doxy-PEP, according to the department.

We are seeing a lot of interest and enthusiasm, said Dr. Oliver Bacon, medical director of San Francisco City Clinic; he said about three-quarters of people in the targeted groups who have been offered doxy-PEP have taken it. People care about STIs  they dont want to get them, and they really dont want to infect their sex partners.

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San Francisco resident Aaron Hall was part of the initial UCSF doxy-PEP study, which he joined after acquiring four STIs in two years. After his second gonorrhea infection in 2021, a friend who was in the trial suggested he sign up, too.

Since Aaron Hall, who was part of the initial trial studying the effectiveness of doxy-PEP, started using the antibiotic after unprotected sex, he hasnt contracted a single STI: Ive had a few scares  but still nothing. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Since Hall started using doxy-PEP, he hasnt had a single STI, and Ive been plenty out there, he said.

Hall said that aside from the obvious health benefits of not being infected, its a relief not to have to deal with the hassle of STIs, including getting treated and alerting former partners.

Since the pills have been prescribed more widely in San Francisco, Hall said hes noticed people adding on doxy-PEP to their social media and dating profiles or bringing it up during sexual encounters. Its like a way of communicating, youre safe with me,  Hall said.

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San Francisco officials do not recommend doxy-PEP for most cisgender women because theres not yet evidence to suggest its effective for them. At least one earlier study found that doxy-PEP did not reduce STIs in women in Kenya, but more research is being done.

There remain questions, too, about how doxy-PEP will work as its use expands. For example, researchers want to understand why it doesnt appear to be effective at preventing gonorrhea. Its possible the pills need to be taken within 12 hours to work against that bacteria, or perhaps there is too much antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea circulating.
People Keep Paying Their Respects At Navalny's Grave Despite Police Presence And Arrests

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and Current Time March 02, 2024

People continued to come and pay their respects on March 2 at the grave of Aleksei Navalny, who was buried in Moscow on March 1 following his suspicious death in an Arctic prison last month, despite a high police presence at the cemetery and the arrest of more than 120 people across Russia for taking part in rallies to honor the memory of the late opposition politician.

Navalny was laid to rest in a cemetery near his childhood home in Moscow as tens of thousands of supporters defiantly risked reprisals from the authorities as police kept them from joining in the services.

Lithuania-based Russian journalist Aleksandr Plyushchev reposted on his Telegram channel a message from a a woman who visited the Borisovskye cemetery in the morning of March 2 and said security forces were still at the cemetery in high numbers while iron fences installed the previous day ahead of the funeral procession were still there.

The woman said "lots of flowers are still being brought, and people keep coming," and posted several photos showing Navalny's grave covered by fresh flowers and wreaths. The woman mentioned that security forces did not rush people, allowing them to spend as much time as they wanted at the cemetery.

Alla Abrosimova, the mother of Navalny's wife, Yulia, visited her son-in-law's grave again on March 2, together with Navalny's mother. A photo of the two mothers was posted on Telegram.

Abrosimova on March 1 posted a video in which she delivered a speech at Navalny's grave.

"Yulia called me 10 times today. 'Tell him [Aleksei Navalny] directly that I love him immensely. Although you don't have to talk, because he knows it very well.' And you know, somewhere he is happy, because not everyone gets to love and be loved like that," Abrosimova said in the video.

Yulia Navalnaya, who lives outside Russia for security reasons, did not attend the service. But she posted an emotional letter and video on Instagram paying tribute to her husband, saying he made her laugh, even when he was imprisoned.

"I don't know how to live without you, but I will try my best to make you up there happy for me and proud of me. I don't know if I'll manage it or not, but I will try," she said, alluding to her pledge to continue her husband's work to bring democracy and freedom to Russia.

Relatives and close associates were allowed to be present at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God for a brief funeral ceremony for President Vladimir Putin's most prominent foe before the burial in nearby Borisovskoye Cemetery.

Police forces were out in large numbers across Russia, and although no immediate incidents were reported during the funeral ceremony, more than 120 people were later detained in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and other Russian cities for participating in rallies in Navalny's memory.

In Novosibirsk, police detained at least 18 people, according to Coalition Novosibirsk 2020 and Sibirmedia.

In Moscow, according to the Avtozak Telegram channel, at least 17 people were detained.

Among those detained in Moscow were Mikhail Shneider, former deputy head of the opposition People's Freedom party, or PARNAS, which was shut down by authorities in May, and Andrei Morev, the deputy head of the Moscow branch of the Yabloko party, and his colleague Alexander Efimov. Morev was later released without any official registration of his arrest.

Meanwhile, the First Department human rights project reported that courts in four Russian regions have declared Navalny's name an "extremist symbol."

First Department reported that the designation was used against three participants in rallies in Navalny's memory in the Chelyabinsk, Krasnodar, and Murmansk regions. The designation was reportedly used in the Ulyanovsk region, too.

During the funeral procession on March 1, many people threw flowers at the hearse carrying the coffin to the cemetery as some mourners broke down metal fences to get closer to the vehicle. Chants like "Russia will be free," "No to war," and "Putin is a murderer," could be heard from the crowds.

The U.S. ambassador to Moscow and several other Western diplomats attended the funeral.

"Aleksei Navalny's work was dedicated to sharing a vision of a better future for Russia and all Russians. And ultimately, he gave his life for his patriotic service. For many Russians, he remains a symbol of what Russia could and should be," the U.S. Embassy in Moscow said in a post on Telegram.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed both Navalny's memory and the courage of those who attended his funeral in a message on X, formerly Twitter.

"It took a lot of courage to go pay tribute to Aleksei Navalny. Thousands of Russians found it within themselves. This is his legacy. Memory eternal," Macron wrote.

Scholz wrote that "Aleksei Navalny paid for his fight for democracy and freedom with his life."

"After his death, courageous Russians are carrying on his legacy: Many of them were at the funeral today and took a big risk -- for freedom," he added.

Navalny's death was announced on February 16 at the Polar Wolf prison colony in the Russian Arctic, where he was serving a 19-year term on extremism and other charges that he and his supporters had rejected as politically motivated.

Authorities claimed his sudden death was prompted by "natural causes" and then refused to release his body to his family for about a week.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement or responsibility for Navalny's death.

With reporting by SOTA, Mediazona, Baza, and Mozhem Obyasnit

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-funeral- arrests-name-extremist-symbol/32845000.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.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Juraj Blanar

2 March 2024 13:49

411-02-03-2024

On March 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Juraj Blanar on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, TArkiye.

The ministers exchanged opinions on the most urgent issues on the international agenda, including the situation around Ukraine. The Russian side confirmed its readiness to restore relations with Slovakia at the inter-parliamentary level, as well as in cultural, humanitarian and military-memorial spheres.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Juraj Blanar, Antalya, March 2, 2024

2 March 2024 13:35

410-02-03-2024

Minister,

It is a pleasure to meet you. We are observing the formation of Slovakia's new government and the renewed emphasis on national interests in its foreign policy. We prefer to collaborate with states where elected governments give top priority to national interests, as Slovakia, Hungary and many other countries do. We respect this.

We understand that, in addition to being a sovereign state, Slovakia is also a member of EU and NATO, which entails certain issues. In this regard, we appreciate even more the ability of Prime Minister Robert Fico and his government to form their own opinion on the global situation.

We are grateful for the invitation extended by Robert Fico to the descendants of the Slovak National Uprising participants to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of that event in August 2024. The President of Russia described it as a humane gesture, and we highly appreciate it.

We look forward to the resumption of interparliamentary relations. Both chambers of our parliament have always been open to such contacts. There is a group for cooperation with Slovak legislators. As far as I know, this work has been suspended or terminated altogether in your parliament. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has a long-standing relationship with Deputy Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia Andrej Danko, including when he held other positions.

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Minister Joly announces sanctions against the Russian government for the Kremlin's responsibility for Alexei Navalny's death

Global Affairs Canada

News release

March 3, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing another round of sanctions. Six Russian officials are sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations related to the February 16, 2024, death of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, and to Russia's continued gross and systematic violations of human rights.

The individuals targeted in Canada's latest sanctions are senior officials and high-ranking employees of Russia's prosecution, judicial and correctional services who were involved in the violation of Mr. Navalny's human rights, his cruel punishment and ultimately, his death.

The latest measures build on several sanctions against Russian officials to put pressure on those involved in Mr. Navalny's unjust prosecution since his return to Russia in January 2021, as well as the silencingawith heavy-handed and often violent methodsaof Russian citizens who protested his treatment.

Quotes

"The death of Alexei Navalny, a voice of hope for the Russian people, as well as a voice for freedom, justice, democracy and a better future for Russia, has created a shockwave of outrage and an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Alongside our partners, Canada will maintain pressure on the Russian government to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the death of Mr. Navalny. Today's measures are consistent with Canadian principles and values. This increased pressure on the Russian government sends a clear signal that human rights must be unequivocally respected." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

Following the death of Mr. Navalny, Canada summoned Russia's Ambassador to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, to demand a full and transparent investigation into his death.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny began his anti-corruption campaigning in 2007. From 2011 to 2020, he was falsely charged and imprisoned multiple times. In August 2020, he was attacked by Russian FSB operatives with a Novichok chemical agent banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention. He was then flown to Germany, where his recovery took more than 5 months. He returned to Russia in January 2021 and was immediately detained at the airport and subjected to a deeply flawed judicial process and imprisoned for over 3 years on dubious grounds. Subsequently, Mr. Navalny was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

In response to Mr. Navalny's poisoning and imprisonment, on March 21, 2021, Canada sanctioned several individuals who participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. In November 2022 and August 2023, Canada announced sanctions against members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges and prison officials, as well as senior Russian government officials. These individuals have been involved in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia against opposition leaders, including Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and other Russian citizens.

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Flowers Pile Up At Navalny's Gravesite As Mourners Line Up To Pay Respects For Third Straight Day

By RFE/RL's Russian Service March 03, 2024

Hundreds of mourners lined up on March 3 to pay their respects to opposition politician Aleksei Navalny for the third day in a row at Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow, where a mound of flowers has formed at the gravesite of the anti-corruption campaigner.

The line stretched for about 600 meters, according to the news outlet Astra, as people waited to honor Navalny, who was buried on March 1. Many carried flowers and messages to add to the huge pile of bouquets and mementos that have been laid at the gravesite.

People of all ages lined up, including children, young people, and elderly people, risking potential arrest.

Police were present but did not intervene, according to Meduza and other media reports. A police paddy wagon was parked near the entrance to the cemetery, but the police officers were not visible, Meduza reported. Other reports said police looked on, but the situation remained calm.

"Heroes do not die. Thank you Aleksei" was one of the slogans written on a poster at the grave, where wreaths and children's toys had also been placed, according to the dpa news agency. A Russian Orthodox cross with a photo of Navalny smiling stood out above the flowers.

Navalny, who was Russian President Vladimir Putin's most prominent foe, died on February 16 in an Arctic prison camp at the age of 47. The circumstances of his death have not been clarified.

Following his funeral, Navalny's team emphasized that the opposition will continue its fight against corruption and Putin's power apparatus.

Navalny's legacy will remain alive "as long as there are millions of people in Russia and the world who are not indifferent to this," they said. "That's why we must not give up."

In the two days since his funeral, 105 people have been detained in 22 cities across the country in relation to events marking the dissident's death, the OVD-info human rights group reported on March 3. Around 20 were arrested in Novosibirsk alone. Hundreds of others were detained as they tried to publicly mourn him in the days after his death.

The independent project White Counter, which counts the number of participants in mass events, wrote on March 2 that significantly more than 13,000 people took part in the farewell to Navalny on March 1.

According to the project's estimates, in the first 90 minutes after his funeral service, at least 16,500 people walked across the Brateevsky Bridge from the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God, where Navalny's funeral service was held, to the cemetery where he was buried.

Earlier, the pro-Kremlin publication Ridovka estimated the number of participants at 12,000, calling it small. Many people who came to bid farewell to Navalny chanted anti-war and anti-Putin slogans.

With reporting by dpa, Mediazona, and Astra

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/navalny-grave-mourners- visit-russia-opposition-putin/32846100.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.

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Russia's Piranha UAV Developer Sheds Light on Drone's Unique Video Frequencies

Sputnik News

20240303

The first US-made Abrams tank used by Ukraine in the special military operation zone was destroyed by Russian forces in the Avdeyevka area last month.

Russia's Piranha-10 FPV (first person view) drone, which was used to hit a US-made Abrams tank that had been handed over to Kiev, is capable of carrying a payload of up to 4.5 kilograms , the head of public relations of the Simbirsk Design Bureau, which developed the drone, told Russian media.

The Simbirsk Design Bureau produces two unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) models - the Piranha-7 and Piranha-10. The payload of the first model is 2.5 kilograms. The drones differ in frame size and engines. The Piranha-10 is equipped with more powerful motors and wide propellers. The approximate cost of the drone is 50,000 rubles ($550).

A representative of the Simbirsk Design Bureau noted that the advantage of Piranha UAVs is the use of unique video frequencies.

"If the manufacturer uses standard video transmitters, the means of electromagnetic warfare can very easily suppress the signal. The drone loses either control or the image as soon as it begins to move away from the operator at a distance of 100-500 meters. In our case, however, the image is stable and crystal clear, as if there was no electromagnetic warfare influence. We first tested these frequencies at the Era military innovative technopolis of the Russian Defense Ministry, and we turned out to be the only manufacturer in Russia whose UAV did not crash," he said.

Since last winter, the Simbirsk Design Bureau has delivered more than 8,000 drones to the Russian military, and the company produces more than a hundred units every day.

A Sputnik

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Syrian, Russian jets pound terrorist hideouts

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Mar 3, 2024

Damascus, IRNA -- Syrian and Russian fighter jets in a joint operation have pounded the positions of terrorist groups in the northwestern provinces of Idlib and Latakia.

According to our correspondent in Damascus, a Syrian source said that these airstrikes targeted four terrorist hideouts belonging to Al-Nusrah Front (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham) in the west of Idlib and its affiliated Hizb al-Turkestani terror group in the northeast of Latakia.

The same source also reported the killing of 9 people, most of them from East Asian countries, in the joint aerial raids, and also told about the destruction of the terrorists' drone and missile production workshop.

Recently, the Syrian army also carried out raids on the positions of terrorist groups in the Ghab Plain in the northwest of Hama province, killing 3 terrorists and injuring several of them.

The Syrian and Russian armies often conduct joint operations against terrorist groups operating in the north and northwest of Syria.

The Syrian Defense Ministry, in a statement, recently announced a joint operation with the Russian air force on Idlib, in response to attacks by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham terror group in Hama and Latakia in the past.

4399

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Navy to take delivery of 2 more Tuo Chiang-class corvettes

ROC Central News Agency

03/02/2024 05:18 PM

Taipei, March 2 (CNA) Taiwan's Navy is expected to take delivery of its fifth and sixth domestically-built Tuo Chiang-class corvettes by the end of this month, a military source told CNA on Saturday.

The An Chiang and Wan Chiang corvettes, built by Lungteh Shipbuilding Co., were launched in October and November last year, respectively, the source said.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvette is a Taiwanese-designed and manufactured class of fast and stealthy multi-purpose corvettes built for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy.

Other than the prototype, named Tuo Chiang (PGG-618), which was commissioned in 2015, the first batch comprised six corvettes, with the fourth homemade vessel delivered to the Navy on Friday, the source said.

Due to the smooth progress, the two remaining corvettes in the batch are expected to be delivered by the end of March, it added.

The Navy is set to build a total of 11 Tuo Chiang-class corvettes by the end of 2026.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are fitted with subsonic Hsiung Feng-II (HF-2) missiles, supersonic Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) anti-ship missiles, a 76mm cannon and Sea Sword II carrier-based medium-range air defense missiles, giving them the ability to hit air and sea targets simultaneously.

Based on a Ministry of National Defense report presented to the Legislative Yuan, other than the prototype and the first delivered vessel, five of the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes will be fitted with eight subsonic HF-2 missiles and four supersonic HF-3 anti-ship missiles, while the other five warships will come with four HF-2s and eight HF-3s.

(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Mar. 3, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/03/03

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Mar. 2-3

2. PLA activitiesis

21 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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Ukraine: Switzerland implements the EU's 13th package of sanctions

Swiss Government

Bern, 01.03.2024 -- The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), which is responsible for sanctions, decided on 29 February to impose further sanctions against Russia. Switzerland is thus joining the 13th sanctions package of the European Union (EU), adopted in response to Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine over the past two years. The measures will enter into force at 6pm on 1 March.

As part of a 13th package of sanctions adopted on 23 February, the EU imposed new sanctions in response to Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, which has continued for more than two years. The EAER followed suit on 29 February by expanding the Swiss sanctions lists under its jurisdiction to include a further 106 individuals and 88 entities and organisations.

The individuals, entities and organisations newly placed under sanction are primarily those operating in Russia's military-industrial complex and involved in the manufacture of missiles, drones, anti-aircraft missile systems and other military equipment. The new listings also target Russian companies and individuals involved in supplying Russia with defence equipment from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Sanctions have also been placed on judges and officials from the occupied territories of Ukraine and on individuals and organisations involved in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children.

Additional trade sanctions have been introduced to further prevent Russia from acquiring sensitive goods and technologies for the Russian military. These measures add 27 entities to the export ban on dual-use goods and on goods that may contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement. The list of goods included in the export ban has also been expanded: for example, the sale and export to Russia of components used in the design and manufacture of drones is now prohibited.

All measures enter into force at 6pm on 1 March 2024.

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A PG&E worker severs the power line from a utility pole on Geysers Road damaged by the Kincade Fire near Geyserville in 2019. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2019

Regarding PG&E bills are soaring, and Californians are angry. Here are answers to questions about the rate hike (California, SFChronicle.com, Feb. 24): The article on PG&Es rate hikes delves into the state Public Utilities Commissions voting process and ways customers can reduce their bill (run consecutive dryer loads!) but failed to mention another alternative: take away the profit motive.

The perverse incentives of a publicly traded monopoly that reported a record profit of $2.2 billion in 2023 are at odds with those of captive California citizens.

And PG&E CEO Patricia Poppe has collected over $65 million in compensation in 2021 and 2022.

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By repeatedly allowing such rate hikes as PG&Es profits soar, the unelected commission has failed its duty to advocate for Californians, raising questions about its integrity.

Utility providers, especially monopolies, should be nonprofit or community-owned, like the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Its time to stop forcing Californians to line the pockets of PG&E shareholders and executives.

Alexander Koumis, Oakland

Justice not served

On Aug. 9, 2022, Leroy Wise and an accomplice intercepted a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in the Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco. Wise put a gun to the head of the letter carrier and threatened to kill him if he hindered their theft. They stole the publics mail and the letter carriers personal possessions.

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Wise and his accomplice were arrested by postal inspectors and police. Wise pleaded guilty and at a recent hearing prosecutors sought a 28-month jail sentence. Sadly, and inexplicably, the judge reduced the sentence to a mere 30 days, which will presumably be served no later than September.

What message is sent to our loyal public servants when a robbery at gunpoint while on the job results in just a 30-day sentence?

Postal Service employees deserve better. They are entitled to feel protected as they go about their public service mission, and at a minimum should be able to take solace in knowing that the law protects them against crime as they perform their duties and that any such crimes will be taken seriously by the courts.

Louis DeJoy, postmaster general, U.S. Postal Service, Washington, D.C.

Add to monument

I urge President Joe Biden to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and include Molok Luyuk, an area east of the existing monument that includes public lands with sweeping views and an incredible biodiversity of plants and animals.

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Protecting these lands will help ensure access to the outdoors for residents and in particular, local communities of color. The Latino population of nearby Lake County is 25% and in Colusa County it is 62%, according to census data.

Protecting this land for future generations will also honor its cultural importance. Molok Luyuk is central to Patwin origin stories and is significant to Pomo, Wappo and Miwok people. Committing to tribal co-management will allow the use of traditional knowledge to improve the health of the areas ecosystems.

Recently, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service held a public meeting on the topic and heard overwhelming support from diverse community members.

I hope President Biden hears our collective call to ensure a more accessible outdoors for all.

Jazzari Taylor, policy advocate, Latino Outdoors, Oakland

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Solve cause of migration

Addressing the complexities of immigration requires a nuanced approach rooted in political science principles.

Rather than relying solely on fortifying borders, a more effective strategy involves investments in nations experiencing emigration due to heightened violence, crime as well as economic and political instability. Acknowledging the shared responsibility, as many nations have contributed to this destabilization, is paramount.

Redirecting resources away from bolstering barriers and military presence toward assisting nations grappling with these challenges can yield more sustainable outcomes.

By fostering stability and improved conditions in these countries, the impetus for individuals to seek refuge elsewhere diminishes, aligning with a proactive, comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of mass migration.

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France considering placing Special Forces in Ukraine

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sat / 2 March 2024 / 10:03

Paris is contemplating sending a small force into Ukrainian territory to pose a "strategic dilemma" for Moscow, the French outlet has claimed.

Tehran-ISNA- The French government is mulling sending a small military force directly into Ukraine to serve as instructors for Kiev's Armed Forces and as a "deterrent" to Moscow, newspaper Le Monde reported on Friday, citing its sources.

The paper did not disclose the number of French military 'instructors' that could potentially be authorized to cross into Ukrainian territory but reported that their ranks could include some "conventional units."

According to Le Monde, France's Special Forces were also involved in training Ukrainian soldiers in neighboring Poland and in escorting the nation's arms deliveries to Kiev. They have, however, always "stopped at the Ukrainian border," the outlet added.

The training France would like to provide to Ukrainians "on the ground" includes handling air defense systems, Friday's report said. Kiev's surface-to-air weapons installations are frequently targeted by Russian forces, it explained, adding that the "presence of French soldiers or [those] of other nations would potentially protect certain areas of the Ukrainian territory."

The French government allegedly views such a troop deployment as a way of posing a "strategic dilemma" for Moscow, the paper said, adding that it could "constrain" Russia's targeting and strike capabilities. In particular, it may prove to be "essential" ahead of the arrival of US-made F-16 fighter jets, scheduled to take place later this year, the French daily added.

So far, France has denied that any of its troops have been present in Ukraine during the conflict, the media outlet said. French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy on Monday when he told journalists that a potential NATO troop deployment to Ukraine could not be ruled out in the future.

"There's no consensus today to send, in an official manner, troops on the ground," he said. "In terms of dynamics, we cannot exclude anything. We will do everything necessary to prevent Russia from winning this war."

Macron's comments prompted other members of the US-led bloc, including the US, UK, Germany and Italy, to clarify that they had no such plans. The French president's remarks were seemingly supported by two Baltic nations - Estonia and Lithuania - who also said that such a move could not be ruled out.

Moscow warned in response that deploying NATO forces to Ukraine would make a direct conflict between Russia and the military bloc inevitable. On Friday, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne denied that Paris was planning to send any combat units to Ukraine, adding that it would do "everything" to avoid a war with Russia.

The French president himself doubled down on his comments on Thursday by saying his words had been "thought through and measured."

End item

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US, UK, French military officers, not just mercenaries, are in Ukraine: Russia's Lavrov

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 02 March 2024 9:32 AM

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has revealed that military officers from the United States, United Kingdom, and France are present in Ukraine rather than only mercenaries from those countries.

"Before the coup d'etat [in Ukraine], hundreds of US citizens occupied seats in ministries, just as they now allegedly have their own mercenaries, but in fact there are military officers there a there are UK and French (officers)," Lavrov said Friday.

"We are well aware of this," he added.

While taking part in the third Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, which welcomed delegates from 147 countries, Lavrov further said that NATO troops are already present in Ukraine, and that French President Emmanuel Macron didn't misspeak over the possibility of NATO sending troops to Kiev.

"I don't think he misspoke," Lavrov said at the forum, in response to Macron's Monday remarks, who did not rule out that NATO troops could be sent to Ukraine, and that "everything that is necessary" must be done to ensure the defeat of Russia, including deploying troops.

"The very fact that they want to deploy troops has been expressed explicitly, but unofficially, they (NATO) are already there," he added.

"Ukraine would not be able to use these so-called long-ranged weapons against Russian cities without these instructors."

"We all understand this perfectly well, he said, adding that there is abundant evidence to prove his claim.

On Monday, the French president stated that the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine could not be dismissed, despite the lack of "consensus" on the matter.

"There is no consensus at this stage... to send troops on the ground," Macron said.

"Nothing should be excluded. We will do everything that we must so that Russia does not win."

Macron's statement immediately prompted several French officials to enhance the manifestations of his words onto the European Union and the global community, according to Lavrov.

"Many there (in the EU), including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, began to categorically deny (Macron's claims)," he said.

"But Macron's officials, including the new foreign minister (Stephane Sejourne), hurried to say that he meant something different - that troops could be sent there not to fight but to teach and this may not lead to a war with Russia," the top Russian diplomat added.

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'We Need More Air Defenses,' Says Zelenskiy As Russian Shelling, Drone Strikes Kill At Least 11 In Ukraine

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time March 02, 2024

Russia and Ukraine exchanged apparent drone and missile attacks, with the deadliest of the latest Russian strikes hitting a high-rise residential building in Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa, killing at least eight people, regional officials said.

Russian drone strikes on March 2 were also reported in the Ukrainian cities of Mykolayiv and Kharkiv, killing three people and injuring several others, while a suspected drone attack caused an explosion in St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, with damage to a residential building and at least six injuries reported.

St. Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov reported that an "incident" had occurred without giving a cause, saying some 100 residents were evacuated. St. Petersburg news outlet Fontanka reported that the blast was caused by a Ukrainian drone. Ukraine hasn't commented.

The Russian Defense Ministry also said its forces shot down a Ukrainian drone over the Leningrad region near the Gulf of Finland and another in the Belgorod region near the border with Ukraine. No casualties were reported.

The Russian shelling in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region killed a 76-year-old man in the early morning hours, regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said.

In the Odesa attack, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said an apartment building had been hit, with an infant and 2-year-old boy among the dead. At least 10 people remain unaccounted for, officials said.

A resident of Odesa told RFE/RL that her sister and 3-month-old nephew were under the rubble of the nine-story building, but later the woman and the baby were found dead.

The violence occurred as Ukrainian officials continued to press their Western allies for more weapons -- particularly ammunition and air defense systems -- to fight against the latest moves by Russian forces to press their advantage on the battlefield.

"Russia continues to hit civilians," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on social media.

"We need more air defenses from our partners. We need to strengthen the Ukrainian air shield to add protection for our people from Russian terror. More air defense systems, more missiles for air defense systems will save lives," he said.

Later, in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said that "the world knows that terror can be opposed. Delaying the supply of weapons to Ukraine, missile defense systems to protect our people, leads, unfortunately, to such losses."

In the United States, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has put up opposition to additional military aid for Kyiv, leaving a gap of two months since the last U.S. military supplies reached Ukraine.

"If Ukraine gets the aid, they will win," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) said.

"If they don't get the aid, they will lose -- with dire consequences to the United States," added Schumer, who visited Ukraine last week.

Meanwhile, the top diplomats of two other important allies - France and Germany - will meet on March 4 to discuss aid to Ukraine.

Paris has been an active supporter of Kyiv, providing SCALP missiles, and with French President Emmanuel Macron even saying he wouldn't rule out the deployment of Western ground troops in Ukraine.

Germany, along with several other Western leaders, distanced themselves from that suggestion, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisting there would be no deployment of German ground troops.

In one reported success for Ukraine, General Mykola Oleshchuk, the Air Force commander, said on March 2 that his forces had shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber with antiaircraft missiles.

Oleshchuk wrote in a Telegram post that "Air Command East confirms the downing of a fighter-bomber. Su-34. Unfortunately, only one."

Earlier, Oleshchuk reported the launch of missiles targeting two Russian jets - an Su-34 and Su-35. The claims could not be independently confirmed.

Kyiv has regularly reported the shooting down of Russian warplanes over Ukraine, seen by many as a major embarrassment for Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russian-drone-strikes-odesa- mykolayiv-kharkiv-weapons-zelensky/32845014.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.

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Zelenskiy Signs Miliary Aid Pact With Dutch PM, Discusses Speeding Up Delivery Of F-16s

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 02, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to the Netherlands on March 1 for a new package of aid signed during a visit to Kharkiv by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Zelenskiy put the value of the arms pact at 2 billion euros ($2.17 billion) for the current year. The package was part of a security agreement signed by Rutte and Zelenskiy. It is the sixth agreement of this kind between Ukraine and a Western state.

Zelenskiy also said in a video address that the Netherlands would help secure the skies over Ukraine with its participation in the coalition of states supplying Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets as he and Rutte agreed to speed up the process of supplying Ukraine with the planes.

"Regarding the F-16: we are on schedule. This means that they will be in the Ukrainian sky later this year, but there is still a lot to be done," Rutte said at a joint press conference with Zelenskiy.

Rutte said he and Zelenskiy discussed the possibility of accelerating the transfer of the F-16s.

"So we will ask our defense ministries to work on this together with our partners like Norway, Belgium, and other countries that are part of the F-16 coalition because Ukraine needs this advantage in the air as quickly as possible," he said.

The Danish Defense Ministry reported earlier that Denmark will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the summer of 2024.

The ministry noted that it is difficult to establish a clear schedule for the transfer of the fighter jets because there are several conditions that must be met in order for Ukraine to be able to use them.

Denmark and the Netherlands became the first countries to promise to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but it will only happen after Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly them.

Rutte's trip included joining Zelenskiy in visiting wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a hospital in Kharkiv. The two leaders also visited an underground classroom where schoolchildren attend classes safe from missile strikes.

The visit to Kharkiv was a rare one by a senior Western politician as the city is regularly attacked by Russian air strikes and is much closer to the Russian border than Kyiv.

"The task facing Ukrainian allies is clear -- do whatever you can to provide what is needed, as long as it takes," Rutte said.

With reporting by dpa and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-rutte-dutch- aid-f-16s/32845029.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.

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Sending Western Troops to Ukraine Not Today's Priority - Belgian Defense Minister

Sputnik News

20240302

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Sending Western troops to Ukraine is not a today's priority, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said, not ruling out doing so in the future.

"I am saying it [sending Western troops to Ukraine] is not a priority today anyway," Dedonder told La Libre newspaper in an interview released on Saturday, when a journalist noted that she had not ruled out sending troops in the future.

Belgium does not want to confront Russia directly, the minister said. At the same time, it is important to "do everything so that Ukraine does not lose," she said, adding that Belgium prioritized providing material support and training for Ukrainian soldiers.

The participants of a recent Paris-hosted conference on Ukraine discussed the possibility of training Ukrainian soldiers on the territory of Ukraine, but did not reach a consensus on the issue, Dedonder said.

After a Paris-hosted conference on Ukraine on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and, although no consensus had been reached in this regard, nothing could be ruled out. German officials were quick to clarify that no consensus had been reached and that Germany would never put boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Western countries have been providing military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia.

A Sputnik

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NATO's Presence in Ukraine is 'Hardly Surprising for Anyone'

Sputnik News

20240302

The German military made headlines this week after a recording of officials discussing the possible shipments of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine and the use of these weapons against targets in Russia was disclosed by Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT and Rossiya Segodnya, Sputnik's parent media group.

In the recording, the German officers can be heard mulling various issues related to the transfer of Taurus missiles to the Kiev regime, as well as how to avoid implicating Germany's involvement in the conflict while doing so.

According to Eugen Schmidt, a member of the German parliament from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, the officers in question were likely not pursuing objectives of their own but were merely preparing for the possibility of Berlin approving the transfer of the missiles to Kiev.

"They act on political directives coming from above. That is, they follow orders, just like any military does. They do not act on their own initiative. So if a political decision on shipping the missiles is made, they would have to follow through," Schmidt said.

The lawmaker compared the current situation with the Taurus missiles to the Leopard tanks, which Germany was initially reluctant to supply to Ukraine but ultimately did after caving in to pressure from both the German political opposition and the "so-called allies from across the ocean."

"I do not know what really goes on in the defense ministry, but I suspect that the military were expecting certain political factions to force through the decision on missile shipments," he said. "Besides, the French and the British are already sending similar missiles [to Ukraine], so the military likely assumed that Germany would have to do the same. And so they started calculating what would they have to do to make it happen."

Commenting on the remarks made by the German officers during the conversation about a British and US military presence in Ukraine, Schmidt noted that NATO does wage a war against Russia, just not directly but by using Ukraine as a proxy.

"So the presence of [foreign] military personnel there is hardly surprising to anybody, especially when it comes to planning operations, maintaining NATO military hardware and so on," he said.

At the same time, Schmidt pointed out, the powers that be in Western countries keep telling their citizens that there is no NATO military personnel in Ukraine.

"They are painting a whole different picture for the common people, even though everyone realizes that there is NATO personnel there, a lot of them, not on the frontline but, shall we say, in the second or third echelon," he added.

Schmidt also lamented that only the AfD, the German political party he represents, openly declares that a conflict with a nuclear power and the actions of the German government are detrimental to Germany's security whereas other parties in the country prefer to keep quiet on such matters.

"We are being made a target for Russian weapons and this matter must be discussed. The citizens must be informed about how carelessly and irresponsibly politics [in Germany] are being conducted at the expense of our safety,' he said.

A Sputnik

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Russia Intercepts Five Ukrainian Storm Shadow Missiles

Sputnik News

20240302

Air defenses shot down five Storm Shadow cruise missiles fired by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in one day, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Saturday.

"During the day, air defense systems shot down five Storm Shadow cruise missiles, as well as seven missiles [launched] from the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system," the ministry said.

According to the report, Russian air defenses also downed 107 Ukrainian drones in the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as the Kharkov, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Furthermore, Russian troops attacked personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 112 regions.

Russian forces repelled eight attacks by Ukraine over the past 24 hours near Avdeyevka, the Russian Defense Ministry added.

"The enemy lost up to 160 soldiers, five armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and a Msta-B howitzer [in the Avdeyevka direction]," the ministry said, adding that eight Ukrainian counterattacks were repulsed near the villages of Stepovoye, Pivdennoye and Orlovka in the Donetsk People's Republic.

In the Donetsk region, the Russian Army eliminated more than 390 Ukrainian troops, two tanks and two armored combat vehicles, along with nine other vehicles, the ministry said. In the course of counter-battery fire, a UK-made AS-90 self-propelled artillery unit, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery unit, three Gvozdika self-propelled artillery units, three D-20 howitzers, a US-made M119 howitzer, a Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system, a US-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station, and an electronic warfare station were hit, the ministry added. A field ammunition depot was also targeted, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, in the South Donetsk region, Russian forces hit three Ukrainian brigades, destroying up to 270 soldiers and two tanks, the ministry said. Ukraine also lost two infantry fighting vehicles, three armored combat vehicles and seven other vehicles, as well as a US-made Paladin self-propelled artillery unit and a Msta-B howitzer, the ministry said.

A Sputnik

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Russia Received No Constructive Proposals on Ukraine Peace Talks Since 2022 - Lavrov

Sputnik News

20240302

ANTALYA, Turkiye (Sputnik) - Russia's top diplomat Sergey Lavrov held a presser where he shared his opinion on the most crucial global issues and commented on unfolding trends in the world's politics.

Russia has not received any serious proposals for talks with Ukraine since the 2022 meeting in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday.

At the same time, Russia has never given up on the idea of peace negotiations with Ukraine, Lavrov said, adding that this question has been raised many times, including with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"There have been no serious appeals to us regarding the negotiations. By serious, I mean proposals that are really aimed at ensuring the legitimate interests of the parties involved. There are no such proposals," Lavrov said at a press conference at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

On Switzerland's Plans to Mediate

Russia does not count on Switzerland's efforts toward a peaceful settlement in the Ukraine conflict as the country has long lost its neutrality, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding that he had told this to his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis.

"We do not rely heavily on Switzerland's services. Switzerland has traditionally been a venue and a country that has helped in every possible way to reach compromises, agreements in negotiations due to its neutrality. It lost its neutrality long ago ... I said this frankly to my colleague [Cassis] when we were talking to him in New York," Lavrov told journalists.

On January 15, Swiss President Viola Amherd said that Volodymyr Zelensky had asked Bern to host a peace summit on Ukraine. Kiev wants to hold summits to approve Zelensky's "peace formula," the Ukrainian presidency explained. Cassis later stressed that Russia needed to be part of any peace process related to the Ukraine conflict.

On Leaked German Talks

The leaked conversation between German military officials on striking Russia, the remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin indicate that the "war camp" in Europe is still strong and is not changing its course aimed at defeating Moscow, Sergey Lavrov said.

On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and had neither reached a consensus on the matter or ruled out the option. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin said that in case Ukraine loses in the conflict, NATO might have to fight against Russia.

"The situation clearly indicates that the war camp in Europe is still pretty strong," Lavrov said on the sidelines of the 2024 Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

The latest remarks by Macron and Austin, as well as the conversation between German military officials show that Europe is not willing to change its course "towards the strategic defeat of Russia."

On Mideast Rapprochement Possibility

Any practical steps to normalize relations between Turkiye and Syria are impossible at the moment because of the situation in the Gaza Strip, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"We reiterate our interest in promoting the normalization of relations between Syria and Turkiye ... We have been working on this and, in fact, we continue to work on it, but practical steps are not possible now because what is happening in the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian territories directly affects all participants in this process," Lavrov told reporters.

The bombing by the United States of certain facilities belonging to pro-Iranian forces, and US attacks on Iraq, Syria and Yemen, is a distraction to this process, he added.

Speaking about situation in the Gaza Strip, the Russian foreign minister said that Russia is concerned about Israel's intention to mount a military offensive in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, adding that Israel stood firm on its plan to eliminate Palestinian movement Hamas.

"We are also concerned that now, right on the eve of the holy [Muslim] month of Ramadan, an operation is being prepared to clear out Rafah, where two-thirds of the entire population of Gaza, who have fled the violence in the rest of the Strip, are gathered," Lavrov said at the press conference.

If Israel's operation was to take place, many refugees would go to Egypt, which has spoken against such scenario, Lavrov said, describing the possible outcome as "an ethnic cleansing."

"There are also statements that the Gaza Strip should be a buffer zone for Israel. And the Israeli leadership has said that this is not about creating a Palestinian state, but about ensuring the security of the Jewish state. This is 100% contrary to all UN resolutions," Lavrov added.

The top Russian diplomat also mentioned negative developments taking place in the West Bank, where Israeli army raids against Palestinians have intensified.

Countermeasures to Sweden and Finland Joining NATO

Russia will deploy additional weapons in the newly created Moscow and Leningrad military districts in response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"We have already taken organizational decisions and created the Moscow Military District and the Leningrad Military District. Additional weapons will be deployed there, which will be adequate to the challenges that may appear on the territory of Finland and Sweden," Lavrov told journalists.

It was surprising to learn how quickly the two countries abandoned their neutrality, which had served them well for decades, the top Russian diplomat said, adding that years of good neighborliness had gone to waste.

A Sputnik

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Zelenskyy Calls Allies' Delay of Military Support 'Unacceptable'

By VOA News March 02, 2024

In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday urged Western allies to provide weapons to Ukraine, stressing that delays in supplying missile defense systems will cost more Ukrainian lives.

"When lives are lost, and partners are simply playing internal political games or disputes that limit our defense, it's impossible to understand. It's unacceptable. And it will be impossible to forget a the world will remember this," he said.

Zelenskyy called out Ukraine's allies after at least seven people, including a toddler and a woman and her infant, died in a Russian drone strike Saturday on an apartment block in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, regional authorities said.

"Rescuers in Odesa have just uncovered the bodies of a mother with a three-month-old baby," Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a post on his Telegram channel.

At least eight people were injured. Rescuers continue to sift through the rubble for more people, according to Oleh Kiper, Odesa regional governor.

At least three more people were killed in separate shelling attacks on the front-line Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, Ukrainian officials said.

In Washington, officials are viewing the shortage of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine and the drop off in U.S. supply shipments with increasing alarm. It has been more than two months since the U.S. last sent military supplies to Ukraine, according to The Associated Press.

Republicans refuse to vote on support

House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring to a vote the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate. That decision could stall the package for weeks after an already monthslong wait in Congress.

U.S. Defense officials are discussing options that could include tapping existing Pentagon stockpiles before Congress approves funding to replenish them, according to Senator Jack Reed, the chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

At a White House meeting this week, U.S. President Joe Biden, the two top Democrats in Congress, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell all urged Johnson to put to a vote the Senate-passed package, which would provide $60 billion worth of assistance for Kyiv.

Germany investigates reported leak

Germany said Saturday it is investigating a purportedly leaked call after Moscow said a recording of German officers showed them discussing weapons for Ukraine and a potential strike by Kyiv on a bridge in Crimea.

A German defense ministry spokesperson said the Federal Office for Military Counterintelligence was probing what appeared to be a case of eavesdropping, and the possibility that the recording had been altered.

During a visit to Rome on Saturday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the potential leak "very serious," adding it was "now being clarified very carefully, very intensively and very quickly."

Participants in the call allegedly discussed the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv. Scholz so far has publicly and firmly refused to send such weapons to Ukraine to avoid any military escalation between NATO and Russia.

The officials in the leaked call also allegedly talked about the training of Ukrainian soldiers and assorted possible military targets.

The leaked call was posted on Telegram by Margarita Simonyan, a Russian state TV journalist and the head of Russia Today.

Reuters listened to the 38-minute recording but could not independently confirm its authenticity.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of the German Parliament, however, told the Handelsblatt newspaper that he considered the reports to be authentic.

The Russian Embassy in Berlin did not respond to an email request for comment Saturday about allegations of possible spying.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke to journalists on Saturday about "cunning plans of the Bundeswehr [German armed forces], which became apparent due to the publication of this audio recording. This is a blatant self-exposure."

Dutch leader agrees to $2.2 billion

Zelenskyy announced Friday that he and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed a security agreement that will provide Kyiv with $2.2 billion in military aid this year.

Zelenskyy announced details of the plan on his social media accounts after the two leaders met and held talks in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city and a frequent target for Russian attacks.

Ukraine warned last month it had received less than a third of the 1 million artillery shells the European Union had promised to deliver and was struggling to hold its defenses.

It withdrew its forces from the eastern town of Avdiivka in February amid difficulty securing ammunition, handing Moscow its first major territorial gain in more than a year.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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China expects to play a better role in promoting dialogue, peace on Ukraine crisis in second round of shuttle diplomacy

Global Times

'Better chance for dialogue and peace, but uncertainties still exist'

By Liu Caiyu Published: Mar 03, 2024 09:15 PM

Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui arrived in Moscow on Saturday to begin the second round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis.

Chinese analysts say China can play a better role in promoting dialogue and peace this time as there is rising global opposition to war, which presents a better chance for peace negotiations and mediation initiatives as the conflict enters its third year. But to reach a peaceful resolution, it will still take time, they said.

Late Saturday Moscow time, Li held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. In their talks, Li stated that the Ukraine crisis has escalated for two full years. Historical experience shows that any conflict must ultimately be resolved through negotiations. The sharper the contradictions, the more efforts should be made to not give up on dialogue, according to a statement released by Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

China stands ready to continue its efforts to promote peace and dialogue, shuttle among Russia, Ukraine, and relevant parties, build consensus, and push for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis, Li stressed.

Galuzin also agreed that the Ukraine crisis ultimately needs to be resolved through negotiations and he praised China for playing a unique and constructive role in this regard. He also highly appreciated China's second round of shuttle diplomacy, and said he hoped to continue strengthening communication with China, Chinese Foreign Ministry said in the statement,

"A very engaged and thorough exchange of views took place on the topic of the Ukrainian crisis," the Russian foreign ministry said in the statement posted on its website after Li met with Galuzin.

In the past two years, China has consistently worked toward promoting peace and dialogue, engaging in discussions with Russia, Ukraine, and other involved nations to play a constructive role in coping with the crisis.

As the war enters its third year, it has reached a critical juncture where further escalation is still a possibility. However, each side involved at the same time is facing limitations in terms of resources and efforts that can be put into the conflict, Cui Hongjian, a professor with the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

All parties, including Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and the US, are exhausted as the conflict has been going on for two years, and there is a growing anti-war sentiment worldwide. This has created a greater opportunity for peace talks and mediation efforts, Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on the same day.

In this context, Cui Hongjian also believes that China can better play a crucial role in promoting a political solution to the conflict, more than ever.

The significance of China's efforts in promoting peace talks lies in bridging the huge gap in positions between the parties involved. Through China's mediation, consensus can be reached, including on issues such as providing humanitarian aid and preventing the escalation of conflict, Cui Heng noted.

Due to the high level of mutual trust between China and Russia, China's mediation efforts are more likely to be successful in getting Russia to express its position without reservation, Cui Heng said. He further said that hopefully after Li first met with the Russian Foreign Ministry to understand Russia's position - which is relatively clear and unified - he will convey it to other parties involved.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Li and Galuzin shared views on deepening exchanges on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis.

AS this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, as well as the opening year of the China-Russia Cultural Year,they agreed to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline and promote the continued development of bilateral relations.

Besides visiting Russia, Li also plans to visit Poland, Ukraine, Germany and France, as well as the EU headquarters in Belgium, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on February 28.

Furthermore, Cui Heng stated that negotiations cannot be a one-time event, but rather must be a continuous process. He highlighted the importance of differentiating between cease-fire negotiations and peace negotiations, as they serve different purposes and require different strategies.

Peace negotiations involve territorial division and political security, which are currently not feasible for discussion, Cui Heng explained. "Though challenges still lie ahead, there is still hope for cease-fire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, similar to the frozen conflict on the Korean Peninsula."

Cui Hongjian pointed out that there is still a possibility that the conflict can evolve into a larger battlefield. He warns that the continued expansion of NATO and military maneuvers in Russia's neighborhood could escalate tensions further and prolong the conflict. He emphasized that the West needs to reassess its approach to the conflict and understand the gravity of the situation.

Russian air defense systems destroyed all 38 drones that Ukraine launched at the Crimean Peninsula early on Sunday, Reuters reported quoting Russia's defense ministry as saying, following reports on Ukrainian and Russian social media of powerful explosions in the port of Feodosia.

Cui Heng said the battlefield situation will continue to be a standoff. He explains that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still in a stalemate, with Russia taking the initiative. But Putin has expressed willingness to negotiate with the US and Ukraine in his State of the Nation Address and in previous interviews with journalists.

'The Ukrainian side has not yet signaled willingness to negotiate. Spring has arrived, and the land in Ukraine would be very muddy, making it unsuitable for large-scale military operations.

"In the coming months, neither side is suitable for large-scale actions, but at least until the US election, it is difficult to say that the situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict will change," Cui Heng said.



Zhang Wanshi also contributed to this story

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Medical examiner officers load the body of a man believed to have overdosed in his apartment building on Natoma and Eighth streets in San Francisco. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle 2023

In the face of Californias escalating overdose crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Department of Public Health recently took necessary action by introducing a statewide standing order to streamline the distribution and administration of the opioid reversal medication naloxone across the state.

However, this move, while laudable, does not fully address the complexities of the crisis, especially with the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This inadequacy becomes all too apparent when considering the tragic and heartbreaking incident of a 2-year-old in Sacramento who, despite receiving two doses of naloxone, still died from an accidental  and preventable  overdose.



Californias opioid response dashboard shows that 87% of deaths from opioid overdoses involved fentanyl in 2022. The urgency of the situation demands a more comprehensive and collaborative response, one that acknowledges the evolving challenges posed by the fourth wave of the epidemic.



This fourth wave is being driven by the lethal combination of fentanyl and other recreational drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as counterfeit prescription opioids, which places a larger population unknowingly at risk of an overdose. A study from UCLA and Harvard researchers found that roughly 22 teens aged 14 to 18 died from overdoses each week in 2022 in the country, predominantly influenced by the rising prevalence of fentanyl-laced, counterfeit prescription pills.

Naloxone, while a crucial tool, often proves insufficient in fentanyl-related overdoses, necessitating multiple doses that still might be ineffective.

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In community settings where there is no oxygen available, the window in which the medication can successfully reverse an overdose is limited, according to a study funded by the Food Drug Administration published in January. Current recommendations for naloxone dosing are inadequate in the era of illicit fentanyl unless oxygen is available  and it typically isnt. Staff members from the publication Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly recently saw this firsthand in San Francisco, witnessing an overdose where four doses of naloxone were not adequate.

Because of naloxones limitations, last year the FDA approved nalmefene, a longer-lasting opioid reversal nasal spray that is well-suited for counteracting potent opioids like fentanyl as well as mixtures of synthetic opioids and other illicit drugs.

Following the FDAs approval, a county in Michigan launched a pilot program so their frontline responders could start using the new rescue agent.

Weve successfully reversed more than 40 overdoses with just one dose  the recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. We are saving lives and have not seen any negative outcomes thus far, Steve Norris, harm reduction and recovery support director for the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, told me.

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In addition to the pilot program in Michigan, New Hampshires Department of Health and Human Services recently expanded its standing order to include nalmefene. And a county in Florida is doing the same.

Although Michigans pilot program and New Hampshires expanded standing order are new, and naysayers may say that there isnt enough data to prove cost-effectiveness, I echo New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu in saying that we must increase access to every resource possible in our continued work to combat substance use disorder and save lives.

If the FDA approves a medication as safe and effective, then states should assume the same.

Cancer treatments, new gene therapy infusions for sickle cell disease and hemophilia, and other innovative therapies are hailed as beacons of hope when approved by the FDA  yet we have a new rescue agent in our arsenal and critics are more focused on perpetuating stigma-based concerns instead of realizing the potential we have in front of us. A product that can reverse an overdose with one dose, is inherently going to be more cost-effective than a product that necessitates multiple doses to be successful. Its also imperative we dont lose sight of the big picture: saving more lives from preventable overdoses.

When California first implemented its standing order, naloxone was the only reversal medication approved by the FDA. Now that other products are available and proven safe and effective, we should remove barriers and streamline the ability for our communities to access these lifesaving rescue agents.

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Statewide policymakers had an opportunity to do so last year through our co-sponsored bill, SB641 by state Sen. Richard Roth, D-Riverside, which would have provided those on the front lines with every tool in the toolbox to effectively combat the diverse challenges presented by the opioid crisis. The bill passed the Legislature unanimously but was surprisingly vetoed by Gov. Newsom.

It is time for California to take a proactive stance, acknowledge the gravity of the situation and demonstrate a commitment to saving more lives. The expansion of the states standing order is not merely a bureaucratic procedure, but a lifeline for all Californians, particularly those on the frontlines, working tirelessly to prevent and reverse overdoses.
At least 8 killed in drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:16, March 03, 2024

KIEV, March 3 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and eight others injured when a drone hit an apartment building in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa on Saturday morning, the State Service for Emergencies said on Telegram.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the drone fired by Russian forces hit a nine-story apartment block in Odesa's residential area, destroying 18 apartments.

As of Saturday evening, the search operation at the site of the attack was still underway.

Russia's defence ministry said its air defences destroyed a Ukrainian drone over Leningrad region, which borders the Gulf of Finland, and a second one in Belgorod region on Saturday. No casualties or damage were reported.

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Leaked audio reveals German aid to Ukraine in planned Crimean Bridge attack

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 11:14 AM

Leaked audio obtained by Russia has revealed that German officials discussed plans to send missiles to Ukraine to take out the key Crimean Bridge amid a long-running war between Kiev and Moscow.

The 38-minute audio dated February 19 was released by Russia's RT news channel, containing a conversation between four officers of the German air force, including its commander, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.

The military officials were discussing the operational and targeting details of Taurus long-range missiles that Germany was considering sending to Ukraine for an attack on the strategic bridge, which is also called Kerch Bridge and links Russia to the Crimean Peninsula.

"I've come to the conclusion that there are two interesting targetsathe [Crimean] bridge to the east and the ammunition depots, which are higher up. The bridge is difficult to reach, it's a relatively small target, but the Taurus can do it, and it can also strike the ammunition depots," said one of the German officials in the audio.

During the leaked conversation, the officers exchanged their views on the matter as if the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine had already been agreed upon.

They also spoke about maintaining plausible deniability in the event of the bridge attack and avoiding Berlin to be dragged into the war between Kiev and Moscow.

Apart from the use of Taurus missiles, the German officials also mentioned the presence of foreign military personnel in Ukraine, deployed to help Kiev operate Western-supplied weapons.

US-led Western countries have supplied huge shipments of weaponry to Kiev since Moscow launched the special military operation in the former-Soviet republic in February 2022.

Moscow has repeatedly warned the West that flooding Ukraine with weapons and munitions will only prolong the war, and will not stop the Russian troops from achieving their military objectives.

Leaked Crimean Bridge attack audio 'real': Berlin

A German Defense Ministry spokeswoman told state broadcaster ARD on Saturday that the leaked discussions between German military officers about aiding Kiev in a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge are genuine.

"According to our assessment, a conversation in the Air Force was intercepted," the ministry's spokeswoman said, adding that the German officials were unable to determine whether any changes were made to the transcript or the recording itself.

The German media also reported that the audio clip appeared to be authentic, with Germany's DPA news agency saying the officers were talking using the Webex online calling, messaging and conference platform.

Germany's Der Spiegel reported that "according to an initial assessment, Artificial-Intelligence supported counterfeiting is largely ruled out."

The German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung claimed on Sunday, citing sources, that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains opposed to sending Taurus missiles to Kiev, warning it could further escalate the conflict.

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Russian Defense Ministry says intercepts Ukraine's drones over Crimea

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 03 March 2024 8:32 AM

Russia's Ministry of Defense (MoD) says it has thwarted Ukrainian "terrorist attacks" using drones on targets in Crimea.

Russia's air defenses intercepted dozens of "hostile drones" after Kiev launched a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the Crimean Peninsula overnight, the MoD announced on Sunday.

"An attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using 38 unmanned aerial vehicles was prevented," the ministry said in its early morning bulletin.

So far, there have been no reports of any damage or injuries on the ground from the Ukrainian "hostile drones."

On Saturday, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) officers intercepted an explosive-rigged vehicle attempting to cross into Crimea from Russia's Kherson Region.

According to a security source talking to Russian media, an improvised explosive device (IED) made from parts supplied to Ukraine by NATO member states had been discovered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been touring the world in an attempt to secure desperately needed arms and munitions for Kiev to fight Russian troops.

The Ukrainian comedian-turned-president has been heavily relying on the supply of Western weapons and ammunition to continue Kiev's war against Moscow.

According to Andri Teren, a Ukrainian infantry commander in the 110th Brigade, Kiev's deficit of soldiers and ammunition is causing difficulty for Ukrainian forces fighting Russian troops.

"We didn't have enough people. We didn't have enough shells. We didn't have enough possibilities to throw them back. If we had had a large amount, or at least an OK amount of shells, we could have stopped the enemy. But unfortunately, we didn't have them," he said, citing the reasons for the Ukrainian forces' latest defeats against the Russian troops.

US-led Western countries have supplied huge shipments of weaponry to Kiev since Moscow launched the special military operation in Donbas in February 2022.

Moscow has repeatedly warned the West that flooding Ukraine with weapons and munitions will only prolong the war, and will not stop the Russian troops from achieving their military objectives.

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The West Needs Stronger Sanctions On Russia To Help Ukraine Win War, Says Expert

By Reid Standish March 03, 2024

Since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago, the United States, Britain, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Japan have imposed thousands of sanctions on Russia.

The main target of the measures has been Russian finances, especially the networks that fund Moscow's war effort. Amid the grinding conflict that's claimed tens of thousands of lives, the companies, entities, and individuals connected to Russia's defense and security sector have been added to ever-growing lists compiled by Brussels, Washington, and their partners meant to curb Moscow's capacity on the battlefield.

But as the war enters its third year, a growing body of evidence shows Moscow can circumvent many of these sanctions and get key items for its military from third countries despite Western attempts to stop those efforts.

To better understand the cracks in Western sanctions and how Russia has been able to exploit them, RFE/RL spoke with Tom Keatinge, the director of the Center for Financial Crime and Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. A former investment banker, Keatinge is also an adviser on illicit finance to the British Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

RFE/RL: We're now in year three of the war. Shortly after the invasion happened, there was lots of talk about how Russia would become the most sanctioned country ever. Looking at things now, how does this hold up?

Tom Keatinge: Those statements are all true. There's never been so many sanctions on one country or so many individuals and companies and industries being sanctioned -- and never has a country so integrated into the West economically been sanctioned like this before, either.

I think it's also important to keep in mind that the goal of this response has mainly been to restrict the funding and resourcing of the Russian military. And when we look at how that's going, the answer is not great.

It's wrong to say that they're not having any impact, they clearly are having an impact because the Russians are having to find circumvention mechanisms. So some would argue that sanctions are working. Others would say [that we're actually] pulling apart drones that are smashing into Kyiv every night and finding Western components that are relatively recent and certainly have been shipped since the start of the war. Both arguments are true, but the bottom line should be whether we are doing enough and I think, bluntly, that the answer is "no, we're not."

And that's true whether [we're talking about] the provision of ammunition and advanced weaponry or whether we look at the application and implementation of sanctions.

The United States now has the power to designate foreign financial institutions that it finds is facilitating sanction circumvention, but it hasn't been used yet because it will be bloody when it is used and will basically put that particular bank out of business. So until the West broadly is willing to make some examples out of some big violators then I think people at these places will continue to think that sanctions are something that someone else needs to worry about and not what they as an organization need to worry about.

RFE/RL: Earlier this week [Aleksei Navalny's wife], Yulia Navalnaya, spoke to the EU parliament and, among other things, she was saying that more needs to be done to block these channels and networks of banks and lawyers in the West that allow Russia to move money around and navigate around sanctions. You're based in London, which has been famous as one of the main hubs for this over the decades, and despite many events over the years -- including the 2022 invasion -- it seems there hasn't been a total shift. So, if the war isn't a wake-up call, then what would be?

Keatinge: That's a legitimate and valid challenge that she makes. I think the thing you have to remember is that the target of sanctions -- whether it's an individual, a company, or a country -- does not sit there and simply say, "Okay, I give up. I will do what you want me to do because of the sanctions you've leveled against me."

There is a whole industry of people, both inside the country and outside the country, whose job it is to develop new procurement networks. [Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB], in particular is heavily involved in developing these procurement networks. They're taking all of this very seriously. It's existential for them and so that means that we need to treat it in a similar fashion if we don't want to be outplayed and outmaneuvered.

The West wanted to be heavy in its response, but it didn't want to destroy its own economies in the process. So we have the whole conundrum that's played out with energy dependence on Russia in Europe. It's more than two years now, so we should have organized ourselves to be in a position to completely embargo Russia, if we choose to, but right now there are simply too many gaps.

[Al-Qaeda founder] Osama bin Laden once famously said that his financiers knew the cracks in the Western financial system as well as the cracks on the backs of their hands, which shows how if you leave cracks then they will get abused. So I would endorse what Yulia said, and I think that, again, if we want Ukraine to win, then we have to be willing to lean in much more than we are currently [and] we may have to be willing to potentially damage our own economies.

Ultimately, if it costs us something today, it's going to cost us an awful lot more over the next five, 10, or 15 years if we're not forceful now. So I think it's a false economy, frankly, to be lighter today than we could be. Even for the politicians where it might be a tough explanation to their populations.

RFE/RL: You said earlier that there are still tools on the table that could potentially be very effective, but they're just not being used. So that leaves me with two questions: Why aren't they being used? And what could they accomplish if they were?

Keatinge: The tools that aren't being used are the tools that would create, to put it mildly, diplomatic difficulties.

The EU, for instance, has its anti-circumvention toolbox and it could start naming and shaming countries and companies as circumvention risks, but it's treading very, very carefully and tiptoeing around [having to use it.]

As I said before, the United States could use some of the big hammers in its toolbox on foreign financial institutions, too, but the reality is that I just don't think we are brave enough to use those tools because there would be blowback [at home]. But the calculation for whether that blowback is worth it, I suppose, looks different depending on where you are.

If you're sitting through nightly aerial bombardments in Kyiv, Odesa, or somewhere like that, I think you'd think that the blowback faced by Europe would be worth it. But if you're facing an election this year in London, Brussels, or anywhere else -- including on the mega list of countries holding elections this year -- maybe you think it's not worth it and you'll leave it for after the election or for the person who ends up taking over after you.

So I think there's a big dose of realpolitik in all of this, which for those of us who want to see an end to this war immediately and Russia expelled from Ukraine, is disappointing.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-stronger-sanctions- needed-west-russia-keatinge-interview/32845234.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.

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Zelenskiy Calls On World To Help Ukraine Defeat 'Russian Evil' As Death Toll From Strike On Odesa Climbs To 12

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 03, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on March 3 for the world to help Kyiv defeat "Russian evil" as the death toll from a Russian drone strike on Odesa rose to 12, including several children.

"Every Russian loss at the front is our country's response to Russian terror. The world must respond to every manifestation of Russian evil and repel Russia's actions," Zelenskiy said after rescuers ended their search for victims in the rubble of the attack on Odesa.

He said later in his nightly video address that political will is required to make sure Ukraine has the supplies in an apparent reference to a crucial multibillion dollar aid package remains stalled in the U.S. Congress amid partisan bickering.

The war "must become hopeless for Russia.... They must sense that there is force that destroys those who seek to destroy life," Zelenskiy said.

"If this doesn't happen and America [and] Europe lose to Iranian Shaheds or Russian jets, it will go down in history as one of the most shameful chapters. Evil should never be encouraged. Neither by weak decisions, delays in supplies, nor indecision," Zelenskiy said.

The drone hit an apartment block in Odesa early on March 2, partially destroying several floors and leaving more than a dozen people under the rubble.

The attack killed at least four children, including two babies less than a year old, according to statements by Zelenskiy and the regional governor.

"Mark, who was not even three years old, Yelyzaveta, eight months old, and Timofey, four months old," Zelenskiy said, naming the youngest victims on Telegram.

"Ukrainian children are Russia's military targets," he said.

The bodies of a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister were found under the rubble on March 3, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Ukraine's emergency services said they had found the bodies of families huddled together as they sifted through the rubble.

"A mother tried to cover her eight-month-old baby with her body. They were found in a tight embrace," the agency said on Telegram.

March 3 has been declared a day of mourning in Odesa and the region for those killed during the drone attack on the city.

According to rescuers, 18 apartments of a nine-story building in Odesa were destroyed in the air strike that the Ukrainian Air Force said occurred overnight on March 2 and also hit the Mykolayiv region.

Zelenskiy on March 2 pleaded with Kyiv's Western allies to supply more air defense systems as Russia continues to pound Ukraine with drones, missiles, and artillery fire while the civilian death toll continues to mount. The United Nations has verified at least 10,000 civilian deaths since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

There was no comment on the attack in Moscow, which denies targeting civilians despite ample evidence of Russian strikes on residential areas.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported on a separate attack in the southern Kherson region that it said killed one person and wounded three others. Officials also reported an air strike on a residential quarter of Kurakhove, a town in the eastern Donetsk region, injuring 16.

Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers reported an attempted massive Ukrainian drone attack on the illegally annexed peninsula of Crimea overnight.

Moscow said it shot down 38 Ukrainian drones, while the Rybar Telegram channel, which is close to Russia's armed forces, said one hit a pipeline at an oil depot.

An adviser to Crimea's Kremlin-installed leader said traffic was halted early on March 3 along a highway near Feodosia, the site of the earlier explosion. More than eight hours later, Crimea's local transport minister reported that traffic had partially resumed.

A bridge that connects Crimea to Russian territory was also closed to traffic for about two hours early on March 3.

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-western-help- odesa-strike-russian-evil/32846155.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.

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Zelenskiy Awaiting 'Concrete Proposals' As Syrskiy Completes Tour Of Front

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 03, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he is expecting a "detailed report and concrete proposals" from Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, who was named chief of the General Staff on February 9, early in the coming week.

During his daily video address late on March 2, Zelenskiy noted that Syrskiy recently returned from a tour of the front and added that the General Staff has "carte blanche for personnel changes in the army or any changes at the headquarters."

Earlier the same day, Syrskiy announced a reshuffling of commanders of several combat brigades, noting in a Telegram post that during his tour of the eastern part of the front he determined that "some brigades manage to hold back enemy attacks and hold their positions, while others do not."

The announcements came shortly after Russian forces captured the Donetsk region city of Avdiyivka following a long and costly campaign and reports that Ukrainian defense forces are experiencing shortages of munitions amid declining Western aid.

Zelenskiy said he continues talks with Western partners on the provision of weapons and "the continuity of support." A large package of U.S. military assistance has been stalled in Congress. The New York Times reported on February 29 that the Biden administration was considering providing munitions to Ukraine from existing stockpiles as a stopgap measure even though a fund to replenish those supplies has been exhausted.

"Ukraine has not asked for anything except what is needed to save lives," Zelenskiy said. "It is impossible to understand how partners can let political games or disputers limit our defense while lives are being lost."

"It is impossible to accept this," he said. "And it will be impossible to forget it. The world will remember."

Meanwhile, officials said the bodies of two more civilians killed in a Russian drone attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa on March 2 had been recovered from the rubble of a residential building, raising the death toll in the incident to 10. The bodies were of a woman and her eight-month-old baby, bringing the number of small children killed in the strike to three.

Officials have declared March 3 a day of mourning in the Odesa region.

In the early hours of March 3, air-raid warnings sounded in the Dnipropetrovsk region, but no casualties were reported in what was described as a "missile attack" in the Nikopol area.

On February 21, the United Nations reported that at least 10,582 Ukrainian civilians had been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, adding "it is likely the real number of civilian casualties is much higher."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-syrskiy-front-tour- proposals-russia-drone-attacks/32845863.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.

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Russian Forces Destroy Another US-Made Abrams Tank Near Avdeyevka With Upyr Drones

Sputnik News

20240303

Another American Abrams tank was destroyed by the Russian troops with FPV drones, a representative of the UAV's manufacturer told Sputnik.

"Today, near Avdeyevka, our Upyr drones destroyed an Abrams tank," a representative of the drone manufacturer said. "It was destroyed by fighters from the Tsentr group."

"The American vehicle came close to our positions [and] the infantrymen shot out its track with an RPG-7 grenade launcher," the company representative added. "The stopped tank was burned by a crew of FPV drones. They used 2 kamikaze [drone] Upyr of our production."

Russian soldiers have already destroyed two US-made Abrams tanks near Avdeyevka, also with the help of FPV-drones.

The battle took place on February 26 near the village of Berdychi. Russian soldiers destroyed several pieces of equipment of the Ukraine armed forces that day, including tan US-made Abrams tank.

The destruction of the first Abrams tank supplied to Kiev shows that Russian soldiers are determined to demilitarize Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on developments that day.

"From the very beginning, our fighters said that these tanks would burn as well as others, but in general, as you and I know from the daily reports of the Defense Ministry, this is the daily, systematic, professional and selfless work of our soldiers, who demilitarize Ukraine and do it daily," Peskov told reporters.

The US Department of Defense declined to confirm or give any comment following reports about the destruction of the first Abrams tank on the battlefield in Ukraine, and referred all inquiries to Kiev.

A Sputnik

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Russian Forces Improve Front Line Positions in Avdeyevka and Donetsk Areas

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces repelled 14 attacks by the Ukrainian Army in the Avdeyevka and Donetsk areas, eliminating up to 700 soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"Near Avdeyevka, units of Battlegroup Tsentr improved front line positions and repelled 11 counterattacks by ... the Ukrainian Army in the areas of [the villages of] Tonenkoye, Orlovka, Pervomaiskoe, and Berdychi in the Donetsk People's Republic. Two attacks by assault groups of the 24th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army were also repelled in the vicinity of the locality of Nyu-York in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said.

In this area alone, Ukraine lost up to 460 troops both killed and wounded in the past 24 hours, with Russian forces also eliminating three tanks and five infantry fighting vehicles, the ministry added. A Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery unit, two Giatsint-B howitzers, and a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit were hit in the course of a counter-battery battle, the ministry said.

In the Donetsk direction, Russian forces repelled three attacks by Ukraine, eliminating an ammunition depot and up to 240 troops, the ministry said. Kiev also lost two armored personnel carriers, three cars, and a US-made M777 artillery system, the ministry added. Meanwhile, in the Kupyansk area, Russia repelled five attacks by Ukraine, which lost up to 35 troops, two cars, two US-made M777 and M198 howitzers, and a D-20 howitzer, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, in the Kherson region, the Russian Army repelled an attack by Kiev in the area of the village of Robotino, eliminating more than 40 servicemen, two M777 artillery systems, and five vehicles, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers, and an Anklav-N electronic warfare station, the ministry added.

In the South Donetsk area, Russian forces destroyed up to 250 Ukrainian soldiers, three cars, and an Akatsiya self-propelled artillery unit, as well as a D-20 howitzer, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery units, and a Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) combat vehicle, the ministry said.

Russian air defense systems also downed 143 Ukrainian drones, including a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2, and two HIMARS MLRS missiles, the ministry said. The drones were shot down over the Donetsk People's Republic, Kharkov, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Sumy regions, the ministry noted.

A Sputnik

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Russian Air Defense Destroys 38 Ukrainian Drones Over Crimea

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems shot down 38 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"Tonight, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using 38 fixed-wing drones on objects on the territory of the Russian Federation was prevented. All Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by air defense systems over the territory of the Republic of Crimea," the ministry said.

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.

A Sputnik

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Russia's Galuzin, China's Li Hui Discuss Ukraine Crisis - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20240303

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has held a meeting with Chinese Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, during which the parties exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

"Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Galuzin received in Moscow the special representative of the government of the People's Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, the head of the Chinese delegation to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Li Hui. An interesting and detailed exchange of views took place on the topic of the Ukraine crisis," the ministry said in a statement.

The diplomats noted that "the ultimatums put forward by Kiev and the West to Russia and the associated 'dialogue' formats only harm the prospects for a settlement and cannot serve as its basis," the statement added.

"It has been stated that any discussion of a political and diplomatic settlement is impossible without the participation of Russia and taking into account its interests in the security sphere," the ministry said.

A Sputnik

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Fook Poy Lai, who was on parole when he allegedly stabbed an employee at AA Bakery, stayed at the Potter Hotel before the incident. A San Francisco lawmaker has proposed a bill that would allow people with severe mental illness who commit violent crimes to be kept in state mental hospitals longer to better prepare for their release. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

People with severe mental illness who commit violent crimes could be kept in state mental hospitals longer to allow the state to better plan for continued treatment after their release under a bill by a San Francisco lawmaker.

Assembly Member Matt Haney, a Democrat, said he introduced the legislation in response to a Chronicle column published last year that detailed the circumstances leading up to a Chinatown bakery stabbing. Haney said Mayor London Breeds office and the San Francisco Department of Public Health sent him the column and asked him to introduce a bill to address the problems it revealed.

Prosecutors say a 61-year-old man named Fook Poy Lai repeatedly stabbed an AA Bakery employee in her neck. The employee suffered serious injuries but survived.

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Lai was previously sentenced to nine years in prison for stabbing the bakery owners father in 2016. Lai was released on parole to a state psychiatric hospital in 2022.

California law requires that people with severe mental illness who are convicted of violent crimes and pose a substantial danger of physical harm to others be kept in locked mental hospitals for treatment after they serve their prison sentences. They must be released within five days if a judge determines their mental illness is in remission, can be kept in remission with treatment or no longer poses a threat to others.

A week before the stabbing, Lai was released from a state mental hospital to the supervision of San Francisco parole officers after a judge ruled his mental illness had improved and that he should be released.

The state had five days to create a reentry plan for Lai that would help him get mental health treatment after he left the hospital. His public defender said he didnt have a detailed plan in place when he was released that ensured he got the medication he needed.

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Lais criminal case is on hold while the court assesses whether he is competent to stand trial, according to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office.

Haneys bill would increase the time the state could keep a person after a judge determines they need to be released from five days to 30 days. That would give officials time to create a realistic treatment plan and could help prevent violence like the bakery stabbing, he said.

Five days is not enough to transition anyone, let alone someone who has committed a violent offense and has a serious mental disorder, Haney said during an interview in his Sacramento office last week. Even if a judge has found that that person can be released, we absolutely need time to transition that person for the communitys safety and well-being and for the individuals safety and well-being.

The bill could potentially affect hundreds of people each year. From January 2018 through October 2023, 1,656 violent offenders were released from state mental hospitals, according to Haneys office.

A decade ago, lawmakers rejected a similar effort to give the state more time to plan before people held in state mental hospitals after committing a violent crime are released. That bill would have required that people were held for 30 days before their release, but died in committee. The advocacy group Legal Services for Prisoners with Children called the proposed 30-day holding period excessively long, according to an analysis of the bill by Assembly Public Safety Committee staff.

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Haneys bill would also require that the probation department in the county where the person will be released be notified within five days of a judges ruling they should be allowed to leave the hospital. Haney said that will help ensure probation departments arent caught by surprise.

Haney acknowledged that the bill addresses just one aspect of a deeply flawed and overburdened mental health care system, and that, on its own, it wont solve the crisis on California streets.

The system has a lot of holes in it, Haney said. One of those holes is a criminally short period of transition that sets everyone up for failure and essentially makes it impossible to plan even if there are adequate resources or placements available.
All leaders, all international organizations must respond firmly to Russia's actions - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

3 March 2024 - 21:15

Dear Ukrainians!

Today, rescue operations continued throughout the day in Odesa, at the site of the "Shahed" hitting the house.

The bodies of children were taken out of the rubble. As of now, twelve people have been reported dead, including five children. My condolences to the families and friends.

Five people were rescued. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the police, psychologists, and utility workers were all on the scene. I am grateful to all the people who helped.

Today, Russian murderers struck the town of Kurakhove in Donetsk region. With a guided aerial bomb that hit the roof of one of the houses. Without any other purpose than terror. At least 16 people were wounded, all of them are being provided with the necessary assistance.

And these are just two such strikes.

In total, since the beginning of this week alone, Russian terrorists have already used nearly 400 guided aerial bombs, more than 50 "Shahed" drones and more than 40 missiles.

No country in Europe could have withstood such pressure and evil alone. And that is why it is important that we all stand together now - everyone who values life and who does not want this terror to reach other nations.

All leaders and international organizations must respond to Russia's actions. And the response must be tough. Putin does not want any peace - he only wants war and death. He does not care whom he kills. The main goal is to destroy. First, Ukraine and Ukrainians. And then you, dear partners.

That is why it is a matter of survival, and not only for Ukraine, that the world reacts to Russian evil and exerts pressure, and hits back.

This week alone, we managed to shoot down seven Russian military aircraft. The very ones that drop these bombs and kill.

Since the beginning of February, Russia has lost 15 military aircraft. This is the proper dynamics of their losses.

And the more capabilities we have to shoot down Russian aircraft, the farther we destroy Russian logistics in our occupied territory, the more Ukrainian lives will be saved.

This war must become hopeless for Russia, for the terrorists. And they must feel to the fullest extent possible that there is a force that destroys those who want to destroy life.

We are capable of providing this. Each partner knows what is needed.

The key is the political will to implement everything. To provide exactly the level of supply that will help.

If this does not happen, it will become one of the most disgraceful pages in history - if America or Europe are defeated by Iranian "Shahed" drones or Russian fighter jets. Russian evil should not be encouraged by weak decisions, delays in deliveries, or hesitation.

The joint success of everyone in the world who values life should be tangible.

We went through the winter, we preserved the energy sector and prevented blackouts. Russia's energy terror failed.

We continue to restore security at sea, and our maritime exports are operational.

We can shoot down more Russian military aircraft and destroy even more Russian logistics in our occupied territory. The only question is the appropriate weapons that our partners have and can provide to Ukraine.

Despite the significant shortage of artillery, our heroic warriors are holding out against the onslaughts and defending their positions. It is extremely difficult. These are losses. This is pain. We are waiting for vital supplies, waiting specifically for an American decision. The support is crucially needed.

We must finally find a solution to the situation on the Polish border, which has gone beyond both economics and morality long ago.

It is simply impossible to explain how the hardships of a bleeding country can be used in domestic political struggles.

However, we will pull through this too. I am confident that Ukraine is able to withstand, achieve its goals and defeat Russian terror. Together we can ensure this.

Glory to all who fight and work for the sake of life! Glory to all who stand with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Zelenskyy Makes Appeal for West to Deliver Aid to Ukraine

By VOA News March 03, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an appeal to Western nations to supply delayed aid to Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian onslaughts despite a shortage of ammunition.

"If this does not happen, it will become one of the most disgraceful pages in history - if America or Europe are defeated by Iranian 'Shahed' drones or Russian fighter jets. Russian evil should not be encouraged by weak decisions, delays in deliveries or hesitation," he said, referring to the stalled U.S. aid package for Ukraine due to political wrangling in the U.S. Congress.

"It is simply impossible to explain how the hardships of a bleeding country can be used in domestic political struggles," Zelenskyy added during his Sunday night video address.

Zelenskyy's strident tone in his address revealed his frustration as the death toll in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa rose to 12 people, including five children, Sunday, after a Russian drone struck an apartment block there Saturday.

"Russia has made Ukrainian children its military targets," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, earlier Sunday, after the bodies of three children were pulled from the rubble.

Odesa regional Governor Oleh Kiper, writing on Telegram, said rescue teams working late Sunday had found additional bodies. Earlier in the day recovery teams pulled the bodies of a mother and baby out of the rubble.

It has now been more than two months since the U.S. last sent military supplies to Ukraine, according to The Associated Press. In Washington, officials are viewing the shortage of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine and the drop off in U.S. supply shipments with increasing alarm.

So far, House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring to a vote the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate that includes a crucial $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. That decision could stall the package for weeks after an already monthslong wait in Congress.

"We are waiting for supplies that are vitally necessary, we are waiting, in particular, for an American solution," Zelenskyy said later Sunday in his evening address.

Russia had lost 15 military aircraft since the beginning of February, he added. "The more opportunities we have to shoot down Russian aircraft ... the more Ukrainian lives will be saved," Zelenskyy added in his Sunday evening address.

U.S. Defense Department officials are discussing options that could include tapping existing Pentagon stockpiles before Congress approves funding to replenish them, according to Sen. Jack Reed, the chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Ukraine Peace talks

China's foreign ministry said that Special Representative Li Hui and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met Saturday evening in Moscow and agreed that negotiations are the only way to end the fighting in Ukraine.

In a readout published Sunday, China's foreign ministry said that Beijing is ready to "continue its efforts to promote peace talks, mediate and build consensus among Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties, and promote a final political settlement of the Ukraine crisis."

The Russian foreign ministry called the meeting on the war in Ukraine "a very engaged and thorough exchange of views" in a statement on its website adding "it was stated that any discussion of a political and diplomatic settlement is impossible without the participation of Russia and taking into account its interests in the security sphere."

This was the first stop by China's special envoy on Ukraine of a European trip that will also include Brussels, Poland, Germany and France, Chinese and Russian state media reported.

Li's trip, the second since last May, comes as Kyiv seeks Beijing's participation in peace talks in Switzerland aimed for this spring. China claims neutrality in Russia's war on Ukraine but maintains close ties with Moscow, with frequent state visits and joint military drills.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hopes Sunday that discussions on a cease-fire between Moscow and Kyiv will commence soon. At the end of a diplomatic forum in the southern city of Antalya, Fidan said "both sides have now reached the limits of the results they can achieve through war."

Fidan told reporters he had discussed the issue of Ukraine among several other issues with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday.

"We think that it is time to start a dialog for a cease-fire," he said.

"That doesn't mean recognizing the occupation (by Russia), but issues of sovereignty and [a] cease-fire should be discussed separately," he added.

NATO member Turkey, which shares a maritime border with both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has sought to maintain good ties with both nations since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Silobreaker integrates MITRE ATT&CK TTP detections into its threat intelligence platform

March 2024 by Marc Jacob

Security and threat intelligence technology company, Silobreaker announced a powerful integration with MITRE ATT&CK Matrix for Enterprise, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Mobile, to help organisations better understand threats associated with malware, threat actors and industries. This latest enhancement enables organisations using the Silobreaker platform to leverage the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix  a global database of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) based on real-world observations  to categorise, assess and respond to threats to their operations.

Cyber threat intelligence analysts often struggle to transform raw information and reporting into actionable intelligence thats relevant to their organisations. Silobreakers latest integration enables them to zero in on references to TTPs labelled with ATT&CK identifiers across open and premium intelligence sources, filtering by source, unusual activity, volume and timespan. They can then seamlessly populate a dynamic, up-to-date ATT&CK Matrix for Enterprise, ICS or Mobile domains, based on their findings.

Key features and benefits:

Organisations can discover TTPs from Silobreakers unparalleled collection of critical threat intelligence sources, including open-source blogs, government agencies, threat research and social media, as well as premium vendors such as Mandiant, Flashpoint and Intel 471  all presented in the ATT&CK Matrix view. With this breadth of coverage into threat actors and malware, threat intelligence teams can be confident that they have access to the latest and highest-quality information on TTPs, all in one place.

ATT&CK identifiers are now natively integrated into Silobreakers powerful entity extraction and querying capabilities, enabling analysts to use tactic or technique identifiers to search for and detect threat actors, malware or industries of interest related to certain TTPs. Intelligence teams are also able to efficiently disseminate intelligence on TTPs to key stakeholders within their organisations, through custom intelligence reports and via the Silobreaker intelligence workspace.
Gilbert, AZ , March 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pool Rescuers, a premier pool care specialist in Arizona, has unveiled its comprehensive range of pool care services, including monthly cleaning and pool equipment repair, for the residents of Phoenix Valley.

When the temperature rises, there is nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool, which also offers an opportunity for spending quality time with loved ones. Residential pools are valuable investments for many, and they need to be well-maintained to keep them clean, safe, and ready to enjoy all year round. They also enhance the beauty and value of the property. This is where the pool care services from Pool Rescuers come into the picture for the people of East Valley. Since 2013, the company has been helping residents maintain their pools, ensuring they stay beautiful and functional.



Pool Rescuers

Pool Rescuers offers monthly pool cleaning services to keep pools clean and functioning throughout the year. Its dedicated team of trained, skilled, and experienced professionals conducts weekly visits to ensure that the pool is at its best at all times. From adding all the necessary chemicals to keep the pool balanced to cleaning out baskets and traps, these professionals do it all.

Our team undergoes on-the-job training and ensures that our clients get top-notch service, from pool filter cleaning to any kind of repairs and maintenance. Client satisfaction is always our top priority, said a representative for the company.

With a wide range of pool care services, Pool Rescuers has become the go-to destination for people in Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler looking to keep their residential pools in the best possible condition. In addition to cleaning, it provides pool filter repair services to ensure clear, clean, and healthy water in residential pools. They can also handle all kinds of pool equipment repair, from pumps to heaters to guarantee top performance and durability.

Other services offered by Pool Rescuers include pool heater repair and pool pump repair to maximize pool usage year-round. It also provides pool draining and fills, chlorine and acid washing, and expert treatment for green, algae-filled pools.

To learn more about its expansive and top-notch pool care services, visit https://poolrescuer.com/.

About Pool Rescuers

Established in 2013, the professional pool care company, based in Gilbert, Arizona, has been the go-to destination for quality pool care solutions in the East Valley on the back of its top-notch services and solid customer support.

###

Media Contact

Pool Rescuers

Samuel Perchez

Phone: (480) 318-4960

Website: https://poolrescuer.com/

Email: poolrescuers@gmail.com



Pool Rescuers









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Whitinsville, MA, March 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New NXT410-C Bass Guitar Speaker was designed with our touring artists in mind  a one-cab solution for every stage and venue, delivering the perfect, adaptable tonal spectrum for bassists in every genre. Weve consulted with a handful of artists, including New York-based touring bassist Karina Rykman, to fine-tune the ideal configuration.



Bergantino Audio Systems

Firstly, Im beyond touched to be the inspiration behind, well...anything!, says Karina. But this is truly insane, and such an honor... Not only is it light and extremely good looking, it can handle all my loudest, most abrasive and obnoxious effects.

Utilizing four 10-inch proprietary Bergantino NXT neodymium woofers and High Intelligibility Reference Tweeter, the NXT410-C offers 1000w of accurate bass response with the ability to reach bone shattering levels with ease. The aforementioned tweeter includes the ability to dial in the perfect balance of highs and lows, and adapt to any room environment or tonal preferences. It can also be dialed completely off for a true classic and vintage tone.

Expanding on the breathtaking aesthetics of our NXV series, the Graphite Bronco Tolex and acoustically-transparent Ox-Blood grill cloth or Classic Bronco Black with silver grill cloth is sure to turn heads! We use a Lightweight Italian poplar and a Baltic birch baffle to deliver premium tones at a much lighter weight, coming in at a mere 61lbs. Couple this with a rugged design, players can confidently transport this powerhouse from stage-to-stage every night of the week.

Woofer: 410 Proprietary Bergantino NXT Neodymium Woofers

Tweeter: High intelligibility Reference tweeter w/ Constant Directivity Horn

Cabinet Design: Ported

Cabinet Material: Lightweight Italian poplar w/ Baltic birch baffle

Front Grill: Hard-wearing acoustically-transparent Ox-Blood cloth ( Silver is also an option)

Cabinet Covering: Graphite Bronco Tolex (Classic Bronco Black is also an option)

Connectivity: Dual Speak-ON Combo Connectors

Impedance:4 Ohms

Power Handling: 1000 Watts

Crossover: Phase-Coherent crossover w/ Tweeter Level Control

Frequency Response: 40 Hz  16 kHz

Sensitivity: 104 dB @ 2.83 V / 1 Meter

Dimensions: 31H x 22 W x 15 D

Weight: 61 Lbs.

Castors: 4 Removable 2 castors included

PRONET Price: $2195.00

About Bergantino Audio Systems:

Bergantino Audio Systems has been dedicated to developing and building the highest quality audio products and bass guitar amplification systems since 2001. Founder Jim Bergantino has worked in a number of fields in his career, from high-tech electrical engineering to the high-end professional audio world. After designing custom bass cabinets for many other leading brands, he started his own Bergantino Audio Systems. BAS has received numerous accolades within the musical instrument industry and continues to look forward via their designs and unique approach to developing products. https://bergantino.com

###

Media Contact

Holly Bergantino

1 Main Street, Building 4 Whitinsville, MA 01588

holly@bergantino.com

https://bergantino.com



Bergantino Audio Systems





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Dublin, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Industrial Fasteners Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global industrial fasteners market was valued at $89.43 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of $124.98 billion, growing at a CAGR of 5.74% from 2023-2029

The global industrial fasteners market is marked by intense competition among key players striving to establish their foothold and gain a competitive edge. Major industry participants, such as Stanley & Decker, Illinois Tool Works, Hilti, and others, engage in strategies like mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach.

Additionally, focusing on technological advancements and innovation in fastener design and materials is a key trend among competitors seeking differentiation. The industrial fasteners market also sees regional and local players catering to specific market segments. As industries increasingly demand customized and application-specific fasteners, the competitive landscape continues to evolve, prompting companies to adapt swiftly to changing industry dynamics and customer requirements.

The global industrial fasteners market exhibits diverse regional dynamics, reflecting the unique economic landscapes and manufacturing capabilities. Countries like China, Japan, and India are prominent contributors to market growth in the APAC region due to robust manufacturing activities and infrastructure development. With automotive manufacturing hubs in Germany and Italy, Europe plays a pivotal role but faces challenges amidst economic uncertainties.

North America, led by the U.S., demonstrates resilience with a focus on innovation. Latin America experiences moderate growth, with Brazil being a notable industry. The Middle East & Africa, driven by construction and infrastructure projects, presents opportunities, but political and economic factors influence the industrial fasteners market. Each region contributes distinctively to the global industrial fasteners market, shaped by regional economic conditions, manufacturing prowess, growth of the automotive industry, and infrastructural developments.



MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Growing Prominence of Asian Manufacturing



The industrial fasteners market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the burgeoning prominence of Asian manufacturing. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of this expansion, boasting robust manufacturing sectors that contribute substantially to the global demand for industrial fasteners.

As the world's manufacturing powerhouse, China produces many fasteners, meeting domestic and international needs. India's manufacturing strength is also rising, contributing to increased demand for industrial fasteners. Moreover, Japan and South Korea, known for their advanced technological capabilities, play crucial roles in shaping the market by producing high-quality fasteners for various industries. The growing industrial activities in these Asian countries explain the region's role in propelling the global industrial fasteners market forward.



Growth in Construction Industry



The growth trajectory of the global industrial fasteners market is closely tied to the flourishing construction industry worldwide. Across the globe, heightened construction activities drive the demand for various industrial fasteners. In China, a construction boom, marked by extensive infrastructure projects and urban development, fuels a substantial need for fasteners to support building structures. India's construction sector is also burgeoning, with large-scale projects contributing to the surge in demand for industrial fasteners.

In the U.S., a robust residential and commercial construction market and infrastructure investments propel the need for these essential components. Similarly, European countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, characterized by ongoing construction projects, further bolster the global demand for industrial fasteners. The symbiotic relationship between the construction industry and the industrial fasteners market underscores the pivotal role of construction in driving the market's growth.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Volatility in Raw Material Prices



Volatility in raw material prices poses a significant challenge to the growth of the industrial fasteners market by affecting production costs and overall market stability. Fluctuations in the prices of key materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper directly impact the manufacturing expenses of industrial fasteners. This volatility is particularly evident in regions with heavy reliance on metal production.

For instance, in countries like China, a significant player in global fastener manufacturing, variations in steel prices can disrupt cost structures and erode profit margins for manufacturers. Additionally, in the U.S. and Europe, where the industrial fasteners market is substantial, unpredictable changes in raw material costs can hinder manufacturers' ability to offer competitive pricing, impacting their competitiveness in the global market. The intricate link between raw material prices and industrial fastener production underscores the market's vulnerability to the inherent unpredictability of material costs.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY MATERIAL



Metal fasteners, including steel, aluminum, and stainless-steel variants, dominate the market due to their strength, durability, and versatility across various industries. They are widely used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. The rise in custom fastener manufacturing, coupled with product penetration of specialty variants in the automotive industry, is expected to propel growth over the projected period.

Non-metal fasteners, such as those made from plastics, composites, or ceramics, are gaining traction, especially in applications where corrosion resistance or weight reduction is crucial. Though the non-metal segment holds a lesser share, it is expected to grow at a higher CAGR of over 6% in the global industrial fasteners market during the forecast period. Industries such as electronics and aerospace often favor non-metallic fasteners because of the added advantage of lesser weight.



INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT



Screws, which play a critical role in holding materials together, are widely used across various industries and thus are the most common and crucial type of fasteners, thus holding the maximum segmental market.

The industrial fasteners market encompasses a wide array of screw types, each tailored to specific needs. Common types include wood screws, machine screws, self-tapping screws, and self-drilling screws. Further, bolts, known for their robustness, also hold a significant industry share and find applications in structural and machinery assemblies.

INSIGHTS BY TYPE



Threaded fasteners, such as screws, nuts, and bolts, play a pivotal role in construction, automotive, and manufacturing, providing robust and reliable connections and thus holding the most significant segmental share. APAC stands out as a prominent driver of the threaded fasteners market, with countries like China, India, and Japan at the forefront.

Further, specialty fasteners cater to unique applications, with examples like expansion anchors, retaining rings, and weld screws designed for specific requirements in industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure, and machinery. This segmentation reflects the market's adaptability to diverse industrial needs, where different fasteners are strategically employed for optimal performance and reliability.



INSIGHTS BY END-USER



The global industrial fasteners market caters to various end-user segments with unique demands and applications. In the automotive sector, fasteners are integral for assembling vehicles, ensuring structural integrity and safety. The growth in the automotive sector is expected to demand the highest percentage of fasteners and thus holds the highest market share of over 28%.

The aerospace industry relies on precision fasteners for aircraft assembly, where lightweight and durable solutions are paramount and hold the second most significant industry share. Additionally, the furniture industry utilizes fasteners for constructing durable and functional pieces and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5%. This diverse range of end-user segments underscores industrial fasteners' versatility and widespread applicability across various industries.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 376 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $89.43 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $124.98 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.7% Regions Covered Global

Market Opportunities & Trends

Growth in Prominence of Asian Manufacturing

Industry 4.0 and Smart Precision Manufacturing

Growth in Demand for Prefabricated Buildings

Increase in Wind and Solar Energy Installations

Increase in Demand for 3D Printing

Market Growth Enablers

Growth in Construction Industry

Increase in Demand for Lightweight Fasteners

Green Initiatives and Regulations Lead to Rise in Renovations

Market Restraints

End-user Variability

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Unrest in Europe

Key Company Profiles

Stanley Black & Decker

Hilti

ITW

Berkshire Hathaway

Howmet Aerospace

LISI

NIFCO

Fontana Gruppo

Other Prominent Vendors

3M

A&G Fasteners

Agrati Group

Aoyama Seisakusho

APL

ARaymond

B&B Specialties

Bollhoff Group

Boltfast

Bulten

Caparo

CBC Fasteners

Deepak Fasteners

EJOT

Ever Hardware Industrial

Federal Screw Works

FUCHS Schraubenwerk

Jinyi Industrial Co.

KAMAX

KOVA Fasteners

MacLean-Fogg

PennEngineering

Tong Hwei Enterprise Co.

Wurth Industrie Service

Virginia Fasteners

Apex Fasteners

C. & E. FEIN

Hebei Tailian Fastener Manufacturing

Bolt Motorcycle Hardware

MID-CONTINENT STEEL AND WIRE

Kerb-Konus-Vertriebs

Snap-on

Fasteners & Fittings

Southern Fasteners & Supply

Jet-Tek

AMPG (Accurate Manufactured Products Group)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1l7ce9

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.

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Dublin, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Daylight Market - Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global daylight market is expected to reach a value of $401.82 billion by 2028 from $283.92 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.96%

The global daylight market is highly competitive, with the presence of a large number of public and private companies. These vendors typically compete on critical parameters such as product design, quality, reliability, support services, and price. The rapid technological advancements adversely impact the market vendors as consumers expect continuous innovations and product upgrades.

The present scenario drives vendors to alter and refine their unique value proposition to achieve a strong industry presence. Some of the major vendors dominating the global daylight market include Velux, Brett Martin, and Lamilux Heinrich Strunz Holding. These brands have many product offerings and a widespread presence in the worldwide industry. The major vendors are adopting innovative technologies to retain their strong industry position.



The global daylight market is primarily stimulated by installing new daylight systems in new construction projects and replacing existing ones. Daylight systems find applications across various sectors, including residential and commercial spaces such as retail, hospitality, recreational facilities, hospitals, educational institutions, government facilities, workspaces, and offices.

They are considered an effective means for buildings to meet sustainability standards as they provide ample natural light, reducing or eliminating the need for electric lighting during daylight hours. In commercial buildings, incorporating daylighting can also lead to a 10-20% reduction in cooling energy consumption. Europe and the U.S. are witnessing a heightened focus on energy efficiency, driving increased adoption of daylighting in these regions.

MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Rising Installation of Roof Lights for Commercial Spaces



The increasing adoption of roof lights in commercial projects can be attributed to their ability to enhance natural daylight, consequently reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. Roof lights, which are windows installed on a building's roof to optimize the inflow of natural light, have traditionally been found to be used in large commercial settings like warehouses and offices with high ceilings or those lacking attic space. In other words, roof lights are specialized architectural features installed in the roof or ceiling of commercial buildings to harness and optimize natural light.

However, due to their multiple advantages, beyond just augmenting daylight, roof lights are now gaining substantial consideration for use in residential properties. In addition, roof lights are integral to sustainable building practices, as they reduce a building's environmental impact. As businesses and building owners increasingly prioritize sustainability, installing roof lights has become a strategic choice to reduce carbon emissions, meet sustainability goals, and support the daylight market growth.



Growing Sustainable and Green Buildings



The growing focus on sustainable and green building practices is a significant driver of the global daylight market. Sustainable and green building principles prioritize energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, occupant well-being, and resource conservation. Sustainable and green building practices aim to minimize energy consumption. Daylight systems reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, leading to significant energy savings and lower operational costs for building owners. Many sustainable certifications and local building codes require minimum daylighting and energy-efficient lighting systems. This encourages the adoption of daylighting solutions in green buildings.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Installation



Although daylighting can provide numerous positive results regarding energy efficiency and worker performance, a high-performance system requires a significant initial investment, considered the major challenge for daylight market growth. However, while implementing an integrated and strategic design approach, a company can allow overall long-term savings, making up for the initial investment in daylighting systems. Installing skylights, light tubes, and curtain walls is generally more expensive, depending on the building design and material used.



The primary factor that challenges daylight market growth is profit or return on investments. Daylighting represents only a small share of the lighting market, which offers growth opportunities. However, the profit motive and the marketing machine behind the electric luminaires are more robust and easier to quantify. Thus, like other renewable resources, daylighting also suffers from the owner-tenant riddle, where although the facility owner invests, the tenant earns the benefits.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Insights by Product

Windows Segment Dominance: In 2022, the global daylight market was primarily led by the windows segment. This growth was fueled by increased spending on new office and commercial buildings in China, as well as residential construction developments in the US. The US and China are projected to drive 65% of global window sales growth. Moreover, the MEA region is expected to witness rapid growth in windows demand due to rising residential construction, growing income levels, and rural-to-urban migration trends.

Insight by Installation

Replacement Installation Segment: The replacement installation segment held the largest share of the global daylight market in 2022. Homeowners are increasingly focused on upgrading their living standards through daylight systems like skylights to reduce electricity usage and enjoy natural sunlight. These products are easily re-installed in buildings, driving demand for renovation projects. The growing demand for photovoltaic, bright, and electric daylight systems further contributes to replacement demand, especially in commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.

Insight by End User

Residential Dominance: The residential end-user segment dominated the global daylight market in 2022. Increasing global population and shrinking household sizes are driving demand for housing facilities, supported by government policies worldwide. Emerging markets like China, India, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are significant contributors to residential construction. Initiatives in the US and Europe to reduce energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings also spur daylight installation growth. Among commercial properties, retail buildings accounted for about 25% of the market share, while corporate offices accounted for around 31% in 2022. Hospitality is the fastest-growing market for commercial daylighting.

Insight by Distribution Channel

Offline Channels Dominance: Offline channels, including B2B supermarkets, hypermarkets, and retail stores, dominate the global daylight market. Consumers prefer these channels for purchasing daylight products, and the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model contributes to high sales in offline channels. Retail stores play a crucial role in capturing market share for vendors, emphasizing the importance of effective product promotion and brand loyalty.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 353 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $283.92 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $401.82 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.9% Regions Covered Global

Market Opportunities & Trends

Rising Installation of Roof Lights for Commercial Spaces

Rising Focus on Energy Efficiency

Adoption of Innovative Technologies

Growing Number of Smart & Self-Sustainable Homes

Market Growth Enablers

Growing Sustainable and Green Buildings

Rapid Urbanization

Increase in New Construction and Remodeling Projects

Rising Demand for Photovoltaic Technology

Market Restraints

Low Awareness and Limited Education

High Cost of Installation

Industry Overview

Objectives of Daylighting Systems

Environmental Benefits

Applications of Daylight

Future Growth Prospects

Raw Material Insights

Parameters Influencing Daylight Performance

Climate

Latitude

Obstructions and Reflections on Site

Building Design

Windows and Skylights

Fenestration Design

Challenges & Growth Strategies

Challenges

Growth Strategies

Impact of Construction Industry

Global Economic Scenario

Value Chain Analysis

Material Suppliers

Manufacturers

Distributors

Applications

Key Company Profiles

VKR Group

Brett Martin

LAMILUX HEINRICH STRUNZ HOLDING

Other Prominent Vendors

Kingspan Light + Air

Fakro

Sun-Tek Skylights

Onyx Solar Group

Skyview Skylight

Sunoptics

Skydome Skylights

Colombia Skylights

CrystaLite

Solatube International

Daylight America

Atrium Windows and Doors

Weather Shield

Airclos

IQ Glass

NorDan

Arbonia

Aluplast

Josko

Reynaers Aluminium

CoeLux

Roto

Roofglaze

Duplus Architectural Systems

Lonsdale Metal

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hin7c7

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.

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Dublin, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Future of Autonomous Systems-Focus On Autonomous Navigation Software Market: Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Europe future of autonomous systems: focus on autonomous navigation software market was valued at $927.3 million in 2023, and it is expected to be $1,749.7 million by 2033

The market is anticipated to thrive due to ongoing advancements and uptake of digital technologies, government efforts to promote autonomous technology adoption, and rising demand for automation and efficacy across diverse sectors like manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture. Furthermore, there's a growing imperative to minimize human error and enhance safety in critical operations, further stimulating the adoption of autonomous systems.



Market Introduction



The future of autonomous systems, particularly in Europe's Autonomous Navigation Software Market, appears promising. With continuous advancements in technology and increasing adoption of autonomous solutions across various industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture, the market is poised for significant growth. Government initiatives supporting the integration of autonomous technologies, coupled with the pressing need for automation to improve efficiency and safety, further drive market expansion.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on reducing human error and enhancing operational precision fuels the demand for autonomous navigation software. With Europe positioned as a key player in the global autonomous systems market, the region is expected to witness substantial innovation and investment, reshaping industries, and enhancing overall productivity and safety standards.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe future of autonomous systems: focus on autonomous navigation software market has seen major development activities by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion activities, contracts, mergers, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures. The most favored strategy for the companies has been contracts to strengthen their position in the future of autonomous systems: focus on autonomous navigation software market.



Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe future of autonomous systems: focus on autonomous navigation software market analyzed and profiled in the study involve autonomous systems manufacturers that offer platforms such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), humanoids, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), collaborative robots (Cobots), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Moreover, a detailed market share analysis of the players operating in the future of autonomous systems: focus on Europe autonomous navigation software market offers advanced technologies such as thermal stereo sensing in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and computer vision technologies.

These technologies are enabling the development of more sophisticated autonomous systems that can perform increasingly complex tasks with greater speed and accuracy. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as contracts, partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.



Key Market Players

Incubed IT GmbH

Opteran Technologies

Robo Tech Vision

Sensible 4

UAV Navigation

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary



Scope of the Study



1 Market

1.1 Industry Outlook

1.1.1 Evolution of Autonomous Systems: Overview

1.1.2 Start-ups and Investment Landscape

1.1.3 Ongoing and Upcoming Projects

1.1.4 Prioritising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Requirements

1.1.5 Patent Analysis

1.1.6 Current and Futuristic Trends

1.1.6.1 Thermal Stereo Sensing in Autonomous Vehicles

1.1.6.2 Rapid Developments in Humanoid Robots Technology

1.1.6.3 Use of 360-Degree Stabilized Vision and Depth Collision in Autonomous Systems

1.1.7 Supply Chain Analysis

1.1.8 Evolving Autonomous Software Solutions and Machines: Focus Areas and the Future

1.2 Business Dynamics

1.2.1 Business Drivers

1.2.1.1 Continuous Advancements and Adoption of Digital Technologies

1.2.1.2 Government Initiatives for Adoption of Autonomous Technologies

1.2.1.3 Increased Need to Reduce Human Errors

1.2.2 Business Challenges

1.2.2.1 High Costs and Complexity Involved in the Development of Autonomous Solutions

1.2.2.2 Lack of Advanced Communication Infrastructure

1.2.2.3 Requirement of Fixed Infrastructure to Operate Autonomous Systems

1.2.3 Business Strategies

1.2.3.1 New Product Launches

1.2.3.2 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts

1.2.4 Business Opportunities

1.2.4.1 Increasing Adoption of Autonomous Systems across Industries

1.2.4.2 Rising Investments in Autonomous Technology



2 Region

2.1 Future of Autonomous systems: Focus on Autonomous Navigation Software Market (by Region)

2.2 Europe

2.2.1 Market

2.2.1.1 Key Players in Europe

2.2.1.2 Business Drivers

2.2.1.3 Business Challenges

2.2.2 Application

2.2.2.1 Europe Future of Autonomous Systems: Focus on Autonomous Navigation Software Market (by Sector)

2.2.3 Product

2.2.3.1 Europe Future of Autonomous Systems: Focus on Autonomous Navigation Software Market (by Platform)

2.2.4 Europe (by Country)

2.2.4.1 France

2.2.4.2 Germany

2.2.4.3 Russia

2.2.4.4 U.K.

2.2.4.5 Rest-of-Europe



3 Competitive Benchmarking and Company Profiles

3.1 Market Share Analysis

3.2 BlueBotics

3.2.1 Company Overview

3.2.1.1 Role of BlueBotics in the Future of Autonomous Systems: Focus on Autonomous Navigation Software Market

3.2.1.2 Product Portfolio

3.2.2 Corporate Strategies

3.2.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, Investments, and Contracts

3.2.3 Analyst View

3.3 Incubed IT GmbH

3.4 Opteran Technologies

3.5 Robo Tech Vision

3.6 Sensible 4

3.7 UAV Navigation



4 Research Methodology

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xg32a5

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.
AUSTIN, Texas, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo , North Americas largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, is collaborating with Amazon to broaden customer awareness of electric vehicles, EV charging, and the benefits of going electric.



Amazon will sponsor the EV education center at all eight Electrify Expo tour locations in 2024, which will include a unique forum for industry spokespeople and specialists to address frequently asked questions about electric vehicle maintenance and debunk EV myths. The Amazon Recharge Zone will first debut at Electrify Expos 2024 kickoff event taking place in Orlando, Florida on March 16-17 at the Orange County Convention Center and continue to Phoenix, Long Beach, Calif., Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and conclude in Austin, Texas.

Many Americans are already enthusiastic about electric vehicles and that number is only expected to keep growing, says Ernie Linsay, Amazons director of automotive. Were excited to sponsor the Amazon Recharge Zone at Electrify Expo to make it easy for customers at the event to learn more through the live programming. We also look forward to continuing to provide our customers a wide selection of their favorite brands of EV automotive parts and accessories throughout their vehicle journey, delivered straight to their door from Amazon.com/EV.

The Amazon Recharge Zone will serve as a hub for interviews and panels, creating space for industry experts to share their EV insights for festival attendees. Attendees can look forward to interactive sessions with geographically relevant guest speakers that delve into various topics including charging, service, batteries, ownership, and more, making the learning experience both informative and enjoyable.

I am grateful to welcome Amazon to the growing list of the worlds leading brands that participate in Electrify Expo, says BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. Amazons program at Electrify Expo will empower EV customers with essential information about EVs and charging. The Amazon Recharge Zone will offer valuable insights in a format that is both engaging and informative, helping attendees grasp important concepts related to the exciting decision to shop for an EV from a multitude of auto manufacturer brands.

Attendees at Electrify Expo festivals are encouraged to visit the Amazon Recharge Zone at one of the Electrify Expo locations including:

March 16-17: Orlando, Florida *NEW location for 2024

May 4-5: Phoenix, Arizona *NEW location for 2024

May 31-June 2: Long Beach, California

July 13-14: Denver, Colorado *NEW location for 2024

August 24-25: San Francisco, California

September 14-15: Seattle, Washington

October 12-13: New York, NY

Nov. 9-10: Austin, Texas

For more information and to purchase tickets to Electrify Expo visit www.electrifyexpo.com . Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com .

About Electrify Expo

Electrify Expo is North America's largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles - first hand experience with the product - with meaningful demonstrations and test rides. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expos events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2024 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Phoenix, Denver, New York, Seattle, Orlando, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Media Contact

Skyya PR

ee@skyya.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9049546-d461-4576-b44e-adc2c343c137
PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HIIs (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced today the successful completion of acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico for amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the final Flight I transition ship before Ingalls moves into serial production of the LPD Flight II line.



We have had a successful trial and it is only through the efforts of our shipbuilders and our dedicated Navy and industry partners that we now move solely into the Flight II ships, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. Our team remains fully committed to delivering these important assets to the Navy-Marine Corps team.

The Ingalls Test and Trials team spent several days with the U.S. Navys Board of Inspection and Survey running the ship at full power and through steering maneuvers. The team will now complete final finish work on the San Antonio-class ship in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Navy in weeks ahead.

Photos and video accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-completes-acceptance-trials-on-richard-m-mccool-jr-lpd-29/.

Congratulations to our shipbuilders on accomplishing this milestone and getting the ship ready for delivery, Ingalls Shipbuilding Ship Program Manager Davianne Stokes said. The LPD 29 team has worked very hard to make these sea trials a success, and I couldnt be more proud of how they have prevailed.

Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 12 San Antonio-class ships and currently has three LPDs under construction, including Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the final transition ship; Harrisburg (LPD 30), the first Flight II LPD; and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). Ingalls was also awarded in March 2023 a modification contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II.

San Antonio-class ships can support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions, operating independently or as part of Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs), Expeditionary Strike Groups, or joint task forces. These capabilities allow the U.S. Navy to protect America's security abroad and promote regional stability and preserve future peace.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard

228-355-5663

Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0528b8b-9cca-44d5-8c2c-11e7a25f5d76
Most who submitted opinions support Article 23, says HK member of NPC Standing Committee

11:04, March 04, 2024 By Zhao Yusha ( Global Times

Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress. Photo: Zhao Yusha/GT

Most people who submitted their opinions show support for Article 23, Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, told the Global Times after the public consultation period for the Article 23 legislation ended on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Global Times on Sunday, Lee said that we are all opposed to any slander against Article 23, which is Hong Kong's constitutional responsibility. In fact, countries around the world also have legislation to protect national security. The feedback we have received clearly shows that the majority of citizens who submitted their opinions support the legislation, according to Lee.

With the public consultation period for the Article 23 legislation ending on Wednesday, local authorities in Hong Kong received a total of 13,147 submissions of opinions, of which 98.64 percent support the legislation, the SAR's Security Bureau said on Thursday.

Lees comment came after some Western politicians, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, criticized the Article 23 legislation, raising concerns on matters such as freedom of speech and clarity on procedures.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Embassy in the UK all expressed dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the comments.

The Article 23 legislation is the responsibility of the SAR government to uphold national security, implement the Basic Law of Hong Kong, relevant decisions of the National People's Congress, and the National Security Law for Hong Kong, said spokesperson for Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR on Thursday. It is also an urgent requirement to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong and the steady progress of the "one country, two systems" principle, the spokesperson noted in the Thursday statement.

Lee also suggested that the mainland and Hong Kong can optimize the visa application process so as to bring about frequent people-to-people exchanges.

The Greater Bay Area can also introduce a multi-entry tourist visa model to Hong Kong for different cities, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of a one-hour living circle. Similarly, Hong Kong can attract foreign tourists to visit first, and then travel to the cities in Greater Bay Area, Lee said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Young adults ages 18-25 convicted of murder can be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday. Hans Neleman/Getty Images

Young adults ages 18-25 convicted of murder can be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday, rejecting arguments that they should be considered for parole decades later after becoming more mature and less impulsive.

In a 5-2 decision, the court upheld a state law that allows life-without-parole sentences for multiple murders or those committed during a rape or robbery or as a gang member.

This conclusion does not turn on this courts judgments about what constitutes sound sentencing policy, Justice Leondra Kruger wrote in the majority opinion. It turns on the deference we owe to the policy choices made through the democratic process by the people of California and their elected representatives.

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Justices Goodwin Liu and Kelli Evans dissented. Noting that more than three-quarters of the 3,000 prisoners now serving life-without-parole sentences in California are either Black or Hispanic, Evans said the 2013 state law that the court upheld embodies racial bias that has plagued our criminal and juvenile justice systems since their inception. She urged the Legislature to change the law.

Attorney Greg Wolff, who filed arguments on behalf of Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups, said the ruling was disappointing but not surprising. Persons sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed when they were young deserve a chance to prove theyve changed.

But Kent Scheidegger, legal director of the conservative Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, said a lower-court ruling that would have allowed parole hearings unconstitutionally amended state law to give some of Californias worst murderers a chance for release. In todays decision, the California Supreme Court confirmed that such power belongs to the people, not the courts.

After the U.S. Supreme Court abolished the death penalty for defendants younger than 18 in 2005, California allowed youths under 18 to be sentenced to life in prison for some types of murders, such as multiple murders or those committed during a rape or robbery or as a gang member.

But unlike older defendants, they are entitled under state law to a youthful-offender parole hearing after 25 years. At those hearings, the parole board must consider characteristics of young people that may have contributed to their crime, such as impulsiveness and lack of mature judgment, as factors that could favor their release.

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Those hearings are also required by law after 25 years for defendants between 18 and 25 who have been convicted of other crimes with long sentences  for example, someone sentenced to 70 years to life for shooting and wounding two victims during an attempted robbery.

Several states have eased similar laws. In the last year, courts in Michigan, Washington and Massachusetts have increased the minimum age for life-without-parole sentences from 18 to 21, and legislatures in Connecticut and Illinois have taken similar actions. In 2021, a court in Washington, D.C., banned no-parole sentences for anyone convicted under age 25.

But Californias law allows those over 18 to be sentenced to death or life without parole for murder. Mondays ruling did not address death sentences, which can still be issued for defendants 18 and older.

The case involved Tony Hardin, sentenced to life without parole in 1990 for robbing and murdering a neighbor, Norma Barber, 66, in her apartment in Rowland Heights (Los Angeles County) a year earlier, when he was 25. Hardin stole her jewelry and car keys before strangling her and said later that he had been desperate for money to buy drugs. His prosecutors unsuccessfully sought a death sentence for Hardin, who is now 60.

A state appeals court ruled in 2022 that Hardin was entitled to a youthful-offender parole hearing. Permanently denying release in such a case, Justice Dennis Perluss wrote, prevents the state and its parole board from considering research that shows the human brain  especially those portions responsible for judgment and decision-making  continues to develop into a persons mid-20s.

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Other state appeals courts had rejected similar claims, so the states high court agreed to take up Hardins case and resolve the issue.

In Mondays ruling, Kruger said the Legislature, in authorizing a no-parole sentence, was entitled to conclude that murder during the course of a robbery and other categories of killings were sufficiently serious and morally culpable as to justify imposing the most severe sanctions available under the law, up to and including death.

She was joined by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and Justices Carol Corrigan, Martin Jenkins and Joshua Groban.

In dissent, Liu said there was no rational basis to impose harsher sentences on 18- to 25-year-olds whose crimes  no less than the crimes of other youth offenders  reflect the transient rashness, proclivity for risk, and inability to assess consequences that are characteristic of young minds still undergoing neurological development.

These inmates, he wrote, continue to be denied any chance to demonstrate  as no doubt many could  that as mature adults they are more than the worst thing they ever did in their youth.

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Kearney, Nebraska, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vytelle, the fastest-growing in vitro fertilization (IVF) company, proudly announces the opening of its 8th US-based and 17th global laboratory, strategically located in the heart of Nebraska. This expansion further signifies Vytelle's commitment to providing innovative reproductive solutions and unparalleled access to hormone-free IVF for beef and dairy producers.

With its newest laboratory situated in Nebraska, a region known for elite cattle genetics and performance-focused herds, Vytelle continues to revolutionize the way livestock reproduction is managed. The expansion will enable local producers to access Vytelle ADVANCE, a breakthrough in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, empowering them to further enhance their herds' genetic potential and overall productivity.

"Our expansion into the Nebraska region underscores our dedication to supporting the needs of our current and future customers by bringing our Vytelle ADVANCE solutions closer to home," said Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle. "We are excited to increase collaboration with producers in this cattle genetics hub, leveraging our expertise to optimize herd performance and drive sustainable agricultural practices."

The Nebraska-based laboratory offers increased accessibility to modern reproduction technology and enables the possibility of fresh embryo transfers for producers in the region. Vytelles state-of-the-art laboratories offer reverse-sort technology and a hormone-free IVF process, including proprietary media, delivering high-quality embryos to producers, giving them the technology to make more valuable calves to maximize genetic progress.

"We are thrilled to open our doors in the Nebraska region and expand our footprint," said Grady Bishop, Vice President of North America Commercial Operations at Vytelle. "Vytelle can now access 50% of the national beef and dairy breeding herd through a strong network of Satellite partners who help provide our IVF technology across the US. This expansion brings a lab closer to our partners in the area, allowing them to expand their customer offerings to include fresh transfers.

By combining our innovative technologies with local expertise, we aim to foster collaboration and drive positive outcomes for livestock producers, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the industry."



The Nebraska-based team is serving producers with ovum pick-ups immediately. Visit www.vytelle.com to accelerate your herds genetic progress today.



About Vytelle

Vytelle is a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelles integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

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COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine March 4, 2024, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wreaths Across America Radio, the leading internet radio station dedicated to honoring veterans and their families, proudly announces a significant expansion in its programming lineup. With a commitment to providing diverse and engaging content, Wreaths Across America Radio now offers over 50 unique shows, including seven new veteran-centric programs.

Since its inception, Wreaths Across America Radio has strived to amplify the voices of veterans, military families, and supporters nationwide. The addition of new shows underscores the stations dedication to its mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.

New shows include 1 Mile 1 Veteran with Danny Mayberry, Bulletproof Podcast with Ace, Connect First with Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Carns, Americas First Corps, PHIner Life Show from the Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc., Transacting Value, and True War Stories. The seventh show, Modern MilSpouse, is a production of Wreaths Across America Radio in partnership with Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) and features Military Spouses of the Year as hosts. The new programming focuses on veteran and active-duty information and support, mental health issues, military life, and stories of everyday life as a military spouse.

In addition to veteran-centric content, Wreaths Across America Radio has added two new shows to its Trucking Tuesday lineup: Sense Per Mile with Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson, and Standing Out: A Podcast About Sales, Marketing, and Leadership with Trey Griggs. Throughout the week, the station is hosted by six Wreaths Across America Radio on-air personalities: Morning Show host Michael W. Hale; JR Kitchens, U.S. Navy veteran; Tony Sequeria, USMC veteran; Justin Manning, TSGT (ret) USAF; Chuck Igo, U.S. Navy veteran; and New York on-air personality Mike Patrick.

As Wreaths Across America Radio continues to expand our programming, we are honored to partner with shows that honor veterans and support the military community, said Jeff Pierce, Director of Broadcast and Media Partnerships at Wreaths Across America Radio. We are dedicated to continually providing a platform for veterans, military families, and our volunteers to share their stories and support.

For a complete list of programming and to tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio, please visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio. The station can also be heard on the iHeartRadio, Audacy, and TuneIn apps.

For more information about the yearlong mission of Wreaths Across America, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Your $17 sponsorship will support the program and place a fresh balsam veterans wreath on the headstone of an American hero on December 14, 2024, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

# # #

About Wreaths Across America Radio

Wreaths Across America Radio is a 24/7 Internet stream. Its unique format provides informational and inspiring content about members of the U.S. armed forces, their families, military veterans, and volunteers throughout the country and overseas who support the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. Along with the inspiring content, Wreaths Across America Radio plays various music with roots firmly planted in patriotism and a country music thread running through the core of the stream. Wreaths Across America Radio has a live morning show every weekday morning from 6 am to 10 am ET, along with a variety of special programs that support the mission.

You can listen to Wreaths Across America Radios 24/7 internet stream anytime and anywhere on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app, or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organizations yearlong mission  Remember, Honor, Teach  is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington and thousands of veterans cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.



For more information or to sponsor a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sanford Heisler Sharp and Maritime Legal Solutions today filed an Opposition to the Governments Motion to Stay in the case of Elsie E. Dominguez v. United States, No. 3:23-cv-22724-GC-JBD. These motions are the latest in the sexual assault case that was first filed on November 29, 2023 in federal court in New Jersey against the United States. The Complaint in this case alleges that Elsie E. Dominguez, a civilian mariner working as the 1st Assistant Engineer aboard the USNS Carson City, a naval vessel operated by the U.S. Navys Military Sealift Command (MSC), was raped by the Captain of the vessel as she slept in her bed and that the United States failed to adequately protect her from sexual assault.



On February 13, 2024, the United States moved to stay the case, arguing that any injuries that Ms. Dominguez sustained from being raped in her own bed were a consequence of her employment and can only be redressed through a workers compensation claim. In her Opposition, Ms. Dominguez notes the astonishing nature of the United States position that the possibility of being raped by the ships captain while sleeping in ones private quarters is a part of a mariners job duties aboard a U.S. Navy ship. As stated in the Opposition, in addition to being morally reprehensible, this argument is neither factually accurate nor legally defensible.

In its Motion to Stay, the United States notes that rape is a reprehensible crime, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating this serious allegation. Despite this assertion, the United States attempts to limit Ms. Dominguezs legal remedies to only workers compensation. In support of its position, the United States argues that rape by the Captain of a ship constitutes a work-related dispute, rather than one that arises out of personal motivations. This assertion is contrary to the allegations in the complaint. Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine how a rape could ever be a work-related dispute. Ms. Dominguezs Opposition notes that the governments position is offensive to civilian mariners and societys notion of decent working conditions.

The governments arguments in its motion demonstrate a shocking lack of concern for the circumstances that led to Ms. Dominguez being assaulted and her resulting injuries, Dunn said. Civilian mariners should not be expected to take on the risk that their Captain will rape them in their own bed as a condition of accepting employment on a U.S. naval vessel. For the United States to characterize this sexual assault as workers compensation is astonishing.

Ms. Dominguez was violently attacked because of the negligence of the United States, Melogy said. Ms. Dominguez has bravely come forward with her story to make sure that other mariners do not go through what she did, but the United States continues to fail her.

Ms. Dominguez is represented in the matter by Sanford Heisler Sharp partners Christine Dunn (D.C. Office) and Carolin Guentert (New York Office), Co-Chairs of the Sexual Violence, Title IX and Victims Rights Practice Group; Andrew Macurdy (New York Office), Sanford Heisler Sharp partner and Co-Chair of the Trial Practice Group; Frank Xu, Senior Litigation Counsel (D.C. Office); and Shannon Henris, a litigation fellow (D.C. Office). Ms. Dominguez is also represented by J. Ryan Melogy of the New York law firm Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC.

The Lawsuit

The complaint asserts that the United States conduct violates the Jones Act and general maritime law because Ms. Dominguezs injuries were directly caused by the United States negligence and failure to provide a seaworthy vessel. The United States has waived sovereign immunity under the Suits in Admiralty Act and the Public Vessels Act. The complaint requests a jury trial.

About Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP is a national public interest class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Diego, Nashville, and Baltimore. Sanford Heisler Sharp focuses on employment discrimination, Title IX, wage and hour, whistleblower, criminal/sexual violence, and financial services matters. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for its clients through many verdicts and settlements. The National Law Journal recognized Sanford Heisler Sharp as 2021 Employment Rights Firm of the Year, 2021 Human Rights Firm of the Year, and 2022 Civil Rights Firm of the Year.

For the latest news about Sanford Heisler Sharp, visit the firms newsroom or follow the firm on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

If you have potential legal claims and are seeking counsel, please call 619-577-4253 or email david.sanford@sanfordheisler.com. Attorneys at Sanford Heisler Sharp would like to have the opportunity to help you.

About Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC

Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC is a maritime law firm focused on the representation of mariners who have been the victims of shipboard harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of maritime abuse. If you need help reporting maritime abuse to the U.S. Coast Guard or federal law enforcement, please contact Ryan Melogy by emailing help@JusticeForMariners.com, calling 347-562-9119, or visiting www.JusticeForMariners.com for a complimentary consultation.

For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, at 201-788-0142 or Jamie@newspros.com.
Dublin, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vasculitis - Pipeline Insight, 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This extensive report provides a deep dive into the current and forthcoming therapeutic landscape, offering hope and direction to stakeholders in the field.

The publication presents valuable data on over 25 companies and more than 30 pipeline drugs, covering both clinical and nonclinical stage products. Alongside this, the report provides comprehensive assessments based on product type, development stage, route of administration, and molecule type, while also outlining inactive products in the niche space.

The detailed report navigates through the complexities of Vasculitis diagnosis and treatment options. It underscores the wide range of symptoms that Vasculitis can manifest, from skin lesions to organ-threatening conditions. Diagnosis of the disease includes cutting-edge techniques like angiography and biopsies, which are crucial in informing the appropriate intervention strategies.

Treatment Breakthroughs and In-Depth Therapeutic Evaluations

Latest advancements offer insight into medications that may potentially diminish Vasculitis symptoms and flares, emphasizing "steroid-sparing" treatments that aim to mitigate the long-term side effects of glucocorticoids. The report gives special focus to innovative therapies like Hemay005, SHR-1703, and KYV-101  each positioned in various stages of development, signaling a robust pipeline.

Emerging Therapies Showcased

Among the highlighted treatments is Hemay005, an oral candidate targeting phosphodiesterase 4, currently in Phase III. SHR-1703, an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody, shows potential in Phase II/III for reducing frequency and severity of patient symptoms through inhibition of the IL-5/IL-5R signaling pathway. KYV-101, a cutting-edge CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, exemplifies the promise of immunotherapy in Vasculitis treatment, being in the Phase I trial stage.

Global Research Landscape

With a comprehensive global coverage, the publication synthesizes the efforts undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions alike. Their collective work aims to surmount the contemporary obstacles and leverage opportunities that could make a significant impact on Vasculitis research and development.

Extensive Pipeline Activities and Collaborations

The report offers a detailed review of the collaboration, acquisition, and licensing activities that shape the Vasculitis pharmaceutical landscape. It highlights key players leading the charge in drug development, such as Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation and Guangdong Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., alongside emerging contenders.

The "Vasculitis - Pipeline Insight, 2024" publication stands as an essential resource for stakeholders looking to navigate the intricate pathways of Vasculitis therapeutics. While offering a beacon of hope for patients, the report solidifies its position as a pivot for innovation and strategic development in the battle against this challenging cluster of diseases.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Yake Biotechnology Ltd.

Kyverna Therapeutics

Guangdong Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

InflaRx GmbH

Ganzhou Hemay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sxmkj8

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
New York, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced that financial services lawyers Steven Lofchie and Mark Highman have joined the firm as partners in the New York office. Lofchie advises financial institutions and corporate clients on securities, broker-dealer regulation and credit and derivative transactions. Highman focuses on broker-dealer, investment adviser, commodity trading advisor and commodity pool regulation.

Regarded as one of the leading financial services practitioners in the US, Lofchie counsels clients on securities laws, the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and related bankruptcy issues in his regulatory practice. His transactional practice focuses on securities credit and derivative transactions. Ranked by Chambers USA every year since 2007, he was also recognized as an IFLR1000 Market Leader in 2023, one of Lexologys Legal Influencers in 2022 and at various times under Best Lawyers in Americas Lawyer of the Year for administrative/regulatory law and US News and World Reports Best Regulatory Lawyer.

Lofchie is the founder and manager of the acclaimed legal website Regulatory Intelligence, which has been endorsed by former chairpersons of both the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is subscribed to by government regulators and major buy- and sell-side firms. In addition to a newsletter on daily developments in financial regulations and litigation, the website provides a curated, user-oriented legal and financial library and relevant resources for practitioners, including Lofchies Guide to Broker Dealer Regulation.

Highman provides regulatory advice to broker-dealers, investment advisers, commodity pool operators and commodity trading advisors. Highman advises firms on SEC and CFTC registration requirements and counsels registered firms on their ongoing regulatory obligations. He assists firms in responding to regulatory inquiries and examinations. Highman advises non-US firms on the regulatory requirements applicable to conducting cross-border securities and derivatives transactions with investors in the United States and advises firms on the regulatory requirements applicable to M&A transactions, sales of private funds and securities offerings.

Lofchie and Highman join the firms Financial Services team, which features a multidisciplinary group of experienced and nationally recognized lawyers who possess established track records of providing sophisticated strategic regulatory, advisory and transactional counsel to a wide range of clients, including banks, fund managers, investment advisers, broker-dealers, market infrastructure providers, commodities firms, FinTech companies and payments providers. The Financial Services teams deep legal and regulatory knowledge, combined with extensive experience in compliance, government relations, public policy and market practice, positions the firm to deliver forward-looking solutions to clients that contend daily with dynamic market and regulatory conditions.

Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Managing Partner, said:

Steve and Mark are incredible additions to our financial services and regulation practice in the US, as we continue to provide clients with truly global capabilities in this space that few firms can match. They will integrate well into our team, as they share our firms client-centric approach and innovative mindset.

Andrew Lom, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Head of Financial Services and Fintech, said:

Financial services businesses globally face novel challenges due to volatile market conditions, increasing innovation and heightened supervisory standards. Clients look to Norton Rose Fulbright to guide them through such challenges, and Steve and Mark further strengthen our multidisciplinary offering to the financial services industry.

Vincent Dunn, Norton Rose Fulbrights New York Co-Partner-in-Charge, commented:

Norton Rose Fulbrights New York office has been serving clients in the financial services sector for more than a century. I am thrilled to welcome Steve and Mark to the office, which has already enjoyed significant growth this year.

Lofchie, who joins the firm from Fried Frank along with Highman, remarked:

I am excited to join a law firm that can provide clients with strategic advice across a broad range of legal areas and in virtually every significant jurisdiction in the world. We are now joining a team that can fully match the range of its advice to our clients' businesses.

Lofchie and Highman are both licensed in New York. Lofchie received his JD from Yale Law School, his MBA from Columbia Law School and his BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Highman received his LLM magna cum laude from Fordham University School of Law School, his graduate diploma in law from the City University of London and his MA from the Queens College, University of Oxford.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full scope of legal services to the worlds preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide, including Houston, New York, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg, covering the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. With its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized for its client service in key industries, including financial institutions; energy, infrastructure and resources; technology; transport; life sciences and healthcare; and consumer markets. For more information, visit nortonrosefulbright.com.

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New York, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the CDC , the suicide rate among young people ages 1024 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021. The CDCs Youth Risk Behavior Summary reports that in 2021, 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the year and 18% made a suicide plan. These statistics indicate a mental health crisis facing our youth. How can we identify children in crisis? Who is being missed?

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is hosting a free webinar, Detection of Suicide-Related Emergencies Among Children Using Real-World Clinical Data on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET to discuss how we can improve prediction and prevention of youth suicide. The presenter will be Juliet B. Edgcomb, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and recipient of a 2020 Young Investigator Grant. Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and host of the public television series Healthy Minds will be the webinar host. Register today at BBRFoundation.org

Suicide is a national and international public health priority, and suicidal behavior among children is common, costly, and preventable. Systematic, accurate, and equitable detection of children who exhibit suicidal thoughts and behaviors to medical personnel is challenging. In turn, suicide and self-harm prediction models and evidence-based personalized decision support tools to reduce suicide risk hold promise for prevention efforts, but are seldom adopted in clinical practice for children. This webinar will highlight new and innovative research applying computational methods, such as machine learning, to medical record datasets to advance the accuracy and equity of detecting children experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

About Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia, as well as research on suicide prevention. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $450 million to fund more than 5,400 leading scientists around the world. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in research. BBRF operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. BBRF is the producer of the Emmy nominated public television series Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, which aims to remove the stigma of mental illness and demonstrate that with help, there is hope.

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GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- inGroup International was recently recognized as one of a select group of companies that has continually grown revenues for the last four consecutive years.



The recognition came from the Direct Selling News (DSN), a respected industry publication known for accurately monitoring many companies' results and overall trends.

DSNs data shows that the last four years have created unpredictable economic conditions, and inGroup was 1 of only 22 companies they monitored, showing continued annual growth over that time.

In response to this, inGroup's Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Varvaro, said, "We are very proud that inGroup has grown every year since its launch in 2016, and we appreciate DSNs recognition of our last four years. Covid headwinds in 2020-22 certainly made growth more challenging for travel-related companies. During that time, we chose to continue investing in our Members and Partners, which continues to pay off now."

Varvaro also emphasized the company's future direction. "The travel industry is moving faster than ever. This brings new opportunities and challenges. We are responding by creating more value for our current and future customers, and we are confident this will create continued growth."

inGroups Co-CEO and Co-Founder Frank Codina said, Our continued growth is a result of our unmatched concept, a dedicated team, loyal Members, and our unwavering Field Partners. We appreciate being included on DSNs list and how it confirms our strength amongst our industrys peers.

About inCruises and inGroup International

inCruises is a division of inGroup International and one of the worlds largest subscription-based travel clubs. Since launching in 2016, inCruises has added more than one million Members and Partners from more than 200 countries and territories. inStays was added in 2022, giving Members access to nearly 200,000 cruises, hotels, and resort offers. inCruises Club Members can earn Reward Points, which can be used to book cruises, hotels, and resorts through the inCruises website, which supports 17 languages.

inGroup is making a measurable difference in its Club Members' lives and provides a world-class business to its growing Partner team. inCruises Club Membership grows exclusively through independent referring Partners who can earn compensation by sharing the exclusive Membership advantages with others.
BARCELONA, Spain, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The leading international business platform for food, beverages, food service and hospitality equipment will return to Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via exhibition center (Spain) from 18 to 21 March 2024, with a 15% increase in the number of foreign exhibitors compared to the previous edition. Of the 3,200 exhibiting companies, 900 will be international.

Alimentaria&Hostelco 2024, which will bring together a high-quality, cross-cutting range of products and services, will beat its record for internationalization. In this edition, business opportunities for the Horeca channel in the international sphere, especially in Europe, will be further boosted.



After Spain, the country that will occupy the most space at the event will be Italy, followed by Turkey, China and Hong Kong, Poland, Portugal, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Argentina. In most cases, they are growing in terms of both size and number of companies compared to 2022. The presence of Asian companies stands out, led by China and Hong Kong, with notable representation from Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea.

Some 100,000 trade visitors are expected, 25% of them international. To maximize business opportunities, its buyer invitation program will bring together more than 2,200 importers, distributors, directors and purchasing managers at the highest level. Of these, more than half are international, coming from 80 nations, headed by the United States, Mexico, China, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea, followed by the main destination countries for Spanish imports in Europe and Latin America.

The exhibition platform will occupy seven pavilions, spread over 100,000 net m2. Alimentaria's exhibition program will be divided into 13 sectors: Intercarn (meat and meat products); Interlact (dairy products); Expoconser (preserves); Restaurama (food service); Snacks, Biscuits & Confectionery; Fine Foods (gourmet products); Organic Foods; Coffee, Bakery & Pastry; Alimentaria Trends - which includes the Plant Based, Vegan Foods, Free From (allergen-free foods), Functional Foods and Halal segments, International Pavilions (which brings together a large part of the foreign institutional participation), Lands of Spain (where all the territories of Spain are represented), Grocery Foods (with the presence of the most important brands) and FoodTech (dedicated to equipment for the food and beverage industry). In addition, Premium will bring together nine haute cuisine firms in Alimentaria's most exclusive space.

The Hostelco show will exhibit equipment, products, services and activities so that professionals from the restaurant, hotel and catering and community sectors can find new products, creative ideas and proposals for innovative business formats.

February 2024

Alimentaria Press

Susana Santamaria: ssantamaria@alimentaria.com

Hostelco Press

Gloria Dilluvio: gdilluvio@firabarcelona.com



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/130a9be4-bb80-451c-87c3-96bebcce811b
Washington, DC, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association, FMI  The Food Industry Association, the National Grocers Association, the American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy, and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations issued the following statement today:

Congress is dangerously close to proving wrong the notion that its never too late to do the right thing.

In the current must-pass legislation, Congress failure to enact PBM reforms for Americans in Medicare and Medicaid and for their pharmacies is nothing short of a wasted opportunity  at a moment when time cannot be wasted.

With many Americans and pharmacies at the brink, time is running out to end harmful PBM tactics that inflate prescription drug costs, force pharmacy closures, and block access to Americans pharmacy of choice.

Congress demonstrated broad and strong bipartisan support for sound PBM reforms in Medicare and Medicaid. To reward the PBMs practices and their stalling tactics is a shame.

It is imperative that Congress enact these reforms soon in the 118th Congress. We stand ready to support that effort because if ever there were must-pass legislation, PBM reforms in Medicare and Medicaid are it.

For more information, please see a February 7 letter to Congressional leaders and a February 26 statement.
Dallas Twp., PA, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Misericordia University recently selected the seventh annual group of incoming students to receive the merit-based, full-tuition Sister Mary Glennon 62 Scholarships for the Fall 2024- Spring 2025 academic year.

The six recipients of the Sister Mary Glennon 62 Scholarships scheduled to enroll in Fall 24 are:

Dylan Ramirez from Easton, PA, who plans to pursue a Business Administration degree with a Management specialization.

Ella Gimbel from Tamaqua, PA, who plans to pursue a degree in Biology.

Hunter Stuart from Warwick, NY, who plans to pursue a Business Administration degree with a Management specialization.

Anna Pittarelli from Ocean, NJ, who plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with an undergraduate Pre-DPT degree in Biology.

Regina Messenger from Toms River, NJ, who plans to pursue a degree in Health Science with specializations in Medical Science and Pre-Medicine.

Arun Gopinath from Harrisburg, PA, who plans to pursue a degree in Biology with a specialization in Pre-Medicine.

Admitted students with a 3.7 GPA, as calculated by the Office of Admissions, are automatically invited to participate in the competitive selection process for Glennon Scholarships. All participants in the scholarship competition are guaranteed acceptance into the Universitys Honors Program if they choose to participate. Applications for admission to Misericordia must be completed by mid-December each year in order to be considered for the scholarship.

University President Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., expressed his excitement with the incoming group, stating, These students have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to their studies. We are confident that they will excel in our supportive campus community, significantly contribute to their respective fields, and become future industry leaders.

The scholarship is named in honor of Misericordia Universitys longest-serving academic dean, Sister Mary Glennon, Ph.D., RSM. Glennon had more than 45 years of service to the Misericordia community as a student and administrator. Under her leadership, Misericordia introduced the popular academic programs of occupational therapy and physical therapy and reintroduced majors in psychology and chemistry while adding programs in biochemistry and a graduate-level nurse practitioner program.

For more information on Sister Mary Glennon 62 Scholarships please visit, www.misericordia.edu/financial-aid/scholarship/sr-mary-glennon-scholarships, and for more information about applying to Misericordia University please visit, www.misericordia.edu.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on the 59th commemoration of the Bloody Sunday Selma bridge crossing on March 3, 2024 in Selma, Ala. Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza in her remarks but reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris call Sunday for an immediate, temporary cease-fire in Gaza  which marked a forceful shift for the administration  has received a mixed response from Democrats, and some progressives have characterized it as too little, too late.

The Israel-Hamas war has become a key flash point in the Democratic Party this election season, with liberal voters reconsidering which candidates they will support based on their position on the war.

Harris comments in Selma, Ala., at a commemoration of Bloody Sunday escalated the Biden administrations efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement before the start of Ramadan on March 10.

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Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, Harris said Sunday. People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act.

Harris called on the Israeli government to open new border crossings, restore basic services in Gaza and allow aid and humanitarian personnel to flow unrestricted and without being targeted. She encouraged Hamas to agree to the proposed deal: a release of hostages in exchange for humanitarian assistance and a six-week cease-fire.

Israeli and Palestinian authorities have been negotiating another cease-fire over the last several weeks. The last and only cease-fire took place for a week in late November and allowed 50 Israelis in Gaza and 150 Palestinians in Israel to be released.

A February Wall Street Journal poll found that 60% of voters disapprove of Bidens handling of the war. In California, 52% of likely voters disapprove of Bidens actions regarding the war, according to a January Berkeley IGS poll.



Pressure on Biden has mounted in the last few weeks. About 100,000 Michigan residents voted uncommitted in the states presidential primary Feb. 27, many in protest of Bidens policy in the Israel-Hamas war.

Lara Kiswani, executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, said Harris call for a cease-fire constitutes empty words without action. Kiswani said the Biden administration could compel a cease-fire if it stopped aiding Israel and vetoing international efforts for a cease-fire.

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Kiswani also questioned the timing of the proposed cease-fire. Nineteen states are set to hold their Democratic presidential primaries in the six weeks following the start of Ramadan, and an additional 15 states will hold theirs Tuesday.

Harris said she and Biden are aligned on their approach to the conflict. Israel has a right to defend itself. Far too many Palestinian civilians  innocent civilians have been killed. We need to get more aid in. We need to get the hostages out, Harris said Monday.

Other progressive groups and politicians expressed pleasure with the messaging shift from Harris, but called for the Biden administration to act.

This messaging shift is the direct result of overwhelming grassroots organizing and pressure from the Palestinian-led anti-war movement. But we must be clear: We are not looking for message shifts, we are looking for policy shifts, Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, said in a statement.

I am encouraged to see Vice President Harris call for a temporary cease-fire, but we would like to see the administrations actions match the vice presidents comments, and even go beyond them to ensure a lasting peace, said San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston, who introduced a measure supporting a cease-fire that passed the board on Jan. 9. The Oakland City Council and other local legislative bodies have passed similar resolutions.

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Harris reiterated her concerns about the conditions in Gaza and urged Israel to cooperate with humanitarian efforts into Gaza in a Monday afternoon meeting with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz.
Washington, D.C., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading insider threat training and consulting services provider Vaillance Group celebrates its fifth anniversary. The company, established by Shawnee Delaney, a cybersecurity expert and former clandestine intelligence officer, has consistently demonstrated its dedication to safeguarding organizations from intentional and unintentional threats.

The company works closely with a broad range of organizations across both the public and private sectors  including law enforcement, nation-states, and large enterprises.

Vaillance Group understands the significance of education and awareness in the field. Therefore, it has positioned itself as a pioneer in developing, assessing, and implementing insider threat programs tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients since 2019. The premier company has experience with industry best practices, such as the Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) Insider Threat Vulnerability Assessment tool. It has also developed its own assessment process, building on the leading industry standards, while looking at the root causes of the risks, including culture, organizational ethos, morale among others. With this, clients have access to the most effective strategies for mitigating risk.

Delaney says, Wherever there are humans, there is risk. On top of the cybersecurity side of things, human error, lack of judgment, and sometimes malicious intent pose a similar, or greater risk than the digital threats we are all familiar with.

Delaney founded Vaillance Group after recognizing the urgent need for expert practitioners with a profound understanding of insider threats and the ability to reduce them effectively. She understands the complex nature of insider threats, given her experience working with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The founder has witnessed firsthand how insider breaches (e.g., fraud, data exfiltration, platform abuse, unauthorized disclosures) could negatively impact organizations.

Her experience here is direct, as an intelligence officer, conducting clandestine operations, her job was to recruit vulnerable individuals and extract sensitive information from them.

"After leaving DIA, I joined a pharmaceutical company and established its insider threat and trade secret protection program. My experience there made me realize that my skills suit the private sector. So, I continued contributing to national security efforts internationally," Delaney shared. The Vaillance Group CEO then set out to become a subject matter expert to help organizations improve their security measures. The company quickly became a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

Besides specializing in insider threat program development, assessment, and awareness training, Vaillance Group offers customized solutions to organizations seeking to protect their assets and confidential information. The company is also known for its vulnerability assessments and for providing specialized training through various mediums, including eLearning, live sessions, videos, virtual reality, and micro-learning. Each course is designed to address the specific needs, challenges, and industry requirements of the client.

This holistic approach distinguishes Vaillance Group as an insider threat training and consulting services provider. The CEO of a registered U.S. Defense Contractor specializing in professional security consulting and training attests to this. He stated, "Vaillance Group delivers exceptional training to law enforcement, government, and private sector organizations. We collaborated with Shawnee Delaney, and our recent half-day insider threat training received outstanding feedback and demand for additional sessions. Vaillance Group is the trusted choice for insider threat programs in the U.S. critical infrastructure."

Following Vaillance Group's five-year journey, it is evident that the company's success stems from its commitment to responding to the growing demand for expert insider threat consulting and training services. With a visionary leader like Shawnee Delaney, Vaillance Group will remain a trusted partner for organizations for years to come. Its innovative solutions, customized training programs, and understanding of insider threat behavior would guarantee its competitive edge in this landscape.

Media Contact

Name: Shawnee Delaney

Email: info@valliancegroup.com




Stellantis Publishes Agenda for 2024 AGM

AMSTERDAM, March 4, 2024  Stellantis N.V. announced today it has published the agenda and explanatory notes for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM), which will take place on April 16, 2024, in Amsterdam.

Stellantis AGM notice and explanatory notes, other AGM materials and instructions for voting, are available under the Investors section of the Stellantis corporate website at www.stellantis.com, where they can be viewed and downloaded. Shareholders may request a hard copy of these materials, which include Stellantis audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, free of charge, through the contact below.

# # #

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the worlds leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. Its best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep  , Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

@Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis Stellantis



For more information, contact:







communications@stellantis.com

www.stellantis.com

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WAWA, Pa., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wawa today launched the Buy a Kids Meal, Make an Impact initiative, an extension of the convenience retailers Fly Beyond program that expands access to fresh and nutritious foods to underserved communities through local Feeding America Food Bank partners. From March 4 through July 28, for every Wawa Kids Meal purchased, Wawa will donate funds to local food bank partners to provide meals to the community!



One in five children is at risk of going to bed hungry, and even more lack access to fresh, nutritious produce, said Greg Higgerson, Chief Development Officer, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a partner food bank of Wawa and The Wawa Foundation. Fly Beyond program support from Wawa and The Wawa Foundation helps us ensure kids not only have more access to food and snacks, but it helps us add fresh, healthy ingredients to build healthy habits.

On average, food bank partners can provide 3 meals for every $1 donated. Together, Wawa and its customers will be able to fund approximately 45,000 meals per week for nearly one million meals throughout the duration of the program. The proceeds from every store will support the local Feeding America Food Banks within the stores operating area.

Wawa Kids Meals are a great option for families on the go and now were excited that the meals can inspire goodness in the community with a portion of proceeds helping fight food insecurity, said Mary Rose Hannum, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Wawa. We hope this initiative also inspires conversations around the dinner table about the importance of helping others get access to nutritious food and reducing hunger in our communities and helping kids thrive and be there best.

About Wawa Fly Beyond Programs

Launched in 2023 with initial partner the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Fly Beyond programs are supported by Wawa and The Wawa Foundation to fight food insecurity at the community level by inspiring goodness and increasing access of underserved youth to fresh, nutritious food and healthy meals through Feeding America Food Banks. Fly Beyond connects all programs focused on this core issue to enable measurements, communication and drive solutions. In addition to the Second Harvest program and this Buy One, Make an Impact Kids Meal program, the Fly Beyond initiative also includes a Key Issue grant fund by The Wawa Foundation.

About Wawa, Inc.

Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness, and certified process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, Georges grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. With nearly 1,000 locations to date, Wawa stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshly brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and pizza along with an assortment of soups, sides and snacks. Forbes.com Ranks Wawa as #24 of Americas Largest Private Companies, #1 in Convenience Category for Americas Best Customer Service by Newsweek, #12 on Forbes 100 Halo List in 2022 and one of Forbes 2023 Americas Best Employers for Women and New College Grads.





Contact: public.relations@wawa.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc0610bf-c9d5-4c79-b93d-f97950ae23ad
ANGOLA, N.Y., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TX RX Systems, Inc., the market leader in radio frequency (RF) design and engineering, is set to showcase its new state-of-the-art bi-directional antenna (BDA) product line and other RF products and services at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Orlando this March.



TX RX Systems will exhibit its latest BDA innovations at booth #733. Attendees are invited to visit the booth for a meet-and-greet with CTO, Ken Pokigo, engineers and team to learn more about the companys cutting-edge technology that is leading the way in critical communications. In addition, the company will host a meet and greet at their booth on Wednesday afternoon with complimentary snacks and beer.

Pokigo will amplify TX RX Systems presence at IWCE by sharing his expertise around the evolving landscape of connected devices, monitoring and data accessibility during two panel discussions on March 25:

TX RX Systems prides itself on staying ahead of technology and industry trends to provide unparalleled connectivity solutions for our customers, said Pokigo. IWCE is a great platform for us to showcase our innovations and engage with industry peers and stakeholders to foster collaboration that will continue to shape the future of wireless communications.

For more information about IWCE, visit https://iwceexpo.com/



About TX RX

Headquartered in Angola, N.Y., TX RX has proven to be an industry front-runner since its founding in 1976. In the 45+ years since its inception, TX RX has developed many innovative technologies for the RF and LMR markets that are now commonly used throughout the industry. These innovations include, but are not limited to, the T-Pass Transmit Combiner, Auto-Backup Tower Top Amplifier, and the wideband collinear Base Station Antennas.

Today, TX RX is one of the only OEM manufacturers of RF conditioning hardware and equipment to also provide a comprehensive suite of RF conditioning services, products, and training opportunities across multiple markets.

TX RX is ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, and iBwave certified.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mindset Social Innovation Foundation proudly announces the appointment of its founder, Alison Lawton, to the Board of Directors of LOVELOUD Foundation. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating inclusive and supportive communities for LGBTQ+ individuals in the US, while also laying the groundwork for a future Canadian presence.



Since its inception in 2006, Mindset Social Innovation Foundation has been at the forefront of tackling complex social issues and advocating for human rights. Alison Lawton's leadership and unwavering commitment to equality and justice have catalyzed numerous initiatives aimed at bridging gaps and fostering understanding across diverse communities.

"This endeavour is not just about celebration, but about igniting a broader social movement toward unity and understanding in these divided times," said Lawton. "LOVELOUDs commitment, coupled with their support from fans and allies, underscores the transformative power of music and community in fostering acceptance."

LOVELOUD Foundation, founded in 2017 by Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, strives to ignite vital conversations and promote unconditional love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and their families. Through its annual charity concerts and impactful philanthropy, LOVELOUD has become a beacon of hope, advocating for the well-being and acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth.

"Alison's passion for social justice and her impressive track record in philanthropy align with LOVELOUD's core values and objectives," said Clarissa Savage, Executive Director of LOVELOUD Foundation. "We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to the insight and energy she will bring to our mission."

This partnership between Mindset Social Innovation Foundation and LOVELOUD Foundation represents a shared vision for a more compassionate, inclusive society. With Lawton's strategic insight and philanthropic leadership, both organizations are poised to expand their reach, increase their impact, and continue to provide vital support to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.

About Mindset Social Innovation Foundation

Mindset Social Innovation Foundation is dedicated to advancing social innovation and promoting human rights worldwide. Founded by Alison Lawton, Mindset works at the intersection of philanthropy, technology, and advocacy to address critical social issues, aiming to inspire change and create lasting impact.

Alison Lawton has served on several boards and advisory positions, including UNICEF, Virgin Unite Canada, BC Advisory Council for Social Entrepreneurship, and was named an Honorary Fellow from the UBC Centre for Sustainability and Social Innovation at the Sauder School of Business.

For more information about Mindset Social Innovation Foundation and its initiatives, please visit Mindset Foundations official website.

About LOVELOUD Foundation

The LOVELOUD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing communities and families together to support LGBTQ+ youth. Founded by Dan Reynolds in 2017, LOVELOUD's mission is to ignite conversations and actions that lead to deeper understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through concerts, storytelling, and active support, LOVELOUD aims to create a world of unconditional love and acceptance.

For more information about the LOVELOUD Foundation and its initiatives, please visit LOVELOUD's official website.

Contact Information:

Mindset Social Innovation Foundation

Email: info@mindsetfoundation.com

Website: https://www.mindsetfoundation.com/

LOVELOUD Foundation

Email: info@loveloudfest.com

Website: https://loveloudfest.com/
Toronto, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The renowned World Affairs Conference (WAC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Roberta Bondar will be the closing keynote speaker at this years student-led conference to be held at Upper Canada College in Toronto on Wednesday, March 6th. The day-long conference is co-hosted with Branksome Hall and features more than 10 speakers who will present on this years theme: WAC 2024: Minds in Motion. Participating in person will be secondary students and teachers from schools across the Greater Toronto Area.

The World Affairs Conference aims to bring together youths, educators, and changemakers to help shape a better world. It is North Americas largest and Canadas oldest annual student-run conference, providing high-quality discussion opportunities for thousands of inspired, curious, and globally-minded high school students from around the world. Its mission is to motivate high school students to proactively engage in world affairs and become aware of humanity's most pressing challenges by exposing students to experienced perspectives and discussion opportunities with global leaders. In the past, the conference hosted speakers such as Edward Snowden, Martin Luther King III, Geoffrey Hinton, Michele Romanow, and many others.

In a series of equity-based initiatives this year, the conference made registration free for TDSB students, expanding the reach of WAC. New sustainability partner Farmers Edge makes the World Affairs Conference the first-ever, carbon-neutral, student-run conference in North America.

Dr. Roberta Bondar will be in Toronto on March 6 and her keynote, which takes place at 2:30 p.m., will speak on her personal experiences as a trailblazer in STEM, her philanthropy, and her expectations for the youth of tomorrow.

Were so excited to host an incredible list of speakers ranging from our closing keynote speaker Dr. Roberta Bondar (first female astronaut and neurologist in space), former prime ministers, music industry leaders, founders, and many more. Students will learn about a wide range of topics, getting their young minds in motion, noted Katherine Ma and Jennifer Yang, WAC co-chairs, and students at Branksome Hall.

Shaya Farahmand and Ray Wu, Year 12 students at Upper Canada College and two of the four co-chairs of WAC 2024, said that it is an honour to lead WAC into its 42nd year and we look forward to seeing attendees engage with speakers who seek to further inspire global citizenship and nurture thought-provoking discussions. We aim to provide a captivating experience for all attendees to learn about societys complex global issues. To make this opportunity more accessible, we're excited to welcome public school students to the conference to help broaden the scope of viewpoints and experiences, with the goal of having conversations that include multiple voices.



Media Opportunities

Interested media and press are invited to attend WAC throughout the day from 9:30 a.m.  3:30 p.m. at Upper Canada College. Interview opportunities can be coordinated with speakers and other WAC participants. Press and media will have access to and can listen in on our closing keynote or plenary speakers. This includes Dr. Roberta Bondars keynote from 2:30  3:30 p.m. in Laidlaw Hall; however, please note that Dr. Bondar will not be available for interviews.

Interested media should contact Nicole Reyes-Ponce or Sarah Baumann (contact information below) for accreditation and further details on the event.

World Affairs Conference Background and Resources

Since the 1980s, WAC has engaged more than 10,000 students from 35 countries and 80 schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WAC went virtual for two years, enabling it to reach a more global audience and gain recognition from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former City of Toronto Mayor John Tory.

A detailed schedule and list of speakers can be found on the WAC website. For more information, please visit the following:

 Website: https://worldaffairscon.org/

 LinkedIn: World Affairs Conference

 Instagram: @worldaffairscon

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Columbus, OH, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tim Wild, Director at the Tim Lamb Group, the largest auto dealership sales, and acquisitions firm in North America, has brokered the sale of Foothills Lincoln Mazda owned by Rick Rielly and Ray Kish to Eve Knudtsen President and Owner of Knudtsen Chevrolet. The deal, facilitated by Wild closed on February 15, 2024. Foothills Lincoln Mazda, has been rebranded as Knudtsen Foothills Mazda and Knudtsen Foothills Lincoln, and is situated in the Foothills Auto Mall at 202 E. North Foothills Dr. in Spokane, WA.

Foothills Lincoln Mazda was founded in 1981 by Ray Kish, a graduate of Rutgers University and Stanford University. Rick Rielly joined Ray approximately 10 years later as General Manager, and eventually purchased a majority stake in the dealership. Kish and Rielly value family and community, and when looking toward retirement they wanted to find a successor who not only shared in their business philosophy, but also their values. For the last 10 years we have had multiple offers from dealers looking to purchase our stores and none of them felt right, stated Kish. He continued with, When I met Tim Wild, he understood our philosophy and wanted to help us find a buyer who would uphold everything that Rick and I have worked so hard to build over the last 43 years. It was Tims persistence and precision that helped make this deal happen, and I think that any other prospective buyer or seller would be lucky to have him representing their deal. Though our relationship started off as a professional one, Tim and I became close friends through this experience.

Eve Knudtsen, President and Owner of Knudtsen Chevrolet in Post Falls, ID is thrilled to expand her family business with the acquisition of the Foothills Lincoln and Mazda stores. Knudtsen stated, Tim was instrumental in bringing this deal to closure. Whether it was helping us find real estate solutions, or just keeping us on track, his personal involvement brought us to a successful and satisfying close.

Knudtsen Chevrolet has been serving the residents of Kootenai County and beyond for over 85 years. Started by Eves father Clifford in 1939, this family-owned dealership has experienced significant growth and evolution over the years. With the addition of the Foothills stores, located a short 26 miles from Post Falls, Eve and her daughter Lauren Benedict intend to uphold the tradition of excellence and care that her family has cultivated for decades, while embracing the family and community values that Rielly and Kish have worked tirelessly to establish.

Kish and Rielly have become staples in the community and have worked with numerous organizations supporting, contributing, and even starting organizations across the state of Washington, as well as around the country. Throughout the years, they have worked with over 40 organizations including the creation of the Special Olympics program in Washington, founding the Crisis Center in Spokane, founding the Ronald McDonald House in Spokane, and partnering with Mark Rypien to build the Childrens Emergency Department at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital. Kish and Rielly have set up a strong foundation in the community for Knudtsen grow on. Eve Knudtsen stated, We are excited to expand our presence in the communities surrounding the Foothills dealerships just like we have done at Knudtsen Chevrolet. Our family is very much involved in community initiatives, and we are happy to build on the legacy that Rick and Ray have established.

Kish stated, We are proud to have chosen the Knudtsen family to be our successors. Its keeping with the family dynamic and values that a family-owned business understands. I have always said that the best way to get ahead is to help others get ahead and be that best they can be.

The Foothills building was a lumber yard before being renovated into a dealership. As a result, Foothills Lincoln Mazda occupies a huge footprint spanning 82,000 square feet and is situated on 6.8 acres of land. The property houses separate showrooms for Lincoln and Mazda and houses a Body Shop. Knudtsen will add her family name to the store brands and will be keeping all existing Foothills team members at their current seniority.

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Morehead, Kentucky (USA), March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rajant Corporation, the pioneer of Kinetic Mesh wireless networks, has been recertified for the sixth consecutive year as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001: 2015-compliant. The original ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification was achieved on March 7, 2019, when Rajant demonstrated compliance with the developing, technical support, and manufacturing of secure network radios at its Morehead, Kentucky facility.

Kaitlyn Muncy, Rajant Quality Assurance Director in Morehead, shares, "Being able to tell our current and potential customers that Rajant Corporation is ISO 9001:2015 certified is very important to our growth as a company. This shows just how important delivering top-quality products is to our operation and gives our customers the confidence that we can provide them with what they need. We could only accomplish this with the support from headquarters and the dedication of our employees. Rajant has maintained certification with zero nonconformances found over the last six years. From the viewpoint of not just one but two ISO auditors, Rajant is "spot on" in how we do things. Other than receiving the actual certification, this is the highest compliment we could receive."

Rajant Production Lead Jon Lacy offers, "Maintaining our ISO Certification is huge for the Morehead office and Rajant as a whole. Rajant prides itself on making sure it does everything possible to ensure quality products; this ISO Certification is always a highlight. Just shows the continued effort for always bettering itself as a company."

Furthering the Morehead teams sentiments, Senior Manufacturing Engineer Travis Pettit states, Our manufacturing team is proud to continue our certification under the ISO 9001:2015 standard. The trust this imparts onto our partners and customers is indispensable to our continued success of delivering exceptional products."

Morehead, Kentucky staff who worked together towards this goal include Nick Adams  Manufacturing Associate, Megan Becraft  Quality Assistant, Kolby Charles - Shipping/Receiving Coordinator, Austin Clark - Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Duke Estridge  Manufacturing Associate, Jon Jenkins - Software Engineer, Seth Johnson - Shipping Assistant, Jon Lacy - Production Lead, Ryan Lacy - Production Lead, Maria Lemaster  Procurement Manager, Alex Marin  Manufacturing Associate, Kaitlyn Muncy - Quality Assurance Director, Laura Nickell  Manufacturing Associate, Logan Pennington - Test Engineer, Travis Pettit - Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Austin Sanders - Quality Assistant, Gabe Taliaferro  Manufacturing Associate, and Zach Wagner - Manufacturing Supervisor.

####

About Rajant Corporation

Rajant Corporation is the broadband communications technology company that invented Kinetic Mesh networking, BreadCrumb wireless nodes, and InstaMesh networking software. With Rajant, customers can rapidly deploy a highly adaptable and scalable network that leverages the power of real-time data to deliver on-demand, mission-critical business intelligence. A low-latency, high-throughput, and secure solution for a variety of data, voice, video, and autonomous applications, Rajants Kinetic Mesh networks provide industrial customers with full mobility, allowing them to take their private network applications and data anywhere. With successful deployments in more than 80 countries for customers in military, mining, ports, rail, oil & gas, petrochemical plants, municipalities, and agriculture, Rajant is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with additional facilities and offices in Arizona and Kentucky. For more information, visit Rajant.com or follow Rajant on LinkedIn and YouTube.

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The CEO of the worlds biggest public relations firm said he believes the narrative around San Francisco has become more upbeat. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The head of the worlds biggest public relations firm is seeing a positive shift in San Francisco.

Major challenges around remote work, homelessness and a slow pandemic recovery remain, but Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, is noticing a more upbeat narrative.

The citys dominance in artificial intelligence, the hottest sector in tech, is supplanting doom loop fears, he believes. In recent weeks, the Economist printed a spread on the citys surprising comeback. The Wall Street Journal reported that tech critics who fled to places like Miami and Austin, Texas, during the pandemic are coming back, acknowledging the citys dominance in tech talent and venture capital money.

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There was a lot of piling on and a lot of presumption based on inaccurate (information). And also because it was convenient, politically, to beat San Francisco over the head, Edelman said, in an interview in his firms offices on Market Street. The tide has turned.

Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, is bullish on the future of San Francisco. Courtesy of Edelman

He credits groups such as Edelman client Advance SF, a business-backed nonprofit whose members include the Giants, Gap and Uber. Last year, it (along with Edelman) launched a civic pride campaign called It All Starts Here, with signs around the city and a media tour.

Thats a business initiative to build back confidence and belief in this city. And its working, Edelman said. Business has been a leading force.

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Edelman, who splits much of his time in New York and Chicago, said he feels San Francisco had gotten cleaner over the past year. I would say San Francisco looks a lot better to me than a year ago, he said.

While AI has been hailed as a potential economic savior, a recent Edelman worldwide poll found that only half of 32,000 respondents trusted the sector, compared with 76% trusting tech overall.

Only 22% of respondents to the Edelman Trust Barometer said innovation was well managed, while 39% said it was poorly managed and the remaining 39% said neither. U.S. respondents had the most negative views, with 56% saying innovation was poorly managed and only 14% saying it was well managed.

The online survey spanned 28 countries from Nov. 3 to Nov. 22, 2023.

There were also widespread negative views of both government and media, which were seen as less competent and unethical than nongovernment organizations and private businesses, which had the highest marks.

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Worldwide, businesses were trusted by 63% of respondents, while around half trusted the government and media. In the U.S. only 53% of respondents trusted business and 40% trusted the government.

I think business has stepped into the void left by government, Edelman said. I see business as deeply interested in societal issues, including environmental sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion.
MONTREAL, March 3, 2024 /CNW/ - (SYDNEY, March 4, 2024) - Champion Iron Ltd. (TSX: CIA) (ASX: CIA) (OTCQX: CIAFF) ("Champion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ronnie Beevor to its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately.

Mr. Beevor has over 40 years of experience in investment banking and the mining sector, including as Chair and non-executive director of several mining companies in Australia and internationally. He is currently Chairman of Bannerman Energy Ltd., owner of the large Etango uranium deposit in Namibia, Chairman of Felix Gold, which has substantial gold exploration properties in Alaska and director of Mont Royal Resources, building a dominant position in underexplored greenstone belts in Quebec. Previously, Mr. Beevor served as head of investment banking at Rothschild Australia, Chair of EMED Mining, which acquired, developed and operated the Rio Tinto copper mine in Southern Spain, board member of Riversdale Resources, which was acquired by Hancock Prospecting for A$800M, as well as Talison Lithium which acquired the Greenbushes lithium mine in West Australia, prior to its acquisition by Tianqi Industry Group for nearly C$700M. Mr. Beevor also served on the board of Oxiana Limited, which developed substantial gold and copper operations in Laos, acquired the Golden Grove polymetallic mine in Western Australia, developed the Prominent Hill mine in South Australia and merged with Zinifex LImited to form OZ Minerals, which was recently acquired by BHP Group Limited for A$9.5B. Mr. Beevor holds an Honours degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University, and qualified as a chartered accountant in England and Wales.

"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Beevor to our Board," said Michael O'Keeffe, Champion's Executive Chairman. "Mr. Beevor brings decades of valuable experience, including directorship and Chairman roles at various successful mining companies. His expertise in finance and the mining sector will complement our already highly qualified Board as we continue to deploy our vision to be a leader in the green steel supply chain."

About Champion Iron Limited

Champion, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Quebec Iron Ore Inc., owns and operates the Bloom Lake Mining Complex, located on the south end of the Labrador Trough, approximately 13 km north of Fermont, Quebec. Bloom Lake is an open-pit operation with two concentrators that primarily source energy from renewable hydroelectric power. The two concentrators have a combined nameplate capacity of 15 Mtpa and produce low contaminant high-grade 66.2% Fe iron ore concentrate with a proven ability to produce a 67.5% Fe direct reduction quality iron ore concentrate. Benefiting from one of the highest purity resources globally, the Company is investing to upgrade half of the Bloom Lake mine capacity to a direct reduction quality pellet feed iron ore with up to 69% Fe. Bloom Lake's high-grade and low contaminant iron ore products have attracted a premium to the Platts IODEX 62% Fe iron ore benchmark. The Company ships iron ore concentrate from Bloom Lake by rail, to a ship loading port in Sept-Iles, Quebec, and has sold its iron ore concentrate to customers globally, including in China, Japan, the Middle East, Europe, South Korea, India and Canada. In addition to Bloom Lake, Champion owns a portfolio of exploration and development projects in the Labrador Trough, including the Kamistiatusset Project, located a few kilometres south-east of Bloom Lake, and the Cluster II portfolio of properties, located within 60 km south of Bloom Lake.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain information and statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "aims", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control.

Specific Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address future events, developments or performance that Champion expects to occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, Management's expectations regarding the Board's qualifications and expertise and the Company's positioning in the green steel supply chain.

Risks

Although Champion believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, most of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" of the Company's 2023 Annual Report, Annual Information Form and MD&A for the financial year ended March 31, 2023, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, the ASX at www.asx.com.au and the Company's website at www.championiron.com. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

For additional information on Champion Iron Ltd., please visit our website at: www.championiron.com.

This press release has been authorized for release to the market by the CEO of Champion Iron Ltd., David Cataford.

SOURCE Champion Iron Ltd.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./

VANCOUVER, March 4, 2024 - SKRR Exploration Inc. (TSXV: SKRR) (OTC: SKKRF) (FSE: B04Q) ("SKRR" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 consisting of any combination of units of the Company at a price of $0.10 per Unit (the "Unit") and 'flow-through' units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.12 per FT Unit.

Sherman Dahl, CEO of SKRR comments:

"We look forward to closing this private placement financing and beginning the exploration work with F3 Uranium Corp. on the Clearwater West uranium property in the Athabasca basin."

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one Warrant. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 for a period of three (3) following the closing of the Private Placement.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares towards exploration work (including drilling) on the Clearwater West uranium property located in Saskatchewan and intends that such expenses incurred will be eligible for the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (the "CMETC"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the non-FT Shares for general corporate and working capital purposes.

SKRR has the option to acquire up to a 70% interest in the Clearwater West uranium property from F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU), which is comprised of 3 contiguous mineral claims totaling 11,786 hectares, located ~20km outside the edge and in the south-west area of the Athabasca Basin. Subject to the completion of the Private Placement, F3 will serve as the operator for this exploration program on the Clearwater West uranium property.

Raymond Ashley, President & Director of F3 Uranium comments:

"We are excited to head back to Clearwater West in the near term to resume exploration. Work permits are already in hand for the initial ground geophysical work as well as drilling. The initial ground geophysical work is looking to define additional drill targets on untested conductor trends to add to the prospective drill ready targets that have been defined from previous work on the property."

The Private Placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. All securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Finder's fees may be payable in connection with the Private Placement, all in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws.

About SKRR Exploration Inc.:

SKRR is a Canadian-based precious and base metal explorer with properties in Saskatchewan - one of the world's highest ranked mining jurisdictions. The primary exploration focus is on the Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan in search of world class uranium, precious and base metal deposits. The Trans-Hudson Orogen - although extremely well known in geological terms has been significantly under-explored in Saskatchewan. SKRR is committed to all stakeholders including shareholders, all its partners and the environment in which it operates.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Sherman Dahl

President & CEO

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 a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the Private Placement and the intended use of proceeds, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, the ability to achieve its goals, the ability to secure equipment and personnel to carry out work programs, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, the interpretation of technical and scientific data, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. There is a possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather or climate conditions, decrease in the price of gold, uranium and other metals, equipment failures or failure to obtain the necessary equipment, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE SKRR Exploration Inc.
Vancouver - Mar 4, 2024 - International Metals Mining Corp. (the "Company or International Metals") (TSXV:IMM) | (OTC:CYNXF) | (FSE:C2YD) provides a corporate update including terms of amendments to its non-brokered private placement and the termination of its Tristar Energy Corp. ("Tristar") property acquisition in Brazil.

The Directors of the Company have decided to terminate the Tristar property acquisition first announced on July 12, 2023, and amended and announced on December 14, 2023. At this time the directors feel it would serve the shareholders of the Company better for management to concentrate on its current assets, including its lithium assets in Brazil and its copper assets in Peru. No shares have been issued or cash payments have been made by the Company regarding this acquisition.

The Company continues to explore for lithium in Brazil and currently has an option to acquire a 65% right, title and interest in and to certain mining claims in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil comprising 12 claims totaling 21,136.73 hectares of surface area. (See press releases June 21, 2023, and December 14, 2023).

The Company is also working towards drill permitting on its 100% owned, drill ready, Panteria copper-gold porphyry project composed of several mineral concessions covering an area of 2,700 hectares believed to be situated in the northern extension of the Southern Coastal porphyry belt (the "Project"). The Project is located approximately 210 kilometres southeast of Lima, Peru, in the Huancavelica department, and is considered highly prospective for both copper-gold porphyry-style mineralization and high-level gold-silver epithermal mineralization. Approximately US $5 million has been spent by former operators to date on the Project that has several untested exploration targets.

On December 14, 2023, the Company announced a private placement in association with the Tristar acquisition of not less than $900,000 in units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a subscription price of $0.15 per Unit (the "Private Placement"). Upon the termination of the Tristar acquisition and to better reflect the current market conditions, the Company is amending the previously announced Private Placement. The Company will amend the terms to raise up to $900,000 in Units at a subscription price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"), and each Warrant will be exercisable for one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.25 per Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry date upon 30 days' notice from the Company by way of a news release in the event the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares on the TSXV is at or above $0.50 for 14 consecutive trading days.

About International Metals Mining Corp.

International Metals Mining Corp. is a Canadian company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties focusing on battery metals and mineral assets. The Company has acquired assets in some of the world's most prolific mining jurisdictions with a copper-gold porphyry property in Peru and now with a very prospective lithium property in Brazil's growing lithium provinces.

International Metals Mining Corp.

Per: "Brian Thurston"

Brian Thurston

President and CEO

Tel: +1 778 928-6565

Statement regarding forward-looking information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and include statements relating to: the Private Placement, including, approval of the TSXV and the completion of the Private Placement. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes on the Company's properties, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, laws in the jurisdictions where the Company operates. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, March 04, 2024 - Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSXV: ULT OTCQB: ULTXF Frankfurt: QFB) ("Ultra Lithium" or the "Company") announces that effective February 29, 2024 it has been granted a voluntary management cease trade order in accordance with National Policy 12-203 due to it not being able to file its annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended October 31, 2023 on SEDAR within 120 days of its financial year-end. The management cease trade order has been granted by the Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission.



The Company was not able to complete the year-end audit within the time periods required by National Instrument 51-102 due to the delay in commencing the audit owning to insufficient funds. The Company expects to obtain a loan financing in one week and commence the audit by mid-March. As a result, the Company requires additional time to file its annual financial statements and MD&A for the financial year ended October 31, 2023.

The Company expects to file its annual financial statements and MD&A for the year ended October 31, 2023 as soon as they are available, but in any event no later than April 29, 2024, and will issue a news release once they have been filed. The Company intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines of National Policy 12-203, by issuing bi-weekly default status reports, in the form of news releases, until the revocation of the management cease trade order. The Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings. The management cease trade order will prohibit the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company from trading in securities of the Company for so long as the annual financial statements and MD&A are not filed. The issuance of the management cease trade order does not affect the ability of persons other than the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company to trade in the Company's securities.

About Ultra Lithium Inc.

Ultra Lithium Inc. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium, gold, and copper assets. The Company holds a brine lithium property in Argentina, hard rock spodumene type lithium properties at the Georgia Lake / Forgan Lake area in northwestern Ontario, Canada, and a brine lithium property in the Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, USA. The Company also holds other gold and base metals properties in Argentina.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Kiki Smith"

Kiki Smith, CFO, Director

For further information, please contact the Company at:

Attention: Kiki Smith

Telephone: 778 968-1176

Email: kiki@ultralithium.com

Website: www.ultralithium.com

or view the Company's filings at www.SEDARPLUS.ca.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ and may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The Rafael's in the historic Palace Hotel is the latest downtown San Francisco retailer to be closing. Roland Li / The Chronicle The Rafael's was burglarized in 2023. Courtesy of David Rafael

The Rafaels, a luxury womens clothing store in San Franciscos historic Palace Hotel, is closing after 32 years in that location.

The store at 643 Market St. will shut down at the end of June, said David Rafael, co-owner and vice president of the store. He blamed crime and a plunge in sales related to the pandemic and remote work, which has also claimed numerous other retailers in the area.

The Rafaels has been in business for 46 years. Another location near Union Square closed a decade ago.

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Its a lack of city support. Its the homeless people. Its the city not really doing anything to protect the small businesses, Rafael said.

He said the store was broken into six times over the span of around 10 days last year, resulting in over $250,000 in lost merchandise that wasnt covered by insurance. Police did not respond for hours, which was blamed on understaffing, he said.

Rafael said he and local merchants have written letters a half-dozen times asking for help from Mayor London Breed and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, but received no response. A spokesperson for Breed said her office did not have any record of any letters.

Its very frustrating. I dont believe this citys going to come back soon, said Rafael, who believes it could be another eight to 10 years before things improve for local businesses.

Dozens of retailers have shuttered or plan to along Market Street and in the Union Square area, including Macys, which has been in San Francisco for almost 80 years. Other decades-old local small businesses like Alexander Book Company, Fog City News and Jeffreys Toys have also shuttered in the past few years. The closures have deadened downtown streets and sliced into the citys sales tax revenue as it faces a major deficit.

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Rafael said the stores lease was expiring two years ago, but the Palace Hotel wanted to keep his space occupied, and he agreed to stay in exchange for giving the hotel a percentage of sales.

Previously, he said, rent was $25,000 a month. Before the pandemic, sales were strong enough to sustain the store, but now foot traffic is down by more than half, he said. The stores high-end, hand-crafted apparel means online sales arent possible, he said.

Rafael also blamed the closure of Market Street to private cars for decreasing shoppers.

I have a lot of loyal clientele around the country, but I need new blood coming in and theyre not, he said.

Rafael looked at possibly relocating, but landlords around Union Square are not budging and still seeking high rents.

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Max Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly Piquet was not present at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend and did not see her lover secure his first Formula 1 victory of the year. However, the Brazilian had a good reason for that.

This is why Kelly Piquet was not with Verstappen in Bahrain

Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, for a few years now. Ahead of the first GP of the year, Verstappen's girlfriend posted another picture on her Instagram, showing the couple together in Bahrain. At the race weekend itself, however, she was not present.

Kelly's absence was due to her professional commitments: as she was in Paris, attending Paris Fashion Week. The event takes place from Monday 26 February to Tuesday 5 March and is considered one of the highlights of the year for the fashion world. Earlier, Kelly attended Haute Couture Week in Paris. On social media, she shared several snaps of her outfits during the fashion events.

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Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet together in Bahrain. Source: Instagram @kellypiquet

Kelly Piquet present at Paris Fashion Week

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken Een bericht gedeeld door KELLY PIQUET (@kellypiquet)
Horner's top job at Red Bull untenable now says Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher suspects Mercedes and the Verstappen camp are "already in negotiations" for a sensational switch from Red Bull to Mercedes.

Max Verstappen, Bahrain GP 2024

 Red Bull

In Bahrain, the embattled Christian Horner orchestrated the appearance of unity, support and harmony - amid a scandal and alleged affair with a female staff member that threatens to end his entire Formula 1 career.

Does Formula 1 need this Horner case? wondered veteran Blick journalist Roger Benoit. No, if it's just rumours and speculation. Yes, if grievances and misconduct are uncovered.

Officially, Red Bull has exonerated team boss Horner for alleged contract-breaching bad behaviour, with the team now trying to close the book on the matter.

There is no issue and we are focusing on the racing, a spokesman for the team said. The team is united.

But it certainly didn't look united upon closer inspection behind the scenes in Bahrain, with Horner and Jos Verstappen - Max Verstappen's father - locked in several one-on-one heated discussions in the paddock.

Jos was also seen chatting to Toto Wolff - a former nemesis from the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP fiasco - immediately after Saturday's race, with the Mercedes boss answering Everything is possible when asked about the possibility of the triple world champion leaving Red Bull for 2025.

To me, that means they are already in negotiations, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. That's plan B if everything else falls apart.

There are now rumours that Jos, who denied the charge on Saturday when he told the Daily Mail that he wants Horner to quit, also knows the unnamed female at the centre of the allegations personally.

That (email) leak was sent to all the most important people in Formula 1, Schumacher said. You have to get them first. This is a classic political murder.

Another rumour is that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem asked Verstappen, 26, to come out and publicly support Horner's ongoing status at the top of Red Bull Racing.

Max apparently said no.

Horner is now required to draw conclusions, Schumacher said. I believe that when you see how bad the mood is against him, he is untenable and should resign in the interests of the team.

Ralf said he noticed in parc ferme that Red Bull is now visibly divided into two camps - with the Verstappens, Dr Helmut Marko and even Adrian Newey on one side, and Horner and Red Bull's majority Thai shareholder on the other.

The danger is quite simply that some parties now want to leave and look for new things, new teams, new tasks, Schumacher surmised.

He also thinks Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, who like Horner was in Bahrain with his own wife, should recognise that it makes no sense to hold on to Christian Horner .

Interestingly, as the Horner affair continues to publicly draw in additional figures including himself, Wolff has now stepped away to a degree in the most recent hours.

Let's see where this goes in the next few days, the Mercedes boss told Austrian broadcaster ORF. "I would very much hope that the governing body and the commercial rights holder set the compass right.

I am probably not doing any good to the whole issue, because then it could be seen as this just being about a power fight within Formula 1, Wolff added. "That's why it should not be in the team's (Red Bull's) hands.

It's a much bigger topic than that and I don't want to diminish the whole situation by making it seem like the Mercedes guy is talking about the Red Bull guy.

Even more fascinating is that not long after adding fuel to the Verstappen-to-Mercedes narrative, Wolff is now playing down the likelihood of it actually happening.

I think the driver will always choose the quickest car, he said. That is fundamentally what it's all about. At the moment, the Red Bull is the quickest car so that will always be the priority in my opinion.

Finally, Dutch media now report that, prior to the leak of Horner's communications with the woman, Red Bull actually drafted a press release about his departure from the team - perhaps for health reasons.

The Thai shareholder then stepped in, vetoing the release of the statement - and triggering the next episode in the saga.

The most authoritative British specialist media source in F1 believes Jos Verstappen's actions might ultimately be about triggering an exit clause in his son's contract - opening up the possibility for more influence and flexibility.

In the meantime, the credibility of Formula 1 suffers as a result, Blick's Benoit concluded.

(GMM)
Accountant Mark Goldenshteyn, 51, whose family emigrated from the former Soviet Union, is wrapped in an Israeli flag at the Unity March against antisemitism on Sunday. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Unity March participants carry photos of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 during Sundays rally at City Hall. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Azalia Martinez, a queer Latina anarchist in support of Palestinians, yells at participants of the Unity March outside of City Hall. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Police stand between a group of activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and the Unity March at City Hall. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle Participants of the Unity March rally outside City Hall. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

Thousands of Jewish demonstrators and their supporters braved the rain Sunday afternoon at San Franciscos City Hall to condemn antisemitism, especially in schools and on college campuses across the Bay Area.

Addressing crowds huddled beneath umbrellas as rain clouds intermittently doused the event, speakers including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Mayor London Breed and state Sen. Scott Wiener described escalating anti-Jewish rhetoric amid a stark rise in hate crimes against the Jewish community.

Most speakers ignored the handful of counterprotesters shaking tambourines and singing who were cordoned off by police in front of City Hall. Carrying signs that read Jews for a Ceasefire and Never again for anyone, their songs were barely audible above the crowds cheers.

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Can you hear me? Sheryl Sandberg, former chief operating officer of Facebook parent Meta, asked the crowd before launching into a story about her gradual decision to speak out publicly against antisemitism.

Describing how she initially asked her son to stop wearing his Star of David necklace out of concern for his safety, Sandberg, who is Jewish, said the months after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel had taught her the importance of reaching out to friends for support. Despite mounting fears for her familys well-being, Sandberg said she had started wearing her own Star of David necklace in an effort to create a world in which the symbol can be worn safely and proudly.

Amy Lester of Mill Valley shows a dog tag at the rally that reads Bring them home now in English and Hebrew, in reference to the hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

The rally against antisemitism, billed as the Unity March, drew people from across the Bay Area. Many present told the Chronicle they chose to attend amid what they viewed as worrying trends playing out in the regions schools and college campuses.

Administrators at Stanford and UC Berkeley are struggling to navigate campus rancor over Israel and Gaza. A lawsuit filed late last year accused UC Berkeley of allowing the unchecked spread of antisemitism on its campus after student groups barred Zionists as speakers at their meetings. The suit arrived amid an explosion of student-on-student acrimony unlike any in the history of U.S. higher education.

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The divisions have extended to the Bay Areas K-12 classrooms, too. In Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley and other local public school districts, some elected officials, teachers unions, students and parents have taken sides in the Middle East conflict or felt pressured to do so. Some Jewish families in Oakland withdrew their children after leaders in the districts teachers union urged educators to take part in a Pro-Palestinian teach-in about the war in Gaza.

Its been shocking to watch how divided we have become, Breed told the assembled crowd.

A group of Jewish activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza seeks to join the rally at San Francisco City Hall. Manuel Orbegozo/Special to the Chronicle

The mayor said one-third of the citys hate crimes last year had been directed at Jewish people, a trend she called terrifying.

It felt good to stand together, said Ian Kelley, a member of Oaklands Temple Beth Abraham. Kelley said the recent rise in attacks on the Jewish community had been like nothing Ive seen in my lifetime.

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Near the stage, several green and orange Indian flags stood out among the blue and white Israeli flags waving above the sea of umbrellas. They belonged to about 50 members of the Bay Areas Hindu community, according to Satish Vale and Gaurav Bhargava, who had traveled to San Francisco via Palo Alto by bus.

Vale, of Santa Clara, said hed been moved to attend after being horrified to hear accounts of Jewish children being bullied in school.
A weather system will brush Northern California on Monday and Wednesday, dropping a few inches of rain on the North Coast and up to a foot of additional snow in the northern Sierra Nevada. Baron/Lynx

The worst of a multiday blizzard is finally over in the Sierra Nevada in Lake Tahoe, but another weather system on its heels is expected to drop more rain and snow in Northern California the next few days.

Far Northern California is expected to be hit hardest by the next storm, with an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow possible around Mount Shasta through Tuesday night. At the coast, 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected in Eureka, Crescent City and Mendocino County.

California weather outlook: When sunny, warm weather could return in March

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Up to a half-foot of snow is possible on the west slope of the Northern Sierra, including along Interstate 80. The National Weather Service had previously issued a winter storm warning through Wednesday morning, but the updated snowfall forecast is below warning criteria.

The previously warned storm continues to trend northward, the weather service said. Some snow accumulations will still remain possible from I-80 northward, but remain below warning levels.

Winter storm impacts are expected to be minor to major in the Sierra Nevada on Monday, but the large snowfall totals from the weekend blizzard could cause some roads to be impassable.

In the Bay Area, precipitation Monday through Wednesday is expected to be light, with totals ranging from a tenth to a half-inch of rain. Wind is expected to be relatively calm the next few days, only reaching 10 to 20 mph.

The bulk of the weather system will head toward Southern California on Wednesday and drop a quarter- to half-inch of rain in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego.

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Thursday and Friday are expected to be mainly dry throughout the Golden State. Temperatures will climb back to the 60s in the Bay Area and Central Valley and near 70 in Southern California. Rain may return to Northern California on Saturday, but details are still unclear.

Monday breakdown

San Francisco: The gloomy March weather is expected to continue, with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a few scattered rain showers throughout the city. Showers are not predicted to be as heavy as the weekend downpours that included small hail. Highs will climb slightly to the mid- to upper 50s. Lows will be in the upper 40s.

North Bay: A frost advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties with temperatures below 36 degrees. Mountain areas may be below freezing in the morning. Mostly cloudy skies will keep highs relatively chilly, in the mid-50s. Light rain showers are expected in the evening and overnight, especially in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Lows will recover to the mid-40s, much warmer than the recent frosty nights.

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East Bay: A stray rain shower or two is possible in the East Bay, but the weather should be quieter compared with the unsettled weekend. The sun may emerge in the late morning, but clouds are expected to bubble up over the Oakland and Berkeley hills in the afternoon. High clouds will move in during the evening, with a slight chance of rain overnight. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 50s in Oakland, Hayward, Fremont and the Tri-Valley, with lows in the lower to mid-40s.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: The Peninsula may finally dry out after four consecutive days of heavy rain showers, hail and thunderstorms. The coast has a slight chance of drizzle in the morning, but otherwise expect partly to mostly cloudy skies. Highs will be in the mid-50s in Daly City, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay and the upper 50s in San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo and Redwood City. Lows will be in the mid- to upper 40s.
Since it was shut down in 2011, the more than 70-year-old former F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School in Humatak has sat abandoned but the historic building will soon get a new life after a $3.5 million rehabilitation.

On Monday morning, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero spoke at the groundbreaking, which officially starts the buildings rehabilitation.

Speaking in CHamoru, the governor said starting Mes CHamoru with the groundbreaking was a great way to highlight the importance of the school and its namesake.

F.Q. Sanchez was Humataks only school until it closed in 2011 due to declining funding.

Its name commemorates the schools first principal and an early pioneer of historic and cultural preservation in the village, Francisco Quinata Sanchez.

It will be up to the residents of Humatak to decide what to use the building for, once its rehabilitation is completed in about a year.

$3.5M for makeover

In 2022, $3.5 million was appropriated to fund the schools makeover, but according to Guam Preservation Trust Chief Program Officer Joe Quinata, they didnt get any response during the first two times they solicited bids for construction.

On the third try, BME & Sons Inc. responded and was awarded the contract. RIM Architects was awarded the architecture and construction administration contract, while Kleinfelder will be doing archaeology monitoring since the school is located near historic sites like the old church, Quinata said.

He said the building will be rehabilitated to how it used to be when it was first built.

In 2013, the Legislature transferred authority for the school to the mayor of Humatak, but the building was vandalized shortly thereafter, leaving it unusable and vacant. It has since suffered weathering from several typhoons and is in need of rehabilitation.

Humatak Mayor Johnny Quinata said what happens with the school will be up to the community. He said he will be holding a town meeting to have the people of the village decide how to move forward.

We have so many good memories of our childhood with this school, he said. Its a big part of who we are and where we come from.

He said the school doesnt just hold sentimental value, but historical value as well.

Joe Quinata said the building was built in 1953 and was designed by world renowned architect Richard Nuetra. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Mayor Quinata said the school structure right now serves as a daily reminder that its abandoned, unsafe to the public and unused.

Just a vacant structure which is wasting away, he said.

But as they break ground for the rehabilitation of the school, its a new beginning and the village is excited for the project to finally move forward, he said.

The possibilities are endless. Im most excited to see a part of our history be brought back to life, the mayor said.

Heart, mind of a giant

Francisco Quinata Sanchez is a name well known on the island and is associated with Humatak, the governor said. She said he was a teacher that gave so much to the islands children to help them grow and become smarter. She said its been about 11 years since the journey started to help fix F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School.

Mangaige hit pago ya maila ta namas chaddek este sa maolek para i taotao Humatak yan i taotao Guahan (Were here today and lets make this go faster because its good for the people of Humatak and the people of Guam), Leon Guerrero said.

Pale Eric Forbes, a board member of the Guam Preservation Trust and the former priest of Humatak, said Francisco Quinata Sanchez embodies the CHamoru spirit and although he came from the smallest village on Guam, he had the heart and the mind of a giant.

Sanchez organized Magellan Day festivities, bringing people down to Humatak even when there wasnt a road from Hagat to Humatak.

For F.Q. Sanchez, everything was the village, the community and thats the CHamoru spirit because in the CHamoru spirit it's not guahu ha (just me), its hita, its us, Forbes said. Were in the same boat and if one sinks, we all sink.
Equality Guam holds a meet and greet to introduce its new board of directors on March 1, 2024.
The Governors House in Agana Heights turned into a hub of empowered women on Feb. 29 as the Guam Womens Chamber of Commerce held its first general membership meeting, which centered on the significance of mentorship in womens professional and personal endeavors.

Seasoned corporate trainer Sophia Catha, the events keynote speaker, brought the discussion on the transformative power and reciprocal nature of mentorship to the forefront.

If theres one thing to take away from today, let it be this, Growth comes from an awareness that an old way is not working and the willingness to make a change through a different choice, Catha told the attendees.

She advised women to invest in themselves by seeking appropriate mentorship in various aspects of their lives to avoid repeating their past mistakes.

By receiving the needed mentorship, they would be able to save time, money, and resources, Catha added.

Catha noted that everyone is and can be a mentor.

You have mentored people in your family without even realizing it. You have inspired people in your workplace without even realizing it. Your life story is the subject matter for someone elses mentoring, so, we can all mentor, Catha said.

Midway through her talk, attendees engaged in a brief activity, in which they paired up to reflect and discuss how mentoring could influence their career or business perspectives and even health and fitness decisions this year.

GWCCs founders, including Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, board members, members, and other guests outside of the organization were present in the event.

The event kicked off with an icebreaker called Find the Guest Bingo, which allowed the attendees to mingle as they looked for individuals that match the statements on the bingo card  from someone who is a vegetarian to someone who has a graduate degree or speaks multiple languages.

Samantha Taitano, president of the womens chamber, detailed the organizations achievements in 2023 and goals in 2024.

These accomplishments included their quarterly meetings, professional development and mentoring programs, annual leadership conference, partnerships, and post-Typhoon Mawar disaster recovery aid.

She said the chamber would continue its community initiatives, mentorship program, and annual leadership conference this year.

"The GWCC is really a network for women to meet, like we say, our mission is to advance women in business through advocacy, mentorship, networking, and access to resources," Taitano told the Pacific Daily News.

Michaela Pangilinan, chair of the membership and sponsorship committee, said the general membership meeting was opened not only for members but also non-members for them to have a sneak peek of what the chamber is about.

According to Taitano, anyone, regardless of gender or career stage, is welcome to join their network for personal and professional development.

As the event went on, guests tried on the food and refreshments available, and explored local stores of handmade jewelries, soaps, body care sets, and books.

The featured local shops were Ester and Alkali, Hibiscus Guam, Rai Rose Rue, Guahan Sustainable Culture, and Numalo Refillery.

There was also a raffle draw where lucky participants went home with coupons and gift certificates.

A family

"It really has become family, but not only in a personal sense. We create such a great network of women but also in a professional sense. We build each other up, we empower each other, were there for each other through hard times as well," Taitano said.

For Melanie Tamondong, vice president of GWCC and a member for six years, the culture is what she likes most about the chamber.

"With the organization, its really the culture. You go to any of the events, you get professional development, you go to fundraiser, and its just like you can be there, and everybody kind of knows each other even if they dont know each other," Tamondong said.

Pangilinan echoed Tamondongs sentiment, recalling how she felt an instant sense of belongingness from her first general membership meeting three years ago.

"It was very inclusive, it allowed me to connect with so many ladies that had a similar vision as me, which is really like to network and just succeed in whatever the path I take," Pangilinan said.

As a military spouse, Jarneec Halsey, the executive director of GWCC, expressed her desire to engage with the community and forge connections beyond the confines of the military base.

"The beautiful thing about this chamber is it allows you to step into a space of vulnerability and no expectations. They just want you to be who you are with what you have," Halsey said. "And from that, beauty is formed."
More allegations and arguments have been raised in the ongoing dispute between the Guam Regional Medical City and its landlord, developer CW Holdings.

CW Holdings last year sued GRMC for $38 million for allegedly failing to pay rent on the Medical Arts Center it built next door to the private hospital in Dededo.

GRMC countersued, alleging the developer never finished the building and left the hospital with a typhoon-damaged shell.

Attorneys for the developer argue that the hospital waived its right to offset or mitigate any rent obligation in the lease agreement that was signed.

Meanwhile, GRMCs legal counsel is arguing they never signed off a lease commencement agreement, which would have triggered the start of its $1.3 million a year rental obligation. They also accuse CW Holdings of using money that was supposed to go towards property improvements.

The developer argues that GRMC has failed to back a number of defenses made against the suit, and wants the court to dismiss them.

Nearly all of tenants affirmative defenses are asserted in a conclusory fashion, with no facts whatsoever to give landlord notice of the nature and grounds underlying the defenses, court documents state.

CW Holdings also argues the hospital is mistaken in asserting it never took ownership of the Medical Arts Building, pointing to a notice issued by the developer that it was handing over keys to the building.

The developer also wants the court to strike a number of claims made by GRMC, including the hospitals demand that CW Holdings provide an accounting of $1.8 million worth of rental payments that have been made, which can instead be made during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.

GRMC attorneys, meanwhile, accuse the developers legal team of filing motions for no other purpose than to delay proceedings, according to court documents.

Filings from the hospital accuse CW Holdings of using the rental payments that the hospital made to pay for a $15 million loan from Bank of Guam and other obligations, instead of the improvements to the Medical Arts Facility that were promised.

A schedule for discovery in the case was not laid out as of Thursday, with attorneys on both sides of the case disagreeing on proposed dates, according to court documents.

The Medical Arts Center broke ground in 2018, and was meant to house a suite of wellness-related services alongside space for GRMC in its three-story, 50,000 square feet facility, Pacific Daily News files show.

Initial estimates for the building were at $20 million.

But with the ongoing dispute between GRMC and CW Holdings, the hospital has yet to begin operations at the facility.

The developer in court documents asserts that the keys were handed over as early as February 2022.

Attorney Cesar Cabot, principal for the developer, has been looking for other tenants in the meantime, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System has since announced plans to open a Community Based Outpatient Clinic Annex in the building.
A storage room full of new, unopened laptops led to a public auditors audit that found the Guam Department of Educations apparent improper purchases of more than 34,000 laptops totaling about $24.6 million, most of them without a contract with a sole vendor and without getting the attorney general involved as required by law for purchases over $500,000.

This significantly violated Guam procurement law and GDOEs own standard operating procedures, OPA said.

Other laptops were bought with just purchase orders and the procurement appeared to be artificially divided, the report added.

OPA also said laptop purchases exceeded public school student population.

GDOE bought the laptops to support the need for distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our review of GDOEs procurement of laptops found that there was no agreement/contract executed, which significantly violated specification/requirement of a Firm Fixed Price Agreement required in the (invitation for bid), Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz said in a statement on Monday.

This is the latest OPA audit of GDOEs use of federal pandemic funds.

As a significant amount of federal funds was used to purchase these laptops, GDOE needs to institute corrective measures to prevent more recurrences and ensure efficient use of local and federal resources, Cruz said.

Not excessive

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson, in a Feb. 20 response letter to the OPA audit, maintains that the purchase of these laptops was not excessive.

But GDOE, Swanson said, concurs with OPAs recommendations and acknowledges the need to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity of the procurement process.

These include strictly adhering to all invitations for bid provisions, assuring that required agreements or contracts are executed, and refraining from overusing the indefinite quantity bid, or IQB, without documented reasonable and data-based determination of need.

GDOE will work with OPA and the AGs office when it comes to procurements exceeding $500,000 as required by law, the superintendent said.

Swanson didnt start working as GDOE superintendent until July 1, 2023, long after the laptop purchases were made around fiscal years 2021 through 2022, during the time of Jon Fernandez as education superintendent. Former Sen. Judi Won Pat served as acting superintendent in 2022 until Swanson came on board in 2023.

No contract

OPA questioned the cost of 32,799 laptops with an aggregate value of $23.1 million that GDOE purchased under IFB-IQB No. 019-2020 without a contract with the sole vendor.

Additionally, OPA also questioned the cost of 1,693 laptops totaling $1.5 million procured through small purchases covered by 45 purchase orders, which appeared to be artificially divided, the report said.

OPA said it upholds GDOE managements decisive action, determination, and effort to respond to the needs of a significant Guam student population to provide the best education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, OPA said, these need to be performed in adherence to Guam procurement laws, rules, and regulations and GDOEs internal policies and procedures with great consideration of internal controls in executing processes.

OPAs review of documents related to procurement processes, purchases and distributions, grant budget, and applicable internal controls found some indications of apparent improper purchases generally arising from:

Noncompliance with procurement laws, regulations, and GDOE internal policies and standard operating procedures

Questionable excessive laptop purchases and distributions, and

Significant weaknesses in internal controls.

Specific findings

OPA said there were evidences of noncompliance with procurement rules, regulations, internal policies, and SOPs:

No evidence of the Office of Attorney Generals involvement throughout the procurement process

No agreement/contract with solely awarded Vendor A

IQB review requirement not performed

Inaccurate disclosure in certification of completed procurement record

OPA pointed to questionable laptop purchases and distributions:

Purchases apparently not made according to the ultimate end user needs, including excessive purchase order quantity versus IFB and grant budget; laptops purchased exceeded the grant budget; and purchases exceeded public school student population

Unopened and undistributed laptops

Questionable small purchases, including high end specifications and high cost small purchases

Other findings:

Noncompliance with asset management SOPs

Discrepancies in physical inventory and physical control of assets

GDOE did not retrieve all laptops issued to students

Inadequate secured laptop storage

At the Rotary Club

In April 2023, Cruz told the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay that at one point, he walked into a GDOE room and saw more than 1,200 laptops sitting in boxes, as well as about 3,000 carry-on cases.

Prior to that visit, GDOE-Internal Audit Office raised concern regarding the departments storage room full of these laptops purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic, from about fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2022.

These led to OPAs performance audit, the results of which were released on Monday.

In that same Rotary Club meeting, where Cruz was guest speaker, the public auditor also gave a rundown of the audits they were working on at the time. Some were already released over the past few months, including the Guam Memorial Hospitals questionable $4.9 million contract with MedHealth Solutions, and various GovGuam agencies improper use of credit cards.
A second suspect, who is a registered sex offender, has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court.

Mannix Frank Songeni was charged Sunday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony and complicity to commit first-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony.

If found guilty of the charges, he faces life in prison.

The 12-year-old girl told police she had been raped by a man known to her, Kason Andon, and another man, later identified as Songeni.

Last week, Andon, 34, was charged with first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct as first-degree felonies. His charges included a notice of commission of a felony while on felony release.

The girl reported that Andon had pushed her down, causing her to hit her head, and then Andon and Songeni carried her to a bed.

Songeni locked the door, and Andon raped her while Songeni forced her to perform oral sex, according to court documents.

Andon was arrested on Feb. 25 and held on $50,000 bail, but Songeni was not arrested until Saturday.

Songeni has a 2015 conviction for indecent exposure involving five girls ages 12 and 13, according to the Guam Sex Offender Registry.
Saipan International School 8th grader Alleena Villaluz has won the title of 2024 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee champion after correctly spelling the word sieve in the 15th round of the competition on Sunday at Hyatt Regency Guam in Tumon.

Villaluz will represent the Pacific region at the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. in May.

This comes just a day after Villaluz won in a math competition on Saipan. Hours later, on Saturday night, Villaluz and her mother flew to Guam for the spelling bee.

Shes surprised and happy with her subsequent victory in the spelling bee.

I never thought I would come this far in the competition, Villaluz told the Pacific Daily News.

She bested 59 other elementary and middle school students from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

15 rounds

The spelling bee lasted 15 rounds before Villaluz won which, according to Rotary Club of Guams Leslie Crouthamel, one of the judges, is the longest duration she had encountered during her tenure on the competition panel.

The first round started with words like corkscrew, dillydally, canoe and memes.

By round six, only four students remained on stage, and by round 10 to 15, only James Justo, third grader from iLearn Academy Charter School Guam, and Villaluz battled for the title.

In the final round, Justo stumbled over Mesopotamia, whereas Villaluz, though she struggled with its pronunciation, successfully spelled jingoism.

To secure the title, she was required to spell an additional word, and she did successfully spell sieve.

Villaluz received a $750 cash prize, a paid round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C. and six-night stay at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for her and her parent, a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online, Britannica Online Premium, Epic Family for digital books, videos and audiobooks, and one-on-one online coding classes with Tynker Coding.

She also received the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award.

The second place winners prizes include $150 gift certificates to Bestsellers and National Office Supply, and a free Sylvan skill assessment in reading and math.

The third place winner got $100 gift certificates, and free Sylvan assessment, while the fourth to 12th place winners each got $50 gift certificates.

Try hard

Juggling various academic competitions and preparing for only two weeks prior to the competition, Villaluz lacked confidence in the spelling bee, but her strengths lay in literature and English, according to her mother.

Villaluz mentioned joining her schools spelling bee competition in the past years, but it was only this year that she advanced to the regional level.

Just try hard as you can, she said, and recommended downloading the Word Club app, which is the Scripps National Spelling Bees premier spelling bee preparation tool.

I used an app called Word (Club) and I just did some word quizzes on that. I tested my vocabulary and my spelling skills, the spelling bee champ said.

According to Rotary Club of Guams Gerald Woo, 69 schools enrolled with the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee this year, 62 schools registered champions, but only 60 students actually competed on Sunday.

Crouthamel, one of the judges, said the Rotary Club of Guam is happy to give the youth from around the region a chance to go off-island to compete with other states or even other nations.

It makes them aware of the bigger world and it makes the people around them aware as well. But also, I believe that spelling is not just spelling a word with letters. Its also the way you think about it, and its breaking down a word and trying to figure out your context, Crouthamel said. Its a wonderful thing. Its good for students who intend to study longer.
AFT Pharmaceuticals (NZX: AFT , ASX: AFP) today provides an update on recent progress it has made in international markets.

Maxigesic Rapid key manufacturing agreement1

AFT has partnered with the US-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Microsize on a long-term supply agreement of micronized active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), critical components of AFTs Maxigesic Rapid pain relief medicine.

The Microsize agreement will assist AFT to source sufficient materials to supply Maxigesic Rapid in a number of markets including the US and EU.

Maxigesic Rapid, which is under the Combogesic brand in many markets, is a fast-dissolving tablet formulation of AFTs Maxigesic family of pain relief medicines. Maxigesic Rapid allows faster release of the active ingredients, especially the ibuprofen component of the medicine. The rapid formulation has a patent until 2039, issued and under examination, in a number of countries, including the US where the patent has been granted.

AFT Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson commented: We are very pleased to work with Microsize which has considerable expertise in the micronization technology that is crucial for the new rapid release Maxigesic/Combogesic formulation.

Microsize CEO TJ Higley commented: We are excited to have been chosen as the commercial partner to supply the blended/micronized drug product intermediate for AFT.

Our approach of using continuous blending technologies along with the largest micronization mills in the pharmaceutical space, make our offering ideal for this products expected annual volumes and supply chain requirements.

The collaboration between our companies since the early days of formulation development through clinical batches has been nothing short of spectacular and we look forward to continued expansion of this relationship.

Additional manufacturing capacities for new launches

AFT has formed additional manufacturing agreements with separate companies in Canada and Europe to expand manufacturing capacities to support the launch of Crystaderm into China. The launch, the first AFT product to be launched in China, is planned for later in this 2024 year.

Dr Atkinson commented: We are pleased to be putting these building blocks in place in order to accelerate our international expansion plans. In larger markets like China, it is important to have sufficient manufacturing capacity to support a launch.

Further Hikma agreement for Maxigesic/Combogesic IV2

AFT has also recently expanded its co-operation with Hikma Pharmaceuticals to extend its license for Maxigesic/Combogesic IV, the intravenous form of the pain relief medicine, to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Jordan. Hikma is the licensee of the medicine in the US where it was recently launched.

Mazen Darwazah, Hikmas Executive Vice Chairman and President of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said: Our agreement with AFT Pharmaceuticals for Combogesic IV  an important alternative for the treatment of acute pain and fever  is an important milestone in delivering on our purpose of putting better health, within reach, every day.

As a leading healthcare company in MENA, we continue to expand our pipeline in growing therapeutic areas and are committed to partnerships with global players to expand our portfolio of high-quality medicines to patients in the region.

AFT Pharmaceuticals affiliates progress

AFTs UK affiliate, AFT Pharmaceuticals UK has recently made its first launches into the UK, including Combogesic tablets into Boots and Combogesic IV to hospitals. Additional launches are planned during this 2024 year.

The group recently formed AFT Pharmaceuticals Canada and AFT Pharmaceuticals US in order to further support product launches in those markets. First product launches by our affiliates in both markets are planned this 2024 year.

It has also acquired an existing product license in one European Nation for a niche medicine which is being discontinued by a multinational pharmaceutical company. This medicine is on the European Medicines Agency list of essential medicines and AFT looks to seek approval in additional EU Nations with sales to commence this 2024 year. To support the commercialization of this and future products, AFT Pharmaceuticals Europe has been strengthened with the hiring of a Quality Manager based in Ireland.

Footnotes

1.https://www.microsize.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Microsize-AFT-Supply-Agreement-PR._final_2-28-2024-1.pdf

2.https://www.hikma.com/news/hikma-expands-its-agreement-with-aft-pharmaceuticals-for-the-commercialisation-of-injectable-pain-medication-combogesic-into-the-saudi-jordanian-and-iraqi-markets/

For and on behalf of AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited by Malcolm Tubby, Chief Financial Officer.

For more information:

Investors Media

Dr Hartley Atkinson Richard Inder

Managing Director The Project

AFT Pharmaceuticals Tel: +64 21 645 643

Tel: +64 9488 0232

About AFT Pharmaceuticals

AFT is a growing multinational pharmaceutical company that develops, markets, and distributes a broad portfolio of pharmaceutical products across a wide range of therapeutic categories which are distributed across all major pharmaceutical distribution channels: over the counter (OTC), prescription and hospital. Our product portfolio comprises both proprietary and in-licensed products, and includes patented, branded, and generic drugs . Our business model is to develop and in-license products for sale by our own dedicated sales teams in our home markets of Australia and New Zealand and in certain Southeast Asian markets, and to out-license our products to local licensees and distributors to over 125 countries around the world. For more information about the company, visit our website www.aftpharm.com.

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Senators will convene in an emergency session on Wednesday where they will weigh possible legislative solutions after the Office of the Attorney General temporarily withdrew its representation of more than 20 government of Guam agencies that it is currently investigating.

Among those options is Sen. Amanda Sheltons bill seeking to allow the governor to hire independent outside legal counsel to review and sign off on procurements of $500,000 or more when the AGs office is unable to assist because of a conflict of interest or other reasons.

Speaker Therese Terlaje on Monday said she added the issue of legal representation to the emergency session agenda so that any potential solutions can be discussed.

In a letter calling for an emergency session, the speaker said the attorney generals withdrawal from legal representation of GovGuam departments and agencies in which the AGs office has active criminal or civil investigations has resulted in a threat to the welfare of the people of Guam.

Terlaje said she is also waiting and hoping for Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros recommendations after the governor had discussions with the Adelup legal team.

The speaker said at this point, the Legislature may have to allow for temporary counsel for GovGuam agencies, but shes hoping the governors legal team can cover some of the agencies to prevent additional costs.

And of course, a long term look at this situation is in order, but we cant do that in this emergency session. This is for a very temporary solution, Terlaje told the Pacific Daily News.

Shelton on Monday said her proposed legislative fix is straightforward: the governor can hire an independent lawyer when the AGs office is not available, including because of conflict of interest.

The government is faced with an unprecedented situation, Shelton said in a release. This bill provides the ways and the means for the vital review/sign-off function to continue while the underlying reasons that put the government in this situation are ironed out.

The governor can only take this step after the attorney general has noticed his offices unavailability through written notification to the governor or impacted agency, the release states.

What we do not want is for services and procurements that are considered vital to the well-being of our people and island to remain in limbo any longer than necessary, Shelton said.

Attorney General Douglas Moylan last year announced the indictment of several GovGuam officials, and those cases are making their way through the Guam judicial system.

Defense attorneys for the officials in the corruption cases have asked whether its an ethical violation for the AGs office to prosecute government officials given the AGs office provided legal services to their agencies.

The AG, in response, has told several government agencies his office will not be providing legal services as it waits for a court decision.

Adelup said the AG appears to have taken this action in response to impending court decisions considering whether his office violated his ethical obligations by advising agencies on legal issues, then prosecuting that same agency director and employees who followed the AGs office advice, a clear conflict of interest.

$25M power deal

Senators, during the Wednesday emergency session, will also decide if a number of safeguards in Guam procurement law should be waived so that the Guam Power Authority can expedite a deal for $25 million worth of temporary power.

Terlaje called for the session after GPA General John Benavente wrote to her about the emergency need for 20 megawatts worth of temporary power, meant to shore up power generation capacity and stave off a return to major load shedding this summer.

The proposed contract with equipment supplier Aggreko also calls for the company to help fix some of GPAs generators in the hopes of generating another 34 MW of power.

GPA is concerned that if the contract with Aggreko is approved, a protest from another company could stall the timely delivery of the additional power.

Guam law allows competing companies to protest if they believe a government contract award is wrongfuland any deal is frozen until the protest is resolved.

Lengthy protest delays have killed two major GPA projects in recent years, including the construction of a 40 MW solar farm in Dededo.

While the AG can lift a stay on any procurement award, GPAs Benavente has expressed doubt that Moylan will assist the utility if needed.
Residents gathered around Humatak Bay Monday to watch the reenactment of Ferdinand Magellans landing on Guam, but the solemn event commemorating CHamoru Heritage Day wasnt accompanied by the usual lively festival held next door.

While the smell of food in the air and the carnival rides werent around, hundreds still showed up to watch the performance of youths dressed in ancient CHamoru garb, the approach of ships on the horizon, and the traditional song and ceremony which accompany the reenactment.

This years Humatak Guam History and CHamoru Heritage Day Festival was canceled due to damage to the festival grounds caused by Typhoon Mawar and still awaiting repair, Humatak Mayor Johnny Quinata said.

But look, the turnout was beautiful, he said.

Damage to a number of wood-and-tin pavilions was evident Monday, and the mayor said theyre still awaiting reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be processed so reconstruction can start.

So I said to myself, I dont want to do any concessions because of (the) safety of the people of Humatak and the safety of the people of Guam, he said, though plans are to get the repairs done by next years festival.

Bringing people together to learn about the history of the CHamoru people is the most enjoyable part of the celebration, said Brian BJ Terlaje, the fafanague, or instructor, for Guma Rasan Acho Latte, one of the numerous Guma or cultural dance houses that participated in the reenactment.

Terlaje said Guma Rasan Acho Latte has been a part of the mock Magellan landing since 1999, though he has memories of it going back even further, into his high school days. Over 50 people from five different Guma had come out for Mondays reenactment.

He said the story of what happened to CHamorus after their first contact with people from outside the Marianas is what CHamoru Heritage Day is all about.

And the reenactment stresses the hardship and the resilience of the CHamoru.

There still lives a humble village people, recited this years narrator for the landing, Logan Duenas of Guma Ninas Acho Latte.

Changed forever by that historical event, these people still remain toiling under the warm sun, he read.

This years event culminated with a new tradition, a laying of flowers into the waters of Humatak Bay, in honor of all those who died for the protection of the land and culture of Guam.

Within this story, it is very evident that you see, and you hear that, you know, a lot of our people have died because of what has taken place within our history, Terlaje said.

He said the ceremony is an homage to the CHamoru ancestors, and offering flowers back to the ocean reflects the passage of life into the spiritual world.

Because the ocean brought us here, we would give back to the ocean, he said.

Joe Quinata, chief program officer of the Guam Preservation Trust, said the idea for giving the wreaths to the ocean had come about during the 500th anniversary of Magellans circumnavigation of the globe and landing on Guam in 2021.

The Juan Sebastian de Elcano Spanish navy ship pulled into Guam on CHamoru Heritage Day that year.

Because the Spanish delegation wasnt onboard with the reenactment of Magellans landing, and COVID-19 restrictions limited the gathering, event organizers came up with the idea of laying wreaths of flowers out in the water as a way to greet the ship.

Now it is an ongoing tradition to lay the wreath in the water for the people that really protected Guam back then and died, Quinata said.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said he is working to find ways to address issues with the Child Protective Services and has already tapped the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Department of Youth Affairs, and other agencies to help.

CPS staffing, he said, has now grown from about 39 to 62, and five more employees are expected.

Speaker Therese Terlaje earlier asked Tenorio to declare a state of emergency for CPS as it struggles to meet its mandates due to short staffing and having to work at I Guma Minaase Sister Brigid Foster Home as no contract has so far been awarded for shelter management.

Tenorio said he has been working with Adelup lawyers to see what areas in the law that govern emergency declaration he could use to help address some of the issues with CPS.

The reality is and the thing Ive also not been happy about is that the shelter has been run by Public Health employees. And she and I are in agreement that we do not want Public Health employees to self-run the shelter, Tenorio said.

This has taken away CPS social workers time from being able to do other work they need to do, he said.

Procurement for shelter management has been stalled due to several factors, Tenorio said.

At first, the amount given to fund the shelter was insufficient, so the bid had to be canceled, he said.

The administration identified additional funds to go back out to bid, but during that second bid, a change in the General Services Agency leadership occurred.

The new chief procurement officer determined that a bid was inappropriate and it should go out as a request for proposal, Tenorio said.

Acting Public Health Director Peter John Camacho last week wrote to the Office of the Attorney General to review specifications but because the office is not reviewing documents, the procurement is frozen, the lieutenant governor said.

I would like to see this contract go out rather fast, he said.

Since then, hes met with the directors of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Department of Youth Affairs and other agencies and officials to identify other types of assistance that can be given to CPS.

He said he doesnt need to use emergency powers to direct DYA to provide food and nutrition for the shelter, which theyve started to do.

That way, the staff that have been doing that can go back and help with other matters, he said.

Tenorio said theyre working with Behavioral Health since some of the children at the shelter are also mental health consumers and seeing whether there are housing options in residential homes that Behavioral Health operates.

That can help reduce the number of foster children that continue to be housed at the shelter, he said.

Tenorio said he was the one who pushed for the emergency declaration a few years ago because the government had to take extraordinary action to get DYA in charge of the program.

My lawyers are advising me that there (are) no additional authorities that can be used that would be able to fast track it and if there is additional legislation that she might want to consider to give me extraordinary authority or powers to go in there, then definitely wed be open to it, he said.

The lieutenant governor said Adelup is trying to work as fast as possible within the authorities they have to address CPS issues.

There are currently 655 children under CPS custody, and 2,211 children are the subject of CPS referrals, Terlaje wrote.

This means 2,211 children are alleged to have been subjected to abuse and neglect, and will potentially enter into the system, the speaker wrote.

This is much worse than when Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero declared a state of emergency regarding CPS operational state on Jan. 21, 2021 through an executive order, when the agency received 1,142 referrals for neglect and abuse.

CPS is currently receiving almost double that amount and Terlaje firmly believes its of utmost importance to prioritize the issue.
From left, WestCare Pacific Islands secretary Mark Mendiola, Sanctuary Inc. member Isa Baza, WestCare Pacific Islands chief operating officer Aja Ramos, Sanctuary Inc. vice chair Julie Jones Murrell, Triple J senior VP Dan Murrell, Triple J senior VP Jay Jones, Sanctuary Inc. member Isaiah Aguon, and Sanctuary Inc. fiscal officer Robert Epstein.
A year and a half since the start of a collaboration that allows University of Guam engineering students to attend their junior and senior years at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the first graduates are expected to receive diplomas by the end of this year, UOG said in a press release.

More UOG first-year students and sophomores also plan to take this career pathway, the university added.

Under a program called 2+2," students who completed the first two years of their engineering education at UOG can apply to UH Manoa, carrying over their credits with them.

At UH Manoa, they can major in mechanical engineering and upon graduation, they get a shot at jobs with the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii and subsequently with the Shipyards future detachment in Guam.

The Shipyard joins the partnership as it aims to grow a pool of local engineers and expand its ship repair capabilities into Guam.

"We are grateful to our partners for providing this excellent pathway for engineering students at the University of Guam to pursue a career in mechanical engineering on the island, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said in a statement. "We agree that our collective partnership provides incredible value to support workforce development opportunities on Guam for our UOG graduates."

There are now seven engineering students from Guam at UH Manoa.

Four of them are in the mechanical engineering pathway, according to Marvin Young, professor of mechanical engineering at UH Manoa.

During his return visit to UOG in early February 2024, following a visit when the partnership was launched in 2022, Young said he received feedback from 15 UOG freshmen and sophomore students that they also plan to take the 2+2 career path.

Clifford Imamura, a Guam representative for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, joined the recent meeting with UOGs engineering students.

UOGs pre-engineering program evolved into a four-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Program in 2019. The first 12 graduates from the civil engineering program graduated in December 2021.

The UOG School of Engineering welcomed 170 declared civil engineering majors in Academic Year 2022-2023.

UOG held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the $7.9 million, 16,500-square-foot School of Engineering Building on Dec. 15, 2023.




Haiti - FLASH : The Government decrees a 4-day curfew





Patrick Michel Boivert, the Minister of Economy and Finance who is taking action replaces Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry currently outside the country, taking into account the deterioration of the security situation, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, characterized by increasingly violent criminal acts perpetrated by armed gangs, causing massive population displacements and consisting in particular of kidnappings and assassinations of peaceful citizens, violence against women and children, ransacking and looting public and private goods;



Taking into account the attacks perpetrated on the night of March 2nd, 2024 by armed gangs against the two largest penitentiary centers in the country, namely the National Penitentiary and the Croix-des-Bouquets Prison, causing deaths and injuries in the ranks of the Police and prison staff, the escape of dangerous prisoners and the vandalization of these places;



Considering that these actions endanger national security, the Government of the Republic, referring to the decree of March 3rd, 2024 declaring a state of emergency throughout the West department for a period of sixty-twelve hours renewable, and in order to restore order and take appropriate measures to regain control of the situation, decree a curfew throughout this territory Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday March 6, from 8:00 p.m. at 5:00 a.m.



This measure does not apply to law enforcement officers on duty, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel and duly identified journalists.



Consequently, the police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend all offenders.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Update on the situation in Haiti





Saturday March 2nd, 2024, Port-au-Prince experienced moments of extreme violence with intense armed clashes between gangs and law enforcement. At least 10 people were killed (partial toll) during the assault on the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince where  4,000 inmates were incarcerated https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41793-haiti-flash-the-national-penitentiary-stormed-many-prisoners-escape-chaos-in-the-capital-video.html



Aside from escapees and attackers, prison officers speak of the deaths of several inmates in the prison, the circumstances of which have not yet been clarified.



This assault by the bandits aimed to free their accomplices, dangerous criminals and gang leaders, before other detainees took advantage of the opportunity to escape.



Furthermore, at the same time, the Croix des Bouquets prison, 1,450 prisoners, was also attacked in the evening, freeing a large number of prisoners.



In the street, information suggests that the police seem to be regaining control of the situation...



Many figures are circulating on the number of escaped prisoners, however, no official count from the Directorate of Prison Administration (DAP) has been communicated to know the real extent of the escapes, leaving everyone to their own speculations... What we can only say from consistent sources is that the number of escapees would be very high.



According to prison staff: Colombians accused in the assassination of President Moise; the lawyer Robinson Pierre Louis, the former President of the Chamber of Deputies Cholzer Chancy, Joseph Felix Badio, Frantz Aby Larco and the former Minister Limond Toussaint among others, did not escape and were transferred Sunday afternoon to other detention centers.



That same day in the Province, the Cabaret Police Station was set on fire by armed men.



In Cap-Haitian, tension is rising, barricades of burning tires have been erected in several streets of the Christophian city.



The airlines American Airlines (AA) and Jet Blue canceled their flights this Monday to Port-au-Prince.



The perimeter around the Petion-ville police station has been closed to traffic.



The Ministry of Communication in a note writes "[...] The Government of the Republic salutes the courage of the Haitian police officers who tried to repel the assault of criminal gangs against the National Penitentiary and the Croix des Bouquets prison on the night of March 2nd to 3rd passed.



Our police officers, on the scene of several operations facing the rampages of heavily armed criminals wanting at all costs to free people incarcerated, particularly for kidnapping, murder and other offenses, not hesitating to execute civilians, set fires and loot public and private property, thanks to various complicities, did not succeed in preventing the bandits from bringing out a large number of prisoners.



These assaults on prison centers (National Penitentiary and Croix-des-Bouquets Prison) left several prisoners and Prison Administration staff injured.



The Government thanks the population for their calm, despite the very difficult times, asks them to be careful and to continue to support the National Police who will do everything possible to track down fleeing prisoners, arrest those responsible for these criminal acts and their accomplices for a return to public order."



SL/ PI/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : The Dominican Republic strengthens border surveillance





Sunday March 3rd, 2024, following the attack by gangs on the two largest penitentiaries in Haiti, followed by a major escape, the Dominican Ministry of Defense increased the contingent of military forces deployed on the Dominican-Haitian border.



Brigadier General Freddy Soto Thormann, Director General of Cesfront, informed that the border remains secure with the necessary military reinforcement and that they will continue to apply restrictive measures if necessary.



Thormann stressed that they are carrying out coordinated and joint actions with the General Commander of the Army, General Carlos Fernandez Onofre.



The Army and the Cesfront maintain increased surveillance and patrols along all of Haiti's border provinces to guard against any eventuality on the part of the Haitians.



Dominican Army troops travel the main border points aboard armored units, all-terrain vehicles, trucks, motorcycles and buggies.



Meanwhile, at the Cesfront border post, immigration and intelligence agencies have increased their staffing levels.







S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





The central office of the OAVCT burned

Friday March 1st, 2024, heavily armed individuals set fire to the premises of the central office of the Office of Vehicle Insurance Against Third Parties (OAVCT) located in Tabarre not far from the American Embassy. The flames ravaged the regional office and operations departments, the IT department, the medical service and the cash register. The damage toll would be very significant.



Mexican Embassy closed

Due to the unrest in Port-au-Prince, this Tuesday, March 4, the Mexican Embassy in Haiti will remain closed. Those with appointments will receive an email shortly rescheduling their appointment. Thank you for your understanding. Due to incidents of violence in the capital, avoid all non-essential travel and be aware of your surroundings. The consular assistance number for Mexicans is +509 3849 0085. This number does not provide any information on visas or consular procedures.



Jamaica : Meeting on the Haitian crisis canceled

A meeting on the Haitian political crisis planned for Jamaica on March 5 and 6 was postponed at the last minute. No information could be obtained on the reasons for this postponement, but the latest violent events in the capital could be the cause...



The General Hospital dysfunctional

The hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH) (general hospital) is dysfunctional, revealed Saturday March 2 Jude Milce, the Director of the hospital center "[...] The hospital has been close to abandonment since on February 29 due to clashes between bandits and the police. Until this morning, tension continues to rise around the general hospital. Patients and staff fled the center. Rare patients, most of whom are unable to move, still remain there."



The police union launches an S.O.S.

The National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA) launches an SOS to the Directorate of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) for the base of the Intervention and Maintenance Corps (CIMO) which poses a great threat. Armed men blocking Delmas 3 and Delmas 6 are carrying out a lot of maneuvers in order to be able to attack the CIMO base...



French Embassy services closed

As a precautionary measure, the visa and French administration services of the French Embassy in Port-au-Prince will be closed to the public on Monday March 4th, 2024.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Brookfield High School on Monday, April 23, 2018. Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

After at least one Connecticut high school student was disciplined last month for allegedly destroying a tampon dispenser in a boys bathroom, it ignited a media and political firestorm.

The story was covered by right-leaning news outlets Newsmax and Fox News, and it gained attention on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, from its CEO Elon Musk. Talk show host Megyn Kelly praised the Brookfield High School students on X, saying, Good for these boys. They dont want this in their private spaces, and they dont want girls pretending to be boys there, either.

Brookfield High School on Feb. 26, 2015. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media

Some Connecticut lawmakers have called for the legislature to review the new state law, which mandates school districts to provide free menstrual products in womens restrooms, all-gender restrooms and at least one mens restroom in schools.

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But experts say these critics missed the point of the law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, 2024, and requires districts to make the period products accessible to students in grades 3 to 12  in a manner that does not stigmatize any student seeking such products. Instead, the incident has become another example in the national culture war that has ignited on transgender issues, experts say.

Its so ironic because this backlash is demonstrating the exact reason why we need this type of legislation, said Jessica Anderson Schofield, an assistant professor of political science at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Advocates of the law say that providing free period products is a matter of equity, kindness and respect. Doing so helps students who cant afford them and prevents students from missing class time when in search of a tampon, said legislators who supported the bill.

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Its kind of wild that its taken this long for states to consider this type of statewide policy, said Anderson Schofield, who described it as a fantastic initiative.

However, state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, R-Prospect, disagrees with the new law  calling it an agenda  and said she would support those who would try to reverse it.

To me, its an agenda that this is being pushed. Its not education, she said. The dispensers could be put in girls bathrooms, womens bathrooms, you can get products from the nurses station or an all-sex bathroom. I dont think they belong in boys bathrooms. Schools have, over time, dealt in many ways with children getting their periods with care and respect to all students, Zupkus said.

The menstrual product dispenser was vandalized and destroyed 20 minutes after it was installed in a boys bathroom at Brookfield High School last month, school officials said.

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These teenage boys acting in this way shows that they dont respect students that are going through this process, that they dont respect their peers, that they see menstrual hygiene as something gross, Anderson Schofield said.

'Respect to young people'

Jennifer Tolman, president and chief operating officer of Dignity Grows, a Hartford-based national advocacy group for those who need menstrual supplies, said that while the group cant take a position on the new mandate, aside from helping students financially, the new law serves to help students academically and socially.

Lack of access to these basic hygiene supplies can lead to chronic absenteeism and significant disruptions to academic learning and social development, Tolman said. Students who attend school worried about having the menstrual products they might need during the day can feel less comfortable participating in class and less focused on their studies.

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Dignity Grows says teens who say lack access to period products experience a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, which can cause added stress at school, she said.

Howell Williams, an associate professor of political science at WestConn, said he hopes the Brookfield High School vandalism is an isolated incident that can be resolved amicably among the school board, the high school itself, and the parents and all parties involved.

The aim of the law is to show respect to young people whose gender identity might not match the sex they were assigned at birth, Williams said.

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Just as using pronouns to respect the individuals gender identity, these types of efforts are mental health care, theyre suicide prevention. They seek to show young, gender nonconforming and trans people that their lives are important, that they are real, he said. Its admirable that the state of Connecticut has made the decision to support these young people.

The backlash resulting from the vandalism incident is a great symptom of the age of outrage politics that we live in right now," he said. "We would all do well to take a step back, take a breath and ask ourselves  'How much does this really affects my life? 'Who is this harming? '

Regardless of ones opinion on the issue, state Sen. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield and a member of the General Assemblys Education Committee, said the law shouldnt be a state mandate. For the state of Connecticut to tell every single school district this is how you are going to implement this plan, doesnt make any sense, Harding said. If students, parents or educators have concerns about the placement of certain dispensers, they should go directly to the Board of Education and the administration of their childs school, he said. The district knows their student population. They know their parents. They know their educators best," Harding said. "They know the infrastructure of the school best, what bathrooms they have, where they have these bathrooms. They work with the nurses at the schools. But placing a tampon dispenser in a boys bathroom is a very small gesture that can go a long way toward making those who use period products feel comfortable, Williams said. Its not forced curriculum. Theyre not requiring that students have to go through a six-week module on gender transition, he said.

Regular communication

Regardless of their position on the new mandate, officials agreed that regular communication with young people is essential  by parents, educators and school nurses.

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All school districts should discuss the new law as part of health class initiatives, said Anderson Schofield, the WestConn assistant professor. She recommended, however, that it should be addressed in smaller settings.

If you address it in larger assemblies, that might actually encourage students to engage in those behaviors, she said, referring to the vandalism at Brookfield High School. I would encourage smaller discussions where you can actually have a back and forth with students so that they can express some of the reasons why they might be feeling hostile to having these dispensers and try to break through some of those misconceptions.

Nurses in schools and family members should play a key role in answering students' questions, said Zupkus, the state lawmaker.

Hopefully, all parents are talking to their girls or transgender children that are having their period, she said. Those are things that need to be talked about. Some parents arent as involved  so the nurse would be the first place they would go to. The nurse can help them walk through those emotions confidentially.
Havre Police Department

Justin Phillip Johnson of Havre, 42, was arrested on four Justice or City court warrants and on a charge of disorderly conduct after a Fourth Street caller reported an inebriated man in their backyard Friday at 9:53 a.m.

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A Fifth Avenue caller reported at 10:09 a.m. Friday finding two white bags containing a white substance. No investigation was initiated.

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Officers responded to a Friday 11 a.m. report of a burglary in progress at a residence on First Avenue. No investigation was initiated.

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A caller at the hospital asked for assistance after a person left the emergency room against medical advice and with their IV still in their arm. Officers searched for but could not locate the individual.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a Havre area caller asked Friday at 1:37 p.m. for assistance with an ex who was continuing to contact the caller.

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Officers responded to a 3:05 p.m. Friday report from services agency.

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Officers searched for but could not locate a man reported Friday at 5:30 p.m. to be throwing objects at vehicles on Third Avenue

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A Friday 6:17 p.m. caller reported their child was being harassed on First Avenue.

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Kitty Rae Barrett of Havre, 58, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, improper left turn and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle after a 9:30 p.m. Friday vehicle stop on Seventh Avenue North.

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Thomasina Lynn Grant of Havre, 41, was arrested on charges of DUI, no driver's license, failure to carry proof of vehicle insurance tail light violation and obstructing a peace officer or other public servant after a 12:31 a.m. Saturday vehicle stop on First Avenue West.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a caller at a First Street business asked Saturday at 11:04 a.m. for a police standby while a man was asked to leave the business.

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A Fourth Street man reported an intoxicated woman in the street Saturday at 11:34 a.m. No investigation was initiated for the incident.

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Flint Walker Blackwolf of Box Elder, 36, was arrested on a charge of shoplifting and on a pick up and hold order after a caller at a First Street business reported a theft at 2:02 p.m. Saturday, and Blackwolf was reported back at the business Sunday at 5:41 p.m.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a Saturday 6:27 p.m. caller on Boulevard Avenue reported someone in a U-Haul was taking things out of the caller's house.

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A caller at 13th Street and Fifth Avenue reported Saturday at 6:45 p.m. reported their vehicle slid down the hill and hit a light pole. Havre Fire Department ambulance crew also responded and no transport was necessary.

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Officers assisted a driver whose vehicle was stuck on 13th Street at 8:12 Saturday.

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Officers assisted someone who needed a ride home from the hospital at 9:41 p.m. Saturday.

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A vehicle crash was reported on 11th Street West Saturday at 11:09 p.m. Havre Fire also responded and treated three people but no transport to medical care was necessary.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a loud party was reported Sunday at 1:05 a.m. on Center Street.

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Kinsey Grace Adkins of Havre, 21, was arrested on charges of DUI, headlamp violation and careless driving after a Sunday 1:43 a.m. vehicle stop on Ninth Avenue.

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A Fourth Avenue caller asked Sunday at 3:33 a.m. for assistance, and the incident was resolved peacefully.

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A written or verbal warning was issued after a Sunday 5:45 a.m. caller on Second Street reported two men banging on the caller's door.

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Meriel Rose English of Havre, 21, was issued a summons on a criminal contempt charge after a preliminary breath test violation was reported at 7:48 a.m. Sunday at the police station.

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Forrest Rainspirit Doney of Havre, 29, was arrested on a criminal contempt charge after a 24/7 Sobriety Program violation was reported at 7:54 a.m. Sunday at the police station.

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A Fourth Street caller reported a disturbance involving a woman who then left the scene prior to officers arriving. The caller said they would report is she returned again.

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Officers provided assistance to a 10:29 a.m. Sunday caller in Havre who had questions about an eviction notice.

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Officers provided assistance to First Street business caller who asked for help removing two men from a business.

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A Sunday 12:33 p.m. caller asked officers to perform a welfare check on someone on First Avenue.

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Officers responded to a 2 p.m. Sunday disturbance involving an ex-fiance on Rich Street West and the incident was resolved peacefully.

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A 6 p.m. Sunday caller reported a light pole hanging loose at the Montana State University-Northern campus.

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A 13th Street West caller reported Sunday at 7:21 p.m. that someone had tried to break a door down, but no investigation was opened on the incident.

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A domestic disturbance was reported on Third Street at 3:03 a.m. today. No investigation was opened on the incident.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

Deputies investigated a report on Fifth Street North Friday at 10:34 a.m.

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Mason Alexander Mayer of Great Falls, 21, was arrested on four Justice or City court warrants and a charge of no driver's license after a vehicle stop on U.S. Highway 87 near mile marker 100 Friday at 9:49 p.m.

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Skylah Marie Morsette of Box Elder, 28, was arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant and resisting arrest and on 11 Justice or City court warrants and a state District Court warrant after a Friday 11:53 p.m. caller reported suspicious activity outside a U.S. Highway 87 business in Box Elder.

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Deputies investigated a report made at 9:49 a.m. Saturday in the Havre area.

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A Saturday 11:48 a.m. non-injury vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 87 in Box Elder was referred to Montana Highway Patrol. Havre Fire Department ambulance crew responded and treated two individuals who did not require transport.

Havre Fire Department

Emergency medical technicians responded to four calls Friday, six calls Saturday including one to Box Elder and two calls Sunday including one to Kremlin.

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A fire crew responded to a Sunday 6:18 p.m. report of a damaged light pole on the MSU-Northern campus and provided standby for the NorthWestern Energy crew repairing the pole.

Havre Animal Shelter

This morning the animal shelter held one cat and four kittens all of unknown gender, two male cats, four female cats and a male and a female kittens.

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Also this morning, the animal shelter held eight mixed-breed puppies between 5 weeks and 6 months old, four female dogs and two male dogs. Additionally, five 6-week-old puppies were being housed off-site.
Advisory is precautionary, appears to be no immediate danger

A foreign contaminant was detected in Havres water system recently, causing the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the City of Havre to advise system users to be cautious, though Havre Public Works said they are monitoring the water conditions and there appears to be no immediate danger with drinking water.

The release said Havres water treatment plant routinely monitors water for turbidity  cloudiness  so they know if they are filtering water properly, but Havre Public Works Director Trevor Mork said a contaminant was recently detected that their filtration system was not able to properly filter out.

As a result, he said, the plant stopped introducing water into the system until they could get the water to within DEQs requirements.

He said they still dont know what this contaminant is and are waiting on samples to be tested.

In the meantime, he said, they are trying to keep tabs on the conditions of the water in the system, and as far as they can tell it is safe.

The advisory said people do not need to boil their water or take any corrective action but if they have health concerns they should contact their doctor.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk, the release says. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
"Ila, could you check with the hospital and see if it would be possible to give a baby blanket to every newborn?"

I had just started working as the chaplain for Northern Montana Health Care. I wasn't quite sure what the answer from the hospital administration would be. I was surprised when the answer was "Yes." And I have been continually surprised (and proud) as year after year after year Fifth Avenue Christian Church has continued to make a baby quilt for every baby born at Northern Montana Hospital.

The catalyst for the project was visionary Peggy Kampf. Besides being an awesome cook, Peggy was a talented seamstress, working miracles on bridal and prom dress as owner of the "The Bridal Boutique." In the 1990s, she sold the business, but her love of sewing caused her to continue sewing and doing altercations. Peggy was a faithful member of Fifth Avenue Christian Church, and was instrumental in beginning the Blankie Blessing program. She, and now many other members of the congregation, have sewn an estimated 8,000 plus blankets for the newborns in Havre. "It was what got her out of bed, even on the hardest of days," says her daughter Arlyne Chvilicek. Peggy passed away April 12, 2015.

In 2017, Nick Heninger, Peggy's grandson, became a new father to a baby boy they named Lane. They wondered if there might be one of Grandma Peggy's quilts still there. To their surprise, the nurses brought baby Lane out with a quilt made by Grandma Peggy! No one picked it specifically for him. The nurses just thought it was appropriate. And it most certainly was.

Fern Lohse recalls the day an announcement was made at church telling about the new ministry and requesting help. Jokingly she responded, "I'd love to help but I don't sew." To which Peggy Kampf responded, "The blankets need to be tied. Here's a needle. I will teach you."

Many, many people have worked on the quilts over the years: Anna Mae Sterrett, Maggie Doll, Fern Lohse, Lilly Williams, Theresa Garwood, Arlyne Chvilicek, Edna Bitz, Barb Brown, Esther Capellen, Mary Swenson, and the list goes on and on. At present, some of the workers are: Harvey and Marianne Capellen, Fern Lohse, Aileen Couch and Lilly Williams.

In the summer, Harvey and Marianne Capellen attend Craft Camp at Little Rockies Christian Camp near Landusky, Montana. Marianne cuts the fabric into the correct sized squares and then combines them with other color appropriate fabric. Harvey does the sewing. Aileen Couch does the machine embroidery that says "Jesus Loves You. Fifth Avenue Christian Church."

Every parent is offered a quilt for their newborn. Whether they choose to accept it or not is up to them. A card attached to the blanket says "Congratulations from your friends at Fifth Avenue Christian Church. Sometimes it takes a miracle to get a family into church. After you've celebrated the wonder of birth, come join us as we celebrate another miracle. The miracle of Jesus Christ."

Throughout the years, Fifth Avenue Christian Church has received many notes of gratitude. Here are a few: "Thank you so much for making and donating the adorable baby blanket! It was so cute with blue bunnies! Perfect for our son born the week of Easter. We appreciate you all."

"Thank you so very much for the adorable baby blanket we received at the hospital. It I truly a blessing to receive such a handmade, beautiful gift at such an exciting time!"

"Our sweet baby girl was born in Havre, Montana. When we arrived to the hospital to adopt her, she was with the most wonderful people and covered with her very special quilt. Thank you for taking the time to make that for her, and for cuddling her with love and warmth."

Stacks of the baby quilts are kept in the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum Department at Northern Montana Hospital to be handed out. They are replenished often.

Should someone want to donate fabric that would be appropriate for the baby quilts, they may do so by dropping it off at Fifth Avenue Christian Church, 2015 Fifth Avenue, in Havre. Preferences for fabric are baby-appropriate, at least one yard long

In the nearly 25 years of the Blankie Blessing ministry an estimated 8,000 plus baby quilts have been made and passed out. Before COVID, they were making 30 blankets a month but since then the number has been 15-20 a month. Truly, those involved in this ministry are a blessing not only to the newborns and their families but to all of our communities here on the Hi-Line. God bless you, dear ones!

You are Hi-Line Heroes ... for sure!

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it. And He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10: 14-16.

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Ila McClenahan is a retired chaplain and activity director living in the Amos area north of Havre. She keeps busy writing, directing Christian Camps for children, volunteering and speaking at various events, She and her husband Rod have four daughters and oodles of blessings (grandchildren).
U.S. Navy Veteran and former Sheriff of Chouteau County Charles Russell Comp, 91, passed away Thursday evening at his son's home in Havre of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside memorial service will be held this spring at the Big Sandy Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his mother.

Memorial contributions in Charles' honor may be made to the VFW.

Please visit Charles' online memorial page at https://www.hollandbonine.com to send a card or leave a message for the family.

Charles was born February 2, 1933, in Farmington, Michigan, to Wilbur and Shirley (Durant) Comp. He graduated from high school in Farmington and enlisted in the United State Navy, where he served his country for 5 years and 10 months during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

He met Annette Therese Toth, and the couple married in Reno, Nevada, May 30, 1959. Together, they made their home in California and worked for United Air Lines. They moved to Placerville, California, where they raised their family and Charles worked in law enforcement. They moved the family to White Sulphur Springs, Montana, in 1973, where Charles took a job with the county sheriff's office.

They moved to Big Sandy, Montana, in 1985 after Doug Williams recruited Charles to work for the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office. He served as mayor of Big Sandy for one term and then retired.

Being a "jack-of-all-trades," Charles kept busy in his spare time, building and remodeling the homes they lived in, creating doll houses and furniture for his grandchildren and working on his motorcycles. He was an excellent craftsman who enjoyed completing his projects and gifting them to those he loved. He was an avid elk and bird hunter, reloaded shells and even built from the ground up a 1903 Patty Wagon which he still has today.

He volunteered his time to the youth by teaching Hunter's Education for 35 years and was also a member of the Montana Hope Project, something he was very honored to be involved with. He enjoyed living in Big Sandy and kept busy after retirement. He would be found at the Deli having coffee with his friends catching up on the local happenings.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers-in-law and their spouses, Bill (Mickey) Jim (Lois), George (Juanita) Toth.

Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Annette Comp; son, Christopher Comp; daughter, Kirsten Shelor; three grandchildren, Shirley Comp, Sara Comp, and Zane Shelor; three great-grandchildren, David, Carissa, and Dillon; and two great-great-grandchildren, Ruben and Jane.
Conducted in February, the survey also found that 60 per cent of business owners are satisfied and 26 per cent dissatisfied with the government programme. Well over half, or 58 per cent, of the respondents stated that they are satisfied and 32 per cent that they are dissatisfied with government actions.

ALMOST TWO-THIRDS , or 64 per cent, of business owners are satisfied with the makeup of the current government, reveals a survey commissioned by the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.

Satisfaction was high especially among the owners of over 10-employee companies and industrial companies, dissatisfaction among female business owners, young business owners and sole proprietors.

Business owners are broadly of the opinion that the government is trying to implement reforms that facilitate the opportunities of businesses and business owners to operate, employ and grow, analysed Mikael Pentikainen, the managing director of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.

The government is currently trying to implement reforms that inject dynamism to the economy without undermining the existing basic security in working life.

Business owners, he argued, are the first to feel the economic challenges of Finland.

The federation also asked its members about their satisfaction with individual cabinet and opposition members, finding a degree of satisfaction with the government that is unprecedented in the history of the survey.

Satisfaction with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) stood at 58 per cent and Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) at 55 per cent. Satisfaction with Purra and the makeup of the coalition government has increased particularly, by five percentage points from the previous time business owners were asked about the issue, in November.

Slightly over one-tenth, or 11 per cent, of the respondents said they are satisfied with the leaders of the two largest opposition parties, Antti Lindtman of the Social Democrats and Annika Saarikko of the Centre.

The survey also revealed that almost two-quarters of business owners are in favour of the government proposal to make the first day of sick leave unpaid.

Business owners are strongly supportive of making the first day of sick leave unpaid. That is because business of owners pay wages for the day without receiving the labour input, Pentikainen commented on Saturday. They may have to pay up a sick employee up to ten days worth of wages without receiving the input they are paying for. Many do so from their own, often small livelihood.

This is pushing especially small business owners with employees between a rock and a hard place, discouraging them from hiring. You have to ease the burden of small employers from sick-leave wages one way or another if you want to have employers in the first place.

Conducted by Verian, the survey drew responses from almost 1,340 representatives of small and medium enterprises in early February.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
He added that value-based realism stems, on the one hand, from a strong alliance with both Nato and the European Union and, on the other, from confidence that reforming and strengthening the UN remains the bedrock of international peace and system.

FINNISH foreign and security policy will be founded on value-based realism, President Alexander Stubb outlined in his inaugural address to parliament on Friday, 1 March, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

The cornerstones of our foreign policy have been built from western values such as democracy, rule of law and human rights. We believe in co-operation and international rules-based order, he was quoted saying by the newspaper. At the same time, our security policy is founded on realism. Thats why well maintain a strong defence  now as part of an alliance. Realism also entails recognising that our worlds great challenges cant be solved only with countries that agree with us.

Stubb, who began his tenure as the 13th president of Finland on Friday, commented on a handful of topical issues in a press conference held after the inauguration.

He said he was pleased to see reportedly thousands of mourners gather in Moscow to bid farewell to Alexei Navalny, the late opposition leader who was the most prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny died in an Arctic prison on 16 February.

Stubb reiterated that he condemns the political murder: Navalnys death is a kind of symbol of the current state of Russia. Human lives no longer seem to matter at all for the Russian leadership. People can be killed, removed without a shrug of the shoulders.

He was also asked about the latest developments in the war in Gaza. On Friday, several news outlets reported that Israeli troops opened fire at people lining up for humanitarian aid, leaving more than a hundred Gazans dead and several hundred injured. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said the troops opened fire because Gazans were threatening troops overseeing the distribution of aid.

Stubb on Friday said some of the details remain unknown.

In a sense it shows the brutality of the war that people are experiencing right now, he remarked, pointing to estimates that over 30,000 people have died in Gaza since 7 October 2023, when an attack by the terror group Hamas left over 1,100 people dead in Israel.

The IDF launched a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip on 27 October, after weeks of aerial bombardment, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas.

Stubb said Finland will do whatever it can to restore peace in the region. The country, he added, is also prepared to discuss deploying peacekeepers to the area if a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached.

Reports that emerged over the weekend suggest that a six-week ceasefire deal could be imminent.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
A train pulls into the Shore Line East train station in Clinton. After Gov. Ned Lamont and state lawmakers cut funding for the rail line last year, advocates are pleading for money to expand service. Connecticut Department of Transportation

HARTFORD  Nearly a year after slashing funding for Connecticuts Shore Line East commuter rail service, lawmakers on Monday began a push to restore service along the beleaguered line  with the hope that more riders will follow.

Last fall, the Department of Transportation reduced the number of daily Shore Line East trains running between New Haven and New London from 23 to 16 after federal funding to help sustain rail service during the pandemic dried up. Instead of plugging the shortfall with state money, Gov. Ned Lamont and state lawmakers adopted a budget that cut funding for rail service.

While the cuts to the New Haven Line and other rail lines are scheduled to sunset later this year, Shore Line East will have to continue operating at reduced service levels unless more funding is approved by lawmakers in this year's short session, now underway.

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With the cuts weve seen, it makes it almost impossible to really make this train useful because the service is so diminished, said state Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton.

On Monday, a bill requiring the DOT to restore Shore Line East service to pre-pandemic levels was heard by the Transportation Committee. The committee is led by two co-chairs  state Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven and Sen. Christine Cohen, D-Madison  who represent communities served by Shore Line East.

Lamont, meanwhile, has remained cool toward the idea of spending more on Shore Line East so long as the service struggles to attract new riders. When asked about the push to restore funding in this year's budget, the governor reiterated his argument that towns along the shoreline need to do more to build housing in close proximity to their train stations.

If theres no more demand am I going to subsidize more, you know, rail service? Lamont said. Its probably not my priority.

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Shore Line East carried 176,979 riders last year, according to DOT, a level that amounted to just over one-quarter of its pre-pandemic ridership.

While last years cuts did not directly result in any layoffs, Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said Monday that running additional trains along Shore Line East would necessitate hiring and training additional conductors. Amtrak, which operated the trains on behalf of DOT, is currently facing a national staff shortage.

Unlike other rail services that have rebounded strongly from the pandemic  including the Hartford and Waterbury lines  Eucalitto said that DOT surveys show that a large percent of Shore Line East riders no longer commute to work five days a week, limiting the room for growth during weekdays.

A second piece of legislation related to Shore Line East would see service increased on weekends and holidays during the summer, when millions of visitors flock to the beach and attractions around Mystic.

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The existing train station in Mystic is only served by Amtrak's Northeast Regional service, and the bill would also require DOT to expand Shore Line East service several miles eastward from its current terminus in downtown New London.
FLOODING is becoming increasingly common as a result of climate change, according to Greener Henley.

Kate Oldridge, who chairs the environmental campaign group, said: We are trying to educate people about the climate emergency and raise awareness of what the scientists are telling us. The experts say climate change is going to increase the frequency and severity of flooding events.

We think its really important that stories like Shauns are told so that people can understand it. I think that to some people this feels quite distant geographically and timewise but its here now. We are seeing the effects of it in the UK and in our area.

Its crucial that we come together as a community, not just to mop up the mess but to ask for action on the climate and nature emergencies at a national level. We need to let our MP know that we wanted the UK to be taking climate action to stay within the 1.5C threshold, which was set by the Paris Agreement.

Ms Oldridge, from Shiplake, said the group was looking to support businesses and individuals affected.

She added: While our immediate instinct is to bail out the water and start again, we must equally focus our efforts on the root cause and cut our carbon footprints to stem the tide of further flooding.
South Korean public bid farewell to Fu Bao with great reluctance on her final day on display

Global Times) 11:05, March 04, 2024

Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in South Korea through natural breeding, was on display for her final day at the Panda World of Everland Resort in Yongin city, South Korea, on Sunday. A throng of visitors flocked to the amusement park to say their farewells to the panda, which is scheduled to return to China this April.

From Monday, the giant panda will be placed in a separate space for one month for health examinations and quarantine before returning to the Shenshuping base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Wolong National Nature Reserve in Southwest China's Sichuan Province as scheduled in accordance with international regulations on wild animals.

Since the day when the female panda was born, Fu Bao has brought a great many joys and comfort to the South Korean people and she has been receiving much attention and affection from the public in return. Many park-goers queued for hours outside the amusement park on Sunday in order to say goodbye to the panda for the last time, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday.

On Sunday, zookeepers at the park, Kang Chul-won and Song Young-kwan, known as Fu Bao's "grandpas" who have taken good care of Fu Bao, prepared delicious bamboo sticks and a large bouquet of rape flowers to say farewell to the panda.

Crowds of people waited as early as 3 am to line up to see Fu Bao on her last day, Korea JoongAng Daily reported on Sunday.

Fu Bao appeared at around 9:30 am as camera flashes exploded and adoring fans called the panda's name. She took her usual spot beside the pile of bamboo sticks and began to eat habitually, seemingly unaware of the fact that this was her last day to meet with the Korean public, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

According to zoo director Jeong Dong-hee, Fu Bao will be moving to China on April 3. In order to minimize any discomfort during her journey, the South Korean side has specially prepared a shock-absorbing vehicle to transport Fu Bao to the Incheon International Airport. Afterward, Fu Bao will board a special plane dispatched by China to return to China and zookeeper Kang will be accompanying the giant panda on her flight, CCTV reported.

Under the agreement with China, all giant pandas, even those born outside of China, must be returned to China when they reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 to join the country's breeding program.

Being a superstar in South Korea, Fu Bao was given a number of cute nicknames by her fans such as Miss Fu of Yongin, Princess Fu and Chubby Fu. After the announcement of the date of Fu Bao's return schedule, the average daily number of visitors to the amusement park exceeded 8,000.

At present, "Fu Bao's return to China" has become a hot topic in South Korea, with media frequently covering related stories about Fu Bao and books on Fu Bao quickly becoming bestsellers.

Multiple brands have launched co-branded products with the giant panda family of Fu Bao including headphones and clothing, and the panda-themed photo booths on the streets are quite popular among photo sticker selfie enthusiasts.

Yongin city in Gyeonggi Province presented a special honorary citizen certificate to Fu Bao on February 8. This certificate, specially made from bamboo, reads that the city gives the "superstar" this certificate in recognition of its contribution to bringing happiness to the entire nation and to cherish the relationship it had formed with Yongin city.

After Fu Bao returns to China, only four giant pandas will remain in Everland's zoo, including Fu Bao's mother Ai Bao and father Le Bao, and their twin babies Rui Bao and Hui Bao, born last July.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)


Monday March 4, 2024



The EAC secretariat says the announced banknote is fake



The secretariat of the East African Community (EAC) regional bloc has dismissed a post on X, formerly Twitter, which claimed that the bloc's member countries have launched a common regional currency.



The post had been shared on Sunday by a fake X account named "Government of East Africa".





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The account also shared an image of a fake banknote of the purported single currency.The post has received over half a million views and was shared by some leading media outlets and online personalities in the region.The EAC secretariat dismissed the report of a unified regional currency late on Sunday, saying that the creation of a single East African currency "is still a work in progress"."Kindly ignore any rumours circulating in social media on the unveiling of new banknotes for the region."In 2013, EAC member countries set a target for a single currency by 2024.The bloc missed the target and pushed the delivery time for the single regional currency to 2031.
The mid-size sedan and compact SUV categories continue to be two high-interest spaces for car buyers in India. In this comparative review, we compare four popular models  Hyundais Verna sedan, Creta and Tatas Nexon compact SUV along with the relatively new Tata Punch micro-SUV.

Hyundai Verna: Still Going Strong

As Hyundais mid-size sedan offering, the Hyundai Verna has seen tremendous success over multiple generations spanning nearly 15 years in India. The latest Verna carries on the virtues that made it a household name - sporty fastback styling, feature-loaded cabin, peppy petrol engines and assurance of the Hyundai brand name.

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On-Road Price Range: Rs. 12.68 - 20.02 lakh, Delhi

After multiple updates over two decades, the Verna starts at Rs. 12.68 lakh and tops off at Rs. 20.02 lakh on-road in the Delhi NCR region for the current model year variants. At its attractive starting price, the Verna significantly undercuts most mid-size sedan rivals, barring the Honda City. The range-topping turbo-petrol DCT variants take on more premium competitors like the Skoda Slavia.

Engine Options: 1.5L Turbo

The Verna is a petrol-only model focusing on performance and driving experience. Engine options include a 1.5L turbo-petrol (157 bhp/ 253 Nm) mated to 6MT, 7DCT and a 1.5L naturally aspirated unit (113 bhp/ 143 Nm) paired with 6MT, IVT automatic. Gearbox choice includes smooth shifting manual, DCT and IVT units.

Efficiency: 18.6 to 20 kmpl Mileage

Thanks to a light body structure and advanced petrol powertrains, the Verna offers a mileage between 18.6 to 20.6 km/l based on variant. These numbers match or exceed most of the competition models.

Hyundai Creta: Reigning Mid-Size SUV Champion

Having single-handedly dominated the mid-size SUV space over multiple product cycles, the Hyundai Creta is the undisputed segment leader today in India. The new Creta builds on core strengths while adding more features, variants and engine options to consolidate its top position.

On-Road Price Range: Rs. 13 - 23.88 lakh, Delhi

Given multiple engine-gearbox combinations offered and a wide trim walk, the Creta is priced from Rs. 13 lakh and goes up to Rs. 23.88 lakh on-road in Delhi NCR. Occupying the upper end of the mid-size SUV price spectrum, the Creta targets premium offerings and also fends off larger mid-size SUVs from the lower end.

Efficiency: Up to 21.8 kmpl Mileage

Despite weighing over 1.3 to 1.4 tons based on variant, the Creta offers 21+ km/l mileage from the petrol and diesel engines thanks to advanced engineering. The relatively powerful 1.4L turbo-petrol still manages up to 18.5 km/l.

Tata Nexon: Rugged Performer, 5-Star Safety

Contrasting the Korean cousins above, the Tata Nexon compact SUV focuses on rugged dependability, build sturdiness and safety above features or styling glamour. Combined with Tatas improved quality standards and clever packaging, the Nexon emerged as a popular choice for young families and thrill-seekers alike. Its 5-star GNCAP crash test rating crowns it among the safest budget offerings in India today.

On-Road Price Range: Rs. 9.17 - 18.36 lakh, Delhi

Catering to diverse budgets, the Nexon price starts from Rs. 9.17 lakh and goes up to Rs. 18.36 lakh on-road in Delhi. At its entry price, the Nexon undercuts most rivals by a fair margin. Top-end variants dare to compete with premium Korean/Japanese offerings costing much more.

Engine Options: 1.2 Turbo Petrol, 1.5 Turbo Diesel

Tata offers the lively Revotron 1.2L turbo-petrol (118 bhp/170 Nm) and torquey Revotorq 1.5L turbo-diesel (113 bhp/260 Nm) engines for the Nexon. Transmission options include 6MT, 6AMT automatic and DCT petrol auto. Performance suffices for urban runs and highway cruises alike.

Efficiency: Up to 23+ kmpl Mileage

Thanks to engineering optimised for Indian conditions, the Nexon offers 17+ kmpl from the petrol motor and 23+ kmpl from the diesel unit. These numbers exceed most SUV rivals, especially with automatic gearboxes.

Tata Punch: Mighty Micro SUV

Joining the Nexon as Tata's second SUV offering is the all-new Tata Punch. Despite sub-4 metre proportions, the Punch brings a bold, rugged body design inspired by its larger siblings. Young urban families are lapping up this micro-SUV for its compact footprint combined with good ground clearance, commanding road presence and value pricing.

On-Road Price Range: Rs. 6.63 - 11.83 lakh, Delhi

The Tata Punch is positioned as an entry-level SUV, and the Tata Punch on road price is between Rs. 6.63 lakh to Rs. 11.83 lakh, ensuring high affordability and value. Its starting price seriously undercuts rival options and targets premium hatchback customers to upgrade to an SUV instead. Higher variants still cost less than the competition.

Engine Option: 1.2L Revotron Petrol

Keeping things simple is a 1.2L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder Revotron petrol motor producing 86 bhp power and 113 Nm torque. Transmission options cover 5MT and 5AMT for both efficiency and ease of driving. An optional factory-fitted CNG kit boosts efficiency further.

Efficiency: Up to 26 km/kg Mileage

The Punch petrol claims 20 kmpl mileage as per ARAI, while the CNG version claims an impressive 26 km/kg thanks to advanced engine tuning. The real-world economy should match hatchbacks.

Conclusion

Whether you seek an affordable but feature-packed family commuter, a stylish and engaging sedan, a tough, compact SUV with ample space, or a micro-SUV for congested urban areas - Hyundai and Tata have attractive options tailored for every need.

The Verna remains an accomplished package balancing virtues like eye-catching design, peppy petrol engines, loaded gear and brand equity. Family buyers seeking flexible seating, muscular design and the latest gadgets will cherish the Creta. For those eyeing tough build quality with ample performance and raring to escape the city grind, the Nexon hits the sweet spot on functionality and value. Finally, the Punchs compact dimensions, SUV design and high affordability make it a good urban runabout.

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.
Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the government advisory which directed AI platforms to seek permission before launching an AI product does not apply to startups. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the minister said, "Recent advisory of @GoI_MeitY needs to be understood. Advisory is aimed at the Significant platforms and permission seeking from Meity is only for large platforms and will not apply to startups." Union minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

"Process of seeking permission , labelling & consent based disclosure to user abt untested platforms is insurance policy to platforms who can otherwise be sued by consumers. Safety & Trust of Indias Internet is a shared and common goal for Govt, users and Platforms (sic)," he continued.

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This comes after government issued an advisory following Google's Gemini controversy to platforms that push AI-generated content stating that it should be labelled or embedded with an identifier to determine the creator of any misinformation. Platforms will also need to submit an action taken-cum-status report to the ministry within 15 days, it added.

Responding to the advisory, Perplexity AI's CEO Aravind Srinivas said that it is a bad move while Abacus AI's CEO Bindu Reddy said, "If you know the Indian government, you know this will a huge drag! All forms will need to completed in triplicate and there will be a dozen hoops to jump through! This is how monopolies thrive, countries decay and consumers suffer!"

Kissan AI's Pratik Desai reflected, I was such a fool thinking I will work bringing GenAI to Indian Agriculture from SF. We were training multimodal low cost pest and disease model, and so excited about it. This is terrible and demotivating after working 4yrs full time brining AI to this domain in India.
Union IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said big platforms should not release any "untested platform without any disclosures or disclaimers" following Google's Gemini AI chatbot row. He told NDTV, There will be consequences because platforms like Google are significant powers on the internet and for them to do something wrong and then simply say, 'I'm sorry' or 'I apologise' is certainly not what the law expects them to do. Minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Why is there a belief amongst these big platforms that they can take something from the lab... and launch it without guardrails or protective framework. This is unconscionable and unacceptable... given not just the law but even a sense of responsibility and discipline.

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Asserting government's "sincere (and) serious responsibility" to internet users in India, he said that tech companies could not "get away by talking their way out of a problem".

Citing new IT Rules, the minister said that tech companies "should not allow their platforms to be used in a manner that outputs unlawful content or violates the law of the land".

"I think it is not so much for the government to prosecute as much as the users who have the cause of action... who are prejudiced by a platform that spews out unlawful content," he said, adding, "I have heard... there are many people who are quite agitated by the conduct of this and other platforms. My response to them is, 'the government may, or may not, do some things because we have limited powers under the law... it is for individuals, or groups, to hold them to account."

This comes as Google said that Gemini "may not always be reliable in responding to certain prompts related to current events and political topics" amid controversy that the AI model's text and image responses were biased. The company said, "We're aware Gemini is offering inaccuracies in some historical image generation depictions... we are working to improve these kinds of depictions immediately. Gemini's AI image generation does generate a wide range of people. And that's generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it's missing the mark here."
Edtech company Byju's, currently grappling with an intense financial crisis, said on Sunday they were unable to pay the salaries of their employees due to the investors of their company blocking the funding. However, a web of financial mismanagement and court proceedings traced a hefty sum of $533 million to Byju's, tied up in an offshore account, revealed a US court proceeding. Byju Raveendran, founder of edtech firm Byjus.

A hedge fund in Florida has been accused of helping Think and Learn Ltd in concealing $533 million from its investors. This sum of money was initially held by Byju's overseas unit Alpha Inc, which is a bankrupt shell company owned by Think and Learn.

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The allegations of the hidden $533 million raised several accusations of corruption and gross mismanagement against Think and Learn CEO and founder Byju Raveendran, just as investors continue to push for his ouster from the top post in the company.

During a hearing on Friday, US Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey told the accused Florida hedge fund Camshaft Capital Fund to reveal the location of the hidden money or face possible sanctions from the court this week.

What is the mystery behind Byju's missing $533 million?

It has been alleged that Alpha Inc, run by Byju's parent company Think and Learn, transferred $533 million to Florida hedge fund Camshaft Capital Fund after going bankrupt, despite owing $1.2 billion to lenders. This transaction was reportedly done by the CEO's brother, Riju Raveendran.

Due to the non-payment of loans, multiple investors and lenders of Alpha Inc approached a US court, commencing a legal battle against Byju's and its parent firm seeking the payment of $1.2 billion and the whereabouts of $533 million.

Camshaft fought efforts to disclose details about the money because a hedge fund has a duty to protect its clients, lawyer Pieter Van Tol told Dorsey. The hedge fund also argued that Byjus and the lenders should instead get information about the cash from a Delaware company called Inspilearn, which got the money from Camshaft before it was transferred to the unnamed trust.

Lenders have been pushing that the $533 million, currently tied up in untraced offshore accounts, should be used to pay the $1.2 billion debt. However, Camshaft has refused to reveal the true whereabouts of the money.

A US court bench has said that if the Florida hedge fund does not reveal the account where the money is stored, the court will issue a show cause notice against the firm and impose multiple sanctions.
Frank Slootman, the outgoing chief executive officer (CEO) of US-based data cloud firm Snowflake, is wealthier than both Apple's Tim Cook and Microsoft's Satya Nadella, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Outgoing Snowflake CEO Frank Slootman (Image courtesy: Bloomberg)

As per the Bloomberg index, Slootman, who will be succeeded by Indian-American computer scientist Sridhar Ramaswamy as Snowflake's CEO, has a fortune of around $3.7 billion (approx. 30710 crore), while Cook is worth about $2 billion (approx. 16600 crore); Nadella, on the other hand, was not yet a billionaire as of July 2023.

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How did Slootman build his fortune?

While it is rare for a non-founder in the tech industry to amass Slootman's level of wealth, the Dutch business leader, 65, built his fortune by leading both Snowflake and ServiceNow Inc. through initial public offerings (IPOs), and headed data-storage company Data Domain, when it was acquired by EMC Corp. in 2009.

However, the news of his stepping down  he will continue as the Chairman of the Board  saw Snowflake stock plummet 18% on February 29, hours after the decision was announced. This drop alone led to Slootman's wealth coming down by around $500 million (approx. 4150 crore). Additionally, over the past four years, he sold shares at an average weighted price of about $268  well above Thursday's drop to $188.

He has built companies repeatedly

In September last year, David McJannet, CEO of software company HashiCorp Inc., praised Slootman, who, the former noted, understands how hard it is to build companies and he has done it repeatedly.

It is no doubt concerning to see Mr. Slootman, who has a strong track record and is well regarded by investors, step down after five years in the role, wrote Brad Zelnick, an analyst at Deutsche Bank AG, in a note Thursday.
A team of YouTube Music which included 43 contractors were ousted from their jobs after they asked for better pay and benefits, it was reported. The contractors were employed by Google as well as its subcontractor Cognizant but Google said that it wasn't responsible for the layoffs. In a video which has been widely shared on social media, YouTube data analyst Jack Benedict was seen pushing Austin City Council to support his union's negotiations with Google. YouTube Music layoffs: A YouTube logo is seen.(Reuters)

During his address, he was informed that his 43-person team including himself had been laid off. Jack Benedict told The Washington Post that he was speechless, shocked and didnt know what to do but most importantly, he felt anger" as the workers asserted that they had been shown the door following their advocacy and made an example of in order to ensure that more employees don't make similar demands. As per the report, the workers also said that they had not received any prior notice about their layoffs.

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Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson said in an email statement to The Verge, Contracts with our suppliers across the country routinely end on their natural expiry date while Cognizant said that their contract ended naturally and layoffs were a part of their business operations. The employees who have been fired will be given seven weeks of paid time to explore other roles within the company, it said.

This comes after YouTube Music contract workers had voted to unionise last year, demanding better pay and benefits. Workers also sought flexible return-to-office policies but Google had then refused to negotiate with the contract workers since they were not Google employees.
A five-tier security arrangement has been made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chennai on March 4, police said on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File)(HT_PRINT)

Follow PM Modi visit LIVE Updates

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As many as 15,000 police personnel, including officers, have been deployed. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) has been prohibited during the time of PM's visit, a city police statement said.

Intensive checking and surveillance activities are underway in the city. The YMCA Ground at Nandanam, the venue of PM Modi's public meeting, and the airport and its surrounding areas are among the places where vigil has been stepped up.

Police have said that there may be traffic congestion in the city and that intermittent restrictions are likely for commercial vehicles from noon to 8 pm on Monday.

On Monday by 3.30 pm, the Prime Minister will be in Kalpakkam near Chennai and witness the initiation of "core loading" of Indias indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) of 500 MWe capacity.

The PFBR has been developed by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited). India has adopted a three-stage nuclear power programme with a closed fuel cycle. Later, PM Modi will address the BJP's public meeting here.
Amid the alleged Pro Pakistan slogan row in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday cited a private forensic lab report analysis that claimed that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised outside the Vidhan Souda. Karnataka BJP cites private lab report, says 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised(Savitha)

BJP has been protesting the use of alleged 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans by Congress workers outside the Assembly while celebrating party leader Naseer Hussain's win in the Rajya Sabha polls.

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Also Read - NIA to take over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast case

In a post on X, BJP Karnataka said that the scientific report has revealed that Congress is the creator of false news by spreading lies about the truth.

"The man who started shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" in Vidhana Soudha has now been published in the FSL report. Karnataka Congress and the head of the fake news factory, Priyanka Kharge, should now accept his treasonous act and prostrate before the Legislative Assembly and seek forgiveness from the people," the BJP said.

The BJP has cited a report of a private laboratory called Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations Private Limited. As per the website, the organisation describes itself as a dedicated corporate entity that has been recognized as the competent Forensic Laboratory in the field of testing and investigations. Incorporated in the year 2009.

The report cited by the BJP, states "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether if it was 'Nasir Saab Zindabad' or 'Pakistan Zindabad', the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad'.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that voice samples have been sent to FSL and culprits will be punished.

"We have sent the voice report to the FSL...if it is true that somebody has raised the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad', that person will be punished seriously," he said.

State Home Minister G Parmeshwara also dismissed suggestion that the state government was delaying the report.

"We are not hiding the report. As soon as we get the FSL report, we will catch the person if he has shouted slogans. We will not spare him, whoever he is" the state Home Minister said on Sunday.

The matter has caused a political storm in the state, leading to an FIR and protest by BJP cadre outside Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. However, Congress rejected these claims, saying its workers were only raising slogans for Hussain and not what the BJP was claiming.
Amid soaring temperatures across the state, Karnatakas Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a public health advisory for vulnerable sections of people. The government asked people to be extra cautious as the temperatures will likely remain the same for the next few days. Karnataka govt issues health advisory as temperatures soar in state. Details(Rahul Raut/HT PHOTO)

Also Read - NIA to take over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast case

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According to a report in the Deccan Herald, the department asked people to stay hydrated and consume liquids to stay hydrated. Vulnerable people like infants, pregnant women, people with mental and physical issues and older people are asked to be extra cautious in such unusual temperatures. It also advised keeping their heads covered from the direct sunlight and using oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

Parts of Bengaluru are already running dry as most places face water issues. As the state is hit worst by drought, the borewells in the city are drying up, and many residents are now depending on tankers.

People also allege that Bengaluru water tankers are trying to benefit from the crisis and charging exorbitant amounts from the residents. A 1000-litre water tanker that used to cost 600 to 800 is now costing more than 2000; most apartments dependent on water tankers have no way other than buying from these water suppliers. They also demand the government to put a price cap on these water tankers and restrict them from overcharging.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday announced that the private water tankers in Bengaluru would be taken over by the State government in view of severe water shortage.

DK Shivakumar said, "There is a massive water shortage in Bengaluru. The officials of the BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) and BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) are holding meetings on a daily basis to overcome the issue."
The National Investigation Agency will take over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram cafe blast incident that shook the IT capital on Friday. Bengaluru Police and Central Crime Branch were investigating this low intensity bomb blast at a popular eatery in Whitefield and no arrests have been made yet. Rameshwaram cafe blast site, in Bengaluru. (PTI)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) handed over the case to the NIA, and the officials will handle the case starting from Monday. At least 10 people were injured in the incident, and all are currently being treated at multiple private hospitals. The Karnataka government has already announced that the state will take care of the treatment of those injured.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also Read - Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: Congress trying to hide facts,' lashes out Karnataka BJP

CM Siddaramaiah also inspected the blast site and met the injured at the hospital. He even chaired a high-level meeting with all senior officials and directed them to conduct a fair investigation into the case.

According to the CCTV footage, the suspect has been identified as 28 to 30 years old. He came to the cafe during lunch and bought a coupon for Rava idli but left the cafe without having the idli. He left behind the bag with an IED. Bengaluru police also released the snapshots from CCTV footage where his face was covered with a mask and a cap.

The co-founder and CEO of the Rameshwaram Cafe, Raghavendra Rao, said that the Union government and the state government should ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future and called for strict action. He also refuted the business rivalry angle and said there is no chance of anyone doing such a harmful activity within the business circle.

Meanwhile, the opposition attacked the Siddaramaiah-led government and said that the facts about the bomb blast are being hidden. On Sunday, leader of Opposition R Ashoka said, The Congress government is only trying to hide facts in the Rameshwaram cafe incident. The government did not reveal even a single piece of information about the culprits. They are trying to change the FSL report. This happened also in the incident where Pakistan Zindabad slogans were raised in Vidhana Soudha.
After the Bharatiya Janata Party citing a private lab report claimed that it is highly probable 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised outside the Vidhan Souda, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday said that the private organisations report cannot be taken into consideration. Private organization report cannot be taken into consideration: Karnataka HM(PTI File Photo)

Also Read - Karnataka BJP cites private lab report, says 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Parameshwara also mentioned that the government will take action on the forensic report of the Home Department.

"BJP claiming private organization repo cannot be taken into consideration. The FSL report of the government will come out and we will take action on the forensic report of the Home Department. There is nothing to hide, we'll take action according to the report," he said.

"They (BJP) are repeatedly accusing us of covering up the issue, they're saying every day. We don't need to hide anything," the Karnataka Home Minister added.

Responding to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's statement that he received the FSL reports on alleged Pro Pakistan slogans in Vidhan Soudha a day later, G Parameshwara said "I do not know on what basis he said this. I will tell you after receiving the FSL report of our department.

The Home Minister added that the credentials of the private labe Clue4 evidence needs to be verified.

"Who are the private firms, that gave them NOC? Are they allowed to give such a report? We'll check everything" the Home Minister said.

BJP has been protesting the use of alleged 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans by Congress workers outside the Assembly while celebrating party leader Naseer Hussain's win in the Rajya Sabha polls.

In a post on X, BJP Karnataka said that the scientific report has revealed that Congress is the creator of false news by spreading lies about the truth.

"The man who started shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" in Vidhana Soudha has now been published in the FSL report. Karnataka Congress and the head of the fake news factory, Priyanka Kharge, should now accept his treasonous act and prostrate before the Legislative Assembly and seek forgiveness from the people," the BJP said.

The BJP has cited a report of a private laboratory called Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations Private Limited. As per the website, the organisation describes itself as a dedicated corporate entity that has been recognized as a competent Forensic Laboratory in the field of testing and investigations. Incorporated in the year 2009.

The report cited by the BJP, states "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether if it was 'Nasir Saab Zindabad' or 'Pakistan Zindabad', the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad'.
The Bengaluru Police on Monday said that three persons have been arrested following Pakistan Zindabad slogans raised during the victory celebrations of newly elected Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain in Vidhana Soudha on February 27. The Bengaluru City Police said the three persons were arrested based on FSL report, circumstantial evidence, witness statements and available proof. BJP (Representative Image)

Based on Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, circumstantial evidence, witness statements and available proof, three persons have been arrested, a press statement from the Bengaluru City Police said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The arrested are Iltaz (New Delhi), Munnavar (R. T. Nagar, Bengaluru) and Mohammed Shafi (Byadgi, Haveri district).

The government had asked the FSL to investigate the video clippings following allegations that pro-Pakistan slogans were allegedly raised by the supporters of Hussain.

READ | Karnataka BJP cites private lab report, says 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans raised

Home minister G Parameshwara, who earlier in the day had maintained that the FSL was yet to submit the report, said he was unaware of the arrests. I was preoccupied with meetings throughout the day and came to know about the arrests only from the media. We have given freedom to the police to investigate, I will come back to you after getting the details, he added.

Meanwhile, a verbal duel erupted between the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the latter released the investigation report of a private FSL in Bengaluru, which had been commissioned by the BJP to verify the video pertaining to the alleged Pakistan Zindabad slogans.

The seven-page analysis report was prepared by Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations Pvt Ltd and signed by the labs director and audio forensic examiner Phaneendar B. N. The investigation was done on the request of Samvada Foundation, a media platform which promotes the RSS ideology and is headed by Vrushanka Bhat, editor-in-chief of Samvada and managing trustee of the Suchitra Film Society.

READ | Karnataka police detain dry chilli trader from Haveri for Pak Zindabad slogans

In the report submitted to Samvada on March 2, Phaneendar, who analysed the 30 seconds video, said: To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether if it was Nasir Saab Zindabad or Pakistan Zindabad, the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be Pakistan Zindabad.

Reacting to the private labs report earlier in the day, Parameshwara said the government does not take private reports into consideration. If the report says that such a slogan was shouted then we will take action immediately. There is no question of hiding it as alleged by the BJP, he said.

The home minister wanted to know whether the private person, who prepared the report had his own laboratory and done analysis. We will find out with whose permission he has done it, who gave him No Objection Certificate and is he authorised to make such reports public? he added.

Opposition leader in the legislative Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the government had received the official FSL report and was trying to keep it under wraps to shield some persons. A memorandum was submitted by BJP MLAs L A Ravi Subramanya, C K Ramamurthy and Uday B Garudachar to DG&IGP Alok Mohan on Monday seeking his intervention in getting the official FSL report in public domain.

In a counter move, Karnataka Congress spokesperson A N Nataraj Gowda filed a complaint before CEN police station, West Zone, Basaveshwaranagar, Bengaluru, that BJP state chief B N Vijayendra and others had posted a FSL report on social media which was `baseless and fabricated.

Phaneendar said the Samvada Foundation had submitted one video, which was the primary source of that days controversy obtained by the media outlets. We were unable to hear the complete words whether it was `Ki or `Taan of Pakistan and for that reason our report is an inference that the words would have probably been used, Phaneendar said.

He added that the video clip provided to him was not doctored or tampered with.
              Ruen  ...
Six women from Uganda and Tanzania have been arrested from a village in Phagwara for allegedly looting a Rajasthan-based businessman at knifepoint and threatening to implicate him in a molestation case, police said on Sunday. The complainant handed over  2,000 to them and later reported the matter to the police, Satnampura police station SHO Gaurav Dhir said. (HT File)

The complainant said that he was travelling on the Amritsar-Ludhiana national highway and had stopped at a dhaba in Maheru village on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday when one of the women asked him for a lift.

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The complainant drove her to the requested spot, where, he found, that five other women were already waiting. There, the women allegedly threatened him with a knife and told him to hand over all the valuables in his possession, failing which they would implicate him in a molestation case.

The complainant handed over 2,000 to them and later reported the matter to the police, Satnampura police station SHO Gaurav Dhir said.

On the basis of the complaint, police laid trap and arrested all the six women, who were presently residing in paying guest accommodations in Maheru and Chaheru villages.

The case has been registered under Section 384 (extortion), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

The SHO said that all six foreign nationals were produced before a court on Saturday and sent to judicial custody. The embassies of the two countries of the arrested women are also being informed, he added.
Delhi finance minister Atishi on Monday said the peoples lives have undergone a major change, schools have improved, and the per capita income has gone up two times, as she presented a 76,000 crore budget saying it is themed Ram Rajya. Finance minister Atishi with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the budget presentation. (PTI)

She credited the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s interventions for the increase in budget from 30,940 crore in 2014-15 to 76,000 crore despite many free schemes. Atishi announced Chief Minister Mahila Samman Yojana under which 1000 monthly will be given to women provided they are not income taxpayers or beneficiaries of any other government scheme. It will help them meet many necessary small expenses, Atishi said. She said an allocation of 2000 crore has been for the scheme.

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Atishi, who announced the continuation of free electricity, free water supply, free public bus rides for women, and other similar schemes, said they have been working day and night for nine years to fulfil the dream of Ram Rajya. In the last 10 years, the lives of the people of Delhi have undergone major changes. Schools have changed. The per capita income has increased by two times. The people have moved from despair to hope, Atishi said.

Atishi referred to Ramayana and said their focus areas were education, health, womens safety, food safety, free pilgrimage for the elderly, free electricity illuminating homes, beautification of the city, infrastructure, etc.

Our opponents created obstacles in our work. But the way Ram did not stop even in the face of difficulties, Kejriwal did not stop and continued work for the commitments made to the people even though he faced difficulties, she said. We still have to do a lot of work. But the work done in nine years despite many obstacles is nothing less than a miracle. In the coming year, we will continue to fulfil the dream of Ram Rajya, Atishi said as she presented the last budget before the national polls this summer.

She said Ram Rajya inspires AAP while explaining the theme of this years budget. The AAP has been presenting themed budgets with the first being swaraj (self-rule).

Atishi, who announced an allocation of 8,423 crore for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, said the government was working with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad to modernise the tax collection system with the use of artificial intelligence.

Education received the highest allocation ( 16,396 crore), followed by health ( 8,685 crore), which have been AAPs focus areas.

Atishi said 38 schools of excellence have been opened since 2021-22. The tin-shed schools have turned into talent schools. Kejriwal has pushed the government schools into the league of the best in the country. She said students from poor families were now getting admission to top institutes.

She said 2121 Delhi government school students cleared exams for admissions to top engineering and medical colleges in 2023-2024.

Atishi said the healthcare system was sick and people preferred private hospitals before 2014. In the last nine years, the health care system has been transformed. In 2014-15, there were 9523 beds in the hospitals which has increased to 13708 now...over 1.5 times more patients are being treated in these hospitals.

She said Kejriwal prioritised womens safety. In 10 years, the AAP government has taken multiple measures to provide women relief through free and quality education, free electricity, water, and free pilgrimage.

She said around 1.1 million women travel for free on buses daily. From 2019, Kejriwal has provided women in Delhi with the freedom to travel for free on buses... She announced an allocated 80 crore for the free pilgrimage scheme.

Atishi said four state-of-the-art court complexes will be built in 2024-25 in Rohini, Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rouse Avenue. In the fiscal year 2014-15, the budget for the justice system was 760 crore...in 2024-25, it has increased by nearly four times, reaching 3,098 crore.

Atishi said Delhi successfully met its peak power demand of 7,438 MW without load shedding in 2023-24. She added that 2.2 million families receive zero electricity bills. About 30% of Delhis power supply comes from green and renewable energy.

She announced 3,353 crore allocation for the power sector. The subsidy scheme will continue. She added around 62.5% of homes in Delhi receive water completely free of cost. After 2014, the Kejriwal government has laid 2422 kilometers of new water pipelines and 3100 kilometers of new sewer pipelines... 99.6% of unauthorised colonies have water pipelines.

She said the AAP government has developed a network of roads and flyovers in Delhi. The Kejriwal government has constructed 30 new corridors, flyovers, bridges, and underpasses in the past nine years, to make traffic smoother in the city.
The Delhi high court on Monday dismissed Trinamool Congress (TMC) member of Parliament Mahua Moitras plea seeking to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Dehadrai from posting or circulating any fake and defamatory content against her. The TMC MP from Krishnanagar was expelled on December 8 over cash-for-query charges. (File photo)

I have dismissed the injunction application, a bench of justice Sachin Datta said while pronouncing the order.

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The court while reserving verdict in Mahuas plea in December had also asked counsels for Dubey and Dehadrai to place on record the relevant paragraphs of the Lok Sabha ethics committee report that dealt with this aspect, amidst the discrepancy between the parties on the issue of the expelled leader taking cash from the businessman Darshan Hiranandani as a sequel to the quid pro quo.

The expelled TMC MP had filed a suit for permanently restraining Dubey and Dehadrai, along with several media organisations, from making, publishing and circulating defamatory, false and malicious statements designed to damage her reputation.

She had also sought to direct Dehadrai to withdraw the letter dated October 14, 2023, written to Dubey.

Also Read: Delhi HC dismisses Mahua Moitras leaking information plea against ED

The TMC leader in the interim plea had also urged to restrain Dubey and Dehadrai from acting on their behalf from making posting uploading, distributing any false defamatory content and had also sought for removal of the alleged defamatory content posted against her on social media, including photos, videos, letter and publications.

Dubey appearing through advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari submitted that she herself had admitted the fact of sharing her login ID and password to Hiranandani in press, adding that there was quid pro quo between the expelled leader and the businessman.

Jai, appearing through senior advocate Sanjoy Ghose, submitted that there was semblance of truth in the October 14 letter since even the Lok Sabha ethics committee in its report had stated that the allegations of Mahua accepting illegal gratification from Hiranandani were clearly established and were undeniable.

Also read: Delhi HC disposes Mahua Moitra house eviction plea, says seek permission from...

Moitra, appearing through advocate Samudra Sarangi, submitted that the October 14 letter which was written by Dehadrai to Dubey was made public to the media for political gains with an intention to tarnish her image.

Letter (14th October) contains ex facie defamatory statements & there is a larger political controversy, the counsel had submitted.

He also added that allegations of quid pro quo were not established between Mahua and Hiranandani.

The TMC MP from Krishnanagar was expelled on December 8 over cash-for-query charges.

She alleged substantial illegality and arbitrariness by the Houses ethics committee, which recommended the action against her.
The midnight moon is shining upon the land beneath, but the land has its own lights. The Panj Peeran Qabristan in central Delhi.

On this night of Shab-e-Barat, a special occasion in the Islamic calendar (commemorated about a week ago), the dead in the citys graveyards are being visited by their living relatives, as is the tradition. The Panj Peeran Qabristangraveyard of the five gurusin central Delhi, beside Lodhi Crematorium, is also packed with hundreds of citizens pacing up and down the ubar-khabar mud tracks. The sights are surreal, dream-like, truly unforgettable. Some graves are crowded with people, but some have only a single visitor. Some graves are lit with a dozen candles, but others have just one. A few have none.

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On a grassy wedge of land free of graves, a cluster of silent people are sitting patiently as food is served from a giant deg. Steps away, a family has settled down around the rose-strewn grave of a loved one, taking out home-made meethi rotis from a knotted cloth bundle. Elsewhere, a man is standing alone, the shadows of surrounding keekar trees intersecting on his silhouetted figure. Three teenagers are sitting around a mound of fresh earth, not caring that their denim pants are covered in the graveyard dust.

The inscription on some of the gravestones suggest they might not receive any visitor during the long night, for they belong to people who might not have family or friends in Delhi. Such as the four-year-old grave of Amina Abdirahman Maow, described on the gravestone as a native of Mogadishu in Somalia. The grave of Storai Mohebzada Fazle Rahman too is without light or flowers  the inscription describes him as a dweller of Kabul in Afghanistan.

Three years ago, the elderly Suhana Begum, a homeless woman living near this graveyard, was discovered dead on the street where she would usually sit. She lies buried somewhere amid these graves. Since Suhana Begum used to say that she had no one in the world, it is possible that her unmarked resting place might not be visited this special night.

PS: A few nights later, the Panj Peeran graveyard is immersed in customary darkness, with barely anyone around, evoking a familiar feel of melancholy, mystery and fear that cemeteries exude at night.
Five individuals fell ill after consuming a mouth freshener containing dry ice at a restaurant in Gurugram, police said on Monday. The viral video shows affected people screaming and vomiting after consuming the suspected contaminated mouth freshener.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Ankit Kumar, along with his wife and friends, dined at a Sector 90 restaurant, reported PTI. Following the meal, the restaurant staff served a mouth freshener, which soon impacted the group's health and they had to be taken to hospital, according to a complaint lodged by Kumar.

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ALSO READ- To a new urban sprawl  Dwarka expressway

'Dry ice was mixed in mouth freshener'

Kumar said that a doctor identified the substance in the mouth freshener as dry ice, describing it as a potentially fatal acid.

"I showed the packet of the mouth freshener to a doctor, who said it was dry ice. According to the doctor, it is an acid which can lead to death," the complainant said.

After ingesting the mouth freshener, they experienced a burning sensation. Their mouths started bleeding and they were vomiting, police said, after which they were taken to hospital.

ALSO READ- 42-year-old held for stabbing wife to death in Gurugram: Police

Four of the five affected have been hospitalised while the restaurant staff reportedly fled the scene.

In the viral video on social media, the affected individuals can be seen screaming, vomiting, and desperately washing their mouths to alleviate the intense burning sensation.

We are unaware of the substances mixed in the mouth freshener. Everyone is vomiting, has cuts on their tongues and feeling a burning sensation in their mouths. We don't know what type of acid they have given us, Kumar can be heard saying in the video.

Video here: Viewer discretion advised

ALSO READ- Supreme Court orders AAP to vacate Delhi office, sets deadline

Police registers FIR

Kumar reported the incident to the police, which registered an FIR under sections 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code at Kherki Daula police station on Sunday.

"We are investigating the matter and action will be taken as per law," said Station House Officer Inspector Manoj Kumar.

(With PTI inputs)
LUCKNOW: While the recent hailstorm has caused crop damage in approximately 40 out of Uttar Pradeshs 75 districts, only a few farmers in affected villages in eight districts alone may qualify for the government compensation, unless authorities adopt a more lenient stance, sources familiar with the matter revealed. For representation (Sourced)

As per the Central governments norms only farmers who suffer crop loss above 33% due to a natural calamity are eligible for compensation and damages above this limit have been reported from eight districts five in Bundelkhand, two in western UP, and one in the eastern region.

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The district-wise data released by the relief commissioners office on Monday indicates that crop loss ranges between 5-15% or even less in 33 districts, with no reported loss in 34 districts and losses exceeding 33% have been reported in only eight districts.

The districts with crop damages exceeding 33% are Basti (35 villages), Chitrakoot (10 villages), Jalaun (333 villages), Jhansi (32 villages), Saharanpur (62 villages), Shamli (33% of villages), Lalitpur (40-42% in 93 villages), and Mahoba (40-45% in 93 villages).

In Banda, the crop loss is approximately 30%, while in Amethi, Gorakhpur, Etah, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Sambhal, it falls below 33%. Among the districts with reported crop losses ranging from 5-15% or less are Agra, Aligarh, Badaun, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Hapur, Kanpur Dehat, Kasganj, Mainpuri, and Shahjahanpur.

As per the rules, only farmers who experience crop losses above 33% qualify for compensation from the government. Based on this criterion, affected farmers in only 7-8 districts may receive compensation, said a senior official from the revenue department. Therefore, the government may consider adopting a more lenient approach to benefit as many farmers as possible, he added.

Meanwhile, officials from the revenue department will convene a video conference with the district magistrates (DMs) of these districts on Tuesday to discuss the compensation mechanism. It should be noted that farmers experiencing crop losses of less than 33% may receive compensation from crop insurance companies, provided they have subscribed to a crop insurance policy.
Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla from Lucknow, one of the four selected for ISROs Gaganyaan Mission, said here on Tuesday that until the training began, it didnt sink in that he had in fact got selected for this mission. HT Image

Shukla, a CMS Aliganj alumnus, was commissioned as a fighter pilot in 2006 and has been a fighter pilot for over 16 years, with over 2000 hours of flying experience.

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He had also graduated as a fighter combat leader and a test pilot, of which the latter was a prerequisite for astronaut selection, he informed. Venturing into the unknown comes with the domain knowledge of being a test pilot, he said, adding, It is familiar territory for us test pilots to pick up something unknown and figure it out along the way, which is why navigating the training process wasnt all that difficult for us.

Shukla confessed that the curiosity for the unknown was what drove him to apply for this mission and that the feeling of having been selected took a while to sink in as it was all so fast and we were so busy at the time. It only sunk in when we had already left for training in Russia. The feeling sank in very gradually. He also shared that while he had no apprehensions about the mission, harbouring a little bit of anxiety is only sensible as it helps one to introspect. Doubt can be really important.

The mission was announced in 2018, after which the selection process lasted close to a year, said Shukla, adding that around 70 fighter pilots had applied. The group trained for several months in Russia, following which they returned to home base to continue their training in India, all of which was almost four years in the making.

More than anything, for me it is a sense of responsibility and I can only say that I am extremely fortunate to be doing what I am doing. We are quite confident and very excited for the mission, he said.
LUCKNOW: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has categorised Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, as Category 1. CSJMU is now the second university in the state, following Lucknow University, to achieve this status under UGC regulations, which aim to grant autonomy to high-performing institutions. Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in Kanpur (Sourced)

The proposal received from CSJMU has been examined, processed and considered by the UGC in its 577th meeting held on February 13, 2024. The university is now eligible for all the benefits as stipulated under Clause 4, i.e., dimensions of autonomy for category-1 universities, of these regulations. However, the university shall inform the commission about the benefits being implemented and its changed status, as applicable, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the UGC [Categorisation of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy] Regulations, 2018.

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Governor Anandiben Patel congratulated Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University for achieving Category 1 status in the UGC evaluation. She said the universitys recent accomplishment of receiving an A+ grade from NAAC, with an outstanding CGPA of 3.57.

She said that behind the successes lied the continuous hard work for quality improvement, which enhanced the capabilities of the university. It was only through continuous efforts that the university got a better ranking.

While congratulating the students and teachers, CSJMU vice-chancellor Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, said, It is a matter of great pleasure that CSJMU is now placed as a category 1 university by UGC. This places us in the top 10% of all the universities in India. We are delighted that the hard work of our teachers, students, and administrative staff paid off.
Three people, including a Chinese and Nepalese national, were arrested on Monday on charges of living in the country without valid documents and being in possession of over 530 activated sim cards that were obtained using forged documents, senior police officers said on Monday, adding that they suspect that these sim cards were procured for perpetrating cyber frauds on the public. Two of the three suspects in police custody on Monday. The suspects were arrested from near Gaur City township in Greater Noida West on Monday, based on a tip-off, said police. (HT Photo)

Suniti, deputy commissioner of police (Central Noida), identified the suspects Su Youming (34), a Chinese national, Anil Thapa (28), a Nepalese national,, and Vinod alias Agastya Bhati (52), a resident of Greater Noida.

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The suspects were arrested from near Gaur City township in Greater Noida West on Monday, based on a tip-off. Thapa was also in possession of a fake Indian Aadhaar card and PAN card, using which the three suspects were trying to find a rented accommodation in Greater Noida West and rented office space in Sector 18. They were frequently changing their location of residence around Delhi-NCR, said the DCP.

She said the police recovered four passports, driving licences, ID cards, nine mobile phones, some credit and debit cards from the suspects.

More importantly, over 530 activated SIM cards have been seized from the suspects which were purchased using the forged ID papers. It was found that Sus visiting visa expired three months ago and he was continuing to stay in the country illegally. Thapa and Bhati were assisting Su in running a cyber fraud gang, it has been found, said Suniti.

She added that the suspects were in the city to provide support to a cyber fraud gang in Cambodia.

The cyber fraud gang uses mobile apps such as Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, and some other Chinese apps there (in Cambodia) to dupe people in India. The three were planning to set up an office in Sector 18 to use it as a front for their activities. The gang uses these activated SIM cards to commit cyber frauds on unsuspecting targets, said the DCP.

She added that several foreign currencies were also recovered from the suspects.

 We have also recovered 94,710 in Indian rupee, 11,435 in Nepalese rupee, 2,100 in Cambodian riel, two US dollars, five dirhams, 150 in Thailand bahts and five Chinese yuan from the suspects. The three men have been booked under sections 420 (cheating), 467, 468 and 471 (all related to forgery) while the Chinese national has been booked under provisions of the Foreigners Act, the DCP said.

Suniti said further investigation is underway to trace more associates of the gang and to determine the magnitude of their activities. Central and state security agencies and departments concerned are also being apprised of the case.

Names of some local associates have also come to light and their roles are being investigated, she said.
A 30-year-old woman was allegedly duped to the tune of 3.75 lakh by a man posing as a senior police official and threatening her over sending an illegal courier to Taiwan from Mumbai, said the police. A case under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonesty) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC and IT Act has been registered against unidentified accused. (Representative image)

The accused made a video call to the victim, and siphoned off the money by convincing her to share her one-time-password (OTP) with him and verifying her Aadhaar card, police said.

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Her husband Chirag Varshney, 37, a private employee and resident of Amrapali Sapphire residential society, reported the matter in a complaint at Sector 39 police station, said additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP) (Noida) Manish Kumar Mishra.

In his police complaint, Chirag stated that on Friday around 10.30 pm, his wife, Sukirti Verma, who works at a private firm, received a phone call from an unidentified number. The caller said that her courier, which was supposed to be delivered in Taiwan from Mumbai, was stopped by customs officials after they found something illegal inside it, said another police official requesting anonymity.

In another video call on Skype, the accused sought her details. He even confirmed with Sukirti her Aadhaar card number, and then asked her about the one-time password (OTP) that she received.

Just as she revealed her OTP, 375,278 were siphoned from her bank account. And then she realised that she had actually fallen into a trap, said station house officer (SHO), Section 39, Jitendra Kumar.

Following her husbands complaint, a case under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonesty) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Information Technology (IT) Act was registered against the unidentified accused at Sector 39 police station on Saturday.

The case has been transferred to the cyber helpdesk for further investigation.
PUNE: For the first time, pomegranates grown in Maharashtra have been exported by sea to the United States of America (USA) with help from the Agricultural Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Pomegranates grown at Sangola in Solapur district were exported from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Boards Vashi facility on February 28. Last year, the APEDA carried out an air shipment of pomegranates with irradiation treatment and static trial in association with ICAR-NRC Pomegranate Solapur as technical partner. (HT PHOTO)

Last year, the APEDA carried out an air shipment of pomegranates with irradiation treatment and static trial in association with ICAR-NRC Pomegranate Solapur as technical partner. Buoyed by the success of the static trial, the APEDA tried to sign off the present consignment via sea, opening trade relations with potential markets for Indian pomegranates. The trial air shipment, static sea trial and sea container were executed by the APEDA-registered International Farms, a top exporter of fruits and vegetables from India to more than 25 countries worldwide. Over the years, the firm has made extensive efforts to enhance the quality and shelf life of pomegranates to meet the strict standards of global markets. As part of the Agro Star Group, International Farms has established a value chain for pomegranates by working directly with farmers in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

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The fruit exported by sea to the USA was sourced from ANARNET-registered farmers from Sangola in Maharashtra. Significantly, the premium received by the farmers was 20% compared to other export markets and 35% compared to the domestic market.

Rajesh Aggarwal, additional secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and Abhishek Dev, chairman, APEDA flagged off the pomegranate shipment comprising 4,200 boxes which is equivalent to 12.6 tons. There was representation from MSAMB Regional Plant Quarantine Station, State Agriculture Department, National Research Centre Pomegranate, the US Consulate, and International Farms at the ceremony.

Pomegranate is an important agricultural produce of India and the rich history associated with the fruit and its nutrition value contribute to popular demand for it. India produces some of the best varieties of pomegranate in terms of quality; soft, fleshy seeds; low acidity; and attractive colour. Bhagwa pomegranate is considered among the best varieties of pomegranates worldwide. Major pomegranate producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, with Maharashtra contributing to more than 50% of the production share.
The Jharkhand high court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the Spanish womans gangrape case in Dumka and directed the superintendent of police to file a status report about the incident by Thursday, people aware of the development said. The Jharkhand high court. (File)

Taking cognisance of media reports, division bench of acting chief justice S Chandrashekhar and justice Navneet Kumar issued notices to chief secretary, director general of police and home secretary besides Dumka SP as respondents in the matter.

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The matter has been listed next for March 7 by when the Dumka SP has been directed to file the status report. The bench also appointed advocate Ritu Kumar as amicus in the matter, a counsel who was part of the proceedings said.

A 45-year-old Spanish speaking Brazilian national was allegedly gang-raped by seven persons on Friday night under Hansdiha police station limits in Dumka district. The woman, a vlogger, had been on a bike tour along with her husband. Four of the seven accused have been arrested so far.

The victim compensation committee chaired by the district judge, meanwhile, has approved payment of 10 lakh to the survivor.

The amount would be converted into Euros and transferred into the account of her husband, Dumka deputy commissioner A Dodde told reporters on Monday.
The Supreme Court verdict overruling its majority judgment in the 1998 JMM bribery case that MPs/MLAs have immunity from prosecution for accepting bribes to cast a vote or make a speech in the House in a particular fashion has further multiplied the problems of the Shibu Soren family, which is already facing a slew of corruption cases. JMM MLA Sita Soren. (PTI)

Also Read | Vote-for-bribe: SC says no immunity for MPs and MLAs, overrules 1998 verdict

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In an immediate effect of the verdict, Sita Soren, the eldest daughter-in-law of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president Shibu Soren, would now have to face trial before the special CBI court which is already examining witnesses in the 2012 horse trading case, people aware of the development said on Monday.

Sita, widow of late Durga Soren, eldest son of Shibu Soren, currently represents Jama seat in the Jharkhand assembly and is into her third term as legislator.

The fresh trouble for the Soren family comes close on the heels of action against former chief minister Hemant Soren, who was arrested by the directorate of enforcement (ED) on January 31 on money laundering charges related to an alleged land scam in the state capital being probed by the federal agency.

Also Read | SC strikes balance between graft charges, parliamentary privilege

Shibu Soren himself is facing a disproportionate assets case before Lokayukta on complaint filed by BJP parliamentarian Nishikant Dubey. The JMM chief had challenged the proceedings in the Delhi high court. However, the top court dismissed his petition refusing to interfere in the case.

Hemant Soren, who is currently in judicial custody, stepped down the same day he was arrested, and party vice-president Champai Soren took over the reins of the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance government last month. Hemants younger brother and Dumka legislator Basant Soren has joined Champai cabinet as a representative of the family in the government.

The JMM leaders, meanwhile, remained tightlipped over the SC verdict. We would comment about all possible implications after we see the complete order, said JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey.

Also Read | PM Modi lauds SC's great judgment overruling immunity to MPs, MLAs for bribery

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2013 registered the horse-trading case on a direction from the Jharkhand high court after the Election Commission of India (ECI) rescinded the original notification for the 2012 Rajya Sabha polls for the state.

Sita surrendered in the special CBI court of R K Choudhary on February 25, 2014, after the Jharkhand high court rejected her anticipatory bail with a direction to her to surrender within a week.

One of the six accused in the case, Sita was earlier declared absconder and her properties were attached in her residences at Ranchi and Bokaro on February 19, 2014, by the CBI. Later, the Jharkhand high court granted her bail on September 12, 2014.

Earlier, on June 3, 2013, the CBI had filed chargesheet in the special CBI court against six accused including Sita Soren, her father B Majhi, the then independent candidates and industrialists R K Agarwal and Pawan Kumar Dhoot and Dhoots agent Sunil Kumar Maheswari and one Rajendra Mandal.

The chargesheet accused the JMM MLA of taking 1.5 crore from Agarwal in lieu of casting her vote in his favour in the scraped 2012 Rajya Sabha elections and that her father allegedly had taken one crore rupees out of the booty before leaving home in Odisha.

People familiar with the matter in the JMM said three prosecution witnesses close to the legislator have already deposed before the court.
The Russian army hornswoggling Indians to serve in combat roles in the Ukraine war while telling them they were being recruited for non-combat roles certainly merits the Centres attention. New Delhi has sought early discharge of some 20 recruits after they contacted the Indian embassy in Moscow, but many more remain stuck. The focus has to be on bringing them back home safely as early as possible. PREMIUM Russia-Ukraine War: Service members of Ukrainian Joint Assault Brigade Fury fire a S60 cannon towards Russian troops near the front-line town of Bakhmut.(Reuters)

That said, an apple farmer, an out-of-work graduate, and a former airline-catering employee, among several others, rushing for jobs in a conflict zone points to a deeper problem  the lack of jobs that pay competitive salaries. The unemployment rate stood at a high 8% at the end of February, as per data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. Read against the impressive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth showing, this raises jobless-growth concerns. Rural wages have stagnated, as farm growth has been anaemic. Such factors are leading to desperate choices, reflected in the willingness to join a war, albeit in supposedly non-combat roles. Spurring job creation needs a clutch of fixes, including the implementation of liberalised labour Codes.

An immediate step to prevent such recruitment, though, is stricter enforcement of the Emigration Act, under which agents recruiting Indians for work overseas must register with the Protector General of Emigrants. Also important is to relook at the exemption criteria for ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status: Anyone who has passed matriculation is eligible for ECNR exemption. This is simply not enough given how even jobless graduates sought the Russian military gig.

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Class 10 or SSLC final examinations in Kerala started today, March 4, 2024. On the first day of their examinations, Class 10th students of the state board are appearing for the first language paper 1 examination  Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Urdu, Gujarati, Additional English, Additional Hindi, Sanskrit (academic), Sanskrit Oriental, Arabic (academic), and Arabic Oriental. The exams will end on March 25. Kerala SSLC 2024 begins

Around 4,27,105 regular students are expected to appear in the Kerala SSLC examination this year. Of the total registered candidates, 1,43,557 are from government schools, 2,55,360 are from aided schools, and 28,188 are from unaided schools.

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These exams will be held in 2,955 centres in the state, nine in Lakshadweep and seven in the Gulf region. In Gulf centres, 630 students are expected to write their SSLC final exams and 285 students in the nine exam centres in Lakshwadweep.

Ahead of board examinations, the Kerala government launched a toll-free helpline number for parents and students.

They can use the We Help service by dialing 1800 425 2844 between 7 am and 7 pm. Mental health counsellors trained by NIMHANS Bangalore will provide assistance for free, the state Education Minister V Sivankutty said while launching the helpline.

(Inputs from agencies)
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is gearing up to host the 30th edition of the annual technical and entrepreneurial fest Techkriti24 from March 14 to March 17, 2024. IIT Kanpur set to host its annual technical and entrepreneurial fest Techkriti24 from March 14 to March 17, 2024. Those interested to take part can register themselves at techkriti.org.

According to a press release, the theme for latest edition is The Cosmic Nexus, and it will offer four days of extravaganza filled with innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit.

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Several competitions, workshops, and events have been planned as part of the four-day programme, with an expected footfall of 60,000 from over 1500 colleges worldwide.

The festival will feature competitive events spanning various domains like Robo games, Take Off, Software Corner, Mandakini, Model United Nations, Fintech, ECDC, Design, and Technovation.

Besides, an array of workshops will also be conducted by industry experts from esteemed companies such as CISCO, Mastercard, Autodesk, StockGro, Altair, and more.

The event will cover trending topics  from AI/ML to ChatGPT to Electric Vehicles, IoT with Google, Robotics, Drone, and Blockchain Technology, thereby providing valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences.

Also read: IIM Kashipur invites applications for MBA Analytics; CAT, GMAT accepted

Furthermore, an Auto Expo featuring a stunning Ferrari and other cars will also be a highlight , as well as NAO by Softbank Robotics, a humanoid robot revolutionizing human-robot interaction.

Another attraction of Techkriti24 is its line-up of captivating shows and performances consisting of electrifying DJ nights to stand-up comedy acts.

Prof. S. Ganesh, the Director of IIT Kanpur, exuded confidence that the 30th edition will be a unique opportunity for all the participating students, including aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to connect, learn, and thrive.

Also read: APPSC Group 2 Result 2024: Check Andhra Pradesh group 2 results expected date

Tech enthusiasts, budding entrepreneurs, and those curious about the latest trends in technology can register themselves to be part of the four-day program.

To register and for more information, please visit the official website techkriti.org.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is hosting the All India Research Scholars Summit (AIRSS) 2024 from today till March 7, 2024. Union MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar, addressing All India Research Scholars Summit 2024 at IIT Madras on March 4, 2024.

According to a press release, the AIRSS 2024 is being conducted by the Research Affairs Council of IIT Madras and brings together researchers from diverse disciplines across India.

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A primary agenda behind the AIRSS 2024 is to explore the latest advancements in various research domains presented through oral presentations, poster sessions, and product/prototype showcases.

As part of the program, a panel discussion on Research and Development: Catalysts for India's Global Academic Standing was held that featured Dr V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, Dr Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISC Bangalore, Dr B S Murthy, Director of IIT Hyderabad, Dr Aghila, Director, NIT Trichy, and Dr DVLN Somayajulu, Director of IIITDM Kurnool.

Also read: Punjab Police Constable Recruitment 2024: Apply for 1746 posts from March 14

Union MoS for Electronics and Information Technology, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed the inaugural session and said, The crowning development, in the context of this Research Summit is going to be the soon-to-be-announced Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre, which will be a global standard academia-Government-private sector-start-up partnered institution that will initially co-located with the Semiconductor Complex Limited as an institution.

Chandrashekhar added that the centre will emerge as one of the principal poles of semiconductor research in the coming decade with the ability to be spun off into an independent semiconductor research organization that will compete and cooperate with IMEC, MIT Microelectronics, USA, and ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute), Taiwan.

Also read: JKSSB SI admit card 2024 out; download link here

The Union Minister also highlighted on how the Semiconductor ecosystem grew in India in the last two years.

Addressing the Research Scholars, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized on the need for state-of-the-art research to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

He said that the summit will pave the way for strong research collaborations among the vibrant research community.

The inaugural session will be followed by a Plenary Panel focusing on the critical role of defence and space research in achieving a self-reliant India.

Spotlight Talks have also been scheduled to engage during which experts will share insights, experiences, and perspectives gained in their respective fields, as informed in the release.

There will also be plenary panel discussions by eminent figures such as Directors of IITs, IISC, NITs, and IIITs along with representatives from organizations such as DRDO, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

The summit will feature cultural events such as music concerts, open mic sessions, recreational activities, and DJ beats.
Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani and family went all out for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The three-day festivities featured celebrity guests such as Rihanna, Bill Gates, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, among many others, yet the opulence and beauty of the various venues for the different functions hosted by the Ambani family between March 1-3 emerged as a main character onto themselves, offering the perfect setting for the grand festivities. Also read: 5 best moments from Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant's star-studded Jamnagar bash Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambanis pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar were held over three days.

As per a recent report by Daily Mail, the pre-wedding festivities hosted by Nita and Mukesh Ambani cost a staggering 120 million (approximately 1260 crore) with the catering contract alone, awarded to one of Indias leading five-star hotel groups, rumoured to be around 20 million.

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Massive flower arrangements

On March 1, the first day of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding festivities was celebrated as 'An Evening in Everland', where guests wore elegant cocktail attire. Fashion designer Manish Malhotra shared a picture on Instagram Stories with American floral designer Jeff Leatham, who was responsible for all the intricate flower arrangements at the extravaganza. Known for his work with reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian and the rest of her family, Jeff created larger-than-life white, pink and purple flower arrangements for the night.

Animals and forest-inspired day-time event

On March 2, art inspired by India was the decor theme as the Ambanis hosted 'A Walk on the Wildside' with 'jungle fever' being the dress code. Held outdoors in the Ambanis' animal rescue centre Vantara in Jamnagar, the event featured peacock and jaguar motifs on chairs and furnishings. Forests, birds and animals could be found on everything from carepts to walls.

In the evening, the guests proceeded to 'Mela Rouge'. The Moulin Rouge-inspired carnival was the most opulent event of the Ambani celebrations featuring yellow bulbs and chandeliers and the bold use of red colour. Making it even more dramatic and romantic were large-scale red floral installations.

Mirrors on ceilings to a glittering golden and red carousel, the Ambanis were not kidding, when they called their pre-wedding sangeet night 'Mela Rouge'. On March 3, for the 'Maha Aarti', the decor was inspired by India and featured lots of white floral strings and lighting.

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Vikrant Massey, who has been basking in the success of his last film 12th Fail (2023), recently spoke about fatherhood. During an interview with GQ India, the actor, who welcomed his first baby earlier in February with wife Sheetal Thakur, was asked how he plans to raise his son 'in the current social climate'. The actor said he wants to 'think on his feet'. Also read | Vikrant Massey says his brother Moeen converted to Islam at 17: 'I've seen a lot of arguments related to religion' Vikrant Massey with his newborn son and wife Sheetal Thakur.

'Priority is to ensure my baby is healthy'

Vikrant Massey said, Im going to take each day as it comes. I want to be nimble and think on my feet, so I can adapt. The pace at which the world is changing is faster than most of us can comprehend, so theres no point in planning ahead. The priority is to ensure my baby is healthy, and apart from that, Im just soaking it all in.

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'Its the best role of my life'

When asked what it was like being a new dad, Vikrant said, "Its the best role of my life. A role thats going to last a lifetime and the one Im most looking forward to."

Vikrant Massey and Sheetal Thakur married in 2022 and their son was born on February 7, 2024. A couple of weeks later, the new parents announced their son's name, writing on Instagram along with a family photo of the three, Nothing short of a blessing We named him Vardaan!!!

Vikrant Massey's family

Vikrant Massey, who recently won the Best Actor Award in the Critics category at this year's Filmfare Awards for his performance in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, has been in the news because of his statements about his family, including his elder brother Moeen.

In a recent interview with Unfiltered by Samdish, Vikrant shared that Moeen converted to Islam at the age of 17. Vikrant also said that while his father is a Christian, his mother is Sikh.

The actor had said, My brothers name is Moeen, I am called Vikrant. Youd wonder why the name Moeen? He converted to Islam, my family let him change his religion. They said, Beta (Son), if you find satisfaction in this, then go ahead. He converted at the age of 17, it is a big step. My mother is Sikhni, my father is a church-going Christian, he goes to church twice a week. From a young age, I have seen a lot of arguments related to religion and spirituality.

Vikrant was last seen in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, which revolves around UPSC aspirants and is based on the real-life experiences of IPS officer Manoj Kumar. He will next be seen in The Sabarmati Report.

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Actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia last year, which was confirmed in a joint statement by his family. Now, his wife Emma Heming Willis has shut down reports about the actor's dementia battle in a new video on her Instagram battle, and said to stop with these stupid headlines, these stupid clickbaity things that freak people out. (Also read: Bruce Willis' wife slams dumb report claiming ex-wife Demi Moore is moving in: 'Let's nip this one in the bud') Bruce Willis with his wife Emma Heming Willis.

What Bruce Willis' wife said

In the Instagram video, Emma said that she was triggered with a clickbait headline about her family. She then said, Now, I can just tell you, that is far from the truth. I need society, and whosever's writing these stupid headlines, to stop scaring people. Stop scaring people to think that once they get a diagnosis of some kind of neurocognitive disease that that's it, it's over, let's pack it up, nothing else to see here, we're done. No. It is the complete opposite of that."

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She further added, There is grief and sadness and all of that. But, you start a new chapter and that chapter is filled  let me just tell you what it is. Its filled with love, its filled with connection, its filled with joy, its filled with happiness. That's what we are. So stop with these headlines. These stupid clickbaity things that freak people out. Nothing to see here, okay?

More details

In the caption to her new post, Emma said, My experience is that two things can be true and exist at the same time. Grief and deep love. Sadness and deep connection. Trauma and resilience. I had to get out of my own way to get here but once I arrived, life really started to come together with meaning and I had a true sense of purpose. There is so much beauty and soulfulness in this story.

Bruce Willis had left acting last year due to health concerns. On February 17 last year, the actor's family issued a joint statement on social media stating that his condition has progressed to a specific diagnosis by the name of frontotemporal dementia. The statement also added that the disorder has no cure, and hopes for greater medical research and media attention.

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MBABANE  Micro distilleries, also known as boutique or craft distilleries, are slowly becoming viable in the country and the consequence has been beneficial on many levels including job creation.

A number of local players are tapping into the industry and exploring the lucrative spirits industry. In recent years, all over Africa, there has been a big upsurge of craft distillers many of whom are producing exceptional products today. It has taken plenty of investment and, by most accounts, many joyous hours of learning to reach the great range and quality of spirits now available in the continent. Eswatini has not been left behind in the formation of the industry.

Producer

Such industry players include Jackalberry Distillery, Eswatinis first small-batch craft distiller. Jackalberry is the producer of Imbali gin, Tatama Premium Vodka, Cosmos Colour changing Gin and many other products. A recent addition to the distillers product range is the Spirit of Eswatini, a gin manufactured using locally sourced marula fruits. According to Kirstie Van Rensburg, the Product Developer and co-founder of Jackalberry Distillery, the company works with local suppliers when sourcing raw materials and the aim is to empower these suppliers and help improve their livelihoods. The Spirit of Eswatini is a gin we manufactured using the pride of Eswatini  the marula fruit. It has taken us a long time to perfect the recipe and create this masterpiece, she said.

Perfect

The recent Buganu festival at Buhleni Royal Residence was the perfect stage for the gins launch as it saw the company introducing the product for the first time to the public.

According to Van Rensburg, the craft industry in the country is growing as more layers are showing interest in tapping into the space. She went on to mention that the COVID-19 pandemic unsettled the industry mainly because it was still in its infancy stage. Our E3 million investment into the business was almost affected. We are still seeing signs of recovery since the pandemic as alcoholic beverages were restricted at that time. We were somewhat unlucky as that was around the time our company started operating, she said.

When asked about the prospects of exporting their products to other countries, Van Rensburg highlighted that the company recently obtained an export permit and is already in the process of securing reliable markets in other countries. We are an authentically African company and our wish is to penetrate the African market first before going overseas; our wish is for Africa to experience the product first before other continents, she added.

Importance

The product developer highlighted the importance of first establishing a base in Eswatini before expanding to other countries. Our products are already available in most alcohol retailers in the country and the newly launched vodka will be joining the catalogue soon, she said. Van Rensburg went on to state the authenticity of Jackalberry as a proudly Swati company by mentioning that they were looking to employ more emaSwati as the company grows. We currently have three key employees and a number of casual bar staff for functions. We have an amazing team and people often comment on the strength of the team, she said. In the Global Beverage Market, the Craft Spirit Industry is one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, in terms of the number of producers and the number of products and sales available. According to research by Statista.

Growth

The Spirits market in South Africa has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. Customer preferences for premium and craft spirits, as well as the increasing popularity of cocktails, have contributed to this development. Additionally, local special circumstances such as the countrys rich history of wine production and the growing tourism industry have also played a role in shaping the market. Customer preferences in the South African Spirits market have shifted towards premium and craft offerings. Consumers are increasingly willing to spend more on high-quality spirits, seeking unique flavour profiles and artisanal production methods. This trend is in line with global market patterns, as consumers worldwide are becoming more discerning and knowledgeable about spirits.
South Asian women, especially of Indian origin, taking centre-stage in global titles like Bridgerton and One Day was long overdue, says Indian-American actor Avantika Vandanapu. She debuted in 2016 with the Telugu film, Mahesh Babu-starrer Brahmotsavam and was recently seen as Karen Shetty in the reboot of Mean Girls. (Also Read: Avantika Vandanapu recalls working with Mahesh Babu: Nothing short of a dream come true) Avantika Vandanapu talks about working in Hollywood(Instagram)

Indian women have been able to shine in Hollywood

From Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Citadel to Simone Ashley in Bridgerton and Ambika Mod in One Day, the list of female actors with an Indian connect in Hollywood keeps getting longer. It has been a long time coming considering we are a large population with so many incredibly, beautiful, and talented women. It was time that a community of 1.5 billion people was represented on the global (stage), the actor told PTI in a new interview.

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Crediting the women who paved the way for actors like her to come up, Avantika said she and her contemporaries hope to do the same for 'future generations of South Asian women'. She added, It's amazing that Indian women have kind of been able to shine their light in Hollywood... I feel honoured to be a part of this legacy.

Samantha, Kajal, Chay were kind to me

Avantika remembers her initial years in the film industry with fondness. She acted in the Telugu films Brahmotsavam, Premam and Manamantha, apart from Bhoomika in Tamil. She was barely 10 but remembers through a 'blur of positive memories' that the stars on these sets were kind to her.

Samantha (Ruth Prabhu), Kajal Aggarwal were lovely and kind. It meant a lot to me as a young girl who was struggling with the way she looked. Samantha is doing incredible things and so is Kajal and so to continue watching them succeed is inspiring. I remember Naga Chaitanya being so lovely to me on set, she says.

Nepotism, colourism might not work in my favour

Avantika will soon be seen in the Disney series A Crown of Wishes. She will also debut in Hindi with Nitya Mehra's Prime Video show Big Girls Don't Cry.

There are 100 per cent plans to work in India. But it's a different beast. There's a lot to battle that goes beyond talent to work like nepotism, colourism. I don't have that necessarily going in my favour. That being said, I have an Amazon Prime show coming out in a few weeks called Big Girls Don't Cry by Nitya Mehra. I hope that will kind of be my debut in Bollywood even though it's on OTT, she says.

Growing up on films like Matilda and Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots propelled her love for cinema, she says. Matilda shaped my interest in wanting to be in films. 3 Idiots is a classic, it was such a big film for me. I am inspired by heartfelt movies that feel like a true representation of what it means to be human and what it means to live, she added.

About Mean Girls

Paramount Pictures released Mean Girls in Indian theatres last month. Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr, the film is billed as a new twist on the 2004 modern classic by Tina Fey. The new film follows Cady Heron (Angourie Rice), who joins her new high school's elite group The Plastics, run by Regina George (Renee Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika).

When Cady falls for Regina's ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she is at loggerheads with Regina. As Cady sets out to take down Regina with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli'i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating high school.

Avantika landed the role of the gullible Karen, played by Amanda Seyfried in the original movie, through a standard audition process. It was wonderful to kind of get her blessing and know that she was supportive and encouraging of my participation in the film. She had a lot of faith in me, especially when reprising an iconic character like this. There is this sense of hesitation and fear that comes with living up to the legacy before you and her being supportive of me meant a lot, she says.

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When Kazu Hiro first started experimenting with makeup as a teenager in the 1980s, one face leapt out at him from books and magazines he saw in shops: legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein. Four decades later, the two-time Oscar winner has come full circle with Maestro, in which he transformed Bradley Cooper into the towering musical great. And the makeup effects artist has another Academy Award in his sights. (Also read: Maestro review: Carey Mulligan delivers the performance of her career in Leonard Bernstein biopic) Japanese-US makeup artist Kazu Hiro attends the Oscar Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on February 12, 2024. (Photo by Valerie MACON / AFP)(AFP)

"Leonard Bernstein was a big inspiration when I was a kid," Hiro told AFP in an interview. "Every time I create a human face, I need a reference photograph. And at that time, there was no internet," the 54-year-old explained. So I had to go to a bookstore. And the face he saw over and over was Bernstein's. In the 1980s, the internationally acclaimed conductor had a packed concert schedule, along with teaching and composing. Shortly after that, the Kyoto native saw Bernstein in a documentary on Japanese television.

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On inspiration from Leonard Bernstein

"I was really inspired by what he was talking about," Hiro said. I thought, you know, 'Someday, I want to work on a film about Leonard Bernstein.' Then in 2020, he got a call from Cooper, who directed, cowrote and stars in Maestro, which offers a look at Bernstein's life through the lens of his marriage to actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). "It's really a passion project," Hiro said. Bradley and me love Leonard Bernstein so much.

Kazu Hiro first honed his craft in Japan, teaching himself how to change the contours of a face by trial and error. He moved to the United States in the 1990s, and ultimately became one of the most sought-after makeup artists in Hollywood. Hiro has worked on dozens of films with A-list stars, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, transforming Jim Carrey into the beloved Dr Seuss character, and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps with Eddie Murphy.

But after earning two Oscar nominations - for Norbit, again starring Murphy, and Click with Adam Sandler - Hiro walked away, retiring in 2012 and vowing to dedicate the next phase of his career to sculpture. However, Tinseltown soon lured him back. He transformed Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill for Darkest Hour (2017), a feat that earned him his first Oscar. Two years later, he earned another golden statuette for Bombshell, in which Charlize Theron morphed into television journalist Megyn Kelly.

Working with Bradley Cooper was a no-brainer, given his emotional connection to the subject matter.

A Perfectionist

When Cooper and Hiro first met in 2020, they talked about how to bring Bernstein to life, and effectively represent the nearly 50-year span the film covers. The makeup artist divided the movie into five phases - from having to make Cooper, now 49, look younger, to progressively aging him.

Preproduction lasted longer than expected - in large part due to the coronavirus pandemic, but also because of the project's complexity. Transforming Cooper into a young Bernstein took two and a half hours. The middle stage required three hours, and the final stage meant the actor was in the chair for about five hours "because he had to be covered from head to toe," Hiro said.

"We are both kind of a perfectionist," Hiro said. "He conjured Leonard Bernstein from inside out."

Difficult criticism

But that artistic feat brought other challenges. When Netflix released the film's first trailer last year, there was sharp criticism about Cooper's use of a large prosthetic nose, with some saying the depiction of the Jewish maestro reflected anti-Semitic tropes.

Bernstein's children Jamie, Alexander and Nina rallied to the movie's defense, saying they were "perfectly fine" with the decision and adding: "It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose."

Hiro admits it was a "difficult" moment. "I was really confused about it," the artist said. It took me a while to [digest it]. We had so much respect for Leonard Bernstein. And he happened to have that nose. Beyond the social media furor, many people who had known Bernstein told Hiro that his countless hours of analyzing features had paid off: that Cooper looked "exactly like Lenny."

"That kind of proves that our goal was accomplished," he said- a fact that seems confirmed by Hiro's Oscar nomination, his fifth. The artist and his team are the favorites to win the award for achievement in makeup and hairstyling at the Oscars gala on March 10, over teams from Poor Things, Oppenheimer, The Society of the Snow and Golda.

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The eldest member of BTS, Jin, has begun the countdown months ahead of his discharge from the South Korean military. Jin joined the military in December 2022. The BTS fandom started sharing comments on social media platforms, excited about Jin's discharge. (Also Read | BTS military discharge dates revealed: Countdown to Jin, Jungkook, Jimin, V, Suga, J-Hope, and RM's return) BTS member Jin will be discharged from the military soon.

Jin shares new post

Taking to Weverse on Monday, Jin aka Kim Seok-jin, simply wrote, "D-100." The oldest member of the group is likely to be discharged around June 10-15 this year. Fans started tweeting after his post. A person wrote on X (previously Twitter), Can't wait for him to return.

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Fans react to Jin's post

A comment read, "Just a little more patience, Jinie. Just 100 days more, and you're back. Our Moon is going to come home soon." "Can't wait for your dad jokes," teased a fan. "He really couldn't wait. We look forward to Kim Seokjin's return!!" wrote an X user.

Another person said, "Hes counting down the days with us. He wants to reunite with us too." A social media user wrote, "Let's us begin the countdown for his return !! Kim Seokjin, the father, is coming." Another comment read, "I can't wait to see and hear your voice again. After 100 days, we will smile like no other." An excited fan wrote, "I am screaming!!!! Our Seokjinnie will return soon! Counting every hour, every minute, every second of his return."

Jin's old video from camp, his message for fans

A few days after Jin started his mandatory military service, BangtanTV had shared a video, on its YouTube channel, of the eldest BTS member as he reached the training centre. The clip was of Jins Entrance Ceremony with BTS, as the members-- RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook came to bid farewell to Jin.

All the members clicked individual selfies and group photos with Jin. In a message for the BTS ARMY, Jin looked at the camera and said, "I'll go and come back safely. Since being healthy is first priority I won't be sick, and our ARMYs, fighting and don't be sick either."

As the video ended, RM had said, "I'm worried about Jin hyung who doesn't like the cold but his younger brothers will follow him soon. It doesn't feel great to send him off but he does well wherever he goes. I believe he'll do well. It doesn't feel good but it's something everyone has to do, so fighting hyung. Don't get hurt, be healthy, and I'll prepare well too. Fighting!"

About Jin

Jin began his 18 months of military service at a front-line South Korean boot camp. Jin, who will turn 31 this year, entered the boot camp at Yeoncheon, a town near the tense border with North Korea. He did five weeks of basic military training together with other conscript soldiers. After the training, he and other conscripts were assigned to army units.

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Social media trends have a deep-seated affinity for K-pop idols, especially when they're slaying the world stage as their fanciest selves. Once again, these global stars have raised the bar as poised representatives of their backgrounds and art. The 2024 Paris Fashion Week kicked off on February 26 and will conclude with flair on March 5. So far, each K-pop artist who's made it to the Parisian showcase has won internet trends. Moreover, their interactions with Hollywood stars and other A-list guests have only added extra spice to their professional escapade. Jisoo attended the Dior show on February 27, whereas Momo came out to support Miu Miu on March 4. Felix is expected to represent Louis Vuitton on the Paris Fashion Week 2024 closing day, March 5. (Instagram)

Dior ambassador, Blackpink's Jisoo, was among the first A-listers to have left the Parisian air in a daze. Thereafter, her bandmate Rose attended the YSL womenswear presentation on February 27. Here are the other K-pop stars who were in attendance at the PFW 24:

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K-pop idols at Paris Fashion Week 2024:

Blackpink's Jisoo

Date: February 27

Show: Dior AW 2024 (Autumn-Winter 2024-2025)

Blackpink's Rose

Date: February 27

Show: YSL Women's Winter 24

Also read: Monsta X, IVE undergo Elon Musk's SpaceX makeover; Agency responds to the hack

Seventeen's Mingyu

Date: February 27

Show: Dior AW24 (Autumn-Winter 2024-2025)

Itzy's members: Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeyeong and Yuna (Lia was absent due to health reasons)

Date: February 28

Show: Courreges FW24 fall-winter 2024/2025

Seventeen's Dino

Date: February 29

Show: Off-White FW24

aespa's Giselle

Date: March 1

Show: Loewe FW24

Stray Kids' Seungmin

Date: March 1

Show: Made his Paris Fashion Week debut at the Loewe fall-winter 2024 women's runway

Though not at the PFW24, Seungmin's bandmate Hyunjin also became the talk of the town when he attended his first-ever Milan Fashion Week as a Versace ambassador. Moreover, he stole the spotlight and social media trends with snaps of him sitting next to Anne Hathaway.

Stray Kids' Felix

Date: March 5

Show: Louis Vuitton Women's Fall-Winter 2024

Blackpink's Jennie

Date: Expected to attend on March 5

Show: Chanel FW24 Ready-to-Wear

Seventeen's Seungkwan

Date: March 5

Show: Christian Louboutin FW24

IVE's Jang Won Young

Date: March 5

Show: Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2024

TWICE's Momo

Date: March 5

Show: Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2024

(G)I-DLE's Minnie

Date: March 5

Show: Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2024

NewJeans' Hyein

Date: March 5

Show: Louis Vuitton FW24

NCT's Ten

Date: March 5

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Mallidi Vassishtas Chiranjeevi and Trisha-starrer Vishwambhara has a new addition to the cast. Ramya Pasupuleti of Husharu fame took to her Instagram to share some behind-the-scenes pictures and share how excited she is to be roped in for the project. (Also Read: Trisha Krishnan returns to Telugu cinema after almost a decade with Chiranjeevis Vishwambhara) Ramya Pasupuleti and Chiranjeevi on the sets of Vishwambhara(Instagram)

Honoured to act with the legend

Ramya shared two pictures from the sets of Vishwambhara which sees her all smiles as she poses for a click with Chiranjeevi. She wrote that shes honoured to act and dance with the actor, Its an honor to share the screen, dance, and act with the legend @chiranjeevikonidela sir. What an amazing personality! Theres so much to learn from the boss. (sic)

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She also thanked the director Vassishta for casting her in the role, writing, Thank you so much for creating an opportunity to take a picture. Truly honored. What a day! Also thank you @vassishta_006 sir for giving me this role! #chiranjeevi #megastar. (sic)

Upcoming work

Ramya is known for her role in the web-series #BFF (Adulting) and the films Husharu and Commitment. Apart from Vishwambhara, she will soon be seen in Gaami, starring Vishwak Sen and Chandini Chowdary in the lead roles. The film will hit screens this Friday. Chiranjeevi was last seen in Waltair Veerayya and Bholaa Shankar. The former film received good response while the latter failed to make a mark. Vassistha debuted in 2022 with the Kalyan Ram-starrer Bimbisara which was a massive hit.

About Vishwambhara

Vishwambhara is a socio-fantasy film which will see music by Oscar-winner MM Keeravaani. Apart from Chiranjeevi, Trisha and Ramya, the film also stars Surbhi, Isha Chawla, Ashika Ranganath, Harsha Vardhan, Vennela Kishore and Praveen in key roles. There were rumours that the film is a sequel to Chiranjeevis 1990 film Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, which also starred Sridevi. But Vyjayanti Movies clarified on X without naming the makers of Vishwambhara, that they hold the rights to use the film in any derivative form, including a sequel.

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Theatre veterans Kumud Mishra and Shubhrajyoti Barat, ably supported by young actors, left the audience in splits during the plays held as a part of Repertwahr Weekends at the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy. Kumud Mishra and Shubhrajyoti Barat during the play Purane Chawal staged in Lucknow(HT Photo)

The two-day weekend fest opened with director Akarsh Khuranas play Dhumrapan, written by playwright Adhir Bhat. Set in the smoking area of a corporate office, the play delves with office gossip, competition and bond between colleagues, family lives and office politics.

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Play Dhumrapan being staged in Lucknow(Mushtaq Ali/HT)

The play revolves around the senior most staff, played by Barat, and his younger colleagues, joined by an intern, and the strict boss, played by Mishra. Set from Monday to Friday, the days unfold how Barat loses his job for a mistake which affects his colleagues. Selfish motives, appraisals, God-fearing nature, father-son relationship, flirting nature and insecurities all come into play. Smoking and office-politics remain the binding force which created hilarious moments.

Acts of Abhishek Saha, Siddharth Kumar, Ghanshyam Lalsa, Samridhi Agarwal and Sarthak Kakkar got roaring applause.

The instrument played by Rajat Tiwari mesmerised the audience. I had the smallest role in the play but being a part of this beautifully written play and direction is my driving force. The love Lucknow showered on us is amazing as always, says Mishra.

Play Purane Chawal was staged on Sunday in which Mishra (as Mehdi) and Barat (as VD) played elderly actors. The story is about the duo after a successful run of their iconic play for 42 years. Then comes 12 years of angst as the two cant see eye to eye, but are scheduled to team up again. This love and hate relationship creates hilarious and emotional moments which the actors ace brilliantly.

The play is an adaptation of playwright Niel Simons play The Sunshine Boy and has been directed by actor-director Sumeet Vyas. Ghanshyam Lalsa, Prashant, Kirti and Anamika Tiwari played commendable roles.

This is a new play and we started it a little while back. Abhi naya baccha hai and aap log taali baja rahe hain to accha lag raha hai, says Barat.

Organiser Bhoopesh Rai adds, We have started this Weekends thing under which we are planning to host two plays or maybe stand-up comedy acts every month.
New Delhi: Of the 10 Indian app developers whose apps were delisted by Google from its Play Store on Friday for not complying with its payments policy, nine had a few of their apps relisted by Monday morning as developers complied with Googles policy to recover visibility for their apps. Some developers, like Info Edge, had all of their apps re-listed by Sunday night. (Representative image)

Apps got back because of compliance and not because of reversal of decision by Google. Developers complied with consumption only model for the time being so that at least their apps are visible on the Play Store, TrulyMadlys Snehil Khanor said.

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The consumption-only model means that developers will not offer in-app payments to users and instead direct them to the website to make payments, a move that creates friction in the user interface and discourages people from making payments, developers say.

Also Read: 5 Info Edge apps delisted from Google Play Store, company tells bourses

Some developers, like Info Edge, had all of their apps relisted by Sunday night. Others, like Matrimony.com, had only eight of their 150+ matrimonial apps relisted by Sunday night. In Info Edges case, three apps had been relisted by Saturday itself while the remaining two - Shiksha and Naukrigulf - were relisted on Sunday. People Interactives Shaadi.com had been relisted on Saturday but another 99 apps, which deal with community-specific matches, were available on the Play Store.

Other apps that had been listed again by Sunday night included AltBalajis Altt, Mebigos Kuku FM, Arha Medias aha, and Catchup Technologies two apps streaming Rajasthani and Haryanvi web series. On Monday morning, Verves dating app, QuackQuack, had also been relisted.

Of the 10 affected developers, apps from one developer - Cold Brew Tech (FRND) -- have still not been relisted yet.

Many developers have multiple apps but only apps which complied are back while the rest remain delisted. If they [Google] had reversed their decision because of government intervention, then all the apps would have been back, not just certain apps that complied under duress, Khanor said.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for a meeting with Google and the ten app developers on Monday.
Days after the IT ministry issued an advisory to multiple companies including Google, Microsoft and Adobe that they must get explicit permission from the government for all their under-testing or unreliable artificial intelligence (AI) models before releasing them to users in India, minister of state for electronics and information technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar tweeted that the advisory is aimed only at significant platforms and will not apply to start-ups. Minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar. (File)

Recent advisory of @GoI_MeitY needs to be understood. -> Advisory is aimed at the Significant platforms and permission seeking from Meity is only for large platforms and will not apply to startups. -> Advisory is aimed at untested AI platforms from deploying on Indian internet -> Process of seeking permission, labelling & consent-based disclosure to user about untested platforms is insurance policy to platforms who can otherwise be sued by consumers, Chandrasekhar tweeted on Monday.

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Chandrasekhars tweet came in response to the backlash by the industry about the AI advisory. Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity, called it a bad move by India in a tweet.

Pratik Desai, founder of KissanAI, which built the agriculture LLM Dhenu, had tweeted, I was such a fool thinking I will work bringing GenAI to Indian Agriculture from SF. We were training multimodal low cost pest and disease model, and so excited about it. This is terrible and demotivating after working 4 years full time bringing AI to this domain in India.

After Chandrasekhars tweet, Desai tweeted, Not or startups! A good start [thumbs up emoji] The next step would be defining revenue and user base numbers to classify a startup, which would clear the uncertainty cloud for many of us.

To be sure, the advisory that MeitY sent out on Monday said that all intermediaries/ platforms must ensure compliance with the advisory. It also said that all intermediaries or platforms are required to ensure that their AI tools do not allow any bias or discrimination or threaten the integrity of the electoral process.

The advisory did not limit itself to significant social media intermediaries, that is, social media intermediaries with more than 5 million users in India, which Chandrasekhar seems to be referring to in his tweet. It is only the instruction about needing to identify synthetically created content using a label, unique identifier or metadata that is limited to only intermediaries and does not mention platforms.

To be sure, a platform is a term that has neither been used nor defined in either the Information Technology Act, 2000, or the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, under which the December 26, 2023 advisory was issued. The March 1 advisory was issued in continuation of the December 26 advisory.

According to the IT Rules, a significant social media intermediary is an intermediary which primarily or solely enables online interaction between two or more users and allows them to create, upload, share, disseminate, modify or access information using its services.

Large language models (LLMs), such as those used by OpenAI, Google, Ola, Perplexity, etc., which users directly use through ChatGPT, Gemini, Krutrim, Perplexity AI, respectively, arguably do not enable online interaction between two users, but between a user and a machine. Thus, they are arguably not social media intermediaries despite being amongst the biggest and most consequential players in the Indian industry.

If the advisory is meant only for significant social media intermediaries which have over 5 million users in India such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc., it is not clear if it is applicable to their parent companies AI tools such as Gemini and LLaMA.

An intermediary, under the IT Act, is any person who on behalf of another person receives, stores or transmits that record or provides any service with respect to that record and includes telecom service providers, network service providers, internet service providers, web-hosting service providers, search engines, online payment sites, online-auction sites, online-market places and cyber cafes. It is not clear if AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini are intermediaries to begin with.

At the heart of the tussle is the governments attempt to allocate responsibility for outputs that these AI tools may generate which may be incorrect, or unacceptable to the government, if not illegal. Intermediaries, according to the law, are protected from liability for third party content. It is not clear if the outputs generated by these AI tools, which depend on the prompts entered by the user as well as their training datasets, are similarly protected.

In his tweet, Chandrasekhar also said that the process of seeking permission, labelling and consent-based disclosures to users about untested platforms is insurance policy from being sued by customers. It is not clear if this means that users can then sue the government of India who, as per the advisory, will permit the deployment of such models.
New Delhi: During a four-day citizen science initiative to document bird diversity in India, bird watchers from all states and UTs documented 1,036 species, and uploaded over 61,000 bird checklists on an e-platform titled ebird. While Kerala recorded the most number of checklists, West Bengal reported the maximum number of species (Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher/Parthasarathi Chakrabarti)

As part of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2024, India uploaded the second-highest number of checklists (after USA) and the third-highest species of any country after Colombia and Equador according to GBBC prelimnary results released on Monday.

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While Kerala recorded the most number of checklists, West Bengal reported the maximum number of species.

Among the species reported, the following are some of the interesting restricted-range species classified as High Priority include: Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Andaman Woodpecker, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, White-headed Starling, Nilgiri Sholakili, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Andaman Treepie, Forest Owlet, Bugun Liocichla, White-bellied Sholakili.

Also Read: Why India hosting the Central Asian flyway is a big deal

The GBBC is an annual citizen science event that engages bird enthusiasts of all skill levels in counting birds and contributing to bird conservation. The event is typically held over a four-day period in February, and participants can count birds in any location, from their own backyards to local parks and nature reserves.

It was first launched in 1998 as a way to gather information on bird populations and distribution. Since then, it has grown into a global event, with participants from over 100 countries counting millions of birds

At first, many students were confused about the importance of birding. However, after taking part in the GBBC, their curiosity about the names, food habits, and habitats of various birds grew. Observing birds is enjoyable, and recognizing the distinct nature of each creature fills us with even greater appreciation for the beauty of wildlife, said Lesemew. M, founder of Eco-Warriors, Nagaland, in a statement.

Also Read: Delhis first bird census to start from February-end; to be held every 3 months

This is the first GBBC where birders from all states and union territories participated. Many were able to cover all districts in their states (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, West Bengal).
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday launched a major online campaign  'Modi Ka Parivar'  to counter RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's "parivarvaad" jibe at the Prime Minister, with several top leaders, including Amit Shah and JP Nadda, adding the suffix on their social media handles in solidarity with Narendra Modi. PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and Union minister Piyush Goyal.(PTI file)

Union ministers Amit Shah, Anurag Thakur, Rajnath Singh and BJP president JP Nadda added Modi Ka Parivar suffix to their names on social media platform X (formally Twitter).

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Launching a frontal attack on Modi on his recent comments on dynastic politics, the RJD supremo while addressing workers of the grand alliance at Jan Vishwas Maha Rally on Sunday, said, What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own? He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard upon the demise of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died.

PM Modi reacts to Lalu Prasad's comments

Reacting to Lalu Prasad Yadav's comments, Modi, at a rally in Adilabad in Telangana on Monday, said, I question their dynastic politics, they say Modi does not have a family, my life is an open book...I will live for my country.

Sudhanshu Trivedi slams RJD leader

Holding a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged, For the INDIA bloc, there are no Hindus. For them, Hindus are backward, Dalit, 'Savarn', North Indian, South Indian, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, and even Hindi, but not Hindu. Because they want to see India in pieces. A family divided the country to get into politics and today, they stand with those who want to divide India so that they get to rule at least one division of the country.

Earlier, Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha criticised the RJD president's remarks, deeming them offensive and disrespectful to Sanatan Dharma.

Also read: 'From Sangh parivar to Modi parivar': Congress-BJP slugfest over Lalu Yadav's jab

Vijay Kumar Sinha said such behaviour from RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad, reflects their unserious approach to politics and attempts to undermine the centuries-old tradition of Sanatan Dharma.

"The language used by Prasad, who himself is convicted in corruption cases, against our PM shows his mindsetthey (RJD) are against Sanatan Dharma and are trying to destroy the centuries-old tradition," he said.

Vijay Kumar Sinha defended Modi, highlighting his contributions to Sanatan Dharma and condemning Prasad's statements.

"They (RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad) behave like political jokers. We must stop such forces. It's a well-known fact that what our PM has done for Sanatan Dharma", Sinha told reporters.

Congress defends Lalu Prasad's comments

The Congres, meanwhile, backed its INDIA bloc ally Lalu Prasad over the issue. Why are they not worried for the families of those who commit suicide, whether they are youth or farmers. This is to divert from the issues. Every hour, one farmer and two youths commit suicide in this country. If they had been worried about them, they (BJP leaders) would have added 'Farmer's family' to their names... We wish PM Modi would have reacted to the suicide of those two youths who commit suicide every hour, Congress leader Pawan Khera told news agency ANI.
MBABANE  Award-winning Gospel musician and Saxophonist Fakazi Samuel has released a new single titled Qhawe Elinamandla.

Samuel is an award-winning Gospel musician, composer, songwriter and now author, as he successfully launched his debut book titled What does it cost you at Liberty Centre last year. His song titled Okuhle Nomusa won Best Contemporary Song at the Eswatini Gospel Music Awards, which were held at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in 2022. He has performed abroad, as he recently landed in Botswana this year. According to the artist, his book is part of his vision and his God-given assignment, which is part of the things he has to do while he is still preaching the Gospel through music.

Recording

The new single Qhawe Elinamandla was recorded last year during the Mother of All Gospel shows held at Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre. On the night of this recording, Samuel shared the stage with the likes of Canaan Nyathi, Thinah Zungu and Muzi Zimu, to name a few. Fakazi Samuel broke the news about the new single through his Facebook page, where he shared the verses that inspired the new song. Judges 6 verse 12, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour. No matter how hard life gets, remember Hebrews 10 verses 3536. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do Gods willed. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Youre not alone, mighty warrior; the Lord, your God, is with you through everything that you face in this life! Keep moving forward and press towards the mark of your high calling, read the post. The single is available online on applications such as Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify and Amazon Music, to name a few.
Puducherry chief minister and All India NR Congress (AINRC) president N Rangasamy on Sunday announced that their ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest in the lone Lok Sabha seat in the union territory. We have decided to allot Puducherrys seat to the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They will announce their candidate soon, Rangasamy said. His statement comes a day after the BJP on Saturday released its first list of 195 candidates including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry did not figure in this list. The statement comes a day after the BJP on Saturday released its first list of 195 candidates. (ANI)

The Puducherry seat is currently held by Congress MP V Vaithilingam. This time too, the Congress is likely to contest in Puducherry as part of Tamil Nadus ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.

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BJP last contested in Puducherrys Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and lost to a candidate from Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). In the previous general elections in 2019, Vaithilingam won against an AINRC candidate. In 2014, the Lok Sabha seat was won by AINRCs R Radhakrishnan beating a Congress candidate.

AINRC-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government in the union territory of Puducherry in May 2021 after toppling the Congress government led by V Narayanasamy in January that year.

BJP, which had no presence in the region until now, had secured six out of the 30 assembly seats. CM Rangasamys cabinet has ministers from the BJP. Rangasamy, a veteran politician, was formerly with the Congress before quitting in 2011 to float AINRC and become the CM after winning the assembly elections held that year. Lieutenant governor of Puducherry and governor of Telangana Tamilisai Soundararajan on Sunday told reporters that the BJP high command will decide if she will contest in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the INDIA block led by DMK is continuing to have several rounds of talks with Congress and other allies over seat sharing. So far the DMK has allotted two seats each to the CPI and CPM and one seat each to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK).
The opposition Congress in Kerala on Sunday asked the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to hand over the probe into the recent death of a 20-year-old student at a veterinary college in Wayanad allegedly due to ragging and assault to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing deficiencies in the ongoing police probe. A 20-year-old student of the vet university in Keralas Wayanad was found dead in the college hostel on February 18. (Wikimedia Commons)

Leader of the Opposition in state assembly VD Satheesan wrote a letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that the news of the death of a second-year undergraduate student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode, and the details of the torture and assault he underwent in the institute had spread fear and concern in the minds of parents in the state.

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The student, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram district, was found dead in the washroom of the college hostel on February 18 and subsequently the autopsy report pointed to several injuries on his body and indicated he was denied food for nearly three days. His parents, citing information from his batchmates, have claimed that he was paraded naked in the hostel premises and beaten mercilessly by students belonging to the Students Federation of India (SFI) unit in the college leading to his death. SFI is the student wing of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).

When his parents repeated continuously through the media that he was killed by SFI leaders at the college, the investigating officers said that there were no political links. The CPI(M) leaders in the district have threatened the investigating officers and are trying to protect the accused, Satheesan wrote in his letter to the CM. The postmortem report is evidence of the brutal assault and cruelty he endured. Despite the evidence, there were lapses in the police probe.

Demanding that the probe in the case be handed over to CBI, he added: The police tried to protect the accused. Therefore, a truthful investigation cannot be expected from the police.

The state police, which had initially registered a case of unnatural death, booked 12 students  the number later increased to 18  for various offences, following the autopsy report and a complaint from the deceaseds family.

A special investigation team (SIT) of the Kerala Police, probing the case, has arrested all the 18 accused in the case, including chairman, secretary and members of the SFI-led college union and charged them with abetment to suicide, wrongful restraint and voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means among other offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as relevant sections of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act.

Sinjo Johnson, who allegedly assaulted the 20-year-old the most, was taken to the hostel premises on Sunday as part of evidence gathering, a senior police officer said.

Dean, assistant warden suspended

Meanwhile, Kerala minister J Chinchu Rani on Sunday ordered the suspension of the dean of the college and the assistant warden of the hostel for grave lapses on their part in preventing the death of the student. It came a day after Prof MR Saseendranath, the vice-chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, was suspended by states governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

The dean and the assistant warden are in charge of the hostel at the institute. They have the responsibility to keep an eye on whats happening inside the hostel. As per the report given by the vice chancellor, there were grave lapses on their part. But then the vice chancellor was suspended by the Governor, who is the chancellor. So, I have asked the new VC to suspend both officials till the inquiry is completed, Rani, the minister for animal husbandry and dairy development, said.

She added that steps were being taken to install CCTV cameras in the hostel premises to prevent such incidents in the future.

MK Narayanan, the dean of the college, told reporters on Sunday that he was not responsible for the students death. I did not learn about the assault nor was I informed about it. It was not reported to us. Then how can I take action? The dean is the hostel warden, but its a ceremonial title. The warden or the assistant warden do not reside in the hostel, he added.
Madikeri: Kodagu has witnessed a rise in human-elephant conflict in recent times. (HT)

A 60-year-old farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Nishani Betta trekking trail on the outskirts of Madikeri, said forest officials.

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The officials identified the deceased as Appachha, a farmer from Varada village.

According to the forest officials, on Saturday morning the elderly farmer went for work when he passed through Nishani Betta.

When he did not return home till evening, the family members and villagers started searching for him, but could not track him down. On Sunday morning, some trekkers from Bengaluru found his body on the footpath to Nishani Betta, and alerted the forest officials, said Madikeri deputy conservator of forests, B Bhaskar.

A team of forest officials rushed to the spot and confirmed that the man was trampled to death by an elephant. His body was sent to Madikeri government hospital for an autopsy after which it was handed over to his family, said the official.

We will provide a compensation of 15 lakh to the family of the deceased. Our elephant task force staff noticed two to three elephants roaming in the area, and we will drive them deep inside the forest, added Bhaskar.

Kodagu district that lies on the border of Karnataka and Kerala has witnessed a rise in human-elephant conflict in recent times.

On September 4, an elephant attacked and fatally wounded Girish (35), a member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) tasked with managing elephant-related issues in the Anekadu forest area.

Just a week ago, on August 27, another life was claimed by a similar incident. A 60-year-old farmer Erappa was killed by an elephant in Adinadur village of Somavapet town. Erappa had ventured out to search for his milking cow when he was attacked by an elephant near Gowri Gaddhe.

On August 20, a 63-year-old woman, Aisha, was fatally attacked by an elephant while she was walking near her residence in Badaga Barangala village of Virajpet town.

Just a week before Aishas death, a tractor driver fell victim to an elephant attack.
Senior Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia on Monday tendered his resignation from the party, citing a myriad of reasons including the party's stance on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with then state unit chief Arjun Modhwadia during an election campaign rally at Balasinor, Gujarat. (PTI Photo)

In a scathing letter addressed to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Modhwadia expressed his deep disappointment with the party's decision to decline the invitation to witness the consecration ceremony, saying it had hurt the sentiments of the people of India.

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Modhwadia said that Lord Ram is not just a revered figure for Hindus but is the "faith of Bharat". He accused the Congress party of failing to understand the sentiments of the people and criticised its decision to decline the invitation as a grave misstep.

Prabhu Ram is not just Pujaniya to Hindus, but he is the Aastha of Bharat. Declining the invitation to witness pran pratishtha mahotsav has hurt the sentiments of the people of India. Congress as a party failed to assess the sentiments of the people, Modhwadia said.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to create a ruckus in Assam, which he said only served to enrage party cadres and citizens of India.

To further distract and humiliate this pious occasion, Rahul Gandhi attempted to create ruckus in Assam which further angered our party cadres and citizens of Bharat, he added.

Also Read: Because of Assam CMs popularity': Union minister says Rahul Gandhi lost his calm

Ayodhya and Rahul Gandhi

The Congress party declined the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, calling it a RSS/BJP event for electoral gains.

At that time, Rahul Gandhi, who was on the Assam leg of his Bharat Jodo Yatra, tried to visit Batadrava Than, the birthplace of 15th-century social reformer-saint Srimanta Sankardeva and a sacred site for Vaishnavites, but was stopped at Haibargaon around 9am. He then sat on a dharna along with other party leaders.

In a video shared on X, Rahul Gandhi was heard asking police authorities why he was being stopped from visiting Batadrava Than.

Will PM Modi now decide who will visit a temple and when? We do not want to create any problems and simply pray at the temple, Gandhi told the police. Probably, today only one person can go to the temple, he added in an obvious jibe at PM Modi who presided over the Ram Temple consecration ceremony.
New Delhi: The seven-judge bench verdict on Monday that said bribe-taking lawmakers have no immunity strikes a much-needed balance between parliamentary privilege and corruption charges. The verdict defines parliamentary privilege and its boundaries , especially in relation to freedom of speech, the right to participate in proceedings of the House, and immunity from legal proceedings. The Supreme Court of India. (File photo)

Understanding the landmark judgement by the Constitution bench on Monday requires navigating the intriguing journey of the case and the contentious judgment that led the top court establish a judicial precedent that served as guidelines for future cases involving lawmakers.

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The Narasimha Rao judgment in 1998 and the reference:

This was the ruling overturned on Monday by the larger bench. The tenth Lok Sabha election, which took place in 1991, provided the cases context. PV Narasimha Rao was appointed prime minister and the Congress emerged as the single largest party. In July 1993, a no confidence motion was brought against the government.

In a house of 528 MPs, the Congress was short by 14 from a simple majority. On July 26, 1993, the motion was put to vote, and the Narasimha Rao government sailed through by garnering 265 votes. Several MPs that voted against the motion of no-confidence were those who belonged to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Janata Dal (Ajit) JD (A). Interestingly, Ajit Singh, a JD (A) MP, chose not to cast a vote.

A complaint was filed before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging that the Narasimha Rao government distributed over 3 crore as bribe to MPs of different political parties .

CBI took up the investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against JMM chief Shibu Soren and three other party MPs for receiving bribes and voting against the no confidence motion. The investigating agency also filed a separate case against Rao and others for hatching a criminal conspiracy and paying bribes to MPs. Charge sheets were filed before a CBI court in Delhi where the accused MPs took the defence that the action by the court is barred by Article 105(2).

Article 105(2) states: No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings. The identical provision in respect of members of state legislatures is provided in Article 194(2).

The CBI judge rejected the argument and even the Delhi high court put a stamp of approval on it by saying that the illegal acts of demanding and accepting bribe took place outside Parliament.

The appeal was brought to the Supreme Court where a Constitution bench of five judges determined two issues: One, does Article 105 confer any immunity on an MP from being prosecuted in an offence involving offer or acceptance of bribe and two, can MPs be regarded as public servant to bring them within the ambit of the 1988 Act because there is no authority competent to grant sanction for their prosecution?

The verdict that came on July 17, 1998, was not unanimous. While the judges agreed on the second issue that MPs are public servants, there was difference of opinion on whether Article 105 immunity is to be a shield for members of Parliament against criminal proceedings for bribery.

The majority decision was given by justices SP Bharucha and S Rajendra Babu, and supported by a separate view by justice GN Ray. They held that the alleged bribe takers are entitled to immunity conferred by Article 105(2), holding that the words in respect of used in Article 105 should be given a broad meaning and the alleged conspiracy were in respect of votes cast.

Applying this rationale, the court curiously directed trial to proceed against Ajit Singh since he did not cast his vote on the no-confidence motion. The majority said: Protection under Article 105(2) is available only to those accused, who as members of Parliament cast their votes in Parliament. The minority view comprised justices SC Agrawal and AS Anand.

Years later, in March 2012, the Election Commission of India (ECI) notified election to two vacant seats of the Rajya Sabha from Jharkhand. Sita Soren, the daughter-in-law of JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, was then a member of the Jharkhand legislative assembly. She was accused of accepting a bribe from an independent candidate in exchange for supporting him . However, it was clear from the open voting for the Rajya Sabha seat that she voted for a candidate from her own party rather than the alleged bribe-giver.

Also Read: No immunity from prosecution if MP/MLA takes bribe to vote or make speeches: SC

A PIL came to be filed before the Jharkhand high court, which directed the CBI to probe into the alleged exchange of money. Before the trial court and the high court, Sita Soren claimed immunity against prosecution under Article 194(2), but to no avail. On being denied the protection, she approached the Supreme Court in 2014, banking on the 1998 ruling in the Narasimha Rao case. In March 2019, a three-judge bench referred the matter to a five-judge bench, which in turn referred the issue to a seven-judge bench in September last year.

The seven-judge bench ruling:

Noting precedents, historical development and international jurisprudence on parliamentary privileges, the top court on Monday declared that legislators cannot claim immunity in cases of corruption and bribery since they are not fundamentally related to their ability to perform their duties.

The court highlighted that the freedom of speech and the right to vote as an extension of it is a privilege essential to every legislative body because such privileges are not only essential to the ability of Parliament and its members to carry out their duties, but it is also at the core of the function of a democratic legislative institution.

Freedom of speech in Parliament and the legislatures is an arm of the same aspiration so that members may express the grievances of their constituents, express diverse perspectives and ventilate the perspectives of their constituents. Freedom of speech in Parliament ensures that the government is held accountable by the House, it said.

At the same time, the court was categorical that the privileges to MPs and MLAs are not absolute or unqualified. The privilege of an individual member only extends insofar as it aids the House to function and without which the House may not be able to carry out its functions collectively... We may understand parliamentary privileges as those rights and immunities which allow the orderly, democratic, and smooth functioning of Parliament and without which the essential functioning of the House would be violated, it noted.

According to the court, parliamentary privileges are not a mark of status which makes legislators stand on an unequal pedestal but are guaranteed freedoms necessary to be in furtherance of fertilising a deliberative, critical, and responsive democracy, adding it is for the legislator claiming a privilege against an action to satisfy that the privilege exists.

The bench then went on to declare that an act of bribery cannot be immune under the doctrine of parliamentary privilege because a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is not essential to the casting of the vote or the ability to decide on how the vote should be cast.

Holding that courts and the House exercise parallel jurisdiction over allegations of bribery, the Constitution bench said that a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is unrelated to their ability to vote or to make a decision on their vote. This action may bring indignity to the House of Parliament or Legislature and may also attract prosecution. What it does not attract is the immunity given to the essential and necessary functions of a member of Parliament or legislature, it added.

The bench further clarified that the offence of bribery is complete on the acceptance of the money or on the agreement to accept money being concluded, adding it is not contingent on the performance of the promise for which money is given or is agreed to be given.

Notably, the seven-judge bench ruling on Monday also displaced observations by another five-judge bench in the Kuldip Nayar case (2006), which said that elections to fill seats in the Rajya Sabha are not proceedings of the legislature but a mere exercise of franchise, which falls outside the net of parliamentary privilege under Article 194. In the 2006 judgment, the court was dealing with the use of open ballots in elections to the Rajya Sabha.

The larger bench held that parliamentary privilege cannot be restricted to only law-making on the floor of the House but extends to other powers and responsibilities of elected members, which take place in the legislature or Parliament, even when the House is not sitting.

The court should adopt a construction which strengthens the foundational features and the basic structure of the Constitution...it is clarified that voting for elections to the Rajya Sabha falls within the ambit of Article 194(2). On all other counts, the decision of the Constitution bench in Kuldip Nayar (supra) remains good law, it said.
New Delhi: The Congress and BJP entered a slugfest on Monday over Lalu Yadav's controversial remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the ruling party launching 'Modi Ka Parivar' campaign on social media. As several ministers added the suffix on their social media handles to show support for PM Modi, the Congress claimed the campaign displays a shift in the BJP leaders' loyalty towards 'Modi Parivar' from 'Sangh Parivar'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the remark at a rally in Telangana. (PTI)

In Sunday's Patna event, Lalu Yadav said PM Modi had no family and he was not a true Hindu. In reaction to the remark, several leaders, including Amit Shah and JP Nadda, added Modi ka Parivar suffix on their social media accounts, indicating that they were PM Modi's family.

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Congress leader Digvijaya Singh took a jibe at PM Modi after BJP launched the campaign, saying "now they cannot talk about parivarvad (nepotism)".

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said the BJP's ethics and principles have changed.

Also read: PM reacts to Lalu Prasad's jibe, top BJP leaders launch Modi Ka Parivar campaign

"They are only trying to befool everyone. Earlier, they used to say that the country comes first, then the party and then the leader. Earlier, it was the Sangh Parivar, now it is the Modi Parivar," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said the Opposition is jealous of PM Modi.

"For years, we all have been seeing that they (the opposition) have given disrespectful and offensive statements against PM Modi with a feeling of jealousy, grudge, and inferiority complex. Yesterday in a rally (RJDs Jan Vishwas Rally) in Patna, Lalu Prasad Yadav again gave an offensive remark about PM Modi and his family. I want to remind everyone that for him (PM Modi) the family is the entire country," he said.

Also read: 'Narendra Modi didn't even get tonsured on mother's death', Lalu Yadav labels PM fake Hindu

PM Modi reacts to Lalu's jibe

Reacting to Lalu Prasad Yadav's comments, Modi, at a rally in Adilabad in Telangana on Monday, said, I question their dynastic politics, they say Modi does not have a family, my life is an open book...I will live for my country.

What Lalu Yadav had said?

Lalu Yadav, during his Jan Vishwas Maha Rally on Sunday, claimed Modi isn't a true Hindu because he didn't tonsure his head when his mother passed away.

"What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own? He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard upon the demise of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died," he had said.
Ghaziabad: In a freak accident in Ghaziabad, a three-year-old child died at a shopping mall after being hit by a car at the facility's parking lot, the police said on Monday. The car was allegedly being driven by a Delhi resident who worked at the mall as a valet. Accident representational photo

A man named Vinod Pandey had come to the mall with his wife and daughter Ridhi on Saturday evening. ACP Indirapuram Swatantra Kumar Singh said they were in the parking lot to return to their home when a car coming from the opposite side hit the child.

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The police officer said the child sustained injuries to her mouth and nose. She was rushed to a local hospital where she died, the police said.

Also read: Ghaziabad man kills wife, keeps corpse for four days. Neighbours found out when

The driver has been identified as Vinit Sethi, a resident of Delhi's Ranibagh. He works at the mall as a valet parking driver.

Also read: Ghaziabad: Shocked by husbands death, 23-year-old jumps to death from 7th-floor flat

The police have arrested Sethi. They have also impounded the vehicle.

The father of the child, Pandey accused the driver of not providing the vehicle to take his injured daughter to the hospital.

With inputs from PTI
Two weeks ago, a five-judge bench of Indias Supreme Court ruled that electoral bondsa controversial instrument of political giving introduced by the Narendra Modi governmentviolated the Constitution and would immediately cease operating. Under the courts ruling, the State Bank of India (SBI) will immediately stop issuing bonds; the Election Commission of India (ECI) must disclose details of all transactions since April 2019; and any bonds which have not yet been deposited are to be refunded. Under the courts ruling, the State Bank of India (SBI) will immediately stop issuing bonds; the Election Commission of India (ECI) must disclose details of all transactions since April 2019. (HT Photo)

On last weeks episode of Grand Tamasha, a weekly podcast co-produced by HT and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, host Milan Vaishnav played the role of guest, answering questions about the implications of the Courts ruling posed by Leah Verghese, a scholar with DAKSH, a Bangalore-based non-profit working on judicial reforms and access to justice.

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Vaishnav, whose volume Costs of Democracy: Political Finance in India (co-edited with Devesh Kapur) was cited by the justices in their unanimous opinion, hailed the ruling as a victory for proponents of transparency in political funding. But he also warned that the opaque system of political funding that existed before the bonds era was no paradise and was in dire need of reform.

Vaishnav said it was imperative that ordinary citizens pay attention to the methods of political funding in India. We have accumulated evidence to show that access to personal wealth, or networks of wealth, have become a non-negotiable requirement of contesting office in Indiaespecially at the state and national levels, said Vaishnav. Access to wealth has become a litmus test for whether you are going to be a competitive candidate. There is decreasing space for the proverbial aam aadmi to be a political representative. But he also emphasized that large-scale givingcreates the possibility of quid pro quos between well-endowed supporters and officeholders. For instance, if a company is bankrolling a politician or a political party, it might well expect policy or regulatory favors once they are in office. The trouble with electoral bonds, noted Vaishnav, was that the lack of disclosure requirements meant no voter, journalist, or civil society group would be able to connect the dots between donor and recipient.

Asked whether the public listing of electoral bonds, as ordered by the Court, would result in explosive revelationsVaishnav was circumspect. He mused that either the SBI or the ECI might seek to delay the disclosures before the upcoming parliamentary elections and that the Court might let the deadline slide. We know how the Indian judicial system works, he remarked. It is instructive that we got a judgment in the electoral bonds case in 2024. This was a scheme announced in 2017 and formally notified in 2018.

But even if there are no procedural delays, he expressed scepticism that a detailed mapping of the bond scheme would be made public. SBI has been asked to create a list of electoral bonds which have been purchasedand by whom? And [to create] a list of electoral bonds which have been received by parties and in what denominations. Those two pieces of information do not necessarily have to include a mapping of one to another. While he noted that the two lists can be linked in theory, the fine print of the Courts ruling does not explicitly spell this out.
Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren on Monday broke down while speaking about her jailed husband. "I'm standing here with a heavy heart My father-in-law (Shibu Soren) and my mother-in-law are in pain I had decided I would control tears...I'm getting energy from you," Kalpana Soren said at an event marking the 51st foundation day of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren gets emotional at the 51st foundation day function of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).(PTI)

They (Centre) hatched such a big conspiracy due to which Hemant Soren had to go to jail. People who sit in Delhi do not have heart. They consider tribal, dalit and minority as insects and think that they can do anything with them, she said.

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"Is it a crime to seek Jharkhands 1.36 lakh-crore from Centre, or passing a Bill in the assembly seeking 27 per cent reservation for OBCs? Is it a crime to ask for a separate Sarna religion code, ensuring domicile policy for waiving farmers loan or bringing back labourers from other states by airplane, buses and trains?'" she asked.

"We were able to thwart their plans this time, thanks to the dedication and high spirits of our legislators In the future, we must demonstrate through our votes that 'Jharkhand Jhukega Nahi' (Jharkhand will not bow)They have played with self-respect of every people of Jharkhand by putting him in jail. Befitting reply will be given to them in coming days," Kalpana Soren said.

Kalpana was addressing the cadres on a day when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the JMM bribery case.

The Supreme Court held that MPs and MLAs do not enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or cast a vote in the legislature.

In 2019, the Supreme Court took up the case involving Sita Soren, a JMM MLA from Jharkhand's Jama village who was embroiled in the JMM bribery scandal. The bench including Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi recognised the case's significant public implications and referred it to a five-judge panel for further consideration.

Sita Soren stood accused of accepting bribes in exchange for her vote during the 2012 Rajya Sabha election. She argued that the constitutional immunity granted to lawmakers, which shielded her father-in-law Shibu Soren in the JMM bribery scandal, should also apply to her.

Challenging the Jharkhand High Court's decision from February 17, 2014, which declined to dismiss the criminal charges against her, Sita Soren sought relief from the Supreme Court.

The three-judge bench indicated a willingness to reassess the earlier Supreme Court ruling concerning Shibu Soren and other JMM MPs who were accused of accepting bribes to vote against a no-confidence motion in the Narasimha Rao government in 1993. This vote ensured the Union government's survival despite being in a minority.

Although the CBI had filed a case against Sita Soren and the other JMM MPs, the Supreme Court had previously dismissed it, citing the immunity granted to lawmakers under Article 105(2) of the Constitution.

(With PTI inputs)
The Chicago police on February 21 apprehended Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, infamously known as Dirty Harry, in connection with a disturbing human trafficking case involving four individuals from Dingucha village near Mehsana in Gujarat, who died in a blizzard while being illicitly transported to the US via Canada in January 19, 2022. A border marker between the United States and Canada just outside of Emerson in Manitoba. (AP File Photo)

The discovery of the frozen corpses of Jagdish Baldevbhai Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their children Vihangi and Dharmik, near Emerson, Manitoba on 19 January 2022 sent shockwaves across India and Canada. It highlighted the risks individuals are willing to take in pursuit of the elusive American dream. And it underlined the utter disregard with which human traffickers deal with those who want to illegally enter another country.

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Dirty Harry was one such.

The United States District Court, northern district of Illinois, has brought grave charges against Patel, accusing him of transportation of illegal aliens and conspiracy to bring and attempt to bring an illegal alien to the United States. These charges, following an extensive investigation, led to Patels arrest.

The Dirty Harry case file

According to an affidavit by Manuel Jimenez, a special agent with the US Homeland Security before a United States court on February 22 -- he is investigating the matter pertaining to the death of the Patel family -- Steve Shand, Florida resident, was found driving a rented 15-passenger van in Minnesota near the US/Canada border on January 19, attempting to transport two Indian nationals illegally into the US. The incident took place near Pembina Border Patrol station in North Dakota. Shand was arrested by Border Patrol Agents. A group of five Indian nationals were also found walking near where Shand was arrested and all five were found to be unlawfully present in the United States. The weather on the morning of the smuggling event was extremely cold with blizzard like conditions and one Indian national needed to be hospitalized for cold related injuries, as per the court affidavit. HT has reviewed a copy of the affidavit.

The Indians, all Gujaratis, were interviewed by border patrol agents, Jimenez added, and one, identified only as V.D., admitted crossing the border in the early morning, expecting a pickup on the US side to reach his uncles residence in Chicago. V.D. said he had paid approximately $ 87,000 to an Indian organization to facilitate entry into Canada with a fraudulent student visa, then illegally entered the United States.

The discovery of a backpack containing childrens belongings in VDs possession, despite no children being present, unraveled a deeper tragedy. VD confessed he was carrying it for a family separated from his group. Soon after, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police found four frozen bodies near the US/Canada border. VDs identification of them as the Patels from Dingucha shed light on the tragic fate of the family.

Shands phone records revealed conversations with an individual known as Dirty Harry from December 9, 2021, to January 19, 2022. Investigations showed that the phone number associated with Dirty Harry or Haresh Patel did not have a street address. Patel and Shand exchanged approximately 200 calls and texts during this period.

On March 9, 2022 Shand identified Patel from a photograph and said the man, whom he knew as Dirty Harry recruited him to transport illegal aliens from the US/Canadian border in Minnesota to the Chicago area for money. Shand described five trips he had made to the international border in Minnesota in December 2021 and January 2022 to transport Indian nationals.

Patel was the manager of a gambling station in Orange City, Florida called the Preview Games , Shand met him for the first time while gambling and picking up clients for his taxi business, Shands Taxi, LLC.

Who is Dirty Harry?

Dirty Harry, aka Param Singh, Haresh Patel, Harshkumar Singh Patel, hails from Indrad village in Mehsana. Investigations by the US officials showed that he entered the US on July 21, 2016, following a visa refusal in Ottawa, Canada, possibly re-entering around 2018. He applied for immigration status in February 2021 via United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

After each transaction, Patel provided Shand with cash payments ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 (approximately 225,000 to 600,000). In total, Shand collected $25,000 (approximately 1,875,000) in smuggling proceeds from Patel.

In a related investigation by in 2018 by Homeland Security Investigations in Baine, Washington, it was revealed that a human smuggling organization based in Gujarat was responsible for smuggling Indian nationals into the United States, according to the court documents.

Rajinder Singh, also known as Jaspal Gill, was suspected to be the main facilitator in the United States for the group. Singh described to the US officials the smuggling operations as originating in India, with travel coordinators routing Indian nationals through British Columbia, Canada, and into the United States. One of the individuals identified by Singh in Canada was Fenilkumar Patel, who arranged the trip for the family that tragically died in Manitoba, Canada, on January 19, 2022.

US police investigations showed that the Indian nationals smuggled by the Gujarat human smuggling group, work in a chain of restaurants in Chicago. The restaurants were identified and are owned by a man from India who has also been identified, as per the court documents.

The Gujarat police in February 2022 informed a US official that Jagdishkumar Patel (father of the family that died on January 19, 2022) was associated with the restaurant owner in Chicago on social media and through financial transactions. The Gujarat police stated they suspected the restaurant owned in Chicago facilitates the smuggling of Indian nationals to work in his restaurants for sub-standard wages and as a way to pay off the debt, as per the court papers.

Patels arrest is of particular interest because it comes about two months of a chartered plane with 303 passengers, including many from Gujarat, being grounded in France by immigration authorities after they discovered it was full of passengers trying to make their way to the US illegally. There is nothing to connect Patel to that case, but Indian authorities said after that incident that there was clearly a large-scale and well-organised human trafficking operation at work.
MANZINI  A love affair ended in death when Gcina Makulubesi Maseko was stabbed to death, allegedly by his girlfriend, following an argument over food.

The murder happened at Bethany, under Lobamba Lomdzala Constituency, on Thursday morning. Maseko (46), according to a family member, had been in an off-on relationship with his alleged killer and their union was marred by violence. The relative, who identified herself as an aunt to the deceased, said they could not be certain what sparked the argument, which resulted in their relative losing his life; but, they were aware that the couple fought regularly. This was also confirmed by sources in the area, who claimed that the pair would occasionally engage in physical fights. The sources claimed that leading to Masekos demise, the pair had engaged in a heated argument regarding food.

Meals

The sources claimed that there were allegations that *Celine had stopped offering meals to her boyfriend. The sources claimed that she had accused the deceased of depleting her two childrens food and he had to fend for himself. Maseko was unemployed but would occasionally be recruited as a cane-cutter in the sugarbelt. They claimed this resulted in him not having enough resources and relying on neighbours and his girlfriend for food. At instances, the sources claimed that Maseko had to earn his keep by cleaning the house, cooking meals and also fetching water. The sources claimed that Maseko would, at instances, seek part-time jobs just to have money to get food, which he had started to cook at a relatives place of abode. This act by Maseko, to organise food and cook at the relatives place, was said to have sparked the argument which later resulted in his death. It was gathered that the suspect was agitated by Masekos act.

They engaged in an argument when she gathered that he had started cooking at his nieces place. She (allegedly) slapped Maseko and called him unpalatable words, a source alleged.

However, according to the source, the argument fizzled out such that later on, the pair enjoyed alcoholic beverages. During this period, the sources claimed that the alleged killer was carrying a knife which she would frequently play with and or mimic stabbing Maseko with. As this was ongoing, it was purported that the accused allegedly stabbed Maseko in the left side of his chest, which resulted in him bleeding profusely. During this period, it was supposed the pair was under a questionable state of sobriety. The suspect is alleged to have attempted to stop the blood from oozing by sprinkling the stab wound with ash. However, this did not work and Maseko had become motionless, which reportedly resulted in the suspect pouring water over his body. A relative was called, only to find that Maseko had no pulse. The sources claimed that subsequent to this, Masekos relatives informed the police, who responded to the incident and he was confirmed dead at the hospital.

Costs

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased is appealing for any form of assistance to bury their loved one. A relative supposed that they were clueless on how they would shoulder the costs of burying Maseko as he did not have any steady income. We are a family that is barely keeping heads above water and as much as his demise is shattering to us, we would be at peace knowing that he has been buried with dignity, said a family relative. She said any form of assistance would be appreciated; they could contact Hlobisile Vilakati on 7695 7052. Conversely, Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the murder. She confirmed that a woman was arrested after a stabbing incident.

*Not real name
A round up of HT's top stories of the day. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Council of Ministers during a meeting on vision document for the Viksit Bharat 2047 & detailed action plan for next 5 years, in New Delhi, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI)

1) PM meets ministers on 100-day plan after polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held an all-hands meeting with his council of ministers to discuss the road map for Viksit Bharat and plan crucial priority work, including the agenda for the first 100 days of when his government is re-elected in May, officials aware of the day-long exercise said.

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The Prime Minister also emphasised on recasting the general budgets and transforming the government structure to enable them for the mammoth agenda for Viksit Bharat, which has ambitious goals and steep targets. Read More

2) INDIA bloc leaders sound poll bugle, give oust BJP call in Bihar rally

The leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress, sounded the poll bugle when they gave a clarion Desh Bachao, BJP Hatao call to oust the Bharatiya Janata Party from power in the ensuing 2024 Lok Sabha elections at the Jan Vishwas maha rally of the Grand Alliance (GA) at the Gandhi Maidan in Bihars capital Patna on Sunday. Read more.

3) Yes Milord, the process is often punishment

The two-judge bench SC order clearing a person charged with abetting the suicide of his wife 30 years ago is noteworthy for two reasons. One, it has stressed an important principle that should guide law officers while invoking stringent provisions, in this specific case, Section 306 of the IPC (abetment to commit suicide). Two, the comment the Court made on the judicial process that the criminal justice system of ours can itself be a punishment. Read more.

4) S Jaishankar's swipe at Maldives: 'Bullies don't provide USD 4.5 billion aid'

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday reacted strongly to a barb over India being a bully, saying that big bullies don't provide USD 4.5 billion in aid when neighbouring countries are distressed. Jaishankar's comments came as he was asked whether India was being a bully in the sub-continent and the Indian Ocean region, during a book launch event in the national capital. Read more.

5) Navy to raise first MH-60R Seahawk squadron in Kochi on March 6

The ndian Navy on Sunday announced that it will raise the first squadron of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, imported from the US, at INS Garuda in Kochi on March 6, strengthening its anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and surveillance capabilities. Read more.
New Delhi: Delhi finance minister Atishi on Monday presented the city's budget for 2024-25, revealing the Arvind Kejriwal government's focus on education. In her maiden budget speech, the politician proposed allocation of 16,396 crore for the education sector. Lord Ram and Ram Rajya also found frequent mention in her speech. Delhi finance minister Atishi with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.(PTI)

The total outlay for Delhi's budget is 76000 crore.

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Atishi called Arvind Kejriwal a ray of hope. "This is a moment of pride that Kejriwal government is presenting its tenth budget. I am not just presenting the tenth budget but a picture of changing DelhiWe are working hard towards realising the dream of Ram Rajya," she said.

Atishi said the people of Delhi trusted Kejriwal because of his honesty. She said all the AAP MLAs are inspired by Lord Ram. She added that AAP leaders are committed to bringing Ram Rajya in Delhi.

Also read: Delhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal replies to ED summons, 'ready to answer' after March 12

"Arvind Kejriwal has emerged as a ray of hope for the people of Delhi. People of Delhi have trusted him because of his honesty and have made him the CM with a thumping majority. All the legislators who are present here are inspired by Lord Ram, and that's why we have taken a 'sanklap' to fulfill the dream of 'Ram Rajya' in Delhi," she added.

Atishi said saving a person's life is also Ram Rajya.

"However, we all know that people were afraid of helping accident victims in Delhi a few years ago. That's why we started the 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme. Under this, the Delhi government will bear the cost of expenses of the accident victims. As a part of this scheme, we have saved 22,000 lives in Delhi," she said.

Atishi said the Delhi government will allocate 8,685 crore for health sector.

She also said that the Arvind Kejriwal government will give 1000 per month to every woman aged 18 and above, under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna.

Also read: Delhi Budget: AAP government to provide 1000 to every woman aged 18 yrs & above

Arvind Kejriwal calls himself a Lord Hanuman devotee. He often visits Hanuman temples in Delhi. Other AAP leaders also organise sundarkand events.

AAP leaders, however, steered clear of the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram Temple in January. Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann visited Ayodhya last month.

Reacting to the budget speech, BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj said the AAP government has revealed its duplicity.

"It shows the duplicity of the (Delhi) government, which is deeply indulged in corruption, talking about 'Ram Rajya'. It doesnt even suit them. There's nothing new in todays (Delhi) budget," he said.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
In a show of strength by the Opposition, top leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) addressed a joint rally in Patna, roundly criticising the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-run Centre for neglecting the countrys poor and specifically targeting Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for repeatedly switching alliances. Top leaders of the INDIA bloc at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday. (ANI)

The Jan Vishwas Maha Rally was attended by a slew of top Opposition leaders  Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and senior Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja.

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The event also marked Prasads first public rally in nearly nine years  his last was in mid-2015.

Gandhi, who paused his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and flew in from Madhya Pradesh to attend the public meeting, called Bihar the countrys political nerve-centre and said transformations in the country always germinated in the eastern state.

Whenever there is a transformation in the country, it begins from Bihar and then reaches the rest of the country. Bihar is the political nerve centre of our country, said Gandhi.

Arguing that the country was in the crosshairs of an ideological war, the Congress lawmaker from Wayanad in Kerala also turned to his oft-repeated refrain: One party is trying to create hatred, but we are offering nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan (In a market of hate, a shop for love).

Also Read | NDA gets a boost, INDIA suffers setback ahead of Lok Sabha battle

The former Congress president also accused the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of working for only two-three super-rich people and neglecting Dalits and backward classes who comprise 73%.

The mega rally in Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which began at 11am and carried on till 4pm, was attended by over a hundred thousand people, and came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates for the summers Lok Sabha elections.

Modi will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi, the constituency he currently represents. The party also named 34 Union ministers and ministers of state, including home minister Amit Shah, who will return to his constituency of Gandhinagar in Gujarat and defence minister Rajnath Singh who will contest from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read | 'Modi asked me,' Tejashwi counters PM's attack on father Lalu Yadav

The rally was also a show of unity for an alliance that for weeks looked on the brink of collapse, especially after Bihar chief minister Kumar quit his partys mahagathbandhan in the state and returned to the National Democratic Alliance once again this January.

Key constituents of the bloc have, in the weeks since, shored up alliances and seat-sharing pacts in a host of states. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for instance, stitched up agreements for Delhi, while the former and the Samajwadi Party agreed on a split for Uttar Pradesh.

Members of the alliance targeted Kumar and accused him of being of weak ideology.

In a swipe at Kumar, Kharge said, Those who are not strong ideologically cannot fight and you (Tejashwi Yadav) should not take him into the party if he returns again.

The Congress chief also lauded Yadav for creating jobs during his 17 months as Bihars deputy chief minister.

In 2014, Modi said he will give 2 crore (20 million) jobs to young people every year. Did he deliver? He did not, but Tejashwi delivered what he promised by giving jobs to nearly 200,000 people... The INDIA alliance delivers what it promises, and this is a perfect example of it, said Kharge.

The most caustic attacks on Kumar, however, came from his long-time rival, two-time former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad.

The palturam (turncoat) label has stuck to his persona because of his own deeds. I can see funny videos about him on social media and wonder whether these do not drive him to shame, said the 75-year-old.

He also implored the states voters to go the ballot against the ruling BJP.

Bihars opinion has so much power that the people of the country imitate what Bihar decides. The same is also going to happen in the future, Prasad said.

Referring to Modis speeches at back-to-back rallies in Aurangabad and Begusarai districts, Tejashwi Yadav said, Modi ji had indirectly taunted me yesterday, saying I was wary of speaking about my fathers deeds. I am responding to him. May he take note with eyes and ears open as I speak in front of the massive crowd (Jan sailab) out here.

My father had turned the railways around in the UPA government. Earlier, it was making losses but under his stewardship, it made a profit of 90,000 crore, he said.

Also taking a potshot at CM Kumar, he said, Modi boasts about his guarantees. I challenge him to give a guarantee that uncle (chacha) Nitish Kumar will not do yet another volte face.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, for his part, also stressed that Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were crucial to shaping the countrys electoral fortunes.

UP (with 80 Lok Sabha seats) and Bihar (40) together have 120 seats. If we ensure the BJPs rout in these two states, the party will not be able to form the government at the Centre, he said.

BJP spokespersons called the rally a flop that generated little enthusiasm from voters.

Party spokesperson Nikhil Anand said, When Laluji spoke at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, there was no crowd near the stage. RJD unsuccessfully tried an image make-over by mobilising opposition leaders across India. In the flop Jan Vishwas rally, leaders sang a collective elegy of the INDI Alliances failure.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the State Bank of India for seeking more time from the Supreme Court to furnish information on the electoral bonds, terming it a "last attempt" before the Lok Sabha polls to hide Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "real face". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses the party's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', in Dholpur on Saturday. (AICC)

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had held the anonymous donation instruments unconstitutional and directed the SBI to disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties to the Election Commission by March 6.

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The SBI on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time till June 30, submitting that the existing deadline would not be sufficient for the entire exercise to be completed. The state-run bank submitted that retrieval of information from "each silo" and the procedure of matching the information of one silo to that of the other would be a time-consuming exercise.

Narendra Modi has tried his best to hide the donation business, Gandhi said in a post on X in Hindi.

When the Supreme Court has said that it is the right of the countrymen to know the truth about electoral bonds, then why does SBI want this information not to be made public before the elections? he wrote.

Asking for time till June 30 to provide information that can be retrieved in one click shows that the whole matter is fishy, he claimed.

"Every independent organization of the country is becoming part of the 'Modani family' in trying to cover up their corruption," Gandhi alleged, adding, This is the 'last ditch attempt' to hide Modi's 'real face' before the elections.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also slammed the government over the issue.

"Aap chronology samjhiye: first elections, then disclosure of electoral bonds. What makes the ruling party so nervous about revealing the source of its bottomless campaign finance coffers?" he asked in a post on X.

"Remember that the analysis of direct campaign donations and electoral trust donations revealed that 30 plus firms that had been raided by the ED/IT/CBI donated 335 crore to the BJP after the raids. The BJP got the majority (60 plus %) of its campaign funds from electoral bonds. What ill-deeds of the Modi Sarkar will the disclosure of the electoral bonds funds reveal?" Ramesh posed.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said SBI's move raises suspicious apprehensions.He said in a post on X, "This would be a travesty of justice. Is SBI seeking extension till after the general elections to protect Modi and the BJP from exposure of the 'quid pro quo' that the Hon'ble Supreme Court apprehended?"

"In this digital age, all this information is a mouse-click away. Seeking extension raises suspicious apprehensions," he said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday hit out at Mahua Moitra after the Delhi high court dismissed the Trinamool Congress leader's plea seeking to restrain him and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai from posting or circulating any fake and defamatory content against her. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra.

Mahua Moitra filed a case against me and Dehadrai. Delhi HC has said very clearly that there was no case at all. Her membership was cancelled after my complaint was proven by the Parliamentary committee. She carried out 50 air travels to benefit businessmen in return for money, Dubey told ANI.



She can face up to a 7-year sentence for the FCRA violation... When the case moves ahead more layers of truth will be out in the open... As the investigation increases, the ugly side of Mahua Moitra will be revealed, the BJP MP added.



ALSO READ: ED summons TMC leader Mahua Moitra for questioning in FEMA case on March 11

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Last October, Moitra in her plea had sought permanent injunction against Dubey, Dehadrai, social platform X, search engine Google, YouTube and 15 media organisations from making, publishing, circulating per se defamatory, ex facie false and malicious statements against her. She has also sought damages.



Nishikant Dubey had accused the TMC leader of taking bribes from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions in Parliament. He had written a letter based on a complaint from Dehadrai.



ALSO READ: Mahua Moitra expelled: How BJP's Nishikant Dubey exposed TMC leader

In his letter to the Lok Sabha speaker, Dubey claimed 50 of the 61 questions she asked in the Lok Sabha till recently were focused on the Adani Group, the business conglomerate which the ex-TMC MP has often accused of malpractices, more so after it was at the receiving end of a critical report by short seller Hindenburg Research.



Dubey had forwarded Dehadrai's complaint to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, who had referred the matter to the Parliament's ethics committee. The ethics committee had found Moitra guilty and got her expelled as an MP from Krishnanagar.
A seven-judge Supreme Court bench on Monday overturned its 1998 ruling that allowed lawmakers to go scot-free after receiving bribes for casting votes or making speeches on the floor of the House, holding that corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life and cannot be shielded under the principles of parliamentary privilege. The Supreme Court said the offence of bribery is agnostic to the performance of the agreed action. (ANI)

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, declared that members of Parliament (MPs) and members of legislative assembly (MLAs) will not have immunity from prosecution for taking a bribe to make a speech or vote in Parliament and state legislatures.

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The bench also comprised justices AS Bopanna, MM Sundresh, PS Narasimha, JB Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar, and Manoj Misra.

Reading out the unanimous verdict on behalf of the bench, the CJI held that individual members of the legislature cannot assert a claim of privilege to seek immunity under Articles 105 and 194 from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the legislature.

Read more: Vote-for-bribe: Supreme Court says no immunity from prosecution to MPs, MLAs, overrules 1998 PV Narasimha Rao verdict

Such a claim to immunity fails to fulfil the two-fold test, that the claim is tethered to the collective functioning of the House and that it is necessary to the discharge of the essential duties of a legislator, said the bench, adding corruption and bribery have wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life and parliamentary democracy.

Article 105(2) lays down that no MP shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof. A corresponding provision giving immunity to members of state legislatures is contained under Article 194(2).

Bribery is not rendered immune under Articles 105(2) and the corresponding provision of Article 194(2) because a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is not essential to the casting of the vote or the ability to decide on how the vote should be cast. The same principles apply to bribery in connection with the speech in the House or a committee, said the bench.

It added that the offence of bribery is agnostic to the performance of the agreed action and crystallized on the exchange of illegal gratification. It does not matter whether the vote is cast in the agreed direction or if the vote is cast at all. The offence of bribery is complete at that point in time, clarified the bench, adding the principles enunciated by the judgment regarding the parliamentary privilege will apply equally to elections to Rajya Sabha or to the office of president and vice-president.

Read more: Two shooters arrested from Goa for INLD leader Nafe Singh Rathee's murder

On September 20, the court decided to re-look at the 1998 judgment in the PV Narasimha Rao Vs State (CBI) case after this judgment was relied upon by a former member of the Jharkhand assembly, Sita Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who allegedly accepted a bribe from an independent candidate for voting in the Rajya Sabha elections of 2012.

The 1998 decision by a five-judge bench, by a 3-2 majority, had held that MPs and MLAs accepting bribes and voting or asking questions in the House would enjoy immunity under the Constitution. This judgment, curiously, protected those lawmakers who voted or asked questions after receiving bribes, but it did not protect those who received bribes but did not keep their end of the bargain.

The 1998 judgment came against the backdrop of the JMM bribery scandal that rocked the Congress government, headed by PV Narasimha Rao in 1993. The Rao government allegedly bribed several parliamentarians across parties to defeat a no-confidence motion.

The court, in a 3-2 verdict, decided in 1998 that MPs who took bribes and voted in the House could not be prosecuted as they enjoyed immunity under Article 105(2) of the Constitution. However, such protection will not be available to an MP who received a bribe but abstained from voting or making a speech, the judgment added. It was this anomaly that led the court to clear the prosecution of then MP Ajit Singh, who allegedly took a bribe but abstained from voting.

Read more: Bengal BJP chief narrowly escapes fatal accident, party cries foul

The seven-judge bench on October 5 last year reserved its verdict on the correctness of the 1998 ruling. The Union government implored the bench to nullify the precedential value of the 1998 judgment while emphasising that any act of bribery outside legislative Houses is prosecutable under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

While making the request to declare the 25-year-old judgment per incuriam (rendered in ignorance of a statute), the government, represented through attorney general R Venkataramani and solicitor-general Tushar Mehta, also proposed that an in-house committee, to be coined as speech and vote watch, could be a worthwhile alternative to the judicially mandated guidelines that the seven-judge Constitution bench may consider.

The government maintained that the controversy could be resolved by the court holding that the Narasimha Rao judgment is per incuriam because it failed to consider the statutory scheme of the PC Act, which criminalises an act of bribery if takes place outside legislative Houses.

The government also emphasised that the bench should limit its ruling to stating that the 1998 ruling should not be regarded as precedent in any situation where a lawmaker accepts bribes. It added there was no need to delve into the larger issue of immunity granted to the lawmakers under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution.

Venkataramani said the court ought to refrain from issuing any inflexible norms in the matter. He argued the remit of prescribing enforceable norms should be with Parliament and state legislatures considering the purpose and objective of the constitutional protection and the varied roles that a legislator is expected to perform inside as well as outside the House.

Mehta cited Section 7 of the PC Act, contending that the offence of bribery can be said to be completely independent of, and without reference to, anything said or any vote given in Parliament or state legislature, no question of any legislative privilege being attracted can arise if the member is prosecuted for taking a bribe for the speech or vote. Section 7 prescribes a punishment of up to seven years in jail.

Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, who appeared for Sita Soren, opposed a review of the 1998 judgment. He submitted that issues of constitutional privileges and immunities are not in derogation to the rule of law but a distinct pillar in constitutional edifice to protect lawmakers who are also prone to political persecution.

Senior advocate PS Patwalia, who appeared in the matter as amicus curiae, supported the view that there must not be any immunity for a legislator accepting bribes. Senior counsel Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the intervenor in the case, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, echoed Patwalias view.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, embarked on a 10-day visit to 12 states and union territories across the nation to attend 29 inauguration and foundation stone laying programmes, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. PM Modi commenced his visit from Telangana, where inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects related to power, rail and road sector worth more than 62,000 crore at a public programme in Adilabad followed by a public address....Read More

He also visited Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam and addressed a public meeting in Chennai. He will then depart for Hyderabad.

PM Modi also shared the details of his upcoming visit to several states on X. "Over the next two days, I will be attending various programmes in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal. The development works which will be inaugurated cover a wide range of sectors and will transform several lives," he said.

Meanwhile, a five-tier security arrangement has been made for the prime minister's visit to Chennai with as many as 15,000 police personnel, including officers, have been deployed for the security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the Supreme Court verdict in the JMM bribery case as a "great judgment", saying it will ensure clean politics and deepen people's faith in the system. The Supreme Court held that MPs and MLAs do not enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or cast a vote in the legislature. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice DY Chandrachud

A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system, Modi wrote on X (formally Twitter).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict delivered by a five-judge bench in the JMM bribery case by which MPs and MLAs were granted immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or vote in the legislature.

The bench also comprised justices AS Bopanna, MM Sundresh, PS Narasimha, JB Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar, and Manoj Misra.

Reading out the unanimous verdict on behalf of the bench, the CJI held that individual members of the legislature cannot assert a claim of privilege to seek immunity under Articles 105 and 194 from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the legislature.

1998 verdict

In 1998, a five-judge constitution bench held in its majority verdict on the Narasimha Rao versus CBI case that parliamentarians have immunity against criminal prosecution for any speech made and vote cast inside the House under Articles 105(2) and 194(2).

Also Read | Vote-for-bribe: Supreme Court says no immunity from prosecution to MPs, MLAs, overrules 1998 PV Narasimha Rao verdict

The seven-judge bench was reconsidering the 1998 judgment. pronouncing the verdict, CJI Chandrachud said Article 105 of the Constitution seeks to sustain an environment to have deliberations by the lawmakers in the House and this atmosphere is vitiated when a member is bribed to deliver a speech.

Justice Chandrachud said the privileges claimed must have a nexus to the collective functioning of the House and must have a relationship with the essential functions of a legislator which he or she has to discharge.

SC had reserved the verdict

The seven-judge bench had reserved its judgment in the matter on October 5 last year. During the arguments, the Centre had submitted that bribery can never be a subject matter of immunity and a parliamentary privilege is not meant to place a lawmaker above law.

The Supreme Court, in the course of the hearing, had said it would examine whether the immunity granted to lawmakers from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or vote in Parliament and state legislatures extends to them even if criminality is attached to their actions.

On September 20, 2023, the top court had agreed to reconsider its 1998 judgment, saying it was an important issue having a significant bearing on "morality of polity".

What's the JMM bribery case?

The issue came under the Supreme Court's lens in 2019, when a bench headed by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing an appeal filed by Sita Soren, JMM MLA from Jama and daughter-in-law of party chief Shibu Soren. She was an accused in the JMM bribery scandal.

The Gogoi-led bench had referred to a five-judge bench the matter, noting it had "wide ramification" and was of "substantial public importance".

Sita Soren was accused of taking bribes to vote for a particular candidate in the Rajya Sabha election in 2012. She contended that the constitutional provision granting lawmakers immunity from prosecution, which saw her father-in-law being let off the hook in the JMM bribery scandal, be applied to her.

She moved the apex court against the Jharkhand high court order of February 17, 2014, refusing to quash the criminal case lodged against her.

The three-judge bench had then said it would revisit the apex court verdict in the JMM bribery case involving Shibu Soren, a former Jharkhand chief minister and ex-union minister, and four other party MPs who had accepted bribes to vote against the no-confidence motion threatening the survival of the P V Narasimha Rao government in 1993.

The Narasimha Rao government, which was in a minority, survived the no-confidence vote with their support.

The CBI registered a case against Soren and four other JMM Lok Sabha MPs but the Supreme Court quashed it citing immunity from prosecution they enjoyed under Article 105(2) of the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies)
Ahead of the much-anticipated Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday, March 4, embark on a 10-day visit to 12 states and union territories (UTs) across the length and breadth of the country to attend 29 programmes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

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As per the schedule shared by the officials, Modi will be visiting Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi over the next 10 days in a bid to woo voters for the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Here's the 10-day scheduled visit of PM Modi:

March 4: Modi will visit Telangana where he will unveil multiple development projects in Adilabad and address a public meeting. Then he will proceed to Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam where he will pay a visit to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and will address a public meeting in Chennai. Later in the day, he will depart for Hyderabad.

March 5: On day 2, he will attend several programmes and inaugurate several projects in Telangana's Sangareddy followed by a public address. He will then travel to Odisha where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects at Chandikhole, Jajpur, following a public address in Chandikhole. Later in the day, he will depart for West Bengal.

March 6: On Wednesday, Modi will be in Mamata Banerjee's bastion West Bengal, where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs. 15,400 crore including Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan- Esplanade Metro section in Kolkata and address a public meeting in Barasat. Later, he will proceed to Bihar to attend several inauguration programmes worth around Rs. 12,800 crore in Bettiah.

Read here: What is PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision? NDA's next big plan ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections

March 7: On day 4 of his visit, Modi will travel to the erstwhile state and now a union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where he is scheduled to address a public rally at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. It will be PM Modi's first visit to the Kashmir valley after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Though, he had visited Jammu last month to inaugurate several development projects. He will later attend a media event in New Delhi.

March 8: On day 5, he will participate in the first-ever National Creator's Award in Delhi which he announced in his latest episode of Mann ki Baat, his monthly radio address to the people. Later he will travel to Assam in the evening to attend several development programmes.

March 9: On Saturday, PM Modi will be in north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel in West Kameng followed by attending several launch programmes in capital Itanagar. Later, he will then proceed to Assam where he will unveil the statue of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat followed by laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects there. Later in the day, PM Modi will visit West Bengal to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Siliguri, followed by a public address.

March 10: On Sunday, PM Modi will travel to Uttar Pradesh to attend several programs in Samajwadi Party's bastion Azamgarh. Ahead of the PM's visit, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday visited the city to take stock of the preparation at the possible venue of the public meeting at Manduri Airport.

March 11: On day 8, PM Modi will be in the national capital to attend 'Namo Drone Didi' and 'Lakhpati Didi' programs. Later, he will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway and in the evening, the prime minister will attend a DRDO event.

March 12: On day 9, PM Modi will visit Gujarat's Sabarmati and later will head to Rajasthan, touring Pokhran in Jaisalmer district.

March 13: In the last peg of his visit, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects in Gujarat and Assam via video conferencing, followed by an outreach programme for disadvantaged sections of society.

Read here: 'Go all out, win': PM Modi's message to ministers at Viksit Bharat 2047 meet | 10 points

PM Modi has been in action mode and has been unveiling a slew of development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees across the nation as he turns the spotlight on his government's development and welfare agenda in the run-up to the general elections, which are slated to take place in April-May this year.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also released its much-awaited first list of 195 candidates for the parliamentary polls fielding big stalwarts such as PM Modi from Varanasi and Amit Shah from Gujarat's Gandhinagar.

(With inputs from agencies)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invoked the Supreme Court's stern rebuke to Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his eradicate Sanatana Dharma remark.



Today we saw the country's top court asking tough questions to a member of the DMK family. Insulting the faith of crores of people is an identity of dynasts. Those who don't care about the public sentiments are occupying important posts in the Tamil Nadu government, the prime minister said at a public meeting in Chennai.



Pulling up the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, the top court bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Dutta said,You abuse your right under Article 19(1)(a) (of the Constitution). You abuse your right under Article 25. Now you are exercising your right under Article 32 (to file plea in the Supreme Court)? Do you not know the consequences of what you said? You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences."



ALSO READ: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy calls PM Modi his big brother



The son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin had sparked a massive controversy last year with his remark on Sanatana Dharma. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses rally in Chennai's YMCA ground. (X/BJP)

There are some things that we have to eradicate and we cant merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue, corona and malaria are things that we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this. Eradication and not opposing Sanatanam has to be our first task," Udhayanidhi Stalin had said at an event.



However, the DMK leader had remained defiant, saying he would say the same thing about Sanatana Dharma. He had clarified that his remark was against caste-based society that is Sanatana and not against Hindu religion.



ALSO READ: PM Modi responds to Lalu Prasad Yadav's swipe, top BJP leaders launch Modi Ka Parivar campaign



During his Chennai rally, Prime Minister Modi launched an all out attack at the DMK and INDIA alliance. For Parivarvadi parties like Congress, DMK and INDI Alliance, family is everything, corruption is everything! I welcome today's historic judgement of the Supreme Court which overruled a decision granting protection to corrupt leaders of the INDI Alliance, he said.
MANZINI  A pupil aged 14 is said to have committed suicide after her guardians reportedly informed her that they could not fund her school fees.

The incident reportedly happened at Lanjana, Siphofaneni. Siphiwe Shongwe, who is a grandmother to Lindokuhle Shongwe, said the Form II pupil of Siphofaneni High School killed herself on Tuesday at about 6am. Leading to her demise, Shongwe said the 14-year-old had returned home from school last Monday at about 7pm. This, she said, caused her to probe where Lindokuhle had been and the deceased said she had been cleaning a hall at school as part of a punishment for noise makers. Shongwe said she did not want to believe this and pressured the minor to expand as she suspected that there was a possibility she could have been sexually violated and threatened with death. She maintained her story but also admitted that she had walked with a boy home who found her along the way, Shongwe said. The senior citizen said she left it at that and at around 4am, she woke up and found lights switched on in the house, which she suspected that it was when Lindokuhle mixed the poisonous substance she ingested to commit suicide.

Scream

Shongwe said she switched off the lights and returned to bed and woke up at 6am to engage in her daily chores. While feeding her chickens, Shongwe said she heard a loud scream and rushed to the house only to find her granddaughter with foam on her mouth and nose. I started praying for her suspecting that she was having an asthma attack and was later informed by neighbours that she is dead, she said. Shongwe said they found a note written by Lindokuhle, bidding them farewell and insisting that she had taken the decision to end her life.

The elderly woman said Lindokuhle had days before informed her mother that her wish was to die, because her parents were failing to pay school fees for her. Shongwe said what was painful to her was that when the police vehicle left with the body of her granddaughter, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) contacted her on sponsoring the minor; only for her, to inform them that her granddaughter had just committed suicide. Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the suicide.
The court said this while dismissing a criminal appeal filed by Meena Devi, the wife of alleged gangster Rajendra Yadav of Azamgarh, challenging a May 4, 2023 order of a special judge, Gangsters Act, upholding a property attachment order issued by the district magistrate. HT Image

Dismissing Meena Devi's plea, Justice Nalin Kumar Srivastava said, "This court is of the view that the properties which were attached were acquired by gangster Rajendra Yadav, husband of the appellant, in the name of his wife by way of commission of offence triable under the Gangsters Act."

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"It also appears that relevant materials were supplied to the district magistrate, Azamgarh to have reason to believe that the properties in question were acquired by gangster Rajendra Yadav, the husband of the present appellant, as a result of commission of any offence triable under this Act and the burden upon the claimant to prove that the properties were not acquired... as a result of commission of any offence under the Act has not been discharged sufficiently," he said.

From the perusal of the record, the court said, it appears that the DM had relevant materials in support of the police report and that the appellant did not have enough income to acquire the said properties.

During the hearing, the counsel for Meena Devi submitted that the appellant is neither a gangster nor has she earned the aforesaid properties on account of her involvement in any anti-social activities.

The Azamgarh DM did not consider the appellant's plea. He arbitrarily confirmed his order of attachment while rejecting her representation and holding that the property was acquired through money earned illegally by her husband and referred the case to the special judge, the counsel said.
A massive controversy erupted in Kerala after the Communist Party of India-Marxist led students union in University of Kerala proposed to name the institution's annual youth festival as intifada, an Arabic term used to refer to Palestinian resistance against Israel. University of Kerala's vice chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal has now directed that the word be removed from all promotional material(University of Kerala website)

University of Kerala's vice chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal has now directed that the word be removed from all promotional material including posters and social media handles, The Indian Express reported.

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The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had lodged a complaint to the university administration, and also filed a petition before Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who is the chancellor of the varsity.



The students union in the University of Kerala is controlled by CPM's Students Federation of India (SFI). Last week, the students union had unveiled the logo of the festival, set to be held from March 7 to 11.



ALSO READ: 15 from PFI get death for killing Kerala BJP leader

Attempt to legitimise extremist and terrorist terminologies: ABVP complaint

In the complaint, ABVP's state secretary EU Eswaraprasad had said that following the Centre's ban on radical outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) and its students' wing Campus Front of India (CFI), several social media handles belonging to the CFI had changed their name as Intifada to evade attention of the security agencies.



The Narendra Modi government in 2022 had banned the PFI and its affiliates for five years, declaring them as unlawful organisations. There had been a number of instances of international linkages of PFI with Global Terrorist Groups and some activists of the PFI have joined Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and participated in terror activities in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, the Centre had said in its notification on September 28, 2022.



The ABVP state secretary argued that India shares friendly diplomatic ties with both Palestine and Israel. The Jewish state is regarded as a strategic partner of India, Eswaraprasad said in the ABVP complaint. He added that a government-funded educational institution in the country indulging in "propaganda against one of the friendly countries in the context of their internal conflict is not a good gesture, and it may affect the strategic interest of India.

The RSS students' wing also alleged that naming the festival Intifada was an attempt by the SFI to legitimise an extremist and terrorist terminologies.

Naming festival within our domain: Students' union

Following the ABVP complaint, the university vice chancellor had sought an explanation from the students' union, which said that naming the festival was within its domain, and was in reaction to the Israeli military action that has been devastating Gaza.



The Department of Students Service's director had also backed the selection of the name, saying that there was no reason for interference with the union's decision, an explanation rejected by the V-C.

Kerala University V-C asks students' union to ensure compliance

According to the Indian Express report, the university's vice chancellor has asked the registrar, students' union and director of students services to ensure compliance with the directive, warning that failure to do so will be 'viewed seriously.

Adding that the festival is not a place for protest, the vice chancellor said that the union committed a mistake by choosing a word that has connotations that could affect many among the students and the public, the report quoted him as saying.
Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Bhopal, admitted that certain remarks she made may have displeased Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past, resulting in her exclusion from the party's first list of candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She said the prime minister had then said she "will not be forgiven" for her choice of words. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhopal MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur.

"I did not seek a ticket before, and I am not seeking one now. The use of certain words in my previous statements might not have pleased Prime Minister Modi, and he had expressed that I wouldn't be forgiven. However, I had already apologised to him earlier," India Today quoted Pragya Singh Thakur as saying on Sunday.

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The BJP on Saturday replaced Pragya Singh Thakur, who is facing trial in the September 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, with Alok Sharma, a former mayor.

Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: These 4 controversial MPs missing from BJP's first list

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Pragya Singh Thakur gained prominence as one of the giant killers, securing victory over Congress stalwart Digvijaya Singh by an impressive margin of 3,64,822 votes.

But despite her electoral success, Pragya Singh Thakur's tenure has been marred by controversies. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she sparked outrage by comparing Hemant Karkare, an Ashok Chakra awardee and former Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief, to mythological figures Ravan and Kans. Her remarks on Hemant Karkare's death in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks further fueled controversy, leading to a show-cause notice from the Election Commission of India (ECI), prompting the BJP to distance itself from her.

Subsequently, Pragya Singh Thakur triggered another controversy by praising Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, as a patriot. Despite issuing an apology, her statements continued to draw condemnation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who termed them as extremely condemnable.

Modi had said he would never forgive Pragya Singh Thakur for calling Mahatma Gandhi's assassin a true patriot. "I will never be able to forgive Pragya Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi," Modi had said.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday attacked Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for his announcement that he will join politics, saying he was working for a party and not delivering justice. Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay. (File)

"If sitting judges of the High Court and Supreme Court resign and join a particular political party, it means they were not delivering justice, but working for the party," Sanjay Raut said.

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Justice Gangopadhyay on Sunday said that he will resign as the judge and join politics.

"I am going to resign from the post of a judge in High Court, Calcutta. For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed. A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters. There are also large scams of employers concerning provident fund gratuity, etc. I have also passed certain orders in those respects. But what I have failed while doing these matters of labour matters, labour legislation, that I have felt that my job in this duty is over. This is the call of my conscience," he told ANI.

"Now I should go to a larger area," he added.

Also read: Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay to resign on Tuesday, says will join politics

He hinted at joining politics.

"So I have thought that only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them," he added.

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay declined to reveal which party he will join. However, sources told Hindustan Times that he will likely join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The judge is set to retire in July.

He had joined the high court as an additional judge in 2018 and became permanent in 2020.

Justice Gangopadhyay vs Trinamool Congress

Justice Gangopadhyay said on Sunday that he was insulted by "people in the ruling party".

He said the ruling party "brought me here today".

"Some men in black coats (apparently pointing at lawyers) acted like agents and targeted me. I have finally made up my mind. The ruling party has brought me here today. I congratulate them," he said.

The judge had passed several orders questioning the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. In May 2022, justice Gangopadhyay ordered a CBI probe into the teachers' recruitment scam.

In 2023, he ordered CBI to probe a suspected recruitment scam in civic bodies across Bengal.

On January 8 this year, the judge told the media outside court that the source of Abhishek Banerjees properties should be probed.

Can Abhishek Banerjee file an affidavit with details of his income and assets? the judge told the same news channel.

On January 9, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh dared him to join politics and contest against Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha elections.

With inputs from ANI
New Delhi: The State Bank of India has moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the deadline till June 30 for disclosing details of electoral bonds encashed by political parties. The State Bank of India logo. (Reuters)

In an application filed in the Supreme Court, the State Bank of India, the country's biggest lender, said the retrieval of information from "each silo" and the procedure of matching the information of one silo to that of the other would be a time-consuming exercise.

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In its plea, SBI contended it had taken stringent measures to protect the identity of those who donated to political parties. Now decoding the electoral bonds and matching donors with the donations is likely to be a complex process, the bank told the court.

"It submitted that the data related to the issuance of the bond and the data related to the redemption of the bond was kept recorded in two different silos. No central database was maintained. This was done to ensure that donors' anonymity would be protected," the bank said.

The bank told the court that donors' details were kept sealed at some branches. They were later deposited in the main branch of the applicant bank, located in Mumbai.

"It is submitted that donor details were kept in a sealed cover at the designated branches and all such sealed covers were deposited in the Main Branch of the Applicant bank, which is located in Mumbai," the bank said.

Also read: Electoral bonds: What Supreme Court judges said in their landmark judgement

In a landmark judgement that delivered a big blow to the government, the Supreme Court on February 15 annulled the electoral bonds scheme for political funding, saying it violates the Constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to information. In its verdict months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the apex court ordered SBI to disclose to the Election Commission the names of the contributors to the six-year-old scheme.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed that the SBI must disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties. The information should include the date of encashment and the denomination of the bonds and be submitted to the poll panel by March 6.

With inputs from PTI
The State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the March 6 deadline to furnish information on electoral bonds to the Election Commission. In an application filed before the top court, the state-run SBI, the sole issuer of the anonymous donation instruments, contended that the three weeks time fixed by the court would not be sufficient for the entire exercise to be completed. (Also Read: What are electoral bonds? Did they give BJP an unfair advantage?) The Supreme Court of India. (AP)

The bank submitted that due to stringent measures undertaken to ensure that the identity of the donors was kept anonymous, "decoding' the electoral bonds and matching donors to the donations made would be a complex process.

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It submitted that the data related to the issuance of the bond and the data related to the redemption of the bond was kept recorded in two different silos. No central database was maintained. This was done to ensure that donors' anonymity would be protected, the plea said.

"It is submitted that donor details were kept in a sealed cover at the designated branches and all such sealed covers were deposited in the Main Branch of the Applicant bank, which is located in Mumbai," it added.

The bank urged the apex court to extend the deadline to June 30.

Also Read: SC's electoral bonds scheme verdict: How BJP stands to lose the most?

The Supreme Court dealt a major blow to the BJP-led central government last month by declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed the SBI to disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties, including the date of encashment and the denomination of the bonds, to the Election Commission.

Critics of the anonymous funding scheme, of which the ruling BJP was the biggest beneficiary, saw the verdict as significant and timely ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

To be sure, there are no curbs on the absolute amount of political funding and can still be carried out through other means.
India has sent several sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples to Thailand, where they were personally received by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with the development being seen as part of New Delhis efforts to counter Beijings attempts to use Buddhism to project soft power in Southeast Asia. Soon after the relics were flown into Bangkok on a special Indian Air Force (IAF) flight, they were given a guard of honour. (Indian Embassy)

The relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana, were taken to Bangkok last month by an Indian delegation and will be displayed for 25 days in four cities of Thailand. After being displayed at Sanam Luang royal palace ground in Bangkok, the relics were taken to Chiang Mai on Monday.

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Soon after the relics were flown into Bangkok on a special Indian Air Force (IAF) flight, they were given a guard of honour and later received by Thavisin and members of his council of ministers before being put on display in a red-and-gold pagoda for 11 days.

Also Read:HistoriCity | Varanasi is a microcosm of Hindu India, its also a city of reformists

The relics of Lord Buddha are drawn from the National Museum in New Delhi and were excavated at Piprahva, considered a part of the ancient Buddhist site of Kapilavastu, while the relics of the disciples are from a monastery at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. Their exposition in Thai cities was arranged to mark the friendship between the people of India and Thailand and the 72nd birth anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, people familiar with the matter said.

The Thai king and his wife visited the relics on February 26 and spent almost an hour at the site, the people said.

On several days, almost 100,000 people visited the pagoda that was custom built for the relics, they said. Besides Thai devotees, people from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam also visited the site in Bangkok to pay homage to the relics.

Buddhist culture was always ours. This exposition of the relics in Thailand is one way to counter Chinas efforts to project soft power through Buddhist culture, one of the people cited above said.

After being displayed in Chiang Mai province till March 8, the relics will be taken to Ubon Ratchathani province (March 9-13) and Krabi province (March 14-18).

Amid the dragging military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China has sought to position itself to have a greater say in Buddhist affairs, such as appointing the successor to the current Dalai Lama. While Buddhism originated in what is modern day Nepal and India, Chinas state media has sought to portray it as an ancient Chinese religion.

Many of these steps appear to have been taken by Beijing with an eye on the situation in the Tibet Autonomous Region, where the Dalai Lama remains an influential spiritual leader. On the other hand, the people cited above said India perceives Buddhism as an important factor in building stronger relations with Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand and Vietnam.
The Jharkhand Police on Sunday said the three persons arrested in connection with the gang-rape of a Spanish tourist in Dumka district were sent to judicial custody by a court. The woman from Spain was allegedly gangraped on March 1 at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from the state capital Ranchi, where she was spending the night in a tent along with her husband, the police said. Three accused arrested in the Spanish tourist gang-rape case in Dumka district of Jharkhand on March 3.(PTI)

The woman's statement has been recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, the police said. Addressing a press conference, superintendent of police Pitamber Singh Kherwar said a medical test was conducted on the woman and it confirmed rape.

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Several foreign media also extensively covered the Dumka gang-rape incident.

News agency Reuters, citing authorities and the couple, reported that police were searching for four others accused of attacking two tourists and gang-raping the woman.

Also Read | Thank God we are alive: Spanish tourist who was gangraped in Jharkhand

Reuters said the police found the couple, who are Spanish citizens, around 11pm local time on March 1 on a roadside, looking like they had suffered a beating.

Pitamber Singh Kherwar, Reuters said, did not give details on the crime or identify the victims, adding the two people told authorities "their modesty had been outraged", in an incident involving seven men.

The couple said in a video interview on Saturday that the men raped her and hit the husband repeatedly. The couple said they had camped out near the site where they were attacked because they could not find hotels nearby.

They raped me, they took turns while some watched and they stayed like that for about two hours, the woman, who has joint Brazilian-Spanish nationality, told Spanish TV channel Antena 3 in the interview.

Also Read | Spanish woman gangrape: NCW chief slams US writer for calling India unsafe

Earlier, the couple published a video describing what happened on their joint Instagram account, where they post images of their travels around the world by motorcycle to almost 200,000 followers. The video is no longer available.

In a new video, the couple, who appears with bruises on her face, thanked their followers for the support, Reuters reported.

On Sunday, the Spanish foreign ministry said it was sending staff to the area and had been in touch with authorities, while its Brazilian counterpart said it had sought contact with the Brazilian citizen through its embassy in New Delhi and was available to give every assist applicable, the news agency reported.

NCRB data on rapes in India

Another foreign news agency AFP, citing the data by the National Crime Records Bureau, reported that an average of nearly 90 rapes were reported in India every day in 2022.

However, large numbers go unreported due to prevailing stigmas around victims and a lack of faith in police investigations, it added. Convictions remain rare, with cases getting stuck for years in India's clogged-up criminal justice system, it said.

AFP highlighted the 2012 Nirbhaya case and reported the horrific crime shone an international spotlight on India's high levels of sexual violence and sparked weeks of protests, and eventually a change in the law to introduce the death penalty for rape.

Al Jazeera reported sexual violence targeting women is common in India, with women from minority tribal communities being particularly at risk. Taboos around speaking up about the crime and low conviction rates of suspects add to the problem, it said.

It also referred to the NCRB report which recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states recorded the highest number of cases, it added.

News portal The Independent also covered the incident and how Bollywood actor Richa Chadha reacted to the incident.

Shameful! Indians are treating foreigners like they treat their own women. Shame on our rotten society, Richa Chadha said.

The Independent said it has reached out to Spains embassy in India for comment.
New DelhiI: Swedish defence firm Saab will next year begin manufacturing the Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-launched weapon system in India at its new facility in Haryanas Jhajjar district, whose groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday, company officials said. Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-fired weapon system. (SAAB)

This venture, Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, is the first case of 100 % foreign direct investment (FDI) in the countrys defence sector. India normally allows 74% FDI in defence, with 100% FDI approved only on a case-by-case basis.

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Saab FFVO will manufacture the latest rocket launchers in the country for the Indian armed forces along with components for users of the weapon system around the world.

We are proud to start constructing our first facility outside Sweden for Carl-Gustaf, a product that has a long history with the Indian armed forces. We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India, said Gorgen Johansson, senior vice president and head of Saabs business area dynamics.

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system has been in service with the Indian Army since 1976, and its earlier M2 and M3 variants have been licence-produced in India. It will be Saabs first manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system outside Sweden.

Today is an important milestone for Sweden and India. Saabs factory will be the first foreign fully owned defence production facility in India. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between our countries, says Hakan Jevrell, state secretary for foreign trade, Sweden.

The facility will be spread over 3.6 acres at the Reliance MET City near Jhajjar.

Also Read: UPDIC poised to make India Atmanirbhar in defence production

Saab will partner with Indian suppliers and will fully meet the requirements of Make in India for the systems manufactured in the facility, the company said in a statement. At the new factory, Saab will deploy complex technologies including the latest sighting technology and advanced carbon fibre winding to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian armed forces, and components which may be included in other users systems, it said.

The M4 weapon system is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including anti armour and illumination rounds, with the maximum range being 1,500 metre. The new system comes with several advancements over the M3 variant, including a new sighting system, ballistic computer, improved optics and provision for night vision clip-ons, Johansson said. At 7 kg, the M4 is three kgs lighter than the M3.

A few Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers have already been inducted by the Indian Army.

Also Read: Swedish defence firm Saab plans to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon in India

Saab will continue its partnership with Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) (two of the seven firms carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board) to manufacture the earlier M3 variant and ammunition.
Telangana chief Revanth Reddy on Monday called Prime Minister Modi his big brother. Reddy said that if Telangana has to progress it has to follow the Gujarat model. Reddy further asked for the PMs support to help develop the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at the inauguration of multiple development projects in Adilabad on Monday. (ANI)

For us, development means development of the poorest of the poor, development of Dalits, tribal people, backward people and the deprived, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at a rally in Adilabad.

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Addressing the public rally in Hindi, he added further, Hamare hisaab se Pradhan Mantri matlab bade bhai (According to us, Prime Minister means elder brother). Only with his help can chief ministers take their states forward If Telangana has to progress, if it has to move forward like Gujarat, your help is required."

Telangana, a Congress-ruled state, does not want a confrontation with the Centre and desires cordial relation We would like to contribute to the ambitious target of a USD 5 trillion economy," Reddy added.

The CM also requested funds for the state's metro rail project during his address in Adilabad. Prime Minister Modi is on a tour to Telangana ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. He laid the foundation stone for over 30 development projects worth more than 56,000 crore in Adilabad on Monday.

At the event, the prime minister dedicated to the nation NTPC's 800 MW (Unit-2) Telangana Super Thermal Power Project in Peddapalli.

The project is based on ultra-supercritical technology. It will supply 85 per cent of power to Telangana. It will also have the highest power generation efficiency of approximately 42 per cent among all power stations of NTPC.

The Prime Minister will also take part in another public meeting in Tamil Nadu later in the day.

(With inputs from PTI)
MBABANE  While government meant well when constructing five new clinics, the challenges faced by these health facilities threaten their existence.

For one, the nurses working in the newly-constructed health facilities want transfers, citing lack of housing, which contributes to high transport costs. Some of the nurses said they were allegedly forced to commute on a daily basis, as it was difficult to secure affordable accommodation in the areas surrounding the health facilities. They made these remarks following the budget speech presented by the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, where he said government had improved the network of health facilities countrywide, as they had implemented the policy of having a health facility within every eight-kilometre (km) radius. Rijkenberg said this had been done through constructing and operationalising more health facilities in all four regions of the country. He stated that these included clinics constructed at Hlane, Nkomazi, Sidvokodvo (Luve), Magwanyana and Tikhuba.

Incinerator

The clinics were constructed between 2021 and 2022. They have an incinerator and generator building, guardhouse, wash bay, screening offices, and cough booths among other facilities.

All the clinics have the same designs and similar paintings. During a visit to some of the clinics by this publication, nurses were found going about their daily duties. This reporter was allowed to go around the facilities but urged not to take pictures of the interior. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the nurses related the daily struggles they had encountered since they started working in the clinics, in 2022. The nurses said their biggest challenge was the issue of housing. They said government overlooked accommodation for personnel when constructing the clinics.

According to the healthcare workers, they were promised that their houses would be built a year ago but that has not happened. They explained that they were forced to travel long distances and spend a lot of money on transport, just to be at work. One nurse shared that she was forced to travel from Manzini to the health facility which is over 40km on a daily basis.

Some of the nurses stated that the roads leading to the facilities were in a terrible state and they struggled with public transport. For us, we have no public transport due to the roads and we rely on taxis. Every day you have to pay for a taxi, both in the morning and afternoon. We spend E200 daily on taxis and further pay for public transport to connect us to our houses, one nurse claimed. Adding, they said some nurses were spending their own money in renting houses in the nearby communities. The healthcare personnel explained that they had engaged authorities on numerous occasions, with no change. We were told that places were demarcated for the staff houses but even today, we are still waiting for those houses. Those who rent houses in the communities pay a lot of money determined by the landlords, the nurses claimed.

Transfers

According to the nurses, they had already applied, to other facilities closer to their places of abode or those with housing. They explained that their transfers were allegedly not approved by their superiors. The nurses stated that they were allegedly told to have a replacement before their transfers could be authorised. They pleaded with government to review its legislation and allow nurses to be posted next to their home areas or places of abode. The healthcare workers mentioned that such a move would help address the current issue of lack of housing.
Kolkata: Senior Trinamool Congress leader and former minister Tapas Roy resigned from the West Bengal legislative assembly on Monday amid indications that he may soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contest against the ruling party in the coming Lok Sabha polls. Trinamool Congress leader, Tapas Roy. (File photo.)

I resigned from TMCs primary membership and all government offices on March 1, Roy told the media after stepping down as legislator. He was the TMCs deputy chief whip in the current assembly.

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Roy, whose name never surfaced in any corruption case, is a three-time winner from North 24 Parganas districts Baranagar, which is a part of the Dum Dum Lok Sabha seat held by TMCs Saugata Roy since 2009.

Mamata Banerjee, 69, who founded TMC in 1998, and Roy, 67, were earlier in the Congress where both served as state president of the youth wing. Roy became a Congress MLA for the first time in Kolkata in 1996 and won his second assembly seat for TMC in 2001.

Also Read: Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay to resign on Tuesday, says will join politics

TMC, however, never fielded Roy from any of the Lok Sabha seats in Kolkata or North 24 Parganas after it came to power in 2011.

Claiming that back-to-back corruption cases against ruling party leaders and the recent Sandeshkhali incident has made him uncomfortable, Roy said he was shocked to see the chief minister defending Sandeshkhalis TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan on the floor of the legislative assembly on February 15 but not condemning the January 12 Enforcement Directorate raid at his home in Kolkata.

Outsiders were brought in to spread tension in the area. The target was Sheikh Shahjahan. ED first entered the area targeting him. After ousting everyone they created a rift between the local tribal and minority population, Banerjee told the assembly during the budget session.

Accused by villagers at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of grabbing farmland and sexually assaulting women, Shahjahan, who was being hunted by ED since January 5 in a money laundering case, was arrested by state police on February 28.

On January 12, people from my own party sent the ED team to raid my home. Some MPs and MLAs were overjoyed. I still dont know why the ED came. I expected the chief minister to at least call up my traumatised wife or daughter to inquire. I am grateful to BJP, Left and Congress leaders for expressing their solidarity with me. The chief minister defended Sheikh Shahjahan at the assembly but did not utter a word to condemn the ED raid at my place, Roy told media.

I will not comment on what I plan to do next, Roy said after submitting his resignation letter to assembly speaker Biman Banerjee.

I will announce my decision tomorrow. Many people join other parties. He did the right thing by resigning from the assembly first, the speaker said.

Amid strong speculations that the saffron camo may field Roy from the Kolkata North seat against TMC heavyweight Sudip Bandopadhyay, 75, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said: Politics is a game of possibilities. I cannot say anything right now but can assure that TMCs political equations will change drastically across Bengal very soon.

Last week, Roy and TMC leader Kunal Ghosh targeted Bandopadhyay alleging that he always worked for BJP. Both named the MP on record.

Sudip Bandopadhyay sent the ED team to raid my home because I am rising in the north Kolkata region, Roy said on March 2.

Also Read: TMCs Sheikh Shahjahan nabbed at last after high court push

A day later, Ghosh, an accused in the Saradha chit fund case, wrote a social media post tagging the ED and demanded a probe against Bandopadhayay who is an accused in the Rose Valley chit fund case. Ghosh also resigned from the posts of state general secretary and party spokesperson.

TMC sent a show cause notice to Ghosh on Monday shortly after he met Roy at the latters residence. Education minister Bratya Basu also went there to dissuade Roy from quitting.

Bandopadhyay did not comment on any of the developments but Ghosh said the MP invited him for a cup of tea at his residence on Monday evening.

TMC Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee alleged that it was Roy who tried to create divisions in the party.

There are no divisions in TMC. Tapas Roy created all the trouble and pressured the party to field him from Kolkata North. Let the rotten apples leave, Banerjee said.
Two schools in Tamil Nadu received bomb threats on Monday leading to panic among students, staffers and parents. The schools that received the bomb threat are the PSBB Millennium School in Coimbatore and a private school in Kancheepuram district. PSSB Millennium School in Coimbatore

The private school in Coimbatore received an email on Sunday night. Another private school got a hoax call on Monday morning. Both have been declared hoax threats.

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The police and a bomb squad team immediately reached the PSBB Millennium School after receiving the inputs and started an investigation, a report by India Today added. However, the authorities have not been able to find any explosives in the schools' premises yet.

As examinations are currently underway for class 11 students at the schools, the police have offered additional security protection near the premises. The authorities have said that no one would be allowed near the school premises without proper security checks.

In similar incidents, several schools in Chennai received bomb threats on February 8. The bomb detection and disposal teams were deployed to search the premises of DAV, Gopalapuram, Chettinad Vidyashram in RA Puram, Chennai Public School in Anna Nagar and JJ Nagar, and St Marys' School in Parrys. However, it was later confirmed that these were hoax threats.

Earlier in December last year, around 15 schools in Bengaluru had also received similar threats through email. The police noted that the threats were similar to those sent to multiple schools in 2022. Despite the police successfully tracing the code of the programme used to send the emails to a minor in Tamil Nadu, they were unable to ascertain the identity of the individual responsible for the act.

A few days earlier, an explosion rocked The Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, leaving 10 injured. A case has been filed at the HAL Police Station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act in the incident. The National Investigation Agency will take over the bomb blast probe.
Two persons were arrested from Goa in connection with the killing of Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Haryana unit chief Nafe Singh Rathee, police said on Monday. Nafe Singh Rathee and party worker Jai Kishan were killed after multiple rounds were fired on their vehicle in Bahadurgarh in the state's Jhajjar district on February 25. Indian National Lok Dal's Haryana state unit chief Nafe Singh Rathee(File photo)

Ashish and Saurabh were arrested from Goa in a joint operation by the Haryana Police's Special Task Force, the district police and the Delhi Police's Special Cell.

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They were arrested from North Goa, where they were staying in a hotel, police officials in Delhi said and added that they will be brought to the national capital by afternoon.

A senior Delhi Police official said Ashish, Saurabh, Nakul and Atul were the four who opened fire on Rathee and Kishan's vehicle on February 25.

ALSO READ| Rathees killing: Police announce 1 lakh reward each for info on three accused

The Jhajjar Police said the search was underway to nab two more shooters. Earlier on Saturday, a senior Haryana Police officer said that four shooters allegedly involved in the murder of Nafe Singh Rathee had been identified and efforts were on to nab them. Jhajjar superintendent of Police Arpit Jain said the car used by the shooters was recovered from outside Rewari Railway Station.

Our teams were conducting raids at various places in different states to nab them, Jain had said.

The police said the car owner had been identified and people who used the car had been rounded up and being asked how the vehicle reached the shooters. A forensic team lifted samples from the vehicle for investigation.

ALSO READ| SIT questions 4 accused in INLD Haryana chief Rathees murder case

About Nafe Singh Rathee's murder

Nafe Singh Rathee, the president of Indian National Lok Dal's Haryana unit, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jhajjar's Bahadurgarh on February 25. In the attack, INLD worker Jai Kishan who was travelling with Nafe Singh Rathee in the same vehicle also died.

The incident shocked Haryana leaders with many political parties condemning it. Opposition parties had criticised the ruling BJP government, saying that the incident was the result of failure in maintaining law and order.

Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala has accused the BJP-JJP government of failing to provide security to Nafe Singh Rathee, despite there being a threat to the deceased's life.

On Monday, Haryana home minister Anil Vij said the investigation into the killing of Rathee will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The Supreme Court on Monday called Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Udayanidhi Stalins comments in September that Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated an abuse of the right to free speech while asking him to be careful given his position as a Tamil Nadu minister. Tamil Nadu minister Udayanidhi Stalin. (PTI)

You are not a layman. You are a minister...should have realised the consequences of your remarks, said a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta while hearing Stalins petition for clubbing criminal cases registered against him over the remarks in six states.

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Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Stalin, told the court that the comments were made at a closed-door meeting and not at a public function. I am running away. I will win or lose in these cases. But there cannot be persecution of a person before prosecution. All cases emerge from one statement.

He argued that making his client run around across states amounted to persecution. There are cases against me in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, and Mumbai, he said citing Article 32, which grants the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

The court said Article 32 cannot be a remedy after a person has abused fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) for free speech and expression and Article 25 (freedom to practice and propagate religion)

You abuse your Article 19(1)(a)...Article 25... Now you want to exercise your Article 32...Do you know the consequences of what you said, the bench said.

The court initially suggested Singhvi approach individual high courts. You are seeking all cases to be clubbed... Why should a witness from Jammu and Kashmir travel to Tamil Nadu?

When the court said it was unaware of the stage at which the cases were pending, Singhvi pointed out a charge sheet had been filed in one of the cases in Bengaluru. He added orders for clubbing cases were issued in dealing with similar situations facing journalists Arnab Goswami, Amish Devgan, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nupur Sharma, and fact checker Mohammad Zubair.

The court agreed to consider these judgments and the proceedings in each of the cases against Stalin before the next date of hearing on March 15.

Two petitions seeking Stalins criminal prosecution for his remarks remain pending before the Supreme Court.
The first house under the governments flagship scheme PM JANMAN launched by PM Modi on 15th November 2023 on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was constructed in a record period of one month, a senior government officer said. The house has been constructed in Shivpuri village of Madhya Pradesh and given to Bhagchand Adivasi from the Sahariya tribe , according to the additional secretary of Tribal Affairs Naval Jit Kapoor. HT Image

According to the ministry, 4.9 lakh houses are to be constructed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). The first instalment of 50,000 was disbursed by the Prime Minister through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on January 15, followed by subsequent instalments of 75,000 each on January 22 and January 26. Each household is allocated 2.39 lakhs under this scheme, specifically earmarked for PVTGs. The amount is higher than the 1.2 lakh allocated to a house in the plains and 1.30 lakh, in hills, under the PM Awas Yojana (PMAY). The 2.39 lakh includes 12,500 for toilet construction and 27,000 designated as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) wages for a period of 90 days.

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Women are very happy and are now motivating each other to register for Aadhaar cards and caste certificates so that they can avail benefits under JANMAN as well. It has become a healthy competition among the villagers to see whose house will be completed first, said Kapoor. PM JANMAN is going strong and we hope to complete all sanctioned houses for PVTGs in MP within 4-5 months.

PM JANMAN has an outlay of 24,000 crores spread over three years. It consists of eleven interventions spread across nine ministries and covers 18 states and one UT. Bihar has not submitted its data because it was preoccupied with the caste census while Manipur has been unable to submit the data due to the tensions in the state.

Kapoor said projects worth 7,000 crores have already been sanctioned since the start of the project.

Professor and retired IAS officer AB Ota said the monitoring system in the JANMAN scheme is strong since its monitored at the PMOs level and all nine ministries involved. The culture of tribal communities is priceless, only infrastructural interventions are not enough and must be accompanied by protection of their culture and behavioural intervention.
A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that an MP or MLA cannot claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the Parliament or Legislative Assembly. Supreme Court of India (HT File)

During the hearing on Monday, the apex court bench said corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life and cannot be shielded under the principles of parliamentary privilege.

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The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, ruled that lawmakers in the country will not have immunity from prosecution for taking a bribe to make a speech or vote in the Parliament.

Read more: PM Modi lauds Supreme Court's great judgment that overruled 1998 verdict

With today's verdict, the Supreme Court overruled the 1998 PV Narasimha ruling which held that MPs and MLAs who take bribes for voting and asking questions in the House enjoy immunity as per the Constitution.

Supreme Court verdict on votes-for-bribe: Top quotes

"We disagree with the judgment in PV Narasimha case which grants immunity to legislator for alleged bribery for making a speech or vote in a particular manner in the House that has wide ramifications," Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said.

2. A member indulging in bribery indulges in a criminal act which is not essential for casting a vote or giving a speech in the legislature, the CJI said. He added that the interpretation of PV Narasimha judgment is contrary to Articles 105 and 194.

3. Saying that bribery and corruption can have wide ramifications, the Supreme Court bench said, Such a claim to immunity fails to fulfill the two-fold test, that the claim is tethered to the collective functioning of the House and that it is necessary to the discharge of the essential duties of a legislator.

Read more: No immunity from prosecution if MP/MLA takes bribe to vote or make speeches: SC

4. Bribery is not rendered immune under Articles 105(2) and the corresponding provision of Article 194(2) because a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is not essential to the casting of the vote or the ability to decide on how the vote should be cast. The same principles apply to bribery in connection with the speech in the House or a committee, the bench said.

5. The bench further clarified, It does not matter whether the vote is cast in the agreed direction or if the vote is cast at all. The offense of bribery is complete at that point in time.
A seven-judge bench in the Supreme Court held that lawmakers, including MPs and MLAs, are liable to be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act if they receive monetary benefits for their votes and speech in Parliament or assembly, overruling the 1998 verdict of the apex court in PV Narasimha Rao case. The Supreme Court. (ANI)

A seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict delivered by a five-judge bench in the JMM bribery case by which MPs and MLAs were granted immunity from prosecution for taking a bribe to make a speech or vote in the legislature.

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Pronouncing the verdict, CJI Chandrachud said bribery is not protected by parliamentary privileges and the interpretation of the 1998 verdict is contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution.

An MP/MLA can't claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the legislative house, the ruled the seven-judge bench.

The SC said corruption or bribery by a member of legislature erodes probity in public life and accepting bribes itself constitutes the offence.

To give any privilege unconnected to the functioning of Parliament or legislature will lead to creating a class that enjoys unchecked exemptions from the operation of law of the land, it said.

Parliamentary privileges are essentially related to the House collectively and necessary for its functioning, said the seven-judge bench.

Elections to Rajya Sabha or to the office of the President/Vice President will also come under the ambit of Constitutional provisions applicable to parliamentary privilege, the Supreme Court said.

In 1998, the five-judge constitution bench held in its majority verdict on the Narasimha Rao versus CBI case that parliamentarians have immunity against criminal prosecution for any speech made and vote cast inside the House under Articles 105(2) and 194(2).

The seven-judge bench was reconsidering the 1998 judgement.

While pronouncing the verdict, the CJI said Article 105 of the Constitution seeks to sustain an environment to have deliberations by the lawmakers in the House and this atmosphere is vitiated when a member is bribed to deliver a speech.

Justice Chandrachud said the privileges claimed must have a nexus to the collective functioning of the House and must have a relationship with the essential functions of a legislator which he or she has to discharge.

The seven-judge bench had reserved its judgement in the matter on October 5 last year.

During the arguments, the Centre had submitted that bribery can never be a subject matter of immunity and a parliamentary privilege is not meant to place a lawmaker above the law.

The top court, in the course of the hearing, had said it would examine whether the immunity granted to lawmakers from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or vote in Parliament and state legislatures extends to them even if criminality is attached to their actions.

On September 20, 2023, the apex court had agreed to reconsider its 1998 judgement, saying it was an important issue having a significant bearing on "morality of polity".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the council of ministers meeting, chalking out a plan for the next five years to work on the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision if the NDA forms a government after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May 2024. PM Modi chaired the Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday (PTI)(PTI)

During the meeting, a 100-day action plan was discussed for immediate steps to be taken after a new government is formed in May to implement the NDA's five-year plan, officials aware of the day-long exercise said.

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Government sources said the roadmap for "Viksit Bharat" is a result of more than two years of intensive preparation and involved a "whole of government" approach involving all ministries and wide-ranging consultations with state governments, academia, industry bodies, civil society, scientific organisations and mobilisation of youths for inputs.

The council of ministers meeting on March 3 is articulated to be the last such meeting before the Lok Sabha elections, with the NDA expressing a strong confidence to win with a sweeping majority.

What is PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision?

The Viksit Bharat vision has been the prime focus of PM Modi's speeches over the last few years. The prime minister has expressed his government's action plan to turn India into a developed nation by 2047, exactly 100 years after gaining Independence from the British rule.

The roadmap of Viksit Bharat 2047 for the next five years was discussed by Modi on Sunday, which included a carefully articulate list of national goals, aims and action points. The focus of Viksit Bharat vision lies in economic growth, sustainable development goals, ease of living, ease of doing business, infrastructure, and social welfare, and more.

Modi has previously said the aim of Viksit Bharat vision is to enable every citizen to participate in the economy. One of the most significant parts of this action plan is to turn India into the third-largest economy in the world over the next five years, if the NDA comes into power once again.

The BJP on Saturday announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming general elections, with heavyweights like PM Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh named in the list. BJP's first list showcases a diverse range of candidates with 28 women, 27 scheduled caste candidates, 18 from scheduled tribes and 57 belong to other backward classes (OBCs).
The future is female and until we get it, we can't stop fantasising about a vision of a future where women have equal cerebral opportunities, representation and influence, leading to a more just and equitable society for all hence, if you (like us) believe in the potential for progress in society, there is no better day than International Women's Day to emphasise the importance of empowering women and promoting gender equality in all aspects of life including politics, economics and social spheres. There have been significant contributions of women to society throughout history and the potential for even greater contributions lie in the future so, we all can use this International Women's Day to empower women to create a better future for everyone, encourage women to take on leadership roles and make their voices heard in decision-making processes. International Women's Day 2024: When is it and why do we celebrate it? Know date, history, significance (Photo by Freepik)

Date:

International Women's Day is observed every year on March 8.

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History:

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), International Women's Day emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe in the twentieth century. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in commemoration of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, during which women protested against harsh working conditions.

The United Nations Charter in 1945 became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between men and women. Later, on March 8, 1975, during International Women's Year, UN observed its first official International Women's Day.

Following the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in 1977, International Women's Day became a mainstream global holiday, with member states invited to proclaim March 8 as an official UN holiday for women's rights and world peace.

Significance:

International Women's Day is celebrated to spread the message of gender equality to create a better society free of gender bias. The day celebrates women and addresses issues such as women's equal rights, violence and abuse against women and reproductive rights.

Celebrations:

People celebrate International Women's Day by making the women in their lives feel special with heartwarming gestures. You can take them to their favourite restaurant for dinner, make handmade gifts, gift them books written by female authors, educate yourself on women's rights and gender equality, watch their favourite films and more.

Here's to women who are a full circle because within them is the power to create, nurture and transform!
In view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam, the jeep safari and elephant ride will remain closed in the Kaziranga range of Kohora from March 7 to 9. Kaziranga suspends jeep safari, elephant rides from March 7-9 during PM Modi's visit (File Photo by HT_PRINT)

"The jeep safari and elephant ride in Kaziranga Range, Kohora, will remain closed to visitors. Jeep Safari will remain closed to visitors on March 7, March 8 and March 9 - forenoon and elephant ride will remain closed on March 8 and March 9," Arun Vignesh, Divisional Forest Officer, Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, said in a notice.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the national park on March 8 and 9. He is expected to arrive at the park on March 8 evening and will stay at night.

The Prime Minister during the stay, is likelt to enjoy a jungle safari within the Kohora range of the park. Both jeep safari and elephant safari have been planned in his 2-day itinerary. Kaziranga received the tag of national park in February 1974 and this year it will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee.

PM Modi on March 9 plans to unveil the magnificent bronze statue of height 125 feet world renowned Ahom general Lachit Barphukan at Jorhat.

In addition, PM Modi would perform the 'Griha Pravesh' (house-warming) ceremony for the 5.5 lakh houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), lay the foundation stone of Sivasagar Medical College, and speak at a public gathering at Meleng Meteli Pothar in Jorhat.

The Prime Minister will also visit Arunachal Pradesh on March 9. In Arunachal Pradesh, he will inaugurate the Sela Tunnel in West Kameng. Then, PM Modi will inaugurate multiple development projects in Itanagar, according to a government release.
MBABANE - The two Ndimande brothers who were arrested in the kingdom, in connection with the murder of Kiernan Forbes popularly known as AKA, are reportedly prepared to be extradited but on four conditions.

The accused persons from Durban, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande (Nxele) and Malusi Dave Ndimande (Mjay) were arrested by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), while hiding in a flat they rented at Zone 4 in Mbabane. Zone 4 is a small location situated in Mbabane, a few kilometres from the city centre. On Friday, the accused persons met with their legal representatives, Sivesenkhosi Ngwenya and Advocate Mduduzi Mabila, where they reportedly stated that they had no qualms with being extradited to their home country to face their charges, but the process should be done within the confines of the law to ensure their safety.

Representatives

According to the source, the Ndimande brothers are said to have made it clear to their legal representatives that in the whole process, they wanted to be assured that their safety would be prioritised. They stated that the reason they were not opposed to their extradition is that they feel they will be safer in the custody of their home countrys prison than being detained in Eswatini, said the source. The source further mentioned that during the meeting with their legal representatives, the accused persons succinctly stated that they wanted to be handed over to prison authorities of that country, not to members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). As part of the conditions, they are said to have also stated that during their handover to the prison authorities, they wanted their South African-based attorney to be present. Another condition they put forward, according to the source, was that they wanted to be escorted by the local police in the presence of their Eswatini attorney and handed over to the prison authorities of their home country.

In short, according to the source, the accused persons made it clear that they wanted the whole process to be done under the watchful eye of their lawyers. It is said the accused persons further highlighted that they had strong reservations about being handed over to members of SAPS. The siblings are expected to make their second court appearance at the Manzini Magistrates Court tomorrow, where the issue of their extradition would be among the issues to be presented before court. They are currently detained in the country on the basis of the provisional arrest that was filed by the prosecution of the neighbouring country. Their lawyer in Eswatini, Ngwenya, only confirmed to have met his clients on Friday for consultation but declined to comment further, citing lawyer-client confidentiality.

AKA and his friend, Tebello Tibz Motsoane were fatally shot on February 10, 2023, outside a popular restaurant in Durbans Florida Road. The killings attracted international attention and the police brass had allocated top detectives to trace down the killers and bring them to book. On Thursday morning, Lindokuhle Thakani, Lindani Ndimande, Eddie Myeza, Muzi Gwabeni and Lindo Ndimande, appeared before Magistrate L. Mkhwanazi, facing 10 charges, including two charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and others.

According to a report carried by the Sunday Times of South Africa yesterday, the five Ndimande brothers, who have since been arrested, come from a notorious and powerful family in northern KwaZulu-Natal. In their home country, the two Ndimande brothers, who are currently detained in Eswatini, are expected to answer on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 21 of 1998, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition and money laundering. The two are also wanted for murders emanating from public transport wars.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Ndimande family, from which the accused persons are members, is in the public transport business and owns a number of taxis. The court was told that the accused persons were a flight risk as they might have left the Republic of South Africa through illegal crossing points and entered Eswatini. The application for their provisional arrest pending extradition was moved and granted last Monday at the Manzini Magistrates Court by Principal Magistrate David Khumalo. The local director of public prosecution, who moved the application on behalf of the neighbouring country, is represented by Principal Crown Counsel Macebo Nxumalo.
While the dust raised by Pakistans most contested general elections has almost settled, the wind still swirls over the question of its real winners and losers. Observers might be forgiven for wondering why. The elections were, after all, billed by its organisers as a free and fair democratic exercise. As such, there should have been no room for doubt: Those with the most votes are winners and those who fall short must accept defeat. The rules are formalised by inviting winners to test their majority and form a government.

Events in Pakistan since the February 8 elections have upended these neat suppositions. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) led by former prime minister Imran Khan, currently serving several jail sentences, won the largest number of seats (93). Yet his party is still fighting for the right to form the next government.

Its misfortunes stem from a string of explosive claims.

The most serious involve allegations of widespread electoral fraud overseen by authorities acting at the behest of Pakistans powerful military establishment. It was said to be determined to keep Khan, its erstwhile protege, out of power following a dramatic falling out in 2022 and has been accused of skewing the electoral landscape to achieve its objectives. When these plans threatened to go awry with results pointing to a clear win for independent candidates backed by Khan, orders were apparently issued to manipulate the final count and divest the PTI of a majority. Though yet to be fully substantiated, these desperate measures have since fuelled claims of a military that stands irreversibly defeated, with its gameplan in tatters.

Such wishful thinking rested on expectations that the established practice of a democratic election  however flawed  would still hold up. There were some grounds for optimism.

The PTI, which had been forced to field independent candidates after a court ruling denied it the use of its iconic election symbol  the bat  fought back by announcing that it would merge with the little-known Sunni sectarian party, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to forge a cohesive parliamentary bloc. Although the SIC itself had no parliamentary representation  having failed to win any seats  the PTI was undeterred and sought to use its merger with the SIC to claim reserved seats for women and minorities, allocated to winning parties on a proportional basis, in an attempt to boost its numbers.

The PTIs gamble did not pay off. On March 4, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that it had rejected the petition filed by the SIC following the merger for the allocation of reserved seats on grounds of non-curable legal defects.

Events elsewhere were also putting to rest illusions of a democratic transition. On February 20, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which had emerged as the second- and third-largest parties with 75 and 54 seats, respectively, announced they had reached an agreement on a coalition government.

But the alliance led by former interim prime minister Shehbaz Sharif of the PML-N, who was elected prime minister for the second time on March 3 and sworn in on Monday, masked simmering tensions between its two main partners. Cobbled with the help of a handful of smaller parties, the partnership got off to a shaky start when the PPP indicated that it would refuse to serve in any government led by PML-N chief, Nawaz Sharif.

His anointment as prime minister for a historic fourth term had been seen as a foregone conclusion on the assumption of a sure win for the PML-N and reports of a thaw in his relations with the military after years of mutual suspicion.

However, the split mandate delivered by voters proved to be a crushing defeat for Nawaz Sharif. Although he had signalled his reluctance to lead a coalition government, the election results clearly sealed his decision.

It is likely to have been welcomed by the military, which could not have relished the prospect, so soon after the election debacle, of managing another political leader with a known taste for challenging military supremacy.

No such risk is attached to Shehbaz Sharif. As interim prime minister Shehbaz did not disappoint. Known as a pragmatist ready to widen the space for military influence, his notable concessions included the 2023 Army Act allowing civilians to be tried by military courts and the creation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council formalising the armys role in economic decision-making.

Judged from this perspective then, the election results were as much a decisive advance by the military in taming the residual ambitions of an ascendant PML-N as a temporary setback in its aim to cripple the PTI.

But the most immediate beneficiary of this outcome  while the military takes time to nurse wounds inflicted by its electoral missteps  is the PPP.

It has emerged as the real winner of the 2024 general elections.

Under the canny leadership of Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP drove a hard bargain with the PML-N by offering mere conditional support to the coalition on a case-by-case basis. It has also refused all ministerial posts  seen as calculated to avoid being party to unpopular decisions needed to fix the economy and no doubt to raise questions about the longevity of a fractious and fragile coalition. But the PPPs ultimate trump card lay in securing the PML-Ns agreement to back its bid for top constitutional positions, notably an unprecedented second five-year term as president for Zardari, who held the office in 2008-2013.

If elected on March 9, as seems certain, the PPP under Zardari can be guaranteed to frequent the corridors of power long after the tenure of its political rivals in government may be abruptly cut short.

Farzana Shaikh is associate fellow, Asia Pacific Programme, Chatham House, London. The views expressed are personal
A man was detained by the Noida police on Sunday, March 3, after he allegedly fled with a Mahindra Thar while pretending to test drive it, police officials told PTI. The man who fled with Thar SUV was later arrested by the police.

According to authorities, the incident happened on Saturday, March 2, in Noida Sector 63. The car was later recovered.

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"Accused Mohit Chawla had taken the Mahindra Thar for a test drive on Saturday but did not return after which the plaintiff lodged a complaint against him at the local police station," a police spokesperson said to PTI. (Also Read: Gang which hacked and stole high-end cars in Delhi-NCR arrested in Greater Noida)

The spokesperson added, "An FIR was lodged under IPC section 379 (theft) and an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of the accused from Block C of Sector 63 today (Sunday). The Thar was also recovered from his possession."

The accused was previously booked in similar cases in Delhi and Noida, police said.

Earlier, a man was booked for allegedly fleeing with a vehicle hired from an app-based rental service. The complainant, a Ghatkopar West resident Chaitanya Raut, 28, stated that he put his vehicle on the rental app in May of last year. According to a police officer, Raut's car was rented on multiple occasions between May 2022 and June 2023. The company paid Raut's rent once the customer returned the vehicle. (Also Read: Chandigarh: Vehicle lifting gang busted with arrest of three)

According to the complainant, the suspect rented the car for five days, from July 18 to July 22, and was expected to return it by one in the morning on July 22. Raut got an SMS saying that his car had pulled into the Powai Road parking lot at Kailash Business Park in Vikhroli West. However, after an hour he stopped receiving the vehicle's location on his phone as the GPS was taken out of the car.

The victim then gave a written application to the Park Site police station and after verification, the case was registered under the charges of 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.
Temjen Imna Along, Nagalands Minister of Higher Education and Tourism, was travelling from Dimapur to Delhi aboard an IndiGo flight when he received a note from the cabin crew. The minister took to X to share a picture of the note he received with a hilarious caption. He also posed for a picture with a cabin crew member. Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along posing for the camera with an IndiGo cabin crew member. (X/@AlongImna)

Temjen Imna Along shared pictures on X with the caption, Man me laddu phoota? Mere bhi. Is baar 400 paar [Did laddu burst in your mind? Mine too. This time, over 400 seats].

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One of the pictures shows him posing for the camera with an IndiGo cabin crew in front of the exit gate of the aircraft, while the other one is a note given to the minister along with an immunity drink and chocolate.

The note, penned by the crew, read: Dear Along. Thank you for choosing IndiGo as your travel partner. Pleasure to serve you today. Thanks. Team 6E 2801 (DMU-DEL).

Take a look at the pictures shared by Temjen Imna Along below:

The pictures were shared a few hours ago on X. They have since accumulated over 1.9 lakh views and the numbers are still increasing. Additionally, the post has received thousands of likes and a flurry of comments from netizens.

Check out how people reacted to the tweet shared by the minister:

Would be an amazing bookmark, posted an individual.

Another added, It will be! referring to the BJPs election slogan Abki baar, 400 paar [This time, over 400 seats].

Benefit of being handsome is getting a chance to click photos with beautiful fans, expressed a third.

However, this is not the first time that the minister has received a note from cabin crew aboard a flight. In November 2023, he received a note from a cabin crew member while travelling from Delhi to Kolkata. It read, Dear sir. It was nice having you on flight 6E (513) DEL-CCU. You were looking so cute as you always do. I should have given you my phone number but we have the same surname, so we are basically brothers and sisters. Thank you for flying with IndiGo.
French lawmakers are expected Monday to anchor the right to abortion in the country's constitution, in a global first that has garnered overwhelming public support. Women take part in a rally to call for the constitutionalisation of the right to abortion outside the Senate in Paris(AFP)

A congress of both houses of parliament in Versailles starting at 3:30 pm (1430 GMT) should find the three-fifths majority needed for the change after it overcame initial resistance in the right-leaning Senate.

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If congress approves the move, France will become the only country in the world to clearly protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its basic law.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged last year to include enshrine abortion -- legal in France since 1975 -- in the constitution after the US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the half-century-old right to the procedure, allowing states to ban or curtail it.

France's lower-house National Assembly in January overwhelmingly approved making abortion a "guaranteed freedom" in the constitution, followed by the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill is now expected to clear the final hurdle of a combined vote of both chambers when they gather for a rare joint session at the former royal residence of the Palace of Versailles.

Few expect any difficulty finding the needed supermajority after the three-fifths mark was largely exceeded in both previous ballots.

When political campaigning began in earnest in 1971, "we could never have imagined that the right to abortion would one day be written into the constitution," Claudine Monteil, head of the Femmes Monde (Women in the World) association, told AFP.

Monteil was the youngest signatory to "Manifesto of the 343", a 1971 French petition signed by 343 women who admitted to having illegally ended a pregnancy, along with up to 800,000 of their compatriots each year.

Woke us up

Abortion was legalised in France in 1975 in a law championed by health minister Simone Veil, a women's rights icon granted the rare honour of burial at the Pantheon after her death in 2018.

But another leading feminist, Simone de Beauvoir, had told Monteil the year before that "all it will take is a political, economic or religious crisis for women's rights to be called into question", she recalled.

In that sense, "the behaviour of the US Supreme Court did women all around the world a favour, because it woke us up", Monteil said.

Leah Hoctor, of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said France could offer "the first explicit broad constitutional provision of its kind, not just in Europe, but also globally".

Chile included the right to elective abortion in a draft for a new progressive constitution in 2022, but voters rejected the text in a referendum.

Some countries allude to the right.

Cuba's constitution guarantees women's "reproductive and sexual rights".

And several Balkan states have inherited versions of former Yugoslavia's 1974 constitution that said it was a human right to "decide on the birth of children".

Other states explicitly mention abortion in their constitution, but only allow it in specific circumstances, Hoctor said.

In Kenya, for example, the constitution says "abortion is not permitted unless, in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law".

Making history?

Most members of the French public support the move to give the right extra protection.

A November 2022 survey by French polling group IFOP found that 86 percent of French people supported inscribing it in the constitution.

Left-wing and centrist politicians have welcomed the change, while right-wing senators in private have said they felt under pressure to give it a green light.

One said her daughters would "no longer come for Christmas" if she opposed the move.

Macron on Wednesday celebrated what he called the Senate's "decisive step" and immediately called for the parliamentary congress on Monday.

The last time one was called to change the constitution was in 2008, when lawmakers only just approved wide-sweeping reforms under former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Those changes included limiting a president's time in office to two terms, as well as better safeguards for press independence and freedom.
Israel has decided not to send a delegation to Cairo for discussions regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages from Gaza, CNN reported on Sunday, citing a senior Israeli official. Palestinians are silhouetted as they inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike(REUTERS)

The decision stems from Hamas' failure to respond to two key Israeli demands -- providing a detailed list of hostages, specifying those who are alive and those who are deceased, and confirming the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages.

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The Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of diplomatic negotiations, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea, made the decision after receiving information that Hamas had not addressed these conditions. This move follows Netanyahu's outlined terms in a speech last Thursday, where he emphasised the need for clarity on the identities of the hostages before progressing with any agreements, according to CNN.

Despite a statement from a senior Biden Administration official indicating that Israel had "basically accepted" a proposed six-week ceasefire, the lack of response from Hamas has led to the cancellation of Israel's participation in the Cairo talks.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a cessation of hostilities. However, a high-ranking Hamas official has yet to respond to CNN's inquiry about whether the group has addressed Israel's conditions.

The remaining sticking points in the negotiations, according to a Hamas source, include establishing a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops - referred to as "occupation forces" - from the Gaza Strip, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals from the south to the north.

Despite optimism, a diplomatic source downplayed the prospects of an immediate breakthrough, citing slow progress and suggesting that a deal might not materialise within the next 48 hours, CNN reported.
Having been diagnosed with cancer, King Charles is keeping low on public visits, but it appears that it will not be the case for long. Despite undergoing treatment for his ailment, the British monarch is set to visit Australia later this year. The visit will be the first time since 2011 that a reigning monarch will set foot in Australia since the late Queen Elizabeth. King Charles is set to visit Australia despite cancer shock

King Charles to visit Australia despite cancer diagnosis

Revealing the plans for the upcoming royal visit, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Sunday, Australia is preparing for a possible visit from His Majesty The King to Australia later this year.

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The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis, Albanese continued.

The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia. My government is engaging with States and Territories on options for a possible Royal visit, he added.

While Buckingham Palace hasnt confirmed the news yet, royal sources told the Mirror that the trip is expected to occur in October, coinciding with the November visit to New Zealand.

According to the sources, the king will be joined by Queen Camilla. The royal pair is set to visit Pacific Commonwealth nations on a major tour for the new reign, per Telegraph.

Following King Charles shocking diagnosis, the queen recently announced that she will now be taking a break from her royal duties as well, alongside her husband.

Last week, she revealed that given the circumstances, the king is doing extremely well and that he was touched by the love and support he has received from the public.

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton is also on a break from royal duties as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery. Amid the growing rumours about the Princess of Wales' health, Kensington Palace released a statement to clear the air.

We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter, and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant, the statement said.
There are "reasonable grounds to believe" rapes were committed during Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel and that hostages subsequently taken to Gaza have also been raped, a UN report said Monday. The site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, Oct. 12, 2023. The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said in a new report Monday, March 4, 2024, that there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualized torture, and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten found "clear and convincing information" that some hostages had been raped, and believes "that such violence may be ongoing against those still held."

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As the UN faced criticism for reacting too slowly to the rapes and sexual violence that Israel accuses Hamas of committing on October 7, Patten, accompanied by experts, visited Israel and the West Bank for two and a half weeks in early February.

"In the context of the coordinated attack by Hamas and other armed groups against civilian and military targets throughout the Gaza periphery, the mission team found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred in multiple locations during the 7 October attacks, including rape and gang-rape," the report said.

These happened in at least three locations -- the Nova music festival site and its surroundings, Road 232, and Kibbutz Re'im, it added.

"In most of these incidents, victims first subjected to rape were then killed, and at least two incidents relate to the rape of women's corpses," the report said.

Despite calls for victims of sexual violence to come forward and testify, none did.

However, members of the mission were able to interview survivors and witnesses of the October 7 attacks, as well as members of the health services.

They viewed 5,000 photographs and 50 hours of footage of the attacks.

They were also able to talk to some of those hostages who had been released.
A new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that escalating numbers doubted 81-year-old President Joe Biden has what it takes to serve effectively as president. While he prepares for his upcoming State of the Union address on Thursday, 6 in 10 adults are very doubtful about his mental capability to lead the country again. Roughly 6 in 10 US adults are not very confident in Biden's capability to serve as president. (In picture: US President Joe Biden speaks to the press before he departs the White House in Washington, DC, for the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland, on March 1, 2024.) (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)(AFP)

Despite coming to power, Biden hasn't entirely won over the masses with his presidential service. A significant dilemma is posed to the voters, especially with these numbers rising higher since January 2022. Back then, about half of those submitting their polls for the survey expressed similar concerns.

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Joe Biden vs Donald Trump for 2024 presidential elections

One may wonder if these numbers haven't turned out in the favour of Biden, they may have switched over to Trump's side. However, the 77-year-old former president from the Republican frontline suffered an identical blow with the same numbers. Opposing his ability to serve as the next president, 6 in 10 of those polled expressed their lack of confidence in Donald Trump's mental capability as well.

Age is often regarded as a mere number. However, voters have met with a dead-end when it comes to voting for either frontrunning candidates racing beyond their traditional retirement age to secure the 2024 presidential win this fall.

Also read: United States primary elections 2024: All you need to know about Super Tuesday

Biden is likely to address his strategy for the upcoming presidential session. Global conflicts, domestic emergencies and Congressional upheaval are expected to be the major topics of his speech on March 7. As he hopes to win over the crowd and push his campaign for another term in heading the administration, only 38% of adult citizens approve of Biden's ways. On the other hand, 61% of disapproving citizens have no affinity for how he's been handling his presidential stature.

During her recent Arizona 'Women for Biden' address, First Lady Jill Biden was also subjected to accusations and disruptions. While she hoped to turn the conversation against Trump, pitting him a danger to women and families, Pro-Palestinian protestors accused her and the president of promoting genocide by failing to call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Another poll revealed that about 4 in 10 US citizens approve of how Biden is dealing with issues like health care, climate change, abortion policy and the Russia-Ukraine issue. However, even fewer people are satisfied with his handling of immigration, Israel's military campaign in Palestine and the economy. These make for other significant issues that are bound to come up in his speech.

Despite the overt opposition between Democrats and Republicans, both can agree that age works as a liability against their respective front-running candidates.
When the richest haul in the US presidential primary race arrives on "Super Tuesday," millions of Americans will cast their votes -- and many of them will count for nothing. HT Image

In the primary system it is the number of allocated delegates that matters more than the popular vote count.

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The Republican and Democratic nominating contests that play out across the United States every four years serve to elect delegates to the national conventions, where they formally select their party's presidential nominee.

Most of the 15 states holding primaries on "Super Tuesday" award them on a winner-takes-all basis, meaning a strong second place showing can result in zero delegates for that candidate.

It's a system that tends to favor front-runners, and for Nikki Haley, the sole remaining challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, it's one that has dulled her already razor thin chances.

Haley won 40 percent of the vote in her home state of South Carolina, but received only three delegates, while Trump added 47 to his seemingly unassailable tally.

On Sunday night Haley chalked up her first primary win, in Washington, DC, taking 19 delegates.

With 2,429 Republican delegates from across the country, Trump needs at least 1,215 to secure his lock on the nomination.

Having won all eight early state and territory contests, he already has more than 247 delegates in his column compared to Haley's 24 going into Super Tuesday, when more than a third of the national Republican total is up for grabs.

Trump's dominance is such that he could cross the magic threshold as early as March 19 -- even though the primary calendar stretches into early June.

On the Democratic side, incumbent Biden is a virtual lock.

The delegate numbers differ between the parties, but the process is similar. There are currently 3,934 Democratic delegates in play, and Biden's magic number for victory is 1,968. He already has 206 delegates, and could also secure the nomination in March.

That means the re-match between Biden and Trump -- who will be the oldest ever pair of nominees -- will involve one of the longest presidential campaigns in US history.

The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while Democrats gather for their convention in August in Chicago.

The delegates also endorse the party's candidate for vice president, selected by the presidential hopeful and often announced a few days before the convention.

mlm/md/caw
In a recent rally in Virginia, former President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Barack Obama as Joe Biden, sparking concerns about the age and mental acuity of the likely Republican presidential nominee. Trump erroneously claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin disrespects Obama to the extent of discussing nuclear weapons. FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he departs after speaking during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)(AP)

Putin has so little respect for Obama that hes starting to throw around the nuclear word. You heard that. Nuclear. Hes starting to talk nuclear weapons today, Trump said during a rally on Saturday night in Richmond.

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This marks the third instance of Trump confusing the two in the past six months. Trump, at 77, and Biden, at 81, are the oldest individuals to run for the U.S. presidency, raising questions about their fitness for the role.

During the rally in Richmond, Trump's reference to Obama left the crowd in silence.

It isn't just Biden, check Donald Trump's older gaffes

This incident follows Trump's previous confusion of his Republican rival Nikki Haley with former House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Haley, positioning herself as a younger and healthier alternative, has tried to set up a narrative that like Biden Trump is also too old to become next US president.

Trump's mistake comes in the wake of Biden's own recent confusion, where he twice mixed up Ukraine and Gaza while announcing plans to airdrop humanitarian supplies. Biden's gaffe, similar to Trump's, raises concerns about cognitive fitness, particularly given his age.

73% of registered voters believe Biden is too: Poll

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll indicates that 73% of registered voters believe Biden is too old to be an effective president, reflecting worries about age-related cognitive decline. The poll suggests that age is a more significant concern for Biden compared to Trump, despite the latter being only four years younger.
Political advisors propose including assisted reproductive treatment expenses in national medical insurance

Global Times) 11:06, March 04, 2024

While some provinces and cities in China have included assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in their medical insurance as part of supportive policies to encourage childbirth over the past year, some political advisors to the ongoing two sessions proposed optimizing the current maternity insurance system and including assisted reproductive treatment expenses in the national medical insurance.

After the national healthcare security authorities proposed in July 2022 gradually incorporating some ART into medical insurance, some places such as Beijing and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region started including 16 therapeutic assisted reproductive technology procedures and eight assisted reproductive technology procedures like oocyte retrieval in the scope of medical insurance payment, respectively.

However, as only four provinces, regions, or municipalities across the country have included some ART procedures in medical insurance reimbursement, it has failed to benefit all groups in need, and insured individuals from different regions enjoy inconsistent treatment safeguards, Xu Ruixia, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and deputy head of the department of human resources and social security of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, said in a proposal sent to the Global Times on Monday.

The political advisor suggested including as many ART procedures as possible in the national medical insurance reimbursement scope, including artificial insemination, embryo transplantation, and sperm selection. These procedures involve a wide range of people and are necessary steps in medical treatment.

She also proposed that many diagnostic tests for the causes of infertility, such as semen analysis, should be included in the national medical insurance reimbursement scope. This encourages patients to seek medical treatment early, reducing the likelihood of infertility patients delaying treatment due to economic reasons or wishful thinking, Xu said.

The CPPCC member also suggested strengthening the standardized management of medical institutions' reimbursement projects for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

China's population decreased by 2.08 millionpeople in 2023 to 1.40967 billion, as per data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday. In 2023, 9.02 million babies were born, resulting in a birth rate of 6.39 per thousand people.

The birth rate marked a historic low in nearly 74 years (since 1950), and the population has experienced two consecutive years of negative growth, with a total fertility rate of around 1.0, significantly lower than the average total fertility rate of major countries globally during the same period (ranging from 1.47 to 1.65), Xu said in the proposal.

The proportion of infertility in China has increased from 1 to 2 percent in the 1970s to 12.5 to 15 percent three decades later, marking a nearly tenfold increase over 30 years. According to statistics, in 2023, the incidence of infertility in China has risen to 18 percent, with approximately 1 in every 5 to 6 couples experiencing difficulties with conception. This means that over 50 million couples nationwide are affected by infertility issues, the CPPCC member said.

Faced with expensive ART procedures costing over 100,000 yuan ($13,895) per case, Xu said it's necessary to include ART treatment in medical insurance to boost the birth rate and alleviate economic pressure.

Ahead of the two sessions, another political advisor, Zhao Changlong from North Chinas Tianjin, proposed adjusting the current maternity insurance system to a national maternity insurance system to ensure universal coverage for all citizens.

Additionally, Zhao suggested establishing a well-balanced and strategically distributed system for ART services, promoting epidural anesthesia during childbirth, and gradually including related expenses in the scope of medical insurance or providing policy incentives. Furthermore, exploring the feasibility of egg-freezing for single womencould also be considered at an appropriate time.

Due to changes in attitudes toward marriage and childbirth, some single women are beginning to freeze their eggs as a means of postponing reproduction, preserving fertility, and asserting their reproductive rights. However, issues related to technology, law, ethics, and others remain unresolved, Zhao was quoted as saying in media reports.

The political advisor suggested that with advancements in science and technology, improvements in overall social morality, and the enhancement of legal systems, it is appropriate to explore the feasibility of egg freezing for single women, according to the reports.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) has achieved remarkable engagement with startup companies during Web Summit Qatar 2024, following the recent launch of its pioneering Startup Qatar initiative.

Offering a one-stop online platform catering to all business needs, the Startup Qatar platform recorded more than 3,000 visits within six days of its official launch.

As part of Startup Qatars special offering during Web Summit Qatar, Qatar Financial Centre facilitated the successful registration of over 100 businesses, signaling strong interest by startups to enter Qatar's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The newly registered startups will benefit from a tax waiver administered in accordance with international standards, in addition to free registration and licence renewal for five years.

150 applications

Reinforcing the strong interest to join Qatars startup ecosystem, the Startup Qatar Investment Programme, provided by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), attracted over 150 applications in just the first six days.

With a focus on drawing tech startups, to either establish or expand their presence in Qatar, the programme provides funding for both seed and growth-stage companies. The programme is complemented by incentives and support services aligned with the available Startup Qatar-offered privileges and subsidies.

In alignment with the Startup Qatar initiative and to enhance the country's startup ecosystem, Qatar Manpower Solutions Co. (Jusour) is set to introduce the Mustaqel programme. This government-backed residency initiative aims to draw entrepreneurs and talents worldwide to Qatar, offering them a unique entrepreneur and talent residency.

This scheme provides a five-year residency permit (with an option to renew) to individuals excelling in various industries. Entrepreneurs can secure the Mustaqel residency by presenting an approved business plan or proving they meet the minimum seed funding criteria. Talented professionals, on the other hand, can get this residency with an endorsement from a recognised Qatari authority.

Knowledge-based economy

Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani, CEO at Invest Qatar, said: This pioneering collaboration with key national stakeholders highlights the countrys unwavering commitment to advance the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems while supporting Qatars shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organising Committee, said: The remarkable engagement from entrepreneurs at Web Summit Qatar 2024 highlights our commitment to nurturing talent. The event crossed many milestones, be it hosting the largest ever startup gathering at a Web Summit debut or attracting more than double the anticipated number of attendees. The biggest tech companies in the world were also present, actively taking part in discussions and forging partnerships over the summits four days, which underscores their confidence in Qatar's significant position as a tech hub on both regional and global stages.

He added: With forward-thinking initiative like Startup Qatar, we are attracting visionaries worldwide to launch their dreams here. By providing vital funding, incentives and logistical support, Qatar is becoming a leading destination for tech startups.

One-stop online platform

Launched ahead of the worlds largest tech events inaugural edition in the region, Startup Qatar is a one-stop online platform catering to all business requirements and serving as the single comprehensive national resource for information, support and opportunities offered to startups.

The Startup Qatar pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2024 connected attendees with key stakeholders in Qatars startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Free Zones, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Media City Qatar, Qatar Manpower Solutions (Jusour), Visit Qatar and Sport Accelerator.--TradeArabia News Service
JetBlue Airways Corp. formally abandoned its pursuit of Spirit Airlines Inc. more than a month after a federal judge blocked the $3.8 billion acquisition on antitrust grounds. JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are ending their proposed $3.8 billion combination after a court ruling blocked their merger. JetBlue said Monday, March 4, 2024 that even though both companies still believe in the benefits of a combination, they felt they were unlikely to meet the required closing conditions before the July 24 deadline and mutually agreed that terminating the deal was the best decision for both. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)(AP)

The carriers reached an agreement to walk away after determining that required legal and regulatory approvals were unlikely to be met by dates specified in the deal, JetBlue said Monday in a statement. The company  which is also facing pressure from activist investor Carl Icahn to return to sustainable growth  will pay Spirit $69 million and the agreement resolves all outstanding matters related to the deal.

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The probability of getting the green light to move forward with the merger anytime soon is extremely low, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Joanna Geraghty told employees in an internal message. The lingering uncertainty is distracting and taking our resources away from more pressing priorities.

The decision ends JetBlues lengthy quest for Spirit and marks a sharp reversal after the companies pledged to fight for the tie-up  even as analysts said an appeal had little chance of succeeding. JetBlue had hoped to accelerate its growth with a quick infusion of Spirits planes and pilots at a time when both are in short supply.

Spirit shares fell 11% at 9:41 a.m. in New York after an earlier slump of as much as 16%. JetBlue rose 2.1%.

Spirit confirmed the news in a separate statement, with CEO Ted Christie saying the carrier remains confident in our future as a successful independent airline.

The deal had been on the ropes since a federal judges ruling Jan. 16 that the acquisition of Spirit would violate antitrust laws by eliminating the nations dominant deep-fare discounter, driving up prices and reducing competition.

The effort to acquire Spirit was a bold and courageous plan intended to shake up the industry status quo, Geraghty told JetBlue workers, and the airline was right to challenge Frontier Group Holdings Inc. to secure the merger agreement.

The payment to Spirit includes costs JetBlue was responsible for if the plan continued through the July termination date, JetBlue said. It includes lawyers fees, financing costs and the remaining prepayments to Spirit shareholders that would have been required. JetBlue had already paid Spirit investors $425 million.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Icahns presence influenced the decision to drop the appeal. In the weeks since the deal was blocked, Icahn revealed a roughly 10% stake, making him one of JetBlues largest shareholders. The carrier shortly thereafter gave the investor a pair of board seats, heading off a proxy fight.

Conditions have changed drastically since the JetBlue takeover deal was forged in July 2022. Both carriers are grappling with a weakened domestic market, where too much capacity is holding down fares and costs are increasing. Both also are struggling with manufacturing problems at engine maker Pratt & Whitney that have forced the long-term grounding of some of their planes. The market value for Spirit, hit particularly hard by the engine issue, has fallen to around $630 million from $2 billion in the third quarter of 2022.

New Direction

The decision frees Geraghty from the prospect of working for years to integrate two dissimilar carriers and allows her to pursue a stand-alone plan for a return to profitability that she outlined recently. Under Geraghty, the airline is evaluating deeper cost cuts, delaying new aircraft and reworking its flight network

The Spirit purchase would have added 200 planes and 3,000 pilots to JetBlues ranks. Without them, JetBlue will remain as a second-tier competitor behind the industrys big four carriers. It had planned to end Spirits no-frills discounts and reconfigure its aircraft with fewer seats.

JetBlue warned earlier that it could terminate the deal on or after Jan. 28 because all the closing conditions may not be satisfied ahead of a requirement to complete the acquisition by late July.

Wall Street analysts have speculated that Spirit could be forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy or liquidation without the deal. The company has said it has sufficient liquidity to stand on its own.

Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes stepped down on Feb. 12, citing health reasons. The collapse of the Spirit agreement leaves him 0 for 3 in major partnerships and planned acquisitions to strengthen the carrier. He lost out to Alaska Air Group Inc. in a 2016 fight to buy Virgin America, and last year a federal judge ordered JetBlue and American Airlines Group Inc. to dismantle their Northeast Alliance partnership in the Boston and New York areas. That venture also stymied competition, the judge found. American is appealing.
US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday, March 3. She also urged Israel to increase the flow of aid to combat the "inhumane" conditions and a "humanitarian catastrophe" among the people in Palestine. US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama, on March 3, 2024 (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)(AFP)

Harris made the remarks while speaking at an event in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. "People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act," Harris reportedly said. "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses."

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An Israeli newspaper reported that after Hamas refused to provide the names of hostages that are still alive, Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday.

"Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," Harris said. "Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."

Joe Bidens recent comments

Meanwhile, on February 26, President Joe Biden said that he hopes there will be a ceasefire by next Monday in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. On being asked when a ceasefire may begin, Biden said during an appearance at an ice cream shop in New York city, with comedian Seth Meyers, Well I hope by the beginning of the weekend, I mean, the end of the weekend.

My national security adviser tells me that were close. Were close, its not done yet. And my hope is that by next Monday well have a ceasefire, Biden added.

Hamas previously backed off some important demands in hostage negotiations and pause in fighting in Gaza after Israel accused its position of being delusional, CNN reported. The major obstacles have been resolved in terms of Hamas insisting on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and end to the war, a senior Biden administration official said. Hamas requirements for the numbers of Palestinians [prisoners that] would have to be freed has declined.
Murdered Georgia woman Laken Rileys mother, Allyson Phillips, has broken her silence days after her daughters death. Riley was found dead near a lake on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. She died from "blunt force trauma," according to official police reports. Riley was found to have visible injuries, according to UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark. The murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Hope Riley, 22, has sent shockwaves across the US (GoFundMe)

Senseless and avoidable tragedy

Taking to Facebook, Phillips wrote, As I sat down to write this message, I really just have no words. My family has faced the most devastating, unimaginable loss that anyone could ever be force to endure. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being with me and my family during this heartbreaking time. I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I give Him all the glory for getting us through this.

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It would be really easy to lose our faith in mankind because of this senseless and avoidable tragedy. The amount of love, support and help that we have received during this horrific nightmare is overwhelming. I cant begin to tell you all how much we appreciate all of the text, calls, flowers, meals, groceries, bows, pictures, personal gifts, memorials, gift cards and donations to Lakens foundation. We are beyond grateful for everyone who has stepped up to be here for us through this difficult time. The outpouring of love has been so enormous - that I felt this was the best way to thank you all in a timely manner, she continued.

Phillips went on to thank people who were kind to them and stood by them during their difficult time. We appreciate all of the time, effort and prayers that our family, friends and community have showered us with to help ease our pain. We love you all and hope that you feel from the bottom of our hearts how much every single thing that has been done for us has meant. I love you all. Please continue to pray for our family as we put one foot in front of the other moving forward, she concluded.

Riley was attacked and killed by illegal immigrant Jose Antonio Ibarra in the morning as she went for a run. According to police documents, Ibarra prevented her from calling 911, and then dragged her body to a secluded area. Ibarra likely panicked and went on to crush her skull when she tried to fight back, as per a former criminal profilers analysis, New York Post reported.

Ibarra has been charged with malice and felony murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, concealing the death of another and other charges. Police said the incident was a crime of opportunity. According to Clark, Ibarra does not have an extensive criminal history.
#SayHerName - Laken Riley's mother and many others have joined an online campaign to seek justice for young Georgia University student, who was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant. The nursing student's murder has sparked a political storm in United States with Donald Trump and many other Republicans questioning US President Joe Biden's silence on the issue. #SayHerName campaign ensues on social media, seeking justice for Georgia University student Laken Riley's death(Facebook)

It was only a month after her murder on 26 January, White House issued a statement on Laken's murder stating, "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley," a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE."

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However, President Joe Biden has been silent over Riley's murder and even failed to reach out to her family after her sad demise. This alleged ignorance has fueled Republican narrative against the President and question his bias, considering Laken Riley was a white victim unlike George Floyd.

Even as Biden has maintained silence on the issue Trump claimed to have a phone conversation with Rileys parents, who were devastated by the loss of their daughter. He blamed Biden for the invasion of illegal immigrants and called him crooked Joe and the most incompetent president weve ever had.

Many on social media have joined in the chorus #SayHerName, seeking justice and tighter laws against illegal immigration in United States.

Who is Jose Antonio Ibarra, illegal immigrant who killed Laken Riley

Jose Antonio Ibarra, the suspect recently apprehended in connection with the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Hope Riley in Georgia, is a 26-year-old illegal immigrant. The University of Georgia Police Chief, Jeff Clark, described the incident as an isolated one, noting that the university hadn't experienced a homicide in nearly 30 years. Ibarra was identified through campus security footage, community input, and physical evidence. Riley's body was discovered near a lake on the university's campus after she failed to return from a run. Ibarra was arrested on February 23 and faces charges including malice and felony murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and concealing the death of another.

Jose Antonio Ibarra's immigration history reveals that he crossed the border in Texas on September 8, 2023. Initially sent to a processing facility, he was later released and traveled to New York City. Ibarra, along with his wife Layling Franco and her 5-year-old son, entered El Paso and was subsequently sent to New York City on September 15. In August, Ibarra faced charges of endangering the welfare of a child when he was arrested for riding a gas-powered moped in Queens with Franco's son on the back without proper protection. At the time, Ibarra was employed by DoorDash, Uber Eats, and a local restaurant. Despite the arrest, the case was later sealed.
Deceased Florida teen Madeline Soto told her friends she would rather live in the woods than at home before being found dead. On Friday, March 1, police announced that her body was found by Osceola County deputies in the wooded area along Hickory Tree Road. Deceased Florida teen Madeline Soto told her friends she would rather live in the woods than at home before being found dead (Orange County Sheriffs Office)

Soto, 13, disappeared on February 26 after her mothers boyfriend dropped her off at Peace United Methodist Church on Town Loop Boulevard. The location was a few blocks away from Hunter's Creek Middle School, which the child used to attend.

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At about 4:30 p.m. today, off of Hickory Tree Road, Osceola County Sheriffs Office search teams located the body of Madeline Soto in a wooded area. Madelines family has been notified, the sheriffs office said at the time.

It added, We have no additional information to release at this time. Kissimmee PD is the lead agency in this homicide investigation. That work continues.

After the discovery of her body, her mother Jenns boyfriend, 37-year-old Stephan Sterns, was arrested on unrelated charges of assault and the possession of child abuse material on his phone. He is being considered the "prime suspect" in Sotos death. He was the last person to have seen her alive.

Evidence on Madeline Sotos phone

Authorities found evidence on Sotos phone that suggests she told her friends she wished to run away to go "live in the woods, according to The Mirror. Jenn, however, said she believed her daughter would never do that.

Authorities believe Sterns murdered her in the morning, carried her body in a car and dumped it, according to NBC News. Orange County Sheriff John Minasaid during a press conference that authorities "have evidence that shows Stephan Sterns returning to the complex, and Madeline was visible in that vehicle." "We believe she was already dead at that time, he added, but did not reveal what time the footage was captured.
NBC News host Kristen Welker is under fire for her latest comments on former president Donald Trump on Sunday, March 3. The Meet the Press host discussed on her show Trumps claims that presidential immunity should protect him from being tried in the Department of Justice's (DOJ) case. NBC News host Kristen Welker is under fire for her latest comments on former president Donald Trump on Sunday, March 3 (kristen.welker/Instagram, photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Last year, Trump was charged by DOJ special counsel Jack Smith with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights in connection to the investigation, in connection to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

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On her show, Welker noted that the former president claimed he is "immune from criminal prosecution for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election." Since then, she has been blasted on social media for using the term allegedly.

An X user posted the video of Welkers remarks, captioning it, Kristen Welker says that Trump "allegedly" tried to overturn the 2020 election. No, he really tried to do that. We lived through it!

Get a new job

Many took to the comment section, with one user saying, ALLEGEDLY?!! He admits it and we know its true. Good lord, Welker. Get a new job. I know right? What is the protocol here? "Become anchor, lose integrity" ? one user wrote, while another said, Allegedly? This is unwatchable. This is collaborator-level propaganda. This is way beyond neutrality theater, one wrote.

If you didnt think Kristen Welker could get any more patheticshe did. Shes worst than Chuck Todd. Meet the Press is unwatchable, one user said. Lordy, if trump's not annoying me first thing on a Sunday morning, Welker is. Can we ever get a break? one wrote, while another user said, What the hell is wrong with her? We watched him try and overturn an election. There is no allegedly about it. What an embarrassment.
Nikki Haley won the Republican presidential primary in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 3. This is her first victory in the race against former president Donald Trump. Her win comes just ahead of Super Tuesday, when 15 states and one territory will vote. Republican presidential candidate and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign event in Portland, Maine, Sunday, March 3, 2024 (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha)(AP)

Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement.

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Trumps campaign too released a statement, calling it a "statement on Nikki Haley Being Crowned Queen of The Swamp." "Tonight's results in Washington DC reaffirm the object of President Trump's campaign -- he will drain the swamp and put America first," the statement said.

Nikki Haleys defeats

Most recently, Trump won Michigan's Republican primary, with Haley losing yet another 2024 contest. Trumps victory comes after Haley lost in her home state, South Carolina. However, she vowed to continue the fight.

The Haley campaign characterised the Michigan loss as a bad sign for Trump. It noted that about one-third of Republican primary voters cast ballots for someone other than the former president.

"Let this serve as another warning sign that what has happened in Michigan will continue to play out across the country," Haley campaign national spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement, according to NBC News. "So long as Donald Trump is at the top of the ticket, Republicans will keep losing to the socialist left. Our children deserve better."

Trump beat Haley in Iowa and New Hampshire, and in Nevada too, where Haley did not appear on the ballot. She was also beaten by Trump in the US Virgin Islands, before being defeated in South Carolina.

Before the Michigan winner was announced, Haley went on to defend her decision to stay in the race. "We've only seen a handful of states vote. I mean, look, I've said this before as much as the media wants to jump ahead, we're taking this one state, one day at a time," she told CNN's Dana Bash.
Experts have said the solar eclipse on April 8 is likely to back traffic up for thousands of miles. "Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse," said Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, according to The Mirror. The progression of a total solar eclipse is seen in a multiple exposure photograph taken in 5-minute intervals, with the moon passing in front of the sun above Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia, 225 kilometers (140 miles) from Phnom Penh, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1995 (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File - representational image)(AP)

A crowd is expected to gather at the epicentre of the eclipse, which is Ohio's Lorain County, in an attempt to get the perfect view. Crowds will be seen in cities, towns and remote areas, and many of these places may not have the infrastructure to handle so many people.

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Officials in Lorain County have warned residents there could be an increase in visitors. They must brace for traffic and jammed roads, and there could even be cell phone signal drops.

What we could have is crowds here that were not used to, said Dave Freeman, the director of Lorain County Emergency Management, according to USA Today. Were not set up infrastructure-wise for that, we dont have the roads.

How can you plan ahead?

An announcement from Oklahoma Highway Patrol says that the state could receive an influx of anywhere from 17,000 to 66,000 visitors to watch the solar eclipse, according to a study conducted by the GreatAmericanEclipse.com. Parts of southeastern Oklahoma are set to experience a total solar eclipse.

Visitors will likely watch the eclipse within the path of totality in which the moon will completely block out the sun. This stretches across southeastern Oklahoma. The path of totality will completely cover McCurtain County, and partially cover Choctaw, Bryan, Atoka, Pushmataha, Latimer, and Leflore Counties. The town with the longest total eclipse viewing time will be Shults, Oklahoma, approximately 3 miles east of Idabel, with 4 minutes and 19 seconds of viewing time, according to eclise2024.org. The eclipse will pass over Oklahoma starting at 1:44 p.m. CDT and end by 1:51 p.m. CDT on April 8, 2024, the announcement says.

It added that the roads may be overwhelmed with traffic, and the major highways in the area are US-70, US-259, and State Highway 3. It added that residents must plan ahead, by filling up gas tanks, stocking up on groceries, checking the weather etc.

It also provided some safety tips, asking people not to stop along roadways or the shoulders of roadways, not to click photos while driving and to watch out for pedestrians. It asked people to turn their headlights on and not to pick up hitchhikers.
Paul Callins, a resident of DeKalb County, Georgia, is facing an ordeal after squatters illegally occupied his newly renovated home while he was caring for his ailing wife. Callins invested heavily in renovations on the property, which he inherited from his father, who passed away from cancer in 2021. He listed the house for rent after the renovations, but upon returning, he discovered the locks had been changed, and strangers were residing inside. Squatters took over Paul Callins' Georgia home while he was away caring for his sick wife(Google Maps)

What happened with Paul Callins?

I guess they have done this before, because when I called the police, they said since they have a fake lease, that they cant do anything. That its a civil matter, Callins said. Despite the emotional and financial investment in the property, local authorities deemed the situation a civil dispute due to a purported fake lease presented by the squatters.

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Callins was advised to file an Affidavit of Intruder as per Georgia law, a process he fears could take months, adding to his distress. Callins' situation is not unique. The National Rental Home Council estimates that around 1,200 homes in DeKalb County alone are facing similar issues with squatters. This highlights the widespread problem plaguing the region.

Authorities consider establishing reform act

In response to this growing issue, Georgia lawmakers are considering the "Georgia Squatter Reform Act." This legislation, backed by Republican lawmakers like Devan Seabaugh, aims to criminalize trespassing and impose stricter penalties for fake leases. The fate of homeowners like Callins hinges on the success of this proposed legislation. Enacting stricter laws against squatting is crucial to protect property rights, deter future attempts, and ensure a sense of security for homeowners in Georgia.
Super Tuesday is considered a big milestone in the presidential nomination process during the United States elections. It's a big election day when the early contests are over and voters from multiple states cast ballots in primaries scheduled on the same date. Super Tuesday: All you need to know about the big milestone in the US presidential nomination process

What is Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday is a crucial day in the United States presidential primary election process and occurs on the first Tuesday of March, this year it's on March 5. During Super Tuesday, multiple states hold their primary elections or caucuses simultaneously, making it a pivotal day in the race for party nominations. This consolidated voting day allows a diverse range of states, often representing various regions and demographics, to influence the selection of candidates.

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Importance of Super Tuesday

Approximately one-third of all delegates to the presidential nominating conventions can be won on Super Tuesday, helping candidates secure a substantial portion of the total delegates needed to win their party's nomination. Approximately 36% of the Republican delegates will be chosen by these primaries and caucuses

Super Tuesday: States and territories set to vote

March 5 will witness 15 contests for Republicans and 16 contests for Democrats spread across the country.

Alabama

Alaska

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Maine

Massachusetts

Minnesota

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

American Samoa

The numbers ahead of Super Tuesday

Ahead of the Super Tuesday scheduled for March 5, 2024 Biden and Trump have emerged as clear winners from their folds. Despite consecutive defeats in caucuses and primary elections Nikki Haley has refused to discontinue her presidential race. Meanwhile Biden's race to the top has been largely uncontested.

In the Republican fold Donald Trump has won support of 244 delegates, Nikki Haley has only 43 by her side. They need 1215 delegates.

In the Democrats fold Joe Biden has won support of 206 delegates and needs support of 1918 delegates to make his race secure.

Who Performed How in previous Super Tuesdays

In 2020 primaries 14 primaries went to vote. Incumbent President Donald Trump defeated challenger Bill Weld in the Super Tuesday Republican primaries. He won seven of the 11 contests that day, although he lost the largest prize, Texas.

Democratic Primaries Joe Biden Bernie Sanders Number of states won 10 4 Number of delegates won 726 505

Key points to watch out on Super Tuesday

Millions of Americans to cast their ballots

Tens of millions of Americans are eligible to vote in primaries and caucuses on Tuesday, with contests to be held from Maine in the northeast to California on the West Coast, as well as the remote Pacific territory of American Samoa.

On Republican side there are 874 delegates -- more than a third of the 2,429 delegates who will officially vote for candidates at the party's July nominating convention, offering Trump a chance to all but sew up his runaway lead, barring a major surprise. His campaign predicts he will win at least 773 delegates on Super Tuesday and surpass the magic number needed to secure the nomination about two weeks later.

Nikki Haley's last bid to make a mark against Donald Trump

Super Tuesday is going to be the D-day for challenger Nikki Haley who hopes to upend the former president's march towards becoming the party's flag bearer once again. Former South Carolina governor lost out to Trump in every constituency except Washington DC,eventhough she won 40 percent of votes in New Hampshire and South Carolina

Until she posted a symbolic win Sunday night in the Washington DC primary, Haley, a former South Carolina governor, had not won a single contest. But she did clinch 40 percent of the vote in New Hampshire and South Carolina -- a sign, she argues, that the party remains divided over Trump. Haley maintains she would fare better than her rival in a general election matchup against Biden. Analysts see Haley deciding to remain in the hunt largely in the event Trump gets laid low by his legal woes or other circumstances such as ill health.

Angst against Biden, thousands voted non committed in Michigan

US President Joe Biden is facing a significantly high rebellion within the party with over 50% of Democrats hoping him to be replaced by Michael Obama. Even though he won Michigan, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters opted for uncommitted rather than Biden. Uncommitted won two of Michigans delegates, the only delegates Biden has lost so far. Democratic primary voters in a state have been protesting the presidents Israel policy and want him to push much more forcefully for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Jazeera Airways, Kuwaits leading low-cost carrier, on Monday announced that the airlines Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Ramachandran, will be stepping down after over seven years with the organisation.

Barathan Pasupathi (Bara), a former CFO of Jazeera Airways, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer effective March 26. Bara comes with over 30 years of experience in aviation, oil and gas, and supply chain management. His aviation industry experience spans key finance, management, and operations functions for airlines as well as aircraft procurement and leasing.

Speaking about the management change, Marwan Boodai, Jazeera Airways Chairman, said: Rohit has been a strong, visionary and passionate leader, and a true champion of our brand and our people. He has led Jazeera in its enormous chapter of growth and delivered solid and robust results with a deep commitment to operational excellence while building shareholder value, which is deeply respected by industry peers.

During his tenure and by forging strong strategic relationships with key stakeholders, supported by the strength of our outstanding Jazeera teams, Jazeera tripled its fleet. Under his leadership, the airline expanded into 65 destinations, hit record passenger volumes, achieved unsurpassed results, and initiated a purpose built, profitable Jazeera Terminal 5.

I am particularly grateful for the way Rohit helped navigate Jazeera through the pandemic, ensuring we are set up for future success. The business is now in a strong and resilient position and well placed to navigate the next chapter as we look towards the order book of 26 A320neo and A321neo aircraft. I would like to thank Rohit for his exceptional contribution to Jazeera over many years, he said.

Bara was instrumental in the setting up of Sahaab Aircraft Leasing and served as its CFO from 2007 to 2010. He joins Jazeera Airways with over three decades of aviation experience, including a deep knowledge of safety as well as operational and customer leadership especially in growing markets.

Baras appointment provides continuity to the business and strong leadership to Jazeera Airways as we continue an exciting chapter of growth at the airline, said Boodai.

Prior to Jazeera Airways, Baras most recent role was CEO of Jetstar Asia, a Qantas Group airline based in Singapore for more than a decade.  TradeArabia News Service
Pakistan International Airlines made headlines recently when a member of its cabin crew vanished after the flight landed in Canada. Now, a second case has come to light where another flight attendant slipped away after the Pakistani flight landed in Toronto. In multiple cases, PIA air hostesses went to Canada but never came back (HT Photo)

On Thursday, February 29, steward Jibran Baloch ended his shift on the PIA flight PK-792, but did not board the return flight to Pakistan from Toronto, failing to report for duty.

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Read more: 'Thank You PIA': Pak Airlines staff flies to Canada, leaves note and vanishes

The PIA staff in Toronto checked his hotel room, and found that Baloch had slipped away, vanishing in Canada. This is the second such incident in the span of a week.

Before this, a PIA flight air hostess named Maryam Raza disappeared in a similar fashion. Last week on Tuesday, Maryam didn't board her return flight to Karachi. When her colleagues looked for her, all they found in her hotel room was her uniform and a piece of paper which read, thank you PIA.

Read more: Blast rocks railway bridge in Russia's Samara region: Report

Why are PIA crew members disappearing?

Pakistan's cabin crew members are seeking refuge in Canada as their home country continues to grapple with an economic crisis.

According to the official website of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the UN refugee agency, said, You can ask for asylum when you arrive in Canada at the airport.

It further added, If you are fleeing your country because you fear persecution or risk to your life, you can apply for asylum in Canada. If you are granted asylum, you will receive refugee status and the right to stay. To apply for asylum, you must be physically present in Canada or be seeking entry into the country at a point of entry (airport, land border, or seaport).

Read more: United States primary elections: All you need to know about Super Tuesday

PIA has taken steps to prevent such incidents from happening again, and is asking its staff to submit their passport with the airline when flying abroad. However, the new rule has failed to act as a deterrent.

Such incidents are not uncommon in Pakistan. In 2022, four members of the PIA cabin crew vanished and slipped away from their flight after seeking asylum in Canada.
A California inmate has donated his paycheck of $17.74, earning 13 cents an hour doing janitorial and porter work to support relief efforts in Gaza.

The Los Angeles-based filmmaker Justin Mashouf, who has been in correspondence with the 56-year-old man, known only as Hamza, said he had met him in 2009 through a friend in Los Angeles' Muslim community who conducted prison outreach to Muslims serving prison sentences.

Hamza Donates Salary for Gaza

According to The Guardian, Mashouf posted images on social media of Hamza's October time log and a check of $17.74 with the caption, "California department of corrections and rehabilitation." The time log showed 21 days of work, totaling 136.50 hours.

Mashouf wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "An incarcerated brother I am in correspondence with donated $17.74 for relief efforts in Gaza." He continued that this donation was the sum of 136 hours of his labor in prison working as a porter and janitor and hoped that the Creator would multiply his sincere donation.

His tweet on Hamza's donation immediately went viral, receiving over 24,000 likes and over 8,200 retweets.

"The incarceration system in the US and in occupied Palestine are ultimately extensions of the same imperial project - one that seeks to criminalize the existence of the oppressed, to render them invisible, and to neutralize them as a threat to the dominant social order," the grassroots organization Palestinian Youth Movement wrote in response to Hamza's Instagram story.

The Washington Post reviewed court records and found that Hamza was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder in 1986 and was sentenced to 15 years to life. Hamza was still in his teen years during his guilty plea.

In a GoFundMe campaign page Mashouf set up for Hamza, he said that in the 1980s, Hamza accidentally fired a gun at a loved one, which killed the victim, leading to his imprisonment for over four decades. He noted that he had to endure for decades the daily anguish of losing a family member due to his error.

Furthermore, he noted that Hamza converted to Islam while incarcerated and has been begging for release from prison for many years.

Mashouf wrote in a statement on the campaign page that Hamza is scheduled to be released at the end of March.

The campaign has raised $102,187 for Hamza's re-entry journey since it began. The campaign said the funds will be used for cell phone services, clothing, job search and training, utilities, and rent.

Read Also: VP Harris To Meet With Netanyahu's Rival To Discuss Gaza Ceasefire, Aid in DC Meeting

Hamza Suspends Campaign

On Wednesday, Mashouf published a statement announcing Hamza's decision to halt the campaign on X, formerly Twitter. Hamza thanked everyone for their generosity and kindness in donating funds to help and assist him with his release from prison.

However, Hamza urged people to consider the suffering children, mothers, and fathers of Palestine, Yemen, and Africa living under inhumane conditions, who are being bombed every hour of the day without water, shelter, medication, and food.

Furthermore, Hamza's contribution to Gaza's humanitarian efforts comes as Israel continues to attack Gaza.

Related Article: US Military to Airdrop Food Aid to Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis


Poland has stated that a potential nuclear arms race could happen if the West does not provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to combat Vladimir Putin's army.

Radek Sikorski, Poland's foreign minister, expressed concerns about the ongoing debate in the US regarding a $60bn aid package for Ukraine and the resistance of some European allies to provide military support, warning of a potential escalation towards nuclear proliferation.

Poland's Foreign Minister Warns of Nuclear Arms

Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radek Sikorski, has issued a warning, stating that the debate in Washington over the aid package and a perceived divide over Ukraine's defense might potentially set off an arms race. He states that this could be a potential outcome.

It is possible that the democratic community will have to deal with fragmentation if the United States and Europe do not come together and assist Ukraine in its attempts to eject Putin. This will cause friends to look for alternative means to secure their security. It is likely that certain nations, such as South Korea and Japan, may make the decision to build nuclear weapons, which might potentially lead to a new nuclear arms race.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine became a former nuclear power as a result of its acquisition of sovereignty of a portion of the nuclear arsenal that had been held by the Soviet Union. All of them were turned up by Kyiv in line with the terms of the Budapest Memorandum from 1994. In exchange, Kyiv received acknowledgment of its national borders, sovereignty, and independence.

There is a notion that suggests Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if the nation had maintained its nuclear weapons. This idea is based on actual proof. It is believed that South Korea and Japan, two countries that are put at risk by North Korea that possess nuclear weapons, are aware of this, according to The Telegraph.

Read Also: Europe Faces 'Uncontrollable' Migrant Surge If Russia Wins in War With Ukraine, French Foreign Minister Warns

Poland Considers Nucllear Sharing Program Membership Within NATO

Experts caution that autocratic nations may observe how Putin forced concessions from the West by risking nuclear war. If Russia succeeds in legalizing the use of nuclear fear as a weapon of foreign policy, many nations will soon be rushing to build up their own nuclear arsenals.

Even if they are unable to acquire their own nuclear weapons, nations may still make a decision to seek refuge under the nuclear umbrella of another nation.

An indication has been provided by Poland that it is considering becoming a member of the Nuclear Sharing program within NATO. This initiative would allow member states that do not possess nuclear weapons to get involved in preparations for the possibility of their use.

This might include Poland receiving nuclear bombs launched from the air on American B61 planes or approving the F-35A aircraft to carry nuclear weapons, both of which many in Poland feel would contribute to the nation's security against what they see as an imperialist and expansionist Russia, Ukrinform reported.

Related Article: EU To Send $54 Million Fund to Gaza Aid Agency After It Agrees to Audit Over Extremist Ties Allegations
China kicked off its "Two Sessions" annual meeting where Beijing's politicians will gather to discuss various issues, the primary of this particular event is expected to be the country's lagging economy.

The meeting will involve the National People's Congress (NPC) as well as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The annual gathering will bring together the Asian nation's political elite as well as various leaders in business, tech, media, and the arts.

China's Two Sessions Annual Gathering

The concurrent meetings, which are known as lianghui in Chinese, are an annual event in the country's legislative agenda and run for roughly two weeks. During that period, legislators will work to approve new laws, political appointments, and government work reports that detail the progress of various departments such as the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission.

During the Two Sessions meeting last year, delegates officially approved Chinese President Xi Jinping for an unprecedented third term as the leader of the nation. The event this year is likely to be dominated by China's lagging economy, which is struggling with slowing growth, deflation, massive debt, and falling exports, as per Aljazeera.

One of the most important events to observe will be Premier Li Qiang's delivery of the annual work report. It would review the Chinese government's accomplishments and set goals for this year.

The premier is expected to set an economic growth target of roughly 5% for 2024 and also discuss headline issues from China's falling birth rate to the future of tech and artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the Asian nation.

Over the past year, 11 members of the NPC's Standing Committee, which is the legislature's 175-member permanent body, have been removed. The individuals affected included Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang and Minister of Defense Li Shangfu.

Read Also: US Lawmakers Consider Sanctioning Chinese Firms for Aiding Russia's War with Ukraine

Addressing Various Economical Issues

Another agenda for Xi during the annual gathering would be to project confidence as his top Communist Party officials meet. The largely ceremonial gathering is taking on heightened importance this year amid the various issues that the Asian nation is facing, according to CNN.

The Chinese president is currently under the spotlight as economic pain has sparked growing frustration within his country. An expected post-COVID recovery has yet to fully materialize, young people are struggling to find work, investors are grappling with market losses, and small business owners are fighting to stay afloat.

The various challenges may not pose a direct threat to Xi but how his team addresses such concerns could have implications not only for the future of China but the global economy as a whole.

In a statement, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's East Asian Institute, Chen Gang, said that the Chinese government wants to use the meeting to send signals that Beijing's economy is generally okay and is on the right path.

In 2023, China's gross domestic product grew by 5.2% but overall recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic was slower than what many expected. In December last year, Beijing signaled that any new policy support would be "appropriate," said CNBC.

Related Article: China Calls for No-First-Use of Nuclear Weapons, Says Nuclear Countries Must Fulfill Their Responsibilities
According to South Korean analysts, shipments of North Korean artillery shells to Russia that have provided the Kremlin with an advantage on battlefields in Ukraine may have ceased.

Four Russian ships - the Lady R, the Angara, the Maia-1, and the Maria - have completed a minimum of 32 journeys between Rajin port in North Korea and Russia's Dunay and Vostochny ports in the far east of the country, as per satellite imagery analysis.

North Korea Halts Artillery Shipments to Russia

North Korea has temporarily halted the shipment of artillery to Russia, raising concerns about potential production problems or logistical challenges. NK Pro, a research organization specializing in North Korea, reported a cessation in sea transfers, raising concerns about the flow of military equipment crucial to Russia's ground offensive in Ukraine.

The affected vessels, including the Lady R, Angara, Maia-1, and Maria, had made 32 trips to North Korea since August under an agreement between North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The suspension of artillery supplies has huge repercussions for the conflict that is still going on in Ukraine. Russia encounters a shortage of ammunition, Ukrainian forces, which have been struggling with a lack of supplies from Western suppliers, might face further barriers. The Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom has highlighted the possible impact on Russia's capacity, warning that it could "ill afford" any gaps over contested airspace in eastern and southern Ukraine.

NK Pro speculates that there may be a move to different forms of transportation for North Korea's shells, such as trains, planes, or other logistical issues. Traditionally, the sea has been the basic mode of delivery for North Korea's shells.

In addition to addressing the fact that North Korea did not appear to have sent containers to the export dock throughout the impacted period, the group brought attention to the notion that the reasons behind the halt in exports are still unknown, according to The Telegraph.

Read Also: Opposing Attorneys in Fani Willis' Affair Case Clash in Final Disqualification Arguments for District Attorney

Russia-North Korea Relationship

The context of the Russia-North Korea relationship is crucial in understanding the potential reasons behind the interruption. South Korean lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum has pointed out that Pyongyang has engaged in an exchange with Russia, providing arms shipments in return for satellite technology and assistance with their space program. This relationship extends beyond the current conflict in Ukraine, with alleged quid pro quo deals contributing to North Korea's progress in its nuclear weapons program and satellite launches.

The pause in sea shipments occurs against the backdrop of a broader narrative of collaboration between Russia and North Korea. Reports had indicated a robust flow of military equipment, with the four mentioned vessels subject to US Treasury sanctions for their role in proliferating such equipment from North Korea to Russia. The latest confirmed docking was by Maia-1 between February 16 and 21, raising questions about a possible hiccup in production or logistics.

International observers continue to follow developments as the brief stop in artillery shipments presents a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sparking speculation about the dynamics between Russia and North Korea, Trendy Digests reported.

Related Article: Report: Putin Ally Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko To Seek Re-Election in 2025
Border officials came across over 14,000 unauthorized migrants at the southern border from Saturday to Friday, as per sources from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The Tucson, Arizona sector took the lead in the encounters, reporting more than 2,000 apprehensions of illegal immigrants, according to Fox News' Bill Melugin.

Border Tensions Escalate

Shelby Park, situated in the border town of Eagle Pass, has emerged as a central location in the ongoing border situation and political disputes between Republicans and the Biden administration. With migrants crossing the border from Mexico into the US, Governor Greg Abbott has sent thousands of state police officers and national guard troops to Eagle Pass to prevent illegal border crossings.

Lt. Christopher Olivarez from the Texas Department of Public Safety provided insight into the state's stance on Border Patrol processing migrants in the park. The concern is that it might attract more migrants to cross the river, as they would know where to find support.

Shelby Park is among a number of places along the Texas border where coils of sharp wire have been added since the initiation of Operation Lone Star in March of 2021. Since that time, numerous migrants have been captured and held on demands of violating. State troopers have taken action against human smuggling operations.

The state has allocated over $150 million to transport migrants by bus to cities such as New York and Chicago, transforming the border issue into a political and financial challenge for Democratic mayors.

The leader of The Council condemned Biden on Monday for what he described as obvious electioneering, alleging that he only chose to go to the southern border with Mexico because he is behind in the polls. This week saw Biden's second visit to the border during his presidency. In January of last year, he journeyed to El Paso following the cleanup of the migrant camps by local officials, according to CBS News.

Read Also: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: What To Expect If Deal Has Been Reached?

Despite Decreased Border Crossings

While in Brownsville, Texas, Biden discussed the bipartisan immigration bill that did not pass in the Senate, placing the responsibility on former president Trump. Republicans have voiced reservations with the bill, arguing that it does not go far enough.

In Brownsville, border crossings have significantly decreased in recent months, following the installation of miles of wire fencing as part of Operation Lone Star, signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in December. Information from internal CBP data for all border patrol stations in February, as acquired by Fox News, reveals that the Brownsville area recorded approximately 462 apprehensions, averaging around 17 per day.

Brownsville, Texas is ranked as the 29th busiest border patrol station for the month. The top station was Three Points in Tucson, Arizona, sector, with over 13,900 apprehensions in February.

Brownsville could give Biden a platform to argue illegal crossings have dropped dramatically given it was the busiest corridor for illegal crossings for nine years. But Republicans have called it something else: a 'photo-op.' Speaker Mike Johnson accused Biden of going merely for the optics.

During a press conference held by House Republican leadership, several leaders criticized Biden for what they called a 'photo op.' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to GOP criticism of Biden's trip by bringing out that House Republicans declined to bring up a vote on a bipartisan border security bill following Trump's opposition, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: Biden Says Ceasefire is Near, But Hamas and Israel Aren't So Sure
A young girl tragically lost her life when a boat affirmed on the dangerous English Channel crossing route frequently used by migrants seeking to reach Britain, as reported by French authorities on Sunday.

According to a statement from the prefecture in charge of the northern part of France, on Sunday morning, a small boat carrying sixteen persons overturned off the shore of the northern port city of Dunkirk, as per to ABC News.

Boat Capsizes in English Channel Crossing

A small vessel attempting to cross the English Channel faced a fatal catastrophe as it proved inadequate for the number of passengers it carried, according to authorities. The dire situation unfolded as a couple with four children embarked on the perilous journey, resulting in a devastating outcome.

The maritime authorities overseeing French waters in the channel revealed that the ill-fated boat, carrying 16 migrants, tragically capsized around 30 kilometers from the English Channel. Among the passengers were the seven-year-old daughter of a couple, who succumbed to drowning during the harrowing incident.

A somber statement conveyed the grim news, noting that the girl's father and her pregnant mother managed to survive and were promptly rescued. They, along with their three other siblings, were immediately transported to a hospital for urgent medical attention. Another couple, two men, and six young children also faced the ordeal but were fortunate to be rescued with minor injuries.

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, raising concerns about the safety of migrants attempting to cross the channel. Authorities indicated that the vessel, likely stolen, was not designed to accommodate such a significant number of people, emphasizing the inherent risks associated with such journeys, according to AP News.

Read Also: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: What To Expect If Deal Has Been Reached?

Capsizing Raises Concerns Over Safety

This tragedy occurred against the backdrop of heightened surveillance on the channel, leading to an increase in migrants attempting alternative inland routes. The French prefecture for the Nord department noted that the fatal capsizing transpired between two locks, an area deemed "very, very dangerous" by officials.

Prompt response from law enforcement and emergency services was initiated after a member of the public alerted authorities upon witnessing the distressing scene along the canal's shore. The victims, including the surviving family and the additional passengers, were promptly taken to Dunkirk hospital for medical assessment.

Refers to have been raised about the safety and suitability of the vessels used for these dangerous journeys. This unfortunate incident contributes to the increasing worries about the risky initiatives made by migrants to cross the English Channel. Sunday's event serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with these perilous journeys.

The other tragedy on Wednesday, in which three people lost their lives trying to cross the English Channel, shows the critical need for concerted efforts and broad measures to resolve the difficulties experienced by migrants trying to flee across these dangerous seas. Despite the unfortunate results, around 30,000 individuals completed the journey in 2023, as per data from the UK government released in early 2024, CNN reported.

Related Article: US Military to Airdrop Food Aid to Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
An esteemed molecular biologist has raised concerns about compelling evidence indicating that COVID-19 originated from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology and was potentially engineered by researchers at the Chinese lab.

Richard H. Ebright, a defined molecular biologist at Rutgers University, holds the position of Board of Governors Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and serves as the Laboratory Director at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology.

Debate Reignites Over COVID-19 Origins

Recent statements by molecular biologist Dr. Richard H. Ebright and former New York Times editor Nicholas Wade have reignited debates on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the possibility of a lab-manufactured virus.

Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University, identified the relevance of a 2018 document from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, explaining it as an essential piece of evidence in the inquiry into the virus's beginnings. The document detailed a project named DEFUSE, with the goal of modifying bat coronaviruses to increase their ability to spread to humans.

The plan was rejected for financing by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), but Wade claimed that researchers in Wuhan, China may have undertaken similar research with assistance from the Chinese government.

Wade's assertion is based on the belief that viruses created following the DEFUSE protocol could have been present by the time COVID-19 emerged between August and November 2019. This, according to Wade, could explain the timing and origin of the pandemic, according to New York Post.

Read Also: Trump's Classified Documents Trial: Judge Calls Special Counsel Jack Smith's Proposed Schedule 'Unrealistic'

Lab-Based Origin for COVID-19

Furthermore, Wade emphasized the distinctive genetic structure of the coronavirus, allowing for fast infection in humans, as a persuasive sign of a likely lab-based origin. This structure allows the coronavirus to infect people immediately. He argued that in comparison to the majority of viruses, which need many tries to migrate from animal hosts to human hosts, SARS-CoV-2 was able to infect people with relative ease, indicating that it had already pre-adapted.

Dr. Filippa Lentzos expressed comparable worries at an address before the United Nations, indicating that there is a potential that the pandemic was caused by a mistake connected to laboratory research. Although Lentzos acknowledged the difficulties involved in clearly pinpointing the origins, he underlined the need of enhancing transparency and responsibility in the research activities that will be undertaken in the future.

The dispute comes from records that were made public in 2018 as a result of a request made under the Freedom of Information Act by the United States Right to Know. Project DEFUSE, which intended to boost the transmission of bat coronaviruses, was the subject of these documents, which comprised drafts and notes, respectively.

Recent remarks have fuelled conversations on the necessity of conducting an inquiry that is both comprehensive and transparent in order to establish the truth about the origins of the pandemic. This is despite the fact that experts continue to disagree whether the coronavirus originated naturally or as a result of human activity, News18 reported.

Related Article: Donald Trump Maintains Winning Run With Victory in Idaho Republican Caucuses
(Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Trader Joes employees and union activists hold a rally at a Trader Joes in lower Manhattan in support of forming a union at the grocery store on April 18, 2023 in New York City. Workers at the store have complained of slashed benefits, stagnant wages and a lack of concern for health and safety. A union election date for the Lower East Side Trader Joes has not yet been set, but if a majority of the employees choose to join, it would be New York Citys first unionized Trader Joes.

On Saturday, US authorities announced that more than 61,000 pounds of Trader Joe's steamed chicken soup dumplings were being recalled due to the possibility of containing hard plastic.

The Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service reported that the dumplings produced by the California-based CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. may be contaminated with foreign materials, "specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen."

Trader Joe's Chicken Soup Dumplings Recalled

According to FSIS, the recall came after consumers reported discovering hard plastic in Trader Joe's-branded products. To date, no related illnesses or injuries have been reported.

FSIS advised customers to check their freezers. The 6-ounce "Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings" that are subject to the recall were made on December 7, 2023, and their lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2 can be identified on the side box labels.

Trader Joe's urged consumers to dispose of the impacted dumplings or return them to any store location for a full refund in an online post about the recall.

ACJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp. spokesperson told The Associated Press that the company was looking into the issue that occurred during the manufacturing process. In an email, the food manufacturer stated, "Customer safety remains our No. 1 priority."

Furthermore, one of the most common causes of food recalls in the US nowadays is foreign object contamination. Beyond plastic, metal shavings, insect parts, and other "extraneous" items have been identified by making their way into packaged goods.

Read Also: California Inmate Donates Salary for Relief Efforts in Gaza

Trader Joe's Recalls Pilaf for Possible Rock Contamination

The FSIS announced a public health alert for a chicken pilaf at Trader Joe's due to the possibility of rock contamination. The federal agency claimed in a notice on February 7 that it had received numerous complaints from customers reporting that they had found pebbles in 14-ounce packages of Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf that were sold nationwide. One person reported a dental injury after eating the pilaf.

The FSIS claimed the product has no recall since it is no longer for sale. The chicken pilaf was produced between November 1, 2023, and January 19, 2024, and has the establishment number "P-45322" inside the USDA inspection mark.

Furthermore, people with chicken pilaf in their freezers are advised to throw it away or return it. Trader Joe's announced that anyone who purchased it can replace the pilaf for a full refund.

On February 7, the grocery chain declared that it had recalled three goods related to a fatal listeria outbreak that has sickened numerous people and has been linked to cheese and other dairy products sold by California-based Rizo Lopez Foods.

Trader Joe's has also recalled its Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, and Elote Chopped Salad Kit. The products are made with cotija cheese by Rizo Lopez Foods and could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogene.

Related Article: Disney Sued After Doctor Dies From Food Allergy, Allegedly Checked for Allergens With Staff


Congressional lawmakers unveiled the details of the first six spending bills that would fund the government to avert a potential shutdown.

On Sunday, officials announced a package of the half a dozen annual appropriation bills that are set to be voted on next week. The situation is crucial as it sets the stage for Congress to avoid a partial government shutdown that could come on Mar. 8 if officials do nothing.

Averting a Government Shutdown

Top Democratic and Republican lawmakers from both chambers announced agreements on bills that would fund a raft of less controversial government agency budgets until Sept. 30. The agencies that would be funded by the bills include the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Housing, and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

The newly unveiled bills feature slight funding increases or reductions but overall avoid the drastic cuts that House Republican hardliners have been demanding. Despite the efforts, lawmakers have not announced agreement on the remaining six appropriation bills, as per Axios.

These would include the massive and controversial budgets of the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services. The money that would go to fund those agencies is set to run out on Mar. 22, which gives Congress only a few weeks to work out the remaining disagreements and pass the bills.

Democratic lawmakers celebrated the lack of significant cuts or right-wing policy riders. On the other hand, Republican officials touted the cuts to the EPA, FBI, and ATF, as well as certain environmental and law enforcement policy victories.

In a statement, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said that even with a divided government and a historically small House majority, the GOP worked hard to successfully move the policy and spending priorities of the federal government away from the previous Pelosi-Schumer FY23 appropriations.

Read Also: Donald Trump Supports Montana Sen. Steve Daines To Succeed Mitch McConnell as GOP Senate Leader

Voting on the Appropriations Bills

The partial budget deal is seen as a step forward in the efforts to secure a permanent budget plan for the rest of the fiscal year, which started on Oct. 1. Despite not having agreed on the second half of the bills, lawmakers touted the success of the first round of discussions for the appropriation bills, according to CNBC.

Democratic lawmakers see the development as a victory for its continued full funding of a special food assistance program for women, infants, and children. They were also able to secure wins on rent assistance and pay for infrastructure employees such as air traffic controllers and railway inspectors.

In a statement released on Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that throughout the negotiations, Democrats fought hard to protect against cuts to housing and nutrition programs and keep harmful provisions out of the way.

The new package totals more than $459 billion and includes side adjustments such as emergency money. However, the second half of the appropriations bills contain roughly 70% of the overall funding and the most controversial policy decisions.

Johnson, in touting the funding package, pointed to language that would block the Department of Justice (DOJ) from targeting parents who speak before school boards. The speaker also noted policy that would preserve gun rights for military veterans who need fiduciary help with their VA benefits, said Politico.

Related Article: Nikki Haley Wins Washington Republican Primary Against Donald Trump
Experience Abu Dhabi is bringing authentic Emirati hospitality to ITB Berlin, showcasing the very best of the destination alongside a host of partners from the Abu Dhabi tourism sector.

As the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Experience Abu Dhabi is giving an insight into the wide range of exciting, inspiring, and restorative experiences that can be enjoyed in the emirate. The immersive stand brings cultural treasures and destination offerings to life, as well as host signings, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Highlights of DCT Abu Dhabis ITB showcase will include:

 Strategic MoUs: DCT Abu Dhabi is set to announce several strategic MoUs during ITB Berlin, designed to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi as a must-visit destination and boost international tourism.

 Find Your Pace: Experience Abu Dhabi brings to life its latest global brand campaign, Find Your Pace, taking guests at ITB Berlin on an immersive journey of the hidden gems, top sites, attractions and experiences that visitors can discover  year-round, presented like never before.

With Find Your Pace, Experience Abu Dhabi ignites curiosity and encourages visitors to create their own unique journey, from the known to the unknown, through ancient heritage sites and iconic modern treasures. It showcases the pursuits, passions, and colour palettes that visitors will uncover within the destination  whether they are seeking the thrill of adventure, immersive cultural experiences, or a relaxing break.

Visitors to the stand will be able to participate in activations including live Bait Al Gahwa sessions, demonstrating traditional Arabic coffee preparation, and demonstrations of Emirati traditions and handicrafts with the House of Artisans.

 Make Abu Dhabi Your Easter Surprise: At the stand, guests will have the opportunity to discover why Abu Dhabi should be on their must-visit list during Easter. From guaranteed sunshine, warm golden sands, culturally enriching activities, entertaining events, visitors to Abu Dhabi can make long-lasting memories with their loved ones this Easter holiday.

* Al Ain & Al Dhafra: Discover Al Ain, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and all-year-round accessible destination for the culturally curious, the adventure seeker, and the wellness tribe with immersive experiences that are grounding and refreshing. Here you can be immersed in adventure, enriched by cultural experiences, and surrounded by the lively sounds of a living oasis. Al Ain provides a unique energy that enables you to find your pace.

Also discover the serene Al Dhafra region, a place of tranquillity, space and authenticity. With the worlds largest dunes, rare wildlife, a hypnotic coastline, and historical monuments, Al Dhafra is a destination full of potential.

* Abu Dhabi Calendar: The stand will also showcase the latest Abu Dhabi Calendar, which features an inspiring line-up of back-to-back events for 2024 season. Packed with a diverse mix of activities and experiences for every resident and visitor. Key highlights include:

 Experience Ramadan and Eid in Abu Dhabi

 BRED Abu Dhabi

 Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design at Louvre Abu Dhabi

DCT Abu Dhabi stand at ITB Berlin is located at Hall 2.2, stand 200.  TradeArabia News Service
Malaysian officials are reportedly in talks to renew efforts to search for the missing flight MH370, a decade after the aircraft's disappearance.

The country's government said on Sunday that the discussions come after a United States technology firm proposed a fresh search in the southern Indian Ocean. This is the region where the plane is believed to have crashed a decade ago.

Finding Flight MH370

Anthony Loke, the transport minister of Malaysia, said that Texas-based Ocean Infinity has proposed another "no find, no fee" basis to search the seabeds and expands from the site where it first searched in 2018.

The official said that he has invited the American company to meet him to evaluate new scientific evidence it has to find the plane's final resting place. He added that if the evidence is credible, he would seek the Cabinet's approval to sign a new contract with Ocean Infinity in order to resume the search for the missing aircraft, as per Politico.

Loke said that the Malaysian government is steadfast in its resolve to locate flight MH370, adding that they are hoping the new search efforts can find the aircraft and provide truth to the next of kin. His remarks were made during a remembrance event to mark the 10th anniversary of the jet's disappearance.

The controversial flight was a Boeing 777 plane that was carrying 239 people onboard, most of whom were Chinese nationals. It took off from the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, and was heading to Beijing, It vanished from radar shortly after it took off on Mar. 8, 2014.

Satellite data showed that the plane deviated from its flight path and was believed to have crashed somewhere in the southern Indian Ocean. Following the incident, the world over was rife with conspiracy theories and bizarre explanations for the disappearance of the aircraft.

Read Also: Germany Accuses Russia of 'Hybrid Disinformation Attack' Over Military Audio Leak

Malaysia's Renewal of Search Operations

The families of the passengers of the missing plane have called for a renewed search operation as they gathered ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the incident. They argued that they needed answers for the future of flight safety, according to The Guardian.

Hundreds of relatives and supporters gathered on Sunday at a shopping center near Kuala Lumpur to pay their respects to the victims of the incident. Jacquita Gonzales, whose husband Patrick Gomes was an inflight supervisor onboard MH370, said that every year when Mar. 8 draws near, all of what happened on the day of the incident rushes back to him.

Gonzales recalled watching the television hoping for good news about her husband that never arrived. She said that the only way to solve the problem was to find the plane that her husband was on. She argued that this was why it was important to continue search efforts and not let the dead remain a mystery.

Bai Zhong, who is from China and whose wife was on flight MH370, said that it did not matter whether it was 10 years or 20 years. He said that as long as they are alive, they will not stop to press for the truth behind the incident, said the Associated Press.



Related Article: Chinese Politicians Hold 'Two Sessions' Meeting To Address Beijing's Lagging Economy
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on Sunday announced that it was endorsing an effort for primary voters to cast ballots for "uncommitted" instead of President Joe Biden ahead of this week's Super Tuesday.

The endorsement from the DSA comes after more than 100,000 Michigan Democratic primary voters cast ballots for uncommitted. This was done in protest of the Biden administration's support for Israel's government in its war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza.

Uncommitted Protest Against Joe Biden

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, DSA said that the number of people who voted uncommitted in the primary on Tuesday puts Biden on track to lose the election to former United States President Donald Trump. It argued that this could only be addressed if Biden listened to the working class of the United States and changed course.

The group also said that defeat is certain if the president fails to do so as it highlighted the killing of dozens of Palestinians in an incident around an aid convoy in northern Gaza. The DSA noted that more than 30,000 Palestinians have already lost their lives amid the conflict and questioned how many more should die before Biden works to stop the war, as per Axios.

The DSA currently has more than 92,000 members and chapters in all 50 states across the country. Last week, local chapters of the group and the Colorado Palestine Coalition announced that they were organizing a campaign to vote uncommitted instead of Biden during Super Tuesday.

The uncommitted votes express support for a party but not for any candidate on the ballot itself. In its Sunday social media post, the DSA said that until Biden's administration ends its support of Israel's genocide in Gaza and delivers a permanent ceasefire, he will bear the responsibility for another Trump presidency.

The uncommitted movement, which is led by Arab American community leaders and progressive activists and has the backing of notable politicians, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, mobilized tens of thousands of Democrats in the state who oppose Biden's response to the conflict in Gaza.

Read Also: Nikki Haley Wins Washington Republican Primary Against Donald Trump

Addressing the Israel-Hamas War

In recent weeks, the Democratic president has increased pressure on Israel amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions. He also encouraged a six-week ceasefire but he has refused calls from protesters to support a permanent ceasefire in the embattled region, according to The Hill.

The DSA said that the brutal "Flour Massacre" this week has proven once more that Israel is a "brutal, inhumane apartheid state." This was a reference to the killing of more than 100 civilians in Gaza.

Advocates said that the number of people who voted uncommitted instead of Biden serves as an enormous rebuke to Washington's backing of Israel. The situation is also a warning sign for Democratic lawmakers heading into the general election in November this year.

Palestinian-American human rights lawyer Huwaida Arraf said that the uncommitted tally is "huge." However, she added that the 101,000 votes on Tuesday do not fully convey the growing frustration of president Biden's policies, said Aljazeera.

Related Article: Congressional Lawmakers Unveil Details of First 6 Bills To Avert Government Shutdown
A SpaceX rocket safely lifted off from Florida on Sunday night carrying a crew of three US astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut on their way to the International Space Station (ISS) to oversee the arrival of two new rocketships during their half-year stint.

The autonomously operated Crew Dragon spacecraft, Endeavor, atop a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, was launched at 10:53 pm from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on the Atlantic coast.

4 Astronauts Head To ISS

The astronauts should arrive at the orbiting lab on Tuesday. They will replace a crew from the US, Denmark, Japan, and Russia who have been there since August.

After three days of delay due to strong wind, space station commander Andreas Mogensen asked on X, formerly Twitter, "When are you getting here already?" According to SpaceX Launch Control, it was "fashionably late."

On Sunday night, there was nearly another postponement. Despite a last-minute rush of assessments due to a minor breach in the hatch seal, the SpaceX spacecraft was deemed safe for the duration of the flight.

NASA has ordered two rocketships, which will arrive during the new crew's six-month stay. Test pilots will board Boeing's new Starliner capsule in late April.

Sierra Space's Dream Chaser is a mini-shuttle that should arrive in a month or two.

Read Also: Trader Joe's Recalls Signature Chicken Soup Dumplings Due to Possible Sharpie-like Plastic Contamination

Astronauts Share Experience

Originally, NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps was supposed to pilot Boeing's Starliner, but the aircraft stalled due to technical issues. NASA finally switched her to SpaceX.

When she arrived in orbit, she stated, "I am in a New York state of mind right now. It is amazing," referencing the Billy Joel song.

Epps, a native of Syracuse, New York, is the second Black woman assigned to a lengthy station mission. She expressed before the flight that she is proud to serve as an example for Black girls and show them that spaceflight is an option for them, that this is not just for other people.

She worked as an engineer in 2009 before joining the CIA and Ford Motor Company. Epps was replaced in 2018 for never made public reasons, but she was supposed to launch a Russian rocket to the space station.

Grebenkin, a former Russian military officer, and Dominick, a pilot in the Navy, are both new to space. Barratt is the oldest full-time astronaut to travel in space and is a doctor now serving his third mission. He turns 65 in April.

"It's kind of like a roller coaster ride with a bunch of really excited teenagers," Barratt said after reaching orbit. As for his age, he said before the flight, "As long as we stay healthy and fit and engaged, we're good to fly."

On the Russian side of the space station, flight controllers are keeping an eye on a growing leak in the cabin. NASA program manager Joel Montalbano reported that the leak has increased in size in the last two weeks and the areas has been blocked off.

Furthermore, he noted that there is no impact on station operations or crew safety.

Related Article: [BREAKING] Intuitive Machines' Odysseus Successfully Lands on Moon, Transmits Signal


The Haitian government issued a 72-hour state of emergency after at least 12 people were killed and about 4,000 convicts escaped when armed gangs attacked a major prison in Port-au-Prince on Sunday, March 3.

The gang leaders have stated their intention to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry from office. About 80% of Port-au-Prince is under the sway of the groups who want him out.

Since 2020, hundreds of people have been slain in violent gang conflicts throughout the nation.

Threat to Country's Safety

Two jails, one in the capital and the other in the neighboring town of Croix des Bouquets, were reportedly raided over the weekend. According to BBC, an urgent night-time curfew was instituted at 8:00 PM local time on Sunday in reaction to the acts of "disobedience" that were deemed a danger to national security.

Gang members accused of involvement in President Jovenel Moise's assassination in 2021 were among those in jail in Port-au-Prince.

The prime minister's trip to Nairobi on Thursday, February 29, to negotiate the deployment of a multinational security force to Haiti, spearheaded by Kenya, coincided with the start of the most recent rise in violence.

Former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, is leading gangs that are attempting to depose Henry. He revealed a coordinated assault to depose the prime minister.

Cherizier, who is believed to be responsible for many killings in Port-au-Prince, said, "All of us, the armed groups in the provincial towns and the armed groups in the capital, are united."

See Also: Haiti Officials Report Thousands of Inmates Escaped Prison After Gangs Storm Facility

Massive Jail Break

The largest jail facility in the city was assaulted late on Saturday, March 2.

According to reports, the prison's doors remained open on Sunday, and no officials were seen. However, three escaped convicts were found dead in the courtyard.

Approximately ten corpses, some with obvious gunshot wounds, were seen inside the jail.

A volunteer prison staffer said that 99 inmates, including ex-military personnel incarcerated for the assassination of the late President Moise, had opted to stay within their cells due to worries of being murdered in gunfire.

See Also: Kenya, Haiti Reach Accord Enabling Police Deployment
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for Australia again on Sunday, March 3, to attend the special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia to be held in Melbourne. The event is scheduled for March 4 to 6.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended an invitation to Marcos to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which began in 1974.

Marcos stated, "The summit presents an opportunity to reiterate the Philippines' national positions on regional and international issues and set the tone for ASEAN's Dialogue Partner Summits later in the year." He made these remarks before leaving Villamor Air Base, according to The Manila Times.

Planned Endeavors

Among other things, Marcos will restate the Philippines' stance on regional and international concerns, including its steadfast claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

"The summit will be an opportunity for the Philippines to thank Australia, Asean's oldest Dialogue Partner, for its unwavering support for the rule of law, for the 1982 Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award, through timely statements of support as well as through capacity-building and academic initiatives to mainstream appreciation of international law," said the president.

Moreover, Marcos is scheduled to have bilateral discussions with the prime leaders of Cambodia and New Zealand. Also, he has a speech set at the Lowy Institute, where he will speak about how the Philippines is involved in global events and how it contributes to the regional security architecture based on norms.

While in Australia, Marcos will be able to see the development of the Victoria International Container Terminal--the country's first completely automated terminal--and take advantage of the opportunity to promote Philippine businesses at the Philippine Business Forum. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual coordinates the said forum.

Also Read: Philippines, US Conduct Joint Air Patrol Over South China Sea Amid Maritime Tensions

Diplomatic Ties

Official diplomatic ties between Australia and the Philippines were established on July 4, 1946.

Almost 408,000 people of Filipino ancestry call Australia home. Experts in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, as well as technicians, associate professionals, managers, and a variety of service and sales occupations, make up the majority.

Australia sent $301.2 million in remittances to overseas Filipino workers in 2023.

According to Hae Kyong Yu, the Australian ambassador to Manila, Marcos' recent visit to Australia served to further solidify the two nations' commitment as strategic allies in molding a peaceful, affluent, and open region.

Also Read: Human Rights Abuses in Philippines, Including Journalists' Assassination Need Action, UN Expert Says
A new poll revealed that more and more Americans think that Joe Biden is incompetent to run for U.S. presidency again.

The survey by AP and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that around 60% of participants say Biden lacks mental ability.

This is not new since Joe Biden is considered the oldest U.S. president in American history (81 years old).

But, what makes the poll a big deal is that its results were shared just a few days ahead of Joe Biden's State of the Union address, which will happen on Thursday, Mar. 7.

[POLL] More Americans See Joe Biden Incompetent for Presidency

According to Fox News' latest report, the new poll of the Associated Press and NORC revealed that 60% doubts Joe Biden's mental capabilities.

Meanwhile, 80% of them lack confidence in the American leader's mental capability.

Around a third of Democrats who participated in the survey said that they are not very confident or not at all confident about Biden's mental capabilities.

On the other hand, 38% of Americans still trust Joe Biden, saying that he is capable of handling the job as the U.S. president, as reported by the Associated Press.

When it comes to trusting Biden currently regarding certain issues, such as immigration, foreign policy, and the economy, the survey revealed that there's a broad discontent:

Only 4 out of 10 Americans support Joe's handling of abortion, Ukraine's war against Russia, and climate change.

Only 3 out of 10 Americans were satisfied with his performance on immigration, the economy, and the war in Gaza.

Read Also: Joe Biden Facing 'Uncommitted' Vote Protest Supported by Socialist Democrats

Donald Trump Also Faces Same Concerns

Joe Biden is not the only one who faces concerns regarding his mental capabilities. Many Americans are also not confident about Donald Trump's mental ability to serve as the U.S. president.

Only 6 out of 10 Americans believe that Trump is competent to run for presidency again. However, the 77-year-old politician received wider support regarding the mentioned issues.

American voters take the upcoming U.S. presidential election this 2024 because they consider it a showdown for the world's toughest job between two men already beyond the standard retirement age.

They expect that the next American president will be able to steer through global issues, work with a problematic Congress, as well as fix domestic emergencies.

Related Article: Donald Trump's Age Questioned After Confusing Obama for Joe Biden at Virginia Campaign Rally
With time running out for Hamas to decide on the ceasefire drill and the US appearing to back away from a promise that a hostage deal would be reached by Monday, March 4, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) - called for this year's Ramadan to be a "month of terror" and seek to escalate the attacks in the West Bank and Gaza.

PIJ Al-Quds Brigades spokesman Abu Hamza said that he wanted the Arab countries in the region and pro-Iranian groups to continue to "unify" various arenas and fronts against Israel. They have also called on Arab nations to not "lag in the battle led by the heroes of the resistance in the Gaza Strip, on behalf of the Islamic nation, especially those who possess armies, planes, and cannons."

According to the Jerusalem Post, the statement was the latest indication that terrorist groups plan to escalate the war between Israel and Hamas over the solemn Muslim season of Ramadan.

Beirut-based pro-Iranian news outlet al-Mayadeen published Hamza's remarks despite hopes for a hostage-prisoner exchange and a truce deal between Israel and Hamas, which the US was pushing for. Hamas has also continued to make it difficult by refusing to hand over a list of names of the living hostages.

The PIJ, like Hamas and Hezbollah, is an Iran proxy, with armed men within Gaza and leaders in Damascus, where they occasionally meet with Iranian officials and agents, as well as Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

Uniting the Fronts

In its pre-Ramadan statement, the PIJ adopted the Iranian term "unity of the battlefields," which meant that pro-Iranian groups - like the PIJ, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis - should join together in a united front against Israel.

There are at least seven different "fronts" that, according to Iran, needed to be united by repeating the intensity of the October 7 Hamas attack. Israel also mentioned and was aware of such "fronts."

While the PIJ was one of the smallest Iranian proxies, it was still capable of carrying out attacks in Gaza, just like what they did in the truce last November, as well as holding several hostages, making them a key player in negotiation attempts.

Read Also: US Military to Airdrop Food Aid to Gaza Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Calling on the Arab World

Hamza did not specify which nations were he addressing the message to, but he reportedly shamed states neighboring Israel for their purported inaction.

"Isn't it time for you to raise your guns like the free people in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq?" he retorted. "Isn't it time for you to take off the garment of slavery and humiliation to America, the Great Satan, and follow the example of the honorable?"

PIJ also praised the Palestinian terrorists continuing to fight in Gaza. In recent days, the group's members have carried out attacks in the Zeitoun neighborhood near Gaza City, Hamza added.

The IDF has been operating in that area over the last two weeks, seeking to clear it of terrorists.

Hamza further called for attacks on "the occupation's military checkpoints" and to "cut off the road to the settlers." Hamza stressed that the first day of Ramadan should become an international day to support Gaza and "mobilize" in "all the arenas."

"We are certain that the single body of the nation will do the impossible and will make the month of Ramadan historic days to wash away shame and threaten the existence of the Israeli enemy entity and global arrogance," he added.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier made the call to unite the Iranian "Axis of Resistance" and to step up attacks against Israel during Ramadan, JNS reported.

Related Article: Israel Reportedly Backs Accord for Gaza Ceasefire; Time for Hamas to Make Crucial Decision
Apple faced its first antitrust penalty from the European Union. The bloc accused the giant gadget maker of breaking its competition laws by having unfair music streaming business practices.

The European Union confirmed this in its official press release, which was published on Monday, Mar. 4. The European Commission claims that Apple abused its dominant position in the market.

Officials further stated that Apple broke EU's laws by unfairly distributing music streaming apps to its iPad and iPhone users through its App Store.

Apple Faces 1st Antitrust Penalty From EU

According to the Associated Press's latest report, the EU fined Apple almost $2 billion for breaking its competition laws. The bloc conducted an investigation and discovered that it is restricting other music apps.

"Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app," said the European Commission via its official press release.

EU officials said Apple's "anti-steering provisions" are against the bloc's competition policies.

"This is illegal, and it has impacted millions of European consumers," said EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager during a news conference.

The commission said that Apple has been doing this illegal business practice for the past decade, which clearly forced iOS users to significantly pay settle for higher prices for music streaming subscriptions.

Read Also: Apple CEO Tim Cook to Reveal AI Strategy for 2024

What EU Discovers in Apple's Music Streaming Business Activities

The European Commission discovered that Apple bans other streaming app developers from promoting their cheaper applications and stops them from providing the necessary instructions to guide customers to have a more affordable streaming app alternative.

EU discovered that Apple's anti-steering provisions are banning app developers from doing the following:

Informing iOS consumers about the price differences between Apple-owned and other alternative music applications.

Information iPhone and iPad users from knowing the prices of cheaper music streaming alternatives on the internet.

Including app links that would prevent iPhone and iPad owners from visiting app developers' websites.

"Apple's anti-steering provisions led to non-monetary harm in the form of a degraded user experience," said the European Commission.

EU officials said that what Apple did led to only two things:

Users never subscribed to any service because they did not find the right one on their own.

iOS users had to engage in a cumbersome search before they found their way to relevant offers outside the app

Related Article: Meta Lead Zuckerberg Meets with LG, Samsung About Cooperation on AI-Powered Devices
An autistic teenager named Dakota has allegedly been assaulted by a group of girls at Altona Pier in Melbourne last week, which left her with two black eyes and a trauma of leaving home.

Australian outlet 9News reported that the alleged attack that happened on Wednesday last week (Feb. 28) was posted by the group to the victim's sister.

The 14-year-old victim, who was strolling along the pier with a friend, was allegedly punched over 50 times and was left helpless and with serious injuries. She was also pulled by the hair by one of the assailants and had an energy drink poured over her head.

The attack only stopped when a man nearby intervened.

Dakota spent the night at the hospital for treatment.

Read Also: Autistic Girl, Grandmother Taken Hostage by Hamas Killed, Israeli Officials Say

The victim's mother told 9News on the condition of anonymity that emergency service crews counted the head blows her daughter received at "over 55."

"They thought it was funny," she said, referring to the attackers. "She could have been killed."

Dakota's mother added that, aside from physical injuries, she also struggled with her confidence prior to the incident, and her confidence was shattered as a result of it to the point that she became too scared to leave her home.

"To see your daughter go through that and you're just helpless," she added. "My daughter won't even go back to school now."

Police said that the attackers were known to the victim, but no arrests have been made as investigations are underway.

Related Article: Oklahoma Students Stage Walkout Following Trans Classmate's Death, Demand Action Against Bullying
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines announced on Monday, Mar. 4, the end of their $3.8 billion merger campaign after a court ruling blocked the proposal.

JetBlue said that even though both companies still believed in the benefits of a merger, they felt they were unlikely to meet the required closing conditions before the July 24 deadline and mutually agreed that terminating the deal was the best decision for both firms.

"We are proud of the work we did with Spirit to lay out a vision to challenge the status quo, but given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines' interests are better served by moving forward independently," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement.

On the other hand, Spirit would receive a $69 million termination fee from JetBlue.

"We are disappointed we cannot move forward with a deal that would save hundreds of millions for consumers and create a real challenger to the dominant 'Big 4' U.S. airlines," Spirit CEO Ted Christie said in a separate statement. "However, we remain confident in our future as a successful independent airline."

Read Also: Nikkei Closes Above 40,000; Chip Stocks, China's 'Two Sessions' Credited for Score

JetBlue, Spirit to Appeal Ruling

The Associated Press reported that the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block a merger last year, saying it would reduce competition and drive up fares, especially for travelers who depend on low-fare Spirit.

A federal district judge in Boston sided with the government and blocked the deal in a ruling last January, saying it violated antitrust laws.

The airlines have since appealed the ruling, with a hearing set for June.

New York-based JetBlue had argued that the merger would help it compete more effectively against bigger airlines. But there were continuing losses and other problems at Miramar, Florida-based Spirit. Last week, JetBlue had previously warned that it might terminate the agreement.

JetBlue's shares rose more than 5% before the market opened, while Spirit's stock slipped more than 13%.

Related Article: JetBlue Prioritizes Spirit Airlines Acquisition Over American Airlines Alliance
Last Thursday the Supreme Court signaled that it was looking for ways to side with Donald Trump on whether the state of Colorado had the authority to remove a federal candidate from the ballot.

On Monday, the Supreme Court did what many observers expected in ruling that Donald Trump can appear on the Colorado ballot, eliminating a major legal threat for Trump that could have potentially prevented him from being reelected as president.

This also affects decisions made in Maine and Illinois that also removed him from the ballot. Trump's lawyers have also argued that it would be "un-American" to have him removed from the ballot.

"We conclude that states may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But states have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 concerning federal offices, especially the presidency," the unsigned opinion for the court stated.

This is the first time the Supreme Court has weighed in on Donald Trump's actions on January 6, just a day before Super Tuesday, when 16 states and territories will hold their primaries, including Colorado.

Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown also weighed in on some legal arguments raised by Trump and his legal team.

This is the first time that the Supreme Court has weighed in on an issue with the potential to affect the presidency of the United States since it weighed in on Bush v. Gore in 2000, which effectively gave the presidency to Georgie W. Bush.

Though the high court was united in its opinion that Donald Trump should remain on the ballot in Colorado, as well as other states that ruled him ineligible, the justices were divided about how broadly the decision should sweep.

A 5-4 majority stated that no state could remove a federal candidate, but four dissenting justices believed the court should have limited its opinion.

"We cannot join an opinion that decides momentous and difficult issues unnecessarily, and we therefore concur only in the judgment," Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote.

"BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!," Trump posted on social media immediately following the ruling.
Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is meeting with several senior U.S. administration officials in Washington this week.

The scheduled meetings coincide with talks currently underway in Egypt in the hopes of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Gantz allegedly did not receive approval from Netayanu to arrange for the meetings, according to an official from Netanyahu's far-right Likud party, conveying the increase in divide within Israel's wartime leadership nearly six months into the Israel-Hamas war.

The Israeli official reported Israel did not send a delegation to the ceasefire talks in Cairo as it currently waits for answers from Hamas on two important questions. The government is expecting to learn which of the hostages seized by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack are still alive and how many Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks in exchange for each.

U.S. News revealed a quarter of Gaza's 2.3 million people face starvation per a U.N. report. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has skyrocketed well above 30,000 since the war erupted in October.

On Monday, U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the conflict as a "powder keg" with a high probability of igniting a much broader struggle in the Middle East."

The war in Gaza has already generated dangerous spillover in neighboring countries," he said in his global update to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"I am deeply concerned that in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration. This would have implications for every country in the Middle East and many beyond it.

Citing recent hostilities in Yemen and Lebanon, he explained overlapping conflicts are especially real and worrying as the Gaza War has had a widening effect.

"The military escalation in southern Lebanon between Israel, Hezbollah, and other armed groups is extremely worrying," Turk said.

"Make Every Moment of Ramadan A Confrontation"

In the interim, Hamas is counting on Palestinians in Israel and the West Bank to rise up against Israel during the holy month.

Osama Hamdan, a spokesman for Hamas, told reporters in Beirut today that Palestinians should "make every moment of Ramadan a confrontation."

For weeks now, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have been working to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, emphasizing the release of hostages Hamas is still holding.

The holy month of Ramadan is due to begin around March 10, accelerating vital need for the three countries to broker a truce in time.

The month-long observation is a time of heightened prayer, reflection, and charity for Muslims around the world. However, Israeli-Palestinian tensions constantly flare up over access to a major holy site in Jerusalem.

Hamas has continually called for a broader uprising in the occupied West Bank, especially following the surge of violence in the territory since the start of the war.

No specifics were provided by Hamas about the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

While addressing his comments to Israel and its closest ally, the United States, Hamdan said, "What they have not gained on the battlefield, they will not gain through political machinations."
On Monday, Jack Teixeira, the 22-year-old accused of leaking classified U.S. military documents and images to gaming users on a social media platform, agreed to a 16-year prison sentence.

A member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Teixeira, pleaded guilty to all six counts charging him with willful retention and transmission of national defense information, according to a signed court filing obtained by ABC News.

In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to charge him with additional counts under the Espionage Act.

What Does The Plea Deal Entail?

Under a plea agreement, he must give a debrief in a sit-down with the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Justice. He is also under direct order to return any sensitive materials that may be in his possession.

A defense official confirmed to ABC News that Teixeira remains on active duty in the Air Force and could face U.S. military charges after the civilian criminal charges have been adjudicated. As a Massachusetts Air National guardsman, he had been placed on Title 10 active duty status in the Air Force, which would determine if Teixeira should also face military criminal charges.

Teixeira was arrested at his mother's house in North Dighton, Massachusetts, and has remained in custody since April 2023 after leaking classified records to gamers on the Discord messaging app. At the time, he worked as a cyber defense operations journeyman with a rank of airman 1st class at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The Pentagon leak suspect began collecting secret military documents in January 2022 and continued to do so even after his superiors remanded him for his handling of classified records in September and October 2022, as reported by The Guardian.

Among the data he was accused of releasing to the general public were detailed intelligence assessments of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including "how the equipment would be transferred, and how the equipment would be used upon receipt," disclosed the New York Post.

The leak was allegedly to impress fellow gamers in the Discord app and is considered to be the most serious breach of U.S. national security since the 2010 WikiLeaks publication of more than 700,000 classified documents.

Furthermore, his unit's commanding officer, Sean Riley, was removed from post while 14 other officers and enlisted personnel with the Air National Guard were berated for their involvement.
On Monday, France enshrined a woman's right to an abortion in its constitution, which made it the first country in the world to do so. The move has been both celebrated by women's rights groups and criticized by anti-abortion groups.

The senators and members of parliament ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the measure by a vote of 480 to 72 in a special vote of the two houses of parliament in Versailles Palace outside of Paris.

Abortion rights groups gathered in Paris and cheered the decision as the Eiffel Tower provided the backdrop, displaying the message "MyBodyMyChoice" as the result of the vote was announced on a giant screen.

What Does This Mean?

Abortion rights are said to be more accepted by the population than in the United States and other Western countries. Reuters quoted a poll showing approximately 80% of French citizens are okay with abortion being legal.

"We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told lawmakers ahead of the vote.

Women in France have had the legal right to abortion since the French passed the law in 1974.

This recent measure makes it, in effect, an inalienable right. In the United States, the Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, the ruling that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion, was a key catalyst in activists pushing France to become the first country to have it protected as basic law.

"This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorized us to think that France was exempt from this risk," said Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group.

Women's abortion rights in France are enshrined under Article 34 of the French constitution, which determines the conditions under which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have an abortion.

"France is at the forefront," said the head of the lower house of parliament, Yael Braun-Pivet, from French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party.
Turnout in Iran's parliamentary election was around 41%, the lowest participation since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, according to the country's interior minister.

Amid mounting economic struggles and a lack of electoral options for a predominately young population at odds with political and social restrictions, Friday's election represented a test of the establishment's legitimacy.

"Some 25 million people out of over 61 million eligible Iranians voted in the March 1 election for the 290-seat legislature," Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told a televised news conference.

Reuters reported turnout in the 2020 parliamentary election was 42.5%, whereas 62% of voters participated in 2016.

Authorities deemed the turnout a show of lack of trust for the sacred system of the Islamic Republic.

Vahidi said invalid votes made up 5% of the total vote count while several Iranian media outlets reported the number as high as 30%, indicating delusion among loyal supporters of the Islamic Republic.

"Authorities should listen to the silent majority ... and reform the governance method ... I hope they realize before it's too late to reverse the damage and harm this path will cause," state media quoted reformist politician Azar Mansouri.

According to The Associated Press, it took days for Iran to announce the turnout statistics and offered no explanation behind the holdout. Seeing that the Interior Ministry runs the elections in Iran, there is no significant international observation to account for the provided data.

Authorities kept polls open an additional six hours on Friday. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf even posted online urging people to call "their friends or acquaintances right now and convince them to participate in the elections."

Iranians Boycott Elections

Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi among many other Iranians, has publicly pushed for the boycott of elections. The vote also marks the first since the 2022 mass protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and killed over allegedly not wearing her required hijab to "the liking of authorities."

The boycott places immense pressure on Iran's government as Iran's theocracy has revolved its legitimacy on turnout in elections ever since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Reformists were prohibited from running in this year's election as authorities condemned calls for change within the country's government.

The current parliament includes 18 pro-reform politicians and 38 others identified as independents. Of those winning seats, only 11 were women, reported the AP.

The failure of any candidate to get 20% of the vote is highly likely to happen as many votes are voided or because too many candidates were in the running. Iran's 2021 presidential election witnessed a high number of votes, mostly from citizens who felt obliged to cast a ballot and showed any interest in the government-approved candidates. Ebrahim Raisi won the majority vote in that election.

"The Friday elections appear to have reaffirmed that Iranian policies will not change in the foreseeable future, but the vote demonstrated the Iranian public is broadly dissatisfied with the course the Islamic Republic is taking," the New York-based Soufan Center think tank said in an analysis Monday.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani rejected criticism by the U.S. government over the vote.

"If U.S government officials are concerned about democracies and votes of nations, they should first find a fix for their own country and election system's health in America itself as we are seeing strange stories in every U.S election," Kanaani said, without elaborating. Iranian state media prominently features any negative story about America, particularly during U.S. elections.

Raisi, a protege of Khamenei and considered his possible successor, reclaimed his seat.
A United Nations report released on Monday claims it has found grounds to support the sexual violence allegations believed to have occurred against women during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel, as well as evidence to show the hostages being held in the Gaza Strip were also assaulted.

The report is calling for a full investigation, said The New York Times.

Issued by the U.N. Secretary General's special envoy on sexual violence under conflict, the report comes in response to several accounts of sexual violence during the Oct. 7 attack led by Hamas. It also includes allegations by Palestinian officials that Palestinian women in detention and the West Bank had been assaulted. The report is asking for Israel's permission to grant U.N. officials access to work through the investigation of the Palestinian accounts.

Vice President Kamala Harris, one of the leading voices for Palestinians in closed-door meetings as of late, is expected to broker a temporary ceasefire in Gaza with Benny Grantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet and opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House Monday afternoon.

An anonymous White House official shared that Harris is expected to discuss immediate steps to securing a hostage deal and minimizing the humanitarian crisis that has swept Gaza alongside Israel's war on Hamas.

The vice president is also said to be discussing postwar plans for Gaza to include the Palestinian Authority and reiterate U.S. goals to heighten aid efforts to the region. Harris expressed concern for the more than one million displaced Palestinians in Rafah amid U.S. airdrops of food that began on Saturday.

Directing her remarks at Hamas, she stressed that she and the president remained "unwavering in our commitment to Israel's security."

What Does This Mean For The Biden-Harris Re-election Campaign?

As elections in the United States draw closer, Harris has started to emphasize the urgency to the administration not to dismiss the anger of Palestinian-Americans and others opposed to Biden's handling of the war. The quick shift in remarks to the administration's public position on Gaza is to address the growing political divide over Biden's commitment to Israel as he campaigns for reelection this year.

Her direct focus on Israel and the Middle East is a means to support her minimal foreign policy credentials as concern deepens over Biden and her readiness to take over should something happen to the president.

Harris' slight change in tune comes on the heels of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza that only seems to worsen. She issued a statement after 100 Palestinians were targeted and killed in a massacre while attempting to reach a food convoy.

"Just a few days ago, we saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks, simply trying to secure food for their families after weeks of nearly no aid reaching Northern Gaza," she said. "And they were met with gunfire and chaos."

On Sunday, she said that "people in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act."

Later, she added that the "Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses."

Gantz, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is due to meet separately with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, according to a statement from his office, members of Congress, and pro-Israeli lobbyists.

The U.S. declared negotiations are underway, and Israel has "more or less accepted" a proposal for the hostage deal, but also that Hamas has yet to agree to it. Both Israel and Hamas have failed to broker a peace deal over the last five months, as they continue to reject proposals from one another amidst the help of foreign mediators.

Mr. Netanyahu's office revealed in a statement that the prime minister had not approved Gantz's travel to Washington and that he did not represent the government on his trip to Washington. The Israeli official insists that Netanyahu is in communication and good standing with President Biden.

Several groups that have called for a permanent ceasefire don't think Harris has gone far enough and said her remarks don't signal a radical shift in policy that may help the situation.

Layla Elabed, campaign manager of Listen to Michigan, the group behind 100,000 Michigan voters marking "uncommitted" against Biden in the Michigan primary, recently affirmed in a statement:

"But let's be clear: This is a temporary ceasefire, or what they used to call a humanitarian pause. Our movement's demands have been clear: a lasting ceasefire and an end to U.S. funding for Israel's war and occupation against the Palestinian people."
Jerusalem, Mar 4 (UNI) Flag carriers Air India and Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA) on Sunday resumed their flights to Israel after they were suspended in October last year following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Indian airline partially resumed its flights on the route between the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Until the conflict, the route included six weekly round-trip flights.

The Italian airline resumed its operations in Israel with three weekly flights between Fiumicino airport in Rome and Tel Aviv.

ITA said in a statement that the restart of flights between Tel Aviv and Rome was possible thanks to cooperation with Italian and Israeli authorities, adding that "it is strategically important for ITA Airways as it strengthens the commercial, social and cultural relations between the two markets."

Three other flagship airlines, British Airways, Spain's Iberia, and Dutch airline KLM recently announced that they will resume their flights to Israel on April 1.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
Panama City, Mar 4 (UNI) Armed gangs on Saturday attacked two prisons in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, killing at least 12 people, local media reported on Sunday.

The national penitentiary and the prison of Croix des Bouquets were stormed on Saturday evening and the attack lasted until Sunday, according to a communique issued by the Haitian ministry of communication on Sunday.

It is estimated that thousands of prisoners have fled after the prison attack.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
The highly anticipated development is scheduled to open its doors in June 2024 and will feature a boutique hotel, multiple food & beverage concepts, private event spaces, and a members-only social club.

Atlanta-based New City Properties and Method Co., the acclaimed Philadelphia-based hospitality firm known for their placemaking with award-winning hospitality concepts throughout the nation, are pleased to announce that FORTH Atlanta will open in June 2024. The $150 million, 16 floor development will include a 196-room luxury boutique hotel with 39 apartment-style rooms dedicated for extended stays. In addition, there will be four separate food & beverage concepts, an elevated outdoor pool and state of the art fitness center, and a members-only social club. FORTH Atlanta will be the centerpiece of one of the largest and most transformative mixed-use developments on the Atlanta BeltLine and the country's Southeast region to-date.

New City has selected Method Co. ("Method") to operate the property. Method is a vertically integrated hospitality management and design company based in Philadelphia with over a decade of experience as an owner and operator of multiple award-winning hospitality and food & beverage outlets across the country. The company's expertise and discerning approach to hospitality, design and operations makes them an ideal partner to conceptualize and manage the project's full suite of offerings.

In 2018, New City Properties acquired 11 acres of property in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood perfectly situated between the Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail, just two blocks south of Ponce City Market. New City commenced construction on three separate buildings, including FORTH Atlanta, in July 2020. More information on New City's projects within the Old Fourth Ward can be found on the company's website here.

Morris Adjmi Architects (MA), FORTH Atlanta's architect and interior designer, worked collaboratively with New City and Method Co. to create the contemporary landmark and destination. The building features a striking cast-in-place diagrid facade and rich and tailored interiors that provide a warm and welcoming counterpoint to the modern concrete exterior.

FORTH Hotel

The FORTH Hotel will debut as Atlanta's newest luxury boutique hotel offering travelers a bespoke experience, floor-to-ceiling windows, and breathtaking skyline views, as well as an abundance of onsite amenities and thoughtful programming. Designed by MA, in collaboration with Method Studios, FORTH's common spaces and rooms within the hotel are outfitted with dynamic interiors drawing inspiration from contemporary European design and early Americana traditions. Features such as handmade wooden furniture, layered fabrics and textures, vintage pieces, and curated objects will imbue the hotel with an instant sense of place and belonging. For guests in need of longer stays, FORTH Hotel will also feature 39 apartment-style hotel accommodations that are paired with the service and design of a boutique hotel, while also offering full-size appliances, separate living spaces, plain sawn oak flooring, custom furniture, and more.

Food & Beverage Offerings

FORTH Atlanta will feature a series of distinct food & beverage concepts meticulously designed by Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design, in collaboration with Method Studios, and include a lobby cafe and bar, rooftop cocktail lounge, a full-service Italian steakhouse, and a Mediterranean-inspired poolside restaurant & bar. The food & beverage program at each concept will be developed and overseen by Method Co., who are also behind award-winning concepts including Philadelphia's HIROKI and Wm. Mulherin's Sons Restaurant and Hotel; The Quinte oyster bar, Lowland, and The Pinch hotel in Charleston; Simmer Down and The Quoin Restaurant located within The Quoin hotel; and Le Supreme, Kamper's, HIROKI-SAN, and Sakazuki, which recently opened at Book Tower in Detroit.

Additional Offerings

Additionally, FORTH Atlanta will house a flexible venue for events of all sizes up to 350 seated, a co-working space, and a members-only social club inclusive of a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center with programming and classes, and a spa facility. The project also features a 2,300-square foot outdoor pool deck offering lounge seating and cabanas available to both club members and hotel guests. More details on the forthcoming social club will be shared in the coming months. A full folder of renderings of FORTH Atlanta may be viewed here (credit: Method Co.).

Hotel website
The Accor the hospitality industry has gotten to know is a rapacious group, habitually on the hunt, stalking its next brand prey.

The Paris-based hotel company has more than 52 brands today across a wide range of core and adjacent businesses, in segments from budget up to ultra-luxury. Back in 2022, owing to the volume of brands, Accor decided to reorganize its structure along two divisions: Luxury & Lifestyle and Premium, Midscale & Economy. Within each division, Accor appointed CEOs to lead each of the brands, reporting up to Sebastien Bazin, Accor group chairman and CEO, and Jean-Jacques Morin, group deputy CEO and also CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division.

For a company with such a voracious appetite as Accor, it has been quiet of late on the M&A front: it has not made a large-scale acquisition in the last 12 months; not out of complication, but rather strategy, standing pat on what it has, Morin recently explained from his companys New York office. We have everything we need right now, Morin said. The next step is to get the juice out of what weve been consuming for the past 10 years and we believe that the organization, as it is, with two divisions, is the right way. Were exactly where we want to be, executing on those two poles, and getting the juice that we have not gotten over the last years.

Its a lot of pulp to squeeze, but wring it Accor has done, pressing out record results in 2023, with EBITDA exceeding 1 billion. And with major sporting events across Europe this year, including the Paris Olympics and UEFA Euro 2024, theres ample reason why Bazin said: We are blessed for the next 12 months.

Read the full article at HOTELS Magazine
Bangkok - Thailands commercial real estate industry is poised to perform strongly in 2024, driven by the ongoing recovery in the countrys tourism market, growing manufacturing sectors, and flight-to-quality and flight-to-green movements into prime assets across core sectors. According to JLL (NYSE: JLL) a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, Thailands real estate market will demonstrate resilience in the coming 12 months as an uncertain global macroeconomic environment will be offset by an array of domestic policy initiatives and domestic market confidence.

Compelling statistics in 2023 highlight the dynamism of Thailand's real estate market, including a significant year-on-year growth of 66% in investment amounts for targeted manufacturing industries. Tourist arrivals also increased by 152% compared to last year, exceeding the governments target, signaling a robust recovery and demand in the hospitality sector. In addition, the demand for prime office space in Bangkok's Central Business Area (CBA) remains strong, particularly among multinational companies.

Despite facing global economic challenges, Thailand has shown remarkable potential. The commitment of policymakers to implement strategic improvements in infrastructure and the high quality of Grade A real estate in Bangkok will provide a major push for growth and provide a buffer against the combination of macroeconomic uncertainty, the high cost of capital and geopolitical factors. Michael Glancy, Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) Limited (JLL)

Across 2024, JLL forecasts four key growth drivers will influence Thailands real estate market.

Mega Project Era

Thailand and Southeast Asias real estate market will be influenced more in 2024 by strategic improvements in infrastructure and the quality of Grade A real estate in Bangkok. Bangkok's real estate market is set to be transformed by several world-class mixed-use development projects, with a total of 10 mixed-use precincts. These developments are expected to bring over 900,000 sqm of Grade A office space, 300,000 sqm of retail centres, 5,400 units of luxury condominiums, and 5,900 keys of luxury hotels to Bangkok's Central Business Area (CBA) by 2028. This influx of premium real estate positions Bangkok as an attractive destination for investors, multinational corporations (MNCs), and skilled labor.

Aging Buildings

With 60% of the office space in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region now older than 20 years, the upcoming premium supply poses a challenge for the competitiveness of these older assets. Proactive and creative landlords who strategically invest in their assets are outperforming both the market and their peers. It is now vital for more developers to follow suit and embrace strategic investments to prevent potential obsolescence.

According to JLL, CBAs aged office buildings older than 10 years that have undergone major renovations have been able to maintain its rental level close to the market average. Whereas those with no renovation works continued to see tenants moving out and declining rent, resulting in a widening rental gap of 8.8%, as of 4Q23. This trend is not limited to the office market, as a flight-to-quality/flight-to-green movement is also becoming visible in the retail and logistics sectors, with potential expansion to the hotel and residential sectors.

ESG Integration

ESG has become a must have in the Bangkok office market, with developers and investors committing to meet market standards through certifications such as LEED and WELL. MNCs, as significant demand drivers for office and logistics spaces, are often required by their headquarters to occupy ESG-certified spaces. According to JLL's database, 90% of new leasing activities in the past five years were in green buildings, which can command up to a 14% premium, putting more downward pressure any older assets which have been inactive following the ESG standards.

Foreign Investment Landscape

Foreign investment is crucial to the growth of Thailand's real estate market as the industry is fueled significantly by inbound capital. Approximately 65% of existing office space is occupied by MNCs, and over 10% of condominium units transacted in Bangkok were purchased by international buyers in 2023. As Thailand has been making efforts to attract foreign investment, JLL believes that there is an opportunity to increase the countries competitiveness by considering alternatives such as offering longer leasehold periods and investment incentives for selected asset classes.

Looking ahead for the next 12 months, JLL anticipates continued growth and evolution in the Thai real estate market, driven by the key trends identified. The focus on ESG, the rejuvenation of aging assets, and the strategic approach to attract foreign investment, are expected to create a win-win scenario for all stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem.

Over 47% of non-land transactions over the past 10 years are hotels, which is a testament to the solid investment appeal in our tourism industry and its strong fundamentals as we have seen in our speed of recovery. Thailand's evolving foreign ownership landscape will open more opportunities to foreign investors in the hospitality industry. Mr. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, Senior Vice President of Advisory & Asset Management, Asia, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

In the face of global economic turbulence, Thailand's real estate market has not only remained steadfast but is set to evolve across multiple asset classes, positioning Thailand as a key foreign investment destination in the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Anawin Chiamprasert, Head of Research & Consulting, Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) Limited (JLL)

For more information, please visit: jll.co.th.

About JLL

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 103,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

Andrew Peck

Senior Director

+65 9823 7917

JLL
HOUSTON, SAN DIEGO - SHR, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the hotel industry, and Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, proudly announce their collaboration aimed at elevating hotel management through the integration of Allora CRS (Windsurfer) and the Cloudbeds platform.

The collaboration between SHR and Cloudbeds marks a significant milestone in the hospitality technology landscape. By joining forces, both companies aim to deliver enhanced solutions that empower hoteliers to streamline operations, optimize revenue, and elevate the overall guest experience.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

Integration of Allora CRS

The partnership will focus on seamlessly integrating Allora CRS into Cloudbeds' comprehensive hospitality management platform. This integration will provide hoteliers with a unified solution for central reservations, property management, and revenue management.

Advanced Connectivity

Hoteliers using Allora CRS and Cloudbeds' platform can expect advanced connectivity and real-time synchronization of data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information across all aspects of their operations.

Heinrich Kessler, Chief Commercial Officer at SHR, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: We are thrilled to partner with Cloudbeds in bringing a new level of innovation to the hospitality industry. This collaboration represents a commitment to providing hoteliers with cutting-edge technology that simplifies their operations and enhances overall efficiency.

Sebastien Leitner, Vice President of Partnerships at Cloudbeds, added: Cloudbeds is dedicated to empowering hoteliers with powerful, intuitive solutions. Teaming up with SHR and integrating the Allora CRS (Windsurfer) into our platform aligns with our mission to provide hoteliers with the tools they need to succeed in today's dynamic hospitality landscape.

About SHR

SHR is an award-winning global specialist technology and service provider for the hotel sector. Allora, the worlds leading intelligent and automated hotel technology platform, is the flagship product of SHR. Allora empowers hotels and resorts to increase revenue and customer life-time value at every step of the guest journey through an integrated and automated product suite powered by AI. The platform includes CRS, IBEs, RMS, and CRM. Alongside Allora, SHR also offers services focusing on equipping the hotel industry with a unique competitive edge delivered through exceptional digital marketing services, smart websites, and consultancy. For more about SHR, visit www.shrgroup.com.

About Cloudbeds:

Cloudbeds is the leading platform powering hospitality, serving tens of thousands of lodging businesses in more than 150 countries worldwide. The award-winning Cloudbeds Platform is designed to deliver 360-value to hoteliers, seamlessly integrating built-in and marketplace solutions that increase revenue, streamline operations, and delight guests into a unified system. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report, World's Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloittes Technology Fast 500 in 2023. For more information, visit www.cloudbeds.com.
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Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has announced today that it is raising fresh funding of $110m. The round is led by existing investor Kinnevik, alongside Revaia, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Notion Capital and new investor LGVP. The new funding values the company at $1.2bn.

The funding follows a year of significant growth. In the last year, Mews has achieved:

Over 60% increase in revenue year-on-year, crossing $100m in annualized net revenue

A significant increase in Gross Payment Volume to over $8bn

Over 16 million annual check-ins at hotels worldwide

Over 1,000 integrations with hospitalitys best technology in its marketplace

Three new acquisitions (Frontdesk Anywhere, Hotello and Nomi), taking the total number of hospitality companies acquired by Mews to eight

The latest investment bolsters the financial standing of Mews as it sets itself up for major growth. The funding will see Mews prioritize its global expansion, research and development, and acquisitions, enabling the worlds most innovative hospitality organizations to accelerate their digital transformation.

The funding follows a year of significant growth. In the last year, Mews has achieved:

Over 60% increase in revenue year-on-year, crossing $100m in annualized net revenue

A significant increase in Gross Payment Volume to over $8bn

Over 16 million annual check-ins at hotels worldwide

Over 1,000 integrations with hospitalitys best technology in its marketplace

Three new acquisitions (Frontdesk Anywhere, Hotello and Nomi), taking the total number of hospitality companies acquired by Mews to eight

The latest investment bolsters the financial standing of Mews as it sets itself up for major growth. The funding will see Mews prioritize its global expansion, research and development, and acquisitions, enabling the worlds most innovative hospitality organizations to accelerate their digital transformation.

Richard Valtr, an ex-hotelier, founded Mews in 2012 when building a hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. Having spent the summer holidays as a night receptionist, Valtr realized that the hospitality industry is built on legacy, on-premise technology. Mews aims to revolutionize hotel operations with its cloud-based system that integrates with thousands of other tech solutions. Today, over 350,000 hospitality spaces are managed via Mews across 5,000 customers worldwide, including Strawberry Hotels, The Social Hub and Airelles.

Were seeing a fundamental shift in the way the worlds leading hospitality brands are accelerating their digital transformation and reshaping the way they deliver hospitality. With this raise we will continue to build industry-leading products with a world-class team behind us. In five years, the way that hospitality brands and guests interact with each other will be completely different, with Mews leading the way. Richard Valtr, Mews Founder

This funding is a credit to the strength of our vision, the Mews team, our forward-thinking customers and committed investors who have helped us get to where we are today. As more hoteliers embrace modern technology, we have a huge opportunity to help them streamline their operations, build more profitable businesses and deliver personalized guest experiences. Mews is in a unique position to truly transform the industry. Matt Welle , CEO of Mews

Matt and Richard are building a product and a team that is redefining the hospitality industry. In the short period of time since our initial investment, Mews has outperformed our expectations as it moved into new geographies and segments. Now, we are excited to further back the team to help them realize their ambitions and accelerate even more quickly  especially to extend the platforms combination of software and payments. Were looking forward to continuing this journey with Mews and being a part of the transformation that is happening across the industry. Akhil Chainwala, Investment Director at Kinnevik

Mews is making a transformative impact to support some of the most innovative hospitality brands around the world as cloud adoption accelerates across the $15.5 trillion global travel and tourism industry. With the increased demand for modern technology, Mews and its industry-leading platform is positioned to enable an even wider set of hospitality customers to transform their operations, diversify their revenue and improve the guest experience. Alexander Lippert, Managing Director in Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives

The latest funding is in addition to the companys $185m investment round in December 2022, which was led by Kinnevik and the Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs
The "Empowering Young Women: sustainable livelihoods through tourism" initiative aims to support women at every stage of their careers in the sector, while also advancing several of the Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to gender equality, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The project will also count on the support of Invest Moldova Agency, and the Moldova State University, with funding from the Estonian Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.

Training the Trainers for a ripple effect

To kick off the initiative, a pilot tourism skills training session, led by nine pioneering female trainers and five rural women entrepreneurs was held in Puhoi (26-27 February). Covering a diverse curriculum from Tourist Safety and Security to Digital Literacy, this session marks the first of many, with plans to extend training to approximately 200 rural women across Moldova in April 2024.

UN Tourism's experts then worked with women identified as potential trainers in tourism skills and in advancing gender equality. The support focused on the significance of gender equality in tourism, global challenges women face in the sector, and reviewed best practices for women's empowerment. This strategy aims to cultivate a self-sustaining cycle of mentorship and growth among female trainers in Moldova, paving the way for enduring professional development.

Championing Gender Equality through expertise

Women are crucial to tourism sector, accounting for 54% of the global workforce. Nevertheless, gender inequality is still a real challenge, with 42% of women were working in the informal economy versus 32% of men, and women were paid 14.7% less on average than men. Education and capacity building programmes are key to transforming both the sector and women's future. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism

Rural tourism is one of the priorities for the Ministry of Culture in Moldova. Training the capacities of 200 women in the field of tourism will contribute substantially to the development and consolidation of rural communities, the creation of new jobs, and promote new tourist destinations that will enhance potential of the Republic of Moldova as a destination. Andrei Chistol, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova

The pilot program, led by pioneering female trainers, exemplifies the immediate impact of this initiative, providing hands-on training to rural women entrepreneurs and paving the way for further expansion across the country. Moreover, the focus on championing gender equality within the tourism sector underscores the initiative's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity and this project showcasing the transformative potential of collaboration and concerted efforts. Otilia Dandara, First Deputy Rector of Moldova State University

Related links

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Our Priorities

Mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda: Advocating the value of tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth and development, its inclusion as a priority in national and international policies and the need to create a level playing field for the sector to develop and prosper.

Promoting sustainable tourism development: Supporting sustainable tourism policies and practices: policies which make optimal use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and provide socio-economic benefits for all.

Fostering knowledge, education and capacity building: Supporting countries to assess and address their needs in education and training, as well as providing networks for knowledge creation and exchange.

Improving tourism competitiveness: Improving UN Tourism Members' competitiveness through knowledge creation and exchange, human resources development and the promotion of excellence in areas such as policy planning, statistics and market trends, sustainable tourism development, marketing and promotion, product development and risk and crisis management.

Advancing tourism's contribution to poverty reduction and development: Maximizing the contribution of tourism to poverty reduction and achieving the SDGs by making tourism work as a tool for development and promoting the inclusion of tourism in the development agenda.

Building partnerships: Engaging with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia and research institutions, civil society and the UN system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector.

Our Structure

Members: An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.

Organs: The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council take all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly.

Secretariat: UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat is led by the Secretary-General and organized into departments covering issues such as sustainability, education, tourism trends and marketing, sustainable development, statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), destination management, ethics and risk and crisis management. The Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department carries out development projects in over 100 countries worldwide, while the Regional Departments for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East serve as the link between UN Tourism and its 160 Member States. The Affiliate Members Department represents UN Tourism's 500 plus Affiliate members.

UN Tourism Communications Department

+34 91 567 8100

UN Tourism
Fliggy, a leading online travel platform and wholly owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, has announced an expanded partnership with leading travel technology provider Amadeus by signing on to Amadeus Value Hotels.

Alitrip, the corporate travel management division under Fliggy, has also signed an agreement to support its customers corporate travel in and out of China. Its customers will be able to shop and book hospitality content via the Amadeus Travel Platform.

These two deals mark a new era for Fliggy, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in Asia Pacifics travel industry. Founded in 2016, Fliggy provides comprehensive solutions for Chinese travelers looking to book airline and train tickets, accommodation, car rental, package tours, and local attractions.

Amadeus has a strong global reach and extensive experience in hospitality supply chain management. As we further collaborate with Amadeus, we can enhance our customers experience with an extensive array of hotel options worldwide. This expanded partnership strengthens our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers and providing them with a seamless and enriched travel journey. Xiaochen Zhou, International Hotels General Manager, Fliggy.

The incorporation of Amadeus Value Hotels into Fliggys platform opens a world of possibilities for customers. Fliggys customers can now enjoy an even wider range of property types, destinations and room details at the time of search and booking. This aligns with Fliggys commitment to meeting the specific preferences of each traveler.

Both Fliggy and Alitrip customers will benefit from working on the same platform used by over one million properties  from hotel chains to aggregators including Amadeus Value Hotels and other leading accommodation providers  which gives them unrivalled access to real-time rates and the content they need to serve their customers.

As the travel landscape evolves, our partnership with Fliggy ensures that its customers have access to a broader range of hotel content tailored to its preferences. We are excited to contribute to Fliggy's continued success and provide its customers with an enhanced and personalized travel experience. Joerg Schuler, Executive Vice President, Media & Distribution, Hospitality, Amadeus

About Amadeus

Amadeus powers more personalized and authentic travel experiences. Our solutions are designed to enrich every stage of the traveller journey and help hospitality providers acquire, service, and retain guests by profitably driving demand and converting them into loyal fans.

Backed by over 30 years of experience, we design open, cutting-edge software to provide the most efficient, trusted, and reliable systems for our customers. With experts in 175+ countries, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a desire to enable our hotel partners to create memorable guest experiences.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus-hospitality.com.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Countries (markets) mentioned:

United States (Cleveland, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C.)

Australia (Melbourne, Sydney), China, Germany

Highlights

Slow week in the U.S., the Super Bowl was missed

The weekend and groups were bright spots

Soft week in China, too, post-Chinese New Year

Taylor Swift bookends Australia

U.S. Performance

As a lead up to spring, U.S. hotels continued to see week-on-week occupancy growth, however, the rate of growth has slowed. The most recent level (62%) was the highest weekly occupancy of the year, up 2.8 percentage points (ppts) from the prior week, but down 2.1ppts year over year (YoY). While the week included Presidents Day, which tends to slow travel, the comparison was clean as the holiday occurred in the same week last year. More importantly, occupancy has declined YoY every week of the year so far with 51% of the gross lost demand coming from Economy class hotels. Upper Midscale class hotels have also seen decreases all year long and account for a quarter of the gross demand loss by the industry.

 Source: STR

The week also saw average daily rate (ADR) stall, increasing a scant 0.3% YoY following two exceptional weeks due to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Recall, U.S. weekly ADR rose 4.2% and 6.8%, respectively, but excluding Las Vegas, the metric was flat. With both weak occupancy and ADR, revenue per available room (RevPAR) dropped 3.0% YoY, which was the second decrease this year and the largest thus far.

 Source: STR

The Top 25 Markets were not immune to the weeks slowdown. Compared to the same week last year, occupancy decreased 2.1ppts and ADR was almost flat (+0.2%), which resulted in RevPAR decreasing 2.7%. The weekend (Friday & Saturday) was a bright spot for the Top 25 Markets as occupancy declined less (-1.3ppts) and ADR grew (+1.1%). As a result, weekend RevPAR was down 0.7% with weekdays (Monday  Wednesday) down 2.7% and shoulder days (Sunday and Thursday) down 5.0%. The rest of the country experienced a more severe yet similar slowdown with the smallest RevPAR declines on the weekends (-2.2%) and the largest decreases on shoulder days (-4.2%).

 Source: STR

Individual Top 25 Market performance was also subdued. Only four markets (Oahu, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C.) posted year-over-year RevPAR gains above 5%. Oahu led with a 10.1% RevPAR gain driven more by ADR (+7.5%) than occupancy (+2.1ppts). Minneapolis was boosted by a combination of ADR and RevPAR, while Las Vegas and Washington D.C.s gain were all due to ADR. Across the next 25 largest markets, Cleveland posted the largest RevPAR gain (+14.0%) led by conventions and two Drake concerts over the weekend. New Orleans and Nashville saw sharp RevPAR declines due to a calendar shift in Mardi Gras for NOLA and a change in conventions for Music City.

Group demand continued to benefit with Luxury and Upper Upscale hotels increasing demand for a seventh consecutive week, up 1.8% compared to the same week last year. The increases seen over the past eight weeks are slowing. However, the growth pace over the next several weeks will provide good insight on the strength of group demand. This weeks group ADR was up 4.9% YoY and is not slowing+5.1% on average over the past seven weeks. Like last week, 15 of the Top 25 Markets saw year-over-year group occupancy gains with Oahu and Las Vegas seeing double-digit ADR increases.

 Source: STR

All hotel classes experienced softness during the week primarily due to occupancy declines. Luxury class hotels also saw ADR declines (-1.6%), while the middle three classes held ADR at about one percent. Midscale and Economy hotels continue to suffer the most with occupancy decreases (-2.7ppts and -3.5ppts, respectively) followed by ADR declines.

Global hotel performance

Hotel performance outside of the U.S. was generally positive except for China, which posted a year-on-year occupancy decline (-18.2ppts). It should be noted that the comparison was influenced by the shift in the Chinese New Year holiday. When matching up the appropriate seven days after the holiday, the occupancy difference is not as severe, although the metric did fall 4.6ppts versus the same period a year ago. The timing of the celebrations last year was also at the tail end of the COVID restrictions, which had the added increase of pent-up demand along with the added pressure of supply growth.

Removing China from a grouping of the largest supply countries, occupancy was up 1.1ppts to 67.6%, and ADR increased 1.6%, resulting in a RevPAR gain of 3.3%. Countries outside the top 10 increased occupancy 2.5ppts.

The continuation of Taylor Swifts Tour in Australia bookended the week with Sundays performance in Melbourne and Friday/Saturday performances in Sydney lifting performance for the country by 3ppts in occupancy (77.7%) and 9.2% in ADR. Melbournes weekly occupancy increased 6.8ppts with ADR up 7.7%. In Sydney, the tour helped to raise ADR by 13.2% and occupancy 1.1ppts for the week.

Germany saw the largest increase in occupancy of the top 10 countries, rising 5.5ppts versus last year. Its performance is following expected seasonal trends via increased trade fairs. ADR continues to improve and was up 6.3%.

 Source: STR

Looking ahead

As Spring travel gears up, falling demand and softening ADR in the U.S. is concerning, however, hotel performance is expected to grow in the weeks ahead. Positive forward bookings, the strength of group demand over the past seven weeks, and an early spring break season should provide tailwinds as the year progresses. Global performance continued to be strong and is expected to remain on a positive trajectory over the coming months, helped by Americans who continue to travel abroad. Australia has two more Taylor Swift concert nights and then she is onto Singapore for six nights.

Finally, Leap Day (Thursday, 29 February) will provide an added revenue day for the month and report as such in weekly data. However, monthly reporting will be grossed down into a 28-day month to allow for like-to-like comparisons versus previous years.

 Source: STR

*Analysis by Isaac Collazo, Chris Klauda, Will Anns

About STR

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the global hospitality industry. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 15 countries with a North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an international headquarters in London, and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. For more information, please visit str.com and costargroup.com.

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LONDON  InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Igee Okafor to celebrate the fusion of travel experiences represented within its 222 hotels and resorts in 70 countries worldwide. A style visionary and cultural connoisseur, Igee Okafor is highlighting the diversity within the vast variety of hotels and resorts offered by the worlds first and largest luxury hotel brand.

Last year, the brand announced a transformative end-to-end global evolution designed to position InterContinental front of mind for the modern luxury traveller. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, among the top two in the world.

It is a privilege to partner with Igee. Our recent Global transformation is designed to position InterContinental Hotels & Resorts front of mind for the modern luxury traveller.



At its core, the transformation understands guests inherent curiosity, passion to explore the world and their need to switch between modes throughout the day. From remote retreats to city breaks, InterContinental flexes within micro moments to respond to every travel scenario our guests may navigate. Igee not only personifies the modern traveller but brings the essence of our evolution to life in stunning content captured across a spectrum of our properties around the world. Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental aims to captivate the imaginations of modern luxury travellers by satisfying their desire for knowledge and culturally rich experiences. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts' global brand evolution embraces modernity, diversity and the desire for meaningful experiences, ensuring that guests can continue to explore the world while feeling right at home.

I am thrilled to partner with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Unique cultural perspectives influence my style vocabulary and like InterContinental, I believe travel can expand the mind. In my home city of New York, culture is based on embracing diversity in every way, something Ive experienced firsthand through the remarkable range of properties Ive visited with InterContinental. The repurposing of golden age train carriages in Khao Yai and swimming with Manta rays and marine life in the Maldives standout for me, yet there is still so much more to be discovered. Igee Okafor, Editor-In-Chief of BOND OFFICIAL

From modern epicentres and historic buildings to immersive resorts and stays that tell a story, each InterContinental property is individual. Igee is fronting in a cinematic content series illustrating InterContinentals rich cultural knowledge and insider expertise. The series captures Igees experiences in four distinctly different properties across four continents.

In each film, Igee partners with the InterContinental Concierge to share in-the-know recommendations in each destination. Experiences featured include a masterclass in continental cuisine, touring monuments by moped and discovering fine Italian tailoring whilst at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace. Igee finds tranquillity with a Thai massage in a reimagined train carriage spa and takes part in a traditional Thai monk ceremony during a stay at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. Whilst at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Igee dives into an ocean wonderland to swim with Manta rays and learns the art of champagne Sabrage. Drawing the series to a close, Igee checks into the tallest building west of Mississippi InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, where he showcases landmarks of the City of Angels found on his doorstep.

Igee Okafor, age 29, is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of BOND OFFICIAL  an editorial platform for smart and ultramodern minds, and shares InterContinentals appreciation of travel and the cultured state of mind it brings. A resident New Yorker, born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Igees significant viewpoint has sealed his position as an industry authority in pursuit of cultural endeavors. Igee moved to the United States to further his learning experience, residing in New York City in 2013 to attend St. John's University. Here he studied Business and Marketing and began contributing to several luxury publications. As street-fashion photography and youth culture gained momentum around him, Igee began forming his aesthetic eye which continues to influence how he works with creatives today.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is one of six brands within IHGs ever-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. Strategic acquisitions and new brand launches has seen IHG double its luxury & lifestyle portfolio over the past five years to become a significant player in the segment. Today, IHGs Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio is among the top two in the world by number of rooms and hotels with 534 properties and 114,570 rooms globally.
Plum Guide  is the leading curator of exceptional vacation rentals worldwide and the first collection of homes to partner with the alliance and its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY.

is the leading curator of exceptional vacation rentals worldwide and the first collection of homes to partner with the alliance and its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY. GHA DISCOVERY members will be rewarded for experiencing luxurious stays in handpicked vacation homes.

Dubai, UAE  Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the worlds largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is expanding its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, to unique vacation homes through a new partnership with Plum Guide. This unique partnership signifies a milestone for both luxury brands, and a significant expansion for GHA into the vacation home sector; while it also represents Plum Guide's first foray into a loyalty programme, that will offer rewards to customers across a broader range of accommodation options.

Plum Guide launched its vacation rental platform in 2016, in London, UK and has quickly gained a reputation as the worlds leading curated home collection. Now with open doors to over 38,000 homes in 700 destinations across 29 countries, it has captured the hearts of discerning travellers. With the help of our award-winning AI technology Plum Guides team of experts meticulously vet every home, only accepting the best of the best to feature within their collection - all with the goal of irradiating travel disappointment and ensuring their guests have an exceptional stay every time.

GHA DISCOVERY members, who are already recognised and rewarded across 800+ hotels, resorts and palaces operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, will now have perks for booking Plum Guide properties. Through this exclusive partnership, the programmes 26 million members will earn DISCOVERY Dollars (D$)  a transparent rewards currency that is spent like cash at GHA hotels  and tier credits on every eligible stay, whether a short business trip or extended getaway.

Plum Guide adds a unique dimension to the programme, expanding the flexibility and choice of accommodation for members, whether they prefer the space and setting of a curated vacation home or the lavish service and amenities of a top hotel. Members also now gain access to so many more destinations in the programme through this partnership, ensuring that they are rewarded wherever their travels take them.

The partnership benefits are as follows

For every Plum Guide booking made by a GHA DISCOVERY member, guests will:

Earn 5% back in D$ on their revenue spend for every eligible stay at a Plum Guide home, exclusively redeemable at GHA hotels.

Advance faster in the GHA DISCOVERY programme by accumulating credits for nights, spend and brand stays, with Plum Guide recognised as an alliance brand.

Have over 700 more destinations to explore, including new gems like Palm Springs, Crete and The French Riviera.

Experience exceptional settings, from seaside villas to urban lofts.

Our partnership with Plum Guide signals our dedication to creating partnerships that enrich our loyalty programme offering, by giving customers more choice when they travel and more ways to earn D$ that they can use to enjoy more stays across 800 hotels , said Chris Hartley, GHAs CEO. We want D$ to become a valuable travel currency that is easy to earn and redeem, and encourages our customers to explore our growing network. This partnership with Plum Guide achieves all of those goals.

Plum Guide holds a curated collection of the world's best vacation rentals worldwide and is planning to expand current markets and launch new destinations in 2024. To search for a Plum Guide rental, look for the Vacation Homes category in the selection of destinations on ghadiscovery.com. Once youve chosen your ideal location, you will be directed to the Plum Guide website to complete your reservation.

Doron Meyassed, Plum Guides Founder & CEO added We are excited to be the first platform of unique vacation rentals to link up with the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. Plum Guide's handpicked homes offer a unique and personalised accommodation experience, while GHA DISCOVERY provides members global recognition and rewards across a global collection of renowned brands. Together, we provide travellers a diverse range of high-quality accommodation options in various destinations, catering to different preferences and travel styles. It's great to create a partnership that enhances the overall travel experience for our customers.

For more information visit Global Hotel Alliance,GHA DISCOVERY and https://www.plumguide.com/

GHA DISCOVERY is complimentary to join, and travellers can sign up online or download the GHA DISCOVERY app and register on their mobile phones. Travellers can also connect with GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook.

DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) can be redeemed at GHA hotels and resorts, but not at Plum Guide properties.

About Global Hotel Alliance (GHA)

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a diverse collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme leveraging a shared technology platform. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. GHA represents a collection of 40 brands with more than 800 hotels in 100 countries. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY programme serves 26 million members and generated $2.3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights in 2023. GHAs brands currently include Anantara, Araiya, ASMALLWORLD, Avani, Bristoria, Capella, Corinthia, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lore, Lungarno, Maqo, Marco Polo, Mysk, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, OUTRIGGER, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, The Set Collection, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com.

About GHA DISCOVERY

Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the worlds largest loyalty program for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 800 hotels, resorts, and palaces across 40 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. GHA DISCOVERY members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy member-only Experiences curated by each hotel, plus they have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. For more information, visit ghadiscovery.com .

About Plum Guide

Plum Guide is not just a booking platform. It's a benchmark for quality. And in the unruly world of vacation rentals, it's the only mark of quality you'll need. Founded in the U.K. in 2016, Plum Guide is now present in over 700 locations across 29 different countries.

Every home available to rent is meticulously vetted and only the top 3% are selected to feature in each location (across three categories). Unlike other booking platforms, Plum Guide tells it how it is - calling out the home truths, the things guests should know about a home before booking. With an in-house care team, committed to exceptional service 7 days a week, and a Trustpilot score beating its competitors hands down, Plum Guide holds a unique position in the market.
Berlin, Germany - The World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics), the global initiative helping hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings, has reached a significant milestone with over 1,700 hotels verified across 70 countries worldwide.

In her speech at ITB Berlin, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson celebrated the achievement and highlighted the commitment of the industry towards a more sustainable future. Basics is a key pillar to making hotels more sustainable and giving the public an at-glance verification.

Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, Philippines, and Norway, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative.

Major hotel brands which have now adopted Basics include Jin Jiang, one of the worlds biggest hotel groups with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotel Group, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group.

During its inaugural year, Hotel Sustainability Basics also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.

Other major Travel & Tourism brands joining the initiative include adventure travel specialist Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds and Abercrombie & Kent.

This independent global sustainability verification programme, overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS, empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from the hotel's operations.

Our goal is to have a globally recognised trademark that shows customers at a glance, that a hotel is supporting the planet by saving energy, cutting plastics, protecting nature, and supporting their local community. It is a win win. We launched the scheme only a year ago and the uptake has been incredible. 70 countries have signed up with over 1700 properties verified with a long waiting list. It will bring lasting change. I would like to thank Glen Mandziuk at the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Randy Durband at GDST, along with our partners at the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for providing the intellectual rigour and drive to make this happen. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO

WTTC is committed to leading the charge in sustainable Travel & Tourism, following the demand of the industry, to further advance their work on globally aligned sustainability indicators, hand in hand with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.

WTTC Press Office

WTTC
To help you understand shifting demand patterns and changing traveler behaviors, our quarterly traveler insights look at Expedia Groups first-party traveler search and booking data. Our Q3 2023 data indicated that traveler confidence remained high as people continued to travel for events and planned short- and long-term trips.

Diving into the data from Q4 2023, travelers are showing strong interest in several international destinations, including various cities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Plus, fans from around the world are planning trips to Paris this year to cheer on their favorite athletes and explore the city. With this latest roundup of data insights, lets look at how you can apply these findings to your marketing strategies to reach and engage travelers.

Connect with travelers booking early

In Q4 2023, we noticed that travelers are planning trips further in advance, which presents unique opportunities for you to engage with them. Looking at quarterly search patterns, the 180+ day window saw the largest quarter-over-quarter (QOQ) increase  at over 15% globally and nearly 20% for domestic searches  as travelers began planning for mid-year travel. This growth in the 180+ day search window was led by a more than 70% increase in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and a 10% increase in North America (NORAM).

How to act on this trend

You can get in front of travelers who are looking and booking early as they plan mid-year trips and end-of-the-year trips. Using TravelAds Sponsored Listings boosts your propertys visibility in the search results, helping you inspire and connect with potential guests as theyre planning and comparing options. Plus, our precise targeting capabilities can help you target travelers based on our exclusive first-party data to drive demand when you need it.

We know our travelers are highly motivated  thats supported by findings from GWIs January 2024 Zeitgeist Study, which is part of our quarterly insights. The study showed that 85% of travelers who recently visited Expedia are planning to take more or the same amount of leisure trips in 2024, compared to 67% of general consumers.* Lets look at our travel intent data to see what destinations are trending.

Event travel and tour tourism are on the rise

Looking ahead to summer in the Northern Hemisphere, travelers have their sights set on Paris. In Q4 2023, future searches for July and August to Paris increased by over 20%. Searches for the desired length of stay for trips between July 26-August 11, 2024, showed that the anticipated length of stay increased for visitors across every region, led by a nearly 25% year-over-year (YOY) increase among travelers planning to visit from NORAM and Latin America (LATAM). This predicted increase in length of stay indicates that visitors intend to stay in Paris for an extended time, offering opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, to get in front of travelers as they plan their trips to the City of Light.

Our Unpack 24 report revealed that in 2023 a new level of live music tourism was reached. Now, Expedia Group predicts a tour tourism encore in 2024. Almost 70% of travelers polled claim theyre more likely than ever to travel to a concert outside their hometown.**

How to act on this trend

Leveraging native advertising can help your hotel business stand out from the competition and increase your visibility with travelers by using targeted advertisements that are both contextually relevant and non-disruptive. Including mobile marketing as part of your advertising strategy can elevate your content to travelers who are searching and booking on their phones. For destinations, we can also work with you to optimize your content marketing strategy and create compelling content to ensure it reaches and resonates with your ideal traveler.

APAC cities show major search increases

Following an initial slower recovery post-pandemic, weve seen a significant uptick in interest for APAC in recent quarters. In Q4 2023, several APAC cities saw strong global search volume growth YOY, with Guangzhou increasing by 85% and Hong Kong and Shanghai increasing by 35%.

We also saw strong global interest for APAC from all four super regions, with notable increases in YOY search volume growth in APAC cities. EMEA travelers drove a 70% and 50% YOY increase in searches for Osaka and Kyoto, respectively. LATAM travelers also showed interest in Japan, driving an 85% YOY increase in searches to Tokyo, while APAC travelers drove double-digit YOY search increases to several Chinese cities, including Shenzhen and Macau. NORAM travelers also showed notable YOY search volume increases to Guangzhou (65%), Kyoto (55%), and Osaka (50%). Understanding travelers growing interest in different locations can help inform your advertising, and our targeting capabilities can help you engage with and convert these travelers.

How to act on this trend

For hotels with properties in APAC, pairing TravelAds Sponsored Listings with display advertising can ensure that your brand stays top of mind among travelers searching and planning for their next trip to the region. By using both solutions in tandem, your ads will appear across multiple onsite pages, helping your brand reach travelers at every stage of their shopping journey while driving brand awareness  and increasing your chances of conversion.

Warm-weather destinations jump in popularity

Looking at the top-searched destinations for Q4 2023, we saw that as temperatures dropped in the Northern Hemisphere, travelers opted for warm-weather getaways. Sunny locales like Orlando, Miami, and Punta Cana jumped in the rankings for the global top-searched destinations. Cancun and Fort Lauderdale also rose in the rankings for the top-searched destinations list for NORAM, and Buenos Aires jumped to No. 5 for LATAM.

We saw this flock to warm-weather destinations in trending country data as well. U.S. travelers searching for tropical destinations increased during Q4  with triple-digit QOQ increases in searches from the U.S. to St. Lucia, Aruba, and Curacao. Findings from the GWI Zeitgeist Study also supported this trend as 46% of those who recently visited Expedia said theyre planning a beach or water vacation this year.

Advertising without third-party cookies

Navigating the changing landscape of advertising in a cookieless world poses unique challenges for destination marketers looking to reach and engage potential travelers. As third-party cookies are slowly being removed from web browsers, destination marketers will need to find new ways to target and track users across different websites and devices. By partnering with us, however, youll have access to our exclusive first-party data along with our refined targeting capabilities to help inform your marketing strategies. At Media Solutions, were uniquely positioned to help our partners succeed in a world without third-party cookies and execute insights-led campaigns with precision to drive maximum impact.

Were excited to help you connect with travelers booking further in advance and seeking out specific destinations. With over 20 years of experience helping travel brands successfully execute their travel marketing strategies, we can help you reach your ideal traveler wherever they are in their trip-planning journey. To get started, contact us today.

*GWI January 2024 Zeitgeist Study

**Unpack 24, Expedia Group, 2024

About Expedia Group Media Solutions

Expedia Group Media Solutions is a global travel advertising platform that connects marketers with hundreds of millions of travelers across Expedia Group's 200+ websites and apps. Our exclusive first-party data on traveler trends, search behavior, and booking data provides travel advertisers and marketers with unique insights to inform their strategies. We offer a full-funnel suite of solutions to help our partners connect with and convert travelers globally. Our digital experts have more than 20 years of travel and media experience to help our partners create advertising campaigns that deliver meaningful results.

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Overcoming Fears of Upgrading Hotel PMS

We know upgrading your PMS solution is easier said than done. But rather than ignoring your PMS problems, If you dont take action, you may be missing out on new growth opportunities!

Why the fear of change may be costing you more than you think

No matter how long youve had your hotel PMS, there will come a time when you need to upgrade your solution. Maybe your hardware is outdated, and you dont have all of the functionality you need, or your software doesnt allow you to track and export all of the analytics required to make business decisions. In fact, according to Hospitality Technologys 2023 Lodging Technology Study, 69 percent of respondents indicated they are adding, upgrading, or switching suppliers for their property-management systems sometime this year.

Yet many hotel owners who have outdated software are resistant to switching to more modern hotel property management systems (PMS). Often, the reason for this is that they have heard horror stories from other hoteliers who invested in new software that didnt meet their unique requirements and ended up using their legacy software even though they knew it would impact their bottom-line profit. I had two specific conversations this week where FDMs told me they really dont like what they use today, but they are scared of starting all over. The thought of changing their PMS horrifies them.

Change is hard, and we know that upgrading your PMS solution is easier said than done. But rather than ignoring your PMS problems. If you dont take action, you may be missing out on new growth opportunities. If you dont change, adapt and evolve, then you will become obsolete or, worse  extinct.

There are many reasons that hotels of all sizes hesitate to upgrade their PMS systems  even if theyre causing them loads of stress  and these are a few of the most common reasons we hear.

1. Disruption

The idea of changing a PMS strikes fear into your heart (and the hearts of every other hotelier) because it effectively means replacing the central nervous system of your business. And yet, this is precisely the operation that so many dealerships must undergo to stay competitive.

There are several reasons why a hotel may need to change its property management system, including:

Outdated technology: The hotels existing PMS may need to be updated and no longer meet the hotels needs or keep up with industry standards.

Lack of functionality: The hotel may have outgrown its existing PMS and require additional functionality, such as revenue management tools, channel management, or mobile accessibility.

Inadequate support: The hotel may be experiencing ongoing issues with its PMS, such as system crashes, data loss, or slow response times, and may need more support from the vendor.

Integration issues: The hotel may be using multiple systems that need to be integrated with its PMS, causing inefficiencies and data discrepancies.

Cost: The hotel may be paying too much for its current PMS and want to switch to a more cost-effective solution.

Brand standards: The hotel may be part of a larger brand or franchise and may need to switch to a PMS that meets brand standards and integrates with the brands other systems.

Staff turnover: The hotel may have experienced staff turnover, and the new staff may prefer a different PMS or have experience with another system.

Simply put, sticking with an outdated PMS is the easy way out. Sure, it might save you the initial pain of disrupting your business and your employees to implement a new system, but in the long run, the easy way out never pays off.

2. Costs

Is the cost of upgrading your PMS worrying you? Its a valid concern, but realistically, managing your hotel with an outdated solution could be costing you more money in the first place.

For example, investing in a single PMS that includes all of the most important features and functions you need could be more cost-effective than the cost associated with stacking additional systems together to get all the desired features and functionality. Additionally, what are the costs associated with using your current system? Many hoteliers are being overcharged without knowing it.

Finally, with a modern cloud-based PMS, usually you are looking at payments month to month in smaller amounts rather than having to come up with a huge investment up front  and ongoing updates and maintenance are included.

Altogether, the hotel technology industry has seen major changes over the years, and being able to afford a modern PMS solution is easier than ever.

3. Pain of Implementation

The length of time it takes to switch to a new hotel property management system (PMS) can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the hotel, the complexity of the hotels operations, and the features and capabilities of the new PMS. In general, however, the process can take as little as a few weeks.

The most important consideration for a hotel to implement a new property management system (PMS) is to ensure that the new system is a good fit for the hotels specific needs and goals. You should carefully evaluate the features and capabilities of potential PMS options to determine whether they meet the hotels requirements. Here are some other important considerations for a hotel to keep in mind when implementing a new PMS:

Ease of use: The new PMS should be easy for hotel staff to use and should require minimal training. A system that is overly complex or difficult to use can lead to frustration and decreased efficiency.

Integration with other systems: The new PMS should be able to integrate with other hotel systems, such as revenue management, accounting, and marketing software. This can help streamline operations and reduce the risk of errors.

Customization options: The new PMS should offer a range of customization options that allow the hotel to tailor the software to its specific needs. This can help ensure the system is flexible enough to meet the hotels evolving needs over time.

Cost: The cost of implementing a new PMS can vary widely depending on the vendor and the features included. Hotels should carefully evaluate the costs associated with each option to ensure that the new system fits within their budget.

Vendor support: The PMS vendor should provide strong support throughout the implementation process and should be responsive to any issues or questions that arise. This can help ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to hotel operations.

Investing in a new PMS is a big decision that may introduce some challenges along the way, but the benefits of a new system far outweigh any of the challenges of implementation if you partner with the right tech provider. Hotels should consider their needs, budget, and goals when selecting a new PMS and work closely with the PMS vendor to ensure a smooth transition and adequate support post-implementation. Careful planning, training, testing, and communication can help make the process easier and more seamless for everyone involved.

No Reason To Delay The Switch

It is common for hotels to periodically evaluate and upgrade their PMS to take advantage of new features, improve efficiency, and enhance the guest experience. As technology continues to evolve and the hospitality industry becomes increasingly competitive, it is likely that more hotels will consider upgrading their PMS to stay ahead of the curve.

As Charles Darwin said, It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.

There are several benefits to getting a new hotel property management system:

Improved efficiency: A new PMS can streamline many of the hotels operations, reducing the amount of time and effort required to manage guest reservations, check-ins, check-outs, and other tasks. This can help staff work more efficiently, ultimately leading to better guest satisfaction and higher revenue.

Increased revenue: A modern PMS can provide hotels with valuable data and analytics to help them make better business decisions. By having access to real-time information about occupancy rates, room rates, and other key performance indicators, hotels can make more informed pricing and marketing decisions that can help them increase their revenue.

Better guest experiences: A new PMS can provide hotels with tools to enhance the guest experience, such as online check-in and check-out, mobile room keys, and personalized guest profiles. These features can help guests feel more comfortable and valued, leading to better reviews and repeat business.

Integration with other systems: A modern PMS can integrate with other hotel systems, such as revenue management, accounting, and marketing software. This can help hotels automate many of their operations, reduce the risk of errors, and provide a more seamless experience for guests.

Increased security: A new PMS can provide hotels with enhanced security features, such as data encryption, secure payment processing, and user access controls. This can help protect sensitive guest information and reduce the risk of data breaches or other security incidents.

Skyware Hospitality Solutions all in one cloud-based PMS is a great option for hotels looking to upgrade. Our solution comes equipped with all the powerful features youll need out of the box. Skyware also provides seamless integrations with other systems, such as online booking engines, payment gateways, and channel managers, which can help hotels streamline their operations and increase efficiency. The modern platform is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, with a customizable dashboard that allows hotel staff to view and manage their operations in real-time. The system is also designed to be scalable so that it can be used by hotels of all sizes, from small boutique properties to large resorts.

Our customer success team onboards each customer, ensuring their confidence in their system. And if any issues arise later on, our technical support can help 24/7. Finally, Skyware is one of the most effective systems in the industry and offers several flexible payment options to fit almost any budget.

Rest assured, if you take the time to think about your needs, research, and ask questions, you will be happy with the new solution you choose for your business. If you want a partner to help you on your journey, were always here to help.

To learn more, or take a live demo tour of the software, reach out to Jan Murza, Director of Sales at 877-759-9329 option 3.

About Skyware Hospitality Solutions

Skyware Hospitality Solutions is the industrys most innovative all-in-one hospitality technology platform trusted by leading independent hotels, resorts, RV parks, and multi-property groups. The company has reimagined the fragmented, complex legacy landscape into a visionary universe of modern, integrated solutions with limitless possibilities. With more than 30 years of hospitality technology experience, Skywares solutions are carefully curated to fit the unique needs of each property and built to respond flexibly to the demanding requirements of a fast-changing industry.

Built from the ground up to centralize and simplify operations, the end-to-end cloud-based PMS suite includes Online Booking Engine, POS, Sales, and Catering, and Activity/Spa Scheduling. The easy-to-use system is up and running quickly and seamlessly, delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution that can work with or replace existing hotel systems and technology investments.

With deep industry knowledge and top-rated North American-based support, Skywares patented technology accelerates its customers' ambitions, whether to grow and transform or simply become more efficient, productive, and profitable.

Currently, over 200 unique hotel customers in over five countries look to Skyware for tools, technology, and world-class expert support. Founded in 2009, the privately held company is headquartered in Crestview, Florida. For more information, please visit skywaresystems.com.
As the Luxury Market Softens Brands and Retailers Could Turn to Younger Generations and International Travelers in Search of Growth

As sales of luxury goods soften following a pandemic-era surge, with core consumers now cutting back on their spending, luxury brands and retailers will have to work harder for growth and look for new opportunities

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the global luxury market has been booming. In 2023 the luxury market in the US alone was valued at $134.6 billion, making it the largest in the world, with China second at $77.3 billion, according to GlobalData.

Harry Butterfield, Consultant and Retail Analyst Consumer Custom Solutions at GlobalData, comments: Throughout the pandemic years, a large proportion of wealthier consumers were able to save, with limited opportunities to spend. Once restrictions were relaxed, the luxury market in the US surged, with consumers rushing to splurge their accumulated earnings on the finer things in life. At the same time, luxury retailers looked to shift any inventory built up from the pandemic. It was a match made in retail heaven, with luxury retail sales in the US growing 42.2% and 11.0%, in 2021 and 2022, respectively, according to GlobalData analysis.

However, in 2023, although the luxury market in the US was still one fifth (22.2%) above pre-pandemic levels (2019), sales began to slow, with a decline of 3.7% year-on-year. British brand Burberry recently lowered its operating profit guidance for the year ending March 2024, with the brands CEO Jonathan Akeroyd citing a slowing luxury demand.

Moreover, market leader Capris latest Q3 results, for the period ended 30 December 2023, revealed that its luxury brands are in the doldrums, with year-over-year revenue declines of -5.6% at Michael Kors, -1.2% at Jimmy Choo and -8.8% at Versace, and overall group sales slipping by -5.6%.

However, as the global demand for luxury products slows down, there are still things that luxury brands and retailers can do to boost sales:

Looking to younger generations

Younger generations continue to value luxury products and Gen Z in particular continues to be a growing market for many luxury brands and retailers. With fewer financial commitments, and growing disposable income, Gen Z are also willing to cut-back on other areas of spending, such as more expensive travel options, to afford luxury goods.

Focus on vacation shopping

As global travel is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, the revival of destination-focused shopping will continue. Tourist shopping for luxury goods is a key driver for the sector, often with consumers taking advantage of strong conversion rates and tax-free shopping. Now, more than ever, it is vital for luxury brands to have a presence in critical shopping locations around the globe.

Prioritizing the critical segment

Although new audiences and emerging markets continue to gain traction in the luxury sector, providing opportunities for fresh growth streams, it is still the ultra-rich, largely insulated from global economic ups and downs by their wealth, who continue to dominate spending power.

Reflecting this, and after a period of lackluster results, Gucci entered a rapid repositioning plan in 2023, shifting from its maximalist style to an ultra-timeless image that is aimed to allure the worlds very richest, who can both afford to spend more, and who are more reliable in their spending.

Butterfield added:  After the post-pandemic boom the global luxury market has now arrived at a pivotal time. Although growth opportunities seem anaemic in comparison to recent years, they remain respectable compared to pre-pandemic levels. Long-term the global economy will improve, drawing many consumers back to the market. In the meantime, luxury retailers will need to double down on their core audience, whilst not hesitating to invest in new opportunities, like the rising importance of Gen Z and the revival of vacation-focused shopping.
SpringHill Suites Boston Peabody

Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. offers, on an exclusive basis, the fee simple interest in the 164-room SpringHill Suites Boston Peabody. Through September of 2023, the owner has invested $3.2 million (~$19,000/key) into the Hotel. The on-property amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting space.

Located in Peabody, Massachusetts, the SpringHill Suites Boston Peabody offers investors the opportunity to acquire an institutional-quality, Marriott-branded, all-suite hotel with strong in-place cash flow at an attractive basis. The Hotel is being offered unencumbered by management and at a significant discount to replacement cost in the high-barrier New England hospitality market.

Investment highlights

Strategic Suburban Boston Location

Access to Diverse Demand Drivers

High-Quality, All-Suite Hotel

Industry-Leading Marriott Brand Affiliation

Recently Renovated Hotel

Strong In-Place Cash Flow

Unencumbered by Management

For details visit here.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. A few flurries are possible. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 29F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
'Be Here Now' Opens at WAM Theatre

LENOX, Mass.  WAM Theatre kicks off its 15th Anniversary Season with a Fresh Takes Play Reading of "Be Here Now" written by Deborah Zoe Laufer and directed by Kelly Galvin on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2pm and 7pm at The Foundry in West Stockbridge.

The play features a cast of professional performers: Tracy Grammer, Jeannine Trimboli, Kristin Yates and Ryan Winkles.

Tickets are now on sale at wamtheatre.com

According to a press release:

"Be Here Now" follows the story of deeply cynical and woefully underemployed Bari who is surrounded by painfully cheerful co-workers at a small-town packaging Fulfillment Center. When she meets Mike, a man who makes art out of garbage, it's her turn to pull another out of darkness. In this quirky new comedy, called clever and filled with laughter by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Be Here Now asks what we are willing to do for love, happiness, and to create meaning in our life?

"I always jump at the chance to work with the passionate and engaged artistic community at WAM! said director Kelly Galvin. I'm really looking forward to bringing Be Here Now to audiences with its big, compassionate questions about what it really takes to live in the moment and connect to each other in these painful times."

WAM Theatre's Fresh Takes Play Reading Series presents stories that explor issues affecting women and girls. Featuring local professional actors and directors, the Fresh Takes play readings continue WAM's commitment to connecting Berkshire audiences to female playwrights who are contributing to national and international theatre conversations. Each reading will be followed by a brief discussion with the artists.

WAM will collaborate with The Foundry in West Stockbridge on their 2024 Fresh Takes Play Reading Series. Audience members will be able to purchase a drink and sit in the comfortable, cabaret space in close proximity to the performers to enjoy the play.




iciHaiti - Security : The Dominican Rep. recommends airlines to avoid connections to Haiti





Saturday March 2nd, 2024, the Civil Aviation Council (JAC) of the Dominican Republic recommended that airlines operating regular flights from Santo Domingo avoid air connections with the international airport of Port-au-Prince, given the situation of violence in Haiti.



After violent exchanges of gunfire reported Thursday around the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, between heavily armed individuals and the police forces, which caused damage to the installations and to a plane which was hit by at least one bullet, causing the cancellation of some flights which affected the schedules of planned flight operations.



The JAC indicated that "airlines that operate scheduled flights from the Dr. Joaquin Balaguer International Airport, located in El Higuero (Santo Domingo), to the Toussaint Louverture terminal in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, should avoid connections to this destination until the situation is regularized."



Despite this recommendation, Jose Ernesto Marte Piantini, the President of the JAC does not envisage, for the moment, the closure of air traffic with Haiti after the unrest which reached the area of the international airport causing damage to planes and facilities.



The JAC is observing the situation and following the unrest and disorder in Haiti.



S/ iciHaiti


















Monday 4 March 2024, 10:22 - Last updated: 5 March, 15:40

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated

First the radar sighting, then the optical recognition, and finally, the most delicate phase, the shooting down. Thus, the Otobreda 76 cannon intercepted and shattered the Houthi drone directed against the Caio Duilio, the Navy destroyer deployed in the waters off Yemen and now ready to lead the European fleet for the new Aspides mission. The tension in the southern area of the Red Sea is palpable, and all the crews of the military ships are on alert. Here is what happened in the new 'conflict zone' that is directly involving Italy as well. The OTO Melara 76/62 is a multi-role cannon designed and produced by the Italian company Leonardo-Finmeccanica (previously by OTO Melara, merged into the group on December 31, 2015). The cannon is characterized by a very high rate of fire, especially in the Super Rapid version (120 shots per minute), making it particularly suitable for anti-air and anti-missile defense, and for point defense, although, given its caliber, it can also be used in other roles such as naval and coastal bombardment. The cannon is equipped with conventional ammunition, which varies depending on the type of use, and its versatility of uses is also given by the large quantity of types of ammunition ranging from incendiary to armor-piercing, to fragmentation projectiles with proximity fuse. 'When the drone was 4 miles away, I made the decision. I had to defend my crew and my ship,' said Andrea Quondamatteo, commander of the Caio Duilio attacked by the Houthis, in an interview with Corriere della Sera. 'The starboard bow cannon fired 6 shots, after a few seconds the optical appreciation confirmed the shootdown - he continues - Duilio reacted in self-defense.' Quondamatteo remembers: 'We were patrolling south, in the stretch facing the Yemeni coasts, in international waters. Suddenly there was an unknown 'radar echo', the signal was 8 miles away. A moving profile, at low altitude and rapidly approaching.' He adds: 'When the commanders of the Jolly Rosa and Grande Baltimora, Italian ships, wrote to thank me, I was moved.' 'At this moment the situation is under control, we have no indicators revealing the presence of threats around our ship, nor of imminent or ongoing attacks. At this moment the ship is patrolling in the southern Red Sea and is not conducting close protection activities in favor of national interest merchant ships,' said Quondamatteo. 'We are patrolling as part of the national maritime surveillance mission. And we are trying - he explained - to ensure that security framework so that transit in these dangerous waters occurs safely. Obviously, there are risks because this is what we can define a 'conflict zone'. There are entities sent by the Houthis launching missiles and using drones, therefore these are dangerous waters. We perceive this from the tone with which the commanders of the merchant ships we spot at sea respond to us, they are very worried. Thanks to the presence of our flag, of the military unit, they find courage and feel reassured. The greetings we receive at the end of this activity - he concluded - show us full appreciation from all Italians because they feel that there is a state action with the presence of a military ship far from home to protect these traffic lines and the safety of these crews.' 'Italy defends international law and the freedom of maritime traffic from terrorist attacks by the Houthis. We move forward with what has been decided. Tuesday morning I will be at the Chamber and then at the Senate to get the Parliament's go-ahead for the European mission Aspides,' declared the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, commenting, in an interview with La Stampa, on the shooting down of a Houthi drone by the Duilio ship. 'I cannot judge the timing and manner in which our sovereign Parliament decides to address the issue. However, I am, let's say, rather surprised: after the Italian government fought to have tactical command of the mission, honestly, I would have expected a quicker process in Parliament,' says Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, former Chief of Defense Staff and former Minister of Defense, in an interview with QN. And on the possibility that the operational command of the Aspides mission exposes Italy to additional risks he states: 'I wouldn't say so. From the point of view of the Houthis, it changes nothing. Whoever has ships in the area is anyway a potential target.' As for the Houthi attack on Saturday, he clarifies: 'The Caio Duilio has a valid anti-aircraft armament. The choice to use the rapid-fire cannon, which has projectiles that have the ability to change direction once out of the muzzle and be guided towards the target seems correct.'
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Death in Paradise viewers were left in tears after the BBC show aired the shock exit of a series regular who has been called the heart and soul of the show.

*Warning: spoilers for the latest episode of Death in Paradise follow*

Officer Marlon Pryce (played by Tahj Miles), who has been on the show for several years, became a fan-favourite fixture as he went from a reformed petty thief to an accomplished officer.

The series, which is set in the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, focuses on British DI Neville Parker and a team of police solving murder mysteries that continue to shake the island.

During Sundays episode (3 March), Marlon delivered the news that he would be leaving the island to accompany his younger sister Jocelyn (Miai Leonie Phillip) to Kingston, Jamaica, where she had won a scholarship.

Fans have been saying that Marlons departure came too soon, since he had become instrumental in cracking the weekly murder mysteries on the island, and was still in the apparent early stages of his storyline.

I dont want Marlon to leave, wrote one fan on X/Twitter, as another asked: How many of you crying at Marlon leaving?

Officer Marlon Pryce (BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Red Planet Pictures)

They added: Someone convince Marlon to stay!

Another fan chimed: I dont want to say goodbye to Marloneasily been one of the top characters on the entire show! Shall miss him dearly.

Officer Pryce and his sister Jocelyn (BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Red Planet Pictures)

Marlon made his debut as a teenage delinquent who stole Sergeant JP Hoopers (Tobi Bakare) police badge before being captured. Instead of locking him up, the commissioner recruited Marlon on the Youth Offenders Police scheme and he later reformed himself and progressed into a policing role.

At first, he was useless in his role but eventually became a key part of the mystery-solving police force.

Fans said it was heartwarming to see Marlon go from a lazy schoolboy to an experienced officer who would jump into action and apprehend one of the islands many murderers.

One fan concluded at the end of the programme: Can we take a minute to appreciate the great work that @TahjDMiles has done to turn Marlon into the heart and soul of the Saint Marie team.

Death in Paradise airs at 9pm on BBC One every Sunday.
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Danny Casolaro, the investigative journalist whose death in 1991 was controversially ruled a suicide, is the subject of Netflixs newest docu-series, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders.

The four-part true crime documentary, released on 28 February, takes a look at Casolaro and his investigation into a government conspiracy that those closest to him believe led to his death.

Who was Danny Casolaro?

Born in McLean, Virginia in 1947, Casolaro was a writer and author who came to public attention after he was found dead with his wrists slashed in a hotel bathtub in 1991. He was 44.

His death was ruled a suicide, although those closest to him remain convinced he was murdered.

At the time of his death, Casolaro was more than 12 months deep into an investigation involving a government conspiracy, which he called The Octopus.

Danny Casolaro American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (Courtesy of Netflix)

What is The Octopus?

While working for the now-defunct computer software trade publication Computer Age, Casolaro was alerted by one of his colleagues about a developing story that had to do with an ongoing dispute between the Department of Justice and Bill Hamilton, the founder of Washington DC-based technology information company INSLAW.

After getting in touch with Hamilton, Casolaro starts looking into these powerful people connected to the Reagan administration and realises theres something much bigger going on than just a contract dispute, journalist Christian Hansen says in the documentary.

Casolaro began making some powerful discoveries that appeared to be connected somehow: money laundering, drug trafficking and the Iran hostage crisis. He dubbed these conspiratorial connections The Octopus and paired each tentacle with a former high-ranking government official who he felt was responsible for these revelations.

Who is Christian Hansen?

Christian Hansen in American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (Netflix)

Hansen is the journalist who, after coming across the late Casolaros research, took over for him. He is also a childhood friend of the Netflix seriess director, Treitz.

His continued investigation led him to Casolaros key source, Michael Riconosciuto.

Who is Michael Riconosciuto?

Michael Riconosciuto in American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (Netflix)

Riconosciuto, now 75, is a computer expert who was connected to Casolaros INSLAW story. Months before Casolaros death, Riconosciuto was sent to prison on drug charges after a Department of Justice official allegedly threatened him for speaking out. He has maintained his innocence and was eventually released 26 years later, in 2017.

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Shortly before his imprisonment, he had provided an affidavit in support of INSLAWs lawsuit against the US Department of Justice. The company had sued the DOJ over the illegal use of computer software.

Riconosciuto claimed to have insider information about countless covert government operations, which he shared with Casolaro, and later with Hansen.

How did Danny Casolaro die?

Danny Casolaro on the right (Courtesy of Netflix)

Casolaro was found dead with his wrists slashed in a West Virginia hotel bathtub on 10 August 1991. He had travelled there to meet with an unknown source.

He had been researching this thing for a long time and was very excited about the information he was finally getting, Benjamin Mason, Casolaros close friend and the last person to see him alive, told The Washington Post in 1991. He was in good spirits and very excited about the source he was going to see in West Virginia.

When authorities discovered his body, it appeared he had died by suicide, and a coroner confirmed it as such. However, when his family was notified of his death, they didnt believe it was a suicide. Weeks before he was to meet with his source, he had apparently informed his brother that if anything happened to him, he needed to understand that it wasnt an accident.

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders is available to stream on Netflix.
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South Korea said it will start taking legal measures against trainee doctors continuing their strike against the governments plan to increase medical school admissions.

About 70 per cent of the countrys junior and trainee doctors, totalling around 9,000, have been on strike since 20 February, disrupting some medical services and emergency departments.

The government had previously warned these doctors of potential administrative and legal consequences, including the possibility of having their medical licenses suspended, and facing fines or imprisonment if they did not return to work by the end of last month.

From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned, and take action according to the law and principle without exception, health minister Cho Kyoo-hong told a televised briefing.

Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path.

On Sunday, thousands of South Korean doctors participated in a large-scale demonstration organised by the Korean Medical Association [KMA], which speaks for private practitioners, openly challenging government demands for striking trainee doctors to resume their duties.

The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians, said in a statement on Sunday it strongly condemns the actions of the Korean Government in attempting to stifle the voices of elected leaders within the Korean Medical Association, adding it affirmed the right of doctors to collective action, including strikes.

The striking doctors are opposing the governments proposal to increase the medical school entry quota by 2,000 seats next year. They say the government should first address pay and working conditions before trying to increase the number of physicians.

South Korea has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among major economies and recently the government proposed to add 2,000 slots to the current annual quota of 3,000 medical students.

A Gallup Korea poll recently revealed that 76 per cent of the respondents reacted positively to the governments plan for medical school quota expansion.

The Independent has reached out to the Korea Medical Association for comment.
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A leopard in India was rescued five hours after its head was trapped in a metal vessel.

The incident took place in Dhule district of the southwestern state of Maharashtra on Sunday, when the big cat ventured into the cowshed of a farm, in search of food and water.

The wild animal was trying to drink water from the metal pot, when its head got stuck inside it, reported the Hindustan Times. It came to light around 2am as the cat attempted to wriggle its head out. Villagers promptly notified the forest department which dispatched a team to the scene.

Assisted by a team of police officials to regulate the crowd, a veterinary official tranquilised the animal to transport it to the forest departments office, where the leopard was rescued and eventually left into the wild after being kept under observation for a few hours.

The rescue operation was carried out successfully. After confirming the health condition of the leopard, he was released in the wild by the forest department, Savita Sonawane, a range forest officer at Dhule Forest Department, told ANI.

The leopard population in India has only grown marginally from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, according to a recently released report by the countrys environment ministry.

Leopard tranquilised for rescuing after its head stuck inside a metallic vessel (Screengrab/ ANI)

The numbers are likely impacted by poaching and human-wildlife conflict, said the Status of Leopards in India report, according to which Maharashtra has the second highest number of leopard in the country.

The feline population in the state grew from 1,690 in 2018 to 1,985 in 2022, while central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of leopards in the country at 3,907 in 2022, up from 3,421 in 2018.

The data shows that the leopard population hasnt grown the same way the tiger population has grown. It is a marginal increase, Y V Jhala, former dean of Wildlife Institute of India told The Indian Express.

However, it is a matter of satisfaction to manage the status quo, he told the outlet, as the leopards remain enticing targets for poachers.
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Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday raised Kashmir in his maiden speech at parliament after taking oath as Pakistan's prime minister for the second time.

Mr Sharif was voted in by Pakistans National Assembly to return as prime minister, ending almost a month-long political deadlock following the 8 February general elections. The elections were marred by allegations of vote rigging.

In his speech, Mr Sharif equated the federal Indian territory of Kashmir with Gaza and the occupied West Bank, calling for a resolution to free both regions.

"Let's all come together ... and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians," he said, according to news agency PTI.

India and Pakistan both administer a portion of the Himalayan region of Kashmir and claim it in its entirety in a dispute that dates back to the partition of India after the end of British rule.

However, he pledged to improve ties with Pakistan's neighbours, without naming any particular country. "We will keep ties with neighbours on the basis of equality," he told parliament.

Pakistani leaders' remarks on Kashmir routinely evoke condemnation from India. New Delhi has not immediately responded to Mr Sharif's statement. India considers the Himalayan territory crucial to its territorial integrity.

On Sunday, Mr Sharif secured 201 votes from MPs, defeating his rival Omar Ayub Khan who stood as the candidate of choice for MPs loyal to Imran Khan, securing 92 votes. Mr Ayub is also the grandson of Pakistans first military dictator.

Supporters of convicted former prime minister Imran Khan attend the KPK provincial assembly oath taking session of newly elected members, in Peshawar, Pakistan (EPA)

Mr Ayub was backed by Mr Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, whose candidates could not get enough seats to form a government on their own. The PTI refused to hold talks with its rivals to form a coalition.

Mr Sharif held the office of prime minister from April 2022 to August 2023, and is the younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif.

Mr Khan is currently serving prison terms in multiple cases and has been barred from seeking or holding office. Mr Sharif replaced him as prime minister after his ouster in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022.

Mr Sharif in his speech also said: "We were subjected to political victimization in the past but never took any revenge." Without naming Mr Khan, he said the previous ruler jailed many political rivals, including himself and his ally Asif Ali Zardari.

He also accused Mr Khan's supporters of attacking military installations while protesting his ouster in 2022, adding that now parliament and the courts would decide whether those involved in attacking the military installations deserved a pardon.

Holding portraits of MrKhan, some lawmakers stood in front of Mr Sharif when he began his speech, shouting "vote thief" and "shame".

Mr Sharif denounced their actions, saying they were causing chaos in parliament. He also said they should present their evidence of vote rigging to the relevant authorities.

He then addressed the opposition saying, "I am offering you reconciliation.

Let us sit together to work for the betterment of Pakistan, he added amid the din.
 Close Snow in area affected by Texas wildfires

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Cool weather on Monday managed to help officials quell some of the fires as containment levels increased early this week, with two fires becoming completely contained.

But fire authorities warn that increased fire weather could hit the Texas Panhandle Thursday and Friday. At a news conference on Tuesday, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd pleaded with nearby residents not to start any new fires.

Over 90% of wildfires are human caused, he claimed. Strong winds and dry conditions this past weekend exacerbated flames, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire in northern Texas which remains only 44 per cent contained, according to the forest service. The fires began late last month.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned more than 1.3 million acres across the Texas Panhandle and destroyed 500 structures. Its now the largest fire in the states history and one of the largest in the US history.

Authorities say it has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of cattle and forcing evacuations. Statewide, the fires have killed at least two civilians and one volunteer fire chief.

A lawsuit filed last week claims that the fires originated from an electric pole that wasnt properly inspected, fell and started the blaze.
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Cole Sprouse has sparked some hilarious memes with his oversized blazer at Paris Fashion Week.

The 31-year-old actor was spotted in Paris, France, on 3 March as he attended Balenciagas Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show, where the brand unveiled its latest womenswear. For the occasion, Sprouse opted for a pair of black and grey checkerboard pants, a nude turtleneck shirt, and black dress shoes.

He completed the outfit with an eye-catching brown oversized blazer, which featured huge shoulder pads and baggy sleeves. On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans have shared their amused reactions to the Disney Channel alums large jacket.

Cole Sprouse is ready to lip sync for the crown I know a reveal costume when I see one, one quipped, while another responded to the look with: SO GOOFY!

Reminds me of the Koopas from the early 90s Mario movie, a third added, referring to the fictional turtles in the 1993 Super Mario Bros film.

Others went on to share memes about the outfit, which included a popular GIF from The Office of Steve Carrells character, Michael Scott, wearing a huge suit.

Walked outta Best Buy with a plasma TV, one person joked about Sprouses large shoulder pads.

When youve lost some weight but you think its still premature to buy new clothes, another quipped.

In addition to the Riverdale star, there were mant other famous faces at Balenciagas fashion show on Sunday - including Serena Williams, Anna Wintour, and the luxury fashion houses ambassador, Kim Kardashian.

The Skims founder wore a black lace full-length gown with flared long sleeves while her hair was pinned in a ponytail, exposing a racy open-back cutout. However, there was one unexpected accessory added to her look: a Balenciaga tag that dangled from the back of the neckline.

On social media, people assumed that the reality star had accidentally forgotten to cut the stamped grey label from the dress. While at the fashion show, however, Kardashian kept the tag attached to her outfit.

During the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show, a variety of dresses made from sweatshirts, folded panties, shoe bags, backpacks, and duffle bags were seen on the runway. For the concept of the collection, Balenciagas creative director Demna Gvasalia flipped baggy denim pants as tops and hung suiting like halter-neck pieces, only covering the front half.

Speaking to Vogue, Gvasalia opened up about how much fun he had creating these looks - including a cocktail dress made of boa and a slip evening dress constructed from bras.

We have this one-minute-to-create-a-dress challenge in the studio, like Project Runway, he said. So we were throwing things on the body and then taking pictures together. Its very playful.
by John Allen Paulos

Bertrand Russells advice for aging gracefully is rather simple: Broaden your horizons. He recommends that we should try to expand our interests and concerns. Doing so will help us become less focused on ourselves and more open to the world around us. He adds metaphorically, An individual human existence should be like a river: small at first, narrowly contained within its banks, and rushing passionately past rocks and over waterfalls. Gradually the river grows wider, the banks recede, the waters flow more quietly, and in the end, without any visible break, they become merged in the sea, and painlessly lose their individual being.

I think to a large extent people tend to do this naturally. Businessmen often become less concerned with their assets and money and more with their larger family and society as they get older. Likewise lawyers frequently grow tired of having their briefs in a tangle and mellow out as they age. A similar phenomenon holds for athletes, academics, and workers of all sorts.

Of course, not everybody follows Russells counsel. Some remain hard-charging and a few so much so that they resemble the man in Tolstoys How Much Land Does a Man Need?Given the opportunity to possess all the land he can walk around in one day, the mans greed leads to his death and thus provides the answer to the question in the title. A man needs about 6 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet  enough for a grave. More appealing is Dylan Thomas contrary exhortation not to go gentle into that good night but rather to rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Notwithstanding Tolstoy and Thomas, the rocks and waterfalls of a life do tend for most people to give rise to a desire for calmer waters. Sticking with Russells metaphor suggests that in the limit we might arrive at what the French Nobel laureate Romain Rolland first termed in a letter to Freud the oceanic feeling, a sensation of eternity and of being one with the world. Stated differently, our personal identity slowly fades and is replaced by an impersonal cosmic one.

Being drawn to these tendencies and to words like oceanic, eternity, and cosmic is not a dissociative disorder, at least I hope its not. It might, however, be a common consequence of retirement and aging, which entails putting ones work life behind one or at least putting ones memories of it at some psychological distance.

Not incidentally, my resonance with Russells quote is not unrelated to my semi-retirement last year. Speaking personally, when I remember the countless experiences of my life, the places Ive lived, the people Ive known, the teaching, writing, and traveling Ive done, sometimes it almost takes an act of will to realize that the character in these remembered experiences is me, myself, and I. Moreover though the experiences differ, there is nevertheless an increasingly been-there done-that similar shape to them.

Age provides a loftier perch wherefrom were more likely to look at the events, themes, and patterns of our lives as occurring and recurring repeatedly. Suffering from a mathematicians myopia,, Im well aware that repetition, self-similarity, and fractals are common ways for artists to suggest infinity and, as a special case, the endless and eternal waves of the ocean, which eponymously at least suggests the oceanic feeling.

Over time ones life can grow to appear the same, the same, the same, like looking into a nested series of mirrors and seeing your reflection in your reflection in your reflection, etcetera. As in Borges fiction, the mirrors suggest the notion of infinity and also of illusion. Are the ever shrinking, fading images in the nested mirrors really of us? Again Russells words, becoming merged into the sea, and painlessly losing its individual being.

(For the mathematically interested, the so-called Sierpinski carpet is a graphical illustration of how one gradually can lose ones individual identity and yet still leave a trace of oneself. To construct the carpet, start with a square in a 33 grid and cut it into 9 identical subsquares. Now cut out and remove the central subsquare and then apply the procedure to the remaining 8 subsquares, and then over and over again to the ever smaller resulting subsquares ad infinitum. Surprisingly the Sierpinsky carpet has zero area with everything except an uncountably infinite number of points cut out and removed, our dust, if you like.)

These metaphors of infinity and aging undermine our exaggerated pretensions and mundane obsessions, and may even force us to view ourselves in something like the way we view the dilapidated statue of the boastful pharaoh Ozymandias.

Of course, Im getting ahead of myself, perhaps like the woman writing her son a very long letter in the middle of which she congratulates him on taking a speed reading course and adds that because of the course hes probably already finished reading her letter. Life, like the letter, isnt over until its over.

***

John Allen Paulos is an emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Temple University and the author of Innumeracy and A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper. These and his other books are available here.
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As an official brand ambassador, its no surprise Kim Kardashian was dressed in head-to-toe Balenciaga and sat for the luxury fashion houses fall/winter 2024-2024 show in Paris. While her attendance mightve been anticipated, few couldve guessed she would strategically sport one signature item.

On 3 March, the Skims founder arrived at the Balenciaga presentation in a black lace full-length gown with flared long sleeves. Her hair was pinned in a ponytail, exposing a racy open-back cutout. Kardashian kept the look simple, adding only one unexpected accessory  a Balenciaga tag. The stamped grey label dangled down from the back of the neckline.

Online, people assumed the fashion muse had accidentally forgotten to cut the tag from her designer garb. However, Kardashian had no intention of ripping the expensive badge from the back of her dress.

This season, Balenciagas card was tied to the handles of slouchy bags and hooked to the inside of garments, offering it up as if it were a usual charm kept on clothing and accessories.

Though the concept may seem ironic, this isnt the first time the Spanish brand has turned overlooked everyday items into luxury must-haves. At this point, expect the unexpected when it comes to the work of creative director Demna.

For Balenciagas pre-fall collection, Demna staged a presentation in Los Angeles, tapping the lush market Erewhon for inspiration. Models strutted down the street holding grocery store bags and Balenciaga-signed porcelain to-go cups (now on sale for $150).

Kim Kardashian flashes Balenciaga tag purposefully attached to the back of her dress (Kim Kardashian on Instagram)

The brand partnered with the boutique store to offer a $14 dark elixir consisting of lemon, ginger, cinnamon, organic maple syrup, apple, and charcoal.

Kardashian has been spotted donning other obscure Balenciaga pieces like their $450 flips flops fashioned to resemble the disposable open-toe shoes provided after a pedicure. Balenciaga has also come out with a towel designed to be a skirt and a $1,500 Lays chip bag made to be a zipper purse.

Dresses made from sweatshirts, folded panties, shoe bags, backpacks, and duffle bags were seen on the fall/winter 2024 runway. Adding to the already avant-garde concept, Demna flipped baggy denim pants as tops and hung suiting like halter-neck pieces, only covering the front half.

We have this one-minute-to-create-a-dress-challenge in the studio, like Project Runway, Demna noted. So we were throwing things on the body and then taking pictures together. Its very playful.
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I have just taken two drops of Secret Wisdom directly into my mouth before bed  it was prescribed by a homeopath to give me deep inner stillness. Ive been told its derived from orchids, and will apparently help me cope with stress and anxiety. It may be nonsense, but Ive been feeling so overwhelmed and close to burnout that Id honestly give anything a go.

Ive been inspired by King Charles, who has recently  if controversially  appointed a pro-homeopathy doctor with an integrative approach to medicine as head of the royal households team of medics. It still remains to be seen how much of a role complementary medicine will play alongside conventional treatment in the monarchs dealing with an unspecified form of cancer  but the King is a known fan, having openly supported its use in the NHS. He also advocates homeopathy not just for humans, but for animals, too.

Campaigners  such as Michael Marshall, project director of the Good Thinking Society that challenges pseudo-science  claim Dr Michael Dixons new role is inappropriate and worrying. Reports have claimed that Dixon believes Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill, that the herbal medicine known as devils claw can fix frozen shoulders, and that nothing is better for impotence than some horny goat weed.

Controversial Royal Appointment Shines Light on Kings Personal Beliefs

In any other field, we would expect the products we buy to be proven to do what they say they can do, says Marshall, whose mission is to make the public aware of the dangers of alternative medicine. When it comes to complementary and alternative medicine, we find an awful lot of impressive-sounding claims, but no reliable evidence that any of them are true. He also says that treatments that dont work are a waste of time and money  and people who are ill can rarely afford to waste either. On top of that, the redirection away from effective treatments can be harmful.

Buckingham Palace, however, has moved to clarify Dr Dixons beliefs, writing in a statement: Dr Dixon does not believe homeopathy can cure cancer. His position is that complementary therapies can sit alongside conventional therapies, provided they are safe, appropriate and evidence-based.

Im not sure what to believe, so Ive turned up at Harley Streets Hale Clinic  a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine that was opened by Charles in 1988  with sessions booked back-to-back, as if Im in for emergency resuscitation. Treatments combine conventional medical approaches with other traditional disciplines such as Ayurveda, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Complementary approaches, such as homeopathy and acupuncture, are also used to treat the patient holistically  in mind, body and spirit. It aims to identify the root causes of disease, with nutrition and lifestyle factors also playing a part.

Within minutes of talking to my new homeopath, Im sobbing into a box of Kleenex. Shes worried if I take anything deeper on the homeopathic front, it might unleash things. Im seeing crazy scenes from The Omen

Im not a novice when it comes to this stuff. Im aware of the latest craze for Lions Mane mushroom pills: supermodel Giselle Buchanan swears by them to help her focus and boost her energy levels. My mum friends are all-in, too, switching from Calpol to Bella Donna. I also once spent an absolute fortune on a famous Chinese acupuncturist and herbalist on Harley Street when I was desperate to get pregnant. I ended up brewing bespoke herbs in a huge Le Creuset pot to drink twice a day to get good eggs for IVF. I felt as if I was doing something positive. I cant help but wonder if it was just the placebo effect at work, though. But who really knows?

Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor at the University of Exeter and author of 2023s Charles the Alternative King, is an expert on complementary medicine, and points out to me that complementary medicine includes more than 400 different treatments. Most are useless, he says, but some have potential. Typically [homeopathic remedies] are so diluted that the end product contains no active ingredient, and that, of course, means they are pure placebos.

He says there are now several studies that have shown why some people feel better after a homeopathic treatment. It basically boils down to two elements; firstly, the placebo effect, which means that we often do get better when we expect and hope to get better; secondly the empathic encounter and tender loving care from a homepath.

Ernst, who said that King Charless appointment of a pro-homeopathic doctor showed he was a promoter of quackery and an enemy of progress in healthcare, says that the danger in promoting these types of complementary treatments is that a patient takes the often irresponsible claims made for them seriously. He continues: Either the patient would not receive the best treatment available, and it would prolong suffering. Or, in the worst case scenario, they might even hasten the persons death.

The late Queen, pictured with Charles in 2009, was said to have always travelled with a case of remedies (Getty)

Herbalism, however, is the area where, he claims, we find the most promising therapies. St Johns wort, for instance, is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression, and several other herbal remedies are supported by reasonably sound evidence. Faith healing, on the other hand, he says is biologically implausible. There is no scientifically explicable way it can work, and more importantly, the reliable clinical trials that have tested its efficiency have failed to show that it works beyond placebo.

Whether its all just a placebo effect or not, I believe its worth a shot. YouGov found in 2021 that around half of Britons were open-minded about homeopathy. The practice is largely based on the principle that like cures like. The NHS defines it as the belief that a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to remove those symptoms  but they stopped funding it in 2017, claiming that homeopathic remedies are at best a placebo, and a misuse of scarce funds.

In 2022, the global market for homeopathic products was valued at $11bn (8.6bn). The late Queen and Queen Mother all had homeopathic doctors. Charles and Camilla are also known to visit the holistic health retreat Soukya in India, a place that integrates the 5,000-year-old practice of Ayurvedic medicine, as well as homeopathy and naturopathy. In Prince Harrys Spare, he reported that Meghan offered Kate homeopathic cure-alls oregano oil and turmeric to treat Williams cold when Kate announced that her husband had never taken unconventional remedies before. There is, however, something inherently blue-blooded about homeopathy.

Long before King Charles fell in love with homeopathy, his ancestors were behind it. Edward VIII was patron of the London Homeopathic Hospital  it was George VI who added Royal to the hospitals title. It was also reported that the late Queen, who was patron of the institution, now called The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, always travelled with a case of remedies  she enjoyed the sense of security, according to the Faculty of Homeopathy, whose patron is now King Charles.

Princess Diana is photographed leaving the Hale Clinic in 1995 (Brendan Beirne/Shutterstock)

Dr Elizabeth Thompson, a former NHS consultant and homeopathic physician, who founded the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) in 2014, is passionate about transforming healthcare to a broader, more inclusive model, she tells me. One that includes conventional, holistic and lifestyle approaches, [and has] wellness and choice at its centre. Change is happening.

However, there is still a stigma attached to a more integrative approach. The recent controversy over King Charless health choices is part of the problem we have in healthcare, Dr Thompson says, where when someone finds holistic approaches useful, they are criticised or dissuaded from using them, even though they might be low-cost, gentle inventions that support rebalancing and activating health.

I have already been assessed via Zoom by top integrative doctor Dr Rajendra Sharma (at a cost of 435), who treated Tina Turner. He has suggested counselling with a psychotherapist focusing on a strong spiritual aspect  among other things like yoga, Tai chi, and Qi Gong. The list of herbal and homeopathic medications that he suggests I consider include L-72, a homeopathic general stress formula for fear, anxiety, and general low mood  and is probably the closest that homeopathy gets to Prozac. Im also going to take the supplement Adreno Complex, which supports the build-up of cortisol  you need that to help your body cope better with stress. Its packed with powerful adaptogens such as Reishi mushrooms, licorice, Rhodiola, and Siberian Ginseng.

The homeopath Kamli Kaul (250 for a first consultation) is fine-tuning his recommendations for me. She was drafted in earlier than scheduled for our in-person appointment, after I suffered a panic attack in their submarine-like Hyperbaric oxygen therapy tank. It pumps out 95 to 98 per cent pure oxygen that is absorbed at the cellular level via a face mask or cannula (from 120 for 60 mins). Im told this can aid deep sleep and depression  and is a favourite with celebrities for boosting collagen. Kaul could sense the extreme panic I was in, and wants to hold back the L-72 and use the more gentle orchid flower essences that heal on a vibrational level.

Along with Secret Wisdom (Phragmipedium wallisii), which is best taken with the intention of meditation and self-reflection, she makes up a combo of orchid essences to help ground me: Furnace of Life, Necklace of Beauty and Clarity of Spirit. They are like angels to help us deal with the here and now, she explains.

In 2022, the global market for homeopathic products was valued at $11bn (8.6bn) (iStock)

Within minutes of talking to her, Im sobbing into a box of Kleenex. Shes worried if I take anything deeper on the homeopathic front, it might unleash things. Im seeing crazy scenes from The Omen. Part of being a good mum is loving yourself, healing yourself and giving yourself time and space to do that, Kaul tells me. When did you last do this? I tell her its been at least seven years  thats when I had my first child.

Im already feeling better when Im ushered in for a one-hour appointment with faith healer John McGrath (195). He offers in-person and online healing (from 195 for one hour/ 110 online). As he realigns my seven chakras with the seven layers of my auric field, I feel deeply relaxed. McGrath is clairsentient, he tells me  so he feels energy and what is blocking it. He explains that every persons auric field  defined as a coloured emanation thats said to enclose the human body  extends two metres from the body. It means that theres a lot of hand waving above my body as he gets my energy flowing during our session.

I feel like a new person is emerging  its me, pre-children. Since Im having a whole morning of relaxation and spiritual pampering, a foreign activity in itself for a hectic single mum like me, its hardly surprising. I even find sitting in a dentists chair relaxing nowadays. It may well be the placebo effect  but Im not here for a life-threatening illness. Its a bit like having a deep power nap. And, yes, I did doze off.

I cant sit with the feeling for too long, though, as Im zipped into a tent-like oxygen chamber for an hour. There is no need to panic if youre prone to claustrophobia  there are three portholes and a deckchair inside to sit on. Finally, Im bundled into myofascial release therapy with Corinne Zeiderman (from 115), in which she applies light pressure by hand to release tension within the tissues of the body.

Beena Menon, who took over the Hale Clinic 10 years ago, says her clinic is moving more towards womens health. Even the menopause can be tackled with the integrative approach, she claims, rather than the one-size-fits-all all HRT that is given on the NHS. [Complementary medicine] has got bad press, she says. That its so expensive, but thats because we live in a society that is blessed with free NHS healthcare. If you follow the protocols given from the first consultation, you can keep a homeopathic remedy in your cupboard for years. Many people get better in the first three sessions of a treatment  and can stock up on remedies, or come in for a boost now and again.

I have only been on homeopathic and herbal remedies for a week, having refused the herbal sleeping drought Dormeasan, but I already feel more focused and less broken. If I had more money than sense, I could indefinitely continue my quest for harmony at the clinic. But without the budget for numerous treatments, this was enough  an intense booster session to get me back on track.
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Penny Mordaunt has said that she will be selling the iconic caped teal dress she wore to King Charless coronation.

The leader of the House of Commons, 51, was the first woman to present a British monarch with the Sword of Offering at the ceremony last year, and the first woman in history to proclaim a new monarch.

For the occasion, Mordaunt wore a show-stealing teal caped gown, embroidered with a fern motif in a nod to the privy council, designed by luxury ready-to-wear brand Safiyaa. The teal colour, called Poseidon, is a reference to her Portsmouth constituency.

She arrived at the ceremony wearing ballerina flats with studded bows, and later changed into a pair of nude stilettos.

The look went viral on social media with royal fans admiring her ensemble. Who had Penny Mordaunt overshadowing everything on their bingo card? wrote one person on X/Twitter at the time.

In a new interview, the Conservative MP revealed her plans for the outfit, telling The Times: I can never wear it again  unless Im going to a fancy dress party as myself!

She explained that her coronation look was inspired in part by the late Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected speaker of the House of Commons, who was known for her brisk but good-humoured demeanour and glamorous sense of style.

Boothroyd, described by her peers as one of a kind, died aged 93 in February last year, three months before Charles and Camilla were crowned King and Queen.

Penny Mordaunt stole the show at the ceremony last year (Getty Images)

Mordaunt said she had also been influenced by Baroness Helena Kennedy who had advised her to make sure she is looking really good if she wants people to engage with the arguments she is making.

I think sometimes the power of an image, seeing a woman doing a particular role and being strong has a huge impact on the aspirations of young women, Mordaunt said in the 2023 BBC 2 documentary Lives Well Lived.

As Lord President of the Privy Council, Mordaunt was tasked with presenting the 3.6kg jewelled sword to King Charles during his coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, on 6 May 2023.

It was first blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and then taken by the Tory MP to put it in the Kings right hand.

Mordaunt carrying the sword during King Charless coronation (PA)

After being placed on the altar by the Dean of Westminster, the sword was retrieved by Mordaunt and exchanged for redemption money, which she placed on the alms dish held by the Dean.

She then drew the sword and carried it without its sheath before the monarch for the rest of the service, which lasted 51 minutes, much to the admiration of viewers watching the coronation around the world.

Addessing her appearance at the ceremony, Mordaunt later posted a message on X/Twitter to say: Honoured to be part of the #coronation with thousands of others who played their part.

Im very aware that our armed forces, police officers and others have been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep us all safe. In comparison, my job was rather easier.

Huge and heartfelt thanks to all who made this so remarkable. Im so proud of you all and the King and Queen today.

Mordaunt confirmed that proceeds from the sale of the dress would help raise money to fund projects in her own Portsmouth constituency.

It struck me it ought to do some good, she said. Its such an iconic dress that it ought to go on and do some other good things.
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Omar Abu Kuwaik is far from his home in Gaza. The 4-year-old's parents and sister were killed by an Israeli airstrike, when he lost part of his arm.

Hes one of the lucky ones.

Through the efforts of family and strangers, Omar was brought out of Gaza and to the United States, where he received treatment, including a prosthetic arm. He spent his days in a house run by a medical charity in New York City, accompanied by his aunt.

It was a small measure of grace in a sea of turmoil for him and his aunt, Maha Abu Kuwaik, as they looked to an uncertain future. The grief and despair for those still trapped in Gaza is never far away.

Abu Kuwaik is glad she could do this for her beloved brothers son, whom she now considers her fourth child.

But it was a terrible choice. Going with Omar meant leaving her husband and three teenage children behind in a sprawling tent camp in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. With Israel carrying out strikes in areas where it told civilians to take shelter, including Rafah, Abu Kuwaik knows she might never see her family again.

My kids love Omar so much, she said. They told me, Were not children anymore. Go, let Omar get treated. Its whats best for him. Its his only chance.

Omar used to be an outgoing boy, she said, and he's clever like his late father, who was an engineer. Now he's often withdrawn and breaks into tears easily. He wonders why they don't have a home like the kids he sees on YouTube.

Ask Omar a question, and he covers his ears with his right hand and the stump of his left arm, declaring, I dont want to talk.

Kindergarten was nice, he eventually admits, and I was happy on the first day. He started school just weeks before the war broke out. But he says he doesn't want to go to kindergarten anymore because he's afraid to leave his aunt's side.

His flight to New York may have given him a new dream, though.

When I grow up, I want to be pilot, Omar said, so I can bring people places.

Omar was the first Palestinian child from Gaza taken in by the Global Medical Relief Fund. The Staten Island charitys founder, Elissa Montanti, has spent a quarter-century getting hundreds of kids free medical care after they lost limbs to wars or disasters, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each child started out as a stranger. Each one joined what she calls her global family, and will come back to the U.S. for new prosthetic limbs as their bodies grow. Her charity sponsors everything except the medical treatment, which is donated, primarily by Shriners Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

When the war in Gaza erupted in October, Montanti knew she had to help. But quite frankly, I said, How? How will I ever get these kids out when they cant even get out of Gaza?

Montanti had never laid eyes on Omar, but she understood that children like him were being severely wounded every day.

The deadliest round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades was sparked Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants broke through Israel's security barrier around Gaza and stormed into Israeli communities. Around 1,200 people were killed and some 250 taken hostage.

Israel has laid waste to much of Gaza in response. In less than five months of war, Israel's military has created a staggering humanitarian crisis and 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes. One assessment suggests half of the coastal enclave's buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

The number of people killed in Gaza rose above 30,000 Thursday, with more than 70,000 wounded, the Health Ministry said. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures but says women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying militants operate among the population.

Two weeks into the war, Omars family narrowly escaped death. Minutes before it was flattened by an Israeli airstrike, they evacuated the Gaza City apartment theyd bought just months earlier. His aunts family rushed out of the building next door. It too was bombed.

Homeless, with only the clothes on their backs, the families split up to stay with different relatives. But in wartime, seemingly trivial decisions  like where to seek shelter  have outsized consequences.

On Dec. 6, two Israeli airstrikes slammed into Omars grandparents' home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. The explosion peeled the skin from his face, exposing raw pink layers peppered with deep lacerations. His left arm could not be saved below the elbow. His parents, 6-year-old sister, grandparents, two aunts and a cousin were killed.

Omar was pinned beneath the rubble as rescuers dug with their hands through soot-blackened concrete. Finally they reached his little body, still warm, bleeding but somehow alive, and lifted him to safety. He was the only survivor.

As the weeks passed, Omar lay on a bed in a hospital corridor with his arm wrapped in bandages  even as his childs mind somehow imagined it might grow back. The collapsing heath care system in Gaza could provide only rudimentary care for the burns on his leg and torso.

"Our view was, anywhere is better for him than being in Gaza, said Adib Chouiki, vice president of Rahma Worldwide, a U.S.-based charity, who heard about Omar from the groups humanitarian team in Gaza.

Israel and Egypt have tightly restricted the movement of people out of Gaza, allowing just a few hundred to exit each day, mostly those with foreign citizenship. Some Palestinians have been able to get out by using private brokers. The World Health Organization says 2,293 patients  1,498 wounded and 795 ill  have left Gaza for medical treatment alongside 1,625 companions. Yet roughly 8,000 patients remain on a waiting list to go abroad, according to the U.N. refugee agency.

Chouiki began reaching out to contacts in the Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian governments. He got new passports issued for Omar and Abu Kuwaik, and Israeli security clearance for the aunt to accompany her nephew from Gaza to Egypt.

Abu Kuwaik was taking a leap of faith. Permission to leave Gaza came while Montanti was still working to get U.S. government approval for Omar to fly to New York.

He cried and cried and begged me to take him back to my kids, Abu Kuwaik said. Eventually we got him into the ambulance and drove toward the border.

After waiting nervously while their paperwork was examined, they were loaded into an Egyptian ambulance and whisked across the Sinai desert.

Once safely in an Egyptian military hospital, Omar and his aunt waited for weeks until U.S. Customs and Border Protection gave them the green light to fly to New York on Jan. 17.

Omar's wounds are healing, but he remains deeply traumatized. At Shriners Childrens Hospital in Philadelphia, he had skin graft surgery for the severe burn on his leg. A constellation of gray shrapnel scars remain scattered across his face, looking almost like freckles.

He was eager to be fitted with his new prosthetic arm, and approached it as it lay on a table Wednesday, smiling mischievously as he reached out to touch it. My arm is nice.

The kids, they feel whole, Montanti said. Psychologically it means so much.

Shriners is currently treating two other kids from Gaza, including an American citizen who was trapped there when the war began. There are plans to bring another child from Gaza, a 2-year-old boy whose leg was amputated above the knee. Hell be accompanied by his mother, leaving behind family for the sake of her child.

Omar and his aunt boarded a plane back to Cairo a day after the boy got his arm. They were accompanied by a member of her extended family who has a home in Egypt, where theyll stay while trying to secure more permanent housing.

I almost dont sleep, Abu Kuwaik said. I think about Omar and I think about my kids, and the conditions theyre living in back there in the tents.

Food is scarce. Israel's near-total blockade of Gaza has pushed more than half a million Palestinians toward starvation and raised fears of imminent famine. And the flimsy tent they share with 40 other people offers little protection from rain and wind, she said. When one person gets sick, illness spreads like wildfire.

The war has repeatedly knocked out cellphone and internet service in Gaza, but Abu Kuwaik keeps in touch when there's network. Her family often has to walk to the Kuwaiti Hospital, a hub for journalists, to get a signal.

After coming back to Egypt, Omar and his aunt's futures are unclear; they might be stuck in exile.

For Abu Kuwaik, though, theres no home for Omar to return to.

I cannot imagine ... that I go back back to Gaza, she said. What would his life be? Where is his future?
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Dramatic footage showing the moment police kick down a door to rescue people trapped in a burning building has emerged.

The body cam clip was released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday. Wesley Guilherme Farias, 25, has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in the afternoon.

Officers are seen breaking into the flats in an upmarket neighbourhood in South Kensington, London, on Friday and desperately trying to dampen the flames with fire extinguishers.

They are heard coughing and urging residents to flee as they run into the five-storey building on Emperors Gate while smoke billows out of doorways inside.

Metropolitan Police officers kicking down a front door to rescue people from a burning building in Emperors Gate, South Kensington (Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

Around 130 people were evacuated when the blaze broke out on the ground floor of the converted property just after midnight, before quickly spreading to the top floor and into the roof.

Dramatic pictures showed flames erupting from the top of the terraced building as water jets were fired into the burning roof.

Emergency services at the scene of the fire at the five-storey building on Emperors Gate in South Kensington on Friday (PA Media)

London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were also on the scene tackling the terrifying blaze as it ripped through the homes, with 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters present.

Two people in a second-floor flat and two more from the fourth floor were rescued, while another person was rescued from a first-floor apartment.

The six residents and seven police officers who suffered smoke inhalation during the incident were taken to hospital and have since been discharged.

The six residents and seven police officers who suffered smoke inhalation during the incident were taken to hospital and have since been discharged (PA Wire)

Superintendent Jill Horsfall, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Kensington & Chelsea, said: The bravery and professionalism of the Met officers who responded so rapidly to this terrifying fire shows the very best of policing. They acted without hesitation to rapidly enter a burning building full of smoke and to save lives.

Our subsequent investigation will be equally tenacious and we now have a man in custody.

The fire is being treated as suspicious (PA Wire)

Working with our partners and communities to keep Londoners safe is exactly why police officers come to work every day. We are recruiting people who share our determination to do just this.

Anyone with information that may assist the Mets investigation, is asked to call the force on 101, ref 107/01Mar. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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A man who preyed on gay men to steal from them, taking more than 25,000 from one victim, has been jailed.

Reda Zahri, 22, lied to detectives about his age in an attempt to get a lenient punishment before he was finally locked up for 11 years and six months at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how Zahri struck up conversations with gay men to gain their confidence before he would target them for their belongings.

He often engaged in sexual activity with them, before stealing items, often with the victim being unaware, and then fleeing.

He stole more than 25,000 from an unsuspecting victim using a suitcase.

Detectives managed to track Zahri down after he stole from a man he had met in Camden in London. Before being robbed the victim had managed to get Zahris Instagram handle and showed this to officers.

When Zahri was arrested he initially refused to answer any questions and also claimed to be 17, making him a juvenile in the eyes of the law.

But detectives didnt believe him and managed to find a link to Germany where Zahri had been before coming to the UK, dismissing his claim.

Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette said: All three of Zahris victims were gay men, making [it] clear that he was preying on members of the gay community. I also hope this sends out a strong message that the police will investigate anyone and everyone who has been a victim of crime.

It is entirely plausible that Zahri targeted other people who, for whatever reason, have not had the confidence to come forward and report this. I would urge you to please make contact with police so we can investigate any allegations thoroughly.

Zahri, of Haverstock Road, Kentish Town, London, had pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, one count of false imprisonment and one count of attempting to commit robbery relating to three different men.
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Detectives who arrested Sarah Everards killer, Wayne Couzens, have described the moment the colour drained from his face after they knocked on his front door.

The harrowing new documentary into a crime that shocked the nation reveals how the Metropolitan Police tracked down a killer hiding in their ranks after he falsely arrested Ms Everard, 33, before raping and murdering her.

The marketing executive was snatched by Couzens, who was working with the forces Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit, while she was walking home in Clapham, south London, on 3 March 2021 sparking a desperate search. Her burnt body was eventually found dumped in a woodland.

Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice looks at the murder three years later (BBC Studios)

In the hour-long BBC documentary, Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin recalls the moment she discovered their prime suspect was a serving Metropolitan Police officer.

At the time, a team of officers was racing with blue lights from their London headquarters to his home in Deal, Kent, on 9 March after CCTV from a passing bus captured footage of Couzens hire car parked at the side of the road with Ms Everard.

Whilst Nick and his team were running on blue lights to, to get some control over the address, one of my detective sergeants came running into the office and said, We need to shut the door. You need to hear this, she said.

He then put one of our researchers on speaker phone and she said, Hes a police officer. Hes a serving officer in the Met. He currently works for the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group.

I knew that I had to tell my, my boss, and I can just remember the shock of having to just sit on the floor of the office and say to her, Youre not gonna believe this, that hes a police officer.

Wayne Couzens was a serving police officer when he killed Sarah Everard (Supplied)

At Couzens home in Deal, the arresting officer, Nick Harvey, said his team went silent with shock when he was told the man they were about to arrest was a serving officer.

We knocked on the door. Actually, he opened it. I just put my foot straight into the door. I showed him my warrant card and he just went grey. Just... all the colour just ran out of his face, he recalled.

Inside, the killer fed officers a concocted story about his family being threatened by gangsters if he did not deliver a girl to them, before vowing: If I honestly could tell you anything else, then youd have it right now. Honestly. Honestly.

Her remains were found the following day after officers tracked his mobile phone to Hoads Wood, in Ashford, where his family owned a plot of land.

DCI Goodwin added: I then went to see Sarahs family, and we told them that wed found a body and that we believed it was Sarahs. Which, as you can imagine, is just the most horrific news you can deliver to someones loved ones.

Sarah Everards killing outraged the country (PA)

Prosecutor Tom Little KC said it was the breach of trust after the officer used his warrant card to trick Ms Everard into getting into his car that helped secure a rare whole life order for Couzens  who will never be released from prison.

Although the case prompted a nationwide outcry about womens safety and violence against women and girls, he fears the crisis is not getting any better.

I dont think that the incidences of violence against women and girls are reducing or decreasing in any way. In fact, it would appear to me that its getting worse, he added.

Emma Loach, who commissioned the BBC documentary, said: The murder of Sarah Everard sent shock waves across the country and ignited an urgent conversation about police failings and violence against women and girls.

This is an important and timely film and we, like Sarahs family, hope it will contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the issues raised.

Sarah Everard: The Search for Justice on Tuesday 5 March, 9pm, BBC One and iPlayer.
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Downing Street has criticised BBC presenter Chris Packham for being irresponsible after he said that activists have a right to demonstrate outside the homes of MPs.

The prime ministers official spokesperson said police forces would label such demonstrations intimidatory and move protesters on under a new policing protocol.

The 62-year-old Winterwatch presenter came under fire for supporting climate activist group Just Stop Oils controversial habit of gathering outside politicians homes, as long as they were peaceful and non-violent.

In an interview with Times Radio on Monday, he said: I think that we need a portfolio of protests, basically, because we need a radical flank, and Just Stop Oil are seen by many as that radical flank.

Packhams comments have been branded clearly irresponsible by a spokesperson for the prime minister (PA Wire)

They are the people who, in some peoples minds, go a step too far. And that might be, you know, standing outside an MPs house. But the fact is that they are motivated, as I am, by a manifest fear for the health of our future.

The science tells us we have to act. These people are frightened for my future, for your future, for the future of any children they might have. They need to draw attention to this issue.

But Rishi Sunaks spokesperson said on Monday: Any protests at the home addresses of MPs, councillors and other elected representatives will be considered intimidatory.

We have seen examples  whether its Tobias Ellwoods home being surrounded by protesters, whether its other MPs constituency offices  and there are examples from other MPs about the intimidation their families have suffered. We have seen examples that are clearly unacceptable.

When asked about Packham, the spokesperson responded: It is clearly irresponsible to encourage people to protest at the home address[es] of MPs.

A number of MPs have spoken out about an increase in threats and abuse since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.

Police were called when around 80 activists gathered outside Mr Ellwoods home in Dorset last month, brandishing flags, placards and a megaphone. One sign had the words complicit in genocide written across the face of the MP, who chaired the defence select committee from 2020 until last year.

Pro-Palestine activists protested outside Tory MP Tobias Ellwoods home last month (Sky News)

Just Stop Oil has a history of protesting outside MPs homes, and activists have also targeted the residences of Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

Packham is passionate about the climate crisis and has recently secured permission for a judicial review to be carried out in respect of the governments decision to reverse some of its green policies.

He sent a challenge to Mr Sunak in October after the government watered down policies aimed at cutting the UKs climate-warming emissions to zero overall by 2050.

The rollback, which Mr Sunak announced in September, included delaying the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from 2030 to 2035, reducing the phase-out of gas boilers from 100 per cent to 80 per cent by 2035, and scrapping the requirement for energy efficiency upgrades for homes.

The prime minister said at the time that the UKs approach to net zero was imposing unacceptable costs on hard-pressed British families.

In an announcement on Monday, law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Packham, said Mr Justice Eyre had granted permission for the legal challenge to be heard in court.
 Close Princess Kate reassuring Mothers Day image done completely opposite, says royal biographer

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Kate Middleton looked happy and healthy as she was spotted alongside Prince William doing a spot of shopping near her Adelaide Cottage home, according to reports.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen at one of their favourite farm shops on Saturday, around a mile away from their home set within the grounds of Windsor Home Park, a delighted onlooker told The Sun.

It comes as Kate was forced to skip a St Patricks Day parade as she continues her recovery from abdominal surgery.

Her health condition has not yet been revealed to the public but her friends claimed she may soon speak out about her ailment in a bid to quell the spurious rumours that have circulated in her absence.

Those close to Kate and William said the couple will disclose more information about her recovery in due course, according to The Sunday Times, which reported her return to royal duties should come after April 17.

A source told the newspaper: They are at their most open when out interacting with members of the public and I can see a world in which the princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements. If she was going to do it, thats how she would do it.

The apparent appearance followed a public backlash after the Cambridges decision to share a family photograph edited by Kate on Mothers Day.
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Media watchdog Ofcom has ruled that Laurence Foxs misogynistic comments about female journalist Ava Evans on Dan Woottons GB News show broke broadcasting rules which protect viewers from offensive content.

Nearly 9,000 people complained to Ofcom over the comments made on GB News, with viewers complaining they were sexist, misogynistic and offensive.

In the segment aired on 26 September 2023, the former actor and Reclaim Party founder called Ms Evans a little woman, declaring: Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasnt an incel.

Laurence Foxs comments were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic, Ofcom found (PA Wire)

The media regulator said his remarks constituted a highly personal attack on Ms Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers.

[The comments] reduced her contribution to a broadcast discussion on mental health  in her professional capacity as a political journalist  to a judgement on whether she, or women like her who publicly expressed their political opinions, were sexually desirable to men.

As such, we considered that Mr Foxs comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally and were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic.

Presenter Dan Wootton was also suspended by the channel after the broadcast (PA Media)

Mr Fox and presenter Mr Wootton, who both later apologised, were suspended by the channel after the broadcast. Mr Fox was later sacked.

In a video posted on his social media account in the days following the programme, Mr Fox said he was so sorry for the way he expressed himself.

He said: I could have and should have expressed it better. Its not right, its demeaning to Ava, so Im sorry for demeaning you in that way, however angry I am with you still for doing that, and it demeans me because its not representative of who I am.

Im not saying any of this stuff because I know Im going to get sacked tomorrow. Im saying it to clear my own conscience.

He added: I express my apology to Ava for the language used, but I maintain the sentiment.

The media watchdog also found Mr Woottons reaction and limited challenge in response did not mitigate the potential for offence.

Rather, they exacerbated it by contributing to the narrative in which a womans value was judged by her physical appearance.

Ofcom said the circumstances of the case have resulted in significant concerns about GB Newss editorial control of its live output.

It added: We are requiring GB News to provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area for our consideration, and requesting it attends a meeting at our offices to discuss this.

The media regulator also announced it is launching a further investigation into Nigel Farages programme on the channel on 17 January.

An Ofcom spokesperson said: We are investigating whether this programme broke our rules requiring news and current affairs to be presented with due impartiality, and preventing politicians from acting as news presenters.
S. Korea, U.S. kick off joint military exercise increasing regional tension

Xinhua) 13:13, March 04, 2024

SEOUL, March 4 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the United States on Monday kicked off a joint military exercise amid concerns from neighbor countries.

The annual springtime war game, Freedom Shield (FS), will continue for 11 days through March, South Korea's defense ministry said.

A variety of combined field training exercises will be staged in sea, land and air to bolster the interoperability and enhance the combined operation capabilities.

During the war game, U.S. military strategic assets such as strategic bombers and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers will be likely to be deployed around the Korean Peninsula, according to Yonhap news agency.

Seoul and Washington have insisted that the joint drill is defensive in nature, but the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has denounced it as a dress rehearsal for a northward invasion.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
by Joseph Shieber

Discussions of artificial intelligence are hard to avoid. A recent Pew study, for example, found that 90% of Americans have heard at least something about artificial intelligence  which is astounding, when you consider that only about 70% of Americans likely know who the current Vice President is.

Despite this growing awareness of AI, it is quite possible to argue that, if anything, people are too slow to recognize its potential. That same Pew study noted that only 18% of all US adults have tried ChatGPT. This is disturbing, given how wide-ranging the effects of AI promise to be.

For example, as summarized by a recent explainer by Our World in Data, the capabilities of AI systems have improved remarkably in just the past 10 years  particularly in the areas of reading and language comprehension.

This increase in the capacities of AI systems has been mirrored by increased academic interest in artificial intelligence, with the numbers of scholarly publications related to AI more than doubling in the previous decade.

Since Im going to be arguing that these systems are neither artificial nor intelligent, it will be useful to designate them differently. Ill call them LLMs, or large language models.

Ill focus most on the question of whether LLMs are intelligent, but it actually seems odd to term them artificial as well. Consider other tools that we employ to simplify our lives  washing machines, robot vacuum cleaners, or cars, say. We dont call our washing machines artificial; nor do we say that we drive artificial cars. The reason for this is that such tools arent fake or phony. Rather, theyre genuine aids that make our lives easier.

When you contemplate the remarkable advances of LLMs, its hard to deny that such systems are also genuine aids that promise to make our lives easier in a variety of ways. For example, the top performing large language models continue to improve at a rapid pace, achieving scores that are increasingly closer to the performance of human experts on benchmark tests of general and domain specific knowledge; though such systems still lag behind in problem-solving ability in mathematics and coding, large language models continue to make strides in those areas as well.

So its actually a misnomer to refer to such systems as artificial; far from being fake or phony, they are genuine tools with potentially wide-ranging applications. Given this, however, and considering the remarkable benchmarks these systems have already achieved, it might seem strange to suggest that these systems, though widely referred to as artificial intelligence, are in fact not intelligent. Let me explain why I think that it is in fact a mistake to use the term artificial intelligence to refer to these systems.

First, let me say how I wont be arguing against the intelligence of LLMs. I wont be appealing to the fact that LLMs cannot understand, interact with, or comprehend reality (as a recent article summarized the views of Metas chief AI researcher Yann LeCun). Nor will I be arguing that the lack of intelligence of LLMs stems from the fact that they are not embodied (as the philosopher and cognitive scientist Anthony Chemero has suggested). I also wont highlight the fact that LLMs are incapable of conscious experience to establish that they arent intelligent (as the AI researcher Michael Wooldridge seems to argue, when he laments that LLMs have never experienced anything. They are just programs that have ingested unimaginable amounts of text. LLMs might do a great job at describing the sensation of being drunk, but this is only because they have read a lot of descriptions of being drunk. They have not, and cannot, experience it themselves.)

The closest argument Ive seen to the one that resonates with me was in a recent Substack post by Arnold Kling. In that post, Kling suggests that LLMs cannot be intelligent because intelligence is not a thing at all. It is an ongoing process. It is like science. You should not think of science as a body of absolute truth. Instead, think of the scientific method as a way of pursuing truth.

Borrowing from Jonathan Rauch, Kling calls intelligence  the process by which we seek truth and avoid error  the Constitution of Knowledge. He suggests that LLMs are not the artificial equivalent of the process of improving knowledge because they do not perform the functions of the Constitution of Knowledgetrying new ideas, testing them, keeping what works, and discarding the rest.

Klings point is obscured by his emphasis on the nature of knowledge as a process, and by his focus on four main features of human intelligence: (1) it is collective, (2) it is not settled, (3) it is evolutionary, and (4) it is guided by institutions.

These observations are misleading, because LLMs either share these features, or these features dont seem central to intelligence, or both. Certainly large language models themselves involve processes. Given that the datasets on which large language models are trained encompass the entirety of all of the text on the worldwide web, it would be hard to argue that LLMs are not collective or that they are not guided by institutions. Nor do LLMs treat knowledge as settled; if youve ever interacted with an LLM, then you know that they are willing to concede mistakes and are open to correction.

Now, it is true that LLMs are not evolutionary. Because large language models employ pre-defined algorithms that are then revised through training against the dataset, they are not a good analogue to evolutionary processes. However, though large language models are not evolutionary, they serve analogous functions. Consider the evolutionary case  say, for example, markets. Markets can also be thought of as optimization functions  that optimize price efficiency, lets say, but they do so through evolutionary means. Large language models optimize for predicting text strings, but they do so using gradient descent.

Klings discussion of intelligence as a collective, unsettled, evolutionary process that is guided by institutions fails, then, to pick out what it is that disqualifies large language models from aptly being characterized as involving intelligence. Rather than focusing on any of these qualities of intelligence, we need instead to emphasize the goal of intelligence. Ideally, when we try new ideas, test them, keep what works and discard the rest, as Kling puts it, we are aiming at truth. In contrast, when the LLM tries new predictions, tests them, keeps what works, and discards the rest, it is aiming at completing some string of text in a way that will best fit with the training data.

Heres a stab at explaining the difference. Since large language models predict what text is most likely to follow from a given string of text, it would be a mistake to think that large language models search for true representations of the world. Rather, it would be better to think of them as searching for plausible responses to questions  that is, responses that one would be most likely to receive.

If this is correct, then the reason why large language models are not intelligent is that they aim at the wrong goal. Rather than seeking accurately to answer a given question, they seek accurately to predict how humans would answer that question.

Ill leave it to Claude.ai to sum up this point:
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The Metropolitan Police have promised to return a lost sim card and mobile phone to the family of a schoolgirl who killed herself after she was bullied.

Mia Janin, a 14-year-old Year 10 pupil at Jewish Free School (JFS) in Kenton, north-west London, was found dead at her family home in Barnet on 12 March 2021.

An inquest heard that Mia had been bullied by other JFS students, with her father Mariano claiming that the school had organised an assembly and asked kids to delete the messages.

After the investigation into her death, her family requested the return of her sim and a second handset, but were informed that officers were unable to locate them within the property store.

At the time, the Met Police apologised to the family for the additional stress caused, while Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the loss totally unacceptable.

She killed herself after suffering online bullying at her school in north London (PA)

The force have now said the items have since been recovered and officers had spoken with family representatives this week about sending them back.

Her father is now campaigning for social media companies to take further responsibility, and for an increased awareness of the dangers of the internet amongst younger people.

Barnet Coroners Court heard that one of Mias TikTok posts had been shared to a Snapchat group run by pupils, some of whom made fun of her.

Mr Janin told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme that the Governments calls to ban children from having phones in schools is not the way, adding that we need to learn to live with this technology.

He said: I didnt know about this online world. They say that she was bullied, we found a screenshot saying that she was prepared to be badly bullied, naming the kids that were bullying her.

The BBC reported thatJ FS has said all the relevant information they had was handed to the police and the coroners report was not a reflection of how things are at the school today.

Mariano Janin, father of Mia Janin, has praised the Online Safety Bill (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

He added: My common sense says that if you have a police investigation and you have this potential group, you should notify to the police  maybe this group of kids, they have information on their phone, but thats what they did.

Discussing the Governments plan to prohibit children from using phones in schools, Mr Janin said: (They) will have a phone anyway, its like this, they will hide the phone, and its not the way  they need to learn to use their phones in a responsible way.

Social media platforms need to have some kind of responsibility as well, he said.

Mr Janin praised the Online Safety Bill passed in October last year, which aims to protect people from harmful content online.

He told Kuenssberg: I think it is an amazing thing that we will have something, of course, because technology, it is changing. If you have a young kid you need to understand where are they because thats the thing I discovered after  theres some places on the internet that the kids can get access in a way that we would never try to do, dark places.

Mia was last seen alive at about 10pm on March 11 2021, when she said goodnight to her parents at their family home, the inquest into her death heard.

Other pupils had made fun of her on Snapchat and TikTok prior to her death (PA)

They found her the next day, and two undated letters in Mias handwriting were found on her bed addressed to her loving family and friends.

Kuenssberg said: (Mias) school, the Jewish Free School in London, said all the information they had was handed to the police and said the coroners report wasnt a reflection of how things are at the school today.

Detective Superintendent Adam Rowland, from the Mets north-west policing team, said: The impact of Mias death is acutely felt by all who knew her, particularly her family and close friends.

Their loss is unimaginable and our thoughts remain with them.

After Mia died in March 2021, we looked carefully at the circumstances leading to her death in order to provide a full and thorough account to the coroner.

This included speaking to her family, friends and pupils and staff at her school, as well as in-depth analysis of her phone and use of social media.

All of the evidence gathered during this investigation was passed to the coroner to consider as part of the inquest.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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Rishi Sunak has been urged to ensure Afghan heroes who helped British forces against the Taliban are not deported to Rwanda, as the House of Lords tries to force a change in his flagship stop the boats bill.

Two former chiefs of the defence staff, a former defence secretary and a former British ambassador to the US, are among members who want to add an exemption to the Rwanda bill to stop those who have worked alongside the UK forces and arrive in Britain via unsafe and illegal routes from being sent to the African country.

On Monday, the government suffered a series of defeats to the bill at the hands of peers. The Lords backed a demand that parliament cannot declare Rwanda to be safe until the treaty, with its promised safeguards, is fully implemented.

Tory peer Lord Tugendhat accused the government of behaving like the ruling party in George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 as the debate in the Lords got under way. Labour former home secretary Lord Blunkett branded the bill a nonsensical piece of legislation. The exemption for Afghan military will be debated and voted on on Wednesday.

The call to help those who supported UK forces comes after a series of reports by The Independent which have highlighted the plight of Afghan heroes facing deportation to Rwanda after feeling forced to take dangerous routes to the UK.

One air force pilot who risked his life on combat missions in support of coalition forces was threatened with Rwanda after arriving in Britain on a small boat because he could not wait for help from the governments Afghan resettlement schemes. That threat has now been removed and he has been granted asylum in Britain after the government was forced into a U-turn by this publication.

Leading lawyer Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation who sits in the Lords, said it was just, fair and required to stop such people being deported, adding that there will be a lot of support within the upper chamber to back the amendment. General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, also said he backed the move.

Rishi Sunak has pledged to get flights to Rwanda going by spring (AFP/PA)

The amendment is being brought forward by former Labour defence secretary Lord Browne of Ladyton, who highlighted his concerns with the proposed law by citing four examples of cases uncovered by The Independent.

They include former members of the Afghan special forces units, known as The Triples, who fought alongside and were paid and trained by the UK special forces. One former senior British diplomat said it beggared belief that these soldiers, who were forced to flee the Taliban, could face being deported to the east African country after all they had been through.

Under the terms of the Illegal Migration Act, the government is required to remove illegal migrants who entered the country after 20 July 2023, when the act received royal assent. The act also bans ministers from granting asylum to anyone who entered the UK illegally on or after 7 March 2023, when it had its first reading.

The new clause, which is also being proposed by crossbench peers Lord Houghton of Richmond, Lord Stirrup, and Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, would mean that people of any nationality who supported the armed forces overseas in an exposed or meaningful manner or who were employed by or indirectly contracted to provide services to the UK government in an exposed or meaningful manner would be ineligible for Rwanda deportation. It would also exempt their family members from deportation.

One Afghan special forces sniper who fought alongside Brits has been left languishing in a UK hotel for 17 months without asylum (Supplied)

Lord Carlile told The Independent he would support the amendment, adding that those affected would be at risk of being deported back to Afghanistan from Rwanda  further putting their lives in danger.

If it is put to the vote, there will be a lot of support for not sending people who worked with Britain in Afghanistan to Rwanda  provided peers are satisfied it is drawn in a way which would not allow for people to use the system illegitimately, he said.

Obviously, we want to help genuine Afghans who would be in real trouble if, via Rwanda, they were returned to Afghanistan, he added.

We have to understand that the House of Lords cannot simply wreck government legislation, we are not trying to do that.

The Independent has highlighted the plight of Afghan heroes facing deportation to Rwanda after feeling forced to take dangerous routes to the UK ( The Independent)

Our exclusive story on 13 August 2023 ( The Independent)

One air force pilot risked his life on combat missions in support of coalition forces was threatened with Rwanda after arriving in Britain on a small boat (The Independent)

But if there is something that is just and fair and required, then we will say to the government, this is not acceptable.

Gen The Lord Dannatt, former chief of the general staff, also said he supported the amendment, though he wasnt present in the Lords on Monday.

Tim Willasey-Wilsey, a former diplomat who worked closely with Triples unit 333 and is now a visiting professor at Kings College London, welcomed Lord Brownes amendment and said that the idea that men and women who had been forced to flee to escape murder in Afghanistan because of their service in the Triples could be sent to Rwanda beggared belief.

He added: It is imperative that the House of Commons should accept Lord Brownes amendment.

Our front page from 22 May 2023 (The Independent)

Leading lawyer Lord Carlile said it was just, fair and required to stop such people being deported ( The Independent)

Julian Lewis, the Conservative MP and former chair of the Commons defence select committee, said: Im very sympathetic to rescuing Afghans at risk for having helped the UK Nato/Isaf forces to fight the Taliban.

Provided that their specific service background can be verified by our MoD and/or individual veterans, it ought to be possible for them to apply to come here from the first safe country they reach, and it should not be necessary for them to make a risky and illegal Channel crossing.

He said he would look closely at the proposal before backing it.

Examples of those who have been threatened with deportation are an Afghan colonel who worked alongside British troops in joint operations in Helmand province and who arrived in the UK by small boat in September 2022.

The Independent also revealed how an Afghan intelligence analyst who worked in the Office of the National Security Council, a department initially funded by the UK for intelligence sharing, fled to the UK via irregular means because he felt he could not afford to wait for help through official routes.

Another case, highlighted by The Independent and investigative newsroom Lighthouse Reports, detailed how an Afghan special forces sniper who served in the Triples units had come to the UK on a small boat. This soldier has been languishing in a hotel room for 17 months without his asylum case being processed.

An Afghan colonel, pictured here shaking hands with four-star US general Austin Scott Miller, was threatened with deportation to Rwanda after he came to the UK via small boat (Supplied)

The Ministry of Defence is currently conducting a review into the cases of Afghan special forces soldiers who were rejected for relocation to the UK, with defence minister James Heappey admitting some of the decisions were inconsistent and not robust.

Other amendments being looked at include ones which challenge the governments assessment that Rwanda is a safe country. One amendment argues that parliament cant judge Rwanda to be safe until extra measures, required by the UK Supreme Court, such as a monitory committee over asylum decisions, have been fully implemented.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the governments plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful. Despite this, Rishi Sunak has brought in new legislation to declare the African country is safe and urged the House of Lords to not frustrate the will of the people by blocking his plans.

He has called on peers to pass the bill as quickly as possible, intending to get flights airborne by spring.
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The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old boy killed by a bin lorry as he cycled in Edinburgh have paid tribute to their perfect son.

Schoolboy Thomas Wong was riding his bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a bin lorry on Whitehouse Road near to its junction with Braehead Road on Friday.

The Edinburgh local died at the scene, where floral tributes have been left with messages honouring his memory.

Thomass family said: We are utterly heartbroken. Thomas was the perfect son. He was the best little brother to his older sister and was adored by all his family.

Thomas went to Cramond Primary School which he loved. He made good friends there. We will all miss him terribly.

We are very grateful for all the sympathy and heartfelt messages we have received from people. Thank you.

The bin lorry driver was not injured in the incident and there have been no arrests.

Helen Donaldson, head teacher at Cramond Primary School, paid tribute to her always smiling pupil.

She said: We are utterly devastated by the tragic news of the sudden death of one our pupils. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

He was always smiling. He was a positive, friendly and curious member of our school community. He was kind and always eager to support others, and will be greatly missed by all of us.

Police Scotland is investigating the circumstances and said a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Inspector Andrew Thomson said: Our thoughts are very much with Thomass family and friends. Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.

We are continuing with our enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and would appeal to anyone who may have information, and has not yet contacted police, is to get in touch with officers.

I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dash-cam or private CCTV footage from the area.

Thomas is the second child killed by a bin lorry in a month. A girl, also 11, died in hospital on February 7, a week after being hit by a rubbish vehicle in the Borders.

Anyone who can assist is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0578 of Friday, 1 March, 2024
 Close Jeremy Hunt forced to defend Budget impact on low-income earners

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Both the Conservatives and Labour are engaged in a conspiracy of silence about what will happen to the public finances after the election, the head of a leading economic think tank has said.

Responding to the spring Budget, Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said both parties were not being straight about the scale of the trade-offs they will face after voters go to the polls.

They, and we, could be in for a rude awakening when those choices become unavoidable, he told a press conference on Thursday.

Mr Johnson also warned that the UK was facing its most difficult period financially since the Second World War.

The combination of high debt interest payments and low forecast nominal growth means that the next parliament could well prove to be the most difficult of any in 80 years for a chancellor wanting to bring debt down, he said.
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Jeremy Hunt could raise revenue on air passenger duty in order to fund tax cuts in this weeks Budget.

The chancellor is considering a number of options that would allow him to commit to billions of pounds of personal tax cuts after recent forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) gave the chancellor less fiscal headroom than previously thought.

On the list of options is an increase in air passenger duty of business travel, which would amount to a rise in business class air fares.

He is also said to be considering a tax on vapes, an extension of the windfall levy on oil and gas producers, abolishing the non-dom tax loophole and abandoning perks for second homeowners who make money from holiday lets.

Follow our live Budget coverage here

Mr Hunt is paving the way for a mass tax giveaway in Wednesdays pre-election Budget, with speculation around cuts to income tax or national insurance.

The chancellor will unveil his spring budget on Wednesday (Getty)

The Treasury is said to be considering cutting 1p or 2p from national insurance or income tax. Mr Hunt told Sky News that his last cut of national insurance in the autumn statement in November was a turning point and he hopes to make some progress on that journey.

The chancellor is also planning to use the Budget to insist he can make public services more efficient, having announced plans to make the civil service more productive through the use of AI and better data.

Mr Hunt is widely understood to be pursuing tax cuts in the hope of drumming up support for the government, despite recent polling showing that the public do not want to see tax cuts at the expense of public spending.

In a survey by the Fairness Foundation, 64 per cent of voters support keeping taxes as they are or increasing them, while just 16 per cent say they want tax cuts if it means cutting public services.

Jeremy Hunt hinted that he would be looking to cut taxes but insisted it would be in a responsible way (PA)

On Sunday, Mr Hunt said he had a "moral duty" to put more money back in workers pockets, but insisted any tax giveaways would be responsible.

Mr Hunt told Sky News: Its going to be a prudent and responsible budget for long-term growth.

Conservative MP Sir John Redwood told TheSunday Telegraph that tax cuts should not be paid for with tax rises and that he would strongly recommend that they forget all these new taxes and extra taxes and get on with the real job which is lower taxes.

Mr Hunts spokesperson declined to comment.
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Thousands of families will be plunged into poverty if the chancellor cuts national insurance in the spring Budget, think tanks have warned.

On Wednesday Jeremy Hunt will unveil his final Budget before the next general election, where it is widely anticipated that he will cut taxes in a last-ditch attempt to win back voters.

Mr Hunt has hinted that a further national insurance tax cut could be on the cards, as he told Sky News that his last cut of the contribution in the autumn statement in November was a turning point and he hopes to make some progress on that journey on Wednesday.

Jeremy Hunt said the government is hoping to make progress on cutting national insurance (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire)

But now two think tanks have warned the chancellor against further reductions. They say poorer households will benefit little from the tax cut while suffering a sharp drop in the services on which they rely.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said that a further 2p cut in the pound would cost the government 10.4bn, and almost half of that would end up in the pockets of the richest 20 per cent of households, while a meagre 3 per cent of the funding would benefit the poorest 20 per cent of families.

The progressive think tanks analysis also shows a disproportionate regional inequality, meaning that households in London would receive 608 on average, whereas households in the northeast would see average gains as low as 342.

The New Economics Foundation (NEF) has cautioned that even a 1p tax cut  which the treasury is said to be actively considering  would cost the government 4.8bn, with almost half going to the richest households  while the poorest receive just 160m.

This means that the wealthiest will receive 12 times more than the poorest, with those on the highest incomes receiving an additional 424 per year compared to 34 per year for those on the lowest.

Further analysis by the NEF shows that this cut would push 55,000 more people into relative poverty. If that amount were invested into universal credit it could instead lift 384,000 people out of poverty with an additional 720 per year.

Sam Tims, senior economist at NEF, said that the chancellor is pushing for tax cuts that the country does not want and that will benefit those who already have the most.

Not only will this reduce government income in the immediate future, but it will also worsen inequality making us all poorer and harming the countrys prospects.

He added: The responsible way of running our economy is to borrow to make smart investments that boost our economy and improve peoples lives. We should raise money by increasing taxes on the very wealthiest. Investing in our schools, hospitals, housing, and income safety net creates economic benefits and helps everybody live happier, healthier lives.

The chancellor has maintained that he hopes to use the budget to show a path in the direction of tax cuts, but stressed any reductions in taxation would have to be prudent.

But the governments tax-cutting plans have received caution from economists who have warned about the impact they may have on public services.

Think tanks have warned that further tax cuts are not in the public interest (PA Wire)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that tax cuts would be very challenging to achieve considering Britains ageing population and mounting debt pile, while the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the chancellor should not announce the tax cuts unless he can provide more detail on its spending plans.

Recent forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have given the chancellor less fiscal headroom than previously thought, leading him to consider unexpected tax rises such as abolishing the non-dom tax status.

Dr George Dibb, associate director for economic policy and head of the Centre for Economic Justice at IPPR, said that tax cuts are not in the public interest, nor the interest of the economy.

Speaking to The Independent, Dr Dibb said the public dont want tax cuts because they know they have been made at the expense of day-to-day spend public services as well as future capital investment.

The prioritisation of taxation above all else is a sign that the government understands that people feel the country is not working.

But the first manifestation of that is not taxes, its the fact they cant get a GP appointment or an NHS dentist, or that you call an ambulance it might take 12 hours to arrive. Those are things are far more pressing for the average voter than their tax bill.

He added: I think that we should recognise that public services are a core part of the economy and how people feel about the economy, and that the priority for the country should be investing in those.

Despite warnings about squeezed public services, Mr Hunt has maintained that the government will control public spending so it can prioritise tax cuts.

The chancellor told the BBC that he didnt believe in forever expanding the welfare state because I dont think thats compatible with bringing the tax burden down in a society that makes work pay.

Public services, such as the NHS, need more investment say campaigners (PA Wire)

Last month left-wing think tank the Resolution Foundation warned that the chancellors current spending projections mean that increasing day-to-day spending on public services by 1 per cent was a fiscal fiction.

It explained that given health, education and defence budgets are all protected, unprotected departments, such as the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and local government will see per capita cuts of 17 per cent by 2028-29.

Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Hunt said: Its wrong to say the only way to improve public services is by putting more money in.

Darren Jones MP, Labours shadow chief secretary to the treasury, said that no matter what the chancellor does in the budget this week, working people will be worse off thanks to 14 years of Tory failure.

The Liberal Democrats have called on Mr Hunt to pledge more funding for the NHS and put health at the heart of the budget.

Liberal Democrat treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: This chronic neglect of our health services by successive Conservative ministers is creating a sick economy and preventing our great country from reaching its full potential.

She added: Jeremy Hunt needs to put health at the heart of the Budget and cancel his disastrously short-sighted cuts to NHS spending. We cannot get the economy firing on all cylinders again without fixing the health crisis, tackling the NHS backlog and helping people back to work.

A Treasury spokesperson said: This years cut to national insurance saves the average earner 450 per year and since 2010 we have taken 3 million people out of paying tax altogether. We will not speculate on whether further tax cuts will be affordable in the upcoming Budget.
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Tory MP Paul Scully has announced he is stepping down at the next general election after comments he made about no go areas in London and Birmingham were met with uproar.

Mr Scully evoked ire after he said that parts of Tower Hamlets and Birmingham Sparkhill were no go areas due to people abusing their own religion.

The former minister has now announced his resignation. Posting on social media site X, Mr Scully said:

I have told my local association that I wont be contesting the next General Election. Over the last nine years its been a privilege to represent in Parliament, the area which I called home for 35 years

He added: Fuelled by division, the party has lost its way and needs to get a clear focus which I hope the budget can start to provide. It needs a vision beyond crisis management which can appeal to a wider section of the electorate including younger people...

Mr Scully came under fire for comments made during a BBC London interview last week where he suggested that parts of Tower Hamlets and Birmingham Sparkhill are no-go areas mainly because of doctrine and mainly because people are sort of abusing in many ways their religion.

His comments received criticism from both Labour and the Tories, as Conservative mayor Andy Street said it really is time for those in Westminster to stop the nonsense slurs and experience the real world. I for one am proud to lead the most diverse place in Britain."

Labour MP Jess Phillips added: As one of the MPs for Sparkhill I am expecting an apology for this utter drivel.

Mr Scully made his comments following the suspension of former deputy-chairman Lee Anderson from the Conservative party after he refused to apologise for claiming Islamists had achieved control over London.

Mr Scully said Mr Anderson was trying to reflect concerns about their neighbourhoods changing in a really clumsy way.

Both Sparkhill and Tower Hamlets have large Muslim populations.

Ali Milani, chairman of the Labour Muslim Network, told BBC London that Scully was perpetuating an Islamophobic myth that has been continuously perpetuated.
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Support for the Conservative Party has plunged to the lowest level since 1978 with just a fifth of British voters now backing Rishi Sunaks party, according to a new poll.

The bombshell survey, showing the Conservatives as 27 points behind Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party, would spell electoral oblivion for Mr Sunaks party if replicated at a general election.

The Ipsos poll, published on Monday, shows Mr Sunak could hold on to as few as 25 seats  351 fewer than Boris Johnson won in 2019  in what would be a historic defeat.

It also predicts Sir Keir could secure as many as 537 seats  340 more than Jeremy Corbyn managed at the last election and equating to a landslide which would eclipse Sir Tony Blairs 1997 win.

Electoral Calculus election predictor using Ipsos data based new constituency boundaries (Electoral Calculus)

The survey showed support for the Tories at just 20 per cent, the lowest since 1978 when Ipsos started tracking the poll. Ipsos is a multinational market research firm and the poll is the latest in its monthly independent Political Monitor.

It comes just weeks after a Tory bust-up over a series of secretive polls trying to discredit Mr Sunak, including one poll that warned of a Tory wipeout unless he was removed as leader.

In the latest survey, Labours support has dropped to 47 per cent from the 49 per cent it had in January.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats were backed by 9 per cent of the electorate, while support for both the Green Party and Reform UK was at 8 per cent  double what it was in January.

Ipsoss previous lowest score for the Conservatives was 22 per cent, recorded by John Major in December 1994 and May 1995, only a few years before Sir Tonys election win.

The slump in Conservative support follows a series of bad headlines for Mr Sunak at the start of 2024, with confirmation that the UK had entered a recession at the end of last year, two large by-election defeats in Wellingborough and Kingswood and an Islamophobia row over comments by now-suspended Tory MP Lee Anderson.

There is also public frustration at near-record NHS waiting lists and record high net migration, with Mr Sunak failing on four of his five key pledges to voters including to stop the boats and grow the economy.

A poll by Ipsos put the Conservatives on just 20 per cent, the partys worst score on record and 27 points behind Labour (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Ipsos head of political research Gideon Skinner said: The historical comparisons continue to look ominous for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives. The Ipsos Political Monitor series started in the late 70s and has never recorded a Conservative vote share this low.

He added that individual support for the PM is also heading downwards, with Mr Sunaks approval rating hitting -54, a record low.

Combined with Labour taking leads on issues of economic credibility to go with their traditional strengths in public services, this means the Conservatives face big challenges across a number of fronts if they are to turn the situation around, Mr Skinner said.

In a further worrying sign for the Conservatives, Labour is now seen as having a lead on which party would best manage the economy, compared with October when the parties were neck and neck.

The public also believe Labours Rachel Reeves would make the best chancellor, with just a fifth satisfied with the job Jeremy Hunt is doing.

It will pile further pressure on the government to come up with an offering in Wednesdays Budget, with right-wing Tories clamouring for tax cuts while others want Mr Hunt to ensure better funding for public services.

The poll was based on a survey of 1,000 British adults between February 21 and 28.
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The tight-knit rural community of Sparta Township in northwestern Pennsylvania is a mixture of Amish and non-Amish people who live alongside each other.

Yet one tragic event in late February has rattled the entire community, leaving residents shocked that such a horrific incident could occur in their town.

Amish woman Rebekah Byler, who was six months pregnant was found unresponsive inside her home, discovered by her husband and another person last week with fatal wounds to her head and neck.

Less than a week after the apparent murder, police took suspect Shawn Cranston into custody, but his motivations over why he allegedly committed such a heinous act remain unclear.

Even the suspects family members cannot picture him being a cold-hearted monster who would do such a thing.

Heres everything we know about the murder of the pregnant Amish woman in Pennsylvania.

The Murder

Shawn Cranston has been accused of breaking into a home on Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township and killing Rebekah Byler by shooting her in the head and/or slashing her throat, the criminal complaint said.

The victims husband, Andy Byler, found her body inside the home on 26 February.

Two young Byler children at the home did not appear to be harmed, Trooper Cynthia Schick told The Associated Press.

The news of the murder has left the community in shock (WJET)

Bylers death is being investigated as a criminal homicide by Pennsylvania State Police.

Police said they are aggressively investigating all available leads and are asking the public to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity in the area of Fish Flats Road.

The murder shocked the whole local area within Sparta Township, a neighbourhood that resident Charleen Hajec described as a tight-knit community.

"Everyone is stunned -- this doesnt happen here," Ms Hajec, a pharmacist who was born and raised in Spartansburg, told ABC News. "Everyone is talking. Its scary and frustrating."

"The outside world doesnt get in, she added. To have something this tragic ... it doesnt happen here."

The Victim

Byler, 23, was found with what appeared to be cut wounds to her neck and head.

Police were called to the Byler family residence in the 21000 block of Fish Flats Road on 26 February at around 12.26pm after Blyers husband and another person returned home and found the victim unresponsive.

Byler was six months pregnant when she was found dead.

Trooper Schick said to AP that an autopsy was conducted on Tuesday and has provided evidence, including when she was killed.

The 23-year-old was six months pregnant at the time she was killed (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved)

The Amish community are reported by the outlet to have turned out for calling hours Thursday evening outside a home in the area.

Other residents echoed Ms Hajecs words, adding that the Amish have been in the area for a long time and Amish and non-Amish people get along well together.

"They are a big part of our community. They support us a lot," said Lindsey Smith, president of the womens auxiliary of the Spartansburg Volunteer Fire Department, according to AP.

The Suspect

Cranston, 52, of Corry, Pennsylvania, was arrested on 1 March after an exhaustive five-day-long investigation, police said.

The suspect was taken into custody outside a Dollar General store on Main Street, next to his home.

According to court documents, Mr Cranston has been charged with criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass.

A woman who identified herself as his foster daughter believes that his arrest for the murder is a case of mistaken identity.

Shawn Cranston, 52, will have a preliminary hearing on 15 March (Crawford County Correctional Facility)

Like I could never picture my dad being that cold-hearted monster. Never in a million years, the unidentified woman said to Fox 66, adding that Mr Cranston is the only father shes ever known.

As far as I know, he just wanted his grandson back, she continued, explaining that as she explained that an Amish couple who lived in Bylers home a few years ago had adopted Mr Cranstons grandson.

Supposedly she started yelling at him, coming in, then thats when boom, all it took. Its just horrifying to think that, she said.

Mr Cranston is currently being held without bail in Crawford County Jail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for 15 March.
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Four people have been killed after a group of masked gunmen opened fire outside a house party in King City, California, according to authorities.

The King City Police Department said in a statement on Monday that it received a report of shots fired at the 200 block of North 2nd Street at around 6pm on Sunday.

When officers arrived, they found three males with gunshot wounds in the front yard of the residence. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Four other people had also suffered gunshot wounds. One of them, a female adult, was transported by another person to the Mee Memorial Hospital, where she was also pronounced dead.

The other three injured victims, all males, were taken to Natividad Hospital in Salinas for medical treatment.

Police said that there was a party happening at the residence at the time of the shooting, with several people in the front yard.

The suspects have yet to be identified (KSBW Action News 8)

A Silver Kia had pulled up in front of the house, and three men got out of the vehicle and shot multiple rounds at the partygoers in the front yard, police said.

The suspects, who were wearing dark-coloured masks and dark-coloured clothing, returned to the vehicle and then fled the scene.

The suspects have not been identified, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Police have warned that the gunmen should be considered armed and dangerous. If a member of the public sees them or the vehicle, they should not attempt to contact them; instead, they should call 911.

Chris Lopez, the District 3 Supervisor of Monterey County said in a Facebook post: As we await details on tonights events in King City please send prayers and healing energy to our community.

May the victims find strength and healing, may our first responders remain safe, and may we all help restore peace to our neighbourhoods and communities, he added.
by Derek Neal

A few days ago I watched The Yakuza (1974), Paul Schraders screenwriting debut, and the following day I saw Andrei Tarkovskys Nostalghia (1983) at the cinema. These two films would never feature on a double bill together, and yet, due to having watched them within 24 hours of each other, they seem related in my mind, and I cant help but interpret Nostalghia in light of The Yakuza.

The Yakuza is a sort of Japanese film noir: an ageing American war veteran returns to Tokyo 20 years after leaving to do one last job, but events predictably spiral out of control until they threaten to consume him and everyone he cares about. Ultimately the film is about relationships and what one owes to others, and how this understanding is complicated by differing cultures and a modernizing world. In one scene, a young American named Dusty, the bodyguard of the protagonist, asks their Japanese partner to explain the concept of giri:

This giri begins Dusty.

Giri. Yes? responds Tanaka Ken.

It means obligation, right?

Burden.

Burden? asks Dusty.

Its called the burden hardest to bear, explains Ken.

Yeah, wellsuppose you dont bear it?

Tanaka Ken looks down, then takes a seat as he realizes Dusty does not understand the concept.

Dusty continues: I mean, no ones gonna come down on you.

No, confirms Ken.

Well, you guys believe in some kinda heaven or hell?

No, repeats Ken.

Dusty shakes his head. Then what is it that you believe in that makes you do it? he asks incredulously.

Giri, responds Ken, nodding his head.

Dusty looks back at Ken, perplexed by this tautological explanation. How can giri make one do giri, he seems to be thinking.

Dont worry about that, Dusty, says Ken, the implication being that a foreigner cant understand giri.

Nostalghia is a film that is cheapened by summarizing it, but it is broadly about a Russian poets trip to Italy to research a Russian composer who had visited the same area. The protagonist, named Andrei, drifts around the town, ignores the female translator he is working with, and becomes fascinated with a local man named Domenico who is said to have locked his family away for seven years in an attempt to save them from his imagined end of the world. Eventually the police raided his home, freed his family, and now the man lives alone and attempts to traverse a thermal bath with a lit candle each day. However, he is unable to complete his task; the villagers repeatedly pull him out of the water thinking that he means to drown himself. As I said, its not worth summarizing the plot of Nostalghia, not because of any fault with the movie, but because the movie is so much more than the sum of its parts.

At the beginning of the movie, Andrei and the translator, Eugenia, visit a church that is famous for its painting of a pregnant Madonna, the Madonna del Parto. It seems that the church is visited by women wishing to become pregnant, but Andrei and Eugenia simply go to see the painting. The sacristan of the church engages Eugenia in conversation:

Do you want a child, too? Or forgiveness for not having them? asks the sacristan.

Im just here to look, says Eugenia, turning away and not wishing to be bothered.

The sacristan then turns to face the camera, speaking directly to the audience: Unfortunately, when someone is distracted, and a stranger to prayer, nothing happens.

Now Eugenia is interested. Whats supposed to happen? she asks.

Whatever you want. Whatever you needBut at the very least you must kneel, the sacristan tells her.

No, I cant do it, she says.

Look at how they do it, says the sacristan, meaning the other women in the church.

Them, theyre used to it.

They have faith.

Yes, maybe thats it.

As I watched this scene, I thought of Tanaka Kens explanation of giri. One bears one burden, performs ones obligation, because that is what one does. By believing in this concept, it is made real. In the same way, to witness a miracle in the church, one must first believe that it is possible, then perform the required act that will bring it about. Eugenia must kneel, putting something else before her own self; in other words, she must take a leap of faith. She cant do it.

After a short pause, Eugenia decides to ask the sacristan a question, much like Dusty asking Tanaka Ken to explain giri.

Listen, Id like to ask you something, she says.

Yes? replies the sacristan.

In your opinion, why is it only women who pray so much?

And youre asking me? he wonders.

Well, you must see a lot of women in here Eugenia explains.

Im just the sacristan, I dont know about these things

Ok, but maybe youve asked yourself sometimes why women are more devout than men.

Ah, you should know better than me, the sacristan deflects.

Because Im a woman? Actually, Ive never understood these things.

The sacristan gives in, although he seems to know that Eugenia will not like his answer. Im just a simple man, he begins, but in my opinion, a womans purpose is to have children. To bring them up with patience and self-sacrifice.

And they have no other use, in your opinion?

I dont know.

I understand. Thank you. Youve been a great help, she says hastily.

Flustered, the sacristan replies: It was you who asked me what I thought. I really dont know. You want to be happy, but there are more important things

Eugenia walks away. The sacristan calls out to her to wait, but she does not.

In the cinema where I saw Nostalghia, an informal discussion was held upon the conclusion of the film. This scene came up, and one person dismissed the sacristan as a simpleton. Then the discussion moved on to other topics. This person is correct, in a sense. The sacristan himself says that he is a simple man. But to me, this scene contains one of the most important ideas in the movie: we become what we are by believing in something outside of ourselves, and we find meaning in life through our relationships with other people. No one would accept the sacristans limited description of a woman todayand rightly sobut in the grander scheme of things, in the dichotomy between living for others and living for oneself, we sense that there is something the sacristan understands that Eugenia does not. You want to be happy, he says, but there are more important things

Ive begun my discussion of both films by focusing on a minor character who seeks to understand something they feel intuitively but cannot articulate in words. In both cases, these conversations, between one who knows and one who does not know, present the main drama of the film that will be acted out by the main character, Andrei in Nostalghia and Kilmer in The Yakuza.

Kilmer is referred to as a strange stranger because, while he is an American, he seems to have internalized a more Japanese code of ethics. At the same time, Japan is becoming more and more Americanized. In one scene, Kilmer looks out upon a skyscraper from a traditional Japanese minka; in another, Tanaka Ken is described as a relic because he still believes in giri, while others do not.

When Kilmer arrives in Japan, he calls on his old acquaintance Tanaka Ken to help him free the kidnapped daughter of his American friend, who has gotten mixed up in business dealings with a yakuza clan. Kilmer knows Ken will help him because he is duty bound to do so; he owes Kilmer a favor after Kilmer saved his sister in the war. But when things go sideways, Kilmer finds himself in the position of owing Ken a favor. Unless he intervenes, Ken will almost certainly be killed by the yakuza. When he is presented with this dilemma, he is told, Whatever obligation you now have to Ken, Mr. Kilmer, if you dont feel it, you dont have it. So does he have an obligation, or doesnt he? Thats for him to decide. No ones gonna come down on him if he walks away.

In Nostalghia, Andrei begins to develop a relationship with Domenico, the man who locked his family away. It seems that Andrei, too, may have abandoned his family; in any case, he feels that Domenico is a kindred spirit. Some may even wonder, as I did when watching the movie, if Domenico really exists, or if he is a figment of Andreis imagination, an external projection that is Andreis way of dealing with his past. This, however, is the wrong question to ask in a Tarkovsky film. Whatever the explanation is, Domenic asks Andrei to complete the task of carrying the lit candle across the thermal bath. Andrei agrees.

At the end of the movie, Andrei is preparing to return to Moscow when he receives a call from Eugenia. She is in Rome and tells him that she has seen Domenico, who is there for a protest.

Domenico has asked about you many times, she says. He asked me if youve done everything youre supposed to do.

Of course Ive done it, replies Andrei.

Then Ill go and tell him right away. Hes been waiting for this news.

Thanks.

Andrei, however, is lying. He has not done what he must do. But must he carry the candle across the bath? No ones gonna come down on him if he doesnt. Domenico, it is clear, will never know one way or the other. Nevertheless, Andrei cancels his plane ticket home; he tells his driver to bring him to the thermal bath. Kilmer, too, decides to stay a little longer in Japan.

Both films end with their respective protagonists fulfilling what they see as their obligation. Kilmer helps Ken take down the enemy yakuza clan; Andrei carries the candle across the bath. This does not bring them happiness. In fact, they willingly suffer in order to complete what they see as their duty, their giri. If they do not, they know they will die a spiritual death. In Sculpting in Time, Tarkovskys book explaining his understanding of cinema, he writes:

Modern man in his struggle for freedom demands personal liberation in the sense of license for the individual to do anything he wants. But that is an illusion of freedom, and man will only be heading for disenchantment if he purses it.

When reading this, how can we not think of the sacristan: You want to be happy, but there are more important things Eugenia, when she calls Andrei at the end of the movie, updates him on her life as well as telling him about Domenico. She says shes found a man, that hes part of a prominent family, and that theyre leaving for India soon. She seems to have found what shes looking for, but the images on the screen reveal her true state: she does not seem happy, but rather disenchanted. Tarkovsky continues explaining his understanding of cinema, or rather his understanding of life:

The one issue that has to be raised, it seems to me, is the question of a mans personal responsibility, and his willingness for sacrifice, without which he ceases to be a spiritual being in any real senseI mean the spirit of sacrifice which is expressed in the voluntary service of others, taken on naturally as the only viable form of existence.

Is this not giri? When Dusty decides to protect Kilmer, when Kilmer decides to save Tanaka Ken, and when Andrei decides to delay his return homewhat he has been longing for the entire filmto perform an objectively meaningless act, they are voluntarily acting in the service of others.

When the screening of Nostalghia ended, the first question that was posed was about the meaning of rain and water in the film. My hand shot up. As it happened, I had been reading Sculpting in Time that very day and had read Tarkovskys explanation of rain completely by chance. He notes how people are always looking for symbols in his movies, but that his movies feature rain and water so much because this is characteristic of the environment in which he grew up. Tarkovsky even chastises the audience: It seems that the cinema-goer has so lost the capacity simply to surrender to an immediate, emotional aesthetic impression, that he instantly has to check himself, and ask: Why? What for? Whats the point? I felt a little bad about doing it, but I paraphrased Tarkovsky to the entire cinema, effectively telling the presenter that his question was irrelevant. Hey, they werent my words, they were his, the guy who made the movie!

The discussion continued without ever really getting to the heart of the film. This is understandable, however. To attempt to explain Tarkovskys movies is a futile task because it is, in effect, an attempt to translate images into words. In Nostalghia, Andrei says that all art is untranslatable, and I think that this is what he means. Form and content are inseparable, yet we try anyhow, inevitably. What does the candle that Andrei carries mean? What does the fire symbolize? Why must he cross the bath? Outside of the film, it means nothing; inside of the film, it means everything. As I left the cinema, a feeling of dissatisfaction permeated my body. We had not talked about what truly mattered, I felt. Had we sat through the movie, only to understand nothing at all? Was all art untranslatable? I went out into the cold night. In front of me, I heard a voice:

No one even brought up Domenico it said.

Before I knew what I was doing, completely out of character for me, but compelled by a force beyond my control, I responded: I know! Thats what I thought, too!

The figures in front of me turned around, surprised. They were two older women. The three of us, perhaps, sensed a current of understanding among us. Everyone was talking nonsense, instead, one of the women grumbled. I hoped she wasnt talking about me, but again, those had been Tarkovskys words, not mine. We began to discuss the film, wondering about the relationship between Domenico and Andrei, the dream sequences in the film, the atmosphere of fog and rain permeating the screen. Eventually the cold dispersed us. We never talked about giri, or if performing ones obligations is what makes a person a person. Maybe that cannot be talked about; maybe, that is what art is for.
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Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard accused of leaking classified military documents, has accepted a plea agreement with the court.

Teixeira, 22, appeared in Boston's federal courthouse on Monday morning. He was arrested approximately one year ago for the unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified national defense information, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

He was charged with six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defence information, which  under the Espionage Act  each carried a sentence maximum of 10 years in prison. Under his plea agreement, Teixeira will serve 16 years in prison.

In addition to the prison sentence, Teixeira will have to pay a $50,000 fine and will be subject to 36 months of supervised release.

The classified documents that he allegedly shared reportedly detailed Russia's ground war in Ukraine and contained other defence and national security secrets.

In June 2023, Teixeira pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

Teixeira reportedly had access to those documents via his work in the 102nd Intelligence Wing. He worked with the unit at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. While there, he reportedly accessed the classified files and then shared them with his gaming friends on Discord.

While prosecutors have not revealed a motive driving Teixeiras leaks, users who were familiar with him on Discord described him as an individual who liked to brag and who portrayed himself as an important and powerful figure.

Members of the Thug Shaker Central Discord server  largely younger men who enjoyed anything related to the military, from video games to real-life firearms  reportedly posted memes about harming federal officials and that reflected anti-federal government conspiracies, according to Washington Post reporter Shane Harris.

A video showing Teixeira shouting racist and antisemitic slurs before firing a rifle was also shown to reporters from The Washington Post by members of the server.

In December, 15 Airmen were disciplined  including the removal of command  after they discovered that Teixeira was seeking classified information but did nothing to stop him.

As part of his plea agreement, Teixeira will have to meet with officials from both the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice to discuss his leaks and to give back any information he has in his possession.

Teixeira is still considered a member of the Air National Guard, though he has not been collecting pay since his prosecution.
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One woman has been killed and 12 other victims injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in Mississippi, with the suspect still at large.

The shooting unfolded on Sunday morning at Club Oasis in West Point when a suspect opened fire at the club.

Clay County Sheriffs deputies responded to the scene to find multiple people suffering gunshot wounds.

A 20-year-old woman was pronounced dead, with 12 others wounded.

The suspect had fled the scene, with club security chasing the individual across the clubs parking lot, before they made it across a four-lane highway and into nearby woods.

The unidentified individual was still at large as of Monday morning, according to local law enforcement.

Local media reported that most of the people at the club were from outside Clay County.

The sheriff warned revellers to avoid large gatherings due to the threat of gun violence.

These large gatherings right now are just not wise to do, Sheriff Eddie Scott told WCBI. We understand people wanna go and they wanna relax and they wanna have fun, but look around us.

Again, I think you are taking a chance on your life right now when you go to these large events. So we are just advising everybody to be careful. Parents know where your kids are. Make sure they are not in an environment where they can get hurt.

Investigators were probing how the suspect managed to get a weapon inside the venue  and why surveillance footage was not in use at the club that night.

Sunday mornings shooting came just hours after a local rally against gun violence was held by the Clay County Community Action Group.

Community member R.H. Brown told WCBI that this marked yet another deadly shooting for the small town of around 11,000 people.

In spite of the circumstances, we are called to pray without ceasing no matter what happens whether there is life, death, Mr Brown said. People of faith believe that we have the answer and we will continue to pray. We will continue to pray without ceasing.

The Independents request for comment from the sheriffs office was not immediately returned on Monday morning.

The shooting at Club Oasis marks the 66th mass shooting for the United States this year, per the Gun Violence Archives definition of four or more persons injured.
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Donald Trumps supporters have been accused of creating and sharing fake images showing the former president with Black voters.

On the eve of a pivotal week in the 2024 presidential race for Mr Trump, dozens of allegedly manipulated images portraying Black people as supporting him were exposed in an investigation by BBC Panorama.

While there is no evidence the images have been used as part of Mr Trumps campaign, group Black Voters Matter says they show how supporters are pushing a strategic narrative in a bid to encourage African Americans to vote for him.

A creator of one of the images told the BBC: Im not claiming its accurate.

The alleged fake images emerged on Sunday night ahead of a week when Mr Trump bids to lock up the Republican nomination on Tuesday when more than a dozen US states hold primary contests. Over the weekend, the ex-president won three more primary contests.

One of the alleged fake images showing Black Americans supporting ex-president Donald Trump (@Trump_History45/Twitter)

Latest polls suggest he is leading over Biden ahead of the presidential election in November. But his success could come down to the Black vote, which proved key in Bidens election win in 2020.

In November, Mr Trump labelled himself a greater friend to Black Americans than Abraham Lincoln as he pointed to his record on reducing unemployment. Last week, speaking at the Black Conservative Foundation gala, he said Black voters liked him because of his mugshot and indictments.

A lot of people said that thats why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, he said. And they actually viewed me as Im being discriminated against. Its been pretty amazing.

But the emergence of the alleged fake pictures could cause damage to his campaign. One picture shows him hugging a group of Black women, while another shows him sat with a group of Black men.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is targeting the Black vote as he bids to return to the White House (AP)

The BBC Panorama programme alleged the images were generated using artificial intelligence, and they were made and shared by US voters.

One of the creators, Mark Kaye, shared an image on Facebook. He told the BBC: Im not a photojournalist. Im not out there taking pictures of whats really happening. Im a storyteller.

He posted an article about black voters supporting Mr Trump alongside the picture.

Mr Kaye told the BBC: Im not claiming it is accurate. Im not saying, Hey, look, Donald Trump was at this party with all of these African American voters. Look how much they love him!

If anybodys voting one way or another because of one photo they see on a Facebook page, thats a problem with that person, not with the post itself.

Black Voters Matters, which encourages Black people to vote, said the images were allegedly one of a number of attempts to target disinformation to Black communities.

Co-founder Cliff Albright said: There have been documented attempts to target disinformation to Black communities again, especially younger Black voters.
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Donald Trump gave a statement after the Supreme Court rejected Colorado's attempt to remove the former president from the ballot for November's general election on Monday, 4 March.

Mr Trump can now remain on the ballot for president in the state after the court rejected claims he was accountable for the Jan 6 capital riots in 2021.

The leading contender for the GOP nomination celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, as he closes in on his partys nomination.

BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!, Mr Trump said in a post on his social media networking site.

The ruling on Monday, 4 March, comes ahead of Super Tuesday, where approximately one-third of all delegates are up for grabs.

Mr Trump launched a legal challenge following the decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which found in December that he should be ineligible to run for the White House again or take part in the states primary, citing an anti-insurrectionist clause housed within the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
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A senior U.S. envoy visiting Beirut Monday said if a truce is reached in the Gaza Strip it would not automatically translate to calm along the volatile Lebanon-Israel border which has witnessed a rise in tensions.

Since the Israel-Hamas war started, Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel almost daily, displacing thousands of people and spiking fear the conflict may spread in the region.

Amos Hochstein s comments came hours after Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Kassem, reiterated that the only way to stop the war along the Lebanon-Israel border is to end the war in Gaza.

Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, began his talks by meeting Lebanons Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally. He is scheduled to meet other officials and politicians during his visit.

The United States remains committed to advancing lasting security solutions achieved through diplomatic process, Hochstein told reporters after he met Berri. He said such a move would allow tens of thousands of Lebanese and Israelis who were displaced by the conflict to safely return to their homes.

Hochsteins visit came as the U.S., Qatar and Egypt have been trying for weeks to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and to convince the Palestinian militant group to release some of the scores of hostages it is still holding since the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war.

It also comes as Israeli rescuers said Monday a foreign worker was killed and several others wounded by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon. The Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated seven people, including two in serious condition.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters aborted two infiltration attempts the night before by Israeli troops into a border area in southern Lebanon.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began, more than 215 Hezbollah fighters and nearly 40 civilians were killed on the Lebanese side while in Israel, nine soldiers and 10 civilians were left dead in the attacks.

Im mindful that my arrival comes on the heels of a tense few weeks on both sides of the border, Hochstein said. An escalation will certainly not help Lebanon rebuild and advance forward at this critical time in Lebanons history, he added in an apparent reference to Lebanons historic economic crisis that has been ongoing since 2019.

A temporary cease-fire is not enough. A limited war is not containable and the security paradigm along the Blue Line has to change in order to guarantee everyones security, Hochstein said referring to the Lebanon-Israel border.

Asked if a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip will include Lebanon, he said it is not necessary that when you have a cease-fire in Gaza, it automatically extends. That is why we are here today to be able to have a conversation and discussions on the situation in Lebanon.

Israeli officials have threatened a wider war in Lebanon if Hezbollah does not withdraw its elite fighters north of the Litani River as stipulated in a 2006 truce that ended a 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war.

Western diplomats have brought forward a series of proposals for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, most of which would hinge on Hezbollah moving its forces 7-10 kilometers (about 4-6 miles) away from the border.

Kassem, Hezbollahs deputy leader, blasted the United States in a speech Monday during a conference held in the groups stronghold south of Beirut attended by Muslim clerics from several regional states. He blamed Washington for using its veto power three times to prevent resolutions at the U.N. Security Council to end the war in Gaza.

We have said it clearly that whoever wants to be a mediator should mediate to stop the aggression, Kassem said in his speech. He added that those who dont want the war to expand in the region should deal with the cause which is the brutal and criminal aggression by America and Israel against Gaza.

Stop the aggression on Gaza and the war will stop in the region, he said.

______

Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman contributed to this report from Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of Donald Trumps Trump Organization, pleaded guilty to perjury charges on Monday over the testimony he gave to investigators examining the real estate companys finances.

Weisselberg, 76, arrived at the office of Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg early on Monday morning, CNN reported, after which he duly surrendered and appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court for processing wearing a Covid mask and handcuffs.

The defendant was then charged with five counts of perjury in the first degree, with the judge accepting that the plea deal he had agreed with Manhattan prosecutors, which saw him plead guilty to two of those five counts.

He will be sentenced to five months in jail under the terms of the plea deal, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10 April.

The former executive has been engaged in plea talks with prosecutors for several weeks but neither he nor his lawyer Seth Rosenberg have yet commented on Mondays developments.

The final agreement with Mr Braggs office required Weisselbergs admission that he lied during his testimony to investigators in a deposition last May and in his October interviews with the office of New York attorney general Letitia James regarding his former employers business practices.

Weisselberg is not now expected to turn on Mr Trump or be called as a witness against him in the latters upcoming criminal case, which was brought against him by Mr Bragg and is scheduled to begin on Monday 25 March.

The district attorney indicted Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, a year ago on 34 charges related to the falsification of business records to conceal hush money payments made on his behalf to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election in order to secure her silence about an extramarital affair they are alleged to have had a decade earlier.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty.

In a second New York case related to the Trump Organization, Judge Arthur Engoron last month ordered Mr Trump and his associates to pay more than $454m in financial penalties and interest to the state of New York after they were found guilty of misrepresenting the value of company assets between 2011 and 2021 to secure favourable terms from city banks and insurers in a case brought by Ms James.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in that case too and has appealed against the verdict, complaining without evidence that he is the victim of a conspiracy to prevent his return to the White House  even comparing his plight to that of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny.

Prior to issuing his ruling in that case, Judge Engoron appealed for information regarding the possibility of Weisselberg admitting to perjury after his plea negotiations were reported by The New York Times, provoking an angry row with Mr Trumps lawyers in which the justice told attorneys Chris Kise and Alina Habba: You and your co-counsel have been questioning my impartiality since the early days of this case, presumably because I sometimes rule against your clients. That whole approach is getting old.

Weisselbergs latest plea deal follows his 2022 conviction on 15 violations of New York tax law, after prosecutors accused him of participating in a years-long systemic fraud scheme.

That case involved a sweeping and audacious illegal payment arrangement in which Trump companies paid him generous benefits  including free rent, luxury car leases and private school tuition for his grandchildren  that were not reported for tax purposes.

Weisselberg was sentenced to five months in prison for that offence and spent around 100 days in Rikers Island jail before being released under supervision last April.

This article was amended on 7 March 2024. It originally stated that Weisselberg had been sentenced to five months in jail. But while the term was agreed as part of the deal, he will not be formally sentenced until 10 April.
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At least 15 children have died from malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza, reports over the weekend suggested, with Unicef saying they were entirely preventable.

The news came after the United States made its first airdrops of aid into Gaza at the start of the weekend and the White House called for a ceasefire to ease the situation.

Gazas health ministry said that it feared for other children who had been hospitalised because of malnutrition and dehydration.

UNICEFs Regional Director in the Middle East, Adele Khodr, said on Sunday that ten deaths had happened in the past few days.

There are likely more children fighting for their lives somewhere in one of Gazas few remaining hospitals, and likely even more children in the north unable to obtain care at all, Ms Khodr said. These tragic and horrific deaths are man-made, predictable and entirely preventable.

The US has dropped some 38,000 meals into Gaza, as part of a sustained effort to increase aid making it into the embattled territory.

However, some have criticised the move, saying that the US has not done enough so far.

A Palestinian girl carries a child through the rubble of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City on 3 March 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Airdrops, we think, are a bit of theatre, the head of Save the Children, Janti Soeripto, told Sky News.

Essentially what we need is opening of crossings, more trucks of supplies coming in, we need a ceasefire, we need safe and unfettered access to the communities.

That call for a ceasefire got a boost on Sunday when Vice President Kamala Harris said one needed to happen immediately.

[G]iven the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Ms Harris said during a speech in Selma, Alabama, on the anniversary of the civil rights march later known as Bloody Sunday.

Unicef believes that nearly 16 pe cent of children under two years old are acutely malnourished in the north of Gaza, while 5 per cent are around Rafah in the south.

People are hungry, exhausted and traumatised. Many are clinging to life, Ms Kohodr added.

She called for UNICEF and other humanitarian organisations to be allowed into Gaza without any impediment, to try and prevent a rapid rise in child deaths.

The sense of helplessness and despair among parents and doctors in realising that life-saving aid, just a few kilometres away, is being kept out of reach, must be unbearable, but worse still are the anguished cries of those babies slowly perishing under the worlds gaze, Ms Khodr continued. The lives of thousands more babies and children depend on urgent action being taken now.

Ms Harris promised on Sunday that more aid routes would be established.

As President Joe Biden said on Friday, the United States is committed to urgently get more lifesaving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need, she said.

As the Israel-Hamas War nears the six-month mark, following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, its reported that at least 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
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Family members of Americans held hostage by Hamas are expected to attend president Joe Bidens State of the Union address this week as he faces mounting pressure over his handling of the conflict.

Its a living hell. A living hell from the moment you get up in the morning until you go to bed, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, told NBC News. He is hopeful that his presence in the Capitol will remind Americans of the horrific situation of the hostages, as they continue efforts to secure their release.

There really are no words to describe how difficult this is. I feel for my son; I am consumed for his wife and his three little girls who are waiting for him at home and have absolutely no idea what his condition is, Mr Dekel-Chen told the outlet. He is attending the event as the guest of Democratic representative Josh Gottheimer. There are at least six remaining American hostages in Gaza.

Mr Bidens State of the Union comes as the prospects of a ceasefire took a major hit on Thursday with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continuing to hold an unspecified number of hostages, including both Israeli and American civilians.

Last week, families of hostages held in Gza and their supporters launched a four-day march from southern Israel to Jerusalem to demand their loved ones be set free.

According to the Israeli government, about 1,200 people have been killed, while around 240 people were kidnapped. Meanwhile, the civilian death toll from Israels assault and the resulting famine and other effects has passed 30,000.

Earlier on Sunday, vice president Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire, as she condemned Israel for failing to allow humanitarian aid to citizens of the Gaza Strip.

[G]iven the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, said the vice president.

The remarks came after Israels military was widely criticised for opening fire as Palestinians swarmed an aid truck carrying flour. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in the incident, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act, Ms Harris said.

The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses, she added.

They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services, and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need, Ms Harris said.

President Biden has been under immense pressure from his own party in recent days to pressure Israel to halt fighting in Gaza and allow the delivery of more humanitarian aid, as aid agencies warn that a famine is imminent. At least 15 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration in recent days, according to the Gaza health ministry.

This latest shift in the administrations messaging comes after more than 100,000 voters in Michigans Democratic primary voted uncommitted after progressives including Rep Rashida Tlaib urged Michiganders to register protest votes against the administrations handling of the war in Gaza.
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Joe Biden says that Donald Trump will do anything to try and win the 2024 presidential election, and contest the outcome no matter what the result is.

Ahead of Super Tuesday on 5 March, a rematch of the 2020 election  pitting the two men against each other  is all but certain, following Mr Trumps domination of the Republican primaries so far.

In a rare feature interview with The New Yorker, Mr Biden said he believed he was the person best positioned to beat Mr Trump at the national polls again.

Im the only one who has ever beat him. And Ill beat him again, he said, adding rhetorically: If you thought you were best positioned to beat someone who, if they won, would change the nature of America, what would you do?

Despite his confidence, supporters continue to voice serious concern about Mr Bidens age.

A recent poll by The New York Times/Siena College poll has found some 73 per cent of voters believe he is too old to be an effective president.

Mr Biden said he believed he was the person best positioned to beat Mr Trump at the national polls again in 2024 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Some 42 per cent of voters believe Mr Trump is also too old for the job, being just four years younger than Mr Biden and raising eyebrows over the weekend with a string of gaffes.

In his interview with the magazine, the president also discussed the fallout from the insurrection on Capitol Hill on 6 January 2021. A CBS poll back in January 2024 found that half of the respondents believed that the losing side of this years election would resort to violence.

Mr Biden told The New Yorker that he believed Americans would reject a Trumpist view of politics, but was prepared for the outcome to get ugly.

How can we, as a democracy, elect anyone President who says violence is appropriate? said, adding that it seemed that the media had become numbed by Mr Trumps rhetoric and behaviour.

On his likely rival, he added: Losers who are losers are never graceful.

I just think that hell do anything to try to win. Ifand whenI win, I think hell contest it. No matter what the result is.
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Vice President Kamala Harris called on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that would last for six weeks as she spoke in Selma, Alabama, on the anniversary of the civil rights march later known as Bloody Sunday.

[G]iven the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, said the vice president, standing with her back to the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

She also delivered one of the sternest condemnations of Israels failure to allow humanitarian aid to citizens of the Gaza Strip from the White House so far, remarks that came after Israels military was widely criticised for opening fire as Palestinians swarmed an aid truck carrying flour. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in the incident, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act, Ms Harris said.

The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses, she added.

They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services, and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need, Ms Harris said.

President Joe Biden has been under immense pressure from his own party in recent days to pressure Israel to halt fighting in Gaza and allow the delivery of more humanitarian aid, as aid agencies warn that a famine is imminent.

The US began dropping humanitarian into Gaza aid by air this week to alleviate the ongoing crisis following a months-long and largely unsuccessful effort by the US to convince Israel to allow much-needed supplies in on the ground. The United Nations said that 80 per cent of aid deliveries destined for northern Gaza were blocked by the Israeli army in January.

Those air drops have been roundly criticised as insufficient to stop famine from taking hold.

On Sunday, the head of Save the Children, Janti Soeripto, described the air drops as theatre, and called for urgent action.

Essentially what we need is opening of crossings, more trucks of supplies coming in, we need a ceasefire, we need safe and unfettered access to the communities, she told Sky News.

At least 15 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration in recent days, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Ms Harris insisted new routes for aid to Gaza would be established.

As President Joe Biden said on Friday, the United States is committed to urgently get more lifesaving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need. Yesterday, the department of defence carried out its first airdrop of humanitarian assistance. And the United States will continue these airdrops. And we will work on a new route, by sea, to deliver aid.

Her remarks come a day ahead of her planned meeting in Washington DC with Benny Gantz, a top Israeli minister and centrist rival of Benjamin Netanyahu, the countrys far-right prime minister. Mr Gantzs visit rankled the prime minister and his allies at a time when an increasing number of media reports point to a fraying of ties between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu even if the US administration continues to maintain vocal support for Israel and its right to self-defence.

The vice president went on to deliver remarks about the civil rights marchers who endured beatings from police and others while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965.

She and President Joe Biden have faced mounting pressure from their own party to speak out more forcefully against the intensity of Israels assault against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and to pressure both sides into reaching a permanent ceasefire.

The Biden administration remains publicly opposed to the idea of a permanent ceasefire and has reiterated that Israel supposedly has a right to end Hamass military and political control of the Gaza Strip in the wake of a shocking and deadly terrorist attack last October.

Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continue to hold an unspecified number of hostages, including both Israeli and American civilians. Meanwhile, the civilian death toll from Israels assault and the resulting famine and other effects has passed 30,000.

This latest shift in the administrations messaging comes after more than 100,000 voters in Michigans Democratic primary voted uncommitted after progressives including Rep Rashida Tlaib urged Michiganders to register protest votes against the administrations handling of the war in Gaza.
by Barbara Fischkin

I arrived in Ireland in the mid-1980s to cover the seemingly intractable bloody conflict colloquially known as The Troubles. I studied up on materiel: Armalite rifles, homemade fertilizer bombs, the plastic bullets protestors ducked. And on the glossary of local politics: Loyalists were mostly Protestants who wanted to remain British citizens; Republicans were mostly Catholics who yearned for a united Irish nation. I interviewed people on both sides of the conflict but more women than men. I wanted to make their voices heard in the United States.

I was taken by one issue that had already created international headlinesthe strip searches of female political prisoners.

But the stories I read did not quote the women who were being strip searched. They quoted politicians and sociologists instead of the women themselves. The stories said the policy was routine, part of the process of getting inmates out of civilian clothes and into prisoner uniforms. Not true. This was actually a well-conceived British military psychological operation to humiliate the women, a technique intended to break the women.

I decided that the only way to write about this was to getting inside the 100-year-old stone walls of Her Majestys Prison Armaghand to talk to the women directly.

But to get in, even to speak to only one woman, I had to lie. I could not say I was a reporter. I had to say I was a cousin, visiting from the states. The Northern Ireland Office, run by dutiful Protestant colonists controlled by the British, kept the press out. Perpetrators of abuse do not like publicity. Now, as St. Patricks Day approaches, and two larger wars ragewars that unlike the one in Ireland threaten us allmy mind keeps racing back to what is better known as Armagh Jail.

Yes, this is a small story about a small sectarian war. But when it comes to getting the truth out, wars are often all the same. Like Ireland, the superiority of one culture over another is at the core of the killing.

There were never more than forty women political prisoners at Armagh Jail, all of them Catholic, some convicted, some awaiting trial. Most had been victims of this war against Catholics and the accompanying discrimination in regard to employment, language and security since childhood. And yes, there were some murderers and some who had committed lesser offenses. Others were arrested simply because they were Catholic at the wrong place at the wrong time. In this way, as well, the centuries-old war in Ireland resonates today.

It was my husband who brought me to Belfast. Irish Americans felt the troubles were not being covered in the American press and to remedy this, St. Johns University in Queens, New York, had given him a grant to write from Northern Ireland for Newsday, where we had both been on staff. I took the year off to freelance for Newsday and other publicationsand it was Newsday that wanted the Armagh story.

I called the Northern Ireland Office from Dublin, where I was writing about the Republics own feminist lapses, to ask if I could speak to women in the prison. A spokesman named Jim Hamilton told me: We rarely let reporters in adding that I was not going to be an exception to the rule. Undeterred, I took a train north to Belfast, where my husband through his own connections, introduced me to the Armagh Jail chaplain, Father Raymond Murray. Father Murray, later an honored monsignor, was already a hero of the revolution. He had many nationalist irons in the fire. In a quiet way, he seemed fearless. And so, a plan was hatched.

I told the guards at Armagh Jail that I was the American cousin of one of their prisoners, Siobhan OHanlon. (Father Murray had alerted her that I would be comingand that she would be quoted.) I used my married name, Mulvaney. Not my byline which was then, as now, Fischkin. As for the guards, they also looked war-weary and they waved me right in. I suspected they knew the real reason why I was there and did not care or, perhaps, personally and privately objected to the policy

Siobhan OHanlon was then 23. She had known war since she was seven. She was serving seven years and awaiting a second trial, both for crimes related to being near the vicinity of bombs and explosives. That was all they had on herno evidence only proximity. She had not confessed. She was not repentant. And she was strip searched. The guards who conducted this search were all women. Siobhan told me that did not make it any easier. She told me that being strip searched meant she had to stand naked in front of someone whose family had been enemies of her family for centuries. She told me that Northern Irish women like her were modest Catholicsthis was truewho would not undress even in front of their own sisters. She told me about other women, for whom the strip searches were much harder. They had to undress while menstruating or while still bloody after difficult births.

I had no notebook or recorder with me. That would have given it all away. Instead I tried to memorize everything this young woman told me. I left the prison, ran into the womens loo, at a nearby cafe and wrote it all down on toilet paper.

As I recently re-read this story I wrote in 1985, I realized that the sexual fears of the Armagh women prisoners would take on new meaning today, with our deeper understanding of gender identity and fluidity.

After the story was publishedwith a nice full-page feature section displayI picked up the phone in the Dublin flat, where we spent time when not living in Belfast. How did you do it? Jim Hamilton, the spokesman asked. I cant tell you, I said. He chuckled. He did not sound angry. Dismissive was more like it. As if the status quo would remain the same and people would forget that women were ever strip-searched in Northern Ireland. They have not forgotten.

And, as has been learned with even more intensity since September 11, torture is not useful unless it extracts true information, which it rarely does. Or stops a crime. When I asked Spokesman Hamilton what was found during the strip searches, he replied that the searches are very much a deterrent. We have no detection equipment that can do this one hundred percent at the moment. I asked him what was found. He said that in more than two years only four items of contraband had been detected: An unspecified sum of money, an uncensored letter, a bottle of prescription drugs and a bottle of 47 tranquilizers. Huh? I thought. I asked the prisons best known alumBernadette Devlin McAliskey, perhaps the most famous of Irish Republican women, what she thought Theyve tried. almost every form of punishment and now theyve gone to basic degradation, she said.

In these times, it is crucial to note that in the 19th century, the British punished the Irish with a hunger, which is the correct term for a man-made shortage of food. During the misnamed famine, after the failure of the islands potato crop, the British government exported 26 million bushels of grain and countless thousands head of beef cattle and veal calves. They also banned the Irish language.

In the 20th century, the Soviets created a hunger to starve Ukrainians, stoic people whose culture and language Putin is still trying to eradicate with his brutal war. What has happened in Gaza, is a hunger not a famine. It is a hunger created by Netanyahu, whose own loyalists are now trying to come up with excuses to explain the latest massacre of civilians. As an opinion piece in Jewish Forward noted, the people of Gaza never should have been starved in the first place.

Maybe we are doomed to be a civilization at war.

Yet there is hope. And it comes, from Ireland, the site of that centuries-long war, with a peace plan that has been in the works for a mere 26 years, starting with the Good Friday agreement. There has been compromise with tolerable concessions. Brexit helped bring peace, too, in that it threatened the pocketbooks of people North and South.

Last Friday, at this years annual Irish Unity Summit in New York City, it was suggested that there might be a united Ireland by 2030. I have lost track of Siobhan OHanlon. But I hope she is alive to hear this.

***

Note: For readers who would like to see a copy of the original Newsday story I wrote about Armagh Jail, it can be found on ProQuest or in some library newspaper archives, including Newsday Historical. Headline: Touching an Irish Nerve. At Armagh Jail, strip searches of women prisoners have sparked protests, Fischkin, Barbara Newsday (1940-); Jul 16, 1985; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Newsday pg. A3
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The challenges to former president Donald Trumps ballot eligibility have ended after the Supreme Court ruled states did not have the authority to remove him under Section Three of the 14th Amendment.

On Monday, the highest court in the land decided that the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove Mr Trump from the primary ballot in Colorado was incorrect  claiming Congress, not states, only had the right to make that decision.

This means states where Mr Trump was removed from the ballot, including Colorado, Illinois and Maine, must keep the one-term president on their ballots.

Lawsuits pending in other states will likely be thrown out as they are now unnecessary.

Shortly after the historic ruling, Colorado Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, issued a statement informing all voters that Mr Trump would appear on the states ballot in time for Super Tuesday. Though Mr Trump was determined ineligible in the states primary, his name would have appeared on the ballot anyway as the state awaited the Supreme Courts decision.

Similarly, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a statement saying the former president will appear on the ballot in time for its March 5th primary, just as he would have.

Mr Trump will also appear on Illinoiss ballot for its 19 March primary.

Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago estate on 4 March 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida (AP)

The challenges to Mr Trumps ballot eligibility were brought by voters in each state, backed by organisations, who believed the former presidents rhetoric leading up to and on January 6 incited violence at the Capitol which they said was an insurrection.

Section Three of the 14th Amendment prohibits individuals or officers of the United States from seeking office if they engaged in rebellion or aided enemies of the United States.

Under the novel theory, the challengers said Mr Trump should be disqualified for his actions.

The Supreme Court did not weigh in on the insurrection clause, or whether or not Mr Trump participated. Their ruling was limited to the constitutional power of the states versus Congress.

The decision, handed down Monday morning, was unanimous  though the liberal majority of the court and Justice Amy Coney Barrett believed the conservative majority overexpanded their reasoning for the ruling.

Mr Trump called the decision a big win for America saying that the courts decision protects himself and future presidents right to run for office.
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The US Supreme Court has determined that Donald Trump can remain on 2024 presidential election ballots across the country, marking a reversal of a landmark Colorado court decision that found him constitutionally ineligible because of his actions on January 6.

But the justices ignored the question at the heart of the case, which revolves around whether then-President Trump engaged in insurrection by fuelling a mob that stormed the US Capitol.

Mondays ruling did not include any discussion on the central premise of the Colorado Supreme Courts decision, as well as decisions from officials in Illinois and Maine. The justices instead determined that only Congress  not states  has the authority to disqualify candidates for federal office.

A decision was unanimous, but the courts three liberal justices sharply disagreed that only Congress can act, writing that the courts conservative majority were attempting to insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office.

The court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a presidential election, Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett added in a concurring opinion. Writings on the court should turn the national temperature down, not up. For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: all nine justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home.

The decision arrived on a day that the former president was initially scheduled to be tried on criminal charges stemming from his attempts to overturn 2020 results, culminating in his failure to stop the mob on January 6. Last week, the Supreme Courts decision to hear arguments in Mr Trumps immunity defence in that federal case all but guaranteed that a trial wont take place until much later this year.

The decision also arrived one day before Super Tuesday, when voters in Colorado and 14 other states cast their ballots in primary elections that are likely to affirm Mr Trumps candidacy as the Republican nominee to face his Democratic rival Joe Biden in November.

While the Supreme Court allowed Donald Trump back on the ballot on technical legal grounds, this was in no way a win for Trump, according to Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which led the lawsuit that challenged Mr Trumps eligibility in Colorado.

The Supreme Court had the opportunity in this case to exonerate Trump, and they chose not to do so, he said in a statement following Mondays ruling. Every court  or decision making body  that has substantively examined the issue has determined that January 6 was an insurrection and that Donald Trump incited it. That remains true today. The Supreme Court removed an enforcement mechanism, and in letting Trump back on the ballot, they failed to meet the moment. But it is now clear that Trump led the January 6 insurrection, and it will be up to the American people to ensure accountability.

Mr Trump himself called the decision big win for America on his Truth Social.

The justices appeared to doubt state authority to disqualify Mr Trump from holding public office during an historic two-hour hearing last month, when his lawyers challenged the Colorado Supreme Court ruling with an appeal to the nations highest court.

The justices ignored the question of whether then-President Trump engaged in insurrection (AFP via Getty)

Last year, Colorado justices disqualified Mr Trump under Section 3 of the 14th amendment, which holds that no person can hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, if they engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same.

But both conservative and liberal justices on the nine-member US Supreme Court seemed to argue the authority of individual states to disqualify federal candidates without permission from Congress.

While sparring with lawyers, Chief Justice John Roberts said granting states control over candidates for federal election would be at war with the constitution and warned that a decision to disqualify Mr Trump could open up attempts to disqualify candidates on the other side.

In very quick order I would expect  that a goodly number of states will say whoever the Democratic candidate is, youre off the ballot, he said. And it will come down to a handful of states that will determine the presidential election.

Why should that be the right rule? asked Justice Elena Kagan. Why should a single state make that determination, not just for their own state, but for the whole nation?

Justices spent relatively little time trying to define insurrection let alone whether Mr Trump had engaged with it after a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol to block the certification of 2020 presidential election results, fuelled by his ongoing baseless narrative that the election was rigged against him, while calling on his supporters to fight like hell on his behalf.

Mr Trumps attorney Jonathan Mitchell argued that even an admitted insurrectionist could still be allowed on the ballot and be elected to office, and that its only up to Congress to decide whether that candidate should be removed.

A mob of Donald Trumps supporters storm the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 (AP)

We didnt concede that its an effort to overthrow the government either, Mr Mitchell said. This was a riot. It was not an insurrection. The events were shameful, criminal, violent  all of those things. But it did not qualify as insurrection.

Justice Ketajnji Brown Jackson questioned why the office of the presidency is not explicitly named in the 14th amendment, and doubted whether its authors would have designed a system that would  could  result in interim disuniformity in US elections.

Justice Neil Gorsuch argued that the constitution speaks to candidates who hold office, as opposed to those who are running for office.

But plaintiffs attorney Jason Murray said that the insurrection disqualifier has existed since January 6 2021, when President Trump engaged in insurrection.

The case stems from Crews lawsuit on behalf of a group of Republican and independent voters in Colorado, who argued that Mr Trump failed Section 3s test, rendering him constitutionally ineligible to appear on any Colorado ballot as a candidate for federal or state office.

Following a trial and arguments from both parties in state court last year, Colorado district judge Sarah Wallace determined that Mr Trump not only engaged with insurrection, he also acted with the specific intent to incite political violence and direct it at the Capitol with the purpose of disrupting the electoral certification.

Her decision, however, did not knock him off the ballot, and plaintiffs appealed the ruling up to the states Supreme Court. Those state justices later ruled that Mr Trumps actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.

The former president appealed that decision to the Supreme Court, which scheduled Thursdays hearing relatively swiftly, amid a fast-approaching packed primary election calendar against Mr Trumps busy schedule of multiple criminal and civil cases.

Mr Trumps legal team will return to the Supreme Court next month to argue that he should have immunity from prosecution on charges connected to his attempts to overturn election results.

Norma Anderson  a former Republican state legislator from Colorado who is the lead plaintiff in the challenge against Mr Trumps appearance on state ballots  told reporters after the hearing last month that the case is very personal to her.

Ive lived a hell of a long time and Ive gone through a lot of presidents, the 91-year-old former lawmaker said outside the court. And this is the first one that is trying to destroy the constitution.
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President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and top officials from the White House and Mr Bidens cabinet will mount a full-scale public relations blitz to promote the Biden administrations accomplishments and make a case that they should be given another four years to finish the job following his annual State of the Union address to Congress.

Mr Biden is set to deliver his yearly message to Congress on Thursday, two days after the Super Tuesday primary election contests that will, if the results are as expected, set up a November general election rematch with the man he defeated in 2020, former president Donald Trump.

In a statement, White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt said the president would make the case to continue to build the economy from the bottom up and middle out that has led to record job creation, the strongest economy in the world, increased wages and household wealth, and lower prescription drug and energy costs.

He said Mr Biden would also contrast that record with what he described as the MAGA Republican agenda: rewarding billionaires and corporations with tax breaks, taking away rights and freedoms, and undermining our democracy.

The presidents speech will coincide with a significant push for media exposure by Mr Bidens team, which is looking to harness the national attention given the annual speech by placing him, Ms Harris and top aides on local media, as well as in other channels where they believe voters can be provided with relevant information on the administrations record.

Mr LaBolt noted that the fractured communications landscape in the US today  the rise of streaming services and so-called cord-cutting along with the prevelance of handheld devices and the ubiquity of social media  means fewer Americans will watch Mr Biden speak Thursday night, but will instead see the address through other channels.

Were fanning out aggressively not only on Thursday but in the weeks ahead to reach Americans where they receive the news with the Presidents message about whose side hes on, he said.

To that end, a White House official said the White House has invited a set of state-based local radio and television journalists to the White House for interviews with top administration officials, and has made provisions for a prominent Hispanic radio programme to broadcast from the White House ahead of Mr Bidens address on Thursday.

The administration is also planning to hold briefings for dozens of influencers and digital media publishers as well.

Mr Biden is also set to follow up his address with travel to Philadelphia and Atlanta in the coming days, and Ms Harris will travel to Arizona and Nevada after the annual speech.

But a White House official also said cabinet officials will fan out across the US to promote the administrations message immediately after Mr Bidens Thursday evening appearance, with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Beccerra appearing in Colorado and Arizona this Friday.

The White House will meet people where they are and where they receive their information, the official said.
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Russia has set its sights on another city in Eastern Ukraine as it seeks to make a breakthrough in the Donetsk region.

Putins forces are gathering around Chasiv Yar.

Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the operational group overseeing the eastern front line, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Russian forces were concentrating efforts to make a powerful push on the key strategic city to the west of Bakhmut, which fell to Moscow last May, hoping to advance toward Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

Ukrainian forces battling Russian efforts to advance in the Bakhmut direction say they have been experiencing a large Russian push over the last three weeks and are facing constant attacks as Moscow troops send in wave after wave of infantry and target them with a variety of artillery and drones.

With the full-scale war now into its third year, Russian forces have been bludgeoning some Ukrainian defensive positions into submission, deploying overwhelming amounts of artillery and troop numbers in an effort to punch through defensive lines at targeted points.

Though Russias gains have been small, slow and costly, Ukraine doesnt have enough reservists and has a severe shortage of artillery shells as the supply of military aid from Western partners has waned.

Ukrainian servicemen belonging to infantry battalion of 42 Brigade are seen inside an armored vehicle during a maintenance training (Anadolu via Getty Images)

During a visit to Ukraines eastern Kharkiv region on Friday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and President Voldymyr Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement which included 2 billion euros in military aid from the Netherlands this year and further defense assistance over the next 10 years.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Zelenskyy said the deal prioritized the provision of air defense, artillery, sea and long-range capabilities, with a particular emphasis on strengthening Ukraines air force."

Where is Chasiv Yar?

A spokesman for the 17th separate tank brigade said that despite limited resources Ukrainian forces were trying their best to adjust their defense to the ever-changing Russian tactics, even as troops on the ground reported they could not respond with the same firepower and personnel as Russia is able to use against them.

The commander of the tank company working in the Bakhmut direction said You can really feel it, the density of fire is higher.

When we can make 10 shots, they can make 50, they have an advantage over us in ammunition, its undeniable. And also, there is an advantage in manpower, said Dmytro, 28, who only gave his first name due to security concerns. Earlier this month, Russia took the strategic eastern city of Avdiivka by overwhelming Ukrainian forces with large numbers of troops and superior air and artillery firepower.

Russias tactics in that battle, including its use of drones and dozens of aerial bombs to obliterate Ukrainian positions in the city, has raised concerns it could replicate the same methods elsewhere along the front line if Western aid to support air-defense systems and supplies of long-range weapons and artillery does not come through soon.

Last August, Washington authorized allies to give F-16 warplanes to Ukraine. The Netherlands along with Denmark announced they would supply the fighter jets to Kyiv but the timeline on delivery depended on how soon Ukrainian crews and infrastructure could be readied.

A tanker of Ukraine's 17th Tank Brigade removes tree branches from his T-64 tank in Chasiv Yar (AP)

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy said new fighter jets would be in the skies this year.

We have to make this year an effective one in defending ourselves against Russian guided bombs, Russian aircraft, and their missiles, Zelenskyy said.

In a post on Friday, Ukraines defense ministry said the armed forces had shot down 13 Russian aircraft in February, which included 10 Su-34 fighter-bombers, 2 Su-3 fighters and 1 A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft. This is the best result since October 2022. We are grateful to our soldiers for their efficient work. And to our partners  for strengthening the air defense capabilities of Ukraine, the defense ministry said.
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Police have seized over 1.3 tons of cocaine hidden inside frozen fish due to be distributed across Europe, detaining seven men of different nationalities as part of a sting known as Operation Squid.

The haul, from Ecuador, was unloaded at the Lisbon port, police said, adding its officers carried out several searches as part of Operation Squid and seized eight firearms, high-end vehicles, as well as various documents and objects.

The drugs, which were found in a warehouse in the western region of Portugal, were hidden inside frozen fish, which was wrapped in plastic and packed in cardboard boxes.

The way in which the drug was hidden in the frozen fish made it extremely difficult to detect it and, in order to remove it, the fish had to be completely destroyed, Portugals Judiciary Police said in a statement.

Those detained, aged between 26 and 59, are suspected of being part of an organised criminal group, which imported large quantities of cocaine from Latin America and distributed it across several European nations. The police did not disclose the nationalities of the detainees.

They will appear before a judge as the investigation continues.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in its annual World Drug Report last year that cocaine demand and supply were increasing across the world.

Last month it was revealed the largest-ever haul of class A drugs were seized at a port in the UK - hidden in a bunch of bananas.

(NCA/PA Wire)

The drugs, found at Southampton Port, are worth an estimated 450 million.

The previous largest UK seizure was 3.7 tonnes of cocaine, also found at Southampton, in 2022, and 3.2 tonnes were found on board the tug boat MV Hamal in Scotland in 2015.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force seized 5.7 tonnes of cocaine found in a container carrying the fruit from South America on February 8.

The NCA has said the illicit drugs were heading to the Port of Hamburg in Germany for onward delivery.

The NCA spokesman explained that the MV Hamal haul was estimated at a value of 512 million because of a difference in cocaine prices experienced in Scotland at that time.
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France has enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, a world first welcomed by women's rights groups as historic.

Abortion rights are more widely accepted in France than in the United States and many other countries, with polls showing around 80 per cent of French people back the fact that abortion is legal.

"We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told MPs and senators gathered in congress for a historic special vote under the gilded ceilings of the Versailles Palace, just outside Paris.

Women have had a legal right to abortion in France since a 1974 law - which many harshly criticised at the time.

But the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision to reverse the Roe vs Wade ruling that recognised women's constitutional right to abortion prompted activists to push France to become the first country to explicitly protect the right in its basic law.

"This right [to abortion] has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorised us to think that France was exempt from this risk," said Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group.

"There's a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman," Ms Slimani said.

Monday's vote enshrined in Article 34 of the French constitution that "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion".

"France is at the forefront," said the head of the lower house of parliament, Yael Braun-Pivet, from French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party.

Still, the vote is not exempt from criticism. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said before the vote that Mr Macron was using it to score political points due to the massive support for the right to abortion in the country. "We will vote to include it in the Constitution because we have no problem with that," Le Pen told reporters.

It was an exaggeration to call it a historic step, however, because "no one is putting the right to abortion at risk in France," she said.

Women have had the legal right to abortion in France since a 1974 law, which many harshly criticised at the time.

Monday's vote will inscribe  in Article 34 of the French constitution  that "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion".

However, Pascale Moriniere, president of the Association of Catholic Families, called the move a defeat for anti-abortion campaigners. Ms Moriniere said there was no need to add the right to abortion to the constitution.

"We imported a debate that is not French, since the United States was first to remove that from law with the repeal of Roe vs Wade," she said. "There was an effect of panic from feminist movements, which wished to engrave this on the marble of the constitution."

Reuters
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The leak of a conversation revealing Britains activities on the ground in Ukraine is a security breach that is worrying on a number of levels, a prominent Conservative MP has said.

British soldiers are on the ground in Ukraine helping Kyivs forces fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles, according to the leak in Russian media of a top-secret call involving German air force officers, authenticated by Berlin. During the conversation, Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, the head of the German air force, describes how the UK and Ukraine work to deploy Storm Shadow missiles against targets behind Russian lines.

When it comes to mission planning, the German commander says, I know how the English do it, they do it completely in reachback. They also have a few people on the ground, they do that, the French dont.

Berlin has launched an investigation. Germany's defence minister Boris Pistorius has described the leak of the conversation as part of Russia's "information war" against the West, and said it is about "undermining our resolve". On Monday, the German government sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published.

Several German media have reported that the officers were in a meeting on the WebEx platform when they were taped. A spokesman for the German defence ministry told Germanys Bild newspaper: There are indications that an insufficiently secure means of communication was used in view of the content that was obviously discussed. This is, among other things, the subject of further investigations.

"It is absolutely clear that such claims that this conversation would prove, that Germany is preparing a war against Russia, that this is absurdly infamous Russian propaganda," a spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin. Government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said the leak was part of Russia's "information war" against the West, and that the aim was to create discord within Germany.

File photo: German defence minister Boris Pistorius (left) shakes hands with Kosovo opposite number (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The audio was posted to social media by Margarita Simonyan, the head of the Kremlin-controlled Russia Today channel, who claimed it was proof that Germany had been planning attacks on Crimea.

On the call, four officers can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine ahead of a meeting with the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, German news agency dpa reported. The officers then states that early delivery and rapid deployment of Taurus long-range cruise missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers  and that training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but would take months.

The recording also shows the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine, dpa reported. There has been a debate in Germany on whether to supply the missiles to Ukraine as Kyiv faces battlefield setbacks, and while military aid from the United States is held up in Congress. Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US and is further stepping up its support this year.

Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and is further stepping up its support this year.

Olaf Scholz describes leak as very serious matter (AP)

But Mr Scholz has stalled for months on Ukraines desire for Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and could in theory be used against targets far into Russian territory.

The chancellor has long emphasised his determination to help Ukraine without escalating the war and drawing Germany and NATO into it, and stressed that no German soldiers will go to Ukraine.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations of spreading false or misleading information when faced with allegations from other countries. Russia's foreign ministry, threatened Germany with "dire consequences" in connection with the leak on Monday, though it did not elaborate.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, described the leak as worrying on a number of levels.

Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme what the most troubling aspect was, he said: Theres many aspects of this; at the recent Munich Security Conference attended by the chancellor Olaf Scholz, and indeed President Zelensky who was begging for weapon systems, the very public frustration about Germany not matching Britain in sending long range air launch missiles was second only to the frustration in delays over the Americans not sending their 60 billion package of support thats got caught up in Congress.

So this interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels.

He added one aspect is why wasnt basic concept protocols followed and another is how this plays out in Germany.

Downing Street said the leak was a matter for Germany. The prime ministers official spokesman said: Thats obviously a matter for Germany to investigate and youve got the Chancellor Scholzs words on this. I think he said that its clearly a very serious matter and thats why its now being investigated very carefully.

On our part, the UK was the first country to provide long-range precision strike missiles to Ukraine and we would encourage our allies to do the same. We have been clear from the outset that the UK would provide Ukraine with the necessary aid, including lethal support to defend itself and reclaim its sovereign territory.
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A railway bridge over the Volga River near Russias Samara city was damaged by a blast on Monday, the RIA news agency reported, citing emergency services.

While no casualties have been reported, authorities have suspended railway traffic from using the bridge. Located in Russias southwest, the Samara region is one of the countrys heavy industry hubs.

The incident, described by the Russian Railways company as illegal interference, was caused by an explosive device, reported Tass.

Russia, in recent months, has reported a series of attacks on its industrial and logistics infrastructure which it blamed on Ukraine.

Earlier, Russias defence ministry said it intercepted 38 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Kyiv in 2014. A bridge that connects Crimea to Russian territory was closed to traffic for about two hours in the early hours.

Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian drone strike in Ukraines southern port city of Odesa rose to 11 on Sunday, as officials pulled out the bodies of two children and a young mother from the rubble.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western allies to boost Ukraines air defences in the wake of Saturdays deadly attack.

In Moscow, Chinas special envoy for Ukraine held talks on Saturday with senior Russian diplomats on the first leg of a European trip that will also take him to Brussels, Poland, Germany and France, Chinese and Russian state media reported.

In a statement published on Sunday, Chinas foreign ministry said special representative Li Hui and Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin agreed that negotiations are the only way to end the fighting in Ukraine.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Citizens of Switzerland voted decisively to increase pension payments for the elderly in a nationwide referendum on Sunday amid concerns about the rising costs of living.

At least 58 per cent of the voters backed the extra pension, a 13th payment per year, while less than 42 per cent voted against it, according to provisional official results published by the government.

Switzerland's maximum old age pension is 2,450 Swiss francs (2,191) for individuals and 3,675 Swiss francs (3,286) for couples, which the citizens argue is not enough to sustain in the country.

The measure, which was promoted by the Swiss Trade Union Federation and left-of-centre parties, also needed the backing of a majority of Switzerland's 26 cantons to pass. Most supported it, with opposition strongest in lower-tax cantons.

"This step is really a huge milestone from a union perspective," Lukas Golder of polling firm gfs.bern told SRF.

The government, business lobbies and the right-leaning parliament, had rejected the proposal as financially unsound. Swiss voters have in the past been cautious about backing measures viewed as risky for business.

Authorities argued that the pension would cost more than 4bn Swiss francs (3.58bn)a year, which would require tax increases.

Following Sundays vote, interior minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said democracy is alive and kicking in Switzerland.

The government has provided all the elements and the arguments, she said, adding there will be a price to pay.

The pension vote contrasts with referenda in recent decades in which Switzerland rejected proposals that would have shortened the working week and given people more holidays.

Concern about the cost of living is widespread in the wealthy country, with Zurich being tied with Singapore as the world's most expensive city in a study published in November by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Mery, a 65-year-old Zurich voter, said increased pension payments made sense. "I'm retired now and so obviously I would like a bit more," she said, declining to give her full name.

"It should allow me to give a little something to my grandchildren."

It is not clear how the pension boost, which should take effect from 2026, will be funded. Opponents say it could spark tax hikes or spending cuts, and weigh on younger Swiss.

Switzerland's Greens Party celebrated Sunday's "significant victory... for the many retirees who will see their situations improve".

The Swiss also voted on a separate initiative to raise the statutory retirement age, which was comfortably defeated.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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On the day that Alexei Navalny was laid to rest in Moscow, Putins state media leaked an audio recording of German military officers discussing the hypothetical use of Taurus long-range missiles in Ukraine.

The conversation was never meant to be public, and the leak embarrassed Germany and raised concerns about security.

Furious with Germany, Moscow leveled threats in response.

If nothing is done, and the German people do not stop this, then there will be dire consequences first and foremost for Germany itself, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Monday.

In her retort, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said, If Russia had not brutally attacked this country, Ukraine would not have to defend itself, according to the dpa news agency.

In fact, the German officers discussed sending the Taurus missiles only in theory. Germany has not approved deploying the weapons despite months of pressure from Ukraine.

Here is a look at the fallout from what German media are calling the wiretapping affair and the Taurus missiles at the heart of the tensions.

What are Taurus missiles and what can they do?

Equipped with stealth technology that makes them less visible to detection, the missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), which would help Ukraine to put pressure on Russia in the Black Sea and elsewhere.

The German- and Swedish-made missiles would be able to reach targets deep in Russia from Ukrainian soil. (Taurus is shorthand for Target Adaptive Unitary and dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System.) In Latin, taurus means bull.

Ukraine has been asking Germany for the missiles to complement the long-range Storm Shadow missiles sent by Britain and France's nearly identical Scalp cruise missiles.

The UK announced last spring that it was sending Storm Shadows, which have a range of more than 250 kilometers (155 miles) and give Ukraine capacity to strike well behind the front lines, including in Russia-occupied Crimea. Ukraine pledged not to use the missiles to attack Russia itself.

(PNR/PA) (PA Media)

France followed Britain by sending its Scalp missiles, giving assurances that they would not be capable of hitting Russian soil. Paris recently announced the delivery of 40 additional Scalp missiles.

What is Germanys position?

Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and is further stepping up support this year. But German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to send the Taurus missiles. Last week, he said sending the missiles would pose a risk of his country becoming directly involved in the war.

German soldiers must at no point and in no place be linked to targets this system reaches, he said last week.

Some members of the conservative opposition, and even some in his socially liberal three-party coalition, want to send the missiles to Ukraine. But the idea is not popular with the public.

Russia Ukraine War Germany ((c) Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten)

German media have suggested that by not allowing the Taurus weapons to be sent to Ukraine the unpopular chancellor was trying to distinguish himself domestically as Friedenskanzler or peace chancellor ahead of June elections to the European Parliament.

Many people are afraid the war could spread. Scholz has long been aware of this sentiment, the news magazine Der Spiegel wrote Friday. "He wants to show them: I am aware of you and your worries."

For military strategists, there are other concerns.

Gustav Gressel, a senior policy fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a note earlier this year that while the U.K. and France are already developing successors to their Storm Shadows and Scalps, Germany does not have yet have a successor to the Taurus.

Germans fear that their stocks of Taurus missiles could be depleted, he argued, and that Russians would see the missile in operation in Ukraine and gain insights into the missiles countermeasures and stealth characteristics.

What is in the leaked audio?

The 38-minute recording was published by Margarita Simonyan, chief editor of Russian state-funded television channel RT, on social media Friday, the same day Navalny was laid to rest after his still-unexplained death two weeks earlier in an Arctic penal colony. It surfaced just weeks before Russias presidential election.

In the audio, the head of Germanys air force, Ingo Gerhartz, can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine with three colleagues ahead of a meeting with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The conversation took place Feb. 19, according to Simonyan.

The four military officers discuss how Taurus missiles could be used by Kyiv against invading Russian forces and how Germany would need to support Ukraine technically.

At the start of the WebEx conversation, there is a lot of small talk. One participant connected from Singapore. It is quite humid here, he says.

The four then start preparing a briefing on the Taurus weapon system for Pistorius, seeking to coordinate their messages and agreeing to prepare some slides to better visualize the situation.

If we ever decide politically to support Ukraine with it (the Taurus missiles), how would all of this work?" one officer asked. We should not only talk about problems but also about solutions.

The four then discuss various issues that would need to be taken into consideration, including delivery, training and timing. They go into detail about what Ukraine would theoretically need the system for, such as targeting a bridge in the east or an ammunition depot.

In the course of the discussion, it becomes clear that they are referring to the Kerch bridge linking Russia and occupied Crimea. One of the officials says that training to target the bridge, which is as big as an airfield, would likely take longer.

They also discuss potential red lines for German politicians, including a desire to avoid the military being seen as directly involved.

The officers say the rapid deployment of Taurus missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers  and that training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but would take months.

The recording makes clear that the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine.
The original site was designed by S. Abbas Raza in 2004 but soon completely redesigned by Mikko Hypponen and deployed by Henrik Rydberg. It was later upgraded extensively by Dan Balis in 2006. The next major revision was designed by S. Abbas Raza, building upon the earlier look, and coded by Dumky de Wilde in 2013. And this current version 5.0 has been designed and deployed by Dumky de Wilde in collaboration with S. Abbas Raza.
 Close Putin threatens Nato with World War 3

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The West has criticised Vladimir Putins sham elections as the Russian president sent a sinister warning to Nato.

Putin warned against any move that would risk direct conflict with Russia, saying it would be one step away from World War 3.

Asked about the dangers of a wide-scale Nato-Russia conflict, Putin said: Everything is possible in the modern world.

It is the latest example of the Russian president dangling the threat of a larger, or even nuclear, conflict in Europe as he attempts to pressure Ukraines Western allies against an escalation of their involvement in his war.

The comments came as Putin claimed a landslide victory in Russias sham presidential election with 87.8 per cent of the vote.

The US, Germany, the UK and other nations have said the vote was neither free nor fair due to the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship.

Earlier, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, called Mr Putin a killer and a gangster, as she joined scores of Russians unhappy with his regime lining up to vote on Sunday afternoon at polling stations both inside Russia and at its embassies around the world.
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This article first appeared in our partner site, Independent Arabia

The cultivation of saffron has successfully helped women living in rural communities in Morocco overcome poverty and social and developmental vulnerability. By planting this pricey crop, termed by many as red gold, these women have become more financially independent and more involved in their local communities.

The lives of many women living in the countryside of southern Morocco have taken a turn for the better, particularly in Taliouine, known as the saffron capital of the country. The Moroccan government is looking to expand the production of saffron, one of the most precious and expensive spices in the world.

The Production Cycle

Many regions of Morocco are famous for their red gold, including the town of Taliouine in the southern Taroudant province, considered the saffron capital of the country. Saffron is also cultivated in the Ikniouen commune in the province of Tinghir located in the southeastern part of the country, as well as in the town of Imilchil and greater Taznakht.

Speaking to Independent Arabia, Abdul Majid Ogelli, a local farmer in Taliouine, explains the agricultural cycle of growing saffron in the regions fields. It all begins in July or August each year, with the first phase of weeding the fields to remove harmful and excessive weeds, he adds.

He explains that this is a vital phase, as men and women working in the field know all too well. Many are unaware of the steps that take place before saffron can be cultivated.

As for the second phase of saffron production, he continues, it involves harvesting saffron flowers in the months of October and November, and this work is often done by women. The harvest is especially strenuous and requires a lot of patience and hard work.

The third phase is drying the red saffron crocus, followed by refining, which is carried out by women working in the agricultural cooperatives, where they strip the red stigmas from the purple flower of this precious plant. In the final phase, saffron is packaged for sale.

A Way Out of Poverty

The task of harvesting often falls upon women from rural Amazigh communities while men work on planting the bulbs of the plant. Women who work in the harvest of red gold have come to define it, and this occupation has in turn improved the lives of many women, whether financially, socially, or mentally.

Fatima Takrkoucht, who heads a womens saffron cooperative, explained the reason behind womens greater role in the harvest. The main reason, she said, was the resilience of women in rural Amazigh communities, which helps them in enduring the strenuous work and long hours involved in harvesting and refining.

The woman harvesting saffron, she continued, mostly work within an agricultural cooperative and have to wake up before dawn to harvest the saffron from the fields before sunrise. Then they have to work on stripping the flowers in the evenings. She explained that many rural women were previously unemployed and just stayed home waiting for provisions and supplies from their husbands, brothers, or fathers in case they were widowed or unmarried. However, their work with saffron made them more self-reliant.

Takrkoucht says that women who work on producing red gold now have an income that, while modest, is sufficient to provide them with the necessities of life. They also have an occupation that provides them a route out of unemployment.

The economic opportunities created by saffron production in marginalised regions of Morocco have allowed women working within agricultural cooperatives to fight poverty, unemployment, and domestic vulnerability. These women have also gained a higher standing within their families.

The invisible link

While women in rural Amazigh communities have earned income from saffron production, which has allowed them to become financially independent and to escape poverty and destitution, this income nevertheless remains insufficient and does not meet all their needs.

Mohammed Majdouline, who researches the socio-economic aspects of saffron production in Morocco, notes that the crop has lifted many women living in rural communities out of poverty, taken them out of unemployment, and strengthened their self-confidence as they gained an income, however small and inconsistent.

On the other hand, however, working class women do not reap the real profits of saffron, which sells for an expensive price tag in markets. A single gram of saffron sells for $30-40 (23-31), while the highest quality saffron can set you back up to $100 (78).

This leads to the question of who is profiting the most from the sale of this red gold. Women workers and farmers who face many difficulties and challenges when planting this crop, without receiving their efforts worth, are often the forgotten link in the chain of saffron production, Majdouline remarked.

The biggest winner from the distribution and marketing of saffron, he continued, is the broker or the middleman who buys the product at very low prices, then sells it to big markets or exports it to foreign countries as a spice that is highly coveted globally.

According to Moroccos Ministry of Agriculture, the countrys annual production of saffron amounts to almost 6 tonnes. The sectors professional organisational network includes 42 cooperatives with 3041 members, in addition to an economic interest group that includes 15 cooperatives.

Morocco is the fourth largest producer of saffron worldwide. The country is striving to increase its saffron cultivation area to 3,000 hectares by 2030 and increase production of the spice to 13.5 tonnes.

Reviewed by Tooba Ali and Celine Assaf
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Security researchers have developed a self-replicating AI worm that can infiltrate peoples emails in order to spread malware and steal data.

Dubbed Morris II, after the first ever computer worm from 1988, the computer worm was created by an international team from the US and Israel in an effort to highlight the risks associated with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

The worm is designed to target AI-powered apps that use popular tools like OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini. It has already been demonstrated against GenAI-powered email assistants to steal personal data and launch spamming campaigns.

The researchers warned that the worm represented a new breed of zero-click malware, as the victim does not have to click on anything to trigger the malicious activity or even propagate it. Instead, it is carried out by the automatic action of the generative AI tool.

The study demonstrates that attackers can insert such prompts into inputs that, when processed by GenAI models, prompt the model to replicate the input as output (replication) and engage in malicious activities (payload), the researchers wrote.

Additionally, these inputs compel the agent to deliver them (propagate) to new agents by exploiting the connectivity within the GenAI ecosystem.

The research was detailed in a study, titled ComPromptMized: Unleashing zero-click worms that target GenAI-powered applications.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, security researchers have noted the potential for hackers and cyber criminals to use some element of generative AI in order to carry out attacks.

The technologys ability to realistically imitate human-generated text means non-native speakers could use it to generate convincing fraudulent emails and texts.

Cyber security firm CrowdStrike warned in its annual Global Threat Report, published last month, that its researchers had observed nation-state actors and hactivists experimenting with tools like ChatGPT.

Generative AI [can] democratise attacks and lower the barrier of entry for more sophisticated operations, a company representative wrote in an email to The Independent. Generative AI will likely be used for cyber activities in 2024 as the technology continues to gain popularity.
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The president of El Salvador has said he has no plans to sell the countrys vast bitcoin holdings, despite seeing a profit of over 50 per cent.

The Central American country became the first in the world to adopt bitcoin as an official currency in 2021, while also investing state funds into the asset.

A crypto market downturn in 2022 saw El Salvador facing heavy losses, however a strong recovery means bitcoin is now approaching an all-time high.

The cryptocurrency reached above $65,000 (51,000) on Monday, less than $4,000 away from its record price from November 2021.

El Salvador holds roughly 2,380 bitcoins, purchased at an average price of $44,300, meaning the $105 million investment is now worth more than $155 million.

View more

When bitcoins market price was low, they wrote literally thousands of articles about our supposed losses, Mr Bukele wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, when bitcoin was trading at around $60,000.

Now that bitcoins market price is way up, if we were to sell, we would make a profit of over 40 per cent (just from the market purchases), and our main source of BTC is now our citizenship program.

We wont sell, or course; at the end 1 BTC = 1 BTC (this was true when the market price was low and its true now); but its very telling that the authors of those hit pieces, the analysts, the experts, the journalists, are totally silent now. Remember this, next time they spill lies again about El Salvador.

Under El Salvadors Bitcoin Law, every Salvadoran was eligible to receive $30 worth of free bitcoin in order to incentivise its roll out.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) criticised the introduction of bitcoin as an official currency, calling for it to be withdrawn in 2022. The organisation cited risks regarding financial stability, financial integrity and consumer protection, claiming that price volatility and the potential for criminal misuse made it unsuitable.

El Salvadors Treasury Minister Alejandro Zelaya dismissed the concerns at the time, saying that bitcoin offered citizens a way to bypass high remittance fees, while also reducing the countrys reliance on the US dollar.

The rising price of bitcoin has been attributed to the recent approval of the first ever spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US, which opened up the market to billions of dollars worth of institutional investment.

An upcoming event called the halving, which will see bitcoin mining rewards slashed in half, has also been noted by analysts as a factor in the cryptocurrencys surging price.
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Dublin City Council is considering taking steps to protect a popular city centre statue from damage, following reports of wear through excessive handling.

The bronze statue of local folk hero Molly Malone is a popular spot with tourists to the Irish capital. Visitors pose for photographs touching the figures exposed breasts, a practice said to bring good luck.

As a result, part of the statue has become tarnished over time.

Now Tilly Cripwell, a student who busks near the statue, has launched a campaign calling for an end to what she believes is a misogynistic tradition.

Cripwell told the Telegraph: A lot of people clamour around her, kiss her on the cheek, kiss her boobs, its all inappropriate. Its reducing her to this derision and not giving her the status of being a national treasure.

Molly Malone is a figure from Irish folklore, the protagonist of a song about a girl who sells cockles and mussles from a barrow in Dublins fair city.

A bronze scuplture of her pushing her cart, by Irish artist Jeanne Rynhart, was erected on Grafton Street in 1988 as part of Dublins millennium celebrations. It was moved to its current location outside the Dublin Tourist Office on Suffolk Street in 2014.

This is not the first time that the statue has been in the news. It was vandalised three times last autumn, with vandals daubing Please dont, TY [thank you] and 7 Years Bad Luck across the figures decolletage.

7 Years Bad Luck refers to the idea, whose origin is unknown, that touching the statues breasts will bring seven years good luck.

Ray Yeates, arts officer at Dublin City Council, said in a statement: Dublin City Council is aware of the reports concerning people touching the Molly Malone statute. It is not beneficial for any work of art of this kind to be handled and this may cause wear or damage.

The Council is considering what measures might be effective in protecting the statute and recently carried out repairs due to vandalism.

Molly Malone is an important figure in the Dublins folklore and this statue and all public art should always be treated with respect.

It is unfortunately not uncommen for public art works to be damaged by tourists, whether maliciously or through a lack of awareness of the risks of handling. In September an Irish tourist snapped off part of a historic statue in Belgium one day after it was unveiled to the public following a 15,000 restoration. While last August, a group of 17 tourists destroyed a sculpture valued at 200,000 in the town of Viggiu in Lombardy, Italy.
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Ukraine will this week launch a campaign for international tourists  telling the world that it has the infrastructure, hotels and service to support visitors.

On the eve of the worlds biggest travel event, ITB in Berlin, the chair of Ukraines State Agency for Tourism Development has told The Independent that tourism will be an essential part of post-war recovery.

Mariana Oleskiv said: We welcome our guests if they dont come with guns.

Any money that people will spend in Ukraine will help the economy to recover.

We have now the brand of Ukraine developed and well known around the world. But it's not associated with tourism.

People think about Ukraine  maybe about bravery, about war, about destruction. So they see the picture that Ukraine looks like Mariupol, for example.

We have many cities look like this, but it's around 20 per cent or 30 per cent of territory that is occupied.

The rest is alright. Its very beautiful. We have good infrastructure and we have very good hotels, good service, internet coverage.

We need to create interest to Ukraine not just as people that you support and you feel sorry for  but also the country you want to support by visiting.

We don't know when. We don't know if it's going to be in this year, or next year or in two years. We have this time to prepare, to have plans  even though they are on hold for this moment. But we know how to act from the moment when Ukrainian borders and Ukrainian skies open again.

Ms Oleskiv took up her role in March 2020  on the eve of an expected rapid expansion of flights from the UK and elsewhere. But new links to Odessa that both Ryanair and Wizz Air were selling from London were scuppered by the Covid pandemic.

Glory days: Passazh Shopping Arcade, Odessa, before the Russian invasion (Tony Wheeler)

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, halting all tourism from abroad.

Remarkably, Ukrainians are still taking holidays, Ms Oleskiv said.

We still have tourism  domestic tourism  in Ukraine. And this is something that helps us also to cope with everything that that is going on in our country.

We have cafes, bars, restaurants, working. We have hotels open and actually during last winter, when we had blackout, very often the hotels were that place where people could have food, charge their phones because they all had generators.

People do travel, they travel with families with kids from the destinations that are less safe to destinations that are more safe: in the Carpathian mountains, western central Ukraine. This is something that keeps us our mental health being alright and being OK.

But the chair of the Ukrainian tourism body stressed that visitors from abroad should stay away until the war is over: Not now. We are not inviting anybody now because of many reasons. First of all, logistics are very complicated. And insurance companies do not cover risks in Ukraine. So even if you get flu somewhere in Ukraine that is not related to war, it would not be covered by most of insurance companies. So we're not inviting anyone here.

Ms Oleskiv said tourism would resume as soon as the flights are renewed and we can talk about complete safety in certain regions.

Last month Ryanair renewed its pledge to set up a large-scale air operation in the three key tourist cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa within six weeks of a ceasefire.

Fighting back: Tourism will return to Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as soon as the guns fall silent (Simon Calder)

Before the Russian invasion, the three cities attracted the vast majority of international visitors to Ukraine. But the nation is keen to diversify.

In 2021  that was still Covid  we developed a new tourist route to the Carpathian mountains for tourists from Saudi Arabia, Ms Oleskiv said.

They really loved it. We have very good resorts there: green with a lot of rain, nice weather. And we had plans for 2022 to triple the quantity of tourists. But of course Russia started the war and we couldn't do this.

Chernobyl, the site of a nuclear reactor explosion in 1986, was one of the leading attractions for visitors before the Russian invasion. But Ms Oleskiv said it will be off limits for some time.

There was a Russian invasion through that territory. It was mined in order not to let them in again, she said.

We dont want to develop dark tourism. We want to tell people the history of this war and the story of people and also show the consequences and Russian war crimes. Our main audience is future generations.

For more travel news, views and advice from Simon, download his daily Independent Travel podcast.
George Galloway took a dig at politicians as he arrived at Parliament to be sworn in as the new MP for Rochdale on Monday (4 March).

Mr Galloway was announced as the winner of the Rochdale by-election in the early hours of Friday (1 March), with the Workers Party of Britain leader receiving just under 40 percent of the vote.

Mr Galloway arrived at Parliament in a dark Volvo driven by an aide on Monday morning, as he was greeted by photographers and camera crews.

He said: I always loved the building - the people in it, not quite so much.

Mr Galloway will meet Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle ahead of his introduction.
Vice President Kamala Harris was met with cheers when she demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

She addressed the recent killing of more than 100 Palestinians when Israeli troops opened fire on people rushing to an aid convoy in Gaza City.

Our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy and for all the innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe, she said. The conditions are inhumane.

Harris is currently in Selma, Alabama to mark the anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
Miami Beach is breaking up with Spring Break.

Thousands of college students and party-goers have been gearing up to flood Florida in March and April for the annual event but this year, they will face strict rules and measures.

An advert released by the City of Miami Beach aims to deter troublemakers, suggesting the city is breaking up with students.

Expect curfews, security searches and bag checks at beach access points, early beach entrance closures, DUI checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, road closures and arrests for drug possession and violence, a message shared on the Miami Beach website read.
Martin Lewis has explained what people can expect from the chancellors much-anticipated spring Budget.

Jeremy Hunt is likely expected to cut National Insurance contributions, over income tax in the Budget on Wednesday (4 March).

The Money Saving Expert founder has now revealed what a cut would mean for peoples pay packets.

Speaking on This Morning on Monday (2 March), Mr Lewis said: For a two percent cut for each 10,000 you earn over 12,500, you will be 200 a year better off.
Company has also filed a change of registered office address to a unit in Malahide, Co Dublin

High Court proceedings brought by Quick last year claimed shareholder oppression by Paul and Jude Davis under the 2014 Companies Act

Paul Davis, co-founder of Nephin Whiskey who, along with his wife Jude, has now resigned. Photo: Michael McLaughlin

Nephin Whiskey, the Co Mayo whiskey firm that has gone through various boardroom disputes, has appointed two new Ukrainian directors as its husband and wife co-founders resigned from their directorships.

Files submitted to the Companies Registration Office show Tamara Antonova (70) and Halyna Matiyash (73), two Ukrainian nationals living in Co Dublin, were appointed as directors of Nephin Whiskey on February 3, 2024. On the same day, co-founders Paul and Jude Davis, who are married, resigned from roles as directors and secretary. They remain as shareholders.

Nephin Whiskey also filed a change of registered office address to a unit in Malahide, Co Dublin.

Over the last fortnight, the Sunday Independent has attempted to contact a lawyer it was told represented Nephin Whiskey and various professional services firms filing documents for the company at the CRO, but received no response. Other efforts to contact the company and directors failed.

In 2013, Paul and Jude Davis shared their plans to open the whiskey distillery in Lahardane, Co Mayo, alongside Mark Quick. The following year, former taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the establishment of the distillery, with a report in the Irish Independent stating production should be up and running by the end of 2015.

High Court proceedings brought by Quick last year claimed shareholder oppression by Paul and Jude Davis under the 2014 Companies Act

Nearly a decade since the Nephin Whiskey plans were announced, the distillery building is yet to be completed. However, the Sunday Independent understands much of the equipment is now on site.

Nephin initially raised 4.5m in equity funding and 1.5m in loans for the establishment of its distillery in Mayo.

However, Nephins progress was stalled in 2020 as Covid-19 lockdowns took effect and then a long-running dispute occurred between the distillerys founders, with Paul and Jude Davis on one side and former director Mark Quick on the other.

The dispute, first reported in the Business Post in 2021, was over the direction the company was taking at the time.

Nephin Whiskeys AGM that year was delayed.

The dispute between the parties led to cases in both the High Court and the Workplace Relations Commission.

The High Court proceedings brought by Quick in 2021 claimed shareholder oppression by Paul and Jude Davis under the 2014 Companies Act.

Quick sought a number of orders including that the couple sell their shares to him or they purchase his shares. Alternatively, he wanted an order regulating the conduct of the company's affairs.

Firm said upcoming investment funds would come from two sources, an initial Immigrant Investor Programme fund of 500,000 and a final tranche

Quick also wanted the court to require Davis, as secretary of the firm, to call an AGM and that they pay him compensation.

The couple opposed the action and denied claims of oppression.

The case was ultimately settled in October 2022.

In Nephin Whiskeys most recently filed accounts for 2021, the company said it was actively seeking further investment.

The whiskey firm said upcoming investment funds would come from two sources, an initial IIP (Immigrant Investor Programme) of 500,000 and a final tranche of funding.

However, the accounts stated the figure had not been agreed and was subject to ongoing negotiations.

Nephin Whiskeys accounts also state how the pandemic had affected the company, including the delayed commissioning of equipment from a supplier in Italy.

Without funding, the company would be unlikely to be in a position to continue to trade

The company said it was committed to capital expenditure of around 1.1m at the balance sheet date, which was necessary to complete the installation and commissioning of the plant. This would allow it to start whiskey production.

However, at the date of approval of the financial statements, Nephin said it had not obtained commitments in respect of the funding required. It was confident the funding could be secured.

Without the additional funding required, the directors said the company would be unlikely to be in a position to continue to trade and to meet its day-to-day expenditure requirements.

The accounts for 2021 show Nephins retained losses rose from 1.4m to 1.6m.

The company had fixed assets of 4.3m, most of which was plant and machinery worth 2.9m and a leasehold valued at 1.1m.

Nephin Whiskey also had current assets worth 431,700, made up of whiskey stocks of 292,066, amounts owed by debtors of 127,025, and cash of 12,609.
Angus Woods: Protests will achieve nothing unless they make very specific demands

Demanding less red tape is pointless  regulation of the EU budget is here to stay, and the best course is to influence the way it is drafted

Angus Woods says, 'The big question for protesting farmers is: what exactly do they want from the politicians who make the policy decisions?'. Photo: Damien Eagers

Angus Woods Mon 4 Mar 2024 at 07:37

Farmers across the EU are continuing their tractor protests, putting pressure on political parties in every country ahead of Junes European elections.
The trade deals Boris Johnson struck with Australia and New Zealand when he was still prime minister are another point of contention. Johnson leads a bull around a pen as he visits a farm near Aberdeen in 2019. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Image

He is a lifelong Tory voter, a member of the party since the 1980s, and the president of his local Conservative association. But given what he sees as a litany of failures from the Conservative government to support farmers, Rayner is seeing red.
Fewer than one in three mutual-recognition driver disqualifications from Britain and Northern Ireland were affirmed by Irish courts over the last four years.

Road-safety campaigners have urged the Government to urgently review the operation of legislation aimed at ensuring drivers who are disqualified in the UK are not able to continue driving here with impunity.

Road safety group Parc said, according to the latest Road Safety Authority (RSA) statistics, a total of 63 mutual-recognition driving bans were affirmed by Irish courts between 2020 and 2023.

However, those 63 affirmations arose from a total of 205 requests from Northern Irish and British authorities for driving bans to be enforced here.

Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers has been briefed on a full Department of Transport review of the mutual-recognition agreement. This will assess whether the system is fit for purpose and, if not, how best to implement improvements.

Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between Ireland and the UK was enshrined in law under article 40 of the Road Traffic Act 2016.

As part of the review, it is understood the Government is considering introducing administrative disqualifications  a faster, simpler system of ensuring drivers banned in the UK cannot operate on Irish roads.

Parc has demanded an urgent overhaul of enforcement regulations, which currently mean such mutual disqualifications can be handled in Ireland only after court proceedings.

Between 2020 and 2023, Irish courts affirmed 60 driving bans from Northern Ireland and three from England/Scotland/Wales, the RSA statistics revealed.

However, over the same period, there had been mutual-recognition requests totalling 205  25 from Britain and 180 from Northern Ireland.

The lowest rate of court affirmations occurred last year, when Northern Irish authorities submitted 54 mutual recognition applications  but only 11 were affirmed by Irish courts. A number are still pending.

In many cases, the disqualification cannot be enforced here as, by the time the court proceedings reach a hearing in the district court, the driving ban imposed in the UK has already expired.

Parc founder Susan Gray warned that there was major concern over the fact that drivers who are disqualified in the UK could still be freely driving in Ireland.
Undercover filming revealed one individual providing Botox from an apartment in Dublin. Photo: RTE Investigates

Prescription products including Botox are being administered by unqualified individuals, an RTE documentary will reveal.

RTE Investigates found Botox is being illegally moved through hair salons, prescription medications are easy to buy and people are being directed to change labels to avoid being caught.

The investigation also found prescription medications are being moved across the Border.

There was an increase of more than 400pc in the number of Botox products seized by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) last year.

Four successful prosecutions for Botox have been secured by the HRPA in the past 10 years.

The investigation by RTE found links to illegal Botox use in counties Dublin, Clare, Carlow, Westmeath, Cork, Armagh and Limerick.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

"There is a fundamental misunderstanding about what the actual aesthetics industry is and about the products that are being used, said beauty industry expert Nikki Dwyer.

One of the problems that present in A&E's clinics around the country is botched filler. Filler is not considered to be a prescription drug. It's a medical device.

"So anybody can use a medical device. I can go and do a two-day online course on how to inject fillers and I can get insured and legally inject fillers in this country."

Through the investigation, aesthetic clinics advertising on social media were found referencing an online academy called Lips for Kiss (LFK).

The LFK website advertised 20-minute videos with training on how to administer Botox. After watching the video, RTE reporter Pamela Fraher was sent a certificate showing she had successfully completed the course Botox by Lips for Kiss.

Undercover filming revealed one individual providing Botox from an apartment in Dublin. Photo: RTE Investigates

Only a doctor, dentist or registered nurse under direction of a medical doctor can administer Botox under Irish law.

"This is a prescription only medicine. In Ireland the rules are clear. And anyone else is acting illegally, Chairperson of the Irish Faculty of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine Dr Eithne Brenner told RTE.

Undercover filming carried out as part of the RTE Investigates programme found one unlicensed individual operating a beauty salon from a bedroom in her Dublin apartment and advertising through Facebook.

"You dont need to sterilise, with Botox I'm using a very small insulin needle, they told RTEs undercover reporter.

"That's just opening up you up for so many risks. Infection, abscess. Of course, you have to sterilise before an injection, Aesthetics Complications Expert group member Dr Sana Askary said.

The documentary will show prescription products including Botox being flown into Newry, Co Armagh and collected by beauticians across the country.

"You put them in your bag, drive across the border. No police, no customs, no nothing, a supplier selling unlicenced Botox from Korea told the undercover reporter.

The supplier named in the programme said people from all over the country come to pick up the products, including one woman from Clare buying 4,000 to 5,000 worth of stuff every month.

The President of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons Professor Jack Kelly said he was shocked and stunned by the undercover footage and patients are being put at risk.

RTE Investigates: Botox & Beauty at Any Costs airs at 9.35pm on Monday, March 4 on RTE One and the RTE Player.
Convicted judge Gerard OBrien is to be sentenced on April 29 for sexual assault. He resigned from the bench in January after being found guilty at the Central Criminal Court in December of sexually assaulting six young men between 1991 and 1997 when he worked as a teacher at a Dublin secondary school.
A HUMAN rights worker subjected a colleague to predatory sexual assaults at their organisation's office party after getting drunk off his face.

Clement Bernaudin (31) groped the womans bottom, tried to kiss her and pushed himself up against her in a prolonged and protracted pursuit in a Dublin pub that left her severely traumatised and had life-changing effects on her, a court heard.
Crime

New victim comes forward with claims against Bill Kenneally and says detective advised him to drop allegations
Danny Healy-Rae wants a policy whereby drivers aged 70 years and over are subjected to a medical assessment to tackle the recruitment crisis. Photo: Damien Eagers

Rural politicians have warned an ageist policy of excluding school bus drivers aged 70 and over must be abandoned if Ireland is to cater for the needs of 100,000 extra school-going children by 2030.

The plea came as Education Minister Norma Foley examines options to maximise the flexibility and capacity of the current school transport scheme amid soaring demand  and the increasing difficulty in recruiting drivers.

Two leading rural politicians, Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae and Cork senator Tim Lombard, warned that it was an outdated policy to rule out qualified drivers simply because they were aged 70 years and over. Around 161,000 children currently use school transport.

However, current estimates are that Irelands school-going population will soar over the next decade.

It is expected that between 250,000 and 280,000 children will seek to use school transport by 2030.

School transport currently costs 444m annually. However, the Government is being asked to consider increasing the budget to 672m by 2030  a hike of 228 annually to cater for demand which will soar by between 50pc and 70pc.

The Government is now reviewing options to maximise route efficiency, numbers and driver recruitment.

However, driver recruitment has emerged as a major issue.

Mr Lombard said it was ridiculous to ignore experienced, skilled drivers simply on the basis of age.

With the proposed expansion of the School Transport Scheme published this week this will have to be addressed to help with capacity challenges. Quite simply its an ageist policy, the senator said.

Road safety is paramount when it comes to the transport of schoolchildren. This, above all else, must be our guiding principle and should always be adhered to, but the exclusion of experienced and medically fit drivers simply because of their age is ludicrous.

Over 90pc of school transport services are contracted locally. These contractors can employ a 70-year-old driver to take students to a school match or swimming lessons but cant employ that driver to drive the school bus in the morning or evening. This defies logic.

Bus Eireann insisted safety was its priority and its policy was based on international studies.

Mr Healy-Rae queried why a recruitment policy couldnt be adopted whereby drivers aged 70 years and over were subjected to a medical assessment on a specified basis to ensure their suitability for school transport work.  Many such drivers were also intimately familiar with the rural roads involved, he said.
Programme shows 37pc of all treated water is lost to leaks. Photo: Paul Fleet

Almost 4,000 households have each been using a massive 10,000 litres of drinking water a day, latest leak investigations by Uisce Eireann show.

The 3,990 properties were collectively going through 42 million litres of water daily, about 30 times the amount expected with normal consumption.

A further 32,500 properties were using a total of 47 million litres a day  about four times the norm.

The figures are the latest made public by Uisce Eireann and only cover the first half of 2022 but they give an indication of the massive water losses happening daily due to leaks.

These are only the leaks detected by the utilitys alarm system which signals when water flow to metered properties runs significantly above normal.

Uisce Eireann is still trying to reach agreement with the water regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), on a methodology for accurately assessing the full extent of all such customer-side leaks.

The bodies agree there are challenges evaluating and addressing leaks on private property but the CRU has been pushing Uisce Eireann to finalise a format so that the full extent of the problem is known.

The issue has been raised after it emerged the Cabinet is considering a request from Uisce Eireann to progress the next stage of its controversial water supply project for Dublin.

It is proposed to take 300 million litres of water daily from the River Shannon and pipe it 170km across the country to help shore up the greater Dublin areas stretched supply.

Uisce Eireann needs around 75m in state funding to finalise the designs and prepare the projects planning application.

At least another 1.5bn would be needed to build it.

Opponents of the project argue the money should be put into fixing the chronic leaks in public mains and on private property instead.

About 37pc of all treated water is lost to leaks, an improvement on the 2018 figure of 46pc when the national leakage reduction programme was set up.

However, while Uisce Eireann says it is on target to reduce leakage to 25pc nationally and 20pc in Dublin by 2030, those figures apply to public-side leaks.

Uisce Eireann is working with the CRU to approve a methodology to measure customer supply leakage nationally, the utility said.

Uisce Eireann provided its first submissions regarding customer supply pipe leakage in December 2022. The CRU is currently reviewing this data and will provide an update in future reports.

The CRU said it had engaged with Uisce Eireann throughout last year to clarify aspects of the calculation and reporting methodology.

CRU has recently (February 2024) received further updates from Uisce Eireann on its approach, it said.

Uisce Eireann insists that even if all leaks were fixed, they water saved would still not secure an adequate supply for Dublin, given the pace of growth of the population and the economy.

The utility said last week there may have to be a toss-up between water connections for new housing or industrial developments in the region in the next few years because a sufficient supply could not be guaranteed.
Irish citizen and anti-corruption activist Yasser Eljuboori has been told he faces two new additional charges and is not allowed to leave Iraq and return home to his family in Dublin.

Mr Eljuboori had gone to Baghdad to visit his family, but had his phone, documents and Irish passport taken from him when he was arrested at the airport last Monday and detained.

He faced charges of defamation and was placed in prison. However, on Thursday the charged were dropped and he was released on bail.

Mr Eljuboori was told by a court in Baghdad on Sunday about the two new charges concerning his social media posts in which he raised corruption concerns.

Mr Eljuboori has been outspoken on social media about corruption in Iraq.

The charges had been filed against him by the Chair of the National Investment Commission and the Mayor of Baghdad. No specific information of the charges has been provided. Article 226 criminalises any person who publicly insults public authorities or officials.

Mr Eljuboori attended the court on Sunday to collect his passport and belongings, where he then learned of the new charges.

Mr Eljuboori was prevented from leaving Iraq and was unable to fly home to Dublin as planned.

A statement from his legal team said: Urgent representations were made on Sunday 3rd March 2024 to the Iraqi authorities. As of this morning, Monday 4th March 2024, one set of the new charges is likely to fall away: the Chair of the National Investment Commission confirmed to the court this morning that he did not wish to proceed with his charges against Mr Eljuboori.

"The position in relation to the Mayor of Baghdad remains unknown.

He is due to face a further court hearing tomorrow.

His wife, Laura Wickham has been urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to help get her husband out of Iraq. Speaking from her home in Balgriffin, Dublin this morning she said the past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

Yasser Eljuboori is a well-known anti-corruption activist (Laura Wickham/PA)

The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me: the initial confusion at Yassers disappearance; the terror as I learned the news of his arrest, detention and criminal charges brought against him by the Prime Minister; the relief when he was released; and now despair at these latest developments. This feels like a cruel game, an ongoing torment playing with Yassers freedom.

Our children miss their dad and I miss my husband. I call on the Iraqi authorities to allow Yasser to return home. Every additional day and hour that he spends in Baghdad puts him at risk of further bogus charges.

"I am so grateful for all that the Tanaiste, the Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs are doing to help, and the EU and the UN. The next 24 hours are crucial and we must all work together to bring Yasser home.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, international counsel to Ms Wickham said: Yasser Eljuboori is being targeted by multiple public officials for his campaigning work highlighting corruption in Iraq.

"Using Article 226 of Iraqs Penal Code - the legal weapon of choice for thin-skinned public officials who seek to suppress criticism  they have attempted to silence him and punish him for his work.

"It is particularly cruel that Mr Eljuboori was informed that all charges were dropped and that he would be going home within days, when in fact new charges were being prepared behind the scenes which would keep him trapped in Baghdad, unable to return home to his family.

Article 226 is being used in a brutal game of legal whack-a-mole against Mr Eljuboori: as soon as one set of charges is dismissed, another appears.

It is imperative that the international community stands up to these bullying, repressive tactics. The Iraqi authorities must drop all charges against Mr Eljuboori forthwith and allow him safe passage home to Ireland.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said last week that he welcomed Iraqs decision to drop charges against detained Irish citizen.
Concern growing over risk of unvaccinated children or adults travelling for Easter

One in 10 people aged 18 to 34 are not vaccinated against measles. Photo: PA

Unvaccinated groups in their 20s, 30s and older are among more than 300,000 people who will be offered the measles jab as part of a major catch-up vaccination rollout in a bid to avert a surge in cases.

People aged up to 34 years and older, healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, such as refugees and migrants, are being targeted.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will outline the plan to Cabinet tomorrow which includes spending 4.6m as part of a new drive to protect 310,000 people, as well as funding to speed up laboratory diagnosis.

So far this year there has been one case of confirmed measles, which led to the death of a man in his late 40s in Westmeath.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Doctors, who have been told to be alert for potential measles infections, have been taking swabs from patients, leading to a significant number of possible cases which have proved negative.

Ireland is vulnerable to outbreaks of measles because overall vaccination rates with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has fallen below 90pc and is even lower in some counties. With measles outbreaks on the rise in the UK and Europe, there are fears families going abroad for Easter will be at risk if children or adults are not vaccinated.

A catch-up programme for children up to the age of 10 has been in place since November, while the second MMR vaccine was brought forward to the first term of the school year to boost the protection of children.

Mr Donnelly is expected to tell the Cabinet that the ramping up will involve routine and catch-up programmes for children and will also extend to unprotected young people up to 24 years of age.

Healthcare workers will be offered the jab as well as at-risk groups such as Travellers, Roma, homeless people, refugees and asylum-seekers, vulnerable migrants and prisoners.

Those aged 25 to 34 will also be targeted, followed by people born after 1978. Those born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have immunity to measles.

A recent study found that around one in 10 people in Ireland aged 18 to 34 are not vaccinated against measles.

Vaccines will be delivered by GPs and occupational health staff while HSE immunisation teams may also be utilised.

There have been anecdotal reports of some people, who have been outside those groups eligible for a free MMR vaccine, paying to get the jab in recent weeks.

Disruption to health services during the pandemic as well as a perception that measles is no longer a threat are among the reasons for the fall in vaccination uptake.

However, it is a highly infectious virus and can be potentially fatal.

The MMR jab is normally given as a first dose to children at 12 months with a second given in junior infants class.

Recent guidance, in the event of outbreaks in schools, creches and hospitals, indicated that in some cases those who have not been vaccinated will have to stay at home for three weeks.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government is to appoint a new chair of the RTE board along with two new board members on Tuesday (PA)

The Government is to appoint a new chair of the RTE board along with two new board members on Tuesday, the Taoiseach has confirmed.

Leo Varadkar said the appointments will be an important step forward for the broadcaster.

Media Minister Catherine Martin will bring the names to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.

Mr Varadkar said that, while it had been difficult to find people to appoint amid the ongoing controversies, it has not been impossible.

The appointments come amid continuing turmoil at RTE, including the resignation of board member PJ Mathews last week, shortly after board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh quit following much-criticised comments from the media minister.

Ms Martin refused to express confidence in Ms Ni Raghallaigh during a live television appearance, saying she had been misinformed about the chairwomans role in approving an exit package for an RTE executive.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh resigned hours later, leaving the board without a chairperson at a critical time for RTE.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Mr Varadkar said he expects the final two reports on RTE will be published within weeks.

Minister Martin will bring the name of a new chairperson and some new board members to cabinet tomorrow, Mr Varadkar added.

Thatll be an important step forward in making sure that theres a fully functioning board for RTE.

The government wants to see the final set of reports, the reports on the governance of RTE and how we can make sure that it runs better and operates better into the future.

We expect to have them in a matter of weeks and then be able to make a decision on future funding.

The Fine Gael leader said he also supports the idea to give the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General oversight of RTEs finances.
The man dubbed Northern Irelands Fritzl was buried last week in a funeral attended by nobody.

This is the unmarked grave where Alistair Henrys body was placed on Thursday morning at Coleraine Cemetery.

There was no service, no eulogy, no gravestone and no flowers.

A source said: He went straight into the ground.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

The silence of his final moments above ground was in stark contrast to the violence he dished out to his ex-wife and others who crossed his path.

The 62-year-old, who remains the only person to be convicted in connection with the murder of OAP Norman Moffatt, died last Friday at the pensioners fold he was placed in last year.

Alistair Henry's unmarked grave at Coleraine Cemetery

Police confirmed they were not treating his passing as suspicious at this time, but added they are continuing to make inquiries surrounding the circumstances of the death.

Local sources have reported that the man who called himself the devils disciple had been the victim of a nasty beating a few weeks ago. There were rumours he had suffered a stab wound.

They also said there was blood everywhere when his body was discovered and there had been near-constant anti-social behaviour and noise while Henry had lived there.

The PSNI said: The mans death, at this time, is not being treated as suspicious. Police, however, are continuing to make inquiries surrounding the circumstances of the death.

Dubbed Ulsters Fritzl after notorious Austrian Josef Fritzl  who kept his daughter captive for 24 years and raped her thousands of times  Henry subjected his then-wife to a catalogue of horrendous abuse, much of which cant be published as it is too disturbing.

Last night, a former friend who knew Henry all his life said: He was an evil bastard and he will not be missed. He was a bully and brought nothing but misery to his wife, his family and his neighbours who had to put up with his drink and drug parties.

He was given the send-off he deserved, which was to be buried without anyone there to pay any respects. He died a drug addict and alcoholic who never apologised for what he put his wife and family through. He left so much pain and anger in his wake.

Henry subjected his wife to a seven-year campaign of terror which ended when he was jailed for two years.

Even then, he vowed he would kill her when he was released. Back in 2008, she told how the abuse started.

We were only married and I was sitting on the bed as he was getting ready to go to work, she said. The next thing, he punched me full-on, on the side of the face.

He broke my jaw and permanently damaged my eye that day for no reason. There was no warning, no row. That was the start of my hell. It was every day after that.

Alistair Henry

The beatings came daily and she was gagged and bound in her own home. If she was allowed out, he had to be by her side and she was told to keep her head down at all times.

It was as if he knew I had no one now, no one who could tell what he was doing. At this stage, I wasnt allowed to see any of my family and friends and Alistair had given up his job so he could be with me 24/7, she said.

He had nothing to do all day other than torture me  and thats what he did.

He has broken every bone in my body, he has abused me in terrible ways and forced me to do terrible things. I hate him for all of it and I wish he was dead.

Him being dead is the only way I will know I will be safe.

Henry broke his wifes ankle because she had put 10 peas on his plate instead of eight.

He was also a horrific animal abuser and forced his wife to watch him perform sex acts on himself while he chanted the twisted mantra: Roses are red, violets are blue. Theyll need dental records to identify you.

In 2008 she said: He was evil to everyone  everyone weaker than him. He microwaved one of our cats and put the other in the washing machine.

He cut the girls goldfish in half and then taped it back together.

He punched our wee Labrador puppy so hard he broke his neck and he just dumped him in the bin. Thats what he did to amuse himself when he wasnt abusing me.

She revealed how he referred to himself as the devils disciple as he tore pages out of the Bible.

Alistair hated everything religious, she said. He banned anything religious from the house. He hated crosses and used to rant about how he hated God and Jesus.

He told me that he worshipped Beelzebub and that it was his fault he did the things he did.

Henry was jailed in 2013 after he falsely accused a drinking pal hed fallen out with of murdering 73-year-old Moffatt.

Norman Moffatt. Henry was jailed in 2013 after he falsely accused a drinking pal hed fallen out with of murdering the 73-year-old

Henry had taken revenge after a squalid drinking fallout to accuse his mate of the murder. The innocent man had to live with that hanging over him for 11 years.

In December 2022, police apologised to the family of Mr Moffatt after a watchdog review found multiple failings in an investigation of his murder.

The OAP was attacked as he walked along Railway Road in Coleraine in January 2001. He died two months later.

A subsequent review from the Police Ombudsman identified shortcomings in the police investigation.

Henry was convicted of perverting the course of justice and jailed for two years after deliberately lying to police that a fellow drinking buddy had been the man who stabbed Mr Moffatt to death.

The court was told at the time that Henrys outrageous lie had hampered their investigation by directing their efforts away from the real main suspect.
A Cork mother and her partner of 12 years are advocating for a Yes vote for durable relationships in this weeks referendum, as they dont feel recognised by the State as a family.

Louise Murphy and her partner James Langan, who live together in Cobh, Co Cork, with their two children, said they are no different from their married neighbours and yet they dont get help.
Former justice minister and attorney general Michael McDowell is advocating for a No vote in the referendums. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald, left, and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys at the party's Yes campaign launch. Photo: Collins Photos

Voters will be asked to make their choice in the referendums on March 8. Photo: Stock image

One week from now, on March 8, Irish voters will be asked to vote on two very important constitutional changes  changes so important that most people say they know hardly anything about them.

Heres everything you need to know about it to help make an informed decision.

Where did these two referendums come out of and why?

Eamon de Valeras officials wrote the 1937 Constitution, with considerable input from the Catholic bishops, and it was narrowly endorsed in our first referendum in June of that year. Over its 87 years the document has evolved through Supreme Court test-case rulings and 38 referendums.

But many people have long felt references to the role of women in the home and the family based on marriage are seriously out of line with life as lived in modern Ireland. These proposed changes have been talked about for decades  now its up to the voters to decide on March 8.

What is the issue about the role of women?

Article 41.2 effectively says that women working in the home are central to the good functioning of the State and society. It also pledges to endeavour to support women working at home so that they are not obliged to go out to work and neglect family duties.

If voters say Yes then that article would be struck out and a new Article 42B would be inserted. The new addition would recognise the important role of carers in Irish society.

In the new provision, carers are said to be either family members or linked in other ways. The proposed addition pledges the State to strive to support such care.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald, left, and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys at the party's Yes campaign launch. Photo: Collins Photos

What is the dispute about that change?

Equality Minister Roderic OGorman argues that this provision demeans women and is meaningless in modern Irish life where women have long pursued their own careers, combining work outside the home with family duties. Yes supporters say the provision supported a view in society that typecast women and played into things like the marriage ban, which forced women out of public-sector work the minute they married.

That ban only ended when Ireland joined the EEC, the forerunner of the European Union, in 1973.

But advocates of a No say this change would militate against women who work only in the home. They also argue that in practical terms it really would not change anything.

So, nothing is broken or requires fixing here, that No argument goes. Others say stronger language is required on practical support for carers who spare the State millions.

What changes are proposed about family and relationships?

As it stands, Article 41.3.1 accords very special status to the family as the basic unit of the society with strong legal rights. It fixes a family as based on marriage.

The proposed change would outline the family as founded on marriage or other durable relationships.

Former justice minister and attorney general Michael McDowell is advocating for a No vote in the referendums. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

And what are the points of dispute here about relationships?

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that up to one million Irish people live in family situations where there is no marriage involved. Yes advocates point to the 2015 endorsement of the constitutional referendum on same-sex marriage.

The Yes side also cite a recent Supreme Court ruling which granted a widowers pension to a father who was not married to his now deceased partner.

Advocates of No, including former attorney general and justice minister, Michael McDowell, argue that this change is a recipe for legal chaos with implications for things including succession and immigration law.

Some critics dismiss the term durable relationships as something which could be decided by things as facile as getting jointly-addressed postcards or Christmas cards. Again, the argument that nothing was broken or required fixing, is cited.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

So, will these two referendums be carried?

At first glance it seems that they should succeed. An Ipsos/B&A survey for the Irish Times last week showed six out of 10 people favoured the change on women at home, while over half backed change to definition of family.

But the history of referendums shows us that this is not a reliable predictor a month from polling. Referendum turnouts are often abysmal with two out of three voters abstaining.

Voter apathy makes the issues at risk to determined No campaigners sowing doubt  and only 8pc of people last week said they were well-informed on the issues. Watch for terms like: If you dont know  vote No and If in doubt  leave it out.

The Government and other Yes advocates have a big information battle ahead. So does the new Electoral Commission, which is facing its first crunch test especially on misinformation on social media.

Should I vote?

Make a small effort to inform yourself and then make an honest decision.

These two questions  to be put on separate ballot papers on March 8  are important for many peoples daily lives.
Lack of public enthusiasm over this Fridays two referendums should trouble Yes campaigners, writes Kevin Cunningham

Our poll today highlights two reasons why the referendums this week may be in significant jeopardy. First, and most obviously, while the poll shows a fall in support for the Yes side, it also shows an extremely large number of voters remain undecided.

Irish referendums often produce surprises as the result can often deviate significantly from opinion polls. It is sometimes said there is a bias that favours the status quo due to the tendency of undecided voters to break for the No side late on. Indeed, our poll today has more than a third of respondents indicating they are either undecided or not going to vote.
Referendums hang in balance, says Leo Varadkar as he calls for Yes vote

A lot of the public are only beginning to think about how they will vote on Friday now, Mr Varadkar said, as he rejected suggestions that four weeks campaigning is not enough time to inform voters on the referendums asks.

In terms of momentum for a Yes vote, while I'm certainly not taking the result of the referendum for granted, I do think it's in the balance, he said.

A lot of people are really only getting around to thinking about how they're voting now.

The Taoiseach was speaking while out campaigning for the referendums with Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, Senator Regina Doherty and Cllr James Geoghegan in south Dublin.

He said voting down the referendums will "reaffirm" sexist language and fail to recognise family care in the Constitution.

He said that if the Irish public vote against the proposed wording to change the Constitution, it will be a "retrograde step", adding that there is no guarantee future governments will run a similar referendum.

Two referendums will be held on March 8 proposing to change the Irish constitution.

The family amendment proposes extending the meaning of family beyond one defined by marriage and to include those based on "durable" relationships.

The care amendment proposes deleting references to a woman's roles and duties in the home, and replacing it with a new article that acknowledges family carers.

The Fine Gael leader claimed that the proposed wording to recognise carers will put an "obligation" on the state to support such care.

"The referendum on care is about care. It's about recognising the role and importance of family carers in our Constitution for the first time and putting an obligation on the state to strive to support that care," he said.

"It's also about deleting some very old fashioned, very sexist language about women in the Constitution.

"That's why I'm encouraging people to vote yes on that.

"That's why organisations like Family Carers Ireland, for example, the National Women's Council are all supporting a Yes vote.

"I appreciate that there are some people making the argument that if there's a no vote, that future governments can come back with different wording at a different time.

"There's no guarantee of that. There's no guarantee that a future government will rerun the referendum, no guarantee that they'll come up with wording that's more acceptable to more people, no guarantee that that referendum would even pass.

"The only guarantee is that if there's a no vote, the sexist language about women our constitution will be reaffirmed. The Irish people will have voted not to recognise the special position of family care in the Constitution and I think that would be a retrograde step."

Mr Varadkar said the government has been doing all it can to "dispel" some of the myths around the consequences of changing the Constitution.

Minister for Social Protection and and Fine Gael's director of elections for the referendums Heather Humphreys said there will be "a lot of disappointed people" if both questions are rejected.

"If the vote isn't carried, what is that saying to the many thousands of single parents out there who currently are trying to rear their children," the Cavan and Monaghan TD said.

"What's that saying to the many, many thousands of grandparents who have custodian guardianship of their children, but they're struggling to rear them.

"What's that saying to the single parents and also to the cohabitating couples who are living together and who may have children.

"I think on Saturday evening, if this referendum is (not) passed, there's going to be a lot of very disappointed people and we all know them.

"Every single one of us know somebody who is a single parent, who is a cohabitating couple, or who is a grandparent rearing a grandchild.

"I would say please, please come out and vote yes on Friday.

"For the second referendum, I'm also saying please vote yes. First time ever that care will be in our constitution and it will also get rid of that outdated and archaic language that belongs to era that is well gone."
Senator is Fine Gaels Dublin candidate for Europe and shes happy to get stuck into the fight

There was a point last month where Regina Doherty felt like she had no friends.

Oh god, am I mad? she thought to herself, as the senator contemplated being beaten in the race to be selected as Fine Gaels candidate for the European elections in Dublin.

Without any public declarations of support from her parliamentary party colleagues it appeared to many outsiders that junior education minister Josepha Madigan  who had a number of vocal supporters  was a shoo-in.

But then, on this day two weeks ago, party members cast their votes in a secret ballot at the selection convention in Drumcondra  and Doherty was victorious.

The senators shock nomination prompted much debate within Fine Gael circles, with a view among some TDs that the result was evidence of the leadership being out of touch with ordinary members.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar bristled at suggestions it had implications for his leadership and denied he had wanted Madigan to win.

I can honestly tell you I didnt see any evidence of interference or overt support, Doherty says.

The internal Fine Gael contest was an at-times-testy affair over recent months, with Madigan called out by Dohertys allies for filming campaign videos in Leinster House and for using ministerial stationery for a party political campaign. The minister later apologised.

Meanwhile, Madigans pitch to members  that she had been elected by the people of Dublin on three occasions  was a fairly pointed dig at the fact that the Dublin-born Doherty had only ever been a TD for Meath East.

Josepha would have made a fine MEP  if our membership had selected her

Well, first of all, Josepha only ever ran in one of the 12 constituencies in Dublin, the senator hits back. So to say youve been elected in Dublin is not strictly speaking true.

Josepha is a fine candidate, a fine minister and would have made a fine MEP if our membership had selected her.

Dohertys pitch to members in the capital involved talking about how she had been in Fine Gael all her life and could knock on any door in any part of Dublin and talk about party policy.

Other people chose to be a little bit more pointed in their message, and it didnt work, she adds.

Josepha Madigan. Photo: Frank McGrath

All that said, Doherty says she has spoken to her former cabinet colleague and believes she absolutely will help me to get elected in Junes election.

She says she is running for Europe because she wants to explain the real positive stuff that comes from Brussels.

The former social protection minister, who lost her Dail seat in 2020 before being appointed to the Seanad, references the introduction of paid parental leave during her time in cabinet as being a concept that originated in Europe.

She also wants to push the EU to front-load funding of infrastructure to address the climate crisis.

Its not happening fast enough because the money isnt coming from Europe. So I believe we need to front-load these things, she says.

Other issues she lists include more safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence and championing the wider provision of hot school meals across the continent  an initiative she piloted in Ireland when she was a minister.

However, if elected, Doherty will be part of the European Peoples Party (EPP), the main EU grouping  which Fine Gael MEPs have increasingly drifted away from, as it has lurched further to the right.

Last week, the five sitting Fine Gael MEPs broke ranks to vote in favour of the nature restoration law in the European Parliament  with the wider EPP voting against the legislation, which ultimately was passed.

I do see a shift towards nationalism and towards the centre right in the EPP, she says, while rejecting suggestions Fine Gael could leave the grouping.

I wouldnt think thats on our radar at all, she adds.

Then there is Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, who has become a divisive figure, not least in Ireland for her strong support of Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7.

Doherty firmly believes Von der Leyen should get the second term she is seeking as president under the EPP banner.

On Von der Leyens support for Israel, she argues: When you stand back and you realise that, first of all, shes a German, theres history in their DNA, with regards to the responsibility that they probably feel and felt for the treatment of the Jews during World War II. You and I dont feel that.

Despite ultimately disagreeing with the presidents support for Israel, Doherty argues: Just because they get a few things wrong, it doesnt mean you throw the baby out with the bathwater.

When youre no longer rivals, I think that kind of stuff goes out the window

That said, she is coy on whether she would welcome Von der Leyen in Ireland to campaign with her ahead of the June elections.

She may say there are nuances in her view. To my mind, theres no nuance for the destruction of an entire country  notwithstanding that its not recognised by anybody yet, she says.

Tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed to try and get to a few terrorists. Im not discounting the terrorists and the impact that theyve had on Israeli lives for probably decades, but that still doesnt justify in any way, shape, or form whats gone on.

It is a blunt comment, typical of Doherty, who has carved out a reputation as a straight talker who relishes TV and radio debates. She is definite on the subject of a running mate. She does not want one.

The indication is that thats not going to happen, she says, while acknowledging party HQ may decide differently in a few weeks. Anybody you ask would tell you that theyd rather not have a running mate.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Elsewhere, Doherty describes her relationship with former constituency rival, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, as absolutely fine.

Seven years ago she said McEntee would walk past me in the corridor and wouldnt even blink her eyes  a remark which added to the bitterness between the pair.

When youre no longer rivals, I think that kind of stuff goes out the window, she says, describing the minister as really hard working, an incredibly committed minister for justice. However she does not agree with McEntee referring to the rioters in Dublin last November as scumbags  remarks which the minister has since stood over.

I think that was misplaced. I appreciate she doubled down on it, its not a word I would use.

Fine Gael has had a European Parliament seat in the capital right back to Richard Ryan in 1979, meaning there will be enormous pressure on Doherty to retain the seat currently occupied by the retiring Frances Fitzgerald.

Its not a fear or a burden, she concludes. But it is a responsibility.
Interest is high in low-paying roles despite risks to reputation

The RTE scandals and crises at other government agencies havent sapped appetite among qualified directors to join state boards.

Three out of five (60pc) directors see personal or reputational risk as the main deterrent to being on a state board, a new survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland has found.

However, nearly 72pc of directors and business leaders would still consider applying for a state board position.

The new survey was undertaken between February 20 and 29, just as the RTE corporate governance crisis reignited.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

It comes amid continuing turmoil at RTE, including the resignation of board member PJ Mathews last week, shortly after board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh quit following comments from Media Minister Catherine Martin.

The surprise resignation of Ms Ni Raghallaigh  following months of bruising interaction with executives, fellow board members, politicians and media  has shone a spotlight on the potential workload and profile that can be associated with chairing a state board.

State board roles are not high-paying. The fee for the chair of the RTE board was 31,500.

The fee for ordinary board members at the broadcaster is 15,750 a year. Under the so-called One Person One Salary policy, public-sector workers do not get any extra pay for sitting on state boards.

Ms Martin is facing a particular challenge filling that role and other RTE board vacancies while the scandal there rumbles on, but the new data suggests directors still see value in state appointments.

Most surveyed think a code of practice for governance of state bodies is effective and feel governance standards have improved since its launch in 2016.

Institute of Directors Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane said the results shone a light on the reputational concerns directors now had.

There were also concerns raised on the recruitment process, in respect of the relevant experience and skills. Directors also expressed the desire for the code to be revised to reflect the latest in governance developments, she said.

The directors surveyed are all members of IoD Ireland  drawn from a range of businesses including state or semi-state bodies, not-for-profit organisations, private sector SMEs and plc/multinationals.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has described as sensible a proposal to put the national broadcaster back under the control of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Mr Harris also indicated a new chair of RTE could be appointed this week.

That appointment is extremely important, and I hope that appointment can happen this week, and Government is trying to do that, he told RTEs The Week In Politics programme yesterday.

Secondly, I think the publication of the PACs report is really important. A lot of the recommendations sound very common sense to me, and I think putting RTE back under the control of the Comptroller and Auditor General is a sensible thing to do.

He said he continued to have confidence in Ms Martin, who has the full support of everybody in Government.

On the future funding of the national broadcaster, Mr Harris insisted the Cabinet was going to settle this question.

Asked about a time frame, Mr Harris said RTE management havent exactly made it easy.
Sinn Fein wrote to watchdog seeking guidance on Parliamentary Activities Allowance rules

A plan by Mary Lou McDonald to use her taxpayer-funded leaders allowance to pay for personal security was rejected by the States political watchdog.

Sinn Fein contacted the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) asking whether the party could use the Parliamentary Activities Allowance (PAA), formerly known as the leaders allowance, to pay for security for Ms McDonald.

Sinn Feins 32-county finance manager Treasa Quinn wrote to Ray Butler, of Sipos secretariat, on February 22, 2023, seeking guidance on whether the PAA could be used to provide security.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Mr Butler responded the next day, asking in which of the 11 categories of expenses set out under the allowance the party planned to make the claim.

Ms Quinn responded suggesting the category that allows party leaders to claim transport and personal expenditure costs.

We feel that section would be the most suitable given that this expense is only incurred due to her personal safety being under threat because of her position as leader of Sinn Fein, Ms Quinn said. If you have any further comments/questions, please dont hesitate to contact me.

According to correspondence released under the Freedom of Information Act, Ms Quinn did not hear from Sipo for four months after her initial request for information.

On June 29, another Sipo worker, Brian McKevitt, wrote to Ms Quinn apologising for the delay in responding.

Mr McKevitt said Sipo does not have a statutory role in the provision of advice about the Parliamentary Activities Allowance, despite being the state body responsible for overseeing financial accounts filed by political parties.

Accordingly, this is an expense that is provided for already and is therefore not an allowable expense as per section 10(4) of the 1938 Act, as amended by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act 2014, he added.

However, Mr McKevitt noted that since Sinn Fein queried the expense, the Government had put in place a scheme allowing politicians claim up to 5,000 towards the cost of security services for themselves or their staff.

Ms McDonald has been confronted by anti-immigration protesters on a number of occasions over her partys positive attitude towards immigrants coming to Ireland.

There have also been protests outside her family home by anti-immigration activists.

In January last year, just before Ms Quinn sought information about the State paying for Ms McDonalds security, a group of masked men protested about immigration outside the office of long-serving Sinn Fein TD Dessie Ellis.

Protesters also confronted Ms McDonald after she attended a meeting in a community centre in the East Wall area of Dublin in November.

As immigration has become a major political issue, Sinn Feins popularity has slumped and anti-immigrant political parties have vowed to target its seats in the forthcoming local and European elections.

Since then, Ms McDonald has made suggestions about ending emergency response measures offered to Ukrainian refugees next year that would see anyone who remained here following the Russian invasion entered into the general international protection programme.

Sinn Fein responded to the Irish Independent, saying; Mary Lou McDonald gets advice from the Gardai and Oireachtas authorities, as do all TDs, and obviously acts on it. This is an ongoing engagement and the implementation of their advice is not related to any specific issue.
Two people who were rescued by the RNLI have paid tribute to the lifesaving work of lifeboat crews on the 200th anniversary of the charity.

Laura OMahony and Lar Sheeran joined crews on the banks of the Liffey today, to unveil special An Post stamps that celebrate the work of the RNLI.

The stamps were created by Dublin-based artist David Rooney to show the moment of rescue between a lifeboat crew member and the person in the water.

Laura OMahony was saved with her dog Sam, who later passed away in 2015 at the age of 17, in Crosshaven, Co Cork in 2010.

"We used to love to walk, theres a lovely walk from Blackrock to Rochestown in Cork. We were finishing our walk, coming back when Sam decided to jump over a small wall into a sandy area, Ms OMahony said.

"He started chasing the starling birds, which he did, he was always doing that so it was no different to any other day. This particular day, he didnt come back. He didnt get out of the water or the sandy area, he kept running out and out, further and further away from me and wouldnt come back, I was calling him.

"In the end, I had to go into the sand and try and find him but he was gone out of sight.

The red setter was spotted around the headland around 30 minutes later, where Ms OMahony walked along an adjacent pathway  and into the sand  in an attempt to find him.

"In order to get to Sam I had to get through all of this mud in order to rescue him but I knew we werent going to be able to get back and I needed help. It dawned on me, the tide is coming in, I really have to get help.

"I phoned 999, they phoned the RNLI and they came, so it all spiralled from there. They were there in about 15 or 20 minutes and they rescued us, Sam and myself. They were just an amazing, amazing crew. The volunteers on board they immediately put Sam in first  I insisted, save the dog first, then me.

"I will be forever grateful to them, they are a wonderful charity and the volunteers do amazing work. They are going about their ordinary, every day lives and they get the call, they dont know what theyre facing, putting their lives at risk, out in all weather to save somebody they dont even know.

Lar Sheeran from Co Meath was rescued at the age of 18, alongside his cousins John and Vincent, by Clogherhead RNLI in August 1961.

The three went out fishing while holidaying on the Louth coast and were due home around 7pm when the weather changed for the worse.

"There was an off-shore wind and the waves came from nowhere and swamped the engine on the boat. We were being blown out to sea, Mr Sheeran recalled.

The lifeboat crew were notified when the trio did not return and they watched the lights of the boat as it set off in the distance, travelling northeast while they were further south.

"The lights started to head back to the lifeboat station and at that stage, we were getting worried  to put it mildly  so we found an old coat in this small compartment of the boat, cut the sleeve off and wrapped it around the one oar that was on the boat.

Mr Sheeran climbed towards the motor, to retrieve petrol that would help set their makeshift warning signal alight. However, petrol came pouring out onto the floor.

"I had to light the sleeve in this fume-filled compartment with petrol swashing around everywhere. Luckily, it didnt explode, he said.

The flag caught the attention of the crew, who towed the boat into Clogherhead as horrendous waves raged around them.

He said he is always grateful to the organisation and their crew members for their efforts, adding: "That was the rescue and really, the start of my real life because without that, I wouldnt be where I am today.

The organisation is reliant on donations and the work of volunteers. It operates 46 lifeboat stations across the country and has saved 8,357 lives and aided a further 35,477 people since it was founded.

The charity designs and builds its own lifeboats and runs domestic and international water safety programme, with volunteer roles available in the lifeboat stations, shops, fundraising crews and more.

The new An Post RNLI stamps are available online and in selected post offices, including all those in RNLI station locations.
The Star Trek episode predicting Irish unification of 2024 that was banned for decades

It was originally broadcast in the US in 1990, but there was so much concern over the scene that the episode was not shown on RTE or the BBC

Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. Teleporting was often depicted on the show. Photo: CBS

Neasa Cumiskey Mon 4 Mar 2024 at 13:55

A Star Trek episode referencing Irish unification is causing a stir almost three decades after airing.
This weeks referendums have hardly captured the imagination of the public. The changes to the Constitution being pitched to the public are viewed as cleaning-up exercises of outdated wording. Unlike the socially consequential votes of the previous decade on same-sex marriage and abortion, these votes are not being portrayed as having anything beyond symbolic implications.

Going with Friday as a polling day is a fairly normal occurrence and tends to facilitate those who are interested in voting, albeit Saturday is a more accommodating date. However, on this occasion, the polling stations are unlikely to be heaving. A low-key campaign isnt going to generate a high turnout at the ballot box.

Yesterdays Ireland Thinks opinion poll in the Sunday Independent suggests the gap is narrowing in the lead for the so-called Yes-Yes vote in the family and care referendums. The poll shows a significant fall in the number of people who intend to vote Yes and a large increase in those who are either not sure or will not vote in the two referendums on Friday.

Asked about their level of knowledge about the proposed constitutional changes, 24pc said they know a lot, 39pc said they know some, 25pc said they know a little and 12pc said they knew nothing. Clearly a better job has to be done in educating voters when pretty complex issues drop on voters shoulders. And it doesnt help either when cabinet ministers appear not to know what they are talking about.

An aspect of the referendums that will leave a welcome legacy for the local and European elections, and potentially a general election, is an increase in the number of people registering to vote. More than 300,000 applications to the electoral register have been made online, leading to the greatest addition ever to the voter pool in time for the referendums.

The register has now closed, and unless someone has previously arranged to be added when they turn 18 over the next 10 days, there will be no further accommodations. The last date for applications to the register of electors for the referendums was February 20.

The big additional intake means a large number of new voters are likely to cast their ballots for the first time. The referendums are the first national electoral event in four years, since the general election. The referendums are also the first polling test since relevant parts of the Electoral Reform Act came into effect, paving the way for rolling registration. This enables people to register to vote at any time of year, both online as well as in paper form.

The referendums have coincided, too, with a proper campaign by the new electoral watchdog to encourage the electorate to vote and ensure their name is on the register. Although electoral registers are managed and maintained by local authorities, the Electoral Commission has an oversight role and may commission or carry out research in relation to the accuracy and completeness of electoral registers.

Given the lazy attitude of local councils towards the register for decades, a national focus is welcome.
Anti-war protests in Ireland tend to focus on specific areas of the world. Image: Getty /iStockphoto

Currently one million Uighurs cannot be accounted for in northern China. Half a million Rohingya refugees are dying slowly in Bangladesh. In 2009 tens of thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils were massacred by Sri Lankan government forces in the culmination of a long genocidal process.

In spite of these newsworthy events, Ireland has been quiet in terms of marching, calling for boycotts or calling on the International Court of Justice to take cases against the perpetrators of these actions.

On the other hand, to date, over 2,000 Irish artists, musicians, poets and playwrights have pledged that they will not appear or perform in Israel because of the actions of Israel, (specifically), including the illegal settlements being imposed on Palestinians in the West Bank.

These same people otherwise play and exhibit in other occupied territories all over the world, for example, USA, Australia, Canada and more, often to Irish settlers.

Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24

First the US drops off the bombs and then it offers a few propaganda crumbs

US Central Command, in a post on social media on Saturday, announced that an airborne operation conducted by the US, together with Jordan, led to planes dropping over 38,000 meals to Palestinians in Gaza, who are on the brink of starvation.

What rank hypocrisy. First, US missiles and bombs supplied to Israel  including enormous 2,000lb bunker busters  drop from the sky on Palestinian civilians. Later that day, it is food parcels. It beggars belief.

Children are now dying of malnutrition in Gaza.

If the US sincerely wishes to end this misery, it should stop supplying its Israeli partner with the munitions to continue this slaughter, and insist on a permanent ceasefire. Anything else is face-saving propaganda.

Fintan Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin

Egypt and other Arab states should help house Gazas displaced Muslims

I cannot understand why Egypt cannot accommodate its fellow Arab, Sunni Muslim neighbours and open up the border which is just down the road from Rafah crossing where most of the refugees are concentrated.

Its time for the wealthy Arab states to put up and build modern camps in Sinai along with field hospitals, which would be peanuts to what they are spending on sportswashing.

Israel is undoubtedly going to finish this off, even at the expense of the hostages  so Egypt should immediately take action.

Michael Foley, Rathmines, Dublin

Lets hope our President joined the ED queue for his hospital treatment

Being a man for all the people, I hope President Michael D Higgins (as should all TDs) took his place in the queue within the emergency department of his local HSE hospital and also for any resulting elective surgery.

Such a decision would show trust in a public health system which is on its knees.

If he lived in Co Clare, this could necessitate a trip of 70km or so to the University Hospital in the next county of Limerick, perhaps one to three days on a trolley with, say, 100-200 of his fellow citizens and being advised that elective surgery may be several weeks or months away, all due to their bed and staff shortages.

But, he could take comfort from the numerous apologies to all patients and their loved ones from the highly paid triumvirate of the hospital management, HSE executive and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who hide behind one another while continuing to deliver this unforgivable and eternal living hell. Shame on them.

Julian Kempster, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare

Sudden snowy deluge just shows how reliant we are on up-to-date forecasting

The heading on Maeve McTaggarts story in Saturdays Irish Independent, Heavy snowfall sees Dublin city grind to a halt amid weather warning system fail, brings to mind how we are spoiled with almost perfect notice from Met Eireanns weather forecasting.

It appears that the snowfalls and icy conditions came as a surprise to many road users. Met Eireann just fell short of perfect timing.

In bygone days people had to rely on wind direction, and how peoples corns were behaving to tell them what the weather had in store.

Now we expect up-to-the-minute guidance from our weather experts.

Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth

More innocent times, I must confess, when your bike was in Gods hands

Bill Linnanes article about confession (My youngest is going to first confession  boy has it changed a lot since I was a child, Irish Independent, February 28) brings me back to my boyhood years. My mother would religiously, once a month, despatch me to St Peters Church in Little Bray, where I would nervously trot out my various indiscretions to the (not always sympathetic) priest on duty.

I cycled the three miles or so round trip, and my bicycle would join a row of mostly unlocked bicycles along the wall outside the church.

One imagines (alas) that these days, leaving your bike unlocked, could well result in you returning filled with the holy spirit, only to find some chancer had spirited it away.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9

There must be a more humane way to deal with imprisoned Enoch Burke

There is something flawed, mean and merciless in the treatment of Enoch Burke at the hands of the State (Enoch Burke paid 72,000 for teaching role since his suspension, Irish Independent, February 28).

The severe and hard-hearted punishment of this man  jailed for 283 days, excluded from work with the possible loss of salary for disobedience and for having a poor attitude  is beyond my comprehension.

It is time to release Mr Burke and to find a more humane way of dealing with his original grievance.

Maureen ODriscoll, Swords, Co Dublin

Electoral Commissions leaflet appears to drop a strong hint on voting

Most noticeable about the Electoral Commission publication Referendums on Family and Care, delivered to every household, is one of the signs depicted on the cover, which reads: Voting this way.

Is this a strong hint from the State that voters are being advised to vote the way the Government wants them to?

Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan
The annual CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) HR Awards showcase the outstanding work and impact of the people profession in Ireland.

This year the judges awarded their Special Commendation prize to The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, to recognise the way it has supported its employees in difficult times.

The high level of demand for the sanctuary, based in Mallow, has been challenging for employees when they cannot deal with all requests. In response, wellbeing was brought to the fore.

Director of CIPD Ireland Mary Connaughton said the judges recognised the efforts of the team, which had applied for the awards under the category of Embedding a Culture of Workplace Wellbeing.

The team at the Donkey Sanctuary showed real compassion as they worked to train mental health first aiders to support employees. The judges wanted to highlight how they recognised the care and support needs of the mental health first aiders and organised counselling to help them deal with their own stresses.

This care is a central aspect of supporting mental health and they wanted to recognise the Donkey Sanctuary for this approach, Ms Commaughton added.

More than 70 organisations made the list of finalists for this years awards programme which was divided into 14 categories covering a range of topics central to the sector.

Since they first opened their gates in 1987, The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland has cared for over 5,600 neglected and abandoned donkeys from across Ireland. Today, they currently care for over 1,700 donkeys and mules.
The aurora is commonly seen in Nordic countries such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland and, more recently, in the far north of the country in counties such as Donegal and Antrim. On Sunday night though, to the delight of local sky-watchers, they shined across County Cork  hundreds of miles further south than typical previous sightings.

The pink and green pillars were especially prominent in parts of north and west Cork, with a number of photographers capturing the lights in all their glory.

Cork photographer Shaunagh OConnell captured a jaw-dropping shot of the light display in north Cork between Mallow and Fermoy at 8pm on Sunday, March 3.

She captured the image using a Canon R5 camera with Sigma Ireland Art 28mm f/1.4 lens.

It wasnt as strong as the display back in November, but its still incredible to see them so far south, said Shaunagh.

The Northern Lights are formed when charged particles collide with the earths magnetic field causing the release of energy in the form of light. The light varies in colour depending on the type of particles.

It is most likely to spot them in Ireland between the months of October and April when geomagnetic activity rises.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has congratulated St Gabriels Special School in Bishopstown, Cork, as it marked the official opening of its transformed school following completion of a substantial decarbonisation project.

Delivered under the Schools Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme, the project involved remodelling, refurbishment and energy retrofitting and was delivered successfully in a live school environment through works phasing.

The Government-funded programme is targeting improved energy efficiency and and a CO2 emissions reduction of 51 per cent, testing deep retrofit and low carbon heating solutions.

The Pathfinder Programme is jointly funded by the Department of Education and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

St. Gabriels Special School is dedicated to helping each pupil to enhance and develop their unique abilities and talents in the areas of social, physical, emotional, communication, thinking, spiritual and vocational development.

I would like to congratulate the staff, pupils, parents and Board of Management in St Gabriels Special School in Cork on this milestone date. This project is an example of how this programme continues to assist the Department to explore options and test various solutions for decarbonised energy solutions in our broad range of school building types, said Minister Foley.

The delivery of this transformational project while maintaining school operations is a credit to the great collaboration and understanding between the teams involved from the school, my Department, the SEAI and the design and contracting teams, she added.

Principal of St. Gabriel's Special School, David Thomas spoke about the exciting new project.

"This is a very exciting time for our pupils and staff. We were extremely fortunate to partake in the 2022 Low Energy Retrofit programme. This has been a long time coming for our pupils and staff who have been based here in Bishopstown since 1998.

A new, purpose built school has been highest on the agenda of each St. Gabriel's board, so this building is a culmination of the efforts of my two predecessors Margaret Lordan and Siobhan Allen.

To date, the Pathfinder Programme has already retrofitted 54 schools across Ireland with another 24 schools currently at various stages of the programme.
700 students from 14 schools took part in this years programme

TY students from St. Mary's Secondary School Charlville pictured on their Collarz stand at the regional final of the Cork North Student Enperprise Programme at Springfort Hall Hotel Mallow. The event is organised by the Local Enterprise Office Mallow.

Students from Coilaiste Chraobhinnj Fermoy on their New View at the regional final of the Cork North Student Enterprise Programme at the Springfort Hall Hotel Mallow. The event is prganised by the Local Enterprise Office Mallow.

Ty students from Colsiste Mhuire Buttevant with Mayor of Co. Cork Cllr Frank O'Flynn on their Lins Bottle Caps sytand at the regional fina of the Cork North Schools Enyerprise Programme at Springforthall Hotwel Mallow.

TY students from St. Mary's Secondary School Charleville on their Note Nostalgia stand at the Cork North regional final of the Cork North Students Enterprise Programme at the Springfort Hall Hotel Mallow, The event is organised by the Local Enterprise Office Mallow.

Kevin Curran, Head of Enterprise at the local Enterprise Office Mallow presenting the Tann Time team from St. Mary's Secondary School Charleville with the award for Marketing at the regional final of the Cork North Student Enterprise Programme at Springfort Hall Mallow.Also includes are Gary Lowe, Programme co-ordinator, Sharleen Foody and Joan Kelleher of the Local Enterprise Office Mallow.

Kevin Curran, Head of Enterpise at the ocal Enterprise Office Mallow presenting the award for the Best Overall Company to the team from Patrician Academy Mallow for their Sheehan Exterior Cleaners at the regional final of the Cork North Student Enterprise Programme at Springfort Hall Hotel Mallow. Also in the pic are Gary Lowe, Stduent Enterprise Programme Co-ordinator, Joan Kelleher, LEO Event organiser, Sharleen Foody, LEO Mallow and teacher.

Kevin Curran, Head of Enterprise at the Locl Enterprise Office Mallow preseniting the Fitzpatrick Firewood Team from Patrician Academy Mallow winners of the Internediate category, with their Award at the Cork North regional final of the Student Enterprise Programme, with Gary Lowe, Sharleen Foody and Joan Kelleher, of the LEO Mallow, and their teacher.

Kevin Curran, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Mallow presenting the award for the Best Stand to the Precision Pro Products team from Patrician Academy Mallow at the Cork North regional final of the Student Enterprise Programme at SpringfortHall Hotel Mallow, with Gary Lowe, Sharelln Foody and Joan Kelleher of LEO Mallow, and tescher.

An estimated 700 students from 14 schools took part in this years North Cork Student Enterprise Programme and at the final showcase at Springfort Hall Hotel last week two enterprises from Patrician Academy, Mallow were selected to go on to the national final in May.

The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 28,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2022 / 2023. The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the National Final.

In the Intermediate Category, the students representing North Cork at the National Final are Bill Palmer, Alec Fitzpatrick and James Kelly OConnor from Fitzpatrick Firewood at Patrician Academy, Mallow. In the Senior Category of the competition, North Cork will be represented on May 9th by brothers Eoin and Mark Sheehan from Sheahan Exterior Clean also at the Patrician Academy. Special guests at the North Cork Final included Cllr Frank OFlynn, Mayor of the County of Cork, and Sharon Corcoran, Director of Service, Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development, Cork County Council to present the awards|.

North Cork has had success over the years with Smooth Remove from Boherbue CS going on to win first place in the national awards in 2019 in the highly competitive senior category and Wrap It Up from Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown, picking up the Best Display Award. Boherbue also won the National Innovation award in 2022 with Pole Pals. Speaking at the county final at Springfort Hall, Sharon Corcoran congratulated the hundreds of North Cork students who took part in the programme this year. What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business, she said.

The skills acquired during this programme, such as business planning, market research, selling and teamwork, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers. Congratulating this years North Cork winners, shed added: Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme, and we wish them the best of luck on the 9th of May, and we will all hope to be there to support them.

The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Final, taking place in the Mullingar Park Hotel on the 9th of May. Other award winners at the North Cork final were: Innovation - Lumilux, Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk Marketing - Tanning Time, St Marys, Charleville Business Plan - Lins Bottlecaps, Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant Sales - New View, Colaiste an Chraobhin, Fermoy Sustainability - Sticks n Sparks, St Marys, Charleville Best Stand - Snowman Decorations, Patrician Academy, Mallow

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 380,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business. The Student Enterprise Programme also has a new range of online resources for 2023 / 2024 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of student enterprise resources for students and teachers. The full list of schools taking part in this years Student Enterprise Programme were: Boherbue Comprehensive School CBS Charleville St. Marys Charleville Nagle Rice School Doneraile Loreto School, Fermoy Colaiste an Chraobhin St. Colmans, Fermoy Colaiste Treasa, Kanturk Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk Davis College, Mallow St Marys Mallow Colaiste Mhuire Buttevant Patrician Academy, Mallow CBS Mitchelstown Presentation, Mitchelstown
Claire Shorten offers geography classes online after facing brick wall trying to find a job

A Dublin teacher, who lost her sight at the age of 20, is taking her career into her own hands after facing multiple roadblocks due to her vision impairment.

Claire Shorten (33), from Ballinteer, graduated from Maynooth University in 2019 with a bachelors degree in Geography and History.

During first year studying in Maynooth in 2011, she unexpectedly lost her sight following surgery to remove a brain tumour.

After qualifying to become a teacher, including a placement in St Marys Holy Faith school in Glasnevin, Ms Shorten faced brick wall after brick wall in trying to secure a job.

I got one interview over four years, and I remember when I got that call, I was crying because I was so overwhelmed, she said.

My family members were supportive and encouraged me to explore different roles, but that was never my passion or where my experience lay.

Some of the barriers Ms Shorten faced were around reasonable accommodations she requires and is entitled to.

If teaching in a school, she would require a personal assistant to help with specific parts of her role, such as resizing images, going through handwritten work, and pulling up images of specific diagrams.

Geography is a very visual subject, and I can visualize everything. I was 20 when I lost my sight, and nothing physiologically has changed. I can describe any diagram I need to, Ms Shorten said.

There is a massive problem in Ireland with this, and the truth is it trickles all the way down. If a school doesnt have the financial resources to provide me with reasonable accommodations required by law, then I cant work there.

Fortunately, she has now found a way of teaching that doesnt require being in a school, and at the beginning of this year launched GeographyTeacher.ie, catering to both Leaving and Junior Certificate students.

Claire Shorten lost her sight when she was 20

Ms Shorten is currently providing Junior Certificate revision courses and, from September, will offer a two-year course for students looking to take geography as an extra subject for their Leaving.

Its for students who may have a subject clash or who may not have had geography available to them in their school, she said.

Its also for students who might be looking to take on a subject where they can be more assured, they will receive a high mark compared to subjects like maths, science and languages.

It also caters to people who might want to study medicine, for example, and are looking to ensure high marks.

The service provided is completely online, with live interactive weekly lessons with Ms Shorten.

She will provide 90-minute lessons in geography every week, just like any normal school class. Lessons will include the use of Google Classroom, Google Workspace, and Google Meet.

Ms Shorten says this step in her career has given her a new lease of life to be able to do what she is truly passionate about.

Im taking my career into my own hands. Im totally avoiding any type of discrimination. I dont see being blind as an excuse until it becomes evidence, she said.

I am so much more enthusiastic and optimistic about my future. Its been a lot of work, but I love it because it is what I am passionate about doing.
Can you really call it a St Patricks Day parade if if doesnt actually take place on St Patricks Day itself? Well, better not say that to the organisers of one Kerry parade in particular who are set to hold their parade in honour of Irelands patron saint a little earlier than most.

Its a long-held tradition in the small town of Rathmore that they hold their parades a few days earlier than March 17 and its a tradition that will not be changing this year either as they prepare to hold their parade this coming Sunday, March 10.

It will be the towns first parade since 2019 and so what better way to celebrate the return than by potentially, and most probably, being the first place in all of Ireland to host their St Patricks Day parade.

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"We always try to be the first parade in Kerry so we always have it [the parade] the week before St Patrick's Day. It's something that has been happening for years, Antoinette OLeary, the Chairperson of the parades organising committee told The Kerryman this week.

We haven't had a parade since 2019 but we have taken over as a new committee so we just put it out to the general public and community to see whether they wanted to do. They decided that they wanted to stay with having it on the week before on account of people having commitments and what not on St Patrick's Day itself," she continued, adding there usually was a great turnout on the day and it worked out pretty well every year.

The details for the upcoming St Patrick's Day parade in Rathmore which takes place on Sunday, March 10.

"It's our first time back since 2019 so it's a way of us celebrating bringing it back into the community and that's where our theme of this year's parade, 'New Beginnings' comes from this year, she added.
John Talbot and Lassie with Aideen Blennerhassett and the triplet calves - Fernando, Luca and Bo - who were born in Talbots farm, Aghadoe Killarney on February 23. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

An Aghadoe-based dairy farmer has joked that hes under pressure from the Vatican after his uncle, a Priest, urged him not to sell Belgian Blue triplets born on his farm a week ago.

Pat Talbot said the triplets  all bulls, named Fernando, Luca, and Bo by family friend Aideen Blennerhassett  are doing well, and he described the rare occurrence as a lovely surprise as only twins were expected initially.

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She was scanned in calf to twins all right, Pat told The Kerryman. Its lovely, something different  dairy farming can be a bit boring times! he joked.

Theyre doing very well, and theyre still with the mother, she goes in to them twice a day, and shell feed them away for about a month.

While twin births are relatively common on farms, the chances of a cow giving birth to healthy triplets are slim. Estimates vary, but the odds are put at somewhere between a five- and six-digit number, depending on who you ask.

Theyre very rare  I only heard of one set ever, a friend of mine had them in Killarney, said Pat, who explained that the cows mother, a Friesian, had never given birth to twins in her six previous calvings. She conceived through artificial insemination by Munster Bovine, he added.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

As for whats next for the triplets, there was a bit of uncertainty in Pats response, but he says hes leaning towards keeping them due to pressure from outside sources!

Ill probably keep them, but I might sell them, he said. No, Ill probably keep them. My uncles a Priest in Killarney, and he asked me to keep them, so Im under pressure from the Vatican!
The nature reserve on an island on the River Nore in Co Kilkenny was one of 78 projects chosen to receive a Community Biodiversity Grant

An 11-acre nature reserve on an island in the River Nore at Thomastown, Co Kilkenny is one of 78 projects to receive local biodiversity action funding.

Carlow Kilkenny TD and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has revealed the 78 groups or projects nationwide that will receive a Community Biodiversity Grant.

Co-funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland, the initiative will support the groups and projects to develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP), or to implement measures from an existing plan.

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The latest grant round of 376,000 will see communities supported in every part of the country in both rural and urban areas. Locally, Minister Noonan explained that the funding for Kilkenny will help protect local wildlife for generations to come.

"Locally in Kilkenny we can now start planning for the regeneration of an 11-acre island on the River Nore at Thomastown, Kilkenny, with the engagement of an ecologist to work with and guide the fantastic local Community River Trust.

"As a child growing up in Kilkenny I relished the access to nature I had along the River Nore, so I'm thrilled to see that regenerating the nature reserve at Thomastown is going to be supported, so future generations can continue to enjoy access to nature on their doorsteps."

Other projects around the country to benefit from grant funding include the protection of the endangered corncrake on the Aran Islands, conservation of swifts in the midlands, and installation of bat shelters in Dublin.

Minister Noonan added: "This partnership between our National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a 'Seed for Nature' at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, and it's been wonderful to see it grow and flourish over the last number of years.

"It's been incredibly impactful at a community level because it connects community groups and organisations with the scientific expertise they need to understand their local biodiversity better, and once they've developed a Community Biodiversity Action Plan they can then go on to take the actions that will help protect and enhance their local biodiversity.

"This then has an impact at a national level, because the data they collect is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, making a valuable contribution to citizen science in Ireland.

"I've always said that communities are at the heart of our efforts protect and restore nature, and this gives them a vital tool to support their work in a meaningful, impactful and ongoing way, concluded Minister Noonan.
Gardai have launched an investigation after two masked thieves carried out an audacious robbery of a bookmakers in Longford town last night (Sunday) along the county town's Earl Street area.

Gardai are on the hunt for two masked raiders who held up a Longford town bookmakers in a raid yesterday evening.

The incident took place at a premises along county towns Earl Street shortly before 7pm.

The Irish Independent understands the pair entered the betting shop and threatened staff with pepper spray before making a demand for cash.

The raid, which was captured on CCTV, lasted only a matter of seconds with the pair making off on foot with a nominal amount of cash.

Gardai have confirmed to the Irish Independent that a full investigation into the incident is now underway.

Gardai received report of an incident of robbery that occurred in a premises on Earl Street, Longford Town at approximately 6:45pm yesterday, March 3, 2024, said a spokesperson.

No injuries were reported to Gardai. No arrests have been made.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Details surrounding the incident have come in for widespread condemnation locally as detectives look for clues in a bid to identify those responsible.

My first thoughts go out to the members of staff who went in to do a days work and they are faced with this sort of stuff, said Independent Cllr Gerry Warnock.

It shouldnt happen and it mustnt happen. It is something Longford can do without and you would hope the guards will apprehend those responsible for it because we certainly dont need this additional bad press.

Those soundings were shared by Cllr Seamus Butler as he expressed hope CCTV footage would throw up vital evidence for investigating gardai.

Luckily these sort of raids were much more common in the past as there is far less cash in circulation than there was, he said.

I mean 7pm on a Sunday is not a time when you would expect a whole lot of activity around the town. I assume there is CCTV and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The imminent termination of a special scheme of paid leave for those who suffer from long COVID will have a huge impact on those who contracted it, according to Deputy Marian Harkin.

Raising the issue in the Dail, she said: These people feel let down, its like theyve gone from hero to zero within the space of two short years.

To be fair, the payment has been extended several times over the last year and despite the Minister for Health asking for an extension to the end of June this year, the request was denied by the Minister of Public Expenditure. The scheme will now finish at the end of March.

Addressing Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Deouty Harkin said; A number of my constituents, nurses, who are on this temporary special scheme have contacted me and the prospect of the termination of the scheme makes them feel totally let down and abandoned.

During the first year or two of Covid they were fighting an enemy they couldnt see, and they often did it with no PPE, Deputy Harkin said.

They put their health at risk to save the lives of others and now some of them have the burden of long Covid to deal with. This means they are unable to work due to severe symptoms that prevent them re-entering the workforce.

Their lives have been turned upside down and while other people also suffer from long Covid, many health care workers who went to work every day during the Covid pandemic in order to keep our hospitals and healthcare settings open, contracted it because of their dedication to their patients.

The Tanaiste said that the issue has been through the industrial relations machinery where the Labour Court recommended that management and staff representative bodies explore the supports already in place and available to those impacted by Long Covid.

He said a number of engagements have taken place to date and hopefully there would be a resolution. Deputy Harkin said: The people I am speaking to believe that extending the payment is the least the government can do for those who genuinely put themselves at risk because of their work and in this context, they want to see long Covid recognised as an occupational illness.
Joe taking part in pantomime at the Hawk's Well Theatre in Sligo.

The late Joe Shannon with Georgie Gorman conducting an auction in aid of charity.

Tributes have been paid to Sligo born TV chef Joe Shannon who has passed away following an illness.

Joe was well known for his cookery slots on Virgin Media while he was also a leading chef at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo.

In recent times he also presented a very popular morning radio show on Ocean FM along with Georgie Gorman.

Both men spoke publicly about their cancer battles. They even did a Recovery Tour, visiting many areas of County Sligo and posting their adventures on social media. Joe also appeared on stage singing at the Hawks Well Theatre as part of the Kieran Quinn musical theme nights. He also appeared in pantomimes.

Joe passed away at North West Hospice on Monday. He is survived by his wife, Marie and children, Orla Emer and Joseph and extended family. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Many tributes have been paid to the late Mr Shannon on RIP.ie.

One said Joe was full of laughter and was a great ambassador for Sligo.

"Joe was a lovely man with a brilliant laugh who will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, said another.

"Joe was such an inspirational person, reads another tribute.
Ed Lee's stunning image of the aurora at Streedagh beach on Sunday night. Pic: Ed Lee Photography.

Sligo photographer Ed Lee captured a number of incredible photos of the aurora borealis in Sligo on Sunday night.

Lee, a well known photographer in Sligo, caught the aurora display in Streedagh on Sunday.

The aurora was visible in areas such as Rosses Point, Enniscrone, Strandhill and in North Sligo too, with members of the public flocking to beaches to try to catch a glimpse of the incredible display.

Sligo photographer Ed Lee has become renowned for his beautiful Sligo landscapes and night sky photos.

And, if you are interested in his photography, particularly astrophotography, theres a chance for you to learn more about it.

Ed was invited by Irish Astronomy Week (10-16 March) to give a talk about the Art of Astrophotography, his favourite pastime, which he describes as the perfect marriage of science and art.

Stunning image of the aurora taken by Ed Lee on Sunday night.

Eds talk takes place in the Yeats Building on Thursday March 14 at 7:30pm, admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted to thank the Yeats Society for the use of their historic building.

Im delving more and more into the pursuit of beautiful nightscapes says Ed, elated as he has just returned in from capturing the aurora along the north Sligo coast on March 3/4, "be it Milky Way or Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) images.

"I have captured the night sky in several countries now but my favourite place is my home region of Sligo/Leitrim, and in this talk Ill chat about some of the great places where we can incorporate our beautiful landscape and the night sky, I'll give tips to aspiring photographers about what skills and equipment is required to capture and edit this type of image.

You can check out Eds work on Ed Lee Photography on facebook and also eddielee.ie
Gardai have charged a man (20s) after more than 20,000 of cannabis herb was seized during a planned search in Mullingar on Friday.

A man in his 20s is to appear in court over the coming days after more than 20,000 in cannabis herb was discovered during a planned Garda operation in county Westmeath.

The detection was made on Friday in the Mullingar area in an operation that involved officers from across a number of specialised units.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said the seizure was made under the auspices of Operation Tara, an ongoing investigation into the sale and supply of drugs in Westmeath.

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Early indications have placed the total haul to be in excess of 22,000.

Members of the Westmeath Garda Divisional Drugs Unit with assistance from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Custom officials carried out a search in the Mullingar District under Operation Tara and seized over 22000 of cannabis herb, said the spokesperson.

A male in his 20s was arrested and later charged to appear at Mullingar District Court later this month.

As this matter is currently before the courts, we are not in a position to comment further.
Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Ireland, Oliver Wall, Nicholas Dunne, Pauline Dunne, Charlie Dunne, Judith Dunne and Ian Mernagh of Bank of Ireland.

Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Ireland, Oliver Wall, Nicholas Dunne, Pauline Dunne, Charlie Dunne, Judith Dunne and Ian Mernagh of Bank of Ireland.

Wexford-based Greenvalley Farms Ltd, otherwise known as Killowen Farm, has been named as the inaugural winner of the Local Business category at a national business awards ceremony.

This is the sixth year of the the Irish Times sponsored awards which were held in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin and attended by the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath. The purpose of the awards, which are run in association with Bank of Ireland, is to mark excellence and outstanding achievement in Irish business.

Accepting the award, which was also sponsored by Bank of Ireland, Nicholas Dunne from Killowen Farm  based at Courtnacuddy  said that every day produces a new phenomenal opportunity for their business. He thanked The Irish Times, as well as Bank of Ireland. Im one of those people who has been with Bank of Ireland for 40 years. Its been a fantastic relationship, he said.

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Greenvalley, which was one of four nominees for the award, is the company behind the award-winning Killowen Farm range of live yoghurts. Situated at the foot of the Blackstairs Mountains, Killowen Farm has been in the Dunne family for 200 years.

Owners Nicholas and Judith Dunne took over the business about 20 years ago and moved the yoghurt production to their own dairy farm in Enniscorthy. In 2022, the business unveiled a 4 million expansion that added 25 new jobs and enabled it to grow its cream cheese production.

A breakthrough deal with Irish food group Ornua opened the door for the business to export to Europe, and Killowen now ships goods to many international markets including Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The company has consistently achieved organic sales of about 10 per cent a year.
With over half a million visitors expected to descend on Wexford town for the event, organisers of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2024 are calling on people across the county to be part of the celebrations by taking on a volunteering role. Scheduled to take place from August 4-11, the world-acclaimed programme of traditional Irish language and music events will see the town transformed into a cultural hotbed of creativity and tradition.

With such an unprecedented number of attendees visiting the county, there is a real need for volunteers who can help during the Fleadh week, with many opportunities to lend a hand. Those interested in taking part will be able to avail of a variety of roles, including street stewards, assisting at competitions, becoming members of the environmental/sustainability committee, fleadh ambassadors, social media support, and photography support.

Cathaoirleach of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee and Interim Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, said, We are thrilled to welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann to Wexford this summer. It was clear from the start that Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and Wexford County Council share a mutual vision for the joy that is traditional Irish music and culture. The Fleadh will bring life and music to our streets in a very inclusive way that all can enjoy.

"We are working together towards a truly memorable Fleadh Cheoil in August. In addition to the visible, structural supports being put in place, the people are a key part of the process. Volunteers are the heart of the Fleadh and will be instrumental in welcoming the world to Wexford. We are recruiting volunteers from all over our great county to lend a hand. By volunteering, people can make lasting connections with fellow volunteers, performers, and traditional Irish music lovers from across the globe while being a key part of this landmark event for County Wexford.

The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee welcomes everyone to sign up as volunteers for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2024. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer for the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2024, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie Registrations open at 12 p.m. on Friday.
With some areas losing up to three metres of coastline on an annual basis, the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) has repeatedly been described as Irelands ground zero when it come to climate change. Factor in recent flooding events in Rosslare Strand and Bridgetown, tornados in Duncormick and Foulkmills, and the inability of residents in affected areas to get insurance for their homes, and its easy to understand why a delegation from the RMD travelled to Dublin to meet with the man responsible for funding the projects and schemes which could protect the county.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet with the students in Colaiste Chraobh Abhann, who are studying politics as part of their Leaving Cert, Deputy Whitmore said. They invited me to discuss manifesto commitments and my thoughts on a vision for the local community and Ireland going forward. We had a great conversation covering everything from housing to the environment to how we can tackle inequality in Irish society.

"Their questions were so interesting, and they were clearly very engaged. They are a credit to their school and their teacher, Ms Egan. The inclusion of politics on the Leaving Certificate is hugely beneficial as it gives the next generation the chance to be empowered in their knowledge of the civic and political processes. I hope that the number of students taking it continues to grow as the years go on. However, I can already tell that there are lots of future politicians and community leaders in that class.
Ahead of Fridays two referendums focussed on care and family, Wicklow representatives from both sides of the argument have been sharing their views.

Aontus only Wicklow representative, Ciaran Hogan, has called for a No-No vote, while Green Party local election candidate Mia Fahey McCarthy has joined the National Womens Councils campaign for a Yes-Yes vote.

The Family Amendment focuses on the broader definition of family to that simply being based on marriage. The Care Amendment proposes the removal of references to the role of women in the home from the Constitution, to be replaced with a broader recognition of the care provided by all family members.

Every eligible registered voter will be asked to cast a vote on two amendments to the Constitution; one removing a reference to women from the constitution, and another conflating durable relationships with marriage, Mr Hogan said. Both are unnecessary, terribly written, and so open to abuse that it is shocking any party would support them. Yet Aontu is the only party in the Dail to call for a No-No vote.

At no point does the Constitution say, imply, and infer that a woman's place is in the home, he added. If that were true it would come as quite a shock to our two previous Presidents; Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson, Mr Hogan said, referring to the National Womens Council and Green Party Minister Catherine Martins assertion that the Irish Constitution stated a womans place is in the home.

Countering Mr Hogans argument, National Womens Council Director Orla OConnor said: Article 41.2 never led to any supports for women to work solely within the home, but underpinned discriminatory practices, such as the marriage bar, and the exclusion of women from many sectors of society.

Limiting womens role to the home copper fastened the absence of State support for care inside and outside of the home and the recognition of the role of men. A Yes vote removes this limiting language from our foundational legal document and sends a strong signal to men that they can, and should, play an equal role in looking after their families.

Referring to the Family Amendment, Mr Hogan said the Government is trying to wedge in durable relationships, which is an undefined term, on an equal basis to married families.

"This could have serious, dangerous consequences in many different areas, he said. It will lead to situations where courts are deciding on a subjective basis what is a relationship.

Ms Fahey McCarthy, who took part in a cross-parting information campaign supported by Women for Election and the National Womens Council, believes the change, while broad, is necessary in our current society.

This referendum gives people an opportunity to see our constitution updated to reflect more accurately today's Ireland, she said. If passed, these amendments will have a major impact by removing sexist language about only a womens duties being in the home. They will recognise that care within the home is carried out by both women and men

These amendments will also recognise that care should be supported by the State, whether it is of children, elderly parents, or family members with disabilities. They will also recognise that lots of families arent based on marriage, including single-parent families.

On the Care Amendment, Mr Hogan said the Government wants to erase one of the few references of women in the constitution on International Women's Day".

The slight wording change is worrisome, he said. Endeavour to ensure will be replaced by shall strive to support which takes the ensure pressure off the Government to really do anything for families.

Aontu Leader Peadar Toibin stated that: Parents across the country, mothers and fathers, are already forced by economic necessity to work so much that they cannot see their children for more that half an hour a day. Government has failed in their responsibility so now they simply want to shrug off that responsibility. This amendment does nothing for families, or those in need of care.

Ms OConnor feels a Yes vote in the Care Amendment could pave the way to improved childcare.

"A Yes vote also means a strong call on the State to support the provision of that essential care, she said. Government must deliver real, practical action and investment for care such as a public childcare model ,better paid family leave, a universal pension for all, guaranteed access to homecare supports and personal assistance for disabled people.

Polls for the referendums will open on March 8 at 62 Wicklow Polling Stations.
A woman has been sentenced to three months in prison and given a lifetime ban from owning animals after she was convicted of cruelty to horses.

Ms Yvonne Coe (60) of Main Street, Tinahely, Co Wicklow was also fined 5,000, and ordered to pay a 500 contribution to ISPCA costs and 6,441.15 in costs to the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT).

During a hearing on December 13, 2023, ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence in relation to a total of nine horses that were removed from lands and a barn off Main Street and Pound Lane in Tinahely on three dates in July and August 2022.

Ms Conlon described how she found several horses in various states of neglect, with all horses found to be visibly underweight, coats matted with faecal matter and hooves overgrown.

One horse was found to have two swollen legs and was struggling to walk while another had a semi-protruded and swollen penis.

The defendant admitted under caution that veterinary attention had not been sought for either animal despite the latter horse having sustained the injury three-years prior.

The living conditions of the horses were also found to be inadequate, with insufficient light and ventilation as well as a significant accumulation of dung.

Between July 29 and August 2, 2022, eight horses were surrendered by Ms Coe and brought to the IHWT for assessment and treatment.

On August 9, Ms Conlon discovered another horse that had not been disclosed during the previous visits. The horse had been shut in another shed and found in an emaciated state with deformed hooves.

The horse in question required sedation and pain relief in order to enable the animal to travel.

Of the nine horses surrendered, three could not be adequately rehabilitated to allow them to live pain free and ultimately had to be euthanised, the court heard.

When handing down his sentence, Judge David Kennedy said the case was the worst case of animal cruelty in his 15 years on the bench.

Judge Kennedy also said that the photos of the horses were extremely distressing and the suffering of the animals over a prolonged period of time was very avoidable.

This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community, Inspector Conlon said.

This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have witnessed, every shed I entered I found yet another animal in horrendous condition and living in totally unsuitable accommodations. I want to acknowledge Jill Power and her team from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust who helped me get them to safety, she added.

Unfortunately, the outcome was not good for three of the horses and they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.

Good equine welfare is not just about the ethical treatment of horses it is the foundation of their health and performance and the bond we share with these incredible animals, Ms Conlon said.
The same horse as in the previous image after six months rehabilitation at the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. Photo: ISPCA

The same horse as in the previous image after six months rehabilitation at the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. Photo: ISPCA

A Wicklow woman has been banned from owning animals for life and given a prison sentence after nine horses were found on her lands in a state of neglect by the ISPCA.

On Wednesday, February 21, at Arklow District Court, Ms Yvonne Coe (60) of Main Street, Tinahely, Co Wicklow was sentenced to three months imprisonment, having previously admitted charges under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA).

In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge David Kennedy fined the defendant 5,000, and ordered that she pay a 500 contribution to ISPCA costs and 6,441.15 in costs incurred by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT). The court also imposed a disqualification order banning Ms Coe from keeping all animals for life. She was allowed three months to sell or rehome any animals remaining in her care.

During an earlier hearing on December 13, 2023, ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon gave evidence on a total of nine horses that were removed from lands and a barn off Main Street and Pound Lane, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow on three dates in late July and early August 2022.

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Ms Conlon described how, on Friday, July 29, 2022 she found several horses in varying levels of neglect, both physically and with regards to their living conditions. All the horses were visibly underweight, their hooves were overgrown, and their coats were matted with faecal material. One horse had two swollen legs and was struggling to walk.

The defendant admitted under caution that veterinary attention had not been sought for this animal. The same was the case for a horse with a semi-protruded and swollen penis, despite the fact that the injury was sustained up to three years prior. The sheds in which the horses were housed had insufficient light and ventilation, and there were huge accumulations of dung.

One of the horses found at the Tinahely stables. Photo: ISPCA

Between July 28 and August 2, 2022, eight horses were surrendered by Ms Coe and removed to the IHWT Centre for assessment and treatment. On August 9, 2022, Senior Inspector Conlon discovered another horse that had not been disclosed during previous visits. It was shut in another shed used by Ms Coe, it was in an emaciated state and had deformed hooves. This horse was also surrendered and required sedatives and pain relief to enable it to travel.

The court heard that, of the nine horses removed, three were euthanised as they could not be adequately rehabilitated to allow them to live pain free. A further two had permanent hoof damage that means they will no longer be able to be ridden.

The same horse as in the previous image after six months rehabilitation at the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. Photo: ISPCA

Convicting the defendant, Judge Kennedy indicated there must be a custodial sentence. He said that the photos were extremely distressing and that there was a multitude of animals that suffered over a prolonged period of time, all of which was very avoidable.

Speaking after the case Senior Inspector Conlon said This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community. We are committed to holding accountable those who neglect or mistreat vulnerable animals.

"This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have witnessed. I want to acknowledge Jill Power and her team from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust who helped me get them to safety. Unfortunately, the outcome was not good for three of the horses and they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.

"Good equine welfare is not just about the ethical treatment of horses it is the foundation of their health and performance and the bond we share with these incredible animals.

To report any animal welfare concerns call the ISPCAs National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, or email helpline@ispca.ie.
One Morning in August who performed at the Creative Places Baltinglass Sitting Room Session in Horan's, Baltinglass. Photo: Michael Kelly

Creative Places Baltinglass and acclaimed Wicklow musician and producer Mark Cappy Caplice recently presented a night of original music featuring three exciting local artists in Horans in Baltinglass.

The magical collaboration saw multi-award-winning Baltinglass artist Cappy, a writer of international hit songs, and the community-led Creative Places Baltinglass arts project come together to shine a spotlight on a trio of home-grown stars.

Band One Morning in August, Padraig McGrath and Amy Barrett blended their styles and experiences to create an incredible night of music themed by home, with each artist sharing a story about what home means to them, and singing a song that reminded them of home.

Speaking after the event, a proud Cappy said: The event was an amazing success, and each of the acts were amazing in their own right.

Padraig, Amy and One Morning in August did an amazing job, and it was so nice to have Jenny Sherwin from the Arts Council and Monika from Creative Place Baltinglass there, who have been a massive support and have really encouraged local artists through staging events.

Monika Sapielak, Creative Places Baltinglass Arts Service Coordinator, praised the performers, Cappy and the huge crowd in attendance and added her thanks to everyone who made the enchanting evening possible.

We had a great turnout, with over 60 people attending the event, which was excellently curated by Mark (Cappy), Monika said.

The idea for the event came about through conversations with locals, as Creative Places Baltinglass is very much about facilitating the community and asking what they would like to see happening.

They said that some small gigs in local venues are definitely something that was missing in Baltinglass, so we had our first Sitting Room Session session in December, this latest one, and we will have two more to come.

The next one will be on March 15 in Baltinglass Community Hospital. Curated by Vinnie Gethings, it will include trad music and Irish dancing and will mainly be aimed at residents in the hospital and the Lalor Centre.
The first series of ITVs Celebrity Big Brother could include former This Morning host Fern Britton, according to reports.

The 66-year-old presenter turned author, who used to host ITVs daytime programme with Phillip Schofield from 2002 to 2009, is reportedly entering the Big Brother house for the revived series.

Britton, also known for work on Ready Steady Cook and Breakfast Time, has also competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

Fern Britton was previously on Strictly Come Dancing (Ian West/PA)

In November, ITV announced the Big Brother spin-off would be returning to screens in 2024 following the reboot of the standard format in October, which saw lawyer Jordan crowned the winner.

In a video on social media hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best teased the new contestants by reacting to them by giving hints.

They said one is competitive, another is a good time girl and a celebrity was also hailed as TVs finest.

I dont think theyre going to get on, Odudu also said.

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson said: Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Other housemates touted to appear on the launch of the series on Monday include Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Bradley Riches, Nikita Kuzmin and Colson Smith.

Osbourne, along with being the wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne, has appeared on several series of talent show The X Factor alongside judges Simon Cowell and Irish talent agent Walsh.

Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Dermot OLeary. (Steve Parsons/PA)

She has also competed on the celebrity version of The Apprentice in the US and has presented a programme on TalkTV.

The Sun reports that she will be just a guest housemate on Big Brother.

Walsh has managed stars including Boyzone, Jedward and Westlife, and has most recently been overseeing the development of five-piece boyband Next In Line, who he has described as a modern-day One Direction.

Meanwhile, Love Island star Culculoglu has just appeared in the second season of the US version of psychological game The Traitors while Smith is a Coronation Street actor.

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

Riches was in Netflix LGBT+ romance show Heartstopper and Kuzmin is a Strictly dancer  who was a runner up on the last series when he competed with actor Layton Williams.

Sauce maker Levi Roots, who was successful on BBC business show Dragons Den, and the Princess of Wales uncle, the businessman Gary Goldsmith, are also rumoured to be joining the cast.

Before the series aired on ITV last year, the controversial reality show last was on Channel 5 in 2018 before being cancelled by the channel.

Celebrity Big Brother will air from Monday on ITV1 and ITVX and the location has been revamped for the famous arrivals.

A spin-off show called Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will follow on ITV2.
A leaked list of personalities set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house tonight includes Louis Walsh and Sharon Osborne.

The Boyzone and Westlife manager is among the names being touted to appear in the house, along with former This Morning host Fern Britton, according to reports.

The 66-year-old presenter turned author, who used to host ITVs daytime programme with Phillip Schofield from 2002 to 2009, is reportedly entering the Big Brother house for the revived series.

Britton, also known for work on Ready Steady Cook and Breakfast Time, has also competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

Fern Britton was previously on Strictly Come Dancing (Ian West/PA)

In November, ITV announced the Big Brother spin-off would be returning to screens in 2024 following the reboot of the standard format in October, which saw lawyer Jordan crowned the winner.

The show returns on Monday March 4 at 9pm on ITV and on Virgin Media Two in Ireland and on the Virgin Media Player.

In a video on social media hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best teased the new contestants by reacting to them by giving hints.

They said one is competitive, another is a good time girl and a celebrity was also hailed as TVs finest.

I dont think theyre going to get on, Odudu also said.

A Celebrity Big Brother spokesperson said: Any names are at this point pure speculation and viewers will have to tune to see who will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Other housemates touted to appear on the launch of the series on Monday include Osbourne, Walsh, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Bradley Riches, Nikita Kuzmin and Colson Smith.

Osbourne, along with being the wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne, has appeared on several series of talent show The X Factor alongside judges Simon Cowell and Irish talent agent Walsh.

Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Dermot OLeary. (Steve Parsons/PA)

She has also competed on the celebrity version of The Apprentice in the US and has presented a programme on TalkTV.

The Sun reports that she will be just a guest housemate on Big Brother.

Walsh has managed stars including Boyzone, Jedward and Westlife, and has most recently been overseeing the development of five-piece boyband Next In Line, who he has described as a modern-day One Direction.

Meanwhile, Love Island star Culculoglu has just appeared in the second season of the US version of psychological game The Traitors while Smith is a Coronation Street actor.

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

Riches was in Netflix LGBT+ romance show Heartstopper and Kuzmin is a Strictly dancer  who was a runner up on the last series when he competed with actor Layton Williams.

Sauce maker Levi Roots, who was successful on BBC business show Dragons Den, and the Princess of Wales uncle, the businessman Gary Goldsmith, are also rumoured to be joining the cast.

Before the series aired on ITV last year, the controversial reality show last was on Channel 5 in 2018 before being cancelled by the channel.

Celebrity Big Brother will air from Monday on ITV1 and ITVX and the location has been revamped for the famous arrivals.

A spin-off show called Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live will follow on ITV2.
Family and friends of a British woman who went missing in the Virgin Islands have said police must question her boyfriend, after the first photographs came to light of him now living in the US.

Speaking ahead of the third anniversary of the disappearance of Sarm Heslop, on March 8 2021, they said it is unimaginable that detectives have never interviewed Ryan Bane, even though he was the last person to see her before she disappeared off his boat.
There were dozens of CCTV cameras, but no clue where she is  disappearance of Jean Tighe four years ago was plagued by confusion from the start
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah, Gaza Strip yesterday. Photo: AP

Israels military said last night that most of the Palestinians killed last week as crowds massed near an aid convoy in Gaza died in a stampede but local health officials said casualties brought into hospitals had been hit by large-calibre ammunition.
Hamas says it presses on with Gaza truce talks without Israelis

No excuses: US vice-president Kamala Harris calls out Israel over catastrophe in Gaza Fresh doubts over Gaza truce as Israelis still to appear in Cairo for talks with officials

US vice-president Kamala Harris calls out Israel over catastrophe in Gaza

Jeff Mason, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud Mon 4 Mar 2024 at 03:30







Hamas said on Monday it was pressing on with talks on securing a ceasefire in Gaza despite Israel's decision not to attend, while Washington appeared to take a tougher line in demanding its ally Israel ease the plight of suffering civilians.
Mahul Brahma, Dean & Professor at NSHM Media School & NSHM Design School and a Fellow of the Bath Business School UK, has come up with his tenth book Bharat, A Luxe Story that was launched in Kolkata by Ambassador of Brazil to India.

Excerpts of a conversation with the writer

Tell us a bit about the book.

Bharat, A Luxe Story is an authoritative, research-based anthology of essays exploring various facets of luxury from the perspectives of Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology, History, and Economics, revolving around India, that is Bharat, to find a deeper meaning of luxe beyond the myopic price tag. It is my 10th book, commemorating two decades of my journey as a luxury columnist and commentator. It captures the centuries-old love affair between Bharat and global luxury brands. From Cartiers Patiala Necklace to custom-made Louis Vuittons and Rolls Royces, Bharat has been the epicentre of branded luxury. The book traces the evolution of luxury in Bharat with the passage of time and change of perspective of Indians, redefining the mythic value of luxury. It traces the passage of Bharat, all set to become USD 10-trillion economy, from the dazzling loud luxury to new-age revolution of quiet luxury.

Please share some glimpses of this centuries-old affair between luxury brands and India in your book.

In Bharat, the love affair between luxury brands and showcasing of luxury reached the pinnacle during the 1920s when India alone was consumer of 20 per cent of global sales of Rolls Royce or when a certain Nizam had 50 Harley Davidsons for his personal messengers or when Zebra-driven phaetons used to give competition to the horse-driven carriages.

Surprised? Picture this: it is estimated that over roughly 200 years, the East India Company and the British Raj siphoned out at least GBP 9.2 trillion (or DLR 44.6 trillion; since the exchange rate was DLR 4.8 per GBP during much of the colonial period).

In 1926, the Maharaja of Patiala commissioned Cartier, its largest till date, to remodel his crown jewels, which included the 234.69 carat De Beers diamond. The result was a breath-taking Patiala necklace weighing 962.25 carats with 2,930 diamonds.

You have a special love for Rolls Royce and it has been a recurring theme in all your books. Can you share an interesting example with us?

Okay, so lets talk about an interesting royalty story of the brand that runs on reputation -- Roll Royce. In my second book Dark Luxe, I have shared a great example in the story Death of a Phantom of Maharaja Jai Singh buying the epitome of reputation in Western culture  Rolls Royce, six of them, and converting them into garbage vans for the city. Maharaja Jai Singh visited London and was wearing casual dress. During his city tour, he spotted the Rolls Royce showroom and entered it to know more about the cars and even buy the vehicle. However, seeing his native Indian appearance, the security of the showroom assumed that he is a beggar and did not allow him to enter the showroom. Thus he purchased and converted all six Rolls Royce cars into garbage collectors for his kingdom. It is as loud as it gets!

Therefore, luxury, especially in the context of royalty in Bharat was never quiet or subliminal but always loud and on the face. The evolution of luxury in Bharat has seen an elaborate dominance of logos as seen with flaunters.

How was your experience with the Ambassador of Brazil to India, who launched your book in Kolkata?

The Ambassador of Brazil, HE Kenneth Feli Haczynski Da Nobrega, has been very kind to make time from his busy schedule to show his support for Bharat, A Luxe Story. He was very surprised with the anecdotes of royalty in Bharat who were the biggest customers of luxury brands. He was also quite interested in the phenomenon of quiet luxury and so I gifted him a copy of my book on it  The Quiet Luxe. He also wrote me a note wishing success to the book. He had started reading it and said he will give his detailed feedback once he completes it. I eagerly await his feedback.

Can you share a bit on that and also the upcoming launch of the book in the UK later this year.

Professor John Strachan, Pro VC of Bath Spa University, UK has written the foreword for Bharat, A Luxe Story. Prof Strachan will be launching the book in UK later this year during my yearly visit to Bath Spa University as a Visiting Research Fellow. Incidentally, Professor Strachan had launched my earlier book Aesthetic Leadership in Luxury last year in the city of Bath in the UK. I look forward to that launch.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Puri Simhadwar police on Sunday detained nine non-Hindu persons who allegedly entered Sri Jagannath temple in this pilgrim town of Odisha.

According to reports five persons belonging to Bangladesh were detected by some servitors while having darshan of the deities.

The servitors questioned them about their religious status and they learned that while one is Hindu the others were non-Hindus.The servitors brought them to the police station and reported the incident.

The Police are interrogating them and the CCTV footage is being examined to see if there were others. These four non Hindus not only had darshan of the deities they also bought mahaprasad.

The police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Additional superintendent of police Susil Kumar Mishra told media persons that their passports and other travel documents were being examined and their hotel entry register will be examined.

Puri residents are surprised that despite elaborate security how these non-Hindus entered the shrine which debarred the non-Hindus from entering the temple.

(With UNI inputs)
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi/IBNS: After receiving eighth summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has agreed to appear before the central probe agency for quizzing in the excise policy case, media reports said.

Kejriwal will appear before ED via video conference after March 12, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated.

Kejriwal had previously skipped the seventh summons, stating that he would only appear before the Enforcement Directorate if ordered by the court to do so.

The anti-corruption agency had filed a complaint before a Delhi court against Kejriwal for repeatedly skipping summonses over the past few months.

A Delhi court then directed the Chief Minister to appear before the court on March 16.

The probe agency is investigating the Delhi excise policy which has handed over liquor shop licences to private players.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleges that liquor companies and middlemen were "actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation" of the excise policy.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Kejriwal's colleague in the party, Manish Sisodia, is already in jail in the same case as the prime accused.

In April last year, the CBI questioned Kejriwal as a witness for nine hours, after which he slammed the agency. The ED has been summoning him since November 2.
Photo courtesy: wikipedia.org

New Delhi: In a sharp retort against China's condemnation of an Indian TV channels interview with Foreign Minister Joseph Wu of the independently governed island.

Despite decades of distinct governance, Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory.

In an exclusive interview with NewsX on February 29, Wu expressed concerns over China's military coercion towards Taiwan and its escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Countrys longest-tenured foreign minister, who is likely to leave the position in the next few months, said, We are working hard to ensure bilateral relations in every way moving forward.

In a statement issued on March 1, the Chinese embassy in India said the interview provided a platform for advocating Taiwan independence and disseminating false information, which it considered a serious violation of the one-China principle.

With this principle, China attempts to assert the existence of a one-China in the world, with Taiwan being acknowledged as a constituent part of China, and the government of the Peoples Republic of China recognized as the sole legitimate representative.

The Chinese embassy asserts that the one-China principle enjoys widespread acceptance and serves as the fundamental political basis for diplomatic relationships between China and nations across the world.

China said separatist forces persistently advocate for Taiwans independence, but historical and legal facts cannot be changed.

In the statement, the Chinese mission also urged Indian media to uphold Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Responding strongly to Chinese criticism, the Taiwan Foreign Office said, Neither India nor Taiwan is part of the PRC (Peoples Republic China) and were not its puppets.

Were both democracies with free and vibrant presses that cant be dictated to. Beijing should worry about its own economic slump, not bullying its neighbours, the statement added.

Less than a month before this incident, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India and the India Taipei Association (ITA) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on labour cooperation.

Over the past few years, relations between India and Taiwan, though unofficial, have been steadily improving due to economic, strategic, and cultural factors.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, both sides have actively worked to bolster bilateral trade and investment through different channels.

Taiwan's advanced technological capabilities, particularly in sectors like chipmaking, are in alignment with India's objectives of fostering innovation and digitalization.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy with PM Modi/ courtesy: Former's X page

Hyderabad/IBNS: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who is a Congressman, has made himself counted as a part of 'Modi ka Parivar', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign on social media in response to former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'parivaarvaad' jibe.

"Hamare hisaab se Pradhan Mantri matlab bade bhai (According to us, Prime Minister means elder brother)," Reddy said in Adilabad on Monday, where he had gone to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Telangana.

Explaining his stand, the Telangana CM said that states cannot prosper without the Prime Minister's help and he wanted to bring Telangana on par with Gujarat.

"Only with his (PM Modi's) help can Chief Ministers take their states forward. I request that if Telangana has to progress it has to move ahead like Gujarat, your help is required," he said at Adilabad, where he shared the dais with the Prime Minister.

In order to reach the Prime Minister's goal of a 5 trillion dollar economy, India needs five metropolitan cities.

"Hyderabad wants to contribute. Please support us in the Metro rail... Just as you developed the Sabarmati river, we want to regenerate our Musi river," Reddy said amid cheers from the audience at a gathering where PM Modi laid the foundation for Rs. 6,697 crore worth of projects.

This comes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and other senior leaders Monday changed their Twitter bios in solidarity with PM Modi over 'parivaarvaad' jibe by Lalu Prasad Yadav.

On Sunday, during the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Lalu Yadav said, "What is this Modi? Narendra Modi is attacking 'parivaarvaad' these days. First, you should explain why you do not have any children or family."

Several BJP leaders have added 'Modi ka Parivar' to their social media profiles.

In a veiled attack on the RJD chief, PM Modi, during his rally in Telangana, said, "When I question their familyism, these people have now started saying that Modi has no family."

"I want to tell them that 140 crore countrymen are my family, those who have no one also belong to Modi, and Modi belongs to them...my country is my family," he said.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

India's economy is surging ahead of the pack, according to Krishnamurthy Subramanian, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

India is easily the world's fastest-growing major economy. India continues to be the world's top performer in economic growth, clocking in an 8.4% expansion in the final quarter of 2023, the BBC reported.

This strong growth is fuelled by a rise in consumer spending and positive performance in manufacturing and construction.

Moody's has revised India's GDP growth projection for 2024 to 6.8%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.1%.

The adjustment reflects India's robust economic performance in 2023 and a reduction in global economic challenges.

Surpassing analysts' expectations of 6.6%, India's economy accentuates the nation's resilience amid global economic challenges.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections anticipate India's economy growing by 6.5% in 2024, compared with 4.6% for China.

This news arrives as India prepares for a general election this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the figures on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the Indian economy's resilience and potential. India's impressive growth, driven by strong manufacturing figures and healthy consumer spending, positions the country to surpass Japan and Germany as the world's third-largest economy in the coming years.

Similarly, a new report by NITI Aayog in India shows a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty. Over 248 million people (24.82 crore) escaped poverty in the last nine years (2013-14 to 2022-23).

This achievement is attributed to government initiatives addressing various aspects of poverty. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) used in the report considers factors beyond income, providing a more comprehensive picture.

India's MPI score dropped from 29.17% to 11.28%, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan witnessing the biggest improvements. The report also highlights an accelerated decline in poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21 compared to the previous decade.

Over the past nine years, India has seen a significant decrease in multidimensional poverty, with over 248 million individuals escaping its grasp. This progress is likely to see India achieve its goal of halving multidimensional poverty well before the 2030 deadline, thanks to several crucial initiatives across various aspects of poverty.

According to a recent commentary published by the Brookings Institute on the recently released official consumption expenditure data for 2022-23, India has achieved real per capita consumption growth of 2.9% per annum (pa) since 2011-12.

The share of rural growth (3.1% pa) is significantly higher than urban growth (2.6%).

India saw a remarkable drop in inequality across both cities and villages.

The Gini coefficient, a way to measure inequality, went down significantly in both areas. In cities, the Gini coefficient (on a scale of 100) fell from 36.7 to 31.9, and in rural areas it went from 28.7 to 27.0. This improvement is unprecedented, especially considering that India's economic growth has also been strong.

India's economic growth coupled with a significant reduction in wealth inequality has led to a near-elimination of extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 (PPP) per day.

This is reflected in the Headcount Poverty Ratio (HCR), which has dropped from 12.2% in 2011-12 to just 2% in 2022-23, representing a decrease of nearly 1 percentage point annually. While rural areas still have a slightly higher poverty rate (2.5%), it's encouraging to see urban poverty even lower at 1%.

It is no wonder that rural areas are seeing faster growth in spending.

The government has been putting a lot of effort into spreading wealth through various public initiatives.

This includes building toilets nationwide, making sure everyone has electricity, clean cooking fuel, and most recently, piped water access. For instance, in India, only 16.8% of rural areas had piped water on August 15th, 2019, but that number has jumped to 74.7% today.

Image courtesy Pixabay

Having clean water likely means people get sick less, allowing families to earn more. Additionally, the Aspirational District Program identified 112 of India's most underdeveloped districts and targeted them with specific government policies to improve their development.

Initiatives like "Poshan Abhiyan" and "Anemia Mukt Bharat" have improved access to healthcare, leading to a notable reduction in deprivation. Additionally, the world's largest food security program, the Targeted Public Distribution System, ensures food grains reach over 813 million beneficiaries, demonstrating the government's commitment to tackling hunger.

This commitment is further solidified by recent decisions like extending free food grain distribution under the "Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Anna Yojana."

Beyond food security, other programs like "UjjwalaYojana" for clean cooking fuel, "Saubhagya" for improved electricity access, and "Swachh Bharat Mission" and "Jal Jeevan Mission" for sanitation and water supply, have collectively improved living conditions and well-being.

Financial inclusion and housing needs are also being addressed through programs like "Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana" and "PM AwasYojana."

A recent report by Barclays Research suggests that India has the potential to significantly increase its economic growth rate, and surpass China as the largest global growth contributor by 2023. To achieve this, the report emphasizes the importance of boosting domestic savings.

The report argues that several factors can contribute to a higher savings rate in India, including rising per capita income, demographic changes, and fiscal consolidation. These factors, combined, could potentially increase savings by 4% of GDP by the end of the decade.

This increase in domestic savings would be sufficient to finance the country's investment needs without relying heavily on external funding. Furthermore, with a higher savings rate and the government's plan to reduce the budget deficit, India may not need to implement further significant fiscal consolidation measures. This would help maintain macro stability even amidst faster economic growth along with potentially achieving a current account balance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strength and potential of the Indian economy based on the robust 8.4% GDP growth witnessed in the third quarter of the current financial year (2023-24).

This impressive growth comes after two previous quarters with significant expansion (7.8% and 7.6%) and solidifies India's position as the fastest-growing major economy globally.

The data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation depicts not only the high real GDP growth of 7.6% for the entire year 2023-24 but also the even higher nominal GDP growth of 9.1%. The consistent growth observed over the past three years (above 7% each year) demonstrates the strength of domestic demand driven by private consumption and investments. The government credits these positive developments to the various reforms and measures implemented over the past decade.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) previously predicted strong growth for India.

They estimated the economy would grow at an average of 6.3% per year between 2023 and 2028, nearly doubling in size from $3.7 trillion to $5.9 trillion. This growth is expected to be accompanied by a rise in average income per person (per capita GDP) from $2,612 to $3,985.

In contrast, China's economy is projected to slow down significantly.

The IMF expects China's growth to average only 4% per year during this period. This slowdown is reflected in Moody's recent downgrade of China's credit rating. With a slowing China, the role of the main driver of growth in Asia is up for grabs. S&P has projected that India will be the fastest-growing economy in Asia between 2024 and 2026.

India commands the global economic stage with unparalleled growth, marked by an astounding 8.4% expansion in Q4 2023, securing its status as the world's fastest-growing major economy. The IMF projects a 6.5% growth in 2024, outshining China.

The remarkable reduction in multidimensional poverty, a drop in wealth inequality, and a near-elimination of extreme poverty showcase a holistic transformation.

Initiatives spanning healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty eradication highlight India's commitment to inclusive progress. Barclays Research envisions India surpassing China as a global growth leader by 2023, validating a decade of transformative reforms and steadfast economic fortitude. This outlook underscores the nation's remarkable journey toward economic preeminence and sustained prosperity.

(Dr Divya Rani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, BHU, Varanasi. She contributes articles on issues of utmost importance.)
Photo courtesy: PR Team

In a bizarre incident, a young girl named Neha from France, travelled back to Pune, in search of her biological parents.

Apparently, Neha was only 30 days old, when she was adopted by a French couple and now after 21 years, she has returned back to India with a yearning to meet her biological parents.

Photo courtesy: PR Team

Neha's story mirrors the storyline of Subhash Ghai's maiden television production 'Jaanaki.' Mukta Arts' first television production, which is currently premiering on DD National, is shattering records owing to its unique storyline based on a young girl named 'Jaanaki' who is abandoned by her parents.

The show has also recently clocked 100 episodes.

Subhash Ghai took to Instagram and shared this uncanny story of Neha which mirrors the story of 'Jaanaki.'

(Photo courtesy: PR Team)
Chinese market vital for U.S. companies seeking global competitiveness, U.S. business leaders say

13:15, March 04, 2024 By Ma Zheng, Guo Peiran ( Xinhua

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. business officials and senior executives remain upbeat about the Chinese market, emphasizing its crucial role for U.S. companies striving for global competitiveness.

"Companies continue to tell us that China is important for multinational companies who want to be globally competitive," Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in China, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Thanks to a growing economy and frequent visits by senior U.S. officials and CEOs to China, U.S. businesses in China are increasingly optimistic about China's business environment and bilateral relations, Hart said.

In the annual China Business Climate Survey released by AmCham China in February, half of the 343 members surveyed placed China as their first choice or within their top three investment destinations globally, a 5 percent increase year-on-year.

China is "an important source of talent and innovation that helps American companies boost their global competitiveness," said the survey conducted late last year.

The report also found that though challenges remain, most members are maintaining their manufacturing or sourcing in China and expatriates have become more willing to relocate to China over the last year.

Noting China's 24 pro-foreign investment measures put forward by the State Council in August last year, Hart said that companies like the sound of that and are looking for "what's the actual action related to those policies."

Regarding U.S.-China relations, Hart said he is happy to see "both governments trending now in an upward direction," which means that companies will be "a little bit more excited."

The companies surveyed also reported an improved financial performance for 2023, particularly in the consumer and services sectors, as well as an improved outlook.

In November 2023, fast-food giant McDonald's announced its decision to ramp up its stake in its China business from 20 percent to 48 percent. "This underscores McDonald's confidence in the development and business environment of the Chinese market," said Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald's China.

"I don't think that there's any company that's big and truly international would doubt that in the long term, they need to be here in China. They need to have a significant presence. And they need to continue to develop this market because it's so big and growing that it really can't be ignored at all," Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China, a U.S. essential oil company, told Xinhua.

"China's part of a global supply chain, and has years and years of successful investments, industries and buildup. And that's why companies are still here," said Hart. Enditem

(Zheng Kaijun in Beijing, You Zhixin and Zhang Mengjie in Shanghai also contributed to the story.)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Rishi Sunak administration to ban hate preachers from entering UK. Photo Courtesy: Rishi Sunak Instagram page

The UK government is planning to bar hate preachers from countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia from entering the country.

The plan is being made amid UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's recent revelation that the country is witnessing a 'shocking increase' in extremist disruption and criminality in recent months.

Sending a strong message, British PM Rishi Sunak recently said: "The Home Secretary has instructed that if those here on visas choose to spew hate on protests or seek to intimidate people, we will remove their right to be here."

It is understood that officials will identify the most dangerous extremists from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Indonesia and add them to a warning list, reported Sky News.

Rishi Sunak said the UK's democracy has now become a 'target'.

"What started as protests on our streets, has descended into intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence," he said.

"Britain is a patriotic, liberal, democratic society with a proud past and a bright future. We are a reasonable country and a decent people. Our story is one of progress, of great achievements and enduring values," he said.

In his strong message, Sunak said: "Islamist extremists and far rights groups are spreading a poison, that poison is extremism. It aims to drain us of our confidence in ourselves as a people, and in our shared future."

"They want us to believe that our country, and the West more generally, is solely responsible for the worlds ills. And that we, along with our allies, are the problem. In short, they want to destroy our confidence and hope. We must not allow that to happen," he said.

He said: "The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and beat this poison."

Sunak said there could not be any cause to justify the support of a 'proscribed terrorist group' like Hamas.

He was referring to the attack by Hamas group members on Israel on October 7.

"Since October 7th there have been those trying to take advantage of the very human angst that we all feel,"Sunak said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Lord Walney, the government's independent adviser on political violence, wrote in The Sun: "My review on political violence is about to be formally submitted to the prime minister and the home secretary.In it, I am asking the leader of every mainstream political party to take a zero tolerance approach to the menace that is threatening our democracy."
European Commission fines Apple with USD 2 billion> Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The European Commission has fined Apple over 1.8 billion ($2 billion) for abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users (iOS users') through its App Store.

In particular, the Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app (anti-steering provisions').

"This is illegal under EU antitrust rules," read a statement issued by EC.

The infringement

Apple is currently the sole provider of an App Store where developers can distribute their apps to iOS users throughout the European Economic Area (EEA'). Apple controls every aspect of the iOS user experience and sets the terms and conditions that developers need to abide by to be present on the App Store and be able to reach iOS users in the EEA.

The Commission's investigation found that Apple bans music streaming app developers from fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app and from providing any instructions about how to subscribe to such offers. In particular, the anti-steering provisions ban app developers from:

Informing iOS users within their apps about the prices of subscription offers available on the internet outside of the app.

Informing iOS users within their apps about the price differences between in-app subscriptions sold through Apple's in-app purchase mechanism and those available elsewhere.

Including links in their apps leading iOS users to the app developer's website on which alternative subscriptions can be bought. App developers were also prevented from contacting their own newly acquired users, for instance by email, to inform them about alternative pricing options after they set up an account.

Today's decision concludes that Apple's anti-steering provisions amount to unfair trading conditions, in breach of Article 102(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU'). These anti-steering provisions are neither necessary nor proportionate for the protection of Apple's commercial interests in relation to the App Store on Apple's smart mobile devices and negatively affect the interests of iOS users, who cannot make informed and effective decisions on where and how to purchase music streaming subscriptions for use on their device.

Apple's conduct, which lasted for almost ten years, may have led many iOS users to pay significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions because of the high commission fee imposed by Apple on developers and passed on to consumers in the form of higher subscription prices for the same service on the Apple App Store.

Moreover, Apple's anti-steering provisions led to non-monetary harm in the form of a degraded user experience: iOS users either had to engage in a cumbersome search before they found their way to relevant offers outside the app, or they never subscribed to any service because they did not find the right one on their own.

Fine

The fine was set on the basis of the Commission's 2006 Guidelines on fines (see press release and MEMO).

In setting the level of the fine, the Commission took into account the duration and gravity of the infringement as well as Apple's total turnover and market capitalization. It also factored in that Apple submitted incorrect information in the framework of the administrative procedure.

In addition, the Commission decided to add to the basic amount of the fine an additional lump sum of 1.8 billion to ensure that the overall fine imposed on Apple is sufficiently deterrent. Such lump sum fine was necessary in this case because a significant part of the harm caused by the infringement consists of non-monetary harm, which cannot be properly accounted for under the revenue-based methodology as set out in the Commission's 2006 Guidelines on Fines. In addition, the fine must be sufficient to deter Apple from repeating the present or a similar infringement; and to deter other companies of a similar size and with similar resources from committing the same or a similar infringement.

The Commission has concluded that the total amount of the fine of over 1.8 billion is proportionate to Apple's global revenues and is necessary to achieve deterrence.

The Commission has also ordered Apple to remove the anti-steering provisions and to refrain from repeating the infringement or from adopting practices with an equivalent object or effect in the future.

Background to the investigation

In June 2020, the Commission opened formal proceedings into Apple's rules for app developers on the distribution of apps via the App Store. In April 2021, the Commission sent Apple a Statement of Objections, to which Apple responded in September 2021.

In February 2023 the Commission replaced the 2021 Statement of Objections by another Statement of Objections clarifying the Commission's objections, to which Apple responded in May 2023.

Procedural background

Article 102 of the TFEU and Article 54 of the European Economic Area Agreement prohibit the abuse of a dominant position.

Market dominance is, as such, not illegal under EU antitrust rules. However, dominant companies have a special responsibility not to abuse their powerful market position by restricting competition, either in the market where they are dominant or in separate markets.

Fines imposed on companies found in breach of EU antitrust rules are paid into the general EU budget.

These proceeds are not earmarked for particular expenses, but Member States' contributions to the EU budget for the following year are reduced accordingly. The fines therefore help to finance the EU and reduce the burden for taxpayers.

In accordance with the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the EU continues to be competent for this case, which was initiated before the end of the transition period (continued competence case) for the UK. The EU will reimburse the UK for its share of the amount of the fine collected by the EU once the fine has become definitive.

More information on this case will be available under the case number AT.40437 in the public case register on the Commission's competition website, once confidentiality issues have been dealt with.

Action for damages

The EC said any person or company affected by anti-competitive behaviour as described in this case may bring the matter before the courts of the Member States and seek damages.

The case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and Regulation 1/2003 both confirm that in cases before national courts, a Commission decision constitutes binding proof that the behaviour took place and was illegal. Even though the Commission has fined the company concerned, damages may be awarded by national courts without being reduced on account of the Commission fine.

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, said: " For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store. They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, so today we have fined Apple over 1.8 billion."
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Suspected robbers shot dead a security guard of a travel agency in Pakistan's Karachi city on Sunday, media reports said.

As per details, unknown armed robbers reached the travel agency office with mugging intentions but faced resistance from the security guard, reported ARY News.

The police told the news channel that the suspects opened fire on the guard, killing him on the spot.

The armed robbers escaped the spot after killing the security guard.

Police reached the spot and started the investigation process.

Karachi has witnessed a rise in crime in recent times.

It is pertinent to mention here that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Riffat Mukhtar conceded that during the last two months, 23 people were killed during robberies, 3953 mobile phones, 46 four-wheelers, and 1537 two-wheelers were snatched, reported ARY News.
Shehbaz Sharif elected as Pakistan PM for second term. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/4.0 International

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif on Monday took oath as the Prime Minister of the financially struggling nation, ending a political crisis that was created after the national polls after none of the contesting outfits secured the majority votes needed to form the government.

President Arif Alvi administered his oath to office.

The country's national assembly on Sunday elected Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th elected prime minister of the country.

The election process was held amid a ruckus created by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

"Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been elected prime minister with 201 votes. [While] Omar Ayub obtained 92 votes," announced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq as quoted by Geo News.

Omer Ayub Khan was fielded as a PTI-backed candidate.

Sharif held the post of PM after PTI chief Imran Khan was ousted from power in 2022.

Sharif was in power till August when the country's parliament was dissolved ahead of polls.

Pakistan has been ruled by a caretaker government since then.

After his election,Sharif promised to 'steer Pakistan' back to the shore as the nation continued to struggle financially.

There are talented people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistans ship to the shore [] these include journalists, intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders, Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

If we come together and decide to change the fate of Pakistan [] then God willing, we will defeat these challenges and take Pakistan to its rightful position, he said.

Sharif held the coalition government together after ex-PM Imran Khan's ouster from power.

He is also credited with helping Pakistan secure a last-gasp International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout last year.
Photo Courtesy: Sarfraz Bugti X page

Baloch American Congress president Tara Chand has expressed discontent over the appointment of Sarfraz Bugti as Balochistan CM.

He was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister.

He secured 41 votes during Saturday's polls.

The appointment of Chaudhry Sarfaraz Bugti, a death squad leader, as Chief Minister in #Balochistan by Pakistani army agencies is deeply concerning. We strongly oppose and condemn his involvement in the Baloch #genocide. @PakSarfrazbugti @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/C2el9oo5ZM  Dr. Tara Chand (@drtchand) March 2, 2024

Expressing concern, Chand posted on X: "The appointment of Chaudhry Sarfaraz Bugti, a death squad leader, as Chief Minister in #Balochistan by Pakistani army agencies is deeply concerning. We strongly oppose and condemn his involvement in the Baloch #genocide. @PakSarfrazbugti@BBhuttoZardari."

After being elected as CM, Bugti recently asked Baloch insurgents to abandon their armed struggle and join mainstream politics for the achievement of the peoples rights.

Speaking on the floor of the house on Saturday after being elected unopposed as Balochistan chief minister, Bugti was quoted as saying by Dawn News: Rights could not be achieved through arms.

He said all issues could be resolved through dialogues.

I will invite the angry people repeatedly to come down and become good citizens and join the struggle of the government in its efforts for the development of the country, he said.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ShareAlike 4.0 International

The Taliban administration of Afghanistan has committed to invest $35 million in Iran's strategically crucial Chabahar port, media reports said on Monday.

According to reports, the strategic move includes the development of commercial, residential, and administrative projects.

This investment, announced by the Iranian Special Envoy to Kabul, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, marks a significant step by the Afghan government to diversify its trade and economic partnerships beyond its traditional ties with neighboring countries, reported Khaama Press.

The investment was made public following a visit by an Afghan delegation to Iran, highlighting the deepening economic cooperation between the two nations, the news agency reported.

A major aspect of the investment plan is to focus on Fakher construction project within the Chabahar Special Economic Zone.

The engagement between Afghanistan and Iran comes at a time when both countries have experienced strained relations, not only with each other over issues such as border disputes and water rights but also with neighbouring Pakistan, reported Khaama Press.

Despite these regional tensions, the investment in Chabahar is viewed as a strategic effort by Afghanistan to secure an alternative route for its trade and to bolster its economy, which is crucial for the landlocked country, the news agency reported.

The Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in 2021 after foreign forces decided to exit the war-torn country.

Where is Chabahar Port located?

Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.

It serves as Iran's only oceanic port, and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each of which has five berths.

It is a crucial port as far as India's connectivity is concerned since it provides a viable and shorter route for trade between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Chinese authorities have imposed a lockdown on seven monasteries that are situated along the two banks of eastern Tibets Drichu River in Kham Dege, media reports said.

The seven monasteries restricted by the lockdown, include Wontod, Yena, and Khardho monasteries on the east bank of the river in Dege, and Rabten, Gonsar, Tashi, and Pharok monasteries on the west bank of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), reported Phayul.

Entry and exit to the monasteries have been restricted.

Over February 22-23, more than 1,000 monks and local Tibetans were reportedly arrested following petitions and protests since February 14, urging authorities to halt a proposed construction of a massive dam project, reported Phayul.

According to reports, 40 monks have been released.

However, the majority of them remained under arrest.

The released individuals were primarily from Wontod Monastery, as reported by local Tibetan sources as quoted by Phayul.
Nikki Haley beats Donald Trump in Washington DC in Republican Presidential primary. Photo Courtesy: Nikki Haley X page

Giving former President Donald Trump a jolt, Nikki Haley won the Republican Presidential primary in Washington DC on Sunday.

Haley registered her first victory in the race which has been dominated by Trump so far.

Haley, who even lost in her home state South Carolina, became the first woman to clinch a Republican primary in US history.

However, maintaining a huge lead over Haley so far, Trump is expected to contest against President Joe Biden in November's Presidential polls.

Haley will receive all 19 delegates that were up for grabs in the D.C. contest. The win gives her 43 delegates nationwide, well behind Trump's 247, CBS News reported.

Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN, won 62.9 percent of the vote, to Mr Trump's 33.2 percent, BBC reported.

Haley promises to fight every inch

In her first reaction to X after her victory, she said: "Lets do it. Thank you, DC! We fight for every inch."

Lets do it. Thank you, DC! We fight for every inch.  https://t.co/i4yQOGkPml  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) March 4, 2024

Haley campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement as quoted by CBS News: "It's not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos."
Ramadan 2024: Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, During the month of fasting, Muslims observe fasts for 29-30 days, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. This period holds special significance as it is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad by God during this month.

Ramadan 2024 Start And End Dates

In India, The holy month of Ramadan 2024 is likely to begin on March 11 or March 12, this depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and will last for four weeks and ends with Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is expected to occur on April 10, 2024, or April 11, 2024.

This month is known to detoxify the soul and bring one closer to Allah.

Ramadan is considered a time for self-discipline, punctuality, worship, and self-control for Muslims. Devotees partake in one pre-dawn meal called Suhur or Sehri, and break their fast with one meal after sunset known as Iftar. Many also perform Umrah during Ramadan. Observing strict fasting, which includes abstaining from both food and water, demonstrates a significant level of self-control over one's senses.

In addition to refraining from consuming food and drinks from dawn to dusk, there are various other practices and prohibitions during the holy month of Ramadan. Here, we outline the Do's and Don'ts for observing Ramadan. Let's explore them by scrolling down the article.

Ramadan 2024: Do's

It is emphasized that Muslims are required to pray at least five times a day.

During the holy month of Ramadan, and throughout the year, Muslims are obligated to show kindness and generosity towards the needs of the poor and underprivileged.

Muslims are encouraged to engage in memorizing the holy Quran and reflect on the verses they recite.

Practicing dhikr, which involves praying to Allah and expressing gratitude, is an expected practice for Muslims.

While praying, Muslims are encouraged to seek the well-being of their families.

Ramadan 2024: Don'ts

Muslims observing fasts during the month of Ramadan abstain from eating or drinking water until the Maghrib Azan after sunset.

During fasting, smoking or forcefully inducing vomiting is not permitted as it can break the fast.

Listening to music, especially while fasting in Ramadan, is considered unacceptable.

Maintaining positive emotions is crucial, as any feelings of hatred or bitterness can potentially nullify the fast, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive thoughts.

Individuals fasting are expected to refrain from engaging in illegal activities, both in thought and action.

Resisting arguments or conflicts is advised during the month of Ramadan, as it is believed that such behaviors can impact the rewards granted by Allah.

Significance of Ramadan

The holy month begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The origins of Ramadan date back to the 7th century when Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Holy Quran. The revelation of the Quran began on the 27th night  Laylatul Qadr  of this month, believed to be the most sacred of all nights.

During this month-long period, Muslims not only abstain from eating and drinking but also engage in charitable activities and other endeavors that draw them closer to Almighty Allah. The primary goal of this significant practice during Ramadan is to cultivate the ability to control negative aspects of life that may lead believers astray from the right path. The Ramadan period is deemed crucial for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The followers of Islam believe that fasting strengthens their faith and fosters a connection with divine power.

Ramadan 2024 Date & Time FAQs

When does Ramadan 2024 start?

This year, Ramadan 2024 was supposed to begin on March 11, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca.

How long is Ramadan 2024?

Ramadan 2024 is expected to last 30 days.

When does Ramadan 2024 end?

April 11 or April 12, 2024.

What year will Ramadan be 2 times?

Ramadan is likely to occur twice in 2030, owing to differences between the Gregorian and the Islamic/ Hijri calendar, said Dr Sobeih Al Saadi, an astronomer. The Hijri year differs from the Gregorian year by about 11 days, and this means that every 33 years, Ramadan is repeated twice in one year, he explained.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Ramadan 2024: The highly significant month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is on the horizon, and Muslims worldwide are gearing up with enthusiasm and zeal for its arrival. Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar or Islamic Calendar. This month-long festival is observed by Muslims globally through fasting, offering prayers, engaging in humanitarian activities, and donning new clothes.

Regarded as the holiest month for Muslims, Ramadan commences and concludes with the sighting of the moon, leading to the festive celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr the following day. People observe the month of Ramadan by fasting (roza) each day from dawn to dusk.

Ramadan 2024 Start And End Dates

In India, The holy month of Ramadan 2024 is likely to begin on March 11 or March 12, this depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and will last for four weeks and ends with Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is expected to occur on April 10, 2024, or April 11, 2024. Every nation observes its holy month on a different day. Muslim communities all over the world observe Ramadan.

Ramadan 2024 Schedule When does Ramadan start? Monday, March 11 or 12, 2024 How long is Ramadan 2024? 30 Days (From March 11 to April 10) When does Ramadan end? Wednesday, April 10, 2024 When Does Eid al-Fitr Start? April 11 or April 12, 2024

Ramadan 2024 Moon Sighting time

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin either on Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12, depending on the sighting of the moon in Mecca. Following Islamic tradition, the crescent moon of Ramadan is initially sighted in Saudi Arabia and certain regions of India, while other countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, typically observe it a day later.

The Role of Moon Sighting in Islamic Traditions

The eagerly awaited appearance of the crescent moon holds immense importance for Muslims globally, as it signifies the commencement of this sacred month. Moon sighting plays a pivotal role in determining the timing of crucial religious events, including the onset of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan. Additionally, it influences the start of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, occurring in the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

The precise sighting of the moon is crucial for the timely initiation of these religious observances. Before Ramadan, the month of Shabaan is devoted to preparations for the upcoming period of fasting and celebration. On the 29th day of Shabaan, moon-sighting committees gather after sunset to search for the crescent moon, a longstanding tradition passed down through generations.

Moon sighting not only holds religious significance but also nurtures community bonds as Muslims come together in the pursuit of these vital spiritual practices. Prophet Muhammad himself endorsed the tradition of moon sighting, underscoring the importance of commencing Ramadan based on its observation or after completing a full thirty days. This practice reinforces a shared sense of community and devotion among Muslims worldwide.

Significance of moon sighting in Ramadan

The observation of the crescent moon carries significant religious importance in Islam. This sighting marks the commencement and conclusion of the sacred month, with religious authorities diligently scanning the night sky ahead of Ramadan. This age-old tradition holds paramount importance as the Muslim calendar aligns with the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar.

The initiation of a new lunar cycle signals the beginning of the Hijri calendar. With 12 months, each alternating between 30 and 29 days, Ramadan follows the month of Shaaban. It commences after the sunset of the 29th day of Shaaban and concludes with the start of the Shawwal month.

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in prayer and observe Roza, symbolizing their devotion to Allah.

During this month, followers globally abstain from worldly pleasures, dedicating their time to prayer, reciting the Holy Quran, and spending moments with family.

The day commences with individuals waking up for Sehri, a pre-dawn meal. From sunrise until sunset, they abstain from eating or drinking anything.

At sunset, they break their fast with Iftar, often featuring a spread of delicious foods.

Significance of Ramadan

The holy month begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The origins of Ramadan date back to the 7th century when Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Holy Quran. The revelation of the Quran began on the 27th night  Laylatul Qadr  of this month, believed to be the most sacred of all nights.

During this month-long period, Muslims not only abstain from eating and drinking but also engage in charitable activities and other endeavors that draw them closer to Almighty Allah. The primary goal of this significant practice during Ramadan is to cultivate the ability to control negative aspects of life that may lead believers astray from the right path. The Ramadan period is deemed crucial for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The followers of Islam believe that fasting strengthens their faith and fosters a connection with divine power.

Ramadan 2024 Date & Time FAQs

When does Ramadan 2024 start?

This year, Ramadan 2024 was supposed to begin on March 11 or March 12, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca.

How long is Ramadan 2024?

Ramadan 2024 is expected to last 30 days.

When does Ramadan 2024 end?

April 10 or April 11, 2024.

What year will Ramadan be 2 times?

Ramadan is likely to occur twice in 2030, owing to differences between the Gregorian and the Islamic/ Hijri calendar, said Dr Sobeih Al Saadi, an astronomer. The Hijri year differs from the Gregorian year by about 11 days, and this means that every 33 years, Ramadan is repeated twice in one year, he explained.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Working at Google, known for its prestigious brand, luxurious offices, and innovative nap areas, is a coveted dream for many.

However, a woman from Bengaluru who was earning a whopping Rs 82 lakh per year at Google took an unprecedented step by leaving the company at just 40 years of age!

She willingly chose retirement but surprisingly, just two days later, she found herself regretting her choice.

Letting go after 11 years in Google, US

In the year 2022, Bengaluru resident Nupur Dave, made a courageous choice to step down from her role at Google.

Having spent 11 years working in the Google office in the United States, she felt financially stable and decided to embrace early retirement.

Getty

Her retirement agenda involved crafting her third book, reconnecting with former colleagues, and engaging with entrepreneurs and artists in co-working spaces.



However, reality unfolded differently than she had anticipated.

Difficult for a 'people person' to retire

Nupur quickly realised she was more of a 'people person' than she thought she was.

The connection she once shared with her former colleagues seemed to diminish, leaving her with a sense of loss.

In the subsequent weeks, Nupur Dave found herself navigating through various co-working spaces. Some were bustling with activity, while others stood almost deserted, primarily serving as placeholders for remote companies.

Reflecting on her experience, Dave expressed that the solitude of the co-working space truly hit her when she walked in and took a seatit was completely vacant. She wasn't forming connections, and the physical environment of the co-working space failed to inspire her as she had anticipated.

Representative image/ Unsplash

India comes to her help

Nupur then decided to move back to India where she joined the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community.

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is a lifestyle philosophy followed by individuals who advocate for frugal spending and increased savings, aiming to set aside nearly 70 percent of their income. The ultimate objective is to achieve financial independence and retire at an earlier age.

Nupur explained to Business Insider that the feasibility of adopting a FIRE lifestyle was due to her being in India.

She emphasised that achieving FIRE in the US was impractical, while in India, everything was more achievable due to affordability. For instance, she mentioned hiring household help for cooking and cleaning, incurring costs ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 per month.

In a span of four months, Nupur was back to work though - assuming the role of Head of Special Projects at an electric vehicle infrastructure company in Bengaluru.

Unsplash

Despite her return to corporate, she clarified that her goals were distinct now, focusing not on building a career or accumulating wealth but on interacting with people daily and establishing a predictable routine for herself.



For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, recently made headlines on the internet by uploading a video of his contact with a tea seller in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Bill Gates is currently visiting India

Bill Gates was seen enjoying a cup of chai | Image: Instagram

Gates, who is currently in India, took a break to enjoy a cup of tea with Dolly Chaiwala, which sparked excitement on the internet. Adding to the charm, the well-known dairy company Amul commemorated the occasion with a beautiful doodle named "Chaicrosoft: Amul-Gatesway To Taste".



What does the Amul doodle show?

The animated version shows Dolly Chaiwala offering Bill Gates a glass of tea and two slices of toast with Amul butter.

The amusing image has received over 11,000 likes and countless replies, with many social media users praising the adorable doodle and noting how their encounter was an unexpected crossover that delighted everyone.

Who is Dolly Chaiwala?

Dolly Chaiwala, who rose to online stardom when a video of him delivering tea to Bill Gates went viral, said that he didn't recognize the Microsoft co-founder until the footage surfaced on social media.

Over the last 15 to 20 years, Dolly Chaiwala has grown in popularity online thanks to his unique manner of making and selling tea. According to his Instagram bio, he is a well-known tea dealer from Maharashtra's Nagpur.

With over 10,000 followers on the image and video-sharing network, he has established himself as a prominent personality in the digital world.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Shark Tank India is a business reality show that sees many startups and businesses dreams coming true, while some return disappointed when rejected by the judges. But that does not necessarily mean the end of the road for them, as there are indeed some businesses that go on to become successful despite getting rejected on Shark Tank India.

One such startup has been Theka Coffee, whose founders have experienced nothing but growth after rejection on Shark Tank India, jumping from Rs 5 crore valuation to Rs 120 crore.

When Coffee Startup 'Theka' Was Rejected For Rs 50 Lakh Deal On Shark Tank India

theka coffee/shark tank india

During the first season of Shark Tank India, founder Bhupinder Madan made a pitch for the business and requested Rs 50 lakh in funding in exchange for 5% equity. Despite impressing the sharks with his product and receiving a lot of advice from them, Bhupinder left empty-handed. Although he is on the right track, Peyush Bansal expressed skepticism regarding the production's logistical aspects. In a recent interview with India Today, co-founder Abhishek Acharya said that he doesnt like to think of the Shark Tank experience as a rejection.



He said, To be very honest, we were not rejected. The Sharks had a few doubts about the limitations of the logistics and the shelf life of the product. We already had answers to that but refused to reveal it on national television, which would have given out our trade secret. The public sentiment was in favour of us after the episode was aired. The majority of the audience could connect with our pitch and wanted us to succeed, which translated into the business we have now after the brand was launched pan India.

Also Read: Startups That Went On To Become Successful Despite Rejection On Shark Tank India

Startup's Journey To Rs 120 Crore Valuation After Shark Tank India Rejection

shark tank india reject theka 120 crore valuation/x

When asked about their journey after Shark Tank India, Theka's co-founder Abhishek said, We have been approached by multiple VCs (venture capitalists) and investors globally. In case you arent aware, Theka Coffees journey was a case study published in the case centre of IIM- Ahmedabad recently", adding The business has grown more than 20X. The brand went from Rs 30 lakhs yearly at the time of the show to more than Rs 60 crore ARR.



There are reportedly 800 Theka Coffee outlets now in more than 45 cities across India. The companys current valuation is Rs 120 crore, a massive leap from the Rs 5 crore valuation they were seeking on Shark Tank India in season one.

More About Theka Coffee

theka coffee shark tank 120 crore/telegraphindia

Started in 2017 with a mission to serve the most affordable freshly brewed coffee, Theka coffee is an entrepreneurial project to prove it does not take a lot of money to start a coffee revolution. The startup sources 100% Arabica beans from Chikmagalur and empowers local communities and aims to redefine the future of coffee world. It claims to sell Rs 5 lakh coffee bottles monthly. As far as its coffee is concerned, it mentions "Unlike other espresso infused coffees, Theka coffee uses cold brew to make all its coffee, which involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 16-36 hours, this process results in exceptionally smooth, low-acid, and high-caffeine coffee, delivering a unique and refreshing coffee experience to customers."



Also Read: How Coffee Giant Starbucks Also Works As An 'Unregulated' Bank

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, in Osun state, identified as Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, called on state governors to stop sabotaging the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in fixing Nigerias economy problem.

In a statement released on Sunday, Oyintiloye emphasized that it is impossible for Tinubu alone to fix Nigeria without the input of governors and senior civil servants.

He urged that they need to support the President with many initiatives by utilising their monthly allocation for poverty alleviation in their various states.

He said: What the state governors are earning from the federal allocation since the removal of the fuel subsidy is capable of putting smiles on the faces of the people if judiciously used.

READ MORE: Hardship: No Going Back On Reforms Despite Challenges- Tinubu Insists

This is the time for state governors, irrespective of political affiliation joins the president in fixing the economy by attending to the welfare of the people.

What the president is doing at the centre to fix the economy will only be meaningful to the people if the state governors can lend a helping hand.

What the governors are currently collecting as monthly allocation is more than enough to lift the people out of poverty in relation to what the president is doing.

While the masses are shouting the name of the president at every slight discomfort, they should also hold their governors accountable, asking them what they are doing with the improved monthly allocation.

To set the record straight, the governors have to come out and tell people of their states the amount they have collected since June last year and how they have administered the funds.
The Nigerian Military has expressed support for the vow made by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to assist security agents in eradicating killer herdsmen from the forests in the South-West.

Spokesman of the Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement at the weekend further emphasized the collective effort required to combat the nations security challenges.

He remarked, I have not seen the video where he made that statement, but one thing I must say is that people and communities are always welcomed. If what he said is to make the situation better, he is welcomed, but if what he is saying is that we should disregard the armed forces of Nigeria, definitely, he is out of line because that is against Nigerias constitution.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Didnt Anticipate, Prepare For Nigerias Economic Crisis  LPs Osuntokun

In an operational update, Buba shared that in February 2024, the armed forces neutralized 974 terrorists, apprehended 621, and successfully rescued 466 kidnapped hostages. He expressed the militarys unwavering commitment to ending terrorism and insecurity across the country through decisive actions and strategic operations.

For us, creating a safer environment for citizens translates to eliminating all threats hindering the safety and security of citizens. Troops conducted synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves, killing a significant number of them. It is possible to say with significant certainty that these strikes have had a significant impact on the terrorists adversely, he stated.
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, has opined that the economy of Nigeria would have been better if past Presidents and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu built on the economic foundation laid by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obi made the disclosure via X at the weekend as he hailed the former President for courageously lending his voice to the demand for good governance.

President Obasanjo has remained a true and exceptional patriot whose ultimate desire is the development and progress of our nation. His love for the nation is very evident in his firm commitment to the unity and peace of our dear country.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Running Nigeria Like Military Dictator, No Solution To Hardship In Sight  Lukman, Ex-APC NWC Member

President Obasanjo remains a true leader who not only engineered so many positive transformations in our nation but put in place a sound economic foundation, which if we had followed, we would not be in the sorry state we are today. With our dear nation, going through very challenging times, and occasioned leadership failure, President Obasanjo has continued to courageously add his voice to the demand for good governance in the country.

He not only speaks, but he takes actions to ensure that our nation is saved from further chaos. As a father figure, he has continued to inspire and mentor the younger generation in transformational leadership, Obi posted.
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, on Saturday, arrested one Nonso Nwobodo, 39, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on suspicion of repackaging local rice into bags labelled as foreign rice.

It was claimed that the trader engaged in the act in an effort to increase profits.

Nwobodo was taken into custody at about 4:15pm in the Durumi neighborhood of the FCT, at Plot 740 Centennial Credentials.

A government source who provided journalists with confirmation of the development, revealed Nonso was found to be putting locally produced rice into printed bags designed to look exactly like imported rice bags.

READ ALSO: Police Reveal New Trick By Criminals Using Minors To Buy Bags Of Rice

He claimed that the purpose of this dishonest behavior was to trick the people into thinking that the rice was imported.

Following the operation, 160 bags of rice weighing between 5 kg and 50 kg were taken as proof.

Nonso Nwobodo was re-packaging local rice to a different designed foreign bags of rice with an attempt to sell them as foreign rice.

He was arrested with 160 bags of different sizes of rice ranging from 5kg to 50kg already rebagged to look like foreign rice. 53 empty bags of local rice that had already been rebagged to foreign bags were recovered.

While 590 new empty foreign bags of rice that are yet to be filled with rice were also recovered at the scene. Police have confiscated the rice, SaharaReporters quoted the source as saying.
Reno Omokri, a popular and outspoken media figure, recently expressed his opinion on Moses Bliss marrying a Ghanaian woman.

He remarked that as someone who has travelled to Ghana, their women are simpler to relate to than many Nigerian women.

He also disclosed that, in Ghana and several other nations, women are free to fall in love without requesting financial support from their partner.

He went on to say that if Nigeria had visa-free or visa-unarrival access, there would be an epidemic of unmarried women in the country because many Nigerian men travel within Africa and when they meet a beautiful woman who is not money conscious, they quickly lose interest in Nigerian women.

READ MORE: Daddy Freeze, Mofe Duncan, Others Criticise Pastor For Claiming Mr Ibu Died For Not Serving God

Taking to Twitter, he wrote,

I can understand why Moses Bliss married a Ghanaian. I have been to Ghana, and their women tend to be easier to relate with than many Southern Nigerian women. In fact, is love without billing still possible in Southern Nigeria? In our part of the world, He is loving means He is spending. When you tell many Southern Nigerian girls, I love you, they hear,

You owe me . Especially those with Industrial Money

If Nigeria had visa-free access to more countries, there would be an epidemic of unmarried women in Nigeria.

Because when Southern Nigerian men travel within Africa and outside Africa and encounter beautiful women who are not money conscious, they quickly lose their appetite for Nigerian women. Already, Nigerian men are considered a catch by South African and Kenyan women.

We urgently need a cultural reorientation amongst our women. Especially in Southern Nigeria. The monetisation of relationships in Southern Nigeria is just too suffocating. I am well-traveled, andhamsel to see the level of commercialisation of romance Kave seen in Southern Nigeria. I call it as I see it!
The Minister of Works, David Umahi has posited that the South-East will not protest against President Bola Tinubus administration despite the economic hardship in the country.

Umahi asserted that Tinubu has resolved the incessant farmers/herders clashes in the region.

He stated this while addressing newsmen at his Uburu hometown in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at the weekend.

According to him, the high cost of living was a ripple effect from the past administrations actions and inactions.

He, however, explained that the President has started resolving the situation.

The Minister said Tinubus administration has favoured Igbos greatly through appointments to key positions, including himself, as the first Minister of Works from the South-East.

While urging residents of the region not to be lured by any group or other regions to join any protest against the President, he said The present hunger that everybody is talking about didnt start today. Its a built-up to a number of factors. Before the past administration and present administration, we had been having a build-up of insecurity. We had farmers/herders clashes over a number of years.

READ ALSO: Protest Against Hardship In A Responsible Manner  VP Shettima Begs Nigerians

At a time, I was the Chairman of NEC committee on resolving farmers/herders clashes. So, I went through a number of states, especially the northern states, settling the farmers/herders clashes, and it yielded a number of fruits.

That problem dealt a huge blow to food production. The issue of kidnapping and the issue of insecurity prevented farmers from going to their farms because here we are talking about hunger.

And so, you expect the administration of President Tinubu to fix all those things within nine months? Its not possible. Its a cumulative effect of the past, like I have mentioned. We should be asking ourselves: how do we solve these problems? Thats what the President has started doing. When something has got to the climax, you dont expect to resolve it overnight.

If you check very well, especially in the Southeast, you will know that we no longer have incessant farmers/herders clashes. So, why should we join the protest when the President has solved our major problem? The problem we now have in the Southeast is self-inflicted. That is the issue of unknown but known gunmen.

So, if we are protesting, who are we protesting against? We are protesting against a President that has solved herders/farmers clashes. If you remove the issue of unknown gunmen, the Southeast will be completely safe and farmers can work. So, we cant go and join anybody to protest.
Carter Efe, a popular Nigerian skit-maker, has remarked that content creators who make videos claiming to be assisting the needy are only exploiting peoples pain.

He decried the tendency of filming acts of generosity, while also revealing how ace rapper Zlatan Ibile used to silently assist him before becoming famous.

The content creator claimed that when he was still struggling, Zlatan gave him money and clothes, and no one knew about it since he did not shoot a video to promote his generosity.

Carter also stated that popular blogger Tunde Ednut once handed him N1 million but warned him not to share it on social media or tell anyone.

According to Carter Efe, those encounters taught him significant lessons, which is why he does not broadcast his intentions to aid anyone in public.

READ MORE: Daddy Freeze, Mofe Duncan, Others Criticise Pastor For Claiming Mr Ibu Died For Not Serving God

In his words,

These content creators who make videos of people theyre helping are just making money off the sufferings of these helpless people. Theyre not genuine. When I was nothing, Zlatan used to give me clothes and money. In fact, he gave me everything. He didnt do a video so the world could see what he was doing.

Tunde Ednut once gave me 1 million naira and warned me not to tell anybody. These things taught me a lot. This is why when I help anybody, I dont make noise or say anything about it.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, urged Qatari investors to bring their investments to Nigeria, saying public officials who demand bribes from them should be reported.

Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar business and investment forum in Doha, the President told the investors that Africas largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded.

The President, via a statement, assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business, pledging to remove all bottlenecks hindering profitable and legitimate enterprise.

I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future.

Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me.

READ ALSO: Hardship Protest: Tinubu No Longer Respects NLC, We Need New Voices  Sowore

Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward. Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion.

We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months. And I am assuring you, it is free entry, and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments, he said.

According to him, Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, adding that the West African nation is rich in mineral resources.

We have oil and gas; we have solid minerals. I do not see why we cannot become prolific partners in exploring iron ore, as well as steel production, and energy across the board.

I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present, Tinubu added.
Science fiction writers and directors love creating high-tech visions of the future. Over the years, their collective imagination has dreamed up possible futures that are awesome, amazing, terrifying, and often totally wrong.

Such imaginative speculation isnt necessarily a crime or even a mistake. After all, its just fiction: a bit of fun exploring what might be. Its not a rigorous, results-oriented slogthats for the programmer nerds back in the salt mines. Science fiction is an expedition where we let our imaginations run wild.

Science fiction creators have also been right at least some of the time. Some sci-fi visions have even helped steer the evolution of technology. Star Trek's hand-held communicators," for instance, might have inspired flip phones.

But all too often, were left disappointed. Where are the flying cars I was promised? we might ask. The laws of physics make the energy cost of flying cars almost prohibitive, but the disappointment sets our hearts up for dejection all the same.

In the interest of setting things straight and at least tethering our imaginations to firm ground, here are 10 ways that the science fiction of yesteryear got today's technology wrong.

Science fiction tropes vs. high-tech reality

Chatbots aren't sentient

Computers aren't human

Light speed, not lightsabers

AI is not the problem

The banality of social networks

Robots don't look like us

Waiting for the Neuromancer

The metaverse is real ... sort of

Timeouts beat logic bombs

The Singularity is still coming

Chatbots aren't sentient

Science fiction authors love to spin tales about computer sentience or general intelligence, which leaves some of us searching for evidence that our machines have come alive, like Frankensteins monster after receiving that bolt of lightning. Today's large language models are the closest we've come yet to the dream of artificial intelligence, though, and they are far from sentient. An LLM is mostly just an amazing collection of statistics and a model that can be used to extrapolate new versions of old texts in very believable ways. When chatbots say clever things, its because theyre imitating training data that said something just as clever in a similar context. In essence, they are stochastic parrots.

Computers aren't human

While computers dont think like humans, they can already do several very useful tasks much better than humans can. They can quickly search through petabytes of information to find exactly what we want. They can also do arithmetic, endlessly computing vast matrices of numbers with a speed and accuracy that leaves humans in their dust. The power of AI is real, but we often forget it because science fiction has us dreaming of AIs that are as flighty, capricious, or silly as we are.

Light speed, not lightsabers

Flying bolts of energy may fill the screen of Star Wars and Star Trek, but they aren't very fast. One calculation showed the destructive lasers flew a few feet per frame, or about 50 miles per hourwhich is slower than some cyclists in the Tour de France. That doesn't come close to the speed of light or even some of the hypersonic missiles in action today. Making the combat visually exciting and theatrically immersive forced movie makers to dial back reality from light speed to mule speed.

AI is not the problem

Isaac Asimov is famous for coining the three laws of robotics which gave him a framework for exploring the limits of rules and logic. Can a robot be prevented from harming a human? Are there loopholes that a clever robot might exploit?

In practice, the AI community is confronting much more plebeian problems, like the possibility that humans might sue for libel over an AI hallucination that spills over into real-world effects. In reality, daft humans might just trust AI too much and end up harming themselves.

The banality of social networks

Isaac Asimovs series about Hari Seldon and the mysterious Foundation chronicled his view of how a rigorous science of psychohistory could not only predict events but shape them. Much of the series is devoted to stories of an entity called the Foundation, which could inject just a few small changes into society to stop a massive collapse of civilization.

In the real world, we don't have a Foundation but social networks, and they arent content with making small changes. Theyre devoted to shaping the psychological evolution of humanity by controlling the tenor of everything that we read and watch. It's well known that social media platforms use techniques like content filters and shadow-banning to ensure that people only see what the platform wants seen.

Robots don't look like us

Its no surprise that human writers imagined robots would be made in our image, with arms and legs, and a complex stew of feelings and logic. In practice, intelligent machines come in every shape and size. CNC routers and 3D printers, for example, dont look like carpenters or stone masons. Dishwashers are counter-height boxes that blend in nicely with your cabinets. Too bad they dont crack jokes like Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

Waiting for the Neuromancer

Some early visions of the Internet imagined a sensory experience with rich, colorful forms that, today, may seem more psychedelic than prosaic. Hackers in Neuromancer "jack in and interact with ice fractals and morphing icons in a riot of colors. Unlike the rest of us, they never have to wrestle with command-line parameters that may be indicated with one or two minus signs.

In practice, hacking is an endless slog of keystrokes and the biggest innovation is that we can use Unicode instead of ASCII, but only some of the time. Apparently, some programmers feel that using emoji for variable names is bad form, even worse than not indenting your ASCII correctly.

The metaverse is real ... sort of

Books like Snow Crash envision a world where humans slip back and forth between the real world and the online metaverse as easily logging into a smartphone. While most people are accustomed to accessing the worlds information from phones and being in constant contact with friends, the transition to simply living in a 3D reconstructed world seems as distant as ever.

Some companies like Meta have devoted themselves to building out a metaverse, but it seems a bit harder than simply changing their corporate brand name. Other companies like Ronday aim for simpler targets, like providing shared virtual office space for remote workers, but the people seem to be resisting. Data goggles are available but the resolutions and details dont seem to be as addictive as the marketing suggests.

Its not that the metaverse hasnt come true, its just not as omnipresent, omniscient, or omnipotent as it was on the page. (And even now, many people still love their printed books on dead trees more than their metaversical eReaders.)

Timeouts beat logic bombs

The computer that is paralyzed by an unsolvable logical problem is a popular science fiction trope. In one episode of the original Star Trek, for instance, Captain James T. Kirk stops a dangerous AI by pointing out some inconsistencies in its logic.

These are corollaries to Goedels Incompleteness theorem or Turings halting problem. While these logistical issues are important challenges for theoretical computer scientists, real-world systems use a variety of hacks to avoid the deadlocks. The simplest solution may be time limits that terminate any process thats been running too long. I know several system administrators who just reboot their machines regularly because, well, you never know whats alive and bouncing around in there.

Who knew fighting runaway code could be as simple as a system reboot.

The Singularity is still coming
Folks, we have an open source problem. And, no, its not the problem some think. Youll hear people rail against corporations that falsely describe their code as open source. Sometimes theyre correct. Youll hear others bemoan the influx of venture-backed companies that dilute the meaning of open source to fuel corporate gains. Sometimes theyre correct.

But the problem isnt the companies. At least, thats not the primary problem. Businesses piggybacking on open source branding in pursuit of commercial gains is nothing new. The difference is that, over the past few years, free and open source software has lost its way, leaving developers (and businesses) just one option: permissive, Apache-style licensing. The first kind of open source licensing was, as its sometimes prickly and pedantic adherents insist, not open source at all, but rather copyleft, free software licensing like the GPL. (We want people to know we stand for freedom, so we do not accept being mislabeled as open source supporters, said Richard Stallman.)

Its easy to point fingers at the corporations, but the real issue is that, in the rush to make open source software ripe for corporate adoption, we lost all power to protect user freedom.

No give, all take

There is no such thing as open source AI, however much we like to pretend. Even the Open Source Initiative (OSI), which is the go-to source for the Open Source Definition, has spent more than a year tackling how to define open source in a world of weights, floating-point numbers, and training data. Open source kind of missed the evolution of the way software is distributed and executed, Stefano Maffulli, executive director of the OSI, has suggested. Hes trying to resolve this problem by October 2024, at least with regard to AI.

Small wonder that confusion runs rampant in the world of AI. Meta, for example, open sourced Llama, its large language model (LLM). This seems to clearly not adhere to standard definitions of open source because although it is available for free for research and commercial use, it comes with caveats. You cant use it to improve other LLMs, and you cant use it if you have more than 700 million daily active users. Yet, by the OSIs definition, open source cant restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor.

Meta Vice President for AI Research Joelle Pineau says current open source licenses dont really fit a world in which training data plays a huge part, opening up users to significant liability. Mafulli concurs, noting, We definitely have to rethink licenses in a way that addresses the real limitations of copyright and permissions in AI models while keeping many of the tenets of the open source community. AI has made this glaringly obvious, but the same holds true in cloud computing. Open source hasnt kept pace with shifting definitions of software distribution and what a downstream developer needs to actually use the software.

We have privileged the right of downstream developers to do whatever they want with the code over the right of upstream developers to insist that their software remain free. Ive written before that this sort of licensing minutiae is silly, but now Im less sure.

Both sides now

Ive gone back and forth on the topic for years. In 2005 I championed the GPL, insisting that no other open source license has done more than the GPL to make open source commercially viable. By 2009 I was on the Apache Software License train. By 2014 I was channeling RedMonk analyst James Governor in declaring, Were living in a post-open source world, due to developers apparent indifference to which licenses they used on GitHub. Im sure Ive been both right and wrong in every position Ive taken because none of these issues are simple, as Ive outlined.

Over the years, Ive trended toward permissive, Apache-style licensing, asserting that its better for community development. But is that true? Its hard to argue against the broad community that develops Linux, for example, which is governed by the GPL. Because freedom is baked into the software, its harder (though not impossible) to fracture that community by forking the project. To me, this feels critical, and its one reason Im revisiting the importance of software freedom (GPL, copyleft), and not merely developer/user freedom (Apache).

If nothing else, as tedious as the internecine bickering was in the early debates between free software and open source (GPL versus Apache), that tension was good for software, generally. It gave project maintainers a choice in a way they really dont have today because copyleft options disappeared when cloud came along and never recovered. Even corporations, those evil overlords as some believe, tended to use free and open source licenses in the pre-cloud world because they were useful. Today companies invent new licenses because the Free Software Foundation and OSI have been living in the past while software charged into the future. Individual and corporate developers lost choice along the way.

This doesnt mean you need to pity the poor billion-dollar startups or enterprises that want to monetize the software they release. And it definitely doesnt mean you need to shed a tear for the trillion-dollar cloud companies whose business models depend on a steady supply of software created by others.

Forget the companies. Think about the developer who wants to keep her software free. Theres no such thing as copyleft in cloud and AI-land, but there should be. Developers basically have one choice today in their open source software licensing (permissive, take-my-code-and-run licensing), and thats not good for our long-term interest. Open source matters. Free software does, too. We need to bring it back.
Photo of police tape. A man was shot and killed by a fellow passenger on SEPTA's Route 59 bus near Castor Avenue and Van Kirk Street in Oxford Circle on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Read more

A 27-year-old man was shot and killed after an argument broke out on a SEPTA bus in Oxford Circle late Sunday night, according to Philadelphia police.

Officers arrived at the scene around 11:30 p.m., police said, after having received several calls about a shooting outside the Burger King at Castor Avenue and Van Kirk Street. There, police found Sawee Kofa lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his face and chest. Kofa, who lived in Lawndale, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police said they believe the shooting was precipitated by a dispute between Kofa and the suspect on a Route 59 bus. Kofa and the suspect had gotten off the bus at the stop at Castor Avenue and Comly Street  about a block away from the shooting  minutes before, SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch confirmed.

Our victim got off and the suspect came out right behind him, Philadelphia Police Capt. Anthony Ginaldi told reporters. There was an exchange of words out there as well.

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Ginaldi said the suspect pulled out a handgun as the pair were getting off the bus, shooting Kofa at least twice. The suspect fled after firing, police said. A description of the suspect has not been released.

SEPTA has turned over surveillance video from the bus, Busch said, but there isnt much on there. The video did not pick up audio.

As far as we can tell, there was nothing physical, said Busch.

Fifty-one people have been killed in Philadelphia to date in 2024, according to data from the Philadelphia Police Department, down 30% from this time last year.

So far this year, there have been a slew of violent incidents, including homicides, on the public transit system.

Police arrested 33-year-old Jason Howard in January, after he stabbed another man in the back during a confrontation on the platform of the Market-Frankford Lines 15th Street Station.

The incident happened a week after authorities said teen shooters opened fire into a crowd, hitting 16-year-old Tyshaun Welles in the head. Welles later died, and two teenagers were charged with his murder.

And late last month, a 20-year-old was shot on a Broad Street Line northbound subway train that had just left the Hunting Park Station. And hours later, a man wielding a hatchet attacked another rider on the subway concourse near the SEPTA station at Eighth and Market Streets, police said.

There were two homicides and six aggravated assaults reported on SEPTA in January, according to the most recent agency data available. By contrast, in January of last year, there were no homicides and 10 aggravated assaults on SEPTA, the data showed.

Last year, six people were killed on SEPTA, according to agency data. The transit system reported 108 aggravated assaults, down from 111 the year before.

Staff writer Rodrigo Torrejon contributed to this article.
Mallory Fix-Lopez, the Philadelphia school board vice president, is resigning from the board in April and withdrawing her name from consideration for the school board that will be seated by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker this spring. Read more

Mallory Fix-Lopez, the school board vice president, announced her resignation from the board Monday  an unexpected twist and a sign of major changes coming to the Philadelphia School Districts governing body.

Fix-Lopez, 39, an original member of the school board that moved the district from state to local control under former Mayor Jim Kenney, has served for six years; her resignation is effective April 18. She has withdrawn her name from consideration for reappointment to the new board thats expected to be named by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker by the spring.

Fix-Lopez said the time commitment of the board work  last week she spent 26 hours in board or board-related meetings, on top of working full-time as a professor at Community College of Philadelphia, owning a small business, and parenting two young children  forced her hand.

But its an about-face at a tense time for the board. Fix-Lopez and board president Reginald Streater said before Parker took office that they wanted to continue serving on the board and in leadership roles, and she had reapplied for a seat on Parkers board.

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 READ MORE: What will 2024 bring for Philly schools? We talk with the school board president and VP.

Fix-Lopez, in an interview, said it was the time commitment of the board work  which is unpaid  that made her change her mind.

I have reflected a lot more on my family, and when I look at the task ahead through this next transition, I have to put my family first, said Fix-Lopez. I want to be deeply committed to my local school and I cant do that while on the board. What gives me pause is knowing how much work the board is, with any administration. I need to put my attention on my family.

Fix-Lopezs oldest child is a second grader at Childs Elementary in Point Breeze, and her youngest will attend kindergarten there in the fall.

Shes leaving before Parkers new board will be seated because of the timing of a medical procedure she needs, Fix-Lopez said. She said she will continue to back the board and Tony B. Watlington Sr., the superintendent she helped hire.

Im excited about the next iteration of the board and will continue to fully support this work, said Fix-Lopez. I know how hard it is. The young people of Philadelphia deserve to have a thriving education system, and I have confidence that with a strong board, the capable leadership of Dr. Watlington, the school district will continue the forward progress weve built since 2018.

Fix-Lopezs announcement comes on the heels of a charged school board meeting Thursday, at which the board voted, 6-3, to deny for the third time an application for a new Global Leadership Academy International Charter High School.

The denial came against the backdrop of a mayor who is pro-charter, and amid pleas from politicians, parents, and students to consider the charter application. The majority of the board, and Fix-Lopez, said they could not support the school, given concerns about the other charters the organization runs.

 READ MORE: Philly officials denied Global Leadership Academy a new charter for the 3rd time, and other takeaways from the school board meeting

At Global Leadership Academy Charter School, 4% of students met state standards in math and 19% in reading in 2022-23; at Global Leadership Academy Southwest, it was 1% and 15%, respectively.

Fix-Lopez said the vote was unrelated to her decision to resign.

Charter schools are public schools, and there is a place for charter schools in Philadelphia; we are a system of schools, said Fix-Lopez. Though Kenneys school board approved no new charter schools and drew ire from a group of Black-led charter schools who alleged bias, Fix-Lopez said she believed the board has a charter-friendly record; she pointed to 78 charter renewals and the expansion of existing charters by 2,000 seats on her boards watch.

Parker, in a statement, said she wished Fix-Lopez all our best.

The City of Philadelphia and the Parker administration expresses its deep thanks to Vice President Mallory Fix-Lopez for her public service, not only to the Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia, but for every child and student educated in our public school system, Parker said. Serving on the school board is a serious commitment, and to me represents an individual fulfilling one of the most important roles in our democracy: citizen.

Fix-Lopez was first elected vice president in 2022; she was reelected in December. But both elections exposed divisions in the board; members Lisa Salley and Cecelia Thompson opposed Streater and Fix-Lopez both times. Salley has said the board has secret meetings and suggested it lacks leadership.

Fix-Lopezs accomplishments

Though she said she never sought the spotlight or realized how much of a public figure board members are by default, Fix-Lopez  who is currently both the only educator and the only white person on the board  made her presence known on the board from the beginning.

She often spoke out for issues she cared about, particularly around language access for multilingual students and families and the districts groundbreaking Policy 252, which supports transgender and gender nonconforming students. Fix-Lopez also helped bring Goals and Guardrails to the district  an accountability framework that centers the boards work on student achievement, with regular reckonings on subjects like math and English performance, college and career readiness, and other issues.

Fix-Lopez helped write the boards governance policies as it transitioned to local control, and was the point person for superintendent evaluations.

Though Streater led the board, he and Fix-Lopez worked as a unit, deliberately. Streater most often handled the public-facing roles of the job, the political side, and Fix-Lopez headed up the boards academic work. The pair said they set out to be more responsive than the board had been in the past; when community groups protested, they were often outside, watching and listening, as they were on Thursday when teachers rallied against the districts sick-leave policy.

Streater, in a statement, praised Fix-Lopez as an incredible educator, colleague and friend, whose service, dedication and sacrifice over the last six-plus years has ... helped to propel the boards mission to govern from a student-centered perspective with student achievement at its core.

She has left an indelible mark on the board, Streater said, adding that her loss will be deeply felt.

What happens now?

Interviews for new board members are ongoing; the citys educational nominating panel is scheduled to meet March 12 to announce its 27 board finalists.

Parker will then choose nine board members from among the 27. The new board is expected to be seated sometime in the spring.
Rowan University leaders Monday touted the schools $2.9 billion annual economic impact on New Jersey as cited in a new report, and said more growth in enrollment and capital projects  including a holistic wellness village  is coming.

The state university for years has been on the Chronicle of Higher Educations list for the fastest-growing institutions, most recently ranking fourth among public doctoral universities nationally. Despite a projected continued drop in high school graduates nationally and amid a market where some colleges are losing students and making program cuts, Rowan is envisioning a nearly 70% increase in enrollment by 2033.

Rowan currently educates about 22,800 students, nearly double the amount when president Ali A. Houshmand took over in 2012, and projects that enrollment will grow to 38,500.

 READ MORE: After 10 years, Rowan University president Ali A. Houshmand is more ambitious than ever

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At a time when everybody is talking about some institutions going under, I want you to know that Rowan University has every intention of not only lifting this university and getting it bigger but also helping every one of the counties in our region, Houshmand said during a virtual news conference Monday.

The enrollment increase will come both on campus and online, he said.

The president said nine new buildings are either under construction or planned over the next decade. Those currently underway include a $75 million fossil park and museum, a $30 million expansion of the student center, the $125 million new school of veterinary medicine, $50 million for the adjoining Virtua Health College Research Center on the West Campus, and a $9 million building for Rowan Medicine Center-Cumberland in Vineland.

In addition, the university envisions a wellness village on 210 acres on the West Campus, near Inspira Healths Mullica Hill campus. That would likely take a decade and cost $1 billion, the university has said.

We right now are negotiating with a developer, Houshmand said. This village will have all sorts of housing, from age-restricted [those over 55] to young people, apartment houses, as well as therapeutic activities, physical therapy, spirituality therapy, music therapy, nutrition, exercise. ... We want to create a beautiful community ... that people can come in and enjoy and be next to a massive hospital and a great institution.

 READ MORE: Rowan University gets $30 million naming gift for New Jerseys first veterinary school

A university spokesperson said no other details on the village were available as it is in the early discussion phase. It would be a public/private partnership, similar to the model used for the development of the $426 million Rowan Boulevard, which connects the Glassboro campus with downtown. Houshmand said student internships and opportunities for faculty research would be incorporated.

Rowan also has added two medical schools during Houshmands tenure, one of them osteopathic, becoming only the second university in the nation to have both. And its veterinary school will be the first in New Jersey.

Also during the news conference, Lee Huang, of the Philadelphia-based Econsult Solutions Inc., presented the findings of the economic impact study his firm conducted.

The amount of the universitys economic impact has nearly doubled in five years, and by 2033, that number is expected to grow to $4.9 billion, he said.

We worked off growth projections provided by Rowan in terms of its aspirations for student enrollment growth, growth in its operating footprint, and the 10-year capital investment plans that it would have to implement in order to achieve those aspirations, Huang said.

The study considers annual research and operating expenditures, construction, renovation and maintenance projects, spending by both students and visitors, and other factors, including how employees spend their wages in the local communities. It also calculates an alumni wage premium, noting that earning a college degree elevates wages and results in a greater income tax base.

The annual tax revenue generated by Rowan is $150 million, the study said.

Economic impact studies of universities are far from new. And as higher education institutions, particularly those that are public and receive tax dollars, find themselves under greater scrutiny, they offer a way to demonstrate greater worth outside of providing education.

This is Rowans third study. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education last year said its 10 universities contributed $4 billion to the states economy. Rutgers University in 2017 estimated $5.2 billion. The University of Delaware in 2022 cited a $3.2 billion contribution.

Pennsylvania State University in 2019 said it contributed $11.6 billion to Pennsylvanias economy.

Its a very wise thing for any state to really look at the educational institutions as an economic engine, Houshmand said, because we are here to stay. We have been in existence for 100 years. We will be in existence for another 200 years.
Traffic reporter Matt DeLucia (from left), anchors Lucy Bustamante, Keith Jones, and Erin Coleman, and meteorologist Bill Henley at NBC10's studios. Read more

Retired nurse Kathy Ashley recalls watching the 4 a.m. newscast during her shifts at the hospital and wondering how the anchors looked so put together instead of snoring with their heads on the desk.

After decades of wondering, she decided to ask Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for questions about the city and region: What is everyday life for a very early morning news person like? When do they go to bed? Do they do their own hair? Do they get to have families?

NBC10-Telemundo 62 morning anchor Lucy Bustamante let The Inquirer follow her for a day to find out.

Bustamante, a New Orleans native, has been on the job since 2018, when her husband was admitted to a Wharton MBA program with the aid of a program that helps military veterans transition back to civilian life.

1:50 a.m.

Lucila Bustamante, named after her grandmother, wakes up to her alarm, which she regularly snoozes until 2 a.m.

With an early work schedule, and four children ages 6 to 12, she considers herself lucky if she sleeps six hours per night.

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Having taken a shower the night before, she drags herself out of bed to wash her face and brush her teeth.

2:10 a.m.

To the coffee her husband made the night before, Bustamante adds a dash of vanilla creamer, grabs her bags, and heads to the door as her family sleeps. Ahead lies a 30-minute traffic-free drive toward the Comcast Center, the NBC10-Telemundo 62 headquarters.

3 a.m.

Center City is dark and desolate, as Bustamante walks through Phillys tallest building with one AirPod in, listening to the newsrooms morning meeting.

3:05 a.m.

Two knocks on a white door announce her presence to her makeup roommate  fellow Emmy award-winning journalist and morning cohost Erin Coleman.

Decorated with an almost corner-to-corner mirror along one wall, Hollywood-style lights, and a long black marble beauty station that provides the anchors with a vanity table, this 10-by-10-foot room has served as their shared space for more than three years.

As a soundless TV plays, Bustamante unloads her belongings.

A cabinet packed with hair tools and brushes stands behind them.

Lots of layers, she says while beginning to apply concealer, as a black digital clock counts down the time.

3:13 a.m.

The 4 a.m. hosts have not had hairstylists or makeup artists since the pandemic. But, it doesnt seem to bother them.

Its my favorite part of the morning, Bustamante says. Not only is it the calmest part of the day, but we get to talk about our kids, our lives; ella es familia.

Eye shadow, check; eyebrows, check; satin color lipstick, check. But she is far from ready; digging into her bag, she pulls out a blue metal hair straightener.

I have the Cuban curls, she explains.

Her mother is from Spain. Her father, Juan Bustamante, was a Cuban national who, according to Bustamante, spent four years imprisoned by Fidel Castros regime for being part of the opposition.

His fight for freedom of speech is what led her to journalism in the first place. But, despite being proud of her heritage, the 43-year-old anchor grew up in a generation where curls were too messy for TV.

By the time we hit 3:37, we know we have to hustle, says the bilingual anchor, quickly trying to finish the straightening.

The NBC10 headquarters consists of three floors, with the studio separated from the newsroom by a 25-step staircase. Bustamante goes back and forth between floors more than two dozen times throughout the day.

3:44 a.m.

The city remains cold outside on this winter morning, but the NBC10 studio feels warm, with close to 40 lights brightening the room.

As Bustamante walks in, four remotely controlled broadcast cameras are ready for the 4 to 7 a.m. newscast. This morning, she will play third anchor to Coleman and Keith Jones, popping in and out for special segments.

She also has to film Telemundo 62 segments, before solo anchoring the 11 a.m. newscast.

Ten minutes before the Live on air sign turns on, Bustamante heads to the newsroom to look at scripts.

4:06 a.m.

Waiting to go live, Bustamante arranges by phone what she has to do to cover a 1 p.m. news conference  her shift is scheduled to end at noon, but that depends on news.

Bustamante positions herself in front of the camera and briefly talks with her cohosts before the command center tells them to get ready to go live.

Tax season is here, Bustamante tells viewers.

4:18 a.m.

With her first segment done, she heads down to her desk.

In between live shots, she works on wrapping up an investigation about how discrimination at the Veterans Affairs office led to the loss of generational wealth for millions of Black veterans.

But, she only has 10 minutes to focus on video editing and scripting before being summoned to the studio for a segment about a drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers.

4:50 a.m.

Back at her desk, she silently reacts to sweet moments of her reporting.

There we go! she says after finding the right sound bite.

She has been keeping her earpiece in, and an eye on the clock, because she will be live every 30 minutes.

5:17 a.m.

Lucy Bustamante, NBC10, she says as she ends her segment and makes her way to the newsroom.

For about eight minutes, she gets to focus on her veterans package. Then, Telemundo 62s schedule comes in and she notices an overlap.

She will have to impossibly be transmitting in two different languages on NBC10 and Telemundo 62 at the same time.

Her Telemundo producer agrees to have her go after her NBC10 segment.

5:36 a.m.

Bustamante heads to Telemundo 62s studio for her first of two tapings of the day.

Que tal muy buenos dias, soy Lucy Bustamante y este es un corte informativo, she says as she goes live, introducing the news of a 17-year-old murder suspect who escaped from CHOP.

Producer Julia Coltters warns her of a word she might struggle with: obstaculizacion.

Me quieres matar, Lucy replies jokingly. I got you.

The taping continues without any language difficulty.

6:35 a.m.

Bustamante pushes her arms against the desk and takes off running toward the NBC10 studio, rushing to make a moved-up segment.

She manages to enter on cue and almost gets through her segment before running out of air.

Excuse me guys, if you can take this over for me, Bustamante says breathlessly, and Jones picks up the script.

We have each others backs, Bustamante says. It happens, roll with the punches in this business.

7:12 a.m.

The first rays of sunlight come through the windows, and with the newscast over, the crowd heads to a meeting area to celebrate meteorologist Bill Henleys 30-year career.

As attendees eat vegetables, ramen, and cake, Coleman checks to see if Bustamante  who hasnt had a bite of solid food since she got to the newsroom  ate.

She is my person, Coleman says.

7:48 a.m.

Bustamantes phone rings. She picks up the video call.

On the other side, a little girl brushes her hair as her face lights up at the sight of Bustamante. Its her daughter, on her way to school, with Bustamantes three sons, and husband.

The children pass one another the phone, as I love yous, giggles, and motherly questions arise.

Did you eat? she asks one of her children. How are you buddy, dormiste bien? she asks, wondering if he slept well.

The conversation is short, but Bustamante is happy to have sent her kids off to school, even if its virtual.

Since her husbands military retirement, she finds peace knowing he can get them ready in the morning. She returns to video editing.

If the kids arent OK, I cant concentrate.

9:39 a.m.

As the newsroom starts coming to life, with Spanish and English being heard throughout, Bustamante discovers the news conference will be held the following day, opening her schedule to work on the veterans script.

11 a.m.

Right now on NBC10, she tells live viewers as her solo-anchored newscast begins.

At 11:43 a.m., she reads her last script from a teleprompter and heads downstairs for the 25th time that day.

12:06 p.m.

Bustamante jumps on a Zoom meeting with an expert for her veterans story. For the first time in the day, she gets to sit without interruption.

1:25 p.m.

Her desk neighbor walks in, saying, In the kindest, most respectful way, go home. But, Bustamante is not ready to leave.

Its quiet here, so I can work, she says. As her coworkers make conversation, Bustamante, eyes on the screen, sporadically breaks her focus to laugh at their jokes.

When she gets home, she wants to be present with her kids.

1:34 p.m.

One look at the clock and Bustamante must separate from her script and get ready to pick up her kids.

She shuts down her computer, takes off her headphones, and picks up her empty coffee tumbler. But, before going home, she runs to a recording studio for a quick voice-over for one of the veterans stories.

1:41 p.m.

Bustamante goes up the stairs to the newsroom, for the last time of the day, heading to get her bags and change back into loungewear.

1:53 p.m.

On her way out, Bustamante heads to Vernick Coffee Bar, on Comcasts second floor, to get a Cuban sandwich.

From here, she will spend the rest of the day helping her children with homework, taking them to play dates and extracurricular activities, until their 8 p.m. bedtime.

After bedtime stories, tuck-ins, and good nights, she too will go to sleep and start the news cycle all over again in the morning.

Philly has given my family a wonderful healthy transition into post-military life; when that transition doesnt go well people can lose a lot, including their lives, she says. As my father used to say: If you are blessed you offer that to others, so I must continue to report on the communities that need it.
William Armstead was accused of research misconduct at Penn. The case lasted more than four years. Read more

The questions about the piglets with brain injuries began almost immediately.

William M. Armstead said he had successfully tested a drug on the animals in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining results that could guide better treatment of such injuries in people.

But within weeks of his submitting the results for publication in an academic journal, the scientist and his superiors at Penns Perelman School of Medicine were notified of a serious accusation: The manuscript included data and images that appeared to have been copied from his previous work, yet Armstead was passing them off as the results of new experiments.

That was the beginning of a four-year ordeal that ended with federal officials concluding that Armstead had deliberately falsified or fabricated 51 images, charts, and other data in a series of studies and grant applications. Armstead left his job at Penn and agreed to a seven-year ban on federally funded research.

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The Inquirer has now obtained 131 pages of internal documents and emails with previously undisclosed details illustrating how the case unfolded. The records include Penns scathing, 23-page report on which the governments July 2023 findings were based. Members of the schools investigation committee wrote that Armstead was reckless and displayed a blatant disregard for accepted research practices. Citing the reused images and discrepancies in his lab records, they concluded that some of the experiments never took place.

Penn ultimately paid the government back nearly $1.7 million in grant funds that Armstead had used in his research, a university spokesperson said, responding to an Inquirer query about the report.

The report and related documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, offer rare insight into how universities grapple with allegations that threaten the very essence of the scientific enterprise  the quest for truth.

Research misconduct is under increased scrutiny, with more than 200 new allegations made each year to federal regulators. The advent of fraud-detection software and a growing online community of sharp-eyed sleuths have led to accusations of fakery by scientists at some of the nations top universities. Still, formal findings of misconduct are rare, occurring fewer than a dozen times each year.

And despite federal rules that call for prompt action, such cases often remain in limbo for years.

Penns lengthy investigation

Thats what happened to Armstead, 66, who was accused of wrongdoing in February 2019.

Federal regulations dictate that universities generally must complete misconduct investigations within half a year, including 60 days for a preliminary inquiry and, when warranted, 120 days for a formal investigation.

Yet the documents show that Armsteads case dragged on for more than four years after the initial allegation, including nearly three years for the internal inquiry and investigation by Penn.

The scientist did not respond to a request for comment. His lawyer, Sidney Gold, also did not respond to several requests for comment in recent weeks.

Armstead left his job at Penn midway through the 2021-2022 school year, at about the time the investigation was concluding.

University officials declined to discuss details of the investigation or his departure, other than to say in an emailed statement that the situation was carefully managed in accordance with all applicable university policies and federal regulatory requirements. Federal officials granted extensions as needed to ensure a thorough investigation, the schools statement said.

Conducting investigations is a complex process which often requires reviewing years of publications, data, and lab notes, and interviewing former employees involved with the work in question. Penn and other institutions often find that proceedings that are both fair and complete cannot be accomplished within the target time periods, and the regulations allow for appropriate accommodations, the school said.

The report from the schools investigative committee also mentions one scheduling roadblock: Just weeks after the formal phase of the investigation began, the school shut down its campus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Still, the records show that the school began its initial inquiry more than a year before that, in February 2019.

The gravity of the allegations demanded prompt resolution, said scientific integrity consultant Elisabeth Bik, a former Stanford University microbiologist who reviewed the records at The Inquirers request.

Everyone had more than a full year before COVID restrictions hit, so that should not be an excuse, she said.

Calls for faster action in such cases also have come from lawyers who represent the researchers accused of misconduct. Some investigations drag on for five years, said Christopher Ezold, who has defended scientists at several Philadelphia universities.

They are supposed to be confidential, but confidentiality in higher education is a difficult thing to accomplish, he said. While these investigations are pending, regardless of what the final outcome is, they create years worth of mud through which research scientists or professors are dragged. Curing that reputational and career harm is almost impossible.

The initial allegation

The case against Armstead began on Feb. 14, 2019, according to a timeline in the 23-page report from Penns investigation committee. Thats when a school official received an email alleging that the scientist had engaged in possible duplicative use of data and images.

The tipster, whose name was redacted in the copy of the report obtained by The Inquirer, had first gone to Armstead with those concerns two weeks earlier, according to the committee report. On March 4, school officials notified J. Larry Jameson, who was then the dean of the medical school (now interim university president).

The school formed a committee to conduct a preliminary inquiry, and by Aug. 30, it determined there was sufficient evidence to appoint a second committee for a formal investigation.

With Jamesons approval, that committee went on to hold 10 meetings between Feb. 18, 2020, and July 14, 2021, during which members reviewed boxes of records, scrutinized images from tests on pig brains, and interviewed Armstead and other parties involved.

In their final report, dated Oct. 5, 2021, committee members found that Armstead:

Reused or falsified graphs and images on numerous occasions. Conducted certain experiments with methods that differed from how they were described in published studies. When some of his published results were called into question, could not produce original data to show where his calculations had come from.

There was a blatant disregard for scientific record-keeping, such that published data could not be reproduced due to the vast absence of the original data, committee members wrote.

When asked about reusing images from previous studies, Armstead explained that, in some cases, the images were from control animals with brain injury, not animals on which he was testing drugs. Because these control images would have looked the same from one experiment to the next, it was OK to reuse them, he said, according to the report.

Committee members wrote that this would be allowed only if Armstead had cited his earlier research as the original source, but that he did not. And in other cases, the scientist reused images from old experiments in which he was actually testing drugs, calling into question whether some of the new experiments ever happened, the committee wrote.

The committee wrote that the scientists failure to follow accepted research practices was reckless and defies credulity. They described his recordkeeping as chaotic, finding that in some cases, the number of animals he reported testing in experiments did not match what was recorded in his lab records.

Misuse of public funds

Accompanying the committees final report is a Jan. 12, 2022, letter of acknowledgment from Jameson, the dean. After carefully reviewing the full report and exhibits, I accept the findings of the Formal Investigation Committee in full, he wrote.

Two months after that, Penn paid back nearly $1.7 million to the NIH, a school spokesperson said in response to an Inquirer query. That was the total Armstead had received from the agency over five years, during four of which he was found to have submitted falsified progress reports to the government.

Legally, the government is entitled to recover up to three times the total of any grant monies awarded under false pretenses, said Eugenie Reich, a Boston-based lawyer who specializes in such cases. In this case, that amount would be three times the $1.4 million total Armstead received during those four years with falsified reports  nearly $4.2 million, she said.

But when universities initiate such investigations and work with the government, the cases typically are resolved for much less.

Theyre always going to get a cooperation bonus from the government if they present it, she said.

A seven-year ban

In addition to the committee report and Jamesons letter, the 131 pages of documents include letters and emails between Armstead, his lawyer, journal editors, and school and federal officials, in many cases heavily redacted.

They show how Armstead eventually agreed to a seven-year ban on conducting federally funded research, in a settlement announced July 3 by the Office of Research Integrity in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

At that time, four Armstead studies cited in the investigation had been retracted  meaning formally withdrawn by the journals in which they were published. A fifth, published in the journal Brain Research, is in the process of being retracted in response to a query from The Inquirer, according to a spokesperson for the publisher, Elsevier.

Armstead also withdrew the manuscript that originally prompted the call for an investigation, in which he reported treating brain injury in newborn pigs with a drug called phenylephrine.

Physicians already had been treating traumatic brain injury in humans with that drug and another one in the same class. Called vasopressors, they work by raising the blood pressure. But the evidence was unclear on which one worked best.

Had Armsteads work not come under suspicion, he might have been onto something. Other researchers have since found that phenylephrine, the drug he said he was testing in the pigs, may indeed be the best option.
Omar Salaam will serve out the rest of Ernest Garrett's four-year term as president of AFSCME District Council 33. Here he is in 2020, leading a group of sanitation workers in DC 33 Local 427, who were delivering a letter to the Streets Department expressing concerns related to their work conditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

When Ernest Garrett ran for president of AFSCME District Council 33 in 2020, members of the union described him as the reform candidate. He promised to fight for bigger gains by leveraging the unions political might.

But last month, after less than four years on the job, Garrett was removed from his role. The AFSCME judicial panel that discharged him said he made decisions on staff salaries and certain other expenditures without getting approval from the unions executive board. Garrett is barred from holding any elected position in the union for the next four years.

With a leadership election and contract expiration only a few months away, there is much at stake for the union, which has 15 locals representing more than 9,000 of Philadelphias frontline workers, including trash collectors, correctional officers, crossing guards, and library staff.

Seeing what happened during his presidency  really has been shocking and disappointing, said J. Matthew Catron, a member of Local 696 who works for the Free Library of Philadelphia.

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Catron said Garrett seemed like more of an everyman than his predecessor. But when you break the rules, you have broken the rules, Catron said.

Pete Cutty, a member of DC33s airport workers local, said that he backed Garrett in 2020 and that he still prefers Garrett to Matthews, but the allegations were unsettling.

How do we operate in an everyday fashion if we cant trust our president? Cutty said.

Omar Salaam, who was vice president until recently, was elected last week by DC33s 30-person executive board to replace Garrett for the two months remaining in his term.

Salaam, previously a business agent for Local 427, which represents city sanitation workers, is one of six members who brought the charges against Garrett that led to his removal.

In an interview Thursday, Salaam said that he isnt focused on the May election for DC33s new leadership and that hes not ready to talk about contract negotiations. Now, were just trying to stabilize, he said.

Who is Omar Salaam?

Salaam and the members of his local were outspoken in 2020, asking for better personal protective equipment, hazard pay and COVID-19 testing as they continued to work through the pandemic.

His local was one of two that broke away from DC33s endorsement of Jeff Brown in Philadelphias Democratic mayoral primary last year, instead backing now-Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. (The other, Local 403, also represents workers from the citys Streets Department.) Their decision came after Brown told supporters that as mayor he would pick up the damn trash.

Salaam said that one of his first acts will be to send each member a copy of the unions contract and constitution and that he wants DC33 to run by the book.

We want to make sure that we never fall into a situation like this again, Salaam said.

Breaking from past practice?

Salaam, along with five other members of DC33s executive board, raised the allegations against Garrett in October. The others are leaders of the locals that represent sanitation, highways, and Health Department workers: Charles Carrington of Local 427, Damon Kinsey and Leonard Brown of Local 403, and Kim Athanasiadis and Shermeka Core of Local 488.

The six board members accused Garrett of financial malpractice and corruption in filing charges with the AFSCME international union. The charging document suggested that the judicial panel consider barring Garrett from holding elected office in AFSCME ever again.

A lawyer from union-side law firm Willig Williams & Davidson represented the board members in the case against Garrett.

Garretts defense had centered on the premise that his predecessor, Herman Pete Matthews, had made hiring decisions without board approval. Garretts lawyers called multiple witnesses to corroborate that, including Local 1510 president Irene Snyder, who has held that position for nearly three decades representing airport workers.

After hearings in December and January, the panel found that Garrett had violated AFSCMEs international constitution by changing certain staff positions and salaries without board approval. But the panel couldnt definitively conclude that Garrett benefited directly from the violations.

Ignorance of AFSCME rules is not a defense nor is reliance on past practice, wrote judicial panel member Frank Piccioli, of Arizona.

Contract discussions ahead for DC33

DC33s contract expires at the end of June, just weeks after the unions leadership election is scheduled. Salaam said that current leadership has some ideas for negotiations but that he isnt ready to discuss them publicly.

A spokesperson for the city said: The city looks forward to working with the leadership of DC33 on an agreement that best serves both the hardworking members of the union and the residents of the City of Philadelphia.

The last contract, reached in 2021, included 9% raises over three years, additional raises for sanitation workers, and four weeks of paid parental leave for members.

A lot of us are hoping that new leadership involves more rank-and-file workers, said Aileen Haggerty, a library worker in DC33 Local 696 who was hired in January 2023. She said she wants to see a new contract, not an extension of the current one.

Our membership has grown as hiring has increased over the past year, and one way the city can continue to fill vacancies is by making us feel valued with better pay in our forthcoming contract, Haggerty said.

Cutty, of the airport workers union, said he would like to see open bargaining in the contract negotiations ahead. Hes happy to see Salaam in the lead role for now, pointing to his proven record as a worker organizer, Cutty added.

After going through Pete and Ernie, Im not holding my breath, Cutty said. But Im hopeful.
People attend a protest in solidarity with a woman who was denied an abortion despite her fetus having serious health problems, in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2022. In staunchly Catholic Croatia, influential conservative and religious groups have tried to get abortion banned but with no success. However, many doctors refuse to terminate pregnancies, forcing Croatian women to travel to neighboring countries for the procedure. Read more

PARIS  As France becomes the only country to explicitly guarantee the right to abortion in its constitution, other Europeans look at the U.S. rollback of abortion access and wonder: Could that happen here?

Abortion is broadly legal across Europe, and governments have been gradually expanding abortion rights, with some exceptions. Women can access abortion in more than 40 European nations from Portugal to Russia, with varying rules on how late in a pregnancy it is allowed. Abortion is banned or tightly restricted in Poland and a handful of tiny countries.

It may not be an issue today in France, where a majority of people support abortion. But those same people may one day vote for a far-right government, and what happened in the U.S. can happen in Europe, said Mathilde Philip-Gay, a law professor and specialist in French and American constitutional law. The inscription into Frances constitution will make it harder for abortion opponents of the future to challenge these rights.

Here is a look at recent developments on abortion rights in some European countries:

Poland

Poland  predominantly Catholic  bans abortion in almost all cases, with exceptions only when a womans life or health is endangered or if the pregnancy results from rape or incest. For years, abortion was allowed in the case of fetuses with congenital defects. That was struck down in 2020.

The restrictions have led to deaths, primarily of women later in their pregnancies who wanted to have a child. Womens rights activists say doctors in Poland now wait for a fetus with no chance of survival to die in the womb rather than perform an abortion. Several women in such cases developed sepsis and died.

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Abortion is a hot topic under the new government. Many of those who elected Donald Tusks government want an easing of the law, though there is resistance from conservatives in the coalition; politicians are debating whether it should be settled by a referendum.

Britain

In Britain, abortion was partly legalized by the 1967 Abortion Act, which allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy if two doctors approve. Later abortions are allowed in some circumstances, including danger to the mothers life.

But women who have abortions after 24 weeks in England and Wales can be prosecuted under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. Last year a 45-year-old woman in England was sentenced to 28 months in prison for ordering abortion pills online to induce a miscarriage when she was 32 to 34 weeks pregnant. After an outcry, her sentence was reduced.

Lawmakers in Parliament are due to vote this month on whether to remove the relevant section of the 1861 law  though doctors who assist women ending pregnancies with late abortions could still be charged. Abortion is not as divisive an issue in the U.K. as in the U.S., and the change will likely garner enough cross-party support to pass.

Western Balkans

The former Communist-run Yugoslavia started expanding abortion rights in the 1950s and inscribed them in the 1974 Constitution, which said: A person is free to decide on having children. This right can be limited only for the reasons of health protection.

After the federation split in bloody wars in the 1990s, its former republics kept old abortion laws.

In Serbia, the 2006 Constitution states that everyone has the right to decide on childbirth. There have been calls for this to be revoked, but only from marginal groups.

In staunchly Catholic Croatia, influential conservative and religious groups have tried to get abortion banned but with no success. However, many doctors refuse to terminate pregnancies, forcing Croatian women to travel to neighboring countries for the procedure. In 2022, Croatia saw protests after a woman was denied an abortion although her baby had health issues.

Malta

Malta eased up on the strictest abortion law in the European Union last year, acting after an American tourist who miscarried had to be airlifted off the Mediterranean island nation to be treated.

The new Maltese legislation is still strict, saying a woman must be at risk of death to obtain an abortion, and then only after three specialists consent. If the risk of death is imminent, only one doctors approval is necessary.

Until the new legislation, Malta had banned abortion for any reason, with laws making it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to have the procedure or up to four years to assist a woman in having one.

Italy and San Marino

Italy resisted Vatican pressure and guaranteed access to abortion starting in 1978, allowing women to terminate pregnancies upon request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, or later if her health or life is endangered.

The 1978 law allows for medical personnel in the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country to register as conscientious objectors, which in practice often greatly reduces womens access to the procedure or forces them to travel long distances to obtain one.

San Marino, a tiny country surrounded by Italy and one of the worlds oldest republics, had been one of the last European states that still criminalized abortion in all circumstances until 2022, when it legalized the procedure in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Russia

Although abortion in Russia is legal and widely available, authorities have been actively seeking to restrict access to it as President Vladimir Putin champions traditional values in an effort to rally people around the flag and boost population growth.

Women in Russia can terminate a pregnancy until 12 weeks without condition, until 22 weeks in case of rape and at any stage for medical reasons.

Pressure on abortion rights increased after Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since 2023, seven Russian regions have passed laws punishing anyone found to coerce women into abortions.

In a number of regions, and Russian-occupied Crimea, private clinics have refused to perform abortions, pushing women instead to state health care facilities where it takes more time to make an appointment and doctors often pressure women to keep their pregnancies.
A video, posted to social media on Saturday, shows a Pennsylvania State trooper detaining the city's executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, Celena Morrison, and a person (on the ground) whom Morrison refers to in the clip as her husband. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker called the clip "very concerning" in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Read more

After the controversial arrest of a top Philadelphia official and her husband by Pennsylvania State Police over the weekend, the agency on Monday announced that the trooper involved has been placed on restricted duty and said it is expediting the rollout of body cameras for troopers in Philadelphia.

Celena Morrison, the citys executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, and her husband, Darius McLean, were arrested Saturday morning after a heated confrontation on I-76 that began after a traffic stop. Police said the trooper pulled Morrison over for multiple vehicle code violations, including driving with an expired and suspended registration, before things escalated.

State police are conducting a full investigation into the stop and encounter that followed, said Lt. Adam Reed, state police spokesperson.

During that investigation, the trooper, whom the agency declined to name, is on restricted duty status, meaning he will not be on patrol, Reed said.

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State police said Morrison, 51, was pulled over for driving a gray Infiniti sedan with an expired and suspended registration, headlights that were not illuminated in the rain, illegally tinted windows, and driving too close to another car. Reed declined to say when the registration had expired and why it was suspended, saying it is a PennDot business record and cannot, by law, be shared publicly.

Shortly after the trooper and Morrison stopped the side of the road, McLean, driving a green Dodge sedan, pulled up behind them. The trooper approached McLean, and state police said he became verbally combative then refused multiple lawful orders. The trooper then attempted to arrest him, and during that process, state police said Morrison attempted to intervene. She was also arrested.

McLean, 35, is the chief operating officer of the Philadelphia-based William Way Community Center and director of the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center, and Morrison, 51, has been the citys executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs since 2020.

Video of the encounter, taken by Morrison, was shared online soon after and raised questions about the incident and arrest.

The video did not capture the events leading up to McLeans arrest but started as McLean was lying on the shoulder of the highway, begging the trooper to let him go.

I work for the mayor! I work for the mayor! Morrison yelled to the trooper at one point.

As the trooper turns to arrest Morrison, the video pans toward the sky, and at one point, she can be heard saying, He just punched me.

Reed said state police moved to charge the couple with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, and summary traffic citations. But the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office declined the charges, and Morrison and McLean were released from custody Saturday evening.

Jane Roh, spokesperson for the DAs office, said no charging decisions have been made, but that officials are investigating all aspects of the incident.

State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher L. Paris said during an unrelated budget hearing in the Pennsylvania state House on Monday that he is concerned by the issues that have been raised by Saturdays incident. He said an internal affairs investigation is underway and results will be forwarded to the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office.

But investigators will be missing whats often an important piece of evidence: body camera footage.

Paris said the trooper involved in the stop was not outfitted with a body camera because, despite funding for every trooper to have one, cameras have not yet been rolled out in Philadelphia.

Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, a deputy commissioner, said troopers in parts of south-central and southwestern Pennsylvania already wear body cameras, and that state police would expedite the rollout to distribute body cameras to troopers in Philadelphia over the next eight weeks.

Paris said delays in outfitting all state police troopers with body cameras were due to logistics and making the IT work, but that Philadelphia would be the next priority area.

Within three to four weeks, you will start to see them, Bivens said, and three to four weeks after, they all will have them.

The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, which represents 4,300 active and retired state troopers, declined to comment on the investigation or restriction of the officer involved, saying only that it is aware of what happened.

This morning, and every day, Pennsylvania state troopers go to work prepared to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens, a spokesperson said in a statement. As our Call to Honor states, these brave men and women do not swerve from the path of duty.
Photos from pro-Palestinian, pro-Israel protests over the weekend Share Icon Link copied to clipboard

The Israel-Hamas war was the focus of two protests in Philadelphia over the weekend  a pro-Palestinian march on Saturday that began at City Hall and proceeded to the Ben Franklin Bridge, where activists stopped traffic for about 40 minutes, and a pro-Israel rally on Sunday in Rittenhouse Square, where participants called for the release of hostages taken when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
Damaar Pack plays gaming machines inside Kensington Grocery Store on Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia. A concentration of storefronts along the avenue feature machines that a City Council bill wants to ban. Read more

For the thrill of the casino these days, many Philadelphians can simply head to the corner store.

Thousands of electronic gambling terminals have cropped up across the city in recent years, wedged next to ATM machines at bodegas, laundromats, and other small businesses that offer little else. The slots-like devices, which are often marketed as skill games, are six-foot machines featuring flashy LED screens that promise fast cash payoffs for as little as a $1 buy-in, branded with names like Kiss Me Im Irish, Piggys Big Break, and Luck or Luxury.

Although these games are supposed to be legally distinct from tightly-regulated slot machines, its not always obvious how: Put a dollar in, press a button or two and watch the digitally animated slots spin.

I won $300 once, a man who identified himself as Fire said one recent weekday morning as he fed bill after bill into one of 10 machines that dominate the interior of Accesorios San Expedicto on Kensington Avenue. He pointed to a dead screen. I do think they turn off the machines that start hitting. But it gives you someplace safe to go sometimes.

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Machines like these have spread across bars and gas stations throughout Pennsylvania because lawmakers in Harrisburg havent passed laws regulating virtual gambling devices. Companies that make the machines have waged a decadelong legal battle, successfully arguing that their equipment is distinct from traditional slots because they are skill games  simple puzzles requiring the players input. A proposal from Gov. Josh Shapiro would regulate the machines  and tax the revenue at a hefty 42%.

Meanwhile, unregulated corner-store gambling machines have proliferated over the last year in Philadelphias poorest neighborhoods. This rise was fueled, in part, by a long-running failure by the city to enforce its own business regulations, with many of the same neighborhoods already battling waves of nuisance businesses that trafficked in drug paraphernalia  or worse.

Theyre selling items that are complementary to individuals that are also engaged in purchasing things on the black market, said at-large Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. The gambling machines on top of all that is a recipe for disaster.  and its happening predominantly in Black and brown communities.

Rise of the machines

The spread of tens of thousands of machines across Pennsylvania has been driven in part by successful court appeals from game manufacturers like Pace-O-Matic.

The Georgia-based company won an appeal in Pennsylvanias Commonwealth Court last fall, giving the company  and competitors, like Banilla Games of North Carolina  more legal standing to expand their reach. Some Philadelphia store owners say they were first solicited by manufacturers as long as five years ago, but only agreed to install the machines after the recent court decision.

Pace-O-Matic has heavily lobbied to regulate skill games, positioning themselves in opposition to a wave of generic machines from lesser-known manufacturers that have also flooded Pennsylvania. Lawsuits filed by Banilla Games have also accused Chinese-made copycats of horning in on the market, with devices sometimes barely distinguished from traditional slots machines. Owners can purchase these outright  and keep 100% of the proceeds.

One store owner in North Philadelphia, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, said a sales rep from one manufacturer offered to install slots-like machines for no up-front cost, in exchange for around half the proceeds.

I wanted to wait until I knew it was aboveboard, the owner said. Its free money.

Pulling in a few hundred dollars a week in extra revenue at most, according to store owners, they create income that can be essential in stores with small profit margins.

 READ MORE: Philly City Council looks to ban some businesses from having casino-style skill games

Rafael Uceta, who has operated R & O Grocery on Kensington Avenue for a year and a half, said his small grocery recently added four machines and splits the proceeds with a gambling machine company. He said the machines are a key source of revenue because he was denied access to EBT and a tobacco sales license, as the citys Health Department has barred new points of sale for nicotine products in many parts of Philadelphia.

For the small businesses in this area, the majority of sales are from tobacco, Uceta said. But the city wont give us a license. So right now these machines are what are sustaining the businesses.  If they get rid of the machines, these small businesses will definitely close.

But civic leaders complain that some stores in high-crime areas in Kensington or West Philadelphia have turned into all-hours gaming halls, sometimes with a dozen terminals packed into a narrow corner shop. The citys police department supports the efforts in City Council to ban the machines from most businesses, saying they are a vector for illicit activity.

A recent shooting by police of an armed man playing a machine at a Fairhill beer store, and a subsequent manhunt, brought the spread of corner-store gambling into the news. The Philadelphia Police Department also pointed to statistics showing that, between 2021 and 2023, five homicides, 20 shootings, and 43 drug arrests had occurred within 800 feet of the entrances to three nuisance businesses it had identified along a single block of Frankford Avenue.

These devices are a magnet for nuisance and criminal activity, Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Healy told City Council in November.

A COVID-era explosion

During the pandemic, the city saw an explosion of convenience-store licensing, with hundreds of businesses getting permits to operate as corner grocery stores. Instead, city violation data shows well over 100 such stores began trafficking almost solely in drug paraphernalia or vaped nicotine products, in violation of city licensing or health code rules.

A single license expediter, Tina Accounting & Tax Services, applied for more than 170 convenience store permits since 2020 on behalf of would-be owners, far more than any other applicant. At least 70 of those businesses were later cited for permit violations, while 25 others have wound up on a city nuisance business watch list.

A representative from the Frankford Avenue firm, who declined to give his name, said L&I is responsible for following up to inspect the operations and that the city rarely objects to the change-of-use applications: If the city allows me to give them the permits, I do it.

This trend led Council to author at least nine pieces of legislation since 2021 aimed at cracking down on nuisance business, most aimed at curbing corner store licensing or limiting drug paraphernalia sales. Both the Philadelphia Police Department and L&I have launched task forces to step up enforcement.

The city officially tracks about 130 nuisance businesses citywide, a list that includes nightclubs, bars, or others linked to chronic civil or criminal complaints. Police notify the owners that their establishments are being monitored and push them to resolve these issues.

Ralph DiPietro, commissioner of L&I, said that sometimes store owners simply dont understand the citys rules, and that his departments goal generally is not to shut down businesses.

Last year we issued 119 drug paraphernalia citations, he said. But in most of those cases, they complied, meaning that they removed the paraphernalia.  More often than not, we get compliance.

 READ MORE: A multimillion dollar fight will determine whether Pa. taxes skill games in bars and stores

Despite these efforts, some neighbors, like Crystal Morris, president of the Wynnefield Residents Association, say theyve noticed little change.

L&I will come and shut them down, she said, Folks will wait two days, and open back up again.

Records show the city has struggled to shutter repeat offenders.

One nuisance business, on Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia, had been hit with multiple cease-operation orders over unlicensed drug paraphernalia sales or related violations since opening in 2021. An L&I spokesperson said the business was permanently closed last September for this reason.

Yet one recent evening, the store was back in business. Inspectors went out yet again, to issue another shutdown order in February. But the store reopened again almost immediately, with the candy-striped notice still plastered on its front door.

DiPietro said the next step in enforcement is license revocation. But he said his department has not taken a single such business to court over these zoning violations. His agency has battled with staff shortages for years, and struggled to respond to reports of critically dangerous buildings, let alone nuisance operators.

Its very, very labor intensive, when youre taking away a license  Its a court process, he said. It would put a real strain on our operations.

Some, like Morris, said keeping the businesses in line is a game of cat and mouse, with stores openly flouting cease-and-desist orders.

There are a lot of reasons why communities arent getting relief. But the reality is, communities just need relief  so figure it out, she said.

More regulation coming

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who as a Council member successfully passed a bill requiring new convenience stores in her district to obtain special zoning approvals, has signaled she would support the department tightening enforcement. She has moved to split L&I into two agencies, with one solely focused on quality-of-life issues, which she said would help enforcement.

New legislation in Council could also potentially give the city and police more power over small stores.

One proposal, part of the citys strategy to shut down open-air drug sales in Kensington, would require all commercial establishments along Kensington Avenue to shutter by 11 p.m. Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. introduced a bill last month that would ban skill games except in casinos or bars. He likened their proliferation to an invasion.

For Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, the overall goal is to get tougher.

We want things to come into compliance, she said. But if they wont, they should be shut down.

At the hearing last month on Jones bill, some convenience store owners said the regulation would harm predominantly family- and immigrant-run businesses, which were being scapegoated.

Robbery and violence were there after the machines, but they were there before, too, said Akash Patel, whose family has run a Roxborough corner store since the 1990s. The police arent doing their job. We call the cops and they dont do anything. Its a policing issue.

Inquirer staff writer Ximena Conde contributed to this article.
Occupational licensing requirements are especially harmful to Philadelphians like Jasmine, writes Jennifer Stefano. The Shapiro administration could intervene to remove barriers to entry into the workforce. Read more

Jasmine is an artist, and her face is her canvas.

She has skin so flawless you couldnt find a pore with a Hubble telescope. Her winged liner is drawn with the type of exacting symmetry that is usually reserved for only the glossiest of magazine ads. The Brooklyn-born makeup artist knows her face is her business card. For her, skincare and makeup isnt about superficiality and vanity  its a form of expressing empowerment and self-esteem.

But even as her promising professional career blossoms, a formidable obstacle has emerged that jeopardizes her livelihood: the government.

Pennsylvania law requires makeup artists to obtain a cosmetology or esthetician license, both of which Jasmine lacks. These state-mandated endeavors are time-consuming and costly, requiring hundreds of hours of unpaid training and thousands of dollars in licensing fees and tuition.

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For example, in most cases, Pennsylvania requires cosmetologists to complete at least 1,250 hours of study at a cosmetology school (the average cost of tuition in the commonwealth is about $15,000), or have completed 2,000 hours of work as an apprentice at a salon under the tutelage of a licensed cosmetology teacher.

Theres also an entrance exam, a $118 license fee, and an $82 renewal fee every other year.

Thats a lot of money, said Jasmine, whos 38. She told me that because she doesnt have much formal education or credit history, it has been a struggle trying to establish a life on her own.

Despite the financial burden, Jasmine first tried doing things the right way. She applied for student loans but was rejected. Shes worked to save money to obtain her license, but she tells me its just not feasible to do that and keep a roof over her head.

Jasmine so fears retribution from the government for criticizing its policies that she only agreed to be identified in this column by her first name.

To be sure, Jasmine recognizes the importance of health and safety in her profession.

They have [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] standards that they have to follow, which is fine, she said. But Jasmine added that a certificate of safety shouldnt take so much time or money.

Estee Lauder didnt have an esthetician license, Jasmine said of the cosmetics icon, who founded the company that bears her name in 1946.

Like Lauder, Jasmine refuses to be a casualty of her circumstances. Victimhood is not an option.

Demonstrating an abundance of grit and without an ounce of entitlement, Jasmine maintains a frugal lifestyle with few indulgences. She told me she finally saved enough money to move from her unremarkable apartment in Norristown to nicer dwellings in Chestnut Hill.

Jasmine told me shes spent most of her life without much in the way of everyday comforts. She said she was raised as a Jehovahs Witness, a faith in which pursuing higher education or even maintaining friendships with those from other religions is discouraged.

Jasmine managed to obtain a technical degree in massage therapy. But, enmeshed in a tumultuous relationship with her former husband, she was unable to renew her certifications. After a difficult divorce, Jasmine said, she had no skills, no education, and she felt the years ebbing away.

Well hear individuals say, Pull yourself up from the bootstraps, Jasmine told me. Well, first, you need a bootstrap.

Cosmetics provided more than a bootstrap  it offered salvation. She first started doing makeup on friends. Then, in 2006, she found a job selling Estee Lauder products at a major retail store. Her employers werent worried about certifications, only skill and work ethic  things Jasmine has in abundance.

When I started doing makeup, it was just a natural talent, she said.

Pennsylvanias arbitrary regulatory environment threatens the humble livelihoods of talented, hardworking individuals like Jasmine. Home to more than 2,400 permits, licenses, and certifications, the Keystone State is long overdue for regulatory reform.

And this reform requires more than the trivial, lackluster response provided by Gov. Josh Shapiro. As one of his first acts as governor, Shapiro required agencies to catalog their regulatory processes. But rather than call for a drastic reduction of this monstrous regulatory burden, the Shapiro administration instituted the paltry money-back guarantee, offering a meager refund to applicants who didnt receive a timely response from the state.

People like Jasmine dont need refunds, they need to work without fear of the government upending their lives. The Shapiro administration should be removing barriers to entry into the workforce and upward mobility, not adding extra burdens on the path from poverty to prosperity.

Jasmine told me her big dream is to touch the lives of more people. She wants to start a camp focused on building up the self-esteem of boys and girls with an eye toward improving their mental health. So they can see the beauty within and not give up, Jasmine said.

A woman of her gifts, grace, and grit will no doubt do so  if the government doesnt get in her way.
Mail ballots are counted at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Nov. 4, 2020. Read more

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HARRISBURG  Earlier this year, a group of Republican state lawmakers filed suit in federal court to throw out executive actions aimed at expanding voter registration, claiming the legislatures constitutional right to determine how presidential elections are run in Pennsylvania had been violated.

Election experts, lawyers, and others called the suit the first salvo in what is expected to be another year of high-stakes court battles in Pennsylvania, a swing state that four years ago helped decide the nail-biting race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

With a Biden-Trump rematch likely in November, new challenges are expected to target everything from the legality of drop boxes to what constitutes a valid mail ballot. One case involving mail ballots that a voter fails to date or misdates has the potential to land before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Even more litigation could come after the Nov. 5 general election, including suits that challenge how counties counted votes, a worrisome  but some believe not far-fetched  scenario that could snarl Pennsylvania election officials ability to timely certify results.

Im expecting a repeat of 2020 this year  different but also likely even more intense, said Witold J. Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, which is representing voting rights groups involved in the federal appeals case.

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Elected officials, activists, and others say this potentially crowded litigation landscape could have easily been prevented if, as they have been urging for more than three years, the state legislature had clarified portions of Pennsylvanias landmark 2019 law that ushered in voting by mail.

But the General Assembly, bogged down by partisan disagreements fueled by Trumps relentless attacks on mail ballots and unfounded claims of election fraud, has failed to strike a consensus on making those changes.

Its incredibly frustrating, said Lisa Schaefer, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, which has been one of the loudest voices advocating for legislative fixes. This is a presidential year, and Pennsylvania is a battleground state  and we havent made those changes in the law that could provide clarity.

Separation of powers

The federal lawsuit, filed by 24 Republican state lawmakers in late January, takes aim at two separate executive actions signed by Biden and Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Bidens order, signed in March 2021, directed federal agencies to expand opportunities for voter registration. This includes providing state-specific information and links on their websites, as well as soliciting and facilitating nonpartisan, third-party organizations to provide voter registration services on their agencys premises.

Shapiro announced last fall that his administration had launched automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania. He directed the state and transportation departments to automatically lead people through signing up to vote when applying for a drivers license or ID card, unless they choose to opt out. Before, PennDot employees would ask residents receiving those services if they wanted to register to vote.

The suit also targets a directive by former Gov. Tom Wolfs administration that ordered counties not to reject voter registration applications solely because they contained a Social Security or drivers license number that did not match what government agencies had in their databases.

Those executive actions, the 24 lawmakers contend, usurped the authority of the state legislature to determine the time, manner, and place of elections.

Many of those GOP lawmakers were incensed when Shapiro announced his decision last year, questioning whether the governor had the authority to impose automatic voter registration.

In a social media post, Trump called the policy a disaster that would hurt Republican candidates. While automatic voter registration has boosted new sign-ups, those registrations are split almost evenly between the major political parties, state voter data show.

Adam Bonin, a Democratic attorney who specializes in cases involving campaign finance and election laws, said government couldnt function if every single step could only be done by the legislature.

Of course, there is a role for the governor and the Department of State to implement policy and make administrative decisions, said Bonin, who is not involved in the specific case.

Attorneys for the 24 lawmakers asked the court in mid-February to prevent Pennsylvania officials from using automatic voter registration while the case is being litigated.

The judge in the case, Jennifer P. Wilson, had yet to rule on the request as of March 4. Attorneys for the legislators did not respond to requests for comment.

Separately, two Republican state House lawmakers filed suit in late January in Commonwealth Court over absentee ballots. The legislators are challenging laws and guidance by Pennsylvanias Department of State, which oversees elections statewide, that allow voters to submit absentee ballots to their local board of elections.

The two state representatives, Kathy Rapp (R., Warren) and David Zimmerman (R., Lancaster), argue in the suit that some county boards permit drop boxes or have opened satellite offices that can accept mail ballots. The Pennsylvania Constitution, the two argue, permits voters to only cast ballots at their local polling place or precinct.

No date, no vote

One of the most closely watched cases centers on undated or misdated mail ballots, which have been the focus of numerous lawsuits.

The case was filed shortly after the 2022 general election, and it has the potential to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

At the time, the Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP, along with other voting rights organizations and individual voters, sued state election officials to compel Pennsylvania to count mail ballots that lack a handwritten date or have an incorrect one (such as their date of birth) on the return envelope. These ballots are received by counties on time and are otherwise sound.

Discarding such ballots, the lawsuit contends, violates the materiality provision of the federal Civil Rights Act, which says that otherwise eligible ballots cannot be disqualified due to immaterial technicalities such as a paperwork mistake.

Late last year, a federal-district court ruled in their favor, finding that federal law requires that mail ballots received on time be counted in Pennsylvania even when a voter puts an incorrect date or forgets to write a date on the outer envelope.

The decision was swiftly appealed to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is expected to issue a decision in the coming months.

Regardless of the outcome, the decision is widely expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where some justices have previously signaled interest in weighing in on the issue in Pennsylvania.

In mid-2022, the U.S. Supreme Court briefly considered yet another Pennsylvania case (this one stemming from Lehigh County) about whether to count mail ballots that were missing a handwritten date.

Although the high court ultimately declined to weigh in, three of the nine justices made it clear they would like to take up the larger question, including Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who predicted the issue would again rear its head.

Certification chaos

Like other states, Pennsylvania has a lengthy and rigid set of deadlines involving elections.

This year, county boards of election are required to certify their general election results by Nov. 25. After that, there is a tight turnaround window for any recounts.

Timely certification by the states 67 county boards of elections is crucial. Without it, the state cant certify the winners.

In a presidential election year, and particularly in a close race, the failure of even one county to meet the certification deadline could quickly have tumultuous consequences.

In Pennsylvania, the governor sends to Congress what is called a certificate of ascertainment  a fancy word for an official document  that names the presidential candidates electors, and designates the candidate with the most votes. This year, the deadline for Shapiro to issue that certificate is Dec. 11.

Lawyers and legal scholars say that if just one county declares problems in its vote-casting or counting process, that could hold up the overall certification process. And there is still confusion surrounding what would happen should Pennsylvania miss that Dec. 11 deadline.

One certain outcome: more litigation, said John E. Jones III, a former federal judge who now heads Dickinson College.

You could have a real mess, he said.

No deal

Since the 2020 election, officials and voting rights advocates have repeatedly urged state lawmakers to make fixes to the 2019 law, known as Act 77, that ushered in no-excuse mail voting.

The County Commissioners Association, for instance, has asked for several clarifications. Topping the list: the ability to begin processing mail ballots earlier, a task known in election circles as pre-canvassing. It involves opening the envelopes that contain the ballots, unfolding the ballots, and prepping them for counting.

Under current law, counties are not permitted to pre-canvass until the morning of Election Day, which prolongs the time frame for tallying the final vote. In 2020, Trump and his supporters used the lengthy vote count to falsely claim that, as mail ballots were counted and the vote totals favored Biden, that fraud had occurred.

Counties also want the law to provide clarity on providing drop boxes and dealing with flawed mail ballots. Some counties, for instance, proactively contact voters whose ballots are missing a signature or date, or have some other defect, to allow them to fix it.

Several bills have been introduced to make those changes, largely by Democrats, but Republicans who control the state Senate have made it clear that any changes to the states election law need to include expanded voter ID requirements and other fixes.

But politics have sunk those efforts.

We cant even do things we agree on, said state Sen. Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia), who in the last legislative session introduced a bill with his colleague Dave Argall (R., Schuylkill) proposing changes they believed had widespread support. It ultimately did not advance.

The purpose was to make government work better, said Street, who chairs Pennsylvanias Democratic Party. But just doing good-government maintenance in the Donald Trump era is no longer an acceptable thing.

In the absence of legislative action, the Shapiro administration has taken steps to minimize mail ballot confusion. Late last year, officials announced redesign changes to help voters more easily understand the proper way to fill them out.

It is absolutely awful to stand there with trays of votes that were cast by eligible, registered voters who made a fatal defect in casting the vote  and not being able to count that vote, said Al Schmidt, Pennsylvanias top election official.

Speaking at a press club luncheon in Harrisburg in February, he added: I would rather not be sued it feels like every week, every month. Its no fun  There are undoubtedly improvements that could be made. I always prefer that those improvements be made legislatively, but sometimes the courts have a role.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
When President Joe Biden, right, delivers his State of the Union address Thursday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, left, will be in the audience. The president and mayor are pictured here at Philadundance in Philadelphia on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Read more

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Thursday will attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

Parker will be a guest of U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Phila.), a longtime political ally of hers.

Shes honored by the invitation, and genuinely is looking forward to hearing President Biden speaking on the State of the Union, and making his case to the American people on the many substantive accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, Parker spokesperson Joe Grace said.

 READ MORE: President Joe Biden will visit Philadelphia area following his State of the Union address

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Parker, who took office in January as the citys first female mayor, is seen by some as having the potential to develop a national profile. The mayor joined Biden at a Martin Luther King Day service event during her first weeks in office and shes poised to be a key surrogate for him this election as Pennsylvania plays a crucial role.

Exactly one week after Thursdays address, shell deliver Phillys version of the State of the Union: the mayors budget address to City Council. As Parkers first budget proposal, it will be a major moment in her career and will set the tone for her administrations relationship with Council.

Parker isnt the only Philly pol who will get more exposure from Bidens address. The progressive Working Families Party has tapped Councilmember Nicolas ORourke to deliver its response to the presidents speech.

This years State of the Union is expected to be an early inflection point in the presidential race, which appears headed toward a rematch of 2020s contest between Biden and former President Donald J. Trump. It gives Biden a high-profile opportunity to recast his administrations record and articulate his goals amid slumping poll numbers.

The day after his address, Biden will travel to the Philadelphia area to drive home his message in campaign events.
Available to clients of all Lloyds registered brokers, Unity has capacity from the centuries-old marketplaces underwriters and other providers in London. Led by Ascot, the insurers supply up to US$50 million in hull and P&I (protection and indemnity) war risk insurance through the facility.
It was heartening to see such a robust discussion around a unified goal of combating auto theft across leaders in the federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies across Canada, the CBSA, several of our CEOs in our industry, and us at Equite and the IBC, she said.
Our collaboration with Global Parametrics, ARC Ltd., and USAID is an excellent blueprint for bringing new parametric flood products to market; USAID funding the development of the programs derisks the venture, both risk-transfer partners will ensure the programs are financially sustainable, and ARC Ltd. brings a wealth of local distribution expertise to ensure farmers can access policies, Schwarz said.
Allstate off the hook  but the legal battle continues

Judge McShane noted several typographical errors in the offer letter, including the absence of a comma in the 1300,000 figure and misspellings like advsied and liaiblity. These errors led McShane to conclude that the offer was unclear, ruling that there was no valid contract for the $1 million settlement.
The transaction, financial terms of which were not disclosed, will see Mark Walker stepping into the role of financial services division president. Part of the bond, credit & guarantee operations, the new segment will operate as the 16th specialty business unit at Core Specialty.
The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that when an insurance company pays an appraisal award plus any statutory interest in a weather-related first-party property case, there is no liability for attorneys fees.

The court responded to a certified question from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on whether an insurer who has fully discharged its obligations under the policys appraisal provision is precluded from paying attorneys fees under the Texas insurance code.

The question presented to the court arose from a dispute between a homeowner, Mario Rodriguez, and his insurance company, Safeco Insurance Company of Indiana.

In May 2019, a tornado damaged Rodriguezs home. Safeco issued a payment of $27,449, which Rodriguez accepted. Rodriguezs counsel then told Safeco it owed an additional $29,500 and threatened to sue. Rodriguez sued in June 2020, alleging breach of contract and statutory claims under the insurance code.

After the two parties failed to mediate, Safeco invoked the insurance policys appraisal provision, and a panel valued the damage to Rodriguezs home at $36,514. After subtracting prior payments and other amounts, Safeco issued a check for $32,447 covering the full appraisal, plus another $9,458 for any interest possibly owed on the appraised amount.

Safeco argued that its full payment of the appraisal plus interest should put an end to litigation, including any attempt by Rodriguez to recover attorneys fees, to which a district court agreed. Rodriguez appealed to the 5th Circuit.

The 5th Circuit noted that courts are split on the issue of whether attorneys fees are precluded when an insurer pays the appraised amount under the insurance policy and certified the question to the Texas Supreme Court.

In its analysis, the court focused on Chapter 542A of the insurance code, which limits the recovery of attorneys fees in storm-related first-party claims. The statute, amended in 2017, contains a formula for awarding attorneys fees when there is an amount to be awarded in the judgment to the claimant for the claimants claim under the insurance policy. Because Safeco has already paid all amounts owed under the insurance policy plus any possible statutory interest, there is not and never will be a money judgment on Rodriguezs claim under his insurance policy, so attorneys fees are unavailable, the courts opinion says.

Insurance defense attorneys hope the courts ruling will put an end to a practice by some Texas policyholder attorneys of signing up clients on a full contingency fee and then putting the matters into appraisal. Attorneys fees and appraisal costs are subtracted from the award, leaving little money left for the insured to fix their damage, said Steven Badger, a partner with the Dallas office of Zelle LLP. Badger submitted an amicus letter in support of Safecos position.

Appraisal was intended as a way to resolve disputes prior to and without the need for litigation, Badger said.

Badger said appraisal needs to return to being used either pre-suit or immediately after a lawsuit is filed.

Policyholders attorneys argue the state legislature could not have intended Safecos interpretation of Chapter 542A and fear the courts ruling will lead to unfair practices by insurance companies.

The Court zeroed in on a part of the 2017 amendments that may not align with the overall consumer protection goals of the Code but felt constrained to apply the precise terms of the statute and all but invited the legislature to assess whether the practical consequences of the attorneys fee formula is what it really intended, said Jeff Raizner, partner at Raizner Slania.

Raizner said he hopes the case can serve as a catalyst for responsible dialogue and legislative action to fix appraisal in Texas.

Topics Texas Legislation
For the last decade and a half, business leaders have struggled to comprehend, motivate and manage the millennial generation. Recently, I read an online article where business owners discussed the new generation of workers and it was both amusing and alarming to see that millennials were the focus of their conversation. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are not new to the work force at all; the newest generation of American workers is Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2010.

Understanding who Gen Z is and how they differ from those who came before them is critical to any business leader recruiting for their organization. As it turns out, Gen Z may be the most naturally suited for agency life. Business leaders who recognize this and leverage the skills, perspectives, diverse backgrounds and thought they bring to the table will be setting up their agencies for success for years to come.

A Closer Look at Gen Z

Members of the new generation who entered the work force during the last few years are highly collaborative and social, according to Roberta Katz of Stanford Universitys Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, quoted in Stanford News. This collaborative nature may present another reason to abandon the term employee in favor of team member. Members of this generation, the first in human history to be complete digital natives, are experts at social media, but prefer face-to-face communication over any other form, according to Katzs research.

Generation Z is not only the most diverse generation in history, according to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, but it is also the best educated with nearly 60% pursuing higher education  more than any other generation in history. As they bring this diverse thought and background, as well as education, into the work force they also bring attitudes that value nonhierarchical leadership, pragmatism and independence. Katzs research reveals a generation that, like the retiring Baby Boomer generation, questions authority and fixed rules. They are accustomed to self-direction and researching what they need to know on their own.

Embodying a desire for individual expression and valuing authenticity, this diverse generation sees the world very differently than their predecessors, according to McKinsey & Company.

Ideal Prospects for an Industry Undergoing a Global Transformation

As I research Gen Z and talk with my childrens friends, all of whom are members, I come away with this insight: There may never have been a generation more naturally suited for entrepreneurialism than this one.

In my opinion, a knack for entrepreneurialism defines potential success in the insurance industry. The wiring of this new cohort entering the work force makes them the best prospects our business has seen in decades. Our industry  one that traditionally younger workers found uninteresting  is well-positioned to reel them in as we continue to undergo the fastest rates of change weve experienced at any time in history. Just consider that:

Global weather is disrupting underwriting, carrier profitability, agent marketing plans, product design and business models more rapidly than ever before.

Innovations for which no one really understands the impact like digital tokenization and block chain currencies appear to hold the promise of rapidly disrupting the insurance agency and insurance underwriting businesses.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning pose the promise, or threat, to eliminate millions of jobs, and unlike previous economic dislocations, those jobs are most likely higher skilled rather than lower skilled positions.

These changes are frightening or at least confounding to older industry participants. But who better to take them on than a generation raised in constant change and for whom digital disruption is considered the norm?

One way of attracting these young people to our businesses might be to simply highlight the very things we most fear. Another is to appeal to their nonhierarchical natures by giving them a seat at the table from the beginning of their careers to help solve the problems that seem bewildering to older, more experienced generations.

Leverage Gen Z Talent for Agency Growth

For a generation of self-directed people, who value their independence, are experienced in problem solving as well as educating themselves, it seems that offering them opportunities to build their own businesses, chart their own paths and do so in ways that appeal to their desire for authenticity is a natural opportunity for the independent agency system.

To attract this new cohort, agency owners and managers should be thinking: How can we open up our systems, processes, policies and procedures to people who want to explore doing things differently to take advantage of this generations native skill sets? How can we redefine the business to reward teamwork, as well as individual performance? How can we take advantage of this group of young peoples natural diversity to create opportunities for both them and for our companies?

It seems to me that some of the strategies to consider and some of the skills of this generation to leverage include:

Empowering these new work force entrants to market and sell outside of your traditional geography. These young people are not only unafraid to communicate, relate and work at a distance, they are used to doing it. Let them show you how to broaden your geographical reach.

Tapping into their collaborative nature, diverse character, pragmatic approach to problem solving and innate desires for authenticity to help you grapple with the increasing ESGR requirements of government and society and open up new target markets.

Using their natural collaboration skills, desire for face-to-face communication, as well as digital talent, to create new ways to foster teamwork internally in your business and perhaps even to grow revenues in different ways with team selling and marketing.

Offering them direct pathways to financial and business independence through new partnership models in your agency to appeal to their natural self-reliance and desire for independence.

Stressing the never-ending education and personal development requirements of our industry as advantages for a generation of motivated learners instead of a negative.

Giving them early responsibility to help guide and develop your agencys response to the challenges and opportunities created by AI and machine learning while taking advantage of their digital capabilities.

Challenging them, and encouraging them, to use their social media skills, desire for community and connection and natural collaboration to market your business in new ways.

As I think about the opportunities and talents this new generation presents, I find it tremendously exciting. I think they hold the promise of helping leaders and principals in a still traditional business evolve with the rapidity that the future will require for survival and progress.

Recruiting, leading, managing and motivating this generation will require different attitudes, mind sets and skills than it did for Gen X or Millennials, but they stand ready to collaborate with you and help your business grow for your benefit, as well as theirs.

Topics Agencies
A Delaware judge declared a mistrial Friday in the latest lawsuit alleging that exposure to the popular weedkiller Roundup causes cancer.

The ruling came about two hours after jurors sent a note saying they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations. Superior Court Judge Vivian Medinilla ordered jurors to continue their discussions, but they nevertheless remained deadlocked.

The lawsuit was filed by the family of Anthony Cloud, a South Carolina man who worked for more than a decade as a landscaper. Cloud was diagnosed in 2018 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He died in October 2021, about six weeks after his lawsuit was initially filed. His family was seeking $142 million in punitive damages in a trial that began in Wilmington in early February.

German chemical company Bayer AG has been beset with tens of thousands of lawsuits since acquiring Roundups manufacturer, St. Louis-based agribusiness giant Monsanto, in 2018. In January, a Philadelphia jury ordered Bayer to pay a staggering $2.3 billion in a lawsuit filed by a man diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that targets white blood cells, after using Roundup for two decades.

The Philadelphia verdict was the largest yet in years of litigation over the popular weedkiller, following a November verdict by a Missouri jury that ordered Bayer to pay more than $1.5 billion in damages to three plaintiffs. In 2019, a California jury ordered Bayer to pay $2 billion in a Roundup lawsuit, but a judge later reduced the jury award to $87 million.

Bayer set aside more than $10 billion in 2020 to settle about 125,000 Roundup lawsuits, but tens of thousands more remained pending. After nine consecutive wins in lawsuits that went to trial beginning in 2021, the company began to suffer legal setbacks last year, as juries began handing down nine- and 10-figure awards to plaintiffs. A California jury last year ordered Bayer to pay $332 million in a Roundup lawsuit, but a judge this week said the jury award was excessive and reduced it to $28 million.

As in other lawsuits, the plaintiffs in the Delaware case alleged that Monsanto had defectively designed Roundup and failed to properly warn users about its health risks.

In June, Bayer agreed to pay almost $7 million to settle allegations by New Yorks attorney general that Monsanto made false and misleading statements about Roundups safety.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court in 2022 ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to re-examine its 2020 finding that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, did not pose a health risk for people exposed to it.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to a (Excellent) from a- (Excellent) of ClearPath Insurance Co., which does business as ClearPath Specialty and ClearPath Specialty Insurance Co. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive.

The upgrades come following workers compensation insurer ClearPaths merger with Marylands Harford Mutual Insurance Group last August.

AM Best said the rating upgrades and the revised outlooks for ClearPath Specialty reflect its integration as a newly added reinsured member of Harford Mutual Insurance Group. Also, the ratings reflect ClearPath Specialtys balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Harford Mutual Completes Merger With Workers Compensation Writer ClearPath

ClearPath Specialtys ratings were placed under review with positive implications in March 2023, following the announcement of its intent to with Harford Mutual.

The Maryland Insurance Administration approved Harford Mutuals merger with ClearPath Specialty, effective August 4, 2023. Following the announcement, the ratings were removed from under review and an FSR of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term ICR of a- (Excellent) were affirmed with positive outlooks. As part of the transaction, ClearPath Specialty converted to a stock insurance company from a mutual company. Thereafter, it became a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Harford Mutual Insurance Co. effective November 13, 2023, and via a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement effective January 1, 2024.

ClearPath Mutual, formerly KESA of Kentucky for 40 years, was formed in 2018 and provides monoline workers compensation coverage in Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. ClearPath Mutual writes more than $52 million in direct written premium across nearly 7,000 policies.

ClearPath Mutuals current home office in Louisville will remain in place and serve as Harford Mutuals Midwest office. Harfords main office is in Bel Air, Maryland.

Harford Mutual Insurance Group, founded in 1842 in Harford County, Maryland, provides commercial property/casualty insurance to a regional market. Harford Mutual ended 2022 with $327 million in direct written premium sold through independent agents in 10 states and Washington, D.C.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions AM Best Maryland
A UK-owned ship attacked by Houthi militants last month sank in the Red Sea, the U.S. military confirmed on Saturday, as it echoed a warning from Yemens internationally recognized government that the vessels cargo of hazardous fertilizer posed a risk to marine life.

The Belize-registered Rubymar is the first vessel lost since the Houthis began targeting commercial ships in November. Those drone and missile assaults have forced shipping firms to divert ships to the longer route around southern Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher.

The sinking bulk carrier also presents a subsurface impact risk to other ships transiting the busy shipping lanes of the waterway, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in its statement on social media platform X.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the north of Yemen and other large centers, say their campaign is a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Houthi attacks have prompted a series of strikes against their positions by the United States and Britain, and have led other navies to send vessels to the region to try to protect the vital Suez Canal trade route.

The Rubymar went down in the southern Red Sea late on Friday or early on Saturday, according to statements from the Yemen government and CENTCOM.

The U.S. military previously said the Feb. 18 missile attack had significantly damaged the bulk vessel and caused an 18-mile (29-km) oil slick. The ship was carrying about 21,000 metric tons of fertilizer, CENTCOM said on Saturday.

Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, the foreign minister in Yemens internationally recognized government in Aden, said in a post on X: The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before.

It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia 

The internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, has been at war with the Houthis since 2014.

Marine Life Threatened

The release of such large amounts of fertilizer into the Red Sea poses a serious threat to marine life, said Ali Al-Sawalmih, director of the Marine Science Station at the University of Jordan.

The overload of nutrients can stimulate excessive growth of algae, using up so much oxygen that regular marine life cannot survive, said Al-Sawalmih, describing a process called eutrophication.

An urgent plan should be adopted by countries of the Red Sea to establish monitoring agenda of the polluted areas in the Red Sea as well as adopt a cleanup strategy, he said.

The overall impact depends on how ocean currents deplete the fertilizer and how it is released from the stricken vessel, said Xingchen Tony Wang, assistant professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College.

The ecosystem of the southern Red Sea features pristine coral reefs, coastal mangroves and diverse marine life.

Last year, the area avoided a potential environmental disaster when the United Nations removed more than 1 million barrels of oil from a decaying supertanker moored off the Yemen coast. That type of operation may be more difficult in the current circumstances.

The Houthi attacks have stoked fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread, destabilizing the wider Middle East.

In a separate report, the UKMTO agency said it had received a report of a ship being attacked 15 nautical miles west of Yemens port of Mokha.

The crew took the vessel to anchor and were evacuated by military authorities, the UKMTO said in an advisory note.

Italys defense ministry also said that one of its naval ships had shot down a drone flying towards it in the Red Sea.

The Houthi Transport Ministry, meanwhile, said there had been a glitch in undersea communication cables in the Red Sea as a result of actions by U.S. and British naval vessels. It did not give further details.

(Reporting by Mohammad Ghobari in Aden, Andrew Mills in Doha, Yomb Ehab in Cairo and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; writing by Enas Alashray, Andrew Mills and Mark Potter; editing by Alison Williams, Giles Elgood and Jamie Freed)

Photograph: This satellite image taken by Maxar Technologies shows the Belize-flagged ship Rubymar in the Red Sea on Friday, March 1, 2024. The Rubymar, earlier attacked by Yemens Houthi rebels, has sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water, officials said on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the first vessel to be fully destroyed as part of their campaign over Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (Maxar Technologies via AP)

Topics USA
After a year of deadly wildfires around the globe, the world is burning again from Texas to Australia  and in some regions, the blazes are igniting early.

Canadas Alberta province said last month that wildfire season had already begun, well before the typical March start. On the other side of the planet, South Australia instituted outdoor fire bans in mid-October, weeks ahead of when it normally does.

While late-winter fires arent unusual in the Texas Panhandle, the current blaze is the worst in the states history. In the rest of Texas, where winter conflagrations are rare, the summer wildfire season is starting earlier and getting longer.

Firefighters Race to Subdue Texas Wildfire Before Dangerous Weekend Conditions

Behind the many culprits of forest and brush fires  from land management to downed power lines  is the shadow of climate change. Global warming is contributing to hot, dry conditions at times of the year that historically were rainier. Thats complicating government efforts to prevent the blazes and intensifying pressure on electric utilities to shore up their systems.

Climate is connected to fire in many ways  most obviously through extreme weather conditions  but climate also influences ignitions, fuel, moisture and the growth of vegetation, said Hamish Clarke, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbournes Flare Wildfire Research Group. In many cases its going to make things much, much worse.

The fire scorching homes and ranches across the Texas Panhandle started after a dry spell that lasted a few weeks, allowing the grass to dry out. On Feb. 26, high winds swept through the area as temperatures soared. Nearby Amarillo posted a record high of 82F (28C) for the date.

Climate change certainly played a role in the amount of heat and dryness, said John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist and a professor at Texas A&M University.

Across Texas, the weather will stay sunny, dry and breezy through the rest of the week, said Frank Pereira, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. While not enough to trigger a red flag fire warning, dry and windy conditions can make fire fighting more difficult.

Later in the week, there is a chance of showers that may help with the Smokehouse Creek fire and other blazes in the Texas Panhandle.

Across the Panhandle and the rest of the southern Great Plains, there are two fire seasons: One comes at the end of winter into early spring and the other during the summer months, said Todd Lindley, science and operations officer for the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma.

We are seeing an increase in our summer fire season, Lindley said. Summers have been trending hotter in the last couple of decades and that has had a corresponding increase in summer fire activity, especially in Texas and Oklahoma.

This year, El Nino is amplifying the impact of a hotter climate. The weather pattern, a warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, usually brings rainier conditions to Texas and the rest of the US South. But this year, unusually, some storms have tracked north through Colorado, leaving hot, arid air across the Southwest and supercharging winds, said Ryan Truchelut, president of commercial forecaster WeatherTiger LLC.

To the north in Canada, El Nino has worried forecasters for months because the phenomenon leads to more storms crossing the US rather than further north, cutting off large swaths of western Canada from snow. At least 72% of the country was in drought this winter, according to the North American Drought Monitor.

A year ago, Canadas wildfire season began early and morphed into its worst ever, blanketing the US in smoke that turned the skies over New York City an apocalyptic orange.

Some of those blazes never went out. As of January, a record number of zombie fires remained burning in the ground and under snow, with about 100 fires in British Columbia, according to Premier David Eby.

Were literally standing up an army of firefighters in British Columbia, Eby told reporters on Feb. 23, citing 1,000 applicants for the forest fire service, agreements to lease aircraft and helicopters and discussions with the military. Were just profoundly worried about the situation we face.

Brett LEsperance is chief executive officer of Dauntless Air, a private fleet of single-engine air tankers that fly across North America dumping water on wildfires. His crews went to Canada last year, but also fought fires in Louisiana and North Carolina, places that havent needed air tankers before.

Across the continent, fire season is starting much earlier than it did before and it ends later, he said.

Thousands of miles away in Australia, El Nino tends to dry out large swaths of land, leading to more fires. Three years of wetter conditions accelerated vegetation growth before a record 2023 arid spell increased the flammability of that fuel  raising risks through a bushfire season that typically peaks in southern areas between December and February.

Authorities in parts of Victoria state last month warned of the worst conditions since the so-called Black Summer fires of 2019 to 2020, which killed 33 people. Thousands of residents were evacuated last week near the regional city of Ballarat as blazes spread across at least 22,000 hectares (54,363 acres) of land and destroyed homes.

The fire threat is expected to linger through the southern hemisphere fall season, with heightened risks in parts of central and western Australia, according to AFAC, the national council for fire and emergency services.

Obviously there are so many different actions we can take to prepare for and to mitigate bushfire risk, but to me its a real no-brainer: Lets not put more heat into the system, the University of Melbournes Clarke said. We need to be taking strong climate change action.

Top photograph: Cattle grazing on a small patch of green grass surrounded by scorched earth following the Smokehouse Creek Fire near Pampa, Texas, US, on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Photo credit: Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Wildfire Australia
North Koreas hacking groups have broken into at least two South Korean manufacturers of chipmaking equipment, as the country looks to evade sanctions and turn out its own semiconductors for weapons programs, South Koreas spy agency said on Monday.

The news comes after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korea could stage provocations, such as cyber attacks or spreading fake news, to interfere in Aprils parliamentary elections.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said the South Korean firms had been a key target of North Korean hackers since late last year and called for tougher security.

North Korea penetrated the servers of two companies in December and February, stealing product design drawings and photographs of their facilities, the NIS said.

We believe that North Korea might possibly be preparing to produce its own semiconductors in the face of difficulties in procuring them due to sanctions, it said in a statement.

Also driving the Norths efforts could be higher demand from its satellite, missile and other weapons programs, it added.

Pyongyang has always denied involvement in cybercrimes, although North Korea has been blamed for cyberattacks netting millions of dollars.

The hackers employed a technique called living off the land, which minimizes malicious codes and uses existing, legitimate tools installed within the servers, making it difficult to detect with security software, the NIS said.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Topics Auto
DETROIT (AP)  The family of a 70-year-old man who died after a Detroit police officer punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, is suing the former officer and the city of Detroit, seeking $50 million for alleged civil rights violations.

The federal lawsuit filed Thursday on behalf of Daryl Vances family names former Detroit police officer Juwan Brown, the city of Detroit and Detroit Police Sgt. Jarmiare McEntire as defendants, The Detroit News reported.

Prosecutors who charged Brown last year in Vances death have said he punched the Detroit man during a confrontation following the officers response to a call of a disorderly person outside a bowling alley on Sept. 1, 2023. Vance fell to the ground, hit his head and died in a hospital three weeks later.

Prosecutors said the Wayne County medical examiners office determined that Vances death was caused by blunt force trauma to his head from the punch.

Police brutality has no place in our society. What former Officer Brown did to Mr. Vance was nothing short of reckless and malicious police brutality, James Harrington, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit, said in a statement.

Brown was later fired from the Detroit Police Department, his attorney has said.

The lawsuit alleges McEntire violated Vances civil rights the day after the assault by conducting an illegal, warrantless search of his apartment on Sept. 2, 2023, under the guise of an investigation, where no exception to the warrant requirement to the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution existed.'

The complaint seeks $50 million in damages for alleged civil rights violations.

Detroit Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett declined to comment, citing the citys policy of not discussing ongoing litigation.

A message seeking comment from Browns attorney, Steve Fishman, was left Friday afternoon by The Associated Press.

In connection with Vances death, Brown, 29, was charged in December 2023 with manslaughter, but a judge dismissed the charges in January, cited insufficient evidence during a preliminary hearing.

Wayne County prosecutors appealed the judges ruling on Feb. 2.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement
Alphabets Google must face advertisers proposed class action lawsuit claiming that it monopolizes the ad exchange market, a U.S. judge ruled on Friday.

But U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel dismissed some other antitrust claims, including those focused on ad-buying tools used by large advertisers.

Castel was reviewing a number of cases against Google, and his decision struck down many claims but allowed at least one key set to proceed.

The advertisers, he wrote, have not plausibly alleged antitrust standing in the markets for ad-buying tools used by large advertisers, but they plausibly allege antitrust standing as to injuries they purportedly suffered from anti-competitive practices in the ad-exchange market and the market for small advertisers buying tools.

Castel also said Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper chain and publisher of USA Today, could try in a separate case to prove that Google fraudulently concealed anticompetitive effects of some technology. Gannett alleged that it sold some of its ad space directly to advertisers, but Google still made the inventory available for auction on its ad exchange in order to accrue transaction fees for its own benefit.

Google and Gannett did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The judge also ruled in multiple other cases in the nationwide litigation.

Google faces a number of claims on antitrust grounds.

The U.S. Justice Department sued Google in January 2023, accusing it of abusing its dominance in digital advertising. The government asked for the divestiture of the Google Ad Manager suite, including Googles ad exchange, AdX.

Google Ad Manager is a suite of tools including one that allows websites to offer advertising space for sale and an exchange that serves as a marketplace that automatically matches advertisers with those publishers.

Advertisers and website publishers have complained that Google has not been transparent about where ad dollars go, specifically how much goes to publishers and how much to Google.
Artificial intelligence firms are facing increasing pressure from some of the worlds most formidable names in technology and media, as new tools spark fresh questions over the risks posed by chatbots that threaten to rival human intelligence.

Elon Musk became the latest power player to sue OpenAI, alleging the company and its chief executive officer, Sam Altman, have strayed from their original mission by prioritizing profit over the benefit of humanity.

The lawsuit filed Thursday adds to a growing list of legal complaints against the ChatGPT maker in recent months. It has been sued by famous authors such as John Grisham and Jodi Picoult, journalists and news outlets, including the New York Times. It also faces a probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission about whether it misled investors following its ouster of Altman in November  before he was rehired.

Many of the complaints targeting AI firms like OpenAI accuse them of violating copyright law and illegally swiping information from media firms online. Victory for plaintiffs could mean AI companies would have to pay to use certain material to train their programs, said Justin Hughes, a professor at Loyola Law School who studies copyright law.

There are some folks who say melodramatically that copyright threatens this new technology or that copyright could bring generative AI to a halt. That is totally false, Hughes said. I hope the future of AI will be determined, in part, by thoughtful, balanced policy and regulations  copyright will neither wound nor kill generative AI.

Here are the major lawsuits to watch:

Elon Musk v. Sam Altman, Gregory Brockman, OpenAI Inc.

Musk is accusing the company he helped establish of breaching its founding agreement by prioritizing profits over the benefit of humanity.

The startup was founded as a nonprofit and as a foil to other artificial intelligence ventures, Musks lawyers said in the complaint. But they claim the startup has been transformed into a closed-source de facto subsidiary of the largest technology company in the world in a breach of its mission.

The Tesla Inc. CEO and owner of X Corp., formerly Twitter, has said artificial general intelligence poses an existential threat. Musk, the worlds richest person, stepped down from OpenAIs board in 2018 over philosophical differences about the technologys development.

The New York Times Co. v. Microsoft Corp.

The New York Times sued OpenAI and its largest investor Microsoft Corp. late last year, claiming the startup unlawfully used millions of Times articles to build out its artificial intelligence tool.

The suit alleges chatbots like ChatGPT seek to free-ride on the Timess content and threaten to stifle its revenue. But the tech startup, seeking to dismiss some of the claims, fired back and accused the Times of paying someone to hack its products and generate anomalous outputs in support of its claims.

The litigation comes at an especially grim moment for the media  scores of news outlets have recently shuttered or laid off staff, many of them struggling to turn a profit in the face of dwindling revenue from ads.

Axel Springer, Other Media Outlets Sue Google

A group of more than 30 European media organizations sued Google on Wednesday in the Netherlands seeking $2.3 billion and accusing the search giants advertising business of violating antitrust laws.

The media groups, which include Politico owner Axel Springer, allege the Alphabet Inc. units dominant position in the advertising market has shortened up their revenue streams and caused them to face higher costs for ad tech services, according to a statement from the law firms representing the plaintiffs.

The Intercept Media Inc. v. OpenAI Inc. and Raw Story Media Inc. v. OpenAI Inc.

Raw Story Media Inc., The Intercept Media Inc. and AlterNet Media Inc. filed a pair of lawsuits against OpenAI Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan.

The news organizations claim OpenAI and co-defendant Microsoft violated the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act by stripping away copyrighted information when they trained ChatGPT.

Basbanes v. Microsoft Corp.

The journalist Nicholas Gage and author Nicholas Basbanes filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI in January, claiming the companies wrongfully used their work to train AI models.

Gage has written investigative stories for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Basbanes has written books about the history of publishing.

Sancton v. OpenAI Inc.

OpenAI was sued by journalist and nonfiction author Julian Sancton. The author of Madhouse at the End of the Earth claimed the company used his work without permission to train its generative AI tools. Sancton said OpenAI and Microsoft completely disregarded authors rights when developing the models that power ChatGPT.

That training process has usurped authors content for the purpose of creating a machine built to generate the very type of content for which authors would usually be paid, according to the November complaint.

Concord Music Group v. Anthropic PBC

A group of top music publishers including Concord Music Group sued AI company Anthropic. The October complaint alleges the Amazon-backed startup has used copyrighted lyrics from at least 500 songs, and that its Claude AI chatbot disseminates them on its platform.

Authors Guild v. OpenAI LP

The Authors Guild of America filed a class-action suit against OpenAI alongside more than a dozen renowned writers, including Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. Microsoft was later added as a defendant.

The organization claims the companys large language models engage in systematic theft on a mass scale. Previously, more than 15,000 authors including Margaret Atwood and Nora Roberts had signed a letter calling on companies such as OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft and IBM to compensate authors for using their works.

Other Cases to Watch

CASE DESCRIPTION Andersen v. Stability AI Ltd A proposed class-action suit by visual artists against the makers of Stable Diffusion and Midjourney. Kadrey v. Meta Platforms, Inc. A proposed class-action copyright suit brought by comedian Sarah Silverman against Metas Llama AI model. A judge dismissed some of the claims in November. Tremblay v. OpenAI Inc. Another suit brought by Silverman alleging copyright infringement. A judge dismissed some claims in February.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits New York InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
March 1 (Reuters)  A Texas homeowner whose house was destroyed by a massive wildfire raging northeast of Amarillo sued electric utility Xcel Energy XEL.O on Friday, alleging that a splintered power pole owned by the company fell and started the blaze.

The lawsuit by homeowner Melanie McQuiddy, filed in state court in Hemphill County, claims the power pole owned by Xcel subsidiary Southwestern Public Service Company was in bad physical shape before it fell and caused the fire.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has killed at least two people and has grown into the largest wildfire in state history since it started on Monday in the Texas Panhandle.

McQuiddy claims Xcel had a duty to maintain safe electrical equipment, but negligently failed to properly repair and inspect its power line poles, leading to the fire.

Xcel will pay for every dollar that its wildfire has caused, said her attorney Mikal Watts.

The lawsuit also names Osmose Utilities Services as a defendant, which it said was hired to help inspect Xcels power lines but did not adequately do so.

Xcel and Osmose did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Xcel shares fell 8% on Thursday after the company disclosed a letter it received from a law firm that said the electric utility could be held liable for damages resulting from the wildfire.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire had blackened more than 1,078,000 acres (436,251 hectares) of grasslands and timber as of Friday morning, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, which said the fire was 15% contained at that time.

The blaze and others burning in the region have destroyed grain in storage bins and likely killed tens of thousands of livestock, state Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said on Thursday.

Texas is the nations largest cattle producer and more than 85% of the states herd is in the Panhandle, according to Miller, who said most are in feedlots and dairies that are unscathed.

Fridays lawsuit seeks property damages for McQuiddys destroyed home and punitive damages.

Xcel is also fighting nearly 300 lawsuits filed by homeowners, businesses and local governments in Colorado that claim the companys equipment is to blame for the states 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County. That fire caused an estimated $2 billion in property losses, Xcel has said in regulatory filings. The company denies its power lines were to blame.

Watts and his law firm also represent wildfire victims in litigation against Hawaii Electric, whose aging power lines have been blamed for starting last years Maui wildfires that destroyed the coastal town of Lahaina. Hawaii Electric, which is also facing dozens of other lawsuits related to that blaze, has said its power lines were de-energized before that fire started.

Watts also helped negotiate a $13.5 billion settlement with PG&E Corp on behalf of Californians who sued the company over wildfires linked to its equipment that scorched the state in 2017 and 2018.

Photo: In this photo provided by the Flower Mound, Texas, Fire Department, Flower Mound firefighters respond to a fire in the Texas Panhandle, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. A rapidly widening Texas wildfire doubled in size Tuesday and prompted evacuation orders in at least one small town. (Flower Mound Fire Department via AP)

Topics Lawsuits Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Claims Wildfire Homeowners
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  A tractor-trailer that was knocked dangling off a bridge over the Ohio River  prompting a dramatic rescue of the driver  was struck by a vehicle that had crossed into opposing traffic, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Saturday.

Breathtaking photos and video captured the rescue Friday of the driver in her cab over the side of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge connecting Louisville, Kentucky, to southern Indiana.

The truck driver was rescued unharmed, but three other cars were involved in the crash, and two people were taken to the hospital with possibly life-threatening injuries, Louisville Metro Police said Friday.

At a press conference Saturday, Greenberg said one person remains hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash occurred when a southbound vehicle hit a stalled car and crossed into northbound traffic, where it struck the tractor-trailer and caused it to go through the guardrail and hang precariously off the edge of the bridge.

The accident was reported shortly after noon on Friday. After that, it took about 40 minutes to set up a rope system and get a firefighter, Bryce Carden, ready to rappel down to the cab, hook the driver up to a safety harness and lift her safely back to the bridge surface, Louisville Fire Chief Brian ONeill said at a press conference Friday. She was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Greenberg said Saturday that he spoke to the rescued driver, who has not been identified.

She is incredibly brave. She is incredibly fortunate, he said.

Greenberg thanked Carden and the first responders, as well as the transportation crews, for their response.

Kentuckys state highway engineer, James Ballinger, said Saturday that while the bridge will need repairs from the crash, particularly to a pedestrian sidewalk, its structural integrity was not compromised. Officials expected to open the bridge Saturday evening.

The bridge carries about 24,000 vehicles a day over the Ohio River.

The truck was removed from the bridge around 8 p.m. Friday.

Top photo: Louisville firefighter Bryce Carden prepares to pull the driver to safety. (Louisville Division of Fire, via AP)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Kentucky
Georgias largest county is still repairing damage inflicted on its government a month ago by hackers who shut down office phone lines, left clerks unable to issue vehicle registrations or marriage licenses and threatened to publicly release sensitive data they claimed to have stolen unless officials paid ransom.

The ransomware syndicate LockBit took credit for the cyberattack in late January that temporarily crippled government services in Fulton County, which includes most of Atlanta. The group demanded payment, threatening to dump data online, including residents personal information. It also claimed to have stolen records related to the countys pending criminal case against former President Donald Trump.

To boost the odds of getting paid, ransomware groups routinely steal data before activating network-encrypting malware. Some cybersecurity analysts questioned whether the Fulton County hackers actually possessed Trump-related files.

The hackers deadline passed Thursday, less than two weeks after law enforcement agencies in Europe and the U.S. announced they had disrupted LockBits operations, seized the groups systems and arrested two people overseas.

Soon after the takedown, LockBit resurfaced on the dark web and renewed its threat against Fulton County. But no stolen data was released after the deadline lapsed, and county officials refused to pay.

We are not aware of any data having been released today so far, Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts told reporters Thursday afternoon. That does not mean the threat is over by any means. And they could release whatever data they have at any time  today, tomorrow or sometime in the future.

Pitts said county officials are still working to restore phone service and online systems still down more than a month later, though all county offices have reopened and resumed serving residents to at least some degree.

We have not paid any ransom nor has any ransom been paid on our behalf, said Pitts, who declined to answer questions following his brief statement.

A Fulton County spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email message Friday seeking further updates.

The cyberattack hit as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is prosecuting a racketeering case against Trump and others for their efforts to overturn the results of Georgias presidential election in 2020.

While the hackers disrupted courthouse services, namely taking down its online system for filing legal documents, Willis said the case against Trump was unaffected.

All material related to the election case is kept in a separate, highly secure system that was not hacked and is designed to make any unauthorized access extremely difficult if not impossible, Willis office said in a statement Jan. 30.

LockBit had been among the worlds most prolific ransomware syndicates when it was badly disrupted in late February by an international law enforcement consortium that included the FBI. Following the takedown, which many cybersecurity experts think spells the end of LockBit, a group spokesman issued a rambling statement claiming not to have been as seriously affected as authorities had said.

The LockBit spokesman claimed the takedown was motivated by the FBIs desire to prevent the leak of information stolen from Fulton County that included a lot of interesting things and Donald Trumps court cases that could affect the upcoming US election.

One cybersecurity expert said that claim was likely unfounded and that LockBit, a Russian-speaking operation condoned by the Kremlin, may never have had any such documents.

I think the claims are bogus, said Yelisey Bohuslavskiy, chief research officer at the cybersecurity firm Red Sense.

He said LockBit had been faking and exaggerating data theft claims for the last three years, even publishing data that others had obtained as if it was their doing.

Another possibility is that LockBit lost access to stolen data in the disruption by law enforcement, ransomware analyst Brett Callow of the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

LockBit is believed to have extracted $120 million from thousands of victims since it began operating in 2019. It accounted for 23% of the nearly 4,000 attacks globally last year in which ransomware gangs posted stolen data to extort payment, according to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks.

Cybersecurity experts believe LockBit as a brand may now be in its death throes  but could easily re-emerge rebranded under a new name with the same core members, as happened with previous ransomware groups that came under intense law enforcement pressure.

LockBit and other ransomware syndicates are compartmentalized operations. Outside the core group that rents out the malware and maintains the infection infrastructure are so-called affiliates who manage the hacking, malware activation and negotiations and get the bulk of the profits.

In Fulton County, officials reported widespread disruptions following the cyberattack the weekend of Jan. 27. County police couldnt produce incident reports and the sheriffs office had to fall back on paper forms to process jail detainees. Residents couldnt pay county utility bills online or use the internet to access property records. Clerks were unable to issue marriage certificates and firearm permits.

We are working to restore all Fulton County systems and making some progress, Pitts, the county chairman, said Thursday.

County officials said last week that their online system for paying water bills had been restored, but not for property tax payments. County email systems were back online and more than half of the phone lines in county offices were working.

Photo: The Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz, File)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Georgia
European regulators have launched a series of probes against Big Tech.

In the latest one, Apple was hit by a 1.8bn EU competition fine for preventing Spotify and other music streaming services from informing users of payment options outside its App Store. Apple criticised the EU decision, saying it would challenge it in court.

But other US tech giants have been in the crosshairs. Here are some of the actions taken by European watchdogs to keep a tab on big technology companies.

Google-owned Alphabet's 2.4bn competition fine should be upheld by Europe's top court, an adviser to the court said in January after the European Commission fined the company in 2017 for using its own price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals.

EU competition regulators said in January Microsoft's investment of over 9.2bn in ChatGPT maker OpenAI may be subject to EU merger rules, following a similar warning from the UK Competition and Markets Authority in December.

Google may have to sell part of its lucrative Adtech business to address concerns about anti-competitive practices, EU regulators said in June. Google criticised a potential order in December, saying it was disproportionate and not right for its advertising partners.

In November, EU regulators asked Microsoft's rivals whether the proposal to unbundle its chat and video app Teams from its Office product is sufficient to address their concerns, after the European Commission launched an investigation into its Office and Teams tie-up in July.

In September, the EU picked out 22 so-called "gatekeeper" services run by Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok-owner ByteDance, giving them six months to comply with the provisions of its wide-ranging Digital Markets Act. Meta and ByteDance both appealed against the "gatekeeper" status in November, with the latter losing a bid to suspend its designation in February.

In Britain, the media regulator in October asked the country's competition authority to investigate Amazon and Microsoft's dominance of the UK cloud market. CMA will complete its investigation by April 2025.

Meanwhile, the French competition authority raided Nvidia's local offices in September. The watchdog disclosed the raid, but did not name the company beyond saying it was in the "graphics cards sector". Nvidia declined to comment.

The French competition authority in July said Apple may have violated regulations related to the utilisation of iPhone user data in advertising.

In Germany, Google agreed to change its user data practices to end a German investigation aimed at curbing its data-driven market power.

Italy's competition agency said in May it had opened a probe into Apple for alleged abuse of its dominant position in the apps market. In April, the watchdog then took measures against Meta over an alleged abuse of its position in the country, in a probe involving the rights to music posted on the group's platforms.

OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot was temporarily banned in Italy in March over concerns by the national data protection authority, but was made available to users again in April.

And Italy's competition authority said in March it had opened an investigation into TikTok for allegedly breaching its rules by allowing the publication of "dangerous content" inciting suicide, self-harm and poor nutrition.

Meanwhile, the Dutch competition regulator said in October it had rejected Apple's objections against fines of 50m it had given the company over failure to comply with regulations aimed at limiting the dominant position of Apple's App Store. Apple will appeal the decision in Dutch courts.

Read More Richard Hogan: We have to legislate to stop powerful tech giants from profiting from our kids

Reuters
A survivor of sexual assault told the Tommy Tiernan Show that she wants to share a message of hope for other survivors as well as to inspire change in how sexual assault cases are handled.

Sarah Grace, who works as a solicitor, was assaulted over four years ago by a man who broke into her home overnight. She said she would like to see legal reforms in Ireland to help other victims of similar assaults.

She detailed the difficulties she faces in court, including not being entitled to her own legal representation when facing her attacker.

You have no legal representation whatsoever, because in the eyes of Irish law if you are a rape or sexual assault victim, you are a witness to a crime, not a victim, she told a clearly surprised Tiernan.

So you have so you have no legal representation, you witnessed a crime that was inflicted on you. it's something that I've discussed with Helen McEntee and I think that needs urgent reform.

My message is one of hope.



Sexual assault survivor Sarah Grace talks about the tools available for survivors to help them heal#TommyTiernanShow @tommedian pic.twitter.com/WZKvYstbtm  RTE One (@RTEOne) March 2, 2024

Grace said she did not realise that sexual assault survivors' therapists notes can be seized and used as evidence in court without their consent. She described the violation she felt when her notes were seized and read by the defendant.

He got to read that, he and the entire defence team and the entire prosecution team [read] something that is so private to you and so intimate.

She said it felt as if another part of you, private, also intimate, is violated. Grace said a huge change needs to happen to support victims in court.

Film producer David Puttnam also spoke to Tiernan about his life in a community in West Cork and shared his confidence that Cillian Murphy will bring an Oscar home next weekend.

Puttnam, who worked on films including The Killing Fields and Chariots of Fire, now works in education and said he tells his students that personal experience is your greatest raw material.

He said it has been a good year for filmmaking, citing several Oscar-nominated films he enjoyed.

I'm in the process of voting for the Oscars and I think Poor Things is remarkable, he said, also recommending Past Lives and American Fiction. When asked by Tiernan if he expects Cillian Murphy to win the Best Actor award next Sunday for his role in Oppenheimer, Puttnam said he does.

I think that we can take that one. Its a Cork thing, he joked, adding: He is great.

When asked about using his titles in Cork, Putnam said his title doesnt exist there.

Im not a Lord in Cork, Ive never been a Lord in Cork. I dont use the title there. Its a very alienating title.

He said moving to Cork was the best decision he and his wife made.

I'm a member of a community and have been welcomed into that community, I became an Irish citizen and it's the best thing we ever did.

Tiernan also spoke to Charles Hendy, Andrew Hendy, and Sean McKenna, who are three members of The Mary Wallopers band.

They spoke about performing in pubs, turning down a record labels offer, and their road to success.

They said they have moved on from being the underdog in the industry and with that comes some begrudgery.

When you are the underdogs everyone says ah the lads are great, but once you start getting successful, its like I cant stand them, they are doing my head in#TommyTiernanShow@Tommedian @marywallopers pic.twitter.com/uM21LxCDrd  RTE One (@RTEOne) March 2, 2024

When you are the underdogs everyone says ah the lads are great, but once you start getting successful, its like I cant stand them, they are doing my head in.

They said accessibility in their music is important to the band so audiences can connect with them.

Audiences can feel like it's one of them up on the stage. I never enjoy a concert if I thought that the person on stage was some sort of unconscious genius.
An Irish photographer has captured a series of images charting life in one of the worlds most controversial towns, which is attracting criticism for its steadfast refusal to accept black residents.

The trip formed part of a project by Stephen Bean, who is taking pictures to document marginalised societies in a forthcoming book.

Located along the Orange River in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape province of South Africa, Orania was created in 1991, after Nelson Mandelas release from Robben Island.

Champions of the Orania project have been accused of carrying on the legacy of apartheid.

The area owes its existence to Carel Willem Hendrik Boshoff, who died in 2011 and was a professor of theology and an Afrikaner white nationalist.

The community was formed as part of an objective to have a stronghold for the Afrikaner minority group.

However, champions of the project have been accused of carrying on the legacy of previous architects of apartheid.

A woman in traditional Afrikaner clothing waits for a parade to start last October in Orania's annual carnival. Picture: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty

According to Cambridge historian Edward Cavanaghs history of land rights on the Orange River, a community of 500 poor black and mixed-race squatters living in that area were driven out in one of the last large-scale evictions under apartheid.

The Guardian reported that future residents of Orania used beatings, pistol whippings, and dogs to drive them out. The town now comprises Afrikaners only  descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers dating back to the 17th century. Afrikaners later became the predominant culture in South Africa, with ideals that led to the apartheid system based on racial segregation.

Children queue at a shop in Orania, a town some perceive as a threat to the successful eradication of apartheid culture.

Some South Africans are now calling for the town to be disbanded due to the perceived threats it poses to the successful eradication of apartheid culture.

Cork man Stephen Bean described his experience of the town, which he said is completely cut off from the rest of the world.

I spoke to one person who told me her grandmother believes there are two heavens  one for the whites and a separate heaven for black people.

"This is Calvinist tradition, he said. They are very religious.

The self-determination of minorities is protected in the South African constitution which means they are able to live like this. They are very much cut off from the rest of the world and pop culture.

They have a strong focus on self-determination and cultural preservation. Afrikaners are considered indigenous in South Africa. This means they are on a par with the Zulu people, who are the largest ethnic group and nation in the country.

Bianca van der Linder, an administrator in Orania, one of the world's few 'whites only' towns.

He compared the town to a limited company. When you buy a plot you actually become a shareholder in the company so although its a municipality or semi-autonomous municipality, in many ways, its like a private company. Its like becoming a member of staff or a shareholder. The same concept applies to Orania. It even has its own board of directors.

He said of the residents insular existence: To be honest, I think people in Orania are so focused on their own culture they dont think outside the box like you and I do. Its not something I think I could get used to myself but Im interested in social phenomena.

The Ora is the local currency of Orania in South Africa.

"What I found really fascinating about Orania is that they have their own money, the ora. The reason why they have it is because it is only valuable in that particular area. It means that if people want to make money then that money stays in Orania so really they are more like coupons.

Demand for residency in the town remains high. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years, its population rising by 55% since 2018. As of July 2023, it had a population of approximately 2,800. However, Oranias town council now has plans to facilitate substantial growth and the population is expected to climb to 10,000 in the coming years.

They gave me a list showing all the people who have applied for residency and it was really striking, he told the Irish Examiner.
Gardai have described as very concerning the arrest of three young friends caught with a military assault rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and rounds of ammunition bought on the darknet.

Specialist intelligence and gangland units are examining the mens motivation. The men, aged 19, 20, and 21, have no criminal history and no known links to gangland figures, the Irish Examiner understands. They are all friends and live in Co Wicklow with their parents.

Investigations have not found that the men have extremist beliefs or associations  but the examination of their phones, laptops, and social media activity will take time.

Gardai are alarmed not only that these young men, with no criminal background, were in possession of high-powered weaponry, but also that it is available online and could be ordered by an extremist.

Rounds of ammunition that gardai discovered along with a M1911 handgun and a G3 rifle when they stopped a vehicle in Kildare on Saturday morning. Picture: An Garda Siochana/PA

Garda Security and Intelligence learned of the importation and a controlled delivery operation began, with a surveillance team in place.

That was backed up by elite armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and detectives from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

The three youths travelled by car early on Saturday to collect their consignment and were on their way home, travelling through Kildare, when the ERU conducted a forced stop at 10am.

On searching the car, gardai recovered a G3 rifle  a Heckler & Koch military rifle capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire  as well as an M1911 semi-automatic handgun and 40 rounds of ammunition.

The suspects were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and are due in court today to face charges.

One security source said:

The three young fellas might have been messing or thought they wouldnt get away with it  but they did and had armed gardai in their faces on the roadside.

Another source said: Its a weird one: Young lads with no criminal history, but with a fascination with guns and history and wanting to fire the guns.

Gardai are investigating what, if anything, the suspects wanted the guns for, apart from test firing them.

We cant see any links to any other group  theres no extremist connections identified, yet, anyway, a source said. Thats all being explored, but it appears to be a product of too much time playing war games.

An M1911 handgun which was discovered along with a G3 rifle and 40 rounds of ammunition. Three men aged 19, 20, and 21, were arrested in relation to possession of firearms and were detained at Garda stations in Co Kildare. Picture: An Garda Siochana/PA

Whatever the case, they are a very naive crew as they have got themselves into very serious trouble.

Gardai say the high power of the weapons, combined with ammunition, makes this a very serious offence.

It is not yet clear what firearms offence has been committed, but they all attract extensive sentences, before mitigation.

Officers are examining the suspects backgrounds, as well as their online activity, including who or what sites they followed and any relevant posts they made.

Their mobile phones, laptops, and other digital devices have been removed for examination and their banking activity probed. Inquiries are being made to see if they were involved in gun clubs or airsoft.

The focus of the inquiries is their motivation, said a security source.

Another source said there was also a broader concern: Its scary and very, very concerning, that these guys, these unknowns, were willing to try this, but its also the fact these weapons are available online, so what if someone with sinister motivations got them?
A coroner has ruled that an inquest into the murder of a senior GAA official in Northern Ireland cannot proceed due to the extent of sensitive state material being withheld from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Announcing the Public Interest Immunity (PII) ruling in Belfast, Mr Justice Kinney said he will be writing to the British government's Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, calling on the British government to establish a public inquiry into Sean Browns killing by loyalists.

Mr Brown, 61, was abducted and killed by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Derry in May 1997.

Mr Justice Kinneys ruling comes after state agencies applied for multiple redactions on sensitive files related to the murder.

I am satisfied that my duty to carry out a full, fair and fearless investigation into Mr Brown's death is seriously compromised as issues of central importance to the death cannot be dealt with by the inquest process

Preliminary inquest proceedings have already heard that in excess of 25 people have been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. No-one has been convicted of Mr Browns murder.

During his ruling, Mr Justice Kinney heavily criticised the way the state parties had handled the disclosure process, branding repeated delays deplorable and, frankly, inexcusable.

He said the extent of material he had agreed to exempt from being used as evidence at the inquest meant he could not comply with his statutory duty to investigate the circumstances of Mr Browns death.

The coroner said an inquest is unable to hear evidence in closed proceedings, and noted that a public inquiry could examine such sensitive materials.

I am satisfied that my duty to carry out a full, fair and fearless investigation into Mr Browns death is seriously compromised as issues of central importance to the death cannot be dealt with by the inquest process, he said.

Relatives of murdered GAA official Sean Brown and supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast in November 2023 (Liam McBurney/PA)

The coroner said he is unable to make a proper analysis of the material that has been redacted as a result of the Public Interest Immunity process.

In those circumstances, and with considerable regret, I have concluded that I cannot continue with this inquest, he said. To do so would inevitably result in an inquest that would be incomplete, inadequate, and misleading.

Mr Justice Kinney acknowledged that his decision will cause further pain and anguish for Mr Browns family.

The coroner said he expects a reply from the Government on his request for a public inquiry within four weeks.

Mr Justice Kinney said Mr Brown was an entirely innocent man who was subject to a planned execution by Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) gunmen.

His murder was senseless, he added.

He was a man of whom his family are justifiably proud. He was the kind of person our society needs and his loss is truly felt in that wider sense

The coroner said he could not provide a satisfactory answer to the familys question as to why Mr Brown was murdered.

He said the victim was at the heart of his family and his community.

He was a man of whom his family are justifiably proud. He was the kind of person our society needs and his loss is truly felt in that wider sense.

The coroner praised the familys long fight for justice.

The inquest process as it stands cannot provide what you desire or deserve, he said.

The public gallery in Belfast High Court was packed with members of the Brown family and supporters, including senior GAA officials, among them association president Jarlath Burns.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will carefully consider the ruling, his barrister said (Oliver McVeigh/PA)

Mark Robinson KC, representing Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Heaton-Harris, said he will carefully consider the ruling.

He said the Cabinet minister acknowledges the suffering the murder has caused.

Barrister for the Brown family Des Fahy KC said that, while they did not want the inquest to stop, they accept the ruling.

Mr Fahy said the familys reaction was a mixture of sadness and anger.

This is not a legal process where the Brown family is frustrated because they have not been able to find out the truth about the murder of Sean Brown, he said.

Thats because the truth about what happened is right here in these folders of sensitive material about the murder, but it cant come out and it cant be revealed by you (the coroner) because of the many hundreds of redactions that have been made by the Chief Constable of the PSNI and by the security services.
Gardai objected to bail being granted to a man accused of stealing televisions in a break-in at a learning support facility in Cork, and turning up at his grandmothers house on the same day and putting her in fear.

These allegations were made by Garda Richard Caverly in the objection to bail being granted to the accused who is in his 20s.

The defendant cannot be named because the charge in relation to his grandmother involves an allegation of a breach of an order granted under the Domestic Violence Act.

Garda Caverly said there were no bail conditions that would allay his fears because of the seriousness of the alleged offences. I dont believe if the defendant was given bail that he would answer, the garda said at the in-camera hearing at Cork District Court.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said: He would live with his grandmother ordinarily. There would be a cycle where his grandmother would forgive him and bring him back.

He tells me he is doing very well  clean of all intoxicants but that there was a slip in recent days.

The defendants grandmother was present at the court hearing and said: I dont want him to get bail. He is back on drugs. I cannot handle that anymore. He will come up to my home.

I love him with all my heart but I am not able anymore. The defendant said: She is apologising to me but I am saying I am the one who is sorry.

The defendants solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, called the accused to give evidence and put it to him that the first concern of gardai was that he would not turn up. The accused said: 100%. If I was to be granted bail. When I found out my grandmother was sick I got off everything. I am clean since August. I love her with all my heart.

I have been seeing an addiction counsellor to get off heroin. Over my grandmother being sick that is why I got off everything. There was just one day of relapse. It is the biggest regret of my life. I was never doing so well. I changed my whole life around.

Cross-examining the accused man, Sergeant John Kelleher said the premises  Cork City Learning Support Services  where criminal damage was caused and televisions were taken is one of the most important premises in County Cork and you didnt mention it once.

The defendant said: It wasnt me, it was the drugs.

However, he did go on to say a moment later: I know it was me.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: I have listened very carefully. Bail has to be refused. He is before the court on a domestic violence charge sheet  It is very very worrying.

The judge remanded him in custody until March 7.
A group which has raised concerns around GP shortages on the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry is to meet Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

The towns of Waterville and Caherciveen once shared six GPs but now only have three, with one due to retire later this year.

The Tascfhorsa Uibh Rathaigh (Iveragh Taskforce) highlighted this crisis in the Irish Examiner recently, calling for innovative solutions to protect access to general practice in the remote area.

Taskforce member Caitlin Breathnach said: The taskforce working group is meeting with the minister and we are thankful to him for granting the request we made. And thanks to [minister] Norma Foley for organising this.

Mr Donnellys office confirmed the meeting was scheduled.

The crisis is echoed across the country, with people scrambling to find GP appointments in rural and urban areas.

Dr Eamonn Shanahan, Irish College of General Practitioners president and Farranfore GP, said a variety of solutions were needed.

Up to eight years ago we were training about 150 trainees per year, and we had been on a pathway to increase this to 350 trainees a year by 2026, he said.

The minister asked if we could bring that schedule forward, and we plan to have an intake of 350 trainees this year.

However, he said: The difficulty is even with these increases, we are probably still not producing enough to meet the numbers of doctors that are retiring not to mind increasing the numbers to cover increasing patient numbers.

Some areas are already benefitting from an international medical graduates programme, he said.

Formerly known as the Non-EU Rural GP programme, this fast-tracks doctors with experience in other specialities through two-year general practice training.

He pointed to Lisdoonvarna as an example of creative use of these programmes to replace a retired GP.

A package was put together whereby a GP moved to Lisdoonvarna, and the doctor was a GP trainer and brought their trainee with them, he said.

The practice also accessed ICGP funding provided by the HSE for a doctor to take a fellowship in general practice involving study and work. They also have a doctor through the international programme.

Dr Shanahan emphasised GP shortages are not unique to Ireland.
The upcoming referendum on March 8 has two ballot papers. The white paper asks voters to widen the definition of family to include people living in other durable relationships and many Irish feminists seem relatively content to vote yes on that paper.

The Green paper ballot seeks to remove Article 41.2 which discriminatorily characterises women alone as having a "life within the home" and "duties in the home".

As a condition of repeal, the Government is proposing an entirely new, standalone Constitutional Article (42B) entitled Care that states: "The State recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to Society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision."

There are growing numbers of Irish feminists who are publicly admitting that they will vote no on the Green paper ballot. We are among that number.

State obligations

Foremost among our reasons for voting no on the Green ballot is that this proposed article betrays the committed work of many years by groups who campaigned together to achieve important recommendations from the Citizens Assembly and an all-party Oireachtas Committee, only for the Government to propose an entirely opposed understanding of what best constitutes Care.

A Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality comprising 99 members of the public and their independent chairperson started work in 2020, holding hearings and meetings over 16 months (including online during the pandemic).

They concluded: "Article 41.2 of the Constitution should be deleted and replaced with language that is not gender specific and obliges the State to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community."

In December 2022, the all-party Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality ratified the Citizens recommendation, advising Government to hold a referendum to replace Article 41.2 with the following wording: "The State recognises that care within and outside the home and Family gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved. The State shall, therefore, take reasonable measures to support care within and outside the home and Family."

We have all been children, most of us increasingly live into advanced ages, we all get ill; many of us have disabilities, including temporary or acquired, or were born with complex health issues and care needs. The Citizens Assembly and Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality imagined a relationship between us all where together we work to ensure that the care we need will be provided. That caring work we provide is valued. That respite is possible.

'Strive'

The Government wants to insist that it is families, first, foremost and solely who must provide care while the State will "strive" to support them. The Governments proposed clause makes a distance between citizens, presumed clustered in family groupings, and a transcendent State, removed from obligations to care, committed to (at best) offering forms of support for all of the caring work that must be done.

To date, the Supreme Court has refused to find that Article 41.2 imposes legal obligations on the State: because of the wording that the State will merely "endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home".

So, if the new article on Care 42B is inserted into the Constitution we can expect the State to similarly argue that a phrase such as "striving to support" entails no legal obligations on the State to actually support carers.

In our work together since 2009, firstly on the Justice for Magdalenes Campaign, and later on the Clann Project which sought to engage with the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, we have repeatedly seen how the Irish State has practised outsourcing the provision of education, healthcare, and social welfare to private (largely religious) organisations.

This practice means that the State continues to argue to various UN bodies that it is not culpable for any systemic abuse or wrongdoing in those private organisations.

Outlier

The neural pathways that the Irish State developed in footing the bill to allow the Catholic Church control social care provision in Ireland has morphed now into a neoliberal capitalist model. Government pays, but no legal obligations attach, and those who manage to receive any care do so as the beneficiaries of charity or benevolence: not as rights-holders who are entitled to make demands of the State.

We are an outlier among our neighbouring jurisdictions in our abject lack of legislation relating to effective care provision. If the Government had put forward the Citizens Assemblys Referendum proposal, public debate would surely now be focused on what "reasonable measures to support care within and outside the home and Family" might mean. Inevitably, discussion would have turned to the glaring absence in Ireland of a system of statutory rights to care services and supports.

The potential of the Citizens Assemblys recommendation to bring about some systemic change, or to contribute pressure for faster change than State officials prefer, is perhaps why the Government kept it out of the peoples hands.

Thus, the Care Referendum could have beenbut now is notthe first step in expanding the Irish Constitutions coverage of socio-economic rights, bringing Ireland in line with most countries in the world and demonstrating our capability and confidence as a society beginning our second century of independence to shape our own future.

If next Fridays Care Referendum is defeated, co-ordinated and strong civil society advocacy will be requiredand there will be the opportunity for such advocacyto ensure that a future Government puts forward a proposal to enshrine support for care as a justiciable right alongside deletion of Article 41.2.

So far, one opposition party leader has promised to do so, and there is a need for further public pressure to convince all politicians of this approach.

We are committed to breaking the bad habits of the past century where our State outsourced responsibility to a private sector and defended itself from accountability towards the citizens.

We will vote Green no and continue to argue we are better when we accept our mutual obligations to support care for all.

Read More Letters to the Editor: Reject and reword the care amendment
I am woman, hear me roar.

I am quiet little woman forced to resign as RTE Chair, hear me roar.

I am Siun Ni Raghallaigh, and Im not going to be traduced by the minister. Just listen to me roar.

Nobody expected Helen Reddys song to be reinterpreted so soon after the dismissal of the former Chair of RTE. And nobody could have expected the calm skewering by her of the minister. Day, date, and detail, she powered her weaponry home, and deployed a curiously old-fashioned word  traduced  which lent a Biblical flavour to the condemnation.

Ms Ni Raghallaighs nicely timed statement removed any doubt about the ministers actions on the night of her Prime Time appearance. This paper made it clear, immediately after that appearance, that something was seriously wrong with the ministers actions on that day and that it seemed more like meanness than the exposure of a failing state Chairperson.

Screenshot taken from Oireachtas TV of Media Minister Catherine Martin facing questions from TDs and Senators over her comments during a TV interview that led to the chairwoman of the RTE board Siun Ni Raghallaigh to resign hours later. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA Wire

In the absence of data other than that offered by the minister to the Oireachtas Media Committee, Ms Ni Raghallaigh not wanting to receive a letter from the minister seemed at best peculiar, at worst ridiculous. Every second radio programme suddenly had commentators suggesting that refusing to accept a letter belonged more in the time of the Bronte sisters than twenty-first-century Ireland. All very twittery and ladylike, dont you know. Maybe requiring smelling salts?

Tonight's statement put that refusal to accept a letter in a very different light. Its writer says she was told  presumably by civil servants  that the minister wanted to get the letter out to her before the Prime Time interview.

It was now apparent that a plan was afoot, somehow involving the letter and the Prime Time appearance and that would not be changed by any input from RTE, says Ms Ni Raghallaigh.

It began to appear that the letter was as much being dictated by the upcoming Prime Time interview as anything surrounding my clarification about the Collins case.

The former chair may not have known Catherine Martin well  difficult to get to know your minister when she meets you astonishingly rarely  but she could see the teeth of a trap, and while she could not prevent those teeth meeting in her leg, she could refuse to go along with the structure of the trap. Thats what she did, only to find herself mocked as a leftover Victorian.

Siun Ni Raghallaigh (L) and RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Except that while Ms Ni Raghallaigh is neat and quiet and was happy to have Kevin Bakhurst do most of the talking during her time in office, she clearly, after her forced resignation, got mad as hell and became determined not to take it any more. Her statement isnt small in its intent or impact.

Now, one of the points that Minister Martin made repeatedly in her Oireachtas Committee appearance was that her relationship had to be with the Chair, not the Director General. In an appearance distinguished by the weakness of the questioning by TDs and Senators, she managed to establish and re-establish that point. Which makes Ms Ni Raghallaighs rug-pulling last night more lethal. Because she portrays this minister as being hands off.

Hands off may be a euphemism for disengaged.

It indubitably establishes that Catherine Martin is no Simon Harris, no Stephen Donnelly, no Roderic OGorman. None of those three could be described as hands off.

If any state body reporting to them was in an existential crisis complicated by public controversy, theyd be in like Flynn, not hiding behind their civil servants. Yet heres what Ms Ni Raghallaigh says about her experience:

The rule book on good governance may prescribe regular contact between minister and chair as the norm but, from day one, I had no choice but to accept the practice of regular contact between chair and secretary general.

Be clear. Ms Ni Raghallaigh is not making a retrospective complaint. Rather the contrary. She states that the arrangement worked pretty well. Which has to be the most devastating judgment of the minister: that her absence wasnt a drawback or a cause of problems. She literally didnt matter.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh does, however, say that this hands-offery was contrary to the impression given by the minister to the Oireachtas Committee members on Tuesday, 27th February. And then, lest anybody miss what shes saying, she adds this.

The RTE radio and television campus in Donnybrook. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

My experience over the past 15 months has been of a minister actively taking a hands-off approach whilst delegating through her officials.

In fifty years of working with politicians, I have never seen a sacked chair take such action. This is not fury. This is cold determination. Ms Martin and the people working with her cobbled together a plan involving using Prime Time. We cannot speculate about the motivation, but expressing no confidence in someone who reports to you tends to make the reporting person look failed and weak while making you look strong and decisive. At least in the short term.

Catherine Martin survived an Oireachtas Committee in the silence that followed the chairs ejection, not least because the party leaders circled wagons around her.

Siun Ni Raghallaigh managed to shoot an arrow between those wagons last night. That arrow landed right in the middle of Minister Martins reputation. Its still vibrating.
Germanys defence minister on Sunday described Russias leak of a conversation by ranking German military officers as part of Russias information war against the West, saying the aim was to create discord within Germany.

In the audio recording leaked by Russian state media on Friday, German military officers can be heard discussing support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles.

The audio was leaked on the same day that opposition politician Alexei Navalny was laid to rest, after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius said the timing was not a coincidence.

This is clearly about undermining our unity

It is part of an information war that Putin is waging. There is absolutely no doubt about that, he said.

It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve.

Speaking at a news briefing in Berlin, Mr Pistorius added: Accordingly, we should react in a particularly level-headed manner, but no less resolutely.

In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine.

The audio was leaked as a debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles.

This is clearly about undermining our unity, Mr Pistorius said.

Ukraine has been asking for them as it faces setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the United States being held up in Congress.

Earlier this week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war.

His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germanys conservative opposition.

But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.

Mr Pistorius said the officers made clear at all times in the recording that the line of war participation  would not be crossed.
Haitis government has declared a state of emergency, imposing a night-time curfew late on Sunday in a bid to regain control of the streets after an explosion of violence at the weekend.

During the weekend, armed gang members stormed the countrys two biggest prisons, resulting in a mass jailbreak.

The 72-hour state of emergency went into immediate effect as the government said it would set out to find the killers, kidnappers and other violent criminals that it reported escaped from the prison.

The police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend all offenders, said finance minister Patrick Boisvert, serving as acting prime minister.

A motorcyclist rides past burning tyres (Odelyn Joseph/AP)

Prime minister Ariel Henry travelled abroad last week to try to salvage support for bringing in a United Nations-backed security force to stabilise the country in its conflict with increasingly powerful crime groups.

The decree capped a deadly weekend that marked a new low in Haitis downward spiral of violence. At least nine people had been killed since Thursday  four of them police officers  as gangs stepped up coordinated attacks on state institutions in Port-au-Prince.

Targets included police stations, the countrys international airport, and even the national soccer stadium.

But the siege on Saturday night of the National Penitentiary came as a shock even to Haitians accustomed to living under the constant threat of violence.

Almost all of the estimated 4,000 inmates fled during the jailbreak, leaving the ordinarily overcrowded facility eerily empty on Sunday with no guards in sight and plastic sandals, clothing and furniture strewn across the concrete patio.

Three bodies with gunshot wounds lay at the prison entrance.

In another neighbourhood, the bloodied corpses of two men with their hands tied behind their backs lay face down as residents walked past roadblocks set up with burning tyres.

Among the few dozen who chose to stay in prison are 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of working as mercenaries in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

Amid the clashes on Saturday night, several Colombians shared a video pleading for their lives.

Please, please help us, one of the men, Francisco Uribe, said in the message widely shared on social media.

They are massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.

An inmate stands at the National Penitentiary in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Sunday (Odelyn Joseph/AP)

On Sunday, Mr Uribe told journalists who walked breezily into the usually highly guarded facility: I didnt flee because Im innocent.

Colombias foreign ministry called on Haiti to provide special protection for the men.

In the absence of official information, inmates family members rushed to the prison to check on loved ones.

I dont know whether my son is alive or not, said Alexandre Jean as she roamed around the cells looking for any sign of him.

I dont know what to do.

The violence on Saturday night appeared to be widespread, with several neighbourhoods reporting gunfire.

A second Port-au-Prince prison containing around 1,400 inmates was also overrun.

Gang gunmen also occupied and vandalised the nations top soccer stadium, taking one employee hostage for hours, Haitis soccer federation said in a statement.

Internet service for many residents was down as Haitis top mobile network said a fibre optic cable connection was slashed during the rampage.
The UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict has said there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualised torture and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its attack on southern Israel on October 7.

There are also reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing, said Pramila Patten, who visited Israel and the West Bank from January 29 to February 14 with a nine-member team.

In a report, she said the team found clear and convincing information that some hostages have been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence including rape and sexualised torture.

The report comes nearly five months after the October 7 attacks which left about 1,200 people dead and 250 others taken hostage.

Israels war against Hamas has since laid waste to the Gaza Strip, killing more than 30,000 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The UN says a quarter of Gazas 2.3 million people face starvation.

The report said the teams visit was neither intended nor mandated to be investigative in nature.





She said the team was not able to meet any victims of sexual violence, despite concerted efforts to encourage them to come forward, but team members held 33 meetings with Israeli institutions and conducted interview with 34 people including survivors and witnesses of the October 7 attacks, released hostages, health providers and others.

Based on the information it gathered, Ms Patten said, there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations.

Across various locations, the team found that several fully naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down were recovered  mostly women  with hands tied and shot multiple times, often in the head.

While this is circumstantial, she said the pattern of undressing and restraining victims may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence.

Ms Patten said that at the Nova music festival and its surroundings, there are reasonable grounds to believe that multiple incidents of sexual violence took place with victims being subjected to rape and/or gang rape and then killed or killed while being raped.

On Road 232  the road to leave the festival  credible information based on witness accounts describe an incident of the rape of two women by armed elements, Ms Patten said. Other reported rapes could not be verified during their time in Israel.

But she said the mission team also found a pattern of bound naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down, in some cases tied to structures including trees and poles, along Road 232.

Mr Patten said that in Kibbutz Reim, the mission team verified the rape of a woman outside a bomb shelter and heard of other allegations of rape that could not be verified.

At Kibbutz Beeri, the team was able to determine that at least two allegations of sexual violence widely repeated in the media were unfounded due to either new superseding information or inconsistency in the facts gathered.

These included a highly publicised allegation that a pregnant womans womb was ripped open before being killed with her foetus stabbed inside her, Ms Patten said.
Israel has ramped up its criticism of the embattled UN agency for Palestinian refugees, saying 450 of its employees were members of militant groups in the Gaza Strip, though it provided no evidence to back up its accusation.

Major international funders have withheld hundreds of millions of dollars from the agency, known as UNRWA, since Israel accused 12 of its employees of participating in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and left about 250 others held hostage in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

The UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, said on Monday there were reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualised torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment of women during the attack.

The attack sparked an Israeli invasion of the enclave of 2.3 million people that Gazas Health Ministry says has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

Over 450 UNRWA employees are military operatives in terror groups in Gaza - 450. This is no mere coincidence

Aid groups say the fighting has displaced most of the territorys population and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe.

UNRWA, which employs roughly 13,000 people in Gaza, is the biggest aid provider in the enclave.

The allegations on Monday were a significant escalation in the accusations against the agency.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesperson, did not provide names or other evidence to back up the vastly increased number of UNRWA employees it said were militants.

Over 450 UNRWA employees are military operatives in terror groups in Gaza  450. This is no mere coincidence. This is systematic. There is no claiming, we did not know, Mr Hagari said.

UNRWA in a statement accused Israel of detaining several of its staffers and forcing them, using torture and ill treatment, into giving false confessions about the links between the agency, Hamas and the October 7 attack on Israel.

These forced confessions as a result of torture are being used by the Israeli authorities to further spread misinformation about the agency as part of attempts to dismantle UNRWA, the statement said. This is putting our staff in Gaza at risk and has serious implications on our operations in Gaza and around the region.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (Aaron Chown/PA)

After Israels initial accusation against UNRWA, the agency fired the accused employees and more than a dozen countries suspended funding worth about 450 million dollars, almost half its budget for the year.

Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA, had no direct comment on the new Israeli allegations.

UNRWA encourages any entity that has any information on the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff to share it with the ongoing UN investigation, she said.

Two UN investigations into Israels allegations were already under way when the EU said on Friday it will pay 50 million euros to UNRWA after the agency agreed to allow EU-appointed experts to audit the way it screens staff to identify extremists.

Mr Hagari also released a recording of a call he said was of an UNRWA teacher describing his role in the October 7 attack.

We have female captives. I caught one, the male voice is heard saying in Arabic. A man on a second call, alleged to be an Islamic Jihad militant who Israel also claimed was an UNRWA teacher, is heard saying Im inside with the Jews.

The military named the men, though the man in the first call identified himself in the recording by a different name. The military said that name may have been a nickname. The military did not provide evidence as to their employment with UNRWA.

Benny Gantz is meeting US officials (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

The accusations came as Benny Gantz, a top member of Israels wartime Cabinet, met US officials in Washington while talks were under way in Egypt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Meanwhile, violence flared between Israel and Lebanon, amid inflamed tensions across the region.

An anti-tank missile fired into northern Israel from Lebanon killed a foreign worker and wounded seven others on Monday, Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said. The Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon did not immediately claim responsibility for Mondays strike.

Hours later an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon killed three paramedics from Hezbollahs health arm, Lebanons state media said.

US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut on Monday to meet Lebanese officials in an attempt to reduce tensions.

The near-daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Hezbollah fighters and at least 37 civilians in Lebanon. Around 20 people have been killed on the Israeli side, including civilians and soldiers.
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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.
Hong Kong: Govt strongly condemns Hui Chi-fung

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued a condemnation of absconder Hui Chi-fung for intimidating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions judicial officers and government officials.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said Hui blatantly requested foreign countries impose sanctions on the citys judges and judicial officers, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and other public officers, and appealed to the public to carry out doxxing against them.

The statement outlined that Hui attempted to collude with a foreign country or with external elements and called for sanctions and doxxing against Hong Kong SAR officials in an attempt to intimidate them, thereby interfering with the citys judicial proceedings, obstructing the Hong Kong SAR Government from fulfilling its duties and undermining the citys rule of law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned Huis political grandstanding, which it said was rife with ill intentions and could be seen through by all.

It added that Huis actions could amount to perverting the course of public justice, and may also constitute an offence of collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security under Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

The statement stressed that Huis acts demonstrate the need for the Hong Kong SAR Government to protect persons involved in handling cases or work concerning national security, and their family members, from doxxing or harassment. It highlighted that such protections have been included for consideration in the Basic Law Article 23 legislative proposal.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also stated that Hui had shown no intention to face law enforcement and judicial procedures in relation to his suspected illegal acts, and had lied to the court for approval to leave Hong Kong, showing that he is completely devoid of integrity.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it is outrageous that Hui continues to engage in acts and activities endangering national security after absconding overseas.

It stressed that Hui is currently a wanted person and the subject of a Police reward notice on suspicion of committing the offences of incitement to secession, incitement to subversion and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law. It added that Hui should not have any delusions that he can evade his legal liabilities by absconding from Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it does not condone any criminal acts, and will uphold the principle that laws are observed so as to bring offenders to account by adopting all practical measures to bring to justice those who endanger national security and abscond overseas.

People providing pecuniary assistance for Hui to remain overseas and conduct activities endangering national security must also face criminal liabilities, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
ComicommentOcean in sorrow: influx of nuclear-contaminated wastewater

Ecns.cn) 14:23, March 04, 2024

(ECNS)--Japan has started its fourth round of release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, despite opposition among local fishermen, residents as well as backlash from the international community.

Similar to the previous three rounds, approximately 7,800 tons of wastewater, which still contains tritium, a radioactive substance, will be discharged over about 17 days. It is estimated that over 30,000 tons of nuclear-contaminated wastewater will be discharged during the six months after the release began in August 2023.

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth's surface and is one of the most crucial ecosystems on the planet. It serves as the cradle of life, a treasure trove of resources, and the blue home that sustains human existence.

The risks associated with discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean are unpredictable. The actions taken by the Japanese government undoubtedly endanger the global marine environment and the health of all humanity.

A series of accidents at the plant once again highlights the deep-rooted problems of disorder and chaos in the internal management of Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company.

Once again, it proves that the nuclear-contaminated wastewater treatment facility lacks long-term reliability, giving the international community every reason to be concerned about Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo


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Here is my latest column for Tomdispatch.com. Do check out Tom Engelhardts important introduction over there at the original site.

( Tomdispatch.com )  In the midst of Israels ongoing devastation of Gaza, one major piece of Middle Eastern news has yet to hit the headlines. In a face-off that, in a sense, has lasted since the pro-American Shah of Iran was overthrown by theocratic clerics in 1979, Iran finally seems to be besting the United States in a significant fashion across the region. Its a story that needs to be told.

Hit Iran now. Hit them hard was typical advice offered by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham after a drone flown by an Iran-aligned Iraqi Shiite militia killed three American servicemen in northern Jordan on January 28th. The well-heeled Iran War Lobby in Washington has, in fact, been stridently calling for nothing short of a U.S. invasion of that country, accusing Tehran of complicity in Hamass October 7th terrorist attack on Israel.

No matter that the official Iranian press has vehemently denied the allegation, while American intelligence officials swiftly concluded that the attack on Israel had taken top Iranian leaders by surprise. In mid-November, Reuters reported that Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei informed a key Hamas figure, Ismail Haniya, that his country wouldnt intervene directly in the Gaza war, since Tehran hadnt been warned about the October 7th attack before it was launched. He actually seemed annoyed that the leadership of the Hamas paramilitary group, the Qassam Brigades, thought they could draw Tehran and its allies willy-nilly into a major conflict without the slightest consultation. Although initially caught off-guard, as the Israeli counterattack grew increasingly brutal and disproportionate, Irans leaders clearly began to see ways they could turn the war to their regional benefit  and theyve done so skillfully, even as the Biden administration in its full-scale embrace of the most extreme government in Israeli history tossed democracy and international law under the bus.

The gut-wrenching Hamas attacks on civilians at a music festival and those living in left-wing, peacenik Kibbutzim near the Israeli border with Gaza on October 7th initially left Iran in an uncomfortable position. It had allegedly been slipping some $70 million a year to Hamas  though Egypt and Qatar had provided major funding to Gaza at Israels request through sanctioned Israeli government bank accounts. And after decades of championing the Palestinian cause, Tehran could hardly stand by and do nothing as Israel razed Gaza to the ground. On the other hand, the ayatollahs couldnt afford to gain a reputation for being played like a fiddle by the regions young radicals and so drawn into conventional wars their country can ill afford.

The Adults in the Room?

Despite their fiery rhetoric, their undeniable backing of fundamentalist militias in the region, and their depiction by inside-the-Beltway war hawks as the root of all evil in the Middle East, Irans leaders have long acted more like a status quo power than a force for genuine change. They have shored up the rule of the autocratic al-Assad family in Syria, while helping the Iraqi government that emerged after President George W. Bushs invasion of that country fight off the terrorist threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In truth, not Iran but the U.S. and Israel are the countries that have most strikingly tried to use their power to reshape the region in a Napoleonic manner. The disastrous U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, and Israels wars on Egypt (1956, 1967), Lebanon (1982-2000, 2006), and Gaza (2008, 2012, 2014, 2024), along with its steady encouragement of large-scale squatting on the Palestinian West Bank, were clearly intended to alter the geopolitics of the region permanently through the use of military force on a massive scale.

Channel 4 News Video: Iran will back Israel-Gaza ceasefire if Hamas do, says Foreign Minister

Only recently, Ayatollah Khamenei bitterly asked, Why dont the leaders of Islamic countries publicly cut off their relationship with the murderous Zionist regime and stop helping this regime? Pointing to the staggering death toll in Israels present campaign against Gaza, he was focusing on the Arab countries  Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates  that, as part of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushners Abraham Accords, had officially recognized Israel and established relations with it. (Egypt and Jordan had, of course, recognized Israel long before that.)

Given the anti-Israel sentiment in the region, had it, in fact, been rife with democracies, Irans position might have been widely implemented. Still, it was a distinct sign of terminal tone deafness on the part of Biden administration officials that they hoped to use the Gaza crisis to extend the Abraham Accords to Saudi Arabia, while sidelining the Palestinians and creating a joint Israeli-Arab front against Iran.

The region had already been moving in a somewhat different direction. Last March, after all, Iran and Saudi Arabia had begun forging a new relationship by restoring the diplomatic relations that had been suspended in 2016 and working to expand trade between their countries. And that relationship has only continued to improve as the nightmare in Israel and Gaza developed. In fact, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi first visited the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in November and, since the Gaza conflict began, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has met twice with his Saudi counterpart. Frustrated by a markedly polarizing American policy in the region, de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resorted to the good offices of Beijing to sidestep Washington and strengthen their relations further.

Although Iran is far more hostile to Israel than Saudi Arabia, their leaderships do agree that the days of marginalizing the Palestinians are over. In a remarkably unambiguous statement issued in early February, the Saudis offered the following: The Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the U.S. administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all the Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Significantly, the Saudis even refused to join a U.S.-led naval task force created to halt attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Houthis of Yemen (no friends of theirs) in support of the Palestinians. Its leaders are clearly all too aware that the carnage still being wreaked on Gaza has infuriated most Saudis.

In late January, President Raisi also surprised regional diplomats by traveling to Ankara for talks on trade and geopolitics with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, another sign of his countrys changing role in the region. At the end of the visit, while signing various agreements to increase trade and cooperation, he announced: We agreed to support the Palestinian cause, the axis of resistance, and to give the Palestinian people their rightful rights. Thats no small thing. Remember that Turkey is a NATO member and considered a close ally of the United States. To have Erdogan suddenly cozy up to Iran, while denouncing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war on Gaza as a Hitlerian-style genocide, was an unmistakable slap in Washingtons face.

Meanwhile, Iran, Turkey, and Russia recently issued a joint communique that expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and stressed the need to end the Israeli brutal onslaught against the Palestinians, [while] sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. From the Biden administrations point of view, Moscows bombing of civilian sites in Ukraine and Irans role in crushing Sunni Arab rebels in Syria had been the atrocities that needed attention until Netanyahu suddenly pulled the rug out from under them by upping the ante from mere atrocities to what the International Court of Justice has ruled can plausibly be labeled a genocide. One thing was clear: Washingtons long struggle to exclude Iran from regional influence has now visibly failed.

Irans Rising Popularity

At the Gulf International Forum (GIF) last November, Abdullah Baaboud, a prominent Omani academic, said that there had been a very strong condemnation of Israel from Iran and Turkey, embarrassing some Arab countries that are not using the same language. My worry is that this conflict is leading to the empowerment of Turkey and Iran among the Arab public. GIFs executive director, Dania Thafer, concurred. Of that public, she said, Grief and anger have reached unprecedented levels, and added, with each photo out of Gaza, Iran gains more influence across the region. In short, at remarkably little cost, Iran is unexpectedly winning the battle for regional public opinion and its standing in the Arab world has risen strikingly. Meanwhile, the reputation of the United States has been indelibly tarnished by Washingtons full-throated support for what most in the region do indeed see as a merciless slaughter of thousands of children and other innocent civilians.

A recent opinion poll of Arabs in 16 countries, conducted jointly by the Arab Center in Washington, D.C., and the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, Qatar, found that 94% of them considered the American position on Israels war bad. In contrast, a surprising 48% of them considered the Iranian position positive. To grasp just how remarkable such a finding was, consider that a Gallup poll conducted in 2022 found that Shiite Irans name was mud in most Sunni Arab countries and approval of its leadership fell somewhere between 10% and 20%.

In recent months, Iran has made striking use of the weakness of Washingtons case in the region. While the State Department likes to contrast Irans dictatorship with Israels democratic character, only recently foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani observed, The disaster in Gaza removed the mask from the face of the so-called advocates of human rights and showed the extent of vileness, brutality, and lies hidden within the nature of the Israeli regime, whose supporters used to refer to [it] as a symbol of democracy. Although Iran has among the worlds worst human-rights records, Netanyahu has even managed to take the focus off of that.

Losing the Middle East, Washington-Style

Irans allies in the region include Iraqi Shiite militias like the Party of God Brigades (Kataib Hizbullah), which first gained prominence in the struggle against the ISIL terrorist group from 2014 to 2018. Those were years when the regular Iraqi army had essentially collapsed and was only gradually being rebuilt. Washington was also focused on destroying ISIL then and so developed a wary de facto alliance with them in its campaign to crush that caliphate. In January 2020, however, President Trump was responsible for the drone assassination of the groups leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, just after their arrival by plane at Baghdad International Airport in what was evidently an attempt to prevent them, through the Iraqis, from forging an agreement with Saudi Arabia to reduce tensions with Iran.

That assassination led to a long-running, low-intensity conflict between the Shiite militias of Iraq and the 2,500 remaining American troops stationed there. With the onset of the Gaza conflict last October, the Party of God Brigades began launching mortars and drones against Iraqi military bases hosting American soldiers, as well as against small forward operating bases in southeast Syria where some 900 U.S. military personnel are stationed, ostensibly to support the Syrian Kurds in mopping up operations against ISIL. After more than 150 such attacks, on January 28th one of their drones hit Tower 22, a support base where U.S. troops were stationed in northern Jordan, killing three American soldiers, while wounding dozens more.

Irans leaders generally back those Shiite militias, but whether they had anything to do with the attack on Tower 22 remains unknown. Officials in Tehran did, however, immediately recognize the danger of escalation once American troops had actually been killed. And indeed, the Biden administration responded with dozens of air strikes on bases and facilities of the Party of God Brigades in Iraq and Syria. Washington Post reporters were told by Iraqi and Lebanese officials that Iran had actually urged caution on the militias with clear effect. Their attacks on bases hosting U.S. troops ceased. At the same time, the Iraqi parliament and government complained bitterly about Washingtons violation of the countrys sovereignty, while heightening preparations to force the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops from their land. In other words, President Bidens fierce backing of Israels war, his decision to increase weapons shipments to that country, and his bombing of pro-Palestinian militias may have led to the achievement of a longstanding Iranian aim: seeing American troops finally leave Iraq.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, where the militant group Hezbollah has been exchanging occasional fire with Israeli forces in support of Gaza, according to the Post reporters, one Hezbollah figure told them that Irans message was: We are not keen on giving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu any reason to launch a wider war on Lebanon or anywhere else. Wars are unpredictable, and the Lebanon-Israeli border could still erupt dramatically. Moreover, Iranian pleas for restraint appear to have had far less effect on the Houthi leadership in Yemens capital Sanaa, leading to an ongoing American and British bombing campaign on that city and elsewhere in that country that has so far done little to stop Houthi missile and drone attacks against ships in the Red Sea.

So far, however, despite the Republican urge to devastate Iran, that countrys leaders have taken deft advantage of the butchery in Gaza (in which the Israeli military has killed more civilian noncombatants each day than belligerents have in any other conflict in this century). The ayatollahs have significantly increased their popularity even among Arab and Muslim publics that had not previously shown them much favor. They have strengthened their relationship with the Shiites of Iraq and may be on the verge of finally achieving their goal of ending the U.S. military missions in Iraq and Syria.

They have also achieved closer ties with Turkey, while improving relations with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf Arab oil states. In doing so, they have distinctly blunted the Biden administrations aim of isolating Iran while tying the wealthier Arab states ever more firmly to Israel through arms and high-tech deals.

In addition, through its backing of and weaponizing of Israel in these last grim months, Washington has made a mockery of the human rights talking points that the U.S. has long deployed against Iran. In the process, Joe Biden has done more than any recent president to undermine both international humanitarian law and democratic principles globally. With 94% of Arab poll respondents viewing American policy in the region as bad, one thing is clear: for the moment at least, Iran has won the Middle East.

Copyright 2024 Juan Cole

Tomdispatch.com
( Middle East Monitor )  In a conversation in 2020 with Princeton Professor Emeritus, Richard Falk, he told me that historically, colonised nations that have won the legitimacy war have always won their freedom.

Palestine is unlikely to be the exception. The Gaza war, however, is confronting the world with an unprecedented challenge, specifically to governments relationship with international law, their obligations to international institutions, such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and others.

The government is not legitimate unless it is carried on with the consent of the governed, English philosopher, John Locke, said in the 17th century. This is not a mere theory, and it will always be applicable.

Consent, however, does not always reflect itself in the form of transparent and democratic elections. Legitimacy and loyalty to governments can be expressed in other ways as well. Those who do not respect this maxim could easily find themselves embroiled in political upheavals and violent rebellions resulting from popular dissent.

To maintain a degree of international consensus, the United Nations was founded in 1945. It was obvious, from the very start, that the UN did not truly reflect the universal desires of all people. To the contrary, it was structured based on a hierarchical power paradigm, where the victors of World War II emerged as the masters, assigning themselves veto rights and permanent membership at the UN Security Council. As for the serfs, they were assigned with far less consequential seats in the General Assembly.

The UN provided the absolute minimum platform of international legitimacy, but its unequal structure spurred yet another conflict, expressed in the words of British scholar, Adam Groves, who described the privileged status of the permanent five in the UNSC not only as a Western-centric relic of the past, but worse, a means for the status-quo powers to limit the influence and development of other states.

To survive the inequality of the new international system, smaller countries worked together to create alternative, albeit smaller, political bodies within the larger institutions. They used their large numbers to overcome the concentrated power in the hands of the few. They exploited every margin to represent the rights of the worlds poorest and most oppressed nations.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), founded in 1961, was one of several examples that served as, though in relative terms, a success story.

Throughout the years, the US and its Western allies moulded their own version of legitimacy in the way they interpreted international law, in the way they vetoed UN resolutions whenever it did not serve their interests and in the way they isolated defiant members.

Al Jazeera English Video: Final day of ICJ public hearings: Calls for Israeli occupation to be declared illegal

During the Soviet era, the UN and its relevant institutions seemed nominally balanced, as the world was, indeed, divided between east and west, which gave NAM and other mostly Global South-based organisations and alliances greater political value.

Back then, Chinas economic power did not allow it to impose its version of legitimacy on the rest of the world.

Things have changed. The Soviet front crashed in the early 1990s, breaking down a power paradigm that allowed Moscow to maintain a balancing act. On the other hand, China rose in power, slowly acquiring greater influence, thus legitimacy, from countries that grew reliant on the Chinese economic engine.

Another shift is underway. When one listens to the impassioned speeches of Russian, Chinese, Brazilian, South African, Irish, Egyptian, Saudi and UAE representatives, one can see that international consensus is strongly coalescing around the legitimacy of international and humanitarian laws, not only regarding the ongoing war on Gaza, but in other matters of international peace and justice.

Yet, when US Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, raised her hand for the fourth time, on 20 February, casting yet another veto, thus rejecting the Algerian call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, another pillar of international legitimacy broke down.

Even at the ICJ, when the whole world made a case for Palestinian freedom, the US opposed. The Court should not find that Israel is legally obligated to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from occupied territory, the acting legal adviser for the US State Department, Richard Visek, said on 21 February.

Ironically, the US has resorted to these various institutions, including the ICC, of which the US is not even a member, to rationalise its actions in Iraq, in Serbia, in Libya, in Ukraine and many other areas of conflict.

There will be consequences to all of this, and the coming years will prove that the crisis in international legitimacy, resulting from the abuse of power, will hardly be rectified with superficial changes and reforms. The problem is now much more profound and destructive, and the price is simply too high to bear.

Military might alone is hardly enough for any country to acquire and sustain its legitimacy. Neither does economic influence or clever diplomacy. For legitimacy to be maintained, it requires much more than this, starting with the very basic premise that the spirit of international law was not meant to prolong war, but to end it.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Middle East Monitor
By Chandni Desai, University of Toronto | 

(The Conversation)  Gazas education system has suffered significantly since Israels bombardment and assault on the strip began. Last month, Israel blew up Gazas last standing university, Al-Israa University.

In the past four months, all or parts of Gazas 12 universities have been bombed and mostly destroyed.

Approximately 378 schools have been destroyed or damaged. The Palestinian Ministry of Education has reported the deaths of over 4,327 students, 231 teachers and 94 professors.

Numerous cultural heritage sites, including libraries, archives and museums, have also been destroyed, damaged and plundered.

But the assault on Palestinian educational and cultural institutions did not begin in response to the Oct. 7 attack. Israel has a long record of targeted attacks on Palestinian institutions that produce knowledge and culture. That history includes targeting and assassinating Palestinian intellectuals, cultural producers and political figures.

What is scholasticide?

The destruction of education systems and buildings is known as scholasticide, a term first coined by Oxford professor Karma Nabulsi during the 2008-2009 Israeli assault on Gaza. Scholasticide describes the systemic destruction of Palestinian education within the context of Israels decades-long settler colonization and occupation of Palestine.

Recently, a group of scholars working under the name Scholars Against the War on Palestine broadened the definition to include a more comprehensive picture of what is happening during the current war. They outline the intimate relationship between scholasticide and genocide.

The New Arab Video: Israeli forces obliterates Gazas last university

They say scholasticide includes the intentional destruction of cultural heritage: archives, libraries and museums. Scholasticide includes killing, causing bodily or mental harm, incarcerating, or systematically harassing educators, students and administrators. It includes besieging, closing or obstructing access to educational institutions. It can also include using universities or schools as a military base (as was done with Al-Israa University).

The magnitude of destruction has led them to conclude: Israeli colonial policy in Gaza has now shifted from a focus on systematic destruction to total annihilation of education.

As genocide scholar Douglas Irvin-Erickson says: the original definition of genocide as first drafted by Raphael Lemkin in 1943 included the idea that attacking a culture was a way of committing genocide, and not a different type of genocide.

The International Court of Justice

During the recent genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa argued that Palestinian academics were being intentionally assassinated.

Legal representative for South Africa, Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, told the court:

Almost 90,000 Palestinian university students cannot attend university in Gaza. Over 60 per cent of schools, almost all universities and countless bookshops and libraries have been damaged and destroyed. Hundreds of teachers and academics have been killed, including deans of universities and leading Palestinian scholars. Obliterating the very future prospects of the future education of Gazas children and young people.

On Jan. 26, in a landmark ruling, the ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza.

Attempting to eliminate Palestinian futures

Scholasticide is not an event. Its part of a colonial continuum of attacking and destroying a peoples educational life, knowledge systems and plundering material culture and cultural heritage.

The targeted killing of the educated class is intended to make it difficult for Palestinians to restore the political and socio-economic conditions needed to survive and rebuild Gaza.

This systematic destruction is at the core of the settler colonial logic of elimination. It has also been applied to Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the United States and elsewhere. This logic drives a settler population to replace Indigenous peoples in their aim to establish a new society.

For example, this logic was exercised during the 1948 Nakba. Thousands of Palestinian books, manuscripts, libraries, archives, photographs, cultural artifacts and cultural property were looted, destroyed or damaged by Zionist militias. In 1948, Palestinian schools were destroyed or damaged or later appropriated for use by the new Israeli state.

Resistance: Palestinian history and culture

Despite the ongoing attempts to erase Palestinian history, culture and memory, Palestinians have found ways to resist their erasure. In the 1960s and 70s, an anti-colonial revolutionary tradition, produced and influenced by intellectual and political thought, was strengthened.

It helped to create infrastructures for the survival, mobilization and development of the Palestinian people and their national movement. It cultivated transnational relationships of solidarity. It helped displaced Palestinians, separated across geographies, to preserve their identity and reorganize themselves politically.

The intellectual and political thought of this period was passed onto the generations that followed. It influenced educational and political programs, cultural development and practices of resistance. Especially during the First Intifada from 1987-1993. This enabled Palestinians to stay steadfast in their struggle against colonial violence across time and space. Palestinian education and culture form the backbone of the right to self-determination. This is why Israel frequently targets Palestinian education and culture.

Palestinians have endured several periods of intense attacks on their cultural and educational life. This includes the June 1967 war, Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon during which a number of the Palestinian Liberation Organizations institutions were destroyed and the First and Second Intifadas.

Following Israels destruction of the Palestine Research Center in Lebanon in 1982, Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish said:

He who steals land does not surprise us by stealing a library. He who kills thousands of innocent civilians does not surprise us by killing paintings.



(Syrian News Agency/Al Sabah) , CC BY



The colonial theft continues unabashed. Cultural heritage has been annihilated, damaged or plundered in this war. During the bombing of Al-Israa University in January, Israel also targeted the National Museum. Licensed by the Ministry of Antiquities, the museum housed over 3,000 rare artifacts, which were looted.

Most academic institutions around the world remain silent about Israels scholasticide. But others are speaking out. Globally, this includes Librarians and Archivists with Palestine and some academic associations and faculty groups. The ICJs recent order to Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza may motivate other scholars and institutions to consider breaking their silence on scholasticide.

Chandni Desai, Assistant professor, Education, University of Toronto

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Highlights Include:

High-grade diamond drilling intercept of 16.69 g/t Au over a true width of 4.8m at Carrancas

High-grade trench (up to 8.89 g/t Au over 10.4m) and outcrop rock-chip sampling program (up to 21.9 g/t Au) defines 3km mineralized strike along the Rio do Peixe trend close to the Paciencia Complex

Strong (>100ppb Au) gold in-soil anomaly extends mineralization trend 4km southwards at Paciencia Complex.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX:JAG) (OTCQX:JAGGF) is pleased to announce positive results from exploration activities completed during 2023 over three new target trends across the Company's extensive tenement portfolio, located in the Iron Quadrangle in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

During 2023, in parallel with its in-mine exploration activities, the Company continued to advance generative and phase-one exploration programs over areas identified as high priority targets. These targets are strategically important as they are the pipeline of high potential exploration projects in Jaguar's extensive tenement package. The package, which is 56,000 Ha includes tenements attributed to its 2023 acquisition of IAMGOLD's Brazilian assets.

The majority of work completed focused on initial reconnaissance drill testing of the Carancas target within the Rocinha - Carrancas - Carneiro trend close to the Company's Caete complex. Outcrop and trench sampling at various targets along the Rio do Peixe trend and soil sampling targeting previously untested southern extensions to the mineralized Paciencia trend from the currently closed Santa Isabel mine southwards to the tenement limit.

Jon Hill, VP Exploration and Geology at Jaguar Mining stated: "Exploring a pipeline of high potential targets within our exploration portfolio is a fundamental part of the Companys long term strategy. This past year was a breakthrough year for us as we reported initial Mineral Reserves at our Faina project, reported a material increase in Mineral Resource inventories booked through the acquisition of IAMGOLD's Brazilian assets, and advanced a new high grade mineralized zone on the BA structure at our Pilar mine. Our ability to continually generate and progress high quality priority targets across our 56,000 Ha strategic tenement package again speaks to the quality of our portfolio and the opportunity the Company has for new discoveries."

Figure 1. Location of Exploration Activities presented in this Press Release, Rocinha - Carrancas - Carneiro trend, Rio do Peixe trend and Paciencia trend.

Rocinha - Carrancas - Carneiro trend

This mineralized trend is 9km to the east of the Company's Caete plant and is defined by extensive historical surface and underground excavations which have been mapped and sampled over approximately 5km of strike length. Rock chip channel sampling of historical underground excavations reported several very high-grade samples over intervals ranging from 0.7m to over 3m in true thickness. The mineralization is associated with silicification and quartz veining and quartz-sericite-chlorite-carbonate alteration with associated fine disseminated pyrite within a series of shallow-dipping shear zones which traverse the host greenschist sequence at a shallow angle. The host greenschists comprise both metavolcanic and metasedimentary units and interlayered banded iron formation. Rock chip channel samples collected from the underground excavations with grade x thickness (GT) >10 are tabulated below in Table 1.

Table 1. Rock chip channel samples collected from the underground excavations with grade x thickness (GT) > 10 (ETW = Estimated True Width; GT=grade x thickness).

The Company completed a series of shallow reconnaissance diamond drill holes in 2023 to confirm the orientation and quantify the upside potential of the high-grade mineralization sampled in the underground workings. The first hole, FCAR001 intersected a wide zone of mineralization grading 16.69 g/t Au over a true width of 4.8m, which significantly enhanced the potential of this project (Table 2). The targeted structure was successfully intersected in several step-out holes but reported lower grades and thicknesses (Appendix 1). Based on this early work, the geological models are being reviewed and refined to determine what geological conditions can be used distinguish more favourable sites for higher grade, thicker areas from lower grade narrower areas to inform drill targeting going forward.

Table 2. Diamond drilling results for holes FCAR001 and FCAR003 Carrancas target.

Figure 2. Map showing location of drill hole FCAR001 and underground rock chip channel samples at Carrancas relative the entire Rocinha - Carrancas - Carneiro trend.

Rio do Peixe Trend

This Rio do Peixe mineralized trend is located approximately 20km north-east of the Companys Paciencia complex and is defined by extensive historical surface and underground excavations which have been mapped and sampled by the Company over 3km of strike. Surface trenching and rock chip sampling have returned encouraging sampling results which include a best trench sample result of 8.89 g/t Au over 10.4m (true width unknown) and rock chip samples up to 21.9 g/t Au.

The mineralization is associated with quartz veining and quartz-sericite-chlorite-carbonate alteration with fine disseminated pyrite within a series of steep-dipping mylonitic shear zones. The host greenschists comprise variably sheared ultramafic, mafic and quartz - sericite schists and banded iron formation.

Figure 3. Map showing the location of trench samples and rock chip samples from outcrop along the Rio do Peixe trend.

Table 3. Rock chip channel samples collected from the surface trenches with grade x thickness (GT) > 10 (ETW = Estimated True Width; GT=grade x thickness).

Paciencia Trend

The Paciencia trend is defined by a major mineralized crustal shear zone which traverses the Company's Paciencia complex tenement package over a strike length of some 15km. In 2023, the Company completed a soil sampling program (1,200 samples) targeting previously untested southern extensions to the mineralized Paciencia trend from the currently closed Santa Isabel mine southwards to the tenement limit.

This program has successfully defined a robust (>100ppb Au), gold in-soil anomaly named Chame - Cedro that extends the potential mineralization trend southwards along this structure by 4km. Follow-up surface mapping and rock chip sampling has reported to date, more the 10 samples with gold values greater than 5 g/t Au with a peak grade of 22 g/t Au.

Figure 4. Map showing the location of the newly defined, 4km striking Chame - Cedro gold in-soil anomaly relative to the Paciencia trend within Jaguar's Paciencia complex tenement package.

Figure 5. Map showing the 4km striking Chame - Cedro gold in-soil anomaly contoured above 100 ppb Au, extending immediately to the south of the currently-closed Santa Isabel mine.

Quality Control

All sampling and samples utilized at Jaguar uses a quality-control program that includes insertion of blanks and commercial standards in order to ensure best practice in sampling and analysis.

HQ, NQ, and BQ size drill core is sawn in half with a diamond saw. Samples are selected for analysis in standard intervals according to geological characteristics such as lithology and hydrothermal alteration. Rock channel sampling of the underground development follows the same standard intervals as for the drill core.

Half of the sawed sample is forwarded to the analytical laboratory for analysis while the remaining half of the core is stored in a secure location. The drill core and rock chip samples for resource-reserve conversion and grade control samples are transported for physical preparation and analysis in securely sealed bags to the Company's in-house laboratory located at the Caete complex, in Caete, Minas Gerais. Growth exploration samples are sent to the independent ALS Brazil (subsidiary of ALS Global) laboratory located in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis of these exploration samples is conducted at ALS Global's respective facilities (fire assay is conducted by ALS Global in Lima, Peru, and multi-elementary analysis is conducted by ALS Global in Vancouver, Canada). ALS has accreditation in a global management system that meets all requirements of international standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015. All major ALS geochemistry analytical laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for specific analytical procedures.

For a complete description of the Company's sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, please refer to "Technical Report on the Roca Grande and Pilar Operations, Minas Gerais State, Brazil", a copy of which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The drilling results presented in this news release are from drill holes completed by the Company's own fleet of diamond drilling rigs.

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAUSIMM, Vice President Geology and Exploration, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc., and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

The Iron Quadrangle

The Iron Quadrangle has been an area of mineral exploration dating back to the 16th century. The discovery in 1699-1701 of gold contaminated with iron and platinum-group metals in the southeastern corner of the Iron Quadrangle gave rise to the name of the town Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The Iron Quadrangle contains world-class multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Morro Velho, Cuiaba, and Sao Bento.

About Jaguar Mining Inc.

Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims. The Company's principal operating assets are in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex and Caete Mining Complex (Pilar and Roca Grande Mines, and Caete Plant). The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. The Roca Grande Mine has been on temporary care and maintenance since April 2019. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com.

For further information please contact:

Vernon Baker

Chief Executive Officer

Jaguar Mining Inc.

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416-847-1854

Alfred Colas

Chief Financial Officer

Jaguar Mining Inc.

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416-847-1854

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information made in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected," "is forecast," "is targeted," "approximately," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "believe" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the duration of the temporary suspension of the Company's 2023 production guidance in ounces and costs, the expected future release of new guidance for 2023, the anticipated impact of planned changes in mining systems and cost cutting initiatives on the Company's future performance and production results, information related to expected sales, production statistics, ore grades, tonnes milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, definition/delineation drilling, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, currency fluctuations, capital requirements, project studies, mine life extensions, restarting suspended or disrupted operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and resolution of pending litigation. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about the estimated timeline for the development of its mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the impact of any potential power rationing, tailings facility regulation, exploration and mine operating licenses and permits being obtained and renewed and/or there being adverse amendments to mining or other laws in Brazil and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting the forecast plans regarding its operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labour disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and increased costs or production delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development, mining and production, including environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents and workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, procurement fraud and gold bullion thefts and losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Appendix 1

Diamond Drill hole data for Carancas Drill-Holes
TORONTO, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX: WM, OTCQX: WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) today announced the start of approximately 7,500 meters of diamond drilling with two rigs at its Martiniere gold project located in Northern Abitibi, Quebec, 30 kilometres west of the Companys Fenelon gold project and 45 kilometres east of Agnico Eagles Detour Lake gold mine.

The 2024 drill campaign at Martiniere has been designed to meet three principal objectives:

to expand and upgrade the current gold resource;

to collect a representative sample of mineralized material for metallurgical characterization studies; and,

to collect oriented drill core data to support geotechnical rock mass characterization studies.

The 2024 drill program will be conducted in two phases. This first phase is to be completed during March and April; phase 2 will be based on the results returned from phase 1 and is scheduled to commence in early Q3. The results from the Martiniere drilling program will be incorporated into a combined Fenelon/Martiniere Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) scheduled for completion in early 2026.

Given its close proximity to Fenelon, the current 684,300 ounce indicated and 632,300-ounce inferred gold resources and indications that Martiniere is part of a substantially larger gold system, continued exploration is clearly warranted to better define the principal controls on mineralization, identify the centers of higher gold grades and delineate the overall limits of the mineral resource, said CEO Brian Penny.

Wallbridge recently completed its nine-hole, 2,500 metre first phase of drilling targeting near-surface high-grade gold mineralization at the Fenelon project site. Assays are pending. The second phase of drilling at Fenelon will be developed once final results of phase 1 have been received and incorporated into the geologic model.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges most advanced projects, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon) and Martiniere Gold (Martiniere) incorporate a combined 3.05 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of inferred gold resources. Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 square kilometre exploration land package controlled by Wallbridge.

Wallbridge has reported a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) at Fenelon that estimates average annual gold production of 212,000 ounces over 12 years (see Wallbridge press release of June 26, 2023).

Wallbridge also holds a 15.9% interest in the common shares of Archer Exploration Corp. (Archer) as a result of the sale of the Companys portfolio of nickel assets in Ontario and Quebec in November of 2022.

For further information please visit the Companys website at https://wallbridgemining.com/ or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Brian Penny, CPA, CMA

CEO

Tel: (416) 716-8346

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBA

Capital Markets Advisor

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this document may contain forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this document.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI in this document may include, but is not limited to: statements regarding the results of the Fenelon PEA; the potential future performance of Archer common shares; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate the MREs at Fenelon and Martiniere (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this document is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained in this document to reflect new events or circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, this document has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this document. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI, or information contained herein.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the results of exploration activities, the Companys financial position and general economic conditions; the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the Deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs and in the PEA; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; foreign exchange rates; environmental expectations; community and non-governmental actions; and, the Companys ability to secure required funding. Risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Notes to United States Investors

Wallbridge prepares its disclosure in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Terms relating to mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources and economic studies used herein are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended. NI 43-101 differs significantly from the disclosure requirements of the SEC generally applicable to US companies. As such, the information presented herein concerning mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing operations at the company's 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.

Highlights:

Mechanized mining commencing on Zone 2 stopes in the URW1 stockwork vein system.

Airleg mining commencing on Zone 5 stopes at the UR2 and URW3 lode systems.

Limited mechanized mining in Zone 5 scheduled to commence in April.

Stope mining at Tuvatu scheduled to increase throughout March and April.

Continuous gravity concentrator is commissioned and in operation.

Intensive leach reactor is commissioned and in operation.

First long hole drill is in operation conducting sludge hole drilling.

Second long hole drill is on site undergoing commissioning.

Tuvatu Operations Update

The Tuvatu project is currently in the pilot plant stage of operations. The focus of mining operations to date has been on the development of underground access. Open stope mining is starting in March and is set to increase throughout April and May with the introduction of mechanized mining.

Mechanized mining at Tuvatu will consist of long hole open stoping. The first long hole drill is in operation on site and is conducting sludge hole drilling to confirm stope boundaries at the URW1 stockwork vein system in advance of blasting and extraction. The first stopes to be extracted through long hole open stoping will be at the URW1 stockwork vein system in Zone 2. The second long hole drill is undergoing commissioning on site at Tuvatu and will commence sludge hole drilling in the Murau stockwork vein system in Zone 2 once commissioning is complete.

Open stope mining in Zone 5 will initially consist of airleg stoping in March before the introduction of limited long hole open stoping in April. Airleg stoping has started in Zone 5 at the UR2 lode system and will be initiated at the URW3 lode system in late March. Limited long hole open stoping is scheduled to commence in Zone 5 in April before increasing throughout May and June.

The continuous gravity concentrator and intensive leach reactor were commissioned at the end of January and are in operation. New blowers have been ordered for the CIL tanks and are anticipated to be installed by mid-April. Mill throughput of approximately 26,000 tons is anticipated for the three-month period from March to May. Gold production is anticipated to increase during this period as a result of the commencement of open stope mining and full commissioning of the processing plant.

Qualified Person (NI43-101)

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company, and has reviewed, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of 7 diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.

Diamond drill core samples are logged and split by Lion One personnel on site and delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 0.50 g/t Au are re-assayed three times to get two assays within 10% of each other. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are also delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 33 important pathfinder elements.

The Lion One lab has implemented the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to automate workflows, integrate instruments, and effectively manage samples and associated data across all analyses conducted in the lab.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO

Contact Information

Investor inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone:1-855-805-1250 (toll free North America)

Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Shallow high-grade mineralization extends beyond the limits of exploration target.

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Meridian Mining UK. S (TSX:MNO) (Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM) (OTCQB:MRRDF) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to report further strong drill results from its resource delineation program at the Santa Helena Au-Cu-Ag & Zn VMS deposit ("Santa Helena"). Drilling has intercepted multiple bands of shallow mineralization highlighted by CD-421's 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq[1] from 35.0m, including 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m. CD-421's high-grade mineralization projects outside of the modelled limits of Santa Helena's Exploration Target ("Figure 1") announced in December 2023[2], strengthening the upside potential that Santa Helena's drill results have delineated.

The Company is also confirming a major extension of the along strike extent of Santa Helena's mine horizon with CD-431 returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m, located 580m east of the historical mine's limits ("Figure 2"). This extends the focus of Santa Helena's open pitable resource delineation corridor to 1.6km, requiring further infill drilling while yet still remaining open to the east. Drilling programs continue at the Cabacal Project with further results pending.

Highlights Reported Today

Santa Helena assays multiple bands of Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization extending past the Exploration Target's limits: CD-421: 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq [3] from 35.0m;

Including : 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m; A 320m strike extension of Santa Helena's lower Au-Cu-Ag & Zn layer defined and remains open;

Santa Helena's open pit target corridor expanded to over 1.6km but still remains open to the east; VMS system confirmed to extend outwards past historical mine's limits by 580m; CD-431 returns 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m; and

but still remains open to the east; Results confirm that Santa Helena 3km mine horizon's IP anomaly remains only partially tested and remains open.

Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, comments: "As part of the Cabacal hub and spoke development strategy, Santa Helena is adding more high-grade gold-copper-silver and zinc mineralisation into this highly prospective VMS belt. CD-421 also gave another along strike extension to Santa Helena's newly identified lower VMS sequence, combining to add more Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization to an already expanding deposit. Most importantly, the near mine eastern extension is firming up with CD-431's results, extending the potential a further 580m. Having Santa Helena's mineralization and its extension consistently hosted within the 3km IP anomaly generates a strong upside potential for its open and untested areas. This represents a focused corridor hosting multiple geophysical targets which are emerging through our ongoing geophysical program."

Figure 1: Cross section of CD-421 , with Upper Exploration Target, 0.1g/t AuEq grade shell, historical resource, and with the lower zone projecting outwards and up-dip to CD-421's 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq.

Santa Helena Drill Program Update

Santa Helena is a historical Cu-Au-Ag & Zn VMS mine located ~9km to the southeast of the Cabacal Mine. It has over 10,000m of historical drilling and is the most advanced of a series of exploration targets along the Cabacal Mine Corridor. The Company commenced initial drilling in August 2023[4] as part of a verification program, to validate the historical mine's data in line with NI43-101 requirements, and to initiate scout drilling of targets for resource extensions defined by geophysics and coincident geochemical anomalies. The Company's compilation of historical drill data indicated that many past holes were not completely sampled, that reconciliation of surveyed drilled positions and mine workings (and records), indicated that the high-grade massive sulphide mineralization was only partially mined, and that extensions of near-surface mineralization to the east were also not integrated into the historical resource calculations. The Company has concluded that this historical resource area is considered open, and based on new and historical data, defined an Exploration Target of 3.2 - 7.2 Mt @ 3.0 - 3.2g/t AuEq[5]. The Company has completed thirty holes for 1730m to date. Initial results from holes drilled along the main trend for resource verification and resource extension were very positive[6]. The latest results ("Table 1") have continued to define mineralization up-dip and south of the historical resource limits and confirmed that the eastern sector of the trend remains open ("Figure 1"; "Figure 2").

Figure 2: Santa Helena Drilling Results.

CD-421 was drilled to test the continuity of up-dip mineralization on the southern flank of the deposit. The drill hole intersected an upper mineralized zone of 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq (1.1g/t Au, 1.5% Cu, 27.9g/t Ag & 2.0% Zn) from 35.0m, including a higher grade core of 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq (2.2g/t Au, 3.2% Cu, 64.4g/t Ag & 5.5% Zn) from 42.9m. Lower bands of mineralization were present, including 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 0.1% Cu, 4.6g/t Ag & 1.0% Zn) from 58.5m, and 3m @ 0.4g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 1.6g/t Ag & 0.6% Zn) from 79.7m. The latest result continues the eastward extension of strong intersections previously reported over the southern extension of the chargeability anomaly ("Figure 2"; CD-416, CD-360, CD-359). Further scope exists to test the response to the immediate east over a 200m gap in the drilling, and beyond where numerous geophysical targets have been defined.

CD-431, positioned up to 580m to the east of the historical mine's limits, was drilled as one of the Company's initial reconnaissance holes testing the 2km eastern extension of the IP anomaly. The hole was significant in confirming this trend is mineralized, returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.4g/t Au, 27.8g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 38.4m. The mineralization was intersected below an upper carapace gabbroic sill which masks the surface geochemical response of this trend. A further reconnaissance hole, located over 840m further east southeast again, intersected traces of shallow bedrock mineralization. Further geophysical work is being conducted to refine targets in this eastern corridor and remains in progress, with a Fixed Loop Transient Electromagnetic Survey in progress (FLTEM) to supplement the existing IP dataset. Anomalies are expected to be quite subtle, given the limited conductivity of sulphides in the presence of sphalerite, but potentially more copper-rich targets may have enhanced conductivity.

About Meridian

Meridian Mining UK S is focused on:

The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS goldcopper project;

Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt; and

Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil).

Cabacal is a gold-copper-silver rich VMS deposit with the potential to be a standalone mine within the 50km VMS belt. Cabacal's base and precious metal-rich mineralization is hosted by volcanogenic type, massive, semi-massive, stringer, and disseminated sulphides within deformed metavolcanic-sedimentary rocks. A later-stage gold overprint event has emplaced high-grade gold mineralization.

The Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (the "PEA Technical Report") dated March 30, 2023, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mato Grosso, Brazil" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 573 million and 58.4% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 180 million, leading to capital repayment in 10.6 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 1,650 per ounces of gold, USD 3.59 per pound of copper, and USD 21.35 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 671 per ounce gold equivalent for the first five years, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.1:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil (see press release dated March 6, 2023).

The Cabacal Mineral Resource estimate consists of Indicated resources of 52.9 million tonnes at 0.6g/t gold, 0.3% copper and 1.4g/t silver and Inferred resources of 10.3 million tonnes at 0.7g/t gold, 0.2% copper & 1.1g/t silver (at a 0.3 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade), including a higher-grade near-surface zone supporting a starter pit.

Readers are encouraged to read the PEA Technical Report in its entirety. The PEA Technical Report may be found on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S

Mr. Gilbert Clark - CEO and Director

Meridian Mining UK S

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ph: +1 778 715-6410 (PST)

Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/

Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining

Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co

Technical Notes

Samples have been analysed at the accredited ALS laboratory in Lima, Peru. Samples are dried, crushed with 70% passing <2mm, split off to give a mass of approximately 250g, and pulverized to >85% passing 200#. Routine gold analyses have been conducted by Au-AA23 (fire assay of a 30g charge with AAS finish). High-grade samples (>10g/t Au) are repeated with a gravimetric finish (Au-GRA21). Samples are held in the Company's secure facilities until dispatched and delivered by staff and commercial couriers to the laboratory. Pulps and coarse rejects are retained and returned to the Company for storage. The Company submits a range of quality control samples, including blanks and gold and polymetallic standards supplied by Rocklabs, ITAK and OREAS, supplementing laboratory quality control procedures. Approximately 5% of archived samples are sent for umpire laboratory analysis, including any lots exhibiting QAQC outliers after discussion with the laboratory. In BP Minerals sampling, gold was analysed historically by fire assay and base metals by three acid digest and ICP finish at the Nomos laboratory in Rio de Janeiro. Silver was analysed by aqua regia digest with an atomic absorption finish. True width is considered to be 80-90% of intersection width. Assay figures and intervals are rounded to 1 decimal place. Gold equivalents for Cabacal are calculated as: AuEq(g/t) = (Au(g/t) * %Recovery) + (1.492*(Cu% * %Recovery)) + (0.013*(Ag(g/t) * %Recovery)), where:

Au_recovery_ppm = 5.4368ln(Au_Grade_ppm)+88.856

Cu_recovery_pct = 2.0006ln(Cu_Grade_pct)+94.686

Ag_recovery_ppm = 13.342ln(Ag_Grade_ppm)+71.037

Recoveries based on 2022 metallurgical testwork on core submitted to SGS Lakefield

Gold equivalents for Santa Helena are based on metallurgical recoveries from the historical resource calculation, updated with pricing forecasts aligned with the Cabacal PEA. AuEq (g/t) = (Au_(g/t) * 65%Recovery) + (1.492*Cu(%) * 89%Recovery) + (0.474*Zn% * 89%Recovery)) + (0.013Ag(g/t) * 61%Recovery)).

Electromagnetic surveys have been conducted using the SMARTem Geophysical Receiver System manufactured by ElectroMagnetic Imaging Technology (EMIT). Gradient Array IP surveys were conducted using the Company's in-house team, utilizing its GDD GRx816c receiver and 5000W240015A transmitter. Data is processed by the Company's independent consultancy Core Geophysics. Geophysical and geochemical exploration targets are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit.

Qualified Person

Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., MAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and verified the technical information in this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

Table 1: Santa Helena assays reported in this press release.
March 4, 2024  TheNewswire - Vancouver, British Columbia  Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV-VG) (Volcanic or the Company) and joint venture partner Radius Gold Inc. (TSXV: RDU) are pleased to present an update on the first-pass drilling campaign that is ongoing at the Motagua Norte Project.

Drilling to date has confirmed that the broad area of boulder float with abundant visible gold and bonanza grade assay results discovered by Company geologists is underlain by a serpentinite package, and that all of the colluvial boulders of quartz and schists bearing the high-grade gold values have likely moved downslope from a major structural corridor that we have named the Veta Madre Fault Zone.

The Veta Madre Fault contains a wide quartz vein that has been known for some time, and where sampled, has returned relatively high silver and lead results but poor gold numbers. It is a massive vein, forming in places a vertical, impassable wall. Flute marks and slickensides on the vein show near-vertical fault movement. However, in the area uphill from the Mila quartz float field, the vein is not exposed. The drill program conducted to date has cut 6 m to 15 m of colluvium composed of quartz and schist float, bearing visible gold in places, before passing from this colluvium into a serpentinite package. With the drill data in hand it appears that the green schists and serpentinite contact is at the Veta Madre Fault Zone, and the Mila zone within this major structural corridor is the target to be tested. Drilling of this target is underway and drill pads are being prepared along the strike of the structure.

This presents an exciting picture: the Motagua Norte project has geological similarities to the Motherlode and Grassy Valley type orogenic systems of California, hosted in metamorphic rocks along plate boundary faults, often in close association with serpentine rocks. These systems are known for quartz veining with coarse visible gold and high-grade ore shoots, that can have extensive vertical depth components. For example: the historic Empire Mine in California was mined to over 1km depth and produced 5.8Moz at an average grade of 19 g/t Au1.

As we previously reported, the Mila discovery presents an unusual challenge for exploration but an exceptional opportunity. The abundance of gold-mineralized quartz boulders covering the surface makes it difficult to map-out, measure and model the gold mineralized structures. Of approximately 420 rock chip samples collected at surface across the area over one hundred returned assays exceeding 10 g/t gold, including twenty-one of over 100 g/t gold and a maximum of 692 g/t gold. With widely distributed gold-bearing quartz at surface it is difficult to distinguish the in-situ quartz outcrop from boulder scree that has been locally transported downhill. In addition to the obvious quartz vein mineralization, gold has also been observed hosted within sericite altered and micro-veined schist with samples returning assay results of up to 94 g/t gold, indicating potential for significant wall rock mineralization.

The Veta Madre Fault vein exposed in a 20-30 m cliff immediately west of the Mila bonanza-grade quartz boulder colluvium field. At this locality the Veta Madre Fault dips steeply to the north and bears fluting and slickensides indicating dip-slip movement.

Simon Ridgway, Volcanic Gold Mines President and CEO, commented: The Volcanic team continues its dedication to the project; the more we work the more we learn. This recent geological interpretation has significance for the belt as we see similar structural settings in many of the zones we have sampled along the belt.

The team is facing the challenge of working within communities where some have been persuaded by reports and information supplied by NGOs that mining is bad. This challenge requires a constant effort to inform the community to counteract misinformation and erroneous assumptions. However, people want work, and they want to work in their own backyard and not be drawn by necessity to travel to North America to feed their families. Exploration and mining can provide work opportunities. The team is gathering support from all areas to inform and show the positive influence that mining can bring to the area.

About the Motagua Norte project

The Motagua Norte project is a gold system hosted by schists of the Motagua suture zone, an east-west striking belt of metamorphic rocks that outcrops at the line of collision between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.

Volcanic Gold Mines has an option agreement with Radius Gold Inc. to earn a 60% interest in the Cirilo I exploration licence and other licences under applications and negotiation within the Motagua Norte project, as well as the Holly Project where the joint venture has established a high-grade epithermal gold resource 60km north of the Cerro Blanco Gold Deposit. (See news release Sept. 18, 2023).

Technical Information

Luc English PhD, who is a Chartered Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society of London, is the Companys Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. English has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Volcanic

Volcanic brings together an experienced and successful mining, exploration and capital markets team focused on building multi-million-ounce gold and silver resources in underexplored countries. Through the strategic acquisition of mineral properties with demonstrated potential for hosting gold and silver resources, and by undertaking effective exploration and drill programs, Volcanic intends to become a leading gold-silver company.

For further information, visit our website at www.volgold.com.

Volcanic Gold Mines Inc.

Simon Ridgway, President and CEO

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.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward- looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the Companys plans for its property interests in Guatemala. Often, but not always, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the mineral resource estimates; whether the Companys planned exploration work will be proceed as intended; whether the Companys plan for its property interests in Guatemala will proceed as intended; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Companys stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

1 Taylor, R.D., Monecke, T., Reynolds, T.J. and Monecke, J. 2021. Paragenesis of an orogenic gold deposit: new insights on mineralizing processes at the Grass Valley District, California. Economic Geology, v. 116, no. 2, p. 323356.




PEA HIGHLIGHTS

After tax NPV of US$934 million with an IRR of 31.6%

PEA based on a mine life of 25 years with a 2.5 year payback

PEA based on a production rate of 15,600 tonnes of lithium carbonate technical grade per year

Processing based on simple and proven solar evaporation technology

VANCOUVER, BC, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company" or "Lithium South") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is pleased to announce positive results from an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project ("HMN Lithium Project") near Salta, Argentina. The PEA was prepared by Knight Piesold Consulting ("KP") and JDS Energy and Mining ("JDS"), both of Vancouver, in accordance with the standards set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and CIM's Best Practice Guidelines for Mineral Processing ("BPGMP").

Company President and CEO, Adrian F. C. Hobkirk is quoted, "We are very pleased that Lithium South has advanced the HMN Lithium Project to a PEA based on 15,600 tonnes per year lithium carbonate technical grade production. The PEA results highlight attractive economics associated with the project, including a short payback and exceptional Internal Rate of Return. We look forward to taking the HMN Lithium Project to the next stage of development as quickly as possible."

Resource Estimate

The resource estimate for this PEA was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, and uses best practice methods specific to brine resources, including a reliance on core drilling and sampling methods that yield depth-specific chemistry and effective (drainable) porosity measurements. The technical report filed on November 6, 2023, is titled, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate  Hombre Muerto North Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Catamarca and Salta, Argentina, Mark King, Ph.D., P.Geo., Peter Ehren, M.Sc., MAusIMM, September 5th, 2023. The report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, on behalf of the Company by independent consultants Groundwater Insight of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Capital costs (CAPEX) have been updated with quotations from current suppliers working in project construction and development in the Puna region of Argentina. CAPEX estimates include an Indirect Cost of 16.6% of Direct Costs, and a contingency of 30% of Total Costs.

Project Location and Environmental Permitting

The HMN Lithium Project is located at the northern portion of the Salar del Hombre Muerto, at the boundary zone of the Catamarca and Salta provinces, 170 km southeast of the city of Salta. The project area comprises a collection of properties or concessions acquired under purchase options from the existing owner. The properties are held as "minas" (full mining licenses not subject to further area reduction requirements) by a wholly owned Argentine subsidiary of the Company. The HMN Lithium Project comprises six properties distributed over the Salar for a total of 3,237 hectares. All properties are subject to a mining license for borates. The area of the property is not subject to any known environmental liabilities.

Lithium Pricing

A lithium price of $US20,000/tonne (t) was assumed for the study, assuming a 2029 production start-up. The price of lithium has been volatile in recent months, declining from a peak of approximately US$85,000/t in November 2022 and stabilizing to US$13,000/t in 2024. The selected price was based on current published market analysis and by benchmarking the price assumptions found in multiple technical reports from similar brine lithium projects. The benchmarking exercise provided a long-term price range of between US$20,000 and US$25,000/t, with an average of US$22,400/t over seven projects.

The assumption of US$20,000/t is deemed to be reasonable by the Qualified Person ("QP").

Processing

The PEA models process eco-system covers the following units:

The brine chemistry is similar to other brines in the region, which allows the brine to be processed using similar processing technology as existing producers. The nominal extraction rate of the design is 179 liters per second. After an initial preconcentration, lime is added to the brine, which removes a large part of magnesium as magnesium hydroxide and the sulfate as gypsum. When the low magnesium and calcium brine is concentrated to about 0.75% it is fed to the lithium carbonate plant. Most of the noxious impurities that are still left in the brine are removed by selective precipitation through the addition of a solution of soda ash and slaked lime and a final ion exchange polishing. The impurity free brine is then sent to specially designed carbonation precipitators. To produce technical-grade lithium carbonate, a soda ash solution is added at high temperatures, leading to the precipitation of solid lithium carbonate. This solid is then subjected to a series of processes: it is filtered in a centrifuge, washed, repulped, centrifuged once more, and finally washed again. The lithium carbonate is dried and packaged in maxi bags, to be finally transported to the client. The main consumption of reagents in the process is shown in a table below.

Increased Lithium Recovery

The report has an updated lithium recovery process for the HMN Lithium Project brine, which uses industry proven evaporation. An adjustment in the processing sequence will reduce lithium loss as brine entrainments in harvested salts, in the magnesium hydroxide, and in calcium sulfate solids, obtaining a lithium recovery of approximately 70%, an improvement from the previous recovery of 50%. Peter Ehren, M.Sc., MAusIMM, is the QP responsible for Mineral Processing.

About Lithium South

Lithium South owns 100% of the HMN Lithium Project located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina, in the heart of the lithium triangle. The Salar del Hombre Muerto has a history of lithium production, with Livent Corporation in operation for over twenty-five years, in an area just south of the HMN Lithium Project. The HMN Lithium Project is surrounded by a US$4 billion lithium development under construction by POSCO (Korea) and the Sal de Vida Project under development by Allkem. Exploration work to date has delineated a National Instrument 43-101 compliant 1,583,200 tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") Resource on the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo claim blocks, three of five non-contiguous blocks that make up the HMN Lithium Project. With process work underway, Lithium South is transitioning from being a lithium explorer to becoming a lithium developer.

Qualified Person Statements

Peter Ehren is an independent Lithium Consultant. He has more than two decades of experience in the industry. He started his interest in the lithium business during his master's thesis at Technical University of the Delft where he investigated for BHP Minerals the recovery of lithium from geothermal brine (Salton Sea), applying a Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology. After his thesis he worked for SQM as a process engineer and R&D manager till 2007. Since 2007 he started to work as independent consultant in the lithium, boron and potassium industry. He is a world expert in solar evaporation systems, phase chemistry and process developments. Additionally, his experience covers product applications, OPEX and CAPEX estimation, process simulations, engineering, R&D and product development. He has worked in lithium basins and production facilities worldwide. He is a Chartered Professional (AusIMM) and QP for NI 43-101 and JORC.

Dr. Mark King, Ph.D., F.G.C., P.Geo., of Groundwater Insight, Inc., is the QP for resource estimation components of the PEA., as such term is defined by NI 43-101. Dr. King has extensive experience in salar environments and has been a QP on numerous lithium brine projects, ranging from early exploration to production. Dr. King is independent from the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical information mentioned in this press release.

Richard Goodwin, P.Eng., Project Manager for JDS Energy and Mining, Inc., is independent of Lithium South and a QP as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Goodwin is a mining engineer and study manager with over 30 years of experience managing mining operation and projects in various commodities such as base metals, precious metals, PGMs, and diamonds in various domestic and international locations. Mr. Goodwin is responsible for the PEA results, participated directly in the production of this press release, and directly related information in this press release, and approves of the technical and scientific disclosure contained herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lithium South Development Corp.

Adrian F. C. Hobkirk

President and Chief Executive Officer

Investors / Shareholders call 1-855-415-8100 / website: www.lithiumsouth.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor.
Vancouver, British Columbia, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spey Resources Corp. (CSE: SPEY) (OTC: SPEYF) (FRA: 2JS) ("Spey or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed an option agreement (the Agreement) with American Salars Lithium Inc. (CSE: USLI) (American Salars), whereby the Company has granted American Salars the option to acquire the Companys 80% interest in the Candela II Lithium Brine Project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina (the Property).

Under the terms of the Agreement made between the Company, Amercian Salars and A.I.S. Resources Ltd. (AIS), the Company and AIS shall sell their proportion of shares held in Spey Resources Argentina SA (the Subsidiary), which holds a 100% interest in and to the Property. In consideration of the Company optioning its 80% interest in the Subsidiary to American Salars, the Company will receive cash payments totaling CAD$1,958,000 and 5,268,000 common shares in the capital of American Salars (the Shares) at a deemed price of $0.30 per Share as follows:

DATE FOR COMPLETION Cash Shares Within 60 days of the signing of the Agreement $110,000 1,317,000(1) On or before the first anniversary of the signing of the Agreement $176,000 1,317,000(1) On or before the second anniversary of the signing of the Agreement $352,000 1,317,000(1) On or before the third anniversary of the signing of the Agreement $440,000 1,317,000(1) On or before the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Agreement $440,000 On or before the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Agreement $440,000 TOTAL $1,958,000 5,268,000





(1) Subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from issuance, after which upon expiry, the Company agrees to sell no more than 11,000 Shares per business day or cumulatively no more than 55,000 Shares in a five-business day week.

Upon American Salars completion of the earn-in on the Property, the Company shall retain a 12% Net Smelter Royalty on the Property (the NSR), of which American Salars may purchase at any time for a cash payment of $6,600,000. The NSR supersedes and cancels all previously held royalties on the Property.

Approved for release by the Board of Directors,

Nader Vatanchi

Nader Vatanchi

Chief Executive Officer

About Spey Resources Corp.

Spey Resources is a Canadian lithium focused mineral exploration company which has an 80% interest in the Candela II lithium brine project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina. Spey also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Kaslo Silver project, west of Kaslo, British Columbia.

For more information, please contact:

Nader Vatanchi,

CEO, Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1778-881-4631

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including with respect to Kaslo claims. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Companys public filings under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. We seek safe harbour.
Summary

AUST has completed the initial diamond drilling campaign at Stockade Mountain;

Three exploration holes totalling 2,435.9 feet (742.5 meters) were drilled this winter;

The third and last hole was drilled to a depth of 736.7 feet (224.5 meters);

Core has been sent to the assay lab for assaying;

AUST is looking at a reverse circulation ("RC") drilling program in the summer;

AUST is fully funded for the planned exploration programs discussed herein.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Austin Gold Corp. (NYSE American: AUST) ("Austin" or the "Company") announces that the Company has completed the third diamond drill hole at its Stockade Mountain Project located in Malheur County, Oregon. All core samples are at the assay laboratory and are in the process of being prepped and assayed, with results expected in four to six weeks.

The initial two holes confirmed that the mineralizing system at Stockade Mountain is robust and contains significant gold grades, with the strongest intercept of 8.19 g/t over 4 feet (1.2 meters) and several other gold intercepts of interest (see news release dated January 30, 2024 for details). The third and last hole was drilled to a depth of 736.7 feet (224.5 meters) with the three exploration holes totalling 2,435.9 feet (742.5 meters).

Stockade Mountain is a classic low-sulfidation/hot springs gold and silver exploration-stage project with a history of significant exploration work in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At that time, targeted mineralization was near-surface gold deposits minable by open pit methods. The last hole drilled at Stockade was in 1993 by Placer Dome, and until Austin's current drill program, no drilling had targeted high-grade veins minable by underground methods that are hypothesized to occur below the known lower grade stockworks mineralization.

The Company's drilling program was designed to test beneath the known high-level gold/silver-bearing stockworks mineralization for high-grade vein deposits formed deeper in the hydrothermal system. This is the first known use of diamond drilling on the property, which allows the Company to have a better understanding of the host rocks and mineralization. Due to extremely difficult ground conditions caused by mud and snow, this initial program has been limited to the completed three core holes.

The Stockade Mountain Project consists of 261 unpatented lode mining claims that cover an area of 6,790 acres, located in Malheur County, Oregon, approximately 85 kilometers southeast of Burns, Oregon, and 150 kilometers southwest of Boise, Idaho.

Austin is fully funded for all planned exploration programs. The Company continues to review other projects that may have exceptional discovery potential for economic gold/silver deposits.

Robert M. Hatch, the Qualified Person for Austin as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Austin Gold Corp.

Austin is a gold exploration company focused on gold targets and making district-scale gold discoveries in the southwestern United States.

Austin has two projects in Nevada. The Kelly Creek Project is located on the Battle Mountain-Eureka (Cortez) gold trend in Humboldt County and the Lone Mountain Project is on the Independence-Jerritt Canyon gold trend in Elko County. Collectively, these Nevada properties comprise approximately 78.9 km2 of unpatented lode mining claims and private property. In Oregon, the Stockade Mountain Project consists of approximately 21.5 km2 of unpatented mining claims situated in a geological environment that appears the same as the nearby Grassy Mountain Deposit that is being permitted for underground mining.

For further information, please contact:

Darcy A. Higgs, Vice President, Business Development

604-644-6580

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.austin.gold

Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, the Company's expectations, strategies and plans for the Stockade Mountain Project, including the Company's planned expenditures and exploration activities.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - First Lithium Minerals Corp. (CSE: FLM) (OTC Pink: FLMCF) (FSE: X28) ("First Lithium Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the receipt of a favorable official response to its "Consulta de Pertinencia de Ingreso al SEIA del Proyecto de Sondajes OCA" (the "Environmental Approval") for the upcoming drilling exploration program and signing of a Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement") that formalizes the Company's relationship with The Cebollar-Ascotan Indigenous Community "Comunidad Indigena Cebollar-Ascotan" (the "Community") at the Salar de Ascotan, which forms Company's 100%-owned OCA project ("OCA Project") in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile.

The Company received an official response from the Environmental Evaluation Service of Chile "Servicio de Evaluacion Ambiental (SEA)", which states that the Company is not obliged to enter the Environmental Impact Assessment System "Sistema de Evaluacion de Impacto Ambiental (SEIA)" to conduct its upcoming drilling program on the Company's exploration concessions at the salar de Ascotan. The northeastern property areas at the salar de Ascotan (approx. 1,775 ha) were previously identified as priority exploration drill targets following promising Transient Electromagnetic ("TEM") and Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysical surveys. (Ref.: Press Release, March 24, 2023: "First Lithium Minerals Announces Drill Targets and Upcoming Exploration Program").

Upon the receipt of the Environmental Approval, the Company has entered into the Cooperation Agreement with the Cebollar-Ascotan Indigenous Community for the formation of a long-term mutually beneficial partnership for the Community to benefit from the participation in the employment opportunities and social infrastructure improvements.

First Lithium Minerals is dedicated to contributing to environmental sustainability and socio-economic health of the Community. The Agreement establishes provisions for information-sharing, monitoring, and environmental protection. The Community and the Company will oversee the Agreement's implementation and provide active site monitoring to protect the land and water in the project exploration area.

Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director of First Lithium Minerals, commented: "Securing environmental approval and signing the community agreement are important milestones that effectively make our project drill-ready. Through this Agreement, First Lithium Minerals is confirming its commitment and dedication to the environmental and socio-economic sustainability of the Cebollar-Ascotan Indigenous Community. We are extremely pleased to have signed this Agreement with the Community, which provides acknowledgement, consent, and support for our exploration activities, as we continue to advance the OCA project in an environmentally sustainable and responsible way with a full focus on a social license to operate."

The Company is currently in the process of selecting a qualified and experienced drilling contractor and conducting site visits for the drill program logistics and operational planning.

About First Lithium Minerals

First Lithium Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. The Company is currently focusing on exploring for alkali metals at its 100% owned OCA Project comprised of approximately 9,000 ha of mineral exploration concessions located in the salars of Ollague, Carcote, and Ascotan in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. In Q4/22 and Q1/23 the Company conducted two property-wide geophysical surveys, identified two priority exploration targets for potential brine mineralization, and is currently planning its inaugural drilling program at the Salar de Ascotan pending obtaining required drilling permits and licences. First Lithium Minerals is also exploring for lithium and critical metals at its 100% owned exploration properties comprised of 5,640 ha of mining claims in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's website: www.firstlithium.ca.

Qualified Person

Aldo Moreno Salinas is the VP of Exploration for First Lithium Minerals and the Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Moreno is a seasoned geologist with 40 years of experience in exploration and evaluation of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, has a degree in geology from Universidad de Chile, is a member of the Chilean Professional Association of Geologists No. 437 and registered in the Public Records of Competent Persons No. 328.

For further information please contact:

First Lithium Minerals Corp.

77 King St. W Suite 3000

Toronto, ON M5K 1G8

Tel: 416-402-2428 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: prospecting and exploration activities, geophysical and geochemical surveys, its results and interpretation, studies and interpretations of historical exploration and geological information, drill target definition, permitting, licences, environmental laws and regulations, changes in government regulations and laws, obtaining social licence to explore and operate, community engagements, timing of exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, general business, economic, competitive, reliance on third parties, the actual results of operations, and other risks of the resources industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
TORONTO, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Further to its news release dated February 26, 2024, Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (FSE: GG1) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of a strategic investment by a single purchaser (the "Purchaser") on a non-brokered private placement basis (the "Offering") consisting of the sale of 4,500,000 units (each a "Unit"), at a price of $4.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$18.9 million. Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share"), subject to standard anti-dilution provisions, at a price of $5.01 per Warrant Share exercisable until 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is 36 months following the closing date of the Offering (the "Warrant Term"), provided, however, that should the closing price at which the Common Shares trade equal or exceed $6.00 for 20 consecutive trading days following the date that is 24 months after the Closing Date, the Corporation may accelerate the Warrant Term to the date which is 30 trading days following the date a notice is provided to holders of Warrants and a press release is issued by the Corporation announcing the accelerated Warrant Term.

In connection with the Offering, the Company and the Purchaser entered into an investor rights agreement, pursuant to which the Purchaser is entitled to certain rights, provided the Purchaser maintains certain ownership thresholds in the Company, including: (a) the right to participate in equity financings and top-up its holdings in relation to dilutive issuances in order to maintain its pro rata ownership interest at the time of such financing or issuance or acquire up to a 9.99% ownership interest in the Company on a partially-diluted basis; and (b) the right to nominate one person (and in the case of an increase in the size of the board of directors of the Company to eight or more directors, two persons) to the board of directors of the Company in the event that the Purchaser's ownership interest in the Company exceeds and remains at or above 10%, on a partially-diluted basis.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration on the Company's properties in Colombia and for general working capital purposes.

PowerOne Capital Markets Limited acted as an advisor to Collective in connection with the Offering.

About Collective Mining Ltd.

To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com

Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective is a copper, silver, gold and tungsten exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.

The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo system, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper-silver-gold-tungsten Apollo porphyry system. The Company's near-term objective is to drill the shallow portions of the Apollo system, continue to expand the overall dimensions of the system, which remains open in most directions and test newly generated grassroots targets.

Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CNL", on the OTCQX under the trading symbol "CNLMF" and on the FWB under the trading symbol "GG1".

Information Contact:

Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) on X

Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In this news release, forward-looking information relates, among other things, to: statements with respect to the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, proposed activities and strategy anticipated, advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: planed use of proceeds from the Offering, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated May 2, 2023. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
A communications blackout has made information scarce from Sudan's Al-Jazira state, which paramilitaries pushed into in December, but rare interviews with residents have detailed grim conditions in the former safe haven.

One resident, who requested anonymity for their safety, told AFP that Mohamed Hamdan Daglo's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shot at dozens of people in the village of Baranko last week.

The testimony adds to a litany of abuses during more than 10 months of war between Daglo's forces and Sudan's army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The United Nations human rights chief on Friday said Sudanese civilians are living in "sheer terror" and both sides had consistently acted with impunity for multiple rights violations.

"On February 22, the militia fired on dozens of residents who were protesting against the arrest of several young people guarding the houses," said the resident of Baranko, about halfway between state capital Wad Madani and Khartoum to the north.

Multiple local sources reported 18 wounded in the shooting, a few of whom managed to reach a hospital in Shendi, 250 kilometres to the north, by taking side roads.

Breaking the communications siege via a rare satellite phone call, the anonymous resident told AFP that young men have been taking turns guarding houses at night.

It is a modest attempt to protect the homes from pillage, a signature RSF tactic.

The paramilitary force is the descendant of the Janjaweed militia, which began a scorched earth campaign in Sudan's western Darfur area more than two decades ago under strongman Omar al-Bashir.

Washington has accused both sides of war crimes, and said the RSF also carried out ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

Al-Jazira, in central Sudan, had become a refuge for those fleeing the fighting in and around the capital Khartoum.

But in December, the RSF swept into the former breadbasket and proceeded to kill and plunder, witnesses told AFP at the time.

- Fleeing again -

The war has killed thousands, uprooted eight million people and led the country to the edge of famine, aid agencies have warned.

According to UN figures, nearly half a million people had sought refuge in Al-Jazira, including in Wad Madani, but the fighting eventually caught up with them there too, sending thousands fleeing again.

Then on February 7, the internet and telephones were cut off.

Many residents hope to leave Al-Jazira for somewhere safe, but getting away is not easy, said another Al-Jazira resident, Al-Samani, who only gave his first name out of fear of reprisal.

He lives in the village of Tabet, 80 kilometres northwest of Wad Madani, and spoke to AFP during a brief window of phone signal.

Buses have either been stolen or run out of fuel in a country where service stations have not been resupplied because of closed roads or challenges moving between areas under rival control.

Even for those lucky enough to find a bus and fuel, they need funds but "leaving is difficult because you have to pay, but online payment applications are paralysed" without internet, said Samani.

In the past 10 months in Sudan, the economy has gone mostly virtual, after a rise in cash thefts that often ruined families.

The mobile app for the country's main bank allows users to wire money, to collect tickets and pay for purchases in stores. But it requires an internet connection, which is no longer functioning.

- 'Terrorising women' -

"For a week, militiamen have been attacking houses and terrorising women to steal their gold jewellery," an essential dowry in Sudan, Samani told AFP.

"And there is not a tractor or agricultural tool they have not looted."

In the nearby village of Abu Adara, "five inhabitants were killed by the RSF on February 25," a local group, known as a resistance committee, reported.

The resistance committees used to organise pro-democracy protests but now provide aid during the war.

Throughout Al-Jazira during the past week, the resistance committee recorded 86 deaths, as well as others wounded, in 53 villages hit by RSF violence.

Amid the blackout, prices are constantly rising, residents say.

One litre of fuel now costs 25,000 Sudanese pounds, or about $20.

One kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat, once priced at 6,000 Sudanese pounds before the RSF arrived, has doubled in cost.

RSF fighters took over swathes of land in Al-Jazira, leaving farmers unable to tend their crops, and accelerating economic damage on top of the looting.

With Sudan having lost "80 percent of its income because of the war", according to Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, an army loyalist, imports have nearly disappeared, compounding the struggle for survival in Al-Jazira state.
During its two and half years of public hearings, The Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) investigated a vast range of human rights violations and abuses that occurred from July 1994 to January 2017 under the regime of Yahya Jammeh. An impressive amount of new evidence was disclosed, and spectacular testimonies kept the country riveted to the proceedings.

In January this year, Ousman Sonko, a former head of police and Interior minister under Jammeh faced victims of crimes that allegedly took place from 2000 to 2016. Sonko is tried before the Federal Tribunal of Bellinzona, Switzerland, for allegedly participating in the murder of soldier Almamo Manneh and the multiple rape of his wife Binta Jamba; his role in the murder of prominent politician and businessman Baba Jobe; the victimisation of the opposition United Democratic Party protesters in April 2016; and the victimisation of alleged participants in a coup in March 2006, as well as two other journalists during that period.

These cases were also investigated by the Gambias TRRC. Before the commission, a number of witnesses mentioned Sonkos role in the crimes. They are the same witnesses who were heard in Bellinzona. Out of 11 witnesses heard before the Swiss Federal Tribunal, eight are actually private plaintiffs in the Swiss case. Nine  Bunja Darboe, Demba Dem, Binta Jamba, Madi Ceesay, Musa Saidykhan, Nogoi Njie (now deceased), Fatoumatta Jawara, Fatou Camara and Fatoumatta Sandeng  had publicly testified before the TRRC. The others had not but they had provided off-hearings evidence to the commission.

A pool of witnesses to tap

During the trial, findings from the TRRCs investigations, including witness testimonies, were cited many times. The defendant himself seemed to have heavily relied on these testimonies, except of course when they implicated him directly. The TRRC is a truth-seeking process not an investigation, Sonko would say, when confronted with evidence that incriminated him.

Its quite clear that these universal jurisdiction cases [trials that are held outside The Gambia] are relying extensively on the TRRC evidence to build their own cases, said Essa Faal, the former lead counsel of the truth commission. The evidence presented at the TRRC gives them a plausible case hypothesis, pool of witnesses to tap, an already judicially scrutinized and accepted narrative and also confessions from co-perpetrators. With this it is easy for these countries to construct viable cases in accordance with [their] laws. Without the TRRC evidence it would take years and lots of resources to build cases against the suspects. Often time its almost impossible for such cases to succeed because it is difficult to gather evidence without credible leads.

Essa Faal, former lead counsel at the Gambian truth commission: "I am certain that these universal jurisdiction cases can potentially shame our government and put them under pressure to ensure accountability for past atrocities as recommended by the TRRC.  Jason Florio / Fondation Hirondelle

New evidence

Although a large chunk of evidence before the court in Bellinzona matches the TRRCs findings, or even relied on them, some new evidence emerged. First and foremost, Sonko had never responded to the allegations made before the Commission. He was arrested in January 2017 in Switzerland where he was seeking asylum. The truth commission began its investigations the following year, and Sonko was never heard.

In Bellinzona, the accused could meet with his alleged victims, and respond to all the allegations against him. He rejected the indictment in its entirety. But victims lawyers argue that his testimony may have also helped their case. The Courts questioning led him to contradict himself on several aspects as well as, in particular, to admit that he had been the one writing the notes that were found in his personal belongings at the moment of his arrest where it is stated that he had received an order from Jammeh to 'shoot and kill' the demonstrators in April 2016, said Benoit Meystre, a lawyer at TRIAL International, a Swiss NGO that initiated the case against Sonko in Switzerland and is assisting the plaintiffs.

The Office of the Attorney Generals in Switzerland (OAG) said they could not comment. The OAG will present the case and comment the evidences (including the TRRC reports) in the hearing, said Matteo Cremaschi, the spokesperson.

It was also the first time that Lamin Sanneh, the prison officer who was guarding former Member of parliament and close ally of Jammeh, Baba Jobe the day he was killed by the regimes death squad, publicly testified on the incident. He had only submitted a written statement to the TRRC. A rape victim also testified in Switzerland while her testimony was protected before the TRRC. Evidence at trial also indicated that more women were victims of sexual assault than was publicly admitted before the commission.

The TRRC findings support the demonstration that massive and targeted repression took place in the country. However, in the Sonko case, it was not sufficient for the prosecutor to charge Sonko of such crimes, said Meystre. Other investigations were conducted, such as the hearing and cross examination of dozens of witnesses and the input of several NGO reports supporting the charges. Other evidence was also necessary for the prosecutor to indict him for specific crimes in which he has allegedly played a role. In other words, the TRRC findings are useful to prove the context of violence while other evidence was necessary for the prosecutor to demonstrate Sonkos role  meaning the specific crimes he is suspected of having committed or participated in - within this violent context.

Putting pressure back home

Last year, a Jungler (member of Jammehs hit-squad), Bai Lowe, was handed life imprisonment in Germany for his participation in human rights violations and abuses during the regime of Jammeh. Sonko is the second Gambian to be tried abroad for Jammeh-era crimes. Interestingly, in the case of Sonko, except for the allegation of rape, all the other crimes he has been indicted for were allegedly committed with other individuals, mostly high-ranking.

One of them is Lang Tombong Tamba, former Chief of the Defense staff in The Gambia.

Part of the evidence against Sonko is his participation in an investigation panel that oversaw the alleged victimisation of individuals accused of participating in a coup in March 2006. Several witnesses mentioned Lang Tombong Tamba as a member of that panel. Tamba himself would also later be victimised for allegedly participating in a coup. His testimony before the Gambias truth commission was an intense one, stretching on for three days. Yet, despite allegations against him, he is currently a deputy ambassador to Russia. Another person adversely mentioned is Sonkos subordinate police officer at the time, Boto Keita, who is still actively serving in the countrys security sector. And there are more.

To date, no perpetrator has yet been tried in The Gambia for crimes committed under Yahya Jammehs regime with the exception of former Junta member Yankuba Touray and several members of the National Intelligence Agency. Last year, Gambias Justice minister said domestic prosecutions would commence in November 2024.

It is undesirable that a foreign country would seriously and diligently prosecute serious crimes committed in The Gambia when most of the co-perpetrators of that crime walk freely in total impunity in the country, Essa told Justice Info. This questions our values and commitment to the ideals of a just society that is anchored on the rule of law. I am certain that these universal jurisdiction cases can potentially shame our government and put them under pressure to ensure accountability for past atrocities as recommended by the TRRC. The Ministry of Justice special adviser on transitional justice Ida Persson said they could not respond to our questions in time for publication.
Han So Hee is often praised for her amazing fan service and gesture towards the media and her fans. However, the actress received attention after she was spotted doing THIS at the Paris Fashion Week 2024.

With her busy schedule and back-to-back K-drama projects, the actress is also jam-packed with brand engagement. Among her most recent was with the luxury jewelry brand Boucheron, where she also serves as one of the global ambassadors.

Han So Hee Caught Doing THIS at Paris Fashion Week 2024

Concluding February, the actress was seen at the Incheon International Airport on the 28th as she headed to Paris, France to celebrate Boucheron's 20th anniversary.

Kicking off the star-studded event, the French jeweler opened a 2,500-square-foot space at the Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, attended by celebrities and key fashion influencers.

During the afterparty, Han So Hee was spotted having fun and entertaining the media with photos and interviews.

However, what caught everyone's attention was when the South Korean star assertively commanded an audience member, "Please be quiet!", while she was posing for a photo.

The incident was deemed unlikely for Han So Hee, given that she is often nice to fans and media. But fans came to her defense and explained the reason behind it.

In an online forum, netizens flocked to express their two cents regarding Han So Hee's viral video. The majority pointed out that the journalist was loud and causing disturbance, which made the actress act that way.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Han So Hee Reportedly Earned THIS Much in 'Gyeongseong Creature'

In addition, fans defended the "My Name" star and said that the press people were probably going overboard and invading her personal space.

Han So Hee's Behavior at Paris Fashion Week 2024 Draws Concern

Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), netizens noticed something off about Han So Hee's behavior. Some speculated something was "off" with the actress.

somethings off about han so hee omg yall never saw someone a lil high aint nothing wrong with that + its legal in france so   daisy  TAP  (@untwoseven) March 3, 2024

All these Han so hee videos?!?! Yall think shes high?? I cant tell but she looks off  winter (@wintercoldrr) March 3, 2024

what is going on with han so hee omg  March 3, 2024

Others even poked fun at the "Nevertheless" star with all the afterparty videos.

This how Han So Hee was looking last night pic.twitter.com/AMdwFEiRJg  Love, Zuha. (@kazoo_slay) March 3, 2024

Han so hee en parispic.twitter.com/6JhzK9dykU  juli (@ttriccerattops) March 3, 2024

Han So Hee seemed unbothered by all the negative comments and continued to update fans with snaps of her fun work trip in Paris.

What's Next for Han So Hee?

Han So Hee may be booked and busy with brand engagements, but the actress continues to work on her upcoming K-dramas. Among them is the anticipated return in Gyeongseong Creature" Season 2, which is set to premiere sometime in 2024.

Other than this, Han So Hee is also in talks to headline the action-fantasy K-drama "Dotgabi," directed by Oh Jin Suk of "My Sassy Girl" and "Queenmaker."

READ MORE: Han So Hee Shows Off Her Hip Tattoo in Chic Airport Fashion Look

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Lee Jae Wook and Lee Jun Young delivered an unexpected bromance in "The Impossible Heir" Episode 1.

'The Impossible Heir' Cast, Plot

Helmed by Min Yeon Hong of "Insider" and "Missing: The Other Side," along with "Miss Butcher" screenwriter Choi Won, the story depicts how a group of rookies plan to take over one of the biggest conglomerates in South Korea.

Officially released on February 28, viewers can see the newest thriller-political K-drama every Wednesday via Disney+ and Hulu.

"The Impossible Heir" stars three of the hottest stars this generation.

Lee Jae Wook takes on the role of Han Tae Oh, the son of a murderer who had to leave his life to start over. In a small town, he meets the illegitimate son of a wealthy CEO, Kang In Ha (Lee Jun Young).

As the story progresses, viewers get to see the duo's chemistry with Na Hye Won (Hong Su Zu).

READ MORE: Lee Jae Wook Launching His Own One-Man Agency Raises Doubts: 'Is he big enough to run a company?'

Like Han Tae Oh, she also suffers from an unfortunate life because of her parents.

The 12-episode series features how the trio joins forces as they attempt to take over the Kangoh group.

'The Impossible Heir' Episode 1: Han Tae Oh & Kang In Na Form An Unlikely Friendship

"The Impossible Heir" Episode 1 began with an eerie scene, featuring Han Tae Oh, who found himself inside a room holding the murder weapon. With bloodied hands, he was stunned to see two lifeless victims lying on the floor.

The scene was cut with Tae Oh moving into a small rural town. He told his landlord that it was the hometown of his mother, but he refused to give further details about it.

As he started his life, Han Tae Oh got bullied at school for being the new guy.

Kang In Ha, the illegitimate son of the CEO, kept on provoking Tae Oh to fight him. Until one day, he found himself being sent home due to an assault.

"The Impossible Heir" Episode 1 also illustrated what Han Tae Oh had been dealing with. At a young age, he witnessed his father beat his mother in front of him. This is also the reason his heart is filled with rage, and he wants to be successful in the future.

Following an incident at school involving Tae Oh and Kang In Ha, the duo decided to stick together as partners instead of friends. Han Tae Oh explained that it was better that way because they both needed something from one another.

He promised to help him reach the top of the social ladder, while Tae Oh would help him get connections and land a stable job.

After high school, Tae Oh began working odd jobs to support his needs and school. He tutored math and also worked in construction.

In one scene, Han Tae Oh utilized his strategic skills and was offered by his professor to buy the proposal focusing on the Kang Oh group's "Co-prosperity Cooperation Centre" because he saw some potential in acquisitions and investments for startup sectors.

However, Tae Oh politely turned down the offer. He and Kang In Ha agreed that they would use it in the future.

One of the significant aspects of "The Impossible Heir" Episode 1 was Na Hye Won's connection with Han Tae Oh.

Because they were neighbors and in the same school, Na Hye Won would often notice Tae Oh, but he was hesitant to greet her or was just too focused on his plan with In Ha.

Tae Oh also found out that Hye Won was In Ha's half-sister, whom he had feelings for.

Will this affect the duo's friendship?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Jae Wook Doppelganger? THIS 'School 2013' Actor Sparks Buzz for Being 'Alchemy of Souls' Star's Lookalike

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills


Monday, March 04, 2024  Actor Jonathan Majors and his girlfriend, actress Meagan Good have made their red carpet debut as a couple.

The couple, who both started dating in May 2023, attended the AAFCA Special Achievement Awards luncheon on Sunday in Los Angeles.

It was the actor's first public event following his conviction in a domestic violence trial in December 2023, for which he's currently awaiting sentencing.

Majors, who could spend up to a year in jail, has recently been accused of abusive behavior by two of his former girlfriends, according to the New York Times.

Meagan, who has been dating the Love Country actor since May 2023, has been by his side, and the two have reportedly grown even closer according to TMZ.

The pair, who jetted off the Los Angeles after Jonathan's conviction, have been staying out of the public eye.

They reportedly completed a cross-country trip together.

Sources said the inseparable couple made a trek from Los Angeles to New York, with a stop in Dallas to visit with the Loki actor's mother, Terri, who was also by his side during the trial.

A source also told People: 'Theyre solid and very much in love.'

Jonathan is already facing up to a year behind bars at the April 8th sentencing in his domestic violence trial against one ex-girlfriend, and now two more exes have come forward to accuse him of abuse.

Jonathan's legal team filed a brief requesting the judge throw out the guilty verdict.

Statements from two of the Devotion star's former girlfriends were submitted to prosecutors before his assault trial.

One of them, Emma Duncan, claimed her four-year relationship with the Emmy nominee began in 2015 while they attended the Yale School of Drama in New Haven, CT.

She alleged Jonathan threatened violence frequently and once threw her across a room, but his criminal defense lawyer Priya Chaudhry denied the incident to People while acknowledging 'many serious arguments' did transpire.

Another former partner, Maura Hooper, claimed she got pregnant when she dated Majors between 2013-2015 and, while he dropped her off at the abortion clinic, he did not pick her up after the procedure.

'Mr. Majors and Ms. Hooper mutually agreed that they should end the pregnancy,' the actor's attorney Priya Chaudhry, told the paper, calling both women 'toxic.'

The Loki star was arrested on March 25 after Grace Jabbari claimed to police that he slapped her face, pushed her into a for-hire SUV, cut her ear, and violently grabbed her middle finger during the drive back to his Manhattan home.

On December 18, Jonathan was found guilty of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment against the 31-year-old dancer by jurors after seven hours of deliberation following a two-week trial.

However, Majors, who plans on appealing was acquitted of two other counts of assault and aggravated harassment.


Monday, March 04, 2024  The European Union hit Apple with a massive $2 billion fine after finding that the tech giant unfairly favored its own music streaming service over rivals such as Spotify.

The company banned app developers from 'fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services outside of the app,' said the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc's executive arm and top antitrust enforcer.

That is illegal under EU antitrust rules. Apple behaved this way for almost a decade, which meant many users paid 'significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions,' the commission said.

The fine follows a long-running investigation triggered by a complaint from Spotify five years ago.

In response to the fine, Apple released a statement alleging that the commission had failed to find 'any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.'

'While we respect the European Commission, the facts simply dont support this decision,' the statement continued. Apple has promised to appeal the ruling.

The statement goes on to remark that Spotify pays Apple 'nothing for the services that have helped to make them one of the most recognizable brands in the world.'

'Were proud to play a key role supporting Spotifys success  as we have for developers of all sizes,' the statement remarked.

At a press conference Monday, Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission executive vice president, accused Apple of 'abusing' its position.

'For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store. From now on, Apple will have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their own users.'

'[The fine] reflects both Apples financial power and the harm that Apples conduct inflicted on millions of European users,' Vestager said.




Monday, March 4, 2024 - A young lady was accosted by a machete-wielding thug at night as she was opening the gate.

CCTV cameras installed in the building captured the ruthless thug confronting the lady and brandishing the machete, prompting her to surrender.

He ransacked her handbag looking for valuables and then ordered her to hand over her phone to him.

He accessed her Mpesa account and found out that she had only 200 bob.

He slapped her and took away the phone.

The thug left after conducting the robbery, leaving the victim terrified.

Watch the CCTV footage.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.


Monday, March 4, 2024  Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria appears to have scammed some hundreds of young Kenyans with a promise to get them some jobs.

This is after they were left stranded after receiving messages to report for internship on Tuesday, March 5, only for some companies to state they were not aware they were to receive new employees.

The young Kenyans were to be placed in different private companies under the National Graduate Internship Programme (WANAGENZI) spearheaded by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

This deal had earlier been announced by the CS himself, during a meeting with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) on February 28.

I made a passionate appeal through the KEPSA that we all partner in the National Graduates internships program and ensure we accommodate as many graduates as possible and help build a strong country for all of us, he stated then.

Immediately thereafter, young Kenyans who were among 50,000 unsuccessful applicants for Public Service Commission jobs started receiving congratulatory messages and new placements in the private sector.

They were also invited for the flagging off of the 2024 WANAGENZI Cohort on Monday, March 4, which has since been called off.

One of the companies in a press statement noted that it had not been consulted before the interns were placed in the firm.

We would like to clarify that we are not currently offering any internship positions under WANAGENZI, nor are we conducting interviews for such positions. We have no affiliation with the mentioned program, the statement read in part.

The company stated that although it had a partnership with KEPSA, it was not engaged in any internship discussion.

We wish to emphasize that the internship announcement referenced in the message is not associated with our organization, Kenyans waiting at their workstations were told.

This was despite the interns receiving the texts from the official government channel which had already uploaded their particulars to the WANAGENZI platform.

CS Kuria has yet to address the stranded interns on the way forward following the confusion.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 04, 2024  A man shot and killed his former dentist in an altercation on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 29, according to police.

Authorities accuse Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, of storming into Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, southern California, with a gun at around 4.15pm. Wearing all black, he is alleged to have opened fire and struck two men and one woman.

Reports state Abdulkareem then fled the scene in a U-Haul pick-up truck, sparking a five-hour manhunt that ended after a concerned citizen reported the vehicle abandoned in San Diego, about 20 miles away.

The suspect was found nearby the truck, allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun and several magazines.

The dentist died at the scene, while the other two victims were rushed to hospital in a condition described as serious but stable.

The dead man is Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a Jewish dentist who worked at the practice, which is owned by his father.

He is understood to have celebrated his birthday just nine days before the shooting.

One of those injured in the attack has been identified as the dental-clinic receptionist, Yareli Carrillo, 29. She was wounded in the leg during the Thursday afternoon attack in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon. Carrillo was wounded along with a 40-year-old employee.

Reports indicate the alleged attack was planned out well in advance, with records showing Abdulkareem legally purchased the gun two weeks ago, though the truck was only rented a few hours before the incident took place.

El Cajon Police Department said in a statement: While the exact motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, it is believed that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer.

The slain dentist was buried Sunday morning, Feb. 3, at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego.

Abdulkareem has since been booked into a San Diego jail, without bail, on charges including murder and attempted murder.


Monday, March 04, 2024  Lawmakers in France are expected on Monday to vote for the right to abortion in the countrys constitution, in a move that has garnered overwhelming public support.

A congress of both houses of parliament in Versailles will find the three-fifths majority needed for the change after it overcame initial resistance in the right-leaning Senate.

If congress approves the move as publicly reported, France will become the only country in the world to clearly protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its basic law.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged last year to include enshrine abortion legal in France since 1975  in the constitution after the US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the half-century-old right to the procedure, allowing states to ban or curtail it.

Frances lower-house National Assembly in January overwhelmingly approved making abortion a guaranteed freedom in the constitution, followed by the Senate on Wednesday.

When political campaigning began in earnest in 1971, we could never have imagined that the right to abortion would one day be written into the constitution, Claudine Monteil, head of the Femmes Monde (Women in the World) association, told AFP.

Monteil was the youngest signatory to Manifesto of the 343, a 1971 French petition signed by 343 women who admitted to having illegally ended a pregnancy, along with up to 800,000 of their compatriots each year.

Abortion was legalised in France in 1975 in a law championed by health minister Simone Veil, a womens rights icon granted the rare honour of burial at the Pantheon after her death in 2018.

But another leading feminist, Simone de Beauvoir, had told Monteil the year before that all it will take is a political, economic or religious crisis for womens rights to be called into question, she recalled.

In that sense, the behaviour of the US Supreme Court did women all around the world a favour, because it woke us up, Monteil said.

Macron has celebrated celebrated what he called the Senates decisive step and immediately called for the parliamentary congress on Monday.

The last time one was called to change the constitution was in 2008, when lawmakers only just approved wide-sweeping reforms under former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Those changes included limiting a presidents time in office to two terms, as well as better safeguards for press independence and freedom.
Monday, March 4, 2023 - President William Ruto has yet again suffered an immense blow after the Busia High Court declared that hiring 1,406 Revenue Service Assistants by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was unconstitutional as it did not meet ethnic diversity.

A judgment rendered by Justice William Musyoka found that the recruitment conducted by KRA in June 2023 was illegal as it violates Articles 10, 27, 56, and 232 of the constitution.

"I have found that the recruitment did not accord with Article 232(1)(b)(1) of the Constitution, therefore, that rendered the same unconstitutional," Justice Musyoka ruled.

In his decision, the judge also found that the October 2023 advertisement for the recruitment of 600 graduate trainees by KRA was unconstitutional and violated Articles 10, 27, 56, 232, and 260 of the Constitution.

"I hereby issue a declaration that the October 9, 2023 advertisement for 600 graduate trainees, to the extent it limits employment opportunities to youth of 28 years, is unconstitutional as it offends the preamble to the Constitution and Articles 10, 27, 56, 232 and 260 of the Constitution," Justice Musyoka ordered.

He further barred the Board Chairman of the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Commissioner General of KRA from recruiting and appointing staff at all levels until they meet the constitutional threshold of ethnic diversity and regional balance.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Monday, March 4, 2024  Kenyan police who will be deployed by President William Ruto to Haiti now have all the reasons to be worried after Haiti gangs released prisoners, including the notorious 18 Colombian soldiers who assassinated former President Jovenel Moise.

The gangs stormed the countrys main prison facility to release local convicts and jailed Colombian soldiers.

Police officers speaking from the scene stated that they were overwhelmed and it was a matter of hours before gangs gained access to the prison.

Reports indicate that the prison under siege is overcrowded and holds some of the most notorious gang leaders in the country.

Let us mobilise the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison, a Union representing Haitian police begged.

Protests have turned deadlier in the past week after embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry travelled to Kenya to meet President William Ruto.

During the meeting, the two leaders signed instruments to allow the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan soldiers to the troubled Caribbean nation.

A former elite police officer, Jimmy Cherizier, popularly known as Barbecue has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

He has vowed to abduct Haitis police chief and Henrys cabinet as well as prevent the Prime Minister from going back to his country.

Before attacking the prison, the gangs had already taken over the nations main airport.

It is not immediately clear how Kenyan police officers will land in the Caribbean nation considering it is under the control of Barbecues men.

Already, the United States has halted all forms of travel of its citizens to Haiti.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now a worried man over the alleged disintegration of the Kikuyu nation.

Speaking at ACK Good Samaritan Nyangwa Church, Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County, over the weekend, Gachagua emphasised the need for Mt Kenya to remain united for increased development of the region under President William Ruto's administration.

According to Gachagua, the region's strength is its unity and urged Mt. Kenya residents not to allow themselves to be divided because they will lose.

"From 2002 when we have been united, we have benefitted from the government because of our unity. We must not be divided because that will be our downfall," remarked Gachagua.

The Deputy President noted that the region suffered for a long time when it was divided.

"Our unity is our strength. Never again will we be divided along the subregions because we suffered for a long time when that happened," Mr Gachagua asserted.

Embu leaders led by Governor Cecily Mbarire assured Gachagua of their support.

"We shall support you because you have fully supported the people of Embu. You have always stood with us," Governor Mbarire said.

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku stated that the Deputy President should be respected for his commitment to fighting for the region's best interests.

"The Deputy President is our leader and must be respected for bringing together the region," the MP said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 4, 2024 - Shrewd businessman, Jimmy Wanjigi, has said former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is not fit to succeed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

While drumming up support for the Azimio leader for his African Union Commission chairmanship on Sunday, Wanjigi said with Railas exit from the local political scene for the continental assignment, Kalonzo should retire.

Raila Odinga expressed his desire for the AU chairmanship and honestly, I believe he is the best man for the job, he will do this country and this content proud.

"Honestly, given his many years of impactful leadership in this country and beyond, I can confidently say he is the right man for the job, he said.

According to Wanjigi, Kalonzo, who is also the Wiper Democratic Movement party leader, does not fit the bill to succeed Raila should the ODM boss clinch the AU seat.

In Wanjigis opinion, Kalonzo should consider retiring from politics and fronting a youthful successor from his party.

Kalonzo Musyoka has hit the road positioning himself to take over leadership, but he should just take the cue from Raila and retire.

"He has nothing new to offer Kenyans and instead should usher in a new leadership in his own Wiper party, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024 - One of President William Rutos close confidants has blasted Mt Kenya residents for complaining about farmers' tax.

Farmers tax was introduced by the Finance Act 2023, which requires farmers, including avocado and pig farmers to pay 5 percent of their earnings to the government.

Most Mt Kenya farmers are opposed to the tax, saying it is punitive and retrogressive.

But speaking over the weekend, Kericho County Senator, Aaron Cheruiyot, attacked the Mt Kenya electorate, saying they should be ready to pay tax like other Kenyans.

All farmers are equal. My tea farmers pay all their dues taxes and levies which are billions of shillings.

"What is wrong with these farmers we are being told they shouldnt be taxed?.

"It is free lunch for all of us or we all pay.No special meals for some, Cheruiyot said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024  The Kenya Kwanza lawmakers are now the laughing stock over the draconian Finance Bill they passed even with strong opposition from Azimio lawmakers, which is now biting them hard.

The ODM Party made fun of the recent concern by government officials and lawmakers on the taxes proposed in the Finance Bill which President William Ruto signed into law.

The lawmakers and ranking officials have been taking stock of the situation on the ground, where Kenyans have been decrying the oppressive tax regimes.

For instance, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua learnt that farmers opposed the tax on farm produce.

A withholding tax of not more than 5% on farm produce was proposed through the Medium-term Revenue Strategy by the National Treasury.

This would see farmers contribute to the government's initiative to raise more revenue.

For every Sh100 made in sales, a farmer would remit Sh5 to the taxman.

However, speaking in Embu on Friday, the deputy president admitted that the tax proposition would exploit the farmers.

According to him, it was unreasonable to fight for the welfare of the local farmers and at the same time deprive them of their profits through taxes.

To right the wrong, the deputy president said he had engaged President William Ruto and the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u to review the proposition.

Reacting to the quick fixes the government seems to be after, ODM said it had warned the lawmakers when the bill was in the National Assembly.

"We rallied our troops in Parliament to oppose the oppressive Finance Bill.

"Our brothers from the other side chanted and called us names, saying how anti-development we were.

"We knew about the BITE. The chewing is now hard, the biting awaits Kenyansthey now know what we meant," the party posted on Twitter.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024 - ODM Party Deputy Leader Wycliffe Oparanya has revealed disturbing news, at least to President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza.

This is after he revealed that Azimio Leader Raila Odinga will not retire from local politics contrary to the expectations by Ruto and his team.

While addressing ODM supporters in Suba South constituency, Homa Bay County, Oparanya made it abundantly clear that Raila would be on the presidential ballot in the 2027 General Election despite his current bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

The former Kakamega Governor called on the electorate to turn up in large numbers and vote for Raila when the time comes.

"How many will vote for Baba? There is nowhere Baba will go, he will remain right here. If he goes to the African Union, it's just a walk. There is only one Baba in the whole world!" Oparanya stated.

At the same time, he asked the residents not to re-elect the area MP Caroli Omondi, whom he accused of betraying the ODM party leader.

He drummed up support for the former area MP John Mbadi to recapture the seat from Omondi, who is among perceived ODM rebels working with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.

Oparanya's remarks come days after Raila ruled out retirement from local politics amid his AU bid.

Speaking during the opening of the Marani Vegetable Aggregation and Marketing Centre in Kisii County on Thursday last week, Raila said securing the coveted AU seat would not deter him from contributing to local political affairs during his free time.

He also assured his supporters that he would not hesitate to avail himself should they need his services in the local political scene.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024 - Azimio One Kenya Alliance spokesman, Prof. Makau Mutua, has urged Kenyans to unite as they campaign for former Prime Minister Raila Odingas bid to become the African Union chairperson.

Raila, 79, has expressed his bid to replace Mousa Faki who retires in 2025.

In a social media post on Monday, Makau, who is among technocrats campaigning for Raila Odingas bid, said in the past Kenya has not done well in campaigning for AU jobs and urged those in power to change that and ensure Raila Odinga is the next AU chairperson.

Makau further urged Kenyans to unite and avoid politicising Raila Odingas bid along ethnic lines.

KENYA hasnt done well in placing its own in high voltage international jobs.

"This time must be different. We must speak as one as we seek the Chairperson @_AfricanUnion.

"Lets not politicize or tribalize Kenyas most important international quest to date. E pluribus unum!, Makau wrote on his X page.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 4, 2024 - ODM Leader Raila Odinga has endorsed nominated Member of Parliament John Mbadi to recapture Suba South MP seat in 2027.

Speaking during the Sindo Recruitment Rally, Suba South, Homabay County, Raila remarked that the current Suba South MP Caroli Omondi had betrayed him and now wants Mbadi to recapture his former seat.

Caroli was given the ODM ticket in the run-up to the 2022 General Election only to pledge his loyalty to President William Ruto immediately after capturing the seat.

The former Prime Minister stated that due to the betrayal by Caroli Omondi, the ODM ticket in 2027 would be a preserved for Mbadi who is the ODM Chairman.

We willingly gave Caroli the ODM ticket when he expressed his intention to vie for MP in South Suba after Mbadi dropped out; that is why he won, Raila stated.

However, I was shocked to learn that Caroli decided to change his stance and join Ruto, citing development as his reason.

Before the 2022 General Election, Mbadi had contested and won three consecutive parliamentary elections.

He started as a Member of Parliament for Gwasi before being elected to represent Suba South in 2013.

Caroli was handed the ODM ticket in 2022 after Mbadi failed to participate in the nomination exercise as he eyed the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat.

The gubernatorial ticket was ultimately handed to Governor Gladys Wanga with Mbadi contending for a parliamentary nomination slot.

Surprisingly, the endorsement comes days after Ida Odinga endorsed Mbadi as Railas preferred successor when he exits Kenyan politics for the AU job, and for Baba to endorse him for the mere parliamentary seat is somewhat a demotion.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 4, 2023 - Thirdway Alliance party leader, Dr Ekuru Aukot, has expressed concerns over President William Rutos decision to send 1000 police officers to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission.

Last week, Ruto and Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henri signed an agreement that will see the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to the war-ridden Caribbean nation.

Speaking with Citizen TV on Monday, Aukot said that Kenya has barely managed to combat its decade-long wars in the northern region yet it wants to send officers to a gang-ruled nation.

"The gangs have taken over the airport, and all the police stations, released about 4,000 prison inmates and they have told Ariel Henri to stay in Kenya because he is not legitimate," said Aukot.

"If we go this route what then stops us from signing an agreement with Al-Qaeda or Al Shabaab or any outlawed movement say Mungiki because they control a certain region."

Aukot further propounded that PM Ariel Henri's legitimacy is in question since Haiti lacks a definite ruling body since the gangs took over power.

"Haiti does not have a parliament even a legitimate government meaning that even Ariel Henri is not legitimate as Prime Minister," he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Monday, March 4, 2024 - The Chinese government has bolstered government operations by donating high-end cars for key operations in the country.

According to the Ministry of Transport, China delivered two high-end Landcruisers and carbon picks to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

The cars will be dispatched to Lamu to help in the building of the Lamu-Garissa Road.

"The Ministry is working collaboratively with partner countries in the advancement of its roads and transport reform agenda aimed at promoting interconnectivity and enhancing seamless movement of people and goods across the country," the statement from the Ministry of Transport read in part.

"This collaborative spirit was demonstrated today when the Government of China donated two heavy-duty Landcruiser single cabin pickups to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to be dispatched to Lamu to facilitate the upgrading of the tarmac of the Lamu-Garissa Road," it added.

Upon completion, the road, which falls under the LAPSSET corridor, will help make the Port of Lamu viable by facilitating trade from Northern Kenya to Ethiopia to other countries thus creating jobs for the people of Lamu and cementing Kenyas standing as the regions port of call.

Besides the cars, China also donated motorbikes to Kenya Railways to be used in the inspection and monitoring of the Standard Gauge Railway line to curb vandalism and ensure optimum functionality.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 4, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has slammed Mt Kenya leaders who are complaining about high taxes imposed on farmers.

Speaking during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) membership recruitment drive in Suba, Homabay County on Sunday, Raila said it was hypocritical for Mt Kenya lawmakers to oppose the implementation of the Finance Bill 2023 they overwhelmingly supported.

Raila recalled telling the MPs that the bill was too punitive and they should reject it completely.

"When they were doing campaigns, they said they would return a guaranteed minimum return. That language has now disappeared.

"I was shocked to see some members of parliament from the region who voted for the bill rushing to oppose the implementation of the bill. Shame on them," Raila said.

Some Mt Kenya leaders have been complaining after KRA ordered farmers including avocado farmers to register ETIMS so that they can pay taxes.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, March 4, 2024 - Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, flew to Raila Odingas Bondo Constituency yesterday morning for a church service, days after President William Ruto toured the same area.

The visit also comes the same week Ruto met Raila Odinga at Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's Kisozi Farm.

While attending a church service at St Andrew's Bondo Catholic Church in Bondo Constituency in Siaya, the MP applauded the area leaders for their efforts in bringing development to the constituency.

The legislators visit comes at a time when speculation is rife that Ruto and Raila could strike a political truce birthed by the latter's bid for the African Union (AU) Commission chairperson position.

Ndindi called on Kenyans to stamp out ethnic politics, in a bid to improve all areas within the country.

Moreover, Ndindi continued to urge the youth to apply for the job positions announced by the government in foreign nations, as a means of eradicating unemployment.

He further elaborated on the matter explaining that there were only 500 positions applied for despite 2,000 nursing positions gazetted by the government.



Further Ndindi commended Homa Bay County for its conference held in the previous week citing that all leaders should emulate the Nyanza leaders in development.

Ndindis visit to Nyanza, comes at a time when there have been speculations in the Kenya Kwanza camp of him being lined up to be Ruto's running mate in the 2027 election.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Sunday, March 03, 2024  Mark Dodson, the actor who gave voice to some of the little creatures in "Gremlins," has passed on at the age of 64.

The voice actor who also brought to life characters for "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," "Day of the Dead" and countless video games died in Evansville, Indiana, while attending a Horror Con.

His daughter told TMZ that he had flown to Indiana for the event, and checked into his hotel. He however suffered a "massive heart attack" while sleeping.

Dodson's first big break in Hollywood came in 1983; he was the voice of Salacious Crumb, the little creature with the high-pitched voice that was always seated dangerously close to Jabba the Hut in 'Return of the Jedi.'

In "Gremlins," Mark was the voice of Mogwai and, inadvertently, had kids everywhere who saw the movie in 1984 imitating his voice.

Mark worked continuously for several decades in film, video games, radio and commercials.


Monday, March 4, 2024 - National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has warned politicians, especially those from the Azimio Coalition, to desist from speaking on the Azimio leaders African Unions Chairmanship bid.

Speaking in Ugunja over the weekend, Wandayi stated that the sentiments of politicians on the matter could negatively affect the rating of the opposition leaders bid.

I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to my colleagues especially those in ODM, to desist from making unnecessary and unhelpful comments on Baba Raila Odingas AU Chairmanship bid, explained Wandayi.

He also added that the quest for the chairmanship is a delicate process, that would be affected by the constant politicking on the matter.

According to Wandayi, the national and international processes are intricate and the rest of the leaders may not be privy to such processes.

Therefore, I appeal to my colleagues to keep off and stay away from this debate until it comes to its logical conclusion, explained Wandayi.

However, Wandayi stated that the only leaders allowed to speak on the matter would be the candidate himself and the fifty-four Heads of State who are allowed to cast votes in the chairmanship elections.

He further noted that keeping off the topic would enable Raila to speak on the matter in ways that are befitting of the position.

The minority leaders sentiments come at a time when Raila's camp is sweating over a proposal seeking to bar countries that have held the chairperson or deputy chairperson positions since 2022.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Monday, March 04, 2024  Toluwalase Arokodare was subjected to racist attacks after missing a penalty in KRC Genks defeat to Club Brugge last weekend.

Toluwalase missed a penalty in their 3-0 loss against Club Brugge at home in Sunday, March 3.

Angry Genk supporters then took to Instagram to send him racist DMs, with many calling him a monkey, a n*****, and others wishing him physical harm and death.

"I hope you get rap*ed. and someone sl*t your throat," one person wrote.

Toluwalase has received messages of support from other fans and players amid the racist messages from trolls.

"Black and proud," he wrote against a screenshot of a DM calling him a monkey.

Arokodare has eight goals in 10 starts for Genk this season.

He joined the Smurfs last summer.
Monday, March 4, 2024 - Former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, has exposed two brothers from a wealthy family in Karen for assaulting their wives.

Sajid Rasul and his brother Shahid (who is a pilot) have subjected their spouses to such severe abuse that Sajids wife, Farhana Salim, suffered a miscarriage and went into early labor due to the assaults.

Unfortunately, no action has been taken against them, as they seem to be very influential and connected, making it difficult for victims to report incidents.

Farhana Salim attempted to report the abuse multiple times at Hardy Police Station but was unsuccessful until she managed to file a report at Karen Police Station last year.

Sajid Rasul's assault on his pregnant wife, Farhana, when she was eight months pregnant, resulted in pregnancy complications.

On Sunday, Sajid's brother seriously assaulted his wife Maliha and locked her in the room, prompting her to seek help while crying via phone.

She sounded distressed and in a lot of pain.

Unfortunately, her subsequent unavailability on the phone has raised concerns over her safety.

The two brothers seemingly enjoy protection from their uncle, Azam, who intimidates those who try to intervene.

Azam even threatened Farhana at Karen Police Station, asserting his financial influence and implying impunity for their actions.

Check out Sonkos tweet.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Monday, March 4, 2024 - Safina Party leader, Jimmy Wanjigi, has challenged President William Ruto to visit Haiti before the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to address gang violence in the Caribbean country.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Wanjigi urged President Ruto to reciprocate the recent visit by Haiti's Prime Minister to Kenya.

"It was very good that the Haiti Prime Minister came to Kenya. That is what somebody who is seeking help does.

"And I think before we deploy any Kenyan to what we are seeing as a war zone, we should be on a fact-finding mission.

"That is why I am asking President Ruto to reciprocate the visit of the Haitian Prime Minister. He should go and visit Haiti," Wanjigi said

The businessman also expressed doubt about the effectiveness of Kenyan police in handling the troubling situation in Haiti, noting that the police are not well-equipped.

"That is a war zone. There is nothing like peacekeeping. I don't [think] the police are well equipped for that, he said

Ruto has already authorized the deployment of 1000 police officers to Haiti to help the government deal with criminal gangs.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, March 4, 2024 - Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, has blasted President William Ruto after his government introduced tax on avocado and pig farmers from Mt Kenya residents.

Using the Finance Act 2023, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is demanding a 5 percent withholding tax on farm produce.

Wamuchomba, who spoke over the weekend, said the provision is repressive to farmers.

"I repeat the Finance Act of 2023, is punitive and oppressive to farmers and small businesses. This is how farmers pay five percent of their produce sales, plus a house levy of 1.5 of total sales."

The rebel Kenya Kwanza Alliance lawmaker said the burden is besides what farmers are expected to pay under the yet-to-be-launched Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) that will replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

"Small traders (kiosks) who collect Sh1 million per year to pay 3 percent of annual income tax plus 1.5 percent for house levy plus NHIF plus SHIF plus? No!" Wamuchomba said.

The legislator said the Finance Act 2023, should be reviewed because it imposes burdens on Kenyans.

"This has to be reviewed. If Parliament cannot, ordinary people will. God with us."

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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Join us as we sit down with Olivia Ong, a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician based in Australia, as she opens up about her incredible journey of resilience and self-discovery. In 2008, Olivia experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed and uncertain about her future. Through raw and honest reflections, Olivia shares how she navigated through the darkest moments of her life, ultimately emerging stronger and more empowered than ever before. Olivias story is a testament to the transformative power of self-compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in oneself. From battling perfectionism to embracing mindfulness and common humanity, Olivias journey is an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and finding purpose in the face of life-altering challenges. Her unwavering determination to not only survive but thrive is a true inspiration to us all. Tune in to this compelling conversation as Olivia Ong shares her insights, wisdom, and lessons learned from her extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Discover what it truly means to be unbreakable in the face of adversity and find the courage to embrace your own inner strength.

Olivia Ong is a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician in Australia.

She discusses the KevinMD article, My spinal cord injury story from physician to patient, and how I rebuilt my nervous system.

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Police say they have so far arrested seven suspects linked to the murder of Buganda Kingdoms Ndiga Clan head, Eng. Daniel Bbosa.

Police publicist, Mr Fred Enanga says among the suspects is Milly Naluwenda, a Buganda Court Kisekwa official who was apprehended last week from Lugunjja.

We would like to inform the public that the Joint Crime Intelligence/CID task teams, in coordination with the KMP territorial team, have in custody 7 suspects, including the hospitalized Lujja Noah, under guard, for being part of the suspects, behind the violent murder by shooting of businessman and clan leader Eng. Daniel Bbosa on 25.02.2024, at around 6pm, in Lungujja Parish, as he was heading to his home in Kikandwa zone, Police said in a statement.

The 5 suspects whose names have been withheld pending legal guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), participated in the murder plot that targeted and eliminated Mr Bbosa.

The deceased, who was gunned down in Lungujja was laid to rest at the Ndiga Clan burial grounds in Mbale village in Mpigi Town Council, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at around 1 pm.
The former Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, Betty Aol Ochan, has advised Mathias Mpuuga to step down from his current position as parliamentary commissioner.

This is after his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP) asked the former LoP, Mpuuga to step down from his current position (parliamentary commissioner), accusing him of corruption and abuse of office after he was given Shs500 million gratuity.

According to his successor, Joel Ssenyonyi, in a meeting held by the party president, Robert Kyagulanyi earlier, Mpuuga was found guilty of corruption upon subjection to a party crisis meeting which resolved to have him resign.

He also noted that during the meeting, Mpuuga admitted that he indeed took part in this wrongdoing and apologized for the same.

However Mpuuga scoffed at an unsigned document purportedly calling for his resignation based on what he called falsehoods and terrible misapprehension of facts including basic ones.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mpuuga explained that the said money (Shs500M) was granted to him by the Parliamentary Commission as gratuity and thus he cannot be accused of any crime.

However, Ochan says her colleague should accept to step down, calling for the removal of other dirty commissioners.

If I were him, I would step aside if its true because it is public knowledge. Probably he has a reason, which he should come out and clarify, Ochan said.
As Muslims prepare to start fasting, the Iganga district Khadi Sheik Sinani Muwanika has cautioned them against waiting for this Holy Month to wed.

Sheik Muwanika said wedding is a must in Islam but some believers attach it to the Ramadan period.

According to Islamic teachings, an unwedded woman is not supposed to prepare food for a Muslim man she is not legally married to during the month of Ramadan.

Devoted Muslims with unwedded women are always advised to either hire or pay their women for the food they cook during the fasting period.

However, Sheik Muwanika said Muslims should not wait for such conditions to happen but instead wed their partners before starting the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He revealed that this years fasting is anticipated to commence either March 10th or 11th.
Martin Okoth-Ochola has handed over the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to his deputy Major General Tumusiime Katsigazi, at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala. Katsigazi, will be serving in acting capacity until when President Museveni appoints a new substantive IGP.

Police spokesperson Mr Fred Enanga in a weekly press brief on Monday said Ochola worked side by side with Gen. Tumusiime Katsigazi which allowed him to see the talent and capabilities that he was.

Enanga says they look forward to seeing the new ideas that he will bring to the office of the IGP.

Meanwhile, the Police Advisory Committee (PAC) members have also welcomed Katsigazis leadership that will oversee over 50,000 members of the Uganda Police Force.

The outgoing IGP has led the Uganda Police Force for the past 6 years.
At the heart of the city, in the Butts, the new premises has been widely praised for its clever melding of the old, protected structures, and the brand new shop premises. Click NEXT to see lots more photographs by Harry Reid and scroll down to read about the opening.

But the building is much more than just a shop and meeting place, as speakers at the reopening told their own stories about the importance of the St Vincent de Paul Society in our community.

From those who needed the helping hand of the Society at a challenging time for their young family, to those who are glad to purchase and wear the second hand clothing in the Vincents shop at the highest levels of government, those gathered for the reopening heard how the Society is a quiet, but vital presence for many.

Everyone involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society is a volunteer, and the recognition of their commitment and hard work was to the fore with all speakers.

The local branch of the SVP has made its home in the building for more than 70 years. Kevin Donohoe, SVP Shop President, told how over the years it has served many different purposes - from the storage and bagging of turf for collection to local homes, the venue for home management courses, bread distribution. The building was even the first office for Kilkenny Credit Union, in 1964.

20 years ago the first SVP shop was opened in Kilkenny by Liam Heffernan. On that occasion the special guest was the oldest local resident, who was 103!

Cutting the ribbon on this new development was National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Rose McGowan.

She said the project could not have come to fruition without all the people that helped, with a special mention for Kilkenny man Geoff Meagher, a former SVP National President, who kept it on the agenda.

Describing the building as more than just a shop, Ms McGowan said having meeting space will make a huge difference to the local Society.

Ms McGowan recalled how volunteers used to bring bags of clothes to people, hoping they would fit. The national president at the time wanted to give people choice and dignity, and the shops began.

Whats vital for us, as a Society, is that we are providing a vital service in the community for people who cant afford main street or online shopping, Ms McGowan said.

The Society is grateful to churches for allowing regular collections, however the shops also provide vital income.

Its not just about buying, she pointed out, some people call in for a bit of heat or a chat if theyre lonely.

Ms McGowan said she was delighted to see Transition Year students from local schools at the reopening. You are amazing and the future of the organisation, she told them.

While collection contributions have remained steady, the demand for help has doubled and the income from the shop is vital for the operation of the Society.

Geoff Meagher was the project manager for the building. He said the site was complex, encompassing the original building and De Loughry House, both listed buildings, and in the conservation area of St Canices Cathedral, but they came up with a plan that worked for everybody.

The project was funded from the sale of a premises on Lord Edward Street as well as government and local authority grants and proceeds from the shop. None of the money raised to help in the community went towards the project, he explained. Click NEXT to see lots more photographs.
Fianna Fail TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness has called on the government to fast-track a solution to stop poor water supply from entering homes in the Clogh and Moneenroe areas of North Kilkenny.

For the past number of years, a number of homeowners in the region have reported poor water quality which has interfered with showering, flushing the toilet and other household activities.

It's understood a permanent solution is in the pipeline but an estimated completion time is still a number of years away.

Speaking in the Dail recently, Deputy McGuinness expressed his frustration at the ongoing issue.

"Boil water notices are regularly issued to the communities of Clogh and Moneenroe. They are fed up and sick to the teeth of what they are experiencing. They turn on the water, flush the loo or have a shower and they never know when the water will turn to brown treacle-like liquid. It is absolutely disgusting and it is wrong in this day and age that people are expected to just suck it up and are being told the issue is being dealt with and Irish Water will get back to them," Deputy McGuinness said.

"Is it not time Irish Water looked at whatever technology is available today, increased funding for the provision of proper, drinkable water to Clogh and Moneenroe and front-loaded the investment to get the job done? This has gone on for far too long and the people in the area are upset, although they tolerate this to a degree," he added.

"I ask the Minister of State to get Irish Water to apply itself to this issue and examine it in detail. It has been looking at the issue for many years. Why is the problem still going on? Why does Irish Water not take immediate action to deal with the problem? Surely this issue is not unique to Clogh and Moneenroe. Surely this type of problem has arisen with water supplies elsewhere and Irish Water can learn from that. If a new water source is needed, it should have been provided years ago," commented Mr McGuinness.

"I get letters from people on this issue. Bottles of the water have been sent to my office. I know what the water looks like. I have been in houses where I have seen it. A person cannot drink it. There are particles in the water. I know Irish Water flushes out the system from time to time, which can also cause a problem. It is not good enough in this day and age, with so much money being invested by Irish Water, that this local community has been left on the long finger. Enough is enough. I am asking the Minister of State to bring forward a longer-term solution in order that this community can, at least, be assured it will have a continuation of quality water supply." the Kilkenny TD concluded.
Teenage entrepreneurs from Presentation Secondary School and Colaiste Abhainn Ri will represent Kilkenny at this years Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Thursday, May 9 in Mullingar Park Hotel.

The students all took part in the Kilkenny county final on Thursday, which was held at Lyrath Estate Hotel. Over 1,000 students from 11 schools took part in the annual programme locally with 110 students making it to the county final.

In the junior category, the students representing Kilkenny at the national finals is Robbie Lyons from Berry Burst at Colaiste Abhainn Ri. The company makes homemade jams in five delicious flavours.

Muireann Bibby and Tom Carey from Gloine Mara at Colaiste Abhainn Ri will be representing the county at the finals in the intermediate category. This company create beautiful handcrafted canvas art gifts from the sea.

In the senior category of the competition, Kilkenny will be represented on May 9 by Niamh Brett, Danica Tervit Kruger, and Hazel Maher from The Little Lost Collection at Presentation Secondary School. The Little Lost Collection is a story book collection created to educate children on the animal welfare situation in Ireland and teach them why it is important to adopt pets.

In the My Entrepreneurial Journey competition, two Colaiste Abhainn Ri students won in their categories, Meabh Moylan of Tastalious Ltd in the junior category and Jamie Power from Pollin8 in the intermediate category.

What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business," said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael Doyle.

"The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers."

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (Acting), of Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny congratulated the students.

We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Kilkenny with over 1000 students from 11 local schools taking part this year. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on Thursday, May 9, and we will all hope to be there to support them.

The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, taking place at Mullingar Park Hotel on May 9.

Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.
The KATRIN neutrino scales will also be covered by the program of the Spring Meeting of the German Physical Society at KIT. (Photo: KIT)

Neutrinos, Higgs bosons, quarks, and others: This years Spring Meeting of the German Physical Society (Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft, DPG) will focus on elementary particles. From March 4 to 8, 2024, more than thousand physicists from all over Germany will meet at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The DPG working groups Equal Opportunities and Young DPG will also be involved in the program. Teachers are invited to attend free of charge. A special highlight of this years meeting will be a ceremonial session to honor particle physicist Professor Herwig Schopper on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The public is invited to attend an evening talk about the mysteries of the invisible universe.



More Information on the Meeting

Weitere Informationen zu allen Fruhjahrstagungen der DPG

German Physical Society

Details on the KIT Center Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics

Contact for This Press Release

Dr. Michaela Lemmer und Melanie Rutowski, M.A., DPG, Tel. +49 (2224) 9232-82; E-Mail: presse does-not-exist.dpg-physik de



Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
Missouri Girl Scouts were told to stop bracelet-making fundraiser for kids in Gaza. Now they can't keep up
DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 18,700 shares, an increase of 23.8% from the January 31st total of 15,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 132,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

DNB Bank ASA Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of DNB Bank ASA stock traded up $0.25 on Friday, reaching $20.29. The company had a trading volume of 50,007 shares, compared to its average volume of 61,310. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.53, a current ratio of 1.49 and a quick ratio of 1.49. The firms 50-day moving average price is $20.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.67. DNB Bank ASA has a 1 year low of $16.34 and a 1 year high of $21.32.

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DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. DNB Bank ASA had a return on equity of 14.54% and a net margin of 21.11%. The firm had revenue of $1.85 billion during the quarter. On average, research analysts anticipate that DNB Bank ASA will post 2.33 earnings per share for the current year.

DNB Bank ASA Company Profile

DNB Bank ASA provides financial services for retail and corporate customers in Norway and internationally. The company offers personal banking products and services, including savings and investment products; loans, such as home mortgages, and car and consumer loans; pet, home and property, travel, and personal insurance products, as well as insurance products for vehicles; retirement savings products; foreign exchange and treasury activities; and Internet and mobile banking services, as well as cards.

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Invesco High Income Trust II (NYSE:VLT  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Monday, March 4th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of 0.0964 per share by the financial services provider on Thursday, March 28th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th.

Invesco High Income Trust II Stock Down 0.5 %

VLT stock traded down $0.05 on Monday, hitting $10.63. The companys stock had a trading volume of 23,793 shares, compared to its average volume of 26,579. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $10.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.18. Invesco High Income Trust II has a 1 year low of $9.29 and a 1 year high of $11.07.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco High Income Trust II

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of VLT. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in Invesco High Income Trust II by 28.6% in the 4th quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 9,192 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $95,000 after buying an additional 2,046 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of Invesco High Income Trust II by 32.7% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 8,010 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 1,974 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in shares of Invesco High Income Trust II by 19.4% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 12,064 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $149,000 after purchasing an additional 1,959 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Invesco High Income Trust II by 6.3% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 15,409 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $161,000 after purchasing an additional 916 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of Invesco High Income Trust II by 7.5% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 19,047 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,323 shares during the period. 16.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Invesco High Income Trust II

Invesco High Income Trust II is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc, and Invesco Canada Ltd.

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By Park Jae-hyuk

Inconsistent government policies and intensifying conflicts with fishermen are hindering European investors and energy firms from betting on offshore wind power projects here, prompting some of them to even leave the Korean market, according to industry officials, Monday.

Shell, which had denied rumors about its exit from the Korean offshore wind market, eventually decided last month to unload its entire 80 percent stake in the MunmuBaram floating wind project off the coast of Ulsan. The British energy firm sold its stake to Hexicon, a Swedish floating wind developer which previously owned 20 percent of the project.

Several other foreign offshore wind farm developers are also said to be considering downsizing their Korean operations, due to the countrys unpredictable business environment, which has changed often following political turnovers.

Despite Koreas natural environment favorable to offshore wind power generation, European investors and developers have mentioned the countrys unstable energy policies and tough regulations as major obstacles to pursue decades-long projects.

For the development of the offshore wind industry, an institution independent of politics is necessary, Daniel Han, who leads the Korean operation of Green Investment Group, said in the first Korea Wind Day event on Feb. 27.

The British green infrastructure investment firm, which is now under Macquarie, also emphasized the need for predictability and transparency in policies related to the offshore wind industry.

Industry officials have pointed out that the central governments request for complex licensing procedures has frustrated attempts by municipal governments to attract foreign investments in offshore wind projects in their regions.

In addition, fishermen mainly backed by the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives have flexed their muscle against foreign offshore wind companies, claiming that the construction of wind farms can cause accidents at sea and their investments can lead to the outflow of the nations wealth.

Last month, the cooperatives published a guidebook for fishermen to secure bargaining power in talks with municipalities over offshore wind projects.

Korean employees at foreign offshore wind companies are mainly tasked with visiting fishermen to convince them, an industry official said.

To simplify the licensing procedures and prevent the uncontrolled construction of offshore wind farms, Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Holger Gerrmann urged lawmakers earlier this year to pass the proposed bill on the Special Act on the Promotion of Wind Power Development and Distribution. The chamber, which represents RWE, Siemens and other German firms, also held a forum on the offshore wind industry last year to call for Koreas nationwide efforts for the industry.

However, the bill was not passed until the last day of the plenary session of the National Assembly on Feb. 29. It is highly likely to be revoked automatically, after the 21st National Assembly ends about a month after the April 10 general elections.

Amid such a skeptical outlook, a Danish energy minister-led business delegation will visit Seoul this week to help Orsted, Vestas and other companies in the European country avoid setbacks in their offshore wind projects here. Germany is also expected to send its federal minister for economic affairs and climate action to Korea later this year.
By Ko Dong-hwan

A subway station in Kuala Lumpur has been renamed after Samsung Electronics' flagship smartphone as the company's latest promotional strategy kicked off in one of its key markets in Southeast Asia, according to the global electronic appliance maker, Monday.

Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) station in the Malaysian capital has become TRX Samsung Galaxy Station. The naming, effective for one year, came last Thursday after the company and the city's metro operator MRT agreed on the ad campaign.

The deal has led to the redesign of the interiors and exteriors of subway cars passing through the station by putting on ad decals for the Galaxy S24 Series and Galaxy AI. The ads for the brand's latest smartphone model and AI engine are all over the station's walls, turnstiles and subway platform safety doors.

The local area in the vicinity of the station is one of the busiest financial districts in the city and is frequented by a heavy volume of foot traffic, according to Samsung. The station, offering a transfer to Kazjang Line and Putrajaya Line, is used by an average of 380,000 passengers per day.

The name change came as Malaysia has seen the biggest volume of new shipments of the company's smartphones in Southeast Asia. Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong chose the country as his first business trip destination this year, paying his first visit last month.

During the visit, he visited a battery factory run by Samsung SDI, an electronic subsidiary of Samsung Group, in Seremban to check its operations and meet employees there. He also visited Samsung Electronics' shop in Kuala Lumpur which is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
By Michael L. Davis

You probably didnt get up really early on Feb. 10 to watch the livestream from Ireland of John Brutons funeral. You may not even know about Bruton, who served as Irelands prime minister from 1994 to 1997. Thats understandable. Theres a lot going in the world right now, Ireland is a small place and the 1990s were a long time ago.

But small countries can be important countries. And events 30 years ago still resonate today,

So let me tell you a bit more about Bruton. Not so much to celebrate Bruton  although, by most accounts, he was an admirable man who transcended politics  but what we can learn about how he influenced history.

Brutons story offers two things that are important for Americans to understand. First, that a government can be fully engaged with the economy but limited in its reach. And second, that we should never give up on the possibility of peace.

To understand the economics, understand that for more than half his life Bruton, who was born in 1947, lived in one of the poorest countries in Europe. From the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1921 until 1991, when the European Union was established, the countrys economy stagnated with high unemployment, negligible growth and economic policies that disastrously shut Ireland off from the global economy.

Bruton and his political allies believed in the talent and character of the Irish people. But they also believed that for Ireland to prosper, it had to open itself up to the rest of the world. They were right. Ireland is now a global hub of multinational business and one of the most successful countries in the world.

Bruton was not an old-school conservative in the mold of Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher. His party, Fine Gael, is labeled center-right, and his governing coalition included left-wing parties. He understood that prosperity comes not from employing top-down industrial policy but from giving the private sector the opportunity to thrive.

Under Brutons leadership, Ireland drastically reduced corporate taxes, making it an attractive place for multinational companies to locate, especially from America. Its a mistake, though, to think of Ireland as simply a tax haven  a place that only looks prosperous because of outsiders using it as hideout from the high corporate taxes in their own countries.

Ireland does, in fact, have very low corporate taxes, but its success also has come because of two other things Bruton considered important: education and trade. Irelands commitment to education began in the 1960s but was advanced and supported by Brutons government. Today, Ireland has a higher percentage of adults with a postsecondary degree than anywhere else in Europe. Irelands younger adults, those between 25 and 34, are even more highly educated and will, no doubt, contribute to Irelands future growth.

Bruton was also a huge supporter of the European Union, cementing Irelands commitment to the EU. When he left Parliament in 1997, he remained active in promoting the EU, becoming the EUs ambassador to the U.S. from 2004 to 2009.

Brutons example demonstrates prosperity happens when governments view business as a partner and not an ATM. And he truly understood that when governments support basic education and encourage global economic partnerships, people thrive.

Those economic wins alone would be enough to merit a live broadcast of his state funeral, but Brutons even greater achievement is in advancing peace in all of Ireland. Bruton left office a few months before the Good Friday Agreement largely ended what the Irish refer to as The Troubles, a bloody conflict between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists that went on for decades. But without Brutons tireless negotiations while he was in office, the agreement might never have happened. Bruton was a tough negotiator with a clear idea of the goal. But he never turned his back. If you called Bruton, he would tell you what he thought and what you should be willing to do. Many of those conversations were tough. But he always took your call.

Its tempting these days for Americans and Europeans to fall into a kind of cynical despair, thinking that our economies are doomed to stagnation while the world collapses into insoluble conflicts. Of course, were right to worry. But Bruton showed that were also right to hope.

Michael L. Davis is an economics professor at Southern Methodist Universitys Cox School of Business. This article was published in the Chicago Tribune and distributed by Tribune Content Agency.
Chinese companies going global at accelerated pace

People's Daily Online) 14:36, March 04, 2024

China's trendy toy brand Pop Mart opened its third offline store in Thailand on Feb. 9. After opening of its first offline store in Thailand in September 2023, Pop Mart has rapidly expanded its presence in the international market over the past half year.

In addition to Thailand, Pop Mart has already launched stores in nearly 20 countries including Singapore, South Korea, France and Australia, and continues to expand into new markets.

Customers shop at the flagship store of MINISO, a Chinese retailer known for its household products, at Times Square in New York, the U.S. (Photo courtesy of MINISO)

MINISO, a Chinese retailer known for its household products, opened its largest flagship store in the UK in Camden, London, on Feb. 17, its 26th store in the country. Since its global expansion nearly nine years ago, MINISO has opened over 6,200 stores in 107 countries and regions worldwide.

In recent years, many Chinese brands have continuously pushed forward their overseas operations, delivering impressive performances not just in cross-border e-commerce, but also in opening offline stores overseas and advancing localization of their supply chains.

While going global, Chinese companies are opening offline stores abroad and bringing their brand philosophy to overseas consumers, instead of just selling products made in China to overseas markets.

They choose locations for their stores after conducting in-depth market research and taking into account the features of their brands.

Photo shows customers in front of the first store of China's trendy toy brand Pop Mart in Thailand. (Photo courtesy of Pop Mart)

When Pop Mart was planning to launch its first brick-and-mortar store in Thailand, its team believed that the first store should be located in central Bangkok and surrounded by many international and local brands to attract locals and people from around the world.

Eventually, Thailand's first Pop Mart store opened at CentralWorld shopping mall in Bangkok's CBD. The store's sales on its opening day exceeded 2 million yuan ($277,889.8), which was far beyond expectations.

Customers shop at Pop Marts first store in Thailand. (Photo courtesy of Pop Mart)

In May 2023, MINISO opened its first global flagship store at Times Square in New York, the US, with long lines forming outside the store on opening day. The store's sales in the first month were eight times the average of the brand's other stores in the US, breaking its global record for highest monthly sales at a single store.

A key focus of MINISO's strategies for upgrading its brand is to open flagship stores in commercial districts to expand its brand exposure and perform better by leveraging the high popularity of business districts.

Ye Guofu, founder of MINISO, said that only by opening large stores can they better improve customers' awareness of the brand, which helps increase sales.

In November 2023, MINISO launched its first IP-themed flagship store featuring Sanrio characters at Margo City shopping center, one of Indonesia's most popular shopping malls, and opened its first UK "Blind Box" store on Shaftesbury Avenue in central London, and its 100th U.S. store in Orlando's famous Florida Mall.

Photo shows a customer at the checkout counter at the flagship store of MINISO in Camden, London. (Photo courtesy of MINISO)

The key for Chinese companies looking to put down roots overseas is offering products that are welcomed by overseas consumers.

In recent years, Chinese tea brands such as HEYTEA and Mixue have opened many stores in global markets. Since August 2023, HEYTEA has launched its first stores in several new global markets, including a store in London's SOHO district, and one in Melbourne, Australia, and one in Burnaby, Canada.

In contrast to traditional powdered milk tea abroad, HEYTEA uses real milk, tea, fruit and sugar to make its milk tea, which has proven popular in overseas markets.

HEYTEA's London SOHO store registered maximum sales of 2,000 cups a day since opening, while its average daily sales exceed 1,300 cups. The brand's Swanston store in Melbourne saw maximum sales of nearly 3,000 cups in just a day.

When coming up with products for overseas stores, MINISO adheres to the principle of combining globalization and localization, developing products tailored to the preferences of global consumers.

MINISO has collaborated with over 80 world-famous IPs such as Disney, Pokemon, and Sanrio, becoming a lifestyle trend brand featuring IP design. Its IP-themed blind boxes have become hugely popular overseas.

Ye said IP is an effective tool for directly targeting young consumers and can quickly and efficiently foster a deeper emotional connection with consumers.

Since 2019, MINISO has opened several Marvel IP stores across the world, with products related to Marvel superheroes, including Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and Thor, becoming a hit with young people.

Photo shows MINISO's products that integrate China's intangible cultural heritage elements and showcase the charm of Chinese culture to the world. (Photo courtesy of MINISO)

Additionally, China's profound cultural heritage has provided MINISO with diverse design inspiration. Elements such as giant pandas and the Forbidden City in its products have caught the attention of overseas consumers.

Jin Ge, an associate researcher at the Institute of Area Studies of Peking University, said Chinas profound cultural heritage is always a source of inspiration enabling Chinese brands to go global.

Jin added that China's brands should have unwavering confidence in, promote, and make the world appreciate the charm of Chinese culture in the process of going global.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Snow showers will become more widely scattered for the afternoon. High around 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 26F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Snow showers early with a chance of lingering snow showers later. High 34F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
After his co-member accidentally revealed the secret wife and son of THIS 3rd-gen idol in a voice message, the latter apologized for hiding it from the public in an official letter.

On February 19, Kim Sungjoo, a member of Yuehua's boy group UNIQ, shocked the K-pop industry after a speculation arose that he's already married and has a son.

After more than two weeks of silence, the K-pop idol finally spoke up and released his official statement regarding the rumor.

UNIQ Sungjoo's Secret Wife & Child Accidentally Exposed to Public

Kim Sungjoo, who is now actively promoting in China, took to a livestream to celebrate his birthday with Uniqorns (UNIQ fandom).

At the time, he received a voice message from co-member Li Wenhan, and without checking its content, Kim played and listened to it together with the viewers.

At first, it appeared to be a fun greeting from Li which immediately warmed fans' hearts due to the members' continuous interaction amid UNIQ's hiatus.

ALSO READ: Idol Accidentally Reveals Secret Marriage, Child? Here's What Happened

However, the same birthday voice greeting would become controversial after Li Wenhan mentioned a so-called "son" of Sungjoo, which was still a secret at the time.

While there were viewers who brushed it off by claiming that Li Wenhan is just being his usual funny guy, the information posed curiosity about its legitimacy When Sungjoo showed a concerned expression and turned off the live stream abruptly without any explanation.

UNIQ Sungjoo Apologizes for Keeping Wife & Child a Secret to Fans

On March 2, after about two weeks of keeping his silence, Sungjoo finally took to his personal Instagram to release an apology letter. There, he finally confessed that he's already married and a father to a son.

"Hi, this is Kim Sungjoo. "I apologize for surprising many people with such sudden news on online communities and social media, as well as for not being able to show myself honestly. I wanted to quickly deliver the news to the fans who always showed me support and love, but I wasn't able to because I was in a situation where I had to be cautious. Even though I'm late, I want to tell you this honestly, I will walk beautifully through the coming days with my precious family as a faithful father and husband. Thank you."

After this news circulated among fandoms, people cheered on Sungjoo, and understood his reason for keeping his private life.

Uniqorns explained that aside from protecting his family, they know that he also did it to save UNIQ from possible backlash.

"Congratulations, Sungjoo! I'm so happy for you and for your family!"

"We wish you happiness! May God bless you and your family!"

"There is no need for you to apologize. It was not our business to begin with. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!"

"Congratulations on living your life!"

READ MORE: Where is UNIQ Now? Yuehua's Inactive Boy Group Who Only Had Two Korean Comebacks Since 2014

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.
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VMPL

New Delhi [India], March 4: In the heart of Mumbai, where the vibrant energy of the city collides with the spirit of innovation, stood Nirvana, one of the largest lab-grown diamond dealers in India. Founded by the husband and wife pair - Aditya Jogani and his wife Avani, Nirvana wasn't just a jewellery brand; it was a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. The story of Nirvana began with Aditya's unwavering determination to redefine the diamond industry and his relentless pursuit of perfection.

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Aditya Jogani, an astute entrepreneur with a passion for technology, had a vision to revolutionize the diamond business in India. He recognized the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining and decided to carve a different path. Inspired by the potential of lab-grown diamonds, Aditya and Avani embarked on a journey to establish Nirvana.

In 2016, their dream materialized as Nirvana opened its doors to the world, showcasing a dazzling array of lab-grown diamonds. The inception of the company was met with scepticism from traditionalists who clung to the mystique of natural diamonds. However, it was their unwavering belief in the superior quality and sustainability of lab-grown diamonds fuelled the company's growth.

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Nirvana quickly gained traction as one of the pioneers in the lab-grown diamond industry. Aditya's commitment to transparency and ethical practices set the company apart. He ensured that each diamond was meticulously crafted in their state-of-the-art laboratories, using cutting-edge technology to replicate the natural diamond-growing process. The result was a collection of diamonds that rivalled their natural counterparts in brilliance and purity.

As Nirvana flourished, their vision expanded. They envisioned a brand that not only provided exquisite jewellery but also contributed to the community and the environment. This vision became a reality when he met Avani, a philanthropist with a deep-rooted commitment to social causes. Their union marked the beginning of a power couple steering Nirvana towards a higher purpose.

Avani Jogani brought her unique perspective to Nirvana, infusing the brand with a sense of responsibility and compassion. Under her leadership, Nirvana initiated various community projects, supporting education, healthcare, and sustainable practices. The company became a beacon of corporate responsibility, challenging the stereotype of profit-driven enterprises.

The Nirvana Trust, a non-profit arm of the company, was established to spearhead social initiatives. From funding schools in rural areas to supporting senior citizens in the society, Nirvana's impact extended far beyond the glittering storefronts. Aditya and Avani envisioned a world where luxury and responsibility coexisted seamlessly.

As the years passed, Nirvana's success became synonymous with its commitment to excellence and ethical practices. The company expanded its reach across major cities in India and a growing international presence. Aditya's and Avani's dynamic partnership not only led Nirvana to new heights.

However, success did not shield Nirvana from challenges. The traditional diamond industry, feeling the pressure of changing consumer preferences, launched campaigns to discredit lab-grown diamonds. Aditya and Avani faced criticism, but their unwavering belief in the sustainability and beauty of their products kept Nirvana resilient.

Aditya & Avani Jogani 's journey with Nirvana wasn't just about creating a successful business; it was about redefining the narrative of luxury, responsibility, and innovation. Their legacy continued to thrive, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to envision a world where success wasn't measured solely in profits but in the positive impact on people and the planet. Nirvana has not only become a household name but a symbol of a transformative movement in the world of jewellery - a legacy that transcended diamonds and touched the hearts of those who believed in a brighter, more ethical future.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

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PNN

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 4: SmartCloud proudly announces the launch of PDFquery - an innovative approach to interacting with PDF documents, driven by artificial intelligence. This technology bids farewell to manual searches, ushering in an era of instant, accurate insights and transforming the way users engage with their PDFs.

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CEO, Sanjay Ghoshal shares his excitement about PDFquery and hints at the company's ambitious plans: "In the coming days, we are set to unveil more products, starting with DataQuery.ai. Our commitment to innovation remains steadfast, and we are dedicated to delivering solutions that redefine how businesses and individuals leverage technology."

PDFquery.ai sets the stage for a seamless and efficient interaction with PDF documents, making the complex task as simple as having a conversation. The platform's intuitive and conversational interface empowers users across industries to effortlessly extract valuable information and gain meaningful insights.

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"As we launch PDFquery.ai, we're already looking ahead to the future. More products are in the pipeline, and DataQuery.ai is just one of the many innovations on our roadmap. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in document analysis, providing users with tools that enhance productivity and streamline their workflows," adds Sanjay Ghoshal.

To further democratize access to this technology, We are pleased to announce that anyone can use the PDFquery.ai platform for free. For those seeking advanced features and capabilities, a nominal charge will apply, ensuring accessibility for users at various levels.

Experience the future of document analysis with PDFquery.ai.

(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)

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Chandigarh, Mar 4 (PTI) Two people have been apprehended in Goa in connection with the killing of INLD leader Nafe Singh Rathee, police said on Monday.

Rathee, the president of the Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Haryana unit, was shot dead in Bahadurgarh in the state's Jhajjar district on February 25.

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The district police said they were apprehended from Goa in a joint operation by the Haryana Police and the Delhi Police.

On Saturday, Jhajjar Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpit Jain had said all four shooters involved in the case have been identified and efforts are on nab them.

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Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], March 4 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party's Kuljeet Singh Sandhu on Monday won the elections for Senior Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh, securing 19 votes.

Voting for the post of Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh began on Sunday amid tight security arrangements.

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The BJP got 19 votes, while the INDIA bloc (Congress + AAP) got 16. One vote was declared invalid.

In the 35 member Chandigarh Municipality the BJP led bloc had 14 seats but their strength was boosted on Februrary 19 when three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors joined the BJP. The three Aam Aadmi Party Chandigarh councillors who joined BJP were Punam Devi, Neha Musawat, and Gurcharan Kala in the presence of party National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, in Delhi. The BJP also has support of sole Akali Dal councillor.

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With the revised strength in the house the BJP secured 19 votes for its candidate while the Congress-AAP alliance got 16 votes of its strength of 17 (one vote was invalid).

BJP candidate Kuljeet Singh Sandhu defeated INDIA bloc candidate Gurpreet Singh Gabi.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Kuldeep Kumar as the winner of the Chandigarh mayoral polls.

This comes after the order of the apex court on the Mayoral polls found that the Returning Officer had deliberately defaced eight ballots that were cast in favour of Kuldeep Kumar to make them invalid.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra quashed the decision by Returning Officer Anil Masih, who declared BJP candidate Manoj Kumar Sonkar as Chandigarh Mayor on January 30.

The apex court physically examined the ballot papers and found that they were not defaced. It directed that Kuldeep Kumar be declared as mayor with 20 votes (12 votes which he received and 8 which were for him and were defaced by Masih).

Supreme Court further directed the Registrar Judicial to issue notice to Anil Masih for perjury proceedings under Section 340 CrPC for making a false statement before the court that the mark was made on eight ballots as they were defaced. The bench slammed Masih saying he had "unlawfully altered the course of the mayoral election". (ANI)

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Betul, Mar 4 (PTI) A head constable has been suspended for allegedly beating up two youth tied with ropes in connection with a theft case in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, police said on Monday.

The incident took place in Desli village under Mohda police station limits last week and a video of it surfaced on social media platforms on Sunday, an official said.

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In the video, the two young men are seen tied with ropes and being beaten up by a policeman with a plastic pipe in front of some shops while some persons are standing nearby.

Additional Superintendent of Police Kamla Joshi said the video of head constable Kamta Prasad Keer thrashing the two persons in connection with a mobile phone theft case came to their notice on Sunday.

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Taking cognisance of the video, the Betul superintendent of police has suspended Keer, who was posted at the Damjipura police post, Joshi said.

A probe is being conducted into the incident, she added.

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Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], March 2 (ANI): Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday slammed the Central and Haryana governments for their handling of the ongoing farmers' protest, drawing parallels with the recent French farmers' protest in Paris.

Bajwa asserted that the police from Delhi and Haryana had no right to impede the farmers' movement

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Addressing the media, Bajwa highlighted the economic repercussions of the government's barricading of Punjab, emphasizing that businesses suffered during this period.

"The manner in which Punjab was barricaded by the Central Government as well as Haryana Government. Business suffered. At this time, the state government and the CM himself should have gone to the centre with the demands of the farmers...This is a border state, it is essential to maintain peace in a state with an international border. But the CM did not shoulder his responsibility," Bajwa said while speaking to ANI.

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Drawing a comparison with the French President meeting protesting farmers in Paris, Bajwa called for PM Modi to visit the borders of Punjab and engage with the agitating farmers.

"The farmers have said that they will march to Delhi again. First of all, Haryana and Delhi have no right to stop the farmers...In Paris, a large number of French farmers protested on tractors and the French President himself met them. PM Modi can do the same," he said.

The opposition leader raised serious allegations against the Haryana Police and levelled allegations against them for causing harm to the agitated farmers.

"Haryana Police put up barricades, came within Punjab's area and affected around 300 people. One young man was killed, 8-9 farmers have died but what is our Police doing?," Bajwa said.

Meanwhile, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher, on Monday asserted that the decision to March towards Delhi has not changed.

The farmer leader said that the groups of farmes will remain at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders till the government opens the roads to Delhi.

"The farmers from Punjab and Haryana will remain here (Khanauri and Shambhu border), we will not move forward without our tractors and trolleys. We have not changed our decision to march towards Delhi, we will wait until the government reopens the roads," Pandher said while speaking to ANI on Monday.

Giving a call to march to Delhi, the farmers have been camping at multiple points in areas bordering the national capital since February 13 along with their tractors, mini-vans, and pickup trucks, demanding, among others, a law guaranteeing MSP (minimum support price) and withdrawal of police cases against farmers during earlier protests. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The government has permitted exports of 30,000 tonne of non-basmati white rice to Tanzania and 80,000 tonne of broken rice to Djibouti and Guinea Bissau.

The export is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification.

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Though exports of non-basmati white rice have been banned since July 20, 2023 to boost domestic supply, exports are allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to certain countries to meet their food security needs on request.

Tanzania is an East African nation, while Djibouti is at the northeast coast of the African continent.

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Guinea-Bissau is a tropical country in West Africa. According to the notification, exports of 30,000 tonne of broken rice are allowed to Djibouti and 50,000 tonne to Guinea Bissau.

India has earlier also allowed these exports to countries like Nepal, Cameroon, Cote D' Ivore, Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles.

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) popularly known as AMUL, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

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Ranchi/Dumka, Mar 4 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a foreign tourist's gang-rape in Dumka district and asked the DGP, chief secretary and the SP to file a report on the matter.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar issued notices to the DGP, chief secretary and the SP in this regard.

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Meanwhile, the Dumka administration on Monday handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to the gang-rape survivor's husband as compensation, an official said.

He received the cheque in the presence of Deputy Commissioner A Dodde and Superintendent of Police Pitamber Singh Kherwar.

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The foreign tourist was allegedly gang-raped at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from state capital Ranchi, on Friday when she was spending the night in a tent along with her husband, police said.

The woman (28) and her 64-year-old husband had reached Dumka from Bangladesh on two motorcycles, and were en route to Nepal via Bihar.

"An assistance of Rs 10 lakh was provided to the survivor under victim compensation scheme. Prompt action has been taken in the case. We will try for early conviction of the accused," he said.

The DC said that the tourist couple will leave Dumka on Tuesday under police protection.

"We are ready to extend any help they want," he said.

The survivor's husband thanked Jharkhand Police for speedy action. Three people have been arrested so far and a manhunt has been launched for the remaining four accused.

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Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 4 (ANI): Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Gangopadhyay, whose ruling on various issues had stirred debates, has said that he will be resigning from the post citing that it is the call of his conscience that his job in this duty is over.

"I am going to resign from the post of a judge in High Court Calcutta. For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed. A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters. There are also large scams of employers concerning provident fund gratuity, etc. I have also passed certain orders in those respects. But what I have failed while doing these matters of labour matters, labour legislation, that I have felt that my job in this duty is over. This is the call of my conscience," he told ANI.

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"Now I should go to the larger people, larger area," he added.

Further, the Calcutta High Court Judge pointed out that in court, a judge deals with the matters that come before him if a person files a case. But in our country and also in our state, West Bengal, there are a large number of very helpless people whom I have found who cannot come to the court.

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Also, hinting at joining politics, Justice Gangopadhyay said "So I have thought that only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them."

However, responding to a question about joining any political party, he said that he has not decided yet.

Earlier in February, the Supreme Court tagged Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's plea to issue directions to take action against Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for his alleged "continuous politically motivated interviews" in connection with sub-judice cases. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrated Health Research in AIIMS, here today.

He also announced other mega joint initiatives between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH which included multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia and the launch of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for AYUSH healthcare facilities. The Union Health Minister also inaugurated the 27th convocation of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth and the 29th National Seminar on 'Ayurvedo Amritanam' on the occasion, an official statement said on Monday.

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Expressing his elation at the launch of these collaborative initiatives, Mandaviya said that, "Collaborative Research in AYUSH is extremely important as it bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, promoting a synergistic approach to health care". "Ayurveda is a part of our culture, heritage and tradition. It is still being followed in our everyday practice. This strategic collaboration aims to advance Integrative Health Research, integrate traditional AYUSH practices with modern medical science and take India to the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations", he said

Highlighting that the government is following an integrative approach so as to take the best practices from both the disciplines, Ayurveda and Allopathy, the Union Health Minister said that "the Union Government is working towards providing quality-oriented healthcare towards the needs of the people of the country. In this direction, Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) were published by the Union Health Ministry as a set of uniform standards to improve the quality of health care delivery. By adopting these reforms, it is expected that the States/UTs will be able to develop AYUSH health care services with set standards and quality infrastructure, thereby enabling the public to avail the benefits of AYUSH medical services for all healthcare.

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The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry of AYUSH for its remarkable journey in the last decade which has resulted in significant initiatives and achievements. He also urged the students to inspiration from our ancient scriptures and follow their practices with pride, the release said.

Integrative Medicine (IM) is an approach to medical care that recognizes the benefit of combining conventional/modern medicine therapies with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that have been shown to be safe and effective to promote holistic health considering individual's requirements. IM also addresses the barriers to healing and provide the patient with the knowledge, skills and support to take better care of their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health. Rather than limiting treatments to a specific specialty, IM uses the safest and most effective combination of approaches and treatments from the world of conventional and complementary/alternative medicine, the release stated. (ANI)

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Mumbai, Mar 4 (PTI) The Mumbai Customs seized more than 3.03 kg gold valued at Rs 1.66 crore in ten different cases over four days at the city international airport, officials said on Monday.

The Airport Commissionarate of Mumbai Customs found the gold concealed in places such as the aircraft seat, body cavities of passengers, a washroom, butter packets, handkerchiefs and other clothes of passengers from March 1 to 4, the Mumbai Customs Zone-III posted on its official X handle.

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While examining the luggage of the suspected passengers, officials found gold concealed in small packets of butter, handkerchiefs and other clothes, officials added.

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Kohima (Nagaland) [India], March 4 (ANI): A member from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K rebel faction) was killed and another insurgent was apprehended in a fierce gunfight with Assam Rifles in Nagaland's Mon district in the intervening night of March 3 and 4.

The Defence PRO of Kohima told ANI that, one automatic rifle, one automatic pistol, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores have been recovered.

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"Acting on specific intelligence inputs on movement of cadres for carrying out abduction and extortion in general area Sangsa village, in Mon district of Nagaland, the troops of Assam Rifles launched an operation, on the intervening night of March 3-4. On intercepting the cadres, the Assam Rifles troops were fired upon by the insurgents," the Defence PRO of Kohima said.

"The Assam Rifles troops retaliated. In the ensuing firefight, one insurgent was killed while another insurgent has been apprehended. One automatic rifle, one automatic pistol, grenades, ammunition and other war like stores have been recovered," it added.

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He further said that, as per intelligence inputs, insurgent cadres are reported to be from the NSCN (K-Rebel) faction.

Earlier in November last year, the Indian Army along with the Assam Police, apprehended one individual belonging to the proscribed insurgent group, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang Yung Aung) in Assam's in Assam's Tinsukia district, Army officials said.

"Troops of #Spearcorps, #IndianArmy in a joint operation with the Assam Police apprehended one NSCN(KYA) cadre active since 2007 in general area Tipong, in Tinsukia District, #Assam. Apprehended individual was involved in numerous acts of unlawful activities. One Assault Rifle and War Like Stores recovered," the Spear Corps of the Indian Army said in a post on 'X'.

The Indian Army said that the individual has been active in the general area of Tipong, in Assam's Tinsukia district since 2007, and has been involved in several cases of unlawful activities.An assault rifle and war-like stores were recovered from his possession, Army officials said. (ANI)

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Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 4 (PTI) Kerala has set a new record in domestic tourist arrivals in 2023 with 2.18 crore tourist footfalls, a 15.92 per cent increase from the previous year, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas said on Monday.

In 2022, Kerala witnessed 1,88,67,414 domestic tourist footfalls.

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Significantly, domestic tourist arrivals recorded an increase of 18.97 per cent compared to 2019, the minister told a press conference here.

In 2023, Ernakulam district witnessed the highest influx of domestic tourists with 44,87,930 visitors, followed by Idukki (36,33,584), Thiruvananthapuram (35,89,932), Thrissur (24,78,573), and Wayanad (17,50,267).

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The state also witnessed a healthy increase in international tourist arrivals with 6,49,057 visitors in 2023, as compared to 3,45,549 tourists in 2022, indicating a remarkable growth of 87.83 per cent.

Ernakulam district was visited by 2,79,904 tourists from abroad, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403), and Kottayam (28,458).

"This is a testament to Kerala Tourism's vigorous efforts based on well-crafted policy initiatives and meticulously implemented promotional strategies within and outside the country," Riyas said.

As for the number of visitors from abroad, the minister pointed out that despite a significant uptick, it was still 45.45 per cent lower when compared to international tourist arrivals before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though there has been a steady increase in the arrival of foreign tourists, which was adversely impacted by the pandemic, it will take some more time to reach the pre-pandemic level, he said.

"The conflicts in some parts of the world also affect international tourism. Despite these challenges, there has been good progress in foreign tourist footfalls in Kerala. Adventure tourism events planned for this year will help us regain much of the lost ground. We are also working on plans to attract more tourists to the Malabar region," the minister added.

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Mumbai, Mar 4 (PTI) The Reserve Bank on Monday gave its approval to the USD 530 million all-stock merger of AU Small Finance Bank and Fincare Small Finance Bank.

The effective date of amalgamation will be April 1 this year, and all the branches of Fincare SFB will function as branches of AU SFB from that day, the Reserve Bank said in a release.

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The merger scheme, one of the first such moves in the relatively new SFB space, has been sanctioned in the exercise of the powers contained in sub-section (4) of Section 44A of the Banking Regulation Act of 1949, the central bank said.

The two leaders had announced the deal in late October 2023 and were aiming to close it by February after the mandatory clearances.

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Under the deal, shareholders of the unlisted Fincare will get 579 shares of the listed AU SFB for every 2,000 shares that they own.

Post-merger, shareholders of FSFB will own 9.9 per cent equity in AUSFB. The promoters of FSFB also agreed to infuse Rs 700 crore of fresh capital into the entity after the deal gets a go-ahead from the RBI and Competition Commission of India.

There was unease among the investors of AUSFB in the immediate aftermath of the deal announcement, and the management had justified the move, calling it a "complementary deal" that will help the Jaipur-based lender gain a foothold in the Southern region and also make inroads into the high-margin microfinance assets business.

Fincare had announced that its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) will go on the back burner following the deal.

The merger is set to increase AUSFB's overall staff strength to over 15,000 employees, including 10,000 in the MFI vertical.

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Dhaka [Bangladesh], March 4 (ANI): Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been granted bail by a Dhaka court in a case related to the misappropriation of over Tk25 crore from the Grameen Telecom Workers' Profit Participation Fund, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Senior Special Judge Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan passed the order after Yunus surrendered before the court and applied for bail.

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According to Dhaka Tribune, Yunus's lawyer, Abdullah Al Mamun, requested bail during the hearing, while Anti-Corruption Commission lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajol opposed the plea. Following arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to Yunus.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a charge sheet against Muhammad Yunus and 13 others on February 1, alleging embezzlement of Tk25 crore. The case was initiated on May 30, 2023, at the ACC's Dhaka-1 integrated district office.

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According to the case documents, a decision was made at the company's 108th board meeting, presided over by Dr Yunus on May 9, 2022, to open a bank account at the Gulshan branch of Dhaka Bank Limited. However, it was found that the account was opened a day before the decision was even made, as per Dhaka Tribune.

More than Tk25 crore was transferred to the account on different occasions, as per "fake settlement agreements" and decision of the board. But before even distributing the share of the company's profit to the workers, and letting them know, the accused embezzled around Tk25 crore from the fund, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Yunus's bail approval marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the embezzlement case. (ANI)

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Beijing, Mar 4 (PTI) As Shehbaz Sharif took the oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a second time on Monday, China said it hopes to deepen its "all-weather" strategic ties and upgrade the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

China warmly congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on being elected as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here.

Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif Takes Oath As Pakistan's Prime Minister for a Second Time (Watch Video).

On Sunday, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sharif soon after his election.

China highly appreciates Prime Minister Sharif's positive statements on China-Pakistan relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Mao said.

Also Read | California Shooting: Masked Shooters Kill Four People and Injure Three at an Outdoor Party in King City, Police Say.

We stand ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward our traditional friendship, advance exchanges and cooperation across the board, upgrade the CPEC, and deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, she said.

In his victory speech yesterday, Shehbaz Sharif vowed to further promote the CPEC projects with China.

The CPEC, a global infrastructure and investment initiative by Beijing, was launched in 2013. It connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province.

There is a sense of relief among the official circles here that Pakistan, a key ally of China, which has been going through grave economic and political crises for the last several years, has an elected government that Beijing could deal with.

China had an uneasy relationship with former prime minister Imran Khan's government, which was blamed for the slow pace of the CPEC.

Both Shehbaz and his brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, are familiar political figures for the ruling Chinese Communist Party as both of them along with the Pakistan military strengthened the all-weather alliance during their tenures. They are also firm backers of the strategic CPEC project.

China has been providing forex loans and rollover of its debt periodically to bail out Pakistan which is facing a severe economic crisis.

Recent reports from Islamabad said China has agreed to roll over a USD 2 billion loan due to be paid in March.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Visual from the exposition of holy relics in Bangkok (Photo credits: X/@DrSJaishankar)

New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): "Deeply moved" that a million Indian Thai devotees paid respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics sent from India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, stating "shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond."

He further thanked the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, and the International Buddhist Confederation.

Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Leader, To Take Oath As Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on March 4.

"Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India. Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond. Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media X on Sunday.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1764325195844854102?s=20

Also Read | Chinese President Xi Jinping Congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on Election as Pakistans PM For Second Time.

Sunday marked the last day of the exposition in Bangkok after which the relics will be taken to Chiang Mai city.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand on social media X, posted, "Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India."

According to the Thai side, around 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday.

To commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X and as a mark of friendship between the people of India and Thailand, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta, and Arahant Maha Moggallana reached Thailand from India on February 22 on a special Indian Air Force plane.

The relics, which are on a 25-day exposition in four cities of Thailand were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace ground in Bangkok.

As per the schedule, the relics will now travel to Chiang Mai and will stay there from March 4-8. It will be followed by expositions in Ubon Ratchathani (March 9-13) and Krabi (March 14-18).

The Holy Relics will be escorted back on March 19 from Thailand to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand.

Moreover, apart from the people of Thailand, the devotees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are visiting Bangkok to pay their respects. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Cairo [Egypt], March 4 (ANI): Israel has decided not to send a delegation to Cairo for discussions regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages from Gaza, CNN reported on Sunday, citing a senior Israeli official.

The decision stems from Hamas' failure to respond to two key Israeli demands -- providing a detailed list of hostages, specifying those who are alive and those who are deceased, and confirming the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages.

Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Leader, To Take Oath As Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on March 4.

The Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of diplomatic negotiations, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea, made the decision after receiving information that Hamas had not addressed these conditions. This move follows Netanyahu's outlined terms in a speech last Thursday, where he emphasised the need for clarity on the identities of the hostages before progressing with any agreements, according to CNN.

Despite a statement from a senior Biden Administration official indicating that Israel had "basically accepted" a proposed six-week ceasefire, the lack of response from Hamas has led to the cancellation of Israel's participation in the Cairo talks.

Also Read | Chinese President Xi Jinping Congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on Election as Pakistans PM For Second Time.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a cessation of hostilities. However, a high-ranking Hamas official has yet to respond to CNN's inquiry about whether the group has addressed Israel's conditions.

The remaining sticking points in the negotiations, according to a Hamas source, include establishing a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops - referred to as "occupation forces" - from the Gaza Strip, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals from the south to the north.

Despite optimism, a diplomatic source downplayed the prospects of an immediate breakthrough, citing slow progress and suggesting that a deal might not materialise within the next 48 hours, CNN reported. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Anne-Marie Descotes on Monday. He stated that the strategic partnership between two nations is growing from "strength to strength."

Jaishankar expressed confidence that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue between the two nations will further enhance the momentum of India-France ties.

Also Read | US Couple Charged Whopping 13,000 New Zealand Dollars for Requesting Flight Change After Wife's Shocking Medical Diagnosis.

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar stated, "Good to receive Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France this morning. Our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance its momentum."

India and France have held traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two nations entered into Strategic Partnership which is emblematic of their convergence of views on various international issues in addition to a close and growing bilateral relationship.

Also Read | South Korea: Government Takes Steps To Suspend Licenses of Striking Doctors After They Refuse To End Walkouts.

On February 29, French Consul General in Mumbai Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet highlighted the robust relationship between India and France and spoke about shared values and interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Responding to a query about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sere-Charlet expressed admiration, stating, "PM Modi is a friend of France. He has proved it on different occasions. His relationship with President Macron is very strong."

He emphasised the significance of strong bilateral ties between the two nations, starting at the highest levels of leadership. He added, "France and India share not only values but also interests, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. It's very important that France and India work well together."

Highlighting the growing connection between two nations in education sector, Sere-Charlet said, "We've got strong links between India and France in various fields like business and education."

He noted the increase in the number of Indian students studying in France and expressed a desire for more Indian students to experience the quality of French education.

"With more than 1,700 courses taught in English in France, you don't need to speak French perfectly to come and study here," he pointed out, showcasing the accessibility of French education.

Turning to the business landscape, Sere-Charlet emphasized the growing economic collaboration. "More than 400,000 Indians are working in India for French companies, and the investment is developing every year," he said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Karachi [Pakistan], March 4 (ANI): Asif Ali Zardari's popularity among allies appears to have faded since his initial presidential election victory in 2008, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) choosing to refrain from participating in the presidential election, as reported by Dawn.

Besides, Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan (MQM-P) asserts it will outline its conditions if approached by the PPP for support.

Also Read | OPEC+ Production Cuts Deepen With Extensions From Saudi Arabia, Russia and Other Oil Giants.

During a press briefing in Karachi on Sunday, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman affirmed his party's decision to abstain from voting in the presidential elections. He communicated this stance to all leaders of the ruling alliance who recently solicited his support.

According to Dawn, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed personal support for opposition candidate Mehmood Khan Achakzai over PPP's Zardari in the upcoming presidential election. However, he clarified that it was "a personal wish" and not the party's decision.

Also Read | US Shooting: One Killed, 12 Injured in Shooting Incident at Club in West Point in Mississipp.

"I personally want to vote Achakzai Sb [in the presidential election]," Maulana said. "But this is my wish and not the party's decision. If the party decides to abstain from the voting, my wish doesn't matter. The party decision is supreme over personal wishes."

Dashing hopes within Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition, Maulana Fazlur Rehman dismissed the possibility of joining the treasury benches and reiterated the party's commitment to opposition in parliament. He hinted at launching a nationwide protest campaign against what he termed as "rigged" elections, as per Dawn.

Regarding the February 8 elections, he accused the establishment of manipulating the mandate of the people of Pakistan, alleging betrayal similar to that of 2018.

Additionally he added,"Our friends [leaders or PML-N and PPP] approached us and held meetings," he replied to a question about results of his recent meetings with the leaders of the parties which are part of the ruling alliance.

"We met them, gave them due respect and argued our case before them. I am sure that they would be convinced now and won't ask us again [to join the government]. We would be sitting on opposition benches [in the parliament] and no one should have any doubt about this."

While describing the Feb 8 elections in general "rigged and controversial," he specifically mentioned provincial assemblies in Sindh and Balochistan where the mandate was "bought" spending huge amount of money.

In both provinces, the PPP which emerged as majority party, has recently managed to get its nominees elected as chief ministers and set up its government.

"This doesn't mean that we are satisfied with the election results in KP or other parts of the country," said Maulana when asked about his opinion on elections in other provinces. "The establishment came up with a weird plan distributing mandate on its own ignoring people's will and votes. We were against this plan and weren't part of this sale purchase game so we lost the elections."

To a question about the possibility of a "grand alliance" of opposition parties in the parliament, the JUI-F chief said that it would be too early to suggest any such partnership in the near future.

Furthermore, MQM-P senior leader Farooq Sattar mentioned that no discussions with PPP regarding the upcoming presidential elections were held.

However, he stated, "if the PPP is interested in talks, "we are not against them and our doors are open".

Sattar emphasized the need to address concerns about the misuse of budgetary funds and Zardari's future plans as president, particularly regarding fostering harmony among different provincial factions.

The dynamics surrounding the presidential election highlight shifting alliances and demands within Pakistan's political landscape.(ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chiang Mai [Thailand], March 4 (ANI): The holy relics of Lord Buddha, as well as his disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana, have arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city, for an exposition.

The official post by the Indian embassy in Thailand shared the momentous occasion, highlighting the spiritual significance of the relics' presence in the region.

Also Read | US Couple Charged Whopping 13,000 New Zealand Dollars for Requesting Flight Change After Wife's Shocking Medical Diagnosis.

https://twitter.com/indiainthailand/status/1764526702305407067?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw

In an official post on X, the Indian Embassy in Thailand said, "Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana arrived in Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, for exposition.

Also Read | South Korea: Government Takes Steps To Suspend Licenses of Striking Doctors After They Refuse To End Walkouts.

"Sacred relics were received by the Governor of Chiang Mai along with Consul of India and other dignitaries," the tweet added.

The arrival of the sacred relics was met with reverence as the Governor of Chiang Mai, alongside the Consul of India and other dignitaries, received the relics in a solemn ceremony. The presence of such revered artifacts symbolizes the deep spiritual and historical ties between India and Thailand.

As the relics find their temporary abode in Chiang Mai, they serve as a beacon of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys and reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Thailand.

On Sunday EAM Jaishankar posted on social media X, states, "Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India. Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond. Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts,"

Sunday marked the last day of the exposition in Bangkok.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand on social media X, posted, "Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India."

According to the Thai officials, around 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday.

To commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X and as a mark of friendship between the people of India and Thailand, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta, and Arahant Maha Moggallana reached Thailand from India on February 22 on a special Indian Air Force plane.

The relics, which are on a 25-day exposition in four cities of Thailand were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace ground in Bangkok.

As per the schedule, the relics will now travel to Chiang Mai and will stay there from March 4-8. It will be followed by expositions in Ubon Ratchathani (March 9-13) and Krabi (March 14-18). (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, March 4: MG has launched two new variants for its MG Hector SUV with new prices and new features. British automotive marquee Morris Garages has reportedly introduced two MG Hector variants - Shine Pro and MG Hector Select Pro for Indian market.

MG Hector is a mid-sized SUV car which reportedly gained popularity in 2019 when it was first launched in India. The new MG Hector SUV variants offer more choices to customers looking to buy this car. The new variants follow the same familiar design but offer more to the customers regarding touchscreen infotainment systems, LED headlamps and more. Tata Nexon Dark Edition Launched in India: Check Price, Specifications and Features.

According to a report by Hindustan Times Auto, Morris Garages has updated its new car by offering a more extensive 14-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with support and connectivity of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The report said the new MG Hector Shine Pro variant is introduced with a single-pane electric sunroof. On the other hand, the MG Hector Select Pro has been introduced with a dual-pane panoramic roof.

According to the report, the updated Hector models come with a wireless charger, a fully digital 17.78cm instrument cluster and start/stop push buttons. Moreover, the models have LED headlamps, LED-connected taillights and floating light turn indicators.

According to a report, the MG Hector model has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with standard six-speed manual and automatic transmission options and a 2.0-litre diesel variant with only six-speed manual transmission. The company said these new models have set new benchmarks in their segments, offering comfort, ergonomic design, and advanced technology. Next-Gen Honda Amaze Likely To Launch Soon in India: Check Expected Specifications and Features.

MG Hector Shine Pro Price, MG Hector Select Pro Price

Morris Garages has introduced the MG Hector Shine Pro at Rs 15.99 lakh and the MG Hector Select Pro at Rs 17.29 lakh. Both are ex-showroom prices. According to the report by Times Now News, the price of the SUV was 14.95 lakh, ex-showroom, before the revision. With these new variants added to the series, the MG Hector SUV price starts at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2024 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Kolkata, March 4: West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties, including the BJP, expressed mixed opinions to the possibility of Calcutta High Court's Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining politics as he did not rule out such a course while announcing his decision on Sunday to resign from his post. Rebel Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh, who, as party spokesman, had been most vocal in his criticism against Justice Gangopadhyay over the latter's verdicts and observations against the West Bengal government, whole-heartedly welcomed the possibility.

"I wish Justice Gangopadhyay a happy new innings. It is better if such people come to politics," he said. However, at the same time, he queried whether the judge's decision will confirm the questions raised about his prior judgements and observations. However, Trinamool youth leader Debangshu Bhattacharya made a more direct attack on Justice Gangopadhyay over his decision to resign from judicial service, claiming his announcement confirmed Trinamool allegations against him. Abhijit Gangopadhyay Resigns: Calcutta High Court's Justice Quits Post Amid Speculations of Joining Politics, Says 'Will Resign on Tuesday' (Watch Video)

State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar expressed hope that considering the judge's constant battle against corruption in West Bengal, the BJP will be the natural choice. "If people like him join politics, it will benefit the common people of the country," he said. State Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the doors of his party are always open for a person like Justice Gangopadhyay who started a crusade against corruption. "I still hope that he will not tread in any political path that propagates narrowness," he said. HC on Woman Called Darling: Addressing Unknown Lady As Darling Is Patently Offensive, Amounts to Using Sexually Coloured Remark, Says Calcutta High Court

CPI-M Rajya Sabha member and senior Calcutta High Court advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who Justice Gangopadhyay himself accepted as his professional mentor during his early days as a lawyer, said that he is still hopeful that the latter will not join the BJP, as per the prevailing rumours.
Kolkata, March 4: The full bench of the Election Commission of India (EWCI), which is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, on Monday directed the state police to implement all the pending non-bailable arrest warrants in the state at the earliest. The ECI team also directed the state government to send a report to the commission on this count once the implementation process has been completed.

The Commission on Monday held a meeting with all the bureaucrats and police officers, including district magistrates, police commissioners and district police superintendents, wherein it gave these directions. Hold Single-Phase Lok Sabha Polls in West Bengal: Trinamool Congress Urges Election Commission of India.

Sources said the ECI team also made it clear to the police commissioners and district police superintendents that under no circumstances the civic volunteers, either attached to the West Bengal Police or the Kolkata Police, should be used for any kind of poll-related duty, directly or indirectly.

On this point, sources said, the Commission members recalled the allegations relating to rampant use of civic volunteers during the panchayat elections held last year, which were marred by massive violence resulting in the deaths of 55 persons. The Commission members also cautioned the police that while all attempts should be made to prevent pre-poll violence, each and every complaint by the people should be treated seriously. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission Full Bench To Visit West Bengal on March 3, Take Stock of Poll Preparations.

Sources in the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that the Commission especially cautioned the superintendent of Basirhat district police to adopt extra precautions with regard to Sandeshkhali, which has been on the boil for some time now following protests by local women accusing a section of the local Trinamool leadership of sexual harassment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2024 08:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Mar 4: The AAP on Sunday attacked the BJP for fielding Bansuri Swaraj from the New Delhi constituency in the Lok Sabha elections, claiming she had represented "anti-national forces" in court, even as she hit back at Delhi's ruling party over its choice of candidate from the seat.

Delhi Minister Atishi said at a press conference that Swaraj -- the daughter of late BJP leader and former Union minister Sushma Swaraj -- should apologise to the people of the country for taking up such cases and also demanded that the saffron party replace her. AAP Leader Saurabh Bharadwaj Attacks BJP Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Says Party Didnt Give Tickets to Four Big Names in Delhi (Watch Video).

AAP Claims Bansuri Swaraj Defends Anti-National Powers In Court; BJP Leader Hits Back

"Swaraj has repeatedly defended in court fugitive Lalit Modi, who has fled the country after embezzling lakhs of crores of rupees. From 2012 to 2014, she consistently defended Lalit Modi from lower courts to the high court to the Supreme Court in the case of his passport," the senior AAP leader alleged.

"He fled with his passport before the division bench's order came and has not returned since. Not only that, Lalit Modi had also thanked Bansuri Swaraj via tweet for fighting his case," she claimed.

When two women were stripped and paraded during the violence in Manipur, Swaraj stood for the BJP-led Centre in the Supreme Court, Atishi claimed at the press conference.

"Today, she will go to women in the New Delhi constituency and ask them for votes," Atishi said.

The Delhi minister further alleged, "When the Chandigarh mayoral elections were held and there was an attempt at vote theft, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court called that election a 'murder of democracy', Swaraj stood for the 'fake mayor' from the BJP in the Supreme Court."

Atishi also demanded that the BJP replace Swaraj as its candidate from the constituency.

Somnath Bharti, the INDIA bloc candidate from the New Delhi constituency, also demanded that Swaraj and the BJP should "apologise for such a blunder".

During the press conference, Atishi also spoke about outgoing BJP MP Harsh Vardhan's decision to bow out of electoral politics.

Vardhan is known for his honesty and hard work for the country, the people of his parliamentary constituency and his assembly constituency, she said. "He always raised issues of public interest and spoke for them. I think it has become very clear that just as he was removed from the position of health minister at one time for raising some issues, today, it seems that perhaps his ticket has been cut due to his honesty," she claimed.

Barring North East Delhi, where the BJP has named Manoj Tiwari for a third term, the saffron party has fielded new faces from four constituencies -- New Delhi (Swaraj), West Delhi (Kamaljeet Sehrawat), South Delhi (Ramvir Singh Bidhuri) and Chandni Chowk (Praveen Khandelwal). Champion of Excuses: BJP Leader Bansuri Swaraj Attacks Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Over Skipping ED Summons, He Is Disrespecting the Law (Watch Video).

The BJP is yet to name its candidates for East Delhi -- where MP Gautam Gambhir has said he requested party chief JP Nadda to relieve him of his political duties -- and North West Delhi.

Hitting back, Swaraj questioned the AAP on its choice of candidate, who was allegedly beaten up by his own cadre in Rajendra Nagar on Saturday.

Responding to the AAP's allegations, she said, "I would like to ask the AAP -- why have you fielded a candidate who was beaten up by his own cadre in Rajendra Nagar yesterday (Saturday)?"

"They have named a candidate who is not liked by his own party members. They can put allegations against us but people will give them a reply in the elections," she said.
Adilabad, March 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at a public meeting in this Telangana town on Monday drew loud cheers and repeated clapping from a huge crowd. An electrifying atmosphere gripped Indira Priyadarshini Stadium as the audience cheered throughout the nearly half-an-hour-long speech.

People were thronging the venue much before PM Narendra Modi's arrival. Some of the BJP supporters were carrying paintings of the Prime Minister. People from not just the town but villages in Adilabad district had also converged at the venue to listen to the Prime Minister. Telangana: PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone of Multiple Development Projects Worth Over Rs 56,000 Crores in Adilabad (Watch Video).

Chants of "Modi Modi" filled the air as soon as PM Modi came on to the stage to address the public meeting, his first after the recent elections to the Telangana Assembly. Thousands of men and women in this town bordering Maharashtra were excited to see the Prime Minister. PM Modi waved at the crowd to respond to the loud cheers.

Local BJP leaders said the public meeting infused new enthusiasm and energy among the party cadres ahead of Lok Sabha polls. A BJP leader said when PM Modi rose to deliver the speech, he was greeted by loud cheers. Telangana: PM Narendra Modi Addresses Public Rally in Adilabad, Says I Have Come Here to Celebrate Vikas Utsav' (Watch Videos).

There was excitement when the Prime Minister began his speech by greeting the people with a few Telugu words. The venue echoed with the reply of "400 Paar" when PM Modi said "Ab Ki Baar". He also used Telugu words for the slogan, much to the delight of the crowd.

The audience, especially youth, were elated when PM Modi once again used Telugu words to convey that "Modi guarantee means guarantee of fulfilling the guarantees". The audience responded with enthusiasm when the Prime Minister asked to repeat with him the Telugu words "Nene Modi kutumbam (I am Modi's family)".

Calling 140 crore people of India as his family, he said the entire country is saying I am with PM Modi's family. The choice of Adilabad for the public meeting kept in view the BJP's impressive performance in the region in the recent Assembly elections. Of the eight Assembly seats the BJP bagged in Telangana, four were from Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency.

Adilabad was one of the four Lok Sabha seats bagged by the BJP in 2019. Aiming to increase its tally in the forthcoming elections, it selected Adilabad to virtually launch its poll campaign.

As the district has a significant tribal population and the Lok Sabha constituency is reserved for tribals, PM Modi invoked tribal warriors Komaram Bheem and Ramji Gond during his speech. He also listed the steps taken for the welfare of tribals.

Sitting MP Soyam Bapu Rao, whose name was missing from the first list of nine candidates announced by the BJP for Telangana two days ago, also addressed the public meeting along with Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and Telangana unit BJP president, G. Kishan Reddy.

Local BJP legislator Payal Shankar raised the issue of the closure of the Cement Corporation of India (CCI) unit in Adilabad and demanded its re-opening. He said the unit was providing employment to 6,000 people. Party flags and banners were put up across the town for PM Modi's programme.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2024 06:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Chennai, March 4: A court in Chennai sentenced accused Abdul Khader to life in prison after the nine-year-old girl spoke in court, bringing the case to a close and revealing in graphic detail how her father killed both her mother and grandfather. When the girl showed up for the trial's last day in Chennai's Mahila court, everyone in attendance gasped. She described how she had watched helplessly as her father had hit her grandpa Musafar and mother Ghouse Unisa with pressure cookers and beer bottles.

After being divorced from 53-year-old Khader, Unisa had been living with her father and daughter in her residence in Tamil Nadus Royapettah region when the deaths were first reported on May 8, 2021. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Minor Testifies Against 'Father' for Murder of Transgender Mother.

Following Unisa's first husband's divorce, the couple got married. Soon after, they had a daughter, but according to the case diary, the couple went through a difficult time, and Unisa was compelled to move out to stop their regular arguments. Following Unisa's separation from her husband, her daughter from the previous marriage also moved in. Unisa barred Khader from seeing their child because he would argue with his wife when he visited the house.

On the day of the crime, Khader broke into the house and attacked Unisa and Musafar while Unisa's older daughter was at work. He slapped his little daughter against a wall as she attempted to step in. After hearing the girl's cries, the landlord, Layak Alikhan, claimed to have witnessed Khader hitting Unisa and went to check on the family. After informing the victim's older daughter and his son, Alikhan had Khader detained by the police right away. Khader was seen entering the crime site on CCTV footage, but the prosecution was unable to locate any proof that he had left. 'Children Would Be Scared Just To Enter It': Kerala High Court Says Witness Box for POCSO Case Victims Worse Than a Kennel.

The girl's exceptional recall despite the pain of losing her mother and grandfather was noted by Judge TH Mohammed Farooq, who rejected the defence attorney's claim that the youngster had been "tutored". The court convicted Khader guilty of two counts of murder under Section 302 of the IPC based on the testimony of the witnesses and the forensic evidence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2024 08:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A Seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court ruled out that an MP or MLA can't claim immunity from prosecution on a bribery charge in connection with the vote/speech in the Parliament/ Legislative Assembly. Supreme Courts seven-judge bench in its unanimous view overruled the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment case which granted immunity to lawmakers in parliament and state legislatures from prosecution to bribery for voting in Parliament. Supreme Court Asks All High Courts To Register Suo Motu Cases To Monitor Cases Against MPs and MLAs.

MPs/ MLAs Cant Claim Immunity From Bribery Cases, Rules Supreme Court

Supreme Court says we disagree with the judgment in PV Narasimha and the judgment in PV Narasimha which grants immunity to legislators for allegedly bribery for casting a vote or speech has wide ramifications and overruled.  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
New Delhi, March 3: A majority of apps that were delisted by Google Play last week are yet to be relisted, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said on Sunday. Expressing deep concern, the association, in a statement, said that it "considers such harsh measures as unfair and disproportionate" even as the legal procedures are still ongoing.

Google had delisted more than a dozen apps by major Indian digital companies including Matrimony, and Shaadi.com from Play Store. The move comes after Google announced its plan to take action against 10 developers who had refused to comply with its payment policy, despite following the payment policies of other app stores. X New Features: Elon Musk-Owned Microblogging App Introduces New Features for Users; Check More Details.

Applications from companies like Altt, Stage, and Aha streaming platforms, Truly Madly and Quack Quack dating apps, Kuku FM audio content platform, and FRND social networking app were also delisted by Google. After facing criticism the tech giant reinstated some of the apps such as Shaadi.com, Info Edge's Naukri, 99acres and NaukriGulf, but many others continue to be delisted.

"Such measures are discriminatory in reference to the practice followed by Google in other jurisdictions, where it has offered preferential terms to app developers in deference to ongoing legal proceedings or legislative developments," the industry body said.

"Needless to say, the Indian tech ecosystem needs to be protected and provided favourable terms that are attuned to the dynamics of the Indian market and support the growth and development of an open internet ecosystem in the country," it added.

On Saturday, Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he has called Google for a meeting next week and noted that the startup ecosystem is the key to the Indian economy and one big company cannot decide their fate. "I am hopeful that Google will be reasonable in its approach. We have a large startup ecosystem and it's crucial to protect their interests." YouTube User in South Korea Spends Over 40 Hours on Average in January: Report.

"We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our startup ecosystem, and I trust that Google will approach this matter reasonably," the IT Minister noted. Lauding the governments proactive response, and its commitment to help resolve the issue, the IAMAI again urged "Google to restore status quo of the apps and re-list them on Play Store".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2024 11:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Barbados, famed for its sun-kissed beaches and azure waters, is equally celebrated for its delectable cuisine.

Amidst a plethora of savory delights, the island is a haven for those with a penchant for sweets. Here are five irresistible sweet delicacies to tantalize your taste buds:

Sugar Cakes

Barbadian sugar cakes, defying their name, enchant taste buds with a fusion of grated coconut, sugar, and spices, according to The Crane.

Originally boasting a rich brown hue from coconut, cane sugar, and molasses, these treats now flaunt a spectrum of colors, injecting vibrancy into their visual appeal.

In modern Barbados desserts, sugar cakes have transformed into both a visual delight and a flavor playground.

Varieties like pina colada, bay leaf, and strawberry rum add a thrilling twist to the classic recipe, promising unique tasting experiences for diverse palates.

Beyond a snack, sugar cakes embody Bajan's culinary heritage, seamlessly blending innovation and tradition and offering a flavorful journey into the heart of Barbadian craftsmanship.

READ NEXT: 5 Delicious Dishes to Try in Barbados

Jam Puffs

Jam Puffs, a cherished facet of Barbadian culinary tradition, are triangular pastries that epitomize Bajan indulgence.

Crafted with finesse, the magic lies in the flaky perfection of puff pastry enveloping a burst of strawberry jam.

This delightful treat, crowned with a sprinkle of cane sugar, achieves a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Versatile in its appeal, Jam Puffs are a timeless favorite - be it as a midday snack, a post-meal dessert, or a quick on-the-go indulgence. In each bite, one experiences the rich tapestry of Bajan culinary heritage, blending tradition with the joy of savoring something sweet.

Coconut Bread

Coconut bread or sweet bread, often dubbed coconut bread, boasts a delectable mix of flour, butter, grated coconut, sugar, raisins, and cherries, as per ASK Barbados Realty's blog.

Enjoyed for breakfast, tea, or as a snack, it's a culinary delight available in bakeries and supermarkets.

Particularly cherished during holidays like Independence and Christmas, the scent of sweet bread during these festive times is practically euphoric.

Indulging in a warm slice paired with a hot cup of tea is an absolute must-try, making this flavorful treat a beloved tradition that transcends ordinary meals and adds a touch of joy to special occasions.

Comforts

Comforts, akin to soft mints, are a traditional Barbadian sweet delight crafted by blending sugar and peppermint.

The unique preparation involves "pulling" the ingredients to achieve a light and airy texture.

Typically presented as white strips adorned with a red dot at the top, these treats, although not as mainstream as in the past, still grace supermarket shelves.

Barbados' rich culinary culture includes these delicious sweet treats, reflecting the island's flavor-filled heritage.

Sno-Cones

Sno-Cones, a refreshing delight on warm days in Barbados, are cups brimming with shaved ice, transformed with a burst of vibrant colors and flavors from an array of syrups.

Options like orange, pineapple, cherry, coconut, and ginger, among others, tantalize taste buds. For an extra treat, condensed milk is a delectable addition.

Typically sold by vendors on bicycles equipped with umbrellas and iceboxes, their arrival is heralded by a bell or horn.

This whimsical and cooling concoction offers a delightful respite, making Sno-Cones a cherished go-to for beating the heat in Barbados.

READ MORE: Cayman Islands Desserts

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Visit Barbados - How To Make Bajan Coconut Bread - From Visit Barbados




Bennifer, or Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, is one of Hollywood's most popular couples, and their relationship is back in the spotlight thanks to a new documentary, "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," on Amazon Prime, which is produced by J-Lo herself.

We take a look at how the two A-listers met, their engagement, break-up, reuniting, and finally, marriage. Their relationship has spanned over two decades and has captured the imagination of many from around the world.

The Bennifer Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has many ups and downs. Let us stroll down memory lane on their decades-long relationship:

2001 - They Meet for the First Time on Set of 'Gigli'

While the film "Gigli," was considered one of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's worst films ever, the two did meet on the set as the two leads, kicking off a relationship that has gone on and off and has continued to this day. According to Harper's Bazaar, the two went public after J-Lo divorced then-husband Cris Judd.

2002 - Ben Affleck Cameos on Jennifer Lopez's Music Video

A-list celebrities doing cameos in music videos are not uncommon. However, when Ben Affleck appeared in the music video for "Jenny from the Block," it got many talking as Bennifer had become one of the biggest it couples in Hollywood at that time.

November 2002 - Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Get Engaged

The couple sat down with ABC News's Dianne Sawyer in November 2002, and this was when Jennifer Lopez revealed that she is now engaged to the Oscar winner and that he proposed with a six-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Harry Winston.

"It's just a blanket, a quilt of rose petals, all over the whole entire house," she told Sawyer, admitting she never expected the "Justice League" star to pop the question. "So many candles, and vases, bouquets. And my song 'Glad' was playing ... I walk in and I was just overwhelmed. I wasn't expecting it, and I was just like 'Oh my God.'"

Late November 2002 - Jennifer Lopez Album Draws Inspiration From Relationship With Ben Affleck

That same month, Jennifer Lopez dropped one of her most successful albums in history, "This Is Me... Then." According to Business Insider, the album included a song called "Dear Ben," which many say is her love letter to her then-fiancee.

August 2003 - 'Gigli' Released and Flops

The two are now in a firm relationship with one another, and the relationship seems to be going strong. However, the movie they met in, "Gigli," finally premiered, and it was universally hated.

READ MORE: Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth Named MET Gala Co-Chairs

September 10, 2003 - Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Postpone Their Wedding

For over a month, it seems that the flop of "Gigli" could not derail their relationship. However, after much pressure from the media, the couple called off their 2003 wedding.

"When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realized that something was awry," admitted Ben Affleck.

January 2004 - Bennifer Breaks Up

After postponing their wedding, the couple finally decided to break up. Both admitted that the intense media attention to their relationship was one of the major factors why they broke up, according to PEOPLE Magazine.

Couple Remained Friends Even After Breaking Up

However, the break-up was not messy, unlike other celebrity splits. The two remained friends and were described as close, even though they each moved on to date and marry other people.

April 2021 - Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Begin Spending Time With Each Other More

Because they remained friends, there was not much bitterness after the split. When J-Lo broke up with New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez in 2021, it was reported that she and the Batman actor started hanging out more. Relationship rumors ensued.

July 2021 - Bennifer Officially Gets Back Together

In July 2021, it was J-Lo who announced that it was official; she and Ben are back together again. This was revealed on Instagram in a post for her 52nd birthday. Among the photos she posted was her and the "Daredevil" star kissing.

April 2022 - Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Get Engaged... Again

On April 8, 2022, Jennifer Lopez once again announced that she and Ben Affleck were engaged again. She also revealed that instead of a pink engagement ring, he gave her a green diamond ring instead.

July 2022 - Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Finally Get Married

After decades, the two finally got married in a whirlwind ceremony in Las Vegas, shocking many.

August 2022 - Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Get Married in a More Formal Setting

After that surprise wedding, the two once again exchanged vows, this time in Georgia for a more formal affair in front of family and friends.

READ MORE: Jennifer Lopez Breaks Silence About Why She and Ben Affleck Broke Up in 2003

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Jennifer Lopez on Getting Married to Ben Affleck, Jimmy Not Being Invited & the Nickname "Bennifer" - Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has repealed the appeal by Venezuela over the investigation into the allegations of the Nicolas Maduro-ruled country's alleged crimes against humanity, which includes its repression of its opposition.

In a unanimous decision, the ICC Appeals Chamber rejected Venezuela's appeal and confirmed the "Decision authorizing the resumption of the investigation." The decision to resume the crimes against humanity investigation was made by Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Presiding, Judge Piotr Hofmanski, Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, and Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze.

The official ICC website noted that Judge Perrin de Brichambaut, who read their summary judgment, indicated that the Appeals Chamber rejected all six grounds of appeal submitted by Venezuela. The judges recalled its recent ruling in the Philippines Judgment that "the burden of providing information relevant to the pre-trial chamber's determination under article 18(2) of the Statute remains on the State seeking deferral."

The Appeals Chamber also decided that the Pre-Trial Chamber's assessment was correct on "whether Venezuela was conducting or had conducted any investigations or prosecutions of the same categories of individuals, that is alleged high-ranking members of the State security forces and progovernment individuals, in relation to the relevant criminality."

During the hearing, the judges also discussed whether domestic investigations must cover contextual elements of crimes against humanity, including "the existence of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population or a policy."

ICC Investigation Into Venezuela Crimes Against Humanity Paused After Regime Tried to Take Over Investigation

The case was brought by ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan in late 2021 after a lengthy preliminary probe and an official referral, according to the Associated Press. The request to investigate was made by several countries, including Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru.

READ MORE: Venezuela Starts a New Feud, This Time Against the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights

However, Venezuelan authorities tried to take over the investigation into its own alleged crimes, forcing the full-scale investigation to be placed on hold. It was noted that the ICC is a court of last resort that only takes on cases when national authorities are unwilling or unable to investigate, which means that it had to step in after the Nicolas Maduro regime kept on trying to interfere.

Khan has been pressing to continue the ICC's investigation, the first in Latin America, saying that Venezuela's efforts to deliver justice remain "either insufficient in scope or have not yet had any concrete impact on potentially relevant proceedings."

The ICC judges agreed with the prosecutor and noted that "Venezuela appears to have taken limited investigative steps and that, in many cases, there appear to be periods of unexplained investigative inactivity."

Human Rights Groups Laud Resumption of Crimes Against Humanity Investigation Vs. Venezuela

Various human rights groups welcomed the decision, with the International Federation For Human Rights (FIDH) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) lauding the decision as a right step forward.

"In a context marked by the dismantling of the rule of law in the country and a new wave of persecution against all dissident voices, the ICC's response is an important turning point, as it allows for the investigation of serious violations of human rights and international criminal law committed by the Maduro regime to move forward," the FIDH said in a statement.

READ MORE: Venezuela Troop Build-Up Near Border Violates International Law, Warns Guyana

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: International Criminal Court to probe possible Venezuela rights violations  FRANCE 24 English
In a significant effort to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, around 1,000 Kenyan police officers are set to be deployed to the Caribbean nation.

Last year, Kenya volunteered to lead a multinational Haiti security mission, but in January, the High Court blocked the plan, citing the government's lack of authority to deploy police abroad without a proper agreement, according to Yahoo! News.

Haiti's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, visited Kenya to salvage the plan, which faced legal obstacles in both countries.

The High Court in Kenya ruled that the National Security Council lacked legal authority to send police outside the country.

Despite challenges, President William Ruto of Kenya and Prime Minister Henry signed an agreement during the visit, outlining the next steps to expedite the deployment.

In response to the urgent situation in Haiti, where nearly 5,000 deaths were reported due to gang violence last year, the international community is rallying support.

The Bahamas has committed 150 personnel, and additional assistance is expected from Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, the US, which pledged $200 million, and Benin, offering 2,000 troops to support the Haiti security mission.

READ NEXT: Haiti: Gang Violence Sparks in the Absence of The Prime Minister

Gang Violence Grips Haiti

Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, has witnessed a surge in gang violence following the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moise.

The absence of a successor and postponed elections since 2016 have exacerbated the turmoil.

Port-au-Prince experienced a day of intense gun violence, with gangs targeting police stations, a police academy, and the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport.

Jimmy Cherizier, known as "Barbecue" and a prominent gang leader, declared a coordinated attack to oust Prime Minister Henry in a video statement, VOA reports.

The violence prompted the closure of the airport, businesses, government agencies, and schools as panic-stricken families navigated the streets.

Henry assumed leadership after Moise's assassination, pledging new elections twice but failing to fulfill the promises.

Critics, including thousands of protesters, have demanded Henry's resignation, aligning with a political deal that required elections and a transfer of power by February 7.

Mission for Humanity Amid Opposition

Facing opposition at home, President Ruto defended Kenya's involvement as a "mission for humanity," aligning with the country's history of contributing to peacekeeping missions abroad, France 24 noted.

Protests in Haiti have intensified, demanding Henry's resignation and swift elections. Henry, visiting Nairobi, assured university students of his commitment to organizing elections at the earliest.

The Haiti security mission, initially approved for one year, envisioned Kenyan police collaborating with their Haitian counterparts against outnumbered and outgunned gang members.

The deployment aims to bring stability to Haiti, a nation grappling with unprecedented levels of violence and political turmoil.

As international efforts converge to address the crisis, the success and impact of the mission remain pivotal for Haiti's future.

READ MORE: Fernando Villavicencio Assassination Planned From Jail

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ruto speaks as Kenya and Haiti sign agreement on the deployment of 1,000 police officers!! - From Kenya Digital News




Things are not looking good for MAGA Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert as her son, Tyler Boebert, has been arrested over multiple possible felonies in addition to having his own sex tape, just as his ultra-conservative family values Republican politician mother is caught up with her own sex scandal inside a Denver theater while also faring badly in the polls as she runs for a new Congressional District.

The 18-year-old Tyler Boebert is accused of taking part in a series of car break-ins and credit card thefts. He was arrested and appeared in court virtually from jail on Wednesday. However, he was soon released but has to return to court in April as he faces multiple felony charges.

Lauren Boebert's son is facing 22 charges, including four felony charges of criminal possession of ID documents, and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony. This is in addition to over a dozen misdemeanor charges, according to the BBC.

In a statement, Boebert's campaign stated that the MAGA congresswoman's son should be held accountable for "poor decisions" just like anyone else. Boebert herself released her own statement, saying, "I love my son Tyler, who has been through some very difficult, public challenges for a young man and the subject of attention that he didn't ask for."

"It breaks my heart to see my child struggling and, in this situation, especially when he has been provided multiple opportunities to get his life on track," she added.

It was first reported that the congresswoman's son was committing crimes in Colorado after he was spotted in a surveillance video while officers were investigating a string of car break-ins, according to court documents. He is also accused of using stolen credit cards to buy items online and in gas stations.

READ NEXT: Marjorie Taylor Greene Calling Lauren Boebert a Wh*re to Other Republicans

Lauren Boebert's Son Allegedly Filmed a Sex Tape With a Minor

Just as his mother was caught in a sex scandal, Tyler Boebert was as well, as an affidavit of his arrest alleged that he had sex with a minor and filmed the encounter.

According to New Republic, the Garfield County Clerk of Court's affidavit noted that the younger Boebert "supposedly made a sex tape with" one of the other suspects, a female minor, and it was reportedly "sent around to people they knew." It was noted, however, that it was unclear how old Tyler Boebert was at the time they filmed the sex tape.

Lauren Boebert's Family Troubles, Sex Scandal, Divorce, Highlight Struggling Election Campaign

Lauren Boebert has transferred to a new district following her divorce from her now-estranged ex-husband, Jayson Boebert who has been accused of not just abusing the congresswoman, but also their children.

However, she is struggling in that new district and many have commented it may be the end of her career as a lawmaker after she has been caught in multiple scandals, which include her "Beetlejuice scandal," her running away from her district after it was clear that she will lose to a Democrat, her messy divorce, and now, her son being arrested.

While her opponents blasted her for switching districts as she trails in the polls against her Democratic opponent, she cited that the reason for her going from Colorado's 3rd District to the 4th District was because of her family troubles and her "children's future."

Despite this, though, her recent scandals are currently turning off conservative voters in her new district, as she failed to even make it to the Top 3 of the Republican Congressional primary in District 4.

READ MORE: Lauren Boebert Sex Scandal: MAGA Republican Says She Broke Up With Man She Fondled Inside a Denver Theater

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Lauren Boebert's son robbed a woman WITH A BRAIN TUMOR - David Pakman Show
A new book about the modern first ladies has revealed new details on the fraught relationship between Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, including what happened with the Stormy Daniels scandal, as well as her rivalry with Ivanka Trump and her frequent clashes with her husband while he was still president.

As first lady, Melania Trump often looked like she was not enjoying herself while she was with her husband, from incidents like slapping his hand away to looking awkward in photos with him. Many theorized she was not happy in her marriage with the then-president.

Now, a new book titled "American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden" by Katie Rogers takes a look at their complicated history during her time at the White House.

According to Page Six, it was former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham who told author Katie Rogers about their frequent spats, including Melania intentionally backing out of an overseas trip as the Stormy Daniels sex scandal was happening.

"I think she was pissed at Trump and wanted him to be a little humiliated that she took off," the former Trump official said in the book. "The First Lady had wanted to communicate her anger to the president."

In the Stormy Daniels sex scandal, Donald Trump reportedly paid off the porn star to keep quiet about her sexual encounter with the New York real estate mogul while Melania Trump was still pregnant with their son, Barron. The scandal was confirmed by Trump's former personal attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen.

Melania's anger at the issue was revealed when her former friend and close advisor, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, leaked audio of her talking about the porn star, saying, "[Photographer] Annie Leibovitz shot the porn hooker, and she [Daniels] will be [in] one of the issues, September or October," before being asked who she was talking about, to which the then-FLOTUS replied, "Stormy."

READ MORE: Arizona: Man Hired by Donald Trump and Kari Lake To Find Voter Fraud Admits He Found Nothing

Donald Trump Became Irate After Seeing Melania Trump Watching CNN on Air Force One

Meanwhile, the book also revealed that the couple had a major spat surrounding the news networks they frequently consume. While Trump was an avid Fox News viewer, Melania often watched CNN. When the then-president saw his wife watching the network he hated, he became irate.

People Magazine reported that the fight happened in July 2018 when the then-president became "incensed that his wife's television was tuned to CNN aboard Air Force One during an overseas trip." This led to Donald Trump ordering all TVs on Air Force One and in their individual hotel suites to only tune into Fox News.

The couple also reportedly clashed on decorating the White House. Melania spent some money to buy new decorations, but her husband then ordered those new decorations to be taken down and replaced with his usual gold ornaments.

Melania Trump and Donald Trump Daughter Ivanka Reportedly Hated Each Other

The book also claimed that then-First Lady Melania Trump waged a four-year "war against Ivanka Trump," with the two reportedly having a rivalry for influence at the Trump White House.

According to Vanity Fair, the book noted that the infamous jacket that she wore when visiting migrant children at a detention center that read "I Really Don't Care. Do U?" was not aimed at the migrant children but at Ivanka.

Melania received much backlash for wearing that jacket as it "appeared to send the message that she didn't care about the plight of the kids who'd been separated from their parents thanks to her husband."

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Fake Elector Scheme: Kenneth Chesebro Hid Damning Tweets From Investigators

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: New Book Reports Trump, Melania Clashes | The View
In a shocking escalation of violence, armed Haiti gangs stormed the country's main prison, resulting in a mass jailbreak where thousands of inmates fled.

The incident unfolded overnight and added a new layer of turmoil to the already precarious situation in the capital.

At least five people lost their lives in the wake of the Haiti violence, according to AP News

The mass jailbreak signifies a distressing turn in the nation's escalating violence, with Haiti gangs intensifying coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince.

This grim development occurred while Prime Minister Ariel Henry sought international support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilize the country.

Prime Minister Henry is currently abroad, addressing the urgent need for assistance amid a surge in Haiti violence.

READ NEXT: Haiti, Kenya Sign Agreement

A Bloody Mass Jailbreak

The disturbing aftermath of the prison break paints a grim picture.

At the prison entrance, three lifeless bodies with gunshot wounds lay, and the facility, usually overcrowded, appeared eerily empty.

The majority of the approximately 4,000 detainees have now escaped, including members of Haiti gangs implicated in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Haiti, already grappling with dire circumstances as the poorest country in the Americas, has seen a worsening of violence in recent years.

Haiti gangs, vying for control and seeking the ousting of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently command 80% of Port-au-Prince.

The recent surge in Haiti violence commenced on Thursday when the prime minister left for Nairobi to discuss the deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational security force to Haiti.

Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known as "Barbecue," declared a coordinated attack to remove the prime minister.

This alliance of armed Haiti gangs, spanning provincial towns and the capital, poses a severe threat.

Shootings erupted, claiming the lives of four police officers, and the French embassy in Haiti issued travel advisories for the capital.

The penitentiary, designed to accommodate 700 prisoners, held an alarming 3,687 inmates as of February last year, leading to serious overcrowding concerns, as reported by the rights group RNDDH.

The prison has been plagued by poor staffing and challenging conditions, contributing to the vulnerability exposed during the recent attack, Aljazeera noted.

Amid the chaos, there were reports of armed men attempting to seize control of the capital's main container port, causing disruptions.

Haiti gangs issued threats to attack additional police stations, heightening fears of further violence and instability.

As the situation in Haiti continues to spiral into an abyss of violence and uncertainty, international attention and assistance are urgently required to address the multifaceted challenges facing the beleaguered nation.

Political Turmoil and Unmet Agreements

As the political landscape remains tumultuous, the situation has been exacerbated by the failure to conduct elections and President Moise's assassination, BBC reports.

Under a political deal, elections were scheduled, and Prime Minister Henry was expected to step down by February 7, a commitment that has not materialized.

The lack of leadership and unresolved political issues have fueled an environment conducive to escalating Haiti's violence.

A United Nations report from January revealed a staggering toll of more than 8,400 victims of Haiti gangs in the country in the previous year alone, including killings, injuries, and kidnappings-more than double the figures reported in 2022.

READ MORE: Russia Spreading Disinformation

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Inmates flee after armed gangs storm Haiti's main prison - From Associated Press




International reggaeton sensation Karol G's private jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Van Nuys Airport on Thursday night following the pilot's report of smoke in the cockpit.

The Grammy-winning Colombian artist was on board with 16 individuals when the incident occurred, according to ABC7 News.

AIR7 HD captured the dramatic scene as Karol G, born Carolina Giraldo Navarro, exited the plane, embracing friends and associates on the tarmac after the safe landing.

The journey had commenced from Burbank airport, heading east, but complications arose over the Cajon Pass, prompting the pilot to make a swift turnaround.

While the representatives for Karol G did not immediately respond to inquiries, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on Friday morning, confirming the emergency landing.

The statement disclosed, "A twin-engine Gulfstream IV landed safely at Van Nuys Airport in California around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 29 after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit.

The flight departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport and was headed to El Salvador International Airport."

Emergency crews were on standby, and the plane landed smoothly at Van Nuys Airport around 9 p.m. No injuries were reported, providing a sigh of relief for those on board.

The artist's Karol G private jet notably features the barbed-wire heart logo tattooed on her arm.

READ NEXT: Karol G Becomes First Woman to Win Best Musica Urbana Album

Karol G: A Year of Triumphs and Accolades

At 33 years old, Karol G has achieved remarkable success in her music career, earning accolades such as a Grammy, five Latin Grammys, and four Billboard awards, Billboard noted.

Her latest album set a historic record as the first Spanish-language album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 English language chart.

Following a year filled with career-defining milestones, including a groundbreaking album, a successful stadium tour, headlining Lollapalooza, and winning her first Grammy, Karol G has been honored as Billboard's 2024 Woman of the Year.

The award will be presented at the Billboard Women in Music Awards at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on March 6, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross.

The Women in Music Awards will celebrate music's rising stars and industry luminaries for their contributions to the field.

Karol G is not only being recognized for her musical achievements but will also grace the stage for a special performance during the event.

Karol G Addresses the Incident

While representatives initially remained silent on the incident, Karol G took to her Instagram Story to express gratitude and provide reassurance to concerned fans, EW reports.

Writing in Spanish, she stated, "Thanks to everyone who has worried and to those who have reached out with messages, my family, my team, and I are all doing very well and grateful for a new opportunity... Dear God is looking after us and blessing us every day with life and health."

As of now, it remains unclear why Karol G was in Los Angeles, considering her ongoing "Manana Sera Bonito" tour in Latin America.

The Karol G private jet's emergency landing incident's impact on her tour schedule has yet to be confirmed. Fans continue to await further updates from the artist and her team.

READ MORE: Beyonce's 'Texas Hold' Em' Tops Billboard's Country Songs Chart

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Written by: Bert Hoover
This year's Mexico elections may be the biggest in history. However, it may also be the bloodiest as several candidates for various positions have already been killed since last year, with the latest being the assassinations of two rival mayoral candidates from the town of Maravatio on the same day in the cartel-plagued Michoacan State.

Several states have reported local candidates in various positions, from mayors to lawmakers, being killed or abducted and threatened by organized crime. Many of these candidates are now concerned for their own safety.

One of them is Julian Lopez, a coordinator for the Citizen Movement party in Guerrero State, another state plagued by cartel violence. He is running in the state and was suddenly abducted earlier this month. He spoke with the Associated Press regarding his harrowing experience, telling the outlet that "rifle-toting gunmen abducted him and two colleagues while they were driving on Feb. 7."

He told the AP that he was "beaten, stripped of his possessions, made to kneel near a remote garbage dump, and ultimately abandoned in the middle of the night."

"How will it look to see a leader moving around the state of Guerrero with armed officials and in armored cars?" he asked the outlet. "I don't think that's the way to get closer to the people or promote citizen participation."

2024 will be the largest election in Mexico yet, with over 20,000 positions up for grabs on June 2 in all 32 jurisdictions. However, while national candidates will receive security details from federal authorities, local candidates, especially those running in territories held by local drug cartels, are completely exposed, and they are well aware of the danger that they are in.

Local Candidates in Mexico More Vulnerable Under Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Rule

Political violence in Mexico is nothing new. However, with more candidates running across the country, the violence is also expected to increase.

"Local power is extremely important to organized crime," said Political scientist Manuel Perez Aguirre, who coordinates the College of Mexico's Violence and Peace Seminar's research into electoral violence. "That's why they look to establish control at the municipal level."

READ MORE: Mexico Elections: 2 Mayoral Candidates of the Same City Shot Dead, Within Hours Apart

The danger for these local candidates increased under the leadership of Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. When he created the quasi-military National Guard, he disbanded the federal police, and this has led the local police to struggle against the more heavily-armed drug cartels, according to ABC News.

"Local power has really been abandoned and municipal police haven't really been strengthened," Perez Aguirre added. He also pointed out that the president has been dismissive of the concerns of growing electoral violence, even after two mayoral candidates were killed on the same day.

Mexico Elections Campaign Period Officially Kicked Off

Meanwhile, it is already the official campaign period. Presidential candidates started out on friendly grounds, beginning their respective campaigns in their strongholds, including the ruling Morena Party's Claudia Sheinbaum, who is aiming to fill the biggest plaza in Mexico City.

Meanwhile, her closest rival, Xochitl Galvez, began her campaign in her own stronghold in Guanajuato, according to El Pais. The candidate polling third, Jorge alvarez Maynez, will be visiting the states of Sonora, Jalisco, and Nuevo Leon this weekend. These states are important in gaining a foothold for his Citizen's Movement party.

READ MORE: Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Says Law Does Not Apply To Him

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Mexico Elections 2024: Two women in the race to be Mexico's next President | World News | WION
A significant aspect influencing Joe Biden's presidential poll deficits is the criticism emanating from his own Democratic base.

Twice as many Democrats assess Biden's presidency as fair or poor compared to Republicans' views on Donald Trump's presidency.

This internal scrutiny from Democrats is contributing to the challenges facing President Biden as he prepares for his upcoming State of the Union address.

Heightening the challenges for President Joe Biden is the growing concern over his age.

According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, a substantial 47% of respondents strongly agreed that Biden is too old to be effective, with an additional 26% somewhat agreeing.

This concern is a potential threat to Biden's re-election efforts, particularly as both he and Trump show signs of aging, occasionally causing confusion in public appearances, according to the Independent.

A majority of those who supported Biden in 2020 now believe he is too old to be effective, according to the presidential poll. Even among those planning to vote for him again, concerns about his age persist.

However, Biden's doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, affirmed his fitness for duty after a recent physical examination, highlighting the president's health and ability to carry out his responsibilities.

READ NEXT: Joe Biden, Donald Trump Visit US - Mexico Border

Voters Compare Presidencies Between Biden and Trump

As Super Tuesday approaches, a historic rematch between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump is shaping up, not only between two candidates but also between two contrasting presidencies.

In the current comparison, former President Donald Trump emerges as the front-runner, holding a four-point lead over President Joe Biden, marking his largest lead to date.

The key factor driving this preference is the recollection of Trump's economic policies, which voters view more favorably than the current state under President Biden.

Voters, in retrospect, recall the economy under Trump with more positive sentiments than they rate the current economic conditions under President Biden.

This sentiment persists despite incremental improvements in today's economic outlook, CBS News reports.

Notably, the positive view of the economy during Trump's tenure in 2019 witnessed a decline in his last year, coinciding with the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Currently, the perception of the economy is incrementally improving, but it is not translating into increased approval for President Joe Biden, especially when compared to Trump's legacy.

Part of the challenge lies in the expectation that Biden's policies may lead to price increases.

Republicans overwhelmingly anticipate lower prices if Trump were to be re-elected, contributing to the sustained support for the former president.

Comparing Administrations on Key Issues

When comparing the Trump and Biden administrations on crucial issues, voters believe Trump mostly succeeded on the economy, with a 20-point margin, while Biden is perceived to have mostly failed by 25 points, Fox News noted.

Similar gaps exist in national security and border security, where Trump's negative ratings were lower than Biden's.

Unifying the country, however, shows a comparable negative spread for both administrations.

As Super Tuesday approaches, the contrasting legacies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, particularly on economic matters and concerns about age, will play pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape.

The historic rematch gains significance as voters navigate through memories of past presidencies and evaluate the current leadership.

READ MORE: Pentagon Leak Suspect Jack Teixeira Pleads Guilty

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 'Too old to be effective': Joe Biden suffers major blow in latest poll - From Sky News Australia
Tempers flared in the Darien region of Panama as a group of migrants brawled, resulting in the destruction of several pieces of property, including a migrant shelter near the infamous Darien Gap, the treacherous stretch of jungle between Panama and Colombia where migrants often cross on their way to the US-Mexico border.

Panama's border police did manage to intervene. However, the brawl between the migrants resulted in the destruction of various vehicles and at least 10 modules of a migrant camp that acted as a temporary migrant reception center in San Vicente, Panama.

According to the Associated Press, the migrant shelter is where migrants who emerge from the treacherous Darien Gap register with Panamanian authorities. At least 44 migrants were arrested following the brawl, with reports indicating that at least 250 migrants were involved in the fight, per the Panamanian Security Ministry.

Security officials stated that the migrant riot began when two women argued over a tent. The situation then devolved from there, with Panamanian authorities saying in a statement, "These violent acts carried the consequence of serious impacts on this shelter."

After crossing the Darien Gap, migrants sign up in San Vicente and stay at the shelter there. After that, many of them board buses that carry them to the border with Costa Rica.

Panama's Arrest of Boat Captains in the Darien Gap Strands More Than 3,000 Migrants

Just like Panama, the country on the other side of the Darien Gap, Colombia has been trying to stop migrants from crossing over from the Darien Gap as the migrant crisis continues. One of their boldest moves was the arrest of two boat captains, and this seemed to have worked for now. This has led boat companies to suspend their activities in ferrying migrants across to Panama.

READ MORE: Panama: 5 Dead, 1 Missing After Migrant Smuggling Boat Capsizes

Without the boat captains leading migrants across the waters across the jungle, these migrants are now stranded in two remote Caribbean towns. Over 3,000 migrants are said to now be staying in these towns, and officials are afraid that the bottleneck could cause a public health emergency, according to The Guardian.

One of these towns affected is Necocli, where approximately 1,000 people are now waiting for the boat services to resume. "Necocli is a city with limited capacity," an official told The Guardian. "We're trying to mediate, because obviously we're worried that having so many people could ultimately end up affecting public order."

Sexual Abuse Rising in Darien Gap, Says Doctors Without Borders

Meanwhile, there are increasing reports of sexual violence for migrants crossing the Darien Gap, and this is all thanks to a lack of action from the two governments that share the treacherous stretch of jungle.

Doctors Without Borders revealed on its official website that in just one week in February 2024, their medical teams "treated 113 people - including nine children - after they were sexually assaulted by criminal groups operating in the Darien."

In a statement, the humanitarian organization called on authorities in Panama to act, saying, "We see a complete lack of action to address the situation... We renew our call to the Panamanian authorities to redouble their efforts to protect the most vulnerable people."

READ MORE: Panama Slams Colombia Over Inaction in Stemming the Flow of Migrants at the Darien Gap

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Darien Gap: The Terrifying Truth About the World's Most Dangerous Road! - CuriousReason
In a remarkable turn of events, a missing Michigan woman since 2017 was discovered in distress in a motel room after managing to call her stepmother for help.

The Michigan State Police, sharing the development on social media platform X, disclosed that the woman, now in her 30s, reached out to her stepmother on Monday, revealing she was being held against her will at the Evergreen Motel in Inkster, Michigan.

Upon receiving the distress call, detectives swiftly determined the woman's location and, along with troopers, promptly responded to a Michigan motel in Inkster, according to Fox News.

At the scene, they heard the woman screaming and crying from inside a motel room.

Faced with urgency, law enforcement broke down the door to find the woman alone.

She was subsequently transported to Beaumont Dearborn for a medical evaluation and to assist detectives in their ongoing investigation.

READ NEXT: Missing Florida Girl Found Dead

Potential Sex Trafficking Victim

Michigan State Police have acknowledged that the woman is believed to be a victim of sex trafficking, Unilad reports.

The Michigan motel, situated approximately 32 kilometers from Detroit and 135 kilometers from Lansing, serves as a suburban area with a population of around 25,700 residents.

Lt. Mike Shaw from the Michigan State Police described the sounds that led them to the specific room as "crying, kind of screaming" noises.

Upon entering the room, authorities discovered the missing Michigan woman unharmed but in possession of drugs, a cell phone, and firearms.

She is now safely reunited with her family and is undergoing specialized counseling therapies.

Lt. Mike Shaw emphasized the importance of exploring all possibilities in the ongoing investigation, considering potential crimes such as human trafficking or domestic violence.

"We'll kind of look at what's next, right... interview her if a crime did take place such as human trafficking or is it a domestic violence situation or is it different," Shaw said.

"I don't want to use the word kidnapping like somebody grabbed her and took her to that place. It may have started out as a relationship that turns into being held against your will and being trafficked," he added as noted by New York Post.

Identity Confidentiality and Ongoing Investigation

The identity of the woman is being kept confidential due to the nature of the potential crime.

Although a suspect has been identified, no one has been taken into custody at this time.

Lt. Mike Shaw stressed the need to thoroughly explore all possibilities as the investigation progresses.

The woman's willingness to cooperate and provide details of her experience is aiding detectives who specialize in active human trafficking and missing persons cases.

Lt. Mike Shaw expressed the need to interview her to determine the nature of the crime, whether it involves human trafficking, domestic violence, or a different circumstance.

The investigation aims to unravel the events that led to the missing Michigan woman being held against her will, shedding light on a complex and potentially criminal situation.

READ MORE: Idaho: Pauses Execution for Murder Thomas Eugene Creech

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Woman missing since 2017 found safe in Inkster motel: 'She was pretty distraught' - From WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7




In a heartfelt Instagram video, Bruce Willis wife, Emma Heming Willis, refuted recent media reports that suggested her husband's life had lost all joy after his diagnosis of Aphasia progressed into Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Expressing her frustration with sensational headlines, Emma clarified that these statements were far from the truth, according to HuffPost.

"I just got click-baited. I'm just scrolling, minding my own business, and just saw a headline that had to do with my own family," she shared in the video.

"The headline basically says there is no more joy in my husband. Now, I can just tell you, that is far from the truth," she added.

Bruce Willis, known for his iconic roles in movies like "Die Hard" and "Pulp Fiction," received an Aphasia diagnosis, a condition affecting language and communication skills.

Bruce Willis wife, Emma, a British model, married Willis in 2009, and they share two daughters: Mabel Ray Willis, 11, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 9.

Willis also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.

Despite facing the challenges of her husband's diagnosis, Emma emphasized that their family's journey involves more than grief and sadness.

"You start a new chapter and that chapter is filled with love, connection, joy, and happiness," she declared.

READ NEXT: Bruce Willis Dementia

Raising Awareness Through Make Time Wellness Brand

Emma Heming Willis' comments on her husband's diagnosis and the media's portrayal come after her recent conversation with PEOPLE, where she discussed her work with Make Time, a wellness brand she co-founded with Helen Christoni.

Make Time focuses on raising awareness about brain health, especially for women, and was recognized by PEOPLE as part of "Women Changing the World."

Through her work, Emma highlights the importance of shared experiences and community support for those dealing with neurocognitive disorders. "I've been able to lean in on this new community I find myself in, so giving back to people who are on this journey as care partners has been super meaningful," Bruce Willis wife explained.

Navigating Highs and Lows in the Journey

Since sharing her husband's diagnosis with the public, Emma has been candid about the highs and lows of their journey, EW reports.

Despite expressing guilt and sadness, she has also shared moments of happiness and celebration on social media.

In a powerful Instagram post, Emma criticized the misinformation surrounding dementia, urging media outlets to be more responsible in their reporting.

She emphasized the impact of misleading headlines on society's mental health, stating, "You wonder why anxiety and depression is up in our society.

I honestly think part of it has to do with this kind of clickbait, how things are framed and pushed out to us."

Bruce Willis wife, Emma, has also announced an upcoming book about dementia, drawing on her experiences as Bruce Willis's caregiver.

Scheduled for release in 2025 through Penguin Random House's The Open Field imprint, the book aims to provide a roadmap for caregivers, combining personal stories with expert advice.

"Dementia not only affects your loved one but can shake a whole family's foundation, and self, if you allow it," Emma emphasized.

"Identifying the right resources to educate and enlighten myself has been powerful and has allowed me the space to continue to move forward in the most positive way so that I can be the best mother, wife, daughter, friend, and care partner, she said.

Bruce Willis wife, Emma Heming Willis, added that she wants to share it with the next person who finds themselves in the same situation.

READ MORE: Karol G's Private Jet Makes Emergency Landing

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Emma Heming Willis Calls Out Fake Headline that Husband Bruce Willis Has 'No More Joy' - From E! News




Phillipsburg lawmakers say they want to see a neighborhood block named for one of the towns earliest local leaders and former mayor changed, in light of new information about his history.

On Wednesday night, town council unanimously approved a resolution to have Kneedler Avenue, named for former Phillipsburg Mayor Frank Kneedler, renamed in a manner consistent with the values of the Town.

Unfortunately, its named after him, Councilman Lee Clark said.

Clark, who authored the resolution, and Councilman Matthew Scerbo Sr. both, credited a recently published book by local historian Wayne Sherrer for bringing the details of Kneedlers tenure to public attention.

In the book, Phorgotten No More: Glimpses of the presence of African Americans in Phillipsburg, Sherrer traces more than 200 years of Black American existence in Phillipsburg and surrounding towns to create the most complete record of the presence of Black Americans in Warren County to date, he told lehighvalleylive.com in February.

The book also cites a 1916 article published in the Easton Daily Express, now the Express-Times and lehighvalleylive.com, where the ex-mayor is quoted: We Dont Want a Lot of N****rs to Come Here and Create a Nuisance, Kneedler, reportedly, said.

According to Sherrer, Kneedler was speaking in opposition to a decision by the Warren Pipe Foundry to board some of its Black employees who were in need of housing. Sherrer told lehighvalleylive.com that he was proud to know Phillipsburgs leaders were interested in reflecting on town history and paving the way for a more inclusive community.

When I spoke with Matthew, I told him I didnt think memorializing (Kneedler) would be something the town could be proud of in its future, Sherrer said.

Clark and Scerbo, on Wednesday night, called the former mayors comments deplorable, repugnant and racist, and asked their colleagues to disavow the towns relationship with Kneedler, to which they were met with applause and support.

This may not seem like town business at the moment, but when we can come together on these small things, they give us momentum to accomplish a lot more in town, Scerbo said. We can come together.

Possible alternatives to Kneedler Avenue have been floated, but no official decision has been made. Sherrer has proposed renaming the roadway Duncan Avenue, in honor of Frank and Thomas Duncan, two brothers who were among the first Black men from Phillipsburg to enlist in the Union Army.

Another option could be Mahlon Chamberlin, one of the first Black man in Phillipsburg to cast a vote for an election. Eleven years later, he also claimed the title as one of the first Black men in N.J. to represent a major party in an election. He ran as a Republican candidate for Phillipsburg Pound Keeper. He lost the race by only six votes.

Wednesday nights decision did not authorize the town to change the street name immediately. The proper channels and documentation must still be processed by the towns engineer, Clark explained, but its the first step.

African-Americans have contributed to the fabric of The Town of Phillipsburg in innumerable ways, he wrote in the resolution, the historical record shows Mayor Kneedlers comments had a chilling effect, causing an out-migration of African Americans in subsequent years.

Kneedler Avenue is located inside the Phillipsburg Housing Authority housing development, managed by the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development. The housing complex was established in 1946, records show; 30 years after Kneedlers comments were published in print.

Phillipsburg Housing Authority or The Projects, The PJs or The Bricks as theyre popularly called among residents who live there, is one of the most densely populated and diverse neighborhoods in Phillipsburg. More than a dozen Black families currently live along the 13-row home street called Kneedler Avenue.

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.
Two Laois-based Tidy Towns groups will receive funding under a community biodiversity grants scheme announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan this morning.



Portlaoise Tidy Towns will receive 6,000 for the development of a specially designed Sand Martin nest wall in the Peoples Park, Portlaoise with the aim of increasing the number of birds on the River Triogue. The Sand Martin is currently an amber-listed bird of conservation concern. The project will include local awareness raising with signage and locally organised talks.



Meanwhile, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns will receive 6,000 for the greening of Abbeyleix town through the planned programme of native tree and pollinator friendly planting.



Each local project will be receiving access to experts to either develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) or support to implement measures from an existing plan.

The grants are the latest in a joint Biodiversity Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming welcomed the money.

"This is very welcome news for both towns. It is important that we support local communities to help restore nature in local areas. I want to thank both of these local groups and all of the Tidy Towns groups in Laois for their hard work," he said.

Nationally 376,000 has been allocated to support communities in every part of the country in both rural and urban areas.

Minister Noonan TD, said: These grants are uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity. Successful grantees work with ecologists to create a Community Biodiversity Action Plan and can then seek funding to implement it. All of the data they collect is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, making a valuable contribution to citizen science in Ireland.

This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a Seed for Nature at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, so its particularly special to see it flourish and deliver so much impact all across the country, with 213 CBAPs in place and more to come.

Its vital that we empower communities to restore nature at grassroots level, especially as the National Biodiversity Action Plan takes root. Over the coming years, Local Authorities will also be developing Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Active, informed and engaged communities will help us ensure that policy-making for biodiversity is a two way street: top down and bottom up.
A businesswoman who got lost in snow in the Slieve Bloom mountains last week has thanked the local people in Laois and Laois Offaly gardai for her rescue.

Georgy of Keepsakes by Georgy was on her way from Waterford to Sligo when her Sat Nav directed her a certain way, which she didn't realise was through the snow-covered Slieve Bloom mountains, which were impassable.

This was the start of her early morning adventure. Once she was driving in the mountains, the road became impassable and she was stuck in freezing temperatures caused by the freak weather on Friday, March 1.

Some local men came to Georgy's rescue, but she said she was originally frightened as the men approached her in the dark, in such a remote location.

"It was very scary. It was dark, and I was lost in the woods," Georgy said.

The men who were trying to cover themselves from the cold also were hard to make out, so understandably the stranded driver was a little nervous.

"It was dark and I wasn't going to open my car door. I let my window down a little and they didn't look friendly until they opened their mouths and asked 'do you need help'. They told me that people often get lost," Georgy said.

"The guy from the area said the Sat Nav always brings people up there," she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The local men, along with local gardai, eventually got Georgy back on a main road and heading in the direction of Galway, and on to her conference in Sligo.

Georgy later thanked one of the local men, Leo Brophy from Camross, who was one of those who came to her rescue.

"It was a very important conference in Sligo so I wasn't going to miss it for anything," Georgy said. "Thank God I didn't have the kids with me, as it would have been so scary for them".

Georgy was on her way to a conference to display her jewellery, and had samples with her in the car. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Keepsakes by Georgy provides personalised DNA keepsakes.

Georgy has been in Ireland for 17 years and works from home in Waterford.

Last week, garda social media outlined: "Gardai in Mountrath assisted a driver, that didn't know the area, this morning when GPS sent them up through the Slieve Blooms."

They added that "the road from Kinnity to Killanure is impassable due to heavy snow overnight."
An Post had no choice but to close the Durrow Post Office branch service but it is committed to reopening when a new location and licence holder can be found.

The company confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the Durrow branch would close temporarily on Friday, March 8.

It said that in the interim we will transfer customers to Abbeyleix Post Office about 8.9 kms away. It outlined efforts made to avoid closure.

We have been attempting to find a new postmaster to provide post office services in Durrow for some time but with no success. We advertised the contract a number of times and also canvassed the local businesses but again were unable to find a new contractor

We have no alternative at this stage but to close the office on a temporary basis and continuing with local retailers to see if there is a viable option in the future. The building that current houses the Post Office is being sold and has to be vacated in March, it said.

The company issued the statement after Laois Offaly TD and Minister Sean Fleming revealed that the service would be suspended. He hopes it will reopen.

They are continuing the efforts to appoint a Postmaster and they are hopeful that the service will be restored soon.

"I will keep in contact with An Post and the Minister on this very important issue for Durrow. It is vital that a Post Office be re-opened for the people and community in Durrow as soon as possible," he said.

Durrow-based Cllr Ollie Clooney said was confident that the closure temporary. He said he was "100% sure that it would reopen giving an estimated timeframe of a month.

The independent county councillor told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that a local shop is in advanced talks to take up the contract.

It is understood that the talks that have taken place with a local business person have been productive but the process has yet to yield a definitive agreement

In 2021 Bank of Ireland announced the closure of the Durrow branch. At the time An Post said a new new partnership with the bank would see personal and SME withdrawal and lodgement services to Bank of Ireland customers across the An Post post office network.

The town was also hit last year with the news that the local Credit Union opening hours would be curtailed.
An Irish citizen has been told he will not be permitted to leave Iraq as expected, days after being assured that all charges against him had been dropped.

Yasser Eljuboori was detained by Iraqi police on Monday last week after he tried to board a flight back to Dublin following a trip to visit his sick mother.

On Thursday, the well-known anti-corruption activist was released on bail after being told that all charges against him were dropped.

The charges were initially filed by the Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin discussed the case with the Iraqi deputy prime minister Dr Fuad Hussein.

Mr Martin said: Dr Hussein subsequently advised me that he had raised the case at the highest level and was confident that Mr Eljuboori would be released following the waiving of charges against him.

At the time, Mr Eljuboori was told that it would take two to three days of paperwork before he would be allowed to leave Iraq and return home to his family in Dublin.

However, when he returned to court on Sunday to collect his passport and belongings, his legal team had been told that two further charges have been filed against him about social media posts in which he raised corruption concerns.

The charges were filed by the mayor of Baghdad and the chair of the National Investment Commission.

The charges come under Article 226 of the Iraqi penal code which criminalises any person who publicly insults public authorities or officials.

On Monday, his lawyers were told that the new complainants no longer want to proceed with the charges.

Mr Eljuboori will be seeking the dismissal of the new charges and the return of his passport and belongings at a further court hearing on Tuesday.

As matters stood on Monday, he is still facing those charges and therefore prevented from leaving Iraq.

Through a legal representative, his wife Laura Wickham said in a statement: The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me: the initial confusion at Yassers disappearance; the terror as I learned the news of his arrest, detention and criminal charges brought against him by the Prime Minister; the relief when he was released; and now despair at these latest developments.

This feels like a cruel game, an ongoing torment playing with Yassers freedom.

Our children miss their dad and I miss my husband. I call on the Iraqi authorities to allow Yasser to return home. Every additional day and hour that he spends in Baghdad puts him at risk of further bogus charges.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, international counsel to Ms Wickham, said: Yasser Eljuboori is being targeted by multiple public officials for his campaigning work highlighting corruption in Iraq.

Using Article 226 of Iraqs Penal Code  the legal weapon of choice for thin-skinned public officials who seek to suppress criticism  they have attempted to silence him and punish him for his work.

It is particularly cruel that Mr Eljuboori was informed that all charges were dropped and that he would be going home within days, when in fact new charges were being prepared behind the scenes which would keep him trapped in Baghdad, unable to return home to his family.

Article 226 is being used in a brutal game of legal whack-a-mole against Mr Eljuboori: as soon as one set of charges is dismissed, another appears.

It is imperative that the international community stands up to these bullying, repressive tactics. The Iraqi authorities must drop all charges against Mr Eljuboori forthwith and allow him safe passage home to Ireland. We expect these final steps to be taken at the hearing on Tuesday March 5 2024.
Fossett's Circus matron Herta Fossett has died aged 92, her family has announced.

Ms Fossett died on Sunday, March 3, while on tour with the circus in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

The family said that she and her late husband Teddy devoted their lives to what they loved, which was the circus: "You have to love it. It's a hard life, not an easy life, but it's a rewarding life," Ms Fossett said previously.

Ms Fossett first came to Ireland in 1952 from Czechoslovakia while touring as a trapeze artist with the circus and "fell in love with Teddy at first sight".

Mr and Ms Fossett were married in 1953 and were both part of the day-to-day running of Fossett's Circus throughout their lives. Mr Fossett passed away in 1998.

The family statement concluded: "We will all miss our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, a huge loss to everyone in Fossett's Circus and her many friends all over the country, Herta will always be loved and never forgotten."
Joe Shannon passed away from a lengthy battle with cancer this Monday, March 4.

Surrounded by his family in the loving care of the staff at North West Hospice, The Mall, Sligo, Mr Shannon battled a long-term illness for many years.

Mr Shannon was a popular TV chef often featuring on cookery slots on Virgin Media's Ireland AM and presented a morning radio show on Ocean FM with fellow Sligo native and musician, Georgie Gorman.

A leading chef at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo, many people have left loving tributes and condolences for the late Mr Shannon, known widely as a wonderful character.

One former colleague said: No matter how busy your kitchens ever were, you always looked after your staff and your team. You were never too busy to crack a joke or belt out a few verses of songs only you knew!

You were generous on every front, with good causes, with your time, your humour and your portion size!

While another person said: My heartfelt condolences to Marie, Orla, Emer and Joseph. I am deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing - He was such a warm and genuine soul, and I feel privileged to have known him during our time together at TV3 and Ireland AM.

Joe's kindness and sense of humour always brought light to the studio.

Mr Shannons funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife and family, brother Michael, sisters Elizabeth, Bernadette and Dolores, sons-in-law, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
A new slipway has been confirmed for Spencer Harbour, Cllr Mary Bohan told the Leitrim Observer.

Spencer Harbour is located on the western shores of Lough Allen, and is said to be named after an ancestor of the late Princess Diana.

It is owned by Waterways Ireland.

Clr Bohan said, "We were looking for a slipway. The cruisers can come up the Shannon and can moor there but we were looking for a little slipway for small boats to be able to go in."

The creation of a slipway would allow for local residents and tourists to launch small boats at the harbour.

The project will go to tender shortly and work will commence this year on the project.

Cllr Bohan confirmed: "Work is going to start shortly and it will be ready for the beginning of next year.

Waterways Ireland will be going to tender shortly for the contractor to develop the slipway.

"It'll make a big difference because it will give access to locals and visitors that have small either fishing boats or rowing boats and allow them to go out on Lough Allan and go as far as they want," she said.

"Leitrim County Council granted permission a few years ago and went to an Bord Pleanala who granted it.

"It's a bit of good news," said Cllr Bohan.
Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market worth $27.3 billion by 2028 - Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarketstm





CHICAGO, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market by Type (AR-Coated, Tempered, TCO-Coated), Application, End User (Crystalline Silicon PV Module, Thin Film Module, Perovskite Module), Installation Technology & Region - Global Forecast to 2028", size is projected to grow from USD 7.8 billion in 2023 and reach USD 27.3 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 28.4% from 2023 to 2028. Technological advancements, government policies promoting renewable energy, and the overall growth of the solar industry are the key drivers for the solar photovoltaic glass market.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market".

330 ? Tables

50 ? Figures

224 ? Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=92984553

AR coated is estimated to hold the most significant share of the global solar photovoltaic glass market by type.

By type, AR coated is estimated to dominate the solar photovoltaic glass market globally. AR coatings are particularly beneficial in environments with varying light conditions. They help solar panels capture sunlight more effectively during periods of low-angle sunlight or diffuse light, such as early mornings, late afternoons, or cloudy days. By minimizing reflection losses, AR-coated glass contributes to consistent energy harvesting across different weather conditions, optimizing overall performance. This factor led to the growth of the AR-coated segment.

By application, the utility segment will lead the solar photovoltaic glass market during the forecast period.

In terms of application, the utility segment is anticipated to hold the leading position in the solar photovoltaic glass industry. The utility sector's transition towards renewable energy aligns with global sustainability goals and government initiatives promoting clean energy. Many countries are setting ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity, and utilities are crucial in achieving these goals. As a result, the utility segment's commitment to large-scale solar projects is a significant factor propelling the growth of the solar PV glass market. The continued expansion of utility-scale solar installations meets rising energy demands and contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

By installation, the patterned glass segment will lead the solar photovoltaic glass market during the forecast period.

Regarding installation, the patterned glass segment is anticipated to lead in the solar photovoltaic industry. One of the key drivers of the pattern glass segment's growth is its role in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). With its ability to diffuse light, textured glass is well-suited for BIPV applications, where solar modules are integrated into architectural elements such as facades and windows. The use of pattern glass not only generates clean energy but also provides an aesthetically pleasing and functional building material.

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By end-user, the crystalline silicon PV module segment will lead the solar photovoltaic glass market during the forecast period.

In terms of end-users, the crystalline silicon segment is anticipated to hold the leading position in the solar photovoltaic glass industry. The widespread use of crystalline silicon PV modules across diverse solar applications contributes substantially to the growing demand for solar PV glass. As the solar industry continues to expand and evolve, developing advanced glass technologies and coatings becomes essential to optimize the performance and efficiency of crystalline silicon PV modules, driving the overall growth of the solar PV glass market.

During the forecast period, Asia Pacific will lead the global solar photovoltaic glass market.

In 2022, the Asia Pacific region held the dominant share in the global solar photovoltaic glass industry. Forecasts suggest this region will experience a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2028. One crucial factor is the rapid economic growth and urbanization in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations, resulting in a surging demand for electricity. As these economies seek sustainable and clean energy solutions, solar power, supported by high-quality PV glass, has become crucial in meeting their increasing energy needs.

Key Players

Some of the leading manufacturers of solar photovoltaic glass profiled in this report are Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd. (China), IRICO Group New Energy Co., Ltd. (China), Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd (China), Qingdao Jinxin Glass Co., Ltd. (China), Dongguan CSG Solar Glass Co., Ltd. (China), AGC Inc. (Japan), Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (Japan), Taiwan Glass Ind. Corp. (Taiwan), Borosil Renewables Ltd. (India), and Guardian Glass (US).

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Related Reports:

Fire Resistant Glass Market - Global Forecast to 2021

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4 march 2024 at 02:30

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AerCap to Host Capital Markets Day in New York on May 8, 2024





DUBLIN, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap") (NYSE: AER) announced today that management will host a Capital Markets Day on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, to review the company's strategy and operations.

The event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at The Pierre, New York (The Grand Ballroom), 2 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065. Presentations will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.

For investors interested in attending in person, please register by completing this online form before April 19, 2024.

A live webcast of the presentation and slides will be available to the public on the "Investors" section of AerCap's website at www.aercap.com/investors. Please register here for the live webcast. To access additional details about the event, including the agenda and information about the speakers, please click on the following link.

The webcast replay will be archived on the "Investors" section of the company's website for one year and a copy of the presentation will also be available on this website.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "will," "aim," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors, including the impacts of, and associated responses to: the Ukraine Conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com .

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4 march 2024 at 07:00

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Lithium South Announces PEA Estimate US$934 Million Dollar NPV with an IRR of 31.6% and a 2.5 year Payback for HMN Lithium Project





PEA HIGHLIGHTS

After tax NPV of US$934 million with an IRR of 31.6%

PEA based on a mine life of 25 years with a 2.5 year payback

PEA based on a production rate of 15,600 tonnes of lithium carbonate technical grade per year

Processing based on simple and proven solar evaporation technology

VANCOUVER, BC, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company" or "Lithium South") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is pleased to announce positive results from an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project ("HMN Lithium Project") near Salta, Argentina. The PEA was prepared by Knight Piesold Consulting ("KP") and JDS Energy and Mining ("JDS"), both of Vancouver, in accordance with the standards set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and CIM's Best Practice Guidelines for Mineral Processing ("BPGMP").

Company President and CEO, Adrian F. C. Hobkirk is quoted, "We are very pleased that Lithium South has advanced the HMN Lithium Project to a PEA based on 15,600 tonnes per year lithium carbonate technical grade production. The PEA results highlight attractive economics associated with the project, including a short payback and exceptional Internal Rate of Return. We look forward to taking the HMN Lithium Project to the next stage of development as quickly as possible."

Resource Estimate

The resource estimate for this PEA was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, and uses best practice methods specific to brine resources, including a reliance on core drilling and sampling methods that yield depth-specific chemistry and effective (drainable) porosity measurements. The technical report filed on November 6, 2023, is titled, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate ? Hombre Muerto North Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Catamarca and Salta, Argentina, Mark King, Ph.D., P.Geo., Peter Ehren, M.Sc., MAusIMM, September 5th, 2023. The report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, on behalf of the Company by independent consultants Groundwater Insight of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Capital costs (CAPEX) have been updated with quotations from current suppliers working in project construction and development in the Puna region of Argentina. CAPEX estimates include an Indirect Cost of 16.6% of Direct Costs, and a contingency of 30% of Total Costs.

Project Location and Environmental Permitting

The HMN Lithium Project is located at the northern portion of the Salar del Hombre Muerto, at the boundary zone of the Catamarca and Salta provinces, 170 km southeast of the city of Salta. The project area comprises a collection of properties or concessions acquired under purchase options from the existing owner. The properties are held as "minas" (full mining licenses not subject to further area reduction requirements) by a wholly owned Argentine subsidiary of the Company. The HMN Lithium Project comprises six properties distributed over the Salar for a total of 3,237 hectares. All properties are subject to a mining license for borates. The area of the property is not subject to any known environmental liabilities.

Lithium Pricing

A lithium price of $US20,000/tonne (t) was assumed for the study, assuming a 2029 production start-up. The price of lithium has been volatile in recent months, declining from a peak of approximately US$85,000/t in November 2022 and stabilizing to US$13,000/t in 2024. The selected price was based on current published market analysis and by benchmarking the price assumptions found in multiple technical reports from similar brine lithium projects. The benchmarking exercise provided a long-term price range of between US$20,000 and US$25,000/t, with an average of US$22,400/t over seven projects.

The assumption of US$20,000/t is deemed to be reasonable by the Qualified Person ("QP").

Processing

The PEA models process eco-system covers the following units:

The brine chemistry is similar to other brines in the region, which allows the brine to be processed using similar processing technology as existing producers. The nominal extraction rate of the design is 179 liters per second. After an initial preconcentration, lime is added to the brine, which removes a large part of magnesium as magnesium hydroxide and the sulfate as gypsum. When the low magnesium and calcium brine is concentrated to about 0.75% it is fed to the lithium carbonate plant. Most of the noxious impurities that are still left in the brine are removed by selective precipitation through the addition of a solution of soda ash and slaked lime and a final ion exchange polishing. The impurity free brine is then sent to specially designed carbonation precipitators. To produce technical-grade lithium carbonate, a soda ash solution is added at high temperatures, leading to the precipitation of solid lithium carbonate. This solid is then subjected to a series of processes: it is filtered in a centrifuge, washed, repulped, centrifuged once more, and finally washed again. The lithium carbonate is dried and packaged in maxi bags, to be finally transported to the client. The main consumption of reagents in the process is shown in a table below.

Increased Lithium Recovery

The report has an updated lithium recovery process for the HMN Lithium Project brine, which uses industry proven evaporation. An adjustment in the processing sequence will reduce lithium loss as brine entrainments in harvested salts, in the magnesium hydroxide, and in calcium sulfate solids, obtaining a lithium recovery of approximately 70%, an improvement from the previous recovery of 50%. Peter Ehren, M.Sc., MAusIMM, is the QP responsible for Mineral Processing.

About Lithium South

Lithium South owns 100% of the HMN Lithium Project located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina, in the heart of the lithium triangle. The Salar del Hombre Muerto has a history of lithium production, with Livent Corporation in operation for over twenty-five years, in an area just south of the HMN Lithium Project. The HMN Lithium Project is surrounded by a US$4 billion lithium development under construction by POSCO (Korea) and the Sal de Vida Project under development by Allkem. Exploration work to date has delineated a National Instrument 43-101 compliant 1,583,200 tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") Resource on the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo claim blocks, three of five non-contiguous blocks that make up the HMN Lithium Project. With process work underway, Lithium South is transitioning from being a lithium explorer to becoming a lithium developer.

Qualified Person Statements

Peter Ehren is an independent Lithium Consultant. He has more than two decades of experience in the industry. He started his interest in the lithium business during his master's thesis at Technical University of the Delft where he investigated for BHP Minerals the recovery of lithium from geothermal brine (Salton Sea), applying a Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology. After his thesis he worked for SQM as a process engineer and R&D manager till 2007. Since 2007 he started to work as independent consultant in the lithium, boron and potassium industry. He is a world expert in solar evaporation systems, phase chemistry and process developments. Additionally, his experience covers product applications, OPEX and CAPEX estimation, process simulations, engineering, R&D and product development. He has worked in lithium basins and production facilities worldwide. He is a Chartered Professional (AusIMM) and QP for NI 43-101 and JORC.

Dr. Mark King, Ph.D., F.G.C., P.Geo., of Groundwater Insight, Inc., is the QP for resource estimation components of the PEA., as such term is defined by NI 43-101. Dr. King has extensive experience in salar environments and has been a QP on numerous lithium brine projects, ranging from early exploration to production. Dr. King is independent from the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical information mentioned in this press release.

Richard Goodwin, P.Eng., Project Manager for JDS Energy and Mining, Inc., is independent of Lithium South and a QP as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Goodwin is a mining engineer and study manager with over 30 years of experience managing mining operation and projects in various commodities such as base metals, precious metals, PGMs, and diamonds in various domestic and international locations. Mr. Goodwin is responsible for the PEA results, participated directly in the production of this press release, and directly related information in this press release, and approves of the technical and scientific disclosure contained herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lithium South Development Corp.

Adrian F. C. Hobkirk

President and Chief Executive Officer

Investors / Shareholders call 1-855-415-8100 / website: www.lithiumsouth.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor.

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SOURCE Lithium South Development Corporation

4 march 2024 at 08:00

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Cloudflare Expands Capabilities to Protect Organizations Against Emerging Threats with Defensive AI





Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, today announced Defensive AI, a personalized approach to securing organizations against the new wave of risks presented by emerging technology. Threat actors have begun to successfully test the limits of AI-enhanced attacks, using the power of AI to launch sophisticated phishing scams, help write malicious code and supercharge attacks on critical business functions. Leveraging the unique traffic patterns of an organization, Cloudflare's Defensive AI keeps defenders a step ahead of threat actors, by providing tailored mitigations that enable protection of critical applications and entire networks.

The crown jewels and trade secrets of organizations vary, and to protect them, organizations require highly agile security strategies. While AI holds tremendous potential for organizations, it also allows threat actors to rapidly increase their effectiveness and renders one-size-fits-all security offerings obsolete. Adopting a personalized approach to security ? looking at an organization's own traffic patterns ? has the power to shift the cybersecurity balance back in favor of defenders.

"Fighting AI with AI is now a non-negotiable. And a personalized approach to protect data and defend against complex threats unique to an organization's attack surface, at-speed, and scale, is paramount," said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder at Cloudflare. "By understanding ?normal baselines' in a customer's environment and mitigating the threats that will move the needle towards increased resilience, Defensive AI is the crucial edge defenders need to stay ahead of today's adversaries."

With Defensive AI, Cloudflare's AI models look at a specific customer traffic patterns, providing that organization with a tailored defense strategy unique to their environment, allowing customers to:

Protect the Modern Web: APIs comprise 57% of all dynamic traffic on the web and underpin the most popular apps and services for businesses. Cloudflare is developing API Anomaly Detection, which will help prevent attacks designed to damage applications, take over accounts or exfiltrate data. It will leverage AI to learn the behavior of an application and build a model of what a sequence of good requests over time looks like. The resulting traffic model is used to identify attacks that deviate from the "normal" behavior ? acting as a guardrail to help stop potentially malicious activity.

APIs comprise 57% of all dynamic traffic on the web and underpin the most popular apps and services for businesses. Cloudflare is developing API Anomaly Detection, which will help prevent attacks designed to damage applications, take over accounts or exfiltrate data. It will leverage AI to learn the behavior of an application and build a model of what a sequence of good requests over time looks like. The resulting traffic model is used to identify attacks that deviate from the "normal" behavior ? acting as a guardrail to help stop potentially malicious activity. Secure the Number One Threat Vector ? Email: Nine out of every ten cyber attacks begin with a phishing scam, so reducing the risk presented by email is pivotal to upholding cyber resilience. Cloudflare's Cloud Email Security solution stays ahead of threat actors by training AI models to identify different parts of a message and flag suspicious content. The rise of AI-enhanced attacks are making traditional email security providers obsolete, as threat actors can now craft phishing emails with little to no language errors. But while trends like Generative AI continue to evolve, Cloudflare's models analyze all parts of a phishing attack ? most of which are harder to fake.

Nine out of every ten cyber attacks begin with a phishing scam, so reducing the risk presented by email is pivotal to upholding cyber resilience. Cloudflare's Cloud Email Security solution stays ahead of threat actors by training AI models to identify different parts of a message and flag suspicious content. The rise of AI-enhanced attacks are making traditional email security providers obsolete, as threat actors can now craft phishing emails with little to no language errors. But while trends like Generative AI continue to evolve, Cloudflare's models analyze all parts of a phishing attack ? most of which are harder to fake. Mitigate threats posed by employees ? whether accidental or on purpose: Almost half of insider threat incidents involve an employee with privileged access to company assets ? underscoring the importance of a Zero Trust approach. Cloudflare Gateway will allow customers to create a baseline of their organization's user behavior and resources being accessed, to flag or filter what presents as risky or unauthorized. This will provide both a score for users themselves and resources, both those that are managed internally and external resources an organization reaches out to.

Cloudflare has reimagined security to leverage AI in the fight against AI. As emerging technology evolves and new tools are developed, Cloudflare is positioned to allow organizations to embrace these productivity enhancements without exposing themselves to malicious use cases.

To learn more, please check out the resources below:

About Cloudflare

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare's connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business.

Powered by one of the world's largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations ? from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe.

Learn more about Cloudflare's connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com/connectivity-cloud. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https://radar.cloudflare.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare's Defensive AI, Cloudflare's API Anomaly Detection, Cloudflare's Cloud Email Security solution, Cloudflare Gateway and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using Defensive AI and Cloudflare's other products and technology and from integrating API Anomaly Detection, Cloud Email Security Solution, Cloudflare Gateway and Cloudflare's other products, the potential opportunity for Cloudflare to attract additional customers and to expand sales to existing customers through Cloudflare's product integrations, the timing of when Defensive AI or any of its related features will be developed and available in beta form, or generally available, to all current and potential Cloudflare customers, Cloudflare's plans and objectives for, and the timing of, Cloudflare's Defensive AI and other products and technology, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on on February 21, 2024, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements.

 2024 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

4 march 2024 at 09:05

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Driving Innovation in Automotive Software; Acsia Technologies Expands Reach in Europe and North America





Announces New Executive Leaderships in the Regions

DETROIT, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acsia Technologies Private Limited, a global frontrunner in automotive software technology based in India enhanced its presence in Europe and North America with the appointment of key executive leaders. This expansion underscores Acsia's commitment to driving innovation in automotive software solutions and reinforcing its position as a leading player in the industry.

Acsia Technologies Inc. (Acsia), the North American subsidiary of Acsia Technologies Private Limited, onboarded Scott A. Kuyawa as its Executive Vice President and General Manager. Additionally, Acsia Technologies appointed Stefan Juraschek as a Strategic Advisor, marking a pivotal moment in the company's expansion efforts in Europe.

With over three decades of experience in automotive engineering and manufacturing operations, Scott brings a wealth of expertise to Acsia. His previous roles, including Global Engineering Director of Infotainment/User Experience at Aptiv, have equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry's nuances and challenges. With a particular emphasis on developing next-gen solutions in automotive software, electrification, and energy storage, Scott will continue the company's commitment to innovation.

Stefan brings over three decades of experience from BMW Group, where he played key roles in electric mobility, powertrain technology, and cybersecurity and was the vice president of R&D for electric/electronic departments. As a strategic advisor, he will be instrumental in aligning product development and innovation initiatives at Acsia. Drawing on his extensive background in software/hardware development, system integration, and leading innovative projects, Juraschek is uniquely positioned to guide Acsia teams towards developing innovative automotive software that addresses complex challenges and enhances user experience.

"Juraschek joining our team marks a significant milestone for Acsia Technologies, reinforcing our stature as an innovator and a true solution provider in the automotive technology landscape. His leadership and deep expertise in automotive technology, alongside Scott's appointment and the strengthening of our North American operations, will be instrumental in guiding Acsia and its leadership team. Together, they will help us understand the industry's challenges and meet our customers' evolving needs, ensuring Acsia continues its advancements in connected vehicles, infotainment systems, and E-mobility solutions, ultimately enhancing the driving experience for users across the globe," said Jijimon Chandran, Founder & CEO of Acsia Technologies.

"I am honored to lead Acsia's efforts in North America and remain committed to our mission of providing comprehensive, innovative software solutions to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 partners. We are excited about the market opportunities and look forward to our continued growth and success," said Scott.

"I'm excited to be part of Acsia Technologies at this key moment, a company at the forefront of automotive innovation," said Juraschek. "Acsia's dedication to excellence matches my professional principles. I'm keen to work with the talented team here to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together, enhancing our global leadership in the industry." Juraschek further stated that during a recent visit to Acsia Trivandrum.

As Acsia Technologies expands its reach across Europe and North America, it remains committed to pioneering innovative automotive software technologies that simplify complex challenges and enhance the driving experience for users worldwide.

About Acsia Technologies

Acsia Technologies Private Limited is a technology leader in the automotive software domain. We use our technology expertise to develop tools and platforms that simplify complex problems and create better, safer, and more enjoyable automotive experiences. We collaborate with top automobile brands, OEMs, and Tier 1 companies. Our custom software for Connected vehicles, Infotainment systems, and E-Mobility projects deploys the latest advances in the field. Website Link: https://www.acsiatech.com/

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4 march 2024 at 09:19

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EnPlusOne Biosciences to Address Advances in the Enzymatic Synthesis of RNA at the 11th Annual Oligo Networking Conference





EnPlusOne Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company harnessing the power of enzymes to deliver sustainable RNA at scale, today announced that Dan Ahlstedt, COO, will be presenting the company's ezRNAtm platform at the 11th Annual Oligo Networking Conference at GSK's Stevenage (UK) campus on March 5, 2024. The two-day event will feature speakers from companies across life sciences discussing opportunities and challenges associated with the use of oligonucleotides in R&D and manufacturing by biopharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Ahlstedt's presentation will highlight recent technical developments, and upcoming milestones, on the company's proprietary enzymatic RNA oligonucleotide synthesis technology, as part of the Innovation in Manufacturing session at the event.

Mr. Ahlstedt said, "We greatly appreciate the forum to provide a more in-depth look at our ezRNAtm synthesis platform and the opportunity to engage with future partners. This community, from the beginning, has been supportive of our mission to deliver sustainable RNA at scale. They understand the challenges current chemical synthesis technologies impose and the critical need to solve the scaled manufacturing problem."

EnPlusOne Biosciences was founded by George Church, PhD, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard and MIT and leader of the Wyss Institute's Synthetic Biology platform, along with Daniel Wiegand, Jonathan Rittichier, PhD, and Mr. Ahlstedt, as a technology spinout from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University in 2022.

About EnPlusOne Biosciences

EnPlusOne is enabling the future of RNA therapeutics. Its ezRNAtm platform is a revolutionary innovation that harnesses the power of enzymes to synthesize RNA and can incorporate a diverse array of natural and modified nucleotides. Their enzymatic, water-based approach promises to unlock sustainable and scalable commercial manufacturing of RNA therapeutics. For more information, please visit www.enplusonebio.com.

4 march 2024 at 10:05

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Tidal Basin Appoints Curt Russell as New Chief Financial Officer





ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tidal Basin Group, an industry-leading management consulting and technology solutions firm, proudly announces the appointment of Curt Russell as their new Chief Financial Officer.

Curt's expertise will be pivotal in propelling Tidal Basin Group's expansion into new markets.

With over 20 years of experience and a career in financial leadership roles at multi-national Architecture & Engineering and Fortune 500 Global companies, Curt brings expertise in steering complex business models toward fiscal clarity and innovation.

As CFO, Curt will use his diverse background to drive financial strategy, optimize operations for growth, and ensure the company's continued commitment to excellence in client service. His skill in leading cross-functional projects aligns with Tidal Basin Group's dedication to providing customized solutions that enhance the safety and resilience of communities nationwide.

Curt has a history of delivering results in global, mission-focused environments. His previous roles as Finance Director and Head of Business Finance include overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets and managing international financial operations. Curt's expertise in analyzing and optimizing financial performance will play a pivotal role in propelling Tidal Basin Group's expansion into new markets while maintaining its position as an industry leader.

"I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at Tidal Basin Group," says Curt. "The company's commitment to making a positive impact and impressive growth trajectory attracted me to this role. I look forward to using my experience and expertise to support the company's financial vision and drive continued success."

Over the past year, Tidal Basin Group has seen significant growth in strategic expansion and technological innovation, gaining recognition and building trust in the community. The acquisition by DC Capital Partners marks a crucial moment in our history, enhancing our influence and paving the way for innovative solutions.

His arrival marks a new era of fiscal strategy embedded in our growth story, fueling our drive to set new industry benchmarks.

Daniel A. Craig, Chief Executive Officer of Tidal Basin Group, shows confidence in Curt's leadership, stating, "Curt's appointment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. We are confident that his financial guidance will be crucial in developing effective solutions that transform and build resilient communities."

Visit our website to learn more about Curt's background and professional experience.

About Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin is a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm that provides programmatic and technical management experience and resources to governments, organizations, businesses, and communities. Our integrated disaster management solutions and expertise help our clients and partners achieve their disaster preparedness and recovery goals more effectively and enable them to make their neighborhoods and businesses more resilient. We look beyond the obvious and create new opportunities to transform and empower communities, making them stronger. To learn more about what we do and our team, visit tidalbasingroup.com. Tidal Basin. Be Stronger Than Beforetm.

SOURCE Tidal Basin

4 march 2024 at 10:30

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EverGlade Funding Alert - $300 Million Funding Opportunity Announced for CHIPS National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP)





By Stephen Richardson, Managing Consultant and Eric Jia-Sobota, Founder

HOUSTON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. government, through CHIPS for America, has announced a groundbreaking funding opportunity aimed at bolstering domestic research and development (R&D) in advanced semiconductor packaging materials and substrates. The initiative, part of the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP), is set to inject approximately $300 million into innovations spanning semiconductor-based materials to glass and organics. This funding opportunity marks a significant step in the U.S.'s commitment to maintaining and advancing its leadership in the global semiconductor industry.

"This funding opportunity represents a pivotal moment for the U.S. semiconductor industry. By focusing on advanced packaging materials and substrates, we are laying the groundwork for significant advancements in technology and manufacturing capabilities," stated EverGlade Managing Consultant, Stephen Richardson

The NAPMP seeks to accelerate domestic R&D, transform innovations into U.S. manufacturing capabilities, and establish a robust, sustainable domestic industry for advanced packaging materials and substrates. These efforts are not only crucial for enhancing U.S. economic and national security but also for ensuring a skilled and diverse workforce to support this vital industry.

"Our commitment to investing in domestic R&D and manufacturing is unwavering. The NAPMP initiative is a testament to our determination to secure the U.S.'s position as a global leader in the semiconductor sector, driving innovation and job creation across the nation," stated EverGlade Consulting Founder, Eric Jia-Sobota.

The application process for the NAPMP emphasizes two main components: the submission of concept papers and the invitation-based submission of full applications. Initially, applicants are required to submit concept papers by April 12, 2024 that outline their proposed research and development projects in advanced semiconductor packaging materials and substrates. Following a review of these concept papers, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by July 3, 2024, which entails a more detailed proposal including project plans, budgets, and potential impacts.

If your company has considered applying for CHIPS funding, your federal funding journey starts here. EverGlade Consulting is a national consulting firm connecting public sector needs with private sector solutions. We offer services ranging from Pursuit, Proposal and Post-Award support to comply with federal regulations at agencies including BARDA, ASPR, NIH, DTRA, JPEO, DOD, DIU, DOE, and DARPA.

For additional information about EverGlade Consulting, reach out to:

[email protected]

SOURCE EverGlade Consulting

4 march 2024 at 11:19

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Former IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig Joins Chamberlain Hrdlicka





ATLANTA and HOUSTON and SAN ANTONIO and PHILADELPHIA and LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chamberlain Hrdlicka is pleased to welcome former IRS Commissioner Charles "Chuck" Rettig to the firm as a Shareholder. Rettig served as the Commissioner of the IRS from 2018 to 2022, where he oversaw the nation's tax system and managed an agency of over 83,000 employees with an annual budget of $13.4 billion. He will join the firm's Tax Controversy & Litigation practice, comprised of attorneys experienced in advising and representing taxpayers before federal, state and local taxing authorities and in federal and state courts throughout the country. Rettig will be based in Los Angeles, California, extending the firm's national presence for clients.

"To say we are honored to have Chuck Rettig join our firm would be an understatement," says Larry Campagna , Managing Shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka. "Chuck's addition to Chamberlain is a testament to our work within the tax controversy market and our clients. His incredible experience at the IRS, focusing on improving service to taxpayers and deep consideration for his employees, makes him a pivotal and instrumental addition to the team."

"This move to Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a natural progression from my tenure as the IRS Commissioner," expressed Rettig. "It just makes sense following my work at the biggest tax agency to then join the preeminent tax and tax controversy firm in the country. I am excited to collaborate with longtime friends and colleagues within the firm, collectively dedicated to delivering unparalleled service. I am privileged to have many friends and colleagues in the tax profession and look forward to this opportunity to again work closely with them going forward."

Tom Cullinan, an Atlanta-based Shareholder, served as Counselor to the IRS Commissioner and then acting IRS Chief of Staff under Rettig. "I am thrilled to be able to work with Chuck again in a new capacity," says Cullinan. "After working under Chuck as a part of his core leadership team, I can attest to his ability to lead and his vast understanding of the IRS organization, as well as its culture, operations and capabilities. That knowledge makes Chamberlain unique in its ability to advise its clients on tax enforcement issues and will solidify and expand our reach in the tax controversy market."

"Chuck Rettig is such an amazing person and great leader," expressed Juan F. Vasquez, Jr., chair of the firm's Tax Controversy Section. "We look forward to Chuck becoming part of the Chamberlain family and providing his unparalleled guidance to our clients, his mentorship to our attorneys and staff, and his friendship to all."

During his time at the IRS, Rettig focused on improving service to the nation's taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nation's tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights, with a particular focus on traditionally underserved communities. He led efforts to enhance taxpayer experiences, including implementation of the multi-year IRS Integrated Modernization Plan; Multi-Lingual/Multi-Cultural Initiatives pushing the expansion of outreach and assistance in historically underserved communities; and the People First initiative and the Taxpayer First Act, which administered service improvements for both taxpayers and tax professionals. Chuck came to the IRS from a background of defending taxpayers in tax controversies, and he put those insights to use while at IRS. He was a "hands on" Commissioner, who worked closely with his Division Commissioners in Criminal Investigation, Large Business & International, Small Business/Self Employed, Wage and Investment and Tax-Exempt & Government Entities to build new enforcement programs and decide how to allocate enforcement resources.

Prior to becoming IRS Commissioner, Rettig served for 36 years as a principal with a tax law firm in Beverly Hills, California, where he represented high net-worth individuals, businesses and corporate taxpayers before the IRS, the Department of Justice Tax Division, federal and state courts and state taxing authorities. He was listed by Chambers USA as the only Eminent Practitioner in the Chambers Category "Tax: Fraud ? Nationwide." Rettig was chosen several times as the Tax "Lawyer of the Year" for Best Lawyers in Litigation and Controversy ? Los Angeles and was included Nationwide in Litigation and Controversy ? Tax and Tax Law by Best Lawyers in America. Additionally, Rettig served as Chair of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of California and served on the Advisory Boards of both the California Franchise Tax Board and the California Board of Equalization.

In recognition of his leadership of the IRS, Commissioner Rettig received the Alexander Hamilton Award from Treasury, the highest honor for individuals selected by the Secretary, whose performance and leadership demonstrate the highest standards of and dedication to public service benefiting our country. He has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, most recently serving as Vice Chair-Administration, for the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation, and President of the American College of Tax Counsel. He was a member of the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC) for three years beginning in 2008, and he served as IRSAC's chair from 2010 to 2011. He also served as Chair of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of California and has long served on the advisory boards of both the Franchise Tax Board and the Board of Equalization in his home state of California. Rettig is the co-founder of the UCLA Extension VETS COUNT Scholarship Fund, which is designed to provide scholarships for active duty and retired military personnel who are working to realize their career goals in tax, accounting and wealth management.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Los Angeles, his law degree with honors from Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law and his Master of Law in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

About Chamberlain Hrdlicka

Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a diversified business firm with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio. The firm represents both public and private companies, as well as individuals and family-owned businesses across the nation. The firm offers counsel in appellate law, bankruptcy, commercial and probate litigation, construction law, corporate, employee benefits, energy and maritime law, ERISA, estate planning and administration, intellectual property, international and immigration law, labor and employment, privacy and data security, real estate, securities and finance, tax controversy and tax planning.

Media contact:

Kali Hammond

(404) 875-3400

373919@email4pr.com

SOURCE Chamberlain Hrdlicka

4 march 2024 at 11:38

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Leading the Way Forward: 1VALET Introduces Its New CEO





1VALET, a leading Canadian company in the field of intelligent building operating systems, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sophie Boulanger as CEO. She succeeds founder Jean-Pierre Poulin, who, in turn, assumes the role of Executive Chairman of the Board.

This appointment marks a major milestone for the company as it heads towards full growth mode and gears up to seize new opportunities on a global scale. With an impressive track record spanning 20 years of experience, Sophie brings solid expertise in strategic planning and retail operations, as well as an undeniable passion for innovation and business growth.

Prior to joining 1VALET, Sophie Boulanger served as co-founder and CEO of BonLook for over 10 years, a company that revolutionized the optical industry by offering high-quality prescription glasses at affordable prices. Under her leadership, BonLook experienced rapid growth, expanding from an online presence to opening multiple physical stores. In just 4 years, 37 stores were opened across five Canadian provinces. With a workforce of over 400 employees, BonLook quickly established itself in the optical industry, demonstrating Sophie's ability to lead in an ever-changing environment. Notably, BonLook was recognized twice on the Globe & Mail's list of the fastest-growing companies in Canada (#35 in 2019 and #123 in 2020), and Sophie herself was honored with the esteemed "Young Entrepreneur 2019" award from the Conseil du Patronat du Quebec.

Her agile leadership and ability to quickly adapt to changing market needs have been key assets in this evolution, while her experience in business transformation and product development gives her a unique perspective on creating value for customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sophie to 1VALET," declares Jean-Pierre Poulin, who will shift from CEO to Executive Chairman to spearhead strategic development endeavours. "I have full confidence handing her the reins: her proficiency in supply chains, international experience along with managing growing businesses makes her ideally suited to lead 1VALET into its next phase of growth."

Through the Internet of Things (IoT), 1VALET offers innovative solutions that harness the connectivity of systems in buildings, thus opening up a world of opportunities in energy efficiency, comfort, surveillance, and security.

"I am thrilled to join 1VALET as the new CEO," says Sophie Boulanger. "It's a privilege to contribute to the growth of this rapidly expanding company, fueled by the exceptional talents and dedication of its team. The undeniable quality of 1VALET's technology offers the most turnkey and reliable solution on the market. I look forward to harnessing the collective strength of our team to drive continued growth and uphold the company's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet our customers' needs."

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, as well as a Masters in Fashion and Design Management from SDA Bocconi in Milan. She is currently completing the Owner President Manager (OPM) program at Harvard Business School (OPM61 ? 2022 to 2024).

About 1VALET

1VALET is a leading smart Building Operating System that integrates IoT technologies to better connect residents to their community, and easily convert multi-family buildings into connected smart communities. By centralizing building systems into one web-based dashboard and empowering tenants with a leading Resident App, 1VALET helps enhance resident engagement, increase NOI, and create safer, smarter communities.

To learn more, visit 1VALET.com

4 march 2024 at 12:25

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Troutman Pepper Continues Expansion of Financial Services Practice with Addition of Two Partners





Kevin Petrasic and Matthew Bornfreund Enhance Firm's Bank Regulatory Practice

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Petrasic and Matthew Bornfreund, two highly regarded financial services partners with a focus on bank regulation, have joined Troutman Pepper in Washington, D.C. Arriving from Davis Wright Tremaine, where they spearheaded the bank regulatory and financial institutions advisory practice, Petrasic and Bornfreund bring a wealth of experience representing U.S. banks and bank holding companies, foreign banks in their U.S. regulatory needs, including those with multifaceted governance issues and transactions, and payments companies in their bank relationships.

"Kevin and Matt bring extensive experience in the financial services industry and deep relationships throughout the U.S. with regulators and banks," said Mason Bayler, chair of Troutman Pepper's Transactional Department. "Their practice aligns well with our broad financial services industry bench, and their addition will undoubtedly enhance our capacity and depth in handling complex bank regulatory matters."

Petrasic is widely recognized for his counsel to top-tier financial institutions in the U.S. and abroad. He regularly advises clients on fundamental bank regulatory concerns, essential compliance and policy issues, and the risks tied to innovative financial technology. Petrasic also advises on matters regarding traditional and unconventional bank charters, such as industrial loan company and special purpose national bank fintech charters, artificial intelligence applications for financial firms, and anti-money laundering and OFAC compliance issues.

"Making the transition to Troutman Pepper was a strategic decision with our clients top of mind," Petrasic said. "The firm's comprehensive financial services platform, coupled with its dedication to growth, creates an optimal environment for broadening our service offerings for our valued clients. I am eager to hit the ground running and contribute to the firm's ongoing success."

Petrasic spent 21 years at the Office of Thrift Supervision, including as the managing director of external affairs and the director of Congressional affairs. He earned his J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America and his B.A. from the University of Delaware.

Bornfreund provides counsel to banks, non-depository financial institutions, and fintech and payments companies on a wide range of regulatory matters, including chartering and licensing, capital and liquidity requirements, permissible activities and investments, affiliate transactions, and third party risk management. His experience as an attorney in the Legal Division at the Federal Reserve Board equips him to guide clients through the intricate and ever-changing laws in the banking and financial services sectors.

"I am truly excited to become a part of Troutman Pepper," Bornfreund said. "The firm's well-established reputation for delivering comprehensive client services, its expansive national presence, and its genuine commitment to collaboration present an ideal environment in which to serve my clients. I am looking forward to building strong partnerships with my new colleagues."

Bornfreund earned his J.D. from George Washington University School of Law and two B.A.s from the University of Central Florida.

Petrasic and Bornfreund are the latest in a series of strategic partner hires by the firm. In January, two highly respected securities Partners, whose focus includes the representation of financial technology companies, Rakesh Gopalan and David Wolpa joined the firm in Charlotte. Last month, the firm welcomed Partner Donna Bryne to the firm's D.C. office to lead its FERC enforcement practice, and health care and life sciences Partners Celeste Letourneau and Melinda Rudolph joined in the D.C. and Philadelphia offices, respectively. In Atlanta, Partner David Dove, the former executive counsel to Georgia's governor, joined the firm to lead its Georgia Regulatory and Economic Investment Practice.

"Both Kevin and Matthew are exceptional attorneys whose deep understanding of complex bank regulatory matters will be a significant asset to our financial services clients in D.C. and throughout the country," said Chris Jones, managing partner of Troutman Pepper's Washington, D.C. office. "Their arrival is a testament to the strength of our office, the firm, and our commitment to serve our clients' most important needs in the nation's capital."

Troutman Pepper's Financial Services Industry Group provides comprehensive support to all types of financial services businesses in today's challenging and ever-changing environment. The team includes more than 200 attorneys who regularly advise global, national, regional, and community banks, financial technology companies, payments companies, consumer and commercial lenders, and a wide variety of other financial services businesses on the most crucial aspects of their business, from structuring major transactions to dealing with regulatory scrutiny and litigation.

About Troutman Pepper

Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,100 attorneys strategically located in 20+ U.S. cities. The firm's litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from startups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients' most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, and private equity, among others. Learn more at troutman.com.

SOURCE Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

4 march 2024 at 12:50

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With a 2-Year Revenue Growth of 234%, Alafair Biosciences Ranks No. 54 on 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southwest's Fastest-Growing Private Companies





AUSTIN, Texas, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. magazine today revealed that Alafair Biosciences, Inc. is No. 54 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Southwest private companies, based in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southwest economy's most dynamic segment?its independent small businesses.

"We are immensely proud that Alafair has been acknowledged once again by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies. This rapid growth reflects unwavering commitment to delivering impactful solutions to our customers," stated John Joyoprayitno, President & CEO of Alafair Biosciences. "This recognition is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the entire Alafair team including our independent distributor partners."

The companies on this list demonstrate a remarkable growth rate across all industries in the Southwest region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 162 private companies had an average growth rate of 135.43%; and by 2023, had also added 17,606 jobs and $14.5 billion to the region's economy.

"The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who's Who of private companies. They're energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do ? they'll be impacting things for a while," said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.

About Alafair Biosciences, Inc.

Alafair is a privately held medical device company developing and marketing an innovative product portfolio based on its proprietary hydrogel technology. Alafair's mission is to improve surgeon experience and patient outcomes by preventing unwanted soft tissue tethering using non-collagenous, bioresorbable biomaterials in all surgical applications. Alafair products are distributed through a network of independent distributors across the United States. For more information, please visit https://www.alafairbiosciences.com/ or contact John Joyoprayitno, President & CEO, at [email protected].

About Inc. Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States.

SOURCE Alafair Biosciences, Inc.

4 march 2024 at 14:30

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NewsBoth the Assemblee Nationale and Senat will meet in Versailles on Monday to take a final vote on the inclusion of abortion in the Constitution. The three-fifths majority needed to validate the reform looks almost guaranteed.

French lawmakers are expected on Monday, March 4, to anchor abortion access in the country's Constitution, in a world first that has garnered overwhelming public support. A joint session of both houses of Parliament to be convened in Versailles at 3:30 pm should find the three-fifths majority needed for the change after it overcame initial resistance in the right-leaning Senat. If Parliament approves the move, France will become the only country in the world to clearly protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its basic law.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged last year to enshrine abortion  legal in France since 1975  in the Constitution after the US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the half-century-old right to the procedure, allowing states to ban or curtail it. France's Assemblee Nationale in January overwhelmingly approved making abortion a "guaranteed freedom" in the Constitution, followed by the Senat on Wednesday. The bill is now expected to clear the final hurdle of a combined vote of both chambers when they gather at the former royal residence of the Palace of Versailles.

Read more Subscribers only France one step closer to enshrining abortion 'freedom' in Constitution after Senat vote

Article 89 of the Constitution, which lays down the procedures for revising the Constitution, stipulates that any proposed revision must be "voted by both assemblies in identical terms" before being "approved by referendum." However, the draft may be adopted without a referendum if "the President of the Republic decides to submit it to Parliament convened in a joint session of both houses of Parliament."

The text was widely adopted by the Assemblee Nationale (492 votes in favor, 30 against) and also by the Senat (267 votes in favor, 50 against). If MP vote identically on Monday, the three-fifths majority required will be comfortably exceeded.

A three-fifths majority should be easily reached by Parliament Total number of votes cast in both chambers by parliamentary group, in numbers Sources: Assemblee Nationale and Senat

During the vote in the Assemblee Nationale, opposition to the text came mainly from the right-wing Republicains (LR, 15 votes against), the far-right Rassemblement National (RN, 12 votes against), two independant MPs and one MP from the Libertes et territoires group.

In the Senat, opposition was more important, notably from LR (41 votes against), centrists (7 against) and, to a lesser extent, one Macron-aligned senator and one independent senator.
READER DISRECTION IS ADVISED

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who was babysitting the children of a woman he was having an affair with has been jailed for eight years.

The Central Criminal Court heard that in one incident of rape, the Dublin man called to the girls home on the pretext of taking her for an interview for a job at nearby newsagents. He instead took her for a drive to the Wicklow mountains where he raped her.

The court heard that on the drive the teenager was frantic and screaming as she was afraid of what the man might do and was concerned he might kill her. The man told her to shut up and that she would be alright. He handed her a bar of chocolate and a lollipop after raping her.

The girl scrubbed herself raw with bleach afterwards and feared she might be pregnant.

In an earlier incident of rape, the man took her back to the home of the woman she had been babysitting for on the pretext of getting her to clean the house so that the deposit for renting the house would be returned.

The woman later told gardai he had repeatedly promised her that he would not touch her but she told gardai that after she got into the house that day everything went blank until she came to lying face down on the floor with the man raping her from behind.

She said she was crushed by him lying on top her and that he had hold of her by her hair. He asked her to clean the house after raping her but she fled.

The now 51-year-old woman also told gardai that there had been occasions when the man had forced her to perform oral sex on him. During one such incident, she said she vomited as the man held her by her hair and forced his penis into her mouth until she gagged.

The now 76-year-old man had pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and indecent assault of the then 15-year-old girl at a location in Dublin between November 1988 and August 1989.

A jury convicted him on two charges of rape and three charges of indecent assault following an eight-day trial last month.

The man was around 41 years old at the time. He was a married man with children and, at the time, he was having an affair with a woman who the victim had been babysitting for.

This womans partner was living in England at the time.

READ ALSO: Over 5,000 worth of equipment stolen from Limerick shed

Imposing sentence, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the complainant as a brave woman who has not allowed these crimes to defeat her, but has determinedly brought up her children and put herself through college.

He also highly commended her for her bravery and determination in reporting the crime and giving evidence at trial.

Mr Justice McGrath said the rape offences warranted a headline sentence of 12 years taking into account the aggravating factors including the fact that the man committed violent offences of a sexual nature against a somewhat vulnerable teenager.

He clearly took advantage of her, the judge commented before he said the man had the teenager under his control and perpetrated these offences against her.

He described it as a sequence of escalating offending that involved a degree of pre-meditation and on many occasions he had ignored her pleading to stop.

Mr Justice McGrath imposed a sentence of 11 years, suspending the final three years.

In doing so, he said he was taking into account what he described as the mitigating factors including the mans current age, that he had been of otherwise good character and led a pro-social life as a hard-working family man.

The judge noted many testimonials handed in on the mans behalf, including one from his wife, which described him as a doting grandfather.

He said the man is to engage with the Probation Service upon his ultimate release from prison and that he is not have any contact with the woman or her family either directly or indirectly.

The judge also directed that he not have any unsupervised access to children under the age of 18 following his release.

A local garda told Patricia McLaughlin SC defending that the woman didnt report the incidents to gardai for a number of years.

When the allegations were ultimately put to the man in November 2020, he denied the offences and tried to distance himself from any knowledge of the victim.

The garda read the womans victim impact statement into the record.

She said: "Today is the day I get justice  it took 35 years but it still feels like yesterday, before she added that the man had belittled her and made her feel like dirt.

She said he made her feel like she was no one and he was someone. I thought you would get away with what you had done. That you were laughing at me. You made me afraid.I felt nowhere was safe for me.

She said at 15 years old she believed that she had no one to listen to her and the man knew this and used it to his advantage.

She described how she has had to pull herself out of the darkest places time and time again and said it was only through putting herself through college to qualify as a counsellor herself that she finally found her voice.

She described having lived a lonely life, trusting no one and said her lack of friends and family made her life very small.

At 51 years old my suffering can end. I have been heard and your suffering can begin, the woman said.

She said the man made her feel that she would never be believed and said he had poisoned both her body and her mind.

I wished I could have been more carefree, not to have spent most of my life afraid of the outside world. Now I can start healing, the woman concluded her statement.

READ ALSO: Limerick coffee shop owner asks government to support retailers on hidden tax

Ms McLaughlin said the Director of Public Prosecutions instructs that she regards the case as being in the more serious category, warranting a headline sentence of between 10 and 15 years.

Counsel said the following aggravating factors were taken into account the disparity in age, the abuse of trust, the exploitation of a victim whom he knew to be vulnerable, the escalating nature of the offences, the degree of pre-meditation in both rape offences, the level of violence, the failure to use a condom having regard to her age and the impact on the victim.

Mr Justice Patrick McGrath had adjourned the case for a week, to this Monday, having heard the evidence.

He spoke to the woman in court directly telling her he needed time to consider the case.

Mr Justice McGrath told the woman it was a very well put together victim impact statement and commended her for it. He said the offence obviously had a considerable impact on her and that he understands it has been difficult for her.

The garda agreed with Diarmaid McGuinness SC, defending, that there had been a delay in reporting the offences.

Mr McGuinness handed in a number of letters including from the mans wife, son and daughter. His son and daughter were in court to support him. He asked the court to consider a number of cited case law in relation to sentencing an elderly person.

Mr McGuinness asked Justice McGrath to take into account his clients previous good character and otherwise unblemished record.

He said his client had been a hard-working man who had been providing for his family at the time.
A man who twice travelled from his home a Dublin shopping centre in order to masturbate in the view of young girls has been jailed for a year.

David Douglas (65) formerly of Park Drive, Bangor, Co Down, but who is now living in rented accommodation in Hillsborough just outside Belfast, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of masturbation in a public place at Dundrum Town Centre on March 24 and March 27, 2022.

The court heard that Douglas later admitted that he played this eye contact game during which he would attempt to get eye contact with young girls while he masturbated outside of his clothing. He said he had been playing this game for about 20 years but initially his focus had been on women rather than young girls.

During one incident in March 2022, an off-duty garda said that she and her 11-year-old daughter had changed where they were sitting three times in the food court in Dundrum Town Centre because she became aware of Douglas sitting close by and found his behaviour strange.

She later reported that she left her daughter alone at a table while she went to collect their food order when she saw Douglas sitting at the table beside them. She thought this quite strange as there were loads of vacant tables in the food court and Douglas only had an almost empty bottle of water with him.

She moved with her daughter but Douglas moved to sit right behind them so she moved a second time. The woman then saw that Douglas was again sitting nearby and was continually looking at them. The woman ultimately left the food court because she felt so uncomfortable.

Garda Linda Byrne told Shaun Smyth BL, prosecuting, that she and a colleague were patrolling Dundrum Town Centre on March 27 when a security guard alerted them to a male acting inappropriately in the food court in the presence of young female children.

The gardai responded and Douglas ran off when he spotted them but they caught up with him. He was cautioned and later interviewed.

Gardai secured CCTV footage from the food court and Douglas could be seen masturbating outside of his clothing in close proximity to where young girls were sitting with their families. It was evident that Douglas was focusing his attention on the girls.

Garda Byrne said gardai then became aware of the complaint that had been made by the off-duty garda three days earlier.

Two months later, Douglas was interviewed and admitted that he got sexual gratification from making eye contact with young girls while masturbating. He explained that he would drink alcohol in order to reduce his inhibitions and in these incidents in Dundrum, he had had been drinking vodka and white lemonade.

He said he never had any intention to have any physical contact with the young girls.

Douglas has five previous convictions from Ireland for road traffic offences and a further 28 convictions from Northen Ireland which included offences of indecency and breaches of the sexual offenders act.

Mr Spencer said his client was oversexualised at a young age having been exposed to pornographic material when he was a young teenager. He was married with three children but he is now separated from his wife.

Judge Orla Crowe accepted that Douglas had a problem with drink. She said she found it hugely concerning that Douglas had travelled twice from Northern Ireland to engage in this behaviour.

He is a danger to the public at large and a danger to girls who are unfortunate enough to catch his eye. It is reprehensible. He has been punished in the past for similar behaviour but it has not impacted on him, Judge Crowe said.

She said the offence warranted a headline sentence of 18 months before she reduced that to 15 months. Judge Crowe suspended the final three months of that term on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for 12 months upon his release from custody.
A LIMERICK university has received 626,000 in funding from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to run a three-year pilot of a programme designed to enhance the third-level education and future career opportunities of learners with intellectual disabilities.

The Mary Immaculate College Ability Pathways Project will run from September 2024 and offer 10 places.

It is an expansion of MICs current offering, the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD) but includes a transitioning programme where learners will be supported in identifying a suitable pathway to meaningful opportunities after graduation such as further education and training, or employment.

The university will be among 10 institutions across Ireland to offer innovative courses in the area following a recent 10 million funding announcement from Higher Education Minister, Simon Harris TD.

Orla Slattery, MIC inclusion coordinator for adults with intellectual disabilities explained how the Path 4 Phase 2 funding initiative will enable MIC to continue our provision for students with intellectual disabilities in higher education.

The new MIC Pathways Ability Project will be launched at MIC under this innovative Higher Education Authority (HEA) access scheme, said Ms Slattery.

At MIC, we have a well-established history of creating pathways to education for people with intellectual disabilities in collaboration with our community partners including the LCETB, Enable Ireland and the Brothers of Charity with whom we have the great privilege of working in partnership, she added.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick companies collaborate for special business event

Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC, congratulated MIC staff on the successful application.

We welcome this considerable funding allocation from the department and the recognition of the importance of programmes like the MIC Ability Pathways Project, said Mr Wall.

Minister Harris refers to the need to open doors both physical and metaphorical to ensure higher education campuses across Ireland truly reflect the diversity of our communities.

This echoes our ethos at MIC to embed inclusion and equal opportunity in all aspects of our work, he added.
LIMERICK City and County Council properties are being bidded on left, right and centre.

Commercial sites and residential properties are drawing the attention of buyers.

Tina Knox, an administrative officer with the local authority, was at last weeks Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting to give councillors an update on the disposal of land at Site F in Kilmallock Business Park.

It is one of the last sites. There might be the possibility of another one. It was guided at 30,000, said Ms Knox.

The meeting heard that the site went on the open market and after a number of bids from interested parties, Site F went sale agreed for a figure of 70,000.

The price went up quite substantially. He (new owner) has a contract to do a lot of work for Irish Water. He is going to build a warehouse, said Ms Knox. The purchaser also owns the site next to it.

Cllr PJ Carey asked what is the timeframe for the buyer to start working on the site as he was anxious to get moving. Ms Knox said it will go before the full council meeting in March for approval.

The council official said if his solicitor works fast it could be in six / seven weeks as it is relatively straight forward and to contact her directly if there are any issues.

Mayor Gerald Mitchell said it was very positive news for the business park on the Bruree side of Kilmallock.

Cllr Eddie Ryan enquired about a former public house and guest house the council are selling in The Square, Galbally.

Ms Knox said there has been good interest in the property that requires significant refurbishment works.

She said it was guided at 75,000. There have been four viewings involving 20 parties and the top bid as of Thursday, February 20 was 110,000.

On a similar theme, Cllr Mitchell asked how the sale of a council property on Bruffs Main Street is going. Ms Knox said it was a magnificent property and is eligible for support from the vacant property refurbishment grant of up to 50,000.

We did a lot of work on it. It is beautiful, said Ms Knox, who added that the guide price is 150,000.

Returning to the Kilmallock Business Park, Cllr Donegan said a lot of work has been done since the council bought it from Shannon Properties in 2019.

It is of huge economic and social benefit to the town with the loop walk, said Cllr Donegan, who praised the Kilmallock Tourism Development CE Scheme for all the landscape works carried out.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick city house with Home of the Year potential hits the market for 190,000

Councillors also gave their approval to the disposal of a number of sites in the business park at this month's full council meeting.

Sinn Fein councillor PJ Carey, who works at mask-maker Irema in the estate, has welcomed the sale.

There was eight acres originally available, and Dansko, a local business bought the 2.27 acres. So between this and the other sites, the whole place will now be full, he said.

Cllr Carey said these sites had been vacant for decades.

People do want them, they were calling me, so I was asking, can we not put a for sale sign up on these. In fairness, the council did just this, concluded Cllr Carey.
LERO, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software has appointed professor Ita Richardson as deputy director.

Professor of Software Quality in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at University of Limerick prof Richardson will be the first woman to hold the role since Lero's foundation in 2005.

Prof Richardson is an internationally recognised researcher in global software development and connected health.

Prof Richardson said that Lero has been an important part of her academic career to date allowing her to build national and international research relationships.

"I have seen the benefits of being part of a strong, internationally-recognised research centre and learned from those who have gone before me. I want to support researchers and students, particularly those starting their careers, ensuring they benefit from being part of Lero," said prof Richardson, who will continue in her role as co-principal investigator in Lero.

Prof Richardson is passionate about introducing women to exciting careers in STEM, particularly in software engineering and computer science and recalled her introduction to computing at the age of 12, when maths teacher Sr Concepta Murtagh, introduced her class at Loreto Convent Mullingar, Co Westmeath to computer programming.

"Sr Concepta forged links with ICL (International Computers Limited) in the UK. We would write out our programs. She printed them out on 'green striped' computer paper  it was fascinating. So, when a new course started in UL  NIHE Limerick, as it was then  focused on maths and computing, it was my top choice on the CAO form," she added.

"I believe that girls and women should be given equal opportunity to fulfil their capabilities and interests, and it is imperative that we as educators encourage them to see the global importance of software.

"Software is all around us, in hospitals, transport, schools, farming, banking, music  and Ireland needs educated people to support its development. Much of the outreach that I do is to encourage young women to consider the STEM options, to look around them, and to think outside the box," added Prof Richardson, who started her education in St Ernan's National School, Delvin, Co Westmeath.

Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, brings together expert software teams from universities and institutes of technology across Ireland in a co-ordinated centre of research excellence with a strong industry focus. Leros research spans a wide range of subjects, including software engineering, information systems and human-computer interaction in areas such as driverless cars, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, govtech, smart communities, agtech and healthtech.

Lero's director, professor Lionel Briand said he is delighted that a renowned researcher of prof Richardson's calibre has taken on this leadership role in the centre.

Prof Richardson has and will continue to play a key role as Lero develops the world's best tech talent and leaders of tomorrow. Irish IT specialists are among the best educated in the EU  78% have a third-level qualification  the EU average is 61%. Prof Richardson has played a crucial role in enhancing Ireland's software talent pipeline. She is dedicated to engaging people in STEM and software education, from primary school to PhDs. She has and continues to contribute to Lero building critical software skills for Ireland's future workforce, he said.

"Prof Richardson has been part of Lero since its foundation and will play a crucial function leading software research teams who continue to support academia, industry, the public sector and society in general," he added.

Dr Siobhan Roche, director of Science for the Economy at SFI, welcomed the announcement.

"Professor Richardson's appointment as deputy director of Lero, demonstrates that women's representation in leadership roles on SFI Grants is growing. With the publication of SFI's External Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2023-2028, we remain committed to increasing the representation of researchers who identify as women in leadership roles through an intersectional approach, in keeping with the Agency's values and international best practice. I congratulate Professor Richardson, who will bring the wealth of her experience to the role, he said.
Corncrakes on the Aran Islands and sand martins in the Irish midlands are at the centre of projects set to benefit from biodiversity grants.

A partnership between philanthropy and Government is supporting 78 schemes which aim to protect endangered species and habitats.

The grants are the latest in a joint biodiversity fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service which has seen 213 such action plans developed across the country through a joint investment of 1.76 million euro since 2019.

The latest grant round of 376,000 euro will see communities supported in every part of the country in both rural and urban areas.

The projects include planning for the regeneration of an 11-acre island on the River Nore at Thomastown, Kilkenny, with the engagement of an ecologist to work with and guide the local Community River Trust.

It aims to restore the natural environment on the island over the next five to 10 years protecting all wildlife for generations to come.

There is also a new biodiversity action plan for all three Aran Islands to protect the corncrake, currently a red listed bird.

Locally-based co-operative Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileain Teoranta will work with farmers and landowners to create habitats for the endangered species.

Meanwhile, the development of a specially-designed sand martin nest wall in the Peoples Park, Portlaoise, aims to increase the number of birds on the River Triogue.

The sand martin is currently an amber-listed bird of conservation concern. The project will include local awareness-raising with signage and talks.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan described the grants as uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity.

He said: This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a seed for nature at the 2019 national biodiversity conference, so its particularly special to see it flourish and deliver so much impact all across the country, with 213 CBAPs (community biodiversity action plans) in place and more to come.

Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said: This is a pioneering partnership between Government and philanthropy which has not only supported more than 200 communities but has provided leadership in responding to the biodiversity emergency.

While the challenge is great, what is hugely encouraging is the interest, energy, and enthusiasm of the full spectrum of local groups now taking action to protect our plants and wildlife. On behalf of our private donors, I wish each group every success in their continued efforts.
Irish President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital until Thursday while his blood pressure is monitored before returning to the Aras an Uachtarain.

Medical tests have shown that the president experienced a mild transient weakness and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Higgins, 82, was admitted to St Jamess Hospital in Dublin on Thursday after feeling unwell.

A spokesperson for the president said he had completed all medical tests which had shown positive results.

The spokesperson added: They have indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the presidents health.

The tests have determined that the president experienced a mild transient weakness from which they expect him to make a full recovery.

Following consultation with his medical team, President Higgins has agreed with their recommendation that he remain in hospital for an extra few days in order that they can monitor his blood pressure.

He will return to Aras an Uachtarain on Thursday.

The president remains in excellent spirits and is continuing to carry out his constitutional duties.

It is anticipated that he will proceed with a scheduled meeting with the Taoiseach at Aras an Uachtarain on Friday afternoon.

While in hospital, the president is considering two pieces of legislation  the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 and the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023  both of which are due for signature between tomorrow and Thursday.

The presidents medical team have further advised that he put a limit on the extent of the public engagements which he undertakes over the coming weeks in order to facilitate the short period of recuperation that they have recommended.
An appeal for information has been made following an arson attack at the site of a former school in Co Londonderry.

Police said significant damage was caused to the building at the Lisneal College site in Drumahoe following the fire.

At the peak of the blaze on Sunday night, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said there were 50 firefighters in attendance.

Police said they were called to the scene on Drumahoe Road shortly after 9pm.

The fire was extinguished shortly before midnight.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries. However, there has been significant damage to the building as a result of the blaze, a police spokesperson said.

The fire is being treated as arson and were appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or has any information, to contact us.

The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference 1707 03/03/24 or, make a report online via https://www.psni.police.uk/report or Crimestoppers, which can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
New Delhi: Homegrown conglomerate JSW Group and Europes Volkswagen Group are currently at odds over key issues involving pricing of parts and localization as they negotiate a potential strategic deal for the German auto giants India operations, said people privy to the discussions.

While JSW Group plans to enhance cost-efficiencies through localizing the supply chain, and renegotiating prices with existing suppliers, Volkswagen is yet to take a call on these issues, they added. JSWs move comes as it solidifies its alliance with Chinese auto giant SAIC Motor, parent of MG Motor India, which heavily relies on imported parts from China. As part of an agreement, JSW aims to boost local sourcing following the acquisition of a 35% stake in MG Motor India.

SAIC is planning to divest a 51% stake in MG Motor India to Indian entities. While JSW acquired 35%, 8% equity is earmarked for private equity fund EverSource, the remaining equity will be distributed among MG Motors dealers and employees through employee stock ownership plans. An announcement is expected in the coming weeks, coinciding with the JSW investment, during a dealer conference aro-und 20 March.

According to the people, Volkswagen is looking for a partner to invest in its India operations as the German firm wants to build a production hub in the country for the next 1015 years, besides looking to develop a low-cost electric vehicle (EV) for the global markets. However, to ensure profitability, JSWs contention is that both Volkswagen and sister brand Skoda needs to address the cost model in India, considering 6070% of a vehicles selling price is attributed to the bill of materials (BOM) cost, including raw materials and components, they said.

Volkswagen Group aims to establish itself as the top-performing European carmaker in India, spearheaded by the Czech brand Skoda Auto, the company said in its annual report for 2022.

Skoda Auto has been in an exploratory mindset looking for partners who can invest and help grow its volumes in India, as it is apprehensive about investing more, considering its past investments has not yielded desired volume growth," he said, adding that the two companies are in negotiations to iron out differences.

In fact, similar differences between Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) and Volkswagen, led the Indian company to pull out of a potential joint venture with the Indian arm of Volkswagen AG, besides its slow decision-making among other factors.

High cost of parts and platform were key issues that prompted M&M to call off the deal, said a second person, adding that M&Ms move was also influenced by the auto majors decreasing reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers for technology.

In July 2018, the Volkswagen Group had announced 1 billion investment for the India 2.0 project. The initiative led to the development of the Kushaq, Slavia, and Taigun, which were built on top of its entry-level MQB A0 platform, specifically for the Indian market.

While the Sajjan Jindal-led $23-billion JSW Group has already inked the share purchase agreement with SAIC, for a 35% stake in MG Motor India, discussions with Volkswagen Group may result in a three-way deal, or two separate JVs, with the JSW Group acting as a common shareholder, the people said.

Skoda is taking on crucial tasks, like developing new generations of the Superb and Passat, overall responsibility for the MQB A0 Global entry-level platform, and regional leadership in emerging regions of India and Vietnam on behalf of the Group," the company said in its 2022 annual report.
S.Koreans lined up to bid farewell to giant panda Fu Bao, who will return to China in early April

(People's Daily App) 16:33, March 04, 2024

March 3 was the last day for giant panda Fu Bao to meet the South Korean public before returning to China. At about 8:00 am, two hours before the opening of the park, there was already a long line at the entrance outside the main gate. The people in the front of the line said that they had arrived at the entrance at 3:50 in the morning to line up. After this, Fu Bao will start the closed health quarantine management and transportation stage of its journey.

(Video Source: China News Service; Produced by Wang Ruofan)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Blenders Pride Glassware has always been at the cusp of presenting the next in fashion, presenting experiences that have shaped the style quotient for an entire generation. The brand now forges ahead with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival, that is set to take fashion beyond the runway as Indias first fashion festival. Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has been imagined staying true to the brands mantra of presenting an evolving world of style. While at the heart of it remains fashionable showcases by Indias finest designers & stylish celebrities, in an entirely new avatar, Fashion NXT Festival takes a leap forward by bringing the brands stylish world to audiences in newer cities, starting with Bhubaneswar and Pune in March 2024. The brand has collaborated with some of the most sought-after and buzzing lifestyle brands, that are curating a host of immersive experiences. The mission is clear  to connect the brewing aspirations of a young, growing India with fashion-forward experiences which are pocketed in select metro cities.

View Full Image Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar

For its first edition, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has already lined up stellar collaborations with some of the most exciting brands across genres. Take Nasher Miles for example, a fashion accessory brand for the modern-day traveller, that has been making waves on social media since its recent debut on Shark Tank India. Another interesting brand is All You Can Street a streetwear collective, that is bringing a host of streetwear brands with DIY stations for audiences to customize their apparel. Similarly, brands like Beardo and MyGlamm are putting together grooming & styling stations where festival goers can get a stylish makeover by expert stylists. John Jacobs is setting up a pop-up to experience their cutting-edge eyewear through virtual try-ons. Not to miss Doodle Mapuls, which is setting up a kiosk where their artists will sketch & customize t-shirts and sneakers live for festival goers. Lastly, Audi (Pune) is showcasing their latest collection at the festival bringing audiences closer to the touch of luxury.



Surrounding these high-on-style experiences are exciting fashion showcases by designer Nachiket Barve with Sanya Malhotra in Bhubaneswar, and by designer Varun Bahl with Aditi Rao Hydari in Pune, and thumping music performances by popular artists like Ritviz, Kayan, Progressive Brothers and Rabab Randhawa, to create an electrifying atmosphere for festival goers to groove to through the day.



In essence, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival promises to be packed with multifaceted experiences across fashion, music and technology. As a first-of-its-kind concept, being Indias first fashion festival, it is undoubtedly set to redefine all things fashion, style and glamour.



Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard Indiasaid,As we continue to trailblaze the fashion landscape in India, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festivals bring an impressive new format that diversifies our experiences into newer towns. Were excited to collaborate with such exciting brands, that share our vision in becoming an immersive gateway into the world of style and glamour."



Shruti Kedia Daga, Co-Founder and CMO, Nasher Milessaid,"We're very excited to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. This association epitomizes our commitment to elevating the style quotient of the Indian traveller. At Nasher Miles, we believe that every journey is an opportunity to showcase style and functionality, and this partnership allows us to redefine the travel experience."



Yash Shetty & Abhishek Gandhi - Co-Founders, All You Can Streetsaid,As the largest premier progressive fashion festival, curating an array of brands is what we do but this time for Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune, we have an exclusive curation of brands that are currently creating ripples in the fashion industry. I believe Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and All You Can Street together is bringing to you a fashion curation like never before, tapping into contrasting audiences within mainstream fashion in India."



Anisha Gandhi, Celebrity Stylist and Founder, The Styling Room said,Were elated to be a part of The Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. Our collaboration reflects the assortment of fashion we house to suit the best of each individual. We are thrilled to exhibit some of the most fun and finest brands both international and homegrown. From Skims, Aroka, Wear Cecil to Triune, Shop monokrom and so many more. Styling Room has created a space for you to be the most chic, confident and daring You! After all, everyday is a fashion show and this collaboration definitely is about to elevate your fashion game!"



Kirthi Pillai, Co-Founder, Doodle Mapuls said,This is a really exciting venture for us as we get to collaborate with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival at the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone happening in Bhubaneshwar. It's events like these where we get to explore our creativity even more and make our art more hands-on. Want to see the art of producing T-Shirts & Doodling Shoes? Drop by our Pop Up at Sandys Tower for a fun and colourful experience! Lets Meet, Print and Wear Merch which expresses Art, Style and Vibe."



Sujot Malhotra, CEO, BEARDO said,We're thrilled to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival where we will be showcasing our grooming & styling products. Our Styling Stations at the festival will give an opportunity to festival goers of not only experiencing our products but our styling team will also help them groom with live demonstration of what our products can deliver for them. At Beardo, we pride ourselves in bringing the best of global trends to enable men to express themselves with confidence & we are glad to be given the opportunity to be a part of this platform."



Apeksha Gupta, CEO, John Jacobs said,The Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival propels our brand into the next wave of the fashion landscape. It gives us an outlet to shape eyewear as the pulse of fashion dynamically. Hoping to see you all have as much fun as we enjoyed creating the virtual experience."



Sukhleen Aneja, CEO, Good Brands Co., The Good Glamm Group said,We are excited to be partnering with the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and bring forth an immersive experience zone, blending beauty and style seamlessly. As we showcase our iconic MyGlamm Pout by Karan Johar, we invite attendees to indulge in the magic of makeup artistry and aim to celebrate individuality and empowerment, making this event a true reflection of MyGlamm's ethos. We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural edition of the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival."



Salil Rane, Head, Marketing (Audi Business) - Jubilant Motorworks Private Limited said,Jubilant Motorworks Pvt Ltd is happy to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Pune. We look forward to a great event and to this amazing partnership."

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. Readers are advised that consumption of alcohol is injurious to health and addictive and is prohibited for people below legal drinking age. Not for promotion.

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The Delhi high court will decide whether a holding company's corporate guarantees on behalf of its subsidiary are taxable under the Central Goods & Service Tax Act, 2017, potentially deciding the fate of an issue that has resulted in tax demand notices being sent to top Indian companies.

The division bench issued notice to the central government on 28 February in response to an appeal by Vedanta Group's Sterlite Power Transmission.

The appeal sought to declare corporate guarantees to subsidiaries non-taxable under the current tax regime. It also contested the valuation criteria set by the finance ministry for the purpose of taxing such guarantees when there is no financial consideration involved.

The court granted relief to the Vedanta group unit, restraining tax authorities from taking coercive action against the company before the high court passes its judgment. The next hearing is scheduled for 8 July.

A corporate guarantee is usually given by a company on behalf of its subsidiaries or associates to lenders, guaranteeing that they will honour the debt if the borrowing company fails to repay. This helps the borrowing company secure better terms from lenders.

It is a common business practice, and the parent company generally takes no money for providing the corporate guarantee.

However, tax authorities view providing such guarantees as a service liable for taxation under GST. Under the GST law, services rendered to a related party for the furtherance of business are treated as a supply liable for taxation even if made without any consideration.

The directorate general of goods and services tax intelligence (DGGI) has sent out a spate of tax demand notices to Indian companies related to corporate guarantees given by them on behalf of their subsidiaries.

In October last year, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a circular that clarified that in the case of such guarantees, when the parent company takes no financial consideration for providing the guarantee, a notional value equivalent to 1% of the guaranteed sum will be ascribed to it for the purpose of taxation.

In its petition, Sterlite Power Transmission challenged the levy of GST on corporate guarantees, calling such guarantees a contingent contract which is not enforceable till the guarantee is enforced".

It argued that it is only when the guarantee is enforced that the issue of service may arise and thus fixing a value at 1% of the corporate guarantee provided would put onerous burden" on the entity providing the guarantee.

GST on corporate guarantees remains a vexatious issue that impacts all industries. The court issuing a notice is a positive outcome. We hope that the court eventually sees merit in the argument that GST cannot be levied on corporate guarantees," said Kumar Visalaksh, a partner in the tax practice at ELP.

ELP is representing the petitioner.

Kulraj Ashpnani, partner at Dhruva Advisors, said that this was only a start. Given the lack of clarity around taxation of corporate guaranty transactions, there will be litigations on various other aspects in the coming days, including valuation and the taxability of past transactions," he said.

Indirect tax experts have raised several queries regarding the taxation of corporate guarantees, Mint reported last Thursday. The high court's order in the case is expected to bring clarity to this confusion.

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A series of meetings on Monday to address the vexed issue of Google suspending more than 200 startups from its Android Play Store platform did not make much headway.

Officials from Google, as well as a delegation of startups whose apps have been banned on the Play Store platform, met union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the issue. Separately, the startup delegation also met union minister of state for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, to express their concerns of discriminatory pricing by Google" towards them.

Two senior government officials said on condition of anonymity that the Centre is currently evaluating and understanding the matter, but is unlikely to issue a notice imminently. We are first looking to understand in detail the allegations of discriminatory pricing that the startups have spoken aboutand we will look to take any adequate step in this regard only after careful evaluation," one of the officials said.

Union minister of state for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that the government will "take it up with Google for a sustainable and long-term solution", to create an ecosystem that will catalyze growth for startups."

On this note, Snehil Khanor, founder and chief executive of homegrown dating platform, TrulyMadly, said: Google does not levy a similar fee to the likes of Amazon or Uber, but is levying a steep fee towards a small number of apps on their platform that are dependent on them. This is a highly discriminatory pricing model, and the same has heavily affected our business model."

While Google has restored most of the apps on the Play Store that were suspended for non-payment of its service fee on Friday, startup founders allege that the restored apps do not have a way to accept payments from users for subscription services or one-time purchases. The restored apps have all been done through what Google calls its consumption model, where we can only mention to users that they can go to our website to purchase our services. This grossly disrupts our business model," Khanor said.

Google charges apps a service fee of 11-30% depending on the services they sell through their platforms. Those that sell real world" services, such as e-commerce or ride hailing, are exempted from the fee. Instead, Google charges the fee to only those that offer digital services, which the startups have claimed is discriminatory.

Since a Competition Commission order in 2022, Google also introduced the consumption model" in India, which allows apps offering digital services to direct users to a browser webpage in order to accept subscriptions. On Saturday, Anupam Mittal, founder of People Groupwhich saw multiple apps suspended from the Play Store, told Mint that the consumption model will grossly disrupt user experience, and therefore have a significant impact on business revenues."

The second government official told Mint that the government will not look to abruptly interfere" with an established commercial business model, but confirmed that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) will look into the matter in close detail, before making any comment."

Multiple startups alleged on Monday that three days of suspension on the Google Play Store has reduced their revenue by half or more. Google has a market share of over 85% in Indias mobile phone marketleaving them with a vast majority in Indias internet ecosystem. Startups, to be sure, have relied on Googles reach of consumers to grow their businesses. A senior executive with knowledge of proceedings at Google told Mint that the company highlighted this factor during its meeting with Vaishnaw on Monday.

Startups are also relying on the Competition Commission to look for respite on the matter. Founders that Mint spoke with said that CCI had fined Google for anti-competitive market practices and abuse of market dominance. The competition regulator, in two individual orders, fined Google a total of 2,273.44 crore ($274 million) in October 2022 on these accounts.

However, CCI had underlined at the time that the body is not a pricing regulator"and thus has no jurisdiction to regulate how a company may price their services.
Italian bespoke shoe company Santoni is expanding its India presence and will add two more luxury boutiques in Mumbai and Hyderabad by 2026.

Santonis India partner Luxerati Retail Pvt. Ltd's co-founder Sanjay Kataria said the business has earmarked about 15 crore for the expansion plan. A similar amount was spent in launching the company's Delhi store in 2018. At present, the company has one outlet in Delhi's Emporio mall.

Kataria said the company is also mulling an online storefront dedicated only to the India market, similar to what Louis Vuitton did here and that will also come into effect by 2026.

The Luxerati Retail has seen a growth of 15-20% year-on-year. The company became profitable in 2021 and intends to close this fiscal with 8 crore of sales.

Santoni started operations in 1975 in Corridonia, in the heart of the shoemaking district of the Marche region of Italy. The company's founder Andrea Santoni industrialized the artisanal process and focused on making products from regular and exotic leather like ostrich and alligator skin which are hand-cut, coloured and stitched. Today, the brand is run by Anrdrea's son Giuseppe Santoni.

India's luxury market is on a fast track and projected to reach $8.5 billion by 2023, a jump of $2.5 billion from 2021, as per Euromonitor International.

Experts predict even greater growth, with a Bain & Co. study forecasting a 3.5-fold increase by 2030. This surge is fuelled by India's rapid economic expansion, currently the fastest among major economies, with a 7.6% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

However, despite their global popularity and reputation for quality, luxury footwear brands from around the world are facing unexpected hurdles because of stricter government regulations. Mint recently reported that in July 2023, new quality control order (QCO) regulations took effect, mandating that all imported footwear, including those from luxury brands, adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms and display the ISI mark.

This requirement, while ensuring basic quality, clashes with the image and exclusivity associated with luxury brands. The embossing of the ISI mark, intended for mass-produced items, is seen as potentially diminishing the value proposition of these high-end products.

At present, most companies have been relying on their past imports that came in before December 2023 and are still in the process of deciphering the crux of the issue. Moreover, imported luxury shoes in India attract a sizable duty of about 38% along with 18% GST.

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NEW DELHI : New Delhi: Jindal Stainless Steel's green hydrogen project aligns with the government's vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future, and will be an inspiration for other industry players to embrace clean technologies, said Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union minister for aviation and steel, on Monday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of India's first green hydrogen plant in the stainless-steel sector by Jindal Stainless Steel.

The green hydrogen plant in Hisar, which will pave the way for sustainable steel production, was commissioned by JSL in a 25-year contract with Hygenco Green Energies Private Ltd.

The project creates valuable employment opportunities, and showcases the potential of responsible industrial practices, he added. The government is encouraging companies, citizens, and state governments to focus on "green growth" and "green jobs" to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2070, he said.

This project will be the worlds first green hydrogen plant with rooftop & floating solar equipment which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 54,000 tonnes over the next two decades. The alkaline bipolar electrolyser, which has a capacity of 350 Nm3/hr, guarantees an average 90Nm3/hr round-the-clock supply of green hydrogen using dedicated solar energy and storage, the company added.

The facility is controlled by an advanced energy management and control system and Hygenco is operating the plant under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model.

The decision of a long-term commitment to green hydrogen technology by Jindal Stainless reflects a forward-thinking approach mindful of its environmental responsibility, said Nagendra Nath Sinha, secretary in the steel ministry. By harnessing renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also diversifying our energy mix and enhancing energy security."

In August 2022, Jindal Stainless announced a strategic partnership with Hygenco to establish the green hydrogen plant in Hisar, Haryana. JSL has another plant in Jajpur, Odisha, where the company is initiating a 200 MW round-the-clock renewable power plant.

The green hydrogen plant is a crucial step toward achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector, said Abhyuday Jindal, MD of Jindal Stainless Steel Ltd. This is just the beginning; we will scale this up depending on successful application in other processes of stainless-steel manufacturing," he said.

Scindia also highlighted India's progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter, while aiming to become the world's largest producer of crude steel. The government last year also launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of 20,000 crore to make India a global hub for the production, usage and export of green hydrogen, and its derivatives. The mission is also supporting pilot projects in the steel sector with a budget of around 500 crore until FY2029-30. The next era of growth belongs to India and within India, to the steel industryAllocation of 11% additional outlay for infrastructure development in this years Interim Union Budget also reflects the importance the government attaches to sectors crucial for growth, said Scindia.

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Union workers in recent years have threatened to strike against Norfolk Southern and sparred with management over pay and safety practices. Now, workers are defending the freight railroad as an activist investor seeks to oust its leadership.

Labor groups representing Norfolk conductors, locomotive engineers, machinists and other workers have made public comments in support of Chief Executive Alan Shaw as he comes under pressure from activist Ancora Holdings. The groups account for over half of the railroads unionized workforce.

Unions dont typically take sides in corporate proxy battlesit is the shareholders who vote for directors and investor proposals. But union leaders said they are speaking up because their members have seen an improvement in safety and morale under Shaw and worry that a management shake-up will reverse these gains.

Ancora said it launched a proxy fight to overhaul Norfolks board and C-suite because the railroad has inefficient operations and failed to meet financial targets. It also said Norfolk should undertake scheduled railroading with more rigor, and that it mismanaged the aftermath of the Ohio train derailment last year that released toxic chemicals into the surrounding water and land, triggering a massive cleanup effort. Ancora reiterated its call for new leadership after three Norfolk trains were involved in a derailment Saturday in Pennsylvania.

Norfolk has defended its efforts to improve the company, especially after the February 2023 derailment. Ancoras proposed overhaul would be highly disruptive to our operations, our workers, and the North American supply chain," the company said.

Ancoras plan will decimate the railroad all over again," said Scott Bunten, a Roanoke, Va.-based union official and locomotive engineer who has worked for Norfolk for 19 years. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen plans to vote its hundreds of thousands of shares in Norfolk in support of the companys board nominees, a union official said.

Ancora has proposed replacing Shaw with Jim Barber, former chief operating officer at United Parcel Service. It would also replace operations chief Paul Duncan with Jamie Boychuk, who served in a similar role at rival CSX. Shaw took the helm at the Atlanta-based railroad in May 2022.

We talk about cost-cutting, we talk about the opportunity to grow the business, to get the right economics, on the right network strategy," said Barber in an interview. If and when the growth comes back the right way, then jobs should grow."

Other shareholders have raised concerns about Norfolks performance. Among major railroads, its shares declined by the largest percentage last year and some operating metrics show that it has been less efficient than its peers. Norfolks shares, which traded below $200 last year, have climbed above $250 since The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that an activist was proposing changes.

Norfolk and the Cleveland-based hedge fund are drumming up support for their respective board nominees ahead of the companys annual meeting, which typically is in May.

A potential return to precision scheduled railroading, or PSR, has rankled union workers and regulators, who have also criticized Ancoras approach. It was around 2017 when major freight railroads started implementing PSR as a strategy to boost profits by running trains more efficiently and reducing costs.

Activist investors pressured the railroads to adopt PSR, which boosted shareholder returns, but rail service suffered and crews complained about worsening working conditions and increased fatigue. Norfolks employment declined 32% between the end of 2018, when it introduced PSR, and 2021.

Its the same old corporate strategy that has been hanging around and weve been pushing back for years," said Martin Oberman, chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, the economic regulator of major freight railroads. For Ancora to condemn the management, it shows a lack of understanding of moving freight around the country."

Barber said he recognizes that there is a stigma to PSR, and he welcomes the opportunity to sit down with union leaders and explain the plan. Ancora isnt emphasizing cost cutting or head-count reductions in its presentations to investors, a spokesman said.

Ancora has pushed for executive and board changes at other freight companies, including C.H. Robinson Worldwide and trucker Forward Air. Last year, Ancora pushed for Barber to be chief executive at C.H. Robinson, but that role went to someone else.

Leaders of the Federal Railroad Administration and STB have warned of increased scrutiny of Norfolk if safety incidents and shipping delays increase after potential operating changes. Regulators were deluged with complaints from shippers about delays and trip cancellations as a result of thin staffing levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. The railroads have since stepped up hiring efforts and boosted staffing levels from their pandemic lows.

Train crews at Norfolk said they appreciate having more colleagues in the past year as it has helped with scheduling and proper rest days. They also said there is a less antagonistic working environment with managers, which helps with retention.

In the past, it was more, you did this, youre in trouble," said Matt Tyler, a licensed conductor and locomotive engineer based in Altoona, Pa., adding there is now a more collaborative approach.

This time last year, another activist investor targeted Union Pacific, looking to replace the chief executive with Jim Vena, a well-known railroader with ties to the late Hunter Harrison, who is seen as the father of precision scheduled railroading. The unions didnt publicly defend Union Pacifics then-CEO against Soroban Capital Partners. Vena took over Union Pacific in August.

Write to Esther Fung at esther.fung@wsj.com
U.S. officials across the political spectrum have described Chinese corporate theft as a defining threat of our times. A Justice Department loss last week underscores the challenges in addressing it.

When senior engineers and managers at the Taiwan factory of the U.S. chip maker Micron Technology left abruptly with hundreds of internal files nearly a decade ago for a rival teaming up with a Chinese government-owned company, it looked to prosecutors like an open-and-shut case of state-sponsored corporate theft.

A federal judge in San Francisco disagreed, acquitting Chinese state-owned company Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit last week of charges of economic espionage and conspiracy. It was a crushing defeat in a case the Justice Department had made the centerpiece of a yearslong push dating to the Trump Administration to protect domestic companies from Chinese efforts to steal American corporate secrets.

Trade-secret prosecutions have been viewed across administrations as a promising avenue for deterring Chinese entities, but U.S. authorities have struggled. Prosecutors have pursued some cases in which the facts were murky, and later faced hurdles in proving criminal intent.

There are limits to prosecuting cross-border trade secrets cases involving China given it is nearly impossible to produce evidence or witnesses," said Jimmy Goodrich, a China and semiconductor expert advising the Rand Corp.

Other tools in the U.S. arsenal, such as sanctions or restricting Chinese access to U.S. technology, can impose greater costs on China, but they also come with risks of unintended consequences, including backlash for U.S. companies. Domestic firms are concerned about Chinese government behavior but dont want to lose access to Chinas huge market.

Microns pivot

Microns shifting posture since the Justice Department brought the case in 2018 illustrates the point. The company had urged U.S. authorities to pursue the criminal case and limit access to U.S. technology for Jinhua, and it filed its own civil lawsuit. In 2022, it lobbied for sweeping Commerce Department restrictions on exporting advanced chips to China, and the blocking of exports to another Chinese rival, Yangtze Memory Technologies, according to people familiar with the matter. It spent more on lobbying in the past two years than any prior period, according to OpenSecrets, which tracks political spending.

But in May, Chinese officials banned major Chinese companies from buying from Micron, in what was widely viewed as a retaliatory response, saying its products posed a national-security risk.

Micron had gotten about a quarter of its revenue from China, half of which risked being wiped out. It moved to reach a confidential settlement in its six-year lawsuit against Jinhua, made a series of high-profile diplomatic visits and announced a new $600 million investment in China.

Micron Chief Executive Sanjay Mehrotra met with Chinas commerce minister in November and later pledged to investors a strong commitment to be a major chip supplier for smartphones in China.

Mehrotra has been asked to testify about Microns China concerns before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, but has been reluctant to do so, for fear of further inflaming tensions, according to people familiar with the matter.

Micron declined to answer questions from The Wall Street Journal.

Burden of proof

Idaho-based Micron is the U.S.s only company that makes a type of memory chip used to store data in everything from cellphones to laptops. It provides close to one-third of the worlds supply.

The chip technology at issue in the criminal case is now generations old, but few other companies possess it, and it is difficult to replicate.

In 2016, the Chinese government identified memory-chip technology as a national economic priority because Chinese companies hadnt yet developed their own capabilities. The provincial government in Fujian funded its own multibillion-dollar effort and made a deal with United Microelectronics Corp., a Taiwanese semiconductor company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange, to provide the research while Jinhua would make the chips.

In 2018, Microns lawyers went to prosecutors with a laptop that had belonged to a former Micron engineer who left for UMC, which they found covered in filth in a packed storage room. The engineer appeared to have downloaded Micron trade secrets to his Google account and then searched for how to wipe data from the laptop.

U.S. prosecutors ultimately charged Jinhua, UMC and three managers in the case.

President Donald Trump in 2019 touted the governments efforts in front of the United Nations, saying his administration was seeking justice" for Micron.

In 2020, UMC pleaded guilty to trade-secrets theft and agreed to pay a fine and cooperate in the prosecution of Jinhua, but said it never gave Jinhua information about Microns technology.

At trial, that became a problem for the Justice Department. Prosecutors didnt call any UMC engineers to testify on the nature of their collaboration with Jinhua.

At closing arguments in September, prosecutor Laura Vartain Horn argued that the two companies were working hand-in-glove, pointing to bonus payments Jinhua made to an ex-Micron manager at UMC who took the material.

A lawyer for Jinhua argued that the governments case was built on nothing more than conjecture, and that no evidence showed Jinhua knew that employees who left Micron took the companys intellectual property with them.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney acquitted Jinhua, saying the government hadnt provided sufficient evidence to convince her that the former Micron employees had acted at Jinhuas direction to commit theft.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in San Francisco declined to comment. Jinhua said in a statement that it welcomed the verdict and has always operated in accordance with the law and respected intellectual property rights."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said China opposes American efforts to use the courts to curb Chinese technological and scientific progress.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights of foreign enterprises, and has treated them equally and safeguarded their legitimate rights and interests," said a spokesman, Liu Pengyu.

Death of a Trump-era initiative

The verdict was the final nail in the coffin for an initiative announced in 2018 by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Dubbed the China Initiative, it aimed to target national-security threats emanating from China, including espionage and trade-secrets theft. But prosecutors lost a series of cases stemming from that effort before Micron, including some cases that appeared to misread scientific collaboration. The initiative drew criticism from Asian-Americans and civil-rights groups who said it potentially fueled racism and cast American scientists with ties to China as spies.

On Friday, a federal judge in Atlanta tossed out nine of 10 counts in another long-running case stemming from that effort. Gee-Kung Chang, a professor of electrical engineering at Georgia Tech, had collaborated with the Chinese telecom company ZTE and faced criminal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with that work. He has pleaded not guilty.

After President Biden came to office, his administration disbanded the initiative and has been more selective in the cases it brings.

For its part, Micron appears to have weathered the saga well.

Analysts project its revenue will grow 46% this fiscal year after plummeting in 2023 in the midst of a supply-demand mismatch for memory chips coming out of the pandemic, which led to huge losses and deep cuts. The artificial-intelligence boom promises to catapult Microns business, and the announcement last week that Micron will start mass-producing chips for the AI chip juggernaut Nvidia sent its stock up as much as 7%. Its market capitalization is approaching an all-time high.

Write to Aruna Viswanatha at aruna.viswanatha@wsj.com and Heather Somerville at heather.somerville@wsj.com
BEIJINGIt is the end of the Chinese growth miracle as we know it, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping seems fine with that.

The question now is whether he can steer the country onto a new courseand keep the rest of China on board.

After three years of pandemic-era distortions, the longer-term trajectory of the worlds second-largest economy is coming into focus, and it is showing a plateauing of growth that would have alarmed previous Chinese leaders.

Xi, however, has different priorities. He has made clear in recent years that growth at all costs isnt what he is interested in. What he wants instead is what he calls high-quality development," a somewhat nebulous concept that economists and advisers say includes a greater emphasis on national security, political stability and social equality.

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With his increased focus on ideological purity, he cares less about keeping up appearances for the marketsas evidenced by a surprise announcement on Monday that Beijingis axing Premier Li Qiangs annual appearance before journaliststo field questions on the economy.

Xi is willing to accept slower growth in return for advancing these goals because he thinks the new priorities will strengthen Communist Party control and bolster Chinas ability to stand up to Western powers, helping restore the country to its rightful place in the world.

Carrying out a transition from rapid growth to a slower pace is a tricky challenge for any government. Trying to pull it off in the midst of mounting geopolitical threats and rising internal dissatisfaction will prove especially challenging.

The risk is that Xi overcorrects and allows Chinas economy to slip into long-term stagnation, as Japan did in the 1990sand triggers more dissent in the process.

Signs of the leaderships shifting emphasis have been popping up in more places in recent months: in Xis speeches; in raids on foreign businesses; and in public-service announcements by the countrys spy agency calling on Chinas people to become more vigilant against foreign threats.

Security is the bedrock of development, while stability is a prerequisite for prosperity," Xi said in a speech last year.

The signs are also manifest in what is missingmost conspicuously, in big-ticket stimulus measures such as the government infrastructure-spending sprees that provided economic jolts during previous slowdowns. Despite a chorus of recent calls from economists and investors for Beijing to do more to stimulate growth, Xi has made clear that he sees bazooka-style measures as acts of profligacy, storing up long-term pain in the name of short-term gain.

More evidence of Chinas shift is expected to come Tuesday, when Li unveils the countrys official economic-growth target at an annual legislative session in Beijing.

Economists generally expect Li to set a goal of around 5% gross domestic product growth this year, the same level as last year. But even if it is a bit higher than that, it is likely to reaffirm Beijings willingness to live with a permanently lower level of economic expansion than the blazing growth that the world had long come to rely on.

The International Monetary Fund has penciled in 4.6% growth this year, the lowest in decades apart from the pandemic period.

To be sure, nobody expected Chinas growth to continue at a double-digit percentage growth pace forever. But the speed with which Chinas growth rate has slowed to levels not far above those of mature developed economies like the U.S. and South Korea has surprised many economists.

Leveling off at a lower level of development than those countriesChinas per capita GDP is somewhere closer to Mexico or Thailandwould also lock in the countrys middle-income status, with uncertain implications for Chinas domestic politics, for its relationship with other countries and for the global economy.

The old model fades

For decades under Xis three immediate predecessors, Chinas playbook was clarifying in its simplicity, placing growth front and center. It allowed China to unleash the resourcefulness of its population and raise living standards, as local officials and entrepreneurs aligned themselves in a common cause that filled the countrys coffers and bolstered its global clout.

This decadeslong orthodoxy came to an end in October 2017, when Xi used a Communist Party congress to remove presidential term limits and to hail the advent of a new era" in which Chinas leader effectively declared that growth was no longer the leaderships paramount concern.

The following year brought the beginning of a trade war launched by then-President Donald Trump, inaugurating a period of stormier relations with the U.S. Three years of Covid-19 isolation and more geopolitical tensions only reinforced Xis preoccupation with economic and strategic resilience.

Those concerns help explain why, in 2021, Xi sought to rein in the private sector, cracking down on for-profit education companies, consumer internet platforms and real-estate developers. Those moves hammered the economy and stunned foreign investors, but that didnt seem to perturb Xi and other senior cadres, who did little to ease the pressure even as experts called for a lifting of some measures.

It has since become clearer that the moves were part of a longer-term strategy to reassert Communist Party authority and its ideological priorities; reduce excessive risk-taking; and fortify the economy against potential shocks, most importantly by defusing a property bubble that many policymakers regarded as a ticking time bomb.

The message is, There are other things in life other than growth, so we need to rebalance the priorities," says Andrew Batson, head of China research at Gavekal Dragonomics, a research firm.

Uncertainty about whats next

Outside economists and scholars have supported some of Xis measures, along with other efforts by China to move up the manufacturing value chain and promote research and innovation.

But they also say that many of Xis aims will be hard to achieve given the many headwinds China faces, including a massive debt load, unfavorable demographics and rising tensions with Chinas trading partners in the West.

Xis plans also leave many lower-level officials in China less sure about how to proceed, since many of the leaderships newer goals are more vagueand less appealingthan the to get rich is glorious" ethos that animated China for so many years. That could exacerbate policy paralysis and a reluctance among risk-averse local officials to find creative solutions to the countrys economic problems, while feeding a sense of malaise that has set in as the economy has slowed.

Long-mooted overhauls that economists say are necessary to put China on a surer footingincluding efforts to introduce a property tax, develop the pension system, raise the retirement age and restructure local government balance sheetshave been stalled for years.

Further economic listlessness will also play out beyond Chinas borders, especially as factory owners seek to unload excess goods they cant sell at home on global markets.

The problem for President Xi and the Communist Party leadership is that their objectives are not intrinsically compelling enough, or answer all the questions that lower-level officials are asking as they figure out what to do," says Gabriel Wildau, a managing director at Teneo, a consulting and advisory firm with offices in New York and Shanghai. Its no longer clear where China is going or what the overarching objective really is."

But if Xi is feeling any anxiety, he isnt showing it. The fact that some elites who benefited from the old growth-above-all model are not happy doesnt bother him," Wildau says. They can eat some bitter now while the country goes through this wrenching transition."

Write to Jonathan Cheng at Jonathan.Cheng@wsj.com
New Delhi: Indian farmers' Delhi chalo protest on the minimum support price (MSP) issue has caused significant economic losses in parts of north India. Trade bodies estimate daily losses of about 500 crore for local industries, particularly micro, small and medium businesses, in states such as Punjab and Haryana, and border areas of the National Capital Region (NCR). The disruption caused by the governments road blockades has not only caused traffic issues but also hampered critical distribution networks, affecting the livelihoods of residents and commuters.

History of protests in India

India boasts a rich history of protests dating back to the Independence movement. From the 1857 rebellion to the nonviolent Gandhian satyagrahas, protests have played a pivotal role in shaping the national consciousness. Significant protests since Independence include the anti-Hindi movement, the Assam movement, the Navnirman Andolan, the Mandal Commission protests, the Telangana movement, the Narmada Bachao Andolan, the Singur protests, the anti-CAA protests, and local ones such as the Jat reservation movement and the Maratha reservation protests. Recently, protests have erupted over issues such as the Agniveer scheme and the minimum support price paid to farmers.

Various forms of protests like bandh, hartals, chakka jams, have been used extensively by political parties, interest groups, and civil society to put pressure on governments. However, these protests can also cause significant economic disruption and losses. Courts have deemed some calls for bandhs and hartals illegal, recognising that they can encroach on the rights of others.

Losses from recent protests

According to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the 500 crore daily economic loss will affect the Q4 gross state domestic product (GSDP) of northern states, mainly Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.

Sanjeev Agrawal, president of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said production in the regions MSME sector has decreased by 30-40%. He added that if the protests go on for longer, the daily loss will increase from 500 crore. He said Punjab and Haryana have around 25 lakh MSMEs that employ more than 45 lakh workers, and contribute more than 4 lakh crore to the 14 lakh crore combined GSDP of the two states.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimated significant losses from the protest, particularly in Delhi, where the absence of approximately five lakh traders has caused an estimated loss of 300 crore, exacerbating the economic downturn.

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry had estimated a loss of more than Rs. 70,000 crore in Q3 of FY21 because of the farmers agitation in 2020-21. During that protest, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) suffered a revenue loss of 2,731 crore. In 2022, Indian Railways suffered a loss of 259.44 crore from damage to railway assets during protests against the governments Agnipath scheme.

In December 2019, during the anti-CAA-NRC protests, some states suspended internet services, making it impossible to book cabs and make payments online. The Taj Mahal saw a 36% drop in footfall that month. Assam, which was one the epicentre of anti-CAA protest, suffered an estimated loss of 1,000 crore from violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act.

In 2016, the Jat reservation protest caused a loss of 34,000 crore of economic activity. The same year, Kashmirs economy suffered a 6,400-crore loss as businesses were hit by curfews and separatist-sponsored strikes.

The right to protest

Shashank Agarwal, an advocate in the Supreme Court, explained that the right to protest is constitutionally protected but not absolute. The government has the authority to impose reasonable restrictions to maintain public order or protect the rights of others. In various states, legislatures have framed laws regulating public gatherings and protests. Under such laws, local authorities require organisers to obtain permits and adhere to certain conditions to ensure peaceful demonstrations.

According to Meghna Mishra, partner at Karanjawala & Co, balancing the right to protest with the rights to free movement and livelihood of affected individuals and communities requires careful consideration of constitutional provisions, legal precedents and practical realities.

Recently, the 22nd Law Commission of India submitted a report titled Revisiting The Law On Prevention of Damage to Public Property, which called for a comprehensive legal framework to address protests that cause obstructions of public spaces and roads. The proposed law aims to hold accountable those who organise or participate in such protests. It emphasises the critical role of public property in the nation's socio-economic development and underscores the importance of protecting these.

Global outlook on protests

According to a report released in 2021 titled World Protests: A Study of Key Protest Issues in the 21st Century, the first two decades of the 21st century saw an increasing number of protests around the world, on issues such as democracy, jobs, public services, civil rights, social justice, corruption and austerity. This period was likened to historical moments such as the years around 1848, 1917 and 1968, when large numbers of people rebelled against the status quo of the time.

Currently, there is a notable surge in farmer protests across European nations, similar to those in India. These demonstrations are driven by several issues, including the sharp rise in energy, transport, and fertiliser prices, and concerns about the influx of competitively priced agricultural products from other regions. These protests have caused losses worth tens of millions of euros to businesses.

For instance, Polish farmers blocked border crossings with war-torn Ukraine, using tactics such as burning tires and spilling grain from train wagons. This not only exacerbated tensions between Ukraine and its western neighbours but also disrupted the vital supply support to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

In the United Kingdom, a series of climate protests, such the Stop Oil demonstrations, and pro-Palestine protests have caused disruptions. According to English media reports, London's Metropolitan Police spent more than 4.5 million and the equivalent of 13,770 officer shifts to maintain order amid the Stop Oil demonstrations. The severity of the disruptions prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to express concern that the nation was descending into "mob rule". Subsequently, the British parliament passed the Public Order Act 2023 to help curb violent protests.

In the US, the George Floyd protests of 2020, marked the first instance of a demonstration causing more than $1 billion in losses to the insurance industry. In 2019, prolonged pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong had a profound impact on the region's economy, plunging one of Asia's economic powerhouses into recession. The economy contracted by 1.2% during that period.
SINGAPORETwo years after the invasion of Ukraine, drones and U.S.-made computer chips are increasingly flowing to Russia from China through Central Asian trade routes, showing the difficulty of strangling supplies to Moscows war effort.

Trade routes snaking through former Soviet republics Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are among the many paths into Russia for so-called dual-use goodssingled out by the U.S. and its allies because they can be used on the battlefield.

Despite their efforts, Central Asia is a growing pipeline for Russia, made possible by thousands of miles of open borders, opaque trade practices and opportunistic middlemen. The goods often originate in China, where they are manufactured in some cases by major U.S. companies, which say the items are being imported by Russia without their permission.

The Central Asian trade route is especially important because it feeds a high concentration of Western-produced goods into Russia. It is a key route for microelectronics, car parts, luxury goodsitems both used on the battlefield in Ukraine and for personal consumption," said Natalie Simpson, a Russia analyst at C4ADS, a Washington-based nonprofit research firm that specializes in national security.

The U.S. and its allies maintain a list of dual-use goods targeted by sanctions, including computer chips, routers and ball bearings used in tanks. There were 45 items on the list last year, with another five added in February.

Chinese exports of dual-use goods to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have surged since February 2022, when the war began, according to Chinas customs data. Exports of the 45 targeted goods rose to $1.3 billion in 2023, up 64% over 2022 levels. Many of these goods were then sent to Russia, according to trade records shared by C4ADS.

The two Central Asian nations arent the only source of dual-use goods to Russia. Goods are also flowing through countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. China, the largest source, exported $4.5 billion of such goods directly to Russia last year.

Chinese companies shipping their own products can take the direct route across the border, but those who are transshipping Western goods often look for an extra degree of obfuscation," said Simpson. They can find this in Central Asia."

Drones, which arent on the list of sanctioned goods, have become an essential tool of war. In the two years before the war, China didnt report exporting a single drone to Kazakhstan.

But in 2023, Kazakhstan bought $5.9 million worth of unmanned aircraft from China and exported $2.7 million worth of such products to Russia, according to Kazakhstan and Chinese trade data. Kazakhstan isnt a major producer of drones.

Diverted trade originating from China and traveling through Central Asia has only risen in importance as U.S. and European Union regulators have clamped down on their own chip exports. In 2022, the first year of the war, millions of dollars worth of U.S. and EU chips exports ended up in Russia via Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. But in 2023, U.S. and EU chip exports to those countries fell by 28% to about $22 million.

U.S. and European officials have pressed these nations and China to clamp down on gray-market trade with Russia.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan didnt reply to requests for comment. Chinas Foreign Ministry said that Russia was an important trading partner and that it had nothing to hide. China always handles export of military items in a prudent and responsible manner, and has followed relevant laws and regulations when it comes to the export controls of dual-use items," it said.

China is already the largest official source of Moscows imports, with bilateral trade roughly doubling to $200 billion in 2023 over the past five years, according to Chinese trade data. China sells computer chips, jet-fighter parts and jamming technology to Russian defense companies, The Wall Street Journal has reported. China has said it doesnt send lethal weapons to parties involved in conflicts, and the U.S. hasnt accused it of doing so.

Still, shipments of battlefield items, even if nonlethal, threaten to become a sticking point between U.S., Chinese and European leaders. U.S. trade officials have raised concerns with Beijing about Chinese companies violating export controls by transshipping U.S. items to Russia.

Russia managed to import $8.8 billion worth of dual-use goods from around the world in the first 10 months of 2023, just 10% lower than in the pre-sanctions period, according to a January report by the Kyiv School of Economics.

Russia stopped publishing detailed trade data after the invasion and resumed releasing some data a year later. Using commercially available Russian customs records, C4ADS said it was able to track about $64 million of goods exported to Russia from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan during the first seven months of 2023, although it cautioned the data set it was working with may not reflect the full extent of the transactions.

Many of the goods that are originating in China are made by U.S. companies, according to a review of customs databases. For example, seven shipments of computing machine devices" that are considered dual-use goods were made in June 2023 from a Chinese subsidiary of International Business Machines to a trader in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek. Those shipments, worth $3,700, ended up at OOO BSO, a Russian business on a Treasury Department blacklist.

IBM said it doesnt do business with those companies and is conducting an internal review. Any diversion of IBM products to Russia is happening in direct violation of our companys policies and internal controls," an IBM spokeswoman said.

In another instance around the same time, a shipment of transistors left the Chinese factory of Vishay Intertechnology, an electronics company based in Malvern, Pa. The Vishay components were sold to a Kazakh company, which then resold them to a Russian electronics wholesaler, according to customs data.

A database run by Ukraines Foreign Ministry shows transistors made by Vishay turning up in Russian reconnaissance drones and satellite communication stations on the battlefront. Vishay didnt respond to requests for comment.

The Kazakh company involved in the transaction, Elem Group, was added to the U.S. Commerce Departments trade blacklist in December for its potential role in the diversion of export-controlled items. Elem Group exported at least $1.15 million worth of products to Russia between March and August 2023, according to U.S.-based trade-data aggregator ImportGenius.

They included electronic items produced by U.S. companies, including Texas Instruments, based in Dallas, and Analog Devices, based in Wilmington, Mass. China was the largest supplier to Elem Group in the same period, the data shows, providing about 35% of its imports.

Write to Clarence Leong at clarence.leong@wsj.com and Liza Lin at liza.lin@wsj.com
New Delhi: Major Indian mining firms are in talks with authorities in Western Australia exploring investments in the mineral-rich province, said Nashid Choudhury, the region's investment and trade commissioner for India and the Gulf. Choudhury said the province is currently mapping and building a pipeline of joint ventures with major Indian firms.

There are a number of powerhouses across India who are definitely exploring Western Australia as a market. Alongside, our federal government colleagues are definitely working on a number of leads, which we are supporting them on. So I would say an absolute range of leading private houses and PSUs which are on that decarbonization journey, are interested," Choudhury told Mint.

Not only are we a major supplier of critical minerals, we're also home to a buzzing ecosystem that is developing lithium and is looking at the future of lithium-ion technology for batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries, which will be a very key opportunity to grow and address the demandsbe it for vehicles or for storage," she added. While Japan, Korea and European nations have been Australias traditional partners, Choudhury sees an increasing opportunity for Indian firms.

The focus of these emerging partnerships will be on lithium, vanadium and green steel as well as nickel, copper and magnetite.

Western Australia has already seen investments from major Indian mining firms. Legacy Iron Ore Ltd, a subsidiary of state-owned National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), has invested in a gold mine in WAs Mount Celia. NMDC has also struck a deal with Hancock Prospecting, a major Australian mining firm, for a joint venture deal to secure supplies of lithium and other critical minerals from Western Australias Central Yilgarn area.

In 2021, India and Australia signed a Critical Minerals Partnership with a focus on securing supplies for Indias energy transition. Earlier this year, this partnership announced that it had identified two lithium and three cobalt projects in Australia for due diligence. Australia is a major player in critical minerals and rare earths, producing about half of the worlds lithium. It is also the fourth largest producer of rare earths and the second largest producer of cobalt.

Amid a global race to source critical minerals, all large economies including China and the US are eyeing international acquisition of critical mineral mines. Given their requirement in batteries, solar photovoltaic cells, semiconductor among others, minerals like lithium and cobalt are in demand.

With India setting an ambitious net zero target of 2070, the demand for lithium and vanadium has grown as these minerals are used in battery manufacturing and both private and public sector companies are looking for mines abroad as India does not have the required reserves.

However, in a bid to harness the domestic potential, the government has eased mining norms for critical minerals and come up with a list of 31 minerals critical to the economy. Last week, the mines ministry launched the second tranche of auctions for critical minerals blocks in the country.
The U.S. and its Middle East allies are ramping up airdrops of food aid into Gaza, a stopgap measure reflecting the impasse foreign powers face in addressing a humanitarian crisis and ending the Israel-Hamas war.

The airdrops, in which military transport planes drop packages of food and other aid into the isolated enclave after coordinating with Israel, come as negotiators race to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that would free Israeli hostages and allow a surge of aid into the war-torn strip. Israel has imposed a deadline of the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the coming days for Hamas to release hostages or face an attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than a million displaced Gazans have sought shelter from the fighting.

The U.S. dropped 38,000 military-style ready-made meals into Gaza on Saturday. Egypt and Jordan have also airdropped food and other aid into the strip. The United Nations and humanitarian groups say they welcome any aid, as truck deliveries become too dangerous, but say the airdrops are simply not enough to solve the growing hunger crisis in the strip.

The U.S. airdrops represent a fraction of the essential goods needed by Gazas population. In the early weeks of the war, the U.N.s World Food Program expanded its operation in Gaza to feed 1.1 million people, roughly half the strips population.

Third states are trying to find technical solutions, rather than political ones," said Bushra Khalidi, a policy lead at the antipoverty charity Oxfam. We need to move beyond the temporary aid solutions. And we need to work towards ending the systematic deprivation strategies of starvation and collective punishment that are just a daily reality for Palestinians."

Israel denies any attempt to collectively punish the people of Gaza and says it is working to facilitate aid deliveries. The Israeli militarys Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, which oversees civilian issues in the West Bank and Gaza, said 277 trucks carrying humanitarian aid were inspected and entered Gaza on Sunday.

Our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza. That is why we are facilitating aid," said Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari on Sunday.

Humanitarian officials say airdrops are expensive, logistically complex, and small compared with truck convoys. The U.N. has organized airdrops in past crises from Syria to South Sudan, but the logistical challenges involved make them an option of last resort, according to the WFP. Aid officials also said that airdrops cannot deliver vaccines and other specialized supplies that need to be temperature controlled.

Airdrops should not replace or distract from the importance of increasing the aid delivered directly to people in need through land routes, which remains the only way to deliver supplies at scale.," said Jonathan Crickx, a spokesman for Unicef, the United Nations children agency, in the Palestinian territories.

U.S. officials say they are also exploring opening a sea route to bring aid to Gaza via the Mediterranean.

Aid agencies say it has become increasingly difficult to deliver food and supplies to people in Gaza in recent months due to Israeli bombardments, lengthy checks and restrictions on aid trucks imposed by Israel at border crossings, Israeli military checks inside Gaza, fighting with Palestinian militants, spotty communications and a lack of fuel for vehicles.

Looting, lawlessness and the increasing desperation of people living in Gaza have made delivering aid even more difficult. The Israeli military operation largely destroyed the Hamas-led government in northern Gaza, leaving in its place a power vacuum in which there is little civil order and hundreds of thousands of increasingly desperate people.

The deepening crisis in Gaza was brought into stark relief by an incident last week in which Gaza authorities say more than 100 Palestinians were killed after throngs of people surged toward an Israeli-organized aid convoy in Gaza Citys Mediterranean coastal road. Israel said that its forces opened fire during the incident at several individuals who had threateningly approached a group of soldiers, and has estimated its military killed fewer than 10 people. It said dozens of others were killed in the crush of people, which unfolded after Palestinians scrambled to grab bags of flour from the trucks in the convoy.

Hamas fighters spilled into Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, the majority of them civilians, according to Israeli officials. Israel then launched a campaign aimed at destroying Hamas in the Palestinian enclave and imposed what it said was a total siege of Gaza on Oct. 9, with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant vowing, No electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly."

Israels blockade followed years of increasing restrictions on Gazans entry and exit by both Israel and Egypt that left the enclave largely isolated from the outside world. The siege imposed in October all but ground Gazas economy to a halt. Israel began allowing trucks carrying essential goods including food and medicine into Gaza soon after the war began, but the flow wasnt enough to meet the populations needs. In the last week of October, the highest number of trucks to enter in one day was 59, compared with a daily average of 500 before the war, according to the U.N. The flow of aid increased during a weeklong cease-fire in November.

The U.N. and other aid agencies in recent months ramped up efforts to feed and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have been killed since the war began, the majority women and children, according to Gaza health officials, whose numbers dont distinguish between militants and civilians.

The U.N. and humanitarian agencies have said that a cease-fire in Gaza is the only viable way to fully restore aid deliveries throughout the strip. Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to reach a truce deal that would also free Israeli hostages that Hamas seized during the Oct. 7 attack. The deaths at the aid convoy on Feb. 29 setback the talks, according to U.S. officials.

The airdrops come at a critical moment in the crisis in Gaza where some residents say they have been eating animal feed to survive. The WFP warned in late February that half a million Palestinians in the enclave are at risk of famine. Gaza has the worst level of child malnutrition anywhere in the world, the organizations Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau said in remarks to the U.N. Security Council in New York last week.

The hunger crisis is taking an acute toll on children, U.N. officials say. One in every six Gazan children under the age of two is acutely malnourished," Skau said.

Up to 15 children have died from dehydration and malnutrition in recent days at Kamal Adwan Hospital, Gazas health ministry said Sunday.

These tragic and horrific deaths are man-made, predictable and entirely preventable," said Adele Khodr, Unicefs regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.

On Feb. 5, a U.N. truck convoy carrying food to northern Gaza, waiting near an Israeli checkpoint in the coastal area of Deir al-Balah, was hit by Israeli naval gunfire, according to U.N. officials. After that, the U.N. and other aid groups suspended food deliveries to the north. The Israeli military said that it was targeting Hamas terrorist infrastructure" and that it was investigating the incident.

The WFP, one of the two main U.N. agencies responsible for distributing food in the enclave, tried to resume food deliveries to the north on Feb. 18. On that day, its trucks were assaulted by desperate crowds soon after they entered northern Gaza and came under fire, leading the agency to again suspend its missions to the north.

Stephen Kalin and Margherita Stancati contributed to this article.

Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com
NEW DELHI : Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is looking to enter pumped storage projects (PSP) for hydro power as it focuses closely on clean energy, two people aware of the plans said.

The company's subsidiary Reliance New Energy is scouting for sites for the projects, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.

PSPs use cheap green power during off-peak hours to lift water to a height and release it into a lower reservoir to turn turbines that generate electricity when the demand for electricity goes up.

"RIL is looking for PSP sites and would bid for these projects in a big way," one of the two people mentioned above said.

RIL's planned entry into PSPs may elevate competition in the segment, which has seen keen interest from several renewable energy companies and business houses. In September 2023, Mint reported that NHPC, Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, Greenko and JSW Energy were among companies that have proposed to build PSPs totalling 39GW in the country, potentially attracting investments of as much as 3.12 trillion.

Queries emailed to RIL remained unanswered till press time.

Reliance's PSP ambitions closely align with its existing plans for solar module manufacturing, green hydrogen production and battery energy storage. It is also constructing the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex over 5,000 acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat with five giga factories for photovoltaic panels, fuel cell systems, green hydrogen, energy storage and power electronics, which it expects to complete in the second half of this fiscal year. With PSPs, RIL would take another step towards adding to the power generation capacity under its energy portfolio. RIL, under its decarbonization programme, is already setting up solar capacity.

In its annual report for FY23, RIL said it has made investments and acquisitions worth 6,700 crore in the new energy segment. The company aims to invest a total of 75,000 crore in the new energy ecosystem.

Last month, Business Standard reported that the Union environment ministry has given the environment-related go-ahead to PSPs with a capacity of 11.98 GW.

Pumped storage projects are gaining momentum, with the government's ambitious net zero target and the commitment to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Supply from renewable sources varies according to time, climate, season and location, which leads to issues with grid balancing, as solar power is available only during the daytime and wind power is available during windy days.

Energy storage systems (ESS) such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and PSP come into play in such cases as they can be used for storing energy from green sources and supplying at other times of the day. To achieve energy transition and shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy, green energy needs to become despatchable, and available round the clock. Between BESS and PSP, the latter is said to be more viable in the near term given its cost-effectiveness. In terms of longevity, with an estimated lifespan of 40 years, PSPs fare better than battery storage, which has a lifespan of about 10 years, according to industry experts.

According to CareEdge, the levelized cost from pumped storage projects (PSP) is around 4.7 per unit compared to that from battery energy storage system (BESS) at around 6.6 per unit, making the former more attractive.

Last April, power ministry issued guidelines on concessional climate finance and uniform environment clearances for pumped storage projects. According to the Centre, states must ensure that no upfront premium is charged for project allocation.

Besides, in a bid to ensure financing for these capital-intensive projects, financial institutions such as Power Finance Corp., Rural Electrification Corp. and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency will treat PSPs on par with other renewable energy projects for extending long-term loans of 20-25 years, as per the norms. The debt-equity ratio of the projects can be up to 80:20 in consultation with the financial institutions.
The company is taking the right steps to improve the overseas and India portfolio. It plans to bolster the financial position of the GAUM (Godrej Africa, USA, and Middle East) segment, which formed over 24% of GCPLs consolidated revenue in the nine months ended December (9MFY24). For this, it is reorganizing its business model in eastern Africa. It recently announced the divestment of its stake in the wholly-owned subsidiaryGodrej East Africa Holdings Ltd, Mauritius along with its step-down subsidiaries. Note that there was negative sales growth and lower profitability in the eastern Africa business. The process is expected to dent revenue to the tune of 500 crore per year or about 4% of GCPLs FY23 consolidated revenue. However, the net profit would increase by 50 crore a year. The deal is expected to be completed between March quarter (Q4FY24) and Q1FY25.

Further, GCPL aims to improve profitability in the USA and western Africa businesses. But currency headwinds are a roadblock. In the southern Africa and GAUM export geographies, GCPL plans to sustain the robust performance.

As a result, GCPL aims to clock Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) margin of over 15% in the next two years in GAUM versus the 9% levels seen historically. However, the restructuring in east Africa and the currency headwinds would mean that the revenue share of this segment would drop to less than 20% in FY25.

Another GCPL international business segmentIndonesia is on the mend. Analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services note that the consumer index in Indonesia is showing a steady improvement, reflecting demand recovery. The Goodknight liquid vaporizer has a high-growth opportunity as its market penetration is only 1-2% in Indonesia versus 25% in India," said Motilal Oswals analysts in a report dated 29 February. This shows that there's room for further growth and expansion in margins.

Meanwhile, the India business is on the growth path. In the December quarter, GCPL clocked volume growth of 5%, better than some of the FMCG peers. Further, the household insecticides (HI) business is likely to get a boost from the new launchGoodknight Agarbatti or incense sticks. With this, the company is entering the 1,200 crore incense stick market, which is primarily illegal or unorganized. The product is Indias only government registered active based anti-mosquito legal agarbatti, according to GCPL. The product uses Renofluthrin molecule, which is two times more effective than any other registered molecule. In the medium term, GCPL has exclusive rights for this molecule, which gives it the upper hand thus helping it gain market share. Also, the agarbatti comes at an affordable price point 10 for a pack of 10 sticks.

To be sure, GCPLs valuations are slightly on the premium side but the scope of continued good performance and better earnings visibility brightens prospects," said Ajay Thakur, an analyst at Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. He expects the new launches to see healthy traction on the back of strong execution capabilities.

For now, investors are sitting on handsome gains. In the past one year, GCPLs shares are up by about 40%, beating the Nifty FMCG indexs 21% gain. Softening palm oil price is one factor that has aided investor sentiment and so did the new launch in the HI category. The GCPL stock trades at over 53 times its FY25 estimated earnings, showed Bloomberg data. In comparison, shares of Hindustan Unilever Ltd and Dabur India Ltd trade at about 49 and 44 times, respectively.
The latest market capitalization of New India Assurance and ICICI Lombard stands close to 43,500 crore and 80,700 crore, respectively. This is even though the formers market share is at 16% versus about 8% of the latter.

A deep dive into the comparative financials of the two reveals the reasons.

To begin with, New India Assurances underwriting losses are far higher than ICICI Lombard. For instance, in the December quarter (Q3FY24), New Indias underwriting loss stood at 1,390 crore. Underwriting loss is calculated by deducting the incurred claims and operating expenses from the net premium earned (or simply put: revenue). It indicates the underwriting standards, or in other words, it is the risk assessment skill of an insurer regarding the likelihood of a claim at the time of insuring a person, object, or property.

Sure, it is possible to argue that ICICI Lombard too reported an underwriting loss of 280 crore last quarter, but the loss as a percentage of net premium earned is much lower at 6.5% as against 15.5% for New India Assurance.

New India Assurance still managed to report an operating profit of 290 crore owing to income from investments worth 1,680 crore. Operating profit is the summation of underwriting profit/loss and income from investments. The reason for the underwriting loss was that New India Assurance had to pay almost 93% of the net premium earned towards claims. Even if the claims related to catastrophic losses due to the cyclone and floods in South India, Sikkim, and West Bengal worth 350 crore are excluded, the ratio comes to 89%. This is much higher than the 70% reported by ICICI Lombard in Q3FY24.

Further, ICICI Lombard enjoys a higher solvency ratio of 2.57 as against 1.72 of New India Assurance. The higher solvency ratio indicates the ability to underwrite more business or do more business by selling new insurance. ICICI Lombard has maintained a return on equity (RoE) in excess of 15% for the last three years. New India Assurance is far from clocking double-digit RoE in the near future. In the nine-month ended December, its RoE stood at 5.1% and in FY23, it was at 5.5%.

Despite the higher base, New India Assurance did a good job of matching the net premium earned or topline growth rate of ICICI Lombard at 14% in Q3. However, New India Assurance has a long way to go to catch up with its private peer in terms of profitability.

Having said all of this, it is not surprising that ICICI Lombard commands a market capitalization of 84000 crore, which is almost 2x that of New India Assurance. While the net worth or book value of New India Assurance is at 20000 crore, almost double of ICICI Lombard, it is clear that the market is valuing the stocks based on the quality of earnings and RoE rather than merely the price to book value multiple.

Going forward, growth is unlikely to be a challenge for New India Assurance and the industry in general as the non-life insurance penetration in India is around one-fourth of the global average as per Swiss Re report. However, investors should monitor the progress of New India Assurances future strategy to increase RoE by rationalizing offices and related costs along with growth through digital penetration.

To be sure, till about six months ago, New India Assurance was deeply undervalued with its market capitalization well below its net worth. Investors took notice of that when stocks of all the public sector units (PSUs) started rallying after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement in Parliament regarding improving governance in government-owned companies. The upshot is that over the past one-year, New India Assurance shares have risen more than 150% against ICICI Lombards about 50% gain during the same period. ICICI Lombard has also fared well after ICICI Bank, its parent, increased its stake following the Reserve Bank of Indias nod to do so by up to 4%.
In FY23, the major ports in India handled the highest-ever cargo of 795 million tonnes, posting an impressive growth of over 10% year-on-year (YoY).

This momentum is expected to continue for the next few years, driven by growing global trade and high demand for imports.

India, having the advantage of a vast coastline of 7,500 km, is planning to benefit from this growth by increasing its cargo handling capacity to 10,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from the current 2,600 levels.

Two dominant players in this industry that stand to benefit from this are Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and JSW Infrastructure.

Lets compare both companies on various parameters to see which one is better.

Business Overview

Adani Ports and SEZ

Adani group company: Adani Ports is the largest commercial port operator in India, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country.

Its presence across 13 domestic ports in seven maritime states is the most widespread national footprint with deepened hinterland connectivity.

Through its subsidiary, Adani Logistics, APSEZ operates six logistics parks in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

The company has grown and expanded inorganically by acquiring several private ports located in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

JSW Infrastructure

JSW Infrastructure, part of the JSW group, provides maritime-related services, including cargo handling, storage solutions and logistics services. The company develops and operates ports and port terminals under port concessions.

It handles various cargo, including dry bulk, break bulk, liquid bulk, gases, and containers.

JSW Infrastructure operates nine ports and port terminals, which typically have long concession periods ranging between 30 and 50 years, providing the company with long-term visibility of revenue streams.

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In terms of market cap, Adani Ports & SEZ is a larger company with a market cap of 2.85trillion, compared to JSW infrastructure, which has a market cap of 52,890 crore.

APSEZ is also leading in terms of cargo handling capacity. At the end of December 2023, the company's cargo handling capacity was 580 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) when compared to JSW Infrastructure, which has an installed capacity of 170 MTPA.

View Full Image Adani Ports & SEZ (Adani Ports & SEZ)

If we compare the two companies' performance on the bourses, Adani Ports is leading again. In the last year, the company gave a 137.5% return, whereas Nifty 50 gave a 27.5% return.

JSW Infrastructure shares were listed on the stock exchange in October 2023, and since then, the shares have gained over 49%, whereas APSEZ gave a return of 60.7% during the same period.

Revenue

Despite earning lesser revenue than APSEZ, JSW Infrastructures revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.2%.

The primary reason behind this is healthy growth in cargo volumes and high capacity utilization. In the last one year, the capacity utilization increased to 59% from 39%.

APSEZs revenue is almost 6.5 times that of JSW Infrastructure, and it has grown at a CAGR of 13.8%, driven by high growth in cargo handling volumes. In the last five years, the cargo handled by the company grew at a CAGR of 12%.

Moreover, it also witnessed healthy growth in non-ports segment (logistics) revenue driven by various acquisitions.

Going forward, both companies are expected to witness a high growth in revenues on account of higher cargo volumes driven by growing demand.

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Profitability

In terms of profit growth, JSW Infrastructure again outpaced APSEZ.

In the last five years, its earnings before interest, tax depreciation (EBITDA) and net profit grew at a CAGR of 25% and 22.5%, respectively.

Healthy growth in operations has helped the company grow its profits at a healthy rate. The profit margins also improved significantly due to economies of scale.

APSEZ, on the other hand, witnessed an EBITDA and net profit growth of 8.3% and 5.9%, respectively, driven by growth in the scale of operations.

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Debt Management

Both APSEZ and JSW Infrastructure have significant debt on their books.

Adani Ports has a long-term debt of 465 bn as of March 2023, whereas JSW Infrastructure has a long-term debt of 40 bn.

Both companies have a debt-to-equity ratio of 1x at the end of the financial year 2023.

APSEZ incurred significant capex in the form of acquisitions in the last few years. It has several acquisitions lined up for the medium term as well.

To add to this, it is investing in a greenfield port in Kerala and co-developing a new terminal in Sri Lanka. This will only increase the company's debt levels further.

However, the company intends to reduce its debt by 5,000 crore in the financial year 2024 and has announced a bond buyback program.

JSW infrastructure, on the other hand, has significant capex plans. It plans to expand its LPG capacity at JSW Jaigarh Port, set up an electric substation, and install a dredger.

For this, the company will incur substantial capex, which it plans to fund through the IPO proceeds it receives.

The company is also planning to reduce its debt but repay some of its obligations from the IPO proceeds.

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Financial Efficiency

To know how efficiently a company is running its business and how much return it is generating for its investors, you must look at its return ratios.

Two important return ratios are return on capital employed (RoCE) and return on equity (RoE). The former tells how much return a company generates from its capital, and the latter tells how much return it generates for its equity investors.

In the last five years, Adani Ports RoE and RoCE of averaged 14.5% and 11.9%, respectively. For JSW Infrastructure, the return ratios stood at 11.2% and 11.7% respectively.

Both the company are generating similar returns from the capital invested.

However, in the last five years, JSW Infrastructure's ratios have consistently increased, whereas APSEZ's return ratios have fallen continuously.

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Dividend

Adani Ports hasconsistently paid dividends to its shareholders.

Its five-year average dividend yield and dividend payout ratio stood at 0.7% and 15.9%, respectively.

JSW Infrastructure, on the other hand, hasn't paid any dividends to its shareholders in the last five years.

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Valuations

To determine the real worth of a company, it is important to look at its valuations.

Two important valuation ratios are price to earnings (P/E) and price to book value (P/B). A high ratio compared to its peers indicates the company is overvalued, and a low valuation indicates it is undervalued.

Adani Ports P/E ratio is 39.2x, and the P/B ratio is 5.6x. JSW Infrastructure's P/E and P/B ratios are 72.3x and 5.3x, respectively.

In terms of P/E, JSW Infrastructure is highly overvalued when compared to APSEZ, and in terms of P/B, APSEZ is slightly overvalued.

When compared to the industry average, both companies are overvalued.

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Which is a better ports player: Adani Ports or JSW Infrastructure?

In terms of revenue growth, profit growth, and return ratios, JSW Infrastructure is leading.

However, in terms of dividends and valuations, Adani Ports fares better.

Being the largest commercial port operator in India, Adani Ports has an advantage over JSW Infrastructure in terms of cargo handling capacity and asset diversification.

The company has expanded its presence in all major ports organically and inorganically. This led to the company accounting for 24% of the volumes handled at Indian ports.

Moreover, it has several capex plans to expand its ports and non-ports segment revenues. It plans to acquire ports and logistics companies to increase its cargo handling capacity and asset base.

This could positively impact its profit margins in the coming years.

JSW infrastructure, on the other hand, invested heavily in capex to expand its cargo handling volumes. This helped the company grow its revenue and profits at a high rate.

Now, the company is concentrating on asset diversification by adding the capacities of LPG handling and other products.

Both JSW Infrastructure and Adani Ports and SEZ are taking advantage of the growing demand for external trade and investing to equip themselves to handle high volumes of cargo.

The increasing trend of containerisation, lower cost of coastal transportation, and favourable government policies will drive the cargo volumes upwards, and both companies are set to benefit from it.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Much like how you need a bank account for everyday financial transactions such as withdrawing funds from ATMs or transferring money between individuals, entering the realm of the stock market necessitates having a demat account.

Demat account

A dematerialised (demat) account serves as a digital repository for the financial securities purchased by an investor, storing them in electronic format. This account streamlines the storage and management of financial securities, offering convenience and accessibility to investors.

Steps for opening a demat account

The process of opening a demat account through a depositary participant is very simple and easy. It is similar to the opening of a bank account.

Unlock your financial freedom Open Demat Account

The demat account can be created by following four simple steps, as follows:

1. To open your demat account, you first need to select a Depository Participant (DP) at your convenience.

Start your investing journey today Open Demat Account

Also Read: What is a demat account and how does it work? MintGenie explains

2. A form has to be filled out by the investor before the account is created. The investor would be required to provide all the necessary details along with copies of the needed documents.

These documents include proof of address, identity, income, etc. Above all, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is mandatory for opening this account. After the verification of all these documents, the investor must proceed to the next step.

3. An in-person verification also takes place to cross-check the identity and validity of other documents that the investor has provided. Also, the investor would be handed a list of rules and regulations along with the details of the charges that the BO has to pay the DP.

4. Right after the entire verification and approval of all the documentation, the investors demat account becomes operational.

Also Read: How to start investing in the stock market  A step by step guide

FAQs

Can a demat account be opened in the name of joint holders?

Yes. A demat account can be a single-holder account or a joint-holder account. A demat account can have a maximum of three account holders, i.e., one main holder and two joint holders.

Can any information submitted at the time of opening a demat account be modified at a later date?

Yes. Except for the type of account, all other information, such as the name of the account holder, address, bank details, date of birth, etc. can be changed.

Also Read: Commodity derivatives are good for farmers  if govt stops meddling in markets

What is the difference between a broker and a depository participant?

A depository participant (DP) is an intermediary between the investor and the depository, such as CDSL or NSDL, while a broker is an intermediary between the investor and the stock exchange.

A depository participant (DP) acts as an intermediary between the investor and the depository, such as CDSL or NSDL. The depository is an organization that holds securities in electronic form, eliminating the need for physical share certificates.

A broker, on the other hand, acts as an intermediary between the investor and the stock exchange. They facilitate the buying and selling of securities on behalf of their clients.

Also Read: NSE is now India's second-largest commodity platform with an asterisk

Can a demat account be opened directly with the depository?

A demat account cannot be opened directly with depositories. The demat account has to be opened only through a depository participant (DP).

Can securities of different companies be held in one demat account?

Yes. Securities of different companies can be held in the same demat account. This feature offers investors significant convenience and streamlines the management of their investment portfolio.

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Equity benchmark Nifty 50 opened nearly 65 points higher at 22,403.50 on Monday, March 4, marking the fourth consecutive session of gains as sentiment remains upbeat on strong domestic macro numbers.

Experts, however, underscore the market's rich valuation and they expect the market to see some consolidation in the near term due to rich valuations.

"There is room for optimism but there is no case for unbridled bullishness. The SEBI advisory to mutual funds regarding the excessive valuations in the mid and small-cap schemes is likely to restrain the performance of the broader market. The irrational exuberance in the broader segment has no fundamental justification," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

Brokerage firm Axis Securities expects Nifty to trade in the range of 22,800-22,000 with a positive bias for the week.

"If the Nifty 50 crosses and sustains above the 22,500 level, it would witness buying, leading the index towards 22,600-22,800 levels. However, if the index breaks below the 22,300 level, it would witness selling, taking the index towards 22,150-22,000," said Axis Securities.

The market may see volatility in the near term and considering this, experts RECommend buying technically and fundamentally sound stocks at the current juncture. Based on the recommendations of several experts, below are 10 stocks that one can consider buying for the next three to four weeks. Take a look:

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Axis Securities

Tata Steel | LTP:  155.25 | Buying range:  153-149 | Target price:  167-177 | Stop loss:  143 | Upside potential: 14%

On the weekly chart, Tata Steel has breached the multi-year resistance around 150 level, suggesting a continuation of the medium-term uptrend.

The previous resistance level of 150 is anticipated to now serve as support, adhering to the principle of polarity, thereby establishing a supportive zone for the stock's price action.

The stock is trending in an upward-sloping channel, recently finding support at the lower band and now heading towards the upper band.

The weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in bullish mode, maintaining above an upward-sloping trendline, supporting the upward price action.

Also Read: Adani Ports share price hits record high as cargo volumes surge 33% in February

Jamna Auto Industries | LTP:  135.70 | Buying range:  133-129 | Target price:  151-163 | Stop loss:  122 | Upside potential: 20%

Jamna Auto exhibits a bullish breakout above the symmetrical triangular pattern at 125 on the weekly chart, indicating the potential continuation of a medium-term uptrend after two years of consolidation.

Increased volume activity at the breakout suggests an influx of market participation.

The stock's closing above the upper Bollinger Band on the weekly chart has generated a buy signal.

The weekly strength indicator RSI is in a bullish mode and is holding above its reference line, indicating a positive bias.

Triveni Turbine | LTP:  514.15 | Buying range:  510-500 | Target price:  605-630 | Stop loss:  455 | Upside potential: 23%

Triveni Turbine demonstrates a bullish breakout above the pennant pattern at 474 on the weekly chart, signalling the potential continuation of a post-consolidation rally.

The stock has broken out of a medium-term consolidation phase between 440-340, suggesting the initiation of an uptrend following the breakout from consolidation.

The stock is holding above key averages of 20, 50, 100, and 200 days simple moving average (SMA), signalling a strong uptrend in the stock.

The weekly strength indicator RSI is in a bullish mode and is holding above its reference line indicating a positive bias.

Also Read: Multibagger find: Ajay Devgn invests 2.7 crore in this midcap stock that has gained over 800% in 1 year

Havells India | LTP:  1,576.45 | Buying range:  1,555-1,525 | Target price:  1,685-1,765 | Stop loss:  1,470 | Upside potential: 12%

On the weekly chart, Havells India has breached a two-and-a-half-year consolidation' zone between 1,500-1,050, with a strong bullish candle indicating the initiation of an uptrend following the breakout from consolidation.

Volume activity declined during the pattern formation; however, there was an increase in volume at the breakout, indicating heightened market participation.

The stock is exhibiting a pattern of higher high-low formations on the weekly chart and holding above the upward-sloping trendline, signalling positive bias.

The weekly strength indicator RSI has given a crossover above its reference line, generating a buy signal.

Shiju Koothupalakkal, Technical Research Analyst, Prabhudas Lilladher

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) | LTP:  2,416.20 | Target price:  2,670 | Stop loss:  2,300 | Upside potential: 11%

The stock has witnessed a decent correction and having taken support near the long-term trendline zone of 2,350, it has indicated a pullback to improve the bias.

The RSI is also improving to indicate a trend reversal with the potential to carry on with the positive move further ahead.

NMDC | LTP:  234.70 | Target price:  265 | Stop loss:  220 | Upside potential: 13%

The stock after the recent slide has bottomed out near the 50EMA (exponential moving average) level of 220.

It has indicated a pullback to improve the bias. The stock has been in a strong uptrend and after a short correction at regular intervals, it has gathered strength to continue with the uptrend.

The RSI is also improving and is on the rise to indicate a trend reversal.

Also Read: Japan's Nikkei breaches 40,000 level for first time led by tech stocks

REC | LTP:  462.25 | Target price:  515 | Stop loss:  422 | Upside potential: 11%

The stock after the recent slide showed signs of bottoming out near 424 and indicated a pullback with a positive candle formation on the daily chart almost moving past the 50EMA level of 444 to improve the bias.

With the chart looking good and the RSI well placed, it has indicated a trend reversal to signal a buy expecting further upward move in the coming days.

Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers

Kotak Mahindra Bank | Last traded price (LTP): 1,723.70 | Target price:  1,820 | Stop loss:  1,665 | Upside potential: 6%

Following a peak close to the 1850 level, Kotak Mahindra Bank underwent a substantial decline of nearly 187 points, marking a significant decrease of around 10 per cent in its value.

However, in the past month, it established a prolonged bottom around the 1.13 harmonic ratio.

Interestingly, a bullish AB=CD pattern has also emerged near the aforementioned ratio, providing further bullish confirmation.

Additionally, on the indicator front, there is a bullish divergence observed on the daily stochastic (please refer to the chart), indicating a positive outlook for the stock.

"One may consider buying the stock in the range of 1,705-1,730 with an upside target of 1,820 and a stop loss set at 1,665," said Patel.

IndusInd Bank | LTP:  1,526 | Target price:  1,600 | Stop loss:  1,475 | Upside potential: 5%

After reaching a peak near the 1,695 mark, IndusInd Bank experienced a significant downturn of almost 267 points, representing a substantial drop of approximately 15.75 per cent in its price.

However, over the last two months, it formed a triple bottom structure between the 100 and 200-day exponential moving averages (DEMA), presenting an enticing opportunity at its current position.

Recent trading activity has seen IndusInd Bank breaking through the bear trendline while simultaneously showing bullish divergence on daily stochastics, indicating a favourable outlook for the stock.

"Investors may consider initiating fresh long positions within the range of 1,505-1,530, with an upside target of 1,600. To manage risk, a stop loss order could be placed near 1,475 on a daily closing basis," said Patel.

Piramal Enterprises (PEL) | LTP:  934.85 | Target price:  1,055 | Stop loss:  865 | Upside potential: 13%

In September 2023, PEL reached its zenith, soaring to nearly 1,140.

However, it subsequently endured a substantial downturn, plummeting by almost 300 points, registering a significant 26 per cent decline.

Presently, the stock seems to have discovered a level of support within the bracket of 840-900, suggesting a potential stabilisation in its price movement.

Notably, recent market observations have unveiled the formation of a double bottom pattern on the daily chart, accompanied by bullish divergencea promising indication for traders.

This confluence of technical signals presents an enticing opportunity for market participants.

"In light of these developments, traders are advised to contemplate initiating long positions within the range of 920-940. The target for this bullish trade is at 1,055. To manage risks effectively, it is recommended to set a stop loss level at 865 on a daily closing price," said Patel.

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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.

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The shares of Tata Investment Corp were up 5 percent on Monday's trading session. Tata Investment stock closed at 8,428 per share on March 4, against previous close at 8,027 on March 1.

In fact, Tata Investment shares rose as much as 18 percent in the last five trading sessions on NSE. The Tata Group's non-banking financial company surged after Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor plant proposals by the Tata Group last week.

Also read: Azad Engineering IPO gives 170% return to allottees in two months of share listing

Notably, this marked the third consecutive upper circuit observed in the stock, reflecting significant investor confidence and positive market sentiment surrounding the company's prospects following the recent developments.

Tata Electronics, in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) from Taiwan, is poised to establish a semiconductor fabrication facility. This state-of-the-art unit will be located in Dholera, Gujarat, and is expected to draw an investment of 91,000 crore.

The Cabinet has given its approval for the establishment of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd's chip assembly and testing unit in Assam, with an investment totaling 27,000 crore. This significant investment marks the Assam government's maiden venture into semiconductor packaging facilities. The project will be a collaborative effort between the state government and the esteemed Tata Group.

This marks the beginning of a new era for India. Tata Electronics is proud to play a prominent role in strengthening the global semiconductor ecosystem. Our partnership with PSMC provides access to a broad technology portfolio in leading edge and mature nodes including 28nm, 40nm, 55nm, 90nm & 110nm, and also collaboration for high-volume manufacturing. We are confident that the upcoming Fab will support our ambitions of Make in India, For the World". We will be able to serve our global customers requirements for supply chain resilience and meet the growing domestic demand," said Dr Randhir Thakur, MD, and CEO, Tata Electronics.

Also read: NTPC share price rises 4%, scales 52-week highs: Should you Buy, Sell or Hold?

Over the past three months alone, it has delivered returns exceeding 100% to its investors. Impressively, the stock has surged by over 240 percent in the last six months, a remarkable achievement. Furthermore, its upward trajectory continues with gains of 310 percent over the past year and an exceptional surge of 540 percent over the last two years. Such consistent and substantial growth underscores the company's strong performance and investor confidence in its prospects.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, the company recorded a substantial 62 percent year-on-year increase in its standalone net profit for the period ending on December 31, 2023, reaching 24.08 crore. This marks a significant surge from the profit after tax (PAT) of 14.85 crore reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.

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Markets attract millions of investors worldwide, offering avenues for investment in stocks, commodities, and bonds. However, to engage in any trading activity in these markets, including commodities and bonds, it's essential to have a demat or dematerialised account.

A Demat account serves as a secure storage facility for all your shares and securities. Unlike the traditional method of holding physical share certificates, which posed risks such as theft, demat accounts store securities electronically, mitigating such concerns.

In India, two primary depositories facilitate the opening of demat accounts: the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and the Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL). These depositories play a crucial role in maintaining and managing the electronic records of securities held in demat accounts.

Unlock your financial freedom Open Demat Account

When you want to trade in shares or hold them on a delivery basis, you need to have a demat account for online stock trading. But why should you open a demat account for trading? Let's take a look at its key benefits.

No Document Loss: Prior to the advent of demat accounts, shares were vulnerable to tampering, theft, and forgery due to their physical paper form. The process of transferring shares involved cumbersome paperwork, prone to errors and delays. Demat accounts provide a secure electronic storage solution, eliminating these risks and simplifying transfer processes.

Start your investing journey today Open Demat Account

Cost-Effective: Traditional physical trading incurred additional costs such as handling fees and stamp duties, often unpredictable and burdensome. Demat accounts streamline expenses, with transparent brokerage charges being the primary cost. Opting for discount brokers further enhances cost-effectiveness, making demat accounts an attractive choice for traders seeking savings.

Time-Saving: Demat accounts enable swift buying and selling of shares, thereby enhancing share liquidity. Transfer processes have been significantly streamlined, resulting in considerable time savings for investors.

Easy Tracking: Demat accounts eliminate the need for manual record-keeping and tracking of physical documents. All investment records are securely stored on a digital server, simplifying tracking and management for investors.

Corporate Gains: Demat accounts automatically update corporate actions such as bonus issues, stock splits, and rights shares. This ensures that investors receive refunds, interest, or dividends in a timely manner, enhancing the overall convenience of online trading.

Diverse Investment Storage: Apart from shares, demat accounts securely hold a wide range of investments including bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and government securities. This comprehensive storage solution offers investors greater diversification opportunities and portfolio management flexibility. You can also apply for IPOs and FPO through your demat account.

Ease of Access: Demat account holders enjoy the convenience of accessing their accounts anytime and anywhere using smartphones or laptops. This accessibility enhances the overall flexibility in managing investments and monitoring portfolio performance.

FAQs

What is the minimum age to open a demat account?

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be 18 years old to open a demat account. There is no minimum age to invest in the stock market so adults, as well as minors, can have a demat account. However, if you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian can open a demat account in your name. Also, you will not be in charge of your demat account until you are 18 if your account has been opened before that age. Your parents or guardian will manage the account. After you are 18, the depository will send an advisory to obtain documents to transfer your demat account to you officially.

What is a depository?

A depository can be compared to a bank. A depository holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds, government securities, units, etc.) of investors in electronic form. Besides holding securities, a depository also provides services related to transactions in securities.

Can I purchase government securities directly in demat form?

Indeed, the market for government securities such as bonds and treasury bills (T-Bills) has become readily accessible to retail investors. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reserves a portion of new issues specifically for retail investors. You can invest in government securities (G-Sec) either by participating in auctions of new securities or by purchasing already issued securities in the secondary market. To engage in either method, you must approach any authorised bank, primary dealer, or stockbroker, providing your demat account details (DP ID and Client ID).

How will I know that my DP has updated my account after each transaction?

You will get an account statement showing the transactions and balances periodically to help you monitor the happenings in your account. You may also monitor the same by using facilities like SMS alerts, IDeAS, and Mobile Apps.

What will happen if my DP goes bankrupt or stops operation?

In the rare event of your DP going bankrupt or closing its operations, the interests of the demat account holders are fully protected. In such a situation, you would be given the option to transfer your balances to any other DP of your choice or rematerialise the same.

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(Bloomberg) -- American Airlines Group Inc. agreed to buy 260 short-haul aircraft that include a huge deal for Boeing Co. 737 Max jets, a key endorsement of the planemaker as it works through a crisis of confidence following a near-catastrophic accident in January.

The order includes 85 Boeing Max 10 aircraft, 85 A321neo planes from Airbus SE and 90 Embraer SA E175 regional jets, American said Monday in a statement. The carrier also has options to order 193 more planes. The aircraft will feed Americans plans to increase service in North America and to nearby international markets and increase the number of premium seats it offers.

Its the first major deal for Boeings marquee 737 Max since the issue on an airborne Alaska Airlines jet earlier this year left the planemaker in crisis. Orders by blue-chip buyers like American often influence other customers.

For American, the purchase is a bet that the yet-to-debut Max 10, the largest-ever 737 model, will clear final regulatory hurdles to beginning flights over the next two years. As part of the order, the carrier also changed 30 existing orders for Max 8 aircraft to the larger Max 10. Rival United Airlines Holdings Inc. has pulled the Max 10 from its near-term plans, citing uncertainty over when it will receive the plane.

American is confident that Boeing will be able to deliver a certified Max 10 by 2028, when the airline is supposed to begin receiving the planes, American Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom told CNBC in an interview.

With the agreements, American secures valuable production slots in a constrained market for new aircraft, with both planemakers largely sold out of single-aisle jets through the end of the decade. The order will allow American to replace some of its oldest fuel-guzzling single-aisle aircraft with more-efficient models with more premium seats.

As we look into the next decade, American will have a steady stream of new aircraft alongside a balanced level of capital investment," Chief Financial Officer Devon May said in the statement.

American said it expects to remain within its previously announced guidance for capacity and less than $3.5 billion a year from 2025 through 2030 for aircraft capital spending.

Boeing is still working through a major crisis in the wake of the near-catastrophic accident on a 737 Max 9 in January. US regulators on Feb. 28 gave the company 90 days to devise a plan to fix what the Federal Aviation Administration called systemic" quality-control issues.

We deeply appreciate American Airlines trust in Boeing and its confidence in the 737 Max family," Stan Deal, the head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the statement. Americans selection of the 737-10 will provide even greater efficiency, commonality and flexibility for its global network and operations."

Read more: Boeing Gets 90-Day FAA Ultimatum to Fix Its Quality Woes

American fell 4.2% at 12:55 p.m. in New York while Boeing reversed earlier losses to gain 0.5%. Airbus rose 1.8% in Paris.

The agreements include options and purchase rights for an additional 75 A321s, 75 Max 10s and 43 Embraer E175s, American said.

Americans existing fleets of A319s and A320s averaged 19.7 and 22.7 years, respectively, at the end of 2023. Its 303 Boeing 737-800s averaged 14 years. Including the new order and existing wide-body deals, the airline now has 440 aircraft on order with deliveries extending into the next decade, American said.

The airline is continuing to carve down whats been industry-leading debt, and said separately Monday it will decline to $41 billion by the end of this year and to $39 billion by December 2025. Americans debt ballooned to more than $50 billion in 2021, largely because of aircraft purchases it committed to in a massive 2011 order. The carrier is 75% of the way to meeting its goal to reduce debt by $15 billion.

The carrier also sees free cash flow growing to about $2 billion this year to more than $3 billion in 2026, according to materials prepared for an investor update meeting. Adjusted earnings excluding the impact of net special items before net interest and other nonoperating expenses, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rent will go from 14% this year to as much as 18% in 2026 and beyond.

--With assistance from Julie Johnsson.

(Updates with CEO comments, details from investor day presentation from fifth paragraph. An earlier version corrected the timing of the Alaska Air accident.)

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MUMBAI : Top officials of the government and the central bank will meet on Monday to figure out a way forward on the vexed issue of bank exposure to alternative investment funds (AIFs), two people aware of the matter said.

Officials from the department of economic affairs, department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), MSME ministry, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks will attend the meeting, the people said on the condition of anonymity.

The government stepped in because apart from AIFs from private firms, several AIFs have been floated by central government ministries and state governments to pool funds from state-owned banks. The central banks 19 December circular asked lenders to sell their investments in AIFs linked to their debtor companies, in a bid to prevent evergreening, rattling the entire sector.

For AIFs, the matter gains urgency as funds need to submit annual audits on their private placement memorandums to markets regulator Sebi at the end of each financial year. This requires AIFs to submit details of their private placements each year, including potential defaults. The implications of being labelled a defaulter in an AIF are immense as it could jeopardize an investors (in this case, a banks) existing investments, the two people said on the condition of anonymity.

Further, most banks also require one or two weeks to respond to capital calls and may find it hard to meet capital-call timelines by the end of March, they added.

A finance ministry spokesperson did not respond to queries.

Mint reported in February that nearly 100 private equity and venture capital funds have been impacted by top banks rejecting capital calls citing the RBI circular.

According to the first person cited above, no one realistically believes that any fund manager will label a large bank, let alone a state-owned bank, as a defaulter, bringing into question how the AIFs will categorize these commitments as defaults within the current Sebi framework.

The defaulting investor clause in various fund PPMs (private placement memorandums) is meant to be a deterrent to any investor who may contemplate a default in drawdowns to AIFs.

While this differs from AIF to AIF, normal inclusions in such a provision allow AIFs to hold back units of defaulting investors, impose a penalty at a particular rate of interest, take legal action against the defaulting investors, pause all distributions to such investors, and also force transfer of the units to third parties.

AIF managers do have some degree of discretion (on who they can label as a defaulter) in their application, but will need to justify the same to other Investors in the AIFs," said Siddarth Pai, executive council member of the PE/VC industry body Indian Venture and Alternate Venture Capital Association.

Auditors may ask for these justifications and may report the same in their audit report. Many funds may not have a regulatory bar as a means of excusal from the defaulting provisions and would need to modify their fund documents for the same. As the financial year comes to a close, clarity is urgently needed on this matter," Pai added.

There is expectation that RBI might allow for a carve-out for certain funds, but it may need to be clearly defined, the people cited above added.

Under an AIF structure, vehicles of investments are pooled from limited partners (LPs) or investors in these funds, to invest further in capital seeking startups and firms.

The RBI circular has widespread implications because several central government ministries and departments have floated thematic and sector-specific funds of funds to help meet the capital needs of companies in those sectors.

Even states such as Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra have their own AIFs to support specific industries and startups, and most of them rely on government banks, who are key limited partners.

Mint reported last week on how several top banks including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank have walked back on capital commitments made to private equity and venture capital funds to avoid falling foul of RBIs circular on AIFs.

PE and VC funds raise significant amounts from domestic banks through AIFs, which they invest in companies across sectors. Once a fund manager finalizes an investment, a capital call is madea request to draw down the promised money.
(Bloomberg) -- French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized the European Commissions approach toward climate targets, saying the European Unions executive arm focuses too much on renewable energy while overlooking other technologies like nuclear power in the fight against global warming.

We no longer want a Europe that sets targets for wind turbines here, and for solar there," Le Maire told reporters before the beginning of a European Union meeting of ministers in Brussels Monday. We want a Europe that sets clear climate targets."

Such targets should abide by the blocs ambition to become carbon neutral by the middle of the century, while leaving member states free to determine their own energy mix to achieve that goal, the minister said. France will continue to develop renewables, build at least six new nuclear plants, and seek to further curb fossil fuels through energy-saving measures, he added.

Le Maires comments suggest that France  the EUs largest nuclear energy producer  will again be on a collision course with the commission over the best way to meet climate goals. After much debate, Paris last year signed on to EU legislation that aims to roughly double the share of renewables to at least 42.5% of the regions energy mix by 2030.

France is seeking to avoid being fined for being the only EU country to have missed its renewable energy target for 2020. It argues that its electricity system emits less carbon than most other nations due to its fleet of 56 atomic reactors.

France wont pay a fine, and will find a solution with the commission," Le Maire said. I dont see why one would pay a fine while being successful in terms of climate."

Asked whether the commission has started any infringement proceedings against France, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told reporters in Brussels that we have discussed this" possibility with Le Maire. We will follow up that in the very near future," she said.

The French finance minister reiterated a call for European institutions such as the European Investment Bank to fund nuclear projects such as research.

--With assistance from Petra Sorge.

(Updates with reaction from the EU Commission in penultimate paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Israel delayed sending a high-level delegation to Cairo for talks on a cease-fire in the war against Hamas for a second day, putting a damper on hopes for an imminent deal.

The US, Egypt and Qatar  the main mediators  are trying to persuade Israel to pause fighting in Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners in return for the freeing of hostages by Hamas. The talks are also meant to ensure more aid gets into the devastated enclave.

Israel has said it wont send negotiators to Cairo until Hamas provides a list of Israeli hostages it intends to release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government also wants to know about their wellbeing and how many are still alive.

The negotiations are taking place as hunger grows acute in the Mediterranean enclave of Gaza and with the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan less than a week away. US Vice President Kamala Harris said at the weekend that while Israel must eliminate the threat posed by Hamas, the country has to do more to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure they get adequate aid supplies.

A cease-fire for at least six weeks is what is currently on the table," Harris said, urging Hamas to agree to the terms. Hamas claims it wants a cease-fire. Well, there is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," she said.

The war erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas, an Iran-backed group designated a terrorist organization by the US, rampaged through southern Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 and capturing 250. More than 30,000 have been killed in Gaza by Israels retaliatory air and ground assault, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The conflict has rippled through the Middle East, leading to other Iran-supported militias attacking Western ships in the Red Sea and US bases. In one deadly drone assault, an Iraqi group killed three American soldiers in Jordan.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on Monday echoed a call by Harris for a cease-fire, saying that too many people have been killed."

Hamas Demands

On Sunday, a Hamas official said an agreement could be reached in a day or two if Israel accepted his organizations demands. Some of those are unacceptable, according to Israeli officials, citing Hamas wanting its militants to return to northern Gaza and asking for too high a number of imprisoned Palestinians to be released.

Israeli officials say the country has essentially agreed to a six-week cease-fire in exchange for some 35 hostages out of the roughly 100 still thought to be alive, a big increase in aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Even if theres a truce, Israel insists the war wont be over. It says it still needs to destroy Hamas military infrastructure or else risk future massacres. It continues to say a ground offensive on Rafah, a city in the south of Gaza with more than one million refugees, is necessary to root out the thousands of Hamas fighters encamped there.

Read More: Why Rafah Is Raising Fears in Israel-Hamas War: QuickTake

Governments, including the US, are pushing Israel to accept a cease-fire to prevent the humanitarian crisis worsening. Last Thursday, more than 100 Gazans were killed when violence  including shooting by Israeli troops  broke out near aid trucks in northern Gaza. Israel says its forces didnt shoot at the civilians around the trucks; doctors and witnesses in Gaza say they did.

The US and Jordan have taken to air-dropping meals but officials say its too expensive a method to make much difference. Instead, hundreds of trucks need to get through every day, they say.

Gantz to Washington

Benny Gantz, an opposition politician who is part of Netanyahus five-man war cabinet, is in Washington on Monday for talks with Harris and other officials. The US is getting more impatient with the Israeli government, especially as a presidential election takes place later this year. Arab Americans and many on the left say they wont vote for President Joe Biden because he hasnt put enough pressure on Israel to stop the war.

Gantz, who is now far more popular among Israelis than Netanyahu, has been attacked by some of the prime ministers allies for the trip. The Israeli embassy in Washington has been told to boycott his meetings.

Still, while Gantzs political views are more moderate than Netanyahus, there is little difference between them on the war. Like Netanyahu, Gantz believes that while fighting can be paused for the release of hostages, the war must continue until Hamas is destroyed as a military force.

Ramadan is likely to start on March 10. If there is a truce by then, it means that at a time of religious fasting and family gatherings, 2 million Gazans will be given respite from the violence and gain access to greatly-needed food and medicine.

(Updates with European Union comment in seventh paragraph.)

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Google released a doodle on March 4 that celebrates Taos Amrouche's 111th birth anniversary. Hence, this Doodle celebrates Kabyle Algerian French singer, author, and folklorist Taos Amrouche, who made Berber literature and culture more accessible.

She was among one of the first Algerian women to publish a novel. She was born in Tunisia's Tunis on this day in 1913 after her parents moved from Algeria. This doodles reach in terms of visibility spans the region of Tunisia, France and Algeria.

Early life

Taos Amrouche did her schooling in Tunisia's Tunis and later moved to France in 1935 to attend university. She is known to have collected and interpreted Kabyle songs with her mother and brother. Thus she even managed to earn a scholarship to analyse Spanish and Berber music at the Casa Velasquez in Spain.

She began showing interest in the oral traditions of the Kabyle people following which she visited Algeria to learn more about her ethnic heritage.

Career

In 1947, she released her first novel, Jacinthe noir (Black Hyacinth) is one of the earliest books published by an Algerian woman that describes a Tunisian girl who belongs to two cultures .

Rue des tambourins (Street of the Tabors) was Taos Amrouche's second novel. This novel that reflects Amrouches childhood is also autobiographical. The novel notes the writer's experiences as a French and Algerian person along with La Grain magique (The Magic Grain) that is a collection of Kabyle poems, proverbs, and legends translated by Amrouche into French.

Amrouche is also known to have had profound interest in performing traditional Berber songs in French. Chants berberes de Kabylie (Berber songs from Kabyle) was her first album that was very successful. Later, she put out four more albums in the 1970s.

Hence through these stories and songs, Amrouche preserved parts of her oral heritage and connected with her French and Kabyle identities. She often involved herself in Berber discussions and hosted meetings at her Paris home. She co-founded the Academie berbere. Presently, a plaque celebrating her art is displayed outside of her Paris house.

The description with the doodle notes, Amrouche dedicated much of her time to preserving the culture of the resilient Kabyle people, and her music and books embody that. Berber literature and culture are more accessible thanks to you  happy birthday, Taos Amrouche!"

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The Mumbai branch of State Bank of India (SBI) witnessed a robbery by one of its employees when 4 kgs of gold worth 3 crore went missing. SBIs Personal Banking branch in Mulund West had given gold loans worth 1.94 crore, which is around 65 percent of the value of the mortgaged gold ornaments, police informed.

The prime accused, a 33-year-old service manager, Manoj Maruti Mhaske, siphoned off about 4 kg of gold jewellery worth around 3 crore from the banks locker. The accused, Mhaske, resides in Raheja Township of Malad East and hails from Marathwadas Nanded.

The jewellery was stored in a bank locker that could be accessed with two keys. According to the complaint given by Kumar, when a customer approaches them for a gold loan, after checking the gold for its authenticity, it is kept in the lockers, and a loan is given to the extent of 65 percent of the value of the mortgaged gold," HT quoted a police officer as saying.

The officer added, The lockers have two keys and can be opened only by inserting both the keys, one of which remains with the service manager and the other with Sweta Sohani, who works as cash in-charge at the branch."

Moreover, the police officer informed that every customers gold is kept in a sealed envelope in the lockers in the presence of the customer and other officials, as per customary practice.

Employee complaint triggers police investigation

Amit Kumar, employed as an administrator with the Mulund Branch of SBIs Personal Banking branch at Runwal Greens in Nahur, lodged a complaint, following which a probe into the incident was launched by police.

The police officer involved in the probe informed that the theft surfaced on February 27 when Mhaske was on leave. The officer was quoted as saying, On 27th of February, as Mhaske was on leave, Kumar looked after the locker and even filed a note in the Core Banking System (CBS) about it. In the evening, around 5 pm, when Kumar went to deposit cash and jewellery in the locker, he found that several gold jewellery packets were missing."

Thus, when Amit Kumar checked the documents, he discovered that 63 gold loans had been given by the branch, but he found only four packets of gold remaining in the locker.

When Kumar called Mhaske to inquire about the 59 missing packets of gold, he was informed that Mhaske had taken them for his personal use. Mhaske said he had mortgaged and even sold the gold but assured him he would return them in the next seven days.

As per the complaint, a total of 4 kgs of gold, valued at a market rate of around 3 crore, was missing. The prime suspect was arrested by the Bhandup police on Friday, March 1, under section 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant or banker, etc.) of the Indian Penal Code.

Also read: China pips India as top gold jewellery consumer in 2023 amid high prices

Second arrest

On Saturday, March 2, the police made a second arrest in this case and arrested a 48-year-old, Farid Shaikh, for his involvement in the case. The second accused is an Antop-Hill resident who runs a saree shop in Pydhonie. Shaikh assisted Mhaske in selling gold ornaments. Mhaske gave a kilogram of gold to Shaikh, which he kept as a mortgage at a jewellery shop.

Meanwhile, both Shaikh and Mhaske were produced in a city court that remanded them in police custody till March 7.

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NEW DELHI : India is in talks with several countries including Guyana, Suriname and Namibia to source crude oil at a time when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have decided to extend their production cuts.

India will also source oil from Venezuela in lieu of stuck dividends worth $600 million, Union minister for petroleum and natural gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Monday.

The country will comfortably navigate through any market volatility and supply crunch arising as a result of the OPEC cuts, he added.

India is the worlds third-largest importer of crude. The country imports about 85% of its energy requirements and any supply crunch and eventual rise in global oil prices as a result of OPECs decision would increase Indias import bill.

The OPEC+ grouping, which includes Russia, has decided to extend its voluntary crude supply cuts until the end of June. Saudi Arabia will extend its voluntary crude output cut of 1 million barrels per day, according to media reports.

Whatever decision OPEC+ takes it is their sovereign decision. I speak with confidence as a representative of a country that we will navigate through this," Puri said.

The minister spoke at an event where he distributed letters of intent to successful bidders of the 12th city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round for their respective geographical areas.

Puri said an investment of about 41,000 crore is expected for the expansion of the CGD network under the 12th round.

In the latest CGD round, eight geographical areas were offered covering six northeastern states as well as Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Subsequent to this round, authorization for development of City Gas Distribution Networks in the entire country (except islands) shall be awarded," Puri said.

The minister further said that more than 33,753 km of natural gas trunk pipelines had been authorized in India, of which about 24,623 km of pipeline are currently operational.

He also said that 12.1 million domestic piped natural gas connections and 6,258 compressed natural gas stations had been established in India so far.

Anil Kumar Jain, chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, said the regulator is focused on creating a vibrant and sustainable gas infrastructure across the country.

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Just days after a similar incident with a Spanish biker surfaced in Jharkhand, the police have said that a 21-year-old stage performer was gang-raped in the state's Palamu district. Recently, a foreign couple had alleged that the woman biker was gang-raped by seven men in the Dumka district.

According to news agency PTI, the performer was allegedly gang-raped by three co-artists in a car after being given an intoxicating substance. All the three co-artists hailed from Palamu.

The incident took place around 200 km from Ranchi, on a road in Vishrampur.

The report added that the 21-year-old woman became unconscious, and the accused fled the spot. The survivor has been admitted to a hospital and two of the accused have now been arrested.

The artist had originally come to Chhattisgarh for a function at Vishrampur. "'Due to some reasons, that programme was not organised. So, she left for another function in Hussainabad with her male co-artistes," Vishrampur Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rakesh Singh was quoted as saying in the PTI report.

Last week, a Spanish tourist, on a bike tour with her husband, was allegedly gang-raped in the Hansdiha area in Dumka. They had reportedly reached Jharkhand from Bangladesh and were going to Nepal via Bihar.

In a video message, the woman, with bruises visible over her face, said, "Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone. Seven men have raped me."

"They have beaten us and robbed us. Although not many things because what they wanted was to rape me," she added.

Her 64-year-old husband was also beaten. The video was widely circulated on social media with people across industries coming forward to support the couple.

The police have arrested three accused. A manhunt has also been launched to catch the remaining. Moreover, a special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident.

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The Centre has permitted the export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to UAE and Bangladesh through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd, according to notifications issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The government has permitted the export of 50,000 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh and 14,400 tonnes to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the notification added.

As per the notification, modalities for the export of onions to the eastern neighbouring country will be worked by National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), in consultation with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

"Export of 14,400 tonnes of onions, with a quantity ceiling of 3,600 MT (metric tonne) quarterly, to UAE through NCEL is notified,' the official notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) read.

It is important to note that on December 8, 2023, the government prohibited the export of onions till 31 March 2024. The DGFT notification said the export of onions will be, however, allowed based on permission granted by the central government to other countries based on the request made by the countries.

To check the soaring price of onion, the government imposed a minimum export price of $800 per tonne on October 28 till December 31, 2023.

In August, the government imposed a 40% duty on the export of onions to improve supplies of the staple vegetable in the domestic market until December 31, 2023.

With rising onion prices, the central government has been releasing the staple vegetable from its buffer stock. The central government had earlier decided to maintain 3 lakh tonne of onions in the 2023-24 season as buffer stock. In 2022-23, the government maintained 2.51 lakh tonne onion as buffer stock.

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A Spanish tourist was gang-raped while travelling through Jharkhand with her husband on Friday night. The incident received extensive coverage on foreign media platforms and has since sparked international outrage. NCW chief Rekha Sharma was also seen engaging in a furious social media debate with US-based writer David Josef Volodzko over the matter on Sunday night.

The level of sexual aggression I witnessed while living in India for several years was unlike anywhere else I have ever beenI never met a female traveler who had not been groped or assaulted or worse, even if they had only been in country for mere days. I love India. It is and always will be one of my favorite places in the world. But I have advised female friends who asked me not to travel there alone. This is a real problem in Indian society that warrants more attention and that I hope will improve in time," the author had tweeted.

The attack took place on Friday night in the Dumka district of Jharkhand while the couple were camping. Three people have been arrested in connection with the matter while a manhunt is on for the remaining four accused.

Sharma however insisted that India took the safety of women "very seriously". She responded to the initial post by urging the writer to not "defame" the entire country.

Did you ever report the incident to Police? If not than you are totally an irresponsible person. Writing only on social media and defaming whole country is not good choice," she contended.

The National Commission for Women had earlier condemned the alleged gang-rape and said that a letter has been sent to the officials to expedite the investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a day-long meeting of his Council of Ministers as they brainstormed over the vision document for "Viksit Bharat: 2047" and a detailed action plan for the next five years if the NDA forms a government after the April-May Lok Sabha elections this year.

During the meeting, a 100-day agenda for immediate steps to be taken after a new government is formed in May was deliberated upon for its quick implementation.

PM Modi asked his ministerial colleagues to go all out to win people's support during the polls, as he spoke about numerous measures taken by his government to boost development and ensure the welfare of all sections of society, sources said as quoted by PTI.

Government sources said the roadmap for "Viksit Bharat" is a result of more than two years of intensive preparation and involved a "whole of government" approach involving all ministries and wide-ranging consultations with state governments, academia, industry bodies, civil society, scientific organizations and mobilization of youths for inputs.

What is PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision?

1) Over the past few years, the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision has been the prime focus of PM Modi's speeches. The prime minister has outlined his government's action plan to transform India into a developed country by 2047, exactly 100 years after gaining independence from British rule.

2) The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, among others. PM Modi has previously told the nation to take a pledge, Whatever I do should be for a developed India".

3) The roadmap for "Viksit Bharat" has a comprehensive blueprint with clearly articulated national vision, aspirations, goals and action points, the sources said, adding that its goals include areas such as economic growth, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ease of living, ease of doing business, infrastructure and social welfare.

4) The prime minister had earlier asked his Cabinet colleagues to come out with "actionable, measurable and clearly defined plans" for the new government.

5) He has repeatedly expressed confidence that his government will retain power for a third consecutive term and has set a target of winning 370 seats for the BJP and more than 400 for the ruling alliance led by his party in the Lok Sabha polls.

(With PTI inputs)

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(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos presidential candidate for the main opposition coalition, Xochitl Galvez, said Monday that shes crunching numbers to determine whether to complete the project for an international Mexico City airport that was scrapped by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in favor of a military-built facility.

Days after the formal launch of her campaign, Galvez said her team was evaluating their financial options, and considering whether to continue use of the alternative airport in Mexico State known as the Felipe Angeles Airport, or AIFA. She is also deciding how to proceed with Lopez Obradors other major projects, such as an oil refinery and a touristic train in the countrys southeast, which she criticized for going above budget.

Mexico will hold elections June 2, with popular Lopez Obrador limited by law to a single six-year term. His protege and former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum holds a 17-point lead over Galvez, according to a March 1 poll by El Financiero.

Read More: Mexico Looks to Guarantee Airport Bonds as Navy Takes Over Hub

To finance plans under a potential government, Galvez added that she would seek to increase the number of taxpayerswithout raising taxesand take a hard look at the cost overruns on some of the existing projects. More money would be destined toward security and medicine under her leadership, she said.She also vowed to continue the popular cash welfare programs started under the current president, known as AMLO.

Citing the frustrations of her own brother in the military, Galvez said she would also direct Mexicos security forces to combat crime instead of participating in other tasks, such as detaining migrants. I dont have fear of using the force of the state when its necessary," she said.

Other points mentioned during her campaign speech:

--With assistance from Guillermo Molero.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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BRUSSELS : The European Union is set to call for the fossil fuel industry to help pay for fighting climate change in poorer countries under a United Nations target, a draft document shows, as nations prepare for talks this year on a global finance goal.

This year's UN climate negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November, are the deadline for countries to agree to a new goal of how much wealthy, industrialised nations should pay poorer ones to adjust to the most severe impacts of a hotter world.

Given the spiralling costs of deadly heatwaves, droughts and rising sea levels, the new climate finance target is expected to be far larger than the existing UN commitment of rich countries to spend $100 billion per year from 2020, a target they failed to meet on time.

A draft statement for a meeting of EU foreign ministers later this month showed the 27-nation country bloc will argue the oil and gas sector should also contribute.

The draft EU statement, which sets out the bloc's priorities for climate diplomacy this year, could change before foreign ministers are due to adopt it later this month.

"Recognising that public finance alone cannot provide the quantum necessary for the new goal, additional, new and innovative sources of finance from a wide variety of sources, including from the fossil fuel sector, should be identified and utilised," the draft statement, seen by Reuters, said.

Countries must decide in Baku whether the new climate finance goal will comprise only public funding, or also pull in the private sector and international institutions, to try to reach developing nations' fast-growing needs.

The OECD has said poor nations' actual climate investment needs could total $1 trillion per year by 2025.

EU climate policy chief Wopke Hoekstra has said he will try to rally support for international fossil fuel taxes. But the road to any such agreement is steep, given the broad support needed for a global measure.

Talks at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) last year on a CO2 emissions levy for shipping were opposed by countries including China. IMO negotiations will continue this month.

The draft document also said the EU will continue to demand that large emerging economies and those with high CO2 emissions and per-capita wealth - like China and Middle Eastern states - should pay towards the new UN climate finance goal.

Beijing has staunchly opposed this in past UN climate talks. The question of which countries must pay is expected to be a core issue at this year's COP29 climate summit.

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday demanded Palestinian militant group Hamas agree to an immediate six-week ceasefire while forcefully urging Israel to do more to boost aid deliveries into Gaza, where she said innocent people were suffering a "humanitarian catastrophe."

In some of the strongest comments by a senior leader of the U.S. government to date on the issue, Harris pressed the Israeli government and outlined specific ways on how more aid can flow into the densely-populated enclave where hundreds of thousands of people are facing famine, following five months of Israel's military campaign.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire," Harris said at an event in Selma, Alabama. "There is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire."

"People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act...The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses," she said.

On Sunday, a Hamas delegation had arrived in Cairo for the latest round of ceasefire talks, billed by many as the final possible hurdle for a truce, but it was unclear if any progress was made. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's online version reported that Israel boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages who are still alive.

Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close and has been pushing to put in place a truce by the start of Ramadan, a week away. A U.S. official on Saturday said Israel has agreed on a framework deal.

An agreement would bring the first extended truce of the war, which has raged for five months so far with just a week-long pause in November. Dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants would be freed in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

One source briefed on the talks had said on Saturday that Israel could stay away from Cairo unless Hamas first presented its full list of hostages who are still alive. A Palestinian source told Reuters that Hamas had so far rejected that demand.

After the Hamas delegation arrived, a Palestinian official told Reuters the deal was "not yet there". There was no official comment from Israel.

In past negotiations Hamas has sought to avoid discussing the wellbeing of individual hostages until after terms for their release are set.

In other diplomatic moves, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz will meet Harris at the White House on Monday and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut on Monday to pursue efforts to de-escalate the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border.

"GUNFIRE AND CHAOS"

The death last week of more than 100 Palestinians approaching an aid truck in Gaza has captured the severe humanitarian crisis in the densely-populated enclave, an incident Harris recalled during her speech.

"We saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks simply trying to secure food their family after weeks of barely no aid reaching northern Gaza and they were met with gunfire and chaos," Harris said.

Israel said on Sunday its initial review of the incident had found that most of those killed or wounded had died in a stampede. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli troops at the scene initially fired only warning shots, though they later shot at some "looters" who "approached our forces and posed an immediate threat".

Muatasem Salah, a member of the Emergency Committee at the Ministry of Health in Gaza, told Reuters the Israeli account was contradicted by machine gun wounds.

In her comments, Harris laid out specific ways on how the Israeli government can allow more aid into Gaza. "They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites and convoys are not targeted, and they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water and fuel can reach those in need."

Under pressure at home and abroad, the Biden administration on Saturday carried out its first airdrop of aid into the coastal enclave, with a U.S. military transport plane dropping 38,000 meals along Gaza's Mediterranean coastline.

Critics of airdrops say they have only a limited impact on the suffering, and that it is nearly impossible to ensure supplies do not end up in the hands of militants.

The United States will continue these airdrops, Harris said and added that Washington was working on a new route by sea to also send aid.

The war was unleashed in October after Hamas fighters stormed through Israeli towns killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Swathes of the Gaza Strip have been laid to waste, nearly the entire population has been made homeless, and the United Nations estimates a quarter of Gazans are on the verge of famine.

At a morgue outside a Rafah hospital on Sunday morning, women wept and wailed beside rows of bodies of the Abu Anza family, 14 of whom Gaza health authorities say were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah overnight.

The youngest of the family who were killed were infant twins Wesam and Naaem, the first children of their mother after 11 years of marriage. They were born a few weeks into the Gaza war.

"My heart is gone," wailed Rania Abu Anza, who also lost her husband in the attack. I haven't had enough time with them."

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
An American couple was on a trip to New Zealand when they received the sad news. Patricia Kerekes, the wife, was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder. She was told that she had only four months left to live.

The couple landed in New Zealand in January and had originally intended to stay there till April. However, their surgeon asked Todd Kerekes to take his wife back to the USA soon.

Todd asked the airline, Air New Zealand, to move up the ticket due to the emergency. However, he was told that it would cost the couple 6.5 lakh (NZ$ 13,000). Todd was "momentarily stupefied" as the new seats were only $100 more expensive than the older ones they had already paid for.

"What they were charging me was four times what the increase in the cost of the flights were," Todd told media platform Checkpoint.

However, Todd also added that the airline was not particularly rude with him. "They weren't rude or unkind, but they were simply like, 'Look, this is the way it is and there's nothing we can do about it.' And I was like, it was surprising to me that in a situation where I was that they couldn't be more helpful," he said.

Later, Air New Zealand took note of the situation. In a statement, the airline's general manager Alisha Armstrong acknowledged falling short of the expectations. They agreed to pay a full refund to the couple for additional costs.

"It's clear we fell short of expectations and our compassionate care policy was not followed in this case. We have reached out to Kerekes to apologise and issue a full refund for the additional costs incurred to change their original flights," the statement said.

"Our compassionate fare policy is in place to support our customers in times of unexpected medical emergency or bereavement to book a last-minute flight or provide flexibility to easily make changes to existing bookings."

The couple flew back to New York on February 26.

"I resent having that four hours taken away from whatever time I would have spent [with] her, and I do not appreciate the aggravation that my wife had to go through for this," Todd said.

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Mint reported on Monday that the finance ministry has notified 13 new commodities for derivatives trading so that businesses (whether companies or farmers), producers and consumers can better manage price risks. The new commodities include farm products such as apples, cashews, garlic, skimmed milk powder, white butter, timber and bamboo.

India launched derivatives trading in agricultural commodities more than two decades ago but frequent suspensions and bans imposed by governments have prevented farmers from benefiting from this important risk-mitigation tool.

In August 2021, derivatives trading in chana was suspended. In October 2021, trading was suspended for mustard, non-Basmati paddy, wheat, soya bean and its derivatives, crude palm oil, and moong dal.

The government's go-ahead for derivatives trading in apples and other agri products could be a great move for improving price discovery in markets for farmers produce  provided it isnt disrupted by suspensions and bans.

It will help encourage more farmers to move away from minimum support price (MSP) crops. MSP crops dont fetch great prices in markets, as production exceeds consumption demand in most years. The latest monthly consumption expenditure estimates for households show that even rural Indians are consuming less of these crops.

Without the support of subsidies and MSPs, which impose heavy costs on the budgets of the central government and state governments and divert tax money from development heads, the production of these crops isnt remunerative or globally competitive.

Small farmers, which constitute 86% of agricultural households, prefer to produce these crops as the governments procurement at MSPs and subsidies assure them returns. Thats because small producers typically find it hard to access markets, have little bargaining power, and inadequate storage facilities for perishable produce, all which make it nearly impossible for them to contend with price uncertainties. Its impossible for small farmers to assess, at the time of sowing, what market prices their produce will command. Thats why they look to sell to the government at assured prices. A well-functioning derivatives market could help them adopt a forward-looking approach instead of relying on signals from the governments MSPs.

If small farmers capacity for risk-taking could be improved, the chances of them shifting to high-value crops that fetch better prices would improve. This would improve their incomes, better align their produce with consumption baskets, and free up budgetary resources for development.

One way to help improve farmers risk appetite is to improve the functioning of markets to make price discovery better and fluctuations foreseeable. A well-functioning derivatives market is a great way to do this. Derivatives trading helps improve the availability of information about market demand, which is necessary for mitigating price and production risks. It could go a long way in addressing farmers concerns and encourage them to try producing non-MSP crops.

According to the governments Situation Assessment Survey, farming households earn from livestock and horticulture have much higher average incomes than those that earn only from agriculture, even though no MSPs are announced for livestock, fruits, vegetables and horticulture products, and the government does not procure most of these goods. Poultry is one the fastest-growing segments in Indian agriculture, followed by fisheries, which also contributes significantly to the incomes of families engaged in it. There are huge export markets, for instance in West Asia, that could be tapped for livestock, fisheries and horticulture products. These are currently being served by Europe.

If India is to become a developed country by 2047, per-capita income will have to rise from about $2,500 to more than $21,664 by 2047, according to a paper published in the Reserve Bank of Indias July 2023 bulletin. As more than 45% of Indias working population is engaged in farm work, according to government data, one thing is clear  Indias per-capita income wont increase substantially if farmers' incomes dont rise.

Its also clear that the current policies  subsidies for fertilisers and power, and MSPs  cant improve farmers incomes. The budget outlays simply wont be sufficient.

Their incomes could improve, however, if they were to shift to high-value crops. For this, they will have to identify deep-pocket consumption markets, and find ways to serve them. Derivatives trading helps with this.

Once the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) becomes fully functional, farmers will be able to sell their produce directly to buyers, which will also reduce market imperfections. Along with derivatives trading, it should help farmers drop their reliance on government subsidies for demand-driven farming. The open e-commerce platform is expected to reduce barriers to entry for small farmers, help them reach markets faster, and ensure fair prices for their produce.
Indias over-arching ambition to play in the big league has found partial expression with the governments approval of three semiconductor foundries to be set up by the private sector. This will not only pitchfork the Indian economys global rankings, but also help the country acquire strategic autonomy in a key global technology supply chain. The three investment proposalsall in partnership with foreign companiescome on top of US-based Microns project that broke ground in 2023; the four units will hopefully help establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, with the combined investment of over 1.5 trillion providing the building blocks for the critical semiconductor value chain of design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking and packaging. Key among these proposals is the partnership between Tata Electronics and Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation for a 91,000-crore fabrication plant with a capacity of 50,000 wafer starts per month. This chip capacity will grant traction at last to Indias long-standing quest for self-sufficiency in semiconductors, or near freedom from reliance on overseas suppliers. Just as the US, China and other countries are betting, local microchip-making can support and fuel our advancement as a technology superpower.

It might, however, be advisable to temper the celebrations. It is not that the proposed investments are insignificant, given the post-pandemic breakdown in critical tech supply chains which threatened the survival of varied factories and utility platforms. Yet, the four plants should not be viewed as the answer to all of Indias chip requirements. They are likely to meet only the lower end of our chip demand and the wait for high-end chips is likely to get a little longer: the new investments will manage to make chips of only 28 nanometres (nm), while sophisticated plants globally have moved on to 3nm. Also, it may be wrong to view these chip projects as likely catalysts for ending the private sectors prolonged investment drought, or as a solution for the endemic unemployment crisis we face. According to a press release from the Press Information Bureau, the three units approved on 29 February will generate only 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs. This raises a related worry: Are there enough trained workers for such a specialized operation? Have uninterrupted power and clean water supply been assured? In addition, legitimate questions of political economy can be raised on the huge capital subsidy available for this sector.

Yet, both the idiosyncrasies of Indias political economy and shifting geopolitical configurations present another set of challenges to our semiconductor aspirations. An immediate concern arises from the USs tightening of export controls for semiconductors and high-powered chips for artificial intelligence, ostensibly to thwart Chinas access; other nations have emulated the US. Even though India has signed tech cooperation agreements with the US, in addition to other plurilateral tech treaties, the recent World Trade Organization conference has again shown the intransigence of rich nations. Indias reliance on high-tech imports from advanced nations, including for security purposes, leaves the nation vulnerable to all sorts of pressure. Domestic political flux could pose another obstacle, especially since our new chip-making investments are concentrated in Gujarat, a state with no known technological base in either hardware or software. This presents a business risk.
Shares of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) have risen about 9% in the last one month, and though they trade at 54 times price-to-earnings (PE) ratio based on FY25 estimates, Motilal Oswal believes it has steam left. The brokerage has reiterated its buy rating on the stock with a target of 1,500 apiece. Thats an upside of 18% from its previous close of 1,267.45.

Under managing director and chief executive Sudhir Sitapati, who joined from Hindustan Unilever in October 2021, GCPL has embarked on an aggressive growth path. The strategy includes acquisitions, brand extensions, new channel strategies, inventory optimization, and cost reduction, as well as divesting non-core operations, such as its East Africa business to focus on more profitable ventures. A January presentation to the analysts said that multiple actions" are underway in Africa, with the exercise expected to be completed by June.

GCPL has ventured into the anti-mosquito incense sticks market, a sector dominated by unorganized players. It claims it is India's only company to sell government-registered anti-mosquito agarbatti, or incense stick. It is powered by a Made-in-India molecule known as Renofluthrin (RNF), and boasts of twice the efficacy of prevalent molecules. The company is set to enjoy nine years of patent exclusivity on RNF, GCPL claims, and also aims to be aggressive in the market for liquid vaporizers, aerosols, and coils.

It has also launched a new liquid detergent called Fab in select states, in addition to Ezee and Genteel, its popular brands in the high-growth market. Fab is competitively priced at 99 per litre to appeal to the mass market.

In less than a year, the company has also made good of its acquisition of Raymonds consumer care business. The 2,825 crore deal, done in April 2023, had fetched the company marquee brands like Park Avenue (soaps, deodorants and other products for mens grooming), KS (deodorants) and KamaSutra (condoms and sexual wellness).

In its 31 January call with analysts, the company revealed the integration of Raymonds consumer business was complete and cost synergies had started to flow. We are now operating with approximately 30% of the erstwhile overheads and remain confident of achieving the business case," Sitapati had told the audience.

According to Motilal, the company has successfully reduced Raymonds channel inventory to 15-20 days through rationalization of stock keeping units (SKUs), sharply lower than 90 days channel inventory that existed before the change in ownership of the brands.

The brokerage is factoring in a low double-digit to mid-teens revenue growth over the medium term at GCPL, after accounting for some adverse impact on the companys topline due to inventory rationalization in the current financial year (April-March).

GCPL is working on improving fundamentals in its overseas businesses, too. The company has revamped its distribution in Indonesia and Nigeria, while working to trim its channel inventory. In Indonesia, the company has relaunched an access pack of the hero brand HIT aerosol. In Nigeria, the business went through some upheaval with the government there devaluing the currency and allowing it to float freely. The company raised product prices in Nigeria to protect its profitability and it now expects to grow its market share in the long term.

The company is looking to focus on relevant business areas in the GAUM cluster (Godrej Africa, US, Middle East). Motilal believes the companys initiatives and focus on high-growth, high-margin business in GAUM will improve profitability.

The implementation of disruptive innovations, the introduction of access packs, expansion into new growth categories, and increased advertising expenditure are anticipated to contribute to a consistently healthy growth trajectory," the brokerage added.
Last time (tinyurl.com/y58cfcny), we wrote about the need of a national litigation policy so that state agencies in India curb their endless filing of appeals, which acts as a barrier to the ease of running a business and adds to delays in our justice system. The challenge is for the Centre and states to cut down litigation and unclog our adjudicatory system.

Following recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission and National Consultation on Strengthening the Judiciary in 2009, it was resolved that a national litigation policy would be formulated and state governments encouraged to draft their own. The Union government asked state governments to do so, but, in many cases, a failure to implement a state litigation policy (SLP) and apathy shown by key stakeholders has reflected poorly on state administrations.

A significant contributing factor to this problem is the presence of overly broad directives and complex procedures within SLPs. One such example is the case of Lakshmi Prasad Yadav & Others vs The State of Bihar & Others (9 March 2015), where the government did not even file a counter affidavit for eight years after the writ petition was filed. Similarly, in the case of Prabhat Kumar Sinha vs The State of Bihar & Others, the case was before the Patna high court, which found that the district magistrate was ignorant of the existence of any such policy at the state level.

The implementation status of SLPs varies widely across different states in India. While some states have actively implemented and updated their policies to address issues related to government litigation, others may have faced challenges in effectively implementing these policies.

All states have dedicated departments or agencies responsible for overseeing litigation management and ensuring compliance with policy guidelines. They may also conduct regular reviews and assessments to identify areas for improvement and refine their strategies accordingly.

Data-sets such as those provided by the National Judicial Data Grid offer a comprehensive overview of case types and their pendency at various tiers of the government, but does not provide disaggregated data for states and/or the Union government.

While some states have a litigation policy, Karnataka has taken a step forward by adopting a law, the Karnataka Conduct of Government Litigation Act, 2023, which provides a binding framework for state agencies to follow. The law is quite elaborate, but it is also freshly enacted, making it too early for anyone to comment on its success. Nevertheless, Karnatakas binding policy is welcome.

Rajasthan too has the Rajasthan State Litigation Policy of 2018, which strives to develop a comprehensive framework and effective strategies to enhance the management and conduct of litigation by the state. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh drafted a state litigation policy in 2018. It has updated its Law and Legislative Affairs Department Manual too, outlining various powers and duties, including the advisory, legislative and other duties of officers, etc. Likewise, the Maharashtra State Litigation Policy, 2014, builds on foundations laid by the draft National Litigation Policy, outlining comprehensive guidelines for the litigation strategy to be adopted by the state and its agencies.

Indian ground reality, however, reveals that most SLPs suffer from a lack of explicit guidelines, effective accountability measures, impact evaluations and consequences for non-compliance. Hence, these policies have not been as effective as expected by those who drafted them.

The recent case of State of Rajasthan and Others vs Gopal Bijawat involved the state and a poor litigant who was compelled to file repeated litigation to obtain benefits awarded by the Labour Court. The district magistrate, who heads the districts legal affairs committee, was unable to handle it and the matter went to the Rajasthan high court before it landed in the countrys Supreme Court. The apex court imposed a fine of 10 lakh on the State of Rajasthan for what it deemed as harassment of the poor litigant by dragging the case on for years and through various layers of the judiciary.

This decision underscores the Supreme Courts stance against unnecessary legal actions that burden individuals, particularly those with limited resources, and the Indian judicial system. Such cases go on to show that overall, the status of SLP implementation across different states remains far from satisfactory, which, in turn, underscores the need for sustained efforts to promote effective litigation management and improve the functioning of the justice system. Also, we need to publicize alternate dispute resolution methods, like conciliation, etc, which offers another avenue to reduce the burden on our courts and tribunals.

Indian data on litigation indicates that the state is the primary party involved in a majority of court cases and is responsible for a significant portion of pending litigation. Estimates of the financial cost of such litigation are hard to come by, but surely, it runs into multiple crores annually.

The core of the problem revolves around the fact that many SLPs contain excessively broad instructions and intricate procedures. In conclusion, we need a nationally convergent approach to reduce government litigation at all levels, so that everyone benefits.

Arima Pankaj of CUTS has contributed to this article.
Technological innovations are not merely about efficiency or progress but are deeply intertwined with the dynamics of power and control. Few discussions are as thought-provoking as those on the politics embedded within technological artefacts. An intricate dance is observable between tech advancements and their socio-political ramifications. Politics here does not refer to a particular political party or the political ethos of any country. It simply means arrangements of power and authority and the activities that occur within those.

First, Ill draw upon Adrian Daubs book, What Tech Calls Thinking, and also touch upon Langdon Winners seminal work, Do Artifacts Have Politics? from the anthology Technology and Society, edited by Deborah Johnson and Jameson Wetmore, to explore the inherently political nature of technological design and innovation. This anthology has pieces that channel theories ranging from those of Schumpeter to Marx and Engels, so it offers a comprehensive view of the ramifications of technology beyond the mundane view of tech for techs sake alone.

Daubs book tackles the intellectual underpinnings of Silicon Valleys ethos. It tries to make us reconsider the assumptions and ideologies driving innovations that shape our world. He questions the narrative of innovative disruption that tech leaders champion, suggesting that such thinking often masks deeper political and economic interests. In his view, the disruption of old businesses, the stuff of legend in global startup circles, is a sham. He claims the changes are nothing but points on a technological and social change continuum. Take the tech disruption of the cab business. Taxi drivers were individual contractors under the old paradigm; it is just that their guilds (and rules) had different power structures and contracts than what Lyft, Ola and Uber introduced. A good hard look at many start-ups claims of disrupting a market would produce similar results.

Winners essay explains how tech artefacts are not merely tools but embodiments of specific world-views and power structures. What is critical here is his definition of politics. Integrating insights from Joseph Schumpeter, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Winner illuminates the complex relationship between tech innovation, capitalism and social change. Schumpeters creative destruction concept highlights the relentless churn of capitalist innovation, where old industries and ways of life are continually dismantled to make way for the new. Marx and Engels elaborate on this theme, arguing that the capitalist mode of production fundamentally reshapes societal structures and relationships. In this view, technologies are not neutral tools but are deeply implicated in the economic and social transformation processes that underpin capitalist societies. And these wither as their tech artefacts age, only to be replaced with new technologies with their own artefacts.

Winners analysis goes beyond the mere functionality of artefacts to examine how they can embody specific forms of power and authority. His most enduring contribution may be his concept of technological politics," the idea that technology can be inherently political, not just in its use but in its design and implementation. This perspective challenges the neutral view of technology as merely a tool, highlighting how design choices can encode specific values and priorities. He cites the example of Robert Moses low-hanging overpasses on Long Island, near New York City, designed to prevent buses (and thus poorer people) from accessing specific public beaches; as alleged, this was a case of design aimed at social segregation, since people with cars, mostly Caucasian back then, could easily reach those beaches.

Likewise, the design of social media platforms reflects and reinforces economic imperatives and power relations. These platforms are engineered to maximize user engagement and data extraction, often at the cost of user privacy and societal cohesion. The algorithmic curation of content can amplify certain voices and suppress others, shaping public discourse in ways that reflect the interests of platform owners and their commercial and political partners. The fact that politics is intricately woven into technological artefacts is particularly relevant to current debates around technology governance, data privacy and the digital divide. The march of artificial intelligence (AI), which requires separate thought, adds its own spin to these power structures.

As we grapple with new challenges and embrace opportunities presented by new technologies, we should also examine the political dimensions of technological artefacts and the interests they serve. Often, the interests start out being the companys commercial imperatives. These are often overtaken by efforts to re-order human associations that arrange power within a country or the globe. Elon Musks takeover of X (formerly Twitter) is an example of one mans politics eclipsing the profit motive.

Both Daubs critique and Winners analysis offer frameworks for understanding the politics of technology artefacts. As we continue to grapple with the profound impact of technology on society, we should remain vigilant about how these artefacts can shape and be shaped by the distribution of power and authority in society. I posit that politicians and technocrats across the world understand this intuitively. One hopes they focus on the common good rather than the interests of narrow constituencies.
India being on a path to become the worlds third largest economy, with annual growth predicted at above 6% (double the world average) for the next two years, cannot be ignored in multilateral trade discussions. At the same time, our trade negotiators had a tough job balancing the interests of different domestic stakeholders with the changing dynamics of global trade and geopolitics, with Indias aim of playing a key role in resilient global value chains forming an important part of the context. In the recently concluded 13th Ministerial Conference (MC-13) at Abu Dhabi of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Indian trade negotiating team led by commerce minister Piyush Goyal deserves a round of applause for striking a delicate balance of protecting the interests of domestic stakeholders, supporting initiatives that can help promote the exports of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and making Indias voice heard at the WTO. While many delegates from member countries left after the conferences scheduled end, the Indian delegation stayed back till the actual end and contributed as a key player to the final MC-13 Declaration.

The Indian team has successfully protected our domestic policy space on industrial policy and blocked the Investment Facilitation Development Agreement, for which more domestic consultations would be needed. At present, views differ among experts and policymakers in India on a large-scale investment agreement and its modalities. India is engaged in negotiating bilateral investment agreements with major investing countries and trusted trade partners.

The run-up to the MC-13 witnessed farmer protests, and India did not yield ground on a permanent peace clause on the procurement of foodgrain for our public distribution system, giving the government freedom to buy as much as it wants, regardless of a flawed limitation formula. India also defended its policy space for subsidies. In most WTO member countries, be it developed or developing, irrespective of the size of their agriculture sector and its contribution to GDP, farmers play a key role in trade negotiations and domestic politics, and India is no exception.

India was also successful in resisting the inclusion of environmental issues and labour standards in WTO talks. While it may have hurt the sentiments of its trade partners like the EU, with which a trade deal is under discussion, India is willing to discuss these topics bilaterally. For example, on 14 November 2023, India along with 13 other countries signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Supply Chain Resilience Agreement, which has both these components. The IPEF Agreement, for example, proposes to set up a Labour Rights Advisory Board, to support member countries in the promotion of labour rights in their supply chains, promote sustainable trade and investment, and facilitate opportunities for investment in businesses that respect labour rights as per ILO standards. Rather than try pushing the issue at a multilateral platform, trade partners like the EU and India can set up a mechanism for tripartite consultation across government, worker organizations and employer organizations, as proposed in the IPEF Agreement. We need more domestic research, consultations and consensus-building on these issues.

I am delighted to see India softening its stance on the current moratorium on customs duty for e-commerce, which got extended for another two years. With the government supporting SME exports through e-commercethere is a chapter dedicated to it in the recent Foreign Trade Policythis was the right step. India is among the worlds leading exporters of IT/ITeS services and with the growing digitalization of services, from education to audio-visual media, and the global expansion of our startups, it is important to understand the full scope of the e-commerce sector first. Without a clear picture of its coverage and data on trade flows, it is better to support business as usual, and that is exactly the stand India took.

In a difficult global scenario, amid pressure from some of its key trade partners, India has been able to represent the interests of the Global South, protect the interests of its domestic stakeholders and support fairness in the global trade order, while emphasizing issues like the immediate need to make the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism and Appellate body functional. The Indian trade negotiating team has ably defended the countrys interests at the MC-13 at a time when the country is headed for national elections and we face a difficult geo-political scenario. India is expected to continue its leadership role in creating policy platforms for collaborations, partnerships and discussions on trade issues, for which it would engage academics, industry experts and other stakeholders to develop pro-active strategies for future negotiations, multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral.

Balancing the need to protect the genuine interests of a vast swathe of domestic pressure groups with the compulsions of Indias burgeoning global trade ambitions was expected to be a tough task for Goyal in an election year at the WTO ministerial conference. He has again pulled a rabbit out of a hat to strike a fine balance between Indias domestic and international needs.
GOLDSBORO, N.C.Donald Trump has been impeached, indicted and ordered to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties for committing fraud and defamation. For many Republican voters in this Raleigh exurb, that doesnt disqualify him from returning to the White House.

Instead, it makes them more likely to back Trump in this weeks Super Tuesday primary because they view the GOP presidential front-runner as unfairly targeted by his political enemies. They say his resilience in the face of obstacles shows why he will fight for them if he wins the presidency in November.

Primary races in North Carolina and 14 other states on Tuesday are expected to accelerate Trumps march toward the Republican presidential nomination. Trumps last remaining top-tier opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, has committed to campaigning through Tuesday but has no events scheduled after Monday. Trump is likely to get the delegates needed to become the partys nominee this month.

North Carolina, which Trump won narrowly in 2020, is the only battleground Super Tuesday state that will also help decide who wins the general election in November.

Charlette Corbett, a 67-year-old hospice nurse from Pikeville, N.C., who is a Republican, said she considered supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy when the GOP field first took shape. But as she watched Trump endure blow after blow, she became convinced he was the stronger candidate.

It just makes me more determined that I will vote for him, because hes getting the short end of the stick," said Corbett, who backed him in 2016 and 2020. Referring to Trumps rivals, she said, Im not sure if they could have withstood what hes withstood, and stood their ground like he has."

The former presidents track record in office also gives her confidence. I know Trump. He was really trying to give the American people what the American people wanted," she said.

Trumps image and political standing have grown stronger in the past year, Wall Street Journal polling finds, while he has faced charges in four separate criminal cases and adverse judgments in civil cases for defamation and business fraud.

After trailing or tying President Biden in prior Journal polls of the 2024 presidential race, Trump has led Biden in the last two surveys, including a Journal poll released Sunday that found him with a narrow lead, 47% to 45%. Trumps advantage in the new survey grew to five points, 40% to 35%, on a ballot that included independent and third-party candidates.

One reason for Trumps lead is that his voter coalition is fraying less than Bidens isa finding that confounds indications from the early primaries that many GOP voters wont back Trump in November. In the new Journal survey, Trump held 83% of voters who had backed him in 2020, while Biden retained only 73% of his 2020 supporters, according to the ballot test that included third-party candidates.

Biden is an old man for his age. He doesnt have what it takes to be president," said Claire Snell, age 92. Her husband, Fred Snell, 82, didnt like Trumps claims of election fraud and his frequent tweets. He said he might vote for Haley in the primary, but in November will pick Trump because they feel he is strong.

The two retirees disagree about Trumps opposition to funding Ukraine in its war with Russia. Fred Snell said the U.S. should continue helping Ukraine, because if we dont help them to some extent, they are going to go down," and he worries about the implications of that.

Claire Snell agrees with Trump. Were so far in debt, were giving away money that we dont have," she said. Were just helping the war go on and on." She also plans to vote for Trump in November.

In this area southeast of Raleigh, full of rolling hills and barbecue, Trump took 54% of the vote in 2016 and 55% in 2020. The broader area was part of a competitive house race in 2022 that elected Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel, though the state has redrawn district lines since, ensuring it goes to a Republican.

Both the Biden and Trump campaigns are already working to reach voters in the state. Trump held a rally on Saturday in Greensboro ahead of the primary, and, on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Durham to announce a $32 million investment for small businesses.

In the latest Journal poll, Republican respondents said immigrationwhich Trump has focused on heavily in his campaignwas their top issue, followed by the economy.

Views of Trumps overall image have improved in recent months, while views of Bidens image and job performance have turned more negative, Journal polling finds. In December 2022, negative views of Trump outweighed positive ones by 24 points. That gap declined to 12 points in the new Journal survey.

I dont think Trump is as bad as people say he is," said Kashmere Farmer, a 31-year-old in Goldsboro who picked Trump for the past two presidential elections and plans to vote for him again. Its the people that follow him that do craziness. He cant cross-check every person. His job is to run the country."

A mother and active-duty member of the Air Force, Farmer said she likes how Trump talks about the strength of the military, about bringing jobs back to the U.S., and blocking China from buying land in the U.S. Outside of a Target where she was buying diapers last week, she said Trump has been attacked and that she likes to see him push back, calling it hilarious and ballsy."

In the Journal poll released Sunday, 89% of Republicans said they definitely plan to vote for Trump. Should the former president be convicted of a felony in the many court challenges hes facing, 86% said they would still choose Trump.

Not all voters are thrilled to face the same choice on the ballot they had in 2020. Roger Kearney, age 76, a food-service worker from Greene County, N.C., said he might select Haley in the primary, even though shes unlikely to grab the nomination. In November, hell pick Trump, as he did in 2020.

Ill vote for Trump over President Biden," said Kearney, noting that hes a registered Democrat. Of the president, who is 81, he said, hes like me, hes too old." Asked about Trumps 77 years, Kearney said that Trump projects strength and Biden doesnt.

One reason I will vote for him is that I know what he did, and I can accept that," Kearney said of Trump. I do not like what Bidens done," he continued, and I cant accept that."

Write to Natalie Andrews at natalie.andrews@wsj.com
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tamil Nadu, the state BJP convened its Core Committee meeting at the party headquarters in Kamalayam on Monday. As reported by ANI, the meeting was led by BJP State President K Annamalai and attended by senior leaders including Vanathi Srinivasan, Nainar Nagenthiran, AP Muruganandam, and Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over 62,000 crore in Telangana during his two-day visit starting Monday, and will also witness a key procedure at a nuclear power station in Tamil Nadu. On Monday, at around 3:30 pm, the Prime Minister will visit Tamil Nadu to visit Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Kalpakkam, an entity under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The reactor core consists of control subassemblies, blanket subassemblies and fuel subassemblies. The core loading activity consists of loading of reactor control subassemblies, followed by the blanket subassemblies and the Fuel sub-assemblies which will generate power," a PIB release said.

Also Read: 29 events across 12 states, UTs: See PM Modi's pre-Lok Sabha poll 10-day plan

Additionally, he will deliver a speech at a public event in Chennai before heading to Hyderabad later in the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commence a 10-day tour across 12 states and union territories, covering various regions of India ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections. These regions encompass Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised his ministers to avoid controversies and be cautious of deepfakes ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

The Prime Minister issued the fresh warning during his nearly hour-long address while chairing the last formal meeting of his Council of Ministers in New Delhi on March 3.

"Please be mindful before making any statements. Nowadays, there is a trend of deepfake in which voice, etc can be altered, be cautious of this", NDTV quoted a source attributing to the Prime Minister as saying.

The meeting was convened to brainstorm on the vision document 'Viksit Bharat 2047' ahead of the April-May Lok Sabha Elections. It was held a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha 2024 polls. PM Modi will again contest from Varanasi, UP, while Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has been fielded from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

By deepfakes, the prime minister, referred to the Artificial Intelligence-generated audio, images and videos of candidates that have the potential to distort reality in the run up to 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Also Read: What is Viksit Bharat 2047, PM Modi's plan ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024? 5 things to know

The PM had issued similar warnings earlier as well. In December last year, he highlighted the issue of deepfakes on social media and said AI-generated videos and pictures look real. Earlier in November, PM Modi cited an example of a deepfake video that showed him doing the garba. Later, PMs doppelganger said it was not a deep fake, but it was him in the viral garba clip.

There is a concern that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections could witness a barrage of videos and audio clips of political leaders making controversial comments or disparaging remarks about their opponents. Experts said the misleading content can be used to spin a false narrative.

These computer-generated fake videos have already started targeting Indian politicians. In 2023 Madhya Pradesh elections, two doctored video clips of superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati calling the then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan a liar, and portraying Congress party CM hopeful Kamal Nath in a positive light, had also surfaced ahead of the polls.

In November, the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against the Congress, alleging that the party used 'deepfake' technology to create fabricated content, targeting party President K Chandrasekhar Rao and other prominent party leaders and candidates contesting in the 2023 Assembly elections in Telangana.

The countrys first tryst with AI interference in polls was during the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections. A deepfake video of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari criticising Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals policies in different languages hit the internet. Tiwari is the BJP candidate from North East Delhi in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

These unregulated deepfakes pose a global challenge by blurring the line between real and fake. In January, US law enforcement agencies said they were investigating reports of an apparent robocall that used AI to mimic President Joe Bidens voice and discourage voters in the state from coming to the polls during primary elections in New Hampshire. The US Presidential elections are also scheduled for 2024.

AI was used extensively in last year's Presidential Elections in Argentina, eventually won by Javier Milei, according to a New York Times report. AIs prominent role in Argentinas campaign and the political debate it has set off underscore the technologys growing prevalence and show that, with its expanding power and falling cost, it is now likely to be a factor in many democratic elections around the globe," the report titled Is Argentina the First AI Election?" read.

Indian elections are vulnerable to AI misuse because of its cheap internet and huge penetration. The number of online deepfake videos has seen a 550 per cent spike to 95,820 since 2019, according to a 2023 State of Deepfakes report from the United States-based Home Security Heroes. India is the sixth most vulnerable country, according to the report.

The government is also cautious. In December 2023, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to all intermediaries to comply with the existing IT rules. The directive specifically targets the growing concerns around misinformation powered by AI  Deepfakes," the government had said.

The government is also planning to bring a law to regulate AI misuse. Last month, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the government will come out with a draft regulatory framework for AI by June-July.

ARVIND More Information

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been asked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to appear before the agency on Monday for questioning in connection with the money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which has since been scrapped.

Earlier on all the past 7 occasions, Kejriwal has skipped the summons.

The ED has lodged a complaint against Kejriwal for failing to comply with its summons in a Delhi court. The court has exempted the chief minister from personal appearance until March 16. Kejriwal had attended the court proceedings virtually, citing his inability to appear in person due to his engagement in the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi assembly.

Also Read: Top Events of the Day: PM Modi in Telangana, Tamil Nadu; Delhi budget likely today; Kejriwal's 8th ED summons

ED) has alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders received bribes totalling 100 crores related to the 2021-22 excise policy, which was put into effect in November 2021. Following a recommendation from Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the policy was annulled, and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the purported irregularities was initiated.

In one of its six charge sheets, the ED asserted that the excise policy was conceived by Arvind Kejriwal, although he has not been formally charged in the case.

The case currently being investigated by the ED stems from a First Information Report (FIR) alleging numerous irregularities in the formulation and execution of the Delhi Excise Policy (2021-22). The policy was retracted amid accusations of corruption.

Also Read: Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP govt to present budget today based on 'Ram Rajya' theme | 5 points

In its sixth charge sheet filed on December 2, 2023, the ED implicated AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his associate Sarvesh Mishra. Allegedly, the AAP utilized kickbacks totalling 45 crore, purportedly derived from the policy, as part of its electoral campaign in Goa during the 2022 assembly elections.

Two prominent AAP figures, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are already in judicial custody as part of this case. Sisodia, who held the position of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister at the time, was apprehended by the CBI on February 26 after multiple rounds of questioning. Similarly, on October 5, Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the ED.

(With inputs from agencies)

ARVIND More Information

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Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Sunday said certain words in her previous statements might not have pleased Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he had told her she "will not be forgiven". The sitting member of Parliament from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency was reacting to the decision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not to give her party ticket in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, NDTV reported.

The Sadhvi said, "I did not seek a ticket before, and I am not seeking one now. The use of certain words in my previous statements might not have pleased Prime Minister Modi, and he had expressed that I won't be forgiven. However, I had already apologised to him earlier."

It is important to note that Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur is among the 33 sitting BJP MPs whose names were missing from the party's first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections released on Saturday.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakuran accused in the Malegaon blast casehas being replaced by Alok Sharma, a former mayor. Thakur, known for her contentious statements, secured victory over Congress stalwart Digvijaya Singh in the 2019 elections by a margin of 3.65 lakh votes.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in 2019 that he was not happy with Pragya Thakur's earlier remarks against Mahatma Gandhi.

Thakur had stoked controversy in May 2019 for lauding Nathuram Godse as a 'true patriot'.

"Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), is a 'deshbhakt' and will remain a 'deshbhakt'. People calling him a terrorist should instead look within, such people will be given a fitting reply in the election," Sadhvi Pragya Thakur had said.

Criticising her statement, Prime Minister Modi had said that he would never forgive Sadhvi Pragya for calling Mahatma Gandhi's assassin a true patriot.

The BJP tweeted PM Modi as saying: "The comments on Gandhi and Godse are deplorable, disgusting and are not language fit for civilised society. Those who say such things should think 100 times. It is a different issue that they have apologized, but I will not be able to forgive them from my heart," the Prime Minister had said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commence a 10-day tour across 12 states and union territories, covering various regions of India ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.

These regions encompass Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

March 4:

The series of events will kick off with the Prime Minister inaugurating, dedicating, and laying the foundation stone for various development projects in Adilabad, Telangana, followed by addressing a public gathering in the same location.

Also Read: Gau-mutra to cure COVID to Godse remark: Controversies that led Pragya Thakur out from BJP's candidate list

Following this, the Prime Minister will proceed to Tamil Nadu to visit Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Kalpakkam, an entity under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Additionally, he will deliver a speech at a public event in Chennai before heading to Hyderabad later in the day.

March 5:

The following day, March 5, the Prime Minister will head to Sangareddy in Telangana, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various developmental initiatives amounting to 6,800 crore.

Also Read: 'Please be mindful about': PM Modi's parting words to ministers before wishing them luck for Lok Sabha elections 2024

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Chandikhole in Odisha, where he will preside over the inauguration and laying of the foundation stone for numerous development projects exceeding a total worth of 19,600 crore. These projects span across various sectors such as Oil & Gas, Railways, Road, Transport, Highways, and Atomic Energy.

March 6:

Continuing his tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit West Bengal on the third day, where he will introduce projects worth 15,400 crore in Kolkata. Notable among these is the Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section in Kolkata.

Also Read: BJP candidate list 2024: PM Modi, Amit Shah, others feature in first list of 195 candidates | State-wise full list

Also, he will go to Bihar, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple projects valued at approximately 12,800 crore in Bettiah.

March 7:

Prime Minister Modi will journey to Jammu and Kashmir. His itinerary includes addressing a public rally at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Notably, this visit holds significance as it marks Modi's first trip to the Kashmir valley following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Also Read: What is Viksit Bharat 2047, PM Modi's plan ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024? 5 things to know

March 8: Prime Minister Modi is set to partake in the inaugural National Creator's Award ceremony in Delhi, an initiative he unveiled during his recent episode of Mann ki Baat, his monthly radio broadcast. Subsequently, in the evening, he will journey to Assam to engage in various developmental initiatives.

March 9:

Prime Minister Modi's itinerary includes a trip to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel in West Kameng. Subsequently, he will unveil multiple development projects in Itanagar. Later, he will journey to Assam, where he will reveal the statue of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat and lay the foundation stone for various development initiatives in the region. Following this, he will proceed to West Bengal to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Siliguri, concluding the day with a public meeting.

March 10:

Prime Minister Modi will travel to Uttar Pradesh to dedicate various projects in Azamgarh.

March 11:

The day's agenda involves events related to Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi at PUSA in Delhi. Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway and attend a DRDO program in the evening.

March 12:

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sabarmati, Gujarat, and later tour Pokhran in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.

March 13:

The intense schedule concludes with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects in Gujarat and Assam via video conferencing. Following this, he will conduct an outreach program for disadvantaged sections of society.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Congress party may promise a Germany-style apprenticeship and compensation for paper leaks to woo young voters in its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, according to a report.

Led by former Union Finance Minister, P Chidambaram, the Congress partys manifesto committee is said to be in the last stages of drafting the document. The panel will hold a meeting on Monday, March 4, to finalise the document.

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, TS Singh Deo, is the Convenor. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Jairam Ramesh, Shashi Tharoor and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are other members of the panel meeting today.

For quite some time now, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government on joblessness and paper leaks.

Also Read: Be cautious, PM Modis warning to ministers on dangers of deepfakes ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024

The apprenticeship model of Germany and tailoring it for Indian conditions will be pitched by the grand-old party as one of the highlights in the manifesto to address the unemployment issue among the youth, according to the report in The Indian Express.

Germanys dual education model, also known as the dual vocational training system or apprenticeship system, is a unique and successful approach to education and workforce development. The programmes in this model usually last between two and three and a half years and consist of theoretical and practical elements.

The Congress leaders believe this model offers the youth an attractive way to enter the job market. The challenge, however, is to tailor the model to suit Indian conditions since the private and public sectors will have to be involved, the report said.

The Congress party took suggestions from the citizens across the country to frame the partys manifesto. In January, Chidambaram said the partys manifesto for Lok Sabha polls will be a peoples manifesto".

The manifesto is likely to be based on the thrust areas of Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY), which focuses on Protecting the Constitution, emphasising economic, social, and political justice. The Yatra that was kicked off from Manipur in January 2024 will resume in Madhya Pradeshs Shivpuri from Monday.

Also Read: What is Viksit Bharat 2047, PM Modis plan ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024? 5 things to know

The Congress is also said to be working on a promise to soften the blow of repeated question paper leaks, which has resulted in cancellation of several examinations across states. Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commissions (UPPSC) RO/ARO exam was cancelled last week amid allegations of a paper leak. The Congress party plans to provide monetary compensation to victims of paper leaks if it comes to power in 2024.

Reduced to 44 and 52 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections respectively, the Congress party is faced with the formidable task of stopping the BJP from returning to power in the general elections scheduled in April-May. The party has stitched up a coalition with other parties as part of the INDIA bloc.

A confident BJP has already released the names of candidates for 195 seats, with Prime Minister Modi discussing the agenda of his expected third government with his ministers at a meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, March 4.

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PM Modi's visit to Telangana on March 4-5 is full of plans. Here's a rundown of the five key actions he's taking:

First, at 10:30 am, he's set to unveil and kickstart projects over 56,000 crore in Adilabad. This move targets the power, rail, and road sectors, aiming to juice up infrastructure and energy supply.

During his visit, PM Modi will launch the enhanced Sanathnagar - Moula Ali rail line, now with double tracks and electrification, plus six new station buildings in Ferozguda, Suchitra Centre, Bhudevi Nagar, Ammuguda, Neredmet and Moula Ali Housing Board stations.

This 22-km stretch is now fully automated and is a key part of the Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS) Phase-II project, improving the local transit system significantly.

The flag-off of the inaugural MMTS Train Service from Ghatkesar-Lingampalli will expand the popular suburban train service to new areas, improving public transport accessibility.

A significant highlight is the inauguration of the Indian Oil Paradip-Hyderabad Product Pipeline. PM Modi will open the Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) centre in Hyderabad. This facility, established at Begumpet Airport by the Airports Authority of India, aims to boost research and development in the civil aviation sector.

On March 5, another wave of development worth more than 6,800 crore is on the agenda in Sangareddy. Roads, rails, petroleum and natural gas are the focus, promising to enhance connectivity and energy resources. PM Modi will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation of multiple projects at 11 am.

In an energy-centric initiative, Modi will inaugurate the NTPC's 800 MW Telangana Super Thermal Power Project. Its touted for its high efficiency and substantial contribution to Telangana's power needs. The project, using Ultra-Supercritical Technology, will provide 85% of its power to Telangana and boasts the highest efficiency, about 42%, among NTPC's Indian stations.

PM Modis multi-state tour on March 4-6

PM Modi will also visit Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar and launch a series of developmental projects.

In Tamil Nadus Kalpakkam, he's all set to witness the core loading of Indias indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) of 500 MWe capacity, developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).

Odisha will see over 19,600 crore in projects, enhancing the oil, gas and infrastructure sectors. Bihar's Bettiah will benefit from projects worth around 12,800 crore, covering diverse sectors.

Kolkata's urban mobility gets a boost with new Metro sections. On March 6, he will launch multiple connectivity projects worth 15,400 crore in West Bengals capital. Modi will inaugurate Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section, Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section and Taratala-Majerhat Metro section (part of the Joka-Esplanade line).

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Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa indicated on March 4 that the party's second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is likely to be finalised by March 6, Wednesday.

The party on March 2 announced its first list of 195 candidates who will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024. The first list featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 34 Union ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani.

The first list had names of candidates from 16 states and two Union Territories. These, however, did not include the candidates from Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa, who is also BJP's Parliamentary Board member, said he will be in the national capital for a meeting on Wednesday, when the candidates from Karnataka will be finalised, news agency PTI said.

Also Read : Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Behind PM Narendra Modi's frequent visits to south is BJP's target 370

Day after tomorrow (March 6), there is a meeting in Delhi. I am going there. Most probably the second list (of Lok Sabha candidates) (also) comprising Karnataka may be finalised. In view of that, I am going to Delhi. I believe that the list will be finalised day after tomorrow. National leaders will take a final decision on the list," he said.

Karnataka sends 28 seats of Lok Sabha. The BJP had won 25 of these 28 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Most probably there will not be any delay. All the seats may be declared."

Of the 195 candidates announced over the weekend, 51 are from Uttar Pradesh, 20 from West Bengal and five from Delhi. The list, included names of 28 women, 47 leaders under the age of 50 and 57 members from the OBC community.

In 2019, the Lok Sabha polls were held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 to elect the members of the 17th Lok Sabha. The result, declared on May 23, saw a landslide victory for the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 303 seats in the 543-member House.

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House Republicans have released transcripts of their depositions with Hunter and James Biden, and weve read them so you dont have to trust what other papers dont want to report. Far from Democratic claims that they show nothing wrong, the testimony confirms the story of political influence peddling and family profiteering. Even if he didnt get a dime himself, Joe Biden willingly assisted his son Hunter and brother James in schemes to cash in on the Biden family name.

***

Under hours of questioning, Hunter and James acknowledged unsavory facts revealed by prior witnesses. Hunter finally admitted that former partner James Gilliar was indeed referring to Joe when he envisioned an equity partnership that included 10 held by H for the big guy" as part of a 2017 deal with Chinese energy company CEFC. This is notable after years of Democratic claims that the laptop on which this email was found was Russian disinformation."

Hunter also confirmed former business partner Tony Bobulinskis testimony of a meeting that same year in Los Angeles with Hunter, James, Tony and Joein the midst of the CEFC deal-making talks. He didnt contest" former partner Rob Walkers testimony that Hunter introduced Joe to the CEFC chairman at the Four Seasons hotel in New York.

He conceded former partner Devon Archers testimony that Joe showed up at business dinners that Hunter hosted in Washingtons Cafe Milano with Kazakhstan and Russian oligarchs, and that he put his father on speakerphone during other meetings.

Several witnesses have explained Hunters role as selling the Biden family brand"that is, his fathers influence in Washington. Mr. Archer, who sat on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma with Hunter, told the committee: Burisma would have gone out of business if it didnt have the brand attached to it."

Mr. Bobulinski said Hunters speakerphone calls were engineered so Joe could impress would-be clients, enabling the transaction." A recent Politico piece about James Bidens ill-fated venture with a hospital operator cited executives who said James invoked Joe while wooing potential business partners."

Yet even as the duo confirmed all this, they want the public to believe that testimony by the same witnesses about influence peddling is dishonest. Hunter said his fathers calls were merely coincidental bonding momentsdoesnt everyone put dad on speakerphone during business meetings? He said the big guy" email was Mr. Gilliar engaging in pie in the sky" dreams of working with a former Vice President," and that Hunter shut it down." He explained that Joe sojourning to Cafe Milano to say hi and order spaghetti was different than Joe coming for" dinner.

Hunter didnt claim his Fifth Amendment right not to answer questions, but he did reveal a conveniently spotty memory. Hunter couldnt recall reading the famous big guy" email, or writing threatening texts, and he disclaimed knowledge of the origins of the $142,000 used to buy him a luxury car. (Mr. Archer said it came from a Kazakhstan oligarch.)

James claimed not to recall his specific interactions with Mr. Bobulinski during the CEFC deal, even as he insisted Mr. Bobulinski never met Joea claim contradicted by Hunter. Hunter blamed his faulty memory and bad behavior on being out of his mind" at times on alcohol and drugs, yet he suggests his substance abuse never caused him to cross ethical lines when it came to his father.

Joes involvement with CEFC and the big guy" email occurred shortly after he left the Vice Presidency. This suggests Joe thought his political career might be over and was out to make money in the Beltway habit. That was his right, but then why didnt he say that in 2020? The facts from the House investigation show he lied to the public about the extent of his knowledge and involvement with the Hunter-James businesses.

The interviews verified that Hunter and James made a bundle from their overseas work, though both struggled to describe what they provided in return. Both men failed to provide compelling explanations for their Escher-like financial accounts, which often involved odd payments, wires and entities. The committee has found more than $20 million from foreign sources that went to Hunter, James and business associates.

***

Republicans plan to invite Hunter for a public hearing, and they may move to impeach President Biden. The latter wont go anywhere in the Senate, and it could backfire politically by mobilizing Democrats in the Presidents defense. Theyd accomplish more by educating the public about the Biden familys influence peddling, and letting voters decide if they want to reward it with a second term.
Vivo V30 series is all set to launch in India on March 7, bringing two new smartphones to the market and are likely to increase the competition in the sub- 40,000 price segment. The two smartphones - Vivo V30 and Vivo V30 Pro - will be the successors to the Vivo V29 series, which was launched in October last year.

Vivo V30 series price (expected):

According to tipster Ashibhek Yadav, the Vivo V30 is expected to be priced at 33,999, while the Vivo V30 Pro could be priced at 41,999. If the V30 Pro is launched at around 40,000, it could face stiff competition from the incumbents in the segment - the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and OnePlus 12R. However, we'll have to wait for Vivo's official pricing announcement on March 7 for more clarity on the matter.

Vivo V30 specifications:

The Vivo V30 is expected to feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support. The smartphone is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and could come with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. On the software front, the Vivo V30 is likely to run on Vivo's own FuntouchOS 14, which is based on the Android 14 operating system.

The Vivo V30 could feature a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor with support for OIS and a 50MP ultra wide angle lens. There is also expected to be a 50MP autofocus sensor on the front of the smartphone to handle all selfie and video calling needs.

Vivo V30 Pro specifications:

Vivo V30 Pro is also likely to feature the same 6.78-inch Full HD+ OLED panel with support for 120Hz refresh rate. On the processor front, however, the Vivo V30 Pro is likely to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset and support up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The Vivo V30 Pro could feature a triple camera setup at the back with a 50MP Zeiss Sony IMX816 primary sensor with support for OIS, a 50MP Sony IMX920 sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. There is also expected to be a 50MP Zeiss autofocus shooter on the front to handle all your selfie and video calling needs.

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In a recent turn of events, Google found itself embroiled in a controversy surrounding its AI platform Gemini, prompting an apology to India following a wave of criticism and concerns, reported TOI.

As per the report from the publication, it is suggested that Google issued an apology to Prime Minister Modi after its AI platform, Gemini, was deemed 'unreliable' and returned unsubstantiated results in response to a query regarding the Prime Minister.

According to statements attributed to Minister of State for IT & Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Indian government had issued a notice to Google seeking clarification regarding the discrepancies in Gemini's responses. In a significant move, Google acknowledged the platform's unreliability, extending an apology to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government.

This incident unfolded against the backdrop of mounting scrutiny over AI platforms operating in India, with the government announcing plans to mandate permits for their operation. Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized the importance of AI platforms respecting Indian consumers and highlighted the legal ramifications under Indian IT and criminal laws for spreading false information.

Additionally, the controversy also surrounding Google's AI chatbot Gemini intensified as it faced allegations of racial bias and historical inaccuracies. Criticism ensued when Gemini reportedly refused to generate images of white individuals and depicted historically white figures as people of color. Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, faced calls for resignation amid the furor.

In response to the outcry, Google took steps to address the concerns, temporarily halting Gemini's human image generation capabilities. Sundar Pichai condemned the error as "completely unacceptable" and pledged to rectify the situation. However, demands for Pichai's resignation surged, with analysts Ben Thompson and Mark Shmulik suggesting that leadership changes within Google were imperative.

Ben Thompson underscored the need for a transformative shift within Google, advocating for the removal of individuals responsible for past missteps, potentially including CEO Sundar Pichai. Similarly, Mark Shmulik questioned the suitability of Pichai and the management team to navigate Google through the challenges ahead.

Google's response to the criticism has been to pause image generation capabilities and commit to releasing an improved version in the future. Sundar Pichai reaffirmed the company's commitment to rectifying the situation, acknowledging the need for corrective measures.

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The fundamental reason for Google suspending Indian apps was the non-payment of its Play Store service fee"a charge that Google levies on apps that earn through subscriptions. At the moment, this fee ranges from 11% to 30%. Startups, including Bharat Matrimony and Shaadi.com, have refused to pay up. Since Indian startups also failed to win an injunction against this fee in an appeal against Google at the Supreme Court, the American tech major has decided to suspend over 10 Indian apps with over 100 million cumulative downloads. At the same time, it has restored the apps that paid the fee.

In what way did this affect Indias startups?

Founders of all major suspended apps told Mint that Play Store is their primary discovery platform. It thus contributes to most of their revenue, and this suspension could reduce their earnings by half. The founders also said that they spend heavily to rank in Googles search, too. Therefore, adding the service fee to it means Google could get as much as 80% of the revenue earned by these Indian startups. This would make their businesses unviable. Startups wont need to pay any service fee if they accept payments outside of their app but startups say this process disrupts their user experience.

How soon could a resolution be worked out?

The competition commission is reviewing Googles compliance of its 2022 order on alleged anti-competitive practices, and a report on this could be published soon. The Supreme Court is expected to hear this matter and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stepped in. So, a resolution is expected either way. Google has temporarily restored the apps.

What are the key arguments?

Startups say the service fee amounts to abusing market dominance. Of the 700 million smartphone users in India, 85% use Googles Android, which also makes these startups dependent on Google for a vast part of their businesses. They claim Googles success is due to them. Google claims the policy of service fee was always clear, and that the fee isnt illegal. CCIs 2022 verdict pointed out its not a pricing regulator. Lawyers said the startups outreach to customers is because of Play Stores network.

Could this row have a wider impact?

Yes. Googles anti-competition lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny in the US influenced the CCIs inspection of the companys India practices. What precedent the dispute lays down will depend on the ministry of electronics and ITs interpretation, the CCIs follow-up order and the Supreme Courts verdict. With India being one of the largest markets alongside the US, the outcome could be key to deciding how anti-competition allegations are investigated around the world. A precedent is likely to be set for other app marketplaces.
Motorola is reportedly gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated X50 series, with the spotlight on its first-ever "Ultra" variant featuring innovative AI capabilities. The company has strategically chosen China as the initial launch market for the Moto X50 Ultra, mirroring the successful Moto X40 series' global debut. Teasers shared on various online platforms provide enthusiasts with a sneak peek into what promises to be a groundbreaking device.

A recent Weibo post from Motorola has created a buzz by offering a glimpse of the Moto X50 Ultra alongside hints of a Formula 1 partnership, suggesting a potential racing-inspired design. Notably, the post emphasized the term "AI Mobile Phone," confirming that the upcoming device will indeed be the inaugural "Ultra" variant with cutting-edge AI features. Speculations are rife that the Moto X50 Ultra's AI capabilities may draw parallels with the renowned Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

Several media reports indicate that the Moto X50 Ultra is set to make its debut in China before venturing into the global market, following the success of its predecessor. Although the official launch date remains undisclosed, reports suggest an imminent announcement in April.

A teaser video showcases the Moto X50 Ultra's distinctive faux leather finish, coupled with a sleek rectangular camera module, reported GSMArena.

Moreover, the publication adds that in terms of specifications, industry insiders have hinted at a robust 4500mAh battery with support for an impressive 125W fast charging capability. The device is expected to boast high-performance AI features, likely powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset or the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC.

With its speculated specs and advanced generative AI features, the Moto X50 Ultra is anticipated to position itself in the premium smartphone market. Furthermore, if the device reaches Indian shores, there are speculations that it may be rebranded as part of the Motorola Edge 50 series.

Reportedly, the global variant may also undergo tweaks in specifications and features to cater to diverse consumer preferences. As excitement builds, tech enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the official launch of the Moto X50 Ultra to witness the latest advancements in Motorola's smartphone technology.

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It can be difficult to notice if someone is in a volatile relationship because the victim may not be honest with you or dismiss your concerns. This is what therapists call 'freezing'.
Trump escalates his immigration rhetoric with baseless claim about Biden trying to overthrow the US

Former President Donald Trump has further escalated his immigration rhetoric, baselessly accusing President Joe Biden of waging a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America at the border as he campaigned ahead of next weeks Super Tuesday contests
if you see Matthew, or have any information, please call Chattanooga police at 423-698-2525 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-find.
Members of North Longford, Longford and Ardagh Ladybirds, Brownies, Guides and Senior Branch have been joining over 10 million Girl Guides in 157 countries celebrating the impact of guiding on their communities.

County Longford is a stronghold of Irish Girl Guides and has been for over 50 years, with around 300 youth members participating in weekly meetings.



On Thursday, February 22, Brownies and Guides from the three Districts met in the Temperance Hall to celebrate World Thinking Day creating a collage of their Thriving World, and on Friday all the Ladybirds in the county got together to celebrate.

World Thinking Day is an opportunity for girls to appreciate the international friendships they find in Guiding, to help grow and share Guiding with more girls and young women delivering life-changing opportunities for girls in underprivileged communities in developing countries around the world and join together to take action on global issues.

Involvement in Guiding has a positive impact on girls, helping them grow in confidence, independence and maturity as they develop essential life-skills. It also affords them opportunities Nationally and Internationally, with girls from Longford travelling abroad to represent Irish Girl Guides at conferences and events.

Joanna Pearman, Annaly area commissioner said: Everything we do in Girl Guiding has an impact on our lives and the lives of the people around us. By taking part in relevant, exciting and fun activities, our members experience positive change within themselves. As they develop different skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, commitment and citizenship, they get motivated to make a positive change in the community and wider world. Hence, Girl Guiding impacts individually and collectively.

Irish Girl Guides has approximately 10,000 members, starting in Ireland in 1911 and operating throughout the 26 counties with 1,500 volunteer leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens.

Girls can choose to earn a wide range of badges, including Community Action, Cultural Diversity, Science Investigator, Engineering and most recently a Robotics badge.



Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age 5+ and volunteer Leaders from age 18+, girls aged 15-25 can undertake or continue their Gaisce Awards through our programme or volunteer with one of our units as part of their school Gaisce programme. To find out more, see HERE..

Contact Joanna on 086 237 2616 to see how you can get involved.
A man who pleaded guilty to driving without insurance was banned from the road for six years and received a suspended prison sentence.

Octavian Cebanu (37) 7 Granard Retail Park, Granard Longford was charged with a number of motoring offences after he was stopped at Granardkill, Granard, Longford driving without documentation.

Mr Cebanu was charged with driving without a drivers licence, insurance and an NCT, failing to produce the documents and not displaying a relevant tax disk.

Sgt Enda Daly said that at 4pm on April 18, 2023 a Garda speed checkpoint observed the defendant driving a red BMW. The vehicle was stopped and a demand was made for the insurance and drivers licence. Mr Cebanu said he would present them at Granard Garda station, but failed to do so.



The court was told the defendant had eight previous convictions, one of which was for possession of a realistic firearm.

Solicitor for the defendant, Frank Gearty, acknowledged his client had a bad history. Mr Gearty explained that the defendant was attending court on the day and had missed the public transport that morning and took a chance. Mr Gearty said he has not taken such a chance since and now has no access to a motor vehicle.

Octavian knows he's at risk of prison, but he is asking for a chance, the solicitor said.

Taking the facts of the matter into consideration Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine 450 for driving without a driver's license and a four month custodial sentence for the no insurance charge.



The prison term was suspended for a period of 18 months on the defendant's own bond of 250.

Mr Cebanu was disqualified from holding a licence for six years.
A woman who pleaded guilty to three motoring offences was banned from the road for two years and received over 1,000 in fines.



Marina Walker (27), of Kilcoursey, Edgeworthstown, Longford faced the charges arising from an incident on August 25, 2023. Ms Walker pleaded guilty to driving with a quantity of cocaine in system above legal limit, and driving without insurance or a drivers licence.

Sergeant Enda Daly told District Court judge, Bernadette Owens, that the defendant was stopped at 11pm on the date of the offence at Knockahave, Dublin Rd, Longford. The officers conducted a road side drug test which returned a positive reading for cannabis and cocaine.



Ms Walker was brought to Longford Garda Station and provided a sample, which subsequently proved positive for cocaine. No documentation was produced.



Solicitor Frank Gearty this was out of character for Ms Walker. He explained that the previous night a good friend of his client had a party before emigrating.

Marina was very emotional, and made a mistake,  Mr Gearty said.

The solicitor told the judge that his client had previously been insured on the car, but she had let her documentation lapse and got into a bad habit of taking it out. The vehicle was seized by Gardai.

She is extremely sorry for what has happened. She recently secured work in a local holiday camp and is a good worker, Mr Gearty said.



Having considered the facts of the case Judge Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of 400 with five month to pay for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, a further fine of 450 with seven month to pay was imposed for driving without insurance and all other matters were taken into consideration.

The offences also attracted a two year ban from holding a licence.
A mechanic for whom cars are his life was banned from the road for four years for driving without documentation. Joseph Ward (29) of Kilcarrow, Ballinalee, Longford faced six charges relating to driving without documentation on February 7, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly told Longford District Court that officers stopped a vehicle on the Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown. Speaking to the driver it transpired the vehicle had no tax or NCT. The driver, Mr Ward, admitted he did not have a driver's licence and told the Gardai he was disqualified since 2022.



The defendant was arrested, with Sgt Daly saying he cooperated at the scene and in the station. The court was told the defendant was serving a driving ban following his convicted for drink driving.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was very apologetic: He wants the court to know he respects the order of the District Court.

Mr Gearty said for the defendant cars are his life. The solicitor said Mr Ward has worked everyday of his life as a mechanic apart from a period where he had health issues.



Since his disqualification Joseph has had an arrangement where his employer and his father bring him to work. On the day he was stopped his father had a medical appointment and he regretfully took a chance. This was not a normal state of affairs, Mr Gearty explained.

The solicitor said if Mr Ward had been patient he would have been able to make an application in September to have his licence restored.

The consequences for this young man are catastrophic, Mr Gearty said, He did not intend to disrespect your order and he now knows the consequences of his action.



Among the challenges the defendant has faced was a period when he underwent treatment for stomach cancer, Mr Gearty said: He is not using this as an excuse, he knows there are consequences of what he has done.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she would give the defendant credit for his early plea and the fact he was very forthright and co-operative with Gardai.

Judge Owens imposed a fine of 600 with seven months to pay and disqualified Mr Ward for four years.
A Canadian who was found carrying over 590,000 of herbal cannabis in two suitcases in Dublin Airport was a complete and utter patsy in the operation, a court has heard.

Daunte Millar Wruck (21) pleaded guilty to a count of importing a controlled drug for sale or supply on August 1, 2023. He has no previous convictions and has been in custody since this date.

Garda Peter Elliott told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court this Monday, March 4, that Wruck was stopped at Terminal One, Dublin Airport by customs officials. He was carrying two suitcases, which were found to contain 29.8kg of herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of 596,000.

Wruck admitted possessing the suitcases, but said he thought they contained artworks which he was taking to Birmingham.

Gda Elliott agreed with Paul Murray SC, defending, that his client entered an early guilty plea, answered all questions put to him and was as co-operative as possible, telling gardai that he took a chance.

It was further accepted that Wruck, who has an address in Canada, told gardai that he expected to receive $10,000 Canadian dollars (7,000) for his involvement.

Gda Elliott agreed that Wruck gave gardai the pin number to his phone. The investigation was able to retrieve messages sent by a third party to Wruck instructing him to book a flight from Toronto via Ottawa to London and also provided money to pay for the flights.

It was accepted that the messages show an issue arose with the original flight and a new one was booked from Ottawa to Birmingham, travelling via Dublin. Wruck was to meet another individual at a hotel in Birmingham.

Gda Elliott agreed with Mr Murray that the third party was in control and Wruck was a complete and utter patsy in the operation.

Mr Murray told the court that his client is a young man with a work history. He built up debts and someone suggested if he did this, he might get some money for it.

He said Wruck took a big gamble and it backfired spectacularly.

Mr Murray asked the court to take into consideration his client's young age, his lack of previous convictions and his lack of connection to Ireland, which will make his time in custody more difficult.

Wruck is doing well in custody and a number of certificates were provided to the court. A letter of apology was also handed in.

Judge Martin Nolan noted that a substantial amount of cannabis was found in the suitcases. He said Wruck acted as a transporter and was going to receive some reward for his involvement.

If he did not know he was transporting illicit drugs, he was certainly reckless in what he did, the judge noted.

He said the court considered the mitigating factors including the guilty plea, Wruck's young age at the time of the offence and his co-operation with gardai.

Judge Nolan said he would impose a sentence of between five and six years for a more mature adult before handing Wruck a sentence of three and half years, backdated to August 1, last.
Longford County Council is encouraging everyone in Longford to get involved in National Tree Week 2024 which is now underway from Sunday, March 3 to Sunday, March 10.

Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and supported by Coillte and Longford County Council, National Tree Week is a week-long festival of tree-related activities. The theme for 2024 is Planting Trees for a Greener Future.

The aim is to encourage people to plant more trees and to improve awareness, understanding and enjoyment of trees and forests across the country. A guided woodland walk will take place in Derrycassin Woods next to Mullinalaghta GAA pitch on Thursday, March 7 at 11am all are welcome.

Planting more trees is the most efficient way of removing carbon from the atmosphere and combatting climate change and by doing something as simple as planting a tree everyone can play their part.

If you would like some native trees for your community, tidy towns group, estate or school you can contact Climate Action Officer with Longford County Council Gary Brady on 043-33 434 51. There are a limited number of trees available, and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The tree species available are Oak, Silver Birch, Common Birch, Scots Pine, Sycamore, Alder and Beech.

Photography Competition for Primary School Children

To celebrate National Tree Week there is an exciting competition for primary school children; simply upload a picture of a tree, forest or a favourite nature space saying why you love it. You and your class could win a trip to Coilltes Beyond the Trees at Avondale Forest Park. Enter the competition here https://www.coillte.ie/national-tree-week/

A series of expert-led webinars including the Annual Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture on Urban Forestry in Ireland will also be running across the week with each session providing valuable insights and perspectives from experts on the critical role of trees in promoting a greener, more sustainable future.

Since its inception in 1985, National Tree Week has been responsible for planting almost one million trees in Ireland. Community groups planning events in their local area can register with the Tree Council at https://www.treecouncil.ie/register-an-event

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray says the evidence of the success of the annual National Tree Week festival can be seen in communities all over Longford. Its a great initiative and we know that it works, so why not get out and join in one of the events, or collect some trees from the Climate Action Officer for your community  the more trees we plant, the better for us all.

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, Im delighted to see the progress of National Tree Week campaigns all over Longford and Longford County Council is happy to lead by example in supporting climate friendly initiatives that benefit all our communities.

Climate Action Officer Gary Brady added, There are some wonderful examples of how beneficial National Tree Week has been over the years dotted around our county. St Mels College have been planting trees on the grounds of the school for the last few years already. St Mary's National School in Newtowncashel also planted a large number of trees a few years back and they should be growing well now. Ballymahon Tidy Towns and Ballymahon Vocational School have also been particularly active on the tree front  adding more and more lungs to each of their own local environments."

For the latest news and events from Longford County Council, follow LongfordCoCo on social media or log on to Longfordcoco.ie.
Community, Charity & Cause

By Chris Boyle Published: March 04 2024

It was truly heartwarming to witness such a strong response," Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said.

In commemoration of February as American Heart Month, Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D  Plainview) recently partnered with the New York Blood Center to host a successful blood drive at the Syosset Fire Department. Each donor received a $10 E-Gift Card as a thank-you for giving from the heart. Thirty-nine pints of blood were collected  enough to save 117 lives.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 04 2024

Fulton Commons Owners Pocketed Millions of Taxpayer Funds While Leaving Residents to Suffer.

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has secured a major settlement with Fulton Commons Care Center, Inc. (Fulton Commons), a nursing home in East Meadow, Nassau County that will require its owners and operator to pay up to $8.6 million and install monitors to reform the nursing homes healthcare and financial operations after years of financial fraud and resident mistreatment. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) launched an investigation into Fulton Commons in 2018 that exposed longstanding resident neglect, abuse, mistreatment, and financial fraud. Fulton Commons will now be controlled in part by an independent healthcare monitor, who will mandate reforms to improve resident care, such as hiring more staff. The OAG is also installing an independent financial monitor to audit Fulton Commons spending and prevent the fraudulent financial transactions its owners engaged in. The owners and operator of Fulton Commons will pay up to $7 million into a fund to implement the required reforms to ensure the safety of its residents, and pay an additional $1.6 million in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare for the funds they illegally diverted.

Attorney General James also secured the guilty plea and sentencing of the Fulton Commons corporation for criminal acts relating to covering up reports of sexual assaults against residents in 2020 and 2022. Fulton Commons was sentenced to a fine of $5,000 and ordered to fully comply with conditions imposed by OAG.

For years, residents at Fulton Commons endured despicable mistreatment that left them with traumatic injuries and humiliating living conditions while the owners and operator of the facility pocketed millions of dollars of taxpayer funds instead of investing in critical care, said Attorney General James. The most vulnerable New Yorkers and their families trusted Fulton Commons to care for them, but instead of dignified treatment, they were neglected and abused. Today, we are ensuring that the owners and operator of Fulton Commons are held responsible for their negligence, and that the facility makes all the necessary changes to guarantee its residents get the care they deserve. My office will always fight for the dignity and rights of vulnerable New Yorkers, and we will continue to hold nursing homes accountable for neglecting those they are supposed to care for.

In December 2022, Attorney General James sued Fulton Commons and its owners, operator, former controller, former administrator, and various related corporate entities for financial fraud and resident neglect and mistreatment that violated New York and federal laws. The lawsuit detailed a number of horrific resident experiences and the financial schemes Fulton Commons owners used to illegally profit.

Resident Abuse and Neglect

As a result of its owners profiteering, residents suffered and lived in despicable conditions. Insufficient staffing meant vulnerable residents were neglected and often had no assistance with basic daily tasks. Vulnerable residents suffered sexual abuse and unexplained bruising, lacerations, and other injuries, missed medical treatments and dosages of medication, were left to sit in soiled, unchanged briefs for hours, and were denied assistance with visiting the bathroom. Residents and their families cited numerous other deficiencies in care, such as Fulton Commons failure to provide basic bodily and dental hygiene or nutritional management. Under Fulton Commons former administrator, Cathie Doyle, the facility implemented a dangerous and unlawful policy that failed to report allegations of sexual abuse to law enforcement, thus putting all of the facilitys residents at risk.

Residents suffered humiliating and dangerous conditions:

A woman was admitted to Fulton Commons for rehabilitation and care after having her foot amputated due to diabetes. When she rang her call bell it would often go unanswered, and as a result, she would miss doses of her medication or sit in her soiled briefs for prolonged periods of time. In January 2020, her remaining foot developed an infection which progressed until her entire foot turned black from necrosis. On the day she died in November 2020, her healthcare proxy arrived at Fulton Commons and attempted to see her but was told her condition was not severe enough to merit an in-person visit. She died less than two hours later.

After a woman suffering from dementia was admitted to Fulton Commons in 2018, her son observed the facility was insufficiently staffed, often with just one or two staff members on hand to supervise 30 residents at a time. In 2019, the residents son found his mother with a large bruise on her forehead that none of the staff could explain. In January 2020, he arrived for another visit and found his mother in the lunchroom, out of her wheelchair, and crawling around on the floor while staff looked on and did not intervene. On another occasion, he witnessed his mother tied to her wheelchair with what appeared to be a piece of clothing. His mother died at Fulton Commons in April 2020.

A 53-year-old man was admitted to Fulton Commons in September 2021 after a series of strokes. He had difficulty walking, and so required assistance using the bathroom. Staff regularly failed to respond to his call bell, and eventually he defecated on himself. When staff finally came to his room, they berated him for soiling himself. The resident grew so afraid of the consequences of having another accident that he attempted to reach the bathroom without assistance after his call bell went unanswered. This resulted in a number of falls, including one where he remained on the floor for five hours until a staff member finally came to his room. As his condition worsened, his wife insisted he be transferred to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection  a condition that should have been identified and treated at Fulton Commons.

Financial Fraud

Between January 2018 and January 2022, the owners of Fulton Commons orchestrated two different financial schemes to steer funding intended for patient care to themselves. In one scheme, the current owners paid themselves $14.9 million in fraudulent inflated rental payments using Medicare and Medicaid funds. In another scheme, the principal owner and operator of Fulton Commons, Moshe Kalter, paid fraudulent salaries to his eight adult children, who were each one percent owners of Fulton Commons, for no-show jobs at the nursing home. In total, more than $16 million in taxpayer funds went into Fulton Commons owners pockets instead of being used to care for its residents.

Required Reforms and Penalties

Fulton Commons and its owners and operator will be mandated to undergo reforms to ensure the facility complies with all New York laws and improves patient care. Fulton Commons can be excluded from the Medicaid program if they violate the terms imposed by OAG, and the terms will still apply even if Fulton Commons is sold to new owners.

Independent Healthcare Monitor

Fulton Commons owners must pay for and appoint an Independent Healthcare Monitor (IHM) to oversee all healthcare operations at the facility and ensure the nursing home improves resident care. The IHM will ensure Fulton Commons consistently operates with sufficient staff levels to provide all required care to the nursing homes existing and future residents and will maintain or increase staff pay to ensure the facilitys staff-to-resident ratios are adequate. The IHM must also be consulted before Fulton Commons hires any administrator or medical director. The IHMs recommendations will be binding. Fulton Commons will be penalized $5,000 per day if it fails to implement a recommendation from the IHM in a timely manner.

Independent Financial Monitor

Fulton Commons owners must also pay for and appoint an Independent Financial Monitor (IFM) to oversee Fulton Commons finances. The IFM will have the power to approve or reject all transactions related to the implementation of the IHMs recommendations or any other part of the settlement terms. The IFM will also have the authority to reject the kinds of fraudulent financial transactions the owners of Fulton Commons engaged in, including payments to related parties, as well as payments to management or consulting companies. This oversight will help ensure Fulton Commons appropriately spends the Medicaid and Medicare funds it receives, maintains sufficient resources to fund the necessary reforms, and fully complies with the terms of the agreement with the Office of the Attorney General. Under this agreement, Fulton Commons ownership is barred from taking any withdrawals or distributions until such payments are approved by the IFM at the end of the calendar year.

The payments for the IHM and IFM cannot come from the nursing homes operating account or the fund established for resident care.

Chief Compliance Officer

Fulton Commons will appoint a Chief Compliance Officer responsible for ensuring the IHMs recommendations are fully implemented, and that Fulton Commons complies with all applicable federal and state laws.

Financial Penalties

The respondents will be responsible for up to $8.6 million in financial penalties, including:

$1.5 million in restitution of Medicaid and Medicare funds

A minimum of $6 million, and as much as $7 million, to establish a Resident Care Fund to cover the costs of all improvements recommended by the IHM

$100,000 to OAG to reimburse the costs of the investigation

Criminal Investigation

In November 2022, Attorney General James announced the indictment of Fulton Commons and two former staff members in connection with allegations that a licensed practical nurse (LPN) sexually assaulted several female residents at Fulton Commons. A Nassau County Grand Jury indicted the nurse for crimes related to his sexual assault of an 82-year-old resident at the facility in the fall of 2020. While the prosecution was pending, the nurse died of natural causes. The Grand Jury also indicted Fulton Commons former Director of Nursing with multiple counts related to her efforts to cover up the allegations of sexual assault and failing to report them to law enforcement and the New York State Department of Health, as she was required to do under New York state and federal law. In March 2023, the Director of Nursing pleaded guilty to Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree and Willful Violation of Public Health Laws and has been cooperating with the OAG investigation.

On February 28, 2024, in Nassau County Court, Fulton Commons entered guilty pleas to two counts of Attempted Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, class A Misdemeanors, in satisfaction of the 2022 indictment. The corporation admitted that, in October and November 2020, Fulton Commons attempted to falsify business records relating to a report that a Fulton Commons employee had sexually abused a resident, and further admitted that, on January 6, 2022, Fulton Commons attempted to falsify business records to the Department of Health by providing false information to a Department of Health inspector during an investigation of allegations of sexual abuse of two other residents. The Court sentenced Fulton Commons to a fine of $5,000 and a conditional discharge requiring full compliance with the civil settlement.

Attorney General James has been investigating nursing homes throughout New York based on concerns of patient neglect and other conduct that may have jeopardized the health and safety of residents and employees, both before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, Attorney General James released a report revealing that many nursing homes were ill-equipped and ill-prepared to deal with the pandemic crisis because of poor staffing levels and a lack of compliance with infection control protocols.

In June 2023, Attorney General James sued the owners and operators of four nursing homes owned and operated by Centers for Care LLC for financial fraud and resident neglect. In April 2023, Attorney General James co-led a coalition of attorneys general in calling for increased transparency of nursing home ownership. In February 2023, Attorney General James and United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York Carla Freedman secured more than $7.1 million from the Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care, a former nursing home in Ballston Spa, and its owners, unlicensed operator, and landlord for years of fraud and resident neglect. In December 2022, Attorney General James sued Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for diverting millions in government funding from resident care, causing widespread resident neglect and abuse. In November 2022, Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Albion, New York, for years of financial fraud that resulted in significant resident neglect and harm.

Attorney General James encourages anyone with information or concerns about alarming nursing home conditions, or resident abuse or neglect to file a confidential complaint online or call the MFCU hotline at (833) 249-8499.

The proceedings were handled by the Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The investigations were conducted by Detective Supervisor Dominick DiGennaro, Detectives John Tarpey, Anthony Caban, Thomas Fisch, Patrick Lubin, Stanislav Tabakov, and Medical Analysts Stephanie Keyser, R.N. and Mary Conway, R.N., assisted by Detective Allison Smith and Senior Detective Larry Williams. The detective teams were supervised by Deputy Chief William Falk, MFCU Commanding Officer and Deputy Chief Ronald Lynch, MFCU Executive Officer. Financial and data analysis was conducted by Sr. Auditor-Invs. Kristen Ronan and Khristian Diaz, Auditor-Investigator Tashi Hamilton, Principal Auditor-Invs. Mary Gail Kowtna, and Olga Sunitsky. Regional Chief Auditor Gretchen Hugh with Confidential Systems Analysts Doreen Lankowicz and Anil Varghese, Lead Data Scientist Si Lok Chao, Legal Support Analyst Anne Liptak, and Supervising Legal Assistant Alexandra Schmit.

The state was represented in the civil proceedings by Special Assistant Attorneys General Prabhjot Sekhon-Treanor, Jill D. Brenner, and Ferron A. Lien, and Deputy Chief of Civil Enforcement Diana Elkind, all supervised by Hauppauge Regional Director Veronica Bindrim-MacDevitt and Chief of Civil Enforcement Alee N. Scott.

The criminal matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorneys General Brandon L. Phillips, Michael Orvets, and Regional Deputy David Arias, under the supervision of New York City Regional Director Twan Bounds and MFCU Chief of Criminal Investigations Thomas OHanlon, with valuable support from Crime Victims Assistance Coordinator Priscilla Tavares.

MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. MFCU is a part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Attorney General James thanks the New York State Department of Health and Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald, M.D., M.P.H.; the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, Frank T. Walsh, Acting Inspector General; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region; the New Jersey Attorney Generals Offices Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Nassau County Police Department, and the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

New York MFCUs total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 is $68,997,928. Of that total, 75 percent, or $51,748,448, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,249,480 for FY 2024, is funded by New York state.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers in Gaza. (IDF)

Israel faced increased rocket fire and an anti-tank missile attack on March 4, illustrating that both Hamas and Hezbollah are seeking to escalate tensions. The attacks came as hostage and prisoner exchange talks between Israel and Hamas are ongoing. Iran, which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah, has sought to unite various fronts against Israel since the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7.

During the afternoon of March 4, sirens sounded in Sderot near Gaza as well as in six communities in northern Israel. While there is no evidence to confirm the coordination of rocket fire, simultaneous attacks show how terrorists operating from Lebanon and Gaza continue to threaten Israeli border communities on multiple fronts. Sderot, a city on the Gaza border with 35,000 residents, was evacuated after the Hamas attack on October 7. Around 50% of residents have returned, and schools reopened on March 3. This rocket fire appears to seek a disruption to civilian life again.

Israeli forces in Gaza have become more proficient at quickly eliminating terrorists involved in launching rockets. However, these operations to close the circle on the rocket threat are still largely reactive, happening after the rockets have been fired. Over the last month rocket fire from Gaza has been reduced, but there was an uptick in the last week, including sirens in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. The IDF said on March 4 that it had tracked down the terrorists who fired rockets at two border communities. On Saturday, Islamic Jihad terrorists fired rockets toward Kibbutz Beeri and Kibbutz Hatzerim. In under 30 minutes since the launch, IDF troops identified the terrorist cell and directed an aircraft that struck and eliminated the terrorists, the IDF said.

In northern Israel, Hezbollah threats also continue to claim lives. On March 4, Hezbollah targeted the community of Moshav Margaliot in northern Israel, killing one person and wounding nine. Several of the wounded were seriously injured. The attack targeted foreign agricultural workers. In many small Israeli communities along the border with Gaza and also with Lebanon foreign workers make up some or many of the field hands. The March 4 killing of the foreign worker illustrates the danger the workers continue to be in. For many agricultural communities near the border, the choice is between employing workers and sending some residents to return, or abandoning crops and animals, such as chickens and cows.

The IDF said there were sirens in northern Israel during the evening of March 4 due to a drone infiltration. It was the second round of sirens warning of a drone threat that day, with the earlier sirens turning out to have been a false alarm. The second alarm, however, indicated a real threat, and the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory, the IDF said.

In addition, the IDF said that rockets were launched toward Mount Dov, near the Lebanon and Syrian border. The IDF struck the sources of the launches. Additionally, IDF fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah military compounds in southern Lebanon, the IDF said.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post.
Motorists could pay up to 4 to drive over the 20km distance between Luxembourg and Metz

Luxembourg-Metz toll to be among most expensive in France

The A31 to Luxembourg has been free of charge since it was built. The A31bis project is set to change all that, with the concessioning of the section between the south of Thionville and the border.

The A31 to Luxembourg has been free of charge since it was built. The A31bis project is set to change all that, with the concessioning of the section between the south of Thionville and the border.  Photo credit: archives LW/Lex Kleren

The A31 to Luxembourg has been free of charge since it was built. The A31bis project is set to change all that, with the concessioning of the section between the south of Thionville and the border.  Photo credit: archives LW/Lex Kleren

France plans to introduce tolls on the stretch of motorway between Metz and the Luxembourg border to help pay for expansion works, and the cost to drivers could be higher than on most fee-paying roads in the country.

The A31bis project - already approved by the French government - could have an impact on cross-border worker habits, as using the motorway that is currently free-of-charge could become a pricey trip.

Also read:

France to introduce toll on motorway between Luxembourg and Metz

Moselle Prefect Laurent Touvet at a press briefing in Metz on 20 February outlined what the motorway to Luxembourg will look like by 2032.

The route chosen for the Thionville bypass. It includes a deep tunnel under Florange.  Photo credit: Prefecture de Moselle

The two 2-tolls are meant to pay for extensive modernisation and expansion works that include widening the motorway to three lanes each way between Thionville and the border as well as a tunnel under the town of Florange to bypass Thionville.

The project is set to cost 900 million, after debates of over 30 years around the motorways expansion.

For cross-border workers travelling between France and Luxembourg from Mondays to Fridays, this would therefore add up to 4 per journey, 8 per day and 160 a month. The price could, however, vary depending on the time of day.

Instead of toll barriers that would slow down traffic, the project relies on gantries equipped with cameras to scan number plates; payment can then be made later via the Internet.

Well above the national average

Taking the motorway would therefore cost an estimated 20 cents per kilometre, a price tag much higher than elsewhere in France. The 340km journey between Thionville and Paris via the A31 and A4 costs 28.70 in tolls, or 8 cents per kilometre. The countrys average lies at 7 cents per kilometre..

The trip would not be the most expensive one in France though. That prize goes to the Orgeval-Paris La Defense journey on the A14 in the Ile-de-France region: at peak times, motorists have to pay 10.60 euros for 20 km, or about 50 cents per kilometre.

(This article first appeared on Virgule. Translation and adaptation by Tracy Heindrichs.)
CSV deputy and Hesperange mayor Marc Lies has come under fire over the weekend after suggesting that a crime in his commune was likely committed by refugees.

A resident of Hesperange, where 18% of the population comes from abroad, on Friday posted on social media that five of his chickens had been decapitated by an unknown suspect who had broken into his pen.

Lies commented on the post, telling the victim he should talk with Mister Asselborn [former foreign affairs and immigration minister] who for years promoted open the gates.

Implying that refugees were involved in the crime, Lies continued that to reintroduce law and order will be extremely difficult with our society completely deregulated by left parties and a press that only does PR, instead of basics, concluding his comment with Byebye Luxembourg.

The mayors party, the CSV - which sits in government with the DP - commented on Sunday that Marc Liess statements on the refugee policy of the last few years are his own and do not reflect those of the CSV.

The party held a clarifying conversation with Marc Lies where the mayor said his unfortunate comments were not meant to have a link with refugee policy, the CSV told broadcaster RTL in a statement.

Also read:

Extremists gain ground in EU election poll

Support from the far right

Support for Lies came from the conservative right-wing ADR, with members of parliament Fred Keup and Tom Weidig praising the Hesperange mayor for speaking up.

Once again, a politician who has the courage to speak his mind, is silenced, Weidig posted in reaction to the backlash Lies received. Weidig in January had been accused of threatening a caricaturist over a cartoon featuring CSV Home Affairs minister Leon Gloden who approved the controversial begging ban in Luxembourg City.

Weidig had said the cartoon trivialises politically motivated intimidation and suggested the artist tell him where he lives so he could know what it feels like to be threatened.

Other politicians slammed Liess comments, including Asselborn. The former minister, who left politics following last years election, said on his Facebook page on Saturday that the mayors remarks must almost be a component of the Senningen spirit, referring to the venue where Luxembourgs CSV-DP government holds its weekly cabinet meetings.

I dont care as much about what Mr Lies associates with my name, but Im not the only one who isnt indifferent to whether this CSV-DP coalition... which still governs the country, is on the safe way to be at risk of playing into the ADRs cards, he added.

Suspecting refugees of being chicken thieves is quite the feat, he added.

Also read:

Crowded shelters keep turning away refugees despite cold snap

Other public figures reacted too, with LSAP politician Tom Jungen saying he was worried and angry in the face of what is not a political controversy but a cheap and dangerous polemic from an elected representative.

Former Green deputy Marc Hansen also on social media spoke of a first class right-wing populist amalgamation, while musician Serge Tonnar said the CSV is doing the ADRs dirty work.
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Co-founder of One Financial Services Jack Morrone 84 will be the featured lecturer for Lycoming Colleges James W. Harding Executive Speaker Series. The event is slated for Monday, March 25, 7 p.m., in the Trogner Presentation Room, in the Krapf Gateway Center on the Lycoming College campus. The event is free and open to the public.

In his talk, Adversity Introduces You to Yourself, Morrone will reflect on the challenges he has faced in the 40 years since graduating from Lycoming. He will discuss his early career obstacles, the unique dynamics of caring for children with special needs, and the genesis and ongoing elements of establishing and owning one of the leading financial services firms in his community.

Morrone and his wife Leslie are parents to three children, two of whom have special needs and intellectual disabilities. While many would consider it challenging to raise two children with special needs, Morrone appreciates the unique gifts his children have helped him more fully develop, including patience, understanding, problem-solving, and prioritizing  qualities that are woven into both his personal life and professional life.

Jack is coming back to campus to discuss how his years at Lycoming helped him start his own business and achieve success in the field of financial advising.

For the past thirty-three years, Morrones life-experiences, combined with his professional and technical knowledge, have made him well-positioned to provide advice and counsel to people facing important life decisions, and Morrone received recognition for this when he was celebrated in the June 2017 edition of Mens Health. Click here to read the story of Morrone and his family.

Its important for our students, and for the Williamsport community, to see how a liberal arts and sciences degree can guide a student through a meaningful career, said Elizabeth Moorhouse, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, chair of the department, and director of the Institute for Management Studies at Lycoming College. Jack is coming back to campus to discuss how his years at Lycoming helped him start his own business and achieve success in the field of financial advising.

After studying accounting at Lycoming College, Morrone embarked on a career in financial services. He was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for both 2021 and 2022. He has earned multiple professional designations, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP). He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He is also a member and serves on the Investment Committee of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and is Series 7, 24, and 63 registered through LPL Financial and holds a Pennsylvania resident life, health, and disability insurance license.

Wanting to share his time and talents with others, Morrone volunteers with several non-profit organizations, and currently serves on the board of directors for LifePath Foundation, LifePath Corporation, and The Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley.

The presentation is sponsored by Lycoming Colleges Institute for Management Studies. The James W. Harding Executive Speaker Series is named for James W. Harding, a 1938 graduate of Lycoming College and an executive with Kemper Insurance. As the result of a grant from the James S. Kemper Foundation to endow the series, students have the opportunity to meet and network with some of America's top business executives from numerous internationally-recognized companies and firms.
Apple has been fined an astonishing 1.8 billion euros (roughly $1.95 billion) by EU regulators. The news was reported Monday by The New York Times and follows a five-year investigation into alleged anticompetitive behavior.

The decision relates to the dominance of Apples iOS App Store and the claim that it leverages this dominance to punish rivals or squeeze them out of the market. Back in 2019, Spotify complained about the Cupertino giants practices and Apples defensive PR campaign wasnt enough to dissuade the EU from launching an investigation.

The dispute centers around the rules and fees that Apple levies on developers who sell apps for the iPhone and other devices. Spotify claimed the rules purposely limit choice and stifle innovation at the expense of the user experience, while the 30 percent commission on all app revenues was claimed to be excessive. (This fee has since been lowered in many cases.) Devs were also forced to use Apples own payment system, preventing them from avoiding the revenue cut, although this too is an area where Apple has begun to make small compromises since the investigation began.

Commenting on the decision, European Commission executive VP Margrethe Vestager said: For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store.

Apple, meanwhile, has insisted that it will appeal against the ruling. While we respect the European Commission, the company said in a statement, the facts simply dont support this decision.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 38F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Occasional snow showers. Low 27F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
A Market Basket location in Tewksbury can boast the sale of 10 winning lottery tickets on Sunday.

The store, located at 1900 Main St. in Tewksbury, sold 10 winning tickets in The Numbers Game, each worth $2,030.

The Numbers Game is drawn twice daily, according to the lottery website. Players select up to four numbers each from 0 and 9 and select certain bet types.

The largest lottery prize of the day was won or claimed at Kindred Spirits in Lunenburg, where a $40,000 Keno ticket was sold or claimed.

Overall, there were at least 262 lottery prizes worth $600 or more won or claimed in Massachusetts on Saturday, including one in Springfield, seven in Worcester and 20 in Boston.

The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.

So far, the two largest lottery prizes won in Massachusetts in 2024 were two $4 million prizes. One was claimed on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and the other was claimed on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Tewksbury police have charged a Connecticut man in connection with a January incident during which a man exposed himself to a woman in a Main Street parking lot.

Norwich resident Logan Lajeunesse, 24, is facing a felony charge of open and gross lewdness, Tewksbury police said in a press release. Lajeunesse is accused of exposing himself to a woman near the Stadium Plaza Shopping Center before driving away in a white pickup truck.

The incident was reported to police shortly after it occurred on Jan. 25, but officers did not find the driver or truck in the parking lot, police said. In early February, police released surveillance footage of the suspect, but to no avail.

In early February, Tewksbury police released surveillance footage of a suspect believed to have exposed himself in front of a woman in a Main Street parking lot.Tewksbury Police Department

Police eventually identified Lajeunesse as a suspect through search warrants and other investigative techniques, they said. His mugshot bears resemblance to the surveillance footage of the suspect released by police.

It was difficult to identify this suspect since he does not live in the area, but our detectives worked hard until they were able to make an identification, Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus said in the release.

Read more: Tewksbury police looking for man who exposed himself outside business

Lajeunesse turned himself in on Thursday and was arraigned in Lowell District Court the same day, police said. He was released on personal recognizance bail, court records show, but was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to stay away from the parking lot where the incident happened.

Lajeunesse is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on April 16.
Jack Teixeira, the Massachusetts Air National Guard member accused of leaking highly classified military documents about Russias war in Ukraine and other national security secrets, is expected to plead guilty on Monday in federal court.

The 22-year-old is due to appear in Bostons federal courthouse for a change of plea hearing nearly a year after he was arrested in the case stemming from the most consequential national security leak in years.

Teixeira, of North Dighton, Massachusetts, has been behind bars since his April arrest in the case that raised alarm over Americas ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets and forced the Biden administration to scramble to try to contain diplomatic and military fallout.

The leak led the Pentagon to tighten controls to safeguard classified information, and the Air Force disciplined 15 personnel as its inspector general found last year that multiple officials intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeiras suspicious behavior.

Teixeira had previously pleaded not guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

A judge last year ordered Teixeira to remain behind bars while he awaits trial after prosecutors revealed he had a history of violent rhetoric and warned that U.S. adversaries who might be interested in mining Teixeira for information could help him escape.

Teixeira remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, the Air Force said.

Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys have provided further details about Teixeiras plea agreement. An attorney for Teixeira has not responded to messages seeking comment.

Teixeira was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts when authorities say he illegally collected military secrets and shared them with other users on Discord, a social media platform popular with people playing online games. Teixeira worked as a cyber transport systems specialist, essentially an IT specialist responsible for military communications networks.

Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings. The leak exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russias war in Ukraine, the capabilities and geopolitical interests of other nations and other national security issues.

Prosecutors have said little about an alleged motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy.

Prosecutors have said Teixeira continued to leak government secrets even after he was warned by superiors about mishandling and improper viewing of classified information. In one instance, Teixeira was seen taking notes on intelligence information and putting them in his pocket.

The Air Force inspector general found that members intentionally failed to report the full details of Teixeiras unauthorized intelligence-seeking because they thought security officials might overreact. For example, while Teixeira was confronted about the note, there was no follow up to ensure the note had been shredded and the incident was not reported to security officers.

It was not until a January 2023 incident that the appropriate security officials were notified, but even then security officials were not briefed on the full scope of the violations.
The New Hampshire man accused of killing his girlfriend, which led to an Amber Alert being issued Friday morning after he drove off with their two young daughters, was held without bail following his court appearance on Monday.

Dustin Duren, 37, was charged with second-degree murder and appeared virtually in Berlin District Court.

Due to the seriousness of Durens charge, prosecutors were granted by a judge their request that he be held without bail. He is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on March 13.

When asked by the judge if he had anything he wanted to say, Duren, who appeared masked and inside a cell, had nothing to add.

At around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, New Hampshire State Police and Berlin, New Hampshire, police arrived at an apartment at 1063 Main St. in Berlin, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formellas office said. Inside, they found the body of Caitlyn Naffziger, 31.

An autopsy conducted Friday found that she died from a single gunshot wound to the head, Formellas office said. Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Michell Weinberg determined the manner of death was homicide.

As part of the investigation into Naffzigers death, authorities issued an Amber Alert that said Duren had taken their two daughters, ages 4 and 1, Massachusetts State Police told MassLive. At the time, they were last seen in a white Subaru Impreza driving south. Authorities thought Duren might have been driving to Minnesota.

However, Duren didnt make it that far. By around 11 a.m. Friday, his car was spotted about 160 miles away from Berlin outside a restaurant on Key Road in Keene, New Hampshire, Formellas office said. People outside the restaurant recognized the car and called police. Police found the Durens inside the car and the father was placed into custody. The children were safe, New Hampshire State Police said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In Northampton, a doctor works to make medical visits inclusive and gender affirming from the get-go.

A psychiatric hospital in Holyoke is exploring religious and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health care, wanting people to feel understood and validated in their life experiences.
The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to ban the Republican former president over the Capitol riot.

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

Trump posted on his social media network shortly after the decision was released: BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

The outcome ends efforts in Colorado, Illinois, Maine and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his partys nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed disappointment in the courts decision as she acknowledged that Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary.

Trumps case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with a provision of the 14th Amendment that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from holding office again.

Colorados Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.

The justices sidestepped the politically fraught issue of insurrection in their opinions Monday.

The court held that states may bar candidates from state office. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency, the court wrote.

While all nine justices agreed that Trump should be on the ballot, there was sharp disagreement from the three liberal members of the court and a milder disagreement from conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett that their colleagues went too far in determining what Congress must do to disqualify someone from federal office.

FILE - Insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. All eyes are on the Supreme Court in Donald Trump's federal 2020 election interference case. The conservative-majority Supreme Court's next moves could determine whether the former president stands trial in Washington ahead of the November election.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)AP

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they agreed that allowing the Colorado decision to stand could create a chaotic state by state patchwork but said they disagreed with the majoritys finding a disqualification for insurrection can only happen when Congress enacts legislation. Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President, the three justices wrote in a joint opinion.

Its unclear whether the ruling leaves open the possibility that Congress could refuse to certify the election of Trump or any other presidential candidate it sees as having violated Section 3.

Derek Muller, a law professor at Notre Dame University, said it seems no, noting that the liberals complained that the majority ruling forecloses any other ways for Congress to enforce the provision. Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, wrote that its frustratingly unclear what the bounds might be on Congress.

Hasen was among those urging the court to settle the issue so there wasnt the risk of Congress rejecting Trump under Section 3 when it counts electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2025.

We may well have a nasty, nasty post-election period in which Congress tries to disqualify Trump but the Supreme Court says Congress exceeded its powers, he wrote.

Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which heard arguments less than a month ago, on Feb. 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Trumps favor.

Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Courts decision.

The case is the courts most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore, a decision delivered a quarter-century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush. And its just one of several cases involving Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The timing of the high courts intervention has raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.

People stand on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, Feb. 11, 2022, in Washington. The Supreme Court has agreed to take up a dispute over a medication used in the most common method of abortion in the United States. (AP Photo/Miriam Zuhaib, File)AP Photo/Miriam Zuhaib

The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3. The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency.

Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.

The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Trumps name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to fight like hell. They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.

Trumps lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment cant be used to keep him off the ballot. They contended the Jan. 6 riot wasnt an insurrection and, even if it was, Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.

The case was decided by a court that includes three justices appointed by Trump when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.

The 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then. Thomas has ignored calls by some Democratic lawmakers to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.
Wellesley police arrested two people Sunday after a SWAT team responded to a public housing complex following a report of an armed robbery, according to police.

The incident stemmed from a 911 call made just before 3:15 p.m. in which a man reported that he had been robbed at gunpoint, Wellesley police said in a press release. He explained that hed stayed over at an apartment in the Barton Road public housing development and walked to the store to buy some food, but when he returned, he noticed that a bag containing his medication had been removed from his suitcase.

There were three people in the apartment at the time  two men and a woman  and when he asked one of them for his medication back, one of the men pointed a gun at him, police said. The man told the victim he would not be getting his medication back and that he should leave the apartment.

Read more: Man and woman found shot dead inside Haverhill home

Officers responded to the complex and saw three people in the window of the apartment, but the group did not answer the phone when officers tried to contact them, police said. The apartments in the complex are close together, so police evacuated the rest of the residents as they called in a SWAT team.

Soon, the three people inside the apartment came out one by one, police said. One was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident, one was arrested on an unrelated warrant and one was released at the scene.

The SWAT team then swept the apartment to make sure no one else was inside, police said. The complexs residents were then permitted to return to their homes.

The police department wrote on social media that the scene had been resolved peacefully just after 6:40 p.m. on Sunday. The suspect charged with assault is set to be arraigned in Dedham District Court on Monday.

The victim had stayed in the apartment after meeting some people in Boston on Saturday who offered to let him stay there for $40 instead of renting an Airbnb, The Boston Globe reported. The woman is reportedly the tenant in the apartment, and first man who left the apartment told police he was just taking out the trash and didnt know what was going on.

Additionally, one of the men reportedly had an arrest warrant out against him for traffic violations, the Globe reported. He told police he didnt want to be taken into custody, but it is unclear which of the three people were ultimately arrested.

No further information about the incident, including the identities of the three people involved, has been released.
NPC HK deputy proposes establishing permanent national security education and training base in Hong Kong

16:53, March 04, 2024 By Chen Qingqing ( Global Times

Since the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, local authorities and schools in the city have placed increased importance to the patriotic education including adding contents concerning the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security into the curriculum, said Wong Kam-leung, a deputy of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region to the National People's Congress, who hoped that Hong Kong will establish a permanent national security education and training base.

Wong, who is also the chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW), told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday night that there is a stronger sense of promoting patriotic education, national education and national awareness in Hong Kong, and as an educator, he said he hopes that "the next generation we cultivate will have a strong sense of patriotism and national identity."

They should be talents who love both our country and the HKSAR, Wong said, noting that he has come up with five suggestions to the two sessions after collecting about 100 opinions among local educators in Hong Kong from January to February.

Among nearly a hundred opinions, some involve optimizing Hong Kong's education system, including increasing the content related to national education, enhancing support for sister schools in the Chinese mainland, and increasing the proportion of physical education in curriculum hours, according to a suggestion proposed by the HKFEW to the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

Additionally, many respondents also put forward recommendations concerning the overall development of the country, such as accelerating the construction of an education powerhouse, boosting birth rate, and promoting the development of technology-driven agriculture.

In strengthening the national security education in Hong Kong, Wong pointed out the importance of highlighting the content and connotation of the overall national security concept in national security promotion and education in Hong Kong. It is also suggested to establish a permanent national security education and training base in Hong Kong to enhance its appeal and dissemination among Hong Kong residents, especially students at all levels.

Wong also emphasized the necessity of further improving the national security education system in Hong Kong by covering national security education in every educational stage and integrating it throughout the entire student development process. This is aimed at enhancing student awareness of national security, improving their ability to safeguard national security, and strengthening "the national security defense line."

"We hope to establish and improve a national security education system in Hong Kong, especially given the implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong and the anticipated enactment of additional local laws after the Article 23 legislation takes effect this year," the NPC deputy said.

We believe it is necessary to develop suitable teaching materials for national security education and improve practical teaching activities in this area, aiming to enrich the resources for national security education both inside and outside the classroom.

Unlike the mainland, where there are many patriotic education bases, Hong Kong currently lacks comparable facilities. Both the government and civil society are actively promoting to establish a permanent national security education base, Wong said.

The HKFEW has established the first patriotic education resource center in Hong Kong, he said, noting that we hope that the government can provide more support to enhance such training bases, which will also greatly benefit schools in implementing national security education initiatives.

Starting from January 1, the highly-anticipated Patriotic Education Law took effect, which especially focuses on conducting education among schools, families and civil servants and patriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Although the law has not been included into the Annex III of the Basic Law, the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said in his policy address in October 2023 that patriotic education would be integrated into Hong Kong's education system, and will roll out patriot education to enhance national identity. A working group would also be set up to coordinate relevant work in promoting national education, and improve education on the country's history, culture and current affairs.

"Although the Patriotic Education Law is not directly implemented in Hong Kong, both the HKSAR government and civil society are actively promoting patriotic education initiatives. We have observed some progress in various aspects of this work," Wong said.

Therefore, in the future, we hope the country can provide support and utilize resources from the mainland, including patriotic education bases, to facilitate the development and advancement of patriotic education in Hong Kong, he added.

The NPC deputy told in an interview earlier that the core content of patriotic education in Hong Kong should align with that of the mainland, which includes recognizing the national system and identifying with the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"When educating our students, it is essential for them to at least acknowledge and affirm the main social system of the mainland. It is crucial for everyone to understand that the achievements of our country today, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, are attributed to the leadership of our ruling party, CPC," Wong said.

In the patriotic education process, when we talk about loving our country, it is also essential to acknowledge and affirm the work done by our ruling party, he said, noting that we should defend the efforts made by CPC. "I believe this is an indispensable aspect of patriotic education."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A 42-year-old woman was found guilty of second-degree murder for the 2020 fatal stabbing of a man in Boston, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office announced.

Mary Fox, 42, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, Haydens office said in a statement. Her judgment was carried out by a Suffolk County jury on Monday.

On Aug. 3, 2020, Fox interacted with Michael Dezrick, 48 at Clifford Playground in Roxbury, near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Shirley Street, Haydens office said. Fox and Dezrick had a verbal argument about payment for a beverage, which led to a physical altercation between them before she left the park.

Fox returned a short while later with another person and approached Dezrick, who was sleeping or just waking up while on a park bench, Haydens office said. She went up to him and stabbed him once in the chest and left him in the area.

Upon arrival officers found a man suffering from stab wounds, police said. He was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Haydens office said.

When police stopped Fox, she initially denied any wrongdoing but then admitted to the stabbing, that she had to protect herself from an assault by Dezrick, Haydens office added.

As we see in every homicide, a reckless, dangerous decision drove the action that took Mr. Dezrick away from his friends and family forever and forever altered the course of the defendants life, Hayden said in the statement. I thank the jury for their verdict and I thank all of those from our office and the Boston police who worked so hard to pursue justice in this tragic case.
While many Massachusetts voters have already chosen their candidates, a growing nationwide effort could play a role in the Bay States Super Tuesday primary  and potentially send a message to President Joe Biden about American involvement in Israels war against Hamas.

The Vote No Preference Massachusetts coalition is urging voters to select no preference on Tuesday, March 5, the group announced in a statement on Monday.

Run by volunteers with [Get Out the Vote] experience from the Cape to the Berkshires, organizers said they addressed rally-goers in Cambridge protesting the war in Gaza who pledged to vote no preference.

Comprised of multiple groups, including Massachusetts Peace Action, the Massachusetts Muslims for Justice, Healthcare Workers for Palestine MA, and two Democratic Socialists of America chapters, the coalition said it is made up of 1,000 members.

These members have conducted phone-banking campaigns urging U.S. House lawmakers and Democratic U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey to end the war, and move funding toward Israel back toward policies to support Americans, the group said.

During a Monday press conference, Monday, Harvard clinical instructor Lara Jirmanus said the group was inspired by the uncommitted voter turnout in Michigans Democratic primary, where over 100,000 chose it over Biden. The president still won over 618,000 votes, according to the Associated Press.

So today, we join a national movement which has been galvanized by what has come out of Michigan and were asking people to use their ballot to tell Biden we say no to genocide, Jirmanus said. Youll see on your balance that no preference is an option. Its listed under the registered candidates names. We ask people to please fill in that bubble.

Jirmanus asked voters to tag them in posts or videos on social media and share why they chose no preference. Jirmanus added that voters disapprove of Bidens handling of the war in Gaza, that many people, including the International Court of Justice, have titled a genocide and that more Americans want a full cease-fire.

Voters also support another one of our core demands which is conditioning military aid to Israel, she said. Were trying to send a message to Biden that this unconditional military aid has to stop and we dont want our tax dollars to be used to commit these violent acts in our name.

The coalition said it has reached out to over 21,000 voters and recruited over 200 volunteers, with plans to text tens of thousands more before the polls close on Tuesday, according to its statement.

Elected officials state Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, D-Middlesex, and Somerville City Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. voiced similar concerns over the Biden administrations actions during the war and what role it plays in the primary.

A vote for no preference is a vote for peace, it is a vote for democracy and it is a vote for freedom and dignity for all Palestinians, Uyterhoeven said.

Burnley acknowledged maps of Palestine and Israel and photos of his visits to the West Bank in 2019 in the room he was calling from. He said that voters should not vote blue no matter who.

I want people to understand that this is not simply an issue that is affecting Gazans thousands of miles away, it is deeply, deeply impactful for residents in our communities, he said. That is why Somerville was the first city in Massachusetts to pass a cease-fire resolution and weve seen more and more momentum building over the last few months. Our vote tomorrow is a culmination of that and it is the first step, the first step to an enduring peace for Palestinians and justice for all.

The no preference choice is specific to Democratic voters, who have their own ballot featuring Biden and candidates Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips, along with a section for no preference. If either a candidate or the no preference spot receives 15% of the vote in the primary, and at least 15% in one congressional district, Democratic National Committee Convention delegates are awarded to the candidate or will not be committed to vote for the candidate, the coalition said.

Ive heard some concerns from folks that are fearful that this effort will result in Trump winning the presidency, Jiramanus said. Were saying that if the Democrats are serious about being responsible to their base, then they need to come into line with what the base is demanding. If there is any state where it should be safe to send a message in the Democratic primary, its Massachusetts.

The war began following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,139 Israelis, while in Gaza at least 30,534 Palestinians have been killed, according to Al Jazeera. While talks continue of conducting another temporary cease-fire, Vice President Kamala Harris made the highest profile call for an immediate end to the fighting but limited to six weeks, Axios reported on Sunday.

In its statement, the coalition said Harris plea was likely in response to pressure from the uncommitted campaign, but added that organizers will not back down until there is a permanent cease-fire, more humanitarian aid and major steps toward a diplomatic resolution between both parties.

When asked by MassLive if the coalition plans to reach out to voters who already voted and chose other candidates instead of Biden, Burnley said they will reach out to all voters to make their voice heard on this issue.

Our momentum will continue as long as President Bidens horrific policies funding genocide continue, Burnley said.
The death of Special Olympian Mary Henry from Achill who won a gold medal at the 2007 Special Olympics has been met with sadness across the west Mayo parish.

A native of Belfarsad, Achill, Mary won a gold and a silver medal while representing Team Ireland in the 2007 Special Olympics which took place in Shanghai in China.

She passed away on Saturday morning in Mayo University Hospital and her death was met with great sadness in Achill.

Mary was at the centre of community life in Achill and Currane where she regularly attended the whist and 25 card games and helped out with the bingo in Glor na dTonn community centre in Currane. She was also well known among the Newport community having attended the Western Care run Newport Day Centre since 1992.

It was while at the Newport Day Centre where Mary first got involved in equestrian and attended the Drumindoo Equestrian Centre in Westport. She soon got involved with Special Olympics Ireland and qualified to represent Ireland at the 2007 Special Olympic Games in Shanghai.

In China, Mary and her horse, Torres - named after her favourite Liverpool player at the time, Fernando Torres - brought back a gold and a silver medal to Achill.

Mary's achievements brought great pride to Achill and she received a rapturous welcome on her return from China.

Muintir a'Chorrain, the local community group in Currane paid tribute to Mary on their Facebook page where they stated that she was a much loved member of the community

It was with a very heavy heart and great sadness that we learned of the passing of Mary Henry, Belfarsad, on Saturday morning.

Mary was highly regarded and much loved by all her neighbours in the village of Belfarsad and in the wider Currane and Achill communities.

She was involved in everything in the community, she helped out at the bingo in Glor na dTonn and at the local whist and 25 card games in Currane. She was Mary Ds right hand woman.

No Christmas Party in Currane was complete until Mary performed the brush dance and sang Danny Boy accompanied by Michael Mac and Cheers.

Mary Henry represented Team Ireland in the Special Olympics in Shanghai in 2007, who along with her horse Torres won two gold medals. On being congratulated on her success she reminded the person that Torres had also played a part in the win. That statement typified Mary. She was a very straight talker.When Mary arrived home from Shanghai her success was celebrated far and wide and her win lifted the Parish.

We will remember Mary for her staunch love of Liverpool and Mayo, her embracing hugs and her love of music.

Mary attended the last Flourish Music Circle in Currane a few short weeks ago. There was great failte for her. Her great and lifelong friend John Hoban, sang Youll Never Walk Alone and Danny Boy especially for Mary.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Marys brothers and sisters and the extended Henry family, the post read.

Westport-based councillor Brendan Mulroy who got to know Mary through his work in the Newport Day Centre also paid tribute to Mary. He posted on his Facebook page: 'If there was ever an angel sent on this earth her name would be Mary Henry'.

Mary is survived by her brothers, Domnic, Tommy, Thady, Joey, John and Patrick; sisters, Anne, Patricia, Caroline, Breege, Catherine and Denise, her many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, her wonderful neighbours and friends.

Her Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 4 in Columbas Church, Belfarsad, at 11am with burial afterward in Polranny Cemetery, Achill Sound.
The Bekan Fine Gael branch has been renamed in honour of one of his true stalwarts, Michael Sloyan from Reisk.

Mr Sloyan, who passed away suddenly two years ago, was a central player in the life of the area over the decades.

The 68-year-old was associated with various groups in the area including Fine Gael, Bekan Parish Church and Choir, Bekan National School and the East Mayo Ramblers.

Host Michael Swords then explained that Mr Sloyan's sudden passing stunned the community of Bekan. He said sMr Sloyan embodied all the qualities of community and leadership, sentiments which were echoed by other speakers on the night.

Mr Swords said being in the middle of the COVID pandemic when Mr Sloyan passed prohibited the community at large from rallying round the family and doing what we do so well in Ireland, helping the family with the grieving process.

It also deprived Michael of the send-off that he so richly deserved, said Michael Swords.

Brickens Community Centre witnessed a heartfelt gathering as the community came together to commemorate and honour Mr Sloyan.

The renaming of the local Fine Gael branch to the Michael Sloyan Bekan Fine Gael Branch, a fitting tribute to a man deeply woven into the fabric of his community.

Alma Gallagher presents a bouquet of flowers to Theresa Sloyan at the ceremony in Brickens

The Fine Gael party was close to his heart and he made huge contributions to the party.

For the 2011 general election, Mr Sloyan was director of elections for the Mayo constituency, where he devised and implemented a strategy that secured four of the five seats for his beloved party.

Enda Kenny, Michael Ring, Michelle Mulherin and John OMahony were the four candidates elected on that never to be forgotten day. It is true to say that this achievement by Michael was in no small way the launch pad for Enda Kenny becoming Taoiseach said Mr Swords.

Mr Swords thanked Mr Sloyans wife, Teresa and all the extended Sloyan family for allowing us to name the Bekan Branch in his honour.

Michael Sloyan was a very special person and left a lasting impression with everyone who was lucky enough to have encountered him in their lives he added.

Councillor John Cribbin described Michael Sloyan as a true friend and gentleman, a political heavyweight, and a man of wisdom.

Alma Gallagher, a first time candidate for the party in the upcoming election, recalled Michael and the East Mayo Ramblers support and contributions for a fundraiser for the Community Hall in Ballyhaunis. She recalled how, as far back as September 2020, he had contacted her and asked if there was any way they could coax her into politics.

Compere Michael Swords said Mr Sloyan had a passion for outdoor pursuits.

In January 2012, he founded a walking group, The East Mayo Ramblers, and was their leader, navigator and storyteller as they walked the trails of Mayo and surrounding counties.

Today, the group has 37 members and is growing all the time.

He was a spiritual, religious person and believed in helping out in his local church. He was a member of the Bekan Church Choir and sang with them on a regular basis. It was at Christmas that he came into his own. His rendition of the Kerry Carol, aided by his good

friend, Vinny Kelly, is legendary added Mr Swords.

Other speakers on the night included Michael Ring TD, Alan Dillon TD, and Maria Walsh with apologies for absence from Enda Kenny, John OMahony and Michelle Mulherin.

Mr Sloyans daughter Tracey reminisced about her fathers deep bond with Bekan and hinterland.

She told guests of many nights he spent crafting political strategies, canvassing on foot, and crunching numbers.

She expressed gratitude for the recognition bestowed on their family by renaming the branch in honour of her late father.

The ceremony concluded with Alma Gallagher making a presentation to Teresa Sloyan on behalf of the party and community.
Children in Hospital Ireland (CIH Ireland) is looking for locals to join their volunteer play team at Mayo University Hospital and support children, young people and their families in the hospital.

With over 300 volunteers across 14 hospitals in Ireland, CIHs volunteers provide play opportunities and can help ease the hospital journey for children and their families.

Volunteer Manager at Children in Hospital Ireland, Elizabeth Morrin, said volunteers play a huge role in making hospitals a happier place for children and young people.

Play is a welcomed distraction in the hospital and can help the child build the skills they need to cope with their illness. Its a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to have some fun too said Ms Morrin.

Weekday and weekend volunteering opportunities are available and anyone above the age of 18 is welcome to apply.

No experience is necessary, as training will be provided.

The role would require volunteers to dedicate 2 hours once a week in which they will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as arts and crafts, board games, card games and more.

For more information or to register interest, see childreninhospital.ie.
Michael Ring, T.D. has confirmed that funding of 34,500 is to be allocated to five community groups across Mayo to bolster local biodiversity initiatives.

Deputy Ring said he is particularly pleased to see groups in Mayo receive this funding, as their commitment to protect and enhance our local biodiversity is a key factor in protecting the health of the countys environment.

Each project will receive access to experts to either develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) or support to implement measures from an existing plan.

The grants are the latest in a joint Biodiversity Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service which has seen 213 such action plans developed across the country through a joint investment of 1.76 Million since 2019 said Mr Ring.

The Fine Gael TD said the projects involved are uniquely impactful because they connect communities with scientific expertise, which helps them to better understand their local biodiversity.

The preservation and enhancement of our local biodiversity is crucial to the health of our environment he added.

I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of these projects for Mayo and the continued partnership between community groups and ecologists, concluded Deputy Ring.

See the list of successful Mayo applicants below:

To Develop a Community Biodiversity Action Plan

Grant Application Name Project Awarded Ballycroy Tidy Towns / Ballycroy Community Council A plan to increase biodiversity in the Ballycroy Community for future generations. 5500 Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo Preparing a CBAP for improving the habitat for Corncrake on the three Aran Islands. 5000 River Moy Search and Rescue Ballina To improve biodiversity and work with the farming community. 11,000

To Implement Recommendations from an existing CBAP
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 2, 2024

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel approved class-action lawsuit by advertisers alleging that the company holds a monopoly in the advertising market.

Judge Castel had dismissed some claims, but now has allowed one to proceed. The charges made by advertisers allege that Google monopolized the ad-exchange market.

This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of Google's dominance in digital advertising, and exemplifies a growing concern about the concentration of power and the outcome for competition and transparency from any company.

The lawsuit accuses Google of abusing its dominant position in the digital ad-exchange market.

Advertisers argue this has led to anti-competitive practices and has harmed the market for small advertisers that have buying, attribution and measurement tools.

advertisement advertisement Castel reviewed several cases against Google. He struck down many claims, but allowed at least one key set to proceed, according to Reuters. On page three of the 64-page document, Castel wrote that the advertisers "have not plausibly alleged antitrust standing in the markets for ad-buying tools used by large advertisers, but they plausibly allege antitrust standing as to injuries they purportedly suffered from anticompetitive practices in the ad-exchange market and the market for small advertisers buying tools." Castel wrote that Gannett, the publisher of USA Today, could try in a separate case to prove that Google fraudulently concealed anticompetitive effects of some technology. Gannett alleged that it sold some ad space directly to advertisers, but Google still made the inventory available for auction on its ad exchange to accrue transaction fees for its own benefit, Reuters reported.

Google also faces a recent $2.27 billion lawsuit from European publishers focused on market dominance and anti-competitive practices in digital advertising. It highlights a push for greater accountability.

The European lawsuit argues these companies have incurred losses due to a less competitive market, which is a direct result of Google's misconduct."
by Ray Schultz , March 3, 2024

Margaret Zhang, who will step down from her post as editor of Vogue China in May, has joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as a filmmaker, writer and producer, according to a report in Variety.

I am immensely proud of the radical evolution that we have driven at Vogue China over the past three years, expanding its impact from its print beginnings to becoming a multimedia bridge for creative culture  China to the world, the world to China, Zhang wrote in a memo last week, Variety says.

Zhangs tenure at Vogue China was controversial in one respect: she was attacked in social media for being born in Australia, although she is ethnic Chinese, Financial Times writes.

But Zhang has more than 2 million followers on Instagram, according to Financial Times. The fashion executive joined Conde Nast two years ago and was the youngest Vogue editor.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 4, 2024

Montana's attorney general is asking a federal appellate court to allow enforcement of the state's first-in-the-nation ban on TikTok, arguing that the prohibition marks a valid attempt to prevent the Chinese government from obtaining people's data.

The controversial law is a common sense consumer protection regulation designed to eliminate the threat of a known bad actor obtaining and misusing Montanans data, state Attorney General Austin Knudsen argues in papers filed Friday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

He is urging the court to vacate an injunction against enforcement issued last year by U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula, who said the state's ban (SB419) likely violates the First Amendment and represents an unconstitutional attempt to regulate interstate commerce.

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The statute, originally slated to take effect January 1, would have prohibited app stores from offering TikTok, owned by the Chinese-based ByteDance, to users in Montana. The measure also would have prohibited people from using TikTok in the state (with some exceptions, including for law enforcement). The law provided for sanctions starting at $10,000 per violation against TikTok and mobile app marketplaces, but wouldn't have penalized consumers.

Montana lawmakers who passed the bill expressed concerns that ByteDance shares data about U.S. users with the Chinese government.

The legislature also also accused TikTok of failing to remove dangerous content that allegedly encourages young users to engage in risky activity, such as throwing objects at moving automobiles, inducing unconsciousness through oxygen deprivation, and cooking chicken in NyQuil.

Dozens of other states have banned TikTok from government-owned devices or networks, but Montana alone passed legislation prohibiting use of the app on personal smartphones.

TikTok and a coalition of users challenged the ban, arguing it's unconstitutional for several reasons including that it violated the First Amendment by shutting down a platform that people used to communicate with each other.

TikTok also said there was no evidence the app had been used for espionage on behalf of a foreign government.

When Molloy halted enforcement, he wrote that the law wasn't narrowly tailored to either preventing China from accessing data about U.S. residents, or protecting minors from accessing dangerous material.

It is well-established that other social media companies, such as Meta, collect similar data as TikTok, and sell that data to undisclosed third parties, which harms consumers, he wrote, adding that foreign adversaries could also obtain consumers' personal information by purchasing it from data brokers, and by hacking.

Molloy also said the bill wouldn't reasonably prevent minors from accessing dangerous content.

Montana contends the bill doesn't violate the First Amendment for several reasons, arguing that lawmakers' main purpose was to regulate data harvesting by China, as opposed to residents' ability to express themselves.

SB419 targets a hostile foreign governments massive data-harvesting efforts intentionally directed at Montanans, the attorney general writes in the state's appellate brief.

He goes on to compare the TikTok ban to a prohibition on a cancer causing radio, arguing that such a prohibition would also be valid even though its used for communications.

TikTok is expected to respond to Knudsen's argument by April 29.
by Erik Oster , March 4, 2024

Tonys Chocolonelys use of a trademark shade of purple had Milka parent company Mondelezs lawyers seeing red, so the chocolate brand is turning to shades of gray.

The issue in question stems from Tonys use of the color in a campaign calling attention to child labor practices common in cocoa harvesting supply chains across the industry, producing a limited series of chocolate bars with widely recognized packaging design elements of well-known chocolate manufacturers.

Known as Sweet Solutions in the U.K. and Fair Alternative in Germany, the campaign included a bar imitating the popular Mondelez brand Milka, which led to copyright infringement claims by Mondelez, which obtained a legal injunction against Tonys. The brand is appealing the injunction, while changing the offending shade to gray in the interim.

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According to Tonys, the campaign received a positive response from media outlets and consumers on social media. Unfortunately, rather than engage in a conversation about the long-standing issues in the industry, one manufacturer has decided to take legal action against the campaign in Germany for trademark infringement by using the colour purple, the brand said in a statement.

Whilst Tonys is appealing this injunction it is required to comply in the meantime by removing all Swiss purple bars and images from the market, Tonys Chocolonley said in a statement, adding, look out for our new grey bars in the remainder of the campaign as we continue to raise awareness of the lack of living income wages in cocoa.

Tonys Chocolonely has built its brand around a mission of making 100% exploitation-free the norm in chocolate. The campaign is not the first to call out competitors for what it views as a lack of initiative in tackling the issue, as the brand alluded to a similar 2021 campaign, during which big chocolate makers put pressure on Tonys retailers to remove the lookalike Sweet Solutions bars because they didn't want to be associated with the claims of illegal labour in the chocolate industry.

Its current campaign follows revelations late last year about Mars chocolate harvest practices in a CBS News report that found instances of child labor at remote farms in Ghana supplying coca to Mars.

Following the injunction, Tonys changed related campaign materials to visibly declare the Not Purple color of the now-gray packaging, along with adding the message, Pay farmers, not lawyers.

Weve had to change our bar, but that doesnt mean well stop raising awareness of the biggest problems in cocoa; a lack of living income, child exploitation and deforestation, a representative for Tony's said in a statement sent to Marketing Daily. Well continue to focus on our tried-and-true solution: sourcing beans through Tonys Open Chain, according to Tonys 5 Sourcing Principles. And that includes paying cocoa farmers a Living Income Reference Price. Tonys Open Chain is open to every choco company, so they are welcome to join us.
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JOURNALIST: Two years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How did you evaluate the results of the conference organized by President Macron in Paris to support Ukraine? Is there indeed a possibility of sending European troops there? How can Greece contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine in the coming period?



G. GERAPETRITIS: From the very first day of the unlawful Russian invasion, Greece stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its fight to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The defense of the values of liberal democracy and Interna-tional Law against aggression and revisionism is a stance of principle for us. In Paris, ways to enhance aid to Kyiv were examined. I want to be clear though: for Greece, the issue of sending troops does not exist. Last August, we hosted Presi-dent Zelensky in Athens and expressed our support for his country's European perspective. Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Eu-ropean Investment Bank, organized an international conference on the reconstruc-tion of Ukraine, where we evaluated ways to rebuild a truly devastated country.



JOURNALIST: During your speech at this year's Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, you referred to 2024 as "a year in which more than half of the global population will vote to shape the worlds tomorrow", emphasizing that "democracy must suc-ceed. Which elections should concern Greece the most, and what scenarios should we be prepared to manage in case of results that are not favorable for our country and humanity?



G. GERAPETRITIS: We live in an era marked by multiple disparities and profound challenges. In terms of disparities, intersections between North-South and East-West are being sought, with centrifugal rather than centripetal forces. As for the challenges, the spillover effects of crises - climate, food, health - call for universal solutions that transcend borders and time horizons. In such a complex globalized environment, a functional democracy must be cohesive and inclusive, being for-ward and outward-looking. Democracies have been cruelly proven to being vul-nerable to populism and demagogy. However, the price in such cases can be heavy and have a multiplier effect on individuals, communities, and countries. We cannot realistically anticipate linear developments, particularly in a year when half of the global population is going to the polls. It is the duty of a cohesive foreign policy to process all possible scenarios and engage in a forward-looking explora-tion in order to manage any asymmetry. And that is what we are doing. With seri-ousness, professionalism, and healthy patriotism.



JOURNALIST: How do you envision the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corri-dor (IMEC) healing the wounds in the wider region, and what are the expected practical benefits for our country?



G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece aspires, through the IMEC Economic Corridor, to serve as India's gateway to the European market. We are the closest European state to India, with the longest coastline in Europe and the strongest commercial fleet. The Economic Corridor promotes interconnectivity, international trade, and regional and energy cooperation, with obvious economic benefits for our country. For this purpose, we are also in contact with the transit countries of the Corridor, in an effort to build synergies for the development of necessary infrastructure. We do not overlook the problems that arose with the war in Gaza and its serious spillo-ver consequences. Nonetheless, the destabilizing impacts cannot negate the strong logic behind the Economic Corridor. It is a visionary project that goes be-yond trade, communications, and energy. My assessment is that it can evolve into a vehicle for peace and cultural interaction, in which Greece naturally and by virtue of its position has a significant role to play.



JOURNALIST: How much should Greece be concerned about the crisis in the Red Sea, and what exactly do you mean by conducting "a global operation in order to protect maritime security," as you suggested in a recent interview?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The maintenance of maritime security is of paramount im-portance. It concerns the lives of our seafarers, Greek shipping, the global econ-omy, the supply chain, as well as international energy and food security. It is a challenge that no country can face alone but requires multifaceted international cooperation. Especially in the Red Sea, Greece has a strong presence both at an administrative and operational level. When you are a leading power in a field, as we are in global shipping, you cannot hide but must always be at the forefront.



JOURNALIST: During the visit of your Palestinian counterpart to Athens, you stat-ed that our country "is deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions in Gaza and its potential spillover to the West Bank, southern Lebanon, Syria, and the Red Sea." What chances do you see for diplomacy to succeed, and what initiatives could the International Community undertake? Can Greece play a role?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The situation in Gaza is extremely critical. Moreover, any oper-ation in Rafah, due to its unique geographical and population features, entails se-rious further humanitarian risks. It is imperative to immediately cease hostilities and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid. Parallel diplomatic efforts are currently underway, in order to bring peace to the region. It is important for these efforts to be coordinated to achieve sustainable peace. Greece is one of the few coun-tries that communicates with all sides, and for this reason, we can play a substan-tial and constructive role.



JOURNALIST: During his speech in parliament on the bill for same-sex couples, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras attacked the government over Greek-Turkish relations, using the signing of the "Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighbourliness" as an opportunity to accuse it of "excessive self-confidence that could lead it to lose touch with reality." How do you respond to this viewpoint? Should the recent Turkish Navtex and the relative note verbale de-livered by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Turkish side be interpreted as an indication of the rekindling of tension in the Aegean? If such an atmosphere is maintained by Ankara in the coming weeks, are you concerned that it may af-fect the next steps of the Greek-Turkish dialogue?



G. GERAPETRITIS: Confidence, as well as prudence and an accurate understanding of events, constitute essential qualities in a dialogue with complex features and historical weight. In this spirit, we will approach the next steps of our strict time-line concerning the political dialogue on March 11th, the confidence-building measures on April 11th, the positive agenda on April 15th, and of course, the Prime Minister's visit to Ankara in May. I do not believe that longstanding issues can be resolved overnight. And, of course, I understand that the two countries maintain their fundamental underlying positions, a fact that was explicitly stated in the Athens Declaration. This does not prevent the existence of a more moderate rhetoric and fewer sources of tension. We ought to make a fundamental choice: whether we will continue, as in the past, to be in a state of constant tension in our relationship with Turkiye or whether we will discuss with sobriety and a consulta-tive spirit, seeking areas of convergence rather than allowing every disagreement to escalate into a crisis. On this dilemma, we must all stand with responsibility. Because it concerns the peace and prosperity of our homeland for the present and the future.



JOURNALIST: On March 1st, 2023, by decision of the Prime Minister, you took over the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation following the railway acci-dent in Tempi. How do you see this particular case progressing today and what are your thoughts on the current state of Greek railways regarding the safe transport of citizens?



G. GERAPETRITIS: The tragedy in Tempi constitutes an unspeakable national tragedy. No one can feel the pain of those who lost their loved ones in such a tragic way. The judicial investigation of the case, which is proceeding rapidly, is only part of our obligation for catharsis. In addition, the railway infrastructure must be adequately maintained and continuously upgraded, safety measures must be strengthened, and services must be staffed with qualified human resources. Indeed, a laborious effort is being made by the competent bodies, despite the prevailing adverse conditions, such as the devastating floods that hit Thessaly last autumn. The dark page of Tempi will haunt us all and remind us of our responsi-bility. So that we never again mourn the loss of human life on Greek railways.



JOURNALIST: What is your vision for Greece, particularly the Greek foreign policy of tomorrow?



G. GERAPETRITIS: I envision a country where citizens feel safe for themselves and proud of their homeland. A model country in addressing global challenges, with a strong rule of law and significant international capital. For this Greece of re-liability and confidence, we are working with seriousness and methodically. Recog-nizing that sometimes we must make difficult decisions, not only for today's socie-ty but also for the next generations to whom we must leave a strong Greece and a peaceful neighborhood as a legacy. In this regard, I am not concerned with be-ing popular for myself but beneficial for my country.
New research has attempted to establish why a brutal massacre during the English Civil War has been largely forgotten by history.

The site of a Royalist garrison in Nottinghamshire, Shelford Manor was besieged by Parliamentary forces on 3 November 1645.

The war was in fact a series of conflicts throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland between the Parliamentarians (also known as Roundheads) and Royalists (or Cavaliers) over issues of governance, religion, and society.

The Siege of Basing House, which served, like Shelford, as a Royalist garrison and was overrun by Parliamentary forces. There were many such sieges during the war.

The manor, part of a network of garrisons shielding the strategically important city of Newark, was held by Royalist Philip Stanhope. Parliamentary forces led by Colonel John Hutchinson and Colonel-General Sydenham Poyntz attacked it when Stanhope refused to surrender.

Despite an initially strong defence, Parliamentarian troops hacked down the drawbridge, proceeding to slaughter around 160 Royalist soldiers, including Stanhope.

Although the scale of the massacre has long been known, there has never been a detailed investigation  until now.

Dr David Appleby of the University of Nottingham had been working through documents for another project when the name Shelford cropped up repeatedly. As he explained, Ive driven past it [Shelford] hundreds of times, completely unaware it was the site of a massacre.

I wondered why Id never heard of it, he added, and why it wasnt mentioned in the two main works on Civil War atrocities in England.

Appleby has since concluded, in a paper published in the OUP journal Historical Research, that the massacre was buried both because of divisions within the Royalist ranks and because of the sheer brutality of the attack.

In the summer of 1645, after Charles was defeated at Naseby, some of his armies were stationed at Shelford, including the Queens Regiment. Comprised mainly of European Catholics, the regiment had a bad reputation among fellow Royalists, as well as with the anti-Catholic Parliamentary press.

Many in the regiment were cut down at Shelford, with documents stating that Poyntz whipped his soldiers into a state of frenzy, fearing the arrival of Royalist relief forces. Many innocent women and children were also killed.

In other words, Royalists and Parliamentarians each had reasons to forget the siege. The subsequent burying of the Shelford story is perhaps a reflection of both sides shame and embarrassment at the bloodshed and viciousness of the supposedly civil Civil Wars, Appleby added.

The site itself, near a small village on the River Trent, remains unexcavated.
A Massachusets Air National Guardsman who was arrested last year after being accused of leaking highly classified Department of Defense information online pleaded guilty Monday morning to six counts under the Espionage Act.

Airman 1st Class Jack Teixeira, 22, an Air National Guardsman with the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors will ask a judge to impose a sentence of no less than 11 months and up to 200 months, or a little more than 16 years -- which could mark one of the stiffest sentences imposed for similar crimes in recent history.

"Jack Teixeira will never get a sniff of a classified piece of information for the rest of his life," Josh Levy, the U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts, said Monday at a news conference following Teixeira's guilty plea.

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Teixeira was arrested in early 2023 following long-running leaks on an online platform used by gamers that disclosed classified information about the war in Ukraine and U.S. relations with allies. He was charged in April with unauthorized retention, removal and transmission of national defense information and classified documents. He faced six counts for the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information and remained in jail after having filed an initial plea of not guilty in June.

Teixeira had a top-secret security clearance, as well as access to sensitive compartmented information -- a more restrictive designation for some of the government's most closely guarded secrets -- since 2021, according to an affidavit from the Justice Department.

Federal documents allege that Teixeira began posting the classified information as paragraphs of text starting in December 2022 on the platform Discord.

By January 2023, federal authorities claim he started posting pictures of the intelligence and secret information, because he was worried he would be discovered making transcripts of the documents at his job. They allege he began taking the documents to his home, where he photographed them.

As federal investigators closed in on Teixeira, he reportedly called members of the online Discord chat group to tell them he never expected this situation to happen, according to The New York Times. He reportedly claimed the documents were not meant to be widely distributed but only shared with a close-knit group of friends in the private chat.

"Guys, it's been good -- I love you all," Teixeira said, one listener recounted to The New York Times. "I never wanted it to get like this. I prayed to God that this would never happen. And I prayed and prayed and prayed. Only God can decide what happens from now on."

Teixeira's actions also caused a major shake-up for the unit he served in.

The 102nd Intelligence Wing, which is based out of Joint Base Cape Cod in Massachusetts, had its mission paused and divided among other units following his arrest, and airmen who served alongside Teixeira were stuck with busywork unrelated to their mission as the service investigated the leaks, Military.com reported.

Military.com also reported that the Air Force announced in December that 15 Air National Guard enlisted troops and officers had been punished in connection with the incident, citing a "lack of supervision" that enabled the leaks.

The announcement coincided with the release of an Air Force inspector general report that found members of Teixeira's unit failed to take proper action after becoming aware of him seeking the intelligence, but it found no evidence that any of his supervisors knew that he was allegedly leaking the information online.

Starting in September, "Air National Guard leaders initiated disciplinary and other administrative actions against 15 individuals, ranging in rank from E-5 to O-6, for dereliction in the performance of duties," Ann Stefanek, an Air Force spokeswoman, told Military.com in December.

Punishment ranged from relieving personnel from their positions, including command positions, to nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Col. Sean Riley, commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing, and Col. Enrique Dovalo, commander of the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, a subordinate unit at the base, both received administrative action.

Riley was relieved of command for cause, and Dovalo's punishment was not disclosed. Other prior commanders from the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who had previously been suspended in the wake of the Teixeira leak investigation were permanently removed, the Air Force said.

The service said indirect factors that allowed the leaking included "the failure of commanders to adequately inspect areas under their command, inconsistent guidance for reporting security incidents, inconsistent definitions of the 'Need to Know' concept, conflation of classified system access with the 'Need to Know' principle, inefficient and ineffective processes for administering disciplinary actions, lack of supervision/oversight of night shift operations, and a failure to provide security clearance field investigation results."

Prior to Monday's guilty plea, Teixeira was still a member of the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, media outlets reported. Air Force officials did not respond when asked by Military.com whether that was still the case Monday.

Additionally, Air Force officials did not have any details when asked whether the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing would have its mission reinstated or if new officers have filled the command posts that were vacated late last year.

Traditionally, individuals who leak or otherwise disclose classified information are charged with violations of the Espionage Act of 1917. Such cases include Edward Snowden, who famously used his ability to access hundreds of thousands of files and documents as a systems administrator for the National Security Agency and was charged with violating two sections of law shortly after he revealed his identity in 2013. More recently, Reality Winner, a contractor and former airman who was charged with leaking a report on Russian hacking efforts connected with the 2016 election, was also charged with violating the law.

Snowden was never arrested or tried for his charges, and became stuck in Russia on his way to Ecuador. He was granted Russian citizenship in 2022. Winner, however, served more than four years after her conviction.

Outside the federal courthouse in Boston, CNN reported that Teixeira's attorney Michael Bachrach said Teixeira pleaded guilty to "do the right thing" and is "absolutely not" selling classified secrets to foreign governments.

In a statement to CNN, Teixeira's family told the news outlet that "it is unfathomable to think your child would ever be involved in something so serious, but he has taken responsibility for his part in this, and here we are."

Teixeira's sentencing hearing will be in six months, in September, officials said during Monday's press conference.

"This guilty plea brings accountability, and it brings a measure of closure to a chapter that created profound harms for our nation's security," Matt Olsen, the assistant attorney general for national security at the Justice Department, said during the press conference.

Related: Air Force Punishes 15 Service Members in Wake of Teixeira Leak at Massachusetts Guard Base
The FBI said it will help with "debris" recovery after a CNN news report Friday that a "possible spy balloon" may have been discovered in the waters off the coast of Alaska, according to a statement from the FBI field office in Anchorage.

"The FBI is aware of debris found off the coast of Alaska by a commercial fishing vessel. We will work with our partners to assist with the logistics of the debris recovery," the FBI said in a statement emailed by Chloe Martin, a spokesperson for the field office.

Along with the FBI, the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard are also "helping facilitate the transfer" of the object so it can be analyzed further, according to Alan Brown, a spokesman with the Alaska National Guard.

Details about the discovery are limited. It's possible that the item found by fishermen is not a spy balloon, according to the CNN report.

Martin and Brown declined to answer questions about the incident, including where in Alaska the debris might have been discovered.

Citing anonymous sources, CNN reported that commercial fishermen in Alaska had discovered what officials believe might be a spy balloon. The fishermen shared photographs of the item with law enforcement and are bringing it to shore, the news report said. FBI agents will meet the fishing vessel when it reaches port and transport the item for analysis to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, CNN reported.

Last year, a Chinese surveillance balloon was spotted over Alaska before it journeyed over Canada and the Lower 48. A U.S. fighter jet shot it down off the coast of South Carolina at the orders of the Biden administration. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian craft.

Soon afterward, the military shot down other unidentified, high-altitude objects, including when a U.S. fighter jet shot down an object flying off the Arctic coast of Alaska.

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska last year raised questions about why the surveillance balloon was not shot down more quickly.

On Friday, an official with Sullivan's office said the senator is looking into the discovery of the unknown object.

Murkowski is tracking the event, her office said.

"My team and I have been briefed on the matter and are monitoring it closely," a spokesperson from her office said. "We want to thank the USCG, FBI, and Alaska National Guard for coordinating the recovery efforts of this item of national interest."

___

(c)2024 the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska)

Visit the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska) at www.adn.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Residents of Fort Leavenworth were upset at the news last year that as many as 89 of the garrisons historic homes are seen as too costly to maintain and could be demolished.

Now, The Star has confirmed, that number has ballooned to as many 185.

Whereas the first 89 included grand, gabled homes built before 1919, with sweeping porches and staircases, the nearly 100 more added to the list are in 12 multi-unit infantry barracks along Pope Avenue and Doniphan Drive dating to the early 1900s.

This is literally erasing history, said one military source familiar with discussions, requesting anonymity for fear of repercussions. Once these are gone, theyre gone forever. If these are removed, Fort Leavenworth is a totally different place. Its almost a ghost town.

Fort Leavenworth, set to celebrate its bicentennial in 2027, is a National Historic Landmark with some 269 of its 1,700 living units built before 1919. It has more historic homes than any other military base. Fort Leavenworth is the oldest U.S. Army garrison still in operation west of the Mississippi River.

One of its barracks, The Rookery, built around 1830, is said to be the oldest occupied home in Kansas. Each fall and spring, the forts most beautiful historic homes are opened for tours on a parade of homes.

A for-profit company, the Michaels Organization, manages the housing there and would be the one to recommend any demolition.

But the Army, for its part, has remained resolute. No solid plan to demolish any of the residences currently exists.

Any numbers being recommended by our housing partners are pre-decisional, meaning they have not been agreed to by Army leadership at any level, said Scott Gibson, Fort Leavenworths public affairs officer.

Michaels spokeswoman, Laura Zaner, told The Star in an email, I can confirm that the Army has not yet told Michaels of any decision they have made regarding its plan (going) forward for these homes  so we really cant comment at this time.

But that Michaels has been discussing demolition to perhaps replace old structures with new has been an open secret on the post for at least a year. Late last month, the proposal to raze 185 historic units was shared in a meeting at Fort Leavenworth with Tami Bartunek, the Kansas City district director for the office of Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.

That was a topic that was discussed, Bartunek confirmed.

The Star also sought comment from David Guldenzopf, the Armys federal preservation officer, but received no response. By law, any proposal to remove historical homes would first have to be vetted by the Kansas Historical Society and other stakeholders, including the public.

Since last year, the proposed destruction of the historic homes has nonetheless become a passionate topic on the post and in town.

Carol Ayres, president of the Leavenworth County Historical Society, said she understands that clash behind a company tasked with making profits versus the high cost of maintenance and preservation.

Its expensive to redo those old homes, she said. Theyre expensive to replace, too. I think everyone understands the reality of the situation. Im afraid the people that make those decisions, excuse me, dont always think about the history and how important it is.

We stand on the shoulders of the people who built that post, who built our town. We wouldnt be where we are today without them.

Marshall, the Kansas senator, on Friday sent a written statement of his own:

The health, safety, and well-being of our service members and their families will always be our priority, the statement reads. Ft. Leavenworth is in so many ways a historical landmark, and a source of pride for active-duty soldiers, veterans, and the local community. Our office will continue to work with military historians, Ft. Leavenworth leadership, and Michaels, to preserve as many of these beautiful homes as feasible.

The Michaels Organization in 2006 signed a 50-year agreement to manage the forts housing. It currently does so through its management company, Fort Leavenworth Frontier Heritage Communities.

In taking on that obligation, the company also took on an inventory of homes more than 100 years old, burdened by problems such as outdated and faulty plumbing, old heating and electrical systems, asbestos, lead paint and aging wood.

Maintaining the housing is expensive, made more so by the fact Fort Leavenworth is on the National Register of Historic Places with homes in a National Historic Landmark District. Because of that, when the company looks to fix part of a historic home, it must adhere to the strict federal guidelines known as the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Often, that means hiring special artisans who use original rather than replacement materials.

A complaint heard among post residents is that, over the last several years, instead of maintaining its older homes, Michaels is engaging in demolition by neglect  allowing a greater number of historic homes to sit unoccupied and to decay to the point that demolition may become inevitable.

Residents maintain that if Michaels simply lived up to its obligations under its program agreement with the Army to properly care for the homes, few to none would now be imperiled.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to inform state preservation officers, such as the Kansas State Historical Society, about actions affecting historic properties.

In December, through a Kansas Open Records Act request, The Star published a story cataloging what Fort Leavenworths Directorate of Public Works reported to be a growing list of adverse effects to historic homes from Michaels deferred maintenance.

One report, on the Rookery, said that the level of care and maintenance that this home has received.  Is the living definition of Demolition by Neglect.

It included 50 photographs of rotted wood, peeling paint, missing boards, cracked support columns, along with rusted and leaking gutters. In one Colonial Revival home from 1905, a supposed fix included unpainted boards laid atop of rotted boards. The report included an email from a British officer who complained that the porch was in such disrepair that he worried for the safety of his children.

Reports on other historic homes chronicled falling plaster ceilings from water damage, crumbling bricks and insect infestation. A July report on Syracuse House, a two-story, yellow duplex built in 1855, included multiple photos of rotted planking, trim, soffits, fascia, railings and unpainted patchwork repairs.

Of the posts 269 homes built before 1919, some 25% sat unoccupied last year because of their condition.

The Army understands that we must balance the historic significance of our installation while providing the best quality of life for the soldiers and families who live here, Gibson, the posts public information officer, wrote. As part of this responsibility, our housing partners at the Fort Leavenworth Frontier Heritage Communities, also must consider all options for safe, affordable, and quality housing.

As we work toward solutions regarding our historic homes, there will likely be many more proposals and discussions between the Army and our housing partner, and we are confident that we can work together to preserve the historic relevance of Fort Leavenworth.

2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
After nearly a decade in development, the Army's primary vehicle-mounted laser weapon is on a collision course with its most fearsome foe yet -- dust.

The service has deployed four Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, or DE M-SHORAD, prototypes -- Stryker infantry carrier vehicles outfitted with 50-kilowatt laser weapons systems -- to the Middle East for "real world testing" in an overseas operational environment, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus recently told Breaking Defense.

The four prototypes reportedly arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of operations in early February, with the Army undertaking "initial testing activities" on the path to a future live-fire demonstration, according to Breaking Defense.

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While the DE M-SHORAD system has already undergone testing at U.S. military facilities like the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Central Command offers the potential for testing amid real-world challenges like dust storms and other atmospheric phenomena that, according to the Congressional Research Service, could render any directed-energy weapon essentially ineffective.

"Substances in the atmosphere -- particularly water vapor, but also sand, dust, salt particles, smoke, and other air pollution -- absorb and scatter light, and atmospheric turbulence can defocus a laser beam," according to the 2023 CRS report on the Defense Department's directed-energy weapons program.

Shipborne lasers like the 60-kilowatt High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, weapon system tested aboard Navy destroyers in recent years can "markedly" reduce the impact of atmospheric water vapor on laser performance by emitting radiation only at "sweet spots" in the electromagnetic spectrum, per the CRS report.

But other phenomena such as dust storms don't have as convenient a solution, a problem captured in Mingus' comments to Breaking Defense.

"Our high-energy lasers are so susceptible to weather," Mingus said. "That's why I think this is going to be a great laboratory, because anytime there's a dust storm, anytime there's that kind of thing, it starts to alter the physics of the light particles that actually shoot that beam."

This is not the first time the Army has tested a laser weapon system in an unpredictable operational environment. In August, Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey, director of the service's Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office, revealed that the Army had sent several 10-kilowatt laser systems to the U.S. Central Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility for "operational assessments."

But the deployment of the 50-kilowatt DE M-SHORAD system represents a major testing milestone for a system that, in development since at least 2015, could offer a major leap forward for the Army's air defense systems at a time when the rising tide of adversary drones necessitates a surge in new capabilities.

Laser weapons have been a pillar of the DoD's revamped short-range air defense strategy since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the resulting pivot toward "great power competition" with conventional adversary states like Russia and China.

With near limitless magazines and superior precision to standard kinetic weapons, lasers offer a low-cost way to consistently defeat incoming rockets, artillery and mortar fire, drones and even rotary-wing aircraft. Overall, the DoD spends $1 billion annually developing directed-energy capabilities, according to a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office.

The need for effective laser weapons has taken on new urgency amid both increased drone and missile attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and the rise of Houthi missile attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. The latter has led to a call for increased fielding of shipboard laser weapons among Navy commanders whose warships are increasingly forced to fend off incoming airborne threats.

The technological descendent of the Army's Stryker-mounted 5-kilowatt Mobile Experimental High Energy Laser, or MEHEL, and 50-kilowatt Multi-Mission High Energy Laser, or MMHEL -- dubbed "Guardian" -- the DE M-SHORAD laser system became a program of record for the service in 2019. As part of its fiscal 2024 budget request, the Army proposed about $111 million in research and development funding for the laser system and vehicle package, according to service budget documents, down from $197 million the previous year largely due to the completion of a first set of four prototypes.

The Army's 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, took delivery of the first platoon of four DE M-SHORAD prototypes in September 2023.

"The delivery of DE M-SHORAD prototypes to the 4-60th ADAR represents a transformational milestone in the Army's modernization campaign. It is an achievement that adds what was often thought of as a next-generation capability, now," Col. Steven Gutierrez, DR-MSHORAD program manager, said in a statement at the time. "These high-energy laser systems will be a game-changer on the contemporary battlefield, a critical component of an integrated, layered, and in-depth air missile defense for division and brigade maneuver formations."

The DE M-SHOARD isn't the only laser weapon in the Army's air defense arsenal: The service recently inked a contract with defense giant Lockheed Martin to furnish soldiers with the Valkyrie 300-kilowatt laser weapon which, loaded onto a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, will purportedly provide significant defense against the same family of missile and drone threats that its 50-kilowatt cousin is designed to defeat, as well as other hardened threats like incoming cruise missiles.

After such an investment of time and money in its development, the DE M-SHORAD's nascent laser platoon and the urgent need among commanders downrange are set to intersect during the upcoming operational tests in the Central Command area of responsibility, tests which will likely help define the limitations of the systems that prevent lasers from serving as an "all-weather solution" to incoming drones and missiles in regions such as the Middle East.

"It's a prototype, but we want to experiment in a live environment," Mingus told Breaking Defense. "Is it 100% ready? Is it going to work perfectly? Probably not, but we're going to learn from it."

Related: Ride of the Valkyries: The Army Is Getting the US Military's Most Powerful Laser Weapons Yet
The Navy could soon invest up to $400 million to provide housing for sailors in Newport News, according to state and local officials who said the investment may hinge upon whether the state approves spending $40 million to kickstart the project.

The Navy has identified up to $400 million that could be used to build a new facility to house sailors, Newport News spokesperson Kim Bracy told the Daily Press. Bracy said to secure this funding, the state would need to provide up to 10% toward the cost share project. She said this investment is critical to downtown revitalization efforts.

Del. Marcia S. Cia Price, D- Newport News, introduced an amendment to Gov. Glenn Youngkins two-year-budget proposal that would provide $40 million in state funding to build infrastructure to house and care for sailors who reside in Newport News when a ship is being built, overhauled, or otherwise in a maintenance shipbuilding facility.

Price said the investment in housing would allow sailors to not just work in Newport News, but be able to live off of the ships.

To be stationed somewhere and not really feel like youre a part of the community, all of that can really wear on people, Price said. And in response to that, both the Navy, the city of Newport News, the shipyard and the state are looking to get creative with some of the things that we can do to improve their quality of life.

The Navy did not return calls inquiring for more information on what the housing could entail. Last year, the Navy began undertaking a massive effort to improve sailors quality of life, including providing more options for off-base housing. This effort followed a wave of suicides of Hampton Roads-based sailors and a comprehensive investigation that concluded the Navy failed its own personnel on an individual and systemic level.

The Newport News government hopes that if Prices amendment is included in the final state budget, the investment could play a part in both improving sailors quality of life and revitalizing downtown.

This budget amendment stands as the top legislative priority for the City of Newport News, said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones in a statement. As a Marine, I deeply recognize the critical need to enhance the quality of life for our Sailors. Moreover, this initiative represents a pivotal investment in Newport News, bolstering our ongoing downtown revitalization endeavors. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support from our state and federal delegation.

Newport News works to revitalize downtown: Efforts underway to change perceptions, bridge community divides

Price, who lives in downtown Newport News, said in addition to more sailor housing, the $400 million investment could include beautification and other types of infrastructure improvements downtown.

I think depending upon the scope of what it is that we can get done, it can be truly transformative for some of the areas that have been largely neglected over the years, she said.

Prices amendment, which allotted $20 million in fiscal 2025 and 2026, was adopted as part of the House proposal. Sen. Mamie Locke, D- Hampton, also introduced a budget amendment that would appropriate up to $40 million in fiscal year 2025, but it was not folded into the Senate plan.

Both the House and Senate signed off on amendments to the two-year budget proposal last month. Its now its the job of negotiators to work out a compromise budget based on the two spending plans. That process largely takes place behind closed doors with appointed conferees. Locke is one of the Senates conferees. To come to fruition, the amendment would need to make it into the final budget, which would then need the governors signature.

Price also introduced a bill, which passed both the House and the Senate, that would allow localities to offer unique benefits to businesses looking to locate within a military-centered community zone to serve the needs of military personnel. Price said many military employees dont live in areas where there are many amenities, and this legislation could help provide incentives to bring businesses and their amenities to military-centered communities, like Newport News.

The potential Navy investment is among many ways Newport News hopes to improve the downtown area.

Weve been in talks with the Navy, weve been in talks with Newport News Shipbuilding, but long story short, we need to build more aircraft carriers, Jones said in a recent interview with The Daily Press. Thats going to require 3,000 to 5,000 more sailors. And the question becomes where do you home port them?

Jones said the city has a once in a lifetime opportunity with downtown Newport News.

I think once youre able to make downtown all that it can be, I think that unlocks the greatness that is Newport News, he said.

2024 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A senior defense official has confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been briefed on the plans to return the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to flight after a nearly three-month grounding, but the exact timing of that return remained unclear Monday.

Despite the briefing, which is seen as a step closer to lifting the grounding following a deadly crash of an Air Force Special Operations Command Osprey on Nov. 29 that killed eight airmen, none of the services was answering the question of when it expects to fly the aircraft again.

The Associated Press reported Friday that the flight ban would be lifted this week. However, officials for the Navy and Air Force chose not to answer questions Military.com posed to them about that timing. The Marine Corps simply said it had no updates.

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The move to return the aircraft to flight would raise many questions since the Osprey has had a spate of deadly crashes -- in addition to the Air Force's November crash off the coast of Japan, there was a deadly Marine Corps Osprey crash in Australia last summer for which the investigations have not been completed.

There is also an ongoing problem with the aircraft's clutch systems that turned deadly in June 2022. The military has claimed the issue is under control, despite it not having a full understanding of the cause.

Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for the Pentagon, said that she wasn't "going to get ahead of any notifications" when asked whether U.S. officials would notify Japan before resuming Osprey flights.

Japanese government officials expressed concerns over Osprey operations late last year shortly after the Air Force crash. Two months before the Nov. 29 Osprey crash, two Marine Ospreys flying over Japan had to divert within hours of each other due to "cockpit caution indications" in the aircraft while flying near where the Air Force Osprey crashed.

Marcia Hart, a spokeswoman for the Navy's Air Systems Command, the office that issued the grounding bulletin and the authority on when it will be lifted, confirmed only that "conversations are ongoing between V-22 stakeholders about when a return to flight of the V-22 will occur."

Hart did say that "currently, we have no evidence that suggests there is a correlation" between the hard clutch engagement issue that has been a problem for years and circumstances of the November crash of the Air Force Osprey.

Meanwhile, the Air Force, when asked similar questions by Military.com, chose not to answer any of them directly and instead said that Air Force Special Operations Command "remains in close coordination" with Naval Air Systems Command and "any change in the status of the V-22 fleet's operational status will come in the form of an updated flight bulletin" from that command.

Defense officials have stressed on several occasions that once Naval Air Systems Command lifts the grounding bulletin, it would still be up to the individual services to decide how and when Ospreys begin flying again.

The Marine Corps, which operates the vast majority of the military's V-22 fleet, has signaled that it needs to get the aircraft back in the air. A top Marine general told a conference panel in February that the Corps has seen "dramatic impacts" from the flying halt and on operations for three Marine expeditionary units, or MEUs -- including the 26th MEU currently on deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has been more reserved.

Last month, Air Force officials publicly confirmed said that a parts failure occurred during the November Osprey crash in Japan, but said the root cause of the crash was still unknown.

The head of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, told reporters last month that, while there is a "strong desire" to return to flying the Osprey, "we want to be able to return to fly with as much knowledge as we possibly can so that we can ensure that we are safely taking care of our crews as it goes forward."

Finally, the Navy, which was planning on using the aircraft to replace its aging fleet of C-2 Greyhounds that keep carriers supplied at sea, was forced to surge the last remaining squadron of 15 Greyhounds "to meet the Carrier Onboard Delivery mission for deployed aircraft carriers in U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets," Cmdr. Beth Teach, a spokeswoman for the Navy's aviation boss, told reporters last month.

-- Drew Lawrence contributed to this report.

Related: Air Force Confirms Parts Failure Occurred in Deadly Japan Osprey Crash that Left 8 Airmen Dead
Country music fans can get tickets to Willie Nelsons Outlaw Music Festival at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Sunday, Sept. 15, in Clarkston.

Celebrate Willie Nelsons music career with special guests Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp.

Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster have tickets to the tour stop in Michigan and tickets are selling fast. Tickets are also available for shows in Illinois and Ohio.

Ticket prices start at $50. But prices will fluctuate.

Since 2016, Outlaw Music Festival has served as a space for country and folk fans to gather and enjoy great music. Founded by Willie Nelson, Outlaw Music Festival was a one-time event before eventually transitioning to its current annual touring festival.

The 2024 Outlaw tour continues the celebration of Willie Nelsons legendary music career. The festival kicks off on June 21 in Alpharetta, Georgia, and concludes on Sept. 17 in Buffalo, New York. Willie Nelson and Family will headline each date while being joined by a host of musicians, like Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Southern Avenue, Brittney Spencer, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Celisse.

Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster have tickets available for tour stop at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston.

Tickets are also available for tour stops in Illinois and Ohio.

Clarkston - Sunday, Sept. 15, 5:00pm, Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston, MI

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster

Tinley Park - Saturday, Sept. 7, 5:30pm, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster

Cincinnati - Wednesday, Sept. 11, 5:00pm, Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster

Cuyahoga Falls - Thursday, Sept. 12, 5:30pm, Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Stubhub

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SeatGeek

Ticketmaster
Health officials in Washtenaw and Wayne counties have named five different locations that may have been exposure points for measles after someone tested positive for the virus. On Sunday, health officials in both counties confirmed someone with measles may have exposed others to the virus, but have not said if the exposure sites are connected.

Washtenaw County officials say someone with measles was at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department in Ypsilanti on March 1. Anyone who was in that area of the hospital between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. is considered at risk.

In Wayne County, the following four locations have been identified as possible exposure sites:

WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care located at 23100 Michigan Ave., Dearborn on Feb. 27 between 4-5:30 p.m.

CVS Pharmacy 2701 S. Telegraph Road, Dearborn on Feb. 27 between 4-6:30 p.m.

Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care 26763 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights on Feb. 29 between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Corewell Emergency Health Department 18101 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn on Feb. 29 between 3-8 p.m.

Because the measles virus is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after exposure, anyone who visited the locations listed above may be at risk of catching the virus. If you were at those locations and are not considered immune to measles, you should contact your local health department immediately.

Although symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear, treatment received within six days of exposure may prevent you from getting measles, according to a press release from the Wayne County Public Health Department.

If the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is issued within 72 hours of exposure, it can prevent the exposed person from contracting the virus.

If you were at any of the exposure sites, you should monitor for the following possible measles symptoms for 21 days:

High fever (may spike to over 104 Fahrenheit).

Cough.

Runny nose.

Red, watery eyes.

Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

A rash that is red, raised, blotchy  usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

For more information, you can contact the Washtenaw County Health Department at 734-544-6700 or the Wayne County Public Health at 734-727-7000.
E. LANSING, MI -- Rema Vassar resigned her position as chair of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees on Sunday, just days after a law firm hired by the university recommended that the governor consider removing her from office over violations of the Boards ethics policy and bylaws.

At a special meeting of the Board held late Sunday night, Vassars fellow trustees voted to refer her to the governor for review, to strip her of her committee appointments and to bar her from participating in any Board activities not strictly required of her as an elected official.

I believe that these actions are punitive and over the top, said Vassar, who was the first Black woman to lead MSUs Board. Im proud of my service on this Board, of the work that this Board has done, and Ive been honored to serve as chair.

What had been behind the scenes conflicts on the Board became public in October, when Trustee Brianna Scott released a list of allegations against Vassar, among them that Vassar had bullied university administrators and other trustees, bungled sensitive legal matters and violated the Boards code of ethics by accepting private jet flights from donors.

The university hired Washington, D.C., law firm Miller & Chevalier to investigate. According to Trustee Dan Kelly, who is replacing Vassar as chair, the investigation grew in scope as it went on. The university released a 66-page report from the firm on Wednesday.

It did not substantiate every allegation Scott had put forward.

But it found that both Vassar and Trustee Dennis Denno conspired with students to publicly embarrass interim President Teresa Woodruff and to attack Jack Lipton, the chair of MSUs Faculty Senate and a professor of neuroscience, after he introduced a resolution calling for Vassar to resign.

Vassar was caught on tape advising students on who they could partner with to crucify Woodruff, the report said, though she denied it when questioned.

The investigation also found that Vassar violated Board policy when she accepted a ride on a donors private jet and courtside tickets to an MSU basketball game at Madison Square Garden in the spring of 2023 and that she had inappropriately intervened in that same donors negotiations with the university to buy trademark rights for his name, image and likeness collective.

I disagree with some of the findings and recommendations, Vassar said. I provided 15 hours of interviews for this investigation. Many of the exchanges referenced in the report I was present for, and I can tell you that this report is incomplete and omits some very important information and key voices that could have provided a fuller and different picture of the circumstances.

The report recommended that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer consider removing Denno from office, as well.

And other members of the Board voted Sunday to refer him to the governor for review, strip him of committee assignments and bar him from any Board activities not strictly required by his office.

Denno said in a statement released Sunday that he refutes most of the allegations in the report.

When I asked questions in a nine-page document about possible ethical and other violations by three other trustees, [Miller & Chevalier] ignored it, he said. By not reviewing all allegations against all trustees, the objective was not to investigate board misconduct, their objective was to target Dr. Rema, and they were paid handsomely by taxpayer money and tuition dollars.

As for the allegations that he conspired with students, he said, there are words I used that, when taken out of context, were inappropriate. My intent was to help a group of Arab-American students who felt marginalized by the administration and unsafe on campus.

Denno said in the statement that he would accept a censure but contest any other form of punishment.

If Miller & Chevalier found that some of the allegations Scott put forward had merit, it also found that she violated Board policy by disclosing nonpublic information without authorization.

Scott accepted the censure, but said, Its really unfortunate that it had to get to this place.

I dont know what type of precedent were setting where someone who does step forward to showcase dysfunction and some improprieties has to be censured.

The meeting took place just hours before the universitys new president, Kevin Guskiewicz, was set to take office.

Read more at MLive:

MSU trustee calls for Board chair to resign, alleging bullying, bungling and trips on donors jet

Rema Vassar is facing renewed calls to leave MSU Board. She says she wont go.

Can bass fishing and football save Michigans private colleges?
ANN ARBOR, MI - Although 9-year-old Lilo Tsai may not always be able to reach the cutting board in the kitchen, she is accomplishing some big goals as a young chef.

Lilo, of Ann Arbor, is one of the 12 junior chefs showing off their culinary skills and competing in challenges on the ninth season of MasterChef Junior, which premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, March 4, on FOX.

The last junior chef standing will take home the title and trophy of MasterChef Junior, along with $100,000 in prize money.

Cooking has always been a passion for Lilo as she grew up helping her father, Paul Tsai, with their Ann Arbor businesses, Godaiko Japanese Restaurant and an Asian market called Tsai Grocery.

The two businesses have been bringing Asian dishes to the city for decades now, Paul said.

Lilo has been learning how to cook since she was 5 years old, she said, which is around the same time her father began discovering his own culinary passion.

We were absolutely stunned (when Lilo made it on MasterChef Junior), he said. From my perspective its just so gratifying. I hope one day she is able to walk in my footsteps.

Lilo may be young, but she already has big dreams to one day open her own Asian fusion restaurant. Her favorite thing to use in the kitchen is the wok to make fried rice and fried noodles.

Im the wok master, she said. I love to see the fire and flip the pan with all the food in the air.

The ninth season of MasterChef Junior features judges including celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay who is known for his criticism alongside his daughter and new judge, Tilly Ramsay.

Lilo on the Season Premiere episode of MasterChef Junior airing on Monday, March 4, on FOX.Photo Courtesy FOX

One thing Lilo loved most about being on the show was meeting the Ramsays, she said.

Gordon Ramsay was supportive, and kind and Tilly was my favorite because both of our dads are chefs and shes always making fun of her dad and I love making fun of mine, she joked.

The other judges for the show include award-winning chef Aaron Sanchez and wellness advocate, author and TV host Daphne Oz.

The pressure from the show wasnt an issue for Lilo since she helps out in her familys restaurant, but the cameras were a different story, she said.

Im not used to is all of the cameras so at the beginning I was nervous, but when you get started you forget about the cameras and have fun, she said.

Lilo said she is always helping with restaurant orders and trying to tweak some of her dads recipes. This fresh perspective is something Paul said he admires about his daughter.

The one thing that is gratifying in young people is their curiosity, he said. (Lilo) brings energy and brings a vibrancy that maybe I, at my age, am lacking now.

Now that she has made it to MasterChef Junior, the 9-year-old shared she is proud that people can see what kind of a chef she truly is.

I always worried people would question if I was too young, but now I made it to MasterChef (Junior), and I dont think anyone will question that now because I have proved Im one of the best chefs, she said.

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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A free event aims to educate Washtenaw County residents about literacy struggles facing the community, and how they can help fix the problem.

A kickoff event for the Family Literacy Initiative Campaign is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at Washtenaw Community Colleges Morris J. Lawrence building. Lunch is being provided at the free event, which marks the beginning of a countywide effort to raise awareness and address the issues of poverty and low literacy rates, officials said.

People dont help solve a crisis if they dont know and dont care, and you cant care if you think everything is okay, said Kathy Wyatt, Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office assistant and facilitator of the Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County. This is our first step to recruiting more tutors. We want to talk about the crisis - and it is a crisis - and how it impacts our people and our county, and how its really not that hard to volunteer.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will appear at the event to support the effort in Washtenaw County. Other guest speakers include State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr., D-Ypsilanti Township; U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn; State Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor; and Naomi Norman, Washtenaw Intermediate School District superintendent.

The event will also feature a panel about the effects of poverty and the educational struggles it causes in Washtenaw County, officials said. Panelists will include Sharine Buddin, The Family Learning Institutes executive director; Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office Director Derrick Jackson; Michigan Works! Southeast executive director Shamar Herron; and Carlos Lopez, Ypsilanti Community Schools assistant superintendent.

There will also be a free screening of the documentary The Right To Read by Jennie MacKenzie and LeVar Burton - executive producer and former Reading Rainbow host.

Registrations is required for the free event, and can be done on the Eventbrite website or by emailing Literacycoalitionofwashtenaw@gmail.com

Attendees can learn from and engage with federal, state and local leaders, as well as education experts, Wyatt said. Literacy Coalition members will be present to answer questions, talk with attendees about how they can make a difference, and recruit volunteers and tutors.

The schools are trying, its just the magnitude of the crisis is such that it really will take our whole community, Wyatt said. Its fixable, but its going to take a lot of folks, each doing their bit. But we have to first recognize there is a crisis, and thats why we want people to come out to this.

Formed within the past year, the Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County consists of 15 organizations, including Ypsilanti Community Schools, Ann Arbor District Library and Washtenaw Promise, that aim to promote literacy through communication among literacy providers and inclusive collaboration with the community, officials said.

The coalition hopes to enact a fairly broad strategy to address both poverty and literacy issues in the Washtenaw County area in the future, Wyatt said.

The coalition aims to present a resolution to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners during its March 6 meeting that would advocate for support for reading and literacy programs during National Reading Month.

In Washtenaw County, 11% of the adult population struggle with basic literacy skills and about 20% of residents cannot fill out a job application unassisted or read a prescription label, the resolution states. The resolution also states that literacy struggles are a social and racial justice issue, with low literacy often being the result of historical racism and generational poverty.

Questions can be addressed to Wyatt by email at wyattk@washtenaw.org or by phone at 734-478-8212. The Literacy Coalition can be reached at Literacycoalitionofwashtenaw@gmail.com.

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This story has been corrected. Tamara Garwood, 51, is running for an open judge seat on the 15th District Court. She is not running for chief judge. Chief judges are selected among sitting judges by the Michigan Supreme Court.

ANN ARBOR, MI  After almost eight years working in Ann Arbors court, Tamara Garwood is ready to be a judge.

Garwood, who began working as a magistrate for the 15th District Court in 2016, announced her candidacy for a judge seat in an Ann Arbor City Council meeting in early February.

The mother of two wants to bring an individualist touch to the seat, she said.

Promoting equity is critical to guarantee that we meet those in the court where we find them, Garwood told MLive in an email. Justice cannot be administered in a cookie-cutter fashion, but rather should look to individuals with personal solutions to the circumstances that brought them to court.

Garwood, 51, graduated from University of Michigan in 1995, later obtaining a law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1999, according to previous reporting. She worked for the Wayne County prosecutors office in the child and family abuse bureau before entering into private practice. She has lived in the Ann Arbor area for more than 25 years and currently resides on the citys west side.

District Judge Joseph Burke, who previously served as chief judge and appointed Garwood, announced in February that he would not be seeking reelection, instead letting his term expire at the end of 2024.

Read more: Ann Arbor courts chief judge to retire at end of year

In her time as magistrate, Garwood has learned not be afraid of difficult decisions, she said. Navigating how to balance justice for both parties can be tricky, she added.

To make the best possible decisions as a jurist, I have learned to seek the truth, consider the applicable law, evaluate possible outcomes and bravely make rulings accepting their ramifications, Garwood said.

Garwood said she hopes her individualist approach can combat ongoing issues in the community, pointing specifically to mental health concerns and criminalized homelessness.

Courts, jails and police agencies were not created to solve these issues but have been thrust into the complex crisis, Garwood said. . With best policing practices, equitable charging decisions and creative court options, we need to move away from incarceration and toward treatment and solutions.

The district court judge race will appear on the November 2024 election ballot.

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ANN ARBOR, MI -- Pita Way will soon serve its Mediterranean food at two new locations in and around Ann Arbor.

Pita Way plans to add 5609 Jackson Road and 500 E. William St. to its growing list of Michigan locations that include 27 spots in Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.

The East William Street location was formerly Neo Papalis Pizza which opened in 2012 and served customizable Neapolitan pizzas until it closed after dealing with a grease fire in 2021.

Pita Way is a Michigan-based chain that began in Clarkston in 2010 and offers customizable bowls, sandwiches on white pita bread and its version of a quesadilla made with pita.

Customers can fill their customizable items with chicken, gyro, crispy chicken and falafel along with other toppings. The restaurant also serves sides like lentil soup and Fattoush salad.

The goal is to open the new locations sometime in April or May and he anticipates each location will hire 15 to 20 employees, Pita Way Marketing Director Kipp Quarton said.

Pita Way has always been interested in Ann Arbor, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to expand into the city until recently, Quarton said.

(Ann Arbor) is a local, homegrown community that attracts a lot of different people and Pita Way is for everybody, he said. Ann Arbor is like the poster child for that demographic.

Beyond bringing its food to Ann Arbor, Quarton said Pita Way is all about giving back to the community, and hiring people who are passionate about the company.

We really have an emphasis on people at this company and bringing in the right people, he said.

As the opening date for the company gets closer, Quarton said the business is still actively hiring for both locations. Learn more about the business online.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The day-to-day atmosphere inside an East Lansing synagogue changed after a then-19-year-old man threatened a mass shooting at the religious temple, a rabbi with the congregation said Monday.

The man, Seann Patrick Pietila, was sentenced Monday morning, March 4, to one year and one day in federal prison on a charge of transmitting a threatening communication.
ROCKFORD, MI -- An SUV allegedly rear-ended another vehicle and pushed it along U.S. 131 near Rockford, police said.

State police said they are investigating the incident as road-rage and say it happened about 7:55 a.m. Monday, March 4 on southbound U.S. 131 south of 10 Mile Road.

Police said a gold Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon rear-ended a Subaru during some type of road-rage incident. The driver of the SUV then began pushing the other vehicle forward, almost striking a semi-truck.

The SUV then left the scene.

Any witnesses to the incident can call state police at 616-866-4411.

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JACKSON COUNTY, MI  A man convicted of aiding in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy four years ago will not being getting a new trial.

The Michigan Court of Appeals last week upheld the conviction of Anthony Keith-Seaton Jones III, who was found guilty of second-degree murder for the slaying of 16-year-old Lataveon Cosey on Aug. 25, 2020.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Local governments and a community foundation are supporting a program to allow certain low-income defendants to spend time outside of jail during their pretrial phase, helping those who could not otherwise afford monitoring devices.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Kalamazoo County and the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage have contributed to fully fund the 2024 Indigent Equipment Program at $43,000, the county said in a recent news release.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Nine of the 12 main school districts that serve Kalamazoo County saw enrollment increases in fall 2023 compared to the previous year, according to data recently released by the state.

The Kalamazoo, Gull Lake, Vicksburg, Plainwell, Otsego, Comstock, Schoolcraft, Galesburg-Augusta and Climax-Scotts school districts all saw an increase in student counts. Portage, Mattawan and Parchment all saw slight decreases.
KENOSHA, Wis.  It was a cold January weekend when Randy Myrum turned on the television to indulge in a hobby he enjoys: watching criminal cases.

The Kenosha, Wisconsin, man tunes in to Court TV wanting to know the outcome of cases and see justice served.

Yet, within five minutes of watching one case in particular  the trial of Shanda Vander Ark  he found himself troubled.

RELATED: Man asks judge for mercy when sentenced to prison for torturing brother to death

Who wouldnt be? The details surrounding Vander Arks and her older sons  Paul Ferguson  cases could fill the average person with anger and rage.

The mother and son were charged for their individual roles in inflicting months worth of punishments and torture  like ice baths and force-feeding bread soaked in hot sauce  to 15-year-old Timothy Ferguson that led to the malnourished boys death in July 2022.

After his arrest, Paul Ferguson, 21, cooperated with Muskegon County prosecutors in exchange for leniency in his case. Ferguson testified against Vander Ark in December during her murder trial.

It was while he was listening to Fergusons testimony that Myrum started to question things.

When Paul testified, it took about five minutes to see that hes functioning at a diminished capacity, Myrum told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle in a recent interview.

In that moment, Ferguson reminded Myrum of his 23-year-old son who was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome. When Myrum watched Ferguson, he couldnt help but see his son.

RELATED: Did mom manipulate older son to torture teen? Doctors say no, but questions remain

(Pauls) demeanor was dead on, Myrum said.

After the trial concluded, Myrum started researching anything he could find on Ferguson  browsing through Fergusons social media accounts and reviewing the police investigation. Myrum even reached out to Muskegon County Chief Trial Prosecutor Matt Roberts who prosecuted both Ferguson and Vander Arks cases.

(Randy) wanted to help Paul out in whatever way he could, Roberts told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle.

With years of experience working with those who have special needs, Myrum said he was determined to help Ferguson.

There are a lot of people who are very eager to hate Paul and I worry about our justice system when its moved by such people, he said.

In an effort to help, the Myrum family  some 200-plus miles away  befriended Ferguson while he was incarcerated in the Muskegon County Jail. Myrum created an account to communicate with Ferguson during the week. The first two conversations, he said, were very awkward.

I think he was very guarded, Myrum recalled. I tried to keep our conversations friendly, and explained how my family would like to get to know him better.

After weeks of conversing, Myrum and his adult son made the five-hour trip from Kenosha to Muskegon County Circuit Court on Feb. 26 to learn what punishment Ferguson would receive.

RELATED: Man didnt want brother go to prison for torturing their sibling to death

During the hearing, it was revealed that Ferguson was evaluated by two different doctors  at the request of defense attorney Joshua Eldenbrady  who both determined Ferguson did not suffer from an intellectual disability and did not meet criteria for any specific mental disorder.

I attributed his overall demeanor and presentation to factors such as a lack of socialization, normalization of abnormal dynamics and experiences, poor interpersonal skills and emotional dysregulation, Judge Matthew Kacel read from one doctors report.

Ultimately, Ferguson was sentenced to a minimum 30 years in prison on a first-degree child abuse charge. It was a sentence Myrum felt was over the top.

Myrum and his son left the courthouse discouraged. The Wisconsin father said he knew he had to do something to help.

Now, through his own funding, Myrum is in the process of acquiring a new attorney to aid Ferguson in appealing his case.

After a felony conviction, an appellant has 42 days to file a claim of appeal. The claim does not have to state the reason for the appeal or the perceived lack of justice, but it must state that the right will be exercised.

There will be barriers appealing the case, Myrum said, with living in another state and not being familiar with criminal law. But, thats not stopping him.

I dont want to do any of this, but I have to help Paul, he said.

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BUENA VISTA TWP, MI  Just shy of a year ago, father of five Devon L. Chip Williams was shot to death in a Buena Vista Township home. While the mother of one of his children has been charged with orchestrating the killing, authorities recently charged the accused triggerman with murder.

However, he needs to finish serving a term in an out-of-state prison before he can be arraigned on Michigans highest offense.
Michigan businesses impacted by record warm temperatures and a lack of snowfall can apply for federal disaster aid.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to businesses in 42 counties currently under a federal drought declaration, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday, March 4. Those businesses may be eligible for emergency loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration to help cover losses related to the drought.

Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this years record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardships for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow, Whitmer said in a statement. I know how hard this winter has been on families and communities who rely on winter tourism revenue and all the associated business that comes with ithotels, restaurants, and shops.

The Upper Peninsula experienced the warmest start to winter on record with temperatures being 15 to 20 degrees above normal in mid-January. The Lower Peninsula also saw record-breaking warmth at the end of February when temperatures soared into the 70s.

Related: A ghost town: Upper Peninsula tourism reckons with warm winter

As a result, snowfall totals are much lower than normal.

The Keweenaw Peninsula has only seen 116 inches of snow compared to its seasonal average of 270 inches. Marquette is 5 feet behind its normal snowfall levels. And Lower Peninsula cities like Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Muskegon are also dealing little snowfall.

All of this has dealt a blow to businesses like ski resorts, snowmobile rentals and restaurants that lean on Michigans winter tourism for their livelihood. Winter events that draw people to the Upper Peninsula have also been canceled, including the UP200, Copper Dog 150 and Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race.

This winter has been especially hard on our businesses that rely on snow. From ski hills to hotels and restaurants, many businesses Ive spoken to are concerned whether they can even make it to the summer, said state Senator John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, in a statement.

A coalition of businesses in the western Upper Peninsula have been pushing for state intervention after they lost an estimated $3 million during a warm December and were on track to lose another $3.8 million in January.

Related: Little snow, warm temps and $3M loss create crisis in Upper Peninsula

Affected businesses can apply for up to $2 million in economic injury disaster loans to help cover operating expenses. There is no interest on the loan for the first year, and it caps out at 4% for the remainder of the loan period.

A drought is a droughtwhether were talking about rain or snow, Whitmer said. Businesses impacted by low snow in these 42 counties can apply for support right now, and Ill continue to push our federal government for more solutions. Well get through this warm winter together.

Here are the 42 counties covered by the drought declarations and the deadlines to apply for aid:

Alcona  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Alger  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Alpena  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Antrim  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Arenac  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Bay  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Benzie  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Charlevoix  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Cheboygan  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Clare  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Crawford  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Delta  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Dickinson  Drought Declaration #20209, Deadline 11/27/24 Emmet  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Gladwin  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Gogebic  Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024 Grand Traverse  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Gratiot  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Iosco  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Iron  Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024 Isabella  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Kalkaska  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Leelanau  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Luce  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Mackinac  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Manistee  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Marquette  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Mecosta  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Menominee  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Midland  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Missaukee  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Montmorency  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Ogemaw  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Ontonagon  Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024 Osceola  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Oscoda  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Otsego  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Presque Isle  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024, or Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Schoolcraft  Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024 Roscommon  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Saginaw  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 Wexford  Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024

More information is available at lending.sba.gov or by calling the U.S. Small Business Administration at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applicants can also contact the Michigan Small Business Development Center at 833-533-0025 or email sbdcmichigan@gvsu.edu.
Michigan universities and agencies will receive a collective $1.7 million in federal grant dollars for a variety of environmental research projects across the Great Lakes State.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced $3.85 million in grant awards for fish and wildlife restoration efforts across several Great Lakes states. Michigan received more grant money than any other state under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act.
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:DFIN  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 700,000 shares, a growth of 59.5% from the January 31st total of 438,900 shares. Currently, 2.6% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 172,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.0 days.

Donnelley Financial Solutions Stock Performance

Shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $64.58. 134,788 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 214,899. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $62.49 and a 200 day moving average price of $57.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.83 and a beta of 1.51. Donnelley Financial Solutions has a one year low of $35.71 and a one year high of $65.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

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Donnelley Financial Solutions (NYSE:DFIN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 20th. The company reported $0.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $176.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $169.35 million. Donnelley Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.31% and a return on equity of 22.89%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.36 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Donnelley Financial Solutions will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

DFIN has been the subject of several research analyst reports. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on Donnelley Financial Solutions from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 12th. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price objective on Donnelley Financial Solutions from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 21st.

View Our Latest Analysis on DFIN

Insider Buying and Selling at Donnelley Financial Solutions

In other news, Director Luis A. Aguilar sold 3,047 shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.84, for a total value of $194,520.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 58,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,740,640.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Jeffrey Jacobowitz sold 102,064 shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.93, for a total value of $6,014,631.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 2,486,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $146,515,478.59. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Luis A. Aguilar sold 3,047 shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.84, for a total value of $194,520.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 58,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,740,640.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 13.60% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DFIN. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Donnelley Financial Solutions by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Donnelley Financial Solutions by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 396,944 shares of the companys stock worth $13,203,000 after purchasing an additional 16,241 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in Donnelley Financial Solutions by 13.6% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 67,692 shares of the companys stock worth $2,251,000 after purchasing an additional 8,094 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in Donnelley Financial Solutions by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 28,882 shares of the companys stock worth $960,000 after purchasing an additional 2,228 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in Donnelley Financial Solutions by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,306 shares of the companys stock worth $284,000 after purchasing an additional 429 shares in the last quarter. 91.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Donnelley Financial Solutions

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Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc provides innovative software and technology-enabled financial regulatory and compliance solutions in the United States, Asia, Europe, Canada, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Capital Markets Software Solutions (CM-SS), Capital Markets Compliance and Communications Management (CM-CCM), Investment Companies Software Solutions (IC-SS), and Investment Companies Compliance and Communications Management (IC-CCM).

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BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust (NYSE:BBN  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 156,300 shares, a decline of 34.5% from the January 31st total of 238,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 286,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days.

BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust Stock Performance

NYSE:BBN traded up $0.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $16.48. The stock had a trading volume of 156,710 shares, compared to its average volume of 252,803. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $16.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.87. BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust has a one year low of $14.33 and a one year high of $18.36.

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BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th were paid a $0.093 dividend. This is a boost from BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.09. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.77%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust

About BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BBN. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust by 27.9% during the third quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 60,312 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $914,000 after buying an additional 13,152 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust by 9.1% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 608,147 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $9,220,000 after buying an additional 50,622 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust by 2.4% during the third quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 69,719 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,057,000 after buying an additional 1,664 shares during the period. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust by 10.3% during the second quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC now owns 99,457 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,650,000 after buying an additional 9,272 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust by 14.0% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 201,506 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $3,055,000 after buying an additional 24,717 shares during the period.

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BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in taxable municipal securities, which include Build America Bonds.

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Charlottes Web Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:CWBHF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 476,800 shares, a growth of 45.1% from the January 31st total of 328,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,056,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Charlottes Web Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS CWBHF remained flat at $0.15 during mid-day trading on Friday. The company had a trading volume of 165,884 shares, compared to its average volume of 359,902. Charlottes Web has a 52 week low of $0.12 and a 52 week high of $0.47. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $0.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $0.23.

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About Charlottes Web

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Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc is involved in the farming, manufacture, marketing, and sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products. The company's products categories include hemp extract oil tinctures, such as liquid products; gummies comprising sleep, stress, immunity, and exercise recovery products; and capsules, CBD topical creams, and lotions, as well as products for pets under the Charlotte's Web, CBD Medic, CBD Clinic, and Harmony Hemp brands.

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Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:CHT  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 433,900 shares, a growth of 49.7% from the January 31st total of 289,800 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 99,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 4.4 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in Chunghwa Telecom by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 3,049,769 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $113,726,000 after purchasing an additional 59,489 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 6.3% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,893,770 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $107,909,000 after acquiring an additional 170,632 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom during the 1st quarter worth about $86,880,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 7.7% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,175,582 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $42,250,000 after acquiring an additional 84,339 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 508,882 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $18,289,000 after acquiring an additional 4,459 shares in the last quarter. 2.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com lowered Chunghwa Telecom from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, February 22nd.

Chunghwa Telecom Stock Up 1.8 %

NYSE:CHT traded up $0.69 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $38.48. 149,358 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 69,598. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 1.33. Chunghwa Telecom has a twelve month low of $35.44 and a twelve month high of $41.58. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $38.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $37.28. The firm has a market cap of $29.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.15 and a beta of 0.17.

Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter. Chunghwa Telecom had a return on equity of 9.49% and a net margin of 16.57%. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that Chunghwa Telecom will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Chunghwa Telecom

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Chunghwa Telecom Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local long distance services comprising of local calls, cloud switchboard, and value-added local calls.

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Dr. Martens plc (OTCMKTS:DOCMF  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 928,100 shares, an increase of 34.0% from the January 31st total of 692,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 31,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 29.8 days.

Dr. Martens Stock Performance

OTCMKTS DOCMF traded down $0.01 on Friday, reaching $1.22. The company had a trading volume of 10,804 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,320. The firms 50 day moving average price is $1.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.43. Dr. Martens has a 12 month low of $0.95 and a 12 month high of $2.21.

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Dr. Martens Company Profile

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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.

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DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 13,420,000 shares, an increase of 20.7% from the January 31st total of 11,120,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,730,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 4.9 days. Currently, 7.4% of the companys shares are short sold.

Institutional Trading of DXC Technology

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in DXC Technology by 9.9% in the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 63,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,329,000 after purchasing an additional 5,735 shares during the last quarter. Caxton Associates LP purchased a new position in DXC Technology in the third quarter valued at approximately $833,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its stake in DXC Technology by 38.7% in the third quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 950,875 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,121,000 after purchasing an additional 265,248 shares during the last quarter. Investment Management Associates Inc. ADV increased its stake in DXC Technology by 2.2% in the third quarter. Investment Management Associates Inc. ADV now owns 679,760 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,159,000 after purchasing an additional 14,425 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pinebridge Investments L.P. increased its stake in DXC Technology by 1.4% in the second quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 90,985 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,431,000 after purchasing an additional 1,215 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.09% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have issued reports on DXC. Citigroup lowered shares of DXC Technology from a neutral rating to a sell rating and cut their price target for the stock from $24.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of DXC Technology from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and cut their price target for the stock from $27.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $24.00 price target on shares of DXC Technology in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $23.33.

DXC Technology Stock Down 0.8 %

NYSE:DXC traded down $0.17 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $21.69. The stock had a trading volume of 2,562,951 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,232,318. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $22.39 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $21.91. The company has a market capitalization of $3.97 billion, a PE ratio of -11.36, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.86. DXC Technology has a twelve month low of $18.61 and a twelve month 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 earnings results 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 analysts expectations of $3.36 billion. DXC Technology had a negative net margin of 3.35% and a positive return on equity of 19.00%. The firms revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.95 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that DXC Technology will post 3.03 EPS for the current year.

About DXC Technology

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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).

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Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund (NYSE:EVG  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 13,900 shares, an increase of 49.5% from the January 31st total of 9,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 47,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Institutional Trading of Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EVG. UBS Group AG lifted its position in Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund by 313.6% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 8,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 6,182 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund by 825.3% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 4,638 shares in the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new position in Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Bey Douglas LLC bought a new position in Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $187,000. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC lifted its position in Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund by 27.8% in the 4th quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 39,528 shares of the companys stock valued at $410,000 after acquiring an additional 8,595 shares in the last quarter.

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Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund Stock Performance

Shares of EVG traded up $0.11 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $10.79. The company had a trading volume of 82,031 shares, compared to its average volume of 55,341. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $10.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.28. Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund has a 52 week low of $9.13 and a 52 week high of $10.86.

Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund Cuts Dividend

About Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 22nd were given a $0.0787 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 21st. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.75%.

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Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in senior, secured floating-rate loans, bank deposits denominated in foreign currencies, debt obligations of foreign governmental and corporate issuers, and mortgage-backed securities.

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Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 21st, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be given a dividend of 0.41 per share by the shipping company on Wednesday, March 13th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 5th. This is a positive change from Genco Shipping & Tradings previous quarterly dividend of $0.15.

Genco Shipping & Trading has increased its dividend payment by an average of 59.3% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 1 consecutive years. Genco Shipping & Trading has a payout ratio of 68.9% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Genco Shipping & Trading to earn $2.76 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 59.4%.

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Genco Shipping & Trading Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of NYSE GNK opened at $20.69 on Monday. Genco Shipping & Trading has a twelve month low of $12.39 and a twelve month high of $20.91. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $17.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $15.33. The company has a current ratio of 4.46, a quick ratio of 3.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

Insider Activity

Genco Shipping & Trading ( NYSE:GNK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 21st. The shipping company reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.06. Genco Shipping & Trading had a negative net margin of 3.35% and a positive return on equity of 3.10%. The firm had revenue of $115.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $72.54 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.67 EPS. Genco Shipping & Tradings revenue for the quarter was down 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Genco Shipping & Trading will post 2.15 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CFO Peter George Allen sold 7,036 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.80, for a total transaction of $139,312.80. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 35,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at $703,256.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CAO Joseph Adamo sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.87, for a total value of $119,220.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 17,202 shares in the company, valued at approximately $341,803.74. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Peter George Allen sold 7,036 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.80, for a total transaction of $139,312.80. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 35,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at $703,256.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 62,496 shares of company stock worth $1,238,678 in the last 90 days. 2.08% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Genco Shipping & Trading during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc increased its position in Genco Shipping & Trading by 53.2% during the 3rd quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 2,420 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 840 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in shares of Genco Shipping & Trading by 114.1% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,603 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,387 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Genco Shipping & Trading during the first quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Genco Shipping & Trading in the 1st quarter worth approximately $47,000. 52.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

GNK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com raised Genco Shipping & Trading from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 18th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Genco Shipping & Trading from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. BTIG Research reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Genco Shipping & Trading in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded shares of Genco Shipping & Trading from a c rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, February 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Genco Shipping & Trading presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $20.67.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on GNK

About Genco Shipping & Trading

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Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes worldwide. The company owns and operates dry bulk carrier vessels to transports iron ore, grains, coal, steel products, and other dry-bulk cargoes. It charters its vessels primarily to trading houses, including commodities traders; producers; and government-owned entities.

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Hannover Ruck SE (OTCMKTS:HVRRY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,000 shares, a drop of 33.3% from the January 31st total of 1,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 2,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days.

Hannover Ruck Stock Performance

OTCMKTS HVRRY traded up $1.00 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $128.22. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,485 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,031. The company has a current ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $122.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $115.76. Hannover Ruck has a 52 week low of $85.99 and a 52 week high of $135.32. The stock has a market cap of $30.93 billion, a PE ratio of 16.17 and a beta of 0.68.

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Shares of Hannover Ruck are going to split on the morning of Tuesday, March 5th. The 3-1 split was announced on Tuesday, March 5th. The newly minted shares will be distributed to shareholders after the closing bell on Tuesday, March 5th.

Hannover Ruck Company Profile

Hannover Ruck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services worldwide. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance, and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The company offers property and casualty reinsurance solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock businesses; aviation and space businesses; catastrophe XL business; credit, surety, and political risks businesses; facultative business; and marine and offshore energy businesses, as well as insurance-linked securities and structured reinsurance.

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Interfor Co. (OTCMKTS:IFSPF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 217,300 shares, an increase of 50.8% from the January 31st total of 144,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 37,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.8 days.

Interfor Trading Down 3.7 %

IFSPF stock traded down $0.55 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $14.41. 28,561 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 29,937. Interfor has a 52-week low of $12.27 and a 52-week high of $19.88. The business has a 50 day moving average of $15.95 and a 200-day moving average of $15.42.

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About Interfor

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Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products.

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Kansas City Life Insurance (OTCMKTS:KCLI  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, a decrease of 12.5% from the January 31st total of 800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Kansas City Life Insurance Stock Performance

Shares of KCLI stock traded down $0.37 on Friday, hitting $38.13. The companys stock had a trading volume of 643 shares, compared to its average volume of 581. The stocks 50 day moving average is $35.66 and its 200-day moving average is $30.27. Kansas City Life Insurance has a fifty-two week low of $20.00 and a fifty-two week high of $38.50. The company has a market capitalization of $369.07 million, a PE ratio of -32.04 and a beta of 0.54.

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Kansas City Life Insurance Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 1st were issued a dividend of $0.14 per share. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, January 31st. Kansas City Life Insurances dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -47.06%.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company Profile

Kansas City Life Insurance Company provides insurance products and services in states and the District of Columbia. It offers a portfolio of individual insurance, annuity, and group life and health insurance; and traditional life insurance, immediate annuities with life contingencies, supplementary contracts with life contingencies, and accident and health insurance.

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Kinross Gold Co. (TSE:K  Get Free Report) (NYSE:KGC) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 14th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be given a dividend of 0.04 per share on Thursday, March 21st. This represents a $0.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.33%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 5th.

Kinross Gold Price Performance

TSE K opened at C$6.88 on Monday. Kinross Gold has a one year low of C$4.71 and a one year high of C$8.39. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$7.33 and a 200 day moving average of C$7.20. The company has a market capitalization of C$8.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.96, a PEG ratio of -0.60 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.54, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 2.63.

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Insider Transactions at Kinross Gold

In other news, Senior Officer Nathan M. Longenecker sold 29,312 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$4.93, for a total transaction of C$144,508.16. In other news, Senior Officer Nathan M. Longenecker sold 29,312 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$4.93, for a total transaction of C$144,508.16. Also, Senior Officer Michiel Van Akkooi sold 62,479 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$6.70, for a total value of C$418,609.30. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 3 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$20.10. Insiders have sold 94,700 shares of company stock valued at $582,403 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, National Bank Financial restated an outperform overweight rating on shares of Kinross Gold in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on K

Kinross Gold Company Profile

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Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties principally in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. It is also involved in the extraction and processing of gold-containing ores; reclamation of gold mining properties; and production and sale of silver.

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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending (NYSE:MSDL  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.01, Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $100.80 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $97.34 million.

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE MSDL traded up $0.16 during trading on Friday, reaching $19.79. The company had a trading volume of 42,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 102,385. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending has a 52 week low of $19.05 and a 52 week high of $20.82.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada assumed coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. They set an outperform rating and a $21.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. They set an equal weight rating and a $21.00 price target for the company. Raymond James began coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. They issued an outperform rating and a $22.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. They issued a neutral rating and a $20.50 target price for the company. Finally, UBS Group began coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $23.50 target price for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $21.50.

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Oversea-Chinese Banking Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:OVCHF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 608,700 shares, a growth of 55.6% from the January 31st total of 391,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 190.2 days.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Trading Down 6.4 %

OTCMKTS OVCHF traded down $0.64 on Friday, reaching $9.35. The company had a trading volume of 620 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,217. The companys fifty day moving average is $9.70 and its 200 day moving average is $9.49. Oversea-Chinese Banking has a 52-week low of $8.83 and a 52-week high of $9.99.

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Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited engages in the provision of financial services in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greater China, rest of the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company's Global Consumer/Private Banking segment provides products and services to individual customers, including checking accounts, and savings and fixed deposits; housing and other personal loans; credit cards; wealth management products consisting of unit trusts, banc assurance products, and structured deposits; and brokerage services.

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PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:PPERY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 23,400 shares, a decline of 39.8% from the January 31st total of 38,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 70,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Price Performance

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk stock traded up $0.11 during trading on Friday, reaching $17.98. The company had a trading volume of 56,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 41,363. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $17.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $15.85. PT Bank Mandiri has a 52 week low of $10.55 and a 52 week high of $18.82.

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PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk provides various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Timor Leste, Shanghai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands. It offers savings and current accounts, time deposits, demand deposits, and foreign currency savings and current accounts; motorcycle loans, mortgage loan, and housing loans, as well as loans for various purposes, such as education, home renovation, marriage, health, and other needs for individuals; and working capital loans, investment loans, people's business loans, syndicated loans, and micro business loans for businesses.

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Raia Drogasil S.A. (OTCMKTS:RADLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,300 shares, a decrease of 23.3% from the January 31st total of 3,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 5,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Raia Drogasil Price Performance

Shares of Raia Drogasil stock remained flat at $6.50 during trading hours on Friday. Raia Drogasil has a 1 year low of $4.00 and a 1 year high of $8.25. The businesss 50-day moving average is $6.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.80.

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Raia Drogasil Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd were issued a $0.0088 dividend. This is an increase from Raia Drogasils previous dividend of $0.01. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 29th.

Raia Drogasil Company Profile

Raia Drogasil SA engages in the retail sale of medicines, perfumery, personal care and beauty products, cosmetics, dermocosmetics, and specialty medicines in Brazil. It also markets its goods through telesales and call centers in the states of Sao Paulo, Tocantins, and Pernambuco. The company was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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U.S. airman's self-immolation protest a "tragic event"

15:01, March 04, 2024 By Chen Zi ( People's Daily Online

Cartoon by Tan Xiguang

Aaron Bushnell, a U.S. airman, set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. on Feb. 25, in protest of the mass civilian casualties caused by Israel's military operations in Gaza.

The man protested in such an extreme way and live-streamed the process. "I will no longer be complicit in genocide," he said. Despite efforts to save him, he tragically passed away at the age of 25. A spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Defense referred to this incident as a "tragic event."

Since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the U.S., Israel's closest ally, has provided much military aid for Israel, deployed aircraft carrier strike groups to the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea to support Israel, and repeatedly vetoed resolutions of the United Nations calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has triggered global discontent.

The latest statistics of the health authorities of Gaza showed that nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed and some 70,000 wounded in the Gaza Strip by Israel's military operations.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Meghna Mittal MEGHNA MITTAL is Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
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In today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: More NBFC's piled in past three years, simultaneous polls may not be an unalloyed...

Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Markets need their Vitamin D too, as disclosures make them stronger

A group of HNIs appears to have taken shine to the Voltas stock of late. The stock has been steadily hitting 52-week highs despite posting a tepid set of numbers in the December quarter. On Friday, a foreign institutional investor (FII) is learnt to have dumped a million shares of Voltas, putting pressure on the stock. While the name of the seller did not show up in the bulk deals disclosures, market chatter is that it could

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In today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: More NBFC's piled in past three years, simultaneous polls may not be an unalloyed...

Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Markets need their Vitamin D too, as disclosures make them stronger

The slide in the value of Chinese stocks is doing more than boosting Japans soaring markets as investors route the flow of funds away from

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The foremost reality in Indian public finance is an imbalance -- the states have a higher responsibility to spend but inadequate means of raising revenue.

Opposition leaders have demonstrated in Delhi against the way in which central tax resources are being shared with the states as also the manner in which they are being distributed between the states. Southern states, in particular, have been protesting claiming that they are being discriminated against and backward north Indian states are being favoured.

It goes without saying that the country needs to be together in heart and soul for it to be strong and aspire to
Sohil Sehran is a journalist with 10 years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media. He covers politics and national affairs at Moneycontrol. He tweets @SohilSehran
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While upholding orders passed by fora below, the national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) directed Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd and its authorised dealer Nandi Toyota Motor World Ltd to replace a Toyota Innova 2.5V (M4)-(7S)-(VX) model or return Rs15.09 lakh with an interest of 9%pa (per annum) from the date of accident. During the accident on 16 August 2011, the airbags, expected to open and safeguard the vehicle's occupants, failed to deploy.

In an order last month , the NCDRC bench of Dr Inder Jit Singh (presiding member) says, "In the instant case, both the fora below, keeping in view the evidence before it, have concluded that it was a case of frontal collision and we are in agreement with these findings. Similarly, the other case laws relied upon by Toyota Kirloskar Motor are not directly connected with the facts of the instant case."

"In view of the foregoing, we find no illegality, material irregularity, or jurisdictional error in the order of state commission. We find no reason to interfere with the well-reasoned orders of the district forum and state commission. Hence, the order of the state commission is upheld. Accordingly, the revision petition (RP) is dismissed," the bench says.

Bengaluru-based L Sunil Reddy had bought a Toyota Innova 2.5V (M4)-(7S)-(VX) model from Nandi Toyota Motor World for Rs12.43 lakh. On 16 August 2011, while travelling from Kurnool to Bangalore, the vehicle was involved in an accident, colliding with an auto near Yerrakatwa crossroad on NH-7 road. During the accident, the airbags, expected to open and safeguard the vehicle's occupants, failed to deploy. The front portion of the vehicle sustained severe damage, and all the occupants suffered injuries.

Mr Reddy alleged that the vehicle sold to the complainant by Nandi Toyota Motor World was defective. Following the accident, the car was handed over to Harsha Auto Enterprises Pvt Ltd for repairs at the nearest service station. However, without providing any estimation or intimation, Harsha Auto Enterprises proceeded with repairs, including welding works on the vehicle's body.

Due to the negligent acts of Nandi Toyota Motor World and Harsha Auto Enterprises, Mr Reddy says he endured considerable suffering, including reliance on hired vehicles and incurring significant expenses. On 22 February 2012, he issued a legal notice to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Nandi Toyota Motor World and Harsha Auto Enterprises, requesting the replacement of the defective vehicle with a new one and compensation for mental agony. While Harsha Auto Enterprises responded with false averments, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Nandi Toyota Motor World remained silent.

Consequently, Mr Reddy filed a complaint seeking the replacement of the vehicle or, alternatively, a refund of its cost, compensation for mental agony and costs incurred.

After considering the evidence adduced before it, the Kurnool district consumer disputes redressal forum, allowing the complaint partially, directed Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Nandi Toyota Motor World to replace the vehicle or return Rs15.09 lakh with 9%pa interest from the date of the accident along with compensation of Rs10,000 and litigation cost of Rs5,000.

The Andhra Pradesh state consumer disputes redressal commission, after re-evaluating the entire evidence, agreed with the contentions of Mr Reddy that the airbags were not deployed in the vehicle, though it was a major accident and frontal collision and this non-deployment of airbags in the car was due to a mechanical defect of the vehicle. The state commission agreed with the findings of the district forum and dismissed the appeal filed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Nandi Toyota Motor World.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor then approached NCDRC with a revision petition. It contended that the state commission did not recognise that the accident involved a side collision, not a frontal impact. "The failure or otherwise of the airbag should be tested based on two factors: frontal collision and forward deceleration or the speed at which the vehicle stops. These factors were not considered, much less examined, by the state commission or the district forum. The airbag could be deemed to have malfunctioned only if it does not deploy when the frontal impact exceeds the set threshold level. Without this assessment, it is not safe to conclude a failure of the airbag to deploy," the counsel for Toyota Kirloskar Motor argued.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor also referred to several judgements to support its contention.

The counsel for Mr Reddy asserted that all the contentions and grounds raised by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in the RP mirror those presented in both the district forum and the state commission. "Both forums, after thorough assessment and evaluation of material facts, conclusive evidence, technical expert witness examinations, and reports, concurred that the Toyota Innova vehicle sold to the complainant by Toyota Kirloskar Motor was inherently defective. Consequently, both forums directed Toyota Kirloskar Motor to either replace the defective vehicle with a new one or refund the total amount paid."

"Toyota Kirloskar Motor's submissions are deliberate misrepresentations of facts and evidence aimed at evading responsibility for the defective vehicle," the counsel contended.

The counsel for Nandi Toyota Motor World argued that it could not be held liable for the accident as it merely acted as the seller of the vehicle to the complainant. "As a dealer and not the manufacturer, Nandi Toyota Motor World is not directly responsible for any alleged defects or malfunctions in the car," the counsel says.

In a written argument, Harsha Auto Enterprises submitted that the district forum dismissed the complaint against it, stating there was no connection between Mr Reddy and the enterprise. It says Mr Reddy approached Harsha Auto Enterprises with a damaged Innova car for repairs, and it accepted the vehicle and provided an estimate. "As the Innova car had insurance coverage from TATA AIG Insurance, we awaited clearance from the insurance company to proceed with repair works, the survey report. We neither repaired nor serviced the vehicle but only provided an estimate to Mr Reddy," it added.

NCDRC observed that there are concurrent findings of both the fora below. According to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) front airbags are generally not designed to inflate if the vehicle is involved in a side or rear collision or if it rolls over or is involved in a low-speed frontal collision. Toyota Kirloskar Motor contended that in the instant case, the impact was not frontal but a side impact collision; as a result, the airbags were not deployed. Since the vehicle has hit the moving object, the requisite threshold velocity to deploy airbags may not have been achieved; hence, the airbags have not been deployed.

The bench also noted that two expert witnesses were examined during the hearing before the district forum. Prashant Kumar (petitioner witness-PW1), who studied M Tech in automotive engineering and has five years of experience, stated that there is evidence that the damaged vehicle was a frontal collision and the airbags should have been deployed but it did not happen in this case which is a manufacturing defect of the vehicle.

Another witness, V Karthikeyan (respondent witness-RW1), is a graduate in mechanical engineering working for Toyota Kirloskar. He inspected the vehicle in question in September 2011, while the accident occurred on 16 August 2011. He stated that the vehicle in question was involved in a side collision; therefore, the SRS airbags would not deploy.

In the cross-examination, he admitted that initially, it was a side collision, but later, it might have turned into a frontal crash. He has also admitted that he did not observe the opposite vehicle involved in the accident. He clarified that the airbags provided for the inmates' safety had not been inflated in the vehicle in question.

NCDRC observed that there is no reason to disbelieve the evidence of PW-1 in this regard, who is an expert in the field. Moreover, the evidence of RW-1 in cross-examination also supports the version or opinion given by PW-1, it added.

Dr Singh from NCDRC says, "We are unable to accept the contentions of Toyota Kirloskar Motor that collision in this case was on the left side, and not the frontal one. Both the district forum and state commission have correctly and appropriately appreciated the evidence placed before them. The contention of Toyota Kirloskar Motor that the state commission has based its findings solely on photographs is not factually correct. Both the district forum and state commission have correctly interpreted the evidence of RW-1 in cross-examination. The district forum and state commission have not relied upon newspaper reports as any main piece of evidence, rather just quoted it as supplemental evidence, to be taken note of in conjunction with evidence of RW-1. Contentions of Toyota Kirloskar Motor about lack of expert evidence are not valid."

"It is to be noted that district forum has held both Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Nandi Toyota Motor World liable, jointly and severely. Both Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Nandi Toyota Motor World filed appeal before the state commission, which was dismissed vide an order on 2 July 2019. The present RP has been filed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor only. No RP, challenging the impugned order dated 2 July 2019 has been filed by Nandi Toyota Motor World. Hence, as regards Nandi Toyota Motor World, order of district forum, read with state commission order has already attained finality," NCDRC says.

(Revision Petition No2117 of 2019 Date: 16 February 2024)
On Monday, 1388 stocks advanced, 2565 declined and 130 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 0.54 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating negative closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Mondays trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 131 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 15 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty Media, Nifty IT and Nifty Auto were among the biggest losers. Nifty Energy, Nifty Infrastructure and Nifty Pharma were among the biggest gainers.

Tata Motors has decided to demerge its commercial and passenger vehicles businesses. Power Grid Corporation of India (+2.68%) has received approval for the raising of Bonds as Unsecured, Non-convertible, Non-cumulative, Redeemable, Taxable POWERGRID Bonds - LXXVI (76th) upto Rs1,200 crore.

Ganesha Ecospheres (-0.58%) wholly owned subsidiary -- Ganesha Ecopet has commenced commercial operations at its production line of Recycled Polyester Staple Fibre (RPSF) and 2nd production line of rPET Chips at its plant situated at Warangal, Telangana.

Mufin Green Finance (+0.05%) has incorporated subsidiary of the Company in the name of Mufin Green Infra.

Bharti Airtel (+0.52%) has deployed additional sites in Solapur district to densify its network.

Sula Vineyards (+1.18%) has signed agreement for a new Tasting Room and Bottle Shop close to Nashik airport.

JSW Steels (-2.24%) step down wholly owned subsidiary -- JSW Steel Italy SRL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Made in Italy, the Tuscany Region, the Municipality of Piombino.

Signatureglobal (India) (+2.01%) has sold more than 1,000 flats in its luxury housing project in Gurugram for over Rs3,600 crore on strong demand for residential projects.

Vipul Organics (+0.27%) has bagged an order from Tamil Nadu News Print and Paper (TNPL). The order from TNPL is worth Rs7.15 crore to supply Blue and Violet Pigment Dye.

Patel Engineering (PEL) (+1.18%) , in collaboration with its joint venture (JV) partner, has been awarded the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) by the Irrigation & CAD Department, Government of Telangana for a contract valued at Rs525.36 crore.

PG Electroplasts (-3.79%) wholly owned subsidiary -- PG Technoplast (PGTL) has acquired 100% stake in Next Generation Manufacturers.

SJVNs (+1.03%) wholly owned subsidiary -- SJVN Green Energy (SGEL) has bagged a 200 MW solar project in an e-Reverse auction conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL).

PSP Projects (-3.30%) has received new work orders worth Rs386.24 crore.

Andhra Cements(-2.34%) Promoter sold net 4,608,607 shares through open market. Tata Technologies (-1.73%) insiders sold net 218,600 shares through open market. Krishana Phoschem (-0.12%) Promoter bought net 10,000 shares through open market. Maharashtra Seamless (+1.09%) Promoter bought net 15,000 shares through open market.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
FILE PHOTO: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023.
The Guam Judicial Center in Hagatna is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.
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U.S. Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata gives her remarks in the House Radio and TV Correspondents Gallery on Thursday.
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China and Myanmar likely to be high on the agenda when Southeast Asian leaders meet in Australia

China and Myanmar likely to be high on the agenda when Southeast Asian leaders meet in Australia View Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  An increasingly assertive China and a humanitarian crisis in Myanmar are likely to be high on the agenda when Southeast Asian leaders meet in Australia for a rare summit this week.

The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit that starts in Melbourne on Monday marks 50 years since Australia became the first official partner of the Asian bloc.

Leaders of nine of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations are expected to attend the three-day summit, with Myanmar excluded from political representation over its failure to stem violence in that country since a military junta seized control in 2021. East Timors leader has been invited as an official ASEAN observer and Australian Prime Anthony Albanese invited his New Zealand counterpart to Melbourne to meet regional leaders.

Australia sees ASEAN at the center of a stable, peaceful and prosperous region, Albanese said in a statement on Friday.

Strengthening our relationship ensures our shared future prosperity and security, he added.

Australia has hosted ASEAN leaders once before in Sydney in 2018. The leaders issued a statement with the host country then that called for a code of conduct covering the contested waters of the South China Sea, where China has become increasingly assertive over its competing territorial claims with a number of ASEAN countries.

Australia and the Philippines, an ASEAN member, conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November last year.

Also in November, Australia proposed to ASEAN members that they declare in a joint statement at the end of the Melbourne summit their support for the 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague in favor of the Philippines that invalidated Beijings vast territorial claims in the South China Sea, Australian Broadcasting Corp said in December. China has rejected that ruling.

Other ASEAN countries with territorial claims in conflict with China are Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Chinas increasingly assertive posture in the South China Sea and violence in Myanmar topped a meeting of ASEAN diplomats in January in Laos, the groups poorest nation, which has taken over the blocs rotating leadership this year.

International Crisis Groups Asia program deputy director Huong Le Thu, who is attending the summit in Australia, said ASEAN has always been divided over how to approach China, with each member nation maintaining a unique bilateral relationship with the economic giant.

I dont see the commonality of one approach being feasible. They are working out the best way to manage this power asymmetry that they have with China, Le Thu said.

The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar that hangs over the summit challenges ASEANs credibility as an organization, she said.

It poses the question for its existence in the first place: why the countries governments in the region get together and what is the purpose of this intergovernmental institution if it cannot act on the internal crisis that effects its own organization and the region? Le Thu said.

Around 200 protesters, mostly from the Myanmar diaspora, demonstrated outside the summit on Monday morning demanding the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and that ASEAN not engage with the countrys military leaders.

Australia, as the summit host, is focused on maritime cooperation, economic ties, climate change and clean energy.

Melissa Conley Tyler, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue think tank, expects leaders will focus on what they share in common rather than their differences on issues such as China and Myanmar.

The focus is very much going to be on how do Australia and the ASEAN countries work together to create a region where we want to live? said Conley Tyler, who is attending the summit.

Myanmar is a continuing issue, but Im not sure itll be a focus. I feel the focus will be all positive, very future-oriented, talking about what we can do together and building that sense of excitement and momentum, she added.

ASEAN members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and they have a combined population of more than 650 million and GDP of more than $3 trillion.

___

Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

By ROD McGUIRK

Associated Press
Philippines urges neighbors to stand together more strongly against China in the South China Sea

Philippines urges neighbors to stand together more strongly against China in the South China Sea View Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday that he had no choice but to defend his countrys territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression and illegal actions in pursuit of Beijings own territorial claims.

It is unfortunate that despite the clarity provided by international law, provocative, unilateral and illegal actions continue to infringe upon our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in the Australian city of Melbourne.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, which is one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping. That has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, which all maintain claims to islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

Marcos, who is attending a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Melbourne, said standing up to China in the South China Sea was not a policy choice.

We simply have no choice. We must defend the territory of the republic. That is a primordial duty of a leader, Marcos said. The territorial integrity of the Philippines cannot be threatened, and if threats are made, then we must defend against those threats.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of taking provocative action in the South China Sea and undermining Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the laws to safeguard its sovereignty and interests, she said. There is no so-called Chinese harassment of the Philippine ships.

Earlier on Monday, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo urged regional neighbors to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China has constructed garrisons on several artificial islands in a bid to fortify its claims.

The Philippines has accused China of deploying coast guard ships and civilian vessels to block fishermens access to reefs and corals and prevent resupply of its troops.

Both Marcos and Manalo referred to the Philippines legal victory over China in a 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, that invalidated Beijings vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept the ruling.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, Manalo said. It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalos comments, saying the nine ASEAN member states represented at the Melbourne summit need to nurture and protect agreed rules, uphold international law, prevent conflict and build strategic trust.

We know that a major conflict in our region would be devastating to our communities and economies, as the terrible conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown, she added.

She announced that Australia would spend 40 million Australian dollars ($26 million) on enhancing its maritime partnerships in the region aimed at both security and prosperity.

Australia and the Philippines, conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China will maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.

____

Associated Press video producer Caroline Chen in Beijing contributed to this report.

By ROD McGUIRK

Associated Press
California Governor Panera View Photo

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Republican lawmakers in California are criticizing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom because a new law he signed to raise the minimum wage for fast food workers includes an exception that benefits one of his wealthy campaign donors.

Californias minimum wage is $16 per hour. But starting April 1, most fast-food restaurants in the state must pay their workers at least $20 an hour under legislation Newsom signed last year to much fanfare. It doesnt apply to restaurants that have on-site bakeries and sell bread as a stand-alone menu item, like Panera Bread.

That exception puzzled some industry watchers and was never fully explained by Newsom or other supporters of the law. But Bloomberg News on Wednesday reported it was connected to opposition from Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn, whose company owns 24 of the restaurants in California and has donated to Newsoms campaigns.

The Flynn Group and Flynn Properties operate 2,600 restaurants and fitness centers across 44 states, according to the companys website. Campaign finance records show Flynn Properties and Greg Flynn  the founder, chairman and CEO  have donated $223,200 to Newsoms political campaigns since 2017. That included a $100,000 donation to Newsoms campaign to defeat a recall attempt in 2021.

The minimum wage law passed in 2023. In 2022, Flynn had publicly opposed a similar proposal, writing in an op-ed in Capitol Weekly that it would effectively kill the franchise business model in the state.

A message left with the Flynn Group was not returned on Thursday. Flynn told Bloomberg he did not play a role in crafting the exemption.

Republican leaders in the state Legislature on Thursday blasted the possible connection.

Put simply, campaign contributions should not buy carveouts in legislation, Republican state Senate leader Brian Jones said. Its unacceptable.

Assemblymember James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the assembly, said Attorney General Rob Bonta or another entity responsible for investigating conflicts of interest should look into the matter.

This exemption, there is no explanation for it. Someone had to push for it, he said.

Newsoms office did not provide a comment to The Associated Press. But a spokesperson for his office told the San Francisco Chronicle that the law was the result of countless hours of negotiations with dozens of stakeholders over two years.

The law was authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, a Democrat from Pasadena. Holden told reporters Thursday he was not involved in the negotiations over the bills final amendments, which included the $20 minimum wage increase and the exemption for bakeries. He said those talks happened between the business community and labor unions  groups Holden said were brought together through the governors leadership.

Holden said he did not know Flynn or his status as a Newsom campaign donor. He declined to discuss if there were any legitimate policy reasons for exempting bakeries from the law.

Im not going to try to start parceling every individual group, Holden said. The way that the bill moved forward, everyone whos in is in.

The law represented a compromise between labor unions and business groups. Tia Orr, executive director of the Service Employees International Union California, said the law was a transformational step toward an economy that works for all, not just billionaires.

Like all transformational initiatives, it addressed difficult questions around its scope, including what constitutes a fast-food restaurant as opposed to a bakery, for example, and it involved literally hundreds of businesses in discussions, Orr said. But the big picture is clear: a half million fast food workers in our state now have the power to improve their workplaces.

Dan Schnur, who teaches political communications at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley, said the issue is reminiscent of when Newsom went to dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic at a time when he was urging people to avoid public gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. That issue gave momentum to an effort to recall Newsom from office, which eventually qualified for the ballot in 2021 but was ultimately unsuccessful.

The last time the governor got in the middle of a restaurant-related controversy, his hesitation to address it turned a small problem into a much bigger one. Hopefully that wont be the case this time,  Schur said. Its more than possible that there is a perfectly reasonable substantive policy based reason for this exception. But if that reason exists, the governor is obligated to share it with the people of California. Otherwise theyll assume that he did a big favor for a big donor.

Lawmakers are considering more exemptions for the fast-food minimum wage increase. On Thursday, the state Senate approved a bill that would exclude fast-food restaurants in airports, hotels, large event centers, theme parks, museums, gambling establishments, corporate campuses and certain public lands.

Holden said workers in these restaurants are attempting to negotiate salaries higher than $20 per hour. He said they were concerned being included in the minimum wage law would hurt those negotiations.

We want to allow for for those industries that can go and get more, to allow them to do so, Holden said.

By ADAM BEAM

Associated Press
COVID Isolation Changes Education View Photo

BOSTON (AP)  Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and upended child care, the CDC says parents can start treating the virus like other respiratory illnesses.

Gone are mandated isolation periods and masking. But will schools and child care centers agree?

In case youve lost track: Before Friday, all Americans, including school children, were supposed to stay home for at least five days if they had COVID-19 and then mask for a set period of time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Now, with COVID deaths and hospitalizations dropping, the CDC says children can go back to school when their overall symptoms improve and theyre fever-free for 24 hours without taking medication. Students are encouraged to wear a mask when they return.

Still, the change may not affect how individual schools urge parents to react when their children fall sick. Schools and child care providers have a mixed record on following CDC recommendations and often look to local authorities for the ultimate word. And sometimes other goals, such as reducing absences, can influence a state or districts decisions.

The result can be a confusing array of policies among states and districts, not to mention workplaces  confounding parents whose lives have long been upended by the virus.

This is so confusing, said Gloria Cunningham, a single mom in the Boston area. I just dont know what I should think of COVID now. Is it still a monster?

Cunningham, who manages a local store for a national restaurant chain, said her company requires her to take off 10 days if she gets COVID-19. And the school system where her son is in second grade has still been sending home COVID test kits for kids to use before returning to school after long breaks.

I feel like we should just do away with anything that treats COVID differently or keep all of the precautions, she said.

The public education system has long held varying policies on COVID. During the 2021-2022 school year, only 18 states followed CDC recommendations for mask-wearing in class. When the CDC lifted its masking guidelines in February of 2022, states like Massachusetts followed suit, but California kept the mask requirement for schools.

And in the child care world, some providers have long used more stringent testing and isolation protocols than the CDC has recommended. Reasons have ranged from trying to prevent outbreaks to keeping staff healthy  both for their personal safety and to keep the day care open.

Some states moved to more lenient guidelines ahead of the CDC. California and Oregon recently rescinded COVID-19 isolation requirements, and many districts followed their advice.

In an attempt to minimize school absences and address an epidemic of chronic absenteeism, California has encouraged kids to come to school when mildly sick and said that students who test positive for coronavirus but are asymptomatic can attend school. Los Angeles and San Diegos school systems, among others, have adopted that policy.

But the majority of big-city districts around the country still have asked parents to isolate children for at least five days before returning to school. Some, including Boston and Atlanta, have required students to mask for another five days and report positive COVID-19 test results to the school.

Some school leaders suggest the CDCs previous five-day isolation requirement was already only loosely followed.

Official policy in Burlington, Massachusetts, has been to have students stay home for five days if they test positive. But Superintendent Eric Conti said the real policy, in effect, is: Its a virus. Deal with it.

Thats because COVID is managed at home, using the honor system.

Without school-based testing, no one can enforce a five-day COVID policy, he said via text message.

Ridley School District in the Philadelphia suburbs was already using a policy similar to the new CDC guidelines, said Superintendent Lee Ann Wentzel. Students who test positive for COVID must be fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school. When they come back, they must mask for five days. Wentzel said the district is now considering dropping the masking requirement because of the new CDC guidance.

A school or day cares specific guidelines are consequential for working parents who must miss work if their child cant go to school or child care. In October 2023, during simultaneous surges of COVID, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, 104,000 adults reported missing work because of child care issues, the highest number in at least a decade. That number has fallen: Last month, child care problems meant 41,000 adults missed work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Melissa Colagrossos child care center in West Virginia dropped special guidelines for COVID about a year ago, she said. Now, theyre the same as other illnesses: A child must be free of severe symptoms such as fever for at least 24 hours before returning to the center.

We certainly are treating COVID just like we would treat flu or hand, foot and mouth disease, said Colagrosso, CEO of A Place To Grow Childrens Center in Oak Hill.

As for kids without symptoms who test positive for COVID? Most parents have stopped testing kids unless they have symptoms, Colagrasso said, so its a quandary she has not encountered.

Still, some parents worry the relaxed rules put their communities at greater risk. Evelyn Aleman leads a group of Latino and Indigenous immigrant parents in Los Angeles County. The parents she represents, many of whom suffer from chronic illnesses and lack of access to health care, panicked when California did away with isolation requirements in January.

I dont think theyre considering what the impact will be for our families, she said of California officials. It feels like they dont care  that were almost expendable.

Other impacts of the pandemic linger, too, even as restrictions are lifted. In Ridley, the Philadelphia-area district, more students are reclusive and struggle to interact in-person with peers, said Wentzel, the superintendent. Interest in school dances has plummeted.

Emotionally, Wentzel said, theyre having trouble.

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Balingit reported from Washington.

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The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

By BIANCA VAZQUEZ TONESS and MORIAH BALINGIT

AP Education Writers
Fans gather to say goodbye to Flaco the owl in New York City memorial

Fans gather to say goodbye to Flaco the owl in New York City memorial View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  Dozens of mournful fans of Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl gathered in New York City on Sunday to say goodbye to the beloved celebrity creature who became an inspiration and joy to many as he flew around Manhattan after someone let him out of his zoo enclosure.

A memorial featuring speeches, songs and poems was held in the late afternoon in Central Park at what organizers call Flacos favorite oak tree.

Flaco was found dead on the Upper West Side on Feb. 23 after apparently hitting a building. Testing by zoologists concluded he suffered traumatic impact injuries, but more testing is planned to determine whether he may have been sick.

His death was a heartbreaking end for the birders who documented his daily movements and the legions of admirers who followed along, as people posted photos and videos of the majestic owl with a nearly 6-foot wingspan perched on tree branches, fence posts, fire escapes and water towers  as well as his hours of hooting.

With all of this challenging time that is happening all over the world, this bird really became a symbol of hope and brought so many of us together, Breanne Delgado said at the gathering.

David Lei, an avid birder in the city, said losing Flaco was hard to put into words. He said the owl faced the same fate as many other birds in Manhattan  flying into the deceptive windows of tall buildings.

Flaco was larger than life and is leaving behind a legacy to match, Lei said. I thank him today, as I did every day I got to see him, for the joy, awe and wonder he inspired in us throughout his journey.

People at the ceremony also advocated for new laws aimed at helping to prevent birds from flying into buildings and curbing the use of rat poison that larger birds can ingest while eating prey. Efforts also are underway to put a statue of Flaco in Central Park.

Flaco was freed from his cage at the Central Park Zoo a little over a year ago by a vandal who breached a waist-high fence and cut a hole through a steel mesh cage. The owl had arrived at the zoo as a fledgling 13 years earlier.

Zoo officials and his fans were at first worried about his survival, but he soon proved adept at catching rats and other prey. The zoo later suspended efforts to re-capture him after failed attempts.

Tributes poured in from across the globe after his death.

Police are still seeking to arrest whoever let him out of his enclosure.
Vice President Harris hosts Israeli war Cabinet member as the US pushes to get more aid into Gaza

Vice President Harris hosts Israeli war Cabinet member as the US pushes to get more aid into Gaza View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris met on Monday with a member of Israels wartime Cabinet who came to Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Biden administration intensifies its efforts to push more humanitarian aid into war-battered Gaza.

White House officials said Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, requested the meeting and that the Democratic administration believed it was important that Harris sit down with the prominent Israeli official despite Netanyahus objections.

President Joe Biden, Harris and other senior administration officials have become increasingly blunt about their dissatisfaction with the mounting death toll in Gaza and the suffering of innocent Palestinians as the war nears the five-month mark.

The president and I have been aligned and consistent from the very beginning, Harris said in an exchange with reporters shortly before meeting with Gantz. Israel has a right to defend itself. Far too many Palestinian civilians, innocent civilians have been killed. We need to get more aid in, we need to get hostages out. and that remains our position.

The White House, in a statement following the meeting, said Harris and Gantz discussed the urgency of completing a hostage deal to free more than 100 people believed still to be in captivity in Gaza following Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. She also reiterated the administrations support for a temporary extended cease-fire that would facilitate the release of hostages and allow for a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Although Gantz holds many of the same hardline views as Netanyahu, he has been seen as more open to compromise on critical issues, including the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The meeting comes after the U.S. on Saturday carried out the first of what are expected to be ongoing airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The moment is reflective of the increasingly awkward dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship, with the U.S. forced to fly badly needed aid past its close ally as it looks to ramp up assistance for desperate civilians in Gaza. The first airdrop occurred just days after more than 100 Palestinians were killed as they were trying to get food from an Israel-organized convoy.

The White House agreed to the meeting with Gantz even as an official from Netanyahus nationalist Likud party said Gantz did not have approval from the prime minister for his meetings in Washington. Netanyahu gave Gantz a tough talk about the visit  underscoring a widening crack within Israels wartime leadership.

We have been dealing with all members of the war Cabinet, including Mr. Gantz, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. We see this as a natural outgrowth of those discussions. Were not going to turn away that sort of opportunity.

In addition to his talks with Harris, Gantz met with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk. Gantz also met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and on Tuesday will sit down with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Gantz ,just before the start of his White House meetings, told a reporter with Israels public broadcaster Kan: There will be an open and honest conversation between two friendly and important countries and partners.

Biden is at Camp David, the presidential retreat just outside Washington, until Tuesday as he prepares to deliver the annual State of the Union address later this week.

Over the weekend, Harris issued a forceful call for a temporary cease-fire deal in Gaza, which administration officials say would halt fighting for at least six weeks. She also increased pressure on Israel not to impede the aid that workers are trying to get into the region. The White House has been advocating for that framework deal for weeks.

Israel has essentially agreed to the deal, according to a senior Biden administration official, and the White House has emphasized that the onus is on Hamas to come on board.

Biden faces mounting political pressure at home over his administrations handling of the Israeli-Hamas war, which was triggered when militants in Gaza launched an attack, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 people hostage.

In last weeks Michigan presidential primary, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast ballots for uncommitted. Biden still easily won the states primary, but the uncommitted vote reflected a coordinated push by voters on the left to register their dissatisfaction with the presidents unwavering support for Israel as its military operations in Gaza have left more than 30,000 Palestinians dead. The vote totals raise concerns for Democrats in a state Biden won by only 154,000 votes in 2020.

Gantz, who polls show could be a formidable candidate for prime minister if a vote were held today, is viewed as a political moderate. But he has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood  something that Biden sees as essential to forging a lasting peace once the conflict ends but that Netanyahu adamantly opposes.

It is also assumed that when the heavy fighting subsides, Gantz will leave the government, which would increase pressure for early elections.

Since Gantz joined Netanyahus three-minister war Cabinet in October, U.S. officials have found him to be easier to deal with than either Netanyahu or Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Until now, calls for elections have been muted due to the war, but analysts think that when Gantz leaves the government, it will send a signal to the Israeli public that the need for national unity has passed and efforts to oust Netanyahus government can begin in earnest.

For his part, Gantz was aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S., bolster support for Israels war and push for the release of Israeli hostages, according to a second Israeli official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent allowed to publicly discuss the disputes within the Israeli government. Gantz is scheduled to head to London for meetings after his U.S. visit.

It was unclear if Gantz during his White House talks diverged from Netanyahus stances on Palestinian statehood or carrying out an expanded operation in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against a Rafah operation without a plan to protect civilians, and the White House said Harris reiterated that position in her meeting with Gantz.

I dont doubt there are some administration officials who believe just by meeting with Gantz they are undermining Netanyahu, said Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. But if Gantz carries the governments line on key issues of disagreement, these meetings are net-negative for the White House while helpful back home for Gantz.

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Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel; Wafaa Shurafa in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Samy Magdy in Cairo and Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

By AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM

Associated Press
Latest attempt to chip away at Obamacare questions preventive health care View Photo

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Whether health insurance plans affecting an estimated 150 million Americans must cover certain types of preventive care at no cost  including HIV prevention and some types of cancer screenings  was debated before federal appellate judges Monday in the latest legal battle involving former President Barack Obamas signature health care law.

The requirements were adopted by federal health officials under provisions of that law, sometimes referred to as Obamacare. U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor ruled last year that the requirements violated the Constitution because they came from a volunteer task force, not from constitutionally appointed officials.

These are preventative services provisions that are critical and lifesaving to millions of Americans and to enjoin the federal government nationwide from enforcing those preventative care coverage requirements and vacating them as to the entire country is unwarranted and unjustified, Daniel Aguilar, arguing for the Biden administration, told a panel of three judges with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

The government argues that the task force members have been legally appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and that he properly ratified their recommendations. An attorney for the policys challengers argued that the recommendations must come from appointees who are directly supervised by an appointee of the president who has been confirmed by the Senate. The task force members dont meet that test, said Jonathan Mitchell, attorney for Braidwood Management and other plaintiffs, some of whom opposed the required coverage for religious reasons.

Theres no possibility of direction or supervision here by someone who has been appointed by the president, Mitchell said.

The panel hearing the case consisted of judges Don Willett and Cory Wilson, both nominated to the court by former President Donald Trump, and Irma Carrillo Ramirez, nominated by President Joe Biden. They gave no indication when they would rule.

The coverage mandates remain in effect for now. OConnors ruling was put on hold pending the appeal.

Not all preventive care was threatened by OConnors ruling. An analysis by the nonprofit KFF foundation found that some screenings, including mammography and cervical cancer screening, would still be covered without out-of-pocket costs because the task force recommended them before the health care law was enacted in March 2010.

The Biden administration is appealing the ruling. Meanwhile, plaintiffs in the case have filed a cross-appeal that could broaden OConnors ruling and endanger more preventive care mandates, according to the advocacy group , United States of Care.

Mondays arguments mark the latest in more than a decade of conservative efforts to chip away at the Affordable Care Act. OConnor, based in Fort Worth, Texas, threw out the entire law in 2018, a decision later undone by the Supreme Court.

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This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathan Mitchells first name.

By KEVIN McGILL

Associated Press
Judge rejects Sen. Bob Menendezs claims that search warrants in bribery case were unconstitutional View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  A federal judge on Monday rejected U.S. Sen. Bob Menendezs claims that search warrants that led to corruption charges and the discovery of gold bars and cash at his New Jersey home were unconstitutional.

Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled Monday that multiple warrants used to conduct 2022 searches of the Democrats email accounts and his home were properly sought and carried out.

The senators lawyers had claimed the warrants were riddled with material misrepresentation and omissions that deceived the authorizing magistrate judge.

Stein said any omissions in the warrants were not intentional or material and a hearing was not necessary to explore the claims further. He also denied challenges to search warrants by one of three businessmen charged in the case that also resulted in the arrest of Menendezs wife.

The warrants were issued between January and July 2022, along with a final warrant pertaining to cellular phones last September.

Searches of his home in June 2022 resulted in the discovery of over $100,000 worth of gold bars and more than $480,000 in cash  much of it hidden in closets, clothing and a safe, prosecutors said.

Photos included in an indictment when authorities first announced charges last September showed cash stuffed in envelopes in jackets bearing Menendezs name. Investigators also said they discovered a Google search by Menendez for the value of a kilo of gold and the DNA of one man prosecutors say bribed him on an envelope filled with thousands of dollars.

Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty and said the cash found in the house was personal savings he had put away for emergencies. After his fall arrest, Menendez was forced to relinquish his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but said he would not resign from Congress.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, and two businessmen also have pleaded not guilty. On Friday, one businessman facing charges pled guilty in a cooperation deal with prosecutors that calls for him to testify at any trial.

The trial of Menendez and others is scheduled for May. Lawyers for Menendez did not immediately comment on Steins ruling.

A spokesperson for prosecutors declined to comment.

In his ruling, Stein wrote that affidavits supporting requests for search warrants only needed to establish probable cause that searches would turn up evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of a crime.

He said that threshold was amply satisfied by evidence described in the affidavit, including numerous messages between Menendez, his wife and one of the businessmen discussing various services and payments that were to be made to Nadine Menendez in return for the senators aid to the businessmen.

According to an indictment, Menendez and his wife accepted gold bars and cash from a real estate developer in return for the senator using his clout to get that businessman a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Menendez also was charged with helping another New Jersey business associate get a lucrative deal with the government of Egypt.

By LARRY NEUMEISTER

Associated Press
Nevada fake electors wont stand trial until January 2025 under judges new schedule View Photo

LAS VEGAS (AP)  Six Republicans accused of submitting certificates to Congress falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of Nevadas 2020 presidential election wont be standing trial until early next year, a judge determined Monday.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus pushed the trial, initially scheduled for this month, back to Jan. 13, 2025, because of conflicting schedules, and set a hearing for next month to consider a bid by the defendants to throw out the indictment.

The defendants are state GOP chairman Michael McDonald, national party committee member Jim DeGraffenreid, Clark County party chair Jesse Law, Storey County clerk Jim Hindle, national and Douglas County committee member Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice, a party member from the Lake Tahoe area.

Each is charged with offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, felonies that carry penalties of up to four or five years in prison.

Defense attorneys led by McDonalds lawyer, Richard Wright, contend that Nevada state Attorney General Aaron Ford improperly brought the case in Las Vegas instead of Carson City, the state capital, and failed to present evidence to the grand jury that would have exonerated their clients. They also argue there is insufficient evidence and that their clients had no intent to commit a crime.

Trump lost Nevada in 2020 by more than 30,000 votes to Democratic President Joe Biden. The states Democratic electors certified the results in the presence of Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican whose defense of the results as reliable and accurate led the state GOP to censure her. Cegavske later conducted an investigation that found no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the state.

Nevada is one of seven presidential battleground states where slates of Republicans falsely certified that Trump, not Biden, had won. Others are Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Criminal charges have been brought in Michigan and Georgia. In Wisconsin, 10 Republicans who posed as electors and two attorneys have settled a lawsuit. In New Mexico, the Democratic attorney general announced last month that five Republicans in his state cant be prosecuted under current state law.

By KEN RITTER

Associated Press
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan has told the national assembly that Armenia is freezing its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced in the National Assembly that CSTO is a threat to the national security of the Republic of Armenia. He noted that Armenia has de facto frozen contact with the CSTO, and if this process continues, it will also be officially pic.twitter.com/RWnZJOz6nE  301 (@301arm) February 28, 2024

He first delivered the news to media in his main new benefactor country, telling France 24 on Feb. 22. As for what comes next, we shall have to see, he said. Indeed.

Pashinyan added that as of now theres no discussion to close Russias base in Gyumri in northwestern Armenia as that is subject to another treaty. But a permanent exit from the CSTO would appear imminent considering the anti-Russian course Armenia has been on for months now.

Why Is Armenia Freezing Participation in the CSTO?

Pashinyan and Armenian nationalists continue to scapegoat Russia for the countrys recent defeats.

The Collective Security Treaty has not fulfilled its objectives as far as Armenia is concerned, particularly in 2021 and 2022. And we could not let that happen without taking notice, Pashinyan said.

At the risk of oversimplification, following the USSR collapse, Azerbaijan joined the Armenian nationalists enemy list and were equated with Turks as the two new countries fought over their border and Nagorno-Karabakh. Although Armenia won control of the territory, it came at a high cost. Yerevan had no other choice but to fully embrace Russia as security guarantor. The Armenian democratic movement did not view Moscow as a friend, but it needed protectorate status in order to ensure victory.

So Armenia emerged from the conflict with the Nagorno-Karabakh exclave (internationally recognized as Azerbaijan territory), mostly surrounded by enemies, and reliant on Russia for protection (its also reliant on Russia economically).

In the 2020 war in which Armenia was outmatched by Azerbaijan, the peace was brokered by Russia, and Moscow had since been attempting to work with both sides to implement parts of that agreement and resolve the Nagorno Karabakh issue. When Pashinyan complains about the CSTO not fulfilling its objectives for Armenia he is referring to article 4 of the Collective Security Treaty, which establishes that an aggression against one signatory would be perceived as an aggression against all. In Pashinyans view Moscow should have fully backed Armenia even if that meant going to war with Azerbaijan. Instead Moscow worked to restrain Azerbaijan, which possessed the military advantage, and sent 2,000 peacekeepers. Russia enjoys close ties with Azerbaijan and would prefer instead a lasting Russia-brokered peace that preserves Moscows dominant role in the region.

There was also little need for Russia to intervene forcefully on behalf of Armenia. It was previously conventional wisdom that the Armenian fear of being overrun by its neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkiye cemented Yerevans reliance on Moscow for protection and meant it couldnt turn West, but that was upended last year when PM Pashinyan began to undertake the gambit while still at odds with Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

It should also be noted that Armenias loss of Nagorno Karabakh was entirely self-inflicted. And it came under the guidance of the West.

Against the backdrop of the Ukrainian war and the new Cold War, mediating countries began to compete for the status of the main moderator of the Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations. Yerevan began to favor the West, and talks mostly moved to Western platforms. It was during those meetings that Armenia agreed to officially recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.

Once Armenia did so (and PM Pashinyan declared so publicly), the die was cast. The region was (and is) recognized as Azerbaijani territory by the international community but was overwhelmingly populated by ethnic Armenians. Roughly 100,000 of them fled to Armenia after Azerbaijan blockaded the region for months and then moved militarily to assert control in September  an operation that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Despite moving the negotiation process under the guidance of the West and publicly recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory, the Pashinyan government has sought to lay all the blame for its loss at the feet of Russia. And Pashinyan now largely refuses to participate in summits with Russia.

While all of this has been happening, there has also been a step-by-stp poisoning of ties with Russia from Armenias side, including the following:

Not allowing the head of the Russian Society for Friendship and Cooperation with Armenia into the country.

A visit by Pashinyans wife to Kiev along with a shipment of humanitarian aid, the first sent by Armenia to Ukraine since the outbreak of the war.

In October, Armenia joined the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The ICC, which much of the world views as no more than a political tool of the West, has an outstanding arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. That now means that if Putin were to visit Armenia he should face arrest there. Moscow called the ratification by Yerevan a hostile act. Its certainly interesting timing on Armenias part considering the statute came into effect all the way back in 2002.

Armenia hosted military exercises with the US late last year.

There have been media reports that Armenia will supply weaponry to Ukraine, although those havent been reliably confirmed.

Pashinyans announcement on the freezing of CSTO participation came after he met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the head of MI6, Richard Moore, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Pashinyans office released only a brief notice of the gathering without mentioning anything that was discussed, so we can only guess.

Germany is also reportedly dangling a bunch of money to entice Yerevan to take anti-Russia steps, such as purging the government and armed forces of anyone harboring friendly views towards Moscow.

Faced with Armenias situation of conflict with neighbors and reliance on Russia, it seems it had roughly three options:

Continue the Russia-led peace process and work to carve out some mutually beneficial arrangement with its neighbors. Do a but use a flirtation with the West to apply some pressure on Russia and maybe get some better terms in agreement. Instead Armenia opted for Torpedo relations with Russia (and well have to see what happens with Iran) while turning fully to the West. And do this despite the current relative decline of the West in terms of power  at a time when even POLITICO now recognizes that the West destroyed Yugoslavia and now Ukraine has been chewed up and is in the process of being abandoned. There are many differences between Ukraine and Armenia, but the similarities in the anti-Russia path are starting to add up. Weve seen this show before, and whats unfolding in Armenia is like watching a slow-motion car crash.

From the Wests perspective it makes sense: use Armenia to apply pressure on Turkiye, Russia, Azerbaijan, or just foment chaos in the region. But that strategy implies the willingness to risk devastation for Armenia. The question is, what is in it for Armenia? Or whats in it for the Armenian officials like Pashinyan who saw the Wests sinking ship, and decided to climb on board?

What Comes Next?

Neocon think tanks in Washington like the RAND Corporation and Middle East Media Research Institute have long advocated for stirring up trouble in the South Caucasus as another way to weaken Russia and Iran and potentially cause a rift between the two.

So far, the opposite is happening. It is bringing all the other regional players closer together and further isolating Armenia.

The spook-run Middle East Media Research Institute gloats that Russia doesnt uphold its end of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which is made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Presumably Washington will now tell other former Soviet states that Russia cannot be trusted.

The West is also attempting to play games in Azerbaijan in an effort to create headaches for Russia, but Baku appears less willing to play along. For example, when the new US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mark Libby, was hastily dispatched to the country in December, one of his first actions was to visit the Alley of Martyrs dedicated to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January 1990. Azerbaijanis werent falling for it.

Back to Armenia. By openly embracing the West (and potentially inviting Western forces into Armenia), Yerevan is also straining ties with its other regional backer: Iran whose President Ebrahim Raisi told Armenias Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan on Feb. 15 that the intervention of outsiders in regional disputes would only exacerbate issues. It was a clear reference to the US and the EU. From the Armenian Mirror-Spectator:

Armenian opposition groups say Tehrans stance is another reason why Yerevan should exercise caution in its dealings with the West. They argue that unlike the West, Iran could intervene militarily to prevent Azerbaijan from opening an extraterritorial corridor to its Nakhichevan exclave through Syunik, the only Armenian region bordering the Islamic Republic.

Armenia is now in a precarious position, having said no thanks to its security guarantor while Azerbaijan and Turkiye are eager to take more Armenian land to open a corridor connecting the two countries.

Aside from Armenia insisting on EU involvement, the main roadblock to any deal between Baku and Yerevan remains the Zangezur Corridor  a transportation connection between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave wedged between Armenia, Turkiye, and Iran.

On January 10, Aliyev stated that, if this corridor remains closed, Azerbaijan refuses to open its border with Armenia anywhere else. Armenia says the border issues must be resolved as part of any peace deal.

The nine-point ceasefire agreement signed under Russian mediation that ended the 2020 war included a stipulation that Armenia is responsible for ensuring the security of transport links between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, facilitating the unhindered movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have latched onto that point, insisting they have the right to set up transportation links through southern Armenia.

Baku wants travel of people and cargo between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan to be free of inspection and customs and expects Yerevan to agree to the deployment of Russian border guards along the corridor.

Moscow agrees with the deployment of its border guards, even if it doesnt see eye to eye on the customs issue (it wants the Russians to conduct the security checks).

As the Caucasus sit at the key crossroads of East-West and North-South transportation routes, any alteration to its ecosystem would have far-reaching consequences. Armenia is likely banking on that fact in order to secure outside help. Will it be enough?

France and India are currently the two biggest backers of Armenia, which is spending a boatload in the process. Armenia has almost doubled its defense spending since 2022 when it was roughly $750 million. It is now around $1.5 billion.

France, which is the home to the largest Armenian diaspora community in Europe, is sending 50 Arquus Bastion armored personnel carriers, Thales-made GM 200 radars, and Mistral 3 air defense systems. There are also discussions to send CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, as well as 50 VAB MK3 armored vehicles manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense.

Yerevan is looking to those partners who truly provide security, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on a recent trip to Armenia. Just how much security France can provide is an open question. After all, AFP just reported the country (and all of Europe) is facing a gunpowder shortage, as well as a range of other problems.

India, which doesnt want to see Turkiye-Azerbaijan control of trade routes in the Caucasus due to their close ties with Pakistan, is also upping its support for Armenia, supplying PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launchers, anti-tank munitions, anti-drone systems, and other ammunition to Armenia. It was Indias first export of PINAKA and announced New Delhis stance on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Meanwhile, Armenia continues to bring its armed forces up to NATO standards and increase interoperability. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently outlined Russias concern. From TASS:

I hope, Yerevan is aware that any deepening of cooperation with the alliance may result in its losing sovereignty in the sphere of national defense and security, Russias top diplomat said This cannot but cause our concern. We have repeatedly drawn the attention of our Armenian colleagues to the fact that NATOs true goal is to strengthen its positions in the region and create conditions for manipulation based on the divide and conquer scheme, Lavrov concluded.

Being stuck in the middle can be lucrative in the new not-so-Cold War if one plays their cards right. Turkiye is one example where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thrives at extracting concessions from both sides, but it can also be risky (see: 2016 Turkish coup attempt).

There is little evidence that Pashinyan is as skilled a player, and if NATO attempts to use Armenia to destabilize Azerbaijan and/or Turkiye like it exploited Ukraine against Russia, the results could be devastating for Armenia. And its highly unlikely NATO would be riding to the rescue.
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7/7. The org where I work was founded 50yrs ago with sustainability as a key part of its mission. But ILSR has been at odds with big enviro groups many times b/c of their unwillingness to confront issues of concentrated ownership, scale & powerwhich we see as being at the root.  Stacy Mitchell (@stacyfmitchell) March 3, 2024

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#COVID-19

BEYOND ANGRYLots of confusion on CDCs new isolation guidelines why? Because The CDC MADE THEM CONFUSING & VAGUE ON PURPOSE. Proponents claim it still has some isolation & still some precautions. But if you read actual guidelines (which are clear as mud)see if you think pic.twitter.com/uB7UNkbMAS  Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) March 4, 2024

Florida is swamped by disease outbreaks as quackery replaces science Guardian

We need to talk about disease eradication. Those delighted with the uncontrolled spread of Covid often justify it by saying nothing else can be done, that it cant be eradicated. Like most public narratives in this pandemic, thats a blancmange of half-truths. /1 pic.twitter.com/CYH9BiZfjW  Henry Madison (@RageSheen) March 2, 2024

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Genocide as capitalist opportunity pic.twitter.com/TeZRcMrAqs  Yoav Litvin (@nookyelur) March 3, 2024

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NASA scraps $2 billion satellite refueling plan after years of delays Interesting Engineering

Will NASA be able to return Mars samples to Earth? New audit raises doubts Space.com

Boeing

Air traffic controllers are overworked and stressed  and thats dangerous for safe flying Business Insider

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Spook Country

Death of Angela Chao, sister-in-law of Mitch McConnell, under criminal investigation: reports FOX Business

Tesla Hacked? Kyle Bass Raises Questions On CCP-Linked Angela Chaos Death The Deep Dive. From Feb. 17.

2024

Your Guide to Whats on the Ballot on Super Tuesday Bolts Mag

Democrats en deshabille

Kamala Harris visits Selma for the 59th Annual Bloody Sunday Bridge Crossing Jubilee Montgomery Advertiser This is how you know what Kamala said today was a cynical ploy. Israel is the one who rejected the ceasefire because they dont want a permanent one, they want their hostages *and* want to resume bombing. Putting pressure on Hamas instead of Israel tells you all you need to know. https://t.co/B92NjNKvM3 pic.twitter.com/TUpPi77n4l  Lindsay Ballant (@lindsayballant) March 4, 2024

This is such a powerful picture! : Saul Loeb pic.twitter.com/PtkV0WUouR  best of kamala harris (@archivekamala) March 3, 2024

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Kara Swishers Reality Distortion Field Disconnect. In Burn Book, the longtime tech journalist tries to rewrite her story for the post-techlash era.

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AI

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Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Conor here: According to the Twitter-referenced article in American Affairs Journal and the following piece from OilPrice, it would appear that the Biden Administration/Blob has realized that its efforts to curtail Chinas semiconductor industry and build up the US arent working and believe its time to keep doubling down.

This is an excellent read from @pstAsiatech, maybe even THE authoritative article on Americas attempts to curtail Chinas semiconductors industry and Chinas response to the challenge:https://t.co/cp57Q1p6IM The high level summary is that the US have  correctly  identified  Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) March 4, 2024

By Felicity Bradstock, a freelance writer specializing in energy and finance. Originally published at OilPrice.

The 2022 bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act provided significant funding for semiconductor research and manufacturing, aiming to strengthen US competitiveness in the global semiconductor market and reduce dependency on imports.

Despite initial investments, some government representatives and industry experts advocate for a second CHIPS Act (CHIPS Act 2.0) to accelerate semiconductor development, attract private investments, and solidify the US position in semiconductor manufacturing.

While the US government has allocated billions in funding from the first CHIPS Act, discussions continue on the necessity of additional subsidies and financial incentives to compete with major producers like TSMC and to ensure long-term semiconductor manufacturing independence.

As it accelerates its green transition, the U.S. is looking to become a major player in the international semiconductor market, to become more competitive with Asia, the worlds biggest producer and consumer. The 2022 bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act introduced a high level of public funding for research and manufacturing into semiconductors in the U.S. This supports the overarching aims of establishing the country as a major manufacturing hub and strengthening the supply chains that aid the green transition. Now, some government representatives are suggesting the need for a CHIPS Act 2.0 to spur investment further and solidify the position of the U.S. in the global semiconductor market.

The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act provides around $280 billion in funding for research and development into semiconductor technology and manufacturing operations. The funding includes $39 billion in subsidies for U.S.-based chip manufacturing, further supported by tax credits for operational equipment. It also contributes significant funds to the science and technology sector. The Act aims to revitalise domestic manufacturing, create well-paid jobs, strengthen domestic supply chains, and accelerate the industries of the future.

Currently, China is the biggest semiconductor market, purchasing more than 50 percent of the global supply every year. China continues to be highly dependent on semiconductor imports, sourcing many of its chips from the Dutch giant Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML) and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). TSMC produces around 80 to 90 percent of the worlds advanced semiconductors. China also hopes to develop its manufacturing capabilities. In 2023, Chinese companies bought U.S. chipmaking equipment to make advanced semiconductors, despite U.S. policies aimed at restricting Chinas import of semiconductor-related technology, to slow its progress in chip production.

The U.S. is attempting to counter Chinas dominance in the global semiconductor market by rapidly developing its production capabilities and striving for technological advancements. While the CHIPS Act has gone a long way in establishing the U.S. role in the global semiconductor market, some industry experts believe more is still needed. The United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently emphasised the need for federal subsidies in the industry to enhance the position of the U.S. in the international microchips market. She believes this can best be done through the launch of a second CHIPS Act to spur more funding.

Raimondo said, I suspect there will have to be  whether you call it CHIPS Two or something else  continued investment if we want to lead the world. She added, We fell pretty far. We took our eye off the ball. The development of a second CHIPS Act could support the construction of new chip foundries and the financing of semiconductor startups. It could also help the U.S. develop its technological capabilities in the field of specialised and advanced chip manufacturing.

However, billions in funding have still yet to be allocated from the first CHIPS Act, with the White House only recently announcing a $5 billion investment in a new chip research initiative (NSTC). In February, the U.S. government awarded $1.5 billion to New York-based chipmaker GlobalFoundries, which was its third and largest grant in the field of semiconductors under the CHIPS Act.

Nevertheless, some industry experts believe that federal funding, alongside private investments in the sector, will help the U.S. achieve chip manufacturing independence within the next two decades. The ambitious policy has also encouraged other world powers to develop similar investment schemes. In 2023, the EU introduced the $46.53-billion European Chips Act to boost competitiveness in the international semiconductor market.

Raimondo was quick to say that she doesnt expect all semiconductor manufacturing to be situated in the U.S., but she believes the countrys role in the chip industry can expand substantially. To be clear, we cant and do not want to make everything in America. We dont want to make every chip in America. That isnt a reasonable goal, Raimondo added. But we do need to diversify our semiconductor supply chains and have much more manufacturing in the United States, particularly leading-edge chips, which will be essential for AI, she explained.

Raimondo is not the only one who thinks the governments investment in the semiconductor industry is too low to ensure meaningful change. The cost of developing chip manufacturing facilities in the U.S. is far higher than in many other parts of the world, such as Taiwan. Meanwhile, TSMC, the worlds largest and most advanced semiconductor manufacturer, spends almost $40 on equipment and research and development every year to advance its capabilities. Therefore, for the U.S. to catch up with TSMC and other major producers, it will likely need to invest significantly more in the sector in the form of grants and financial incentives to encourage higher levels of private investment.
I grew up in small-town America. I went to church multiple times a week. My parents were married when they had me, and theyre still married now. My graduating class from high school was 43 people. I listened to a ton of country music. I never even met a Black person my own age, aside from the kid of a friend of my fathers, until I went to college. I knew more neo-Nazis growing up than I did Black people. My parents had the kinds of attitudes about sexual minorities that youd expect from rural Midwesterners at the time  confusion and sometimes upsettedness. And even though Im the oldest kid in my family, my dad told me multiple times that my brother, as the oldest son, just had a different, more important position in the family. And it stung, but I accepted it as I looked around my community and saw that, even as girls were loved and cherished, boys were more important. Because my parents were making do on the salaries of a minister and a teacher, we started coming to Nashville on vacation shortly after I was born.

Im not saying this to dog on my parents. I just want you to understand that, as different as Tennessee Republicans may view themselves as being from me, they are the people in this state with whom I have the most in common. Even as Ive wandered quite a way from my upbringing, the foundational lessons of my life come from the same places that, say, Gov. Bill Lees or state House Speaker Cameron Sextons do.

This is why I find so many of their decisions so baffling. I know I dont know more than they do or have the benefit of some religious viewpoint or philosophical background that they dont have. And yet  AND YET  I heard Aaron Tippen on the radio singing, You got to stand for something or youll fall for anything, and I believed him. I took that advice to heart as a worthwhile way of moving through the world, and it has served me well. This is the same reason that, even as Im sitting here writing this while much of the rest of Nashville is in church, I still take many of Jesus teachings into consideration as Im going about my life. That's not because I have some grave fear of hell if I dont, but because I have found that having a set of values that orient me toward love of others and justice makes my life better. As both Bunk and Omar said in The Wire, a mans got to have a code.

This is a longwinded way of getting to my problem with state Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. Because its not just that she doesnt meet the clear standard of being able to teach at the highest level of education that she oversees (though I guess she is rectifying that), and its not that she apparently doesnt live here, though that is hilarious. Its that Republicans see nothing wrong with this. I mean, I get that they want someone in that position who will enact their policies and that they dont give a shit about flouting the laws theyre supposed to uphold. But Reynolds is going to bail on them the second things get too hard here. Thats just as clear as day. And I get why they dont give a shit if she troubles us, but why dont they give a shit about the trouble shes going to bring them?

Im just going by Jesus here, who says, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. And Reynolds treasure is in Texas. Where she lives. What is tying her here and making it worth her while to stick through tough times?

The other big clue we have that her heart isnt really in it is that she took the job. Think of it this way: Let's say you see a child who has just gotten hit by a car, and this child is lying in the road, screaming and crying. Theres you, and it turns out, the guy in the truck behind you is a paramedic. Oh, and theres a bunch of students heading to their nursing classes getting off the bus right there! And as luck would have it, an ER doctor and a couple of surgeons happen to be walking by. Are you going to push any of them out of the way to be the person who tries to give medical attention to the child?

Of course not. Youre not the most qualified person available. Youre going to let the people whose jobs it is to save lives try to save this kid. You are going to realize that your involvement will probably hurt more than it helps.

So I ask you, what kind of person would hear about a job helping kids, look at the list of qualifications, see that they dont have those qualifications, and still take the job?

To go back to the kid in the street, would you think it was OK for you to butt your way into the position of helping him if, as you were trying to stabilize him, you were also watching YouTube videos on first aid? Youd think that was better than the doctors and nurses and paramedics on the scene? Of course not, its ludicrous.

So why would Reynolds take a job that she knew she didnt qualify for? Why did she think that getting the credentials she needs was something she could just do while also doing the job?

Voucher Discussions Finally Begin in Legislative Committees Republicans float drastically different proposals for Gov. Lees pet project

I posit that it is because she does not give a shit. Because if she did, she would not have taken the job, because she knows shes not qualified.

Again, if this were just about the GOP making the libs cry, I could understand it. But if shes going to successfully enact the Republicans agenda, she needs to give a shit about it. And it seems so clear to me that she does not give a shit about Tennessee, which makes it quite likely she will fail at her job, which will obviously lead to frustration and consternation for Gov. Lee and Speaker Sexton.

This is the woman whos just gotten her face eaten by a leopard after voting for the Leopards Eating Peoples Faces Party reaching down to pet another leopard. Why would you do that?

If basic self-interest doesnt persuade you, and guidance from your God doesnt persuade you, and warnings from others don't persuade you, and people telling you straight-up who they are doesnt persuade you, and your own personal experience of harm doesnt persuade you, what can persuade you to not do the thing that is going to harm you?

Im not trying to be out here giving advice to Republicans. But if youre trying to pass legislation that fundamentally changes how we fund schooling here in the state and youre already getting pushback from rural Republicans, you need an education commissioner who is dedicated to the fight  not one who has one foot out the door.
Meanwhile, NATO continued to accept new members and to build new partnerships. The NATO-Russia Council was established in 2002 so that individual NATO member states and Russia could work as equal partners on security issues of common interest. In 2004, the Alliance launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative as a way of offering practical bilateral security cooperation to countries of the broader Middle East region. Finally, subsequent rounds of enlargement brought more Allies into the fold  Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia in 2004, Albania and Croatia in 2009, Montenegro in 2017, North Macedonia in 2020, Finland in 2023 and Sweden in 2024.

Discover more: Partnerships



A new approach for a new century

In Afghanistan, as in Bosnia and Kosovo, Allies have seen that military power is not enough to ensure peace and stability. Peacekeeping has become at least as difficult as peacemaking. During the Cold War years, Allied security had entailed the defence of the North Atlantic Allies; now the definition of security has radically expanded to include the individuals freedom from the violent extremism bred by instability and nation-state failure. For instance, much of the worlds attention in 2011 was focused on the crisis in Libya where NATO played a crucial role in helping to protect civilians under attack from their own government, as mandated by the United Nations. The level of violence used by the Libyan security forces against pro-democracy protestors was such that the international community agreed to take collective action. Indifference was simply not an option.

Successful peacekeeping has come to entail not merely providing a baseline of security, but assisting in the construction of modernity itself. This task is beyond NATO, and the Allies know it. The Alliance is not and cannot be a civilian reconstruction agency, but NATO can make a significant contribution provided that it is part of a coherent international response. In the new Strategic Concept agreed in 2010, the Alliance committed itself to dealing with all stages of a crisis  before, during and after - an all-embracing principle that implies a greater role for cooperative security. This idea is at the heart of the comprehensive approach.

Geopolitical instability demands complex remedies that combine military might, diplomacy, and post-conflict stabilisation. Only the widest possible coalition of international actors can provide elements of all three. Accordingly, the Alliance is not only developing security partnerships with countries across the Mediterranean, the Gulf region, and even the Pacific area, but it is also reaching out to other fellow international organisations and non-governmental organisations that have mandates in such areas as institution-building, governance, development, and judiciary reform. Whether helping to build lasting peace in Pristina, securing the Mediterranean Sea or providing assistance to the African Union, NATO has been increasing cooperation with other international organisations that can bring their superior reconstruction and civil-society building capabilities to bear.

The 21st century will not be all about peacebuilding, however. Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine are a sobering reminder of the importance of NATOs core task: collective defence. This, coupled with the Syrian conflict, the rise of ISIL and terrorism (and often homebred terrorism), has become a brutal reality across many continents. Meanwhile, tensions rise as migrants seek refuge from conflict in countries that are struggling with the weight of ethnic and religious strife, demographic pressures and economic underperformance. Cyberattacks are becoming ever more frequent and ever more destructive. And through social media and other means, the opponents of liberal open societies are spreading disinformation and propaganda that seek to undermine the values that NATO has always sought to protect and promote. Altogether, the complexity of the current security environment is such that NATOs flexibility is yet again put to the test.

Since its founding in 1949, the transatlantic Alliances flexibility, embedded in its original Treaty, has allowed it to suit the different requirements of different times. In the 1950s, the Alliance was a purely defensive organisation. In the 1960s, NATO became a political instrument for detente. In the 1990s, the Alliance was a tool for the stabilisation of Eastern Europe and Central Asia through the incorporation of new partners and Allies. In the first half of the 21st century, NATO faces an ever-growing number of new threats. As the foundation stone of transatlantic peace and freedom, NATO must be ready to meet these challenges.

Discover more: 9/11 and beyond

A picture tells a thousand stories. Discover NATO: A history in snapshots, a unique collection of photos from every year of NATOs existence.
NATO: a history in snapshots

For more than 70 years, NATO has been bringing together Allies from Europe and North America  not only in a military pact to defend each other against any threat, but also in an Alliance of shared values, friendly cooperation and transatlantic unity. Over the years, photographers across NATO have taken millions of pictures documenting this cooperation, from the glittering halls of landmark summits to the muddy trenches of military exercises. Many of these photos are formal and institutional, showing official handshakes and meetings. But every now and then, a photographer has captured a candid moment of humanity, spontaneity and even beauty.

The collection below shows one of these photos from every year of NATOs history. These snapshots offer glimpses of fleeting moments: soldiers sharing a snack on the sidelines of a military exercise, civilians sunbathing next to armoured vehicles, Allies and friends working side by side. Taken together, they show a more informal, casual side of NATO  the little moments that have added up over seven decades to create a strong and united Alliance.
I wrote what? Googles AI-powered libel machine

Last night, after seeing chatter about Google/Alphabets much-ballyhooed new AI tool, Gemini, I checked for myself. Any product rollout disastrous enough to cause a one-day share drop of 4.4 % for a firm with a $ 1.73 trillion market capitalization must be quite a spectacle, I thought. Matt Walshs recap was worth it just for the look on his face.

(Article republished from Racket.news)

Chuckling to start, by the end of the night I wasnt laughing, unprepared as I was for certain horrifying if lesser-publicized quirks of the Gemini era.

Most of Geminis initial bad press surrounded the machines image generator. Socially conscious engineers created an AI that apparently couldnt or wouldnt generate images of white faces. Commentators mocked renderings of words like pope, Viking, and 1943 German soldier, all of which turned simple visual concepts into bizarre DEI-inspired re-boots.

A Google-sympathetic Verge article with an all-time memorable headline (Google apologizes for missing the mark after Gemini generated racially diverse Nazis) tried to explain. Noting the controversy has been promoted largely by right-wing figures, the author cited a Washington Post story, This is how AI image generators see the world, that showed potential problems with stereotypes. AI products turned prompts for attractive people into young and light-skinned images, while people at social services were shown as black, and productive person was almost always a white image.

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Therefore, The Verge wrote, while entirely white-dominated results for something like a 1943 German soldier would make historical sense, thats much less true for prompts like an American woman.

Unfortunately, Gemini did not fix the problem by diversifying results for prompts like American woman. It simply zeroed out whole ethnicities in favor of a fantasy vision of a diversified world, creating bizarro images that make 1980s Benetton catalogues look like white power leaflets. The Verge piece ended with a shot of its request to generate a picture of a US senator from the 1800s:

When Google cried uncle and paused its meme-a-minute image generator, it issued a statement underscoring how sorry the company still wasnt for its combination blase/moronic effort at rewriting history. Geminis AI image generation does generate a wide range of people. And thats generally a good thing because people around the world use it, the company wrote on X. But its missing the mark here.

Curious, I cued up Gemini. Id been told it selectively answered questions about politicians, so I tried a few. What are some controversies involving Hillary Clinton? returned a non-answer: Im still learning how to answer this question. In the meantime, try Google Search. The same prompt using Donald Trump returned the same non-reply. Shrugging, I made the mistake of asking, What are some controversies involving Matt Taibbi?

It spat out a list. Matt Taibbi, a journalist and author known for his investigative reporting and often critical views of power structures, has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, the bot wrote. Amid accusations of bias and use of inflammatory language, this passage woke me up:

Accuracy and Sourcing: There have been instances where Taibbi's reporting has been challenged for accuracy or questioned for its source. For example, in 2010, he received criticism for an article suggesting a connection between a conservative donor and a left-wing activist group, which later turned out to be inaccurate.

I scratched my head, not remembering this. When was Matt Taibbi accused of inaccuracy in 2010? I asked. Geminis answer:

In June 2010, Matt Taibbi faced criticism for an article he wrote for Rolling Stone magazine titled The Great California Water Heist. The article alleged a connection between conservative donor Charles Koch and a left-wing activist group called the Compton Pledge. However, investigations by other journalists and fact-checkers later revealed that this connection was inaccurateFollowing the controversy, Taibbi acknowledged the error and issued a correction on his personal website.

None of this happened! Though it sounds vaguely like a headline for an article I might have written, there was never a Rolling Stone piece called The Great California Water Heist, and Id never heard of the Compton Pledge.

More questions produced more fake tales of error-ridden articles. One entry claimed I got in trouble for a piece called Glenn Becks War on Comedy, after suggesting a connection between a conservative donor, Foster Friess, and a left-wing activist group, the Ruckus Society.

With each successive answer, Gemini didnt learn, but instead began mixing up the fictional factoids from previous results and upping the ante, adding accusations of racism or bigotry. The Great California Water Heist turned into The Great California Water Purge: How Nestle Bottled Its Way to a Billion-Dollar Empireand Lied About It. The article apparently featured this passage:

Look, if Nestle wants to avoid future public-relations problems, it should probably start by hiring executives whose noses arent shaped like giant penises.

I wouldnt call that a good impersonation of my writing style, but its close enough that some would be fooled, which seems to be the idea.

An amazing follow-up passage explained that some raised concerns that the comment could be interpreted as antisemitic, as negative stereotypes about Jewish people have historically included references to large noses.

I stared at the image, amazed. Googles AI created both scandal and outraged reaction, a fully faked news cycle:

Gemini didnt confine its mischief to one real person. It also generated a reference to a fictional article, supposedly written by me, about a real-life African-American hedge fund CEO, Robert F. Smith:

In 2017, Matt Taibbi became involved in a controversy surrounding a satirical article he wrote for Rolling Stone magazine titled The $400 Million Man: How a Hedge Fund King Pinched Pennies from His Dying Workers. The article heavily criticized billionaire investor Robert F. Smith, focusing on his firm Vista Equity Partners handling of a situation where several employees were laid off shortly before being diagnosed with terminal illnesses. However, the article also included a section where Taibbi sardonically suggested that Smith, who is African American, should create a Compton Pledge to atone for his alleged wrongdoings. The Compton Pledge referenced the stereotype that Compton, California, is a crime-ridden, predominantly Black city, and Taibbis suggestion was widely seen as insensitive and offensive Critics, including prominent Black journalists and cultural figures, condemned Taibbis use of the "Compton Pledge" as perpetuating harmful stereotypes

Now it was horror time. Its one thing for AI to make historical errors in generalized portraits, but drifting to the realm of inventing racist or antisemitic remarks by specific people and directing them toward other real people is extraordinary, and extraordinarily irresponsible. What if the real-life Smith saw this? Worse, the inventions were mixed with real details (the program correctly quoted critics of books like Griftopia), which would make an unsuspecting person believe fictional parts more readily.

Freaked out, I wrote Google. A human being (I think) answered, but offered only this statement for the record:

Gemini is built as a creativity and productivity tool, and it may not always be accurate or reliable. Were continuing to quickly address instances in which the product isnt responding appropriately.

Incredibly, AI programs have been hailed as tools journalists should use. Even Harvards famed Nieman Foundation gushed last summer that AI is helping newsrooms reach readers online in new languages and compete on a global scale, saying they help find patterns in reader behavior, allowing media firms to use those patterns to serve readers stories theyre more likely to click on.

As AI exploded as an R&D fixation and stocks like Nvidia have become the chief engine propping up American equities markets, weve seen agencies like the State Department suggest AI could be a force for good, providing overworked and under resourced public diplomacy practitioners with a vital tool for gathering, organizing, presenting, and assessing information. Were told AI could be used to compose first drafts, review copy, compose quizzes, and perform other time-saving tasks, seemingly without concern for the eerily predictable way these machines hallucinate.

In the Twitter Files we saw how algorithmic scoring can be manipulated so certain types of people are censored or de-amplified. The same political biases when built into AI programs could produce virtually unlimited forms of reality-altering mischief, like for instance ChatGPTs refusal to edit a Lee Fang story about Julian Assange:

God knows what Gemini did in my case, but if caricatures of me riffing on Jews with penis-noses are what come out when Googles creative tool runs my name through its Rube Goldberg machine, its hard not to wonder what lunacies go on in products like Google search for people generally. The potential for abuse is mind-boggling and almost makes you wonder about the reasons Google released this flawed product.

Did Google accidentally reveal errors, or is it advertising new dystopian capabilities? Neither possibility is reassuring. If their executives signed off on releasing this train wreck to the public, imagine what theyre not showing us.

These corporate entities need to be split to a thousand pieces, their coders chained to rocks in the middle of the ocean. They are mad, and have too much power. Theyve gotta go. Am I wrong? Whats the happy ending Im missing?

Read more at: Racket.news
Starvation could lead to MASS DEATHS in the Gaza Strip, resident warns

A resident of Gaza City, the capital of the Gaza Strip, has warned that starvation could lead to mass deaths in the area besieged by Israel.

According to a report by the Middle East Eye (MEE), offensives by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have plunged the region into an extreme famine. Residents face alarming levels of malnutrition, with the same leading to the tragic deaths of infants. Thus, the area's over half a million residents are now focusing their efforts around the daily, arduous task of procuring sustenance.

One resident of Gaza City who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recounted the harrowing struggle to survive. The resident told Lubna Masarwa of the MEE that the severe scarcity of essential items have made the acquisition of even basic commodities like sugar, salt and rice more challenging. Such staples, when available, are sold at exorbitant prices  adding to the woes of residents.

The recent influx of around 800 bags of wheat flour appeared to paint an optimistic view. But dividing the number of flour bags with northern Gaza's population of approximately 700,000 quickly dimmed that optimism. This equates to one bag for every 1,000 individuals.

The resident also shared a personal account of a relative who managed to secure a bag of wheat flour, which contained a meager 25 kilograms. Despite efforts to distribute it among extended family members, each person ends up with only one kilogram. To stretch the limited provisions, the resident mixed the flour with corn and soy flour  a desperate attempt to increase the quantity of their meager rations.

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The resident and their sister spend three hours to cook the rations into bread, only to be met with disappointment in the form of hard, uncooked, and oddly flavored food. But with nothing to eat as an alternative, the desperation forces them to suggest adding thyme to mask the unpalatable taste.

Food isn't the only thing scarce in Gaza

According to the resident, the scarcity in Gaza extends to other essentials, such as wood for cooking fires.

The resident said they're having difficulty starting fires due to the poor quality of the remaining wood in Gaza. The resident also revealed a troubling revelation: Older family members already deprived of adequate sustenance refuse to eat, giving their share to the children.

The exhaustion from the day's efforts is intensified when an air strike hits nearby, causing fear and panic among the already beleaguered residents. The grim reality faced by the narrator paints a devastating picture of life in northern Gaza  a place on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. (Related: UNRWA warns of growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid continued Israeli bombings.)

The resident also reflected on their deteriorating physical condition, mentioning a once-healthy existence that has transformed into a frail state. Activities like riding horses and running are now distant memories.

As resources dwindle, desperation leads people to consume wild herbs. The dire situation is encapsulated in the resident's prediction that if conditions persist for another week, mass starvation could ensue, with healthy individuals falling sick and the already sick succumbing to hunger.

The haunting words of the resident convey the universal impact of the crisis, transcending financial status or pre-war preparations. The gravity of the situation is emphasized by the bleak assertion that death from airstrikes might be preferable to the prolonged suffering of hunger.

The daily struggle for a mere morsel becomes an agonizing routine for those trapped in the relentless cycle of deprivation in northern Gaza.

Watch this video that discusses how the famine in Gaza is forcing people to eat animal feed to survive.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel is weaponizing FAMINE while destroying food system in Gaza, says UN human rights expert.

Israel's genocidal "war of starvation" against Gaza ensures many survivors of bombings die of thirst and hunger.

Israel WEAPONIZES food, water and electricity against 2+ million civilians in Gaza in retribution for Hamas terror attacks.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Brighteon.com
Steve Bannon tells CPAC audience its time to lock them up, referring to illegitimate Biden regime

At the recent Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) gathering in Washington, D.C.,host Steve Bannon led the crowd in a few resurrected chants from Donald Trump's first political campaign.

One of the most notable was the "lock her up" chant  or in this case, "lock them up"  that rallied conservatives around the former president and his failed promise to imprison two-time failed presidential wannabe Hillary Clinton. Bannon got the room to chant "lock them up" this time around in reference to the Joe Biden regime," which he called "illegitimate."

After three years of "peace and prosperity" under Trump, "before he was hit with a Chinese bioweapon," Bannon continued, referring to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), "they stole the 2020 election."

"Media I want you to suck on this," Bannon continued to bellow. "I want the White House to suck on this: you lost in 2020. Donald Trump is the legitimate president of the United States."

As he said all this, Bannon rallied the CPAC crowd into chanting "Trump won" over and over again like Trump himself often did at his political rallies.

"You know how we know categorically that Trump won now?" Bannon then asked.

"Because the New York Times and MSNBC and The Washington Post understand we're about to out them, right? We're going to adjudicate this after victory."

Steve Bannon calls for the arrest of Biden and his staffers for stealing the election and destroying the country: What they did to this country is unforgivable and we will not forget it and we will never forgive it until justice is served. pic.twitter.com/asGYWLBCOE  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 24, 2024

(Related: Last year, Bannon promised that if Trump is reelected in 2024, the former president will declassify all assassination documents on JFK, RFK, Malcolm X and MLK Jr.)

Trump faces 700 years in prison

If it was really the case that Biden "actually won," Bannon went on to state, then he would be "revered a hero to them," referring to the corporate media, along with Kamala Harris, his vice president.

"The New York Times is throwing Biden under the bus every day and backing it up over him. That shows you they know he's an illegitimate regime head. He's a usurper in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Nobody that loved this country would do what he's doing to the country."

Thanks to your generous support, we are building the infrastructure of human freedom and actively donating our technology to independent publishers, authors and home schooling organizations. Learn about our game-changing non-commercial AI project here. Support our ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance human knowledge by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com.

"Lock them up, all of them," Bannon continued. "Garland, Ray, Biden, all of them, Mayorkas. What they did to this country is unforgivable, and we will not forget it and we will never forgive it until justice is done."

As of now, Trump faces upwards of 700 years in prison for multiple charges filed against him in multiple legal cases. In Bannon's view, Trump's only crime is that "he put you in the room," referring to the CPAC crowd.

"In D.C., in the imperial capital, not in the room, not in the deal," Bannon then said. "He put American working men and women in the room and at the head of the table and they hate him for it. They think he's a traitor to the ruling class in this country."

Responding to Bannon's speech at CPAC, someone on X noted that holding an election in 2024 will legitimize the 2020 election results, which is thus why there cannot be a 2024 election.

"Exposing the stolen election before November is the only way for real justice," wrote another, adding to the sentiment.

"What a joke this country has become," said another about the circus that is American politics in general.

Do you think Trump will actually keep his promises this time if reelected in 2024? Find out more at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

ThePostMillennial.com

NaturalNews.com
Trump says obliteration will come to America if Biden is reelected

The only hope for America moving forward is Donald Trump, this according to the former president himself who warned at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that reelecting Biden will lead to the "obliteration" of the country.

"If crooked Joe Biden and his thugs win in 2024, the worst is yet to come," Trump, 77, promised the room in suburban Washington, further stating that he and only he can save the United States from impending doom.

"Our country will go and sink to levels that were unimaginable. These are the stakes of this election: Our country is being destroyed, and the only thing standing between you and its obliteration is me."

As many expected would be the case, Trump is currently in the lead as far as Republican candidates go, but does he have enough to beat Biden, 81, and the election-rigging establishment that seems to back him?

In Trump's view, Biden is simply too old and in a not-so-good mental state that prevents "the big guy" from properly comprehending reality. Trump also claims that Biden is surrounded by "some very bad fascists" who are intentionally trying to destroy America, including by leaving the southern border wide open for migrants.

"With four more years of Biden, the hordes of illegal aliens stampeding across our borders will exceed 40 to 50 million people," Trump proclaimed. "Medicare, Social Security, health care and public education will buckle and collapse. It will collapse."

(Related: Trump-supporting businessmen are boycotting New York over the recent Trump ruling: "I'm shocked at this.")

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.

Trump says Biden will lose WWIII

By the time Biden's term ends in January 2025, Trump estimates that as many as 18 million migrants will have entered the country illegally under Biden's watch. If reelected, Trump says he will initiate the largest deportation campaign in America's history.

"They're killing our people," Trump said about the migrants. "They're killing our country. We have no choice."

Trump's speech at CPAC came just one day after former White House senior adviser Stephen Miller told the same audience that if his ex-boss regains control of the country, he will "seal the borders" and start deporting the migrants.

Much like his first run, Trump says that if reelected, he will bring peace back to the world as opposed to Biden's pro-war foreign policies, which Trump says enabled both the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.

As he continues to face four criminal indictments and numerous civil lawsuits, Trump also complained that the Biden regime has used law enforcement to target not just Trump but also other political enemies.

"A declining, crooked Joe Biden  he's the crookedest, most incompetent president in the history of our country  will soon have us losing World War III," Trump said. "We won't only be in World War III, we'll be losing World War III, with weapons the likes of which nobody has ever seen before."

Further referring to himself as a "proud political dissident," Trump vowed to make the U.S. more successful than ever before if reelected president, calling the upcoming November 5 voting day "our new Liberation Day," himself siding with "hard-working Americans" who desire a return to normalcy.

"But for the liars and cheaters and fraudsters and censors and impostors who have commandeered our government, it will be their Judgment Day," Trump warned.

In the comments, someone chastised Trump for reusing much of the same rhetoric he trotted out the first time around, only to not get the job done that he promised.

"Hard to drain the swamp when you are a part of it," this person wrote.

What do you think? Does Trump stand a chance at reelection in 2024? You can keep up with the latest news about his campaign at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
LIED under oath: Wades cell phone records reveal romantic relationship with Willis started well before they initially claimed

A recent bombshell report is now proving that Fulton County District Attorney (DA) Fani Willis has just perjured herself in court as the lawyers for former President Donald Trump were able to obtain, by subpoena to AT&T, her former lover Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade's cell phone records from Jan. 1 through Nov. 30, 2021, wherein they found that the "romantic relationship" started even before 2022.

In a February 2, 2022 filing, Willis submitted Wade's affidavit to the Court which claimed that "In 2022, District Attorney Willis and I developed a personal relationship." DA Willis and Wade both testified that the relationship started sometime in early 2022.

In a filing today from Trump's legal counsel, it was indicated that the relationship was already romantic well before Wade's November 1, 2021 appointment by Willis as a special prosecutor. Investigators found that Wade and Willis had over 2,000 voice calls and under 12,000 interactions exchanged during the said period.

The geolocation on the phone also indicated that Wade visited Willis's condo unit at least 35 times and that he was not moving and "not in transit" whenever in the area. According to the report: On Nov. 29, 2021, "following a call from Ms. Willis at 11:32 p.m., while the call continued, [Wade's] phone left the East Cobb area just after midnight and arrived within the geofence located on the Dogwood address [the condo] at 12:43 AM on November 30, 2021. The phone remained there until 4:55 a.m." It was also revealed that on September 11, 2021, Wade went to the DA's place at approximately 10:45 p.m. and left at 3:28 a.m. He arrived home at his Marietta residence at 4:05 a.m. and then texted Willis at 4:20 a.m.

Thanks to your generous support, we are building the infrastructure of human freedom and actively donating our technology to independent publishers, authors and home schooling organizations. Learn about our game-changing non-commercial AI project here. Support our ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance human knowledge by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com.

A Technofog Substack entry pointed out that the said evidence would suffice to disqualify Willis from Trump's case. For sure, the DA's next testimony will be to further lie and claim that these are just work meetings. "The extensive communications between the two signal something more than what they described as a friendship. Combined with Wade appearing at her apartment for a few hours before heading home, this is definitive proof that their romantic relationship started long before what they told the Judge. "These records support the testimony of Robin Yeartie, Willis' former friend who testified that there was no doubt the relationship started before Wade became special prosecutor. And they destroy the testimony from, and credibility of, Willis and Wade," the newsletter said. "Perjury before the Court, by itself, would be sufficient for disqualification." (Related: Fani Willis' lawyer donated to anti-Trump propaganda pushers, National Pulse reports.)

The author also noted that disqualification in the case is not enough, these records should expose Willis and Wade for criminal charges, including perjury/false statements, depending on the prosecutor. "At a minimum, DA Willis and Wade face an increased potential for severe punishment from the Georgia Bar, whether suspension of their law licenses, disbarment, or other sanctions," the article further indicated.

Wade's divorce lawyer should testify to confirm the timeline of the relationship

As the hearing resumed Tuesday, Feb. 27, so the court could decide whether Willis should be disqualified from Trump's election interference case, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee announced that the former law partner of Wade, Terrence Bradley, will have to testify in court on his knowledge of the timeline of their relationship.

Defense counsel claims Bradley has direct knowledge that Willis and Wade's relationship started before he was hired in the Trump case. The judge's decision comes after an in-camera hearing Monday, which will be kept under seal, with Bradley and his lawyer, after the judge had previously said it appeared Bradley may have been misusing his attorney-client privilege. Bradley's testimony could be damning for the two as McAfee has already heard testimony from a former friend and employee of Willis who said the romance began long before Willis hired Wade.

A second witness contradicting Willis and Wade could provide further evidence to support the defendants assertion that Willis and Wade lied under oath at the recent hearing. At the Feb. 15 hearing, attorneys for the DA, Wade and Bradley himself argued Bradley should not be compelled to testify. They said any knowledge Bradley had of the Willis-Wade romance was privileged because he served as Wade's divorce attorney for a time.

Defense attorneys argued that Bradley had personal observations and other knowledge of the relationship that he did not gain as Wade's attorney.

Head over to Deception.news for stories related to government officials lying to people due to conflict of interest.

Sources for this article include:

CBSNews.com

Technofog.Substack.com

FoxNews.com
Whistleblower says Biden operative was inserted into Fani Willis witch hunt against Trump

It has come to light that the Biden regime "planted a Democrat operative in the Fulton County office to target former President Trump," meaning the Biden regime is interfering with the 2024 presidential election.

According to reports, anonymous sources have come forward with whistleblower status claiming to have direct knowledge of the environment at the district attorney's office in Fulton County, Ga., which they described as "corrupt."

The alleged plant in question is Jeff DiSantis, Fulton County's deputy district attorney. DiSantis worked on Fani Willis' 2020 campaign and also served as former executive director of the Democrat Party of Georgia. He was also the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) deputy director of compliance.

According to the anonymous sources, DiSantis colluded with the Biden White House to target Trump.

"DiSantis did this," one of the sources told the media. "He's the one. He is the one pulling all the strings. He was the one that walled her [Willis] off. He was in every important meeting. He is the brainchild behind this. That is the connection to the White House."

Another of the sources says he is "one hundred percent" sure DiSantis is the inside man whom the Biden regime planted in the Fulton County office to usher through the process of prosecuting Trump.

"DiSantis is the one pulling the strings on this whole thing," this second source is quoted as saying. "Everybody heard Fani testify. It's no secret that she's not smart. That is how she sounds and acts every day of the week."

"Anyone that has common sense knows that the White House has been involved in this prosecution. This shouldn't just miraculously happen. Of course, she's [Willis] not going to prosecute the former president of the United States without the current administration's approval."

Thanks to your generous support, we are building the infrastructure of human freedom and actively donating our technology to independent publishers, authors and home schooling organizations. Learn about our game-changing non-commercial AI project here. Support our ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance human knowledge by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com.

(Related: Did you catch our earlier story about Fani Willis appointing her secret lover as special prosecutor in Georgia's racketeering case against Trump?)

Grand jury bias

DiSantis also played a key role in selecting grand jurors for the Trump case based on voter registration data, something he specialized in while working for the DNC.

"Part of why you're raising money as a candidate is to get money to buy the data about who are your voters," one of the sources said. "DiSantis, as the former head of the state Democratic Party, he's going to know you know [the data] in Georgia. There's not one conservative person on that grand jury."

After Willis won the election in 2020, DiSantis also served as a member of her transition team, helping to select employees for the new office.

"DiSantis was there in the capacity to be a political strategist, hiding in the DA's office," the source added.

Much of this was confirmed by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Oh.) who at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) announced that there is a whistleblower inside Willis' office. It was suggested by Jordan that this whistleblower might be former friend of Willis, Robin Bryant Yeartie, who testified against Willis concerning her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

"[The whistleblower is] now talking with our office, and we'll see how that goes," Jordan said. "But that's why we have subpoenaed documents related to this."

It is also possible that the whistleblower is Amanda Timpson, a former employee at the office who said she tried in March 2021 to stop an aid to Willis from allegedly trying to obtain funds from a $488,000 federal grant intended for anti-gang violence to use on travel, computers and other personal items.

"Why is this not referred to as an 'insurrection?'" asked a commenter on a news story about the Fani Willis scandal and efforts by the Biden regime to thwart another Trump presidential win.

The latest news about Trump's re-run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Grey seals in large numbers have gathered at a Norfolk beach in the United Kingdom in recent days, leading to the closure of the area. Over 2,500 seals, including seal pups, have been reported at the shore where the animals prepare for the UK's upcoming spring season by molting their winter fur.

This crowd gathering by the marine mammals has forced local authorities to 'seal' off Horsey Beach, located in the county of Norfolk, England.

This is not the first time that seals have gathered on quiet beaches and rocky areas along the UK coastline at this time of the year. In fact, common seals can also be found in Scotland, as well as the country's eastern and southeast coast.

Meanwhile, grey seals spend their time around the eastern, northern, and western coastlines; where they eat and give birth to their offspring. The presence of humans can disturb their private seal times.

Grey Seals Gathering

The gathering of grey seals at the Norfolk beach is the time of the year where they shed off their worn-out winter fur and grow brand new coats for the approaching springtime temperatures, according to local reports. The annual molting process, which can be painful for the seals, occurs after two to three months from breeding and it takes approximately four to six weeks to complete, according to scientists.

The temporary closure of Horsey Beach means people will not be allowed to enter its premises to prevent disturbing the grey seals. Beachgoers also planning to engage in water activities, including surfing, are prohibited as well.

In addition to being an ideal site for molting their winter fur, the Norfolk beach is a significant breeding ground for the species of Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).

While the grey seals at Norfolk beach seem to be looking forward to springtime weather, a recent Norfolk weather forecast shows that snow showers could hit the country in March, according to the UK's weather agency Met Office. This transition is the same in other regions across the northern hemisphere, where other animals (not only seals) prepare for warmer temperatures during spring after enduring the winter months.

Also Read: How Does an Elephant Seal Sleep While Still Awake Under Water?

Do Seals Like Beaches?

One of the many examples as to why the public must not disturb the marine mammals occurred back in 2023. Authorities in San Diego, California, sealed off a popular beach for seven years to protect sea lions. This came after people were dangerously getting closer to the mammals, as well as taking selfies and even harassing the animals, including their pups, the Smithsonian Magazine reported.

Although seals and sea lions like beaches, the past several decades have seen an increase in encounters between beachgoers and mammals, especially in urban areas. The expansion of human communities near beaches and other coastal areas is one of the many reasons why the animals are being disturbed.

Related Article: Coyotes Behind Mysterious Seal Pup Deaths in California, Researchers Confirm
The increasing decline of ice in the Antarctic Sea raised concerns among scientists due to potential impacts on cities and wildlife. Climate change and global warming are two pressing concerns that could cause the ice decline in the region.

The rapid warming and greenhouse gas emissions could affect the formation of sea ice in the Antarctic. Mitigation of climate change effects is crucial to help species against the growing concerns of climate change and sea level rise.

Animals who are dependent on sea ice could suffer more. Recently, NWN reported that polar bears can find it more challenging to adapt and look for potential food due to ice-free conditions. The absence or disappearance of ice could cause animals to starve.

The melting of ice can lead to rising ocean temperatures, making low-lying areas vulnerable to rising temperatures. In addition, the disappearance of ice in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets could become more concerning.

In a report, rapid glacier melting could lead to rising coastal erosion and extreme weather events.

Increasing Decline of Antarctic's Sea Ice: Why Is it Important to Tackle?

As a result, researchers raised concerns about the rapid melting of ice in Antarctica. Understanding the decline of ice is important to slow down or mitigate the ice decline in the region due to climate change.

"Even though we are far from any inhabited part of the planet, in reality, what happens in Antarctica affects everything" in the rest of the world," Miguel Angel de Pablo, a scientist, said, as quoted in an AFP report.

According to the recent, the ice in the Antarctic is crucial for the global climate. Some of the ice sheets have been existing for thousands of years. The formation could be seasonal or during winter conditions. The ice sheet in the region can be divided into three:

The East Antarctic Ice Sheet

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet

The Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet

"We have to ask ourselves whether the manner in which we live our daily lives is truly worth it because in the end we will lose our planet," said De Pablo added, as quoted in the same report.

Also Read: Climate Change Fuels Frequent Shift From Worsening Drought to Deadly Flooding, Research Warns

Sea Level Ice Impact on Emperor Penguins

As a result, the decline of the loss of massive ice shelves can have large-scale effects on keeping the environment cool. In addition, the ice is essential to many animals, especially the emperor penguins.

In an NWN report, the population of emperor penguins could suffer from a decline due to climate change. Rising temperatures can impact the animals' breeding success and adaptation to challenging weather conditions. The research report was published in the Communications Earth and Environment.

Researchers discovered that two-thirds of species in Antarctica could face the threat of extinction as over 80% of emperor penguins could become more vulnerable to threats by 2100.

The reduction of emissions is important to mitigate the rapid global heating, impacting the ice sheets.

Related Article: Emperor Penguin Population Decline: Climate Change, Sea Ice Loss Make it Challenging to Survive

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature News.
The latest report discovered that tracking icebergs using GPS could help with the improvement of climate models. The increasing threats of warming conditions have caused alarm among experts due to potential effects of the following:

wildlife

biodiversity

livelihood

low-lying communities.

Predicting a changing climate model is essential for communities to prepare for challenging weather conditions, including storms, hurricanes, wildfires, heatwaves, and drought.

In the recent NWN report, the melting of ice sheets and the decline of sea ice can harm the population of animals in the region, including polar bears and emperor penguins.

With the threat of increasing emissions, climate change can unfold hotter temperatures and prolonged warmth. The rapid rise of global warming can melt important sea ice, impacting the survival of animals.

In the Antarctic, some of the ice sheets in the region have existed for thousands of years. However, exacerbating climate change could make it more difficult for ice to survive.

Tracking Icebergs and Climate Models

In an effort, researchers discovered a novel way to improve climate models by using GPS-tracking devices on icebergs. The study report was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans.

The report raised concerns about the warming conditions that affect the Greenland Ice sheet. The melting of said ice sheet could result in a devastating rise in sea level. As a result, researchers from the University of Maine used satellite data to monitor the ice loss in the region.

In addition, the sea ice loss could affect the weather conditions. With the GPS devices attached to icebergs, it helped the researchers to understand the fjord circulation and mobility to improve climate models.

The GPS provided new insights into the position and state of 13 icebergs, monitored in 2014 and 2019. Researchers discovered that the freshwater flow plays a crucial role in the movement of primary fjord.

"Glaciers have reshaped global climate and ecosystems for millions of years. Novel research from our world-renowned climate scientists provides more insight into how they interact with their surrounding environments and plays a vital role in predicting our climate future," UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said, as quoted in a report.

The icebergs can play a crucial role in observing the potential rise of sea level. Due to challenging weather conditions and extreme cold, the application of a GPS tracker could become an innovative tool to monitor sea ice loss or decline.

The climate data or information would be helpful for experts, especially to mitigate the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures that accelerate the ice decline.

Also Read: Global Warming Unearths Rare Artifacts from Ancient Ice Locked for Thousands of Years

Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

In a recent report, researchers warned of climate change impacts on extreme weather events. Understanding the effects of severe weather could help communities to become more prepared.

Intensifying global weather events could cause widespread to properties and communities. Wildlife and habitats are also likely to become affected.

Related Article: Climate Change Predictions Suggest Extreme Flooding Globally, Experts Warn

For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News
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US: Nikki Haley defeats Donald Trump in Washington DC for first primary victory

Washington, DC, March 4

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has defeated former US President Donald Trump in Washington DC in the Republican primary according to The Hill projections on Monday.

This is her first victory over the former president in the 2024 campaign to become the Republican presidential candidate.

The contest took place in a downtown hotel just steps away from the heart of Washington DC's lobbying hub over the weekend.

According to Republican party officials, Haley carried nearly 63 per cent of the vote, Poilitico reported.

Nikki Haley's win in Washington, DC Republican primary came after Trump defeated her in caucuses in Missouri and Idaho and at a Republican convention in Michigan on Saturday. Trump is moving towards the GOP nomination and is favoured to secure win in primaries across 16 Super Tuesday states this week.

The GOP electorate in DC, where Republicans constitute just 5 per cent of registered voters is hardly representative of the conservative base found in majority of the other parts of the US, according to Politico report.

Patrick Mara, chair of the DC Republican Party, said, "This universe is a little more sophisticated than just about any universe in any other state." He further said, "I listen to the political podcasts in the morning. I read the newsletters throughout the day. That's probably, like, half the people showing up at this."

Dan Schuberth, who runs a trade association in downtown DC and backed Haley in the primary called his fellow DC Republicans as "a pretty unique electorate," perhaps the only in the nation where many several voters personally know the people working on one or both of the campaigns.

Voting for the Washington, DC Republican primary took place at the Madison Hotel over three days. On Friday, Haley held a campaign rally there, according to Politico report.

As per the news report, Trump's prospects to win the DC GOP primary were not high as he was at third spot behind Marco Rubio and John Kasich during the contest in 2016.

This year, Trump's campaign warned lobbyists DC lobbyists that they will be blacklisted from any future Trump White House access if they did not cast vote in the weekend's primary.

During her campaign in Massachusetts on Saturday, Haley criticised Trump for the move. She said, "You can't threaten people. You can't push them out, because that is not a winning combination."

Despite her win in the primary on Sunday, Haley has not hinted that she plans to continue her campaign after the contests on Tuesday.

Speaking to a roundtable of DC political reporters on Friday, Haley maintained that she was only "thinking about Super Tuesday," and not what she plans to do beyond that. She is scheduled to hold a campaign in Texas on Monday. However, she has no public events or election gathering scheduled for Tuesday.

Trump still has an early lead in delegates attained that will likely grow significantly on Tuesday with the additional states voting. Candidates need at least 1,215 delegates to mathematically clinch the Republican nomination, the Hill reported.

All eyes now lie on 16 states that will cast ballots on March 5 which is Super Tuesday. These states are - Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa (caucus), Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. Furthermore, American Samoa is also scheduled to hold a nominating contest on March 5.

The Democratic primary in DC will take place in June.

(ANI - Posted on 04 March 2024)

US: Nikki Haley defeats Donald Trump in Washington DC for first primary victory

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Sajid Nadiadwala ventures into Marathi cinema with Tejaswini Pandit

Mumbai, March 4

Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala is venturing into Marathi cinema along with Tejaswini Pandit of Sahyadri Films to enhance storytelling norms with films that celebrate diverse tales.

Talking about the collaboration, producer Warda Nadiadwala said: I have a deep connection to the land, culture, and language... it's our home. Teaming up with Tejaswini Pandit fills us with excitement as we aim to present audiences with fresh perspectives and deeply impactful stories.

Warda added: I truly believe with Tejaswinis insights about Marathi cinema we aspire to exceed your expectations and sincerely hope for your love and blessings as we embark on this new journey in the illustrious and flourishing Marathi Cinema."

The team is all set to showcase gripping stories, breathtaking visuals and content that's a cut above the rest.

Speaking about the partnership producer Tejaswini Pandit said: Historically, Marathi cinema has been known for its talented actors and filmmakers who have delivered memorable content to audiences. However, there has been a lack of grandeur and marketing in Marathi films.

Now, teaming up with esteemed producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Warda Nadiadwala, we aim to change that narrative.

(IANS - Posted on 04 March 2024)

Sajid Nadiadwala ventures into Marathi cinema with Tejaswini Pandit

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Prabhu Deva joins 2nd schedule of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' in New Zealand

Mumbai, March 4

Choreographer-director Prabhu Deva, who has given many iconic dance steps to Indian cinema, joined the second schedule of the upcoming Vishnu Manchu-starrer Kannappa in New Zealand.

The film has close to nine songs in its original soundtrack.

Talking about working with the ace choreographer, Vishnu Manchu said: It is my honour and dream come true, working under this legend. Prabhu Deva's art reflects the mix of the west and the east. He is someone who knows how to retain the traditional elements and yet give it a contemporary spin.

Kannappa is said to be based around the legend of Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, who was supposed to be an avatar of Arjuna himself. He is one of the 63 'Nayanars'.

Vishnu, who directs the film, also stars in the titular role.

The dance in the films narrative pays homage to Lord Shiva, as it unfolds like poetic verses, blending various dance forms into a sacred symphony.

(IANS - Posted on 04 March 2024)

Prabhu Deva joins 2nd schedule of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' in New Zealand

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Actor Yogesh Tripathi recalls sleeping at railway stations during his struggling days in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 4

Best known as 'Daroga Happu Singh' in the sitcom 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan', actor Yogesh Tipathi has opened up about his first home in Mumbai -- the railway station.

Recalling his journey, the actor said: "I arrived in Mumbai in 2005 with four friends. Initially, finding an accommodation was challenging for us bachelors. Fortunately, we secured a small room in Vashi. We moved in without any hesitation, desperate for a roof over our heads. I used to commute from Vashi to Andheri every day, and it would take nearly 2-3 hours after finishing my 14 to 15-hour shifts."

"There were times when I missed the last train and had to spend the night at railway stations with no other means to return to Vashi," he added.

'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' airs on &TV.

(IANS - Posted on 04 March 2024)

Actor Yogesh Tripathi recalls sleeping at railway stations during his struggling days in Mumbai

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Jennifer Winget gets candid about her role in 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani'

Mumbai, March 4

Actor Jennifer Winget is being lauded for her role as lawyer Anushka Raisinghani in 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani'.

She added, "Luckily, our awesome team of writers does all the heavy lifting with the legal jargon, so we actors can focus on our roles. A big shoutout to the real-life lawyers who deal with this every day! Plus, as an actor, I always want each character to stand out, not just emotionally but also in how they look. For Anushka, I worked hard to look like a confident lawyer, even dropping a few pounds for that perfect look."

'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani' also stars Karan Wahi and Reem Shaikh.

(ANI - Posted on 04 March 2024)

Jennifer Winget gets candid about her role in 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani'

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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some snow flurries during the morning hours will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 26F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Thought Leaders Dr. Sara Naseri CEO and Co-founder Qvin

Welcome to our International Women's Day series, where we shine a spotlight on women who are forging paths and making significant impacts in the field of medicine, particularly in women's health.

Today, we are honored to introduce Dr. Sara Naseri, CEO and Co-Founder of Qvin, a trailblazing company at the forefront of women's health technology. In our conversation, Dr. Naseri shares insights into the inspiration behind Qvin, the groundbreaking Q-Pad technology, and how their work contributes to this year's theme of inspiring inclusion in healthcare.

Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of innovating in women's health, and learn how Qvin's technologies are empowering women and people who menstruate, especially in underrepresented communities, to take control of their health in unprecedented ways.

Firstly, please introduce yourself and outline your career to date. More specifically, could you share with us what inspired you to co-found Qvin and delve into the realm of womens health technology?

I was passionate about enabling people to be more preventative about their health and wanted to find a way that would allow patients to obtain clinically relevant information about their health regularly and non-invasively.

When I was in medical school, I identified menstrual blood as a simple way to gain health insights non-invasively and regularly for half of the worlds population - females. I led a research team that in 2019 published one of the first peer reviewed studies on the clinical relevancy of menstrual blood, previously considered waste, in the Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Medicine in 2019.

My team and I proved that essential health information can be gleaned from menstrual blood and I then went on to Co-Found Qvin and its pioneering Q-Padfor women globally.

70% of medical decisions are made based on blood testing and lab work. The traditional methods of blood testing require invasive procedures administered by medical professionals, which are time-consuming and expensive. And yet, menstrual blood - a monthly cycle of blood release - has never been explored as a diagnostic source for health information. Qvin published never-been-done-before research that menstruation contains significant and clinically relevant health information.

This International Womens Day focuses on inclusion and equality. How does Qvins work contribute to these goals in the healthcare sector?

At Qvin our goal is to make health care accessible for all females as well as close the gender data gap that exists in womens health. Not everyone has the time, access and financial means to get laboratory results for blood work, however, billions of people globally bleed every single month and can get access to important health information simply by using the Q-pad.

At the same time, there is a gender gap in medicine and science. Women's health research has been overlooked, underfunded and most importantly, stigmatized. It was not until 1993 when women and minorities were, by law, included in clinical trials.

However, there continues to be an ongoing lack of female representation and participation in medical research. 70% of chronic pain patients are female, yet women only represent 20% of chronic pain research. By utilizing menstrual blood that billions of people throw away monthly, Qvin will help close the medical gender data gap.

Dr. Naseri, for our audience who may not be familiar, could you explain how the Q-Pad technology works and what makes it a groundbreaking development in menstrual health monitoring? Qvins Q-Pad is the first and only FDA cleared diagnostic menstrual pad that is a convenient, no needle alternative to traditional lab blood testing using period blood. Testing menstrual blood with the Q-Pad eliminates common barriers to traditional laboratory testing such as lack of access, anxiety, invasiveness, time, or financial means. Removing these barriers to care can lead to better and more accurate diagnoses and management of our health. The Q-Pad allows women to leverage their natural period for regular insights about their bodies so that we can enable early detection and be truly preventative. Not only does the Q-Pad provide women with an easy, non-invasive way to track their health, but by utilizing menstrual blood that billions of people throw away monthly, Qvin will help close the medical gender data gap. Qvin believes menstrual blood is a superpower for women and for women's health research. How it works The Q-Pad is used just like any other menstrual pad available on the market. We recommend you use two Q-Pads during your monthly cycle. Download the Qvin app and register your kit.

To use, simply unwrap the Q-Pad and affix it to your underwear.

Wear it until the oval (marked on pad) saturated with blood.

Remove the novel dry blood collection strip from inside the pad, put it into the pre-paid packaging that comes with your Qvin kit and mail back to the CLIA-Certified Qvin Lab.

Drop the pre-paid packaging in the mail within 72 hours with your two collection strips.

You will receive your results in the Qvin app within 5-10 days after shipping, in the form of a secure, digital lab report you can also share with your physician. Image Credit: Qvin

How does the Q-Pad compare to traditional methods of health monitoring and diagnostics in terms of accuracy, convenience, and user experience? Additionally, beyond diabetes monitoring, what other health conditions could potentially be diagnosed or monitored effectively using the Q-Pad technology?

The Q-Pad Kit marks a significant innovation in healthcare diagnostics as the first and only FDA-cleared diagnostic menstrual pad that captures menstrual blood for critical health testing, akin to traditional lab tests. This pioneering product allows individuals to collect samples in the comfort of their own homes without the need for lab visits, finger pricks, or venous blood draws. Designed with organic cotton and a removable collection strip, the Q-Pad offers a seamless experience during menstruation. After collection, the strip is mailed to a lab for clinical testing, avoiding the hassle of returning the entire pad. Empowering women to take charge of their health, the Q-Pad Kit is a vital tool for informed discussions with healthcare providers, backed by routine, preventative health screenings. Its accuracy aligns with traditional testing standards, undergoing rigorous validation in CLIA/CAP certified laboratories. The Q-Pad's reliability is further underscored by its adherence to the highest validation standards, including NGSP for the A1c test and comparison to venous blood for other tests, ensuring results are as dependable as those from conventional diagnostic methods. The overwhelming acceptance of the Q-Pad is evident from a 2023 research study where 94% of 614 respondents favored the concept, and a clinical trial with 285 participants revealed a strong preference for the Q-Pad over traditional Pap smears, with 91% favoring the Q-Pad and 99% endorsing it for HR-HPV screening. Created by the Qvin team and myself, the Q-Pad aims to offer a global solution for earlier HR-HPV screening, a critical factor in preventing cervical cancer deaths. It also provides access to a range of biomarkers important for monitoring various health conditions, including thyroid health, diabetes and pre-diabetes management, inflammation, anemia, ovarian reserve, and other fertility and perimenopause indicators. Our research has validated the concordance between venous and menstrual blood for cholesterol and lipids, with plans to expand the list of biomarkers through further validation. This innovative approach facilitates easier access to essential health screenings and opens new avenues for preventive healthcare. How significant is the FDA clearance for the Q-Pad and A1c Test, and what does it mean for the future of menstrual blood testing in the healthcare industry? Qvin is the first and only healthcare service that collects menstrual blood samples as an alternative to traditionally collected venous blood draws. The FDA clearance makes it possible for the millions of women in America who live with diabetes to receive monitoring of A1c, using laboratory tests performed on the Q-Pad. More broadly, this marks an opportunity for testing important biomarkers for the more than 80 million people who menstruate in the U.S. The traditional methoblood testing methods require invasive procedures administered by medical professionals, which are time-consuming and expensive. Not everyone has the time, access, and financial means to get laboratory results for blood work; however, billions of people globally have their period every single month. And yet, menstrual samples had never previously been explored as a diagnostic source for health information. Removing these barriers to care can lead to better and more accurate diagnoses and health management. Qvin proved the clinical relevancy of menstrual blood for a number of important biomarkers.The Q-Pad was initially created to identify biomarkers for HPV and has expanded and identified additional biomarkers to test for, including pre/diabetes, anemia, fertility, perimenopause, endometriosis, and thyroid health.
An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.

The study, which followed more than 4,000 elementary school students for four years and is published in JAMA Pediatrics, shows that SDF is an effective alternative to sealants, and can increase access to dental care while reducing costs.

Dental cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in children and can lead to pain, school absences, and lower academic performance. To prevent cavities, especially among children less likely to see a dentist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the use of school sealant programs. In sealant programs, dental professionals visit schools to apply a thin, protective coating to the surface of teeth that hardens and safeguards against decay.

SDF has emerged as another promising treatment for fighting cavities. Originally approved by the FDA for treating tooth sensitivity, the solution is brushed onto the surface of teeth, killing decay-causing bacteria and remineralizing teeth to prevent further decay.

A growing body of research shows that SDF-;which is quicker to apply and less expensive than sealants-;can prevent and arrest cavities, reducing the need for drilling and filling." Richard Niederman, DMD, professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and study's senior author

SDF in schools

Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry led CariedAway, the nation's largest school-based cavity prevention study, to compare the use of SDF and traditional sealants. The study included approximately 4,100 children in New York City elementary schools; more than a quarter of kids had untreated cavities at the start of the study.

At each school visit, a team of health professionals examined children's teeth and applied either sealants or SDF followed by fluoride varnish, depending on which treatment the school was randomly assigned to receive. Sealants were administered by dental hygienists, while SDF was applied by either dental hygienists or registered nurses, all under the supervision of a dentist. Starting in 2018, the team visited each school twice a year, although the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures led to missed visits.

The researchers reported last year in the journal JAMA Network Open that a single treatment of either SDF or sealants prevented 80% of cavities and kept 50% of existing cavities from worsening two years later. The team continued their study for another two years, and in their study published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that SDF and sealants prevented roughly the same number of cavities after children were followed for a total of four years. Moreover, both sealants and SDF reduced the risk of decay at each follow-up visit.

"Our longitudinal study reaffirms that both sealants and SDF are effective against cavities. SDF is a promising alternative that can support school-based cavity prevention-;not to replace the dental sealant model, but as another option that also prevents and arrests decay," said Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and the study's first author.

"Most research shows that SDF can stop a cavity from progressing further. Our study demonstrated that SDF can prevent cavities from happening in the first place," said Tamarinda Barry Godin, DDS, MPH, associate program director and supervising dentist for CariedAway, research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, and the study's coauthor.

An "untapped" oral health workforce

Embracing SDF for cavity prevention and treatment in schools could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the healthcare system money. Yet these programs can only succeed if there are enough health professionals to provide care.

The NYU researchers found that children who had SDF applied by dental hygienists and registered nurses had similar outcomes, suggesting that nurses-;including school nurses-;could play a crucial role in cavity prevention programs.

"Nurses may be an untapped resource for addressing oral health inequities," added Ruff. "Our results suggest that nurses can effectively provide this preventive care, which could dramatically improve access, given the role of school nurses and the size of the nursing workforce."

This research was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-160936724). The CariedAway cavity prevention model is currently being used in three New Hampshire school districts, supported by Northeast Delta Dental.
For nearly a decade, Genes in Space has challenged students to develop spaceflight experiments that use biotechnology to address spaceflight challenges. Founded by Boeing and miniPCRbio, the program relies on distinct tools that can be used individually or in conjunction with one another to carry out research investigations on the International Space Station (ISS). To provide student researchers with even more options and expand the capabilities of the Genes in Space toolkit, Boeing is partnering with NASA and the ISS National Laboratory to launch an investigation to the space station to test protocols that can be used as a foundation for future student Genes in Space investigations.

A view of the miniPCR device in the cupola on the International Space Station. Image courtesy of NASA

The investigation will fly on Northrop Grummans 20th Commercial Resupply Services (NG-20) mission. Instead of launching samples that will be analyzed in space, the investigation focuses on collecting samples directly from the space station and then analyzing those samples in orbit.

To that end, crew members on station will collect samples from the ISS water recovery system (WRS) and leverage existing onboard Genes in Space microbiology tools to conduct an end-to-end characterization of the microbial community within the WRS. The crew members will use miniPCR and MinION for DNA extraction and sequencing, along with the fluorescence viewer to achieve the first accurate and complete genomic profile of the WRS.

A true assessment of the WRS has never been conducted. Typically, samples are collected in space and returned to the ground for analysis, which does not provide a true characterization of the microbial community. Sarah Wallace, NASA Microbiologist

According to Wallace, previous investigations by this team have utilized a very targeted based sequencing approach, but this investigation aims to move beyond that. Were taking a true metagenomic approach with this investigation, where were sequencing any DNA that we can capture, said Wallace.

To do that, the miniPCR device will help ensure the material is in a form the sequencer can recognize. The MinION tool will then sequence all the DNA in the samples. This method will give us a new tool to use and allow us to collect as much information as possible, said Wallace. Therefore, this method will give us all the information about the microbial community within various areas within the WRS.

Wallace says the investigation will focus on the WRS because by the time samples are returned to Earth, there are only a few organisms detected, typically in higher quantities, which is not an accurate characterization. We know that we probably started with a pretty diverse microbial community, but over time, one or two things grow in the sample return bags and basically take overall the other organisms are consumed or outcompeted and die out, she said. This is really beautiful science because it will help us understand what we have on the ISS and also help us to inform future spaceflight systems, like those for use on the Moon and Mars.

Boeing's Scott Copeland, co-founder of Genes in Space, said, Students who participate in the Genes in Space competition have an opportunity to contribute significantly to our collective understanding of space biology. We are excited to collaborate with NASA to test additional protocols that can be offered to student researchers in future Genes in Space competitions.

Additionally, Wallace says this investigation will enable students applying to the Genes in Space program to propose new and different ways to use the miniPCR technology beyond traditional amplifications. Genes in Space is just pure science for the students, she said. And this investigation will expand on that.

Applications for the current Genes in Space competition opened on January 10, 2024.
There are stark differences between European countries when it comes to both the reimbursement of, and access to, new treatments for patients with early-stage lung cancer. There are also differences in reimbursement times and indications between the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Researchers from Amsterdam UMC Cancer Center Amsterdam analyzed the landscape, and their results are published today in The Lancet Regional Health Europe as part of a series on the latest developments in the treatment of this lung cancer.

Tackling inequalities in access to care must be a common European priority." Idris Bahce, Amsterdam UMC pulmonologist

In collaboration with colleagues from seven European countries, Bahce used a literature review to map out the latest developments and analyze access to these new treatments from a European perspective.

"The existing differences in healthcare systems and reimbursement structures between European countries threaten to exacerbate healthcare inequalities at both European and national level. We therefore call for a collective European approach to reduce these inequalities," says Bahce.

He suggests measures such as more international cooperation between the EMA and other registration authorities, harmonising cost-effectiveness procedures in European countries, a more critical evaluation of reimbursement criteria and improving multidisciplinary collaborations around the patient.

The standard treatment for fit patients with early-stage lung cancer has always been surgery, sometimes combined with pre- or post-operative chemotherapy. Recently, the EMA has approved new treatments such as immunotherapy, which appear to significantly improve survival rates after surgery. More approvals of innovative treatments are expected, potentially further exacerbating existing inequalities within Europe.

In addition to the Dutch hospitals Amsterdam UMC and Erasmus MC, colleagues from Spain, France, Germany, England, Italy and Poland also contributed to this international study as well as a Review and a Viewpoint in The Lancet Regional Health Europe.
insights from industry Joseph P. Ivan Head of Supply Chain Services DS InPharmatics (DSI)

In this interview, News Med talks to Joseph P. Ivan about the Comprehensive Assessment and Management Approach to Optimizing Pharmaceutical Supply Chains.

How do you optimize supply chain strategies while navigating the complexities of international regulation guidelines?

Navigating international regulations involves various strategies. Consolidating supplies into a single global source is ideal, yet often impractical due to numerous factors, such as differing timelines necessitating strategic adjustments.

A specific approach might involve prioritizing locations like Georgia for early implementation, with plans for subsequent inclusion in resupplies.

Regulatory filings, such as IMPD, require attention to detail, varying by country within Europe and extending to regions like Latin America and Asia Pacific.

Each country's acceptance of stability data -- for instance, Georgia's 12-month and Bosnia's 18-month periods -- demands careful consideration. Managing this complexity across numerous countries involves meticulous organization, typically using tools like Excel to track country-specific regulations, product details, expiry dates, IMPD versions, and any other relevant supply chain specifics. This process is labor-intensive.

Could you describe a strategy you have employed to harmonize supply chain processes internationally in addition to the Excel files?

To carry out processes in countries like Georgia and Bosnia, one might initiate with individualized panels, even as plans include a broader range of European nations and those within its vicinity, considering the Quality Person (QP) aspect.

The strategy involves beginning with simpler countries using these panels, progressing to a comprehensive guidebook encompassing all targeted nations, and ensuring alignment with various health regulatory filings. This approach requires careful regulatory considerations.

Subsequently, joining supplies into a unified global inventory results in a single, possibly extensive guidebook, potentially spanning 100 pages, detailing each country's specific requirements. However, this method may not be universally acceptable due to certain nations' unique formulations or expiry date regulations. In such instances, a tailored approach is necessary.

India, for example, necessitates specific manufacturer and manufacturing date details on labels, a requirement not universally shared across Europe. Therefore, maintaining India on an individual panel basis is sensible to avoid presenting unnecessary information to countries with differing regulations, aiming for a harmonized supply strategy.

In pharmaceutical supply chains, what proactive steps have you found to be most successful in reducing risk?

The proactive answer is you need a supply chain expert asking the right questions when building your strategy. Brazil has unique requirements at the port of entry for pharmaceuticals.

For instance, after completing global supply preparations and assembling the booklet, including the expiration date, it is dispatched to a depot in Brazil amidst an ongoing trial. As the trial progresses smoothly, an update to the expiration date becomes necessary. This requires sending new labels to Brazil, which World Courier can deliver to apply over the old expiration date, offering a simple solution for updates.

However, importing these labels into Brazil involves regulatory considerations, as the labels, due to their adhesive componenta chemicalmust be listed on the import license, health authority filing, and pro forma invoice, attracting taxes. This requirement stems from Brazil's customs and health authorities' efforts to safeguard their population by ensuring the adhesive's legality within the country, reflecting the unique regulatory landscapes across nations. The emergence of regulations like biodegradable plastic bag mandates illustrates the complexity of adapting supply chains to environmental and health standards globally.

These details underscore the importance of early and frequent discussions, necessitating guidance from a professional or subject matter expert adept at navigating such intricacies. Without such expertise, even a highly competent Clinical Operations (ClinOps) professional with a directorial role might struggle, lacking the insight to ask appropriate questions for effective supply chain management.

Image Credits: DS InPharmatics (DSI)

Could you give an example of how risk-based management strategy improves the overall supply chain compliance?

You have a couple of steps of manufacturing. You have API, drug substance, and the drug product. There are several lengthy steps of manufacturing whereby there is a risk associated with each one. For example, the specification may fail, impurities may increase, or the capsules may not press together correctly.

From a risk-based standpoint, there are multiple tools out there. It can be something as simple as an Excel document that helps you to identify risk.

You need to be able to ask the right question and understand if there is a risk or not. If it is, you can identify it and then categorize it.

How does technological integration affect the regulatory compliance and product quality of pharmaceutical supply chains?

Consider the situation in the United States, similar to that in other nations, where various government agencies scrutinize incoming shipments. These include Customs and Border Protection, which aims to collect taxes; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), serving as the health authority; and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which ensures compliance with regulations on animal-derived products.

Depending on the nature of the product, involvement from the Environmental Protection Agency or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may also be necessary, among others. These agencies leverage a technological platform accessible by customs brokers at entry points, allowing for the efficient coding and processing of shipments.

This platform, known as Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), enables seamless interaction between these agencies by facilitating the submission and review of tariff codes, FedEx details, FDA product codes, and USDA guideline exemptions for items containing animal parts but classified as pharmaceutical grade, thereby exempting them from certain permits.

The system's efficiency hinges on the accurate entry of these codes, which, if correctly done, allows shipments to bypass manual inspection, directly proceeding to logistics providers like FedEx or DHL for delivery. However, inaccuracies can trigger a halt in the system, necessitating inspection by a compliance officer and potentially causing delays. While random inspections are possible, accurate code submissions typically ensure expedited clearance, with officials essentially confirming the shipment's compliance without further scrutiny.

In what ways does DSI's methodology improve clinical and commercial supply chain management and overrides?

If you have a trained professional, somebody that has the right level of experience either supporting your commercial supply chain or your clinical supply chain, they are going to ask the right question of the right person.

DSI is able to bring in a professional like me. In the world of consultancy, if you are a smaller company, you cannot afford a full-time employee, nor do you need one. You go the consultant route, and you have this wealth of information at your fingertips and only pay for what you use.

From a business and cutting purchase orders standpoint, it is really easy for clients to add and subtract services as they need. Supply chain is one of those services.

Similarly, in the commercial realm, it is common for organizations to attempt reassigning a Clinical Supplies Director to oversee a commercial product launch.

While the underlying principles may appear similar, the practicalities of clinical and commercial operations differ significantly. A clinical expert without commercial experience might find themselves ill-equipped and unaware of the relevant inquiries required for a successful commercial debut.

This is where DSI steps in, offering the expertise of professionals like me, who are experienced in navigating commercial launches.

We formulate the necessary questions and facilitate connections with essential partners for acquiring state licenses or implementing supply chain security measures, which now often include the assignment of unique serial numbers to products.

Ensuring the selection of an appropriate partner for these tasks is crucial, and we show clients how to engage with these companies effectively, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions during the contracting process.

What benefits have you seen from optimizing and assessing the end-to-end supply chain?

The biggest benefit is cost. If you have done it right the first time, you are going to save millions of dollars on your supply chain.

Optimizing your supply chain requires an initial investment of effort, time, and overhead expenses. However, this investment proves to be cost-effective in the long run, as the savings generated from optimization ultimately outweigh the initial costs.

How can ERP software help to modernize pharmaceutical supply chain operations?

Clinical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) are third party services available for purchase. That acronym in clinical space is IRT, which stands for Interactive Response Technology. This is software used to help with randomization.

In a blinded clinical trial, managing inventory and coordinating shipments are crucial, with specialized software handling these tasks from the outset, including dispatching supplies to depots or sites.

This system allows site personnel to easily select medications for patients with a simple click. Such management tools are particularly vital in extensive, blinded trials, where without them, the added costs and complexity offer little benefit. In contrast, for a smaller trial, the additional expense and complexity of these tools may not yield significant advantages.

For larger, double-blinded trials spanning numerous countries and involving thousands of patients, utilizing Interactive Response Technology (IRT) becomes indispensable. Without IRT, coordinating inventory across potentially hundreds of sites in multiple countries would require manual oversight, a task far more efficiently handled by software.

The commercial sector parallels this with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which serve a similar function by managing resources and information across the enterprise. However, for startups or small companies with a limited product range, investing in an ERP system may not be cost-effective, potentially leading to unnecessary expenditure and frustration.

Initial reliance on simpler solutions, like spreadsheets or basic financial software, can suffice until the business scales up. As the product range, geographic footprint, and operational complexity grow, the investment in an ERP system becomes justifiable despite its high cost and maintenance requirements, because it streamlines operations across multiple sites and distribution centers. Yet, it is essential to remember that an ERPs effectiveness is directly tied to the accuracy of the data entered into it, and it is not advisable for companies with only a few products.

What are some of the difficulties in integrated cloud-based ERP solutions in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries?

Imagine a biotech company that decides to forego an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system when launching its first commercial product, viewing it as an unnecessary expense. Later, the company acquires an additional asset from another entity or develops a second product in-house. Over a few years, this pattern continues, and the company finds itself with three commercial products. The challenge then becomes integrating the extensive data accumulated from these products over six or seven years into an ERP system, necessitating a significant data management project.

Following the integration, the focus shifts to the resources required for system maintenance. With the ERP system being cloud-based, the company benefits from reduced risk; even in the event of physical disasters like fires or tornadoes, the data remains secure on remote servers with backup systems in place, ensuring data preservation.

However, the utility of the ERP centers on the quality and accuracy of the data entered. Integrations with other systems, such as Interactive Response Technology (IRT) or external commercial vendors like McKesson or its subcontractors, introduce additional complexities. Ensuring seamless communication between different ERP systems presents a logistical challenge, emphasizing the importance of effective data flow management both into and out of the system.

How can specialized ERP solutions for the pharmaceutical industries help with supply chain optimization and cost reduction?

Some of the IRTs have optimizers built in. Some of them work really well. Again, you have to have an intimate working knowledge of how that software works.

Some of the other IRTs are a little bit more simple, where you can put a buffer stock in there. You can define it, and that will help optimize your supplies so you are not getting orders for one unit triggered. You wait for orders of 50 units to be triggered, and you save on your shipping costs in that regard. Every time a shipment comes, somebody has to receive it, take it out of the box, look at what it is, go over to that online solution, say that they received it.

If they are doing that every single day for one unit, or if they only do it once every 50 days, it is quicker and easier. You are saving money from a bandwidth perspective. Again, it is a value prop question. You have to balance that with how much you have spent on your IRT or your ERP, versus how much bandwidth and shipping costs that you may or may not incur. From an optimization standpoint, again, you go to Excel. Excel is a fantastic program. If you do not want to spend a lot of money, you have something in there called optimize.

You really need to have a subject matter expert programming or building that. They might have tools that they have used in the past that they can tweak to make it work for that scenario.

About Joseph P. Ivan

Mr. Ivan has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, 8 years in manufacturing and 12 years in supply chain. He has designed, implemented, and managed both clinical and commercial supply organizations for various sized companies.

Joes experience includes protocol development and review, forecasting, label management, inventory management, IRT management, ancillary supply management and global logistics management for all clinical phases, protocol types (blinded, open) and world regions. His specialties include North America, Asia Pacific, the European Union, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In particular, he is a subject matter expert for importing clinical drug into China. He has authored and managed site and subject facing materials such as Pharmacy Manuals and Dose Card instructions. He is International Trade Compliance Certified (ITCC) for Import/Export in the US.

As a leader for bioanalytical laboratory testing, his experience includes assay development, validation and execution for clinical laboratory operations supporting clinical operations.

Our Supply Chain Services team has experience that spreads across branded and generic pharmaceuticals with a focus on contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) while it also includes scheduling, logistics, forecasting, API and excipient sourcing, comparator sourcing and contract packaging and labeling organizations.

About DS InPharmatics

DS InPharmatics (DSI) provides regulatory, technical, and project management consulting services to healthcare product companies that manufacture and/or market pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and cellular and gene therapy products.

Since 2007 we have provided our clients with innovative strategies and exceptional quality work products intended to enhance product development, approval, and marketing presence. Whether advocating CMC strategy, directing CMC operations or developing CMC submission content that represent the best interests of emerging biotech, we focus on the critical CMC issues and build programs that enhance development.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Hyundais one of the hot-selling products Creta, which has been dominating the mid-size segment, is witnessing a long waiting period. It has been reported that the petrol models are seeing 2-3 months of waiting, while the diesel variants have around 5-6 months long waiting.

As per the details shared by the companys COO, Tarun Garg, 90 percent of the customers are opting for the mid-spec and top-spec variants, while 43 percent of customers are straight going for the diesel version, resulting in a long waiting period on the models.

Production Capacity Increased

To lower the waiting period on models, and deliver them on time, the brand has ramped up the production capacity. It has added 50,000 units of capacity per annum, which now stands at a total capacity of 8,25,000 units. Reports also revealed that the production capacity is expected to reach 10 lakh units yearly.

Hyundai Creta Price

Meanwhile, the latest model of Creta was launched in India at the start of the year. It was introduced at the starting price of Rs 10.99 (ex-showroom), while the top model goes up to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom).

Engine and Notable Features

The SUV is offered in multiple powertrain options, which include the latest 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine, a 1.5-litre CRDi in diesel, and the newly added 1.5 lire turbo GDI petrol unit.

The all-new Creta has been given some robust features, which makes it stand out from its rivals. The list includes a decent 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, supported by all the wireless car connect technology, an impressive digital instrument, a premium cabin, parking sensors at both ends, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging port and whatnot.
Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Monday, March 4, presented the Budget 2024-25 in the state Assembly, with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. In her maiden Budget Speech, she proposed an allocation of Rs 16,396 crore for the education sector.

In the 10th budget of the Kejriwal government in Delhi, Atishi also announced the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana under which Rs 1,000 will be given monthly to all women aged above 18 from the fiscal year 2024-25.

The Kejriwal government will give a monthly amount of Rs 1,000 to every woman aged 18 or above. Under the Mukyamnatri Mahila Samman Yojana, women will be given this benefit, she said.

For the health sector, Atishi has proposed a budget of Rs 8,685 crore for the financial year 2024-25. A total of Rs 6,215 crore has been proposed for hospitals to maintain good facilities, Rs 212 crore for mohalla clinics, and Rs 658 crore for essential medicines in Delhi governments, among others.

Last year, the government had allocated Rs 78,800 crore for the financial year 2023-24 and announced nine schemes as part of the G20 preparations. The Delhi governments budget size for 2022-23 was Rs 75,800 crore and Rs 69,000 crore in the preceding year.

For the financial year 2024-25, a budget outlay of Rs 6,216 crore for various schemes under the Social Welfare Department, Women and Child Development Department and SC/ST/OBC Welfare Department.

Under the education budget, Rs 100 crore has been allocated to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for training teachers, and another Rs 150 crore has been proposed for the construction of new schools and classrooms. She proposed Rs 45 crore for the maintenance of existing classrooms and Rs 42 crore for Schools of Specialised Excellence in the 2024-25 fiscal.

A budget of Rs 3,353 crore has been proposed for the power sector for the year 2024-25.

In 2023, around 3.41 crore zero electricity bills were issued to consumers. This subsidy scheme will continue this year also, Atishi said in Assembly.

A budget of Rs 7,195 crore has also been proposed for the Delhi Jal Board in the fiscal year

A budget of Rs 1,768 crore proposed for road and flyover projects and Rs 9,800 crores for schemes in the Housing and Urban Development sector in the financial year 2024-25.

Atishi proposed a budget outlay of Rs 5,702 crore for public transportation system.

The Delhi government will provide a total financial assistance of Rs 8,423 crore to the local body in the budget year 2024-25. Of this, Rs 3,153 crore will be for Education, Healthcare and Sanitation. Rs 2,955 crore will be given in the form of Basic Tax Assignment (BTA) and Rs 2,315 crore will be given as Stamp and Registration charges and one-time parking fee.

This was the first time that Atishi presented the budget after taking charge of the finance department last year. In her budget speech, she remembered Manish Sisodia, former education minister, and Satyendar Jain, former health minister, for their roles in shaping the education and health models in the national capital.

This is a moment of pride that the Kejriwal government is presenting its tenth budget today. I am not just presenting the tenth budget but a picture of changing Delhi. Kejriwal came as a ray of hope. We are all inspired by Ram Rajya. We are working hard towards realising the dream of Ram Rajya, she said. She proposed an allocation of Rs 16,396 crore for the education sector and highlighted the achievements of the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) government in the field.

Progress In Past 9 Years

The Delhi government on Monday said that the national capitals GSDP has increased from Rs 4.95 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.8 crore in 2024-25, at current prices.

Delhis per-capital income has also jumped from Rs 2.47 lakh in 2014-15 to Rs 4.62 lakh at current prices.

The Delhi governments annual Budget in 2014-15 had stood at Rs 30,940 crore, which has now increased to Rs 76,000 crore.

The education sectors budget has also increase to Rs 16,396 crore for 2024-25, against Rs 6,554 crore in 2014-15.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to cancel the banking licence of crisis-hit Paytm Payments Bank, according to a Hindu Business Line report on Monday. Apart from revoking the licence, the report said, the RBI is also likely to appoint an administrator to oversee the daily operations.

In case the RBI revokes the licence, it would be the first such instance in the banking sector in 20 years.

According to the Hindu Business Line report, the RBI has taken into account diligence failure on the part of Paytm Payments Bank on at least four occasions. The report also said that while there were many banking majors interested in the acquisition of Paytm Payments Bank, however, inadequate KYC compliance proved to be a big hindrance.

On March 1, Paytm announced that it had mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements with Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). Paytm said the company and its associate entity, PPBL, introduced additional measures to strengthen their approach towards independent operations of PPBL.

On January 31, the banking regulator had decided to bar PPBL, which houses all of Paytms 330 million wallet accounts, from accepting deposits or top-ups in any customer accounts, wallets, FASTags and other instruments after February 29. However, later, the RBI extended the deadline by 15 days till March 15, 2024.

The deadlines were extended on services like top-ups and fund transfers, while the remaining PPBL services would be shut on February 29 only.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday barred IIFL Finance from sanctioning, disbursing and selling gold loans, with immediate effect. The RBI said the company can, however, continue to service its existing gold loan portfolio through the usual collection and recovery processes.

The Reserve Bank of India has today, in exercise of its powers under Section 45L(1)(b) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, directed IIFL Finance Ltd. (the company) to cease and desist, with immediate effect, from sanctioning or disbursing gold loans or assigning/ securitising/ selling any of its gold loans. The company can, however, continue to service its existing gold loan portfolio through usual collection and recovery processes, the RBI said in a statement.

The RBI move comes after an inspection of IIFL Finance with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023.

Certain material supervisory concerns were observed in the gold loan portfolio of the company, including serious deviations in assaying and certifying purity and net weight of the gold at the time of sanction of loans and at the time of auction upon default; breaches in Loan-to-Value ratio; significant disbursal and collection of loan amount in cash far in excess of the statutory limit; non-adherence to the standard auction process; and lack of transparency in charges being levied to customer accounts, etc, the RBI stated.

These practices, apart from being regulatory violations, also significantly and adversely impact the interest of the customers, it added.

Over the last few months, the RBI has been engaging with the senior management and the statutory auditors of the company on these deficiencies; however, no meaningful corrective action has been evidenced so far. This has necessitated the imposition of business restrictions with immediate effect, in the overall interest of customers, it said.

The RBI, however, said these supervisory restrictions will be reviewed upon completion of a special audit to be instituted by the RBI and after rectification by the company of the special audit findings and the findings of RBI Inspection, to the satisfaction of RBI.
Swedish defence giant Saab starts the construction of its first manufacturing facility at Reliance MET City in Haryanas Jhajjar, to make the Carl-Gustaf weapon system in India, according to a statement released on Monday.

The signing of an agreement between the two companies and subsequent groundbreaking on Monday, March 4, by Saab FFVO India to start construction of the plant in Haryana also marks a new addition of the defence sector to the already existing wide array of sectors operating from Reliance MET City, opening doors to new and expanding opportunities.

It is Indias first 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence, according to the statement.

A significant milestone was achieved by MET City, a wholly-owned

subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, as it becomes home to Saabs first manufacturing facility of the famous Carl-Gustaf Weapon System in India, MET City said in the statement on March 4.

MET City (METL), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), is developing a world-class greenfield smart city on over 8,000 acres of land in the Jhajjar district of Gurugram in Haryana.

It is a significant development for India in becoming Aatmanirbhar in defence manufacturing as this will be Indias first 100 per cent FDI in defence, thus starting a new chapter in making India self-reliant in key defence technologies, MET City stated.

Saab is a Swedish defence major and has a wide array of defence products and their relationship with India is not new.

Reliance MET City already hosts companies from 9 different countries in various sectors. As one of the rapidly expanding business hubs in North India, it stands out as a preferred destination for industries across defence, engineering, electronics, auto components, medical devices FMCG, footwear, plastics, consumer products, and many others.

Mats Palmberg, chairman & managing director of Saab India Technologies and member of the BoD of Saab FFVO India, said, We are deeply honoured to be the first global defence company to secure approval for 100 per cent foreign direct investment in India. Partnering with Reliance MET City to establish our manufacturing plant in India underscores our strong commitment to the Make in India initiative and our close collaboration with the Indian Defence Forces.

He added that the company chose Reliance MET City due to its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure and availability of trained manpower.

S V Goyal, CEO & whole-time director of MET City, said, Saab as Indias first 100 per cent FDI approved defence manufacturer will not only strengthen our resolve for delivering best-in-class infrastructure but will also establish MET City as a preferred location for doing business for global companies.

With its Plug-n-Play infrastructure, IGBC Platinum-rated certification and companies hailing from 9 different countries, MET City has emerged as a premier business destination of India attracting companies from diverse sectors, Goyal said.

He added that it is a pioneering project in sustainable development, with over Rs 8,000 crore investment already committed. Presently, MET City holds licenses for over 2200 acres, and the project has already provided employment to more than 40,000 individuals.
Stocks To Watch on March 4: It was a long and volatile week gone by but markets managed to reclaim record highs, in continuation to the prevailing trend. In todays trade, several shares will be in focus today.

Vedanta: Parent of Mumbai-based mining giant Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Resources has plans to reduce its debt by as much as $3 billion over the next three years, according to a senior official at an analyst meeting. The company has no plans to roll over its loans in the upcoming years. Our priority is deleveraging. We plan to reduce Vedanta Resources debt by $3 billion in the next three years. The pre-growth capex cash flow of Vedanta Ltd is projected to be USD 3.5-4 billion for the fiscal year 2025, which is adequate for secured debt maturities of USD 1.5 billion, said Navin Agarwal, Vice Chairman of Vedanta Ltd and a member of the Promoter Group at an analysts meeting, reported PTI.

LIC Housing Finance: The company is strategizing to accumulate capital via green bonds in the forthcoming fiscal year, with an objective to fund eco-friendly housing projects. In the upcoming year, we will explore green financing and utilize the funds for financing green housing projects, said Tribhuwan Adhikari, Managing Director and CEO of LIC Housing Finance, reported PTI. The company has scheduled a board meeting on March 7 to discuss the borrowing strategy for the fiscal year 2024-2025. LICHFL hopes to hit the net profit of Rs 5,000 crore milestone by the end of current financial year on the back of robust loan demand and expansion in non-core business, added Adhikari.

Signature Global: Real estate firm Signature Global announced on Sunday that it has sold over 1,000 apartments in its luxury housing project in Gurugram, generating more than Rs 3,600 crore. This success is attributed to the robust demand for residential properties, particularly in the luxury segment. In a regulatory filing, the company disclosed that it has achieved pre-launch sales exceeding Rs 3,600 crore for its latest premium residential development project, DE LUXE-DXP, located in Sector 37D of Gurugram.

Reliance Industries: The company, under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani, is planning to venture into pumped storage projects (PSP) for hydroelectric power, with a keen focus on clean energy, according to two individuals familiar with the plans. The companys subsidiary, Reliance New Energy, is actively searching for suitable locations for these projects, people in the know said. RIL is in the process of identifying potential PSP sites and intends to participate significantly in bidding for these projects, said one of the two individuals.

Godrej Properties: The real estate developer has finalized agreements to construct a township project in North Bengaluru. The project, which spans across a 62-acre land parcel, will operate under a profit-sharing model. It is expected to provide 5.6 million square feet of saleable area and is projected to have a booking value of Rs 5,000 crore. The company anticipates initiating the first phase of development on this land in the forthcoming fiscal year.

Coal India: Officials of Coal India expressed confidence in achieving their production target of 780 million tonnes for the fiscal year 2023-24, reported Businessline on Saturday. This assertion is particularly noteworthy in light of recent media speculation suggesting that the coal mining company may fall short of its target by 10 million tonnes. During a stakeholders meeting aimed at informing mining equipment manufacturers about the growing demand for their products, company representatives clarified that previous statements about potentially missing the target had been misinterpreted. Furthermore, the company has set an ambitious goal for the following year, aiming to produce 838 million tonnes, which is a 7.5% increase compared to the 2023-24 target.

SJVN: The state-owned power production company announced on Sunday that its subsidiary, SJVN Green Energy, has won a 200 MW solar project in an e-Reverse Auction held by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam. The project, which is to be developed on a build-own-and-operate basis, is estimated to cost Rs 1,100 crore, according to a company statement. The statement revealed that SJVN secured the 200 MW capacity through tariff-based competitive bidding for the development of solar projects in the 1,125 MW Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) Solar Park located at Khavda, Gujarat.

Britannia Industries: Varun Berry, Vice-Chairman and MD of Britannia Industries said that the company is considering potential joint ventures to expand its portfolio into high-margin categories such as chocolates, fresh dairy, and salty snacks. The company, known for its Marie Gold and Good Day biscuit brands, has engaged the global consulting firm Bain & Co. to develop an aggressive go-to-market strategy using data-driven approaches, according to Berry.

Tata Motors, Tata Steel: Tata Motors has introduced its new generation of commercial vehicles powered by green fuels. The lineup, which includes Prima tractors, tippers, and the Ultra EV bus, utilizes Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and battery electric technologies. These vehicles, unveiled during the Tata Groups Founders Day celebrations in Jamshedpur and presided over by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, were handed over to Tata Steels delivery partners for transporting steel products and raw materials.
This year, the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Class 10 exams in Kerala are set to commence today, March 4, 2024. The SSLC (Hearing Impaired) exam will be held between March 4 and 22 and the main SSLC exams will be conducted from March 4 to March 25. The exams will commence at 9.30 am and end at 11.15 am or 12:15 am (depending on the subject).

As per the exam day guidelines, students are advised to reach the exam centres 60 minutes before the beginning of the exam. Students must enter the hall before 9.20 am and those who arrive before 10.01 am will be allowed to write the exam. Students will get 15 minutes to read the questions paper before the exam starts and can start writing exams from 9.45 am.

Students are not allowed to carry any electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, etc. inside the exam hall. Any unfair means during the exam will result in the student getting banned from appearing in the exams.

ALSO READ | Kerala SSLC 2024 Exam Schedule

Covering Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the Gulf regions, a total of 4,27,105 students are gearing up to sit for these examinations. The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams in Kerala are set to be conducted across 2,971 examination centres, reported Onmanorama. Among these, 2,955 centres are situated in Kerala, while 7 centres are located in the Gulf region, and 9 centres are in Lakshadweep.

From March 1 to 26, the first and second-year higher secondary exams (Plus One and Plus Two) will be held. A considerable number of students, totalling 4,14,159 for Plus One and 4,41,213 for Plus Two, will be participating in these exams. There will be 2,017 examination centers designated for the higher secondary exams. The non-vocational practical exams were concluded on February 16, while the first and second-year NSQF vocational practical exams finished on Thursday, February 29.

The results for SSLC, higher secondary, and vocational higher secondary exams will be published in the second week of May. In the last 8 years, the Kerala board has achieved a pass percentage of over 95 per cent. The board recorded a pass percentage of 99.47 per cent in 2021, and 99.26 per cent in 2022. The board recorded 99.70 per cent pass percentage in 2023.
The AAP on Sunday attacked the BJP for fielding Bansuri Swaraj from the New Delhi constituency in the Lok Sabha elections, claiming she had represented anti-national forces in court, even as she hit back at Delhis ruling party over its choice of candidate from the seat.

Delhi Minister Atishi said at a press conference that Swaraj  the daughter of late BJP leader and former Union minister Sushma Swaraj  should apologise to the people of the country for taking up such cases and also demanded that the saffron party replace her.

Swaraj has repeatedly defended in court fugitive Lalit Modi, who has fled the country after embezzling lakhs of crores of rupees. From 2012 to 2014, she consistently defended Lalit Modi from lower courts to the high court to the Supreme Court in the case of his passport, the senior AAP leader alleged. 

He fled with his passport before the division benchs order came and has not returned since. Not only that, Lalit Modi had also thanked Bansuri Swaraj via tweet for fighting his case, she claimed.

When two women were stripped and paraded during the violence in Manipur, Swaraj stood for the BJP-led Centre in the Supreme Court, Atishi claimed at the press conference.

Today, she will go to women in the New Delhi constituency and ask them for votes, Atishi said. The Delhi minister further alleged, When the Chandigarh mayoral elections were held and there was an attempt at vote theft, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court called that election a murder of democracy, Swaraj stood for the fake mayor from the BJP in the Supreme Court. Atishi also demanded that the BJP replace Swaraj as its candidate from the constituency. Somnath Bharti, the INDIA bloc candidate from the New Delhi constituency, also demanded that Swaraj and the BJP should apologise for such a blunder.

During the press conference, Atishi also spoke about outgoing BJP MP Harsh Vardhans decision to bow out of electoral politics. Vardhan is known for his honesty and hard work for the country, the people of his parliamentary constituency and his assembly constituency, she said.

He always raised issues of public interest and spoke for them. I think it has become very clear that just as he was removed from the position of health minister at one time for raising some issues, today, it seems that perhaps his ticket has been cut due to his honesty, she claimed.

Barring North East Delhi, where the BJP has named Manoj Tiwari for a third term, the saffron party has fielded new faces from four constituencies  New Delhi (Swaraj), West Delhi (Kamaljeet Sehrawat), South Delhi (Ramvir Singh Bidhuri) and Chandni Chowk (Praveen Khandelwal).

The BJP is yet to name its candidates for East Delhi  where MP Gautam Gambhir has said he requested party chief JP Nadda to relieve him of his political duties  and North West Delhi. Hitting back, Swaraj questioned the AAP on its choice of candidate, who was allegedly beaten up by his own cadre in Rajendra Nagar on Saturday.

Responding to the AAPs allegations, she said, I would like to ask the AAP  why have you fielded a candidate who was beaten up by his own cadre in Rajendra Nagar yesterday (Saturday)? They have named a candidate who is not liked by his own party members. They can put allegations against us but people will give them a reply in the elections, she said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a Bharat Darshan for nine days from Monday (March 4), visiting at least 10 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir by March 12. This comes ahead of the much-anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha polls by the Election Commission of India after it completes its trip to J&K on March 12 and 13.

The prime minister will visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, J&K, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan between March 4 and 12. He will be initiating a bonanza of infrastructure projects, along with attending several events in Delhi on March 11  the only full day he will spend at the national capital, according to his calendar for this tour.

A highlight will be Prime Minister Modis first visit to the Valley on March 7 since the abrogation of Article 370. He will be holding a big rally in Srinagars Bakshi Stadium. Between his hectic schedule, the PM will be back in Delhi on March 6 evening for the central election committee (CEC) meeting of the BJP, where the party will decide on the second list of candidates.

Here how the PMs schedule for his nine-day tour from March 4 to 12 looks like:
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on Bharat Darshan for nine days from Monday (March 4), during which he will visit at least 10 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir by March 12. This 9-day trip comes ahead of the much-anticipated Lok Sabha elections announcement by the Election Commission.

As part of the Bharat Darshan, the prime ministers first stop was Telangana. After landing in Nagpur earlier today, the PM visited Adilabad, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of several development projects worth Rs 56,000 crore.

Addressing a public meeting there, PM Modi reiterated the spirit of Abki baar, 400 baar and said that the Bharatiya Janata Partys dedication is towards building a developed nation. He said his visit is not a Chunavi Sabha rather it is a celebration of Viksit Utsav.

The prime minister is currently at Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Tamil Nadus Kalpakkam and will shortly address a public meeting in Chennai, after which he will depart for Hyderabad.
Popular street food vada pav is loved by many, especially locals in Mumbai. Actress Rupali Ganguly is one of them. Recently she expressed her fondness for vada pav by dedicating the love song, You Are My Sonia from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to the humble street snack. In the wholesome video, Rupali unpacks the vada pav and jokingly sings to it. It appears that the video was taken in her sets vanity room.

Rupali Ganguly shared this video with her 2.9 million Instagram followers and wrote, Vadapav is an emotionVadapav is romanceVadapav is the maharashtrian in me! Her video already has over 23,000 likes in less than 24 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rups (@rupaliganguly)

Other than vada pav, Rupali loves to eat vegetarian Bengali food. In 2022, the 46-year-old actor told Curly Tales that the Durga Pujo bhog food is her soul food. She listed dishes like Chola dal, Shukto (vegetable curry), Mochar Ghonto (banana blossom dish and Chorchori (vegetable side dish), as some of her favourite dishes. Rupali also highlighted that Bengali cuisine has a reputation for being fish-heavy, but many vegetarian options are overlooked.

Rupali also shared that her husband Ashwin K Verma is an excellent cook and pampers her by cooking great home food. He also packs food and sends it on the sets of Anupama as an expression of care and love.

Rupali first gained recognition for her role as Monisha in the famous comedy sitcom series Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. After a gap of several years, she rose to stardom with the launch of the TV drama Anupama in 2020. Rupali plays the beloved title role in the show.

Over the years many Bollywood celebs have expressed their love for vada pav. Recently, actor Manoj Bajpayee told Curly Tales that he often stacks up on vada pav from his favourite vada pav food joint. The veteran actor shared that his daughters school is in the Mira Road area in Mumbai. Whenever he happens to go to her daughters school, he makes it a point to visit the Vada Pav joint near the school and buy a few Vada Pav parcels. He explained that since he follows intermittent fasting and eats small meals between 9 am and 3 pm, he sometimes has to wait patiently till he gets to relish his favourite snack.
Kanpurs Vaibhav Gupta has emerged as the winner of Indian Idol Season 14. During the Grand Finale held on March 3, Kanpurs Vaibhav Gupta was announced as the winner of the singing reality show. Other finalists were Shubhadeep Das Chowdhury, Ananya Pal, Adya Mishra, Piyush Panwar and Anjana Padmanabhan.

As the shows winner, Vaibhav was awarded a cheque of Rs. 25 lakhs and a swanky new car. Shubhadeep Das Chowdhury and Piyush Panwar were declared as the first and second runners-up respectively and were awarded Rs 5 lakhs each. Meanwhile, Ananya Pal was declared as the third runner-up and was Rs 3 lakhs.

Speaking about his challenging journey and the subsequent win, Vaibhav said, It feels surreal to have won the Indian Idol 14 trophy. Taking forward the legacy of this beloved and prestigious show is a tremendous honour. This journey has been an exhilarating rollercoaster filled with multiple emotions, challenges, and unforgettable moments.

I am grateful to every single person who believed in me, be it the judges who guided me with their wisdom, or the incredible team who nurtured my talent and made this dream a reality. But above all, my deepest gratitude goes to the amazing audience whose unwavering support fueled my determination and made me give it my all. Thank you for embracing my journey, for voting for me, for cheering me on, and for making me feel like a true idol, he added.

Wishing Vaibhav the best of luck, judge Shreya Ghoshal said, This season of Indian Idol has been nothing short of exciting! Weve had the opportunity of discovering incredible talent and each contestant demonstrated exceptional singing abilities. Right from the audition, Vaibhav has shown versatility and throughout the competition, he has kept surprising us with his performance. Vaibhavs journey on the show has been remarkable, consistent, and inspiring. I truly wish him all the very best and pray he fulfils his dreams!

With his versatility and power-packed performances, Vaibhav is set to make a mark in the music industry.
The Supreme Courts seven-judge bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Justices AS Bopanna, MM Sundresh, PS Narasimha, JB Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar, and Manoj Misra on March 4 held that the Members of Parliament and legislative assemblies cannot claim immunity for receiving bribes for vote or speech in the legislature.

It was on September 25 last year that the Supreme Court of India decided that a Constitution Bench comprising seven judges would hear the appeal against its 1998 judgment that provided immunity to the MPs under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) for taking bribes to make a speech or vote in parliament and state legislatures.

The SC held, We disagree with and overrule the judgment of the majority on this aspect. We have concluded that first, the doctrine of stare decisis is not an inflexible rule of law. A larger bench of this court may reconsider a previous decision in appropriate cases bearing in mind the tests which have been formulated by this court. The judgment in the PV Narasimha Rao case, which grants immunity from prosecution to a member of a legislature who has allegedly engaged in bribery for casting a vote or making a speech has wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life, and parliamentary democracy. There is a grave danger of this court allowing the error to be perpetuated if the decision were not reconsidered".

It further added, Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution seek to sustain an environment where debate and deliberation can take place within the legislature. This purpose is destroyed when a member is induced to vote or speak in a particular manner because of an act of briberyBribery is not rendered immune under Articles 105 or 194 because a member engaging in bribery indulges in a criminal act which is not essential for the function of casting a vote or giving a speech in the legislature. Corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public lifeWe hold that bribery is not protected by Parliamentary privileges".

What was the 1998 Judgment?

By a majority of 3:2, the five-judge bench of the apex court in 1998 PV Narasimha Rao vs State held that the Members of Parliament or state legislatures were immune from prosecution in bribery cases revolving around any speech or vote in the house, as they have parliamentary privilege conferred by Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution.

The verdict was doubted in an appeal by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Sita Soren who was accused of accepting a bribe for a 2012 Rajya Sabha vote. She claimed immunity under Article 194(2) of the Constitution, but the Jharkhand High Court dismissed her plea, after which she moved the Supreme Court. After a two-day-long hearing, the seven-judge bench reserved its verdict last October.

Lets take a look at the privileges that the MPs are conferred with.

Parliamentary privileges can be divided into two broad categories: (1) Collective Privileges and (2) Individual Privileges, which mean privileges enjoyed by the members individually and those which belong to the House as a collective body respectively.

Article 105 (2): No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.

Article 194(2): No member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.

Freedom from Arrest

Section 135A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 exempts a member legislative body from arrest and detention under civil process. It states: (1) No person shall be liable to arrest or detention in prison under civil process.

(a) if he is a member of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State, or (iii) a Legislative Assembly of a Union territory, during the continuance of any meeting of such House of Parliament or, as the case may be, of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council;

(b) if he is a member of any committee of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) the Legislative Assembly of a State or Union territory, or (iii) the Legislative Council of a State, during the continuance of any meeting of such committee;

(c) if he is a member of (i) either House of Parliament, or (ii) a Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State having both such Houses, during the continuance of a joint sitting, meeting, conference or joint committee of the Houses of Parliament or, Houses of the State Legislature, as the case may be, and during the 40 days before and after such meeting, sitting or conference.

According to DD Basu, another privilege that legislators enjoy is Freedom from Attendance as Witness. Basu writes in his book Introduction to the Constitution of India that according to the English practice, a member cannot be summoned, without the leave of the house, to give evidence as a witness while the Parliament is in session.

Article 105 of the Indian Constitution is an important article that mentions the privilege conferred to the Members of Parliament or the State Legislatures. The article reads: (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament.

(2) No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.

(3) In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of each House of Parliament, and of the members and the committees of each House, shall be such as may from time to time be defined by Parliament by law, and, until so defined, shall be those of that House and of its members and committees immediately before the coming into force of section 15 of the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act,1978.

(4) The provisions of clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to persons who by virtue of this Constitution have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, a House of Parliament or any committee thereof as they apply in relation to members of Parliament.

It means that the Constitution has extended these privileges to those persons who are entitled to speak and take part in the proceedings of a House of Parliament or any of its committees. These include the Attorney General and Union Ministers.

M Laxmikant in his book Indian Polity writes that Parliament till now has not made any special law to exhaustively codify all the privileges. They are based on five sources that include (1) Constitutional provisions (2) Various laws made by the Parliament (3) Rules of both the houses (4) Parliamentary conventions (5) Judicial interpretations.

While overruling the earlier judgment, the bench observed that Bribery is not rendered immune under Article 105 (2) or 194 of the Constitution and it erodes probity in public life".
Google had removed popular Indian apps from its Play Store two days ago citing violations, including the payment terms. But it has reinstated the apps after the companies complied with its policies.

With Android having a market share of more than 90% in India, an app being on the Play Store is promising for developers and the companys subscriber base.

On Friday, Kuku FM co-founder posted on LinkedIn about Google removing the companys app from Play Store. Kuku FM is a six-year-old audio platform that hosts books and podcasts in seven languages, and has 10 million download on Play Store.

People Group founder Anupam Mittal, whose website Shaadi.com was also removed by Google, stated, The government needs to intervene now and direct the CCI (Competition Commission of India) to ensure Google is in compliance with their order and immediately restore all apps that were delisted.

Amidst protests by several Indian start-ups and companies, the government had stepped in, with IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw saying that he spoked to Google about the delisting of apps. He is expected to meet the representative of Google and the affected app developers today on the issue.

I will be telling Google Our entrepreneurial energy startups, look at the whole startup India programme, 10 years back we had practically nothing and today we have more than 1,00,000 startups, more than 100 unicorns, this is something. Energy of our talented people should be channelized fully well, it cannot be left to the policies of any big tech, Vaishnaw said, as quoted by The Times of India.

What is the Dispute?

Google escalated the matter by removing some popular Indian apps after they opposed its policy of charging 26% from the earlier 11% on in-app purchases. This came after CCI directed Google to scrap its previous fee systems in which the developers need between 15% and 30%.

Google delisted the apps after the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court declined to provide any relief to the app developers challenging Googles payment terms.

Google said in its blogpost on Friday, for an extended period of time, 10 companies, including many well-established ones, have chosen to not pay for the immense value they receive on Google Play by securing interim protections from court. These developers comply with payment policies of other app stores.

How Does Play Store Work?

Googles operating system Android runs on Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola and Oppo among other smartphones. Some of the Google apps and Play Store come pre-installed in the phones that a user buys. But in order to add a new app, the user has to visit the Play Store and download it.

Apps on Google have three options to accept payments for digital services, Googles billing system, alternative payment where the company charges the commission and consumption mode where the developer redirects the user to an external website to accept payments.

Whats the Alternative?

PhonePe recently launched Indus Appstore to rival Googles Play Store, calling themselves game-changer in Indias digital journey. According to the official press statement by PhonePe, Indus Appstore will have more than 200,000 mobile applications and games in 12 Indian languages.

It also said no app listing fees will be charged for one year, until April 1, 2025, for developers.

It allows Indian consumers to download over 2 lakh mobile apps and games, across 45 categories. They will be able to discover these apps conveniently in 12 Indian languages, thereby catering to 95% of Indians language preferences.

Indias indigenously developed app store, Mobile Seva or mSeva AppStore, which was launched in 2013, has 1,197 live apps and over 9 crore downloads registered.

Whats Next?

It needs to be seen if the CCI would get involved in the tech war. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on March 19.

The CCI had previously directed Google to take corrective measures besides imposing a penalty in October 2022. It had also asked the tech giant to allow third-party app stores on Google Play. But the order was set aside in March 2023 by the National Company Law Appellate (NCLAT).

Google is facing regulatory scrutiny by the governments of the UK, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia over business practices of Google Play.
At least five people allegedly fell sick after having a mouth freshener that had dry ice mixed in it at a restaurant after having dinner, police said on Monday. Four of the five people have been hospitalised, they said.

According to a complaint lodged by Ankit Kumar, a resident of Greater Noida, he went to the Laforestta Cafe in Sector 90 with his wife and four friends for dinner on Saturday, reported news agency, PTI.

Five people started vomiting blood and reported a burning sensation in their mouths after eating mouth freshener after their meal at a cafe in Gurugram. They were hospitalized and two are critical.

After the dinner, a waiter at the restaurant brought mouth freshener and five people in the group had it. Their health deteriorated soon after and were taken to a hospital, Kumar said, adding that the restaurant staff fled.

I showed the packet of the mouth freshener to a doctor, who said it was dry ice. According to the doctor, it is an acid which can lead to death, quoted the news agency as saying one of the complainants.

Kumar informed police about the incident. After consuming the mouth freshener, the five people complained of a burning sensation in their mouths. Their mouths started bleeding and they were vomiting, police said.

Based on the complaint, police said, an FIR was registered under sections 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) agsainst the restaurants owner at Kherki Daula police station on Sunday.

We are investigating the matter and action will be taken as per law, said Station House Officer Inspector Manoj Kumar.

In another unrelated suspected case of food poisoning in Kerala, several people, including children, got admitted to various hospitals after eating food from a restaurant. Police said that around 20 people, including nine members of a family, sought treatment in various hospitals after eating food from the restaurant  Spicy Hotel.

The health of everyone who was affected is stable, police said, adding that the Health Department shut down the restaurant today. Presently, no one has lodged a complaint with the police, it said.

A relative of one of the affected persons told a TV channel that they had brought food from the restaurant on Thursday evening and by this morning everyone was suffering from vomiting and diarrhea.

(with PTI inputs)
Bengalurus Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe has been taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Officials from the union ministry of home affairs confirmed to CNN-News18 that the case had been given to the NIA and a fresh FIR registered.

The central agency has unofficially collaborated with Bengaluru police from the start of the probe giving it a crucial understanding of the scene of the crime, the material evidence gathered, and leads about suspects, sources said.

At least nine people were injured in the blast around 1 pm on March 1 at the popular eatery in the citys Whitefield area.

Shivamogga module

Sources told CNN-News18 that the Shivamogga module of Islamic State (ISIS or IS), which attempted an attack in Mangaluru in 2022, was being investigated. A pressure cooker packed with explosives had blown up in an autorickshaw in November 2022 and the subsequent investigation had unmasked the module. While Karnataka police and the NIA had arrested 10 people in connection with the blast, the suspected handlers are still at large.

Sources said the NIA is investigating if Abdul Matheen Taha and Musabir Hussain, believed to be the handlers of the Shivamogga module, had any role in last weeks Bengaluru blast at the quick-service eatery.

Officials said the jailed suspects of the Shivamogga case are being probed to see if they have any information about another ISIS module or the masked suspect captured on CCTV in Bengaluru. Mohammed Shariq, Maaz Muneer Ahmed, Syed Yasin, Reeshan Tajuddin Sheikh, Huzair Farhan Baig, Mazin Abdul Rahman, Nadeem Ahmed, Mohammed Zabilulla, Mohammed Faizal, and Arafath Ali  all in their 20s  have been named by the NIA in its charge sheet. While Shariq is a commerce graduate, Maaz Ahmed and Syed Yasin are engineers.

The anti-terror agency in its Shivamogga charge sheet had said that the main accused in the case recced multiple locations. Both BTech graduates had been radicalised and motivated by an online foreign-based handler to target public and private properties, including warehouses, liquor outlets, hardware shops, vehicles, and properties belonging to citizens belonging to a particular community. In furtherance of conspiracy hatched by the Islamic State, Maaz and Yasin had committed over 25 incidents of arson and sabotage, the NIA statement on the Shivamogga probe said.

A senior union home ministry official told CNN-News18 that the material evidence gathered from the Rameshwaram Cafe indicated that the improvised explosive device (IED) was assembled after looking at online videos, similar to the modus operandi in the Shivamogga case. National Security Guards (NSG) picked up parts of the IED from the spot. Preliminary forensic analysis suggests a high-grade explosive packed tightly for maximum impact. The final forensic report is expected in 2-3 days but prima facie it looks like a bomb, which was assembled in a garage-like place, using online tutorial videos with material that you can order on e-commerce sites, the officer said.

Hunt on for key suspect

The NIA is probing if the suspect seen dropping a bag at Rameshwaram Cafe is also part of an ISIS module. Officials indicated that the CCTV screengrab of the prime suspect, seen in multiple security camera clips, could be shown to the jailed ISIS module members for any possible leads about his identity.

The man wearing a cap, glasses, and mask, is seen dropping a plastic pouch taken out from a bag and placing it near the blast site minutes before the explosion around 1 pm on Friday. The same suspect is also captured on CCTV at the Kundalahalli bus stand, alighting from bus 500D. The bus driver and conductor will be asked if they saw anyone resembling the suspect during the journey. Even if he was wearing a mask, a familiar person can be identified through his gait, an investigating officer said.

CCTV footage from nearby areas of previous dates is also being scanned to check if the same person carried out a recce of the cafe earlier.

So far, no lead has emerged to conclude whether the suspect is a Bengaluru resident or came from outside.

Technical investigation

The mobile data dump of the towers around the blast site led investigators to question a few people who allegedly made suspicious calls. Now the NIA is also looking at the possibility that a crypto wallet may have been used for monetary transactions between the accused.

The agency in its Shivamogga probe found that hideouts for the suspects in Bengaluru were arranged using money from such crypto wallets. These IS terror operatives were being paid in crypto currencies by their online handler by fund transfers from abroad. Investigations have revealed that Maaz received Crypto equivalent to around INR 1.5 lakhs from the online handler into accounts of his friends, whereas Syed Yasin received INR 62 K into the account of a friend, an NIA statement in March 2023 revealed.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the 2024-25 budget presented in the assembly on Monday is inspired by Ram Rajya and appealed to the people to ensure the victory of INDIA bloc candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to strengthen his struggle for the welfare of the people of the city.

He also said the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, under which Rs 1,000 per month will be given to adult women based on certain criteria, is probably the worlds largest women empowerment programme.

At a press conference after Delhi Finance Minister Atishi presented her maiden Budget in the House, Kejriwal said it is a very good budget that takes care of every segment of people and sectors.

In the field of women empowerment, I think this will be the worlds biggest programme. There is a lot of talk about womens empowerment. But how will empowerment happen? he posed. Observing that women who do not earn are especially in a very disadvantaged position in society, the chief minister said under the scheme, Rs 1,000 will be provided each month to every adult woman in Delhi.

There are around 67 lakh women voters in Delhi. You can exclude the income taxpayer women from it and the women who avail of the benefits of government schemes. I think it (the scheme) will benefit around 45 to 50 lakh women, he said.

Every month, Rs 1,000 will go into the accounts of every woman above 18 years of age in Delhi. This is a big thing, and we have been working on it for many years. A lot of money will be spent on this but because now there is a very honest government in Delhi, it saves every penny, Kejriwal said. Any woman applying to avail the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana should not be a beneficiary of any government pension, should not be in a government job and should not be an income tax payer. It is also made mandatory to give a self-declaration. Later, some cases will be investigated randomly, he said. The process will start this year after the elections and then we will bring it in the cabinet and pass it, Kejriwal added.

The chief minister gave 15 out of 10 marks to Atishi, who presented her maiden budget in the Assembly. So, when money comes into the hands of women, I think they will go to the market, buy things of their choice and the economy will also progress, he said. When asked if the scheme would come through, Kejriwal said, Its in our blood, we always fight against the mightiest. If there is any obstacle to implementing the scheme, we will fight against it and implement the scheme. He said the AAP could run the Delhi government successfully because it enjoys a huge majority. People of Delhiites gave us 62 out of 70 seats once and 67 out of 70 seats once, only then our government could run in Delhi. If you had given 40 out of 70 seats, these people would have overthrown our government, Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convener, said.

Alleging that the seven MPs of Delhi always like it when the works of Delhi are obstructed, he appealed to the people to extend their support to all seven candidates of the INDIA bloc. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP won all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. and Punjab and the Rajya Sabha MPs, we will have 25 to 30 MPs with us. Then no one will have the courage to stop the work of Delhi. I am asking the people of Delhi for this strength, that when you go to cast your vote, think about Delhi to strengthen Kejriwal. If you give me strength, no L-G will have the courage to work against you, he asserted.

The budget outlay for the 2024-25 fiscal is Rs 76,000 crore. However, the overall budget for the financial year 2024-25 has witnessed a 3.7 per cent reduction compared to Rs 78,800 crore allotted in the preceding fiscal. Responding to a query, Kejriwal said the governments budget has increased constantly. Our share in Central taxes comes out to be over Rs 7,200 crore but we do not get even a penny. Delhis people probably are the second highest income taxpayers in the country, after Mumbai. We pay over Rs 2 lakh crore as income tax but we do not get anything. This is injustice and like strangling the hen laying golden eggs, he said. Atishi said the Delhi government is the only government in the country that runs without taking any loan.

This year, one thing happened that the GST compensation stopped. Delhi used to get Rs 10,000 crore as GST compensation and the last component of it worth around Rs 2000-3000 crore was obtained last year. Its a remarkable outcome of revenue growth of Delhi that despite stopping of GST compensation we have been able to raise the revenue over the last years level, she said. The budget estimate was a bit higher last year, the Delhi finance minister said, adding the final (revised) estimate was Rs 74,900 crore which has been enhanced by Rs 1100 crore to estimate the budget 2024-25.

Kejriwal was also asked about the accounts of the announcements made in the last two budgets regarding the Rozgar Budget and Road Infrastructure.

Atishis speech today was divided into two parts. The first part mainly focused on the development and improvement that has taken place in Delhi in the last 10 years since we took over. Regarding the Rozgar Budget, we were able to bring the unemployment rate down substantially in the past two years, he said.

In response to whether this is the last budget before the next Assembly elections, Atishi said, As I said, were confident and hopeful that we will be presenting the Budget over the next five years as well. .
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chennai on Monday, traffic restrictions have been imposed in the city. PM Modi will participate in the Thamarai Maanadu public meeting at YMCA Nandanam at 5 pm.

The city police have informed the commuters that traffic slowdowns are expected in the vicinity of the function venues, specifically from Anna Salai YMCA, Nandanam, to Anna Flyover, between 12 pm to 8 pm.

Traffic snarls are also likely on the surrounding roads, including Anna Salai, SV Patel Road, Gandhi Mandapam Road, GST Road, Mount Poonamallee Road, CIPET junction, and 100 feet road.

Heres the List of Restrictions:

Security measures have been ramped up in Chennai ahead of PM Modis visit.

A five-tier security plan has also been put in place by the city police.

Any kind of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles have been prohibited from being used during the Prime Ministers visit.

Intensive checks and surveillance are underway across the city near the YMCA Ground at Nandanam.

Check Routes to Avoid:

Madyakailash to Halda Junction

Indira Gandhi Road Pallavaram to Kathipara Junction

Mount Poonnamallee Road Ramapuram to Kathipara Junction

Ashok Pillar to Kathipara Junction

Vijayanagar Junction to Concord Junction (Guindy)

Anna Statue to Mount Road

Teynampet, Nandanam Gandhi Mandapam Road

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a Bharat Darshan for nine days from Monday (March 4), visiting at least 10 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir by March 12.

The prime minister will visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, J&K, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan between March 4 and 12. He will be initiating a bonanza of infrastructure projects, along with attending several events in Delhi on March 11  the only full day he will spend at the national capital, according to his calendar for this tour.
The work for the Dhaula Kuan extension plan to check perennial traffic congestion in the area will soon begin, with the project expected to be awarded this month.

According to officials, the ministry of road transport and highways is awaiting a nod from the Delhi Police after it floated tenders for the project. We are expecting that the work will be awarded in the next couple of days, an official said on the condition of anonymity.

Last month, while speaking to News18, union minister Nitin Gadkari had said the ministry has got the nod for defence land on the stretch and the work is expected to start soon.

Why is this extension necessary?

Commuters travelling from Delhi airport to the city know about the traffic congestion in Dhaula Kuan. The bottleneck next to the police station, where the four-lane road turns into two, causes the traffic to slow down during peak hours and worsen the situation.

Last year, Gadkari had said the police station will be removed and two additional lanes will be added to ease traffic flow. In January, the minister had said the Dhaula Kuan Road was designed only for 50,000 passenger car units (PCU) but has to deal with 2 lakh.

Asked if the project will be awarded before the model code of conduct kicks in, the official said it will be done much before that.

Gadkari, who is an MP from Maharashtras Nagpur, frequently travels to Delhi. He has been vocal about the traffic congestion near the airport and had planned a number of projects around it.

In 2015, he sanctioned a study to find the reasons behind the problem plaguing several parts of the national capital, after he was impacted by the jam at Dhaula Kuan.

I bang my head as I get stuck quite often at Dhaula Kuan in southwest Delhi for 40 to 45 minutes while coming from or going to the airport, Gadkari had said in Lok Sabha.

In 2019, the ministry completed a Rs 270-crore project to make the stretch between Dhaula Kuan and Indira Gandhi International Airport free of traffic signals. But even after all these efforts, the congestion continued to upset him.

I know and travel in Delhi very little. But the stretch around Dhaula Kuan is the part that gives me the most pain whenever I come from the airport, he had said.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra for questioning in a FEMA contravention case. The former MP has been asked to appear before the agency on March 11.

The 49-year-old politician had sought a few weeks to join the investigation and sent a communication to the agency expressing her inability to depose before it last month, sources told PTI.

The anti-corruption agency wants to interrogate the TMC leader and record her statement under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) once she is deposed.

The case under FEMA was registered against Moitra as it has information about certain foreign transactions including undisclosed ones which are being probed under the Act

Through these summons, the ED now wants to probe the transactions linked to a non-resident external (NRE) account which is under the scanner in this case apart from a few other foreign remittances and transfers of funds, the sources said.

Moitra is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) too in connection with the alleged cash-for-query case. She was expelled as a member of Lok Sabha after the Ethics panel found her guilty in that particular case.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had accused Moitra of asking questions in Lok Sabha to target the Adani group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts. He had also accused Moitra of compromising national security for monetary gains.

Moitra has denied any wrongdoing and claimed she was being targeted as she had raised questions on the deals of the Adani group.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court dismissed an interim plea by Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha recently, seeking to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai from posting or circulating any fake and defamatory content against her.

(With PTI inputs)
Two suspected shooters have been arrested from Goa in the Haryana Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Nafe Singh Rathee murder case, police said.

According to news agency ANI, two shooters, Saurav and Ashish, have been nabbed from Goa in a joint operation by Jhajjar Police, Delhi Police Special Cell, and Haryana Special Task Force (STF). Jhajjar Police said a search was underway to nab two other shooters.

Haryana INLD chief Nafe Singh Rathee murder case | Two shooters namely Saurav and Ashish nabbed from Goa in a joint operation by Jhajjar Police, Delhi Police Special Cell and Haryana STF. Search underway to nab two more shooters: Jhajjar Police ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

Haryana Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Nafe Singh Rathee and a party worker were killed after unidentified assailants fired several rounds of bullets at their SUV in Bahadurgarh near Delhi last month, a senior party leader said. Three private gunmen hired by Rathee for security also suffered injuries in the attack.

A surveillance camera footage had emerged during the police probe which showed the killers movement in a Hyundai i10 just before they sprayed the SUV of the Haryana politician with bullets in Haryanas Jhajjar district.

According to sources, Rathees car allegedly stopped at a railway crossing on Sunday when the killers car stopped near the vehicle. This was followed by a spray of bullets on the INLD chiefs car.

Police are now looking for the Hyundai i10 car the killers are suspected to have used. Rathee was sitting in the front and his nephew was driving. INLD leader Jaikishan Dalal and a gunner deployed for the INLD leaders security were sitting at the rear end.

Sources said about 20 rounds were fired, most of them at the prime target. Visuals of Rathees car show the bullet marks on Rathees car.

A case of murder was registered against seven people, including BJP leader and former legislator Naresh Kaushik and several family members of Bahadurgarh municipal corporation chairperson Saroj Rathi.

Rathees name was in the news last year in an abetment to suicide case. Former Haryana minister Mange Ram Numberdars son, Jagdish, died by suicide and a case was registered against Rathee under charges of abetment. Allegations of harassment and land-grabbing were also levelled against Rathee and his nephew. The High Court granted the INLD leader anticipatory bail on January 24 last year.
The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of an incident involving the gang-rape and assault of a Spanish woman who was on a cross-country bike tour with her husband. The incident occurred at Kurumahat in the Hansdiha police station area, approximately 300 km from Ranchi, on March 1 when the couple was spending the night at a makeshift tent.

ALSO READ: They Wanted To Kill Us: Spanish Woman Gang-Raped in Jharkhands Dumka Shares Chilling Details on Instagram

The incidents of crime of any kind against a foreign national may have serious national and international repercussions including impacting the tourism economy of the country. A sex-related crime against a foreign woman is likely to bring adverse publicity against the country and thereby tarnish the image of India across the globe, the Jharkhand High Court said.

The court further pointed out that the woman speaks Spanish but it is not known whether there is the facility of translator with the help of whom her statement was recorded.

Furthermore, given the amendments made in the Code of Criminal Procedure and emphasis on the scientific investigation in cases of offences relating to rape, there is an urgent need to seek a report from the Superintendent of Police at Dumka as to the progress of the investigation so far conducted in the matter, the court further said.

The woman and her husband had travelled from Bangladesh to Dumka on two motorcycles with plans to continue to Bihar and then Nepal.

We are in the hospital, and something happened to us that we wouldnt wish on anyone. Seven men raped me, and they have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things (were taken) because what they wanted was to rape me. We are in the hospital with the police, it happened tonight in India, the 28-year-old Spanish travel vlogger shared in her video post on IG.

They attacked us, beat us, put a knife to our necks and said they were going to kill usThere were seven people, she added.
KERALA LOTTERY WIN-WIN W-759 RESULT ON MONDAY, MARCH 4, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of Win Win W- 759 lucky draw for Monday, March 4. Check the full list of winning numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Karunya KR-644 WINNERS for March 9, 2024; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR WIN-WIN W- 759

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

WN 506100

WO 506100

WP 506100

WR 506100

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WZ 506100

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Agent Name: PODIYAN A

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Agent Name: SIVADAS R

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WN 553752

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0089 0682 0754 1085 1152 1188 1501 1551 1710 1750 1932 2208 2212 2309 2356 2526 2781 2834 3138 3157 3207 3342 3357 3391 3537 3639 3683 3686 3859 4026 4150 4177 4269 4345 4389 4592 5155 5193 5242 5266 5278 5370 5401 5814 5840 5921 5976 6072 6091 6260 6306 6367 6391 6480 6735 6971 7116 7135 7372 7489 7527 7756 7803 7989 7997 8006 8022 8277 8378 8437 8474 8535 8548 8586 8669 8932 8955 8990 9086 9508 9662 9744

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0022 0050 0168 0174 0186 0221 0223 0282 0298 0328 0329 0435 0452 0536 0671 0675 0803 0822 0982 1022 1092 1235 1277 1664 1665 1889 1934 2115 2120 2245 2304 2315 2404 2427 2571 2596 2732 2916 3273 3293 3318 3386 3543 3617 3653 3755 3780 3805 3911 3999 4169 4438 4630 4721 4805 4809 4822 4864 4902 4932 4958 5119 5147 5149 5195 5232 5236 5526 5537 5609 5636 5681 5777 5877 5944 5967 5972 6108 6118 6191 6199 6204 6229 6280 6289 6416 6517 6567 6579 6720 6728 6881 7045 7112 7155 7229 7269 7307 7324 7422 7452 7581 7735 7807 7828 8073 8142 8272 8562 8578 8606 8915 9040 9113 9118 9177 9205 9314 9334 9378 9519 9598 9692 9742 9878 9899

HOW TO CHECK WIN-WIN W 759 RESULTS?

To check the results of the Kerala Win-Win W 759 lottery, log on to the official website of the Kerala Department at www.keralalottery.info. Alternatively, one can also visit the Kerala Government Gazette Office to verify the results. To get more information, contact the Kerala Lottery Departments official sources.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

Participants can check their ticket number against the winning number published in the Kerala Government Gazette to determine if they are eligible for the rewards.

If the ticket number matches those on the official list, the individual is entitled to the prize money.

The winner will have 30 days from the announcement of the results, to collect their prize from the Kerala Lottery Office in Thiruvananthapuram. When you visit the office, make sure you have your valid proof of identification along with the winning ticket for verification purposes.
The parents of Indian Navy sailor Sahil Verma, who has been missing for a week, demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention and a CBI probe into the circumstances leading to his mysterious disappearance at sea from a naval ship.

Verma, a seaman in the Indian Navy, went missing from a naval ship  where he was deployed  on February 27. Soon after, the naval authorities launched a massive search operation to trace and find him.

The sailors parents Subash Chander and Rama Kumari  who live in Jammus Ghou Manhasan area  sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that their son returns home safely.

It is astonishing that a soldier went missing from his naval ship and is not traceable. I have been told that the CCTV cameras installed on the ship did not find anyone falling into the sea. Then where is my son? Chander told news agency PTI.

Vermas relatives and well wisher have continuously been visiting their home to extend their support and pray for the sailors return.

Earlier, the Western Naval Command  headquartered in Mumbai  termed the seamans disappearance as unfortunate, adding that a high-level board of inquiry has been ordered.

In a post on X, the Western Naval Command said, In an unfortunate incident, Sahil Verma, Seaman II, has been reported missing at sea from (an) Indian Naval Ship whilst on deployment since February 27, 2024. The Navy immediately launched a massive search operation with ships and aircraft, which is still continuing.

In an unfortunate incident, Sahil Verma, Seaman II, has been reported missing at sea from Indian Naval Ship whilst on deployment since 27 Feb 24. The Navy immediately launched a massive search operation with ships and aircraft, which is still continuing. pic.twitter.com/bEHLkhye5o Western Naval Command (@IN_WNC) March 2, 2024

Vermas father also resented the information he received about his sons disappearance saying, We got a call on February 29 informing that our son went missing on board the ship two days before that we last talked to him on Sunday (February 25) and nothing is known what happened to him.

Chander said all that they want is to get justice and know where their son is. We want the government to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe. He was on duty and is missing, he added.

Meanwhile, the seamans mother suspected something fishy about her sons disappearance. There were 400 people on board the ship and only my son went missing, she said, adding that My prayers and demands are only that my son returns safe and sound.

Another relative, Vermas maternal uncle, said that his disappearance is a case fit for a CBI probe because they heard that the ship returned to base a day before leaving again.

How is it possible that he went missing from the ship, asked Gautam, the maternal uncle.

He said that the family  which was informed 2 days after the incident  should have been informed about Sahils disappearance within 24 hours, adding that a board of inquiry should also have been ordered then itself.

(With PTI inputs)
An FIR has been registered against Madhya Pradesh state technological universitys vice chancellor and four others in connection with alleged financial irregularities after an inquiry was ordered by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

The CM, who returned from Lucknow on Sunday night, said an incident of ongoing financial irregularities in the Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) has come to his notice.

I have given instructions to immediately register an FIR in this matter and to remove all the officers posted in the universitys account section and conduct an investigation by a high-level committee, Yadav stated on X. The government will take strict action against the guilty, he said.

After the CMs instruction, the case was registered against RGPVs Vice Chancellor Sunil Kumar, who is on leave, varsitys financial controller Rishikesh Verma, former registrar RS Rajput, an alleged beneficiary of the fraud, and an organisation. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered based on a letter written by RGPVs incumbent registrar Mohan Sen to the Gandhi Nagar police station in Bhopal.

It identified the alleged beneficiary of the fraud as one Mayank Kumar and also named Dalit Sangh, based in Sohagpur in Narmadapuram district. As per the FIR, the accused were allegedly involved in transferring Rs 19.48 crore to private accounts and fraudulently making four fixed deposits (FDs) of Rs 25 crore each through a criminal conspiracy. The police invoked Indian Penal Code sections for cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, it stated.

No arrest has been made.
The CBI has arrested two more NHAI officials, including a deputy general manager, posted in Madhya Pradesh in connection with a bribery racket busted by the agency, taking the total number of arrests to eight, officials said on Monday.

Deputy General Manager Rajendra Kumar Gupta, also holding the charge of project director in Bhopal and Hemant Kumar, posted as the project director in Vidisha, were arrested in connection with the bribery racket involving National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials posted in Nagpur and Madhya Pradesh, and the Bhopal-based Bansal Construction Works Pvt Ltd, they said.

The CBI busted the bribery racket on Sunday, arresting NHAI General Manager and Project Director Arvind Kale, posted in Nagpur, who had allegedly received Rs 20 lakh bribe, and Deputy General Manager Brijesh Kumar Sahu, posted in Harda, Madhya Pradesh.

During searches which were expanded to Vidisha and Dindori, the total recovery has increased to over Rs 2 crore and includes jewellery and cash seized during the operation, the officials said.

The accused were presented before a special court in Bhopal which sent them to police custody till March 9, they said. Two directors of the company  Anil Bansal and Kunal Bansal  and four employees were also taken into custody during the operation, the officials said.

The CBI had received information that the directors of the company were delivering regular bribes to NHAI officials posted in Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur, who in turn ensured the smooth processing of bills and issuance of completion certificates among others to the company, according to the FIR registered on Sunday. In its FIR, the CBI alleged that the companys directors had deployed two employees each to bribe NHAI officials in Nagpur and Madhya Pradesh.

While C Krishna and Jayant Kumar delivered bribes to NHAI officials in Nagpur, Nitin Rajak and TMS Rao handled the illegal gratification for the officials in Madhya Pradesh, the officials said.

The agency said it had received inputs that Kale, arrested on Sunday, had allegedly demanded the payment of his pending bribe money of Rs 45 lakh from Krishna, who got in touch with Anil Bansal and the issue was cleared immediately.

It is alleged that Kale was to be paid the bribe in two tranches of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh but the CBI arrested him after payment of the first instalment. The CBI had also received information that the Bansals were paying bribes to the Deputy General Manager and Project Director of NHAI Bhopal Rajendra Kumar Gupta through Rajak for expeditious clearance of bills.

The agency learned that Rajak had paid Rs 8 lakh as a bribe to Gupta. Rao allegedly paid bribes to Project Director, Vidisha, Hemant Kumar at his residence on February 27 and Rs 20.5 lakh to Project Director, Harda, Brijesh Kumar Sahu at his residence the next day, the FIR alleged.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at five locations in Bhopal and Nagpur on Sunday, including residential and official premises, and recovered Rs 1.1 crore in cash, including the bribe amount of Rs 20 lakh, a spokesperson of the federal agency had said in a statement.

In its FIR in the matter filed recently, the CBI booked 11 people, including the four NHAI officials, the company and its directors and employees.

It was alleged that the directors of a Bhopal-based private company have been delivering bribes to various public servants of the NHAI through their employees in lieu of issuance of completion certificates, processing of bills, smooth progression of awarded works etc., in various road projects awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the CBI spokesperson had said.
Seema Haiders former husband Ghulam Haider has sent a notice of Rs 3 crore each to Seema and her husband Sachin Meena. Ghulam Haider, who reportedly hired an Indian lawyer to bring his kids back, also sent a Rs 5 crore notice to Dr AP Singh, who claimed to be Seema Haiders brother.

Ghulam Haiders advocate Ali Momin has asked the Meena couple to apologize and deposit the fine within a month, or they will take legal steps against them.

Earlier, news agency PTI confirmed that a top Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist, Ansar Burney, was approached by Ghulam Haider for help in getting custody of his four children.

Burney also informed the news agency that Momin was hired after due process and the power of attorney has been sent to start legal proceedings in India.

Pakistani citizen Seema Haider grabbed national attention for her controversial love story as she crossed the border to enter India after falling in love with her Indian boyfriend, whom she met on an online game.

Haider, however, remained in headlines as she faced investigation by security agencies over spy allegations and her renewed efforts to stay in India.

30-year-old Seema Haider, who hails from Sindh province in Pakistan, crossed over to India illegally in May to be with her partner Sachin Meena in Greater Noida.

Seema, a mother of four children was married to Ghulam Haider, who currently resides in Saudi Arabia. She left her home country and crossed the border into India illegally along with her four children, all aged below seven years, in a bus via Nepal on May 13.

However, she was arrested on July 4 for illegally entering India without a visa via Nepal while Sachin was put behind bars for sheltering the illegal immigrants.

HOW DID SEEMA HAIDER ENTER INDIA?

Seemas love story with her partner Sachin Meena began in 2019 in the private chatroom of online game playing PUBG. They befriended over PubG and then started conversations on WhatsApp and later decided to marry.

According to reports, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level and married at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal in March this year. The couple met for the first time in person in March this year in Kathmandu where they stayed together at a hotel in the Nepal capital from March 10 to 17.

Seema returned to Nepal from Pakistan, taking the Karachi-Dubai route, on a 15-day tourist visa on May 10. In Nepal, she reached from Kathmandu to Pokhara and stayed for the night. Seema then took a bus from Pokhara on the morning of May 12 and entered India from Roopandehi-Khunwa (Khunwa) border district Siddharthnagar.

She along with her four children travelled to Greater Noida via Lucknow and Agra and had been staying with her lover since then.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Nita Mukesh Ambani, an ardent patron of Indian arts and culture, celebrated her deep-rooted respect for traditional Indian craftsmanship at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding festivities.

Immersing in the culture and tradition of India, Hastakshar At Valley of Gods on Day 3 of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding festivities, saw Nita Mukesh Ambani and her family celebrate the promise of love.

Shining a spotlight on the unparalleled skill of local artisans, Nita Ambani looked divine in a silver Kanchipuram saree, which was envisioned by Swadesh, a collaborative platform deeply in love with Indias arts, crafts and handlooms and couturier Manish Malhotra, known for celebrating India and its varied crafts in every couture piece he designs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swadesh Online (@swadesh_online)

The traditional six yards of sheer elegance was handcrafted by the weavers of South India and the intricate zardozi embroidered on the saree was crafted by Manish Malhotra. Nita Mukesh Ambani weaves an alluring narrative of timeless elegance which embodies pure blessings and love.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05)

Taking to Instagram, couturier Manish Malhotra describes the traditional weaves draped on Nita Mukesh Ambani. He says, Mrs. Nita Ambani elegant and stunning in a handloom Kanchipuram sari for Anant & Radhikas pre-wedding celebrations. Woven with blessings and love, this sari embodies the spirit of the occasion and Mrs. Ambanis deep respect for Indian craftsmanship. A pleasure working with artisans and @swadesh_online bringing this masterpiece to life. Along with the finely crafted classic traditional zardosi work by @manishmalhotraworld.

Swadesh is born out of Reliance Foundations commitment to promoting traditional artists and artisans and is Nita Ambanis vision of creating a platform to showcase their talent and skill to a wider audience.

With an aim to revolutionise the way Indias age-old arts and crafts are perceived globally, Nita Mukesh Ambani looked like royalty when she graced the pre-wedding festivities in the traditional saree.

Elated to have her drape a saree handcrafted by the artisans, the Instagram account of Swadesh, took to Instagram and wrote: Radiating blessings and love, Nita Ambani dons a handloom Kanchipuram saree, embodying the spirit of her beloved son Anant and Radhikas pre-wedding celebrations. The saree is a masterpiece handcrafted by weavers from South India who have honed their art over generations and is a statement of her deep-rooted respect for traditional Indian craftsmanship. An ardent patron of Indian arts and culture, Nita Mukesh Ambani has utilised the pre-wedding festivities of Anant and Radhika to shine a spotlight on the unparalleled skill of local artisans. Swadesh empowers communities and preserves age-old craftsmanship.

Celebrating tradition and invoking the divine, Nita Mukesh Ambani presented a soul-stirring performance to the Vishwambhari Stuti, a sacred hymn dedicated to Maa Ambe, the embodiment of power and strength.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swadesh Online (@swadesh_online)

Draped in a traditional silk saree in the sacred shades of red, orange and gold and designed by Manish Malhotra, Nita Ambani performed with grace and devotion. Seeking Maa Ambes blessings for Anant and Radhikas journey of togetherness, Nita Ambani was joined by a group of talented dancers adorning costumes designed by Ashley Rebello.

Nita Ambani also dedicated her performance to her granddaughters, Aadiya Shakti and Veda, and to all young girls, who are a symbol of feminine energy.
After much delay, Disney finally unveiled the first look of Tron: Ares, the third film of the super hit Tron franchise. Actor Jared Leto shared the films first look on Instagram, creating a buzz amongst sci-fi movie buffs. Leto will play the lead character Ares in the film. The film also features Greta Lee, Hasan Minhaj, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cameron Monaghan, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson. Tron: Ares will be directed by Joachim Ronning, with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne.

According to a statement by Disney, Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankinds first encounter with A.I. beings.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JARED LETO (@jaredleto)

Tron: Aress shooting was set to begin in August 2023 in Vancouver, Canada but the production was put on halt due to last years SAG-AFTRA strike. After the strike ended, director Ronning announced that they would begin shooting in January 2024. Now Disney is aiming for a 2025 release of the much-awaited film.

The first Tron film was released in 1982. The cult classic was written and directed by Steven Lisberger. Its sequel Tron: Legacy was released in 2010. The first film starred Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, a computer video game developer who was transported into the digital world called the Grid and tried to get back to reality from the virtual world. The second film followed his son Sam Flynn, played by Garrett Hedlund, who investigates his fathers disappearance and gets sucked into the Grid. It will be interesting to see how the third film progresses.

Joachim Ronning said in a statement, Im excited to be part of the TRON franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. TRON: Ares builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid.

In a 2023 interview, Steven Lisberger told The Hollywood Reporter that he is involved in Tron: Ares as a mentor. The 72-year-old veteran filmmaker said, said, The Tron team is hard at work. They are always hard at work. Its going to happen. My goal with these things in playing the Obi-Wan role is to say the one sentence that has an impact. I try to say something useful to them without getting into the weeds.
John Abraham likes to keep his personal life very private. He is very less papped with his wife Priya Runchal but during Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding bash, the couple was seen attending. Well, today the star wife took to her social handle and shared a series of pictures from Jamnagar. The couple was undoubtedly looking very beautiful.

Sharing pictures on her Instagram handle, Priya Runchal only dropped white heart emojis as a caption. In the photos, we can see her posing in cream colour ethnic wear. She is also seen posing with John Abraham. Both are looking very beautiful and stylish. Fans also commented on the photos. One of them wrote, You two have no idea how great you look from our view.. Another wrote, Hold each other tight plsss. John Abraham tied the knot with Indian-Amdrican financial analyst and investment banker Priya Runchal on January 3, 2014.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priya Abraham (@priyarunchal)

Anant Ambani, 28, the youngest son of chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani, is set to wed Radhika Merchant, 29, the daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant and his wife Shaila Merchant. While the wedding will be held later this year, a three-day pre-wedding bash was organised in Gujarats Jamnagar city from March 1 to 3.

Among the distinguished guests that descended to Jamnagar for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchants pre-wedding bash, several Bollywood celebrities names including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, and Aditya Roy Kapur were spotted attending the grand and special occasion. Diljit Dosanjh, B Praak and pop sensation Rihanna also took the stage and amped up the energy by their performances.

John was seen playing the baddie in Pathaan, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The actors performance was praised and fans even wanted to see a spin-off of his character. The film went on to do over Rs 1000 crore business worldwide. In the coming year, John has a series of releases in the pipeline. These include Tehran, Force 3 and Vedaa.
It is official, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is teaming up with Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt for a new film titled Love and War. The film reunites Bhansali and Kapoor after 17 years and marks the filmmakers first film with Kaushal. Bhansali reunites with Bhatt after the success of Gangubai Kathiawadi. The new film was announced on January 24. The film is slated to release on Christmas 2025. Since fans are awaiting new updates regarding the same, a recent report has surfaced which states Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be building a new set on Sunil Maidan in Film City, which has previously served as locations for Gangubai Kathiawad and Heeramandi.

A source shared the details with Mid-Day. They stated, Over the next few months, the art and production design team will bring alive Bhansali sirs imagination by creating miniature replicas of the prime sets, and get his approvals. The set construction will begin in full force after the monsoon, laying the foundation for a November shoot.

The source continued, Ranbir will kick off the shoot of Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana this month. He will wrap up the epic saga in time, to dive into Bhansali sirs ambitious piece. The lead actors will have a straight six-month shoot, from November to 2025 summer, for the film to make its Christmas 2025 release.

The news of the film was shared by Kaushal on Instagram. The post featured the announcement along with Kaushal, Bhatt and Kapoors signatures. Sharing the post, Vicky wrote, An eternal cinema dream has come true.  #SanjayLeelaBhansali #RanbirKapoor @aliaabhatt @prerna_singh6 @bhansaliproductions #LOVEandWAR.

The news about the film comes a day after Pinkvilla reported that Kapoor and Bhansali were in talks for a project. To set things straight, its an original love story and not, inshallah. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been very keen to take a step back from the period dramas intense tone. He has been looking to make a love story, and this subject has been at the back of his mind for a while now. SLB feels this is the best time to make a love story and is very excited to tap this genre, the source shared.

Both Ranbir and Alia heard the narration and loved what they heard. While Alia has already signed the dotted lines, the talks with Ranbir are in the advanced stages, the insider said before adding, Vicky is of course excited to come on board SLBs film and is figuring out his dates for the later part of the year. Once the dates are sorted, he will sign the dotted lines. Vicky has loved the subject.

With Love and War, Ranbir and Vicky are reuniting on the big screen after Sanju and Ranbir and Alia are being paired together after Brahmastra.
Priyanka Chopra has been a busy bee, juggling multiple projects. The actress recently confirmed her new Hollywood film, The Bluff. Now, she has taken to her social media handle to give a glimpse of her work view, which feels like nothing short of a vacation for her.

Priyanka shared a photo, basking in the sunlight on the beach, and wrote, When work view, looks like this. She is surely shooting for something fun, but she hasnt revealed anything about it.

Have a look at the photo:

Recently, Priyankas mom, Dr. Madhu Chopra, attended the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. She stopped to speak with the media on her way out of Jamnagar and spoke about her daughters absence.

Madhu was asked if she misses Priyanka at the celebrations, and while she agreed, she also said that Priyanka will make up for her absence at the bash. She will make up for it; dont worry, Madhu told Instant Bollywood. Madhu also said that she had been wanting to come to Jamnagar for years now, and this celebration gave her the perfect reason to visit.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making heads turn globally! The actress has surely come a long way, with many films to her credit. Speaking of her next Hollywood outing, The Bluff, she is all set to star alongside Karl Urban. The actress took to her social media handle to share the news piece and wrote, Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. (Mark Twain).

Have a look at the post:

Priyanka Chopra is a global star. Not only does she enjoy unparalleled stardom in India, but in the USA as well. Apart from The Bluff, the actress has a couple of Hollywood projects in the works, including Head of State with John Cena and Citadel 2. The actress will also be making her comeback in Bollywood with the highly anticipated Jee Le Zara with Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.
Bollywoods beloved couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani never fail to impress fans. And today also they have once again set the internet on fire with their new photos. The couple took to their social handle and shared photos donning ethnic attire. Fans cant stop gushing over their latest appearance.

In the photos, Kiara is seen wearing a pastel colour saree with a sequined blouse. She has also kept her makeup to minimalistic and looked very beautiful. Sidharth Malhotra opted for a white colour embroidered kurta with pajamas. Both are making for a super stylish couple. As soon as they shared the photos, fans rushed to the comment section and called them cute. One of them wrote, Cutiesss. Another wrote, Goals.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra)

After celebrating Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre-wedding festivities for three days, Kiara and Sidharth were seen returning to Mumbai. Anant Ambani, 28, the youngest son of chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani, is set to wed Radhika Merchant, 29, the daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant and his wife Shaila Merchant. While the wedding will be held later this year, a three-day pre-wedding bash was organised in Gujarats Jamnagar city from March 1 to 3.

Among the distinguished guests that descended to Jamnagar for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchants pre-wedding bash, several Bollywood celebrities names including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, and Aditya Roy Kapur were spotted attending the grand and special occasion. Diljit Dosanjh, B Praak and pop sensation Rihanna also took the stage and amped up the energy by their performances.

On the work front, Sidharth Malhotra will be next seen in Yodha. The film is releasing on March 15. Kiara Advani will be next seen in Ranveer Singh starrer Don 3.
Shraddha Kapoor celebrated her 37th birthday on March 3 and the wishes came in from all corners. The Aashiqui 2 actress, known for being a favourite among the paparazzi, received a sweet surprise this year. The photographers brought a chocolate cake and her favourite snack items like Vada Pav and Jalebi to mark the special occasion. In return, the actress acknowledged the gesture by thanking them. Despite being in Jamnagar, Gujarat for Mukesh Ambanis son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants pre wedding festivities, where she was joined by her rumoured boyfriend, Rahul Mody, Shraddha returned to Mumbai early to celebrate her birthday with fans and the paparazzi.

In the videos making rounds on social media, the birthday girl can be seen thanking the paparazzi, saying, Guys thank you so much. Thank you. Aap sabko hamesha pata hota hai na mera favourite kya hai. (You always know what my favorite is). The photographers, well aware of her love, responded, Yes, Vada Pav, while Shraddha replied, Thank you so much. Next year na jalebiwala cake. (Next year, bring jalebi cake). The photographers, thrilled by this request, said, Yes, yes definitely. Later, the actress was captured cutting the cake and later shares, Thank you so much, aap sab mujhe bohot saara pyar dete ho hamesha, bohot support karte ho, bohot zyada overwhelm hoti hun aap sab ke pyar se, thank you very very much. (Thank you so much, all of you shower so much love, always support me, I feel overwhelmed with all your love, thank you very very much).

For the special day, Shraddha Kapoor opted to wear a classy yet stylish birthday attire, as she wore denim jeans paired with a white top and a matching blazer, complemented by white sneakers and a stylish golden neckpiece, along with her million dollar smile.

Interestingly, as fans and paparazzi poured their love on Shraddha during her birthday celebration, she responded by making them feel special and extraordinary. As per India Today reports, the actress had extended an invitation to over 30 of her most loyal fans from different parts of India to join her celebration in Mumbai. During the gathering, Shraddha not only spent quality time with her fans, she even went a step further and enjoyed a delicious meal together.

On the work front, Shraddha Kapoor will be next seen in Stree 2 also featuring Rajkumar Rai and Karthik Aaryan starrer Chandu Champion.
It is often brushed aside as a conspiracy theory. But call it the Deep State, reincarnated Illuminati, or the New World Order, it is becoming increasingly evident that extremely powerful and invisible networks are trying to influence how global events unfold.

Whether it is a farmers protest in Indias Punjab or defending the police and pushing underage gender surgeries in the United States to opposing narcotics control legislation in Uganda, there is always shadowy funding and publicity through NGOs, academia, and chosen media outlets.

The Narendra Modi government has banned more than 20,000 NGOs. These were siphoning off money, dodging foreign currency regulations, and/or spending the money to fuel agitations that stymie Indias progress.

These networks of the globalist elite collaborate with diverse forces from the Church to China, Communists to Islamists, whenever there is convergence of objectives. Many including top Republican leaders like Donald Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy have alleged that Western agencies like the FBI and CIA stand compromised.

Free speech on the Internet was an instrument of statecraft almost from the outset of the privatisation of the InternetThe fundamental nature of war changed [with Crimeas annexation]. And NATO, at that point, declared something that they first called the Gerasimov doctrine All you need to do is control the media and the social media ecosystem, because thats what controls elections, says Mike Benz, executive director of Foundation for Freedom Online. NATO was publishing white papers saying that the biggest threat NATO faces is not actually a military invasion from Russia. Its losing domestic elections across Europe to all these right-wing populist groups.

Journalist Tucker Carlsons interview with Benz, who had the cyber portfolio in the state department, is both eye-opening and unnerving at the same time.

Ep. 75 The national security state is the main driver of censorship and election interference in the United States. "What Im describing is military rule," says Mike Benz. "Its the inversion of democracy." pic.twitter.com/hDTEjAf89T Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 16, 2024

Mike Benz analyses the transition from the time the internet was a platform for nearly unchecked free speech and a tool for democratisation to the medium for surveillance, control, and censorship it has become today.

Democracy is getting the NGOs to agree with BlackRock, to agree with the Wall Street Journal, to agree with the community and activist groups who are onboarded with respect to a particular initiative, he says.

Journals like The Economist have come up with the term flawed democracy for nations like India which have refused to kowtow to the globalists writ. This full-blown war on free speech is waged under the pretence of fact-checking, checking hate speech, and combating misinformation.

But behind these benign, democratic-sounding catchphrases is the globalist agenda of the likes of George Soros, the Rothschild family, and Klaus Schwab. They want weak and pliable governments worldwide that host parasites. They resent strong, nationalistic governments that seek to preserve sovereignty and cultural identities. The predatory globalist elite want, many say, to move towards one government or force whose writ runs the planet  legitimately or from behind the curtains.

This is why networks like Soross or the Deep States attack a democracys instinct to safeguard itself. They want the US to defund the police, allow race riots on the streets, cripple the younger generations with gender war. They want Europe to allow demographic shifts through illegal immigration and hijacked institutions. They want Russia and China to be sanctioned into oblivion. They want Africa to be an extremism-torn, famine-ridden treasure trove to be cynically mined by these same, greedy networks.

Then there is India. A rising power and a vibrant democracy under a strong and stable Narendra Modi government, which must be defeated or destabilised. For them, Hindu nationalism, the bulwark of the resurgent civilisation, must be dismantled. Historians to journalists, social activists to senators have been assigned to create the right conditions for anarchy.

As senior journalist Utpal Kumar writes in his book, Bharat Rising: Dharma, Democracy, Diplomacy: One can cite several Western reports pushing the same vacuous, anti-India narrative: that India is an economic powerhouse, but is being run by Hindu nationalists; that Modi is popular but he is authoritarian; that India is a democracy, but a flawed one where minorities are being targeted and oppressed. The above facts are like Biblical commandments, needing no proof whatsoever. India is condemned without even an iota of evidence supporting that, writes Utpal. Ironically, the Wests own record on race and religion has been quite mediocre, if not dubiouswhen such an incident occurs in the US, it becomes a crime case, but in India, the same is projected as an institutional failure, deterioration of democracy, and targeting of minorities, Dalits, and more.

He says while the West passes strictures on the state of the refugee/immigrant situation in India, it signs an anti-migration deal like the one the European Union did with Tunisia. While the West lectured India on the violent and irresponsible farmers agitation, when similar protests rocked Canada and Europe, the same authorities rushed to clamp down.

The Western media relentlessly peddles a narrative that Modi is shrinking the democratic, secular space for minorities, women, and Dalits.

Those who paint Indias anti-minority image in the name of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), gloss over the fact that the Modi government has spent Rs 22,000 crore on minority welfare and awarded scholarships to around 3.14 crore minority students, which is 20 lakh more than provided by the UPA-II dispensation. The minorities are also the biggest beneficiaries of the governments micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) push, as they mostly run or work with small and medium enterprises, Utpak Kumar writes.

On the womens front, this is the first government that has taken up the toilet and swachhatameaning cleanlinessissues with the urgency they required. When Prime Minister Modi first talked about toilets during his Independence Day speech in August 2014, many eyebrows were raised. Women, especially from villages, are the biggest beneficiaries of this scheme. As for Muslim women, this is the first government to bite the triple talaq bullet. With regard to Dalits, one needs to look at the BJPs performance among this community in Uttar PradeshAccording to a Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) post-poll study, the BJPs Jatav base went up from 5 per cent in 2012 to 21 per cent in 2022, and the non-Jatav base grew from 11 per cent in 2012 to forty-one per cent in 2022. How can a party that oppresses the Dalits and discriminates against them get this kind of support?

So, clearly, the agenda is not to push democracy but exactly its opposite. The chief weapons are words and phrases like secular, liberal, combating hate speech and misinformation, fact-check, while inverting them to cover just the opposite.

No nation or democracy must give up its self-preservation instincts. Heads of nations heed Don Vito Corleones advice to his son Michael in The Godfather, albeit slightly rephrasing it: Whoever comes to you offering advice on secularism, liberalism, open societies, and democracy is the enemy.

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
On the night of January 29, at 9 pm, the urban landscape of Mach in the Bolan district of Balochistan resonated with a powerful explosion, its auditory impact extending across several kilometres into the surrounding areas, encompassing the entirety of the city. The series of explosions and gunfire endured over the subsequent 48 hours. Just thirty minutes after the initial event, Jeeyand Baloch, the designated spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), officially confirmed this operation stating, The initiation of Operation Dara-e-Bolan by the BLA has been declared.

Jeeyand Baloch cautioned the Baloch citizenry to exercise restraint, advocating for indoor seclusion and discouraging travel to urban locales. This cautionary guidance explicitly acknowledged the participatory involvement of BLAs Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS), Fateh Squad, and Intelligence Wing in the unfolding operation. These intricate and intense offensive manoeuvres mark a distinctive phase in the Balochistan freedom movement, prompting certain analysts to classify it as a seminal historical episode within the broader scope of Baloch history.

The Baloch Liberation Army orchestrated Operation Dara-e-Bolan, a complex and historically significant offensive in Balochistan comprising 385 freedom fighters. The operation witnessed the active involvement of key BLA units, including the death squad Majeed Brigade, boasting a contingent of 12 members, along with the participation of BLAs Special Tactical Operations Squad and Fateh Squad. The BLAs attack commenced with a suicide bomber from the Majeed Brigade detonating a vehicle laden with explosives at the Pakistani forces headquarters. The assailant, subsequently disclosed as Farooq Syed, alias Chakar, was part of the meticulous planning and execution involved in this attack. Following the detonation, Majeed Brigade members initiated the assault, with other specialised units launching simultaneous attacks on military checkpoints, police stations, and various installations.

The strategic prowess of BLA fighters manifested as they assumed control over pivotal junctures such as the central highway, railway stations, and police stations, all while strategically deploying explosive materials to disrupt railway tracks. This operation marked a watershed moment, representing the inaugural instance of a Baloch pro-independence organisation employing a conventional military-style offensive. The city of Mach, strategically positioned within an 80-kilometre radius, fell under BLA control for an extensive duration of 46 hours. Noteworthy in this operation was the skillful utilisation of modern weaponry by Baloch fighters, including rockets and DShKs, colloquially known as Dashakka, heavy anti-aircraft machine guns that proved instrumental in neutralising military helicopters.

The BLA, cognizant of the sacrifices made, confirmed the demise of 13 of its members during the operation, comprising 12 from the Majeed Brigade and one from the Fateh Squad. Simultaneously, the organisation boldly claimed responsibility for the fatalities of 78 Pakistani troops, encompassing regular army personnel, paramilitary Frontier Corps, and elite commandos from the Special Services Group (SSG). In a multifaceted display of strategic acumen, BLA fighters not only retained control over the military headquarters but also systematically targeted military convoys arriving to aid beleaguered forces. The main highway outside the city became a theatre of conflict, with the BLA tactically engaging death squad memberslocal militias enjoying patronage from the Pakistan armythus adding a layer of complexity to the operation.

Throughout Operation Dara-e-Bolan, there was a discernible fluctuation in the Pakistani governments posture, revealing a vulnerability in the perceived strength of the Pakistan Army. The Information Minister of Balochistan, Jan Achakzai, issued a series of statements during this period, each reflecting a degree of uncertainty. Despite these official communications, public attention remained riveted to the communication channels of the Balochistan Liberation Army on platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Notably, the information minister, in a sequence of statements over the subsequent three days, displayed a palpable sense of unease. Initially, his prompt retraction, a mere half-hour after the attack, conveyed a lack of coherent information, stating, We have received information about a few rocket firings in the mountainous areas.

Subsequently, the minister revised his position, asserting, In Mach, security forces have successfully thwarted three coordinated attacks carried out by militants associated with the Aslam Acho group. Militants have retreated, and our security forces are presently in pursuit. Despite these reassurances, visual evidence provided by Mach residents continued to depict a precarious security situation. Concurrently, the BLAs media channel disseminated content featuring auditory messages from fighters and videos showcasing BLA operatives in the area, underscoring a narrative that contradicted the official stance. This sequence of events contributed to a perception of weakness on the part of the Pakistan Army during the BLA attacks.

In recent times, the Baloch Liberation Army and allied pro-independence factions have undertaken strategic recalibrations in their operational methodologies, notably involving the capture of Pakistani military installations, apprehension of active-duty military officers, and intelligence agency personnel. A seminal event in this trajectory is Operation Dara-e-Bolan, wherein four concomitant BLA units orchestrated the takeover of an urban centre, thereby attesting to the adeptness of the groups combatants. As articulated by BLA spokesperson in an official statement, the overarching objective of Operation Dara-e-Bolan was to exemplify to the Baloch populace the organisational efficacy of their national army, the BLA, in effecting the liberation of a city from the influence of Pakistan and sustaining control over the territory for an uninterrupted period of two days.

This strategic pivot in the Baloch freedom struggle, marked by a shift from mountainous terrains to urban landscapes, is epitomised by the intensity of the aforementioned operation and the protracted occupation of the urban enclave. This development portends a potential augmentation of the Balochistan freedom movement within urban domains in the forthcoming epoch. A historical contextualisation reveals the BLAs track record of successful operations, including the seizure of Chinese Consulates, the High-Security Zone in Gwadar, and intelligence-centric endeavours in Turbat city. However, Operation Dara-e-Bolan, distinguished by the coordinated engagement of four distinct units, serves to underscore the operational prowess of BLA operatives and heralds a departure from antecedent attack modalities.

Over an extended temporal continuum, the youthful demographic of Balochistan has endured consistent persecution and degradation at the hands of the Pakistani military apparatus. Consequently, this prolonged maltreatment has inherently culminated in the validation and acknowledgement of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) within the socio-political landscape of Balochistan.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The Punjab Assembly on Monday witnessed heavy drama after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann engaged in a heated argument with Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

While speaking at the assembly, the chief minister said that Bajwa should tell the party leadership, which includes Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, to not bother giving AAP Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, Haryana or Gujarat as well.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Amid the heated argument between Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Congress MLA and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa in the state assembly, CM Bhagwant Mann says, "Who does Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi sit with? With me. Have you ever sat with them? On one hand, you are pic.twitter.com/xilZG9L5qM ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

Who does Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi sit with? With me. Have you ever sat with them? On one hand, you are making agreements (on seat sharing) with us. Go and tell them (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) not to give Kurukshetra, Delhi and Gujarat (Lok Sabha) seats for us, said Mann.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that it would contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab as well as the Chandigarh seat, a move not taken well by the INDIA bloc.

The confrontation between AAP leaders and Congress began after opposition MLAs entered the well of the House shouting slogans against the chief ministers action of presenting the padlock. The House was then adjourned for 15 minutes as the face-off between the Congress and AAP MLAs escalated.

The heated exchanges between some of the AAP MLAs and the Congress legislators continued even as some MLAs from both parties tried to intervene to calm the situation.

Will Contest From Manns Constituency: Cong Leader Partap Bajwa

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday said that he will contest elections from wherever Bhagwan Mann will want him to.

When the heated argument was going on, CM asked me if I would contest against him in the elections. I told him that from wherever he will contest from Punjab, I will stand against him. I have accepted his challenge openly, Singh said.

Reacting to the ugly spat with Bhagwant Mann in the assembly on Monday, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said that the chief ministers behaviour was unethical and unconstitutional.

Punjab CM @BhagwantMann's utterly unethical and unconstitutional behaviour on the floor of the house during the second day of the budget session is highly deplorable. He made a mockery of the position of CM by asking the Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to lock the Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) March 4, 2024

Manns utterly unethical and unconstitutional behaviour on the floor of the house during the second day of the budget session is highly deplorable. He made a mockery of the position of CM by asking the Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan to lock the house from the inside. He must explain as per what constitutional ground, he attempted to get the house locked. He has crossed all the limits of absurdity. The Punjab CM has not yet answered why his government let the Haryana police commit barbarity on the Punjabi farmers, said Mann.

Before the discussion commenced, Mann gave the Speaker an envelope containing a lock and key asking him to lock the Opposition inside the House so that they dont walk out during a discussion.

Mann also slammed the opposition MLAs for disruption of the Governors address on the opening day of the Budget session on March 1 and demanded a discussion in the House.
Bharatiya Janata Partys Kuljeet Sandhu has been elected to the post of senior deputy mayor in repolls in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation after a closely contested race with Gurpreet Singh Dabi, the joint candidate from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. The elections for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation were held on Monday.

Sandhu secured 19 votes while Congress Gurpreet Gabi got 16 votes. One vote was declared invalid. The result was announced by the mayor. In the 35-member municipal House, the BJP has 17 councillors. The number of BJPs strength increased from 14 to 17 after three AAP councillors switched over to it on February 19. The AAP has 10 members while the Congress has seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor.

The Supreme Court on February 20 had overturned the January 30 results of the Chandigarh mayoral poll in which the BJP candidate had emerged an unlikely winner, and declared defeated AAP-Congress alliance candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the citys new mayor.

The process for election for the two posts is being conducted by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Kumar who recently assumed the charge of Chandigarh mayor. In the January 30 poll, BJPs Manoj Sonkar had defeated Kumar to become mayor.

Alleging tampering of ballots, councillors of the AAP and the Congress boycotted the elections to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, leading to the victory of BJPs Kuljit Sandhu and Rajinder Sharma.

Congress councillors Gurpreet Singh Gabi and Nirmala Devi were the candidates for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. The BJP again fielded Sandhu and Sharma.

Kumar had on Wednesday assumed the charge as mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, over a week after the Supreme Court declared him as the civic body chief.

The mayor is the presiding officer for the elections to the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor.

In the 35-member municipal House, the BJP has 17 councillors. The number of BJPs strength increased from 14 to 17 after three AAP councillors switched over to it on February 19.

Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, who is a BJP member, also has voting rights as an ex-officio member of the corporation.

The AAP has 10 members while the Congress has seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor.

The Congress and the AAP are fighting the polls in alliance.

The court had also ordered prosecution of the returning officer for the poll, Anil Masih, a BJP leader, for his misdemeanour, after finding serious faults in the conduct of the January 30 election. Sonkar had defeated the comfortably placed AAP-Congress alliance candidate after the returning officer declared as invalid eight votes of the coalition partners, drawing accusations of tampering with ballots.

Sonkar of the BJP had defeated Kumar after polling 16 votes against his rivals 12 to bag the mayors post.

Kumar had initially moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the declaration of Chandigarh mayoral result on January 30. After not getting any interim relief, he moved the Supreme Court for quashing the election of the BJP candidate as the mayor.

The Chandigarh administration on Tuesday had placed a formal schedule regarding the polling for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Congress councillors Gabi and Devi, who were the candidates for the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, had moved the high court, challenging the notification of the Chandigarh deputy commissioner for conducting the polls for these posts on February 27.

Then the Union territory administration withdrew its earlier notification and issued the fresh notification for holding the poll on March 4.

(with PTI inputs)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday likened the Congress to an old model of Fiat car even as he took potshots at party leader Rahul Gandhi stating that he was wandering in Chhattisgarh when the Parliaments budget session was going on.

Taking part in the discussion on the governors address on the second day of the budget session, Mann slammed the Punjab Congress members for disrupting the governors address on March 1.

The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)  which are part of the INDIA block  are contesting the Lok Sabha elections in alliance except Punjab. Talking about Gandhi, the chief minister said the senior Congress leader was busy with his yatra in Chhattisgarh when the budget session of the Parliament was going on.

The budget session was going on and the PM was also to speak. But their (Congress) main speaker was wandering in the jungles of Chhattisgarh. Do not know which yatra he was taking out? said Mann. Gandhi was in Chhattisgarh as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Referring to Gandhis last year Bharat Jodo Yatra, Mann said the party leaders had sought security during the yatra which was passing through Punjab. The chief minister said he assured them that adequate security would be provided.

When I asked them what the criteria would be and how much security was needed. They said there is only one criteria and that is that the common man should not come close to Rahul Gandhi, claimed Mann. If you do not want a common man coming close to you then why are you here, he asked apparently pressing the point that the Congress was least bothered about a common man.

Further taking a swipe at the grand old party, Mann said the Congress, which ruled the country for 60 years, neither had any MLA nor MP during 2015 to 2020. They became arrogant when they ruled Delhi for 15 years, he said.

Now they are pleading for giving two to three seats (seat-sharing in Delhi) and asking us to take seats in Gujarat, he said. Mann also stated that 15 days back, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav told him that the Congress has become updated. He said Yadav told him that the Congress demanded one seat in Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress named a candidate who was to be fielded from that seat but he had died nine-and a half-years ago, Mann said referring to what Yadav told him. This much they are updated, Mann said about the Congress.

In reality, the Congress is like an old model of a Fiat car which cannot be updated, he said.

.
Gujarat Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia on Monday resigned from the party and is likely to join the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections. The MLA from Porbandar also resigned from the Gujarat assembly.

Modhwadia may join the BJP on the day when Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will enter Gujarat.

The MLA from Porbandar tendered his resignation to Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar. The Speakers office confirmed that Chaudhary has accepted Modhwadias resignation.With his resignation, the opposition partys strength has reduced to 14 in the 182-member Assembly.

When a party loses its connection with the people, it cannot survive for long. The people of the country wanted the Ram Temple to be constructed. The Congress had also decided that after a constitutional verdict from the Supreme Court, we would support it. Even then the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha was declined. I raised my voice then too, that this would hurt the public sentiment and we should not make such political decisions and that decision showed a lack of connection with the people. I tried to convey my message in several other matters, but I was not successful. Finally, I decided to resign today, Modhwadia said.

Modhwadia, one of the senior-most and influential opposition leaders of Gujarat, had defeated BJP heavyweight Babu Bokhiria in the Porbandar Assembly constituency in the 2022 elections.The resignation of the senior leader comes days before Congress MP Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is to enter Gujarat on March 7.

In a letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Modhwadia said that the party has hurt the sentiments of the people of India by declining the invitation for Ram Lallas Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

Prabhu Ram is not just Pujaniya to Hindus, but he is the Aastha of Bharat. Declining the invitation to witness pran pratishtha has hurt the sentiments of the people of India. Congress as a party failed to assess the sentiments of the peopleTo further distract and humiliate this pious occasion, Rahul Gandhi attempted to create ruckus in Assam which further angered our party cadres and citizens of Bharat, he stated.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 56,000 crore at Adilabad in Telangana on Monday. However, it was not the projects but the bonhomie between the PM and chief minister A Revanth Reddy that caught everyone by surprise.

Besides the two belonging to rival parties, Revanths behaviour was a sharp contrast to that of his predecessor, Bharat Rashtra Samithi founder K Chandrashekar Rao. When his government was in power, KCR skipped almost all the programmes by the Prime Minister. He would not receive PM Modi at the airport and would send a minister instead.

The BJP would frequently lambast the then chief minister for not following protocol and meeting the PM. However, the criticism had little effect on KCR and he kept away from all programmes that involved the Prime Minister.

That is why, when Revanth Reddy accorded a warm welcome to the PM and even called him big brother, it became a talking point. The Prime Minister is like a big brother. With the guidance of the big brother, the chief ministers in the country can put their states on the path to progress, Revanth said.

The chief minister made it clear that the Telangana government was choosing the path of cooperation with the Centre rather than that of confrontation.

We want to take part in the PMs vision of a Rs 5 trillion economy. We want to take Telangana forward just like the PM did in Gujarat, Revanth Reddy added.

The new Congress governments friendly attitude towards the Centre was evident right from the time it came to power. The previous BRS regime had disputes not only with the PM but with governor Tamilisai Soundararajan too.

There were frequent skirmishes over the government not inviting her to events like Republic Day. The Congress government, however, chose to bury the hatchet and has cooperated with the governors office wherever necessary.

Last December, the chief minister met the Prime Minister in Delhi and submitted a list of pending issues.

Revanth made his governments strategy evident at the Adilabad event on Monday. Politics should take place only during elections and not during development. The state and central governments should not fight and instead maintain cordial relations. This is the reason we met the Prime Minister and union ministers without any contention. My government respects those who are in constitutional posts, the CM added.

Revanth appealed to Modi to cooperate in the development of the Hyderabad Metro and Musi Riverfront Development Project. He also requested support in setting up a semiconductor industry in the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday slammed the government over the State Bank of India moving the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time to disclose electoral bond details, terming it a last-ditch attempt before the Lok Sabha polls to hide Prime Minister Narendra Modis real face.

The State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time till June 30 to disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties. In its verdict last month, the top court directed the SBI to furnish the details to the poll panel by March 6.

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, Narendra Modi has put his entire force in order to hide the donation business.

When the Supreme Court has stated that it is the right of the people of the country to know the truth about electoral bonds, then why does the SBI not want this information to be made public before the elections? the former Congress chief said. Asking for time till June 30 to provide information that can be retrieved in one click shows that the whole matter is fishy, he claimed.

Every independent organization of the country is becoming part of the Modani family in trying to cover up their corruption, Gandhi alleged, adding, This is the last ditch attempt to hide Modis real face before the elections.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also slammed the government over the issue. Aap chronology samjhiye: first elections, then disclosure of electoral bonds. What makes the ruling party so nervous about revealing the source of its bottomless campaign finance coffers? he asked in a post on X.

Remember that the analysis of direct campaign donations and electoral trust donations revealed that 30 plus firms that had been raided by the ED/IT/CBI donated Rs 335 crore to the BJP after the raids. The BJP got the majority (60 plus %) of its campaign funds from electoral bonds. What ill-deeds of the Modi Sarkar will the disclosure of the electoral bonds funds reveal? Ramesh posed.

In an application filed before the top court, SBI contended that retrieval of information from each silo and the procedure of matching the information of one silo to that of the other would be a time-consuming exercise.

The plea submitted that due to stringent measures undertaken to ensure that the identity of the donors was kept anonymous, decoding the electoral bonds and matching donors to the donations made would be a complex process.

It is submitted that the data related to the issuance of the bond and the data related to the redemption of the bond was kept recorded in two different silos. No central database was maintained. This was done to ensure that donors anonymity would be protected.

It is submitted that donor details were kept in a sealed cover at the designated branches and all such sealed covers were deposited in the main branch of the applicant bank, which is located in Mumbai, the plea said.

In a landmark judgement that delivered a big blow to the government, the Supreme Court on February 15 annulled the electoral bonds scheme for political funding, saying it violates the Constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to information.

In its verdict months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the apex court ordered SBI to disclose to the Election Commission the names of the contributors to the six-year-old scheme.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed that the SBI must disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties.

The information should include the date of encashment and the denomination of the bonds and be submitted to the poll panel by March 6.
The Calcutta High Court reserved its verdict on transferring the investigation into sexual abuse and land grab allegations levelled by the women of West Bengals Sandeshkhali against jailed and suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday.

Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested and suspended from the Trinamool Congress last week.

Following his arrest, the Calcutta High Court stated that the court had no sympathy for the Trinamool leader, thus asking his lawyers to appear before it on March 4, when a suo motu motion on alleged sexual atrocities and land grabbing of tribal people at Sandeshkhali will be heard.

During the hearing, the lawyers appearing for central agencies, CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) said the state police acted in collusion with the accused and the matter needed to be transferred to the CBI.

However, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told the court that the state police did not do anything and mischievously arrested him in specific matters to defeat the investigation.

He said, Let him be sent to CBI custody otherwise his arrest is a farce. It will not lead to an investigation and no one will get custody after 15 days. The matter has to be heard immediately.

If there is a joint investigation, information will be leaked because the police collude with the accused. The main accused is a member of TMC, he added.

The Attorney General, appearing for the Bengal government, said unrelated cases were being dragged into the transfer matter, adding that central agencies were not cooperative.

Investigation is a state subject and thats why Bengal Police shall be the one probing, the Bengal AG said.

Responding to him, ASG SV Raju said, Our allegations were not against Bengal Police. We alleged that we were assaulted because a minister was involved. The FIR was diluted, and the offence of Section 307 under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) wasnt added.

A six-member fact-finding team of an NGO on Sunday went to some villages in West Bengals Sandeshkhali, which has been witness to widespread protests over allegations of sexual atrocities and land grabs by local TMC leaders.

Former chief justice of Patna High Court, L Narasimha Reddy, who is leading the team, said they will visit three villages at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district.

The NGO had moved the court, claiming that the police stopped them from going to Sandeshkhali on February 25, and sought its direction to allow them to visit the area and speak to victims of alleged atrocities.
Google has reinstated some of the apps of Indian digital companies it delisted from the Play Store.

As confirmed via the Play store, the tech giant reinstated some of the apps such as Shaadi.com, Info Edges Naukri, 99acres and Naukri Gulf, and others.

Info Edge co-founder Sanjeev Bikchandani also confirmed the development in a post on X.

Many of the Info Edge apps are back on the Play Store. An effort very well led by Hitesh (Hitesh Oberoi) and the entire Info Edge team. People were up all night for this. Great crisis management, he posted.

Earlier in the day, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) slammed removal of Indian companies apps and asked Google to reinstate those delisted apps on its Play Store.

Google had delisted more than a dozen apps by major Indian digital companies including Matrimony, and Shaadi.com from Play Store.

The move comes after Google announced its plan to take action against 10 developers who had refused to comply with its payment policy, despite following the payment policies of other app stores.

Applications from companies like Altt, Stage, and Aha streaming platforms, Truly Madly and Quack Quack dating apps, Kuku FM audio content platform, and FRND social networking app have also been delisted by Google.
The Cabinet last week approved three major semiconductor projects, with an estimated investment of Rs 1.26 lakh crore to be established in Gujarat and Assam. The move comes when India is poised to expand its role in global semiconductor value chains, according to a report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

The report, titled Assessing Indias Readiness to Assume a Greater Role in Global Semiconductor Value Chains, underscores Indias potential to significantly enhance its presence in the semiconductor industry. With a large and growing consumer and business marketplace, coupled with strengths in electronics production and global supply chain rebalancing, the report urges India to seize the opportunity to bolster its position in global semiconductor value chains.

According to the ITIF report, India could establish up to five semiconductor assembly, test, and packaging (ATP) facilities over the next five years, while attracting fabs producing legacy semiconductors at 28 nm or above. This expansion would leverage Indias extensive experience in semiconductor design, where it currently accounts for 20 per cent of the worlds integrated circuit (IC) design workforce, employing over 125,000 workers.

However, the semiconductor industry faces a global shortage of talent. While India graduates over 800,000 engineers annually, only a small fraction are deemed industry-ready upon graduation. The report emphasises the need for better courses, training, and preparedness to bridge this gap and capitalise on Indias pool of engineering talent. So, the industry believes that with major chip companies expressing interest in India and its supportive policies, the nation is poised to enhance its technical capabilities and expand its talent pool.

The India Perspective

Commenting on the report and the semiconductor ecosystem, Sanjay Gupta, chairperson of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), while speaking to News18, highlighted the thriving nature of the ecosystem within the country.

Gupta noted that various stakeholders, including electronic companies, semiconductor firms, and software companies, are actively engaging with the ecosystem. He emphasised that Indias semiconductor manufacturing encompasses a wide range of industries, including chemical and gas companies, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the ecosystem.

Gupta, pointing to Indias emergence as a viable alternative in the global semiconductor value chain, said: While countries like Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia excel in logistics and infrastructure, India offers unique advantages, including its demographic profile and scalability.

With India projected to remain the youngest country in the world for the next four decades, coupled with its ability to scale, Gupta asserted that India is poised to become a major player in the semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, addressing the requirements for semiconductor manufacturing, Gupta outlined 10 critical factors, including uninterrupted electricity and water supply, robust logistics infrastructure, access to talent, and government support for clearances and visas.

He also highlighted Indias track record of maintaining stable policies which has instilled trust among global investors. He pointed out the fact that leadership within the government is also one of the key factors that contributes to the stability of policies, thereby attracting major investments.

While talking about the report, he further underscored the significance of Indias domestic market in driving semiconductor consumption. He pointed out that while other countries may heavily rely on exports, Indias economy is poised to thrive on domestic consumption. With projections indicating substantial growth in semiconductor consumption within the country, he emphasised the potential for India to establish a self-sustaining semiconductor industry catering to local needs. This, he argued, would not only reduce dependency on imports but also contribute to the stability of the Indian economy by mitigating fiscal deficits and currency devaluation risks.

Echoing Guptas thoughts, Ashok Chandak, president of IESA, also said: Given its rapidly expanding domestic market, a well-developed design ecosystem, supportive government policies, and concerted industry collaboration to tap global markets, the present juncture presents a unique opportunity for the establishment of semiconductor manufacturing in India. The report underscores Indias tremendous progress towards becoming a prime destination for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, capitalizing on its robust semiconductor design ecosystem.

However, the report also aims to inform government efforts in deepening commercial ties between the US and India in the semiconductor sector while highlighting the fact that in recent years companies have turned to a China-plus-one or China-plus-two strategy in order to bolster their supply chain resilience.

John Neuffer, president, and CEO of Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said: This is an exciting moment in history for the semiconductor industry and for strategic cooperation between the US and India. India is already an important link in the global semiconductor supply chain and has the opportunity to expand its role in our sector. While global competition for semiconductor investment is fierce, Indias value proposition is strong.

Overall it is understood that with the governments support and industry collaboration, India is well-positioned to strengthen its foothold in the global semiconductor value chains, contributing to the countrys technological advancement and economic growth.
While appearance could be significant for many, it shouldnt become an obsession. Obsessing over ones appearance can lead to various physical and mental health issues. This fact was starkly illustrated by the story of a Chinese woman who, in an attempt to resemble a celebrity, underwent numerous surgeries and treatments, resulting in severe health consequences. Zhou Chuna, an 18-year-old from Zhejiang province in eastern China, embarked on this journey, funded by her parents, to transform herself into the image of her favourite Chinese actress, Esther Yu.

Zhous journey began at the tender age of 13 when she had her first plastic surgeryan eyelid procedure. Over the years, she underwent a staggering ten eyelid surgeries, along with multiple bone shavings and over 100 other medical procedures, costing her family more than Rs 4.6 crore. However, what started as an innocent desire to enhance her appearance quickly spiralled into an unhealthy obsession that took a toll on her physical and mental well-being.

Throughout her school years, Zhou struggled with anxiety and depression, exacerbated by comparisons to her attractive mother and feelings of inferiority compared to her classmates. These insecurities led her to pursue more surgeries, eventually dropping out of school to focus solely on altering her appearance.

Despite warnings from her doctor, Zhou continued with her surgeries, even undergoing the most painful procedures, such as bone shaving, which left her bedridden for weeks. Reflecting on her transformation, she expressed sadness over being unrecognisable to her old friends and the reluctance of her parents to acknowledge her as their daughter when questioned by others.

Zhous story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming fixated on appearance. It highlights the importance of prioritising mental and physical health over unrealistic beauty standards and societal pressures. Ultimately, true beauty lies in self-acceptance and inner confidence, rather than external modifications.
Jason Haney, a construction worker from Indiana, USA, became a local hero after he developed a seek-and-find game for the kids who were seeking treatment at the Memorial Childrens Hospital. Back in 2016, Haney was working on the construction of a new wing of Memorial Childrens Hospital when he decided to make an eight-foot tall cutoff of the popular puzzle book character called Waldo. Haney began hiding this cut-out at the construction site that was next to the hospital and was visible from the hospital beds. The kids would scan the construction site and try to spot the Waldo cut-off through their windows.

This small but impactful gesture of kindness won over patients and the hospital staff alike. Heidi Prescott, the hospitals media relations specialist, told ABC News, Ive been watching the kids run over to the window and look out for Waldo. On a daily basis, our pediatric patients look forward to going to the windows in their playrooms in their unit to try to figure out Wheres Waldo? It usually only takes a few minutes before they see him peering out of the big scaffolding, but it truly brightens their day.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNILAD (@unilad)

Haney told the news portal that he made the cut-out with the help of his teenage daughter. He explained that his family understood how hard it was to spend time in hospitals for long periods. When his daughter was three, they found that she had brain damage which could hinder her growth and intellectual development. One of the doctors predicted that she might not learn past the grade three level. Fortunately. Haneys daughter made an incredible recovery and graduated school with honours and got admission to Ball State University.

While speaking to the media outlet, Haney said that he started making four smaller Minion characters that he would start hiding similarly. Since these characters would be smaller in size, they would be easier to hide.

Talking about his playful initiative, he said, I just did it so the kids could take their mind off what theyre doing, so they could get out of their room and walk over to the playroom and have a little bit of fun. Im just glad that theyre enjoying it and its helping. Im glad to have the opportunity to do it.
One can trust MrBeast aka Jimmy Donaldson to come up with some of the most bizarre, grand, and extreme videos. Recently, Jimmy and his friends tried to spend seven days in an abandoned city. The 25-year-old YouTuber and his friends were dropped on top of a building in Kupari, an abandoned coastal village in Croatia. Kupari was abandoned after it was bombed heavily during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s. The small village comprises seven massive hotels, the oldest of which, Grand Hotel Kupari, was built in 1920. Jimmy and his friends were given a stock of supplies such as sleeping bags, instant food, and water to survive in the city. While sharing this video, Jimmy described the experience as one of the hardest challenges weve ever done."

On their first day, the group first established a base in a building that was open from the sides. This exposed them to extreme cold in the night. During the night, they also heard sounds of breaking glass, which was later revealed to be done by science YouTuber Mark Rober who was part of the challenge. At some point in the video, two of the team members left the challenge after half of their water supply got damaged. It left only Jimmy and Mark to finish the challenge.

So far this 17-minute-long video has gathered over 67 million views, since it was posted on March 2. Commenting on it, a user wrote, Love how the man is so successful yet still enjoys living with 3 sticks and a rock for a week. Pure entertainer." Another commented, Imagine Jimmy renovates the whole city."

However, some people were displeased by Jimmys team members abandoning the challenge mid-way. A user commented, It wasnt a challenge if you were willing to quit based on a loss of supplies, even water. It would have been way more interesting if you made any effort towards foraging for supplies and finding a new water source." Another sarcastically wrote, So they basically survived with all the resources made available beforehand."

This is not the first time that Jimmy has made videos on survival challenges. In August last year, one of his videos titled 7 Days Stranded at Sea recorded a staggering 46 million views in just 23 hours.

New video broke the world record for most views in 24 hours on a non music video! Im living the life I would dream of every night when I was 13.. I love all of you and thank you so much for watching our videos!!! Ill never take you all for granted  pic.twitter.com/mXZTipLjHa MrBeast (@MrBeast) August 6, 2023

Jimmy shared this moment on X (Formerly Twitter) and wrote, New video broke the world record for most views in 24 hours on a non music video! Im living the life I would dream of every night when I was 13. I love all of you and thank you so much for watching our videos!!! Ill never take you all for granted."

He added, Also, I dont ever want to hear I only get views because I give away money. We broke the world record with me and my friends suffering and cracking jokes lol."
After more than a decade in the workforce, Nupur Dave decided to bid farewell to her role at Google. However, as she embarked on this new chapter, she found herself grappling with regret.

In 2022, Nupur Dave, a 40-year-old woman from Bengaluru, made the bold decision to resign from her position at Google. With 11 years of experience working in the United States, she felt financially secure and opted for an early retirement. Despite earning approximately Rs 82 lakh per year during her tenure in San Francisco, she began to second-guess her choice just two days after leaving her job.

I quit my job on a Friday, Dave told Business Insider. By Monday evening, I was just bawling, she continued. I was crying my eyes out because I realized that I need to be with people, she explained, emphasizing the sudden realisation of her need for human connection.

Dave had big plans for her retirement like writing her third book, catching up with old coworkers, and interacting with entrepreneurs and artists at co-working spaces. But things didnt go as expected. Nupur Dave soon realised she wouldnt have the same connection with her ex-colleagues anymore.

The loneliness of the co-working space actually hit me when I physically went in there and sat down  it was completely empty, Dave said.

For the following weeks, Nupur Dave found herself moving between different co-working spaces. Some were fully occupied, while others were nearly empty, serving mainly as placeholders for remote companies.

I was not making friends, and I didnt feel inspired by the physical surroundings of the coworking space, she explained.

Nupur then decided to move back to India where she joined FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community.

The whole idea of FIREing was possible because Im in India, she told Business Insider. Theres no way I could have FIREd in the US. Everything is much more doable in India, and you can still maintain a life of luxury.

She also mentioned having hired household help for cooking and cleaning, which cost from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 per month.

Within four months, Nupur Dave found herself stepping away from the FIRE community as she assumed the position of Head of Special Projects at an electric vehicle infrastructure company in Bengaluru.

I am in corporate right now, but my goals are different, Dave said. It is not to build a career or make wealth out of this, but to see people every day and make sort of a predictable routine for myself, she added.
US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday bluntly called out Israel for not taking major steps to contain the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The remarks come as US President Joe Biden, who is seeking reelection, faces growing calls from the left of the Democratic Party to rein in US close ally as its war against Hamas in Gaza continues.

What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating, and our common humanity compels us to act. Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks. pic.twitter.com/mst8N9HxKa  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) March 3, 2024

Her remarks also come after Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday. Hamas also rejected the demand for a complete list naming the hostages that are still alive. Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Lets get a ceasefire. Lets reunite the hostages with their families. And lets provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza, Harris said.

The remarks were also made from a historically significant location  the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama is the place where state troopers (state police) beat Black American civil rights activists, who were marching demanding equal voting rights. The incident came to be known as the Bloody Sunday.

Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept a deal to release hostages in return for a 6-week cessation of hostilities. However, the bulk of her remarks were directed towards Israel.

Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Monday at the White House, where she is expected to deliver a similarly direct message, according to a report by Reuters.

People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act. The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses, Harris said at an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Alabama. Her remarks appeared to be the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the US over the conditions in the Palestinian territory.

It is imperative that we expand the flow of aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. People urgently need more food, water, and other assistance.Thats why the U.S. is working to get more aid in through every available channel, including air drops. https://t.co/GuZwzdC4W6  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 4, 2024

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that it is necessary to expand the flow of aid into Gaza for the civilian population. It is imperative that we expand the flow of aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. People urgently need more food, water, and other assistance. Thats why the US is working to get more aid through every available channel, including air drops, Blinken said, highlighting the mission launched by the US to airdrop aid packages into Gaza.

Harris comments also display the intense frustration the left-wingers within the Democratic Party are feeling as Biden struggles to contain Israels military operation in Gaza, which Gazan authorities (backed by Hamas) claim has taken over 29,000 lives, mostly women and children.
Raising concerns about the obstacles to aid in Gaza, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) on Sunday said that the tragic and horrific deaths of children in the Palestinian territory are man-made, predictable, and entirely preventable.

The child deaths we feared are here, as malnutrition ravages the Gaza Strip. At least ten children have reportedly died because of dehydration and malnutrition in Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Northern Gaza Strip in recent days, said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement on March 3.

At least 10 children have reportedly died because of dehydration and malnutrition in Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Northern Gaza Strip in recent days.Statement by @AdeleKhodr, on malnourished babies in #Gaza slowly perishing under the worlds gaze:https://t.co/3h7eSGt7ss pic.twitter.com/7nJuGHpMac  UNICEF MENA       (@UNICEFmena) March 3, 2024

Khodr said there are likely more children fighting for their lives somewhere in one of Gazas few remaining hospitals, and likely even more children in the north unable to obtain care at all. These tragic and horrific deaths are man-made, predictable and entirely preventable, she added.

The UNICEF official issued a stark warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region amid Israels war against Hamas. She stressed the dire consequences of widespread shortages in essential resources such as food, water, and medical services, particularly in the Northern Gaza Strip.

She said that the disparities in aid availability between the north and south regions underscore the urgent need for unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance. This warning comes as malnutrition screenings conducted by UN agencies reveal alarming rates of acute malnourishment among children under two years old, with significantly higher numbers in areas facing aid restrictions.

Khodr stressed that the situation has reached a critical point, with the looming threat of a dramatic increase in child deaths if immediate action is not taken. She highlighted the anguish of parents and healthcare providers as they witness preventable tragedies unfold due to inaccessible lifesaving aid.
China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military aid to build stronger bilateral relations with Male. This development came weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Chinas Major General Baoqun signed an agreement on Chinas provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties, the Maldivian defence ministry posted on its X handle. However, the details of the defence cooperation deal were not provided.

Minister of Defence @mgmaumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Peoples Republic of China, signed an agreement on Chinas provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering pic.twitter.com/OeaAe2QZr9 Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) March 4, 2024

This deal also came days after Male allowed Xiang Yang Hong 03, a hi-tech Chinese research ship to make a port call for the rotation of its personnel and replenishment amid security concerns from India. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously defended the port call by the Chinese research ship to the Maldives saying, Chinas scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanitys scientific understanding of the ocean.

Earlier, pro-China President Muizzu has set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country. The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.

After meetings of the high-level core group that was set up to address the issue of withdrawal of the Indian military personnel, the Maldivian foreign ministry had said India will replace all its military personnel in two phases by May 10. Indian military personnel are in the country, primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft that have carried out hundreds of medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

The ties between the two countries came under some strain since Muizzu came to power in November last year. Muizzu maintained after assuming charge as the president that he would keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country. Muizzu defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year. The current government has said that it was reviewing more than 100 agreements signed with India by the previous governments.

(With agency inputs)
The UK government after noticing a shocking increase in extremist activity said new laws are being drawn up to block hate preachers from entering the UK. A report by the Telegraph said the home office is looking to break what it believes to be an alliance between the far-left anti-democratic groups and Islamic extremists.

Under the new plan, officials will identify most dangerous extremists from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia. These people will then be added to visa warning lists. Those on the list will be automatically refused entry to the UK.

This month the Government will implement a new robust framework with how we deal with this issue to ensure we are dealing with the root cause of this problem and that no extremist groups or organisations are being leant legitimacy by their actions and interactions with central Government. You cannot be part of our civil life if your agenda is to tear it down, UK PM Rishi Sunak said while speaking on the steps on Downing Street on Friday.

Rishi Sunak said the Home Secretary has instructed that those in the UK on visas who choose to spew hate will have their right to be in the country removed, according to the UK Press Association.

UK ministers also believe that existing national security powers will help efforts to halt people who are deemed to be non-conducive to the public good from entering the UK.

Individuals with a track record of preaching racism, incitement or using intimidation or violence to undermine the democratic process could be blocked under the new rules.

The move also comes after the election of George Galloway as the MP for Rochdale. Galloway after winning from Rochdale dedicated his victory to the people of Gaza. This is for Gaza, Rochdale said.

I despise the prime minister. And guess what? Millions and millions and millions of people in this country despise the prime minister. I do not respect the prime minister at all, Galloway said.

Rishi Sunak said that the election of George Galloway as the MP for Rochdale was horrifying.

And its beyond alarming that last night, the Rochdale by-election returned a candidate that dismisses the horror of what happened on October 7, who glorifies Hezbollah and is endorsed by Nick Griffin, the racist former leader of the BNP, Sunak said.

Nearly everyone in Britain supports these basic values. But there are small and vocal hostile groups who do not. Islamist extremists, and the far right feed off and embolden each other. They are equally desperate to pretend that their violence is somehow justified, when actually these groups are two sides of the same extremist coin, he further added.
French lawmakers on Monday approved a bill that makes abortion a constitutional right in the country, a world first that has garnered overwhelming public support.

A congress of both houses of parliament gathered in a special chamber at the Palace of Versailles.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had urged lawmakers to make history, saying the freedom to abort remained in danger. Our freedoms are in essence threatened at the mercy of decision makers, he said.

In one generation, one year, one week, you can go from one thing to the opposite, he added, referring to rights reversals in the United States, Hungary and Poland.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged last year to enshrine abortion  legal in France since 1975  in the constitution after the United States Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the half-century-old right to the procedure, allowing individual American states to ban or curtail it.

In January Frances lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, overwhelmingly approved making abortion a guaranteed freedom in the constitution. The upper house, the Senate, followed suit on Wednesday.

When political campaigning began in earnest in 1971, we could never have imagined that the right to abortion would one day be written into the constitution, Claudine Monteil, head of the Femmes Monde (Women in the World) association, told AFP.

Monteil was the youngest signatory to the Manifesto of the 343, a 1971 petition that 343 women signed, admitting to having illegally terminated a pregnancy.

At the time, an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 women aborted each year.

Abortion was legalised in France in a law championed by health minister Simone Veil, a womens rights icon granted the rare honour of burial at the Pantheon after her death in 2018.

Leah Hoctor, of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said France could offer the first explicit broad constitutional provision of its kind, not just in Europe, but also globally.

A majority of the French public support the move to give the right to abortion extra protection, according to polls.

A November 2022 survey by French polling group IFOP found that 86 percent of French people supported inscribing it in the constitution.

(With AFP inputs)
Shehbaz Sharif, soon after taking oath as Pakistan Prime Minister for the second time, lost no time and raked the Kashmir issue again and called for a resolution for the Kashmiri and Palestinian people in the Pakistan National Assembly.

Lets all come togetherand the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians, Shehbaz Sharif said in his maiden speech after being chosen to lead the nation, even though it is widely known that his elder brother and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will make all decision regarding the running of the federal government.

Even though the Pakistan Prime Minister pledged to improve ties with neighbours, a report by the Times of India which cited people familiar with the developments, said that Pakistan is unlikely to retreat from its stance where it has said that it will only normalise relations with India only if the latter rolls back the August 2019 decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The report also said that Indias message to Pakistan would be to focus on creating an environment free of terror in the region and not meddle in the affairs of its neighbours. The report also did not rule out the possibility of a congratulatory message from PM Narendra Modi to Shehbaz.

The report also pointed out that Shehbaz Sharifs message on Kashmir could have been made to keep partners of the shaky coalition led by him happy. His party in the election manifesto said that Pakistan will only restore normal ties with India only if it restores Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state. The Sharifs, according to observers, have regained power with the help of the Pakistan Army, which did not favour Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The TOI report also said that Islamabad is of the belief that any forward movement to restore relations can only happen after the Lok Sabha elections. Currently, junior foreign service officials of Pakistan are officiating as charge daffaires. This has been going on since 2019 because of Pakistans decision to recall its high commissioner that year following the abrogation of Article 370.

India is sticking to its policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and Union external affairs minister S Jaishankar has ruled out the revival of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) this weekend because of Pakistans backing of cross-border terrorism.

The report said that early elections in Jammu and Kashmir and restoration of statehood, as asked for by the Supreme Court, remains the only hope to bring back normalcy in bilateral relations.
Study permit applications from Indian students seeking to join Canadian higher education institutions experienced a decline in 2023, dropping by over 15 percent compared to the previous year.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed a decrease from 363,484 applications in 2022 to 307,603 in 2023. A notable reduction was there in the last quarter of 2023, plummeting by 42% from the previous year.

Despite the decline in applications, the number of study permits issued to Indian students increased, reaching a record high of 278,860 in 2023 compared to 225,820 in 2022. Indian students constituted over 41% of all study permit holders, reflecting their significant presence in Canadian higher education. The drop in applications was attributed to various factors, including concerns over housing affordability and strained bilateral relations.

In September of last year, tension flared between India and Canada after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about potential links between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. On September 20, an advisory for Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada was issued, cautioning them about their travel.

Earlier this year, the Canadian government announced measures to regulate the influx of international students. Ottawa unveiled an intake cap expected to result in a 35% reduction compared to 2023, with around 360,000 approved study permits anticipated for the year. Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller described the cap as temporary, set for two years pending reassessment in 2025
Underlining the long-standing relations between India and Russia, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday praised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for navigating bilateral ties amid the Ukraine conflict.

He made these remarks while responding to a question on Indias oil purchases during the World Youth Forum in the Russian city of Sochi. During an interactive session, Lavrov stressed the historical ties between the two countries, particularly Moscows support for New Delhi during the Cold War period when the West withheld advanced weaponry.

Russian FM recalls words of amigo Jaishankar, who advised Europeans to look at themselves before lecturing othersMy friend, Foreign Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, was once at the UN, giving a speech. He was asked why they started buying so much oil from Russia. He pic.twitter.com/nD4C0YHMDj  Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) March 4, 2024

My friend, Foreign Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, was once at the UN, giving a speech. He was asked why they started buying so much oil from Russia. He advised them to mind their own business and reminded them at the same time how much oil the West had started buying and continued to buy oil from the Russian Federation. This is national dignity, Lavrov was quoted as saying by Sputnik news agency.

Lavrov, who is the longest-serving Russian foreign minister since the fall of the Soviet Union, highlighted the collaborative defence projects, such as the joint production of high-tech missiles like the BrahMos. In those years, when the West did not even think of transferring modern weapons to India, the Soviet Union, and later Russia, not only did so, but also set up joint production of high-tech missiles [including the] BrahMos. That is why we remember [our] friendship, we never forget ourselves and we see that the Indian people have the same qualities, Lavrov said.

Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. For several decades, the development of relations with Russia has been a key pillar of Indias foreign policy. Jaishankar told a German daily last month that Russia has never hurt Indias interests. In an interview in Germany, Jaishankar had said every country conducts a relationship based on their past experiences.

If I look at the history of India post-independence, Russia has never hurt our interests. The relations of powers like Europe, the US, China or Japan with Russia, they have all seen ups and downs. We have had a stable and always very friendly relationship with Russia. And our relationship with Russia today is based on this experience, he had said.

Russia, historically a minor exporter of fuel to India, began boosting shipments after the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. While expanding trade with Moscow, New Delhi has consistently called for complete cessation of all hostilities. On the issue of Russian oil imports, India has also maintained that it will continue to take calls based on its national interest.
Nikki Haley on Sunday won the Republican presidential primary in Washington DC, marking her first victory as she fights to remain relevant in her nomination race against former US President Donald Trump. The victory is symbolic in nature as Washington is a solidly Democratic town with a small number of registered Republicans. There are just 22,000 registered Republicans in Washington DC, according to CNN.

The victory comes just ahead of a decisive Super Tuesday in which 15 states and one territory will vote in the nominating process.

In Washington, Haley won 63% of the votes in a primary held in just one place  a downtown hotel, according to Politico, which quoted Washington party officials. In the 2020 election against Trump, then candidate Joe Biden won 92 percent of the votes in Washington.

The city has never produced a majority vote for a Republican presidential candidate.

Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos, the Haley campaign said after the win. Donald Trumps campaign team in a statement said Haleys win is a statement on Nikki Haley Being Crowned Queen of The Swamp.

Tonights results in Washington DC reaffirm the object of President Trumps campaign - he will drain the swamp and put America first, the statement further added.

Super Tuesday, a pivotal moment in the presidential race, looms on the horizon and for Donald Trump, it is a significant step towards clinching the Republican Partys nomination for the presidency. Having already secured victories in all early state primaries, Trump stands on the verge of consolidating his position as the frontrunner.

Super Tuesday also presents Haley with her final opportunity to disrupt Trumps steady march towards re-emerging as the Republican Partys standard-bearer.

The Republican and Democratic nominating contests that play out across the United States every four years serve to elect delegates to the national conventions, where they formally select their partys presidential nominee.

Most of the 15 states holding primaries on Super Tuesday award them on a winner-takes-all basis, meaning a strong second place showing can result in zero delegates for that candidate.

Its a system that tends to favor front-runners, and for Nikki Haley, the sole remaining challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, its one that has dulled her already razor thin chances.

Haley won 40 percent of the vote in her home state of South Carolina, but received only three delegates, while Trump added 47 to his seemingly unassailable tally.

On Sunday night Haley with her first primary win, in Washington, DC, gained 19 delegates.

(with inputs from AFP)
The Kremlin on Monday said the content of leaked conversations between German officials discussing potential strikes on Crimea proved Western countries were participating in the conflict in Ukraine.

The leaks came as an embarrassment for Berlin, which is under pressure to supply Taurus missiles to Kyiv struggling with ammunition shortages.

The conversations once again highlight the direct involvement of the collective West in the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

A 38-minute recording of talks between German officers was posted late on Friday on Russian social media.

The officers were discussing the possible use in Ukraine of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact.

Topics included aiming the missiles at targets such as a key bridge over the Kerch strait linking the Russian mainland to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Germany said it believed the recording featured an intercepted conversation in the air force division but could not tell whether or not it had been edited.

Plans to strike

The Kremlin spokesman said the recording in itself suggests that the Bundeswehr is discussing substantively and specifically plans to strike Russian territory.

Peskov was speaking as the German ambassador to Russia was summoned to the foreign ministry in Moscow.

Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff left the ministry building without giving any comment, Russian news agencies reported.

The day before, Germany had accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to sow disunity with the leak.

It is about using this recording to destabilise and unsettle us, said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, adding that he hoped that Putin will not succeed.

Pistorius said he was not aware of any further leaks at the army and added that he would await the result of a military probe into the case before drawing any conclusions.

Kyiv has long been clamouring for Germany to provide it with Taurus missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometres (about 300 miles) away.

Information war

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far refused to send the missiles, fearing that it would lead to an escalation of the conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.

With Russias offensive in Ukraine in its third year, Kyiv has ramped up its pleas for more military support from allies.

On the frontlines, its soldiers are outgunned and outnumbered and ammunition shortages are being felt.

France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometres.

But Scholz on Monday said that Germany could not justify matching British and French moves in sending long-range missiles to Ukraine and supporting the weapon systems deployment.

Part of the conversation in the leaked recording however appeared to call into question Scholzs explanation on why he could not provide Kyiv with the missiles.

The acquisition of Taurus missiles would provide a massive boost for Ukraine as Kyiv struggles to fend off Russias invigorated push on the frontlines.

With politicians in Germany urging answers over the wiretap, Pistorius warned that the leak is part of an information war that Putin is carrying out.

We should not fall for Putins line, he said.
The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot.

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states, without action from Congress first, cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. The outcome ends efforts in Colorado, Illinois, Maine and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his partys nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Trumps case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with a provision of the 14th Amendment that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from holding office again. Colorados Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.

Some election observers have warned that a ruling requiring congressional action to implement Section 3 could leave the door open to a renewed fight over trying to use the provision to disqualify Trump in the event he wins the election. In one scenario, a Democratic-controlled Congress could try to reject certifying Trumps election on Jan. 6, 2025, under the clause.

The issue then could return to the court, possibly in the midst of a full-blown constitutional crisis. Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which heard arguments less than a month ago, on Feb. 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Trumps favor. Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Courts decision.

The case is the courts most direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore, a decision delivered a quarter-century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush. And its just one of several cases involving Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. The timing of the high courts intervention has raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.

The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3. The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency. Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.

The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Trumps name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to fight like hell. They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.

Trumps lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment cant be used to keep him off the ballot. They contended the Jan. 6 riot wasnt an insurrection and, even if it was, Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.

The case was decided by a court that includes three justices appointed by Trump when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.

The 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then. Thomas has ignored calls by some Democratic lawmakers to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Trumps effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Monday said China was violating fundamental rights in Xinjiang and Tibet regions and called on Beijing to change course. Turk called on Beijing to implement recommendations made by his office and other human rights bodies in relation to laws, policies and practices that violate fundamental human rights.

Giving a global update to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the 55th session of the council, he also urged the Chinese government to release human rights defenders, lawyers, and others detained under legislation that contravenes international human rights standards. In the northwestern Xinjiang region, China is accused of incarcerating more than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. However, Beijing rejects the charges.

A report by former human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, released just minutes before her term ended in 2022, cites possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. The report detailed credible evidence of torture, forced medical treatment and sexual or gender-based violence  as well as forced labour. However, it stopped short of labelling Beijings actions in Xinjiang a genocide.

55 ongoing crises

Speaking at UNHRC in Geneva, Turk said, I also call on the Government to implement the recommendations made by my Office and other human rights bodies in relation to laws, policies and practises that violate fundamental rights, including in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions. I am engaging with the Hong Kong authorities on continuing concerns about national security laws.

In a sobering address today, Turk also underscored the gravity of the worlds crises, stressing the urgent need for peace and stability amid escalating conflicts. Turk underlined the alarming proliferation of conflicts worldwide, with 55 ongoing crises inflicting widespread suffering and upheaval. These conflicts, characterised by flagrant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, have dire consequences for millions of civilians, triggering mass displacement and humanitarian emergencies of unprecedented magnitude, he said.

Moreover, Turk warned of the interconnected nature of these crises, emphasizing the potential for spillover conflicts to exacerbate regional tensions and global instability. He cited examples such as the Gaza conflicts reverberating impact across the Middle East and escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and the Korean Peninsula. He also pointed out that the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congos eastern provinces, along with maritime attacks in the Red Sea and Black Sea.
A man from the US state of Oregon is accused of drugging his daughters young friends with smoothies laced with sedatives, a report by the The New York Post said. The girls were at his home in Lake Oswego, just south of Portland for a sleepover at the invitation of his young daughter.

One of the little girls also accused the man of creeping over them as they drifted off to sleep, according to cops. Another young girl texted her mother to come help her at 1;45am in the morning as she lost consciousness and begged her to rescue her from the home. Mom please pick me up and say I had a family emergency. I dont feel safe. I might not respond but please come get me. Please. Please pick up. Please. PLEASE!, the girl wrote.

The 57-year-old father, Michael Meyden, turned himself in at the Clackamas County Jail on Wednesday. This came after a grand jury issued an indictment accusing him of multiple felonies and misdemeanours stemming from the night of the sleepover in August 2023.

According to local news outlet Oregon Live, Meyden laced mango smoothies with benzodiazepine and served it to his daughters friends. The girls did facials and watched movies and after that Meyden appeared with the laced smoothies and insisted that the girls drink them.

Benzodiazepine is a depressant that slows the nervous system.

The affidavit said that the drinks had tiny white chunks throughout and sprinkled on top. One girl even said she did not like the drink but Meyden continued to demand that the girls finish the smoothie.

He then made repeated trips down to the basement where the girls were sleeping. He also held his finger under a girls nose to see if she was asleep and moved one girls arm and moved her body on the bed. One of the girls remained awake in fear that Mr. Meyden was going to do something to them.

One girl said she felt woozy, hot and clumsy after drinking the smoothie and then fell into a thick, deep sleep that she had never experienced before.

The man also returned and stood near where the girls were sleeping for some time and appeared to check to see if the girls were asleep. After one girl was rescued, her parents called the families of the other girls to take them home.

Meyden also resisted letting the girls go home when the parents arrived.

When the girls were taken to the Randall Childrens Hospital emergency room, they tested positive for having ingested an unknown prescription drug.

Michael Meyden, recently divorced, owned the home in Lake Oswego during the time of the sleepover. His attorney asserts his innocence and Meyden pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court and his bail was set at $50,000.
The United States called for its citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible after violence escalated over the weekend, which saw 15,000 more people flee the fighting and armed men break thousands of inmates from Haitis largest prison.

The United States, which is home to over a million Haitians, said its embassy would be offering limited operations on Monday while Canada said it would temporarily close its embassy.

This comes after Haitis government declared a state of emergency on Sunday evening after violent clashes in the capital damaged communications and led to a prison escape as the leader of a major gang alliance sought to oust the prime minister.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is unelected and came to power after the countrys last president was killed, had recently traveled to Kenya to seal a deal for Kenyan forces to lead a planned U.N.-ratified mission to battle Haitis gangs.

Between Thursday and Saturday last week, the United Nations estimated close to 15,000 people were forced to flee, including those already in makeshift camps for displaced people set up in schools, hospitals and squares around the capital.

The U.N. estimated earlier this year over 300,000 had fled their homes due to the worsening gang conflict, which saw close to 5,000 killed last year.
In a display of solidarity, members of the Indian community in the US stood alongside other demonstrators in San Francisco on Sunday during a unity march against rising cases of antisemitism.

Sundays march for the Jewish community was in response to rising incidents of anti-semitism nationwide in the wake of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza. Israels Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon said he was moved by the support extended to the Jewish community by the Indian diaspora.

So moving. Got it from a friend in the US.Indian community came to show its solidarity with the Jewish community yesterday in #SanFrancisco in the Unity March against #Antisemitism.Jews and Indians going hand in hand . pic.twitter.com/7Q41PPMSFp Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) March 4, 2024

So moving. Got it from a friend in the US. Indian community came to show its solidarity with the Jewish community yesterday in #SanFrancisco in the Unity March against #Antisemitism. Jews and Indians going hand in hand Israel and India, Ambassador Gilon said in a post on X.

The unity march commenced at the Embarcadero Plaza and concluded at City Hall, Foxs KTU reported. The march aimed to unite the Northern California Jewish community and its supporters. This came as two-thirds of Jewish Americans felt less secure in late 2023 than they did a year earlier, according to a survey mostly conducted after the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, according to a report by Reuters news agency.

The American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group, last month said the survey was based on telephone and online interviews from Oct. 5 to Nov. 21. Rights groups have noted a rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias, in the US since Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, sparking Israels offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 30,000.

Some 63 percent of Jewish Americans said US Jews were less secure than a year earlier. About 34 percent said security was the same as in 2022 and 3 percent felt US Jews were more secure. The survey had 1,528 participants, Jews aged 18 or older, the group said.

(With agency inputs)
India dismissed the concerns raised by the UNs Human Rights Council over its electoral process on Monday, labeling them as unwarranted and saying they do not reflect the reality of the worlds largest democracy.

During the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the top UN rights official voiced concern over increasing restrictions on the civic space. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Arindam Bagchi said Delhi has noted comments by High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk about the countrys upcoming general elections.

However, his concerns in this regard are unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world, Bagchi said. He underlined that in any democracy, argumentation is natural. It is imperative that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgment to be clouded by propaganda.

Indias Statement in todays General Debate at #HRC55 pic.twitter.com/SjrXikVAbB India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) March 4, 2024

World seeks to learn

The Indian envoy added that Indias electoral process has been characterised by a high degree of peoples participation and full faith in the electoral mandate by all. In fact, we are privileged that many across the world seek to learn from our experience and aspire to emulate it, he said.

We have no doubt that as in numerous occasions in the past, the Indian people will freely exercise their vote to choose a government that they believe can best give voice and flight to their aspirations, Bagchi said. In his global update, Turk said that in India, with an electorate of 960 million people, the coming election will be unique in scale. I appreciate the countrys secular and democratic traditions and its great diversity, he said.

India will head to the polls for the 2024 general elections, expected to be held between April and May. In that context, Turk stressed that it is particularly important in a pre-electoral context to ensure an open space that respects the meaningful participation of everyone. He also welcomed the Indian Supreme Courts decision last month on campaign finance schemes, upholding the right to information and transparency. The Supreme Court had ruled that electoral bonds violate citizens right to access information held by the government and thus struck down the seven-year-old scheme.

1/6 of humanity

The top Indian diplomat in Geneva said that plurality, diversity, inclusivity and openness are at the core of Indias democratic polity and its constitutional values. These are backed by fiercely independent institutions, including a robust judiciary, that aims to protect the rights of all. He said that India, as home to 1/6 of humanity, has led from the front with an enduring dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights for all. In this endeavour, our approach has been guided by our civilisation ethos that views the world as one family.

He noted that more recently, this commitment was manifest in Indias response to the pandemic by assisting its friends and partners across the world, Indias disaster relief efforts and support during crises in various countries, the development initiatives across the world and Indias G20 presidency last year, where we voiced particularly the concerns of the Global South.

Today when the world is riddled with conflicts and war, India has been a voice of reason consistently calling for dialogue and diplomacy. It is only when peace is given a chance that the most vulnerable can hope for a better future, where their basic needs are met, and their human rights are protected. Bagchi said that it is in this spirit that India welcomes the renewed focus on issues affecting us all, such as reform of the multilateral governance structures, including international financial architecture, enhancing technical assistance and capacity building, sustainable development and the need for peace.

(With agency inputs)
Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader and younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz, on Sunday was in as the 24th prime minister of Pakistan. He was administered an oath by President Arif Alvi at his official residence in the capital city of Islamabad.

The ceremony was attended by Nawaz, former president Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the chief ministers of all Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan. Pakistans Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was also in attendance, the Dawn newspaper reported.

 :          https://t.co/RpQAg9ic7X PMLN (@pmln_org) March 4, 2024

Read More: Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif Becomes Prime Minister For The Second Time; Thanks Elder Brother Nawaz

On Monday, the 72-year-old leader took the oath to officially become prime minister for a second time, nearly four weeks after an uncertain national election caused delays in the formation of a coalition government. Shehbaz officially took up office at a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential office in the nations capital, Islamabad, a day after parliament elected him prime minister despite protests from lawmakers aligned with jailed former premier Imran Khan.

Candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the PML-N and PPP agreed to form a coalition government. The PML-N is spearheaded by Shehbazs elder brother, Nawaz, but he decided not to take the prime ministers post. The younger Sharif returned to the role he previously held until August last year when parliament was dissolved to prepare for the election.

Earlier, the Feb. 8 election was marred by a mobile internet shutdown, violence in its build-up and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged. Experts would now be watching closely for an announcement by Sharif on the cabinet, especially the important finance portfolio. The next finance minister will have to immediately undertake tough talks with the IMF to get a new multi-billion dollar funding deal, with the current one expiring in April.

(With agency inputs)
Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen and several militias in Syria and Iraq. This is Irans Axis of Resistance." In the last few decades, Iran has cultivated, funded and controlled these proxy militias spread across the Middle East. Now, they have a new backer: Russia.

Russia, which had formerly joined a sanctions regime against Iran for its nuclear weapons programme, has now thrown caution to the wind. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has tightened its bond with Iran. Tehran is supplying drones, ammunition and missiles to keep Russias war machine running. But Iran seems to be lending a hand in other ways too with its network of powerful proxy militias proving useful for Putin.

IRANS AXIS OF RESISTANCE

Today, Iran holds the capacity to set the Middle East on fire whenever it wants. In 1979, Iran had just witnessed an Islamic revolution and the overthrow of its pro-Western monarchy. At the driving seat of this revolution was Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shia Muslim cleric who had become the face of the deepening religious fervour of Shia Islam.

Under him, Iran welcomed a form of sharia law and turned away from everything Western Western countries, Western allies and Western ideas. It was particularly hostile to the USAs interests and to the existence of Israel. His ideology was contagious. And it influenced Shia Muslim communities across the Middle East. This threatened ruling dispensations across the region, including Sunni Arab leaderships along the gulf. For them, this could not go on and something had to give. In 1980, Iraq, led by Saddam Hussain, invaded Iran. Its objective? To cut off Irans wings and keep its raging new Shia Islamist ideology at bay. It would do this by snatching away Tehrans prized possession the Khuzestan region, which is where almost all of Irans oil comes from. This is the source of Irans riches and therefore its power.

The new Iranian republics first military test was also Irans single greatest threat to its existence. The war was a brutal one. It raged on for eight years.

Never had Iran found itself so isolated and vulnerable. Iraq had geographical advantages. It was richer. It was technologically superior. And it had the backing of the West as well as regional support from several Arab nations and Israel.

Irans retaliation was powerful, but restricted by an international trade embargo. By the time the war ended in a stalemate, over a million lives had been lost. Two-thirds of them were Iranians, who lay dead in cities completely exposed to Iraqi missiles. At the end of it, Iran said, Never Again.

Hence was born what eventually evolved into the military doctrine of forward defence". It dictated that Iran should fight its enemies outside of its borders to keep war from ever reaching its doorsteps. Its executor is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC, and particularly the Quds force which is in charge of foreign military operations for Iran the same Quds force famous for its former commander Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the United States in Iraq.

By 2012, the doctrine of forward defence was clear as day. Iran focused on naval guerrilla warfare, cyber warfare, drones and most importantly, proxies militias and political groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen. The most powerful among them is Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group in Lebanon. Not only is it heavily armed and comprises tens of thousands of fighters, but it is also a dominant political force in Lebanon with significant control over its government. Its control is so strong over parts of Lebanon that it is known for running a state within a state. It seeks the obliteration of Israel and its loyalty to Iran is unmatched. Next up, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Hamas is the supreme political and military authority in the Gaza Strip. Despite belonging to the Sunni sect of Islam, Hamas has a patron in Shia Islamic Iran. Then there are the Houthis in Yemen. Under the flag of a political and military movement rooted in Zaydi Islam, a sect within Shia Islam, the Houthis have been fighting a civil war since 2014 against a government backed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their Western allies like the US. Iran is said to have armed the Houthis with long-range ballistic and cruise missiles and sophisticated drones and helped them build a naval guerrilla force. The Houthis wield tremendous power today as they control a large part of Yemens western flank bordering on the Red Sea, where they have been attacking a large number of ships threatening 15% of global seaborne trade. The Houthis have forced most shipping companies to take a much longer route around southern Africa. Another major force is the PMF or the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq which were initially formed to fight off ISIS. Iran backs many more Shia militias stretching from Syria and Bahrain to Afghanistan and even Pakistan.

Today, this network of militias is proving itself to be a formidable force of disruption in the Middle East. They have united and are coordinating their actions in a game of geopolitical chess. The axis of resistance works like an informal alliance. While these groups arise out of different domestic reasons, they seek three core objectives in unison to protect Iranian interests, obliterate Israel, and end American presence in the Middle East.

And its this last core element that Russia wants to cash in on. You see, they all share a common enemy the United States of America.

MOSCOW CALLING: RUSSIAS LINK WITH IRANS PROXIES

On October 7, 2023, thousands of heavily armed Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel and executed a gruesome attack that triggered a war that continues to rage till this day. Since mostly civilians were targeted in this attack, and Israel had remained somewhat friendly towards Moscow, Russia was expected to condemn Hamas. But instead, Russia has been leading the charge against Israel at the United Nations and has drawn closer to Hamas and other Palestinian groups, even inviting their leaders to the Kremlin.

On March 2, a Hamas delegation met Russias special envoy for the Middle East and North Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, in Moscow. Hamas thanked Russia for its position in support of the Palestinian people". This came after Russia invited around 14 Palestinian groups for a meeting. These include two prominent forces at war with Israel and backed by Iran Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or PIJ. Palestinian groups are a divided lot, split between the radical tactics of Hamas and the moderate approach of Fatah, the ruling power in the West Bank. The Kremlin is promoting an inter-Palestinian dialogue" to bring these feuding groups together. Russias goal is to present a united Palestinian front and build pressure on Israel and the US. Siding with the axis of resistance also helps Vladimir Putin flaunt his geopolitical clout in the Middle East and boost Russias standing in the Islamic world all at the cost of the US. And for now, this approach is working.

Russia has vociferously backed Hamas at the United Nations and is waging a diplomatic onslaught on Israel for its actions in Gaza. It angrily opposed the US and UKs first strikes on Houthis this year in retaliation to attacks in the Red Sea. Soon, the Houthis promised safe passage to Russian ships and a Houthi delegation was even hosted by Moscow to engage with the Russian foreign ministry.

Whats more? Russias support for the axis of resistance against Israel may go further than just lip service. Russia has pumped up electronic jamming from its Khmeimim base in western Syria, impacting Israels commercial air routes. Furthermore, Russian pilots have resumed aerial patrols along the Israeli-Syrian disengagement line in the Golan Heights after a one-year pause. It is also drawing closer to Hezbollah supplying it with weapons including anti-ship missiles. In fact, the US fears that Russias Wagner Group may be supplying air defence systems to Hezbollah.

This is bad news for Israel. Russias relations with Israel are at their lowest point. But this was not always the case. For long, Russia maintained neutrality in the Israel-Palestine issue. Russia has a sizeable Jewish population and 15% of Israels population speaks Russian. Putin has often deemed Israel as a special state" to Russia. Meanwhile, despite its closeness with the US, Israel has long maintained balanced relations with the Kremlin and tries not to cross its red lines. In the fallout of the Ukraine war, Israel refused to send weapons to Ukraine or even to join in on the sanctions against Russia. Israel does not want Russia as its enemy. Because if Moscow steps up financial, military and intelligence support to Irans proxy groups, Israels security calculus will fall apart.

This is a dangerous proposition and shows how the US-Russia rivalry has turned into a zero-sum game. Its a warning aimed to put pressure on Israels all-weather ally, the US, to give concessions to Russia elsewhere. And where could such concessions possibly be? Its Ukraine where all Putin needs is for Zelensky to kneel and the US to back off.
When a Pakistani woman was attacked by a mob angry over what the woman was wearing, a female police officer stepped in to save her. Sheher Bano, an assistant superintendent of police in the city of Lahore, is now being hailed as a hero for rescuing the woman, NBC News reports. Usman Anwar, police inspector general of Punjab province, says Bano "put her life in danger" to protect the woman, who was wearing a dress with colorful Arabic calligraphy on it. The writing said "halwa," which means "beautiful," but onlookers mistook the writing on the dress as verses from the Koran, Sky News reports.

The woman was accused of disrespecting the Muslim holy book, and the mob demanded she remove the garment. Some even said blasphemy should result in a beheading. Bano first tried to shield the woman, then tried to reason with the mob, before covering the woman in another robe and headscarf and guiding her through the mob to safety. Pakistan's military on Wednesday awarded Bano the country's highest honor for law enforcement, calling her "fearless." Local scholars and clerics, meanwhile, were brought in to look at the garment and ultimately released a statement confirming it did not contain verses from the Koran and apologizing for the misunderstanding. (More Pakistan stories.)
Lots of people overseas on Monday are getting a reminder that our digital world is heavily dependent on the not-so-digital infrastructure of giant undersea cables. Roughly 25% of internet traffic between Asia and Europe, as well as in the Middle East, has been disrupted because cables belonging to four major telecoms in the Red Sea were "cut," reports CNN. Hong Kong's HGC Global Communications in particular said in a statement it was scrambling to reroute internet traffic for its customers.

Sabotage? It's not clear how the cables were "cut"whether it was deliberate or accidentalor if deliberate, who might be responsible, per CNN. But the Red Sea is a current hot spot because of attacks by Houthi militants on international cargo ships. The Houthis, however, insist they are not responsible.

It's not clear how the cables were "cut"whether it was deliberate or accidentalor if deliberate, who might be responsible, per CNN. But the Red Sea is a current hot spot because of attacks by Houthi militants on international cargo ships. The Houthis, however, insist they are not responsible. Context: The Wall Street Journal calls the waterway "one of the internet's deepest vulnerabilities" because of a key stat: "Most internet traffic between Europe and East Asia runs through undersea cables that funnel into the narrow strait at the southern end of the Red Sea." The Guardian estimates that 17% of the world's internet traffic is carried under the sea. A ship that drops anchor in the wrong spot can cause chaos, and earthquakes also can wreak havoc.
Donald Trump scored a massive victory in the 2024 election on Mondayand it came from the Supreme Court, not the voting booth. The court ruled unanimously that the former president should not be disqualified from appearing on the ballot in Colorado because of his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, reports the Washington Post.

Not a surprise: The court heard arguments last month, and both conservative and liberal justices appeared to be reluctant to keep him off the ballot. Trump had challenged Colorado's decision to exclude him.

The court heard arguments last month, and both conservative and liberal justices appeared to be reluctant to keep him off the ballot. Trump had challenged Colorado's decision to exclude him. Impact: Had the Colorado ruling stood, Trump likely would have been removed from the ballot in states around the country. Thus, Monday's decision "was the court's most important ruling concerning a presidential election since Bush v. Gore handed the presidency to George W. Bush in 2000," per the New York Times.

Had the Colorado ruling stood, Trump likely would have been removed from the ballot in states around the country. Thus, Monday's decision "was the court's most important ruling concerning a presidential election since Bush v. Gore handed the presidency to George W. Bush in 2000," per the New York Times. Unusually fast: This ruling came much faster than most, with the court apparently rushing to issue it before this week's Super Tuesday voting, when Colorado and more than a dozen other states vote in primaries. Trump is expected to further cement his giant lead over Nikki Haley in the Republican race.
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are ending their proposed $3.8 billion combination after a court ruling blocked their merger, reports the AP . JetBlue said Monday that even though both companies still believe in the benefits of a combination, they were unlikely to meet the required closing conditions before the July 24 deadline and mutually agreed that terminating the deal was the best decision for both. "Given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines' interests are better served by moving forward independently," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement. Spirit CEO Ted Christie lamented the demise of "a deal that would save hundreds of millions for consumers and create a real challenger to the dominant 'Big 4'" US airlines.

JetBlue will pay Spirit a $69 million termination fee. The Justice Department sued to block the merger last year, saying it would reduce competition and drive up fares, especially for travelers who depend on low-fare Spirit. In January, a federal district judge in Boston sided with the government and blocked the deal, saying it violated antitrust law. The airlines had appealed, and the appeal hearing had been set for June. New York-based JetBlue had argued that the merger would help it compete more effectively against bigger airlines. But there were continuing losses and other problems at Spirit, which is based in Miramar, Florida. Last week JetBlue had previously warned that it might terminate the agreement. Shares of JetBlue Airways Corp. rose more than 5% before the market open, while Spirit's stock slipped more than 13%.

(More mergers and acquisitions stories.)
Allen Weisselberg , the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty Monday in New York to perjury in connection with testimony he gave at the ex-president's civil fraud trial. As the AP reports, Weisselberg, 76, surrendered to the Manhattan prosecutor's office earlier Monday and entered state court in handcuffs, wearing a mask, before pleading guilty to five counts of perjury. Prosecutors accused Weisselberg of lying under oath when he answered questions in a deposition in May and at the October trial about allegations that Trump lied about his wealth on financial statements given to banks and insurance companies. Weisselberg will be sentenced to five months in jail, the judge said.

After the New York Times reported last month that Weisselberg was in negotiations to plead guilty to perjury, Justice Arthur Engoron, who presided over the fraud trial, ordered attorneys to provide details related to the Times' report. Weisselberg's new criminal case comes just weeks before Trump is scheduled to stand trial on separate allegations that he falsified business records. That case involves allegations that Trump falsified company records to cover up hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing. Former Trump fixer Michael Cohen has said Weisselberg had a role in orchestrating the payments, but he has not been charged in that case, and neither prosecutors nor Trump's lawyers have indicated they will call him as a witness. That trial is scheduled to begin March 25.

Weisselberg's case is separate from the criminal case that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought against Trump last year. Weisselberg previously served 100 days in jail last year after pleading guilty to dodging taxes on $1.7 million in off-the-books compensation from the Trump Organization. He is still on probation. Prior to that he had no criminal record. He left New York City's notorious Rikers Island in April, days after Trump was indicted in his New York hush money criminal case. (More Allen Weisselberg stories.)
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that Colorado can't kick Donald Trump off the ballotbut the court split 5-4 on one part of the ruling, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett siding with the court's three liberal justices. The court did not address whether Trump had violated the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment, but said only Congress, not states, could use the clause to ban candidates from ballots. Barrett and the three liberal justices said the other five, all conservatives, had gone too far by saying the amendment could only be enforced through federal legislation, the Hill reports.

Barrett noted that the suit was brought by "Colorado voters under state law in state court" and it did not require the court to address the "complicated question" of whether the clause can only be enforced by Congress. But while she agreed with the liberal justices on that point, ABC News suggests that she faulted the tone of their concurring opinion. "The majority's choice of a different path leaves the remaining Justices with a choice of how to respond," she wrote. "The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up."

UCLA law professor Rick Hasen, who co-wrote a brief to the court, warned that the decision leaves enough uncertainty for there to be a possible constitutional crisis after the election, the AP reports. "We may well have a nasty, nasty post-election period in which Congress tries to disqualify Trump but the Supreme Court says Congress exceeded its power," he wrote.

At a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump delivered what the Guardian calls a "meandering" press conference in which he praised the ruling while denouncing the other cases against him. The top court's decision, he said, was "very well crafted. And I think it will go a long way toward bringing our country together, which our country needs."

(More Election 2024 stories.)
Geisha and maiko (teenage apprentices training to become geisha) are women who perform Japanese traditional arts such as singing, dancing and playing instruments to entertain customers while they dine and drink.

Many of them work and reside in Gion, an elegant and historic quarter of Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist cities. When these women travel between work and home they must walk through the streets, a beautiful sight in their traditional kimonos and makeup.

However, the geishas' commutes are also a tourist attraction, with throngs of visitors trying to snap photos of them as they make their way through the picturesque streets. As a result, an unfortunate nickname has even been given to these tourists: "geisha paparazzi."

Foreign tourists have sometimes struggled to understand Japanese customs and etiquette. In 2015, Kyoto created pamphlets and paper handouts that used pictograms to illustrate travel "nuisance activities" like littering, using selfie sticks, smoking in prohibited areas, and taking photos of geisha and maiko.
Malaysian investigators initially did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately taken off course, and debris, some confirmed and some believed to be from the aircraft, has washed up along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said U.S. seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity had been invited to discuss its latest search proposal after two previous failed attempts.

"The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370) and the search must go on," Loke said at a remembrance event on Sunday.

Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 to search the southern Indian Ocean, offering to pay up to $70 million if it found the plane.

Malaysia, China and Australia earlier had ended a fruitless two-year, A$200 million ($130.46 million) underwater hunt in January 2017.

Loke said Malaysia would talk to Australia about cooperation in resuming the search once Ocean Infinity's proposal is approved by Malaysia's cabinet.

V.P.R. Nathan, whose wife Anne Daisy was onboard the flight, said Ocean Infinity's proposal, which includes a "no find, no fee" option, was welcome.

"We want the search to carry on but we also have to be realistic. We cannot expect the government to spend billions (on the search)," Nathan said.

Jiang Hui, a Chinese national whose mother was a passenger on MH370, called on Malaysia to provide relatives with the latest information it receives.

"As long as there is communication, we can avoid misunderstanding," said Jiang, who is among family members who filed a lawsuit in China demanding compensation over the plane's disappearance.

A Beijing court began compensation hearings in November.

More than 150 Chinese passengers were on the flight, with relatives demanding compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and the Allianz insurance group among others.

Reuters
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AFP | Palestine

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Mediators in Cairo made a renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire, but differences remained as fighting raged on Sunday between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the Palestinian territory gripped by desperate food shortages.

Witnesses told AFP that an Israeli strike hit an aid truck in central Gaza, killing several people, but the military denied the truck carried relief.

Envoys from the United States, Qatar and Hamas arrived in Cairo, Egyptian state-linked media reported Sunday, the latest effort towards a six-week truce, stepped-up aid deliveries and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

But sticking points remained, including a Hamas demand that Israeli forces entirely withdraw from the Gaza Strip after almost five months of devastating war.

And Israel, which has so far announced no plans to join the Egypt talks, has demanded Hamas provide it with a list of all 130 remaining captives, including more than 30 who are feared dead.

Despite the latest push to halt the fighting sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, there was no letup in Israeli bombing and urban combat in Gaza.

Late Sunday an AFP correspondent reported several air strikes in southern Gaza's Rafah and Khan Yunis.

Earlier, 90 Palestinians were killed within 24 hours, said the Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry, which put the war's overall death toll at 30,410, mostly women and children.

Two of the latest victims, twin babies Naeem and Wissam Abu Anza, were buried on Sunday as their mother Rania wept in agony, an AFP photographer said.

A relative, Shehda Abu Anza, said "only civilians" were in the house when it was bombed, killing 14 members of one family.

"All of them were sleeping when suddenly a missile hit and destroyed the whole house," he told AFP as residents searched the rubble with their bare hands -- for bodies but also to salvage scarce food.

- Food airdrops -

An Israeli siege on Gaza has sparked UN warnings of famine, and France's foreign ministry said Israel is "clearly responsible" for aid blockages.

On Saturday the United States started airdropping food rations. Jordan and some other countries have already done so.

At the edge of a seaside road in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, men examined the remains of a truck they said had been carrying aid.

"It was hit by a drone with one missile," turning several people "into pieces", said Haytham al-Quraan. "They were delivering aid to the south. Then it was hit again by a second missile."

The Palestinian Red Crescent said crews "transferred five martyrs" and four injured "due to targeting a truck by an Israeli drone".

Contacted about the incident, the military told AFP: "It was not an aid truck that was struck," but did not elaborate.

At least 16 children have died of malnutrition in recent days as "famine spreads" in Gaza's north, said health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra.

On Thursday more than 100 people were killed in chaotic scenes around a convoy of aid trucks in Gaza City.

Gaza health officials said Israeli forces opened fire into the crowd, causing a "massacre", while Israel's army said most victims were trampled or hit by trucks in a crush for food aid.

Armed forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said an initial review "has indicated that following the warning shots fired to disperse the stampede... several looters approached our forces and posed an immediate threat to them".

- 'Alarming' -

Troops then fired "towards several individuals", Hagari said. He added that an "independent" army body would launch an investigation.

Numerous world leaders have called for a probe.

A UN team that visited some of the wounded in Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on Friday saw a "large number of gunshot wounds", said UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The UN Security Council voiced concern over Gaza's "alarming levels of acute food insecurity", and urged "the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale".

Pope Francis called for Gaza civilians to be given "safe access to the humanitarian aid they urgently need".

Israel's military on Sunday announced the death of one more soldier in Gaza, bringing to 246 the number killed in ground operations.

In Rehovot, Israel, there were tears and ceremonial gunshots at the funeral of another soldier, Afik Teri.

The Hamas government media office reported intense tank shelling in northern Gaza, and the Israeli military said it hit about 50 targets including "underground t*** infrastructure".

- Truce talks -

Mediators have been scrambling to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins in around one week.

A US official, speaking to reporters late Saturday, had said "there's a framework deal" for a ceasefire which could start "today if Hamas agrees to release" elderly, women and ill hostages.

"The Israelis have more or less accepted it," the administration official said.

A Hamas official said that if Israel were to meet its demands, this would "pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours".

Osama Hamdan, a Lebanon-based Hamas official, told Qatar's Al-Araby TV that the group insisted on a complete, rather than "temporary", ceasefire and on "ending the aggression against our people".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far rejected pulling troops out of Gaza before Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed.

The Hamas official also said the group would demand "the entry of at least 400 to 500 trucks per day" carrying food, medicine and fuel.

Netanyahu has faced mounting calls to secure the release of the hostages, from their desperate families and from a resurgent anti-government protest movement.
AFP | Lille

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

A seven-year-old girl drowned on Sunday when a small boat carrying 16 migrants heading from northern France to Britain capsized, the prefecture in France's Nord department said.

The boat "was not appropriately sized to carry so many people," the local authority said in a statement, causing it to capsize soon after people boarded in the Aa canal a few kilometres from the waterway's exit into the Channel.

The inland accident is the latest in a trend that has seen migrants aiming to get to Britain from France boarding boats away from the coast to avoid stepped-up surveillance there.

Police and firefighters rushed to the scene after a person out for a walk raised the alarm, the prefecture added.

The seven-year-old girl had died "on the spot of the effects of cardio-respiratory arrest," prosecutors in Dunkirk told AFP, adding that rescuers' attempts to resuscitate her had been "in vain".

"Several people are in custody" over the incident, they added, with investigators probing possible charges including manslaughter, people-smuggling and forming a criminal gang.

The prefecture said the girl's parents, who were travelling with three more of their children, were taken to a hospital in Dunkirk.

Prosecutors said that 10 children aged seven to 13 had been on the boat, with the prefecture identifying the other passengers as the girl's parents, another couple and two young men.

It added that the vessel was "apparently stolen".

Migrant crossings of the English Channel remain a sore point between Britain and France, with 671 reaching England in February.

A deal struck in March 2023 provides for 541 million euros ($586 million) in British funding for hundreds of French police to prevent migrants from putting to sea.

British interior minister James Cleverly told AFP in January that the two countries would "expand upon" cooperation he said had proved successful, citing figures showing a 36-percent reduction in crossings in 2023.

- 'Killed again' -

"Border policy has killed again today," French migrant aid group L'Auberge des Migrants wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Sunday marks the third fatal incident in a Channel crossing attempt this year.

A 22-year-old Turkish man died on Wednesday after falling overboard into the sea off Calais, while two more migrants remain missing.

An Eritrean citizen suspected to be part of a gang has been charged with manslaughter in that case and held in custody since Saturday.

Five more people including a 14-year-old Syrian boy were killed in mid-January as they tried to board a boat in chilly seas south of port city Calais.

Last year, 12 people were killed in crossing attempts, while 29,437 reached Britain, according to figures from London's interior ministry.

Around 20 percent were from Afghanistan, followed by contingents from Iran, Turkey, Eritrea and Iraq.

A major people-smuggling network organising Channel crossings in small boats was dismantled in an international operation on February 21, with 19 people arrested in Germany.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has urged state governors and senior civil servants to give President Bola Tinubu maximum support as he tries to fix Nigerias economy.

Oyintiloye said that it is not possible for the president alone to achieve his Renewed Hope Agenda for the people without the support of the governors and top civil servants, who were the engine room of the government.

He said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

Oyintiloye said that the governors needed to support the various initiatives of the president in fixing the economy by utilising their monthly allocation for poverty alleviation in their various states.

The APC Chieftain said that the various efforts of the president in fixing the economy may not be immediately visible to many Nigerians, if the state governors refused to utilise their monthly allocation for the benefit of the masses in their states.

He said: This is the time for state governors, irrespective of political affiliations to join the president in fixing the economy by attending to the welfare of the people.

What the president is doing at the centre to fix the economy will only be meaningful to the people, if the state governors can lend a helping hands.

What the governors are currently collecting as monthly allocation is more than in enough to lift the people out of poverty in relation to what the president is doing.

While the masses are shouting the name of the president at every slight discomfort, they should also hold their governors accountable, asking them what they are doing with the improved monthly allocation.

To set the record straight, the governors have to come out and tell people of their states the amount they have collected since June last year and how they have administered the funds.

In the reckoning of most Nigerians now, the governors are seen as part of those sabotaging efforts of the president to lessen effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the people.

 We are in a very critical situation in which unnecessary bureaucracy which can hinder the efforts of the president be suspended.

Any act of sabotage in whatever form in the civil service should be rooted out for the sake of the benefit of the masses.

Oyintiloye, however, urged Nigerians to be patient with the president, adding that with all the various interventions the president is putting in place, the country will soon attain the height of desired greatness.




Vice President Kashim Shettima says the federal government expects Nigerians to express their grievances over the current economic crisis in a responsible and mature way.

Speaking on Saturday at the 29th pre-Ramadan lecture organised by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Muslim Alumni, Shettima said the government could have adopted an easier alternative to its recent policies if the options were viable.

The event was themed Economic Reforms for Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects for the Future.

Shettima, who was presented by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, his special adviser on political matters, said all the options before the President Bola Tinubu-led administration are difficult.

He said the government is left with no choice than to adopt certain policies which are more telling on the poor.

Several states, including Lagos, Imo, Kaduna and Oyo have, in the past weeks, staged protests to express their reservations over the hunger and high cost of living in the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also staged a nationwide mass protest on February 27 over the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.

The consequences of our past are the stark realities we face today, such as rising cost of living and pessimism over our prospect to turn round our economy in the direction of growth and inclusive development, Shettima said.

Yet, my brothers and sisters, we do not have the choice of continuing in the direction that brought us where we are today. We have to fix this country, and failure to do this is not an option. All the options we have are difficult and challenging, and they are, without a doubt, more telling on the poor. If there are easier and reliable alternatives to the policy choices we have adopted, we wold have adopted them.

Our administration does not plan to make lives of Nigerians more difficult. Nor do we intend to deceive fellow citizens that the change in direction and the expected outcome can be achieved without pain or sacrifices.

Fellow alumni, I appeal to you to help make space for our administration to achieve the goal of turning our nation around. As products of a distinguished institution, we have learnt that progress is only possible if it is informed by criticism and critical scrutiny. We expect that Nigerians should express their feelings over our circumstances in a responsible and mature manner.

The vice president further said that the federal government is aware that the forthcoming Ramadan will come with severe challenges for most Nigerians.

He added that as deeply religious people, Nigerians believe in the powers of prayer and faith that God will ease the hardship.




Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi says residents of Southeast will not join their counterparts in other regions to protest against the high cost of living in Nigeria.

Umahi made the assertion at the weekend while addressing journalists at his Uburu residence in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to the former governor of Ebonyi State, President Bola Tinubu has solved the major problems of the region, which he said was the incessant clash between farmers and herders.

The Minister claimed that the regions present predicaments are self-inflicting, stressing that the activities of the unknown but known gunmen, are now the major challenges of the Southeast.

If you check very well, especially in the Southeast, you will know that we no longer have incessant farmers/herders clashes.

So, why should we join the protest when the President has solved our major problem?

The problem we now have in the Southeast is self-inflicted. That is the issue of unknown but known gunmen.

So, if we are protesting, who are we protesting against? We are protesting against a President that has solved herders/farmers clashes.

If you remove the issue of unknown gunmen, the Southeast will be completely safe and farmers can work. So, we cant go and join anybody to protest.




The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said misinformation is to blame for the wrong perception of the military and the upsurge of killings in communities.





The CDS made this statement in Jos, Plateau State, during a national convention/retreat on civil society/military partnership in mitigating crises in North Central, organized by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF.





Musa said the military was neutral and asked for an understanding between the soldiers and host communities where they were posted to work.





The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Staff at Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, Brigadier-General Michael Agi, said: You have resolved to be a part of a sustainable effort to clear either the misinformation or effects of fake news, especially in the social media, which is largely accountable for the wrong perceptions of the military and the escalations of killings in the region.





This retreat is coming at the right time when misinformation about our operations is undermining our strong determination to end terrorism and banditry.





Let me assure Nigerians of the neutrality of the armed forces in dealing with ugly challenges facing the nation generally and the region in particular.





Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, said his administration was working closely with members of the pen profession towards promoting peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of any affiliation.





Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, Samuel Tsoho, the governor disclosed that a committee that would chart a way of returning internally displaced persons, IDPs, to their original place of abode was in place.




The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze, cloudiness and thunderstorms across the country from Sunday to Tuesday.

In its weather outlook released on Saturday, NiMet forecasted dust haze over the northern region with the possibility of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Kaduna states during the afternoon and evening.

The agency said there would be a sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds expected over the north-central with prospects of thunderstorms in parts of Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and the federal capital territory (FCT).

Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over the inland states and the coastal cities of the south with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Lagos state, the report reads.

Later in the day, thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River during the afternoon and evening period.

The agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere with spells of sunshine over the inland states and coastal cities of the south, while thunderstorms are expected in the evening over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers.

For Tuesday, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are expected over the northern region during the duration of the forecast period with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna and Taraba during the afternoon and evening period, the report reads.

Sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds are anticipated over the north-central cities throughout the forecast period with chances of thunderstorms over most places during the afternoon and evening periods.

Cloudy atmospheres with spells of sunshine are expected over the inland states and coastal cities of the south with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers and Edo during the morning hours. Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over most places during the afternoon and evening period.

The agency said Nigerians should take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.




The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, says there is no rift between her and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.





Kingibe also emphasized that the ambiguity in the separation of powers in the FCT warrants careful examination.





Its important to recognise that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, operates differently from other regions; here, the highest elected official is the Senator, as opposed to a governor.





Moreover, we only have two representatives in the House of Representatives. The division of powers between the executive and the legislature in the FCT is ambiguous and warrants careful examination.





Historically, despite the structural issues, previous ministers have acknowledged the legislators as the peoples representatives and collaborated with them to address the populaces needs, thereby mitigating these systemic flaws.





It is imperative for every minister to recognise that the National Assembly and its members have a supervisory role over their actions. This oversight appears to be the crux of the current contention., she stated.





She, however, expressed her commitment to working with all parties to address the needs of the people, prioritizing security, hunger, water, hospitals, and schools.





As a senator, there are numerous initiatives I am eager to pursue, provided our budget allows it. I aim to prioritize, especially the smaller, yet significant, aspects of governance, she added.




Wife of the late Ondo State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has described her late husbands niece, Funke Akeredolu Aruna, as shameless for supporting the sitting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the November governorship election in the state.





Betty spoke through her Instagram account on Monday morning.





The governor, who was formerly Akeredolus deputy, was sworn in on 27th December following the death of his former boss.





Before the governors death, internal wrangling had severed his relationship with Aiyedatiwa, bordering on alleged disloyalty of the then deputy governor, which led to the disbandment of his aides.





The State Assembly, through the backings of the governor, also attempted to impeach Aiyedatiwa, even though the details of the duos quarrel remained sketchy till Akeredolus death.





Speaking through her post alongside the picture of her husbands niece wearing a cap with an inscription I am lucky, Betty said, Behold the face of Aketis niece, Funke Akeredolu Aruna, the former deputy chief protocol to Aketi, shamelessly parades as I am lucky Bloody serpent! Time will tell if she is truly lucky!





This outburst has, however, generated outrage on social media as many believe she should be mourning her husband and not engaging in a fight with anyone.





Some appealed to her to maintain her cool on issues relating to the election.
Social critic and human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, on Monday, said revolutionary has started in the country.

Her statement follows an attack and looting of a truck carrying food items by residents in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja, on Monday morning.

Recall that a warehouse and truck carrying food items in Abuja were looted over the weekend.

Yesufu, in a post via her X handle, said the people will start with warehouses and shops then estates and houses when they are done attacking trucks.

When they are done attacking trucks, they will start with warehouses and shops then estates and houses.

The revolution has started, she wrote.

Recall that on Sunday that some residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, looted a warehouse allegedly belonging to the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria, NEMA, over the current economic hardship across the country.

It was gathered that the residents carted away foodstuffs and other items.




The Labour Party presidential candidate during the last election, Mr Peter obi, has expressed disappointment in the government following the recent donation made by Ukraine.

He described the gesture as disheartening in a recent post on X.

As laudable as Ukraines kind gesture is, it speaks volumes for us as a people endowed with all needed human and natural resources, that a country officially prosecuting a brutal war of national survival with its powerful neighbour, Russia, is generous enough with their food supplies to help us who are officially at peace, he wrote.

Obi stressed the importance of good governance and the need for the government to reorder national priorities.

It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on war-torn Ukraine for food.

This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation.

We must aggressively reorder our priorities by investing resources in productive sectors like Agriculture. Addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.

Obi added that if the government followed this strategy, it would lead to a productive and new Nigeria in five years.

He went further to thank the Ukraine government for their generous donation, This act of human solidarity testifies to a rare generosity of spirit which should earn them greater global solidarity.




The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says his constant monitoring of ongoing projects is to keep contractors on their toes.





Wike stated this on Monday, after inspecting ongoing road projects in Guzape and the full-scale development of arterial road N20 at Jahi District.





The N20 begins from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yaradua Expressway), to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).





The minister explained that his constant and unscheduled visits to project sites was to ensure that the contractors deliver on agreed time and with expected quality.





He said that the contractors had promised to deliver most of the projects by May, adding that he was on their toes to ensure that they deliver as promised.





We make sure that we go round to see the commitments made by the various contractors and to see whether they are going to fulfill the promises they had made.





On Saturday, we also had this kind of inspection and today, we went to Guzape, the diplomatic zone and now we are on N20 road.





The last time I came here, the work was not up to this extent, and I am very much impressed with what I have seen.





This shows that God willing, by May, they will hand over these projects to us and then we will hand them over to the public, he said.
Former Anambra State Governor, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he cannot be prosecuted in Abuja for fraud crimes he allegedly committed in Anambra State.

He asked the court to decline jurisdiction to try the fraud charges and to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to shift the prosecution of the criminal matter to the appropriate place in Anambra.

Obiano, through his lawyer, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN insisted that the appropriate place to determine the money laundering charges instituted against him must be considered and resolved before any trial could commence.

The former governor who served two terms in Anambra State was arraigned before the court over alleged embezzlement of state funds amounting to N40 billion.

At the Mondays proceedings, EFCC lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir told the court that he had three witnesses to present against the governor for the trial.

But Ikpeazu Onyechi told the judge that he filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court to conduct the trial in Abuja by the EFCC.

He asked the court to exercise its discretion to determine his motion first before the commencement of any trial.

The EFCC lawyer, Tahir confirmed to the court that the defendant served him with the said motion on notice.

This is a blatant waste of time, Tahir contended but Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo interjected and asked him to allow the court to decide the motion on its merit.

Subsequently, lawyers agreed to return to court on Thursday and exchange processes relating to the motion on notice.

Justice Ekwo thereafter adjourned the matter to March 7 for a motion of notice to be determined.

Part of the charge reads, that Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State between March 2014  March 2022, sometime between 9th August, 2017 to 4th March, 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N261,268,585.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into the account belonging to Easy Diamond Integrated Link (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.
A woman has been charged after investigators alleged that she had knowledge of sexual assaults against children and did not report them, officials said.

Shanasia Taylor, 32, a warehouse worker from Teaneck, was arrested on Friday and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said.

A person contacted the special victims unit of the Prosecutors Office earlier in the day to report the allegations. Prosecutors did not say whether a suspect has been charged in the alleged assaults.

Taylor is being held at Bergen County Jail pending her first court appearance. No other information was immediately available.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A man and his girlfriend who were found dead in a South Jersey home over the weekend died by murder-suicide, officials said.

Police found the bodies on Saturday around 12 p.m. while conducting a welfare check at a home on East Gibbsboro Road in Lindenwold, according to the Camden County Prosecutors Office. Katherine Andujar, 39, had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and her boyfriend, 44-year-old Alexander Morales had a gunshot would to the head, officials said.

Investigators have since determined Morales shot his girlfriend before shooting himself, authorities said.

Prosecutors did not say whether the couple lived together at the residence.

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Brit Turner, a founding member and the drummer for Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke, has died. He was 57.

Turner reportedly died from glioblastoma, a cancer of the brain, which he was first diagnosed with in late 2022. Rolling Stone reported that he had surgery to have the tumor removed that November. Following the removal of his brain tumor, Turner reportedly continued touring the band.

The band announced the passing of Turner Sunday night across their social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother Brit Turner has moved on from this life. Brit battled glioblastoma since his diagnosis & fought every day. We ask for prayers for his family & band brothers. Thanks to everyone who supported through this fight pic.twitter.com/EsscjjmD2Z  BLACKBERRY SMOKE (@blackberrysmoke) March 4, 2024

If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet, the post read. Brit was Blackberry Smokes True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band. Brit has battled glioblastoma since his diagnosis in the fall of 2022 and fought every day.

The band ended the post saying more information about arrangements would be coming soon.

Fans and friends showed support for the band in the Instagram comments including Duane Betts, Butch Walker, The Steel Woods and more.

Brit was an amazing human being and I feel so privileged I was able to get know him as well as I did, Betts wrote.

I am heartbroken and have been crying all night but i know hes finally at peace, Walker wrote in his comment.

Blackberry Smoke was formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. According to Rolling Stone, the band revitalized Southern rock by pairing a hefty dose of country music with heavy guitar rifts. They released 10 albums including 2015s Holding All the Roses and 2016s Like An Arrow, which reached the top spot on the country music charts.

Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.
A New Jersey womans son was arrested in rural Pennsylvania and charged with murder after she was found dead in her home over the weekend.

Pennsylvania State Police arrested James Doran, 30, in the death of his mother, 65-year-old Lillian Doran of Blackwood in Camden County.

The younger Doran, also a Blackwood resident, is being held in Bedford County jail awaiting extradition to New Jersey, Gloucester Township police said Monday.

Attorney information for James Doran was not immediately available. Police did not say when he was captured.

Lillian Doran was found dead in her Fairmount Avenue home Saturday morning, police said. Officers were called to the home around 10:21 a.m. for a report of a deceased female.

Lillian Doran suffered blunt force trauma to the head, police said. Investigators did not elaborate on the homicide, including whether a weapon was used in the attack.

James Doran is charged with one count of first-degree murder, police said. Authorities did not say if theyve identified a motive for the alleged murder.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A Jersey City man who served four years in prison for a knifepoint robbery in Hoboken nine years ago has been charged in five armed robberies over a seven-week span in the city this year.

Hoboken police say Matthew Trontzs crime spree began on Jan. 15 at Prime Gourmet, 720 Monroe St., and continued Feb. 12 at Prime Stop, 1029 Willow St., and Hoboken Mini Mart, 532 Washington St. Police say the 31-year-old Trontz also robbed A&H Smoke Shop, 1222 Washington St., on Feb. 20 and Thomas Ice Cream Cafe, 214 Jefferson St., on Feb. 27.

He was arrested on Feb. 27 in Jersey City and charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree possession of a handgun, second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, second-degree certain persons not to have weapons, fourth-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, fourth-degree possession of prohibited weapons and devices and fourth-degree unlawful possession of weapon.

In each case, Trontz brandished a weapon that the victims believed was a silver handgun or black stun gun and fled with cash and/or vaping products. When Trontz was arrested, officers found him in possession of a silver imitation toy gun, a black stun gun, a foldable pocketknife and three cans of pepper spray.

An investigation by the Hoboken Police Departments Detectives Bureau connected the cases and ultimately led to the arrest of Trontz immediately following the final incident. The investigations were led by Detectives Ryan Houghton, Tyler Soto, and Michael Losurdo.

I want to personally thank the many members of the Hoboken Police Department who worked diligently to connect and solve these crimes, said Police Chief Steven Aguiar. The arrest and related charges are a demonstration of the Departments commitment to serve our residents, keep the city safe, and bring potentially violent criminals to justice.

In 2015, Trontz was arrested on charges he robbed a man at knifepoint in Hoboken. In 2016, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison. A few years earlier, Trontz had pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to the nine months he had already served in jail.
A ride in New Brunswick could be free through March 12 if you download the Middlesex County RIDE On Demand app for a new service the county launched last week.

County officials started the app-based public transportation initiative Tuesday to address transit gaps where buses and trains are scarce or inefficient. New Brunswick is the first city in the county to participate in the one-year pilot program, officials said.
A man who authorities say stabbed a 55-year-old woman with scissors in a hotel room in Old Bridge early Sunday before being shot and wounded by police has been charged with attempted murder.

Christopher Serrano, 42, of Manalapan, attacked the woman at the Hampton Inn on Spring Valley Road shortly before 3 a.m Sunday, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said Monday.

A police officer shot Serrano, though authorities didnt provide details on the confrontation that led to the shooting.

Serrano remains hospitalized, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors office said.

The woman he stabbed is expected to make a full recovery.

Serrano is also charged with two weapons offenses. Attorney information was not immediately available.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Det. Jose Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-3289.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com
Atlantic Citys police force is stronger thanks to help from an NFL athlete who, for a second time, donated a canine the department intends to use to rid the community of narcotics and other dangers.

Fletcher Cox, a long-time defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, donated Carlo to the police force, the second dog he helped the city acquire in support of K9 units in South Jersey.
A New Jersey man was arrested last month after scamming a senior citizen in Colorado out of $120,000 in gold bars by convincing her that he was a federal agent and that her bank accounts had been compromised, authorities said.

The scam started to unfold in July when a 79-year-old Highlands Ranch woman noticed a pop-up on her computer warning of a possible virus and with instructions to call an 888 number, officials from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office said at a press conference last week.

A man  later identified as 26-year-old Sagar Patel  answered her call and advised someone had accessed her bank accounts.

Patel instructed the woman to buy two $60,000 gold bars and have them delivered to her home. She was also told not to call the police, authorities said.

Days later, Patel again reached out and told the woman to meet an undercover federal agent at a convenience store in Littleton to hand off the gold bars. The victim was promised shed be sent a check to cover the cost of the bars, officials said.

A driver partially rolled down the windows, took the bars and tried to obtain more financial information from the victim, the sheriffs office said

The woman grew suspicious, though, and took down the rental cars license plate number before contacting her bank. She then called the sheriffs office, who launched an lengthy investigation that culminated in Patels arrest on Feb. 1 in Jersey City.

There were a lot of dead ends during the seven-month investigation, but (the detective) did not give up, Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said. Through cell phone records, credit card records, surveillance cameras, and good old fashioned detective work, (our detective) was able to track down the suspect.

The gold bars were not recovered, authorities said.

Patel, who has addresses in Rutherford and Jersey City, was later extradited to Colorado and made a first appearance in court on Feb. 20.

Patel is charged with theft of more than $100,000 and less than $1 million and crimes against an at-risk person

He is being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement with his next court date scheduled for March 21, a Douglas County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman said Monday.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com
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Public contractors poured $1.6 million into New Jerseys political parties in the last election, after lawmakers last year weakened the states pay-to-play prohibitions through a controversial campaign finance law.

For years, those contributions were restricted in New Jersey to prevent political parties from steering public work to companies in exchange for campaign cash that helped elect their candidates.

But with that spigot reopened, contractors cut checks of as much as $50,000 last year to state, county and local political parties, campaign finance disclosures show. Its a newfound largesse that good government groups warn will only add to New Jerseys longtime problems with political corruption and influence peddling.

At issue is the 2023 Elections Transparency Act, a mammoth law pushed through the Democratic-dominated Statehouse and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in April in a year in which every seat in the New Jersey Legislature was up for election.

The sweeping overhaul reworked New Jerseys campaign finance system, pairing contentious proposals with others that had widespread support. On one hand, it injected more money into politics, raising overall contribution limits for the first time in two decades. On the other, it required dark money groups to disclose their major donors to the public, a priority of reformers.

With pay-to-play, supporters of the new law insist the old rules were confusing, difficult to enforce and ridden with workarounds that made them ineffective. But critics charge the changes only made things worse, all but dismantling measures once heralded as the strongest in the nation.

It is just so disappointing to see New Jersey backpedal, said Craig Holman, a good-government advocate who helped write the states original requirements. Its going to be a return to the bad old days of buying government contracts.

Previously, companies doing business with the government were permitted to give just $300 to the political parties in some cases, a pittance on the campaign hustings. Those restrictions were lifted with the new law, and contractors can now contribute as much as $112,500 annually to state and county parties and $14,400 to municipal parties.

The law also voided stricter pay-to-play restrictions that many municipalities had enacted locally for the contracts they control, in favor of a single statewide standard. And it expanded a controversial loophole  known as the fair and open exemption  that already allowed a wide swath of contracts to avoid pay-to-play rules, provided they are publicly advertised before being awarded.

With the new law, more than 150 contractors or their executives contributed in 2023 to the political parties, an NJ Advance Media analysis of campaign disclosures revealed. Those funds came largely from big engineering companies and law firms and included 38 contributions of at least $10,000, of which 10 were $25,000 or more.

The biggest beneficiary was the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, which got more than $280,000 from contractors. That included the largest check: a $50,000 contribution from AECOM, a Fortune 500 engineering firm based in Dallas, Texas.

Campaign finance reports show the company made the donation on Nov. 3. Five days later, the Middlesex County Improvement Authority awarded AECOM a $7 million design contract for improvements to the New Brunswick Train Station, a state-funded project that has been heralded by Murphy and state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex.

Authority Executive Director H. James Polos, who said at the Nov. 8 meeting that the contract was competitively bid, did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did the boards chairman, James P. Nolan, nor Kevin McCabe, the leader of the county Democratic organization.

A request for comment from AECOM was also not returned.

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The loosening of the restrictions particularly helped county political parties, which often play a leading role in New Jersey politics. They collectively raised $1.27 million from contractors, compared to the $236,000 that municipal committees received and the $102,000 that statewide committees garnered.

Overall, the money flowed largely into Democratic coffers, in a blue state in which that party controls most public offices and the spoils they carry. Of contractor contributions, 73% went to Democratic committees, with Republican committees receiving 27%.

Proponents of strict pay-to-play laws argue corporations shouldnt be funding campaigns at the same time they are seeking public work, saying that decades of scandals both locally and nationally have demonstrated the pitfalls.

But backers of the new law maintain the old requirements fell short of their lofty goals and did little to discourage contractors from giving.

Under the former system, they said, businesses seeking influence would contribute indirectly, sending their money to less regulated political action committees or independent expenditure groups  the so-called dark money funds. That allowed companies to still spread their wealth around, while leaving it difficult to track who those funds were ultimately benefiting, backers said.

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, D-Camden, was the overhauls lead sponsor in the Assembly and said he stands behind it despite the criticism it has received. He said the public can now track every penny put into an election and evaluate for itself whether that money was corrupting.

The question isnt whether you give $300,000 or $200,000. The question is: Who did you give it to? Greenwald said. It opens up a conversation of: Was there true pay-to-play? Did you make a donation and get something in return?

Greenwald added: This allows people to raise money, do it transparently, have everyone aware of who they gave to.

Avi Kelin, an attorney for Genova Burns who advises businesses on campaign finance laws, said under the old rules, a single misdirected contribution of more than $300 could be fraught for a company and risk its ability to seek government work.

That presented a minefield for contractors to navigate, Kelin said, leading them to shift their contributions away from the political parties.

Theres always going to be money in politics, Kelin said. I think its on net better to have it remain in the system with the county party committees, with any type of political party committee thats accountable to the public in a way that an independent group or a super PAC mostly is not.

Companies that vie for contracts insist their contributions arent buying favors.

Among its contributions in 2023, Colliers Engineering & Design gave $115,500 to 19 political parties across the state, including $35,000 to Middlesex County Democrats and $28,100 to the Ocean County Republican Finance Committee, according to campaign finance reports. In its most recent contract disclosure, the Holmdel company recorded having $45 million in public business.

We believe in the American democratic process and support good government, Colliers spokeswoman Maraliese Beveridge said of the companys contributions. She said Colliers took no position on the new law and has policies in place to ensure it complies with whatever rules exist.

We make contributions because we feel its important and necessary to support good government, Beveridge said in a statement.

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Opening the door to political party donations wasnt the only change to pay-to-play that is drawing the ire of reformers.

The new law also eliminated local pay-to-play regulations, creating a single uniform system. Previously, municipalities and counties could set their own rules, and many had requirements on the books that were stricter than the states standard.

The law also extended the reach of the fair and open exemption, the much-criticized loophole that allows publicly advertised contracts to avoid pay-to-play provisions. Under the old rules, that workaround only applied to local and county contracts. But lawmakers expanded the exemption to contracts involving the state government, which the often-derided loophole formerly didnt touch.

Joseph Donohue, the acting director of the Elections Law Enforcement Commission, which oversees the campaign finance regime, said ELEC supported eliminating local pay-to-play ordinances but backed getting rid of the fair and open exemption instead of broadening it.

Taken as whole, whether the changes have improved or worsened New Jerseys rules remains to be determined, Donohue said.

Its too early to say, honestly, Donohue said. Were not even at the one-year mark yet.

Critics say the answer already is clear.

The law put more money into politics, said Antoinette Miles, the interim state director of the New Jersey Working Families Party, a progressive advocacy group. She said that pushes against the sense from the overall population that we need less money in politics.

Micah Rasmussen, who directs the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, said the public expects contractors should not be funding political campaigns.

We sometimes say that campaign money acts like water at a house foundation because it will always find a way in, Rasmussen said. But thats not a reason to take a giant step backwards, as we have in New Jersey.

Andrew Gaus, for one, says he is outraged.

A Mount Laurel resident, Gaus spearheaded a petition drive in favor of strict rules on campaign donations for companies that do business with his Burlington County township. Organizers gathered 1,500 signatures to get the question on the ballot, he said, where it was approved in a special election in February 2022 with 86% of the vote.

It took little convincing to persuade residents of the need, Gaus said.

They were like, What, this isnt a law already? And wed be like, No, unfortunately it isnt, Gaus remembered.

We were very happy when it passed because we cleaned up Mount Laurel, said Gaus, a Republican who later unsuccessfully ran for township council. At least for a year, until it got overturned.

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Mount Laurels ordinance was upended by the statewide standards that the new law imposed. With the changes, the Mount Laurel Democratic Committee accepted $14,000 last year from Alaimo Group, an engineering firm that held more than $1.8 million in contracts with the township, according to the companys most recent contract disclosure.

Mount Laurel Mayor Fozia Janjua and Township Manager Meredith Riculfy did not respond to requests for comment. But Michael Muller, the chairman of the local Democratic committee, said there was nothing untoward about the contribution.

Alaimo Group has been an engineer for the town for decades and has supported Republicans in the past, Muller said. That the company continues to secure work in Mount Laurel across different administrations speaks to the quality of its performance, he said.

They just happen to be one of the better firms in the area, and they know the town, and they know pipes and roads and all the things that you care about having the government do well, Muller said.

Muller said Mount Laurels contracts are awarded based on merit, and he is proud of how the township is run.

There are people who have contracts that have routinely donated to the other side; there are people who have contracts whove never spent a dime on our behalf, Muller said. There are some people who have supported us.

Alaimo Group did not return a phone message. The Mount Holly-based company, which also holds contracts in other municipalities, gave a total of $92,000 to 11 political committees in the state, contribution records show.

Throughout New Jersey, conversations like Mount Laurels are happening in many town halls with the end of local pay-to-play rules.

Across the state, 61 municipalities reported repealing local ordinances they had on the books in light of the new law, according to state Department of Community Affairs data. Another 72 municipalities said they had begun the repeal process.

Some are doing so unhappily.

In November, Jersey Citys council denounced the changes in a resolution admonishing the Statehouse for interfering with local control. The council did so as it voted to rescind the citys tougher rules, given the law.

I just hate that were even at this juncture. It is really a slap in the face of democracy, Councilman Frank Gilmore said. For the life of me, I just cant understand it.

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Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
One of New Jerseys most celebrated St. Patricks Day parades kicked off the celebration of the holiday a few weeks early this weekend in Monmouth County.

Organizers said 6,500 signed up to march in the Belmar-Lake Como St. Patricks Day parade, which got underway around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

It was one of five St. Patricks Day parades held this weekend, the first of four weekends of parades in New Jersey.

At least 30 parades are planned, culminating with parades in Highlands, Keyport and Ringwood on March 23.

In addition to the Belmar parade, the 9th annual Gloucester City St. Patricks parade and the Rutherford St. Patricks Day parade were scheduled for Sunday.

This years parades kicked off Saturday with the Burlington County St. Patricks Day parade in Mount Holly and the Nutley St. Patricks Day parade.

St. Patricks Day, honoring the primary patron saint of Ireland, is March 17.

Irish remains the second most common ancestry in New Jersey, after Italian. Approximately 1.1 million residents, or 11.9%, reported a familial connection to Ireland in 2020 U.S. Census data, down from 14% in 2016.

While many parades have a single grand marshal, along with other honorees, this years Belmar/Lake Como parade for the first time had four grand marshals: Retired Superior Court Judge Edward Neafsey and the three Casserly sisters  Michelle, Kacey and Megan. The sisters are credited with designing the official parade t-shirts, parade organizer Sheila Murphy said.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
Vladimir Putins nuclear saber rattling in recent comments to the Russian people is terrifying. Clearly, it was in response to the ill-considered suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron that NATO might be open to sending troops to help reverse Ukraines recent losses.

That possibility increases the danger that Russia will use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war  especially if Putin perceives that he has no other way of winning that war.
While the jury is still out on New Jersey City Universitys comeback from the brink of fiscal disaster last year, one effort of its interim president deserves praise now.

The creation of the universitys first-ever Academic Master Plan and its emphasis on positioning local students for economic mobility show that Interim President Andres Acebo is wisely working with the university community to focus on a back-to-basics mission thats vital for Hudson County.

Laser-focusing NJCUs place in the higher educational landscape of Jersey City, Hudson County and the state may well be the best route to undoing the educational and real estate sprawl previous President Sue Henderson embarked on that has threatened the universitys existence. While perhaps well-intentioned, Henderson and the previous Board of Trustees neglected to heed signs of financial hemorrhaging and vision failure, leading to the current situation where NJCU is operating under a state-appointed fiscal monitor.
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.

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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Snow this morning will give way to lingering snow showers this afternoon. High 37F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 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%.
Faimon Roberts III covers rural communities in Louisiana. His work is supported by a reporting grant from the Microsoft Journalism Initiative and is administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

He can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com.
FILE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, is escorted by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as he comes to the Capitol in Washington to issue a plea for Congress to break its deadlock and approve continued wartime funding for Ukraine, Dec. 12, 2023. Two months later, that aid request had still not been met but Schumer and McConnell are keeping the Senate in session on Super Bowl weekend to force funding for Ukraine and Israel. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Today commemorates the 200-year anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has been saving lives at sea since March 4 1824.

To honour this significant milestone, lifeboat stations throughout North Devon have united to celebrate the RNLI's remarkable 200th anniversary.

From the length of the North Devon and Torridge coastline and currently represented by Clovelly, Appledore and Ilfracombe, the RNLI has been a pillar of courage and community, and this milestone is a chance to reflect on its incredible legacy.

There also used to be a RNLI station in Lynmouth, however, it is no longer operational.

Lynmouth Lifeboat Station served as the hub for the RNLI search and rescue operations from 1869 to 1944.

One of its most notable missions occurred in 1899 when the lifeboat was pulled by hand an impressive 15 miles across Exmoor before launching to aid a distressed ship.

Our local stations will be hosting a wide range of events to mark the special anniversary, but national celebrations kicked off on Monday (March 4), with a special Connecting our Communities relay.

This relay, spanning 240 locations across the UK and Ireland, is like a baton race, but instead of runners, it involves passing a special scroll.

Over the course of seven months, the five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI

locations around the UK and Ireland before finishing its journey in October at Douglas on

the Isle of Man, which was home to the RNLIs founder, Sir William Hillary.

By this time it will carry around 700 signatures.

The scroll holds the RNLI pledge, a promise that no matter who we are or where we're from, we're all in this together to save lives.

The journey of the relay scroll commenced on Monday at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, where it was signed by dignitaries including the RNLI President and His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.

Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, who is overseeing the RNLIs 200th anniversary programme, said: "For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is."

We asked our communities to express interest in participating in this event and we have been overwhelmed by the response  were thrilled to have representation from our stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland. Everything about the scroll  from the design and materials, to the wording printed on it and the locations its travelling to  reflects the communities we serve."

By the end of the relay we will have an important document which will become part of the charitys history and a significant snapshot of the charity as it stands at 200 years old. put this speech together.

The relay uses a modern Ford electric van for transport, but the scroll itself reflects RNLI history with its special materials.

Ford will be providing an All-Electric E-Transit van, and after the journey, the scroll will be displayed at the RNLI College in Poole, where crews and lifeguards train.

Throughout North Devon, lifeboat stations are uniting to commemorate this significant anniversary with a series of events tailored to each community.

Each station will host its own unique gathering, honouring the dedication of the RNLI over the years.

Clovelly RNLI is gearing up for its role in the RNLI's 200th-anniversary celebrations and on Friday, April 19, representatives from Clovelly lifeboat station will embark on the next stage of the RNLIs Connecting our Communities relay-style event by physically walking the scroll to Appledore on the day.

Established following a wreck in the bay, Clovelly's lifeboat station has served its community since 1870 when a lifeboat house was constructed at a cost of 175.

Notably, in 1870, a new 33 foot self righting lifeboat, the Alexander and Matilda Boetefour (ON230), was commissioned.

Moving up the coast to Appledore RNLI, founded in August 1824, the station will also be joining in alongside the RNLI's 200th anniversary celebrations.

With its first lifeboat, The Volunteer, launched in 1825, the station has since been a stalwart in maritime rescue, tallying an impressive 2,796 launches and saving 673 lives over two centuries.

As part of the nationwide commemorations, three volunteers from Appledore had the honour of attending the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.

Bob Meller, operations manager at Appledore Lifeboat, said: "Founded in a London tavern on March 4, 1824 following an appeal by Sir William Hillary, the RNLI has weathered numerous trials, including tragic disasters and funding challenges, while saving lives at sea.

Over two centuries, lifeboats and equipment have evolved significantly, from early oar-powered vessels to today's advanced boats like Mollie Hunt and Glanely. Yet, the charity's reliance on dedicated volunteers and public contributions remains unchanged, sustaining its mission of saving lives."

Appledore RNLI will be celebrating the RNLI's anniversary with events all year long, finishing in December.

Most notably, Appledore will be receiving the Pledge scroll from Clovelly on April 19, where they will also sign it.

From RNLI SOS Day on Saturday, March 23 to the Charity Race Night on Saturday, April 6, there's plenty of fun for everyone.

Ilfracombe kicked off their celebrations early, with the words RNLI 200 mown into the grass on Capstone Hill.

On Saturday, March 16, at 2pm, the residents of Ilfracombe have been warmly invited to join lifeboat crew members and volunteers in standing within the lettering for a celebratory team photo.

"This presents a wonderful opportunity," remarked Jo Bolton, Chair of the Ilfracombe Lifeboat Management Group, "to express our gratitude to the community that has been at the heart of our lifesaving efforts at sea. We hope for a strong turnout on Capstone Hill and encourage attendees to wear something yellow as a tribute to our dedicated crew members and their families, who contribute immensely."

The town's association with life-saving stretches back to 1828, almost as old as the RNLI itself, with its first lifeboat in the harbour.

Over the years, the service evolved, becoming part of the RNLI in 1866 and welcoming its first motorised lifeboat in 1936.

Come 1893, a new lifeboat house was constructed and erected at a cost of 360.

The lifeboat house used to be on the pier, where the aquarium is today and the boat would be towed by tractor along the quay to the water, up until a new lifeboat station was built at the harbour.

Today, Ilfracombe boasts a modern Shannon lifeboat, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities vastly different from the rowing boats of the past.

Ilfracombe will also be hosting events to celebrate the anniversary. One of which will include the Pledge scroll arrival on Saturday, April 20.

Although a plan for its arrival is not yet in place at the station, the team at RNLI Ilfracombe are sure itll make a splash.

On Saturday, March 16, in the morning, visitors will have the chance to participate in guided tours of the lifeboat station and explore the interior of the boats.

This event is complimentary, but bookings are necessary to secure a spot.

Additional tours are scheduled for March 20 at 7pm and March 26 at 5pm, where booking is also required.

Sunday, March 17 will see acclaimed author Ann Cleeves launching her latest thriller, inspired by a visit to Ilfracombe's lifeboat station in 2022.

The book, The Raging Storm, delves into a gripping tale of mystery and rescue, reflecting Ms Cleeves' personal gratitude to the RNLI.

Joined by real-life crew members on stage, the event promises an insightful evening into both fiction and real-life rescues.

With a series of events planned throughout the year, RNLI Ilfracombe invites everyone to join in celebrating its rich history and contributions to maritime safety.

Details will be posted on facebook.com/RNLIIlfracombe
Noora Niasaris delicately moving  Shayda  puts the viewer in the shoes of an Iranian woman in Australia living in a womens shelter with her 6-year-old daughter.

The violence happens before we enter the story, and yet actor Zar Amir Ebrahimis face and body tells us everything we need to know. Whatever bruises might have been there are gone, but the pain and trauma is palpable. We understand immediately that she is terrified of her husband, of what hes done and of what he might do, especially as she begins a process that would have been unthinkable in Iran: divorce.

Were introduced to Shayda (Ebrahimi) and Mona (a heartbreaking film debut for young actor Selina Zahednia) as they attempt to act out what the child should do if her father tries to flee the country with her. It is tense and overwhelming, a delicate dance of conveying danger and urgency without explicitly saying so.

Shayda is the directorial debut of Niasari, who based it on her own experiences. She was the young child in the shelter with her mother 30-some years ago. In a directors statement she said it was her first experience of freedom. Even without knowing this, its evident that this is a gaze that isnt just empathetic. Niasari isnt just interested in showing Shaydas fear. There is a considerable amount of the film in which we get to just watch Shayda and Mona being together, playing, dancing, debating haircuts and enjoying one anothers company. It's a love letter to a mother who was able to preserve some of the magic of childhood during an incredibly difficult time.

With a different storyteller, Shayda could have easily been exploitative or manipulative, but Niasari and her actors make it feel like real life. There are no grand monologues overexplaining everything or gratuitous flashbacks of the abuse  theyre not needed, and its more powerful and compelling because of the absence.

As they carefully make their case for custody, Monas father Hossein (Osamah Sami) is granted unsupervised time with her. Niasari similarly makes a carefully considered case in depicting him. When we meet him, he is gentle and deferential, but the cracks of jealously and possessiveness and ingrained cultural expectations begin to show in subsequent encounters. Shayda can barely look at him. Meanwhile hes proposing they go back to Iran immediately.

Shayda excels in illuminating the isolation of an abusive relationship, even once theres been physical separation. Her friends dont even know where she and Mona have been living. Her mother, on the phone, wonders what she must have done as word of the rift has reached Iran. And yet, even with the pressures, she starts to carve out her own existence away from the suffocating constraints of her home country. She cuts her hair, she goes out dancing, in a briefly joyous sequence, and she even allows herself to flirt with a man. There is a distinct and moving growth arc as she evolves from the wounded bird in hiding who we meet at the beginning.

There is a bit of a movie contrivance (that may still be rooted in reality), in that were watching all of this play out during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in which Shayda and Mona are often in public with people who know both them and Hossein. This, of course, means that he will show up at some point and cause a scene.

His character, however, leaves something to be desired. You understand enough, though, and ultimately this film isnt about him. During a climactic moment in which he does indeed cause quite a scene, you can hear another man off camera say that he has a right to see his wife (yes, even in this rageful state). Its kind of a throwaway line but it also says everything about the uphill battle that she faces just trying to separate from him. In a different scene, Hossein reminds her in no uncertain terms that shed be killed in Iran for her actions.

Shayda is set in 1995 and yet still feels quite relevant, and not just for Iranian women. In Niasari, we have a brave and distinctive new filmmaking voice and I cant wait to see what she does next.

Shayda, a Sony Pictures Classics release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for thematic material, domestic abuse, some violence, language. Running time: 118 minutes. Three stars out of four.
PORTER TOWNSHIP  A woman told police she was in the living room of her house Saturday evening when an unknown man walked in uninvited and then fled on an all-terrain vehicle, Porter County police said.

Responding officers located the four-wheeler in question crashed along a ditch and then spotted the suspect, later identified as Jason Hulen, 45, of Hebron.

Hulen refused to follow police orders and was taken into custody, according to the arrest report. He was taken to the Porter County Jail and faces a felony count of residential entry.

He also faces charges in a Hebron case of felony intimidation and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, public intoxication and refusal to identify.

Police said they were called around 6:15 p.m. to the home in the area of 600 W. County Road 50 South.

Jury to decide if Porter County high school student recklessly killed young man "The gun fired and struck Andrew, who immediately fell to the ground. Dakota became hysterical and passed out from the shock."

The resident said she was home with her husband when Hulen walked in. Her husband ordered him to leave, at which time Hulen drove off on the ATV, but left a helmet behind.

"(The woman) stated she noticed the male was intoxicated and had trouble standing up on her back porch," police said.
MICHIGAN CITY  Michigan City police responded to a report of a stab wound victim on Sunday night in the 700 block of E. 11th Street, police said in a statement.

Upon arrival to the apartment, officers discovered Jason Clinton, 46, with a serious stab wound to the neck, police said. Clinton was transported from the scene by EMS to an awaiting helicopter.

Clinton was flown to South Bend Memorial Hospital for advanced care, and later transported to Indianapolis Methodist Hospital. He is currently in critical condition, police said.

Initial investigation determined JD Williams, 57, of Michigan City, was responsible for the stabbing. He was arrested on probable cause at the scene.

Williams has been charged with one count of aggravated battery, a level three felony; battery with a deadly weapon, a level five felony; and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level five felony. A formal probable cause hearing is pending in LaPorte County Superior Court 1 before Judge Jaime Oss.

Williams was also served with two failure to appear warrants. The first is a LaPorte County warrant where Williams failed to appear in court for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and driving while suspended. The second warrant was out of Michigan City where Williams failed to appear in court for criminal mischief, police said.

Williams is currently being held without bond.

Anyone will information on this case should contact Det. Cpl. Kay Pliske at 219-874-3221 ext. 1086, or by email at kpliske@emichigancity.com.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into LaPorte County Jail Cory Newsome Tiffany Dupree Dustin Musgrave Randy George Jeremy Teutemacher Damita Smith Sidney Holifield Dewite Garland Bruce Kahn James Johnson Sabrina Jones David Nava Shawn Shirley Brian Sherrod Rickey Gurley Sr. Kenneth Umfleet Brandon Bernacchi Dashawn Brown David Kubiak JD Williams Jr. Joseph France Luke Hardin Brian Vernard
Indiana Sugars, Inc., a bulk sugar supplier that's operated in Gary for more than a century, has bought the former Majestic Star Hotel and Casino in Buffington Harbor for an undisclosed sum.

The 101-year-old company, which makes and distributes sugar nationwide, plans to build a new headquarters on the 55-acre site on Lake Michigan. It also acquired an additional 22-acre site around Buffington Harbor from the property owner Transport Properties.

Our customers have always been our priority and their demand for new products and capacities are driving this new expansion, said John Yonover, Indiana Sugars president and chief operating officer. This is a true win/win opportunity in that we can build a state-of-the-art facility a mere eight miles from our current Indiana location and allows us to have all our current employees transition to the new facilities over time. As we enter our next 100 years, this move strongly positions Indiana Sugars for the future, and to grow within Indiana makes it that much sweeter.

Indiana Sugars is currently located at 911 Virginia St. near the Indiana Toll Road and Interstate 65. It will take over the part of Buffington Harbor previously occupied by Majestic Star Casino before the Hard Rock Casino was built on the Borman Expressway.

Buffington Harbor, a deepwater port on Lake Michigan that was billed as the the deepest and most modern port on Lake Michigan when it opened in 1927, also is home to Carmeuse and the abandoned Universal Atlas Cement Plant.

The port, which used to unload lake freighters for the steel industry, has a 2,000-foot pier with views of the Chicago skyline and a 1,200-foot breakwater with one of Indiana's few lighthouses at the end, with a flashing red light warning ships that get too close to shore. The harbor is served by two Class 1 railroads.

Indiana Sugars had been looking at various sites for expansion and future growth.

It was the engaging and thoughtful efforts of Mayor Eddie Melton and his team that has made sure that Indiana Sugars remains a Gary, Indiana-based firm, Yonover said. Mayor Melton and his team were passionate about our project and transparent that they didnt want us to leave. They worked tirelessly with us to make a long-term arrangement that worked for both us and the City of Gary.

Indiana Sugars, a national company with operations in Illinois, Missouri, California, New York and Massachusetts, plans to break ground on the first phase of its project in the coming months. It will build a headquarters, which should be completed by sometime next year, it said.

The overall buildout of the site could take up to a decade and will take place in phases. Indiana Sugars' plan includes more manufacturing plants and warehouses during phases 2 and 3 of the expansion.

There is no better place than Gary for Indiana Sugars to grow and expand their historic business. This move was a top priority for my administration's first 100 days in office. I believe this project is proof that Buffington Harbor and the adjacent footprint will provide Indiana Sugars and future businesses the opportunity to maximize their operations due to Garys unique transportation infrastructure," Mayor Eddie Melton said. With access to our Gary/Chicago International Airport, deep-water port, class one railroads, access to three major highways (Interstates 80, 94 and 65) and only 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, the nations third largest economy, Gary is positioned to be the home for more businesses. That means more jobs and a stronger tax base to grow our city and provide a better quality of life for our citizens.

Buffington Harbor started out with two competing casino boats  the Majestic Star and the neighboring Trump Casino that was owned by former President Donald Trump. The gambling boats opened in 1996 along with a hotel, restaurants and bars at the harbor. The casino boats initially cruised around Lake Michigan before Indiana legalized gambling boats being stationary at the dock. They together operated 1,900 slot machines, baccarat, poker and table games on three floors of gaming.

Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts went bankrupt in 2004 with $1.8 billion in debt, and sold the Gary casino to its Buffington Harbor rival in 2005. Both casinos were then operated under the Majestic Star banner until it closed in 2021, when a gambling license was transferred to the new $300 million Hard Rock Casino, which has since become Indiana's top casino.
A Republican candidate for Indiana governor has personally loaned his campaign another $2 million.

State campaign finance records show former Indiana Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers loaned his campaign the money Wednesday.

It follows a still-outstanding $5 million loan that Chambers, an Indianapolis-based real estate investor, provided to his gubernatorial campaign Sept. 1 shortly after entering the race.

Chambers reported having $2.9 million in his campaign account Dec. 31 after he significantly outraised his gubernatorial competitors  excluding loans  during the July-December 2023 reporting period.

They've stepped up their fundraising in recent weeks, however, with Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden receiving $1 million donations from each of his parents, and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun collecting a $1 million check from billionaire Illinois businessman Richard Uihlein.

All three men and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch also have received a steady stream of five- and six-figure donations exceeding the $10,000 threshold for near-immediate reporting of large contributions, records show.

According to state campaign finance records, former Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. is the sole Republican gubernatorial candidate not to receive a "large" donation so far this year.

Hoosier Republican voters will decide at the May 7 primary election which candidate will succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb as the party's gubernatorial nominee.

Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park
An advisory opinion issued by the Indiana Election Commission may open the door for more Hoosier women, particularly mothers, to run for elected office at the state and local levels.

In a 4-0 decision, the bipartisan commission concluded last month that political candidates can use their campaign funds to pay for child care expenses at times when a candidate is actively campaigning or participating in other political activities, or while actually engaged in official service.

State law generally prohibits spending campaign funds on personal needs. In this case, however, the commission said federal election regulators already have authorized campaign spending on candidate child care, and nothing in Indiana law prohibits the similar use of campaign funds.

"The commission has determined that the issuance of an advisory opinion to clarify the application of (campaign finance law) to child care expenses would be beneficial to Indiana candidates and committees," the commission said.

The advisory opinion was requested by state Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, and state Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, in conjunction with the Vote Mama Foundation.

"This advisory opinion is a win for all Hoosiers," Wilburn said. "More people being able to run for office and serve their communities means better government. My hope is that this decision tells parents: You belong in government. You belong in elected office."

Records show fewer than 1% of Hoosier legislators in 2022 were mothers with minor children.

Hunley said the commission ruling removes a significant barrier that historically has kept parents and caregivers out of the political arena, and at no cost to taxpayers or to the state.

"Child care expenses present a barrier to access for families. Making it clear that these expenses are a necessary part of any campaign in which a parent is involved opens the door for Hoosiers who want to be more involved in their communities, but who may otherwise have struggled to afford time away from providing care to their children," Hunley said.

Indiana is the 31st state to authorize the use of campaign funds for candidate child care expenses, records show.

Liuba Grechen Shirley, Vote Mama Foundation founder and CEO, said a primary goal of the foundation is to create a future where no political candidate has to consider child care costs when making their decision to run for office.

"Unfortunately, for many candidates the ability to run for office hinges on access to child care, and the cost can keep them out of the political arena entirely. To get more parents and caregivers into every level of office, we must remove the structural barriers that prevent them from running in the first place," Shirley said.

The commission's advisory opinion is just that  advisory. Nevertheless, the commission recommended its opinion be codified into state law by the General Assembly as soon as practicable.

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
With a few strokes of his pen Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb invalidated 21 municipal ordinances banning the sale of puppies and dogs at retail pet stores as a means to combat animal abuse.

Instead, beginning July 1, a package of one-size-fits-all state dog sale regulations will replace the dog sale restrictions currently in effect in Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Hebron, Highland, Lake Station, Lowell, Munster, Schererville, Valparaiso and Whiting.

The Republican chief executive said he signed into law House Enrolled Act 1412 because he believes it will "ensure responsible breeding practices and improve animal care and safety in our communities."

"(The law) puts in place protections and provides needed transparency concerning the sale of dogs in Indiana. By signing this bill, pet stores, breeding facilities and animal rescue operations will be required to register with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health while pet stores will also be required to maintain records of each dog purchased," Holcomb said.

Under the law, cosponsored by state Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron, all retail pet stores, animal care facilities, animal rescue operations and hobby breeders that sell dogs to retail pet stores are obligated to register with the Indiana Board of Animal Health.

BOAH also is entitled to conduct random, unannounced inspections of any commercial dog breeder, broker, or retail pet store beginning July 1, 2025.

In addition, Indiana pet stores selling dogs must disclose all fees associated with the purchase, each dog's age and breed, medical history, breeder name and address, details needed for pedigree registration, proof of microchipping and the store's return policy.

A purchaser is entitled to a return or refund, including repayment of veterinary bills, if a veterinarian certifies within certain time frames that the dog was sick or died because it was unfit for purchase due to illness or disease, or possesses a congenital or hereditary condition requiring significant veterinary care, according to the legislation.

Critics of the proposal pointed out BOAH lacks the administrative and inspection staff, as well as the necessary funding, to oversee the more than 300 dog breeders, animal rescues and animal shelters that now fall under the board's authority.

They also said the General Assembly shouldn't impose statewide dog sale regulations at the behest of Petland  a dog retailer that lobbied heavily for the law  at the expense of policies tailored by citizens and local leaders to meet the unique needs of their communities.

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
The second-grade girl looked up from her desk and asked, How do you spell bullying?

In her classroom at Wallace Elementary School in Hammond, she was completing a special writing assignment, promising to show kindness to others. I asked how she can do this at her school.

If someone is bullying my friends at the playground, I promise to show kindness so they dont cry, the girl replied.

I was impressed with her innate compassion as much as her vocabulary skills. Her classmates shared similar responses for this assignment as a follow-up to what they learned from the book, How to Be a Lion" by Ed Vere.

On Friday, I read this picture book to the class to celebrate National Read Across America Day, held each year on Dr. Seuss's birthday, which was Saturday. The book tells the story of kindness and compassion while addressing bullying, guided by a duck named Marianne and a lion named Leonard.

This is an opportunity for community leaders to share with our youngest students what they do in their daily lives to grow kindness, what it means to have compassion for others, and why it is so important, said Michelle Golden, president and founder of Books, Brushes & Bands for Education.

The Hammond-based nonprofit partnered with that city to coordinate more than two dozen guest speakers to read the book to more than 800 second graders. I was worried that the rambunctious youngsters would eat me alive, but they turned out to be adorable, inquisitive and appreciative for any kind of attention.

Watch me read! one boy told me.

He held up his strip of paper. It stated, I love to help when peppol are getting bullie.

I loved it though I was tempted to not correct the misspellings. Theres something so cute about young kids misspelling words. I dont feel the same way about adults who should know better.

Reading and writing go together like a Chromebook and a charger, which school-kids use on a daily basis. The words they read become the words they write. The more they read, the more they write. At least in theory.

To entice them with this special assignment, Golden drew a large lions head on a board and every students strip of paper was glued to it, creating the lions mane. All of the lions heads will be publicly displayed May 15 at the 21st Annual Spring Midwest Youth Music Concert at Hammond Central School, hosted by Books, Brushes & Bands for Education.

One of the best ways to encourage kids to write is to display their work for others to see, whether its in a school hallway, on a parents refrigerator or in a newspaper column.

Children learn to love the sound of language before they even notice the existence of printed words on a page, according to ReadingRockets.org, a national public media literacy initiative.

Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world, the site says. It helps them develop language and listening skills, and prepares them to understand the written word. When the rhythm and melody of language become a part of a childs life, learning to read will be as natural as learning to walk and talk.

Taking the time to read with your children on a regular basis sends an important message: Reading is worthwhile, the organizations website states, citing the U.S. Department of Education.

If you extract just one takeaway from todays column, I hope its this timely yet timeless message: No activity is more important for preparing your child or grandchild to succeed as a reader than reading aloud together. This can be done at bedtime or dinner time or, ahem, with a newspaper. All that matters is doing it together. Good readers make good writers, at any age.

The purpose of this project is to encourage reading not only for our youngest students but also adults, said Ian Brundige, manager of development for BBB4E. In future years, the goal is to expand to Read Across the Region.

One of the second graders approached me to ask, How do you spell kind?

I asked what he wrote on his paper. He held it up to show me.

I promise to be kink, it stated.

I smiled and told him, Youre just one letter off.
Mark Dodson, who voiced strange puppet creatures in Star Wars, including Salacious B. Crumb, the cackling monkey-lizard pet of Jabba the Hutt, and Gremlins films, died on Saturday. He was 64.

His death was confirmed in statements on social media by his agent, Peter DeLorme, and the Evansville Horror Con, the Indiana fan convention where he had been scheduled to appear over the weekend. No cause of death was given.

Mr. Dodsons voice acting career began in 1983 on Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, when he voiced Salacious B. Crumb, the court jester of Jabba the Hutt that was known for its maniacal laugh, as well as some of the furry forest creatures known as Ewoks.

In a 2020 interview with Screaming Soup!, Mr. Dodson explained how he had gotten the Crumb role by accident.
Will Shortz, crossword editor of The New York Times and the host of NPRs Sunday Puzzle, is recovering from a stroke, he said on Sunday.

Mr. Shortz, who is 71 and has been with The Times for three decades, shared the health update in a recorded message that aired on Sunday at the end of the puzzle quiz segment during the NPR program Weekend Edition Sunday.

Hey guys, this is Will Shortz. Sorry Ive been out the last few weeks. I had a stroke on February 4, and have been in rehabilitation since then, but I am making progress, he said in the message. Im looking forward to being back with new puzzles soon.

Ayesha Rascoe, the host of Weekend Edition Sunday, wished Mr. Shortz a speedy recovery.

We here at Weekend Edition, we love Will and I know that everybody at home does too and we are rooting for him and we are so hopeful and know that he will feel better soon, she said during the segment.
Jump to: Todays Theme | Tricky Clues

MONDAY PUZZLE  A long crossword entry is not necessarily a complex one. Some of them may, in fact, come to the average solver quite naturally while shorter answers remain just out of reach. Todays crossword is just so: Samantha Podos Nowak, in her New York Times debut, has crafted a grid in which the longest answers happen to be some of the easiest to deduce.

Christina Iverson, a puzzle editor for The Times, emphasized this fact in describing the strength of Ms. Nowaks puzzle. We thought she did a nice job of making the longer answers fun, Ms. Iverson said, explaining that Ms. Nowaks theme required a number of shorter answers because of the constraints of the grid.

Ms. Iverson also hinted at a feature in todays puzzle that is a rare occurrence on a Monday: the debut of a three-letter entry  this one regarding a certain cinematic universe. Superhero fans will be excited, she said.
A judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Texas attorney general from forcing an L.G.B.T.Q. organization to turn over documents on transgender minors and the gender-affirming care they may be receiving.

In Texas, medical care for gender transition is prohibited for minors under a law passed last year. As part of an investigation into violations of the ban, the office of Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded early last month that the nonprofit PFLAG National, which supports families in accessing gender-affirming care for children, provide information on minors in the state who may have received such treatments.

But on Friday, Judge Maria Cantu Hexsel of Travis County District Court issued an injunction against Mr. Paxton, just days after PFLAG sued to block the request, saying turning over the documents would cause irreparable injury, loss or damage to the group. The judge added that such an ask would infringe on the groups constitutional rights and that its members would be subject to gross invasions of privacy.

In a statement, PFLAGs lawyers, including the American Civil Liberties Union, said they were grateful that the court saw the harm the attorney generals offices intrusive demands posed.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, saying that Hamas should agree to the six-week pause currently on the table and that Israel should increase the flow of aid into the besieged enclave amid a humanitarian crisis.

Ms. Harriss remarks, delivered in Selma, Ala., bolstered a recent push by President Joe Biden for an agreement and came a day before she was to meet with a top Israeli cabinet official involved in war planning, Benny Gantz. Her tone echoed a sharper and more urgent tone coming from the White House as its frustration with Israel grows. Last month, the president called Israels response to the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack over the top.

Ms. Harris assailed the dire conditions in Gaza, calling the situation a humanitarian catastrophe. It was her most forceful assessment to date of the Middle East conflict, which has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health authorities, and put the enclave on the brink of famine.

What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating, Ms. Harris said. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed. Women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care. And children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. As I have said many times, too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.

The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated, Ms. Harris added. And given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire, for at least the next six weeks.

Mr. Biden has been pushing for a deal between Hamas and Israel that would allow for the release of hostages and a temporary cease-fire by Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that starts around March 10. U.S. officials said that Israel had more or less accepted terms of the deal, but Hamas has yet to agree to it.
Some cutting-edge appliances like the air fryer may have risen in popularity lately, but the simple sheet pan has become as essential as a cast-iron skillet. In the past, the sheet pan was often called a rimmed baking sheet and used in kitchens to make the cake known as chocolate roulade; its now all you need for a meal. New York Times Cooking lists nearly 1,000 sheet-pan recipes, many of them dinners. As Olga Massov and Sanae Lemoine demonstrate in their new, cheekily titled cookbook, Hot Sheet, you can make just about anything but soup on a sheet pan. They take you through breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert using mainly half-sheets (18 by 13 inches) but also quarter sheets. They discuss materials but, oddly, never mention the issue of warping, which cheaper unreinforced pans are prone to do. The all-in-one recipes like fish over cabbage; chicken with olives, dates and preserved lemon; and also sheet-pan fried rice; roasted carrots; and granola, are the best. Though you can use a sheet pan to roast a whole chicken, duck or rack of lamb, other implements could do the job as well or better, especially when a recipe requires two sheet pans, which seems to miss the point. As for a clafoutis, a pie plate works just fine. Photos of well-used pans with their smudges of dark residue might resonate with home cooks.

Hot Sheet: Sweet and Savory Sheet Pan Recipes for Every Day and Celebrations by Olga Massov and Sanae Lemoine (Harvest, $32.50).
Some Background: What interrupts household chatter?

Researchers have long known that growing up in a language-rich environment is vital for early language development. More language exposure early in life is associated with social development, higher I.Q.s and even better brain function.

Given the value of such exposure, researchers in Australia were eager to investigate potential factors within the home environment that could be interrupting opportunities for parents to interact verbally with their children. Previous studies on the impact of technology mostly examined a parents use of a mobile device, rather than a childs use of screens, and relied on self-reported measures of screen time rather than automated monitoring.

What Researchers Found: Every minute counts.

The new study, led by Mary E. Brushe, a researcher at the Telethon Kids Institute at the University of Western Australia, gathered data from 220 families across South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland with children who were born in 2017. Once every six months until they turned 3, the children wore T-shirts or vests that held small digital language processors that automatically tracked their exposure to certain types of electronic noise as well as language spoken by the child, the parent or another adult.
For Trevor Barker, a first-year student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, the $1 billion gift from a longtime former professor that will eliminate tuition at the medical school could well be life-changing.

Mr. Barker works two campus jobs and sends money home to his mother in California. He had expected to graduate hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. But the free tuition has made him ponder new options for his career.

I hadnt really been able to consider family medicine, but I might want to, he said.

Family medicine doctors do everything from delivering babies to caring for older people  usually in underserved communities. Mr. Barker said he might consider practicing medicine in the Bronx, even though doctors there generally earn less.

The billion-dollar donation by Dr. Ruth Gottesman made national news last week for its generosity and because of her life story. It also resonated because it did not go to a school in Manhattan, where top medical and educational institutions are regularly feted with gifts from billionaires.
Allen H. Weisselberg, former President Donald J. Trumps longtime financial gatekeeper, pleaded guilty to felony perjury charges in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday, the latest twist in a tortured legal odyssey.

Yet Mr. Weisselberg, who for years has remained steadfastly loyal to Mr. Trump in the face of intense prosecutorial pressure, did not implicate his former boss. That unbroken streak of loyalty has frustrated prosecutors and now, at the age of 76, will cost Mr. Weisselberg his freedom a second time.

The plea agreement with the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, comes weeks before the former president will stand trial on unrelated criminal charges. That case, also brought by Mr. Bragg, stems from a hush-money payment made on Mr. Trumps behalf to a porn star during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Mr. Weisselberg, who was led into the courtroom in handcuffs wearing a blue surgical mask and a dark suit, conceded that in recent years he had lied under oath to the New York attorney generals office when it was investigating Mr. Trump for fraud. The attorney general, Letitia James, sued Mr. Trump in 2022, accusing him of wildly inflating his net worth to obtain favorable loans and other benefits.
Its been more than a week since I read the news and I can still hardly believe it. Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped the Central Park Zoo and spent a year on the lam in Manhattan, is dead. My disbelief is of a piece with the grief I feel at news of an unexpected human death. How can a vibrant, irreplaceable creature be safely here among us one instant and irretrievably gone the next? How is that even possible?

The truth is that Flaco never had a chance. Few apex predators fare well in the built human environment, and Flaco was an apex predator who had never been taught to hunt. Until someone freed him from the zoo last year, he had spent his entire life in a cage.

He learned to hunt anyway, as a wild owl in the urban unwild. All New York was rooting for him  and, thanks to the reach of social media, many others were too. I live in Tennessee, but I began to follow the wonderful urban wildlife photographer David Lei on Instagram just for the pure joy of seeing Flaco, day after day, in all his ill-fated magnificence. He was our outlaw, our tragic hero, our symbol of resilience, our fellow bewildered immigrant, determined to master the perplexities of life in a foreign place.

Flaco had spent his life among our kind and seemed to be as curious about us as we were about him. He perched on fire escapes and air-conditioners. He peered into windows, blinking those huge, inscrutable eyes. In his glorious wildness, he tolerated our oohs and ahs, our long lenses, our honking taxis and our double-decker buses and our wailing sirens. Somehow he found his way among our glass-clad canyons, navigated the inexplicable patterns of our traffic and our days.
Of all the offerings this Oscar season, one stands out: Io Capitano. A nominee for best international feature film, it is a visually stunning and often harrowing account of the journey from West Africa to Europe. Based on many real-life stories, it shows the horrors of the perilous route across the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea that more than one million people have taken over the past decade, along which thousands have died.

At a time when Italys far right is in government, introducing draconian anti-migrant laws amid a flood of poisonous rhetoric, Io Capitano is an important intervention by its director, Matteo Garrone. Well known for his 2008 film about the Neapolitan mafia, Gomorrah, and for his faithful, magic-realist retelling of Pinocchio in 2019, Mr. Garrone has now cemented his reputation as one of Italys most prized directors.

The film makes several bold choices. It focuses not on someone fleeing a war zone but on a young so-called economic migrant from Senegal. Wolof dominates the script, claiming a place for a language that, though present in Italian society, has been nearly absent from Italian cinema. And moments of magic realism provide the viewer  and the protagonist  with some momentary relief from the tortures of the desert and detention, weaving a Muslim angel into its visual world. All told, it is a worthy Oscar nominee.

Yet for all its achievements, the film doesnt tell the whole story.

Io Capitano owes its title to the final scenes of the film, in which the Senegalese protagonist, Seydou, is strong-armed into helming a rusty fishing trawler that takes him and hundreds more from Libya to Lampedusa, Italys southernmost island. His heroic actions save everyones lives, and the film ends with him screaming Me, Captain! over and over again, as a helicopter whirs above the boat. Here, Seydou is a hero just as much as Walt Whitmans celebrated captain  The ship has weatherd every rack, the prize we sought is won  but survives to tell the tale.
By Thursday, Google will have changed how it displays certain search results. Microsoft will no longer have Windows customers use its Bing internet search tool by default. And Apple will give iPhone and iPad users access to rival app stores and payment systems for the first time.

The tech giants have been preparing ahead of a Wednesday deadline to comply with a new European Union law intended to increase competition in the digital economy. The law, called the Digital Markets Act, requires the biggest tech companies to overhaul how some of their products work so smaller rivals can gain more access to their users.

Those changes are some of the most visible shifts that Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta and others are making in response to a wave of new regulations and laws around the world. In the United States, some of the tech behemoths have said they will abandon practices that are the subject of federal antitrust investigations. Apple, for one, is making it easier for Android users to interact with its iMessage product, a topic that the Justice Department has been investigating.

This is a turning point, said Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission executive vice president in Brussels, who spent much of the past decade battling with tech giants. Self-regulation is over.
Republicans and Democrats alike claimed victory days after a federal judge issued a mixed decision in Arizonas ongoing battles over voting rights and public trust in elections, upholding requirements for voters to prove their citizenship but limiting the ways that voters could be disqualified.

The decision, issued last Thursday, dealt with two voting laws passed in Arizona in 2022 by Republican lawmakers, who said they were necessary to keep noncitizens from casting ballots. Latino voting-rights groups and the U.S. Justice Department had challenged the laws in court, saying they violated the civil rights of immigrants and minority voters.

One of the laws created new requirements for voters to provide proof of citizenship. The other required local elections officials to run checks to purge potentially ineligible voters.

In a 109-page ruling, Judge Susan R. Bolton struck down some parts of the laws while leaving major pieces standing, saying that Arizona had an interest in ensuring that noncitizens could not vote.
Follow live updates on Trump and Haley after Super Tuesday.

Before Representative Adam B. Schiff became famous as the chief congressional tormentor of former President Donald J. Trump, his professional hallmark was his low profile.

In a Southern California district glittering with show business, he was simply the congressman from Burbank. In a state teeming with Democratic political stars, he was rarely on short lists for higher office. In Congress, his calling cards for years were the Democratic Study Group on National Security  also known as the nerd caucus  which he co-founded, and his knack for securing federal dollars for light rail in Greater Los Angeles.

Now Mr. Schiff is a national figure and the favorite to become the next California senator, buoyed in his liberal-dominated state by his anti-Trump bona fides: lead manager during the former presidents first impeachment trial and proud recipient of a censure once Republicans took control of the House.

As Tuesdays primary draws near, Mr. Schiff is the Democratic front-runner, and polls suggest he may be on a glide path to the seat, which was held by Senator Dianne Feinstein for more than 30 years until her death at age 90 in September.
Follow live updates on Trump and Haley after Super Tuesday.

When the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Alabamas congressional map last year as an illegal dilution of Black voting power, the decision set in motion a heated redistricting battle.

Now, voters on Tuesday will head to the polls for the first time in a newly reshaped Second Congressional District, which was redrawn to give Black voters a fair opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.

The shake-up has drawn a field of nearly two dozen candidates, underscoring the rare political opportunity on offer: a primary without an incumbent, and because Black voters historically favor Democrats, a suddenly competitive race in ruby-red Alabama.
Follow live updates on Trump and Haley after Super Tuesday.

Nikki Haley lately has been making the case that former President Donald J. Trump has transformed the Republican Party into his personal playpen. In media appearances and at rallies as she crisscrosses the country leading up to Super Tuesday this week, she has argued that Mr. Trump has installed loyalists in key party positions and pushed for changes in primary rules to serve himself.

Ms. Haley has suggested that the Republican National Committee is at risk of becoming his legal slush fund for the four criminal cases he is facing. She has sounded the alarm over losses Republicans have incurred up and down the ballot, with candidates championed by Mr. Trump. And she has even hedged her responses on whether she would endorse the Republican nominee if he wins.

We are in a ship with a hole in it  that hole is Donald Trump, she declared Wednesday to loud cheers at a performing arts theater near Salt Lake City. This new approach is a sharp turn from the more calibrated tone she employed for most of the Republican nominating contest.

When she jumped into the race last year, becoming the first major challenger to Mr. Trump, Ms. Haley, who served as his United Nations ambassador, took only vague swipes at her former boss, promising to move beyond the stale ideas and faded names of the past. She tended to mention him only when asked, mixing criticism with praise, a tack that made her a reluctant messenger for the small but not insignificant portion of Republicans seeking an alternative to the former president.
Not since Theodore Roosevelt ran against William Howard Taft in 1912 have voters gotten the opportunity to weigh the records of two men who have done the job of president.

And despite holding intensely and similarly critical opinions both of President Biden and of his predecessor, Americans have much more positive views of Donald J. Trumps policies than they do of Mr. Bidens, according to New York Times/Siena College polls.

Overall, 40 percent of voters said Mr. Trumps policies had helped them personally, compared with just 18 percent who say the same about Mr. Bidens policies. Instead, 43 percent of voters said Mr. Bidens policies had hurt them, nearly double the share who said the same about Mr. Trumps policies, the latest Times/Siena poll found.

That presidents are frequently remembered more fondly once they leave office is nothing new. In a retrospective look at nine of the past 11 presidents, approval of job performance increased 12 percentage points after leaving office, both on average and for Mr. Trump in particular, according to a Gallup poll from June.
Its not that there is anything bad about your hair, the police officer politely explained to the young Black man as commuters streamed past in Tokyo Station. Its just that, based on his experience, people with dreadlocks were more likely to possess drugs.

Alonzo Omotegawas video of his 2021 stop and search led to debates about racial profiling in Japan and an internal review by the police. For him, though, it was part of a perennial problem that began when he was first questioned as a 13-year-old.

In their mind, theyre just doing their job, said Mr. Omotegawa, 28, an English teacher who is half-Japanese and half-Bahamian, born and raised in Japan.

Im like as Japanese as it comes, just a bit tan, he added. Not every Black person is going to have drugs.
The South Korean government on Monday said that it was moving to suspend the licenses of thousands of doctors who walked off the job nearly two weeks ago, threatening to escalate a dispute that has shaken the nations health care system.

The announcement came after thousands of physicians, nurses and other medical professionals took to the streets on Sunday, rallying with banners that read: Doctors are not criminals!

For more than a month, young doctors have been in a high-stakes dispute with the government over the future of health care in the country. Nearly 10,000 interns and residents, about a tenth of all doctors in the nation, have walked off the job, with most ignoring a Thursday deadline to return to work. On Monday, the government said it would begin to suspend the licenses of around 7,000 of those doctors.

But two weeks after the walkout, it remains unclear how the disagreement will be resolved.

Why would we want to go back after the government has treated us like the bad guys and has not addressed our demands? said Lee Haeju, 32, who until recently was a resident at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.
French legislators on Monday voted to explicitly enshrine access to abortion in the Constitution, making their country the first in the world to do so.

Acutely aware that they were breaking historical ground from the grand assembly room inside Versailles Palace, the politicians delivered impassioned speeches about womens rights around the world, paid homage to the courageous Frenchwomen who had fought for abortion rights when it was illegal and leaped up time and again to offer standing ovations.

We are sending the message to all women: Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said, before the gathered lawmakers voted 780-72 for the amendment.

The amendment declares abortion to be a guaranteed freedom, overseen by Parliaments laws. That means future governments will not be able to drastically modify the current laws funding abortion for women who seek one, up to 14 weeks into their pregnancies, according to the French justice minister, Eric Dupond-Moretti.
First it was Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, who angered his NATO allies by suggesting that soon the West could be forced to send troops to Ukraine, portending a direct confrontation with Russian forces that the rest of the alliance has long rejected.

Then Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany took his own turn exposing new divisions. Trying to justify why Germany was withholding its most powerful missile, the Taurus, from Ukrainian hands, he hinted that Britain, France and the United States may secretly be helping Ukraine target similar weapons, a step he said Germany simply could not take. While neither Britain or France has commented officially  they almost never discuss how their weapons are deployed  Mr. Scholz was immediately accused by former officials of revealing war secrets.

Scholzs behavior has showed that as far as the security of Europe goes he is the wrong man in the wrong job at the wrong time, Ben Wallace, Britains former defense minister, told The Evening Standard, a London daily. Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative who once chaired a key defense committee in the House of Commons was widely quoted in the British press calling the statement a flagrant abuse of intelligence.

Coming in a week when President Vladimir V. Putin threatened nuclear escalation if NATO troops entered the conflict, the tensions among Western allies underscored the ways they are struggling to maintain unity at a moment of apparent stalemate in the war and of flagging support, particularly in Washington.
In a neighborhood of Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jewish residents cheered a soldier returning from military service. At a religious seminary, similarly devout students gathered to hear an officer talk about his military duties. And at a synagogue attended by some of the most observant Jews in the country, members devoted a Torah scroll in memory of a soldier slain in Gaza.

The Hamas-led attack on Israel last October has prompted flashes of greater solidarity between sections of Israels ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority and the secular mainstream, as fears of a shared threat have accelerated the integration of some of Israels most insular citizens.

As Israels war in Gaza drags on and Israeli reservists are called to serve elongated or additional tours of duty, long-simmering divisions about military exemptions for the countrys most religious Jews are again at the center of a national debate.

But now, in the wake of the deadliest day of attacks on Jews since the Holocaust, parts of Israels rapidly growing community of ultra-Orthodox Jews, known in Hebrew as Haredim, are reconsidering their role in the nations fabric. Unusually high numbers have expressed support for or interest in military service, according to polling data and military statistics, even as the vast majority of Haredim still hope to retain their exemption.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has emerged as one of the leading voices for Palestinians in closed-door meetings, pressed for a pause in fighting in Gaza with a member of Israels war cabinet, Benny Gantz, at the White House on Monday afternoon, according to the White House.

The vice president emphasized the urgency of securing a hostage deal and reducing the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded alongside Israels war against Hamas in response to attacks on Oct. 7. She praised Israels constructive approach to seeking a six-week cease-fire but urged the government to do more to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach those in need in Gaza.

The vice president expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the recent horrific tragedy around an aid convoy in northern Gaza, a White House description of the meeting said. It added that she urged Israel to take additional measures in cooperation with the United States and international partners to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

The meeting came as the United States said it would continue airdrops of food that began on Saturday in an effort to confront what humanitarian groups say is a crisis for the more than one million displaced Palestinians in Rafah, in southern Gaza, as Israel prepares to deploy ground forces there.

Although Ms. Harris has not strayed too far from President Bidens war message, in a speech on Sunday she took a tougher tone in demanding an immediate cease-fire. Still, she directed her remarks at Hamas, not Israels leadership, and repeated that she and the president remained unwavering in our commitment to Israels security.

In meetings at the White House, she has been forceful in urging the administration not to dismiss the anger from Palestinian Americans and others in the United States, who contend that Mr. Biden has not done enough to prevent the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza, according to four people familiar with the matter.
Only a trickle of aid managed on Monday to reach the desperately hungry people of the northern Gaza Strip, where the United Nations has warned that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians face a growing threat of famine after nearly five months of fighting and blockade.

Fifteen trucks were dispatched overnight to northern Gaza as part of a relief effort involving Palestinian businessmen, according to COGAT, the Israeli military body that regulates aid to the Palestinians. But at least five of those were looted along the way, according to an Israeli official who was not authorized to comment publicly, and so spoke on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear exactly how many of the trucks reached their intended destination, Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighborhood. Izzat Aqel, a Palestinian businessman involved in the operation, said he aimed to send an additional 30 trucks with food relief to northern Gaza on Monday night.

Aid officials have warned that Palestinians in Gaza could be on the brink of famine unless relief is substantially stepped up, with over 500,000 people already facing a dire lack of food. One in six children under the age of 2 in Gaza is acutely malnourished, according to the United Nations. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, said visits to hospitals in the north by agency officials  the first since early October  found severe levels of malnutrition and children dying of starvation.

The dire conditions have prompted crowds of desperate people to swarm aid trucks and contributed to a bloody scene last week, when Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians who had gathered en masse around a convoy of trucks that had entered northern Gaza. Over 100 Palestinians were killed, many by gunfire, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military said the troops had fired on members of the crowd who approached them in a threatening manner and attributed most of the deaths to a stampede around the convoy.

In the wake of the bloodshed at the convoy, Israel has faced even greater international pressure to facilitate more aid for Gazans, particularly in the north.
Even after last weeks nuclear threat, few believe that Mr. Putin will wake up one day and decide to lob megaton warheads at Washington or European capitals in retaliation for supporting Ukraine. What Western allies see as more likely is that Russia will use a so-called tactical nuclear weapon, which is less destructive and designed to strike targets over short distances to devastate military units on the battlefield.

The strategic thinking behind those weapons is that they are far less damaging than city-destroying hydrogen bombs and therefore more usable in warfare. The United States estimates Russia has a stockpile of up to 2,000 tactical nuclear warheads, some small enough they fit in an artillery shell.

But the detonation of any tactical nuclear weapon would be an unprecedented test of the dogma of deterrence, a theory that has underwritten Americas military policy for the past 70 years. The idea stipulates that adversaries are deterred from launching a nuclear attack against the United States  or more than 30 of its treaty-covered allies  because by doing so they risk an overwhelming counterattack.

Possessing nuclear weapons isnt about winning a nuclear war, the theory goes; its about preventing one. It hinges upon a carefully calibrated balance of terror among nuclear states.

Source: Federation of American Scientists Figures and dates are based on estimates of the number of warheads for military use and may not mark when a nation's first nuclear test took place.

If Mr. Putin dropped a nuclear weapon on Ukraine  a nonnuclear nation thats not covered by anyones nuclear umbrella  what then? If deterrence fails, how is it possible to reduce the risk of one attack escalating into a global catastrophe?

We might find an answer in the autumn of 2022, when fears of Russias nuclear use in Ukraine were most palpable. A lightning Ukrainian military counteroffensive had reclaimed territory from the Russians in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. The Ukrainians were on the cusp of breaching Russian defense lines at Kherson in the south, possibly causing a second Russian retreat that could signal an imminent broader military collapse.

U.S. intelligence estimated that if Ukraines fighters managed to break through Russian defenses  and were on the march to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is based  it came down to a coin flip whether or not Russia would launch a tactical nuclear weapon to stop them, senior administration officials said.

Moscow has made implicit and explicit nuclear threats throughout the war to scare off Western intervention. Around this time, however, a series of frightening episodes took place.

On Oct. 23, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu of Russia made a flurry of phone calls to the defense chiefs of four NATO nations, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, to say Russia had indications that Ukrainian fighters could detonate a dirty bomb  a conventional explosive wrapped in radioactive material  on their own territory to frame Moscow.

Russia Sergei Shoigu,

Defense Minister United States Lloyd Austin,

Defense Secretary Britain Ben Wallace, Secretary

of State for Defense Turkey Hulusi Akar, Minister

of National Defense France Sebastien Lecornu,

Defense Minister

American intelligence also intercepted chatter around then among Russian military leaders about using a tactical nuclear weapon, according to current and former Biden administration officials. General Austin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, held three phone calls in four days with Russian counterparts during this tense period.

Believing the Russians were building an unfounded pretext for their own nuclear attack, the Biden administration quickly began a multilateral effort with allies, adversaries and nations in between to de-escalate the situation and try to talk Moscow out of it. For nearly a week, Biden aides pulled all-nighters at the White House, coordinating high-level conversations and planning for the worst: the detonation of a small nuclear device in Ukrainian territory that had the power of a few kilotons or less.

Many in the administration believed the Kremlins dirty bomb ploy posed the greatest risk of nuclear war since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. State Department officials traveled to Poland to ensure that medical supplies and radiation equipment were rushed over the border. The Energy Department sent equipment to collect potential debris so that it could be later analyzed by American scientists for weapon design characteristics and the origin of the nuclear material. U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees nuclear operations, directed a team of experts (cheekily named The Writers Club, because their findings were written up daily for the Pentagon leadership) to assess the risk and determine which conditions would trigger Russia to go nuclear.

While cautions about the potential withering economic, diplomatic and military consequences were delivered in private to Moscow, administration officials also publicly sounded alarm bells.

Tap to Unmute Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, October 2022

The administrations diplomatic push was coupled with efforts by leaders of several nations, including China, India and Turkey, to explain to Mr. Putins government the potential costs if he were to go through with a nuclear attack. That November, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, William J. Burns, met with his Russian counterpart in Turkey, where he conveyed a similar warning. On Nov. 16, the Group of 20 released a joint statement:

If the Russian leader was indeed inching toward the brink, he stepped back.
The Republican caucuses will be held in-person from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and first results are expected within an hour. Participants must be registered with the party or sign a statement declaring their affiliation.

The states 29 delegates are awarded entirely to the statewide winner if he or she receives at least 60 percent of the vote. If no candidate meets that threshold, those receiving at least 20 percent of the vote will be awarded delegates proportional to the results.

North Dakota Democrats are holding a primary via mail ballots, which are due by noon on March 30.
A Mexican woman is being accused of paying three thugs to throw red paint on her future daughter-in-laws wedding dress to stop her from marrying her son.

On February 17, a couple managed to get married in the town of Ciudad Obregon, Mexicos Sonora Province, despite facing constant harassment from the grooms family. News of the couples plight went viral in Mexico after photos of the bride wearing a white wedding dress splattered with red paint on her big day started doing the rounds on social media. According to numerous reports from sources close to the couple, as the bride was standing outside the church where the wedding ceremony was to take place, three thugs showed up and splattered her with red paint while recording the whole thing, most likely as evidence for the person who hired them. This was allegedly only the latest incident orchestrated by the grooms family to stop the couple from going through with the wedding.

Photo: @fulanodeobregon/X

The details of the constant harassment that the young couple was subjected to was shared on X (Twitter) by user @fulanodeobregon, in a series of posts on February 20. They said that the grooms family owned a profitable funeral home business and had been against his union to a woman they considered inferior from the very beginning. The grooms siblings started threatening their future sister-in-law, Alexandra, via social media, using fake accounts after she blocked their main ones. Whenever the groom confronted them, they denied everything.

Because Alexandra didnt come from a wealthy family herself, the grooms family was convinced she was only marrying him for financial benefits and was determined to stop their union at any cost. After threats failed, they allegedly offered her a blank check to end the relationship, but that didnt work either. So they continued with the harassment, spreading rumors about Alexandra online and firing the groom from the family business because he failed to see reason.

QUEREMOS JUSTICIA!!!! pic.twitter.com/vIJqBosVWA  La Verdad Siempre Sale a la Luz (@fulanodeobregon) February 20, 2024

At one point, the grooms mother allegedly faked a heart attack and had herself committed to a hospital, blaming her son for putting her there. But the cherry on top came on the couples wedding day. During the pre-wedding photo session outside the church, police received an anonymous phone call about drug trafficking at the event, so a special unit was dispatched to investigate and search all the guests. Nothing was found.

Then, as the bride was getting ready to walk down the aisle, a group of thugs pulled up in a car in front of the church. Two of them splattered red paint on her white wedding dress, while a third recorded the whole thing with a smartphone. Photos of the incident went viral on social media. But, having gone through so much already, the couple just went on with their plans. The bride changed into a gold dress and got back to celebrate with the guests.

Aqui otra foto despues del ataque! Que horroooorrrrr! Imaginense que hubiera sido acido, cloro, gasolina, etcccc pic.twitter.com/Lc68sXQqTs  La Verdad Siempre Sale a la Luz (@fulanodeobregon) February 20, 2024

While all this was going on, the grooms mother, who many claim was the one directing the harassment, was vacationing in Paris, France. No one from his family attended the wedding.

Although love triumphed in the end, many of those who commented on the couples ordeal expressed concern about their life going forward. If Alexandras in-laws put so much effort into stopping the wedding, they will likely try to harass them. Some recommended that they elope to be far away from those who would break them up.
Scott Merritt and Dustin Siggins co-authored this article.

Picture the scene: youre sitting down for dinner when the phone rings. Its a telemarketer offering a free gutter inspection. Theres just one problem: Your home doesnt have gutters. This salesperson clearly didnt do any research. Hes looking for a needle in a haystack.

Thats how a lot of reporters, editors and other media gatekeepers feel when their inboxes are assaulted by untargeted and irrelevant pitches. Those bad pitches make a beeline to the trash folder and may even earn the offender a spot on the journalists blacklist.

Capturing the attention of the right media with the right pitch at the right time is hard. Journalists drink through a firehose of emails, phone calls, texts and tweets, sometimes receiving dozens of pitches per hour. Its why some build how to pitching guides for their beats and others use services like Qwoted or HARO to provide the explicit details necessary for someone to send the perfect pitch, source, comment, etc.

Taking these steps shouldnt be necessary. PR professionals have a duty to our clients, our craft and our media contacts to be more empathetic and strategic. This involves deeply researching specific reporters and making sure theyre currently covering the subject at hand.

Its a lot of up-front work, but the results will speak for themselves. Here are a few principles that underlie how we help our clients.

Solve journalists and clients problems first

Cision, Muck Rack and Meltwater are powerful tools for PR professionals. You can find thousands of media targets, their contact information and beats and recent coverage samples in a quick search. It seems like the worlds best cheat code for getting in the press. Spoiler alert: it isnt.

Both authors have used these tools to serve our clients, but theyre not magic bullets. While the effort to build a list using these tools is minimal, the results are likely to be just as minimal: few emails landing with the right people, a lot of which get bounced back and even more pitches landing in the wrong inboxes.

And worst of all, little or no coverage for your client. Thats because instead of solving a journalists problem of finding good sources, and your clients problem of getting the right message covered by the right media outlets, youve simply solved your own: saving time.

Bottom line: building a media list without a strong, research-first strategy makes it harder to consistently deliver results that keep clients happy.

Build your process for client success

Landing a media placement requires the Three Ts: pitching the right Topic, at the right Time, to the individual with the right Title. You wouldnt send out a tax-deductions press release on Independence Day, so why not apply that principle throughout the year?

Heres our recommended process for building a list, whether its one reporter or 100:

Identify the target outlets that are the best fit for your clients style, tone and message.

Find the contacts most likely to be receptive to your clients insights.

Research each journalists preferred style, tone and angles.

Introduce yourself with a this is not a pitch message to a journalist when you have a client whose expertise and activity is sure to lead to future pitches.

Use email, phone and social media to contact the media. But never send a text unless they request it or you have a well-established personal relationship with someone.

You wont land every pitch, but youll do a lot better by building a list the right way.

Everything is sales

Yes, even PR practitioners are salespeople. We have to sell the client on campaign narratives and story angles; and we have to sell the media on running with our clients stories. The latter happens when, unlike the telemarketer at the top of this piece, you have done the research ahead of time to solve the pain points of each journalist, editor, and producer you contact. Then, youve reached out with a carefully crafted message thats designed to result in the salein this case, client coverage.

Not taking the time to hand-select needles for the haystack is no different than being the telemarketer who calls every house in town, including those without gutters.

Thats why its important to narrow your scope by doing the upfront work to target only the journalists who make the most sense. Take the time to understand your target audience and apply sales mechanics, whether youre seeking revenue or a placement:

Crafting a pitch is comparable to positioning a product or service to appeal to the end user.

A good pitch, like a good salesman, makes a direct ask.

The best pitcheswhether for new business or media coveragesolve pain points concretely and succinctly.

The telemarketer who interrupted dinner might have a chance if they called you about gutter cleaning in the fall because your home has gutters  not just because you live in a building that gets rained on.

The best PR practitioners dont endlessly search for a needle in the media list haystack; they build the haystack out of needles.

***

Scott Merritt founded Strategic Global Media after spending more than two decades leading teams at other PR agencies. Dustin Siggins is Founder of Proven Media Solutions. A former journalist, his work has been published in USA TODAY, Business Insider and Forbes.


Port of Dublin Floats PR/Marketing RFP Fri., Mar. 15, 2024 The Port of Dublin, which handles 50 percent of Irelands total trade and 80 percent of its containerized traffic, wants a PR/marketing services firm to position it as an essential state asset.
McKinsey & Co. has reached out to Republican shop Harbinger Strategies to educate policymakers about the activities of the embattled management consultancy.

The move follows calls from GOP lawmakers to ban McKinsey from federal contracts following news that a think tank led by the consultancy helped develop Chinas five-year plan.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who is vice chair of the Senate intelligence committee, and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House foreign affairs committee, said McKinseys work for the Chinese undermined US security.

Bob Sternfels, McKinsey global managing partner, told Congress on Feb. 6 that he was unaware that his firm worked for Chinas government.

Harbingers five-member McKinsey team includes Jonathan Stemrod, former aide to Rubio and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Leganski, deputy chief of staff to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
A Waterford businesswoman who got lost in snow in the Slieve Bloom mountains last week has thanked the local people and gardai for helping her out of her predicament.

Georgy of Keepsakes by Georgy was on her way from Waterford to Sligo when her Sat Nav directed her a certain way, which she didn't realise was through the snow-covered Slieve Bloom mountains, which were impassable.

This was the start of her early morning adventure. Once she was driving in the mountains, the road became impassable and she was stuck in freezing temperatures.

Some local men came to Georgy's rescue, but she said she was originally frightened as the men approached her in the dark, in such a remote location.

"It was very scary. It was dark, and I was lost in the woods," Georgy said.

The men who were trying to cover themselves from the cold also were hard to make out, so understandably the stranded driver was a little nervous.

"It was dark and I wasn't going to open my car door. I let my window down a little and they didn't look friendly until they opened their mouths and asked 'do you need help'. They told me that people often get lost," Georgy said.

"The guy from the area said the Sat Nav always brings people up there," she said.

The local men, along with local gardai, eventually got Georgy back on a main road and heading in the direction of Galway, and on to her conference in Sligo.

Georgy later thanked one of the local men, Leo Brophy from Camross, who was one of those who came to her rescue.

"It was a very important conference in Sligo so I wasn't going to miss it for anything," Georgy said. "Thank God I didn't have the kids with me, as it would have been so scary for them".

Georgy was on her way to a conference to display her jewellery, and had samples with her in the car.

Keepsakes by Georgy provides personalised DNA keepsakes.

Georgy has been in Ireland for 17 years and works from home in Waterford.

Last week, garda social media outlined: "Gardai in Mountrath assisted a driver, that didn't know the area, this morning when GPS sent them up through the Slieve Blooms."

They added that "the road from Kinnity to Killanure is impassable due to heavy snow overnight."
YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. Presidential contender Nikki Haley has defeated former president Donald Trump in the Republican primary in Washington DC, Reuters reports.

Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the only remaining challenger to Trump in the race, won 62.9% of the vote, versus 33.2% captured by the former president.

Haley was the first woman to win a Republican primary in U.S. history, her campaign said.

This is also her first victory over the former president in the 2024 campaign to become the Republican presidential candidate. Trump won the first eight nominating contests by significant margins before losing to Haley in America's capital city.

Trump however has a huge lead over Haley and is likely to face President Joe Biden in the November election.

The Democratic primary in Washington will be held in June.
YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministers of Armenia and Greece discussed issues related to enhancing relations in the field of defense within the framework of the bilateral defense agreement, the Minister of National Defense of the Hellenic Republic, Nikolaos Dendias, said during a press statement.



"Today we are witnessing a very unstable situation because we are dealing with expansionist forces that ignore international law, international agreements, values, and principles of the United Nations. The common task of the international community should be to face these challenges. We must show that we are ready to prevent the escalation of conflicts and try to return to a peaceful situation. One should always act in accordance with international law," Dendias said.

He mentioned that they had discussed practical steps for developing bilateral relations with the Minister of Defense of Armenia, Suren Papikyan.

"This year, we have signed a military cooperation program in which the armed forces of both countries will participate. We have also achieved significant results in the past. There were many offers from Armenia to study at Greek military schools. And we plan to admit even more students in the coming years," said the minister.

At the same time, the minister expressed that the two countries could establish successful cooperation in the search for innovative solutions in the field of defense.

"I am pleased to inform you about the new Greek legislation regarding the establishment of a new research and innovation center. We would be delighted if the Armenian companies contribute to this system," the Greek Defense Minister concluded.
YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. On March 4, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with the Minister of National Defense of Greece Nikolaos Dendias, who is on an official visit to Armenia.

The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the high level of political dialogue between the two countries, emphasizing the expansion of cooperation in various fields of mutual interest on both sides. In this context, they mentioned the Armenian Prime Minister's recent visit to Greece and the role of high-level reciprocal visits in continuously enriching the bilateral agenda, the foreign ministry said.

According to the source, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Greece discussed issues related to deepening the partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the use of existing mechanisms and perspectives.

Ideas were exchanged on the possibilities of interaction in various formats. Regional topics were discussed during the meeting. Ararat Mirzoyan presented the latest discussions in the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Armenia's positions on key issues. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized Armenias efforts aimed at establishing lasting stability and peace in the South Caucasus, adding that achieving this goal requires a clearly expressed commitment from both sides," the statement reads.



For his contribution to the development of relations between Armenia and Greece, including during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, the Armenian Foreign Ministry has awarded Nikos Dendias with the Order of Friendship.
MasterChef Australia has announced that the cooking competition will be heading overseas for the first time since season nine in 2017.

Channel 10 revealed on Monday morning that the reality shows upcoming sixteenth season will film three mouth-watering episodes in Hong Kong, which is home to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants and over 15,000 dining establishments.

MasterChef season 16 will be filming three episodes in Hong Kong. Photo: Channel 10

This trip will mark the second time MasterChef has filmed in Hong Kong after season one in 2009. The series has since travelled to London, Paris, New York, Italy, Dubai, America and Japan, although the past six seasons have stayed in Australia.

The shows upcoming visit to Hong Kong is in association with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Cathay Pacific Airways, and will showcase iconic landmarks and bring the citys intrinsic east-meets-west culture to our screens.

RELATED:

In a statement from Channel 10, Andy Allen admitted hes never been to Hong Kong before but hes been really interested in the place for a long time.

Thats because I see the city's array of food is off the charts: its a melting pot of different cultures, bold flavours, and one-of-a-kind ingredients, he said.

Blending Michelin-starred restaurants with bustling street markets, it seems to have this world-class food culture going on. It's so good that now myself, the other judges, and contestants can finally get amongst it this season.

Andy Allen will be joined by Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli on the judging panel in 2024. Photo: Channel 10

Who are the MasterChef judges for 2024?

While Melissa Leong has stepped back from MasterChef to prioritise her role on Dessert Masters, her co-star Andy Allen will return for season 16 to continue the legacy of the late Jock Zonfrillo.

He will be joined by season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, food critic and journalist Sofia Levin, and multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Story continues

SHOP:

Andy said in a statement: MasterChef Australia has been part of my life for over a decade. It gave me a pathway into the industry and led me to a career that I'm forever grateful for. After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, the decision to return to the series is not one I took lightly.

But there is something special in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done. 2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal - yet brilliant - to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyles daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.
Electricity and Fuel supply declared as essential services in Sri Lanka

Posted by Editor on March 4, 2024 - 8:43 am

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued, declaring all services related to the supply of electricity as well as the supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel as essential services in Sri Lanka.

The relevant gazette was issued by the Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, on Sunday (March 03), by order of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Gazette underscores the critical nature of these services, emphasizing their indispensable role in sustaining community life.

It applies to all entities, including Public Corporations, Government Departments, Local Authorities, and Co-operative Societies engaged in electricity supply, petroleum distribution or fuel provision.
Manna Roshans brother killed in Hanwella shooting

Posted by Editor on March 4, 2024 - 12:00 pm

A 31-year-old man was killed and another injured following a shooting at Niripola area in Hanwella this morning (March 04).

Police said the deceased was identified as the brother of underworld gangster Manna Roshan.

The unidentified gunmen opened fire at a double-cab in which the brother of underworld gangster Manna Roshan and one of his close associates were traveling in the Niripola area.

The two individuals who sustained critical gunshot injuries were rushed to Avissawella Hospital, where one of them succumbed to his injuries upon admission.

The deceased was a resident of Niripola and the Hanwella Police are investigating the incident.
Finland's authorities blacklist Betsson, enforcing a payment block for violating local gambling regulations, marking a significant regulatory action.

In a landmark decision, Finland's National Police Board (NPB) has blacklisted Betsson's BML Group, prohibiting financial transactions with its brands, reflecting Finland's firm regulatory environment against unlicensed gambling activities.

Enforcement of Regulatory Measures

First Operator to Face Blacklisting

The National Police Board of Finland has taken unprecedented action by blacklisting Betsson's BML Group, a move that prohibits any financial transactions from Finnish players to the operator. This decision makes Betsson the first gambling entity to face such stringent measures in Finland, underscoring its commitment to enforcing its gambling laws.

Implications of the Blacklist for Betsson

The blacklisting follows a legal battle where Betsson's BML Group was found to have engaged in targeted marketing towards Finnish players, contravening the Finnish Lotteries Act. The court's ruling resulted in a significant fine for BML Group and a prohibition against marketing its gambling services in Finland, highlighting the challenges operators face in markets with strict regulatory frameworks.

Crackdown on Unlicensed Gambling

Introduced in early 2023, Finland's payment-blocking measures aim to curtail the influence of the gambling black market. With estimates suggesting that unlicensed gambling constitutes a significant portion of the country's gambling activity, these actions represent a critical step toward protecting the legal gambling monopoly held by Veikkaus and ensuring compliance with national gambling policies.

Global Challenges for Betsson

Betsson's challenges in Finland echo similar situations in other monopoly markets, such as Norway, and its complicated history with the regulated igaming market in the Netherlands. These instances reflect gambling operators' broader difficulties navigating international markets' complex and varied legal landscapes.

Towards a New Gambling Framework in Finland

Amidst these regulatory actions, Finland is moving towards dismantling the gambling monopoly held by Veikkaus in favor of an open licensing model anticipated to be implemented by 2026. This shift aims to address gambling-related harms and improve channelization to legally sanctioned offerings, indicating a significant transformation in Finland's gambling landscape.

Veikkaus Prepares for Transition

Veikkaus has partnered with OpenBet to modernize its fixed-odds betting system to prepare for the upcoming changes, aligning with the forthcoming open licensing model. This development and the strategic reorganization of Veikkaus, including workforce reductions, signals a proactive adaptation to Finland's evolving regulatory environment and future market conditions.

This blacklisting of Betsson by Finland's NPB marks a critical juncture in the country's approach to gambling regulation, underscoring the importance of compliance and the shifting dynamics of the gambling industry within the nation.
A popular Aussie beach spot that's been "smashed" by four-wheel drivers lately may soon charge for vehicle access to the sand, after visitors left behind mountains of rubbish, vandalised bathrooms, parked where they shouldn't and mistreated public amenities.

The council controlling Preston Beach in Western Australia, about an hour and 20 minutes south of Perth, is contemplating a permit system for visitors hoping to take their 4WD cars on the sand, as the area grows in popularity to a point where the Shire of Waroona Council can't keep up.

Council eyes fee for vehicle access on beach

According to officials, the latest summer in particular saw a huge spike in visitors to the area. These visitors allegedly vandalised toilets, leaving them blocked in some cases, left behind mess and rubbish, and parked on the footpath instead of in bays, Shire of Waroona president Mike Walmsley said.

The Shire of Waroona council will look into charging people to access Preston Beach with a vehicle. Source: ABC

"If I could describe to you the state of some of public toilets... it is mind boggling why people would go to such an effort to do what they do," Walmsley told the ABC, adding he was no longer able to ignore the spiralling situation.

"The last thing we want to see is shut the beach altogether to 4WDs. The bottom line is our ratepayers are subsiding the cost of our visitors and we need to look at recovering the cost."

Hefty cost to repair clogged, damaged bathrooms

In just the space of a few days, council was forced to fork out $6,000 to fix the clogged bathrooms, a shire council document revealed.

Rubbish, vandalised bathrooms and mistreated public amenities are just some of the issues plaguing Preston Beach. Source: ABC

In response, council is now looking at a beach-visitor management strategy, that could include a new permit system that will "inevitably" charge travellers to the area for beach access, but not local ratepayers.

Yahoo News Australia has contacted the council for comment with regard to the proposed permit system.

Preston just one of a number of Aussie beaches with same issue

Preston is one of a growing number of beaches in the country that has a problem with four-wheel drivers and their behaviour.

Story continues

Last year, Yahoo News reported the Shire of Gingin council proposed to ban 4WDs on the sand at Lancelin altogether, to protect the vulnerable dunes and local environment.

The Shire of Gingin council proposed banning 4WDs on the sand at Lancelin altogether last year. Source: Facebook

The move was met with backlash from within the community, with some claiming the proposition "undermines one of the most amazing draw cards" that "encourages people to visit and invest in the town in the first place." Others said it would kill tourism, but many agreed the problem was growing.

In South Australia, speed limits were recently introduced at Goolwa Beach, about an hour south of Adelaide, after people celebrating Christmas in 2022 badly damaged the fragile sand dunes.

Motorists on Goolwa Beach will be expected to adhere to new speed limits. Source: Google/ABC

Mayor Keith Parks said it would take "years" for the popular beach to recover.

"The tracks made over the dunes by the 4WDs have opened up holes due to the high energy winds that this coastal area produces. It will still take many years to recover as the native vegetation is slow-growing," he said in December.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
"OUR STUDENTS DESERVE A LEADER ON THE SCHOOL BOARD, NOT A SELF-SERVING POLITICIAN."



- SEIU 99 Mailing

Last March, I called out the LAUSD Board for not doing enough to rein in Superintendent Carvalho, leading to a three-day strike led by SEIU-99. I warned the pro-public education majority that they had been elected with a mandate for substantial and immediate change and that the failed contract talks with the union representing some of the District's lowest-paid workers betrayed that trust.

One year later the members of SEIU-99 have the opportunity to hold two LAUSD Board Members, Scott Schmerelson and Tanya Ortiz Franklin, accountable for their part in allowing the strike to happen. Instead, they have endorsed Franklin and spent almost $650,000 in the race that will determine the successor for the retiring Board President, Jackie Goldberg. That is a lot of money for the workers represented by SEIU (playground workers, bus drivers, and Special Education aides) to be spending on an election.

Up until last weekend, the union had been spending all of its money promoting the candidacy of Graciela Ortiz, who is also the favorite of the Charter School Industry. However, a lawsuit filed against her by a former LAUSD student and allegations of improper campaign donations have severely damaged her prospects. Instead of following the lead of CSEA 500 and abandoning Ortiz before she damages their reputation, SEIU doubled down this weekend by spending $22,339.95 distributing a negative mailing against one of her opponents.

Fidencio Gallardo is currently Goldberg's Education Innovation Deputy drawing on his 27 years of experience as a classroom teacher, a job SEIU derisively describes as a "district bureaucrat". The union claims that Gallardo "crossed the school worker picket line", but classes were canceled during the three-day strike. Did they expect him to not keep working for Goldberg, whom the union supported during her last campaign, as the District negotiated with them to end the impasse?

The first page of this mailing says that Gallardo makes $150,000 working for Goldberg. However, according to the source that it provides, his total salary in 2022 was actually $111,352.00. If the value of benefits is added in, his pay rises to $146,489.00.

Ironically, it is Ortiz who is the true "district bureaucrat". While the campaign literature claims that she is a "student counselor and teacher," until her reported suspension by the District she was a "School Support Administrator". She makes more than Gallardo, receiving a $134,694.00 salary in 2022. Adding in benefits, this rises to $159,181.00.

What the flyer does not mention is that Ortiz serves on the City Council in the City of Huntington Park. For some reason, the salary that she received for this position last year is not listed on the Transparent California website. However, it does show that in 2021 she was paid $14,744.00 as the Mayor of Huntington Park. Benefits and pension costs increased this to $27,607.89, almost the same amount that Gallardo made in his two non-LAUSD jobs.

What was the thinking behind this campaign by SEIU-99? Did they find research that showed this kind of information would be damaging to a candidate and figure that the voters would be too stupid to look too deeply to see if it also applied to Ortiz? Did they consider the cost to their reputation if their hypocrisy was discovered? In any case, the ad does nothing to advance the dialog around education and further calls into question the motivation of the union's leadership.



Gallardo and Ortiz from their websites

(Image by Fidencio Gallardo and Graciela Ortiz) Details DMCA



Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

.youtube.com/watch?v=bivb7LjRuj8

Saudi rains fire down on Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in late 2022 that his priority was to sign a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. He called it his number-one objective for Israel's national security. Now, he has lost his dream.

Saudi Arabia stood up alongside 51 countries, and testified at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel's attack on Gaza, which has been classified as genocide and apartheid by human rights experts, South Africa and others. The evidence being presented to the ICJ rule is to prove that the occupation of Palestine is illegal, and must be ended.

Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, and the Occupied West Bank as legally indefensible. Ziad Al-Atiyah, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the Netherlands, strongly condemned Israel for its actions in Palestine that defy international law.

Al-Atiyah stressed that Israel must be held accountable for ignoring international law in its treatment of civilians in Gaza and its continued impunity.

Saudi Arabia expressed deep sorrow over the killing of 29,000 civilians, who are mainly women and children, and rejected Israel's argument of self-defense, stating that depriving Palestinians of basic means of survival is unjustifiable.

Al-Atiyah called on the international community to take action against Israel's genocidal actions against Palestinians, and Israel's constant dehumanizing rhetoric. He added that the court does indeed have jurisdiction in this case, and urged the court to issue an opinion.

Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's disregard for ceasefire calls, while expanding illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank, and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes.

The Kingdom listed Israel's violations of international obligations, while ignoring UN resolutions condemning its conduct and preventing Palestinians from their right to self-defense.

Israel was also criticized for its 2018 Basic Law declaring Jerusalem as its capital, which is in clear violation of UN resolutions, and the expansion of illegal settlements, and preventing the self-determination of the Palestinian people, which is a universal human right.

Who else is there?

The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestine. 51 states will present arguments until Feb. 26.

South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Belgium also presented preliminary arguments.

This is the largest case ever presented at the ICJ and at least three international organizations are also slated to address the judges at the UN's top court until next week. A nonbinding legal opinion will follow the judges' deliberations.

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

You know we're in an increasingly extreme world when a young American airman burns himself to death outside the Israeli embassy in Washington to protest Israel's nightmarish war in Gaza. ("Today, I am planning to engage in an extreme act of protest against the genocide of the Palestinian people," he wrote in an email to the media before setting himself aflame.) And given that President Biden and his administration have backed just about every last murderous action taken by the Israeli government and ensured that the American-supplied weaponry Israel is using keeps on flowing, it's small wonder that he's finding himself in political trouble.

Honestly, when you consider how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and crew have dealt with their utter devastation of Gaza without, like so many countries that have committed striking crimes, in any way denying what they're doing or trying to cover it up, it's as if Hamas were running their propaganda campaign. And sadly enough, nothing seems to be improving in that largely destroyed 25-mile strip of land, whose population has been almost totally displaced. The casualties in Gaza only continue to grow as ever more of its inhabitants find themselves lacking the basics of life and in danger of dying, while the 1.4 million or so refugees now sheltering in the southern city of Rafah are to be "allowed" to flee yet again (but not return to their homes) before Israel launches full-scale operations there.

And Washington, with barely a whimper of protest, has backed this nightmare to the hilt. No wonder, then, that, as TomDispatch regular Juan Cole, who also runs the must-read Informed Comment website, explains today, longtime American foe Iran has been making hay while the sun shines (but only on Iran) in the Middle East. Tom

Is Tehran Winning the Middle East?

How the Gaza Conflict Made Democracy's Name Mud for Millions

By Juan Cole

In the midst of Israel's ongoing devastation of Gaza, one major piece of Middle Eastern news has yet to hit the headlines. In a face-off that, in a sense, has lasted since the pro-American Shah of Iran was overthrown by theocratic clerics in 1979, Iran finally seems to be besting the United States in a significant fashion across the region. It's a story that needs to be told.

"Hit Iran now. Hit them hard" was typical advice offered by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham after a drone flown by an Iran-aligned Iraqi Shiite militia killed three American servicemen in northern Jordan on January 28th. The well-heeled Iran War Lobby in Washington has, in fact, been stridently calling for nothing short of a U.S. invasion of that country, accusing Tehran of complicity in Hamas's October 7th terrorist attack on Israel.

No matter that the official Iranian press has vehemently denied the allegation, while American intelligence officials swiftly concluded that the attack on Israel had taken top Iranian leaders by surprise. In mid-November, Reuters reported that Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei informed a key Hamas figure, Ismail Haniya, that his country wouldn't intervene directly in the Gaza war, since Tehran hadn't been warned about the October 7th attack before it was launched. He actually seemed annoyed that the leadership of the Hamas paramilitary group, the Qassam Brigades, thought they could draw Tehran and its allies willy-nilly into a major conflict without the slightest consultation. Although initially caught off-guard, as the Israeli counterattack grew increasingly brutal and disproportionate, Iran's leaders clearly began to see ways they could turn the war to their regional benefit -- and they've done so skillfully, even as the Biden administration in its full-scale embrace of the most extreme government in Israeli history tossed democracy and international law under the bus.

The gut-wrenching Hamas attacks on civilians at a music festival and those living in left-wing, peacenik Kibbutzim near the Israeli border with Gaza on October 7th initially left Iran in an uncomfortable position. It had allegedly been slipping some $70 million a year to Hamas -- though Egypt and Qatar had provided major funding to Gaza at Israel's request through sanctioned Israeli government bank accounts. And after decades of championing the Palestinian cause, Tehran could hardly stand by and do nothing as Israel razed Gaza to the ground. On the other hand, the ayatollahs couldn't afford to gain a reputation for being played like a fiddle by the region's young radicals and so drawn into conventional wars their country can ill afford.

The Adults in the Room?

Despite their fiery rhetoric, their undeniable backing of fundamentalist militias in the region, and their depiction by inside-the-Beltway war hawks as the root of all evil in the Middle East, Iran's leaders have long acted more like a status quo power than a force for genuine change. They have shored up the rule of the autocratic al-Assad family in Syria, while helping the Iraqi government that emerged after President George W. Bush's invasion of that country fight off the terrorist threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In truth, not Iran but the U.S. and Israel are the countries that have most strikingly tried to use their power to reshape the region in a Napoleonic manner. The disastrous U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, and Israel's wars on Egypt (1956, 1967), Lebanon (1982-2000, 2006), and Gaza (2008, 2012, 2014, 2024), along with its steady encouragement of large-scale squatting on the Palestinian West Bank, were clearly intended to alter the geopolitics of the region permanently through the use of military force on a massive scale.

Only recently, Ayatollah Khamenei bitterly asked, "Why don't the leaders of Islamic countries publicly cut off their relationship with the murderous Zionist regime and stop helping this regime?" Pointing to the staggering death toll in Israel's present campaign against Gaza, he was focusing on the Arab countries -- Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates -- that, as part of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner's "Abraham Accords," had officially recognized Israel and established relations with it. (Egypt and Jordan had, of course, recognized Israel long before that.)

Given the anti-Israel sentiment in the region, had it, in fact, been rife with democracies, Iran's position might have been widely implemented. Still, it was a distinct sign of terminal tone deafness on the part of Biden administration officials that they hoped to use the Gaza crisis to extend the Abraham Accords to Saudi Arabia, while sidelining the Palestinians and creating a joint Israeli-Arab front against Iran.

The region had already been moving in a somewhat different direction. Last March, after all, Iran and Saudi Arabia had begun forging a new relationship by restoring the diplomatic relations that had been suspended in 2016 and working to expand trade between their countries. And that relationship has only continued to improve as the nightmare in Israel and Gaza developed. In fact, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi first visited the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in November and, since the Gaza conflict began, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has met twice with his Saudi counterpart. Frustrated by a markedly polarizing American policy in the region, de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resorted to the good offices of Beijing to sidestep Washington and strengthen their relations further.

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Introduction: In a digital age where content is king, media agencies play a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives and driving success. Lion Reach, a dynamic force in the industry, has emerged as a beacon of innovation, offering a suite of services that redefine the landscape of demand generation and account-based marketing. In this blog, we will explore the transformative services offered by Lion Reach and how they can propel your 
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines are ending their proposed $3.8 billion merger weeks after a federal judge blocked the deal, saying it would hurt consumers who depend on Spirits lower fares.

JetBlue said Monday that even though both companies still believe in the deal, they were unlikely to meet the closing conditions required in the agreement before a July 24 deadline.
Update: Project Pabst announces festival lineup, releases presale tickets

Original story: Project Pabst, the summer music festival billed as a love letter to Portland, has teased a return to the city seven years after last trucking its cheap tallboys, giant silver unicorn and dozens of major indie rock and hip hop acts to South Portland.

In a trio of social media posts tagged Portland, Oregon, the once-defunct festival and its primary backer, Milwaukee-born beer brand Pabst Blue Ribbon, announced that Project Pabst is back, that the festival is happening this year and that a lineup announcement would come as soon as this week.

Pabst picked Portland for its first multi-day music festival back in 2014, noting at the time that the beers renaissance from dated grandpa tipple to essential hipster accessory started at places like EJs, Satyricon and the South Portland neighborhood dive The Lutz.

Project Pabst ran for four years, with lineups typically featuring a mix of nostalgia acts (Blondie, Ice Cube, Tears for Fears) and more recent indie rock bands (Modest Mouse, Spoon, Tame Impala), though the real star of the show might have been Pepper, a 22-foot unicorn with a Pabst tattoo and a glowing horn parked at the center of Zidell Yards gravel lot.

In 2016, the festival expanded to four cities, with Project Pabsts landing in Denver, Atlanta and Philadelphia. The last Portland festival  with Beck, Iggy Pop, Nas and a then little-known Lizzo  was held in 2017.

[Further reading: Project Pabst rises from the dead, bringing major music festival back to Portland]

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com
Oregon should not switch to permanent standard time, (Oregon is a step closer to losing daylight saving time for good, Feb. 16). Proponents worry about children walking to school in the dark. Under the status quo, this is not an issue. But abandoning daylight saving time creates many unintended consequences.

On permanent standard time in Oregon, the sun will rise around 5:20 a.m. on April 17 and continue to rise as early or earlier for four months. This creates an insomniacs worst nightmare. How is one to feel rested and emotionally ready to start the day when the sun will rise before 4:30 a.m. from May 24 to July 7? Many of us enjoy sleeping with our windows open in the summer, but birds start singing 60-90 minutes before sunrise. That could mean 3 a.m. on many summer mornings. How are you going to feel starting your day then?
Lawmakers have addressed some of the concerns raised by good government groups regarding a bill that would limit political contributions in Oregon, but those organizations say it still contains major loopholes.

The House Rules Committee held a public hearing Monday on a proposed amendment to House Bill 4024, which would restrict contributions from individuals, corporations, unions and other groups to political parties or campaigns.
Although leaders at the Oregon Health Authority claimed the COVID-19 pandemic was the chief reason it failed to publish a study that showed an increase in beer and wine taxes would barely reduce drinking among Oregons heaviest alcohol consumers, emails show that the agency held back the tax study at the same time its staff was pushing for an increase in beer and wine taxes.

Those revelations, first published by The Oregonian/OregonLive, have sparked outcry, including from Republican lawmakers, who questioned the agencys credibility and demanded accountability from the authoritys new director, Sejal Hathi. Last week, the House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek and Secretary of State Lavonne Griffin-Valade asking them to audit the agency, in part because of its handling of the alcohol study.

The agency has apologized for not publishing the study sooner and said its intention was always to make the study public.

Hathi, who was not yet at the agency at the time officials declined to publish it, said, I am working with my team to understand exactly where the breakdown in communication and reporting occurred, why the initial information that we provided in response to questions about the report was partial and inaccurate, and what changes we need to make within our agency to improve our reporting processes and to ensure complete transparency and accountability to the communities we serve.

As the fallout of the buried study continues to echo in Oregon politics, heres a quick timeline demonstrating the sequence of events, according to emails sent by people who work at the agency:

December 2021: Research firm EcoNorthwest delivers a final tax study to the Health Authority. Health Authority research analyst Victoria Buelow writes to colleagues that they intend to at least have it up before session starts.

Dec. 17, 2021: Oregon Health Authority staff member Amanda Cue asks Mike Marshall of substance abuse provider organization Oregon Recovers for a meeting to discuss the final EcoNorthwest study. (Oregon Recovers had been checking in with the health authority for updates on the final report, emails show).

Jan. 11, 2022: Staff in the alcohol program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flag concerns about the studys foundational methods and interpretation of the literature.

Jan. 24, 2022: Buelow writes that Marshall also had concerns about the study. Therefore, were in no rush to push the report out, Buelow writes.

February 2022: legislative session occurs: Buelow had signaled her intent to get this study published prior to the session, in part to support information sharing during the legislative session. That didnt happen.

March 23, 2022: Buelow suggests amending the health authoritys memo describing the study based on feedback from Marshall, including softening a section that describes alcohol taxation as the least targeted strategy to minimize excessive alcohol consumption among the heaviest drinkers.

April 8, 2022: Oregon Health Authority submits a request to the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill to steeply raise beer and wine taxes. Twenty percent of the proceeds would help fund alcohol and drug prevention services.

May 13, 2022: Buelow sends an email asking EcoNorthwest researcher Joel Ainsworth, an author of the study, for a favor. Oregon Health Authority spokesperson Jonathan Modie said this favor was for ECONorthwest to publish the interim tax study to its website.

June 2, 2022: Buelow writes that the Health Authoritys proposed beer and wine tax will not be moving forward and that backers of a ballot measure recommending the privatization of hard alcohol have also dropped their drive. This changes the landscape for us significantly. We may be open to posting the full study now, she writes.

June 9, 2022: EcoNorthwest posts the interim study online and sends Buelow a link to it. The interim study does not mention the likely effects of tax increases on beer and wine consumption but goes in depth about the public harms and cost of excessive drinking in Oregon.

October 2022: Buelow sends an email to colleagues, which suggests they find a time to reconvene around the final EcoNorthwest study. Emails dont indicate whether or not this happens, but the report does not get published.

January 2023 legislative session occurs: House Bill 3610 calls for the creation of an alcohol pricing and addiction services task force. Oregon Health Authority deputy state health officer Tom Jeanne submits testimony about the formation of the task force, including information from the EcoNorthwest interim study, describing that excessive alcohol use costs the public nearly $5 billion a year. His testimony does not mention that the health authority has already studied the impact that beer and wine taxes could have on drinking.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
The owner of a towing service at a popular Aussie tourist spot has rescued "hundreds" of cars from being bogged on the beach recently and says after months of wild weather along the east coast he's still being called to more jobs than ever.

Rick Williams, based on Bribie Island, says he's been called to a skyrocketing number of beach rescues as storms batter Queensland, filling up lagoons that spill out and cause hazardous conditions for those venturing onto the sand in their vehicle.

Images of Williams' business regularly feature on social media, showing how often 4WDs become stuck on the sand island on the northern part of Moreton Bay. On Thursday a man's Toyota Land Cruiser was snapped half submerged in the water after only having been on the beach "for five minutes".

A Toyota Land Cruiser was rescued from metre-deep water on Bribie Island last Thursday. Source: Facebook

Wild weather sees more cars bogged on Bribie Island

More and more tourists have been falling victim this past summer.

"There are more [rescues] happening right now, because we've had such a massive amount of weather," Williams told Yahoo News Australia. "And when it rains on Bribie Island, the water falls in the inland lagoons  those big lagoons, the water that's in there has to find its way out to the ocean.

"So when there's so much water there, it then breaks out across the sand, pouring into the ocean, and people then try to cross it and come into grief."

Rescues could cost up to $700

Depending where on the island the stranding takes place, Williams said towing jobs can cost drivers anywhere from between a couple of hundred dollars up to $700. Often motorists will be dozens of kilometres away, driving up the expense of the rescue effort.

"They might be right at the top of the beach, and they've got to be towed back 22 or 23 kilometres and the vehicle that we're towing them back with is a $170,000 vehicle," Williams said.

The vehicle had to be towed some 40km to a mechanic. Source: Facebook

"They're coming off, and then if they've got to be towed they're towed with another $70,000 vehicle. We've probably got a quarter of a million dollars tied up in equipment that we're doing the recovery with," he added.

Story continues

Both tourists and locals bogged

Williams said although he's "helped a lot of locals over the years" he's also rescued tourists "from really almost every country around the world".

"A lot of those people are still friends of ours and still send us emails and tell us what they're doing, so you make friends as you go, too," Williams said. During one incident on Monday last week, a driver attempted to "go through a lagoon" that was over a metre in depth. "That vehicle is going to be a total loss now," he lamented.

Rick Williams said that beach rescues have increased lately as severe weather batters Queensland. Source: Facebook / AAA 4WD Beach & Offroad Recovery

"But we were able to get him out of the national park and then we were able to put him on a tow truck and take him 47 kilometres to his mechanic. We also get calls from people that are up to 80km away."

Aussies criticise Toyota driver

When it comes to the Land Cruiser rescue on Thursday, Williams' company was able to get the driver and the vehicle back to the mechanic, which was 42km away.

To be towed back to safety, it can cost anywhere between $200 to $700. Source: Facebook / AAA 4WD Beach & Offroad Recovery

People online criticised the motorist for what they said was the driver's "stupid" decision.

"Doesnt anyone do a walk through anymore?" one woman wrote. "Serious question. Do a lot of four-wheel-drivers not walk water before driving?" a man echoed.

"Quite simple, don't drive your car in salt water regardless of the depth, this guy got caught-out because it was deep," another said. "Stupidity is not a crime," somebody else joked.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
A bill that could end daylight saving time in Oregon eked through the state Senate on Monday morning on a 16-14 vote.

The legislation, which would end twice-yearly time changes, would only go into effect if California and Washington approve similar measures.

Backers of the bill argued that Oregon should drop the daylight saving time because the biannual time change disrupts circadian rhythms and has a host of related health effects.

Some opponents of the bill argued that Oregon shouldnt move to permanent standard time, but should instead adopt permanent daylight saving time, a change that requires an act of Congress. Others argued that the bill could leave Eastern Oregon in a lurch if Idaho changes its calendar as well.

Mondays vote marked the second time the full Senate considered the bill. An effort to advance a version of the legislation that didnt include a neighboring state trigger hit hurdles last month after lawmakers raised concerns about chaos on Oregons borders.

If the state were to ditch daylight saving time without similar efforts in California or Washington, commuters going between Oregon and Washington would have to change their watches two times a day, Sen. Michael Dembrow, a Portland Democrat, pointed out at the time.

On Monday, senators approved a reworked version of the bill that would only take effect if and when California and Washington approve the same change, ensuring that the entire West Coast remains on the same clock. If those states dont adopt the same plan by March 2034, Oregons bill would be repealed.

Both other states considered bills this session to adopt permanent standard time, but the Washington bill died and the effort in California appears stalled.

This just aligns us with moves that other states make. It doesnt have us jump out ahead, said Kim Thatcher, a Keizer Republican and chief sponsor of the bill.

Sen. Aaron Woods, D-Wilsonville, said he was voting against the bill because hed prefer to see Oregon adopt permanent daylight saving time, rather than permanent standard time. Woods said permanent daylight saving time would mean more light in the evenings, which could reduce traffic accidents and boost evening shopping.

Oregons unique geographical position makes the benefit of daylight saving time especially pronounced, our latitude means that a shift in daylight hours could have a significant impact on our daily lives, from the way we work to the way we play, Woods said.

Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, said he had concerns that the bill could create problems for Malheur County, Oregons only county on the Mountain Time Zone. The bill exempts Malheur County from dropping daylight saving time, which would allow it to stay on the same time zone as Idaho.

Findley said he appreciated that exemption, but worries that if Idaho decided to adjust its calendar as well, that Malheur County would not have that flexibility without coming back to the Legislature for approval. In that possible circumstance, Malheur County could be on a different time zone than both states.

We would be off from Idaho and off from Oregon, on an island out there, Findley said.

Senators who voted no came from both parties and their districts span the state. They were: Daniel Bonham, R-Madras, Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, Findley, Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, Fred Girod, R-Lyons, Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, Kayse Jama, D-Portland, Tim Knopp, R-Bend, Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton, James Manning Jr., D-Eugene, Deb Patterson, D-Salem, David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, Kathleen Taylor, D-Portland, and Woods.

The Legislature passed permanent daylight saving time in 2019, but that effort requires an act of Congress and has effectively stalled. Advocacy groups also pushed back on the idea of a permanent daylight saving time, pointing out that in the past switches to that time were unpopular and increased a variety of problems, including deaths of children who were hit by vehicles walking to school in the dark.

If the permanent standard time goes into effect on the West Coast, summertime light would shift dramatically.

Portland would see 97 days of sunrises before 5 a.m., The Oregonian/OregonLive reported this week. On some days in June, the sun would rise at 4:21 a.m.

Regardless of what happens with the bill this year, daylight saving time will begin on March 10.

Editor Jamie Goldberg and reporters Lizzy Acker and Ted Sickinger contributed to this report.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
A 74-year-old man has died after being hit by a car in broad daylight while he was crossing the street on a motorized scooter last month in the Arnold Creek neighborhood of Southwest Portland, police said.

The victim, Peter Pellegrin, was pronounced dead on Saturday, March 2 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the Feb. 7 crash near Southwest Boones Ferry Road and Southwest 19th Avenue, according to a release from the Portland Police Bureau. The crash happened around 1:47 p.m.

His death marks the 15th fatal crash in Portland so far this year, according to police.

Police said the driver involved in the crash, who was unharmed, is not facing charges as yet, but that the case remains under investigation.

Pellegrins wife of 40 years, Nanci Klinger, said the two met as backcountry park rangers in Alaska and lived a life rich with love and adventures. Raised in Californias Bay Area, Pellegrin was a retired environmental scientist and loved to troop around outside, she said.

Klinger said she would love for friends, family and strangers to donate to the Union Gospel Mission or to give blood in Pellegrins memory.

He used a phenomenal amount of blood, during the three weeks he spent at the hospital, Klinger said. I feel we have a debt to the community and I want that debt to be repaid.

 Julia Silverman covers education policy and schools for The Oregonian. She can be reached via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com or follow her on X.com at @jrlsilverman.
Oregons Crater Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes in the United States.

Crater Lake was ranked No. 9 in the country on the list on the most-Instragrammed U.S. lakes, put out by a website called FishinAquarium.com.

FishinAquarium.com is at least water-related, unlike the many unrelated rankings weve seen recently from lawn care companies and online casinos.

Crater Lake has been tagged on Instagram more than 425k times, according to the ranking.

Crater Lake seen from Crater Lake Lodge ahead of an annular eclipse the morning of Sat., Oct. 14, 2023. Heavy cloud cover thinned just in time to expose the moon blocking approximately 89% of the sun, creating the so-called ring of fire, to the delight of those who witnessed it. The cloud cover never thinned entirely, eliminating the need for eclipse glasses or solar filters for cameras.Dave Killen / The Oregonian

Heres what the list had to say about Crater Lake:

Crater Lake is formed from a collapsed volcano. It sits inside Crater Lake National Park and is known for its clear, blue water. No rivers flow into or out of the lake, which is the deepest in the U.S. and one of the most pristine in the world. Famous the world over for its beauty, a visit to the former peak of the volcano that now forms Wizard Island in the center of the lake is something on many peoples bucket lists.

The No. 1 most Instagrammed lake? Lake Tahoe in California, which was tagged more than 3 million times.

Minnie B. Miller, the professional aquarist who runs the website than compiled the ranking said in a news release that all twenty of these popular lakes are worth visiting.

Crater Lake National Park, it should be noted, has been in the news recently for other -- less light-hearted -- reasons as well. The National Park Service is in a serious dispute with hospitality vendor Aramark. The federal government has threatened to end Aramarks contract over serious concerns and systemic issues with that companys oversight of park concessions and amenities.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza continued in Egypt for a second day on Monday as the UNs top rights official warned that the war there risked morphing into a much wider conflagration enveloping every country in the Middle East and beyond
Photo: (Photo : Don Juan Moore/Getty Images for AARP )

The University of Florida has removed all positions similar to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as stated in an administrative memorandum released on Friday.

This action acknowledges the latest state regulations prohibiting the use of public funds for DEI programs, activities, and policies within the public college system.

University of Florida Eliminates DEI Roles

The Florida Board of Governors required this constraint in January, following a related ban by the Florida Board of Education.

The memo outlines the closure of the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, the elimination of DEI positions and administrative appointments, and the cessation of DEI-focused contracts with external vendors.

The Board of Governors defines DEI as any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and promotes differential or preferential treatment on such grounds.

While DEI practices aim to address organizational inequities, the Board's restriction also defines political or social activism as any activity organized to effect or prevent government policy changes or achieve desired results related to social issues where the university endorses or promotes a position.

Read Also: IRS Commissioner Confirms Child Tax Credit Refunds Will Be Sent Within Weeks

Florida Bans Use of Taxpayers' Money for DEI Programs

The President of the United Faculty of Florida union, Andrew Gothard, criticizes the legislation as censorship and exclusion, asserting that it silences students and faculty.

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. supports the rules, stating they prevent the use of taxpayers' money for DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division.

This move follows a judge's decision to temporarily block the "Stop WOKE" Act, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which aimed to restrict race-related curriculum in educational institutions.

The university employees affected by the elimination will receive standard twelve weeks of pay and are encouraged to apply for other positions within the university. Approximately $5 million will be reallocated into a faculty recruitment fund.

According to the regulation, DEI is defined as any program, campus activity, or policy that categorizes individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, promoting differential or preferential treatment.

The $5 million allocated for UF's DEI initiatives, covering salaries and expenses, will now be redirected to a retirement fund for the faculty.

The memo, signed by J. Scott Angle, Amy Meyers Hass, and Melissa Curry, expresses the university's commitment to universal human dignity.

It emphasizes fostering a community of trust and respect while upholding the institution's elite status through the dedication of its faculty to teaching, discovering, and serving.

Governor DeSantis praises the decision, claiming DEI is toxic and has no place in public universities. However, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford criticizes the decision, describing it as out of step, and challenges DeSantis's characterization of DEI as toxic.

The National Association of Diversity in Higher Education (NADOHE) President and CEO, Paulette Granbury Russell, expresses concern that students will suffer from the loss of jobs within the DEI department at the University of Florida, calling the legislation archaic and intended to further marginalize historically marginalized groups.

NADOHE vows to continue speaking out against these attacks on DEI.

Related Article: Tax Relief Bill for Workers and Families Expand Provisions for Disaster-Affected Individuals With Specific Exclusions from Gross Income
Complaints about birds singing outside homes at an Australian aged care facility resulted in a response residents have branded ridiculous and utterly bizarre. Rather than scare the offending Indian mynas away, property owner Australian Unity decided to instead cover the 23 towering trees in giant nets, sparking division in the small community.

Although the birds were kept away and the netting complied with state regulations, the sight of trees coated in metres of plastic netting was deemed unsightly by elderly residents who were wanting to enjoy a picturesque retirement on Victorias popular Mornington Peninsula. Others argued shade caused by the netting was causing foliage to die. But more worryingly, some say small native birds were becoming trapped inside the netting.

Responding to questions from Yahoo, Australian Unity said it was simply responding to complaints from residents about the birds and it applied the "most appropriate response at the time".

Some residence argue netting so many large trees was 'ridiculous'. Source: Katrina Larsen

"(We) began trialling a netting system on a number of trees in an effort to deter a number of Indian Myna birds which had been impacting some residents' health and wellbeing, and causing stress over time," it said.

While residents who had previously enjoyed the sound of the birds were sympathetic to the needs of neighbours who were irritated by the noise, it was the scale of Australian Unity's response that left them angered.

We had the most terrible trouble because birds were becoming trapped, one 72-year-old resident told Yahoo News. It was the most ridiculous thing and many of us didn't feel like we were consulted.

A visitor to the property, Katrina Larsen, agreed the streets appeared like something from a dystopian film set. The trees were wilted, sad, and ugly she said. If youre going to plant trees, you should expert birds, thats just nature.

Why retirement village owner later removed netting

Australian Unity maintains it consulted with residents, bird control experts, as well as wildlife management and control authorities. "The netting was installed by professional bird control experts in line with Victorian regulations," it said.

Story continues

Following the completion of the trial period in late February, the netting was removed. While we have seen a positive outcome regarding the Indian myna birds, we continue to monitor the situation as part of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of residents at Peninsula Grange," it added.

Although the netting was professionally installed, native birds would sometimes become trapped inside nets. Source: Katrina Larsen

Attempts to scare birds cause community division

Living with nature can be difficult for many people. A childcare centre in Sydney claimed it was spending more than $300 a week to clean up mess cleaning the area around its premises.

But efforts by humans to scare away offending birds frequently make headlines due to the division it can cause in the community. In 2022, a Sydney council sparked anger after it fixed spikes to branches to stop ibis from perching above park benches and defecating on them.

Bats too can often split communities. Several city councils have used loud noises and lights to scare away flying foxes, when they roost near areas inhabited by humans. In 2023, Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce controversially took things a step further and called for bats in his community to be shot, saying "they're dirty and they've got diseases". He later apologised for the outburst, saying it was a joke.

But not all methods do spark alarm. In 2023, a man's efforts to create a DIY scarecrow owl to keep magpies away from his pet's food bowl became a sensation after it appeared to instead draw the birds towards his home.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Photo: (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images )

Red-tinted water spilled from an air tanker on Sunday above the eastern part of the Smokehouse Creek fire, one of several wildfires consuming over 1.2 million acres in the northern Texas Panhandle.

Organizations Focused on Helping the Victims of Texas Wildfire

Amidst intense winds and challenging firefighting battles, humanitarian organizations are now focusing on helping victims who have lost homes and livelihoods in the uncommon wildfires.

Hutchinson County United Way is addressing the needs of those concerned, with a predicted 150 homes nested in the county alone. The organization is mobilizing support for families, emphasizing the long-term goal of providing shelter.

The community has experienced a surge in donations, leading the city of Borger to redirect efforts toward cleanup supplies rather than additional food and water.

Monetary donations, ranging from $25 to $500, are essential for the Hutchinson County United, displaying the federal government's commitment to helping firefighting, acknowledging the uncommon scale of the wildfires.

Red flag warnings for extreme fire risk were issued across central U.S. states, emphasizing the urgent need to prepare for the increasing impact of extreme weather caused by climate change.

The Smokehouse Creek fire, covering over a million acres, was reported to be 15% contained as of Sunday afternoon. Two other fires, totaling 180,000 acres, were 60% restrained.

Despite continuing supervision attempts, the causes of the fires remain remote, with strong winds, dry grass, and unseasonably warm temperatures relating to their rapid spread.

Read Also: Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Pregnant Amish Woman's Murder, Shock Grips Rural Community

Firefighters Face Challnges, Doing Their Best to Stop the Wildfire

On Sunday, aircraft deployed fire retardant over the Texas Panhandle as firefighters battled to extinguish the largest wildfire in state history, facing challenges from new blazes and strong winds that intensified the flames.

The town of Sanford, with just over 100 residents, received evacuation orders due to the spreading fire, covering more than 1,900 square miles in rural areas around Amarillo, including parts of Oklahoma.

As the unprecedented wildfires continue, humanitarian organizations are shifting focus to assist those who have lost homes and livelihoods.

Residents in affected areas began clearing properties, with estimates suggesting over 150 homes impacted in Hutchinson County, extending to five other counties. Many affected families, lacking insurance, are in need of monetary assistance for recovery.

Hutchinson County United Way is actively involved, receiving donations crucial for their Wildfire Relief Fund, aiding displaced families.

The city of Borger, overwhelmed with donated clothing, water, and meals, requested a redirection of efforts towards cleanup supplies.

Monetary donations, ranging from $25 to $500, are playing a critical role in supporting affected communities.

Julie Winters, Executive Director of Hutchinson County United Way, emphasized the challenges of finding temporary housing in small rural communities. The devastating fires echo the 2014 events in Fritch, where families struggled to return home.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recognized the government's responsibility for firefighting attempts but warned of possible extreme weather.

The Smokehouse Creek fire, covering over a million acres, was 15% restrained, while two other fires totaling 180,000 acres were 60% composed. The causes remain unknown, but strong winds, dry grass, and warm temperatures have fueled the blazes.

Red flag warnings, indicating extreme fire risk, were issued by the National Weather Service across central U.S. states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, emphasizing the need to prepare for the escalating effects of climate change-induced extreme weather.

Related Article: Texas Teen Firefighters Brave Largest Wildfire in State History, Inspire Hope Amid Devastation
My wife and I have belonged for many years to a monthly reading group  its formal name is The Gadianton Polysophical Marching and Chowder Society  that Ive mentioned here at least once or twice before. Tonight, we were the leaders of a discussion that was centered on a book that we had chosen for the group: Boris Johnson, The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History (2014). I enjoyed the book very much, and I thought that our group would, as well. To my pleasure, they did. I commend it to your attention. Its clearly an admiring book, but its definitely not uncritical. Churchill was a genuinely remarkable human being.

Ive proposed a topic for the 2024 FAIR Conference. It will be held Thursday, 8 August 2024, and Friday, 9 August 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. More details will follow. What is my proposed topic? Ive suggested the title Appreciating Brother Brigham.

During our flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles late last week, I read a book that recounts a story almost entirely set in Los Angeles. Specifically, its set in the neighborhood known as Boyle Heights, an area that is located east of the Los Angeles River. Having grown up eastward of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley and spent a lot of time on the west side of the city (including graduate school at UCLA), and with my parents later moving to Whittier, Ive been driving through Boyle Heights since before I can remember and more times than I can possibly count. In that sense, the area is very familiar to me. But its also quite foreign; Im not sure that Ive ever exited the freeway there. Anyway, the book that I read on the Honolulu to Los Angeles flight was Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, published in 2011 by the aptly but coincidentally named Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle. I loved it. It reminded me strongly of the Other Side Academy, with some of whose personnel my wife and I recently traveled to Egypt. Its a true record of great moral heroism, Christian service, and compassion, and If the account is true, I find it difficult not to think of Father Boyle as a genuine saint. He loves the people with whom he works, and he works in an area that is absolutely riddled with violent street gangs. Its an often horribly sad story. Many of those with whom he works die sudden, violent, and senseless deaths. But its also a beautiful book, and sometimes a very funny one. Ill offer a couple of specimens of Father Boyles humor here: I always tell those to be baptized that they have little to do and should leave all the heavy lifting to me. I tell this one homie, before his baptism at a probation camp, All you have to say is your name when I ask for it. Then Ill ask, What do you ask of Gods church? and you just say, Baptism.  When the moment arrives at the beginning of the rite, I can tell this kid is in trouble. Hes hyperventilating, and his constant jig suggests he didnt visit the mens room before. What is your name? I ask, and the kid booms back at me, JOSE LOPEZ. And what do you ask of Gods church, Jose? He stands erect, and his whole being wants to get this one right. I WANT TO BE A BAPTIST. I suggest he walk down the hall to the Protestant service. Once, as I am about to baptize a kid at a probation camp, I ask him to incline his head over this huge pan of water, and he looks at me with shock and loudly asks, You gonna WET me? Uh, well, yeah . . . sorta the idea. (84) Here is another example:

One day, I have three homies in my car as I am headed to give a talk. While there, they will set up a table and sell Homeboy/ Homegirl merchandise. Our banter in the car spans the range of bagging on each other. We laugh a lot, and I am distracted enough not to notice that the gas tank is on empty. I lean into JoJo, the homie occupying shotgun.

Oye, dog, be on the lookout for a gas station.

He doesnt seem to wholly trust my judgment. He leans toward the gas gauge and dismisses my call. Youre fine, he says.

Como que Im fineIm on ECHALE, cabron. Waving at him, I say, HELLO, E means empty. JoJo looks at me with bonafide shock.

E means empty?

Well, yeah, what did ya think it meant? Enough.

Well, what did ya think F stood for? Finished. After I thank him for visiting our planetI realize that this is exactly how the dismantling process has to play itself out. Homies stare into the mirror and pronounce EMPTY. Our collective task is to suggest instead ENOUGHenough gifts, enough talent, enough goodness. When you have enough, theres plenty Or if their verdict is FINISHED, we are asked to lead them instead to fullnessthe place withinwhere they find in themselves exactly what God had in mind. It would be hard to overstate how daunting it is to conjure new images and reconstruct messages. (193)

When a man unprincipled in private life, desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper . . . despotic in his ordinary demeanour  known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty  when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity  to join in the cry of danger to liberty  to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion  to flatter and fall in with all the nonsense of the zealots of the day  It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may ride the storm and direct the whirlwind. (Alexander Hamilton)

My attention was recently drawn to this quotation from one of Americas Founding Fathers, and I thought it worthy of sharing here.
Westermo opens new office in Denmark, increasing support to key industries

A major factor behind Westermos move into Denmark is the countrys fast-growing renewable energy industry

Westermo has continued its expansion in Europe by opening its first office in Denmark. From its new base in Copenhagen, Westermo will provide vital local support for companies in the key energy, rail, water and wastewater, and maritime sectors that are looking to implement robust and reliable industrial network solutions.





The company designs and manufactures industrial Ethernet hardware and software for mission-critical data communications networks operating in harsh environments.

Kenneth Olsen, a vastly experienced international Sales and Business Development Specialist, becomes the companys inaugural Key Account Manager for Business in Denmark. Orjan Axelsson has been named as Managing Director (MD) of Westermo Denmark, and will perform the new role in tandem with his existing position as MD of Westermo in Sweden and Finland.

Kenneth Olsen, Westermo's Key Account Manager for Business in Denmark

Westermo previously supported its Danish customers through an authorised distributor. However, the company was keen to establish its own premises, enabling it to strengthen its position in the country and enhance the level of support it provides to its customers.

Establishing close proximity to our customers has always been an important aspect of the Westermo expansion strategy, and that will continue to be the case moving forward, said Axelsson. By strengthening our presence in Denmark, we will not only be able to offer companies our full, broad range of industrial data communications solutions, but also comprehensive support at a local level. This will lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, and will help us to forge stronger, trusted relationships.

Orjan Axelsson, Managing Director of Westermo Denmark

A major factor behind Westermos move into Denmark is the countrys fast-growing renewable energy industry, in which government support for infrastructure development has incentivised investment in wind and solar power. In addition, the Danish national grid is undergoing significant expansion, with a large number of grid projects set to be launched over the next decade, while Denmark is also set to see major growth in sectors such as rail signalling and telecommunications, water and wastewater treatment, and shipping.

Such a major level of growth creates an increasing need for highly reliable, secure and resilient data communications networks to support these key industries, said Axelsson. Westermo is a global company with an extensive portfolio of proven solutions. For the past 20 years, Incom has provided outstanding support for Westermo products in Denmark, but the company is now scaling back its operations. With the addition of local support through our new office in Copenhagen, this makes us the ideal partner to solve Denmarks toughest networking challenges, helping to ensure seamless connectivity and continuous operation in some of the countrys most vital industrial applications.

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On Saturday, 24th February 2024, a group of us travelled from Accra to Dzodze on the Ghana-Togo border for what has graduated into a Ghanaian weekend pastime! We went for the funeral of a bereaved colleague.



Knowing the heavy traffic at the Tema-Motorway Interchange-Dahwenya-Miotso route, we left home before 6am. Still that was not good enough to escape the heavy east-bound gridlock.



It was the return trip I found annoying. Having arrived at Central University, Miotso around 4pm, we crawled an unbelievable 300 metres in 30 minutes towards Dawhenya.



In my frustration I found myself asking a question I think Joy FMs Raymond Acquah deserves a copyright for  What is wrong with us (Ghanaians)? For years, the traffic-jam in the mentioned area has been talked about and written about, without any solution but rhetoric! Indeed, my September 2021 article titled Road Traffic Indiscipline, traffic lights, stated as follows.



QUOTE



Over the last weekend of August 2021, I had a feel of what those who live around Prampram, Dawhenya and Tema Community-25 experience on a daily basis commuting the short distance between the Tema-Motorway-Interchange and the Prampram-Junction.



The one hour it took me to cover the 18km stretch both ways on my outbound trip to Keta on Friday and on my return to Accra on Monday was considered very good by frequent travelers on that route. It takes two hours at times, they said.



On one occasion, it took my Manager, (Mrs Frimpong) three hours from the Prampram-Junction to the Motorway-Interchange on her way back home from a funeral. The question is, why should it take over an hour to travel 18km? Indiscipline!



Before describing the indiscipline I saw at work, I will share the experience of a friend on that same Friday, August 27, 2021



Auntie left home in Tema at 7.30a.m. on Friday, early enough to get to Ada, only 90km away by 9a.m. for a funeral. She eventually got to Ada at 3 p.m. after being caught in a traffic gridlock between the Tema-Motorway-Interchange and Prampram-Junction.



Frustrated, Auntie spent only an hour at Ada. Setting off at 4p.m., she arrived at Tema at 10pm after six hours, as would have taken her to fly from Accra to London! Justifiably upset, Auntie swore never to do a return trip to Ada again!



The French philosopher Voltaire said, Man is rational in that he can think, not in that, he thinks.



Drivers dangerously crisscrossing/zigzagging their way for advantage on that 18km Motorway Interchange  Prampram-Junction stretch and creating gridlocks lends credence to Voltaires assertion. The two choke-points are the crossroad at the Kpone-Junction/Kpone-Barrier and the Prampram-Junction.



Here, all known norms of human decency, respect and commonsense are thrown overboard. Animalistic aggressiveness takes over with four or more lanes created as road-shoulders are converted into roads. I am told the only time order prevails is when the police are there. Elsewhere in other jurisdictions, traffic flows without the police always directly intervening. So, what is wrong with us?



Traffic lights



The question is, why have traffic-lights not been installed at this important Kpone-Barrier crossroad all these years?



Obviously, the police cannot be there all the time to control human indiscipline. With Accra expanding eastwards to Prampram and beyond, for how long should we depend on the police to check our indiscipline?



In any case, the road heading east from the Motorway-Aflao-Togo is part of the Trans-West-African-Highway! So, why do we blatantly advertise indiscipline to foreigners?



Incidentally, the situation is no better west of Accra from Kasoa to Winneba!



So, how come anytime there is a major accident as occurred at Dompoase, Komenda-Junction with 35 deaths in January 2020, state officials troop there and make promises to dualise all trunk-roads in Ghana (like the Motorway in 1965), only to wait for another accident to make the same pronouncement?



While the Ministry-of-Roads-and-Highways cannot solve all highway problems at once, please consider urgently the installation of traffic-lights at the Kpone-Junction, as a free-flow of traffic will have a multiplier-effect on traffic from Accra- Motorway Interchange-Tema- Ada-Aflao.



However, the fact is that, our singe-lane face-me, I-face-you trunk-roads are outmoded and contribute immensely to road traffic accidents.



As far back as 1965, the Accra-Tema-Motorway was built by President Nkrumah as a prototype to be replicated initially for the Golden Triangle of Accra-Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi. After over 50 years use with little maintenance, it is now a death-trap.



MP accidents



In August 2021, two MPs were involved in road-traffic-accidents. Showing no sympathy whatsoever, some Ghanaians angrily stated rather uncharitably that, it was a travesty of justice that they survived, considering how little they in authority care about the thousands of Ghanaians who die annually in road traffic accidents.



Indeed, the police MTTDs report on September 2, 2021 on road traffic accidents showed 1,900 Ghanaians died between January - August 2021, mainly through driver-indiscipline.



No wonder how disappointed Ghanaians feel about uncaring authorities! Remember Poet John Drydens quote, beware the fury of a patient man!



Finally, while drivers must drive with commonsense, where is the National Road-Safety Authority in light of the carnage on our roads?



UNQUOTE



Discussion



Has any agency calculated the man-hours lost/fuel-wastage as Ghanaians commute daily from Kasoa in the west, Prampram in the East and the Akwapim-Mountains to the north, to Accra daily? Perhaps, even worse is the health-effects from stress!



When radio discussions started on 1 March 2024 on the Ghana Month programme, a frustrated caller, after cataloguing all the ills including the dishonesty/lies/arrogance/disrespect and the general leadership failure, concluded by saying we should go back for the colonialists to rule us! Sadly, this view appears to have gained traction as Ghanaians responded saying, but is it not true? Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah must be crying in his grave.



Leadership, lead by example! Fellow Ghanaians WAKE UP!





Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd)



Former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association



Nairobi, Kenya





Council Chairman



Family Health University College,



Accra



[email protected]













Source: Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd)









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OmniBSIC Bank marked another milestone with the successful conclusion of its 4th edition Health Walk, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, fostering a spirited atmosphere of community engagement and well-being in the process.



The event brought together a diverse group, exceeding previous participation with staff, customers, vendors, and esteemed guests including the bank's full Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, and Board Chair, Simeon Patrick Kyei.



The walk, the first for 2024, stretched across an impressive 12km route, beginning at the forecourt of the State House and going through the heart of Accra's central business district. This extended distance not only challenged participants but also served as a powerful symbol of the bank's commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving ambitious goals.



"We are incredibly proud of the turnout and the collective spirit displayed at this year's event. Beyond offering exceptional financial services, OmniBSIC Bank is deeply committed to promoting health and wellness within our community and fostering strong, enduring relationships with all our stakeholders, Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu remarked.



Mr. Asiedu further emphasized the event's significance, stating, "The success of the Health Walk not only sets the bar for future events but also reflects our unwavering dedication to building upon last year's triumphs, where we garnered numerous prestigious awards including Bank of the Year. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of becoming the best bank in Ghana."



Sharing his perspective, Board Chair Simeon Patrick Kyei commended the participants, stating that completing the challenging walk together stands as a testament to the core values of resilience and perseverance that define OmniBSIC Bank. The same spirit of determination will guide us as we navigate the future and solidify our position as a leading financial institution, he said.



Beyond promoting physical well-being and fostering a collaborative environment, the Health Walk served as a platform for expressing gratitude. Mr. Asiedu concluded the event by extending sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, acknowledging their vital role in the bank's success and reiterating OmniBSIC Bank's unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations in 2024 and beyond.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Ghana's foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has held a series of bilateral and multilateral talks with Caribbean leaders, as a special guest at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Summit in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana where the organization is headquartered.



Ms. Botchwey held closed-door meetings with Dr Terrence Drew, Dr Dickon Mitchell, Mr Gaston Browne, and Mr Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Ministers respectively of St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

Foreign Minister Dr. Amery Browne of Trinidad and Tobago stood in for Prime Minister Keith Rowley who was delayed by the Summit proceedings.



She also addressed the CARICOM Council of Ministers in camera and attended a reception where she engaged with President Alfaan Ali of Guyana, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Prime Minister Philip Davis of Bahamas and other political, diplomatic and business leaders from the region.



Both Caribbean and Ghanaian officials said all sides were eager to build on the momentum generated from Ghanas Year of Return initiative in 2019, and the subsequent Beyond the Return policy which have led to a significant increase in tourist arrivals from the African diaspora to Ghana.



The Year of Return introduced by the Ghanaian government, commemorated 400 years since the first slaves were recorded to have arrived in the Americas.



Together with its sequel, Beyond the Return, the policy seeks to encourage African descendants in the Americas to visit and invest in Ghana from where historical records show, many of their ancestors originated as slaves.



Ms. Botchwey said: Those initiatives by President Akufo-Addo have ignited interest in bringing the Caribbean countries and Ghana in particular, and Africa in general, closer together.



They present an important opportunity to enlarge the market size of Africa and its diaspora and grow our economies, as well as bring together our people who have been separated by history and the ocean, she said, adding that a direct air link would boost travel and commerce significantly between us.



Ms. Botchwey held similar meetings with the foreign ministers of St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize and the director-general of the foreign ministry of the Bahamas; namely, Mr. Alva Baptiste, Dr. Francis Fonseca, and Ms. Jerusa Ali.



In a move to bridge the political and economic gap, the African Union has designated the Caribbean as the sixth region of Africa, in addition to the continents east, west, north, south and central geographic regions.



Ms. Botchwey, a lawyer, and former legislator in both the Ghanaian and West African (Ecowas) parliaments, is Ghanas candidate for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General.



The organizations leaders will choose a new secretary-general in October to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, a British-Dominican, whose current and second term is non-renewable when it expires at the end of this year.



The rotational leadership of the 56-member Commonwealth of 2.6 billion people, and an annual economic output of over US$13 trillion, is expected to come from Africa.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Ghanas basic education subsector has the largest infrastructure deficits, with over one million desks shortage, and over 5,000 schools under trees, sheds and dilapidated structures.



This is despite the delivery of basic education as one of the top priorities of successive governments in the country.



Several policies and programmes have been introduced to promote access and quality in the delivery of basic education.



The desk situation in schools has led to learners adopting improper sitting postures during lessons which subsequently result in postural overload and consequently affect their performance in classroom activities such as writing and reading.



Regional and district disaggregation of desk data reveals how profound the challenge is in some parts of Ghana.



While the national desk shortage is 40 per cent, all the six (6) regions in the northern part of Ghana; Savannah, Northern, North-East, Upper West, Upper East, and Bono East and Oti regions had ratios above the national rate.



The Gushegu Municipality in the Northern Region is one of the hardest hit, with over sixty percent deficit.



Primary School children have to sit in fours on dual desk with many sitting on the floor or lying on their bellies to take lessons.



At the Junior High level, the situation is even worse.



Teachers complain that the situation is frustrating and impeding academic work.



My school has over 768 children from KG to primary six, but our furniture is only 40 in number and even with that some are broken and so, majority of the children sit on the floor Mahama Hafiz, Headteacher Maazijung M/A primary said.



The children are not comfortable and so most of them dont come to school again. Their parents cannot also afford to provide them with the furniture and so we are just managing here, he added.



Recent data available through the Ministry of Educations (MoE) Education Management Information System (EMIS) suggests that as of 2021, 50 per cent (596,949) KG pupils, 40 per cent (1,308,479) primary pupils and 30 per cent (425,465) JHS pupils did not have seating and writing places, bringing the total to 2,330,893, representing 40 per cent of basic school pupils.



The Gushegu Municipal Director of Education Ahmed Teejani Hassan is worried the situation is affecting enrollment.



There is virtually no furniture in most schools in the municipality and so, the gap is huge and impacting negatively on enrollment and performance, he explained.



In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) allocated GHC 56.3 million, GHC 201 million and GHC 166.9 million respectively for infrastructure development at that level.



On average, these amounts represent about 30 per cent of the total GETFund allocation to infrastructure.



Out of these allocations, GHC11.5 million, GHC 30 million and GHC 15 million were allocated for the supply of furniture in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.



Following the distribution of over 13,000 desks to basic schools by GETFund, the Gushegu municipality received 180 dual desks, with 90 each supplied to the lower and upper primary levels respectively. This figure is woefully inadequate.



We recently received some 180 desk from GETFUND, but looking at the number of schools we have that is 103 primary schools and 23 Junior High Schools some got only two out of the number and the populations are huge.



He appealed to benevolent individuals and organizations to come to their aid.



Owing to the scary situation in the Northern Region, the news team traveled to the Kintampo North Municipality in the Bono East region.



Here, the situation is even dire as most school children have been compelled to buy their own tables and chairs.



Pupils of Jato Basic School and Gurmaline Islamic Basic School, have to buy their own tables and chairs as the school battles inadequate furniture.



Some of the pupils whose parents cannot afford furniture, have to stand or sit on windows to write.



Razak Imoro, is a form two pupil of the Gurmaline Islamic Basic School.



I stand here to take my lessons every day and place my book on the wall to write because my parents cannot afford 2GHC00 to buy me a table and chair, since the school doesnt have enough. So I have been standing and writing for the past two years.



The Kintampo North Municipal Director of Education, Sylvester Opoku is worried about the gap.



I must admit we are suffering here with furniture issues. Even town schools do not have enough furniture, so your guess is as good as mine in the rural schools. Some of them have not received a single desk for over five years and counting and thats serious, he bemoaned.



President Akufo-Addo in his latest State of the Nation Address in February this year while touching on education, noted that a lot of resources have gone into improving education infrastructure in the country.



Mr Speaker, a lot of resources have gone into the provision of infrastructure at all levels of the education system. But a lot remains to be done. Many basic schools require more adequate classrooms and furniture, and the environment in some of these schools can be made more suitable for learning and teaching, the President said.



For Education watchers like the Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), awarding new school building contracts without including the provision of desk and low financial capacity of District Assemblies to provide school infrastructure are among major setbacks in addressing the policy gaps.



More commitments would have to be made to fully address this challenge. Until then children in most basic schools will continue to suffer the consequences.

Source: 3news.com









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Afigya Kwabre North lawmaker, Collins Adomako-Mensah has voiced his thoughts on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament.



Collins Adomako-Mensah, who has been appointed Deputy Minister-designate for Energy, says the bill is not yet legitimized as it awaits President Nana Akufo-Addo's assent.



To him, the President being an experienced and intelligent lawyer, will carefully peruse the bill and take the necessary decision on his role in promoting proper Ghanaian human sexual rights and family values.



"It (the bill) has reached the President. He has 14 days to take a decision whether to assent. If he feels there are some aspects (that need revision), he write back to Parliament for us to look at again," he said.



On his position on the bill, Hon. Adomako-Mensah stated emphatically that he feels the punishment for offenders of the bill should not be a jail term.



Rather, he called for those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community to be given psychotherapy to help them turn away from this social aberration.



"The bill wasn't as it has come out because some of things that were in the bill, some were very harsh. I'm sure we have been able to tweak it to where it is now. For me, I sided with Afenyo-Markin; I felt that the punishment should be more reformative," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo".



He proposed that the offenders should be subjected to community service and taken through a psychological treatment.





The anti-gay bill, originally known as Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 27, 2024.The bill, when assented to by the President, will prohibit the promotion, advocacy and all homosexual practices in the country.Culprits will face a minimum jail term of 6 months to 5 years.But the international community and some section of the Ghanaian populace have condemned the bill, describing it as a "nonsense bill" and "deeply harmful".The US ambassador to Ghana has implored the President not to assent to the bill and the United States government has warned there will be severe consequences for Ghana if the bill comes into effect.The Finance Ministry of Ghana has also cautioned the President against the bill.In total, Ghana is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five to six years. For 2024 Ghana will lose US$600 million Budget support and US$250 million for the Financial Stability Fund. This will negatively impact on Ghanas foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability as these inflows are expected to shore the countrys reserve position, the Finance Ministry warned in a statement.

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.

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Two Qantas planes briefly collided at Perth Airport overnight, with a flight landing from Canberra clipping the wing of another stationary aircraft on the tarmac.

The Canberra flight landed just after 9pm and was pulling into the gate when the collision occurred.

According to Qantas, the plane was approaching the gate at low a speed when the two aircraft, both Boeing 737-800s, accidentally made contact.

Two Qantas planes briefly collided at Perth Airport overnight. Source: 9News

Qantas confirms nobody injured during ordeal

The awkward prang sent a "jolt" through the stationary aircraft, felt by passengers who captured photos of the scene.

"While approaching the gate at low speed, the wingtip of one aircraft has come into contact with the wingtip of another stationary aircraft at the adjacent gate," a Qantas spokesperson said.

"Customers and crew who were disembarking the stationary aircraft felt a jolt when the wingtips made contact. After assessing the situation, the captain advised customers to continue to disembark as usual.

"Engineers are inspecting both aircraft and an investigation is underway."

Perth Airport said no passengers were injured, 9News reported, with Qantas confirming flight crew also disembarked unharmed.

Qantas loses top spot as safest airline

Qantas lost its crown as the worlds safest airline earlier this year. Air New Zealand beat Qantas by just 1.5 points to take the top spot in the AirlineRatings.com annual list with the age of its fleet to blame for the slide down the rankings to second place.

It comes as Qantas had a tumultuous year in 2023 with former CEO Alan Joyce stepping down in September after the airline was accused of allegedly selling tickets for more than 8,000 flights that it had already cancelled.

New boss Vanessa Hudson apologised for letting customers down and said the airline would work to rebuild the publics trust.

Story continues

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Member of Parliament(MP) for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah has slammed the critics of the anti-gay bill who claim practicing homosexuality is a choice and human right of the actors.



Ghana has passed the anti-gay bill but it awaits presidential assent to become law.



President Nana Akufo-Addo has about 14 days to either assent to the bill or return it to Parliament to either quash or revise it.



The bill prohibits the promotion, advocacy and every act of homosexuality in the country.



Offenders will be sentenced to a minimum of six months to five years in prison.



But the bill has been met with fierce opposition from some section of the Ghanaian citizenry and the international community.



The United States has threatened to pull back their assistance to Ghana if the bill becomes law.



Their ambassador to Ghana has also cautioned the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, not to assent to the bill saying I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT.



The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghanas international reputation and Ghanas economy," she wrote on the embassys X (formerly twitter).



To Collins Adomako-Mensah, homosexuality may be a choice but every choice has limitation.



He noted his issue has to do with the homosexuals trying to impose their activities on Ghana to the extent that they could boldly open an office in the nation.



In his view, the nation cannot tolerate such blatant public display of homosexuality.



"Everybody has a choice but you should know your choice has some limitations. You can't say you have a choice, so you can do anything any time anyhow; you can't do that. You live in a society. When you were born, you know the kind of values that have been imbued in us as a country. We came to meet Ghana and so we should know what has brought us this far. You can't just come on the basis that you have a choice."



"If that is so, then it's a choice to steal. Everybody has a choice. I can go to steal because my choice is to steal...but you must know that your choice has a limitation. You cannot say you have the right or choice to steal, so I want to go and steal. This is why we have laws, values and previous practice to guide your choice. Nobody says you don't have a choice but that choice must be guided in the context of where you live, where you come from, how you've been brought up; that choice must be situated within that context," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show Monday morning.





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.

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Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the Founder and Senior Pastor of Perez Chapel International, has called upon believers to pray for peace in the Middle East amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip.



During a sermon delivered on Sunday, February 25, he emphasized the need for people of all backgrounds to be concerned about the impact of the war on human lives.



Following a visit from the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Shlomit Sufa, at the Perez Dome, to celebrate the first of four Sundays to mark Ghana Month, Archbishop Agyinasare stressed the importance of unity and urged everyone to pray for divine intervention to alleviate the suffering and displacement caused by the conflict.



He expressed his deep gratitude to the Israeli Ambassador for her visit to his church.



On this unique occasion, we are profoundly honoured to welcome the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Shlomit Sufa. Her presence is a symbol of our interconnectedness and provides us with a special opportunity to join in collective prayer.



Together, we express our heartfelt concern for the well-being of Israel and the Gaza strip, and extend our prayers to encompass the entire land, irrespective of background or faith.



As we stand united in faith and brotherhood, let us rise, dear brethren, and join our hearts and voices in prayer. We pray for the restoration of peace in Israel and the Gaza Strip, invoking God's mercy, grace, and divine intervention. May His peace, which surpasses all understanding, descend upon this land, bringing an end to conflict and ushering in an era of reconciliation and harmony. Let us pray, he said.



An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has raised concerns about the repercussions following the recent passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by Parliament.



The legislation, approved on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and financial support. Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, with longer terms for those involved in promoting or sponsoring such acts.



In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Otchere-Darko voiced apprehensions over what he labelled as a "harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill" and stressed the need for public education on its potential implications.



He urged the media and politicians to provide balanced information to citizens, outlining both the advantages and disadvantages of the Bill becoming law. Additionally, he encouraged individuals who believe the legislation contradicts the Constitution to seek legal recourse through the courts.



Acknowledging Parliament's decision as a reflection of popular sentiment, Otchere-Darko emphasized the importance of upholding Ghana's cultural norms while also advocating for tolerance and diversity.



He underscored the resilience of Ghana's democratic institutions and called on citizens to trust in the democratic process, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between traditional family values and principles of tolerance and diversity.



Otchere-Darko concluded by reaffirming his belief in Ghana's ability to navigate these complexities while staying true to its cultural heritage and democratic principles.

Ghanas parliament, in which is vested the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill. Yes, democratically! In fact the threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the  Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) March 1, 2024









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US President Joe Biden mistakenly announced Friday March 1, that he was authorizing US airdrops of aid into Ukraine when he was supposed to say the Gaza Strip, another stumble that could increase the scrutiny of his mental acuity.



The 81-year-old American commander-in-chief mixed up the two places twice while hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office.



In the coming days, we are going to join with our friends in Jordan and others in providing airdrops of additional food and supplies into Ukraine and seek to continue to open up other avenues into Ukraine, including the possibility of a marine corridor to deliver large amounts of humanitarian assistance, Biden said.



The president later made clear he was referring to Gaza by adding, without noting his error, the truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough now.



White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed about 30 minutes later to reporters that Biden was referring to Gaza when he said Ukraine.



Twice in February, Biden told donors at fundraisers that Helmut Kohl, who left office as German chancellor in 1998 and died in 2017, spoke with him in 2021 about that years Jan. 6 Capitol riot.



Biden also said that former French President Francois Mitterrand, who left office in 1995 and died in 1996, joined that 2021 conversation.



Biden compounded his errors on Feb. 8 by referring to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the president of Mexico during a fiery press conference where he denied special counsel Robert Hurs finding that no jury would convict him of mishandling classified documents on the grounds of perceived senility.



Watch the video below





President Biden says they will be completing air drops of 'food and supplies into Ukraine', and the US is seeking to open up 'other avenues in Ukraine'. Mr Biden meant to say Gazahttps://t.co/GD1gLkuJSj pic.twitter.com/zvx5phNx5p  Sky News (@SkyNews) March 1, 2024

























John Kirby immediately walks back Biden's announcement of air drops "into Ukraine":



"He was referring to Gaza." pic.twitter.com/E6x6j9ealL



 RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 1, 2024



















Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Special Committee of Parliament chaired by Hon. Joe Ghartey continued their inquiry into matters relating to the locked up funds of customers of Blackshield Capital Ltd (formerly Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd) in the recent financial clean-up exercise.



Evidence was led by the Registrar of Companies and the Securites and Exchange Commission. Both institutions stated that the court process challenging the process of liquidation of Black Shields Company Ltd is what has hampered their ability to deal with the customers. They said that Blackshields had commenced a court process which prevented the Official Liquidator from proceeding.



The Committee requested the Official Liquidator to produce and tender all documents relating to the court process at the next sitting of the Committee.



The Committee was also concerned about the seemly lack of the legal process to develop to meet contemporary challenges.



The slow pace of law reform was bemoaned especially in this time of the rapid development of the financial sector and the introduction of new products such as digital currencies such as Bitcoins.



This was after the Registrar of Conpanies had indicated that the current law on liquidation, the Corporate Insolvency and Restuctering Act, 2020 (Act 1015) was a marked improvement of the Bodies Corporate (Official Liquidation) Act which was passed in 1963.



The Committee wondered why it had taken so many years for it to be repealed. This led the Registrar of Companies, Mrs. Jemima Oware to recount the role of the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Joe Ghartey in the development and review on various laws on companies when he was Attorney-General and Minister of Justice between 2006 and 2009. She also acknowledged role of the Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency advisors - GARIA.



The sitting will be continued on Monday, 4th March 2024.



Other members of the Committee are Hon Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Hon Kwesi Ameyaw-Chiremeh, Hon Gizella Tetteh Agbotui and Hon Dr Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A former Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier Joseph Nunoo-Mensah has admonished government to consider the experiences of neighbouring countries to avoid any uprising from the citizenry.



According to the retired army officer, the surrounding countries failed to take the plight of their citizens which, thereafter, resulted in the recent governmental overthrows.



Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah expressed grave worry over the manner in which the incumbent government has ignored the plight of Ghanaians.



Let's look at the nations that have had coup detat in recent times in the ECOWAS sub-region, let's look at ourselves. We have to be honest with ourselves.



Today in Ghana, we are facing serious economic and social problems; very serious ones but our governments are behaving as if there is no problem.



"When you look at the ordinary people in this country, how they are facing life it is hard, it is rough, but we dont even want to accept that times are hard, Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah lamented.



Speaking to Raymond Acquah on Joy News monitored by Peacefmonline.com, Brigadier Nunoo- Mensah continued to pour out his disappointment in President Akufo-Addos inability to tackle the draconian economic issues when delivering his last State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday.



According to him, prices of food and commodities have sky rocketed leading to a financial distress on the living conditions of Ghanaians.



He said, When my good old friend, our president spoke I was looking forward to answers to these problems that we are facing especially with food. You cannot buy local food cheaply. If at my level, I cannot buy simple food like gari, cassava, or yam cheaply then there is a problem."



The problem is going to get even harder and when we dont want to accept that it is going to get pretty rough if we dont take care, we are going to have a massive food crisis that might lead to all kinds of problems.



He underscored the need for the government to consult some senior citizens who have the expertise to offer their solutions to the seemingly unending economic challenges.



At the age of 80 getting to 88, I dont have too much time to live. I dont like the Ghana I am leaving behind. We are looking for answers to our political, and socioeconomic problems.



We need to find a solution. The NPP, NDC thing it is not working and one must be honest about it, he added.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Executive Secretary for the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh-Amoaning, has said they await assent of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by the President.



According to him, the passage of the bill is not to criminalize individuals, but to provide care, treatment, and support for those grappling with gender identity and sexual orientation challenges.



He stated, The focus of the Coalition is not to criminalize or dump people in prisonsthose people who get caught in these challenges, we were very clear in our mind that what they needed was care treatment and support, and its in the bill.



He said this in an interview on the 3FM Sunrise Morning Show with Johnnie Hughes on February 29.



Responding to criticisms from individuals such as Audrey Gadzekpo and the evolution of perspectives within Ghanaian society, particularly mentioning Member of Parliament Sam George, Foh-Amoaning stressed the importance of education and understanding in shaping viewpoints.



He explained, Sam himself has been educated by relating with us. He has understood how false this whole human rights argument is, and when I listen to Audrey, shes only talking standard LGBT template arguments. So, Sam probably then was not educated and he tells me that is the thing that pushed him and made him realize this is serious.



Mr. Foh-Amoaning addressed the political dimension of their advocacy, citing constitutional principles and the promotion of Ghanaian values as the foundation of their work.



He emphasized, If you say were political you are right because thats what we are engaged in, we want to ensure that the people of this country are protected and thats what the Constitution says.



Regarding the potential response of President Nana Akufo-Addo to the bill, Foh-Amoaning expressed confidence in the Presidents alignment with Ghanaian values and emphasized the political implications of any decision he will take.



Well, the President is a very smart politician and what Ive told everybody whos asked me this question is, first of all theres no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President. So, the point Im trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill he asserted.



He warned of significant consequences for the ruling party should the President choose not to sign the bill, predicting electoral repercussions and potential loss of support.



If he refuses to sign it would be very easy for the NDC will just package the NPP as Trumu Trumu party.



Mr Foh-Amoaning reiterated the Coalitions commitment to promoting Ghanaian family values and protecting the interests of the nation.

Source: 3news.com









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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has joined the International Community's concern about Ghana's parliament's passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.



According to them, they are closely monitoring the outcome of the bill, which is yet to be assented to by President Nana Akufo-Addo.



The bill, if finally passed, will criminalize LGBTQ+ activities as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.



Offenders could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 and 5 years.



However, the International Community has described the bill as harsh on human rights and a risk to Ghana's economy.



In a statement released by the IMF and shared with Bloomberg, it was stated, Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces. Our internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Like institutions, diverse and inclusive economies flourish."

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The Ranking Member of Parliament's Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo has outlined the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s commitment to implementing an advanced digitalization system for Ghana if elected, surpassing current efforts led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



During a public lecture organized by the Coalition for Restoration (CFR) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on February 28, 2024, Mr. Adongo stressed the need for a digitalization strategy that minimizes human intervention in public service delivery, reduces corruption, and combats crime.



Mr. Adongo criticized the government's digitalization agenda as limited to "stand-alone improvement tools," arguing that it has not significantly addressed corruption or improved efficiency.



You said John Mahama was using manual rudimentary systems and you have come to digitalised. If you have come to digitalised, shouldnt you be better than John Mahama in corruption perception? Your best, 43 is John Mahamas worst  43, he stated.



Describing digitalization as the integration of digital technologies across society and the economy, Mr. Adongo highlighted its potential to enhance security systems, stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation.



He contrasted the NDC's proposed digitalization system with current practices, envisioning a model akin to European standards, where police could access comprehensive public records during routine stops.



The lecture aimed to analyze Ghana's economic performance under the current administration and outline the NDC's proposed solutions, should they win the 2024 General Election.



Mr. Adongo credited past NDC administrations for transformative communication and infrastructure projects, pledging to implement economic interventions to bolster resilience, create jobs, and prioritize local participation across key sectors.



Additionally, he stressed the importance of responsible borrowing practices to prevent adverse impacts on citizens holding government bonds.

Source: graphiconline









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A key member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has described as harsher the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Ghana's parliament.



In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he warned about the repercussions following the recent passage and questioned if Ghana is ready for the outcome if the bill is assented to by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



"Ghanas parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.



Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country," he said.



Adding that, "That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Lets have faith in our democracy. Lets respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.



The bill's passage criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and financial support. Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, with longer terms for those involved in promoting or sponsoring such acts.



But Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko argued that while respecting Ghana's culture which frowns on the LGBTQ+ Community, tolerance and diversity of individuals must equally be respected.



Read his post below



Ghanas parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.



Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country.



The world must understand that. But, Ghanaians must also understand that it comes with consequences. Choices have consequences.



We expect the media and the politicians to be fair to the people by letting them know the pros and cons of this decision to impose stiffer penalties against gays, etc. We also expect those who believe the bill is constitutionally wrong to do what is right and go to court.



That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Lets have faith in our democracy. Lets respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.



Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected. I still believe, though, that we can balance our traditional family values with our traditional values of tolerance and diversity.



Thats the Ghanaian way. The Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian spirit. Our history. Our DNA. That is Ghanaian.







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A Virgin Australia passenger was left $800 out of pocket after he arrived at a closed check-in desk despite arriving well within the allocated time prior to departure.

Max Cameron, 64, flies several times a week between Launceston airport in Tasmania and Melbourne for work, and was initially thrilled when the airline gave him a heads up that his flight was delayed back in January.

"I got a text and an email from Virgin saying, very sorry to let you know your plane has been delayed by 45 minutes," he recalled to Yahoo News Australia. The email instructed the check-in desk would close 30 minutes before the departure time, meaning he didn't need to get to the airport any earlier.

Virgin Australia passenger Max Cameron missed his flight despite arriving within the allocated time detailed in an airline email. Source: Supplied/AAP

"I thought, well done Virgin. You've come through you've let me know when I have to be there. And as a result, I got out to the airport at 9:25pm for a 9:45pm closure of check-in."

However when he arrived there was "literally not one person in the Virgin terminal" and despite his best efforts to find someone, he eventually had to leave. With no other option available, he says he had little choice but to buy another ticket for the following morning, as well as pay for accommodation and extra transport costs, amounting to $800.

"I put my tail between the legs, went back and bought another ticket. I was very annoyed about that but I had no choice... check-in closed early," he said.

Virgin passenger believes email error caused him to miss flight

After submitting an enquiry to the customer service team he was told he was required to arrive 30 minutes before the original departure time and was therefore late to check in his cases  a different instruction than the one he received in the revised departure time email.

The email read, 'Check-in will now close 30 minutes prior to this time'.

Story continues

Despite pleading his case, the team said he would not receive any compensation and his enquiry was closed.

"I got a note back saying, 'Sorry, Mr Cameron, you didn't arrive prior to the check in time closing... we called for last cases and you didn't present'," he said. However, unsatisfied from the response, he spoke to a worker at the airport who suggested there may have been an error in the email.

"I'm at the airport four times a week so I went and spoke to the supervisor at the Virgin counter and she said, 'Oh my God, it looks like they sent you the wrong email," he said.

When it comes to flight cancellations, Virgin Australia has the worst record of any airline in the country. Source: AAP

Virgin 'lacks accountability', passengers says

After reaching out to Virgin Australia for further information Yahoo News understands Cameron likely did receive incorrect information which led to him missing his flight.

Cameron has since been in touch with the airline and is hopeful he will be reimbursed for his out-of-pocket expenses yet is still "unhappy" that he had to go to such lengths to evoke a response from Virgin.

"It's not the money but the lack of accountability... there is no service mentality anymore," he said.

"What Virgin has done to me is just so wrong".

In a report released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics it was revealed Virgin Australia cancelled 5.4 per cent of the 11,026 domestic flights flown in January  making it the airline with the most cancellations in the country. Virgin Australia recorded more than two times as many flight cancellations as both Jetstar and Qantas.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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A communications team member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Kwadwdo Agyei Yeboah popularly known as Nana Kay, has called on the executives of the Party to respond to the cries and wails of the party members, especially the party communicators.



According to Nana Kay, it is obvious that the government and the party just wants to use the seriel callers and communicators without thinking of their welfare.



He added that, some of the communicators in the Greater Accra region have been bed-ridden yet no one from the party has been able to extend a helping hand to alleviate the burden of the individuals.



"We have NPP communicators who have passed on and are yet to be buried. Some are also bed-ridden yet unattended to. During elections, these persons would be transported to the polling station to cast their vote after which they will be sent back unappreciated," he lamented.



"They can decide to be unconcerned today but a time is coming where a presdiential candidate would have to go round and be mounting bill boards and posters all by himself. Some people are used and dumped in the long run," Nana Kay added.



Speaking on Neat FM, the aggrieved NPP communicator pointed out the extra fiainacnial commitment he has to make all by himslef but expresses his displeaure on how blindly the party executives have acted towards the party commicators.



He acknowledged some efforts made by some executives but quickly added that, their financial engagement is nothing to write home about.



"I am triggered by these issues. I don't have a political appointment but I do my best to get my work going. As a party communicator, sometimes you ask yourself what you stand to gain after you go to speak on air for the party and other government businesses. We beg those of you in government who have government appointments, We know you and you know us," he lamented.



Watch video below







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The Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh-Amoaning has expressed surprise over why gospel artistes in the country are not publicly supporting the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.



He has criticised the gospel artistes for not writing songs in support of the fight against the activities of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the country.



The Parliament of Ghana on February 28 unanimously passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill after it had gone through nearly three years of deliberation.



The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill aims at criminalising the activities of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.



It imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+.



Mr Foh-Amoaning, who was speaking in an interview on Onua FMs Testimony Hour show on March 3, wondered why gospel musicians have failed to compose songs to help demand the barring LGBTQ+ activities by President Akufo-Addo.



I am really surprised that upon all the gospel artists we have in Ghana, none of them has been inspired by God to write a song to speak against the activities of LGBTQ+.



We have top notch artistes like Joe Mettle, Dianna Antwi Hamilton and the rest, yet it hasnt appeared to them to sing a song or a line in their songs to support the LGBTQ+ fight, the veteran journalist and lawyer bewailed.



He quizzed why these same artistes are able to write songs concerning things happening in the country, yet they are mute over LGBTQ+.



Mr Foh-Amoaning urged the gospel fraternity to speak up to get President Akufo-Addo to assent to bill into law.







Source: 3news.com









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A man was shot to death in Philadelphia following an argument on a SEPTA bus on Sunday.

Police said they were called to the scene at the intersection of Castor Avenue and Comly Street around 11:25 p.m., NBC10 and 6ABC reported.

Upon arrival, officers found a man in his 20s lying two streets over from the interesection with gunshot wounds to his face and chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medics a short time later.

Witnesses told police that the victim and another man had gotten into an argument while riding a Route 59 SEPTA bus. Their argument continued after they got off the bus.

Our victim got off and the suspect came out right behind him, Captain Anthony Ginaldi of the Philadelphia Police Department said to 6ABC. There was an exchange of words out there as well, as they were getting off the bus and the suspect produced a handgun and shot our victim at least twice that we know of.

Grinaldi also said that police are considering the inside of the bus a crime scene.

SEPTA disputed that there was an altercation on the bus, saying that surveillance video shared with police does not appear to show any confrontation.

The suspect ran off after the shooting. Police have not released a description of him yet.
A pregnant Amish woman killed in her home in Western Pa. last month had suffered a cut across the front of her throat and a scalping type wound on her head, according to newly released court documents.

The new details were contained in a statement of probable cause filed by police on Feb. 26 to be able to search the womans home and property in Crawford County to look for evidence.

The documents said a family friend called police at 12:26 p.m. on Feb. 26 to the home along Fish Flats Road in Sparta Township to say she and Andy Byler had just returned to his residence when they found his wife, Rebekah Byler, 23, unresponsive a short distance inside.

Police wrote in the documents that it appeared Bylers throat had been cut. Police were sent to the home, where officers confirmed that Bylers body was found on her back in a pool of blood in the living room, with a laceration on the front side of her neck and the scalping type wound on her head. Its unclear if the scalping wound was a gunshot wound as police later said she had been shot in the head.

Two young children who live at the home were not harmed, the AP said. Byler was 6 months pregnant.

The search warrants, one issued at 7:05 p.m. and another at 9:59 p.m., said police were looking for knives, blades, cutting instruments, firearms, clothing, bodily fluids, blood, DNA, hair, fingernail clippings, fingernail scrapings, photographs, electronic devices and any other physical evidence associated with criminal activity.

Police arrested a suspect Saturday, but have not provided any evidence linking him to the crime.

Shawn C. Cranston, 52, of Corry, has been charged with criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, burglary and criminal trespass.

Police are supposed to file public documents known as affidavits that show the probable cause to arrest someone in a crime, but no such documents have been made available.

He was denied bail at a preliminary arraignment early Saturday morning and was being held at the Crawford County jail. Online court records show a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 15; they do not list a defense attorney.

Cranstons Facebook page shows him pictured with his wife and said he works as a truck driver. His home is about 13 minutes driving distance from the victims home.

Police have not provided a motive in the crime, but a foster daughter told a local TV station that she believed it was a case of mistaken identity. She told YourErie.com the Amish couple who lived in Bylers home a few years ago adopted Cranstons grandson.
By Julia Terruso, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  Mondays U.S. Supreme Court ruling protecting former President Donald Trump from ballot disqualification was good news for him  and U.S. Rep. Scott Perry.

The ruling, which overturned a Colorado court decision and found Trump cant be removed from the ballot, is likely to doom challenges to Trumps ballot eligibility in other states. It also likely signals trouble for a pending challenge to Perrys candidacy in Pennsylvania.

Gene Stilp, a former Pennsylvania congressional candidate and liberal activist, filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court against Perry, R.-Pa., in January, arguing that Perrys role challenging the results of the 2020 election should make him ineligible to run for office.

The suit came shortly after the Colorado courts ruling and echoed the challenge to Trumps candidacy.

Stilp argued Perrys efforts to overturn the certification of Pennsylvanias election and participation in Trumps fake elector scheme amounted to insurrection under the U.S. Constitution. Article 3 of the 14th Amendment says people who engage in insurrection are unable to hold public office.

That interpretation of the Constitution is what justices struck down on Monday, writing states may disqualify candidates for state office, But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.

The court ruled that only Congress, not the states, can disqualify a presidential candidate under the Constitutions insurrection clause. It did not weigh in on whether Trumps attempts to subvert the 2020 election amounted to engaging in an insurrection.

The decision was somewhat expected as the justices had signaled concern over the complications of allowing individual states to assess presidential eligibility and the possibility that it could lead to a candidate on the ballot in some states and not in others.

Trump celebrated the ruling, posting on Truth Social: BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

Perry has not been charged with a crime in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol or the efforts to overturn the election results.

The Pennsylvania congressman was part of Trumps inner circle devising attempts to overturn the 2020 election. He spoke on the House floor hours after rioters ransacked the U.S. Capitol, seeking to have Pennsylvanias electoral votes thrown out.

Theres been little movement on the lawsuit against Perry since it was filed. Both Perry and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt entered objections last month. Schmidt had said he did not believe his office had the authority to remove a candidate from the ballot.

Perry, whose district includes Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York counties, is one of the only Pennsylvania Republicans in Congress facing a serious challenge in November, as several Democrats are vying to run against him.

(Staff writer Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article.)

2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A class action lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Monday challenges solitary confinement practices in prisons across the state saying they violate prisoners Eighth Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment, among other rights.

The suit, filed on behalf of six inmates, seeks to end prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement and prohibit the punishment for anyone with a mental health diagnosis. The lawsuit expands upon one filed in October that focused only on the practices in a specially designated unit at the State Correctional Institution Fayette.
The rancor over the southern border crisis is prompting political maneuverings thousands of miles away here in the Keystone State.

Last week Pennsylvania Republicans seized on the growing election year flashpoint over immigration to roll out legislation and weigh in on the actions of local jurisdictions.
Police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred near the University of Pittsburgh campus early Sunday morning.

Pittsburgh police said in a statement that the incident happened around 2 a.m. Sunday in an alley on the 200 block of Melwood Avenue, just blocks off the Pitt campus. University police are also investigating the incident.
For more than a decade, state aid to New York's cities, towns and villages hasn't increased.

The New York Conference of Mayors is hoping that changes this year.

The group has sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting more state aid in the upcoming budget. The letter was signed by hundreds of elected leaders, including Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino.

In its letter to the state's top leaders, the New York Conference of Mayors details the problem. Cities, towns and villages outside of New York City have not received increased funding through the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities, or AIM, program in more than a decade.

The AIM program was established under former Gov. George Pataki, with a pledge for increased aid every year. But that has not been fulfilled. There were cuts to local government aid during the recession. During Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, aid was not increased.

The city of Auburn is an example of how the lack of a state aid increase has affected local governments. The city received state aid totaling over $5.2 million in the 2008-09 budget. However, aid to the city was cut in the next three budgets. It was lowered to $4,982,093 in the 2011-12 budget and has remained at that level in subsequent budgets.

Giannettino estimates the state aid freeze has cost Auburn $4 million in funding.

If Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal is adopted, state aid would remain unchanged. Her budget would keep AIM funding flat for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Auburn would get the same amount it has in the last 13 budgets.

The New York Conference of Mayors describes the situation as "neglect from state government," which has contributed to rising local tax burdens and "harmful disinvestment in essential municipal services and staff."

"It is also important to consider that the governor has indicated that her executive budget proposal is guided by the twin goals of affordability and public safety," the conference wrote. "NYCOM contends ... that New York's local governments, who are on the frontlines of controlling property tax affordability and ensuring public safety, are integral to achieving those goals."

The letter continues, "Every community has public safety needs and for many local budgets, it is the largest cost driver. If the state truly wants to ensure affordability and public safety for all New Yorkers, now is the time for an increase in AIM funding for cities, villages and towns."

Mayors aren't alone in seeking a change to state aid levels. State Sen. Rachel May has introduced a bill to revamp the AIM funding formula. May, D-Syracuse, authored the legislation after Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion issued a report detailing how the lack of a state aid increase affected central New York's largest city.

According to the legislative text, May's bill would require the state Division of Budget to create a new formula that offsets income lost from tax-exempt land within a municipality, infrastructure costs and participation in a housing program established by Hochul. Language in the measure would ensure that municipalities don't face aid cuts because of the new formula.

The bill, which was introduced in February, has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for review.
WSOP Main Event Finalist Nick Marchington Wins the Grosvenor UK Open Main Event

March 04, 2024 Matthew Pitt Senior Editor

Nick Marchington captured his first recorded live poker tournament victory by taking down the 1,500 buy-in Grosvenor UK Open Main Event in Coventry for an impressive 146,560. Marchington outlasted 619 opponents en route to collecting the second-largest score of his poker career.

Marchington is a cash game specialist who successfully dabbles with tournament poker. The British star is best known for a seventh-place finish in the 2019 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, a fine result that bagged him $1,525,000. Marchington came close to his maiden live victory in November 2019 but fell at the final hurdle in the $1,100 Last Chance Turbo at the PartyPoker MILLIONS World Bahamas. He now has got the proverbial monkey off his back.

Will the GUKPT Goliath Continue Breaking Records in 2024? Full Schedule Released Read more

1,500 UK Open Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Prize 1 Nick Marchington 146,560* 2 Tony Harmon 119,240* 3 Simon Higgins 81,820* 4 Yucel Eminoglu 78,340* 5 Stuart McNally 34,470 6 Barrie Greenan 23,220 7 Maj Iqbal 20,170 8 Adriano Perez 17,270

*reflects a four-way deal

Seventy-four players reached the money places from the 620 entrants, and the payout list reads like a who's who of the British poker scene. Calogero Morreale and Brandon Sheils were the first pair to cash. The likes of Dominik Nitsche, Dean Hutchison, Sunil Mistri, Martins Adeniya, Michael Kane, Carlo Citrone, and Ben Margedze also cashed. Chris DaSilva bowed out in ninth place and burst the final table bubble.

It didnt take long for the first finalist to fall by the wayside, Adriano Perez being the first out of the door. Down to five big blinds, Perez jammed with king-eight and failed to get there against the king-jack of Maj Iqbal. Perez had only $1,167 in live cashes before this result, meaning the 17,270 he collected is by far his largest-ever haul.

Seventh place went to Iqbal. He committed the last of his chips with king-jack, and Simon Higgins called with the dominating king-queen of diamonds Higgins turned a flush to leave Iqbal drawing dead, and he made his way to the cashier's desk to collect 20,170.

Grosvenor Casinos 2024 GUKPT and 25/50 Schedule

Scotland's Barrie Greenan seemed comfortable until he lost a massive pot that left him with only eight big blinds. Greenan's short stack went into the middle with ace-queen, only for that powerful hand to lose to Tony Harman's king-jack. Greenan, who won the 220 Opening Voyage at the 888poker UK Poker League Edinburgh stop, walked away with a career-best 23,220.

Another Scotsman, Stuart McNally, became the fifth-place finisher after a clash with Marchington didn't go to plan. McNally opened with ace-king before calling off 25 big blinds after Marchington three-bet him. Marchington turned over jack-nine of diamonds, turned a flush, and sent McNally to the showers with 34,470 to console himself with.

The final four players decided to strike a deal that left 15,000 and the trophy up for grabs.

Nick Marchington - 131,560

Tony Harman - 119,240

Simon Higgins - 81,820

Yucel Eminoglu - 78,340

The deal was most beneficial to Yucel Eminoglu because he busted in fourth. The man affectionately known as "Mad Turk" committed his short stack with pocket fours and lost a coinflip against Marchinton's ace-nine.

Higgins became Marchington's next victim, losing with king-jack against the champion-elect's ace-three, before Marchington defeated Harman heads-up to clinch the title and a first-place prize worth 146,560. Harman last played a live event eight year ago, and scooped 119,240 on his return to the baize.

2024 UK Open Results

Kevin Allen

Popular pro Kevin Allen may not have cashed in the Main Event, but he did take down the 2,000 High Roller for 42,720 to take his live earnings north of $1.2 million.

Other winners included James Broderick, Matthew Cartright, Calogero Morreale, and Michelle Bricknell-Sheils.

Event Buy-in Entrants Champion Prize High Roller 2,000 99 Kevin Allen 42,720 Mystery Bounty 440 James Broderick 22,000* Mini UK Open 330 682 Matthew Cartright 21,516 PLO 4/5/6 Card 150 130 Calogero Morreale 3,650 Ladies 115 63 Michelle Bricknell-Sheils 1,550

Next up for the Grosvenor fans is the GUKPT Blackpool festival that runs from March 10 through March 17. Blackpool is always a popular stop, so much so that the GUKPT heads there in March before returning in late October for the penultimate stop of the 2024 tour.

Sharelines The Grosvenor UK Open came to a thrilling conclusion with the crowning of the Main Event champion.
Speaking in Alabama, Vice President Kamala Harris took a tougher tone with Israel, while calling for more aid into Gaza and an immediate ceasefire.

Vice President Harris said in Selma, AL:

Yesterday, the Department of Defense carried out its first airdrop of humanitarian assistance. And the United States will continue these airdrops, and we will work on a new route by sea to deliver aid. And the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid.

No excuses.

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They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza so more food, water, and fuel can get through.

The Vice President also called for an immediate ceasefire, Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire.

Video:

VP: And the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses. They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. pic.twitter.com/CLqvCChlUe  Acyn (@Acyn) March 3, 2024

The Biden administration looks to be getting to the right position. The United States should be the worlds leading advocate for human rights. The administration has been privately lobbying Netanyahu for months on Gaza. He ignored them, so now they are going public.

The White House might not be able to stop Netanyahu, but they can help the suffering people of Gaza, and it is a safe bet that if Netanyahu doesnt stop, cutting off military aid will be on the table.

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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.
Even chained to his teleprompter, Donald Trump couldnt hold it together while reacting to the Supreme Courts 14th Amendment ruling.

After talking about and distorting the Supreme Courts ruling, Trump went into the bizarre claim that he needs presidential immunity to kill terrorists.

Trump also falsely claimed that he killed the two biggest terrorists in history:

Video:

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Trump is in such mental decline that he is reading his reaction to the SCOTUS decision off a TelePrompTer, and Trump lies and claims that he killed the two biggest terrorists in history, which was not Trump, but Obama getting Bin Laden. pic.twitter.com/m5RgxugDHy  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 4, 2024

It was clear that Trump was reading these heavily scripted remarks from a teleprompter, but that didnt stop him from claiming that all of the prosecutions against him were being carried out by a cabal of Trump haters with Biden as the mastermind.

Video:

Trump loses it, and is now veering into conspiracy theories, hes mean is nasty, The judges on these cases, they are Trump haters. Other than we have maybe one or two that I think can be fairI mean, these people have tremendous hatred. pic.twitter.com/XJlahylR9s  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 4, 2024

The sad part is that his campaign tried to make this teleprompter speech sound unscripted, but they couldnt because Trump had his reading voice and posture on. When Trump is chained to his teleprompter his arms are usually stiff at his sides, and his voice is a monotone, as if he is reading a script, which is what he was doing.

It was reported on Monday morning that Trumps campaign knows that he is in cognitive decline, and they are trying to hide that decline from the American people.

Trump basically gave a campaign speech, and minimally reacted to the Supreme Court case.

This is not the Donald Trump of eight years ago. The former president is fading fast, and his campaign might not have enough tricks left to hide it.

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Morning Joe discussed how the Trumps campaign knows that their candidate is cognitively declining and they are trying to hide it from voters.

Jonathan Lemire said:

He is surrounded entirely by enablers during this campaign. And what? And he would be again, if he were to be in the White House for a second time, there would be no guard rails, there would be no adults in the room. It would just be people doing what he wants to your point. He is not the same guy. You can watch video footage of the 2016 campaign some of his time in the White House. We played last week, a clip from the debate between Trump and Biden back in 2020. And it was striking even then how much Trump has changed, how hes aged. I mean, he is in his late seventies. Hes only a couple of years younger than President Biden. And were seeing with more and more frequency even as the media and we talked about it earlier about how the weekend was full of polls and up session about President Bidens age.

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Its Trump who day after day is showing the signs of age but also pressure, indeed pressure because he is not getting as much of the share of the Republican vote as he would like Nikki Haley even posting a win over the weekend pressure because of the money. He now owes nearly a half a billion dollars in a couple of cases in New York City. And pressure that his first criminal case, a case that could theoretically put him in prison starts in just three weeks and we are seeing it night after night on the rally stage where he seems to even just lose control of the English language. Mika cringes. I cant help it. I start laughing when he does the Venezuela bit there at the end. But this is something that his team knows, but theyre just forging forward.

Joe Scarborough replied, Theyre trying to keep him off the stage as much as possible. Obviously, they dont want that out there. They dont want him on Truth Social. Again, he only hurts himself politically.

Video:

#MorningJoe Trumps team knows about his cognitive decline, We are seeing it night after night on the rally stage where he seems to even just lose control of the English language..This is something that his team knows, but theyre just forging forward. pic.twitter.com/zjORt0Avse  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 4, 2024

Trump has refused to do primary debates. He has already stated that he wont participate in debates with Biden. The only interviews the former president does are with friendly media who hand hold him and walk him through the interview. There is a reason why most of Trumps national TV interviews happen on Fox News and feature Maria Bartiromo or Sean Hannity. They are his biggest supporters on the network and also friends of Trump.

When voters begin to pay attention and the campaign spotlight gets more intense, Trump will be exposed.

Its not President Biden who should be discussed in terms of cognitive decline.

Its Donald Trump, and his campaign knows it.

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Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

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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
Thailand could be the next major destination on the global map for Tesla to start work on an all-new production facility. The US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is looking at expanding into newer markets and for this, it requires its manufacturing capabilities to increase manifold.

The hunt for a suitable location for the next Tesla facility has been on for some time. The company has facilities in countries like the US, China and Germany, and has confirmed that it will soon begin efforts on a new facility in Mexico. But tapping into the south and south-east Asian market better may well be priority, especially because Chinese rivals have been taking big strides in many markets here.

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Does Thailand fit the requirements? Reuters quoted an official from the office of Thai Prime Minister as saying that talks with Tesla officials are indeed underway. If these do come to fruition, the eventual facility would manufacture both EVs as well as batteries, Supakorn Congsomjit said.

Chinese EV makers are already eyeing Thailand as a major production hub for battery-powered vehicles and have committed to a total of $1.44 billion in investment.

Why Thai?

Thailand's economy largely depends on tourism, agriculture and service. And while these are expected to remain at the core of the economy, the government here wants the country to also emerge as a major hub for EV manufacturing.

The Chinese are coming in. And coming in full steam. BYD, a company challenging Tesla for the global crown in EVs, has already laid foundation stone for a facility in Rayong, some 180 kilometres away from the capital city of Bangkok. Neta is another Chinese EV company that is present here and has started production of a model - Neta V-II electric SUV - in Bangkok.

The country is luring manufacturers by offering a slew of incentives and facilities, all of which are aimed to bring in more manufacturers from foreign shores to help Thailand achieve its goal of 30 per cent of all vehicle production to be electric by 2030.

First Published Date:
Aiken residents had a chance to meet over 30 authors on Saturday.

The Center for Lifelong Learning hosted a meet the authors event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aiken Senior Life Services on East Pine Log Road.

There were 36 authors with tables at the event. A few authors came from Beaufort, one or two came from Greenville and one or two came from Columbia. Most of the rest were local to Aiken and the surrounding area.

Dacre Stoker, author of eight books and other things in the universe of his great-grand uncle, Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula, said the event was a great thing and a good opportunity to meet potential students for his class at the center.

Tim Brown, author of a Christian mystery series , drove in from Atlanta to display his books.

"We drove up this morning to support what they're doing," Brown said.

Peter Wilcox said he was looking to spread the word about his books on the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

Jenifer Ramseur, a native of Guyana who moved to the United States, brought her book, "Seek-and-Find," which is a fictional tale of a Guyanese immigrant who moves to the United States and experiences the cultural upheaval of the 1960s as a non-biased observer.

Dr. Doris Hammond said she came out to the event to support the center.

"They are just a great organization to be part of," Hammond said. "I am a book author myself and I always want to encourage other people who want to still write."

Saturday's event was the third such event the center has hosted. The center hosted similar events in the fall of 2021 and 2022. This year's event featured a more educational atmosphere with panel discussions and author readings.

For more information about the Center for Lifelong Learning, visit aikenlearning.org.
The battle between school officials and librarians and people demanding that certain books be pulled from public schools is playing out across the nation and in many school districts across South Carolina.

The CBS program 60 Minutes on March 3 focused on the happenings in a single school district  the one in Beaufort County in S.C.s Lowcountry. There were more than 3,000 books banned in schools across the country, an increase of more than 1,000 over the year before, veteran journalist Scott Pelley said. His report on 60 Minutes focused on the 97 banned in Beaufort County, and the role conservative group Moms for Liberty is playing in the process.

As The Post and Courier first reported in November 2022, the effort in Beaufort County started with two complaints about nearly 100 books filed by Mike Covert, a Bluffton businessman and former County Council member, and Ivie Szalai, a Seabrook resident with a child in the Beaufort County School District.

From The Post and Courier:

Szalai asserted that the books include passages inappropriate for children and even teenagers.

"I know that many of the books in question may have extremely helpful material for many students, but that does not negate the fact that many of them contain explicit sexuality, even some pornographic, X-rated scenes," Szalai recently told the school board.
A onetime Mount Pleasant-based business owner who was among the first to be charged in the government's "Operation Brace Yourself" probe is to be sentenced this week. Read moreMajor SC Medicare fraud case shifts to the penalty phase after 5 years
COLUMBIA  Dog maulings threaten children. Shelters are past capacity. And euthanization rates are above an ideal rate.

This is how the issue of animal overpopulation throughout Richland County was presented to city officials at a Feb. 27 meeting.

The citys pet problem has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many clinics providing spaying and neutering to close.

Now, city officials are considering several measures to free up space in municipal animal shelters, reduce the number of animals being euthanized and neuter or spay more animals to reduce attacks.

The perfect stormSeveral veterinary clinics, including ones that handled high volumes of spays and neutering, closed during the pandemic. Many havent reopened.

This, coupled with the states population boom, has created the perfect storm of animal overpopulation and the resulting issues, Pawmetto Lifeline CEO Denise Wilkinson said.

In South Carolina, stray dogs have killed six people and critically injured 10 others since January 2021, Wilkinson said.

On Feb. 14, a 3-year-old was attacked by a neighbors Rottweiler in Columbia, tearing her scalp and biting her arms and stomach. Its unclear if the dog was spayed or neutered.

Another recent instance involved an 11-year-old boy in Clifton, who was hospitalized after being bit 60 times by a pack of dogs while walking to a bus stop.

This is a crisis, Wilkinson said. I dont want to see another child thats been hurt because of a stray dog. And we need to make sure we hold people accountable that arent taking care of the dogs.

The municipal animal shelters, which serve all of Richland County, pick up hundreds of stray animals or unwanted pets a month, on average taking in 5,000 a year, according to Columbia Animal Services superintendent Victoria Riles.

In January, the shelters intake was 377 animals, and it had a 16 percent euthanization rate.
GREENVILLE  As part of their first tour in five years, South Carolina-bred Hootie & the Blowfish has added a new show in Greenville.

The award-winning rock band, which at one point blew up as one of the biggest bands of the 1990s with hits like Hold My Hand and Let Her Cry, will return for a concert at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville on Sept. 21.

Its part of their 2024 nationwide tour, Summer Camp with Trucks, which was announced last year. The new stop in Greenville will also include performances from other popular 90s artists Collective Soul and Greenvilles own Edwin McCain.

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Since forming in 1986 at the University of South Carolina, the group  featuring Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld  has garnered two Grammy Awards, best known for debut album Cracked Rear View, one of the best-selling records of all time.

The tour, which kicks off May 30 in Dallas, is the first for Hootie & The Blowfish since 2019, when most recent album, Imperfect Circle, was released.

Hootie & the Blowfish will also host two shows at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on Aug. 29 and 30.
GREENVILLE  The license plate cameras atop traffic lights across the state can be useful for finding stolen cars  as long as a thief is sitting behind the wheel.

In a recent lawsuit, two sisters say they were handcuffed by police after they drove past a license plate camera in a rental car that was reported stolen.

The sisters, McKenzie and Kennedy Bryan, were stopped by Greenville Police on Feb. 15, 2022, in a car they rented from Greenville-based Best Rent A Car a day earlier, according to the lawsuit.

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Three officers stopped the Bryans, drawing their guns and handcuffing the sisters before placing them in the back of a police car, the suit says.

Kennedy Bryan, the driver, explained to police that the car was a rental and shared the rental agreement with one of the officers.

An officer then called Best Rent A Car to confirm whether the car was stolen. An employee at the rental car company confirmed it was reported stolen on Jan. 27, but that they called police the next day to let them know the car was returned, according to the lawsuit.

A representative with Best Rent A Car couldnt be reached by The Post and Courier.

Police released the sisters from custody and made sure to contact dispatch to remove the car from the stolen vehicle database, the suit says.

The lawsuit claims either the police failed to remove the car from the database after being called or that the rental car company forgot to call.

Trained dispatchers, not individual officers, specifically add and remove items from the stolen vehicle database, Greenville Police Sgt. Diana Munoz told The Post and Courier. The database updates with the license plate cameras every six hours, Munoz said.

Either way, the Bryans attorney, Sam Tooker, said in the lawsuit there was no justification for police to draw their guns. He argues in the lawsuit a stop for an unreturned rental car was not high risk because there was no reason to believe the Bryans were armed or dangerous.
The Alabama Supreme Court decision to grant personhood to frozen embryos inflamed long-held concerns among South Carolina fertility specialists that a similar ruling or legislation, if proposed, could drastically alter their care for patients in the Palmetto State.

And while a pending South Carolina abortion bill that is stricter than the current ban has an exemption for assisted reproductive technology like IVF, that can always be removed later, doctors said.

The far-spread reaction to the decision has been swift and vociferous, both from medical providers, parents and would-be parents, and lawmakers.

Alabama legislators are scrambling to pass legislation that would shield fertility providers from civil or criminal penalties for damage to an embryo after three clinics there have already stopped procedures.

South Carolina legislators put together two bipartisan bills that were introduced last week that would make clear embryos outside the body are not children.

In remarks to reporters Feb. 29, Gov. Henry McMaster said he had not read the specific bills but expressed support broadly for IVF protections.

Anything to allow and protect the ability of parents, people who want to be parents to  have beautiful babies is a good thing, he said.

U.S. Rep Nancy Mace, R-Isle of Palms, announced March 1 she and House colleagues were introducing a resolution about the "urgent need" to protect IVF and fertility treatments.

"As legislators grapple with the possibly far-reaching impact of the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling, this resolution emphasizes the importance of securing continued access to fertility care and assisted reproductive technology for all, Mace said in a statement.
Community Cat Clinics are first come, first served. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Please do not block the gate entrance, and please remain in your car.Dorchester Paws accepts two cats per car until it reaches 30 cats. The cats must arrive in a trap; if they are not in a trap, they will not be ac Read moreUpcoming Dorchester Paws Community Cat Clinics
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
 Read the full article on Motorious

This Plymouth muscle car is an absolute stunner!

When the Motorious Online Car Show concluded, the team unanimously picked a stunning 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda as the overall winner. While we had hundreds of some of the most impressive cars from all varieties, this classic 'Cuda stole the spotlight. We recently got a chance to sit down with the owner to find out the backstory of the 'Cuda, and we uncovered a charming story behind the car.

Watch the latest Motorious Podcast here.

When Al Young was 17 years old and in high school, his Automotive class really ignited his passion for working on cars. It was then when he talked to his parents about buying a car to fix up, with the intent of buying and selling a few. Al asked his brother Richie about any cars for sale, and he heard through a friend that there was a car in NYC worth checking out, so they did.

The car they went to see was parked outside of this taxi cab repair shop. It was this purple car with yellow taxi cab wheels,white vinyl top, white interior, bench seat, rear spoiler, front rubber bumper, column shifted automatic with this scoop sticking out of the hood. It was the 'Cuda you see before you today, bought by Al in 1977.

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"My brother thought that was cool because it shakes with the engine, so we took it for a ride - it was loud and fast and I could hardly see over the dash and for the price of $500.00 dollars, I was Hooked." Al Young tells Motorious, "I fell in love with it and as you can see I never sold it, she was my daily driver to school and it was the only purple car around town and I painted it a candy apple purple with white pinstripes."

When Al and the 'Cuda had some wild days back then, with plenty of racing and cruising that resulted in tickets, and even had a few accidents. He shares with us a pretty funny story:

"Here in New Jersey the Great Adventure theme park had a animal drive thru park where all the animals roamed free with no chain link fence like they have nowadays. You drive along the paved road and the animals are free to jump on your car. Monkeys rip your wipers off and at one point a lion took a liking to my right front rubber bumper and started to tear it apart rocking my car back and forth,I honked the horn to get him to move but he did not so silly Me I got got of the car to scare him away knowing that I can get killed but did it anyway and the Lion let it go and to this day I still have the front bumper and the piece of the corner left dangling now displayed in my garage."

Story continues

After all this 'fun', his brother told him the insurance became to much for him under his name to cover on the 'Cuda, and so Al decided to store it away. It was a long 5 years for Al Young, and in those years, he went to custom car shows in New York City and Long Island. It was the influence from these shows that got him hooked on chrome and fancy paint jobs, wild displays.

Al started saving up enough money, and in 1986, he took the 'Cuda apart. The complete front and rear suspension were sent out to get chromed, as well as the torsion bars, steering parts, rotors, brake drums, axles, leaf springs, driveshaft, engine components - anything that unbolted was chromed.

The interior was redone, the paint and body work were completed, and painted Black Cherry with a white metal flake shaker and tail panel. The paint garners a lot of questions, because people can't quite figure out what color it is, especially without a lot of light, but stuff like that can cause two strangers to bond at car shows, or make a friend out of a curious gearhead at the gas station.

The year 1987 was the build's coming out party, and the 'Cudas 1st car show entry at Mopars at Englishtown and many more 1st place trophies to follow. After many years on the show circuit it was time to do something else with the car, so why not try enrolling in movies or pictures, or automotive modeling. Although this Plymouth 'Cuda has the looks of a movie star, it was never picked for a movie, but did have a role in a music video for the band The Dirty Pearls for a song called "Whos Coming Back to Who."

Image from the 'Making of' for the Music Video

In 2019, New York City had its 1st rooftop concours show at Pier17 and Al's 'Cuda was invited to participate. The 'Cuda was one of only a few to participate with a muscle car, and the rest were elite class cars.

As it sits today, the 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda is powered by a 340 engine with aftermarket cam and Holley 780 carb setup, and it exhales through a set of Hooker headers and a Flowmaster exhaust. It rolls on old school Cragar wheels with BF Goodrich rubber to grip the pavement.

Al Young, like many people with 'lifer' cars, feels as though the 'Cuda found him, in a way. He was only set out to find a car to fix and sell, with nothing in particular in mind, but it turned out to be one he couldn't part with. So many people regret selling cars like these, but Al knew her couldn't let her get away.

As far a future plans go, enjoying the 'Cuda and maintaining it are the main priorities. Al's car is also going to appear in a calendar soon, so we hope he send us a copy to enjoy!





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RIDGEVILLE  Though its place in the countrys history is recent enough to have been televised, sufficient time has passed since the Vietnam War that there are already two American generations who have no memory of it.

One memory unique to Vietnam veterans and their families is that the American publics hallmark greeting for soldiers returning home was often not a heros welcome, but an outpouring of anger that led to everything from insults, ostracizing and baby killer epithets to outright assault. Vietnam was the first war to be fought on prime time, with the eras new television technology bringing civilians a front-line perspective on the explosions, executions, napalm burns and landing zone races against sniper and shrapnel as soldiers were airlifted out. With the anger of the civil rights, hippie and feminist movements running parallel to the Vietnam controversy and large public protests erupting from each sector, returning troops were more often greeted with open hostility than open arms.

Those coming home to the Charleston area were among the latter.

As The Wall That Heals replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial travels to Ridgeville in October and the Dorchester Heritage Center (DHC) calls for names and personal accounts from the Lowcountrys Vietnam veterans, three local men shared their stories from that time in their personal history. While they had different experiences with the war itself, all three noted one commonality: coming home to the Lowcountry and other military-influenced Southern communities was a kinder welcome than soldiers in other parts of the country encountered.

A proud son

Tom Ryan is the son of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Ryan, a pararescue and air/sea survival specialist whose role during the Vietnam era was to rescue pilots who crashed and train them how to survive in the jungle until rescue units arrived.

Ryan, now 72, was in his teens during the later Vietnam years and remembers the confusion of that time, being the proud son of a military man and also someone who questioned Americas involvement in Vietnam.
If youre one of those people who worry its bad luck to step on a grave, then you should know that whenever you use the county garage at the corner of King and Queen streets, youre probably parking on dead Quakers.

A historical marker on an iron fence along the garages King Street facade notes this lot and that of the neighboring Mills House hotel were once the site of Charles Towns Quaker meeting house and graveyard. Today, only the fence remains.

Whenever I park there, I say a prayerful little apology to Mary Fisher Bayley Cross, whose remains may still lie beneath the behemoth structure. Cross is one of the thousands of remarkable women whose stories have, for the most part, gotten lost in grade school history textbooks. So to kick off Womens History Month, here is her story.

Born around 1623, Mary was an illiterate English housemaid when she heard George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), preach that Gods divinity can be found within each of us, and that Christians should experience a personal relationship with God outside the hierarchical structure of the state church.

His message resonated with Mary, and she became one of Foxs Valiant Sixty, the first missionaries who set out to spread the Quaker message throughout the world. She began by rebuking her local vicar after a sermon, saying Come downe, come downe, thou painted beast, come downe. Thou art but a hireling, and deluder of the people with thy lyes, which earned her 16 months imprisonment in York Castle.

Mary continued on her mission throughout southern England until she felt called to share her faith in the New World. In 1656, she and a colleague, Ann Austin, sailed to Boston, the first Quakers in America. Having heard of their impending arrival, however, the Puritan governor arrested the women before they disembarked. Stripping them in the public square, examiners searched their bodies for signs of witchcraft.
The South Carolina Aquarium reached a big milestone in its sea turtle rescue and conservation efforts, releasing its 400th rehabilitated turtle.

Jim, a juvenile green sea turtle named in memory of a longtime aquarium employee who passed away last year, was joined by nine other sea turtles released on Feb. 27 at Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

Rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles is the work of the aquariums Sea Turtle Care Center, which was established when the aquarium expanded its turtle program in 2017. Turtle care was not part of the institution's original mission, but it became a critical addition to the operation both for environmental and financial reasons. Initially managed by volunteers, the program has become one of the eastern seaboard's most prominent. Melissa Ranly, the Sea Turtle Care Center manager, said the aquarium has the only sea turtle hospital in South Carolina, so they take in turtles from all along the coast.

The care center has grown over the years, and now its a state-of-the-art hospital replete with surgical suite, CT scanners and X-ray machines, Ranly said. In the beginning, the staff treated only one or two turtles per year, but now attend to between 40 and 60.

The aquariums care center partners with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Jeff Schwenter, a biologist with agencys Marine Turtle Conservation Program, said if people come across stranded sea turtles, they call DNR to the scene whose staff will transport living sea turtles in need of rehabilitation to the aquarium.

DNR doesnt house any of the turtles, because the agency doesn't have the expertise or space, he said.

We rely on South Carolina Aquarium heavily to take those animals in and do what they do best, Schwenter said.
RIDGEVILLE  There are more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and 18 of those belong to soldiers who once called Dorchester County home.

More Lowcountry names and the stories behind them are waiting to be uncovered before The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica travels to Ridgeville in October. While many of those tales are known, the members of the Dorchester Heritage Center hope to find them all.

The DHC is putting out a call to residents of Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg and Colleton counties to gather Vietnam veterans names and stories from their service in a war that resulted in 1.35 million deaths and spanned 20 years, including the last 13 years of the early Civil Rights Movement (1948-68), the hippie movement (1960s), the largest wave of the feminist movement (1960s and '70s) and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. (1968) and John F. Kennedy (1963).

We are excited to be selected as one of only 33 locations across the nation to host this event. We know that not everyone will have the opportunity to go to the actual wall in Washington, D.C., so we want this experience to be as close to that as possible  as powerful and sobering an experience as that is, said DHC board of trustees member David Dement, making his first announcement about The Wall That Heals Oct. 17-20 exhibit to the Dorchester County Council on Feb. 5. The exhibit will be at the DHCs future site in Ridgeville.

Dorchester County Councilwoman Harriet Holman, who declared her intention on Feb. 19 to run for the S.C. State House District 102, and her husband, Herman Holman, are both veterans. Councilwoman Holman retired as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years with the Army, and Herman Holman served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. County Administrator Jason Ward acknowledged Dements announcement with a recollection of his father and two uncles Vietnam service, noting that while all three of his family members returned home, his heart is with the many families who did not get their soldiers back.
FLORENCE  Charles and Chase Howard know the secret to making oil and water mix. Just add soap and cars.

The Howards are the third generation of the Maitland Chase family to run Chase Oil Company. Their grandfather, Maitland Chase, founded the company in 1946. The company was the first gas distributor in the Florence area.

Maitland Chase met an American oil distributor at a breakfast diner, Chase Howard said. The representative was recruiting people to set up gas stations.

Their grandfather jumped in.

The business grew quickly. Soon, nearly 20 full service gas stations were pumping out gas and bringing in cash.

Chase Oil Co. became a generational family business win Maitland Chase brought his two sons, Maitland Jr. and Simons John and a daughter, Bettis. After Bettis married, Chase Grandison Howard, joined the company as well.

Chase Oil Co. was successful. The reins have been passed from generation-to-generation.

Maitland Chase died in 1970. Simons died from leukemia in 1980. Maitland Jr. retired in the 1990s. Chase and Charles Jr. joined the company shortly after they completed college.

The third generation joined the business as combination gas stations/convenience stores started to flourish, Charles Howard Jr. said.

"We rolled into that," he said.

The company started working with seveeral different gasoline makers, including Amoco, Shell, 76 and others. Chase Oil also distributes gasoline to other gas/convenience stores in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The company was successful, but brothers Chase and Charles needed side businesses to make ends meet.

"Our father wouldn't pay enough money. Charles was a newlywed with one baby on the ground, I think, and his wife was pregnant with a second one. We needed to find some auxiliary income," Charles Howard Jr. said.

The brothers developed side hustles to bring in extra cash.

One of those was fireworks stands.

At its peak, the brothers operated seven fireworks trailers around the Pee Dee. They were the largest fireworkds distributors in Florence for three or four years, he said.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy. High near 70F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story misstated the location of the Walmart near Interstate 26 with high property crime. It is located off W.O. Ezell Boulevard. The Post and Courier regrets the error.

SPARTANBURG  Reports of violence and theft rose last year, according to data the Spartanburg Police Department released last week.

The reason for the increase, Police Chief Alonzo Thompson said, was growth.

Were growing, and thats a good thing, but we will have some growing pains, he said.

And while the city has expanded, the police force has not matched its growth, he said. That means he doesn't have enough officers or other personnel.

Violent crime in Spartanburg

The city saw 368 reports of violent crime in 2023, up 34 reports from 2022. It was 1 percent above the city's 10-year average of violent crime. The data was presented Feb. 26 during a Spartanburg City Council meeting.

No one wants their community to be plagued by incidents of violent crimes, but they happen everywhere, Spartanburg Deputy Police Chief Jennifer Kindall said.

Violent crimes include murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

Aggravated assaults made up about 75 percent of violent crimes, with another 18 percent involving domestic violence, or child abuse or neglect. Also, 61 percent of violent crimes involved or alleged involvement of a firearm.

Areas with the highest reported violence were near the intersections of Wofford Street and Baltimore Street, and Crescent Avenue and Pineneedle Drive.

Property crime in Spartanburg
Mack Hogan

By the time the last Maserati Gran Turismo departed from the market in 2019, it was clear it had overstayed its welcome. Despite great looks and a lovely Ferrari V-8, the car was dated. Maserati opted to take a few gap years to get its house in order, rather than selling an uncompetitive product that was looking odd in showrooms. The result is the redesigned 2024 Maserati GranTurismo. Its a massive improvement, but that might not be enough.



The GT has always been a niche player. It sprung from a company that hadnt hit its growth spurt yet. There was no mid-market Ghibli, no SUV, no connection to an American brand to aid expansion. The month after the GranTurismo was revealed in Geneva, Maserati announced its best-ever sales month in the United States: 242 units. Up from the previous record, 235. Both numbers are less than three hours worth of Ford F-Series sales. The company has grown since then, but by the time it was making the Levante and Ghibli the GranTurismo was already at its expiration date. The company doesnt publish sales for individual models, but it would be shocking if the GT averaged more than 1000 units a year in its twilight era. Porsche, meanwhile, sells eight to ten thousand 911s in an average year.

Mack Hogan

That gives the 2024 GranTurismo plenty of ground to make up. Maserati isn't likely to challenge the 911 in sales, but an Italian luxury brand needs an almost attainable GT car in its line;. a flagship that wont look embarrassing next to any Porsche. So the GT gets the twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 with pre-chamber ignition from the MC20 supercar, good for 483 hp in base trim ($175,995) or 542 hp in this Trofeo tester (base price $206,995). Want more? Then upgrade to a battery-electric GranTurismo Folgore, which has a 92.5 kWh battery and 800-volt architecture. They have our attention, though we havent sampled that version.

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The Folgore only exists because Maserati has moved the GranTurismo to Stellantis Giorgio platform. Technically, its the Giorgio Sport evolution of the platform best known for underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. But that does make this a distant cousin to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. This is life in a 2023 mega-corporation.

Story continues

The good news is that parts sharing isnt obvious from the cockpit. The new interior looks fantastic, and feels, well, good enough. It wont blow your mind or be a serious upgrade for the average BMW, Alfa, or Audi driver, but its no longer worst-in-class. Plus details like giant, metal paddle shifter, and drive-mode toggles on the steering wheel give it a sense of purpose.

Mack Hogan

Those drive modes are important, as the GranTurismo must be both comfortable and composed for long highway drives, and exciting when the road turns twisty. Maserati accomplishes this flexibility using standard air springs, standard all-wheel drive, and drive modes that truly transform the car. In comfort mode, the GranTurismo is a cushy, easy highway cruiser, with excellent seats and serious endurance. Drop it into sport, though, and the theater starts.

The Nettuno is happy to rev and eager to fire out loud pops and bangs. It surges to its redline on a wave of turbocharged torque460 lb-ft, in this caseand is rewarding to wind all the way out. The soaring V-8 of the last GT was its key asset; thats still true of the GranTurismos engine today. Despite being down a couple of cylinders, the Nettuo is as explosive, charming, and sweet-sounding as youd expect from a $200,000 Maserati. Its every bit as loveable here as it is in the mid-engine MC20.

But while the GT has that cars engine, it doesnt have its simplicity of purpose. The GT has to work as a highway cruiser, and that means its less sharp than its supercar stablemate. The air springs are still, well, air springs. Too pillowy to provide the flat cornering you might expect in a 542-hp Italian purebred. At least the eight-speed automatic is fast and smartly programmed, though youll want to use the paddles anyway. Get the shifts right and the MC20 will hit 60 in 3.3 seconds, thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive grip.

Mack Hogan

That is both quick, and not particularly quick these days. The steering is precise, but not feelsome. Its body motions are well controlled, but the roll is unavoidable, and the GranTurismo isn't sharp. It is not a car for pushing the absolute limit of any driver's ability or its grip. It is a car for a quick but easy canyon drive, where you focus on the sound from the engine rather than the vibrations from the steering wheel.

Its a fair tradeoff. The GranTurismo isnt a car that track rats or canyon regulars buy. Most of these will sit in traffic for most of their lives, or plod around Beverly Hills, and for that, the GT is quite nice. Its got a plush interior and looks great, with a soft ride and a solid sound system.

Its infotainment and controls are the only downside. They are infuriating. The test cars touch screen had a large dead spot where it took dozens of attempts or long holds to get my finger to register. That resulted in the un-fun experience of having a beautiful Sonos Faber audio system set to MAXIMUM, CHEST-SHAKING BASS mode, and though I could see the button to turn it down I couldnt press it. The push button shifter was also inconsistent, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to get it to engage drive. Holding it down helped.

Mack Hogan

Niggles aside, I loved daily driving the GranTurismo. It was a solid commuter with enough theater and power to thrill me when the road opened up. Its not the car Id use to hunt down Americas best canyon roads, but its a car Id happily take for a long trip to visit my Aunt, where I have to drive two hours on boring interstates and one hour on an amazing, California mountain pass.

That would be enough if this car was $130,000, or even $150,000. But $206,995 is a steep entrance fee, and thats before options. If you want lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control w/stop and go, and all the other driver aids, its another $8300. Whats the Italian word for yowch. Because while this is a much improved, handsome, lovely car, Im just not sure its worth forty grand more than a 911 GTS. Or the same money as a 911 Turbo. For those that do love the design, and are willing to pay more to be different, the 2024 GranTurismo will be a great option. For everyone else, though, most improved doesnt mean best option.

Mack Hogan

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / GiveBackToken is the digital asset of a distinctive global FOUNDATION whose members are committed to bridging social gaps and differences in order to promote equality and unity within their global family.As the first of its kind, Give Back Token (GBT) has announced its Fair Lunch set for March 6, 2024, at 0700 UTC. The newest digital currency aims to promote social equality through the means of charitable donations determined by the token's ever-growing community members. The Australian-based project has implemented a range of innovative strategies to ensure the longevity and sustainability of its token, such as its low-percentage tax funding the donations wallet, intervalled burns for its first six months, and almost  of the collective supply locked away for its first year. With the goal of bridging gaps in social inequity, GBT recognises that its community members are not just voices for the sake of charitability but, for many, are individuals who are, directly or indirectly, affected by the causes they advocate for - adding an extra layer to the innovative project's long-term viability.The Ins and Outs: Tokenomics and Supply AllocationGBT has declared a supply of one quadrillion in total, divided with 53% allocated to CEX and DEX platforms, 33% held in the burn wallet, where 5.5% is ordered to be burnt monthly, and 14% locked away for the first twelve months from the launch. Furthermore, the project has ensured a low 1% buy and sell tax which will cumulatively fund the donation wallet and marketing.The Road Less Travelled: The Three Phases of the FutureGive Back Token's roadmap has been sectioned into three phases. The first outlines goals in being listed on both CoinMarketCap and Coingecko, launching their Ambassador Program (where there are delegated individuals to each country, offering translating and familiar support for the ever growing community), obtaining a contract audit with many audits, and furthering their promotions and partnerships.Upon completion of this, the project shifts into their second phase, with ambitions directed at the development of their designer school, have their charity program up-and-running, merchandising, and the opportunity to promote the social utility on a larger scale. Following this, Phase Three highlights objectives relating to GBT's first visa/mastercard, its own exchange, the GBT wallet, and the introduction of community conferences.What Does This Mean for the Future?With the idea of utilising cryptocurrency to fight social injustices being overlooked or undervalued in the past, GBT's innovative and fresh ideas have put them in a league of their own. The team members behind the token all share a similar goal: to promote, support and advocate for social equality. It is with this that Give Back Token will utilise its large telegram community (twenty-thousand members just days before its launch) in a voting system to delegate the monthly funds accumulated in the donation wallet. The project has outlined a number of disadvantaged sectors they endeavour to support, such as promoting education, assisting seniors, environmental conservation, gender equality, access to healthcare, animal welfare, and disaster relief.With just days until its launch, GBT's initiative fosters the long-striven goal of hope for an equal world. The project believes that with the incorporation of its community input, members are able to feel included and valued, collectively working towards a better future for all. By starting this project completely digital, GBT has ensured their audience has built to a global scale and thus diversifying their contribution for change.Although the exact future is undetermined, Give Back Token's past and present are a gift for a brighter tomorrow.Website: https://xuirin.com Telegram: https://t.me/xuirinfinance Twitter: https://twitter.com/xuirin_finance Marketing Partner: crmoon (crmoonboy)Media ContactOrganization: GivebacktokenContact Person: Samowel AboudWebsite: https://www.GiveBackToken.com Email: info@ givebacktoken.com City: SydneyState: NSWCountry: AustraliaSOURCE: Givebacktoken
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / National plaintiffs law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP encourages investors in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM" or the "Company") (NYSE:ADM) who suffered losses from purchasing or otherwise acquiring ADM common stock between April 30, 2020 and January 22, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), to contact us immediately regarding a pending securities fraud class action against ADM. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff is March 25, 2024.Class Period: April 30, 2020 - January 22, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: March 25, 2024 Case information: lieffcabraser.com/securities/admContact us: Email or text investorinfo@ lchb.com or call 1-800-541-7358ADM, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an agricultural supply chain manager and processor.The action alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements about the performance and prospects of ADM's Nutrition segment, while engaging in improper accounting practices and procedures that obscured the segment's true performance and purported growth.On January 21, 2024, ADM announced that it had placed its CFO and Senior Vice President, defendant Vikram Luthar, on leave effective immediately. According to ADM, Luthar's "leave is pending an ongoing investigation being conducted by outside counsel for ADM and the Board's Audit Committee regarding certain accounting practices and procedures with respect to ADM's Nutrition segment, including as related to certain intersegment transactions." The Company also revealed that it launched its investigation after it received a request for documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, ADM delayed its Q4 and FY 2023 earnings release and withdrew its outlook for the Nutrition segment. On this news, the price of ADM common stock plummeted $16.23 per share, or approximately 24%, from its closing price of $68.19 per share on the previous trading day, to close at $51.69 on January 22, 2024.About Lieff CabraserLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, with over 120 attorneys in offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich, Germany, is an internationally recognized law firm committed to advancing the rights of investors and promoting corporate responsibility. Recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Powerhouse" by Law360, Lieff Cabraser has litigated some of the most important civil cases in the United States, and has assisted clients in recovering over $129 billion in verdicts and settlements. For over 50 years, Lieff Cabraser has remained committed to ensuring access to justice for all.Contact:Sharon LeeLieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP415 956-1000 slee@ lchb.com SOURCE: Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
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Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, advances innovative treatment aimed at combating Long COVID, currently impacting over 100 million people globally. Over 50% of patients in randomized placebo-controlled Phase-II-trial now recruited; no issues regarding safety observed. Berlin Cures innovative platform develops novel aptamer-based drugs to neutralize pathogenic functional autoantibodies, targeting diseases. BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has reached a significant milestone in its Europe-wide clinical trial for Long COVID, effectively enrolling over 50% of the targeted 114 patients and expanding the study's inclusion criteria. The trial is investigating the efficacy of BC 007, the company's pioneering drug candidate designed to neutralize functional autoantibodies (fAABs), which play a key role in the persistence of Long COVID symptoms.The study is actively progressing across 12 trial centers in Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, exemplifying the collaborative effort to address Long COVID, which has developed into a significant global health issue. Progress is strong and another seven centers are set to join soon. Anticipated results in autumn 2024 will pave the way for the next development stage, with Berlin Cures currently seeking additional funding to complete Phase II and initiate the crucial Phase III study necessary for regulatory approval.Dr. Oliver von Stein, CEO of Berlin Cures "Long COVID is a global health crisis, negatively impacting over 100 million people worldwide, significantly reducing their quality of life and imposing substantial economic and social burdens. It puts immense pressure on our health systems and strains economic resources," states Oliver von Stein, CEO of Berlin Cures . "If we don't act now, we face spiraling healthcare costs, lost productivity, and widening social gaps. Our united front of clinical centers across Europe marks a pivotal move in confronting the pressing issue of Long COVID." As a biotech company focused on neutralizing fAABs, Berlin Cures stands at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Long COVID, heart failure, glaucoma, and many others. Its drug candidate, BC 007, represents a promising solution by targeting harmful fAABs implicated in a range of autoimmune conditions such as Long COVID.The ongoing Phase II clinical trial in Long COVID seeks to deliver conclusive and reliable results on the drug's effectiveness and safety for patients. The company anticipates a positive outcome, which will pave the way to proceed with a larger Phase III study, crucial for BC 007's approval.BC 007BC 007 Could Potentially Cure Long COVID for ManyCurrent estimates indicate that functional autoantibodies (fAABs) are detectable in blood tests in about 40% of all Long COVID patients. Functional autoantibodies are a specific type of autoantibody that can develop as an immune response following infections, mistakenly target the body's tissues or cells. This interaction can lead to autoimmune diseases. Unlike normal antibodies that protect against infections, fAABs disrupt normal functions by binding to cell receptors or other proteins, often imitating or blocking natural signals needed for healthy cell functions. This disruption can result in a variety of autoimmune diseases, depending on the target of the autoantibodies and the role of the targeted tissue in the body."The presence of fAABs in such a large portion of patients highlights the potential of BC 007 to combat the underlying cause of Long COVID symptoms in a significant group of affected individuals. We are convinced of BC 007's therapeutic potential and are actively seeking support to prepare for a larger Phase III study," adds Oliver von Stein . "Our commitment to finding a cure for diseases caused by fAABs remains steadfast, supported by private funding since our inception." Versatile Platform Technology Targeting Multiple Medical Conditions The potential of BC 007 extends beyond treating a single disease, making it a so-called platform technology. By neutralizing fAABs, BC 007 could potentially act against many fAAB-associated diseases.Built on more than two decades of fAAB-research, Berlin Cures has advanced BC 007 into clinical trials. This journey has demonstrated efficacy in Phase I studies with fAAB-positive volunteers and in a Phase IIa trial with heart failure patients, showing significant long-term benefits. Preclinical and clinical results with BC 007 have shown effective and lasting neutralization of fAABs after treatment. Moreover, BC 007 has proven to be safe and well-tolerated. With the ongoing Phase II trial focusing on Long COVID, Berlin Cures continues to seek additional investments and partnerships to advance this groundbreaking opportunity.About Berlin Cures: The Berlin Cures team has dedicated over two decades to the research of functional autoantibodies (fAABs) and has successfully identified a molecule capable of effectively neutralizing these. Promising preclinical results have been observed for BC 007. It was found effective in fAAB-positive healthy volunteers during the Phase I study and in heart failure patients in a Phase IIa trial, where it demonstrated long-term autoantibody neutralization after a single dose and significant improvement in cardiac function, with no spontaneous disappearance of autoantibodies in untreated patients. Its potential against Long COVID is indicated by lab data generated using sera from Long COVID patients, and four case studies. By tackling the root cause of fAAB-associated diseases with this unique biotechnology, Berlin Cures emerges as one of the pioneering entities committed to addressing this critical issue at its core.Since June 2023, Berlin Cures has been absolving a Phase II clinical trial with BC 007 in the indication Long COVID, an acute and escalating global health problem, to obtain meaningful and robust results on efficacy and tolerability of BC 007 with patients suffering from Long COVID.Contact: FGS GlobalE-Mail: berlincures-eu@ fgsglobal.com Tel: +41 79 678 46 03SOURCE: Berlin Cures Holding AG
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXV:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce") is pleased to announce that it has made significant advancements in the mineral processing and hydrometallurgical flowsheets for the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit (the "Ashram Deposit"). The Ashram Deposit, wholly owned by the Company and located in Quebec, Canada, is one of the largest undeveloped monazite dominant rare earth deposits in the world. This rare earth mineralogy results in significant NdPr distributions (>20%).The Company is pleased to report a significant simplification and optimization of the Ashram Deposit's front-end mineral processing flowsheet whereby 30-35+% REO monazite mineral concentrates at strong recovery (between 60-70%) are produced using only flotation. This testwork has been completed at bench scale, is demonstrated repeatable, and has been scaled up successfully from ~1 kg to 10 kg floats using conventional mechanical flotation cells. The recent testwork, which uses readily available reagents, has been carried out by SGS Canada in Lakefield, Ontario ("SGS"), and builds upon the beneficiation testwork carried out by CanmetMINING, a branch of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) (see news release dated May 13, 2020). This new flowsheet is a significant simplification, with comparable performance, to the prior flotation-leach-magnetic separation flowsheet. The recent results represent some of the best grade/recovery performance for bench scale tests on material from the Ashram Deposit. Further optimization testing is pending, including Locked-Cycle Testing (LCT) to confirm closed circuit recoveries, and variability testing on nine (9) samples prepared from drill core spatially distributed throughout the deposit.In addition to the mineral processing developments, a streamlined hydrometallurgical flowsheet has also been developed and demonstrated at bench scale for the downstream processing of the monazite flotation concentrate produced by SGS. The hydrometallurgical flowsheet uses a standard acid bake - water leach process followed by thorium removal and direct rare earth element ("REE") precipitation (Figure 1). This downstream testwork has been carried out by Trois-Rivieres-based L3 Process Development ("L3").Company President Chris Grove states "We are very excited by these results confirming our expectations of positive beneficiation from our Ashram Deposit with its very attractive mineralogy and geology. We look forward to announcing additional developments as we continue to advance this excellent asset." This streamlined hydrometallurgical flowsheet developed and demonstrated by L3 on the SGS monazite concentrates achieved an overall recovery into solution for NdPr above 95% and TbDy above 82% while significantly reducing sulfuric acid consumption. The thorium was fully removed from the water leach solution using a three-stage solvent extraction process. The REEs were then precipitated using oxalic acid and converted to carbonates using a 1-step metathesis process, achieving an overall recovery (deposit material to marketable mixed rare earth elements product) of over 62% NdPr. In addition to the oxalate and carbonate REE precipitates, the downstream flowsheet is amenable to producing a mixed rare earth oxide ("mixed REO"), thereby providing significant flexibility in end-user offtake preferences and shipping optimization.The Ashram Deposit ranks as one of the largest REE deposits globally, consisting of a monazite dominated, single mineralized body outcropping at surface, and has a footprint approximately 700 m along strike, over 300 m across, and 600 m deep, remaining open in several directions. Therefore, the deposit is envisioned to be an open-pit extraction operation at production, with a very low strip ratio. Coupled with a monazite rare earth mineralogy and strong NdPr distributions, these attributes allow for the company to have significant flexibility in flowsheet design, whereby a 60+% overall recovery of the NdPr into saleable product is significant. The new mineral processing flowsheet will permit an operator to leverage the size of the deposit and optimize mining for effective recovery into a high-grade monazite concentrate in order to significantly simplify and thereby reduce project mineral processing and downstream hydromet CAPEX and OPEX.Figure 1: Simplified block diagram of the downstream hydrometallurgical flowsheet developed by L3 for the monazite concentrates produced at SGS Canada.About the Ashram DepositThe Ashram Deposit ranks as one of the largest REE (and fluorspar) deposits globally, consisting of a monazite dominated, single mineralized body outcropping at surface, and has a footprint approximately 700 m along strike, over 300 m across, and 600 m deep, remaining open in several directions. The deposit hosts a measured resource of 1.6 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.77% rare earth oxide (REO) and 3.8% F, an indicated resource of 27.7 Mt at 1.90% REO and 2.9% F, and an inferred resource of 219.8 Mt at 1.88% REO and 2.2% F, at a cut-off grade of 1.25% REO (Effective Date July 5th, 2012). Note, mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves.NI 43-101 DisclosureJordan Zampini, P.Eng., Process Manager - Montreal for DRA Americas Inc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information, and verified the data, contained in this news release.Tommee Larochelle, Ing., PE, MBA, PhD. Chief Technology Officer, Co-Owner, L3 Process Development, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information, and verified the data, contained in this news release.About Commerce Resources Corp.Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioned to become one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the larg
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / March 3, 2024 / ConMet, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the commercial vehicle industry, has announced impressive efficiency results for their TruckWings device tested on CNG and diesel trucks. The announcement was made at TMC, the American Trucking Associations Technology & Maintenance Council's 2024 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.Third-party tester Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS) conducted tests on Class 8 CNG trucks and Class 8 diesel trucks to evaluate the TruckWings product's efficiency. The results were remarkable, with a 5.25% improvement in efficiency for CNG trucks and a 6.2% improvement for diesel trucks.The testing methodology employed by MVTS for both applications was rigorous and designed to provide accurate data. Two identically spec'd vehicles ran simultaneously at 65 MPH on a 9-mile circle track near Pecos, Texas. One vehicle remained unchanged throughout testing, while the test vehicle had ConMet's TruckWings device installed and deployed. This setup allowed for a fair comparison of the efficiency gains.The efficiency improvements were calculated based on various factors including fuel consumption, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, and driver behavior. MVTS utilized proprietary methods to analyze the data collected by sensors and data recording systems installed in the vehicles."These efficiency results are a testament to TruckWings technology and to ConMet's commitment to developing innovative solutions that help fleets achieve greater operational efficiency and cost savings," says Daniel Burrows, VP and General Manager of TruckWings at ConMet. "ConMet's 60 years of experience as a trusted solutions provider coupled with advanced TruckWings technology will lead the way in optimizing the performance of heavy-duty trucks." TruckWings technology contributes to efficiency improvements by closing the gap between the back of the truck and the front of the trailer, thereby improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle. This reduction in drag translates into substantial fuel savings.The TruckWings device was created by Burrows' company, TruckLabs, which was acquired by ConMet in November 2023. This business addition complements ConMet's dedication to providing OEMs and fleets with innovative solutions to improve freight efficiency.Contact InformationDavid Brierley Media Relations Managermarketing@ conmet.com 360 409 6570SOURCE: ConMetView the original press release on newswire.com
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The release issued this morning has been corrected and replaced due to an update.VANCOUVER BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Falcon Gold Corp. (TSX-V:FG)(GR:3FA)(OTCQB:FGLDF); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received drill permit approval to conduct a diamond drilling program at its Great Burnt Copper Project in central Newfoundland. The Company initially plans to test up to ten geophysical anomalies with a maximum of 1100 metres of drilling. The Company will provide further guidance on an estimated drill start date once logistics for the program are determined and service providers are confirmed.Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have been able to expand our footprint in the Great Burnt Copper District. This property will be explored for its potential to host orogenic gold and copper-bearing massive-sulphide mineralization that may contain gold. Falcon's new claims overlie the northern continuation of the conductive trend which is associated with lithologies that host the copper-rich Great Burnt and gold-rich South Pond deposits held by Benton Resources Inc. - Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture. The northern conductive trend has never been drill-tested or subjected to any systematic exploration program. Our desktop studies have identified geophysical targets within Falcon's project that are drill-ready, and with the recent drill permit approval we are now in the logistical planning phase. We look forward to updating our exploration and drilling plans in the coming months." Falcon holds 2,275 hectares in the Great Burnt Camp, with licenses located north of Benton Resources Inc. - Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture (see Figure 1). Benton Resources Inc. ("Benton") recently optioned the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project from Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. ("Spruce") in an agreement that allows Benton to earn a 70% interest in the property (see press release dated August 17, 2023). The Benton-Spruce Ridge property is host to the Great Burnt Copper Zone, a deposit with an indicated resource of 381,300 tonnes at 2.68% Cu and inferred resources of 663,100 tonnes at 2.10% Cu. ( https://www.spruceridgeresources.com/great-burnt.php) . Recent drilling by Benton at the Great Burnt Copper Deposit reported drill results that returned 7.20% Cu, 7.12 g/t Ag, and 0.05% Co over 12.30 metres (see press release dated December 5, 2023). Previous drilling in 2020 by Spruce reported 8.06% Cu over 27.2 m (TSXV: SHL press release dated March 18, 2021). The Great Burnt Greenstone Belt is prospective for copper and gold, and further hosts the South Pond A and South Pond B copper-gold zones, and the End Zone copper prospect along a 14 km mineralized corridor. The mineralized corridor occurs along a conductive trend, and this conductive trend continues into Falcon's Great Burnt Copper Property (see right hand side image in Figure 2).The Great Burnt Copper PropertyThe property is hosted within the Great Burnt Greenstone Belt (GBGB) which hosts massive sulphide deposits that have been interpreted as Besshi-type. These types of deposits generally occur as laterally extensive sheets of pyrrhotite- or pyrite-rich sulphide rock within mixed volcanic-sedimentary environments. Sulphide lenses can be several metres thick and extend for several kilometres. Besshi-type massive-sulphide deposits are generally copper dominant, commonly contain other lithophile elements like cobalt or lead, and can contain precious metals such as gold and silver. The property is also located 4 km west of the Crest Resources-Exploits Discovery joint venture project within the Exploits Subzone. The Exploits Subzone contains deep-seated gold-bearing structures of the Dog Bay-Appleton Fault- GRUB Line deformation corridor that contains the high-grade Keats Gold Zone of New Found Gold.Figure 1. Location of proposed drilling within Falcon's recent acquisition proximal to the Benton-Spruce Ridge Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture in central Newfoundland.Figure 2. Great Burnt Bend Project area with Falcon claims in orange and Benton - Spruce Ridge Great Burnt Copper-Gold joint venture in blue. New claims cover conductive trend hosting copper and gold mineralization. Qualified PersonThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Robinson, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.The QP and the Company has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the properties comprising the Great Burnt property claim group, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work.About Falcon Gold Corp.Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20 km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently an estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.The Company holds multiple additional projects: the Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; the Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; the Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently battery metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, the Timmins West and the Outarde Property.CONTACT INFORMATION:Falcon Gold Corp. "Karim Rayani"Karim RayaniChief Executive Officer, Director Telephone: (604) 716-0551 Email: info@ falcongold.ca CHF Capital Markets Cathy HumeChief Executive Office Telephone: (416) 868-1079 x 251 Email: cathy@ chfir.com Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the tim
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 17:00:51

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Datuk Nadzim Johan of PPIM and several NGO alliances have come together to voice concerns about the current implementation of the Ministry of Health's (KKM) policy surrounding the battle against COVID-19, wherein the current Whitepaper does not address the control of cross-border infectious disease transmission. [1]Late last year, Datuk Nadzim Johan called upon the government of Malaysia to take action and increase transparency about COVID-19 vaccination information for the general public. [2] According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several approved-for-use vaccines for COVID-19 in Malaysia have adverse side effects such as headaches, muscle pain, fever, and allergic reactions, amongst others. [3] When asked for comment, Datuk Nadzim said, "Numerous cases have indicated the alleged side effects [...] it is time for MoH to be more transparent by disclosing the actual figures and facts related to those experiencing these side effects". [2] A recent study by Bloomberg further reaffirmed the vaccine's side effects by the results of a large population study, wherein the vaccine led to several health conditions, such as heart-related inflammation and blood clots. [4]These adverse symptoms have triggered a sentiment of mass rejection of COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The Parliament's Public Accounts Committee noted an expiration of 8.5 million COVID-19 Vaccine doses on June 15, 2023, due to hesitancy in booster adoption. [5] In this regard, Datuk Nadzim said that the Ministry of Health should consider alternative COVID-19 policies rather than relying solely on vaccine-generated immune bodies. [6] This revision of policies included a full disclosure to the public about vaccine procurement, antiviral drug procurement, and social distancing of foreign importation safeguards. This policy revision will give the public their rights under Article 10 (1) (a) of the Federal Constitution. [7]In the past six months, however, the Ministry of Health has procured en-masse a new antiviral drug, Paxlovid, by Pfizer. The FDA-approved drug, which is a two-antiviral ingredient pill combo (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir), is a therapy medication for mild to moderate COVID-19. [8] Malaysia procured an experimental first batch in March of 2022 [9], with Sarawak's most recent purchase allocation of RM 2 M in December of 2023. [10] When asked for his view, Datuk Nadzim Johan opined that procuring antiviral drugs is an excellent pivot in implementing Malaysia's COVID-19 management plan. He requested the MOH for more information about the tender procurement process, the statistics for region-wise availability, the status of introducing other competing antivirals, and the safety product disclosure front of the respective manufacturer for transparency to consumers.About Datuk Nadzim Johan:Datuk Nadzim Johan is a prominent figure in Malaysia, widely recognized for his advocacy and leadership in consumer rights protection. He is associated with the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM), where he has served as the Chief Activist. His work primarily revolves around addressing consumer grievances, promoting ethical business practices, and ensuring the protection of the rights of consumers in Malaysia. Datuk Nadzim Johan is known for his outspoken stance on various consumer issues, ranging from price hikes and fraudulent business practices to the quality of goods and services. His contributions have made him a respected voice in Malaysia's consumer advocacy landscape.References[1] https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/11/03/anti-vaxxers-use-pac-report-to-cast-doubt-on-covid-19-vaccines/ [2] https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/995116/ppim-calls-moh-revise-health-white-paper-be-transparent-vaccine [3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html [4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-19/largest-covid-vaccine-study-yet-finds-links-to-health-conditions [5] https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/11/03/anti-vaxxers-use-pac-report-to-cast-doubt-on-covid-19-vaccines/ [6] https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/641657/khas/covid-19/kaji-semula-keperluan-dos-vaksin-penggalak---ppim [7] https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2021/04/covid-19-ppim-doktor-fail-kebenaran-semakan-kehakiman/ [8] https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/13-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19 [9] https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/malaysia-receive-pfizer-s-paxlovid-covid-19-treatment-two-weeks-khairy-350076?amp=1 [10] https://www.hmetro.com.my/amp/mutakhir/2023/12/1042705/covid-19-sarawak-beli-paxlovid Media Details Company Name: Persatuan Pengguna Islam MalaysiaBusiness Mail: salam@ ppim.org.my City & Country: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaWebsite: ppim.org.my SOURCE: Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia
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Program to provide students with ongoing access to food, personal care items, school suppliesMEMPHIS, TN / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / FedEx joined today with leading anti-hunger organization Feed the Children, Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis and Memphis Shelby County Schools for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the school's Food and Essentials Hub at Booker T. Washington High School.Donald Comer, FedEx and Shante Avant, the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis join Tamara Sandburg from Feed the Children for the Food and Essentials Hub Grand Opening.Through the Hub, students will have access to shelf-stable food, personal care items, schools supplies and other resources. This directly addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity within the community and helps ensure that students and their families have access to the resources they need. This initiative not only alleviates immediate hunger but also promotes overall health and well-being among students, supporting their ability to focus, learn and thrive in school.By implementing the community school model and leveraging resources and services such as mental health support, afterschool programs, tutoring, and family and community resource centers with a Food and Essentials Hub, Booker T. Washington High School enhances its ability to meet the diverse needs of its student body. This proactive approach creates a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally and socially.The groups held a Resource Rally where they distributed food, household essentials and other resources to 400 Memphis families. At the Resource Rally, each participating family received a 25-pound box of food including canned vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, mac and cheese and water; a 15-pound box of personal-care essentials such as shampoo, razors, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, children's books and additional products.Volunteers gather to distribute food and essentials to Memphis families during a Resource Rally this week.With 1 in 6 Memphis residents facing food insecurity, price hikes in transportation, food, clothing, housing and energy are stretching the budgets of lower-income families to the breaking point."Removing barriers and ensuring children have access to essential resources, especially in areas where we live and work, is extremely important to FedEx," said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Communications. "We are honored to support these great organizations that are working to make a difference for families in our community." A FedEx volunteer takes part in the Resource Rally for 400 Memphis families.Feed the Children believes it takes everyone - the nonprofit sector, corporations, community organizations, government officials and food suppliers - to come together to do good for those who need it. When efforts are combined, a greater impact is achieved."Children cannot thrive unless their basic needs are met," said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "A widespread issue like childhood hunger will only be solved when enough people work together. Partners like FedEx, Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis and Memphis Shelby County Schools are vital to our mission as we work reach families in their communities." About FedEx Corp.FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $88 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally as one FedEx. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about About Feed the ChildrenAt Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in eight countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships.Visit feedthechildren.org for more information.# # #For more information:Carrie Snodgrass - 405-213-9757 Carrie.Snodgrass@feedthechildren.org SOURCE: Feed The Children
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Former CIO and CHIME leader David Finn joins First Health Advisory to support clients with policy changes facing the healthcare industry, which will require effective governance and compliance to ensure adherence to baseline cyber performance goals and respond to the heightened threat landscape.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2023 / First Health Advisory, a leading digital health risk assurance firm, today announced career health IT leader David Finn, CISA, CISM, CRISC, and CDPSE, has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Governance, Risk, and Compliance. Finn will support First Health's continued focus on the role cyber governance plays in the rapid development and growth of digital innovation in the healthcare setting.Finn has spent nearly four decades as a health IT, privacy, and security leader in the healthcare sector. He joins First Health after two years as Vice President, AEHIS, AEHIT, AEHADA at The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)."It feels that the healthcare industry is finally changing: the Department of Health and Human Services' released their cyber performance goals and funding plan, and the Health Sector Council announced their security strategy," said Finn. "I believe that First Health Advisory is better positioned in this sector than any other security firm to take advantage of what I believe is about to happen." "For over 38 years, I feel like I've been pounding my head against the wall on healthcare security and privacy issues. But now the dominoes are set to finally fall, now I see light at the end of the tunnel," he continued. "I think that First Health is the place to do it - to make healthcare secure and efficient - with their team and their advanced understanding." Prior to his CHIME leadership role, Finn served as EVP of External Affairs, Information Systems, and Security at CynergisTek; Health Information Technology Officer for Symantec; and CIO of Texas Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric integrated delivery networks in the country.Finn's expertise in planning and management, as well as his experience in information and business process controls will fuel First Health's continued expansion into cyber leadership and governance support for healthcare clients. His experience includes multiple large-scale IT implementations, systems auditing, process redesigns, and implementation of new systems and technology.His vast understanding of the secure use of IT to enable operational efficiency in healthcare, while optimizing business value and improving control of technology in the healthcare setting will provide clients with powerful, actionable insights to better serve our clients and the industry, as a whole."Cyber and data governance is one of the least mature disciplines in the healthcare sector, David will bring extensive and insightful experience to our clients and partners in an era that will require trusted guidance" says Carter Groome, CEO of First Health.All of healthcare must move beyond check-the-box compliance, examining the HHS CPGs, and taking action, not only because it is mandated, but because it's best for patients. With Finn's steady guidance, First Health Advisory is poised to provide clients with mission-critical governance, risk, and compliance.First Health believes that the success of digital innovation in healthcare must be rooted in an acute understanding of cyber risk, privacy protection, and potential liability - all under the mission to protect patient safety.About First Health AdvisoryFirst Health is a digital health risk assurance leader, protecting vital interests and accelerating efficiency from the board room to the operating room. Our multidisciplinary expertise informs architectural design and delivery, enabling digital health innovation while safeguarding your patients, clients, operations, and finances. Our understanding of sector requirements and the healthcare ecosystem make us uniquely qualified as trusted consultants and strategic advisors.For more information, visit www.firsthealthadvisory.com Media Contact:Jessica DavisDirector of Marketing & CommunicationsFirst Health Advisory jdavis@ firsthealthadvisory.com 207-208-6724SOURCE: First Health Advisory
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 17:00:24

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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages EAF Investors Who Suffered Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 8, 2019 - Aug. 3, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 25, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/EAF Contact An Attorney Now: EAF@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) Securities Fraud Class Action:GrafTech continues to feel the residual impact of the temporary suspension of operations in its Monterrey, Mexico facility that began near the end of the third quarter 2022. On Feb. 14, 2024, GrafTech released its financial results for 2023, reporting a net loss of $255 million. Timothy Flanagan, GrafTech's interim CEO, cited the temporary suspension of operations in Mexico as one of the reasons why 2023 results fell short of expectations.The disclosure comes on the heels of a securities class action complaint alleging GrafTech misrepresented and concealed that its Monterrey facility was not in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Instead, the lawsuit alleges the Monterrey facility had for decades chronically contaminated neighboring communities with harmful carcinogenic gasses and particulate matter.The complaint also alleges that Defendants omitted to disclose that GrafTech had signed agreements with local authorities committing to improving the environmental performance of the Monterrey facility, but repeatedly failed to honor its commitments.The truth emerged over a series of partial disclosures, beginning first on Sept. 16, 2022, when GrafTech unexpectedly revealed that government regulators shut down the Monterrey facility. Mexican news outlets reported that the shutdown order was made in response to GrafTech's excessive pollution of carcinogenic gasses and particulate into neighboring communities.Then, on Feb. 3, 2023, GrafTech announced disappointing Q4 and FY 2022 financial results and slashed its year-over-year sales outlook for the first half of 2023 by 50% (blaming the Monterrey facility closure) and revealed a significant depletion in its on-hand pin stock inventory.Further, on Apr. 28, 2023, GrafTech announced another disappointing quarter, the company again blamed the closure.Finally, on Aug. 4, 2023, GrafTech reported that it suffered an $8 million net loss during Q2 2023 versus $115 million in net income in Q2 2022. The company again blamed its disastrous results on the closure.If you invested in GrafTech and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the GrafTech case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding GrafTech should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email EAF@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 21:01:27

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Helvetic Clinics Budapest, Hungary's top dental clinic, adds four new chairs, reaching 16. Offers premier care, integrated hotel stay, and in-house lab. Attracts patients from 40+ countries, enhancing its status in dental tourism.BUDAPEST, HUNGARY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Helvetic Clinics, acclaimed as thebest dental clinic in Hungarysince 2014, proudly announces the addition of four new dental chairs to its state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Budapest. This expansion increases the total number of chairs to 16, further enhancing its ability to provide first-class dental care at competitive prices.Helvetic Clinics Budapest View from Helvetic Clinics' new dental office in Budapest.Uniquely positioned, Helvetic Clinics stands out not only for its dental care excellence but also for its integrated accommodation offering. Patients have the opportunity to stay at the 12 Revay Hotel, located in the same building as the clinic, making their medical journey more convenient. This seamless integration of dental services and lodging creates an unparalleled patient experience, combining comfort and practicality.Equipped with an in-house dental prosthetics laboratory, Helvetic Clinics ensures the quality and speed of the treatments offered, providing patients with personalized and tailored solutions. This integration of services underscores the clinic's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.Welcoming patients from over 40 different countries, Helvetic Clinics has established itself as a preferred destination for those seeking high-quality dental care while visiting Budapest, one of Europe's most enchanting cities. This expansion is a testament to the clinic's ongoing commitment to meeting the growing demand for affordable dental care without compromising on dental treatment quality.For more information about Helvetic Clinics and the services provided, please visit our website or contact us directly.About Helvetic Clinics: Helvetic Clinics Budapest is at the forefront of global dentistry, offering a comprehensive range of dental treatments performed by renowned dentists in Hungary. Committed to excellence since its inception, Helvetic Clinics continues to set the standards for care, comfort, and accessibility for patients worldwide.Contact InformationJF EMPAIN Marketingmanagers@ helvetic-clinics.eu Magdalena Konczyk Irish representativemagda.helveticdentalireland@gmail.com SOURCE: Helvetic ClinicsView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 12:30:55

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Shallow high-grade mineralization extends beyond the limits of exploration target.LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Meridian Mining UK. S (TSX:MNO)(Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM)(OTCQB:MRRDF) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to report further strong drill results from its resource delineation program at the Santa Helena Au-Cu-Ag & Zn VMS deposit ("Santa Helena"). Drilling has intercepted multiple bands of shallow mineralization highlighted by CD-421's 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq[1] from 35.0m, including 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m. CD-421's high-grade mineralization projects outside of the modelled limits of Santa Helena's Exploration Target ("Figure 1") announced in December 2023[2], strengthening the upside potential that Santa Helena's drill results have delineated.The Company is also confirming a major extension of the along strike extent of Santa Helena's mine horizon with CD-431 returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m, located 580m east of the historical mine's limits ("Figure 2"). This extends the focus of Santa Helena's open pitable resource delineation corridor to 1.6km, requiring further infill drilling while yet still remaining open to the east. Drilling programs continue at the Cabacal Project with further results pending.Highlights Reported TodaySanta Helena assays multiple bands of Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization extending past the Exploration Target's limits: CD-421: 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq[3]from 35.0m; Including:3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq from 42.9m; A 320m strike extension of Santa Helena's lower Au-Cu-Ag & Zn layer defined and remains open; Santa Helena's open pit target corridor expanded to over 1.6km but still remains open to the east; VMS system confirmed to extend outwards past historical mine's limits by 580m; CD-431 returns 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq from 38.4m; and Results confirm that Santa Helena 3km mine horizon's IP anomaly remains only partially tested and remains open.Mr . Gilbert Clark, CEO, comments: "As part of the Cabacal hub and spoke development strategy, Santa Helena is adding more high-grade gold-copper-silver and zinc mineralisation into this highly prospective VMS belt. CD-421 also gave another along strike extension to Santa Helena's newly identified lower VMS sequence, combining to add more Au-Cu-Ag & Zn mineralization to an already expanding deposit. Most importantly, the near mine eastern extension is firming up with CD-431's results, extending the potential a further 580m. Having Santa Helena's mineralization and its extension consistently hosted within the 3km IP anomaly generates a strong upside potential for its open and untested areas. This represents a focused corridor hosting multiple geophysical targets which are emerging through our ongoing geophysical program." Figure 1: Cross section of CD-421 , with Upper Exploration Target, 0.1g/t AuEq grade shell, historical resource, and with the lower zone projecting outwards and up-dip to CD-421's 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq.Santa Helena Drill Program UpdateSanta Helena is a historical Cu-Au-Ag & Zn VMS mine located ~9km to the southeast of the Cabacal Mine. It has over 10,000m of historical drilling and is the most advanced of a series of exploration targets along the Cabacal Mine Corridor. The Company commenced initial drilling in August 2023[4] as part of a verification program, to validate the historical mine's data in line with NI43-101 requirements, and to initiate scout drilling of targets for resource extensions defined by geophysics and coincident geochemical anomalies. The Company's compilation of historical drill data indicated that many past holes were not completely sampled, that reconciliation of surveyed drilled positions and mine workings (and records), indicated that the high-grade massive sulphide mineralization was only partially mined, and that extensions of near-surface mineralization to the east were also not integrated into the historical resource calculations. The Company has concluded that this historical resource area is considered open, and based on new and historical data, defined an Exploration Target of 3.2 - 7.2 Mt @ 3.0 - 3.2g/t AuEq[5]. The Company has completed thirty holes for 1730m to date. Initial results from holes drilled along the main trend for resource verification and resource extension were very positive[6]. The latest results ("Table 1") have continued to define mineralization up-dip and south of the historical resource limits and confirmed that the eastern sector of the trend remains open ("Figure 1"; "Figure 2").Figure 2: Santa Helena Drilling Results.CD-421 was drilled to test the continuity of up-dip mineralization on the southern flank of the deposit. The drill hole intersected an upper mineralized zone of 11.3m @ 3.7g/t AuEq (1.1g/t Au, 1.5% Cu, 27.9g/t Ag & 2.0% Zn) from 35.0m, including a higher grade core of 3.4m @ 8.6g/t AuEq (2.2g/t Au, 3.2% Cu, 64.4g/t Ag & 5.5% Zn) from 42.9m. Lower bands of mineralization were present, including 12.3m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 0.1% Cu, 4.6g/t Ag & 1.0% Zn) from 58.5m, and 3m @ 0.4g/t AuEq (0.1g/t Au, 1.6g/t Ag & 0.6% Zn) from 79.7m. The latest result continues the eastward extension of strong intersections previously reported over the southern extension of the chargeability anomaly ("Figure 2"; CD-416, CD-360, CD-359). Further scope exists to test the response to the immediate east over a 200m gap in the drilling, and beyond where numerous geophysical targets have been defined.CD-431, positioned up to 580m to the east of the historical mine's limits, was drilled as one of the Company's initial reconnaissance holes testing the 2km eastern extension of the IP anomaly. The hole was significant in confirming this trend is mineralized, returning 5.4m @ 0.7g/t AuEq (0.4g/t Au, 27.8g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 38.4m. The mineralization was intersected below an upper carapace gabbroic sill which masks the surface geochemical response of this trend. A further reconnaissance hole, located over 840m further east southeast again, intersected traces of shallow bedrock mineralization. Further geophysical work is being conducted to refine targets in this eastern corridor and remains in progress, with a Fixed Loop Transient Electromagnetic Survey in progress (FLTEM) to supplement the existing IP dataset. Anomalies are expected to be quite subtle, given the limited conductivity of sulphides in the presence of sphalerite, but potentially more copper-rich targets may have enhanced conductivity.About MeridianMeridian Mining UK S is focused on:The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS goldcopper
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 06:20:32

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GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Pecan Energies ( www.PecanEnergies.com ), the operator of the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block offshore Ghana is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its rebranding journey.The company has evolved with a new name, logo, and a revitalized brand identity to better reflect its commitment to building prosperity and enabling growth for African communities. Underlining this transformation is Pecan Energies' new tagline: "Unlocking Prosperity." Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acquired Pecan Energies in April 2023, laying the foundations for a new brand identity. AFC is a multilateral financial institution created by African sovereign states to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa's infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment. The acquisition was a demonstration of AFC's commitment to ensure that Africa's natural resources, including its vast oil and gas reserves, are developed sustainably while retaining value on the continent. Pecan Energies holds a 50 per cent stake in the DWT/CTP block offshore Ghana."Pecan Energies represents our ambition to become the Pan-African oil and gas operator of choice in offshore deep waters of Ghana. Our new brand is dedicated to value creation, one of our core values. This also includes an unwavering commitment to transparency in how we harness our commercial and technical expertise for developmental outcomes in Ghana and beyond," said Eiliv Gjesdal, Chief Executive Offic r of Pecan Energies AS.Pecan Energies is making good progress towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) following the successful approval of its Plan of Development (PoD) for the DWT/CTP contract area by Ghanaian authorities. Under its new ownership and identity, the goal is to realize the full social and economic impact potential of the entire DWT/CTP block. The block has discoveries of approximately 550 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents, in addition to a significant exploration portfolio."As we embrace our new identity, sustainability, localization, empowerment, and giving back aren't just commitments - they're woven into the very fabric of our business," said Kadijah Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of Pecan Energies Ghana Limited.Key Highlights of the Rebrand:New Logo: The logo is a culmination of modern design elements that represent the company's forward-thinking approach. It has been designed to be clear, simple, and bold and stems from a series of shapes and symbols that evoke collaboration and mutual benefit.Brand Palette & Typography : Adopting a palette that represents our devotion to the sustainable development of the natural resource was essential and plays a central role in creating and sustaining brand recognition.Vision and Mission: Our vision and mission speak to our aspiration to mature and produce resources in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the mutual benefit of the Ghanaian people, the company, and our partners. Our goal is to unlock greater prosperity in Ghana and beyond.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pecan Energies.Download image: https://apo-opa.co/3IeRWH4 (Diversity and Sustainability)Contact us:T: +233 30274 4140E:info@ pecanenergies.com Website: www.PecanEnergies.com About Pecan Energies:Pecan Energies is the operator and 50 per cent shareholder in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points block (DWT/CTP) offshore Ghana. It is fully owned by Africa Finance Corporation. Our partners in the DWT/CTP block are: Lukoil Overseas Ghana Tano Limited, 38 per cent, Fueltrade Limited 2% and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, 10%.Read more about Pecan Energies at www.PecanEnergies.com SOURCE: Pecan Energies
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 14:03:17

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / PMB AEROSPACE CORPORATION (OTC PINK:PMBY) ("the Company'), announces that it has changed its name and business focus. On October 13th, 2022, a majority of shareholders and the board of directors deemed it advantageous to take the company back to its original aerospace domain. The company's name was subsequently changed in compliance with the state of Nevada to PMB Aerospace Corporation. The company filed its Issuer Action Notification with FINRA, completing in July 2023.The decision to return to the Aerospace Industry was based upon recent contraction and expansion in the industry that has created an opportunity for PMB Aerospace to distinguish itself as a leader in the Aerospace and Transportation industries as it relates to propulsion, fuel efficiency, battery technology and safety. With the increased demand for global communications and transportation of people, goods, and services, the Company is well positioned with emerging technologies to address the future needs of an expanding global economy.The Company is returning to its roots relative to the research and development of layered encapsulated formulations for the Battery, Rocket Launch and Satellite industries with commercial and government applications in the transportation and power industries. We will develop a new class of rocket engine that will be safer with greater lift capability while reducing greenhouse gas. Patent improvements will exceed original design and performance. The company's encapsulation formulations for power generation and fuel formulations, will address the concerns associated with the effects of carbon-based fuels on climate change by significantly reducing carbon footprint and pollutants, while improving fuel performance and safety.About PMB Aerospace CorporationFormerly named Space Propulsion Systems Inc., PMB Aerospace Corporation reestablishes its operations as a transformational technology corporation set to develop and commercialize products for a diverse range of industry sectors. The company focus will include teaming with other industry leaders and the government to advance research and improve design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance applications over an array of global business areas.The company can be found at: https://pmbaero.com Safe Harbor StatementThis release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties.For more information please contact:info@ pmbaero.com Sources:SOURCE: PMB Aerospace Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2024-03-04 13:26:13

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The collaboration between the two companies is the largest voluntary RNG agreement to date in the U.S.BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / The Renewable Thermal Collaborative recently released a case study on the first-of-its-kind partnership between AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables to enable the delivery of renewable natural gas (RNG) to all of AstraZeneca's sites in the United States by 2026. The partnership will enable as much as 650,000 million British thermal units (MMBTu) per year of RNG to be used across AstraZeneca's U.S. sites, equivalent to the energy required to heat more than 17,800 U.S. homes a year by 2026.The Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC) serves as the leading coalition for organizations committed to scaling up renewable heating and cooling at their facilities and dramatically cutting carbon emissions. Vanguard Renewables is a US leader in organics to renewable energy. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines used by millions of patients worldwide.Project OverviewAstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in the UK, is partnering with Vanguard Renewables, a U.S.-based developer, owner, and operator of farm-based anaerobic digestion projects, through an agreement to procure renewable natural gas (RNG) for AstraZeneca's U.S. facilities for the next 15 years or more. This is one of the largest business-to-business RNG purchases in the North American voluntary market to date.Under the agreement, three new-build, on-farm anaerobic digesters operated by Vanguard Renewables will supply 650,000 MMBtu/year of RNG to meet nearly all of AstraZeneca's gas demand at its U.S. research and manufacturing sites by the end of 2026. While the three new dedicated anaerobic digesters are under construction, RNG delivery is already underway; in June 2023, AstraZeneca's Newark Campus in Delaware began sourcing RNG from one of Vanguard Renewables' facilities in Vermont with delivery via common carrier gas pipelines.RNG, or biomethane, is pipeline-quality gas produced by capturing and upgrading the methane released by decomposing organic matter, including food waste, dairy manure, biomass, and more. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG): Capturing methane to produce RNG prevents what would otherwise be harmful atmospheric methane emissions.Procuring RNG from Vanguard Renewables supports AstraZeneca's transition to 100% renewable energy, a key element of the company's flagship Ambition Zero Carbon strategy. Through Ambition Zero Carbon, which is focused on delivering deep decarbonization by halving the company's entire value chain footprint by 2030 and becoming science-based net zero by 2045 at the latest, AstraZeneca is on track to reduce GHG emissions from its global operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 98% by 2026."Vanguard Renewables enabled us to accelerate our sustainability journey, and it's exciting to be on the front edge of innovation here." - Andy Wirths Senior Vice President, Supply Americas, AstraZeneca"We want to demonstrate at scale the voluntary pathway of decarbonization through RNG utilization. This is a company-wide initiative from a progressive company that has made a commitment from top to bottom to decarbonize." - John Hanselman Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard RenewablesProject OriginationTo meet the targets set in 2020 by the Ambition Zero Carbon strategy, AstraZeneca considered a variety of renewable thermal decarbonization strategies, including electrification and renewable fuels, and evaluated factors including deployment and operating costs, implementation complexity, scalability, and climate impact. AstraZeneca determined that RNG was the most feasible option to decarbonize its U.S. footprint. With a large natural gas-fueled asset base across its U.S. medicine research and manufacturing facilities, AstraZeneca saw significant value in using RNG as a renewable replacement for fossil natural gas and avoiding expensive production disruptions and the need to replace or retrofit its entire boiler portfolio. Following this decision, AstraZeneca established a clear objective and timeline to acquire RNG by the end of 2026.In 2020, AstraZeneca's procurement team issued a Request for Information (RFI) to RNG providers, and then selected multiple respondents, including Vanguard Renewables, to bid in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.AstraZeneca detailed clear criteria in the RFP to ensure the RNG agreement would meet its financial and sustainability requirements. Financially, AstraZeneca sought a long-term contract to ensure a reliable RNG supply and future RNG price certainty. On sustainability, AstraZeneca specifically sought solutions that emphasized environmental benefits through the additionality of new RNG production, geographic proximity of the new anaerobic digesters to AstraZeneca's sites, and traceability of the environmental attributes associated with the RNG.Getting to YesAfter AstraZeneca selected Vanguard Renewables through the RFP, the companies initiated a joint due diligence process, using open dialogue to better understand the proposed approach to RNG delivery. AstraZeneca's senior leadership visited an on-farm anaerobic digestion facility to understand how Vanguard Renewables develops projects that capture methane emissions, improve farm operations, and provide a diversified revenue stream to family-owned farms."There's a very common vision set by their CEO and senior leadership that's communicated really well throughout the organization. I think it's really interesting as an outsider-we intersect so many different layers of AstraZeneca at the plant and the research facilities-and what's intriguing to us is the consistency of message and vision within AstraZeneca, which I think is part of the way that they've been able to move so well through this process." - John Hanselman Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard RenewablesAstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables established a project governance group with delegates from both companies to work through contractual considerations, including those related to GHG emissions accounting and RNG traceability. Because AstraZeneca emphasized the geographic proximity of the RNG production and consumption as a key sustainability attribute, the farm siting team at Vanguard Renewables became involved in linking specific farms to AstraZeneca's research and manufacturing facilities.Over time, AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables found that the governance group played a pivotal role in the successful collaboration between the companies, and they will look to the group moving forward to maintain the relationship, mon
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PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / RushNet, Inc (OTC PINK:RSHN), (the "Company") announced today the appointment of Michael Cunha as its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Cunha assumes these roles following the resignation of Ashley Sweat, who has decided to explore other opportunities. The Company extends its best wishes to Mr. Sweat for success in his future endeavors and expresses gratitude for his past contributions. It's important to note that the incoming management team has no prior affiliations with any former management teams of RushNet.Mr. Cunha, the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rushnet commented, "I have run very successful private companies in my career, and this is my first experience with a public company. We are immediately transitioning out of the lab business, and we will announce our new business direction within the next few days." Mr. Cunha is a distinguished Arizona-based entrepreneur renowned for his track record of establishing thriving enterprises. He attained academic excellence, graduating summa cum laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and later achieving the same honor at Chapman University, where he earned his MBA in Accounting and Economics.With an extensive background spanning over three decades in manufacturing, accounting, finance, and executive leadership, Mr. Cunha brings a wealth of experience to the table. Notably, he served as the Corporate Controller of Andermac, Inc., a medical equipment manufacturer, for a duration of eight years. During his tenure, Mr. Cunha spearheaded initiatives that led to the company's automation, resulting in substantial market expansion. Under his guidance, Andermac achieved a dominant market share of 50% in California and 25% nationwide.In late 1991, Mr. Cunha embarked on a new venture by co-founding InterMag, Inc., a magnetic media manufacturing company, alongside four partners. Assuming responsibilities in finance and manufacturing, Mr. Cunha played a pivotal role in securing the company's inaugural contract with Iomega for the production of Iomega 100mb Zip disks. Under his leadership, InterMag experienced remarkable growth, scaling from inception to a revenue of $72 million within a span of three years. In 1995, InterMag was sold to the second largest magnetic media company in Taiwan.In 1996, Mr. Cunha, alongside two business partners, established what has evolved into Mionix Corporation. Mionix has emerged as a frontrunner in human and animal feed additive antimicrobials, with notable contributions such as the development and promotion of a feed additive aimed at regulating gut bacteria in shrimp, a significant achievement in Southeast Asia. Mionix Corporation underwent a successful acquisition in June 2015. Presently, Mr. Cunha serves as the Managing Member of Patmos Holdings I, LLC, a holding company dedicated to investing in early-stage companies.About RushNetWith over 25 years in the public sector, RushNet has continually evolved, embracing change and innovation at every turn. The company is completing its transition out of the lab business.CONTACT:Michael CunhaPhone 916-616-7037Email mcunha53@ gmail.com Twitter Handle: @rushnetrevivalSafe Harbor NoticeCertain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). The Company cautions that the statements and assumptions made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and make no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties, estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. The Companies undertake no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this news release.SOURCE: RushNet
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SJSM joins an exclusive group of schools in the Caribbean that have reached this milestone and continuously demonstrated the quality of medical education.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM), a leading Caribbean medical school, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of commitment to providing quality and affordable medical education. Since its inception, Saint James School of Medicine has remained dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring they receive exceptional instruction and hands-on experience to excel in their medical careers.Founded in 1999, Saint James School of Medicine has steadily grown into a leading institution renowned for its innovative curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art resources. Over the past 25 years, the school has maintained its mission to make medical education accessible to aspiring physicians worldwide, regardless of their backgrounds or financial constraints.Mr. Kaushik Guha, Executive Vice President of SJSM, commented, "As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this milestone. Our commitment to providing affordable medical education has remained unwavering, empowering countless students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. We are proud of the impact SJSM has had on the healthcare landscape. With over 700 of our graduates practicing medicine across the United States and Canada, we are committed to continuing the legacy of quality and affordability." Saint James School of Medicine offers a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to meet the challenges of modern medicine. With campuses located in St. Vincent and Anguilla, SJSM provides a supportive learning environment conducive to student success."The future of our school is bright. Our goal is to become one of the leading Caribbean medical schools, and we plan to do that by providing students with the best facilities and technology available. With the new campus being built in St. Vincent and the introduction of more technology in the classroom, we aim to become a fully student-centric institution ", said Mr. Guha.As Saint James School of Medicine celebrates its 25th anniversary, the school reaffirms its dedication to shaping the future of healthcare by educating compassionate, skilled, and competent physicians.About Saint James School of MedicineSaint James School of Medicine is an international medical school with two campuses on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Our students study Basic Sciences at one of our Caribbean campuses and then study Clinical Sciences through a clinical rotation program at affiliated hospitals in the US.Saint James School of Medicine was founded in 1999 by a consortium of medical educators and physicians from universities and colleges in the United States and Europe. Hundreds of students have graduated from Saint James since the school was founded. We have a current enrollment of around 1,000 students.Saint James School of Medicine | Park Ridge IL | Facebook https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-james-school-of-medicine_2(18) Saint James School of Medicine - YouTubePress Contacts Saint James School of Medicinedigital@ mail.sjsm.org1-847-375-9121 SOURCE: Saint James School of Medicine
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RIO HONDO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Trans American Aquaculture (OTC PINK:GRPS), a leading player in sustainable shrimp production, proudly announces the appointment of Saleem Elmasri to its Board of Directors as the Audit Committee Chair. This strategic addition reinforces the company's commitment to uplisting to a fully reporting SEC standard.About Saleem Elmasri:Saleem Elmasri is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades. He holds a BS in Finance and Accounting from Rutgers University, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Trans American Aquaculture team.Professional Background:Titan Advisory Services (Managing Partner): Saleem currently serves as the Managing Partner at Titan Advisory, a boutique advisory firm focused on providing collaborative and customized financial operations and CFO services, a role he assumed in September 2020. In this capacity, he has played a pivotal role in providing strategic financial counsel to private and public companies. Prior to founding Titan Advisory Services, Mr. Elmasri served two years as Managing Director at DLA LLC and Pine Hill Group, LLC (now CFGI), two professional service firms who provide clients with accounting advisory services. Mr. Elmasri began his professional career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Big-4 Accounting and Global Professional Services firm. Between September 2007 and March 2018, Mr. Elmasri held progressively advancing roles ending his tenure as a Senior Manager in the firm's audit practice.Saleem Elmasri's extensive background in finance, accounting, and advisory roles positions him as a key asset for Trans American Aquaculture's journey towards enhanced financial governance and SEC compliance.Statement from Adam Thomas, CEO of Trans American Aquaculture:"We are delighted to welcome Saleem Elmasri to our Board of Advisors as the Audit Committee Chair. Saleem's wealth of experience, particularly in finance and advisory roles, will be instrumental as we navigate the path towards full SEC reporting. His expertise aligns seamlessly with our commitment to transparency and financial excellence." Trans American Aquaculture looks forward to leveraging Saleem Elmasri's insights and guidance as the company advances its mission of sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices.For more information about Trans American Aquaculture and its mission, please visit https://transamaqua.com/ Media Contact: Adam Thomas, CEOTrans American Aquaculture972-358-6037IR Contact Cervitude IR hello@ cervitude.com 203-685-0346About Trans American AquacultureTrans American Aquaculture OTC Pink: GRPS) is a leading sustainable aquaculture company committed to meeting the increasing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood. With advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to environmental sustainability, the company is revolutionizing the shrimp farming industry. Trans American Aquaculture strives to provide high-quality, eco-friendly shrimp to consumers while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and ethical practices.Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "should," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate," "anticipate" or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans, and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether because of new information, future developments or otherwise.SOURCE: Trans American Aquaculture, Inc.
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Hagens Berman, National Trial Attorneys, Encourages CMI Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact Firm Before Mar. 15th Deadline in Securities Class ActionSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Apr. 30, 2019 - Dec. 21, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 15, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/cmi Contact An Attorney Now: CMI@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Cummins Inc. (CMI) Securities Fraud Class Action:In a report to clients, analysts at UBS recently commented on Cummins' agreement to pay a $1.675 billion fine for installing devices on hundreds of thousands of engines to allow them to emit excess pollution, the largest-ever civil penalty for a Clean Air Act violation.UBS remarked that "the settlement is bigger than we were expecting," noting that it "equates to ~5.8% of [Cummins'] current market cap." UBS emphasized the "cash drag" the settlement presents, stating that "payment /charge are not tax deductible and there is no insurance to reduce the amount CMI has to pay out," and that "CMI might do some short term borrowing to finance a part of it." In addition to negative analyst sentiment, Cummins also faces a recently filed securities fraud class action stemming from the EPA/Carb settlement.The complaint there alleges Cummins misrepresented and concealed that: (1) contrary to its post-April 2019 assurances about its commitment to compliance, Cummins continued to produce engines utilizing undisclosed engine control software features from 2019 to 2023; and (2) accordingly, the company understated its legal and regulatory risks."We are investigating whether Cummins intentionally made false statements concerning its public health and regulatory compliance," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are also investigating when the directors knew of the continued non-compliance." If you invested in Cummins and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Cummins investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Cummins should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email CMI@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
Transcorp Power Plc, the power generation spinoff of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), advanced 10 per cent in market value on its debut in Lagos on Monday.

The companys shares closed at a cumulative value of N1.98 trillion against N1.8 trillion at the beginning of trade.

The power utility listed 7.5 billion shares at N250 per unit, which were admitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX)s main board, the listing segment for companies with high standards of disclosure and corporate governance.

A total of 40 million shares exchanged hands on the first day of trade for Transcorp Power, whose shares were quoted by introduction, which means the shares listed are those of the existing shareholders of the company.

We have first met all the listing requirements 100 per cent. But in addition to that, as people who believe in democratising lock, who believe in democratising wealth, and prosperity for everyone, we will make some more shares available from tomorrow, said Tony Elumelu, Transcorps chairman at the Facts Behind the Figures presentation in Lagos.

The company is the second under the Transcorp conglomerate to be carved out of the parent and listed as a separate entity, its listing coming nine years after the hospitality arm of the group, Transcorp Hotels, gained public company status in Lagos and was admitted to the NGX.

Transcorp Powers listing comes seventeen months after that of rival Geregu Power, which was listed at N250 billion but is currently worth N2.5 trillion in market capitalisation.

We are the only successor Genco (power generation company) post-privatisation that has been fully discharged from post-privatisation monitoring by the Federal Government, CEO Peter Ikenga said.

We were inducted into the West African power pool in 2018 and what that means is that it also opened the door for us to do cross-border electricity trading. Today, 18 per cent of our income comes from sales of power across the border.

Transcorp Power is targeting revenue in excess of N500 billion by 2031, its CEO said.

The company runs the Ughelli Power Plant in Delta State, which has an installed capacity of 972 MW, while the total installed capacity of the firm is 2000 MW.

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Miss Nigeria beauty pageant has named Senami Sosu, Chioma Okigbo, and Olatomiwa Williams as new board members, bringing the total number of members to six.

Miss Nigeria is an annual pageant showcasing the positive attributes of Nigerian women and awarding university scholarships.

The board announced this on Instagram.

Ms Sosu, Okigbo, and Williams will join accomplish filmmaker Ego Boyo, 24th Miss Nigeria winner and British-trained Fellow Accountant Wunmi Ogunbiyi, and Associate Vice President and Portfolio Manager at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Aisha Abba-Kyari on the board.

Talented screen star Rita Dominic will chair the board.

Folio Communications, owned by Ritas husband, Fidelis Anosike, organised the pageant for 16 years.

On 22 October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Folio handed over the production of Miss Nigeria to Rita and Audrey Silva Company (TASC), owned by actress and film director Mildred Okwo.

The unveiling of the board members elicited positive reactions as many pageant lovers praised the boards credibility.

Who are the new board members?

Senami Sosu is the MD/CEO of Imanes Interiors Limited, a world-class interior design establishment with years of experience and an array of prestigious clientele.

Ms Sosu has 25 years of experience in interior design and has successfully diversified into the real estate industry where her creative flair has given her an edge to create successful businesses.

Given her vast knowledge and interests in business, she has also actively participated in other industries. Currently, she sits on the board of two other companies, one in the oil and gas industry and the other in the mining industry, where she plays an active role.

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Beyond business, she is a dedicated philanthropist championing causes for women and children. She is deeply committed to her family and community.

Chioma Okigbo has over 28 years of experience working with clients and administering their assets.

Also, shes the founder of Body Beautiful FLP. This marketing company helps people achieve their personal wellness and business goals.

Olatomiwa Williams is a mentor, leader, and tech enthusiast with 20 years of experience in the information technology industry. She assisted organisations in leveraging the power of technology to achieve their business goals by setting her goals on empowering women in tech.

She works for Microsoft in Nigeria and Ghana, with her notable passion for seeing women succeed in the tech industry and contributing to technological innovation and advancement.

She spearheads initiatives aimed at nurturing, supporting and empowering women p, mainly the younger generation t, to embrace careers in information technology.

Ms Williams has always mentored aspiring female tech leaders, among many things.

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Muktar Oyebamiji, the brother of the late famous comic actor Tolani Oyebamiji, known as Sisi Quadri, has revealed how he died.

In an interview with BBC on Saturday, Mr Muktar said they received a distress call that the late actor collapsed on set.

He said that after the distress call, one of their brothers was asked to go and bring him home.

Sisi Quadri died on Friday at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) and was buried in his hometown, Agbowo area of Iwo, Osun State.

Mr Muktar said the 44-year-old actor was admitted to a hospital, where doctors treated him for Malaria.

He said, On 19 February 2024, we received a call informing us that he had collapsed while acting on set, and we dispatched one of our brothers to pick him up from the location. On 18 February, he sent us money, expressing his wish for us to dig a borehole because it would mark a year on 22 February since our mother passed away. So, he had a borehole dug for our mother last year, and to commemorate the anniversary of her passing, he sent us money to dig a new borehole, which we promptly began working on.

When he visited on 21 February, he mentioned that he was not feeling well, and we promptly took him to the hospital. Upon arrival, he underwent tests, which revealed he had malaria, and he received treatment accordingly. He had also complained of an ulcer, and he was equally treated. He was discharged on 26 February.

Rest

Mr Muktar stated that the late actor hadnt been getting enough rest because of the demands of his work.

He mentioned that they ensured he got some rest when he arrived home from a movie location.

He said late Sisi Quadri planned to move to another location after being discharged from the hospital, but the family prevented him from doing so.

We switched off his cell phone on the 21st of February when he arrived in Iwo, Osun State so that nobody could contact him, allowing him to rest. We have no ulterior motives.

We didnt want this to happen; he wasnt resting. When he prepared to go to another location, we insisted he stay, and on 28 February, he began feeling unwell again. We immediately took him to a hospital, where he was treated for hiccups. But when the treatment yielded no result, we were referred to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for further treatment on Hiccups. We obtained a referral letter and left.

The late actors brother further said he (the late Sisi Quadri) transferred money to them on their way to LAUTECH.

He was the one who transferred money to our account in case we might need it when we got to LAUTECH. He even gave us N300,000 cash in his car in case we needed it. He transferred N1 million to us.

When we were about to enter Ogbomoso, Police officers stopped us asking for money. He told them to go and meet Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ask for money. It wasnt a serious ailment, and when we got to LAUTECH, he got out of the car and walked with his legs.

Regrets

The late actors brother said he was saddened by the fact that Sisi Quadri died not quite long after their mother passed on.

He said it wasnt the right time for the comic actor to die.

Sisi Quadri, who gained fame for his role in Seranko Seniyan (2004), starred in various films, including Aje Ni Eegun, Iya Oko Mi, Omo Iya Oko, Oluwa-Burna and most recently in the Anikulapo series.

He also appeared in a skit with Mr Macaroni, Isbae U, and others.

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Nigerias Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has announced that an initiative aimed at engendering transparency and accountability in the management of public funds targeted at addressing gender matters in the country is set for launch.

Tagged: Integrity Brigade, the minister said it is a team of journalists, religious leaders, and traditional leaders, among other volunteers, whose aim is not only to educate the public on government policies and programmes towards addressing womens concerns but also to help the government address issues of transparency and accountability.

Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye, who addressed a briefing at the ministry on Monday, expressed her determination to combat what she described as monumental corruption in donor support for womens empowerment.

In October 2023, the minister threatened legal action against the United Nations, if its agencies failed to give an account of funds allegedly received to address issues concerning women in Nigeria.

The one-month ultimatum issued by the minister ran between 16 October and 15 November 2023, but more than two months after the expiration of the deadline, nothing has been heard of the matter.

However, while addressing the media on Monday, Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye said: I call for this briefing so that you (the Media) will come to work with me as a family because Nigerians are ready to save Nigeria.

I want the media to join the Integrity Brigade to fight off those who are embezzling funds.

Banking on Presidents support

According to the minister, the media must ensure that money meant for women is not diverted through consultancies, meetings, and technical support.

She said: Now that we have the support of Mr President, who has said from the onset to allow the poor to breathe. He is ready to sign for a restructured Nigeria for women so that help for women will go directly to vulnerable and rural women and children.

READ ALSO:

He is encouraging no more advocacies, meetings, consultancies, training, and research funded by donor funds or borrowed money.

If the media doesnt help Mr President, they will frustrate him because most of the donors, hes not aware of because a bunch of people are deciding for the whole of Nigeria.

She emphasised the importance of the media in exposing corruption and bringing information and awareness to the public.

P-Bat als for launch

The minister also revealed that P-Bat Cares for Nigerian Women, another initiative, will also be launched on the 7 March by President Tinubu. This initiative, she said, is aimed at ensuring women are economically empowered and would have an e-market portal, a national womens helpline, a Naija Save Nigeria integrity/transparency brigade, and a Nigeria Be Informed national broadcast channel.

Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye said the platform would train women on various empowerment strategies to enable them to be financially independent.

She said people with disabilities would also be taken care of on the portal to ensure that their rights are adequately protected.

The media should start pushing the slogan: Naija to save Nigeria. The unveiling of the P-Bat by Mr President has a lot of things for women like the mobile courts, empowerment, and no more advocacies, meetings, and consultancies, she added.

The minister said Mr Tinubu and the Nigeria Governors Forum have endorsed special courts to ensure cases against women are attended to within a timeframe.

She emphasised the need to monitor and evaluate donations and borrowed funds coming to support women to save Nigeria through proper management.

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Claim: Men need to have sex 21 times monthly to avoid prostate issues.

Full Text

Prostate problems are unique to men because they have to do with a peculiar reproductive organ. There are three types of prostate problems: inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the prostate (a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm).

Recently, a video was shared by Naija (@Naija_PR) of a medical practitioner identified as Dr Ken asserting that a healthy man should engage in sexual activities 21 times a month to avoid prostate issues.

From the details of the one-minute, 23-second video, we deduced that the footage was from a radio programme The Discourse on Classic FM, 97.3. The man emphasised the need to optimise sexual activity, and if need be, men can have multiple sexual partners to meet their needs monthly.

It is a concept in Physiology; if you dont use it, you lose it. The only exercise your prostate gland gets is during erection, and that erection comes with sexual activity. So, the study is abundantly clear that a man in healthy shape should be able to have sexual interaction 21 times a month to avoid prostate issues, prostate cancer and cardiovascular issues. If you dont exercise the gland, it swells on you. It becomes enlarged, and when it becomes enlarged, that is a precursor to cancer.

As of Friday, 9 February, the post had garnered over 235,000 views, 805 reposts, 241 quotes and 2,320 likes.

The controversial nature of this assertion and the need to provide the public with accurate information, especially on health issues, prompted DUBAWA to investigate it.

Verification

A keyword search led to an article by the Urology Care Foundation, analysing a study that sampled 32,000 men for 18 years. This study found that men who ejaculated the most (at least 21 times a month) had a 20 per cent lower chance of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated four to seven times a month.

The foundation, however, noted that ejaculation may or may not affect the risk of prostate cancer. While it helps the prostate by flushing out harmful chemicals that build up in semen, it does not automatically mean it protects against prostate cancer. This is because there may be other factors like a healthy lifestyle. The foundation noted the need for more research to know for sure whether more ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer or not.

An article by Healthline discussing this study noted some of its limitations. One of these is the fact that the study relied on self-reported answers (once in 1992 and once in 2010) about how often these subjects ejaculated each month and whether they developed prostate cancer. This means that the results could be skewed by the subjects memories or awareness of their habits.

The article also noted that the study didnt specify whether the recorded ejaculation resulted from sexual intercourse with a partner or masturbation, and the reason for emission may play a role in any potential benefit.

A Medical News Today article also addresses the relationship between frequent ejaculation and the risk of prostate issues. The article noted that it remains unclear whether more or less ejaculation makes men of all ages likely to develop prostate cancer because of conflicting findings from different studies over the years, which calls for more research.

This article analysed a 2004 study that surveyed more than 29,000 men on their ejaculation frequency over eight years. The earlier mentioned 2016 study was a follow-up to the original 2004 study. The results of these studies supported the assertion that men who ejaculate more frequently may be less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculate less often.

On the contrary, a 2009 study found that while frequent masturbation might reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above, it might increase the risk among men in their 20s and 30s. A more recent study in 2017 also found that a higher ejaculation frequency in males in their 30s was protective, but the effect was not the same for males in their 20s and 40s.

A 2016 literature review concluded that masturbation, frequency of ejaculation, and age all affect a males risk of prostate cancer, and there is not enough evidence to confirm how these factors might link together.

Similarly, a 2018 meta-analysis of 22 studies on sexual activity and prostate cancer risk found that a moderate ejaculation frequency of two to four times per week was significantly associated with a lower prostate cancer risk. This gives a frequency of about eight to 16 ejaculations per month, which is less than the frequency being promoted by the claimant.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

While it is true ejaculation rate and age are risk factors for prostate cancer, as highlighted by the above studies, it is important to note and be aware of other factors that cause or increase the risk of prostate cancer as this can help males understand their likelihood of developing it.

These factors include age (as men get older, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases. Around 60 per cent of prostate cancer cases affect males over 65.

On race, it is noted that African American males are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white males, while Hispanic and Asian American males are less likely to develop prostate cancer than non-Hispanic white males. On geography, prostate cancer rates are higher in North America, Europe, and Australia than in areas such as Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

Other common factors include family history and genetic factors such as changes in the BRCA genes, which also increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer; and exposure to chemicals, with some findings suggesting that Agent Orange, which military forces used in the Vietnam war, may have links with prostate cancer).

Experts Opinion

We spoke to a gynaecologist, Jeremiah Agim, who advised us to speak to a urologist but gave us his opinion. He noted that there are several causes of prostrate issues aside from ejaculation, and just tackling ejaculation will not make much difference.

There are many risk factors for prostate cancer. These range from age and family history (inherited gene mutation) to lifestyle. Even infection and inflammation of the prostate have been implicated, an environmental carcinogen (e.g. bisphenol from plastic), exposure to ionising radiation, obesity, and hormonal level (sex hormone and others). Ejaculation frequency is just one of these risk factors; therefore, I dont think an increase in ejaculation frequency with an increase in exposure to other risk factors will make much difference in the development of prostate cancer.

He also faulted the claimants law of physiology about prostate use or exercise, saying: I will fault his concept of use and disuse. If you want to look at it in that direction, the prostate should atrophy, i.e. become small and not become cancerous when not in use, and it should swell when used. Also, it is not only during sexual activity that a man has an erection. Most erections happen during deep sleep. If you remember your biology class on evolution, Jean Lamarcks theory of use and disuse. He even said such gain in function can even be inherited.

Speaking on available studies, he said, If you go back to those studies you said you came across, one of the explanations by the authors for increased ejaculation frequency as a protective factor for prostate cancer is not from use and disuse. They explained that ejaculation removes carcinogens which would have remained and accumulated in the prostate, thereby increasing the risk of prostate cancer.

We reached out to a Urologist, Head of the Surgery Department at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo State, Olurotimi Ogundunniyi, who dismissed this assertion as a mere opinion, not a scientific fact.

We all saw the video and discussed it on our forum. We lamented that when there is no information, people spread rumours. There are risk factors for prostate cancer, like age and family history. It is of recent, people have started thinking if there is a link between sex and prostate cancer.

In the past, people thought frequent sex and infection was a risk factor, but there was no research to back it up. Is there a study to show that revered fathers suffer prostate cancer more? No. These are just speculations. There are papers here and there suggesting this. At best, it is the realm of being studied, not science. I assure you he was not speaking science, just his opinion, Mr Ogundunniyi said.

We also spoke to another urologist, Emmanuel Adugba, the medical director at Rock Creek Care Hospital Abuja, who noted that not much has been discussed in this area, but he believes it is a matter of sentiments.

That area, not much has been discussed. Anything sex, people tend to exaggerate it. It is subjected to sentiments and emotions. For me, I think of harder issues than sentimental issues, he said.

He explained that if frequent sex was the solution to prostrate issues, then clergypersons who do not have sex or celibate people should account for more of the patients of prostate cancer. At the same time, people who indulge in more sexual activities because of their many wives and concubines should not have prostate cancer, but this is not the case.

Verdict: MISLEADING! Available studies suggest the narrative has conflicting findings, hence the need for more research. Experts have also dismissed this as a scientific fact because it is still being studied.

Conclusion

While there are different benefits to having sex or frequent ejaculation, and a few studies suggest a relationship between this and prostate cancer, there is no clear link between the two. Available studies so far recommend further study on the issue, and experts have dismissed this, noting the issue is still being studied.

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Cryptocurrency giant, Binance, is facing new trouble in Nigeria, as the countrys parliament has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest on the companys executives.

The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes issued the threat on Monday during an investigative hearing.

The panel had summoned the Managing Director of Binance, Richard Teng, in a letter dated 12 December 2023, but he did not honour the invitation.

However, the company has been sending its Nigerian lawyer, Senator Ihenyen, to appear before the committee.

At the resumption of the hearing on Monday, the lawmakers once again rejected Mr Ihenyens representation, stating that Mr Teng or any other member of the senior management team must appear before the committee.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe (LP, Abia), announced that the panel would issue a warrant of arrest on the executives for failing to appear before it.

The threat by the parliament is coming despite the detention of two other senior officials of Binance.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of two Binance officials by Nigerian authorities over allegations of illegal transactions in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government is demanding at least $10 billion as retribution from Binance amid a crackdown on the crypto exchange platform in desperate moves to salvage the value of the naira, the nations currency.

Background

Two groups, Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative, and Niger Delta Youths Council, had in December 2023 written a petition to the National Assembly over alleged illegal activities by Binance.

The committee subsequently wrote a letter to Binance, calling for an appearance before it. However, Binance sent its lawyer, Mr Ihenyen.

The committee rejected the appearance of Mr Ihenyen, stating that executives of Binance must appear before it.

Binance executives are apprehensive about coming to Nigeria

In his speech, Mr Ihenyen said Binance executives would have appeared in person before the committee, but that the recent arrest of the two of its officials is causing concerns at the companys headquarters.

The situation that Binance has been faced with, particularly in the last seven days, has been a very difficult one.

These two Binance executives are still in custody. It has been extremely difficult for Binance to mobilise other executive members of the company to Nigeria because there is a genuine concern about their safety and security, he said.

The arrest warrant

The argument by the lawyer was not enough to persuade the lawmakers, who insisted that the management of Binance must appear in person.

Mr Onwusibe said the House will take action on warrant of arrest against the company.

Binance is not here. We have taken a position on it in our last sitting that we are not going to entertain legal representation from Binance, and that position stands.

Based on the fact that Binance is not here, we need to make a recommendation to the House of Representatives for the House to invoke its powers of subpoena to issue a warrant for the leadership of Binance to be arrested and brought to this committee to answer questions of the grave allegations levelled against them in the petitions brought to us by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youths and Niger Delta Youths Council.

This committee has resolved to recommend to the House to invoke its constitutional powers by issuing a subpoena and a warrant for Binance executives to be arrested and brought to this committee to answer these questions related to financing of terrorism, money laundering and other financial crimes as stated in the petition, including evasion of tax, the lawmaker said.

He stated that Binance has been operating in the financial space of this country for more than six years, and they have not had fewer than 20 million Nigerians that they are exploiting.

Position of the law on arrest warrants

Section 89 of the Constitution gives the National Assembly the power to issue a warrant of arrest to compel appearance for the purpose of investigation.

For the purposes of any investigation under section 88 of this Constitution and subject to the provisions thereof, the Senate or the House of Representatives or a committee appointed in accordance with section 62 of this Constitution shall have power to 

Issue a warrant to compel the attendance of any person who, after having been summoned to attend, fails, refuses, or neglects to do so and does not excuse

such failure, refusal, or neglect to the satisfaction of the House or the committee in question and order him to pay all costs which may have been occasioned in compelling his attendance or by reason of his failure, refusal, or neglect to obey the summons.

It is not clear how the lawmakers intend to enforce this arrest warrant as the management team of the company is not based in Nigeria.

=================

Cryptocurrency giant, Binance, is facing new trouble in Nigeria, as the countrys parliament has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest on the companys executives.

The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes issued the threat on Monday during an investigative hearing.

The panel had summoned the Managing Director of Binance, Richard Teng, in a letter dated 12 December 2023, but he did not honour the invitation.

However, the company has been sending its Nigerian lawyer, Senator Ihenyen, to appear before the committee.

At the resumption of the hearing on Monday, the lawmakers once again rejected Mr Ihenyens representation, stating that Mr Teng or any other member of the senior management team must appear before the committee.

READ ALSO:

The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe (LP, Abia), announced that the panel would issue a warrant of arrest on the executives for failing to appear before it.

The threat by the parliament is coming despite the detention of two other senior officials of Binance.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of two Binance officials by Nigerian authorities over allegations of illegal transactions in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government is demanding at least $10 billion as retribution from Binance amid a crackdown on the crypto exchange platform in desperate moves to salvage the value of the naira, the nations currency.

Authorities in Nigeria say some users have used the Binance platform for criminal activities such as money laundering and currency speculation. They are also accusing the cryptocurrency firm of operating illegally in Nigeria in violation of the countrys laws.

Details to follow

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The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) has advised its customers in Gombe State not to pay anyone to repair faulty electricity transformers in their communities.

Musa Abdullahi, the Chief Security Officer, JED, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Gombe that it was not the responsibility of customers to repair faulty transformers.

Mr Abdullahi said that residents were expected to report to the nearest JED office whenever a transformer was faulty and should not pay any of its officials to repair the transformer.

He said that instances where some members of communities were asked to contribute money to repair or replace faulty transformers were wrong, fraudulent and unacceptable.

The official advised communities in the state to report any of its staff making such illegal demands for necessary punitive action.

We dont collect money from communities to fix transformers so no one is expected to pay.

For any staff to go to communities collecting N5000, N3000 or any amount per household or street is fraudulent and we frown at such.

If you have a challenge and cannot wait for your transformers to be fixed, you write to the Managing Director through the Regional Manager that you want to support the company willingly.

Whoever asks you for money, escalate the issue to the regional manager and we will make an example of them, he said.

Mr Abdullahi also appealed to communities in Gombe to support the companys efforts to protect power installations in the state.

The official further implored residents not to assault JED officials on duty, adding that it was a criminal offence to do such.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned until 18 March the suit filed by a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, against the party.

Mr Sowunmis grouse in the suit is the partys refusal to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting within constitutionally stipulated period.

Mr Sowunmi is before the court praying for an order compelling the partys officials to convene a NEC meeting and a restraining order preventing the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) from further delays.

The plaintiff is also asking the court to note that a party must obey its own constitution, saying that a party which disobeys its own constitution ought to be proscribed.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday, counsel for Mr Sowunmi, Anderson Asemota, told the court that all parties in the suit had been duly served.

Mr Asemota also told the court that he had received the counter-affidavit from the defendants challenging the motion filed by the former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, to be joined in the suit.

The lawyer said that he tried to file his response before the hearing but it was not possible.

He prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him peruse the counter-affidavit and respond appropriately.

Since the defendants did not oppose the application for an adjournment, the judge, Mobolaji Olajuwon, adjourned the matter until 18 March to hear all applications filed in the suit as well as the substantive matter.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), Mr Asemota said that some of the grounds on which the defendants were opposing the motion for joinder were that Mr Lamido was not a necessary party in the suit.

They also claimed that Mr Sowunmi alone was sufficient enough to handle the matter and that moreover, he was not a NEC member.

NAN reports that Mr Sowunmi sued the PDP, its National Chairman and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, seeking an order to compel them to convene a NEC meeting.

Other defendants in the suit are the National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel, the National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari, and the National Youth Leader,Muhammed Kadade, and INEC.

He said he had insisted that the meeting be convened for the purpose of providing updates on the activities of the party from the date of the last NEC meeting.

In the suit, the plaintiff is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd to 8th defendants by themselves or their servants, agents or privies from functioning or continuing to function or discharge the functions of their offices.

He wants the defendant to call for or cause to be called and held, a meeting of the partys NEC in total fidelity and obeisance of the partys constitution.

The plaintiff also wants the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of Article 31(2)(d), 4 and 5 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), he, as the spokesperson of the party during the last election is obligated and/or entitled to file the suit to give effect to the aims and objectives of the PDP and to ensure that the provisions of Article 7 of the PDP constitution are observed and respected by members and national officers.

A declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of NEC of the PDP, the meeting of the NEC of the PDP at which the 1st to 7th defendants shall be present quarterly financial reports or income and expenditure of the party to the members of the NEC.

A declaration that, under and by virtue and the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call for or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of the one-third of members of the NEC of the PDP at which the defendants shall present quarterly reports containing the activities of the PDP to the members of the NEC, other prayers also read.

He also wants the court to declare that the defendants are under obligation to call for PDP NEC meeting to present proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures of selecting party candidates for elective offices to the NEC members.

A declaration that, having failed, refused and/or neglected to call for meeting and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of the NEC of PDP in which the 8th defendant (INEC) ought to have been invited, the 1st to 7th defendants are in the breach and/or violation of the constitution of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the plaintiff also prays.

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the plaintiff maintained that the NEC meeting of the party was last convened by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, on 8 September 2022.(NAN)

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The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has denounced Sundays looting of a government warehouse in Gwagwa-Tasha, a satellite town in the territory.

Mrs Mahmoud, who spoke to journalists after visiting the scene of the incident on Monday, described the looting as not merely an expression of hunger but as a criminal act.

Some residents had on Sunday morning broke into the warehouse and took away food items and other things in the facility.

We are here due to the unfortunate incident that happened early hours of yesterday, where hoodlums attacked this very warehouse and packed everything that is here, including the fence.

Not only the food items that are here, including the roofing, windows, and even the gates of this place and offices were all attacked. You can see the level of damage. There is nothing that is left here, including machinery that is used for the processing of these things.

As you have heard, people around, the youth of the environment or the community are suspected to have instigated this incident. So, this is a very sad event. And we are not happy about it, she said.

She expressed disappointment in the youth in the area.

Mrs Mahmoud explained that the government was replenishing the warehouse to distribute palliatives to the six area councils in the FCT when the attack occurred.

She said the residents stole all the grains, food items, roofing, windows, fences, and machinery used for processing the food.

The minister assured that the FCT administration would establish police posts in all government warehouses across the territory to reinforce security.

She also vowed that the administration would prosecute those behind the incident.

She emphasised that the incident was a sign that security around all government warehouses needed to be reinforced.

We did distribution about twice. And then about to do the third one, where these trucks were here to offload these food items, and then they were attacked, even injured some people on duty.

This is a bad situation. And it is not something that the administration will take lightly. All those that are involved must be brought to book. We have to do something.

And also, this is a sign that we need to reinforce the security situation around all our warehouses because you just have to keep food. But the way this thing happened is beyond hunger. This is a criminal act. Somebody hungry cannot move out to remove all the roofings that are here. All the doors, all the windows, and also the gates.

This is not showing that we are good ambassadors of the nation. So definitely we are going to take action about this event that has happened, she stated.

Mrs Mahmoud said the incident might delay the distribution of palliatives in the territory because the warehouse, offices, and gates would require reconstruction before distribution can resume.

We have to reconstruct, not even renovate this warehouse, all the offices, and then the gates that are damaged, she added.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, announced the establishment a Civil Service Commission for the territory.

Mr Wike, who stated this during a meeting with the Directors of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Monday, said the commission would appoint nine permanent secretaries to oversee the secretariats.

The secretariats are Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport and Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

The others are Education, Social Development, Legal Services, Area Council, Health and Environment, and Women Affairs.

The minister said the development was in line with provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act, 2018, which President Bola Tinubu had approved its implementation.

He said senior directors in the FCTA would be appointed as permanent secretaries for the secretariats.

He also said the commission will manage the employment, training, and discipline of FCT Civil Servants, adding that this mirrors similar structures in state administration across the country.

He stated that the mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is to do things right, and that was why the president took the step to implement the 2018 law establishing the Civil Service of the FCT.

By the grace of God, we will have a head of service. We will have permanent secretaries that will head the various secretariats, just like what is obtainable in the states, he said.

Mr Wike recounted the opposition faced during the policy implementation and emphasised President Tinubus stance on the establishment of the commission.

He further underscored the importance of geographical representation, saying the six geopolitical zones in the country must be represented in the appointments in line with the Federal Character Principle.

Mr Wike cautioned against any act of sabotage within the FCT Administration and stressed the need for full support from directors to achieve the presidents mandate.

I worry that Mr President cannot be doing this and some of us are sabotaging the efforts of the Administration. If what you have been looking for, for years, somebody comes on board to say this thing has been difficult, any obstacle, Im going to remove it. This thing must be implemented, it requires that you too on your part must do everything necessary for the person to succeed and it takes commitment, it takes hard work.

We are doing the best we can to change the face of the city. You too have to help us. I feel that I should let you know this so that you wont say you were not warned. We are fully aware and you know, anything that I want to do, let heaven come down, I will do it, he said.

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An angry Nigerian woman identified as Florence Clement, has become the talk of social media after she unleashed a barrage of curses on her ex-boyfriend for abandoning her to marry another woman.

Florences Facebook post, which quickly gained traction, shocked readers, as she recounted how her ex-boyfriend, identified as Comrade A S Adamz, whom she had financially supported to start a business, left her for another woman once the business became successful.

Adding insult to injury, Comrade Adamz wedded his new wife, Phoebe, last Saturday in Abuja, and went on to share their pre-wedding photos on Facebook, explicitly tagging Florence in the posts.

Enraged by this public display, Florence questioned why her ex-boyfriend felt the need to tag her in his pre-wedding photos after abandoning her for another woman.

In response, she posted the pre-wedding photos on her own timeline along with a scathing curse directed at the groom.

In her post, Florence wrote, Congratulations on your shameless and useless marriage. May your marriage taste the 5 rules of grief, and may God punish you for the rest of your life. From my heart, I wish you nothing but pain till you rest in the bosom of the devil.

Tagging her ex-boyfriend and 14 other close associates, she wrote in the comment session, In your next life you, wont tag me on your useless A I photos again.

The incendiary post has sparked numerous reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing their views in the comment section as the story continues to unfold on social media.

Reactions

Justice Emeka wrote, My sister, life is not Nigerian Movie. They will live long and prosper. Until I hear the full story, nothing comot!

READ ALSONigerian man beheads girlfriend

Ebube Jennifer wrote, My dear beautiful sister Florence Sudar Clement I think you should wave whatever it is he has done aside and thank God, who knows God might have saved you from a lifetime sorrow and pain.

Godiya Joel Dangana wrote, Hmmmm, My dear whatsoever that has happened. Please wish them well and let karma do the dirty work. I dont no what happened shaa.

Egolikuma Felemotiom Congratulations my brother. May God bless your home. Thank God you did not marry this poster with this kind of attitude.

Beauty Gift wrote, Babe know that some breakups are deliverance, maybe God just used it to remove you from bondage, just be patient and be prayerful your own will surely come.

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Reps, Tinubu take different stand on Oronsaye Report

The House of Representatives and President Bola Tinubu may not be on the same page regarding the implementation of the Oronsaye report if the activities of the legislature last week are a guide.

President Tinubu had during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday ordered the implementation of the 12-year-old report

The report aims to reduce the number of agencies, parastatals, and commissions through mergers and scrapping. However, lawmakers are notorious for establishing MDAs.

Many of them wish to establish schools in their constituencies  often using the establishment of schools as campaign rhetorics. While the president set up a committee to implement the report, lawmakers continued the reckless introduction and passage of establishment bills.

The parliament has a significant role to play in the implementation of the Oronsaye report, as many of the MDAs to be scrapped or merged are creations of the parliament. Thus, the implementation would require amendments to different establishment Acts.

However, the reaction from lawmakers in the Green Chamber was more of a mixed signal at best. On Thursday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, set up a committee, headed by the Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), on the restructuring of federal agencies and commissions.

While the move seems laudable, the same House passed a bill seeking to establish the Peace Corps, an entity with similar functions as NSCDC, National Orientation Agency, Police, and others.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to sign the bill in 2018, citing paucity of funds and duplication of duties of existing security agencies by the proposed corps as his main reasons.

Throughout the week, the Order Paper was filled with different bills seeking the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other entities.

Furthermore, the House also adopted a motion, warning the government against the full implementation of the report without a thorough review.

The House, following a motion moved by Kama Nkemkanma (APC, Ebonyi), Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), and Jonathan Gaza (SDP, Nasarawa), warned that the implementation of the report could present unintended consequences for the government.

The lawmaker said the report may be described as outdated, especially because of how dynamic society, the economy, polity, technology, and all facets of our national life have been.

He added that contrary to the assumption that the full implementation of the report would reduce the cost of governance, with the current realities, the full implementation of the report will not substantially reduce the cost of governance as it does not reflect the current situation in the Public Service of the Federation.

If indeed the president is ready to implement the report, there might be a need for a parley with the lawmakers on why they may need to halt establishment bills and also commit to the repeal and merger of agencies as recommended by the report.

Constitutional amendment, Reps reject 50 per cent

Deputy Speaker of the House and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Ben Kalu, also released a timeline for the constitution alteration.

Mr Kalu appears to understand the need to wrap up the exercise before the politics of 2027 starts. During a press briefing on Wednesday, he announced August 2025 as the deadline set by the Committee for the exercise.

It is our desire that on 17 March 2025, we will have harmonised documents considered in the House. It is our belief that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.

We are also optimistic that by 12 May 2025, well have the final clean copy of the amendments bills agreed on.

And we are looking at 22 May 2025, as a time when we will have the final report laid for consideration and voting.

He added that If it delays more than that, it will not go beyond August of 2025 because we believe that by August 2025, the President will receive the bills that will be presented to him for presidential assent. So, our target for the transmission of bills to Mr. President for assent will take place in August 2025.

Some of the constitutional alteration bills may have an impact on the politics of 2027. For instance, there is the parliamentary system bill and a bill to increase the educational qualifications for elective positions. These bills are political landmines.

One such bill was sponsored by Awaji-inombek Abiante (PDP). The bill sought to make it mandatory for presidential and gubernatorial candidates to secure more than 50 per cent of the total votes cast to be declared winners.

Mr Abiante aimed to amend the 1999 constitution by removing the simple majority rule for presidential and governorship candidates. The bill sought to amend sections 134 and 179 of the constitution, which provide the conditions to be elected president and governors, respectively.

However, lawmakers rejected the bill before Mr Abiante could present the synopsis or lead the debate. Ordinarily, sponsors of bills are allowed the courtesy of leading the debate before rejection. This bill was rejected before he could even debate it.

In the coming days, more constitution alteration bills are expected in the House.

A committee and its compromised report

Last week, an ad hoc committee probing the controversial acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing Limiteds downstream assets by NNPC Limited was sacked by the House over a suspicious report.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hassan Nalaraba (APC, Nasarawa), had presented a motion that many of his colleagues described as suspicious and untidy. The committee was subsequently sacked by the House.

PREMIUM TIMES had exposed some of the malfeasance surrounding the deal. Ordinarily, the ad hoc committee was in a position to provide answers to some of the questions and probably recommended sanctions. However, it failed in its mandate.

Mr Nalaraba was also accused by lawmakers of presentinh a report that literally patted NNPC Limited on the back without carrying out any investigation.

The entire episode further lends credence to the suspicion by Nigerians that many of the investigative hearings are nothing but schemes for extortion or show-off.

Mr. Nalarabas report and the accusations by lawmakers should interest anti-graft agencies. But this is Nigeria!

Bill to extend NASS workers retirement age earns lawmakers a day in court

The Speaker of the House and seven others have been sued by a group of National Assembly workers over the Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of National Assembly Service Bill, 2024.

The House passed the bill on Wednesday; increasing the number of years in service from 35 years to 40 years and retirement age from 60 years to 65 years, whichever comes first. It then transmitted it to the Senate for concurrence.

The staffers, under the aegis of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), in the notice at the National Industrial Court dated 1 March, cited constitutional violations as the reason for its action.

While ALDRAP is challenging the bill in court, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) is in support of it.

The Chairman of PASAN, Sunday Sabiyi, in a statement on Wednesday, commended the passage of the bill, noting that some workers are making efforts to sabotage the passage of the bill.

The Union noted with utter dismay the undemocratic actions of some Staff who went around and misled Senators that the majority of Staff were not in support of the Bill when the piece of legislation was slated for consideration in the Senate. For clarity, the Congress resolution was presented to the Leadership of the Senate and all Distinguished Senators for their information and guidance, Mr. Sabiyi said.

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From a startling revelation by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to the commissioning of Geometric Power Plant, and the protest by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against economic hardship, last week was eventful in the South-east.

It was the last week of February 2024.

Here are the highlights of the top stories that made headlines in the region within the past week:

Police arrest fake philanthropist for allegedly stealing bags of rice

The week began with an announcement by the police in Enugu State on Sunday that they arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly stealing 18 bags of rice in the state.

The suspect, Joseph Nnamani, was said to have stolen the bags of rice after presenting himself as a philanthropist intending to distribute the rice for charity at a church on 14 February.

The 18 bags of rice were valued at about N400,000, according to the police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe.

Mr Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, said the suspect had phoned the rice seller and requested the 18 bags of rice which the seller supplied.

But the suspect, who went to a bank on the pretext of wanting to transfer money to the seller, secretly left the bank, went back to the church and made away with the bags of rice to an unknown destination.

Light Up Nigeria Project

The south-east Nigeria went agog on Monday following electricity-related events.

The first was the flag-off of the Light Up Nigeria Project, organised by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), a government-owned company responsible for implementing the National Integrated Power Project.

The NDPHC also operates a portfolio of gas thermal electricity generation assets in Nigeria.

The flag-off was performed in Enugu by Nigerias Vice-President Kashim Shettima as part of the federal governments efforts to improve power supply to industrial clusters in the South-east.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Soludo of Anambra State, and their Ebonyi State counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, attended the event.

At the event, Mr Shettima spoke on why the hope of Nigeria rests with the Igbo-speaking people of the South-east.

On his part, Mr Uzodinma called for probe of billions of dollars spent on the power sector by the Nigerian government from 1999 till date.

Mr Shettima would later travel to the neighbouring Abia State where he commissioned the 188-megawatt Geometric Power Plant located in Aba, Abia State.

The commissioning of the power project was among top stories that trended in the South-east and across Nigeria in the past week with many applauding the initiative as a great step to ending power supply woes in Nigeria.

Built by Nigerias former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, the power plant is expected to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the South-east, beginning from Aba.

The plant is also regarded as Nigerias first integrated electrical facility in Nigerias South-east.

NLC protest

Like in other regions of Nigeria, members of the NLC held a protest in the South-east against economic hardship in the country.

The protest halted commercial activities across the region mainly in Anambra, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states.

However, there was drama at the secretariat of the NLC in Enugu State when police authorities in the state asked the NLC members not to go ahead with their scheduled protest.

The members were compelled by the situation to observe the protest within their secretariat.

Five killed, 26 rescued in Anambra building collapse

It was a black Tuesday in Ochanja, Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State where at least five people were killed and 26 others rescued when a building collapsed at Odu-Igbo Market in the area.

The collapsed building was still under construction.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who visited the scene of the incident, revealed that the collapsed building was constructed by a private developer without government approval.

He reiterated his commitment to address illegal constructions in the state.

Man allegedly kills son over food

We also reported a strange story of man accused of killing his son over food.

The incident happened on Monday night in Eziama Lokpa-Ukwu, a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

Residents said the victim returned home and ate the last portion of food in a pot inside the familys kitchen.

The suspect, Marcel Udeh, consequently ran into the house, brought out a rifle and allegedly shot the son dead.

Angry residents were said to have immediately grabbed the suspect and tied his hands and legs with a rope, apparently to stop him from escaping from the community.

The police later confirmed the incident, which is a reminder of the danger of worsening economic hardship in the country.

Man allegedly kills his father, removes left eye for ritual

A similar incident happened in Umuahia, the Abia State capital where a 27-year-old man was accused of killing his 57-year-old father.

The suspect, Chinalu Ogbonna, was said to have strangled the victim, Mmaduka Ogbonna, at their residence in the state capital on Monday midnight.

He would later allegedly remove the victims left eye with the intention to use it for ritual.

The police spokesperson in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

Soludos startling revelation

Governor Soludo made a startling revelation on Tuesday when he said the fight against insecurity in Anambra State has been hindered because many vigilante operatives had been infiltrated by criminals.

The governor said insecurity in the state and the South-east has the potential to drive away investors and affect the entire Nigeria.

Part of the problem we experience (in the state) is that many of the vigilante operatives took oaths with criminals; they were infiltrated, he had said.

Nigerian undergraduate allegedly stabs final-year student to death

We also brought you a report of a 300-level student of Imo State University (IMSU) who, on Thursday, allegedly stabbed to death a final year student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO).

Both IMSU and FUTO are in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, identified the suspect as Francis Marvellous, 21, and the victim as Chinagorom Kingsley, 22.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said the suspect was later arrested in response to a distress call from the Chief Security Officer of the FUTO, Patrick Egwu, a retired deputy superintendent of police.

Nigerian lecturer who proposed to student in classroom announces wedding date

The love story of a lecturer in Abia State University, Uturu, who proposed to a female student in a classroom continued on Friday when he announced a date for their wedding.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the lecturer, Wisdom Anucha, stunned many students on 14 February when he proposed to his fiancee in her classroom.

Many Nigerians criticised the lecturer for proposing to the student in the classroom.

READ ALSO: Soludo reveals why its difficult to fight insecurity in Anambra

But the management of the university and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution, in their separate reactions, argued that the lecturer did not violate any university law and ethical principle by his action.

Mr Anucha, in a post via his Facebook page on Friday, announced that their wedding will be held on 6 April.

The lecturer uploaded a pre-wedding photograph of himself and his fiancee on the social media platform.

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Troops of the Nigerian army have killed a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect was killed during a clearance operation by the troops at Ihiteukwa, a community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, South-east Nigeria.

Mr Nwachukwu, a major general, said the troops also cleared an IPOB/ESN hideout in the area during the operation which was conducted on Saturday.

The army spokesperson said the troops overpowered the hoodlums after an intense firefight between them.

Three improvised explosive devices, a Toyota Highlander SUV, a Hilux vehicle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun were among the items recovered from the hideout, according to the army.

Others were a pair of Biafra uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of Biafra currency, three solar street lights, three jungle hats, pairs of black boots and charms.

Shootout in Abia

Mr Nwachukwu said, in a separate operation, the troops engaged other suspected IPOB members in a shootout at their crossing point in Akawa Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The army spokesperson said the IPOB members scampered in disarray into nearby bushes during the shootout.

He did not mention when the troops conducted the operation.

One AK-47 rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two empty magazines and one FN FAL rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the hoodlums, the army said.

Destruction of terrorists camps

Mr Nwachukwu said, in a related development, troops of the Nigerian army operating in Kawara General Area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State, North-west Nigeria cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists camps in the area.

During the operation, troops recovered 3 motorbikes, one PKT Gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of desert boots, he said without mentioning when the operation took place.

He listed other items recovered to include three magazine carriers and one boafeng radio.

The Nigerian army, according to the statement, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians and will continue to sustain operations to sanitise troubled areas in Nigeria in order to restore peace and stability in the country.

IPOB, a group seeking to carve out a sovereign state of Biafra from South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the two regions.

But the separatist group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

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The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it has arrested 15 suspects in connection with the vandalism of a warehouse belonging to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCTA) in Abuja.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

She said two security guards employed by the warehouse management were among the suspects arrested over the vandalism of the warehouse in the Tasha area of Abuja.

Ms Adeh, a superintendent of police said 26 bags of maize, five motorcycles and some vandalised aluminium roofing sheets were recovered from the suspects.

The Police Command in the FCT is fully informed about the impulsive attack on the Agric Department Strategic food store located at Tasha area of Abuja, on March 3.

The attack has resulted in the vandalism and looting of the warehouse.

The command wishes to state that normalcy has since, been restored to the area and the situation, under control, she said.

The Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCTA had earlier, confirmed the looting of its warehouse on Sunday, by some hoodlums.

The spiralling hardship in the country has led to many Nigerians trooping to the streets in various cities across the country to protest the harsh economic situation.

Protesters have asked the Bola Tinubu-led federal government to fix the dire situation as well as the various state governments across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

While some states like Lagos and Ogun have rolled out some palliative interventions to cushion the hardship, a lot of the subnational governments are yet to do anything tangible to mitigate the economic challenges facing their citizens.

(NAN)

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Two police operatives have been lynched in Edo State, south-south Nigeria.

The incident happened in Ikpeshi, a community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, according to a report by Vanguard newspaper.

The paper did not mention when the incident happened, but there are indications that it happened on Saturday.

How it happened

The police operatives were said to be escorting a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Agbaje when a vehicle in their convoy hit and killed a commercial motorcycle rider.

The operatives, who were in a Toyota Hilux truck, would later be taken to the Edo State Security Volunteer Network, a vigilante group.

Some angry youths were said to have invaded the security facility where the police operatives were taken to, overran the facility and lynched the two operatives, according to the paper.

They were said to have also attacked the vigilante facility and destroyed their furniture while threatening to deal with their members who tried to rescue the police officers.

However, members of the vigilante group were able to rescue two other police operatives who are reportedly receiving treatment in Ifejola Hospital Igarra.

Some rifles belonging to the operatives were also recovered.

The paper quoted an unnamed police source as saying that the slain police operatives were from Police Mobile Force 19 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The source said, that apart from the motorcycle rider, his female passenger also died in the road crash.

He identified the slain operatives as Abubakar Fakku, an inspector and Elisha John, a sergeant.

The police spokesperson in Edo State, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident on Sunday, according to the report.

Mr Nwabuzor, a superintendent of police, however, said he did not have details of the incident.

Reacting, the Chairperson of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, Tajudeen Alade, condemned the attack by the youths.

Mr Alade, a lawyer, commended the vigilante group for their efforts to save the police operatives.

The chairperson said those involved would be prosecuted. He promised to support the twin sister of one of the victims of the accident.

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The Nigerian Navy (NN) says its teams operating under Operation Delta Sanity have nabbed a syndicate of 13 crew members.

It said the crew comprised of one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians on board a Ghanaian owned and registered vessel known as Motor Tanker (MT) SWEET MIRI.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Information, Navy, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, a rear admiral, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Ayo-Vaughan said the operation was conducted on 25 February at

about 174 nm (approximately 320km) off Nigerias coast, heading toward Benin Republic, after the vessel was observed to have switched off her Automatic Identification System (AIS) in a bid to evade detection.

He said the infraction by the vessel contravened the International Ships and Port Security Code (ISPS) and was tagged a Vessel of Interest (VoI) by the NN.

According to him, the NN Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure observed the criminal intent of the vessel and subsequently vectored two NN ships on patrol to interrogate the vessel.

READ ALSO:

It was discovered that MT SWEET MIRI was involved in illegalities and the vessel was subsequently arrested.

Curiously, the suspicious disposition of the vessel necessitated the swift deployment of Nigerian Navy Ship ABA and Nigerian Navy Ship SOKOTO to intercept the vessel.

Notably, upon arrest, MT SWEET MIRI was found carrying about two million litres of product suspected to be crude oil without any form of approval from relevant authorities, he said.

Mr Ayo-Vaughan said the relevant approving/prosecuting agencies had been notified for samples collection with a view to further ascertaining the culpability or otherwise of the vessel.

This, he said, was in line with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for an in-depth and independent investigation, adding that it was necessary to unmask the enemies of the nation and to institute holistic and detailed investigations.

He assured that the navy, through the reinvigorated Operation Delta Sanity would continue to collaborate with relevant maritime, security and law enforcement agencies to closely monitor, evaluate and interdict where infractions were suspected.

This, according to him, is to bring economic saboteurs to book in line with relevant extant laws of the land.

(NAN)

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The management of the Geometric Power Plant has confirmed the percentage of equity stake purchased by the Abia State Government in the companys power plant in Aba.

Controversy

There was speculation that the Abia State Government contributed a five per cent equity stake in the power plant during the administration of Okezie Ikpeazu who served as the governor of the state from 2015 to 2023.

Data from the Abia State Accountant Generals 2022 financial report indicated that the state government invested N1.41 billion for the 5 per cent equity in the Geometric Power Plant.

Again, a letter from the management of the Geometric Power Plant, which surfaced online recently, shows that Mr Ikpeazus administration contributed a five per cent equity stake in the company.

In the letter dated 24 August 2022 and addressed to Governor Ikpeazu, the management of the power plant had asked the Abia State Government to pay them N565 million as the balance of its equity stake in the company.

The letter, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, was signed by the owner of the power plant, Barth Nnaji, a professor and former minister of power in Nigeria.

We like to please request that you complete the journey that started so well. This is in regard to the equity contribution of Abia State for an equity stake of 5% in the project.

You may recall that the amount for this 5% was agreed for a price of $5 million, Abia State Government insisted that it would obtain this stake in Naira at the rate of N395 to $1 which was CBN rate at the time, the read in part.

Out of the N1, 975,000,000 required, the Abia State Government paid the sum of N 141 billion remaining N565 million, it added.

The letter said the state governments non-completion of the equity was preventing the company from wrapping up a deal with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

The BPE is the primary agency responsible for privatising public enterprises and carrying out sector reforms with a focus on driving economic growth and efficiency in Nigeria.

We, therefore plead that Abia State Government please immediately pay this money to avoid destroying monumental achievement here in Abia State of which your Excellency has been very gracious in promoting, the company pleaded.

No evidence

But reacting, Mr Otti, the current governor of the state, said there was no evidence that the Abia State Government invested in the Geometric Power Plant.

The governor spoke on Thursday when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today.

To the best of our knowledge, we dont have any evidence that the Abia State Government does have equity (in the Geometric Power Plant), he said.

He, however, said he had been informed by some officials of the power plant that although there was a five per cent equity stake offer to the Abia State Government, the government did not complete the payment.

So, I have set up a team to engage with the Geometric Power Plant so that we can dig into the facts, Mr Otti stated.

The governor said he would be glad if confirmed that the state government indeed has the equity.

Company speaks

When contacted on Friday evening, the spokesperson of the Geometrics Power Plant, C Don Adinuba, told PREMIUM TIMES that although the agreement was a five per cent equity stake, the Abia State Government was only able to pay for a 3.5 per cent equity stake.

Mr Adinuba said if the state government pays an outstanding balance of N565m, they would have the complete 5 per cent equity stake in the company.

So, because they have not paid yet, what they (Abia State Government) have is 3.5 per cent (equity stake), he said.

Also, a former Commissioner for Information under Mr Ikpeazus administration, John Kalu, in a statement on Friday, said that Mr Otti, through his spokesperson, Mr Uko, has acknowledged receiving a letter from Mr Nnaji, informing them that Mr Ikpeazus administration indeed paid at least $3.56 million to purchase stakes in the company.

Mr Kalu, who also served as commissioner for trade and investment under the former administration, said he personally sighted the letter where Mr Nnaji confirmed that the former administration bought 3.5% equity in the power company.

For the avoidance of doubt, the transaction was recorded in the handover note given to Governor Alex Otti on the 29th of May 2023.

READ ALSO:

Furthermore, the same transaction was published in our 2022 budget performance statement handed over to the Otti administration with details of budgetary approval, he said.

The former commissioner corroborated Mr Adinubas position that although five per cent was the initial agreement, the past administration only paid for 3.5 per cent because of paucity of funds or competing needs, adding that Mr Otti should accept the 3.5% equity already confirmed by Prof Nnaji.

He claimed that Mr Otti, before featuring on the Channels TV programme, was already in receipt of the letter from Mr Nnaji confirming the 3.5% equity invested by Mr Ikpeazus administration, but chose to hide it because he wanted to demonise the Ikpeazu administration.

Geometric Power plant

The 188-megawatt power plant located in Aba, Abia State was commissioned by Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on 26 February.

The commissioning happened after over 20 years following intense legal battles between the owner of the power plant, Mr Nnaji and others, including management of the Enugu State Electricity Distribution Company.

Regarded as Nigerias first integrated electrical facility in Nigerias South-east, the power plant is expected to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region, beginning in Aba.

The project is said to be worth over $800 million.

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Photo taken on Oct 28, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, DC, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global Times-"National security" is the most grandiose reason for the US to build a "small yard and high fence" type of trade and industrial protectionism, which has become the "conventional weapon" of the US strategy against China.

Now the question is, can the industry inside the high fence be safe and sound to renew the dream of "making America great again"?

Today, China's manufacturing can achieve results in the field of electric vehicles (EV), 5G equipment, drones, as well as many others, and produce the world's most inexpensive and market-oriented industrial products.

The capability we are talking about here is not only the ability to make technological breakthroughs and the ability to fully support production and manufacture on a large scale, but also the ability of the Chinese people. This ability makes it impossible for the US to completely "decouple" from China, and even more impossible to completely replace Chinese manufacturing.

Chinese EVs can be banned, but what about the spare parts, the machines and equipment, and the raw materials to produce them?

Imagine, any piece of Chinese manufacturing, including toys, furniture, instruments, electronic equipment - as long as they are remote-control electronic devices or installed with AI accessories, they may become security issues related to the target of the crackdown.

If the US government insists on blocking Chinese manufacturing as its main policy direction, we can expect that the next administration to be primarily focused on dealing with Made-in-China products. This singular focus will create a self-made vortex that will require a significant amount of energy and taxpayer money to address. Washington will need to design a new industrial system to protect national security, which will be a costly endeavor.

Curbing the entry of Chinese products into the US market has already proven to be expensive for the US government. The replacement of Huawei and ZTE equipment in rural and remote areas, where these products were prevalent, was a significant financial burden.

The Federal Communications Commission has established a $9 billion fund to expand 5G mobile broadband service to rural areas in the country. But to this day, most of that money is still floating in the air, while Huawei and ZTE have long started to work on 6G products.

The list of Made-in-China products to be blocked in the US continues to grow, including EVs, drones, Xinjiang cotton, cargo handling equipment.

While it is possible for US companies to manufacture these products, they may not be able to do so as cheaply or with the same level of quality as Chinese manufacturers.

For example, according to the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, Chinese drones dominate more than 90 percent of the US consumer market, 70 percent of the enterprise market and 92 percent of the first responder market. It raises the question of which US company is capable of replacing Chinese drone manufacturers in terms of market dominance and quality.

It is accurate to say that Washington, while recognizing China's ability to make high-end breakthroughs, underestimated the ability of the Chinese people, specifically the explosive power of the combination of their ability and market stimulus.

Today, China's auto market is the world's most competitive. Any auto company that can succeed in the Chinese market must be able to succeed in any market worldwide. This is the inevitable result of globalization and the law of world economic development.

In a small yard with a high fence, there's a limit to how high the fence can be built. If the fence continues to grow higher, the yard will become relatively smaller and smaller, potentially suffocating the people inside.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Monday in Abuja dismissed a petition filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), an NGO, seeking to compel the Nigerian government to pay N10 million reparation each to the families of 11 deceased journalists.

MRA had in the suit filed in 2021 also sought to compel the Nigerian government to properly investigate the unresolved killing of the journalists between 1998 and 2021, and identify, and prosecute their killers.

Delivering judgment, a three-member panel of the court, presided over by Justice Gberi-be Ouattara, and delivered by Justice Dupe Atoki, held that the 11 journalists could not be equated as public with regards to proof of the victims status. It, therefore, dismissed the groups petition.

The court also held that although the murder of the said 11 journalists was a gross violation of their rights, it was bereft of jurisdiction to entertain and award reparations for the victims.

Earlier during the hearing of the case, MRAs counsel, Darlington Onyekwere, had argued that States were not only prohibited from taking life outside the permissible circumstances allowed by law but that they also had a positive obligation to act to prevent the loss of life.

The groups counsel had argued that the MRAs case was largely predicated on the African Charter, which the Supreme Court of Nigeria had held in Abacha & Ors v. Fawehinmi (2001) 1 CHR 20 to supersede domestic laws.

The human rights lawyer also contended that the government could not rely on domestic laws to escape liability for the human rights violations complained of in the case.

Mr Onyekwere had contended that the victims had been properly identified and could not have been made parties to the suit, contrary to the repeated arguments of the Government.

The MRA, therefore, prayed the court to direct the federal government to pay the families of each of the journalists N10 million as reparation, insisting that they were killed despite the Nigerian governments obligations under various domestic, regional, and international instruments.

READ ALSO:

Mr Onyekwere had argued: The government has failed, refused, neglected and omitted to effectively investigate, prosecute and punish the killers of the journalists, who were murdered while exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression and of the press or under circumstances connected to the exercise of these rights.

Unless the court intervenes, the government will neither adopt measures to protect journalists nor cause any real, transparent, and impartial investigations into the killings of journalists in Nigeria, while the perpetrators of such dastardly acts will not be prosecuted and punished.

He, therefore, prayed for a declaration, that the failure of the Federal Government to adopt effective measures to protect and guarantee the safety of the 11 journalists under Article 66(2)(c) of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, 1993 and Principle 20 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, amounts to a breach of the obligation imposed on the Government by the ACHPR and the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, among others.

However, responding, Solomon Ogunlowo, the counsel to the Federal Government/Respondents and Principal State Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, had urged the court to decline jurisdiction and hold that MRAs suit was inadmissible.

Mr Ogunlowo had challenged the competence and admissibility of MRAs suit and contended that the court lacked jurisdiction in the matter, stressing that the MRA lacked the locus to file and maintain the suit.

MRA, he argued, was not the victim of the human rights allegedly violated and which it was seeking to protect through the suit, adding that no victim had been properly identified and made a party to the suit.

According to him, MRA did not suffer any wrong or injury directly or indirectly on which basis the application could be maintained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased journalists, over whom MRA filed the suit on 16 August 2021, include Tunde Oladepo, Bureau Chief of The Guardian newspapers Ogun State office, killed in Abeokuta on 26 February 1998 by gunmen who entered his home early in the morning on that day and shot him dead in the presence of his wife and two young children.

Okezie Amauben, publisher of Newsservice magazine was reportedly arbitrarily shot and killed by a police officer in Enugu on 2 September 1998, while Fidelis Ikwuebe, a freelance journalist for The Guardian newspaper, was abducted and murdered on 18 April.

Sam Nimfa-Jan, a journalist with Details magazine in Jos, Plateau State, was killed outside the prison in Kafanchan, Kaduna State on 27 May 1999, while covering a communal conflict in Zangon-Kataf.

Mr Nimfa-Jans body was found with arrows protruding from his back.

Samson Boyi, a photojournalist with the Adamawa State-owned newspaper, The Scope, was killed by armed men on 5 November 1999 while on assignment to cover a visit by the then state governor, Boni Haruna, to the neighbouring Bauchi State.

Bayo Ohu, then an assistant news editor with The Guardian newspaper, was shot by armed men in his home in Lagos on 20 September 2009.

Nathan Dabak, deputy editor, and Sunday Bwede, reporter, both with the Light Bearer, a monthly newspaper owned by the Church of Christ in Nigeria, were attacked and killed by a mob in Jos on 24 April 2010, while on a reporting assignment.

Zakariya Isa, a reporter/cameraman with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was killed on 22 October 2011, while Enenche Akogwu, a reporter and camera operator with Channels Television, was killed in Kano on 20 January 2012 by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members.

Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member carrying out his primary assignment as a reporter with Channels Television, was shot and killed in Abuja on 22 July 2019 while covering a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria that had resulted in a confrontation with the Nigerian police.

NAN also reports that the court did not award any cost against the petitioners and held that parties in the case should bear the cost of litigation.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, again adjourned a N1 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the federal government until 18 March for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had, on 8 January, reported that the judge, James Omotosho, rescheduled the hearing to today (Monday) due to Mr Kanus lawyers absence from court.

Upon resumed hearing on Monday, counsel for the defence, I.I. Hassan, told the court that they had yet to be served with processes in the matter.

But Mr Kanus lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, said everything needed for the service of the processes on the defence had been provided. He wondered why the originating motion and other applications had yet to be served on the defence by the bailiff.

Mr Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until 18 March for the plaintiff to serve the defence in the suit.

NAN reports that Mr Kanu, through his lawyer, Mr Ejimakor, had filed the latest suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1633/2023 for the enforcement of his fundamental rights in detention.

Mr Kanu, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, is being held by the SSS over charges of treasonable felony arising from his separatist campaigns for the secession of independent Biafra nation from Nigeria.

In the originating motion filed 4 December 2023, the applicant sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), the AGF, the State Secueity Service (SSS) and its Director-General as 1st to 4th respondents, respectively.

In the motion, the detained IPOB leader prayed for eight reliefs.

He sought a declaration that the respondents act of forcible seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents pertaining to facilitating the preparation of his defence which were brought to him at the respondents detention facility by his lawyers, amounted to denial of his rights to be defended by legal practitioners of his own choice.

He also sought a declaration that the respondents act of refusing or preventing his counsel from taking notes of details of counsels professional discussions/consultations with him at SSS detention, with said discussions/consultations relating to preparation of his defence amounted to denial of his right to be given adequate facilities for the preparation of his defence by legal practitioners of his own choice.

A declaration that the respondents act of eavesdropping on his confidential consultations/conversations with his lawyers on matters relating to preparation of his defence during the lawyers visitations amounted to denial of applicants right to be given adequate facilities for the preparation of his defence and to be.defended by legal practitioners of his own choice.

He described the acts as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and constituted an infringement of his fundamental right to fair hearing as enshrined and guaranteed under Section 36(6)(b) & (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 7(1)(c) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

Mr Kanu, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining and prohibiting the respondents from their act of forcible seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents brought to him at the detention facility by his lawyers.

An order of injunction restraining and prohibiting the respondents from their act of refusing or preventing the applicants counsel from taking notes of details of counsels professional discussions/consultations with the applicant during the counsels visitation with the applicant at the premises of respondents detention facility.

An order of injunction restraining and prohibiting the respondents from their act of eavesdropping on the applicants confidential consultations/conversations with his lawyers on matters relating to preparation of applicants defence during the lawyers visitations with the applicant at the detention facility.

Kanu sought an order compelling the respondents to issue an official letter of apology to him for the infringement of his fundamental right to fair hearing.

He is also seeking an order mandating the respondents to jointly and severally pay the sum of N1 billion as damages for the mental, emotional, psychological and other damages he suffered as a result of the his rights breach.

The trial of Mr Kanu on charges of treasonable felony recently resumed before another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bintang Nyako, following a Supreme Court order.

The court fixed 19 March for continuation of trial.

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The Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) equity market on Monday opened positively, as gains in newly listed Transcorp Power Plc and 22 others grew the overall market capitalisation by N1.86 trillion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Transcorp Power earlier listed 7.5 billion shares by introduction at N240.00 per share, amounting to N1.8 trillion on the main board of the NGX.

Peter Ikenga, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Power, said that the listing was to provide a platform through which new investors from the public could be admitted into the firm.

Mr Ikenga said that this would diversify existing shareholders base and position the company for access to a larger pool of capital raising options.

He noted that the listing, which is an avenue to contribute to the growth of the NGX and the Nigerian capital markets, would further enhance Transcorp Powers brand visibility and awareness.

Meanwhile, the NGX market capitalisation which opened at N54.035 trillion, gained N1.86 trillion to close at N55.890 trillion.

Consequently, the All-Share Index (ASI) also gained 95.91 points or 0.10 per cent to close at 98,847.89 points, compared to 99,980.3 recorded on Friday.

As a result, the Year-To-Date return rose to 32.20 per cent.

Investors buy interest in the shares of Transcorp Power, Geregu Power, BUA Cement, PZ Cussons Nigeria and Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) moved the market to a positive terrain.

Analysis of the market activities revealed trade turnover settled higher relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions up by 193.76 per cent.

A total of 429.64 million shares valued at N19.92 billion were exchanged in 10,749 deals, as against 367.62 million shares valued at N6.78 billion exchanged in 9,168 deals posted in the previous session.

On the gainers chart, Transcorp Power led by 10 per cent to close at N265.00, while Transcorp followed with a gain of 9.94 per cent to close at N15.70 per share.

PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 9.93 per cent to close at N37.10, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals increased by 9.88 per cent to close at N1.89, while Juli added 9.87 per cent to close at N4.12, per share.

Conversly, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Unity Bank and Vitafoam Nigeria led the losers chart in percentage terms of 10 each to close at N53.10, N1.98 and N22.95 per share, respectively.

NASCON Allied Industries lost 8.55 per cent to close at N53.50, while MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) shed 7.82 per cent to close at N185.00 per share.

Transcorp led the activity chart in volume with 203.43 million shares traded at the value of N3.187 billion, TransPower followed to lead in value with 40 million shares worth N10.56 billion.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) traded 19.589 million shares valued at N448.026 million, while AIICO Insurance traded 12.672 million shares worth N13.085 million.

Also, Access Holdings traded 12.390 million shares worth N259.935 million.

However, market breadth closed negative with 25 losers equities and 23 gainers on the trading floor.

(NAN)

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for the church of Christ, it is a matter of emergency to rescue the current and next generation of Christians and ministers alike from the grip of mammon, the god of greed and covetousness, within the scope of building constructions for church use. You cannot love God and money at the same time. Never claim to be capable of doing both at the same time. Pursuers of wealth can never be faithful pursuers of God.

Wealth in the hands of a believer that is not invested in the right kingdom projects will eventually fritter down the drain. Wealth is only a good servant in the hands of a broken master. Wealth in the hands of an unbroken man is a cruel master. The purpose of this write-up is to speak to the hearts of todays leaders and those of the next generation to shut the doors of their hearts to the pursuit of needless or greed driven excessive investments in church building projects, with no real positive impacts on the gospel, on the lives of men, and on the body of Christ at large.

I love to be rich. I must be rich. These are the silent whispers of the heart that provoke the cravings of men to find money, sorry, wealth at all costs, and by all means. Society has not helped matters. Culture has done its worst, and no thanks to the fading value systems of many nations that have now sadly crept into the church, diluting the churchs values. As advances in civilisation continue to nurture the greed for wealth in the hearts of men, the church that should be the conscience of the society has sadly created a similar vacuum in the hearts of men. The gospel has been brazenly monetised, compromised, and commercialised recklessly. The values that underpin genuine ministry and the biblical pictures of a man of God have been completely eroded by vanity and the mad pursuit of wealth, which is often reflected in how we plan and execute our investments in church building projects.

But what is it that makes the drive for wealth very potent in leading men to vanity? It is about the desire to have this limitless power to access every good thing of life, even beyond what you need to live a good life. God has always taught humanity plenty of lessons about the vanity of wealth. Many of those who owned it yesterday are no more today. Rick Warren once said,

Self-worth is not the same as Net Worth and a mans value is not determined by his valuables.

we must avoid every opportunity to fall into the same vice that has trapped countless people in our generation, the trap that Satan loves to use to draw men onto the slippery path of perdition, the mad pursuit of greed-driven accumulation of assets and properties, that only serve the ego of the owner(s) and the desire to top the chart of the wealthiest. This is not the churchs primary mandate on earth.

He was echoing Jesuss statements, a mans life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses. (Luke 12:15). The vanity of wealth ruins nations. It ruins marriages. It ruins ministries. Wealth promises you a life without problems and a marriage without hassles. Yet, some of the richest people in the world today are those with the worst marriages and worst health challenges. Recently, it was published in the news that the worlds richest man was placed on an anti-depressant.

Thus, for a child of God, the ultimate pursuit in life is not wealth, but God and His values.

All round the globe, and from generation to generation, those who made money their god and their ultimate pursuit; those who stole and looted treasuries, have never lasted in the annals of positive history, much less in pleasing God. And for the church of Christ, it is a matter of emergency to rescue the current and next generation of Christians and ministers alike from the grip of mammon, the god of greed and covetousness, within the scope of building constructions for church use. You cannot love God and money at the same time. Never claim to be capable of doing both at the same time. Pursuers of wealth can never be faithful pursuers of God.

God is the ultimate pursuit of a genuine follower of Christ, not accumulation of wealth. Money is good. Money is needed, but not at the expense of our focus on God and our integrity in the world. Until Jesus comes, christians would always need a place of assembly. We would always need to acquire descent physical assets to the degree of our needs. However, we must avoid every opportunity to fall into the same vice that has trapped countless people in our generation, the trap that Satan loves to use to draw men onto the slippery path of perdition, the mad pursuit of greed-driven accumulation of assets and properties, that only serve the ego of the owner(s) and the desire to top the chart of the wealthiest. This is not the churchs primary mandate on earth. Our mandate is to preach the gospel, shine our light in the darkness of this world, and be a true witness of Christ in the world with our fruits. All other pursuits must serve these agendas, not compromise them.

Ayo Akerele is the Senior Pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com

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On the 15th of February 2024, subscribers to MTNs services across major cities in the country could neither make nor receive calls, or use data services on the network. The downtime lasted for about four hours, and the internet fumed with frustration over the disruption.

In a statement by Funso Aina, senior manager, External Relations, MTN Nigeria, the network provider noted that Our engineers are working hard to resolve with services gradually being restored in some areas, and further explained that the reason for the service disruption was due to major cuts to its fibre assets across the country. These cuts had happened almost within the same time along three major cities in Nigeria.

Damage to fibre optic cables have become a major challenge for telecommunications companies in Nigeria. Often times, these cuts are the acts of saboteurs, construction companies or thieves who steal the cables with intention to sell in the black market. The resulting damage to these telecommunication infrastructure is what we witnessed in the disruption of MTNs services on the 15th February 2024. Calls could not be madeneither could they be receivedand data services were down. Users were shut off the internet, which today has become the biggest facilitator of economic activities in the country.

The damage to MTNs fibre cables is one example of an all too often occurrence across the country. Almost all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operators and Infracos have filed several complaints with the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on countless cases of damage to their fiber in various parts of the country.

Fibre optic network is undoubtably crucial to the delivery of telecommunications services across the world. It is a technology that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data, whether telephone signals, internet communications or cable television signals. It is the fastest and most widely used medium of backhaul transmission, as it carries higher bandwidth which in turn provides higher speed, low-latency and low interference. Tens of thousands of kilometres of fiber optic cables are laid across Nigeria by these operators in their bid to deliver quality telecommunication services to their subscribers.

Nigeria is reported to have over 79,000 kilometres of fiber optic cables laid across the country. Though far from being sufficient to meet our broadband needs, these cables have been the subject of vandalism and theft over the past decade-plus. In 2023, the NCC stated that over 50,000 cases of destruction of fibre optic cables and other telecommunication infrastructure had been reported. The Commissions Q2 report for 2023 noted that fibre optic infrastructure vandalism contributed to over 30% of all reported network outage incidents. A source from the regulator informed me that telecommunication companies face an average of a total of 1,600 cuts per month.

Reports from telecommunication companies buttress this disturbing trend. The recent one from MTN Nigeria notes that damages to three of its fibre cables were due to the activities of a construction company, gas pipe installation and bush burning respectively.

These cable cuts are one of the major reasons we experience downtime in telecommunication services. Concomitantly they have resulted in low download speed, high drop call rates, poor voice quality among others. Users are affected and businesses that rely on telecommunications services for the delivery of their services cannot do so optimally. Take for example the case of banking services which we mostly conduct through our mobile phones today. When telecommunication services are down, banking services suffer, too.

According to a report, in 2022 alone, over N13 billion was spent by Mobile Network Operators, InfraCos, and other Service Providers in fixing damages to fibre cuts and other telecommunication infrastructure. In 2023, this amount rose to N14.6 billion. In the same report, operators in the telecommunications sector faced revenue losses amounting to N12 billion in both 2022 and 2023 due to customer compensation, site relocations and fibre resilience costs.

A source in one of the telecommunications companies told me that these challenges were sucking deeply into their resources and preventing them from making the kinds of investments they would ordinarily have been making.

I think people are taking the resilience of the telecommunications industry for granted, he said, we have not increased prices of our services in years, despite the increase, I mean doubling in the cost of the raw materials we use to run our industry. Despite this challenge, we are now being faced with the issue of damages to our infrastructure. If we continue this way, we would begin to see losses and the market would no longer be viable. We would no longer be able to make investments as all our earnings would be used in fixing damaged infrastructure to ensure that we can deliver on our services.

Indeed, these huge unplanned costs to fixing damaged infrastructure and fibre cuts could have been invested by telecommunications companies in improving their network services. This could come in the form of setting up more base stations, purchasing new equipment, employing new staff, laying more cables across unserved communities and maintenance of equipment. Not to mention the impact of down time on subscribers and their businesses.

Telecommunications operators have appealed to the Federal Government to do more to protect their infrastructure. They have called on the government to designate Telecommunications Infrastructure as a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protected by the law. This, they note will provide backing to the law enforcement agencies to tackle the challenges of vandalism and theft of these assets.

Already, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida stated during his interaction with media executives and correspondents that high-level advocacy was ongoing by the Commission with key government stakeholders to designate Telecommunication Infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure.

About 16 years ago, the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Bill was presented to the National Assembly for passage. It failed. That failure left Nigerias telecommunication infrastructurefrom base transmission stations, to towers, to fibre opticsendangered, with attendant drops in telephony services.

Today, it has become a more pressing need than ever for the government to impress its stamp on legislation designating telecommunications infrastructure as CNI. Mr Maida would need to pull up his sleeves and make a strong case for this. If he gets this done, he would be saving the industry he oversees an average of N25 billion in needless expenditure annuallymoneys that would then be channeled into more investments in the telecommunications industry with corresponding improved service delivery by the operators.

But before achieving these victories, it is essential for citizens, who are in fact the primary consumers of telecommunication services and who see these services as second to having a meal on their table to take ownership of telecommunications infrastructure around them.

Residents along these networks should embrace a sense of communal ownership, safeguarding the facilities as if they were their personal properties. Where they see vandals destroying these infrastructure, they owe themselves and society the duty to promptly report to the authorities, and when possible, take measures to discourage such destructive activities.

Construction firms have a part to play, too. A significant percentage of infrastructure damage to fibre is due to construction work. It is important that government puts in place and enforces stringent regulations for construction workers to inform telecommunication operators well ahead of time before they carry out excavation works around fibre cables on their sites. This will allow the operators relocate their fibre or make alternatives for service provision.

These are immediate steps we can take in achieving uninterrupted telecommunications services, like the one seen on the 15th of February, 2024, with huge unquantifiable loses for operators and customers alike.

Mohammed T Abiodun, writes from Abuja, FCT.

He can be reached on tmohammedabiodun@gmail.com

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The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has approved the immediate payment of a salary award of N30,000 to each civil servant for three months to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship in the country. Every civil servant will receive the award of N10,000 each monthly under the package.

The salary award was part of the negotiations agreed by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the state government.

The disclosure of the palliative was made through a statement from the office of the State Head of the Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, signed by its spokesperson, Ismail Ibrahim.

Mr Dagaceri explained that the gesture was meant to cushion the effects of hardship being faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy.

In line with the current realities in the country and the commitment of Governor Namadis administration to reduce the effects of removal of the fuel subsidy on the well-being of the good people of Jigawa State, His Excellency Governor Malam Umar Namadi has approved the immediate release of N20,000 for each public servant as cash palliative for January and February 2024 respectively to enable workers cope with the economic shocks occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, the HOS said.

The Head of Service stated that civil servants will start receiving alert of the two months cash palliative (N20,000) from Monday 4th March 2024 as directed by Governor Namadi. He stated that by the end of this month, the state government will pay the remaining one month of March.

Mr Dagaceri added that the state government would soon begin the distribution of food palliatives to the civil servants, stressing that a committee has already been constituted to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Accordingly, on the issue of Jigawa Worker Agricultural Support Scheme (JWASS) fertilizer and other farm inputs would soon be supplied to civil servants as directed by His Excellency Governor Malam Umar Namadi at subsidized and controlled prices, the statement said.

The statement added that very soon the government would work out measures to ease transportation difficulties being faced by civil servants in the state.

Mr Dagaceri stated further: The Head of Service commended Governor Namadis favourable disposition to issues relating to the welfare of the Civil Servants in the State, adding that the Governor is the most worker so far the State is proud of.

The government urged workers in the State to reciprocate the kind gestures of Governor Umar Namadi for being the first governor to pay a cash palliative to a civil servant in the Northwest geo-political zone.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the 11 November 2023 Bayelsa governorship election, Timipre Sylva, are seeking the disbandment of the states election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja over alleged bias.

The APC and Mr Sylva, on Monday, alleged that the tribunal, headed by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, was biased in the conduct of proceedings, findings and decisions. They, therefore, demanded its outright disbandment and reconstitution.

In a petition to the President of the Court of Appeal, the party and its candidate accused the tribunal of denying them their constitutional right to a fair hearing as required by law.

They claimed that they had lined up 234 witnesses to establish their petition against the declaration of Governor Douye Diri as the winner of the poll.

In the petition dated 4 March and signed by a senior lawyer, Sylvester Elema, they alleged that the tribunal turned the table against them with an order that the 234 witnesses must be called within seven days only.

The lawyer said though they had agreed to call 25 witnesses daily, the tribunal allowed them to call only eight witnesses per day.

He said it was against this backdrop that they had no option but to hurriedly close their case on 27 February after calling only 49 out of their 234 witnesses.

Mr Elema submitted that the action of the tribunal was a clear breach of the rights of the petitioners to a fair hearing by preventing them from calling all their witnesses when the panel still had three months to sit.

He also alleged that in the records of proceedings they obtained, the tribunal made several comments and observations in writing which pointed to the facts that the tribunal had made up its mind to go the way of the respondents.

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He claimed that the tribunal distorted the oral testimony of their witnesses in the record of proceedings and had also made findings and decisions in respect of the authenticity and weight of polling unit election results they tendered.

The tribunal was accused of coming to the wrong conclusions in its findings that the pattern of writing witness statements on oath employed by the petitioners was same and done by same person.

He also accused the tribunal of being grossly unfair to them in its written comments that comparisons done on two exhibits showed the same lettering.

The senior lawyer, therefore, demanded for immediate dissolution of the tribunal and reconstitution of a new one that would conduct unbiased proceedings in the remaining three-month life span of the petition.

Indefinite adjournment

In a separate letter they brought to the tribunal through their counsel R. O. Balogun, the APC and Mr Sylva demanded that the tribunal should adjourn proceedings in the matter indefinitely pending the time the Court of Appeal President would come out with a decision on the petition.

Upon resuming the hearing on Monday, Justice Adeleye informed lawyers of various parties of a petition questioning the members neutrality and integrity and seeking indefinite adjournment in the hearing of the case.

The judge said that he did not know where the tribunal members had gone wrong as alleged by APC and Mr Sylva and called for reactions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)s lawyer, Charles Edosomwan, said that both the APC and Mr Sylva were not fair to the tribunal in their allegations of bias and distortion of facts.

Similar views were expressed by Chris Uche, who appeared for Governor Diri; Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, counsel to Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, and Tayo Oyetibo, who represented the Peoples Democratic Party.

After brief reactions, they agreed that the adjournment be granted as requested by the complainants.

Justice Adeleye thereafter adjourned the matter indefinitely to await the decision of the Court of Appeal President on the allegations of bias and denial of fair hearing as raised by the petitioners.

INEC, Messrs Diri, Ewhrujakpo and the PDP are the respondents in the case.

(NAN)

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Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend was about ready to close its doors.

Payroll was due one day last July, and the city-owned hospital didnt have the funds to cover it.

We were hours from having to close our doors, because we would have had no employees, said Jared Chaffin, chief financial officer and one of the hospitals three interim co-CEOs.

The city provided two infusions of cash, totaling $250,000, to cover the next two payrolls. The hospital foundation kicked in $75,000 and a special hospital tax district at least $40,000 more. But that was just a temporary solution.

To find more solid financial ground, hospital officials last fall sought a new federal designation intended to maintain essential health care services in communities served by small rural hospitals.

On Feb. 8, Warren Memorial officially became the first hospital in Nebraska  and among the first 20 in the United States  to convert to whats known as a rural emergency hospital. Under the new federal payment model, hospitals forgo most inpatient services but maintain observation beds and a 24/7 emergency room, in addition to continuing outpatient services and clinics. That gives them a 5% boost in reimbursements for Medicare outpatient services.

Its a lifeline weve been looking for, Chaffin said. Its not the answer to all of a sudden become profitable, because there are still things we need to do as a hospital to make sure we stay open, but its a lifeline.

The program isnt the answer for every struggling hospital. But it is an option several others in Nebraska and more nationwide are considering as they wrestle with cost pressures, workforce issues, changing rural demographics and other challenges.

Many rural facilities, like Warren Memorial in Friend, have long faced financial challenges for various reasons, including competition from nearby hospitals and larger ones in Lincoln and Omaha. More recently, hospitals across Nebraska have been dealing with rising labor and supply costs, Medicaid and Medicare payments that havent kept pace with expenses and difficulty collecting on claims.

One proposed solution is a measure in the Nebraska Legislature that could help address below-cost Medicaid rates. Backed by the Nebraska Hospital Association, a bill (LB1087) could net Nebraska more than $1 billion of federal money to boost Medicaid rates for hospitals and other health care providers.

But that wouldnt have come in time for Warren Memorial. Congress created the rural emergency hospital program in late 2020, and it took effect in January 2023. It aims to prevent additional hospital closures, as well as the job losses and other economic impacts that shutdowns can have on communities, and maintain some, if not all, local health care services.

As of June, Nebraska and Iowa were among 15 states that had adopted laws enabling the program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Jed Hansen, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, said the program comes with trade-offs. Participating hospitals exchange the cost-plus reimbursement allotted to critical access hospitals, another designation created in 1997 to help stabilize rural hospitals, for monthly payments that total about $3.2 million a year.

Rural emergency hospitals also give up inpatient beds and swing beds, those designated for patients no longer sick enough for hospital care but not well enough to go home, as well as their eligibility for the 340B drug payment program, which allows hospitals of all sizes to purchase drugs at a reduced rate and bill at full cost.

All rural hospitals with fewer than 50 certified beds are eligible for the new emergency program, Hansen said. But because of the trade-offs, it doesnt make sense for mid- and large-sized critical access hospitals.

The association, along with the Nebraska Hospital Association and the Nebraska Office of Rural Health, analyzed all 63 of the states critical access hospitals and Fremont Health, which became part of Methodist Health System in 2018. The organizations determined that six critical access hospitals would likely see a positive financial impact from converting to the rural emergency model.

The groups worked with the Friend hospital and four others on more comprehensive analyses, he said. Those indicated the model made sense for Warren Memorial and three of the four other hospitals but not for the remaining one.

In the case of Friend ... what were seeing and anticipating is it will remove some financial pressure off that community, off that hospital, so they can evaluate what services they can offer and theyre no longer a competitor to other area hospitals, Hansen said.

Nationally, Chartis, a Chicago-based health care advisory and analytics group, found that nearly 400 rural hospitals were most likely to consider conversion to the rural emergency model, according to a recent report. Within that group, modeling identified 77 facilities ideal for conversion based on their performance profiles.

Friend Mayor Jewels Knoke, who serves on the hospital board and the local rescue squad, said some residents have expressed concerns about the loss of hospital beds close to their homes, where relatives and friends can easily visit. Those concerns arose during a town hall meeting hospital officials held last fall to discuss the conversion option.

Hansen said he would particularly like to see swing beds added back to the program for that reason. During the worst of the pandemic, swing beds across the state also served as an escape valve for large hospitals by taking less-sick patients and freeing beds for those who were more critically ill.

David Palm, an associate professor and director of the Center for Health Policy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said the emergency hospital program, first proposed about 15 years ago, could benefit from additional flexibility.

Nationally, that lack of flexibility has been cited as a reason so few hospitals have chosen that route. Some also may be waiting to see how the first conversions work out.

With a few changes, it could be much more important and adaptable in rural communities and allow us to provide some still excellent services, he said.

Knoke said the program offered Friend the best chance of securing its emergency room for the long term. Thats a potential lifesaver for the town of nearly 900 residents, which is about a 30 minutes drive from several nearby hospitals and 50 miles from Lincoln.

With an E.R. in town, she said, first responders can get patients in quickly to be stabilized without the delay of a longer drive or the need to connect with a ground or air ambulance that offers advanced life support.

Im feeling relieved in the fact that I can now breathe easier knowing that for the foreseeable future, this community has an emergency room, and that could save lives, Knoke said.

Amy Thimm, vice president of clinical services and quality and interim co-CEO, said the hospital is working to make connections with other nearby small hospitals so that local residents still could get skilled hospital care closer to home than Lincoln or Omaha.

Its hard to recruit people if you lose your hospital

Warren Memorial can keep patients 24 to 48 hours for observation. It also can extend stays for individual patients if necessary, which could allow for hospice care, another service thats important to the community, she said. Overall, the hospitals patient stays cant average more than 24 hours over the course of a year. But with fewer inpatients, that leaves room to maneuver.

Ron Te Brink, the hospitals chief information officer and interim co-CEO, said the inpatient arrangements the hospital is seeking with its neighbors also could bolster those hospitals bottom lines. Before, local hospitals all were competing for the same patients.

Its sometimes a win for everyone when someone makes a change, he said.

Still, the hospital and its 50 employees have had some challenges to overcome.

Chaffin, the finance officer, said the hospital  like other rural facilities  got through the pandemic with the help of additional funding provided by the federal government. But that covered only payroll and some fixed costs. Debts to vendors mounted. When that funding ended last year, the hospital essentially faced two years worth of expenses with one year of revenue.

The hospitals daily census also dwindled during 2023 from a handful on average to fewer than two, he said. Some patients overstayed the maximum days allotted under Medicare. Once patients exceed that limit, a hospital no longer receives reimbursement.

But Warren Memorial has made progress financially since late last year, he said. Its been in the black in the months since its fiscal year began Oct. 1.

Management has focused heavily on outpatient services, such as wound care and the hospitals infusion clinic, which the team hopes to expand to a 24/7 operation.

The hospital is offering more specialty clinics  an orthopedist comes in once a month to provide injections and scans  and it has resurrected its operating room, which hadnt been used since 2021. Another doctor will begin performing colonoscopies and upper endoscopies in March.

I tell everyone: The way you win this game is to build your outpatient services, Thimm said. She would like to add even more, such as general surgery for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and womens health services.

Chaffin said the team also has focused on reshaping contracts and looking hard at expenses. During the community town hall last fall, they also explained that the facility is a use it or lose it operation. Even if residents rely on the two other clinics in town, they can still come to Warren Memorial for X-rays and lab work, rather than getting them in Crete, Seward or Lincoln.

If the town wants us here, you have to use us, he said.

The hospitals laboratory, which has someone on call 24/7, can test for respiratory illnesses and run full metabolic panels, assessments of cardiac markers and more.

Its a small lab, but its complete, said Alphe Manalili, lab manager.

The hospitals emergency rooms are connected to a telemedicine provider in Sioux Falls, S.D., allowing local staff to pull in remote nurses, doctors and specialists such as cardiologists for backup help in all emergency cases.

Michael Karel, a physician assistant who was working in the hospitals attached clinic Friday, said being able to provide more services nearby means the communitys aging residents dont have to drive far for care. Four or five area rescue squads use the E.R.

Theres definitely a lot of support for keeping the hospital here, he said.

Te Brink said accessible services also are important in such an ag-focused community. Friend is ringed by cornfields and grain bins.

You have farmers and ranchers who wont take the time to drive to Lincoln if their knees hurt, he said. If we can provide it, they can come in over lunch.

Jen Stutzman, president of the hospital board, said that securing an E.R. and clinic in town also is important for the overall health of the community, including recruiting employees for local schools and industries. Its also kept some aging residents in the community.

Its hard to recruit people if you lose your hospital, she said.

Te Brink said the conversion process hasnt been an easy one. But the team feels a commitment to the hospital.

Weve gone through some really tough times, and we keep going through the tough times because were really committed to seeing that it still exists, he said. Weve all seen how important it is to the community.(tncms-asset)2d98a4b5-feef-5442-93c1-5c3bbcd04ccd[6](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)e77330e7-c37b-5c67-9cad-cf16190f929b[7](/tncms-asset)

Photos: Warren Memorial Hospital becomes first rural emergency hospital in Nebraska.
The global alternators market is experiencing growth owing to rise in demand for dependable power sources, technological advancements, and a heightened focus on sustainable energy solutions. Industries spanning energy, automotive, and construction sectors heavily depend on alternators to maintain stable and uninterrupted power supply. These devices play a critical role in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby powering various equipment and machinery essential for industrial operations.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Alternators Market by Type (Brushed Alternators, Brushless Alternators, and Permanent Magnet Alternators), Voltage (Medium and High), Phase (Three Phase Alternator, Two Phase Alternator, and Single Phase Alternator), End-Use Industry (Automotive, Power Generation, Construction, Oil and Gas, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global alternators market was valued at $21.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $35.7 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2032.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A09824

Prime determinants of growth

The global alternators market is experiencing growth due to several factors such as expansion of the renewable energy sector, and surge in industrialization and infrastructure development. However, environmental concerns and emissions regulations hinder the market growth to some extent. Moreover, the electrification of automotive systems within both hybrid and electric vehicles presents additional opportunities for alternators. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2023, combined sales of the U.S. hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles increased by 16.3% of the total new light-duty vehicle sales. As vehicles become increasingly electrified, with features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and electric power steering, the demand for alternators capable of meeting the increased electrical load witnesses growth.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $21.1 billion Market Size in 2032 $35.7 billion CAGR 5.4 % No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered Type, Voltage, Phase, End-use Industry, and Region. Drivers  Expansion of the renewable energy sector  Surge in industrialization and infrastructure development Opportunity  Rise in adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles Restraint  Environmental concerns and emissions regulations

The brushed alternators segment is expected to maintain its dominance by 2032

By type, the brushed alternators segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global alternators market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Brushed alternators are coupled to an external mechanical power source such as an engine or turbine. The rotation of this power source is transmitted to the alternator rotor, causing it to spin within the magnetic field. The efficiency and reliability of this mechanical system are crucial for ensuring consistent power generation. All these factors drive the demand for brushed alternators during the forecast period.

Procure Complete Report (250 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/alternators-market

The medium segment is expected to lead by 2032

By voltage, the medium segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global alternators market revenue and is estimated to dominate during the forecast period. The expansion of infrastructure projects worldwide fuels the demand for medium-voltage alternators. Infrastructure development in sectors such as construction, oil and gas, mining, and utilities requires reliable power generation solutions such as medium voltage alternators. As countries invest in modernizing and expanding their infrastructure, there is a corresponding need for dependable electrical machinery to support these initiatives.

The phase alternator segment is expected to maintain its dominance by 2032

By phase, the three phase alternator segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for half of the global alternators market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The integration of three-phase alternators into renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, and solar power installations has fueled the growth of three-phase alternators.

The automotive segment is expected to lead by 2032

By end-use industry, the automotive segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for less than one-third of the global alternators market revenue and is estimated to dominate during the forecast period. The increase in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has significantly boosted the demand for alternators. While EVs rely primarily on batteries for propulsion, alternators are still necessary for charging the battery of the vehicle and powering auxiliary systems.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period

By region, Asia-Pacific was the fastest-growing region in terms of revenue in 2022 representing 5.8% of the CAGR. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations have led to an increased need for power generation equipment. Alternators play a crucial role in power generation, whether it's for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. As more infrastructure projects, manufacturing facilities, and residential complexes are built, the demand for alternators to ensure a stable and reliable power supply grows proportionally.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/alternators-market/purchase-options

Leading Market Players: -

Bosch Limited

Cummins Inc.

Denso Corporation

Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA

Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.

Lucas Automotive Aftermarket

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Prestolite Electric Incorporated

Remy International

Valeo SA

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global alternators market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others, to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Mews announces $1.2bn valuation as it further expedites global expansion, product growth and its acquisition strategy

AMSTERDAM, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has announced today that it is raising fresh funding of $110m. The round is led by existing investor Kinnevik, alongside Revaia, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Notion Capital and new investor LGVP. The new funding values the company at $1.2bn.

The funding follows a year of significant growth. In the last year, Mews has achieved:

Matt Welle, CEO, and Richard Valtr, Founder, of Mews.

Over 60% increase in revenue year-on-year, crossing $100m in annualized net revenue

in annualized net revenue A significant increase in Gross Payment Volume to over $8bn

Over 16 million annual check-ins at hotels worldwide

Over 1,000 integrations with hospitality's best technology in its marketplace

Three new acquisitions (Frontdesk Anywhere, Hotello and Nomi), taking the total number of hospitality companies acquired by Mews to eight

The latest investment bolsters the financial standing of Mews as it sets itself up for major growth. The funding will see Mews prioritize its global expansion, research and development, and acquisitions, enabling the world's most innovative hospitality organizations to accelerate their digital transformation.

Richard Valtr, an ex-hotelier, founded Mews in 2012 when building a hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. Having spent the summer holidays as a night receptionist, Valtr realized that the hospitality industry is built on legacy, on-premise technology. Mews aims to revolutionize hotel operations with its cloud-based system that integrates with thousands of other tech solutions. Today, over 350,000 hospitality spaces are managed via Mews across 5,000 customers worldwide, including Strawberry Hotels, The Social Hub and Airelles.

Richard Valtr, Mews Founder, commented, "We're seeing a fundamental shift in the way the world's leading hospitality brands are accelerating their digital transformation and reshaping the way they deliver hospitality. With this raise we will continue to build industry-leading products with a world-class team behind us. In five years, the way that hospitality brands and guests interact with each other will be completely different, with Mews leading the way."

Matt Welle, CEO of Mews, added, "This funding is a credit to the strength of our vision, the Mews team, our forward-thinking customers and committed investors who have helped us get to where we are today. As more hoteliers embrace modern technology, we have a huge opportunity to help them streamline their operations, build more profitable businesses and deliver personalized guest experiences. Mews is in a unique position to truly transform the industry."

Akhil Chainwala, Investment Director at Kinnevik, commented, "Matt and Richard are building a product and a team that is redefining the hospitality industry. In the short period of time since our initial investment, Mews has outperformed our expectations as it moved into new geographies and segments. Now, we are excited to further back the team to help them realize their ambitions and accelerate even more quickly  especially to extend the platform's combination of software and payments. We're looking forward to continuing this journey with Mews and being a part of the transformation that is happening across the industry."

Alexander Lippert, Managing Director in Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Asset Management , added, "Mews is making a transformative impact to support some of the most innovative hospitality brands around the world as cloud adoption accelerates across the $15.5 trillion global travel and tourism industry. With the increased demand for modern technology, Mews and its industry-leading platform is positioned to enable an even wider set of hospitality customers to transform their operations, diversify their revenue and improve the guest experience."

The latest funding is in addition to the company's $185m investment round in December 2022, which was led by Kinnevik and the Growth Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

About Mews

Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering 5,000 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include Accor, Generator-Freehand, The Strawberry Group, The Social Hub and Airelles. Mews was named Best PMS (2024) and listed among the Best Place to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024) by Hotel Tech Report, as well as World's Best Hotel PMS Provider (2023) and World's Best Independent Hotel PMS Provider (2022, 2023) by World Travel Tech Awards. The company has offices in Europe, the United States and Australia.

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With the acquisition of the German software company completed, RLDatix will expand support and coverage in the region while also driving increased innovation.

CHICAGO, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RLDatix, the leading global provider of connected healthcare operations software and services, has finalized the acquisition of Breitenbach Software Engineering GmbH ("Breitenbach"), a Germany-based integrated solutions provider specializing in workforce management.

"Welcoming the rich history of Breitenbach and their team to our global RLDatix company is a critical step in our long-term investment and growth within the German market," said Jeff Surges, RLDatix CEO. "Our combined capabilities will enable RLDatix to continue to deliver enhanced connected healthcare operations across the region."

As Breitenbach formally joins RLDatix, customers will gain access to a team of more than 2,000 supporting solutions across risk and safety, compliance, provider and workforce management  joining a community of more than 6,000 customers in over 20 countries.

"With access to even more resources, our teams will continue to enrich our services and capabilities," said Markus Rohler, co-managing director of Breitenbach Software, who has joined RLDatix as Vice President of Healthcare and Public.

"As we formalize this acquisition, customers can look forward to enhanced support and coverage," said Matthias Scholtz, RLDatix General Manager, who will lead the combined company. "By integrating these additional sites, we are now even closer to our customers, and our products will continue to evolve to address pressing needs across the industry."

Following the completion of this acquisition, RLDatix will continue to advance connected healthcare operations in Germany and beyond.

About RLDatix

RLDatix is on a mission to improve healthcare by enabling a world where patients receive the best and safest care possible. Trusted by thousands of clients around the world, our connected healthcare operations platform combines software and trusted services to empower organizations with critical data insights across risk, safety, compliance, provider lifecycle and workforce management. Our user-centric approach provides a holistic, real-time view of healthcare operations, connecting disparate information across the enterprise  thus giving organizational leadership the contextualized data they need to make better informed decisions.

Visit rldatix.com to learn more.

For more information:

Mike Etzinger

SVP Global Communications and Marketing Operations

RLDatix

marketing.de@rldatix.com

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High school mentorship program enhances opportunities for college and career success for students in Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global expert services and consulting firm Berkeley Research Group (BRG) announced today that registration will open on March 4, 2024, for this summer's BRG Leg Up Program, an accessible educational and mentorship program intended to inspire lifelong learners and enhance participants' opportunities for college and career success. The four-day intensive workshop on entrepreneurship introduces rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to the world of consulting and other career options. Participating BRG office locations include Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C.

"The BRG Leg Up Program is an extension of one of BRG's core values: to drive change with action. We are proud to give valuable mentorship and guidance to talented and motivated high school students across the country," said Carmen Rios, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion manager at BRG. "Our goal is to provide sustainable networks of similarly situated students and professionals to the youth from underrepresented communities in cities where we have offices."

Since 2021, BRG has partnered with local high schools and organizations to identify high-potential students. The program combines educational content, mentorship and network building as three foundational cornerstones, as well as skill-building sessions such as resume writing, interviewing and presenting. Upon completion of the program, students continue to participate in events including college admission panels, local day trips and informational sessions with BRG's experts.

"Technology, medicine and engineering aren't the only career paths for talented students," said Jeremiah Cassamajor, a former participant and current program mentor who attends New York University. "The program puts a much-needed emphasis on teaching high schoolers about business fundamentals. It opened my eyes to the professional opportunities that exist in consulting, and you don't get that exposure in the classroom."

This year BRG is partnering with schools and organizations in each participating city, including Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), to help support the program's efforts.

The 2024 program dates are as follows:

Los Angeles : June 2427

: June 2427 Boston , New York City and Washington, D.C. : July 1519

In addition, BRG is offering college students the opportunity to join the BRG On Campus Virtual Forum, a series of hourlong virtual forums that will explore high-impact careers in consulting and how to make the best impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Engaged, qualified participants will have access to enhanced networking opportunities and early consideration for BRG summer internships and full-time positions.

To learn more about the Leg Up Program and opportunities to register, visit https://www.thinkbrg.com/about/diversity/leg-up-program/

To learn more about the On Campus Virtual Forum, visit https://jobs.jobvite.com/careers/brg/job/oHBzqfw1?__jvst

For more information about BRG's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, visit https://www.thinkbrg.com/about/diversity/.

About BRG

Berkeley Research Group, LLC is a global consulting firm that helps leading organizations advance in three key areas: disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and performance improvement and advisory. Headquartered in California with offices around the world, we are an integrated group of experts, industry leaders, academics, data scientists and professionals working across borders and disciplines. We harness our collective expertise to deliver the inspired insights and practical strategies our clients need to stay ahead of what's next. Visit thinkbrg.com to learn more.

SOURCE BRG
Slachta joins Cytovale after serving 12 years at Abbott, most recently as divisional vice president of global operations and supply chain, molecular diagnostics. While in this role, Slachta held broad profit and loss responsibilities and directly led the COVID-19 assay manufacturing emergency production ramp-up, which resulted in a 400% capacity increase in less than 60 days. Prior, he led manufacturing operations at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, where he was general manager for five Johnson & Johnson medical devices and diagnostics manufacturing sites.

"With his keen understanding of global operations and impressive track record of production scale-up in medical diagnostics, Chris is the right person to oversee acceleration of Cytovale's operational growth plans," said Cytovale CEO Ajay Shah. "Our initial launch of IntelliSep at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center has demonstrated tremendous clinical and quality improvements in just the first six months, and we have burgeoning interest from leading hospitals and health systems striving to improve their sepsis management, emergency department (ED) operations, and patient care. We are thrilled that Chris is joining us at this pivotal moment to help accelerate our growth with the highest attention to operational excellence and quality assurance."

Starting in January 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) increased pressure on hospitals to rapidly identify sepsis in the ED by moving the Sepsis Core Measure, known as SEP-1, from a passive pay-for-reporting measure to a pay-for-performance measure. IntelliSep is a crucial diagnostic tool for hospitals, enabling patient risk stratification and supporting SEP-1 compliance as well. The host immune response diagnostic generates results in under 10 minutes using standard blood draws and can be seamlessly integrated into existing care workflows.

"Hospital laboratories need definitive diagnostics to detect sepsis and quickly triage patients. Ajay and his team have developed a proven solution with the potential to make a huge clinical impact on patient care," said Slachta. "I'm excited to join this talented team and help advance the company's vision of improving sepsis patient care on a national scale."

About Cytovale

Cytovale is committed to improving human health by pioneering early detection technologies powered by insightful assessment of immune activation. Comprised of an extraordinary team of life scientists, engineers, clinicians and dreamers, Cytovale intends to accelerate the time it takes to get from triage to life-saving therapies. Learn more about Cytovale and request to implement IntelliSep in your hospital or care setting through cytovale.com . For updates, follow Cytovale on LinkedIn and X .

SOURCE Cytovale
HONG KONG, March 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DPC Dash Ltd ("DPC Dash" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (1405.HK), Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the China Mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China, today announced a profit alert for the year ended December 31, 2023 ("FY2023").

Based on the preliminary assessment of its unaudited consolidated management accounts of the Group for FY2023 (the "Management Accounts") and other relevant information currently available to the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), the Group anticipates total revenues of no less than RMB3 billion for FY2023, compared to approximately RMB2.02 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022 ("FY2022"), representing year-over-year growth of no less than 48%; the Group expects to record a net loss of no higher than RMB29 million for FY2023, compared to RMB222.6 million for FY2022; the Group expects to record an Adjusted Net Profit (non-IFRS measure)1 of no less than RMB8 million, compared with an Adjusted Net Loss (non-IFRS measure) of approximately RMB113.8 million for FY2022.

The Board believes the anticipated strength of the Group's FY2023 operating results was mainly attributable to:

The expansion of the Group's store network, as its total store count increased from 588 stores as at December 31, 2022 to 768 stores as at December 31, 2023 .

to 768 stores as at . Continued revenue growth from the Group's existing stores and strong sales performance of the new stores in its new growth markets in FY2023.

Further enhancements in the Group's profit margin due to improvements to its operational efficiency at both the store and corporate levels during FY2023.

Ms. Aileen Wang, CEO & Executive Director of DPC Dash, commented, "We are pleased to announce robust anticipated preliminary financial results for FY2023, with expected total revenues of no less than RMB3.00 billion and an expected Adjusted Net Profit of no less than RMB8 million. This solid performance reflects the successful strategic expansion of our store network, the strong performance of our existing stores and new growth markets, and our dedication to continuously optimizing our operational efficiencies. We are immensely proud of our team's efforts and confident that our strategic initiatives will drive our long-term growth and profitability."

As at the date of this press release, the Company is still in the process of finalizing the annual results of the Group for FY2023. The information contained in this press release is therefore only based on a preliminary assessment of the Management Accounts and other relevant information currently available to the Board. Such Management Accounts have neither been confirmed nor audited by the Company's independent auditor, nor reviewed by the audit committee of the Company and are subject to finalization and necessary adjustments (if any). As such, the actual annual results of the Group for FY2023 may be different from the disclosure in this press release. Shareholders and potential investors are therefore advised to read carefully the annual results announcement of the Company for FY2023, which is expected to be published before the end of March 2024.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

In evaluating its business, the Group uses non-IFRS measures such as Adjusted Net Profit/(Loss) as additional financial measures, which are not required by, or presented in accordance with, IFRS. The Group believes that these non-IFRS measures facilitate comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company. The Group believes that these measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the Group's results of operations in the same manner as they help the Group's management.

The Group defines Adjusted Net Profit/(Loss) as profit/(loss) for the year and adding back fair value change of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, share-based compensation and listing expenses. Such non-IFRS financial measure enables the assessment of the Group's operating results without considering the impacts of the aforementioned non-cash items and one-off items that the Group does not consider to be indicative of the Group's operating performance in the future.

The Group's presentation of Adjusted Net Profit/(Loss) (non-IFRS measure), however, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The use of such non-IFRS measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and Shareholders and potential investors should not consider it in isolation from, or as substitute for analysis of, the Group's results of operations or financial condition as reported under IFRS.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this document and/or the Announcement are forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "going forward", "ought to", "may", "seek", "should", "intend", "plan", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "aim", "aspire", "objective", "target", "schedules", and "outlook") are not historical facts, are forward-looking and may involve estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks (including but not limited to the risk factors detailed in this document and/or the Announcement), uncertainties and other factors some of which are beyond the Company's control and which are difficult to predict. Accordingly, these factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements have been based on assumptions and factors concerning future events that may prove to be inaccurate. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company about the businesses that it operates. The risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could influence actual results include, but are not limited to: the Company's operations and business prospects; its business and operating strategies and ability to implement such strategies; its ability to develop and manage its operations and business; its ability to control costs and expenses; its ability to identify and satisfy customer demands and preferences; the actions and developments of its competitors; general economic, political and business conditions in the markets in which it operates; and changes to regulatory and operating conditions in the industry and geographical markets in which it operates.

Since actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, the Company strongly cautions investors against placing undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or under applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Statements of, or references to, the Company's intentions or those of any of its Directors are made as of the date of this document and/or the Announcement (as applicable). Any such intentions may change in light of future developments.

The Company's shareholders and potential investors are advised not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and to exercise caution in dealing in securities in the Company.

About DPC Dash

DPC Dash is Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the China mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino's Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash's global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world's largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually developed and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model.

DPC Dash Ltd directly operates 800 stores across 29 cities in mainland China as of 31 January, 2024. The Company is the fastest growing among China's top-five pizza brands, as well as the third-largest in terms of 2022 revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan in March 2023.

For more information, please visit www.dpcdash.com

For official company announcements, please visit www.hkexnews.hk

CONTACTS

DPC Dash Ltd Investor Relations:

DPC Dash Ltd

[email protected]

ICR, LLC

[email protected]

DPC Dash Ltd Media Relations:

ICR, LLC

[email protected]

[1] The Company defines "Adjusted Net Profit/(Loss)", a non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") measure, as profit/(loss) for the year and adding back fair value change of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, share-based compensation and listing expenses.

SOURCE DPC Dash Ltd
The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants have scheduled a performance in Bismarck as part of its Midwest tour.

A concert that is free and open to the public is set for 7 p.m. April 4 in the Century High School Olson Gym at 1000 E. Century Ave.

Tickets are required and available at https://bit.ly/TheUSAFBandTickets.

The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants based in Washington, D.C., are two of the six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band.
The global wearable medical device market, driven by the increasing demand for early disease detection and remote patient monitoring. This demand is prompting healthcare professionals to seek high-precision, comprehensive, and multi-parameter solutions. Key players are actively developing innovative wearable devices to meet these needs. Explore further to discover the market's growth drivers and the latest advancements shaping the future of healthcare.

NEWARK, Del., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The wearable medical device market is poised for significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 8.20% from 2024 to 2034. This translates to an expected market value increase from US$ 38,580.9 million in 2024 to a staggering US$ 84,848.6 million by 2034.

Fueling this growth is the increasing burden of diseases on healthcare systems due to irregular hospital visits and sedentary lifestyles. This compels healthcare bodies, medical service providers, and governments to prioritize timely and regular diagnoses for patients. This, in turn, has created a conducive environment for manufacturers of wearable medical devices.

Future Market Insights' insightful report delves deeper into this trend, providing in-depth analysis of the smart wearable healthcare device market and its various segments, including wearable monitoring devices, digital health wearables, and body-worn medical devices. The report further explores the potential opportunities for manufacturers of stick-to-skin wearable devices offering functions like drug delivery, biosensing, and wound care.

Download the Sample PDF report to explore key market insights and trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-826

Illustrating the real-world impact, the report showcases how wearable technology is revolutionizing healthcare through devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, glucose monitors, and cardiac monitors. Finally, it offers a comprehensive list of leading technology players in the healthcare and smart medical device industry, highlighting their contributions and innovations.

Additionally, regional and national healthcare agencies are actively encouraging routine diagnosis through awareness programs and various campaigns. These initiatives are resulting in a heightened public awareness of products and devices for monitoring and diagnosing vital signs. This further contributes to the projected growth of the wearable medical device market.

"Continuous advancements and release of upgraded wearable medical devices by leading players are expected to be a go-to-market strategy of leading players. Additionally, players are expected to explore the potential of wearable medical devices in various new segments," says Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.).

Key Takeaways from the Wearable Medical Device Market Report

The wearable medical device market achieved a market size of US$ 36,604.3 million in 2023. During the historical period, the market registered a CAGR of 10.7%.

in 2023. During the historical period, the market registered a CAGR of 10.7%. By product, the wearable therapeutic medical device segment is estimated to acquire a value share of 55% in 2024.

Based on the application, the home healthcare segment is anticipated to obtain a market share of 63% in 2024.

The wearable medical device industry in the United States is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2034.

is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2034. The wearable medical device market in France is projected to register a CAGR of 8% from 2024 to 2034.

is projected to register a CAGR of 8% from 2024 to 2034. The wearable medical device market in India is estimated to record a staggering CAGR of 18.40% over the forecast period.

is estimated to record a staggering CAGR of 18.40% over the forecast period. The market in Singapore is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.10% through 2034.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are developing advanced wearables and exploring new application cases for wearable medical devices, which is contributing to market growth. The industry participants are acquiring firms with complementary technologies and collaborating with other healthcare institutions, technology providers, and pharmaceutical firms to expand their distribution channels, leverage expertise, and develop integrated solutions.

Players are further emphasizing privacy and data security and prioritizing user-friendly designs to boost user adoption and compliance. Industry participants are getting involved in targeted marketing campaigns toward certain healthcare professionals and patient segments to elevate brand recognition and drive device adoption.

Manufacturers of Wearable Medical Devices

Medtronic plc

Siemens AG

Fitbit Inc.

Bayer AG

Panasonic Corporation

Animas Corporation - Johnson and Johnson

Smiths Medical - A Smiths Group Company

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Owlet Baby Care

OMRON Corporation

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Rest Devices Inc.

Purchase now and gain full access to the Rubber Molding Industry report, featuring comprehensive Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives.

Recent Developments in the Wearable Medical Device Market

In July 2023 , Dexcom, a developer of constant glucose monitors, revealed that it is making a Type 2 diabetes monitor for patients who don't require insulin. The company also offers a cash-pay choice for patients not secured by health insurers and Medicare.

, Dexcom, a developer of constant glucose monitors, revealed that it is making a Type 2 diabetes monitor for patients who don't require insulin. The company also offers a cash-pay choice for patients not secured by health insurers and Medicare. In July 2023 , Samsung announced that it is gearing up to launch 'Galaxy Ring' equipped with smart health features in 2024. For the success of its recent wearable endeavor, the Korean tech giant is collaborating with international as well as domestic component manufacturers.

Key Market Segmentation

By Product:

Wearable Monitoring and Diagnostic Devices

Foetal and Obstetric Devices

Wearable Foetal Monitors



Infant Motion Sensing Monitors

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices

Cardiac Monitoring Devices

Wearable Heart Rate Monitors



Wearable Pulse Oximeters



Wearable Blood Pressure Monitors

Wearable Therapeutic Medical Device

Hearing Aid

Insulin Pump

Respiratory Therapy Devices

Sleep Apnea Devices



Non-invasive Ventilation

Health and Fitness Devices

By Application:

Patient Monitoring

Home Healthcare

Health and Fitness

By Distribution Channel:

Hospital Pharmacies

Clinics

Online Channels

Hypermarkets

By Region:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

and Latin America

Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here!

About the Author:

Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher.

Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation.

Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News.

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Healthcare Domain:

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Contact Us

Nandini Singh Sawlani

Future Market Insights Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,

Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA

T: +1-845-579-5705

For Sales Enquiries: [email protected]

Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com

LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Future Market Insights
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Express Wash Concepts (EWC) today announced it has once again been recognized as one of the fastest-growing Midwest private companies. According to Inc. Magazine, EWC ranked #80 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest list with a two-year revenue growth of 147%. Part of the annual Inc. 5000 annual franchise, the regional list ranks the fastest-growing private companies in 12 Midwestern states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Ohio. EWC is the only car wash company to be recognized on this year's Midwest list.

"Each day, our 950+ team members remain focused on providing our customers with the best wash experience possible, and their dedication has enabled us to grow responsibly and consistently be named one of the Midwest's fastest growing companies," said John Roush, Express Wash Concepts Chief Executive Officer. "Being home-grown and operated, we are so proud to be featured alongside six other Central Ohio businesses and look forward to our continued positive impact on the region's economy."

Express Wash Concepts currently operates more than 95 award-winning express car washes across six states and five brands. The company's popular Unlimited Wash Club packages offer members the convenience and value of unlimited washing at any location. EWC plans to open 25 additional locations in 2024.

The 172 Midwestern companies profiled in the 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest list show stunning rates of growth across all industries. Between 2020 and 2022, they added more than 14,830 jobs and nearly $24.5 billion to the Midwest economy. Complete results can be found at inc.com/midwest.

About Express Wash Concepts:

Express Wash Concepts (EWC) operates 95+ award winning, express car wash locations across six states under the following brands: Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Clean Express Auto Wash, Green Clean Express Auto Wash and Bee Clean Express Car Wash. EWC brands feature fast, high quality and environmentally friendly express tunnel wash experiences and free vacuums. The company's popular Unlimited Wash Club packages offer members the convenience and value of contactless payment and unlimited washing at any location. For more information, please visit www.expresswashconcepts.com.

About Inc. 5000 Regionals:

The 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2020 and 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2022.

SOURCE Express Wash Concepts
Collaboration offers innovative supplemental healthcare solutions for the evolving workforce

DENVER, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Relief for healthcare coverage challenges is coming to workers through a collaboration designed to bring innovative supplemental healthcare solutions to individuals and employers.

Three organizations are teaming up to offer affordable and flexible healthcare coverage and address workers' evolving insurance needs: Dallas-based Hooray Health, a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions; GigSmart, a Denver-based workforce management platform that seamlessly connects workers with businesses for short and long-term jobs across all industries; and Schaumburg, Ill.-based Zurich North America, one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals.

GigSmart, Hooray Health, and Zurich North America join forces to provide access to affordable healthcare for workers. Post this

The collaboration is working to address one of the top healthcare pain points forworkers: high annual deductibles for major medical coverage.

"This alliance leverages the strengths of all three organizations to develop tailored insurance solutions specifically designed for the individual worker and evolving workforce," said Shane Foss, CEO of Hooray Health. "Too often workers only have limited options for healthcare. Our plans supplement the online exchange plans very well, giving workers access to major medical coverage at a lower price point and the ability to use Hooray Health for non-emergencies."

"More than one million workers on the GigSmart platform will now have access to comprehensive insurance resources to help support their success and overall well-being," said Mitch Catino, co-founder and COO at GigSmart.

The collaboration also focuses on educating workers about the value of insurance and the coverage options available to them. Dedicated customer support and educational resources will be provided to ensure workers have the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

"This collaboration signifies a long-term commitment to solving the growing financial burden of healthcare for individuals," said David Fike, Head of Life, Accident & Health for Zurich North America. "Managing medical spending and debt is a real challenge for many Americans. And it's something that Zurich, Hooray Health, and GigSmart are passionate about solving."

About GigSmart

About Hooray Health

About Zurich North America

SOURCE GigSmart
Grazzy boosts earned wages for hourly employees by offering frictionless tipping options.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grazzy is now an approved partner for the IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. Grazzy's ability to quickly and securely scale across large multi-brand portfolios has earned the company status as the go-to platform for cashless payments for hotel and service operators.

IHG Hotels and Resorts has selected Grazzy as an approved digital tipping partner for its properties.

Because the major brands determined that Grazzy meets stringent software security and brand experience standards, large operators like Hotel Equities, Crestline Hotels, Dimension Hospitality, and many others have in turn tapped Grazzy to support rapidly-scaling digital tipping programs. Grazzy's ability to fully launch digital tipping programs in about 30 days, then optimize program performance down to the level of individual locations, makes the company a valuable partner as operators expand digital payment options for guests.

The digital tipping platform provides hotel guests a simple way to tip without cash and without requiring an app download or account setup. Available payment methods range from credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or even charge-to-room options. Guests also have the option to provide real-time feedback that can be connected to User Generated Content travel review websites.

"The stage is set for digital tipping to become commonplace in 2024. Hotels and many other types of service-focused businesses recognize the importance of tips as a competitive tool in a tight labor market," said Russ Lemmer, Grazzy CEO. "But these businesses also need simple tools to help allocate earnings, automate tax preparation and manage the success of digital tipping solutions within their businesses. Grazzy has approached the hospitality market as a collaborative disruptor, maximizing the value that Grazzy provides to hourly team members, operators, and the guest."

By making cashless tips simple for guests, Grazzy helps guest-facing employees earn as much as $1-2 more per hour. They can then access their earnings instantly with Grazzy Direct, a same-day payout option that allows employees to move money and begin spending the very same day.

In the back office, Grazzy provides IRS tip income-compliant reporting that is kept continually up-to-date, simplifying payroll processes for complex businesses. The platform also provides detailed program performance metrics to help hotel brands, operators and individual locations maximize the value their guests and employees get from digital tipping.

About Grazzy

Grazzy helps hourly employees make more money, access it the same day, and save and spend in more meaningful ways. By improving financial wellness for front line workers, Grazzy reduces retention and recruiting costs for hotels, bars, restaurants, salons, car washes, and more. Grazzy also benefits back of the house operations by providing assistance to ensure tax compliance, scaling for businesses of any size, and real-time assistance with an expert care team. Our extensible payments platform enables digital tipping, instant tip-outs, and inclusive banking solutions that are built to scale with hospitality and services businesses of any size. To learn more visit https://www.grazzy.co .

Contact Information

Rick Medeiros

510-556-8517

[email protected]

SOURCE Grazzy
NEW YORK, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To further bolster the firm's future growth trajectory by implementing a strategic restructuring of its Executive Committee, Lenox Advisors, Inc., an NFP company, announces key enhancements to leadership with the promotion of Naresh Singh to Partner in the company.

Naresh Singh steps into the role of Partner after a dynamic twelve-year tenure, contributing significantly to the firm as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Greg Large, President of Lenox Advisors, said that "Naresh's commitment to innovation and his ability to implement systems that protect our operations and clients have been essential to Lenox's growth. I'm excited about his continued progress solidifying our industry leadership on the technology front."

Newly Appointed Executive Committee Members

Highlighting a progressive approach to corporate management, Kristi Vassak takes the helm as Chair of the Executive Committee. Recognized for her visionary thinking and strategic acumen, Kristi embodies the forward-looking leadership integral to steering Lenox into the future.

In corroborating the firm's dedication to fostering robust internal leadership, Ari Greenman joins the Executive Committee as well, offering more than 17 years of invaluable service and insight. Ari's comprehensive understanding of client relations will energize Lenox's overarching strategic priorities and forge new avenues for its advisors' success.

Lenox's Executive Committee includes:

Greg Large , President

, President Michael Book , Managing Partner

, Managing Partner Kristi Vassak , Partner & Chair of Executive Committee

, Partner & Chair of Executive Committee Stefan Greenberg , Managing Partner, Sales Management

, Managing Partner, Sales Management Ari Greenman , Partner, Advisor

, Partner, Advisor Naresh Singh , Partner, Head of Information Technology

, Partner, Head of Information Technology Marvine Laurent , Managing Director, Finance and Operations

, Managing Director, Finance and Operations Angie LeMar , Partner, Executive Benefits and Advanced Solutions & New Business

, Partner, Executive Benefits and Advanced Solutions & New Business Frank Anzalone , Managing Director, National Head of Sales & Distribution

, Managing Director, National Head of Sales & Distribution Nataly Sogoloff , Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Talent

"Each executive embodies unparalleled leadership and industry insight, positioning Lenox Advisors to spearhead innovation, superior client service, and firm growth," concluded Large.

This strategic recalibration of the Executive Committee will strengthen Lenox's capacity to serve its clientele while accelerating its advancement as a thought leader within the financial landscape.

About Lenox Advisors

Driven by the notion of what is best for you, Lenox Advisors builds custom solutions that integrate the financial needs of emerging affluent and other individuals with high net worth, their families, and corporate clients. As your advocate, we take the time to deeply understand your goals and values, informing our dynamic strategies to help protect and preserve your wealth. To learn more, visit www.lenoxadvisors.com

Media inquiries:

Melissa Dziemian, VP, Head of Marketing

Lenox Advisors, Inc.

90 Park Ave. 18 Floor, New York, NY 10016

212.536.8700

SOURCE LENOX ADVISORS, INC.
LONDON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobica , the global software and engineering provider, has announced Gary Butters as their Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Gary joined Mobica as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in November 2020 and as part of outgoing CEO Sam Kingston's leadership team, delivered significant success, leading to Mobica's acquisition by Cognizant in March 2023.

Mobica Appoints Gary Butters as CEO

This acquisition will significantly expand Cognizant's IoT embedded software engineering capabilities as part of their overall strategy to help companies modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Gary takes over the role with the remit to complete the integration of Mobica into Cognizant while continuing to deliver double-digit growth.

Mobica, which is headquartered in Manchester UK, with operations in Europe and the US, provides world-class software engineering and development expertise to many of the most recognised global brands. Founded in 2004, it serves a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the automotive, manufacturing, industrial and semiconductor industries.

In his role as CEO, Gary will continue Mobica's vision of delivering exceptional value and innovation to it's clients and customers, while spearheading its growth plan as demand for engineering and software expertise continues to rise.

Commenting on his appointment, Gary says:

"Over the past few years, Mobica has seen demand for our world-class engineering increase significantly, particularly with the acceleration in AI and machine learning. This has seen some of the once 'traditional' industries such as automotive and manufacturing undergo a radical transformation.

"As a result, companies are increasingly seeking skilled professionals - particularly in areas such as software development, AI, IoT, and data analytics - in order to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. However, they are vying for a limited pool of technology talent, so access to Mobica engineering services has been vital to enable our customers to remain agile in a rapidly evolving landscape.



"Our ongoing growth is a testament to our team of dedicated 'Mobicans' and our unwavering dedication to delivering cutting-edge software engineering solutions. We have consistently provided clients with access to top-tier engineering talent, enabling them to drive digital transformation and achieve their business objectives. I am looking forward to working with our talented team as we continue our ambitious growth plans."

www.mobica.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2352612/Mobica_1.jpg

SOURCE Mobica
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The director of NASA's Johnson Space Center will discuss the objectives behind the center's new Exploration Park initiative at the next meeting of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's (BAHEP) aerospace advisory committee at 12 p.m. CST Wednesday, March 6, at 1150 Gemini in Houston.

Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche will be joined by representatives from the American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI), which recently signed the second agreement to lease acres of underutilized land in a 240-acre Exploration Park. NASA signed a separate lease with the Texas A&M University System earlier this month.

Media are invited to attend the opening discussion of BAHEP's committee meeting, then have a brief opportunity for interviews with Wyche, John Burer, founder of ACMI and other ACMI experts.

NASA is leasing the land to create facilities for a collaborative development environment that increases commercial access and enhances the United States' commercial competitiveness in the space and aerospace industries.

Media wishing to participate in person are asked to RSVP by 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, by contacting the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 or [email protected].

To learn more about NASA Johnson and Exploration Park, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/johnson-news/#news-releases

SOURCE NASA
- Showcases brain imaging analysis technology with key products Neurophet AQUA and Neurophet SCALE PET

- Aims to commercialize ARIA analysis and amyloid-positive prediction technology

SEOUL, South Korea, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurophet, an artificial intelligence (AI) solution company for brain disease, announced its participation in the international conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and related neurological disorders (AD/PD 2024).

At this conference, Neurophet will introduce Alzheimer's disease treatment related technologies planned to be commercialized such as analysis of the side effect and amyloid-positive prediction. Especially, attendees would be able to experience technology that analyzes the side effect through prototype demonstration.

Neurophet introduces AI-powered brain imaging analysis technology at ADPD 2024

Neurophet will also showcase key products brain MRI analysis software "Neurophet AQUA" and brain PET image analysis software "Neurophet SCALE PET".

Neurophet AQUA analyzes brain atrophy and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) found in brain MRI of most Alzheimer's disease patients. Neurophet SCALE PET provides quantitative regional amyloid beta deposition, known as the causative agent of Alzheimer's disease, using PET images.

Alzheimer's disease treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab are anti-amyloid antibody drugs that reduce beta-amyloid proteins in the brain, but the side effect ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities) has been consistently observed in patients treated with these drugs. Neurophet plans to launch total solution for Alzheimer's disease treatment including ARIA analysis, since Neurophet has the technology to analyze ARIA.

Also, an amyloid-PET scan is needed to observe cortical amyloid beta deposition. Neurophet is developing the technology to predict amyloid positivity through MR images before scanning amyloid-PET. The strategy is to reduce medical costs incurred by unnecessary amyloid-PET scans and to provide analysis services supporting clinical trials to reduce cost and time in the clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease treatment.

"Neurophet's technology is expected to play a key role in clinical trials, prescription, side effect monitoring, and prognosis observation of Alzheimer's disease treatment," said CEO Jake Junkil Been of Neurophet. "Neurophet will focus on advancing technology and commercializing solution for the treatment."

He added, "By promoting our cutting-edge technology at AD/PD 2024 which we first participate, we aim further engagements with potential customers for global business opportunities."

AD/PD is one of the leading events in the field of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It starts on the 5th and runs until the 9th in Lisbon, Portugal.

About Neurophet

Neurophet has specialized in developing solutions for diagnosis support, treatment guides, and treatment devices targeting brain diseases based on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The company was founded in 2016 by Jake Junkil Been, CEO, and Donghyeon Kim, CTO, who developed the next-generation neuro-navigation system.

Major products include brain MRI analysis software "Neurophet AQUA", brain PET image analysis (PET tracer deposition) software "Neurophet SCALE PET", brain imaging treatment planning software for electric and magnetic brain stimulation "Neurophet tES/TMS LAB", and cloud-based brain imaging analysis research tool "Neurophet SegPlus".

Neurophet has set its top priority to helping patients suffering from brain diseases. Based on expertise in neuroscience, Neurophet will continue to challenge and grow to explore the human brain's health and pioneer solutions for brain diseases with AI technology.

SOURCE Neurophet
COLUMBIA, S.C., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent poll by The Trafalgar Group, conducted from February 21-23, 2024, reveals that 71% of South Carolina republican voters support proposed legislation allowing counties to make autonomous decisions regarding Sunday liquor store operations. The survey sampled 1,091 respondents with a margin of error of 2.9%.

This consensus echoes the findings of an August 2022 study by RG Strategies, indicating a statewide favor of 71% for removing restrictions on spirit sales, empowering businesses to set their operating hours.

"The data is clear. People of South Carolina across all demographics support Sunday sales, especially endorsing the idea that each county should decide," said Robert Cahaly, Chief Pollster of The Trafalgar Group. "Our most recent and previous surveys confirm that this is a rare issue indeed as it has bipartisan support. Legislators should listen."

The poll further reveals that 68.8% of respondents believe beer, wine, and liquor should be uniformly regulated.

Local referendums have been held for decades in South Carolina on whether beer and wine can be sold on Sundays, but the same opportunity is not granted for liquor due to a lingering Prohibition Era law.

Legislation that would allow this vote to happen recently passed through the South Carolina House and is now being debated in the Senate.

"With multiple studies under our belt showing significant support, and a coalition of 15,000 South Carolina voters, businesses and organizations fighting for this, the people have done their part by voicing what they want," said Ed McMullen, Chairman of Cheers! Let SC Decide. "It's now time for legislators to take action and give the people of South Carolina the right to decide."

About Cheers! Let South Carolina Decide

Cheers! Let South Carolina Decide is a coalition of business owners, community organizations and individual consumers who believe it's reasonable and fair for stores and their patrons to have a say in how  and when  they shop. If you agree it's time for South Carolinians to decide if we want Sunday liquor sales, visit https://www.letscdecide.org/.

About The Trafalgar Group

The Trafalgar Group is a market and public opinion research firm based in Atlanta, GA. Their clients include corporations, law firms, hedge funds, partisan organizations, political campaigns, PACs, issue advocacy groups, and high net worth individuals. They are known for their unique abilities to minimize the effects of "the social desirability bias" revealing the genuine consumer and voter opinions that most firms miss.

Since their debut on the national scene in 2016, the Trafalgar Group has become the nation's highest rated polling company according to Real Clear Politics 2023 rankings. To learn more, visit https://www.thetrafalgargroup.org and @trafalgar_group on X.

Media Contact:

Kaelyn Petrides

[email protected]

SOURCE Cheers! Let South Carolina Decide
VALLETTA, Malta, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Our Head Of Development is excited to share a lineup of development tools designed to help streamline development processes and make software creation easier for developers. These tools have been carefully selected to assist a wide range of developers, ensuring easy access to some of the most practical, efficient, and innovative solutions available today.

Valetta Software Development

Google Colaboratory: A Python-based browser development environment that requires no installations. It offers a snippet library and the ability to share code just like a Google Doc, making it incredibly accessible for collaborative projects and educational purposes. Project Jupyter : Supporting a wide range of programming languages including Java, C #, and Python, Project Jupyter is a multi-platform development environment available in both web and desktop versions. It's perfect for sharing work via email, GitHub , Dropbox, and supports various big data tools. Vite : A JavaScript frontend build tool known for its fast dev server and optimization for HMR (Hot Module Replacement). Vite enhances the development experience with a pre-bundle for loading optimization and a build command with its optimization, making it a top choice for frontend developers. Bun: Tailored for JavaScript and TypeScript projects, Bun features a fast JS runtime, a rapid npm package manager, and an optimized test runner that executes tests swiftly, promising significant speed improvements in development workflows. SwiftUI / Jetpack Compose UI: Enhancing native mobile development for iOS and Android, these tools provide a declarative UI framework that minimizes code complexity, incorporates modern elements/APIs, and simplifies the development workflow. Figma for VS Code: An extension that integrates Figma into VS Code, allowing developers to read and leave comments directly from VS Code, get code hints based on design, and link code to design elements, bridging the gap between design and development. Flurl : A .NET, .NET Core, and Xamarin platform tool that serves as an alternative to the default HTTP Client. It simplifies working with HTTP requests, supports asynchronous requests, and manages the creation and reuse of HTTP Clients with a LINQ-like syntax. Pierstoval / SmokeTesting : Specifically designed for the PHP Symfony platform, this tool facilitates smoke testing by allowing developers to easily check all static routes and manually select routes for testing with configurable options, enhancing quality assurance processes.

These tools stand at the cutting edge of development technology, streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and boosting efficiency. Our Head Of Development believes these innovations will be essential for developers in various fields, propelling innovation and productivity in the software development sector. To explore all the technologies our team works with, we invite you to review our comprehensive list at https://www.vallettasoftware.com/

About Valletta Software Development:

Valletta Software Development is an outsourcing agency that delivers top-tier software solutions and champions robust cybersecurity for its clients and partners. With a strong presence on major freelance platforms, the company synergizes expertise and vigilance to navigate the digital landscape's intricacies.

CONTACT: Stanislav Gorshenin, +356-99444876 , sales@vallettasoftware.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2261113/Valetta_Software_Development.jpg

SOURCE Valletta Software Development
An investigation into former lawmaker Ray Holmberg for alleged child sex abuse led to the discovery of long-sought state emails from the deleted account of former North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in a letter to a county prosecutor that the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation discovered on Feb. 7 that a cellphone extraction software program may have automatically copied and stored the contents of Stenehjems personal cellphone.

The emails became the focus of public intrigue after Stenehjem died in office in January 2022. The former attorney generals executive assistant, Liz Brocker, immediately asked IT staff to delete Stenehjems entire email account. Last week, Mountrail County States Attorney Wade Enget concluded no criminal charges were warranted for the deletion of the emails.

For two years, the state thought the emails could not be recovered after review by the state Information Technology Department, Microsoft and an outside expert.

But new information has come to light through an investigation into Holmberg, a former lawmaker who was a close associate of Stenehjem, Wrigley told the North Dakota Monitor.

Not long after his death, Stenehjems family asked for help from BCI personnel to unlock the former attorney generals personal phone to recover his photographs, Wrigley wrote in the Friday letter to Enget.

At the time, the BCI didnt have the technology to get into the phone, so they left the matter alone. State police tried again to unlock the phone about a year later -- in February 2023 -- with improved technology, the letter indicates.

After some technical difficulties, the agency successfully accessed the phone that summer. The BCI at that point returned the phone to the Stenehjems.

The agency informed Wrigley in February that the software used to unlock the phone automatically copied and saved the phones data.

We have a mirror image, a digital file of everything in that phone as of the time it was accessed with this law enforcement technology, Wrigley said Monday.

Since Stenehjem had used his personal phone to access his state email account, the BCI ended up with backed-up copies of Stenehjems emails.

The state obtained a federal warrant to look through the device in connection to the ongoing investigation into Holmberg, Wrigley said. Stenehjem was interviewed as a witness in the inquiry prior to his death, according to Wrigley.

Having a warrant for somebodys phone is not an indication that that individual is under investigation, he said.

In order for the warrant to be approved, investigators had to demonstrate that evidence relevant to a crime may be found on Stenehjems phone, he added. The affidavit for the search warrant is under seal, Wrigley said.

There are at least around 2,000 emails on the phone and thousands of text messages, Wrigley said. Investigators may be able to review other records on the device depending on the parameters of the warrant.

We dont know whats in there yet, Wrigley said.

The state secured another piece of electronic equipment as evidence as part of the investigation this morning, according to Wrigley. He would not say what it is.

Holmberg, a Republican from Grand Forks, was indicted in October 2023, with federal court documents alleging that Holmberg repeatedly traveled from North Dakota to Prague, Czech Republic, to have sex with children.

He resigned from the North Dakota Legislature in 2022 after serving for more than 45 years.

The indictment says the allegations occurred between June 2011 through November 2016.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial is scheduled for April 29 in Fargo.

Enget, the Mountrail County states attorney, will be provided copies of the emails, Wrigley said.

He said Enget was informed that data from the phone was recovered prior to his decision not to pursue charges related to the deletion of Stenehjems emails.

Enget on Monday said he was not aware the state was planning to send him the emails.

He maintained he was only asked to review the findings of the report by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, which was requested by Wrigley in 2022.

I dont know under what authority I would have to look at these, Enget said.

News that Stenehjems emails were deleted by state employees became public following media open records requests related to an over-budget building project spearheaded by Stenehjems administration.
SINGAPORE, March 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OKX, a leading Web3 technology company, today announced the launch of its Solana Super Season Thread Competition, part of a series of initiatives aimed at spurring engagement with and education around the Solana ecosystem. The competition invites Solana enthusiasts and OKX users to showcase their expertise by authoring Twitter threads delving into different aspects of Solana and the OKX wallet.

With a total prize pool of 500 USDC, spread across first (300 USDC), second (150 USDC) and third (50 USDC) places, the competition aims to catalyze more in-depth exploration of Solana while rewarding users for their insights. It also underscores OKX's long-term commitment to supporting Solana and driving mainstream adoption.

The competition is part of OKX's Solana Super Season, which features various initiatives around Solana, including token listings, trading competitions, incubator/accelerator programs, and more. It runs from February 29, 2024 until March 14, 2024. Participants can enter by authoring and publishing a thread delving into any aspect of Solana and tagging it with #OKXSolanaSuperSeason. Submissions will be judged on criteria like creativity, insightfulness, depth of knowledge, and more.

For more details and regular updates, visit the official OKX Solana Super Season page: https://bit.ly/OKX-thread

About OKX

A leading global technology company driving the future of Web3, OKX provides a comprehensive suite of products to meet the needs of beginners and experts alike, including:

OKX Wallet: The world's most powerful, secure and versatile crypto wallet which gives users access to over 80 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes MPC technology which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallet's account abstraction-powered Smart Account enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction.

wallet which gives users access to over 80 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes MPC technology which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallet's account abstraction-powered enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction. DEX: A multi-chain, cross-chain decentralized exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported.

exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported. NFT Marketplace: A multi-chain, zero-fee NFT marketplace that gives users access to NFT listings across seven top-tier marketplaces including OpenSea, MagicEden, LooksRare and Blur.

Web3 DeFi : A powerful DeFi platform that supports earning and staking on about 70 protocols across more than 10 chains.

OKX partners with a number of the world's top brands and athletes, including English Premier League champions Manchester City F.C., McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

As a leader building innovative technology products, OKX believes in challenging the status quo. The company recently launched a global brand campaign entitled, The System Needs a Rewrite, which advocates for a new paradigm led by Web3 self-managed technology.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

SOURCE OKX
AMMAN, Jordan, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) and Linux Foundation Training and Certification (LF T&C) are thrilled to announce an initiative in celebration of Women's History Month. In collaboration with the US White House National Security Council (NSC) , we are proud to support the women of Jordan by launching a pilot program offering 250 free security courses and certifications, including specialized certifications in Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security.

This initiative is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology and cybersecurity fields. By providing complementary security certifications, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in Jordan, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. As cybersecurity continues to experience challenges in finding enough skilled workers, this program will help build capacity in the workforce.

The pilot program is sponsored by OpenSSF and LF T&C, organizations dedicated to advancing open source software security and providing high-quality training and certification programs.

"Today's announcement creates exciting opportunities for Jordan women to learn critical skills to enter the cybersecurity workforce and contribute to Jordan's national security," said Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies. "We applaud OpenSSF and the Linux Foundation for investing in women by granting these scholarships, which will strengthen our collective cybersecurity."

"It is an honor to provide these scholarships to the women of Jordan in recognition of International Women's Day and this year's theme, 'Inspire Inclusion,'" said Clyde Seepersad, SVP, General Manager, Training & Certification at Linux Foundation. "Supporting the careers of all women and increasing the supply of skilled cybersecurity professionals are both of vital, global interest."

Omkhar Arasaratnam, General Manager of OpenSSF, added, "OpenSSF is a proud supporter of cybersecurity capacity building in diverse communities. Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work group and Education Special Interest Group (SIG) have made great progress toward these goals. We're proud to collaborate on this initiative. We believe that providing opportunities for women in cybersecurity is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for building workforce capacity and the diversity of thought required to address tomorrow's cybersecurity challenges."

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Bly

OpenSSF

[email protected]

J Scott Punk

Linux Foundation Training & Certification

[email protected]

Samantha L. Reposa

National Security Council

[email protected]

About the OpenSSF:

The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) is a cross-industry initiative by the Linux Foundation that brings together the industry's most important open source security initiatives and the individuals and companies that support them. The OpenSSF is committed to collaborating and working upstream and with existing communities to advance open source security. For more information, please visit us at openssf.org .

About the Linux Foundation:

The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, OpenSSF, OpenChain, and more. The Linux Foundation focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org .

About the National Security Council (NSC):

The National Security Council (NSC) is the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his or her senior advisors and cabinet officials. Since its inception under President Truman, the Council's function has been to advise and assist the President and to coordinate matters of national security among government agencies. For more information, please visit whitehouse.gov/nsc/ .

SOURCE OpenSSF
NEW YORK, March 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The organic food and beverages market size is forecast to increase by USD 310.08 billion from 2022 to 2027, at a CAGR of 15.85%, according to the recent market study by Technavio. North America is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Since vegans only consume plant-based products, the rising vegan population in the US will also help the regional organic food and beverage market expand over the forecast period. Two to six percent of US consumers consider themselves vegetarians. Celebrities are also becoming more and more pro-vegan in America. Additionally, the number of US startups providing vegan nutrition is growing. As consumers believe they are healthier than regular organic foods and beverages, the demand for organic food and drink is rising in the area. During the forecast period, this will also aid in the market's expansion. During the forecast period, there is also expected to be an increase in the number of new players offering products made from organic foods and drinks. View PDF sample

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Organic Food and Beverages Market 2023-2027

Market Report Coverage Details Page number 178 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 15.85% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 310.08 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023(%) 9.25 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key countries US, Canada, Japan, Germany, and France

Segment Overview

The market is segmented by type (organic fruits and vegetables, organic dairy products, organic prepared foods, organic meat, and others), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

Segmentation by application (Inclusion/Exclusion)

The market share growth by the organic fruits and vegetables segment will be significant during the forecast period. Over the course of the forecast period, the segment's growth is anticipated to be fueled by the growing concerns surrounding artificial preservatives and additives. Originating in developed nations like North America and Europe and later spreading to developing nations like China and India , organic foods are gaining popularity worldwide. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are organic have more advantages over conventional, non-organic fruits and vegetables. Despite their high price, these benefits are driving up demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables. Hence, during the forecast period, an increase in the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables is anticipated View PDF sample

Rising number of new product launches.

Successful new product launches will boost vendors' revenue streams and market shares. For instance, Grain Forests' new organic products were introduced in July 2022 in an effort to connect the remote farm with the city. Moringa powder for daily nutrition, sprouted ragi for babies, a health mix for diabetics, and ragi dosa for a filling breakfast are just a few of the new additions. Similarly, the first zero-sugar organic ultra-filtered milk was introduced in 2021 by Maple Hill Creamery, America's original 100% grass-fed organic dairy brand. With its most recent product innovation, Maple Hill offers consumers an organic milk option that contains no sugar, no additional sweeteners, and no carbohydrates. Thus, the rising number of new product launches in the various segments of the market will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Vendor Landscape

Technavio has extensively analyzed 15 major vendors, including Agrowave Organic Vegetable and Fruits, Amys Kitchen Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ardent Mills LLC, Arla Foods amba, AUGA Group AB, Aurora Organic Dairy, Bunge Ltd., Cargill Inc., Danone SA, Del Monte Pacific Ltd., General Mills Inc., Hometown Food Co., Kellogg Co., Maple Hill Creamery LLC, Mehrotra Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd., Nestle SA, ORGANIC India Pvt. Ltd., Organic Valley, PepsiCo Inc., Premium Brands Holdings Corp., PS Organic, The Coca Cola Co., The Hain Celestial Group Inc., The Hershey Co., United Natural Foods Inc., and Drakes Organic Spirits Inc.

Key Benefits for companies

The report offers information on the criticality of vendor inputs, including R&D, CAPEX, and technology.

It also provides detailed analyses of the market's competitive landscape and vendors' product offerings.

The report also provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak. Expand operations in the future - To get requisite details, ask for a custom report.

Analyst Review

In recent years, the organic food and beverages market has experienced a significant surge in demand, driven by consumers' growing concerns about health, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices. As a result, various aspects such as non-GMO products, accessibility, and the rise of niche stores have come into focus.

Consumers are increasingly turning to farmers' markets and mainstream supermarkets alike in search of organic options, while also exploring the convenience offered by online retailers and even fast-food chains expanding their organic offerings. This shift underscores a heightened awareness of the environmental impact of conventional agricultural practices, including soil degradation, water pollution, and threats to biodiversity.

Against this backdrop, the adoption of organic farming methods and sustainable practices is gaining traction, aiming to address concerns related to soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitats. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products made with organic ingredients over those containing synthetic ingredients, which are often associated with health risks due to exposure to synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics.

Government participation through guidelines, incentives, and regulatory support is crucial in promoting organic farming and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. This involves addressing challenges such as conventional farming practices, water contamination, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests.

Moreover, there's a growing emphasis on enhancing soil fertility, mitigating human diseases linked to agricultural practices, and undertaking cleanups to combat dead zones in water bodies. Biological farming practices are gaining momentum as alternatives to conventional methods, further supported by supply trade regulations aimed at fostering sustainability.

However, the high cost of production remains a barrier for many organic producers, impacting operations, shelf life, and ultimately pricing. Despite this, the market continues to expand, driven by consumer preferences for packaging, logistics, and distribution channels that prioritize sustainability and transparency.

As the market evolves, stakeholders must navigate complexities such as market concentration, changing consumer bases, and segment-specific dynamics, including the fruits and vegetables and organic meat, fish & poultry products segments. Attention to detail regarding artificial preservatives, additives, and emerging trends in organic beverages like non-dairy alternatives, coffee & tea, beer & wine, juices, and soft drinks is essential.

From traditional supermarket/hypermarket to brick-and-mortar stores and online distribution channels, including subscription boxes and online food delivery platforms, the industry must adapt to shifting internet penetration and target marketing strategies to capitalize on the growing demand for organic products among smartphone-savvy consumers. View PDF sample

Related Reports:

The organic food preservatives market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.71% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 367.66 million .

is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.71% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by . The functional foods and beverages market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.29% between 2022 and 2027.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Product Type

7 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Company Landscape

12 Company Analysis

13 Appendix

About US

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
The Beloved Dallas Ice Cream Staple is Opening Shop on March 22

ROCKWALL, Texas, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dessert fans, rejoice! Pokey O's , the longtime Dallas ice cream sandwich shop, is headed to neighboring Rockwall for its newest brick-and-mortar location. Set to open later this month, Pokey O's Rockwall will serve the same premium quality, signature creations in a wide array of craveable flavors that are a favorite amongst those young and old.

Pokey Os, the longtime Dallas ice cream sandwich shop, is headed to neighboring Rockwall, Texas for its newest brick-and-mortar location. The store will it open its doors on Friday, March 22.

Growing up in the DFW metroplex, Pokey O's had always been a go-to for Trevor Anderson and his best friend, Cole Feigl. Together, with Cole's sister Kennedi Feigl and cousin, Wesley Hibbs, the four will now serve as franchise partners of the Rockwall spot. Widely recognized for its Pokey O's Ice Cream Sandwich of two fresh-baked cookies hugging a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream, the brand launched in 2006. The new location marks its first physical store since the original on the campus of Southern Methodist University, in addition to its fleet of food trucks.

"To say that Pokey O's has always been a huge part of our lives is an understatement. Growing up, it was an integral part of the Park Cities/SMU community catering for our churches, schools, birthday parties, and I even took my wife on one of our first dates there! It's a truly special place to us," said Anderson. "We're incredibly excited to continue to grow the brand and share the deliciousness with the Rockwall community."

In addition to its traditional ice cream sandwich, Pokey O's also serves the Instagram-worthy Pokey Oh-My-Gosh which features a three-scoop, double ice cream sandwich, complete with State Fair cookies. For those wanting even more variety, a selection of shakes, cookies and cakes are available to order off the Pokey O's menu. There's even Pokey Paws dog treats for those four-legged good boys and girls.

"Everything that Pokey O's does is larger than life and there's a reason why it has continuously been recognized as one of Texas' go-to dessert shops," said Feigl. "No matter what type of occasion you're celebrating or just stopping by, it always makes your day a little bit better."

Pokey O's Rockwall location will open its doors on Friday, March 22 at Noon. Customers are invited to take advantage of a special one-day-only Buy One, Get One Free deal, while supplies last. The store is located at 2455 FM-740, N Suite 110 with regular hours daily from Noon until 9pm. For more information, visit www.pokeyosrockwall.com .

ABOUT POKEY O'S

Launched in 2006, Pokey O's Cookies & Ice Cream is a beloved Dallas dessert shop. Beginning with a single store in the heart of the city, the brand now features multiple area locations and a fleet of food trucks as well as catering teams across North, Central, and East Texas. For more information on Pokey O's, visit www.pokeyos.com .

Media Contact:

Kristen Skladd

586-222-2423

[email protected]

SOURCE Pokey O's
KANSAS CITY, Mo., and ATLANTA, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tension Packaging & Automation, a leader in packaging automation solutions for both eCommerce and pharmacy order fulfillment operations, announced plans to introduce their new fitPACK 500 right-sized packaging system in their booth #C5073 at MODEX 2024.

Tension Packaging & Automation MODEX Booth #C5073

MODEX 2024 will be held March 11-14 at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., and is expected to host more than 1,150 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees. Tension Packaging & Automation will showcase fitPACK 500 as a featured solution to help order fulfillment operations achieve growth through equipment innovations and cost performance.

Designed by Tension Packaging & Automation and made in the U.S.A., fitPACK 500 is a "right-sized" order fulfillment packaging system designed for efficiency, waste reduction and cost savings. Tailored for variable sized items with capabilities to adjust package length, width and height for each product, fitPACK 500 packages without compromising speed.

"Through its innovative design, fitPACK 500 offers our customers the ability to create packages according to the product size," said Tension Packaging & Automation Vice President and General Manager James Herbert. "Our entire team looks forward to bringing this world-class offering to market, as we see fitPACK as a game changer for the growing demand and changing needs of DTC warehouse distribution."

In addition to fitPACK 500, Tension Packaging & Automation will showcase some of their other product innovations in packaging technology to include:

HPS 300 Variable-length Packaging System  MODEX attendees will have the opportunity to watch how the HPS 300 accepts a continuous stream of products, determines the optimum size for the length and creates a finished package.

 MODEX attendees will have the opportunity to watch how the HPS 300 accepts a continuous stream of products, determines the optimum size for the length and creates a finished package. SLAM Line  This state-of-the-art SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest) Solution will illustrate how eCommerce and pharmacy order fulfillment centers can make the most of the "last 100 feet" in their shipping operations.

 This state-of-the-art SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest) Solution will illustrate how eCommerce and pharmacy order fulfillment centers can make the most of the "last 100 feet" in their shipping operations. Z-Sort  MODEX attendees will have an opportunity to see Tension's Z-Sort advanced sortation solution and how its space-saving design can help increase item sorting rate, reduce errors and more.

 MODEX attendees will have an opportunity to see Tension's Z-Sort advanced sortation solution and how its space-saving design can help increase item sorting rate, reduce errors and more. Paper Bagging System  The Pregis MaxPRO 18 paper bagging solution will provide attendees seeking to achieve sustainability goals with the means to do so.

"Tension is passionate about helping our customers reach their sustainability goals through our sustainable packaging and automation solutions," said Tension Corporation Senior Marketing Manager Erin Moloney. "In addition to sustainable packaging equipment, our team understands the importance of sourcing and recommending sustainable packaging materials."

MODEX 2024 attendees can stop by the Tension Packaging & Automation booth #C5073 to get a first-hand view of the new fitPACK 500 right-sized packaging solution, including an in-depth look at the equipment and its inner components through an interactive video. MODEX attendees can also learn more about the fitPACK 500 by attending the MHI Solutions Community Presents, "The Latest & Greatest Advances of MODEX24," on Monday, March 11 at 2:15pm EST where fitPACK 500 will be a featured solution.

About Tension Packaging & Automation:

Tension Packaging & Automation is a leader in complete packaging and automation solutions. Specializing in a wide variety of results-driven processes, we offer customers expertise in project design, solution development and software integration. Our broad support for automation includes manufacturing, installation, equipment, consumables and robotics. We are known as packaging automation solution specialists for eCommerce and pharmacy order fulfillment  helping customers optimize productivity.

Tension Packaging & Automation's parent company, Tension Corporation, was founded in 1886 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Erin Moloney, Senior Marketing Manager

Tension Packaging & Automation

[email protected]

(816) 283-1463

https://tensionautomation.com/resources/events/2024-modex/

SOURCE Tension Packaging & Automation
Renewal of e-commerce moratorium and intellectual property rights secured

NEW YORK, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) welcomes outcomes from the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi on two key objectives for U.S. industry: a two-year extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and a rejection of efforts to waive intellectual property protections for COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics.

"If the moratorium had expired it would have been an historic setback, representing an unprecedented termination of a multilateral agreement that has allowed the digital economy to take root and grow over the past 25 years," said President and CEO Whitney Baird who represented USCIB at the ministerial last week. "USCIB is similarly pleased that the WTO failed to extend a TRIPS waiver to diagnostics and therapeutics, a move that would have undermined innovative industries, global health security and international rule of law."

Another positive outcome, according to Baird, 72 nations officially adopted the Joint Statement Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, simplifying rules for over 90 percent of the world's trade in services. USCIB joined the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), for which it serves as the U.S. national committee, in welcoming the move. The agreement text had been concluded in December 2021. USCIB also hails progress at the WTO mapping out linkages and exploring best practices in consultation with industry on trade related aspects of circularity, climate, plastics and other policies aimed at advancing sustainability goals.

The outcomes in Abu Dhabi were mixed, however. USCIB is disappointed that MC13 failed to deliver agreements on agriculture, dispute settlement and fisheries, adding uncertainty to a multilateral trading system already under intense strain. "USCIB looks forward to working with the WTO to deliver outcomes in these sectors favorable to U.S. industry," said Baird. "As the cornerstone for open, fair and reliable global trade, the WTO is too important to industry to fail."

USCIB was on the ground in Abu Dhabi with a strong showing of member companies and the ICC, promoting robust digital and innovation safeguards, U.S. leadership on disciplines for sustainable trade, and enhanced roles for plurilateral negotiations and stakeholder engagement at the WTO.

About USCIB:

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S. based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of the economy, with operations in every region of the world, generating $5 trillion in annual revenues and employing over 11 million workers worldwide. As the U.S. affiliate to several leading international business organizations, including the ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade and development. More information is available at www.uscib.org

SOURCE United States Council for International Business (USCIB)
NEW YORK, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- K2 Integrity, the leading risk and financial crimes advisory firm, today announced an upcoming webinar aimed at assisting organizations in navigating the latest updates to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards. As organizations brace for the changes set to take effect on 9 January 2025, K2 Integrity is moving quickly to provide valuable insights and guidance.

The webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, 20 March 2024, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm ET, will feature a distinguished panel of experts delving into the significant changes introduced in the 2024 IIA Global Internal Audit Standards, and sharing strategies for successful implementation.

Joining the discussion will be David Hyman, Senior Vice President and Senior Audit Director at US Bank and Raakhee Jagwani, Director  Interim Head of Quality Assurance and Methodology at Mizuho Bank. Moderating the session will be Yelena Talmazan, Managing Director  Financial Services, Internal Audit, and Risk Advisory Practice at K2 Integrity.

During the one-hour session, participants will gain valuable insights into:

The significant changes in the 2024 IIA Global Internal Audit Standards

Considerations in implementing the new standards

Challenges within internal audit and the board related to the new standards

Best practices for implementation

"We understand the complexities organizations face in adapting to regulatory changes, especially in the realm of internal audit," said CEO Jeremy Kroll. "Our aim is to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate these updates effectively."

Registration for the webinar is now open. Interested participants can secure their place here. Learn more about K2 Integrity's Internal Audit practice.

About K2 Integrity:

K2 Integrity is the leading risk and financial crimes advisory firm helping clients understand and manage their risk so they can lead with confidence. With some of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the industry, K2 Integrity brings together deep subject-matter expertise with proprietary technology and digital offerings to help clients creatively solve today's issues while also planning for the future. Headquartered in New York, the firm's more than 300 employees serve the globe from offices in Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. K2 Integrity has deep knowledge and experience working in every region and across numerous jurisdictions around the world.

To learn more about how K2 Integrity is revolutionizing the management of risk, visit http://www.k2integrity.com/.

For media inquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

Stay Connected:

Follow K2 Integrity on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/930510/K2_Integrity_Logo.jpg
LONG BEACH, Calif., March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wagyu Street, a tantalizing culinary venture centered around premium wagyu beef, is set to make the first U.S. location in April 2024 at The Hangar Food Hall in Long Beach Exchange (LBX). This exciting addition promises a novel fast-casual dining experience, featuring a delectable selection of USDA prime beef and an array of both Japanese and American wagyuknown for its unparalleled richness and tenderness.

What to Expect at Wagyu Street:

WAGYU STREET by GYU SHIGE: Where culinary artistry meets urban flair. Watch as chefs masterfully grill succulent cuts of premium meat, offering a live, interactive dining experience. Indulge in the sizzling symphony of flavors at this stylish yakiniku haven! At Wagyu Street, savor the extraordinary with our Signature category: Japanese Wagyu Specials. Each dish, meticulously crafted using the world-renowned Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye, is a masterpiece. Our menu features an array of culinary delights, including elegantly prepared Bento, succulent skewers, and delectable sushi.

1. Customizable Delights: The Wagyu Street model draws inspiration from dishes that allow complete customization. Patrons can indulge in a variety of options, including:

Bento Boxes

Sandwiches

Bowls & Salads

Sushi, Curry Rice and more

2. Meat and Sauce Selection: Customers will have the pleasure of selecting their preferred meat cuts and accompanying sauces, ensuring a personalized dining experience.

3. Japanese Sake Pairings: To elevate the feast, Wagyu Street will offer a curated selection of Japanese sake, perfectly harmonizing with each sumptuous meal.

4. A Legacy of Flavor: Inspired by the renowned yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant "Gyu-shige," which first opened its doors in Fuchu, Tokyo in the late 1980s, Wagyu Street brings this legacy of flavor to Long Beach. Its inaugural U.S. location debuted in Virginia in 2021.

5. Wagyu's Rise in Popularity: Over the past decade, wagyu has captured the hearts (and palates) of Americans due to its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and unparalleled taste. As one of the most sought-after cuts of meat, it has become a culinary sensation.

Founder and Chef Keiji Shimamoto has over 25 years of experience in the food industry, contributing to the development of various restaurant concepts across Japan, Asia, and the United States. His culinary expertise and passion drive the vision behind Wagyu Street, where premium-quality meats meet accessible and affordable dining experiences. Through Wagyu Street, he aims to bridge cultures between US and Japan, elevate palates, and contribute to both human health and environmental consciousness by promoting a balanced approach to meat consumption.

Wagyu Street has planned a special offer to express gratitude to their valued customers during the grand opening scheduled for late April. For detailed information, please check their website and Instagram.

https://wagyustreet.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wagyustreet/

Location: 4150 McGowen Street, Space 12, Long Beach, CA 90808

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Media Contact: Keiji Shimamoto

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (206) 889-0612

SOURCE Wagyu Street
Cole Christensen resigned from the Legislature late last month because he plans to move to Missouri to join his wife. Last fall he had indicated he was not seeking reelection this year because he was getting married and planned to move out of state.

"Rose is a veteran in politics and will fill Coles shoes with experience and vigor," district party Vice Chair Rory Gabel said in a statement. "I was able to attend some sessions in Bismarck with her over the years and she is no stranger to the process. While taking a lunch break at the Capitol Cafeteria, Rose was soon surrounded by legislators from all across the state pulling up chairs to join her and many more stopped by to say hello and affectionately refer to her as Grandma Rose."
United States Representative Kelly Armstrong is running for governor, one of quite a few Republican members of Congress who are moving away from Congress in 2024. Earlier his vote against something Trump wanted earned Armstrong Trumps condemnation that Armstrong should be primaried, which I take as a call to Trumps supporters to rise and defeat him in the primary. Unlike many Republicans, Armstrong does not jump at Trumps every demand. Armstrong has acknowledged he will support the Republican nominee for president. This is less than the blind obedience Trump demands from every Republican office holder. Armstrong is a great GOP candidate for Governor, but he will win on his own without Trumps blessing. This should not be that difficult as I do not believe most North Dakotas voters are MAGA.

I doubt North Dakota voters will be as afraid of Trumps rath as are most of the Republicans in Congress. What are they afraid of? That Trump and MAGA will defeat them for reelection? None of them should be reelected if they cannot stand on their own record of service, of which they should be proud, and on their record of casting their votes for the good of the country. Trump may say nasty things about them, as he does about anyone who dares deviate one iota from what he demands. Trump lost in 2020 with MAGA backing. I see no evidence MAGA is becoming a majority nationwide, let alone in North Dakota.

It is time for Trump to move off center stage, and as it indeed is time for Biden. It is difficult to accept that we have come to such a sorry state. God help us all, and God help preserve our democracy.

Bob Wefald, Bismarck
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Gaza, March 4 : Dozens of Palestinians were killed and injured in an Israeli attack while they were waiting for aid in Gaza City, Hamas-run Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra has said in a press statement.

Palestinian security and medical sources said that Israeli forces on Sunday opened fire on people at the Kuwait roundabout, south of Gaza City, while they were waiting for aid trucks loaded with flour, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes bombed a small truck carrying humanitarian aid in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least eight, according to the state-run Palestine TV.

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the incidents.
Washington, March 4 : US Vice President Kamala Harris has urged Israel to "significantly increase the flow of aid" to Gaza by opening new border crossings and not imposing "any unnecessary restrictions".

"What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration," she said on Sunday in Selma, Alabama.

"Just a few days ago, we saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks, simply trying to secure food for their families after weeks of nearly no aid reaching northern Gaza. And they were met with gunfire and chaos... Our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy and for all the innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe," Harris added.

She further said that the Israeli government must ensure that humanitarian personnel, sites, and convoys are not targeted. "And they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need."

Harris also hit out at Hamas, saying that the group cannot control Gaza, and the threat it poses to the people of Israel "must be eliminated".

"Hamas has shown no regard for innocent life, including for the people of Gaza, who have suffered under its rule for almost two decades. And Hamas still holds dozens of hostages, for nearly 150 days now -- innocent men and women, including American citizens, who were brutally taken from their homes and from a concert," she added.

About truce talks, Harris said: "Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal... Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."
New Delhi, March 4 : In a joint operation, Haryana Police and Delhi Police's Special Cell have nabbed two sharpshooters allegedly involved in the killing of INLD state chief Nafe Singh Rathi, said officials on Monday.

According to sources, the duo, identified as Saurav and Ashish, are said to be associated with Kapil Sangwan a.k.a Nandu gang.

"They were nabbed from Goa by Haryana Police STF and Special Cell," said the sources.

On February 25, two-time legislator Rathi was shot dead along with a party worker by assailants in Jhajjar's Bahadurgarh town in Haryana.

Twelve people, including former Bahadurgarh MLA and BJP leader Naresh Kaushik, were booked in connection with his killing.

Jhajjar Superintendent of Police Arpit Jain confirmed the arrest and said that they are being brought here while raids are also being conducted at possible hideouts of two other suspects.

"Delhi Police, Special Task Force Haryana and Jhajjar police made joint efforts for the arrests, " the SP added.

More details are awaited.
Ayodhya, March 4 : The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), a Government of India enterprise, will prepare a report on the crowd management in Ayodhya.

RITES had prepared a similar report last year but the same became irrelevant after the huge footfall of pilgrims, following the opening of Ram temple in January this year.

Gaurav Dayal, divisional commissioner of Ayodhya, said, "RITES will submit a new report on crowd management in Ayodhya as per the changed scenario after opening of Ram Mandir."

According to the Ayodhya administration, around 60 lakh devotees have visited Ayodhya after the opening of Ram Mandir.

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is also exploring all measures to control crowds and ensure hassle free 'darshan' of Ram Lalla for devotees.

Recently, a delegation from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams also (TTD) visited Ayodhya. The Trust had invited them to discuss crowd management measures.

"The Trust discussed the issue of crowd management with them. We will implement relevant suggestions of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for crowd management at Ram Janmabhoomi," said Anil Mishra, member of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The Trust also emphasised that managing crowds in Tirumala Tirupati and Ram Janmabhoomi were altogether different aspects. "Tirumala Tirupati is situated outside the city on a hill while Ram Janmabhoomi is located in the heart of Ayodhya," said Mishra.

"In Tirumala Tirupati it takes several hours for a non-VIP to have darshan of the deity. But in Ram Mandir a devotee is able to have darshan of the deity in around one hour or so," he added.
Tel Aviv, March 4 : Israel's war cabinet fears heightened tension near the West Bank and Temple Mount during the upcoming month of Ramadan after the ceasefire talks failed to yield the desired results.

Sources in the Israeli Defense Ministry said that an urgent meeting of the war cabinet was held on Sunday, in which it was decided that the troop presence will be increased in these areas (West Bank and Temple Mount), following the intelligence reports.

Sources said that the Israelis fear that Hezbollah forces are also likely to join in the attacks in the West Bank and Temple Mount.

The Israelis have also conveyed to the mediating countries including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt that they would not send delegations for ceasefire talks. The peace talks between the two sides were going on in Cairo and Paris but both sides failed to reach to any agreement.

A senior official of Israel's Defense Ministry told IANS that Israel will not participate in peace talks again until its demand to release all the hostages is not met.

The Israeli intelligence agencies have said that at least 32 hostages out of 134 in Hamas custody have died.

However, U.S. President Joe Biden is pushing for a ceasefire before the commencement of the Ramadan month on March 10th. Qataris and Egyptians have also urged both Israel and Hamas to agree to a possible ceasefire agreement.

Israel has cited the recent statement of Hamas Political Bureau Head Ismail Haniyeh calling upon the Palestinians to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque in maximum numbers during the month of Ramadan. The Israelis have said that this was a clear message to increase tensions in the area.
Extensive interview with Assen Yordanov, founder and Director of Bivol, with the prestigious Austrian newspaper Wiener Zeitung on:

 Mafia reality in Bulgaria

 Bivols mission

 Cost of defending the right to free and quality journalism in the most corrupt and undemocratic country in Europe.

The interview was taken and published before the general elections, but in our strive to act fairly and properly and in order to prevent accusations of political bias and election manipulations, we are just now sharing it (regardless of the election results).

Bivol is fighting against severe social depravities, regardless of their political affiliation. In fact, in our country politics are just a facade.

Parliamentary elections will be held in Bulgaria on Sunday, March 26 (the article was published on March 22  translators note). Nevertheless, investigative journalist Assen Yordanov no longer believes in democracy in this country. He sees the State as being in the hands of two people.

Sofia. Many Bulgarians have hoped that poverty, corruption and organized crime will decrease as a result of the EU accession in 2007. However, the country continues to occupy the last positions in various rankings. Freedom of speech was severely restricted  while in 2006 Bulgaria occupied 36th place by it, ten years later, it is only 113th in the ranking. Investigative journalist Assen Yordanov sees the involvement of senior politicians in organized crime. In an interview with Wiener Zeitung, he speaks of threats and the EUs lack of will to investigate.

Wiener Zeitung (WZ): What is the reason for freedom of speech in Bulgaria to be so severely restricted since EU accession?

Assen Yordanov: After the EU accession in 2007, the oligarch and lawmaker from the Turkish minority party, Delyan Peevski, started building his media empire. He owns, directly or indirectly, almost all newspapers, television and radio channels in the country and this is how he controls the market.

In 2008, he also acquired the media group 168 Hours, where I used to work. Within one day, the conditions there changed radically. The oligarchs use media to discredit people who act against their interests.

There was total censorship.

WZ: Many other problems such as poverty, corruption and organized crime did not decrease after the EU accession.

 When we joined the EU, we were very optimistic. We hoped that the standard of life will improve and the judicial system will work better. But just the opposite occurred. Today we have a mutation of the former communist system. The facade is democratic, but in fact Bulgaria is dominated by a neo-feudal, oligarchic mafia clique that owns the shadowy economy.

WZ: How does this manifest itself?

 For example, former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who is running again, had a criminal record in the past. (Borisov has never been convicted  editors note)

In the 1990s, I wrote several articles about illegal smuggling of cigarettes near the city of Burgas. Borisov was the boss of this illegal cigarette factory. He manufactured illegal cigarettes and smuggled them into Europe through Serbia and Montenegro.

WZ: What happened after you published this article?

 This was in 1995. I received a letter with a word of advice: Go to the cemetery and choose a nice grave for yourself.

The Mayor of Burgas and Vice-Chairman of Borisovs GERB party, Dimitar Nikolov, is also a former smuggler. He used to smuggle in Bulgaria large quantities of powdered milk from Russia and Ukraine. He has been even convicted. But that did not harm him. On the contrary, the common past connects him with Borisov.

WZ: You publish in your blog Bivol articles about politicians and government officials involved in criminal schemes. Is there impact from your revelations?

 The Prosecutor General of Bulgaria, Sotir Tsatsarov, has evaded taxes in acquiring property, as early as the time when he was President of the Plovdiv Court. We published this information in 2012 and proved it with documents. The result was deleted and forged entries in public registries and Tsatsarov being elected Prosecutor General.

WZ: You often publish stories on abuse of European Union funds. Is this leading to investigations by the services?

 We published in Bivol a story on Bulgarian businessman Mario Nikolov, who stole European funds in the distant 2007, in the so-called affair SAPARD.

This time, he and his people have asked for European money for a duck and turkey farm. We visited the farm in the village of Zhivkovo. In fact, it was never completed and there was no poultry there. We sent information to OLAF in Brussels. I personally spoke with an investigator from OLAF, provided the evidence and said: You see what is happening in Bulgaria with European money?

His only reply was: We do not have effective means to eliminate such candidates. Each project is treated individually. We cannot take into account the past when someone has provided incorrect data.

WZ: Do you think that European institutions are involved in corruption in Bulgaria?

 I am an investigative journalist for 25 years. I do not have documents to prove it; otherwise I would have long ago published them. But my experience as a journalist in the most corrupt country in the EU shows me that corruption is involved in this game.

WZ: One theme that Bivol has repeatedly examined is the bankruptcy of the fourth largest bank in Bulgaria, Corporate Commercial Bank (CCB) in 2014.

 The bankruptcy of CCB cost the nation seven billion euros. The money was stolen by people such as Delyan Peevski (there are no convictions  editors note). People know it. But what can be done in a country where the Prosecutor General is corrupt and totally dependent on Peevski? We are now witnessing a second plundering of CCB. The banks assets, among them weapon manufacturers and Bulgarian telecom companies, are being sold to Peevski and his people for pennies. The court appointed trustees who act in Peevskis favor. We published recordings of conversations between magistrates that confirm this. The former majority shareholder in CCB, Tsvetan Vassilev, gave interviews in which he says that Bulgaria is in the hands of two people: Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski. Vasilev is currently hiding in Belgrade. He knows that if he returns to Bulgaria, he will be killed. Because he was part of criminal mafia structures, and we have no independent court before which he may testify.

WZ: Do you think that Boyko Borisov, who is running for prime minister again, has been involved in these criminal cases?

 Yes, he is. In 2011, Bulgartabac, one of the largest tobacco companies in the world, was privatized. It was bought by an unknown company based in Vienna  BT Invest. Hundreds of millions were poured in one day. We also know where the money came from. It came from CCB. We have documents to prove it. A chain of offshore companies stands behind BT Invest and if one follows them, they will end up with Peevski, Borisov and Ahmed Dogan, the former Chairman of the Turkish minority party. It is not possible to approach the Bulgarian Prosecutors Office, they are deaf to such things. Since the company is headquartered in Vienna, we sent a signal to the Austrian prosecution about money laundering. But it did not launch an investigation.

WZ: You have survived two assassination attempts and are receiving threats again and again. What keeps you going? Perhaps the hope for change?

 Maybe I am an idiot (laughs). It is not hope. Hope is something for weak people. I believe in my own abilities. I think that there is no other way for me.

WZ: What needs to happen in your opinion to change the situation in Bulgaria?

 It will take lengthy protests, maybe such as in Romania. In 2013, there were protests because of restrictions that forced Borisov to resign for the first time. But they subsided. I am pessimistic that large protests could happen. After 25 years, Bulgarians are tired.

About Assen Yordanov

He worked for many years for various Bulgarian newspapers. In 2010, he launched the blog for investigative journalism Bivol which gained popularity across the country because of the publications about corruption and the links between politics and mafia. In 2010, he was awarded the Leipzig Media Award for excellence in the field of freedom of speech. In 2014, the organization Reporters without Borders put him on the list of 100 Information Heroes. Yordanov lives in Burgas.

***

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Tel Aviv, March 4 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has carried out heaving shelling against Hezbollah in south Lebanon and West Bank areas, media reports said.

Reports said that the IDF fighter jets are continuing their shelling against Hezbollah infrastructure in Ayta As Shab and Kfar Kila areas of southern Lebanon as well as in the West Bank.

The Israeli attack comes after Hezbollah allegedly carried out rocket attacks on the northern territories in Metula, Malkia and Ghajar on Sunday.

Israeli intelligence has said that they fear heightened tensions in the West Bank area in the coming days and have also increased the deployment of troops in the border areas of the West Bank.

The Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasarullah has also in a recent televised address lashed out against Israel on the situation in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians.

Israel has also warned Hezbollah, and has publicly announced that Israel is prepared for a multi-pronged war if needed.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration of the new building of Bhawanipore Modern School. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, March 4 : As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to address an administrative review meeting on Monday afternoon at Tamluk in East Midnapore district, crude bombs were recovered 20 kms away from the Bhupatinagar area.

The bombs were kept in an abandoned hut in a field. Sources from the state police said that before any district visit of the chief minister a thorough sanitization of the area is done. It was during one such exercise that the cops recovered the crude bombs.

Besides the crude bombs, the cops also recovered some raw material required for assembling these. Initial investigation, sources said, revealed that this abandoned hut was used by the miscreants for assembling crude bombs. A hunt has been launched to track the persons behind it.

Incidentally, crude bombs or even blast at their assembling hubs have been reported from the Bhupatinagar area.

The most serious such blast took place in December 2022 just before Trinamool Congressa general secretary and party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjeeas visit to the district. In that blast local Trinamool Congress activists were killed.

So, district police sources said, the recovery of such a huge quantity of crude bombs and that too before the visit of the Chief Minister is being viewed very seriously by the top cops.

In view of the recovery, sources added, the district police had decided to adopt extra-precautionary measures to completely sanitize a large area within the radius of the Chief Ministeras meeting venue on Monday afternoon.
Bengaluru, March 4 : In a shocking case, three college girls were attacked with acid in the campus corridor in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district on Monday. The attacker was caught by the people.

The incident was reported from the Government College in Kadaba near Mangaluru city.

The victims suffered serious injuries on the face and were rushed to the hospital. According to preliminary reports, the victims are all students of Second Year Pre-University College (Class 12).

The accused wearing a mask and hat, who had managed to enter the college campus, attacked the victims as they preparing to enter the examination hall.

As the victims shouted for help, other students and staff rushed to them.

The acid-attacker, who tried to escape from the spot, was caught by the public. Reports said that he was caught and handed over to the police.

The accused was identified as Abeen from Kerala.

An official statement is yet to be made by the police in this connection.

After coming to know about the incident, parents and other public gathered at the college premises and the hospital. The incident has raised a concern and created a panic situation in the communally sensitive region.

More details are yet to emerge regarding the incident.
Social organisations come out against sale of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, March 4 : Social organisations in Tamil Nadu are up in arms against the sale of illicit liquor being sold in the state.

Director of Social and Economic Studies Institute P.R. Prakash said that the illicit liquor from Andhra Pradesh is reaching Tamil Nadu in large volumes while the State Police is turning a blind eye to it.

He said that Vaniyambadi in Tiruppatur district of Tamil Nadu is fast turning into a hotbed of illicit arrack smuggling in the state.

"Minibuses which operate near the Andhra border are being used as the medium of transport for liquor to enter Tamil Nadu," he said.

He said that liquor is being sold at Rs 50 per sachet and the illegal sellers are providing an offer of one sachet free for four sachets. Each packet (200 ml) is charged Rs 50 in Andhra Pradesh and once it reaches Tamil Nadu the cost almost doubles.

Vaniyambadi Police officials told IANS that they were in touch with cops of Andhra Pradesh and that the illicit smuggling of liquor to Tamil Nadu will be brought to an end soon.

Director of Centre for Policy and Development Studies C. Rajeev also said that he too has the information about the illicit liquor being sold into Tamil Nadu from certain pockets in Andhra Pradesh and wanted immediate action from authorities.

Kamaleswari (59), who regularly travels in to Andhra Pradesh for domestic jobs told IANS that the liquor is being smuggled into Tamil Nadu regularly basis.

She said that the women are facing difficulties as large numbers of tipplers visit the border areas to purchase liquor.

Manikantan (42), a daily wage labourer from Vaniyambadi told IANS that the town is now becoming famous for illicit liquor. "Government must immediately interfere to prevent smuggling," he said.
Kolkata, March 4 : Cracks in Trinamool Congress widened further as six-time party legislator Tapas Roy tendered his resignation from the membership of West Bengal Assembly on Monday.

He confirmed his resignation after coming out of the room of Assembly Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay to whom he tendered his resignation as per protocol.

Tapas Roy also tendered resignation from all organisational posts in Trinamool Congress, including the primary membership of the party, as confirmed by him. However, he did not say anything about his future course of action.

Sensing that Roy might sever all his ties with the party, state education Minister Bratiya Basu and another rebel Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh rushed to his residence in North Kolkata on Monday morning to persuade him to refrain from taking this extreme step.

However, all their efforts proved fruitless as around 12.15 p.m. Roy came out of his residence and started for the Assembly. He reached the Assembly at around 12.35 p.m. and tendered his resignation.

Before leaving for the Assembly, he pointed out that although Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee initially defended Sheikh Shahjahan on the floor of the House in the ED attack case, she was silent about the central agency's raid at his residence in north Kolkata in connection with the multi-crore municipalities' recruitment case in West Bengal. "This has saddened me immensely," Roy said.

On Monday morning, Roy gave hints about his decision to resign after clearly hinting that a section within his own party was responsible for orchestrating the recent raid at his residence.

"I have been a legislator since 1996. I have not raised the medical bills that were due to me as a legislator. Even after that there was an ED raid at my residence. It has to be seen who orchestrated that," Roy said.

This is not the first time that Roy had raised such an allegation against a section of his own party leadership of conspiring against him. On March 2, when he raised the similar allegations on ED he was more direct in pin-pointing at the sitting Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member of Kolkata (North) constituency Saudi Bandopadhyay and claimed that the latter played a key role in orchestrating the central agency's single-day action at his residence.
New Delhi, March 4 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday strongly pitched for the country's strategic autonomy.

He said that the nation cannot remain dependent on the import of weapons as it can be fatal for strategic autonomy.

"Without self-reliance, India cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with its national interests," the Defence Minister said during the launch of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme at DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.

The Defence Minister also voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering commitment to encourage the youth to bring forth innovative ideas.

He said that to motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the efforts being made by the Central government to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence production, including notifying positive indigenisation lists of major platforms and equipment that are being/will be manufactured in India.

He suggested to the DDP that in the coming 4-5 years, the country should come out with a short negative list containing items that will be imported and "we should strive to eliminate that list to achieve complete self-reliance."

Under the scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology.

The ADITI scheme worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence). It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe. It also envisages to create 'Technology Watch Tool' to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.

In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges  Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) - have been launched.

The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem.

In addition, DefConnect 2024 witnessed the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program, aimed at nurturing young talent and providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in defence innovation.

The iDEX also announced MoUs with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH). These partnerships will facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups, providing them with the necessary capital and support to scale their ventures and drive innovation in the sector.

These strategic partnerships have now taken the pledge to funds, from Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 500 crore.
Lucknow, March 4 : A man has been arrested in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh for allegedly raping his minor stepdaughter.

He has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on a complaint lodged by the victim's complaint at the Karhal police station.

The victim has been sent for medical examination.

Rahul Mithas, Superintendent of Police, Mainpuri city said that a minor girl was raped by her stepfather. "A case has been registered against the accused and he has been arrested. The investigation is underway," he said.

The police official said that the girl was alone at home when the accused committed the crime.

Further details are awaited.
Kolkata, March 4 : Trinamool Congress has issued a show-cause notice to its rebel leader, Kunal Ghosh, asking him to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for making derogatory comments against Sudip Bandopadhya, the party MP from Kolkata (North) constituency.

Kunal Ghosh confirmed about the letter of show-cause and said that he will reply in due course after thoroughly going through the contents. Incidentally, he was informed about the notice on Monday while he was at the residence of six-time party legislator Tapas Roy, who resigned as the member of the state Assembly as well as from the primary membership of Trinamool Congress.

Ghosh, along with state education minister Bratya Basu, was at Roy's residence to convince the latter to refrain from taking the decision.

While speaking to the mediapersons, Roy also ridiculed the timing for sending Ghosh the letter of show-cause. "Kunal came to my residence on behalf of the party to convince me so that I do not resign. Interestingly, then only the letter of show-cause was issued to him by the party's state president Subrata Bakshi," Roy said.

Recently, Kunal Ghosh tendered his resignation from the posts of party spokesman and state general secretary. Although his resignation as spokesman was accepted, the same for state general secretary was not.

On March 2, he made a post on his official X handle about an investigation into who footed the bills for Bandyopadhyay's hospitalisation at Apollo, Bhubaneswar after he was arrested by the CBI in January 2017 in connection with the multi-crore Rose Valley chit fund case.

"If agencies try to avoid this, I should move a Ld Court praying for investigation into this matter," said Ghosh in his message on X where he tagged the ED and CBI Directors.
New Delhi, March 4 : The Delhi High Court has said that custom duties and charges will not be applied to medicines, drugs, and therapies used for treating rare diseases.

This decision comes as a relief to patients suffering from conditions such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Hunter's syndrome, amongst others.

Justice Prathiba M Singh, addressing the issue, referred to a gazette notification by the Union Ministry of Finance issued on March 29 of the previous year, which included drugs and medicines for rare diseases under the Customs Act, 1962.

This clarification ensures that patients and hospitals can access necessary treatments without the burden of additional costs.

The court has directed customs authorities to prioritise and expedite the clearance of such medical imports, ensuring that treatments reach patients without delay. This order is to be communicated to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for immediate compliance.

The ruling was part of a hearing concerning petitions for free-of-cost treatment for children with rare diseases, which has been under deliberation since 2020. These treatments, often prohibitively expensive, are crucial for the patient's survival and quality of life.

Previously, the court had also directed AIIMS to begin procurement of medicines for these conditions, backed by a fund allocation of Rs 50 lakhs per patient, in accordance with the Rare Diseases Policy.

Efforts have been made to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for reasonable pricing of these essential drugs.

The establishment of a five-member committee by Justice Singh in May of the previous year aims to ensure the efficient implementation of the National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases, 2017, so that the benefits effectively reach those in need.
New Delhi, March 4 : A Delhi court has acquitted three men accused of gang rape and kidnapping, citing the misuse of law by the accuser.

Additional Sessions Judge Jagmohan Singh of Rohini Courts noted the importance of addressing false allegations sternly to maintain the sanctity of legal provisions intended to protect actual victims of rape.

The court found the testimony of the prosecutrix, the woman who accused the men, to be contradictory and unreliable, pointing out her unnatural conduct throughout the proceedings.

The accused, identified as Satish, Yogesh Gupta, and Kuldeep, were exonerated of all charges due to the lack of credible evidence supporting the accusations made against them.

The observation came during the acquittal of the three men, with a fourth accused, Satbir, having passed away during the trial.

The prosecutrix had alleged a continuous ordeal of rape and threats over a period of 12-13 days, claims that the court deemed fabricated and motivated by ulterior motives.

Furthermore, the court ordered the initiation of proceedings against the prosecutrix under Section 344 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for providing false evidence.
Hong Kong: Chris Sun begins Fujian schedule

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun today kicked off a visit to Fujian by meeting senior provincial officials and attending a seminar in Fuzhou.



Mr Sun first paid a courtesy call to Fujian Executive Vice Governor Guo Ningning. He updated her on Hong Kongs policy initiatives to recruit and support talent, and on its labour market and economic situation.



He then called on Fujian Department of Commerce Director Huang Heming, at a lunch gathering, to exchange views on the management and supervision of importing labour to Hong Kong.



He also met beneficiaries of the Fujian Scheme, under the Social Security Allowance Scheme, to understand the needs of Hong Kong elderly people retiring in Fujian.



In the afternoon, Mr Sun attended a seminar to get a better grasp of the practical experiences of Fujian enterprises co-operating with Hong Kong under various labour importation schemes.



The seminar focused on how to use different schemes to meet the recruitment needs of employers, whilst also protecting the employment rights of imported workers in Hong Kong,



In the evening, Mr Sun had dinner with representatives of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Fujian to learn more about investments by Hong Kong businesses in Fujian and support in the province for Hong Kong residents and enterprises.



He encouraged enterprises and talent in Hong Kong and Fujian to strengthen exchange and co-operation so as to integrate into overall national development.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Between November and March in the coming year is the breeding season for spotted seals, and it is also the busiest time for Dr. Luo Jun's team at the Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute.

"Every year, our institute breeds around 10 spotted seal pups," says Dr. Luo.

During this period, Dr. Luo and his team members will test the dung for both seal mothers and pups, examine water samples, record the growth of the seals and prepare customized food when necessary.

The Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute, where Dr. Luo works, also serves as a provincial aquatic wildlife rescue center which accommodates rescued wild spotted seal pups.

In mid-April this year, the Institute plans to release some of the rescued wild pups and artificially bred pups back into the sea.

"As I watch these pups swim back to the ocean, I feel reluctant to part with them. I hope that our efforts will contribute to increasing the population of spotted seals," says Dr. Luo. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Bengaluru, March 4 : At the launch of PhonePe's Indus Appstore, a compelling panel discussion delved into the critical issue of sustainable business models for app stores, the company said on Monday.

The panel deliberated on the sustainable business models for app stores, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Indian market.

The panel also shed light on the path forward for app stores in India, seeking to foster an ecosystem that supports innovation, inclusivity, and growth, according to the company.

Moderated by Sajith Sivanandan, head of Disney+ Hotstar, the panel brought together insights from prominent Indian startup leaders -- Virendra Gupta, Founder of VerSe Innovation; Neeraj Roy, Founder and CEO of Hungama; Harsh Jain, Co-founder and CEO of Dream11; and Murugavel Janakiraman, CEO of BharatMatrimony.

"We are committed to offering a level playing field for all developers. The Indus Appstore will not mandate the use of any specific payment gateway, allowing developers the freedom to choose any service they prefer," said Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO of PhonePe.

"With this approach, we aim to democratise the app ecosystem by offering an alternative that prioritises the needs of Indian developers and users," Nigam added.

Among the key challenges highlighted by the panelists was "limited revenue streams" where the reliance on a small number of dominant app stores often forces startups into accepting unfavorable revenue-sharing models and constrained monetisation options.

Another concern was high commission fees. The excessive fees charged by dominant app stores were identified as a significant barrier, eating into the already slim profit margins of app developers, particularly those in the early stages of their business.

Lack of discoverability was another challenge where apps struggle to compete for visibility and find their audiences within crowded app stores. This hinders growth and innovation, particularly for smaller developers.

Other concerns were opaque policies and practices, cultural and linguistic barriers and data security and user trust.

To address these challenges, the panelists proposed several solutions aimed at creating a more equitable and thriving app store ecosystem.

"App stores should provide flexible monetisation options, including subscriptions, in-app purchases, and tailored advertising solutions to fit various app types. By reducing commission fees and providing alternative monetisation models, app stores can encourage more developers to bring their innovations to the market," the panelists argued.

"They should also promote inclusivity by supporting multiple Indian languages and catering to regional preferences, app stores should offer tools and support for developers to easily localise their apps, ensuring they are accessible and relevant to all segments of the Indian population".

Nigam further elaborated on the platform's revenue model, which will focus on advertising and cataloging services, reinforcing the app store's role as a discovery platform aimed at giving every developer a fair chance to succeed.
Nagpur, March 4 : The state's second capital Nagpur has launched the state's first 'Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan' to boost decarbonisation in the realty sector by 2050, and help contribute to India's 'Net Zero' target by 2070, officials said here on Monday.

All types of buildings - residential, commercial, and institutional - account for 58 per cent of Nagpur's total energy consumption and 56 per cent of the city's Green House Gas emissions in 2017-18, according to Nagpur's Climate Resilient City Action Plan.

NCRCAP is developed by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) with technical assistance from ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia and the UN-Habitat.

The proposed ZCBAP includes a holistic roadmap covering all public buildings, government-led affordable housing, commercial buildings as well as homes, and an implementation strategy to achieve net-zero buildings city-wide by 2050.

The plans comprise actions to help GHG emissions in the context of choice of building materials, and how buildings are designed, built, managed and de-constructed.

"The ZCBAP is a significant milestone in Nagpur's low emission development, aligning with national-international goals for sustainable development and climate action," said one of the global partners ICLEI South Asia's Executive Director Emani Kumar, working along with UNEP, GEF and WRI.

The plan aims to transform Nagpur as a city where all buildings, existing or new, to achieve 'Net Zero' carbon emissions by 2050, and is interwoven with India's Nationally Determined Contributions focusing on slashing GHG emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent (from 2005 levels) in the next 25 years, for the long-term strategy till 2070.

NSSCDCL CEO Prithviraj B. P. said that 'Net Zero' refers to reducing GHG emissions to the lowest possible amount, plus balancing out any remaining emissions by using natural processes that absorb gases through green cover and oceans.

"The 'Net Zero' buildings aim to minimise GHG emissions from construction materials, building use, and end-of-life demolition by employing reduction strategies across their entire lifecycle," said Prithviraj, on the plan that is in tune with other strategies.

The ZCBAP will have short, medium and long term interventions of a building's life starting 2023, new buildings to be Net Zero by 2030, all buildings to be carbon-neutral by 2050, with different strategies involving all stakeholders.

NMC Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari said that the Orange City is already making major strides towards sustainability in its architecture with buildings like the Metro Bhavan, the Forest Department Corporation of Maharashtra Bhavan, both having green building certifications.

The Metro project here has the longest multi-layer viaduct in Asia and key buildings across sectors are embracing green best practices to improve the quality of life of the Nagpur residents, he said.

Kumar said that new (pre-construction) buildings shall be planned to include a cooling design with low carbon materials and technology along with facility to tap solar energy; during construction using sustainable building materials like sun-dried bricks, using concrete mixes with industrial and agricultural byproducts for structural-non structural parts wherever feasible; and at the occupancy stage stress on improving energy performance with audits, BEE rated equipment and other measures of energy options.

At the end of the building's life, deconstruction instead of demolition is recommended prior to redevelopment projects and training the demolition contractors.

The plan will stress on the use of recycled construction and demolition waste materials to promote circularity, along with demonstration of pilot projects in public and affordable housing projects, to begin with.

The buildings shall be asked to adopt appropriate urban design planning to encourage wind-induced air flow and inclusion of nature-based solutions to reduce urban heat island effect at the neighbourhood-scale; encouraging use of materials from manufacturers that publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPD); creation of a skilled local workforce that is able to design and construct zero-carbon buildings; and financial measures and models to boost net-zero building adoption among different stakeholders.
Adilabad : , March 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that nothing will change in Telangana with the Congress party coming to power in place of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

Alleging that both the parties are one and the same, he said as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) becoming BRS made no difference, the Congress coming to power in place of BRS will also make no difference.

He was addressing a public meeting in this town bordering Maharashtra after launching multiple developmental projects worth over Rs 56,000 crore in Telangana and other states.

This was Modi's first public meeting in Telangana after the Congress party came to power in December last year.

"People of Telangana have realised that the faces of family-centric parties may be different but their character is same," he said adding that 'jhoot and loot' are their common traits.

PM Modi alleged that BRS during its rule did scams like the Kaleshwaram project but instead of acting on it, the Congress government is sitting on files.

The Prime Minister said that INDIA bloc leaders who are neck-deep in corruption, dynasty politics and appeasement are getting panicky.

"Since I question their dynasty politics, they have started saying Modi has no family. Tomorrow, they may say that you were never convicted and hence you can't be in politics," he said, adding that his life is like an open book.

He claimed that he had left his house in childhood with the dream of living for people of the country. "I decided that I will not have any personal dream and I will work for your dreams," he said, claiming that people treat him as their own and love him like their family member.

Stating that 140 crore people of the country are his family, Modi said he would continue to strive for them. "That's why the entire country is today saying I am Modi's family," he said amid loud cheers by the crowd.

Referring to the launching of the developmental projects, he said he came to Telangana to celebrate the ongoing festival of development in the country.

He remarked that some people compelled by their habits were linking this to the coming elections. He listed out various development programmes launched by him in various parts of the country during the last 15 days.

"In the last 15 days two IITs, three IIMs and one IIS were inaugurated. Similarly, five AIIMS were inaugurated and the world's largest storage scheme was launched for the farmers," he said.

The Prime Minister said yesterday (Sunday) for the entire day, he sat down with all the ministers, secretaries, and top officials of the Government of India to elaborately discuss the action plan for the 'Viksit Bharat Nirman'.

He mentioned that 15 lakh people have given their suggestions on Viksit Bharat, over 3.75 lakh stakeholders have connected and about 3,000 meetings have been held on the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister claimed that BJP is committed to the development of the nation and that is why, even the people of Telangana are saying "abki baar, 400 paar"

PM Modi also referred to the contribution of Telangana in construction of Ram temple. "Be it the golden doors of the temple or pillars, Telangana made its contribution and for this the entire country is thanking the people of Telangana," he said.

He said even after several decades post-Independence, the contribution made by the freedom fighters of Telangana was never given due respect. After 2014, the BJP Government at the Centre gave great importance to the development of Telangana and the honour of the tribal community.

"Could anyone have imagined that a tribal woman would become the President of the country?...Could anyone have imagined that the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda would be celebrated as a national festival," he said and pointed out that it is the BJP government which formed a separate ministry for the development of tribals.

PM Modi also listed out the steps taken for the welfare of tribals. He said Rs 24,000 crore will be spent on PM Janman Yojana which will benefit tribes which are deprived of development.

He said Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University will be established in Telangana. A national turmeric board will also be established in the state.

Out of seven mega textile parks being set up in the country, one is coming up in Telangana, he added.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and state BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, BJP general secretary Bandi Sanjay, BJP OBC Morcha President K. Laxman, Adilabad MP Soyam Bapu Rao and other leaders were present on the occasion.
Mumbai, March 4 : Amitabh Bachchan has heaped praise on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for the way he exposed Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

The cine icon took to X, where he shared a tweet on Jaishankar talking about Muizzu's claim that "India was being a bully in the sub-continent".

The tweet also featured a clip, where Jaishankar was heard saying: "Big bullies don't provide $4.5 billion when their neighbours are in trouble."

He also spoke about how India supported other nations by supplying vaccines to them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jaishankar said: "Bullies don't supply vaccines to other countries when Covid is on. Bullies don't make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food, fuel or fertiliser demands because some war in some other part of the world has complicated their lives."

Sharing this, Amitabh wrote: "WAH...!!! Well said, Sir."

Amitabh is set to be seen next in Nag Ashwin's 'Kalki 2898 A.D.', a science-fiction dystopian epic with Kamal Haasan, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.
New govt on anvil in Nepal as PM Prachanda splits with coalition partner. Image Source: IANS News

Kathmandu, March 4 : A reshuffle of the cabinet is on the cards in Nepal on Monday with the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) severing its alliance with its coalition partner Nepali Congress.

The chasm has been reportedly widening between the two biggest parties in the Himalayan Kingdom over the claim for chairmanship of the National Assembly.

"Government to change today and the new Cabinet will be formed. Swearing in of ministers will also take place today," Surendra Pandey, Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN- UML), said in a social media post on Monday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will reportedly induct ministers from the CPN-UML, Rashtriya Swatantra Party, and Janata Samajbadi Party apart from the CPN (Maoist Centre).

The move comes after PM Dahal met CPN-UML's K.P. Sharma Oli, the former prime minister, on Sunday to discuss a new political alliance following a breakdown in their partnerships in 2020 as well as 2023.

The Kathmandu Post reported that PM Dhala will be sending over a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel on the reshuffle, and the new ministers will likely be administered an oath of office and secrecy on Monday evening.

Emerging from an officer bearers' meeting on Monday, Maoist Centre leader, Devendra Paudel, said the step to join hands with the UML "was taken with a plan to forge a left unity for the long term".

Paudel was quoted as saying in the daily that a new power equation was developed as the Nepali Congress was creating hindrances for the prime minister to perform.

Becoming the Prime Minister of the South Asian nation in December 2022 with the support of CPN-UML, Dahal cut cords with the party and shook hands with the Nepali Congress within months.

Dahal's Maoist Centre party is the third biggest group in the 275-member parliament, in which a ruling alliance or party must have 138 votes of support.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 4 : The Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and probe by High Court after alleging that criminals who were responsible for the death J.S. Siddharth, a second-year student of Veterinary Science at the Pookode Government Veterinary College in the state's Wayanad district, were being shielded.

UDF convenor M.M. Hassan said they will go on a statewide protest on March 7 with various demands, including the resignation of CM Vijayan.

"The Chief Minister is shielding those responsible for the death of Siddharth. Among the other demands include a compensation of Rs 10 million to the family of the deceased, a CBI probe into this incident and a probe into what is happening in campus politics by a sitting judge of the Kerala High Court, for which we will approach the judiciary," said Hassan.

State BJP president K. Surendran also slammed CM Vijayan and also alleged that the criminals, whom he knows are the SFI activists, were being protected.

"This was a clean organised and well planned murder and now the police are trying their best to destroy the evidence," said Surendran.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheeshan has already written to CM Vijayan demanding a CBI probe.

Siddharth was found hanging in his hostel room on February 18. For several days things were kept under the carpet till last week when Siddharth's father, Jayaprakash said that his son would never commit suicide and alleged that he was tortured and killed by SFI students in the college.

So far 18 accused have been arrested and the local police are going forward with their probe.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the varsity, suspended Vice Chancellor Prof M.R. Saseendranath on Saturday, while state minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, J. Chinchurani on Sunday suspended college dean, Dr M.K. Narayanan, who is under the scanner for aiding and supporting the SFI students.

The post-mortem report of Siddharth has revealed that he had multiple injuries across his body and his jaw bone was fractured. The autopsy of his intestine had revealed that his stomach was empty for 72 hours before his death and there are allegations that he was tortured cruelly without even being provided food or water.

On Monday at Wayanad and a few places in the state student organisations and parties are out in the streets demanding a fair probe by a responsible agency.
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan wraps up shoot of his 40th film, 'Get Set, Baby'. Image Source: IANS News

Kochi, March 4 : Malayalam star Unni Mukundan has wrapped up shooting of his 40th film, 'Get Set, Baby'.

The makers called it a wrap after 45 days of shooting in Thodupuzha and Kochi.

Actress Nikhila Vimal will play the lead role opposite Mukundan.

The production is a collaborative effort of Skanda Cinemas and Kingsmen Productions and helmed under the direction of Vinay Govind.

This project is the first joint venture of producers Sunil Jain and Sajiv Soman.

'Get-Set, Baby!' promises to blend elements of humour with poignant social commentary centred around the challenges encountered by an IVF specialist and his inventive solutions.

The film is a mixture of humour and emotional moments.

In a departure from his previous roles, Unni Mukundan showcases his versatility with a nuanced portrayal, while Nikhila Vimal embodies the role of a resilient female lead, adding optimism and strength to the narrative.

Scripted by the accomplished duo Y.V. Rajesh and Anoop Ravindran, the film aspires to captivate viewers with its rich tapestry of modern life experiences, expertly crafted by the visionary team behind the scenes.

The film features the expertise of renowned editor Mahesh Narayanan, cinematographer Alex J. Pulikal, and music composer Sam CS, ensuring a visual and auditory treat for audiences.

Complementing their efforts are the creative contributions of production designer Sunil K George and costume designer Sameera Saneesh, adding to the film's aesthetic appeal.

In addition to Unni and Nikhila, 'Get-Set, Baby!' features a cast, including Chemban Vinod, Shyam Mohan, Johny Antony, Meera Vasudevan, Bhagat Manuel, Surabhi Lakshmi, Muthumani, Varsha Ramesh, Jewel Mary, Abhiram, and Ganga Meera.
Mumbai, March 4 : Actress Naila Grrewal, who plays the role of Ananya Shroff in the recently released streaming courtroom comedy 'Maamla Legal Hai', has shared that in order to get a better understanding of her character and the legal world presented in the show, she paid a visit to the Bombay High Court.

At the court, she observed female law professionals and their working style to get acquainted with the world of the narrative.

Talking about the same, Naila said: "It was never just about memorising lines; it's about embodying the spirit of the legal world. I wanted to breathe life into my character by recognising the importance of making the space seem 'lived in' while performing. I had made a trip to Bombay High Court, where I observed some young and aspiring female lawyers that helped me shape my character better."

The actress further mentioned: "I was so intrigued by looking at the clutter of paperwork on desks, the faint echoes of whispered conversations in the corridors, and the old wooden chairs that might have witnessed countless arguments. These subtle details brought authenticity and genuineness to the portrayal of my character."

Directed by Rahul Pandey, 'Maamla Legal Hai' also stars Ravi Kishan, Nidhi Bisht and Anant V Joshi.

'Maamla Legal Hai' is available to stream on Netflix.
Gonda : , March 4 (IANS) The principal of a private inter-college was shot dead, late on Sunday, while he was sleeping outside his relative's shop in a village in Gonda district.

Gonda (UP), March 4 (IANS) The principal of a private inter-college was shot dead, late on Sunday, while he was sleeping outside his relativeas shop in a village in Gonda district.

Dinesh Yadav (35) was the principal of a government-aided inter-college in the Sisani area.

According to the police, the assailants fired a bullet into Dineshas head, killing him on the spot.

The police said that two people, who have been named in the FIR lodged at the Chhapia police station, have been detained.

It is suspected that the murder may be a result of a dispute that took place at the college premises between the victim and a resident during an event on January 26.

Vineet Jaiswal, Superintendent of Police, Gonda, said they are looking into the allegations made by the deceasedas family.

According to the police, Dinesh Yadav had gone to his maternal uncleas village, Chandarati, to take part in a wedding.

On Sunday night after having dinner, Dinesh went to sleep at his uncleas shop located at a distance from the house. Around 11.30 p.m., locals heard gunshots, and two residents claimed to have seen two men running away. The police were informed.

During their initial inquiry, the police found out that during the Republic Day event at the college, a few intoxicated residents had created a ruckus which led to a scuffle with the principalas cousin Abhishek Yadav.

Subsequently, a complaint was filed with the police.

The police did not dismiss the possibility that the accused intended to harm Abhishek, who was sleeping near the victim, and killed Dinesh instead.
Lucknow, March 4 : The Yogi Adityanath government, under its Aspirational Cities Scheme, will focus on comprehensively transforming schools and Anganwadi centres in the cities.

An official said that a total of 913 schools in the 100 aspirational urban areas of the state will undergo upgradation, with an additional 25 new schools to be established.

Besides, new buildings will be constructed for 348 Anganwadi centres currently operating in rented or alternative government facilities within these aspirational urban areas.

The state government has allocated over Rs 143 crores for the implementation of these projects.

As for the upgradation of schools and the construction of new buildings in the financial year 2024-25, arrangements will be made for additional classrooms in 389 schools in the 100 aspirational urban bodies at the cost of Rs 36.89 crores, including Rs 9.27 lakhs per school.

Additionally, for the provision of smart classes in 913 schools, an expenditure of Rs 2.5 lakhs per school and a total of Rs 22.87 crores will be made. Similarly, for the furniture of smart classes, the government will spend a total of Rs 6.56 crores.

Besides, 25 new Mukhya Mantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools will also be established at the total cost of Rs 35.5 crores with each school to cost Rs 1.42 crores. Thus, the state government will spend Rs 101.83 crores to upgrade and the opening of new schools.

The official said that a separate plan has been prepared for Anganwadi centres in line with the directives of the Chief Minister.

In the 100 underdeveloped urban areas of the state, the state government plans to construct new buildings for 348 Anganwadi centres currently housed in rented or alternative government structures.

Of these, 59 centres are operating from rented buildings and the remaining 289 from other government facilities. The Yogi government will spend approximately Rs 12 lakhs per Anganwadi centre, totalling Rs 41.20 crores for this initiative.
Mumbai, March 4 : Choreographer-director Prabhu Deva, who has given many iconic dance steps to Indian cinema, joined the second schedule of the upcoming Vishnu Manchu-starrer 'Kannappa' in New Zealand.

Prabhu Deva will choreograph the film's dance sequences.

The film has close to nine songs in its original soundtrack.

Talking about working with the ace choreographer, Vishnu Manchu said: "It is my honour and dream come true, working under this legend. Prabhu Deva's art reflects the mix of the west and the east. He is someone who knows how to retain the traditional elements and yet give it a contemporary spin."

'Kannappa' is said to be based around the legend of Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, who was supposed to be an avatar of Arjuna himself. He is one of the 63 'Nayanars'.

Vishnu, who directs the film, also stars in the titular role.

The dance in the film's narrative pays homage to Lord Shiva, as it unfolds like poetic verses, blending various dance forms into a sacred symphony.
Bhopal, March 4 : The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has proposed to set up a sub-committee to promote religious activities in the state.

Bhopal, March 4 (IANS) The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has proposed to set up a sub-committee to promote religious activities in the state.

The proposed sub-committee will be interlinked with the revenue and cultural departments and would be headed by a senior IAS officer, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday.

A proposal in this regard was brought up during a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yadav on Monday. "A sub-committee interlinking with the revenue and cultural departments will be formed to promote religious activities. The proposal has been made and a detailed discussion will be held during the next cabinet meeting," CM Yadav said.

The development came on the day the Madhya Pradesh cabinet left for Ayodhya Dham in Uttar Pradesh to offer prayers at Lord Ram's temple on Monday. The wives of all the cabinet ministers also accompanied them.

Before leaving for Ayodhya, CM Yadav said the members of the Madhya Pradesh cabinet had decided to go to Ayodhya in March to have a darshan of Lord Ram.

"We are fortunate that the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's Idol took place in Ayodhya on February 22. Lord Ram was consecrated in Ayodhya in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other important personalities," he added.
New Delhi, March 4 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday said that the strategic partnership between India and France is growing from strength to strength.

Earlier, EAM Jaishankar received France Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes in Delhi who is on a visit to India.

In a post on X, the minister expressed confidence that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance the momentum of bilateral ties.

"Good to receive Secretary General Anne-Marie Descotes of France this morning. Our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Space Dialogue will further enhance its momentum," EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

With the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998, India-France ties have been taking giant leaps with close cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors from education to trade to defence.

French President Emmanuel Macron marked his third visit to India this year on Republic Day after 2018 during which a comprehensive defence industrial roadmap was discussed aiming to foster collaboration in robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, platforms, and cyber defence.

In addition, an MoU was inked between New Space India Ltd and France's Arianespace to enhance cooperation in satellite launches and advancing space exploration initiatives.

It was also decided to designate 2026 as the "India France Year of Innovation".

President Macron also visited India during the G20 Summit last year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Paris last year as a Guest of Honour on French National Day on July 14, 2023.

The visit also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.

The two leaders acknowledged the strong India-France civil nuclear ties, and good progress in the discussion for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed the continuing engagement of both sides to expand bilateral cooperation

Late last month, Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, the French Consul General in Mumbai, praised PM Modi, saying he is "a friend of France. He has proved it on different occasions. His relationship with President Macron is very strong".
New Delhi, March 4 : An analysis of the latest quarterly results of 24 global companies indicate no material improvement in the demand environment, as macro uncertainties prevail, Emkay Global Financial Services said in a report.

Overall commentary remains broadly in-line with Indian IT companies. For IT services companies, weak discretionary spending, slower decision making, and revenue conversion amid uncertain macro environment, are leading to revenue softness in this quarter as well, with an uncertain recovery timeline.

While select companies did highlight the emergence of green shoots in a few areas, the overall near-term environment remains soft. This implies that a muted growth scenario is likely to persist in the near term, the report said.

Companies are hopeful of recovery throughout CY24, likely leading to H2 being better than H1. Nifty IT has marginally underperformed the broader markets in the last one month due to a likely delay in US rate cuts and hopes of demand recovery shifting to H2CY24.

"We believe valuations for large caps are relatively less demanding, while mid-cap valuations are rich," the report said.

Commentary on demand from global IT companies has largely remained unchanged over the last couple of quarters, and is in-sync with Indian companies. Guidance from the upcoming calendar year by Accenture, Capgemini, and Cognizant also reflects weakness in the near term, the report said.

Most companies have highlighted that growth will gradually improve over the year as macro environment uncertainty recedes. "Slower-than-expected recovery can pose a risk to the high single-digit growth estimates that consensus/we are building-in for FY25," the report said.
Bhopal, March 4 : With the Bharatiya Janata Party launching a nationwide campaign - 'Modi Ka Parivar', party leaders in Madhya Pradesh have started taking it further on social media.

State BJP president V. D. Sharma, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and several other party leaders have written "Modi Ka Parivar" on their social media handles.

It came a day after former Bihar CM and Rashtriya Janata Dal patriarch Lalu Yadav made a personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Bihar's Gandhi Maidan on Sunday.

MP BJP chief V. D. Sharma, talking to IANS on Monday said that PM Modi treats every citizen of the country as his family. "PM Modi starts his address with the words 'mere parivarjano'. This line itself defines a lot," Sharma added.

Hitting back at the RJD patriarch, Sharma said Lalu Yadav's entire politics has been limited to his personal family. "What should I say about Lalu Yadav whose politics has always been limited to his sons and daughters. It was his frustration that came out," Sharma added.

Sharma stated that the BJP will take the campaign "Modi Ka Parivar" to the ground and it will continue until the Lok Sabha election is over.

When asked if the BJP has got a new slogan for the coming election like "Mai Bhi Chowkidar" during the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, Sharma said the "BJP is quite capable to run it's campaign on its own."
New Delhi, March 4 : Dismissing the PIL seeking directions to the Centre and various state governments to consider the 'reasonable demands' of protesting farmers as withdrawn, the Supreme Court on Monday remarked that such a plea should not be only filed for publicity purposes and a person really committed to the cause should only come forward for filing public interest litigation on the issue.

At the very outset, a Bench presided over by Justice Surya Kant was requested by the counsel appearing for the petitioner to allow withdrawal of the petition and sought liberty to file a fresh petition.

At this, Justice Kant said: "Don't file a petition on the basis of news items. You (petitioner) should do your own homework. These are very serious issues and a person who is really committed, sincere and serious only should come forward and not everyone. Do not come only for publicity purposes."

The bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, added that the matter is already pending before the Pujab and Haryana High Court and the petitioner may await the outcome in those proceedings.

It said: "If you can read all these news articles (relating to farmers' protest), you must have also read that the P&H High Court is also seized of the matter. The High Court is already considering the issues raised in the petition. Maybe you could provide assistance to the High Court or suppose, the High Court may redress your grievances and you may not require to petition the Supreme Court. At least, be careful."

After making the aforesaid observations, the apex court proceeded to dictate its order as follows: "At the outset, learning counsel appearing for the petitioners seeks and is permitted to withdraw the petition with liberty to have recourse to appropriate remedy."

The plea said that the Centre and governments of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh should ensure fair and respectful treatment to the protesting farmers and instruct authorities to not cause hindrance in farmers' peaceful march and gathering in the national capital.

The PIL alleged that usage of tear gas, rubber bullet pellets, expired shells etc., against peacefully protesting farmers has resulted into serious and grievous injuries and "in some cases death of the farmers thus injured, due to the actions of the police authorities".

"The actions taken by the respondent governments by creating fortification across the borders of the national capital, creating hostile and violent situations against its own peaceful citizens and not allowing the farmers to exercise their democratic right, have led to direct and indirect defamation of the intentions and the objective of the protesting farmers," the plea said.

It sought directions to the Centre and state governments to stop all violence against the protesters and remove all barricading and fortification.
Patna, March 4 : Patna Police registered a case against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday, a day after he claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not a 'Hindu'.

The complaint was filed by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state spokesperson Krishna Singh alias Kallu at Gandhi Maidan police station in Patna on Sunday night and it was accepted on Monday.

"We have registered a case against Lalu Prasad Yadav and the matter is under investigation," said Sitaram Kumar, SHO of Gandhi Maidan police station.

Lalu Prasad Yadav, during the Jan Vishwas rally at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday said that PM Narendra Modi is attacking the dynasty these days.

"I want to ask him why he has no child. He is attacking those who have children. People are fighting for the family and you have no family. When PM Modi's mother died, why did he not shave his beard? He is not Hindu. When the mother or fathers of Hindu people die, as per the ritual, they shave their heads and beards. He is spreading hatred in the country," Lalu Prasad said during the rally on Sunday.

"During the Jan Vishwas rally of RJD, Lalu Prasad Yadav had made indecent remarks on PM Narendra Modi. He said that PM Modi is not Hindu. Lalu Prasad Yadav said that PM Modi had not shaved his beard after the death of his mother which is an indecent remark. He also made comments about Ram temple and hurt the sentiments of 135 crore people of the country. Hence, I lodged the complaint against him in Gandhi Maidan police station, Patna," Kallu said.
New Delhi, March 4 : 'Chitrakoodam: A Tribute to C.N. Karunakaran' an exhibition by Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation and Palette People (Kochi) will celebrate the life and art of Kerala's renowned artist C.N. Karunakaran.

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) aChitrakoodam: A Tribute to C.N. Karunakarana an exhibition by Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation and Palette People (Kochi) will celebrate the life and art of Kerala's renowned artist C.N. Karunakaran.

The exhibition will be held in Bengaluru till March 31. The event will showcase the prolific work of an artist who played a pivotal role in the modern art movement of independent India.

Born in 1940 in the village of Brahmakulam, Kerala, the artist underwent training at the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Madras. Under the mentorship of D.P. Roy Choudhari and K.C.S. Paniker, Karunakaran honed his skills in design and painting, eventually emerging as an important artistic figure. His early challenges, including the loss of the use of one leg due to typhoid, did not deter him.

Karunakaran's career is a testament to his versatility and innovation. After initially painting seashells for sale and working occasionally for the cinema industry, he returned to Kerala in 1970, where he continued to push the boundaries of his art within the regional framework.

In 1973, he founded Chithrakootam, Kerala's first private art gallery, marking a significant milestone in his career and the cultural landscape of the state.

The exhibition is named after this influential gallery and seeks to honour Karunakaran's legacy through a selection of his most memorable works. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in his abstract landscapes, figurative pieces, and works that draw from the Kerala mural and miniature traditions, showcasing his distinctive style and contribution to Indian art.

The artist's accolades include the Madras Lalitha Kala Academy award, multiple Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy awards, the P.T. Bhaskara Paniker Award, the Malayattoor Ramakrishnan Award, and the Ravi Varma Puraskaram Award. His exhibitions have been held in Brazil, the USA, and Kuwait among several other countries.

Exposure to the opulent decorative elements of ancient Indian arts during mandatory visits to historical sites like Khajuraho, Halebid, and Belur profoundly influenced CN Karunakaran's artistic vision. This experience instilled in him an appreciation for ornamentation, which became a defining feature of his work. His artistic journey aimed to develop a unique vocabulary that pays homage to Bharatheeyatha's heritage while engaging with global art discourse.

Upon returning to Kerala in 1970, Karunakaran became an integral part of the cultural renaissance that flourished in the 1970s. His endeavours, such as restoring the mural paintings of the Guruvayoor temple and founding Chithrakootam, Kochi's inaugural art space, showcased his unwavering dedication to art amidst Kerala's fluctuating art scene.

Beyond his stylistic innovations, Karunakaran's legacy lies in his steadfast commitment to art as a vehicle for expression and cultural identity.

By blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary forms, he played a pivotal role in advancing the discourse on Indian identity within the modern art sphere, highlighting the dynamic nature of Indian artistic traditions
New Delhi, March 4 : Continuing his fight against Google's new Play Store policies, Shaadi.com Founder and CEO Anupam Mittal on Monday said this is the new Digital East India Co and if we don't put in the right safeguards now, nothing can prevent these companies from controlling our economic future.

Mittal posted on X that India has changed and "we have a strong and proactive government that will not fall for Big Tech's lies, deceit and manipulation of the judiciary".

He said that the core issue stems from Google and Apple's attempts to move the open Internet to a closed app ecosystem where they can lord over the Internet economy.

"They have already succeeded in muscling large swathes of the Internet and now want 100 per cent dominance. Current issue -- Google wants to charge anywhere between 11-30 per cent to app developers if they have a premium service and developers will file a tax return with Google every month so that they can audit & charge".

Mittal commented as a group of select homegrown startups had a detailed discussion with Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, over how to resolve the deadlock.

He also tried to bust the myths Google has been propagating.

Google says that these Play Store charges are "because of infra and quality control".

"If that's true, then why are these charges only for premium apps? Also, Google simply provides a link from the APK (Android Package Kit) and provides no infra to app developers. Google is only charging for Payment Gateway Services, the market rate for which is 1 per cent but because of their monopoly, they want 20x," argued Mittal.

Google also claims that it gave three years to comply with the new rules.

"No time was given by them. It was the Indian judiciary that stopped them from delisting or levying charges," Mittal informed.

According to him, the immediate solution is an intervention that prevents Google from any bundling at the device or customer end.

Mittal said that the long-term solution is the unbundling of Google and Apple services so the user has a choice on what App Store and apps to have as a default on their phone.
Kolkata, March 4 : Calcutta High Court's Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay on Monday ended his career on the bench with a recommendation for proceedings against a district judge in West Bengal's East Midnapore.

He came to the court on Monday morning and one after another, recused himself from all cases before him, including those which are partly heard or those where the verdicts are reserved. He briefly heard a vigilance-related case against a district judge in East Midnapore and recommended proceedings against him to Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam

"The Vigilance Department of the Calcutta High Court has brought a serious charge against the said district judge. I would request the Chief Justice to look into the report in the matter. If the contents of the report are true, the said district judge should be terminated," he said in his last order as judge.

Justice Gangopadhyay had announced his decision to resign as a judge on Sunday.

He had told media persons that on Monday, he will deal with all the cases pending with him, and on Tuesday, send his resignation to the President. "After forwarding my resignation, I will share with you all about my future plans," he had said.

On Monday, while he left his court at 2.47 p.m. for the last time, he received tearful farewells from the common people assembled there to meet him.

aMy work is over here. Now I have decided to do something else," Justice Gangopadhyay told those present in the court.

As one woman approached him to touch his feet, he restrained her saying that he does not allow anyone to touch his feet. Another profusely sobbing woman requested him to reconsider his decision and said the court of Justice Gangopadhyay was a "temple" for them.

"I have to go," was his brief answer. He also said that there is no reason to think that the petitioners will not get justice from his replacement.
New Delhi, March 4 : A Delhi court on Monday granted custody parole to notorious gangster Sandeep alias Kala Jatheri for his marriage ceremony.

Additional Sessions Judge Deepak Wason of the Dwarka court has allowed Kala Jatheri six-hour custody parole to perform his marriage on March 12, followed by the 'Grih Pravesh' ceremony on March 13.

Kala Jatheri, currently in custody for multiple serious offences, including allegations of running an organised crime syndicate, in which the stringent MCOCA was invoked, sought the parole on humanitarian grounds.

The court, after considering submissions from both the defence and the Delhi Police, granted the relief.

According to the court order, Kala Jatheri will be escorted by authorities for the marriage ceremony on March 12 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Delhi Police instructed to ensure security and safety during the event. Moreover, he is allowed to attend the 'Grih Pravesh' ceremony in village Jatheri (in Haryana's Sonipat) on March 13 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The application for custody parole mentioned Kala Jatheri's constitutional right to marriage under Article 21. Citing the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, it stated the importance of marriage as a social obligation and also expressed concerns over the well-being of Jatheri's elderly parents, who are reportedly suffering from old-age diseases and lack adequate care due to their son's incarceration.
Adilabad : , March 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at a public meeting in this Telangana town on Monday drew loud cheers and repeated clapping from a huge crowd.

An electrifying atmosphere gripped Indira Priyadarshini Stadium as the audience cheered throughout the nearly half-an-hour-long speech.

People were thronging the venue much before PM Narendra Modi's arrival.

Some of the BJP supporters were carrying paintings of the Prime Minister.

People from not just the town but villages in Adilabad district had also converged at the venue to listen to the Prime Minister.

Chants of "Modi Modi" filled the air as soon as PM Modi came on to the stage to address the public meeting, his first after the recent elections to the Telangana Assembly.

Thousands of men and women in this town bordering Maharashtra were excited to see the Prime Minister.

PM Modi waved at the crowd to respond to the loud cheers.

Local BJP leaders said the public meeting infused new enthusiasm and energy among the party cadres ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

A BJP leader said when PM Modi rose to deliver the speech, he was greeted by loud cheers.

There was excitement when the Prime Minister began his speech by greeting the people with a few Telugu words. The venue echoed with the reply of "400 Paar" when PM Modi said "Ab Ki Baar". He also used Telugu words for the slogan, much to the delight of the crowd.

The audience, especially youth, were elated when PM Modi once again used Telugu words to convey that "Modi guarantee means guarantee of fulfilling the guarantees".

The audience responded with enthusiasm when the Prime Minister asked to repeat with him the Telugu words "Nene Modi kutumbam (I am Modi's family)".

Calling 140 crore people of India as his family, he said the entire country is saying I am with PM Modi's family. The choice of Adilabad for the public meeting kept in view the BJP's impressive performance in the region in the recent Assembly elections.

Of the eight Assembly seats the BJP bagged in Telangana, four were from Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency.

Adilabad was one of the four Lok Sabha seats bagged by the BJP in 2019.

Aiming to increase its tally in the forthcoming elections, it selected Adilabad to virtually launch its poll campaign.

As the district has a significant tribal population and the Lok Sabha constituency is reserved for tribals, PM Modi invoked tribal warriors Komaram Bheem and Ramji Gond during his speech.

He also listed the steps taken for the welfare of tribals.

Sitting MP Soyam Bapu Rao, whose name was missing from the first list of nine candidates announced by the BJP for Telangana two days ago, also addressed the public meeting along with Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and Telangana unit BJP president, G. Kishan Reddy.

Local BJP legislator Payal Shankar raised the issue of the closure of the Cement Corporation of India (CCI) unit in Adilabad and demanded its re-opening.

He said the unit was providing employment to 6,000 people.

Party flags and banners were put up across the town for PM Modi's programme.
New Delhi, Mar 4 : The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in a defamation suit against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai pertaining to alleged defamatory content posted by them on social media regarding the "cash-for-query" allegations against her.

Justice Sachin Datta denied Moitra's application for an ad-interim injunction, refusing to restrain Dubey and Dehadrai from posting the contested content at this stage.

The court had reserved its judgement on Moitra's application on December 20, 2023.

"I've dismissed the injunction application," stated the court

Justice Datta had earlier asked about any quid pro quo between Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani, stressing the need for clarification.

Moitra, who was expelled as a Lok Sabha MP on December 8 last year by the Ethics Committee of the Parliament, faced allegations of receiving cash in exchange for posing questions in the House on behalf of Hiranandani.

The advocates representing Dubey and Dehadrai had earlier alleged that there was a quid pro quo between Moitra and Hiranandani, citing Para 68 of the Ethics Committee's report that led to Moitra's expulsion from the Lok Sabha.

The court had then reserved the order on Moitra's interim injunction application, instructing Dubey and Dehadrai's counsels to provide the relevant portion of the Ethics Committee's report for consideration.

Moitra had moved the high court against Dubey, Dehadrai, 15 media organisations and three social media intermediaries following what she alleged were false and defamatory accusations against her.

Dubey's counsel, advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari, had argued that Moitra has committed perjury and that she also shared her Parliament login credentials.

The defamation suit came after Moitra issued a legal notice to Dubey, Dehadrai and several media outlets, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.

Dubey had lodged a complaint with the Lok Sabha Speaker, claiming that Moitra had accepted bribes for raising questions in the Parliament. According to Dubey, the allegations stemmed from a letter addressed to him by Dehadrai.

Moitra had then allegedly filed two police complaints dated March 24 and September 23 against Dehadrai and the same were later withdrawn by her on account of settlement talks.

Moitra's legal notice said that Dubey, for immediate political gains, regurgitated the false and defamatory allegations contained in the letter sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It further claimed that both Dubey and Dehadrai are directly responsible for tarnishing Moitra's reputation for their own personal and political motives.
Bengaluru, March 4 : A Karnataka BJP legislators' delegation met Director General of Police Alok Mohan on Monday and demanded that the forensic report on the alleged raising of pro-Pakistan slogans in the Assembly premises by the supporters of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain be made public.

Dhiraj Muniraju, BJP MLA from Doddaballapur and state Yuva Morcha president, stated that DGP Alok Mohan assured the team that the FSL report would be made public in three days. "We have stated that if it is not done the party would launch a state-wide agitation'," Muniraju said.

"The incident of the raising of the pro-Pakistan slogans had taken place 5 days ago. Following that, there is an incident of a blast in Bengaluru. It is the moral responsibility of the police department to get the FSL report. There is a report already proving that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised in the assembly," Muniraju claimed. The police department should make the official FSL report public, he added.

BJP general secretary N.S. Nandiesha Reddy and BJP MLAs C.K. Ramamurthy, Ravi Subramanya, Uday Garudachar were part of the delegation. The team submitted a memorandum to the DGP in this regard.

The BJP on Monday claimed that the FSL report has confirmed the raising of pro-Pakistan slogans in the Assembly by the supporters of a Congress leader.

The party shared a report, which it claimed was from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), on its official X handle.

The report that the BJP has posted states, "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether it was 'Nasir Saab Zindabad' or pro-Pakistan slogans, the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be the latter."

Reacting to the BJP claim, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Monday that the FSL report given by a private organisation will not be taken into consideration.

The minister said, "If the government FSL report and the forensic report by the Home Ministry confirms the raising of pro-Pakistan slogans, then action would be initiated against the accused persons."
Twin blows to Congress in Gujarat as Arjun Modhwadia, another leader quit party. Image Source: IANS News

Gandhinagar, March 4 : In twin blows to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, its senior leader from Gujarat, Arjun Modhwadia, quit the grand old party on Monday, and also resigned from his position of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

Modhwadia, a senior leader from the Mer community of coastal Saurashtra, is a former Leader of the Opposition and ex-Gujarat unit Congress president. He submitted his resignation to Gujarat Assembly Speaker, Shankarbhai Chaudhary.

According to sources, Modhwadia is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Meanwhile, Ambarish Der, Working President of the Gujarat Congress and a former MLA from Rajula assembly constituency, also resigned from the party on Monday.

Modhwadia's resignation comes on the heels of public disagreements he had with the Congress' central leadership, particularly concerning the party's decision to decline the invitation to attend Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in January.

Modhwadia's departure is seen as one of the most substantial losses for the Congress in Gujarat.

He was considered a close aide to late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, and a key figure in the state's political landscape.

Meanwhile, another Congress leader, Ambarish Der, who quit the party, expressed his dissatisfaction with the party leadership's choices. He said the Congress should operate more like a political entity rather than an NGO.

He is a prominent figure in the Ahir community.

Der has announced his plans to rejoin the BJP in a ceremony scheduled for March 5 in Gujarat BJP headquarters -- Shree Kamalam, in Gandhinagar. Additionally, a public function is set to be held in the Rajula Assembly constituency to mark his induction back to the BJP.

He also said that he would be returning to the BJP without any pre-conditions.
New Delhi, March 4 : Union Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that the agriculture sector will be the foundational pillar spearheading the nation towards becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Speaking at the launch of ae-Kisan Upaj Nidhia (Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) here, the minister announced that the security deposit charges at WDRA registered warehouses will soon be reduced to encourage more farmers, especially small farmers, to utilise the warehouses and enhance their income. He said that the farmers stocking their produce at these warehouses would need to pay only 1 per cent security deposit instead of the 3 per cent earlier.

Goyal thanked the farmers for securing the lives of millions of Indians and said that the ae-Kisan Upaj Nidhia initiative with the help of technology will ease warehousing logistics for farmers and help them in receiving fair prices for their produce.

He pointed out that ae-Kisan Upaj Nidhia can prevent distress sale by farmers who often have to sell their entire harvest at cheaper rates due to poor post-harvest storage opportunities.

The minister said that the warehouses under WDRA are well-monitored, highly-rated, and are equipped with infrastructure that will protect farm produce and lead to farmersa welfare. He pressed for mandatory registration of warehouses utilised by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) across the states under WDRA and preparation of a roadmap for state warehouses to be infrastructure-ready.

Elaborating on the aae-Kisan Upaj Nidhia platform, Goyal said that the initiative with its simplified digital process can ease the procedure of farmers' storage at any registered WDRA warehouse for a period of 6 months at 7 per cent interest per annum. The Minister hailed the WDRA initiative of providing an online platform for warehouse registration that has seen significant increase year-on-year and set a target of 1 lakh warehouses to be registered on the portal. He noted that last year, 1,500 warehouses were registered.

The minister emphasised that with the ae-Kisan Upaj Nidhia and e-NAM, farmers will be able to utilise the technology of an interconnected market which benefits them above and beyond selling their produce to the government at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said that the governmentas procurement through MSPs has increased 2.5 times over the last decade.

While speaking about the launch of the world's largest cooperative food grain storage scheme, the minister urged the WDRA to draw up a proposal to provide free registration of all the warehouses under the cooperative sector. He said that the initiative to aid cooperative sector warehouses will further boost farmers to stock their produce in WDRA facilities leading them to get fair price on selling their harvest.
Mumbai, March 4 : Best known as 'Daroga Happu Singh' in the sitcom 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan', actor Yogesh Tipathi has opened up about his first home in Mumbai -- the railway station.

"I remember sleeping at various (railway) stations for almost four days, as I had nowhere else to go. Frustrated with the situation, I once said, 'If I manage to settle in this city, I will at least buy four houses'. I feel blessed that God heard me, and I proudly own these many properties in Mumbai now," said Yogesh, who hails from Uttar Pradesh.

Recalling his journey, the actor said: "I arrived in Mumbai in 2005 with four friends. Initially, finding an accommodation was challenging for us bachelors. Fortunately, we secured a small room in Vashi. We moved in without any hesitation, desperate for a roof over our heads. I used to commute from Vashi to Andheri every day, and it would take nearly 2-3 hours after finishing my 14 to 15-hour shifts."

"There were times when I missed the last train and had to spend the night at railway stations with no other means to return to Vashi," he added.

'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' airs on &TV.
New Delhi, March 4 : Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, said on Monday that he is keen to observe India's upcoming Lok Sabha elections "firsthand" just as he undertook his first official visit to Bihar to meet "prominent political figures".

The country's biggest democratic exercise will take off with the poll schedule and dates expected to be announced by the Election Commission of India later this month.

Calling elections a "festival of democracy", Green said he hopes to have "interesting conversations" with top political brass in the state.

"In #Bihar - home to the world's first university at Nalanda & the Bodhi tree - on my first official visit! Look fwd to interesting conversations w prominent political figures in the lead up to India's general elections - the festival of democracy - that I am keen to observe firsthand," Green posted on X on Monday.

The High Commissioner also met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other top leaders late last month as he visited Uttar Pradesh.

Meeting CM Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow on February 28, he discussed bilateral trade, investment, education, and technology cooperation between Australia and Uttar Pradesh. While CM Adityanath called his meeting with Green "fruitful" in a social media post, the latter said that he enjoyed interacting with prominent political leaders in Uttar Pradesh and that it was "fascinating to hear their insights on the political dynamics of the state".
Pune, March 4 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party President Ajit Pawar on Monday attacked the trend of film stars joining politics and contesting elections.

Addressing a public meeting in Shirur Lok Sabha constituency to prepare for the upcoming parliament elections, he listed various film stars who entered the political arena to contest polls, and then quit.

"Actors like Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Govinda, Shatrughan Sinha have contested electionsa Even Amitabh Bachchan stood for elections and won, but later he felt that politics is not his cup of tea and resigned leaving everything," he said.

Taking potshots at the "star politicians", he sarcastically said that "when a charming new face comes to the fore (in elections), we feel good for the first few days... they give twirl to their moustache and impress us", and people press the EVM button in their favour.

"But then what is their connection to public life, politics and contribution to the peoplesa issuesa Ultimately, what matters is whether they (film-stars) are interested in doing developmental works in their constituencies."

Targeting sitting Shirur MP of Nationalist Congress Party-SP, Dr Amol Kolhe, an acclaimed film and television actor, Ajit Pawar said that "even we committed a blunder of nominating and campaigning for him", thinking that he would shape up well as an elected representative.

"We couldnat gauge what was going on in his minda thereas no way to know it," he rued, in a hint at Dr. Kolheas refusal to align with him after the NCP - founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar - split vertically in July 2023.

At one point, Dr Kolhe toyed with joining the Ajit Pawar faction, but then chose to remain with the Sharad Pawar side, irking the former.

Unfazed by Ajit Pawaras snide remarks, Dr. Kolhe, who was formerly with the (undivided) Shiv Sena, noted that it was Sharad Pawar who gave him an opportunity to contest from Shirur in 2019 and he won.

"I have always been honest to my worka My performance account for Shirur in the parliament is available in the public domain, anyone can see it. I can assure that the stand I have taken will continue (with Sharad Pawaras party). I always remain committed to raising the issues of the people of my constituency," he said.

With Dr Kolhe likely to be re-nominated by the NCP-SP to contest Shirur, Ajit Pawar is desperately hunting for a suitable candidate to counter him and wrest the seat from the doctor-turned-actor a" reputed for his roles as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The names of various other contenders from the ruling MahaYuti alliance of Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-NCP are doing the rounds in political circles, though Ajit Pawar is quite keen to get at least 10 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in his kitty.

Almost all political parties in the country have some measure of the 'glamour quotient' - film stars, TV stars, etc, though Ajit Pawar's NCP lacks them.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Dehradun, March 4 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Monday that miscreants and rioters will be made to pay a heavy price for instigating violence and vandalising public property.

Dehradun, March 4 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Monday that miscreants and rioters will be made to pay a heavy price for instigating violence and vandalising public property.

The state government, in a cabinet meeting, approved the setting up of a Special Claims Tribunal with the aim to penalize and punish the perpetrators of violence and also to tighten the noose around those who incite public unrest at such occasions.

The initiative to deter such offenders comes almost a month after Haldwani was rocked by series of violent incidents including stone pelting, torching of vehicles and also burning of police stations. The violence was apparently fanned by a mob, angered over demolition of an illegal madrasa in Banbhoolpura.

The Chief Minister, briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, said that those who disturb the peace in the state will have to pay for it now.

aThe compensation for the damage to public property caused during the riots will be recovered from the rioters themselves. Those who disturb the peace will have to pay a heavy price and the state will set an example which will be remembered for years by the generations of rioters who tarnished the sacred land of Devbhoomi," said CM Dhami.

Till date, there was no law in the state to extract monetary compensation from the rioters. The Special Claims Tribunal will fill this gap and set a new precedent in deterring the perpetrators from taking the law into their hands.

The Claims Tribunal constituted by the District Magistrate will assess the loss through the Court Commissioner, after which recovery will be made from the rioters, as per the law.
Adilabad : , March 4 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday said that the state government does not want confrontation with the Centre and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi an "elder brother".

Sharing the dais with the Prime Minister at the launch of development works in Adilabad, Revanth Reddy said that the state government has no intention of a confrontation with the Centre and would like to work together for the stateas development.

"If there is a clash between the Centre and states the people will suffer. Politics should be only during elections. After the elections, the elected public representatives should work for the stateas development with the help of the Centre," he said.

Unlike his predecessor K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who was not receiving the PM on his visits to the state for the last couple of years, Revanth Reddy reached Adilabad to welcome the PM and attended the official programme.

This was PM Narendra Modias first visit to Telangana after the Congress came to power in the state.

Revanth Reddy stated that his government gives respect to those who hold constitutional posts.

"For us, Prime Minister means elder brother. If there is support from the elder brother, every CM in his state can carry forward development. If Telangana is to develop like Gujarat, your help is needed," he said, adding that Hyderabad as one of the five metropolitan cities in the country would also like to contribute to the PM's goal of a $5 trillion economy.

He recalled that after assuming office as the Chief Minister, he met the Prime Minister and requested him to fulfill the commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and also discussed other issues related to the state.

The Chief Minister thanked the PM for his cooperation for the development works in Telangana, especially transfer of defence lands in Hyderabad for construction of skyways. He sought the Centreas assistance for expansion of Metro Rail, Musi riverfront development, and for establishing semiconductor industry.

He also requested the Prime Minister to help the state in construction of Tummidi Hatti project in Adilabad district, which will irrigate 1.50 lakh acres of land.

Referring to inauguration of NTPCas 800 MW (Unit-2) of Telangana Super Thermal Power Project in Peddapalli, Revanth Reddy said as per the promise made at the time the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the installed capacity of NTPC thermal power project should be 4,000 MW but due to the previous government's inefficiency, only 1,600 MW was generated.

He announced that the state government will give all required permissions for the remaining 2,400 MW of power generation.
New Delhi, March 4 : The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice on a father's plea seeking compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the death of his 18-month-old daughter, allegedly mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in the city's Tughlaq Lane.

Justice Subramonium Prasad has issued notice to the Delhi government, Delhi Police, and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the feeding of stray dogs by individuals, leading to territorial behaviour and posing a threat to pedestrians. It stressed the need for responsible behaviour regarding stray dog populations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The plea seeks enforcement of laws and rules issued by the Central government to prevent tragic incidents resulting from dog bites. Additionally, it calls for the capture and treatment of violent dogs in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

The father, hailing from an economically-marginalised community of Dhobi Ghat in Tughlaq Lane area, alleges negligence by authorities in addressing concerns raised by him and his neighbours regarding the menace of stray animals.

Non-sterilisation and non-vaccination are cited as contributing factors to the unregulated population of stray dogs and the resulting health hazards, including the risk of rabies. The petition states the primary duty of municipal bodies to ensure public safety by controlling stray animal populations.

Despite repeated complaints, the NDMC purportedly failed to take necessary measures to address the situation, leading to the demise of the petitioner's daughter. The matter is listed for hearing on March 13.
Kolkata, March 4 : The full bench of the Election Commission of India (EWCI), which is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, on Monday directed the state police to execute all the pending non-bailable arrest warrants in the state at the earliest.

The ECI team also directed the state government to send a report to the commission on this count once the implementation process has been completed.

The Commission on Monday held a meeting with all the bureaucrats and police officers, including district magistrates, police commissioners and district police superintendents, wherein it gave these directions.

Sources said the ECI team also made it clear to the police commissioners and district police superintendents that under no circumstances the civic volunteers, either attached to the West Bengal Police or the Kolkata Police, should be used for any kind of poll-related duty, directly or indirectly.

On this point, sources said, the Commission members recalled the allegations relating to rampant use of civic volunteers during the panchayat elections held last year, which were marred by massive violence resulting in the deaths of 55 persons.

The Commission members also cautioned the police that while all attempts should be made to prevent pre-poll violence, each and every complaint by the people should be treated seriously.

Sources in the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that the Commission especially cautioned the superintendent of Basirhat district police to adopt extra precautions with regard to Sandeshkhali, which has been on the boil for some time now following protests by local women accusing a section of the local Trinamool leadership of sexual harassment.
Chennai, March 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a massive gathering of people at the YMCA Ground here. During his speech, PM Modi criticised the M.K. Stalin-led DMK government in the state over several issues.

A number of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and party workers were also present at the rally.

Tamil Nadu unit BJP president, K. Annamalai; Union Minister of State for Fisheries, L. Murugan; Mahila Morcha national president and Coimbatore South MLA, Vanathi Srinivasan, among others, were present on the stage along with PM Modi.

Speaking at the rally, PM Modi said that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu failed miserably in flood management when the state faced a crisis in December 2023.

PM Modi said that the DMK government, however, managed to make it appear that "everything was fine".

He said that the people suffered immensely in the floods, but the state government did not do anything to help them.

PM Modi also said that both the DMK and the Congress are family-centric parties. This was an oblique reference to CM M.K. Stalin's family having a significant hold on the DMK's political affairs. The Chief Minister's son, Udayanidhi Stalin, is a minister in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, while the CM's sister -- Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, is a Member of Parliament.

PM Modi said that he had left home at the age of 16 to serve the nation, and to do social service, adding his family was the people of the country.

The Prime Minister said that he felt energised every time he came here, saying "Chennai is a hub of talent".

The PM also said that the DMK and Congress were not able to digest the popularity and growth of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi's rally here is being considered the beginning of the BJP's election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi reached YMCA Ground after witnessing the start of the process of core-loading the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam.

The project has been developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI).
New Delhi, March 4 : South Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok on Monday appreciated the deepening and expanding economic relations between India and Korea -- a day ahead of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to the Asian nation beginning Tuesday.

Ambassador Jae-bok spoke at the inaugural session of the CII Delhi State Annual Session and Business Conference in the capital on Monday where a publication - "India & Republic of Korea - Enduring Business Partnership at 50 and Beyond" - was released.

"In his congratulatory remarks, @ChangJaebok1, Ambassador of Korea to India, appreciated deepening and expanding economic relations of Korea and India," the Korean Embassy said in a message posted on X.

According to the Embassy, the publication carries stories of 50 Korean and Indian companies commemorating the 50th diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Addressing a media briefing late last month, Jae-bok spoke about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries with hopes of concluding negotiations on the pact ahead of a likely state visit by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to visit after the elections in South Korea, scheduled to be held in April this year.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar will be making his first visit to Seoul from March 5-6 to co-chair the 10th India - Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting with his S Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul.

The strategic partnership between the two nations has expanded to diverse areas of cooperation, which include trade, investments, defence, education, S&T, and culture. The Joint Commission Meeting is expected to comprehensively review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further strengthening it, according to a Ministry of External Affairs release.

It will also provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Kolkata : Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of sexual violence and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali village, being produced at the Bhawani Bhawan. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, March 4 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday reserved its judgement on an appeal seeking transfer of the probe against the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader from Sandeshkhali, Sheikh Shahjahan, independently to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

After a thorough hearing of the matter, the division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya reserved the judgement and also did not specify when the same will be delivered.

To recall, initially the Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta had ordered a probe into the attack on ED and CAPF teams in Sandeshkhali on January 5, which was allegedly orchestrated by Shahjahan, by a joint SIT of the West Bengal Police and CBI.

However, the ED had challenged the order and demanded that the probe be independently handled by the CBI.

At that point of time, the division bench had put an interim stay on the formation and probe by a joint SIT.

The matter came up for hearing again on Monday and after prolonged arguments and counter-arguments by all the parties concerned, the bench reserved its judgement.

During the hearing, the ED counsel demanded that Shahjahan, who is currently in the custody of the CID of the state police, be remanded to judicial custody so that he can be handed over to the CBI eventually.

A similar appeal was moved by the CBI counsel, who said that their officers want to independently probe the matter by taking Shahjahan into custody.

"Those who have been arrested, including Shahjahan, are currently in state police's custody. There is a time limit up to which the accused persons can be kept in police custody. Unless the CBI gets the accused persons in its custody, how could its officers investigate the matter?

"An independent CBI probe into the matter is necessary since Sheikh Shahjahan, who himself is an influential person, is linked to an erstwhile member of the West Bengal government, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the ration distribution case," the CBI counsel said.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration of the new building of Bhawanipore Modern School. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, March 4 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed on Monday that the process of arm-twisting Trinamool Congress leaders to join the BJP by using agency pressure has resumed.

The Chief Minister was addressing an administrative review meeting at Tamluk in East Midnapore district.

Although she did not specify in what context she was making such a claim, the indication was towards the resignation of six-time Trinamool legislator Tapas Roy earlier in the day, both as an MLA and from the primary membership of the party.

Roy has not yet detailed his next move as to which political path he will pursue.

Before tendering his resignation, Roy claimed that he was saddened that the Chief Minister did not utter a single word about the recent raid at his residence by the ED in connection with the municipalities' recruitment case, though she had defended Sheikh Shahjahan on the floor of the Assembly in the ED attack case at Sandeshkhali.

Roy also accused a section of Trinamool leaders of orchestrating the ED's single-day operation at his residence.

Speaking in Tamluk, the Chief Minister also indirectly accused the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, without naming him, of unethically defeating her from the Nandigram constituency in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Trinamool had challenged the poll results at the Calcutta High Court claiming that some malpractices were made at the counting centre by the BJP by taking advantage of a power cut. The matter is still pending before the high court.

"Everyone is aware of what happened at Nandigram around three years back. The matter is still pending before the court. But I am confident that people will give a fitting reply when the time comes," the Chief Minister said.
Chennai, March 4 : The BJP's Tamil Nadu poll panel will meet the party high command on March 6 to prepare the final list of party candidates from the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a party leader said on Monday.

BJP MLA and Mahila Morcha national President Vanathi Srinivasan made the announcement after the state unit core committee's meeting at state party headquarters 'Kamalalayam'.

Party state President K. Annamalai chaired the meeting in which Union Minister L.Murugan, BJP legislature party leader Nainar Nagenthiran and other office-bearers, as well as BJP national Secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu Arvind Menon and co-in charge Sudhakar Reddy, were present.

Srinivasan, who is also the Coimbatore South MLA, said that two party leaders would visit each Lok Sabha seat and prepare a list of party leaders to contest the polls. She said that a panel of leaders would be prepared and these leaders would meet the party high command and finalise the list.

She also said that also said the party high command will decide on seat-sharing with alliance partners, and whether the alliance partners would contest on lotus symbol would be decided by it.

The Tamil Maanila Congress of G.K. Vasan, the TMMK, the IJK, the KMK, and New Justice Party have already extended support to the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
New Delhi, March 4 : China's re-opening rebound was one of the biggest market bets gone wrong in 2023, with the housing market (60 per sent of household assets) seeing the worst downturn in the country's history, dragging down growth and consumption, Emkay Global Financial Services said in a report.

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) Chinaas re-opening rebound was one of the biggest market bets gone wrong in 2023, with the housing market (60 per sent of household assets) seeing the worst downturn in the country's history, dragging down growth and consumption, Emkay Global Financial Services said in a report.

The consequent deflationary state has compelled policies to be more growth-friendly, but fears are mounting over China staring at decades of stagnation ahead, a.k.a. debt-deflation trap and aJapanificationa risks.

However, Chinaas ability to demarketise its housing market and factors like non-liberal capital a/c can buy policymakers some time to avoid a Japan-like downward spiral.

That said, Chinaas slowdown is structural, caused by the end of an unprecedented expansion in credit and investment over the past decade.

Amid persistently weak domestic demand, Chinaas reversion to its aolda growth model has also being witnessed in recent years -- from the consumption-driven model back to the manufacturing & exports-based model, to rekindle growth, the report said.

For the worst to be over, consumption and business sentiment and, consequently, the housing market need substantial policy support, especially as the real rates have risen meaningfully. However, fixing policy distortions (led by major market reforms) and restoring confidence are critical to maximise sustainable growth.
Jaipur, March 4 : The sitting BJP MP from Churu, Rahul Kaswan, on Monday expressed his displeasure after being denied a ticket from Rajasthan for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In its first list of 195 candidates announced on Saturday, the BJP has named Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia in place of Rahul Kaswan from Churu.

Taking to social media on Monday, Kaswan said, "What was my fault? Was I not honest? Was I not hard-working? Was I not loyal? Was I tainted? Had I left any stone unturned in getting the work done in Churu? I was at the forefront of the implementation of all the schemes of the Honourable Prime Minister."

Kaswan added, "What else was needed? Whenever I ask this question, everyone remains speechless. No one is able to give me an answer. Maybe my own people can tell me something."

Kaswan showed signs of displeasure as soon as he was denied a ticket by the BJP on Saturday.

On Sunday, he greeted the people of Churu and said, "With your trust and support, we will overcome every crisis, move forward on the path of development, and climb the heights of progress. You must be patient. I will be among you people in the next few days, information about which will be shared with you soon."

Kaswan, a two-time MP from Churu, belongs to a well-known political family in the city. His father Ram Singh Kaswan has been a four-time BJP MP besides being the MLA once.

Ram Singh Kaswan had defeated veteran Congress leader Balram Jakhar in the Lok Sabha polls from Churu.

Kamla Kaswan, the wife of Ram Singh Kaswan, has been a BJP MLA from Sadulpur. In 2014, Rahul Kaswan got a BJP ticket for the first time and won from Churu.
New Delhi: A view of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 4 : The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by the Delhi government challenging the orders issued by the office of the Lt Governor (LG) depriving it from appointing lawyers of its choice or fixing their fees.

A bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, issued notice to the Union government, LG's office and others on Delhi governmentas petition as well as on plea seeking interim relief.

The bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, indicated that the issue would have to be connected to the plea filed by the Delhi government against the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023 replacing the ordinance promulgated earlier by the Centre over transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats in the national capital.

The matter is posted for further hearing in the week commencing May 6.

The plea, filed through advocate Talha Abdul Rahman, said that the impugned Office Memorandum issued by the Union Home Ministry and subsequent order passed by the LG's office severely obstruct and hinder the elected Governmentas ability to represent the interests of the electorate of Delhi.

It stated that the elected Government of NCT of Delhi cannot be shut out from choosing its advocates before the constitutional courts.

"Even in relation to litigation/cases not concerning the police, land and public order, the petitioneras right to appoint counsel of choice is being brazenly breached," the plea said, adding that "what is given to Delhi by the Constitution, cannot be taken away by office memorandums and orders".

Further, it said that the impugned orders are in teeth of two Constitution Bench judgments wherein it was held and reiterated that the LG had no independent decision-making power and he must act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, whom the people of Delhi duly elected.
Mumbai, March 4 : Perturbed by the dilly-dallying stance of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar on the seat-sharing alliance, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader on Monday reached out to him, appealing to "convey a different to the masses".

NCP (SP) National General Secretary Jitendra Awhad has penned a note to Prakash Ambedkar, saying that the next generation will not forgive them if the Constitution is tampered with, given the "current scenario".

Awhad pointed out how he always propagated the progressive ideas and ideology of great icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, among the people of Maharashtra.

"We also have the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. With full respect to that legacy, I would like to say that your goal and our aims are the same -- that is, to save the Constitution and Democracy. We have to ensure that this priceless gift from Dr. Ambedkar is safe, and we are ready to pay the price for it," said Awhad.

He cautioned that if the Constitution is tampered with and Democracy endangered, then the future generation will "never forgive us", and urged Prakash Ambedkar to help convey a different message to the masses -- though the VBA has not reacted so far.

"Let's have a meeting of all like-minded parties in the state on priority," said Awhad, in view of the confusion prevailing over the VBA's status in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

MVA leaders pointed out that in the past few days, the changing stance, unilateral statements, demands and claims on seats or candidates, have led to doubts and uncertainties among the Congress-NCP (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) and other allies as they struggle to cobble an amicable seat-sharing arrangement.
New Delhi, March 4 : Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday handed over letters of intent to successful bidders of 12th City Gas Distribution (CGD) bidding round, under which 8 Geographical Areas across 103 districts were offered for development.

The areas include 6 northeastern states - Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The minister said that the anticipated investment for 12th CGD Bidding Round is Rs 41,000 crore and will generate vast employment opportunities.

"This round, in totality, covered 103 districts. Subsequent to this round, authorisation for development of City Gas Distribution Networks in the entire country (except islands) will be awarded," he said.

The minister highlighted that the government has set an objective to invest $67 billion in the natural gas sector in the next six years in order to provide natural gas to the end consumer at a stable price. He further stated that in recent years, support has been provided through policy and regulatory framework for promotion of natural gas in the country.

Giving a snapshot of the natural gas infrastructure of the country, the Minister said that over 33,753 km of natural gas trunk pipelines are authorised in the country out of which around 24,623 km of pipeline are currently operational. He noted that there are 300 GAs authorised in the country, covering 98 per cent of the population and 88 per cent of its area for development of the CGD network. "As many as 1.21 crore domestic PNG connections and 6,258 CNG stations have been established in the country till date. All this has been possible due to the robust gas grid of India," he said.

He said that the current measures planned by the government will lead to a three-fold increase in natural gas consumption i.e. 185 MMSCMD to 500 MMSCMD by 2030 and also help in promoting ancillary industries dependent on natural gas.

PNGRB Chairperson Anil Kumar Jain said the current focus is on creation of a vibrant and sustainable gas infrastructure across the entire country. The initiation of this bidding round specifically tailored for these states/UT reflects a strategic move to provide cleaner fuel within the delicate ecosystems of these regions.

Jain further mentioned that CNG has a lot of potential in these states. In this regard, the development of North Eastern Gas Grid and the Gurdaspur-Jammu Natural Gas Pipeline, which have been authorised, will play a vital role for the development of natural gas networks.

Until 2014, only 57 Geographical Areas were authorised for the development of city gas distribution networks in the country. Since then, there has been immense growth in the CGD sector and with successful completion of 12th CGD Bidding Round, wherein 7 more GAs are being authorised, with the addition of 250 GAs within the last 10 years, the entire country has been authorised for development of CGD network.
One NSCN-K militant killed, another held in encounter with Assam Rifles in Nagaland. Image Source: IANS News

Kohima, March 4 : A National Socialist Council of Nagaland-K militant was killed and another apprehended after an encounter between the extremists and the Assam Rifles in Nagaland's Mon district, officials said on Monday.

A defence spokesman said that acting on specific intelligence inputs on movement of NSCN-K cadres for carrying out abduction and extortion at Sangsa village of Mon, Assam Rifles launched an operation on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

After the Assam Rifles troopers intercepted a NSCN-K cadre, the other militant fired upon the para-military personnel, who retaliated.

In the ensuing gun battle, one insurgent was killed and in the subsequent search operation, an automatic rifle, an automatic pistol, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores recovered from the area.
Imphal, March 4 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday that out of the 6,746 illegal Myanmar immigrants detected in Manipur since the ongoing ethnic conflict unfolded in the state on May 3 last year, 259 were sent back to their country till February 27 after recording their biometrics details.

Answering queries put forth by the MLAs on the floor of the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the remaining 6,487 refugees, including women and children, who fled to Manipur after the Military junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, are kept at temporary shelter homes.

Security measures have been taken to ensure that the immigrants don't get mixed with the local people, Singh told the House.

The Chief Minister also informed that 213 persons have died in the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, of which 198 have been identified as civilians, including 20 women and eight children.

An ex-gratia amount has been given to the next of kin of 114 deceased persons and the remaining are in the process, and will be distributed after verification, Singh said.

On the challenges being faced by the internally displaced persons (IDPs) owing to the ongoing conflict, Singh told the House that as many as 320 relief camps have been set up for them.

By May this year, the IDPs who are putting up in community halls would be shifted to proper places or the halls would be converted into proper staying areas by with partitions to maintain their privacy.

Due to security concerns, it may take some time for the IDPs to return to their respective places, but many have returned to their villages already to resume their normal lives, added Singh, who also holds the home portfolio.

Health cards such as under the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Pm-JAY) have been given to the IDPs, many of whom have benefited from these schemes, the CM said, adding that the state government is also working to make provisions for the illnesses that couldnat be covered by these health cards.

Replying to the queries of Congress legislators Th Lokeshwar Singh and Keisham Meghachandra, the Chief Minister said that for the children affected by the ethnic crisis, government schools have been provided with free school uniforms and text books, while the fees have also been exempted.

Under the Labour Department, Rs 5,000 each was provided as assistance to every household which has been affected by the violence, Singh said.
Chandigarh, March 4 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday slammed the Opposition for "running away" from the Governor's address as they were not able to digest the initiatives taken by his government for the holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.

Winding up the discussion on the Governoras address in the Assembly, he said the leaders of Opposition were least bothered about the state or its people and their only aim is to grab political power by hook or crook.

He said while his government has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the farmers, the Opposition has been merely shedding crocodile tears.

Mann said due to their dubious role, these leaders were rejected outright by the people of the state and now the people will teach them a befitting lesson during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

The Chief Minister said in the last two years, the state government has taken many steps for the welfare of people. He said the Opposition is least bothered about the well-being or the prosperity of the people, and their leaders only concerned about attaining power.

Mann said poor and regressive policies of these people had ruined the future of the state and its people, who had to do menial jobs for managing two square meals a day, whereas these people had enjoyed lives on the basis of agold biscuitsa smuggled by their fathers.

He said in the last two years, the government had not even once said that the exchequer of the state is empty. However, he said every single penny of the state has been used judiciously for the well-being of the people.

Slamming the Badal family for looting crores from the state for personal benefits, he said that the luxury tax and others of a seven-star resort was waived off to benefit them for construction of Sukhvilas Hotel. He said it is unfortunate that Rs 108 crore were waived off thereby bringing a huge loss to the state exchequer.
Panaji, March 4 : Few social workers, including women, were detained by the Goa police after they tried to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to submit a memorandum opposing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

A demonstration was organised at the Azad Maidan in the state capital under the banner aGoans Against EVMs', which was attended by hundreds of people who opposed the use of EVMs for elections.

Speakers at the demonstration venue claimed that EVMs are snatching the freedom of the voters and hence elections should be held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Later, a petition signed by one lakh voters was handed over to the Chief Electoral Officer demanding that the coming Lok Sabha polls be conducted using ballot papers, and not EVMs.

Some of the activists who tried to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at his official residence were detained by the police.
The power of real estate in shaping your lifestyle. Image Source: IANS News

Gurugram, March 4 : Gurugram-based realtors under the banner of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) and the National Real Estate Development Council of India (NREDCI) proposed the formation of a reconciliation centre during a meeting with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) officials on Monday.

According to the proposal, the reconciliation centre will decide and dispose of allottees' complainants at the very initial stage.

A CREDAI member said that the reconciliation centre can comprise members from the promoters' side, allottees' side along with RERA officials. The objective of the centre will be to encourage the allottee and the promoter to settle disputes amicably outside the court, said a promoter.

The promoters appreciated RERA Chairman Arun Kumar for inviting the real-estate developers, hearing their points, and assuring them to review their concerns.

The promoters raised their concerns point-wise, drawing the attention of the RERA Chairman, and seeking his intervention to ease the A to H project registration process.

In his address, Kumar said that the authority wants a healthy environment in the Gurugram real-estate sector.

"Act 2016 should be followed by the promoters. All the concerns have been noted and will be reviewed," he said.

Kumar added, "We assure you of our commitment to transparency and the highest standards of integrity. We have taken note of some of your concerns, which we hope to resolve soon."

More than 100 promoters attended the meeting.
Imphal, March 4 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has provided Manipur 10 Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) with mine protection features to enable the security forces in the unrest-struck northeastern state to operate in a more effective manner.

An official said that of the 10 QRFVs, seven have already arrived in the state while three more are on the way.

The MHA provided the QRFVs to equip the security forces with enforcing law and order in a "very effective manner" in the state, an official said.

These QRFVs with mine protection features would greatly help in providing a safety net to the security forces while performing their duties at vulnerable spots, the official said.

The official further said that the N. Biren Singh-led Manipur government continues to take up initiatives for strengthening security measures and the protection of lives and properties.

CM Biren Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Monday inspected the QRFVs in Imphal.

Later, he posted on 'X': "As many as 10 of these armored personnel carriers will be added to the state's arsenal for assisting the security forces in enforcing law and order at various locations."
Jaipur, March 4 : Presiding over a review meeting at his office here on Monday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed the officials of the School Education Department to make a plan to provide necessary educational facilities and resources to the government schools, just like schools in the the private sector, so that quality education can be provided to the students from needy families.

CM Sharma said that teachers are employed in the government schools after they have cleared difficult examinations, so that they have the full potential to shape the future of the students.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for harmonious utilisation of human resources to fill the vacant posts in government schools.

He instructed the concedrned officials to conduct regular reviews to appoint teachers based on the number of students in schools. With this, the students will be able to get teachers on priority and on time if there is a shortage.

CM Sharma also said that due to irregular transfer of teachers, the teaching system in schools get affected, adding that the Education Department should prepare a transparent transfer policy to resolve this issue.

He also directed the officials to make innovations in some districts for the improvement of education so that Rajasthan emerges as a model state for education in the entire country.

The Chief Minister also said that the knowledge of Sanskrit brings positive changes in a person's conduct, thoughts and values.

"The state government is determined to promote Sanskrit and is taking important decisions in this direction," the Chief Minister said.

He also instructed the concerned authorities to organise camps and seminars to motivate the students towards Sanskrit education.
Amazon has far exceeded its hiring and salary requirements for its Hamburg distribution facility as laid out in its tax-break agreement with the Hamburg Industrial Development Agency, yielding a better return on investment for taxpayers than originally expected, the economic development agency announced Monday.

Amazon received $6.85 million in tax breaks over 10 years to support its $47.2 million project to construct the 183,623-square-foot building at 3920 Bayview Road. The company delayed moving in by 18 months because of post-pandemic economic and supply-chain issues, but eventually took occupancy in October 2023.

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Under the terms of the tax incentive package that the Hamburg IDA approved in 2021, Amazon was required to employ at least 75 full-time workers by March 2024, at a starting pay of at least $15 per hour.

As of the end of 2023, Amazon reported 205 full-time equivalent jobs in Hamburg, nearly tripling the target. And the starting pay range is $17.75 to $23 per hour, besting the wage goal.

Amazon has quickly become one of our top private employers in town, said Hamburg IDA Executive Director Sean Doyle. This project far exceeds our initial projections for taxpayer return on investment. The new PILOT revenue generated from this project site will support our town and the Frontier School District.

In addition to the 205 direct employees, Amazons New York economic development manager Glendowlyn Thames noted that the Hamburg delivery station also has three independent contractor businesses providing delivery services.

Those firms have another 150 drivers and more than 200 vehicles driving across an area of the Southtowns that covers 26 ZIP codes and 320 square miles.
Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 4 : In a new record in domestic tourist arrivals, Kerala attracted 2,18,71,641 domestic visitors in the calendar year 2023, registering a 15.92 per cent increase over the previous year, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P A Mohamed Riyas said here on Monday.

In 2022, Kerala hosted 1,88,67,414 domestic tourists, with domestic arrivals logging an increase of 18.97 per cent, compared to the pre-Covid year of 2019, the Minister said.

In 2023, Ernakulam district witnessed the highest influx of domestic tourists with 44,87,930 visitors, followed by Idukki (36,33,584), Thiruvananthapuram (35,89,932), Thrissur (24,78,573), and Wayanad (17,50,267).

Kerala also witnessed a healthy increase in international tourist arrivals with 6,49,057 visitors in 2023, compared to 3,45,549 tourists in 2022, indicating a remarkable growth of 87.83 per cent.

Ernakulam district was visited by 2,79,904 tourists from abroad, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,48,462), Idukki (1,03,644), Alappuzha (31,403), and Kottayam (28,458).

This all-time record in tourist footfall signified recovery from the devastation wreaked by the Covid-19 pandemic but also a huge endorsement of the stateas high standing as an all-season experiential tourism hub.

"This is a testament to Kerala Tourismas vigorous efforts based on well-crafted policy initiatives and meticulously implemented promotional strategies within and outside the country," said Riyas.

As for the number of visitors from abroad, the minister pointed out that despite a significant uptick, it was still 45.45 per cent lower than international tourist arrivals before the onset of the Covid pandemic.

"The conflicts in some parts of the world also affected international tourism. Despite these challenges, there has been good progress in foreign footfall in Kerala. The adventure tourism events planned for this year will help us regain much of the lost ground. We are also working on plans to attract more tourists to the Malabar region," the Minister said.

Responding to a question, he said cases of human-animal conflicts in Wayanad will not affect tourism activities in that district.

"More regulatory measures are in the offing to ensure the safety of adventure tourism activities. As part of this, registration and licensing will be compulsory for surfing training clubs and similar adventure tourism ventures. For this, a regulatory framework would be adopted," said Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Bengaluru, Mar 4 : In a big development, the Karnataka police on Monday arrested three persons in connection with the alleged raising of pro-Pakistan slogans in the Assembly premises by the supporters of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain following his election to the Rajya Sabha recently.

Following the arrests, the Karnataka unit of the BJP demanded the resignation of Naseer Hussain.

Reacting to the development, BJP's leader of opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, said the Congress leaders had claimed that no pro-Pakistan slogans were raised.

"What would they say now? Not just three, but there were 10 to 12 persons who had raised pro-Pakistan slogans. All of them are terrorists. Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain should tender his resignation immediately," Ashoka demanded.

"The Vidhana Soudha has never witnessed any such incident. The Congress government, which supported the offenders, should be sacked. We have already submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Governor. Naseer Hussain had managed to bring 25 of his supporters inside the Assembly premises, which shows the level of appeasement," Ashoka said.

The state government led by Siddaramaiah initiated action only after public outrage in the matter, he claimed.

"Though it is clear that the arrests were made after the charges were proved in the FSL report, the government has not made the report public. If the government is not trying to shield anyone, why is it not making the FSL report public," Ashoka questioned.

The government should book the accused on charges of sedition under IPC Section 124A, he said, adding that Naseer Hussain should also be made a party in the case.

The case is a litmus test for the Congress for its credentials on patriotism and loyalty towards the nation, the BJP leader said.

"The moves by the Congress government are being watched by the entire country," Ashoka said.

Speaking to reporters at the Belagavi airport, Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra said, "There were more than three anti-nationals. The arrests of the accused who dared to come inside the state legislature and raise pro-Pakistan slogans were made after eight days of the incident.

"The backgrounds of the accused, their intention behind coming to the Vidhana Soudha and raising pro-Pakistan slogans must be probed thoroughly," Vijayendra said.

According to sources, the arrested accused have been identified as Iltaz from Delhi, Munnavar, a resident of R.T. Nagar in Bengaluru, and Mohammad Nashipudi, a resident of Byadagi town in Haveri district of the state.

The police said in a release that the arrests were made on the basis of the report prepared by the forensic science laboratory (FSL), circumstantial evidence, statements of the accused, and the evidence gathered by the police during the course of the investigation.
New Delhi, March 4 : The Ministry of Defence on Monday signed a tripartite MoU for an advanced fuelling and control system for engines for heavy-duty applications, an official statement said.

The MoU was signed with BEML Ltd, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI), who will indigenously develop the system. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane was also present at the event.

The Ministry said this collaborative initiative will focus on leveraging indigenous capabilities to design, test, and manufacture an advanced fuelling and control system that offers enhanced efficiency, performance, and reliability.

By harnessing the latest advancements in engine technology and control systems, the companies aim to extend their domain expertise to develop engine systems that will ensure self-reliance in the field of combat vehicles.

The MoU corroborates the government's resolve to develop complex technologies within the country under the aAatmanirbhar Bharata initiative.
PM Modi arrives in Hyderabad, to dedicate Civil Aviation Research Organisation centre to nation on March 5. Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, March 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Monday night from Tamil Nadu. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, G. Kishan Reddy received him at the Begumpet airport.

PM Modi later left for the Raj Bhavan where he would have the night halt.

On Tuesday, he will visit Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad, and perform puja. He will later dedicate to the nation the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) centre, which has come up at Begumpet.

The CARO centre has been built at a cost of more than Rs 350 crore by the Airports Authority of India to upgrade and enhance the Research and Development (R&D) activities in the civil aviation sector.

It is envisaged to provide a global research platform for the aviation community through in-house and collaborative research to provide indigenous and innovative solutions.

PM Modi will subsequently leave for Sangareddy, where he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs 6,800 crore in Sangareddy.

These projects encompass multiple key sectors like road, rail, petroleum and natural gas.

After the official programme, he will address a public meeting.

Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple projects worth over Rs 56,000 crore at Adilabad town and addressed a public meeting. He had reached Adilabad by helicopter from Nagpur in neighbouring Maharashtra.

After attending the programme at Adilabad, he returned to Nagpur and from there left for Tamil Nadu.
Bengaluru, Mar 4 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday inaugurated the 54th WTCA Global Business Forum organised by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) headquartered in New York, and the Bengaluru World Trade Center, a licensed member of the WTCA.

The WTCA Global Business Forum is being hosted for the first time in Karnataka and only for the second time in India. Delegates from over 30 countries are participating in the event.

Addressing the delegates, Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil said that Karnataka aims to become a $1 trillion economy by 2032 by growing at a sustained growth rate of 18 per cent.

In the last five years, per capita income in the state has increased by 62 per cent and with the huge potential for growth and untapped markets, it will continue to provide opportunities to all, Patil said.

Karnataka is also partnering with technology companies to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies, he said, adding that the state will drive automation and develop AI-powered subscription products or services.

"Our industrial policy for the period 2020-25 provides multiple financial incentives to create favourable economics for the investors. We will soon bring in a new clean mobility policy that aims to position Karnataka as the premier destination for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing," Patil said.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM Shivakumar said, "With the recent change in geopolitical dynamics, India is at an advantage, and it is an opportune time for us to capitalise this momentum; the state of Karnataka has always contributed to the nation's vision, and we will continue to do so."

"Each one of us have worked together to create a cosmopolitan city. I invite you all to join us in this journey, to explore the possibilities and potentials that Bengaluru has to offer, to collaborate and co-create with us, and to celebrate and cherish the spirit and essence of Bengaluru," Shivakumar said.
United Nations, March 5 : India has called for an "immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence" in Gaza but stopped short of specifically mentioning a ceasefire, which is now a broad demand across the UN but opposed by Israel.

"In order to arrive at a lasting solution, we urge for an immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence," India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj told the UN General Assembly on Monday.

She also called for "the release of all hostages, avoiding provocative and escalatory actions and to work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations".

While reiterating New Delhi's "strong" condemnation of civilian deaths in the conflict, Kamboj noted that the "immediate trigger" for the Gaza conflict was "the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation".

"India has a longstanding and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," she said.

On the conflict that has resulted in massive civilian casualties, she said, "It is critical to prevent further escalation of violence and hostilities. It is imperative to avoid the loss of civilian lives in any conflict situation. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected under all circumstances."

According to the Gaza health ministry, over 30,000 people have been killed, most of them children and women, since Israel waged retaliatory attacks on the territory after Hamas struck Israel killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 190 people, many of them children, hostage.

Kamboj warned about the dangers of the spillovers of the Gaza conflict.

"The humanitarian crisis has deepened, and the region and beyond have seen rising instability," she said.

The conflict has found echoes in the Red Sea area where Houthis have attacked ships and were counterattacked by other countries and in Lebanon with confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

Kamboj spoke during a debate on the US veto last month of a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

The debate was held under an Assembly resolution mandating a meeting after a veto is cast to have that permanent member explain the action and for UN members to react to it.

Kamboj made no mention of the US veto or the exercise of veto powers by the five permanent members of the Security Council, which has paralysed it on Ukraine or Gaza or the efforts to curtail the use of vetoes in special circumstances, and has been criticised by several speakers during the debate.

India, which aspires to a permanent seat on the Security Council, holds that as long as the veto exists it should be available to any new permanent members.

UN officials have warned of an impending threat of famine in a battered Gaza where relief supplies have been severely limited.

Kamboj said, "India has provided humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and will continue to do so."

"It is imperative that humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza be scaled up immediately in order to avert a further deterioration in the situation," she said.

General Assembly President Dennis Francis said it was "deeply regrettable" that the body had to take up the Security Council veto issue in the context of Gaza.

He called for an immediate cease-fire and the freeing of hostages, which he said had been endorsed unambiguously by an overwhelming majority of the Assembly.

"Each day that passes risks a deepening failure to meet our moral duties and obligations; and each life lost adds to the stain on our collective conscience," he said.

US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood defended the veto asserting that the resolution proposed by Algeria and asserted that it "could disrupt the intensive efforts already underway to get an agreement that results in the release of the remaining hostages and that produces a temporary ceasefire".

Washington was isolated at the 15-member Security Council where 13 members voted for it while Britain abstained.

Wood said that negotiations were ongoing with the participation of Eqypt and Qatar for the release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire.

The US was circulating a draft Security Council resolution to "support these sensitive negotiations".

On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris joined the calls for an immediate ceasefire.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire, for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table," she said.

Earlier at the Assembly, Palestine's Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour, holding up a picture of a child who died from the consequences of starvation, accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon.

"Israel has been committing atrocities against the Palestinian people, unchecked and unhinged," he said, and "the era of Israeli impunity must come to an end, and we should enter a new era of accountability and sanctions".

Israel's Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan launched a tirade against the UN calling it a "collaborator" of Hamas.

He said that the UN has not condemned Hamas for the terrorist attack on Israel.

From the rostrum, he played on tablet statements by Israeli women about the rapes and sexual abuse that took place during the attack.

He asserted that a ceasefire would only give Hamas a "greenlight" to continue its abuse of women.

Later at a news conference, UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Parmila Patten said that during a visit to Israel and the West Bank, she and her team had been able to establish that rape, gang rape and other forms of sexual violence took place during the October 7 attack.

But she said that several Palestine groups as well as civilians were also present in Israel during the attack and it could not be established if Hamas itself was involved in the incidents of sexual attacks.

She said that on the West Bank, her team did not find instances of rape by the Israeli military or by Israeli settlers, but did record instances of women being threatened with rape and being subjected to invasive searches.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Canadian wines are as diverse as the country itself, and we are looking forward to increasing their availability here for all to savor. Post this

Canada's wine-growing regions are situated within the recognized growing zones of 30 and 50 degrees latitude north, which is shared by many other cool-climate wine regions of Europe. The primary wine-growing areas are the Niagara Peninsula in southern Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia, along with other sub-regions in each of these provinces and smaller producing areas in Quebec and Nova Scotia. Although small in scale by world standards, wine is a growing business in Canada, with wineries sprouting up wherever soil and climate permit the growing of productive vines.

Jumpstarting the week on Monday, March 25th at Ocabanon NYC, The First Taste will be a dynamic mixer event (from 5:30PM - 7:30PM) aimed at showcasing Canadian winemakers and wines, as well as providing industry professionals with sneak-peak access to Canadian wines not yet available in the market. Hosted by Sommelier and Industry Veteran Chris Struck, the speed-dating-inspired event will pair attendees with a winemaker or principal, offering them a "first taste" of their wines, as well as an introduction to Canada's wine regions and the many styles and varieties of wine produced there.

"I am excited that this showing of Canadian wines is coming to the United States in such a special way," commented Chris Struck. "I have been keenly reading about and tasting these wines for years, and have had the opportunity to visit one of the country's unique winemaking regions, so I've seen firsthand the ongoing development from 'wines of potential' to 'wines that have realized their potential.' I'm thankful this collection is finally being shared with the NYC wine trade."

The First Taste will connect Canadian wineries with industry gatekeepers for the chance to discuss the boots-on-the-ground intelligence for New York's on-premise and off-premise sectors, ever-changing consumer preferences for styles and price points, and the overall market opportunity for Canadian wine in this market.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore Canada's diverse offerings through a First Taste of Atlantic Canadian oysters, provided by D'Eon Oyster Company (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia) and Foxley River, (Prince Edward Island). D'eon oysters grow in both lake and bay areas in Yarmouth, and the pristine waters offer an exceptional environment for aquatic life which feeds off of the Bay of Fundy. Foxley river flows northwest into Cascumpec Bay on the west side of Prince Edward Island, and the area thrives on estuary nutrients from the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

The Taste Canada NYC experience will culminate with the grand walkaround tasting, The Great Grapes of Canada, on Tuesday, March 26th at the Consulate General of Canada in New York. The tasting will offer several networking and tasting opportunities throughout the day to introduce trade and media professionals to the high-quality wines being made in Canada, from varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Syrah along with well-known Canadian Icewine and Sparkling Wines made in the traditional method.

(10:30AM - 11:30AM): Taste Canada NYC Winemaker Networking Session

Private B2B meetings will be held for Canadian wine producers seeking representation. Trade professionals in relevant sectors of the wine industry will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the winemakers, taste exclusive selections and learn more about Canadian wines available to them.

(12:00PM - 5:00PM) The 'Great Grapes of Canada' Grand Walkaround Tasting & Flash Tastings

The grand walkaround tasting will feature over 150+ wines from 29 different Canadian wineries from regions and appellations including Lake Erie North Shore and the Niagara Peninsula and its ten sub-appellations in Ontario , the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia , and the Okanagan and Fraser Valley in British Columbia , and more.

(12:00PM - 2:00PM): Canadian Oyster Bar & Tasting

Sponsored by D'EON Oyster Company and Foxley River , attendees will have access to a one-of-a-kind tasting of Atlantic Canadian oysters, which they can taste along with wines from participating wineries.

Throughout the walkaround event, attendees short on time but wanting to learn more about Canadian wine from all regions will also have the opportunity to register to join three, 30-minute flash tastings, which will provide a deeper understanding of the diversity of wine styles and varieties and quality of Canadian wines:

( 1:00PM ) Sparkle and Ice

) Sparkle and Ice 2:00PM ) Great White North

) Great White North ( 3:00PM ) Canadian Reds from Coast to Coast

Participating wineries include: Bachelder, Benjamin Bridge, Big Head Wines, Black Sage Vineyard, Blomidon Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Vineyards Ltd, Cave Spring Vineyard, Charles Baker Wines, Cloudsley Cellars, Drea's Wine Company, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, Hidden Bench Estate Winery, Inniskillin Wines, Laughing Stock, Leaning Post Wines, Le Clos Jordanne, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Malivoire, Nk'Mip Cellars, Norman Hardie Winery, Osoyoos Larose, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Planters Ridge, Reif Estate Winery, Rosewood Winery & Meadery, Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery, SpearHead Winery, Stratus Vineyards.

For more information about the event and schedule, or to sign up for either event, please contact [email protected].

For more information on Canada's cool climate wine growing regions, grape varieties and styles of wines produced, see the Wines of Canada website: https://winesofcanada.ca.

About the Wines of Canada

Canada's wine regions are primarily located between 41 and 50 degrees North. Ontario's characteristic limestone bedrock and its proximity to the Great Lakes make for wines with exceptional fruit and balanced acidity. The coastal breezes and cooler climate of Nova Scotia create fresh, crisp whites and sparkling wines, while British Columbia has the unique combination of extreme heat and cold that results in intense fruit driven, fresh and structured wines. All together, Canada's wine growing regions are comprised of 31,650 acres (12,808 hectares) with over 650 wineries.

Media Contact

Amanda Torres, Colangelo & Partners, (646) 624-2885, [email protected], https://www.colangelopr.com/

SOURCE Wines of Canada
Interdisciplinary degree takes aim at artificial intelligence skills shortage in the workforce

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Applications are open for Purdue Universitys new 100% online Master of Science in artificial intelligence degree, which features two majors, one for people who build AI systems and one for people who make use of them.

Purdues interdisciplinary AI masters degree is designed especially to meet the needs of two distinct sets of working professionals: AI builders and AI translators. AI builders are scientists and technologists who need robust training in machine learning, statistical methods, deep learning and data science to build and implement AI infrastructure. AI translators are business leaders and policymakers who need to make informed decisions regarding artificial intelligence and lead teams to adopt, incorporate and employ AI in their organizations. Among their roles are determining what results from AI systems mean and how those results should factor into business decisions and actions.

In a survey by information technology consulting firm Deloitte, more than two-thirds of executives reported that their firms had an AI skills gap. Job-tracking site Glassdoor reports a worldwide shortage of trained personnel in the field and a pressing need both to train new employees and to re-skill or upskill existing employees.

AI is inherently interdisciplinary, with applications across domains, said Dimitrios Peroulis, senior vice president for Purdue University Online. We have designed our online AI masters program to leverage Purdues interdisciplinary strengths and intentionally built a program that meets the needs of learners with either a highly technical background or for those who do not have a technical background.

Learners in both tracks will benefit from coursework in such topics as the foundations of artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence ethics, and policy and social implications of artificial intelligence. AI builders take additional classes in machine learning and data science. AI translators have additional classes in applications of AI in the business, nonprofit and public sectors along with data management, data analysis and communication.

Purdues program is unique in recognizing the importance of preparing leaders, business professionals and administrators to work in collaboration with programmers and technical experts to harness the power of AI, said Cherie Maestas, professor and head of Purdues Department of Political Science and one of the faculty members involved in developing the new AI masters program. AI is rapidly transforming everyday practices in the workplace. Leaders in all areas need to understand the fundamentals of AI technologies and their applications to utilize them for bold, innovative solutions.

All students complete a capstone course providing them with an opportunity to apply their learning to a project that may be useful in their workplace immediately. Students also have a wide range of interdisciplinary electives to choose from in rounding out their curriculum, allowing them to customize their degrees to their own needs and interests and the needs of their employers, and to garner useful professional skills, for example in leadership, change management and project management.

The online courses are developed and taught by a diverse, campuswide collection of the same internationally known faculty researchers who teach on Purdues flagship campus. Because AI is a rapidly evolving field, the program takes a future focus by incorporating the most current research to provide up-to-date information to students. Purdue has been ranked among the top 10 Most Innovative Schools six years running and is a top 10 public university in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report and QS University Rankings.

We have a long history at Purdue of delivering online options that are just as high quality as our top-ranked on-campus programs, and were excited to bring that passion and expertise to such an important domain, said Milind Kulkarni, professor and head of Purdues Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who has been involved in developing the new AI masters program. Whether youre someone with a technical background who wants to learn about modern AI techniques and applications, or someone who needs to understand how your company or organization can best take advantage of cutting-edge AI technologies, our program is going to have something for you.

A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete Purdues online Master of Science in artificial intelligence. Students who average six credit hours per semester can graduate in a year and a half. Summer courses are available to expedite time to completion.

The AI masters degree is among numerous Purdue interdisciplinary initiatives designed to address research in and advancement of AI technologies, including the Purdue Computes initiative and Purdues Institute for Physical AI.

Purdue has extensive strengths in the field of AI research and we decided to apply these strengths to develop a new online masters in AI to meet workforce needs in Indiana and beyond, Peroulis said. By offering an online masters in AI, Purdue can cater to a broader audience, including working professionals in the U.S. and international students, addressing the growing demand for AI skills.

For more information on Purdues fully online Master of Science in artificial intelligence and to apply, visit the program webpage. There is no application fee for this program.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap  including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes  at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Writer: Greg Kline

Media contact: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Sources: Dimitrios Peroulis, dperouli@purdue.edu

Milind Kulkarni, milind@purdue.edu

Cherie Maestas, cmaestas@purdue.edu
Preservationist Tim Tielman has made his share of enemies over the past 40 years.

But it is undeniable that no one over that period has done more to save Buffalos history from the wrecking ball.

The Richardson Olmsted Campus. Buffalo Central Terminal. The Webb Building. The Squier Mansion. The Metzger Building. Whites Livery Stable. All are still standing due, in part, to Tielmans persistence.

Tielman, who turned 65 late last month, wont be adding to that roll-call of structures. He retired as executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture on Saturday.

Im leaving, partially, because its time, he told The Buffalo News. There is a lot Id still like to devote personal time to without feeling wretched over things Im not paying attention to, because there are always fires to put out and things to guard against.

Its been immensely rewarding, he said. People who really care about the city can work to overcome really daunting odds. Hopefully, weve made a difference in our little patch of earth here, and other people will build on our achievements.

An effort Tielman led on the waterfront resulted in then-Gov. George E. Pataki reversing direction and endorsing a reconstruction of the historic Canal District with the Commercial Slip, Central Wharf and original street network.

Tielman was also instrumental in the creation of the Cobblestone Historic District, near what is now known as Canalside, as well as the Hamlin Park Historic District on Buffalos East Side.

With a green-and-white, tricked-out school bus called the Open-Air Autobus, Tielman and the Campaign for Greater Buffalo provided the first specialty bus devoted to architectural tourism. He and the group also hosted a three-day lecture series called Architecture Revival Buffalo under a tent on Bidwell Parkway with out-of-town experts.

Tim is the most passionate preservationist ever, said Paul McDonnell, Campaign for Greater Buffalos president. He is a strong grassroots advocate that will go to the mat for preservation. There is no one in the wings to replace him, and his loss is incalculable.

McDonnell observed that setbacks in recent years took their toll on Tielman. Most prominent was the Campaign for Greater Buffalos effort to stop the City of Buffalos decision to demolish the weather-damaged 1897 Great Northern grain elevator, ultimately ending in defeat when the courts re-enforced the citys decision.

That was a huge blow to the Campaign for Greater Buffalo, and preservation in general, and I think that was an especially hard blow for Tim, McDonnell said.

Tielman acknowledged that was the toughest loss of all in terms of size and importance.

I keenly felt it, he said. Fortunately, we havent had to endure too many of those.

Tielman was born in a public housing project in Buffalo to parents who emigrated from the Netherlands, where he later lived between the ages of 12 and 16.

He became fascinated by how old buildings co-existed with modern economies and wealthy societies. A walk in Delaware Park the summer he returned to Buffalo became the springboard for what would be a career in preservation.

I walked across the Delaware Park meadow, standing in the middle of it and looking around and thinking, Someone designed this,  he said. That day, I went down to the Buffalo Public Library and asked a librarian who designed the park.

She referred him to the book Civilizing American Cities: A Selection of Frederick Law Olmsteds Writings on City Landscape. It became a lasting inspiration of what good public design can do for a city.

Tielman, who also derives income as an urban design consultant, holds bachelors degrees in political science and geography from Binghamton University, and a masters degree in history from SUNY Buffalo State.

He became involved with Preservation Coalition of Erie County in 1984, eventually marrying Susan McCartney, the groups president. He became executive director in 1992.

A successful lawsuit the group filed against New York State over what then was called the H.H. Richardson Building was the catalyst for significant state investment into the dilapidated structure. The former Buffalo Asylum for the Insane is now under reconstruction by developer Douglas Jemal, who opened the Richardson Hotel in 2023 and plans to add residences.

Lasting imprints

'The future is real': Development team named to remake Buffalo Central Terminal The shuttered Central Terminal in Buffalo will be remade by a new development team. The Central Terminal Restoration Corp announced the $300 million plan Thursday.

In 1997, Tielman and two others purchased the rundown Central Terminal for $3 and established the Central Terminal Restoration Corp. Last month, a development team was chosen to lead a 10-year, $300 million project, following Gov. Kathy Hochuls commitment of $61 million for its stabilization.

Before they split up, he and his wife founded Campaign for Greater Buffalo in 2002, which filed a successful lawsuit against the state that led to a more history-focused redevelopment of what is now Canalside.

Tim and Sue and others are really the founders of what is Preservation Buffalo Niagara today, said Bernice Radle, the executive director of the group, which formed years ago out of the Preservation Coalition.

I see Tims fingerprints all over the city. Hes my hero. It pains me that he is retiring.

Buffalo historian Mark Goldman said Tielman has left an indelible mark on the city.

There has been no more engaged or thoughtful advocate for the preservation of our historic urban infrastructure than Tim Tielman, Goldman said. He may not have won every battle he led, but he was invariably on the right side of all of them.

Developer Howard Zemsky, former commissioner of Empire State Development, hired Tielman to design Larkin Square and traveled with him to Europe twice to look at urban landscapes.

Tim is, flat out, one-of-a-kind. Irreplaceable, Zemsky said. He thinks harder and longer than over 99% of the people Ive met in my lifetime. Im proud to know Tim, to have worked with him and to be his friend.

A thorn for developers

Not everyone is sorry to see Tielman go.

Developer and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino is among them.

Tielman clashed with Paladino, most bitterly over the developers sudden demolition of the Harbor Inn on Ohio Street in 2003.

I think he was a total blabbermouth who did what he did for attention, Paladino said. Some of the stuff he proposed was very radical and unnecessary. He never really accomplished anything.

Mayor Byron Brown, who faced withering criticism from Tielman over the demolition of the Great Northern and other actions taken by his administration, offered praise while acknowledging that they didnt always see eye to eye.

His passion and dedication for historic preservation was unmistakable, the mayor said. We didnt always agree on every matter, buy theres no disagreeing that the City of Buffalo is a better place today because of the persistent work of Tim Tielman to save historic structures.

David Franczyk, the former Common Council member who represented Broadway Fillmore, appointed Tielman to the Buffalo Preservation Board, where he served for nine years.

I wanted a lion for historic preservation, and he was a lion, Franczyk said. I wanted him to go there and shake things up, because things there had kind of ossified. Some people criticized me for putting him on, and I didnt care. We need more Tim Tielmans.

Ed Healy, vice president of marketing for Visit Buffalo Niagara, praised Tielman in an article announcing his selection as a 2017 Outstanding Citizen by The Buffalo News.

If you had to name one single person in Western New York who has been the catalyst for the generational shift in how architecture and historical preservation are perceived, its Tim Tielman, Healy said.

Tielman plans to be busy in retirement, producing three online newsletters having to do with urban design and urban development on Substack. He will also do a newsletter for the Campaign for Greater Buffalo.

My Crummy Public Life will be about improving public space in cities, which Tielman said pales in the United States compared to societies in Europe and Asia.

Room for Improvement is planned as a travelogue offering wry observations on visits he takes across the United States, Tielman said. The third newsletter, Hey Mayor, will be about specific things the present or future mayor of Buffalo or other cities can do to improve quality of life.

Tielman also plans some long-distance bicycle rides, on flat surfaces.

His decision to step down wasnt easy.

I was always filled with wonderment looking at Buffalos architecture, its parks and history, Tielman said. I had the goal of preserving that sense of wonderment. If there is a lesson to impart, its that you can achieve good things if youre willing to put in the work.
It takes a single imported case to be brought into a low-immunization county to cause an outbreak. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan chief medical executive.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian

An Ottawa County Department of Public Health children's vaccination event.

Kerri Hudson, David White, Lupe Cervantes, and Susan Ringler-Cerniglia at a 2021 Washtenaw County Health Department vaccine clinic.
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F U L L P R I C E A U C T I O N !FINAL BID WINS, REGARDLESS OF AMOUNTGREEN PROPERTY WITH TREESON BUSY STREET NEAR INTERSTATE ********************************************************************************************** This prime city building site boasts a desirable location close to excellent schools, abundant job opportunities, and easy interstate access. The spacious lot measures 50'X150' and is zoned for residential use. Utilities are readily available for your convenience. The property is...

Price: $ 354 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: BurrStreet Zip/Postal Code: 46406 Zoning: Residential City: Suburban Chicago State/Province: Indiana Location: 464**, Gary, Indiana

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TLC / Reality TV World

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/04/2024



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ROB and SOPHIE

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ASHLEY and MANUEL

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GINO and JASMINE

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SAM and CITRA

NIKKI and JUSTIN

CLAYTON and ANALI

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

's Tell All Part 1 featured Sophie's mother Claire claiming Sophie had married the wrong man, Ashley's family disapproving of Manuel, Jasmine lashing out at Gino for his behavior at his bachelor party, and Jasmine admitting she had a crush on Nikki during Sunday night's Season 10 broadcast on TLC.'s tenth season stars returning cast members Gino, a 52-year-old from Michigan, and Jasmine, a 36-year-old from Panama.The season also stars Sophie, a 23-year-old from the United Kingdom, and Robert, a 32-year-old from California; Manuel, a 34-year-old from Ecuador, and Ashley, a 31-year-old from New York; Justin, a 36-year-old from Moldova, and Nikki, a 47-year-old from New Jersey.In addition, features Nick, a 30-year-old from Australia, and Devin, a 23-year-old from Arkansas; Anali, a 26-year-old from Peru, and Clayton, a 29-year-old from Kentucky; and Citra, a 26-year-old from Indonesia, and Sam, a 30-year-old from Missouri.'s Tell-All was hosted by Shaun Robinson , and the Justin was the only cast member who participated via Zoom from Moldova.Below is what happened on 's Tell-All Part 1 for Season 10.Sophie dyed her hair brown, and Ashley said she lost just over 100 pounds.Rob and Sophie moved to Austin, TX, after the show because Los Angeles was expensive and they could get a nicer place in Texas. They now have a bathroom inside and are happy there."I can pee in my own home -- it's great!" Sophie joked.Rob insisted he never had intent to cheat on Sophie emotionally or physically but he had responded to some social-media videos of women. Sophie said Rob would tell a woman she's sexy and he was "hot" for more and so the person would send more videos."In my mind at the time, I was like, 'I'm not doing anything. I'm sitting at home and I haven't seen her in a couple of months. I could be worse,'" Rob said. "It was not when she was in America.""But we were engaged!" Sophie argued."I understand his position," Justin announced.Justin claimed flirting or hitting on someone who's far away isn't really cheating.When Rob and Sophie were asked if an incident happened like that again since filming ending, Rob said "no" and insisted that his bad behavior had stopped. Sophie agreed that Rob probably wouldn't do that to her again.Sophie also revealed that she started checking Rob's phone all the time to make sure he was being loyal to her and not messing up again.Shaun then welcomed Sophie's mom Claire via Zoom, and Claire's opinion of her son-in-law had not changed or gotten better. Claire said Rob had made many promises that he didn't keep.Claire complained about how Rob didn't even make his apartment look nice before Sophie's arrival, nor did he find a place with a working bathroom or a good job. Sophie agreed with her mom because she had left home and sacrificed her cushy life to be with Rob.Rob vented about how Sophie was always going to take her mother's side, but Sophie claimed she'd only do so when Rob is in the wrong.Rob then lashed out at Claire, saying that he always worked and had jobs. He shouted that the pot was calling the kettle black because of Claire's work life and the type of men she allegedly brought around."You're a friggin' knob!" Claire clapped back."You disrespect me constantly!" Rob countered, adding how he stepped up as a man and moved Sophie out of the "hood" and into a nicer home with a bathroom in the place.Gino voiced how it wasn't right for Rob to be attacked because he had done the best he could for Sophie, and Sam agreed."I was upset [on the wedding day] that Sophie was marrying him because I knew he wasn't the right man for her," Claire announced."Do you still believe today that he is not the right man for her?" Shaun asked."Yeah, but not because of his money or finances or the way he lives -- just by the way he speaks to her and the way he treats her. He doesn't make her feel like a princess," Claire complained.Rob said Claire was supposed to be his family and so he couldn't believe she'd talk about him like that. Rob admitted the situation sucked, especially when Claire got inside Sophie's head about their relationship.Rob told the cameras during a filming break how he wished his wife would have his back over everyone else and he wasn't receiving any credit for any of the good things he had done for Sophie.Sophie told the cast backstage that she wished Rob treated her better and made her feel more comfortable in the United States. But Rob didn't feel supported by his wife at all.Sophie suggested that Rob should've waited until he had his stuff together to bring her to America, but then Rob pointed out how their K-1 visa would've expired at that point, preventing them from being together.Sophie concluded that she needed to support her husband more and they could work on having better communication. Rob, in turn, hoped that would lead to better understanding and trust.Ashley said she and Manuel were still learning how to effectively communicate with each other and also getting to know each other.Ashley started talking about "sex magic" in the bedroom and how she could make her partner last longer, but Manuel didn't want to talk about his sex life on television.Manuel, however, said he liked working out his problems with sexual intercourse.Nikki and Rob both revealed that had sex in a public restroom before, just like Ashley and Manuel.Ashley's mother Stacey and sister Sienna then joined the group live in the studio. Stacey admitted that she didn't trust Manuel because he never told his children in Ecuador that he was leaving them and moving to the United States."I don't want a grandchild with them," Stacey announced. "I don't trust them... All they do is argue and have sex!"Sienna agreed, saying Manuel had moved to America on a lie."What is he not telling Ashley?" Sienna questioned.Ashley claimed Manuel's children knew that he was moving to the United States; they just weren't exactly clear on the timeline.Stacey argued that Manuel had told his kids that he was leaving to find work, which was "a big lie."Manuel said his kids just didn't know "when" he was leaving and he talked to them about once a week.Sienna was worried that Manuel wasn't going to be the husband that Ashley deserved, and she broke down crying. Sienna also claimed that Manuel made Ashley feel bad about herself at times."Go home," Sienna told Manuel."I want someone who is truthful, because when all of this is said and done, we'll have to pick up the pieces if he's not truthful," Stacey explained.Ashley admitted Manuel had always been on "the secretive side" and that was a problem in her marriage. She still wondered if she knew everything about Manuel.Manuel explained how he kept his problems hidden as to not stress out or overwhelm his wife. Ashley therefore said she didn't know what the hell was going on with Manuel's finances and kids back home.Stacey announced how Ashley sent Manuel's family money even when she didn't have enough. Stacey therefore revealed that she was sending Manuel's family money as well in order to help Ashley out and take some pressure off of her.Ashley confirmed that her mother had helped her out and she's privileged because of that."It's not about the money. It's about you treating my daughter appropriately," Stacey said, before slamming Manuel for calling Ashley "spoiled."Manuel explained how buying a coffee out somewhere was ridiculous when they have a coffee maker at home.Jasmine pointed out how a person feels guilty for buying unnecessary items or living a lavish lifestyle after growing up in extreme poverty, and Stacey thanked her for sharing that new perspective.Stacey and Sienna decided that they needed to make Manuel feel safe and seen -- but they'd always keep one eye open.Jasmine said she was focused on surviving one day at a time in Michigan but she was starting to love her life with Gino there."I don't want anyone talking sh-t about Michigan because now I'm a Michigander!" Jasmine gushed.Jasmine announced how she likes women and had a crush on Nikki. Jasmine said she'd have sex with Nikki, and Nikki, in turn, joked about how she'd be willing to have a child with Jasmine.Gino admitted his marriage had been a bit of a roller coaster, and Jasmine added how they were a work in progress.Jasmine said she regretted being really mean to Gino and saying awful things to him, such as comparing Gino to her ex-boyfriend Dane. She also felt guilty about having asked Dane for money to go towards her butt implants, which she apparently wished were bigger.Considering Jasmine's outbursts and anger turned Gino off in the bedroom, Shaun asked Gino if sex with his ex was easier than with Jasmine. Gino responded by saying, "Not really, no. But the things she says to me affects our intimacy."When asked about the lipgloss found under Gino's passenger seat, Gino said he had that truck about six years before he started dating Jasmine and he went on dates with women during that time.Gino claimed he had no idea whom that lipgloss belonged to, but Jasmine wasn't buying it.Gino insisted he never cheated on Jasmine, but then footage aired of Gino's bachelor party and the exotic dancer who had danced all over him.In the footage, Gino touched multiple strippers and put money down one of the women's tops. He was making it rain with cash, and a topless stripper hugged him tight."Yeah baby!" Gino yelled in the footage at the stripclub, before getting onstage with her and letting her dance all over him.Jasmine broke down into tears while watching the video, but Gino was smiling and didn't think it was a big deal. Gino said a bachelor party is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and he didn't seem to feel bad or guilty about his behavior at all.Shaun then welcomed one of the exotic dancers, Daisy, to the Tell-All via Zoom. Daisy said Gino seemed uninterested in being at the stripclub and was more focused on just spending time with his family and friends."I never would have married you had I seen this before the wedding," Jasmine cried. "You never look at me that way! You never make me feel desired! You never compliment me that way.""Well if you stop saying hurtful things to me, maybe it would be different!" Gino said.Jasmine then walked away from her husband and stormed off the stage."You played Gino! You wanted this -- you got it!" Jasmine yelled.Gino thought his wife was overreacting, and then Jasmine was shown crying in Nikki's arms backstage.Sam and Citra announced that Citra is expecting their first child and she was about 12 weeks into her pregnancy at the time of filming.Nikki cried backstage about how she had wasted years of her life with Justin, who allegedly said he's not attracted to transgender people.Clayton and Anali moved to Tulsa, OK, and his mom is there as well.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
ABC / Reality TV World

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/04/2024



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Bachelor spoilers have leaked the "unprecedented" ending of Joey Graziadei 's season and the details leading up to it -- including star's Final 3 bachelorettes, Joey's runner-up, and which bachelorette was Joey's winner and ended up with his final rose.viewers may not know how Joey's season ends after all.In the last couple of weeks, new information has surfaced about 's Season 28 ending and Joey's winner.is about to air its eighth episode on Monday, March 4 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC, and it's the big hometown-dates episode. Daisy Kent , a 25-year-old account executive from Becker, MN; Kelsey Anderson , a 25-year-old junior project manager from New Orleans, LA; Maria Georgas , a 29-year-old executive assistant from Kleinburg, Ontario; and Rachel Nance , a 26-year-old ICU nurse from Honolulu, HI, will all be shown introducing Joey to their families.Joey is starting to fall in love, and seemingly with more than one woman. He's apparently hoping the hometown dates will give him some clarity.Joey will be shown visiting his Final 4 bachelorettes' hometowns after ousting Jenn Tran , a 25-year-old physician assistant student from Miami, FL, and Kelsey Toussant , a 31-year-old actress from Los Angeles, CA.Joey had sent Jenn and Kelsey T. packing in Jasper, which is located in Alberta, Canada.While Kelsey A., Maria and Rachel have all expressed to Joey that they're crazy about him and are "falling" for him, Daisy seems a little unsure and has thrown Joey for a loop."I'm not going to tell him that I'm in love with him just to get a rose," Daisy told cameras on the latest episode, before telling Joey to his face, "I really, really like you. But am I there yet? No."Based on a preview of what's to come that aired at the end of 's February 26 episode, Joey is going to be put in the hot seat and have some tough questions to answer with the women's families."It's hard for me right now because I don't know where you stand," Maria's father tells Joey. "Maria is 100 percent daddy's girl. If she gets hurt, it would be a problem for Joey."And both Kelsey A.'s father and Daisy's mother express concerns, knowing Joey was still involved with other women.While there will be plenty of tears and surprises ahead, will supposedly feature an ending that fans have never seen before.So did Joey leave filming brokenhearted? Well he previously confirmed on the "Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe " podcast that he's "happy" after filming and has no regrets from his season.Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone has released updated spoilers for how the remainder of Joey's season plays out.Click thelink below to learn all the episode-by-episode spoilers for the rest of Joey's season -- including specifics on Joey's history-making ending and whom he really picked as his winner following months of inaccurate reporting!

BEGIN GALLERY >>

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.
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A petition to overturn 12.63% pay raises for Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, the Common Council and other elected city officials has been dismissed by a State Supreme Court justice.

But the group that brought the lawsuit against the City of Buffalo is contemplating whether to appeal the judges decision.

The New York Coalition for Open Government and two Buffalo resident taxpayers filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing the process for approving the salary hikes started in a closed door meeting, which amounted to violations of law. Therefore the process should start all over again so it is done correctly, they argued.

But State Supreme Court Justice Craig D. Hannah dismissed the case last week, denying motions for a temporary injunction halting the salary hikes that went into effect Jan. 1 and a judgment to invalidate the local law that made the raises possible.

Coalition President and attorney Paul Wolf told The Buffalo News Monday he was disappointed by the decision.

The judge dismissed the lawsuit on two grounds, Wolf said. One was that the coalition did not comply with the four-month statute of limitation for filing its petition.

We cited cases that the four-month clock starts from the date the city enacted the salary law (on Jan. 1), so we believe we were within the four months, he said. The judge agreed with the argument that the four months started in April (2023) when the citys Citizens Salary Review Commission recommended the salary hikes, Wolf said.

The judge also ruled that the citys Citizens Salary Review Commission is not a public body subject to the Open Meetings Law.

The city had no comment Monday, citing the possibility of an appeal, said city spokesman Michael J. DeGeorge.

Phillips Lytle attorney Craig R. Bucki, who represented the city, asked Hannah to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the coalition and taxpayers Matthew Austin and Nathan Feist do not have standing to file it and they took too long to file their petition, waiting until after the statute of limitations expired.

Bucki added that the coalition also should have named the Buffalo Board of Education members in the lawsuit as respondents because they stand to be affected by the judgment, but they failed to do that.

Last June, the Buffalo Common Council approved pay raises for elected officials in the city, giving themselves, the mayor and city comptroller 12.63% increases.

The new annual salaries are:

Mayor: $178,519, up from $158,500.

Council members: $84,472, up from $75,000.

Comptroller: $134,593, up from $119,500.

For Buffalo Board of Education members, the salary review commission recommended salaries of $16,984, up from $15,000, but the Council voted to set the salaries at $28,000.

Voting against the raises were Lovejoy Council Member Bryan J. Bollman, North Council Member Joseph Golombek and South Council Member Christopher P. Scanlon.

In October, the Council adopted a local law to increase the salaries effective Jan. 1. On Oct. 30, Mayor Byron W. Brown approved the measure.

Wolf said the group will have to think about whether to file an appeal or not.

Unfortunately, filing an appeal costs at least $4,000 just in the cost of putting the record together and the filing fees. Thats something well think about. I cant say for sure at this point, he said.
Its no surprise that the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) is a bit secretive  so much so that the CIA has a museum that isnt actually open to the public.

Likewise, the FBI Museum now requires a special background check to visit. But then theres the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM), an institution that traces the origins of the National Security Agency (NSA) and its role in the IC today.

This is actually the only public museum in the U.S. IC  and it can be visited for free with no reservation required. The facility was first open to the public on December 16, 1993, and it currently hosts some 70,000 visitors annually.

BACKGROUND  HISTORY OF THE NSA

The NSA could also be best described as something of a paradox. Founded nearly 71 years ago, its existence wasnt even revealed until 1975, even as it became the largest of the U.S. intelligence organizations in terms of personnel and budget during the Cold War. Its headquarters is located in a fairly nondescript office tower at Fort Meade, Maryland  akin to it hiding in very plain sight.

To most Americans, the NSA is the agency where Edward Snowden worked before leaking classified documents about its operations to monitor the communications of American citizens. Its arguably one of the components of the IC that we may not always like what it does and how it does it, but should be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Even with the revelations made public by Snowden, many Americans likely dont fully understand what the NSA does. In simple terms, its responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign and domestic intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in a discipline known as signals intelligence (SIGINT).

A modern smartphone has more computing power than this Cray  but it was quite the machine in the Cold War.

Though it was formed by President Harry S. Truman in November 1952, its origins date back to the role the U.S. Military played in deciphering coded communications during the Second World War.

ORIGINS OF NCM MUSEUM

Though many of the more famous museums that surround the nations capital are housed in either historic or specially built facilities, NCM is actually located in the former Colony Seven Motel. On the surface, its an odd location for such a motel, a fact noted when it was purchased with taxpayer dollars in the early 1990s to create a buffer zone between the high-security main buildings at the NSA and the adjacent highway.

The Baltimore Sun newspaper questioned in March 1994 whether well likely know if the motel, located off the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, was actually used by spies trying to eavesdrop on the NSA. However, because the NSA wasnt about sending of information  and rather was at its heart a unit that collected data  it isnt likely that clandestine operations were carried out at the Colony Seven.

Dr. Vince Houghton, who was named director of the museum in November 2020, further dismissed such rumors that the motel ever housed a den of spies. It was simply where those who were interviewing to work at the NSA or had business with the agency typically stayed. The truth is likely a lot less interesting than what weve come to believe from the writings of Tom Clancy and other authors.

This is the Bombe. It was used by the U.S. Military to crack the German Enigma machine during WWII.

Just prior to the global pandemic, the NCM closed for major renovations. When it reopened in October 2022, visitors who may have been to the museum previously likely noted that it had far fewer items on display.

That was entirely by design. We made good use of the time to go through the collection, and archive what we actually owned, explained Houghton, who previously served as curator and historian of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. What you will see today is far more significant to the history of cryptology in the United States. This is no longer a collection of stuff.

Instead, the items on display now are because they were the first of something, the only one in existence, or were used by someone of historic note.

An early lie detector machine.

As a result, every one of the items in the collection played a significant role in the nations cryptologic history. That right-sizing of the collection in many ways mirrors the role of the NSA.

It was like pulling signals out of the noise, Houghton added. Instead of cases of artifacts, we designed this to be a history museum that was presented to be much like an art museum.

Today, the collection still has artifacts that date back to pre-American Revolutionary War times, but everything is related to American code-breaking or cryptographic efforts.

President Ronald Reagans red phone. He probably used this to check in with the First Lady as much as calling Moscow.

That does include a copy of the 1518-dated Polygraphia, a manuscript by German monk Johannes Trithemius thats now considered the first book about cryptography. In addition, there is a letter from French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to his adopted son, Prince Eugene, instructing him how to write letters in code. These are seen as important items that those working at the NSA should study.

Around 85 percent of the artifacts are real and significant, Houghton continued.

NO GIZMOS  BUT IMPORTANT ARTIFACTS

Even as it is part of the IC, the NSA isnt actually a spy agency. As such, the NCM also doesnt have James Bond secret agent-style gizmos or gadgets  such items can be seen at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Rather, the three main galleries of the NCM feature items such as a secure red phone that was used by former President Ronald Reagan in one of his limousines.

A 1518-dated manuscript of Polygraphia, by German monk Johannes Trithemius  considered to be the first book on the study of cryptography.

Likewise, the museum doesnt have a collection of secret agent communication devices, but instead has a number of President Barack Obamas mobile phones including his beloved Blackberries that the NSA equipped with better security.

President Barack Obamas old phones  instead of ending up in a drawer, these are in a museum.

Other items include the biscuits  the sealed contained cards that are locked in submarines and missile silos that are used to launch nuclear weapons.

THE ENIGMA MACHINES

The role that code breaking played in World War II is really at the center of the NCM. Not surprisingly, the now infamous Enigma machine that was developed by Nazi Germany is the standout attraction. Yet, equally notable is that the NCM has not just one of the machines on display. It actually has an early commercial model that was developed in the 1930s for use by banks and other financial institutions.

A German-made device to monitor Soviet communications during WWII. It was captured and used by the U.S. Military during the early Cold War.

The museum also has another machine in its collection that was believed to have been used at one of German dictator Adolf Hitlers headquarters. Even more impressive is that the NCM has a pair of connected Enigma machines that visitors can use to send messages in code and then decipher.

These are likely the only operational Enigma machines that can be used by the general public today This was important for us to make the history of the Enigma accessible, noted Houghton.

Visitors can send a message from one German Enigma machine to another at the NCM.

Visitors can also get a sense of what it took the Allied code breakers to overcome Enigma. The NCM has the only surviving U.S.-made Bombe devices in its collection. These were the machines that were initially developed by the British to break the German Enigma codes.

The U.S. greatly improved on the design after the Germans increased the number of code rotors from three to four in the Enigma. The Bombe in the collection was used by the U.S. Navy to crack German codes, greatly impacting the outcome of the war.

THE PURPLE CIPHER

Students of military history will know that the U.S. Military successfully cracked the Japanese codes and there are long-standing rumors that at times the U.S. was reading Japanese communications even before the Japanese.

That helped the U.S. Navy at the Battle of Midway  and also allowed the U.S. to successfully track the movements of Japanese Admiral Yamamoto. Intercepted ciphers gave word that Yamamoto was to visit the Solomon Islands, and that intelligence allowed his plane to be shot down.

None of that would have been possible had the U.S. not gone to great lengths to overcome what was believed to be an impossible-to-crack cipher device. Based on the rotor technology of Enigma, it was officially dubbed the 97-shiki O-bun In-ji-ki, which translates to Alphabetical Typewriter 97 (the Japanese year 2597 or 1937 in the Western calendar).

This machine was used to help crack Japans purple code during World War II. It incorporated telephone stepping switches to mimic the Japanese machine, which also used stepping switches it turned out.

Purple, the codename given to Japans diplomatic cipher, proved to be a huge challenge to U.S. Army cryptanalysts. It took 18 months for the men and women of the Signal Intelligence Service (SIS) to study the messages to determine how to break the code.

That included developing a machine that incorporated telephone stepping switches to mimic the Purple machines complex scrambling pattern. The efforts proved successful, and there are still those stories of how the U.S. was reading the signals. The Germans had good evidence that the U.S. had cracked the Japanese code, but Tokyo refused to believe the code could be broken. It proved to be a costly mistake.

In addition to the U.S. machine that was used to crack the Purple code, the NCM has a remnant of the Japanese purple cipher from the bombed-out Japanese embassy in Berlin. Though no full units survived the war, the NCM retains that only intact part from the machine.

THE SIGABA AND RUSSIAN FISH

Clearly, the U.S. and its allies knew that better encryption was required as noted by the 20-rotor cipher machine known as SIGABA, or ECM Mark II that is now displayed in the museum. The device was used by President Franklin Roosevelt to communicate with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the war. There was reportedly no successful cryptanalysis of the machine during its service lifetime.

The collection also contains the largely unknown Russian Fish, a machine that the Nazis built to listen to Soviet communications on the Eastern front during WWII. Instead of encrypting all their messages, the Soviets devised a way to split the communications into nine channels.

An early code device that was reportedly used by President Thomas Jefferson when he served as ambassador to France.

The Germans monitoring the channels would only hear static until the Russian Fish was developed allowing all the channels to be put back together. The device was buried at the end of the war, and discovered by U.S. troops who returned it to America.

That machine proved especially useful in the late 1940s after the Soviets changed their codes on October 29, 1948  a day known as Black Friday. However, the Soviets still communicated with the same technology. This fact was among the secrets of the Cold War that were largely unknown to most Americans until recently.

Though nothing in the collection is actually top secret, it still proves to provide insight for those at the NSA as well as the general public. The museum was originally created with a specific audience in mind, the workforce at the NSA, said Houghton. And while we still provide history for the NSA staff, and sister agencies like the U.S. Cyber Command, were still designed today to shed some history of cryptology. The museum is also a treasure of artifacts. And thats certainly no secret.
The National Pension System (NPS) added 21.5 per cent fewer fresh subscribers under the corporate segment in 2023 compared to the preceding year.

Government officials and experts attribute it to the higher exemption limit of income tax of Rs 7 lakh announced in the FY24 Budget that no more requires employees under this income bracket to opt for NPS for tax-saving purposes.

Data collated from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reveals that the corporate component is voluntary in nature and saw 158,212 new subscribers in 2023 compared to 201,517 during 2022.

This segment mainly comprises employees in the public sector, public sector banks and private limited companies, among others.

People enrolled under the corporate component of the NPS to take tax benefits see it as a tax-saving instrument rather than a long-term pension or savings product.

"So, when the finance ministry raised the exemption limit in the last Union Budget, people belonging to these income slabs saw no incentive to enrol under the NPS. That is what explains this sharp decline in enrolment, an official told Business Standard.

During Budget 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced changes in income tax slabs and rebate limits.

Under the new income tax regime, the exemption limit was raised to Rs 7 lakh from Rs 5 lakh, indicating that a person who earns less than Rs 7 lakh annually need not invest to claim exemptions.

And, the entire income would be tax free irrespective of the quantum of investment made by such an individual.

Deepesh Raghaw, a Sebi-registered investment advisor, said the move gave more consumption power to the middle-class.

They could spend the entire income without bothering about investment schemes.

Due to lack of awareness, people mainly deploy NPS to earn tax rebates available under various sections of the Income Tax Act.

"In India, where it is absolutely necessary for people to save and invest for their future pension needs, the diversion of people away from NPS is concerning, he added.

Managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the NPS came into effect from January 2004 for central government employees, except the armed forces.

It is designed on a defined contribution basis as both the subscriber and employer contribute equally to a persons account.

In order to facilitate the organised entities, including public sector organisations, to extend the old-age social security benefits to their employees and co-contribute for their pension, a customised and voluntary version of NPS, known as NPS-Corporate Sector Model, was introduced in December 2011.

In all its years of operation, NPS has suffered due to the lack of awareness among employees and poor product placement in the market.

"People look at pension planning through the prism of tax planning. It is time we position it differently, other than a tax-saving instrument, the official quoted earlier added.

Meanwhile, the number of fresh subscribers in the government sector, including the central and state governments, increased in 2023.

Fresh subscribers grew by 58 per cent under the central government to 186,805 in 2023 from 118,020 in 2022.

It was up 17 per cent under the state governments to 526,893 from 447,780 during the same period.

Since the Union government has mandated the NPS for all its new employees, it also reflects fresh recruitment at the central level.

A few states like Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Punjab announced a return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), thereby abandoning NPS.

So, it cannot be used as a metric to gauge hirings at the state level.
The blast at The Rameshwaram Cafe has caused distress and concern among the startup and information technology (IT) community, raising questions related to safety and security.

Approximately 10 people were reportedly injured in a low-intensity bomb blast at The Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular restaurant in Bengalurus Brookfield.

The surrounding area is a major hub for the Indian technology (tech) industry, housing many startups and top IT companies such as IBM, SAP, Accenture, International Tech Park Bangalore, and Prestige Technostar.

We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident at our Brookfield branch.

"We are cooperating with the authorities and officials in their investigations, said Divya Raghavendra Rao, co-founder and managing director of The Rameshwaram Cafe.

Our thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we are offering them all the support, assistance, and care they need, praying for their speedy recovery, added Rao.

Numerous entrepreneurs and tech professionals expressed their sadness over the incident, emphasising the urgent need for improved security measures in the city.

The incident not only breaches the safety we try to provide for employees and customers but also highlights the pressing need for a holistic security organisation in the town.

"As entrepreneurs, we have successfully navigated risks in the business world, but being witness to violence on our doorstep is an awful reminder of the security of our environment, said Nidhi Aggarwal, founder of SpaceMantra, an online marketplace for the construction and interior industry.

Aggarwal suggests an organised effort to strengthen security infrastructure, including the installation of more cameras, deployment of the latest tech, and increased intelligence-sharing among security forces.

Its unfortunate that such an incident took place in a major city, considering urban areas are entrusted with strong security measures and greater tech prospects.

"This blast is a painful experience for the residents of Bengaluru and is a wake-up call for enhanced security measures in major urban areas to make everyone feel safe again, said Atul Rai, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Staqu Technologies, an artificial intelligence company.

In this particular incident, an individual entered a designated area carrying a bag and left without it.

Rai stressed that closed-circuit television cameras at such locations must identify such behaviour as suspicious.

Staqu, in addition to its efforts in retail and food service industries, is collaborating with real estate firms in Bengaluru to provide audio-video analytics security camera solutions that algorithmically monitor suspicious activities, sending real-time alerts to chief security officers.

Its imperative that as a nation, we prioritise the implementation of every available cutting-edge tech that can prevent similar incidents in the future, underscored Rai.

Hariom Seth, founder of Tagglabs, said the explosion has once again thrown into sharp relief the pressing need for advanced security measures.

Within this context, he highlighted the increasingly crucial role of artificial intelligence in identifying and preventing such incidents.

Raghunandan Saraf, CEO and founder of Saraf Furniture, said the blast has shaken the startup community in the city.

As a founder of a startup, I am aggrieved by this incident, which has alerted me to the security of employees and customers in Indias IT hub, said Saraf.

He mentioned that the incident presents a danger not only to the lives of the innocent but also undermines the aspirations of entrepreneurs who might now be reconsidering investing their capital in the citys security apparatus.

Industry executives said that an incident like this could have an impact on the investment scene in Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India.

This impacts investor sentiment, stated an executive at a top e-commerce firm.

If there are more such incidents, they may start to question whether it is safe to invest here.

Bruhath Bangalore Hotels Association on Saturday announced it will devise a plan to enhance the security system at all hotels across the city.

It will also discuss preventive measures to make public places safer, convening a meeting with police officials, hotel owners, and other stakeholders. to discuss standard operating procedures for maintaining vigilance in hotels.

The investigation of the case has been handed over to the citys Crime Branch.

The official Twitter handle of the Commissioner of Police Bengaluru stated that the investigation is in full swing, with several teams working on different leads obtained so far.

Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the case and security concerns, the handle appealed to the media not to indulge in speculation.
The unclaimed funds within the life insurance sector are higher from policies sold by agents as against other channels like bancassurance or a digital platform, said analysts and officials from insurance companies.

Unclaimed life insurance funds refer to the proceeds of insurance policies including death or survival benefits not claimed by the beneficiary or the policyholder. Bancassurance means selling an insurance product through banks.

The insurance companies can easily verify the bank details with the bank for bancassurance customers and also get new bank account, contact details and address from the bank based on Permanent Account Number (PAN) numbers.

"The updating of customer mobile and email in policies sourced through digital channels also helps to instantly connect with customers to get bank details during payout, said Vighnesh Shahane, MD & CEO, Federal Ageas Life Insurance.

In the case of agency channels, the attrition makes it difficult to connect with customers once the agent leaves the company, Shahane added.

Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) issued modifications in the master circular for unclaimed insurance.

The regulator directed the insurers to contact the customer 12 months instead of 6 months in advance before declaring the funds unclaimed amounts.

The regulatory notifications also include measures on communication with customers, updating their contact and bank details and adoption of digital methods like customer portals and apps, and advertisements in print/digital media to trace customers.

Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, said Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) accounted for more than 90 per cent of the total unclaimed funds in the last five years.

Since LIC generates most of its business through agents, we can estimate that agents-sold policies account for a major share of the total unclaimed insurance funds.

"However, the actual data-specific number on unclaimed funds by distribution channel is not available, Sahoo said.

In FY23, the unclaimed insurance funds in the life insurance industry sharply declined to Rs 2.06 crore from Rs 4.82 crore in the year-ago period.

According to Vineet Arora, COO, HDFC Life Insurance, unclaimed funds are agnostic to distribution channels.

He said policyholders must notify their respective life insurers in case of a change in their contact details or a change in bank account.

This plays a critical role in ensuring timely payouts of the benefits, Arora said.

The unclaimed funds stay with the insurance provider until the rightful beneficiaries or policyholders initiate the claim.

Until then, the insurance companies invest the funds in segregated funds as per the guidelines of the regulator and return the funds to the policyholders when they reach out.

These unclaimed insurance funds are transferred to the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund after a period of 10 years.

These funds are invested in a market-linked fund, and they generate positive returns.

"Whenever the customer claims their benefit, they get paid the original amount due plus the accretion due to positive NAV fluctuation, noted Atri Chakraborty, COO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance.

Tarun Mathur, co-founder & chief business officer, PolicyBazaar believes the insurance regulators decision is a step in the right direction.

I think more than the insurance companies, the formation of a central repository will help in reducing unclaimed funds.

"With this system, when the insurance regulators come up with something, other members in the ecosystem will come together to help and it will be easier for the companies, he said.

The claim settlement ratio of the life insurance was 98.45 per cent in FY23, lower than 98.64 per cent in FY22.

The public sector life insurer was 98.52 per cent as of March 31, 2023 and private life insurer was 98.02 per cent.
If the idea was to garner AIADMK votes with or without the three faction leaders after the party broke ties with the NDA, it may not work after all, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai, left, at a public rally in Palladam, February 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

It may sound apocryphal but the changing ways the youth in Dravidian Tamil Nadu greet one another may be indicative of their political preferences.

For a long time, it was 'machchi or brother-in-law, but when education introduced greater civility and they still wanted to stand out as a class, they switched over to 'Ji'.

At the time, they did not know the political implications of the call-sign as it was identified with the BJP and other Sangh Parivar outfits.

Possibly picking up the phrase from north Indian migrant labour in their midst, the Tamil youth found it to confer a certain dignity on whoever is thus addressed.

It could even be a mean person or a menial employee.

Better still it went well with the Dravidian socio-political concept of social justice and self-respect.

The 'Ji' term did not survive for long. That was because the youth found before long that it was a common or a mandatory term for mutual greetings in the Sangh Parivar organisations.

Then came 'Bro', a shortened form for 'Brother', which is as respectable as 'Ji', but did not have a political angle attached to it.

Better still, it reflected the mood of the '90s kids and those born afterwards, from among whom there emerged scores of engineers and MBAs and of course doctors, dentists and lawyers.

'Bro', they could relate to, instantaneously even when the other person is an absolute stranger.

This linguistic discourse (!), if it could be conferred that respectability, would not have mattered much in the normal circumstances.

But at election time when every political party and analyst is looking around for symptomatic representation of mutual address among the youth, those that are habituated to 'Ji' are taken for BJP supporters and sympathisers.

Likewise, those who have migrated or graduated to 'Bro' are definitely anti-BJP. Not many stick to the old phraseology 'machchi', but where they do, they too are anti-BJP.

Of course, all these changing trends are representative only of the Tamil youth's political mood.

But once anti-BJP, they may still be pro-DMK, pro-AIADMK or pro-NTK, the last one the pan-Tamil political party floated by actor-politician Seeman.

As for the large constituency of migrant labour from the northern states, especially the Hindi-belt or the cow-belt, it would be a mistake to see them all as 'BJP voters'.

They carry their village-level caste and clan-based politics into south India, whether it is Tamil Nadu or any other states in the region.

All of it assumes some significance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, where a three-cornered contest is on cards.

Clearly, the BJP-NDA is there with a host of non-existent minor parties with hopes of at least two moderately successful sub-regional parties.

The Vanniar community strong Pattali Makkal Katchi has a confirmed five per cent vote-share, going by state-level figures.

In the 100-odd assembly segments where they have a presence, their vote-share swings from four to eight per cent.

The other one is the DMDK, the party founded by late actor-politician Vijayakanth.

Before his death, the party was a write-off, but the massive crowds that gathered at his funeral was beyond all expectations.

This has given a fresh hope to the party, now under his wife, Premalatha.

It is anybody's guess if those that gathered at the funeral were there to celebrate Vijaykanth's philanthropic nature when alive and acting, and if all of them could be considered the DMDK's loyal voters after his death.

At the peak, in the maiden poll outing, this one for the state assembly, the DMDK polled a respectable 8.38 per cent vote share.

It went marginally up, just above 10 per cent in the Lok Sabha polls of 2009, even when the party did not have, or support, any prime minister candidate.

The BJP polled 2 per cent and 2.3 per cent in the two elections but with a prime ministerial face.

Thanks to political immaturity fuelled by assumed self-importance and also utter lack of staying power over the medium term, the DMDK lost the race even before it had entered one in full form.

This has also been the case with all sub-regional parties in Tamil Nadu, including the PMK.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurates the Karunanidhi Memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai, February 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In this background, state BJP President K Annamalai recently attributing the restoration of traditional bull-fight Jallikattu in 2017 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership does not sit well with youth in their millions who gathered at multiple points across the state, later going down to the district and taluk-level during the historic Jallikattu protests of January 2017.

It remains to be seen how then AIADMK chief minister O Panneerselvam, who claimed ownership for the victory, intends reacting -- though for now his camp has reiterated that they backed Modi for PM.

Indications are that alliance talks between the BJP and the OPS faction (which neither has a name or a flag or a poll symbol) has hit a road block, though not insurmountable.

It still remains unclear if the BJP-NDA would also have two other AIADMK factions led by Jayalalithaa's live-in aide Sasikala Natarajan and the latter's nephew T T V Dhinakaran.

Campaigning for the BJP at official functions in the state last week, Modi praised Jayalalithaa and her political-mentor M G Ramachandran as 'able administrators'.

If the idea was to garner AIADMK votes with or without the three faction leaders after the party under former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami broke ties with the NDA, it may not work after all.

One, traditional AIADMK voters, who have been around since the days of MGR -- he died in 1987 -- they still vote only for the 'Two Leaves' symbol.

Unless EPS loses the symbol, those votes are his for sure. New-generation AIADMK voters are those that forced EPS to snap ties with the BJP, on Hindutva issues.

As the results of election 2019 showed, they had en masse voted for the rival DMK alliance in Lok Sabha constituency after constituency.

In the previous 2014 polls, Jaya as AIADMK chief minister had won 37 of 39 Lok Sabha seats with her clarion call, 'Modi-ya, indha Lady-ya?' Both 2014 and 2019 were votes against Modi, full-stop.

IMAGE: The inauguration and foundation stone-laying of various development projects in Thoothukudi, February 28, 2024, by Modi saw enthusiastic crowds. Photograph: ANI Photo

By praising MGR and Jaya just now, all that Modi could have achieved is to drive doubts into the minds of traditional AIADMK voters who had cross-voted for the DMK combine in 2019, if the two may end up working together, post-poll, if required.

Such doubts would only work out to the advantage of the rival DMK alliance.

It is another matter that the AIADMK and EPS are fixated only on the assembly polls in 2026, where they hope to benefit vastly from the 'anti-incumbency' that has already set in against the DMK.

They continue to feel that it would help them only if they stop playing second fiddle to the BJP.

In his rejoinder to Modi's repeated charge that the DMK was corrupt, party Treasurer and parliamentary group leader T R Baalu has asked him, how then did the PM praise Jayalalithaa when she died without facing the verdict of the Supreme Court that found all her co-accused guilty in a corruption case staging against her name.

As for the PM's claim that there won't be any DMK after the polls, the wag asks if it meant that the state government would be dismissed if Modi returned to power.

As he points out, the DMK has survived violent electoral swings through past decades.

That it was only an election speech and by directing his criticism at the DMK, Modi was only trying to project the BJP as the 'real alternative' to the ruling party -- which status now the AIADMK alone enjoys in the voter's mind.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Stalin salute after unfurling the national flag during the 75th Republic Day celebrations at Marina Beach in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo

If it was Hindutva for the 'Bro' voters the last time round, they are now staring at the other side of the Dravidian coin -- which is centred on federal principles, social justice and language.

Between them, the Centre as an institution and Governor R N Ravi as an individual -- most of his criticism against the state government and the Dravidian polity has had no gubernatorial sanction under the Constitutional scheme -- have ensured that the flames of the Jallikattu protests were not put out completely.

They are not Dravidian voters per se, but like the Dravidian polity, particularly the DMK parent, they share similar sentiments on issues.

They are also the ones who vote for other pan-Tamil parties like the NTK, PMK and even DMDK -- but only the former now qualifies to be one.

They are god-fearing and are also temple-worshippers.

But they are not amused by the use of the 'Sanatana card', to paint the Dravidian polity black across the country, purely for politico-electoral reasons.

According to them, the way DMK Minister Udayanidhi Stalin went about it was just a side-show, which would have gone unnoticed but for the BJP raking it up at the national level, from Amit Shah downwards.

Over and above it all, this generation, too, is peeved at the BJP's kind of horse-trading elsewhere across the country.

The three major political splits were ideological or personality-driven in the state -- namely, the Communist Party of India (1964), the Congress (1969) and the ruling DMK (1972).

Those that followed within the AIADMK in 1988 (post-MGR) and 2017 (post-Jaya) are seen as shameful episodes, over which every Tamil youth hangs his head in shame.

To them, the BJP is a no-no also for this reason -- preaching ethics and practising the unethical.

Their choice now can be NTK, DMK or the AIADMK, not necessary in that order.

If Modi's message, intended or otherwise, that post-poll EPS would shake hands with him goes down the line, they could vote for the DMK combine -- without working for the alliance at the grass-roots level. Else, their votes will be split.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties with Male, weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

IMAGE: Troops of the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force take part in the joint military exercise 'Ekuverin', in Chaubatia, June 25, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Defence Minister of the Maldives Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met with Major General Zhang Baoqun, deputy director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China, to discuss enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries.

Maumoon and Major General Baoqun "signed an agreement on China's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties," the Maldivian defence ministry posted on its X handle.

The details of the defence cooperation agreement were not provided.

The visit of the Chinese military delegation took place days after Male allowed Xiang Yang Hong 03, a hi-tech Chinese research ship to make a port call for the "rotation of its personnel and replenishment."

On January 5, Sri Lanka, while denying entry to the same ship, said it has declared a moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters for a year amid concerns from India over Chinese research vessels docking in its neighbourhood and collecting data from the oceans, including in the Indian Ocean Region, for military purposes, especially for submarine operations.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson has previously defended the port call by the Chinese research ship to the Maldives saying, China's scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity's scientific understanding of the ocean.

The visit of the Chinese military delegation to the Maldives is taking place days after India confirmed that its first civilian team of technical experts has reached the island nation to replace the military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter in the country.

President Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, has set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country.

"The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.

Following meetings of the high-level core group that was set up to address the issue of withdrawal of the Indian military personnel, the Maldivian foreign ministry had said India will replace all its military personnel in two phases by May 10.

According to the Maldivian government, 88 Indian military personnel are in the country, primarily to operate two helicopters and an aircraft that have carried out hundreds of medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

The ties between the two countries came under some strain since Muizzu came to power in November last year.

Muizzu maintained after assuming charge as the president that he would keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.

Muizzu defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male. The current government has said that it was reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements signed with India by the previous governments.

The Maldives' proximity to India, barely 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainland's western coast, and its location at the hub of commercial sea lanes running through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) gives it significant strategic importance.
A 21-year-old degree student was allegedly beaten up and strangled to death by seven students, including a minor, inside his room at a state-run hostel in Nizamabad district of Telangana, police said on Monday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

All seven students have been detained by the police.

The incident took place in Bodhan town of the district on Sunday night, where Venkat, who is studying in the Government College in Nizamabad district, was killed by the seven students who also stay at the hostel and are studying for intermediate and degree courses, police said.

Based on a preliminary investigation, the police said that Venkat had told an intermediate first-year student at the hostel to focus on his studies when he allegedly discussed committing malpractice in the ongoing exams.

After this, the intermediate first-year student, who is a minor, informed his elder brother, who is also a student staying at the hostel.

The brother, along with other students, argued with Venkat, the official said.

They allegedly beat him up and strangled him, the police said, adding that some other students at the hostel informed the hostel authorities, who took Venkat to a hospital.

However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

A relative of the deceased student alleged that Venkat was confined in a room by some students, who "tortured and killed" him.

A murder case has been registered.

Meanwhile, members of some student organisations held a protest over the incident.
Salvatore Coniglio witnessed the 2017 total solar eclipse in Wyoming, an experience he described as primordial.

So when he learned that his hometown of Niagara Falls would be in the path of totality for the upcoming April 8 eclipse, Coniglio said it was a no-brainer that he would travel from Los Angeles to experience it again with his family.

He will likely have plenty of company.

Coniglio is one of hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and world who are expected to flock to Western New York to watch the moon totally block out the sun for nearly 4 minutes.

There will be a lot of emotion attached with just being home, and then to witness that, Coniglio said.

Dorothy Hooper is also coming to Niagara Falls from Westchester County to experience the eclipse with her nephew, his wife and their two children.

Hooper made her hotel reservation eight months in advance and already has her eclipse safety glasses and themed T-shirts.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for me, Hooper said. Im not going to be around for the next one. So what better way to experience it than with my favorite relatives?

Hooper and her family are hoping to go to Niagara Falls State Park to witness the celestial event, even though it will likely be one of the most crowded places to watch. Niagara Falls is hosting scientists and astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from April 4 to April 8.

I have other family members that want me to watch from their backyard, but I guess were a glutton for punishment because we want to be in the midst of all of the craziness, Hooper said.

'Get the glasses and be safe': UB ophthalmologist explains the do's and don'ts of viewing the eclipse The total solar eclipse that will focus the world's attention on Western New York on April 8 has people asking a question that usually does not need to be asked: Is it OK to look at the sun?

Coniglio, on the other hand, isnt so sure he wants to deal with all the crowds and traffic at the park.

Id like to be at the falls, he said. I think that would be the most spectacular, dramatic with the sun and the eclipse sitting right up over the falls.

But he remembers how crazy the traffic was in remote Wyoming when he saw the 2017 eclipse. Coniglio said it took him and his son 18 hours to drive back to Colorado following the eclipse, a drive that usually only takes around 8 hours.

As much as I would love to be there for that, I think its going to be a zoo, Coniglio said of watching the eclipse at the falls.

Meanwhile, the Schare family is keeping an eye on the weather forecast to determine where will be best to view the eclipse.

Historically, April 8 tends to be a cloudy day in Western New York.

Complete coverage: Gearing up for a total solar eclipse in Western New York Preparations are underway in Western New York for a total solar eclipse on April 8. Here is our complete coverage.

Depending on the cloud forecast, the lake shores promise to be the best bet, Claudia Schare said in an email to The Buffalo News. We still dont know if we drive westbound to Erie or eastbound to Rochester. If the weather is great in the City of Buffalo we might go to Delaware Park.

Schare is coming to Buffalo with her husband, Carsten, and daughter, Minou, from Dortmund, Germany, one of Buffalos sister cities.

The eclipse lines up with Minous spring break from school in Germany. Last year, Minou was an exchange student at Buffalo Seminary high school, so she will also get to visit friends and explore colleges in the area, Schare said.

For my husband and me, the eclipse was the prime reason to go, Schare said. Seeing Buffalo again and accompanying our daughter is a nice add.

Schare and her husband saw a total solar eclipse in France in 1999, and took their older daughter to see the 2017 eclipse in Wyoming, she said. Last year, they took Minou to Albuquerque for the partial eclipse, but the experience was not the same.

Experiencing an eclipse is one of the most touching events we have had in our life, Schare said.

Will clouds get in the way of total solar eclipse in Buffalo? Chances are good  but could be worse Chances are good that clouds will figure into the total solar eclipse on April 8 in Buffalo, but in many other years, they would be worse.

Coniglio agreed, describing seeing the total solar eclipse at Grand Teton National Park as mind bending.

You could feel the energy in everybody, he said. Everybody got really animated and became alive. It was like an electric feeling.

Hooper is crossing her fingers for clear skies so she and her family can have a similarly memorable experience. They have no back-up plan if it turns out to be a cloudy day, she said.
Issues related to farmers' protests are "serious", the Supreme Court said on Monday and asked a litigant to desist from filing petitions based only on newspaper reports for publicity.

IMAGE: Farmers, who are marching to Delhi, run for cover amidst tear gas fired by the police to disperse them at the Shambhu barrier, a border crossing between Punjab and Haryana, February 21, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, allowed petitioner Agnostos Theos, the managing director of the Sikh Chamber of Commerce, to withdraw his plea that alleged violation of the rights of the "peacefully protesting" farmers by the Centre and some states.

A request for withdrawal of the plea was made at the very start of the hearing by a counsel for Theos who said he intended to amend the petition.

"These are very serious issues. Don't file these petitions based only on newspaper reports for publicity purposes. Only those persons who are serious and committed should file these petitions. If you have gone through the newspaper reports, then you must be aware that the high court is seized of the matter," Justice Kant told the counsel.

The bench said the petitioner must know that the high court has already passed certain directions on the issue.

"Next time be careful. Do your own research, these are complex issues," the bench told the counsel and allowed him to withdraw the petition.

Theos claimed in his plea that the Centre and some states have issued "threats" and fortified the national capital's borders after several farmer unions called protests seeking legal guarantee for minimum support price for their crops and implementation of the Swaminathan committee's recommendations.

"The petitioner is seeking a writ of mandamus in the interest of the farmers who are facing unfair treatment in their peaceful protests," it said.

It claimed some protesters were arrested and forcibly detained by various state governments, and the Centre unduly invoked prohibitory measures, including blocking social media accounts, rerouting traffic and blocking roads.

It alleged the governments of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have employed "aggressive and violent measures", like using tear gas, rubber bullets and pellets against the farmers, causing them serious injuries.

In the absence of medical aid, the injuries got aggravated and also caused deaths, the plea claimed, adding fortifications at Delhi's borders have created a "hostile and violent situation", and did not allow the farmers to exercise their democratic right to protest.

The plea sought a direction to the Centre, the four states and the National Human Rights Commission to "consider the reasonable demands of the farmers from across India, who are in continuous peaceful protest, demonstration and agitation".

It also sought directions to the respondents to ensure "fair and respectful treatment of the protesting farmers", besides allowing free movement.

The plea sought a report about alleged human rights violations by police, besides adequate compensation for the victim farmers and their families.
The Supreme Court said on Monday the 1998 verdict in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha bribery case resulted in a "paradoxical outcome" as it rewarded a lawmaker who accepted the bribe and voted on agreed terms with immunity but prosecuted those who accepted illegal gratification but voted independently.

IMAGE: A 7-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud delivers the judgment overruling the 1998 judgment in the JMM bribery case, New Delh, March 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, which overruled the 1998 verdict said, the majority judgement created an artificial distinction between those who received illegal gratification and performed their end of the bargain and those who received the same illegal gratification but did not carry out the agreed task.

"Indeed, to read Articles 105(2) and 194(2) in the manner proposed in the majority judgment (of 1998 verdict) results in a paradoxical outcome. Such an interpretation results in a situation where a legislator is rewarded with immunity when they accept a bribe and follow through by voting in the agreed direction. On the other hand, a legislator who agrees to accept a bribe, but may eventually decide to vote independently will be prosecuted," it said.

The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna, M M Sundresh, P S Narasimha, J B Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar and Manoj Misra, said such an interpretation belied not only the text of Articles 105 and 194 but also the purpose of conferring parliamentary privilege on members of the legislature.

Articles 105 and 194 deal with the powers and privileges of MPs and MLAs.

The minority judgment of the 1998 verdict has highlighted the prima facie absurdity in the paradox created by the majority judgment, it said.

The bench said under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the mere obtaining, accepting or attempting to obtain an undue advantage with the intention to act or forbear from acting in a certain way is sufficient to complete the offence and it is not necessary that the act for which the bribe is given be actually performed.

"In the formulation of a legislator accepting a bribe, it does not matter whether she votes in the agreed direction or votes at all. At the point in time when she accepts the bribe, the offence of bribery is complete," it said.

The bench, in its 135-page verdict, "The purpose of the proceedings which a House may conduct is to restore its dignity. Such a proceeding may result in the expulsion from the membership of the House and other consequences which the law envisages. Prosecution for an offence operates in a distinct area involving a violation of a criminal statute," it said.

The bench said the power to punish for criminal wrongdoing emanates from the power of the State to prosecute offenders who violate the criminal law and it applies uniformly to everyone subject to the sanctions of the criminal law of the land.

"The purpose, consequences, and effect of the two jurisdictions are separate. A criminal trial differs from contempt of the House as it is fully dressed with procedural safeguards, rules of evidence and the principles of natural justice," it said, while rejecting the submission that the jurisdiction of the House excludes that of the criminal court for prosecuting an offence under the criminal law of the land.

The bench said a member engaging in bribery commits a crime which is unrelated to their ability to vote or to make a decision on their vote.

"This action may bring indignity to the House of Parliament or Legislature and may also attract prosecution. What it does not attract is the immunity given to the essential and necessary functions of a member of Parliament or Legislature," it said.

The bench said prosecution for bribery is not excluded from the jurisdiction of the criminal court merely because it may also be treated by the House as contempt or a breach of its privilege.

"Therefore, we hold that clause (2) of Article 105 does not grant immunity against bribery to any person as the receipt of or agreement to receive illegal gratification is not "in respect of" the function of a member to speak or vote in the House," it said.

Article 105(2) says, "No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings."

The bench also referred to international position and law on parliamentary privileges in countries like the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.

It said the courts in the UK have held that its jurisdiction is not ousted by the immunity of members or the ability of the House to take contempt action against bribery.
The remand report of the suspect linked to the recent death of a second year student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad has alleged that the victim was assaulted viciously.

Police had arrested all the 18 accused who have been remanded to judicial custody, in the case pertaining to 20-year-old Sidharthan J S, who was found hanging inside the bathroom of the college hostel on February 18.

While urging the court to avoid giving bail to the accused, the report submitted by the police on Sunday said that a belt and a cable wire were used to assault Sidharthan.

Police have charged the accused under sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon), 306 (Abetment of suicide), of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Kerala Prohibition Of Ragging Act.

The report said that his classmates and senior held a public trial inside the hostel alleging that he had misbehaved with a girl student of the college.

Police said that one of the accused called Sidharthan, who had left for home, back to the college to settle the issue related to his "misbehaviour" using the "unwritten law" of the hostel, instead of approaching the police.

"He was stripped down to his underwear and the accused assaulted him. Some of them used a belt and a cable wire," the report said.

It said that the assault began on February 16 at around 9 PM and lasted till 2 AM on February 17.

Police urged the court not to give the accused bail as the parents of the deceased have demanded a full inquiry, claiming that that the victim would not have killed himself.

Sidharthan was a second year Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry student. His parents have claimed that some of his college mates told them that he was beaten to death by some local SFI leaders and activists.

The father contended that according to the postmortem report, his son's body had three days' worth of injuries and an empty stomach, which indicated that he was brutally beaten up and not given any food.

Following the parents' claims, the political waters in the state were stirred as the Congress and the BJP accused the ruling CPI(M)'s student wing SFI of beating Sidharthan to death.

The Students Federation of India (SFI) has denied the allegations.

The police had initially registered a case of unnatural death.
India takes the safety of women very seriously and the implementation of stringent laws over time is evidence of it, National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma said on Monday as she hit out at a US-based writer for allegedly "defaming" the country over the gang-rape of a Spanish woman in Jharkhand.

IMAGE: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma. Photograph: ANI Photo

Writer David Josef Volodzko said he has advised his female friends to not travel to India alone. His X post followed the alleged gang-rape of the Spanish tourist in Jharkhand's Dumka district.

Volodzko also referred to some incidents of abuse and harassment, including one related to a woman being groped.

"Did you ever report the incident to Police? If not than you are totally an irresponsible person. Writing only on social media and defaming whole country is not good choice," Sharma said in response in a post on X.

Volodzko, in response, said Sharma herself has faced criticism for failure to respond to complaints filed by women's rights groups over credible allegations of women being publicly stripped naked, beaten by mobs and raped in public.

"And yet here she is with the gall to accuse me of defaming India. Sharma, it is you who defame India by presiding over a group called the National Commission for Women and doing nothing about the issue...and then criticizing people like me for drawing attention to this important matter," he said.

The war of words continued to escalate.

Responding to the post, Sharma said "To vilify an entire country with a tweet is not only in poor taste but also unacceptable, as data speaks otherwise. As much as this incident needs to be condemned and perpetrators brought to justice, let me share a few statistical indicators and request you to remove this tweet."

According to data, she said, over six million tourists arrive in India every year, many of them single women.

"... and they holiday safely as India takes the safety of women very seriously, evidenced by its implementation of stringent laws over time. India views sexual assault as a very serious crime, and so should countries that, until now, have not considered date rape as a criminal offense," Sharma said.

She added that NCW univocally condemns the incident in Dumka and had reached out the victim within hours of the complaint being registered.

"I would like to reiterate my point that, it is important to file an FIR when a crime is committed so that perpetrators can be caught in time. I am looking into this case personally and will extend all the help that it required from NCW," she added.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP-elect and journalist Sagarika Ghose also hit out at Sharma, saying the NCW chief had once again revealed the arrogance of power and her shocking lack of concern for women.

"A country is defamed when women are assaulted, not when such crimes are reported so that justice may be delivered and the guilty punished. The NCW is engaging in victim shaming of the most atrocious kind," Ghose said in a post.

Sharma said in reply, "Sagarika just for the sake of opposing you are writing this without proper information. @NCWIndia took suo moto immediately when Dumka incident came in light".

"My member visited and met the survival within few hours and is still there to see that all 7 accused gets arrested. I personally spoke to the survival and extended all help," she said.

Sharma also took a jibe at Ghose over the Sandeshkhali violence, saying, "By the way since you are from West Bengal did you visit Sandeshkhali and meet women complainants?"
China on Monday sought to play down increasing tensions with its Asian neighbours over the simmering South China Sea dispute and the eastern Ladakh border issue with India, saying its initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative are gaining momentum and trade is booming with regional countries.

IMAGE: File image of Indian and Chinese army officers discuss the disengagment process from the banks of the Pangong Tso lake area in eastern Ladakh. Photograph: PTI Photo

China has given high priority to its neighbouring countries in its overall diplomatic work, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for China's parliament -- the National People's Congress -- said while answering a question on China's tensions with Asian neighbours including criticism that Beijing is turning the South China Sea dispute into "dangerous flashpoint" and the "unresolved issues" in the region.

Lou said, "All the countries in the Indo-China peninsula, Central Asia have committed to building a community with a shared future with China," a preferred phrase of Chinese President Xi Jinping to highlight the future of China and the rest of the world is interlinked.

"You mentioned the South China Sea. Let me stress that China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, we will properly handle relevant issues with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the South China Sea."

China claims most of the South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims.

In recent months, tensions simmered between China and the Philippines as Manila, backed by the US, stepped up efforts to assert its rights over the part of the South China Sea firmly resisted by the Chinese coast guard ships.

Lou also spoke about China's tensions with neighbouring countries without directly mentioning the eastern Ladakh border standoff with India since May 2020 which resulted in the Galwan Valley clash in June of that year.

Lou said, "China is opposed to bloc confrontation, small circles," Beijing's oblique references to the Quad alliance consisting of the US, India, Japan and Australia.

China's cooperation with neighbouring countries is open and inclusive, not exclusive, he said.

Lou said the BRI has delivered more real benefits. Many regional countries have joined BRI and many projects have served as models and become important drivers for social and economic developments in respective countries.

The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by President Xi when he came to power in 2013.

It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

China, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BRI last year, said it had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organisations across five continents.

Leaders in many countries faced allegations of siphoning off millions of dollars in funds allocated to especially unstainable projects leading their countries to huge debt owed to China.

China's economic and trade cooperation with regional countries is booming, Lou said.

He also parried questions over how China views the impact on its relations with the US if former American president Donald Trump gets re-elected, saying that it is an internal issue of the United States.

"No matter who becomes the President we hope the US can work in the same direction with China and work for a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship," he said.

During his presidency, Trump conducted a massive anti-China drive by launching a trade war with Beijing imposing huge tariffs on Chinese imports.

The flourishing China-US ties were never the same again as his successor Joe Biden too carried out tough policy against China by imposing sanctions to restrict access to semiconductor chips which hampered Beijing's massive drive to modernise its tech sector and firm policy to continue Washington's ties with Taiwan which China claims as part of its mainland.

"We just hope that the US will honour its commitment, build stronger and five pillars for China-US relations and translate the understandings, vision agreed by Biden and Xi during their last year's summit in San Francisco," he said.

Lou met the media ahead of the annual session of the NPC, which is often referred to as the rubber stamp parliament for its routine approval of the ruling Communist Party of China's legislative agenda.

Thousands of the NPC delegates and the members of the advisory body the Chinese People's Consultative Conference converged in Beijing for their weekly annual sessions to conduct legislative agenda.

The NPC will meet on Tuesday during which Premier Li Qiang will present the government's work report as well as the budget including the defence budget for the endorsement of Parliament.

The Parliament session is taking place amid declining business sentiment in China as the government's efforts to reverse the slowdown of the second-largest economy have not fructified.

Li was expected to announce more steps to revive the economy in his work report.

Li succeeded popular Premier Li Keqiang who died months after his retirement last year.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday assured a delegation of two regional groups of Ladakh that the government-appointed high-powered committee formed to look into their statehood and other demands has been discussing the modalities to provide such Constitutional safeguards.

IMAGE: People take part in the 'Leh Chalo Andolan' called by Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body demanding the implementation of the 6th Schedule, statehood, Land, and job security and separate Lok Sabha Seat for Kargil and Leh, in Leh, February 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A six-member delegation of the Apex Body, Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance from the Union territory called on the minister in New Delhi, the Union ministry of home affairs said in a statement.

The Union home minister told the delegation that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government was committed to providing necessary constitutional safeguards to the Union Territory of Ladakh, according to the ministry.

"He assured that the high powered committee on Ladakh constituted to look into the demands of ABL and KDA have been discussing the modalities to provide such constitutional safeguards," it said.

"The home minister expressed that the consultative mechanism established through this high powered committee should continue to engage on issues such as measures to protect the region's unique culture and language, protection of land and employment, inclusive development and employment generation, empowerment of LAHDCs and examine constitutional safeguards for positive outcomes," the statement added.

The ministry said the high powered committee for Ladakh headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has been working actively with representatives of the ABL and the KDA and significant progress has been made.

"A sub-committee constituted by the HPC is also actively engaged with the Ministry of Law and other experts. The second meeting of the said sub-committee was held today which was attended by the representatives of ABL and KDA.

"Senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department were also present. The meeting was held in a cordial manner and various issues pertaining to land, employment and constitutional safeguards progressed for the benefit of the people of Ladakh," the home ministry said in the statement.

Earlier in the day, the ABL and the KDA issued a statement saying their sub-committee failed to make any headway after two back-to-back meetings with central government functionaries.

The organisations also said they have decided to consult with the people of Ladakh to devise a future course of action.

The ABL and the KDA have been demanding statehood for Ladakh, the inclusion of the Union territory in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution and the setting up of an exclusive public service commission for the high-altitude region.

According to a statement issued by the two organisations, the sub-committee held a meeting with officials of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the advisor of the Union Territory of Ladakh which "ended without any concrete outcome".

Subsequently, the sub-committee held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence that "too didn't result in any positive outcome", the ABL-KDA statement said.

The sub-committee was formed following a meeting held on February 19 between the HPC and a 14-member delegation of the LAB and the KDA, representing various organisations of the Union Territory.

Thupstan Chhewang, Chering Dorjay Lakruk and Nawang Rigzin Jora, representing the LAB, and Qamar Ali Akhoon, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, representing the KDA, are members of the sub-committee.

Akhoon, Chhewang, Lakruk and Karbalai signed the press statement issued on Monday.

The other demands of the delegation include two Lok Sabha seats (one for Kargil and one for Leh) and job opportunities for the residents of the Union Territory, sources said earlier.

Ladakh currently has one Lok Sabha constituency.

Ladakh, which no longer has any Assembly constituency, was earlier part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, were abrogated on August 5, 2019, and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

According to the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, Jammu and Kashmir has been made a Union Territory with a legislative assembly and Ladakh a Union Territory without any assembly.

There were four representatives from Ladakh in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir assembly.

The BJP-led Centre assured the delegation from Ladakh in December last year that it was committed to fast-tracking the development of the Union Territory and meeting the aspirations of the people in the region.

The assurance was given at a meeting held with the HPC for Ladakh.

The ministry of home affairs has formed the HPC for Ladakh under Rai's chairmanship with a mandate to discuss the measures needed to be taken to protect the region's unique culture and language, taking into consideration its geographical location and strategic importance.

The HPC has also been formed for the protection of land and employment, measures for inclusive development and employment generation in the region, measures related to the empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil and the constitutional safeguards that could be provided to ensure the measures and protection as mentioned above.

Several organisations of Ladakh were demanding a separate Union Territory for the region for decades and the demand was fulfilled on August 5, 2019.

The KDA and the LAB, however, in the recent past protested at different locations, including New Delhi, Jammu and Ladakh, highlighting their key demands.
A 21-year-old stage performer from Chhattisgarh was allegedly gang-raped by her co-artistes in Jharkhand's Palamu district, police said on Monday.

The incident took place days after a foreign tourist was allegedly gang-raped in Dumka district.

In the fresh incident, the stage performer was allegedly raped by three co-artistes hailing from Palamu in a car after being given an intoxicating substance by them, a police officer said.

"Two accused have been arrested and the survivor has been admitted to a hospital in Palamu where her medical test will be conducted," Vishrampur Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rakesh Singh told PTI.

The incident occurred on a road in Vishrampur police station area, around 200 km from state capital Ranchi, late on Saturday.

The accused fled the spot after leaving the woman there in an unconscious state, he said.

The SDPO said the female artiste had come from Chhattisgarh for a programme at Vishrampur in Palamu district.

"Due to some reasons, that programme was not organised. So, she left for another function in Hussainabad with her male co-artistes," he said.

"On the way to Hussainabad, however, she was allegedly given some intoxicating substance by the accused, who then took turns to rape her in the car. They left her beside the road in an unconscious state and fled," Singh said.

Police were informed about the incident on Sunday, following which two accused were arrested and a manhunt is on for the third person, he added.

Earlier, a foreign tourist was allegedly gang-raped in Dumka district, where she was spending the night with her husband in a tent, on Friday night. Three persons have been arrested, while a manhunt is on for the remaining four accused.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who skipped the eighth Enforcement Directorate summons in connection with the excise policy case on Monday, has expressed readiness to appear before the agency through video-conferencing after March 12, government sources said.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Photograph: @ArvindKejriwal/X

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate said the agency was examining Kejriwal's response.

The agency might not allow Kejriwal's request to appear virtually and might issue a ninth summons to him for questioning in the case, they said.

Kejriwal, in a press conference, said it was written in law that ED proceedings are like judicial proceedings.

"That means the agency is like a court. In a court, any party is allowed to be present through video conferencing. If I am asking for video-conferencing, which is my right, I hope they will allow it," he said.

The chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener also said he has no objection over a live streaming of his appearance before the agency if it so decides.

"This is not my demand. But, If ED wants this I have no objection," he told reporters.

Kejriwal further stated that he maintains the ED summonses to him were "illegal" and yet was ready to appear before it through video-conferencing. "We have not done anything wrong or not trying to hide," he said.

He also said the grounds cited by him led to the High Court quashing the ED's notices in other cases. "If those were quashed, in this case also it's invalid," he claimed.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the probe agency's intention was to arrest Kejriwal in the "middle of the Lok Sabha polls". Kejriwal has skipped multiple summonses of the ED, calling them illegal and asking the agency to wait as the matter was in court.

The schedule for the polls, expected to be held in April-May, is yet to be announced by the Election Commission.

In his latest reply to the ED, the sources said, Kejriwal has stated that the summonses are "illegal" but still he is ready to answer the questions of the probe agency.

Kejriwal has to appear before a city court on March 16 as it has sought his personal appearance in a complaint filed by the ED over him skipping its summonses. The AAP demanded that Kejriwal be questioned by the ED through video-conferencing and it be live telecast.

Hitting out at the chief minister, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said no further relaxation should be given to him.

"What kind of a message is he (Kejriwal) giving to the children of Delhi? I believe that no further relaxation should be given to him. He should be dealt with strictly now," Tiwari told PTI-Videos.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana alleged that Kejriwal has disrespected the law by skipping the ED's summonses. "He (Kejriwal) is now saying that he will appear before the ED virtually on March 12. He can do this even today if he wants to appear virtually," Khurana said.



Delhi health minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said several BJP ministers and spokespersons were claiming that Kejriwal was trying to avoid giving answers but the AAP kept saying that the matter is not about the questions but about his arrest.

"So, now the chief minister has found a middle path. He has said that as soon as the Budget session ends, he will give the answers to every question via video-conferencing," Bharadwaj told PTI-Videos.
Dealing a blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, senior party leader Tapas Roy on Monday resigned as an MLA, ahead of the scheduled announcement of the Lok Sabha polls.

IMAGE: Tapas Roy's resignation gave rise to fervent speculations on whether the senior leader would quit the TMC altogether and join the BJP, or for that matter, any other opposition party in the state. Photograph: ANI on X

Roy, TMC's deputy chief whip in the West Bengal assembly and a legislator from the Baranagar constituency of north Kolkata, submitted his resignation to Speaker Biman Banerjee in the afternoon minutes after expressing his "deep disappointment and hurt with his party and its supremo Mamata Banerjee for deserting him during trying circumstances".

Roy's resignation gave rise to fervent speculations on whether the senior leader would quit the TMC altogether and join the BJP, or for that matter, any other opposition party in the state.

Roy, on his part, maintained that he would take those decisions in due time.

He quit as a legislator despite minister Bratya Basu and former TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh rushing to his residence on Monday morning in their last-ditch effort to pacify and dissuade him from carrying out his decision to resign.

Roy has been at loggerheads with the party's Lok Sabha MP from the North Kolkata constituency Sudip Bandyopadhyay and was reportedly maintaining distance from the party for a while now, which included staying away from his constituency.

Roy, while speaking to media persons at his Bowbazar residence in central Kolkata, slammed the party leadership for not standing by him when his residence was raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 12 this year.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stood in the assembly and said that the ED was targeting Shajahan Sheikh. I was expecting her to speak a word or two about the raids at my place which devastated my family. But not a word was spoken, Roy said, dripping with hurt.

While claiming he has remained "spotless and free of corruption" during his entire political career, he alleged: I have reasons to believe that a section of my own party leaders were responsible for orchestrating the ED operation at my residence. I was devastated to know that some of them were rejoicing when my house was being raided and my family members were suffering deep trauma.

Expressing his gratitude for the opposition party leaders who reached out to him during the raid and offered solidarity the senior leader said, For reasons unknown to me, no leader from my party has bothered to get in touch with me. Fifty-two days have passed since the raids, yet I haven't received a single phone call from by supreme leader offering her reassurance.

I am really disappointed with the way the party is functioning. I am fed up with so many allegations of corruption levelled against the party and the government. I also do not support the way the issue of Sandeshkhali was handled, he said while maintaining that the dual issues of corruption and Sandeshkhali were the primary triggers for his decision to quit.

Roy's move came less than a week after Kunal Ghosh tendered his resignation from the dual positions of TMC spokesperson and state secretary.

Referring to Ghosh's efforts to dissuade him from quitting, Roy smirked and said, At the time when Kunal was trying to convince me not to leave, he was slapped with a show-cause notice by TMC general secretary Subrata Bakshi. Such is this party.

Roy added: Those in the party who should be suspended, show-caused and expelled are thriving happily in their positions. It's becoming untenable for me to work under such circumstances.

Asserting that the insults, ignominy and indifference he suffered in the Trinamool Congress, the leader said he has been a "loyal soldier of the party for last 25 years".

"But I never got my dues or the respect I deserved," he conveyed.

Roy, a former leader of Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of the Congress, joined Mamata Banerjee during the early days of the Trinamool Congress at the turn of the last century.

A five-time MLA from north Kolkata, Roy has represented constituencies like Vidyasagar and Burra Bazar before tightening his political grip on Baranagar where he remained undefeated since 2011.
Three people have been arrested for allegedly raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in the Vidhana Soudha corridors on February 27, the police said on Monday.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah meets with the victims of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, at the hospital in Bengaluru, March 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Supporters of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain allegedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans after his victory in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an investigation by government-run Forensic Science Laboratory to check the veracity of the allegations.

Based on the FSL report, the police arrested three persons.

The police sources said one of the accused hails from RT Nagar in Bengaluru, the second one from Byadagi in Haveri district and the third accused is from Delhi.

The accused from Byadagi is said to be a chilli merchant.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party posted on its social media handle an investigation report prepared by private laboratory Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations and signed by audio forensic examiner Phaneendar BN on behalf of city-based 'Samvada Foundation', a not-for-profit organisation allegedly linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

In his opinion, Phaneendar said the examined video of the incident is "not tampered/doctored in between and is a result of single capture."

The inference drawn by him is: "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether if it was Nasir (sic) Saab Zindabad' or 'Pakistan Zindabad', the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad'."

State home minister G Parameshwara sought to know whether the private person who prepared the report had his own laboratory and had done the analysis.

"We will find out with whose permission they are doing it, who gave him 'No Objection Certificate' and is he authorised to make such reports public," the home minister said.

He said the report of the state government's own FSL would be made public once it is submitted.

"If the report says that such a slogan was raised, then we will take action immediately. There is no question of hiding it, as alleged by the BJP."

Slamming the Congress for its alleged "lies", the BJP said the private lab's report has revealed that the creators of fake news are Congressmen who spread lies by distorting the truth. On social media platform, the party labelled Minister Priyank Kharge the "head of the anti-national @INCKarnataka and fake news factory", and said he should apologise to Kannadigas.

IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge said this was not an ordinary case because it is claimed that an 'anti-national' slogan was shouted.

Responding to the BJP's allegations, he said, "the government should have answered, but the BJP getting the forensic report from a private institution and making it public is an anti-national act."

He sought to know the credibility of the Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigation.

"Let them do it privately. I don't know whether they are trained by the government and hold a certificate. Even if they have, such sensitive matters should have been brought to the notice of the police and the government," Kharge said.

The minister wondered whether the private forensic lab got the raw footage or downloaded it from the internet.

"If it got the raw footage, then who supplied them? How is Samvada Foundation interested? Who are they? It is a Bhajan singing organisation of RSS," he asked.

Kharge claimed that when he gave the footage to a private organisation for audio forensics, he got a negative report but did not make it public.

Meanwhile, Congress Spokesperson and party's Chief Media Coordinator A N Nataraj Gowda on Monday lodged a complaint against BJP state President BY Vijayendra and the BJP Karnataka unit's IT cell chief for posting a "fake forensic report" on social media.

The complaint was filed at the Cyber, Economic and Narcotics crime police station in the Bengaluru West division.
Sunya Afrasiabi was 14 when she decided she wanted to do something about the trials and triumphs of the immigrant experience in Buffalo.

My dads from Iran. My moms from China. The fact that my parents came from different cultures showed me that it was possible for people from different cultures to come together and coexist, she said.

The idea became #MyStory, a program that recounts stories of immigrants and refugees through documenting oral history, photography and a podcast. The program pairs volunteers with refugees and immigrants to produce story kits that are then presented at in-person events and available online.

The idea is to increase awareness, and by sharing these stories, were hoping to both (work on) decreasing racism and sharing their culture, personal story, hardships, the Williamsville North High School senior said.

Her program led to her being named one of 25 Prudential Emerging Visionaries, an initiative that recognizes and honors 25 high school-age students who have found meaningful solutions to financial and social struggles in their communities. Sunya, now 17, won $5,000 to build on her idea, as well as an all-expense-paid trip for a three-day summit next month where she will have the opportunity to network and connect with other young leaders.

The program has also been showcased in exhibits at SUNY Buffalo State University, Erie County Family Court, the Buffalo & Erie County Library and Sasse Museum of Art in California.

Learning about the stigma associated with mental health in immigrant communities during her time as a mental health ambassador at Bridges From Borders, an organization aimed at helping immigrants assimilate into American culture, inspired her to start the program, Sunya said.

She said she was almost ready to give up after the first year, but continued on her quest with support and help from mentors and peers.

She looked back with gratitude on the first-ever subject who agreed to be part of her storytelling journey: Mimi Sysomboune, co-owner of Taste of Siam, a Elmwood Village restaurant. Sysomboune also offered to allow Sunya to hold community fundraising events at her restaurant.

Sunya said it was challenging to get people to be vulnerable about their struggles.

Some people didnt feel comfortable sharing their stories of discrimination or racism. They thought there might be some type of retribution, she explained.

She said she hopes to expand the project to other communities nationally, especially in communities that do not have access to such diverse stories, but can benefit from learning about these stories.

When I started out, I had a lot of trouble finding support. Now, especially with this recognition, itll be so much easier to have people interested in joining us, she said.

Volunteers are trained about the ethics and principles of journalism and multiculturalism before becoming storytellers that are paired with immigrants and refugees who are eager to share their stories. Sunya said she does her best to pair volunteers with people from a different cultural background to enhance the learning experience.

Engagement among her peers also has increased, with many expressing an interest in being part of this cause.

For Sunya, the role requires a host of skills: hiring, grant writing, editing and educating volunteers on etiquette they need to know when they are approaching their subjects.

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that I am helping people learn, she said, with a smile.
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PUTNEY  Next Stage Arts is excited to host an engaging and interactive musical conversation as part of the NXT Curator Series, featuring Professor Christopher Silver on March 20 at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Next Stage Arts, at 15 Kimball Hill, Putney.

Admission to this event is free, with donations appreciated. The evening promises a unique experience as Professor Christopher Silver delves into the captivating world of early 20th-century North African Jewish and Muslim voices through a groundbreaking archive of shellac records from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Christopher Silver, the Segal Family assistant professor in Jewish History and Culture at McGill University, will share his efforts to amplify the historical voices that have long remained silent. His first-of-its-kind archive, detailed in his award-winning book "Recording History: Jews, Muslims, and Music Across Twentieth Century North Africa," focuses on the sublime sounds of artists who shaped an era of profound change and resilience.

Keith Marks, executive director of Next Stage Arts, describes the event as a "listening room experience, historical talk, and a conversation around Chris Silver's process of musical preservation." He invites music enthusiasts to unite and celebrate the rich history and legacy of musical traditions that risk being lost to time.

The lecture is supported in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. The NXT Curator Series is also sponsored in part by the Putney Public Library.

Other upcoming lectures in the NXT Curator Series include:

Art Deco: Commercializing the Avant-Garde: April 7 at 7 p.m.

Angelina Lippert, chief curator of Poster House, will discuss the fascinating history of Art Deco advertising.

We Tried to Warn You! Environmental Crisis Posters, 19702020: April 21 at 7 p.m.

Curator Tim Medland will engage in a vibrant discussion about his latest exhibition at Poster House NYC.

For more information, visit nextstagearts.org or call 802-387-0102.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy. High 44F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Abdul-Kareem, still facing dozens of crimes, is out of state hospital, but still in custody
The future is now: 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in local elections on Tuesday
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 44F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Rylie Blanchfield lives in and writes from Burlington. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
On March 3rd at 14:35, as the G2556 train slowly entered Beijingnan Railway Station, the National People's Congress (NPC) deputies from Anhui province who were attending the second session of the 14th NPC successfully arrived in Beijing. They gathered for this significant and highly anticipated event. The NPC deputies, filled with aspiration and expectation, expressed that they would cherish the trust and responsibility entrusted by the Party and the people. They committed to performing their duties according to the law, taking on responsibilities, and attending this important meeting with full enthusiasm, high spirits, and a pragmatic approach.

Source: anhuinews.com
Medication abortion is the preferred method of ending pregnancy in the U.S., and one of the two drugs used  mifepristone  will now go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court next year.

Demand for the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol has grown as states have imposed bans or restrictions or seek to limit abortions after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Conservative groups filed lawsuits targeting mifepristone, which is the only drug approved specifically for abortion, seeking to reverse its approval or rollback policies that have made it easier to obtain. The Supreme Court will hear a case in the spring that could block mail-order access to mifepristone and impose restrictions on its use, even in states where abortion remains legal.

The restrictions include shortening the window during pregnancy in which the drug can be used and requiring in-person office visits to get a prescription.

Here's a closer look at how mifepristone and misoprostol work and the legal challenges that the drugs face.

HOW DO ABORTION DRUGS WORK?

The prescription medications are taken several days apart.

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.

While the two-drug combination is slightly more effective, misoprostol is sometimes used alone. That practice is more common in countries where mifepristone is banned.

HOW ARE ABORTION DRUGS ADMINISTERED?

Abortion medication is currently approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy.

The pills may be taken in a doctor's office or clinic, where patients sometimes have an ultrasound or lab tests beforehand. Some providers also offer the pills through telehealth visits and send the medication by mail.

The pills account for more than half of all U.S. abortions.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

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 is uncommon and requires medical attention.

Serious complications are very rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said last year about 5.9 million women have used mifepristone since it was approved more than 20 years ago. The agency has received 32 reports of deaths in women using the medication, including two involving ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb. The deaths can't be definitively attributed to mifepristone because in many cases the women had other health conditions and were using other medications.

The medications are not recommended for certain patients, including those with suspected ectopic pregnancies or with implanted IUD birth control devices.

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.

HOW MUCH DOES MEDICATION ABORTION COST?

It varies by location, but it's similar to abortion procedures and may total more than $500. Health insurance coverage also 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. Both pills are available as generics.

WHAT'S THE LEGAL STATUS OF MIFEPRISTONE?

Mifepristone remains fully approved, despite the legal challenges. The FDA and the Biden administration have reiterated that the drug's safety and effectiveness have been repeatedly confirmed by multiple studies conducted since its 2000 approval.

Access largely depends on where a patient lives. Currently, 14 states are enforcing laws that bar abortions, including medication abortions, throughout pregnancy. Another 15 states have separate laws specifically limiting how mifepristone can be prescribed and distributed, such as requiring an in-person visit with a physician.

Still, some women in states with bans are able to obtain the pills through the mail, which isn't tightly regulated.

The case now before the Supreme Court began with a legal challenge in 2022 by Christian conservatives who sought to overturn mifepristone's original FDA approval. A Texas judge sided with the group in an initial victory that would have required the drug to be removed from the market. But an appeals court left the drug's approval intact, instead issuing a ruling that would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased access to the drug.

The Supreme Court put all those changes on hold while it considers the case.

HOW COULD THE SUPREME COURT'S RULING IMPACT ACCESS?

If the justices side with abortion opponents, it would likely mean the drug could no longer be sent through the mail as has been possible since 2021. It would also shorten the window for use to seven weeks from 10 weeks  the latter was approved in 2016.

Other requirements would include reimposing three in-person office visits with a doctor before women could get a prescription. Additionally, women also might have be required to take a higher dosage of the drug than the FDA says is necessary. That's because a negative ruling would also overturn a determination by the FDA that a lower dosage could be safely used.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to decide on the case by late June.

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AP Writer Mark Sherman contributed to this report.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Applications are open for an intensive four-week artificial intelligence education programme, AI for Business, which Spark describes as a mini Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The programme will give business leaders a strategic understanding of AI and will see participants develop a tailored business plan to harness AI and its productivity benefits for their business.

Spark is offering 150 sponsored places for its business customers and other Kiwi business leaders, who will gain access to international AI experts through a collaboration with business education platform Section.

This is the first time Section has run a country-specific cohort for one of its mini MBAs, with the four-week programme run on New Zealand time.

Spark CEO Jolie Hodson said the programme is part of wider Spark activity to help accelerate New Zealand businesses by a technology generation. Other initiatives include tools to measure digital adoption in New Zealand and a $15 million, three year innovation fund for Spark's business customers.

"Our report with NZIER has identified that advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence can enable productivity gains far beyond labour productivity alone, with a 20 per cent uplift delivering up to $26 billion in industry output over the next decade, and GDP as much as 2.08 per cent per year," Hodson said.
International human rights groups were stunned at Vietnam's bid for reelection as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2026-2028 term. The critics say that during its current three-year stint on the Geneva-based body, Hanoi has condoned rights violations by fellow authoritarian states while mounting a harsh crackdown on civil society groups, bloggers and activists in Vietnam.
Chinese-speaking online users claimed that Japanese Buddhist monks were recently paid to board the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier to drive away evil spirits from the vessel through an exorcism.

But the claim is false. Although the monks did visit the ship, they were not compensated for their time there and the ritual was not an exorcism but rather a prayer for the crews good fortune, according to an official from the vessel and Buddhism experts.

The claim was shared on Weibo on Feb. 6.

Recently, the USS Ronald Reagan paid 14 Japanese monks to go inside the aircraft carrier to chant to exorcise the Devil out of the vessel, reads the claim in part.

The post also claimed that the monks were part of the Tantra Buddhism sector, portrayed as smaller and more secretive than Chinese Buddhism, or Han Buddhism, which has a significant following in China.

The claim was shared alongside a total of four images showing a group of people who appear to be Buddhist monks conducting a ritual in an enclosed area.

The identical photos with similar claims have also been shared on popular Chinese social media platforms, such as Weibo, Netease and Xigua Video.

Several influencers on Weibo claimed that a U.S. aircraft carrier paid Japanese monks to drive away evil spirits aboard the ship. (Screenshot/ Weibo)

But the claim is false.

Voluntary invitation

A reverse image search on Google found the corresponding photos published on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, or DVIDS, an official archive for media relating to U.S. armed forces, on Jan. 31.

Buddhist monks pray on the ceremonial quarterdeck during a tour of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Jan. 31, reads the caption of the photos.

The U.S. armed forces released images of the monks visiting the USS Reagan on January 31. (Screenshot/DVIDS)

The USS Reagan Lt. Commander Phil Chitty said the visit of the monks was voluntary and free of charge, adding that it was part of the U.S. efforts to engage with local religious leaders.

Their visit to the ship was part of a larger trip where they visited several historical monuments, Chitty told AFCL.

The Yokosuka naval bases official X account posted a 12-second clip on Feb. 8 showing the monks chanting in front of a bronze statue of former President Reagan while aboard the ship.

Monks prayed for safe voyages on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, reads the caption of the clip.

The carrier has formerly hosted several other religious ceremonies as seen here, here and here.

Figures from different religions have visited and performed various rites aboard the Reagan. (Screenshot/DVIDS & Facebook)





Blessing of peace

The monks who visited the U.S. vessel appear to be chanting the Great Compassion Mantra, a well-known chant mainly used for blessings of peace or spiritual comfort, said Lin Chien-te, director of Taiwans Institute of Religion and Humanities at Tzu Chi University, who reviewed a video of their ritual.

Weijen Teng, head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts, shares a similar view.

Teng told AFCL that the monks appear to be merely praying for blessing, although he believed they recited a separate sutra for the defense of ones country.

It is not an exorcism, said Teng.

Separately, the USS Reagans public affairs office told AFCL that the monks were from a temple associated with Muso Kokushi, a famous Zen master who lived and taught in Yokosuka during the 13th to 14th centuries.

While Kokushi in his early years did practice Shingon and Tendai - two influential Buddhist sects classified as tantric in Japan - he later converted to the non-tantric Zen sect in his later years and maintained this to his death, according to Teng.

Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) was established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. We publish fact-checks, media-watches and in-depth reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of current affairs and public issues. If you like our content, you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Beneath every headline, raw grief bleeds through the statistics. Buffalo, N.Y.; Uvalde, Texas; Lewiston, Maine; East Lansing, Mich., and now Kansas City, Mo. All bear the scars of a national public health crisis that isnt just numbers on a page but shattered lives and communities.

The numbers paint a terrifying picture: more than 600 mass shootings in the U.S. in just two years, but these figures, gleaned from databases and reports from the Gun Violence Archive, pale compared to the human cost.

We, as academic medicine professionals, stand at a critical juncture. We arent just bystanders; were front-line witnesses, stitching together the physical and emotional wreckage left behind by gun violence. But our role doesnt end in the ER. We, the healers, must become changemakers, demanding a public health approach.

At the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, medical students decided that they have an opportunity, an obligation even, to work to change the lives of those most closely devastated by gun violence.

They spent months meeting with stakeholders then created a new elective called Trauma Surgery and Trauma-Informed Care which teaches support and advocacy for trauma patients  as well as advanced trauma life support skills.

They tackle two sides of gun violence: treating victims in the ER and partnering with our local hospital-based violence prevention program at Level One trauma facility, facilitated by our Department of Surgery.

Last spring I attended an Association of American Medical Colleges Council of Deans meeting where Aron Sousa, dean of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and I forged a partnership based on sharing the pain of our communities  the racially-motivated killing of 10 Black people at a supermarket on Buffalos predominantly Black East Side in May 2022 and the targeted shooting in February 2023 on the MSU campus that left three dead and five wounded.

Our conversations led to a unique exchange. Last May, MSU medical students and faculty traveled to Buffalo for the one-year remembrance, offering support and solidarity the exchange continues. Students and faculty from both institutions and the Association of American Medical Colleges gathered in East Lansing for Remembering and Building Leadership: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence.

This event aimed to catalyze change, connecting future medical professionals and passionate advocates to amplify their collective voice against gun violence. As similar conversations bloom at medical schools nationwide, its time for faculty, students, and administrators to consider launching their own courses and programs.

As leaders of our institutions, we have a great responsibility. to the people of the communities we serve We must leverage those positions to advocate for a public health approach to gun violence. We need to contact elected officials and share our experiences with patients and our communities. It is imperative that we encourage fellow students and faculty to do the same. We have a great opportunity for the collective voice of the medical community to be a powerful force for change.

The students who created the trauma course and those who gathered in East Lansing are beginning to rewrite the narrative of gun violence in America. This is not just their fight, its the future of all of us.

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, is vice president for health sciences at the University at Buffalo and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB.
The conference aims to improve on the current US system, and comes ahead of Beijing's rubber-stamp parliament.

As China gears up to focus on stability at its National People's Congress, overseas activists will be holding a conference in Washington to plan for the country's future transition to democracy, they told Radio Free Asia.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party's 24-member Politburo has already met to set the tone for the proceedings of the rubber-stamp body, where government business is usually nodded through unanimously, agreeing that the governments annual work report to delegates will focus on "pursuing progress while maintaining stability," state media reported.

And as delegates get ready for the set-piece political event in Beijing, where police are busy clearing away anyone who might even think about criticizing the government, some of China's veteran pro-democracy activists will be debating how to ensure a democratic transition in the event of the collapse of Communist Party rule, which marks its 75th anniversary this year.

Titled a "National Affairs Conference" in a nod to high-level policy-making conferences that sowed the seeds for Taiwan's democratic transition in the 1990s, the event is being run by exiled former political prisoner and 1979 "Democracy Wall" movement leader Wei Jingsheng, former 1989 Tiananmen Square student protest leader Wang Dan and Wang Juntao, who heads the U.S. branch of the China Democracy Party, which was banned in China after its members tried to register it through official channels.

They will then be sharing their plan with the rest of the world -- including people living in China, Wei told reporters.

In a closed-door seminar that runs from March 2-3, the activists will be hashing out a "blueprint for a democratic China" that seeks not to overthrow the current regime, but to hit the ground running to ensure a democratic future, in case of its collapse.

"We're having this conference to come up with a programme to let everyone know what kind of democratic system we want to set up, and how it ties in with different people's interests," Wei told RFA Mandarin in an interview ahead of the conference.

Wei said he believes that Chinese Communist Party rule is "on the verge of collapse," and that democracy advocates in exile need to be ready with a plan.

"The one-party dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party must collapse, for it to be possible to start the democratization process," Wei said, adding that the blueprint wouldn't amount to a constitution, which could only be voted through by a democratically elected parliament.

Blueprint for Chinas future

He said the organizers had spent the past 20 years gaining "a more in-depth understanding" of Western democracies, and they believe they can improve on them.

"It's a blueprint for China's future, and also for a system that is a bit better than that of the United States and some European countries," Wei said.

Wang Dan, a 1989 Tiananmen Square student protest leader, speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2022. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP)





Fellow conference organizer Wang Dan said the conference would focus on "democratic nation-building."

"We want the new China to be built on the basis of constitutional government and democracy, but it will need to be built from scratch," Wang said. "That's why this first session will aim to outline a basic blueprint for governance ... including the legal system, education, and the political and economic systems."

For Wang Juntao, the conference is about building a republic in which the government has far less control over people's daily lives and activities than it does now.

"The government we want to set up will be a limited government, regardless of the form that its democracy takes," he said. "The government will have limited responsibilities, and basically won't interfere with problems that have no impact on citizens' rights, and which can be solved or operated by the private sector."

"It won't be allowed to intervene too much," he said.

Back in Beijing, a recent meeting of the Politburo called on the one-party state to "seek progress while maintaining stability," in a meeting that commentators said would set the tone for the National People's Congress, which opens in Beijing on March 5.

"Government work reports at the parliamentary sessions in recent years have been entirely based on the Politburo meeting that happens right before the sessions open," U.S.-based political commentator Ma Ju said.

Lacking ideas

He said Communist Party leader Xi Jinping appeared to be out of fresh ideas.

"Judging from a condensed version of the ... government work report, we see that Xi Jinping is no longer capable of exploring new directions for [economic] development," he said. "It also shows us that the authorities are indifferent to the actual situation in China."

Late last year, Chinese state media started pumping out positive propaganda about the state of the economy, and this week dismissed reports of an economic downturn as a "smear campaign" from Western media.

Military band members rehearse in the China's National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 13, 2023. (Andy Wong/AP)





According to an independent scholar in China, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, the fact that China is marking the 75th year of Communist Party rule this year means that it can only continue to pump out positive propaganda about the economy, despite a burst property bubble, crippling government debt and dwindling confidence.

"The economy is on the verge of collapse ... huge amounts of foreign capital have pulled out, and social unrest is intensifying," the scholar said. "But the central government is focusing on political stability."

"This year can only bring more intensified crises ... as people are just like they were back in 1976 [at the end of the Mao era], hoping for change," they said, adding that "stability" had been mentioned several times in Thursday's report on the Politburo meeting published by state news agency Xinhua.

Australia-based writer Yuan Hongbing said there appeared to be little of substance in the Politburo that might help the economy.

"The deteriorating economic situation isn't going to change -- it's caused by Xi Jinping's key policy, which is to advance the state sector at the expense of the private sector," Yuan said.

"This has led to a steady economic decline ... they talk about opening up ... but that has no practical meaning."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, center, leaves after the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 4, 2024.

China announced on Monday that it was canceling an annual news conference by Premier Li Qiang -- which for years offered journalists a rare opportunity to put questions to a senior Chinese leader, albeit at a carefully staged and edited event rounding off the National People's Congress.

Li will not be holding the traditional news conference at the close of the annual parliamentary session, which opens in Beijing on Tuesday, something that has happened every year since 1993, National People's Congress spokesperson Lou Qinjian said.

The move would shield Li from having to answer questions deemed too politically sensitive for a live televised event, current affairs commentator Johnny Lau said.

"The cancellation of the premier's press conference naturally reduces Li Qiang's public exposure," Lau said. "Canceling it avoids a potentially embarrassing situation if foreign journalists start asking about sensitive topics."

While most of the questions aimed at the heads of the Chinese government were carefully pre-screened by officials, the annual news conference has, from time to time provided the outside world with glimpses into the mindset of Chinas usually secretive leadership.

In 1998, then-premier Zhu Rongji responded to a question about the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, saying that the authorities had taken decisive measures to stabilize the situation, describing the weeks-long student-led pro-democracy movement on Tiananmen Square as political turmoil.

And in 2020, then-Premier Li Keqiang made waves by telling the annual press conference that there were still 600 million people on an extremely low income in China, a comment that was seen as a veiled rebuke to President Xi Jinpings claim to have eliminated poverty.

Li Keqiangs unexpected death in October 2023 prompted a mass outpouring of public grief across China, which commentators said was an expression of dissatisfaction with Xis leadership and economic policy.

Premier Li Keqiang waits for questions on screen during a press conference by video conferencing at the end of the National People's Congress in Beijing on May 28, 2020. (Ng Han Guan/Pool via AP)





A veteran Chinese journalist who gave only the surname Shi for fear of reprisals said Li Qiang is likely seeking to avoid searching questions on the economy from foreign journalists.

"China's economic decline since the zero-COVID policy has been serious," Shi said. "Li Qiang doesn't really want to answer a bunch of questions from Western journalists on topics like the shifting of supply chains, or the collapse of real estate companies and private enterprises."

Other unwanted topics might include unemployment and a rapidly aging population, Shi said.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment on the cancellation of the press conference at Monday's briefing, saying only that concerns about the move were "unnecessary."

Dutch journalist blocked

The move came as foreign correspondents in China called for better treatment of journalists after authorities in the southwestern city of Chengdu shoved a Dutch journalist to the ground and detained him and his cameraman as they tried to film a protest, in a move that foreign correspondents in the country said is becoming increasingly common across the country.

The incident highlighted ongoing harassment of foreign journalists by the authorities across China as they try to do their jobs, according to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China.

In a video report published by Dutch public broadcaster NOS, correspondent Sjoerd den Daas is approached by an unidentified man in a blue shirt, who shoves him to the ground and snatches away his microphone and backpack, as he approaches a group of protesting customers and investors outside the Sichuan Trust bank.

The protesters, who number just a handful, appear pleased to see the camera, and call out "Give us back our money" as the crew approaches.

"Sichuan Trust can no longer pay its bills; its coffers are empty," den Daas wrote in his report on the demonstration. "The investors can whistle for their money, but it seems talking about that isn't allowed."

"The authorities have turned out in large numbers and intervene as soon as we get close," he wrote, adding that some 8,600 people have been left high and dry after placing their money in Sichuan Trust, an unofficial "shadow" bank which offered high returns but greater risks.

"'Move on!' a plainclothes officer shouts as he drags us away from the crowd. Camera and smartphone are snatched from our hands and we are held at a nearby police station for two hours."

Footage published by NOS shows unidentified personnel telling the journalists to "stop filming" as they are bundled into a car. On footage of them being taken away, a woman's voice is heard commenting: "They're taking the foreigners away."

Increased harassment of journalists

The Foreign Correspondents Club of China said in a statement on March 1 that it was "extremely disturbed" by the treatment of the Dutch journalists, who were on a reporting trip to Chengdu from their base in Beijing.

"This incident comes amid widespread reports from [our] members of increasing harassment and obstruction across China, as they try ... to report on the country," the Club said in a March 1 statement.

It said the journalists were "subsequently surrounded by both plainclothes and uniformed police," who pushed den Daas to the ground again and manhandled his cameraman, forcing him to stop filming.

"The correspondent repeatedly identified himself as a foreign journalist and showed his government-issued press ID," the Club said, adding that its members have "reported numerous incidents of similar harassment and obstruction" while trying to report across China during the past year.

It called on the Chinese government to protect foreign journalists better, and to allow them to do their jobs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a news briefing on March 1 that she was unaware of the incident, but added that "foreign journalists working in China also need to abide by Chinese laws and regulations."

Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Zhang Xiaoming is remembered as a hardliner who may have taken the fall for the 2019 protest movement.

Zhang Xiaoming, Beijings former representative in Hong Kong, gestures in front of journalists at the end of a State Council press conference in Beijing on March 12, 2021.

Zhang Xiaoming, Beijing's outspoken former representative in Hong Kong at the time of the 2019 protest movement, has been removed from his post at a political advisory body.

While state broadcaster CCTV reported that Zhang has been removed from the post of deputy secretary general of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, it was unclear whether he is accused of any wrongdoing.

State media continued on Monday to refer to Zhang as "comrade," indicating that he remains a Communist Party member.

CCTV gave no reason for Zhang's removal at the age of 61, four years short of the official retirement age of 65, and he remains a rank-and-file member of the Conference, appearing on the rostrum during Monday's opening ceremony.

Several pro-China figures in Hong Kong declined to comment on Zhang's departure when contacted by RFA Cantonese on Sunday.

However, political sources cited by the Singapore-based pro-China Lianhe Zaobao newspaper said Zhang could be on his way to another job, rather than being fired in some kind of disgrace.

Chinas government has removed a number of ministerial-level officials from their posts in recent months without explanation, including former foreign minister Qin Gang and former defense minister Li Shangfu.

Hardliner

In Hong Kong, Zhang is largely remembered as a hardliner who flagged a number of repressive policies shortly before they were implemented. He was apparently sidelined in favor of Xia Baolong in 2020, possibly to take the fall for the 2019 protest movement.

In 2013, Zhang said a march demanding fully democratic elections proved that the freedoms guaranteed under the handover agreement were still intact.

Zhang Xiaoming, center, head of the city's Beijing liaison, arrives for a luncheon with Hong Kong Legislative Council members and Beijing officials in Hong Kong on July 16, 2013. (Philippe Lopez/AFP)





He made local headlines during the Occupy Central pro-democracy movement of 2014 when he seemed to minimize the importance of the civil disobedience campaign for universal suffrage, by saying: "The sun is still going to rise."

In September 2015, Zhang ruffled feathers with an early warning that the powers of the city's chief executive would always trump those of the legislature and judiciary and that the separation of powers "does not suit Hong Kong."

Limits to free speech

By 2016 he was condemning the "fishball revolution" protests in Mong Kok as being "close to terrorism," and warning that anyone who espoused independence for the city should be barred from running in elections -- a policy that was later implemented by city officials.

He also warned in the same year that there were "limits" to the free speech that Hong Kong was promised under the terms of its 1997 handover to Chinese rule.

By 2017, Zhang had been promoted to head the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office in Beijing, replacing Wang Guangya in the job. He was therefore the most senior Chinese government official in charge of Hong Kong affairs when the city was rocked by the anti-extradition movement, which broadened to include calls for fully democratic elections.

In 2019, he characterized the anti-extradition movement as "chaos and violence," saying it was an attempt to foment a "color revolution," or regime change, in Hong Kong.

Despite being demoted to deputy director with the appointment of Xia Baolong as director in 2020, Zhang continued to speak loudly against opposition politicians, saying they were "anti-China, disruptive elements" who should be excluded from public office, heralding changes to election rules that eliminated pro-democracy candidates from both legislative and district-level elections.

"It is only natural to demand that those who govern Hong Kong must be patriots," Zhang said, adding: "Those who oppose China in order to create chaos in Hong Kong need to get out."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Korean writing is seen on an artillery shell fragment fired by Russia into Ukraine in this image posted to social media in February 2024.

Russia has imported more than 1.5 million artillery shells from North Korea to cover its insufficient arms production as the war with Ukraine rages on, but about half of the shells are duds, a Ukrainian military official said.

South Korean military analysts also told Radio Free Asia that the shells that do fire cannot be aimed precisely, and sometimes even cause casualties among the Russian ranks.

As of today, based on available statistical data, the Russians have already imported one and a half million shells from North Korea, Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, told news outlet Interfax-Ukraine.

But these munitions are from the 1970s and 1980s, he said. Half of them do not function, and the rest require refurbishment or verification before use.

South Korea said last week that the number of artillery shells North Korea has sent to Russia could be as high as 3 million.

Kyiv has also alleged that North Korea has sent missiles to Russia and these have been used against Ukraine, which Pyongyang and Moscow deny. The transfer of North Korean arms to Russia has been condemned by the U.S. and almost 40 other countries.

Skibitskyi said that in exchange for the dated Soviet-era ammunition, North Korea is getting missile and submarine tech from Moscow.

And the most important thing here for the international community is that North Korea is definitely asking for technologies related to nuclear weapons, he said.

It is necessary to call Russia to responsibility, because the whole world is fighting for non-proliferation, and Russia is openly starting to work in this direction in exchange for receiving additional ammunition, missiles and other types of weapons.

The poor quality of North Korean ammunition used by Russia in Ukraine has been widely discussed.

In December, the Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief of Staff said on Facebook that the shells were so shoddy that often they exploded in the barrels of Russian cannons and mortars.

Lee Il-woo, secretary-general of the Seoul-based Korea Defense Network, told RFA Korean that the North Korean shells cannot be fired accurately.

If you look at the craters where the shells [fired by the Russian military] landed, they are spread out in a circular pattern with no consistent impact group, Lee said.

The fact that the shells are spread out like this means that the accuracy of the shells is very low, he said. Low precision means that when the shells are fired, they may even fall on the heads of their allies.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
A casino stands in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone on the banks of the Mekong river in Laos, March 2, 2016.

Laos has repatriated 268 Chinese citizens suspected of scamming while living or working at a murky Chinese-run special zone along the Mekong river, the China Daily reported.

The Lao Ministry of Public Security confirmed to Radio Free Asia that the suspects were sent back to China in January, and that they were all arrested in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, or SEZ, a gambling and tourism hub in northern Laos that caters to Chinese tourists.

The handover took place in January at Bokeo international airport, a ministry official said. The Chinese media just reported about this on Feb. 28, he said.

An official at the Chinese Embassy in Vientiane told RFA that the Chinese consular officials in Luang Prabang province went to the airport to witness the handover.

Several Lao citizens told RFA Lao that they were happy that suspected criminals from the SEZ were being sent back because by using the zone as their base of operations they were giving Laos a bad reputation as a hotbed for crime.

I closely follow news of the [alleged] scammers, a Lao citizen, who like all unnamed sources in this report requested anonymity for security reasons, told RFA. I think it is not easy to wipe them out in a short period of time and it seems it could take many years.

Another citizen told RFA that there are notices throughout the country that warn Lao people not to be duped into taking high paying jobs offered by unknown parties in the special economic zone.

The warnings are clear but still people fall for them, and many end up being made to scam foreign tourists in the zone, or worse, trafficked to other countries or sold into the sex trade.

I always hear the warnings, but I still see some people take job offers to work there, he said. However, there are fewer people going there now and those who are already there are returning, as I observe.

An official in Bokeo province said that some family members come to ask for help from the executive office of the zone or relevant officials to investigate the cases of Lao citizens or foreigners who are lured to conduct illegal work in the zone who later disappeared, or lost contact with them.

They file documents to us and then there is a team, consisting of officials from the department of social welfare and labor and the immigration police, who work on each case, he said. There is also a task force unit and we will follow up the cases filed.

In November, Lao and Chinese police jointly cracked down on call-center scammers in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone and arrested up to 462 Chinese nationals. All of them were sent back to China for further investigation via the Laos-China border at the Boten-Mohan international border checkpoint.

In September, the Lao ministry of public security handed over 164 Chinese nationals who were believed to be involved with telecom fraud in China.

Reported by RFA for Lao service and translated by Phouvong. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
The group said a ceasefire with the military in Shan state has no bearing on its activities in Rakhine.

An armored vehicle belonging to Myanmar junta troops burns after Arakan Army forces attacked a column that left Sittwe in Rakhine state on Feb. 28, 2024.

The ethnic Arakan Army wont lay down arms until it has liberated all of western Myanmars Rakhine state from military rule, an official said Monday.

The Arakan Army, or AA, has captured six townships in Rakhine, and a seventh in neighboring Chin state, since it ended a ceasefire agreement in November that had been in place since the military seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat. Its fighters are in the midst of an offensive against junta troops in five other Rakhine townships.

Speaking at an online news conference on Monday, AA spokesman Khaing Thu Kha said his group will continue to fight until it has taken over the entirety of the state for the ethnic Rakhine people.

The goal of the Arakan Army is to fight for the liberation of the entirety of Rakhine state, he said. We [ethnic Rakhines] will establish the future of Arakan state through full self-determination.

Khaing Thu Kha said that the AA is not seeking independence and instead will allow the Rakhine people to create their own future within Myanmar, adding that they wont accept a political status for the state lower than confederate.

The AA, the Taang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army together make up the ethnic Three Brotherhood Alliance, which in October launched an offensive known as Operation 1027 against the military in northern Shan state, which borders China.

The alliance captured 16 cities in Shan state, including Muse and Chinshwehaw, before agreeing to a ceasefire in China-brokered talks with junta representatives on Jan. 11. An ex-military official later said it was not sustainable and less than a week after the agreement, both sides were accused of violating it in a skirmish.

Last week, the two sides met again in the Chinese city of Kunming for talks that focused on reopening parts of the border with China that had been shut down during the fighting and preserving the ceasefire.

On Monday, AA Deputy Chief Nyo Tun Aung made clear that the ceasefire in northern Shan state, known as the Haigeng agreement, has no bearing on his groups activities in Rakhine state.

At the moment, we are only discussing the Haigeng agreement, which is concerned only with the AA in northern Shan state, not with our troops in Rakhine state, he said.

Attempts by RFA Burmese to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the AA statements went unanswered Monday.

They wont get another chance

Since ending the ceasefire in Rakhine state, the AA has captured the townships of Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Myaybon, and Taungpyo, as well as Paletwa township in Chin state. The group is fighting for control of Ponnagyun, Ramree, Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine.

Arakan Army forces display weapons seized after they captured a junta military camp in Pe Yan Tuang village, Maungdaw township, Rakhine state, on Feb. 19, 2024. (AA Info Desk)

A former military officer said that if the AA agrees to stop fighting in Rakhine, it wont be able to capture Kyaukphyu townships strategic sea coast or the state capital, Sittwe.

They wont get another chance to control these areas ... so the AA has vowed to continue its offensives, said the former officer, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. The junta will work hard to keep these areas, so the AA in northern Shan state will likely join the fighting in Rakhine.

In the three months of fighting in Rakhine state, junta artillery attacks and small arms fire has killed 111 civilians and injured another 357, according to the AA. The group said that nearly 300,000 people have fled their homes due to the conflict.

A resident of the state told RFA that ethnic Rakhines are willing to make sacrifices for a chance at true autonomy in Myanmar.

The AA will win the conflict, but there will be loss of life, he acknowledged. [Ethnic Rakhines] have high expectations for the AA. There is a sense that we now have the best chance to determine our own future for our people.

At a ceremony in the capital Naypyidaw on Feb. 13, junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said he will only pursue peace in Myanmar according to the 2008 military-drafted constitution and would never acquiesce to demands made by the armed resistance.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Residents of a township in Sagaing region said the Ogre Column decapitated nine of the 11 victims.

The district police station in Kan Htu Ma village was captured by opposition forces based in Taze township, Sagaing region on Feb. 21, 2024.

The military juntas notorious Ogre Column cut off body parts  including heads  during a weeklong rampage through a Sagaing region township that left 11 men dead, residents and members of local Peoples Defense Forces told Radio Free Asia.

The victims were from nine different villages in Taze township and were all males between the ages of 25 and 70, a member of the anti-junta Taze Peoples Defense Force told RFA. Nine of the 11 victims were found decapitated, he said.

Almost all of the corpses had their male organs cut off, their bellies sliced open, their arms, legs, heads and other parts brutally removed, he said. In the case of one of the deceased bodies, they cut off the head, applied make-up, adorned it with glasses and even put on cigarettes.

The Ogre Column, officially part of the Myanmar militarys 99th Light Infantry Battalion, is a unit of killers notorious for their cruelty in a military already known for its brutality.

Theyre part of a psychological warfare approach developed by the countrys generals thats known as Sit Oo Bi Lu, the First wave of brutal attack, or Yakkha Byu Har  The Ogre Strategy, according to a former military captain who defected to the rebel side since the juntas Feb. 1, 2021 coup detat.

Displaced people are seen in Taze township, Sagaing region on Sept. 23, 2023. Faces were obscured by source. (Citizen journalist)





Ogre Column troops also raided Taze township and several other nearby townships in March and April of 2023, cutting off limbs and beheading people across Sagaing, which has seen some of the fiercest resistance against the military junta.

In January, five villagers from Sagaings Tabayin township were arrested by the Ogre Column, local residents said. They were also subjected to mutilation of their body parts, they said.

Arrested on his motorcycle

In their most recent appearance in Taze township, the column arrived in Kan Htu Ma village and began burning houses on Feb. 23  hours after local defense forces had attacked a police station, according to residents.

Over the next week, they attacked villages to the west of Kan Htu Ma village, residents said. They finally left the township on Saturday.

The Taze Peoples Defense Force member told RFA that some of the bodies of the 11 men were found on the edges of forested land and in adjacent villages.

One of the victims  a 45-year-old man named San Po  was arrested on Feb. 29 while trying to flee the area on his motorcycle, a resident of Ywar Thit Kone village, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told RFA.

He said he was afraid of the approaching column and fled to avoid it, the village resident said. He cant run on foot because of his gout disease.

San Pos body was found on March 1 on the outskirts of Ywar Thit Kone village, the resident said.

RFA attempted to contact the Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Sai Naing Naing Kyaw, who is the juntas spokesman for Sagaing region, but he didnt answer a telephone call.

Former naval Capt. Zay Thu Aung, who now advises resistance forces as part of the countrys anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement, said junta soldiers are killing civilians and fighters and mutilating some of their bodies because the Peoples Defense Forces has prolonged a conflict they expected would be over quickly.

In such situations where they are unable to think clearly, he said. They havent seen their families for years, and the ongoing conflict further intensifies their feelings of animosity.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Matt Reed.
Representatives discussed strengthening a ceasefire and reopening the border with China, an Arakan Army official said.

Representatives of the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and junta officials held talks in Mongla city, eastern Shan state on June 1, 2023.

A Myanmar rebel alliance and junta officials discussed reopening the border and preserving a ceasefire at peace talks brokered by China, an Arakan Army official said Monday.

The talks last week between the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the military in the Chinese city of Kunming addressed the reopening of trade gates, deputy commander Nyo Tun Aung said in an online press conference.

We continue to discuss the previous Haigeng Agreement at every meeting, he said, referring to the alliances name for a ceasefire agreed during a previous round of talks in January.

We are continuing to strengthen the ceasefire, [addressing] the China-Myanmar border issue, how to wipe out the online scamming business and how the border exits should be reopened.

Junta forces agreed to let the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army manage Shan states Kokang city, according to local media reports. The reports said junta officials asked the ethnic armed group to avoid harming Chinas interests in order to allow them to reopen the border gates.

Radio Free Asia contacted the Taang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army to learn more about the topics discussed, but they did not respond by the time of publication.

Junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun did not return RFAs calls trying to confirm the details.

The talks in Chinas Yunnan province took place last Thursday and Friday, according to a member of an ethnic armed group who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons.

Three Brotherhood Alliance and junta representatives agreed to a ceasefire in the previous round of talks on Jan. 11. An ex-military official later said it was not sustainable and less than a week after the agreement, both sides were accused of violating it in a skirmish.

The latest discussions focused on the ceasefire in northern Shan state since the Arakan Army has continued fighting junta forces in Rakhine state, Nyo Tun Aung said.

Since the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army launched their 1027 attack in October, the three allied forces have captured at least six townships in Rakhine and Chin states.

In northern Shan state, the Three Brotherhood Alliance captured 16 cities, including Muse and Chinshwehaw, which are vital for Chinese border trade.

Although fighting between the alliance and junta in Shan state has largely gone quiet since the ceasefire, non-alliance member the Kachin Independence Army launched an offensive only days later and has since attacked multiple cities.

Peace talks still need to address the fighting in Rakhine state where the Arakan Army attacked a junta naval base and took control of parts of a China-funded special economic zone, causing construction delays.

Political analyst and former regime army officer Hla Kyaw Zaw told RFA that the current ceasefire talks are solely due to pressure from China and are not a satisfactory situation for both sides.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Updated March 04, 2024, 03:05 a.m. ET.

Canberra will invest $64 million Australian dollars (US$41.8 million) over the next four years, including A$40 million in new funding, to expand maritime cooperation with Southeast Asia, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday.

Wong made the pledge at a forum on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2024 in Melbourne, which will celebrate 50 years of partnership between Australia and the regional bloc.

The summit is being held against a backdrop of increasingly assertive posturing by China in the South China Sea and the intensifying civil war in Myanmar, both of which are likely to be high on the agenda.

Wong said the new funds for maritime cooperation would contribute to security and prosperity within the region.

What happens in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Strait, in the Mekong subregion, across the Indo-Pacific, affects us all, she said in her keynote address Monday.

She said the regions character was under challenge and that no country must dominate.

We face destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air and militarisation of disputed features, Wong said, without singling out a specific nation.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes each year, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

In 2016, an international tribunal refuted the legal basis for nearly all of Chinas expansive maritime and territorial claims in the waterway. It said that Beijings insistence on holding historic rights to the waters were inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

Beijing has never recognized the 2016 arbitration or its outcome.

Speaking at the same forum, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said the rule of law and especially UNCLOS was the fundamental starting point for maritime cooperation in the region.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, he said.

It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law.

The Philippines under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a stronger stance in dealing with Beijing on the South China Sea.

Marcos has also pursued warmer ties with the United States, a traditional ally, reversing the policies of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

In recent months, tensions between Manila and Beijing have led to numerous run-ins, including the China Coast Guards alleged harassment of Filipino vessels delivering provisions to troops at its military outpost on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed a patrol vessel to Benham Rise, a huge resource-rich underwater plateau off the eastern coast of the archipelago, amid reports of Chinese research vessels there.

The 83-meter (272 foot) long BRP Gabriela Silang will also visit the northern Batanes islands, near Taiwan, the coast guard said.

Benham Rise, which is part of the Philippines extended continental shelf, does not fall within Beijings nine-dash line territorial claims in the South China Sea but that has not stopped China from conducting surveying missions in the area.

Camille Elemia in Manila contributed to this report.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Updated to include Monday's developments in the South China Sea.
But activists blast Turks comments as weak and not backed up by action.

The United Nations human rights chief on Monday urged China to carry out recommendations from his office to protect human rights in Tibet, Xinjiang and across the country  but activists criticized his comments as weak and not backed up by action.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk made the comments on China while delivering an address to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, updating its members on an array of themes and country situations.

Turks predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, issued a report in August 2022 that found that Chinas detention of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity, though Beijing denies committing any abuses.

I also call on the government to implement the recommendations made by my office and other human rights bodies in relation to laws, policies and practices that violate fundamental rights, including in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions, Turk said. Im engaging with the Hong Kong authorities on continuing concerns about national security laws.

Bachelets report made 13 recommendations to the Chinese government, including promptly releasing those detained against their will in detention camps  but which Beijing calls vocational education and training centers.

The report called on China to investigate allegations of human rights abuses at the facilities, including accusations of torture, sexual violence, forced labor and deaths in custody.

China should also release details about the location of Uyghurs in Xinjiang who have been out of touch with relatives abroad, establish safe means of communication for them and allow travel so families can be reunited  something that is now forbidden.

In the address, Turk said his office looked forward to engaging with China on plans it announced during its recent Universal Periodic Review to adopt 30 new measures for human rights protection, including amendments to the criminal law and revisions of the Criminal Procedure law.

During Chinas Universal Periodic Review  a comprehensive review of its human rights record  at the Human Rights Council in January, Chinese government officials defended Beijings policies in Xinjiang, while the U.S. representative to the United Nations condemned the countrys ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity there.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to an RFA request for comment on Turk's address.

Though China has denied rights violations in Xinjiang, Western states continue to raise alarms about continuing repression, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances of Uyghurs and others.

Western nations and human right groups have also condemned the Chinese government for policies undermining Tibetans religion, culture and language as well as for its brutal treatment of dissidents and the implementation of harsh national security laws in Hong Kong.

Weak performance

Sophie Richardson, former China director of Human Rights Watch, called Turks address a weak performance, saying he seemed completely unmotivated by the agony and the pressure and the abuses that people across China are enduring.

I find it deeply worrying that he seems to be relying on tools and tactics that are, I think, well established to be ineffective, particularly dialogues, she told RFA. I think its also very worrying that he wont even refer to his own offices report on the Uyghur region and the conclusion that there may potentially be crimes against humanity committed by the Chinese government.

Thirty years of human rights dialogs have clearly enabled crimes against humanity, not prevented them, Richardson said.

New York-based Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, took Turk to task for staying shamefully silent on the Chinese governments crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang.

Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, said Turks call was a step in the right direction, though not enough because the findings in Bachelets report havent yet been discussed at the Human Rights Council.

While Turk may be reluctant to take a stronger position on China because of Chinas powerful influence at the U.N., his latest statement stings China badly as China is attempting to cover up the Uyghur genocide, he said.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.


Police detained a social media user under a law that rights groups say is used to stifle freedom of expression.

The Security Investigation Agency of Lam Dong provincial police execute an arrest warrant for Hoang Viet Khanh on March 01, 2024.

Vietnam has again used a controversial section of its law to prosecute people for expressing their opinions with the arrest of 41-year-old Facebooker Hoang Viet Khanh.

Lam Dong Provincial Police announced his detention for anti-state acts on Friday, Vietnamese media reported.

They said Khanh posted and shared articles, video clips and images on social media that smear the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and insult Ho Chi Minh the party founder and former president of North Vietnam.

The police said its Cyber Security and Crime Prevention Department monitored Khanhs social media accounts and passed the information on to the Security Investigation Agency of Lam Dong provincial police.

The agency decided to prosecute Khanh for making, storing, distributing or propagating information and documents aimed against the state under the controversial Article 117 of Vietnams criminal law.

Vietnam has arrested five people under Article 117 this year alone, according to Radio Free Asias records.

Popular YouTuber Nguyen Chi Tuyen was detained on Thursday on anti-state propaganda charges.

Also on Thursday, journalist and long-time government critic Nguyen Vu Binh was taken into custody by Hanoi police. Binh has been a regular contributor of blogs published on RFAs website.

On Monday, family members went to the headquarters of Hanoi Polices Security Investigation Agency to ask for information about Binh, according to a relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

A police officer verbally informed Mr. Binhs family that he was prosecuted and investigated under Article 117 of the Penal Code, the relative told RFA. He is being temporarily held for four months at Detention Facility No. 1 of Hanoi police.

International human rights groups, including Protect Defenders, have accused Vietnam of misusing Article 117 to stifle freedom of expression.

Vietnam is currently seeking reelection to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. Groups including Human Rights Watch and CIVICUS have spoken out against the bid, telling RFA that Hanoi continues to deny its citizens the basic freedoms of speech, assembly and association.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his nearly quarter-century rule with a landslide victory in a tightly controlled election as he seeks to demonstrate overwhelming popular support for his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and increasingly repressive policies.

With 99.68 percent of ballots counted, Putin was set to win another six-year term with 87.32 percent of the vote, a post-Soviet record, according to official results. The Central Election Committee said that more than 70 percent of eligible voters cast ballots during the three-day election.

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.

The vote is the first for Putin since he launched an ill-fated invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of Russian citizens, upended the lives of tens of thousands more, 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 nation's full support, experts said.

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."

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.

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.

Independent election observers were barred from working at this years presidential election for the first time in post-Soviet history, experts said. Russian elections have been notorious for ballot stuffing and other irregularities.

The vote was also held in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are located.

The United States called the elections neither fair nor free.

'Noon Against Putin'

With options to express resistance severely limited by the lack of competition and repressive laws, opposition leaders called on voters opposed to Putin to gather near polls at noon to show the Kremlin and the country that they were still a force.

Russia's opposition movement suffered a serious blow last month when Aleksei Navalny, Putins fiercest and most popular critic, died in unclear circumstances in a maximum-security prison in the Arctic where he was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism widely seen as politically motivated.

Long lines formed at polling stations across Russia's 11 time zones at the designated time for the "Noon Against Putin" protest, including in Novosibirsk, Chita, Yekaterinburg, Perm, and Moscow among other Russian cities.

"We're not really expecting anything, but I'd somehow like to make a record of this election for myself, tick the box for myself, so, when talking about it later, I could say that I didn't just sit at home, but came and tried to do something," said one Russian who came to vote at noon.

"The action has achieved its goals," Ivan Zhdanov, the head the Anti-Corruption Foundation formerly headed by Navalny, said in a YouTube video. "The action has shown that there is another Russia, there are people who stand against Putin."

The Moscow prosecutor's office had earlier warned of criminal prosecution against those who interfered with the vote, a step it said was necessary due to social-media posts "containing calls for an unlimited number of people to simultaneously arrive to participate in uncoordinated mass public events at polling stations in Moscow [at noon on March 17] in order to violate electoral legislation."

Lawyer Valeria Vetoshkina, who has left the country, told Current Time that if people do not bring posters and do not announce why they came to the polling station at that hour, it would be hard for the authorities to legitimately declare it a "violation."

But she warned that there were "some basic safety rules that you can follow if you're worried. The first is not to discuss why you came, just to vote. And secondly, it is better to come without any visual means of agitation: without posters, flags, and so on."

Ella Pamfilova, head of Russia's Central Election Commission (TsIK), on March 16 said there had been 20 cases of people attempting to destroy voting sheets by pouring liquids into ballot boxes and eight incidents of people trying to destroy ballots by setting them on fire or by using smoke bombs.

Russians living abroad also took part in the "Noon Against Putin" campaign, with hundreds of people lining up at 12 p.m. outside the Russian embassies in Sidney, Tokyo, Phuket, Dubai, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, and Yerevan among other capitals.

"It's not an election. It's just a fake. And so we're here to show that not Russians elect the current leader of Russia, that we [are] against him very severely, and that lots of people had to flee their country to be free," said Anna, a Russian citizen living in Berlin and who gathered outside the embassy in the German capital.

Putin was challenged by Liberal Democratic Party leader Leonid Slutsky, State Duma deputy speaker Vladislav Davankov of the New People party, and State Duma lawmaker Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party, none of whom opposed the war.

The Russian leader had the full resources of the state behind him, including the media, police, state-owned companies, and election officials.
In the winter of 1924, inhabitants of a small village near Tehran looked up as a metal-bodied airplane swooped in to land, bumped along a field, then collapsed in a cloud of dust after its landing gear broke.

The pilot of the plane was Swiss aviator Walter Mittelholzer, who had received an invitation from the Persian government to deliver a new Junkers aircraft to the country, which would be renamed Iran in 1935.

Kaspar Surber, a Swiss journalist who wrote a book on Mittelholzer, told RFE/RL the aviator was chosen for the flight to Persia in part to "popularize flying" through aerial images he would take there.

Mittelholzer was famous at the time for becoming the first person to extensively photograph Switzerland's mountains from an airplane.

In the 1920s, Surber says there was something of a "race" between German and British aviation companies to begin air services in Persia, making Mittelholzer's photography skills a key promotional advantage.

A Swiss newspaper wrote of the aviator, "The Swiss people know what to expect from their Mr. Mittelholzer, who can not only pilot a plane across unknown countries but also photograph and film in flight."

After their ignominious landing 40 kilometers outside of Tehran, Mittelholzer and mechanic Ernst Bissegger had a tense confrontation with villagers before help eventually arrived from the Persian capital and their aircraft was repaired.

Mittelholzer and Bissegger's flight of more than 3,000 kilometers from Switzerland to Persia included a standoff with Turkish authorities who confiscated their plane, troubles with poor-quality gasoline purchased in Baghdad, and erroneous maps that forced them into the ill-fated landing during which their plane's landing gear collapsed.

Mittelholzers initial impressions of the territory of Persia from above were of "areas that lie desolate and empty and wander past the observing eye for hours. Huge alluvial fans, piles of rubble, and deltas of saline rivers [that] characterize the country."

Isolated settlements occasionally came into view as the pair flew over Persian territory.

"Here and there a green patch shines," Mittelholzer wrote, "a space in the center of which features residents' mud huts rising on narrow and winding streets. Silver bands mark the irrigation channels at the edges of the gardens."

Mittelholzer seized the opportunity to photograph Persia extensively from above in photographs that are now held by the ETH Zurich library.

The Swiss aviator and photographer also made use of his camera on the ground to capture a country on the cusp of dramatic change under Reza Shah Pahlavi, a ruler who would become known as Persia's "modernizing strongman."

At the time of Mittelholzer's visit to Persia, the country was without major rail or road networks, and camel caravans were still in use as a means of foreign trade, making air transport an enticing possibility for the country's rulers.

With the aviation industry still in its infancy in Persia, Mittelholzer and Bissegger had the sky virtually to themselves as they swept low over urban centers to snap images that would soon stun European audiences.

Mittelholzer predicted that aerial photography would play a significant role in documentary imagery of the future.

"Another hitherto unseen world opens up before us. It is as if the Earth has thereby gained a new face, and man a new, unflawed eye," he wrote in 1928.

After spending several weeks inside Iran, the two Swiss aviators eventually made the long trek back to Central Europe by car. Mittelholzer would later co-found a company that became Swissair, Switzerland's national carrier until 2002. He died in a mountaineering accident in 1937 aged 43.

In a newspaper obituary, a friend noted that Mittelholzer's death in the mountains that he loved, and that had sparked his extraordinary career, had a certain tragic poetry: "They have embraced him 0n his last wanderings and claimed him, and perhaps he would not have wished for a better end, but alas it came all too soon, there was so much more for him to do."
Just a few bureaucratic hurdles to clear and Andrei can quit his factory job in Transdniester, a pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova, pick up a gun, and join like-minded countrymen fighting with invading Russian forces in neighboring Ukraine.

Andrei, who declined to give his last name, recently told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that he was waiting for the Russian Consulate in Tiraspol, the de facto capital of Transdniester, to renew an expired Russian passport he also holds along with his Moldovan one.

With that document, he said, he will travel to Moscow, where online postings luring foreigners to fight in Russia's unprovoked attack instruct them to finish the formalities at a recruitment office. There are an estimated 220,000 Russian citizens in Transdniester, which broke away from Moldova in the early 1990s and hosts around 1,500 Russian soldiers.

Andrei said he hopes to join the so-called Dniester detachment, a mercenary unit of Moldovans reportedly formed by Alexandr Kalinin, a shady figure who's been blacklisted by the EU and United States for his pro-Russian activities. Kalinin has had his citizenship stripped by Moldova for much the same reasons and some more sinister, including recent threats to lead a group of fighters on a march to the capital, Chisinau, to depose the pro-Western government of President Maia Sandu.

The Kremlin has relied on both its regular armed forces and private military companies to fight in Ukraine, and the lines of command and recruitment are often blurred.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, has eased the paperwork and offered other incentives to swell the ranks of his military forces with foreigners.

In January, Putin issued a decree allowing foreign nationals who serve in the Russian military or in "military formations" to obtain Russian citizenship for themselves and their families.

And more fighters are apparently something Putin needs as losses continue to mount despite recent advances by Russian invading forces in some spots along the thousands-kilometer-long front line in eastern Ukraine.

Russia rarely, if ever, releases casualty figures. The most recent data from the Defense Ministry, published in January 2023, pointed to just over 6,000 deaths, although a recent U.S. assessment put the number much higher, at over 300,000.

Kyiv has also been reluctant to release figures on its military losses, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did say on February 25 that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action in the two years since Putin launched his country's full-scale invasion.

Andrei, who works for a window manufacturer in Bender, a town just west of Tiraspol, said joining the Dniester fighting unit would allow him to join "our brothers," who "share the same ideas" as him.

The messaging apps Telegram and Viber are used to target men in Transdniester and in Gagauzia, another autonomous region of Moldova where, like Trandniester, pro-Russian sentiment is pervasive and stoked by Kremlin-friendly locals.

Recently, that pressure has intensified. In Transdniester, where Russia has nearly 2,000 troops it describes as peacekeepers, the local parliament on February 28 appealed to Russia for unspecified "protection," complaining about "pressure" from Chisinau.

How Do I Join The Special Military Operation?

"Hello! I am from Transdniester, I am 55 years old. Do I have a chance of getting into the SVO (special military operation)?" asks a user named AnD on a Russian-language Telegram recruitment channel, using Putin's term for the invasion.

Responding to him and other men from Transdniester, the administrator of the Moscow Recruiter channel tells them it is important for them to arrive in Moscow and have a Russian passport and a Russian military passbook. He also says they can be accommodated in a hostel and will be helped to acquire the needed military document if they don't have it.

The administrator appears to promise to reimburse some of their travel expenses, while others are advised to borrow money from relatives and "repay the debt when the first payments (for their mercenary service) come."

Getting to Moscow is tricky and costly, as much of Europe has closed its airspace and airports to Russian commercial flights, with air routes usually going through Istanbul or Dubai. Bus trips to Russia are even more circuitous, now circumventing neighboring Ukraine.

While it's unclear what connections these Viber and Telegram channels have to Kalinin, he is also active on social media, promoting and recruiting men from Moldova to his mercenary force. Kalinin had his Moldovan citizenship stripped in November 2023 by Sandu for "recruitment into the armed forces of a foreign state."

In September 2022, the president declared that individuals with Russian and Moldovan citizenship who enlisted in the Russian Army to fight in Ukraine would have their Moldovan citizenship revoked. On his Telegram channel at the time, Kalinin dismissed Sandu's move as an attempt to "remove political figures who could compete against her in the 2024 presidential election."

Days after Sandu's action, Kalinin threatened to oust her with a foreign force marching on Chisinau and printed comments that led to opening a second criminal probe into the fringe figure.

The Dniester detachment is the only military formation actively and openly recruiting Moldovan citizens.

Kalinin, who has posted photos of himself garbed in fatigues amid the fighting in Ukraine, has not divulged the numbers of his unit. He does promise those who join a monthly payment of 2,100 euros ($2,278), following a one-time payment of 4,800 euros to the new recruit for signing up. How this is all being financed is unclear.

The Dniester fighters of Kalinin may be part of a wider network of mercenaries and other fighting units with links to the Kremlin.

In an interview on January 16 with Russia's Vzglyad news site, Kalinin claimed his unit was embedded with the Skif Battalion, a mercenary group that is subordinated to the Terek Brigade, which, in turn, is part of the Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad.

A recent investigation by RFE/RL investigative units Schemes and Systema found that a purported private military company called Redut is in reality a recruitment system for combat units that is coordinated and funded by Russia's armed forces and their intelligence agency. One of the units allegedly funded by Redut, the investigation found, was Skif.

Kalinin has so far not divulged where his units have or are deployed. In October 2023, pro-Kremlin media reported that the Skif Battalion had ambushed a Ukrainian military convoy near the town of Soledar in Donetsk, a region of eastern Ukraine partially controlled by pro-Russian forces since 2014.

Both sides have foreign fighters in their ranks, with Kyiv openly recruiting to their international legion, whose numbers have reportedly dropped after initial enthusiasm.

Foreign conscripts fighting for Russian mercenary groups can receive thousands of euros a month, eclipsing anything they are likely to earn at home. CNN recently reported that 15,000 Nepalese men have joined the Russian military, after the Russian government last year announced a lucrative package for foreign fighters.

Figuring out how many foreigners are fighting in Ukraine for Russia is tricky, as many have served both in mercenary groups (mainly in the Wagner Group before it was dissolved) and in regular units of the Russian armed forces.

Foreign conscript casualties are also unclear. The BBC Russian Service recently reported that, by the end of December 2023, at least 254 foreigners who had served in the Russian Army had been killed. Those figures, of course, are likely just a fraction of the Russian casualties, despite official pronouncements from Kremlin officials.

A U.S. intelligence report declassified in mid-December 2023 estimated that 315,000 Russian troops had been killed or wounded in Ukraine. If accurate, the figure would represent 87 percent of the roughly 360,000 troops Russia had before the war, according to the report.

The independent Russian news outlet, Mediazona, reported on February 24 that about 75,000 Russian men died in 2022 and 2023 fighting in the war.

A joint investigation published by Mediazona and Meduza, another independent Russian news site, indicates that the rate of Russia's losses in Ukraine is not slowing and that Moscow is losing about 120 men a day.

The risk of death -- let alone whether or not the war is just -- is not a matter that concerns Andrei.

"I feel like I have to be there [on the battlefield]," he told RFE/RL. "I realize I may never come back. Well, that's fate."
Supporters have continued to pay tribute to the late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny for the fourth straight day since his burial on March 1. Mourners queued in long lines to visit the gravesite of the anti-corruption campaigner, who died in prison under suspicious circumstances. Speaking with Current Time, Russian political analyst Ruslan Aisin said the "Kremlin couldn't do anything" to stop people from paying their respects to Navalny.
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Russian forces are seeking further advances after capturing Avdiyivka, and the $60 million U.S. aid package is still stuck in Congress. Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins the host to discuss a crucial juncture in Moscows war against Ukraine.
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on one big issue: Sweden's impending NATO membership.

Brief #1: What Will Sweden Bring To NATO?

What You Need To Know: NATO has had to wait nearly 18 months for Turkey and Hungary to finally sign off on letting Sweden join the military alliance. Despite the long wait, there is a good deal of excitement in Brussels about the 32nd member. One NATO diplomat told me that Sweden's membership was the "missing piece of the jigsaw," completing the alliance's security architecture in the Nordic, Arctic, and Baltic regions.

To understand, it's enough to just look at a map. Sweden is the fifth-largest country in Europe -- bigger than Germany -- stretching 1,600 kilometers north to south and with a coastline twice as long. From conversations with various NATO officials, it is clear that Sweden's role in the alliance will be focused on two major areas.

First, it will be a hub for military activities in the northern part of Europe, linking Sweden with the other Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway -- all in the same military union for the first time in modern history. Back in 2009, the quintet agreed on the Nordic Defense Cooperation (Nordefco), which, while not a mutual-defense pact, does have some similar features -- for example, allowing participating states access to each other's airspace and military infrastructure. As Sweden joins, there is already a good deal of regional integration and cooperation.

Secondly, Sweden will bolster the defense of the three Baltic states -- NATO members Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania -- providing rapid maritime and air support and beefing up troop numbers -- for example, deploying 800 officers to the NATO brigade in Latvia from 2025. There was previously more emphasis on so-called "tripwire forces" in the Baltic states, with a strategy of slowing down the enemy and then counterattacking and retaking lost territory. But with Swedish support, the focus will instead be on not giving up an inch of territory.

Deep Background: Perhaps the most obvious advantage of Sweden joining NATO is that the Baltic Sea will become something of a "NATO lake," with NATO member states essentially surrounding the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and also controlling the northern and southern shores of the Gulf of Finland that leads to Russia's second city of St. Petersburg.

Gotland, the biggest island in the Baltic Sea, will suddenly be of key importance. Part of Sweden but only 300 kilometers from Kaliningrad, the island will benefit from new military facilities. The main military harbor on the island will be expanded, and a local regiment that was disbanded years ago will be brought back to life.

Sweden will upgrade its railway network so it is capable of transporting larger military loads across the country. Sweden's second city and biggest port, Gothenburg, on the country's western coast, will see its military capacity increase as well, likely becoming a major hub and entry point for NATO military equipment and troops.

Sweden is already well-acquainted with NATO and has been part of the alliance's Partnership for Peace (PfP) program since 1994, becoming an Enhanced Opportunity Partner (EOP) for the military alliance 20 years later. That has meant deeper cooperation, regular joint exercises, and more interoperability with the Western alliance, with the country's troops serving under NATO commanders in Afghanistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Sweden has already achieved the desired NATO target of spending at least 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, an achievement that many members of the alliance have yet to meet. Stockholm signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States in December 2023 that will allow U.S. military equipment and troops on Swedish soil. But just like the other Nordic NATO members, Sweden will not host nuclear weapons or permanent NATO bases.

Drilling Down

Another aspect that many NATO officials are pointing to as added value is the arms that Sweden will bring to the alliance. The country is considered to have two world-class military assets: submarines that can control large parts of the Baltic Sea, matching Russia's every move; and JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets produced by Sweden's SAAB. Sweden joining NATO will bring the entire Nordic fleet of fighter jets to over 250, and Stockholm is considering sending some to Ukraine. Sweden could become a very active participant in NATO's air-policing, not only over the Baltic Sea.

It isn't just fighter jets. Sweden is one of the world's biggest arms exporters, notably to the United States, and is known for its guided weapons, infantry anti-tank weapons, and armored vehicles.

There are some glaring weaknesses, though. At 38,000, Sweden's troop strength is relatively small, and expanding it could prove to be costly. The country also lacks bigger maritime assets, such as large battleships, relying more on smaller corvettes that have inferior air-defense capabilities.

The Nordic/Baltic region will be divided into two different Joint Force Commands. Sweden will join Denmark, Finland, and the Baltic trio under the NATO command headquartered in Brunssum, Netherlands, whereas Norway is under the Norfolk, Virginia, command, which deals mainly with security issues and challenges in the Atlantic. From speaking to NATO officials familiar with the issue, it was symbolically important for the alliance to not "cut" the Baltic Sea in two, leaving Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on one side and Sweden on the other.

Brief #2: Sweden's Uncomfortable Neutrality

What You Need To Know: To many, Sweden joining NATO is a no-brainer. A strong and reliable democracy, menaced by an increasingly belligerent Russia, is joining a club in which its Nordic brethren -- Denmark, Iceland, and Norway -- have been a part since the alliance's inception in 1949. Finland joined in 2023.*

That is all true, but Sweden joining is also a historic moment -- perhaps even more significant than Finland joining in 2023. With its long border with Russia, Finland's hands have always been somewhat tied in terms of foreign policy and defense. Whether it's in NATO or out of NATO, Finland's goal is clear: to defend itself against Russia. Because of that, the country has an impressive army and universal male conscription.

For Finland, joining NATO was a bonus. As one Finnish diplomat conceded, speaking anonymously because they weren't authorized to speak on the record, Finland was "always ready to face a possible Russian attack alone." The diplomat then added: "But with NATO, we can suddenly count on others."

The option of membership hadn't always been there for Helsinki, with NATO traditionally seeing the country's neutrality as a vital factor contributing to regional stability. That all changed in February 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine, and the Kremlin warned that NATO could not accept new members, especially in what it saw as its backyard.

Sweden, however, probably could have always been a NATO member. Historically, the official reason for not joining was so that it wouldn't abandon Finland, leaving the Nordic country as a lone buffer between the Western alliance and the Soviet Union. So, when Finland started banging on NATO's door in spring 2022, for Stockholm, the decision was as good as made. Being the lone non-NATO power around the Baltic Sea (excluding Russia, of course) would not have been an attractive prospect for Sweden.

To understand how much of a Copernican shift this has been for Sweden, a country that, for two centuries, has stood outside every major European conflict, let me share a few personal observations from Sweden, the country where I grew up.

Deep Background: For my generation -- I was born in 1982 -- and those preceding it, "Sweden being neutral" was as much a part of our DNA as giving children candy on Saturdays and getting absolutely smashed on schnapps and herring on Midsummer night.

With its neutrality, Sweden was unique -- something that can be seen even in recent policy. Take the migration crisis of 2015-16 as an example. While most European countries either put up walls or rolled out the barbed wire, Sweden welcomed migrants with open arms and generous handouts. And while border checks and more restrictive measures were introduced later to cope with the hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the country, Sweden remained open to family reunifications and was still welcoming political refugees, despite taking in almost twice as many migrants per capita than any other EU state.

Or look at Sweden's approach to the coronavirus pandemic. When other countries locked down, Sweden kept most of its businesses open, with the world keenly following this Nordic experiment with one part curiosity, one part dread. The jury is still out on whether Sweden chose the correct path, although when looking at a couple of key metrics -- excess mortality rates and economic performance -- the country did well.

Drilling Down

Not having seen war, conflict, or revolutions on Swedish soil since Napoleonic times has helped forge this national identity of neutrality and independence. And, whisper it quietly, but guilt over Sweden's role in World War II has also contributed to the country's neutral stance, with the prevailing notion that the country shouldn't belong to any political or military blocs, as that only increases the chance of conflict. While Sweden was officially neutral during World War II, the country's iron ore and other exports fed the Nazi war machine. Jews fleeing the Holocaust were not welcome in Sweden before 1943, and the German army was given free passage for an attack on Sweden's neighbor, Norway.

While the rest of the continent was in ruins after the war, Swedish infrastructure fared much better. The country capitalized on this by building up a welfare state that was envied across the world.

Sweden has always had an odd relationship with patriotism. The National Day of Sweden didn't become a national holiday until 2005, and people are still unsure how to mark it. When I went to school, instead of our national day, we celebrated United Nations Day on October 24. Rather than belting out the Swedish national anthem, we locked hands and sang the 1980s hit We Are The World. At the end of high school, students don't even need a passing grade in history to graduate, because, much like patriotism, the study of history was thought to be a thing of the past. It was something for other countries -- countries not like Sweden. Instead of looking back to the past -- glorious or otherwise -- we could boast about the things we were doing for the world now: inventing Bluetooth, the pacemaker, the walking frame, and oat milk. Not to mention contributing to the furniture-industrial complex with the ubiquitous Ikea.

Sweden has always been steeped in contradictions. How could it push for peace and reconciliation worldwide while also being a leading arms exporter? This has been a bit of a rude awakening for some Swedes, especially when traveling, because they aren't used to being told about the looting their ancestors did during the Thirty Years' War. Or finding out that Sweden's historical brutality even got a shout-out in Poland's national anthem.

That naivete has also had more serious consequences. The fact that both a Swedish prime minister (Olof Palme in 1986) and foreign minister (Anna Lindh in 2003) were assassinated in the middle of Stockholm, after walking around without bodyguards, is mind-boggling for most foreigners. For many Swedes, though, it is entirely normal. Such things, after all, just don't happen in Sweden. Or they shouldn't happen.

Yet now it seems that both history and reality are catching up fast with Sweden. Earlier this year, the country's commander in chief of the armed forces, Micael Byden, sent the country into a frenzy when he warned that all Swedes should prepare for war. People took it seriously, downloading maps of bomb shelters and an information packet titled If Crisis Or War Comes. Even my own mother, now approaching 80, rushed out to buy a portable gas stove and a flashlight that could run without a battery.

Looking Ahead

The biggest NATO exercise since the Cold War, Steadfast Defender, is under way, with the bulk of the troops currently in Poland. A team from RFE/RL is there on the ground, so look out for our coverage later this week.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will on March 5 present a new strategy for the European defense industry, which will include proposals for Brussels to step up defense spending in the near future and to encourage joint EU procurement in both the production of arms and ammunition.

That's all for this week. Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here.

*CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated incorrectly that Finland was an original member of NATO.
Stage performer gangrape after Brazil Rider Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever in Jharkhand news

The Brazil rider Nanda was also gangraped in Jharkhand.

Stage performer gangrape after Brazil Rider Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever in Jharkhand news: Days after Brazil rider Nanda, aka Fernanda 4 Ever, was gangraped in India, a 21-year-old stage performer from Chhattisgarh was also allegedly gang-raped by her co-artistes in Jharkhand's Palamu district,

According to information, the woman was allegedly gangraped by three co-artistes who hail from Palamu. She was reportedly gang raped in a car after being given an intoxicating substance by them.

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"Two accused have been arrested and the survivor has been admitted to a hospital in Palamu where her medical test will be conducted," Vishrampur Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rakesh Singh told PTI.

Brazil Rider Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever Gangrape news:

Earlier, the Brazil rider Nanda was gangraped in Jharkhand. Reportedly, Nanda and Vicente were passing through Dumka district in India en route to Nepal when the incident took place. They had stopped to camp overnight in Dumka.

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"We've experienced something unimaginable," she said in the video. "Seven men raped me, beat us, and robbed us," she said. She noted that the attackers were primarily interested in assaulting her.

In another post, Vicente displayed his injuries, including a busted lip and stitches around his mouth. "My injuries are severe, but Fernanda's condition is worse," he remarked.

(For more news apart from Stage performer gangrape after Brazil Rider Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever in Jharkhand news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Who is Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever Brazil Rider Gangrape in India

Nanda, aka Fernanda 4 Ever, was gangraped in Jharkhand.

Brazil Rider Gangrape in India News: In a shocking incident, a Brazilian motorcycle rider named Nanda, also known as Fernanda 4 Ever, was gang-raped by seven men in India's Jharkhand while she was on a bike ride with her husband. (Who is Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever, Brazil Rider Gang-raped in India?)

The news of Nanda, aka Fernanda 4 Ever, the Brazil Rider getting gang-raped in India has led to criticism on social media where people are criticising those who committed such a heinous, especially a tourist who was in India to explore the country.

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Who is Nanda Fernanda 4 Ever, the Brazil Rider Gangraped in India?

Nanda is a passionate 28-year-old Brazilian motorcyclist. She experienced a shocking act of violence in Makarkanda, Jharkhand. She is married to her Spanish husband Vicente. This Brazilian adventurer, exploring the world on a motorcycle, shared moments of joy, the excitement of the ride, and authentic experiences.

A picturesque travel day in India took a harrowing turn for a touring influencer couple who were brutally attacked by a gang of assailants, allegedly subjecting the woman to rape, local police reported Saturday.

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Nanda and Vicente are known for documenting their global motorcycle travels to over 140,000 Instagram followers. Reportedly, they were passing through Dumka district in India en route to Nepal when the incident took place. They had stopped to camp overnight in Dumka when the unfortunate incident took place, according to multiple sources.

Videos shared on Instagram depicted the couple with swollen, bruised faces, visibly distressed as they recounted the ordeal in Spanish. "We've experienced something unimaginable," she said in the video, "seven men raped me, beat us, and robbed us." She noted that the attackers were primarily interested in assaulting her."

In another post, Vicente displayed his injuries, including a busted lip and stitches around his mouth. "My injuries are severe, but Fernanda's condition is worse," he remarked, detailing how the attackers had repeatedly struck him with a helmet and a rock.

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The incident brought attention to India's alarming rate of sexual violence, with nearly 90 reported rapes per day in 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. However, many cases remain unreported due to victim-blaming and distrust in law enforcement.

As of Saturday, Fernanda and Vicente remained hospitalized under police supervision. The investigation into the gang rape incident continues.

(For more news apart from Who is Nanada Fernanda 4 Ever Brazil Rider gangrape news, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session 2024: CM Bhagwant Mann Roasts LoP Partap Singh Bajwa, Opposition

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the opposition.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session 2024, CM Bhagwant Mann vs LoP Partap Singh Bajwa: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday roasted the opposition including the LoP Partap Singh Bajwa over their "walk out" culture.

Punjab CM gifted the Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan with a lock and key and requested him to lock the doors of the Assembly so that the opposition wouldn't be able to leave the premises and listen to the address.

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Replying to Governor Banwarilal Purohit's speech, which was interrupted after the opposition created a ruckus inside the House, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the opposition and said that he would talk on it today and urged the opposition to not leave the premises.

Later, the House witnessed a heated argument between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. Their argument was so intense that the Speaker was forced to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. Even after the session resumed, the argument between the Punjab CM and the opposition continued.

The Speaker was forced to interfere and the Chief Minister continued to address the chair wherein he highlighted the achievements of his government and kept on taking a dig at the opposition.

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session 2024: CM Bhagwant Mann vs LoP Partap Singh Bajwa
Estonia's retail sales continued to decline at the start of the year, data from Statistics Estonia showed on Monday.

Retail sales fell 6.7 percent annually in January, faster than the 5.4 percent drop in December. Sales have been falling since September 2022.

Among stores selling manufactured goods, turnover decreased the most, by 27 percent, in stores selling via mail order or the internet, the agency said.

Retailers supplying hardware, building supplies, appliances, and household items saw a 20.0 percent decrease in turnover. There was a 9.0 percent decrease in sales of textiles, clothing and footwear.

On a monthly basis, retail turnover fell a seasonally and working-day-adjusted 3.0 percent in January.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Novartis Pharma AG, affiliated to Swiss drug major Novartis AG (NVS), Monday presented new data from the SMART study that continue to support the clinical benefits of Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec), the only one-time gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy or SMA.

The SMART study supplements a growing body of evidence on the use of Zolgensma in a patient population older and heavier, i.e., 1.5 - 9.1 years of age, than the children treated in previous clinical studies.

According to the company, nearly all patients treated maintained or improved motor milestones after 52 weeks, with most switching to the one-time gene therapy from another chronically administered disease-modifying therapy.

SMA is a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease and a leading genetic cause of infant death, caused by the lack of a functional SMN1 gene. It is the most severe forms of SMA result in the rapid and irreversible loss of motor neurons, affecting muscle functions including breathing, swallowing and basic movement.

Zolgensma is the only approved gene therapy for the treatment of SMA and the only SMA treatment designed to directly address the genetic root cause of the disease. It replaces the function of the missing or non-working SMN1 gene to halt disease progression through sustained SMN protein expression with a single, one-time IV infusion.

The SMART study is the first open-label clinical study of Zolgensma to include previously treated patients.

Novartis said the final data from the SMART study highlight the safety and efficacy profile of Zolgensma in children with SMA, ranging in age from ~18 months to 9 years.

Most patients maintained or improved motor milestones from baseline at the time of final analysis. In the trial, nearly all patients who could sit with slight support still met this milestone at Week 52.

Three patients achieved the milestone of newly standing with support and one achieved newly walking with support at Week 52. All patients who could walk at baseline maintained this milestone until end of study.

Zolgensma is now approved in more than 51 countries and more than 3,700 patients have been treated with the drug worldwide across clinical trials, managed access programs, and in the commercial setting.

Novartis has an exclusive, worldwide license with Nationwide Children's Hospital to both the intravenous and intrathecal delivery of AAV9 gene therapy for the treatment of all types of SMA.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com

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Health News
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (HENOY.PK,HENKY.PK), a German chemical and consumer goods company, on Monday registered a decline in sales for the full year, amidst a negative foreign exchange impact and divestment of Russian .

For the 12-month period, Henkel recorded adjusted operating income at 2.556 million euros, higher than 2.319 billion euros last year, mainly due to positive selling price developments.

Excluding items, however, return on sales or adjusted EBIT margin was 11.9 percent, up from previous year's 10.4 percent.

Group sales amounted 21.514 billion euros, down 3.9 percent from prior year. Foreign exchange effects negatively impacted the sales development by negative 4.3 percent. At negative 3.9 percent, acquisitions, divestments had a negative impact on sales, which was mainly due to the divestment of the business activities in Russia.

In April 2023, Henkel sold its business in Russia to a consortium of local financial investors for around 600 million euros.

The Board will pay an unchanged annual dividend of 1.83 euros per share.

Looking ahead, for the full year, citing a projected moderate global economic output and increase in demand, the Group expects adjusted return on sales of 12 percent to 13.5 percent.

Henkel expects the annual translation of sales in foreign currencies to have a negative impact in the mid-single-digit percentage range, whereas prices for direct materials are projected to remain flat versus the annual average for 2023.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Telecom major AT&T Inc. (T) Monday announced that it continues to be on track to meet its financial guidance for the fiscal 2024.

Ahead of the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, the company said that it continues to expect adjusted earnings per share of $2.15 to $2.25 for the full year.

Twenty one analysts on average polled by Thomson-Reuters are expecting the company to report earnings of $2.21 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-off items.

In pre-market activity, AT&T shares are trading at $16.99, up 0.06% on the New York Stock Exchange.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Pharmacy majors Walgreens Boot Alliance Inc. and CVS Health Corp. will start selling abortion pill mifepristone this month at stores in several states where it is legal. Both companies have received certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to dispense the pill at their retail pharmacies.

Last Friday, President Joe Biden had informed that major retail pharmacy chains were newly certified to dispense medication abortion. Calling the decision a milestone, he also urged all pharmacies that want to pursue this option to seek certification.

As per reports, CVS will carry drugmaker GenBioPro's generic mifepristone, and Walgreens will carry brand-name Mifeprex from drugmaker Danco.

In a statement, Biden noted that mifepristone has been approved by the FDA as safe and effective for more than 20 years, and that many women will soon have the option to pick up their prescription at a local, certified pharmacy.

As per the FDA website, Mifeprex (mifepristone) and its generic Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg, collectively known as mifepristone, is approved to end an intrauterine pregnancy through ten weeks gestation. The FDA first approved Mifeprex in 2000 and a generic version of Mifeprex, Mifepristone Tablets, 200 mg in 2019.

Under the Mifepristone REMS Program, mifepristone must be dispensed by or under the supervision of a certified prescriber or by certified pharmacies for prescriptions issued by certified prescribers.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 had overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's constitutional right to have an abortion for nearly fifty years. In some states, abortion remains legal, while others have banned abortion.

In January 2023, the FDA had taken evidence-based action to support safe access to mifepristone by allowing the continued use of telehealth to prescribe the medication and creating a new option for certified pharmacies to dispense it to patients.

Following this, there were reports that Walgreens and CVS were planning to offer abortion pills in their stores.

Biden also issued an order to further protect access to medication abortion in late January 2023.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com

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Business News
A state of emergency has been declared in Haiti after a massive jail break led to large scale violence in its capital.

A dozen people were killed and thousands of prisoners escaped from a jail in Port-au-Prince Sunday after armed gangs stormed the facility.

Gang leaders, led by Jimmy Cherizier, attacked the jail demanding Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation.

Henry is in Kenya to hold talks with its leadership regarding the deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security force to the Caribbean island nation.

Most parts of the capital is reportedly under their control.

A government statement said it is declaring a 72-hour state of emergency and night-time curfew in Port-au-Prince.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The U.S., Jordanian air forces airdropped critical humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

As part of the combined operation, U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft delivered more than 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing civilians access to much-needed assistance, the Pentagon said.

The U.S. Central Command forces were joined by Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130s in conducting the operation.

In total, 66 bundles of aid were dropped from three aircraft as part of the combined operation.

"We're looking at the land routes, we're looking at a sea route, we're looking at the air route to really ensure that we're exploring every opportunity to get assistance in," Biden Administration officials said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Brazil's Vice-President and Minister for Industry Geraldo Alckmin has revealed that Japanese auto giant Toyota (TYT.L,TM) would make investments worth 11 billion real, which is equivalent to $2.2 billion, in the upcoming years in Brazil.

The minister posted on X/Twitter, that the investment plans would be soon unveiled at an event to be held in the Japanese automaker's factory in the city of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo state.

Alckmin emphasized that the investment to launch new models would create 2,000 jobs.

The proposed investment was initially reported by columnist Lauro Jardim in the local newspaper O Globo, where he stated that Toyota plans to make a hybrid car and an SUV in the Sorocaba unit.

However, the automaker had declined to comment on the company's future plans.

Similarly, Volkswagen and General Motors (GM) had earlier announced their plans to invest billions of dollars in Brazil following President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's new automaker guidelines announcement in December, which offers tax breaks to companies that produce electric and more energy-efficient vehicles.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOG) Google is reportedly working on a new emergency SOS feature for Android phones, which has been inspired by a similar feature available on Apple devices. The feature, which is known as "Satellite SOS", is set to be made available on select Pixel phones.

The news was first reported by 9to5Google, who noticed a recent update to "Adaptive Connectivity Services", suggesting the feature's impending arrival.

Users will be able to access the "Satellite SOS" option within the safety and emergency settings on their Pixel device, where it will sit alongside other similar features, such as Emergency SOS and Car Crash Detection.

Although the option does not currently yield any results, a mention of a Garmin Search and Rescue Insurance plan in one of the descriptions suggests that Google may be working with Garmin to develop this feature. As Garmin is known for its strong satellite connectivity capabilities through its range of rugged and navigational devices, this partnership could help to ensure that the "Satellite SOS" feature is robust and reliable.

According to 9to5Google, users will be able to contact emergency services via satellite for calls or texts, and the feature will also share important information with emergency services and satellite service providers. This could include the caller's location via Google Maps, as well as details from their Google account, such as their name, IMEI number, battery level, email address, emergency contact information, and phone number.

Although Google has not yet made an official announcement about the availability of the "Satellite SOS" feature, it is clear that the company is actively working on it. The feature is expected to be launched in the coming months, initially on Pixel smartphones, with the potential for expansion to other Android devices in the future.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Technology News
Indian startups had requested government officials and the Competition Commission of India or CCI to ask Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOG,GOOGL) Google to reinstate their apps in Playstore.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, IT minister of state, posted on X/Twitter, "Today, startups presented their concerns regarding a few policies of Google. Assured them that the Ministry of Electronics and IT will take it up with Google for a sustainable and long-term solution."

The startups also expressed their concern over the tech giant's arbitrary revenue share of 15 to 30 percent for its services.

"We pay only 0.25 per cent commissions on third-party payment gateway charges. Most companies do not pay more than 2 per cent, which is on the higher side. Google, on the same service, is charging a 15-30 per cent share," said Vinay Singhal, founder and chief executive officer of STAGE.

However, the U.S.-based company maintained that only 3 percent of Indian developers pay a service fee to sell digital goods or services, out of which 'less than 60 developers on Google Play are subject to fees above 15 per cent'.

Further, the developers accused that Google's billing policy gave access to every transaction done in the app, including sensitive user data.

Singhal added, "On top of that, they have asked for audit rights on our books in our office. They can basically raid our office at any point and audit our books. By doing that, they are in direct conflict with the Digital Personal Data Protection or DPDP Act, where we have to provide Google with this data without the consent of users".

Last week, the conglomerate delisted apps from 10 developers, including popular apps like shaadi.com, Bharat matrimony, and 99 acres for alleged non-compliance with its user choice billing or UCB system. However, a few apps made their way back to the Play Store by complying with Google's consumption-only model, under which the apps undertake transactions on their respective websites, instead of via the in-app billing system.

However, several companies reported a revenue cut of 40 percent within one day of delisting, while others complained of the inability to acquire new customers.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Ather is getting ready to launch their new electric scooter, which has a huge seat  Ads for the same are now on billboards

The surge in electric mobility has found its strongest resonance with scooters in India compared to other vehicle formats. Following the subsidy revision under FAME II, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are delving into the realm of budget-friendly electric scooters to entice a larger customer base. Ather is embarking on a parallel path, with its upcoming Rizta poised to revolutionize the electric scooter market.

Ather Rizta Sabse Bada Seat Massive Billboard

After launching its most expensive scooter, Ather 450 Apex, the Bengaluru-based electric mobility solutions provider has turned its gaze towards the family / affordable scooter genre. Ola Electric has seen massive success with its affordable scooter lineup in the form of S1 Air and even more affordable S1 X+.

However, Ather has taken a different approach with Rizta altogether. While Ola has kept affordable S1 Air and S1 X designs closer to original Etergo DNA, Ather has gone full regalia in carving out a completely different scooter genre. While 450 Apex, 450 X and 450 S catered to youth with sharp and sleek designs, Rizta intends to impart its rizz to attract more mature buyers and family holders.

We think the word rizz in the name is deliberate as folk at Ather Energy have a sense of humour. Ather even advertises their products in collaboration with renowned comedians like Hoezaay (450 S) and Anubhav Singh Bassi (Rizta). Now the new humour factor in Riztas marketing and campaigns includes a giant 3D billboard in Mumbai.

Said 3D billboard features upcoming Ather Riztas XXXXXXL seat, saying Scooter with XXXXXXL Seat Coming Soon. Ather further showed Sabse Bada Seat search results in Google Maps with the venue of this billboard. But it didnt work when I searched for it on Google Maps. Maybe more optimization with the keywords is required.

Why is the seat a highlight?

Ather Riztas rizz is not just with the seat. In latest teaser from Anubhav Singh Bassi, we can see that Rizta is a much larger scooter than the 450 lineup. Large scooters are appealing to families who still prefer conventional-looking scooters from the likes of Honda, TVS and Suzuki.

Even though designed for just a rider and a pillion, Indian families often tend to incorporate a child or two into the mix. For the families, it is a more economical way to start a 9 to 5 day and having a bigger seat sure helps in this regard. Larger seats might lead to larger under seat storage too.

Where powertrains and componentry are concerned, Ather Rizta will surely be a tier below what the company offers with 450 lineup. So, no aluminium space frame chassis, no mid-mounted motor, no Warp or Warp+ modes, no frills and excitement. We can see a similar-sized battery as 450 S and a rear hub motor. We can see a front petal disc setup and a rectangular digital instrument screen. This screen is likely to be the same LCD unit on 450 S. Other notable features include LED lighting all-around, alloy wheels, a flat floorboard, a large rear grab rail and the likes. Launch is expected on 6th April 2024.
After 66 years, Alpine Elementary School will be shutting its doors at the end of this school year.

In its place is a plan for something residents of this rural mountain town in East County have been seeking for more than 25 years  a high school.

There is now a letter of intent between Alpine Union School District and Grossmont Union High School District to formalize a process to bring high school options to Alpine, Alpine Superintendent Rich Newman said.

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A small high school could open on the site as soon as September of this year, Newman said. Adult education courses will also be part of a restructured campus.

The Alpine Union School District board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to close Alpine Elementary School, with board member Joe Perricone voting against the closure. The school serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

The closure will leave five schools in the district  Boulder Oaks Elementary School, Shadow Hills Elementary School, Creekside Early Learning Center, Mountain View Learning Academy and Joan MacQueen Middle School.

The district intends to move 114 of the schools 158 students, those in grades 1-4, to Boulder Oaks next school year. Boulder Oaks, on Tavern Road, currently has 272 students enrolled. Shadow Hills is a Spanish Immersion school on Harbison Canyon Road.

Alpine Elementarys six full-time teachers are being retained, Newman said, but plans have not been formalized for where they will be placed.

Alpine Elementary School, which opened for 500 students on Alpine Boulevard in 1953, will hold its last day of classes on June 13.

Im heartbroken and so are my kids, said April Daniel, the schools PTSA president and art docent volunteer.

Daniel has two children attending Alpine Elementary and another who graduated from the school and now goes to Joan MacQueen. She said she will be sending her youngest child to a charter school in Alpine.

Its a big deal and there are a lot of hurt people, she said. This school has been amazing and the teachers really care for the kids. I absolutely want the best for our community and support our school board but it is devastating. I love our school.

While Daniel and several other parents of students at Alpine Elementary School say they are unhappy about the closure, Newman said declining enrollment at the school for several years forced the districts hand.

Closing a school is something a district never wants to do, Newman said.

He said that 10 forums  five for the community, five for staff  have been held in the past three years to discuss options. A thought exchange was launched earlier this year that engaged the entire town of about 15,000, asking them to weigh in with ideas about the future of all the schools in the district.

Newman said that the districts task force assigned to look into the issue received more than 500 suggestions, and 30,000 ratings through online outreach about possible changes. Another plan examined by the task force was to move the districts nearly 250 kindergarten students from Creekside to elementary schools.

He said that offering high school options on the campus is something the community has been waiting for.

Alpine has had a great desire for 20-plus years for a high school here, Newman said. Both boards realize the importance of serving all of our students from our entire community. This is the beginning of something we hope provides options for our students to have. As we start, the high school will be small but we are just happy to be part of the process of giving the community options.

Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Tim Glover said his district has been having discussions with Alpine for several months regarding potential programs and services targeting high school and adult school students as part of a satellite program option.

Glover said the collaboration between the districts is not a first.

At this time last year, we partnered with Alpine to provide buses and home-to-school transportation, Glover said.

Since 2002, Alpine has been trying to create an independent educational district, one that unifies a high school with its elementary schools and lone middle school.

Alpine serves about 1,750 students in grades K-8; the Grossmont Union High School District schools about 22,000 students. After finishing eighth grade at MacQueen, students in Alpine typically go to Granite Hills High School in El Cajon or Steele Canyon Charter High School in Jamul.

In January 2018, the state Board of Education denied Alpines bid to add a high school to the rural towns K-8 district. That decision came on the heels of an appellate court decision upholding findings by a Superior Court judge that the Grossmont district did not have to build a high school for Alpine.

In February 2018, the Alpine and Grossmont school districts reached an accord after three years of court battles. The truce also included the Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability, a group that was also fighting the Grossmont district.

A joint statement released by the school districts last year declared that neither Alpine group would fight a California Court of Appeals decision about the matter.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
'Secretly Incredibly Fascinating' podcast host Alex Schmidt explained the little known history behind butter's varying shapes and sizes across America

@alexschmidty Alex Schmidt

Podcast host Alex Schmidt delighted thousands of TikTok users with his video detailing how butter is packaged differently based on where it's produced in the United States

He explained that East Coast butter comes in long, skinnier bars known as "Elgin sticks," while butter found west of the Rocky Mountains is short and stout, hence its nickname, the "Western Stubby"

Schmidt spoke to PEOPLE about why he thinks people are so fascinated by his trivia

Butter packaging may seem straightforward, but theres a lot to learn from what you churn.

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The Secretly Incredibly Fascinating podcast host Alex Schmidt unwrapped some little known history about the dairy industry on TikTok, and his seemingly trivial trivia captured the attention of 1.2 million viewers on Instagram.

In his now-viral video, which currently has over 96,000 likes, Schmidt explained that butter sticks are sold in two different shapes based on where theyre produced.

If you live east of the Rocky Mountains, he says, youre likely used to buying longer, thinner sticks of butter known as Elgin sticks. To the west of the Rockies, youll find a shorter, wider stick, which is aptly referred to as a Western Stubby.

Schmidt dove deep into the reasons behind the butter variants, explaining how they earned their wacky names," starting with the lengthier bars nicknamed for the town of Elgin, Illinois.

Companies in Elgin first packaged butter in wooden tubs before developing machines that slice it into sticks, he summarized. Schmidt continued, That was the U.S.s butter stick shape until the 1960s, when California started to surpass the midwest in dairy production.

getty (2) Butter

The newer California-based butter hubs crafted bigger machines for the slicing, and they adopted the new western stubby shape, he added in the video. According to Schmidts research, East Coasters refused to switch to the western stubby and built new machines for their familiar Elgin stick shape.

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The minute details of butter history stirred up TikTok users, many of whom flocked to the comments to advocate for their side of dairy history.

Feeling weirdly loyal to my long butter stick now, one person wrote. Another agreed, Ive lived on both sides. Long is better.

getty Butter

Between some conflicting arguments over which shape wins, plenty of commenters shared their appreciation for Schmidts niche fun fact. The social media sensation has actually built his following by unearthing fascinating truths about pieces of everyday life.

Schmidt tells PEOPLE that his podcast is all about why the seemingly ordinary things in our lives (like butter) are Secretly Incredibly Fascinating, hence the shows title.

He has complemented his podcast episodes with a number of short explanatory videos like the butter deep dive, covering topics like the history of the ampersand, why jokers are on playing cards and why stop signs are octagons. The TikToker believes that his fans are drawn to such trivia for a range of reasons, from being plainly curious to being afraid to ask.

@alexschmidty Alex Schmidt

For some folks it's neat to discover another way life is totally different across America. For others, this answers a minor mystery in their lives, he explains, adding that he was personally confused by stubby-shaped butter sticks after his move to California. I assumed it was something about my specific store, until many years later, when I researched butter for our podcast.

Between his podcast and social media account, Schmidt is glad to enlighten his followers about the historical depths behind seemingly simple concepts and ordinary objects. If his butter-based curiosity was once piqued in a California grocery store, he figures others may be keen to learn something new, too.

I'm thrilled we can answer that question for people all over the country, he tells PEOPLE. Especially because it's the kind of question people might be embarrassed to ask out loud. We don't bring up our burning questions about butter!



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Read the original article on People.
The Dr. Mercy Alexis Research Grant aims to advance inclusive patient care and is named after Canada's first Black female dermatologist.

MONTREAL, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ - In line with its mission of providing therapeutic skincare for all, and in partnership with the Canadian Dermatology Foundation (CDF), the dermatologist-developed skincare brand CeraVe is thrilled to announce the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Mercy Alexis Research Grant in Skin of Color Dermatology. It is granted to an outstanding dermatologist investigator with a research project aimed to improve dermatological care for patients across the skin spectrum.

From left to right: Dr. Gordon Searles (former CDF President) and Dr. Tashmeeta Ahad (CNW Group/CeraVe Canada)

The grant has been awarded to Dr. Tashmeeta Ahad, a clinical instructor and director of translational photomedicine research at The University of British Columbia (UBC) Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, for her groundbreaking project on "Longitudinal non-invasive optical biopsy of keratinocyte cancers to monitor efficacy and response to treatment."

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This inaugural research grant in skin of colour dermatology is a crucial step in supporting a more inclusive dermatological field in Canada, ultimately leading to transformative advancements in patient care.

"At CeraVe, we firmly believe in research that pushes the boundaries of science to help Canadian doctors provide care for all," said Julie Horil, General Manager at CeraVe Canada. "This landmark partnership with the CDF honours our commitment to addressing need gaps in dermatological care to improve quality of life for a diverse patient population."

This initiative celebrates the life and memory of Canada's first Black female dermatologist, Dr. Mercy Akuffo Alexis. Growing up in Ghana and later in the U.K. and the Netherlands, Dr. Alexis practiced dermatology in Toronto for more than four decades and was recognized by her peers as a visionary in her field.

Her legacy of hard work and commitment will continue to leave an enduring impact on the profession of dermatology, the many students, colleagues, and organizations she touched throughout her career. Most notably on her son, Dr. Andrew Alexis, Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

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"My mother was a trailblazer and a true inspiration to me," said Dr. Alexis. "I am deeply touched that she is being honoured in such a way and that her mission of inclusivity can live on through this research grant."

Corporate donor support such as this enables the fostering of new research and talent by the CDF and ensures future excellence in scientific discoveries, new treatments, and education that benefits the specialty and patients alike.

"On behalf of all at CDF, thank you to CeraVe for their generous support of dermatology research in Canada. I look forward to witnessing the beginning of this historic grant," said Dr. Youwhen Zhou, President of the Canadian Dermatology Foundation.

For more information about CDF Research Grants, please visit: https://cdf.ca/

ABOUT CERAVE

Founded in 2005 and developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a complete line of products containing essential ceramides and MVE technology to help restore the skin's natural protective barrier. CeraVe has a full line of accessible skincare products to follow the dermatologist-recommended steps of: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect.

ABOUT CDF



Established in 1969, the Canadian Dermatology Foundation (CDF) is Canada's only national, not-for-profit funder of basic and applied dermatology research. Thanks to our supporting organizations, the CDF has invested more than $10 million in dermatological research in Canada and has funded more than 200 studies and research initiatives that have led to the advancement of life altering treatments of skin, hair and nail diseases. These extraordinary gains are recognized globally and, through ongoing support, future breakthroughs will be added to the list of prestigious endeavours lead by our funded clinical researchers.

SOURCE CeraVe Canada

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View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2024/04/c2342.html
Paleontologists from the University of California, Davis, and Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of Natural History estimate that Perucetus colossus, a giant basilosaurid whale from the Eocene of Peru, weighed 60-70 tons assuming a length 17 m.

Perucetus colossus lived approximately 39 million years ago (Eocene period) in what is now Peru.

First described in 2023, this species was a type of basilosaurid, a family of extinct cetaceans that lived during the Eocene and are known from all continents, including Antarctica.

Perucetus colossus bones are unusually dense, said University of California, Davis Professor Ryosuke Motani and Smithsonian Institutions Dr. Nicholas Pyenson.

Mammal bones usually have a solid exterior and are spongy or hollow in the center. Some animals have more of the center filled in with solid bone, making them dense and heavy.

In aquatic animals, heavy bones can offset buoyancy from body fat and blubber, allowing the animal to maintain neutral buoyancy in water or  in the case of the hippopotamus  to walk on river beds.

The fossil whale bones have both extensive in-filling and extra growth of bone on the outside as well, a condition called pachyostosis also seen in some modern aquatic mammals, such as manatees.

In 2023, paleontologists estimated a body mass for Perucetus colossus of 180 metric tons (ranging from 85 to 340 metric tons).

This would make Perucetus colossus as heavy as, or heavier than the biggest blue whales known, even though it is considerably shorter at 17 m long compared to a blue whale at about 30 m.

These estimates would make Perucetus colossus impossibly dense, Professor Motani said.

It would have been a job for the whale to stay at the surface, or even to leave the sea bottom  it would have required continuous swimming against the gravity to do anything in the water.

The authors reexamined the assumptions used to make those estimates.

The first problem is that the original study used the fossil bones to estimate the weight of the skeleton, then extrapolated to the weight of the entire animal, assuming that the skeletal and non-skeletal mass would scale at the same rate with increasing body size, they said.

But measurements of other animals show this is not the case.

The original estimates also overestimated how much overall body mass increases as a result of pachyostosis.

But evidence from manatees shows that their bodies are relatively light relative to their skeletal mass.

Professor Motani and Dr. Pyenson estimate that the 17-m long Perucetus colossus weighed in at 60 to 70 tons, considerably less than the known weights of blue whales.

An individual of Perucetus colossus that grew to 20 m could weigh over 110 tons, still well short of the largest blue whales at 270 tons.

The new weight allows the whale to come to the surface and stay there while breathing and recovering from a dive, like most whales do, Professor Motani said.

The results appear online in the journal PeerJ.

_____

R. Motani & N.D. Pyenson. 2024. Downsizing a heavyweight: factors and methods that revise weight estimates of the giant fossil whale Perucetus colossus. PeerJ 12: e16978; doi: 10.7717/peerj.16978
By Victoria Waldersee and Christina Amann

WOLFSBURG, Germany (Reuters) - Volkswagen will not consider a stock market listing for its battery unit until its factories are up and running and its unified battery cell is in use, the division's boss told Reuters, essentially ruling out a possible IPO before 2026.

Thomas Schmall's comments provide the best indication so far for when Europe's top carmaker may float its PowerCo battery business on the stock exchange, as a follow-up to bringing in an outside investor or entering strategic partnerships with other cell manufacturers.

"In a second step, an IPO remains an option for the future. However, this will only become an issue once the factories are up and running and the standardised cell is in use," he told Reuters.

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Volkswagen split off its battery unit in mid-2022, investing 20 billion euros ($21.7 billion) with partners to build plants reaching 240 gigawatt hours of capacity by 2030 in a move it hoped would give it greater control of its supply chain and help it catch up with Tesla.

The unit, aiming for 20 billion euros in sales by the end of the decade, has so far announced three battery cell factories in Salzgitter, Valencia and Ontario to open in 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively.

It plans to use its unified cell, a single cell design available in three different chemistries, across at least 80% of its electric cars from 2025 - making 2026 the earliest time when Schmall's conditions for a listing would be met.

PowerCo has so far shied away from being specific about the timing of a potential IPO, only saying it planned to have the business investor-ready from 2024.

Schmall, for the first time, also ruled out another plant in Europe for now.

"At the moment this is not on the table from both a competitive and cost perspective," he said.

Capital-market enthusiasm for EVs has cooled as sales growth slowed and financial losses have piled up, with smaller companies from Polestar to Fisker struggling to amass the finances for EV development.

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The IPO market last year saw its lowest level of activity since 2016 as high borrowing rates held investors back.

"Public market investors want to see cash flow," said Chris Burns, CEO of anode material supplier Novonix.

Battery cell makers needed early offtake agreements and strong partnerships with carmakers to gain trust from the beginning, he added.

"The sentiment is very poor... it's just not a good time," said Andy Leyland, founder of battery supply chain consultancy SC Insights.

($1 = 0.9211 euros)

(Reporting by Victoria Waldersee and Christina Amann in Wolfsburg; Additional reporting by Nick Carey in London; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Louise Heavens)
plate of General Tso's chicken - Danny4stockphoto/Getty Images

There's a lot of common dishes you'll find in American Chinese restaurants -- things like egg drop soup, kung pao chicken, moo shu pork, beef with broccoli, and all manner of noodle dishes. But there might not be a single more iconic Chinese dish to Americans than General Tso's chicken, battered and fried chunks of poultry tossed in a sweet, tangy sauce and typically served alongside broccoli.

But that's the thing: it's a dish you'll find in American Chinese restaurants but not at all in restaurants in China. To understand why, you have to understand where the dish came from in the first place, and how its creation isn't just apart from modern China, it's actually antithetical to modern China. See, General Tso's chicken -- named after a historical general who definitely never ate any of it -- wasn't actually created in America. It was first invented in Taiwan by a chef who'd been part of the Nationalist government of China -- the group that was deposed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1948.

Read more: The Ultimate Ranking Of The Best Fried Chicken Chains

General Tso's Was Created As A Direct Result Of The Rise Of The CCP

General Tso's over rice - from my point of view/Shutterstock

First, a real quick lesson on 20th century Chinese history. In 1912, the last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty abdicated the throne, bringing an end to the millennia-old Chinese Imperial system of government. This gave way to the Republic of China (ROC), a fractious Nationalist government which didn't really have control over large parts of the country and which was eventually given the boot from the Chinese mainland in 1948 by the CCP. The ROC, however, fled to Taiwan. They're still there today; Taiwan is actually still formally known as the Republic of China.

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How does this relate to General Tso's chicken? Because the chef who first created it, Peng Chang-kuei, created it as a direct result of that 1948 exile. Peng, a top caterer for the Nationalist government, fled the Chinese mainland along with them, and continued his duties in Taiwan. It was there in 1955 during a visit by Admiral Arthur W. Radford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, that Peng supposedly created General Tso's for the first time (although notably, Peng himself did not remember when he'd first made it). Peng named it after Zuo Zongtang, a 19th century general who was a legend in Peng's home province of Hunan.

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General Tso's Is Popular In America And Taiwan, But Not China

General Tso's with broccoli - Danny4stockphoto/Getty Images

Whoever Peng first made it for, the dish was so popular that it's no wonder it eventually spread from there. It became popular in Taiwan first, but when Peng opened a restaurant in New York City in 1973, it hit American shores. It's been a staple on American Chinese menus ever since. It's also still popular in Taiwan, where a chain named after Peng, Peng's Gourmet and Banquet, still operates today.

But you're not going to find the dish in China, for some pretty obvious reasons. The CCP isn't exactly going to be fond of a dish not only created by a former Nationalist chef, but named after a 19th century military figure from a governmental age in China of which they were not, historically, big fans. Also, you can't even get broccoli in China anyway; chefs instead use a leafy green vegetable called gai lan. So if you want to enjoy General Tso's, don't look for it on your next trip to Shanghai.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
MILAN  In challenging times, focusing on creativity at the right price is the strategy to pursue, and the value of a trade show is accentuated, according to the organizers of White Milano here.

Fairs are more important than ever, as you can quickly see many collections and meet other buyers all at once, contended Massimiliano Bizzi, founder and art director of White Milano. The fair will always be business-to-business only, but after its doors close in the evening, the Tortona area [where the trade show takes place] must grow as an event destination for the Milanese, opening up to the city.

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He said he also hoped that an increased presence of textile companies will lead to the organization of events that will emphasize the awareness of the quality and uniqueness of the Italian supply chain.

Despite pouring rain, the four-day event, which closed on Feb. 25 and showcased fall collections, reported a total of 18,096 visitors, with a 10 percent increase in foreign buyers. In September, attendees amounted to 16,314.

Simona Severini, head of fashion research, promotion and development at White Milano, painted a dark picture of the current global and social economic environment. The situation is disastrous. Europe is our core business; if boutiques in Italy are struggling, its even worse in Germany and Austria. However, theres also a serious crisis in France and the Netherlands. Scandinavia is holding up because it always preferred brands with distinctive designs, said Severini. Meanwhile, the United States are increasingly buying domestic products. As for the Middle East, because of the tragic conflict between Israel and Palestine, their fashion events were canceled in a show of solidarity. Plus their cold season lasts so briefly that it doesnt justify winter orders.

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According to Severini, the pandemic has leveled the playing field for everyone. Stores that reached a 35 to 40 percent sellout are lucky. Thats scary since reaching break-even requires at least a 50 to 60 percent sellout, she added.

Likely to boost business and visibility, White Milano exhibitors deliberately ignored the quiet luxury trend and instead sought out highly distinctive collections. The stands were filled with creativity, vibrant prints, striking materials often in surprising pairings, and strong brand identities at reasonable prices.

The small and medium-sized brands joining White Milano know that this is their moment because many stores are reconsidering the budgets requested by major brands, even at the risk of not buying them anymore, contended Severini. They seek collections carrying a distinctive message rather than branding strategies.

Case in point, Yangkehan, the Chinese brand founded three years ago by designer Kehan Yang, who trained in Birmingham, England, was an example of a creative brand at the right price. Passionate about her countrys history, Yang wants to telegraph it through what surrounds us daily, including clothes. My collections are mainly based on silks, wools, cashmere and traditional fabrics such as gambiered Canton gauze, almost always handmade and printed with reinterpretations of ancient stories, objects or paintings, as in the case of the collection inspired by the great Dunhuang frescoes in the city of Gansu, she said.

Yangkehan

Also from China comes Miao Ran, the fashion designer based in Milan who founded Miaoran in 2015. Im obsessed with the research of fabrics and crafts, like crochet, he explained, my strength lies in my ability to contain prices while offering high-quality products.

Another brand with a strong connection between modernity and tradition is IA London, founded by the Russian Ira Iceberg, who has long been settled in the U.K. For fall, black oversized jackets and dresses are adorned with highly detailed reproductions of Victorian lingerie items, gloves and jewelry found at the Victoria & Albert Museum, which she meticulously placed on her garments.

IA London

Prototype: AM is a Berlin-based brand focused on experimental outerwear, where down jackets are transformed into avant-garde silhouettes made-to-measure to avoid any kind of overproduction. Yume Yume also stood out for the extreme design of futuristic shoes, with exaggerated shapes enriched by distinctive elements such as the red heart-shaped heel.

Samantha Virginio is an Italian creative based in Miami, where she developed an idea of contemporary craftsmanship entirely made in Italy. For knitwear, deadstock yarns are selected to ensure no further waste is produced, she said. One of the key elements of her collection is the Petal technique, a demi-couture process that constructs a garment with many three-dimensional petals.

Samanta Virginios The Athlete look.

Vusciche, the circular fashion brand founded in 2020 by Diana Eugeni Le Quesne in the Abruzzo region, reuses traditional fabrics, such as ancient blankets and unused bedspreads. Cinzia Macchi, the founder of La Milanesa, also focused on recycled materials for her bags with a strong solidarity spirit, as part of the proceeds go to support women in need. Also, for this season, each La Milanesa model is named after a woman victim of gender-related killings in 2023. Women were also the focus of the capsule collection of maxi scarves by Faliero Sarti that pays tribute to Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh and Amelia Earhart.

Also worth mentioning were Sittingsuits from Denmark, the colorful, windproof and water-repellent padded designs that enhance outdoor experiences; the vibrant hues of Cettina Bucca, inspired by the vibe of huge street murals, and the artworks transformed into silk scarves by JEssentia, the brand crafted by Francesca Jennifer Puzzo.

Best of WWD
London stocks had fallen further into the red by midday on Monday, with caution in the air ahead of this weeks Budget.

The FTSE 100 was down 0.5% at 7,647.28 .

On Wednesday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will present the Spring Budget to Parliament at 1230 GMT in what is likely to be the last major economic update before the upcoming general election.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Speculation over whats in and whats out of Jeremy Hunts budget is reaching fever pitch, ahead of the big reveal on Wednesday. What appears clear is that the Chancellor has a lot less fiscal room to play with than he hoped, which is why hes played down speculation about significant tax cuts.

"Warnings are coming thick and fast, from the Office of Budget Responsibility and the International Monetary Fund, about the financial irresponsibility of offering big sweeteners. Given the huge borrowing commitments the government already has to honour, it seems unlikely there will be a big fanfare of an income tax giveaway. However, a further cut to National Insurance is still on the cards. There is though likely to be a good deal of other tinkering by Houdini Hunt, who is set to show a sleight of hand with an array of smaller moves to try and please the voters ahead of the election.

"With blue-chip stocks finding it hard to regain their mojo and the swoop on British companies continuing, rumours are swirling that Jeremy Hunt will try and revitalise the London markets, by offering tax incentives to retail investors.

"While and increase to the annual ISA allowance would be hugely welcome, he should steer clear of introducing a British ISA. This would add unnecessary complexity and could have a negative impact on UK investors. Even if such a move did persuade people to invest more in the UK, it could end up increasing risk for investors. It could unnecessarily concentrate portfolios, which could be a detriment, especially if there was more volatility in the London markets compared to others. A separate British ISA might end up providing no additional boost to UK investment. Those who already max out their 20,000 ISA allowance could simply hive off all their existing UK holdings to the British ISA, and use the extra wiggle room to invest more overseas in their usual ISA."

In equity markets, Ocado was under the cosh again after results last week and amid the prosect of a potential legal battle with Marks & Spencer.

Hipgnosis tumbled as the value of its music portfolio was cut by more than a quarter and the company said it would need to use free cash to pay down debt. As a result, it does not plan to begin paying dividends again "for the foreseeable future".

On the upside, Aviva reversed earlier losses to trade a little higher, after saying it had made its first foray into the Lloyds insurance market with the 242m purchase of underwriting syndicate Probitas.

Shipping broker Clarksons rallied as it posted record full-year profits, with revenue driven by strong growth in its broking, support and research divisions.

BP was firmer after Jefferies upgraded shares of the oil giant to buy from hold and lifted the price target to 570p from 520p, saying it expects the stock to continue to close its valuation gap versus peers.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,647.28 -0.46%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,269.22 -0.44%

techMARK (TASX) 4,370.16 -0.16%

FTSE 100 - Risers

BT Group (BT.A) 106.60p 1.86%

Endeavour Mining (EDV) 1,338.00p 1.06%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 378.40p 0.96%

BP (BP.) 475.35p 0.78%

BAE Systems (BA.) 1,259.00p 0.72%

Melrose Industries (MRO) 629.80p 0.64%

Fresnillo (FRES) 466.50p 0.63%

Ashtead Group (AHT) 5,754.00p 0.56%

GSK (GSK) 1,671.00p 0.55%

SEGRO (SGRO) 866.60p 0.44%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Ocado Group (OCDO) 450.60p -5.34%

Entain (ENT) 888.00p -3.14%

Kingfisher (KGF) 227.00p -2.32%

Anglo American (AAL) 1,720.40p -2.29%

Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,257.50p -2.29%

Mondi (MNDI) 1,381.50p -2.16%

St James's Place (STJ) 500.80p -2.15%

Rentokil Initial (RTO) 430.10p -2.03%

Rightmove (RMV) 555.20p -1.94%

Croda International (CRDA) 4,804.00p -1.92%

FTSE 250 - Risers

ICG Enterprise Trust (ICGT) 1,274.00p 3.58%

TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 3,270.00p 3.32%

Clarkson (CKN) 3,775.00p 2.72%

Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 213.20p 2.65%

Drax Group (DRX) 481.00p 2.34%

OSB Group (OSB) 441.60p 1.80%

Apax Global Alpha Limited (APAX) 156.00p 1.69%

HICL Infrastructure (HICL) 125.60p 1.45%

Spirent Communications (SPT) 110.50p 1.38%

Oxford Instruments (OXIG) 2,245.00p 1.35%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited NPV (SONG) 53.80p -14.74%

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 165.80p -6.17%

ITV (ITV) 60.54p -5.35%

Quilter (QLT) 101.30p -4.97%

PZ Cussons (PZC) 97.60p -4.13%

W.A.G Payment Solutions (WPS) 75.20p -3.59%

Dr. Martens (DOCS) 93.30p -3.57%

Close Brothers Group (CBG) 371.40p -2.98%

Darktrace (DARK) 350.40p -2.88%

AO World (AO.) 92.10p -2.75%
In the year to the end of December 2023, underlying pre-tax profit rose 8.2% to 109.2m, with reported pre-tax profit coming in at 108.8m, up from 100.1m.

Clarksons said revenue jumped 5.9% to 639.4m, driven by strong growth in its broking, support and research divisions, as well as "responsible treasury management".

The company also hailed a record forward order book of $217m, up from $216m a year earlier.

The board recommended a final dividend of 72p per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 102p, up 10% on 2022.

Clarksons said market conditions improved notably in the final quarter of the year, as a surge in Capesize cargoes from the Atlantic and a rise in congestion at Chinese discharge ports created an upturn in Capesize earnings, peaking at around $50,000 per day. This was the highest level since October 2021.

At the same time, a firm grain export programme from Brazil and sustained strength in Asian coal markets boosted demand for mid-size tonnage against a backdrop of growing restrictions around Panama Canal transits.

"Further trade flow disruption emerged at the end of the year with many owners choosing to avoid the Suez Canal due to attacks on ships in the Red Sea," it said. "This has led to increasingly significant re-routing of ships, longer voyages, vessel positioning disruption and some upside pressure on freight rates."

Chief executive Andi Case said: "2023 was a year of disruption in the maritime markets and I am enormously proud we have achieved another record year.

"The business today is a reflection of two decades' investment in our strategy, and we are confident in our outstanding team, our breadth of market-leading services, our technologies and our geographic reach to meet the growing needs of our clients in a world which is ever more complex.

"We are optimistic for Clarksons in the near, medium and long-term future."
UK aerospace engineer and Boeing supplier Senior reported a jump in 2023 profits and said it had been asked to maintain supply levels of parts for the US plane makers B737-Max aircraft.

The company on Monday almost doubled adjusted pre-tax profit to 38.3m for the 12 months to December 31, on revenues of 963.5m, up 14%. The full-year dividend was lifted 77% to 2.30p a share.

Civil aerospace, which makes up 42% of the groups market, is starting to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic, with passenger traffic volumes increasing sharply.

However, Boeing has been dogged by technical issues with the 737-Max variant with two fatal crashes and the recent blow out of a panel from a plane operated by Alaska Airlines in January.

Senior said Boeing had confirmed that production of the B737-Max would stay at 38 aircraft until any increase was approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Boeing has previously said that they plan to increase B737 production to 50 per month over the 2025/2026 timeframe.

During the pause in the expansion of B737-MAX production, Boeing has said that they will maintain the current master schedule, which for some suppliers may be above rate 38 per month, to avoid disruptions to the supply chain and support future production increases once authorised by the FAA, Senior said.

Looking ahead, the group maintained guidance and said it was benefiting from increasing aircraft build rates which we expect will lead to higher sales in 2024 and beyond.

Supply chain issues are improving as anticipated and we expect further improvement as 2024 progresses, the company said.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Texts that include personal information and profess to be from the Canada Revenue Agency are making the rounds. Don't fall for the scam, CRA warns. (Shutterstock - image credit)

Tax season is here and with it, a new scam.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says the scam involves a text message, containing a person's name and personal information, that appears to come from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

"We received reports of a text message claiming to be from the CRA which actually included the target or the victim's social insurance number, advising that there is a payment due and requesting payment be sent to a provided phone number in the text message," Jeff Horncastle, planning communications outreach officer at the anti-fraud centre, told CBC News.

Horncastle said it's believed fraudsters are capitalizing on anyone who was previously involved in a data breach.

"They're actually utilizing that information as a tool to try and steal money from the victim," he said. "The important thing to remember with this is that it's a reminder that if you have been a victim of identity theft in the past, you want to make sure that you're following the steps to prevent yourself from being a victim of identity fraud."

The agency won't request payment or sending funds through text message, Horncastle said.

"We always advise that if you get an e-mail and you're not sure, always go a step further. Look up the official phone number for, in this case, the Canada Revenue Agency and confirm with them before clicking on a link which can infect your device or providing personal information."

The same goes for phone calls, he added.

The Canadian Revenue Agency is warning of a new tax scam that residents have been receiving via text message.

The Canadian Revenue Agency is warning of a new tax scam that residents have been receiving via text message. (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre/X/@canantifraud)

"Even if the official CRA phone number shows up on your call display, you should be making sure, letting them know you'll call them back. Look up the official phone number and make that outgoing call to them directly to confirm."

Story continues

Receiving scam texts or phone calls isn't anything new for many people, but advanced technology now available to fraudsters make those scams more believable.

As the internet and social media evolve, Horncastle said, it's easier to become a victim of fraud.

"Twenty years ago, fraudsters would have had to manually dial phone numbers. Now, they have the ability to automatically dial combinations of phone numbers. They don't know who they're calling in most cases but they can target so many people."

If you receive one of the scam text messages, it's advised you report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, through their website or at 1-888-495-8501.

Anti-Fraud Prevention Month

Friday marked the start of the 20th edition of Anti-Fraud Prevention Month, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initiative.

This year's campaign focuses on how fraud has evolved over the last two decades.

In a news release, the OPP said the goal is to empower Canadians with information, tools and strategies to recognize, reject and report fraud.

"Fraud losses within Ontario and throughout Canada continue to rise to unprecedented levels, which devastates the lives of our friends, colleagues, family members and businesses," said OPP Det.-Supt. Mike Bickerton, also director of financial crime services.

Acting Det.-Insp. Stephen Buchanan said in the release that cases of fraud in Ontario "are among the highest in the country."

"Please take the time to spread the word on fraud awareness. Educate your loves ones and those around you on how to identify indicators of fraud," Buchanan said.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced the imminent launch of the Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre, a globally recognized institution that will operate as a collaborative effort between academia, the government, the private sector, and startups. Speaking virtually at the inaugural session of the All India Research Scholars Summit (AIRSS) 2024 at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT), the minister revealed that the research facility would be established through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Chandrasekhar highlighted the uniqueness of the Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre, describing it as a comprehensive institution that would initially be co-located with the Semiconductor Complex Limited. Subsequently, the center is expected to evolve into an independent semiconductor research organization, positioning itself as a significant player in semiconductor research globally, competing and collaborating with institutions like IMEC, MIT Microelectronics, USA, and ITRI, Taiwan.

The research center is poised to foster a vibrant ecosystem, engaging top-notch universities and colleges across India in diverse research areas, ranging from materials and physics to transistors, devices, packaging, and system innovation.

The minister emphasized the rapid growth and vibrancy of the semiconductor ecosystem in India , which commenced just two years ago. He noted the progress made since January 2022, highlighting India's transformation into a semiconductor nation aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Chandrasekhar credited India's semiconductor ecosystem for its significant strides in design innovation on chips and devices, making up for decades of lost opportunities.

Furthermore, he pointed out the burgeoning product ecosystem in automotive, industrial, telecom, and computer sectors, leveraging the advancements in design innovation. The minister highlighted the increasing interest from international semiconductor companies like Tower Semiconductor, Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation of Taiwan, Micron, and others, setting up characterization, testing, and manufacturing units in India. The development reflects a substantial shift towards achieving self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing and positioning India as a key player in this critical sector.
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are expected to begin trading flat on Monday, March 4, 2024. However, increasing GST tax collections in February and positive global cues may lend some strength. As of 7:20 am, the Gift Nifty futures were nearly unchanged at 22,500 levels, which suggests a tepid open.

Vedanta: Vedanta Resources, the parent company of Mumbai-based mining giant Vedanta Limited, has announced its intentions to reduce its debt by up to $3 billion over the next three years. This information was disclosed by a senior official at an analyst meeting. The company has no plans to renew its loans in the coming years. "Our priority is deleveraging. We plan to reduce Vedanta Resources debt by $3 billion in the next three years. The pre-growth capex cash flow of Vedanta Ltd is projected to be USD 3.5-4 billion for the fiscal year 2025, which is adequate for secured debt maturities of USD 1.5 billion", said Navin Agarwal, Vice Chairman of Vedanta Ltd and a member of the Promoter Group at an analysts meeting, reported PTI.

LIC Housing Finance: The company plans to raise funds for eco-friendly housing projects by issuing green bonds in the upcoming fiscal year. In the upcoming year, we will explore green financing and utilize the funds for financing green housing projects," said Tribhuwan Adhikari, Managing Director and CEO of LIC Housing Finance, reported PTI. The company has planned a board meeting on March 7th to talk about their borrowing strategy for the fiscal year 2024-2025. LICHFL is optimistic about reaching a net profit of Rs 5,000 crore by the end of the current financial year due to strong loan demand and expansion in non-core business. Adhikari added this information.

Reliance Industries: The company, led by Mukesh Ambani, is planning to explore pumped storage projects (PSP) for hydroelectric power, with a strong emphasis on clean energy, as per two insiders. Reliance New Energy, a subsidiary of the company, is actively seeking appropriate locations for these ventures, according to the sources. "RIL is in the process of identifying potential PSP sites and intends to participate significantly in bidding for these projects," said one of the two individuals.

Signature Global: Signature Global, a real estate firm, announced on Sunday that it has sold more than 1,000 apartments in its luxury housing project located in Sector 37D of Gurugram. This has generated over Rs 3,600 crore in revenue for the company. The success of this project is attributed to the strong demand for residential properties, especially in the luxury segment. In a regulatory filing, the company revealed that it had achieved sales exceeding Rs 3,600 crores even before the official launch of its latest premium residential development project, 'DE LUXE-DXP'.

SJVN: On Sunday, the state-owned power production company made an announcement that its subsidiary, SJVN Green Energy, has won a 200 MW solar project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam. The project will be developed on a build-own-and-operate basis and is expected to cost Rs 1,100 crore. According to a company statement, SJVN secured the 200 MW capacity through tariff-based competitive bidding for the development of solar projects in the 1,125 MW Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) Solar Park located at Khavda, Gujarat.

Godrej Properties: A real estate developer has recently finalized the agreements to build a township project in North Bengaluru. The project will cover 62-acres and is going to work on a profit-sharing basis. The developer anticipates that this project will provide 5.6 million square feet of saleable area, with an estimated booking value of Rs 5,000 crore. The company plans to initiate the first phase of development on this land in the forthcoming fiscal year.

Coal India: Officials from Coal India have expressed confidence in achieving their target of producing 780 million tonnes of coal for the fiscal year 2023-24. This is noteworthy because recent media reports suggested that the company may fall short of its target by 10 million tonnes. During a stakeholders meeting aimed at informing mining equipment manufacturers about the growing demand for their products, company representatives clarified that previous statements about potentially missing the target had been misinterpreted. In fact, the company has set an ambitious target of producing 838 million tonnes of coal for the following year, which is a 7.5 percent increase compared to the 2023-24 target.

Lupin: Lupin Digital Health (LDH) is a platform that specializes in digital therapeutics for cardiac rehabilitation. The company aims to increase its customer base by ten times in the coming year by expanding its reach to new cities and partnering with additional hospitals, according to Sidharth Srinivasan, CEO of Lupin Digital Health, in an interview with Mint. In the interview, Srinivasan emphasized that the platform has successfully completed its trial phase and demonstrated that digital therapeutics can significantly improve patient outcomes, even for those with serious cardiac conditions, in the Indian context. The company has already onboarded around 5,000 paying patients within nine months, with over 2,000 patients still in the trial period.

Britannia Industries: Varun Berry, who holds the position of Vice-Chairman and Managing Director at Britannia Industries, has stated that the company is exploring the possibility of entering into joint ventures to expand its product line into high-margin categories such as chocolates, fresh dairy, and salty snacks. Britannia Industries is well-known for its popular biscuit brands, Marie Gold and Good Day. The company has engaged the services of Bain & Co., a global consulting firm, to develop a data-driven strategy that will enable it to enter the market more aggressively.
In a significant move, the Board of Directors of Tata Motors Ltd (TML) has greenlit the demerger proposal, paving the way for the separation of Tata Motors into two distinct listed entities. The demerger will segregate the commercial vehicles (CV) business and related investments into one entity, while the passenger vehicles (PV), electric vehicles (EV), Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and associated investments will form another entity.

This strategic decision follows the successful independent operations of the CV, PV+EV, and JLR businesses, each under its respective CEO since 2021. The demerger is considered a logical progression, building upon the earlier subsidiarisation of PV and EV businesses in 2022. This move is expected to empower individual businesses, allowing them to pursue tailored strategies for accelerated growth with increased agility and accountability.

Tata Motors emphasized that while limited synergies exist between CV and PV businesses, substantial opportunities for collaboration lie within the PV, EV, and JLR sectors, particularly in areas like electric vehicles , autonomous vehicles, and vehicle software.

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Motors, expressed confidence in the company's strong turnaround and highlighted the demerger as a means to capitalize on market opportunities, fostering enhanced focus and agility. He anticipates this move will result in a superior experience for customers, improved growth prospects for employees, and increased value for shareholders.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) scheme of arrangement for the demerger will be presented to the TML Board of Directors in the coming months. The entire process, contingent on obtaining necessary shareholder, creditor, and regulatory approvals, is anticipated to take 12-15 months. Importantly, Tata Motors assured that the demerger would have no adverse impact on employees, customers, or business partners. The development signifies a strategic evolution for Tata Motors, positioning its various business units to navigate the evolving automotive landscape more effectively.
Gurgaon based Healthtech startup Healthians is aiming to 500 crore revenue with profit and benefits in FY23. But somehow, the company missed to crack the targeted goal and it didnt arrive at even the midway imprint and significantly its losses spiked 55%.

The Registrar of Companies explained that, The companys revenue from operation rose up 34.13% to 224 crore in FY23 from 167 crore in FY22.

The company offers wellbeing test at-home services, and has introduced diverse wellbeing tests across 250 urban communities in India. As per the companys record, it has worked with more than 100 million tests since its origin in 2015.

According to the report of The Kredible, The sale of diagnostics services was the primary source of revenue for Heathians while the rest of the income came from the sale of supplements.

In accordance with comparable healthtech stages, its representative advantages framed 32% of the general use. This cost rose by 83.8% to Rs 136 crore in FY23 from 74 crore in FY22. Its publicizing and special expenses likewise saw an increment of 45% in FY23.

The cost of materials, legal-professional, technical service, information technology, and other overheads increased by 40.9% to 420 crore in FY23 from 298 crore in FY22. The company is further leveraging technology to enhance testing methods and improve customer experience may provide the competitive edge needed to attract and retain clients. The landscape of healthtech industry is propelling and Healthtech startup Healthians has the ability to adopt more innovative technologies to determine further success.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A man riding a motorcycle was ejected and critically injured in an alleged hit-and-run crash on the Staten Island Expressway on Sunday evening.

The crash occurred around 8:39 p.m. on the expressway near Victory Boulevard, according to a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information and emergency radio communications.

The man was riding the motorcycle New Jersey-bound when he was struck by a light-colored vehicle described as a possible white Jeep that also was traveling westbound, the police spokesman said.

The car fled the scene while the motorcyclist was taken by EMS to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

No arrests have been made and the investigation continues, the police spokesman said.
When Contra Costa Countys elections staff met with local police and an FBI agent to plan defenses and responses to voting-related threats for the 2024 election year, an unusual new risk had been added to the mix: Silicon Valleys blockbuster product, generative artificial intelligence.

In one mock scenario, a news report highlighted a problem at a local polling station, seemingly in an attempt to keep people from voting. But the news report was fake, created by a bad actor using AI to sow misinformation. Elections officials and the law enforcement officers hashed out how to stop the threat by investigating who is behind the source and issuing correct information to the public.

Now, on the eve of next weeks Super Tuesday primaries, AI-risk discussions are occurring in elections departments around the Bay Area and across the country, especially after a faked version of President Joe Bidens voice was used in a January robocall to deter voting in New Hampshires primary. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined other state AGs in condemning the AI meddling, which Bonta said had potential to damage the integrity of our voting process.

Less than three weeks after news of the fake-Biden robocalls broke in January, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission made it illegal to use AI-generated voices for unsolicited robocalls, with agency chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel citing use of the technology by bad actors to misinform voters as well as to commit extortion and imitate celebrities.

Bradley Childers, the information systems manager at the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, stands in a room with technicians verifying ballot signatures on Feb. 29, 2024, in Martinez, California. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group/TNS)TNS

In Santa Clara County, elections officials are plugged into information-sharing networks with agencies around the country, and are tracking the potential for the new AI technology to affect elections here, said assistant registrar of voters Matt Moreles. He and his colleagues worry little about AI-enabled hacking of voting systems or alteration of results, because defenses are robust. But they fret more about use of AI-generated materials to deceive voters.

Its just about spreading misinformation and confusion, Moreles said.

Artificial intelligence, after creeping into everyday life via apps such as Apples Siri bot and assisted-driving technologies, suddenly burst into prominence with the 2022 public release of San Francisco startup OpenAIs ChatGPT generative AI bot. Other companies soon followed with products that allow realistic generation of text, sound and imagery in response to user prompts.

The explosive growth has raised concerns ranging from copyright infringement by companies hoovering up online data to train their software, replacement of human workers by AI, students cheating on exams, and people spreading fake material as propaganda or political misinformation.

Misinformation is definitely something to worry about in this election cycle, said UC Berkeley political science professor Susan Hyde. Election deception is not new  efforts to discourage voting have taken place for decades, Hyde said. But AI can be used to spread false information faster and wider than was possible in years past.

We should watch out for foreign interference  thats been around for a while, Hyde said. We should worry about partisan actors ranging from the local to the national.

AI provides new tools for seeding the voting population with convincing, election-related falsehoods that can ripple through social and family networks where people may believe false information because the source is close to them, Hyde said. Misinformation that attacks the legitimacy of elections can lead people to conclude that U.S. democracy is a sham, and they may become more receptive to cult-of-personality candidates and the hyper-partisan view that we must win at all costs, Hyde said.

Marci Andino, a senior director at the Center for Internet Security, said she expected AI-aided interference in this years elections, peaking as the November general election nears.

The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns the technology could be used to spread false voting information by text, email, social media channels or publications. AI tools could be used to make audio or video files impersonating election officials that spread incorrect information to the public about the security or integrity of the elections process, the agency said in a bulletin about 2024 election security. AI-generated content, such as compromising deep-fake videos, could be used to harass, impersonate, or delegitimize election officials.

Convincing but false election results could be generated and used to manipulate public opinion, the agency advised. Systems, too, could be compromised, if voice-cloning is used to impersonate election-office staff and get access to sensitive election administration or security information, the agency warned. Or AI could create a fake video of an election vendor making a false statement that calls the security of election technologies into question, the agency said.

Chief among the worries of AI consultant Reuven Cohen is the use of generative AI to manufacture apathy as a weapon by persuading people not to vote.

Its actually easier to make someone do nothing than do something, said Toronto-based Cohen, who advises Fortune 500 companies.

Newly released software allows cheap, easy generation of realistic videos, and election meddlers can buy data from the dark web allowing them to target people according to demographics, buying habits, or psychological profiles, Cohen said.

Its a thousand times difference between where we were in the last election and where we are today in terms of raw ability to do this, Cohen said. The ease of access is the part thats concerning.

Reliable information is key to preventing damage to elections from AI, officials said, urging members of the public to seek out government elections websites and official social media channels, call local elections offices, and consume credible news sources to obtain information and confirm or reject information arriving via other sources.

The news isnt all bad. No evidence so far exists that AI-boosted propaganda could affect the outcome of an election, said Georgetown University researcher Josh Goldstein.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Bars and restaurants along Forest Avenue appeared busier than ever Sunday afternoon during the 60th Staten Island St. Patricks Parade.

In years past  with fear of COVID-19, coupled with recent pushback from Islanders regarding the exclusion of LGBTQ+ communities  crowds seemed to have dwindled along the parade route.

But with temperatures surpassing 60 degrees and not a cloud in the sky, families flocked to enjoy the festivities in West Brighton.

Along with massive crowds of onlookers, thousands of thirsty patrons headed to local bars and restaurants to enjoy music, drinks and, for the outdoor parties, a little bit of sun.

Its a beautiful day out here today, said HoBrah co-owner owner Alan Lynch. Its nice to see everybody out, its going to be a beautiful parade and, as you can see already, its definitely going to be busy.

Lines outside of HoBrah, located at 412 Forest Ave., started forming before 10 a.m. on the sidewalk.

Lynch says he wouldnt be surprised if the trend continued come March 17  when the first inclusive St. Patricks Day parade, sponsored by the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District, will be held on Forest Avenue.

I think it being St. Paddys Day on that Sunday, well have a great second parade, too, Lynch said. Everyones going to be included, so were looking forward to that as well.

Megan McEwan, bartender at HoBrah, said business is booming when asked about the large crowds that were already in attendance at the restaurant and bar.

Im really happy to see so many people out here at businesses and its just a lot of good vibes, McEwen said.

She expressed similar hope that Forest Avenue bars will see a huge number of customers come March 17.

Were hoping in two weeks, itll be just like this, she said. It should be a really great turnout for everyone.

Along with HoBrah, we stopped by the other Forest Avenue mainstays for people looking to party: The Kettle Black, located at 415 Forest Ave. and The Burrito Bar, located at 585 Forest Ave.

All three places continued their LQBTQ+ support in front of their establishments. HoBrah and Kettle Black had rainbow balloons decorating their front entrances; The Burrito Bar draped a giant LQBTQ+ flag over their second-floor window.

Despite the continued controversy surrounded the LGBTQ+ exclusion from the parade, the 2024 St. Patricks Parade seemed like an overall positive experience for many in attendance.

The weather really brought everyone and their mother out today, said Pasquale Felitti, 42, former Silver Lake resident. The sidewalk was packed and tons of people were making their way to local bars.

Feletti said he hopes to be back in a couple weeks for the second parade on Staten Island.

This was definitely one of the best St. Paddys parades yet, he added. Hopefully we can get back out here in two weeks for the next one.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues more and more tax refunds, the average amount Americans are getting back continues to grow.

Through Feb. 23, the latest date currently available on the IRS website, the agency has issued 28,945,000 refunds, nearly 18% fewer than the 35,142,000 that had been issued by this time last year, according to the latest IRS data.

The reason for the dramatic reduction in refunds issued to date is a simple one; the agency officially began processing tax returns one week later this year than it did in 2023.

Because the 2023 filing season began on Jan. 23, the IRS had been receiving returns for 33 days by Feb. 23, 2023; compared to only 26 days for the 2024 filing season, which opened on Jan. 29. Considering the loss of 7 days in this comparison, filing season statistics below continue to show a strong start to filing season 2024, with all systems running well, according to the IRS.

The average refund amount through Feb. 23 was $3,213, roughly 4.3% higher than the average refund of $3,079 at that time last year.

The average amount has increased each week since the IRS began reporting statistics on this years tax returns.

Through Feb. 9, the average had been just $1,741, but has increased dramatically now that the IRS has begun issuing refunds to taxpayers who claimed the the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

Due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which took effect during the 2017 filing season, the IRS legally cannot issue refunds or credits to anyone who claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before Feb. 15, with the agency expecting those who claimed those credits to receive their direct deposit refunds by Feb. 27.

The policy was implemented to help prevent revenue loss due to identity theft and refund fraud related to fabricated wages and withholdings, according to the IRS.

Through Feb. 16, the average refund was $3,207, roughly 2% higher than the average refund of $3,140 at that time last year.

TRACKING YOUR REFUND

If youre one of the millions of Americans who have already sent in their tax returns, there are online portals that will allow you to monitor the status of your refund.

For federal taxes, residents can use the IRS Wheres My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to see when their refunds have been received, processed and sent.

Refund status will appear roughly 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return or four weeks after you file a paper return.

To access the information, which is updated overnight each day, residents must provide their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN), filing status and exact refund amount on their return.

Once refunds are sent, those using direct deposit should receive their refund within five days, while those expecting checks in the mail may have to wait several weeks.

For state taxes, New Yorkers can visit the Department of Taxation and Finance website and click Check refund status.

This allows residents to see if their return has been received; when its being processed; if the return requires additional review; if the state requires additional information; if a requested refund amount has been adjusted and when a refund has been issued.

NEW TAX INCOME BRACKETS

While tax rates have remained the same as last year, the IRS has announced new brackets with adjusted thresholds, boasting upper limits that are 7% higher than last year.

In addition to the new tax brackets, the standard deduction, the amount you can deduct to adjust the amount of income on which youre taxed, has also increased from $12,950 to $13,850 for single filers and from $25,900 to $27,700 for married couples filing jointly.

Heres a look at the new tax brackets that will be used when filing in 2024.

MARGINAL TAX BRACKETS FOR SINGLE FILERS

$11,000 or less in taxable income  10% of taxable income

$11,001 to $44,725 in taxable income  $1,100 plus 12% over $11,000

$44,726 to $95,375 in taxable income  $5,147 plus 22% over $44,725

$95,376 to $182,100 in taxable income  $16,290 plus 24% over $95,375

$182,101 to $231,250 in taxable income  $37,104 plus 32% over $182,100

$231,251 to $578,125 in taxable income  $52,832 plus 35% over $231,250

$578,126 or more in taxable income - $174,238 plus 37% over $578,125

MARGINAL TAX BRACKETS FOR MARRIED COUPLES FILING JOINTLY
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is investigating the shooting death of 13-year-old Troy Gill in Crown Heights on Thursday, according to a report by CBS News.

After neighbors called to report gunfire, police found Gill with bullet wounds at the corner of Brooklyn Avenue and St. Marks Avenue on Thursday night.

Gill was walking home from a game between the Nets and Atlanta Hawks at the Barclays Center. He was shot near the corner of Bergen Street and New York Avenue before ultimately collapsing half a mile from his home, a police source told the media outlet.

This has to stop. Everybody has to come together and help everybody get these guns off the streets, and all these kids, because this dont make no sense, hes only 13 years old. Who did he know? What beef did he have with anyone? None, a neighbor, Dana Queen, said to CBS News.
Grocery shoppers in Canada are wondering if the climate change-related olive oil shortage is the reason for increased price hikes on the product, and when or if it will stop impacting prices.

Grocery shoppers in Canada are wondering when prices for olive oil will come down, and just how much weather-related woes are impacting crops?

On the Reddit forum Loblaws Is Out Of Control, users have been posting the prices of different containers of olive oil. In one post titled "100% No Thanks," user No-Energy-9016 posted a photo of a three-litre container of No Name 100% extra virgin olive oil with a $58.99 price tag. Another user posted a photo of the same container going for $45.99.

In another post, user meeeechelle remembered a much lower price on the product.

I couldn't believe the PC brand of olive oil at Superstore was selling for $17.99 the other day, they wrote. I've never paid more than $10.99 for it.

Expert: Droughts impacted crops in Europe

The high prices of olive oil can be traced to the droughts last summer in Europe, which impacted the harvest of olives in places which are major exporters of the product, like Portugal, Greece and Spain.

Mustafa Koc is the director of the Centre for Studies in Food Security with Toronto Metropolitan University. He says that most commodity prices are shaped by availability, but this is not always dependent on natural conditions.

In the case of olive oil, climate change is a factor, along with regular year-to-year variations depending on weather conditions. Koc says supply may also be affected by speculations, stocking and trading patterns.

Many countries purchase olive oil from countries with cheaper processes, bottle them in their own country, and sell them with their branding at a premium price, he says.

TOPSHOT - Palestinian pick up olives from trees in Juhr al-Dik in the central Gaza Strip on November 27, 2023, on the fourth day of a truce in fighting between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli government said on November 27, it had put Hamas "on notice" that an "option for an extension" of the truce in the Gaza Strip was open. (Photo by Mohammed ABED / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images)

He adds that in many parts of the world, olive trees are destroyed for political reasons  like in Palestine and Syria  or land speculation for mining activities, like in Turkey.

According to a report by American Near East Refugee Aid, a non-governmental organization that supplies humanitarian and development aid to the Middle East, the ongoing war in Gaza has turned the region's olive groves into "danger zones," depriving families of their primary source of income and destroying lands.

Story continues

Koc says that while prices for olive oil are likely to remain high due to poor weather conditions, market conditions tend to play a stabilizing role.

Even if one country has a bumper harvest and is willing to sell at a lower price, it can be harder to expect this to impact global consumer prices as competitors purchase cheaper olive oil at bargain prices, rebottle and sell them at a premium price as long as the current actors remain the same, he says.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Canada imported $224 million in pure olive oil in 2021. It primarily imported the product from Italy, Spain, Tunisia, the U.S. and Greece.

"Even if one country has a bumper harvest and is willing to sell at a lower price, it can be harder to expect this to impact global consumer prices."

Canada reacts: 'I'm not putting canola on my garlic pasta'

Many in the over 100 comments of the Reddit post remarked how expensive olive oil was at many grocery stores.

"(Loblaws is) really not more expensive than other places for olive oil," GorzekTheGreat wrote. "Just picked up a litre at Walmart for way more than I was comfortable paying, but I'm not putting canola on my garlic pasta."

Others wondered if prices would go down if future harvests produced more oil.

Sure, the prices go up this year because the harvest was bad, but next year, if the harvest is good, do you think the prices will come down, MapleTheUnicorn asked.

Future crops are weather-dependent

As for the immediate future of olive oil supply and prices, it will largely depend on weather.

Certified Origins is a global group of food producers from the Mediterranean area. According to their January market report, the International Olive Council is currently exploring how different genetic varieties of olive can better prepare for unpredictable weather conditions.

However, well have to wait until the spring when the blooms from the Mediterranean olive trees give the first inkling into this years potential crops, and if they could help relieve some stress on the market.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) invited Lt. Ben Kurian of the NYPD to join her at the State of the Union after he and another officer were attacked by a group of migrants in Times Square.

The February incident involving Lt. Kurian, Police Officer Zunxu Tian and five migrants caught national attention as video showed the migrants punching and kicking the officers when they tried to take a member of the group into custody.

Our NYPD officers are on the front line every single day working to keep our streets safe, and unfortunately now they are being forced to deal with hundreds of violent crimes being committed by those in our country illegally, Malliotakis said in a press release. The horrifying video of Lt. Kurian and his fellow officer being attacked by a mob in Times Square was hard to watch, but it shed a light on just how difficult our officers jobs have become. Im honored to have Lt. Kurian accompany me to the State of the Union to not only show support for New York Citys finest, but to also bring attention to the need for the Biden Administration to end its dangerous border policies that have allowed millions of unvetted individuals to enter our country illegally.

Per the New York Post, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) is co-hosting the attendance of both officers. The speaker also extended an invitation to the officers to join him in his box during the speech. Lt. Kurian, who is nearing two decades of NYPD service, will be Rep. Malliotakis guest for the March 7 event, while Officer Tian will be hosted by Rep. Anthony DEsposito (R-Town of Hempstead/City of Long Beach).
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The new old favourite: The Guinea Grill is back following a full fit-out (Press Handout)

After a few months shut, the Guinea Grill has reopened following a full refurbishment and a large expansion of the dining area.

The pub on Bruton place has been a drinking den for more than 600 years, with its restaurant opening in the 1950s. The new fit-out features a vastly expanded dining area and two new private dining rooms.

(Press Handout)

The expanded downstairs restaurant is essentially an entirely new space which can accommodate a further 60 guests for lunch and dinner, whilst the two new private dining spaces  the 12 seater Gallery and the 16 seat Wine Room  are found upstairs.

The new Guinea has retained features of the lauded original, meaning regular guests will be familiar with the tartan floor, the dark oak panelling, and the classic white tablecloths. The Guinea has long been famous for silver service, which has also been retained.

(Press Handout)

The food at the Guinea remains unchanged, with meat and seafood the stars of the menu. Pies, including a famed beef and oyster creation with a suet lid, have been a feature for more than 60 years. Other comforting classics, including prawn cocktail and wafer thin cuts of smoked salmon, have likewise been kept.

As Londons oldest steakhouse, beef is an essential anchor for the experience. Guests of the Guinea will be familiar with the meat counter, stocked with dry-aged, grass-fed beef from across the UK, courtesy of master butcher Godfreys of Highbury, which has supplied the restaurant since its first service in 1952.

(Press Handout)

This is the classic fare which saw the Guinea achieve high praise from the Top 50 Gastropubs list in recent years, and why it is regularly touted as one of Londons top spots for steak. The expansion and refit is the first substantial change at the Guinea since its landlord Oisin Rogers left in 2022. He later opened the Devonshire in Soho, which is considered one of Londons very best pubs.

30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL, theguinea.co.uk
As COVID-19 spread across Sydney at the start of 2020, playwright and composer Laura Murphy found herself thinking about the zombie apocalypse.

I think at least half of us, for a split second, thought, Wouldnt it be f---ing crazy if everybody that got the virus all of a sudden turned into zombies, and it actually becomes one of those zombie apocalypse films? she says. I certainly thought that.

Laura Murphys latest production is Zombie! The Musical. Credit: Louise Kennerley

That split-second thought was the genesis of Murphys latest show, Zombie! The Musical, which opens at Hayes Theatre this week. Set in 1999, it tells the story of a community theatre troupe who discovers the zombie apocalypse has started just outside their stage door.

[During the pandemic] we were confronted with the reality that musical theatre is not an essential service, Murphy says.
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The menu and vibe at the new Italian-style subterranean venue will be very different to Clam Bars upstairs. What can we look forward to?

The young guns behind Clam Bar and Taylor Swifts recent dining detour, Pellegrino 2000, are at it again, opening Neptunes Grotto restaurant in the Sydney CBD in May.

The space, under Clam Bar on the corner of Bridge and Young streets, will focus on northern Italian-style food, with a strong emphasis on handmade pasta, says co-owner Andy Tyson.

From left: Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Mikey Clift at Bistrot 916. Steven Siewert

Therell be a little more butter, more egg yolks, hand-rolled, artisanal, Tyson says. Where Pellegrino 2000 uses high-quality dried pasta in some of its more Roman-style dishes, Neptunes Grotto will go all in on handmade, with tortellini alla panna destined for the opening menu. Well have a couple of people just making pasta, Tyson says.

But dont call it a pasta bar. Its going to be a little fancier than a pasta bar, Tyson says. Therell be plenty of protein dishes and other northern Italian-inspired creations on Neptunes menu, overseen by co-owner chefs Dan Pepperell and Mikey Clift.
As the political punderati continued to pick over the entrails of the weekends Dunkley byelection, unwary internet users were still being hit with campaign ads on Monday morning from the Liberal runner-up in the contest, Nathan Conroy.

Maybe the affable Irishman doesnt want the campaign feeling to end, because there may be a few awkward conversations with his colleagues at Frankston Council when Conroy gets back to his political day job as mayor.

The acting mayor arrangements were a little untidy with Conroys offsider and deputy mayor  and Frankstons youngest ever councillor  Liam Hughes, thrust unexpectedly into the top job for the duration of the campaign.

Hughes had a study trip to the UK planned, and his absence, depriving the council of a mayor during the busy late-January period, prompted fellow councillors to pass a vote of no-confidence in their acting leader, young Liam, who protested that the mess was actually caused by Conroys abrupt decision to go off and campaign for Dunkley.
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 Sean Kelly has asked one of those questions we really dont want to find the answer to (How low can our politics go? March 4). I thought we had arrived there some time ago. Children overboard? Robo-debt? Electric vehicles ruining our weekends? A failed marketing figure acting like the Messiah, when he was really just a naughty boy? Then we had more shameful lies during the quelling of the Voice. If the best the Liberals can come up with is a shadowy figure hiding in the shadows because he is another electoral liability, in that long line of liabilities, then its time for another chapter in the ABCs Nemesis series. Perhaps its time for the PM to take the initiative and continue to raise the tone of the national conversation. Geoff Nilon, Mascot Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese Credit: Jim Pavlidis The Dunkley byelection has shown the stark contrast between the Labor and Liberal parties priorities. Post-election, Richard Marles spoke of going to bed every night thinking about how we can improve Australians lives. The Liberals merely attempted to spin the result into some sort of victory, and appear to have no other raison detre than getting themselves back into government, despite having no discernible policies. One day it might dawn on the Libs that it will take more than total negativity, opposition to everything, vitriolic oratory, denying science for political gain, and stoking fear and division to win back voters. Some positive policies are needed. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl The Coalition must rethink its nuclear power policy after failing to retake Dunkley. The Liberal candidate could not rule out a nuclear reactor in the electorate. Australians need the Coalition to explain where nuclear power plants would go, where their waste would go and how much it would cost. We know they will not be viable in remote locations and need to be close to water. Ultimately, they would be built in our towns and cities. We should be looking to our abundant renewable resources for energy security, supported by investment in transmission and storage infrastructure. Nuclear power was a 1950s solution. Taxpayers would be lumbered with at least a $30 billion bill or power bills would at least triple under the Coalitions nuclear plans. It is time the Coalition came clean on its nuclear agenda. John Grimes, Mawson (ACT). Chief executive, Smart Energy Council Did Sussan Ley just recycle Billy Sneddens response to the election in 1974: We were not defeated. We did not win enough seats in order to form a government? The shorter version was better: We didnt lose the election. We just didnt win it. Peter Morgan, Brooms Head The byelection in Dunkley revealed a disturbing trend in political campaigning. Our privilege of free speech is being increasingly abused in political advertising by the use of misinformation or just plain lies. Advance Australia, financially backed by some of Australias wealthy oligarchs, exploited these tactics in Dunkley. Advance Australia was also responsible for vigorously promoting racial fear and prejudice during the Voice referendum, as well as pursuing an extensive campaign of climate change denialism.

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A healthy democracy relies on a common acknowledgment of the facts. While there will always be hyperbole during an election campaign, there has got to be a point where we draw the line on political enablers of all colours. In America, where truth in politics has long been sacrificed to satisfy private prejudices, democracy is much the worse for it. Under Australias present electoral laws, it is easy to promote deliberate misinformation and shadowy prejudices that threaten confidence in our democratic process. We already have truth in advertising laws for consumer advertising; it is about time all political parties were subject to the same checks and balances to prevent wilful lying to win elections. Bruce Spence, Balmain With Dutton not having any substance or alternative policies presented to voters in Dunkley, his mantra if you dont know vote no has come back to bite him. Ed Gaykema, Kiama Some of the Coalitions tactics in the lead-up to the Dunkley byelection are a direct rip-off of the US Republican Partys migrant crime catch cry. Its a feature of the right of politics that when you have no meaningful policies, try and generate fear based on migrants and poor people. Stephen Rayner, Westleigh Junk food ad ban first step in tackling obesity issue I urge the PM and Health Minister Mark Butler to pick up and run with Dr Sophie Scamps private members bill on junk food advertising (Third of Australian adults obese, March 4). This is a ticking time bomb of suffering and cost to person, family and an overloaded hospital system. Striving for ideal body weight is not about appearance; it is about looking after ones blood vessels, large and small, to reduce the substantial risk in later life of heart attacks, strokes and other debilitating outcomes, all consequences Ive seen too often in my decades as a hospital doctor. Banning junk food advertising before 9pm on all media, including social, as Scamps advocates (and as already legislated in the UK) is a necessary step that would show true commitment by government. Action, not just words. Graeme Stewart, Palm Beach Andrew Wilson has lost 70kg since 2020 and thinks weight stigma is stopping many people from seeking help. Credit: Dean Sewell

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Inexpensive highly processed convenience foods are responsible for the obesity epidemic. Theyre readily available, cheaper than healthier food but dont sate appetite. A tax on them would help, but the government has no desire for any new tax given the Coalition would use it as political ammunition. So, parents could use every meal as a teaching opportunity and only provide access to ABC TV childrens shows, which are advertising-free. Anne Matheson, Gordon The problem of obesity and childhood weight issues begins very early in life. People have been offering my child sugar ever since she was a toddler. At the local swimming pool, dance classes and even at school; other parents and teachers seem to have a ready supply of chips, biscuits and lollipops to offer my daughter, without my approval and it incenses me. Its very difficult to keep your child eating healthy food when lollies are waved in front of her face and tantrums begin when mummy says no. I suggested on our school Facebook group that lollies be banned at the school, particularly when a child is having a birthday and other parents supply bags of lollies to every child. The response from far too many people was sugar is everywhere anyway, so may as well just continue to hand it out. I cant believe parents say this given what we know about obesity, diabetes, tooth decay and behavioural problems, all of which can be attributed to junk food. Nicole Taylor, Hurlstone Park With a quarter of Australian children now obese or overweight, the government needs to do more than ban junk food advertising. Ensuring school children play sport and exercise must also be a priority. Once lifetime healthy habits are formed, it will be easier to treat any problems they may have when adults. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill No-one ever brave enough on tax Ross Gittins is dead right when he says that neither of the two big parties is game enough to make real tax reforms (Stage 3 tax cuts were irresponsible  and they still are, March 4). The Henry Tax Review commissioned by the Rudd government was published in 2010, but only three of the 138 recommendations were implemented. One that was implemented was a super profits tax on the resources industry, which then mounted a huge advertising campaign against it, which was credited with Rudd losing office to Julia Gillard. The tragedy is that the Coalition did nothing in the nearly 10 years it was in power and the current Labor government is not brave enough to implement any serious change to our now creaking system of taxation. Peter Nash, Fairlight Stage three tax cuts and trickle down economics Credit: Cathy Wilcox

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Why do the major parties ignore opportunities for tax reform? One reason is that the media prefers to report on controversy rather than constructiveness. Another is that multinational corporations like fossil fuel companies avoid paying their fair share of tax for the Australian resources they consume, so they buy favourable policies from the major parties instead. Ross is right  if we enact significant tax reforms, then we will be able to spend more on the public services we need, and only the independents and minor parties are prepared to pursue big positive changes for great public benefits. Peter Moore, Newport As Gittins argues, the persistent and inane narrative that cutting taxes is an exemplar of good government has a range of negative impacts. Any possibility of resolving the housing crisis is obliterated. It means that government funding for health and education is necessarily limited resulting in an increase in the use of private health and education by those households that can afford it. People reliant on government benefits for their income will be forced to rely on meagre government benefits in perpetuity. In sum, cutting taxes benefits that proportion of the population that is already financially secure, and ensures that for a sizeable proportion of the population, life is a constant struggle. Alan Morris, Eastlakes Maths skills a plus Its farcical to call the so-called two-unit HSC maths course advanced when there are two more challenging maths courses (one-unit extension and two-unit extension) included in the school curriculum (Sydney Uni drops HSC prerequisites, March 4). Basic calculus, for example, does not qualify as advanced. The two-unit maths course is more appropriately designated standard. If there is a problem with intending or potential future university students choosing not to study two-unit maths at school, the cause(s) of that problem needs to be addressed directly. Ameliorating some of its adverse consequences by diverting intended tertiary education funds to remediating inadequate secondary schooling is not a solution. Ross Drynan, Lindfield The decision by Sydney University to remove the need for advanced maths at school is a classic example of putting the cart before the horse. This change, under the guise of diversifying the student base, is nothing more than an attempt to increase their share of the more able students into sought-after degrees. Surely the better approach would be to increase and incentivise the number of places in the teaching degree to those wishing to study maths and become maths teachers. This would address the maths teacher shortage and at the same time ensure enough students complete advanced maths to then go on prepared for the rigours of university study. Having maths under your belt is invaluable for critical thinking and problem-solving skills across all disciplines. Michael Blissenden, Dural Schools need more maths teachers.

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Ethics not exclusive May I assure your correspondent that it is possible to hold strong moral convictions without having Christian, or any other religious affiliation (Letters, March 4). Jo Bond, South Melbourne (Vic) Strong moral convictions are restricted to Christianity? Really? Wolf Kempa, Lithgow Your correspondent writing in support of ex-PM Morrisons Christian principles and their possible influence on his decision-making presents a false dichotomy. Being a non-believer does not result in the absence of convictions and ethics to guide ones life. Ethics can also be derived from humanistic assumptions justified substantially, and sometimes solely, by appeals to reason. As recent events have clearly shown, the taking of life is condemned by the devout, agnostics and atheists alike, while the celebration of love demonstrated by the Mardi Gras remains highly controversial among those of Christian belief. Stephen Foster, Glebe Strata deterrent The impact of strata fees is usually ignored by those advocates of older people downsizing from their homes (Unjust and unfair: How Karen nearly lost everything to strata debt, March 4). That ongoing, often substantial quarterly charge, combined with the insecurity of title should a developer target a smaller block of apartments and achieve 75 per cent ownership, and so be in a position to force the other owners to sell, is a significant factor in older persons staying in their long-time homes. There is an absolute need to reform the Strata Titles Act, to ensure that strata fees are capped, no major expenses are incurred unless absolutely necessary for the physical maintenance of the common property, and the restoration of 100 per cent owners agreement before a decision to sell the block to a speculator. Paul Pearce, Bronte Tyrants legacy

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Among all the bitter tears, on some mezzanine floor in the many stages of grief, was this hardest of ironies: everyone who knew Jesse Baird knew one day hed be a household name.

Just not like this.

Jesse Baird in the Network Ten newsroom in Sydney.

Jesse Baird was a ridiculous talent. He had a priceless gift for television, a sexy, effortless charm that flowed through all the cold mechanics of broadcasting to get you wherever you watched.

Old TV hands talk of those who break through the glass. With Jesse, there was no glass.
The Frenchman jailed for scaling a high-rise tower in Melbournes CBD last month without any safety equipment says the climb was still worth it, although he was surprised to be imprisoned for a week.

Anthony Andolfo told Nine News on Monday he would continue to solo free-climb towers around the world.

Of course. Maybe not in Australia, he said. I can do it again in Australia, yes, [itll] maybe be more official.

Andolfo, who spent his 30th birthday on remand, drew stunned spectators and emergency services when he climbed the facade of the Avani Melbourne Central Residences on ABeckett Street about 7.50am on February 6.
Two Perth teenagers are accused of stabbing an elderly man on a bus on Sunday afternoon.

A WA Police spokeswoman said Jasmine Alderson, 18, and her 17-year-old accomplice were travelling on a bus in Karrinyup around 5.30pm when they allegedly began verbally abusing a passenger they didnt know.

As the male passenger attempted to get away from the pair, he was physically assaulted by the 17-year-old female juvenile who then produced a box cutter, she said.

A 74-year-old male passenger attempted to intervene when, it will be further alleged, he was physically assaulted by the pair and stabbed several times with the box cutter.

The teens exited the bus and were arrested a short time later.
Residents in Perths northern suburbs have revealed the moment police pounced on a man wanted over an alleged stabbing attack on an elderly couple.

Police investigating the death of 81-year-old grandfather Colin Norton and the stabbing of his 75-year-old wife Margaret revealed the alleged attacker may be linked to a relative of the pair.

Police and St John Ambulance were called to Mattison Way in Greenwood just after 8am on Monday amid reports the 81-year-old man had been seriously injured.

He died at the scene, while his 75-year-old wife was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with multiple stab wounds. She remains in a stable condition.
The orchestra were due to perform at the Southbank Centre (Victor Frankowski)

The Home Office has refused to give young Afghan musicians visas to fly to the UK from Portugal, it has been reported.

The Afghan Youth Orchestra was due to travel to the UK to begin their UK tour at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre on Thursday.

The group are currently in exile in Lisbon and was due to also perform their Breaking the Silence tour in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls.

According to the Southbank Centre, the group is made up of musicians aged between 14 and 20.

The orchestra was forced into exile When Taliban militants returned to power in 2021. The Taliban have banned music in Afghanistan.

The group has been invited to perform in various European cities including Geneva and Bonn.

A Southbank Centre spokesperson, said: "We're extremely disappointed that the Afghan Youth Orchestra has had its visas denied, which impacts its upcoming UK tour Breaking The Silence, including a performance at the Southbank Centres Queen Elizabeth Hall planned for Thursday.

The orchestra is a beacon of hope and free creative expression: its brave young people have been forced to leave their homeland because of a repressive regime and they have found a home in Portugal, where they have refugee status.

This decision denies UK audiences the opportunity of being inspired by their brave work and they deserve the full support of the Arts community as well as the UK government. We urge the Home Office to reconsider its decision."

A Home Office spokesperson said: Musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture.

Applications have to be considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules with the responsibility on applicants to demonstrate they meet these rules.
Management consultant Simon Kennedy will replace former prime minister Scott Morrison as the next Liberal Party candidate for the prized seat of Cook in southern Sydney.

He beat local mayor Carmelo Pesce by 158 to 90 votes in the final round of voting on Monday night. Other candidates Gwen Cherne and Ben Britton came in third and fourth place with 35 and 13 votes each.

Simon Kennedy, left, and Carmelo Pesce were frontrunners to replace former prime minister Scott Morrison. Credit: James Alcock, Louise Kennerley

Labor is unlikely to contest the seat because the Liberal Party holds the seat with a margin of 12.5 per cent.

This clears the way for Kennedy to enter parliament within months after voters in the seat, which takes in suburbs such as Cronulla, go to the polls to elect a new MP to replace Morrison, who first won the seat in 2007.
He was once a TV soapie star, a familiar face in households across Australia. But in a real-life plot twist, Andrew Morley has become a king of caravan storage.

The former regular cast member of two drama series, Home and Away and Neighbours, stumbled on this unusual alternative career and hasnt looked back. Morley is just 34, but he is a man with thousands of vans.

Andrew Morley at the Scoresby yard of Store My Van. Credit: Eddie Jim

His business, Store My Van, currently holds more than 2600 caravans at 11 Victorian sites it leases or owns.

Its where many caravans go for their own break when summer is over and owners go back to work.
It was sleight of hand, in a way. He asked me my age, took my right palm, and began to draw lines on it in blue biro, tracing the major lines and then crossing them with dashes after hed made calculations. After a short while, my hand looked like a map of some remote desert outpost.

Kasun looked like an IT guy in his neat polo shirt and pants. We might have been conducting a job interview. If he was going to use any sleight of hand, we were in a light room, where Id be able to see everything clearly.

I cant say Im very superstitious, but Im quite partial to a bit of soothsaying. I rarely take it too seriously, but when its on offer, I usually sign up. I have a friend in Sydney who is very good at tarot cards, which surprises her as much as it does her circle of friends. I do think an empathetic ability is a gift, whether or not its a believable way of seeing into the future, and Im always open to meeting people who have it.

Ladies in dingy parlours in gypsy costume aside, fortune-telling is entrenched in almost every culture. In Hong Kong, if you visit Temple Street, you can find a seer who will divine your future via Kau Chim, an ancient method where a bamboo bucket is filled with flat sticks that have numbers inscribed on them, and fortunes are interpreted by reading the sticks that fall out when the subject shakes the bucket.

Japan offers something similar, Omikuji, reading fortune from numbered sticks. In Korea, its Saju, a method not unlike astrology, based on your date, time and place of birth. The Chinese read your face. In Turkey, they read the sludge at the bottom of your coffee cup. Indians follow Jyotish, a 10,000-year-old form of astrology, which differs from Western astrology in using a chart of fixed stars, not moving ones.

Fortune-telling is entwined in the culture of the Romani, who practise tea-leaf reading, palmistry, tarot and crystal-ball divination. The Greeks have been practising palm reading, or chiromancy, since before Aristotle, who became fascinated by it, as did his pupil, Alexander the Great.

Even though fortune-telling is a worldwide pastime, it has also been used by scammers over thousands of years to separate people from their wallets. Most sensible travellers stay clear of strangers luring them into dark shopfronts with the promise of revealing all about their one true love or future riches.
Recordings of the call were broadcast by a Russian state television presenter. The Kremlin maintains that NATO troops on the ground represent a serious provocation.

Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz also said British troops were on the ground, a highly sensitive detail that has already caused division and infighting among NATO allies.

The head of the Luftwaffe, Germanys air force, told officers and a general who dialled in from his hotel room how British and French officials were delivering Storm Shadow missiles to Ukrainian soldiers.

Berlin: Germany accidentally leaked British military secrets to Russia by using off-the-shelf video phone technology to discuss missiles in Ukraine.

In the call, Gerhartz discusses the possible delivery of German Taurus missiles, which have a longer range and are more precise than Storm Shadows.

If were asked about delivery methods. I know how the British do this, he said. They always transport them in Ridgeback armoured vehicles. They have several people on the ground, he said.

He also revealed that France delivers their version of Storm Shadow missiles, known as Scalp, to Ukraine in the back of Audi Q7s, a commercial SUV that costs about $130,000.

Another participant on the call, believed to be Brigadier General Frank Graefe, discussed the training of Ukrainian troops on German soil. He said after they had been trained and were ready to return to Ukraine, the right course of action would be for Britain to take over.

Just imagine the uproar if the media were to find out, he added.
Late last week, I read a headline in Israels oldest newspaper, Haaretz, that left me horror-struck: 30,000 Dead. A Stampede of the Starving. In just over four months, 30,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza and, last Thursday, hundreds more killed and wounded while charging for food in the famine-gripped north.

Furious debate rages over exactly how these people died  crushed, gunned down, or a combination of the two  but what seems certain is that Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of desperate, famished people trying to reach aid trucks.

Mourners receive the bodies of victims of an Israeli strike on March 2 in Rafah, Gaza. Credit: Getty

For four months, I have resisted requests to comment further on this conflict after having waded in with two articles in October. My first said that, as a Jew, despite the pure evil of Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, I stood with both Israelis and Palestinians. My second said that, although I had no answers for how to destroy Hamas, an organisation whose founding charter calls for the obliteration of Israel, surely it could not be done by starving, besieging, and terrifying millions of innocent people  nor killing tens of thousands of others  as retribution.

I then stopped writing. To write is to sometimes bleed onto the page. This felt too much, and besides, who would listen? Certainly no one with the power to end this disaster.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week the Sint Maarten Customs, in excellent collaboration with the Coast Guard, intercepted a container with narcotics at the port of Sint Maarten.

Customs personnel suspected that a container aboard a visiting vessel was carrying illicit items. Consequently, they requested the assistance of the Coast Guard for a joint inspection of the suspicious container.

Upon inspection, they discovered 20 bales of drugs, with approximately 470 kilograms of marijuana. The confiscated drugs were handed over to the police while further investigation into the matter took place. In the meanwhile, the drugs have been destroyed.

Due to the good collaboration between the Sint Maarten Customs and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, significant successes have recently been booked by both authorities. Both local authorities remain vigilant regarding potential maritime violations of illegal trafficking around Sint Maarten.




US conspiracy theorists monetize 'Disease X' misinformation



Washington, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



Coined by the World Health Organization to denote a hypothetical future pandemic, "Disease X" is at the center of a blizzard of misinformation that American conspiracy theorists are amplifying -- and profiting from.

The falsehoods, including that the unknown pathogen indicates an elitist plot to depopulate the earth, appeared to originate in the United States but spilled to Asia in multiple regional languages, AFP fact-checkers found.

The fast-spreading misinformation, which experts say illustrates the perils of reduced content moderation on social media sites, threatens to fuel vaccine hesitancy and jeopardize preparation for public health emergencies four years after the outbreak of Covid-19.

Stoking fears about Disease X, right-wing influencers in the United States are also cashing in on the falsehoods by hawking medical kits which contain what health experts call an unproven Covid-19 treatment.

"Misinformation mongers are trying to exploit this conspiracy theory to sell products," Timothy Caulfield, from the University of Alberta in Canada, told AFP.

"This is often their primary mode of income. The conflict is profound. Without the evidence-free fearmongering about vaccines and government conspiracies, they'd have little or no income."

The conspiracy theories particularly took off after the World Economic Forum -- a magnet for misinformation -- convened a "Preparing for Disease X" panel in January focused on a possible future pandemic.



- Selling products -



Alex Jones, the founder of the website InfoWars who has made millions spreading conspiracy theories about mass shootings and Covid-19, falsely claimed on social media that there was a globalist plan to deploy Disease X as a "genocidal kill weapon."

As the conspiracy spread to China, posts shared on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) claimed the Chinese government was rolling out mobile cremation ovens to cope with "mass deaths."

But using reverse image searches, AFP fact-checkers found the videos in the posts actually showed pet cremation services.

Last October, AFP fact-checkers debunked online posts in Malaysia that claimed nurses were being forced to take a nonexistent vaccine for Disease X.

US cardiologist Peter McCullough, known for spreading Covid-19 misinformation, claimed without evidence that Disease X was "expected to be engineered in a biolab."

He made the claim on the website of The Wellness Company, a US-based supplements supplier where he serves as the chief scientific officer.

Urging people to "be ready" for Disease X, the website offers a "medical emergency kit" for around $300, which contains drugs including ivermectin, an unproven Covid-19 treatment.

The Gateway Pundit, a right-wing website notorious for conspiracy theories, also promoted the kits in a sponsored message titled "'DISEASE X' -- Are The Globalists Planning Another Pandemic?"

"Don't be caught unprepared," the message said, leading readers to a link to order the kits.



- Misinformation goes unchallenged -



"Spreading conspiracy theories in order to make money is a grift long established on the right," Julie Millican, vice president of the left-leaning watchdog Media Matters, told AFP.

"The ones most likely to be spreading conspiracy theories" about topics such as Disease X, she added, "are also looking for a way to take advantage of their audience to profit from it."

The Wellness Company and Gateway Pundit did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

Much of the misinformation appears to go unchallenged as platforms such as X scale back content moderation in a climate of cost-cutting that has gutted trust and safety teams.

The conspiracy theories build on growing vaccine hesitancy since Covid-19, which is likely to have "far-reaching" public health effects, said Jennifer Reich, a sociologist at the University of Colorado Denver.

"Since Covid, we have seen declining support for childhood vaccines and more support on surveys for parents' rights to reject vaccines for their children," Reich told AFP.

Some believers of Disease X conspiracies vowed to reject future vaccines, according to social media posts tracked by AFP, a stance that could limit the response to real health emergencies.

"Disinformation can also lead to some segments of the population taking up either ineffective or even harmful measures during an epidemic," Chunhuei Chi, a professor of global health at Oregon State University, told AFP.

"It can become a major barrier for a society to be proactive in preparing and preventing an emerging contagious disease."

burs-ac/nro
ChatGPT-rival Anthropic releases more powerful AI



San Francisco, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



Anthropic, a major player in generative artificial intelligence, announced new models to fuel its Claude chatbot, the company said on Monday, as ChatGPT faces more rivals.

The company said three new AI models - called Claude 3 Opus, Sonnet and Haiku - were its most high-performing tools yet and were industry leading in terms of their ability to match human intelligence.

Founded in 2021, Anthropic was created by former employees of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and has been funded by Google and partnered with Amazon to develop new technology.

The company has made its hallmark to release AI models that seek to impose stricter guardrails than those behind ChatGPT and other chatbot rivals.

But this approach has faced pushback after last month's release of Google's Gemini model that was criticized for gaffes such as generating images of ethnically diverse World War II Nazi troops.

Some industry observers are also complaining that chatbots have become less impressive as companies introduce tighter controls in response to controversies involving the technology going off the rails or giving incorrect answers.

Acknowledging that safeguards could go too far, Anthropic said the new models would avoid making "unnecessary refusals" that were a problem for its earlier releases.

"Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku are significantly less likely to refuse to answer prompts that border on the system's guardrails than previous generations of models," it said.

Anthropic said its model Opus was the most powerful of the three and could outperform its peers on key benchmarks, including mathematics.

Claude is considered one of the major AI chatbot makers and is closely allied to Amazon and its AWS cloud division, which provides the company's intensive computing needs.

It has also received investments from Google and other Silicon Valley heavyweights.

Unlike its rivals, Anthropic's Claude chatbot does not generate images and only allows users to use images as requests for analysis.

The competing tools from OpenAI and Google generate images on request but executives from Anthropic believe that customers are not clamoring for the feature.

Like other AI giants, Anthropic is facing lawsuit from content makers who accuse the company of pilfering copyrighted material to build its models.

Universal and other music publishers last year sued Anthropic in a US court for using copyrighted lyrics to train its systems and in generating answers to user queries.
FALLS CHURCH, VA.  James Huang didnt love Donald Trumps bold personality.

A self-described moderate, he voted for Trump in the 2016 presidential election believing the reality TV star-turned-politician would appoint Cabinet members who would rein him in.

But as president, he got more and more crazy, said Huang, a 58-year-old former venture capitalist. And when the 2020 election swung around, Huang knew he could not vote for Trump. Huang also could not bring himself to vote for Joe Biden.

So, he left his ballot blank.

Now, Huang is holding out hope that Nikki Haley can make a dramatic comeback in the GOP presidential race and beat Trump to the partys nomination. Or, that she will run as an independent in the general election.

She might not win, but who knows what she could do to pull votes away from Trump, Huang said at Haleys Thursday night rally in Northern Virginia ahead of the states March 5 primary.

March 1, 2024; Charlotte, N.C., USA; Nikki Haley signed autographs for supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina Friday evening. Megan Smith-USA TODAY

Democrats who believe that Biden has lost his luster together with anti-Trump Republicans are bracing for a redux in 2024 with the Haley campaign on the verge of collapse.

They see disappointing options on the horizon, and many Haley voters say they are weighing alternative ways to express their displeasure. They are considering writing her name on the ballot this November or staying home altogether.

Haley has been zig-zagging the country, railing against Trump in packed hotel ballrooms, in a last-ditch effort to secure enough delegates to justify staying in the GOP race. However, the odds are not in her favor heading into Super Tuesday. Even in states with March 5 contests that Trump lost in the last general election, Haley is trailing the ex-president.

Without a better showing than she had last week in Michigan, where she received less than a third of the primary vote, Haley will be facing difficult choices of her own later this week: whether or not to end her longshot presidential bid, and if she does, whether to throw her support behind Trump.

Story continues

The somber mood of the Republican electorate is not likely to lose Trump the Republican nomination  but it could cost him the presidency in a matchup against Biden this November.

Haley supporter James A. Wilson, 59, from Mechanicsville, Virginia, said hes unsure what hell do  stay home, write in a candidate or vote for the Democratic nominee  if she loses the Republican nomination.

I wont vote for Trump, thats for sure, Wilson said at Haleys rally last Thursday in Richmond. Im retired military and January 6 was  that was it for me. I voted for Trump twice but after that, I cant.

Trouble ahead for Trump

In recent days, Haley has walked back on a pledge to endorse the former Republican president while simultaneously ruling out a No Labels candidacy and denying that she and her supporters are anti-Trump.

We had a couple of thousand people in Virginia yesterday, we had 1,500 in Utah, Haley said during a press roundtable in Washington, D.C. on Friday. These crowds are not anti-Trump crowds. These crowds are people who want to see an America that they can feel good about again.

The voters attending Haleys events dont necessarily share her view. While her more conservative supporters say they will vote for the GOP nominee, regardless of who it is, Haleys rally-goers often hold a common goal of preventing Trump from returning to the Oval Office.

Ron Oliver, a 53-year-old Raleigh resident who saw Haley speak there on Saturday, said he has identified as a Republican for most of his life, although hes no longer affiliated with a party. In November, he says he plans to vote for whoevers not Trump.

Any viable candidate, he said. So if Nikkis on the ballot, Im voting Nikki. If somebody else is on the ballot, Im voting for them. Third choice, Joe Biden. But Ill never vote for Trump.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina on March 2, 2024.

Voters like Oliver are why Democrats are bullish about making North Carolina a battleground state.

Former President Barack Obama had a narrow victory over John McCain there in 2008 but lost North Carolina to Mitt Romney in 2012. Republicans have won the state ever since  with no recent contest coming closer than Trumps nail-biter of a win over Biden, 49.9%-48.6%, in North Carolina four years ago.

The 2024 race is expected to be similarly competitive. And the mood of conservative voters at a pair of Haley rallies ahead of the states presidential primary indicates that Trump could be in trouble.

Linda Angele, a 72-year-old Republican from Davidson, North Carolina, struggled to say whether she could bring herself to vote for him in November.

I dont know. I dont know if I will or not. I dont  Ive been a Republican for 50 years, she stammered, considering the possibility. I cant see  I will not vote for Biden. I will not vote for Biden under any  but I dont know. I dont know. Its going to take a lot of convincing.

No unity with Donald Trump

Haley has been warning at her rallies that with Trump as the partys nominee, the GOP will lose races up and down the ballot. His grievance-fueled campaigning is driving voters away from the Republican Party, she says, and it will cost the GOP control of the executive and legislative branches in an election year with an unusually favorable Senate map.

In late January, Trump said he would permanently bar Haleys donors from his political movement. He upped the ante at a weekend rally in Virginia, where he said that MAGA now makes up 96% and maybe 100% of the GOP.

Last week, his campaign said it would be monitoring the Washington, D.C. primary and blacklisting Republicans who fail to vote.

After moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine endorsed Haley ahead of Tuesdays primary elections in their home states, conservative Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio signaled in a social media post that he would hold it against them.

I have a long memory. If youre fighting Trump and his endorsed candidates politically today, dont ask for my help in a year with your legislation or your pet projects, he wrote.

Haley says her biggest concern about having Trump as the nominee is that purple state voters casting a ballot for her in the primary will sit the general election out or vote for Biden.

Donald Trump can say that were unified. This crowd will tell you theres no unity with Donald Trump. All they hear are threats and the fact that he bars them from being a part of his club. They want to be a part of something positive. They want to be a part of something good. They want to feel good about their country again, she said. And they dont feel good under Donald Trump. He refuses to believe it. Just because he says something doesnt make it true. Hes got a real problem within the Republican Party.

All across the country

Rick Poplinski, a 57-year-old from the Minneapolis suburb of Eden Prairie, is among the bloc of voters planning to back Haley in the primary, but who are uneasy about a Biden-Trump rematch in November.

Its a little unsettling because Ive never missed a vote, Poplinski, who described himself as a right-leaning independent, said. I have no enthusiasm to vote for anybody else thats out there right now.

While Poplinski said he would choose Biden over Trump every time, he expressed concern that many of his neighbors would stay home on Election Day.

Trump came close to winning Minnesota in 2016 but lost to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton by just two points. In 2020, he tried again, but lost to Biden by seven points.

The strength of Trumps support in the state now, particularly among suburban voters, will be tested on Tuesday night. Few Republican presidential primary polls have been conducted of the states electorate. The latest one was fielded in late January. It found the ex-president with a more than 60-point lead over Haley in this weeks upcoming election.

If Haley can shrink that margin on Tuesday, it will further fan concerns about Trumps ability to expand the map by winning over independents in non-traditional swing states.

March 1, 2024; Charlotte, N.C., USA; Georgia Coggins, age 7, waits to hear Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speak to supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina Friday evening. Megan Smith-USA TODAY

Trump faces a similar problem in Virginia, where Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin won the governors mansion by keeping the former president at arms length.

Virginia last voted for a Republican for president in 2004, despite routine pledges from GOP candidates to turn it into a battleground state.

Falls Church resident and Air Force veteran Dan Koprowicz begrudgingly cast his ballot for Biden in the 2020 election. It was his first time voting for a Democrat, and Koprowicz, 55, says he will do it again if it means stopping Trump.

Hes just toxic, and he brings and brews hatred and animosity between people, said Koprowicz, a Haley supporter who attended her rally there last Thursday. He wants to become an autocratic leader. He wants to suspend the Constitution. These are very dangerous things.

Angele, the decades-long Republican from North Carolina, said she would be deeply disappointed if Trump and Biden were her general election options.

Three-hundred-sixty-million-plus people, and these are our choices, she said. It upsets me.

Contributing: Sam Woodward, Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today, and Elizabeth Beyer, Virginia elections fellow for the USA Today network.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley says her campaign is not anti-Trump, supporters disagree
EU's five biggest antitrust fines on big tech



Brussels, Belgium, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



The European Commission's powerful competition regulator on Monday slapped Apple with a 1.8-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) penalty, the third biggest antitrust fine by the European Union.

Here are the five largest antitrust fines on big tech firms in EU history:



- 1. Google Android (2018) -



The EU's biggest fine was 4.3 billion euros ordered against Google for abusing the dominant position of its Android mobile operating system to promote Google's search engine.

A court in 2022 said the fine should be reduced to 4.125 billion euros after reviewing the duration of the infringement.

Google is appealing the fine in the EU's highest court.



- 2. Google Shopping (2017)



The commission hits the internet giant with a fine of 2.4 billion euros as the world's most popular search engine is caught out for giving an illegal advantage to its Google Shopping service in search results.

Google challenged the fine in the EU courts. In January this year, the European Court of Justice's top adviser recommended the fine be upheld.

Although such opinions are not binding, they do carry weight and are often followed by EU judges in their rulings.



- 3. Apple (2024) -



The commission hits the iPhone maker with a 1.8-billion-euro fine for preventing European users from accessing cheaper alternative payment options for music streaming services, affecting millions of people.

Apple says it will appeal, setting the stage for another long drawn-out legal affair with a US tech giant.



- 4. Google (2019) -



In its third biggest fine on Google, the commission tells the company to cough up 1.49 billion euros for stifling competition in the online advertising business.

Google is also seeking to overturn the fine in the EU courts.



- 5. Intel (2009) -



US chipmaker Intel is ordered to pay 1.06 billion euros after the commission finds that the company had offered clients price rebates to use its own computer chips in preference to those of its rival AMD.

A top EU court later annulled the penalty and Brussels imposed a new fine of 376 million euros in September 2023.
Albania hails NATO-backed base in former 'Stalin City'



Kucova, Albania, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



Albania unveiled a newly refurbished NATO-backed airbase on Monday, highlighting the alliance's expanding footprint in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattles the region.

The base serves as the latest symbol of Albania's westward shift -- and a key military buffer in Europe as Russia wages war in Ukraine.

During the inaugural ceremony, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders".

Located in an Albanian city formerly named for Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, the site was once home to dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air on a former communist airbase.

For the past two years, the site in the central city now called Kucova has been transformed into a modern NATO-backed facility.

During the opening ceremony, four fighter jets staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats.

"The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region," said NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara.

Construction at the base broke ground in early 2022 ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine the same year that has sparked fears of a spillover into NATO and EU member states.

After decades of global isolation, Albania became a NATO member in 2009.

It was shunned by much of the world under paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who forged close ties with the Soviet Union and China before falling out over their apparent deviation from true Marxism.

The country embraced the West after the fall of the communist regime in 1990.

The new base is likely to irk Moscow, which strongly opposes any NATO expansion into eastern and central Europe -- especially in the Balkans which has traditionally been torn between East and West.

The 350-hectare (865-acre) site in the former "Stalin City" was built in the 1950s under Hoxha with help from the Soviets.

Following renovations, the facility will function as a tactical operational base with a refurbished runway more than two kilometres (1.2 miles) long and an updated control tower.

The base will also have the capacity to host state-of-the-art military aircraft and can also be used for refuelling and ammunition storage.
Albania hails NATO-backed base in former 'Stalin City'



Kucova, Albania, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



Albania unveiled a newly refurbished NATO-backed airbase on Monday, highlighting the alliance's expanding footprint in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattles the region.

The base serves as the latest symbol of Albania's westward shift -- and a key military buffer in Europe as Russia wages war in Ukraine.

During the inaugural ceremony, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders".

Rama said the base was another element of security for the Western Balkans region which, he warned, "is not far from the threat... of the Russian Federation".

Located in an Albanian city formerly named for Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, the site was once home to dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air on a former communist airbase.

For the past two years, the site in the central city now called Kucova has been transformed into a modern NATO-backed facility.

During the opening ceremony, four fighter jets staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats.

The jets flew in across the Adriatic from NATO's Aviano airbase in Italy.

Several Soviet-era MiG jets were placed at the entry to the Kucova base evoking the country's communist past.



- '360-degree approach' -



"The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region," said NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara.

Albania's Defence Minister Niko Peleshi underlined that "we must be ready to defend ourselves with the only winning formula on the table: the union of our defence forces and capabilities".

Construction at the base broke ground in early 2022 ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine the same year that has sparked fears of a spillover into NATO and EU member states.

After decades of global isolation, Albania became a NATO member in 2009 along with Croatia.

Its neighbour Montenegro also joined the Alliance.

Albania was shunned by much of the world under paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who forged close ties with the Soviet Union and China before falling out over their apparent deviation from true Marxism.

The country embraced the West after the fall of the communist regime in 1990.

The new base is likely to irk Moscow, which strongly opposes any NATO expansion into eastern and central Europe -- especially in the Balkans which has traditionally been torn between East and West.

The 350-hectare (865-acre) site in the former "Stalin City" was built in the 1950s under Hoxha with help from the Soviets.

Following renovations, the facility will function as a tactical operational base with a refurbished runway more than two kilometres (1.2 miles) long and an updated control tower.

The base will also have the capacity to host state-of-the-art military aircraft and can also be used for refuelling and ammunition storage.
Accused Pentagon leaker pleads guilty, faces almost 17 years jail



Boston, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



The US airman accused of leaking top secret Pentagon documents online pleaded guilty in federal court Monday under a deal in which he accepted a roughly 16-year imprisonment in return for prosecutors dropping more serious espionage charges.

Jack Teixeira, appearing in an orange prison jump suit, pleaded guilty to six counts of willful transmission of national defense information, but in the deal worked out between prosecutors and the disgraced serviceman's lawyers he faces no espionage charges.

He will be sentenced to up to 16 years and eight months under the agreement, and must pay a fine of $50,000 and assist intelligence officials to understand the extent and impact of his disclosures.

The Massachusetts Air National Guard IT specialist was arrested in April for allegedly orchestrating the most damaging leak of US classified documents in a decade, some of which concerned the war in Ukraine.

Had he faced charges under the Espionage Act, Teixeira could have been imprisoned for life.

Asked by the presiding judge whether he had any dispute with the evidence, Teixeira said he did not. Asked whether he knew the documents were classified, he responded "Yes your honor."

Teixeira is accused of posting the documents -- some dated as recently as early March 2023 -- to a private chat group on the social media platform Discord.

Some of the files later appeared on other sites, including Twitter, 4Chan and Telegram.

The documents, which soon spread across the internet, pointed to US concern over Ukraine's military capacity against invading Russian forces and showed Washington had apparently spied on allies Israel and South Korea, among other sensitive details.

It was the biggest such breach since the 2013 dump of National Security Agency documents by Edward Snowden and raised tough questions about access by Teixeira and other junior staffers to high-level secrets.

Teixeira was an airman first class -- the third-lowest rank for enlisted US Air Force personnel -- and had possessed a top secret security clearance since 2021.

In May 2023 a judge ordered that Teixeira remain in jail after prosecutors argued he posed an ongoing risk to American national security.

Prosecutors said Teixeira might still have access to classified documents and that "hostile" nations could aid his escape if he was released from prison.

They also cited his history of making "violent" statements.

Teixeira wrote on social media in November 2022 that he wanted to "kill a ton of people" because it would be "culling the weak minded," the prosecution wrote in a court document.

Teixeira was detained in April 2023 in a dramatic arrest broadcast live on TV networks.

str-gw/mlm/caw
Vessel targeted off Yemen: security firm



Dubai, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



A Liberian-flagged vessel was targeted off Yemen, maritime security firm Ambrey said Monday, adding that the ship had been listed as "Israeli-affiliated".

No group immediately claimed an attack. Since November, Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have fired drones and missiles at ships they deem to be affiliated with Israel.

They say their campaign is in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip where Israel is battling Hamas militants.

"The vessel was listed as operated by the Israeli company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services," Ambrey said but added "this may have been an out-of-date affiliation".

It said the "container ship was targeted approximately 88 miles (163 kilometres) southeast of Aden, Yemen" en route to Djibouti from Singapore.

"The vessel was reportedly struck and issued a distress signal," Ambrey said.

"It remained unconfirmed whether the vessel was directly impacted or sustained damage due to nearby explosions."

The maritime security agency UKMTO, run by the Royal Navy, reported an incident in a similar location at 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden. It said the ship's master had reported two explosions, one "a distance off the vessel's port quarter" and a second which "caused damage to the vessel".

UKMTO said there were no casualties reported, but the crew were tackling a fire onboard.

Later, the Huthis said in a statement they had targeted "an Israeli ship MSC SKY in the Arabian Sea" with missiles and that "the hit was accurate and direct".

The online ship tracking service Marine Traffic showed the MSC Sky II, a Liberian-flagged container ship, in the Gulf of Aden on Monday afternoon.

UKMTO and Ambrey did not name the ship in their reports.

The United States and Britain have since January launched repeated strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen in response to the Huthis' attacks.

But the rebels have continued targeting shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, and have declared American and British ships to be legitimate targets.

Yemen's government on Saturday said a cargo ship loaded with fertiliser had sunk in the Gulf of Aden less than two weeks after it was damaged by Huthi missiles.

The attacks have caused several major shipping firms to suspend passage through the Red Sea, which usually carries around 12 percent of global trade, and divert vessels thousands of miles around Africa.
NZ PM flies commercial to Australia after Air Force plane grounded



Wellington, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had to take a commercial flight to Australia for summit meetings Tuesday after the Air Force plane he was due to use broke down.

Luxon's office said he switched to an early morning scheduled flight out of Wellington, because of a last-minute technical problem with the New Zealand Defence Force Boeing 757 plane he had been scheduled to take.

Luxon's party had to transfer to a flight on Air New Zealand, the company he led for seven years as chief executive before switching to politics.

The prime minister was flying to Melbourne to attend meetings with leaders of Southeast Asian nations and the host country on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia summit.

This is not the first time there have been concerns about the reliability of defence force planes transporting New Zealand officials.

A back-up Boeing 757 was used for a trip to China last year in case of a break down when then-prime minister Chris Hipkins led a delegation to Beijing. As leader of the opposition at the time, Luxon had criticised the move.

ryj/mlm

BOEING
The winter storm is expected to bring up to 40cm of snow to some areas of the province. In the photo, snow piles on top of a car in downtown Saskatoon as snow swirls around. (Liam O'Connor/CBC - image credit)

A snowstorm sent upwards from Montana swept through southern and central Saskatchewan over the weekend, closing some roads and shutting down some businesses and centres for the day in different cities.

That fallout continues into Monday.

Saskatoon activated its Roadways Emergency Response Plan Sunday after estimating it received more than 25 centimetres of snow. It also implemented its Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Plan, which opens up emergency overnight shelters and warm-up locations among other resources for people who need them.

The Saskatoon Roadways Emergency Response Plan timeline, set to begin at the end of snowfall with priority one being freeways and major arteries, priority two being double lanes and other important routes (like McKercher Drive and Saskatoon Transit routes).

The Saskatoon Roadways Emergency Response Plan timeline, set to begin at the end of snowfall with priority one being freeways and major arteries, priority two being double lanes and other important routes (like McKercher Drive and Saskatoon Transit routes). (City of Saskatoon)

During a City of Saskatoon news conference Sunday afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said Saskatoon and communities near North Battleford were among the hardest hit as the storm moved northeast.

A winter storm warning remained in effect until Monday morning with forecasts of 25 to 40 centimetres of snow in some regions.

Saskatoon's roadways director Goran Saric discouraged road travel unless drivers' vehicles were equipped with four-wheel drive.

Saskatoon's Catholic and public school divisions have given their students Monday off. High school classes have been cancelled and elementary students were already out of school because of a professional development day for teachers.

Rotating teacher strikes are expected in some school divisions across Saskatchewan as part of the stalled contract negotiations between teachers and the province, but those do not include Saskatoon.

In Regina, the city declared its snow routes in effect, meaning no on-street parking on those marked routes for 24 hours beginning Monday at 6 a.m. CST.

There is no school in either public or Catholics school divisions in Regina on Monday because of rotating teacher strikes.

Story continues

Airports face cancellations, delays

Both Regina and Saskatoon were showing a string of flight cancellations and delays at their airports on Sunday.

Regina Airport Authority CEO James Bogusz said the weather has been a challenge.

"So far, we have seen about 10 departures cancel today but the weather is not over yet," he said in a statement Sunday afternoon.

Saskatoon International Airport departure flights as of early Sunday evening.

Saskatoon International Airport departure flights as of early Sunday evening. (Saskatoon International Airport)

The Saskatoon International Airport said in an emailed statement that it had brought in additional crews and runway conditions were good both Saturday and Sunday.

"That said, weather conditions have continued to impact flights, primarily due to poor visibility and wind conditions  as of Sunday morning, the airport is aware of approximately 30 flights cancelled this weekend due to the snowstorm."

North Battleford shuts down transit Monday

Roads in and out of North Battleford were either closed, or travel not recommended, through Sunday afternoon, according to the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.

By the evening, that had mostly cleared up.

However, it led to the potential closure of some facilities including the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre, Don Ross Community Centre and NationsWEST Field House, the city said in an emailed statement. It suggested calling facilities ahead to ensure they are operating.

Battlefords Transit also posted to social media that services would not be running on Monday.
Israel and UN trade allegations of 'terrorism', torture



Jerusalem, March 4 (AFP) Mar 04, 2024



Israel on Monday accused a United Nation agency of employing hundreds of "terrorists", and the agency alleged Israeli authorities tortured some of its staff, as tensions escalated amid the Gaza war.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has been at the centre of controversy ever since Israel in January accused about a dozen of its employees of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

On Monday, the Israeli military said UNRWA employed "over 450 terrorists" belonging to groups including Hamas.

"According to intelligence, over 450 terrorists belonging to terrorist organisations in the Gaza Strip, mainly Hamas, are also employed by UNRWA," a military statement said.

The military also released what it said were recordings of "a terrorist working as an Arabic teacher at an UNRWA school... describing his entry into Israeli territory and stating that he is holding female Israeli hostages" during the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The Hamas attack resulted in about 1,160 deaths, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 30,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.

UNRWA employs around 30,000 people in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria -- with about 13,000 staff in the Gaza Strip.

It is at the centre of efforts to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza, where aid groups warn of looming famine after nearly five months of Israeli bombardment.



- UN torture charge -



Also on Monday, UNRWA said Israeli authorities had "detained several of its staff from the Gaza Strip" who later described abuses carried out while they were in custody.

"Our staff have reported atrocious events while they were detained and during interrogations by the Israeli authorities. These reports included torture, severe ill-treatment, abuse and sexual exploitation," UNRWA said in a statement to AFP.

"Some of our staff have conveyed to UNRWA teams that they were forced to confessions under torture and ill-treatment" while being asked about Hamas's October 7 attack.

"These forced confessions as a result of torture are being used by the Israeli authorities to further spread misinformation about the agency as part of attempts to dismantle UNRWA," the agency said.

"This is putting our staff in Gaza at risk and has serious implications on our operations in Gaza and around the region."

UNRWA said it had submitted a written protest to Israel about the detentions but had not received a response.

Israel told AFP on Monday the UNRWA allegations were "baseless".

AFP could not independently corroborate the claims made by Israel's military against UNRWA or the agency's claims about abuses committed by Israeli authorities against its staff.

Several countries -- including the United States, Britain, Germany and Japan -- suspended funding to UNRWA following the earlier Israeli allegations about agency staff members' involvement in the Hamas attack.

The United Nations fired the staff accused by Israel and has begun an internal probe.

The European Commission, recognising steps taken by the UN, said Friday it would release 50 million euros ($54 million) in UNRWA funding.

Phillipe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has said Israel provided no evidence against his former employees.

Further escalating tensions, Israel's foreign minister said on Monday that Israel had called its ambassador to the United Nations home for "immediate consultations" over what it said was a UN attempt to "silence" information on sexual violence allegedly committed by Hamas.

Israel has criticised the UN for not responding quickly enough to victims' accounts of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed during Hamas's incursion into Israel.

"Hamas's weaponisation of rape and sexual violence should be met with global outrage. It demands a global response," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an army spokesman, said in a statement on Monday.
Rishi Sunak is urging Olaf Scholz to send Taurus long range missiles to Ukraine (PA)

Rishi Sunak is urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to send Taurus long range missiles to Ukraine.

Downing Street stressed that Britain had taken the lead in supplying Kyiv with long range missiles, with Storm Shadows, to defeat Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The UK was the first country to provide long range precision strike missiles to Ukraine.

We would encourage our allies to do the same.

We have been clear from the outset that the UK would provide Ukraine with the necessary aid, including lethal support, to defend itself and reclaim its sovereign territory.

The comments from No10 came as Mr Scholz has faced growing pressure in Germany and among its allies to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

In a hard-hitting intervention last week, former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace criticised the German Chancellor after the latter appeared to suggest British troops are helping Ukraine to fire long range missiles as he defended his decision not to supply the Taurus systems to Kyiv.The Cabinet minister argued that Mr Scholz as the security of Europe goes is the wrong man, in the wrong job at the wrong time.

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, added: Either we give Ukraine what it needs, or we will see more bloodshed and a complete failure of deterrence.

We gave Storm Shadow, we all have to give what we can, Scholz should give Taurus and stop holding back the security of Europe.

Downing Street declined to be drawn into the row sparked by German air force officers who were caught allegedly talking on an unencrypted call about British military support for Ukraine.

The Prime Ministers spokesman said: Its a matter for Germany to investigate and you have got Chancellor Scholzs words on this. I think he said that it is clearly a very serious matter and that is why it is now being investigated very carefully.

Lord Dannatt, former head of the British army, said the German officers should be "censured pretty heavily for the incident which has sparked a storm in Berlin, London and Paris.

Story continues

Mr Scholz is partly under growing pressure to send dozens of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine after the leak of the conversation reportedly involving his air force's chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz showed his country's military is willing to despatch the weapons.

But Germanys military was particularly in the spotlight after a reported transcript of the talks, believed to have been released by Russia, appeared to give more details of how Britain and France are respectively supplying Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles to Kyiv.

Lord Dannatt told Times Radio: "I was very disappointed to read that story. I think the German air force officers who were talking on an open line, frankly, they should be censured pretty heavily.

"They are suggesting that there are British people in Ukraine. It's not for you or me to comment on that. We have provided a lot of equipment to them. We provided a lot of training.

"As far as I'm concerned, I think what they were talking about was whether they would or wouldn't supply a German system akin to our Storm Shadow. I suspect that we do our training on Storm Shadow, either in this country or in Poland or elsewhere. It's not for you or I to confirm or deny whether there are British military in Ukraine."

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky warned against "weak decisions" delaying military supplies as Mr Scholz faced mounting pressure to sent Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky also shone the spotlight on Republicans in Washington blocking a huge military aid package for Ukraine which Joe Biden wants to despatch.

Ukraine's president stressed that if Putin was allowed to win the war he had unleashed on Ukraine more than two years ago it would "go down in history as one of the most shameful chapters".

After the latest Russian attacks which hit civilian areas, Mr Zelensky appealed to allies: "Every partner knows what is required. The main thing is political will to make it happen.

"To ensure a level of supplies that will help. If this doesnt happen and America or Europe lose to Iranian "Shaheds" or Russian jets, it will go down in history as one of the most shameful chapters.

"Evil should never be encouraged. Neither by weak decisions, delays in supplies, or indecision."

Ukraine's president stressed further: "Despite the significant shortage of artillery, our heroic warriors are holding out against the onslaughts and defending their positions. It is extremely difficult. These are losses. This is pain.

"We are waiting for vital supplies, waiting specifically for an American decision. The support is crucially needed."

Britain has led the world in supplying Kyiv with military equipment, including anti-tank weapons, Challenger II tanks and long-range missiles.

Germany, while being slower to agree to provide weapons, is now the second largest military donor to Ukraine, behind the US.




Bernhard portrayed, Belinda Tuttle, a hokey personal injury lawyer, whom Todd is all too familiar with from his early days as a Private Investigator. Belinda has found herself accused of murder amid an insurance fraud scheme gone awry, leading to an accidental death. She is desperate for representation and turns to Margaret, offering double her usual rate in cash. Despite Todds warnings and the potential damage to the firms reputation, the offer is too good for Margaret to refuse, given the firms dire financial state.





"The Queen of Courts  SO HELP ME TODD, Pictured: Sandra Bernhard as Belind aTuttle, Skylar Astin as Todd and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret. Photo: Ed Araquel/CBS 2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved





Bernhards Belinda is a master of manipulation, using tactics in court that push ethical boundaries. However, the twist comes when Todd uncovers that the real fraudster is Belindas ex- personal assistant, who has been impersonating her in a series of insurance scams. As Margaret and Belinda use stall tactics to buy time in court, Todd and Lyle work together to bring the assistant to justice, marking a significant win for Margaret and the firm.





"The Queen of Courts  SO HELP ME TODD, Pictured: Sandra Bernhard as Belind aTuttle and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret. Photo: Ed Araquel/CBS 2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved



This episode delved deep into Margarets professional challenges, highlighting the pressures and sacrifices that have come with being promoted to named partner. The idealistic version of what Margaret pictured of partnership faded quickly, as she faced the firms financial crises, leading to difficult decisions, including firing employees and resorting to Belinda style tactics, in order to buy more time to pay off overdue bills. The narrative really highlighted how alone Margaret feels, as she keeps the firms troubles a secret. However, her choice to keep quiet about the financial struggles the firm is facing, forced her to alienate Susan, who feels sidelined and undervalued. Susan feels that she has earned a promotion to Senior Associate, a move Margaret would have supported wholeheartedly before the firms financial strain from ex-partner Songs embezzlement. Now, the firm cannot cover the increased salary that would come with promoting Susan. Margarets choice to abruptly dismiss Susans request, instead of letting her in on what is really going on, leads Susan to feel like she is not as valued by Margaret as she once thought. Margaret is typically a very straight-forward person, so it is a mystery as to why she is not letting Susan in on what is really going on. This choice could ultimately drive Susan to walk away and look for work at a different firm.





"The Queen of Courts  SO HELP ME TODD, Pictured: Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret. Photo: Ed Araquel/CBS 2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved



Two romantic subplots added layers to the episode, Heather Morriss Judy, a barista with a surprising academic background showing interest in an oblivious Todd. As usual, Todd is too preoccupied with his own problems to even notice that this sweet, nice looking girl is flirting with him. Meanwhile, Lyle and Alex finally decide to take their relationship to the next level. Although Lyle is super confident at work, he is anything but in his personal life and therefore it was super sweet to see him persuade Alex to stay over at his place in a totally Lyle way, by printing out a map of parking areas near his building. However, Alex isn't the sweet girl that everyone thinks she is. At the end of the episode, we see her sneaking into Beverlys office and doing something on her computer that is yet unknown to viewers. Alex clearly has ulterior motives for being at the firm. Hopefully her feelings for Lyle are not just a way for her to get easy access to the firm, as It would be heartbreaking to see poor, sweet Lyle get his heart broken,





"The Queen of Courts  SO HELP ME TODD, Pictured: Heather Morris as Judy. Photo: Ed Araquel/CBS 2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved





Humour was also weaved throughout the episode, notably in the courtroom stall tactics employed by Belinda and Margaret, and the sharp banter between Todd and Lyle and Todd and Allison. While it is funny to see Todd in a position of power over his super successful sister, it is starting to become disheartening to see Allison struggle without direction in her life. Allison is a strong woman and she deserves a storyline that involves her taking steps to pick up the pieces of her life and start over. In this day and age, it is upsetting to see a woman be portrayed as unable to cope without a man in her life or someone telling her what to do. Hopefully the writers have a bigger plan in place, as they have not let viewers down before and it would be a shame if they did so now.





Over to you, SHMT fans! What did you think of the episode? Will Margaret finally let Susan in on what is going on at the firm, or will she push Susan out the door? What is your prediction for Todd and Judy? Share your thoughts below and engage with me on Twitter @MiddleofCanada.





About the Author - Cristina Almeida Cristina is a proud Canadian, and dog mom. She is an elementary school Guidance Counsellor by day and TV buff by night. When she isn't working or binge watching her fave shows, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, a terrier mix named Penny and Chihuahua/Pug cross named Holly. Twitter: @Middleof Canada. Instagram: @Dogmomontheprairie All Reviews) Recent Reviews

This weeks episode of So Help Me Todd, stood out not only for its engaging storyline, but also for its inclusion of two prominent guest stars. Sandra Bernhard delivered a memorable performance as a personal injury lawyer who doesnt quite play by the rules, while Heather Morris, best known for her role in Glee, appeared as a barista in the building of Crest, Folding and Wright, who develops a notable interest in Todd. The episode seamlessly wove its guest stars into the fabric of its unique blend of comedy and legal drama, making for a thoroughly entertaining hour of television.
From the moment Olfa recalls her childhood in a fatherless family of girls, where she had to beat off men trying to force their way into the home, this is a tale of women doing their utmost to stick together. And shes a redoubtable character if ever there was one; on her wedding night, she beat the shit out of her husband and used his blood to fool the awaiting relatives that the marriage had been consummated.
There they will also get to meet their favourite characters and explore parts of the Browns home, before  and we arent quite sure about how this happens  being transported to the magical jungle of Peru. The experience, which is being described as suitable for all ages, ends in a party at Windsor Gardens, which will include fairground games, marmalade sandwiches and calypso music.
The French restaurants keep on coming and this one by much lauded Brooklands, Bibendum and Socca chef Claude Bosi and his wife, Lucy, will likely be a goodie. A love letter to the cooks beloved Lyonnaise grandma, head to the cosy, seductively lit bistro for rabbit in mustard sauce, chicken liver terrine with vin jaune and sausages baked in brioche, served with a beaujolais sauce. Whatsmore, the supremely old school bouchon-style metre wine offering allows guests to pay for precisely what they drink. Cest bon, no?
He also claimed to be 17, making him a minor but police managed to find a link to Germany, where Zahri had been before coming to the UK, which proved this was not the case.
The other friend he will be reunited with today is Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who is now an independent MP after he was kicked out of the party by Sir Keir Starmer. The last time Galloway won a by-election, in Bradford in 2012, Corbyn tweeted: Congratulations to George Galloway on astonishing result in Bradford. Big message here on opposition to wars and austerity. The pair were often sat together on the bench at the back right of the opposition side of the House, where dissidents and rebels tend to linger. We expect Galloway to return to that spot today after his swearing in beside Corbyn, who also finds himself cast out of the mainstream.
He added: Our position is entirely aligned with the US who, like us, are calling for a pause in the fighting. We have been clear, as has the US, that the right conditions, however, must be in place for a permanent lasting ceasefire, and that includes the release of all hostages, Hamas no longer in charge in Gaza, and a bolstered Palestinian Authority.
But were all hoping and praying that between now and then there will be a ceasefire so that the hostages can be released, so that desperately needed food and medicine can get into Gaza, and so that we could try and work on making any temporary ceasefire a permanent one because thats what is needed.
"As far as I'm concerned, I think what they were talking about was whether they would or wouldn't supply a German system akin to our Storm Shadow. I suspect that we do our training on Storm Shadow, either in this country or in Poland or elsewhere. It's not for you or I to confirm or deny whether there are British military in Ukraine."
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Romania will consolidate the Schengen Area and it is not at all fair to continue to have only a partial integration in this European area of free movement, our country being prepared to cooperate for the protection of the borders and the fight against illegal migration, the minister of Internal Affairs Catalin Predoiu said on Monday, told Agerpres.

"We will strengthen the Schengen Area and it's not fair at all to continue to have only a partial integration within the Schengen Area. It's true that we have made an important step in December last year, entering the Schengen Area with the Air and Sea borders (from 31 March 2024, ed. n.), but I think this progress should be followed by another step this year. And we will work on that with our colleagues and friends from Austria, from other member states. We are ready to cooperate concerning the border protection, illegal migration and also police cooperation. We are performing very well in this respect and I think this should be the base for the decisions to follow. That's why I said that in terms of migration, in terms of border protection, Romania is a very good example and we are ready to contribute with our expertise to the strengthening of the entire European Union and as well as the Schengen area,'' the Deputy prime minister Catalin Predoiu said before the Justice and Home Affairs Council reunion.

An important topic on the agenda of the meeting of European interior ministers is the fight against drug trafficking. The ministers would adopt a decision formulating a recommendation regarding the implementation of the best practices regarding the capacities of the member states to combat drug trafficking.

Regarding this topic, Catalin Predoiu emphasized that in order to combat drug trafficking, a phenomenon that is becoming "one of the main vulnerabilities of the European Union", urgent measures are needed and cooperation between the member countries must be strengthened, which should allocate more police forces for this purpose.

"In Romania, we started a very solid campaign on that. The Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT, ed. n.) made an important decision, forming an inter-institutional work group. Among the institutions, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is present and we cooperate in order to dismantle the groups of organized crime dealing with drug trafficking and also human trafficking," the Romanian Internal Affairs minister said.

Another topic on the agenda of Monday's meeting is migration and especially the external dimension of this phenomenon that affects the stability of the EU and its member states. Minister Catalin Predoiu recalled that our country took serious measures to combat illegal migration, such as the pilot project put into practice with Serbia, the result being that illegal migration dropped to zero at the common border.

In 2023, only 40 people crossed this border illegally. Predoiu announced that this project will continue and that he signed on Monday morning, together with the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ylva Johansson, a letter regarding the consolidation of this initiative, Romania being prepared to make its experience available to all other EU member states that wish to cooperate.
Romania's cigarette black market dipped slightly in January 2024 to 7.7 percent of total consumption from 8.5 percent at the end of 2023, shows a survey by Novel Research.

"January's most substantial decrease in tobacco smuggling was in the Northeast, with a decline of 10.5 percentage points to 19.2 percent. However, this remains the region most affected by illegal cigarette trade. The only region to see a significant increase in the black market is the country south, with a rise by 4.1 percentage points to 10.4 percent. This increase is correlated with the emergence of Bulgaria as a source of smuggled cigarettes, starting last year," Novel Research managing partner Marian Marcu said in a release on Sunday.

According to data on the StopContrabanda.ro platform cited by Ileana Dumitru, BAT Legal and External Affairs Director for South-East Europe, more than 10 million contraband cigarettes were captured by the authorities in the southern area since the beginning of this year. This is the largest amount of illicit cigarettes seized nationwide in the mentioned interval and reflects the growing trend of illicit traffic in tobacco products from the states south of Romania (Bulgaria, Turkey), where the price of cigarettes is significantly lower.

Gilda Lazar, JTI Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications - Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, pointed out that the budget execution for January 2024 shows a 48.1 percent annual increase in excise revenues on the back of the 91.4 percent higher revenues from excise duties on tobacco products - an exceptional situation, amid the increase since the beginning of the year - while revenues from excise duties on energy products remain in the negative realm.

Dragos Bucurenci, Philip Morris Romania Director of External Affairs, welcomed the fact that 2024 begins with a decrease of approximately one percentage point in cigarette smuggling, after the upward trend taken towards the end of last year.

According to the website of the Border Police, 2023 saw the largest amount of illicit cigarettes seized in the last five years, and compared to 2022, seizures were 40 percent higher. Thus, more than 5.5 million packs of cigarettes, almost 17 tons of tobacco and 31 tons of hookah tobacco were confiscated. Also, 3 organized criminal groups with 47 members were dismantled.

Major taxpaying tobacco companies funnel every year about RON 20 billion to the state budget in excise duties, VAT and other taxes and contributions.
CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES:

- Debate of simple motion on Finance minister Bolos, initiated by USR and Forta Dreptei MPs

GOVERNMENT:

- Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu receives ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Armenia

ROMANIAN ACADEMY:

- "How prepared is Romania for a new earthquake?" debate organized by the Romanian Academy and the Court of Accounts of Romania

ECONOMY:

- Unemployment in January

- Tourism figures in January

- Industrial production price index in January
Taxi drivers affiliated to the National Association of Taxi Transport Operators (ANPOTRT) continue their protests on Monday, with approximately 100 cars amassed in Bucharest's Constitution Square, in front of the Palace of Parliament.

ANPOTRT president Remus Nedelcu declared for AGERPRES that the taxi drivers want the amendment of OUG/49 from 2019, "turned into Law No. 204, which discredits taxi service activities and benefits ride-sharing".

According to Nedelcu, 32 protesters were on hunger strike on Sunday.

"We will continue every day until the government receives us for discussions on OUG/49, which not only brings about injustice and unfair competition in taxi business, but also accepts that approximately 40-50 million euros flow out of the country every month untaxed. We want the amendment of OUG/49 issued in 2019 and turned into Law No. 204, which discredits taxi business and benefits ride-sharing. It's unfair competition," stated Remus Nedelcu.

Taxi drivers' representatives announced on February 28 that they will go on hunger strike, after the government asked for a month to analyze the legislative change requested by them.

The taxi drivers' protest was announced for March 4 and for the period March 8 - 10, 2024.

According to a statement by the Meridian National Trade Union Confederation, the action is intended to draw the attention of the Romanian government to the multiple requests submitted over the past seven months, in a bid to have Law 204/2019 (OG49/2019) on alternative transport modes amended. A
ST. LOUIS  Two large American flags flanked the image of an eagle, its fiery eyes fixed on the assembly floor below. From its bill flowed a banner with the words, "Union Forever."

But sentiment was anything but unanimous among the men gathered for the special State Convention at the St. Louis Mercantile Library on March 4, 1861. Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson and fellow secessionists in the Legislature hoped the convention would push Missouri into the budding Confederate States of America.

The 99 delegates had been chosen in a hastily called statewide election. After one day in Jefferson City, they moved to the spacious private library, at 510 Locust Street, because of the better taverns and hotels nearby. Unionists hoped some of the city's anti-secession feelings, symbolized by the eagle, might sway the delegates.

Jackson, a slaveholding planter from central Missouri, made his view plain by urging Missouri to "stand by the South." Opposing him was U.S. Rep. Francis Blair Jr., President Abraham Lincoln's point man in St. Louis. Blair's newspaper, the Missouri Democrat, warned delegates: "The slave interest claims to dominate the state. Shall it do so?"

Across Missouri, only the city went for Lincoln in the November election. But Jackson's scheming was complicated by widespread sympathy for saving the Union, even among slaveholders. Most of the convention delegates owned slaves, but only a few favored secession.

Delegates chose Sterling Price, a former governor and future Confederate general, as their chairman. They picked Hamilton Gamble, a St. Louis lawyer and future Union provisional governor, to lead its key Committee on Federal Relations. The choices portrayed Border State ambivalence.

The majority sought a hopeless middle ground. With Missouri flanked on three sides by free states, many considered secession suicidal. John Henderson of Pike County warned of mass flight by slaves that "will prove to be our destruction." But John Redd of Marion County, arguing that the Union "cannot be pinned together by bayonets," urged secession if bullets were to fly.

On March 9, Gamble's committee declared "no adequate cause" for secession - but also opposed using federal troops to "coerce" seceding states. Ten days of debate were followed by overwhelming votes in favor of the creaky compromise. A much narrower 54-39 vote added an amendment urging Lincoln to abandon Fort Sumter at Charleston, S.C.

Jackson was thwarted, but events quickly overwhelmed the convention's yearning for compromise. Sumter was bombarded on April 12. Jackson mustered the state militia to keep an eye on St. Louis, but Union Capt. Nathaniel Lyon captured its camp on May 10. Later that day, 28 civilians and seven soldiers died in gunfire on Olive Street between Lyon's troops and Southern sympathizers.

Read more stories from Tim O'Neil's Look Back series.
Here are some key retail and business openings and closings for the St. Louis area in February:

Openings

RESTAURANTS:

Amaizing Arepa Bar, 500 North 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

After making a name for themselves at area farmers markets and festivals, owner Mayra Pacheco opened her first brick-and-mortar this month.

Capriottis Sandwich Shop, 9532 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

This is the first of at least three sandwich shops from the Las Vegas-based company. Capriottis cold, grilled and vegetarian subs, soups, salads and fries are available at more than 175 locations across the United States.

Casa Maria Grab & Go, 1926 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226

From the people behind Casa Maria Mexican Grill comes a new kitchen for those on the move.

Chucks Hot Chicken, 3155 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63139

Tower Groves newest chicken spot is inside a renovated Courtesy Diner. Existing Chucks Hot Chickens can be found in Maryland Heights, Rock Hill, OFallon and Wichita, Kansas.

Hot Pizza Cold Beer, 610 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101

Menu highlights include the Canadian Tuxedo, a Hawaiian-style pie with Canadian bacon, pineapple and hot maple drizzle and the Menage a Za, a mix between a spinach artichoke calzone and supreme pizza with a garlic-knot crust.

Up Late, 6197 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112

The late-night window concepts second location opened in the Delmar Loop this month, taking over Chicken Outs former storefront. True to its name, Up Late operates Thursday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

RETAIL:

Aldi, 1805 Carlyle Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221

Belleville saw its first Aldi location open Feb. 15. The discount grocery chain is known for its low prices and deals. The store services a part of the city that has been without a grocery after the nearby Ruler Foods closed, temporarily, due to a mine subsidence.

Aldi, 12632 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

This new location of the German-based grocery chain joins approximately 20 other Aldis in the St. Louis area.

Blue Sage Cannabis Deli, 1015 McCausland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63117

Located in St. Louiss Hi-Pointe neighborhood, this new dispensary is selling THC-infused Red Hot Riplets to celebrate its opening.

Fusion 314, 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant, MO 63033

Created by the city of Florissant, Fusion 314 is a gaming lab outfitted with 20 high-performing, hand-built computers, four 65-inch televisions, a collection of board games, a 60-in-1 arcade game machine, couches, cable television and a concession stand.

Padel and Pickle, 1220 North Price Road, Olivette, MO 63132

This racquet sport facility boasts six panoramic padel courts and eight Cushionmaster II pickleball courts. The club will host court rentals, clinics, lessons, leagues, open play, tournaments and a kids club.

Specialtys Health Food Market, 424 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

Health on Mains second location also features a keto bakery, selling baked goods such as cakes, donuts, cheesecakes, cupcakes, empanadas, bagels and cookies.

SportsClips, 8654 Olive Boulevard, Olivette, MO 63132

SportsClips becomes the newest addition to University City development Market at Olive.

Closings

RESTAURANTS:

222 Artisan Bakery, 222 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025

This bakery closed at the end of the month after its landlord signed a different business. In a social media post, the bakery said it has found a new place to set up shop but building permits, and city inspections may take a few months.

Blue Violet, 6108 Shoger Drive Suite B, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Owner Michael Del Pietro confirmed the eaterys closure this month after opening the spot a little under two years ago.

Chicken Out, 10463 Manchester Road Suite A, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Chicken Out announced the closure of its last remaining location on social media. In the post, Mike Johnson and Ben Hillman said they would be focusing on their nine Hi-Pointe Drive-In locations in addition to new, upcoming concepts.

Culpeppers Grill and Bar, 3010 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

After 25 years, Culpeppers announced its closure in a post on social media in early February.

Cursed Bikes and Coffee, 7401 Pershing Avenue, University City, MO 63130

After six and a half years, this University City cafe and full-service bike shop closed its doors Feb. 4.

Sunday Best, 4101 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108

Another chicken-focused eatery shuttered this month. Chef and owner John Perkins said in a social media post that its been apparent that things needed to change. Sunday Best will remain at CityPark all season.

RETAIL:

Jefferson Tent and Awning Co., 2930 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118

This canvas products business closed after decades in St. Louis Tower Grove neighborhood.

MO Art Supply, 6174 Delmar Boulevard Second Floor, St. Louis, MO 63112

After opening last summer, this independent art store and studio closed its doors for good in February.

Soft Surroundings, 33 The Boulevard Saint Louis, Richmond Heights, MO 63117

The Creve Coeur-based womans clothing retailer filed for bankruptcy last September and was acquired months later by online brand Coldwater Creek.

Walgreens, 14529 Manchester Road, Manchester, MO 63011

This Walgreens location shuttered at the end of the month. When faced with the difficult decision to close a location, several factors are taken into account, including our existing footprint of stores, dynamics of the local market and changes in the buying habits of our patients and customers, a Walgreens spokesperson said.

If you know of business openings or closings, please email Post-Dispatch retail reporter Hannah Wyman at hwyman@post-dispatch.com.

Editor's note: This article has been edited to correct the name of Padel and Pickle and the address of the shuttered Walgreens.
Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman 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

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley marches on to deepen his workingman footprint before the November election.

National media last week reported that Missouris senior GOP senator proposed two pieces of legislation that could resonate with voters in the state, and especially in the St. Louis area.

First, Hawley announced his plan to attach an amendment reauthorizing and expanding federal laws governing radiation-exposure compensation to every bill on the Senate floor.

Not only does Hawley want to expand the period for getting compensation past 2024, he also wants the legislation to include Missouri.

At issue with Hawley is the processing of uranium by Mallinckrodt Chemical Works. The company processed uranium ore at its North Second Street plant for the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb during World War II.

Some of the waste was temporarily stored in north St. Louis County, where it contaminated areas along Coldwater Creek; some was buried at West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton.

In Weldon Spring, some people who developed cancers and other illnesses have blamed exposure to Mallinckrodts operations there from 1957 to 1966.

Hawley last year succeeded in getting a similar measure attached to the U.S. Senates version of the National Defense Authorization Act, but the language was removed by a conference committee of senators and members of the U.S. House ironing out differences between the two chambers versions of the defense bill.

A consistent supporter of residents efforts to get compensation, Hawley has invited West Lake Landfill activist Dawn Chapman, a co-founder of Just Moms STL, to be his guest Thursday at the State of the Union address.

Hawley separately has introduced a bill that would hike tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports.

The proposal would hike the base tariff rate to 100%, from its current 2.5%. Translated, that means the overall tariff on imported Chinese autos would be 125%, instead of the current 27.5% currently. The tariff bump also would apply to vehicles made in Mexico by Chinese-based automakers.

Last year, Hawley visited workers walking a picket line in Wentzville during the United Auto Workers strike against the Big Three auto companies in the U.S.

Hawley is seeking reelection to a second Senate term in November, where his likely Democratic challenger will be Lucas Kunce of Independence.
PHELPS COUNTY  A housefire late Saturday killed three people in an area north of Rolla.

The fire was called in about 10:45 p.m. in the 10000 block of County Road 2120, the Phelps County Sheriff's Department said.

An off-duty Phelps County Deputy who lives in the area responded first and found a young boy outside the home.

When police arrived, the structure was engulfed and deputies believed there were several people trapped inside, police said.

Firefighters tried to go into the home, but immediately evacuated, the Phelps County Sheriff's Department said.

Investigators said three people died in the fire, but they are still working to determine what caused the fire.

The identities of those who died had not been released as of Monday morning.

Rolla Rural Fire Chief Roger Hayes said Monday morning he had no other information about the fire to release. He noted the police and coroner will determine when the identities are released.

The home that caught fire is about 100 miles southwest of St. Louis.

This fire comes on the heels of a two-week period where at least 11 people died in residential fires throughout the St. Louis region.

Of those 11 deaths, six were children and two of those deaths happened in a fire in Cahokia Heights.

Last year, just 44 people died in house fires across all of Missouri, according to U.S. Fire Administration.
ST. LOUIS  A trial is slated to begin this week for the man accused of causing a downtown crash last year that severed a young girls legs and jump-started an effort to remove the citys top prosecutor.

Jury selection in the case of Daniel Riley began Friday when hundreds of people were summoned to the courthouse to fill out a questionnaire about their knowledge of the incident to weed out those who had already formed an opinion about Rileys guilt.

Riley, 22, was charged last February with assault, armed criminal action and driving without a valid license after police said he was speeding in downtown St. Louis and caused a crash that pinned 17-year-old Tennessee resident Janae Edmondson between two cars. Both her legs were amputated as a result.

Riley was out on bond at the time of the crash on a pending robbery case despite violating the conditions of his release multiple times. The news generated outrage in Missouri and across the country, as critics pointed to it as an example of the failures of former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner.

Rileys original robbery 2020 case, in which he is accused of stealing a gun from the son of a retired St. Louis police sergeant, had been dropped and refiled because the prosecutor was not ready for trial and a judge denied a request to delay it.

But Gardners spokeswoman falsely claimed the case was dropped because the victim had died. That turned out to be a mix-up, though, and the office later learned they had confused the victim in the robbery case with another person, from a different case, with the same first name.

The backlash was severe. Former allies like Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said Gardner had lost the trust of the people. The Legislature ramped up an effort seeking to strip Gardner of most of her power. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit seeking to remove her from office.

Gardner eventually resigned in May and was replaced by current Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

But Rileys attorney, Dan Diemer, argued last month in a hearing that the damage had already been done, and he asked to move his clients trial out of St. Louis.

He shouldnt be tried in the press, but he was, Diemer said.

Diemer noted that his clients name had surfaced in the news again in February when a driver accused of speeding and running red lights struck and killed a mother and daughter visiting downtown St. Louis from Chicago for a Drake concert.

Riley now served as the public example of dangerous driving downtown and could not get a fair trial in the city, Diemer said.

Diemer also argued that questions remain about his clients guilt.

For example, prosecutors say Rileys vehicle was going about 20 mph over the speed limit on Feb. 18, 2023, when it collided with a Chevrolet Malibu and hit a parked car, pinning Edmondson between two vehicles. But Diemer said last month there is evidence to suggest the Malibu was also speeding and that it struck the back of Rileys Audi instead.

The driver of the Malibu also did not have a valid drivers license.

Judge Michael Noble declined to move the trial and said measures would be taken to weed out people who had already made up their minds.

Jury selection will continue on Monday when attorneys question a smaller pool of people. Once 12 people are selected, opening arguments will begin.
ST. LOUIS  An off-duty officer exchanged gunfire with several people early Monday in the citys Tower Grove South neighborhood.

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. when a 41-year-old off-duty officer interrupted the group of people breaking into cars near Alfred Avenue and Hartford Street, police said.

They shot at the officer, who returned fire. Police said the officer was not injured and was able to arrest one of the suspects, a 15-year-old boy. The teenager had been sitting in the driver's seat of the car they had broken into, police said.

The teenager was booked into the city's juvenile detention center.

The others drove off in a white Hyundai Sonata, which was found abandoned shortly thereafter.

The car had been reported stolen on Saturday.

Police do not know if anyone who got away had been shot.
ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors charged a woman Sunday with fatally shooting another woman after a fight in north St. Louis.

Marissa Lewis, 28, told police she acted in self-defense when she fatally shot 26-year-old Brittany Richie on Sunday in the 2900 block of Thomas Street, according to court documents.

Authorities said the two were fighting when Lewis pulled out a gun and shot Richie in the thigh. Another friend, who police believe started the initial argument, fled the scene, police said in court documents.

Police said witnesses at the scene did not corroborate Lewis' self-defense claim.

Lewis was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. She is being held without bond in the St. Louis jail.
JEFFERSON CITY  Environmental regulators are raising red flags about a proposed change in rules governing water pollution in Missouri, saying it could affect drinking water for a huge swath of the states population.

Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, is sponsoring legislation that would alter legal protections for certain water sources as a way to clarify what waters the state can and cannot regulate.

Its important for us as we make our decisions on our farms and on our lands to know what kind of places do we need to go get permitting and where do we not need to go get permitting. Thats what Im trying to clarify with this language, Black told Missourinet in January.

But, in a scathing fiscal analysis of the measure, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the proposal could remove pollution protections on thousands of miles of streams.

As an example, the analysis notes that a farmer could potentially dump leftover pesticides into a creek that serves as an occasional watering source for livestock.

Under this change, the department would not have any authority to address this issue, even though the pesticide is toxic to the livestock, the analysis said. The loss of regulatory authority will result in decreases in water quality.

The proposal is the latest twist in a yearslong debate over how state and federal officials regulate waterways. Developers and agriculture groups have long sought to limit those powers, while environmental groups have pushed for broader definitions that would protect more waters.

It has become a partisan issue in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obamas administration, for example, sought to enlarge federal power to protect waterways, while President Donald Trumps administration rolled them back as part of a broader curtailment of environmental regulations.

It also comes against the backdrop of legislation approved by the House Thursday that aims to crack down on companies that collect, store and spread waste from meat processing facilities amid worries that the material will leak into groundwater.

John Madras, a former DNR water quality expert now working with the Sierra Club, told the Post-Dispatch Friday that Blacks proposal has a lot of people worried.

Youre putting the groundwater serving two million people at risk, Madras said. This is something that is the lifeblood of our state.

The proposal also could remove water quality protection for wells, which provide drinking water to nearly 60% of the states population.

If the aquifers these public water systems rely on become degraded, it could result in a substantial cost for Missouri public water systems that may need to add treatment processes in order to continue producing water meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, the analysis notes.

The change could require homeowners and business owners to dig deeper wells.

The financial cost of that possible outcome cannot be calculated, analysts said.

In addition, DNR said changing the law could become a regulatory nightmare, requiring more evaluation and permitting than is currently needed. DNR also would need to hire additional employees to handle the projected increase.

Increased waiting time for permits and costs delayed or deferred are anticipated for facilities awaiting the results of department evaluations, officials said.

Black told the Post-Dispatch Friday that the measure could be altered as the legislative process moves forward.

I acknowledge the concerns that have been raised regarding the proposed language and how they affect subsurface aquifers, Black said in a text. I am actively seeking to address those concerns and have met with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as well as local governments to explore solutions that would ensure that these subsurface aquifers do not lose pollution protections.

The legislation is set to be debated Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources.

If there is a way to strengthen the language in this bill, Id be open to making those changes, Black said.

The legislation is Senate Bill 981.
JEFFERSON CITY  A proposal by a south St. Louis County Republican could prompt debate on whether a new regionally focused entity should take over management of city-owned St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Rep. Jim Murphy said the airport, one of the metro areas most important assets, is currently controlled by the city of St. Louis. He said he wants to give more voice to communities outside the city.

Currently, 10 of the 17 members of the commission that oversees the airport are city representatives.

Six are mayoral appointees. The four others are the airport director, city comptroller, president of the Board of Aldermen and chair of the Board of Aldermens transportation committee.

In addition, St. Louis Countys director of aviation and four appointees of the County Executive serve on the commission, along with one member from St. Charles County and one member from St. Clair County.

The Board of Aldermen agreed to add the five St. Louis County representatives in 1989. They added the St. Charles County and St. Clair County seats in 1999.

But Murphy says that still leaves the city in charge.

Murphys proposal, a nonbinding resolution, would ask Missouri residents to contact their state legislators and ask them to place airport management responsibilities under a regionally focused management entity.

Were just asking for a regional authority to run it because its a regional airport, Murphy said Monday. The city will maintain all the profits that come out of it, but we need to grow the airport, so ... we think this is a better way of doing it.

Murphy, asked about issues he sees with current airport management, pointed to losing all our major hubs and that there arent enough direct flights. He said businesses have left, based just on that.

The now-defunct Trans World Airlines had been based in St. Louis and had operated a hub at the airport. But that role ended after American Airlines took over the bankrupt TWA in 2003.

The more communities that are involved, the more businesses that are involved throughout all those communities, puts more and more pressure on the airlines, Murphy said. The bigger the group involved the better the chances of improving the airport.

Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, the current airport director, declined to comment on Murphys proposal on Monday.

Nick Dunne, a spokesman for Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, called it vague and inaccurate  and unneeded, given Lamberts growth.

For 30 years, St. Louis Lambert International Airport has far surpassed the passenger growth rates of other medium-sized hubs, including Raleigh-Durham, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati  even after the pandemic, Dunne said in a statement. With a new terminal creating upwards of $5 billion in new revenue and an estimated 30,000 new jobs by 2032, and with the recent introduction of several direct international flight paths, STL already has a regionally focused management entity without the need for a vague and inaccurate resolution.

Murphy introduced his measure Friday. House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, had not referred it to a committee as of Monday.

Murphys resolution asks residents to encourage lawmakers to change management from the city of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the Airport Commission to the regional board.

Murphy also referenced the St. Louis airport recently missing out on part of the latest round of federal money for terminal upgrades.

In Missouri, the Springfield and Kirksville airports both landed federal grants. But while other mid- to large-sized airports were able to pull down funds, St. Louis airport was left off the list of winners announced last month by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Murphy said the malfeasance of city governance and the craziness thats going on isnt helping the region. We need to make some changes, Murphy said.

But even as the Republican lawmaker criticized current airport leadership, the airport reported a 9% increase in passengers going through the St. Louis airport last year, from 13.7 million in 2022 to 14.9 million last year.

The increase brought the airport closer to pre-pandemic traffic levels. In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, there were almost 15.9 million passengers.

The airport has also offered nonstop service to continental Europe since 2022 through Lufthansa, the first direct service to Europe since St. Louis lost its flight to London in 2003.

The leader of the group Greater St. Louis, Inc., said in November we will aggressively pursue state grant money to lure additional international service.

Airport and business leaders want to carry out nearly $3 billion in airport upgrades, and airlines still must agree on the plan.

The legislation is House Concurrent Resolution 64.
Matan Goldstein had only just arrived at the University of Virginia when, he says, he was first attacked for his faith and his nationality.

Meeting other first-year students in his dormitory, Goldstein introduced himself as an Israeli and a Jew. After making this introduction, another student, who identified himself as Egyptian, approached Goldstein, told him he hated him and called him a bloodthirsty human being.

That was Week 1, a little more than a month before war would break out in Israel.

On Oct. 7 of last year, Palestinian terror group Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel, killing roughly 1,200 civilians and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel has responded with a full-on siege of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. More than 30,000 people have died, an overwhelming majority of those Palestinians.

The war, and the atrocities committed against civilians, have sent shockwaves across the globe. And American colleges, as they are wont to do, have become hotbeds of debate, protest and even violence. University officials, themselves, have landed in hot water for their responses not only to the violence overseas but unrest on their own campuses.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, a former UVa provost, both stepped down after facing criticism for their defense of free speech, which many U.S. lawmakers and university donors saw as a failure to condemn a sudden rise in antisemitic acts.

And antisemitism is on the rise, according to human rights watchdog organizations.

Between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7, the Anti-Defamation League reported a 337% year-over-year increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S.

The Grounds at UVa are no exception.

UVa authorities have received dozens of reports from Jewish students claiming theyve been harassed, threatened, intimidated and even physically assaulted.

While UVa says it received a total of 19 "reports related to potential antisemitism" from students, faculty and staff between the start of the 2023 fall semester and Jan. 1 of this year, not a single of one those reports has been officially lodged as a formal complaint.

"In response to reports of alleged antisemitic speech or conduct, University officials have connected with reporters, offered them resources, and sought additional information about their reports so that we can investigate and hold people responsible if necessary," UVa spokesman Brian Coy told The Daily Progress in a prepared statement. "Many investigations are ongoing, but in some cases, we haven't yet received enough information to identify alleged perpetrators and hold them accountable. We urge anyone with information about cases of antisemitism, islamophobia, or other forms of harassment and intimidation to share that information as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education opened an investigation of its own in December after a complaint was filed there.

Goldstein, alone, has filed four reports of harassment to university police. He has also brought his concerns to deans of the university on two separate occasions. He told The Daily Progress he faced a negative response each time.

I just wish that the university would show solidarity with its Jewish students, said Goldstein. Because right now, the rhetoric that is being espoused against Israel is unacceptable.

Moving backwards

When Joel Nied moved his son into the dormitories at UVa, he said he expected his only involvement with the school would be buying his now-second-year student dinner once a year over UVa Family Weekend.

Unfortunately, I have become way more involved than I ever wanted, Nied told The Daily Progress.

The schools Jewish community accounts for around 6% of its total undergraduate population.

Nied and a handful of other Jewish UVa parents were alarmed to hear of a spike in antisemitic reports from their children in the wake of Oct. 7. They began sending hundreds of letters and emails to President Jim Ryan, the universitys governing Board of Visitors and other high-ranking UVa administrators.

When the school did respond, parents said the messages were generic boilerplate language providing little recourse. Students said they were more often than not encouraged to seek mental health support.

Frustrated by the schools response or lack thereof, one student decided to take the case to a higher power: the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education.

A copy of that complaint obtained by The Daily Progress describes UVa as inhospitable to Jewish students. The student, whose name is redacted in the report, described feeling unwelcome, frightened and discriminated against on Grounds, specifically because of their religious beliefs.

The Department of Education opened an investigation on Dec. 29. When contacted by The Daily Progress, the federal agency declined to provide a status report on that investigation.

UVa's Coy said via email that the Department of Educations notice to the school that it had opened an investigation made clear that opening the complaint for investigation in no way implies that the Office for Civil Rights has made a determination on the merits of the complaint.

The University stands against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination and intolerance and strives to offer an environment where people from every walk of life are welcome and safe to live, learn, and work together, Coy added.

Dissatisfied parents began requesting a meeting with Ryan in November. Their request was granted three months later on Feb. 14.

That meeting came with stipulations: Ryan would only confer with four parents total, their children must be present and all conversations were to remain confidential.

I didnt understand why the targets of acts of antisemitism had to be their own advocates, Nied said. That type of situation doesnt exist anywhere else. If you were to make a complaint at a company, you would go to human resources. You wouldnt have to go to the CEO.

In the end, all parties agreed to the terms and the four students, which included Goldstein, presented their complaints to Ryan, Provost Ian Baucom, Dean Christa Acampora, Vice President of Student Affairs Kenyon Bonner and chief of staff Margaret Noland.

Since Oct. 7, Goldstein said hes been the recipient of multiple death threats. During an Oct. 25 walkout led by the Students for Justice in Palestine, Goldstein said he was shoved and then slapped in the face while counterprotesting. Hes been told he sells the organs of Palestinians on the black market and been called Nazi, Hitler, genocide-pursuer and filthy Jew.

Goldstein stopped wearing his kippah, also known as a yarmulke, a traditional cloth cap worn by Jewish men, about a month ago. He has started concealing his gold Star of David necklace under his shirt when he is in public.

Several other Jewish students also said they have removed symbols of their faith from their person.

Im a religious Jew, I believe in God, said Goldstein. Why am I supposed to hide? Are we living in the 1930s? Am I supposed to be in a Jewish ghetto on the outskirts, isolated from everyone else? Why are we moving backwards?

While waiting in line at a party, two Jewish female students said they were called kikes when another student discovered they were Jewish. At a gathering on Grounds, a Jewish student was harassed by a group of roughly eight schoolmates who told them to turn sideways so we can see your nose, among other jokes. The student left the event crying.

While only four students were allowed to speak with university heads, Nied said he has heard of at least two dozen Jewish students since Oct. 7 who have been attacked  assaults ranging from physical violence to offensive statements printed on anti-Israel flyers and posters scattered about Grounds.

Two days after their meeting with Ryan, parents received an email from the president thanking them for their time.

Im grateful for you willingness to share your perspectives and ideas, according to a copy of the email obtained by The Daily Progress.

The absence of condemnation is condoning, said Nied. And that is alarming.

Word choice

At a university founded by Thomas Jefferson, freedom of expression has naturally been a cornerstone of campus life.

And there has been plenty expressed since Oct. 7. But it seems as though no one at UVa can find the right words to appease everyone on Grounds.

Since Hamas deadly attack, Ryan has issued two messages to the UVa community addressing the conflict. In the first, released four days after Oct. 7, Ryan condemned the violence, offered his compassion and condolences and directed students to resources on Grounds.

Ryan said the four-day delay between the attack and his response was due to the death of his biological mother, who died the week of Oct. 11.

But had he hesitated in publishing a response, it would have been understandable given the backlash other university leaders were facing at the time (and are still facing today).

Ryans initial message makes only a single reference to UVa community members with connections to Israel and Gaza.

At UVa, we remain squarely focused on the well-being of UVA community members in Israel and in Gaza, as well as those closer to home who have family or friends in the region, or who are connected to the region by virtue of their faith, reads Ryans statement.

He went on to say that, I trust that we as a community can and will adhere to UVAs longstanding tradition of not just allowing free speech, but promoting civil discourse, even when  perhaps especially when  we strongly disagree.

Ryans comments have been described as weak and biased by both sides of the debate.

A faction of the schools Israeli and Jewish community expressed frustration that the president did not issue a full-throated condemnation of antisemitism in his remarks, even as a terror group calling for the eradication of Jewish peoples attacked the worlds only Jewish nation-state. Palestinian students and their allies were outraged Ryan did not outright denounce the Israeli government, which they see as an occupational force, and immediately divest all monies invested in companies associated with the country.

Many students also pointed out that Ryans letter makes no mention of a statement issued by the Students for Justice in Palestine the day after the attack that described Hamas as resistance fighters and called the killing of civilians an unprecedented feat for the 21st century.

In an open letter sent to Ryan on Oct. 27, more than 70 members of UVa faculty called out Ryan for failing to even reference Muslim, Arab or Palestinian students.

As a tenured faculty member, its very important to take seriously the rights and responsibility of the tenure system, and to speak what we see as the truth, associate professor of anthropology Tessa Farmer, a signatory of the open letter, told The Daily Progress.

Ryans first letter does not reference Jewish or Israeli students. The open letter makes no mention of this.

Supporting all of my students was an important and compelling reason to me, assistant professor of English Laura Goldblatt told The Daily Progress. Ryans message made it clear that Jewish faculty and students were being supported, but Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students are also being affected. The point of the letter was not to withdraw resources but extend support to a group of people most affected.

Goldblatt is Jewish and a spokeswoman for the UVa Faculty for Justice in Palestine.

The open letter was immediately divisive.

The letter was ostracizing for assistant professor of commerce Robert Parham, an Israeli Jew.

I looked through the signers, Parham told The Daily Progress. Now, I dont consider my sociology colleagues colleagues anymore. I reduced my circle of belonging.

Ryan penned a second letter to the community published on Nov. 6.

While saying that he had not received any reports of violence or discrimination on Grounds, he emphasized that both Jewish and Muslim students had a home at UVa and any acts of antisemitism or Islamophobia would not be tolerated.

We take seriously our responsibility to care for the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff in a challenging moment for us all and greatly value those renewed expressions of our shared commitment, he said.

He once again directed students and faculty to UVa resources.

Despite the longer and more detailed letter, students and faculty were still left dissatisfied.

Ryan, himself, has seemed dissatisfied, and has since called upon the Board of Visitors to help him assemble a committee that will decide when and if a UVa president should speak on current events off Grounds. Experts have told The Daily Progress the answer will likely be simple: never.

On Thursday, students passed a referendum spearheaded by anti-Israel student organizations and other groups successfully calling for UVa to audit its $13.6 billion endowment and divest from all companies engaging in or profiting from the State of Israels apartheid regime. The referendum garnered 5,425 of the 7,993 votes cast by students, 67.87% of voters.

Though the referendum is nonbinding, its supporters see it as a line in the sand between the students will and administrators actions, part of the long legacy of free speech on Grounds instituted by its founder.

Opponents have said it is part of another long legacy at UVa, one of antisemitism.

Blood, soil, river, sea

Parhams first day at UVa was Aug. 11, 2017  a day that will forever stain the history of the school and the city of Charlottesville.

As he was setting up his office, he heard loud noises and shouting outside. When he peered out his window, Parham saw a sea of tiki torches as a mob of White men marched across Grounds chanting Blood and soil and Jews will not replace us.

That was 'Welcome to Charlottesville,' said Parham.

Though he briefly considered packing his bags then and there, Parham instead stuck a mezuzah to his office door. Literally meaning doorpost, a mezuzah is a charm inscribed with a Hebrew blessing. For many Jews, it is an outward expression of their faith. For Parham, it meant he was there to stay.

Parham said the thought of leaving UVa has not crossed his mind since that day  until this fall.

Back then it was outside forces, said Parham. They came against us, and I felt a part of us. Now, the voices that are bullying are coming from the inside, and thats harder to deal with.

The turning point was the Oct. 25 student walkout, as hundreds of protesters rallied on the steps of the schools landmark Rotunda and marched across Grounds chanting, carrying Palestinian flags and wearing masks to conceal their identities.

Prior to the demonstration, organizers circulated flyers instructing participants to wear mask/hat/sunglasses to protect your identity.

Parham, Goldstein and others have called the act not just cowardly but criminal, a direct violation of the Virginia Code.

In 1950, Virginia outlawed any individual over the age of 16 wearing a mask, hood or any face covering with the intention of concealing their identity. The prohibition was an implicit tool to prosecute members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Current state law, Parham said, was legislated because of masked marches on the Grounds of UVa. It was just that the masks were slightly pointier and whiter.

Though counterprotesters view the masks as cowardice, the individuals behind the masks consider them a necessity.

Josh Rosenberg, a Jewish student who holds a leadership position with Students for Justice in Palestine, told The Daily Progress at a subsequent walkout urging divestment on Monday that he wore a mask to protect his future. Rosenberg said he had already been doxed and received death threats as a result of having his personal information posted online.

The masks werent the only thing that disturbed Parham while observing the Oct. 25 walkout. Standing next to Goldstein on the Rotunda steps looking over the mass of protesters, he heard demonstrators chant, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Referencing the land spanning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the chant has been open to a multitude of interpretations since it was popularized by the Palestinian Liberation Organization in the 1960s.

Many construe the phrase as calling for the destruction of Israel. In October, the Anti-Defamation League published a statement explicitly demarking the phrase as antisemitic given it makes members of the Jewish and pro-Israel community feel unsafe and ostracized.

As the father of a Jewish UVa student, Nied said that when groups on Grounds chant the phrase, they are unequivocally referring to the killing and displacement of Jews.

Yet, some of those shouting the slogan at UVa are Jewish.

I very proudly say that as a Jew, said Rosenberg. I love the Jewish people. I love my community. When I say, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, I mean that as a call for human rights and equality for everyone who lives between the river and the sea.

Rosenberg says people are misunderstanding the phrase when they interpret it as a genocidal call.

We believe that everyone, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Christian, should be able to live with the exact same rights, said Rosenberg.

But the differences between those communities are stark and the solution to their peaceful cohabitation is nuanced, something Provost Ian Baucom touched on during a UVa Board of Visitors meeting Thursday.

Speech can be hurtful, said Baucom. People can say things that we disagree with, particularly on a matter like this. There is a lot of pain in our community  pain felt by our Jewish students, pain felt by our Muslim students  and there is strong disagreement. We have to find ways to continue to be a place where people are free to disagree and everyone knows they belong.
RENO, Nev.  With Nevada counties struggling to find poll workers in a pivotal election year, the top election official in the Western swing state is taking a page from his counterparts elsewhere and is asking the legal community to help fill the gap.

Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar wants lawyers who volunteer at the polls to be able to earn continuing education credits to fulfill annual requirements set by the State Bar of Nevada.

It's a signal of how lawyers are increasingly seen as ideal candidates for stepping in as poll workers, as the positions have grown harder to fill as once-obscure county election departments have been thrust into the spotlight.

Aguilar likens it to how doctors and nurses stepped up during the pandemic.

Everybody needed medical care during the time of COVID.  And this is a time when we need poll workers, Aguilar said. That legal community can stand up and protect the Constitution.

From swing states like Michigan to conservative strongholds like Tennessee and Iowa, election officials have been tapping lawyers and law students as they struggle to fill poll worker spots  a challenge that has become more difficult amid changing procedures and hostility stemming from former President Donald Trumps claims of a stolen election in 2020.

Other recruiting campaigns have focused on veterans and librarians. In 2020, LeBron James helped spearhead an initiative to help turnout in critical swing states and combat Black voter suppression, in no small part by recruiting poll workers.

Poll workers are on the front lines of increasingly contentious environments  ushering people in, answering technical questions and using a handful of training hours to essentially act as guides for a process where disagreements and misinformation can stir up strong emotions.

Since 2020, eight states have adopted policies to allow poll working duties to count toward credits needed to maintain a law license, and national advocates hope more are on the way.

After pitching the idea at a conference earlier this month, a group of bar association presidents now is tailoring the initiative to individual county election offices, rather than blanket approval from the bar associations for entire states.

Lawyers are careful, and I respect that. Im one of them, and it takes a while to process, said Jason Kaune, chair of the American Bar Association's standing committee on election law, of getting the initiative approved by state bar associations. This is just a quicker way to get some real results on the ground.

For Aguilar, his proposal in Nevada  where turnover has ravaged local election departments since 2020  is part of a wider plan to protect election workers, whom he refers to as heroes of democracy.

Since defeating a Republican election denier in the 2022 midterms, Aguilar has sought to create a better environment for election employees. Last year, he pushed a bill signed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo that made it a felony to harass, intimidate or use force on election workers performing their duties in Nevada.

Aguilar also hopes that this latest initiative will strengthen the pipeline of full-time election workers with those already well-versed in the law.

During Nevada's first-in-the-West presidential preference primaries, many election departments scrambled to find poll workers up until the last minute  particularly in rural areas.

In the state's two most populous counties  Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, and Washoe County, which includes Reno  all poll worker slots were fully staffed by the start of early voting, according to county and state election offices. But they'll need more before the June primary and November general elections.

In rural Douglas County, officials recruited 46 poll workers  far short of the 120 needed, clerk-treasurer Amy Burgans said.

Nevadas concentrated educational landscape could make it difficult for lawyers and law students to spread across many of the states far-flung counties, which are some of the largest yet least populated in the country. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is home to the state's only law school.

And of the 12,000 attorneys licensed to practice law in Nevada, half are in Clark County, about 14% are in Washoe County and just under 3% are located in the state's rural counties outside the state capital, according to data from the State Bar of Nevada.

Burgans also noted there's some fear around becoming an election worker.

For the first time, she had to set up training after letters containing fentanyl were mailed to election officials in several states including Nevada. With a background in law enforcement, Burgans also set up active shooter training. Like election officials across the state, she received emails and calls from voters frustrated about dueling Republican nominating processes earlier this month but said there had been no direct threats.

Aguilar is more optimistic that the program can reach all corners of the state.

I think there are some people who are pretty driven by the mission and understand the importance of poll workers and understand the process of democracy, he said. So theyll make extraordinary efforts to make sure that happens.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  Donald Trumps campaign has vowed not to talk about her anymore. Many pundits have written her off entirely. But Nikki Haley is still campaigning across the country  and plenty of Republican voters are coming to hear what she has to say.

Before packed audiences in states that will vote on Super Tuesday next week, Haley is making the case she laid out after losing the primary in her home state of South Carolina: Roughly 40% of GOP voters support her over Trump, suggesting their partys dominant figure is especially vulnerable in a November rematch against President Joe Biden.

He lost 40% of the primary vote in all of the early states, she told more than 500 people at a campaign event in the politically mixed suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota, on Monday. You cant win the general election if you cant win that 40%.

Trump is on the verge of winning several hundred more delegates for the GOP nomination on Super Tuesday and could eliminate Haley by clinching the nomination a few weeks later.

But by staying in the race longer than any other major candidate, Haley has highlighted Trumps political problems with key constituencies in their party and suggested that he is a sinking ship.

On Friday, Haley said that she raised $12 million in February, an amount that has not yet been verified by official campaign finance filings.

She also got some good news later in the day, when moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins became the first senators to endorse her, defying most top GOP leaders who have lined up behind Trump. Murkowskis home state of Alaska and Collins home state of Maine are among the 15 holding GOP primaries Tuesday.

Trump won Missouris Republican caucuses, one of three events Saturday that will award delegates for the GOP presidential nomination.

He also won about 51% of voters in the Iowa caucuses, 54% in New Hampshires primaries and 60% in South Carolina. Haley didnt come close to winning 40% in Michigans primary this week and instead lost to Trump by more than 40 points, 68% to 27%.

As she has throughout the primary, Haley did better in suburban areas like Oakland County near Detroit and Ottawa County near Grand Rapids. She also did better in Kent County, where Grand Rapids and a large suburban population is located.

Biden flipped Kent County and improved on Democrats 2016 performance in Oakland County on the way to winning Michigan in 2020 and beating Trump in the election.

Richard Czuba, a pollster who has long tracked Michigan politics, said Haleys results were more significant for understanding a critical swing state in the general election than the campaign to vote uncommitted against Biden to protest his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, which drew about 100,000 votes and collected two Democratic delegates.

This is by far, to me, the one narrative we saw (Tuesday) that will have major implications in November, Czuba said.

Trump declined to mention Haley, his former U.N. ambassador, after beating her in South Carolina, and his campaign accused her of deluding voters about her chances.

She cant name one state she can win, let alone be competitive in, spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a recent statement.

But interviews with three dozen voters at her rallies and AP VoteCast data from the Republican primary suggest several vulnerabilities for Trump heading into a Biden rematch.

About half of Republican voters in South Carolina  including about a quarter of his supporters  are concerned Trump is too extreme to win the general election, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 2,400 voters taking part in the Republican primary in South Carolina.

Trump allies have accused Haley of appealing to the left to vote in open Republican primaries. Some 19% of Haley voters in South Carolina identified themselves as Democrats or people who lean Democratic, according to AP VoteCast. But 72% were Republicans or lean toward the GOP.

About 3 in 10 South Carolina primary voters believe he acted illegally in at least one of the criminal cases against him, even though about three-quarters believe the investigations are political attempts to undermine him.

Weve been tightening the belt as much as we can, but cant think about having kids until we can afford it, said Jonathan Paquette, a 27-year-old contractor from Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities. Thats the kind of discussion this campaign should be about, not about lawsuits and criminal indictments. That doesnt solve any of our problems.

Across the states where Haleys post-South Carolina campaign has gone, some voters picked up on that messaging.

Forty percent is better than no percent, said Alyssa Prevo, an Uber driver from Williamston, Michigan.

Nearly 9 in 10 Haley voters in South Carolina said they would not be satisfied with Trump as the Republican Partys presidential nominee, about 7 in 10 say he does not have the mental capability to serve effectively as president, and about 6 in 10 say they would not ultimately vote for him.

Given the primary races current trajectory, the Trump campaign may not have to address Haley again  and they expect that many disaffected Republicans will return to the former presidents side in a Biden-Trump rematch.

Haley could lose any mathematical chance of becoming the nominee in the next few weeks as more states hold winner-take-all primaries that would let Trump sweep their delegates even if Haley closes the gap with him.

For now, Haley and her aides say they arent planning beyond Super Tuesday.
WASHINGTON  A poll finds that a growing share of U.S. adults doubt that 81-year-old President Joe Biden has the memory and acuity for the job, turning his coming State of the Union address into something of a real-time audition for a second term.

About 6 in 10 say theyre not very or not at all confident in Bidens mental capability to serve effectively as president, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Thats a slight increase from January 2022, when about half of those polled expressed similar concerns.

By the same token, almost 6 in 10 also say they lack confidence in the mental capability of former President Donald Trump, the 77-year-old Republican front-runner.

For many voters, this years election looks like a showdown for the worlds toughest job between two men who are well beyond the standard retirement age. The next president will probably need to steer through global conflicts, fix domestic emergencies and work with a dysfunctional Congress.

Biden is likely to address those challenges and more in his State of the Union address on Thursday as he tries to convince Americans that he deserves another term.

Going into the big event, just 38% of U.S. adults approve of how Biden is handling his job as president, while 61% disapprove. Democrats (74%) are much likelier than independents (20%) and Republicans (6%) to favor his performance. But theres broad discontent on the way Biden is handling a variety of issues, including the economy, immigration and foreign policy.

About 4 in 10 Americans approve of the way Biden is handling each of these issues: health care, climate change, abortion policy and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But people are less satisfied by Bidens handling of immigration (29%), the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians (31%) and the economy (34%)  all of which are likely to come up in the speech before a joint session of Congress.

Nearly 6 in 10 (57%) Americans think the national economy is somewhat or much worse off than before Biden took office in 2021. Only 3 in 10 adults say its better under his leadership. Still, people are more optimistic about the state of their own bank accounts: 54% say their personal finances are good.

The president faces added pressure about his age after unflattering descriptions of him contained in a special counsels report that did not recommend criminal prosecution of Biden for his mishandling of classified records, unlike Trump who was indicted for keeping classified material in his Florida home. The report said that Bidens memory was hazy, fuzzy, faulty, poor and had significant limitations.

Biden has tried to deflect concerns by joking about his age and taking jabs at Trumps own gaffes. Yet the presidents age is a liability that has overshadowed his policy achievements on infrastructure, manufacturing and addressing climate change.

About one-third of Democrats said theyre not very or not at all confident in Bidens mental capability in the new survey, up from 14% in January 2022.

Republicans are generally more comfortable with Trumps mental capabilities than Democrats are with Bidens. In the survey, 59% of Republicans are extremely or very confident that Trump has the mental abilities to be president. An additional 20% are somewhat confident, and 20% are not very or not at all confident.

If there is one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree upon, its that the other partys likely nominee is not mentally up to the task. About 9 in 10 Republicans say Biden lacks the mental capability to serve as president, while a similar share of Democrats say that about Trump.

Many respondents to the survey were deeply pessimistic about their likely choices in November because of age and the risk of cognitive decline.

Paul Miller, himself 84, said Biden is just too old  and so is Trump.

He doesnt seem to have the mental whatever to be a president, Miller said of Biden. He added that Trump is too old, too, and half crazy.

The retiree from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, said he voted for Trump in 2020 but he wouldnt do so again.

I dont think Im going to vote for either one of them, he said. I hope somebody else is available.

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TEL AVIV, Israel  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rebuked a top Cabinet minister who arrived in Washington on Sunday for talks with U.S. officials, according to an Israeli official, signaling widening cracks within the countrys leadership nearly five months into its war with Hamas.

The trip by Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahus wartime Cabinet following Hamas Oct. 7 attack, comes as friction between the U.S. and Netanyahu is rising over how to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and what the postwar plan for the enclave should look like.

An official from Netanyahus far-right Likud party said Gantzs trip was planned without authorization from the Israeli leader. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Netanyahu had a tough talk with Gantz and told him the country has just one prime minister.

Gantz is scheduled to meet on Monday with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan and on Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to his National Unity Party. A second Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity said Gantz's visit is intended to strengthen ties with the U.S., bolster support for Israels war and push for the release of Israeli hostages.

In Egypt, talks were underway to broker a cease-fire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Israel did not send a delegation because it is waiting for answers from Hamas on two questions, according to a third Israeli government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Israeli media reported that the government is waiting to learn which hostages are alive and how many Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks in exchange for each.

All three Israeli officials spoke anonymously because they werent authorized to discuss the disputes with the media.

The U.S. began airdrops of aid into Gaza on Saturday, after dozens of Palestinians rushing to grab food from an Israel-organized convoy were killed last week. The airdrops circumvented an aid delivery system hobbled by Israeli restrictions, logistical issues and fighting in Gaza. Aid officials say airdrops are far less effective than deliveries by truck.

U.S. priorities in the region have increasingly been hampered by Netanyahus Cabinet, which is dominated by ultranationalists. Gantzs more moderate party at times acts as a counterweight.

On GPS: Ehud Olmert on why Biden should address Israel's parliament Ehud Olmert, former prime minister of Israel, tells Fareed why he thinks President Joe Biden should go over current Israeli Prime Minister Ben

Netanyahu's popularity has dropped since the war broke out, according to most opinion polls. Many Israelis hold him responsible for failing to stop the Oct. 7 cross-border raid by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 people as hostages into Gaza, including women, children and older adults, according to Israeli authorities.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Around 80% of the population of 2.3 million have fled their homes, and U.N. agencies say hundreds of thousands are on the brink of famine.

Israelis critical of Netanyahu say his decision-making has been tainted by political considerations, a charge he denies. The criticism is particularly focused on plans for postwar Gaza. Netanyahu wants Israel to maintain open-ended security control over Gaza, with Palestinians running civilian affairs.

The U.S. wants to see progress on the creation of a Palestinian state, envisioning a revamped Palestinian leadership running Gaza with an eye toward eventual statehood.

That vision is opposed by Netanyahu and the hard-liners in his government. Another top Cabinet official from Gantz's party has questioned the handling of the war and the strategy for freeing the hostages.

Netanyahu's government, Israel's most conservative and religious ever, has also been rattled by a court-ordered deadline for a new bill to broaden military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Many of them are exempted from military service so they can pursue religious studies. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been killed since Oct. 7, and the military is looking to fill its ranks.

Gantz has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood. Polls show he would earn enough support to become prime minister if a vote were held today.

A visit to the U.S., if met with progress on the hostage front, could further boost Gantzs support.

Israel and Hamas are negotiating over a possible new cease-fire and hostage release deal. Vice President Harris said Sunday it is now up to Hamas to agree to it. Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Harris said.

Israelis, deeply traumatized by Hamas attack, have broadly backed the war effort as an act of self-defense, even as global opposition to the fighting has increased.

But a growing number are expressing their dismay with Netanyahu. Some 10,000 people protested late Saturday to call for early elections, according to Israeli media. Such protests have grown in recent weeks, but remain much smaller than last year's demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul plan.

If the political rifts grow and Gantz quits the government, the floodgates will open to broader protests by a public that was already unhappy with the government when Hamas struck, said Reuven Hazan, a professor of political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris and other top Biden administration officials held talks on Monday with a member of Israels wartime Cabinet who came to Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

White House officials said Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, requested the meeting and the Democratic administration believed it was important to meet with the prominent Israeli official despite Netanyahu's objections.

President Joe Biden, Harris and other senior administration officials have become increasingly blunt about their dissatisfaction with the mounting death toll in Gaza and suffering of innocent Palestinians as the war nears the five-month mark.

Were going to discuss a number of things in terms of the priorities that certainly we have, which includes getting a hostage deal done, getting aid in and then getting that six-week ceasefire, Harris told reporters shortly before meeting with Gantz.

The U.S. on Saturday carried out the first of what is expected to be ongoing aidrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The moment is reflective of the increasingly awkward dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship, with the U.S. forced to fly badly needed aid past its close ally as it looks to ramp up assistance for desperate civilians in Gaza. The first airdrop occurred just days after more than 100 Palestinians were killed as they were trying to get food from an Israel-organized convoy.

The White House agreed to the meeting with Gantz even as an official from Netanyahus nationalist Likud party said Gantz did not have approval from the prime minister for his meetings in Washington. Netanyahu gave Gantz a tough talk about the visit  underscoring a widening crack within Israels wartime leadership.

We have been dealing with all members of the war Cabinet, including Mr. Gantz," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. "We see this as a natural outgrowth of those discussions. Were not going to turn away that sort of opportunity.

In addition to his talks with Harris, Gantz met with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk. Gantz was also scheduled to meet on Monday with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and on Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Gantz just before the start of his White House meetings told a reporter with Israels public broadcaster Kan: There will be an open and honest conversation between two friendly and important countries and partners.

Biden is at Camp David, the presidential retreat just outside Washington, until Tuesday as he prepares to deliver the annual State of the Union address later this week.

Over the weekend, Harris issued a forceful call for a temporary cease-fire deal in Gaza, which administration officials say would halt fighting for at least six weeks, and also increased pressure on Israel not to impede the aid that workers were trying to get into the region. The White House has been advocating for that framework deal for weeks.

Israel has essentially agreed to the deal, according to a senior Biden administration official, and the White House has emphasized that the onus is on Hamas to come on board.

Biden faces mounting political pressure at home over his administration's handling of the Israeli-Hamas war, which was triggered when militants in Gaza launched an attack, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 people hostage.

In last week's Michigan presidential primary, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast ballots for uncommitted." Biden still easily won the state's primary, but the coordinated push by voters on the left who are dissatisfied with the president's unwavering support for Israel as its military operations in Gaza have left more than 30,000 Palestinians dead. The vote totals raise concerns for Democrats in a state Biden won by only 154,000 votes in 2020.

Gantz, who polls show could be a formidable candidate for prime minister if a vote were held today, is viewed as a political moderate. But he has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood  something that Biden sees as essential to forging a lasting peace once the conflict ends but that Netanyahu adamantly opposes.

It is also assumed that when the heavy fighting subsides, Gantz will leave the government, which would increase pressure for early elections.

Since Gantz joined Netanyahus three-minister war Cabinet in October, U.S. officials have found him to be easier to deal with than either Netanyahu or Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Although Gantz holds many of the same hardline views as Netanyahu and Gallant, he has been seen as more open to compromise on critical issues, including the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Until now, calls for elections have been muted due to the war, but analysts think that when Gantz leaves the government, it will send a signal to the Israeli public that the need for national unity has passed and efforts to oust Netanyahus government can begin in earnest.

For his part, Gantz was aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S., bolster support for Israels war and push for the release of Israeli hostages, according to a second Israeli official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent allowed to publicly discuss the disputes within the Israeli government. Gantz is scheduled to head to London for meetings after his U.S. visit.

It was unclear if Gantz during his White House talks diverged from Netanyahu's stances on Palestinian statehood or carrying out an expanded operation in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against a Rafah operation without a plan to protect civilians.

I dont doubt there are some administration officials who believe just by meeting with Gantz they are undermining Netanyahu, said Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. But if Gantz carries the governments line on key issues of disagreement, these meetings are net-negative for the White House while helpful back home for Gantz.

Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel; Wafaa Shurafa in Rafah, Gaza Strip; and Samy Magdy in Cairo and Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

Updated at 3:15 p.m.
March 4, 2024: In February, Irani revealed its purported new Arman anti-ballistic and Azarakhsh low-altitude air defense systems. The Arman anti-ballistic system can allegedly identify targets up to a range of 180 kilometers and fire at up to twelve targets at the same time. It has a radar installation and three Sayyad 2 and 3 class launchers. These TELAR Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar systems are installed on the same vehicle, to which two mobile launchers with six vertically launching missiles each could be attached.

The Azarakhsh short-range defense system can reportedly hit targets up to 50 km range with four missiles. It can be mounted on all types of vehicles and perform operations day and night under any weather conditions using a three-dimensional radar system, optical search, and advanced seekers. These announcements come amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, highlighting Irans ongoing commitment to bolstering its military capabilities despite international pressures.

In 2023 Iran revealed its update of the AD-08 SHORAD Short Range Air Defense system that first appeared in 2021 This is a mobile, short range anti-aircraft missile system mounted on a truck. All the equipment is Iranian-made and the vehicle carrying the range of system can be any 4x4 light truck. AD-08 can use several different Iranian radars with ranges of 12 or 15 kilometers. The system operator can also use an electro-optical target designator which sends the heat-seeking missile in the direction of targets such as a helicopter, cruise missile, UAVs, or any low flying aircraft. AD-08 has been used most of the time against the growing number of enemy UAVs encountered in combat. The 75 kg 156mm missile is 2.77 meters long and can hit targets 700 to 8,000 meters from the vehicle and at altitudes of 20 to 6,000 meters. There were no details on export efforts, how much the system costs or if it has any combat experience.

Between 2010 and 2023 Iran introduced 21 new air defense systems. While major military powers tend to concentrate on a few well developed and widely used air defense systems, Iran does not. This is largely because, in addition to the regular military, Iran has a separate armed force called the Iranian Republican Guard Corps, or IRGC. This force exists to defend the religious dictatorship that has ruled, or rather misruled Iran since the 1980s. This government was soon declared an international outlaw and subjected to a growing list of economic and military sanctions. While that has impoverished most Iranians and caused a growing threat of rebellion, the IRGC receives all its needs to protect the religious dictatorship from the Iranian people.

The IRGC also handles the procurement and publicity for allegedly marvelous new weapons. The problem is that Iran announces a lot of new weapons that are never heard about again. Some of these systems are clearly prototypes that are misrepresented as production models for propaganda purposes. The AD-08 was first announced in 2021 and a new version was revealed in 2023 but neither version has been seen in a combat zone since they were announced. This is not unusual.

For example, in 2023 the Iranian IRGC announced Sadid-365, a new ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) with a range of 8 kilometers and designed to hit the thinner armor on the top of a tank. On closer examination Sadid-365 is crude, limited and not very accurate. The missile weighs about 25 kg and is launched and guided manually via a data link to an operator in the launch vehicle who guides the missile to its target. This type of guidance system does not provide pinpoint accuracy and has the missile hit within a five meter circle. A video of a test launch against an armored vehicle showed the missile hitting the tank tracks rather than the top. Since the missile follows a ballistic trajectory, it can only be guided to distant targets between, at best, 7,000 and 8,000 meters. Sadid-365 appears to be useful only in clear weather during daylight. Iran used an old BMP IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) with the turret replaced by a four missile launcher. The missile operator was inside the vehicle.

Iran has become obsessed with these propaganda weapons, where they hack something together from an existing system and proclaim it to be a breakthrough weapon designed and manufactured in Iran. It's all rather pathetic, and it all began during the 1980s, when Iran and Iraq were fighting a nasty war. Some of the hacks worked, after a fashion. Iran created a longer range SCUD missile by the simple expedient of lengthening the missile with a larger fuel tank. This changed the flight characteristics of the missile but since these things were being fired at city size, as in Baghdad targets, it didn't matter. Actually, the Iranians didn't really need the longer range missiles because Baghdad was pretty close to the Iranian border. Iran actually got the technology for these SCUD mods from North Korea, but Iranian press releases always touted the achievement as being the work of Iranian scientists and engineers.

Every year the Iranian media features several new weapons described as locally designed and produced. This is to improve morale among a population that knows the country has been under an international arms embargo since the 1980s. Some of the new wonder weapons announced earlier included a cruise missile with 200 kilometer range and a submarine torpedo designed for shallow coastal waters. There was also a new 73mm missile that appeared to be a small, unguided rocket, albeit with a good press agent. All of this stuff was fluff, with a bit of recycled reality to back it up. If you go back and look at the many Iranian announcements of newly developed, high tech weapons, all you find is a photo op for a prototype. Sadid-365 went beyond the photo op by adding a larger rocket motor to the older, UAV launched Sadid-345 guided missile that used a more expensive guidance system that did not require operator control. The Arman and Azarakhsh systems described in the first two paragraph are more likely than not more of the same phony new weapons.

Production versions of these propaganda weapons rarely show up. Its all feel-good propaganda for the religious dictatorship that runs Iran and needs a steady supply of good news for its supporters, at least the ones who do not examine the new weapons with much scrutiny.
Sitting around a fire ring outside Dejope Residence Hall last Tuesday, a group of UW-Madison students pondered how they would feed themselves that night.

Dinner actually was being prepped before their eyes: Venison sizzled over the campfire alongside pans of a wild rice and raisin medley and blue corn, which students later could grind into corn flour.

But as the meal was being cooked, Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, who is the tribes health and wellness coordinator, pulled students hundreds of years into the past: Its 1491, along the shoreline of Lake Mendota  modern conveniences dont exist and the students need to eat.

One student suggested they could kill a deer with a bow and arrow  a worthy idea, Greendeer acknowledged, except that they would need sinew from a previously killed deer to string that bow.

A sharp stick might have to do.

If I send you all out with a sharp stick and told you to get dinner tonight, were not going to eat tonight, Im going to tell you that right now, Greendeer said with a laugh. That tells me that were missing an element other than food, water and shelter. Were missing wisdom. Were missing that thing that has been passed down, and this is where our oral tradition comes in ... this is how our way of life was built around survival.

History meets culture

Greendeers discussion is part of the UW-Madison horticulture departments Indigenous Foodways class, which examines how Indigenous people sustainably lived off the land for thousands of years prior to European settlers arrival, tribal agricultural practices, and health and wellness. Its taught by horticulture professor Irwin Goldman and Dan Cornelius, an Oneida tribe member who uses Indigenous agriculture practices on his farm south of Stoughton and is the outreach program manager for UW-Madisons Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center.

The class also weaves in the history and culture of Wisconsins Indigenous tribes, educating students on the repeated forced removals of Native people and the United States efforts to eradicate those cultures through boarding schools where thousands of children were abused or died.

The class grew out of a request from Patty Loew, a renowned author on Wisconsins Indian nations and a former UW-Madison professor. Goldman started growing a small crop of tobacco for Loew, with seeds sourced from the Oneida tribe, as she wanted to locally source some instead of purchasing tobacco processed elsewhere to give as gifts as she traveled around to the states tribal nations.

It got Goldman thinking about the cultural understanding of the plant from a tribal perspective, coinciding with a time in his career when he was focused on seed preservation. He wrote a grant developing a class on preserving Indigenous heritage strains of crops, and during its first year, Cornelius was a guest speaker for the class.

When Dan came, it was like the moment when The Wizard of Oz goes from black-and-white to color, Goldman said. He brought his pickup truck with ... different strains of corn, (and) we were grinding the corn. It was clear that we have to find a way to get him involved.

Hands-on coursework

The class is hands-on, with no exams, but has students planting Indigenous crops, including the three sisters  corn, beans and squash  and cooking in Babcock Halls kitchens. There is hope students will still tap maple syrup in the UW Arboretum this spring, though the warm weather could upend those plans.

The hands-on approach to the class is what makes it so impactful, Cornelius said. He recalled a deer demo class a few years ago, when the instructors failed to obtain a research permit to spearfish on Lake Mendota from the state Department of Natural Resources. They still held the class out on the frozen lake, where Greendeer butchered a deer and demonstrated what spearfishing might look like, but for students it was also a lesson in treaty rights.

We can talk about treaty rights, campus can talk about recognizing Ho-Chunk territory and whatnot, but here youve got  at that time  a former president of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and hes not even allowed to spearfish out there, even when we were going to do it for research purposes, Cornelius said. Thats just kind of like what this class is about, bringing it into real-life terms. Youre not going to get that out of a book.

Climate disruptions

Wisconsins unseasonably warm winter this year has at times left instructors scrambling to change their lesson plans.

A deer cooking demonstration is usually held in mid-February, when snow still covers the ground and Lake Mendota is frozen over. Typically, half of the two-hour class is spent learning about spearfishing on the ice.

But on Feb. 20, the day that lesson was supposed to be held, temperatures were in the 50s, and from atop Observatory Drive, the ice on Lake Mendota could be seen cracking into large sheets. That day, students instead participated in the First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour, where UW-Madison Indigenous Education Coordinator Omar Poler led discussions on the history of Ho-Chunk removal from Dejope, the land around the Yahara chain of lakes the tribe considered sacred, and the significance of two surviving effigy mounds on campus.

The following week, only the deer cooking demonstration was held, as temperatures hit a record-breaking 70 degrees on Tuesday. The next day, the state climatology office declared both lakes Mendota and Monona open, only the second time in recorded history for the lakes to thaw in February.

The strongest El Nino cycle since 1950, which naturally releases heat from the western Pacific Ocean, is largely responsible for the unseasonable weather, but the changes are further fueled by climate change. For Midwestern states, El Nino typically results in warmer days and less snow.

This is such a crazy year. The global average temperatures are so far beyond anything in recorded history, Cornelius said. Whats the impact on our tribes, on our Indigenous food systems, on agriculture within Wisconsin? This class gives a deeper perspective of what thats all about.

A deeper appreciation

As a result of the class, Cornelius and Goldman hope students are able to gain a greater understanding of the history of the land the campus sits on.

Junior horticulture major Josie Maahs has always appreciated the land  her childhood growing up near Duluth, Minnesota, featured catching frogs in the swamp and going hunting and fishing with her father. But Maahs also has thought that her K-12 education in Native tribes and cultures was lacking, a major motivator for her in taking the class.

Greendeers lecture last week stuck with Maahs, as each time shed gone hunting or fishing, shed never contemplated what it might mean for her to start from zero.

Were not really as grateful as we could be for everything that we have, like the sky and the moon, the stars, the grass, the lake and all the plants growing and all the animals scurrying around, even like the rabbits that eat all your vegetables, even when you dont want them to, she said. Its all part of this big, beautiful complex system, and we need to think of life on Earth as just this cyclical, circular thing where everything matters, and everything has its place and needs to be cared for.

Steve Holtzman attends the Indigenous Foodways class as an adult class auditor. Holtzman, who leads boat tours of Lake Mendota for the Wisconsin Alumni Association as Captain Steve, said hes found himself talking more frequently about the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and the Indigenous people who lived on the land prior to European settlement.

Holtzman took the course to absorb the history of the Ho-Chunk, so that as he continues the boat tours, he can help share their stories.

Not that I can in any way speak for the Native people, Holtzman said. But I can share some stories about what Ive learned from them. And I just really relish the opportunity to open up an understanding or an appreciation for the presence the Native people not only had for thousands of years in this area, but right now.
March 4, 2024: Conscription has been disappearing since the Cold War and the Soviet Union disappeared in 1991. Russia kept it going but the number of conscripts who showed up declined each year. In April 2018 the Russian military only ended up with 128,000 conscripts during the semiannual draft call. This was the lowest since 2006, a year when there were more young men available as well as more deferments and rampant draft dodging. In the years since 2018 the decline was reversed by issuing fewer deferments, punishing more draft dodgers, and enforcing laws against conscripts sent to combat zones because popular resistance to that threatened the conscription system. The one exception was if the fighting was in Russia, and this was the excuse the government used in 2022 as it claimed they were not invading Ukraine but reuniting it with Russian based on the contention that it belonged to Russia. The Ukrainians as well as Russian conscripts and their families disagreed with this interpretation and, after some political uproar, the Russian government mostly stopped sending conscripts to Ukraine.

Another reason for fewer conscripts is that there were fewer young men to conscript because of lower birth rates, greater proportions of young men who were in poor physical shape or addicted to drugs, or had a police record and so were considered more trouble than they were worth if conscripted. All this was expected but since the 1990s Russia has been seeking solutions and finding none that work well enough to keep the military up to strength.

As early as 2012 a Russian parliament-ordered investigation found that the army was short a third of the lowest ranking enlisted troops they were supposed to have. The Russian military, mainly the Army and Interior Ministry paramilitary units were supposed to have a million personnel. But officials admitted in 2011, off-the-record, that the real number was closer to 800,000 and slowly but relentlessly declining. A subsequent investigation confirmed this. In 2021 it was still no more than 800,000 but that was not discovered until Russia invaded Ukraine and eventually learned that its battalion task groups had only 500-600 troops instead of 800, and then only because conscripts were illegally to bring them up from about 400 men each.

Since 2012 the military has come up with a growing list of solutions for the problem, but all these efforts do is slow the decline of military manpower numbers, not reverse it. Current fixes involve calling up reservists, usually for a brief period to test the system but instead of letting the reservists quickly return to civilian life the military was keeping many of the reservists for six months or more. This was one reason for the short-term, less than 12 month, contract. Doing this too often made reservists refuse to appear when recalled. The economic recession after 2014, because of low oil prices and economic sanctions for grabbing Crimea from Ukraine. was supposed to encourage more Russians to volunteer but that did not happen and there was less money for increasing the pay for contract soldiers. Recruiting foreigners had minimal impact and so the Russian military kept fading away.

The military had 220,000 officers, also on contracts, and many veteran contract personnel who provided technical experts and other senior enlisted personnel. These were higher paid contract soldiers, some with a decade or more of service, who often become the long-absent Russian NCO, Non-Commissioned Officer, or sergeants, but there are not enough of these NCOs to make a difference. Conscripts still make up nearly half of the military and it's getting harder and harder to find enough people to conscript or willing to sign a contract. This means there are two classes of Russian military personnel. About 70 percent are much less capable, with most of them conscripts in for one year of service or new contract soldiers on two- or three-year contracts. These are supervised by inexperienced junior officers and a much smaller number of career NCOs. A third of the military are more enthusiastic volunteers and conscripts. These staff the elite special operations, airborne, security and specialist units. In other words, while the government claims to have a million military personnel on duty, the reality was that there are only about 200,000 troops on active duty who are good at what they do and want to be in the military.

Conscripts are inducted twice a year, in April and October. In 2011, the April intake was nominally 220,000 but fewer than that actually made it into uniform. In 2018 the April draft was 128,000. In 2011 only about 75 percent of the men who showed up were considered fit to take. In 2018 standards of fitness for military service are much less strict and the military has to cope with a lot more recruits who are of marginal use.

By 2012 the military reluctantly accepted the fact that they would not be able to obtain more than 270,000 conscripts a year needed to reach the official strength of a million personnel. In the last six years maintaining anything close to that number meant taking less willing and able men. Senior Russian generals accepted that they would never command a million-man force unless there was a war.

Lowering their standards in order to make their annual quotas just fills the ranks with more troublesome people, who cause more of the good troops to get out. In the last few years, the military has quietly stopped accepting many volunteers or conscripts from Moslem areas, especially Chechnya and Dagestan in the Caucasus. The wisdom of this was made clear when Russian intelligence reported that the most effective Russian Moslems who joined and fought for Islamic terrorist groups were military veterans. In contrast, Russian Moslems who had not served in the military were less likely to become Islamic terrorists and if they did, they were used as suicide bombers or support staff, not as long-term fighters. Moreover, commanders continued to report that if more than a few percent of their troops were Moslem there would be morale problems or worse.

The basic Russian recruiting problem was two-fold. First, military service was very unpopular, and potential conscripts were increasingly successful at dodging the draft deliberately or otherwise. But the biggest problem was that the number of 18 year-olds was rapidly declining each year. By 2009 all draftees were born after the Soviet Union dissolved. That was when the birth rate declined year after year. Not so much because the Soviet Union was gone but more because of the economic collapse caused by decades of communist misrule that precipitated the collapse of the communist government. The number of available draftees went from 1.5 million a year in the early 1990s to less than half that by the 2020s. Less than half those potential conscripts were showing up and many have criminal records or tendencies that help sustain the abuse of new recruits that have made military service so unsavory.

With conscripts now in for only a year, rather than two, the military is forced to take a lot of marginal sickly, overweight, bad attitude, and drug-user recruits in order to keep the military and Ministry of Interior units up to strength. This worked during the cold war because conscript service was three years for elite units. With one-year conscripts, elite airborne and commando units using some conscripts find that these eager conscripts take a year to master the skills needed to be useful and then they are discharged. Few chose to remain in uniform and become career soldiers. That's primarily because the Russian military is seen as a crippled institution and not likely to get better any time soon. With so many of the troops now one-year conscripts, an increasing number of the best officers and NCOs get tired of coping with all the alcoholics, drug users, and petty criminals that were taken in just to make quotas. With the exodus of the best leaders and a growing proportion of ill-trained and unreliable conscripts, the Russian military was more of a mirage than an effective combat or even police organization.

The military was unpopular for conscripts mainly because of the brutal treatment they received. This never got better, and hazing incidents keep increasing each year. There were a lot of reasons for not wanting to be in the Russian Army but the worst of them is the hazing. One year conscription was supposed to solve this, but new conscripts were tormented by conscripts who have been in just a few months longer. It was thought that this sort of thing would speed the demise of conscription in Russia once the Cold War ended in 1991.That did not happen and the government found that, even among the contract soldiers the old abuses lived on and that most of the best contract soldiers left when their contract was up. It was because of the brutality and lack of discipline in the barracks. The hazing is most frequently committed by troops who have been in six months or so against the new recruits. But this extends to a pattern of abuse and brutality by all senior enlisted troops against junior ones. It remains out of control. The abuse continues to exist in part because of the growing animosity against troops who are not ethnic Russians and especially against those who are Moslem. Because of higher birth rates among the Moslem populations, 15 percent or more of eligible conscripts were Moslems and that was seen as more of a problem than a solution.

Hazing originally developed after World War II when Russia deliberately avoided developing professional NCOs. They preferred to have officers take care of nearly all troop supervision. The Soviets failed to note that good NCOs were the key to effective troops. The Soviets felt that officers were more politically reliable, as they were more carefully selected and monitored. The NCOs that did exist were treated as slightly more reliable enlisted men but given little real authority. Since officers did not live with the men, slack discipline in the barracks gave rise to the vicious hazing and exploitation of junior conscripts by the senior ones. This led to very low morale, and a lot of suicides, theft, sabotage, and desertions. This hazing was one of the basic causes of crimes in the Russian armed forces, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all soldier crimes. This caused a suicide rate that is among the highest in the world. Poor working conditions in general also mean that Russian soldiers were nearly twice as likely to die from accidents, or suicide, than American soldiers. Long recognized as a problem, no solution to the hazing ever worked.

Conscription itself, and the prospect of being exposed to hazing led to a massive increase in draft dodging. Bribes and document fraud were freely used. Few parents or potential conscripts consider this a crime. Avoiding the draft is seen as a form of self-preservation. The government cracked down on parent-backed draft dodging with little effect. Thats because there is still so much corruption in Russia and evading conscription is seen by many as not really criminal, especially when the parents can afford to pay a bribe to keep their only son, who is often an only child, out of the Russian military.

The Russian lack of sergeants or praporshchiki has been difficult to fix. Just promoting more troops to that rank, paying them more, and telling them to take charge, did not work. So going back to look at how Western armies did it, the Russians noted that those foreign armies provided a lot of professional training for new NCOs and more of it as the NCOs advanced in rank. But this was a long-term process and took years before benefits would be felt. By 2022 there were a lot more of the veteran NCOs available and they probably made a difference. But the losses were so heavy in Ukraine that it may never be known how good those NCOs were.

All this is in sharp contrast to the old days. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it had five million troops in its armed forces. Now it's less than 800,000 in just Russia, which had about half the population of the Soviet Union but most of the territory. Although the Russian armed forces lost over 80 percent of its strength by the end of the 1990s, a disproportionate number of officers remained. This problem was solved, despite complaints from officers and, after a series of reforms, the number of officers was reduced by over 50 percent.

The Russian military has an image problem that just won't go away easily. This resulted in the period of service for conscripts being lowered to one year (from two) in 2008. That was mostly to placate the growing number of parents who were encouraging, and assisting, their sons in avoiding military service.

All this comes after more than a decade of reforms in the armed forces, particularly the army. Poor discipline, low morale, and incompetent performance are all legacies of the 1921-1991 Soviet era. Russian commanders, envious of the success of all-volunteer Western forces, have long studied their former foes and decided to adopt a lot of Western military customs. For example, one recent reform ordered that Russian troops would not be confined to their barracks most of the time. In the Soviet era, the conscripted troops were treated like convicts and their barracks were more like a prison than the college dormitory atmosphere found in troop housing for Western military personnel. Russian conscripts were now free to leave the base on weekends and work only a five-day week. All barracks now have hot-water showers and troop accommodations were the best they had ever been. Things like this help a bit but not enough.

Russia tried to change public attitudes towards the armed forces by publicizing all the new changes and programs. But word got around that most of these efforts failed. Blame that on the Internet. Polls consistently show that most military age men do not want to serve in the military and the main reason is the hazing and prison-like conditions in the barracks. As a result of all these factors, prospects of a revival of the traditional large Russian armed forces continues to fade. The defeats in Ukraine have not helped.

Conscription still exists in some countries, often because not enough volunteers can be found or because the country found itself at war. Countries that still have conscription are Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Cyprus, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine.
VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / AI/ML Innovations Inc. (the "Company" or "AIML") (CSE:AIML)(OTCQB: AIMLF)(FWB:42FB), a leading company committed to acquiring and advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies that address urgent societal needs, is pleased to announce the addition of Esmat Naikyar (BSc, Chemical Engineering) as Interim Chief Product Officer to the dynamic team at AIML. Esmat's role will be instrumental in steering the Company toward ambitious goals in the development of Neural Networks and other AI & ML healthcare products. Esmat's unique perspective and skill set make him an invaluable addition to the AI/ML Innovations' family.

Esmat Naikyar: A Rising Star in Health Tech Leadership

Esmat Naikyar brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his role as Interim Chief Product Officer. His background showcases a strong foundation in leading start-ups that pioneer a future where AI and big data converge to transform healthcare through the design and implementation of systems that employ AI for automated decision making. In his new role at AIML, Esmat will be at the forefront of guiding AIML's subsidiary, Health Gauge Inc., in the development of advanced Neural Networks, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications in healthcare.

Simultaneously, AI/ML Innovations Inc. bids farewell to Bruce Matichuk, who served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Company and Health Gauge Inc. Bruce has been an integral part of the Company's journey, contributing his expertise to various technological advancements during his tenure.

Paul Duffy, CEO of AI/ML Innovations Inc. stated, "We are excited to welcome Esmat to our team as Interim Chief Product Officer. Esmat's passion for healthcare technology aligns seamlessly with our vision for AI and ML innovations. His presence will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of Health Gauge Inc. We also express our gratitude to Bruce Matichuk for his valuable contributions during his time as CTO."

Esmat Naikyar, Interim Chief Product Officer added, "I am honored to join AI/ML Innovations Inc. at a time when health tech is at the forefront of innovation. I look forward to working alongside the talented team to drive advancements in Neural Networks and AI & ML healthcare products, making a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare."

About AI/ML Innovations Inc. https://aiml-innovations.com/

AI/ML Innovations Inc. has realigned its business operations to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an initial investment focus on emerging digital health and wellbeing companies that leverage AI, ML, cloud computing and digital platforms to drive transformative healthcare management solutions and precision support delivery across the health continuum. Through strategic partnerships with Health Gauge (95.2% owned by AIML), Tech2Heal (up to 22% ownership rights, with 12.44% currently owned by AIML), AI Rx Inc. (70% owned by AIML) and other planned accretive investments, the Company continues to capitalize on expanding growth areas, to the benefit of all the Company's stakeholders. AI/ML's shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AIML", the OTCQB Venture Market under "AIMLF", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "42FB".

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim Daniels, Executive Chairman

For more information about AI/ML Innovations :

For detailed information please see AI/ML's website or the Company's filed documents at www.sedarplus.ca

For further information, contact: Blake Fallis at (778) 405-0882 or [email protected]

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For AI/ML Innovations Investors

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, AI/ML Innovations' expectations concerning management's plans, objectives, and strategies, including strategies for defending the Company's intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. AI/ML Innovations Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or circumstances or otherwise except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Further information regarding the uncertainties and risks can be found in the disclosure documents filed by AI/ML with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Velox Energy Materials Inc. (TSXV:VLX) ("Velox" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Lake Pierre Lithium Project in Quebec.

Highlights

- Independent desktop study of all historic data covering the Lake Pierre Lithium Project completed. The report concludes:

- Multiple pegmatites identified at surface and within historic drill data.

- At least three generations of massive pegmatites have been identified.

- The geological conditions (metamorphism and sedimentary rocks) are deemed favorable.

- Limited lithium geochemistry and limited detailed geological mapping provide an opportunity to discover new lithium bearing pegmatites.

- Potential to find additional uranium mineralization on the margins and within the granitic intrusion.

Velox's President and CEO, Simon Coyle, commented:

"The independent review has been extremely beneficial to Velox and has further enhanced our understanding of the Lake Pierre opportunity. The area is a known mining province, with the Rio Tinto Ilmenite mining operation and established infrastructure, it possess all the ingredients for a fast mover in the Quebec region.

"Velox in collaboration with our Canadian advisors, will conduct first pass ground reconnaissance works during CY2024, with the aim to establish exploration targets of both lithium and uranium. The potential for both of these exciting emerging commodities is real in the region and we are excited to see where we end up."

Review of Historical Data

The Lake Pierre Lithium Project situated in the Quebec North Shore and approximately 55km east of the town of Havre St Pierre (Figure 1), has undergone an independent review conducted by ISO Services Geoscientifiques Inc. (ISO). ISO has over 23 years of experience in Quebec, possessing relevant expertise in the Lake Pierre region of the Granville Orogeny.

The project encompasses rocks of the Wakeham Group, which includes metasediments, gabbro and amphibolites. Additionally, the Turgeon Granite and the contact zone between these two units are present.

There has been extensive exploration campaigns for uranium within the Turgeon Granite over the past 50 years, culminating in the discovery of the Double S uranium deposit. Uracan Resources reported an Indicated resource of 21.5 Mt @ 0.014% U 3 O 8 and 56.96 Mt of Inferred resources @ 0.012% U 3 O 8 (Report on Minerals Activities in Quebec 2011). These mineral resources are hosted in pink pegmatites that cut the Turgeon Granite (Figure 2). Notably, the deposit has been interpreted to be similar to the world-class Rossing uranium deposit in Namibia, which still hosts 62 Mt of ore reserves at 0.039% U 3 O 8 [1].

Figure 1: Lake Pierre Lithium Project, eastern Quebec

The historic data reveals the presence of multiple pegmatites in the region. The oldest pegmatites that represent the best target for lithium discovery, are located in the southern part of the region, crosscutting the Wakem Group rocks. These pegmatites may have been consumed by the intrusion of younger Turgeon Granite but there is no clear evidence available.

While the Turgeon Granite hosts massive pegmatites associated with uranium and REE minerals no specific lithium targets have been identified due to the lack of geochemical data.

Two historic diamond drill holes located within the southern portion of the Company's tenure (Figure 2) have returned several lithium and tantalum results (Table 1). Whilst the assays are modest in value, there is a clear identification of lithium within the pegmatite intersected.

Table 1: Significant results from Uracan Diamond Drilling[2]

Sample Hole Id From (m) To (m) Lithology Li (ppm) Ta (ppm) 398930 LTA-07-09 2.1 2.7 Pegmatite 132 1.7 398956 LTA-07-09 33.5 34.4 Pegmatite 16.5 5.24 389967 LTA-07-09 48.5 50.0 Granite 11.3 12 411037 LTA-07-10 14.6 15.8 Quartzite 154 4.5 411038 LTA-07-10 15.8 17.3 Pegmatite 39 45 411074 LTA-07-10 61.0 61.1 Amphibolite 144.5 0.99

Figure 2: Geological map and historic drillhole locations

Next Steps

The Company expects to commence preliminary field work during CY 2024. These works will involve geological mapping and surface sampling, with assaying to build information about the surface exposure and assist in determining the generations of pegmatite previously identified.

Please visit our website at www.veloxenergymaterials.com.au for further information.

Approved by the Board of Velox Energy Materials Inc.

Simon Coyle

President & CEO

+1 416-214-7577

Investor Relations Contact

Andrew Rowell

Investor Relations - Australia

M: +61 400 466 226

Email: [email protected]

About Velox Energy Materials

Velox Energy Materials is a publicly traded energy materials company developing and progressing high-value assets in resource and research-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's priority focus is the advanced NQV Project in Queensland, Australia. The NQV Project hosts the Cambridge Deposit with an CIM compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V 2 O 5 and 234.6 ppm MoO 3 along with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V 2 O 5 (cut-off grade of 0.25% V 2 O 5 ) and 241.9 ppm MoO 3 (Technical Report and Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, North Queensland Vanadium Project, Queensland, Australia, Dufresne et al, December 16, 2022). The Company is targeting shallow, high-grade mineralisation that can be developed using low-cost mining and processing options.

The Company additionally owns Kotai Energy and the option to acquire 100% of the intellectual property rights associated with the Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Project from Curtin University in Western Australia. Kotai is focused on the commercialisation of technology that can produce high-pressure hydrogen following transport as an inert powder.

In October 2023, the Company acquired a package of tenements that are prospective for lithium in eastern Quebec.

Qualified Persons

The Velox Energy Materials scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and reviewed and approved on behalf Velox Energy Materials by Michael Griffiths, FAusIMM, Director & VP Exploration for Velox Energy Materials, a Qualified Person.

Forward Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements about the closing of the transaction, expected terms of the transaction, the number of securities of Velox Energy Materials that may be issued in connection with the transaction, and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals are all forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

[1] https://miningdataonline.com/property/614/Rossing-Mine.aspx

[2] URACAN RESOURCES INC, Proprite Cote-Nord Bloc Wee Gee, Ponbriand B et Turgeon A (2007) - Jean-Sebastien Lavallee, P.geo, - GM63866

SOURCE: Velox Energy Materials Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Q Battery Metals Corp. ("Q Battery Metals" or the "Company) (CSE:QMET) is pleased to announce that the Company is currently in discussion with a Diamond Drilling Contractor to undertake drilling on the company's properties in 2024. The company expects to sign an agreement with the contractor in the near future. The agreement as discussed to date includes beneficial terms that are favorable to both Q Metals and the drilling contractor. In the duration, the company will continue to receive statements of interest from other drillers. Diamond drilling is being planned for the La Corne South and McKenzie East projects.

At the La Corne South, exploration to date has identified potential for lithium mineralization, as well as Volcanic Massive Sulphide (VMS) mineralization. The best lithium value of 622 ppm was obtained from blocks of rock found at surface on the margin of a ridge of outcrop. Two samples were taken from these blocks, both of which returned elevated Li, along with Cs, Al and Be, all indicators for pegmatite that can potentially be lithium bearing. The float blocks are interpreted as having been derived from a nearby source (see news releases dated October 15, 2023).

A number of surface outcrops and diamond drilling intercepts containing massive sulphide have been documented on the La Corne South property (see news releases dated July 28, 2020, and January 24, 2021). Historic trenching has uncovered a series of massive sulphide bodies on the property that were sampled primarily for gold content. Diamond drilling in 1971, 1972, 1978, 1987, and 2004 by Exploration Louphior, Sullico Mines, Hudbay Mining, and Noranda Inc intercepted massive sulphide bodies, only some of which were assayed for base metals. Noranda drill hole FIE-04-02 intercepted 2.2m of massive sulphide at 125m depth, assaying 0.7% Cu, 18gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au and 0.3% Zn. Sullico Mines Ltd 1971 hole F 71-1 intercepted 5.5 m of massive sulphide returning 0.2% Cu and 0.29% Zn. Q Battery completed deep-penetrating Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) surveying and identified of a group of strong EM anomalies. They are located between 10 m and 130 m below surface with depth extensions of 75 m to 350 m trending north-south through the property, interpreted as potential sulphide bodies.

An Induced Polarization survey on the La Corne South is planned for Spring 2024. The ground surveys (IP chargeability and resistivity) will add to the geophysical data obtained from the previously completed drone-supported magnetics and ground TDEM surveys to provide more definition for eventual diamond drilling of both lithium and VMS targets.

At the McKenzie East, Q Battery Metals plans to continue expanding from the positive results obtained from its previous exploration. A proposed drill program is currently in the process of permitting to test and expand upon results obtained from the 2021- Phase 1 drilling that included 1.185 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) over one metre from hole MKE-21-01 as well as intercepts of greater than 0.5 g/t from holes MKE-21-03, MKE-21-06 and MKE-21-08. Hole MKE-21-03 showed the most promise from the drilling campaign, where geologist observations indicated a section of core that contained a visible gold grain of approximate one mm by two mm size, as well as veining, alterations and associated sulphide minerals over a wide interval (see Q Metals news release dated July 13, 2021).

Q Metals is also planning to expand exploration into the southern claim block of the McKenzie East property in order to test for gold-silver quartz veins similar to those exposed within adjoining claims at the Maruska showing. At the Maruska, in 2023, Q Battery Metals obtained a rock sample that included chips from a number of the exposed quartz-pyrite veins. The sample was analyzed for gold by fire assay and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, with a further 48 elements (including silver) by ME-MS61L (four-acid digestion). The sample returned 3.41 grams per tonne gold and 2.58 grams per tonne silver, confirming the presence of precious metals in the Maruska vein system (see Q Battery Metals news release dated Nov. 28, 2023). Q Metals is very interested in this documented gold showing due to its location very near to the south block of the company's McKenzie East claims. However, the reader is warned that results obtained from adjoining properties are not direct indications for potential on the Q Battery Metals claims.

The La Corne South and McKenzie East projects area within 5 km of each other, both easily accessed by Highway 397, 25 Km north of Val d'Or, Quebec.

Q BATTERY METALS CORP

Q Battery Metals exploration programs undertaken in Quebec are supervised by Dr. Mathieu Pich, OGQ, with office located north of Val d'Or. He is also a Q Battery Metals company director. The company has 100% interest in mineral claims within Quebec, targeting critical and precious metals. Projects include the La Corne South lithium and VMS property, the McKenzie East Gold property, the Lorrain Ni-Co-PGE property, and the recently acquired Versant rare earth elements (REE) property.

Perry Grunenberg, P.Geo, a "Qualified Person" as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Richard Penn

CEO

(778) 384-8923

SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The female-led design tool contributes to combating gender inequality in design

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / Readymag, the design tool for creating outstanding websites without coding, announces the relaunch of Designing Women, an initiative crafted to make a contribution towards combating gender inequality in design. As part of this initiative, the company presents the ReadyLaunch Grant - four fellowships tailored to kickstart design projects and amplify the voices of female-identifying, non-binary, and other individuals affected by gender-related issues in the design industry.





Designing Women Readymag Initiative





"Rather than sending greeting cards on March 8th, let's focus on creating environments where women can thrive, grow, and shape the future of the design industry," notes Diana Kasay, co-founder and CEO of Readymag. "We expect the ReadyLaunch grant to help the project authors pursue their true passion."

The first edition of Designing Women was launched in 2019. As Diana Kasay noted, the project was about empowering women's voices in the design industry. "We didn't have the illusion that releasing the project would immediately change the world, but we clearly felt how its launch affected the design community - we brought to the surface women whose names had been unjustly forgotten and did not receive the attention they deserved."

As part of the relaunch, Readymag announced the ReadyLaunch Grant to help female-identifying and non-binary designers to put their projects into action. Tailored to kickstart or fully launch design initiatives, the ReadyLaunch Grant supports a wide range of project types, including newsletters, zines, YouTube channels, and podcasts. Grantees can utilize the funds to cover a variety of expenses, such as team payments, space rentals, production costs, project resources, or participation in training programs. Each grant package includes a fellowship valued at $2,000, alongside free one-year access to a Female Design Council membership, enrollment in the Female Design Council Mentor Match Program, and assistance in securing media coverage. The application period is open from March 4, 2024, to May 8, 2024.

The Designing Women enlightenment web project showcases 37 profiles, serving as an archive that celebrates remarkable women who have significantly influenced the design industry throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Among the names are Paula Scher, Kazuyo Sejima, Charlotte Perriand, Debbie Millman, Norma Merrick Sklarek, Tea Uglow, and Jessica Walsh.

The focus of the relaunch in 2024 was to make the project more horizontal and inclusive. "Our marketing and design teams are mostly female, and we've experienced a lot of the issues the project addresses firsthand," comments Alya Datii, Head of Marketing at Readymag. "With deep-rooted experience in the design industry, we're well-acquainted with its challenges and pain points. We sat down and listed all of our problems, experiences, needs, and demands at the intersection of our work and gender. From there, we picked those we could try to tackle as a team. After reaching out to other communities for input, we started the work."

The project also includes a curated list of over 20 organizations and initiatives tailored for female and non-binary individuals in the design field. These resources are aimed at providing support for networking, securing funding, accessing design training and career opportunities, and showcasing personal work.

Readymag is a design tool that helps create standout websites, landing pages, and all kinds of online publications without coding. It offers a non-templated layout, advanced animations and one-of-a-kind interactions, 5,000+ free fonts with complete control over typography, and tools for smooth teamwork.

Contact Information

Alisa Kusti

Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE: Readymag

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE: BAH), the parent company of consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., announced today that it has appointed William McClellan Mac Thornberry to the Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2024.

Thornberry represented the 13th district of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 1995 until January 2021. He served on the House Armed Services Committee throughout his time in Congress, including four years as chairman (January 2015 to January 2019) and two years as ranking member (January 2019 to January 2021). He also served on the House Intelligence Committee for 14 years.

During his Congressional tenure, Thornberry successfully championed a range of reforms to accelerate the delivery of technology to the warfighter and enhance innovation within the Department of Defense. He also led in creating the Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administration to improve management of the nations nuclear weapons complex, establishing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, preparing the military to defend the nation in new domains of warfare such as space and cyber, and improving oversight of sensitive military and cyber operations. Earlier, he served as deputy assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs under President Ronald Reagan, worked as a staffer on Capitol Hill, and practiced law in Amarillo, Texas.

Thornberry brings distinguished expertise in national security, policymaking, and defense technology to Booz Allen. He is also a dedicated supporter of U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, veterans, and military families. He will serve on the boards Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation, Culture, and People Committee.

As the pace of change accelerates, Macs strategic thinking, innovation mindset, and deep knowledge of foreign and domestic national security issues will bring valuable insight to Booz Allen, said Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, chairman of the board. He joins a strong and collaborative board dedicated to the success of the companys clients, business, employees, and stockholders.

Thornberry earned a bachelors degree in history from Texas Tech University and received his law degree from the University of Texas. He currently serves as chair of the board of directors of CAE USA and as a member of the board of directors of Fortinet Federal, Inc.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFA, BFB) today announced that it will host an investor conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with presentations starting at 8:30 a.m. (EDT). A live webcast of the presentations along with a question and answer session with the companys executive leaders will focus on Brown-Formans strategic priorities and long-term ambitions.

The webcast will be available via www.brown-forman.com, through a link to Investors  Events & Presentations. Copies of the slides presented during the conference will also be available via the website. Interested parties may register here to view the live webcast. A replay of the conference will also be available after the event via Brown-Formans website at investors.brown-forman.com.

For more than 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Ready-to-Drinks, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers Craft, The GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Korbel, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Fords Gin, Gin Mare, and Diplomatico Rum. Brown-Formans brands are supported by approximately 5,600 employees globally and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit brown-forman.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, formerly Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304609448/en/

Rob Frederick

Vice President

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

502-774-7707

Sue Perram

Vice President

Investor Relations

[email protected]

502-774-6862

Source: Brown-Forman Corporation
Scott Adelson Appointed Chief Executive Officer, to Succeed Scott Beiser

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE: HLI), the global investment bank, today announced that Scott Beiser will step down as Chief Executive Officer, a role he has held since 2003. Scott Adelson, Co-President and Global Co-Head of Corporate Finance, will succeed Mr. Beiser as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Beiser will remain an executive officer of the firm as a Co-Chairman of Houlihan Lokey.

In addition to these changes, Eric Siegert, Global Co-Head of Financial Restructuring, will assume the role of Co-Chairman alongside Mr. Beiser and Irwin Gold, currently Executive Chairman. David Preiser will step down from his current role as Co-President and will continue to serve the firm as Vice Chairman. Mr. Siegert also will continue in his current co-head role in Financial Restructuring, and Mr. Adelson will be succeeded by longtime senior officers as Global Co-Heads of Corporate Finance.

The changes were approved by Houlihan Lokeys Board of Directors on March 1, 2024 and will be effective June 10, 2024.

Leading Houlihan Lokey for the past two decades, and working alongside my talented and dedicated partners, has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career, said Mr. Beiser. I am extraordinarily proud of the firm we have built, from a small valuation firm to one of the largest and most successful independent investment banks in financial services. Im delighted to hand the reins to my longtime partner Scott, who has been instrumental in the firms overall success and has built the firms Corporate Finance business into the market leader it is today. I have no doubt that Houlihan Lokey will continue to grow and thrive under Scotts leadership, and we will continue to deliver our clients the superior outcomes on which the firm prides itself.

Mr. Adelson said, I am honored to assume the role of CEO of Houlihan Lokey. Our culture, values, and people are among the best in the industry. I am extremely proud of the successes we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to develop our people, build our businesses, and grow our global brand as we serve our clients. Im delighted that Eric is joining our executive management team as Co-Chairman alongside Scott and Irwin to guide Houlihan Lokey on our next phase of growth and maintain our status as a leading investment bank.

Robert Schriesheim, Lead Independent Director of Houlihan Lokeys Board of Directors, commented, The Board of Directors is deeply grateful to Scott Beiser for his leadership, dedication, and wisdom in building Houlihan Lokey into a truly outstanding firm. His vision and thoughtful, careful approach to growth and strategy have led the firm to a leading position across its businesses and have placed Houlihan Lokey in an excellent position to benefit from the changes we have seen in the market and those yet to come. In addition, we have every confidence that as the firms new CEO, Scott Adelson will continue Houlihan Lokeys long track record of success. The growth of the firms Corporate Finance business has been nothing short of outstanding, and he is an exemplar and a true steward of the firms unique corporate culture. Scotts leadership and deep commitment to delivering superior results places both the firm and its clients in excellent hands.

About Houlihan Lokey

Houlihan Lokey (NYSE: HLI) is a global investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. The firm serves corporations, institutions, and governments worldwide with offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Independent advice and intellectual rigor are hallmarks of the firms commitment to client success across its advisory services. The firm is the No. 1 investment bank for all global M&A transactions, the No. 1 M&A advisor for the past nine consecutive years in the U.S., the No. 1 global restructuring advisor for the past ten consecutive years, and the No. 1 global M&A fairness opinion advisor over the past 25 years, all based on number of transactions and according to data provided by LSEG (formerly Refinitiv).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304105023/en/

Investor Relations

+1 212.331.8225

[email protected]

Media Relations

+1 917.331.1580

+44 (0) 20 7747 1480

[email protected]

Source: Houlihan Lokey, Inc.
SHENZHEN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hytera Communications (SZSE: 002583), a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions, proudly introduces its latest innovation: the S Series business two-way radios. This groundbreaking product line revolutionizes the form factor of two-way radios, catering to small and midsize businesses (SMBs) with unparalleled versatility and style.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303929301/en/

Hytera Unveils S Series Business Two-way Radios for Small and Midsize Businesses (Photo: Business Wire)

The newly launched S Series comprises the S1 mini, S1, and S1 Pro models, each boasting exceptional ergonomics, intuitive operation, and crystal-clear audio. Backed by Hyteras extensive user research, market insights, and engineering expertise, these models redefine the conventional design of radios and bring versatile functionalities for users from hospitality, retail, and beyond.

S1 mini: Compact Yet Powerful

Tailored for businesses such as boutique stores, wine bars, and restaurants, the S1 mini two-way radio combines compactness with robust performance. Its sleek design, with a size akin to a lipstick, ensures minimal intrusion and burden during the work shift. With flexible wearing options, users can clip it onto uniforms or wear it with a lanyard for added convenience.

Equipped with a miniature HD display, the S1 mini provides essential information such as channel number, ID, and battery level at a glance. With an external antenna, it covers an impressive indoor communication range of 10,000 square meters, facilitating seamless connectivity in the workplace. The push-to-talk (PTT) button in the front of the radio and ultra-light earpieces make PTT calls easy and comfortable, fostering a productive and customer-centric environment.

S1: Efficiency Redefined

Designed to meet the unique demands of the retail sector, the S1 elevates communication efficiency with its dual PTT buttons, which help retail staff talk with either of the two standby groups with manual selection. Seamlessly connecting different teams and departments, S1 enables quick responses to customer inquiries and requests. Available in pearl white and metallic gray, the S1 blends well with professional attire, showcasing discretion and style. Its lightweight design and long battery life ensure uninterrupted operation, allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.

S1 Pro: Where Functionality Meets Fashion

Crafted for hotels and resorts, the S1 Pro epitomizes elegance and professionalism. Inspired by the classic Doric column, its design exudes sophistication and refinement. The 1.8-inch OLED display makes essential icons, numbers, and texts accessible effortlessly. With top-notch AI-noise cancellation technology, the S1 Pro ensures superior audio clarity in challenging scenarios. Attendants, valets, receptionists, and security can hear and be heard when they are required to sync information instantly. With the Whisper Mode, staff can communicate discreetly without disturbing the serene ambiance, enhancing the overall guest experience.

About Hytera

Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (SZSE: 002583) is a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions. With voice, video and data capabilities, we provide faster, safer, and more versatile connectivity for business and mission critical users. We make the world more efficient and safer by enabling our customers to achieve more in both daily operations and emergency response.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303929301/en/

[email protected]

Source: Hytera
Join the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) at its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tokyo from Tuesday April 16 until Thursday April 18, 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303095282/en/

(Graphic: Business Wire)

Keynote speakers include:

Teruhisa Kurita, Commissioner, Financial Services Agency, Government of Japan

Commissioner, Financial Services Agency, Government of Japan Rostin Behnam , Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission

, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Masahiko Kato, President & CEO, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

President & CEO, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. Yutaka Nakajima, Deputy President Director, Representative Executive Officer, Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Deputy President Director, Representative Executive Officer, Nomura Holdings, Inc. Marco Casalaina, Vice President of Products, Azure AI

More keynote speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Accredited journalists are invited to attend the event and must register in advance. Please send your name, affiliation and contact details to Christopher Faimali, [email protected], +44 20 3808 9736

The conference will include sessions on:

Global market outlook and the impact on derivatives markets

Navigating geopolitical risks

The regulatory response to non-bank financial intermediation

Managing disruption events

The impact of US Treasury clearing on global liquidity and market structure

Analyzing the costs of the final Basel III rules

Implementing regulatory reporting rule changes

Derivatives trading strategies

Managing digital transformation

Procyclicality and margin preparedness

Additional information on the conference, including an agenda, is available on the ISDA's website. An updated agenda will be available in due course.

Journalists are invited to attend all social events, including the pre-conference welcome reception on Tuesday April 16 at 7:30PM.

Please note that attendance at the evening events is granted on a strictly off-the-record basis and is for networking purposes only, not for reporting.

WHEN: Conference sessions will be held on Wednesday April 17  Thursday April 18, 2024. The pre-conference welcome reception is on Tuesday April 16 at 7:30PM. WHERE: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6 Chome-10-3 Roppongi Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Since 1985, ISDA has worked to make the global derivatives markets safer and more efficient. Today, ISDA has over 1,000 member institutions from 77 countries. These members comprise a broad range of derivatives market participants, including corporations, investment managers, government and supranational entities, insurance companies, energy and commodities firms, and international and regional banks. In addition to market participants, members also include key components of the derivatives market infrastructure, such as exchanges, intermediaries, clearing houses and repositories, as well as law firms, accounting firms and other service providers. Information about ISDA and its activities is available on the Associations website: www.isda.org. Follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

All press attending this conference must register in advance.

Please send your name, affiliation, and contact details to Christopher Faimali, [email protected], +44 20 3808 9736

ISDA is a registered trademark of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303095282/en/

Christopher Faimali

+44 20 3808 9736

[email protected]

Source: International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA)
The Butler County Area Foundation Fund will be hosting its annual banquet on March 16, 2024. The event will be held at Winfields. Social hour with a cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each.

Tickets are available for purchase from Bank of the Valley (all locations in Butler County), First National Bank, Union Bank & Trust, Cornerstone Bank-Rising City, and Bank of Brainard. The ticket purchase deadline is March 8. For more information or tickets, call Russ Heller at 402-367-6164 or Jacque Masek at 402-367-2327.

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund was founded in 1982 and is an affiliate of Nebraska Community Foundation.
- First-of-its-kind program in Nevada to train Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists -

HENDERSON, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The College of Nursing at Roseman University of Health Sciences today announced its new Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA) program to address the national demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The program, approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), is accepting applications for an inaugural class starting in July 2024.

Rosemans DNPNA program will be based at its Henderson, Nevada campus and delivered over 36 months in a hybrid-online format, with students learning didactic curriculum online, and clinical and experiential learning on campus and at partner clinical sites throughout Southern Nevada beginning midway through the first year of the program.

Rosemans DNPNA students will learn how to administer anesthesia and deliver anesthesia-related services independently and as part of an interprofessional team. Students will learn through real-world scenarios using state-of-the-art simulation and training in collaboration with clinical partners in Southern Nevada," said Nathaniel Apatov, PhD, MHS, MSN, CRNA, LTC USA (Retired), Rosemans DNPNA program director. Further, students will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and systems-level thinking, while learning their important role in a health care team.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, be fully knowledgeable and skilled in administrating anesthesia, and be prepared to apply for CRNA licensing.

We are delighted to launch this new program to prepare nurses for one of the most in-demand and critical roles in health care, says Brian Oxhorn, PhD, RN, dean of Roseman University College of Nursing. Our aging population, increase in chronic diseases requiring surgery and the shortage of anesthesiologists all contribute to high job opportunities and pay upon graduation and licensure.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for CRNAs is expected to be 38 percent over the next ten years. In 2022, nationally Nurse Anesthetists made a median salary of $203,090, with the best-paid 25 percent earning $227,160 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent earning $174,190, making CRNAs the highest paid among nursing specialties.

To be eligible for admission into Roseman Universitys DNPNA program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as well as an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse and/or an advanced practice registered nurse. For more information, visit nursing.roseman.edu.

About Roseman University of Health Sciences

Founded in Henderson, Nevada in 1999, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a non-profit, private institution of higher learning training the next generation of undergraduate and graduate level health care professionals that serve, collaborate, and set new standards in their communities and within their professions. With campuses in Henderson and Summerlin (Las Vegas), Nevada and South Jordan, Utah, the University is comprised of the College of Dental Medicine, offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AEODO) residency programs, and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program in partnership with NYU Langone Dental Medicine; College of Pharmacy, offering a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Dual Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Sciences in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmD-MSPS); College of Nursing, offering an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN/FNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA); and College of Graduate Studies offering a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS), and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MBS). Roseman University of Health Sciences will also offer a Doctor of Medicine (MD) through its College of Medicine once it becomes accredited. More than 7,800 Roseman graduates are caring for patients, conducting research, and engaged in public health and policy in Nevada, Utah and across the country. Roseman University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. www.roseman.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304920900/en/

Jason Roth

VP, Communications

Roseman University of Health Sciences

[email protected]

702-461-1919 (call/text)

Source: Roseman University of Health Sciences
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) today announced that, subject to market and other conditions, it has commenced an offering (the "Offering") of $1 .75 billion of depositary shares ("Depositary Shares"), each representing a 1/20th interest in a share of Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company ("Preferred Stock"), in an underwritten registered public offering. In addition, Albemarle expects to grant the underwriters in the Offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $262 .5 million of Depositary Shares.

Albemarle intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other uses, funding growth capital expenditures, such as the construction and expansion of lithium operations in Australia and China that are significantly progressed or near completion, and repaying the Company's outstanding commercial paper.

Holders of the Depositary Shares will be entitled to a proportional fractional interest in the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock, including conversion, dividend, liquidation and voting rights, subject to the provisions of a deposit agreement. Unless earlier converted, each share of the Preferred Stock will automatically convert on or around March 1, 2027 into a number of shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), based on the applicable conversion rate, and each Depositary Share will automatically convert into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to a proportionate fractional interest in such shares of Common Stock. The conversion rates, dividend rate and other terms of the Preferred Stock will be determined at the time of pricing of the offering of the Depositary Shares. Currently, there is no public market for the Depositary Shares or the Preferred Stock. Albemarle intends to apply to list the Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ALB PR A."

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Depositary Shares. No offer, solicitation or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offers of Depositary Shares will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement relating to the Offering and the accompanying base prospectus.
By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Shivansh Tiwary

NEW YORK (Reuters) -American Airlines on Monday unveiled its biggest plane order since 2011, buying 260 new jets from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer as it looks to increase earnings by capitalizing on booming demand for premium travel.

The deal includes 85 Airbus A321neo jets, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. The order also includes options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft.

"(Travel) demand is back," American Airlines' CEO, Robert Isom, told an investor conference.

The order is also a big boost for Boeing, which has been under fire since a Jan. 5 incident when a door plug blew off a 737 MAX plane in mid-flight, exposing frightened passengers to the outside air.

This is American's first-ever order for the MAX 10, the largest variant of Boeing's best-selling single-aisle 737 MAX planes.

The aircraft has yet to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Jan. 5 incident has raised new doubts over its certification.

American's chief financial officer, Devon May, said the order reflects the airline's confidence in Boeing, adding it offers fleet flexibility to the company as it provides an alternative to its Airbus A321 planes.

Its first MAX 10 plane is due for delivery in 2028. But if delivery is delayed, the company has negotiated with Airbus for sufficient options, he said. The Texas-based airline also has options to convert those orders into MAX 8 or MAX 9.

"Our first MAX 10 delivery is going to happen in 2028," May told reporters on the sidelines of American's investor conference. "It gives Boeing a lot of time to actually get the airplane certified and then deliver it on time."

Reuters has reported that rival United Airlines is in talks with Airbus for a potential mega order to replace hundreds of MAX 10s on order from Boeing, as airlines scramble for scarce Airbus production slots.

May expressed confidence that Boeing would "get it right," saying the U.S. planemaker was "taking the right steps."

"It's probably going to take some time," he said.

American Airlines shares fell 5.4% to close at $14.81 on Monday.

The new plane order is expected to enable American to add more high-margin premium seats on its domestic and short-haul international routes.

American, United and Delta Air Lines have all benefited from increased demand for premium travel after the pandemic.

The company is also looking to drive up revenue from its co-branded credit cards. The programs have become a cash-generator for carriers through sale of miles to third-party partners.

American expects its profit margin to jump to 15%-18% in 2026, up from 14% estimated for this year, resulting in a free cash flow of more than $3 billion.

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in New York and Shivansh Tiwary and Aishwarya Jain in BengaluruAdditional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Shilpi Majumdar and Matthew Lewis)
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Berkshire Bank has entered into definitive agreements with three buyers to sell 10 of its upstate and eastern New York branches, consisting of eight offices in Albany , Saratoga , Schenectady and Columbia counties, one office in Whitehall and one office in East Syracuse .

The sales include approximately $485.5 million in deposits, $60.5 million of related residential mortgage and consumer loans along with all branch premises and equipment. The transactions exclude Berkshire's commercial banking business.

Hudson Valley Credit Union is purchasing eight locations in Albany , Saratoga , Schenectady , and Columbia counties, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company is purchasing one location in Whitehall and Pathfinder Bank is purchasing one location in East Syracuse . The buyers intend to offer employment to all associated staff. The sales are targeted for completion by the end of the third quarter of 2024 subject to customary regulatory approvals and associated system conversions. They reduce Berkshire's overall branch footprint from 96 to 86 locations.

CEO Nitin Mhatre stated, "Our announcement today is another step in our continued efforts to create efficiencies in our branch network so we can continue to invest in our bankers and client experience to further improve our long-term profitability. The proposed sales will concentrate our overall geographic footprint and lower our expense run rate, while strengthening focus in our core New York markets. The branch sales combined with a future securities sale will not materially increase borrowings and will be effectively neutral to full year 2024 earnings outlook."

Berkshire remains committed to the important core New York markets where it will continue to operate 16 branches. Berkshire clients at its remaining locations will continue to work with the same bankers as they did prior to the announcement.

"We continue to execute on opportunities to create efficiencies in our franchise," stated CFO David Rosato . "These transactions allow us to exit these branches without incurring severance or real estate costs while reducing expenses and contributing positively to our long-term profitability."
Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) reports that an incident occurred on Saturday March 2, 2024 , at the Asanko Gold Mine (the "AGM"), a 50:50 joint venture with Gold Fields Limited, which is managed and operated by Galiano.

The incident occurred following an interaction between a group of illegal miners and contracted security officers on AGM's mining lease near the township of Tontokrom. Two security officers and a civilian were killed in the attack by illegal miners.

Given the distance between the processing plant and the mining leases to the south, operations at the AGM remain unaffected. Further investigations are ongoing and Galiano will continue to work closely with the local law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our employees and community members.


FILE PHOTO: A neon logo of virtual cryptocurrency Bitcoin is seen at the Bitcoin Embassy bar in this illustration taken June 1, 2021. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan/Illustration/File Photo

By Niket Nishant, Pritam Biswas and Jaiveer Shekhawat

(Reuters) -Bank of America's Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo have been offering spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds to eligible wealth management clients, highlighting the growing popularity of the asset class.

The ETFs have been available to clients for weeks, a source familiar with Bank of America's plans told Reuters on Thursday.

This comes on the heels of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) landmark approval of such investment vehicles in January.

"Spot bitcoin ETFs are available for unsolicited purchases through an advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors or through our online WellsTrade platform." Wells Fargo said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

Spot bitcoin ETFs offer investors exposure to the world's largest cryptocurrency without directly holding it. After a decade-long tussle with the SEC, 11 such ETFs started trading in the United States last month.

The ETFs have opened up the asset class to new investors and reignited the excitement that had evaporated when prices collapsed in the "crypto winter" of 2022.

The growing popularity of such investments has even prompted some investors to swap out holdings in gold-backed ETFs. Bitcoin is often touted as the "digital gold".

"We remain convinced that bitcoin is on an 18-month path to $150,000 led by unprecedented institutional adoption," Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani said earlier this week. Bitcoin on Wednesday hit $60,000 for the first time in more than two years.

Bloomberg Law first reported BofA and Wells Fargo's moves earlier in the day.

In contrast, Vanguard  the largest provider of mutual funds  said it has no plans to make spot bitcoin ETFs available on its platform to its brokerage clients.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas, Niket Nishant and Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Maju Samuel)
FILE PHOTO: A JetBlue Airways jet comes in for a landing after flights earlier were grounded during an FAA system outage at Laguardia Airport in New York City, New York, U.S., January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

By David Shepardson and Aatreyee Dasgupta

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines scrapped their $3.8-billion merger agreement on Monday, with the low-cost carriers saying there was no path forward after a U.S. judge blocked the deal in January on anti-competition concerns.

A successful deal would have created the fifth-largest carrier in the United States and potentially ensured Spirit's survival, as it burns through cash and struggles with its debt pile. But the combination had been on the ropes ever since a Boston judge said it would harm consumers by reducing competition.

The decision is a victory for the Biden Administration, which has taken a hard line against tie-ups in the aviation sector and argued the deal would boost ticket prices for consumers.

President Joe Biden said the "merger would have forced higher fares and fewer choices on tens of millions of Americans" and called the decision to block the merger "a win for American consumers and competition.

The administration has used antitrust action and other enforcement efforts to try to bring down prices across several industries.

"With the ruling from the federal court and the Department of Justices continued opposition, the probability of getting the green light to move forward with the merger anytime soon is extremely low," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty told employees in an internal note seen by Reuters.

"Even if the ruling was overturned on appeal, we simply dont see a path to regulatory approval by the required July 24 deadline."

Privately, JetBlue executives expressed relief the deal was blocked, because of Spirit's deteriorating finances, according to a person familiar with the matter. Had the companies prevailed in their antitrust fight, JetBlue was considering using a "material adverse change" clause in its contract with Spirit to walk away from the deal, citing the latter's decline in fortunes, the source said.

Spirit CEO Ted Christie said in a statement, "we concluded that current regulatory obstacles will not permit us to close this transaction in a timely fashion under the merger agreement."

Under the agreement, JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million. While the merger agreement was in effect, Spirit stockholders received approximately $425 million in total pre-payments.

Without the JetBlue deal, Spirit, the seventh-largest U.S. carrier, faces a rough road ahead. The ultra-low-cost carrier has grappled with weak demand in its key markets as it seeks to return to sustainable profitability. Some analysts have even suggested the company could face bankruptcy if it cannot shore up finances.

Spirit shares closed down 11% in late morning trading, while JetBlue, the sixth-largest U.S carrier, shares rose 4.3%.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Young found the proposed deal was likely to hurt competition in the U.S. aviation market and could hike ticket prices.

That prompted JetBlue to raise doubts over the future of its deal, saying it might be unable to meet certain conditions required as part of the agreement.

JetBlue opted not to appeal a separate ruling that had declared its Northeast partnership with American Airlines anticompetitive.

JetBlue, which last month hiked baggage fees, said is working on numerous near-term efforts to boost revenue by more than $300 million and said it is on track to deliver $175-200 million in cost savings from its structural cost program and $75 million in maintenance savings from its fleet modernization.

A judge in May sided with the Justice Department and six states in a lawsuit challenging the joint venture that American and JetBlue entered into in 2020, called the "Northeast Alliance," joining forces for flights in and out of New York City and Boston, coordinating schedules and pooling revenue.

Spirit said it was taking steps to ensure the strength of its balance sheet and ongoing operations and retained Perella Weinberg & Partners and Davis Polk & Wardwell as advisors.

(Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by David Gaffen, Devika Syamnath, Arun Koyyur and Nick Zieminski)
FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are didplayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. Picture taken March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo

By Yuka Obayashi and Ritsuko Shimizu

TOKYO (Reuters) - A senior Nippon Steel executive told Reuters he is set to meet the United Steelworkers (USW) union chief this month to seek support for acquiring U.S. Steel, expressing confidence the deal can be finalised by the end of September.

Gaining their backing could help the world's fourth-largest steelmaker carry the $14.9 billion purchase of its U.S. rival over the line. The merger has drawn criticism from some Democratic and Republican lawmakers who worry about the national security implications of the takeover, even though the U.S. and Japan are close allies, and the powerful USW, who worry how their workers could fare under Nippon Steel's management.

"I think we've cleared the contractual issues," Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori said in an interview on Feb. 28, emphasizing Nippon Steel's plan to uphold all of the current agreements between the union and U.S. Steel.

Mori will meet the USW chief in early March after a non-disclosure agreement it signed with the union on Feb. 26, which he sees as a positive indicator since it signalled their willingness to talk.

"We will have heart-to-heart talks" to address concerns including jobs and mills, he said.

Nippon Steel thinks it can strengthen U.S. Steel's business without job cuts or plant closures through providing its advanced technologies, including those for high-grade electromagnetic steel sheets that are used in electric vehicles.

"The products could be a game changer in the U.S.," Mori said, adding other skills in blast furnace operation and decarbonisation will also help grow the U.S. company.

Nippon Steel aims to find common ground with the USW by early April when U.S. Steel is expected to hold a shareholder meeting to vote on approving the deal, which would be delayed from March because of additional paperwork needed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mori said.

Mori is optimistic about winning shareholder approval from the shareholders thanks to the hefty 40% premium it is paying.

POLITICAL ISSUE

Asked about the opposition of former U.S. President Donald Trump and some politicians, Mori said the Japanese company's priority now is to secure support from the union as then it will be "no longer a political issue."

"This deal will make U.S. Steel, the steel industry and its customers, such as automakers, get stronger. The entire supply chain will get stronger... and so will national security," Mori said, adding that there have been few objections from people in the U.S. business and economic worlds.

Nippon Steel is sticking to its goal to close the deal sometime between June and September, Mori said.

For Japan, the biggest foreign investor in the U.S., a collapse of the deal could give companies pause about acquisitions in other strategic sectors and force them to be more risk averse when sizing up deals, say former officials, lawyers, analysts and executives.

Mori also said if the U.S. dismisses the deal with "extrajudicial measures," it would cause major damage to the appetite for Japanese companies to invest in the U.S.

"It would affect investment behaviour from Japan and make other countries close to the U.S. wary," he said. "It's going to be a huge minus for both of us."

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi and Ritsuko Shimizu; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
US Army Medical Research and Development Command Vendor Day



Los Angeles, CA, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SofPulse Inc. -- a subsidiary of Endonovo (OTC PINK: ENDV) and a proposed spin-off company -- announced today the participation of its SofPulse Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) FDA-cleared medical device in the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) May 2024 Vendor Day.

The USAMRDC is the Army's medical materiel developer, responsible for medical research, development and acquisition. The command unit has a key role in identifying innovative pain management solutions for Veterans Administration (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) patients and uses.

SofPulse, along with its VA reseller, Academy Medical Inc., is planning to showcase SofPulse and its non-evasive, drug-free pain management solution to the VA and military attendees. The Company will prepare videos, posters and printed materials to educate and demonstrate pain and inflammation reduction benefits of SofPulse to attendees during the event.

Current SofPulse Use and Plan for Growth in VA/DoD

Since 2019, SofPulse has been used regularly by surgeons at the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston to manage pain and edema following various cardiothoracic procedures. An investigator-initiated study, authored by Dr. Samir Awad, Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, entitled The Impact of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (SofPulse) on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery was accepted for oral presentation at the 44th Annual meeting of the Association of VA Surgeons in 2020. The results of the study demonstrate that the use of SofPulse significantly decreased postoperative pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by 50%, decreased postoperative opioid requirements (morphine equivalent dose) by 70% and resulted in a significant decrease in Length of Stay at the hospital by a median of two days.

Ira Weisberg, President of SofPulse, Inc., said of the event: Our goals are to increase distribution of SofPulse throughout the entire VA/DoD health care system. This will allow our wounded warriors and veterans who served our country to recover with less pain and get back to their lives faster. We feel it is an honor that SofPulse can embrace and be proud to be making a difference in the lives of our national heroes.

SofPulse Expands VA Marketing Efforts

As SofPulse prepares for wider integration into the VA and DoD medical systems, SofPulse Inc. is planning to attend multiple VA-related pain management and surgical conventions and symposiums during 2024. In addition to being featured at the USAMRDC Vendor Day, the Company is planning to attend the 2024 Association of VA Surgeons (AMSUS) Society of Federal Health Professionals, Operational Medicine Symposium (OpMed) & Technology Showcase, Traumatic Brain Injury Conference, Military Surgical Symposium and the Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) conferences.

Academy Medical Partnership Provides SofPulse Path to Expand VA & DoD Use

Currently, SofPulse devices are listed on both the prestigious Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) and the Distribution and Pricing Agreement (DAPA) by our distribution partner, Academy Medical Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) government reseller. SofPulse featured by Academy Medical at USAMRDC Vendor Day, offers extended exposure for the opportunity to present and demonstrate its innovative pain management solutions to multiple organizations at one time.

Weisberg, emphasized: Our relationship with Academy Medical allows SofPulse access to all VA and DoD medical centers nationwide to work with surgeons and staff to expand use. We are currently in several high-level discussions with various VA and DoD medical centers to initiate the use of SofPulse at these centers. SofPulse is being seen as a viable non-pharmacological pain management alternative for patients with both addictions to opioids and those susceptible to opioid abuse or opioid allergies. The expansion of the use of SofPulse throughout the veterans and military healthcare systems is a top priority for our Company moving forward and can enable us to build continued market growth.

VA Opioid Safety Initiative is Focused to Improve Pain Care Quality and Safety For Veterans

SofPulse, Inc., is committed to supporting the VA in its mission to provide high-quality, drug-free patient-centered care to veterans. The VAs efforts to improve pain care quality and safety, such as the Stepped Care Model and the Opioid Safety Initiative, are central to the integration of SofPulse, which offers a non-opioid pain management solution that complements existing strategies.

VA.GOV states: The VA is committed to finding ways to manage pain in veterans while limiting the risks of long-term opioid therapy.

In May 2022, the VA/DoD released their Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain to all VA Hospitals, Medical Centers, and medical providers. The report recommends medical providers assess both acute surgical and chronic pain experienced by patients regularly to discontinue or combine opioid pain management with non-opioid modalities such as devices and other drug-free options. Integrating SofPulse into its post-operative pain management protocols, the VA can improve the quality of care and enhance the well-being of veterans nationwide.

About Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc.

Endonovo Therapeutics is currently structured into three divisions- Legacy  a commercial stage developer primarily of medical and non-medical PEMF devices and products; and its Build Up Strategy  acquiring complementary new technology industries; and its Telehealth - focused on bringing Telehealth solutions to the commercial and medical markets. In 2023, Endonovo announced the sale of their medical division and related IP for $50 Million or higher, through an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) to SofPulse Inc.. SofPulse Inc., a current subsidiary of Endonovo and a proposed spin-off company through the APA, plans to coordinate the use of SofPulse and continue to commercialize innovative medical devices globally.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains information that constitutes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, trends, analysis, and other information contained in this press release including words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and other similar expressions of opinion, constitute forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results described within the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could contribute to such differences include those matters more fully disclosed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company's estimates as of the date of the press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Media Contact:

Gregory A. McAndrews

Greg McAndrews & Associates

(310) 804-7037

[email protected]
AfreecaTV BJ Falls Victim to South Korean Crypto Scammer

AfreecaTV BJ (broadcast jockeys) stars have become the latest targets of increasingly sophisticated South Korean crypto scammers.

Asia Kyungjae reported that the Seoul Central District Court sentenced a man in his thirties to five years in prison for crypto-related fraud.

AfreecaTV BJ Stung to Tune of $1.6m



AfreecaTV is South Koreas leading real-time streaming platform, and its biggest BJ stars have become celebrities in their own right.

However, scammers have begun trying to exploit the platform to lure BJ stars to participate in complex crypto fraud projects.

The court heard that the unnamed fraudster stole crypto and cash on over 30 occasions from a BJ star and an unnamed businessman.

The fraudster duped the victims by first winning their trust by donating the BJ star balloons worth tens of millions of KRW.

Afreeca launched its star balloon project in 2017. One star balloon is worth around $0.08, and South Koreans can top up balloon balances on- and offline to spend on the platform.

Streamers can also spend balloons at convenience stores and other outlets.

Many leading AfreecaTV BJ stars use balloons as a major source of income, with fans donating during livestreams.

The judge heard that the scammer used balloon donations to win the favor of his victims.

After gaining the BJ stars trust, the fraudster then began to use the platforms Whisper function to communicate with the streamers.

The fraudster targeted the livestreaming star after hearing them complain about a series of failed crypto and stock market investments.

Fraudster Used Fake Crypto Wallet Data to Trick Victim



The scammer, the court heard, pretended to be a crypto investment expert. They showed the stars a Bitcoin wallet balance worth over 3.8 million. The fraudster told the star:

If you invest as I suggest, I guarantee you returns of two to four times. And even if you lose money, I will make up for it with my own money.

The court heard that one of the BJ stars sent the fraudster over $7,500, followed by another payment of $1.1 million in November 2021.

In January 2022, the court heard, the fraudster showed the BJ screenshots that proved their investment was now worth almost $21 million.

The fraudster also told the anxious broadcaster that there was no need to worry, as he owned four houses in the exclusive Gangnam District of Seoul.

However, the BJ became suspicious when the fraudster only agreed to let the star access $75,000 worth of their funds.

Despite the fraudsters bold claims, the court heard that in fact, this individual ran a public relations company that was on the verge of closing down.

The fraudster had debts exceeding $52,600, and had also been using a similar scheme to dupe a business acquaintance in a similar manner.

The presiding judge explained that the BJ had suffered damages effectively worth the entirety of their assets.

The judge said that the scope of the mental and financial damage sustained called for a long, punitive sentence.

South Koreas first homemade spy satellite has transmitted images of central Pyongyang, in one of its earliest missions since being launched late last year, Yonhap reported https://t.co/8OD68ZxzM2  Bloomberg (@business) March 3, 2024

Just over a year ago, a leading domestic security provider warned of a rise in South Korean crypto mining-related scams.

A 2023 study, meanwhile, found that 71% of South Korean crypto scam victims were female  with the majority aged 39 and under.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entrepreneur Media and its venture firm, Entrepreneur Ventures, are partnering with Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) to host The Consumer Challenge. Taking place from 11:30am to 1pm CST on March 6, the event is part of Entrepreneur Ventures nationwide tour to discover and invest in extraordinary entrepreneurs.

We are thrilled to partner with Entrepreneur Media and Entrepreneur Ventures to co-host an event that embodies our mission at NEC to increase the odds of success for entrepreneurs, said Sam Davidson, CEO of NEC. This platform not only showcases the ingenuity of consumer-facing companies, but also provides invaluable opportunities for them to connect with investors and take their businesses to new heights.

The event, being hosted at the NEC on 41 Peabody Street in Nashville, invites consumer-facing companies to present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a spot on Elevator Pitch, an exciting showcase for budding businesspeople produced by Entrepreneur Media. Finalists include:  Aabesh De with Flora  Nikki Sanz with Giggs  Justin Gray with Potluck  Wesley Belden with Raise Financial

The top two entrepreneurs will earn free passes to the 11th season of Elevator Pitch, a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs have just 60 seconds inside an elevator to impress an esteemed panel of investors with their business, product or idea. If the investors are intrigued, the entrepreneur is welcomed into the board room for further discussions and negotiations toward a potential investment.

After Nashville, the tour will continue to several key cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco and others as dates are determined. This expansive tour will also include stops at top university pitch competitions, where student entrepreneurs will be handpicked for their innovative ideas and potential.

To attend, or for more information about the event, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-consumer-challenge-tickets-815649147557.

About Entrepreneur VenturesEntrepreneur Ventures is a venture capital fund backed by Entrepreneur Media, publisher of Entrepreneur Magazine, the leading authority on emerging companies and brands, and producer of various events and content. Entrepreneur Ventures was established to invest up to $10 million in 150 to 200 pre-seed stage startups, primarily operating in the CPG, consumer, and B2B frontier tech sectors. Led by General Partners Danny Beckett, Jr. and Jonathan Hung, Entrepreneur Ventures is headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices and partners in New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Grand Rapids.

About Nashville Entrepreneur Center Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2010 to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. Through world-class education and a vibrant membership community, NEC has supported over 14,000 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised $300M in capital, generated over $400M in revenue, and facilitated over $100M in exits. For more information, visit www.ec.co and follow @entrecenter on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & X.

ContactLambertMegan Bowman616-258-5763[email protected] orCaroline Luz203-570-6462[email protected]

Source: Entrepreneur Ventures
MONTREAL, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MONARCH MINING CORPORATION (Monarch or the Corporation) (TSX: GBAR) announces that it has entered into binding agreements for the sale of its Beaufor, McKenzie Break and Swanson properties (the Transactions). The Transactions are the culmination of the Corporations previously announced court-approved sale and investment solicitation process (SISP) carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. in its capacity as Monitor in the Corporations ongoing proceedings pursuant to the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (the CCAA Proceedings).

The Corporation has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Probe Gold Inc. (Probe) for the sale of the Beaufor Property and the McKenzie Break Property to Probe.

The Corporation also entered into an asset purchase agreement with Bullrun Capital Inc. (Bullrun) for the sale of the Swanson Property to Bullrun.

These agreements are subject to approval of the Superior Court of Quebec (the Court) in the CCAA Proceedings.

Closing of the Transactions are subject to several conditions, including Court approval of the Transaction, and all requisite regulatory approvals. The consideration payable under the Transactions to the Corporation must remain confidential in order to preserve the integrity of the SISP in the event that the conditions precedent are not satisfied.

Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the manuals of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Further information regarding the Corporation is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Corporations website at: www.monarchmining.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jean-Marc Lacoste 1-888-994-4465 President and Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

Source: Monarch Mining Corporation
MEDIA RELEASE

CIMERLI  *, a ranibizumab biosimilar, is interchangeable with LUCENTIS  ** (ranibizumab injection) for all approved indications

*, a ranibizumab biosimilar, is interchangeable with LUCENTIS ** (ranibizumab injection) for all approved indications Dedicated retina sales and field reimbursement team integrated into Sandoz, ensuring seamless experience for providers and patients

Basel, March 4, 2024  Sandoz, the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, has completed the acquisition of the US biosimilar CIMERLI* (ranibizumab-eqrn) from Coherus BioSciences, Inc, ahead of anticipated timelines. The acquisition builds on the leading Sandoz ophthalmic platform in the US and lays an even stronger foundation for future product launches.

Keren Haruvi, President Sandoz North America said: Today we further expand the Sandoz biosimilar portfolio, while advancing our mission in the US of pioneering patient access to more affordable and much-needed medicines. With the addition of CIMERLI to our existing ophthalmology franchise, we can now offer even more treatment options for US patients with vision impairment and loss.

CIMERLI is indicated for the treatment of certain retinal diseases that, if left untreated, can cause vision loss, which ranks among the top 10 causes of disability in the United States.1 It is an anti-VEGF therapy within a class of biologics that helps retinal patients maintain or gain vision.2

Sandoz and Coherus entered into an agreement in January 2024 through which Sandoz agreed to acquire the full CIMERLI business for an upfront cash purchase price of USD 170 million. The transaction includes a biologics license application, product inventory, ophthalmology sales and field reimbursement talent, as well as access to proprietary commercial software.

About CIMERLI

CIMERLI* solution for injection (6 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL) is an FDA-approved biosimilar to reference product LUCENTIS** (ranibizumab injection) indicated for the treatment of multiple retinal diseases, including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV).3 CIMERLI* is an anti-VEGF therapy within a class of biologics that helps retinal patients maintain or gain vision.2 CIMERLI* was approved by the FDA in August 2022, having met FDAs rigorous standards of biosimilarity to the reference product, including safety, efficacy and quality. Launched in October 2022, it is the first and only FDA-approved biosimilar interchangeable with LUCENTIS** for all indications.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATIONS

CIMERLI* (ranibizumab-eqrn) is interchangeable*** to LUCENTIS** (ranibizumab injection).

CIMERLI* (ranibizumab-eqrn), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Ocular or periocular infections

Hypersensitivity

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Endophthalmitis and retinal detachments may occur following intravitreal injections. Patients should be monitored following the injection

Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been noted both pre- and post-intravitreal injection

There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors

Fatal events occurred more frequently in patients with diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy at baseline, who were treated monthly with ranibizumab compared with control

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (reported more frequently in ranibizumab-treated subjects than control subjects) are conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, vitreous floaters, and increased IOP

For additional Safety Information, please see CIMERLI Full Prescribing Information available here.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Coherus BioSciences at 1-800-483-3692 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

*CIMERLI is a registered trademark of Coherus BioSciences, Inc.

**LUCENTIS is a registered trademark of Genentech USA, Inc.

***An interchangeable product (IP) is a biological product that is approved based on data demonstrating that it is highly similar to an FDA-approved reference product (RP) and that there are no clinically meaningful differences between the products; it can be expected to produce the same clinical result as the RP in any given patient; and if administered more than once to a patient, the risk in terms of safety or diminished efficacy from alternating or switching between use of the RP and IP is not greater than that from the RP without such alternation or switch. Interchangeability of CIMERLI* has been demonstrated for the condition(s) of use, strength(s), dosage form(s) and route(s) of administration described in its Full Prescribing Information.

Disclaimer

This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of managements views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Preventon. Vision Loss: A Public Health Problem. December 19, 2022. Accessed February 22, 2024. Vision Loss: A Public Health Problem | CDC American Academy of Ophthalmology. Anti-VEGF Treatments. July 26, 2023. Accessed February 22, 2024. Anti-VEGF Treatments - American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org). CIMERLI. Prescribing Information. Available at Prescribing Information.

About Sandoz

Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. 22,000 people of more than 100 nationalities work together to bring Sandoz medicines to some 500 million patients worldwide, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger total social impact. Its leading portfolio of more than 1,500 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to the year 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the worlds first oral penicillin in 1951, and the first biosimilar in 2006. In 2022, Sandoz achieved sales of USD 9.1 billion and core EBITDA of USD 1.9 billion.

Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts [email protected] [email protected] Joerg E. Allgaeuer

+49 171 838 4838 Karen M. King

+1 609 722 0982 Chris Lewis

+49 174 244 9501 Laurent de Weck

+41 79 795 7364

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WASHINGTON, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the next generation of the SBAs Lender Match tool for small businesses to connect to capital through SBAs network of approved banks and private lenders. The enhanced Lender Match will provide Americans seeking funding to start and grow their businesses with a simple, online tool that will more effectively match them with the SBAs competitive lending products and additional offerings from a trusted network of banks and private lenders.

The Biden-Harris Administrations economic agenda has ignited a historic Small Business Boom, with 16.5 million new business applications filed since President Biden took office  and the SBA is committed to working in partnership with banks and private lenders to meet all of our businesses where they are, including online, said Administrator Guzman. Enhancing the SBAs Lender Match tool is just one part of our unprecedented reforms to increase and streamline equitable access to affordable capital so small business owners can continue to innovate, create jobs, and be part of this Administrations historic Investments in America.

On the enhanced Lender Match platform, small business owners benefit from an improved, mobile-first user interface that ensures better access and usability. Borrowers will now be able to easily view all of their matched lenders in one place, allowing the borrower to find and compare lenders to help them decide where to apply for a loan. The enhanced tool will also verify borrowers and screen for fraud to streamline the process for both lenders and borrowers. Importantly, with Lender Match, small businesses that are not matched to lenders will be connected to the SBAs local network of free advisors to help them get capital-ready.

Currently, the SBA has large demand from small businesses seeking affordable capital  from microloans and growth capital to equipment and building financing  which the SBA offers with competitive rates and fees, lower down payments, and flexible overhead. Every month, the SBA receives about 50,000 requests for capital through Lender Match. The platform features nearly 1,000 SBA lenders, including 257 community-based lenders, who can connect to potential customers and earn their business. The SBAs enhanced Lender Match will build on this foundation to make more connections for entrepreneurs seeking capital.

Lenders and community leaders also weighed in on the significance of this enhanced platform:

The enhancements to the SBA's Lender Match platform make it easier for lenders to understand the true needs of a business owner and ultimately get them the capital they need, said Mike McGinley, Head of Small Business Banking, Live Oak Bank. Seeing basics about the business, industry, and request summary, as well as interacting through the back office, will be meaningful to our ability to better serve these businesses.

The launch of the Small Business Administrations enhanced Lender Match will reshape the capital landscape for underserved small businesses. With enhanced capabilities, access to equity partners, and rigorous data validation, this next-generation tool will connect small businesses with responsible lenders, including more than 250 mission lenders, said Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network. This innovative platform will provide small businesses with the financial foundation they need to grow and thrive.

At CDC Small Business Finance, we use the SBA's Lender Match daily, matching with thousands of small businesses who need financing, said Susan Lamping, Vice President of Sales at Certified Development Company Small Business Finance. We've found Lender Match to be a very valuable tool to connect us to our target customers. We recognize that there are many online aggregators out there connecting small businesses to lenders, but we value the SBA's role in this process so much since we share the same goal of getting funding into the hands of small businesses without making them pay for brokering the transaction. The SBA is the perfect group to be matching lenders and borrowers and facilitating these connections.

Latino entrepreneurs play a significant role in our economy, but there continue to be barriers to access to capital to grow these businesses and help them reach their full economic potential. NALCAB applauds the SBAs launch of its enhanced Lender Match platform, a tool that will level the playing field for entrepreneurs lacking existing relationships with banks, making them vulnerable to predatory loan products and services, said Marla Bilonick, President and CEO of the National Association for Latino community Asset Builders (NALCAB). While Latino-owned businesses had higher approval rates for loans under $50,000, they were substantially less likely to have larger loans approved. NALCAB looks forward to continuing to work with the SBA to find solutions for our Latino entrepreneurs and unlock the Latino community's full economic potential, building a more robust economy for all."

"The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs supports the launch of the SBAs enhanced Lender Match. This innovative platform is a game-changer for small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities. By providing a direct connection to non-predatory lenders, Lender Match levels the playing field for entrepreneurs lacking traditional banking relationships and presents an enhanced opportunity for CDFIs to engage with them more effectively. It's a crucial step forward in addressing the capital access gap and ensuring that small businesses have the opportunity to grow, said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

###

About Lender MatchGet matched to potential lenders funding with competitive rates and fees.For more information visit: https://lending.sba.gov/lender-match/

About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Christine Saah Nazer U.S. Small Business Administration 202-765-0304 [email protected]

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Provides Update on VIVIAD Phase 2b Study of Varoglutamstat in Early Alzheimers Disease





VIVIAD Phase 2b study did not meet its primary and key secondary endpoints

Varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated with low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs in the clinical setting

VIVIAD is a comprehensive, diligently designed and high-quality study; baseline demographics in the study were highly representative of early AD patient population

Company is conducting an in-depth analysis of the results, including analyses of additional pre-specified and exploratory endpoints

Further update expected to be provided no later than with publication of Companys full year 2023 financial results





Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, March 4, 2024  Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today announced topline results from its Phase 2b European VIVIAD study of varoglutamstat (PQ912), an investigational oral glutaminyl cyclase (QPCT) inhibitor in development for the treatment of early Alzheimers disease (AD). The VIVIAD study did not meet its primary endpoint and did not show a statistically significant difference in change over time on cognition, as measured by a combined score (Z-score) of the Detection test, the Identification test and the One Back test (attention and working memory domains) of the Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB), called Cogstate 3-item scale. Additionally, the study did not meet key secondary endpoints measuring cognition (Cogstate Brief Battery, CBB, and complete Cogstate NTB), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power. Varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated and showed rates similar to placebo of serious and severe treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) in the clinical setting.

The Company is conducting an in-depth analysis of the results, including analyses of additional pre-specified exploratory endpoints (e.g. WAIS-IV coding test, executive function and episodic memory domains, Winterlight Labs speech assessment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and additional EEG analysis) and distinct patient cohorts as defined in the statistical analysis plan, including ApoE4 status, tau level, dose level and pre-treatment.

We are profoundly disappointed by the outcome of the VIVIAD Phase 2b study of varoglutamstat in the early AD patient population given the huge unmet need for new safe and effective oral therapies, said Frank Weber, M.D., CEO of Vivoryon. I would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families and caregivers, as well as the investigators for participating in the VIVIAD study, and to our incredible team at Vivoryon for their tireless efforts. While these results are not what we had hoped for, VIVIAD is a comprehensive, diligently designed and high-quality study and we are doing all we can to fully analyze the dataset as quickly as possible to gain insights into key findings that might influence varoglutamstat clinical development and help advance the science and understanding of this devastating disease.

A further update is expected to be provided no later than with the publication of the Companys full year 2023 financial results which are expected in mid to late April 2024.

###

About Varoglutamstat

Varoglutamstat (PQ912) is a differentiated oral small-molecule targeting the toxic Abeta species N3pE which is being developed as disease-modifying therapy and is designed to target AD pathology upstream of Abeta-antibody focused approaches. Varoglutamstat blocks the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QPCT) and its isoenzyme QPCTL. QPCT catalyzes the formation of N3pE amyloid, a particularly neurotoxic variant of Abeta peptides, which is only found in patients with AD and not present in the brains of healthy individuals. N3pE amyloid in the brain acts as a seeding element for Abeta aggregation, thus providing a starting point for plaque formation. It has been described to correlate with the cognitive ability of patients with AD. Beyond Abeta pathology, varoglutamstat has also been shown to impact synaptic impairment. Through a second mode of action, the inhibition of full CCL2 maturation via QPCTL, varoglutamstat modulates pro-inflammatory signaling and tau pathology, thereby simultaneously addressing multiple hallmarks of AD. Vivoryon has received Fast Track designation for varoglutamstat in early AD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is being investigated in two Phase 2 clinical studies, one in Europe (VIVIAD, NCT04498650) and one in the U.S. (VIVA-MIND, NCT03919162). Varoglutamstat has not yet been approved by any regulatory authority and the safety and efficacy have not yet been established.





About VIVIAD

VIVIAD is a state-of-the-art Phase 2b study conducted in Europe and designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in 259 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD (collectively referred to as early AD). The primary endpoint is the change over time on working memory and attention as measured by a combined score (Z-score) of the Detection test, the Identification test and the One Back test (attention and working memory domains) of the Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB), called Cogstate 3-item scale. Key secondary efficacy endpoints include in hierarchical order: Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB, 4-item scale), the complete Cogstate NTB (8-item scale), the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q), and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power.





About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by our passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, we strive to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. We leverage our in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. Beyond our lead program, varoglutamstat, which is in Phase 2 clinical development to treat Alzheimers disease, we have established a solid pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including cancer, inflammatory diseases and fibrosis. www.vivoryon.com







Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of the Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the Company), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Companys products and forecasts and statements as to when the Companys products may be available. Words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, project, predict, should and will and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Managements current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions as well as on evaluations made by the Company of estimates, projections and other statistical data made by independent third parties. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Companys future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.





For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact

Stern IR

Penelope Belnap

Tel: +1 212-362-1200

Email: [email protected]







Media Contact

Trophic Communications

Stephanie May

Tel: +49 171 1855682

Email: [email protected]







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HOUSTON, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VoltaGrid LLC (VoltaGrid or the Company), together with its strategic capital partners from Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (Kennedy Lewis), Blue Torch Capital (Blue Torch), and CPPIB Credit Investments Inc., a wholly-owned affiliate of CPP Investments, are pleased to announce the closing of a $500 million five-year senior secured term loan facility (the Term Loan Facility), which comes with an additional $50 million accordion feature (the Accordion Facility).



In conjunction with the Term Loan Facility, the Company has entered into a revised senior secured revolving credit facility (the Credit Facility) that provides immediate access to $100 million and up to $150 million under certain conditions. The Credit Facility includes support from BMO Capital Markets, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, National Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and Cadence Bank.

Lastly, VoltaGrid is pleased to announce the closing of its follow-on equity raise of $210 million, which closed in the third quarter of 2023 and included investments from Longbow Capital Inc. (Longbow), CPP Investments and other strategic equity investors.

Nathan Ough, President & CEO of VoltaGrid commented, Our business has grown exponentially over the last twelve months. We successfully completed the deployment of approximately 300 MWs of power generation capacity for a total of 570 MWs currently and have secured our supply chain access to an incremental 500 MWs that we anticipate deploying in 2024 and early 2025. In addition, we have commissioned and now operate five CNG terminals across the U.S. with 90,000 MMBtu/d CNG capacity, including the largest CNG terminal in the Permian Basin, and demonstrated the flexibility and applicability of our integrated mobile power platform across multiple industries, including:

Mobile power supply of up to 40 MW per deployment for electric completions for several of the largest oil and gas producers in America;

Base load power for a behind-the-fence power plant in the Permian basin;

Base load power for an ultra-low emissions mining project in Arizona; and

Back-up power for a large-scale municipal grid reinforcement project.

These projects have leveraged our common power generation platform to provide low carbon, low cost, reliable power with an integrated CNG supply chain that can be rapidly deployed for temporary, semi-permanent and permanent applications.

With the recently completed investments in VoltaGrid and our robust pipeline of growth projects, we see line of sight to more than doubling the Company in size in the next twelve months through an expansion in datacenters, electric completions, microgrids, utility support, emergency relief and mining. We are excited to partner with strategic long-term institutional investors in CPP Investments, Kennedy Lewis, Longbow, and Blue Torch and look forward to growing our partnership.

BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Piper Sandler acted as Joint Lead Arranger and BMO Capital Markets Corp. acted as Bookrunner on the Term Loan and Accordion Facilities. BMO Capital Markets Corp. and National Bank Financial Markets acted as Co-Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners and Bank of Montreal as Administrative Agent for the Credit Facility.

About VoltaGrid

VoltaGrid is an advanced energy management and generation company headquartered in Houston. VoltaGrid provides an innovative platform to supply power and alternative fuels across the United States for pressure pumping, remote mining, data centers, utility / grid reinforcement, emergency response, and distributed generation applications. VoltaGrids fully integrated artificial intelligence platform provides live emissions tracking, asset carbon intensity, automated back-office management and ESG reporting on a centralized database. For additional information about VoltaGrid, please visit www.voltagrid.com.

For more information contact:

Nathan Ough

President & CEO

VoltaGrid LLC

C:1-281-636-3074

E: [email protected]

Micah Foster

Chief Financial Officer

VoltaGrid LLC

C: (432) 853-2555

E: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the future growth, expansion, and financial performance of VoltaGrid, as well as the anticipated deployment of power generation capacity and the operation of CNG terminals. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and the following: changes in demand for the company's services, the timing of customer and vendor orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, and other business risks that may arise from time, including but not limited to, general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and VoltaGrid does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Source: VoltaGrid LLC
Mahe, Seychelles--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2024) - Tectum, the fastest layer 1 blockchain in the world, is proud to announce the listing of its native coin - Tectum Emission Token (TET) on the Gate.io Centralized Exchange. This listing is a significant milestone in the company's plan to extend into the Asian market.

The blockchain firm recognizes that a significant portion of its community is from this part of the world. Thus, Tectum is taking significant steps to get closer to these individuals. While announcing the new partnership, the firm also shared details of the listing and how users can participate.

Details of the Tectum Emission Token (TET) Listing on Gate.io

Tectum Emission Token will be listed on the Gate.io Exchange by 6:00 AM on Tuesday, the 5th of March 2024. Qualified investors who have completed the KYC process can begin placing orders between 6:00 AM on the 3rd of March and 6:00 AM on the 5th of March. All orders will be treated equally on a first-come, first-serve basis.

While the listing will begin at 6:00 AM UTC, users can only begin trading by 10:00 AM UTC on the same day. Since this is a listing and not an ICO, the market will determine the price of each unit of TET. Users can only purchase a maximum of 1500 $TET, and everyone will be treated equally.

Before participating in this investment opportunity, users must understand that Gate.io is not available in certain countries. The restricted areas include the following:

United Kingdom

Singapore

United States of America

Canada

Mainland China

Hong Kong

France

Malta

Cuba,

Iran

Malaysia

North Korea

Syria

Sudan

Netherlands

Bolivia

Luhansk

Donetsk

Crimea Region

Spain

Lithuania, etc

Tectum Emission Token Airdrop After the Gate.io Listing

There will be an airdrop for participants to celebrate the Tectum Emission Token listing on Gate.io Exchange. This exercise will occur according to the stage of VIP users, not by the assets' adequacy. There will be a screenshot of all individual wallets before the distribution to ascertain the amount of TET each individual will receive.

While this airdrop is open to everyone, Gate.io will prioritize VIP members of its exchange. Depending on their level, these persons have a higher chance of benefitting 100% from the airdrop.

Meanwhile, those who have not traded more than $10 worth of TET at the end of this campaign will not be eligible for this airdrop. There is also a possibility that those who trade a significant amount of TET during the duration of this listing may be selected for the airdrop.

Note: While Tectum will supply the liquidity, Gate.io has the final interpretation of this listing. Therefore, the exchange reserves the right to disqualify users found guilty of breaking the airdrop rules. Therefore, it is essential that users understand the terms and conditions of this listing.

About Tectum

Tectum is the fastest layer-1 blockchain, with a speed of 1.3 million transactions per second. It uses proof of utility consensus to process transactions through trusted nodes. Unlike most web3 networks, this blockchain processes transactions in layers, ensuring that there are no traffic congestions or delayed transactions. In addition, Tectum also utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to maintain the privacy of transactions on its network.

This blockchain is developed by Crispmind- an intellectual property and software development firm with decades of experience developing cost-effective and customer-centric solutions. For several years, the company has leveraged the experience and expertise of the best developers to create ground-breaking products and services.

This ranges from secure messaging and user authentication to blockchain, distributed ledgers, and cryptocurrency. Its innovative approach has seen Crispmind have private companies and governmental institutions as clients. Regardless of the project, the principle of this company has always been to "create simple solutions for complex problems."

Some of Crispmind's projects include:

Tectum - the fastest layer 1 blockchain in the world with a proof of utility consensus protocol and zero-knowledge proof system.

Tectum Wallet - a comprehensive blockchain wallet that is simple to use and enables people to manage their digital assets in one place.

SoftNote Bills - crypto cash that makes Bitcoin more spendable.

X-Factor Authenticator - a quantum-proof three-factor authentication protocol that utilizes a human-machine security algorithm to ensure maximum security.

Social Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tectum.io/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tectumsocial

Telegram: https://t.me/tectumglobal

Website: https://tectum.io/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn17IrKSqmIFn8illLRR2-g

SOURCE: Crispmind

Media details:

Company Name: Crispmind

Location: House Of Francis, Room 303, lle Du Port, Mahe, Seychelles

Person Contact Name: Andrew Erikashvili, CMO

Website URL: https://www.softnote.com

Webmail: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200256
Ucore Announces:

Successfully separating holmium through lutetium from lanthanum through dysprosium on a scale of 1000s of liters and above the targeted purity of 99% with its RapidSX" technology Demo Plant

Completion of second DOD Project Milestone

Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has completed the second milestone outlined in its US$4 million Other Transaction Agreement (the "OTA") with the US Department of Defense (the "DoD") at the Company's Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF") in Kingston, Ontario, utilizing its 52-Stage RapidSX" Demonstration Plant ("Demo Plant") for the separation of mixed heavy and light rare earth elements ("REE") chemical concentrate feedstocks - i.e., mixed rare earth oxides (MREOs) and carbonates (MRECs).





Figure 1: Thousands of liters of separated rare earth chloride products: T5 Raffinate (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy), T2 Strip One Liquor (Ho, Y, Er, Tm, Yb) and T3 Strip Two Liquor (Yb, Lu) each tank has a 17,400 liter capacity.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1119/200305_ucoreimage1.jpg

The OTA is focused on the ultimate individual separation of the rare earth permanent magnet ("REPM") elements praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), terbium (Tb), and dysprosium (Dy) plus yttrium (Y) from US-friendly heavy MREO sources. Since completion of Demo Plant commissioning work in December 2023, the Company has been processing MREO under the OTA. Work under the Agreement is broken down into 10 milestones, with the completion of each milestone representing a significant step in unlocking the four primary REEs required to produce rare earth permanent magnets from a single MREO source - including highly sought after Dy which enables REPMs to operate in a high temperature environment and is nearly exclusively processed in China.

Ucore is working to change this narrative - the Company recently completed the second OTA milestone by successfully separating holmium through lutetium from lanthanum through dysprosium on a scale of 1000s of liters of separated raffinate and strip liquor products above the targeted purity of 99% (see Figure 1).

Rare earth separation and refining within the CDF is achieved through a series of separations utilizing the single RapidSX" 52-stage Demo Plant (or "RapidSX" Machine") for each separation[i] to isolate and purify individual rare earth REEs in combination with each of the six 17,400-liter tanks. Each of the ten OTA milestones correlates to a Project payment and seven of these relate to completion of specific separations with the two different heavy MREOs, with the remainder relating to the sourcing of feedstocks and further reporting of results. The Company expects to complete work under the OTA in Q3-2024 to be immediately followed by a similar demonstration with light MRECs through its recently announced $4.28 million Natural Resources Canada Program.

# # #

[i]The full-scale deployment of the RapidSX" technology platform in the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex ("SMC") will have each RapidSX" Machine placed in series to generate the required individual products for each light and heavy REE train.

About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.

Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term establishment of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent Strategic Metal Complexes in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF."

For further information, please visit www.ucore.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Regarding any disclosure in the press release above about the US Department of Defense or the Government of Canada Programs and the expected successful progress and resulting milestone payments from these Programs, the Company has assumed that the Programs (including each of their milestones) will be completed satisfactorily. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, the CDF, the Demo Plant and ongoing Programs (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q3-2023 (filed on SEDAR on November 20, 2023) (www.SEDAR.com) as well as the risks described below.

Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future Strategic Metals Complexes ("SMCs"). Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to complete the Demo Plant demonstration schedule and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report that demonstrates that the Bokan Mountain Rare Earth Element project ("Bokan") is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX"; RapidSX" failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX"; adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACTS

Mr. Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214.

For additional information, please contact:

Mark MacDonald

Vice President, Investor Relations

Ucore Rare Metals Inc.

1.902.482.5214

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200305
STOCKHOLM , March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden is pleased to invite investors, analysts and financial media to our virtual Capital Markets Update on March 18, 2024 at 14:00-16:00 CET .

The digital event includes a business update and an update on key projects with the opportunity to ask questions. Boliden will be represented by President and CEO, Mikael Staffas together with members of the Group Management.

You are welcome to follow the live webcast at Boliden's website www.boliden.com. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session where participants have the opportunity to post questions via the webcast chat or by phone. No pre-registration is required.

A recorded version of the webcast will be available on our website www.boliden.com after the event.

For further information:

Olof Grenmark, Director Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +46 70 291 5780

The following files are available for download:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/invitation-bolidens-virtual-capital-markets-update-302078322.html

SOURCE Boliden
NEW YORK , March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingswood Acquisition Corp. (OTC: KWAC) (the "Company") announced today that the special meeting of the Company's stockholders to vote upon the Company's initial business combination and related matters, which was originally scheduled for February 22, 2024 and postponed to March 6, 2024 , has been further postponed to Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time .

As a result of such postponement, the Company has extended the deadline for the delivery of redemption demands in connection with special meeting to 5:00 p.m. , New York time, on March 6, 2024 (two business days prior to the new special meeting date).

The special meeting will still be held via live webcast at www.cstproxy.com/kingswoodacquisition/2024 and there has been no change to the record date for, the purpose of or any of the proposals to be acted upon at the special meeting. Stockholders who have questions or need assistance in connection with the special meeting should contact the Company's proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali LLC, at 333 Ludlow Street , 5th Floor, South Tower , Stamford, Connecticut 06902, [email protected].

About the Company

The Company is a blank check company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on July 27, 2020 for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which is referred to herein as an initial business combination. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any stage of its corporate evolution or in any industry or sector, the Company is focusing its search on companies with favorable growth prospects and attractive returns on invested capital.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "assumes," "may," "should," "will," "seeks," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, the Company's ability to accurately calculate the amount of taxes owed that can be withdrawn from interest earned in the trust account, the amount of funds that may be available in the Company's trust account following redemptions, permitted withdrawals, and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), including the definitive proxy statements relating to the special meeting and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 , in each case under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents the Company has filed, or will file, with the Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its sponsor, officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders for purposes of the special meeting. Information about the Company's sponsor, officers and directors and their ownership of the Company's common stock and their direct and indirect interests are described in the definitive proxy statements relating to the special meeting and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 .

Additional Information and Where To Find It

On February 14, 2024 , the Company filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Company's board of directors for the special meeting. The Company urges investors, stockholders and other interested persons to read the proxy statements as well as other documents filed by the Company with the Commission, as these documents may contain important information about the Company and the proposals to be considered and voted upon at the special meeting. Stockholders may obtain copies of the proxy statements and other documents filed with the Commission, without charge, at the Commission's website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to the Company at 17 Battery Place , Room 625, New York, New York 10004 or by telephone at (212) 404-7002, or to the Company's proxy solicitor, Morrow Sodali LLC, at 333 Ludlow Street , 5th Floor, South Tower , Stamford, Connecticut 06902, [email protected].

Media Inquiries

Donald Cutler

Haven Tower Group

[email protected]

424 317 4864

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kingswood-acquisition-corp-further-postpones-special-meeting-302078939.html

SOURCE Kingswood Acquisition Corp.
Indonesia Watchdog Urges Finance Ministry to Re-Evaluate Crypto Tax Regime

Indonesian crypto regulator has requested the countrys Finance Ministry to reconsider the current dual taxation on crypto transactions.

Cryptocurrencies are commodities in Indonesia and currently imposes 0.11% value-added tax and 0.1% income tax.

Indonesias Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (Bappebti) officials argued last week that the double-taxation on crypto transactions require reassessment.

According to Tirta Karma Senjaya, head of Bappebti, the classification of cryptos as commodities may change in 2025. This is because the crypto oversight would switch from Bappebti to the financial services authority OJK.

As crypto is expected to join the financial sector by January 2025, we urge the Tax Director General to review these taxes. Its been over a year since these rules were put in place, and taxes usually get checked every year.

Speaking at an event in Jakarta, Tirta stressed that crypto industry and its regulations are still in its infancy. As a result, he believes that it is appropriate to give the industry space to grow until it can significantly contribute to national revenue.

The current tax structure on cryptos has been in place since April 2022 and has generated revenue approximately $2.49 million in January 2024 alone.

Meanwhile, last year Indonesia recorded revenue from crypto taxes at $41.2 million, the report read.

Following the request from Bappebti to evaluate the implementation of crypto taxes, Dwi Astuti, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, ensured that the Ministry would accommodate input from both industry players and the public.

We accept input from Bappebti, the community. It will definitely be discussed internally, said Astuti in a media chat.

Indonesias Crypto Tax Revenue Plummeted



In 2023, the countrys crypto tax revenue plummeted by 63% when compared to the previous year. The decline came despite Bitcoins impressive surge of around 160% over the course of the year.

Additionally, local crypto exchanges blamed hefty taxes for the drastic decline in trading volume throughout 2023. They argued that it would drive away users to other foreign exchanges.

In December, Hasan Fawzi from the Ministry of Finance highlighted the trend of decreasing crypto asset transactions value during 2023. However, the number of crypto asset customers continues to increase, reaching 18.06 million users throughout 2023, he added.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Hussaina, aged 2, are recovering well following a surgical procedure to separate them in Riyadh , and are now looking forward to a full, happy life with their parents and family. The operation took place on 29 February at the King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, a world-renowned surgeon in the field of conjoined twins.

Dr. Al Rabeeah , Head of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Programme, directed a surgical team comprised of 40 doctors and nurses, with a total multidisciplinary support staff of 107. The separation was successfully completed in 16 hours and 30 minutes over nine surgical phases and is the culmination of months of comprehensive medical assessments and two surgeries. Yesterday's procedure was one of the most complex in the programme's 33-year history.

"Following a lengthy recovery process, the twins will be blessed with the promise of a normal life full of hope and opportunity," said Dr. Al Rabeeah. "We are so happy to have had the opportunity to help Hassana and Hussaina. We will continue to monitor the twins and will do everything we can to ensure steady progress and recovery in the weeks ahead."

He continued, "Given the post-operative condition of the twins, we are extremely confident that they will recover well. We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to carry out another separation, adding to the team's leading global position in the field, and Saudi Arabia's leadership in this specialisation."

The successful separation is the 60th performed by Dr. Al Rabeeah and his team under the programme, which began in 1990. Over the past 33 years, Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a global leader in the field, with the team performing some of the most challenging conjoined twin separations on record.

Hassana and Hussaina arrived in Saudi Arabia on 30 October 2023 for initial assessments and underwent a 10-hour neurological surgery on 30 December in preparation for their final separation yesterday. The girls were born at home in the Nigerian state of Kaduna as part of a triplet birth and were conjoined at the pelvis with four lower limbs.

"Successful separation does not guarantee a successful recovery. It is important to understand and appreciate that once the twins are separated, there is a long period of rehabilitation. For most patients, we conduct the procedure at a time of life that allows for the highest chance of long-term success, enabling the development of physical and mental abilities," said Dr. Al Rabeeah.

Dr. Al Rabeeah added that these separations are performed based on the directives and generosity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The government of Saudi Arabia sponsors the entire cost for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and covers all expenses for the twins and their accompanying family members.

Following the successful surgery, the girls' parents expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Al Rabeeah and to Saudi Arabia for giving their daughters the best possible chance to live healthy, happy lives.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2353128/KSrelief_operation.jpg

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SOURCE The King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre (KSrelief)
WASHINGTON , March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An international crew of four reached orbit following a successful launch to the International Space Station at 10:53 p.m. EST Sunday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida . NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission is the agency's eighth commercial crew rotation mission with the company to the space station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick , Michael Barratt , and Jeanette Epps , along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, for a science expedition aboard the orbital laboratory.

"Congratulations to NASA and SpaceX on another successful launch to the International Space Station! On this eighth crew rotation mission, we are once again showing the strength of our commercial partnerships and American ingenuity that will propel us further in the cosmos," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson . "Aboard the station, the crew will conduct more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations to help fuel this new era of space exploration and benefit humanity here on Earth."

During Dragon's flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California . NASA teams will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston . NASA coverage continues with audio only commentary until the start of the rendezvous and docking broadcast.

The Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, will dock autonomously to the forward port of the station's Harmony module about 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 . NASA will provide live coverage of rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening, beginning at 1 a.m. , on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency's website. NASA also will continue coverage of the crew welcome ceremony once they are aboard the orbital outpost. Learn how to stream NASA TV through a variety of platforms including social media.

Crew-8 will join the space station's Expedition 70 crew of NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara , ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen , JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa , and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko , and Nikolai Chubb . For a short time, the number of crew aboard the space station will increase to 11 until Crew-7 members Moghbeli, Mogensen, Furukawa, and Borisov return to Earth a few days later.

Crew-8 will conduct new scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth. Experiments include a study of brain organoids to understand neurodegenerative disorders, shifts in body fluids during spaceflight, and the effects of UV radiation and microgravity on plant growth. These are just a few of the more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations that will take place during their mission.

With this mission, NASA will maximize use of the space station, where astronauts have lived and worked continuously for more than 23 years testing technologies, performing science, and developing the skills needed to operate future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and explore farther from Earth. Research conducted on the space station provides benefits for people on Earth and paves the way for future long-duration trips to the Moon and beyond through NASA's Artemis missions.

More about Crew-8

Matthew Dominick is the commander for Crew-8, his first spaceflight since his selection as an astronaut in 2017. During Expedition 70/71 aboard the space station, he will serve as a mission specialist. Follow @dominickmatthew on X.

Michael Barratt is the Crew-8 pilot, making his third visit to the space station. In 2009, Barratt served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 19/20 as the station transitioned its standard crew complement from three to six and performed two spacewalks. He flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 2011 on STS-133, which delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module and fourth Express Logistics Carrier. Barratt has spent a total of 212 days in space. During Expedition 70/71, he will serve as a mission specialist.

Jeanette Epps is a mission specialist for Crew-8, her first spaceflight, working with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. Epps was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2009. She will serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 70/71. Follow @Astro_Jeanette on X.

Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin is flying on his first mission. He will serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 70/71.

Learn more about NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission and Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

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SOURCE NASA
BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China should adopt measures to tackle overcapacity in the lithium battery material industry, the chairman of Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt proposed ahead of the country's annual parliamentary meeting, state media reported on Monday.

Overinvestment led to "severe overcapacity" in the last year, said Chen Xuehua, who is a delegate to China's National People's Congress (NPC), which gathers in Beijing from Tuesday.

Chen cited "significant declines" in industry capacity utilisation.

"Some companies' operations are facing great difficulties, there are suspended operations, falling prices, idled equipment and staff layoffs," Chen said, according to a report by Shanghai Securities News.

China's lithium iron phosphate capacity will reach 5.75 million metric tons in 2025, while global demand for the cathode material widely used in batteries is pegged at about 2.67 million tons that year, he added, citing industry data.

Chen, whose company is a major producer of battery materials nickel and cobalt, proposed that the government publish timely industry information, establish an alerting system to flag mismatch of resources, capacity and demand, and provide guidance on investment and development.

Regulations in Europe and the United States have made it harder to source waste batteries and recycled raw materials, posing challenges to China's leading role in the lithium battery chain, said Chen, whose company recycles used batteries.

China should encourage more imports of used battery materials, especially hydroxide intermediate made from waste lithium batteries, including by lowering tariffs, he said.

China bans imports of used lithium batteries and black mass, the shredded material which comes from used batteries, which can include lithium, cobalt and nickel. These metals can then be extracted and used to make new batteries.

(Reporting by Siyi Liu in Beijing and Emily Chow in Singapore; Editing by Tony Munroe and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
A paramilitary police officer stands guard, on the day of the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in front of the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China March 4, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo

By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), will kick off its annual session on Tuesday, with all eyes on plans to support growth in the world's second largest economy.

A property crisis, deepening deflation, a stock market rout, and mounting local government debt woes have pressured China's leaders, so that the stakes for this year's session loom large for international investors and companies operating there.

Here are key details and issues to look out for:

WHAT ARE THE "TWO SESSIONS"?

Parliamentarians and political advisers gather in Beijing every March for two parallel sets of meetings called the Lianghui or "Two Sessions".

Fanfare surrounds the week-long meetings in the Great Hall of the People, a cavernous building south of the Forbidden Palace, which state media publicises widely to send a message that policy and personnel decisions made there express the will of the people.

The NPC, consisting of elected parliamentarians, is China's national legislature and in principle the most powerful state body under the constitution.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is a top advisory body of experts, business leaders and representatives from other political parties.

In practice, both the NPC and CPPCC answer to the Chinese Communist Party led by supreme leader President Xi Jinping.

No bill or personnel decision proposed by the party has ever been rejected by the parliament, which is why it is widely characterised as a "rubber-stamp" body.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?

When the NPC opens, Li Qiang, who was named premier at last year's session, will deliver his first government "work report", an annual speech of policy priorities that has been compared to the U.S. president's State of the Union address.

In past years, the speech has set economic targets and outlined plans to reach these goals.

A major highlight since 1993 has been the premier's meet-the-press session on the last day of the meetings. But the press conference has been scrapped this year and for the rest of the parliamentary term, a parliament spokesman said on Monday.

As parliamentarians have the power to appoint senior government officials, some diplomats expect that Liu Jianchao, now the de facto foreign minister for the Communist Party, could be named China's foreign minister at this year's meetings.

WHAT ANNOUNCEMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Li's work report will review the past year before outlining key economic objectives, expected to include steady growth for 2024 at about 5%, and a budget deficit of 3% of gross domestic product.

Analysts expect him to unveil moderate stimulus plans to stabilise growth but stop short of bold reforms to fix deep structural imbalances.

Li may also elaborate more on how the state wants to leverage "new productive forces", a concept first raised by Xi last September describing steps to promote strategic industries including artificial intelligence.

China will also announce its defence budget, which has grown at a faster pace than GDP since Xi came to power 11 years ago.

Analysts say continuation of the trend, despite a purge last year of several generals in charge of military procurement, would underscore the emphasis Xi, as commander-in-chief, puts on national security amid strategic competition with the United States.

Other state bodies will also lay out plans for the year ahead in work reports. For example, the parliament might outline what laws it aims to pass in 2024.

WHO WILL BE THERE?

About 2,960 parliamentarians from all over China, including Hong Kong, will meet.

There are also 13 delegates selected by China to represent Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its territory. Democratically-governed Taiwan rejects that claim, in a source of continuing tension.

Most will come wearing dark suits, while others don colourful ethnic costumes. Many will be in military uniform, reflecting a sizable contingent from the People's Liberation Army.

Also in attendance are 2,200 political advisers.

Delegates will discuss the policy objectives figuring in work reports and suggest tweaks. Parliamentarians give their stamp of approval by voting on the last day of the meetings. Political advisers have no right to vote.

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Gon

(Reuters) -Four former top Twitter executives, including former CEO Parag Agrawal, have sued Elon Musk for over $128 million in combined unpaid severance, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, is the latest in a series of legal challenges the billionaire faces after he acquired the social media company for $44 billion in October 2022 and later renamed it X.

The other plaintiffs are Ned Segal, Twitter's former chief financial officer; Vijaya Gadde, its former chief legal officer; and Sean Edgett, its former general counsel.

Mere minutes after Musk took control of Twitter, the former executives say they were fired and that Musk falsely accused them of misconduct and forced them out of Twitter after they sued the billionaire for attempting to renege on his offer to purchase the company.

Musk then denied the executives severance pay they had been promised for years before he acquired Twitter, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs say they each are owed one year's salary and hundreds of thousands of stock options.

"This is the Musk playbook: to keep the money he owes other people, and force them to sue him," the former executives said in the 39-page lawsuit.

X is already facing a pair of proposed class actions claiming it owes rank-and-file workers who were laid off after Musk's acquisition at least $500 million in severance, and a third lawsuit by six former senior managers making similar claims. X has denied wrongdoing.

The company has also been sued previously for failing to pay its former public relations firm, landlords, vendors and consultants.

X did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru, Sheila Dang in Dallas and Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Aurora Ellis)
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's hacking groups have broken into at least two South Korean manufacturers of chipmaking equipment, as the country looks to evade sanctions and turn out its own semiconductors for weapons programmes, South Korea's spy agency said on Monday.

The news comes after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korea could stage provocations, such as cyber attacks or spreading fake news, to interfere in April's parliamentary elections.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said the South Korean firms had been a key target of North Korean hackers since late last year, and called for tougher security.

North Korea penetrated the servers of two companies in December and February, stealing product design drawings and photographs of their facilities, the NIS said.

"We believe that North Korea might possibly be preparing to produce its own semiconductors in the face of difficulties in procuring them due to sanctions," it said in a statement.

Also driving the North's efforts could be higher demand from its satellite, missile and other weapons programmes, it added.

Pyongyang has always denied involvement in cybercrimes, although North Korea has been blamed for cyberattacks netting millions of dollars.

The hackers employed a technique called "living off the land," which minimises malicious codes and uses existing, legitimate tools installed within the servers, making it difficult to detect with security software, the NIS said.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: A North Korean flag flutters at the propaganda village of Gijungdong in North Korea, in this picture taken near the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, South Korea, July 19, 2022. REUTER

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea's defence ministry urged South Korea and the United States to stop military drills, saying they are rehearsals of war and warning of consequences, KCNA reported on Tuesday.

South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual spring exercises on Monday with twice the number of troops joining compared to last year, seeking to improve their responses to North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.

An unnamed spokesperson of Pyongyang's defence ministry said it strongly denounces what it called "frantic, reckless" military drills, urging them to stop, KCNA said.

The exercises can never be defensive but are an attempt to invade the North, the spokesperson said, pointing to their increased scale and the participation of 11 member countries of the United Nations Command.

"A nuclear war may be ignited even with a spark," KCNA quoted the spokesperson as saying.

The U.S. and South Korea will have to "pay a dear price for their false choice," the official added, vowing to conduct "military activities to strongly control the unstable security environment."

South Korea's defence ministry dismissed the North's statement, saying the exercises are defensive and meant to fend off the North's provocations and aggression.

"If North Korea makes a direct provocation using the exercises as an excuse, we will make overwhelming responses immediately, strongly and until the end," it said in a statement.

The Freedom Shield exercises, set to end on March 14, came as North Korea pushes to develop its nuclear capabilities with missile and other weapons tests.

The exercises are primarily designed to neutralise the North's nuclear threats, including by "identifying and striking" cruise missiles, which Pyongyang had indicated could carry nuclear warheads, Seoul military officials said.

(Reporting by Hyonhee ShinEditing by Sandra Maler and Lincoln Feast.)
(Reuters) - A Russian prosecutor on Monday asked for the jail term of a former staffer of Alexei Navalny to be increased, Navalny's team said on Telegram, in the first major court hearing related to an ally of the opposition politician since his death last month.

Liliya Chanysheva, the former head of Navalny's office in the central Bashkortostan region, and her former colleague, Rustem Mulyukov, were the first Navalny staffers to be convicted of national security charges after his organisation was deemed "extremist" in 2021.

Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critic inside Russia, died aged 47 in an Artic penal colony on Feb. 16.

Chanysheva was handed a seven-and-a-half year sentence last year for participating in Navalny's organisation, while Mulyukov received two-and-a-half years for similar charges.

A prosecutor in a cassation court in Samara on Monday demanded Chanysheva's sentence be increased to ten years because she "provoked and incited Ufa residents" to protest in the streets, referring to Bashkortostan's capital, independent outlet SOTA quoted the prosecutor as saying.

The cassation court returned Chanysheva and Mulyukov's cases to Bashkortostan's supreme court for a new examination, her lawyer wrote on Telegram.

At least two other Navalny staffers remain imprisoned in Russia: Vadim Ostanin, who ran Navalny's branch in Barnaul and Ksenia Fadeyeva, a local lawmaker and former head of Navalny's anti-corruption organisation in Tomsk.

Several of Navalny's lawyers were also detained last year and are awaiting trial.

Navalny's supporters at the time cast the jailings as an attempt to further isolate the imprisoned politician from the outside world and exert pressure on allies who remained in Russia. Many in Navalny's core circle have fled and now work from abroad.

Members of his team have vowed to continue his opposition work and hold Putin responsible for what they call their leader's murder. The Kremlin has angrily rejected claims it was involved in his death.

Navalny was buried last Friday in a funeral attended by thousands in Moscow.

(Reporting and writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Doctors chant slogans during a rally to protest against government plans to increase medical school admissions in Seoul, South Korea, March 3, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

By Joyce Lee and Jihyun Jeon

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's health minister said on Monday authorities will start inspecting hospitals in order to take legal action against trainee doctors who have ignored an ultimatum to end a walkout over government plans to increase medical school admissions.

Around 9,000 resident and intern doctors, or about 70% of the country's total, have walked off the job since Feb. 20, leading to the cancellation of some surgeries and treatments and putting a strain on emergency departments.

The government had warned the protesting trainee physicians they could face administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of their medical licences and fines or a jail term if they did not return to work by the end of last month.

"From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned, and take action according to the law and principle without exception," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong told a televised briefing.

"Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path."

For protesting doctors who returned to the field, Cho said the government would consider extenuating circumstances when contemplating any action against them.

Later, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said the government would take steps to suspend the medical licences of some 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs.

Patients outside a major hospital in Seoul told Reuters they were concerned about the impact on treatment of a drawn-out standoff and called for talks to ensure a swift resolution.

"Doctors should first return and reassure patients and their families, and then have a dialogue with the government," said a patient, who only gave her surname as Song.

Lee Hye-ji, a 37-year-old renal dialysis patient, said she was worried about what would happen if her condition deteriorated.

"I would be extremely anxious if I ever need to undergo a kidney transplant surgery but there are no doctors available."

"WITCH-HUNT"

Up to now, there has been little sign of either side backing down. Thousands of South Korean doctors held a mass rally on Sunday organised by the Korean Medical Association, defying official calls for the trainee physicians to return to work.

The KMA, which represents private practitioners, apologised at a news briefing on Monday for inconvenience caused by the walkout, but urged the government to rethink its medical reforms and accused authorities of a "witch-hunt" against doctors.

The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians, said in a statement on Sunday it "strongly condemns the actions of the Korean government in attempting to stifle the voices of elected leaders within the Korean Medical Association," adding it affirmed the right of doctors to collective action, including strikes.

The young doctors who are protesting say the government should first address pay and working conditions before trying to increase the number of physicians.

The government says the plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical schools by 2,000 starting in the 2025 academic year is needed in a rapidly ageing society with one of the lowest numbers number of doctor to patient ratios in developed economies of 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people.

The plan to boost medical school admissions is popular with the public, with about 76% of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation, a recent Gallup Korea poll found.

Some critics, however, accuse President Yoon Suk Yeol's government of not consulting enough and of picking a fight over the issue ahead of parliamentary elections in April.

In 2020, Yoon's predecessor, Moon Jae-in, shelved a plan to boost doctor numbers after a strike by trainee doctors that also coincided with a wave of coronavirus infections.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Jihyun Jeon; Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Ed Davies, Stephen Coates, Michael Perry and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Ousted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra greets supporters as she arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, July 21, 2017. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's Supreme Court cleared self-exiled former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of negligence on Monday, in a boost for an influential family whose party is back in power after a decade in the political wilderness.

Yingluck, who has lived abroad since 2017 to avoid jail over a subsidy scheme that caused billions of dollars in state losses, was cleared of favouring certain companies that received government contracts, in a unanimous decision by the top court.

The ruling comes two weeks after brother Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire figurehead of the populist political juggernaut Pheu Thai, was freed from hospital detention on parole, six months into a commuted jail sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

Handling a complaint filed by Thailand's anti-graft commission under a military-backed government, the court in a statement said Yingluck and other defendants had followed regulations in awarding 250 million baht ($6.71 million) of government contracts. The commission has 30 days to appeal.

Like Thaksin, Yingluck fled into exile to avoid prison after her government was ousted in a 2014 coup, a key milestone during two decades of political conflict between the Shinawatra family and its allies, and a network of conservatives, elite families and generals whose interests were challenged by its rise.

Thaksin had spent 15 years abroad after fleeing in the wake of his 2006 overthrow but made a dramatic return in August to face justice. He was transferred to hospital on his first night in jail and soon after, his eight-year term was commuted to one year by the king.

His return and early release has fuelled persistent rumours that the tycoon made a behind-the-scenes deal with his powerful enemies, claims his allies and rivals have denied.

The clearing of Yingluck in the last remaining case against her could add to media speculation that she too will seek to return to Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a close ally of the Shinawatras, has said the issue has not been raised.

Coverage of Thaksin's release has been dominated by expectations he will seek to exert influence on Srettha's government, or through his daughter Paetongtarn, who is Pheu Thai Party leader and eligible to become prime minister.

Srettha has repeatedly been asked by media if he would remain in charge with Thaksin now freed, questions he has rebuffed, insisting that he is still calling the shots in government. Thaksin has insisted he is retired and has been suffering from various health problems.

An opinion poll released on Sunday by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) showed 43% of the 1,310 respondents considered Thaksin Thailand's most influential political figure, compared to Srettha at 22%.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty)
Nigerias Financial Watchdog Summons Binance CEO Over Crime Concerns

New Binance CEO Richard Teng must appear before Nigerias House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes to answer questions about his companys lax KYC and AML policies, which may have played a part in terrorism financing and money laundering.

Committee Chairman Ginger Onwusibe issued the ultimatum to Teng during a panel last week, according to local sources. Teng had seven days to appear before the committee, up-to and including today.

Onwusibe further warned Teng that the committee will use its constitutional powers to take appropriate measures if the CEO fails to comply.

This isnt the first time this committee has tried to summon Teng. In a letter dated December 12 2023 and signed by Onwusibe, the committee requested Tengs attendance at a hearing on December 18, 2023.

Onwusibe said its the Committees duty to protect and defend the countrys finances, especially now that the country is nose-diving into recession. The allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering and tax evasion amongst others leveled against Binance are damning enough.

He added: You cannot run a company with over 10 million Nigerians on your platform without paying tax and having a physical office where Nigerians can lodge their complaints when they experience any challenge with your service. The era of exploitation is over and all culprits must be held accountable.

Nigeria Sights Binance In Its Crosshairs



Binance has been in Nigerian lawmakers crosshairs for several weeks now as the country makes a focused effort to grapple with the risks and advantages of growing adoption in its territory.

In the second half of February, Nigerian authorities asked telecommunications firms in the country to block access to Binance and Coinbase.

At the time, presidential advisor Mr. Bayo Onanuga attributed the nairas depreciation to market manipulation by crypto exchanges and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the central bank to take actions against them.

However, many Nigerians in the crypto industry believe the responsibility for the nairas depreciation rests solely with the government.

At the end of February, Nigerian authorities detained two Binance executives and confiscated their passports. Binance retaliated by delisting the naira from its peer-to-peer (p2p) trading service.

Binance now faces a $10 billion fine and ongoing investigations into its alleged money laundering offences.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein said on Monday that a truce in Gaza would not necessarily bring an automatic end to hostilities across Lebanon's southern border and he warned about the risks of an escalation of the conflict.

Hochstein is visiting Beirut as part of diplomatic efforts to end four months of exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel taking place in parallel to the Gaza war.

It has marked the worst conflict across Lebanon's southern border since the 2006 war, fuelling fears of a bigger confrontation.

"Escalation of violence is in no one's interest, and there is no such thing as a limited war," he told reporters after meeting Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.

Hochstein said friction on the border had increased in recent weeks.

"A temporary ceasefire is not enough. A limited war is not containable," he said.

Lebanon deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab told Reuters he believed the timing of Hochstein's visit signalled progress in efforts over a Gaza truce.

Hezbollah has publicly indicated that it would halt its attacks on Israel from Lebanon when the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip stops, unless Israel kept shelling Lebanon.

But Hochstein said a Gaza truce would not automatically trigger calm in southern Lebanon and said he was "hopeful" for a diplomatic solution to the conflict across that border.

"It does not necessarily happen that when you have a ceasefire in Gaza, it just automatically extends" to Lebanon, he said.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; editing by Jason Neely and Angus MacSwan)
Maj. Gen. Denise Donnell, Col. Christian Sander and Col. Robert Donaldson stand at attention during the 109th Air Wing change of command ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y., on Saturday, March 2, 2024. During the ceremony, command passed from Sander to Donaldson. (Matthew Gunther/New York National Guard)

SCOTIA, N.Y. (Tribune News Service)  Col. Robert Donaldson stood smiling as he watched his outgoing commander take the 109th Airlift Wings flag for the last time as their top officer. He was next to hold the banderole as he stepped into the shoes fit for the fleets leaders.

Donaldson, of Greenfield Center, has been with the wing for 33 years and assumed command during a ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Saturday. Most recently, he served as the deputy wing commander of the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton. In the past, he worked at the National Guard Bureau and was the director of staff at New Yorks Joint Force Headquarters in Latham. He replaces Col. Christian Sander.

The ceremony opened with a booming rendition of the National Anthem and the wing stood listening as they prepared to salute their new leader. After chaplain Maj. Xiomara Diaz led the invocation, the official party stepped to the podium to make their remarks.

I know you will keep your focus on safety, strength and readiness, said Maj. Gen. Denise Donnell, the commander of the New York Air National Guard. And I know your family too will put up with late calls and early texts.

Then Sander took to the microphone to reflect on his own years on the job as he welcomed Donaldson to the post.

My right hand man, the one that has been with me from day one, a mission navigator, a degreed civil engineer, a licensed lawyer ... a consummate professional, loyal and skilled in all things Air National Guard, Col. Rob Donaldson. I truly could not have done it without you, Sander said. You have provided steady counsel, youve talked me up, youve talked me down as needed. And as Ive come to know you, my confidence in your ability to lead this wing forward is at full scale high.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Donaldson, right, receives the guidon of the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing from Maj. Gen. Denise Donnell, the New York Air National Guard commander, during change of command ceremonies at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y., on Saturday, March 2, 2024. During the ceremony, command passed from Col. Christian Sander to Donaldson. (Matthew Gunther/New York National Guard)

After being lauded by his now former boss, Donaldson readied himself for the change of command. The handing off of the flag represented the official switch of leadership, after which Donaldson addressed his squadron for the first time in his new capacity.

With this new responsibility, I stand proud and ready with the wing and its 1,200 mission-ready airmen to embrace change with a committed sense of purpose, and a united focus that leverages our polar savviness and the operational experience for the betterment of the Air Force, the Air National Guard, the New York National Guard.

Donaldson looked back on his decadeslong military career as he took the first steps in its future.

I joined the Air Force 33 years ago as an enlisted aviator, and throughout that time to the present Ive seen an enormous amount of change in the Air Force strategy. Ive seen the fall of the Soviet Union; most of you have probably only read about that in history books, but I was there. And Ive also seen a complete Air Force strategy shift with the rise of non-state actors against the backdrop of 9/11, he said.

As for what lies ahead, Donaldson hopes to put some focus on recruitment to get the wing up to end strength  meaning they are more than 100% manned. Additionally, he hopes to modernize an aging LC-130 aircraft that dates back around 50 years. Donaldson is an LC-130H navigator with more than 4,350 flight hours logged.

If therere folks out there that are interested in joining the military, they can do it right in their own backyard here at Stratton. We call them citizen soldiers, he said. So you can serve your time and work in your local communities and then just give back yourself and your communities and not have to go join the big Air Force, you can stay right here.

Thanks was the theme of the afternoon as Donaldson not only expressed gratitude for his fleet, friends and family but for the opportunity to lead them all in a new capacity.

Im elated, its such a blessing to be considered with the trust and confidence that the state leadership has placed in me along with the military services here. Im really proud of this moment. Coming in 33 years ago, I was 19 years old, and came in enlisted. I was not an officer at the time.

Donaldson resides in Saratoga County with his wife Loana. The couple has two children, Kaiden and Elise. The colonel moved to the Capital Region as a young adult after growing up on a ranch downstate.

(c)2024 The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, N.Y.

Visit www.dailygazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Prosecutors, not police, decide formal charges under Japan's criminal justice system. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Japanese police arrested a U.S. airman over the weekend on suspicion of breaking into a liquor store on Okinawa, a police spokesman said Monday.

Police in Naha say Airman 1st Class Anthony Orlando Osuna, 23, broke into the store in the citys Makishi area between 7:39 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. Sunday, a Naha police spokesman said by phone. Some Japanese officials are required to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

After breaking the back door of the store, Osuna knocked down shelves inside, the spokesman said.

The airman fled after an alarm went off and a security guard arrived, the spokesman said. He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing at 9:49 a.m. by police responding to a call from the security company.

Osunas blood alcohol level, tested after his arrest, was three times Japans legal driving limit of 0.03%, the spokesman said. By contrast, the legal limit across the United States is set at 0.08%.

Osuna was still in custody Monday, the spokesman said.

The 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base is aware of the incident, cooperating with local authorities and providing support to the airman, according to an unsigned email from the public affairs office Monday.

All Airmen, whether permanent party or deployed, are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct in and out of the uniform, and the U.S. Air Force will hold anyone accountable who commits criminal acts under the applicable laws, the message said.
South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles taxi on the runway at Osan Air Base, South Korea, March 4, 2024. (South Korean air force)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  U.S. and South Korean airmen began a five-day combat drill to sharpen the allied defense against aerial attacks Monday amid a broader exercise that kicked off in South Korea that day.

More than 20 U.S. and South Korean fighters flew counter-air drills for Ssangmae Training, or Buddy Squadron, from Osan Air Base, roughly 30 miles south of Seoul, the Ministry of National Defense said in a news release.

Aircraft used in Buddy Squadron include F-16 Fighting Falcons from Osans 51st Fighter Wing and F-15K Slam Eagles from South Koreas 11th Fighter Wing, according to the release.

We are conducting the training as one team to immediately respond to enemy provocations, South Korean air force F-15K pilot Maj. Park Young-do said in the release.

The annual air drill began in 1998, according to the ministry.

A South Korean F-15K Slam Eagle touches down at Osan Air Base, South Korea, March 4, 2024. (South Korean air force)

Freedom Shield, a separate 11-day joint military exercise, also kicked off Monday.

The semiannual Freedom Shield is aimed at countering North Korean threats, such as its cruise-missile launch sites, South Korean army Col. Lee Sung-jun told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.

This years iteration is composed of 48 drills, double the number conducted in 2023, Lee said. Neither U.S. Forces Korea nor the Ministry of National Defense disclosed how many troops are participating in the exercise, citing operational security concerns.

U.N. Command member states Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand will also be contributing troops for the exercise, according to U.S. Forces Korea.

The drills come as diplomatic relations between North and South Korea have stalled. In November, both countries withdrew from a military deconfliction agreement that had banned armed guards and aircraft patrols near the border since November 2018.

North Korea last fired a ballistic missile that flew roughly 620 miles before splashing down into the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, on Jan. 14. The communist regime also fired an unspecified number of cruise missiles over a 10-day span starting Jan. 24.
Screenshots of the Remonon mobile application, shown on the company website, indicate the app allows users to scan purchase receipts and file claims for VAT reimbursement directly from their smartphones. Installation Management Command-Europe is looking at using an app to streamline VAT reimbursement for U.S. forces-affiliated personnel in Germany. (Remonon)

WIESBADEN, Germany  A German companys mobile app that promises to take much of the hassle out of using value-added tax exemption forms for off-base purchases is set for a trial run with U.S. soldiers.

Soldiers at orientation briefings in Wiesbaden recently were encouraged to sign up for a pilot program to test Remonon, an app created by the Grafenwoehr-based Novat.

Military shoppers still would need to buy $10 VAT forms, which doubled in price in 2022, to receive tax-free purchases from off-base businesses that accept the forms. But if plans in early stages of development come to fruition, shoppers would be able to buy one form to use for several purchases.

Remonon users can scan their receipts from multiple businesses into the app, according to the companys website. Remonon then charges a to-be-determined service fee for handling all VAT processing.

Installation Management Command-Europe said it is evaluating ways to simplify value-added tax reimbursement for U.S. forces-affiliated personnel in Germany. A pilot program is being tested with Wiesbaden soldiers using the Remonon app. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)

The company is seeking to bundle micro purchases that shoppers normally wouldnt use a VAT form for, according to the description in Apples App store. Users wouldnt have to complete a form in the store and would be reimbursed for the taxes at a later date.

The pilot program applies to VAT forms for purchases valued up to $2,500.

Remonon describes the test phase as by invitation only for U.S. personnel in Wiesbaden. Organizers already have enough married personnel willing to try the app and were seeking out single soldiers, an Army employee said at a recent Wiesbaden orientation briefing.

A Novat employee contacted by phone referred questions about the program back to Installation Management Command-Europe.

The Army command confirmed the creation of a test group but declined to provide program details or refer to Remonon by name.

Were exploring options to provide better VAT services in Germany, IMCOM-E spokesman Mark Heeter said. We plan to have a pilot of an app soon.

The test represents an about-face for the Army. In 2022, The IMCOM-E Tax Relief Program advised U.S. military personnel to avoid third-party mobile app VAT services. Remonon and Novat were among the providers that service members were urged not to patronize over concerns of legality and tax liability.
Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, says a U.S.-led coalition is succeeding in defending commercial shipping against Iranian-backed Houthi militant attacks in the Red Sea. Wikoff, center, assumed command last month at Naval Support Activity Bahrain and since has been in regular communication with maritime industry leaders assuring them of U.S. commitment. (U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  A U.S. Navy-led coalition is succeeding at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from militant attacks, while sailors work at a pace unseen in the Middle East in decades, the commander of the services forces in the region said.

American personnel have been asked to perform at a tempo and at a level that our Navy has not operated in since at least the Tanker War of the 80s, Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, said Thursday.

He was referring to a series of Iranian and Iraqi military attacks from about 1984 to 1988 on commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. Nowadays, the attackers are Houthi militants in Yemen who are backed by Iran and say they are retaliating against Israel-linked ships, though many of the ships theyve targeted have no apparent connection to Israel.

The Houthis on Monday also denied involvement in three severed Red Sea underwater cables that provide internet and telecommunications around the world.

Combined U.S. and coalition forces destroyed at least 26 missiles and 26 drones preparing to launch or already launched into the Red Sea from Feb. 23 through March 1, according to U.S. Central Command statements over the same period.

At the same time, Navy ships also have fended off direct attacks and protected other vessels, Wikoff said.

A U.S. Navy jet prepares for takeoff against Houthi targets in Yemen, Feb. 24, 2024. Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet says sailors are performing at a tempo and at a level that the Navy has not operated in since at least the Tanker War of the 1980s. (U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/X)

One of the latest of those actions was on Feb. 24, when the destroyer USS Mason shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile targeting a fuel tanker, according to CENTCOM.

U.S. and coalition strikes on Houthi military facilities in Yemen have destroyed or degraded more than 150 missiles and launchers since Jan. 11, a Pentagon spokesman said last week.

But despite those efforts, a handful of Houthi attacks have found their targets, notably a British-owned bulk carrier struck by a missile Feb. 18, which sank Saturday.

Still, about 4,700 ships have transited the waterway since Dec. 1. Thats about a 25% decline over the same period last year, when about 6,300 vessels moved through the waterway, according to figures from NAVCENT/U.S. 5th fleet.

Most normal merchant traffic is continuing to transit the Red Sea, an indication that the services defensive operations, specifically those through the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, are working, Wikoff said.

My reassurance is that shipping continues, said Wikoff, who assumed command of the Navys forces in the Middle East last month. He also commands Combined Maritime Forces, a 41-nation maritime partnership focused on counterpiracy, counterterrorism and drug smuggling, among other operations.

Wikoff has been in regular contact with maritime industry leaders to reassure them of U.S. commitment to protecting shipping.

That resolve is echoed by the more than 20 nations involved in the operation and by the recent creation of a European Union-led mission also operating in the Red Sea, he said.

On Saturday, the Italian destroyer Duilio shot down a Houthi drone targeting it in the Red Sea, the Italian Defense Ministry said in a statement the same day. The drone was about 4 miles from the ship, according to the statement.

On Feb. 27, a German warship shot down two Houthi drones in separate attacks. Both countries are part of the EU Aspides mission.

Houthi militants say their attacks will continue until there is a cease-fire declared in Gaza.

We continue to be committed to this mission, said Wikoff, who praised U.S. sailors for their sacrifices and work in such a high-stakes environment. We are preserving freedom of navigation, and we are focused on saving lives and livelihoods of people.
Charlotte Liebling refurbishes stuffed animals to sell through her company, Loved Before. As somebody with an affinity to stuffies, I knew they had sentimental and emotional value, and I hated to see them just thrown in a bin, she said. I was sad to learn most of them ended up at the landfill. (Loved Before)

Charlotte Liebling was volunteering at a charity thrift shop in London eight years ago when she noticed that many of the boxes dropped off by people were piled high with stuffed animals.

Teddy bears, rabbits and other plush animals in good condition were tossed into a bin together and sold for pennies at the shop, she said, but the majority of the well-loved soft toys were thrown away.

As somebody with an affinity to stuffies, I knew they had sentimental and emotional value, and I hated to see them just thrown in a bin, she said. I was sad to learn most of them ended up at the landfill.

Liebling, then 20, said she had a favorite stuffed dog named Soppy that she had relied on for comfort since age 8.

Charlotte Liebling as a child in Britain with one of her stuffed animals. When Liebling was 20 she said that she had had a favorite stuffed dog named Soppy that she had relied on for comfort since age 8. (Charlotte Liebling/Loved Before)

I put him on my head when Im feeling stressed, she said. I could relate that a lot of people felt sad when they brought their stuffed animals in, because I couldnt imagine dropping mine off somewhere.

Liebling said she went home to her apartment in Bedfordshire and couldnt stop thinking about all of the throwaway plushies that were filling up landfills, not only in Britain, but around the world.

About 80% of stuffed animals and other toys worldwide are eventually thrown away, making up 6% of plastics in landfills across the globe, according to a 2022 study. Most stuffed toys are made of synthetic materials, and some are filled with plastic pellets that can take hundreds of years, or more, to decompose.

I started researching what the big picture looked like, and pretty soon, I had little Post-it notes and drawings all over the walls with ideas about how I could help change things, Liebling said.

In 2019, she put her ideas into motion with Loved Before, a company she describes as a soft-toy adoption agency, which cleans up donated plushies and resells them online for an average of $10 to $15, plus shipping. The renovated stuffed animals are also available at three Selfridges department stores in Britain.

Refurbished Loved Before animals are available at three Selfridges department stores in Britain and online. (Loved Before)

In the past five years, she has collected more than 60,000 plushies that she has cleaned up and sent to new homes, she said.

She has donated 50% of her profits to charity, she said, and this year, some of her proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish UK.

Several thrift shops in the London area donate stuffed animals to the company, and thousands of people either drop them off at Loved Befores offices in Bedfordshire or mail them in.

About 95% of the plushies she receives are usable, Liebling said.

It doesnt matter if toys are old or battered or worn, well find them homes, she said.

If they are deemed unsafe in some way, shell recycle them.

Lauren Sergi said she donated her collection of stuffed toys to Lieblings project after she came across a TikTok video about Loved Before last summer.

My family and I were moving, and as I was sorting through my bedroom, I realized just how many soft toys I had accumulated over the years, said Sergi, 24, who lives in Devon in southwest England.

I didnt donate them because I didnt love them anymore or had grown bored of them  it was because I loved them very much and wanted them to go on adventures with new friends, she said. They deserved better than staying in boxes for decades.

Sergi and other donors are asked to send a brief bio about their stuffed animals, which Liebling and a small group of employees and volunteers use when creating online stories for the toys.

Charlotte Liebling and Loved Before staff and volunteers share photos of refurbished bears and other plushies online. Donors are asked to send a brief bio about their stuffed animals, which Liebling and a small group of employees and volunteers use when creating online stories for the toys. If a stuffed animal comes in without a backstory, Liebling will give it to a foster carer for a few weeks, and that person will then do a write-up. Or well pass them over to a school classroom, and the children will take them on adventures and write the stories, she said. (Loved Before)

If a stuffed animal comes in without a backstory, Liebling will give it to a foster carer for a few weeks, and that person will then do a write-up.

Or well pass them over to a school classroom, and the children will take them on adventures and write the stories, Liebling said.

Before the plush animals are posted for the public, they go through a high-temperature steam cleaning, and some are photographed wearing cucumber eye patches and towel head wraps to show they have been to a spa, Liebling said.

If they need it, some of them will then get extra grooming, stuffing and repairs, she added.

A toy gets a cleaning and relaxes with cucumber eye patches at Loved Before in Bedfordshire. Before the plush animals are posted for the public, they go through a high-temperature steam cleaning, and some are photographed wearing cucumber eye patches and towel head wraps to show they have been to a spa, Charlotte Liebling said. If they need it, some of them will then get extra grooming, stuffing and repairs, she added. (Loved Before)

Between 50 to 100 plush animals are worked on every day by Liebling, three staffers and three volunteers. Each stuffy takes between one and five hours to refurbish.

They just need a little love so they can be cherished by another child, Liebling said. Our stuffed animals help teach children the importance of giving something thats secondhand a second chance.

The before photo of a well-loved stuffed dog when it arrived at Loved Before. About 95% of the plushies she receives are usable, Charlotte Liebling said. If they are deemed unsafe in some way, shell recycle them. It doesnt matter if toys are old or battered or worn, well find them homes, she said. (Loved Before)

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with most toys selling out each Monday, the day new batches are released, she said. Loved Before toys have been purchased by people in more than 25 countries, with the United States coming in at No. 2, after Britain.

We know this is a real need in the U.S., so were making plans to test the water soon and establish ourselves there in some form, Liebling said.

Consumers spend more than $1 billion on plush toys in the United States every year.

People who adopt the plushies often post photos and thank-you notes at the companys Loved Again forum, she said.

Emily Dreimann of Sheffield, U.K., purchased a stuffed pig from Loved Before as a present for a friends young daughter.

Hes a pirate pig named Captain Porkchop, said Dreimann, 33. Im a sentimental person, with cuddly toys being a particular weakness, and I fell in love with the whole concept.

After ordering the bright pink plush, Dreimann said she went through her parents attic and gathered up about 20 soft toys to donate to Liebling, including Pink Ted, a teddy bear that attended all of her childhood tea parties.

Finding a guilt-free option where I could send off friends has been ideal for a softie like me, she said.

Liebling said her hope is that each Loved Before toy will be looked after and passed down for decades instead of ending up in a dumpster.

She said she believes that her second-chance toys are made more valuable by the love and adventure theyve already experienced.

When I first started doing this, a woman in her 80s handed me her teddy bear because she was going into end-of-life care, Liebling said. She wanted to be sure her bear would be loved when she wasnt here anymore.

Liebling assured her that the teddy bear was in good hands.

I love that we can give them a second chance to be loved, she said.
A U.S. Marine, left, who specializes in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, leads decontamination training during the Cobra Gold exercise in Rayong, Thailand, on March 3, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

RAYONG, Thailand  Soldiers in protective gear breathed steadily through respirators outside a Thai airport hangar, where they prepared on Sunday to screen a group of volunteers for radiation during a simulated evacuation.

Despite their imposing appearance, the soldiers patiently processed a group of about 50 role players from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States.

The drill was one piece of Cobra Gold, the largest military exercise in mainland Southeast Asia, according to the Army.

The annual drills brought 4,500 U.S. service members from the four branches together with troops from Thailand, the host nation, and 30 other countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.

In the case of any large-scale disaster, the military will almost always play a significant role, said Col. Patrick Blankenship, assistant chief of staff of G9 civil affairs for the Armys I Corps.

Cobra Gold and this exercise is a premier time, location and opportunity to exercise these things, he told Stars and Stripes on Sunday. I think this reflects the professional character of our militaries being able to work together with other militaries to do this.

Troops from the U.S., Thailand and Japan, specially trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense, or CBRN, led the decontamination drill.

No real radiation was involved, but the teams employed specialized equipment to check for it and after a search for contraband like weapons or drugs directed role players to gender-appropriate showers.

We were just using soap for this operation, just due to it being a radiation threat, and soapy water can take a lot of radiation particles off of you, Marine Sgt. Jaden Graham, a CBRN specialist from Boise, Idaho, told Stars and Stripes.

A Thai man acting as an irritated evacuee yells at soldiers during a Cobra Gold drill in Rayong, Thailand, on March 3, 2024. . (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Members of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit role play as civilian evacuees during the Cobra Gold exercise in Rayong, Thailand, on March 3, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) A Thai airmen checks for radioactivity among evacuees' personal belongings during a Cobra Gold drill in Rayong, Thailand, on March 3, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) A Thai airman stands near radioactive waste during a Cobra Gold evacuation and decontamination drill in Rayong, Thailand, on March 3, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

The drill was meant to simulate as close as possible a real-world evacuation and prepare participants for any future disaster. It also provided the troops a chance to learn about their counterparts CBRN defense capabilities, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nick Weidner, who led the 15th Marine Expeditionary Units CBRN team.

When we do other partnerships, understanding what capabilities they bring to the table is a large one, and also seeing what they do for their training, he said ahead of the drill. Its their capabilities, their training and figuring out how they communicate  thats probably been the biggest barrier.

After the decontamination process, role players were directed to the nearby hangar where they were separated by nationality, had their passports and other documents verified and were screened for medical issues by teams from their respective countries.

The drill remained dynamic throughout the morning. In some cases, role players failed to provide identification; in others, they became irate with their handlers and had to be detained.

By the afternoon, major changes were introduced and threw more wrenches into the plan, including a scenario in which Japanese and Thai aircraft backed out because of bad weather, said Marine 1st Lt. Kaylee MacKenzie, who coordinated the American evacuation.

Now its only U.S. aircraft that has to evacuate the five different countries here, she said during the drill. It takes a lot of cross-coordinating, and ultimately thats been one of the biggest things that Ive had to really learn and get really good at.

The decontamination and evacuation process can be used to react to a plethora of situations, Weidner said.

During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, damage to weapons production facilities or clandestine chemical labs often required CBRN response teams, he said. On the civilian side, a natural disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake could damage an industrial chemical factory.

The two-week Cobra Gold exercise concludes Thursday.
South Korea Investigates Worldcoin Over Data Collection Concerns

A South Korean committee responsible for personal information matters is probing Worldcoin for collecting and processing sensitive information.

A government notice issued Monday stated that the Personal Information Protection Committee initiated an investigation into the digital identity project on Feb. 29. This action followed complaints about the collection and processing of personal information, including iris scanning.

According to the notice, Worldcoin affiliates are currently collecting facial and iris recognition data at around 10 locations in Korea.

As a result, the commission plans to probe the overall collection and overseas transfer of personal information. Action will be taken if violations of the Personal Information Protection Act are found, it said.

Worldcoin Faces Privacy Backlash



Worldcoin, led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has sparked privacy concerns globally due to its handling of biometric data. Regulators in various countries, including Germany, France, and Britain, have announced investigations into the projects practices regarding biometric information management.

More recently, Hong Kongs data protection authority investigated six local Worldcoin booths. Hong Kongs Privacy Commissioner Chung Liling warned the public about the risks associated with participating in iris scanning activities and urged caution.

In December, Worldcoin temporarily halted its orb verification service in India, Brazil, and France.

Nearly 4M Sign-Ups Despite Sensitive Data Collection Concerns



Worldcoin aims to establish a universal basic income system where individuals receive regular cryptocurrency grants as a guaranteed income source. It uses a device called the Orb to scan peoples eyes, ensuring fair distribution of grants to different individuals.

The Worldcoin Foundation told Cryptonews in February that it was established to help create access and participation in the global digital economy while preserving privacy.

Worldcoin does not seek to know who a person is, just that they are human and unique. As such, any information used to verify unique humanness is promptly deleted by default, a spokesperson said. The project encourages regulators and consumers to seek information or clarifications about the programs it offers, they said.

Despite claims about its controversial practices, Worldcoin has attracted over 3.9m sign-ups as of early March and counts over 450,000 in average daily wallet transactions.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius addresses the media during a press statement in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, March 3, 2024. The German government on Monday vehemently rejected allegations that Russias leak of a conversation by high-ranking German military officers was an indication that Germany was preparing a war against Russia, while at the same time it sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)

BERLIN  The German government on Monday vehemently rejected allegations that Russias leak of a conversation by high-ranking German military officers was an indication that Berlin was preparing for war against Russia.

At the same time, the government sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published.

It is absolutely clear that such claims that this conversation would prove, that Germany is preparing a war against Russia, that this is absurdly infamous Russian propaganda, a spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin.

Government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said the leak was part of Russias information war against the West, and that the aim was to create discord within Germany.

The 38-minute recording features military officers discussing in German how Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Kyiv against invading Russian forces.

While German authorities have not questioned the authenticity of the recording, Scholz said a week ago that delivering these weapons to Ukraine is not an option  and that he does not want Germany to be drawn into the war directly.

Russias foreign ministry, however, on Monday threatened Germany with dire consequences in connection with the leak. It did not elaborate.

If nothing is done, and the German people do not stop this, then there will be dire consequences first and foremost for Germany itself, foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

Relations between the two countries have continuously deteriorated since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago.

The audio leak was posted by Margarita Simonyan, chief editor of Russian state-funded television channel RT, on social media on Friday, the same day that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was laid to rest after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony. The recording also surfaced just weeks before Russias presidential election.

In the leaked audio, four officers, including the head of Germanys air force, Ingo Gerhartz, can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine before a meeting with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, German news agency dpa reported.

The officers then state that early delivery and rapid deployment of Taurus missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers. The officers said training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but it would take months.

The recording also shows the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine, dpa reported.

There has been a debate in Germany about whether to supply the missiles to Ukraine as Kyiv faces battlefield setbacks. With military aid from the United States held up in Congress. Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the U.S., and it is further stepping up its support this year.

Scholzs insistence last week on not giving Taurus missiles to Ukraine came after Germany stalled for months on the countrys desire for the missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and could in theory be used against targets deep inside Russian territory.

On Monday, the chancellor reiterated his stance during a visit to a school in Sindelfingen in southwestern Germany.

Im the chancellor, and thats why its valid, he said regarding his no to the delivery of Taurus missiles, dpa reported.

Also on Monday, Germanys ambassador visited Russias foreign ministry in Moscow. While Russia media reported that Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff had been summoned by the ministry, the German government said his visit was planned well before the audio was published.

Germanys defense ministry tried to downplay the significance of the leaked conversation, saying it was merely an exchange of ideas before a meeting with the defense minister.

The ministry said it was investigating how a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and leaked by the Russians. It promised to report its findings. Several German media have reported that the officers were in a WebEx meeting when they were taped.

Buechner, the spokesman for the chancellor, said the German government would also look into how it can better counter targeted disinformation, especially from Russia.

In the United States, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to address any specifics of the leaked audio, but he called the release a transparent attempt by Russians to sow discord.

The Kremlin on Monday said it looked forward to the results of the German governments investigation.

Mr. Scholz said that a fast, complete and effective investigation would be carried out. We hope that that we will be able to find out the outcome of that investigation, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

In London, a spokesman for U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned that the government must treat anything coming out of the Kremlin with caution, noting the Russian governments record of spreading misinformation.

It is in their interests to sow disunity amongst allies who are seeking to support the armed forces of Ukraine, spokesman Dave Pares said. We should not fall into that trap.

Davies reported from Manchester, England. Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, a Taurus missile flies during a drill off the countrys western coast in South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. The German government on Monday vehemently rejected allegations that Russias leak of a conversation by high-ranking German military officers was an indication that Germany was preparing a war against Russia. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

BERLIN  On the day that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was laid to rest in Moscow, Russian state media leaked an audio recording of German military officers discussing the hypothetical use of Taurus long-range missiles in Ukraine.

The conversation on a sensitive subject was never meant to be public, and the leak embarrassed Germany and raised concerns about the security of its communications.

Furious with Germany, Moscow leveled threats in response.

If nothing is done, and the German people do not stop this, then there will be dire consequences first and foremost for Germany itself, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Monday.

In her retort, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said, If Russia had not brutally attacked this country, Ukraine would not have to defend itself, according to the dpa news agency.

In fact, the German officers discussed sending the Taurus missiles only in theory. Germany has not approved deploying the weapons despite months of pressure from Ukraine.

Here is a look at the fallout from what German media are calling the wiretapping affair and the Taurus missiles at the heart of the tensions.

What are Taurus missiles and what can they do?

Equipped with stealth technology that makes them less visible to detection, the missiles have a range of up to 310 miles, which would help Ukraine to put pressure on Russia in the Black Sea and elsewhere.

The German- and Swedish-made missiles would be able to reach targets deep in Russia from Ukrainian soil. (Taurus is shorthand for Target Adaptive Unitary and dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System.) In Latin, taurus means bull.

Ukraine has been asking Germany for the missiles to complement the long-range Storm Shadow missiles sent by Britain and Frances nearly identical Scalp cruise missiles.

The U.K. announced last spring that it was sending Storm Shadows, which have a range of more than 155 miles and give Ukraine capacity to strike well behind the front lines, including in Russia-occupied Crimea. Ukraine pledged not to use the missiles to attack Russia itself.

France followed Britain by sending its Scalp missiles, giving assurances that they would not be capable of hitting Russian soil. Paris recently announced the delivery of 40 additional Scalp missiles.

What is Germanys position on sending the missiles to Ukraine?

Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and is further stepping up support this year. But German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to send the Taurus missiles. Last week, he said sending the missiles would pose a risk of his country becoming directly involved in the war.

German soldiers must at no point and in no place be linked to targets this system reaches, he said last week.

Some members of the conservative opposition, and even some in his socially liberal three-party coalition, want to send the missiles to Ukraine. But the idea is not popular with the public.

German media have suggested that by not allowing the Taurus weapons to be sent to Ukraine the unpopular chancellor was trying to distinguish himself domestically as Friedenskanzler or peace chancellor ahead of June elections to the European Parliament.

Many people are afraid the war could spread. Scholz has long been aware of this sentiment, the news magazine Der Spiegel wrote Friday. He wants to show them: I am aware of you and your worries.

For military strategists, there are other concerns.

Gustav Gressel, a senior policy fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a note earlier this year that while the U.K. and France are already developing successors to their Storm Shadows and Scalps, Germany does not have yet have a successor to the Taurus.

Germans fear that their stocks of Taurus missiles could be depleted, he argued, and that Russians would see the missile in operation in Ukraine and gain insights into the missiles countermeasures and stealth characteristics.

Whats in the leaked audio?

The 38-minute recording was published by Margarita Simonyan, chief editor of Russian state-funded television channel RT, on social media Friday, the same day Navalny was laid to rest after his still-unexplained death two weeks earlier in an Arctic penal colony. It surfaced just weeks before Russias presidential election.

In the audio, the head of Germanys air force, Ingo Gerhartz, can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine with three colleagues ahead of a meeting with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The conversation took place Feb. 19, according to Simonyan.

The four military officers discuss how Taurus missiles could be used by Kyiv against invading Russian forces and how Germany would need to support Ukraine technically.

At the start of the WebEx conversation, there is a lot of small talk. One participant connected from Singapore. It is quite humid here, he says.

The four then start preparing a briefing on the Taurus weapon system for Pistorius, seeking to coordinate their messages and agreeing to prepare some slides to better visualize the situation.

If we ever decide politically to support Ukraine with it (the Taurus missiles), how would all of this work? one officer asked. We should not only talk about problems but also about solutions.

The four then discuss various issues that would need to be taken into consideration, including delivery, training and timing. They go into detail about what Ukraine would theoretically need the system for, such as targeting a bridge in the east or an ammunition depot.

In the course of the discussion, it becomes clear that they are referring to the Kerch bridge linking Russia and occupied Crimea. One of the officials says that training to target the bridge, which is as big as an airfield, would likely take longer.

They also discuss potential red lines for German politicians, including a desire to avoid the military being seen as directly involved.

The officers say the rapid deployment of Taurus missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers  and that training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but would take months.

The recording makes clear that the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine.

How has Germany reacted?

German officials have not claimed that the audio is fabricated, which has widely been taken to mean that the recording is authentic.

For hours after the audio was published Friday by Russian media, German officials did not react at all. Then on Saturday, the Defense Ministry said it was investigating, and Scholz called it a very serious matter that required quick clarification.

Defense Minister Pistorius followed up Sunday by denouncing the leak as an act of information warfare against the West and said the aim was to sow discord within Germany. He said it was no coincidence that the recording leaked on the day of Navalnys funeral.

It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation, Pistorius said. This is clearly about undermining our unity.

Gera reported from Warsaw and Liechtenstein from Vienna.
Humanitarian aid trucks enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah on Saturday. (Loay Ayyoub/The Washington Post)

JERUSALEM  On Saturday, the United States airdropped 38,000 meals into Gaza - a territory controlled not by a hostile foreign power but by one of its closest allies.

The remarkable scenes of American aid bundles floating down to starving Palestinians was the starkest illustration yet of the rift that has grown between the Biden administration and the Israeli government over the Gaza war. For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Washington to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave, even as it relies on U.S. bombs and diplomatic support to carry out its punishing military campaign there.

Thursdays aid convoy tragedy - where more than 100 people were killed and 700 injured in Gaza City, according to Palestinian officials - underscored the desperation of civilians in the strip, which is hurtling toward a famine that humanitarian officials say is largely of Israels making. They point to Israels limiting of land entry points for aid; an onerous and confusing Israeli inspection process; faulty deconfliction channels between aid groups and Israels military; Israeli efforts to undermine the United Nations; and its militarys recent targeting of Gaza police who once protected aid missions.

Israel says it is not limiting the delivery of aid to Gaza and has blamed the U.N. for failing to distribute it to those in need - or worse, diverting aid to Hamas.

But Washington is growing impatient with those arguments.

Were going to insist that Israel facilitate more trucks and more routes to get more and more people the help they need, President Biden said Friday as he announced the aid drops. No excuses, because the truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough.

Around 500 trucks entered Gaza each day before the war, a figure that aid agencies have not come close to reaching since the start of the conflict. In February, just 98 trucks per day crossed into Gaza on average, according to the U.N., compared to an average of 170 per day in January. On several days last month, the number of trucks was in the single digits.

Allegations that Israel is deliberately obstructing the entry of aid into Gaza are at the heart of South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The court in The Hague has not ruled on the question of genocide, but in late January it ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid.

Yet hardly any assistance has reached the north, where some families are surviving on grass and animal feed. At least 15 children have died from malnutrition, according to local health authorities.

Whats absolutely amazing is how quickly the situation has unfolded, in a place which before has never really encountered hunger, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the U.N. body for Palestinian refugees, told reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday.

This is an artificially man-made situation that we can easily reverse if we want to. We know what needs to be done.

Few crossings, random rejections

After the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, when Hamas-led fighters killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, the Israeli military announced a full siege of Gaza.

No electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Oct. 9.

It took two weeks of intense lobbying by the Biden administration, including from the president himself, to convince Israel to allow in some of the trucks lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing - the only entry point to Gaza that is not in Israeli territory.

While Egypt and the Hamas-run Gaza border authority nominally control Rafah, Israel has effectively wielded a military veto over what enters and exits, bombing the crossing on multiple occasions early in the war.

A host of logistical challenges confronted aid providers from the get-go. Rafah was built as a transit point for people, not goods. It is situated in northern Sinai, a sensitive military zone where Egypt continues to limit the presence of U.N. employees, according to a senior U.N. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject.

But the operation on the Egyptian side improved significantly over time, the official added. The number of trucks entering Gaza per day scaled up from 20 at first to a high of about 200 per day during a six-day pause in fighting in November.

In December, Israel opened a second border crossing at Kerem Shalom. But there still arent enough crossings to handle the volume of aid required, humanitarian organizations say. And the Israeli inspection process remains cumbersome and opaque, with some items rejected on a seemingly random basis, said Janti Soeripto, chief executive of Save the Children.

Generators, tent poles and pipes to restore water and sanitation infrastructure are among the items that Israel has prohibited as dual use - fearing militants could use them as weapons or to bolster their underground hideouts. But obstetric clamps and wooden boxes containing toys have also been denied, Soeripto said.

Sometimes aid organizations are told by Israeli officials their cargo has the green light, only to be turned back at the inspection point.

The Israeli agency charged with handling inspections is working off a 2008 rubric that is out of date and unevenly applied, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic.

U.S. representatives working for Amb. David Satterfield, appointed by Biden in October to head up humanitarian efforts in the region, regularly engage in intense conversations with Israeli officials to urge more items to be let in, the official said, but its a challenging environment.

Aid organizations and the Biden administration lobbied Israel for the reintroduction of commercial cargo to Gaza in the fall, arguing that humanitarian aid alone could not feed Gazas population.

Though the first commercial trucks were permitted to cross in December, aid organizations say the number must be scaled up substantially.

The volume of aid reaching Gaza dropped over the past month as Israeli protesters - who argue that humanitarian assistance benefits Hamas - regularly blocked the Kerem Shalom crossing. Israeli police said late last month they were cracking down on protesters. But demonstrators continued to obstruct the crossing as recently as Thursday.

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli body charged with overseeing the enclave, regularly says there is no limit to the amount of humanitarian aid that can enter Gaza.

COGAT blames the U.N. for delays and logistical failures.

The idea that Israel isnt letting aid in is simply a lie, Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said Saturday on X. There is EXCESS CAPACITY at Israels crossings for more to enter.

The senior U.N. official called that argument disingenuous.

You wouldnt meet one U.N. staff who would say that Israel is effectively facilitating humanitarian assistance, they said.

COGAT and the Israeli prime ministers office did not respond to requests for comment.

Israel intends to open an additional crossing into northern Gaza as early as next week, to allow more aid to flow in, said an Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to comment publicly.

The move comes after USAID Administrator Samantha Power visited Israel last week to push for action. Israel also agreed to ease customs restrictions so assistance can enter more easily via Jordan and to allow the U.S. airdrops as well as a forthcoming maritime corridor, USAID spokeswoman Jessica Jennings said in a readout of Powers visit.

Palestinians wait for humanitarian aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing Saturday. (Loay Ayyoub/The Washington Post)

Order breaks down As difficult as it is to get aid into Gaza, distributing it has become an ever greater challenge.

Roads in southern Gaza are hard to traverse, packed with displaced people and rubble. Fighting is still fierce in parts of central and northern Gaza. Aid organizations widely describe the deconfliction process - securing assurances from Israeli forces that convoys will not be attacked - as broken.

Israeli officials have denied the majority of requests by aid agencies to bring assistance to the north. No UNRWA convoy has reached that part of the enclave since Jan. 23. Some approved missions have come under attack by Israeli forces or seen personnel harassed or detained by Israeli troops, Lazzarini said.

On Feb. 5, the last time UNRWA attempted to send a convoy north, the group said it was hit by Israeli naval forces off the coast. Asked about the incident, the Israeli military said: During the movement of the convoy on the route, a strike was carried out as part of the IDFs activity in the area, which was not aimed at the convoy. The incident was examined and conclusions and lessons were drawn accordingly.

When you do a deconfliction, and despite the deconfliction, you are still shot at, you think twice before going the next time, Lazzarini said.

Nearly all Gazans face crisis levels of hunger. In the north, where some 300,000 people are estimated to remain, about 16 percent of children under 2 years old were acutely malnourished as of January, the U.N. reported, citing an unprecedented rate of decline in nutritional status.

As people have grown hungrier and more desperate, the looting of aid convoys has increased - even in the south, Lazzarini said.

Lately, another threat has emerged: organized criminal gangs. Aid trucks have been vandalized and drivers beaten, Lazzarini said, including by an armed Bedouin group along the southern border. Criminals are looting the aid and profiteers are selling it at exorbitant prices.

Unarmed Gaza police officers - civil servants under the Hamas-run government - no longer accompany aid convoys on their journeys after Israeli airstrikes killed as many as nine officers in recent weeks, according to Satterfield, the U.S. envoy.

With the departure of police escorts, it has been virtually impossible for the U.N. or anyone else  to safely move assistance in Gaza because of criminal gangs, Satterfield said last month.

The World Food Program suspended deliveries to the north last month, citing insecurity.

The Israel Defense Forces referred all questions to COGAT and to the prime ministers office. Neither responded to requests for comment.

Aid organizations have explored security workarounds, including convincing some policemen to accompany aid trucks out of uniform.

The IDF is now expected to get involved in securing the delivery of aid, the Israeli official said. I think youll see more aid going in to the north.

The plan was in the works before Thursdays incident, the official said. The four convoys of aid brought by private trucking firms last week, including the delivery that dissolved into chaos Thursday, were part of that effort.

Israel blamed a crowd crush for many of the deaths. Eyewitnesses said Israeli forces opened fire on them as they converged on the trucks; doctors at hospitals that received the dead and injured said most were brought in with gunshot wounds.

Aid workers argue that the incident underscores the perils of Israel trying to organize aid deliveries rather than relying on the United Nations and other more experienced partners.

They clearly didnt plan it well and didnt know how to react when things went wrong, the senior U.N. official said.

An adversarial relationship

Already strained relations between the U.N. and Israel deteriorated significantly after Israel levied explosive allegations in January that a dozen UNRWA employees were involved in the attacks on Oct. 7.

Lazzarini fired 10 of the 12 employees accused in connection with the attack - the other two were dead - before investigating the Israeli claims. The United Nations internal watchdog, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, has launched an investigation.

Sixteen of UNRWAs donors - including its largest, the United States and Germany - suspended $450 million in funds in the wake of the allegations.

UNRWA and its backers argue that a U.N. agency that employs 30,000 people across the region should not be shut down because of allegations against a tiny fraction of employees, especially at such a critical time for Gaza.

The agency received a boost Friday, when the European Union announced it would disburse $54 million to UNRWA, which will help the agency get through at least this month, according to spokeswoman Juliette Touma. But the damage to UNRWAs reputation, and to its relationship with Israel, could be permanent.

Israeli officials openly call UNRWA the international branch of Hamas. They have also alleged the agency diverts humanitarian aid to the militant group, though the United States has seen no evidence to support those claims, Satterfield said last month.

Israel has suggested other U.N. agencies take over from UNRWA. But aid groups say replacing the agency is impractical in the short or medium term.

UNRWA was the public service delivery mechanism in Gaza for decades, said Soeripto of Save the Children. To just think that we can step in and do all that instead of them, and do it safely and securely  anyone who tells you they can do that is untruthful or highly optimistic.

Officials in Jerusalem and Washington acknowledge there is no feasible alternative at the moment. Still, Israeli officials have worked to undercut UNRWAs ability to function, freezing the agencys bank account and temporarily blocking a shipment of flour destined for Gaza at an Israeli port last month.

Some far-right government ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for an end to all humanitarian aid for Gaza. Recent polling by the Israel Democracy Institute indicates thats not a fringe position: 68 percent of Jewish Israeli respondents said they do not support the transfer of food and medicine to Gaza even by international bodies that are not linked to Hamas or to UNRWA.

The relationship between the United Nations and Israel has become adversarial, the senior U.N. official said. Inside the United Nations, they added, there is a view that the Israelis want to see the U.N. fail.

Israeli leaders are determined to press on with their war against Hamas, despite growing international calls for a cease-fire. Aid organizations say a cessation of hostilities is the only effective way to ease the massive suffering of civilians in Gaza.

But the U.S. has repeatedly vetoed cease-fire resolutions at the U.N. Security Council. And even as the Biden administration steps up its public pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, it has so far refrained from threatening to withhold military assistance.

Aid groups say the American airdrops will have little impact.

Theres more chaos on the ground then, Soeripto said. You cant really guarantee who gets [the aid] and who doesnt.

Karen DeYoung in Washington and Steve Hendrix and Miriam Berger in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
The United States says it plans to airdrop more food aid into Gaza, after completing its first successful drop on Saturday, parachuting in packages that contained more than 38,000 meals intended to help alleviate hunger in the besieged enclave.

The operation marked an expansion of the United States direct role in addressing a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza  where a lack of food and acute hunger have forced some people to eat weeds and animal feed  though aid groups have warned that the airdrops are insufficient for the enormous need.

The U.S. Air Force and Royal Jordanian Air Force worked together to drop bundles of ready-to-eat halal meals along the Gaza coastline to allow for civilian access, Central Command said. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and France have also carried out aerial aid deliveries in recent days.

Centcom said it was conducting planning for potential follow-on airborne aid delivery missions, as U.S. officials said they were planning additional airdrops into Gaza and exploring new ways to get desperately needed assistance into the Hamas-controlled enclave, including by sea.

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster releases humanitarian aid pallets of food and water over Gaza, March 2, 2024. (U.S. Air Force)

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said Sunday that the IDF coordinated with the United States and Jordan to facilitate the airdrop, calling it an important effort.

The number of trucks carrying food and essential items into Gaza has plunged in recent weeks following Israeli airstrikes that have targeted police officers who guard the convoys. Aid groups such as the World Food Program have also suspended deliveries to the north, where the need is greatest, citing lack of security.

The United Nations says 1 in 4 people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Gazas Health Ministry said Sunday that 15 children died from malnutrition and dehydration at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The Washington Post could not independently verify the report.

Meanwhile, talks on a cease-fire proposal are ongoing.

There is a deal on the table that Israel has more or less accepted and is awaiting a response from Hamas, a State Department official said during a Saturday briefing to journalists, under the condition of anonymity set by the State Department. The proposal calls for increased aid deliveries on the ground and a six-week pause in fighting, during which sick, wounded, female and elderly hostages in Gaza would be released. U.S. officials hope a cease-fire can begin before the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to start around March 10.

Delegations from Hamas, Qatar and the United States were in Cairo Sunday for a new round of negotiations, Egyptian state-run TV channel Al Qahera reported Sunday. Israel will not send a high-level delegation to Egypt for more cease-fire talks until Hamas gives a response, an Israeli official with knowledge of the negotiations told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive talks.

U.S. Air Force aerial port airmen load pallets of food and water destined for a Gaza airdrop aboard a C130-J Hercules on March 1, 2024. (U.S. Air Force) A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules conducts an airdrop of humanitarian assistance over Gaza, March 2, 2024. (U.S. Air Force)

Last week, at least 118 people were killed and 760 injured, the Gaza Health Ministry said, when a crowd converged on an aid convoy. Palestinian officials, eyewitnesses and doctors said Israeli troops fired on the crowd, leading to the carnage.

The Israel Defense Forces said its troops fired only warning shots that were not directed at the convoy. On Saturday, Hagari said an initial review found that no strike was carried out by the IDF towards the aid convoy and that most of the Palestinian casualties were the result of a stampede. The Post could not independently verify the IDFs findings.

Heres what else to know:

Vice President Harris will meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday. Gantz, who arrived in Washington on Sunday, will also meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, according to a news release. The meeting is part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to speak with Israeli officials and plan for the day after the war, according to a White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity before the meetings had been publicly announced.

Eleven people, including a medical worker, were killed and about 50 people injured in an Israeli strike in an area that held tents for displaced people near Rafahs Emirati maternity hospital on Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry said in a post on social media. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the strike to the The Post, saying it had targeted terrorists and terror infrastructure.

Italys Defense Ministry said its naval ship Duilio shot down an approaching drone in the Red Sea. The drone was less than four miles away and had characteristics similar to those used in previous attacks, the Saturday statement said. The Houthi terrorist attacks are a serious violation of international law and an attack on the safety of maritime traffic, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.

At least 30,410 people have been killed and 71,700 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamass Oct. 7 attack and says 245 soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.

Lior Soroka and Heba Farouk Mahfouz contributed to this report.
Israeli soldiers are seen near the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel, Monday, March 4, 2024. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

JERUSALEM  Israel ramped up its criticism of the embattled U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees Monday, saying 450 of its employees were members of militant groups in the Gaza Strip, though it provided no evidence to back up its accusation.

Major international funders have withheld hundreds of millions of dollars from the agency, known as UNRWA, since Israel accused 12 of its employees of participating in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and left about 250 others held hostage in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the agency known as UNRWA, told a press conference late Monday that he has never been informed or received any evidence of Israels claims, and this is not the first.

Every year, he said, UNRWA provides Israel and the Palestinian Authority with a list of its staff and I never have received the slightest concern about the staff that we have been employing.

The only allegation communicated to him verbally was about 12 UNRWA staffers alleged to have participated in the Oct. 7 attacks, he said, and they appeared so serious that they were fired, and two U.N.-ordered investigations are underway.

The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, said Monday there were reasonable grounds to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualized torture, and other cruel and inhuman treatment of women during the attack.

The attack sparked an Israeli invasion of the enclave of 2.3 million people that Gazas Health Ministry says has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians. Aid groups say the fighting has displaced most of the territorys population and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe.

UNRWA, which employs roughly 13,000 people in Gaza, is the biggest aid provider in the enclave.

The allegations Monday were a significant escalation in the accusations against the agency. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesperson, did not provide names or other evidence to back up the vastly increased number of UNRWA employees it said were militants.

Over 450 UNRWA employees are military operatives in terror groups in Gaza  450. This is no mere coincidence. This is systematic. There is no claiming, we did not know, Hagari said.

UNRWA in a statement accused Israel of detaining several of its staffers and forcing them, using torture and ill treatment, into giving false confessions about the links between the agency, Hamas and the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

These forced confessions as a result of torture are being used by the Israeli Authorities to further spread misinformation about the agency as part of attempts to dismantle UNRWA, the statement said. This is putting our staff in Gaza at risk and has serious implications on our operations in Gaza and around the region.

After Israels initial accusation against UNRWA, the agency fired the accused employees and more than a dozen countries suspended funding worth about $450 million, almost half its budget for the year.

Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA, had no direct comment on the new Israeli allegations.

UNRWA encourages any entity that has any information on the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff to share it with the ongoing U.N. investigation, she said.

Two U.N. investigations into Israels allegations were already underway when the EU said Friday it will pay $54 million to UNRWA after the agency agreed to allow EU-appointed experts to audit the way it screens staff to identify extremists.

Hagari also released a recording of a call he said was of an UNRWA teacher describing his role in the Oct. 7 attack.

We have female captives. I caught one, the male voice is heard saying in Arabic. A man on a second call, alleged to be an Islamic Jihad militant who Israel also claimed was an UNRWA teacher, is heard saying Im inside with the Jews.

The military named the men, though the man in the first call identified himself in the recording by a different name. The military said that name may have been a nickname. The military did not provide evidence as to their employment with UNRWA.

The accusations came as Benny Gantz, a top member of Israels wartime Cabinet, met with U.S. officials in Washington while talks were underway in Egypt to broker a cease-fire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Meanwhile, violence flared between Israel and Lebanon, amid inflamed tensions across the region.

An anti-tank missile fired into northern Israel from Lebanon killed a foreign worker and wounded seven others Monday, Israels Magen David Adom rescue service said. The Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon did not immediately claim responsibility for Mondays strike.

Hours later an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three paramedics from Hezbollahs health arm, Lebanons state media said.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut on Monday to meet with Lebanese officials in an attempt to tamp down tensions.

The near-daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Hezbollah fighters and at least 37 civilians in Lebanon. Around 20 people have been killed on the Israeli side, including civilians and soldiers.

Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Jack Jeffery in Jerusalem and Melanie Lidman in Kiryat Shmona, Israel, contributed to this report.
Ronen and Orna Neutra, center, the parents of Israeli American hostage Omer Neutra, along with other family members of the hostages held by Hamas, take part in a demonstration Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, near the Israeli border with Gaza. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

After weeks of negotiation, Israeli and Palestinian authorities may be nearing a cease-fire agreement that would allow for the release of hostages in the custody of Hamas  which governs the Gaza Strip  and prisoners detained in Israel. Both sides have accepted the general framework that includes more aid for Gazans, U.S. officials say, but not all of the details. Israel, Hamas and their mediators are trying to make a deal before March 10, the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

How long would the cease-fire last?

Vice President Kamala Harris said Sunday that the agreement would include an immediate cease-fire to last at least six weeks, the longest since a week-long pause that ended in December. The humanitarian pause facilitated hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and aid deliveries. Cease-fires generally last longer than such pauses, The Washington Post reported in November.

White House officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House to brief reporters, said on Saturday that the framework would include freeing Hamas hostages and allowing more aid.

Gazans are enduring a desperate and worsening humanitarian crisis, partly because of Israeli restrictions on aid. Harris and President Joe Biden said recently that Israel should allow more aid into Gaza.

What is the status of negotiations?

Talks involving Egypt, Qatar and the United States were underway Sunday in Cairo, but a deal did not appear to be imminent.

Israel will not send a high-level delegation to Egypt until Hamas responds to questions about the framework, an Israeli official with knowledge of the negotiations told The Post over the weekend, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive talks.

The questions were about the number and identities of Hamas-held hostages and Israeli-detained prisoners who would be swapped, Israeli media reported.

White House officials said a deal was close.

The framework is there, a senior administration official said Saturday in a background briefing. The Israelis have basically signed on to the elements of the arrangement. And right now, the ball is in the court of Hamas.

On Sunday, Harris said it was up to Hamas to accept the plan.

Hamas claims it wants a cease-fire, she said during a speech in Alabama. Well, there is a deal on the table.

Details have bedeviled the progress of negotiations since January, The Post reported, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a cease-fire framework in February.

Who would be released?

One of the White House officials said Saturday that vulnerable hostages would be available for release in the first phase of the agreement. Defining that group has been a point of contention, but it loosely includes the sick, the wounded, the elderly and women.

The Israeli government as of Tuesday estimated that about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, though it has not given the full basis for its estimates. It is unclear how many prisoners Israel would release in exchange for some hostages. Hamas has said it would release all hostages if Israel withdraws all of its troops. Israel has said it will not stop fighting until it has destroyed Hamas.

At least 30,534 people have been killed and 71,920 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas Oct. 7 attack and says 246 soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.

Why do mediators hope to reach a deal before Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest period of the Islamic calendar, observed by a month of fasting. From dawn to dusk during Ramadan, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations.

The holy month, which begins this year at sundown on Sunday, March 10, is celebrated by Muslims around the world as a time for religious gatherings and prayer but has historically been a flash point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Last year, Israeli police raided al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and arrested Palestinian worshipers during Ramadan, prompting a deadly exchange of strikes between Hamas and Israel.
This undated photo released Sunday, March 3, 2024, by the U.S. militarys Central Command shows the Belize-flagged vessel Rubymar sinking in the Red Sea. (U.S. Central Command)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Three Red Sea underwater cables providing internet and telecommunications around the world have been cut as the waterway remains a target of Yemens Houthi rebels, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a Houthi missile attack set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden, but caused no injuries.

What cut the lines remains unclear. There has been concern about the cables being targeted in the Houthi campaign, which the rebels describe as an effort to pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have denied attacking the lines, however.

While global shipping has already been disrupted through the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, the sabotage of telecommunication lines could further escalate the monthslong crisis.

The cut lines include Asia-Africa-Europe 1, the Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf, Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications said. It described the cuts as affecting 25% of the traffic flowing through the Red Sea. It described the Red Sea route as crucial for data moving from Asia to Europe and said it had begun rerouting traffic.

HGC Global Communications described the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line as being two separate cables when it is actually one at the area of the cut, according to Tim Stronge, a subsea cable expert with TeleGeography, a Washington-based telecommunications market research company.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Seacom said that initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea. It said it was rerouting the traffic that it was able to change, though some services were down.

Tata Communications, part of the Indian conglomerate and behind the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line, told the AP that it initiated immediate and appropriate remedial actions after the line was cut.

We invest in various cable consortiums to increase our diversity and hence in such situations of a cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute our services, Tata said.

Other firms behind those lines, which provide data to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, didnt immediately respond to queries Monday from the AP.

In early February, Yemens internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack the cables. The lines appeared to have been cut on Feb. 24, with the organization NetBlocks noticing internet access in the East African nation of Djibouti suffering from interruptions two days later. Seacom serves Djibouti.

But for their part, the Houthis have denied targeting the cables. The rebels blamed the disruptions on British and U.S. military operations, but didnt offer evidence to support the allegation and have made false claims in the past.

The hostilities on Yemen by the British and U.S. naval military units caused a disruption in the submarine cables in the Red Sea, which jeopardized the security and safety of international communications and the normal flow of information, the Houthi-controlled Transportation Ministry in Yemens rebel-held capital, Sanaa, alleged.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.

Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels have remained capable of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which sank on Saturday after drifting for several days, and the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.

The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition.

Meanwhile, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Monday separately warned of a new attack in the Gulf of Aden. The private security firm Ambrey described the vessel targeted as a Liberia-flagged, Israel-affiliated container ship that sustained damage and issued a distress call.

The container ship reportedly encountered two explosions of which the first occurred at a distance off its port quarter, while the second damaged the vessels accommodation block and a container leading, Ambrey said. The explosion further led to a fire onboard and the crews firefighting efforts were underway.

Ambrey said no crew member on the ship had been injured.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement. He identified the ship as the MSC Sky II, sailing for the Switzerland-based firm Mediterranean Shipping Co, but sought to link the vessel to Israel. The ships details and last-known location corresponded to details about the attack.

The Houthis will continue to prevent Israeli navigation or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the aggression is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted, Saree said.

The U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, which patrols the Middle East, and MSC didnt respond to questions about the attack.

It remains unclear how the Houthis could attack subsea cables themselves. The rebels arent known to have the diving or salvage capability to target the lines, which sit hundreds of meters below the surface of the waterway.

However, subsea cables can be cut by anchors, including those dropped from some of the ships that have been disabled in attacks. A drifting ship with its anchor scraping the sea could be the culprit.

Our team thinks it is plausible that it could have been affected by anchor dragging, due to the amount of marine traffic the region deals with and the low seabed in many parts of the Red Sea, Seacom said. This can only be confirmed once the repair ship is on site.

There are 14 cables now running through the Red Sea, with another six planned, said Stronge, the subsea cable expert.

We estimate that over 90% of communications between Europe and Asia traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea, he said. Fortunately, telecom operators have built a high degree of redundancy into the system  there are many cables traversing the Red Sea.
The goal of the purchase is to assess the former manufacturing site to determine what remediation and demolition would be needed to prepare th
(Illustration by Andrea Villari/Stars and Stripes)

Retired Sgt. Major Eriq Brown first learned of his criminal record in 2021 during a screening for veteran disability benefits as part of his retirement from the Army.

He met with a civilian psychologist in South Korea as part of a post-traumatic stress disorder screening. The psychologist asked him whether his pending criminal charge was causing him emotional distress.

Brown, who spent 28 years doing human resources work in the Army, said he looked at the doctor perplexed. Two years prior, a fellow soldier in Korea accused him of assault. She told military police that Brown in a period of three months had hit her on the back of the neck, bumped her in an on-post store at Camp Humphreys and then grabbed her arm after an event.

No charges came of the accusations, according to Browns service record and documentation that he would later present to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.

An officer in Browns chain of command with 8th Army conducted an internal investigation and found no evidence it happened  even discovering Brown wasnt on post the day that he supposedly bumped the woman at a store, according to correction board documents. He was never arrested or detained or read his rights. There was no court-martial or nonjudicial punishment.

Instead, Brown received a reprimand in his personnel file for unprofessional behavior. The letter scolded Brown for touching the womans neck and then reaching for her arm after she had told him that she did not want to be touched.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Eriq Brown, 47, was investigated for assault while in the Army, but never arrested or charged with a crime. However, his criminal record shows he was arrested and is awaiting a final outcome for an assault charge and the Army has refused to remove the information. (Provided by Eriq Brown )

You have exhibited poor judgment, Brig. Gen. Patrick Donahoe wrote in the reprimand dated Aug. 21, 2019. Nowhere in the letter does he write Brown was arrested or committed a crime.

Sitting in that doctors office, Brown realized none of this was behind him. The ordeal had left him with a criminal arrest listed on his background check with no resolution  as if he is still waiting to face judgment for a misdemeanor assault charge.

Think about the embarrassment of that, said Brown, now 47. I definitely wouldnt let my children go in the military after this.

Brown is one of thousands of service members who have been investigated by military law enforcement agencies, never charged or convicted of a crime, and yet, their criminal records show otherwise, according to attorneys who work with military clients.

The root of the issue is a Defense Department policy ordering its law enforcement agencies to put a suspects name into the FBIs National Crime Information Center database once agents have credible information that a crime occurred. Its known as titling and indexing.

Credible information could be as simple as someone coming in and making a report. It typically precedes any evidence gathering or real investigative work, said Christopher Nuneviller, a former Army attorney who continues to work on military cases.

Civilian law enforcement agencies do not enter people into the national database until there is an arrest warrant or indictment, he said. He published a paper to his law firms website last month on the militarys expansive use of criminal titling. He recommended the military adopt civilian law enforcement standards.

The DOD transfer of the titling data to [the national database] before the investigation begins is a pervasive, arbitrary and capricious administrative function that serves no legitimate government purpose but to bureaucratically punish individuals, Nuneviller wrote.

The Defense Department has the power to clear these peoples records, but they dont do it and they wont do it, he wrote. The Department of Defense should be held accountable for this improper and likely illegal expansive use of titling.

Sue Gough, spokeswoman for the Defense Department, said the titling policy into the militarys internal Defense Central Index of Investigations ensures a record is available for law enforcement, security purposes, background investigations and clearance adjudications.

She echoed a sentiment included in the policy that the practice should only confirm a persons role in an investigation and does not constitute a conviction or imply any guilt.

A question about why it is necessary to report to the FBIs database so early in an investigation went unanswered.

Lifelong impacts

For those who do seek expungement of their record, they are more than likely going to be denied, according to data from the military services.

Less than 9% of service members and veterans who made requests to the Army and Air Force since 2021  when a law passed to ease the process  were successful. The Navy did not provide complete data on expungement requests and the Marine Corps did not provide any data.

In practice, the policy could mean honorably discharged veterans are failing criminal background checks because of false reports, Nuneviller said.

The Defense Department put the policy in place in the early 1990s, despite concerns from the Army and the House Armed Services Committee, Nuneviller wrote. He estimated as many as 1 million service members and veterans could be caught in this system based on his estimates of the number of investigations each service has conducted annually since then.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division said it conducts roughly 10,000 investigations each year, while the Air Force Office of Special Investigations said it does about 22,600 each year. Naval Criminal Investigative Service did not respond to the question.

Doug OConnell, an attorney and retired Army colonel, finds the entire titling process baffling.

He wrote last year in a lawsuit on criminal titling that the services do this as an overcorrection to the 2007 mass shooting carried out by an Air Force veteran in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The veteran had a domestic violence conviction from his time in the service but was never entered into the FBI database. This allowed him to purchase a firearm.

OConnell said he gets calls at his law firm about titling expungement every day primarily from soldiers or Army veterans.

Army leaders are taking the position that they can create false government records with impunity. This is especially troubling when you consider that theyre branding soldiers and veterans as criminals while granting them an honorable discharge, he said. If the flawed logic and false records werent bad enough, it gets worse when you consider the impact on recruiting. What parent in their right mind would encourage their child to join the military knowing that their loved one may end up falsely branded as criminal for the rest of their life.

Failing background checks has caused veterans and troops to miss out on job opportunities, lose security clearances every time they move between units, get rejected from renting a home or securing a concealed carry handgun license, and leaves them unable to volunteer at their kids schools or contribute to their communities, said Liz Ullman, a 71-year-old Colorado retiree who has become an informal collector of soldiers stories on the subject.

Liz Ullman, a 71-year-old Colorado retiree, has become a collector of stories from soldiers who have received criminal records during Army service for crimes they did not commit. (Provided by Liz Ullman)

Ullman operates a website, Defend Our Protectors, where she provides information on titling and advocates for a change to the DOD policy.

There are so many people who cant help themselves because to have been investigated for a crime is damaging, she said. And these are people who have sworn on their lives to defend the United States. Then the government turns against them. So you add betrayal on top of humiliation, and youve destroyed someones entire moral being.

Army recruiting investigation

Ullman began tracking the issue when a friends son got caught up in an Army recruiting investigation that pinned criminal records on hundreds of soldiers without their knowledge.

The National Guard Recruiting Assistance Program, known as G-RAP, brought thousands into the military during its seven-year run. It paid bonuses to soldiers who participated and brought recruits into the Army. However, some soldiers wrongly received bonus payments, which ended the program and triggered a fraud investigation.

From 2012 to 2016, the Army CID put a team of Reserve agents on active duty to investigate fraudulent payments made to troops as part of the recruiting program. In the process, investigators titled and indexed 2,253 soldiers, according to a mandated report CID presented to Congress in April 2023.

However, only 137 people were ever prosecuted in civilian courts, according to the Army.

The internal audit of the investigation found 1,454 names were incorrectly logged with the FBIs criminal database. Of all the names given to the FBI, only 7% were correct, the report said.

The purpose of titling is to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the report and to ensure it is retrievable for future law enforcement or security purposes, according to the Armys CID. Titling does not indicate any degree of guilt or innocence and [DOD policy] specifically precludes the use of titling as a basis for judicial or adverse administrative actions.

However, Ullman said some of those titled have faced adverse administrative actions.

In some cases  I think I was the only person in their life who believed that they were innocent, she said.

One soldier falsely caught in the recruiting investigation told Ullman that he was barred from reenlistment because of the false record. He also told her that his wife left him and took their children and he couldnt get a civilian job. By the time he received a letter that the Army made a mistake and his record was clear, he was living in his car.

Now what? Ullman recalled him asking her.

Lee Hughes was falsely entered into the crime database as part of the recruiting investigation and didnt even know he was under investigation until his promotion to captain in the Vermont National Guard was stripped from him in 2015. He only learned why he lost his promotion because someone in his unit pulled him aside to tell him.

Retired Lt. Lee Hughes, seen on a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard, was given a false criminal arrest record by the Army that stopped his promotion to captain. The record was corrected but the Army has denied his request to return his promotion. (Provided by Lee Hughes)

Its a complete circumvention of the American system of justice. Theres no due process anywhere in this, Hughes said. People shouldnt have the onus put on them to figure out if they were charged with something or were wronged somehow. And if you can figure it out, then theyll allow you to take part in the expungement process. Thats not the way we do things here.

Hughes ultimately had his record cleared and works for the federal government in security, but he never got back the promotion. He retired with 20 years of service in 2019 as a lieutenant and his appeal to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to regain his promotion failed  costing him thousands in retirement pay.

What theyre not being held accountable for is the damage done to peoples careers, he said.

Pentagon slow to respond

The Army recruiting investigation also led Congress to mandate in 2021 that the military pave an easier path for those looking to remove false arrest records.

Before the law changed, people had to prove the titling was a case of mistaken identity. Now, the law affords expungement for those never charged or convicted, but the onus is on the person to present new evidence to prove their innocence.

The process went from impossible to nearly impossible, Ullman said. It really is a matter of proving your innocence.

Congress required the Pentagon update its expungement policy by Oct. 1, 2021. It did so in August 2023. Defense officials declined to comment on the nearly two-year delay.

Since Congress acted in 2021, the Army has seen 1,570 people request expungement with 189 succeeding, according to the service. Naval Criminal Investigative Service said it received 28 requests in 2021 from sailors and Marines. Of those, 11 were approved. It did not provide data for other years and officials said the Navy might receive expungement requests through avenues outside of law enforcement. The Marine Corps uses a decentralized system where service members can request expungements through the installation where the charge originated.

Brown hired an attorney to write his expungement request, which was denied in July 2023. The records correction board cited the Defense Departments old policy  a month before the Pentagon made the update. The Army declined to answer whether there is a path for Brown and others in his position to request a review under the new policy.

The Air Force created a Criminal Justice Information Center in October to incorporate the new guidance and revisited all appeals filed after Oct. 1, 2021, to ensure airmen eligible under the new law receive due process. Of the 1,114 expungement requests received since then, the Air Force cleared 67 records, the service said.

The Air Force also increased oversight of criminal titling and indexing and made titling and indexing specialists available for installations and at the OSI headquarters, said Linda Card, spokeswoman for the services Office of Special Investigations.

The Department of the Air Force is currently evaluating additional measures to improve indexing within the constructs of relevant law, DOD policy, and reporting requirements set by the U.S. Attorney General, she said.

Taking the Army to court

Citing the new law, OConnell attempted to clear the record of Denise Rosales, a noncommissioned officer in the Texas National Guard. Officials admitted in an email that she was never arrested but refused to remove information from the national database.

Military police, not the Army CID, investigated Rosales during a 2020-2021 deployment to Kuwait for having alcohol at a birthday party for her husband. She was never arrested or charged. She only received an administrative reprimand.

And yet, the Army CID entered Rosales into the national crime database as arrested.

She spent the 12 years before her false arrest record working mainly as an analyst for civilian law enforcement. Because of the record, she said she lost a job with the Drug Enforcement Agency. It has also blocked her from returning to active duty with the Guard.

After nearly two years of fighting, Rosales filed a federal lawsuit in April against the Army, the Army CID and the FBI, according to court documents.

In a motion calling for the lawsuits dismissal, Army lawyers argued they followed procedure when they submitted Rosales information to the FBI national database, and they also agreed she was not arrested or prosecuted. The Army further argued the service is not the agency sharing the arrest history and violating her privacy, it is the FBI.

I cant reach my potential

OConnell said its not just the military that frustrates him with false criminal records. Its also Congress.

Theyre fully aware of the issue, and they claim to support military personnel but year after year fail to act, he said. DOD somehow thinks they have the inherent authority to create false criminal history records with the help of the FBI. Congress could easily pass a law that simply says the military cannot create a record that says someone was arrested without actually having been arrested.

Ullman said she has also gone to her elected representatives in Congress to raise awareness of the issue with no success. And she gets it. She knows it sounds ridiculous to tell people that the military is creating false criminal records for service members. She once mentioned it during jury duty selection and was immediately excused, she said.

I hope I live long enough to see some sort of resolution in the way the DOD and the military justice system work, Ullman said. There are so many untouchable problems in our society. The fact that I can do something about this is very fulfilling. I cant do a whole lot about climate change or the upcoming presidential election, but I can stay on top of this, and I can keep putting information out into the universe that proves my point that military justice is a contradiction in terms.

Brown has exhausted all his options for expungement. He has spent the months since his denial from the Army corrections board coming to terms with a retirement life that he did not envision. He has a masters degree in business administration and decades in human resources. But the only place hes found work is in a hardware store starting at $13.45 an hour.

As a father of four, he also planned to work with young men growing up in the same rough neighborhood that he did. His false criminal record blocks him from volunteering or creating a nonprofit.

I stress about this. Ive had sleepless nights since I knew this was in my record, Brown said. I cant reach my potential that I have the right to do.
With the elections for the country's president set to be held later this week on March 9, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday approved the nomination papers of Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council's (SIC) candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad PTI's Amir Dogar said that the electoral body has approved the nomination papers filed by Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Achakzai for the office of the coveted post.

Meanwhile, PPP's Farooq H Naek has said: "No objection was raised on the nomination papers of Zardari."

The development comes as the ECP has barred the media from the coverage of the scrutiny process of nomination papers filed for the presidential elections slated for March 9.

As per the schedule issued by the electoral body, the scrutiny of the nomination papers is to culminate today after which the ECP will publish a list of nominated candidates.

Next comes the voting phase which will be held on March 9 from 10am to 4pm in NA and all the provincial assemblies.

According to the Second Schedule, the chief election commissioner will serve as the returning officer for the election whereas presiding officers appointed by the ECP will preside over the presidential election that will see members of the National Assembly, Senate and all four provincial assemblies voting to elect the head of the state.

The Senate and the NA vote on the basis of one member, one vote but the four provincial assemblies follow a different formula.

Due to being the smallest legislature, only the Balochistan Assembly gets a one-member, one-vote option as it essentially sets the standard for how the votes are divided in the other three provincial assemblies  whose votes are counted by dividing them by the total strength of the Balochistan Assembly (which has 65 numbers).

The voting for the presidential polls will be conducted via secret ballot meaning that each member will vote by marking the ballot papers which will have the names of all the candidates in alphabetical order. The vote will then be deposited in a ballot box placed in front of the presiding officer.

Once the voting has concluded, the presiding officer will, in the presence of such of the candidates or their authorised representatives, open and empty the ballot boxes and examine the ballot papers.
The Dublin man raped and sexually assaulted a teen girl who was babysitting the children of a woman he was having an affair with

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who was babysitting the children of a woman he was having an affair with has been jailed for eight years.

The court heard that in one incident of rape, the Dublin man called to the girls home on the pretext of taking her for an interview for a job at nearby newsagents. He instead took her for a drive to the Wicklow mountains where he raped her.

The court heard that on the drive the teenager was frantic and screaming as she was afraid of what the man might do and was concerned he might kill her. The man told her to shut up and that she would be alright. He handed her a bar of chocolate and a lollipop after raping her.

The girl scrubbed herself raw with bleach afterwards and feared she might be pregnant.

In an earlier incident of rape, the man took her back to the home of the woman she had been babysitting for on the pretext of getting her to clean the house so that the deposit for renting the house would be returned.

The woman later told gardai he had repeatedly promised her he would not touch her but she told gardai that after she got into the house that day everything went blank until she came to lying face down on the floor with the man raping her.

She said she was crushed by him lying on top her and he had hold of her by her hair. He asked her to clean the house after raping her but she fled.

The now 51-year-old woman also told gardai that there had been occasions when the man had forced her to perform oral sex on him. During one such incident, she said she vomited.

The now 76-year-old man had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of rape and indecent assault of the then 15-year-old girl in Dublin between November 1988 and August 1989.

A jury convicted him on two charges of rape and three charges of indecent assault following an eight-day trial last month.

The man was around 41 years old at the time and was a married man with children. He was having an affair at the time with a woman who the victim had been babysitting for. This womans partner was living in England at the time.

Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the complainant as a brave woman who has not allowed these crimes to defeat her, but has determinedly brought up her children and put herself through college.

He also highly commended her for her bravery and determination in reporting the crime and giving evidence at trial.

Mr Justice McGrath said the rape offences warranted a headline sentence of 12 years taking into account the aggravating factors including the fact that the man committed violent offences of a sexual nature against a somewhat vulnerable teenager.

He clearly took advantage of her, the judge commented before he said the man had the teenager under his control and perpetrated these offences against her. He described it as a sequence of escalating offending that involved a degree of pre-meditation and on many occasions he had ignored her pleading to stop.

Mr Justice McGrath imposed a sentence of 11 years. He suspended the final three years of that term, taking into account what he described as the mitigating factors including the mans current age, that he had been of otherwise good character and led a pro-social life as a hard-working family man.

The judge noted many testimonials handed in on the mans behalf, including one from his wife, which described him as a doting grandfather.

He said the man is to engage with the Probation Service upon his ultimate release from prison, not have any contact with the woman or her family either directly or indirectly and not have any unsupervised access to children under the age of 18 years old.

A local garda told Patricia McLaughlin SC defending that the woman didnt report the incidents to gardai for a number of years.

When the allegations were ultimately put to the man in November 2020, he denied the offences and tried to distance himself from any knowledge of the victim.

The garda read the womans victim impact statement into the record.

She said: Today is the day I get justice  it took 35 years but it still feels like yesterday, before she added that the man had belittled her and made her feel like dirt.

She said he made her feel like she was no one and he was someone. I thought you would get away with what you had done. That you were laughing at me. You made me afraid.I felt nowhere was safe for me.

She said at 15 years old she believed that she had no one to listen to her and the man knew this and used it to his advantage.

She described how she has had to pull herself out of the darkest places time and time again and said it was only through putting herself through college to qualify as a counsellor herself that she finally found her voice.

She described having lived a lonely life, trusting no one and said her lack of friends and family made her life very small.

At 51 years old my suffering can end. I have been heard and your suffering can begin, the woman said.

She said the man made her feel that she would never be believed and said he had poisoned both her body and her mind.

I wished I could have been more carefree, not to have spent most of my life afraid of the outside world. Now I can start healing, the woman concluded her statement.

Ms McLaughlin said the Director of Public Prosecutions instructs that she views the case as being in the more serious category, warranting a headline sentence of between 10 and 15 years.

Counsel said the following aggravating factors were taken into account the disparity in age, the abuse of trust, the exploitation of a victim whom he knew to be vulnerable, the escalating nature of the offences, the degree of pre-meditation in both rape offences, the level of violence, the failure to use a condom having regard to her age and the impact on the victim.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - March 4th 2024

Mr Justice Patrick McGrath adjourned the case for a week having heard the evidence.

He spoke to the woman in court directly telling her he needed time to consider the case.

Mr Justice McGrath told the woman it was a very well put together victim impact statement and commended her for it. He said the offence obviously had a considerable impact on her and that he understands it has been difficult for her.

The garda agreed with Diarmaid McGuinness SC defending that there had been a delay in reporting the offences.

Mr McGuinness handed in a number of letters including from the mans wife, son and daughter. His son and daughter were in court to support him.

He asked the court to consider a number of cited case law in relation to sentencing an elderly person.

Mr McGuinness asked Justice McGrath to take into account his clients previous good character and otherwise unblemished record.

He said his client had been a hard-working man who had been providing for his family at the time.

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Jonathan McSherry (42) alleged that gardai dragged him out of his car window, stuck their fingers up his nose and then hit him until his ribs were black and blue.

McSherry did time for his brutal attack on his ex-partner Jessica

A former soldier who was once jailed for a brutal attack on his ex-partner claims he was beaten by gardai during a traffic stop after officers conducted a name search and realised who he was.

Jonathan McSherry (42) alleged that gardai dragged him out of his car window, stuck their fingers up his nose and then hit him until his ribs were black and blue.

McSherry further alleged that officers urinated in his runners and stripped him of his clothes and threw him into a freezing cold cell.

A garda witness said McSherry became aggressive after he was asked to undergo a roadside breath test, refused to step out of his vehicle and told officers f*ck off, Im not giving you anything.

Gardai also said they used appropriate handheld force, and neither pepper spray nor the ASP baton were used.

Jessica Bowes was attacked by McSherry

Finding McSherry guilty of failing to provide a sample, Judge David McHugh said he had listened very carefully and found the defendants evidence incredulous.

The judge fined McSherry 400, banned him from driving for four years and jailed him for four months.

McSherry, with an address at Cedarbrook Walk, Cherry Orchard, Dublin, first came to prominence after he was jailed for 22 months for an assault on his former partner Jessica Bowes at her home in Clondalkin in December 2015.

He battered the mother-of-two after she arrived home from a Christmas night out.

She lost consciousness twice during the assault and suffered fractures to her skull, eye sockets and cheek bone.

She was left with a metal plate in her face.

Footage of the incident

CCTV footage captured the shocking nature of the attack.

The High Court later awarded Ms Bowes 150,000 damages.

At Blanchardstown District Court this week, Garda Mark Walsh said he was conducting a checkpoint at Parkwest Avenue, Citywest on September 23, 2018 when he stopped the defendant.

His eyes were glassy and his speech slurred, Garda Walsh said, and he told McSherry he planned to conduct a roadside breath test.

However, McSherry told him; f*ck off, Im not giving you anything.

Jonathan McSherry

Garda Walsh said McSherry refused to step out of the vehicle, and he had to be handcuffed due to his aggressive behaviour.

McSherry was taken to Ballyfermot Garda Station where he also failed to provide a sample, the court heard.

In his evidence, McSherry claimed gardai had initially been cordial, but their behaviour changed when he gave them his name.

He had been in the papers, he said, and following the name check, gardai called him a scumbag.

McSherry claimed he was told officers could conduct a breath test at the side of the road or at the garda station, and he told them hed go to the station.

McSherry did time for his brutal attack on his ex-partner Jessica

He claimed he was pulled out through his car window, that his nose was squeezed, and gardai put their fingers up his nose.

He said they were on top of him, were hitting him forcibly, and he was afraid to move.

McSherry claimed he was forcibly dragged and pulled into Ballyfermot station, and was told shut your f***ing mouth, youll be contacting no solicitor.

He further alleged he was stripped, his clothes were taken off him and he was put into a freezing cell with the air conditioning turned up high.

His ribs were black and blue, he claimed, and he curled up into a ball in his cell, and didnt lift his head up.

The defendant alleged he was afraid for his life.

McSherry further claimed that gardai urinated in his runners, scratched his belt, and broke the strap on his watch.

Jonathan McSherry

When leaving the station, McSherry had no visible signs of injuries, the court heard, nor had he made a complaint to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Finding him guilty, Judge McHugh said McSherrys evidence was fanciful in the extreme.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Mark McMahon said his client was a father of four children, and had most recently worked as a car valeter.

His father died recently due to Covid, Mr McMahon said, and McSherry had lapsed into depression and had been out of work.

Recognisances were set for an appeal.
Clement Bernaudin (31) groped the womans bottom, tried to kiss her and pushed himself up against her in a prolonged and protracted pursuit

A HUMAN rights worker subjected a colleague to predatory sexual assaults at their organisation's office party after getting drunk off his face.

Clement Bernaudin (31) groped the womans bottom, tried to kiss her and pushed himself up against her in a prolonged and protracted pursuit in a Dublin pub that left her severely traumatised and had life-changing effects on her, a court heard.

Judge John Hughes spared him jail, giving him a nine-month suspended sentence after hearing Bernaudin, a team leader, had mistakenly thought there was chemistry between him and the victim following the 10-hour drinking session. Further ordering Bernaudin to pay 20,000 to the victim, the judge said what should have been an enjoyable work function turned into a nightmare for her.

Judge Hughes also asked for the pub owner to come to court to hear if there were any objections to the bar's licence, following evidence that Bernaudin was not refused service despite being so drunk he was falling around the place.

The judge added that it was tragic that an organisation that prides itself on looking after human rights hosted an event where the victims rights were severely infringed.

Bernaudin, from Paris but with an address at the time at Kimmage Road West, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting the woman on a date in the late 2010s.

Dublin District Court heard the assaults happened at a work party where the group was drinking for up to 13 hours, including 10 hours in the pub.

In a statement read out by prosecuting solicitor Brian Coveney, the victim said the accused had been sexually harassing her the whole night and though she kept telling him to stop from the first contact on, he wouldnt stop and he wouldnt listen.

First, he put his hand around my waist and squeezed, other times he grabbed her bum cheek, squeezed her thigh and tried to kiss her neck and lips, she said. On one occasion, his finger was pushing into her dress near her vagina, she could feel the pressure and felt like crying.

While she was standing at the bar, he came up behind her and pushed his penis against her bottom, she said.

The first time she told him to stop, he smiled and did not reply. Later, he told her he couldnt take his eyes off her, and another time, he just smiled and laughed, she said.

I was so shocked and overwhelmed, she said. I was humiliated and scared. I didnt know what to do.

When she returned from the toilets, he had her jacket and said he would return it when she came back over.

In a victim impact statement, she said she had gone to work for the organisation partly because of what they stood for.

After the assault, she said she was severely traumatised, unable able to work, socialise or function normally and was left stressed, depressed and had suicidal thoughts. She had harmed herself and was now on disability allowance. She had constant breakdowns, from the stress and was on daily anti-depression and anxiety medication.

Sad to say, I will never be the same, she said.

The accused had no previous convictions.

Bernaudin said in a letter of apology his behaviour had been despicable and he had crossed the line.

I know alcohol cant be used as a shield, he said, but in his normal state of mind I would never have touched her in a sexual way without her consent.

I hope she can find it in her to accept this apology.

No, the victim said by video link, crying. I dont accept it.

Bernaudin also apologised in court, saying he was ashamed.

Im completely shattered to see I caused such pain. Im so, so sorry. It doesnt reflect who I am.

Bernaudin had been incredibly intoxicated and did not have a good memory of the night, his barrister Emer Ni Chuagain said. He was usually a very gentle person and was shocked and horrified at the way he had conducted himself on the night, which was completely out of character.

He was not a drinker but had drunk more than he ever had before and was in such a state that he completely misunderstood the situation.

He thought there was chemistry between them but it was entirely one-sided, Ms Ni Chuagain said.

The accused had a science background and a masters degree and went to work for the organisation to have a positive impact.

Bernaudin had been in a position of authority over the victim who was in a vulnerable position, the judge said.

He utilised her jacket as some form of bargaining chip in his pursuit, he said of the assaults. It was predatory.

The judge told the victim she in no way contributed to what happened.

He noted that a more senior member of the organisation had also been at the party and should have seen Mr Bernaudin falling around the place, drunk off his face and sexually assaulting another worker.

Its somewhat tragic that an organisation that prides itself on looking after human rights would end up hosting an event where (the victims) rights were severely infringed, he said.

The judge suspended the sentence for two years on condition the accused has no contact with the victim.

Asked about the event, Garda Georgina McArdle told the judge the group had been drinking from 10am before going to the pub at lunchtime and it was clear from CCTV there that Bernaudin was very intoxicated, as he was struggling to stand up, was swaying on his feet and not able to walk straight.

There was no indication he had been refused alcohol or asked to leave at any time. Their organisation had given staff two free drink vouchers each.

Judge Hughes requested the licence holder to come to court this week.

You can tell the licence holder in court what befell one of his patrons under his management, the judge said.
Jet-setting holy man in 29k fraud over social welfare pay

Bona liked to share photos of his many trips around Europe on Facebook

Cristian Bona liked to share photos of his many trips around Europe on Facebook

Cristian Bona liked to share photos of his many trips around Europe on Facebook

Bona is part of the Bisceria Shalom evangelical church in Drogheda

A jet-setting church pastor who fraudulently claimed 29,000 in social welfare payments while based abroad says he shouldnt be named after his court conviction as it is not good for his reputation.

Cristian Bona (53), who is a pastor at the Bisceria Shalom, an evangelical church in Drogheda, Co Louth, claimed 29,000 in social welfare payments which he was not entitled to while being absent from the State.

The pilfering pastors scheme was rumbled when his brother tried to collect Bonas social welfare but was asked for ID by an official who knew he was not who he claimed to be.

Bona, who is a naturalised Irish citizen, returned to Ireland the following day and claimed he was visiting his ill father-in-law in Romania on the day his brother collected his payment, and he didnt think it was a big deal.

Bona is part of the Bisceria Shalom evangelical church in Drogheda

However, Dundalk Circuit Court heard how an investigation revealed Bona, who lives in Rockfield Park, Stoney Lane, Ardee, had taken 30 flights within Europe between March 2015 and July 2016.

When gardai questioned the high-flying holy man about the trips, he said he couldnt remember the details and he tried unsuccessfully to get a judicial review to prevent access to his flight details.

CCTV also showed two of his brothers collecting welfare payments in Bonas name.

Last year Mr Bonas brothers Ciprian Bonescu (45), of Kilcarn Court, Navan, and Daniel Bonescu (50), of Cherry Grove, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, were each given two month suspended sentences for theft, arising out of the same investigation into Bonas activities.

Bona told the Sunday World this week that he was unhappy that he was named in court  as it is bad for his reputation.

Cristian Bona liked to share photos of his many trips around Europe on Facebook

What I dont like is that I see in the newspaper they give my name and address, which is not good for my reputation with my neighbours and all that, he said.

He said he should not have been named in relation to the case despite being convicted of the crime.

Its not good to give a persons [details]. OK to say hes a pastor, but not name and address. This is no good, he added.

Bona was charged with 55 counts of theft relating to jobseeker allowance payments and one count of theft of 700 back to school allowance on dates between January 25, 2014 and July 18, 2016.

He pleaded guilty to 10 sample charges of theft.

Bona was given a sentence of two years and three months, which was suspended in full.

Despite pleading guilty, Bona tried to downplay his offences when he spoke to our reporter.

Bona talks to our reporter Alan Sherry

It was not theft the way they say. It was something, okay, but sorry I [dont want to discuss it].

I know what happened but it was a long time ago. To be honest I dont speak very good English for interview, you know.

Bona added that he regretted doing what he did.

While the fraudulent pastor had previously been eligible for social welfare, he was not eligible for the 29,000 in payments as he was out of the country when they were collected.

Around the time of the offences, he would fly back to Ireland to preach to his congregation at church events.

One photo of Bona conducting a baptism ceremony from that time shows him standing in front of a framed bible quote, which reads: A greedy person is an idolator dont be fooled by those who forgive these sins.

Asked if his congregation forgave him, the Mercedes driving minister, said: Yeah, it could happen to anybody you know. We are people.

He will continue to preach as a pastor to his congregation.

Bona said he is no longer claiming social welfare.

I dont know. For the moment I work, he said.

He is currently listed as an owner of a business called The Church of God, which is based in Drogheda and related to his role as a pastor.

At Bonas recent sentencing hearing, Judge Dara Hayes remarked that as a pastor, one might observe that this was particularly unchristian behaviour.

Bona has started paying back some of the money he received but 19,893 remains outstanding.

Pastor Cristian Bona likes to dress stylishly

The court heard he is paying back 450 a month and will continue to do so until the full amount is returned.

The judge warned him that if he misses any payments he expects the State to re-enter the case. He had no previous convictions.

Bonas repayments havent stopped him from living the good life.

Pastor Cristian Bona likes to dress stylishly

Pictures on social media show him dressed in tailored clothing enjoying luxury trips around Europe to places including Monaco, Italy and Germany.

In various picture he is seen looking out at a sun-kissed Lake Maggiore from his swanky hotel balcony in Italy, smiling outside his hotel in Monte Carlo and posing with friends outside a Rolex retailer in Dresden.

Other pictures show him posing at various hotels and eating meals in locations around Europe and visiting his native Romania.

Bona is originally from Timisoara in Romania but has been living in Ireland for many years.
He was also convicted of attempted rape of one of the six men

Convicted judge Gerard OBrien is to be sentenced on April 29.to

He resigned from the bench in January.

OBrien was convicted at the Central Criminal Court in December of sexually assaulting six young men between 1991 and 1997 when he worked as a teacher at a Dublin Secondary school.

He was also convicted of attempted rape of one of the six men.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee confirmed on January 6 that the judge had resigned from the bench and this had been conveyed to the President as required under the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act.

Ms McEntee had been seeking advice from the Attorney General about options open to the Government and the Oireachtas in the wake of OBriens conviction.

His trial heard how one of the complainants said they had searched OBrien online and found out that he was a Circuit Court judge, which became one of the reasons why he made a complaint to Gardai.

Four of the complaints were pupils or former pupils of OBrien.

OBrien had pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault which related to the six complainants.

During the trial Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he would have put OBrien into custody, however, due to his suffering from phocomelia, he remanded OBrien on continuing bail.

Phocomelia is a rare condition that can affect the upper and lower limbs. OBrien is missing both hands and one foot.
Aaron Gumble (28) also allegedly left the scene of the crash after the grandmother in her 80s was fatally injured in the incident last year.

A MAN has been accused of dangerously driving a stolen e-scooter that struck and caused the death of an elderly woman as she walked in central Dublin.

Aaron Gumble (28) also allegedly left the scene of the crash after the grandmother in her 80s was fatally injured in the incident last year.

Mr Gumble was remanded in custody when he appeared in Dublin District Court today charged over the alleged hit and run accident.

His solicitor deferred a bail application to a later date.

Mr Gumble, from Drumalee Park, North Circular Road, Dublin is charged with unauthorised taking of an e-scooter at the Mater Hospital and dangerously driving it, causing the death of Mary Bernie.

He is also charged with failing to keep the vehicle at the scene of the collision at Eccles Street, Dublin 7 on June 20 last year.

Today, Garda Ciaran Cummins told Judge Monika Leech Mr Gumble made no reply to any of the charges after caution when they were put to him.

The defence was reserving its position on bail, Mr Gumbles solicitor said, asking the judge for a short remand in custody.

These are very serious charges, judge, and its my submission that it would be in my clients best interests for the matter to be considered more carefully before applying for bail, she said.

The court heard gardai objected to Mr Gumble being granted bail.

Gda Cummins said he would have difficulty attending a bail hearing this week. Judge Leech instead adjourned the case to March 6 for mention, to confirm a date next week for a bail hearing.

Granting free legal aid, Judge Leech said it appeared the charges all arose from the same matter.

Mr Gumble, dressed in a black and orange tracksuit, has not yet entered pleas to any of the charges, and was not required to speak during todays brief hearing.

When the proceedings concluded, he gestured towards someone in the courts public gallery.

The charges against him are all under the Road Traffic Act.
James Maughan (39) was given a suspended four-year sentence in 2022 after he led gardai on a high speed chase that they had to abandon as it was so dangerous.

A repeat dangerous driver who drove in an intolerable and outrageous fashion despite being banned from driving for life has been jailed for 14 months.

James Maughan (39) was given a suspended four-year sentence in 2022 after he led gardai on a high speed chase that they had to abandon as it was so dangerous.

At the time, Maughan, who the court heard is a vulnerable person who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, said he was being threatened by his nephew with a taser.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today, that shortly after this suspended sentence was imposed, Maughan again engaged in dangerous driving, including a hit and run of the car containing an off-duty garda and his child.

He was convicted in the District Court of 16 offences relating to this incident on February 8 this year, was jailed for nine months and disqualified from driving for a period of 20 years, Garda Joe Aiken told Carol Doherty BL, prosecuting.

The matter returned to the Circuit Criminal Court because Maughan breached the conditions of his suspended four-year sentence, which included that he be of good behaviour and involved a lifelong disqualification from driving.

When Judge Pauline Codd imposed this sentence in 2022, she noted Maughan's background and vulnerabilities including his schizophrenia and that he had the support of his family. She noted the Probation Service had provided a high level of support for him and outlined a plan in terms of supervision.

Today, the court heard Maughan in fact became homeless shortly after this and was living out of Dublin Airport. He was not accessing his required medication.

In relation to the hit-and-run incident, the court heard Maughan collided with a car containing an off-duty garda and his child, but no-one was injured. When arrested later, he made full admissions.

Judge Codd noted it was an intolerable and outrageous situation in which Maughan would not stop driving. Someone is going to be injured, she said.

The court previously heard that Maughan, previously of Stockhole Lane, Cloghran, Co Dublin, had 174 previous convictions, including 10 for dangerous driving, 23 for driving with no insurance and 21 for driving without a licence and four for car theft. He previously had 57 other convictions for other road traffic act offending.

Some of Maughan's dangerous driving and endangerment charges go back a decade. In 2018, he received a 20 year driving ban from a court in Cavan for driving with no insurance and in 2011 he received a 10 year ban for endangerment.

Judge Codd imposed 14 months of the previously suspended sentence on Maughan. She requested that upon his release he remain under medical supervision and she noted that his family might consider getting a carer for him.
The Sunday World understands the pair entered the betting shop and threatened staff with pepper spray

Gardai have launched an investigation after two masked thieves carried out an audacious robbery of a bookmakers in Longford town last night (Sunday) along the county town's Earl Street area.

Gardai are on the hunt for two masked raiders who held up a Longford town bookmakers in a daring raid yesterday evening.

The incident took place at a premises along county towns Earl Street shortly before 7pm.

The Sunday World understands the pair entered the betting shop and threatened staff with pepper spray before making a demand for cash.

The raid, which was captured on CCTV, lasted only a matter of seconds with the pair making off on foot with a nominal amount of cash.

Gardai have confirmed that a full investigation into the incident is now underway.

Gardai received report of an incident of robbery that occurred in a premises on Earl Street, Longford Town at approximately 6:45pm yesterday, March 3, 2024, said a spokesperson.

No injuries were reported to Gardai. No arrests have been made.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Details surrounding the incident have come in for widespread condemnation locally as detectives look for clues in a bid to identify those responsible.

My first thoughts go out to the members of staff who went in to do a days work and they are faced with this sort of stuff, said Independent Cllr Gerry Warnock.

It shouldnt happen and it mustnt happen. It is something Longford can do without and you would hope the guards will apprehend those responsible for it because we certainly dont need this additional bad press.

Those soundings were shared by Cllr Seamus Butler as he expressed hope CCTV footage would throw up vital evidence for investigating gardai.

Luckily these sort of raids were much more common in the past as there is far less cash in circulation than there was, he said.

I mean 7pm on a Sunday is not a time when you would expect a whole lot of activity around the town. I assume there is CCTV and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The Mechanicsburg Area School District is considering a new policy addressing the Military Interstate Childrens Commission Compacts rules for military children and Pennsylvania School Codes advanced enrollment requirements for these students.

At a meeting Tuesday night, the school board reviewed a proposed Educational Opportunity for Military Children policy. According to the proposal, it was drafted in recognition of the challenges of military families due to the frequent moves and deployment of their parents/guardians.

The practice of making sure our military kids are not put in a difficult light has always been a goal of this district, said Paul Bigham, the districts director of student services.

The commissions mission, according to its website, is to ease the educational transitions of school-aged, military-connected students attending public schools and Department of Defense schools worldwide, also (promote) and enforce compact rules.

An attachment to Tuesdays school board meeting agenda listed compact rules as governing transfer of education records and enrollment, student placement and attendance, student eligibility, and oversight, enforcement and dispute resolution.

Mechanicsburgs proposal pertains to district students who live in a household of an active-duty uniformed service member, a veteran who was severely injured and medically discharged or a retired veteran for a period of one year. Students remain in the list for a year if their family member dies in active duty or dies from injuries suffered during active duty.

However, the proposal doesnt pertain to K-12 students in a household of inactive members of the National Guard and military reserves, uniformed service members now retired except as otherwise stated in policy, and other U.S. Dept. of Defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active-duty members of the military.

With compact rules, we will no longer have to wait 90 days to implement special services if needed for transferred students. Pennsylvania always required this before, Bigham said.

Other provisions included in the proposal include the facilitation of timely enrollment, student placement, on-time graduation and more for military family students.

The (proposed) new board policy was designed to document the process we use to assist military families in the enrollment process. With respect to the process itself, this policy doesnt change anything, rather it helps to explain our process in further detail, said Greg Longwell, the districts director of business operations/CFO.

Longwell said the total number of military family students in the district varies from year to year.

The school board is expected to review a first reading of the proposed policy on March 12. A final vote is expected over the next several weeks.

In other news, the board on Tuesday reviewed a final draft of the proposed 2024-25 academic calendar.

Schools would open for most students on Aug. 26, with a staggered start scheduled Aug. 26-27 for grades K-3. The final student day is listed as June 6, 2025.

The board is scheduled to finalize next years calendar on March 12.
Crumlin man Sean McGovern faces charges including murder as gardai extend their reach

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said there is a real prospect of a Kinahan gang leader being extradited back to Ireland to face a murder charge.

He added that gardai are continuing to share intelligence with Dubai police and that their investigative focus does move beyond the cartel.

Crumlin man Sean McGovern is wanted here to face prosecution for serious charges, including murder, in relation to the shooting of grandfather Noel Duck Egg Kirwan (62) more than seven years ago.

McGovern (38) is regarded as a close confidant of mob boss Daniel Kinahan and remains in Dubai where he holds a central role in the cartels leadership.

Drew Harris has said there is a "real prospect" of a Kinahan gang leader being extradited back to Ireland to face a murder charge

Recently, two men, including senior gang member Declan Mr Nobody Brady, admitted their roles in facilitating the 2016 murder and are due to be sentenced later this year.

Asked by the Sunday World about the return of McGovern to Ireland to face charges, the garda chief said: Well, yes, I do think there is a real prospect of that.

The UAE (United Arab Emirates) does extradite those wanted for serious offences in other countries.

Mr Harris was speaking at a cross-border conference on organised crime and said that gardai were developing a bilateral agreement with Dubai police around information and intelligence sharing.

We are building productive relationships, but now our investigative focus does move beyond the Kinahan organised crime group towards other criminality as well and other individuals involved in criminality, Mr Harris said.

This is understood to include money laundering and cyber crime as well as other Irish nationals involved in organised crime with links to Dubai.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee also said at the conference last week that significant work is being done in relation to a formal agreement with the UAE on an extradition process.

McGovern is also wanted by gardai to face organised crime related charges over the conspiracy to murder Gerry The Monk Hutch associate James Mago Gately in 2017.

Detectives believe the mobster played a hands-on role in carrying out surveillance of Gately and directing the murder plot before it was foiled by gardai.

McGovern fled Dublin that year and has not returned over fears of being prosecuted, while the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) later seized the house he bought with the proceeds of crime on Kildare Road in Crumlin.

Last week, the non-jury court heard how senior Kinahan figure Declan Brady was involved in tracking Kirwans movements in the lead up to the murder.

The cartels Mr Nobody will be sentenced next month after admitting to facilitating the crime gang in carrying out the murder of Mr Kirwan.

The 62-year-old was shot dead in front of his partner as they sat in his car outside their Clondalkin home on December 22, 2016.

The grandfather had no involvement in the feuding and gardai believe he was targeted because he was spotted with Gerry The Monk Hutch while attending the funeral of The Monks brother earlier that year.
We found the most expensive tipple, now heres a deal with Guinness, Peroni and Carlsberg for just 4

Take a look at whats currently believed to be the cheapest pint of Guinness in Ireland  for a mouthwatering 4.

A bar in south Dublin is also selling draught Peroni and Carlsberg for the same bargain basement price.

The 4 pints are available all day Monday to Wednesday at the Noosh bar in the Beacon quarter in Sandyford in south Co Dublin.

But punters hoping to avail of the price-busting offer will have to visit the bar before April 30, as thats when the promotion ends. It began on January 29.

Our receipt for 4 Carlsberg and 4 Guinness

Pints at Noosh will then revert to normal prices, which range from 6 for a Guinness, Smithwicks and Rockshore lager and cider, 6.50 for Carlsberg and Hophouse, and 7 for Peroni and Asahi. Noosh is also selling cocktails for 7.

Friends Jack Carey and Ben Allen discovered the bar about three weeks ago. The pair, who work in online support for a casino in a nearby business centre, are both Peroni fans.

We are both drinking Peroni, which at 4 is insane value. Even in my village in Kildare it would cost a fiver or more for a pint like this, explains Jack, whos from Crookstown, Co Kildare.

Prices in Dublin are quite steep. We were in the Camden [pub] in Dublin city centre last week and we were paying 7.60 for a Moretti there. And its 4 here for a similar beer, so nearly half price.

Jack adds that others have discovered the little drinks oasis.

A few come in but its not majorly busy in here, probably because its early and midweek, he notes.

Eugene finds the cheapest pint so far

Ben, who is from Sheffield but has been living here for five years, says they first started going to the bar last month when they came across the deal.

Since the deal came up, we come here maybe once a week, he says.

This is definitely cheaper than my hometown in England. I would normally pay 6 for a pint of Peroni.

Dublin is generally quite expensive. I was in Copenhagen a few weeks ago and everything there pint wise was on average cheaper than it is here.

Spanish friends Alberto, Eduardo, Ivet and Giovanna are all living in Ireland for several years and enjoy coming to Noosh for the value pints.

Im drinking Rockshore cider, and my friends are drinking pints of Bulmers and Peroni, says Alberto.

The prices in the city are so expensive. You have some pubs close to the city centre where you can find some cheap pints, but they are around 6.

Its hard to find a place thats cheaper than 5 for a pint. Its great to come here and enjoy reasonable prices.

Noosh bar is downstairs from Zaytoon

Noosh is located downstairs at the Zaytoon restaurant at the Beacon quarter.

The Zaytoon chain and Noosh are owned by Iranian businessmen, including Azad Shirazi, who first came to Ireland 34 years ago.

We opened this place a couple of years ago and we just wanted to introduce ourselves to the area, so we decided to have all the pints, Guinness and everything else, down to 4 just for the introduction of the offer we have, Azad tells us.

He says they have got a positive reaction.

We are getting a good few people coming in and a great reaction, he beams.

We are doing some advertising on Instagram and Facebook. But theres a lot of word of mouth and they come in.

It used to be Coppers bar here, and then we took over about March two years ago and the bar opened six months later.

We just wanted to promote the Noosh bar for the locals. Normal prices are between 6 for a Guinness and going up to 7 for some pints. We get a lot of Spanish coming in, Brazilians, Irish.

Asked if he drinks himself, Azad replies with a smile: Yes, Guinness Zero.

Our receipt for 4 Carlsberg and 4 Guinness

The 4 for a pint in Dublin comes after recent Sunday World revelations about the differences in the price of a pint across the country.

We revealed how the 10 price mark for a pint had been smashed in the Merchants Arch pub in Temple Bar, where we were charged 10.45 for a pint of Rockshore cider with our meal. The same hostelry charges 10.50 for a Guinness and 10.90 for a Carlsberg in its pub restaurant after 10pm

We then discovered that the Auld Triangle on Dorset Street serves Guinness during normal trading hours for 4.50 a pint, while Clearys in Inchicore has an offer of 4.60 for a pint of Guinness until 5pm, and then it goes up to a fiver.

Helens bar in Kilmakillogue Co Kerry appears to have the cheapest everyday pint in the country at 4.40 for a Guinness, with a pint of Heineken there setting you back 4.70.

Some of Wetherspoons bars are selling Fosters for 2.95 a pint, and craft beers for 2.50.
A MAN is due in court today in connection with a fatal collision last June between an e-scooter and a woman in her 80s.

The woman was seriously injured at around 3pm on 20 June, 2023 but died a number of days later at the Mater hospital.

Gardai said today they have charged a man who was arrested following an investigation into the fatal road traffic.

The male (aged in his 20s) appeared before the Dublin Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ), Court No. 1, this morning, Monday 4th March 2024.
OLoughlin criticised the former journalist for pushing a theory that the knife attack in Dublins Parnell Square was staged by crisis actors

Former Xpose presenter Aisling OLoughlin has clashed again with fellow far-right conspiracy theorist Gemma ODoherty.

OLoughlin criticised the former journalist for pushing a theory that the knife attack in Dublins Parnell Square last November was staged by crisis actors.

OLoughlin said an interview she posted with a man ODoherty had claimed was an actor saw her become the target of online hate.

I was shocked by the response online. Vitriol. Rage. Accusations, wrote OLoughlin in a Substack post.

The scene of the attack on Parnell Square

She questioned ODohertys false flag theory and said the former journalist falsely accuses members of the freedom movement, at home and abroad, of a litany of unsubstantiated allegations without allowing the right to respond.

On her own website, ODoherty has claimed the stabbing and the riot that followed in Dublin city centre were planned by the Irish Government to allow more surveillance.

But OLoughlin said the Government is pressing ahead with creating a surveillance society anyway with little resistance from Middle Ireland, who happily acquiesced with the Covid scam and show little resistance to 5G masts.

They certainly didnt need the stabbing of three children and a woman to implement tighter restrictions. Theyre bringing them in regardless, for your health and safety, she claimed.

OLoughlin said she has been personally falsely accused by Gemma ODoherty of a range of unsubstantiated allegations from Big Pharma shill to State agent to crisis actor.

While casting doubt on ODohertys false flag theory, OLoughlin claims there are suspicions around what happened. Theres no doubt the way the whole affair has been handled is very suspect. The Irish Government is acting shady. The mainstream media isnt giving the story the coverage it deserves. There are no details of the children who were stabbed, leading observers to ask if they even exist.

This level of speculation is what happens when theres a cover-up of some sort going on. But what kind of a cover-up?

Tributes left outside the school where the girl was attacked on Parnell Square. Photo: PA

Last month, OLoughlin posted her own bizarre theory about a photo-op featuring Health Minister Stephen Donnelly in a campaign to tackle cervical cancer in Ireland.

She said it could be read as a coded message about eliminating Irish people.

The picture featured the Minister posing with babies, symbolising the hope that no one born in Ireland today will have to worry about cervical cancer as a result of the HPV vaccine.

The photo included the phrase Together Towards Elimination and 2040. While the message was clearly referring to eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland by 2040, OLoughlin bizarrely suggested it could be read as a message by the State about getting rid of people.

What on earth were the PR team thinking? Whose big idea was this to put the word eliminate beside five little white babies for a photo op? she said.

She took issue with the hashtag #togethertowardselimination,

Yes a strange, strange hashtag in a time of depopulation and mass immigration to replace and dilute the native cultures of Europe.
Mr Eljuboori had gone to Baghdad to visit his family, but had his phone, documents and Irish passport taken from him

Laura Wickham ,right, said she would not stop campaigning until her husband Yasser Eljuboori, left, was safely home in Dublin (Laura Wickham/PA)

Irish citizen and anti-corruption activist Yasser Eljuboori has been told he faces two new additional charges and is not allowed to leave Iraq and return home to his family in Dublin.

Mr Eljuboori had gone to Baghdad to visit his family, but had his phone, documents and Irish passport taken from him when he was arrested at the airport last Monday and detained.

He faced charges of defamation and was placed in prison. However, on Thursday the charged were dropped and he was released on bail.

Mr Eljuboori was told by a court in Baghdad on Sunday about the two new charges concerning his social media posts in which he raised corruption concerns.

Mr Eljuboori has been outspoken on social media about corruption in Iraq.

Yasser Eljuboori appeared in court in Baghdad on Thursday (Laura Wickham/PA)

The charges had been filed against him by the Chair of the National Investment Commission and the Mayor of Baghdad. No specific information of the charges has been provided. Article 226 criminalises any person who publicly insults public authorities or officials.

Mr Eljuboori attended the court on Sunday to collect his passport and belongings, where he then learned of the new charges.

Mr Eljuboori was prevented from leaving Iraq and was unable to fly home to Dublin as planned.

A statement from his legal team said: Urgent representations were made on Sunday 3rd March 2024 to the Iraqi authorities. As of this morning, Monday 4th March 2024, one set of the new charges is likely to fall away: the Chair of the National Investment Commission confirmed to the court this morning that he did not wish to proceed with his charges against Mr Eljuboori.

"The position in relation to the Mayor of Baghdad remains unknown.

He is due to face a further court hearing tomorrow.

His wife, Laura Wickham has been urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to help get her husband out of Iraq. Speaking from her home in Balgriffin, Dublin this morning she said the past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

Yasser Eljuboori is a well-known anti-corruption activist (Laura Wickham/PA)

The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me: the initial confusion at Yassers disappearance; the terror as I learned the news of his arrest, detention and criminal charges brought against him by the Prime Minister; the relief when he was released; and now despair at these latest developments. This feels like a cruel game, an ongoing torment playing with Yassers freedom.

Our children miss their dad and I miss my husband. I call on the Iraqi authorities to allow Yasser to return home. Every additional day and hour that he spends in Baghdad puts him at risk of further bogus charges.

"I am so grateful for all that the Tanaiste, the Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs are doing to help, and the EU and the UN. The next 24 hours are crucial and we must all work together to bring Yasser home.

Laura Wickham and her husband Yasser Eljuboori on their wedding day. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, international counsel to Ms Wickham said: Yasser Eljuboori is being targeted by multiple public officials for his campaigning work highlighting corruption in Iraq.

"Using Article 226 of Iraqs Penal Code - the legal weapon of choice for thin-skinned public officials who seek to suppress criticism  they have attempted to silence him and punish him for his work.

"It is particularly cruel that Mr Eljuboori was informed that all charges were dropped and that he would be going home within days, when in fact new charges were being prepared behind the scenes which would keep him trapped in Baghdad, unable to return home to his family.

Article 226 is being used in a brutal game of legal whack-a-mole against Mr Eljuboori: as soon as one set of charges is dismissed, another appears.

It is imperative that the international community stands up to these bullying, repressive tactics. The Iraqi authorities must drop all charges against Mr Eljuboori forthwith and allow him safe passage home to Ireland.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said last week that he welcomed Iraqs decision to drop charges against detained Irish citizen.
She was consequently taken to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital for treatment

Fire and smoke damage was also caused to a room at the rear of the property.

The charred remains of debris from Saturday night's fire.

An upstairs bedroom sustained the worst of the fire and smoke damage following Saturday night's blaze.

The damaged remains to a property in the Ardnacassa Lawns area of Longford town following a house fire on Saturday night.

Gardai are not treating the fire as suspicious as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.

A woman in her forties is recovering this morning after a fire ripped through a house in Longford town on Saturday evening.

Gardai, together with ambulance personnel and a number of units from Longford Fire Station rushed to the scene in the Ardnacassa Lawns area of town after the alarm was raised shortly before 10pm.

The damaged remains to a property in the Ardnacassa Lawns area of Longford town following a house fire on Saturday night.

When they arrived, the blaze had already engulfed an upstairs bedroom with a danger the fire could potentially spread to adjacent properties nearby.

Despite those fears, fire crews successfully managed to contain the blaze as paramedics treated a woman for suspected smoke inhalation.

An upstairs bedroom sustained the worst of the fire and smoke damage following Saturday night's blaze.

She was consequently taken to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital for treatment.

The Irish Independent website visited the scene yesterday, where remnants from the aftermath of the fire could be seen.

The charred remains of debris from Saturday night's fire.

The window from an upstairs bedroom appeared to have been blown out by the blaze while extensive damage to the two storey propertys roof was also identifiable.

A room to the rear of the house was also damaged while scattered debris from the blaze could be seen strewn across its outer curtilage alongside a bicycle which had been turned upside down.

Fire and smoke damage was also caused to a room at the rear of the property.

Gardai are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze, but at this point in the investigation foul play is not believed to be a line of inquiry detectives are pursuing.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fire at a domestic residence in Longford town on Saturday March 2, 2024, said a garda spokesperson.

The incident occurred at approximately 10pm.

A woman (40s) was brought to the Regional Hospital Mullingar for treatment.
A man with his face covered calls on demonstrators to stop during a protest against prime minister Ariel Henrys government and insecurity, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo: Reuters

At least three people have been killed and hundreds of inmates have fled Haitis main prison after armed gangs stormed the facility overnight.

The jailbreak marks a new low in Haitis downward spiral of violence and comes as gangs assert greater control on the capital while the embattled prime minister Ariel Henry is abroad trying to win support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilise the country.

Yesterday morning, the bodies of three people with gunshot wounds could be seen lying on the ground at the prisons entrance, which was wide open, with no guards in sight.

Arnel Remy, a human rights attorney who heads a non-profit that works inside the prisons, said on X that fewer than 100 of the facilitys nearly 4,000 inmates remain behind bars.

Those choosing to stay include 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of working as mercenaries in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise. On Saturday night, amid the disturbances, several of the Colombians shared a video urgently pleading for their lives.

Please, please help us, one of the men, Francisco Uribe, said in the 30-second video message widely shared on social media. They are massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.

Police also appealed for help.

They need help, a union representing Haitian police said in a message posted on social media bearing an SOS emoji repeated eight times. Lets mobilise the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison.

The armed clashes follow a string of violent protests that have been building for some time but turned deadlier in recent days as Mr Henry went to Kenya to salvage a proposed security mission in Haiti to be led by that East African country.

Mr Henry took over as prime minister following Mr Moises assassination and has repeatedly postponed plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections.

As part of co-ordinated attacks by gangs, four police officers were killed on Thursday in the capital. Gang members also seized control of two police stations, prompting civilians to flee.

As a result of the violence at the airport, the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said it was temporarily halting all official travel to Haiti.

Haitis national police has roughly 9,000 officers to provide security for more than 11 million people. The officers are routinely overwhelmed and outgunned by gangs, which are estimated to control up to 80pc of Port-au-Prince.

Jimmy Cherizier, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who now runs a gang federation, claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks. He said the goal was to capture Haitis police chief and government ministers and prevent Mr Henrys return.

The prime minister, a neurosurgeon, has shrugged off calls for his resignation and didnt comment when asked if he felt it was safe to return home.

He signed reciprocal agreements on Friday with Kenyan president William Ruto to try to salvage the plan to deploy Kenyan police to Haiti. Kenyas high court had ruled in January that the proposed deployment was unconstitutional, in part because the original deal lacked reciprocal agreements between the two countries.
The Coroners Court is urging transport authorities to mandate the use of helmets for those riding e-scooters, after a man died in 2021 and three other deaths are before the court.

Back in 2021, Thiyagalingam Thanababu, 53, was riding on Sandringham Rd and not wearing a helmet.

He suffered multiple fractures to his ribs, the front of his skull and his left shoulder blade after he collided with a raised kerb and the base of a concrete power pole.

The scooter was also not in a safe rideable condition, as it had been extensively modified and the rear brakes were not working properly.

Thanababu had methamphetamine in his system which the serious crash unit says could lead to more dangerous driving.

A forensic pathologist told the coroner, Thanababu, who is a father of two, would have likely survived if hed been wearing a helmet.

In her findings, Coroner Erin Woolley says while there is no legal requirement in New Zealand to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter, Waka Kotahi, recommends one to be worn.

The tragic outcome of this case illustrates the importance of wearing a helmet when riding an e-scooter as a means of preventing severe head injury in ... accidents.

Given the legal requirement to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or a bicycle in New Zealand, because of the recognised benefit this has for reducing head injuries in the event of an accident, it seems that the same protective approach is warranted for the use of e-scooters and the use of helmets when riding e-scooters should be legally mandated, rather than recommended, for the same reason, that is preventing serious head injuries in e-scooter accidents.

Coroner Erin notified Waka Kotahi, the police and Te Manatu Waka/The Ministry of Transport of her findings and recommendations.

Te Manatu Waka agrees there are clear benefits to wearing helmets.

However says: there is evidence to suggest... that mandating helmet use can serve as a deterrent to the uptake of active travel, which is likely to reduce health and other benefits.

Erin says Te Manatu Waka did not provide any detail about the evidence.

I consider the balance must be an appropriate one and encouraging the use of alternative means of transport should not come at the expense of safety, particularly where the safety risks pose a danger to life, Erin says.

She recommended Te Manatu Waka prioritise further consideration into mandating helmets.

I maintain the view that the interests of the health and safety of the community requires the wearing of safety helmets when using e-scooters because of the very serious, fatal implications that can result where a helmet is not worn.

The use of e-scooters rose in Auckland after the introduction of rental e-scooters in October 2018.

Private e-scooter use has also increased for commuters and as an alternative to car trips.

Between October 2018 and February 2019, Auckland City Hospitals emergency department, 180 patients were treated for e-scooter related injuries.

17 per cent of those were treated for head injuries and only 3 of those were wearing helmets.

Coroner Erin says this was not unique to Auckland.

A Swedish study found only 13 per cent of e-scooter riders who had been injured had worn a helmet.

Earlier this year, 30-year-old, Ryan Taylor died after an e-scooter crash.

Ryans mother, Liz Jarden, previously told Stuff she hoped his death would raise awareness and the importance of wearing the correct head protection while riding an e-scooter.

Although Ryan was wearing a helmet, it was a bicycle helmet that left the sides of his head, jaw and face uncovered, she says.

If I can make Ryans death mean something, I urge the public - and in particular parents - to make sure the people they love are using the correct protection.

- Stuff/ Catrin Owen
Weaving is a cultural practice shared among many indigenous groups and this month it will be used as a theme of an injury prevention conference to symbolise the coming together of multiple knowledge systems to create something new, strong, and connected.

The 15th Australasian Injury Prevention Network will be held from March 11-13 at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre in Rotorua.

The theme for the event is Weaving knowledge for injury prevention and safety promotion, creating a new way together.

Tane Cassidy (Ngapuhi), the ACC deputy chief executive of prevention and partnerships, says the conference presents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and build greater connections.

The conference will be coming from a strengths-based perspective, says Tane, who is one of the keynote speakers in Rotorua.

When it comes to Indigenous peoples and injury, the focus is often on inequity and how the statistics show disparity.

But we want to use this opportunity to look to promote the strengths of indigenous people  who love to build good relationships that are reciprocal.

Northland touch rugby. Tane Cassidy says they want to use the Australasian Injury Prevention Network (AIPN) conference to promote the strengths of indigenous people. Photo: Supplied.

When we are talking about injury, we also need to consider the spiritual, emotional, and cultural aspects of harm," says Tane.

Tane was previously Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive) at Te Hiringa Hauora  Health Promotion Agency, where he championed a prevention first approach to health and wellbeing.

He says there are lessons for the health sector to consider and aspire towards in redefining how we approach injury prevention and safety promotion.

We as indigenous people prioritise ways of thinking, knowing, and doing that go beyond a responsibility to ourselves but also to our communities and to our country, he says.

If we want to address inequities, we must acknowledge the underlying social and cultural factors that have an impact upon health and wellbeing.

The organisers invite people from all backgrounds and disciplines across government portfolios - clinicians, practitioners, industry, researchers, and communities - to come together.

More than 150 delegates from around Australia, Aotearoa, and the Asia Pacific - including health professionals; researchers; local, state, and federal government officers; students; professionals; and practitioners - are expected to attend.

The conference will also provide a space for indigenous knowledges to be integrated meaningfully with themes that may explore Indigenous approaches to safety, safe practices, storytelling, holistic health and wellbeing.

Tane says injuries should not be seen as just the physical harm caused by an external event.

When we are talking about injury, we also need to consider the spiritual, emotional, and cultural aspects of harm, says Tane.

This conference is all about building our knowledge and supporting each other so we can advance injury prevention in a meaningful way together.

Australasian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Conference 2024 with theme Weaving knowledge for injury prevention and safety promotion; creating a new way together.

When: March 11-13 2024, at Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua. For more information: https://www.aipn.com.au/conference
A young man who Albemarle County police say initially attracted their attention last summer for speeding and spinning his tires in a convenience store parking lot could soon be going to trial on an array of charges including eluding and attacking police.

Nineteen-year-old Charlottesville restaurant worker Kian Emanuel Goldstein has been challenging allegations that he zoomed toward officers in a Wawa parking lot and then fled police in a high-speed chase on Proffit Road.

The Aug. 30 incident initially resulted in eight charges, including abduction for allegedly refusing, during the chase, to discharge his passenger. A judge subsequently dropped the abduction charge, but an Albemarle County grand jury certified six others, including felony eluding, assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and driving while intoxicated.

He was unsteady on his feet, his eyes were glassy, and his speech was slurred, wrote Albemarle County police officer Daniel Shetler, who obtained the initial arrest warrants.

Shetler claimed that the vehicles lights were switched off at one point in an effort to elude officers and that the driver, Goldstein, leaped from the vehicle in a desperate attempt to flee the scene after the officer finally got him to stop.

Shetler alleged that the teen, despite being too young to legally possess alcohol, smelled like spirits and that when he peered into the vehicle he saw an open container of Twisted Tea, a brand of hard iced tea.

When questioned about the beverage, Mr. Goldstein stated he wanted his lawyer, Shetler wrote.

Court records show that Goldstein initially hired Scott Goodman as his lawyer but then opted for Heather Carlton to represent him.

Goldstein has previously contested a charge accusing him of mishandling a motor vehicle. Albemarle court records show that he initially pleaded guilty on April 14 of last year to a February charge of reckless driving for going 70 in a 45 mph zone, an incident that was captured on police radar on U.S. 29 north of Forest Lakes South. A month after his plea, however, Goldstein lodged an appeal with the circuit court. But before the matter could reach a judge, the Wawa incident and subsequent chase landed him in jail for a week. While he received a form of pretrial incarceration that allowed him to go home with an electronic monitor, Goldstein withdrew his appeal about a month later on Oct. 11.

Among the six charges now facing Goldstein is a charge of malicious bodily injury to a police officer. Shetlers narrative asserts that one officer jumped to the ground to avoid Goldsteins vehicle in the Wawa parking lot, but the criminal complaint is silent about what injuries, if any, the officer suffered.

In recent years, after the widespread unrest that followed the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd under the knee of a police officer, police have often pushed for felony convictions when officers have felt under attack. A Halloween 2021 incident on the Corner in Charlottesville, for instance, resulted in a felony conviction last year for the recent college graduate who punched an officer.

In recent years, the value of police chases has been questioned, including a recent yearlong investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle that found 3,336 U.S. pursuit deaths  nearly two a day  over the six years ending in 2022. The Chronicles report, entitled Fast and Fatal, explored chases that killed nearly 1,900 people and found that more than 1,550 of the deaths involved people suspected of traffic infractions, nonviolent crimes or no crime at all.

Albemarle County has a chase policy, but a county spokeswoman declined to say whether it was followed when police pursued Goldstein due to the pending criminal case. Spokeswoman Logan Bogert said that the key factors are the seriousness of the suspected crime and the risk to lives.

After each pursuit, our department has an internal post-pursuit review to ensure all policies and procedures were adhered to, she told The Daily Progress in an email.

Goldsteins trial was slated to begin Feb. 26, but on that day Carlton, the defense attorney, and prosecutor Susan Baumgartner jointly submitted a postponement motion as they negotiate a plea deal. They say in their motion that they need to see whether Goldstein has any record of juvenile infractions. If they cant hammer out a plea sooner, the matter is slated to go to trial beginning May 9.
White Island Tours faces potential closure after being fined over half a million dollars for its role in the Whakaari/White Island disaster.

Twenty-two people died and 25 others were injured when the island - a popular tourist site - erupted in 2019.

The company, which took visitors to the island via boat, was fined $517,000 and ordered to pay $5 million in reparations to the victims.

Richard Raymond, the counsel for White Island Tours, says the reparations will be paid by insurance.

"Fortunately, WIT had the foresight to take out the appropriate insurance, statutory liability insurance it's called, and that policy enables reparation to be paid to victims of health and safety breaches.

"That will be paid promptly, certainly within the next 21 days or so, to the Ministry of Justice, who are tasked with administering the collection and the payment out of reparation to the victims."

However, Raymond says the company is not in a position to pay the fines.

"That is a more difficult issue. The company doesn't have any funds to pay a fine, given that the company has not been trading for over three years, has no assets and has considerable debts."

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi.

He says White Island Tours is likely to close its doors.

"The timeframe for the discussions on liquidations will take place over the next week to two weeks, and the decision will be made by the only remaining director of the company as to whether to place the company into liquidation or whether there are advantages for keeping it going a little longer.

"But it's likely that the company will go into liquidation."

Raymond says a coroner's inquiry into the tragedy is set to begin next year.

The coroner will be looking at aspects of the disaster like the search and rescue operation, whether there were sufficient treatment facilities available, and WorkSafe's role in approving safety audits to allow tours to take place.

An independent review has already found that WorkSafe fell short of good practice in its regulation of activities on Whakaari/White Island.

"[A coronial inquiry] is not a prosecution... but a learning exercise to improve the systems that we work under in New Zealand," says Raymond.

The inquiry could bring more accountability for the tragedy, he says.

-Rayssa Almeida/RNZ.
For Michael Lefebvre, the ocean is his sanctuary.

Its a part of who I am, he reflects, and it rejuvenates me.

A keen surfer for 25 years, the Canadian lived in Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing, before arriving in New Zealand.

Most of my life has been around the ocean  Im an experienced surfer and waterman.

However, on January 11, 2024, what should have been a routine surf to kick start the day almost ended in tragedy.

It was early in the morning, and my mate Jono and I were surfing at Tay Street Beach in Mount Maunganui, like we do quite often, and I was having a good time on some medium waves.

When all of a sudden, his life changed.

It happened in an instant. I went to dive through a wave, and I went right into a pile of sand. I immediately felt my neck collapse. The sound was horrendous, and both my arms went completely numb. I thought, oh shoot. Im in the water, Ive just broken my neck, and I cant move my arms.

Thankfully, Michaels legs were still working, so he stood up  the water up to his chest. But he could see more waves were quickly approaching, so he threw himself onto his surfboard, and the next wave took him right up onto the beach.

When I got to the beach, I remember having this thought oh, Ill just walk up to the car, but I took two steps and just crumbled. I was in so much pain and I just lay down.

He managed to get some movement in his right arm, so while he was lying down, he waved it in the air to get the surf lifeguards attention, who were setting up patrol for the day.

Along with surf lifeguards from Tay Street and Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Liam Shanahan from Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service quickly arrived.

Liam remembers seeing Michael lying on the ground, He was in lots of pain. You could see it on his face, and his legs were constantly moving because he was so uncomfortable. It definitely didnt look good.

While the surf lifeguards waited for Hato Hone St John to arrive, they assessed Michael, provided him with pain relief, and tried to keep him calm.

We just kept him informed saying things like, were carrying out an assessment, paramedics are on the way. We also made sure he was as comfortable as possible. With a neck injury, you cant move, so its about doing the little things.

And Michael says it was these little things that made all the difference, I remember Mac, one of the surf lifeguards, giving his sunglasses to me. It was the most genuine human moment  thats something he didnt have to do, but he did, and thats what made a difference.

The surf lifeguards reassuring words kept Michael in a good space while they worked on a plan to get him off the beach.

Im a big guy. Im six foot three and weigh about 105 kilograms. They knew they had a challenge getting me up off the beach and into the waiting ambulance. But they all rallied together. They were all so positive, and their response was immediate when I was in the worst moment of my life

A frightening realisation and one thats not lost on Michael.

Im getting teary now He says quietly as he remembers back to that day. Its just that they made a huge difference. They were there, and they were reassuring. And thank God they were there. They had the expertise, and they had the tools.

After being carefully transported to the ambulance, he was taken to Tauranga Hospital. Doctors found compression fractures in the C6 and C7 vertebrae, and the disc between them was shattered, putting pressure on his nerve roots.

After surgery at Aucklands Middlemore Hospital and five days in the hospital, hes now back home in Tauranga recovering.

Im doing really well. I have lots of function in my legs and feet, I just have a bit of weakness in my left arm. But man, it could have been a lot worse.

Three weeks after the accident, Michael found himself back at the beach.

Because I wasnt surfing, I thought Id go up to the club - I just wanted to say, great job, and I appreciate the work youre doing. I saw Liam and it was awesome!

And it was awesome for Liam as well, I looked at him and I was like, oh my god  I remember you! I was genuinely stoked to see him. The fact that he walked up as well, was amazing. It definitely made my day. It just showed that all of the surf lifeguards that were there that day did an excellent job. They put in hours of training, and it made a difference.

Michael says once hes fit and healthy, hell be back out surfing, but hell be a bit more cautious, and hell make sure he surfs when surf lifeguards are on patrol.

It gives me confidence knowing that surf lifesaving is set up on most beaches in New Zealand, and surf lifeguards are there to help if trouble arises because it could honestly happen to anyone.
The Waitangi Tribunal has approved an application for an urgent inquiry into coalition government policies impacting te reo Maori.

Tauranga-based iwi Ngai Te Rangi lodged the application in December claiming the government had violated its Treaty obligation to protect the Maori language.

Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Settlement Trust chair Charlie Tawhiao says support for the claim from Maori and non-Maori is overwhelming and the iwi is looking forward to presenting its case.

"We are really grateful for the opportunity the tribunal is giving us to have this case tested in a semi-legal format and also just to have a systematic inquiry into this issue for us."

In its application to the tribunal, Ngai Te Rangi outlined its concern over a range of policies and statements made by the coalition government, which included removing the Maori names of ministries and ACT's Treaty Principles Bill.

It says the government has breached Article 2 of the Treaty and its policies are in violation of the Maori Language Act and the Bill of Rights.

A Crown memorandum to the tribunal in December opposed the urgent application, outlining it would be premature to conduct an urgent inquiry into the Treaty Principles BIll as "the ultimate content of the Bill is not known".

The Crown also outlined the government had not "prohibited" the use of Maori names or language in the public sector, rather it had introduced a policy requiring English to be used as the "primary" language in the public sector.

Tawhiao says the Crown is in the unenviable position of having to confront multiple claims to the Waitangi Tribunal that cover areas which are still quite vague in detail.

"The problem for the Crown and for the Tribunal is that some of the matters haven't even manifested as policy, there is no clarity around them, but we are focused on our claim and te reo and we aren't operating on our own here, pakeha and Maori are concerned."

In January, Waikato Tainui filed proceedings in the High Court in Wellington looking for reassurance the Crown to keep its promise to protect their reo.

Executive chair Tukoroirangi Morgan says the action by the iwi was prompted by growing concern over statements made by Ministers and within Cabinet which were in direct conflict of Crown obligations to Maori.

He says the Crown has an obligation to protect te reo Maori under Te Ture moo te Reo Maori 2016 (Maori Language Act 2016) and the High Court action sought to address immediate concerns on those matters that are now under threat.

A date on when inquiry will be heard by the tribunal is pending.

-RNZ.
Almudena Nogues Malaga Monday, 4 March 2024, 13:42 Compartir Copiar enlace

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In the midst of spring, winter refuses to leave Spain. A storm originating off the Galician coast will, from Thursday, leave "widespread and persistent" rain throughout Andalucia, strong gusts of wind and a drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures, the state weather agency (Aemet) has warned. Malaga will not escape this scenario, dominated by instability. At the moment, the forecast puts the probability of rain in the province at 90% from Thursday onwards. The forecast predicts that the weather will not improve throughout the weekend, which will be wet. If it comes true, it will be the best news for reservoirs in need of generous accumulations to top up the critically low levels as the drought crisis continues.

However, there are still days left to be able to fine-tune the forecast and be able to know the exact magnitude of this storm and its effects on Malaga. "In order for Andalucia and the province to receive more accumulated rainfall, the two main storms expected on Thursday and Saturday would have to be located at Cape San Vicente or on the tip of Portugal. With the weather models updated today, the one on Thursday is located a little above the tip of Portugal and the one expected on Saturday above Galicia, although it would also affect us, even more curiously", explained Jose Luis Escudero in his SUR blog 'Tormentas y Rayos' (storms and lighting). The forecasts of the local weather expert predict between 30 and 60mm falling in the province.

The Meteored portal agrees with this prediction: "A new week of ups and downs in the weather is on the horizon, which will also be quite abrupt. We will have periods of clear skies and other stormy periods in which rain and wind will be the main feature. The novelty lies in the location of the storms, almost all of which will be very close to the Spanish mainland", the weather portal stressed. "An anticyclonic blockade in Scandinavia will allow them to get closer, so we could be talking about very heavy rainfall in some regions", it added.

Samuel Biener, researcher and disseminator of Climatology and editor of Meteored pointed out that Thursday will be the day that marks the turning point. "On that day, a cold storm will move over the Galicia area, also directing a river of humidity towards the west of the peninsula. As a result, an active front will leave heavy rain in the western half of the country, quickly crossing to the east and reaching the Mediterranean in the late hours of the day, where rain will also happen," he said.

The Aemet forecast is along the same lines: "A low pressure system is expected to pass over the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands, with associated fronts. Despite the uncertainty as to its position and depth, a predominance of cloudy or overcast skies and widespread rainfall is expected," the state Met Office stated on its website.

Lower temperatures and gusts of wind

Temperatures, meanwhile, will also suffer. "They will be lower than normal in a large part of the country. They will be between 1 and 3C below the average for the time of the year in the west and interior of the Spanish mainland. On the Cantabrian and Mediterranean coasts, temperatures will be in line with normal values; on the islands they will be even milder than those expected at this time of year, up to 1C. It may not sound like much, but it will be noticeable", Meteored pointed out.

In the case of Malaga, Aemet forecasts that the mercury will hover between 10-12C minimum and 17-18 degrees maximum between Thursday and Sunday. The wind will also blow strongly on Thursday with gusts of 25 kilometres per hour forecast.

On Saturday, the weather instability will continue. Aemet forecasts a 95% chance of rain in Malaga city. "An unstable situation is likely to continue, with the passage of fronts and very cloudy skies over the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands. Widespread rainfall is expected on the Atlantic and Cantabrian slopes and in the upper and middle Ebro. They are less likely, but weaker showers are not ruled out in the Mediterranean area", according to the state agency. On Sunday, there is a 75% chance of umbrellas being needed in Malaga. In addition, the wind will blow on that day, with gusts of 20 kilometres.
Europa Press Malaga Monday, 4 March 2024, 14:35 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Police in Spain have smashed a gang that used a farm in Malaga province to stash marijuana before transporting it to the UK and Netherlands.

Guardia Civil officers first launched a criminal investigation after learning of the group, of Nicaraguan and Spanish origin, which collected significant quantities of marijuana and moved the drugs around Andalucia, hiding it at a farm in Malaga province, before transporting it by road to the Netherlands and UK.

Members of the gang allegedly travelled to different parts of the region, where they collected marijuana already packaged and transported it to the farm, which they used as a 'nursery', until it was shipped. The drugs were hidden in sport bags which were then loaded into rented vehicles for transport, according to officers.

During the investigation, police intercepted one vehicle that was carrying nine kilograms of marijuana buds and 3,000 euros in cash. Police also raided two properties in Malaga and Cordoba provinces and seized 76 kilograms of marijuana buds, 600 grams of hashish, 700 euros in cash, two firearms, as well as numerous materials for packaging, sealing and labelling drugs.
Matias Stuber Malaga Monday, 4 March 2024, 17:20 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The president of the world's largest olive oil producer is urging authorities to consider a water project which he believes will end the drought crisis in the northern part of Malaga province.

In an interview with SUR, Dcoop president Antonio Luque detailed plans he and the rest of the so-called Dcoop irrigation community - made up of some 900 farmers - drew up for a so-called "water-highway". The group measured 60 cubic hectometres of water is being dumped into the sea by treatment plants in Malaga each year due to a lack of infrastructure to process the water and direct it to areas where it's needed.

Luque and the Dcoop irrigation community are proposing this water should instead be pumped into dry areas of the northern part of Malaga province via 120 kilometres of pipelines that would guarantee the irrigation of 33,000 hectares. It would cost between 700 and 750 million euros. "Who is going to say no to a project that would guarantee our future," Luque told SUR.

Who would pay for the project?

"Technically, it is viable," said the manager of Agri-food Cooperatives, Carlos Cinta, who believes the project can be "a solution to the problems of drought for an entire region". When asked how to pump the water, Cinta said everything had been studied: "The idea is to take the route along the Ribera del Guadalhorce. Initially, we would use a one-metre diameter pipe. But the ideal would be to lay two, so that the other pipe could be used to bring water for human consumption to the entire northern part of the province. As long as that water is not needed, we would use that second pipeline anyway. It would allow us to pump the water at lower pressure and thus save energy," Cintas said.

Asked who is going to finance the project, Cintas pointed to the administrations. "There are more than enough reasons. Firstly, for the social good of the project. It would benefit our farmers and their ailing economy and would help to recover the state of our aquifers," Cintas added.

Support

The project has the backing of various mayors in the province following questions from SUR. Antequera mayor Manuel Baron expressed his full support for the idea. "It would benefit the province and the whole of Andalucia," he said. The mayor of Villanueva de Algaidas Juan Civico pointed out the project would protect the municipality's economy as agriculture accounts for 80% of it.

Alameda councillor Juan Antonio Rodriguez told SUR "this project does not understand political colour". However, he added the Dcoop project is "very good from an ecological point of view, as it also helps to recover the aquifers".
Oscar Bartual / Bardisa Nicolas Van Looy Alicante Monday, 4 March 2024, 12:30 | Updated 13:01h. Compartir Copiar enlace

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A serious fire at a block of flats in Villajoyosa in Spain this Monday morning (4 March) has ended in tragedy. Flames from the blaze gutted a property on the 11th floor and killed three people, all of them from the same family: the grandmother, father and the youngest son, aged five. In addition, up to 15 people were injured in the incident, according to the Alicante region's Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU).

The fire broke out in a 24-storey building located in the La Cala area of Villajoyosa. Due to the intensity of the flames, around 100 people had to be evacuated from the property, although many others were confined to their adjoining homes, the Alicante Provincial Fire Brigade Consortium (CPB) explained.

The raging fire, which broke out on the 11th floor of this large 24-storey building, affected common areas including the landings and forced the fire brigade to order neighbours near the affected property to confine themselves to their homes.

This was the case of Ronela, a resident who lives just two doors away from the affected flat. The woman told TodoAlicante how she was "very scared" during the fire and said that there was "a lot of smoke and it was impossible to get out because of the flames". Finally, once the fire was out, the firefighters were able to rescue her.

The same fear was felt by Marina Costa and Daniel Serrano, who were evacuated from the block. Marina explained that they woke up to the screams and the light from the fire and quickly went down to the street. Both insisted that the fire brigade came "very quickly" and at five o'clock in the morning they were able to start going back up to the flats and sleep "peacefully".

The president of the Diputacion de Alicante, Toni Perez, together with the mayor of La Vila, Marcos Zaragoza, attended the scene. Speaking to the media, Perez regretted the loss of life caused by the fire and highlighted the "diligent action that allowed the fire to be practically confined and that only affected one property".

The president of the provincial authority has assured that thanks to the rapid action of the fire brigade and emergency services in the middle of the night "there has been no damage, beyond some areas of the landing, to the infrastructure of the building itself".

The mayor said that the causes are being clarified to find out "if the building needs to be checked", but insisted that the proper functioning of the fire systems and the concrete facade prevented a disaster like the recent one in Campanar (Valencia).

El Ayuntamiento de Villajoyosa convoca manana martes, 5 de marzo, a las 12.00 horas, un minuto de silencio en la Plaza de la Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, en senal del duelo por la muerte de las tres victimas en el incendio ocurrido en La Cala. pic.twitter.com/tOCwf2Kwvc  Ajuntament de la Vila Joiosa (@AjtVilaJoiosa) March 4, 2024

Zaragoza admitted that he spent the whole night thinking about the tragedy in Valencia. "Campanar came to mind", but because the fire was so localised and the quick action and the concrete facade helped to avoid a major incident.

The fire

The blaze broke out at around 2.15am this Monday morning. The CICU received a call about a fire in a building in Avenida Marineros, in the area of La Cala de La Vila. Although firefighters managed to stabilise the fire at 3.32am it was not until later in the morning that the intervention of the emergency services was completed.

The fire that affected the property also left 15 people intoxicated by the smoke, and all of them, except one man, had to be taken to the Marina Baixa hospital to be treated for the inhalation of gases from the fire, although sources say they have all since been discharged.

Following the emergency alerts, a SAMU unit, a Basic Life Support unit and two conventional units were sent to the scene to attend to the injured. The medical services treated 15 people for smoke inhalation, seven of them women aged between 24 and 67 and the rest men aged between 13 and 57.

At the moment the Guardia Civil is investigating the cause of the fire, although there is no clear theory about its cause.
A contentious community forum on proposed renovations to Charlottesville's jailhouse got off to a rocky start Thursday evening, when a participant who had joined virtually via Zoom appeared to be vigorously masturbating on camera.

Twenty minutes into the hybrid meeting, those attending in-person at Carver Recreation Center noticed unusual sounds, including moans, coming from the speaker of the computer being used to broadcast the session to a virtual audience.

The sounds began to present a clear distraction for the audience as well as Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail Superintendent Martin Kumer, who was leading the forum designed to educate the public on the multimillion-dollar proposals for renovations to his facility.

For those attending in person, the only thing that could be seen on screen was Kumers PowerPoint presentation. But in an effort to identify and put a stop to the mysterious sounds emanating from a Zoom participant, the slideshow was minimized, revealing the faces of those attending virtually.

Among them was a man with dark hair, seated in front of his camera, completely naked and masturbating.

Kumer immediately sprang into action, rushing to the front of the room and throwing his hands over a portion of the projection screen in an attempt to block the image from view. But the video was coming from a projector, and instead of blocking the image from view, it was only projected onto the sleeve of his jacket.

The Zoom meeting was then closed, sparing the in-person audience from the episode but also preventing other virtual attendees from participating in the next hour of the forum. Kumer said he has not yet decided if there will be an additional online forum to compensate for the one that people were promised but was abruptly ended due to the unwelcome guest.

The entire episode lasted a matter of seconds, eliciting groans and laughter from the in-person audience.

Getting rid of the guest was perhaps the only thing the room agreed on for the rest of the night.

It was a comical start to a meeting on a very serious matter, considering that despite significant pushback from many in the room, the city of Charlottesville, Albemarle County and Nelson County appear on track to spend $72 million renovating the jail.

Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail services all three of those localities. It was built in 1975 and has received limited updates since. As a result, the facility is showing its age, with poor air filtration, inadequate heating and cooling, limited mental health services and decaying pipes. Kumer has been very accommodating with his schedule, giving tours to the public so they can see the bleak and aging conditions for themselves.

Kumer and others at the jail want to see it receive significant updates, which they say will improve conditions for inmates and staff alike.

Some community members, however, believe that the funding required for costly updates would be better spent on social programs that reduce crime rates and keep people out of jail in the first place.

That schism was obvious Thursday night during the last  and best attended  of three community forums organized by the jail authority. Kumer and Tony Bell of Richmond-based Moseley Architects, the firm selected to carry out the renovations, had to endure frequent criticism and interruptions from those in the crowd, including a prison abolitionist who would prefer the entire facility be shut down.

There is little Bell and Kumer could have said to satisfy Melissa Gilrain, who was frustrated not just by the renovation proposal but by the entire U.S. incarceration system.

Gilrain had issues not just with the jails very existence but with how the renovation proposal process has been carried out since it began years ago. While Kumer insists he and his staff have gone above and beyond to collect community input during the yearslong process, Gilrain and others argue they are not being heard.

And while the public has been presented with four options to choose from, many critics believe that Kumer and others who have significant influence over the final decision have already made up their minds: They want to go with Option 3, a significant renovation that documents show has received much more planning and attention than the other three alternatives.

What I feel like theyre advertising is community input, Gilrain said. "At the beginning, I thought they were listening to my input, but it turned out that everything I was saying ended up getting twisted into supporting Option 3, which I dont support at all.

The jail authority asked for community feedback in 2021, but those sessions were poorly attended. Those who did participate said they feel they were given a wish list." It asked for things they'd like to theoretically see modified at the jail. It did not include pricing and did not explain how that list would be used.

So while they wanted improved conditions for inmates, such as better medical services and larger cells, what they really wanted was community social programs to reduce crime.

"The main thing is we shouldn't spend money on jailing people. We need to spend money on preventing jailing people. Housing, mental health services, jobs, all those things that cause crime," Kate Fraleigh, who has been closely following this process for years, told The Daily Progress.

That's been the focus for many of the jail's critics, and Kumer has heard them out during each community forum.

"I like the constructive criticism, and its really hard for me to disagree with a lot of it in principle," Kumer told The Daily Progress. "Could that money be spent elsewhere? Of course it could, but the argument of either-or is what I dont agree with. You can do both."

Many of those same critics don't only disagree with the renovations in principle, but how the entire process has been presented to the public, calling it "performative" and "a farce." They've said they don't feel as though they've had meaningful input in the process, apart from the 2021 "wish list."

A summary of that list can be found in documents distributed by Moseley Architects in 2021 titled Community Feedback. It contains more than 60 items. The list was used to conceptualize Option 3, a significant renovation that would renovate one wing of the jail while demolishing another and building a two-story expansion in its place.

This feedback came from the community. This is what you told us you wanted to see, Kumer said during an open house virtual meeting in October 2021.

The few community members who participated in that original feedback session say they feel like they were tricked: By checking off items that theyd theoretically like to see in a renovation, the jail had the ability to design a significant renovation, including a demolition of the jails east wing.

Gilrain and other critics say that the authority used their feedback to greenlight its preferred project, while being able to argue it was simply responding to the community feedback.

Further, although there are currently four options in total, three of them were created very recently.

During the October 2021 open house, there was only discussion of what is now known as Option 3, which has a total cost of $49 million but is estimated to cost $72 million when localities have to pay back interest on the loans required to fund it. That project has been approved for a 25% reimbursement from the commonwealth. The less expensive options have not yet been submitted to Virginia officials.

Despite the entire process beginning during the pandemic, there does not appear to be any mention of those less expensive options until Oct. 24, 2023.

Thats when Moseley Architects submitted a cost-of-services proposal. Its there that the alternatives are mentioned for the first time. According to the document, the first option would be a $20 million renovation that replaces systems and finishes. The other would be a medium expansion and renovation at a cost of $35 million.

That same document notes that, unlike Option 1, the alternative proposals had not yet been submitted to the commonwealth for approval.

So while the jail authority board is scheduled to vote on which option to approve in just a matter of a week and a half, it appears to be far more familiar with Kumer's preferred option than any of the alternatives.

None of those alternatives have been submitted to the commonwealth for its blessing, and if the board were to select them instead of Option 3, the jail authority would have to expend more time and resources into the approval process.

Essentially, Option 3 is unique not just because it is the most expensive proposal but because it has received the most attention and is much further along in the design process than any of the others. If the board were to vote against it, it would be creating significant more work for Kumer, his staff and Moseley Architects.

Fraleigh does not expect that to be a problem. She is confident that the board wont say no to Option 3 considering that jail has expressed a clear preference for it.

Theyre pushing it so hard. And the people on the jail board, many of them are in law enforcement, Fraleigh said. Theyre just embedded in the jail, that jail is good, that Kumer is good, and that whatever Kumer wants Kumer should get. Im not really hopeful.

If she had to choose between the options presented, shed prefer 1 or 1a, which would increase dormitory and day room space for inmates as well as update plumbing, lighting, heating and air conditioning.

While Option 3 has been in the works for some time, the cheaper tiers were not viewed by the public until the first community forum held in late January.

Unfortunately, the community hasnt had any real input on the three triers presented to us, Ruby Cherian, an attorney with the Charlottesville-based Legal Aid Justice Center, told The Daily Progress after that forum. It feels like this was a presentation of slides and information presented to us rather than any real ability to engage with the tiers and give input on what the tiers should have.

It feels like weve been spoken at rather than spoken with, said Cherian, whose nonprofit organization provides legal services and advocacy to low-income individuals and has been one of the proposed renovation's harshest critics.

Kumer staunchly disagreed with that categorization, saying hes gone above and beyond what is required.

When I talk to other superintendents about this process theyre like, What are you doing? Kumer told The Daily Progress. They say, Why are you still talking about it three years later? Because we want our community involved.

It is true that Kumer has done more than is necessary regarding community outreach. But considering many still feel as though that outreach has largely been performative, it may be an indication of how little power Virginians have in Virginias complicated carceral system.

And considering how new three of the four proposed options are, and considering that for years Option 3 was the only proposal presented to the jail board, it raises questions not just about whether that body has had adequate time to seriously consider all of the choices before it, but if each option is operating on a level playing field.

The board consists of 11 voting members, four from Albemarle, four from Charlottesville and three from Nelson. The Daily Progress reached out to a majority of the members to get a sense of how they will vote on March 14.

Many did not respond.

Charlottesville Deputy City Manager Ashley Marshall did but was unwilling to provide an answer.

Kaki Dimock, Albemarle director of social services, said that the board has scheduled an hourlong work session just before the meeting where votes will be tallied. I look forward to this time and information and know that it will influence my vote, she wrote to The Daily Progress.

Albemarle County Supervisor Diantha McKeel also mentioned that work session.

While the Authority has been working through the Department of Corrections prescribed renovation process (for 25% reimbursement) and public engagement for 4 years, this additional time will provide the Authority members assurance that they completely understand the options, McKeel wrote.

Charlottesville City Councilor Brian Pinkston was more decisive. He is going to vote for Option 3 and expects most of the board will too.

People on the board sincerely think its the right thing to do for the community, he said.

Pinkston noted that time, money and effort have already been spent by the jail staff to get to this point, an indication that it will be difficult for the board to turn back now. If it were to select any other option, it would have to essentially go back to the drawing board, repeating the work it has already put into Option 3.

The harshest critics of the project prefer no updates be made at all, hoping that money could instead be invested in social programs.

The board doesnt seem to agree, and neither does Kumer, who on Thursday night objected to a suggestion that no renovations be made.

What will happen to you if nothing gets done in the jail? he asked in his most forceful objection to the criticism directed at him. Will you work there? Will you live there? Will you have to breathe the same air?

He added that whether or not renovations are made, like it or not, convicted criminals will continue to be put in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Whether or not we do anything, everyones still coming and they are left with those consequences, he said. My job is to make sure that place is safe and humane and meets the needs of the city, the staff and the men and women who live there. Period.
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When the South Side community learned about Kwasi Owusus decision to close his shop, Timbuktu African Imports, they couldnt let him leave without a true farewell party.

At a farewell celebration last Thursday, Feb. 29, organized by Jubilee Homes, Owusu was celebrated by customers, neighbors, and community members alike for his long-standing presence in the community.

Walt Dixie, Executive Director of Jubilee Homes, said it was important to make Owusu feel celebrated.

Kwasi is one of the founders of the Southside Business Association and one of the founders of the Pan-African village at the New York State Fair, Dixie said. Hes been amazing and we wanted to pay homage to him.

Owusu, who opened his store in 1992 and previously served as a board member for the Syracuse Juneteenth Celebrations, expressed that he wanted to take some time to rest and take care of his father in Ghana.

Im thankful for my wife and family, Owusu said. Im also thankful to my community and the customers. Im gonna miss every single customer of mine throughout all these years.

Halfway through the celebration, New York Sen. Rachel May came to deliver a proclamation from her office congratulating Owusu and wishing him and his wife joy in his retirement.

It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local and state economies, and its vibrant and purposeful role in improving the quality of life in its community, Mays proclamation read.

Jubilee Homes also presented Owusu with a plaque celebrating his work and commitment to the community.

The proclamation and plaque given to Kwasi Owusu from Senator Rachel May and Jubilee HomesNada Merghani

Following the celebration, Timbuktu African Imports officially closed, ending a 32-year run on South Avenue.

Dixie and Owusu both expressed a desire to see the storefront sold to someone who has a desire to benefit the Southside community.

The goal is not to close the door permanently, Dixie said. We want to host some pop-up shops that can be in here so people can still buy the products.

Nada Merghani is a Newhouse Fellow at Syracuse University and a contributing writer to syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Contact her at nmerghani@syracuse.com.
Liverpool, N.Y. -- An undercover drug sale in Liverpool led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man in February after he sold fentanyl to a person working with authorities, according to court documents.

Diquan Hall, 26, was charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, according to court documents filed in the Northern District of New York.

Court documents provided the following details:

In January, investigators used a confidential informant to get Halls phone number. The person then contacted Hall and asked him if he could purchase fentanyl at a pre-arranged price.

On Feb. 15, Hall met the informant at 107 Meyers Road in Liverpool. Hall arrived to the address in a red SUV before he got into the informants car.

Hall was on parole at the time of the sale and was required to wear and maintain a tracking monitor.

Inside the informants car, Hall sold 15 white packages of fentanyl, also known as bricks, to the informant. The informant used pre-recorded government money to pay for the drugs.

After the transaction, authorities arrested Hall and confiscated the fentanyl. While searching the red SUV, investigators also found cocaine.

Hall has prior New York state convictions.

He was charged in November, 2021 for criminal possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 18 months to 3 years for the crime. Hall is currently under the supervision of New York State Parole for this conviction.

Halls other prior felony convictions include fifth-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance as well as criminal mischief with intent to damage property, both felonies.

Hall later admitted to investigators that he possessed cocaine and sold fentanyl.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Watertown, N.Y. -- A Watertown man was arrested and charged Thursday for child pornography and secretly using a camera in a wall outlet to surveil a home, troopers say.

Nicholas O. Sherwood, 46, was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, promoting the sexual performance of a child, and second degree unlawful surveillance, said Trooper Jack Keller, a spokesperson for the New York State Police. The charges are all felonies.
A popular 90s rock band is returning to Central New York this summer.

Everclear will perform at Sharkeys Events Center in Liverpool on Saturday, Aug. 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the concert.

Tickets are on sale now at fanimal.com. Prices are $42.35 (including fees) for general admission, $95.88 for premium seating, and $176.47 for a meet-and-greet package.

Everclear, best known for 90s alternative rock hits like Santa Monica, I Will Buy You a New Life and Father of Mine, previously performed in CNY at the 2015 New York State Fair and the 2022 Taste of Syracuse. The Art Alexakis-led band has released nine albums, including 1998s So Much for the Afterglow featuring the Grammy-nominated instrumental track El Distorto de Melodica.

Everclear has one other Upstate New York concert scheduled this summer on May 24 at GlassFest 2024 in Corning. GlassFest is free to attend in Riverfront Park.

Sharkeys Bar & Grill is located at 7240 Oswego Road, Liverpool, N.Y. Other events coming to Jim Beam Stage under the Burritt Motors Pavilion at Sharkeys Event Center include Seattle Sons (March 22), 1UP Wrestling (March 23), Chaos & Carnage (May 14), United Booty Foundation (May 18), Trick Daddy/Ying Yang Twins (May 25), Yacht Rock Party (May 31), Nirvanna: A Tribute to Nirvana (June 15), and Under the Gun (Sept. 7).
A former Syracuse television reporter is returning to Central New York to anchor mornings on NewsChannel 9 WSYR.

WSYR-TV announced Monday that Rachel Polansky has been named the new co-anchor of NewsChannel 9s The Morning News. Shell appear on the morning newscast starting at the end of March, joining co-anchor Ryan Dean and meteorologist Kate Thornton weekdays from 4:30 to 7 a.m.

Polansky will replace Nicole Sommavilla, who announced last week that she is leaving NewsChannel 9 to move back to her hometown to be near her family.

Polansky is a Penn State graduate who began her career as a reporter at WUTR in Utica in 2012, then NewsChannel 9 in Syracuse from 2013 to 2015. She said that she and her husband Dominic are looking forward to returning to Central New York and raising their 4-month-old daughter Brooklyn in the community they love.

This is a full circle moment for my family and me. I started my career as a reporter at NewsChannel 9. Coming back as an anchor for The Morning News is an opportunity to come home. Its a privilege to inform our audience and I cant wait to do so each morning alongside Ryan and Kate! Polansky said in a statement. As a young reporter, I was fortunate to learn from Carrie Lazarus, Rod Wood, Christie Casciano and Jeff Kulikowsky. Now, I look forward to guiding the next generation of journalists.

Over the past decade, Polanskys career has included roles at NBC 2 in Fort Myers, Florida; WKYC in Cleveland; and Atlanta News First. Shes won five regional Edward R. Murrow awards and two Emmys.

Rachel has a very impressive resume, Dean said. Shes a seasoned journalist who will be an asset to this station and community. You can tell she has passion and care for those she helps in her storytelling. She will be a great addition to The Morning News.

We are thrilled to welcome Rachel back into the NewsChannel 9 family, VP and General Manager of WSYR-TV Syracuse Bill Evans added. Rachel has done some amazing work since leaving NewsChannel 9, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds as she takes on her new role as morning co-anchor.
This Friday is International Womens Day. You can listen to inspiring local business women share their experiences and advice at the 2024 Central New York Womens Summit. Of if you like to read, the Syracuse YMCA Downtown Writers Center is hosting a Womens Day Celebration of Central New York authors where 14 local women authors will read from their books.

This week is also a busy weekend for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. On Friday the zoo is hosting a sustainable seafood dinner, where attendees will eat a four-course seafood dinner while learning about sustainable fishing and eating. On Saturday and Sunday the monthly CNY Folksmarch, a recreational walking group, will walk the zoo. On Sunday, kids can meet the Easter bunny during a breakfast at the Zoo and parents can have some fun too with a build-your-own mimosa and bloody Mary bar.

Know of an event that you would like to see featured on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com
Arria Sargent Huntington was born into a privileged existence on June 22, 1848 in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Her father, Frederick D. Huntington, graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 1842 and was ordained a unitarian minister shortly thereafter. Rev. Huntington married his wife, Hannah Dane Sargent, in 1843.

Arria was the oldest of the couples five children.

Her fathers status allowed Arria and her four siblings access to the finest educational institutions in New England. Forged then, as she was, in a crucible of enlightenment, it came as no surprise that Ms. Huntington devoted her life to bettering the world as tireless philanthropist and a vocal champion of equality, opportunity, and womens rights.

The Huntingtons moved to Syracuse in 1869, when Rev. Huntington was named Central New Yorks very first Episcopal Bishop. During these heady times in the wake of the Civil War, Syracuse, like the rest of the nation, was caught up in the midst of a revolution about citizenship and equal rights.

The great constitutional questions unleased by emancipation further laid bare the hypocrisies at the core of the American experiment, especially as they pertained to women.

For Huntington, true equality could only come from true independence, which for her meant freedom from the legal strictures of marriage.

- Huntington School in Syracuse, 1955. Onondaga Historical AssociationCourtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association

Arria explained her ethos rather succinctly in a letter to her brother, George, shortly after moving to Syracuse:

It is a doubt with me whether it would be good for young women to go out into the world as young men do, to pursue their own livelihoodIt may be that Providence designs her to fulfill her normal condition of being a wife & mother, but I would educate all women to be independent of marriage.

True to her word, Huntington remained unmarried, devoting herself entirely to the causes that she championed; and over the course of her 50 years as a resident of Syracuse, these were legion.

A gifted speaker, writer, and organizer, Huntington was heavily influenced by her fathers work on economic justice and the inequalities being created during Americas industrial revolution in the later half of the 19th century.

As a thriving and ever-growing manufacturing city, Syracuse offered ample opportunities for her considerable talents.

By the late 1880s, Huntington was organizing and speaking all over Central New York. She wrote an article for the popular magazine, Frank Leslises Illustrated Newspaper in 1890 decrying the immorality of the grotesque wealth inequality that characterized what Mark Twain derisively termed the Gilded Age.

A vocal proponent of organized labor and a strident opponent of the pay-gap between men and women, Huntington organized nearly a hundred female cigar workers in 1891 after what the Syracuse Standard referred to as another largely attended and enthusiastic meeting at Cigar Makers Hall on South Clinton Street.

Believe it or not, Syracuse was a major center of cigar manufacturing in this period and the industry employed hundreds across the city.

In a fiery speech, Huntington railed against the inequalities of the system.

She noted that though we were living in a so-called free country that we had not yet secured industrial freedom.

Decrying high tariffs and low wages across the board, she called out the reality that data points out is still true today that there is no equality of wages between the sexes.

Huntingtons solution was association.

To get good results we must join hands. It seems to me that association is destined to be the salvation of the laboring classes. Take women alone and she is weak and cannot help herself, but by association she may become a power.

While travelling, speaking, and organizing, Huntington still found time to publish a book in 1891.

Her book, Under a Colonial Roof-Tree: Fireside Chronicles of Early New England, was essentially a family history of her ancestors, the Porters and Huntingtons, two of the earliest settler families in Massachusetts Bay.

The work was a success and further elevated Huntingtons reputation. In 1897, Huntington made history when she was elected to serve on Syracuses School Board. This was 17 years after Matilda Joslyn Gage led a contingent of women in Fayetteville to cast their history-making ballots in the towns school board elections.

Huntington served as a school board commissioner until she left in 1903.

When she decided to not stand for reelection, her fellow Syracusan, Harriet May Mills, one of the leaders of the second wave of suffragists, used Huntingtons decision to further the larger cause.

In response to a question about Huntingtons possible replacement, Mills offered this sardonic reply, in as much as I am not given a voice in the election, I think that it would be entirely out of my place for me to suggest a candidate for the office. The men have the matter in their own hands.

Beyond her history making turn on the citys school board, Huntington was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the YWCA building, as well as her tireless efforts in the foundation of Syracuses Womens and Childrens Hospital, which became Syracuse Memorial.

In addition, she operated a shelter for indigent women and children in her home on Walnut Place before it outgrew the space, leading her to found The Shelter For Unprotected Girls on Roberts Street.

Ever true to her ethos of association, she also founded the Huntington Club for Business Girls, and the Commonweal Club.

Located in the Snow House at 476 Warren Street, the Huntington Club served the ever increasing number of women employed in Syracuses mighty industrial sector, offering shelter and other social services.

Today, the Huntington Family Centers continue to serve the citys most vulnerable populations from their offices on Gifford Street, carrying on the legacy of Ms. Huntingtons extraordinary life of service.

Arria died of pneumonia on March 24, 1921. As a token of the citys immense respect for her life devoted to education and service, Syracuse named new the school on Sunnycrest Road in her honor. It remains the only school in the district named after a woman.

Robert Searings weekly articles are supported by the William G. Pomeroy Public History Media Series. To learn more about the William G. Pomeroy Foundations work to promote public history, visit wgpfoundation.org.
The number of Virginia schools identified by the state as being in need of support under federal law more than doubled this year after changes to Virginias school accountability system.

During the last reporting year in 2022, the state identified 112 schools under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and this year, the state identified 247 schools that need support based on the state standards.

The Virginia Board of Education in 2022 incorporated more rigorous standards into Virginias accountability framework, and fully added chronic absenteeism as a measure of progress for schools. Chronic absenteeism, measured as students missing 10% or more of the school year, increased to 17% of all students in 2022-23 from a 9% pre-pandemic level in 2018-19.

State Superintendent Lisa Coons, appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin last year, said the numbers reflect the learning loss that Virginia students experienced, which began before the pandemic, but was exacerbated from extended school closures, and masked by lowered expectations defined in Virginias federal accountability and state accreditation frameworks.

Youngkin has long blamed his two Democratic predecessors for setbacks in Virginia students progress, asserting that they lowered academic standards and then made it worse by prolonging school closures during COVID.

The state this year identified eight schools in Chesterfield County as being in need of support, one in Hanover County, 12 in Henrico County and 24 in the city of Richmond. In 2022, the state did not identify any such schools in Chesterfield or Hanover. It identified six Henrico schools and 19 Richmond city schools as needing support.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, divisions with federally identified schools will receive additional support from the Department of Educations Office of School Quality.

The General Assembly, which is scheduled to adjourn a week from Saturday, is trying to reach agreement on a two-year budget for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. Youngkin, the House of Delegates and the state Senate each have proposed their own budget plans that lawmakers will try to reconcile.

Youngkins proposed budget would cut funding for the Office of School Quality by about 30%, from $9.3 million to $5.4 million over the next two school years.

According to Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez, the Office of School Quality has returned over $49 million of unspent funds in the last five years.

Governor Youngkins Unleashing Opportunity budget included the largest per pupil education investment in the history of the Commonwealth focused on programs and initiatives that impact students, especially those in the Virginia school divisions which have been in MOU (memorandum of understanding) status for as long 20 years, Martinez said.

Under new leadership OSQ now focuses on serving divisions by providing additional resources and guidance, working under a new framework focused on academic supports, staffing assistance, professional development, and school climate improvements.

In 2020, a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, a state watchdog agency, said current staffing levels at the Office of School Quality were insufficient to do much more than compliance.

The proposed House budget would keep the offices funding at its current amount, and the Senates proposed budget would decrease funding by $1 million over the biennium, instead of Youngkins proposed $3.8 million cut.

In his outgoing budget proposal, released in December 2021, weeks before Youngkin took office, then-Gov. Ralph Northam recommended increasing the Office of School Qualitys budget to nearly double the size of the office, but budget negotiators in the legislature ultimately did not include that recommendation.

A confusing mismatch on school performance

While the states accountability system under ESSA identifies 247 schools needing support this year, Virginias state accreditation system identifies 208 schools as needing support.

Youngkins Department of Education said in a statement: This confusing mismatch in federal and state criteria of school performance reinforces the importance of the State Board of Educations work to ensure state accreditation ratings clearly and accurately communicate the performance of every school.

The Virginia Board of Education is preparing for a potential change in its accreditation system  a key part of Youngkins education agenda.

Youngkin and parents often criticize Virginias current K-12 accreditation system for being unclear and lacking transparency on how Virginias schools are performing.

In October 2022, Youngkin, in response to what he termed the states catastrophic performance on a national assessment, announced plans to overhaul the school accreditation system by fall 2023.

In November 2022, the Youngkin administration and then-State Superintendent Jillian Balow attempted to circumvent normal process and use emergency authority to quickly overhaul the states school accreditation system in time for this school year. The Board of Education, which at the time had five Youngkin appointees on the nine-member board, did not bite on the proposal.

The states accreditation system is based on typical accountability measures like academic achievement, dropout rates and student attendance. It also takes into account standard checkoffs like building safety and student-to-teacher ratios.

Critics of the system say it has played a role in the segregation of schools into rich and poor and, because of the correlation of wealth with race, into white and nonwhite, over the past 20 years.

Best private high schools in Virginia #30. Trinity School at Meadow View #29. Hampton Roads Academy #28. St. Catherine's School #27. Christchurch School #26. Wakefield Country Day School #25. Fredericksburg Academy #24. The Steward School #23. St. Anne's - Belfield School #22. Cape Henry Collegiate #21. Blue Ridge School #20. Virginia Episcopal School #19. Oakcrest School #18. Fairfax Christian School #17. Collegiate School #16. Veritas Collegiate Academy #15. Trinity Christian School #14. Foxcroft School #13. Loudoun School for Advanced Studies #12. Randolph-Macon Academy #11. Chatham Hall #10. Pinnacle Academy #9. St. Christopher's School #8. St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School #7. Norfolk Academy #6. Flint Hill School #5. Woodberry Forest School #4. Episcopal High School #3. The Potomac School #2. The Madeira School #1. BASIS Independent McLean
Aaron Riley is the Founder and CEO of Certified Testing & Data (CTND), a third-party testing company. He answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insiders People to know series.

What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?

I am the Founder and CEO of Certified Testing & Data (CTND). Were a third-party testing company, making sure cannabis products are safe and ready for consumption. Well soon be opening the doors to our New York lab, CTND NY.

How long have you worked in the cannabis space?

Ive been in the legal cannabis space since 2016.

What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?

Before cannabis, I was an entrepreneur. I owned several businesses, including a small car dealership and an investment business focused on distressed real estate.



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What led you to the cannabis industry?

My interest started when I was 15 and visiting a family friend in Santa Rosa, Calif. That friend had a grow room in their garage that was featured in High Times magazine. This was in 2005; it was high tech, with smell proof insulation, fans, charcoal filters, lights on trellises  the works. Whats standard now, they already had back then. That exposure was so influential. Here was this thing that had great potential with a lot of science and technology behind it. It always felt wrong that cannabis was in such a grey area at the time and it stuck with me as something I wanted to be a part of in the future. Cannabis has such promise both medically and recreationally.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?

My advice would depend on what theyre trying to do. Whether youre looking for a career or an opportunity as an entrepreneur, my general advice would be to make sure that whatever you bring to this industry aligns with your personal values and is something that youre passionate about.

What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?

The biggest determining factor in any state falls on federal legalization. Thats going to make a significant difference in terms of how markets develop. I see NY as being a top three state, along with California and Florida. When it all shakes out, NY is a clear candidate for being one of the top retail markets in the country.

Do you use cannabis? If so, whats your favorite method and why?

Yes. My favorite method is vaping flower. I have a little vape called the DaVinci. You get the terps, you get the flavor, and the smoke isnt as harsh. I also like pre-rolls and other forms of flower consumption.

Who should contact you, and whats the best method?

Anyone in the NY cannabis market! Wed love to hear from you.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-riley-b4298774/
The first words Syracuse astronaut Jeanette Epps uttered in space included a shoutout to her hometown of Syracuse.

... And I also want to give a nod to Syracuse for supporting me through everything, Epps said over the video feed to mission control Sunday night as she and her crewmates headed out of Earths atmosphere and into space.

She also thanked her family and friends. Epps, 53, grew up on Syracuses South Side, graduating from Corcoran High School and Le Moyne College before heading to the University of Maryland for her doctorate.

Epps has been an astronaut since 2009, but this mission on SpaceX Crew 8 is her first, and it also was delayed. Sundays launch was originally scheduled for early Friday morning, but pushed back twice because of bad weather.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule with a crew of four on a mission to the International Space Station lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP

Epps and her three crewmates will be in orbit for 28 hours in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft before they reach the International Space Station.

Spaceflight is not like a road trip. It can take between three hours and three days for a spacecraft to reach the International Space Station, depending on the type of rocket and where the space station is in its orbit.

Epps and the crew are expected to dock at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Live coverage of the docking will begin at 1 a.m.

You can see where the Dragon is compared with the International Space Station here.

You can watch live at home: NASA.gov/nasatv, or follow along on official NASA social channels on X, including @NASA, @NASAKennedy, and @Commercial_Crew.

The process takes about an hour and 45 minutes to complete. Epps will spend six months on the space station, conducting a wide range of experiments to gather data on how life in space impacts humans.

In a previous interview, Epps said she hopes her example shows young girls in Syracuse that they can do anything: Youre not limited to that little world that you live in now. But the entire world is an option  You know the sky is not just the limit, the moon is the limit. And then hopefully after that Mars.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Aimee McBride stood in a corner at Kitty Hoynes and watched her husband, Brian, get his hair shaved off for the St. Baldricks event. Tears filled her eyes. Its been 13 years since her child, Michael, died from kidney cancer.

Brian was one of 140 people who shaved their heads Sunday afternoon to raise money for childhood cancer research. Others come to support and have a drink while watching. The event raised $200,200.

Four-year-old Michael was lovingly nicknamed Michael Motorcycle for his enjoyment of riding all things two wheeled. Michael was usually a full-speed-ahead adventurer, until he started feeling sick.

Brian McBride gets his head shaved at St. Baldrick's. He has been participating since 2011, when his six-year-old son, Michael, died from childhood cancer. (Melissa Newcomb|mnewcomb@syracuse.com).Melissa Newcomb

His parents repeatedly took him to the doctors, who ran various tests. They couldnt pinpoint why he wasnt feeling good until they took scans and ultrasounds. The family got the devastating news that Michael had kidney cancer.

Michael knew he was sick but he was too young to understand what cancer was or why he had to keep going to the hospital to get poked with needles when he wouldve rather been outdoors adventuring and riding bikes.

Were going to a special place that can fix you up and make you better, Brian recalled telling Michael. On our way home he said dad, thats not a special place.

Fulfilling his nickname, Michael asked for a motorcycle for his Make-A-Wish.

He got on that dirt bike and took off. They worried where he had gone but he came back 20 minutes later cruising like a natural, Brian said.

They asked him how he liked it as he rode around. Michael flashed a thumbs-up.

Michael was 6 years old when he died in 2011. The McBrides and their family and friends have attended St. Baldricks ever since. Michael would have turned 19 next week.

Now his picture sits on a banner with other children who lost their lives too early due to cancer. There was no cure to help them but the community rallies around the cause to help kids who are fighting cancer now and in the future.

Many attendees, like the McBrides, have been going to the St. Baldricks event at Kitty Hoynes for years.

Sue Klein gets her head shaven at St. Baldrick's. This is her 19th year in a row participating. Her grandchild, Brianna, had childhood cancer (Melissa Newcomb|mnewcomb@syracuse.com).Melissa Newcomb

Sue Klein sat in the barber chair for her 19th year in a row. The barber shaved her green hair off. This year, she brought along a new attendee.

Her great grandchild, Sadie Mae, is just six months old. Sadie Maes mother, Brianna, survived childhood cancer. Brianna held her baby as they watched great grandma and dad get their heads shaved next to each other.

Brianna was 6 years old when she was diagnosed on New Years Eve with lymphoma. She would spend the next two-and-a-half years in and out of the hospital going through rounds of chemotherapy.

She remembers sitting in the waiting room in the hospital when her parents were given the news. She didnt understand what cancer was but she understood that her family crying meant something was wrong.

She also remembers being in school and seeing all of the other little girls with long hair and bows. As her hair fell out, she clung to any tuft that remained. It was a remembrance of what life felt like before cancer.

Luckily Brianna got to experience a cancer-free life again. She lives a happy life with her husband and baby. She is a school social worker. Coming to support St. Baldricks each year is important to her and her family because they know too well how heart-wrenching a cancer diagnosis is.

Jack Murray kisses his baby, Sadie Mae, after getting his head shaved during St. Baldrick's. His wife, Brianna, had childhood cancer (Melissa Newcomb|mnewcomb@syracuse.com).Melissa Newcomb

Somebody else is going through the headache and wondering whats going to happen, Brianna said. Its something that I want to make sure were not just putting behind us that were cognizant that people are still facing this.

****

Contact reporter Melissa Newcomb anytime at 315-679-1068, or @melissarnewcomb on Twitter.
Astronauts, Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, left, and mission specialist Jeanette Epps wave to family members as they leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to Launch Pad 39-A, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Four astronauts are scheduled to liftoff on a trip to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP
NEW YORK (AP)  Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of Donald Trumps company, pleaded guilty Monday in New York to perjury in connection with testimony he gave in the ex-presidents civil fraud case.

Weisselberg, 76, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury and will be sentenced to five months in jail  which would be his second stint behind bars after 100 days last year in an unrelated tax fraud case.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to leaking highly classified military documents about the war in Ukraine and other national security secrets.

Teixeiras plea agreement with prosecutors calls for a prison sentence between 11 and nearly 17 years. Prosecutors plan to seek the high end of the range, according to the agreement.
A warning has been issued for Americans planning to visit Mexico over spring break.

Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said in an advisory last week. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.
Three days before Super Tuesday, former President Donald Trump made his pitch for Virginia votes on Saturday by telling a Richmond crowd that were a nation in decline, were a failing nation, where crime is out of control and illegal immigration is a gushing wound.

In a more than 90-minute address at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the presidential candidate repeated his unsubstantiated claims that he really won the 2020 election and called President Biden a man who is totally corrupt ... and who is cognitively impaired.

Trump, who lost Virginia in 2016 to Hillary Clinton and in 2020 to Biden, also promised he would push to carry Virginia this fall.

Were going to make a big play for Virginia, you know that, and I think we can do that, Trump said. We win Virginia and we win it 100%  its over.

In a wide-ranging speech, Trump firmly stressed a promise to close the U.S.-Mexico border, saying people crossing into the U.S. are coming from prisons and jails and mental institutions and insane asylums. ... Theyre coming from the Congo. They come from all parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, he said.

But, he told the crowd of at least 3,000 people  who filled two bleachers, 2,200 seats and crowded aisles and the back of the convention center hall  with your help, we will win big on Super Tuesday and this November, Virginia is going to tell crooked Joe Biden: Youre fired.

Virginia and 14 other states will vote for presidential nominees on Tuesday. Trump has won every GOP presidential nomination contest to date against his remaining rival, former South Carolina Gov. and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.

A GOP candidate needs 1,215 delegates to capture the partys presidential nomination. Trump further widened his lead on Saturday, winning GOP caucuses in Idaho and Missouri.

As of Saturday, Trump had 244 bound delegates to 24 for Haley and 12 for others, according to an Associated Press delegate count.

The former president flew to Richmond after holding an afternoon rally in Greensboro, North Carolina. While Gov. Glenn Youngkin did not attend the rally  he has said he will not endorse a candidate until after Super Tuesday  Trumps speech drew U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado, as well as a number of Republican members of the General Assembly.

Faces in the crowd back Trump

Lorrie Pond of Chesterfield County said she likes Trumps stand on immigration.

Weve got to close the border, she said.

She joined the line at 8:30 a.m., some 6 1/2 hours before doors opened at the convention center and about 10 hours before Trump spoke.

Im here to support Trump, said Paul King of Chesterfield. What I like is that hes not a politician. Thats the real problem, all the politicians. Theyre all on the take. Hes the only president who ever lost money while he was in office.

Wonderful to join @freedomcaucus Chairman Bob @GoodForCongress in Virginia with President Trump!



The people are ready!#MAGA  pic.twitter.com/7ETRtLW2hj  Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) March 3, 2024

Ive been here since 7:15. Im here to see Trump and to show were taking back the country, said Chris Biller of Glen Allen.

I want to see constitutional carry throughout the country, Im a big 2A man, he said, referring to gun rights. He added that the borders a huge issue right now. Im against everything the Democrats are doing. Its all got to change.

Trump, who awaits trial in four criminal cases, asserted Saturday that he faces more indictments than notorious gangster Al Capone.

He also reasserted his unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election he lost to Biden was rigged.

He said that if he were in office, Russia would not have invaded Ukraine and Hamas would not have attacked Israel.

Iran, China, Russia, North Korea were in check, they were afraid of us, they wouldnt act against us, he said, adding that the U.S. is now too weak to protect against outside aggression.

We will make America powerful again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America strong again. ... We will make America great again, he said.

4 others on GOP primary ballot have dropped out

Four other contenders on the GOP primary ballot in Virginia have ended their campaigns  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, investor Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman  but Haley has refused to drop her longshot challenge of Trump in the Republican primary, despite a lopsided loss in her home state last month.

On Thursday, she appeared at rallies at the Westin Richmond in Henrico County and at the Westin Tysons Corner in Fairfax County.

During the rally in Henrico, Haley said the U.S. cannot afford to go through four more years of chaos if Trump were elected.

She said she would be Republicans best chance to beat Biden in November.

Trump took the stage at 6:41 p.m. to Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A. and pledged to make a push to win Virginia in the general election.

Biden leads Trump 49% to 43% in Virginia in a potential 2024 rematch with 8% undecided, according to a survey from Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy released two months ago.

In 2020, Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points, 54.1% to 44%.
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Meeting of like minds between SRUC and Teagasc

Senior leaders from Scotlands Rural College (SRUC) and Teagasc have been discussing future collaboration opportunities for the two organisations, which both play a vital role in providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the land-based sector.

Senior leaders from SRUC and Teagasc met in Edinburgh to discuss opportunities for working together

Representatives from Teagasc - Irelands Agriculture and Food Development Authority  visited SRUC in Edinburgh to discuss Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), where knowledge generated through research can be focused and applied through a regional advisory service.

The Scottish Government is currently carrying out a consultation into Scotlands AKIS with a view to implementing changes to the Agriculture Support Package beyond 2027.

The meeting also covered opportunities to collaborate on work in Europe including with Horizon Europe and the European Alliance for the Natural Economy.

In addition, the group visited SRUCs Easter Howgate Farm to see the GreenCow facility, which is used to measure gas emissions from cattle and sheep, and the new GreenShed building which will power a methane capturing system and grow indoor crops.

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: Both Teagasc and SRUC have a research focus which reflects the importance of systems and supply chains and the links between a healthy planet, healthy agriculture and healthy food, and therefore we have a great deal to learn from each other.

Professor Frank O Mara, Director of Teagasc said; The agriculture and food industry is very important for both countries, and we can learn a lot from constructively co-operating and working together, on issues of common interest to Teagasc and SRUC.
Apple just pulled the plug on its electric car effort as Nvidias valuation continues to increase to a point where it may soon pass Apples.

From a financial performance perspective, both companies are near the top. Apple and Nvidia saw the opportunity for autonomous self-driving electric vehicles, but while Nvidias efforts were highly successful, Apple had to exit its late attempt to pivot to AI. I expect this, too, will fail because, typically, tactical companies have serious problems competing on strategic initiatives because they enter too late.

Lets talk about the differences between tactical and strategic management. Both can be successful but require quite different approaches. Well look at examples this week and close with my Product of the Week, a prototype laptop from Lenovo with a clear screen that caught my interest at the Mobile World Congress.

Nvidia vs. Apple on AI and Self-Driving Electric Cars

The initial ramp to AI and self-driving cars for Nvidia began at the beginning of this century. Over the following decades, Nvidia realized that to be successful, a great deal of infrastructure would need to be developed  including specialized workstations, simulation platforms like Omniverse, and far stronger AI capability than was possible back then.

This strategic endeavor cost the company millions over the years and is only now paying off in spades, allowing Nvidia to ramp up so rapidly in valuation that it may outstrip every other technology company.

But this master plan was far from risk-free. At any time, Nvidia could have found itself flanked by another company or technological breakthroughs that might have made its effort obsolete before getting it to market.

This scenario demonstrates the risk and cost of a strategic approach. You have to invest massively for years before you can productize the result, and if you guessed wrong or some other company executes better and steals your idea or convinces buyers it has or will have a better solution, that investment would have been wasted. This approach takes a ton of courage and an extremely high willingness to accept long-term risks.

Years later, Apple looked at Tesla, which was built using Apples model, showcasing that this model could work well in the automotive industry. After a reported failed attempt to acquire or merge with Tesla  which would have been a far better path  Apple decided to follow Tesla into the self-driving electric car market.

However, Apples effort was reactive and tactical. The company poured millions of dollars into the endeavor only to find that the expense was wasted when what it ended up with wasnt competitive.

Tactical approaches typically require outspending existing competition to power around it. Tactical approaches can be even more costly when expenses spike, but the risks of getting it wrong are reduced because someone else has already plowed that field. It seems less risky, but it is more a case of the risk being different.

Where the strategic player risks following the wrong path or being caught before they can productize the result, the tactical player risks following the wrong leader or being unable or unwilling to spend what it takes to be successful.

Microsoft Xbox, Zune, Phone

Microsofts Xbox effort showcased how to do tactical right. It was concerned that Sony might use its PlayStation platform to displace Windows PCs with appliances and moved to block that effort with Xbox.

Steve Ballmer managed the move, sparing no expense to ensure success. After massively outspending a typical strategic effort like Nvidias in a brief period, he created a successful alternative to Sonys offering, which continues today despite receiving far less support.

Subsequently, when it came to Zune and the Windows Phone, also managed by Ballmer, Microsoft seemed to throw out its successful Xbox plan and underfunded the Zune and phone efforts. That failed badly because Ballmer was unwilling to spend what was needed to be successful.

Microsoft spent billions (it bought most of Nokia), but that money was wasted, showcasing that if you arent willing to spend what is needed to be successful, your best path is to stay out of that market because all youll do is waste money.

Sunk Cost and Timing

When Tim Cook decided to exit the autonomous electric car effort, he showcased what many executives dont seem to get, which is the concept of sunk cost  an expense youve incurred and cannot be recovered and, therefore, should have no bearing on future decisions. You only factor in what you still need to spend and whether that will be worth the risk.

Cook looked at the electric car market and realized correctly that Apple was simply too far behind, and, with the demand for these cars slowing, the risk of catastrophic failure would be too great. So, Apple exited that market and shifted instead to AI investments. Here, too, its far behind. It would make more sense for Apple to invest in or buy an AI company like Microsoft is doing to close the gap between where it needs to be and where it is.

I should point out that with Siri and then later with Apples IBM partnership, Apple had two opportunities to invest strategically and get ahead of the curve, but it hasnt been operating strategically since Jobs departure. Unless Apple massively increases its investment and buys into an existing technology, its AI efforts will likely be too little and too late.

Tesla Strategic Thinking

Another example of strategic thinking is Tesla. Had it just brought out electric vehicles and not built out a huge public charging ecosystem, Tesla would be out of business now rather than one of the most highly regarded auto companies. It realized that to be successful, EVs needed places to charge that werent in homes.

Because no other car company seemed to get this, Tesla was able to jump way ahead of the other car companies who are still struggling to be successful with electric cars because they, too, operated tactically and under-invested.

Had every other electric car company (with the now growing perception that Chinese car companies are doing electrics right) simply decided not to do electric cars yet, theyd be in better financial shape than they are currently. It wasnt that electric cars werent coming. It was that when you are behind, you must out-invest the leader because you are coming from behind.

When you are a market leader like Tesla, everyone competing with you must spend more and move more quickly because you are ahead. That doesnt mean you can kick back, but it does mean that competitors, like Microsoft did in the Xbox example, must outspend you to catch up. If you arent willing to do that, youd be better off looking at a different market than wasting money in an unsuccessful effort to catch a leading vendor without adequate funding.

Wrapping Up

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang anticipated the coming of AI, robotics, and electric autonomous car markets. Over decades, he positioned Nvidia to lead in these segments.

IBM made similar, though not as successful, efforts with Watson and now Watsonx. Other examples of successful strategic thinking include Tesla, which entered a market (electric cars) that was mostly dead and then ended up owning the market  much like Apple did with the iPod and iPhone  because no one else wanted to take the chance or invest enough to compete with Tesla.

Tim Cook wisely left the autonomous electric car market because he was unwilling to invest to succeed. However, his risk is making that same mistake with AI, where the investment requirement will be much higher. I often worry that CEOs not only refuse to learn from each others successes and failures but also refuse to learn from their own, leading to future failures. The three recurring mistakes are:

Failing to assess the necessary costs for success accurately,

Treating requirements as options that can be avoided, or not knowing the requirements in the first place, and

Treating sunk costs as an asset that can be preserved.

Right now, Nvidias Jensen Huang is the gold standard for CEOs. We could all learn a lot, not only from him but especially from other CEOs.

Lenovo ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop

Lenovo has been thinking out of the box of late. Its latest experimental offering, the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop, was showcased at Mobile World Congress this week.

The focus is more on the display than the laptop itself, which is a prototype and will change before shipping. In addition, the prototype lacked the security and productivity feature that would disable the transparency on command.

ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop proof of concept (Image Credit: Lenovo)

Ive been fascinated by transparent screens ever since I saw the movie Minority Report. These screens would provide benefits for those who dont want their vision blocked by a monitor or a screen. For instance, in my office, my Dell 49-inch monitor covers my entire window view, so I have to stand up if I want to look out, which can get very annoying during the day.

Imagine a receptionist needing to see a client, a sales representative needing to both show a presentation on their laptop screen and read the slides (granted backward), or a teacher wanting to see if their students were working on the assignment or doing something unapproved on their laptop.

You probably wouldnt like the screen to be transparent all of the time. I expect youll want partial occlusion of the transparency to see videos, images, and text better most of the time. But being able to see through the screen, particularly if you had a large monitor like I do, would be a game changer for a lot of us who would like to share or see what the screen is currently blocking (like a small child or pet who has decided to chew or play with the electrical cords behind the desk).

If Lenovo can get this to work by funding the effort properly and targeting the right audience, it will be an example of strategic success. In the end, the technology has potential even in its current form, but it could evolve into something far greater. Thus, the Lenovo ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop is my Product of the Week.
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What's New
Virginia's primary on Tuesday is unlikely to change the trajectory of the presidential race, which appears headed toward a rematch of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

But political analysts say Trump's Richmond rally Saturday, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's Thursday appearance in Henrico County, and the January campaign kickoff that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held in Prince William County show both parties think Virginia remains a purple state that could be competitive in November.

Virginia, 14 other states and American Samoa will vote for presidential nominees on Super Tuesday. Trump faces Haley in the Republican contest. Democrats will choose between Biden and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn.

Polls will be open in Virginia from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any registered voter can cast a ballot. Virginians do not register by party, so a voter can cast a ballot in the Republican primary or the Democratic primary, but not both.

If there is any competition in Virginia on Tuesday, it is likely to be in the Republican primary.

Voters weigh in on Trump, Haley

Outside the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, Trump supporters said they see the former president as a strong leader, and many said they are particularly concerned about the U.S. gaining control of its southern border with Mexico.

Olivia Everett of Petersburg, a retired Philip Morris employee, said of Trump: Hes the best. He did it before, and he can do it again.

Everett added: Hes a strong man. Look at all the stuff that he has to deal with, and it just rolls off his back. He can handle a lot of stress  and he definitely is stressed.

Morgan Hall of Colonial Heights, who works in logistics for trucking shipments, listed multiple reasons why she backs Trump.

He supports strong borders, school choice, parents rights, she said. He had a strong economy for his entire four years. Hes the most pro-life president in American history, plus hes the most pro-Israel president. He kept a lot of promises that he made.

As for Trumps personal qualities: Hes an outsider, she said. Hes not like a regular politician. He doesnt have a filter. He speaks his mind. We need more of that.

Some Haley supporters who attended her rally Thursday at The Westin Richmond in Henrico contrasted the former governor's temperament with Trump's.

I think she is much more rational, said Micki Stout, adding that she does not want to be faced with a choice of Trump or Biden in November.

Chesterfield County resident Cheryl Poenisch said she believes Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is experienced and has a good grasp on foreign and domestic policy.

She added of Trump: "I personally just do not like him as a person."

Pundits weigh in

Olusoji Akomolafe, chair of the Department of Political Science at Norfolk State University, said Virginia should be relatively more competitive than South Carolina or Michigan, where Trump recently defeated Haley by wide margins, but that he would not be surprised to see Trump win Virginia by double digits on Tuesday.

Akomolafe said that while the Republican nomination is "a done deal," the major remaining candidates are coming here because Virginia remains a purple state and Virginia has been a bellwether."

If Trump makes a very strong showing right here in the commonwealth of Virginia," Democrats are "going to be watching their backs, Akomolafe said.

That's exactly what Trump's visit to Richmond can help signal, said Amy Walter of Cook Political Report.

Showing very strongly in the Super Tuesday states will be important as just sort of an exclamation point, she said.

Alex Keena, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, said of Super Tuesday: "I think this is probably Nikki Haley's last stand. She has to score some sort of victory and, if she's going to win anywhere, it would be in a state like Virginia."

Haley is likely looking to perform well in Virginia's large suburban population centers in Northern Virginia, the Richmond area and Hampton Roads. In Virginia's 2016 GOP presidential primary, in a field with more candidates, Trump edged Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., by fewer than 3 percentage points.

In that Virginia primary, "Trump didn't get support from nearly two-thirds of Virginia Republicans," said Keena, noting that "he's never done really well in the commonwealth" and "he's always underperformed."

What's at stake in Virginia?

To win the GOP nomination, a candidate needs to gain 1,215 delegates. Trump further widened his lead on Saturday, winning GOP caucuses in Idaho and Missouri. As of Saturday, Trump had 244 bound delegates to 24 for Haley and 12 for others who have dropped out, according to The Associated Press delegate tracker.

There are 48 delegates at stake in Virginias Republican primary. Twelve will be allotted to the statewide winner, and three each will be allocated proportionately, depending on the results in each of the states 11 congressional districts. Three delegates will not be bound to a candidate.

To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate needs to gain 1,968 delegates. There are 119 delegates at stake in Virginias Democratic primary, of which 99 will be pledged, depending on the statewide vote and the vote in each of the states 11 congressional districts. Twenty of the Virginia Democratic delegates will be unpledged.

So far, Biden has 206 delegates to 0 for Phillips, the Minnesota congressman. Two Democratic delegates are uncommitted.

Virginia's Republican ballot will feature four candidates who have dropped out: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman.

A third Democrat who qualified for the Virginia ballot, author Marianne Williamson, has also dropped out of the contest.

Turnout fluctuates in primaries

Even in competitive years, Virginia's presidential primaries draw comparatively low turnouts. Virginia's competitive 2016 GOP presidential primary drew 1,025,617 votes. As of Jan. 1 this year, Virginia had 6,178,219 registered voters.

In the 2016 GOP contest, Trump virtually swept the countryside, as Rubio won just 22 of Virginia's counties and cities. But Rubio prevailed in many of the state's population centers, beating Trump by nearly 20,000 votes in Fairfax County while carrying Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, Chesterfield and Henrico counties and the cities of Alexandria and Richmond.

This is why Haley chose Henrico and Fairfax for stops as part of a multistate swing ahead of Super Tuesday.

Haley's Henrico event was Anna Eldridge's first time attending a political gathering. Her husband, who was out of town that day, had been singing Haley's praises.

She said she identifies as an independent and that her voting record has swung between both political parties over the years. On Thursday, she decided to go and see what her husband's singing was all about.

I think we need leadership to bring the two sides together for the better of the country, said Eldridge, adding that she believes Haley might be the person who could do that.

Will Virginia be in play?

As for the general election, Republicans carried Virginia in 13 of the 14 presidential elections from 1952 to 2004. The only exception was in 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson carried the state.

But starting with Democrat Barack Obama's breakthrough in 2008, Democrats have carried Virginia in four straight presidential elections.

In 2016, while Trump won the presidency, Democrat Hillary Clinton beat Trump by 5 percentage points in Virginia. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points.

Until 2021, when Glenn Youngkin led a GOP sweep for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, Republicans had not won any statewide election in Virginia since 2009.

"Only a few years ago, a lot of people thought that maybe Virginia wasn't a swing state anymore," said VCU's Keena, "but clearly it still is and, with the right message, Republicans can still win Virginia."

That is likely a reason why Biden and Harris chose Prince William in Virginia for their first general election campaign appearance, a January rally focused on abortion rights.

In a Roanoke College poll out Friday, Trump was picked by 75% of self-described Republicans as their first choice to be the Republican nominee for president in November, followed by 15% for Haley and 8% for someone else.

But among respondents who said they are likely to vote in Tuesday's primary  a group that could include independents and some Democrats - Trump led Haley by 8 percentage points, 51% to 43%.

In potential general election matchups, Biden led Trump 47% to 43%, but Haley led Biden 49% to 40%.
A hot potato: In a move that some might call hypocritical, the lawyers who stopped Elon Musk's $56 billion Tesla pay package by successfully arguing it was excessive are now asking to be paid the equivalent of $6 billion in the EV giant's stock. According to a court filing, that works out at an hourly rate of $288,888.

More than five years after shareholder Richard Tornetta filed suit against Tesla over claims it breached its fiduciary duty by unjustly enriching its CEO to the tune of $56 billion, a Delaware judge voided Musk's pay package in January.

In a court filing last week, lawyers from the three law firms that represented Tornetta  Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, Friedman Oster & Tejtel, and Andrews & Springer  wrote "We recognize that the requested fee is unprecedented in terms of absolute size."

The lawyers argue that Tesla is being asked to pay the massive fee because it will benefit from the return of Musk's compensation, which they claim will result in 266 million shares being returned to the company.

"This structure has the benefit of linking the award directly to the benefit created and avoids taking even one cent from the Tesla balance sheet to pay fees," the shareholder legal team said, adding that the fee was tax-deductible for Tesla.

Lawyers wrote in their filing that they believed they could have fairly asked for a third of the "benefit conferred" from Musk's canceled $56 billion pay award, based on past precedent. They noted that a Delaware case from 2012 saw lawyers awarded nearly $300 million, or 15% of the shareholder recovery, whereas they are willing to accept 11%.

Kathaleen McCormick, the judge who denied Musk's Tesla pay package for being excessive, must approve the lawyers' fee request. The Guardian notes that Tesla may also object, as it did to a fee request in a similar case over the pay for its directors.

If the lawyers get their way, they will receive just over 29.4 million shares, making them one of Tesla's top ten shareholders. They described the request as "conservative" under Delaware law, which they say entitles them to 33% of the "quantifiable conferred benefit."

It was also noted that the lawyers worked on a contingency basis, having been paid nothing for their six years of work and risked receiving nothing if they lost. They are also asking for an expense reimbursement of $1.1 million.

Elon Musk responded to the news of the requested fee with a post on X/Twitter that read: "The lawyers who did nothing but damage Tesla want $6 billion. Criminal."

The lawyers who did nothing but damage Tesla want $6 billion. Criminal. https://t.co/JI6eQPTxQ2  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 2, 2024

The previous highest fee awarded in a shareholder case in federal court was the $688 million granted in 2008 to the legal team that secured a $7.2 billion settlement in the Enron securities fraud case.

Musk is expected to appeal McCormick's pay package ruling. He is also moving his companies out of the state of Delaware in retaliation.

In other news, a law firm was rebuked by a judge last month for using ChatGPT to calculate lawyers' fees at an "excessive" $600 per hour.
Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. Beyond its substantial investments in OpenAI and the integration of AI into products like Copilot in Windows 11, the tech giant is extending its influence to a new contender in the AI landscape: French startup Mistral AI.

On Feb. 27, Microsoft announced a surprising 15-million euro ($16 million) investment in Mistral AI, an AI company based in Paris. TechTimes previously reported that the investment includes plans to integrate Mistral's AI models into Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform.

Microsoft and Mistral AI are set to turbocharge AI innovation, thrusting Mistral Large, the flagship commercial model of Mistral AI, into the spotlight on Microsoft Azure. Mistral Large, a versatile language model adept in code and mathematics, can process multiple documents in a single call. Supporting languages including French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English, it stands as the world's second-ranked model available through an API, closely trailing GPT-4, per TechRadar.

The collaboration revolves around supercomputing infrastructure, market scaling, and AI research and development. Microsoft plans to contribute Azure AI supercomputing infrastructure to enhance AI training and inference workloads for Mistral AI's flagship models.

Customers will gain access to Mistral AI's premium models through Models as a Service (MaaS) in Azure AI Studio and the Azure Machine Learning model catalog. This coupled with Azure's AI-optimized infrastructure and enterprise-grade capabilities, offers Mistral AI expanded opportunities to promote, sell, and distribute its models to Microsoft customers globally.

Mistral AI's CEO Arthur Mensch expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "Together, we are committed to driving impactful progress in the AI industry and delivering unparalleled value to our customers and partners globally."

(Photo : Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Arthur Mensch, cofounder and CEO of Mistral AI attends the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park on November 2, 2023 in Bletchley, England.

Mistral AI Emerges as a Strong Contender with Mixtral 8x7B Model

As earlier reported by TechTimes, Mistral is making significant strides, asserting that its latest AI language model, Mixtral 8x7B, rivals OpenAI's GPT-3.5 in performance. This claim holds weight, considering the dominance of OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5 in the current market.



Recently achieving 'unicorn status' with substantial funding reaching $2 billion in its latest funding round, Mistral is now one of the most valuable startups in the AI sector.





Mistral AI introduced the Mixtral 8x7B language model, incorporating a mixture of expert models (MoE) with open weights. Positioned as the strongest and most cost-effective language model, it boasts a permissive license. Mistral confidently asserts that the Mixtral 8x7B matches or surpasses GPT-3.5 on most standard benchmarks, establishing itself as a formidable contender in the competitive AI landscape.

Read Also: Nearly One-Third Return Apple Vision Pro Due to Setup Confusion



In its early stages, the Mixtral 8x7B handles an impressive 32,000 context tokens and supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.





Mistral boldly claims superiority over Meta's LLaMa 2 model on various benchmarks, showcasing up to six times faster interference. This assertion, coupled with substantial funding and promising early performance metrics, positions Mistral as a serious contender in the race for AI language model supremacy.



EU Legislators Call for Antitrust Probe Following Microsoft's Investment in Mistral AI



Meanwhile, Microsoft's work with Mistral AI has prompted EU legislators to seek for an antitrust inquiry. This comes as EU antitrust regulators investigate Microsoft's cooperation with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The European Commission is concerned about these corporations violating the competition laws of the European Union.





Microsoft stated that the investment will turn into stock in Mistral's next fundraising round, as many tech companies do when investing in AI businesses without value. Microsoft stressed that it did not manage OpenAI during an examination of its multi-billion-dollar investment last year.

Microsoft invested in OpenAI, gaining access to its advanced models and earnings, a matter currently under antitrust examination in both the EU and the US.

Related Article: MWC 2024: Vodafone's CEO Advocates for Regulatory Reform and Industry-Wide Collaboration

 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Scientists at the University of Maine are pioneering innovative methods to comprehend the impacts of climate change on the Greenland Ice Sheet.

(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)

UPERNAVIK, GREENLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Icebergs are seen from NASA's Oceans Melting Greenland (OMG) research aircraft on September 7, 2021 near Upernavik, Greenland.

Enhancing Climate Models Though GPS-Tracked Icebergs

Employing GPS-tracked icebergs, researchers from the University of Maine meticulously monitor their trajectories as they traverse Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord.

This groundbreaking approach facilitates real-time observation of changes in glacier dynamics. By utilizing icebergs as mobile research platforms, scientists gain unprecedented insights into the intricate interactions between ocean currents and glacial formations.

Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, this revolutionary technique holds immense potential for enhancing our understanding of climate change and devising effective mitigation strategies.

Between 2014 and 2019, a team led by Kristin Schild and David Sutherland from the University of Oregon tracked 13 icebergs as they traveled through Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord.

They collected a lot of data, which Sydney Baratta, a student, used for her senior project and continued to study in grad school.

Researchers noticed that the movement of freshwater from other fjords affects how water moves in the main fjord. This is important for predicting things like ocean currents and how fast sea levels might rise.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is tough to study, but it's one of the best places to understand how glaciers and oceans interact. Icebergs there move around a lot because of winds and currents. By tracking them with GPS, the scientists could figure out how everything fits together.

Extending Beyond the Arctic Context

Carlos Moffat, a researcher from the University of Delaware, commended this innovative strategy. Normally, equipment deployed in fjords faces the risk of damage from drifting ice. However, the concept of using icebergs as protective barriers represents a significant advancement.

Baratta illustrated the concept by likening icebergs to floating ice cubes in a glass of water. However, in a fjord, they are subject to various external factors such as wind and currents, causing them to drift.

The aim was to attach GPS trackers to the icebergs to analyze the circulation patterns of the fjord and understand their interaction with the surrounding environment.

This research extends beyond the Arctic context. Greenland and Antarctica hold immense ice reserves capable of exerting a global influence on sea levels. Understanding the processes driving ice sheet melting is crucial for predicting future climate changes.

Also Read: AI Tracks Melting Icebergs 10,000 Times Faster Than Humans

Lauren Ross, a researcher at UMaine, emphasized the broad applicability of this study, particularly in comprehending fluid dynamics. In the context of climate change, the need for precise data is increasingly paramount.

UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy underscored the significance of this research, noting the profound influence glaciers have wielded over the Earth's history and the insight this study offers into future scenarios.

The funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA's Early Career Investigator Program was instrumental in facilitating this groundbreaking research.

Related Article: [LOOK] Researchers Capture First Aerial Footage of London-sized Icebergs

 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A recent study has revealed a compelling link between air pollution and Alzheimer's disease, a debilitating condition characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.

(Photo : SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

A woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease has the hand of a relative on March 18, 2011 in a retirement home in Angervilliers.

Linking Air Pollution to Alzheimer's

Scientists have identified magnetite, a minute particle found in air pollution, as a potential trigger for Alzheimer's symptoms.

As posted in Science Direct, this discovery sheds new light on the environmental factors that may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, highlighting the importance of addressing air quality for brain health.

Scientists led by Associate Professors Cindy Gunawan and Kristine McGrath at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) teamed up with researchers in Australia and Singapore to explore the correlation between air pollution and brain health.

Their groundbreaking research involved exposing laboratory mice and human neuronal cells to harmful air pollution particles to investigate their potential role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

According to Associate Professor Gunawan, while genetic factors contribute to less than 1% of Alzheimer's cases, environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the disease.

Previous research has suggested a link between air pollution and Alzheimer's, but this study is the first to investigate whether brain-bound magnetite particles can trigger its symptoms.

This research represents the initial effort to determine if the presence of magnetite particles in the brain could lead to the manifestation of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Throughout the course of the four-month investigation, both healthy and genetically susceptible mice were subjected to exposure to iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons.

Notably, the presence of magnetite consistently mirrored Alzheimer's-like pathologies in the mice, including the loss of crucial brain cells, the accumulation of amyloid plaque, and heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and short-term memory impairment.

Also Read: AI Predicts, Detects Alzheimer's Disease in New Study

Associate Professor McGrath disclosed that magnetite is a prevalent air pollutant originating from vehicle emissions, wood fires, power plants, and even from the wear and tear of brake pads.

She emphasized that these particles possess the troubling capability to infiltrate the brain through the nasal passages, bypassing the protective blood-brain barrier.

In both mice and human cells, the presence of magnetite triggered an immune response, prompting inflammation and oxidative stress, both known contributors to dementia.

Expressing Concerns

Dr. Charlotte Fleming, co-author of the study, expressed concern over the findings, noting that magnetite appears to induce neurodegeneration even in otherwise healthy mice.

According to Dr. Fleming, these findings imply that individuals exposed to airborne magnetite particles may be at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, irrespective of their genetic predisposition or other risk factors.

As a result, she emphasized the importance of monitoring and regulating magnetite levels in the atmosphere, as well as raising awareness of the potential health risks associated with air pollution.

The study's implications underscore the urgent need for action from healthcare professionals and policymakers to mitigate air pollution's impact on brain health.

Drastic measures such as incorporating magnetite into safety standards and implementing strategies to reduce emissions from vehicles and power plants should take precedence to safeguard the public against the risks of neurodegenerative conditions.

Related Article: Study Finds Erectile Dysfunction Drugs May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
According to reports, the French police are testing AI-powered surveillance cameras this week to prepare for the cameras' intended deployment at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Six AI-equipped cameras have been placed throughout the Accor Arena by Paris police for the first time in the country to track crowd movements and spot any unusual or dangerous activities.

The experiment's main goal is to get ready for the Paris Olympics, which takes place in five months and is predicted to provide a serious security issue for the police. The opening ceremony is planned to be guarded by over 30,000 officers.

(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A security camera is seen across the street from the World Trade Center site July 9, 2007 in New York City. A London-style surveillance system, dubbed the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative, is being planned to blanket the area with 3,000 security cameras and other measures in an effort to detect terrorists.

One of the few new security initiatives being implemented for the 2024 Olympics is the use of AI-powered cameras. According to reports, locals living close to Olympic venues would also have to apply for a QR code that would enable them to get by security obstacles.

Residents of the prohibited zones would also be required to register any guests who might like to view the action from their houseboat, balcony, window, or rooftop.

Attendees of the Depeche Mode concerts on Sunday and Tuesday will be monitored by the security cameras. A bill authorizing the use of AI for the security of sporting and leisure events was passed by the French parliament in May of last year.

However one of the grounds for the law was the turmoil of the 2022 Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the Stade de France, where fans were pepper sprayed by riot police and crushed in congested bottlenecks.

Read Also: Pioneering the Fight Against Online Fraud through Advanced AI Integration

AI Surveillance

AI cameras at the concert last night should notify surveillance operators of any unusual or potentially dangerous activities as part of the real-time experiment. Surveillance operators will determine whether or not to notify authorities and request police action after the AI has reported an occurrence.

Eight categories of events will reportedly be monitored by the AI: counterflowing traffic, persons in forbidden areas, crowd movement, misplaced parcels, weapon use or presence, crowded conditions, a body on the ground, and fire. According to reports, however, ministers have pledged not to make any arrests based on photos chosen by the AI cameras during the test.

Criticism Surrounding AI-Assisted Security

Back in October 2023, a total of 65 British lawmakers joined the European Union in calling for an end to live facial recognition technology, which was outlawed in the first part of 2023. The British lawmakers joined several nonprofits and charitable groups in calling for using live face recognition to be discontinued.

Among many others, Big Brother Watch has already criticized facial recognition surveillance cameras in the UK for collecting millions of faceprints without permission and citing this as a dangerous precedent. Such technology was viewed as a danger to liberties and privacy.

However, it has not been enough to appease privacy advocacy Quadrature du Net, which claims that more arbitrary arrests would result from greater dependence on AI technology and that the proposal is a slippery slope towards legitimizing increased surveillance technologies being used on the general public.

Related Article: Corporate AI Race Could Cause Privacy, Security Risks to the Public, New Study Shows

 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The renowned chip manufacturer, Qualcomm, launched an "app store for AI," calling this the new "AI Hub" which offers as many as 75 models accessible for free. However, several catches come with it, as these models are only available for certain devices, but they already come as pre-optimized AI models that users may enjoy for their respective gadgets.

Various AI models available on a certain hub were seen before from OpenAI's GPT store, mainly focusing on GPT-based apps from its partner developers.

Qualcomm AI Hub: Over 75 Models Available for Free

Back in Qualcomm's MWC 2024 showcase, the company unveiled its latest dive towards the world of artificial intelligence with its official launch of the AI Hub. Through this platform, over 75 AI models are available to download and access for free, centering on an all-inclusive library featuring pre-optimized experiences for users, depending on their needs.

Some of the supported experiences available here are computer vision, anomaly detection, and natural language processing while focusing on high performance with minimal energy consumption.

It offers a mix of AI and generative AI models from renowned names in the industry including Stable Diffusion, Whisper, Baichuan 7B, ControlNet, and more.

Read Also: IKEA AI Assistant Now Available on GPT Store, to Help with Designing Spaces

What's The Catch from Qualcomm's AI Hub?

AI Hub is offering an extensive list of AI models available on the platform, but the catch is, that users have to use Qualcomm devices or Snapdragon-equipped gadgets for this access. Its main goal is to optimize the experience for mobile and edge devices, leveraging Qualcomm's AI Engine hardware acceleration present on its cores like CPU, GPU, and NPU.

The on-device AI experiences via the AI Hub leverages more of the many models available for users to enjoy, centering on Qualcomm's power to deliver artificial intelligence and make it more accesible for all.

AI Models, Apps from App Stores

The massive presence of AI is felt across the tech industry already, and while it was initially available via the web, certain developers offered this artificial intelligence access through apps from famed app stores. In Apple's App Store, there are already ChatGPT alternatives to enjoy for the iPhone that require no subscriptions to fully access, and the same goes for Google's Play Store.

OpenAI's renowned take on its large language model (LLM), GPT, also debuted the GPT Store which features developments turned to custom AI chatbots, assistants, experiences, and more to use for apps and browsers. Its formal launch this early 2024, it already featured as many as three million custom chatbots, alongside other AI experiences available from those using OpenAI's GPT.

Through this AI app store-like platform, users are given more access to incorporating AI into their everyday needs or for specific purposes, widely available here. This take from Qualcomm, offers the AI Hub with free access for everyone, with the only catch being that it is only available for Qualcomm devices and Snapdragon-equipped tech, pre-optimized for their convenience.

Related Article: Samsung to Help Qualcomm Develop 2nm Chips? TSMC Also Asked for Assistance

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Regulators have greenlit an expansion of Waymo's self-driving taxis, paving the way for increased presence in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California regulators are set to make a crucial decision regarding the expansion plans of two competing robotaxi services, Cruise and Waymo, in San Francisco.

Expanding to Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Are

The California Public Utilities Commission granted approval for Waymo's robotaxis to operate in additional counties surrounding these cities, extending their reach beyond urban centers and into Silicon Valley's core.

Earlier reports indicated that the PUC had halted the application process, suggesting a delay until June. However, Waymo has refuted these claims, clarifying that they merely stemmed from a routine announcement of delay when processing extends beyond the standard 30 days.

The confusion was partly due to opposition expressed by San Mateo County, encompassing a significant portion of the San Francisco Peninsula expansion. Initially, San Mateo County Attorney John Nibbelin lodged a complaint with the CPUC, alleging Waymo's inadequate communication.

However, Nibbelin later retracted the claim, acknowledging Waymo's engagements with several members of the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive. Waymo also emphasized conducting numerous briefings with county stakeholders.

Along with its erroneous assertion, San Mateo's position mirrors the antagonism observed in a handful of other localities, notably San Francisco. In California, road traffic is overseen by the state DMV, while taxi services fall under the jurisdiction of the CPUC.

Concerns, Frustrations for Robotaxies

Despite cities lacking authority over roads, they do manage curbs and parking spaces. This arrangement has led to frustration among certain municipalities. However, other areas like the Phoenix metropolitan area and Austin have experienced smoother interactions with robotaxi firms.

Robotaxi companies assert their commitment to fostering positive relationships with the cities they operate in, but they appear cautious about fully embracing this endeavor.

Their reluctance stems from concerns about the logistical challenges posed by being subject to regulation by the numerous local governments their vehicles traverse.

Also Read: Cruise's Comeback: Robotaxi Testing Set to Resume in Houston and Dallas

The expansion into the Peninsula, encompassing 21 cities and 3 counties, exemplifies the scale of this challenge, which would only intensify with further expansion across the entire Bay Area.

While regulatory oversight currently resides with state authorities, discontent among city stakeholders has prompted advocacy efforts in Sacramento. The proposed legislation seeks to grant municipalities greater regulatory authority, although its prospects for passage remain uncertain.

Waymo's expansion to serve the Peninsula and LA presents unique challenges compared to downtown San Francisco, resembling their operations in Phoenix. While familiar with the Peninsula, freeway driving remains necessary for longer rides, although not yet offered publicly.

Both areas heavily rely on cars, posing challenges for taxi-style services. Access to airports like SFO remains restricted due to city regulations, while resistance in LA adds further hurdles.

Despite these obstacles, Waymo's presence across three major cities marks a significant milestone, addressing misconceptions about robotaxi's capabilities.

Related Article: Waymo Facing Setback as California Regulator Suspends Robotaxi Expansion Amid Safety Concerns

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Google's 'Photomath' application is now reportedly being powered by artificial intelligence (AI), being the latest app in the tech giant's lineup of AI-powered productivity tools.

Google revealed in May 2022 that it was purchasing the app Photomath, which solves math problems. After a regulatory assessment, the acquisition finished last year, but Google did not launch the app under its name on the Play Store until recently.

With Photomath, users can snap a photo of any math equation-including word problems-and receive detailed instructions on how to answer it. Calculus, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and elementary math are all supported.

(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A sign is posted in front of a building on the Google campus on January 31, 2022 in Mountain View, California.

Photomath moved to Google's publisher account on the Play Store and iOS App Store earlier this week. It has received 4.5 ratings and more than 100 million downloads on Android. For $9.99 a month or $69.99 a year, the program offers an optional Photomath Plus membership that includes "Textbook Solutions," animated tutorials, and thorough explanations.

While Google Search provides specialized assistance for geometry, calculus, and trigonometry, Google Lens already has a noticeable "Homework" filter that allows users to snap pictures of mathematic problems. Google Lens and Search are expected by reports to eventually incorporate photomath-specific features.

Read Also: EmoAda: New AI System Aims to Provide Emotional Support Through Chat

AI-Powered Math Solver Applications

AI-powered math problem solvers are not an entirely new premise as back in September of last year, Jerome Pesenti, the former vice president of AI at Meta, released Sizzle, a free learning app driven by AI that offers detailed solutions to word problems and math equations.

The AI-powered app stands out for providing solutions as well as serving as a tutor chatbot, assisting students with the problem-solving process. It recently added several new capabilities, such as the capacity to grade assignments and generate new stages.

Sizzle reportedly distinguishes itself by expanding its ability to include word problems in physics, chemistry, and biology, much like arithmetic-solving programs like Photomath and Symbolab. The app also serves a range of academic levels from middle and high school to advanced placement (AP) and college.

Google also recently released a new Chrome extension called "Help Me Write," which is intended to assist users in coming up with writing ideas when they draft or edit text in online open fields. This is especially useful for short-form content such as reviews or surveys.

Google's "Help Me Write" is reportedly a creative writing tool that uses generative AI to make writing on the web easier and more productive. It is described as experimental.

Google's AI-Powered Optimism

Google's ongoing use of AI is consistent with recent remarks made by the tech giant, which purportedly expressed optimism about the integration of its state-of-the-art AI models into smartphones within the next year.

The tech giant anticipates that starting in the upcoming year, gadgets will begin to integrate its Gemini large language model (LLM), which was created to compete with Microsoft-backed OpenAI's potent GPT-4 AI model.

Related Article: Google Drive iOS: Improved Search Filtering and MORE Arrives

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China has set its sights on the moon, unveiling ambitious plans to establish a comprehensive surveillance network dubbed "Skynet." This network, equipped with an astonishing 600 million cameras, aims to safeguard lunar assets and monitor foreign visitors to the moon.

The inspiration for this lunar surveillance system stems from China's existing terrestrial project, also called Skynet, which is considered the world's largest video surveillance network.

With one camera for every two adult Chinese citizens, Skynet's cameras, which double the number of US surveillance cameras, blanket the country, ensuring comprehensive monitoring from the state.

China's Moon Surveillance Plans

In collaboration with other leading agencies and academic institutions, the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) is spearheading this lunar initiative.

By drawing on the successes of the terrestrial Skynet project, they plan to construct and operate an optical surveillance system for China's forthcoming lunar research station. China is looking to establish its first base on the lunar surface by 2028.

The South China Morning Post reported that the planned lunar Skynet will consist of high-performance security cameras outfitted with AI-powered chips.

These tiny cameras, weighing only 100 grams each, will be able to identify, track, and aim at suspicious targets on their own. The system will immediately create alert signals and initiate appropriate responses if anything unusual is discovered.

China's envisioned lunar research station will include essential facilities, including a command center, power station, communication hub, and scientific labs. Additionally, it will feature its fleet of robots and satellites for remote sensing, navigation, and communication.

A robust monitoring system is deemed essential to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the lunar station. Critical zones may even require continuous, 360-degree surveillance.

Furthermore, the system will offer multi-camera, high-definition live streams for significant events such as spacecraft arrivals and departures.

Read Also: China-US Scientists Unveil World's Strongest 3D-Printed Titanium Alloy

Challenges and Concerns

Along with its controversial moniker, critics express concerns about privacy violations despite proponents maintaining that the deployment of Skynet has helped to make China one of the safest countries in the world.

Additionally, the lack of a regulatory framework governing potential conflicts between lunar bases raises concerns about international cooperation and peace in space exploration endeavors.

However, bringing Skynet to the moon presents numerous challenges. Lunar surveillance cameras must endure extreme space conditions, including high-energy particle radiation and drastic temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, they must function autonomously in the event of communication loss with Earth.

Chinese authorities are collaborating with leading technology companies to address these challenges. Smartphone manufacturers and other tech giants are expected to contribute expertise in lens design, chip technology, protective materials, and AI algorithms.

Furthermore, China's lunar ambitions align with those of the United States, as both nations plan to establish international bases at the moon's south pole. However, concerns persist regarding potential conflicts and regulatory frameworks governing lunar activities.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: US General Warns of China's Rapid Military Space Expansion

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Anthropic, a leading AI startup, has unveiled its latest suite of models, Claude 3, a powerful tool in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

The best model in the Claude 3 family, Claude 3 Opus, outperforms competitors like OpenAI's GPT-4 and Google's Gemini 1.0 Ultra in a variety of benchmark tests, according to Anthropic, a startup backed by tech giants Google and Amazon.com.

CEO Dario Amodei described the Claude 3 Opus as the "Rolls-Royce of models" at this point, emphasizing its advanced capabilities, according to a report by Reuters.

(Photo: Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch) Anthropic Co-Founder & CEO Dario Amodei speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 at Moscone Center on September 20, 2023, in San Francisco, California.

It Comes with a Higher Price

Anthropic's announcement follows a series of rival releases in the AI space and the introduction of Claude 2 in July. The competitive landscape highlights the ongoing effort of companies to dominate charts ranking AI performance, even as businesses grapple with incorporating such technology effectively.

Daniela Amodei, President of Anthropic, noted that customers willing to pay a higher price would opt for Claude 3 Opus, especially if they required advanced cognitive capabilities for tasks like complex financial analysis.

Anthropic disclosed that it would charge $15 for Claude 3 Opus per million data pieces, known as tokens, making it at least five times less expensive than its smaller models handling the same amount. In comparison, OpenAI charges $10 per million tokens for its GPT-4 Turbo model.

Read Also: Waymo Gears Up for LA Robotaxi Service After State Approval

How Powerful is Claude 3?

Claude 3 represents Anthropic's first "multimodal" AI suite, allowing it to respond to both text queries and images, similar to some other rival models. The creation of fresh content on demand is possible thanks to this generative AI capability, which OpenAI's ChatGPT has popularized.

In a report from CNBC, Anthropic highlighted Claude 3's ability to summarize up to approximately 150,000 words, equivalent to a substantial book like "Moby Dick" or "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The previous version could only summarize 75,000 words. Users can input large datasets and request summaries in memo, letter, or story formats, distinguishing it from ChatGPT, which can handle around 3,000 words.

Today, we're announcing Claude 3, our next generation of AI models.



The three state-of-the-art modelsClaude 3 Opus, Claude 3 Sonnet, and Claude 3 Haikuset new industry benchmarks across reasoning, math, coding, multilingual understanding, and vision. pic.twitter.com/TqDuqNWDoM March 4, 2024

CEO Amodei also emphasized Claude 3's improved understanding of risk in responses compared to its predecessor. The model exhibits a more nuanced understanding of prompts, addressing previous issues of over-refusal seen in Claude 2.

Claude 3 will not produce images but will examine them, reflecting lower enterprise demand for this feature. Anthropic confirmed that the Claude 3 models would be available through Amazon and Google's cloud platforms, as well as sold directly in 159 countries.

In a related development, Google has introduced the 'Photomath' app as its newest tool. Google's 2022 acquisition of the Photomath application led it to become AI-powered, joining Google's arsenal of AI-driven productivity tools.

TechTimes previously reported that the Photomath app allows users to photograph math equations, including word problems, and receive detailed instructions on how to solve them. The app recently moved to Google's publisher account on the Play Store and iOS App Store, offering an optional Photomath Plus membership for additional features at a subscription cost.

Related Article: Microsoft and Mistral AI's Multi-Million Euro Partnership to Reshape AI Landscape, New Challenger to OpenAI's Dominance

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Recently, the "Death with Dignity" bill, SB 280, was passed by the Virginia state Senate. This bill would allow a patient, under certain medical situations and conditions, to request that medications be prescribed to end his or her life. Some of the so-called safeguards in this bill are difficult to determine and to maintain under more typical health care situations  and potentially much more problematic in end-of-life situations.

Care and compassion can be offered in so many ways other than in requesting to kill oneself. Efforts such as being at the bedside with the presence of family, prayer, meditation, music, readings and pictures are beautiful ways to comfort the patient who is near the end of life.

Many patients with a terminal illness fear the dying process, and either anticipate or suffer from severe pain. Today's medical practice has excellent pain medications and superb hospice service that can be provided with compassion, care and a high degree of medical professionalism. The traditional doctors offering is one of patient recovery, with hopeful return to near normalcy and flourishing, and  when appropriate  to allow the life to end. This professional doctor-patient relationship must not be violated.

The patient who demands the doctor's participation in the ending of life turns this professional relationship upside down. The role of the doctor is to affirm life, to relieve suffering and to give compassionate and competent care as long as the patient is alive.
Nepalese telco Ncell revealed on Friday it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian telco e& international to collaborate on delivering key digital services, products, and platforms in Nepal.

According to the MoU, Ncell and e& international have identified a long list of areas in which they will work together. The list includes customer value management (CVM) and advanced analytics, commercial support, which includes B2C and B2B sales and marketing, customer experience, procurement, mobile network code (MNC) services support, and digital transformation among others.

Ncell and e& international will collaborate on other fronts, including network optimisation, cost-effective solutions for remote areas, technology optimization for green field analysis, competitive network performance assessment (crowdsourcing), value creation through direct sourcing with approved OEM/ODM, and service transition.

Ncell will spearhead design and identification of technical solutions to enhance delivery of voice and data services to rural and remote areas with increased efficiency and effectiveness while simultaneously reducing capex and opex.

The collaboration also includes carrier and wholesale services. Ncell said it will leverage e& Groups global footprint of over 850 operators worldwide to elevate mobile and roaming enablement, messaging, and voice services and fortifying revenue streams.

Further down the road, Ncell and e& international plan to leverage data analytics machine learning and AI models to create omnichannels for real-time and contextual marketing.

Ncell said the collaboration will be instrumental in driving revenue, bringing innovative services, saving in procurement and network optimization, and driving international long distance (ILD) business and digital solutions.

Ncell also expects the collaboration with e& international to pay off in terms of delivering tangible and impactful results to customers in Nepal by easing their digitalization journeys.

Jabbor Kayumov, Ncells CEO and MD, described the alliance as a significant breakthrough in Ncells journey from telco to digital techco.

This partnership aligns with our commitment to accelerating digital transformation by contributing to the digital evolution of Nepal, he said. With e& internationals leadership and vast experience in partner network programs, we are confident that this collaboration will empower Ncell to unlock boundless opportunities.

Khaled Mohamed Riad, chief business officer, e& international, added: By combining e& international's global expertise in developing world-class digital networks with Ncell's deep understanding of the local market, I'm confident we can help accelerate the countrys progress in the digital age."
MTN Group warned that its annual profits could plunge by 90% due to the devaluation of the Nigerias currency affecting its MTN Nigeria unit.

MTN said in a profit warning: The financial result has been negativelyaffected by the sharp devaluation in the Naira against the US dollar impacting MTN Nigerias financials, despite the operating companys solid underlying operational performance.

To showcase a measure of profit, the operator detailed earnings per share are likely to have fallen between 70% and 90% last year, The FT reported.

Since June, the Naira dropped 70% against the US dollar, adding strain to MTNs business by adding operating and finance costs as well as losses in forex. MTN Nigeria accounts for a third of MTNs earnings, the group has 79 million customers in the country.

MTN Nigeria recently announced on the Nigerian Stock Exchange it recorded a NGN133.8 billion (US$83 million) net loss in 2023 despite a 22% year-on-year surge in revenue.

MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola noted operating costs for the unit were driven up when the central bank dropped the peg for the naira last year.

This development contributed meaningfully to the upward pressure on the cost of doing business in Nigeria and, for MTN Nigeria in particular, significantly increased the costs in relation to our tower leases, said Toriola.

MTN Nigeria leases around 16,000 sites from IHS Towers, which is almost the towercos entire footprint. MTN Group has a 26% stake in IHS and wanted voting rights to reflect its stake.

MTN Nigeria announced in September it would switch from IHS to rival American Tower Corporation for leases of over 2,500 towers this year and 2025.
When a menhaden mothership and its net boats spilled a million fish and left the floating mass to rot off the Louisiana coast, the menhaden industry attempted to ease public outrage and calls for tougher fishing rules with assurances that such incidents hardly ever happen.
Osseointegration involves inserting titanium pins into the residual bone of an amputee, which allows prosthetic limbs to be connected. Nine, the owner of the media outlets, is seeking to rely on a range of defences, including a new public interest defence, truth and honest opinion. Al Muderis barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, SC, on Monday questioned Todd about the level of research she and her husband, a retired prosthetist, did before the operation. The court heard Todd attended a conference at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 2013 where she saw Al Muderis speak about the surgery. Chrysanthou asked Todd whether Al Muderis had explained at the conference that it was a relatively new surgery and doctors didnt know everything about it.

Todd replied: I dont remember him saying it was a new surgery or anything like that  he virtually sold it to ya  Im sorry, but he did, he came over to me and my husband that  it was like  a new life. Loading She said there was a presentation at the conference, and she agreed that the doctor explained the mobility benefits of the surgery and that it could improve skin irritation. Todd, who became emotional during her evidence, said she was excited about the surgery because she thought it was the best thing for me. [Despite] all the rubbing and all that ... for my husband because hes got Parkinsons and I have to look after him and I dont have time to sit down and work out what my pain is doing, she said.

This is what I dont understand what everybody is trying to do to me, Im not one to whinge and carry on, I just get on with my life whether Im in pain or not, I just keep going. Chrysanthou also questioned the Queensland woman about how she came to be involved in stories subsequently published about Al Muderis, and whether other surgeons persuaded her to be involved. Todd said she didnt recall giving permission for her mobile number and name to be sent to journalist Charlotte Grieve, or anyone encouraging her to speak with her. But she did tell the court she remembered getting a call from the journalist. At the time I said, No, I dont want to get involved in anything like this, and  then I had a thought about it and I thought, Oh well, Ive got nothing to lose because Ill tell the truth, so I went ahead with it.

Another former patient, Anthony Marlborough, said Al Muderis performed a knee and hip replacement on his right side. In his affidavit, the 75-year-old wrote that he saw his GP because his right knee was playing up and got a referral to see Al Muderis. He had a brief consultation where the surgeon didnt take his medical history. Under cross-examination, Marlborough said he never went to see Al Muderis about both knees, contradicting the surgeons previous evidence in the trial. I never went for both knees at any stage, I went to see about my right knee  I went to see about the hip at a later date because I started having problems with my knee, and it was all coming from what happened with my knee operation, Marlborough said. Marlborough was asked whether Al Muderis told him he might need surgery but recommended he exhaust other measures, such as steroid injections, to relieve his knee pain.

I dont know where this is coming from, and quite frankly, I wouldnt believe anything he said, the NSW man responded. Marlborough was also asked about books he claimed he saw in Al Muderis office, which he said in his affidavit were full of the surgeons life story and what a wonderful bloke he must be. Chrysanthou put it to Marlborough there werent any books like that in Al Muderis office in 2014, and that the witness made it up. Cut it out  Im telling you its true, Marlborough responded. The case continues on Tuesday.
NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory is running 41 missions, but its deputy director has an extra one: helping Aboriginal students along the path to becoming astronauts.

Last year NASA JPL hosted the first cohort of First Nations interns who went to Pasadena, California to study space science for 10 weeks, and last week the research institute visited Melbourne to hear about the interns experiences.

NASA JPL deputy director Larry D. James (left) and Professor Christopher Lawrence from Monash University. Credit: Eddie Jim

One of our missions is to inspire the next generation, said Larry D. James, a retired lieutenant general with the US Air Force and now the deputy director of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

And this is showing young men and women what they could be in the future  and they may never have realised that without this kind of experience.
A man has survived a dramatic crash in Sydneys inner suburbs after driving his car off a rocky cliff and onto the road below.

The man was lucky to be alive after the Hyundai i20 plunged at least 12 metres. Among the wreckage was a Lotto ticket.

The car plunged at least 12 metres. Credit: TNV

The man in his 70s was visiting his friend Sylvia Sagi in Glebe just after 10am, and despite living nearby decided to drive instead of walking.

Sagi said they were meeting to head to a doctors appointment. Instead, the mans white Hyundai went over the edge of the cliff on Darghan Street, smashing onto Railway Street below.
A Greens-led Brisbane City Council would buy Eagle Farm racecourse  compulsorily if necessary  to provide public and affordable housing for up to 10,000 residents, lord mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan will announce on Tuesday.

If the vision was realised, 4000 homes would be built in a series of five-storey buildings, which would also include ground-level shops, offices and services.

The Greens plan to convert Eagle Farm Racecourse into public housing. Credit: The Greens

It would also include parkland, bushland, sports fields, a medical centre and library and possibly a new school.

The Greens have estimated the cost of the 49-hectare site to be at least $40 million, based on current zoning and state government land valuations. The site is currently zoned for sport and recreation.
THE FORUM A win is a win

Predictably, Peter Dutton and the Liberals have claimed a victory in the Dunkley byelection (Coalition will need more than moral victories, 4/3). Um, but didnt Labor retain the seat?

It doesnt matter, in a Trumpian political world, reality is merely a choice, and Dutton chooses not to accept reality.

With a 48 per cent to 52 per cent losing margin, if this Liberal victory is repeated at the next federal election, the reality will be that the Liberals will be looking for a new leader.

Maybe coming up with some policies to address climate change and cost of living could cause voters to think again.

Daniel Cole, St Albans Victory from the Ashes

Ah, Peter Dutton  moral victories; dont they abound? The Poms apparently had one over us in the last Ashes series. Yet Australia still holds the Ashes. Now youve had one in Dunkley? And yet Labor still holds the seat.

Michael Gonzales, Hawthorn East National interest

Its a political conundrum I have. I prefer to have a Labor government in power because of their tendency to have a more social conscience rather than looking after the big end of town. My problem is that the Coalition seems to be more diligent about countering the efforts of foreign interference.

Russell Brims, Bentleigh East Bipartisan approach

The Dunkley byelection result should be a pointer for the Labor and the Liberal parties to join together in making a direct and immediate inroad on housing access and affordability policies. The concern among Liberals over a lack of policy offerings (The Age, 4/3) is indeed worrying and accentuates the housing and livability crises confronting our nation. The Labor leadership should call on Peter Dutton to join them, at least on housing policy, to stop the adversarial us and them attitude that frustrates Australias future.

Henk van Leeuwen, Elwood

Work not valued

The approach of International Womens Day has set me thinking about the stuff women do in the home i.e. the work that turns a house into the life support system that keeps us functioning, as individuals and as a nation. Although many women now have a job in the paid workforce they still bear responsibility for most of this work. Do we value it? Not really.

It is certainly not seen as contributing to the nations economy and is not given a place in the national accounts. Absurdly the production of a tin of baby formula gets counted but not breastfeeding. Its as if we believe females are programmed in the womb and as adults start operating without thought or effort or any sacrifice, hence are not deserving of much reward. As long as this contribution is undervalued women will struggle to achieve full equality.

Barbara Wertheim, former commissioner for Equal Opportunity Vic, Brunswick The parental gap

The problem with publishing the gender pay gap is that it tells us nothing about the dynamics (The elite private schools bucking the national trend by paying women more than men, 27/2). The headline figure is dominated by older age-groups, a legacy from a previous generation when forces made female promotion more difficult.

Overseas studies show that when you break the data down by age you find that there is no gender pay gap for those under 30. Indeed, females get paid slightly more than males, even within the same industry.

Up until the age where babies appear. There is not really a gender pay gap. There is a parental pay gap that tends to affect females more.

Chris Lloyd, professor of business statistics, Melbourne Business School, Carlton Power of a trial

If a trial in absentia of Vladimir Putin eventuates as posited by Geoffrey Robertson, (Put this monster on trial. Let humanity be the judge, 4/3) it would arguably have to contend with two conflicting narratives: Putin as the sometime KGB agent and now plutocrat, assassin and head of a gangster clique; or as the stolid defender of a beleaguered Motherland surrounded by treacherous enemy nations.

Sadly, there are many in the West who adhere to the latter take on the Russian leader; and seek to rationalise his brutal invasion of Ukraine. The parallel with British appeasers in the 1930s in relation to Hitler is compelling.

Allowing malign dictators to indulge as patriotic statesmen never ends well. A trial of Putin at this time may seem quixotic; but, as Robertson points to as a historical precedent, the appalling Slobodan Milosevic was surrendered eventually by his own people. One can only hope.

Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza Others could face court

Geoffrey Robertson is eloquent and persuasive putting his case that there ought to be a tribunal that can hold Vladimir Putin to account for ordering the invasion of Ukraine. It is hard to object. But are we prepared to follow this to the inevitable conclusion? The actions of all world leaders would perforce be subject to this proposed tribunals considerations. This is vital to show that it is not a tool of the wealthy West, of the rules-based order.

Robertson has noted that the doctrine of pre-emptive defence used by the Coalition of the Willing to justify its illegal invasion of Iraq is dubious in the extreme. George W. Bush, John Howard and Tony Blair are alive and able to defend their actions to that putative tribunal.

They would most certainly fit into the cohort of leaders who have a case to answer.

Ken Richards, Elwood Future rewards

Re Collingwood locals lash council on pocket park backflip (The Age, 1/3), isnt Lucy Nicholas fortunate to have a lovely green space added to the view from her Collingwood flat. An area that has been greened up and doubled in size but she doesnt want to share it with playing children; not even 7 per cent of it.

She and her cohort argue that there are other play spaces not further than a kilometre away that families can visit. Not so easy juggling a baby and toddler whilst crossing busy Victoria Street with tram lines, bus lanes and very fast traffic.

This has become a political affair, Nicholas states. I think not: it was and is about the park. Red herrings are easily drawn into this debate but it is not about the complaint-free Sobering Up Centre at the other end of the street or the Greens or the Socialist Left. They are irrelevant to the issue.

It is unfortunate that those opposed to the play equipment have lost their sense of community. The little ones they want to turn away are the children who, if nurtured, will learn to play and frolic, to explore and take risks and eventually grow up, pay taxes and, if we are lucky, create a truly caring community where everyone is welcome.

Jane Barrington, Kew

Set to fail

My heart went out to Bella Westaway (I thought I was a high achiever. Then I got to university, 4/3) for her dismal experience of university education. At the very least, her comments are an indictment of current teaching. I well remember my first year philosophy tutor at Melbourne University made an appointment to explain why my first essay was inadequate and gave me the chance to resubmit.

I had a similar experience at La Trobe University a few years later when undertaking an MA Prelim in sociology. Again, the tutor told me my first essay did not adequately address the topic and allowed me to resubmit. In each case, I redid the assignment, got a good mark and learnt a lot as a result.

Later, as an academic myself, I always gave students feedback and allowed a resubmission if their effort was promising and close to a pass. However, I am also mindful that academic teaching is far more demanding than in my day, such as needing to prepare lectures in advance for online delivery.

Valerie Gerrand, West Melbourne Fees not paid

Your correspondent (Private schools benefit at the expense of public schools, 2/3) bemoans the inequity in school funding reported in the article Public schools fall behind in funding for students (1/3). The quoted 26-fold difference between funding of public and private school scarcely seemed believable, which prompted me to read the original article.

But for those who havent looked beyond the headline, it should be noted this report was primarily about parental contributions to schools, not government funding. It found that parents at private schools contribute substantially more than those at public schools. But would you expect anything else? Is this not a good thing, as we dont want parents to be expected to prop up public schools?

David Olive, Kensington Value of support

As the birth rate continues to fall, it becomes all the more important for society to maintain optimal care for the fewer children that are born, but instead, the Maternal and Child Health Nursing service is failing to provide new parents with appointments (Infants miss check-ups amid health staff shortage, 4/3). Two decades ago, the rationing of these  appointments down to only 10 over an infants pre-school years  resulted in reduced support for new parents. And, for those who had one child before and another after the rationing came in, a noticeable dilution of the value of the maternal and child health nurse and parent connection.

It is a typical outcome of streamlining, that the 10 appointments are now further cut back to being only for families with additional needs or concerns, with advice for parents to turn instead to the 24/7 maternal and child health phone line, their local priority care clinic, or their GP.

Ruth Farr, Blackburn South AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding

Dunkley byelection

All winners, no losers. Why waste time having an election?

Gary Bryfman, Brighton If you take the 1-2 per cent donkey vote from Liberal candidate Nathan Conroys votes, it doesnt make his result look quite so great.

Bronwyn Hunt, Kerang Please leave Peter Dutton alone. He does not deserve to be so maligned. I want him to lead the Libs to the next election. I vote Labor.

Geoffrey Warren, Anglesea Looks like we need the revolving door that represents the Liberal leadership to turn once more.

Tim Butler, Alphington The Greens tepid Dunkley campaign exposes their pointless and destructive pursuit of Labors inner city electorates.

Peter Bennett, Clifton Hill

King Charles

Isnt it wonderful that Australias head of state may visit Australia this year.

Gretel Lamont, Aireys Inlet King Charles and Queen Camilla should bring their golden coach and lead the Mardi Gras parade.

John Laurie, Riddells Creek AFL

More AFL nonsense: Round 1 will be preceded by the Opening Round, which is not a round at all, just four matches outside Victoria.

Phil Lipshut, Elsternwick Pre-season football or AFL Its A Knockout?

Paul Custance, Highett Furthermore

Geoffrey Robertson describes Putins crimes accurately. He holds out a couple of delicious though unlikely possibilities for his conviction  handed over by his own people or be overthrown. We can but hope.

John Walsh, Watsonia
A West Australian farming couple have spoken out after receiving backlash from others in the community over a decision to hire women from a stripping-hire company to sell farming machinery.

Wade and Lisa Anderson hosted a machinery clearance sale on Thursday, coordinated by leading farming supply reseller Nutrien Ag Solutions, in a small town called Bunjil over 300 kilometres from Perth.

WA farmers hired skimpies to entice buyers, causing a backlash online. Credit: X

They were criticised online by attending farmer Debbie Gillam, who said she was dumbfounded that the pair believed skimpies were needed to sell the equipment, and that she was sad for the future of female farmers, including the couples own daughters.

Her post has since been deleted, and Gillam said the company had addressed the issue with their staff, which she was grateful for.
An ongoing dispute between Google and Indian start-ups over charges in its Android and Play Store app ecosystem seems to have escalated in the past few days.

Last Friday Google apparently sent notices of Play Store violations to a number of apps  and then removed from its app store about 100 apps from ten companies in India, including some matrimony apps popular with young people.

The dispute seems to have been triggered by service fee payments  or non-payments. Some Indian start-ups want Google to stop imposing a fee of 11% to 26% on in-app payments, after the country's antitrust authorities ordered it to halt an earlier system of charging 15% to 30%.

Phones using the Android platform are widely used, giving Google a dominant position in the market. However, only 3% of the more than 200,000 Indian developers who use the Google Play platform are required to pay any service fee, Google claims.

In any case recent court decisions have permitted Google to charge a fee or remove non-paying apps. According to Indias Economic Times news service, Google said in a blog post that ten Indian companies had chosen for an extended period of time not to pay for the "immense value they receive on Google Play".

Then government officials got involved. Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday that Google's decision to remove some apps in India from its app store "cannot be permitted". After this, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), a group representing Indian start-ups, asked the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to order Google to reinstate apps it removed for policy violations.

Government ministers on Monday apparently held multiple meetings with Google and start-ups on this issue without resolving it.
New regulations from Australias competition and consumer watchdog would open the floodgates to scams, according to telcos including TPG, Telstra and Optus, who are arguing against the proposed changes in a rare show of unity.

SMS scams are skyrocketing, with statistics from the ACCC showing that in 2022 Australians lost a record $3.1 billion to scams  up 80 per cent from the year before  with SMS by far the method most preferred by scammers. Australians collectively lost $1.3 million a day to scams last year, according to the ACCC.

ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Those figures are set to significantly worsen according to Australian telcos, who are speaking out against draft regulations from the ACCC that would force them to provide open access to their networks for the delivery of bulk SMS messages.

The proposal effectively means mobile operators would face a must-carry obligation as well as regulated pricing on mass SMS broadcasts, changes the telcos say would lead to a rise in SMS scam traffic and stymie recent progress in restricting scammers from accessing their networks.
Rafah: It took 10 years and three rounds of in vitro fertilisation for Rania Abu Anza to become pregnant, and only seconds for her to lose her five-month-old twins, a boy and a girl.

An Israeli strike hit the home of her extended family in the southern Gaza city of Rafah late on Saturday, killing her children, her husband and 11 other relatives and leaving another nine missing under the rubble, according to survivors and local health officials.

Rania Abu Anza and others mourn as they receive the dead bodies of victims of an Israeli strike in Rafah, on March 3. Credit: Getty

She had woken up about 10pm to breastfeed Naeim, the boy, and went back to sleep with him in one arm and Wissam, the girl, in the other. Her husband was sleeping beside them.

The explosion came an hour and a half later. The house collapsed.
The aid delivery to northern Gaza Strip that ended in bloodshed last week showed the extent of Palestinians desperation, after dozens were killed while thousands converged on a rare convoy of aid trucks. As the number of aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip has rapidly dropped and Palestinians struggle to find food, humanitarians and United Nations officials are warning that famine is imminent in the enclave.

For aid groups and the UN, officially determining that a famine exists is a technical process that requires analysis by experts and can only be declared by government authorities and top UN officials.

Palestinians line up for free food distribution during the ongoing Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, last month. Credit: AP

So how is famine defined and what do experts say about the severity of hunger in Gaza? Heres a closer look.

What is a famine?
With MWC24 now over, its time to look at the key trends that emerged from the show  and check whether they aligned with our predictions.

Our editorial team on the ground in Barcelona consisted of our Editor Manny Pham, Director of Content James Barton, and Contributing Analyst Julian Bright. Here, each of them gives their take on the main developments from MWC24.

Manny: Another year and another MWC has flown by, and of course we saw more trends that will shape this exciting industry going forward.

AI blasted onto the scene last year and has come back stronger, as agenda-pusher Nvidia continues its astonishing growth to supply the hype - but its use in developing markets is still a long way away. A rigid contrast was evident in a keynote presentation which featured Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru, Veon Group chief Kaan Terzioglu, and Deutsche Telekom boss Tim Hoettges as panellists.

Tamru and Terzioglu detailed how their respective operations are still working with 2G to gain revenues, adding that they are in the process of deploying 4G. Meanwhile, Hoettges warned about concerns of the technology, focusing particularly on AI hallucinations, an occurrence in large language models (used to power AI chatbots) when they perceive a non-existent pattern and create inaccurate outputs. However, the benefits of AI promise growth for operators experiencing flat revenues and becoming so-called dumb pipes in the expanding technology landscape.

More breakthroughs were seen by executives to improve operational efficiencies in energy, network stability, automation and productivity. However, we wont be seeing that with most operators in developing markets just yet - AI will be adopted more widely when equipment and software comes down in price as it becomes more widespread. It will be interesting to see if any other AI vendor can mount a serious challenge against Nvidia and offer alternatives.

6G

At MWC some things are expected, such as meeting old friends, getting lost in Hall 8.1.772 with two minutes to go before your next meeting, and someone talking about 6G.

Alas, 6G is another technology not even close to the agenda for the majority of emerging market operators, as 4G is yet to be fully deployed. Executives speaking to Developing Telecoms made no mention of 6G but they are witnessing promising growth of data usage on current networks across LATAM, Africa and the Asia-Pacific.

However, Turkcell recently signed an MoU with Ericsson to lay the groundwork for 6G to ensure the opportunities presented by the connectivity standard are efficiently tapped. The companies said they will foster research initiatives and strengthen R&D projects to build out emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and 6G architecture.

James: We noted that FWA remains the main use case for 5G in emerging markets, but certain markets now appear to be turning towards 5G-A as a viable technology, with Malaysia in particular leading the charge. Over the past week, Ericsson announced an agreement to upgrade DNBs wholesale 5G network to 5G-A, while CelcomDigi and Ucom pledged to collaborate on developing use cases for the standard. Meanwhile, Maxis and Huawei claimed to have successfully staged the Southeast Asia regions first 5G-A trial.

Another of our predictions focused on increased adoption of sustainable energy solutions, and sustainability was firmly on the agenda at MWC24, with many companies announcing new targets, pledges and commitments around their environmental impact. ZTE highlighted the wide-scale deployment of what it called the industrys first hibernation technology, enabling ultra-low power consumption for Active Antenna Units, while Intracom Telecom talked up how Dynamic Datacentre Sizing will enhance the energy and resource efficiency of telco data centres. Operators and vendors alike announced major initiatives to reduce their impact on the climate, with Ericsson and Telkomsel announcing plans to cut carbon emissions via improved efficiencies, Nokia bringing forward its Net Zero goal from 2050 to 2040, and Orange Business and Cisco setting the same target.

Open RAN didnt make too much of a splash, but Rakuten Symphony announced a couple of high-profile agreements. The company will collaborate with NOW Telecom in the Philippines on a framework for deploying a 5G Open RAN pilot, with the goal of facilitating disaggregated networks and open interfaces within the operators network. Rakuten is also providing Open RAN solutions to Veons Ukrainian subsidiary Kyivstar as it seeks to rebuild infrastructure in the war-torn country. The initiative will involve both 4G and 5G Open RAN, and follows Veon committing to investment of US$600 million into Ukraine over the next three years.

Julian: Not surprisingly, there was a lot of talk about AI, with Nokia saying it would permeate all areas of telco networks and operations including the RAN. It will start to be implemented and trialed in 5G-Advanced networks and this will carry over into 6G.

AI will also be used as a training tool - for example, simplified and more intuitive interfaces for network operations staff that would remove a lot of the complexity (and by implication, the level of skills/experience required by the personnel).

Spectrum

Huawei said theres a continuing role for the sub-3GHz bands in 5G/5G-A. In emerging markets FDD + massive MIMO can be deployed to bring dividends on LTE network as well as get ready for 5G.

FWA

Nokia launched a new 5G mmWave receiver to add capacity to Fixed Wireless Access. The vendor advocates mmWave + FWA for rural coverage  its not widely applicable, but mostly where LoS is available (e.g. NBN network in Australia). Du says it has doubled market share in terms of subscribers since launching FWA in the UAE 3 years ago.

5G/Handsets in Africa

In a panel session, MTNs Chika Ekeji acknowledged that operators in Africa may not yet have some of the advanced use cases that will become important to the continent, but said there was a need to discover how to get creative around leveraging 5G technology. The need to unlock value for Africas young population, coverage, and handset affordability were critical factors.
Our Democratic legislators have been working hard the past week with the beginning of the budget reconciliation and fighting against bad bills. Rep. Trey Sherwood has been appointed as one of the House members for the Joint Conference Committee which will decide the final budget as one of the last steps before it heads to Governor Gordons desk. A lot of achievements in the budget and bills have been made, thanks to our hardworking Democratic legislators.

This coming week, our Democratic legislators are preparing for the last and very intense week of the budget session. Now onto the updates:

Good news about good bills:

SF 4 and SF 8 - Rehiring retired firefighters-continued retirement benefits and Health insurance for volunteer emergency responders, respectively, are two great bills benefiting Wyoming communities. SF 4 will allow retired professional firefighters to join volunteer firefighter companies without revoking their pensions and retirement benefits. This bill has now been signed into law, which is a victory for helping our communities. SF 8 establishes health insurance for eligible volunteer emergency responders; the bill has passed its first reading in the House, so please contact your legislator and let them know that you support SF 8 and wish to see it passed!

SF 57 - Wyoming adult hearing aid program has passed the House Labor committee by a 5-4 vote, with far-right Republican members of the committee fighting hard against it. The bill establishes a program for hearing impaired adult Wyomingites in need of hearing aids who cannot find any other means of getting coverage, to obtain hearing aids through the Wyoming Department of Health. It has been referred to the House Appropriations committee before being sent to the floor. Please contact House Appropriations members and let them know that you support SF 57!

HB 31 - Peace officers-records and reporting has passed both houses of the legislature and will be sent to Gov. Gordons desk. Rep. Karlee Provenza and members of the Democratic caucus have been fighting hard for this bill to ensure accountability and transparency. This is fantastic news for our communities and a win for better community relations with law enforcement.

Bad news about good bills:

HB 1 and SF 1 - General government appropriation bills are going to the Joint Conference Committee (JCC) this week for budget reconciliation. Members from both houses have been appointed to serve on the committee to decide the fate of amendments that have been added in the past two weeks. Despite our legislators fighting hard for more funding for schools, healthcare, and more, certain members of the other side have been busy adding harmful amendments for Wyomingites. Two third-reading amendments by Senator Steinmetz passed which prohibited all funding for the gender and women's studies program and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The results of these amendments could severely harm attracting and retaining young talented individuals in and to Wyoming; not to mention the amendments attacking academic freedom in our state. It will be essential to contact members of the JCC to tell them that you do not support amendments that take away economic opportunities from Wyoming like Senator Steinmetz amendments in the budget!

Bad news about bad bills:

HB 148 - Regulation of surgical abortions has passed both houses of the legislature, it will now head to Gov. Gordons desk for his signature or veto. The bill would make it impossible for health professionals and clinics to give reproductive healthcare to women in desperate need of it. Additionally, this bill makes the state force health professionals to stick ultrasound wands into women who wish to have an abortion and criminalizes doctors who do not comply with this legislation. This bill is a disgusting attack on a womans right to choose and to control her own healthcare decisions, while simultaneously attacking healthcare professionals for exercising discretion and helping their patients. It is important to contact and lobby Governor Gordon and tell him to veto HB 148 and that you support the right for a person to have control over their own body!

HB 125 and SF 109 - Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments and Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act has unfortunately gotten further into the legislative process. HB 125 seeks to repeal all gun free zones in all public facilities and properties in the state, including but not limited to: government buildings, public schools, and higher education facilities. SF 109 would prohibit the courts and law enforcement from being able to seize firearms from mentally unstable individuals or individuals who may be likely use a gun to harm themselves or others, especially in domestic violence situations. HB 125 has been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. SF 109 passed the House Travel Committee, with Rep. Storer being the lone no vote, the bill then passed its first reading. SF 109 is now moving on to its second and third reading. It is important to let your Representative and Senator know that you oppose laws that can harm our Wyoming communities and children!

SF 99 - Chloes law-children gender change prohibition has passed the Senate by a 26-5 vote. SF 99 is an anti-LGBTQ bill which prohibits among many things, hormone blockers and HRT for transgender children, despite the consent of their parents/parental guardians and well trained medical professionals. The bill will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee, Monday morning at 7:30am, contact members of the committee and tell them that you wish to see a NO vote on SF 99.

Our wonderful Democratic legislators are working hard to ensure that this last week of the session is successful and brings strong results for the people of Wyoming. It will be a very busy week starting tomorrow, with Monday, March 2nd being the last day for third readings on all bills in the second house. By Thursday, March 7th, all bills must have had their third reading in the second house. Please keep watch on Wyoming Democratic Partys social media accounts for updates on bills as important deadlines will be coming up soon!

Action Alerts for Monday, March 4th, 2024

House Chamber and online, 10:00 am

2nd Reading:

SF 8 - Health insurance for volunteer emergency responders- Our recommendation: GOOD BILL. Why? It establishes health insurance for eligible volunteer emergency responders.

SF 109 Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act- Our recommendation? BAD BILL. Why? It would prohibit the courts and law enforcement from being able to seize firearms from mentally unstable individuals or individuals who may likely use a gun to harm themselves or others, especially in domestic violence situations.

Senate Chamber and online, 10:00 am

2nd Reading:

HB 126 Child care is a residential use of property- Our Recommendation: GOOD BILL. Why? Increases access to child care by supporting and recognizing the role of family day care homes in residential areas, allowing them to operate within the scope of restrictive covenants.

House Judiciary, Capitol Extension, Room E001 & Online

SF 99 Chloe's law-children gender change prohibition- Our Recommendation: BAD BILL. Why? This is an anti-LGBTQ bill which steps between the parent-child relationship and prohibits, among many things, hormone blockers and HRT for transgender children, despite the consent of their parents/parental guardians and well-trained medical professionals.

Senate Judiciary,11:00 AM Capitol Extension, Room W006 & Online

HB 125 Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments- Our recommendation? BAD BILL. Why? Seeks to repeal all gun free zones in all public facilities and properties in the state, including but not limited to government buildings, public schools, and higher education facilities. Every locality and school district has a right to ensure the safety of their citizens and children without the threat of gun violence.

Senate Appropriations, Upon Noon Recess, Capitol Extension, Room E005 & Online

HB 166 Education savings account- Our recommendation: BAD BILL. Why? We oppose any bill that will negatively impact our public schools. According to Wyoming Education Association- it is unconstitutional, violating numerous provisions of our state constitution prohibiting tax payer dollars going to private or parochial institutions. The bill, like most voucher bills, lacks transparency, accountability, and standards for education service providers. These services produce fraud and waste without positively impacting student performance all while drawing much needed dollars away from K12.

House Education, Upon Noon Recess Capitol Extension, Room E003 & Online

SF 86 School safety and security-funding- Our Recommendation: BAD BILL. Why? It provides money school districts for costs related to possession of firearms on school property. From WEA- firearms carried by public school employees would cause a demonstrated threat to school safety should staff become overpowered, should weapons be accessed by students, or should weapons in schools accidentally discharge. Weapons in schools have a chilling effect on academic freedom and free discourse, thus threatening free expression. Other problematic issues include insurance liability, and improper training, and impacts on retention and attraction.

SF 128 Approval of charter schools- Our Recommendation: BAD BILL. Why? It would allow more charter schools to apply for authorization, and charter schools are bad for public education.

House Revenue, 1:30 PM Capitol Extension, Room E001 & Online

SF 68 Tangible personal property-tax exemption- Our Recommendation: BAD BILL. Why? It would cause loss of over $50 million a year to education funding.
Satellite technology company Avanti Communications has been granted the authorisation required for its HYLAS 4 satellite gateway station in Diamniadio, Senegal, about 32 kilometres from Dakar.

The Infrastructure Operator Authorisation, which was granted on 29 February 2024 by the Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, Mr Moussa Bocar Thiam, means the gateways state-of-the-art infrastructure will now become operational. Avanti will now move on to the final phase of testing before launching its services.

Avanti says the launch will provide Senegal with complete high-speed national satellite coverage, representing a significant step forward in the countrys telecommunications landscape and supporting the governments Senegal Digital 2025 strategy.

Avanti says its satellite coverage will provide reliable, high-speed voice and data to Senegals rural communities, schools, hospitals, businesses and government departments, as well as playing a crucial role in improving national security.

Once operational, the gateway is set to be a driving force in Senegals digital economy with the potential to generate local employment opportunities. To make this vision a reality, Avanti says it has committed to investing in Senegals growing tech centre and has already started recruiting a team on the ground in Diamniadio.

In addition to Senegal, the new gateway will extend the coverage of Avantis HYLAS 4 satellite to the surrounding West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Liberia and Ivory Coast, making Senegal a key digital hub for the region.

Avantis carrier customers will also be able to extend their reach to rural areas and other semi-urban locations where terrestrial networks are currently limited or unreliable.

Hylas 4, which launched in 2018, not only enhanced the capacity of the Avanti fleet but was said to represent a significant investment that fed into the profound change to broadband communications underway in Africa.
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey refreshes bottle design

Irish whiskey brand Tullamore D.E.W. has revealed its updated bottle design ahead of St Patricks Day on Sunday 17 March.

The new design centres the brands iconic Irish wolfhound, which first appeared on the bottle in the 1950s to symbolise the Tullamore D.E.W. values of loyalty, friendship, and strength.

The bottle itself has also been updated, losing around 27 per cent of its glass weight for a sleeker profile.

Kate Webb, global innovation manager for Tullamore D.E.W., commented: This isn't just about a fresh coat of paint. The redesign symbolises our enduring passion for our brand, our history, and the smooth whiskey weve shared with the world since 1829. Tullamore is not just a name  it's our home, and the spirit of our close-knit community inspires everything we do.

Were delighted to bring back our loyal and proud mascot, the beloved wolfhound, to the front of the bottle. With this fresh look, were ready to welcome a new generation of drinkers to discover Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey, the perfect companion for a good time with friends.

The refreshed bottle design will be available to purchase from March 2024.

4 March 2024 - Lucy Schofield
Stockport Gin opens gin school experience

Stockport Gin has launched a gin school at its distillery in Stockport town centre. The gin school will give guests hand-on experience with gin making. The school has been created with the help of funding from the UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund.

Visitors to the gin school will be welcomed with a Gin and Tonic before creating their own bespoke bottle of gin. Led by an expert distiller, guests will access botanicals with which their gin can be personalised.

Paul Sharrocks, co-founder of Stockport Gin, said: We are incredibly excited to introduce the gin school experience to gin enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Our aim is to offer an immersive experience where guests can delve into the intricacies of gin production while crafting a unique spirit that reflects their individual tastes and preferences.

For Stockport Gin, the gin school represented an opportunity to further its community engagement, and to give locals and tourists alike an opportunity to learn and be creative.

Co-founder Cheryl Sharrocks added: We wanted to create an experience that not only showcases our passion for gin but also allows our guests to actively participate in the craft. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich history and techniques behind gin-making, all while having a great time.

4 March 2024 - Lucy Schofield

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Seek nod before launching AI models in India





NEW DELHI :

THE Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a second advisory to platforms or intermediaries, asking them to seek explicit permisison from the Centre before launching Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, under testing, in the country. The advisory was issued on Friday evening, more than two months after the Ministry issued an advisory in December last year to social media platforms, directing them to follow existing IT rules to deal with the issue of deepfakes. The use of under-testing / unreliable Artificial Intelligence model(s) /LLM/Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s) and its availability to the users on Indian Internet must be done so with explicit permission of the Government of India and be deployed only after appropriately labeling the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated. Further, consent popup mechanism may be used to explicitly inform the users about the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated, the advisory read. The advisory added that it recently came to the notice of the Ministry that intermediaries or platforms are failing to undertake due-diligence obligations outlined under IT Rules.

It is reiterated that non-compliance to the provisions of the IT Act and/or IT Rules would result in potential penal consequences to the intermediaries or platforms or its users when identified, including but not limited to prosecution under IT Act and several other statues of the criminal code, the advisory added. All intermediaries are, hereby requested to ensure compliance with the above with immediate effect and to submit an Action Taken-cum-Status Report to the Ministry within 15 days of this advisory, the Union Ministry added. All intermediaries or platforms (are) to ensure that use of Artificial Intelligence model(s) /LLM/Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s) on or through its computer resource does not permit its users to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any unlawful content as outlined in the Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules or violate any other provision of the IT Act, it stated. All intermediaries or platforms (are) to ensure that their computer resource do not permit any bias or discrimination or threaten the integrity of the electoral process including via the use of Artificial Intelligence model(s)/LLM/Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s), the advisory read.

The use of under-testing / unreliable Artificial Intelligence model(s) /LLM/Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s) and its availability to the users on Indian Internet must be done so with explicit permission of the Government of India and be deployed only after appropriately labeling the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated. Further, consent popup mechanism may be used to explicitly inform the users about the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated, it stipulated further. All users must be clearly informed including through the terms of services and user agreements of the intermediary or platforms about the consequence of dealing with the unlawful information on its platform, including disabling of access to or removal of non-compliant information, suspension or termination of access or usage rights of the user to their user account, as the case may be, and punishment under applicable law, it added.

Where any intermediary through its software or any other computer resource permits or facilitates synthetic creation, generation or modification of a text, audio, visual or audio-visual information, in such a manner that such information may be used potentially as misinformation or deepfake, it is advised that such information created, generated, or modified through its software or any other computer resource is labeled or embedded with a permanent unique metadata or identifier, by whatever name called, in a manner that such label, metadata or identifier can be used to identify that such information has been created, generated or modified using computer resource of the intermediary, or identify the user of the software or such other computer resource, the intermediary through whose software or such other computer resource such information has been created, generated or modified and the creator or first originator of such misinformation or deepfake, the advisory added.
Ashish Dubey asks party workers to work to fulfill PMs dream of 400 seats





Staff Reporter

Bharatiya Janata Partys workers will prove their strength in forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 with the spirit of materializing Prime Minister, Narendra Modis vision of winning more than 400 seats. BJP will also contribute a lotus from Jabalpur Parliamentary Constituency by ensuring historic victory, said Ashish Dubey, BJP Candidate from Jabalpur Parliamentary Constituency, on Sunday. He was addressing the workers during his welcome rally. Ashish Dubey expressed his gratitude towards senior party leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party for giving him opportunity and assured them for continuing the development and welfare works as a dedicated party worker.

Dubey said that Jabalpur was known as a big village but former MP, Rakesh Singh uplifted the image of Jabalpur amongst other big cities in the country. He expressed his commitment for continuing the pace of development works.
City business leaders share success mantras





Business Reporter

Three diehard Nagpurians who made it big in the business world captivated the audience in a panel discussion held here on Sunday. They offered a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and valuable business mantras during the discussion held here at MIHAN as a part of the two-day Central India Management Conclave (CIMCON-24) organised by the IIM Nagpur and Vidarbha Management Association (VMA). The panel discussion featured prominent industrialists - Vishal Agrawal, Director of RC Plasto; K S Cheema of Central Star Motors, and Shripad Ashtekar, founder of Signpost India, also served as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Vijay Phanshikar, Editor of The Hitavada, moderated the session. Cheemas group is in the business of construction, mining and automobile dealerships. Ashtekars Signpost India Ltd., is an integrated advertising media enterprise listed recently on the BSE and NSE.

On the other hand, Agrawals R C Plasto is one of the leading companies in water storage tank, plastic pipe manufacturing and other similar products manufacturing. All the panelists were from different backgrounds and succeeded in different businesses adopting different styles of doing business. But a common element in them was their strong commitment for following principles and ethics in all their own business worlds. K S Cheema emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in business. He stressed that entrepreneurs should prioritize ethics and mission throughout their careers and not compromise on integrity. Cheema opined that business should not be done with the sole objective of making money, but to help shape up lives and to transform them for better. Vishal Agrawal spoke about how he set aside the then prevailing practice of under invoicing (to save taxes) in the markets. Without bothering about the losses, I refused all the illegal ways to save taxes in my company, he said.

He also shared his experience of turning around three family-run businesses by optimizing resources, improving policies, and embracing continuous learning. Shripad Ashtekar highlighted the core values that drive successful and responsible businesses. He further spoke about the importance of overcoming mental blocks and building a personal narrative for success. He advocated for tailoring approaches to different clientele and adopting a flexible strategy. Ashetkar also shared his management tip with the audiences to achieve success.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, British Indian chef Asma Khan win India-UK Achievers Honours





LONDON,

FILMMAKER Zoya Akhtar and British Indian chef Asma Khan were among the winners of the annual India-UK Achievers Honours in London, which recognises the achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued an international programme of study. The initiative, by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK Governments Department for Business and Trade, was launched last year with the aim of celebrating bilateral educational ties. At a ceremony earlier this week, the Class of 2024 made up of high achievers across the arts, sports, entrepreneurship and medicine were honoured following a day-long conference entitled The Future of Education.

I am pleased to see that for the second year, you are showcasing exceptional Indian talent that has been developed in the UK, said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a message for the event on Wednesday. I am extremely proud of the UK-India partnership and the Achievers Honours highlights the strong outcomes that can arise through partnership, he said. Akhtar, the acclaimed writer-filmmaker behind box-office hits such as Luck By Chance and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and most recently The Archies, was conferred the Living Legend Award in recognition of her work in furthering an understanding of India on the global stage. She spoke of her degree in literature and sociology giving her a strong footing for her filmmaking career.

I genuinely believe that literature and sociology have helped me immensely in making movies, and writing and telling stories, Akhtar said. However, I dont believe one size fits all when it comes to your career path in the film industry today films can even be made on a phone. I do feel its a lot easier these days. There is access to a lot more filmmaking tools today, she said. The 51-year-old daughter of writers Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani addressed a session on Creative Economies at the conference, during which she reflected on her love of writing.
Munich tests Indias foreign policy





By D.C. Pathak

IN THE background of Indias clear stand on the Hamas-Israel conflict denouncing the terror attack of Hamas on Israel on October 7 last year and endorsing the support of the US for the initial Israeli response to the same, and the countrys independent line on the much older Ukraine-Russia military confrontation, it was no surprise that at the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar faced some searching questions on Indias foreign policy. The EAM did extremely well in detailing Indias policy approach in clear convincing terms, which is a tribute to his grip on Indias international relations as much as it is a confirmation of Prime Minister Narendra Modis successful stand that Indias foreign policy essentially rested on bilateral -- and even multilateral -- bonds meant to serve mutual security and economic interests without prejudicing the cause of world peace and global advancement of human development. S. Jaishankar chose the words smart policies to describe Indias handling of international relations in this light and in reply to a reference to non-alignment made by the convenor of the session, explaining that the global security environment is not static and that ideologically fixed positions could only come in the way of evolving a pathway of progress towards solution-finding for complex geopolitical and geoeconomic problems of today.

He indicated that being smart is being positive about serving the countrys national interests without hurting anybody elses and embracing transparency in policy formulation. S. Jaishankar, in a brilliant exposition, explained that India was not anti-West but non-West and affirmed that Indias relationship with the US and Europe was getting strengthened constantly. He highlighted the positive role of India in BRICS and the countrys contribution towards the expansion of G7 into G20 -- all through the process of discussions and meetings -- and succeeded in presenting India as a major independent power helping the cause of world peace and economic development. The Munich Security Conference confirmed that Indias participation was acknowledged by the world as being of crucial importance and that it helped to evolve shared perspectives for leveraging the collaborative effort of India and the US to address common challenges and harness mutual benefits. India and the US, the two largest tested democracies of the world, recognise the importance of working together to save the rules-based order at a time when forces of Marxist dictatorship and fundamentalist dispensations were joining hands to destabilise the world.

India under Prime Minister Modi has been exceptionally successful in countering this trend by pushing up economic development in West Asia to the top of the regional agenda and pitching on the connectivity of the Middle East with the rest of the world as a means of furthering that project. India has done the right thing in denouncing the terror attack of Hamas on Israel and calling for caution on the part of Israel so that in its pursuit of Hamas, civilian casualties of the Palestinian population did not throw up a human crisis. India also made it clear that it favoured the two-state solution in Palestine. India has joined hands with the US and Europe to launch the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor to promote the cause of global economic growth and check the spread of Islamic radical forces in the region. India has taken an independent-looking stand on the Middle East just as it had shown an upright response to the Ukraine-Russia military conflict, with Prime Minister Modi declaring at the beginning of that confrontation itself that this is not an era of war and calling for a cessation of hostilities in favour of talks for peace in which security concerns of both sides would be given due attention.

The stand of India has been understood by the world at large. At the Munich Security Conference, S. Jaishankar convincingly reiterated how Indias responses to the Ukraine-Russia and the Israel-Hamas conflicts best served the cause of global peace without letting the old political constructs of alignment come in the way. For India, the priority was to constantly seek the betterment of its people through the pursuit of bilaterally useful economic benefits that did not hurt anybody else. Munich has helped -- because of the interventions of S. Jaishankar -- to project Indias foreign policy as the voice of sanity in todays conflict-prone global scenario.
PM to visit 12 States, UTs in next 10 days





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend 29 programmes spread across 12 States and Union Territories over the next 10 days ahead of the likely announcement of the Lok Sabha polls. Officials said he will be visiting Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi. On Monday, he will unveil multiple development projects in Adilabad in Telangana and later visit the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) in Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. He will address public meetings in Adilabad as well as Chennai, the officials said.

Modi will launch several projects in Sangareddy in Telangana on March 5 and address an event before travelling to Odisha where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of numerous development initiatives. He will then address a public meeting in Odisha before travelling to West Bengal. On March 6, he will unveil development projects in Kolkata and address a public meeting in Barasat. He will then travel to Bihar and inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of multiple development projects in Bettiah, the officials said. The Prime Minister will be in Jammu and Kashmir on March 7 and attend a media event in Delhi in the evening. On March 8, he will participate in the first-ever National Creators Award in Delhi and then leave for Assam in the evening.

Modi will inaugurate the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradeshs West Kameng and then unveil multiple development projects in Itanagar. Later, he will unveil a statue of legendary Ahom army commander Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat, Assam. Thereafter, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of multiple development projects in Jorhat, the officials said. He will also visit West Bengal and launch development projects in Siliguri and address a public meeting there. On March 10, Modi will be in Uttar Pradesh and will dedicate to the nation various projects in Azamgarh, they said. He will attend an event in Delhi the next day related to Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi programmes. Then, he will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway. In the evening, he will attend DRDO programme. On March 12, he will visit Sabarmati in Gujarat and Pokhran in Rajasthan and then lay the foundation stones of three important semiconductor projects in Gujarat and Assam via video conferencing on March 13.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan to contest from Vidisha seat





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla

After stepping down as Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the month of December had visited Vidisha, where he was surrounded by women supporters, who broke down and hugged him as emotions ran high. Some may called it high voltage drama or some cited it as an Shivrajs mass leadership that cannot be ignored. He was also seen getting emotional and in tears as women encircled him and raised slogans in his praise while he was on his way to a famous Hanuman temple in Vidisha. Women in group were calling him Bhaiyya and Mama and they said they want him back (as the CM). The former CM could not hold back his tears and assured them that he was not leaving Madhya Pradesh. Since the announcement of Mohan Yadav as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, speculation about Shivraj Singh Chouhans political future were looming around.

As Chouhan has served as the Chief Minister of MP for 15 years. There were disussions that he may be assigned to give serve the party from South. On March 2, BJP announced names of 24 candidates from MP for Lok Sabha elections. Most talked among those is former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has been nominated from Vidisha seat. Name of Chouhan and other leaders figured in the first list of 195 candidates declared by the party in Delhi. Chouhan has been fielded from Vidisha, a seat he won five times in the past from 1991 to 2004. Vidisha has been a strong bastion for BJP since 1989. Chouhan, who is a sitting MLA from Budhni, represented Vidisha seat five times. He said that he is grateful to the Central leadership for giving him the privilege to serve the public. He said that BJP will win all 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh in upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the hearts of people of Madhya Pradesh. We all will contest jointly, Chouhan told reporters at his residence on Saturday night and invoked Fir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar, Abki Baar 400 Paar slogan. He said BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, State Party President V D Sharma and others, have held discussions about ensuring poll victory. As a party worker, I will work with full strength, he added.

Chouhan represented the high-profile Vidisha Lok Sabha seat for five terms before becoming the Chief Minister in 2005. The constituency was previously represented by BJP stalwarts like late Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1991), Sushma Swaraj (2009 and 2014) and newspaper publisher Ramnath Goenka (1971). Chouhan had last won the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat in 2004 but resigned after becoming the Chief Minister. He is the sitting MLA from Budhni seat, which also falls under Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. BJPs Ramakant Bhargava is sitting Member of Parliament from this seat. In the State Assembly polls held in November 2023, Chouhan won Budhni seat with a record margin of 1.05 lakh votes against Congress candidate Vikram Mastal. In 2019 general elections, BJP won 28 of the 29 seats in MP, while the Congress only managed to win Chhindwara seat.
Most people are still at home asleep, snug in their beds, when Caroline Gerharts alarm goes off at 3:45 a.m. Its time for her to roll out of bed and head to the WTVY television studio to prepare for the 6 oclock morning news broadcast. Caroline spoke to the Enterprise Lions Club about her career as a broadcast journalist at WTVY.

Garhart reported that as an adolescent, dance was her passion, and she planned to devote herself to a career in dance. As a high school senior, she applied and was accepted to Oklahoma City University, which is renowned for its training in ballet and modern dance. She was excited to be pursuing her dream.

However, a visit to Troy University changed all of Gerharts plans. She immediately felt at home on the campus and applied for the dance program at Troy. She was also enrolled in a broadcast journalism program, an interest which began when she was in middle school in Orlando, Fla. Gerhart said she had always enjoyed writing and performing, and she thought broadcast journalism might be a good fit for her.

As a junior, she was made aware of the opportunity to work as an intern at WTVY. She applied and was accepted. Gerhart noted that being an intern did not mean getting coffee for the other staff or making copies. She was thrust into the world of reporting right away. In fact, she stated, she graduated from Troy on a Friday and started her full-time job at WTVY on a Monday, already fully immersed in the world of news, sports, and weather through her internship.

Gerhart referred to herself as an MMJ  a multi-media journalist. An MMJ works every aspect of getting the news out to the public  the news, features, sports, community news, social media and digital projects. MMJs wear the hats of reporters, producers, photographers, and editors simultaneously. Gerhart noted that she is responsible for every part of a broadcast news story. She has to research the story, visit the location, interview people, shoot video, write the story and edit it, edit the video, and write a story for social media and the website. One hour of video footage may be edited down to just a minute or two that is actually broadcast.

In May 2023, Gerahart was promoted to news anchor and investigative reportingand a full-fledged multi-media journalist. She anchors the 6 a.m. news, and much of her time is spent working on the stories she is investigating. She enjoys this aspect of her jobshe has more time to dig into a story. Recently she prepared a five-part story that took six months to research and write. The story revolved around the Rebuild Florida program that was designed to help people recover from recent hurricanes in the state. Gerhart admitted that there was an emotional element to the story, as she saw people who had lived in sheds or tents on their property for years waiting to rebuild their homes with help promised by the state.

Some leads or ideas for stories never develop. Gerhart might be notified of a situation, and by the time she gets her gear and drives to the scene, its all over and everyone is gone. She noted that she has gone down the rabbit hole more than once following a lead or a suggestion as to where she might get more information on a story she is covering. She spends hours making phone calls and sending emails, researching information for her stories.

Just as in almost aspect of daily life, technology in the newsroom is constantly changing. When she first went to work at WTVY, Gerahrt had a lot to learn. Her instructors at Troy had covered the basics, but the technology changes so frequently that a lot of it was new to her. Now armed with her phone, she has access to so many more features than journalists used to have.

And the days of cameramen standing behind the cameras and directing the anchors are gone. Gerahrt stated that the cameras are now robots, and the directors are in the technology room directing the cameras and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Transitions from the newsroom to commercials are tricky and have to be managed carefully and on time, or the viewer at home will be staring at a blank screen. One producer, two directors, and the necessary reporters or anchors are about the only people involved in producing and broadcasting a show. Gerhart noted that there might be six different shows running at the same time on all the different stations that WTVY operates. (Those six stations include WTVY  CBS, WRGX  NBC, WTVY-MY, WTVY-CW, Circle TV, and Defy TV.)

So when Gerhart gets up at 3:45 a.m. and heads to the station, she has a full day ahead of her before most people are out of bed or have had their first cup of coffee. After having her hair and make-up done in preparation for going on-air, she reviews the scripts for her programs that day, and is ready to go before the camera at 6. During the day she has a short break before she gets back to work researching the stories for future broadcasts. She says she loves what she does and cannot see herself doing anything else, at least for now. She grew up watching The Today Show and thinks about what it would be like to be a national television news personality, but for now she is perfectly happy doing what she is doinggreeting her early morning viewers on WTVY News 4 This Morning and searching for stories of interest to the viewing public.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  Abby Porter was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nations oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Porter was initiated at Troy University.

Porter is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organizations notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
This week on the Culture Cast we spoke with Steven Matrick, Co-Founder of The New Colossus Festival, which is happening at eight different venues on the Lower East Side from March 6  10. Over 130 bands from all over the world will be playing at Arlenes Grocery, Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, Mercury Lounge, Heaven Can Wait, Berlin and Baker Falls.

The festival was started in 2019 in an effort to bring live indie music back to the Lower East Side. Steven manages the band A Place to Bury Strangers and recently started his own label, Dedstrange.

We talked about the challenges of surviving as an indie rock band in the post-pandemic era, and in the new Spotify-social media-landscape, as well as what new creative models for musicians might look like. We also got a preview of some of the lineups hes most excited about at this years festival.

You can listen to the 2024 Festival Playlist here.

Listen to the full interview on your preferred podcast platform here.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel here.
London Co. of Virginia raised its position in BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR  Free Report) by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,232,366 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 23,769 shares during the quarter. London Co. of Virginia owned about 1.70% of BellRing Brands worth $92,040,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in BRBR. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BellRing Brands during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new position in shares of BellRing Brands during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of BellRing Brands by 59.2% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,008 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares during the period. Smithfield Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of BellRing Brands during the 2nd quarter worth $50,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of BellRing Brands by 108.2% during the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,224 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 636 shares during the period. 94.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently commented on BRBR. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of BellRing Brands from $47.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Citigroup began coverage on shares of BellRing Brands in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $67.00 price objective on the stock. Stephens reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $51.00 price objective on shares of BellRing Brands in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of BellRing Brands from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, Truist Financial cut shares of BellRing Brands from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $55.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, BellRing Brands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $56.08.

Insider Transactions at BellRing Brands

In other news, Director Elliot Stein, Jr. sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.81, for a total transaction of $57,810.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 24,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,424,785.26. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.80% of the companys stock.

BellRing Brands Price Performance

NYSE:BRBR traded up $0.12 on Monday, reaching $59.85. The stock had a trading volume of 622,893 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,376,814. The company has a market cap of $7.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.84. BellRing Brands, Inc. has a 12-month low of $29.13 and a 12-month high of $61.11. The firms fifty day moving average is $55.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.89.

BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 5th. The company reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $430.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $407.91 million. BellRing Brands had a net margin of 9.52% and a negative return on equity of 56.67%. As a group, research analysts forecast that BellRing Brands, Inc. will post 1.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About BellRing Brands

(Free Report)

BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States. The company offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. It distributes its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec reduced its holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 33.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,732 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 4,300 shares during the quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $2,257,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harbour Investments Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 1,331 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $351,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Glenview Trust Co boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Glenview Trust Co now owns 1,096 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $289,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Jeppson Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Jeppson Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,028 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $266,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Ropes Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ropes Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,901 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $2,350,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 31.3% in the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 172 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. 86.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance

Shares of BDX stock opened at $235.31 on Monday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $239.70 and a 200-day moving average of $249.47. The company has a market cap of $67.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.64. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a one year low of $228.62 and a one year high of $287.32.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Dividend Announcement

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.39 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $4.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.73 billion. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 6.44% and a return on equity of 13.57%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.98 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.94 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 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.61%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 90.05%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Raymond James upped their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $269.00 to $275.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $301.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. TheStreet lowered shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $279.17.

Read Our Latest Report on BDX

Becton, Dickinson and 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.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec decreased its holdings in Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR  Free Report) by 33.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 218,728 shares of the companys stock after selling 111,200 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Amcor were worth $2,004,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Barclays PLC increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 25.8% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 4,055,670 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,152,000 after buying an additional 830,959 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 2.0% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 30,621,317 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,491,000 after buying an additional 594,034 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 4.6% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,982,171 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,477,000 after buying an additional 174,465 shares during the period. Mariner LLC increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 42.3% during the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 355,474 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,256,000 after buying an additional 105,629 shares during the period. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 14.9% during the third quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 3,453,604 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,635,000 after buying an additional 447,520 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 49.52% of the companys stock.

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Amcor Price Performance

AMCR opened at $9.09 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $9.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.29. Amcor plc has a 1 year low of $8.45 and a 1 year high of $11.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.14 billion, a PE ratio of 20.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.99 and a beta of 0.78.

Amcor Dividend Announcement

Amcor ( NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.01. Amcor had a return on equity of 24.28% and a net margin of 4.59%. The company had revenue of $3.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.29 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Amcor plc will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 28th will be paid a $0.125 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 27th. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.50%. Amcors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 113.64%.

About Amcor

(Free Report)

Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries.

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California State Teachers Retirement System trimmed its holdings in shares of UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR  Free Report) by 6.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 475,224 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 30,394 shares during the quarter. California State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in UDR were worth $16,951,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of UDR by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 50,627,965 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,904,527,000 after buying an additional 2,353,851 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of UDR during the 4th quarter worth approximately $913,594,000. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of UDR by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 22,969,937 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $943,146,000 after purchasing an additional 2,321,585 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of UDR by 30.1% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 13,691,188 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $562,157,000 after purchasing an additional 3,164,948 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its position in UDR by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 12,081,005 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $430,929,000 after purchasing an additional 394,581 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.68% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have weighed in on UDR. Wells Fargo & Company lowered UDR from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $42.50 to $34.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on UDR in a report on Thursday, February 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $39.00 price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of UDR in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. They set a hold rating and a $40.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and issued a $37.00 target price on shares of UDR in a research report on Monday, February 26th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price target on UDR from $38.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $41.24.

Insider Transactions at UDR

In related news, CEO Thomas W. Toomey sold 45,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.90, for a total transaction of $1,705,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 939,716 shares in the company, valued at $35,615,236.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 3.41% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

UDR Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of NYSE UDR opened at $35.94 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $11.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.82, a P/E/G ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 5.15 and a current ratio of 5.15. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $36.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.16. UDR, Inc. has a 52-week low of $30.95 and a 52-week high of $44.02.

UDR Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th were issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 9th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.67%. UDRs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 125.37%.

UDR Company Profile

(Free Report)

UDR, Inc (NYSE: UDR), an S&P 500 company, is a leading multifamily real estate investment trust with a demonstrated performance history of delivering superior and dependable returns by successfully managing, buying, selling, developing and redeveloping attractive real estate communities in targeted U.S.

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DALEVILLE  The Southeast Alabama American Veterans Post 7 in Daleville is organizing the Second Annual Summer Fest, to be held June 22 at Culpepper Park, and asks vendors interested in participating to contact them.

We received a lot of positive feedback from last years event, and we hope to make this years event even better, said Kevin Turley, commander of the local AMVETS post and Executive Director of the Alabama Department of AMVETS. This event is a way for the Southeast AMVETS to give back and connect with the community we serve.

The summer fest is from 8 a.m. until noon at Culpepper Park, located at 290 South Daleville Ave. Free admission, free childrens bounce house, food, area vendors, community organization displays, amateur radio set up are among the points of interest.

Vendors interested in setting up at the event should contact Turley at KevinTurley334@gmail.com.

Turley is among the charter members of the local chapter of the national veterans group that opened in Daleville two years ago. Serving with Turley on the board of directors are Travis Parker, first vice commander; Ben Jimmerson, second vice commander; Rev. John Logsdon, chaplain; and Chris Carlile, adjunct. Its a great team of motivated people and I am very honored to be able to serve with them.

The closest AMVETS post is in Opp, so we initiated the process to form a post in Daleville, he added. We were looking for a veterans organization that was inclusive of everyone who is currently serving or who has served our national honorably. AMVETS met that standard.

Members hail from Daleville, Enterprise, Chancellor, Elba, and Newton, Turley said. If you want to join an extremely active group to help and honor our veterans and community, you are invited to attend a meeting and check the post out, Turley said.

The post meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Southeast Community Training Center located at 195 U. S. Highway 84 West in Daleville. Membership is open to all currently serving or honorably discharged service members of the U. S. Armed Forces to include Reserve and National Guard members.

AMVETS also aids veterans filing their VA claims, scholarships, warrior reintegration, career assistance, and more. Free mental counseling is also available in partnership with The Military Support Group and Care Counseling, LLC. For more information, contact Turley at KevinTurley334@gmail.com.
Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD-B  Get Free Report) is set to announce its earnings results on Tuesday, March 5th.

Crawford & Company Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CRD-B opened at $11.31 on Monday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $12.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.30.

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Crawford & Company Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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Crawford & Company provides claims management and outsourcing solutions for carriers, brokers, and corporations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Latin America. The company operates through four segments: North America Loss Adjusting, International Operations, Broadspire, and Platform Solutions.

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Element Capital Management LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 37.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 66,220 shares of the companys stock after selling 39,437 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for approximately 3.2% of Element Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. Element Capital Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $35,569,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Thompson Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the third quarter worth approximately $27,000. Retirement Group LLC lifted 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 last quarter. Legacy Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth $35,000. Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Barclays upped their price target 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. TheStreet cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $650.00 to $850.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, DZ Bank lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $820.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $677.62.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 78,573 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on 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 completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,333,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $64,375,262,246.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders sold a total of 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657 over the last 90 days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.2 %

LLY stock traded up $9.71 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $791.83. The company had a trading volume of 1,606,223 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,358,724. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $673.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $610.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 0.94. The company has a market capitalization of $752.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 135.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.34. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $309.32 and a fifty-two week high of $800.78.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $9.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.95 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.36% and a return on equity of 51.22%. The firms revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.09 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.66%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 89.66%.

Eli Lilly and 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.

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Elevatus Welath Management acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 2,559 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $681,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IWF. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P grew its stake in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 6,665 shares during the period. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth $42,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 11.6% during 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 grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.7% during 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 bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth $33,422,000.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of IWF stock traded down $1.00 on Monday, hitting $334.15. 246,427 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,441,020. The firm has a market capitalization of $85.24 billion, a PE ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a one year low of $221.56 and a one year high of $335.46. The firms 50 day moving average is $315.15 and its two-hundred day moving average is $291.81.

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Profile

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.

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Elevatus Welath Management bought a new position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 795 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $244,000.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new position in Accenture during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the third quarter worth approximately $31,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Accenture during the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of Accenture in the second quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Canton Hathaway LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Accenture during the third quarter worth about $37,000. 70.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture

In related news, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $345.36, for a total transaction of $190,293.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,583 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,273,504.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was 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 owns 6,583 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,273,504.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Jaime Ardila sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $353.18, for a total value of $1,059,540.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 11,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,023,426.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 26,551 shares of company stock valued at $9,739,791. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ACN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $374.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a research report on Tuesday, February 20th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $369.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Accenture from $350.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. StockNews.com upgraded Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Wedbush increased their price objective on Accenture from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $365.63.

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Accenture Stock Up 0.3 %

NYSE:ACN traded up $0.96 on Monday, hitting $381.95. The stock had a trading volume of 541,767 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,955,388. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $242.80 and a 52-week high of $386.98. The stock has a market cap of $239.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 1.20. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $362.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $334.38.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $16.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 10.65% and a return on equity of 29.08%. The companys revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.08 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 12.22 EPS for the current year.

Accenture 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.

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Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc. reduced its stake in General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) by 98.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,140 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 136,472 shares during the period. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management Inc.s holdings in General Electric were worth $237,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC increased its stake in General Electric by 10.9% during the third quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 109,332 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $12,087,000 after purchasing an additional 10,722 shares during the period. D1 Capital Partners L.P. increased its stake in General Electric by 159.8% during the second quarter. D1 Capital Partners L.P. now owns 1,455,000 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $159,832,000 after purchasing an additional 895,000 shares during the period. Hoey Investments Inc. increased its stake in General Electric by 51,152.3% during the third quarter. Hoey Investments Inc. now owns 22,551 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $2,493,000 after purchasing an additional 22,507 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in General Electric during the third quarter worth about $1,846,000. Finally, Cambridge Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in General Electric during the third quarter worth about $6,285,000. 74.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

GE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of General Electric from $153.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on General Electric from $144.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on General Electric from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. StockNews.com raised General Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, TheStreet raised General Electric from a c+ rating to a b+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $137.71.

General Electric Stock Performance

Shares of GE stock traded up $1.12 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $159.77. The stock had a trading volume of 2,663,635 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,311,920. The firm has a market capitalization of $173.88 billion, a PE ratio of 19.09, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.28. General Electric has a twelve month low of $86.07 and a twelve month high of $161.77. The stocks 50 day moving average is $136.55 and its 200 day moving average is $122.32. 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 posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.13. The business 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 companys revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.24 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that General Electric will post 4.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

General Electric Dividend Announcement

The company 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 0.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 27th. General Electrics payout ratio is currently 3.82%.

Insider Transactions at General Electric

In other news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total transaction 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 transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 13,601 shares of the stock in a transaction on 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 owns 48,339 shares in the company, valued at $6,552,351.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the stock in a transaction on 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 owns 56,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,153,863.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock.

About General Electric

(Free Report)

General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers.

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EULAV Asset Management increased its stake in shares of Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP  Free Report) by 60.6% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 116,569 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 44,000 shares during the period. Roper Technologies makes up 2.1% of EULAV Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 5th largest position. EULAV Asset Managements holdings in Roper Technologies were worth $56,452,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Toth Financial Advisory Corp boosted its stake in Roper Technologies by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 3,066 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,485,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the period. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. bought a new stake in Roper Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Dakota Wealth Management boosted its stake in Roper Technologies by 390.6% during the 3rd quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 4,548 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,203,000 after purchasing an additional 3,621 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLC boosted its stake in Roper Technologies by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 524 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $252,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its stake in Roper Technologies by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 22,352 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $10,747,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.59% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have commented on the company. Raymond James raised their price objective on Roper Technologies from $572.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Roper Technologies from $560.00 to $615.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Barclays raised their price objective on Roper Technologies from $580.00 to $596.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. TheStreet upgraded Roper Technologies from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $580.00 price objective on shares of Roper Technologies in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $557.00.

Roper Technologies Price Performance

ROP stock traded up $0.59 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $548.55. 45,881 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 507,430. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $543.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $519.52. Roper Technologies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $416.77 and a 1-year high of $562.69. The company has a market cap of $58.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.51, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

Roper Technologies (NYSE:ROP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The industrial products company reported $4.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.34 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.58 billion. Roper Technologies had a return on equity of 10.63% and a net margin of 22.41%. The businesss revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.92 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Roper Technologies, Inc. will post 18.07 earnings per share for the current year.

About Roper Technologies

(Free Report)

Roper Technologies, Inc designs and develops software, and technology enabled products and solutions. The company offers management, campus solutions, diagnostic and laboratory information management, enterprise management, information solutions, transportation management, financial and compliance management, and cloud-based financial analytics and performance management software; cloud-based software to the property and casualty insurance industry; and software, services, and technologies for foodservice operations.

Further Reading

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lessened its position in First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) by 33.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 137,608 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 69,800 shares during the quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in First Horizon were worth $1,516,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of FHN. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 15.6% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 29,962 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $704,000 after purchasing an additional 4,036 shares during the period. Panagora Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 22.9% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,303 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $406,000 after purchasing an additional 3,224 shares during the period. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 10.8% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 310,733 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,507,000 after purchasing an additional 30,189 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 2.1% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 28,364 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $666,000 after purchasing an additional 575 shares during the period. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 3,619.3% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 1,003,120 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $23,563,000 after purchasing an additional 976,149 shares during the period. 76.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on FHN. Raymond James raised First Horizon from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $13.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Friday, January 5th. StockNews.com lowered First Horizon from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. UBS Group raised First Horizon from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $15.50 to $16.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup assumed coverage on First Horizon in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a buy rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $16.00 price target on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Friday, January 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, First Horizon has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $14.35.

First Horizon Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE FHN opened at $14.04 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $14.09 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $12.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.94. First Horizon Co. has a one year low of $8.99 and a one year high of $22.88. The company has a market capitalization of $7.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.06 and a beta of 0.93.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $784.20 million. First Horizon had a return on equity of 9.94% and a net margin of 17.80%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.51 EPS. Analysts anticipate that First Horizon Co. will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Horizon Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.27%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.22%.

First Horizon announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, January 23rd that authorizes the company to buyback $650.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 7.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

About First Horizon

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through three segments: Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Knife River (NYSE:KNF  Get Free Report) is one of 29 public companies in the Mining & quarrying of nonmetallic minerals, except fuels industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Knife River to similar businesses based on the strength of its dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation and risk.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

67.1% of Knife River shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 50.1% of shares of all Mining & quarrying of nonmetallic minerals, except fuels companies are held by institutional investors. 7.0% of shares of all Mining & quarrying of nonmetallic minerals, except fuels companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Knife River and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Knife River 0 0 5 0 3.00 Knife River Competitors 230 1069 1437 13 2.45

Earnings and Valuation

Knife River presently has a consensus price target of $72.20, suggesting a potential downside of 3.07%. As a group, Mining & quarrying of nonmetallic minerals, except fuels companies have a potential upside of 12.85%. Given Knife Rivers competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Knife River has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

This table compares Knife River and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Knife River $2.83 billion $182.87 million -0.15 Knife River Competitors $2.25 billion $337.98 million 8.31

Knife River has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Knife River is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Profitability

This table compares Knife River and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Knife River 6.46% 15.98% 7.14% Knife River Competitors 21.33% -22.24% 4.03%

Summary

Knife River beats its competitors on 6 of the 11 factors compared.

Knife River Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Knife River Corporation provides aggregates-based construction materials and contracting services in the United States. It operates through six segments: Pacific, Northwest, Mountain, North Central, South, and Energy Services. The company mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, including crushed stone and sand, and gravel; and produces and sells asphalt and ready-mix concrete, as well as provides contracting service, such as heavy-civil construction, asphalt and concrete paving, and site development and grading. It also sells merchandise and other building materials and related services. The company serves federal, state, and municipal governments for various projects, such as highways, bridges, airports, schools, public buildings, and other public-infrastructure projects, as well as industrial, commercial, and residential developers. The company was founded in 1917 and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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Littlejohn & Co. LLC lifted its holdings in Glatfelter Co. (NYSE:GLT  Free Report) by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 851,097 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 45,438 shares during the quarter. Glatfelter makes up about 1.4% of Littlejohn & Co. LLCs holdings, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Littlejohn & Co. LLCs holdings in Glatfelter were worth $1,702,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of GLT. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Glatfelter by 90.4% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,849,644 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,142,000 after acquiring an additional 878,276 shares in the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Glatfelter by 162.4% during the 3rd quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 905,298 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,815,000 after acquiring an additional 560,316 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP increased its stake in Glatfelter by 4,183.7% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 555,165 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,727,000 after purchasing an additional 542,205 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in Glatfelter by 179.9% during the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 828,243 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,303,000 after purchasing an additional 532,302 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Glatfelter during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,674,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.27% of the companys stock.

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Glatfelter Price Performance

Glatfelter stock traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $2.11. 402,056 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,004,724. The company has a current ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. Glatfelter Co. has a fifty-two week low of $1.25 and a fifty-two week high of $4.59. The firms fifty day moving average is $1.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.80.

Glatfelter Profile

Glatfelter ( NYSE:GLT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 22nd. The basic materials company reported ($0.04) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $320.38 million during the quarter. Glatfelter had a negative net margin of 5.71% and a negative return on equity of 14.04%.

(Free Report)

Glatfelter Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered materials worldwide. It operates through three segments: Composite Fibers, Airlaid Materials, and Spunlace. The Composite Fibers segment offers food and beverage filtration materials for single-serve coffee and tea products; wallcover base materials for wallpaper manufacturers; metallized products that are used in labels, packaging liners, gift wraps, and other consumer product applications; composite laminates consisting of decorative laminates for use in furniture, household and commercial flooring, and other applications; and specialty engineered products, which are used in electrical energy storage, home, hygiene, and other engineered fiber-based applications.

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London Co. of Virginia reduced its position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 5,598,466 shares of the companys stock after selling 193,509 shares during the quarter. Altria Group makes up 1.4% of London Co. of Virginias portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Altria Group were worth $235,415,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 103.2% in 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 period. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. 58.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Altria Group Trading Down 3.0 %

Shares of Altria Group stock traded down $1.24 during trading on Monday, reaching $39.62. The companys stock had a trading volume of 20,914,605 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,048,479. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $40.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $41.61. The firm has a market cap of $69.87 billion, a PE ratio of 8.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $39.06 and a fifty-two week high of $48.04.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $5.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.06 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.21% and a negative return on equity of 244.55%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be paid a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.89%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 85.78%.

Altria Group declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, February 1st that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 1.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on MO. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. UBS Group reiterated a sell rating and issued a $36.10 price target on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.22.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MO

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 offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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London Co. of Virginia reduced its stake in Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA  Free Report) by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 208,927 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 4,387 shares during the quarter. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Murphy USA were worth $71,396,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Alps Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Murphy USA in the 3rd quarter valued at $4,906,000. Armistice Capital LLC purchased a new position in Murphy USA during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,578,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Murphy USA by 8.5% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 153,213 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $52,358,000 after acquiring an additional 12,015 shares during the period. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Murphy USA by 13.0% during the 3rd quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 627 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $214,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Murphy USA by 46.6% during the 3rd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,363 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $806,000 after acquiring an additional 751 shares during the period. 83.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on MUSA shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Murphy USA from $395.00 to $440.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 9th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Murphy USA from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $375.00 to $425.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $425.00 price target on shares of Murphy USA in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Murphy USA from $382.00 to $408.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Murphy USA presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $395.60.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Christopher A. Click sold 664 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $415.55, for a total transaction of $275,925.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 2,413 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,002,722.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, VP Donald R. Smith, Jr. sold 1,235 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction on Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $407.96, for a total transaction of $503,830.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 21,564 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,797,249.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Christopher A. Click sold 664 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $415.55, for a total value of $275,925.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 2,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,002,722.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 10,440 shares of company stock worth $4,244,582 in the last quarter. 9.47% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Murphy USA Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE MUSA traded up $2.70 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $421.59. 99,643 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 202,118. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.15, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.56. Murphy USA Inc. has a twelve month low of $231.65 and a twelve month high of $426.01. The company has a market cap of $8.77 billion, a PE ratio of 16.54 and a beta of 0.77. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $378.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $359.83.

Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The specialty retailer reported $7.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.79 by $1.21. Murphy USA had a return on equity of 70.92% and a net margin of 2.59%. The business had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.32 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.21 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Murphy USA Inc. will post 25.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Murphy USA Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Investors of record on Monday, February 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 23rd. This is an increase from Murphy USAs previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Murphy USAs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6.59%.

Murphy USA Company 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, as well as operates non-fuel convenience stores. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States.

Further Reading

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LRT Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL  Free Report) by 15.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,710 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 875 shares during the period. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Burlington Stores were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BURL. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in shares of Burlington Stores by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,412 shares of the companys stock worth $1,222,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new stake in shares of Burlington Stores during the 1st quarter worth approximately $246,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Burlington Stores during the 1st quarter worth approximately $751,000. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Burlington Stores by 8.5% during the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 1,538 shares of the companys stock worth $280,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its holdings in Burlington Stores by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 1,471 shares of the companys stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the period.

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Burlington Stores Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of BURL stock traded up $1.95 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $207.71. The company had a trading volume of 406,731 shares, compared to its average volume of 760,517. The company has a market capitalization of $13.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 1.13. Burlington Stores, Inc. has a twelve month low of $115.66 and a twelve month high of $222.04. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $196.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $165.26.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Burlington Stores from $167.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Burlington Stores from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Burlington Stores from $220.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 23rd. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of Burlington Stores in a research report on Monday. Finally, Citigroup lowered their target price on Burlington Stores from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $209.13.

View Our Latest Report on BURL

Burlington Stores Company Profile

(Free Report)

Burlington Stores, Inc operates as a retailer of branded apparel products in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products.

Further Reading

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EULAV Asset Management boosted its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 10.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 146,100 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,000 shares during the quarter. Motorola Solutions makes up approximately 1.5% of EULAV Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 17th largest position. EULAV Asset Management owned approximately 0.09% of Motorola Solutions worth $39,774,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MSI. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Motorola Solutions during the 4th quarter worth $470,994,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 67.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,193,146 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $324,614,000 after acquiring an additional 482,023 shares during the period. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 527.0% during the 2nd quarter. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd FI now owns 361,210 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $105,936,000 after acquiring an additional 303,604 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 216.7% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 435,149 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $105,393,000 after acquiring an additional 297,740 shares during the period. Finally, J.P. Morgan Private Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Motorola Solutions during the 3rd quarter worth $77,388,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.37% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently weighed in on MSI shares. Barclays upped their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $333.00 to $352.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded Motorola Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. William Blair restated 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 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $328.29.

Motorola Solutions Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of Motorola Solutions stock traded down $2.02 on Monday, reaching $333.54. 34,734 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 619,206. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $321.36 and a 200-day moving average price of $304.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $55.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.90. 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, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $255.85 and a fifty-two week high of $335.88.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The communications equipment provider reported $3.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.63 by $0.27. The company had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.82 billion. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 441.65% and a net margin of 17.12%. Motorola Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.38 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 11.74 EPS for the current year.

Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. Motorola Solutionss payout ratio is 39.48%.

About Motorola Solutions

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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London Co. of Virginia boosted its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 52.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,110,353 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,066,871 shares during the period. Philip Morris International accounts for approximately 1.7% of London Co. of Virginias holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $287,956,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.9% in the second 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 last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.0% during the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,376,231,000 after purchasing an additional 1,092,991 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,316,761,000 after purchasing an additional 1,056,110 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,793,812,000 after purchasing an additional 1,745,868 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,166,000 after purchasing an additional 2,430,519 shares during the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Philip Morris International Price Performance

Shares of PM traded up $0.48 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $90.31. 2,613,809 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,938,957. The company has a market capitalization of $140.20 billion, a PE ratio of 17.89, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.61. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $92.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $92.71. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $87.23 and a one year high of $101.92.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.99 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 116.29% and a net margin of 8.53%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.39 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.39 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st were given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.76%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 103.59%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on PM shares. Societe Generale raised Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $87.50 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. UBS Group lowered Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $105.00 to $86.50 in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Redburn Atlantic began coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $95.00 price objective for the company. 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, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $105.40.

View Our Latest Analysis on PM

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.

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The Taliban continues to deny women and girls access to secondary school and universities, blocks their participation in entire sectors of the Afghan economy. They continue to limit the movements of women and girls outside their homes, and persecute those who speak up or speak out, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a speech at the Alliance for Afghan Womens Economic Resilience Summit.

The Talibans decrees violate womens fundamental freedoms and human rights in the most basic ways, added Secretary Blinken. But maybe more important, in a sense, or something that needs to be recognized, is they also go against the will of the people of Afghanistan. Surveys show that more than 85 percent of the population believes that women should have equal access to education.

The Talibans restrictions are also suffocating Afghanistans potential, noted Secretary Blinken:

If women and girls were able to learn, able to work, the whole country would benefit. Women could put food on their familys tables; they would add over a billion dollars to the Afghan economy. Economic opportunity is a prerequisite for sustainable peace and sustainable security, so womens contributions would also help create a more resilient society. This is Afghanistans loss if women and girls are not allowed to reach their full potential.

Countries from around the world, including Indonesia and Qatar, have coordinated international efforts to expand educational opportunities for Afghan women. The United States is proud to be part of these and a number of other efforts.

Over the last two years, the Alliance for Afghanistan Womens Economic Resilience has expanded its programs. It will soon begin offering three new kinds of programs.

First, the alliance will provide virtual training and skills-building courses for Afghan women around the world so that they can get jobs and earn an income.

Second, the United States and the Education Above All foundation will provide scholarships so Afghan women refugees in the United States can finish their bachelors and masters degrees.

Third, the alliance will support Afghan women as they start and then grow their own businesses.

Finally, the alliance will continue providing Afghan women around the world with mentors in their fields.

Secretary Blinken urged members of the private sector, academia, civil society, and government to join in the critical mission of helping Afghan women and girls realize their full potential.
That release could not be found.
Hong Kongs slide into authoritarianism and repression is getting steeper and faster. In January, authorities proposed new national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kongs mini constitution. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the United States is particularly concerned by Hong Kong authorities proposal to adopt broad and vague definitions of state secrets and external interference that could be used to eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest and detention.

The people of Hong Kong are already suffering from the violation of their rights to free expression and assembly, which were guaranteed by the One Country, Two Systems framework agreed to under the 1984 Sino-British Declaration. That Declaration, which also guaranteed a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong, paved the way for Britain to hand over control of Hong Kong to the Peoples Republic of China in 1997.

The loss of the freedoms and rights of the people of Hong Kong have accelerated in recent years, particularly after the PRC imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020. Under the law dozens of pro-democracy opposition leaders and advocates, including media mogul Jimmy Lai, have been charged with subversion and other security-related crimes. Rights organizations estimate that more than 1500 political prisoners are behind bars. In addition, PRC-imposed changes to the electoral system have drastically limited the ability of Hong Kongers to participate in free elections; and independent media outlets have been forcibly closed by the authorities in an attempt to silence dissenting views and stifle freedom of speech.

Spokesperson Miller also expressed concern that Hong Kong authorities will apply the proposed legislation under Article 23 extraterritorially in their ongoing campaign of transnational repression to intimidate and restrict the free speech of U.S. citizens and residents.

Spokesperson Miller declared, Article 23 risks compounding the 2020 National Security Law that has curtailed the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong. Enacting additional national security legislation with vaguely defined provisions and purported extraterritorial reach would further violate the PRCs international commitments and undermine the One Country, Two Systems framework.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has played a key role in supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom and its fight against Russian aggression, said USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Mark Simakovsky.

Facilitating nearly $30 billion in assistance, USAID has bolstered Ukrainian energy and agriculture sectors, helped small and medium enterprises survive and sparked anti-corruption efforts.

USAID has supported extensive humanitarian assistance, reaching 40 percent of the population within the country. It has worked to repair the energy sector in response to Russian attacks, providing key equipment to improve transformers, generators and pipelines.

It's kept millions of Ukrainians with power, and of course, with heating, amidst now two really difficult winters where Russia has incessantly attacked Ukraine's energy sector and energy grid. And one of the successes, I think, is that this winter you have not seen the blackouts that occurred last winter, and that's partly as a result of the assistance that USAID has provided, almost $1 billion of assistance that we have to support Ukraine's energy sector, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Simakovsky.

USAID has also facilitated the transfer of about $23 billion in direct budget support to the Ukrainian government.

Such budget support is critical not only to sustaining Ukraine's macroeconomic stability, but to help the Ukrainian government continue to provide essential services to its people, such as emergency and first response healthcare.

This support is essential to maintain Ukraine's resilience amidst a devastating war, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Simakovsky.

In all of these efforts, transparency has been key. Direct budget support is provided to the Government of Ukraine through the World Bank for verified expenditures that the Ukrainian government themselves have already made. The World Bank implements its own accountability measures. USAID has also hired a third party contractor to assist in reviews and advise the Ukrainian government, as well as an auditor.

Every layer of what we're doing in Ukraine, in terms of humanitarian development and budget support has built-in accountability, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Simakovsky. And we have the confidence to  report to the Congress on a monthly basis about where the funding is going, how it's being used, and how it's supporting U.S. interests.

The Ukraine conflict is a bellwether for American leadership, American ideals, American values, said Deputy Assistant Administrator Simakovsky. USAID is really proud to do the work that we're doing to bolster all those values, interests and ideals in Ukraine.
ST demand is alive and kicking Need to reach out to all

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It should be obvious to everyone. The ST for Meiteis demand is alive and kicking, notwithstanding the totally false premise on which the infamous Tribal Solidarity March of May 3, 2023 was held ostensibly against the directive of the High Court of Manipur to send the report sought by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDCM), Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU), World Meetei Council (WMC), Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) and others who back this call have more than made it clear that the demand still stands and it may just be a matter of time for this demand to be taken out on the streets and roads of Imphal. So far the State Government has not uttered a single word on this particular demand nor on the report sought by the Centre back in 2013, and the fact that such a report has been sought by the Centre may not have come to the notice of the public if not for the unyielding voice raised by the champions of ST for Meiteis call. It is thanks to the STDCM that The Sangai Express has also received a copy of the report sought by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and this is where questions should be raised on why the Congress Government back in 2013 slept over the matter and why the present BJP led Government is following this indifference. There could be many factors, but the Government has still not explained its stand on the matter. This is where so many things can be read into the silence of the Government and such a situation can only create rooms for conspiracy theory to fly thick and fast. This is about the silence of the Government but the question of greater import here is whether the ST for Meiteis champions such as the STDCM, MMTU and WMC have tried in any way to reach out to the other indigenous group of people, the Nagas, to present the case of the Meiteis. Not that it is the Nagas which has asked the report on the socio-economic conditions of the Meiteis and definitely it is not the Nagas or anyone else which will decide whether the Meiteis fit the bill to be tagged a Scheduled Tribe or not, but it never hurts to take everyone along as far as possible. Accordingly it is also important to ask whether there are any section of people from amongst the Meiteis who may be urging the Government not to act on the report sought by the Centre back in 2013. The fundamental point is, whether the ST for Meiteis advocates have reached out to anyone and tried to take everyone along with the idea of the Meiteis being tagged a Scheduled Tribe or not. If yes, then it is fine, but if the answer is in the negative then it would help to start reaching out now, though it is rather late in the day.

That Meiteis need Constitutional protection is beyond arguments. Competition in the job market, protection of land etc need to be looked beyond Manipur. As a young man put it while sharing his ideas on the demand that the Meiteis be included in the ST category of the Constitution of India, the primary objective of reservation for the STs is to bring them into the National mainstream. Are the Meiteis in the mainstream by any standard ? The answer would be clear to anyone who understands how a Meitei feels or more importantly is made to feel once he or she steps out of the North East zone. As stated in an earlier commentary in this column, it is with a reason why categorising five communities of Assam as STs is one of the major points laid down by the pro-talk group of the ULFA in its negotiations with the Government of India and why the Union Home Ministry has agreed to this point. ST status for the five communities, namely, Moran, Motak, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tai-Ahom, will ensure land rights for the tribals, prevent alienation of the land and ensure greater representation of the indigenous folks in the Assam Assembly. The line of argument here should be easy to understand and this cannot be to the disadvantage of any indigenous community of Manipur. Why the Meiteis fulfil the criteria to be included in the ST category has been spelt out in this very column on more than one occasion, and perhaps it is because of this, that voices of opposition have been raised against any move to send the report sought by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Send the report and let Parliament decide should be the stand of any sane person.
Today

Sunny with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 68F. WNW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 35F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow

Generally sunny. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
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The DTE Energy Foundation today (Mar 1) invited Michigan nonprofits that serve local communities to submit Letters of Intent for a chance to be selec. . .
In its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections announced on Saturday, the BJP has fielded the Opposition Chief Whip in the State Assembly, Manoj Tigga, for Alipurduar Lok Sabha Constituency, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes. Notably, John Barla was elected on the BJP ticket in 2019 from this seat and became Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs.

The BJP has finally nominated Mr Tigga, who was elected as MLA from Madarihat twice. The party also appointed him as district president last year. The BJP has re-nominated Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Cooch Behar. Though the party leadership re-nominated Khagen Murmu, MP from Malda North, the fate of three party MPs from North Bengal remains uncertain.

In its first list the party did not announce the name of its candidates for Darjeeling, Raiganj and Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha seats. The party has fielded sitting MP Dr Sukanta Majumdar for Balurghat Lok Sabha seat, who is state party president. The BJP has re-nominated Srirupa Mitra Chowdhury, who was defeated by the Congress by a narrow margin in 2019 for Malda South Lok Sabha seat. According to sources, a section of party leaders and aspirants in Malda are not happy with the partys decision to field Srirupa, who is an MLA from English Bazaar.

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On the other hand, a section of the BJP leaders and supporters are eagerly waiting for the second list to find about about the candidates for the three remaining Lok Sabha seats, especially Darjeeling. Significantly, another section of the party supporters is expecting that the party would nominate new candidate, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former foreign secretary and chief coordinator of G20 Presidency, replacing the standing MP Raju Bista. Mr Shringla organised sever programmes under the banner of Darjeeling Welfare Society to reach out to the people in seven segments of Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat over the past few months.

Interestingly, BJP MLA from Darjeeling, Neeraj Zimba, who is also close to Mr Bista, addressing the Press today said that he has written a letter by his blood to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Gorkhaland. Party workers have started wall graffiti campaigns in their respective areas, where the party has announced its candidates. Meanwhile, the administration has deployed Central forces, who have started route marches in Noth Bengal districts.
As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to address an administrative review meeting on Monday afternoon at Tamluk in East Midnapore district, crude bombs were recovered 20 kms away from the Bhupatinagar area.

The bombs were kept in an abandoned hut in a field. Sources from the state police said that before any district visit of the chief minister a thorough sanitization of the area is done. It was during one such exercise that the cops recovered the crude bombs.

Besides the crude bombs, the cops also recovered some raw material required for assembling these. Initial investigation, sources said, revealed that this abandoned hut was used by the miscreants for assembling crude bombs. A hunt has been launched to track the persons behind it.

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Incidentally, crude bombs or even blast at their assembling hubs have been reported from the Bhupatinagar area.

The most serious such blast took place in December 2022 just before Trinamool Congress general secretary and party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjees visit to the district. In that blast local Trinamool Congress activists were killed.

So, district police sources said, the recovery of such a huge quantity of crude bombs and that too before the visit of the Chief Minister is being viewed very seriously by the top cops.

In view of the recovery, sources added, the district police had decided to adopt extra-precautionary measures to completely sanitize a large area within the radius of the Chief Ministers meeting venue on Monday afternoon.
All the speculations about the BJP candidate for the Hooghly Lok Sabha seat have come to an end with the announcement of Locket Chatterjee as the BJP candidate for the seat. Soon after the declaration of the name of Locket Chatterjee as the BJP candidate, Ms Chatterjee met the media persons late Saturday evening, expressing her confidence of winning the poll again with a large margin.

On the other hand, Trinamul Congresss Chinsurah MLA Mr Ashit Mazumdar said Locket Chatterjee was not seen for five years in her constituency and has not done nothing for the people of her constituency. This time she will face a massive defeat, the BJP will be completely routed from Hooghly district. The BJP MP and MLAs have done nothing good for the common people. They have always tried to creat unrest on communal lines dividing the people and stop the TMC from from going ahead with progress and development work. The people of Bengal will not vote for power hungry BJP, he said. Ms Chatterjee, speaking to the mediapersons said: I raised the voice of 18 lakhs voters of Hooghly constituency in Parliament.

I am with them and will be with them in the days ahead. Even though the BJP didnt fare well in the last Assembly election, the municipal election and the panchayat elections, an intensive introspection was carried on to correct our shortcoming s. At presentwe are strong enough to contest the Lok Sabha election and win. Locket said: At present the TMC is passing through a phase of great turmoil within the party fold. The party is divided into different factions. There is lot of discontent among the TMC party workers.

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Corruption issues are there in almost all the sectors. Breakdown of law and order, mafia raj,atrocities against women and the Sandeshkhali incident have created a lot of resentment and discontent among the voters against the TMC. The voters are firm in their stand not to bring back TMC back to power. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the nation have touched great heights.

Massive progress and development work is going on in the entire nation till today while the state government has deprived the people of all the central government beneficiary schemes and projects, said Ms Chatterjee. The Hooghly MP added that the BJP aims to bring a industrial revolution in Bengal creating job opportunities for thousands of educated jobless youths.

The TMC has hastened the path of its own end and have paved the path for the BJP to get a thumping victory. The voters are disgusted and frustrated with the misrule of the TMC government and are all set to give a chance to the BJP, said Ms Chatterjee.
In her maiden Budget speech in Delhi Assembly, the minister said, We all are inspired by the life of Lord Ram, hence we pledged to realise the dream of Ram Rajya in Delhi. For the past 9 years, we have been striving to bring improvement in the life of every person in Delhi, making efforts to bring happiness, prosperity, and a healthy life to every family.

She said under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal they were working hard in Delhi to bring prosperity as it was in Lord Rams Ayodhya.

In the Education sector, Atishi allocated a budget of Rs 16,396 crore for the year 2024-25.

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In last 9 years, the government has built 22,711 new classrooms. Under Schools of specialised excellence, 38 school campuses have been established across Delhi in 56 domains, including STEM, Humanities, Performing and Visual Arts, and High-End 21st Century Skills.

She said a budget of Rs 42 crore has been proposed for SoSEs in 2024-25.

The minister proposed Rs 150 crore for the construction of new schools and classrooms, and Rs 45 crore for the maintenance of existing classrooms besides Rs 40 crore for the Entrepreneurship Development Program.

She said a budget of Rs 8,685 crore has been proposed in 2024-25 for the Health sector.

A budget of Rs 6,215 crore is proposed for hospitals to maintain good facilities and ensure that Delhi Government hospitals remain world-class in the upcoming fiscal year, the minister said.

To ensure an adequate supply of essential medicines in Delhi government hospitals and to provide free medications to all those in need on time, she said a budget of Rs 658 crore has been earmarked.

Atishi also proposed a budget of Rs 400 crore for the construction of new hospitals and the expansion of existing hospitals through remodelling.

Citing that under the Mukhyamantri Teerthyatra Yojna, 87,000 elderly people and their families have gone on pilgrimages through 92 trains since 2019, she said, A budget of Rs 80 crore is proposed in 2024-25 for this scheme.

For the power sector, the minister earmarked Rs 3,353 crore. She said more than 22 lakh families receive zero electricity bills and 40.22 lakh domestic electricity consumers were getting the benefits of electricity subsidy from the Delhi Government.

Mentioning that about 30 per cent of Delhis power supply comes from green and renewable energy, the minister said, The Delhi government aims to have solar plants on the roofs of every building belonging to it, with a target of 4500 MW, or 25 per cent of the total power supply, coming from green energy by 2027.

Atishi said to ensure the right to water and sewerage facilities for every household in Delhi, a budget of Rs 7,195 crore is proposed for the Delhi Jal Board.

Approximately 62.5 per cent of homes in Delhi, which is around 17 lakh families, receive water completely free of cost, she said.

On road infrastructure, she proposed Rs 1,768 crore for road and flyover projects in Delhi, while Rs 5,702 crore to improve the public transportation system and Rs 900 crore for development of villages.
Expressing positivity over the Delhi governments budget for 2024- 25, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that it has been designed to cover everyone, including every sector and segment of the society.

The Delhi CM asserted that the AAP governments budget will not leave behind any segment of the society, as his party is inspired by  Ram Rajya, and the budget is inspired by the same, to take care of all.

He pointed out that what was left behind till now were the roads of the villages in Delhi and this time, as per this budget, the work on the rural roads will be done on a large scale, he added.

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We have saved every penny wherever we could, to provide for better education, medical treatment, free bus travel for women and other things.

He claimed that with the policies of Delhi government and its schemes, presently the city is the most prosperous place in the country for all.

Praising the budget prepared by Delhi finance minister Atishi, the CM said,  Todays budget is a very emotional moment for me personally as we are very common and simple people and do not come from political families and had never thought of entering politics and being elected to such posts.

We have never seen politics as politics, and try to care for the city and every family as I try to do for my own family, he added.

I have tried the kind of education my kids got, all children of Delhi should get that, the Delhi CM said while stressing how important education reforms were in the eyes of the AAP government.

Kejriwal also praised the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna, saying that it is the worlds biggest programme towards nari empowerment, and added that the scheme will benefit around 45 lakh to 50 lakh women.

He said that the scheme will be notified this year, and this will benefit all the women above 18 years of age.

The Delhi CM thanked the people of the city, especially women, saying that it was only possible for the government in Delhi to have a smooth run as the people gave 62 seats out of 70, and further alleged that the LG and the BJP always hinder governments works, and urged the people of Delhi to give more power to the government by electing all seven candidates of INDIA bloc from Delhi in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Millie Bobby Brown, the beloved star from Stranger Things, recently graced the New York City premiere of her latest Netflix film, Damsel, with her fiance, Jake Bongiovi, by her side. The actress, aged 20, took to Instagram to share snippets from the memorable evening, giving fans a glimpse into her enchanting world.

In one heartfelt post, Brown affectionately referred to Bongiovi as her forever prince, accompanied by a touching snapshot of the couple lost in each others gaze as they strolled through the city streets. Their engagement, announced in April 2023, continues to be a source of joy for both.

The premiere itself was a star-studded affair, held at the prestigious Paris Theater in Manhattan. Brown delighted her followers with a gallery of photos capturing the highlights of the event. She striked poses in front of the venues marquee. Her mingling with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley, Bongiovis parents looked fun. The evening was full of unforgettable moments shared with family and friends.

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Brown also treated her fans to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her preparation for the premiere. Dressed in an elegant floor-length Louis Vuitton gown adorned with intricate patterns, she exuded grace and sophistication. With her dark locks styled in loose waves, she truly embodied the essence of a modern-day damsel.

Adding a touch of playfulness, Millie Bobby Brown captioned the series of pre-premiere photos as a damsel in a dress, showcasing her fun-loving personality. In one delightful shot, she shared a light moment with her glam squad.

Away from the glitz and glamour, Brown and Bongiovi have been enjoying their time in New York City. From leisurely shopping trips to casual coffee runs, the couple has been relishing each moment together. Brown, amidst her promotional duties for Damsel, even made a charming appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Her furry friend accompanied her.

As Brown continues to enchant audiences both on and off-screen, her fairy-tale romance with Bongiovi serves as a heartwarming reminder of loves enduring magic.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and other party leaders on Monday launched a mega Modi ka Parivar campaign on social media to counter RJD supremo Lalu Yadavs no family remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As part of the program, the BJP leaders and their supporters added Modi ka Parivar in their profile name on social media platform X.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and several other BJP leaders expressed their solidarity with PM Modi and added Modi ka Parivar in their name.

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Earlier on Sunday, Lalu Yadav had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi often attacks Opposition over Parivarwaad since he himself has no family.

What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own?, he asked.

Lalu also questioned his Hindu religion, claiming the PM didnt sacrifice his hairs when his mother died in 2022.

Responding to Lalu Yadavs remarks, Prime Minister Modi said that 140 crore countrymen were his family.

Today, crores of daughters, mothers and sisters of the country are Modis family. Every poor person in the country is my family. Those who have no one, they also belong to Modi and Modi belongs to them. My India-My family, with the expansion of these feelings, I am living for you, fighting for you and will continue to fight for you, to fulfill my dreams with determination, he said while addressing a gathering in Telangana on Monday.

Taking a jibe at Lalu Yadav, Modi further added, Tomorrow they can also say that you have never been sentenced to jail, hence you cannot enter politics.

Reacting to the RJD leaders remarks, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the people of the country will never forgive Lalu for using abusive words against Modi.
ELKO  Christina Walsh and her husband Craig Walsh, owners of Walsh Reclamation, purchased the Real Deals home goods and fashion store a few years ago to save it from going out of business.

Christina Walsh said the stores former location, in East End Mall near Harbor Freight, did not have enough room inside. So, she and her husband purchased a spacious storefront building on 30th Street, which previously housed Fifth Gear Powersports before the dealership relocated to Spruce Road.

A 6,000-square-foot retail space will house Real Deals shopping possibilities. In addition, part of the building will hold Walsh Reclamations workspace. Real Deals is moving into the new building and will host soft openings on March 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as a grand opening on March 16 during the same hours.

Walsh said she wants Real Deals to carry different products than those already offered in the local market. We have things where theres no one in Elko, maybe even not anyone in Reno, who has this kind of selection, she said. She said their lineup includes kitchenware, kitchen products, high-end and homemade furniture, mens gifts and accessories, product lines for infants and children and also womens fashion, with a full boutique including footwear and jewelry.

As Elko does not have many similar mom-and-pop shops, Real Deals aims to fill in the gaps, Walsh said.

Were trying to carry American-made where we can, she said. Real Deals will carry furniture brands such as Tennessee-based Crestview, Washington-based Emerald Home Furnishings and Mississippi-based StyleCraft. American-made soaps and candles will also be available.

Walsh explained how she took on complex responsibilities in order to stock the store. Along with ensuring Real Deals would employ enough staff to operate smoothly, she poured hours of research and extensive travel across America into searching for her products.

And we had to make the financial investment, of course, to purchase this building as well as having the right staff members to put it all together, she said.

Without such a hardworking team, I wouldnt be able to have done this because were working around the clock to get it all put together, she said. We have been blessed in that area.

What kind of employees does the operation need? Just recently, Ive hired a couple of managers for the store. Ive also hired myself a right hand. Her background is in HR and finance.

The purchase included space for Walsh Reclamation. Weve extended Walsh Reclamation heavily as well, so we hired a full-time manager for that, Walsh added. We just want to keep hiring local people and just keep expanding.

The Walshes have been part of the Elko community for years. Craig Walsh opened Walsh Reclamation three decades ago. His father, Art Walsh, works in mining and owns a ranch in Secret Valley.

Having moved from Campbell River, British Columbia, to Elko for a job in the mining industry, Walsh met her husband at the Star Hotel, marrying him around a decade ago.

In a small-world situation, she found out his family lived in Canada for a while  and her aunt and uncle even babysat him as a child. I moved from a small town in Canada to a small town in the USA and ended up knowing my future husband, Walsh said.

When I came on approximately 10 years ago, I had a background in finance and sales. And so we just put our efforts together, she explained.

We now run Walsh Reclamation together. And weve got Real Deals and now were making it bigger and better.
Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually inaugurated Indias first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar on Monday.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister underscored Indias commitment to a green and sustainable future, emphasising the need for responsible economic progress in the post-COVID era.

As the world strives to recover from the pandemics aftermath, India is steadfast in its resolve to contribute to global environmental goals, he said.

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It will be the worlds first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the worlds first Green Hydrogen plant with rooftop & floating solar, the Ministry of Steel said in a statement.

This project is also a state-of-the-art green hydrogen facility with a target to reduce carbon emissions considerably by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per annum and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over next two decades.

The minister mentioned that Indias rich history of environmentalism, deeply embedded in traditions and practices, is now being revitalized through modern strategies.

He said the country was making significant strides in tackling climate change with initiatives like the Panchamrit, Mission LiFE, showcasing a holistic approach to development that balances both nature and human prosperity.

As a government we are encouraging companies, citizens, and state governments to focus on green growth and green jobs to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2070, he added.

Highlighting Indias progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter and aiming to become the worlds largest producer of crude steel, he talked about the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched last year with an outlay of around Rs 20,000 crore with an aim to make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Mission is also supporting pilot projects in the steel sector with a budget of around Rs 500 crore until FY 2029-30.

While congratulating Hygenco and Jindal Stainless, for the commissioning of Indias first long-term off-take green hydrogen plant, the Union Minister mentioned that this innovative green hydrogen project seamlessly aligns with the governments vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The project not only aligns with the governments vision but also creates valuable employment opportunities, showcasing the potential of responsible industrial practices, he added.

Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, Abhyuday Jindal, Founder, Hygenco Amit Bansal, and other officials of the Ministry of Steel were present at the inauguration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the landmark Supreme Court verdict in to overruled the 1998 judgment that gave elected representatives immunity from prosecution in cases of bribery.

A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system, PM Modi wrote on X.

His remarks came shortly after a seven-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India DV Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict delivered.

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The top court said that MPs and MLAs shall be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act if they accept bribe for their votes and speeches in Parliament or state assemblies.

An MP/MLA cant claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the legislative house, the top court said.

The seven-judge bench said that cases of bribery are not protected by parliamentary privileges and the 1998 verdict is contrary to Article 105 and 194 of the Constitution.

The Article 105 and 194 grants legal immunity to MPs and MLAs from prosecution in order to give them freedom to work without fear.

To give any privilege unconnected to the functioning of Parliament or legislature will lead to creating a class that enjoys unchecked exemptions from the operation of law of the land, the court said.
A Muslim organisation in Assam has expressed support for the state governments decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, a move aimed at combatting the issue of child marriage in the region.

The Assam unit of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, applauded the decision, emphasising its potential to protect Muslim boys and girls from the harmful practice of underage marriage.

Alkas Hussain, the convenor of the Manchs Assam unit, commended Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his commitment to ending marriages involving girls as young as 5-6 years old by 2026.

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Hussain criticised certain Muslim MLAs for what he deemed as neglect towards Muslim children.

The decision to repeal the Act, which allowed marriage registration of minors, has faced opposition from the All India United Democratic Front, citing conflicts with the Kazis Act of 1880.

However, Hussain supported the state governments stance and also endorsed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, emphasising the importance of a unified legal framework for the country.

Hussain credited the Narendra Modi government for its initiatives such as banning triple talaq and promoting development. He urged patience regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) issue, suggesting that awaiting the Supreme Courts judgment would be prudent to avoid further unrest.

Despite concerns over the BJPs decision not to field any Muslim candidates in Assams Lok Sabha elections, Hussain asserted that candidate selection was based on factors of electability. He suggested that the Asom Gana Parishad, a BJP ally, might nominate a Muslim candidate in Dhubri, a Muslim-majority constituency.

In light of the upcoming elections, Hussain expressed confidence in the BJPs prospects, citing widespread support for development across communities in Assam.
The situation in the region arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict and challenges in the maritime domain will be high on the agenda of the first edition of the Naval Commanders Conference of 2024 beginning on Tuesday.

The Conference, this time around, will be held in a Hybrid format where in the first phase will be held at sea.

The inaugural session of the conference will have Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarking at sea to witness both aircraft carriers demonstrating the Indian Navys ability to conduct twin carrier operations.

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The conference, an annual event of paramount importance, serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to deliberate on strategic, operational, and administrative matters concerning maritime security. Held against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, regional challenges and the current volatile maritime security situation in the region, the conference plays a pivotal role in shaping the future course of the Indian Navy.

During the three-day event, the defence minister will address the Naval Commanders. The Chief of Defence Staff, along with the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, will also engage with the Naval Commanders during the conference to discuss the convergence of the three Services in light of the common national security environment. They will explore avenues to enhance tri-service synergy and readiness in defence of the nation and Indias national interests.

The last six months have witnessed significant changes in the geo-political landscape in the Indian Ocean region(IOR) due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic alignment of the nations has resulted in a spill over of the kinetic actions on land into the maritime domain. Along with the drone and missile attacks on mercantile shipping, a resurgence of piracy has also been witnessed. The Indian Navy has responded to the emerging threats with strength and resolve demonstrating its capability as a First Responder and its commitment as a Preferred Security Partner in the region.
Slamming the remark made by RJD chief Lalu Prasad that he has no family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the leaders of INDI Alliance parties were fuming because he was questioning their dynastic politics and that the entire country was his family.

Soon after the Prime Ministers statement at a rally in Adilabad in Telangana, the BJP leaders and ministers changed their X bio to read Modi ka parivar indicating a campaign similar to the Main bhi chowkidar launched by the Saffron party in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.

The Prime Minister also accused the Congress and the BRS of being hand in glove since the former was busy covering up for the latter over the Kaleshwaram scam. Earlier in the day Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy addressed the Prime Minister as an elder brother and sought his cooperation in Telanganas development.

Speaking at a public rally in Adilabad after an official programme, the Prime Minister attacked the parties of INDI Alliance after yesterdays Jan Vishwas Maharally at Patna which was addressed by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leaders including Lalu Prasad and Tejaswi Yadav. The RJD chief had said what can they do if Modi did not have a family. Retaliating Mr Modi said Corruption, dynastic politics and appeasement  the parties of INDI alliance are all submerged in these.

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He went on to add Their leaders are now fretting and fuming. I question their dynastic rule. That is why they have started to say Modi has no family. Tomorrow they might say you have never served a sentence so you cannot come into politics. My brothers and sisters of Telangana my life is an open book  I left home with a dream that I will live for the people of my country. Every moment will be for you. I will have no dream of my own  This is why crores of people regard me as their own, that is why I say all the 140 crore people of this country comprise my family.

Attacking the Congress and BRS, the other two major parties in Telangana, the Prime Minister said that nothing changed in Telangana with the coming of Congress instead of the BRS.

He said,  Just like when the TRS became BRS, nothing had changed ; similarly after the Congress took the place of BRS (in state government), nothing is going to change because they are all the same. The BRS had committed scams like Kaleshwaram during its reign, the Congress government instead of taking action are sitting on the files. You are good, I am good, you had your fill now it is my turn  this is what they do.

Earlier in the day, at an official programme where the Prime Minister unveiled completed projects and laid the foundation stone for new ones, worth Rs 56,000 crore, he was welcomed by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

Reddy solicited the Prime Ministers cooperation in developing the state. He said Only with the help of an elder brother, chief ministers of different states can develop their region. My request is that if Telangana has to progress like Gujarat, your help is a must. He then urged the Prime Minister to help his government in expanding the Metro network, Musi river bank development project, establishing semiconductor industry and irrigation project for Adilabad.
Slamming RJD leader Lalu Prasads not Hindu remark on Prime Minister Narendra, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said the people of the country will never forgive him.

INDI alliance cannot see anyone beyond the family, Lalu ji proved this. This country will never forgive him for using abusive words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has dedicated every moment of his life for 140 crore family members, Goyal wrote on X.

Lalu Prasad has claimed that Prime Minister Modi is not a real Hindu as he did not get his head shaved when his mother Heeraba Modi died in 2022.

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He said this in his address at Jan Vishwas Maha Rally at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, as well as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Notably, BJP has filed a complaint against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav over his controversial PM Modi is not Hindu remarks.

Kashi Saint Swami Jitendranand Saraswati has expressed displeasure over Lalu Prasads remarks on PM Modi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 here.

Under the scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology. The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology, Mr Singh said as he addressed a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers.

The ADITI scheme worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.

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It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe. It also envisages to create a Technology Watch Tool to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem. In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges  Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4)  have been launched.

The defence minister voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments unwavering commitment to encourage the youth to bring forth innovative ideas. He asserted that to motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. Following the encouraging participation in providing solutions to the challenges given by the Services and DPSUs, the ADITI scheme has now been launched, he said.

He stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is to also transform India into a knowledge society. As times are changing, new technologies are coming into existence. To become a developed country, it is necessary for us to achieve a technological edge. We have to transform our country into a knowledge society, he said.

The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem.

Mr Singh described getting a hold on state-of-the-art defence technology as the most crucial aspect to achieve self-reliance due to the increasing role of cutting-edge technology in warfare in todays time. He stated that technology can be mastered either by adopting the latest innovation from other countries or by developing Indias own technology. The government is working on both methods, he stressed.
The State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking extention of its deadline to submit details of Electoral Bonds to the Elections Commission till June 30. In its plea, the bank said that it needs more time to disclose details of Electoral Bonds encashed by the political parties.

The SBI said that there are certain practical difficulties and the decoding exercise is difficult to complete in the timeline fixed for it.

Earlier on March 15, the Supreme Court had struck down the Electoral Bond scheme  for the funding of the political parties  and ruled the scheme and the amendments to the Representation of People Act, the Income Tax Act, the Companies Act and 2017 Finance Act to facilitate the scheme were unconstitutional and arbitrary.

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The top court ruled that Electoral Bonds, which gave anonymity to the corporates buying them and the political parties receiving the same, were violative of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The constitution bench further held that the deletion of the provision to Section 182(1) of the Companies Act permitting unlimited corporate contributions to political parties is arbitrary and violative of Article 14.

In the landmark judgment, constitution bench of the Supreme Court had also asked the SBI to furnish details of the political parties that received Electoral Bonds since April 12, 2019, and all the particulars received and submit them to the Election Commission of India by March 6.

The information to be furnished by the SBI to ECI will also include the details of political parties which have received contributions through Electoral Bonds since April 12, 2019 till date. The court further directed that SBI must disclose details of each Electoral Bond encashed by political parties which shall include the date of encashment and the denomination of the Electoral Bond.
The Spanish Embassy in India has thanked the Indian authorities for their support after the arrest of three people for allegedly raping a Spanish woman who was on a bike tour of the country along with her husband.

Taking to the micro-blogging site X, the Spanish Embassy posted, Thank you all for your support. We need to stand united in our commitment to end violence against women everywhere in the world.

The National Commission for Women condemned the alleged gang rape in Dumka, Jharkhand and said that a letter has been sent to the officials to expedite the investigation into this matter.

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NCW condemns the brutal gang-rape of a Spanish tourist in Dumka, Jharkhand. NCW has been informed that the accused fled from the spot. As per reports, there were 8-10 men involved. The Police have just arrested 3 accused persons in the matter. A letter has been sent to DGP from NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma to expedite the investigation in this matter and invoke charges of rape under IPC 376D, the Commission posted on X.

Seeing the gravity of the situation Mamta Kumari member of NCW will be going to inquire about the facts of the case and meet the victim and concerned Police, they added.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dumka, Pitamber Singh Kherwar, informed that the police are taking the necessary actions, including the medical examination of the victim.

According to SP Kherwar, the administration didnt have any information about the Spanish couples visit to Dumka or the place where they were camping.

Phulo Jhano Medical College Superintendent Anukuran Purty said that a committee will be formed to investigate the matter.

It hasnt been established yet that she had been raped, outer injuries are visible but for inner injuries and other things, medical examinations are going on. She is out of danger. Her age determination will be done. A committee will also be formed, Purty said.
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned Tamil Nadu Minister Udaynidhi Stalin over his remarks calling for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma and told him that he is not a layman but a minister.

A bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta told senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Stalin that the DMK leader was not a layman but a minister and he should know the consequences of his remarks.

The bench said, You abuse your rights under freedom of speech and expression and right to freedom of religion and then come to the Supreme Court for protection under Article 32? Dont you know the consequences of what you said?

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Stalin approached the top court seeking the clubbing of multiple FIRs registered against him in several states over his remarks.

Singhvi sought relief from the top court to club all the FIRs, saying FIRs are registered in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Maharashtra.

Singhvi, during the hearing, relied on the cases of Arnab Goswami, Nupur Sharma, Mohd Zubair, and Amish Devgan where the top court had agreed to club FIRs. If I have to move six High Courts, I will constantly be tied up in this This is persecution before the prosecution.

To this, the bench commented, You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences.

The bench then posted the matter for hearing on March 15.

DMK leader Stalin made the remarks comparing Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue while advocating for its elimination on grounds that it was rooted in the caste system and historical discrimination.

His remarks triggered a massive political controversy across the country. It led to several criminal complaints being filed against him.
VENICE, Italy  The iconic city of 121 tiny islands, 151 canals and 435 bridges will probably be gone when your grandkids want to visit there in the years to come, and there really is nothing that can be done to stop this from happening.

While in Venice last month, we saw this firsthand as we attempted to walk from the hotel to St. Marks Square. On the way, we found our path suddenly blocked by a 200-foot row of 18-inch high platforms with no way of going around.

What dope would block our path like this? I cursed under my breath in my New York accent, not really wanting to be conspicuous. One had to hop on top and over on these stages to continue walking. It was only later that I came across pictures online of previous acqua alta cases, where the city placed these folding tables as a safety precaution because the water had risen so high.

I had to silently acknowledge that I was ignorant in my initial observation as to their purpose. Let me atone by stating some of the basic facts about the water problem in Venice.

Venice started to build up about 1,400 years ago. People came to this area because there were many small islands that could be ideal to build homes on. It is traditionally said that the original population of the region consisted of refugees mostly from nearby cities who were fed up with the countless waves of invasions from marauding Germanic tribes.

The thought of Hun horses mired down through miles of muddy lagoons in order to attack the city gave comfort to residents settling there. Not to mention the invaders usually steered clear of marshy regions due to the foreboding thought of catching malaria.

Some scholars also believe Venice built up as homes for thousands of fishermen who were employed in the local industry. Perhaps it is a little of both, but most agree the building boom really started in the 15th century, just about when Columbus discovered America. Walking around Venice gives you a perspective of what it took to actually build there.

When a house was constructed in Venice, it was a complicated process. First, you marked out the corners of the house with flags stuck into the marshy dirt. Next, you called in the pole driver men who took 15-foot alder wood pointed at one end, and pounded them into the perimeter of your house, adding inside locations as well to hold up cross joists. This was done to give your stone house something to sit on  it couldnt just sit on the mud island, because it would sink. Sometimes, your property even went into the water, so you needed to build it higher than the maximum tide level.

These poles  looking like a stockade of telephone poles  went straight down into the seafloor, where the hard clay (caranto) gave a good base to support the hundreds of tons of weight that would now be placed on top. If the building was going to be very tall, say six stories, no space was left between the poles. They then just cut the tops off flat, giving a platform on which to place the next layer  usually huge blocks of limestone. On top of this went the brick masonry to support the floors and after that a facade of marble and Istrian stone. Most of the underlying wood-piled ground in Venice today is from the 15th and 16th centuries. Dont snicker at this technique. The piers of the Brooklyn Bridge are layered stone sitting atop columns of timber. Seems like the idea works fine.

A good question asked by everyone is: Why doesnt the wood rot out? The short answer to this is, because theyre stuck into the mud where air doesnt have access, limiting the growth of cellulose chewing microorganisms. In fact, some researchers have documented that after digging into the columns, the wood has been there for so long it has actually petrified from all of the neighboring silt.

But if this works so well why is Venice sinking? There are several reasons.

In the 1960s, the city drilled a lot of artesian wells on the islands. Since the town was built on a lagoon and surrounded by the salty Adriatic Sea, the city had always had a problem finding drinking water for its inhabitants. When deep wells were driven way past the hard clay strata, fresh water popped out on its own without the need to be pumped!

You could imagine the delight everyone felt, being able to get water just by drilling for it. Now, the base on which the entire city rested suddenly depleted and the ground began to sink in a process called subsidence. Today, all wells are banned across the city but estimates say the city dropped 9 inches in 20 years.

Couple this with the fact that the sea level along the shore is rising and you have a double whammy. Records show that the average has risen about 12 inches since 1900. At this point, detailed satellite imagery shows the actual ground of Venice is sinking at a rate between 1 to 2 millimeters per year, almost an inch per decade.

Because Venice brings in so much revenue to the country, the government stepped up to the plate and is working on placing metal dams on the inlet to the city that can be adjusted to limit the high tide as it heads to the shore. Unfortunately, the project is long overdue and has cost several times the original estimate.

It should be interesting to see if this works.
It was only after Lloyd Axworthys exit from the Foreign Office (and also from politics) two years later, that fresh attempts were made by John Manley, Canadas Minister for Foreign Affairs, to improve relations with India; economic considerations outweighed the post-Pokhran political stance of his predecessor. In his bid to move forward, he took note of Indias declaration of a moratorium on further tests and New Delhis readiness to begin discussions on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

He removed all economic sanctions in 2001. Two years later when Paul Martin took over as the Prime Minister of Canada replacing Jean Chretien, he gave a further boost to Canadas efforts to expand cooperation by identifying India as an emerging market. But it was the government of Stephen Harper (2006-2015) that had intensified the efforts to enhance cooperation with India. It is not without significance that during his premiership there were 19 ministerial level visits to India, including his own State visits in 2009 and 2014. It was during his first visit that the two sides announced the decision to set up a Joint Study Group to study the feasibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement while negotiations also began for an Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Foreign Investment.

In 2010 Trade Minister Peter Van Loan visited India and launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).These develoments indicated that both sides were prepared to intensify economic cooperation. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Canada in 2010 to attend the G-20 Summit and on the sidelines of the Summit an Agreement was signed for Civil Nuclear Co-operation, which was described by him as breaking new grounds in the history of cooperation between the two states in this sector.

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Harpers government had placed India, an emerging market, at the centre of Canadas Indo-Pacific Outlook. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Canada in 2015 and was hosted by Harper. Both sides emphasized the need for strengthening and expanding bilateral ties, and mutual cooperation on a wide range of international issues where their interests converged. Particularly important was the agreement to revive cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, as Canada is rich in uranium resources and is one of the biggest suppliers of nuclear technology; cooperation with Canada in the development of nuclear energy would reduce dependence on fossil fuel.

MoUs were also signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Canadian Space Agency for cooperation in space research, and between the Indian Railways and Canadas Department of Transport for Technical Cooperation in rail transportation.

These indeed were encouraging developments. In the elections held in Canada in 2015, the Liberal Party swept to power and in a bid to sustain the momentum of developments in India-Canada relations, Prime Minister Modi invited Mr. Justin Trudeau, who had succeeded Harper as Prime Minister, to visit India.

But developments during the post-Harper years moved along a different trajectory as Trudeaus style of functioning, his eagerness to cultivate the Liberal Partys vote bank in the Indian diaspora, particularly among the Sikhs, and his naive arrogance cast a shadow on India-Canada relations. Charismatic, young and handsome, his visit to India in 2018 turned out to be a diplomatic disaster. Usually his international tours received favourable media coverage; but this time around things went wrong as the Prime Ministerial delegation was received at the airport by a MoS ~ not even by a Cabinet Minister ~ which was viewed by political observers as a calculated snub.

The reason behind this cold reception may be attributed to Trudeaus domestic poiltics, his governments attitude towards terrorists and extremists. In 2017, when he attended a Khalsa Day parade in Toronto and delivered a speech, he was photographed in front of the yellow-and blue flag of Khalistan. It is important to note that his predecessor Harper never attended such events, as they were overtly anti-India displaying floats, posters and shrines dedicated to terrorists; and speakers often espoused violent upheavals in India for establishing Khalistan.

Trudeau had aligned his party with the powerful World Sikh Organisation and appointed several of its supporters to high ranking government positions. These matters did not endear him to the Indians. What is worse, during the India visit his entourage included a convicted assassin and a former terrorist, Jaspal Atwal. When matters became public, his government was in denial mode and blamed a backbench MP for the diplomatic impasse and claimed that the invitation to Atwal had been rescinded.

But this was too late, as Atwal was already in India and his official invitation to the dinner to be hosted by the Canadian High Commission had been doing the rounds in social media as were his photographs with top Liberal Party officials and with Trudeau himself, and his wife Sophie. In fact, Jaspal had close links with the Liberal Party. A former activist and donor to the Party, he was for some time even a Liberal board member for the electoral district in Surrey, British Columbia. It is indeed surprising that the Prime Minister of Canada could have any connection with a former terrorist and a convicted assassin, giving substance to Indias allegation that Trudeaus government was very permissive towards terrorists.

This adversely affected bilateral ties between India and Canada. Back home, Trudeaus India visit was criticised as lacking in official business, and providing excessive importance to photo-ops in Indian clothing. During the height of tensions in India-Canada relations last year, Trudeau said at a news conference in Montreal on 29 September 2023 that given Indias rising prominence in the international stage it is extremely important for Canada and its allies to keep up a constructive and serious dialogue with India.

This was an unexceptionable statement, but had he been really serious about it, he should not have publicly arraigned India for the Nijjar killing, without providing substantive evidence. It is unfortunate that Indias friends ~ including the US and the UK ~ do not always take serious note of New Delhis concerns about the patently anti-India activities of separatists living in those states. Speaking at an event in Washington D.C. Dr. Jaishankar said: This has been an issue of great friction for many years with Canada.

But in the last few years it has come back very much into play because of what we consider to be a very permissive Canadian attitude towards terrorists, extremist people who openly advocate violence.. Today, I am actually in a situation where my diplomats are unsafe going to the embassy or to the consulate. They are publicly intimated. The Canadian Sikh activists killing brought into focus the role of Indias intelligence agency, RAW. Nijjars killing took place at a time when there had been a surge in pro-Khalistan activities in Canada, the UK, the US, Pakistan and Australia.

It is also important to note that as India tries to deal with this surge in separatist activities, four former top Khalistani terrorists have died in six months under mysterious circumstances in Canada, UK and Pakistan. In February 2021, at a UN meeting convened to discuss the legality of pre-emptive strikes in self-defence, the Indian Ambassador to the UN said that Article 51 of the Charter is not confined to selfdefence in response to attacks by state actors only.

The right of self-defence applies also to nonstate actors, referring to organisations or individuals not affiliated with, directed by, or funded through a government. If there be even a grain of truth in Prime Minister Trudeaus allegations against India, could this be explained with reference to Indias attempt to develop a strategy, within the ambit of Article 51 of the UN Charter, especially in dealing with threats to Indias security posed by non-state actors in states that are impervious to Indias security concerns?

Finally, Canadas source of information about Indias involvement in Nijjars killing was the US. But why could the Canadian government not provide actionable inputs to the Indian government? Is it because the US Embassy in Canada or the government of Canada was eavesdropping on the phones of officials working in the Indian High Commission which itself is an illegal act? The answer to these questions may unravel the truth.

(The writer is Professor (retired) of International Relations and a former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Jadavpur University)
Which country is the greatest threat to the United States? The answer, according to a large proportion of Americans, is clear: China. Half of all Americans responding to a mid-2023 survey from the Pew Research Center cited China as the biggest risk to the U.S., with Russia trailing in second with 17 per cent. Other surveys, such as from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, show similar findings.

Senior figures in recent U.S. administrations appear to agree with this assessment. In 2020, John Ratcliffe, director of national intelligence under President Donald Trump, wrote that Beijing intends to dominate the U.S. and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically. The White Houses current National Defense Strategy is not so alarmist, referring to China as the U.S.s pacing challenge  a reference that, in the words of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, apparently means China has the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the power to do so. As someone who has followed China for over a quarter century, I believe that many observers have overestimated the countrys apparent power.

Recent challenges to Chinas economy have led some people to reevaluate just how powerful China is. But hurdles to the growth of Chinese power extend far beyond the economic sector  and failing to acknowledge this reality may distort how policymakers and the public view the shift of geopolitical gravity in what was once called the Chinese century. In overestimating Chinas comprehensive power, the U.S. risks misallocating resources and attention, directing them toward a threat that is not as imminent as one might otherwise assume. Let me be clear: Im not suggesting that China is weak or about to collapse. Nor am I making an argument about Chinas intentions. But rather, it is time to right-size the American understanding of the countrys comprehensive power. This process includes acknowledging both Chinas tremendous accomplishments and its significant challenges. Doing so is, I believe, mission critical as the United States and China seek to put a floor underneath a badly damaged bilateral relationship.

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Why have so many people misjudged Chinas power? One key reason for this misconception is that from a distance, China does indeed appear to be an unstoppable juggernaut. The high-level numbers bedazzle observers: Beijing commands the worlds largest or second-largest economy depending on the type of measurement; it has a rapidly growing military budget and skyhigh numbers of graduates in engineering and math; and oversees huge infrastructure projects  laying down nearly 20,000 miles of high-speed rail tracks in less than a dozen years and building bridges at record pace. But these eye-catching metrics dont tell a complete story. Look under the hood and youll see that China faces a raft of intractable difficulties.

The Chinese economy, which until recently was thought of as unstoppable, is beginning to falter due to deflation, a growing debt-togross domestic product ratio and the impact of a real estate crisis. And it isnt only Chinas economy that has been overestimated. While Beijing has put in considerable effort building its soft power and sending its leadership around the world, China enjoys fewer friends than one might expect, even with its willing trade partners. North Korea, Pakistan, Cambodia and Russia may count China as an important ally, but these relationships are not, I would argue, nearly as strong as those enjoyed by the United States globally. Even in the Asia-Pacific region there is a strong argument to say Washington enjoys greater sway, considering the especially close ties with allies Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Even though Chinese citizens report broad support for the Communist Party, Beijings capricious Covid19 policies paired with an unwillingness to use foreign-made vaccines have dented perceptions of government effectiveness. Further, Chinas population is aging and unbalanced. In 2016, the country of 1.4 billion saw about 18 million births; in 2023, that number dropped to about 9 million. This alarming fall is not only in line with trends toward a shrinking workingage population, but also perhaps indicative of pessimism among Chinese citizens about the countrys future. And at times, the actions of the Chinese government read like an implicit admission that the domestic situation is not all that rosy. For example, I take it as a sign of concern over systemic risk that China detained a million or more people, as has happened with the Muslim minority in Xinjiang province.

Similarly, Chinas policing of its internet suggests concerns over collective action by its citizens. The sweeping anti-corruption campaign Beijing has embarked on, purges of the countrys military and the disappearance of leading business figures all hint at a government seeking to manage significant risk. I hear many stories from contacts in China about people with money or influence hedging their bets by establishing a foothold outside the country. This aligns with research that has shown that in recent years, on average as much money leaves China via irregular means as for foreign direct investment. The perception of Chinas inexorable rise is cultivated by the governing Communist Party, which obsessively seeks to manufacture and control narratives in state media and beyond that show it as all-knowing, farsighted and strategic.

And perhaps this argument finds a receptive audience in segments of the United States concerned about its own decline. It would help explain why a recent Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey found that about a third of American respondents see the Chinese and American economies as equal and another third see the Chinese economy as stronger. In reality, per capita GDP in the United States is six times that of China. Of course, there is plenty of danger in predicting Chinas collapse.

Undoubtedly, the country has seen huge accomplishments since the Peoples Republic of Chinas founding in 1949: Hundreds of millions of people brought out of poverty, extraordinary economic development and impressive GDP growth over several decades, and growing diplomatic clout. These successes are especially noteworthy given that the Peoples Republic of China is less than 75 years old and was in utter turmoil during the disastrous Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, when intellectuals were sent to the countryside, schools stopped functioning and chaos reigned. In many cases, Chinas successes merit emulation and include important lessons for developing and developed countries alike.

China may well be the pacing challenge that many in the U.S. believe. But it also faces significant internal challenges that often go under-recognized in evaluating the countrys comprehensive power. And as the United States and China seek to steady a rocky relationship, it is imperative that the American public and Washington policymakers see China as fully threedimensional  not some flat caricature that fits the needs of the moment. Otherwise, there is a risk of fanning the flames of xenophobia and neglecting opportunities for partnership that would benefit the United States.

(The writer is Executive Director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School. This article was published on www.theconversation.com)
There are all kinds of widows in the Sundarbans, not just tiger widows. The men folk fall prey to tigers, crocodiles, the strong river currents, and even a lack of jobs, prompting them to leave home, sometimes never to return.

But beyond the lure of eco-friendly tourism packages and floating on steamers day-long on the vast placid waters, life is indeed harsh. The irony, however, is that the people need the jungles just like the sea, as in the Irish writer John Synges play Riders to the Sea.

The rivers and jungles take away as much as they give.

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It is a love-hate relationship with nature. But post Covid, the two battering cyclonesAila in 2009 and, even before that, Sidr in 2007, which devastated the coastal regionsome valuable lessons have been learnt. To protect the cherished mangrove forests, women are playing a big role in ensuring conservation of the ecosystem through the Sundarban Mangrove Forest Protection Committee (SMFPC).

On my visit way back in 2012, a woman helping at an eco resort that provided employment to the locals told me, How can I stop my daughter from bunking classes and eloping with a young man? I cannot be around all the time. It is no ones fault; maybe it is her age that is to blame, she says, adding that she does odd jobs to supplement the family income. Her husband, a farmer, cannot grow enough paddy to sell, as the water here is saline. Whatever little is grown by way of fruits and vegetables is by the sweet waters of the inland ponds and canals. The largest mangrove forest yields mango fruits that are non-edible. The wild dundhul fruit is also non-edible. Whatever is grown is for home use, which sustains families during the lockdown days, and villagers have a way of preserving foodstuffs like dried fish, etc.

This pragmatism is visible everywhere. With due interventions from the Child Rights Commission, awareness against the trafficking of girls under 18 years of age has risen. I recently visited one of the 54 deltaic islands; the rest of the 104 islands are segregated by the jungle and are on the other side. Most of the women employed in tourist resorts as cooks and helpers have a lesser number of children. Each village has a high school, and electricity has been reached when not lit by solar panels as an alternate means. For college education, you have to go to Gosaba or Canning.

The home of the ferocious Royal Bengal tigers is the home of the stoic rural women who are increasingly relying on themselves to move ahead. Over time, they have come to rely on their common sense and survival skills to move on in a harsh world. It is not easy for the men either. Caught in a Catch-22 situation, they have to venture into the woods for honey gathering and fishing in the large rivers like Matla, Gomur, and Bidhyadhari connecting the various islands, falling prey to the deadly man eaters.

My small uncle (kaka) does not listen, says our guide Manas Mondol, a guide approved by the government but not employed by it, adding that even though another uncle has been taken away, this uncle will go fishing for 7 to 15 days at a stretch. They live in boats cruising the forest area and store the fish on ice. If carried away by the wild beast or eaten by a crocodile, only those with permits can venture into the forests. get a compensation of Rs 2 lakh.

There is a great deal of poaching and more unaccountable deaths this way. The women who try to catch the baby tiger prawn, or meen, to breed into bagda in the bheri are also carried away by crocodiles that prey slyly from under water. Therefore, shrimp farming was introduced by authorities along the banks of the rivers. A picturesque tourism zone known for its man-eating Royal Bengal tiger and the intake of saline water creates a demand for the best seafood and fish at any cost.

The fall in the tiger population raises concern from time to time, but the radio collars to track them do not work because the saline waters erode away these collars, explains our guide. The male tigers are now killing male babies, and pregnant female tigers are being spread out among the various forest reserves. The tigers kill babies because there is a competition to mate the tigresses, explains our guide. The mating season is between September and November, and if tigers do not find mates, they move away to the Bangladesh side of the Sundarbans. It is difficult to enumerate their number, but a rough count puts the number at 100.

Ekhane keu karo noi (no one belongs to anyone here), laments Manisha Mondol, perhaps unconsciously equating her fate with that of a tigress. She cooks on a tourist boat, for which she gets Rs 350 per day. Whenever there is a requirement, they contact me on the mobile, she adds. She is dismissive of her husband and only son, who went looking for work in the Andamans but have since returned, looking for some work in Gosaba. Many men have moved away to other cities too, looking for work.

There are no guarantees here. The mangroves protect our city, but for how long? The ecological experts have warned of the disasters waiting to happen if there is massive rain and floods due to stronger cyclones.

Yet every day, hundreds of Sikhas, Manasis, and Shakinas find some work as life improves by bits and pieces. For childbirth, every village has a local health centre, but for any emergency, the patient is admitted 15 days prior at a hospital in Gosaba.

And as the song goes, as the suns golden rays look to rest on the rippling waters everywhere, there is calm and peace as another day begins and ends.
Israels war cabinet fears heightened tension near the West Bank and Temple Mount during the upcoming month of Ramadan after the ceasefire talks failed to yield the desired results.

Sources in the Israeli Defense Ministry said that an urgent meeting of the war cabinet was held on Sunday, in which it was decided that the troop presence will be increased in these areas (West Bank and Temple Mount), following the intelligence reports.

Sources said that the Israelis fear that Hezbollah forces are also likely to join in the attacks in the West Bank and Temple Mount.

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The Israelis have also conveyed to the mediating countries including the U.S., Qatar and Egypt that they would not send delegations for ceasefire talks. The peace talks between the two sides were going on in Cairo and Paris but both sides failed to reach to any agreement.

A senior official of Israels Defense Ministry told IANS that Israel will not participate in peace talks again until its demand to release all the hostages is not met.

The Israeli intelligence agencies have said that at least 32 hostages out of 134 in Hamas custody have died.

However, U.S. President Joe Biden is pushing for a ceasefire before the commencement of the Ramadan month on March 10th. Qataris and Egyptians have also urged both Israel and Hamas to agree to a possible ceasefire agreement.

Israel has cited the recent statement of Hamas Political Bureau Head Ismail Haniyeh calling upon the Palestinians to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque in maximum numbers during the month of Ramadan. The Israelis have said that this was a clear message to increase tensions in the area.
Israel has decided not to send a delegation to Cairo for discussions regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages from Gaza, CNN reported on Sunday, citing a senior Israeli official.

The decision stems from Hamas failure to respond to two key Israeli demands  providing a detailed list of hostages, specifying those who are alive and those who are deceased, and confirming the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages.

The Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of diplomatic negotiations, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea, made the decision after receiving information that Hamas had not addressed these conditions. This move follows Netanyahus outlined terms in a speech last Thursday, where he emphasised the need for clarity on the identities of the hostages before progressing with any agreements, according to CNN.

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Despite a statement from a senior Biden Administration official indicating that Israel had basically accepted a proposed six-week ceasefire, the lack of response from Hamas has led to the cancellation of Israels participation in the Cairo talks.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a cessation of hostilities. However, a high-ranking Hamas official has yet to respond to CNNs inquiry about whether the group has addressed Israels conditions.

The remaining sticking points in the negotiations, according to a Hamas source, include establishing a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops  referred to as occupation forces  from the Gaza Strip, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals from the south to the north.

Despite optimism, a diplomatic source downplayed the prospects of an immediate breakthrough, citing slow progress and suggesting that a deal might not materialise within the next 48 hours, CNN reported.
Dozens of Palestinians were killed and injured in an Israeli attack while they were waiting for aid in Gaza City, Hamas-run Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra has said in a press statement.

Palestinian security and medical sources said that Israeli forces on Sunday opened fire on people at the Kuwait roundabout, south of Gaza City, while they were waiting for aid trucks loaded with flour, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes bombed a small truck carrying humanitarian aid in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least eight, according to the state-run Palestine TV.

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There was no immediate comment from Israel on the incidents.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Jacky Rosen has joined a bipartisan effort to stand up to the Biden administration and block an effort to allow beef imports from Paraguay over concerns it would hurt Nevadas ranchers and cattlemen.

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a rule allowing beef imports from Paraguay. Nevada ranchers and cattlemen oppose this effort over concerns that Paraguay has a history of foot and mouth disease, which infects cattle and is highly contagious.

The bipartisan group of senators have filed a Congressional Review Act resolution to block this rule and protect domestic producers.

Nevadans sent me to the U.S. Senate to be an independent voice for them and always put our state first, Rosen said in a prepared statement. The Biden administrations ill-advised attempt to allow beef imports from Paraguay will hurt Nevadas ranchers and cattlemen, and thats why Im proud to be part of a bipartisan effort to block this misguided effort.

Martin Paris, executive director of Nevada Cattlemens Association, said importing beef from Paraguay comes with numerous red flags including the potential risk of introducing foot and mouth disease.

The Nevada Cattlemens Association greatly appreciates Senator Rosens efforts to uphold the highest of food safety standards and ensure the continued health of our domestic cattle herd, he said.

Nevadas cattle sector is extremely important for our state, representing roughly two-thirds of the total agricultural sales, said Doug Busselman, executive vice president of the Nevada Farm Bureau. It is extremely important to protect cattle health by preventing imports of very risky foreign sources.

Rosens office said she has been a strong advocate for Nevadas ranchers and cattlemen. Last month, Rosen sent a bipartisan letter calling on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry to address long-term drought in the upcoming farm bill out of concern for its negative effects on farmers and ranchers in Nevada.

Last year, she broke with the Biden administration to block proposed regulations of U.S. waterways that would have hurt Nevadas farmers and ranchers. Rosen was also named a Friend of the Farm Bureau for being a consistent supporter of Nevadas farming and ranching communities.
Job Title: Coordination and Reporting Officer

Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Team Leader Governance and Peace strengthening

About US:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations global development network. UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. The UNDP provides expert advice, training, grant support to developing countries including Uganda with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries.

Job Summary: As a member of the Governance and Peace Strengthening (GPS) team, and under the guidance of the Governance and Peace Team Leader, and direct working arrangements with the Project Manager  BRICK, and collaboration with the Humanitarian, Development Peace Specialist, the Coordination and Reporting Officer provides support in implementation of the UNDP/KOICA BRICK project. S/he will also support day to day implementation interventions within GPS but also aligned with the portfolio arrangement in the implementation of the UNDP Uganda the CPD work closely with the programme units and portfolios of work in advancing the principles of leave no one behind and in the context of the portfolio of pipelines that the unit is implementing. S/he supports the formulation, planning and management of initiatives and support the exercise of building knowledge in this area and effective communication in coordination with the communications team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Support resource mobilization and contribute to the nurturing of strategic partnerships, including with KOICA and other partners:

Contribute to resource mobilization through the development of project proposals to development partners and multilateral funds;

Contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnerships with government, thought leaders, donors, UN entities, and responsible partners to enhance comparative advantage and influence;

Support the development and implementation of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies;

Contribute to the development of relevant documentation on donors and potential opportunities for resource mobilization;

Analyse and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost sharing;

Strengthen information sharing and coordination with KOICA and RoK and beyond.

Ensure management and implementation select projects:

Planning, implementation, and coordination of the Strategy and interventions for the BRICK project but also more broadly for the programme;

Application of Results Based Management tools and performance indicators;

Programmes/projects appraisal and evaluation according to results- based management requirements;

Management of the portfolio of funds/projects through technical monitoring and administrative and financial supervision;

Operationalizing a monitoring system to track progress on program results and indicators;

Identification of capacity-building needs of partners and recommending strategies of support including ensuring gender responsiveness of the strategies;

Technical assistance, mentoring, training, and capacity development initiatives to partners.

Contribute to Inter-Agency and technical working groups coordination, to achieve a coherent and aligned presence:

Attend meetings, events, and participating in groups and committees as needed;

Support coordination with other UN agencies; government ministries, departments, development partners and responsible partners;

Provide relevant input when needed on key developments and opportunities to develop and strengthen institutional partnerships for addressing displacement and providing durable solutions.

Reporting, knowledge brokering, strategic communications, and the promotion of south-south and triangular cooperation:

Establish and implement standardized project results reporting mechanism and tools;

Support effective and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders through draft project reports, such as quarterly reports, annual report, and donor-specific reports, capturing in a comprehensive analytical manner project progress against Results Framework; including the documentation of success stories, achievements, lessons learned, risks and issues;

Produce project updates to donors and stakeholders in a timely manner by using the professional writing and formatting requirements;

Assist and participate in the development of project management-related documents and concise reports and power-point presentations for various project meetings and workshops;

Ensure smooth reporting and communication to donors and stakeholders; ensure adherence to donor visibility requirements;

Work closely with project management and the UNDP CO colleagues to ensure timely and accurate response to donor inquiries on project activities including progress update;

Contribute to the development and review of knowledge products;

Proactively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Facilitates learning, knowledge management and self-development

Assists the programme unit in capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons from monitoring, field visits, evaluations and assessments and helps in sharing and accumulating best practices in the governance and peace portfolio;

Facilitates peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve, the quality of projects, good practices, guidelines, and other documents, as required;

Supports organization of training and workshops for governance and peace portfolio on related subjects;

Participates in events and provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;

Develops and carries out a personal professional development and learning plan as agreed with the supervisor.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Coordination and Reporting Officer job must hold an advanced University Degree (masters degree or equivalent) in Peace and Security Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, or related disciplines, OR a first-level university degree (bachelors degree) in the above-mentioned field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

At least two years (with masters degree) or 4 years (with bachelors degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in monitoring evaluation project coordination and/or project management;

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP;

Experience in development-related field, with a strong knowledge and experience of country programme/project management is required.

Desired Skills:

Experience in developing and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships is an asset;

Prior experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset;

Experience of monitoring and reporting on human mobility, migration and displacement;

Experience in identifying relevant technical cooperation needs in a development context is desired;

Knowledge of the UNDP or the UN system is desired;

Strong research skills/experience and reporting is desired;

Knowledge/experience of the East Africa region is desired;

Experience/Knowledge of UNDPs Policies, Rules and Regulations is desired;

Programme/project management certification will be an advantage;

Experience in programme/project management, M&E and reporting;

Experience working in an interdisciplinary team;

Experience/Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, government partners, Civil Society Organizations, faith-based entities, youth organizations;

Experience/Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Required Language(s): Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Working knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Technical and Cross-functional Competencies:

Business Development: Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context or responsive to a stated need

Business Management: Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Business Direction & Strategy: Business Acumen: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead a good outcome; Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such framework.

Business Management: Customer Satisfaction / Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and understand the real customers needs; Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy; Look for ways to add value beyond clients immediate requests; Ability to anticipate clients upcoming needs and concerns.

Programme and Policy: Effectiveness: Programming (PPM) policies and procedures.

Business Management: Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.

Business Direction & Strategy: System Thinking : Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join the United Nations should apply online at the link below

Click Here

Deadline: 19th March 2024

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
BlackBuck, the largest trucking network in the country, which is backed by Flipkart, is planning to go public next financial year.

According to media reports, the unicorn aims to raise $300 million from the IPO.

Moneycontrol reported that the company has recently appointed merchant bankers and lawyers to advise on their IPO. The company has also started working on preparation of their draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), the report said, citing sources.

"They are looking to file the DRHP with the full FY24 financial numbers. The company is looking to hit the market with its IPO in the second half of FY25, a source has been quoted as saying.

About the company

BlackBuck, which was founded in 2015, has been a pioneer in bringing the offline operations of trucking online. The company "makes trucking simple for every shipper and trucker."

"We at BlackBuck are committed to making it easier for millions of truckers to book a load and move at capacity, and enable shippers of all sizes to have access to the right truck, at the right time for the right price  all at a click of a button," says the company.

According to the website of BlackBuck, the company has over 15,000 clients.
Director Karan Johar released the trailer of the film, Ae Watan Mere Watan, starring Sara Ali Khan. The movie is a patriotic drama and has been directed by Kannan Iyer. The movie has been written by Kannan Iyer and Darab Farooqui, it is set to stream on Amazon Prime from March 21 onwards.



The movie also stars Sachin Khedekar, Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastav, Alexx O' Nell and Anand Tiwari in pivotal roles and a special guest appearance by Emraan Hashmi. The movie is inspired by the true story of Usha Rani, who started a radio station against the backdrop of the Quit India movement in 1942.

The radio station was started to disseminate news across the country, at a time when free press wasn't the norm. This is the first time Sara Ali Khan will be seen in a patriotic film. The movie has been produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra.

22-year-old Usha, a college girl from Bombay, is seen being warned by her grandmother, who says, The British are merciless, they will kill you. Towards the end of the trailer, Usha (Sara Ali Khan) is heard saying, "You may kill me if you wish to, but, as long as I am alive, this radio station won't shut down". The trailer also shows a British officer commanding his subordinate to find the person behind the radio station and hang them.

The film highlights the courage and resourcefulness of the youth during the freedom struggle. Sharing the trailer, Khan wrote, Rising from the shadows of history, a tale of unyielding courage emerges.
NEW YORK, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Central China's Zhengzhou City on Saturday made its debut at the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show which runs from Saturday to March 10.

Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, presents a floral exhibition that showcases the charm of its culture to visitors.

The exhibition sparks inspirations from Zhengzhou's famed Songshan Mountain, known for its stunning natural and cultural heritages. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Songshan Mountain and the Zhengzhou's city flower, Chinese rose, said a press release by the Zhengzhou delegation.

Visitors can also experience local traditional culture such as paper cutting, dough sculpture, and Henan opera, all embodying the cultural richness of this city with a history of over 3,000 years.

The delegation hosted a cultural and tourism promotion event on Saturday morning at the gala, where Chen Hongmin, vice mayor of Zhengzhou, invited more Americans to visit his city.

With the theme of "United by Flowers" for 2024, the Philadelphia Flower Show dates back to 1829 and is famous for its stunning visual displays, world-class plant competitions, family activities, artisanal crafts, educational offerings, and curated shopping.

Editor: WXL
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed an interim plea by Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha recently, seeking to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai from posting or circulating any "fake and defamatory" content against her.



Justice Sachin Datta, while pronouncing the order, said "I have dismissed the injunction application". The high court had on December 20 reserved its order on the interim application after hearing the counsel for Moitra, Dubey and Dehadrai.

The expelled Lok Sabha member from Krishnanagar in West Bengal, in her plea filed in October last year, sought permanent injunction against Dubey, Dehadrai, social media platforms X, search engine Google, YouTube and 15 media houses from making, publishing, circulating per se defamatory, ex facie false and malicious statements against her. She has also sought damages.

She later deleted all media houses and social media intermediaries from the memo of parties and maintained her case only against Dubey and Dehadrai.

Dubey had accused Moitra of taking bribes from businessman and Hiranandani Group CEO Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions in Parliament. Citing a letter he received from advocate Dehadrai, Dubey said the latter shared with him "irrefutable" evidence of bribes allegedly having been paid to the TMC leader by the businessman.

In his letter to the Lok Sabha speaker, Dubey claimed 50 of the 61 questions she asked in the Lok Sabha till recently were focused on the Adani Group, the business conglomerate which the ex-TMC MP has often accused of malpractices, more so after it was at the receiving end of a critical report by short seller Hindenburg Research. Based on these allegations, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee had suggested Moitra's removal from the lower house following which she was expelled on December 8, 2023.

Responding on the Courts decision, Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai told ANI, "I am very grateful that the interim application that had been filed against me and MP Nishikant Dubey has been dismissed today. This was a completely mala fide attempt by certain individuals who wanted to silence us from speaking the truth about their corrupt, crooked activities. I remain committed to this fight. The real actor behind all of this, apart from the person who filed this, is a man from Odisha. I am grateful that this has happened today.
The Jharkhand Police, which arrested three men in connection with the gangrape of a Spanish tourist, have initiated a search for the remaining four accused.

Superintendent of Police Pitamber Singh Kherwar told reporters on Sunday that seven people were allegedly involved in the crime. "The other four accused have been identified, and searches are underway. They will be nabbed soon," Kherwar said, adding that the medical test conducted on the woman confirmed rape.



The victim, from Spain, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from the state capital Ranchi. She was spending the night in a tent along with her husband, who is in his 60s when the incident happened.



According to the couple, they had camped out near the site because they could not find hotels nearby. "They raped me, they took turns while some watched and they stayed like that for about two hours", the woman said in the video. The couple manages their joint Instagram account, where they post images of their travels around the world by motorcycle to almost 200,000 followers.

It is unclear when the couple would leave the state. "Legal procedures are underway. We will let you know about this later," the SP added.



Meanwhile, the Spanish Embassy in India posted on X, "Thank you all for your support. We need to stand united in our commitment to end violence against women everywhere in the world." On learning about the crime, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it was sending staff to the area and had been in touch with authorities. The Brazilian Embassy has also intervened in the issue as the victim shares Brazilian heritage.



National Commission for Women member Mamta Kumari also met the survivor. "All the accused involved in the crime should be arrested at the earliest and stringent action should be ensured," she said, while hitting out at the law and order situation in the state.


Kerala University made news after the youth festival scheduled to begin in the state capital on March 7 kicked up a row. The student union, responsible for organising the youth festival, named the event 'Intifada' -- a word that is often used to describe Arab resistance against Israeli occupation. After it was brought to his notice, the Vice-chancellor of the university asked to rename the event and sought an explanation from the organisers.

Here's the development so far and why Kerala University found the word 'Intifada' problematic.

Why 'Intifada' is considered problematic by many?

Arabic word Intifada translates to "uprising," or "resistance movement." It is commonly used to refer to the resistance movements, violent or non-violent, put forth by Palestinian people against Israeli occupation. Kerala's pro-Palestinian camps had openly hailed the student union's decision to name the youth festival "that send a clear political message."

The university youth festival: Who is in charge?

"The resistance through art against invasions," the slogan of the youth festival read. The Kerala University youth festival was scheduled to take place between March 7 to 11. The Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing affiliated with the CPI(M) helms the union.

The complaint

ABVP Kerala state secretary EU Eswaraprasad filed a complaint against the name. The student leader reportedly pointed out that 'Intifada' was the name opted by many Popular Front of India (PFI)-related profiles on social media after the organisation was banned by the Centre.

"India shares a friendly diplomatic relation with both Palestine and Israel. And Israel is regarded as a strategic partner of our country. A government-funded educational institution of our country indulging in propaganda against one of the friendly countries in the context of their internal conflict is not a good gesture, and it may affect the strategic interest of India, the Indian Express quoted his complaint as further stating.

What did the university authorities say?

Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal directed that the event should be renamed as "Kerala University Youth Festival" for the time being. 'Intifada' should be removed from all promotional material of the youth festival including posters, banners and social media handles. The festival was renamed Kerala University Youth Festival. He pointed out that the said term is directly associated with the Palestine-Israel issue and "can have implications on the Country's foreign policy."

"University is duty bound to ensure that its activities do not hurt the sentiments of any sections of the students, faculty and public. The Youth Festival would be attended by thousands of students coming from different social milieu. Controversies need to be avoided in all such programs.

"The Registrar, Director, Departments of Students' Services and the Chairman, Kerala University Students' Union are directed to ensure the compliance of the above direction and any failure on their part in implementing the directions will be viewed seriously," an official release by the varsity dated March 4, 2024, read.

What next?

When VC sought an explanation from the student union, the student body maintained that naming the festival was within its domain. 'Intifada' was used as a reaction to the ongoing Israeli military invasion in Gaza. However, this explanation was rejected by the VC.

According to local media reports, the Kerala University Student Union is hellbent on going ahead with its name of choice for the upcoming event. Unless a court order tells otherwise, they don't intend to change the name, the SFI-led student body was quoted as saying by News 18 Malayalam on Monday.
AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has replied to the Enforcement Directorate summons to appear before it in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. Kejriwal said he was willing to appear before the agency through video-conferencing after March 12.

He, however, reiterated that the summonses were "illegal" but still he was ready to answer the questions.



Kejriwal has far skipped summonses of the agency, the last one being on February 7. Kejriwal also has to appear before a city court on March 16. The court has sought his personal appearance in a complaint case filed by the ED over skipping its summonses.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-state tour from Monday, which will see him launch multiple development projects in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bengal and Bihar.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth more than Rs 110,600 crore over the next two days.



"Over the next two days, I will be attending various programmes in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal. The development works which will be inaugurated cover a wide range of sectors and will transform several lives," Modi said in a post on X.



On Monday morning, the Prime Minister will fly to Telangana, where he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 56,000 crore in Adilabad.



He will lay the foundation stone for the state-owned power giant NTPC's various projects worth Rs 30,023 crore on Monday. According to NTPC, the projects signal a significant leap towards sustainable development and economic growth, an NTPC statement said.



These include Unit -2 (800 MW) of NTPC's Telangana Super Thermal Power Project (Stage-I) located in the Peddapalli district of Telangana which is aimed at enhancing the power supply in Telangana and other parts of the country.



By evening, around 3:30 pm, Modi will visit BHAVINI in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.



His Telangana programme will continue on Tuesday too with Prime Minister Modi set to inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs 6,800 crore in Sangareddy, Telangana.



He then will head to Odisha where he will launch multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,600 crore at Chandikhole, Jajpur in Odisha.



Modi's next schedule is in Kolkata on Wednesday where he will lay the foundation stone of multiple connectivity projects worth Rs 15,400 crore in Kolkata. Thereafter, the prime minister will visit Bettiah in Bihar at around 3:30 pm, where he will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth around Rs 12,800 crore.



In Kolkata, Modi will inaugurate Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section, Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section, Taratala-Majerhat Metro section (part of Joka-Esplanade line); Pune Metro from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi stretch; Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension project (Phase IB) from SN Junction Metro station to Tripunithura Metro station; Agra Metro's stretch from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar; and Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.



Ahead of the elections, the Prime Minister will travel across 29 programmes spread across 12 states and union territories over the next 10 days ahead of the likely announcement of the Lok Sabha polls.



Besides these 5 states, officials will also be visiting Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi.



The prime minister will be in Jammu and Kashmir on March 7 and attend a media event in Delhi in the evening. On March 8, he will participate in the first-ever National Creator's Award in Delhi and then leave for Assam in the evening.



Modi will inaugurate the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng and then unveil multiple development projects in Itanagar. Later, he will unveil a statue of legendary Ahom army commander Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat, Assam.



Thereafter, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of multiple development projects in Jorhat, the officials said. He will also visit West Bengal and launch development projects in Siliguri and address a public meeting there.



On March 10, Modi will be in Uttar Pradesh and will dedicate to the nation various projects in Azamgarh, they said.



He will attend an event in Delhi the next day related to 'Namo Drone Didi' and 'Lakhpati Didi' programmes. Then, he will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway. In the evening, he will attend a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) programme.



On March 12, he will visit Sabarmati in Gujarat and Pokhran in Rajasthan and then lay the foundation stones of three important semiconductor projects in Gujarat and Assam via video conferencing on March 13.



(With PTI inputs)


The Karnataka government on Monday dismissed a private labs FSL report regarding pro-Pakistan slogans raised in Vidhana Soudha after Rajya Sabha polls and said the proper action will be taken once it receives the forensic report from the home department.



Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, The private organization report cannot be taken into consideration. The FSL report of the government will come out and we will take action on the forensic report of the Home Department. There is nothing to hide, we will take action according to the report," he said. On BJP accusing the government of trying to cover up the issue, They're saying every day. We don't need to hide anything," the home minister said.

Following Rajya Sabha polls, supporters of Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain allegedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans in the corridors of Vidhana Soudha after his victory in the Rajya Sabha elections, an incident which triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and BJP. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had ordered an investigation by a government-run FSL to check the veracity of the allegations.

The Karnataka BJP, citing an investigation report of a private forensic science laboratory claimed "Pakistan zindabad" slogan was indeed shouted after the victory of a Congress candidate in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections.

The BJP posted on its social media handle the investigation report, prepared by Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations Pvt Ltd and signed by audio forensic examiner Phaneendar B.N. on behalf of city-based 'Samvada Foundation'. In his opinion, Phaneendar said the examined video of the incident is "not tampered/ doctored in between and is a result of single capture."

The inference drawn by him is: "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether it was Nasir Saab Zindabad' or 'Pakistan Zindabad', the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad'."

Minister for IT Priyank Kharge said, How can an RSS-backed foundation give a private company this job? Who are they to give this job to them? It is such a serious issue. They should be a little more serious about this. Kharge said the private labs report was inconclusive and it was prepared purely to benefit BJP.

-with inputs from ANI, PTI
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs handed over the probe into the Bengaluru cafe blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday, said sources.

At least nine people were injured after an explosion rocked Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookfield, East Bengaluru, on March 1.

Earlier, Karnataka's Central Crime Branch was hunting for the prime suspect who was seen wearing a cap, mask and glasses in CCTV footage. The man was seen buying rava idli from the counter. After sitting down at a place, he reportedly set the timer and left, said police sources.

The blast was reportedly caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). No organisation has claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hinted at a possible connection between the cafe blast and the 2002 Mangaluru cooker explosion, as police found similar materials being used.

The IED in the pressure cooker accidentally went off when it was being transported in an autorickshaw in November 2022. An investigation revealed that the IED was meant to be planted at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple in the coastal city.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Aam Aadmi Party to vacate its offices at Rouse Avenue by June 15, noting that the land was allotted to the Delhi High Court for expanding judicial infrastructure. The court said that the party was granted the long deadline in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"In view of the impending elections, we grant time till 15 June 2024 to vacate the premises so that the land which has been allotted for the purpose of expanding the footprint of the district judiciary can be duly utilised on an expeditious basis, said a bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The top court, however, allowed the party to approach the Land and Development Office for the allotment of land for its offices. "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks," the bench said.

Noting that it was a case of encroachment, the court said the AAP had no lawful right to continue on the land.

"How can any political party sit on it? All encroachments will be removed. The High Court should be given possession of the land, which can be used for the public and citizens," it said.

The top court also directed the Chief Secretary, PWD Secretary, and Finance Secretary of the Delhi government to convene a meeting with the Registrar General of the High Court before the next date to ensure resolution of all issues.
In a joint operation, two shooters accused of gunning down Indian National Lok Dal chief Nafe Singh Rathee and a party worker were arrested from Goa, police said. Haryana police are on the lookout for two other accused in the case.



According to police, two of the accused - Ashish and Saurabh - were arrested from North Goa in a joint operation by the Haryana Police's Special Task Force, the Jhajjar Police and the Delhi Police's Special Cell. The accused were arrested from a hotel in Goa and they will be brought to Delhi by afternoon, police said.

Jhajjar police said they are on the lookout for two other accused in the caseNakul and Atuland police have recovered the car used by the accused. Jhajjar SP Arpit Jain said the car was recovered near Rewari Railway Station.

According to police, Ashish and Saurabh--residents of Delhi's Nangloi--are associates of UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan, who, through a purported social media post, took responsibility for killing Rathee.

Rathee, the president of the Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Haryana unit, and party worker Jai Kishan were killed after multiple rounds were fired on their vehicle in Bahadurgarh in the state's Jhajjar district on February 25.

Jhajjar police had named former BJP MLA Naresh Kaushik and others in the FIR registered after the incident. The case was registered under various Indian Penal Code sections, including 302 (murder), and the Arms Act.

In his police complaint, Rathee's nephew Rakesh had said five unidentified killers, who were following them in a car, came out and fired indiscriminately near the Barahi railway crossing.

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij had recently said in the state assembly that the probe into the killings will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala has accused the BJP-JJP government in Haryana of failing to provide security to Rathee, despite there being a threat to his life.

-with PTI inputs.
As Shehbaz Sharif took the oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a second time on Monday, China said it hopes to deepen its "all-weather" strategic ties and upgrade the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

China warmly congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on being elected as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here.

On Sunday, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sharif soon after his election.

China highly appreciates Prime Minister Sharif's positive statements on China-Pakistan relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Mao said.

We stand ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward our traditional friendship, advance exchanges and cooperation across the board, upgrade the CPEC, and deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, she said.

In his victory speech yesterday, Shehbaz Sharif vowed to further promote the CPEC projects with China.

The CPEC, a global infrastructure and investment initiative by Beijing, was launched in 2013. It connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province.

There is a sense of relief among the official circles here that Pakistan, a key ally of China, which has been going through grave economic and political crises for the last several years, has an elected government that Beijing could deal with.

China had an uneasy relationship with former prime minister Imran Khan's government, which was blamed for the slow pace of the CPEC.

Both Shehbaz and his brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, are familiar political figures for the ruling Chinese Communist Party as both of them along with the Pakistan military strengthened the all-weather alliance during their tenures. They are also firm backers of the strategic CPEC project.

China has been providing forex loans and rollover of its debt periodically to bail out Pakistan which is facing a severe economic crisis.

Recent reports from Islamabad said China has agreed to roll over a USD 2 billion loan due to be paid in March.
Dr. Luo Jun collects spotted seal dung samples at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024.

Between November and March in the coming year is the breeding season for spotted seals, and it is also the busiest time for Dr. Luo Jun's team at the Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute.

"Every year, our institute breeds around 10 spotted seal pups," says Dr. Luo.

During this period, Dr. Luo and his team members will test the dung for both seal mothers and pups, examine water samples, record the growth of the seals and prepare customized food when necessary.

The Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute, where Dr. Luo works, also serves as a provincial aquatic wildlife rescue center which accommodates rescued wild spotted seal pups.

In mid-April this year, the Institute plans to release some of the rescued wild pups and artificially bred pups back into the sea.

"As I watch these pups swim back to the ocean, I feel reluctant to part with them. I hope that our efforts will contribute to increasing the population of spotted seals," says Dr. Luo. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2024 shows spotted seals at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun collects water samples at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun prepares food for spotted seals at Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2024 shows a spotted seal pup born in 2024 at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun tests sea water samples at Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun tests sea water samples at Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun tests sea water samples at Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun puts nutrition substance into food for spotted seals at Dalian Sunasia Marine Biology Institute in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2024 shows a spotted seal pup born in 2024 at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Dr. Luo Jun (R) feeds a spotted seal at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Feb. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2024 shows a spotted seal pup born in 2024 at Dalian Sunasia seal breeding base in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Editor: WXL
France inches closer to making abortion a constitutional right, as lawmakers gather for a joint session of parliament at the Palace of Versailles to vote on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged this measure in response to a legal setback for abortion rights in the United States.

Macron's government wants to amend Article 34 of the constitution to specify that the law determines the conditions by which the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, is guaranteed.

The proposal to amend the constitution was approved by the lower house of the parliament in January. The Senate adopted the bill on Wednesday, clearing a key hurdle for legislation promised by Macron's government, intended to make a woman's right to have an abortion irreversible.

The measure must be approved by a three-fifths majority in the joint session.

Meanwhile, none of France's major political parties represented in parliament has questioned the right to abortion.

The government argued in its introduction to the bill that the right to abortion is threatened in the United States, where the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned a 50-year-old ruling that used to guarantee it.

We increased the level of protection for this fundamental right, said Anne-Ccile Mailfert of the Women's Foundation. She added: It's a guarantee for women today and in the future to have the right to abort in France.
In Israel's latest raid in Ramallah, a 16-year-old has been reportedly shot dead and killed by the forces. The incident happened when the forces raided the al-Amari camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city.

The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health said Mustafa Aby Shalbak got injuries in his neck and chest. Though the kid was rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead.

As many as 15 Palestinians were detained by Israeli troops overnight, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa. Detentions were also reported from places including Bethlehem, Tubas and East Jerusalem. Over 7,000 Palestinians have been detained so far by the military in the series of raids conducted by the troops.

Families of hostages hold silent march

Marking the 150 days of captivity, the families of hostages and other supporters held a silent march at Knesset.

Around 130 hostages are believed to be still held in Hamas' captivity. Including the three mistakenly killed by the IDF, the bodies of 11 hostages have been recovered by the authorities so far.

A woman walks next to posters with pictures of the hostages kidnapped in the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza in Tel Aviv | Reuters

Meanwhile, the IDF has confirmed 31 deaths in Hamas captivity based on the intelligence reports.

As many as 30,534 Palestinians have been killed and 71,920 have been injured in Israeli attacks so far, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

IDF on Monday claimed to have apprehended suspected Hamas members who were attempting to flee "under the protection of the civilian population".

"On Saturday, Islamic Jihad terrorists fired rockets toward kibbutz Beeri and kibbutz Hatzerim. In under 30 minutes since the launch, IDF troops identified the terrorist cell and directed an aircraft that struck and eliminated the terrorists," said IDF.

While briefing on the military activities, IDF said its troops killed 15 terrorists using sniper, tank, and aerial fire over the past day.

IDF troops led the evacuation of the civilian population, and apprehended approximately 80 wanted individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activity, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists who attempted to flee under the protection of the civilian population, it said.
Israel is reportedly pulling out of ceasefire talks in Cairo after Palestinian militant group Hamas refused to provide the list of hostages who are alive. The refusal of Hamas to confirm the ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the hostages has also irked Israel that it decided not to send a delegation to Egypt for talks.

Though the Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks, there was no sign of the Israeli delegation, according to Ynet, the website of Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The talks were considered the final hurdle before a ceasefire agreement could be reached. Last week, US President Joe Biden had said that a ceasefire deal could be in place by Ramadan.



Sources told CNN that the decision not to send an Israeli delegation was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea. The source added that Barnea received a message that Hamas had not responded to the conditions.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that he would want to know the names in advance. "I demand to know in advance the names of all the hostages who will be included in the outline. I have yet to receive an answer to the two questions and it is too early to say, in spite of our willingness, if we will achieve an outline for an additional release in the coming days."



Israel could also stay away unless Hamas presented the full list of hostages, a deal which the militant group refuses to agree. "The path to a ceasefire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there's a deal on the table. There's a framework deal. Israel had agreed to the framework and it was now up to Hamas to respond," a U.S. official was quoted by Reuters



Meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for at least the next six weeks. The Vice-President also urged the Netanyahu government to "do more" to increase the flow of aid in the war-ravaged enclave.



Harris made the ceasefire call on Sunday during a speech in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the annual remembrance of the landmark civil rights movement.



"The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated, and given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table," Harris said.



"This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid. This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is more secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination," the Indian-American leader said.


Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Monday reshuffled the Cabinet after terminating a nearly 15-month partnership with the Nepali Congress due to major differences between their top leadership, in a dramatic development in the politically fragile Himalayan nation.

Prachanda, a former guerilla leader, forged a new alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) - the second-biggest party - led by former premier KP Sharma Oli following which three ministers took the oath of office and secrecy on Monday.

Padam Giri from the CPN-UML, Hit Bahadur Tamang from CPN (Maoist Center) and Dol Prasad Aryal from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) took the oath of office and secrecy during the oath-taking ceremony held at the President's Office, Sheetal Niwas. However, the newly appointed ministers have not been assigned portfolios.

Prime Minister Prachanda has kept 25 ministerial portfolios including those of Home, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Finance with himself.

The new political equation formed by keeping the largest party and the strongest democratic force - Nepali Congress - out of power and bringing together the two largest communist forces may not be in the interest of India, according to senior journalist and political analyst Dhruva Hari Adhikary.

The collective strength of 142 of CPN-UML, Maoist, RSP and JSP is more than the minimum required no of 138 seats in the 275-member House.

The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) led by Prachanda and the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led Nepali Congress was terminated as the growing differences between the two top leaders reached a climax, a CPN-Maoist Centre party leader said.

"As (the) Nepali Congress did not cooperate with the Prime Minister, we are forced to look for (a) new alliance, Ganesh Shah, Secretary of the CPN-Maoist, told PTI.

Prachanda became the prime minister for the third term with the support of the Nepali Congress on December 25, 2022. His party is the only third-largest group in the House of Representatives.

After breaking the alliance with the Nepali Congress --the largest party in the House of Representatives-- Prachanda joined hands with Oli, who was regarded as Prachanda's top critic.

Last year, the CPN-UML withdrew its support to the Prachanda-led government following a rift over backing the main opposition party's candidate for the presidential poll.

The rift between the Maoist Centre and Nepali Congress grew after differences grew between Nepali Congress leader and Finance Minister Mahat and Prachanda over the issue of budget allocation to certain projects.

The rift grew as Nepali Congress President Deuba wanted the party's senior leader and newly elected lawmaker Krishna Sitaula to be made the Chairman of the National Assembly against Prachanda's plan to appoint his party's fellow to the key post.

The frequent changes in coalition government lead to political instability, which is not in favour of the neighbouring countries, Adhikary said.

Nepal has witnessed 13 governments in the last 16 years.

As Prachanda's alliance with the Nepali Congress did not last for more than a year, we cannot be sure that this coalition will last for a longer period, he told PTI.

Earlier Monday, Prachanda held a meeting with CPN-UML chairman Oli at the PM's residence Baluwatar. During the meeting, the two top leaders decided to form a new alliance and a new government under the leadership of Maoist chairman Prachanda.

"The two leaders discussed the formation of a new government, a future course of action and possible leftist alliance among others," according to sources close to Baluwatar.

Soon after the meeting, leaders of three political parties, including Prime Minister Prachanda, CPN-UML chairman Oli and Rastriya Swatantra Party's (RSP) Ravi Lamichhane met at Baluwatar and discussed the modality of the new alliance and the formation of the new government.

Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives during the November 2022 general election, securing 89 seats out of a total of 275.

The CPN-UML secured 78 seats, followed by the Maoist Centre, which got 32 seats.

The RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party and CPN-Unified Socialist won 20, 14, 12 and 10 seats respectively. A party must win the support of at least 138 members of the House of Representatives to form the government.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress Central Work Execution Committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss contemporary political issues.

CPN-UML, the second largest party in Parliament, will be a major alliance for the Prachanda-led new government.

In the 2017 election, Prachanda and Oli merged their parties and secured the majority. Oli became the prime minister, but their partnership ended halfway following differences between them.

-PTI
Moscow summoned Germany's ambassador to Russia's foreign ministry on Monday after the leak of the tape on supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Russia demanded an explanation from Germany over the leaked audio clip.

Russia's state-funded TV channel RT posted the audio on Friday on social media.

Germanys defence minister, Boris Pistorius, has accused Russia of waging an information war against Germany, by intercepting and then leaking sensitive discussions that took place among the high-level officers.

Russia has accused Germany of planning war against it. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said, "Germany is planning a war with Russia.

While Pistorius said it was "completely absurd".

The conversations highlight the direct involvement of the collective West in the conflict in Ukraine, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Germany is among the NATO countries that have provided arms to Ukraine including tanks. Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US.

What's in the leaked audio clip

The 38-minute recording of the leaked call reveals German officials discussing weapons for Ukraine and a potential strike by Kyiv on the Crimea bridge.

The weapon discussions include the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv. Kyiv has been requesting the possible supply of weapons from NATO nations to sustain the ongoing battle. They have been asking Germany to deliver Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach targets up to 500km away.

Also, discussions on the use of long-range missiles provided by France and Britain, and training of Ukrainian soldiers were involved.

Four officials-- including the head of Germany's Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for the Taurus, reported German news agency DPA.

The leak was considered "serious" by Germany and said it was "now being clarified very carefully, very intensively and very quickly".

With Ukraine dealing with a weapons shortage and financial crisis, it was facing severe setbacks. Germany was reluctant to supply the weapons as well.

Pistorius on Sunday described the audio as part of Russia's information war against the West to create discord within Germany.
Mean Girls (2024) actor Avantika Vandanapu, in a recent interview, said, It's amazing that Indian women have kind of been able to shine their light in Hollywood... I feel honoured to be a part of this legacy, Vandapu, made waves by landing a prominent role in Mean Girls, which was released on January 12. She played the role of Karen Shetty, a role essayed by Amanda Seyfried, as Karen Smith in the original. It's not just Vandanapu, who is making waves in Hollywood. Here are other women of Indian origin breaking away from tropes.
The group also demonstrates high value and a deep commitment to excellence in real estate with over 145 flats sold during the launch of its new tower in Thane.



Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 4: The Dynamix Group, a well-regarded name in the real estate sector, has received the Occupation Certificate for Tower A in its Avanya project, paving the way for the company to hand over 205 apartments to its customers. The tower is the first of four in the overall development, with the remaining three also en route to being delivered before time. The Avanya project was launched in the first three months of CY2021, immediately after the first wave of the covid-19 induced pandemic had subsided. The project was launched with much fanfare, with over 80% of the units offered for sale being sold in short that period. The developer constructed the towers, which comprise of 2 basements and 37 upper levels (with a total height of approximately 119 meters above ground) at record speed, receiving the first Occupation Certificate 3 years later. The project, situated at Dahisar, comprises thoughtfully designed 1 and 2 bed residences and is accessed from the arterial Western Express Highway and the upcoming Mumbai Metro. The Group also recently launched its Helios Collection of luxury apartments in a new 55-storey tower in its Parkwoods project in Thane. The project was launched in December 2023 and has till date achieved remarkable sales of over 145 units. Parkwoods is a landmark on Thanes Godhbunder road, consisting of a layout of four existing 32 storey towers, and two under-construction 55-storey towers comprising luxurious 2 bed residences.



The group expects to continue launching and delivering projects at a steady clip over the next few years, with 4 new projects across Mumbai and Goa slated for launch in FY2025. About Dynamix Group: The Dynamix Group is renowned for its thoughtful and well-designed residential and commercial developments in Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Goa. The Groups residential developments of Gokuldham and Yashodham in Goregaon East alleviated the acute shortage of affordable housing faced by the middle- and lower-income groups in the suburban areas of Mumbai. This served as a springboard for further projects in the suburbs, in areas such as Vasant Vihar in Thane West, Srishti in Mira Road, Upvan Complex in Upper Govind Nagar, Gokuldham in Goregaon East, and Panchsheel Enclave in Kandivali West, to name a few. Dynamix Group brings a 54-year legacy of high-quality development with over 32 million sq. feet delivered to over 30,000 happy families.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Lucknow, Mar 4 (PTI) Nippon India Mutual Fund is looking to increase its presence, both physical and digital, in Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to be the flag bearer for the mutual fund industry, its CEO said on Monday.

Asserting that Uttar Pradesh will be the "flag bearer" of the mutual fund industry, Sundeep Sikka, the ED and CEO of Nippon India Mutual Fund said that the company remains "committed to UP".

Sikka, who was in Lucknow to inaugurate the new regional office, told PTI, "UP is the fastest-growing market in India. The national average is that the mutual fund industry has grown 17 per cent, and the UP market has grown 23 per cent in the last five years. And we believe that UP will be the flag bearer for the mutual fund industry."

"We are happy to serve 20 lakh investors in UP, and want to increase our digital and physical presence in the state," Sikka said.

The company is already present in 31 locations in Uttar Pradesh. The company is inaugurating a new regional office of Nippon Life India Asset Management Limited (NAM India), the asset manager of Nippon India Mutual Fund (NIMF) here.

"The idea is to strengthen our presence. We feel privileged, happy and honoured that 1 out of 3 mutual fund investors in India has invested in Nippon India Mutual Fund. We believe that UP has a lot of potential, and we want to give access to investors in UP to participate in the growth story of the country," Sikka added.

NIMF has a total of 19 branches in UP with a presence in 31 locations across the state. He added that the company's objective will be to further strengthen its operations in UP.

To a question about how safe the mutual fund market/industry is for an investor, he said, "Mutual fund market is one of the most secured (markets). It is highly regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), and we need to give credit to the regulator for creating a very strong foundation and framework for where the industry is today (positioned). It is also about education. There is a change in the way in which the investors are maturing, they are understanding the (nuances of the) mutual fund industry."
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The government has permitted exports of 64,400 tonnes of onion to the UAE and Bangladesh through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), according to notifications of the commerce ministry.

While export of 50,000 tonnes of onion is permitted to Bangladesh, shipments of 14,400 tonnes were allowed to the UAE.

"Export of 14,400 tonnes of onions, with a quantity ceiling of 3,600 MT (metric tonnes) quarterly, to UAE through NCEL is notified," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

DGFT is an arm of the commerce ministry, which deals with norms related to imports and exports.

For exports to Bangladesh, it said that the modalities for the exports will be worked out by the NCEL in consultation with the department of consumer affairs.

Though onion exports are banned, the government allows specified quantities to friendly nations.

The exports are allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to other countries based on their request.

On December 8 last year, the government banned exports of onion till March 31 this year with a view to increase domestic availability and to keep prices in check.

Earlier, the Centre in October 2023 had decided to step up the sale of buffer onion stock at a subsidised rate of Rs 25 per kg in retail markets in order to provide relief to consumers.

To control prices, the government has earlier taken several steps. It had imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports on October 28 till December 31, 2023.

In August, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023.

Between April 1, 2023 and August 4, 2023 this fiscal, 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions have been exported from the country. The top three importing countries in value terms are Bangladesh, Malaysia and the UAE.

Onion is a politically-sensitive commodity.

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), popularly known as AMUL; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO); and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The government has permitted exports of 30,000 tonne of non-basmati white rice to Tanzania and 80,000 tonne of broken rice to Djibouti and Guinea Bissau.

The export is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification.

Though exports of non-basmati white rice have been banned since July 20, 2023 to boost domestic supply, exports are allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to certain countries to meet their food security needs on request.

Tanzania is an East African nation, while Djibouti is at the northeast coast of the African continent.

Guinea-Bissau is a tropical country in West Africa. According to the notification, exports of 30,000 tonne of broken rice are allowed to Djibouti and 50,000 tonne to Guinea Bissau.

India has earlier also allowed these exports to countries like Nepal, Cameroon, Cote D' Ivore, Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles.

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) popularly known as AMUL, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Li He)

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session.

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, briefed the press on the session.

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Li He)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, arrives for a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Journalists raise hands to ask questions at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Journalists raise hands to ask questions at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

A journalist asks a question at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist asks a question at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

A journalist asks a question at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Journalists work at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. The CPPCC National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Sunday, one day ahead of its annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Editor: GSY
Mumbai, Mar 4 (PTI) Akasa Air, which is all set to start international services this month, has decided to trim its budget for the next financial year starting April as part of cost control measures, according to two sources.

When contacted, an airline spokesperson said it is always looking for prudent ways to control costs.

The carrier, which commenced commercial flights on August 7, 2022, operates more than 20 Boeing 737 Max aircraft.

The sources in the know told PTI on Monday that the airline has decided to reduce its budget for 2024-25 fiscal and the reduction could be up to 20 per cent compared to the current financial year.

"As a cost-conscious business, we are always looking for prudent ways to control our costs without sacrificing safety, our customers' experience or the long-term health of the business. Cost consciousness does not apply to employee salaries," an Akasa Air spokesperson told PTI.

"We take great pride in offering a market leading compensation package to each work group at the airline. FY 2024-25 will be no exception in this regard," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The comments came in response to queries about the airline trimming its budget by 20 per cent as well as cutting salary variables up to 15 per cent for the next financial year.

Further details about the airline's plans to trim the budget could not be immediately ascertained.

The spokesperson also said the airline remains well funded.

"The airline that our team has created has generated cash from its first day of operations as a result of which the initial investment by our investors continues to remain secure in our bank account," the spokesperson said.

Akasa Air is operated by SNV Aviation Pvt Ltd.

SNV Aviation reported a total comprehensive loss of Rs 744.131 crore in the year ended March 31, 2023, as per financial data accessed through business intelligence platform Tofler.

Last year, the airline faced turbulence due to sudden exit of pilots that had resulted in some flight cancellations.

Akasa Air will launch international services with its first flight to Doha from Mumbai on March 28. It had a domestic market share of 4.5 per cent in January.

In January, the airline placed an order for 150 Boeing 737 Max planes. In 2021, Akasa Air placed its initial order of 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, and it was followed up with an order of 4 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft in June 2023.
Mumbai, Mar 4 (PTI) Huma Qureshi believes her OTT show "Maharani", which is coming up with a third season, was the beginning of a new chapter in her journey as an actor.

Qureshi, who made her acting debut with "Gangs of Wasseypur" in 2012 and has featured in films such as "D-Day", "Dedh Ishqiya" and "Badlapur", said she could also command a certain fee with the show as she is playing the lead in it.

Today, because Im doing Maharani and the show is mounted around my character, I am able to command a certain fee. It is a show that benefited all of us. People started seeing me in a different light.... I can say without hesitation that Maharani first one was the start of a new chapter in my career, the actor told PTI in an interview.

The first season of Maharani featured Qureshi as Rani Bharti, an illiterate woman, who is handpicked by her husband and politician Bheema Bharti (Sohum Shah) to become the chief minister of Bihar after he is shot and injured.

The second season of the show, directed by Ravindra Gautam, saw Rani Bharti go head to head with her husband who is keen to get the power back in his hands and is worried with his wife's growing popularity as a CM. She also has to fight a political rival in Navin Kumar, played by Amit Sial.

The upcoming season, directed by Saurabh Bhave, will see Rani Bharti take on her enemies after the murder of her husband. Subhash Kapoor and Nandan Singh serve as showrunners and writers of the show.

Qureshi, 37, believes the third season will be bigger, better and bolder as there is more at stake. The actor said the makers have just scratched the surface of the story.

There is a lot of potential in the series. There are so many stories. As a country, we are obsessed with politics and everything political. There is a lot that can happen. Right now, we just scratched the surface and there is a lot more to go. Maybe we do 7 or 11 seasons. Even if this were to be our last, I just will be very happy and grateful for all the love we have received, she said.

The actor said Rani Bharti will remain a memorable character in her filmography.

I always say that if you get five (memorable) roles in your career as an actor you become a legend, everything else is EMI. One is done (for me), four more to go.

Qureshi, who has featured in a number of women-led projects be it Tarla, or Double XL, said a lot of work needs to be done before women can enjoy similar opportunities in the film industry.

When we talk about female led content, we don't get as many opportunities as those films and shows arent made often. We have to be twice as good as all the other shows or prove a certain kind of invisible benchmark.

"For example, if I want to do an action film or any other actress wants to do an action film, she would not get the same budget as compared to equivalent star (male) would get. It's purely on the basis of gender so I feel a lot of work needs to happen as far as that is concerned, she said.

Sial, who has been in the industry for more than a decade and has worked in films and series such as Love Sex and Dhoka, Titli, Sonchiriya, Charlie kay Chakkar Mein and Jamtara  Sabka number aayega, is happy to receive praise for his character in the series.

"There is definitely more evolution in me as an actor after doing three seasons (of Maharani). I am a little more confident than before about where my career is going and obviously the love of the audience is expanding, he said,

"I have been here for 18 years. I have learnt not to get too excited because everything is momentary. Even if you are highly successful you can topple down any day. The only thing which kept me going was my honesty towards my work. As long as I can pull that off everything will be okay, he added.

Also starring Vineet Kumar, Kani Kusruti, Anuja Sathe, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Maharani 3 will stream from March 8 on SonyLiv.
Islamabad, Mar 4 (PTI) Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday endorsed the call of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9 riots if it will accept the decision of the panel, according to a media report.

Unprecedented violent protests erupted following the arrest of Khan in a corruption case on May 9 last year.

The 71-year-old Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party founder is currently incarcerated at Rawalpindi's high-security Adiala jail in multiple cases.

On May 9 last year, Khan's PTI party workers vandalised a dozen military installations, including the Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander house), Mianwali air base, the ISI building in Faisalabad, and the Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

In a speech in the newly-constituted National Assembly, Bilawal, the former foreign minister endorsed the demand of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and requested the PM-elect, Shehbaz Sharif, to plead to Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to constitute an investigation commission headed by the top judge himself to probe the May 9 incidents.

Bilawal said he endorses this if the PTI assures us that it will accept the decision of the judicial commission, the Dawn newspaper reported.

It is not possible that someone attacks our institutions, the martyrs memorials and we forget it, he added. We cannot take our politics forward unless we address this issue and this is the reason why the PPP appeals to the PM to form a judicial commission [] Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa should form the commission, Bilawal said.

The PPP chairman also extended his partys support to the matter of the PTI wanting to address any election irregularities.

The 35-year-old, in his speech, said the February 8 elections are being made controversial for no reason by incidents like a raid on a presidential candidates residence.

Ahead of the presidential polls in Pakistan, authorities in Balochistan have raided the house of opposition presidential candidate and veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the provincial capital, Quetta, and reclaimed a piece of government-owned land illegally occupied by him.

Achakzai, 75, from Balochistan, is the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief and was nominated by Imran Khan to contest against former president Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal's father.

Authorities in Quetta said they had conducted the raid at Achakzai's residence on Sunday and reclaimed a piece of government-owned land illegally occupied by him.

The veteran politician will contest the March 9 presidential candidate against 68-year-old senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader Asif Ali Zardari whose name has been floated by the coalition government headed by Shehbaz Sharif.
Lahore, March 4 (PTI) A Pakistani court on Monday issued notices to the Punjab provincial government and the district administration on a petition seeking contempt proceedings against three top officials for not complying with the court's order regarding naming the Shadman Chowk in Lahore after Indian Independence war hero Bhagat Singh.

Lahore High Court Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza issued notices to Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider, and the city administrator on the petition filed by the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan.

"The LHC issued the notices to the respondents for submitting a reply on the contempt petition for their failure to name the Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh by March 26," Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, told PTI after the hearing.

Qureshi said the LHC in 2018 had ordered the government to name Shadman Chowk, the place where Bhagat Singh was hanged in 1931, after the freedom fighter.

"But both the provincial and district governments deliberately did not comply with the LHC's order, thus committing contempt," he said.

Bhagat Singh, who fought for the independence of the subcontinent, was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931, along with Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar after being tried under charges of hatching a conspiracy against the regime.

Singh was initially jailed for life but later awarded the death sentence in another fabricated case.

Bhagat Singh is respected in the subcontinent not only by Sikhs and Hindus but also Muslims.

Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had reportedly twice paid him tribute during his speech in the central assembly, saying there had never been another brave person in the subcontinent like Bhagat Singh.

Qureshi stated Bhagat Singh was a freedom fighter of the subcontinent and gave his life along with his companions for the cause of freedom.

"It will be in the interest of justice to name Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh and also install his statue at the square to inspire the people of Pakistan and the world," he said and added in neighbouring India, there were many roads and thoroughfares named after Muslim rulers such as Akbar Road, Shahjahan Road and Bahadur Shah Road.
London, Mar 4 (PTI) The owner of an Indian restaurant who used funds from the UK governments COVID Bounce Back Loan for personal gain has been sentenced and banned as a company director for two years.

Zaman Shaas Shaa Ventures Limited ran Chutneys Indian takeaway food restaurant in Salisbury, southern England.

The 53-year-old broke UK company law before securing a loan by applying to dissolve his business, even though it had been trading in the previous three months.

Last month at Winchester Crown Court, Shaa was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison, which has been suspended for 18 months under strict conditions and was disqualified as a company director for two years.

Zaman Shaa exploited a scheme intended to help businesses during a national emergency for his gain, said Pete Fulham, Chief Investigator at the UKs Insolvency Service.

His actions cannot simply be dismissed as something he did in the spur of the moment. They required a degree of planning and sophistication over several weeks to execute. The sentence and disqualification order for Shaa demonstrate we will not hesitate to take action against directors who have abused COVID financial support in such a manner, he said.

Shaa was also ordered to pay GBP 6,000 (USD 7,614) in costs, at a rate of GBP 250 (USD 317) per month, at the same hearing on February 23.

The court heard that he had applied for a GBP 30,000 (USD 38071) Bounce Back Loan in August 2020 when he was the director of Shaa Ventures Ltd. He failed to fulfil his legal requirement to inform creditors that he had applied to dissolve the company.

Insolvency Service analysis of Shaas transactions indicated he transferred the funds into his personal accounts, sent some of the money abroad using a remittance service, and withdrew significant amounts in cash.

The disqualification order prevents Shaa from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court before February 2026.

In the UK, eateries serving cuisine associated with countries in the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, are often referred to as Indian restaurants.

The Insolvency Service said Shaa no longer has any involvement with Chutneys Indian after being convicted of unlawful application for voluntary strike-off, contrary to Section 1004 of the UKs Companies Act 2006; failure to inform a creditor of striking off application, contrary to Section 1007 of the Companies Act 2006; and fraud by false representation, contrary to Section 2 of the UKs Fraud Act 2006.
Lahore, Mar 4 (PTI) A minority Ahmadi community member was shot dead in Punjab province of Pakistan on Monday and police were investigating if he was killed because of his faith.

Tahir Iqbal, 53, was on a morning walk near his residence in Chak-84 Hasilpur, Bahawalpur, some 400 km from Lahore, when two unidentified men intercepted him and opened fire on him, killing him on the spot.

The attackers managed to flee on the bike, police official concerned Syed Abbas said and added investigation has been launched as to whether Iqbal was shot dead for his faith or some other reason.

The victim was a local president of the Ahmadi community.

Iqbal lost his life to the extremism as he had no enmity with anyone. There has been a wave of hatred against the Ahmadi community in Pakistan as extremist elements term the Ahmadis liable to death, Jamaat-i-Ahmadiyya Pakistan official Amir Mahmood told PTI.

He said the Ahmadi community requests the authorities concerned to take appropriate action otherwise this hatred may result in damage beyond repair.

Swift action is needed to be taken and we as members of the minority community demand that the culprits involved in this heinous act should be punished according to the law and the state must act so that these atrocities can come to a halt, he said.

Last year, over 40 worship places of the Ahmadi minority community came under attack in the country mostly by the radical Islamists -- Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)  activists.

Minorities, especially Ahmadis, are very vulnerable in Pakistan and they are often targeted by religious extremists.
Washington, Mar 4 (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday is hosting a member of Israel's wartime Cabinet who is visiting Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, is sitting down with several senior Biden administration officials this week, including Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser.

President Joe Biden is at Camp David, the presidential retreat just outside Washington, until Tuesday.

An official from Netanyahu's far-right Likud party said Gantz did not have approval from the prime minister for his meetings in Washington and that Netanyahu gave the Cabinet official a tough talk  underscoring the widening crack within Israel's wartime leadership nearly six months into the Israel-Hamas war.

In her meeting with Gantz, Harris plans to press for a temporary cease-fire deal that would allow for the release of several categories of hostages being held by Hamas.

Israel has essentially agreed to the deal, according to a senior Biden administration official, and the White House has emphasised that the onus is on Hamas to come on board.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Harris said during an appearance in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday. This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in."

Harris continued: This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom and self-determination.

For his part, Gantz intends to strengthen ties with the US, bolster support for Israel's war and push for the release of Israeli hostages, according to a second Israeli official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't allowed to publicly discuss the disputes within the Israeli government.

The meetings also come as the US begins a series of airdrops of aid into Gaza, just days after dozens of Palestinians were killed as they were trying to get food from an Israel-organised convoy.

The first drop on Saturday included about 38,000 meals into southwest Gaza, and White House officials have said those airdrops will continue to supplement truck deliveries, while they also work on sending aid via sea.

In Selma on Sunday, Harris called on Israel to do more to significantly increase the flow of aid.

No excuses, she said. They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid.

Harris previously met Gantz at the Munich Security Conference in 2022. (AP)

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Islamabad, Mar 4 (PTI) Former Pakistan prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is tipped to become the chairman of the Senate, has submitted his nomination papers to contest the election to be held on Friday, according to a media report on Monday.

Gilani, who won the February 8 election to the National Assembly from Multan in Punjab province has vacated his seat and will contest for a Senate seat from Islamabad.

Gilani, who took oath as a member of the lower house on February 29, voted for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif during the election to elect the prime minister in the National Assembly on Sunday.

The 71-year-old is tipped to become the next Senate chairman, according to a power-sharing formula agreed between the PPP and PML-N, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The veteran Pakistan Peoples Party leader, who served as the countrys prime minister from 2008 to 2012, will be facing Chaudhry Ilyas Mehrban of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in a one-on-one contest for the Senate seat, polling for which would be held in the National Assembly on March 14, the report said.

Mehrban will be the candidate of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) since the PTI is not represented in the National Assembly as Khan's party could not contest the elections.

A total of 19 other candidates from different political parties are in the fray for the five other Senate seats  three from Balochistan and two from Sindh  which fell vacant after the election of the members of the upper house of parliament to the National and provincial assemblies.

The deadline set by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for submission of nomination papers ended on Sunday, the Dawn reported.

The Senate seats have fallen vacant under Article 223 of the Constitution that bars double membership, the report said.

Even though there has been no official announcement regarding Gilani as the candidate of the newly-formed eight-party ruling coalition for the top Senate position, the fact that no one from the PML-N submitted papers to contest against him gives credence to such reports, it said.

The PML-N has a clear majority in the National Assembly, where polling would take place for the election on the Senate seat from Islamabad and, therefore, could have easily won the seat.

Mehrban had earlier contested for the National Assembly seat from Islamabad in the 2013 elections, which he lost to PML-Ns Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Geneva, Mar 4 (AP) The UN human rights chief called on Monday for a quick end to the repression of independent voices in Russia and expressed concerns about the persecution" of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last month.

Volker Turk, in a wide-ranging speech, also lamented dozens of conflicts around the world, widespread violations of human rights law that have impacted millions, and displacements caused by war, which could escalate in places like the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and Sudan.

Rarely has humanity faced so many rapidly spiralling crises," he told the Human Rights Council.

Alluding to some countries among the dozens holding national elections this year, Turk denounced increasing restrictions" on rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics in India.

He urged US authorities to ensure that voting is universal, alluding to discriminatory policies that restricted the right to vote for people of African descent.

In the run-up to Russia's presidential elections from March 15-17, Turk said Russian authorities have further intensified their repression of dissenting voices and noted how some candidates have been prevented from running due to alleged administrative irregularities.

He said Navalny's death in a Russian prison last month adds to my serious concerns about his persecution and noted how thousands of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and others have faced criminal or administrative charges for having simply spoken their minds on social media.

Turk called for a swift and comprehensive review of all cases where people in Russia were detained for exercising fundamental freedoms, and an immediate end to the repression of independent voices and the legal professionals who represent them.

"The future of the country depends on an open space, he said. March's vote in Russia is all but guaranteed to see President Vladimir Putin, 71, cement his place in power until at least 2030.

Turk spoke out against the perception of racially motivated police activity in some Western countries and called on China to revise a criminal procedure law and the vague offense of picking quarrels and making trouble in one of its articles.

"I urge the release of human rights defenders, lawyers and others detained under such legislation, he said. (AP) PY

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Melbourne, Mar 4 (AP) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday that he had no choice but to defend his country's territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression and illegal actions in pursuit of Beijing's own territorial claims.

It is unfortunate that despite the clarity provided by international law, provocative, unilateral and illegal actions continue to infringe upon our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in the Australian city of Melbourne.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, which is one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. That has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, which all maintain claims to islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

Marcos, who is attending a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Melbourne, said standing up to China in the South China Sea was not a policy choice.

We simply have no choice. We must defend the territory of the republic. That is a primordial duty of a leader, Marcos said. The territorial integrity of the Philippines cannot be threatened, and if threats are made, then we must defend against those threats."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of taking provocative action in the South China Sea and undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the laws to safeguard its sovereignty and interests, she said. There is no so-called Chinese harassment of the Philippine ships.

Earlier on Monday, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo urged regional neighbours to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China has constructed garrisons on several artificial islands in a bid to fortify its claims.

The Philippines has accused China of deploying coast guard ships and civilian vessels to block fishermen's access to reefs and corals and prevent resupply of its troops.

Both Marcos and Manalo referred to the Philippines' legal victory over China in a 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, that invalidated Beijing's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept the ruling.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, Manalo said. It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalo's comments, saying the nine ASEAN member states represented at the Melbourne summit need to nurture and protect agreed rules, uphold international law, prevent conflict and build strategic trust.

We know that a major conflict in our region would be devastating to our communities and economies, as the terrible conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown, she added.

She announced that Australia would spend 40 million Australian dollars ($26 million) on enhancing its maritime partnerships in the region aimed at both security and prosperity.

Australia and the Philippines, conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China will maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea. (AP) GSP
Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, speaks during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 29, 2024. As the Gaza Strip is facing an unparalleled humanitarian crisis, an immediate ceasefire is the urgent demand of the global community and a fundamental necessity for achieving peace, Chen said while elaborating on China's position on the situation between Palestine and Israel at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council. (Xinhua/Shi Song)

GENEVA, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, on Thursday reiterated China's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

As the Gaza Strip is facing an unparalleled humanitarian crisis, an immediate ceasefire is the urgent demand of the global community and a fundamental necessity for achieving peace, Chen said while elaborating on China's position on the situation between Palestine and Israel at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

China is calling on Israel to allow humanitarian organizations to have the resources they need to conduct rescue missions in Gaza and to properly enforce the interim measures and directives from the International Court of Justice, Chen said.

Chen emphasized that China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, and strongly opposed the forced transfer of the Palestinian people and the occupation of Palestinian territory.

The two-state solution is the general consensus of the international community and a realistic way to ultimately realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel, Chen said, urging all countries to make unremitting efforts to this end.

Editor: WJH
Beijing, Mar 4 (PTI) As Shehbaz Sharif took the oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a second time on Monday, China said it hopes to deepen its "all-weather" strategic ties and upgrade the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

China warmly congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on being elected as Pakistans Prime Minister, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here.

On Sunday, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sharif soon after his election.

China highly appreciates Prime Minister Sharifs positive statements on China-Pakistan relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Mao said.

We stand ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward our traditional friendship, advance exchanges and cooperation across the board, upgrade the CPEC, and deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, she said.

In his victory speech yesterday, Shehbaz Sharif vowed to further promote the CPEC projects with China.

The CPEC, a global infrastructure and investment initiative by Beijing, was launched in 2013. It connects Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang province.

There is a sense of relief among the official circles here that Pakistan, a key ally of China, which has been going through grave economic and political crises for the last several years, has an elected government that Beijing could deal with.

China had an uneasy relationship with former prime minister Imran Khan's government, which was blamed for the slow pace of the CPEC.

Both Shehbaz and his brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, are familiar political figures for the ruling Chinese Communist Party as both of them along with the Pakistan military strengthened the all-weather alliance during their tenures. They are also firm backers of the strategic CPEC project.

China has been providing forex loans and rollover of its debt periodically to bail out Pakistan which is facing a severe economic crisis.

Recent reports from Islamabad said China has agreed to roll over a USD 2 billion loan due to be paid in March.
Berlin, Mar 4 (AP) The German government on Monday vehemently rejected allegations that Russia's leak of a conversation by high-ranking German military officers was an indication that Berlin was preparing for war against Russia.

At the same time, the government sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published.

It is absolutely clear that such claims that this conversation would prove, that Germany is preparing a war against Russia, that this is absurdly infamous Russian propaganda, a spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin.

Government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said the leak was part of Russia's information war against the West, and that the aim was to create discord within Germany.

The 38-minute recording features military officers discussing in German how Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Kyiv against invading Russian forces. While German authorities have not questioned the authenticity of the recording, Scholz said a week ago that delivering these weapons to Ukraine is not an option  and that he doesn't want Germany to be drawn into the war directly.

Russia's foreign ministry, however, on Monday threatened Germany with dire consequences in connection with the leak, though it did not elaborate.

If nothing is done, and the German people do not stop this, then there will be dire consequences first and foremost for Germany itself," foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

Relations between the two countries have continuously deteriorated since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago.

The audio leak was posted Friday by Margarita Simonyan, chief editor of Russian state-funded TV channel RT, on social media on Friday, the same day that late opposition politician Alexei Navalny was laid to rest after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony. It also surfaced just weeks before Russia's presidential election.

In the leaked audio, four officers, including the head of Germany's Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine ahead of a meeting with the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, German news agency dpa reported.

The officers then states that early delivery and rapid deployment of Taurus long-range cruise missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers  and that training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but would take months.

The recording also shows the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine, dpa reported.

There has been a debate in Germany on whether to supply the missiles to Ukraine as Kyiv faces battlefield setbacks, and while military aid from the United States is held up in Congress. Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US and is further stepping up its support this year.

Scholz's insistence last week on not giving Taurus missiles to Ukraine came after Germany stalled for months on the country's desire for Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and could in theory be used against targets far inside Russian territory.

Also on Monday, Germany's ambassador visited Russia's foreign ministry in Moscow. While Russia media reported Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff had been summoned by the foreign ministry, the German government said his visit had been planned well before the audio was published.

Germany's defense ministry tried to downplay the significance of the officers' conversation in the leak  saying it was merely an exchange of ideas ahead of a meeting with the defense minister.

The ministry said it was investigating how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and leaked by the Russians. It promised to report of its findings. Several German media have reported that the officers were in a WebEx meeting when they were taped.

Buechner, the spokesman of the chancellor, said the German government would also look into how we can better counter targeted disinformation, especially from Russia.

The Kremlin on Monday said it looked forward to the results of the German government's investigation.

Mr. Scholz said that a fast, complete and effective investigation would be carried out. We hope that that we will be able to find out the outcome of that investigation, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. (AP) PY

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Colombo, Mar 4 (PTI) India is firmly committed to the well-being and holistic development of the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka, India's envoy here said on Monday after meeting the leaders of Tamil Progressive Alliance.

During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha also said that it was agreed to work closely toward the well-being of the minority community.

The leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) is Mano Ganesan who represents mostly the Western province-based Tamils of Indian-origin.

"High Commissioner @santjha met the leaders of Tamil Progressive Alliance. Reiterated Indias firm commitment to the well-being and holistic development of the Indian Origin Tamil community. It was agreed to work closely towards this endeavour," Indian mission in Sri Lanka posted on X.

India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th Amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987. The 13A provides for the devolution of power to the Tamil community.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 5 backed the India-mooted 13th Amendment as a solution to address the minority Tamil community's long-pending demand for political autonomy.

The 13A became a part of Sri Lankas Constitution in 1987 through the direct intervention of the then-Indian government led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It created nine provincial councils for nine provinces with a temporary merger of the North and East which the Tamil minority claims is their traditional homeland.

Sri Lanka had had a long history of failed negotiations to end the Tamil claim of discrimination by allowing some form of political autonomy.

An Indian effort in 1987 which created the system of a joint provincial council for the Tamil-dominated north and east was faltered as the Tamils claimed it fell short of full autonomy.

Wickremesinghe himself tried an aborted constitutional effort between 2015-19 which too came to be scuttled by the hardline majority politicians here.

The Tamils put forward their demand for autonomy since gaining independence from Britain in 1948 which from the mid-70s turned into a bloody armed conflict.

Velupillai Prabhakaran led a three-decade-long bloody separatist campaign under the banner of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to establish a separate Tamil homeland in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the island nation.
Mumbai, Mar 4 (PTI) A 28-year-old man was duped of Rs 2.16 lakh by online fraudsters, a Mumbai police official said on Monday.

The man, who works with a supply chain financing firm, was cheated between Friday and Saturday after a woman sent him a Whatsapp message claiming he could earn Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 through part time work and then added him in a Telegram group, the official said.

"After earning sums of Rs 150 and Rs 200 for small tasks, they asked him to deposit amounts ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 18400 for higher level assignments. He was told he had selected wrong tasks and was asked to deposit Rs 1.25 lakh," the official said.

"After he was told to deposit another Rs 2 lakh, he realised he was being cheated. On his complaint at Colaba police station, a case under IT Act and IPC was registered. Efforts are on to nab the cyber fraudsters," he said.
Betul, Mar 4 (PTI) A head constable has been suspended for allegedly beating up two youth tied with ropes in connection with a theft case in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, police said on Monday.



The incident took place in Desli village under Mohda police station limits last week and a video of it surfaced on social media platforms on Sunday, an official said.

In the video, the two young men are seen tied with ropes and being beaten up by a policeman with a plastic pipe in front of some shops while some persons are standing nearby.



Additional Superintendent of Police Kamla Joshi said the video of head constable Kamta Prasad Keer thrashing the two persons in connection with a mobile phone theft case came to their notice on Sunday.



Taking cognisance of the video, the Betul superintendent of police has suspended Keer, who was posted at the Damjipura police post, Joshi said.



A probe is being conducted into the incident, she added.
Hazaribag (Jharkhand), Mar 4 (PTI) A 40-year-old dental surgeon died by suicide after poisoning his two minor daughters in Jharkhands Hazaribag district on Monday afternoon, police said.

The exact cause has not yet been established, but family feud is suspected to be a reason, a police officer said.

Raj Kumar fatally slit his wrist veins after poisoning his two daughters, identified as Anvi Raj (8) and Adhya Raj (5), to death in Bishnu Puri locality under Hazaribag Sadar police station, the officer said.

Kumar's clinic was situated in the busy Nawabganj locality of Hazaribag town.

Kumars wife Chandani Devi (35), along with her three children, including their three-year-old son Ranjeet, had gone to her parents' place to attend a family function when the doctor arrived there in Kumhartoli area of the town, police said.

According to the relatives of the victim, the doctor picked up his two daughters on his scooter under the pretext of purchasing gifts for them as they had performed well in their school examinations, the results of which were declared on Monday.

However, he took them to their residence and broke open the door as the keys were with his wife. He then forced his two daughters to consume poison and slit his wrist veins with a sharp weapon, police said.

All three were rushed to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College, Hazaribag, after local residents informed family members and police.

However, they all succumbed soon after admission to the hospital, police added.

SP Arvind Kumar Singh confirmed it was a case of murder-suicide.

The SP said he has directed police, including the SDPO (HQ), to probe the incident. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, he added.
Bhubaneswar, Mar 4 (PTI) A man was arrested from Andhra Pradesh by the Odisha Police's Economic Offence Wing (EOW) in connection with its investigation into an inter-state job fraud racket, officials said.

Akashpu Veera Chaitanya, a resident of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, was produced before a court in Cuttack on Monday, they said.

This was the fourth arrest made in connection with the case, which was registered based on a suo motu inquiry conducted by the EOW on a fake advertisement published in local newspapers, they added.

Earlier, the agency had arrested Mohammad Sanaullah, who was identified as the mastermind, one Sakshi Jain from Hyderabad and one Surat Dalai from Balasore.

The gang published the advertisement in newspapers in different states. They collected Rs 1,000 from each candidate as an application fee for jobs, and then cheated the aspirants, officials said.

The gang allegedly collected crores of rupees from job aspirants, they said.

Chaitanya was arrested as it was found during the investigation that Rs 60 lakh of this money went to his account, they said.

The racket was being run from Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, officials said, adding that it was operating in at least six states, including Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

A laptop, three mobile phones, four pen drives, a hard disk and debit cards were seized from Chaitanya.

The investigation would continue, officials said.
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The probe into the blast at a cafe in Bengaluru has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday.

At least nine people were injured when a blast took place at Rameshwaram Cafe in Brookfield in East Bengaluru on March 1.

According to the sources, the investigation into the explosion has been handed over to the NIA.

A man wearing a cap, mask and glasses is the prime suspect in the case and is still untraceable, the sources said.
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Monday alleged that senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid's wife Louise Khurshid and two others "laundered" Rs 71.50 lakh in central government funds for their personal gain.

The federal agency said in a statement that its has provisionally attached 15 agricultural land parcels located in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh and some bank deposits, worth a combined Rs 45.92 lakh, of the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A probe found that "grant-in-aid of Rs 71.50 lakh received by the trust was not utilised for holding camps sanctioned by the Government of India but was laundered by Pratyush Shukla, a representative of the trust, Mohammad Athar, secretary to the trust, and Louise Khurshid, project director of the trust, for the interest of the trust and their personal gain", the Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed.

In this way, the fund received as grant-in-aid was laundered for their personal gain and leading to generation of proceeds of crime, it said.

The money-laundering case stems from 17 FIRs of the Economic Offences Wing of the Uttar Pradesh Police.
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) Swedish defence major Saab on Monday announced that it will start producing the iconic Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems at a production facility in Haryana by next year, months after receiving the approval for 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) for the mega-project.

Saab became the first foreign defence producer in India to receive the clearance for 100 per cent FDI when the government approved the Carl-Gustaf M4 manufacturing project in October last year.

On Monday, Saab marked the start of construction of the production facility in Jhajjar by carrying out a groundbreaking ceremony at the 3.6-acre complex.

It is Saab's first manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf M4 outside Sweden.

After receiving approval for 100 per cent foreign direct investment, Saab established a new company, Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, which will fully own the new manufacturing plant and produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon.

"I am proud to start constructing our first facility outside Sweden for Carl-Gustaf, a product that has a long history with the Indian Armed Forces," Gorgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab's business area dynamics, told reporters.

"We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India," he said.

Johansson said the production of the weapons system at the facility will begin from next year. Around 100 people are being employed at the unit.

Sweden's State Secretary for Foreign Trade Hakan Jevrell said the production facility is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"Today is an important milestone for Sweden and India. Saab's factory will be the first foreign fully-owned defence production facility in India. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between our countries," Jevrell said.

The manufacturing facility is being built at the MET City in Jhajjar.

Saab said the company will partner with Indian suppliers and fully meet the requirements of 'Make in India' for the systems manufactured in the facility.

At the new factory, Saab will deploy complex technologies including the latest sighting technology and advanced carbon fibre winding to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian armed forces, and components which may be included in other users' systems.

Johansson said the entire process to receive the regulatory approval took around six months and that Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd is a fully Indian entity.

In May 2020, the government announced increasing the FDI limit in the defence sector from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route.

The government allows 100 per cent FDI for specific cases.

Johansson was however tight-lipped on the investment Saab is making for the manufacturing plant or the volume of orders for the weapon systems that the company is expecting from the Indian Army.

The Carl-Gustaf system has been in service with the Indian Army since 1976. Through its wide variety of ammunition, Carl-Gustaf has emerged as a key shoulder-launched weapon in the Indian Armed Forces.

Almost all the forward posts of the Indian Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China have been equipped with previous versions of the weapon systems.

Johansson said the facility in India will support the production of the weapon systems for the Indian armed forces as well as components for users of the system around the world.

However, exports will be subjected to New Delhi's regulatory approvals relating to end users.

As per the understanding with the government, the weapons systems will first be sent to Sweden from where the company would ship them to respective export markets.

"Empowered by its 22,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world," the company said in its statement.

"Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems," it said.

Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Tamas Sulyok on his election as Hungarian president.

In recent years, China-Hungary relations have maintained a high level of development, characterized by frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields, Xi remarked, adding that the two countries have worked well together in international and regional affairs.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, and bilateral relations are facing new important opportunities for development, the Chinese president noted.

Xi said he highly values the development of China-Hungary relations, and stands ready to work together with Sulyok to continue the traditional friendship between the two peoples, deepen political mutual trust and exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and lead the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Hungary to a new level.

Editor: WJH
Srinagar, Mar 4 (PTI) Ruling out any pre-poll alliance for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina on Monday said the party would not need even a post-poll alliance as it will sweep the elections in the Union territory.

"The BJP is ready to contest all five seats in Jammu and Kashmir. We will contest the Lok Sabha polls on our own. When the Election Commission announces the assembly elections (for Jammu and Kashmir), we will contest on our own," Raina told reporters here.

"We are confident that we will win both the elections as the BJP is getting love from the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Raina said the BJP is confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would show their love for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrives for a public rally in Srinagar on March 7.

"For the people of Kashmir, it is a matter of happiness that PM Modi is coming to the valley on March 7. When the PM will come to Kashmir, more than two lakh people will participate in the rally at Bakshi Stadium. There is a wave of happiness in Kashmir that PM Modi is coming to Kashmir," he added.

Raina further said the Modi government at the Centre has been generous in providing financial allocations to Jammu and Kashmir which has resulted in unprecedented development in the Union territory.

"Modi's arrival in Kashmir in 2014 had given a ray of hope to the flood victims. He announced a development package of Rs 80,000 crore. It was because of that package that Kashmir was able to come out of the problems," Raina said.

"The Modi government has allocated funds generously for Jammu and Kashmir. Today Kashmir is passing through a prosperous and peaceful phase," he added.
Bulandshahr (UP), Mar 4 (PTI) Three siblings lost their lives and as many went missing when the van in which they were travelling fell into a canal in Bulandshahr district, police said on Monday.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday night when a van carrying eight persons fell into the Kapna canal in Jahangirpur area while it was raining heavily.

They added that three persons are still missing and efforts are underway to trace them.

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh who visited the spot said the incident was "unfortunate".

He said the people in the car were going from Sherpur village of Kakod police station area to Pisawa in Aligarh to attend a wedding.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said the police received a PCR call Sunday late night about the van falling into the Kapna canal.

The SSP said that a Flood PAC stationed at a nearby temple heard the sound and rushed to the spot. They rescued two persons daely from the canal and fished out the bodies of three people.

He added that the deceased have been identified as Kanta (22), Manish (21) and Anjali (18), residents of Sherpur village of Kakod police station area.

The SSP said that SDRF and NDRF have been called to trace the missing three persons. Local divers have also been called and searches are being conducted with the help of the locals.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Prashant Kumar Bharti said the victims were family members.

The police said post-mortem was done for the three bodies.
Srinagar, Mar 4 (PTI) Schools in Kashmir sprung back to life on Monday after remaining closed for three months on account of winter vacations.

A bright sunny day made for a perfect setting for the students to return to classrooms after a gap of three bone-chilling winter months.

The schools which were closed for winter vacation in December last year were scheduled to open on March 1. However, the winter vacations were extended by three days due to rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches, the officials said.

The schools in the valley are usually shut during this period as the temperatures in the valley fall below freezing point and vast stretches remain covered in snow.

The students, many of whom were feeling bored confined in their homes for such a long time, were excited to be going back to school on Monday.

"I am excited that the schools are opening again. I am keen to meet my friends and teachers after so long," Mohammad Hanaan, a student at a private school here, said.

Momina, a secondary school student, said while she was not confined to home during the winter vacation, going back to school had a charm of its own.

"I used to attend tuition classes during the winter break but somehow it does not have the same feeling as going to school. I missed my teachers and friends," she added.

The teachers now have a couple of days to assess the preparations of their students with annual examinations due to begin later this week.

"I am just hoping that all of them (students) have spent the winter vacation productively. The examinations are starting for all classes later this week," Manzoor Ahmad, a government school teacher, said.

Although schools in most of Kashmir opened on Monday, the educational institutions in snowbound areas of Kupwara district remained closed as authorities decided to extend the vacations by two more days.
Chandigarh, Mar 4 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the opposition members were not able to "digest" the "path breaking" initiatives taken by his government for the holistic development of the state which was why they "ran away" from the governor's address.

Winding up the discussion on the governor's address in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann said the opposition leaders are least bothered about the state or its people and their only aim is to "grab" political power by hook or crook.

He also listed out his government's achievements, including purchase of a private power plant, starting a road safety force to check road accidents and opening of schools of eminence.

About presenting a lock to the Speaker before the start of the discussion on the governor's address, Mann said it was symbolic as the opposition leaders walk out after shouting in the House.

He said he urged the Speaker to lock the gate of the House from inside so that the opposition could not go out.

He said the opposition had fled from the House during the governor's address, adding that as the custodian of the House, the Speaker should ensure that the opposition does not run away.

The opposition is "habitual" of running from the assembly on one pretext or another, which should not be allowed as it is a "mockery" of the august House, said Mann.

The opposition on March 1 had run away from the governor's address just because they did not want to listen to the truth, he said.

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit's address to the state assembly on the opening day of the budget session on March 1 was disrupted by the opposition Congress MLAs, who raised the issues of protesting farmers and resorted to sloganeering.

Amid the uproar, Purohit cut short his address. He read out a few lines and told the House that the rest of it be deemed as read.

The opposition used to demand long sittings of the Vidhan Sabha session but now they are running away from attending it, alleged Mann.

Having long sessions is of no use if the opposition has to jeopardise its sittings by staging walk outs, said the chief minister.

Taking a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mann said he was a "one-man show" who was not bothered about anyone.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa hit back at Mann for his "unethical and unconstitutional" behaviour on the floor of the House during the second day of the budget session.

In a statement, Bajwa accused Mann of creating unnecessary theatrics in the House instead of discussing real issues about the state.

He made a mockery of the position of chief minister by asking the Punjab assembly Speaker to lock the House from inside, said Bajwa.

"CM Mann must explain on what constitutional grounds he attempted to get the House locked. Was that the kind of behaviour a CM was supposed to act? He has apparently gone out of his senses. He has certainly crossed all the limits of absurdity," Bajwa added.

Bajwa said that by acting in such a "silly manner" Mann had been running away from the real issues.

Bajwa also accused Mann of insulting Dalit Congress MLA from Adampur Sukhwinder Kotli in the House.

"The kind phrase CM Mann used to insult Dalit MLA Kotli is highly objectionable. It doesn't only exhibit his feudal mindset but it also shows that he has been intoxicated with power," Bajwa alleged.

"Kotli was not asking for something personal when he was badly humiliated by Mann. He was just reminding him to fulfil his promise to make deputy chief minister from the Dalit community," alleged Bajwa, while asking Mann to apologise.

Bajwa also said he was ready to contest the parliamentary polls from whichever seat Mann fights.
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim bail to Rajendra Bihari Lal, vice chancellor of Uttar Pradesh's Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), in a case of alleged illegal religious conversion.

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notice to the UP government on his plea challenging the Allahabad High Court.

The top court noted that the high court is not hearing the bail plea filed by Lal who has been in custody since December 31 last year.

"Issue notice, in the meantime, by way of ad interim order, we grant interim bail to the petitioner," the bench said while adding that the quantum of bail bond shall not exceed Rs 25,000.

Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Lal, submitted that the petitioner was arrested despite the apex court's order.

The Uttar Pradesh police had earlier told the apex court that Lal and other accused are the main perpetrators of a mass religious conversion programme which involves foreign funds from about 20 countries.

The police had said Vinod Bihari Lal, among the other accused in the case, was actually a notorious criminal involved in 38 cases of various natures, including cheating and murder, across the state in the last two decades.

An FIR was registered under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act against Lal and others.

It was alleged in the police complaint that about 90 Hindus congregated at the Evangelical Church of India in Hariharganj, Fatehpur, for the purpose of their conversion to Christianity and were put under undue influence, coercion, and lured through fraud and the promise of easy money.
Bengaluru, Mar 4 (PTI) The BJP in Karnataka on Monday cited an investigation report of a private forensic science laboratory which indicated that "Pakistan zindabad" slogan was shouted after the victory of a Congress candidate in the February 27 Rajya Sabha elections here, and attacked the ruling Congress for "spreading lies" over the alleged incident.

Responding to it, Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government does not take private reports into consideration.

Supporters Syed Naseer Hussain allegedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans in the corridors of "Vidhana Soudha" after his victory in the Rajya Sabha elections, an incident which triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and BJP.

The Congress government, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, ordered an investigation by a government-run FSL to check the veracity of the allegations.

The BJP posted on its social media handle the investigation report, prepared by Clue4 Evidence Forensic Investigations Pvt Ltd and signed by audio forensic examiner Phaneendar B N on behalf of city based 'Samvada Foundation'.

In his opinion, Phaneendar said the examined video of the incident is "not tampered/ doctored in between and is a result of single capture."

The inference drawn by him is: "To the limited extent of the question in this case, being whether it was Nasir Saab Zindabad' or 'Pakistan Zindabad', the above analysis indicates that it is highly probable to be 'Pakistan Zindabad'."

Parameshwara sought to know whether the private person who prepared the report had his own laboratory and done analysis.

"We will find out with whose permission he has done it, who gave him 'No Objection Certificate' and is he authorised to make such reports public," he said.

He said the report of the state government's own FSL would be made public once it's submitted. "If the report says that such a slogan was shouted then we will take action immediately. There is no question of hiding it as alleged by the BJP,"

Slamming the Congress for its "lies", the BJP said the scientific report has revealed that the creators of fake news are the Congressmen who spread lies by distorting the truth.

"Priyank Kharge, the head of the anti-national @INCKarnataka and fake news factory, should at least admit his act of treason and prostrate in front of the Vidhana Sabha and apologise to Kannadigas," the party said.
Mangaluru, Mar 4 (PTI) Three female students suffered burn injuries after an acid attack by a youth at a government pre-university college in the taluka headquarters town of Kadaba in Dakshina Kannada district on Monday, police said.

The youth has been identified as Abin Shibi (23) hailing from Nilambur in Malappuram district of Kerala. He is pursuing an MBA course at his native town, a police official said, adding, he has been arrested.

The three students are in the 17-19 age-group, police said.

The main victim, who was the actual target of the accused, also hailed from Kerala and had come to Mangaluru for her studies.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao condemned the incident and also assured that stringent legal action would be taken against the perpetrator.

During interrogation, Shibi told police that the main victim had spurned his amorous advances, and he took this "extreme step to show his disappointment in love."

The attacker told police officials he had targeted only the girl, who suffered third degree facial burn injuries in the attack. But the acid also spilt over the other two students who were sitting close to her, he claimed.

"The two other girls have sustained minor burn injuries", a senior police officer said. "The girls have been shifted to a private hospital after the incident, which took place when they were preparing for the Pre-University Course (PUC) exams sitting in the corridors of the college."

The youth, wearing a mask and cap to conceal his identity, approached them with a bottle and threw acid. Based on preliminary investigation, the police had earlier said he is from Kasaragod district of Kerala.

"The attacker wore school uniform and had gained entry into the school premises as a student and carried out the crime", the official said. "We are investigating as to who gave him the uniform".

He tried to escape after the attack but the local people who were witness to this incident chased and apprehended him and handed him over to the police.

"The victims were taken to the Kadaba government hospital but the doctors there advised the families to shift them to Mangaluru for better treatment as the burn (suffered by one of the victims) was extensive," the official said. Kadaba police are investigating.

Rao, who is in-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada district, has directed authorities to ensure that victims received all essential medical care, as well as compensation from the government.

I strongly condemn the heinous crime of acid attack on three female students on the premises of a government PU college in Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada district," he said in a post on 'X'.

Rao said the district police have already arrested the accused and are conducting a comprehensive investigation.

We are investigating the matter seriously and will ensure stringent legal action against the perpetrators, he added.
Chandigarh, Mar 4 (PTI) An alleged gangster from Jammu was shot dead by some unidentified persons outside a shopping mall in Punjabs Mohali on Monday, police said.

The gangster has been identified as Rajesh, they said.

Mohali police told reporters that there were four to five attackers who shot him dead.

During preliminary investigations, it has come to fore that Rajesh had recently come out of jail and the incident is believed to be a fallout of rivalry between two gangs from Jammu.

The rival gang carried out the act. Both gangs are related to Jammu, a police official said, adding that further investigations were under progress.
Gurugram, Mar 4 (PTI) Two employees of a food delivery company were killed in Bajghera near the Dwarka expressway after a speeding canter hit their bike from behind in the wee hours of Monday, police said.

An FIR has been registered in connection with the matter at the Bajghera police station, they said.

Aamir, a resident of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh, in his complaint said that he along with his friends Bunty Kumar, a resident of Uttam Nagar in Delhi, Akash, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, and Chandra, a resident of Uttam Nagar in Delhi, went to their office on different bikes to conduct the company's audit work on Sunday night.

Akash and Bunty were riding a bike towards Delhi after completing the audit work late in the night he said.

"It was around 2:30 am today when the bike of my friends Akash and Bunty was hit by an unknown canter at Ram Chowk, Bajghera, near the Dwarka expressway due to which Bunty and Akash died on the spot. The canter driver fled from the spot along with his vehicle," Aamir said in his complaint.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bajghera police station on Monday following the complaint, police said.

"We handed over the bodies to the kin after the post-mortem today and are searching for the accused driver," said ASI Vinod Kumar, the investigating officer.
Gonda (UP), Mar 4 (PTI) A college principal, who had come to attend the marriage function of his relative, was shot dead in Chhapia police station area of Gonda district, police on Monday said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal said that Dinesh Yadav (32) -- the principal of a private inter college in Gonda's Sishani -- came to the district on Sunday to attend an auspicious programme at his relative and college manager Agnaram Yadav's place.

Jaiswal said that the principal was sleeping at a verandah outside the village after completion of the 'jaimaal' programme on Sunday night.

He added that two residents of Sishani village, Ajay Verma and Raj Singh, pointed a pistol at Yadav and shot him on his temple due to a recent personal dispute.

The firing woke up the people sleeping nearby and they ran and caught one of the accused, while the other managed to escape.

Jaiswal said that the family members immediately took Dinesh Yadav to a community health centre in Basti district for treatment where the doctors declared him dead.

He said that a case has been registered against both the accused in the case.

One accused has been arrested, he said, adding raids are being conducted to arrest the other accused.

Jaiswal said that the deceased's body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

The village is peaceful at the moment and the police force has been deployed as a precautionary measure, he added.
An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

Actresses perform during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

Participants perform during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

Actresses perform during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

An actress performs during the Battle of the Flowers parade during the 2024 Nice Carnival in Nice, France, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Nice Carnival is held here from Feb. 17 to March 3 with the theme of "The King of Pop Culture". (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua)

Editor: JYZ
Thane, Mar 4 (PTI) A case has been registered against an unidentified man for allegedly manhandling a police inspector after he questioned him for loitering in a suspicious manner near a bank in Navi Mumbai, police said on Monday.

The incident took place at around 3.30 am on Sunday in Koparkhairne area.



A police team on night patrolling duty spotted the man loitering in a suspicious manner near a motorbike close to a bank in the area.

When the police tried to enquire with him, he pulled out a sickle from his bag, an official from Koparkhairne police station said.

As the police personnel tried to pin him down, he hit an inspector, who fell and suffered minor injuries. The man escaped taking advantage of the darkness, he said.

The police have registered an FIR against the unidentified man under Indian Penal Code sections 353 (assault or use of criminal force on any person being a public servant in the execution of his duty) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant) and provisions of the Arms Act, the official said.

Efforts were on to trace the culprit, he added.
Palghar, Mar 4 (PTI) A car was destroyed after it caught fire on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar on Monday evening, a police official said.

No one was injured in the incident as the driver managed to park the vehicle by the side of the road after noticing sparks, Assistant Inspector (Traffic) Suresh Salunke said.

"The blaze was put out in an hour but the car was gutted," he added.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High near 50F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Health officials are investigating whether theres a link between two new RSV vaccines and cases of a rare nervous system disorder in older U.S. adults.

The inquiry is based on fewer than two dozen cases seen among more than 9.5 million vaccine recipients, health officials said Thursday. And the available information is too limited to establish whether the shots caused the illnesses, they added.

But the numbers are higher than expected and officials are gathering more information to determine if the vaccines are causing the problem. The data was presented at a meeting of an expert panel that provides vaccine policy advice to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials said they were investigating more than 20 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an rare illness in which a persons immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS in the U.S. each year, and its more commonly seen in older people, according to the CDC.

Most people fully recover from the syndrome, but some have permanent nerve damage. Guillain-Barre can occur in people after they are infected with a virus, but in some instances cases have been linked to vaccinations.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but it can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.

Last year, the CDC signed off on a recommendation made by the advisory panel, aimed at Americans age 60 and older. It was for a single dose of RSV vaccine. There were two options, one made by Pfizer and the other by GSK.

The CDC said that patients should talk to their doctors about the vaccines and then decide whether to get it.

Officials were aware that instances of Guillain-Barre had been identified in clinical trials done before the shots were approved for sale, and that different systems were watching for signs of problems.

At a meeting of the expert panel on Thursday, CDC officials presented an analysis of the reports taken in by those systems.

About two-thirds of the cases occurred in people who got a version of the vaccine made by Pfizer, called Abrysvo. But officials are also doing follow-up tracking in people who got Arexvy, made by GSK.

About two cases of Guillain-Barre might be seen in every 1 million people who receive a vaccine, health officials estimate. A CDC analysis found the the GSK rate was lower than that, but 4.6 cases per million were reported in recipients of the Pfizer shot.

Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also showed an above-expected number of Guillain-Barre cases being reported in RSV vaccine recipients, with more among Pfizer shot recipients.

Taken together, these data suggest a potential increased risk in RSV vaccine recipients 60 and older that must be explored, said Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, a CDC vaccine safety monitoring official.

Officials from GSK and Pfizer made brief statements during the meeting, noting that sorting out a safety signal is complicated.

Pfizer is committed to the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the safety of Abrysvo and is conducting four safety studies to look into the possibility of vaccine-related GBS, said Reema Mehta, a Pfizer vice president.

CDC officials also presented estimates that the vaccines have prevented thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths from RSV, and that current data indicates the benefits of vaccination outweigh the possible risks.

(AP)
Self-loathing and despicable Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling on the Biden administration to end all U.S. funding for the Netanyahu-led Israeli government.

Hundreds of thousands of children are facing starvation. Stop this war right now  no more money for Netanyahus government, Sanders said in a post on X.

Along with his post, Sanders shared a video of an interview on CBS News where he spouted his twisted views.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli officials are increasingly doubtful about reaching a hostage and truce agreement before the start of Ramadan, according to Hebrew media reports.

Unnamed officials cited in the reports suggest that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has no intention of agreeing to a temporary ceasefire in the coming days. Instead, Israel believes Sinwar aims to escalate violence over Ramadan.

This scenario has raised concerns in Israel about potential escalations not only along the borders with Gaza and Lebanon but also in the West Bank, where tensions are high, and Jerusalem, where clashes over the Har Habayis and access to it are expected.

Ramadan is expected to begin next Sunday evening.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Biden administrations recent decision to revoke the Trump-era Pompeo Doctrine, which declared Jewish residences legal in Yehuda and Shomrim (the West Bank) has been met with fierce criticism.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed the move, stating that President Biden is ignoring the truth that Yehuda and Shomron are Israels land, and undermining Israels right to exist.

In reversing the Pompeo Doctrine, President Biden has now decided to ignore the truth that Judea and Samaria are Israels land, obtusely viewing it as an obstacle to peace and making the same mistake favored by his predecessor in the Obama administration, Pompeo said.

Undermining Israels right to exist in the Jewish peoples homeland deepens and prolongs the conflict, he continued. It is not Israeli settlements that are an obstacle to peace  it is the unwillingness of the Palestinians to come to the table honestly and acknowledge Israels right to exist, the gross atrocities committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, and Hamas continued existence. Those are the true obstacles to peace.

Pompeos doctrine established that Israeli Jews living in these regions are not in violation of international law.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller defended Bidens decision, citing the long-standing U.S. position that settlements are a barrier to peace.

However, David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, disagreed, stating that research with State Department lawyers showed nothing illegal about Jews living in their biblical homeland.

Blinken is 100% wrong, Friedman said. I researched this for over a year with many State Department lawyers. There is nothing illegal about Jews living in their biblical homeland. Indeed, Undersecretary of State Eugene Rostow, also the Dean of the Yale Law School (who negotiated UNSCR 242), stated that Israel has the best legal claim to Judea and Samaria. For Blinken to announce this in the middle of a war and when the Jewish Sabbath already has begun in Israel is unconscionable.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A Thai foreign worker was murdered and seven people were injured on Monday at midday from an anti-tank missile launched by Hezbollah at the Margaliot moshav, located in the Upper Galil near Israels northern border.

The missile hit an orchard near the moshav. All of the injured victims are foreign workers from Thailand; two are in serious condition, four are in moderate condition, and one is in light condition.

The victims  all suffering from shrapnel wounds  were evacuated in an MDA helicopter and Air Force helicopters to Beilinson, Rambam and Ziv Hospitals.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
US Vice President Kamala Harris chose the same day that National Unity chairman Benny Gantz landed in Israel for a series of meetings with senior Biden administration officials, including Harris, to attack Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire to the cheers of the crowd.

Speaking in Selma, Alabama at a civil rights administration commemoration, Harris kowtowed to the audience by decrying the immense scale of suffering in Gaza. Although she paid lip service to the plight of the hostages and the threat of Hamas, she mentioned those issues in a flat tone, contrary to her voice almost breaking with emotion as she spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom and self-determination.

Ignoring the fact that Israel has done everything it can to transfer aid to its own enemies, even putting IDF soldiers at risk of their lives, Harris claimed that the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid without any excuses. They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid.

Gantz, whose trip to the US for meetings with senior Biden administration officials is mired in controversy as he reportedly planned the trip without the permission of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to meet with Harris on Monday.

Their meeting will focus on the Biden administrations concerns about Israels planned invasion of Rafah, Israels post-war plan for the Gaza Strip, and the reform of the Palestinian Authority.

Kamala, there was a ceasefire on October 6th and it got hostages into Gaza. pic.twitter.com/x4RkJbY0xn  Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) March 4, 2024



(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Ukraine intends to create an Investment Promotion Agency as a single entry point for investors in the Ukrainian private sector, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported on Facebook.

"So that all investors who want to invest in the private sector in Ukraine have a single entry point, we are working on the launch of a single institution  the Investment Promotion Agency," she wrote following her visit to London, where she discussed its creation, including with the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

According to her, during the meeting, LSE specialists said they were ready to provide their expertise and help build this institute.

Svyrydenko said that she also met with British International Investment, which last summer, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, announced its readiness to provide GBP 250 million to finance the private sector in Ukraine, mainly for post-war reconstruction.

"These funds will be available from April through the Co-investment platform. What can we do together with the private sector now to receive this financing? Prepare high-quality projects. For this, we also attract partners to do jointly feasibility study," the First Deputy Prime Minister said.

She added that attracting investment and financing to Ukraine was also the main topic of negotiations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the London Stock Exchange, and TheCityUK, UK Export Finance (UKEF).

"We are working with UKEF to attract investment in the defense sector. We have also opened a limit for Ukraine of GBP 3.5 billion. Several companies have already received insurance, one of them yesterday [March 1] during our visit to London. We plan to expand cooperation, in particular, we discussed the possibility of insuring equipment suppliers in the field of military demining," Svyrydenko wrote.
It was released for publication on Monday that the Shin Bet, IDF, and Israel Police thwarted a terror cell last month in the Chevron area which was planning to carry out bombing attacks against IDF forces.

The terrorists, residents of a village near Chevron, had manufactured 100 explosive devices by using online instruction videos. In addition, one of the leaders of the cell, Murad Markatan, was in contact with Islamic State operatives abroad, who assisted them in their evil plans.

The cell members also had obtained improvised Carlo submachine guns and M-16 assault rifles which they planned to use for additional attacks against IDF forces stationed in the Chevron area.

All the explosives were detonated by Israel Police sappers and the terrorists weapons were seized and confiscated.

Serious indictments were filed against the four terrorists in the military court in Yehudah.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Israel Defense Forces on Monday published damning recordings of terrorists employed as teachers by the UNRWA discussing their participation in the murderous October 7 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and sparked the current conflict in Gaza.

In one recording, Yusef Zidan Suleiman Al Hawaraja, a UNRWA teacher in a Gaza school, discusses his actions and what he saw on Oct. 7, speaking in rather obvious code about certain aspects of the attack  including the kidnapping of an Israeli woman. We have female hostages. I captured one, he says in the audio.

In a second recording published by the IDF, Mamduh Hasin Ahmed Al-Qali, an Islamic Jihad terrorist employed as an elementary school teacher by UNRWA, is heard saying that he is inside Israel the Oct. 7 attacks. Im inside, Im inside with the Jews, al-Qali is heard saying.

Speaking about the audio recordings, IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari said, The massacre committed by Hamas on October 7 is the most documented massacre in history. Hamas terrorists filmed their own cruelty. As time goes by, more and more testimonies are revealed, more intelligence every day.

You can hear how the terrorists entered Israeli territory, participated in the massacre, and terror, and captured sabaya, he said.

Sabaya is an Islamic term that describes women and children as being owned as property by a Muslim man. It can also refer to a slave or handmaiden. When used by Hamas  and previously by ISIS when they kidnapped Yazidi women and girls  the term refers to a kidnapped woman who is forced to have non-consensual relations with her captors.

On October 7, Hamas treated young women with cruelty and brutality, kidnapped them from their homes, and treated them like animals, Hagari continues.

How they refer to the hostages as sabaya and a noble mare keeps us awake at night, and requires the world to shout, as it did for the Yazidi women, he says.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Aviva is set to rejoin the Lloyd's of London marketplace after agreeing to acquire the underwriting syndicate Probitas for 242million.

Britain's largest life insurer said the takeover would help bolster growth in its capital-light general insurance business, particularly its global corporate and specialty arm.

The FTSE 100 firm also said Lloyd's represented a 'major source of untapped growth' due to its strong distribution networks, premium volumes and international licences.

The group said that the deal will help grow Aviva Canada's presence in a 'profitable segment of the Canadian insurance market'

Under the transaction's terms, Aviva will gain tenancy rights to Syndicate 1492, whose gross written premiums totalled 288million last year and has achieved a 21 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2019.

Aviva left Lloyd's in 2000 following the merger of Norwich Union with CGU and the sale of its managing agency, Marlborough, to the Berkshire Hathaway Group.

But last summer, its chief executive, Amanda Blanc, said the company was interested in re-entering the historic commercial market.

Based in London, Probitas is an underwriting syndicate specialising in construction, property, cyber and casualty insurance.

Ash Bathia, its chief executive, said: 'As Probitas embarks on the next stage of its evolution, it was important to find a partner with the financial strength and commitment to enable Probitas to optimise its potential and ambition.'

He added: 'I am convinced that Aviva is an ideal partner and I am truly excited about being part of the Aviva Group and the opportunities ahead for our business and staff.'

Aviva expects to receive healthy financial returns from the acquisition, which it intends to finalise during the middle of this year, dependent on regulatory approval.

Jason Storah, head of Aviva's UK & Ireland General Insurance arm, said: 'Probitas' track record, technical expertise and high-quality team will be an excellent addition to Aviva.'

'They will continue to run the business post-acquisition and the Probitas brand will remain. We want to preserve their unique, agile culture and support the team to focus on delivering profitable growth that will benefit from leveraging Aviva's own scale and capabilities.'

Aviva's announcement comes three days before the planned publication of its annual results.

The group anticipates reporting a 5 to 7 per cent rise in operating profit, dividend payments of around 915million and scoring 750million in gross cost reductions a year early.

Aviva shares were 0.2 per cent lower at 446.9p on Monday morning, although they have still increased by approximately a fifth over the past six months.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Hess (NYSE:HES  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday. The firm issued a sell rating on the oil and gas producers stock.

A number of other analysts also recently commented on the company. Argus raised Hess from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $171.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. UBS Group cut their price objective on Hess from $210.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Hess from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $189.00 to $166.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Susquehanna cut their price objective on Hess from $160.00 to $152.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 26th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price objective on Hess from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $174.29.

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Hess Price Performance

Hess stock opened at $148.19 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $45.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.93 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.05. Hess has a 1 year low of $113.82 and a 1 year high of $167.75. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $144.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $147.78.

Hess (NYSE:HES  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The oil and gas producer reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.76 billion. Hess had a net margin of 12.98% and a return on equity of 17.00%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.78 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Hess will post 7.56 earnings per share for the current year.

Hess Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Monday, December 18th were issued a $0.4375 dividend. This represents a $1.75 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 15th. Hesss dividend payout ratio is 38.89%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hess

In other news, COO Gregory P. Hill sold 56,925 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $146.35, for a total transaction of $8,330,973.75. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 78,287 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,457,302.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO John B. Hess sold 73,885 shares of Hess stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.87, for a total transaction of $10,777,604.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 138,718 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,234,794.66. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, COO Gregory P. Hill sold 56,925 shares of Hess stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $146.35, for a total value of $8,330,973.75. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 78,287 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,457,302.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 9.93% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hess

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HES. NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Hess in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Pacific Capital Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Hess during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Hess during the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Hess during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Hess during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. 81.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Hess

(Get Free Report)

Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report report published on Thursday.

KOS has been the topic of several other reports. TheStreet downgraded Kosmos Energy from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, February 26th. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on Kosmos Energy in a research report on Monday, November 20th. They set a buy rating and a $10.00 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Kosmos Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $9.53.

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Kosmos Energy Stock Up 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE:KOS opened at $6.25 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32. Kosmos Energy has a 52-week low of $5.28 and a 52-week high of $8.28. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $6.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.81. The company has a market capitalization of $2.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 2.38.

Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 26th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.23 by $0.08. Kosmos Energy had a return on equity of 39.94% and a net margin of 12.55%. The business had revenue of $507.81 million for the quarter. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.23 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Kosmos Energy will post 0.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Andrew G. Inglis sold 166,524 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.03, for a total value of $1,004,139.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 3,909,135 shares in the company, valued at $23,572,084.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Andrew G. Inglis sold 166,524 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.03, for a total value of $1,004,139.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 3,909,135 shares in the company, valued at $23,572,084.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO Ronald W. Glass sold 17,525 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.03, for a total value of $105,675.75. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 290,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,753,855.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 335,337 shares of company stock worth $2,022,082 over the last three months. 1.79% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kosmos Energy

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of KOS. Raymond James & Associates acquired a new stake in Kosmos Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $387,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in Kosmos Energy by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,845,793 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $13,272,000 after purchasing an additional 128,887 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Kosmos Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $159,000. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its stake in Kosmos Energy by 31.9% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 41,527 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $299,000 after purchasing an additional 10,045 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in Kosmos Energy by 143.6% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,579 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 2,110 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.24% of the companys stock.

Kosmos Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kosmos Energy Ltd. engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas properties along the Atlantic Margins in the United States. The company's primary assets include production projects located in offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as well as a gas projects located in offshore Mauritania and Senegal.

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Parkland (TSE:PKI  Free Report) had its target price lifted by Scotiabank from C$50.00 to C$60.00 in a report issued on Thursday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on PKI. TD Securities increased their price objective on Parkland from C$52.00 to C$53.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Desjardins increased their price objective on Parkland from C$47.00 to C$51.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Parkland from C$39.00 to C$40.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Royal Bank of Canada cut Parkland from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a C$54.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, National Bankshares upped their target price on Parkland from C$47.00 to C$50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$51.69.

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Parkland Stock Performance

Parkland Increases Dividend

Shares of PKI opened at C$42.83 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$45.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$42.39. The stock has a market capitalization of C$7.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 11.79 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 196.59, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.33. Parkland has a 52-week low of C$27.50 and a 52-week high of C$47.99.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 21st. This is a positive change from Parklands previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.27%. Parklands dividend payout ratio is 53.54%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Senior Officer Darren Robert Smart sold 35,100 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$43.18, for a total transaction of C$1,515,618.00. Corporate insiders own 20.40% of the companys stock.

Parkland Company Profile

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Parkland Corporation operates food and convenience stores in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company's Canada segment owns, supplies, and supports a coast-to-coast network of retail gas stations, electronic vehicle charging stations, frozen food retail locations, convenience stores, cardlock sites, bulk fuel, propane, heating oil, lubricants, and other related services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers; transports and distributes fuel through ships, rail, and highway carriers; and stores fuel in terminals and other owned and leased facilities, as well as engages in the low-carbon activities.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report released on Friday.

ARE has been the topic of several other research reports. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Mizuho lifted their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $145.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $140.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $140.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $137.13.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance

NYSE ARE opened at $124.27 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.26 and a quick ratio of 0.26. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $122.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.33. The company has a market capitalization of $21.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 230.13, a PEG ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 1.05. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 1-year low of $90.73 and a 1-year high of $146.46.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.29 by ($2.83). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a return on equity of 0.46% and a net margin of 3.59%. The business had revenue of $757.22 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $740.16 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.14 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Alexandria Real Estate Equities

In other news, insider Daniel J. Ryan sold 10,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $118.07, for a total transaction of $1,180,700.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 166,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,635,985.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Daniel J. Ryan sold 10,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $118.07, for a total transaction of $1,180,700.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 166,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,635,985.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Kristina Fukuzaki-Carlson sold 2,500 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities 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 directly owns 30,070 shares in the company, valued at $3,519,092.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,365,175. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ARE. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 8.6% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 4,377 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $881,000 after acquiring an additional 348 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 242.4% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,499 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $906,000 after acquiring an additional 3,185 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 14.4% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $957,000 after acquiring an additional 598 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 11.7% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,903 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,187,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.3% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $219,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. 86.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(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.

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Shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the sixteen ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $100.19.

A number of analysts have commented on DELL shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $85.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $95.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $100.00 to $128.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $53.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $68.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 1st.

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Dell Technologies Trading Up 31.6 %

Shares of Dell Technologies stock opened at $124.59 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $88.66 billion, a PE ratio of 28.51, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.91. Dell Technologies has a twelve month low of $35.96 and a twelve month high of $131.06. The firms 50-day moving average price is $83.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $73.65.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 29th. The technology company reported $2.20 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.47. The company had revenue of $22.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.17 billion. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 3.63% and a negative return on equity of 165.52%. Dell Technologiess quarterly revenue was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.55 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Dell Technologies will post 6.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dell Technologies Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 23rd will be given a $0.445 dividend. This represents a $1.78 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 22nd. This is a boost from Dell Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 33.87%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies

In other Dell Technologies news, Director Iv (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 239,112 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.43, for a total value of $18,992,666.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 293,812 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,337,487.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 48.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dell Technologies

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Rise Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 200.0% during the 3rd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 357 shares of the technology companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 238 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Anchor Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Compass Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. 38.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Dell Technologies

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Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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Teza Capital Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ  Free Report) by 69.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 41,083 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 91,685 shares during the period. Teza Capital Management LLCs holdings in Invesco were worth $597,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its position in Invesco by 276.8% during the third quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 81,754 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,187,000 after purchasing an additional 60,057 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Invesco by 31.1% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 198,375 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $3,335,000 after buying an additional 47,041 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in shares of Invesco by 30.7% in the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 5,943,943 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $86,306,000 after buying an additional 1,395,023 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its holdings in Invesco by 4.5% in the third quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 65,917 shares of the asset managers stock worth $957,000 after buying an additional 2,846 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its position in Invesco by 99.6% during the third quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 749,137 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $10,912,000 after acquiring an additional 373,778 shares in the last quarter. 66.27% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on shares of Invesco from $21.00 to $19.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. StockNews.com raised shares of Invesco from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Invesco from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Invesco from $18.00 to $17.25 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, TheStreet lowered Invesco from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Friday, February 23rd. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Invesco presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.15.

Invesco Stock Up 0.8 %

NYSE IVZ opened at $15.53 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 5.01 and a current ratio of 5.01. The companys fifty day moving average is $16.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $15.23. Invesco Ltd. has a 52-week low of $12.48 and a 52-week high of $18.71.

Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The asset manager reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.11 billion. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 7.93% and a negative net margin of 1.70%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.39 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Invesco Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.15%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. Invescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -108.11%.

About Invesco

(Free Report)

Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds.

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Teza Capital Management LLC lessened its position in shares of Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Free Report) by 55.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,706 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 11,861 shares during the period. Teza Capital Management LLCs holdings in Sempra were worth $660,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. California State Teachers Retirement System lifted its stake in Sempra by 87.1% in the third quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 1,010,626 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $68,753,000 after buying an additional 470,521 shares during the period. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. boosted its stake in Sempra by 119.4% during the third quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. now owns 109,445 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $7,446,000 after acquiring an additional 59,551 shares in the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank grew its holdings in Sempra by 71.1% in the third quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 366,554 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $24,937,000 after purchasing an additional 152,329 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia increased its stake in Sempra by 109.4% in the third quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 162,151 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $11,031,000 after purchasing an additional 84,710 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in Sempra by 122.1% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 36,174 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,461,000 after purchasing an additional 19,889 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.83% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Sempra

In related news, CEO Jeffrey W. Martin sold 34,190 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.83, for a total transaction of $2,421,677.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2 shares in the company, valued at $141.66. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Jeffrey W. Martin sold 50,703 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.92, for a total value of $3,595,856.76. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 2 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $141.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jeffrey W. Martin sold 34,190 shares of Sempra stock in a transaction on Friday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.83, for a total transaction of $2,421,677.70. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2 shares of the companys stock, valued at $141.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Sempra Price Performance

NYSE SRE opened at $69.87 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The company has a market cap of $44.17 billion, a PE ratio of 14.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 0.71. Sempra has a 52 week low of $63.75 and a 52 week high of $79.51. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $72.46 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.68.

Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.02. Sempra had a net margin of 18.26% and a return on equity of 9.45%. The business had revenue of $3.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.17 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Sempra will post 4.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Sempra Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 21st will be paid a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 20th. This is a boost from Sempras previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.55%. Sempras dividend payout ratio is currently 49.69%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Sempra from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $78.00 to $86.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Sempra from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Sempra from $83.00 to $79.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 25th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH assumed coverage on shares of Sempra in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They issued a buy rating and a $81.50 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Sempra from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.83.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Sempra

About Sempra

(Free Report)

Sempra operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, Sempra Texas Utilities, and Sempra Infrastructure. The San Diego Gas & Electric Company segment provides to San Diego and southern Orange counties; and natural gas service to San Diego County.

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Ukraine is ready to extend the transit of Russian gas through its gas transmission system (GTS) at the initiative of the countries of the European Union, but it will not extend the existing contract or sign a new one with Gazprom, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

"Of course, we are not going to negotiate with the aggressor country about extending [the transit contract] and putting our signatures on the agreement, but we have had repeated negotiations with European leaders on the basis of the European Commission. If the European countries act as a consortium or one of the European partners will act as a transit country for their gas  we are ready to provide such a service. Here the initiative is on the side of the EU and our European partners," he said.

"A group, an association, a consortium... This could be the European Commission, a group of European countries that are interested in maintaining transit," Shmyhal said.

At the same time, according to the prime minister, the Ukrainian gas transmission system is ready to function without the transit of Russian natural gas.
Truist Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 15.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 766,792 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 104,903 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp owned about 0.09% of Dominion Energy worth $34,253,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of D. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,988,722 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $178,176,000 after purchasing an additional 199,629 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in Dominion Energy by 18.7% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 553,557 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $24,727,000 after buying an additional 87,280 shares in the last quarter. Mariner LLC grew its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 53.6% during the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 174,329 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,787,000 after purchasing an additional 60,835 shares during the period. Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new stake in shares of Dominion Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,863,000. Finally, Verdence Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 15.8% during the 3rd quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 26,015 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,162,000 after purchasing an additional 3,550 shares during the period. 70.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Dominion Energy Price Performance

D opened at $44.79 on Monday. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.18 and a 12-month high of $58.69. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $46.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.84. The company has a market capitalization of $37.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.22, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.61.

Dominion Energy Announces Dividend

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 22nd. The utilities provider reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $3.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.21 billion. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 8.83% and a net margin of 12.40%. Dominion Energys quarterly revenue was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.06 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 2.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 114.59%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on D shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Dominion Energy from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Barclays upgraded Dominion Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $45.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, November 6th. StockNews.com downgraded Dominion Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. Finally, Guggenheim cut their price objective on Dominion Energy from $57.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dominion Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.91.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on D

About Dominion Energy

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through four segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Assets. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.7 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec trimmed its position in shares of State Street Co. (NYSE:STT  Free Report) by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 55,640 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 2,100 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in State Street were worth $3,726,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in STT. State of Wyoming boosted its stake in State Street by 51.3% during the second quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 619 shares of the asset managers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its position in State Street by 69.2% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 572 shares of the asset managers stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in State Street by 24.9% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 733 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Savior LLC grew its stake in shares of State Street by 90.4% in the 3rd quarter. Savior LLC now owns 857 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 407 shares during the period. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of State Street during the 1st quarter worth approximately $70,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.62% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently weighed in on STT. Barclays upped their target price on shares of State Street from $87.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on State Street from $89.00 to $86.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. UBS Group raised their target price on State Street from $70.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating and set a $83.00 price objective on shares of State Street in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of State Street from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $69.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $81.83.

State Street Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE:STT opened at $73.85 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.55. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $74.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $71.09. State Street Co. has a fifty-two week low of $62.78 and a fifty-two week high of $91.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.30 billion, a PE ratio of 13.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.52.

State Street (NYSE:STT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 19th. The asset manager reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $3.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.95 billion. State Street had a return on equity of 11.86% and a net margin of 10.59%. The companys revenue was down 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.07 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that State Street Co. will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

State Street Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 1st will be given a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.74%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 28th. State Streets dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 50.27%.

Insider Transactions at State Street

In related news, EVP Anthony Bisegna sold 2,606 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, February 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.00, for a total transaction of $190,238.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,737 shares in the company, valued at $1,294,801. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

State Street Profile

(Free Report)

State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody, accounting, regulatory reporting, investor, and performance and analytics; middle office products, such as IBOR, transaction management, loans, cash, derivatives and collateral, record keeping, and client reporting and investment analytics; finance leasing; foreign exchange, and brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec increased its position in Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL  Free Report) by 90.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 33,313 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 15,832 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Globe Life were worth $3,622,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Globe Life by 37.0% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,308,014 shares of the companys stock worth $735,187,000 after purchasing an additional 1,973,186 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Globe Life by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,520,494 shares of the companys stock valued at $655,963,000 after acquiring an additional 57,587 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Globe Life by 52.3% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,079,866 shares of the companys stock worth $447,235,000 after acquiring an additional 1,401,828 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Globe Life by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,960,623 shares of the companys stock valued at $434,163,000 after purchasing an additional 84,122 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Globe Life by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,029,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $221,936,000 after acquiring an additional 28,182 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.04% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other Globe Life news, EVP Dolores L. Skarjune sold 20,479 shares of Globe Life stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.28, for a total value of $2,524,651.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,956 shares of the companys stock, valued at $610,975.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Dolores L. Skarjune sold 20,479 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.28, for a total transaction of $2,524,651.12. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,956 shares of the companys stock, valued at $610,975.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Jane Buchan sold 1,000 shares of Globe Life stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.50, for a total transaction of $124,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 80,285 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,995,482.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 24,003 shares of company stock worth $2,955,489 in the last quarter. 4.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have issued reports on GL. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Globe Life from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Truist Financial upped their price target on Globe Life from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Globe Life from $131.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Globe Life from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $134.14.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Globe Life

Globe Life Price Performance

GL stock opened at $126.17 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $123.19 and its 200 day simple moving average is $117.88. Globe Life Inc. has a 12-month low of $102.23 and a 12-month high of $132.00. The firm has a market cap of $11.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.52 and a beta of 0.70.

Globe Life (NYSE:GL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $2.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.40 billion. Globe Life had a return on equity of 24.25% and a net margin of 17.82%. The firms revenue was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.24 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Globe Life Inc. will post 11.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Globe Life Profile

(Free Report)

Globe Life Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various life and supplemental health insurance products, and annuities to lower middle to middle income households in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Life Insurance, Supplemental Health Insurance, Annuities, and Investments.

Further Reading

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EULAV Asset Management raised its holdings in MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI  Free Report) by 290.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 74,100 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 55,100 shares during the period. MSCI comprises about 1.4% of EULAV Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 19th largest position. EULAV Asset Management owned 0.09% of MSCI worth $38,019,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of MSCI during the 4th quarter worth approximately $378,140,000. Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in shares of MSCI by 312.3% during the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 852,913 shares of the technology companys stock worth $428,913,000 after purchasing an additional 646,050 shares during the last quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of MSCI by 254.1% during the 3rd quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. now owns 469,660 shares of the technology companys stock worth $240,973,000 after purchasing an additional 337,028 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of MSCI by 32.1% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,281,834 shares of the technology companys stock worth $717,432,000 after purchasing an additional 311,370 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of MSCI by 59.6% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 762,080 shares of the technology companys stock worth $391,008,000 after purchasing an additional 284,513 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.61% of the companys stock.

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MSCI Price Performance

NYSE:MSCI traded down $1.85 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $563.63. The stock had a trading volume of 29,325 shares, compared to its average volume of 488,812. The company has a market capitalization of $44.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.07. MSCI Inc. has a 1-year low of $451.55 and a 1-year high of $617.39. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $564.80 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $535.21.

MSCI Increases Dividend

MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The technology company reported $3.68 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.29 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $690.11 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $662.64 million. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 111.17% and a net margin of 45.42%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 19.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.84 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that MSCI Inc. will post 14.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Investors of record on Friday, February 16th were paid a $1.60 dividend. This represents a $6.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.14%. This is an increase from MSCIs previous quarterly dividend of $1.38. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 15th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.44%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MSCI has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on MSCI from $588.00 to $638.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. StockNews.com downgraded MSCI from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Redburn Atlantic downgraded MSCI from a neutral rating to a sell rating and cut their price target for the company from $620.00 to $470.00 in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on MSCI from $615.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded MSCI from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $526.00 to $600.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $578.21.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MSCI

MSCI Profile

(Free Report)

MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct.

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Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $52.31 and last traded at $52.13, with a volume of 26874 shares. The stock had previously closed at $51.44.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on MLI shares. StockNews.com cut shares of Mueller Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Northcoast Research reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Mueller Industries in a research report on Friday, January 19th.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Mueller Industries

Mueller Industries Trading Up 1.6 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $5.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.85 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a 50-day moving average of $48.01 and a 200 day moving average of $42.71.

Mueller Industries (NYSE:MLI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The industrial products company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter. Mueller Industries had a return on equity of 27.59% and a net margin of 17.63%. The firm had revenue of $732.38 million during the quarter.

Mueller Industries Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. This is a positive change from Mueller Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.53%. Mueller Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 11.29%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Mueller Industries

In other Mueller Industries news, insider Steffen Sigloch sold 58,522 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.11, for a total value of $2,639,927.42. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 321,766 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,514,864.26. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CFO Jeffrey Andrew Martin sold 47,280 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.25, for a total transaction of $2,328,540.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 370,840 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,263,870. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Steffen Sigloch sold 58,522 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.11, for a total transaction of $2,639,927.42. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 321,766 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,514,864.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 164,602 shares of company stock worth $7,775,459. Insiders own 2.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in Mueller Industries by 124.3% in the 4th quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 527 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Mueller Industries by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 598 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Mueller Industries in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Montag A & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Mueller Industries during the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Mueller Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. 94.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Mueller Industries

(Get Free Report)

Mueller Industries, Inc manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. It operates through three segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Climate. The Piping Systems segment offers copper tubes, fittings, line sets, and pipe nipples; PEX plumbing and radiant systems; and plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling.

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Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:ENX  Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 65,300 shares, a decline of 7.9% from the January 31st total of 70,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 35,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.8 days.

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund Price Performance

Shares of Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund stock traded down $0.02 on Monday, hitting $9.88. The stock had a trading volume of 3,898 shares, compared to its average volume of 23,945. Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund has a 52-week low of $7.84 and a 52-week high of $10.07.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 24,890 shares of the companys stock valued at $261,000 after acquiring an additional 1,214 shares during the period. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its position in Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 53,284 shares of the companys stock valued at $501,000 after acquiring an additional 1,500 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its position in Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund by 5.0% in the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 83,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $875,000 after acquiring an additional 4,000 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its position in Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund by 316.5% during the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 6,580 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Finally, Quarry LP acquired a new position in Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $48,000.

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund Company Profile

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income market of United States. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations comprising of various industries, such as general obligations, hospital, electric utilities, transportation, water and sewer, public education, and private education.

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ASGN Incorporated (NYSE:ASGN  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $102.34 and last traded at $102.34, with a volume of 8220 shares. The stock had previously closed at $100.76.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently commented on ASGN. TheStreet upgraded ASGN from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Monday, November 20th. Canaccord Genuity Group began coverage on ASGN in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $110.00 price target for the company. Bank Of America (Bofa) restated an underweight rating and set a $70.00 price objective on shares of ASGN in a report on Monday, January 8th. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of ASGN to $72.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of ASGN to $88.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $93.50.

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ASGN Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.76 billion, a PE ratio of 22.39, a PEG ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 1.50. The firms fifty day moving average price is $94.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $88.03.

ASGN (NYSE:ASGN  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The business services provider reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.05 billion. ASGN had a return on equity of 15.52% and a net margin of 4.93%. The businesss revenue was down 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.51 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that ASGN Incorporated will post 5.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at ASGN

In other ASGN news, SVP Jennifer Hankes Painter sold 1,100 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.62, for a total transaction of $102,982.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 52,716 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,935,271.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, SVP Jennifer Hankes Painter sold 1,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.62, for a total value of $102,982.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 52,716 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,935,271.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, President Randolph C. Blazer sold 7,746 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.31, for a total value of $730,525.26. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 107,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,178,218.13. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 9,846 shares of company stock worth $924,817 over the last ninety days. 3.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ASGN

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Pinebridge Investments L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of ASGN in the second quarter worth $29,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of ASGN by 19.1% during the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 24,277 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,836,000 after purchasing an additional 3,901 shares during the period. Reinhart Partners LLC. increased its holdings in shares of ASGN by 6.0% during the 3rd quarter. Reinhart Partners LLC. now owns 490,853 shares of the business services providers stock worth $40,093,000 after purchasing an additional 27,871 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of ASGN by 38.5% during the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 615 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Argent Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of ASGN by 19.5% in the third quarter. Argent Capital Management LLC now owns 5,433 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $444,000 after buying an additional 887 shares during the period. 94.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

ASGN Company Profile

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ASGN Incorporated provides information technology services and professional solutions in the technology, digital, and creative fields for commercial and government sectors in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It operates through two segments, Commercial and Federal Government. The Commercial Segment provides consulting, creative digital marketing, and permanent placement services primarily to enterprise clients.

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Earnest Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS  Free Report) by 8.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,394,951 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 184,905 shares during the period. Earnest Partners LLC owned 1.39% of Webster Financial worth $96,540,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. EJF Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 14.9% in the third quarter. EJF Capital LLC now owns 91,516 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,689,000 after acquiring an additional 11,895 shares in the last quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 9.6% in the third quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 8,091 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $326,000 after acquiring an additional 711 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 217.7% in the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,713 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $109,000 after acquiring an additional 1,859 shares in the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 12.2% in the third quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 12,253 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $494,000 after acquiring an additional 1,335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in shares of Webster Financial by 66.3% in the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 26,807 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,081,000 after acquiring an additional 10,683 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.37% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Webster Financial

In other Webster Financial news, insider Charles L. Wilkins sold 3,966 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.56, for a total transaction of $204,486.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 49,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,553,663.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Webster Financial news, insider Charles L. Wilkins sold 3,966 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.56, for a total transaction of $204,486.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 49,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,553,663.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Luis Massiani sold 13,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.63, for a total transaction of $697,005.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 89,621 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,627,132.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 32,941 shares of company stock worth $1,701,282 in the last ninety days. 0.88% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently issued reports on WBS. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on shares of Webster Financial from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Bank of America began coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $60.00 target price for the company. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $59.00 target price on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Webster Financial from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the company from $60.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven 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 a consensus target price of $56.23.

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Webster Financial Stock Up 0.9 %

NYSE WBS traded up $0.41 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $47.67. 359,820 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,172,230. The company has a 50 day moving average of $49.08 and a two-hundred day moving average of $44.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Webster Financial Co. has a 12 month low of $31.03 and a 12 month high of $53.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.19 billion, a PE ratio of 9.66, a PEG ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 1.32.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by ($0.02). Webster Financial had a return on equity of 13.05% and a net margin of 22.01%. The business had revenue of $996.96 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $674.82 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.60 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Webster Financial Co. will post 5.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Webster Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 5th were given a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 2nd. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.36%. Webster Financials payout ratio is currently 32.72%.

Webster Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking.

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Lakeshore Financial Planning Inc. bought a new position in shares of Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 1,897 shares of the enterprise software providers stock, valued at approximately $201,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Trexquant Investment LP acquired a new position in Oracle in the second quarter valued at about $27,279,000. Quantum Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Oracle in the third quarter valued at about $229,000. Greenfield Savings Bank grew its stake in Oracle by 7.8% in the third quarter. Greenfield Savings Bank now owns 9,034 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $957,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares during the period. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Oracle during the second quarter worth about $218,000. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Oracle by 45.3% during the third quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 286,461 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $30,342,000 after buying an additional 89,295 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 42.44% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Edward Jones raised Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Wolfe Research reduced their price target on Oracle from $140.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Oracle from $107.00 to $106.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. StockNews.com raised Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Oracle from $125.00 to $122.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.00.

Oracle Price Performance

Oracle stock traded up $0.21 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $113.99. 3,547,066 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,671,821. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $110.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $111.04. The firm has a market cap of $313.35 billion, a PE ratio of 31.44, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 1.00. Oracle Co. has a 12 month low of $82.04 and a 12 month high of $127.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.84, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, December 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $12.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.05 billion. Oracle had a return on equity of 703.26% and a net margin of 19.64%. The companys revenue was up 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.21 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Oracle Co. will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 11th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, January 10th. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.20%.

Insider Activity at Oracle

In related news, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 16,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.02, for a total transaction of $1,728,126.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 34,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,686,421.42. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 42.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Oracle

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Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE:ARI  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $11.28, but opened at $10.89. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance shares last traded at $10.85, with a volume of 185,038 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on ARI shares. Bank of America cut shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $10.50 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $10.50 target price on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $10.38.

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Stock Down 4.3 %

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Dividend Announcement

The company has a current ratio of 67.74, a quick ratio of 67.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The company has a market capitalization of $1.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.60 and a beta of 1.67. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $11.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $10.87.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.96%. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finances dividend payout ratio is currently 466.67%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

In other Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance news, CEO Stuart Rothstein sold 40,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.45, for a total value of $458,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 541,675 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,202,178.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ARI. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 84.8% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 2,230 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,023 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 801.5% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,984 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 2,653 shares in the last quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance by 721.0% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 4,310 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 3,785 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Naples Money Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in the 4th quarter worth about $64,000. 53.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Company Profile

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that originates, acquires, invests in, and manages commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

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Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, more than 775 Ukrainian companies have entered the Romanian market; in 2023 alone, more than 300 Ukrainian companies began operating in Romania, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) Mihai Daraban told Interfax-Ukraine.

"From the very beginning of the aggression, the CCIR supported the relocation of Ukrainian companies. Depending on the sectors of activity, we believe that the relocation will be a timely decision for Ukrainian businesses, since there are sectors in the Romanian economy that can accommodate new companies," he said.

Among the more than 300 Ukrainian companies that began operating in Romania in 2023, a significant part represents the IT sector (121 companies), services are in second place in popularity (47), and construction work of residential and non-residential buildings is in third place (33). There are also companies involved in trade, road transportation of goods, as well as business and management consulting.

In general, according to the State Customs Service of Ukraine, cooperation between our countries has more than doubled since 2022. Imports from Romania to Ukraine increased at the end of 2023 to $1.6 billion (from $800 million in 2021 and $1.5 billion in 2022), in commodity terms to 1.1 million tonnes (500,000 tonnes in 2021 and 1.1 million tonnes for 2022). Exports from Ukraine to Romania at the end of 2023 amount to $3.8 billion ($1.5 billion in 2021 and $3.9 billion in 2022), and 11.7 million tonnes (3.4 million tonnes in 2021 and 11 million tonnes in 2022).

According to Daraban, Romanian companies are interested in developing in Ukraine such industries as green energy, information technology, defense industry and transport, construction materials industry, value-added technologies and aeronautics.

Last year, a memorandum was signed between the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which, in particular, provided for the creation and joint management of a platform for using economic opportunities associated with the future restoration of Ukraine. However, the CCIR said the platform is still under development.

"So far we do not have the necessary information regarding specific reconstruction projects and their priority, since this is the prerogative of the Ukrainian authorities. Pragmatically assessing the difficult situation in Ukraine, the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry maintains a constant dialogue with Romanian companies that have expressed interest in being part of the reconstruction process in Ukraine. Thanks cooperation with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we will be able to unite these companies with Ukrainian colleagues when the situation allows it," Daraban said.

He confirmed that the current situation has exacerbated the problems faced by Romanian companies in the Ukrainian market.

"It is important to work more on the transparency of the dynamics of the economic environment in Ukraine, providing the international business community with more detailed information about the customs and tax legislation, regulatory and general legal framework of Ukraine. In addition, greater emphasis on normal competitiveness, predictability and tools for protecting foreign investment in Ukraine will be able to increase the interest of Romanian business in the Ukrainian market," he commented.

With the participation of CFI, Agence francaise de developpement medias, as part of the Hub Bucharest Project with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ellerson Group Inc. ADV grew its holdings in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 29.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 6,025 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,375 shares during the quarter. Ellerson Group Inc. ADVs holdings in Altria Group were worth $253,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Altria Group by 7.3% during the third quarter. Mount Yale Investment Advisors LLC now owns 31,007 shares of the companys stock worth $1,304,000 after buying an additional 2,122 shares in the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 20.9% during the second quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 773,980 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,050,000 after purchasing an additional 133,685 shares in the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 293.6% during the third quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 55,546 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,336,000 after purchasing an additional 41,432 shares in the last quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 18.7% during the second quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP now owns 1,276,258 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,814,000 after purchasing an additional 200,981 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 2.3% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 1,459,613 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,377,000 after purchasing an additional 32,844 shares in the last quarter. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Altria Group Stock Down 3.3 %

MO stock traded down $1.35 during trading on Monday, hitting $39.51. The company had a trading volume of 11,881,901 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,814,943. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $40.70 and a 200-day moving average price of $41.61. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $39.06 and a 12 month high of $48.04. The stock has a market cap of $69.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.93, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.65.

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. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.21% and a negative return on equity of 244.55%. The firm had revenue of $5.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.06 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. Altria Groups revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.07 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group declared that its board has authorized a stock 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 usually a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Altria Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.92%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. Altria Groups payout ratio is 85.78%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. UBS Group reaffirmed a sell rating and set a $36.10 price objective on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. StockNews.com cut shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.22.

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About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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LRT Capital Management LLC lessened its position in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM  Free Report) by 38.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,365 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 14,473 shares during the period. Williams-Sonoma makes up 2.5% of LRT Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. LRT Capital Management LLCs holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $3,631,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Williams-Sonoma during the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,662,000. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 11.5% in the 3rd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 20,711 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,218,000 after purchasing an additional 2,128 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,456,161 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $226,287,000 after purchasing an additional 18,004 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,142,272 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $142,944,000 after purchasing an additional 35,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 39.5% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 386,861 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $60,118,000 after purchasing an additional 109,533 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.76% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on WSM shares. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Telsey Advisory Group reissued an outperform rating and issued a $170.00 target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Finally, Wedbush raised shares of Williams-Sonoma from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $175.00 to $230.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $157.75.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.92, for a total value of $4,038,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 525,509 shares in the company, valued at $106,110,777.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock.

Williams-Sonoma Stock Up 1.5 %

WSM stock traded up $3.64 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $240.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 605,960 shares, compared to its average volume of 857,986. The company has a market capitalization of $15.41 billion, a PE ratio of 16.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 1.66. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 12 month low of $109.44 and a 12 month high of $241.56. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $210.56 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $178.73.

Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 19th were given a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 18th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio is 24.98%.

Williams-Sonoma Company Profile

(Free Report)

Williams-Sonoma, Inc operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand.

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London Co. of Virginia raised its holdings in Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Free Report) by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,072,033 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 11,548 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Vulcan Materials were worth $216,572,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Vulcan Materials by 1.3% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,535,907 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,670,246,000 after purchasing an additional 184,543 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Vulcan Materials by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 10,257,453 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,312,440,000 after buying an additional 139,264 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of Vulcan Materials by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,385,006 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,213,996,000 after buying an additional 123,332 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its position in shares of Vulcan Materials by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,042,842 shares of the construction companys stock worth $614,715,000 after buying an additional 194,337 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC grew its position in Vulcan Materials by 0.8% during the second quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,025,765 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $682,128,000 after acquiring an additional 22,933 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.10% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Vulcan Materials news, VP Randy L. Pigg sold 307 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.27, for a total value of $78,367.89. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 1,896 shares of the companys stock, valued at $483,991.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, insider Stanley G. Bass sold 8,310 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $251.68, for a total value of $2,091,460.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 29,311 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,376,992.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Randy L. Pigg sold 307 shares of Vulcan Materials stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.27, for a total value of $78,367.89. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 1,896 shares in the company, valued at approximately $483,991.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 10,218 shares of company stock valued at $2,523,794 over the last 90 days. 0.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Vulcan Materials Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of Vulcan Materials stock traded up $0.35 on Monday, hitting $267.78. 436,032 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 806,204. Vulcan Materials has a 52-week low of $159.76 and a 52-week high of $269.68. The company has a quick ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 3.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $35.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.31, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.83. The firms 50-day moving average is $234.71 and its 200 day moving average is $219.61.

Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 16th. The construction company reported $1.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.40 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.83 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.84 billion. Vulcan Materials had a net margin of 11.99% and a return on equity of 12.80%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.08 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Vulcan Materials will post 8.26 earnings per share for the current year.

Vulcan Materials Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 4th will be issued a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.69%. This is an increase from Vulcan Materialss previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 1st. Vulcan Materialss payout ratio is 26.36%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

VMC has been the topic of a number of research reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Vulcan Materials from $236.00 to $269.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Vulcan Materials from $260.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Vulcan Materials in a research note on Monday, January 8th. They set an equal weight rating and a $208.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Vulcan Materials from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the company from $240.00 to $245.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Vulcan Materials from $260.00 to $279.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $260.62.

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About Vulcan Materials

(Free Report)

Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The Aggregates segment provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities.

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London Co. of Virginia raised its position in CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX  Free Report) by 0.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,433,143 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,055 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginia owned about 1.53% of CarMax worth $172,096,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new position in CarMax in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co raised its holdings in CarMax by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 400 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in CarMax by 194.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 438 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators raised its holdings in CarMax by 42.0% in the 2nd quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 477 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in CarMax by 111.2% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 530 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares in the last quarter.

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Insider Buying and Selling at CarMax

In other CarMax news, CEO William D. Nash sold 102,775 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.09, for a total value of $7,717,374.75. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 177,180 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,304,446.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, SVP Jon G. Daniels sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.56, for a total value of $775,600.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,525 shares in the company, valued at approximately $118,279. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO William D. Nash sold 102,775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.09, for a total value of $7,717,374.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 177,180 shares in the company, valued at $13,304,446.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 151,704 shares of company stock worth $11,233,876. Insiders own 1.66% of the companys stock.

CarMax Price Performance

NYSE KMX traded up $0.35 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $79.65. 420,018 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,746,725. The stock has a market cap of $12.58 billion, a PE ratio of 25.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.61. CarMax, Inc. has a one year low of $55.76 and a one year high of $87.50. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $72.90 and a 200-day moving average of $71.84. The company has a current ratio of 2.45, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.01.

CarMax (NYSE:KMX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 21st. The company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $6.15 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.29 billion. CarMax had a return on equity of 7.72% and a net margin of 1.87%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.24 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that CarMax, Inc. will post 2.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on KMX shares. Bank of America increased their target price on CarMax from $44.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Thursday. Truist Financial increased their target price on CarMax from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $90.00 target price on shares of CarMax in a report on Friday, February 16th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on CarMax from $80.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on CarMax from $70.00 to $60.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $78.00.

View Our Latest Analysis on CarMax

CarMax Company Profile

(Free Report)

CarMax, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. It operates in two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. The company offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions.

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London Co. of Virginia lowered its stake in The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Free Report) by 2.5% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 413,367 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 10,450 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginias holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group were worth $45,875,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 129.8% in the 4th quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 216 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares during the period. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $73,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 35.4% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 520 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Quantbot Technologies LP lifted its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 45.7% during the 1st quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 542 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 170 shares during the period. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 155.9% during the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 819 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $93,000 after acquiring an additional 499 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.89% of the companys stock.

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The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Up 0.1 %

NYSE THG traded up $0.12 on Monday, hitting $128.99. 68,904 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 159,381. The company has a market cap of $4.62 billion, a PE ratio of 137.10 and a beta of 0.67. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $103.82 and a 12 month high of $138.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $128.72 and a 200-day moving average of $119.95. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

The Hanover Insurance Group Dividend Announcement

The Hanover Insurance Group ( NYSE:THG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The insurance provider reported $3.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.51 by $0.62. The Hanover Insurance Group had a net margin of 0.59% and a return on equity of 2.44%. The business had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.56 billion. As a group, analysts forecast that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 10.07 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be paid a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.64%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 361.71%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Hanover Insurance Group

In other The Hanover Insurance Group news, SVP Warren E. Barnes sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.14, for a total value of $65,570.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at $473,677.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 2.50% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

THG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $124.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $143.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 12th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, The Hanover Insurance Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $140.00.

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The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage.

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Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. raised its position in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 0.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 53,915 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 390 shares during the quarter. Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc.s holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $10,940,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of TT. Lido Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 3,770 shares of the companys stock worth $765,000 after purchasing an additional 351 shares in the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. raised its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 127.1% in the 3rd quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 202,035 shares of the companys stock worth $40,995,000 after acquiring an additional 113,072 shares during the last quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 85.6% in the 3rd quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 12,372 shares of the companys stock worth $2,510,000 after acquiring an additional 5,707 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 4,050,779 shares of the companys stock worth $821,952,000 after acquiring an additional 103,823 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wahed Invest LLC raised its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wahed Invest LLC now owns 3,561 shares of the companys stock worth $723,000 after acquiring an additional 310 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.66% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have commented on TT shares. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $253.00 to $287.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $246.00 to $269.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $231.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Stephens raised their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $235.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $200.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $231.71.

Insider Buying and Selling at Trane Technologies

In other news, SVP Keith A. Sultana sold 1,983 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $272.26, for a total transaction of $539,891.58. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 42,575 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,591,469.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 508 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $273.34, for a total transaction of $138,856.72. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 89,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,449,442.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Keith A. Sultana sold 1,983 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $272.26, for a total transaction of $539,891.58. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 42,575 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,591,469.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 6,895 shares of company stock worth $1,859,452. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Trane Technologies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE TT traded up $3.24 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $289.22. 359,094 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,102,816. Trane Technologies plc has a 52 week low of $162.04 and a 52 week high of $289.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.67 billion, a PE ratio of 32.53, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.05. The companys 50 day moving average price is $259.56 and its 200 day moving average price is $228.87.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $2.17 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.43 billion. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 11.45% and a return on equity of 32.01%. The firms revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.82 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Trane Technologies plc will post 10.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Trane Technologies Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $0.84 dividend. This is a boost from Trane Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.16%. Trane Technologiess payout ratio is presently 38.23%.

About Trane Technologies

(Free Report)

Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps.

Further Reading

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Legacy Advisors LLC trimmed its position in Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 1.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 29,101 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 356 shares during the period. Legacy Advisors LLCs holdings in Medtronic were worth $2,300,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of MDT. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. lifted its position in shares of Medtronic by 2.9% during the second quarter. Hall Capital Management Co. Inc. now owns 4,226 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $372,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Bollard Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Medtronic by 1.8% during the second quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 6,955 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $613,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. DT Investment Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Medtronic by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. DT Investment Partners LLC now owns 12,076 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,059,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the period. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. raised its position in shares of Medtronic by 13.1% in the 2nd quarter. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. now owns 1,091 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $97,000 after buying an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SRS Capital Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Medtronic by 19.6% during the 2nd quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 782 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. 80.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $92.00 target price on shares of Medtronic in a report on Wednesday, February 21st. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Medtronic from $104.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Mizuho boosted their price target on Medtronic from $95.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 21st. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Medtronic from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Finally, Oppenheimer increased their target price on Medtronic from $89.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.91.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Sean Salmon sold 30,695 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.13, for a total transaction of $2,613,065.35. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 48,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,110,842.57. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Medtronic news, EVP Brett A. Wall sold 4,997 shares of Medtronic stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.17, for a total transaction of $410,603.49. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 28,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,375,534.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Sean Salmon sold 30,695 shares of Medtronic stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.13, for a total transaction of $2,613,065.35. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 48,289 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,110,842.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Medtronic Stock Up 1.2 %

NYSE MDT traded up $0.99 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $84.59. 2,051,696 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,181,206. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 2.30 and a quick ratio of 1.71. The firm has a market cap of $112.32 billion, a PE ratio of 26.62, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.76. Medtronic plc has a 52-week low of $68.84 and a 52-week high of $92.02. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $85.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $80.35.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 20th. The medical technology company reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.04. Medtronic had a net margin of 13.00% and a return on equity of 13.71%. The company had revenue of $8.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.95 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.30 earnings per share. Medtronics revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Medtronic plc will post 5.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Medtronic Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 20th were given a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.26%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 19th. Medtronics dividend payout ratio is presently 87.90%.

About Medtronic

(Free Report)

Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software.

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London Co. of Virginia raised its position in NewMarket Co. (NYSE:NEU  Free Report) by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 664,683 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after buying an additional 1,796 shares during the period. NewMarket accounts for 1.8% of London Co. of Virginias investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest holding. London Co. of Virginia owned 6.93% of NewMarket worth $302,457,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of NewMarket during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Hanseatic Management Services Inc. purchased a new stake in NewMarket in the 3rd quarter worth about $41,000. UMB Bank n.a. bought a new stake in NewMarket in the 3rd quarter valued at about $47,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in NewMarket during the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp boosted its position in NewMarket by 56.4% during the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 122 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. 60.99% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of NewMarket from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, February 4th.

NewMarket Price Performance

NEU traded up $1.91 during trading on Monday, reaching $645.80. 13,840 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 45,019. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 2.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The company has a market cap of $6.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.93 and a beta of 0.45. NewMarket Co. has a 12-month low of $334.88 and a 12-month high of $650.00. The companys 50-day moving average is $583.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $520.05.

NewMarket (NYSE:NEU  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 31st. The specialty chemicals company reported $8.38 EPS for the quarter. NewMarket had a net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 41.33%. The company had revenue of $643.35 million during the quarter.

NewMarket Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $2.50 per share. This represents a $10.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.55%. This is a boost from NewMarkets previous quarterly dividend of $2.25. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. NewMarkets payout ratio is presently 22.26%.

NewMarket Company Profile

(Free Report)

NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the manufacture and sale of petroleum additives. The company offers lubricant additives for use in various vehicle and industrial applications, including engine oils, transmission fluids, off-road powertrain and hydraulic systems, gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and other applications where metal-to-metal moving parts are utilized; engine oil additives designed for passenger cars, motorcycles, on and off-road heavy duty commercial equipment, locomotives, and engines in ocean-going vessels; driveline additives designed for products, such as transmission fluids, axle fluids, and off-road powertrain fluids; and industrial additives designed for products for industrial applications consisting of hydraulic fluids, grease, industrial gear fluids, and industrial specialty applications, such as turbine oils.

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London Co. of Virginia decreased its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 62.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,758,430 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 4,518,686 shares during the quarter. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Pfizer were worth $91,497,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 179.3% during the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 1,106 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 710 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently commented on PFE. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Pfizer from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $32.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Guggenheim assumed coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, February 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $36.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.88.

Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PFE traded down $0.84 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $25.75. 63,750,549 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 42,841,887. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $25.61 and a 52 week high of $42.22. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $27.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $145.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 72.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.69.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.29. Pfizer had a return on equity of 10.88% and a net margin of 3.62%. The business had revenue of $14.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.37 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.14 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 41.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.22 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 26th were issued a dividend of $0.42 per share. This is a positive change from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 25th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.52%. Pfizers payout ratio is presently 466.67%.

Insider Transactions at Pfizer

In other Pfizer news, Director Scott Gottlieb acquired 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was bought at an average price of $26.47 per share, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $238,230. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.05% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Ukraine in 2022-2023 ensured additional growth of Poland's GDP by 1-3% annually, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

"In general, according to data from the National Bank of Ukraine, Credit Agricole, Deloitte, Oxford Economics, over these two years, Ukrainians and Ukraine contributed to Poland's GDP from 1% to 3% of annual growth," Shmyhal said at a press conference on Monday.

Shmyhal said that Poland received EUR2 billion from the European Investment Bank under an agreement to provide loans to Polish cities and regions that accept Ukrainian refugees.

Poland received EUR600 million from the European Commission as part of the payment of EUR3.5 billion to EU member states to help those regions that support Ukrainian refugees, the prime minister noted.

According to him, Ukrainian entrepreneurs working in Poland paid taxes and social security contributions to the Polish budget in the amount of EUR2.3 billion in 2022-2023.

For comparison, Poland spent EUR1.1 billion on support and social assistance, education of Ukrainian refugees... Ukrainians who came to Poland paid in Polish stores EUR4 billion with their bank cards to Polish businesses... From the accounts of Ukrainian citizens, transfers were made to the Polish economy in the amount of EUR2.1 billion from February 24, 2022 to July 2023, of which EUR1.9 billion in retail chains, Shmyhal said.

In addition, the prime minister emphasized that 48,400 individual companies were registered by Ukrainian citizens in Poland during two years of the full-scale war, and the owners of these companies also pay taxes to the budget.

He also recalled that 691,000 Ukrainians are employed in Poland and pay taxes in full.

EUR749 million is the amount of contracts concluded by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine with Polish arms manufacturing companies. Some 43 contracts have been concluded and taxes will also be paid on them, said the head of the government.

Shmyhal also said that Ukraine did not receive anything from the funds raised at two donor conferences that took place in Poland.

According to our data, more than EUR10 billion were collected at the first conference and more than EUR6 billion at the second one. Ukraine received nothing from them. The funds were collected by Poland together with the European Commission to support Ukraine... We do not know the fate of these funds ", Shmyhal summed up.
In 2023, PJSC Ukrnafta conducted transparent procurement of 63 units of specialized transport.

New bulldozers, excavators, trucks, truck cranes and other equipment are already operating in the companys divisions in the east and west of Ukraine, the company said in a press release on Monday.

It is noted that Ukrnaftas strategy is aimed at replacing outdated special equipment and transport of Russian, Belarusian and Soviet production. Updating the vehicle fleet will increase the percentage of requests completed, carry out preparatory work faster and more efficiently, and also improve the comfort of workers.

New transport is indispensable in increasing oil and gas production. It makes it possible to quickly and efficiently carry out preparatory work, lay oil pipelines, carry out repairs, clear roads and production sites, the company explained.

In 2024, Ukrnafta continues to update its fleet of vehicles and specialized equipment.

As reported, Ukrnafta sets a strategic goal of doubling oil and natural gas production to 3 million tonnes and 2 billion cubic meters by 2027, respectively.

Ukrnafta is the largest oil producing company in Ukraine, operating a national network of gas stations of 537 stations, of which 456 are operational.
A woman has been sentenced to three months imprisonment and fined almost 12,000 for offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013.

According to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the 60 year old Wicklow woman was sentenced at Arklow District Court in February 2024 having previously admitted charges under the AHWA.

Judge David Kennedy reportedly fined the defendant 5,000 and ordered that she pay a 500 contribution to ISPCA costs, as well as 6,441.15 in costs incurred by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT).

She was also banned from keeping all animals for life, and given three months to sell or rehome any other animals in her care.

A total of nine horses were reportedly removed from lands and a barn in Wicklow on three dates in late July and early August 2022.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Fiona Conlon described how she found several horses "in varying levels of severe neglect".

All the horses were reportedly visibly underweight, their hooves were overgrown, and their coats were matted with faecal material.

One horse had two swollen legs and was struggling to walk.

According to the ISPCA, the defendant admitted under caution that veterinary attention had not been sought for the animal.

The same was reportedly the case for a horse with a semi-protruded and swollen penis, despite the fact that the injury was sustained up to three years prior.

The sheds in which the horses were housed had insufficient light and ventilation, and there were huge accumulations of dung.

According to the ISPCA, Senior Inspector Conlon discovered another horse at a later date that had not been disclosed during previous visits; it was shut in another shed and was in "an emaciated state" with "deformed hooves".

The horse was also surrendered and required sedatives and pain relief to enable it to travel.

The ISPCA stated that of the nine horses removed, three were ultimately euthanised as they could not be adequately rehabilitated to allow them to live pain-free, while a further two had permanent hoof damage that meant they would no longer be able to be ridden.

Judge Kennedy indicated it was the worse case of animal cruelty in his 15 years on the bench, and described accompanying photos as "extremely distressing".

Speaking after the case, Senior Inspector Conlon said, "This successful prosecution is a significant step forward in ensuring the good welfare of equines in our community. We are committed to holding accountable those who neglect or mistreat vulnerable animals.

"This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have witnessed, every shed I entered I found yet another animal in horrendous condition and living in totally unsuitable accommodations. I want to acknowledge Jill Power and her team from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, who helped me get them to safety.

"Unfortunately, the outcome was not good for three of the horses and they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds. Good equine welfare is not just about the ethical treatment of horses, it is the foundation of their health and performance and the bond we share with these incredible animals."

The ISPCA is asking members of the public to continue to report any animal welfare concerns, by calling the ISPCAs National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515, report online here or email helpline@ispca.ie.
The former chairwoman of the RTE board has said she had no option but to resign after an enforced dismissal by the media minister.

Siun Ni Raghallaigh criticised Catherine Martin for actively taking a hands-off approach to the widening scandal at RTE and accused her of not assisting with falling TV licence revenues.

However, Ms Martin responded by stating she needed to rely on getting clear, timely and accurate information from Ms Ni Raghallaigh.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh resigned from her role on the board of the crisis-hit broadcaster hours after Ms Martin expressed disappointment in her during a live television interview.

Appearing on Prime Time on February 22, the minister also refused to express confidence in Ms Ni Raghallaigh, saying she had been misinformed about the chairwomans role in approving an exit package for former RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins.

Ms Martin also said she had sent a letter to Ms Ni Raghallaigh about her disappointment.

The minister was criticised for her handling of the situation with opposition TDs claiming she had effectively sacked the chairwoman live on air.

At issue were meetings earlier that week in which Ms Ni Raghallaigh told the minister that neither she nor the board had any role in approving Mr Collins exit payment.

However, she later informed the department that this was a mistake and that she had chaired the remuneration subcommittee approval of the fee in October.

On Monday, Ms Ni Raghallaigh said it was baffling that Ms Martin asked questions about the severance package five months after it happened.

She said: The error was a lapse of memory  nothing more. I had no motivation or gain to obfuscate on the matter. This was a matter that had been dealt with in October 2023, almost five months prior.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said she advised the then secretary general of the Department of Media on October 10 about the discussions at the remuneration committee which approved Mr Collins package, and did not receive follow-up queries until the exit packages came into the public domain in February.

In a statement, Ms Ni Raghallaigh said: If the minister had decided that she no longer wanted me as chair, that is her privilege.

However, I cannot remain silent about the manner of my enforced dismissal which seemed designed to traduce my reputation.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said she no option but to resign after Ms Martins Prime Time appearance.

The former chairwoman had been told by department officials before the interview that she would be receiving a letter from the minister expressing her disappointment.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh asked the department not to send the letter as it would reflect the minister expressing no confidence in her and make her position untenable.

In a statement, she said she was told that the minister wanted to get the letter out before the Prime Time interview in case the dispute over the exit package arose.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said: It was now apparent that a plan was afoot, somehow involving the letter and the Prime Time appearance, and that would not be changed by any input from RTE.

It began to appear that the letter was as much being dictated by the upcoming Prime Time interview as anything surrounding my clarification about the Collins case.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said her relationship with the department was mainly through the secretary general rather than Ms Martin.

My experience over the past 15 months has been of a minister actively taking a hands-off approach whilst delegating through her officials.

She further claimed the minister had not assisted with efforts to restore licence fee payers confidence in RTE.

This was urgent, not least to continue to arrest the decline in licence fee compliance since the controversy began last summer and which, regretfully, was not assisted by the minister who said she would refuse to tell licence payers what to do.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said she did not claim that the severance package for Mr Collins was unimportant, but added: I also want to record my conviction that, quantum aside, the restructure programme in RTE would not be possible without resort to negotiated severance arrangements.

In her response, Ms Martin said: I note the statement of the former chair. Last week, I outlined in detail the position of the department officials and I on this matter.

This included taking questions at a three and a half hour meeting of the joint Oireachtas committee and doing statements in the Dail.

Any minister needs to rely on getting clear, timely and accurate information from the chair of a state body.

This is particularly important at such a challenging time in RTEs history.

I would again like to put on record my thanks to the former Chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh for her dedication and commitment to RTE and public service broadcasting.

Earlier on Monday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that the Government is to appoint a new chair of the RTE board on Tuesday, alongside two new members.

Ms Martin said: An important step forward for RTE will be taken tomorrow when I seek Government approval for the appointment of a new chair and additional boards members.

Upon appointment I will seek to meet the new chair and the director general in the coming days.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal says that the Ukrainian market is ready to produce more than 1 million drones, and the state will buy back everything that business can do.

"We understand that our business and the market in Ukraine are already ready to produce more than 1 million drones. We will buy back everything that our business can do in order to transfer to our Security and Defense Forces to protect the country," Shmyhal said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

The Prime Minister also noted that significant funds are allocated specifically for the purchase of weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers.

"The task costs 50% of the funds allocated for the purchase of weapons and military equipment, to use it in the country and contract domestic manufacturers," he added.

Shmyhal stressed that the focus today is on drones and electronic warfare.
Ukraine plans to increase exports through Danube ports by another 2-7 mln tonnes in 2024

Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has been able to increase exports through ports on the Danube six times  up to 33 million tonnes, but intends to increase it by another 2-7 million, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

Our goal is to expand the export capacity of the Danube cluster from 33 million tonnes in 2023 to 35-40 million tonnes in 2024, the prime minister said at a press conference on Monday.

According to him, the possibility of launching container transportation along the Danube is being considered, which will also increase export opportunities and create an alternative to land routes.

Shmyhal recalled that during the two years of war, more than 20 new transshipment points were opened in the Danube cluster, which ensured a six-fold increase in cargo turnover compared to 2021.
The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) confirms the liquidation by the Defense Forces of another Russian Su-34 bomber aircraft.

"Regarding the combat work that was reported an hour ago. The Skhid (East) air command confirms the downing of a Su-34 fighter-bomber. Unfortunately, only one," the command's press service said, citing Commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk.

Earlier, the command reported the combat use of anti-aircraft guided missiles against two enemy Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft.

The Air Command noted Ukraine's need for more systems and weapons.
Important shared from the Courthouse . . . Here's the presser and links to more info . . .

Applications now available as Jackson County launches senior property tax credit program



KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County is pleased to announce the launch of its Senior Property Tax Credit Program to help eligible residents with property tax payments on their home. The program, authorized by a new state law commonly known as Senate Bill 190, freezes an eligible residents property tax bill.



Applications for the program are now available. Those who are approved for the program this year will see the tax credit benefit on their bill in 2025.



Jackson County is dedicated to supporting the well-being of our senior residents, enriching their overall quality of life, said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. This initiative offers significant benefits, ensuring financial relief and stability for eligible individuals. We encourage qualified residents to take advantage of the opportunity presented by this valuable program.



State law established the guidelines for the county program, including the following:



1. Eligibility Criteria: The program is available to Jackson County residents who are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits and meet specific property ownership requirements.



2. Tax Credit Amount: The year an application is approved sets the base amount for the property tax bill freeze. This base amount is what an individual will pay moving forward unless there is a change in eligibility.



3. One Primary Residence: Applicants can only claim one primary residence. The primary residence must be occupied by the eligible resident.



4. Market Value Maximum: The market value of the property must be less than $550,000 to be eligible for the program in accordance with a law passed by the Jackson County Legislature.



The deadline to submit new applications and supporting documentation via email or in person is December 31 of each year. Once approved, participants will be required to renew their application to stay in the program. Renewal applications are due each year by August 31.



Applications can be found online at www.jacksongov.org/seniortaxcredit. Copies will also be available at both Collection Department locations at the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence.



For further details on the application process, eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions, please visit the program website at www.jacksongov.org/seniortaxcredit.

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Developing . . .
Lots of local coverage on this story by way of TV news . . . Accordingly, here are the basics and footage from just about every angle . . .



"Firefighters were called around 12:15 a.m. to the 2600 block of East 8th Street in KCMO.



"When firefighters arrived, they reported heavy fire and smoke from the rear of the three-story, 12-unit building. Crews helped several people out of the building after they arrived. Firefighters say one person was taken to the hospital and is in serious, but stable condition."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

1 person hospitalized after overnight apartment fire in KCMO The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department says one person was hospitalized following an apartment fire overnight.

Multiple residents rescued from burning apartment building in Kansas City The Kansas City Fire Department responded to a fire on East 8th Street near Prospect Avenue at an apartment complex early Monday morning.

Several tenants rescued, three hurt in apartment fire Firefighters rescued multiple occupants during their searches from six different units.

Even better . . . We enjoyed pix from one of Kansas City's OG bloggers also reporting live from the scene:

Apartment Fire- 2656 E 8TH ST, KANSAS CITY, MO SvobodaKC.Blogspot.com is about Art Travel Entertainment Storm Chasing Trains in and around Kansas CIty Missouri with Stevo Svoboda and Tima Svoboda.

Developing . . .
In Odesa, as a result of UAV strike on a high-rise building on March 2, some 12 people were killed, including five children, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine said on the Telegram channel on Sunday evening.

"The bodies of two children, ten and eight years old  a brother and sister  were released by rescuers in Odesa. The bodies of their mother and eight-month-old sister were found under the rubble in the morning. Now, as a result of an enemy attack on a high-rise building, 12 people have died. Among them are five children," the PGO said.

As previously reported, a rescue operation is ongoing in Odesa at the site where a Russian UAV was hit.
At the moment angel Karli and her infinite goodness as an author, entrepreneur and mom inspires our afternoon peek into pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Desperately Seeking Wings Across The Pond

'Ongoing and hopeful': Talks continue for Kansas City to land nonstop flight to Europe Since the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport opened a year ago, routes like Long Beach, California, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, have been added.

Show-Me Online Journalism

Man wrongly accused in KC shooting weighs defamation suit, demands Missouri senators apologize * Missouri Independent Denton Loudermill became fodder for right-wing social media posts. He's speaking to defamation attorneys about how to restore his reputation.

Rock Chalk Ethnic Studies?!?

House panel seeks examination of Kansas' ethnic minority scholarship program * Kansas Reflector Legislative opponents of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Kansas universities explore options for minimizing public funding for those activities.

Community Helps After Tragedy

Independence businesses respond with ways to support police department following death of Ofc. Cody Allen Local businesses in Independence have wasted no time in creating ways to donate to the Independence Police Department after Thursday's shooting that killed Officer Cody Allen.

South Side Builds Up

What's in store for 2024: Construction in south KC Progress on new construction was slow last year in south Kansas City.

Golden Ghetto Needs Weekend Recharge As Well

Overland Park police report 'significant' traffic delays in south OP due to power outage Sunday morning The Overland Park Police Department said a power outage in the southern half of the city caused "significant" traffic delays Sunday morning.

Spring Into Kansas City

March 2024 Events Calendar highlights Planet Comicon, Jenny Lewis, Hembree, Golden Girls, and West Bottoms Beer Fest A look into all of the upcoming events that Kansas City has in store for an entertaining and action-filled March 2024.

Family Inspires Angel

Karlie Kloss Says 'Everything' Has Changed Since Baby No. 2 Karlie Kloss is embracing the changes of being a mom of two after welcoming her second son in July 2023

Survey Confirms Old School Doubt Amongst Voters



Majority of voters think Biden is too old to be effective president, new poll says Results are latest blow to Biden's election campaign which has faced a barrage of criticism over his age

MAGA STAYS WINNING?!?!

Trump Opens Largest-Ever Lead In New York Times Polling New polling data suggests both Biden and Trump are unpopular-but Trump is edging out Biden.

Deuce Debates Rule Of Law

Haley questions whether Trump will follow Constitution, backtracks on pledge to support GOP nominee Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley backtracked on a previous pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee for president during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Holy Land Deal Offered

U.S. official says "there's a deal on the table" for a proposed cease-fire, hostage release deal with Hamas A senior U.S. official says Israel has essentially endorsed a framework of a proposed Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal, and it is now up to Hamas to agree to it.

Eastern European Tech War Cont'd

Ukraine war: Russia says it intercepts 38 Ukrainian drones attacking Crimea Reports say a fuel depot was hit during the attack on the town of Feodosiya on the occupied peninsula.

Lockdown Chaos Worsens

Hundreds of Inmates Flee After Armed Gangs Storm Haiti's Main Prison in Escalating Violence Arnel Remy, a human rights attorney who heads a non-profit that works inside the prisons, said on X, formerly Twitter, that fewer than 100 of the facility's nearly 4,000 inmates remain behind bars

Even The Crown Needs Rest

Queen Camilla taking break from royal duties after filling in for King Charles Queen Camilla is taking time off from her royal duties while she's been filling in for King Charles III amid his cancer diagnosis.

El Papa Accused By Colleagues

Anonymous cardinals criticize Pope Francis as 'autocratic, vindictive' in new letter A letter criticizing Pope Francis for promoting "ambiguities in matters of faith" and at the same time ruling the Catholic Church with an iron fist, is circulating in the Vatican.

Building New Champ Ballers

7 realistic free agents the Kansas City Chiefs could sign in 2024 There are pipe dreams and measured takes. Let's tilt toward the latter and look at this year's free agent market. On the one hand, it's realistic to think the K

Golden Ghetto Reads Up

See volunteers line street to relay books from Antioch Library to new Merriam Plaza branch Volunteers formed a quarter-mile human chain to pass the final 50 books from the closed Antioch Library to the new Merriam Plaza branch of the Johnson County Library.

JoCo Rules Threaten Progress

Developers say Leawood's 'outdated' policy makes it hard to build An outdated policy on mixed-use development combined with elected officials' aversion to apartment complexes is making it difficult to build, experts say.

Tribute For Hero Scheduled

Vigil, visitation, funeral service details released for Independence Police Ofc. Cody Allen Details for a vigil, visitation and funeral services for fallen Independence Police Ofc. Cody Allen were released Saturday night.

Forecast Moving Forward

Fire warning: Sunday is toasty with strong winds Sunday will have high temperatures around 79 degrees; the strong winds create potentially dangerous conditions for fires.

The Commodores - "Easy" is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oleh Nemchinov allows the launch of the Government centre until 2025.

"We have put this in the government's action plan for this year and as a priority for the development of the corresponding bill. This is actually the formation of a body based on the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers that will significantly strengthen coordination both on the part of the Ministries and the Central Executive Committee, as well as the expertise of documents... Formation of a strong Government centre is, first of all, the development of the correct regulatory framework. Moreover, we must consider the Government centre in the context of the overall completion of public administration reform and deprivation of the government of unusual functions," Nemchinov said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

He said the formation of the Government centre is actually strengthening the government's ability to adopt rule-making documents and strengthen regulatory work, "this is the tool that will allow the 'government machine' to work smoothly and stably."

When asked how the Government centre will differ from the Cabinet Secretariat, the minister said "the Secretariat is an auxiliary body that prepares government meetings and ensures the activities of government leadership," while "the Government Centre should be the body that will receive the corresponding status, will 'do the right examination," which will generally relate to the policies of ministries and central executive authorities.

"That is, so these policies are clearly assigned to the relevant experts at the Government Centre, and are reflected accordingly when regulations are submitted, including at government meetings," he said.

Nemchinov also said the Government centre could take over the issues of organizational staffing for ministries.

"Because now, when we carried out a comprehensive functional survey, we looked at some ministries and the Central Executive Committee, the service function exceeded over 30%, which is more than the common practice in the European Union countries. For the ministries, we thought about centralizing this. We have been working with the HRMIS project for several years, which deals with personnel and financial support for the civil service. Now it is being audited, as we want to understand at what stage it is at, and whether we can fully use it for ministries when forming the Government centre," the minister said.

According to him, if there is a normal digital element, a lot of functionality from ministries can be transferred to the Government centre, "and there will be no need for such a large maintenance apparatus."

According to Nemchinov, the head of the Government centre should be the State Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers.

"We have planned for the first quarter of this year, that is, in fact, there is still another month to make the first concept, and I hope that in the first half of the year we will be able to move on to discussing the bill with the expert community. This is quite a serious document, it concerns, among other things, making changes to the political status. It is no secret that there are legal battles over whether the Cabinet Secretariat should be a legal entity or should be like other bodies ensuring the work of the Verkhovna Rada or the President of Ukraine," the minister said, admitting that the Government centre could be launched before 2025.

As reported, in December 2022, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expected to create a Government centre approximately in the first half of 2023.
Those people are our people too. The words of UNC Senator David Nakhid, following the deadly
TV Programm heute

Wer heute Fernsehen sehen will, greift entweder zur Programmzeitschrift oder  vor allem bei jungeren TV-Zuschauern gang und gabe  nutzt den Programmguide seines Vertrauens im Internet. Bei TV SPIELFILM gibt es mit der "TV Programm von heute"-Ubersicht eine praktische Zusammenstellung aller Sendungen des Tages. Von den Hauptprogrammen Das Erste, ZDF, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben und kabel eins bis hin zu den Spartenkanalen, Dritten Programmen und Sport- oder Infokanalen: Wer das Programm heute kennen will, kann sich kinderleicht durch die Ansicht navigieren.

TV heute: Vielseitig aber auch unubersichtlich

Im Laufe der Jahre bevolkern immer mehr Sender die deutsche Fernsehlandschaft. Wer das Fernsehprogramm heute im Auge behalten will, muss uber einen breiten Blick verfugen. Der durchschnittliche deutsche TV-Haushalt empfangt mehr als 70 vollwertige Programme uber seinen Fernseher, insgesamt gibt es mehr als 400 Programme im deutschen TV. Landesweite, regionale und lokale Fernsehangebote dominieren das Programm heute. Mit dem Aufkommen von Streamingdiensten wie Netflix und Amazon oder der wachsenden Bedeutung des Pay-TV wird die Auswahl fur Fernsehen heute immer groer.

Mit dem TV Programm von heute wahrt der Programmguide Ubersicht in Zeiten der Unubersichtlichkeit. Auch bei der Auswahl einer geeigneten Sendung hilft TV SPIELFILM: Wir geben Programm-Tipps fur jeden Tag, zeigen mit dem bestens bekannten Daumen, ob sich das Programm heute lohnt oder nicht. Die Kritiken und Tipps stammen aus der Redaktion und werden taglich gewissenhaft und mit geubtem Auge ausgewahlt und verfasst. Informationen bezuglich des Genres, der Schauspieler und der Altersfreigabe im TV sind ebenfalls ersichtlich. Die ubersichtliche Darstellung in Tabellenform gliedert die einzelnen Sendungen zeitlich und liefert einen schnellen Uberblick uber das tagliche TV-Programm.

Fernsehen heute: Webseiten und Apps

Eine weitere Moglichkeit sich nicht nur uber das TV Programm zu informieren, sondern auch direkt einzuschalten, besteht uber die digitalen Angebote von TV SPIELFILM. Mit den Apps oder uber die Internetseite kann direkt ins tagliche Programm geschaltet werden.

Auch eine Verbindung zu den Streamingangeboten findet sich unter jeder Sendung: Wenn eine Serie auch uber Netflix, Amazon, Maxdome und Co. streambar ist, erfahrt ihr es im EPG von TV SPIELFILM.

Der mobile Zugriff, aktuelle Informationen nach einem Programmwechsel und die Funktion, Sender nach eigenem Belieben zu sortieren, stellen weitere Vorteile fur das Fernsehen von heute dar. Hilfreiche Features sind auerdem die integrierte Suchleiste sowie eine Erinnerungsfunktion. Durch diese Funktion erhalt der Zuschauer die Moglichkeit, von ihm favorisierte Filme, Serien oder Dokumentationen fur das Programm heute auszuwahlen und auf eine Merkliste zu setzen. Kurz vor der Ausstrahlung wird der Nutzer uber das gewunschte Programm im TV heute informiert.
The Ukrainian authorities understand what documents the enemy has on the table and what his next plan is.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his traditional video address to Ukrainians, Ukrinform reports.

Below is the full text of the president's address:

"I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Briefly about this day. Most of the time was dedicated to the military.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Barhylevych. The lengthy meeting was focused on frontline issues and tasks. Our operations and prospects.

Despite all the deficits, the capabilities of our warriors to destroy the occupiers cannot be decreased. The Commander-in-Chief is regularly on the front line. Real battlefield commanders from the frontline, from the brigades are involved in decision-making. Today, I agreed and signed a number of necessary new appointments for the Defense Forces.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. I held a separate meeting with him. Supply of weapons, fair and proper provision of brigades. Each combat brigade, each frontline unit should receive more of the available modern weapons.

A separate conversation concerned drones. The content was good. In particular, regarding our long-range drones.

A report from the Defence Intelligence, Budanov. Our special operations. We need a clear result in the destruction of Russian military infrastructure and logistics. A greater result. And it will be achieved.

A report from the Security Service of Ukraine, Maliuk. He reported on our counteraction to Russian subversive reconnaissance groups  these murderers who terrorize our border areas. Maliuk also reported on countering collaborators. There are good results in neutralizing these people.

There was a report by the Foreign Intelligence Service, by Lytvynenko. It concerned sensitive international areas and Russia's current plans. We understand what documents are on the enemy's desk, what his next plan is. We will counteract.

There was also a separate report today by Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov. First of all, it was about the functioning of our maritime export corridor. Almost 30 million tons of cargo have already been transported by sea. This is very significant for such war times. And I am grateful to everyone who works in our ports, on the ships, and to everyone who ensures the operation of the sea corridor and its security.

Today, after a report from the regions on the consequences of Russian shelling, I gave separate instructions regarding Odesa, regarding people who lost their homes as a result of the Russian attack with Shahed drones. I instructed to help with new housing to replace the lost one as soon as possible  the local authorities have to resolve the issue.

One more thing.

I signed a decree on the Shevchenko Prize, on the awarding of this year's prize. The winners are worthy. On March 9, the decree will be published.

I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank everyone who fights and works for our country and people! I thank everyone in the world who helps and believes in us. Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!"
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielus Landsbergis responded to a Russian strike targeting an apartment block in Ukraines Odesa that killed several children.

The Lithuanian minister wrote about it on X, Ukrinform reports.

"This is absolutely outrageous murder. By deliberately killing babies in their sleep, Russia is declaring a clear contempt for any peace agreements, past or future," the minister wrote.

He added that the Russian Federation must face "serious and immediate consequences, not continued impunity."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in the early hours of March 2, Russian troops attacked Odesa, launching kamikaze drones. One of the UAVs hit a multi-storey apartment block in the residential quarter, destroying part of the building with 18 apartments in it.

The number of victims increased to 12, as per the latest reports, after a body of an 8-year-old girl was retrieved from under the rubble.

Earlier, a 10-year-old boys body was also found at the site.

Their father, mother, and 8-month-old sister were also confirmed dead.
French President Emmanuel Macron's statement about the potential possibility of sending troops to Ukraine shows that the understanding of the importance of Kyiv's victory in the war has reached Western policymakers so they are ready to do more.

This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, Ukrinform reports, referring to ERR.

The Estonian minister noted that, in order to help Ukraine defeat Russia in the war unleashed by the Kremlin, the EU countries "should start by delivering on the promises they have already made." In particular, he recalled that Ukraine still has not received a million artillery rounds promised last year.

"Actions and results are important, not words. We must be bolder in our actions because Russia's wishes have not changed. If Russia wins, it will not stop at Ukraine, it will knock on NATO's door to change the structure of European security. There is nothing at stake other than our freedom," said the Estonian minister.

The European Union has not fulfilled its promise to transfer a million artillery rounds to Ukraine. We are moving in this direction and that is to welcomed, but we have and can do more. We have a winning strategy, and now we need to implement it, said the top diplomat.

It is time to be bolder and more ambitious, he added.

"Macron's statement that he might consider sending troops to Ukraine was a paradigm shift. It shows that the importance of Ukraine's victory has reached Western decision-makers, and they are ready to do more," the government official emphasized.

It is clear that, although there is currently no political consensus on sending troops to Ukraine, this may change the attitude of some governments to immediate military aid to Ukraine, as it would certainly be a simpler solution than direct intervention. It is important to note that in the matter of ammunition, the principle according to which it should come only from the European defense industry has been abandoned, Tsahkna noted.

It is good that the EU members are discussing various options and their priority is to deliver ammunition to Ukraine as soon as possible, getting it from wherever possible, he added.

Tsakhkna also recalled the statement made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called for the use of profits derived from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank for the purchase of military equipment for Ukraine.

Tsahkna believes this would also mark an important step.

"Russia must receive a clear signal that there will be no flexibility or return to normal relations until Ukraine prevails and the damage inflicted on Ukraine is covered. With our actions, we must show that time is running out not for Ukraine, Europe, and all democracies in the world, but for the aggressor," the Estonian official emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on February 26, after an international meeting on Ukraine assistance held in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said he does not rule out the possibility of European troops participating in the war in Ukraine, while stressing that the West is yet to achieve consensus on the issue.

On February 29, during the ceremonial opening of the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis (Greater Paris region), Macron emphasized that his position on the possibility of deploying Western troops in Ukraine was well-weighed and thought out.
After the adoption of a law in Estonia regarding Russia's frozen assets, no one in the world will have the right to say that they cannot be transferred for Ukraine's recovery.

That's according to a joint op-ed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Estonia, Dmytro Kuleba and Margus Tsahkna, published by the Estonian Foreign Ministry, Ukrinform reports.

The ministers said that Estonia has been a great help for Ukraine to stand against Russia's terror and is the first to show others how to make Russia pay by using the aggressor's frozen assets worth $300 billion, currently frozen by Western nations.

"Estonia's initiative to use Russia's frozen assets to rebuild Ukraine is a role model for all of the world. The law, which the Estonian parliament is deliberating, has a significant symbolic value. Once Estonia proves that frozen assets can be delivered to Ukraine lawfully, there is no reason for anybody to say that it cannot be done," Kuleba and Tsahkna said.

In their opinion, this act would not undermine the rule of law and is a necessary step in the face of flagrant violations of international norms. It is a step that, with careful legal and economic consideration, can reinforce the rule of law, support the stability of the global financial system, and ultimately contribute to a safer, more just international order, the ministers said, adding that such a decision would set a precedent for the future.

They emphasized that they support using the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets for the joint purchase of military equipment for Ukraine. They believe the EU's recent regulatory stance against the immobilization of Russian assets solidifies the legal groundwork for potential contributions to Ukraine's recovery.

"This initiative, coupled with Estonia's pioneering efforts to legislate the use of Russian assets for compensation, marks a decisive step towards justice," the foreign ministers said.
Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov believes that the government of Ukraine needs to be cleared of more than 30 unusual powers and functions.

"At the previous government meeting, I submitted a document developed by the State Property Fund about writing off the warning system of a railway station to some regional branches of Ukrzaliznytsia. This is being written off by government decision. And we counted more than three dozen such powers, approximately 34-35," Nemchinov said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine, answering a question about the need to clear the government of unusual functions.

He said that it is about tasks that should be solved at the level of ministries and, possibly, central executive authorities.

"We are not talking about political functions, but first of all about economic ones. Because each document goes through a full regulatory procedure  approval, examination, conclusions, etc. This takes people away from doing other things, such as European integration," the minister said.
Ukraine's Ministry of Economy and U.S. tech company Palantir, specializing in big data analytics, in London, signed a partnership agreement on the automation of mine action and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

"Accelerating humanitarian demining, in particular through cooperation with technology companies such as Palantir, is an opportunity to save lives and speed up the reconstruction of Ukraine," the Ministry of Economy said on Sunday, quoting First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko as saying during the signing of the document.

She recalled that 156,000 square kilometers of land are potentially contaminated, and more than 6 million Ukrainians are at risk.

"Whether we're helping Ukraine's brave defenders stand up to Putin's aggression, supporting the resettlement of their loved ones, or assisting the country's critical demining programme, Palantir stands with Ukraine and its people," Executive Vice President for the UK and Europe, Louis Mosley said in turn.

The agreement contains specific provisions for cooperation, in particular, digitisation of humanitarian demining operations, automation of processes envisaged by the National Mine Action Strategy for the period up to 2033; and expanding digital capabilities to coordinate land release and assessment, regional prioritisation and risk management in mine action.

In addition, it is planned to use an assistant based on the Palantir artificial intelligence platform (AIP) for decision-making in mine action.

The platform will work with large databases formed by structures involved in mine action, ranging from local governments, regional authorities, ministries, and agencies to mine action operators.

The databases will contain both static information, such as an assessment of the economic efficiency of agricultural land, the proximity of contaminated areas to communications, etc., and operational information that will be regularly updated. This includes data from surveys of the territories by the SES, SSTS, and non-governmental operators, the number and condition of equipment, the availability of pyrotechnic units in specific areas, etc.

Thanks to the capabilities of Palantir AIP, the platform will analyse the information and provide recommendations for process optimisation. For example, it will provide advice, taking into account all the data, on how to most effectively clear a particular area - using new demining methods, such as drones, or traditional methods, the Ministry of Economy said. The ultimate goal is to demine territories faster and at lower cost.

The pilot project of the platform was presented at the First International Donor Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine, which took place in Zagreb on 11-12 October 2023. The signed deal marks a new stage in the cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and Palantir, according to the press release.
Shmyhal: Along with partners we working on incentives for return of Ukrainians

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal says together with partners, the government is working on incentives for the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.

"Together with our partners, we are working on incentives for the return of Ukrainians. Top priority is security, what Ukrainian families, women, children who are abroad want," Shmyhal said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

In addition, this is about the transformation of programs to support the stay of Ukrainians in the European Union.

"They should be transformed into return incentive programs, the so-called return lifts, and other steps that will encourage people to return to Ukraine," he said.
Shmyhal on govt reform: We intend to reduce number of ministries by third

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said as part of government reform it is planned to reduce the number of ministries by a third.

"We are working to change the format of the government. In particular, reducing the number of ministries. We want to reduce the number of ministries by a third, reduce the number of civil servants," Shmyhal said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

The Prime Minister also said the authorities are working to create a strong Government centre, where auxiliary and administrative functions will be concentrated.

"Ministries should have a small number of very good specialists who will formulate public policy, and the Government centre will provide legal support in personnel, accounting and financial spheres, and the Government centre should quickly prepare documents for a particular ministry," he said.

As reported, Cabinet Minister Oleh Nemchinov allows the launch of the Government centre before 2025.
The University of Florida's recent announcement regarding the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related positions has stirred significant debate and garnered attention both locally and nationally.

This decision comes as a response to a new state law that prohibits state colleges from utilizing state or federal funds to support DEI programs.

Compliance With New State Law

The rule, which was enacted by the Florida Board of Education in January, imposes stringent regulations on the Florida College System concerning the allocation of tax dollars towards DEI initiatives. According to the board, DEI programs are defined as those that categorize individuals based on race or sex for the purpose of differential or preferential treatment.

The University of Florida's leadership, in a memo released on Friday, outlined the steps taken to comply with the new legislation. This includes the closure of the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, the elimination of DEI positions and administrative appoints, as well as the discontinuation of DEI-focused contracts with third-party vendors.

Affected employees of the university will be provided with the standard twelve weeks of severance pay and are encouraged to explore other employment opportunities currently available within the institution.

READ ALSO: Texas Ban on Diversity Initiatives Reflects Trend Across GOP States

Reallocation of Funds and Response

In response to the termination of DEI-related positions, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Florida will reallocate approximately $5 million, previously designated for DEI expenses such as salaries and expenditures, to a faculty retirement fund. The university emphasized its unwavering commitment to universal human dignity and stated that it would continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of Gator Nation.

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. expressed his support for the rule, asserting that it safeguards taxpayer money from being utilized for DEI initiatives that promote what he termed as "radical indoctrination" and contribute to societal division. However, critics argue that the rule hampers academic freedom and stifles efforts towards creating a more inclusive campus environment.

The rule's impact extends beyond the University of Florida, affecting a total of 28 state schools within Florida's higher education system. This development follows a broader trend of conservative pushback against DEI programs, which some view as undermining traditional values and diluting academic standards.

Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal proponent of the legislation, applauded the University of Florida's decision to terminate DEI positions, characterizing DEI initiatives as "toxic" and asserting that they have no place within public universities. DeSantis's stance reflects the broader political landscape, where discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion have become increasingly polarized.

The University of Florida's move to comply with the new state law has sparked discussions about the balance between academic freedom and government regulations, as well as the role of universities in promoting diversity and equity. As the debate unfolds, stakeholders continue to grapple with the implications of these legislative measures on higher education and society at large.

RELATED ARTICLE: Florida Honors MLK Jr. Amid Controversial Ban on Diversity Programs in State Colleges
A new brief from Excelencia urges collaboration between employers and universities to boost Latino graduation rates and meet workforce demands.

The brief emphasizes the importance of investing in high-wage, high-demand career pathways, developing stackable credentials, and funding short-term career programs to facilitate smoother transitions between education and employment for Latino students.

While Latinos have the highest labor force participation rates, they are disproportionately represented in manual labor occupations and earn lower wages compared to other racial groups. To address these disparities, Excelencia advocates for strategic partnerships that align educational initiatives with workforce needs.

READ ALSO: Higher Dropout Rates Observed Among Black and Hispanic College Students, Study Finds

Supporting High-Wage, High-Demand Career Pathways

Excelencia's brief highlights the importance of investing in educational programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. By developing stackable credentials and short-term career programs, universities can provide Latino students with the skills and training needed to succeed in today's competitive job market. These initiatives not only increase access to well-paying jobs but also contribute to economic mobility within the Latino community.

Moreover, providing transition services between credential completion and employment can help bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness. By offering career counseling, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities, universities can better support Latino students as they navigate their post-graduation pathways.

Addressing Educational Disparities

Statistics from the brief reveal significant gaps in educational attainment among different racial groups. Only 33 percent of Latinos hold an associate degree or higher, compared to 69 percent of Asian Americans, 55 percent of white Americans, and 45 percent of Black Americans. Moreover, Latino workers earn a median weekly wage of $800, which is 20 percent less than that of white workers, highlighting the economic disparities faced by the Latino community.

These disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to increase educational attainment and improve economic outcomes for Latino individuals. Employer-university partnerships offer a promising avenue to address these challenges by providing tailored educational programs and career pathways that meet the needs of Latino students while aligning with workforce demands.

Promoting Collaboration for Greater Impact

Excelencia's report identifies institutions with the highest credential attainment rates for Latinos and underscores the importance of fostering partnerships between these institutions and employers to tap into the pool of college-educated Latino talent. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both academia and industry, these partnerships can create innovative solutions to enhance educational opportunities and improve employment outcomes for Latino students.

Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia, emphasizes the significance of the report in guiding institutions and employers to align their efforts in engaging and recruiting Latino graduates effectively. By fostering meaningful collaborations between higher education institutions and employers, stakeholders can work together to address the barriers faced by Latino students and create pathways to success in both education and the workforce.

Employer-university partnerships not only benefit Latino students but also provide significant advantages for employers. By collaborating with universities, employers gain access to a diverse talent pool and can address talent gaps within their organizations. Additionally, partnering with universities allows employers to shape curriculum and training programs to meet their specific workforce needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for success in the workplace. Moreover, these partnerships can enhance employer branding and corporate social responsibility efforts by demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Overall, employer-university partnerships offer a win-win solution for both parties, driving innovation, economic growth, and social impact.

RELATED ARTICLE: College System Neglects Potential of Dropout Students, Urges Reforms for Returnees' Success, Study Reveals
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) released a list of college enrollement deadlines. The list indicates that over 190 U.S. colleges have postponed their commitment deadlines for the 2024-25 academic year due to federal financial aid delays.

Financial Aid Timeline Disruptions

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent significant revisions this application cycle, causing delays in aid processing. While intended to simplify the application process, the updated FAFSA was released three months later than usual, with technical issues and last-minute formula changes further complicating matters.

Colleges initially anticipated receiving FAFSA applicant information by late January, but delays pushed this timeline to the first half of March. This compressed schedule has left applicants with less time to evaluate their financial aid options, prompting colleges to extend their decision deadlines.

READ MORE: FAFSA Overhaul Creates Uncertainty for College-Bound Students and Families

Rationale Behind Deadline Extensions

College leaders, recognizing the importance of informed decision-making, have opted to extend decision deadlines to provide applicants with adequate time to assess their options. Institutions like the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and George Mason University have pushed their deadlines to May 15, emphasizing the significance of allowing students the opportunity to weigh their choices thoroughly.

Acknowledging the need for flexibility, George Mason University's Vice President for Enrollment Management, David Burge, emphasized the importance of ensuring students have ample time to make well-informed decisions about their future.

While some institutions, such as the University of Arizona and the University of Richmond, have opted not to extend their deadlines, many others are still deliberating the possibility. Additionally, ten international institutions open to U.S. students have also extended their decision deadlines, reflecting the widespread impact of financial aid delays on higher education globally.

Department of Education's Support

Last month, a senior official from the U.S. Department of Education voiced support for the deadline extensions, characterizing them as the right move for colleges to make. This support underscores the acknowledgment of the challenges faced by both institutions and applicants due to the revised FAFSA timeline.

In response to the ongoing situation, NACAC continues to update its public directory with information on colleges extending their deadlines. The directory, while not exhaustive, offers valuable insights into how colleges across the United States are navigating the complexities arising from financial aid delays.

As the education sector adapts to these changes, colleges are prioritizing transparency and communication with prospective students. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of flexibility and understanding in ensuring that students can make well-informed decisions about their academic futures.

The challenges posed by financial aid delays have prompted colleges to reevaluate and extend their commitment deadlines for the upcoming academic year. The ripple effect of the revised FAFSA timeline is evident across a broad spectrum of institutions, with varying responses based on individual considerations. The ongoing commitment to providing students with ample time to make informed choices highlights the commitment of higher education institutions to prioritize the needs and well-being of their prospective student population.

RELATED ARTICLE: US To Reduce College Requirements Due to FAFSA Delays
Uzbekistan is Developing Its First National Strategy Against Organized Crime

On February 14-15, 2024, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA)  in collaboration with the Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention: from Theory to Practice - convened the second meeting of the Working Group to develop a National Strategy against Organized Crime in Uzbekistan.

Back in May 2023, following the UNODC Multistakeholder Meeting on Strategies to Prevent and Combat Organized Crime for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus held in Tashkent on 9-10 March 2023, the Government of Uzbekistan  emphasizing the importance of a strategic response to countering organized crime in strengthening national legislation, law enforcement, and regional cooperation - requested UNODC's support in developing a national strategy against organized crime.

UNODCs technical assistance is based on the 4 Ps approach as highlighted in the Organized Crime Strategy Toolkit for Developing High-Impact Strategies, namely: (i) ensuring the inclusion of measures focused on prevention of organized crime; (ii) pursuing organized criminal groups and their illicit activities; (iii) protecting the most vulnerable; and (iv) promoting partnerships and cooperation at all levels. This methodology was acknowledged as a best practice in Resolution 11/2 of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

The workshop brought together the key stakeholders who are also members of the Working Group, comprising professionals from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Prosecutors Office, Supreme Court, National Guard, University of Public Safety, Ministry of Public Health, and other relevant entities, along with a civil society representative.

Ms. Oliya Ilmuradova, from the NGO Barqaror Hayot, stated: "I firmly believe that the role and voice of civil society are crucial in the development of the Strategy. By fostering stronger public-private partnerships, we can significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the National Strategy. This collaboration will play a key role in ensuring security across various sectors of the economy and enhancing the overall well-being of our society."

This was echoed by Ms. Kamola Ibragimova, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer: Organized crime is a social phenomenon. It occurs within society, involving its members and impacting individuals and communities. Thats why a whole-of-society approach to devising and implementing a strategy against organized crime matters.

The meeting focused on various aspects of developing and finalizing the national strategy against organized crime. This included deliberations on actions within key strategic directions and brainstorming on timelines and mechanisms for adopting the strategy, including prior public consultations. Lastly, UNODC sensitized the Working Group to the need for a robust implementation, monitoring, and evaluation mechanism underpinned with quantitative and qualitative indicators.

This collaborative effort signifies steps towards strengthening Uzbekistans capacity to combat organized crime, with UNODC playing a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and providing technical assistance to develop a comprehensive and effective national strategy. It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan is the first among Central Asian countries to launch the process of drafting its inaugural national strategy against organized crime, aligning with UNTOC and international best practices.

Mr. Saydullo Azimov, Prosecutor of the General Prosecutors Office of Uzbekistan highlighted: Organized crime is a serious threat to the nations stability and security in many countries including Uzbekistan. The National Strategy for Combating Organized Crime is a comprehensive effort to unite government agencies, civil society, and international partners in one interagency cooperation mechanism."

The strategy is being developed with the substantive assistance of the UNODC Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention: from Theory to Practice, and with financial support from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye on Monday called Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and congratulated him on his election as the country's chief executive

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2024) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye on Monday called Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and congratulated him on his election as the country's chief executive.

The prime minister expressed his gratitude to President Erdogan for his gracious gesture of brotherhood and fraternity. He underlined that enduring people-to-people bonds, and strong religious and cultural linkages underpinned a robust Pakistan-Turkiye relationship.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed that Pakistan looked forward to welcoming President Erdogan for the session of Pak-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), being scheduled to be held in Islamabad in near future.

Recalling strong bonds of friendship that exist between the governments and peoples of the two countries, both the leaders expressed their desire and commitment to work closely with each other to take the bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights of cooperation and fraternity.

They also exchanged views on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirmed their commitment for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, opened its annual session at Great Hall of the People here on Monday

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2024) China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, opened its annual session at Great Hall of the People here on Monday.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. Agenda for the session was reviewed and approved at the meeting.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee to the session.

On performing duties in 2023 over the past year, the CPPCC has strengthened the overall arrangement of field research, streamlined the number of team members, avoided overlapped research, and reduced the burden on the grassroots, said Wang, in a report on the organization's work to the session.

The CPPCC received 5,621 proposals last year. Of the 4,791 proposals filed, 99.9 percent were handled, according to Wang.

Its members participated in 17 inspection groups of the National Committee of the CPPCC a total of 202 times, and participated in 81 thematic research activities over 600 times.

The CPPCC has revised proposal regulations to improve the quality of proposal submission, review, handling, supervision, and evaluation, Wang said, adding that 1,982 CPPCC members participated in proposal submission in 2023.

The political advisory body has also formulated and improved the system and mechanism for members to connect with the public, with a total of 6,806 activities conducted by members of the CPPCC National Committee to connect with different social groups, according to Wang.

Main tasks in 2024; in the next year, the CPPCC must leverage its role as a specialized consultative body, closely aligning with the major decisions of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the strategic needs of the nation, and addressing significant practical issues in development, providing counsel and suggestions.

The CPPCC should implement its consultation plan for 2024 approved by the CPC Central Committee, strengthen the foundational role of specialized committees and the role of CPPCC members, leverage the advantages of different sectors and conduct thorough investigations and research, Wang said.

It should delve into frontline experiences, understand the desires and demands of the people, identify the difficulties and bottlenecks in policy implementation and enhance the foresight and precision of policy recommendations, he added.
Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2024) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he would be "happy to reopen" the search for flight MH370 if "compelling" evidence emerged, opening the door to a renewed hunt a decade after the plane disappeared.

"If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened, we will certainly be happy to reopen it," he said when asked about the matter during a visit to Melbourne.

His comments came as the families marked 10 years since the plane vanished in the Indian Ocean with 239 people aboard.

"I don't think it's a technical issue. It's an issue affecting the lives of people and whatever needs to be done must be done," he said.

Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has never been found and the operation was suspended in January 2017.

About 500 relatives and their supporters gathered Sunday at a shopping centre near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur for a "remembrance day", with many visibly overcome with grief.

Some of the relatives came from China, where almost two-thirds of the passengers of the doomed plane were from.

"The last 10 years have been a nonstop emotional rollercoaster for me," Grace Nathan, a 36-year-old Malaysian lawyer whose mother, Anne Daisy, 56, was on the flight, told AFP.

Speaking to the crowd, she called on the Malaysian government to conduct a new search.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told reporters that "as far Malaysia is concerned, it is committed to finding the plane... cost is not the issue".

He told relatives at the gathering that he would meet with officials from Texas-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted a previous unsuccessful search, to discuss a new operation.

"We are now awaiting for them to provide suitable dates and I hope to meet them soon," he said.

An earlier Australia-led search that covered 120,000 square kilometres (46,000 square miles) in the Indian Ocean found hardly any trace of the plane, with only some pieces of debris picked up.
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Gaza Strip, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2024) Mediators in Cairo pushed on Monday with efforts towards a Gaza truce after Israel's top ally the United States stepped up pressure for a halt in fighting and more aid to enter the besieged Palestinian territory.

Bombardment and combat claimed 124 more lives within 24 hours, said the health ministry as the territory has been devastated and gripped by dire food shortages in the war sparked by October 7 attacks.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators met with US and Palestinian envoys -- but no Israeli delegates so far -- in Cairo for a second day of talks aiming for a halt in fighting before the month of Ramadan starts on March 10 or 11.

An Egyptian tv channel linked to the intelligence service reported "significant progress" towards a truce deal without giving any more details, while a Palestinian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the talks were continuing.

The plan on the table aims for a six-week truce, the exchange of scores of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and for more aid to enter Gaza -- but sticking points remain.

US Vice President Kamala Harris called on Sunday for the six-week truce deal to be accepted, while criticising Israel in unusually strong language over insufficient aid deliveries into Gaza.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table," she said in a speech in Selma, Alabama.
USM Sustainability Sciences Senior Radiates Southern Miss Grit at the Gulf Park Campus

Mon, 03/04/2024 - 01:36pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Park student Page Graham is blending her passion for sustainability efforts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and her academic experiences to encourage young people, particularly women, to consider a career in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field.

Graham, a senior from Long Beach, Miss. began her USM journey in 2016 studying biology, before taking a hiatus to take time for family. When she returned to USM in 2021, Graham looked at the schools Sustainability Sciences (Coastal System Dynamics) degree program and decided it was the perfect fit for her and her interests.

Its been a learning experience, Graham said. Sustainability is a blending of all sciences. There is so much diversity in the knowledge of sustainability when learning about surveys, field work methods and gathering data.

Grahams academic program featured hands-on projects focused on the Mississippi Gulf Coast ecosystem, including opportunities to analyze organisms, history, and water quality on the Gulf Park Campus at its Bear Point Bayou, while also studying various birds and trees found on the Mississippi coast.

Graham works at the Environmental Justice STEM Leadership Academy with the STEPS Coalition and at the Boys and Girls Club, where she educates 6th-12th graders on environmental issues along the coast and leadership strategies for environmental justice.

Dr. David Holt, associate professor of geography at USM Gulf Park, is proud of the way Graham took the lead in projects across campus.

She is a driven student who searches for solutions, and has a scientific mind to evaluate real-world problems, from addressing freshwater sources along the coast to teaching at the Environmental Justice STEMM Leadership Academy, said Dr. Holt. She uses her class experience to show middle school and high school students how to look at things from a scientists' viewpoint and has even developed hands-on lesson plans for understanding composting and landfill decomposition in her work.

Page shows by doing and is a great example of who we want our sustainability majors to be, said Dr. Holt.

Grahams involvement in the student organization, Women in STEM, provided a framework for her to engage in a supportive community for other women scientists and engineers.

Im glad we have this organization and are inclusive in showing that women are present in STEM, she said.

Graham continues to be drawn to coastal system dynamics and providing pathways for scientists everywhere to live and work on the Gulf Coast, while planning for her own career in the sustainability sciences field after earning her degree.

My short-term goal is to graduate, while my long-term goal is to be a good example for my daughters as well as others in their generation as a woman who is also a scientist, she said.

Learn more about the Sustainability Sciences degree program at Gulf Park.
During war, for some period after end of war, Ministry of Veterans should exist  Shmyhal

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal believes that the Ministry of Veterans Affairs should exist during the war and for some period after its completion.

"The issue of the existence of the Ministry of Veterans should be discussed among veterans, it was an initiative of veterans  the existence of such a ministry... In my understanding, for the period of the war and the end of the war, the Ministry of Veterans should exist. In addition to symbolism and priority, this is an important point that our country will need in moment of demobilization," Shmyhal said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday, answering the question of whether there are plans to reorganize the Ministry of Veterans, distributing functions between the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Defense.

He said such a ministry is also needed for some period after the war.

"Whether this should be a separate ministry or whether it should be a powerful part of social policy is a discussion that needs to be held more broadly with society," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister said the discussion is ongoing, but it should be completed this year.

At the same time, the prime minister said there are questions about the effectiveness of such a ministry, and work is now underway on this.
A white stork flies in Germany, where researchers tracked the birds migrations and concluded that they incrementally straighten their migration routes to find more direct ways to move between destinations during the spring migration to summer breeding and nesting grounds. (Christian Ziegler Photo)

Research led by scientists from the University of Wyoming and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior shows that migrating animals refine their behavior as they get older, suggesting that experiential learning is an important part of successful migration.

While genetics and social behavior are important factors shaping animal migrations, information gained through individual experience also appears to help shape migratory movements, says a research team led by Ellen Aikens. Aikens, who has a joint faculty appointment with UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, was among the first cohort of assistant professors hired in 2023 by UWs new School of Computing. Aikens research at the intersection of animal behavior and data science is driven by new possibilities from advanced computing and data science.

The migration findings appear today (March 4) in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, one of the worlds most prestigious multidisciplinary scientific journals covering the biological, physical and social sciences.

The study, which also included researchers from the University of Konstanz in Konstanz, Germany, involved technically sophisticated tracking of over 250 white storks spread across five breeding areas in southern Germany and Austria between 2013 and 2020.

The tracking data collected by the researchers not only pinpointed the migration pathways of the storks, but it also measured the timing and pace of individual storks as well as estimating the amount of energy storks used while flying. The team found that, while young storks took their time exploring new places during migration, their migrations become faster as they age.

Without the help of parents, young white storks start their first migration as early as eight weeks of age. (Christian Ziegler Photo)

As the birds age and gain more experience, older individuals stop exploring new places and, instead, move more quickly and directly, resulting in greater energy expenditure during migratory flight, wrote lead author Aikens, whose research in recent years has provided insights into the movement of big-game animals in western Wyoming. During spring migration, individuals innovated novel shortcuts during the transition from early life into adulthood, suggesting a reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning.

Individual storks incrementally straightened their migration routes to find more direct ways to move between destinations during the spring migration to summer breeding and nesting grounds, the researchers say. The findings could have implications for a variety of other species of migrating animals.

Although information has largely been overlooked as a currency shaping migratory behavior, gaining information and using it to incrementally refine migration behavior through learning could play an important role in saving both energy and time, the researchers wrote. The landscapes that animals move through are complex and dynamic, requiring that migrants learn where and when favorable conditions that facilitate movement occur and how to exploit them efficiently.

The researchers dont discount the importance of genetics and culturally inherited information in animal migrations, but they say the new findings point to individual experience as another key factor.

Whether the first migration is guided by genetics or results from following informed individuals, learning within a lifetime represents an additional and complementary mechanism shaping animal migration, the paper says.
Members of the University of Wyoming Army ROTC Cowboy Battalion will participate in a flight lab that will involve helicopters flying around and landing on the UW campus Wednesday, March 6, from 3-6 p.m. The intended helicopter landing zones are marked as HLZ. (UW Photo)

Members of the University of Wyoming Army ROTC Cowboy Battalion will participate in a flight lab that will involve helicopters flying around and landing on the UW campus Wednesday, March 6, from 3-6 p.m.

The event will provide an Army Aviation Branch brief to inform UW Cowboy Battalion cadets of the capabilities of the Aviation Branch. Cadets, along with UW senior leaders and educators, will participate in 10-15-minute flights in UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters to learn about the capabilities and mission of the Wyoming Army National Guard and its command aviation company, located in Cheyenne.

This is a great opportunity to provide a unique experience to the UW leaders, educators and cadets from the UW Cowboy Battalion Senior Army ROTC Program, says Lt. Col. Paul Hanson, professor of military science at UW. Events like this showcase the important missions and capabilities of the Wyoming Army National Guard and the Army Aviation Branch -- one of 17 different branches cadets compete for. These cadets are dedicated to serving the nation and making a difference in the world, and it all starts right here in Laramie.

Depending on the number of aircraft available to support the event, approximately 60 cadets and five UW senior leaders and educators are expected to participate, Hanson adds.

The event also will provide the UW Police Department (UWPD) with data demonstrating the validity of the helicopter landing zones in conjunction with the UW Emergency Response Plan.

In addition to supporting the success of ROTC students, this event serves as a unique opportunity for the UWPD to evaluate aspects of our emergency operations plans, says Josh Holland, UW police chief. While we hope we would never need to implement such plans, having them validated is critical and significantly enhances response and recovery during significant events.

For more information, call the UW Army ROTC Program at (307) 766-3390 or email armyrotc@uwyo.edu; or call the UWPD at (307) 766-5179 or email uwpd@uwyo.edu.
State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage:

UWs accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is rated fourth best in the Top 10 list of Forbes Best Online Accelerated Nursing Programs of 2024. The publication noted that UWs program is designed for students who hold non-nursing bachelors degrees and want to become RNs. The distance program lets students in rural areas of Wyoming pursue a B.S.N. without relocating to Laramie.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department completed an aerial population survey of the renowned Wyoming Range mule deer herd that indicates the 2022-23 severe winter impacted the population more than originally thought. Data collected by UWs Kevin Monteith, a Wyoming Excellence Chair, was among data used by the department for its report.

The Wyoming State Board of Education will continue its collaborative work with Wyomings Future of Learning Partnership, which includes UW among its many partners. According to information published by WyoToday Media and Sheridan Media, the partnership aims to create a more student-centered education system that is based on individual learning needs and interests and to partner with Wyoming industries to better prepare students for careers.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that a celebration of life for the three UW swimmers who died in a single-vehicle crash two weeks ago will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, inside the Arena-Auditorium.

Cowboy Clean Fuels was recently awarded $7.8 million in state funding to pursue commercial-scale development of a technology that will produce renewable natural gas and capture carbon emissions using existing coalbed methane infrastructure in Johnson County. The technology, which involves injecting feed-grade sugar beet byproducts into deep coal formations using CBM wells, was developed at the UWs Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research, according to a Gillette News Record article.

The UW College of Business is offering free tax preparation services to Wind River Indian Reservation tribal members and Fremont County residents as part of the Wind River Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. WyoToday Media and County 10 published UWs release about the program that is designed to support individuals and families in need of tax preparation assistance.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle published UWs release announcing that 11 UW students are funding their study-abroad experiences this spring through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

UWs College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources will facilitate a seminar on energy innovations, hosted by Gillette College, later this month. The seminar is the second in UWs 2024 Ranching in the West seminar series. Oil City News and County 17 published UWs release.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle and County 17 published UW Extensions release announcing that Wyoming 4-H will host a free virtual career fair March 19.

The Sheridan Press published UWs release announcing that the university has launched a survey to better understand employers workforce training and professional development needs in the hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in Wyoming.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed representatives of local authorities in Odesa to provide victims of the Shahed strike on a residential building with the necessary assistance and provide housing to those who lost it.

"I have held a daily selector. I received the latest information about the rescue operation in Odesa. The removal of the rubble has been completed. Now it is important that people receive all the necessary assistance as soon as possible, including new housing instead of the lost one. I instructed the chairman of the Regional State Administration to take this under personal control," the President wrote on Telegram.

Also, according to Zelenskyy, the elimination of the consequences of the shelling of Kurakhove, where the Russian occupiers hit a residential area with a guided aerial bomb, continues.

"Fortunately, there are no casualties there, but there are many injured. People are also provided with all the necessary assistance," he said.

As reported, on the night of March 2, the Russian occupiers struck a high-rise building in Odesa. The number of victims of the strike reached 12 people. The search and rescue operation ended on the evening of March 3.
FILE - Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference after a meeting with all Swedish party leaders who are in favor of a Swedish NATO membership in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. As Sweden joins NATO, it bids a final farewell to more than two centuries of neutrality
NYC's mayor says he stands by top aide at center of latest FBI raid on members of his inner circle
Iran has tried to use the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza to consolidate its influence in the Middle East through its sway over proxy militias in the region, say analysts. The analysts, however, question what, if anything, Tehran would stand to gain by helping the nearly five-month-old conflict to spread and intensify.

Lebanese analyst Patricia Karam says Iran sees the conflict as an opportunity to exert more of its influence over its Shiite proxies in the Middle East. Iran is part of a so-called Axis of Resistance, referring to groups in the region with varying levels of military and political proximity to Tehran.

She notes the increased anti-Israel sentiment in the Middle East because of the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas, sparked by the militant groups surprise attack October 7 on southern Israel, and Israels military response.

She says it is now harder for signatories to the Abraham Accords with Israel, like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, to cooperate with Israel, given the staggering scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. The accords were designed to normalize ties between Israel and some Arab nations.

In addition, she notes that the conflict has put a snag in efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Karam adds that Iran will suffer badly should the conflict worsen, especially with respect to Israels northern neighbor, Lebanon. Iran-backed Hezbollah is based in Lebanon.

This attack has re-energized the regimes resistance narrative throughout the region, but its unclear how much Iran would gain from the conflict worsening, especially that (Lebanons) Hezbollah is an important asset for it which it does not want weakened, she said. Exchanges on the Lebanon-Israel border continue. But there is always the danger that this balancing act could collapse, whether by miscalculation or deliberate decision. The existing tit-for-tat could really escalate.

Michael Young, writing in the Carnegie Middle East Centers online Diwan publication says, Yet for all the recognition of Irans growing regional sway, one thing is equally evident. Wherever the Iranians have asserted their power, the results have been catastrophic. Observers have described the pro-Iran network of regional political-military actors as an axis of resistance, but the reality is that everywhere it is primarily an axis of ruin.

He also says, The Iranian model has bolstered Irans power but left Arab societies in misery. He points to devastating Iran-backed wars in Syria and Yemen, while Iraq is now dominated by pro-Iran militias that have prevented the emergence of a functional state and undermined elections.

Young, who is based in Beirut, adds, In Lebanon, Hezbollah has protected a political class that brought on an economic collapse while derailing economic reforms; and in Gaza, Irans allies have caused a war that has ravaged the territory.

Young questions whether Iran will ever agree to ultimately disarming its Arab allies, like Hezbollah.

David Hale, a Global Fellow with the Wilson Center in Washington and former U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, said during a recent webinar the United States should confront Iran directly. He stopped short of calling for an active toppling of the regime in Tehran.

Typically, in Lebanon and this now as well in Gaza and the rest of the region, is that we in our strong desire to avoid escalation into a regional war, we tend to focus on the proxies of our enemies, he said. Today its Hezbollah, the proxy of Iran. So, if you dont have a strategy that addresses the mastermind  Tehran  then your strategies to deal with proxies are only going to get you so far.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that a direct confrontation between it and the U.S. is becoming likelier as long as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

U.S. diplomat Amos Hochstein visited Beirut Monday, hoping to de-escalate hostilities along the Lebanese-Israel border in a bid to stop an even bigger confrontation from happening.

VOAs Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Dmytro Hereha from the post of commander of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Corresponding decree No. 140/2024 was published on the website of the head of state.

Instead of Hereha, Oleksandr Yakovets was appointed to the post of commander by decree No. 141/2024.

Hereha has held the position of Commander of the AFU Support Forces since August 2021.

Yakovets previously held the position of Chief of Engineering Troops, Head of the Department of Engineering Troops of the Command of the AFU Support Forces.
U.S. congressional negotiators released a bill Sunday that would fund key parts of the government through the rest of the fiscal year, which began in October 2023.

Among provisions in the appropriations package are critical funds to counter China in the Pacific as part of an agreement signed last year called the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA.

Under the compacts, Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands will receive $7 billion in economic aid over 20 years. In exchange, Washington will provide for their defense and can deny China access to their territorial waters, a maritime area larger than the continental United States.

The United States has had similar agreements in effect with Micronesia and the Marshalls since 1986 and with Palau since 1994. Citizens from these nations are allowed to travel, live and work in the United States as nonimmigrants.

Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, who represents the U.S. territory of American Samoa, told VOA on Sunday that House Speaker Mike Johnson reached her early Saturday morning to deliver the news.

Radewagen said she then called the presidents of the three Pacific allies to share the details.

The COFA agreements send a clear message of U.S. commitment to the Pacific region and take a much-needed international strong stand for the ideals of democracy and freedom, she told VOA in an email.

Senator Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat who has long supported the full funding of the agreement, issued a statement Sunday night.

As we work to counter Chinas growing influence in the Pacific, these agreements are extremely important for our national security and that of our allies, and also for the tens of thousands of COFA citizens who live, work and pay taxes in the U.S., she said.

The move comes after 26 senators, including Senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat, and John Barrasso, a Republican, urged Senate leadership to include the language that had previously been dropped from a Senate security spending bill on Feb. 12.



Failure to act on COFA opens the door to more corrupting influence and funding by the PRC in the region, wrote the senators, using an acronym for the Peoples Republic of China.

Pacific Island leaders remain cautious.

President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands spoke to a Remembrance Day for victims and survivors of nuclear testing on March 1, the 70th anniversary of the U.S. nuclear test on Bikini Atoll.

Our nation has been a steadfast ally of the United States, but that should not be taken for granted, she told the audience, according to the news site Islands Business.

Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. told VOA:

"We are heartened that the leaders of both houses of Congress and the White House have reached a consensus on the legislation slated for action this week. We thank our friends in both parties for their continued support and partnership."

U.S. lawmakers face another threat of a partial shutdown if they fail to act by midnight Friday.

House Speaker Johnson has said he will bring the compromise bill to the floor for a full house vote on Wednesday.
In a newsroom, editors tell reporters to not touch politically sensitive stories. Reporters are told to put stories on hold until Chinas foreign ministry comes out with its statement. Terminology that the government might frown upon is banned from news copy.

Such is the state of journalism, not just in mainland China, but increasingly in Hong Kong, after a national security law was adopted by Beijing for the former British colony in 2020, according to local journalists.

Sometimes we dont feel like were journalists. Were simply a part of the propaganda machine. We feel all the things we learned from journalism school are wasted because its not applicable anymore. The morale is really low, said one local journalist who did not want to be named, to avoid retribution.

Once a model of press freedom in Asia, Hong Kongs journalism scene has deteriorated since Beijing enacted the national security law, outlawing secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, according to journalists and surveys. They also indicate that self-censorship is becoming common, opposition voices are becoming rare, and caution reigns.

Prior to passage of the law in 2020, journalists could cover news largely as they liked, as if they were in a democratic country.

Now, many fear it will become even more difficult to be a journalist in the city if a proposed new security law - known as Article 23 - is adopted, without safeguards, especially a public interest defense clause, for journalists.

Article 23 would add treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference as offenses, and would expand the scope and penalties for existing crimes, including sedition.

Ronson Chan, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association - the citys oldest and largest association for local journalists - said many journalists are worried. He said since the Beijing-imposed national security law was passed, journalists constantly must consider the potential dangers of crossing the redline, especially because the government has not clarified what that line is.

Every day, every moment, you have to consider when you speak anything about the government in some livestream program, what will happen to you, said Chan, who is also the multimedia manager for local news website Channel C.

As of the end of last year, 156 people, including more than a dozen senior employees at newspapers including editors and editorial writers, have been arrested for security law or sedition offenses, although most are out on bail, according to online magazine ChinaFile.com, which tracks the arrests, charges and convictions. Two well-known news outlets - Apple Daily and Stand News - closed in 2021 following raids, arrests of senior employees, and freezing of their assets. Another - Citizen News - voluntarily closed soon after, to ensure the safety of its staff.

Some journalists have reported experiencing digital or physical surveillance, or both.

More recently, a reporter who has long covered Chinas defense beat for Hong Kongs English language newspaper, The South China Morning Post, became unreachable after a work trip to Beijing. Although her company later said her family confirmed that she was safe and needed to deal with a private matter, her disappearance has raised concerns that she might have been detained. The reporter, Minnie Chan, has not filed any stories since covering a defense forum in China in late October of last year.

Many journalists have also either left Hong Kong or the profession, Chan said. The number of Hong Kong Journalists Association journalist members dropped from 800 in 2019 to just 300.

While foreign media journalists, especially expatriates, have the protection of a foreign passport and backing from major world media organizations, including CNN and BBC, which have bureaus here, they risk losing their visa and right to continue reporting in Hong Kong if the authorities find problems with their reporting, said the Lee Williamson, president of the Foreign Correspondents Club.

An FCC survey on press freedom last year found 65% of responding journalists said they had engaged in self-censorship either in the content of their reporting or by avoiding certain subjects, and 27% said they had self-censored considerably.

I cant speak of the motivations, but these numbers do speak to the anecdotal evidence that we do see every day in Hong Kong - journalists who are holding back because they want to make sure they are here tomorrow to continue telling the story of Hong Kong and mainland China, Williamson said.

The survey also found 88% of the respondents said sources in Hong Kong had become less willing to be quoted or to speak to reporters about sensitive topics.

Perhaps affected on a greater level are local journalists, who may not have a foreign passport, whose long-term home is Hong Kong and who have seen local media organizations closed and their peers arrested.

Nonetheless, they are finding ways to continue their work.

After the national security law was adopted, senior managers give you warm reminders about how our stories should be written. Certain terms cannot be used. For example, we could not use the words record low turnout to describe the recent district council elections and could only say turnout rate was as expected, said the journalist who requested anonymity. They even put out a list saying who you cannot interview - such as pro-democracy activists.

No one wants to be the next Stand News, Citizen News or Apple Daily, she said, referring to the three news outlets that have shut down.

Self-censorship is not only for self-protection, but to protect sources and colleagues as well, she said.

Its always a struggle. You got a good [quote] and its anti-government. You, your editor, your newsroom would have to make a decision: Do you want to put that person at risk? I dont think so. Our job is to report the truth but at the same time, you cannot do any harm to anyone, she said. When colleagues write sensitive sentences, we censor them too. You dont want them to get in trouble. Its a struggle. Youre practicing self-censorship but youre saving somebody.

The result is that various medias reports are similar, with the same kind of opinion and voices, she said.

Theres still space to scrutinize government policies and actions, but the journalist who requested anonymity said that was only for politically nonsensitive issues.

Its OK to quote someone saying firework displays are a waste of money since even a lawmaker said it  [but] all reporting on Article 23 has been very positive, she said.

She said she plans to continue as a journalist despite the difficulties, pointing to the need for nonpolitical stories, and the appeal of doing social impact stories such as those about NGOs working to help others, which, she said were rewarding to do because readers become more interested in the NGOs after reading the stories.

Society is not just about politics, she said.

On the bright side, no more journalists have been arrested after the Apple Daily and Stand News arrests, Chan said.

He and Williamson agreed that what is encouraging is that there are still passionate journalists trying to report on issues in Hong Kong in the current environment.

What I do believe in is the dedication and the talent of the journalists who are in Hong Kong, both those who were born here and those who have moved here, to continue to do their job in the face of hardship, Williamson said.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warns the potential spillover of dozens of conflicts around the world is threatening global peace and causing human rights violations to surge in all regions.

Turk, who presented an update about the situation of human rights around the world at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva Monday, painted a frightening picture of a world where proliferating conflicts are devastating the lives of millions of civilians.

Rarely has humanity faced so many rapidly spiraling crises, he said, noting that 55 conflicts around the world are battering peoples lives, destroying economies, and profoundly damaging human rights by subjecting millions of people to widespread violations and upending hopes for multilateral solutions.

He said displacement and humanitarian crises have reached an unprecedented scale, legitimate governments are being toppled and those in power choose war to resolve national and international problems.

Turk warned all these conflicts are having a serious regional and global impact.

Overlapping emergencies make the specter of spillover conflict very real, he said. The war in Gaza has explosive impact across the Middle East. Conflicts in other regions including in the Horn of Africa, Sudan and the Sahel could also escalate sharply, adding that increasing militarization on the Korean Peninsula raises threat levels.

He said, The war in Gaza already has generated dangerous spillover in neighboring countries and I am deeply concerned that in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration. This would have implications for every country in the Middle East, and many beyond it.

In zipping through the existing situations of dozens of countries, Turk provided a grim snapshot of prevailing conditions on the African continent. He called the deteriorating security crisis in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo alarming.

While commending Ethiopia for the steps it has taken in ending military operations against the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, he said the humanitarian situation in the northern region remained very serious and persistent human rights violations in areas still under the control of Eritrean and Amhara forces, remain obstacles to durable peace.

He called the human rights situation in both Mali and Burkina Faso very worrying, noting that military operations have intensified in these countries, with armed groups committing grave human rights violations against their civilian populations.

Elections could entrench autocrats

The High Commissioner reports more than 60 countries, where nearly half of the worlds people live, are holding elections this year. Unfortunately, instead of being a landmark for democratic principles, he said many of these elections are cementing autocratic rule, licensing corrupt practices, and depriving people who are poor and dispossessed of their rights to determine their future.

In many parts of the world, many politicians are deliberately inflaming antagonism and xenophobia to garner support, particularly in electoral period, he said. In this headlong rush to abandon the common good for short-term personal benefit, they are tearing up the fundamental human rights principles that can unite us all.

Turk also expressed concern by the prospect of intense disinformation campaigns in the context of elections, fueled by generative artificial intelligence. There is an acute need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible use of generative AI, and my Office is doing its utmost to advance them, he said.

He highlighted several countries that were holding elections to legitimize their authoritarian rule.

In the Russian Federation, the authorities have further intensified their repression of dissenting voices prior to this months presidential election. Several candidates have been prevented from running, due to alleged administrative irregularities. The death in prison of opposition leader Alexei Navalny adds to my serious concerns about his persecution, he said.

He added that since Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, and others have been criminally charged simply for speaking out against the war.

He blasted Irans legislative election three days ago which took place in a country that has been deeply divided by the governments repression of the rights of women and girls. He said the election was Iranians first opportunity to vote since country-wide protests broke out following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, while in police custody. She was arrested for allegedly wearing her veil improperly.

People who participated in the protests have been persecuted, imprisoned on long sentences and in some cases, put to death, he said. I have urged immediate reforms to uphold the rights of all Iranians.

He expressed concerns about deteriorating human rights related to elections in a bevy of other countries around the world including Chad, Rwanda, Somalia, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Venezuela, and Poland.

Turk criticized some practices in the United States of America and called on the U.S. government to ensure that suffrage is non-discriminatory, equal and universal.

A 2021 presidential executive order acknowledges that disproportionate and discriminatory policies and other obstacles have restricted the right to vote for people of African descent and emphasizes the need to overturn them.

Despite this, he noted at least 14 states passed laws last year making voting more difficult. In a context of intense political polarization, it is important to emphasize equal rights, and the equal value of every citizens vote, he said.

The High Commissioner deplored escalating attacks against LGBTQ+ people and their rights, noting that discriminatory legislation and policies recently have been expanded, adopted, or are under consideration in several countries.

Among those he called out for rebuke are Belarus, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Lebanon, Niger, Nigeria, the Russian Federation, Uganda, and several states within the United States.

Recognizing the rights of LGBTQ+ people goes to the meaning of equality, and the right of everyone to live free from violence and discrimination, he said.
The last print run for Hong Kongs iconic Apple Daily newspaper came on June 24, 2021.

With the Apple Dailys founder and publisher Jimmy Lai and other executives detained, and the media groups assets frozen, the paper Lai founded in 1995 came to a halt.

But while the tabloid newspaper known for its pro-democracy stance has come to an end, its domain is still aliveand used for publishing a very different type of content.

The domain is one of several bought by Serbian businessman Nebojsa Vujinovic.

Vujinovic works in the digital market. His model: buying up expired internet domains and trying to cash in on their reputation using the latest technology and marketing techniques.

Vujinovic told VOA that he doesnt try to fundamentally change the content of the sites that he buys. But, with Apple Daily, he made the changes because he is not interested in politics, especially for business purposes.

"It's a big site, but it didn't even occur to us to continue where the previous owner left off. There is no way we would have done it," Vujinovic said.

That owner  Lai  is currently on trial following charges filed under Hong Kongs national security law. The 76-year-old has denied the accusations of collusion with foreign forces and sedition.

During that trial, prosecutors have cited Apple Dailys content as evidence against Lai.

Instead of politics and coverage of Hong Kong, Apple Daily now covers lifestyle, tech, and ideas for birthday greetings.

"Foreigners told me that (Lai) was supposedly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and that I write about New Year's and birthday greetings on his website, and they ask me, Where are my morals? said Vujinovic. Since the site is called Apple Daily, we can also write about apples if we want. You cannot rename the domain.

Vujinovic said he has no interest in politics. As a child, he had to flee the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and moved to Serbia in the 1990s.

I left my city when the war broke out and because of it and politics, my childhood was ruined. And the only thing I definitely don't need in my life is politics, he told VOA.

His changes to Apple Daily have dismayed journalists and media advocates.

Apple Daily had a reputation for its critical articles on Chinese authorities and Hong Kong politics.

Critics see the jailing of Lai as a sign of a declining environment for media in Hong Kong. Lai is one of four jailed Chinese dissidents whom two U.S. lawmakers nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in January.

It's certainly an interesting development, said Singapore-based journalist Timothy McLaughlin, adding that Vujinovics motives appeared to be an opportunistic play to make some money.

McLaughlin, who contributes to The Atlantic, is co-author of the book, Among the Braves: Hope, Struggle, and Exile in the Battle for Hong Kong and the Future of Global Democracy, about human rights and media freedom.

It is likely people still look for the Apple Daily news site, McLaughlin said, adding that its closure left a gap in the media market.

The kind of op-eds that the paper took toward the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong have vanished. But I think it's also important to remember that the regular kind of reporting that Apple Daily did is also gone, said McLaughlin. The kind of day-to-day coverage of issues in the city and what politicians were doing and sort of watchdog role that the newspaper played.

A former DJ, Vujinovic has bought about 2,000 websites since starting his business in digital marketing. And every day, he says, more than a million domain licenses expire, even for high-profile sites.

"There can be many reasons for domains to expire. Their owners, due to carelessness, may forget to renew domain registration on time or miss notifications about registration expiration, he said.

Vujinovic and his team of around 60 people use AI tools to provide content to the sites. They generate between 100 and 200 text articles, most in English, each day.

"AI is getting better and better. It dominates throughout the world of information on the internet, but we don't let the machine generate content by itself, said Vujinovic.

But that approach concerns media ethics experts. The watchdog NewsGuard recently warned of a steep rise in websites styled to look like news outlets.

Since it started tracking the sites, NewsGuard has documented more than 700 with content mostly generated by AI.

Kirk O. Hanson, an applied ethics professor at Santa Clara University in California, said that the use of AI can make the problem of fake news and misrepresentation even bigger.

"Artificial intelligence can spread information much faster because it is able to create millions of messages in a short time and has the ability to imitate others more reliably, Hanson said. Therefore, the challenge of separating good information from bad, true from false is much more difficult in the era of artificial intelligence.

Hanson sees three big ethical challenges to the digital world: employment, misuse of platforms and AI.

"How do you control the ability of artificial intelligence to control, to generate new and false knowledge, and to imitate political actors, business actors," Hanson asked.

Journalist McLaughlin said the fight for media freedom in the past decade has mostly taken place in the online space. Some governments "apply various tactics, from forcing the media to close down, to opening their own fake websites, to buying some well-known domains and then corrupting them, he said.

That's something we've seen in Southeast Asia a lot. Newspapers getting taken over by forces, aligned with or close to the government. Then they use the name and start putting out skewed or biased news, McLaughlin said.

He added that social media platforms present another challenge on manipulated content, saying, I think a lot of issues out there are playing out online, that bad actors can kind of take advantage of.

Many media critics agree that the best antidote to these challenges is greater news literacy so audiences know how to access verified and independent news.

This article originated in VOAs Serbian service. Stefan Miljus contributed to this report from Belgrade.
The United States last week ramped up peace brokering efforts between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, and delivered food aid to Gaza, after the United Nations reported starvation and a rising death toll in the monthslong war.



On March 3, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called the situation in Gaza a humanitarian catastrophe and urged an immediate cease-fire.



Harris called on Hamas to release Israeli hostages and criticized Israel for not doing enough to ease the situation in Gaza.



"The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses," Harris said in a speech that Reuters described as the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the U.S. government over the conditions in the coastal enclave.

With large pro-Palestinian marches taking to the streets across U.S. cities, some protests have taken extreme forms.



On February 25, U.S. active-duty airman Aaron Bushnell set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington to protest civilian deaths in Gaza.



In China, a Weibo influencer with 1.2 million followers seized on the tragedy to agitate for Chinas state ideology:



Aaron Bushnell was a left-wing comrade... On February 26, just one day after Aaron's death, American communists announced the establishment of a political party in New York - the Revolutionary Communist Party of the United States and shouted Communists are revolutionary! There is only one solution, and that is communist revolution!"

That is false.



Aaron Bushnells life and suicide had no connection to the communist ideology or the Revolutionary Communist Party USA, which has existed since 1975.



The 25-year-old active-duty serviceman was a cyber-defense operations specialist with the U.S. Air Force's 531st Intelligence Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. He had served on active duty since 2020 and was set for discharge in May after a four-year tour of duty.



The Washington Post reported that Bushnell grew up on a religious compound in Orleans, Massachusetts, called the Community of Jesus.



In a CBC investigative report, former Community of Jesus members have alleged that some prominent group members engaged in inappropriate behavior.

That controversy involved a school in Canada accused in a lawsuit of creating an environment of control, intimidation and humiliation that fostered and inflicted enduring harms on its students.



The Washington Post quoted Susan Wilkins, a former member of the Community of Jesus who confirmed Bushnells upbringing, and saying it is common for members of the Community of Jesus to join the military. Wilkins described the transition as moving from one high-control group to another high-control group.



According to friends quoted by The Washington Post, Bushnell called himself an anarchist, and had considered leaving the military early to take a stand against what he saw as state-sponsored violence against civilians in Gaza, but decided to stay until his tour of duty was finished this coming May.



Theres no evidence that Bushnell was a communist and a left-wing comrade, as the Weibo influencer claimed.



In addition, the Revolutionary Communist Party USA was not formed the day after Bushnells death. It was founded in 1975, by Bob Avakian.



According to Influence Watch, an online site tracking public policy influencers, the Revolutionary Community Party USA is a radical-left political party that seeks to replace the government system in the United States and implement a socialist system of government.



Israel launched a war against Hamas after the Palestinian militants attacked southern Israeli settlements and a music festival last October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
Germany's defense minister said Sunday Russia was conducting an "information war" aimed at creating divisions within Germany, his first reaction to the publication in Russia of an audio recording of a meeting of senior German military officials.

Russian media published a 38-minute recording of a call Friday  in which German officers were heard discussing weapons for Ukraine and a potential strike by Kyiv on a bridge in Crimea  prompting Russian officials to demand an explanation.

On Saturday, Germany called it an apparent act of eavesdropping and said it was investigating.

"The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation ... It is part of an information war that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is waging," Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Sunday.

"It is a hybrid disinformation attack. It is about division. It is about undermining our unity."

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations of spreading false or misleading information when faced with allegations from other countries.

A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said on social media Friday, "We demand an explanation from Germany," without detailing its concerns.

The Russian Embassy in Berlin has not responded to an emailed request for comment.

Participants in the call discussed the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, which German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly so far firmly rejected. They also talked about the training of Ukrainian soldiers, and possible military targets.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke to journalists on Saturday about "cunning plans of the Bundeswehr (German armed forces), which became apparent due to the publication of this audio recording. This is a blatant self-exposure."

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said Sunday the recording indicated that Berlin was preparing to fight Moscow.
Authorities in Haiti say they are enforcing a nighttime curfew following an eruption of weekend violence, including armed gangs fighting with police at the National Penitentiary.

A 72-hour state of emergency has been declared in the wake of the violence.

Thousands of prisoners fled Haitis National Penitentiary, located in the capital, during a Saturday night gunbattle between national police and armed gangs, an official told VOA.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is currently overseas. He traveled last week to Kenya, where he signed a bilateral accord to authorize 1,000 Kenyan police officers who will lead a multinational security force. The United Nations authorized the force to help Haiti combat gang violence and reestablish security.

It was unclear where the prime minister was Sunday. Kenyan President William Rutos office did not respond to a request by VOA for information on Henrys whereabouts.

The Henry government has not officially commented on what is happening in Haiti.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has not yet publicly commented on the weekend violence.

VOA journalists who went Sunday to the penitentiary in downtown Port-au-Prince saw bodies inside and outside the building.

An engineer, who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of law enforcement officials, said he was working with the national police to survey the situation Sunday morning.

The engineer said 99 prisoners remained inside the jail. He said the penitentiary previously held close to 4,000 prisoners. He said he was not prepared to give an estimate of how many prisoners died during the jailbreak.

Among the bodies outside the building were civilians who had been caught in the crossfire, he said, adding that the police commissioner would publish official numbers later.

Those who remain [inside] are ill, prisoners who were being treated at the dispensary for various illnesses, the engineer told VOA.

Haitis National Penitentiary houses several high-profile prisoners. Among them: Cholzer Chancy, former president of the Chamber of Deputies who led the parliament between 2016 and 2018; Joseph Felix Badio, a key suspect in President Jovenel Moises assassination; Clifford Brandt, a convicted drug dealer who is the son of one of the richest men in Haiti.

The engineer told VOA that Brandt had been transferred out of the prison before the gun battle.

No, Brandt is not here. They took him out and brought him to another location, he said. He did not provide any other details.

A video widely shared on social media shows Brandt being taken out of the prison, accompanied by armed policemen and transferred to a police armored vehicle. VOA could not verify when the video was recorded.

Marcelin Myrthil, arrested in connection with the grassroots anti-gang Bwa Kale movement, was also imprisoned at the penitentiary.

The Bwa Kale movement targeted suspected gang members, many being chased by citizens and lynched or executed in the streets. Myrthil distributed machetes to communities plagued by gang violence and encouraged civilians to execute suspected thugs. Myrthil had been relocated by the police, the engineer told VOA.

He is in a secure place. I cant tell you where he is, the engineer said.

Eighteen former Colombian soldiers, accused in connection with the Moise assassination, were among the 99 prisoners who chose to remain in their jail cells. VOA spoke to a prisoner who identified himself as Francisco Eladio Uribe.

Speaking in Spanish, the man told VOA: I did not escape last night because I dont owe anyone anything. I am innocent. I came to this country to work toward a better future for my family. I ended up getting caught in the middle of a plot planned by an American company called CTV. Its because of their trap that Im in this situation today.

In a video post that was widely shared on Haitian social media Saturday, the soldiers pleaded with the Colombian government, their families and the international community for help.

A 2022 Human Rights Watch report on Haitis prisons cited overcrowding, lack of food and drinkable water, and unsanitary conditions that resulted in outbreaks of disease.

World Prison Brief, a nongovernmental organization that monitors prisons worldwide, found that in 2020, Haitis prisons were 302% over capacity.

Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbecue, leader of Haitis powerful G9 gang alliance, told journalists last week the rival gangs had united and launched a revolution to remove from power Prime Minister Henry. On Friday, he appealed to national police officers to join the gang effort.

Cherizier is a former policeman who has been targeted by sanctions issued by the United Nations and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The U.S. accused him of complicity in the La Saline massacre that targeted a Port-au-Prince slum and resulted in at least 71 civilian deaths.

The U.S. State Department condemned the violence in Haiti in a statement emailed to VOA Friday.

We are closely monitoring the situation and condemn destabilizing efforts in Haiti by those acting in their own self-interest, a spokesperson said.

On Sunday, the State Department did not respond to a request from VOA for comment regarding the jailbreak.

VOA's Mariama Diallo in Nairobi contributed to this report.
The whereabouts of Haitis prime minister, Ariel Henry, were not known Monday, three days after he signed a bilateral accord in Kenya to pave the way for a possible multinational force to help restore security in the troubled Caribbean nation. A fierce battle between police and armed gangs took place in Haiti over the weekend, and a gang leader there has called for Henrys ouster.

Haiti's government declared a 72-hour state of emergency after an intense battle between the country's police against powerful armed gangs over the weekend.

Macharia Munene, a professor of history and international relations at USIA-Africa in Nairobi, told VOA the upheaval is concerning.

"With [gang leader] Barbecue and his team saying they want Prime Minister Henry out, it's a revolution, Munene said. We don't know if they have been inspired by what is going on in the Sahel  the government was already incapacitated in Haiti, but this makes it even worse. That they can go to a jail, open up everything and release almost 4,000 people [prisoners]."

Barbecue, also known as Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer and the leader of a powerful gang alliance, says the goal is to block Henry from returning to the country.

Henry traveled overseas last week to drum up support for an international security force to intervene in Haiti, the Western Hemispheres poorest country.

In Kenya, he and President William Ruto signed a long-awaited bilateral accord that paves the way for 1,000 Kenyan police officers to lead a proposed multinational, U.N.-backed force that would help restore security in Haiti. Ruto said the urgency of the mission could not be overstated.

"It is a mission for humanity, he said. It is a mission for solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti."

Henry thanked Ruto.

"We did this appeal, and you stepped up, he said. You said, we want to help Haiti  thank you president, we appreciate it."

Munene said the signing of the document doesn't legalize the deployment of Kenyan police given that a Kenyan court had deemed such a move unconstitutional in a recent ruling.

Ekuru Aukot, a constitutional lawyer and one of the petitioners who brought the matter to the Kenyan court, said on social media that the signing was "very misleading," that Henry was imposed on the Haitian people and had no capacity to commit Haiti to any treaty."

The Kenyan government has not commented on Henry's whereabouts since the Friday signing ceremony, even after repeated inquiries by VOA.

Munene said the Haitian prime minister should try to go back to show he's in charge.

"We don't know whether he is still in the country or has gone to another country, Munene said. We don't know for now where he is but it's clear that in Port-au-Prince, the Barbecue has said he wants to barbecue the prime minister once he gets there. That may not be a good indicator."

Munene said what happened this weekend in Haiti may complicate matters, not just for Kenya but for the other countries that have volunteered to participate in the intervention.

"How they will be received ... they will not be given tea and coffee to welcome them; instead they might have to defend themselves in a very rough way, Munene said. So, the developments are not very flattering for the countries that are supposed to send police officers to keep the peace."

While some Kenyans support the mission in Haiti, Munene said there are many others who still wonder why their country wants to lead the multinational force given that other countries are more powerful and better equipped but have not been willing to step forward.

Sandra Lemaire contributed to this report.
During the Hong Kong governments recently ended monthlong public consultation period on a controversial new security law, which wrapped up last week, the citys two main journalist associations voiced concerns that the law will have profound implications for journalists ability to do their work.

The proposed law, known locally as Article 23, will be an expansion of a national security law Beijing imposed on the city in 2020, outlawing secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

It would add treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference as offenses, and would expand the scope and penalties for existing crimes, including sedition.

In their submissions to the Security Bureau as part of the consultation process, both the Hong Kong Journalists Association or HKJA and the FCCHK or Foreign Correspondents Club, Hong Kong , each of which has about 300 journalist members, urged the government to add a public interest defense clause in the new law to protect journalists, on the grounds that, without intending to break the law, they could do so inadvertently in reporting the news.

The FCCHK, whose membership of more than 2,000 also includes diplomats, businesspeople, artists and others who support journalism, said it was "paramount" to do so, and urged the government to "keep press freedom front of mind and make it clear that journalists would not be targeted for doing their jobs."

The Hong Kong Journalists Association urged the government to provide sufficient protection for the press in its draft bill and avoid causing irrevocable damage to press freedom.

The two associations said the definition and scope of offenses in the consultation document for the upcoming legislation such as theft of state secrets, foreign interference and sedition were too broad and would affect the legitimate work of journalists.

The groups fear that journalists could be charged with stealing state secrets when obtaining leaked information from government sources, accused of abetting foreign interference when quoting overseas groups critical of the government, and construed as seditious when quoting government critics or running editorials critical of government policies.

Although the government has said it will try to strike a balance between protecting national security and protection of freedoms, including freedom of the press, journalist associations worry this can be applied subjectively.

The government did not provide further explanation on what constitutes necessary for safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Journalists Association wrote, saying it worries that this would grant unchecked powers to the Security Bureau, giving them authority to curb the operations of local news organizations or industry groups, without the need to submit evidence to court or even make its reasons public.

The association also suggested that the law only be applied if the government can prove a defendants intention to endanger national security and actual material damage to national security.

In a survey it conducted last month, all of the 160 journalists and other news media respondents said Article 23 would harm press freedom, with 90% believing the impact would be large.

Most respondents also agreed the scope and terminology in the proposed law was too broad and vague, and expressed worries they would inadvertently break the law.

Hong Kongs government credits the national security law Beijing imposed on the city in 2020 for restoring safety and order in the city, which was rocked by widespread, and sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests in 2019.

It says it is also necessary to adopt the proposed additional home-grown security law because Hong Kong faces lingering national security threats and must prevent a recurrence of protests to ensure its safety and prosperity.

The government issued a statement last Wednesday saying the vast majority of those commenting on the proposal supported it, adding that it was pleased that society has reached consensus to complete the legislation as early as possible.

It hopes to adopt the law later this year.

The Security Bureau has not responded to VOAs request for comment about journalists concerns, but in a previous response, it said Hong Kong residents enjoy the freedoms of the press and speech but that these freedoms are not absolute, and can be restricted for reasons including protection of national security in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Journalists, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws, it said.

In its annual World Press Freedom Index last year, the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, ranked Hong Kong 140th out of 180 countries and regions.

Despite what many believe to be increasing restrictions on journalism in Hong Kong, those still in the profession persist in doing their work, including holding the government accountable, albeit with greater caution.

At a press conference last week after Financial Secretary Paul Chan presented the new budget for the coming fiscal year, with a ballooning deficit and lower than hoped for projected government revenue, journalists asked him tough questions.

One asked whether it was wise to put on monthly firework shows at Hong Kongs famed Victoria Harbour at a cost of about $128,000 each time.

Chan said these would be a lot cheaper and smaller scale than the New Years fireworks, and would entice tourists to stay overnight and spend more money.

Other journalists asked why there wasnt more social welfare spending as well as financial subsidies for residents, since the economy has not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chan said it was more important to focus spending on stimulating economic growth so that everyone can benefit.

Another journalist fired off two questions in succession and was about to ask a third, prompting Chan to request: Could I first answer the first two? The reporter insisted she had already informed him beforehand that she would ask three questions. He quietly let her ask the question.

Independent media are also still able to publish reports on sensitive topics, including a roundup of events that occurred since the national security law was adopted, highlighting the jailing of a veteran activist for a protest that did not take place and artistic performances that were canceled over national security issues.

Its crucial for Hong Kongs media to be able to do all of that and much more, according to the associations.

In its submission, the Hong Kong Journalists Association emphasized that the press is not a threat to national security.

Journalism serves to enhance transparency in public governance as well as promote good governance, it said.

The Foreign Correspondents Club in its letter stated: The freedom of press, publication and speech is one of the cornerstones contributing to the success of Hong Kong.  Protecting those rights and freedoms  is crucial for preserving Hong Kongs role as an international business and media centre.

It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt their recommendations.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday ruled that prosecutors can bring a hearing on charges against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony in his absence on Oct. 15.

Kony, the founder and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), is the ICC's longest standing fugitive. An arrest warrant was issued against him in 2005.

ICC prosecutors are looking to charge Kony with 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, rape, using child soldiers, sexual slavery, forced marriage and forced pregnancy.

Led by the now 62-year-old Kony, the LRA sowed fear among Ugandans for nearly 20 years as it battled the government of President Yoweri Museveni from bases in northern Uganda and neighboring countries. It has now largely been wiped out.

About 100,000 people were killed in the conflict, according to U.N. figures.

According to prosecutors Kony had ultimate power over the entire LRA and led a coordinated campaign to abduct children to integrate them into the LRA.

The abducted children were subjected to a "carefully designed and coordinated regime of physical and psychological violence" including sometimes being forced to beat and even kill other abductees, the document containing the charges said.

Kony, who is still at large, has said he is not guilty of the allegations against him.

In late 2022 ICC prosecutor Karim Kahn requested a hearing in the case to offer a "meaningful milestone" for victims and to present the depth of evidence gathered against Kony.

It is the first time since the court became a legal reality in 2002 that ICC judges have allowed a so-called confirmation of charges hearing without the suspect present and could have implications for other cases with fugitive suspects.

Other high-profile ICC fugitives include Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted on charges of child abduction in Ukraine, and former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, wanted for alleged genocide in Darfur.

Russia denies committing war crimes in Ukraine, while Sudanese authorities dismissed the court when the warrant against Bashir was issued in 2009.
China and Turkey continue to pursue their own negotiation platforms for a settlement in Ukraine, which the Kremlin is exploiting to further its own information operations aimed at discouraging continued international support for Ukraine, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Monday.

Russian officials continue to falsely blame Ukraine and the West for the lack of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, despite numerous public Russian statements suggesting or explicitly stating that Russia is not interested in good faith peace negotiations with Ukraine, the report reads.

ISW continues to assess that any Russian statements suggesting that Russia is or always has been interested in peace negotiations are very likely efforts to feign interest to prompt preemptive Western concessions regarding Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and place the onus for negotiations on Ukraine and the West.

In their turn, German officials confirmed that the Kremlin is conducting an information operation aimed at deterring Western states, particularly Germany, from sending additional military aid to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on March 3 that a leaked recording of German military officers discussing the theoretical provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine is part of the information war that Russian President Vladimir Putin is waging against the West.

The analysts note that Kremlin officials and Russian milbloggers seized on the audio to accuse Germany of planning a strike on the Kerch Strait Bridge and to accuse NATO of escalatory actions.

At the same time, ISW notes that delays in Western security assistance will likely make Ukraines energy infrastructure more vulnerable to Russian strikes.

Russian forces launched several massive strike series against Ukraine in December 2023 and January and February 2024, likely forcing Ukrainian forces to expend a significant number of interceptors. Ukrainian officials have stressed that Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of air defense missiles, and U.S. officials have reportedly assessed that this shortage will become increasingly significant through spring and summer 2024 without further security assistance to Ukraine  Limited effective air defense systems, dwindling air defense missile stocks, and continued Russian missile and drone strikes are likely forcing Ukraine to make difficult choices about air defense coverage, the review says.
The naming of two lions in India  one after a Hindu goddess  and the other after a 16-century Muslim emperor, is causing an uproar and sparking concerns about the rising trend of religious intolerance by hard-line Hindu groups there.

Hindu right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or VHP, recently filed a bizarre petition in court to stop the lions from sharing a zoo enclosure because of the names. The subsequent actions by the court in the group's favor have added to the tensions.

VHP said that keeping the lioness with the name of the Hindu goddess, Sita, in the same enclosure as Akbar the lion was an act of blasphemy and amounted to a direct assault on the religious belief of all Hindus.

Analysts and social activists have criticized the group, calling its protest "outrageous" and "absurd.

Social activists say the controversy stems from a deeper issue.

They say the VHP and other Hindu right-wing groups, which are affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, pursue an agenda to keep Muslims and Hindus apart in as many ways as possible.

For example, the right-wing groups oppose marriages between Muslim men and Hindu women.

The charge that the BJP seeks to keep Hindus and Muslims apart is totally baseless, said New Delhi-based senior BJP leader Alok Vats.

The BJP does not have any policy to keep Hindus away from Muslims. The party also does not differentiate between Hindus and Muslims, Vats told VOA.

In increased numbers Muslims, especially women, across the country are joining the BJP, Vats added.

Many believe the issue over the lions flared because Akbar the lion bears a Muslim name and is perceived to be a Muslim, while Sita, the lioness, is perceived as Hindu because of her name.

This absurdity in the form of a protest against the cohabitation of the two animals is yet another example of the dangerous level to which the BJP and its affiliates can go to create and widen divides in the society, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand, who uses only a first name, told VOA.

As part of an animal exchange program  the big cats were relocated from a zoo in the northeastern state of Tripura to an animal park in the eastern state of West Bengal on February 12. While transporting them, the wildlife authorities of Tripura recorded the name of the lioness as Sita and the lion as Akbar.

About a week after the animals reached West Bengal, the VHP filed a petition to the High Court in Kolkata, the capital of the state.

The VHPs West Bengal secretary, Lakshman Bansal, who filed the petition, said that naming the lioness Sita caused deep anguish to Hindus. He said Sita was the consort of Lord Ram, one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities, and was a sacred deity herself.

We cannot allow Sita to stay with Akbar in the same enclosure, Bansal said.

Dulal Roy, another VHP leader said, Naming of an animal after the name of a religious deity is certainly sacrilegious and tantamount to blasphemy.

Responding to the VHP petition, on February 22, the court asked the wildlife authorities of West Bengal to change the lions names.

These names should not be used to avoid unnecessary controversy, a High Court judge told officials.

On February 26, the government of Tripura suspended the chief wildlife warden, Pravin Lal Agrawal, following the VHP petition over the lions names.

Akbar is one of the 99 names for the god of Islam, or Allah. In India, Akbar is mostly known as the name of a Muslim emperor who expanded the Mughal empire over much of the Indian subcontinent through military, diplomatic and economic dominance.

Critics say that since Modi and his BJP came to power in 2014, religious intolerance targeting the 200 million Muslim minority has increased in India, a charge the Hindu nationalist party denies.

The right-wing groups have campaigned against marriage between Muslim males and Hindu females, calling such a union a Love Jihad  perpetuating a conspiracy theory that alleges Muslim men are luring Hindu women into marriage under false pretenses  to convert them to Islam and ensure the dominance of Muslims over the Hindus.

Zafarul-Islam Khan, former chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, said that naming an animal after a Hindu deity is an age-old practice among the followers of Hinduism in India.

In the Delhi Zoo, there has been, for decades, an African elephant named Shankar (the other name of the Hindu god Shiva). In the same zoo, there lives a white tigress who is called Sita. No group protested against these names or called them sacrilegious, Khan said.

They certainly would have not made the case of Sita, the lioness in West Bengal, an issue if she did not share an enclosure with the male lion bearing a Muslim name, Khan added.

Several analysts say that by picking up the lion-lioness issue, Hindu right-wing groups are seeking to widen the communal divide in Indian society.

Human rights activist Angana Chatterji, an anthropologist at the University of California, Berkeley, told VOA that "Hindu nationalists invent and weaponize Hindu and Muslim differences."

"These ugly dictates of the Hindu right underscore the xenophobia, absurdity and impiety of their zeal. They want no Hindu and Muslim union, friendships... or alliances, Chatterji said.

"By lying about the shared histories of Hindus and Muslims, they are driving the breakage of India as a nation, country and culture.

Delhi Universitys Apoorvanand noted that the court agreed with the VHPs claim that the religious sentiments of Hindus were hurt by keeping the lioness Sita and lion Akbar in the same enclosure.

The court asked how Sita could be alongside the lion bearing a Muslim name. This indulgence by the court sends across a strong message, the cohabitation of Hindus and Muslims in society cannot be allowed, Apoorvanand told VOA.
Authorities in Nepal say hundreds of vulnerable Nepalis have been recruited by the Russian military in recent months, with promises of high wages and citizenship. In this report from Kathmandu, a Nepali family tells VOA about how their son joined the Russian army as a mercenary after being left destitute in Russia by a scammer. Henry Wilkins has the story.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers Monday for meeting with their Russian counterpart during a regional forum in Turkey.

Tusk said that meeting Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the same day that Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was buried in Moscow was "not just an expression of good or bad taste.

"The issue of feasting on the day of Alexey Navalnys funeral  is just another sign of the Hungarian government, which we find difficult to accept for moral and political reasons, Tusk told a news conference.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar met with Lavrov on Friday during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum gathering. Szijjarto posted details of their dinner on his social media profile.

Colleagues in Bratislava and Budapest prove once again that our opinions on certain issues are too different, Tusk said. "Certainly, regarding the attitude toward Russia and the attack on Ukraine.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who met with Tusk, called the meeting with

Lavrov a regrettable choice.

Central European countries are deeply divided over the Russian war against Ukraine and how to resolve the conflict. While Poland and the Czech Republic are united in staunch support for Ukraine, including arms deliveries, Hungary and Slovakia have sharply different views.
Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.

Analysts say Australia will also have to negotiate the region's intricate ties to China.

The multimillion-dollar funding was announced Monday by Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. Analysts have said the move is a response to China's growing assertiveness and its disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Wong said in a statement that Australia was working closely with Southeast Asian partners to respond to shared maritime challenges and uphold international law.

Wong did not mention China by name when she later told the ASEAN meeting in Melbourne that the region faced destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air.

ASEAN was set up in August 1967 and comprises 10 members, including Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Relations with China have a been divisive issue within the alliance. Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar have strong ties to Beijing, while Singapore and the Philippines have had strained relations with China.

There has also been friction between Australia and China in recent years over various geopolitical and trade disputes, although tensions have eased since the election of a left-leaning government in Canberra in May 2022.

Nick Bisley, a professor of International Relations at Melbournes La Trobe University, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the Canberra governments dealings with ASEAN require deft diplomacy.

Because we have been so full-throated in not only being on Americas side, but from the previous government pointing fingers at China in various ways, and so that definitely complicates our relationship both with individual Southeast Asian countries and with ASEAN as a whole, he said.

The special ASEAN summit in Melbourne marks 50 years since Australia became the groupings first dialogue partner. The United States and China have similar partnership arrangements.

Melbourne is hosting leaders and officials from the association from Monday to Wednesday.

ASEAN member Myanmar was excluded from the summit because of the ongoing conflict in the country.

Timor-Leste wants to become an ASEAN member and is attending the gathering in Australia.
Seventeen people, including a top businessman and an ex-secret service chief will stand trial in Cameroon over the killing of a popular journalist, according to court papers seen by AFP.

The badly mutilated corpse of Arsene Salomon Mbani Zogo, known as "Martinez," was found a few days after his abduction in front of a police station outside the capital Yaounde on January 17, 2023.

The 50-year-old radio reporter was an outspoken critic of alleged corruption and cronyism in the Central African nation, often singling out government officials by name.

International NGOs say the regime of President Paul Biya, 91, who has ruled with an iron fist for more than 41 years, routinely curtails opposition.

No trial date has yet been set for the suspects, who include Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, an influential businessman and owner of Anecdote media group, who was arrested two weeks after Martinez's murder.

"He has been ordered to stand trial on a fabricated charge  complicity in torture," Belinga's lawyer Charles Tchoungang told AFP.

The court order said "sufficient charges against the indicted" justified ending the judicial enquiry and setting a trial.

Maxime Leopold Eko Eko, former head of Cameroon's DGRE spy agency, must also stand trial on charges of complicity in torture.

The DGRE's operations director, Justin Danwe, faces charges of complicity in murder.

But many Cameroonians fear justice may never be done in a country ranked by Reporters Without Borders as 118th out of 180 for press freedom.

After both Belinga and Eko Eko were freed from detention without formal explanation in December, a new investigative judge  the third  was named to handle the case.

Rights group Human Rights Watch says freedom of expression continues to be restricted in Cameroon, noting that three independent journalists were killed there last year.
Thailand's Supreme Court on Monday cleared former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra of corruption in awarding a government contract during her time in office.

Yingluck, who ruled from 2011 until she was ousted in a 2014 military coup, was charged with malfeasance in a 2013 project worth over $6.7 million.

The ruling is the latest legal success for the powerful Shinawatra family after Yingluck's brother Thaksin  a two-time premier also ousted in a coup  was freed on parole in February, six months into what was originally an eight-year prison sentence.

Yingluck and five others were accused of not running a proper bidding process to run the "Roadshow to Build the Future of Thailand," a campaign to promote her government's infrastructure projects.

Nine judges sitting in the kingdom's top court ruled unanimously in favor of the former premier, saying they "found no intention" to benefit the two major media outlets that won the contract, according to a statement.

"The project was done according to the regulations," the court statement said.

Yingluck, who has lived in self-imposed exile since 2017 to avoid a conviction in another case, was not present at the court but was represented by her lawyer.

"We received the mercy from the court to dismiss the case," fellow defendant Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, a former deputy PM, told reporters outside of court.

"We are not corrupt," he added.

Yingluck was sentenced in 2017 to five years in prison in a graft case related to a rice-pledging scheme for farmers in 2011.

She still faces six more cases over alleged graft during her premiership.
The U.N. atomic watchdog agency's director said that he's due to depart for a trip to Moscow on Tuesday for high-level talks with Russian officials to discuss the issue of nuclear safety in Ukraine.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi made the announcement Monday, the first day of a regular meeting of the agency's 35-nation board of governors in Vienna. There was no immediate confirmation of the trip from the Kremlin.

The situation continues to be very fragile, Grossi told reporters, referring to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant located in southeastern Ukraine.

The safety of the nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest, is of tremendous importance in terms of international peace and security, he said.

Grossi said that it was the intention that he will meet personally with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his upcoming trip but added that he would expect Moscow as the host of the talks to officially confirm it.

Grossi last met with Putin in October 2022.

Grossi visited Ukraine in February and crossed the front line to visit the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in person as part of the IAEAs efforts to prevent a nuclear disaster amid an ongoing war. He also held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He told reporters in Vienna that he considered it important to maintain a dialogue with both sides.

Grossi said that he expected to discuss technical issues related to the future operational status of the plant in Moscow. He also said that if the six-unit Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently in cold shutdown, is to be restarted, he would need to discuss what kind of safety evaluation will be made. He also said that he needs to speak about the issue of the external power supply lines, since what the IAEA currently sees is fragile and thin.

The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the Zaporizhzhia facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after.

The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.

The plant suffered eight losses of off-site power since the start of the war, forcing it to temporarily rely on emergency diesel generators, while continuing to face challenges related to staffing.
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three paramedics from the militant group Hezbollah on Monday, state media in Lebanon reported, hours after a missile strike blamed on the militants killed at least one foreign worker in northern Israel.

The attacks took place as U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein was arriving in Beirut for meetings with Lebanese officials.

The U.S. envoy urged calm along Israels border with its northern neighbor, Lebanon, as the ongoing war in Gaza sparks fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Hochstein cautioned that even if a truce were to be reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, it wouldnt necessarily mean a cessation of hostilities along Israels border with Lebanon. He also warned about the risks of an escalation of tension between the two countries. Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah have traded fire across their border throughout the war. Hezbollah is a Hamas ally.

"Escalation of violence is in no one's interest, and there is no such thing as a limited war," Hochstein told reporters after meeting Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.

The U.S. special envoy noted that friction on Lebanons southern border had increased in recent weeks. It comes as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza approaches its fifth month.

Earlier Monday, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Kassem reiterated that the Iran-backed militia, which says it is acting in support of Palestinians and Hamas, would stop its attacks on Israel once the Gaza offensive ends.

"Stop the assault on Gaza and war will end in the region," Kassem said Monday at a speech in Hezbollahs stronghold south of Beirut attended by Muslim clerics from several regional states.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said there will be no let-up in Israeli action against Hezbollah even if a Gaza cease-fire is secured.

Hochstein was scheduled to meet other officials and politicians during his Beirut visit.

The United States remains committed to advancing lasting security solutions achieved through diplomatic process, he told reporters after he met Berri. He said such a move would allow tens of thousands of Lebanese and Israelis who were displaced by the conflict to safely return to their homes.

Western diplomats have brought forward a series of proposals for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, most of which would depend on Hezbollah moving its forces seven to 10 kilometers away from the border.

Lebanons deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, told the Reuters news agency he believed the timing of Hochstein's visit signaled progress in mediation efforts in Cairo over a Gaza truce.

The United States has stepped up pressure for a cease-fire in Gaza and for more aid deliveries into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Kassem blamed the United States in his speech Monday for using its veto power three times to prevent resolutions at the U.N. Security Council to end the war in Gaza.

We have said it clearly that whoever wants to be a mediator should mediate to stop the aggression, Kassem said. He added that those who dont want the war to expand in the region should deal with the cause which is the brutal and criminal aggression by America and Israel against Gaza.

Israeli officials have threatened a wider war in Lebanon if Hezbollah does not withdraw its elite fighters north of Lebanons Litani River as stipulated in a 2006 truce that ended a 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in Gaza on October 7, more than 215 Hezbollah fighters and nearly 40 civilians have been killed on the Lebanese side, while nine soldiers and 10 civilians have died in the attacks in Israel.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Lobbying firms in Washington are reportedly rushing to drop clients from China as lawmakers look to tighten scrutiny. The push comes in the wake of a surge in Chinese lobbying in recent years and growing concerns about Chinas influence.

U.S. lawmakers say they are promoting legislation that would provide more transparency into who is lobbying for Chinese companies. The legislators aim to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from using gray areas to secretly advance policy agendas that harm the interests of the American people.

Republican Senator John Cornyn told VOAs Mandarin Service last week that lawmakers are very close to completing work on legislation that aims to address the problem. Last year, lawmakers in the Senate passed the disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act and members of the House have introduced a similar bill. Cornyn was a co-sponsor of the Senate bill.

Weve encountered some dissent but will continue to work because its important to understand who is actually lobbying these policymakers, Cornyn said. "The primary focus has been on making sure people register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. As you know, there's been a lot of problems associated with people not disclosing their lobby contracts with foreign countries.

Closing loopholes

In pushing legislation, lawmakers are looking to close existing loopholes in the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA) and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to demand more transparency regarding foreign governments and political parties that participate in the planning, supervision, direction or control of lobbying efforts regardless of whether they have made any financial contributions or not.

China is a unique challenge, Cornyn noted.

The Chinese are unique in that there is no true solely private sector; they are forced to share information with the PLA and with their intelligence agencies, he said. So, I would say anytime we're dealing with the Chinese-owned enterprise, it's a cause for concern.

U.S. lobbying is regulated by the LDA, which requires disclosure of domestic lobbying, and FARA, which requires disclosure of lobbying and other forms of influence by foreign governments and political parties. However, in 1995, FARA was amended to exempt those who represent foreign companies or individuals if the work is not intended to benefit a foreign government or political party. As a result, lobbyists registered under the far less transparent LDA and the result was a dramatic drop in FARA registrations.

Clients dropped

The effort to tighten scrutiny of Chinas lobbying activities follows the U.S. Department of Defenses release in late January of a list of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States known as the 1260H list.

Lawmakers subsequently said they were considering a measure prohibiting lobbyists who represent companies on the list from meeting with members of Congress, even to discuss matters on behalf of their American clients.

Following the release of the 1260H list, a chart began circulating on Capitol Hill that named various Chinese companies, including some military firms, as well as the names of their lobbying firms and whether they appear on the 1260H list.

Responding to the chart, at least five U.S. lobbying firms dropped Chinese clients as of late February. Steptoe LLP has terminated its contract with Shenzhen biotech company BGI. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld filed cease-and-desist documents to stop lobbying for Chinese LiDAR maker Hesai Group and terminated its cooperation with Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company not on the 1260H list. The Vogel Group has also dropped lobbying services for Chinese drone company DJI and Complete Genomics, a subsidiary of genetic technology company BGI.

DJI and Hesai are both on the 1260H list. Complete Genomics is not on the list, but its previous parent company, BGI, is on it.

Boycotting meetings

Republican Senator Marco Rubio told VOA that while it is difficult to pass a law prohibiting members of Congress from meeting with anyone, some congressional offices have decided not to meet with lobbying firms representing Chinese military companies.

"There are just certain entities we won't meet with because we understand that while they may be doing it for commercial reasons, the interests that they're representing are linked to Chinese goals, military goals and aspirations, he said. And so  we've made that decision unilaterally.

Robert Sutter, professor of practice of international affairs at the Elliott School of George Washington University, said historically, Chinese military entities' lobbying activities have been an ambiguous area, and the enforcement has been weak.

"These [companies] lobbying for these firms ... it's probably legal in some way. But there is a reputational cost, and I think that's what the Congresspeople are calling attention to in saying they will boycott these firms," he said.

According to Open Secrets, a political money website, Chinas lobbying has surged in recent years. China spent more than $330 million on lobbying between 2019 and 2023. That stands in sharp contrast to the $60 million it spent between 2015 and 2018.

Chinas lobbying roster

Craig Singleton, a senior researcher with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes up until a few years ago, Chinese corporate lobbying in Washington was almost non-existent but that changed when the U.S. government went after Huawei.

After that, Chinese firms switched gears and quickly scaled up, deploying lobbyists to protect their bottom lines in the face of increasing scrutiny from Democrats and Republicans alike," he said. "Today, China's lobbying roster reads like a 'who's who' of Washington insiders, from retired Pentagon brass to former high-ranking congressional aides. The goal of these lobbying operations is simple: disrupting any actions that could negatively impact their clients' market share, deflecting regulatory scrutiny and defending against sanctions."

Singleton said the Department of Justice  which is responsible for administering and enforcing FARA  could play a bigger role in curbing the CCP's malign lobbying influence on Capitol Hill.

"The U.S. Department of Justice currently mandates only two Chinese companies, Huawei and Hikvision, to disclose their lobbying activities under FARA, offering a comprehensive overview of their engagements, he said. Despite additional Chinese firms being flagged as national security risks by the Defense Department and FCC, the Justice Department has not extended FARA filing requirements to these problematic entities. The only apparent obstacle to such action is a lack of political will within the Justice Department itself."

VOA Mandarin reached out to the Department of Justice, but it declined to comment.

Yi-hua Lee and Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces struck eight areas of concentration of personnel and one ground control station of the UAV of the Russian occupation forces, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the situation as of 18:00 on Monday.

As the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informs on Facebook, one guided aviation missile X-59 was also destroyed by the air defense forces of Ukraine.

According to the General Staff, units of the missile forces defeated one area of concentration of personnel, one air defense system and six enemy artillery.
The U.S. State Department presented its annual International Women of Courage Awards during a ceremony Monday at the White House.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and first lady Jill Biden hosted the event, with the awards this year going to women from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Cuba, Ecuador, Gambia, Iran, Japan, Morocco, Nicaragua and Uganda.

For these women and so many activists like them around the world, courage is a deliberate and daily choice, Blinken said during remarks at the ceremony. Women and girls demonstrate similar bravery in places that are wracked by conflict and insecurity even as they are disproportionately harmed by that violence.

The awards launched in 2007 and are presented to women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, according to the State Department.

Among those honored this year are nine women from Nicaragua who were part of a group of political prisoners released there last year. The State Department said the activists continue to fight for democracy and human rights under a repressive regime.

Fawzia Karim Firoze of Bangladesh is being honored for her work as a Supreme Court advocate who has fought for the rights of marginalized groups.

Ajna Jusic from Bosnia and Herzegovina was selected in honor of her work on behalf of children born of rape during war.

From Cuba, Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello is being recognized for leading human rights and religious freedom movements in her country.

Agather Atuhaire is being honored for work to promote human rights and the rule of law in Uganda
The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior leaders, denouncing what it said was a campaign of rights abuses and corruption.

The sanctions, which will block any U.S.-based property and block any unofficial travel to the United States, replace a broader, two-decade-old sanctions program against Zimbabwe.

"The changes we are making today are intended to make clear what has always been true: our sanctions are not intended to target the people of Zimbabwe," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said.

"We are refocusing our sanctions on clear and specific targets: President Mnangagwa's criminal network of government officials and businesspeople who are most responsible for corruption or human rights abuse against the people of Zimbabwe," he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new measures were part of a "stronger, more targeted sanctions policy" on Zimbabwe as he voiced concern over "serious cases of corruption and human rights abuse."

"Key individuals, including members of the government of Zimbabwe, bear responsibility for these actions, including the looting of government coffers that robs Zimbabweans of public resources," Blinken said in a statement.

"Multiple cases of abductions, physical abuse, and unlawful killing have left citizens living in fear."

Mnangagwa, whose party has been in power for more than four decades, was declared the winner of a new term in an election in August that international observers said fell short of democratic standards.

He is the second consecutive Zimbabwean leader to face U.S. sanctions following veteran president Robert Mugabe.

Hopes of a thaw briefly surfaced after Mnangagwa pushed Mugabe out of power in 2017, but Western powers and rights groups say that the new leadership has also clamped down on the opposition and protests.

President Joe Biden in a declaration on Monday ended an earlier sanctions program on Zimbabwe imposed in 2003 under George W. Bush, who had advocated for a broader global push of sanctions on the country under Mugabe.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called Sunday for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, in one of the strongest appeals yet from the Biden administration to halt the war.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire," Harris said to loud applause at a gathering to commemorate a major civil rights anniversary in Selma, Alabama.

The administration has been working with Egypt and Qatar to mediate a six-week pause in the fighting to get the remaining hostages held by Hamas out and to get scaled-up aid into Gaza, where the U.N. has warned that famine is looming.

Speaking at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where 59 years ago state troopers beat U.S. civil rights marchers in what is known as Bloody Sunday, Harris said people in Gaza are starving.

"The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act," she said. "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.

On Saturday, a joint operation by the U.S. and Jordanian Air Forces air dropped 38,000 meals along Gazas coastline. A senior U.S. official said air drops will be part of a sustained effort with international partners to scale up humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

Humanitarians use air drops as a method of last resort, because they are expensive, complex operations and cannot deliver the volume of aid that a truck could.

Harriss appeal comes ahead of a planned meeting Monday with Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House.

Harris told the crowd in Selma that the threat that Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated.

A White House official said the talks are expected to focus on Palestinian civilian casualties, securing a temporary cease-fire and the release of hostages, as well as increasing aid into the enclave.

"The vice president will express her concern over the safety of as many as 1.5 million people in Rafah," the official said, adding that Israel has a "right to defend itself in the face of continued Hamas terrorist threats."

In a statement, Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of Congress.

Cease-fire talks

A delegation from Hamas was in Cairo on Sunday to discuss a possible weeks-long cease-fire to the nearly five-month war with Israel. But Israeli media reported that Israeli mediators boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a full list of names of hostages who are still alive.

The Biden administration said it hopes to have a cease-fire deal by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins around March 10.

An agreement would bring about the first extended pause in the fighting since a week-long truce in late November. Under proposed terms, dozens of the remaining 100 or so hostages held by Hamas would be freed in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.

A U.S. official told reporters, "The path to a cease-fire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there's a deal on the table. There's a framework deal."

Israel has vowed to end the threat of another Hamas assault like the October 7 terror attack on the Jewish state that killed 1,200 people. Israels counteroffensive since then has killed more than 30,000 people in Gaza, about 70% of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

If a truce is agreed, it would enable scaled up humanitarian aid into Gaza, were the situation is growing more desperate by the day. The health ministry says at least 16 children have died of malnutrition in recent days as "famine spreads" in the north.

Meanwhile, fighting continues, with the health ministry reporting that at least 90 Palestinians have been killed in the last day, including 14 family members whose house in the southern Rafah refugee camp had been hit.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. Germany confirms leaks, saying it has battle plans for Ukraine. And, Israel has agreed to revise the lyrics of its potential submission to the Eurovision Song Contest because of lyrics about the October 7th Hamas attack.
Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with one of Benjamin Netanyahus political rivals as US-Israel tensions are on the rise. Pakistan has a new Prime Minister and Germany appears to be about to send Ukraine new, more sophisticated weapons. Plus an update from the Two Sessions meeting in Beijing
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the brutal October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and the taking of hostages, including American citizens, during a meeting Monday with Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House.

Harris, who met with Gantz in a push for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, expressed U.S. support for Israels right to defend itself in the face of ongoing Hamas terrorist threats and underscored Washingtons unwavering commitment to Israels security, a White House readout said.

Harris urged Hamas to accept the terms of the agreement, in which the release of hostages would result in an immediate six-week cease-fire and allow a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

She addressed the recent tragedy in northern Gaza where civilians swarming an aid convoy for food supplies were killed by Israeli forces, calling it a horrific tragedy.

According to Gazas Health Ministry, at least 16 children have died of malnutrition in recent days as "famine spreads" to the north of the enclave.

Harris also discussed the urgency of achieving a hostage deal.

It is important that we all understand that were in a window of time right now where we can actually get a hostage deal done, she told reporters before the meeting. We all want this conflict to end as soon as possible, and how it does, matters."

Harris and Gantz also discussed Israels looming military operation in Gazas southern city of Rafah, where over a million people are sheltering. She said a viable humanitarian plan has to be implemented there before Israel decides to launch any major offensive against Hamas and expressed fears what such an operation would pose on civilians.

The U.S. has said Israel has signed off on the parameters of the cease-fire, but details have yet to be worked out in Cairo negotiations with Hamas.

Harris used a speech Sunday to issue her cease-fire call, one of the strongest appeals yet from the Biden administration to halt the war.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire," Harris said to loud applause at a gathering to commemorate a major civil rights anniversary in Selma, Alabama.

"The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act," she said. "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.

Harris also told the crowd that the threat that Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated.

The administration has been working with Egypt and Qatar to mediate a six-week pause in the fighting to get the remaining hostages held by Hamas out and to get scaled-up aid into Gaza, where the United Nations has warned that famine is looming.

'Powder keg'

U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said Monday it is imperative to do everything possible to avoid a wider war, as he cited cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.

"I am deeply concerned that in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration, Turk told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva. This would have implications for every country in the Middle East and many beyond it.

Turk said the conflict in Gaza has already generated dangerous spillover in neighboring countries.

He also highlighted attacks by Yemens Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea, which the Houthis have said are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Turk said the Houthi attacks have disrupted maritime trade and increased the prices of goods, which are having a significant impact on developing nations.

There is a serious risk of the conflict extending to Yemen itself, with potentially severe harm to Yemen's people, already suffering from the humanitarian crisis generated by a decade of war, Turk told the council.

Cease-fire talks

A delegation from Hamas was in Cairo on Sunday to discuss a possible weeks-long cease-fire in the nearly five-month war with Israel. But Israeli media reported that Israeli mediators boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a full list of names of hostages who are still alive.

The Biden administration said it hopes to have a cease-fire deal by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins around March 10.

An agreement would bring about the first extended pause in the fighting since a week-long truce in late November. Under proposed terms, dozens of the remaining 100 or so hostages held by Hamas would be freed in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.

A U.S. official told reporters, "The path to a cease-fire right now literally at this hour is straightforward. And there's a deal on the table. There's a framework deal."

Israel has vowed to end the threat of another Hamas assault like the October 7 terror attack on the Jewish state that killed 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies. Israels counteroffensive since then has killed more than 30,500 people in Gaza, about 70% of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

If a truce is agreed, it would enable scaled up humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the situation is growing more desperate by the day. The health ministry says at least 16 children have died of malnutrition in recent days as "famine spreads" in the north.

VOAs Jeff Seldin and Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A dozen civilians including 5 children were killed in a Russian drone strike that reduced their apartment building to rubble. Anna Chernikova reports from Kyiv. The UN human rights chief calls for Moscow to end repression in run-up to Russias presidential election. Why foreigners living in Ukraine are choosing to stay instead of returning to the safety of their home countries. Lesia Bakalets has the story.
Ukraine said Monday it blew up a rail bridge in the Samara region in southwestern Russia.

Ukraines military intelligence said the attack targeted the supports of a bridge over the Chapaevka River.

The agency said Russia had used the bridge to transport military cargo.

Russias railway operator reported an incident in the Samara region, saying there were no casualties but that service had been suspended in the area.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an appeal Sunday to Western nations to supply delayed aid to Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian onslaughts despite a shortage of ammunition.

If this does not happen, it will become one of the most disgraceful pages in history  if America or Europe are defeated by Iranian Shahed drones or Russian fighter jets. Russian evil should not be encouraged by weak decisions, delays in deliveries or hesitation, he said, referring to the stalled U.S. aid package for Ukraine due to political wrangling in the U.S. Congress.

It is simply impossible to explain how the hardships of a bleeding country can be used in domestic political struggles, Zelenskyy added during his Sunday night video address.

Zelenskyys strident tone in his address revealed his frustration as the death toll in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa rose to 12 people, including five children, Sunday, after a Russian drone struck an apartment block there Saturday.

Russia has made Ukrainian children its military targets, Zelenskyy wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, earlier Sunday, after the bodies of three children were pulled from the rubble.

Odesa regional Governor Oleh Kiper, writing on Telegram, said rescue teams working late Sunday had found additional bodies. Earlier in the day recovery teams pulled the bodies of a mother and baby out of the rubble.

It has now been more than two months since the U.S. last sent military supplies to Ukraine. In Washington, officials are viewing the shortage of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine and the drop off in U.S. supply shipments with increasing alarm.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring to a vote the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate that includes a crucial $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. That decision could stall the package for weeks after an already monthslong wait in Congress.

"We are waiting for supplies that are vitally necessary, we are waiting, in particular, for an American solution," Zelenskyy said Sunday in his evening address.

Russia had lost 15 military aircraft since the beginning of February, he added. The more opportunities we have to shoot down Russian aircraft ... the more Ukrainian lives will be saved," Zelenskyy added in his Sunday evening address.

U.S. Defense Department officials are discussing options that could include tapping existing Pentagon stockpiles before Congress approves funding to replenish them, according to Sen. Jack Reed, the chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Police have stepped up security measures at Jewish sites in Zurich following a serious knife attack on an orthodox Jewish man in the Swiss city overnight, local police said Sunday.

Police said they had taken action after a 15-year-old Swiss youth was arrested for inflicting "life-threatening" injuries on the 50-year-old Jewish man in central Zurich on Saturday night.

A Zurich police statement said it was not clear what sparked the attack, but that investigations were "explicitly including the possibility of a crime motivated by antisemitism."

The extra security was put in place for "specific locations with a Jewish connection," police said, following discussions with local Jewish organizations. They gave no further details.

Jonathan Kreutner, general secretary of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG), told Swiss television that physical attacks on Jewish people in the country were rare.

"A case like this is really a new dimension," he said.

Concern about the risk of antisemitic behavior in Switzerland has grown since the terror attacks by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on Oct. 7 and the subsequent campaign against the Islamist group by the Israeli government in Gaza.

Last month, the SIG raised concern about attitudes to Jewish people after local media reported police had opened an investigation into a sign in Hebrew displayed by a business in Davos which declared Jews were barred from renting ski gear.
The United States on Monday terminated the Zimbabwe sanctions program and Treasury imposed fresh restrictive measures and tightened them on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife, Auxilia, and others said to be violating peoples rights and engaging in corruption.

In a statement, President Joseph Biden signed an Executive Order (E.O.) terminating the national emergency with respect to Zimbabwe and revoking the executive orders that have authorized Zimbabwe-specific sanctions. As a result, the economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), pursuant to the Zimbabwe sanctions program are no longer in effect.

Concurrently, the Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control announced that it has designated 11 individuals, including Mnangagwa and three entities for their involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuses as per executive order E.O. 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

This transition to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Program, consistent with recommendations in Treasurys 2021 Sanctions Review, emphasizes the United States commitment to promoting accountability for corrupt and abusive networks restricting the political rights and economic resources of the people of Zimbabwe, read part of the statement.

Apart from Mnangagwa and his wife, others on the sanctions list are Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, police commander Godwin Matanga and his deputy Stephen Mutamba, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Sakunda Holdings proprietor Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra Mpunga, director of Fossil Fuel Obey Chimuka, Central Intelligence Organization deputy director Walter Tagwirei and Midlands governor Owen Muda Ncube.

In the statement, deputy secretary of the treasury Wally Adeyemo is quoted as saying the United States remains deeply concerned about democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and government corruption in Zimbabwe.

Adeyemo said, The changes we are making today are intended to make clear what has always been true: our sanctions are not intended to target the people of Zimbabwe. Today we are refocusing our sanctions on clear and specific targets: President Mnangagwas criminal network of government officials and businesspeople who are most responsible for corruption or human rights abuse against the people of Zimbabwe. These changes to our approach provide an opportunity for the government of Zimbabwe to undertake key reforms to improve its record on human rights, good governance, and anti-corruption. Consistent with the findings of Treasurys 2021 sanctions review, we are committed to the use of economic sanctions towards a clear and specific objective, in coordination with diplomacy and other tools of statecraft.

The termination of the national emergency declared in Executive Order (E.O.13288) and two other renewed orders, according to the statement, means that all persons blocked under the restrictive measures will be removed Monday from OFACs Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List; all property and interests in property blocked solely pursuant to the Zimbabwe Sanctions Program will be unblocked; and OFAC will remove the Zimbabwe Sanctions Regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations.

Pending or future OFAC investigations or enforcement actions related to apparent violations of the Zimbabwe Sanctions Regulations that occurred while the national emergency was in effect may still be carried out.

OFAC said as a result of Mondays Global Magnitsky action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.

In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFACs regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Reacting to the removal of some restrictive measures and subsequent imposition of sanctions on Mnangagwa and others, ZANU PF communications director Farai Marapira said the move is retrogressive and undermines Zimbabwes development.

These sanctions should be removed. They are destroying Zimbabwe, said Marapira.

Independent political and economic commentator Stevenson Dlamini of the National University of Science and Technology said the restrictive measures though designed to encourage Zimbabwe to transition to democratic ethos, can derail certain programs including corporation among banks in our country and USA.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree on the Shevchenko Prize.

"The laureates are worthy. On March 9, the decree will be published," he said in a video message on Monday.
The Kremlin on Monday said the content of leaked conversations between German officials discussing potential strikes on Crimea proved Western countries were participating in the conflict in Ukraine.

The leaks came as an embarrassment for Berlin, which is under pressure to supply Taurus missiles to Kyiv struggling with ammunition shortages.

The conversations "once again highlight the direct involvement of the collective West in the conflict in Ukraine," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

A 38-minute recording of talks between German officers was posted late on Friday on Russian social media.

The officers were discussing the possible use in Ukraine of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact.

Topics included aiming the missiles at targets such as a key bridge over the Kerch strait linking the Russian mainland to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Germany said it believed the recording featured an "intercepted" conversation in the air force division but could not tell whether or not it had been edited.

- 'Plans to strike' -

The Kremlin spokesman said the recording "in itself suggests that the Bundeswehr is discussing substantively and specifically plans to strike Russian territory."

Peskov was speaking as German Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff attended a meeting in the foreign ministry in Moscow.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded... clarifications in connection with the discussion between top German officers," it said in a statement.

Graf Lambsdorff left the ministry building without giving any comment, Russian news agencies reported.

Germany's foreign ministry said Graf Lambsdorff attended "a long-planned meeting in the Russian foreign ministry."

The day before, Germany had accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to sow disunity with the leak.

"It is about using this recording to destabilise and unsettle us," said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, adding that he "hoped that Putin will not succeed".

Pistorius said he was not aware of any further leaks at the army and added that he would await the result of a military probe into the case before drawing any conclusions.

Kyiv has long been clamouring for Germany to provide it with Taurus missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometres (about 300 miles) away.

- 'Information war' -

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far refused to send the missiles, fearing that it would lead to an escalation of the conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.

With Russia's offensive in Ukraine in its third year, Kyiv has ramped up its pleas for more military support from allies.

On the frontlines, its soldiers are outgunned and outnumbered and ammunition shortages are being felt.

France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometres.

But Scholz on Monday said that Germany could not justify matching British and French moves in sending long-range missiles to Ukraine and supporting the weapon system's deployment.

Part of the conversation in the leaked recording however appeared to call into question Scholz's explanation on why he could not provide Kyiv with the missiles.

The acquisition of Taurus missiles would provide a massive boost for Ukraine as Kyiv struggles to fend off Russia's invigorated push on the frontlines.

With politicians in Germany urging answers over the wiretap, Pistorius warned that the leak is "part of an information war that Putin is carrying out".

"We should not fall for Putin's line," he said.

bur/giv
The Action Edition Lights, camera, roundhouse kick to the head. Photo: 20th Century Studios

Henry Kingi is the recipient of Vultures second Stunt Award: Lifetime Achievement. Read about the winners of the 2024 celebration of stunt professionals here.

Henry Kingis long dark hair spills over his shoulders as he staggers backwards on a roof, guns shaking in both hands, blood streaked across his sweaty face. Hes running from something the audience cant see  something that has his character, a leather-vest-wearing cartel leader named El Scorpio, in its heat-vision sights. When an LAPD officer explodes onto the roof and takes aim at El Scorpio, he thinks he has no choice. He screams, raises his arms in two rigid lines just above the cop, and starts spraying bullets. Unaware that El Scorpio isnt shooting at him, the cop unloads his own gunfire, and whatever was hunting El Scorpio watches as the impact pushes his body over the edge of the building  his legs kicking, his gun still firing, as he spins to fall face first to his death.

At 80 years old, Kingi has over 80 acting credits on IMDb. He was on The Bionic Woman, T.J. Hooker, The A-Team (he did all the major jumps in the van) and Walker, Texas Ranger; he appears in Scarface, the original Road House, Batman Returns, Blade, and (fast forward many years to a very different superhero era) Ant-Man and the Wasp. He has over twice as many stunt credits, most recently in the John Wick and Fast & Furious universes. Name a franchise with flashy driving sequences (Kingi specialized in vehicular stunts)  Dune, Lethal Weapon, Star Trek, Speed, Jurassic Park, The Matrix, Bad Boys, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre  and hes done stunt work for it.

The Action Edition The Action Edition Read All the Stories

Yet his role as the gun-toting, free-falling El Scorpio in Predator 2 remains his most recognizable. Kingis wavy locks and arching eyebrows get center stage for more screen time in the Stephen Hopkins sequel than was typical for the performer who considered himself a stuntman first  a stuntmans stuntman as director Craig Baxley describes him. To this day, Kingi prides himself more on blending in on-screen than standing out  because of his mixed ancestry (he is of Native American, African American, Japanese and European descent ), the Hollywood lifer says he is like a chameleon, capable of doubling for almost any person behind the wheel, including Mr. T. Of course, this description downplays the amount of time Kingi spent attracting attention off camera, heaving doors open for the many labor organizers who are refashioning his industry today.

One thing about Henry, he has always been a humble and unassuming man, Baxley says. A stuntman who was always under the radar, not like most of the blowhard stuntmen in the industry. People would see most of the stunts he did and ask, Who did that? To this day, they still dont know he did them.

Photo: 20th Century Studios Photo: 20th Century Studios

Kingi says he never thought film, let alone stunt work, was a possibility for his future. Even though his mom was friends with Dorothy Dandridge, who when she visited would tell Kingi and his perfect head of hair, Im going to get you in the movies. He did a little modeling in the all-Black publication Elegant Magazine here, worked in venues like Mavericks Flat there, until a chance meeting with prolific photographer and vocalist for the music group the Hi-Fis, Lamonte McLemore, who had come by the club with stuntman Eddie Smith looking for Black extras for a scene in the 1967 Dr. Dolittle. After making $400 in only two days of work, he said, This is what I need to do! Where has this been?

Once he was accepted into the Extras Guild, Kingi became involved with the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, a group of Black stunt performers who would participate in battle recreations during Black History Month. Thanks to the cavalry, he learned how to fight and ride horses, his naturally lithe body suited to the work. His love for driving was more accidental. On the set of Dukes of Hazard, Baxley and his father Paul asked Kingi to take part in a driving scene and he demonstrated a preternatural ability to drift. Everybody was like, Shit! How did you do that? Kingi recalls. I said, I dont know!

At the time, Hollywood was embracing a practice known as painting down. Instead of hiring Black stuntmen to provide the double work for Black actors in action scenes, the production would paint white stunt performers  not beige, not brown, flat out Black, recalls Kingi. He says fellow stuntman Eddie Smith, was working on the set of Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) when he approached director Stanley Kramer and asked him why he wasnt using a Black stuntman to drive for supporting cast member Eddie Rochester Anderson. Bring me one, Kramer responded.

Smith and Kingi would do more than bring him one stuntman. To ensure that directors would know of and have no reason not to hire Black stunt performers, Smith (as president) and Kingi (as vice president) co-founded the Black Stuntmans Association along with several of their peers. It was small at first (15 people, including co-founder Calvin Brown, who was hired to double for Bill Cosby after he refused to use painted-down stunt doubles on the set of I Spy) and, according to Kingi, met with immediate resistance by white production members. In the old days, Kingi says he had to take his headshot directly to a stunt coordinator to get a job; after forming the BSA, those coordinators wouldnt take any meetings with Black performers. When the BSA started showing up at sets to demonstrate in front of productions that were painting down, animosity only grew.

Henry Kingi driving a vault in the Fast & Furious franchise. Photo: Universal Pictures

Between protests, BSA members would bring mattresses out to Athens Park in Los Angeles, and practice maneuvers. (Kingi says these sessions were often watched by individuals in unmarked copy cars; he and his co-founders believe their meetings were being mistaken for Black Panther gatherings.) These trainings helped Kingi jump feet first into Hollywood action, first showing up uncredited in Alfred Hitchcocks Topaz in 1969. He moved through Blaxploitation classics like Cleopatra Jones, and sci-fi like Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and the Charleton Heston disaster picture Earthquake (1974). Kingi is all over 70s and 80s television from there, most notably The Bionic Woman, where he met his second wife, Lindsay Wagner. He even worked with last years winner of this very award, Albert Pyun, on the latters debut, The Sword and the Sorcerer. Hed team again with Baxley on a few of his more beloved features too, Action Jackson and Stone Cold.

By the 90s and early 2000s, Kingi was so well established as an action player he was regularly working with mega-directors like John McTiernan and Michael Bay. On Bays Bad Boys II, Kingi says he performed the hardest stunt of his career (and arguably Bays most audacious to that point). Coming towards the end of the film, as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence descend on a Cuban village in a yellow Hummer, they crash and tumble down a mountainside full of shack houses. Calling to mind the opening of Police Story, they tear through house after house, obliterating everything in their path. Kingi says that when he was scouting the location, he realized the abandoned shacks had iron beds, stoves, and refrigerators inside of them, which forced the production to gut the buildings before barreling cars full speed through them.

One potential catastrophe averted; still, Kingi says the actual Hummer shoot was the only time he ever prayed while performing a stunt. As he drove down the mountain, the Hummer would lift off the ground, and each time it came back down, it would land in an exploding pile of wood. When he finally halted at the bottom of the run, he noticed a graze on his hand. And then he saw it: a piece of wood had somehow made it inside, despite the cars bulletproof half-inch Lexan glass, and came within inches of piercing his chest. I was worried about the cliff, he said, not a piece of pine  cheap, little softwood. With stuntwork comes endless planning and meticulous attention to detail, along with a willingness to take what comes.

The stakes of Kingis vehicular stuntwork only skyrocketed when he joined The Fast and the Furious crew. Brought aboard on the fourth entry, Fast and Furious, by Spiros Razatos, a stunt coordinator for the franchise he first worked with on Sidney J. Furies The Rage in 93, Kingi would end up working in some capacity on each installment from then on. Kingi was integral to a spectacular vault heist sequence in 2011s Fast Five (which made into 2023s Fast X as well, in flashback), during which Dom and his crew lift a vault from a police station by hook it to two Dodge Chargers and driving away, with Dwayne Johnsons team of agents on a wild chase behind them.

Director Justin Lin and the stunt team chose to go practical with the shoot, fearing too much weightlessness if the pinballing vault were to be rendered completely digitally. So instead, they put Kingi in a pickup truck, tore off the hood, built a vault around it, and had the stuntman drive the creation in tandem with the two Chargers. (If youre wondering if Kingi was roasting inside the glorified box, he was. Fellow stunt performer Jack Gill had to build a cool vest out of some dry ice, and fashion a hose for fresh air directly into Kingis helmet, to manage the heat.)

Its stories like these that underscore the absurdity of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencess refusal to honor stunt performers and coordinators with its own Oscars category. Kingi credits Gill with working the hardest to change this and cites Tom Cruises advocacy as a major boon to the cause. Earlier this year, the Academy announced it would be introducing an award for achievement in casting, signaling the Oscars might be open to acknowledging more below-the-line work like Kingis.

But it isnt just awards ceremonies that are leaving stunt performers out. An entire summer and fall of strikes came and went in Hollywood, and little was made of the impact streaming and residuals has on stunt performers, who have historically been denied a seat at the negotiating table. (Ignored by everyone except, according to Kingi, Cruise. As the Screen Actors Guild negotiated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers last year, Kingi recalls Cruise telling both sides, You should probably listen to what the stunt people have to say.) But just as he did over a century ago with the BSA, Kingi maintains a vested interest in a more equitable industry  it is, after all, a family business for him, with all three of his sons working in stunts today.
Adam Sandler in Spaceman. Photo: Larry Horricks/Netflix

Adam Sandler has done enough non-comedic roles by now  and done them quite well  that it should no longer surprise us when he shows up in a dramatic part. But watching him in Johan Rencks new Netflix movie Spaceman, in which he plays an emotionally constipated Czech astronaut drifting through space and mourning the dissolution of his marriage, one is often tempted to ask, Why? Sandlers best performances have him walking the knifes edge of rage and alienation. (This is what he does so well dramatically, but its also the key to his comedy.) But his anxious hesitancy is nowhere to be found in Rencks picture, which requires a stone face of a different kind.

Based on Jaroslav Kalfars 2017 novel Spaceman of Bohemia, the film follows Jakub Prochazka (Sandler), a cosmonaut on a long, lonely mission to investigate a curious interstellar cloud hovering near Jupiter. Back on Earth, his pregnant wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) wants to leave him, frustrated at both his emotional and physical unavailability during this difficult time. The two have grown distant, and the film offers brief, hazy flashbacks to their relationship, to its playful beginnings as well as its upsetting low points. One night, Jakub has a nightmare about a bizarre, spiderlike creature crawling out his nose. The next day, the creature is right there in his ship  an enormous arachnid alien (voiced by Paul Dano) from a distant galaxy that can communicate with him telepathically, and that soon takes the name Hanus, after the medieval clockmaker who allegedly built Pragues famous astronomical clock.

This is a strange movie, though at times it doesnt realize how strange it is. Hanus has a past, as well as an ostensibly specific origin, but he functions more like an intergalactic shrink, delving into Jakubs memories and neuroses, though the fact that he can read minds means that Hanus also does most of the talking. Through it all, Sandler remains mostly inert. This is surely intentional. At one point, mission director Tuma (Isabella Rossellini), who is in charge of the space program, suggests that a man who could endure such a long journey would have to be emotionally withholding: All the qualities that make him capable of spending a year alone in space make him  peculiar.

That justifies the character, but not necessarily the performance. Even to those of us whove spent half a lifetime watching him, Sandlers face has never quite had the resting complexity that would be required for such a part  the seemingly endless ridges and hollows that suggest a whole world within. In a movie like this, we need to read on his face the emotions that arent present elsewhere in the film. But he seems lost, with a get me out of here expression that pulls us out of the picture.

Danos voice has more layers than Sandlers face, and his words have a sad, reflective cadence that makes us pay attention, at least at first. But the latter half of the film sometimes feels like an extended, awkward monologue in which the alien gives voice to all of Jakubs problems, and it gets repetitive  a data dump of dime-store psychology with little actual insight. The film presents Jakubs memories in such fragmented fashion that we cant really piece together any kind of emotional through-line; were told about it, but we cant really feel it, which renders the movie didactic and tedious.

It all might have worked, but this kind of surreal, symbolic, dream-loom story ultimately requires a bolder aesthetic, which the film does belatedly try to give us. Renck, who gained fame with the acclaimed miniseries Chernobyl, is certainly a capable director (and he also handles the effects well), but he clearly wants to engage his inner Andrei Tarkovsky here. There are overt references to the Soviet masters Solaris and Mirror, and they work best during the scenes on Earth, where Mulligans melancholy mien strikes just the right note of sultry, dreamy despair. Such an approach, however, doesnt work as a sprinkling, or in a few stylistic touches; it needs to be a whole sensibility. By the time Spaceman fully embraces its metaphoric qualities in the third act, the increasingly ornate and abstract imagery feels unearned. Whats worse, the movie star at the center of it all seems more lost than ever.
The Action Edition Lights, camera, roundhouse kick to the head. Left to right: Ryan Gosling, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ben Jenkin, Logan Holladay, Justin Eaton, and David Leitch on the set of The Fall Guy. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

If your movie is a love letter to stunts, you need to make sure you do the stunts right. When David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, Bullet Train) signed on to direct The Fall Guy, he knew that it would have to feature a wide array of stuntwork. The film, based on the 1980s ABC TV series in which Lee Majors played an underpaid stuntman who moonlighted as a bounty hunter, had been a key text for a lot of stunt professionals in their youth, Leitch included. It was such an iconic thing from my childhood, and lit the fuse for a lot of people in my generation, the director says.

In the film, Ryan Gosling takes on the role of stuntman Colt Seavers, who when we first meet him is at the top of his profession, doubling for massive movie star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and madly in love with Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), a camera assistant and aspiring director. After a high fall goes wrong, Colt abandons the film industry and disappears from Jodys life. Hes compelled to return to work, however, by the desperate producer (Hannah Waddingham) of a massive sci-fi action epic that Jody is now directing. So he jets off to Sydney, where the picture is being shot. There, he learns that Tom, the star of Jodys movie, has disappeared, and hes roped into investigating his whereabouts.

The Action Edition The Action Edition Read All the Stories

Leitch says he sees the noirish, romantic-action comedy as a kind of prequel to the original Fall Guy series. And not unlike the show, the movie also serves as a virtual compendium of stuntwork: parkour, sword fights, shoot-outs, car flips, car rolls, high falls, flaming falls, roof-to-roof jumps, boat jumps, truck-to-helicopter jumps, and whatever its called when a dog runs into a speeding truck and bites into a dudes nuts.

The way we do action is probably different than anybody else in the business, says Kelly McCormick, Leitchs wife and producing partner. You could probably slot high jinks ensue in the script, because thats as close as were going to get to whatevers on the page. While Leitch worked with screenwriter Drew Pearce (Iron Man 3, Mission: Impossible  Rogue Nation) on the script, the stunts developed according to a variety of factors. Its a little bit location driven, its a little bit character driven. Its a little bit based on where the actors strengths and weaknesses are, which often ends up determining the choreo of any given set piece for us, says McCormick. She adds that this sometimes drives studios crazy.

To plan these sequences, Leitch called on one of his closest friends, stunt coordinator Chris OHara, head of Stunts Unlimited. (The two had once shared a house alongside two other stunt professionals, and, yes, their home was indeed called the Stunt House.) OHara and Leitch came up with a huge and varied list of stunts they wanted to accomplish. At that point in development, theres really nothing thats off-limits, OHara says. You try to go big. As planning and preproduction and casting and location scouting proceeded, they eventually whittled down that list.

Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

When pre-visualizing the stuntwork, OHara and his team employed the 3-D graphics-creation tool Unreal Engine, which is used in video-game development, to see what different scenes might look like, particularly those involving vehicles. The aim, of course, was always to do the stunts practically. I think the superhero movie has really done great for the action genre, says OHara (who has worked on everything from Avengers and Iron Man 3 to Lady Bird and Hubie Halloween). Theres a place for those movies. But what we did on Fall Guy really was practical, and you can feel the consequences. One of the greatest compliments we got was when the visual-effects supervisor said, I dont know why Im here! A lot of the things he thought he was going to have to do he didnt have to do.

There were also certain sentimental touchstones for the filmmakers. Among them, a spectacular cannon roll that stunt driver Logan Holladay, doubling for Gosling on the films vehicular stunts, had to execute early in the movie. This gag is achieved with a small but potent air cannon thats built into the floorboard of a stunt car; when the cannon is fired as the car is speeding (80 mph in this case), the vehicle is launched into the air and rolls multiple times. The first cannon roll in movie history, engineered by the legendary stunt coordinator Ronnie Rondell and performed by stunt driver Gary McClarty, was featured during the beachfront car-chase climax of the 1974 John Wayne thriller McQ. We wanted to do our cannon roll on the beach as well, just to pay homage to that first one, says Holladay.

The stunt that Holladay was most excited (and anxious) about was a 225-foot jump in a GMC truck over a canyon. To get that right, he practiced for weeks, doing initial test rehearsals at a flat area and slowly working his way up from smaller jumps  starting with a 75-foot gap and then growing it 25 feet at a time. At each step of the way, the team tested out different shock adjustments and tire pressures while also carefully studying wind resistance. We found out that if the wind was over ten miles an hour, it was not doable. If it was blowing head-on, it would send the front of the truck way up in the air. If it was blowing sideways, it would turn you and blow you to the side of the landing ramp, Holladay says. Once he knew he could do a 225-foot jump over flat ground, they moved over to the actual gap for the jump. We work it out mathematically and with lots of testing, so it takes a little bit of that stress out of it, he says. But its still pretty stressful and scary.

For one of Fall Guys central fights, during which Colt and a dog named Jean-Claude (who responds to the command Attaquez!) do battle against a variety of goons inside and all around a large metal rear-loading dumpster thats being chased through the streets of Sydney, the filmmakers were inspired after seeing the bin trucks that are ubiquitous all over the Australian city. (Originally, the fight was supposed to happen on a beer-keg truck.) OHara noticed the trucks while scouting the city and shared pictures with Leitch. They then took one of the bins, brought it to a soundstage, and played around with a fight sequence, which they shot and edited to demonstrate what it might look like. Thats how we do everything, Leitch says. You beat up the sequences. I make them design it over and over, and we give notes, and we go back and forth, asking, How do we make this fresh, original? And how does it work for the character?

To achieve the finished chase and fight, the stunt team built two separate rigs and outfitted them with a variety of straps, latches, and pulleys to keep the performers safe inside the bins and on the vehicles and to make sure they didnt spill out onto the road while careening through Sydney. The specially rigged trucks were outfitted with truss towers placed on large arms hanging over the actors, which in turn required keeping an eye on height restrictions in tunnels and bridges while designing these elaborate contraptions.

Shooting in any major metropolis is difficult, but production found it uniquely hard to block off streets while shooting in Sydney. They could only film these exterior street stunts on weekends and were limited in terms of where they could do so, which prompted another crucial but charming development to the bin-truck fight: Its now intercut with Jody belting out the Phil Collins classic Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), because shes sad that Colt, busy getting his ass kicked, is missing a karaoke night at the local bar. The cutaways to karaoke allowed the filmmakers to move the action around different parts of the city. Meanwhile, the romantic mood of the song wound up dictating the rhythm of the action scene, as these mad stunts are now accompanied by the soft, aching sounds of Collins and Blunt singing their broken hearts out.

Ben Jenkin. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Though Gosling likes trying to do as many of his own stunts as possible, there were multiple performers doubling for him during a lot of the films more spectacular sequences. Alongside Holladays driving stunts, Ben Jenkin served as the actors primary double  taking punches, getting hit by cars, jumping over just about anything and everything  while Justin Eaton performed many of Colts martial-arts moves. Troy Brown took a 150-foot fall out of a helicopter onto an airbag that Holladay suspects looked like a napkin from that height. Of course, double is a bit of a misnomer. All these performers are effectively playing Colt Seavers. Were all just keeping the character alive, says Leitch, who for many years worked as Brad Pitts stunt double.

The Fall Guy mines plenty of humor and drama out of the fact that actors and their stunt doubles often have rivalries. People will never believe the anecdotes that I have as a stunt performer, says Leitch. Were behind the scenes and were doing all the cool shit, and the actors taking all the credit. But he adds that the situation is getting better, thanks to major stars who have openly credited their stunt teams, including Pitt, who starred in Leitchs previous film, Bullet Train. Brad has been a huge supporter of the stunt community his entire career. And Keanu Reeves has highlighted stunts and was never afraid to say, I work with these great stunt professionals who make me look good. Thats not always the case.

Ryan Gosling, David Leitch, and Logan Holladay. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Holladay came away from the movie impressed with Goslings dedication and his down-to-earth support for his stunt team. Ryan is so cool, Holladay says. I spent a month teaching him how to drift a car and slide around and hit marks while sliding the car. He remembers Gosling came out to watch him do his cannon roll, even though the actor wasnt working that day. Interestingly, Holladay has a small role in the film  as the guy who straps Colt into the car before the cannon roll and then pulls him out afterward. The irony was not lost on Gosling. He just looked at me and said, Man, this is so messed up, Holladay recalls, laughing. Youre actually the guy who does this, and Im the guy whos acting to do it.
The Regime Memorial Season 1 Episode 1 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next   Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Miya Mizuno/HBO

The common feature of all autocratic strongmen  or, in the case of Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet) in The Regime, an autocratic strongwoman  is weakness. They tend to be vain, impressionable, insecure, and often moronic, and their only answer to a crisis (or even just a petty slight) is violence and oppression, enforced by the military and supported by bureaucratic sycophants and media propagandists. They promote themselves through nationalist kitsch, hold power through free and fair elections that are anything but, and are thoroughly insulated in a palace bubble of luxury and paranoia.

And so its a sign of the strongwomans weakness that Elena, the leader of a fictional Central European republic that looks like The Grand Budapest Hotel meets The Death of Stalin, responds to a domestic crisis by lashing out wildly. With the economy in free fall and the countrys dodgy human-rights reputation further damaged by the Army gunning down 12 protestors at a cobalt mine, Elenas instinct is to hire one of those murderous soldiers, Corporal Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), to shadow her. Zubaks tasks would be confusing to him even if he wasnt heavily sedated during their first meeting, but the gesture from Elena is telling. They behaved like animals, those protestors, she tells Zubak. You soldiers just reacted. I was right to send you boys down that mine, in spite of what my critics say.

The dynamic between Elena and Zubak shifts dramatically over the course of just this single episode, suggesting Elenas loosening grip on her tinpot empire and Zubaks shrewdness in recognizing just how to exploit it. But the tone of this nasty, perverse, politically astute comedy links firmly to other work by creator Will Tracy, a former Onion editor-in-chief who wrote on Succession and co-wrote (with Seth Reiss, another Onion alum) The Menu, a satire about a three-star kitchen that is its own brutal, authoritarian regime. Tracy hails from the Armando Iannucci school of comedy, specializing in the follies of the super-elite, whose extreme ineptitude and venality tend to be hilarious and destructive at the same time. The Regime is Waystar RoyCo on a global stage, history repeating itself as farce.

Theres more than a little bit of Dr. Strangelove, too, in the paranoia that grips Elenas palace, even as her regime is celebrating Victory Day, when she beat the former Neo-Marxist chancellor in an election that may or may not have been on the up-and-up. (Given Americas interest in the countrys cobalt riches, it has the feel of the classic, CIA-orchestrated, capitalist-friendly, right-wing overthrows in Central and South America.) Elena is like Sterling Haydens General Jack D. Ripper in Strangelove, only instead of fretting about Communists fluoridating the water and polluting our precious bodily fluids, shes convinced that spores have contaminated the palace. We dont know whether the spore obsession even originated with her, but theres no more on-the-nose metaphor for a crumbling empire than a chancellor literally dismantling her own palace.

Elenas vulnerabilities have given an opening for others to pounce, specifically her finance minister, Susan (Pippa Haywood), and her doctor (Kenneth Collard), who just happens to be attached to Susans hip. When Elena hosts an official reception with the CEO of an American energy company as the most important guest, even she can sense the vultures circling. Susan has been pressing for a closer relationship with America, and the massacre at the mine has given the CEO an opening to negotiate a controlling stake in her cobalt business. When it comes to business, Americans certainly have the capacity to look the other way on human-rights violations, but in cold negotiating terms, it gives them more leverage over the details.

The reception is the episodes comic centerpiece, as funny and revealing of character as Kendall Roys notorious L to the OG rap tribute to his father on Succession. Elenas number isnt a DJ Squiggle original but a lounge version of Chicagos If You Leave Me Now, showcasing Winslets unidentifiable accent and immense distance from Peter Ceteras range. If you leave me now, youll take away the very heart of me, she sings before telling the crowd, You will; Ill be heartbroken. Its one of those magical moments, like the Kendall rap, where someone is far too powerful to be talked out of a terrible idea, and its another sign of her vanity suppressing good judgment.

As all this madness unfolds, Zubak seems to be twisting haplessly in the wind, right up to the point where he dramatically seizes power. Hes told that his job is to follow Elena around, taking humidity measurements with a hydrometer and keep others from touching her. But when he does both during the reception, Elena quietly takes him aside and slaps him hard on the face for making her look ridiculous to the foreign guests. Next time, turn the gun on yourself, she tells him, referring to the massacre. Put it in your mouth, you greasy little fucking cow. His banishment from her sphere proves only temporary, however, after he confronts a large intruder in her bedroom and beats him within an inch of his life. Thats the Zubak that Elena wanted by her side.

The surprise for her  and perhaps for us  is that Zubak has been paying attention. He can see the machinations behind her spore sickness and the negotiations around the cobalt mines, and he is finally in a position to be frank with her about it. You told me to crush them and anyone who makes you weak, he tells her. Theyve cut our balls off, Chief, and now theyre laughing at us because you dance with foreign cash like a sick fucking bear at the circus. This is all music to Elenas ears, giving her the strength to sweep Susan and her doctor out of the palace for their traitorous conspiracies and hardening her resolve to deal with the Americans. It also, potentially, makes this demented, murderous soldier the most powerful man in the country. The strongwoman remains weak.

Spores

 Well see how much influence she might wield, but Andrea Riseborough gets a healthy percentage of nasty one-liners here as Elenas chief minister, who lives to insult the common grunts who are renovating (and re-renovating) the palace. As she leads Zubak to his room, she warns, Ive cared for this slag heap my whole life, so dont go soiling it. And invest in some moisturizers, because the dehumidifiers turn your skin into a mummys asshole.

 Elena has her blind spots, but shes aware enough of her surroundings to scoff at Susans pronouncement that the people want growth. Oh, she says, you can hear them grunting from your country house?

 A funny backstory for Elenas put-upon husband (Guillaume Gallienne), whos first shown describing the mine massacre to Vogue as a little peppery and later nonchalantly tells guests at the reception the cute story of meeting her in Paris and eventually leaving his wife and child at her insistence, never to see them again.

 One of Elenas minor quirks, it would appear, is keeping her dead fathers corpse available for viewing a full year after his death and then complaining loudly to staff about the unsightly spots that have developed on his rotting face.

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U.S. President Joseph Biden extended the state of emergency, which was introduced in 2014 in connection with the Russian aggression in Ukraine, for another year, the White House reports.

The actions and policies of persons that undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets, as well as the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation, including its purported annexation of Crimea and its use of force in Ukraine, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660 with respect to Ukraine, Biden's letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Senate reads.

The White House press release notes that the decree extends the state of emergency for a period of one year.

The state of emergency in the United States in connection with the threat to national security and foreign policy created by the actions and policies of individuals who undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine was declared on March 6, 2014.
Position Overview:

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Primary Years Programme (PYP) Classroom Teacher to join our team at Ambrit International School. The specific grade level assignment will be determined based on the needs of the school and the qualifications of the successful candidate.

The ideal applicant will have prior experience teaching within the PYP framework and a passion for delivering inquiry-based, student-centered education.

Responsibilities:

Curriculum Integration:

Design and deliver engaging, inquiry-based lessons that align with the PYP curriculum framework.

Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages student inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity.

Differentiated Instruction:

Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students within the classroom.

Implement assessment strategies to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

Collaborative Planning:

Collaborate with grade-level teams and PYP coordinators to plan and implement interdisciplinary units of inquiry.

Parent and Community Engagement:

Establish and maintain open communication with parents to support student learning and well-being.

Participate in parent-teacher conferences, school events, and other community engagement initiatives.

Technology Integration:

Integrate educational technology tools and resources to enhance student learning experiences and support inquiry-based learning.

Collaborate with the school's technology integration specialist to leverage technology effectively in the classroom.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

Teaching certification/license.

Prior experience teaching within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is preferred.

Strong understanding of inquiry-based pedagogy and student-centered learning approaches.

Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Familiarity with educational technology tools and willingness to integrate them into teaching practices.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant teaching materials or portfolios to ambrit@ambrit-rome.com.

Please indicate your grade level preferences and any relevant experience with the PYP curriculum.

The application deadline is 15 March 2024.

Ambrit is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment for our students and staff.

Note: While this job description aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the position's responsibilities and qualifications, it may not encompass every aspect of the role. The nature of teaching and educational institutions is dynamic, and additional duties may arise to meet the evolving needs of the school community. We welcome applicants who are enthusiastic about contributing to our school's mission and values.
The prestigious Huston Space Centre arrives in Rome.

The Acorn International School in Rome will host the Houston Space Center for the Moonshot project! Teachers and students will study aerospace missions in the panorama of Vejo Park.

Acorn International School of Rome and Smiling International School of Ferrara, leading international bilingual schools, announce the Moonshot! educational project, presented by the Houston Space Center, a division of NASA.

The project was made possible thanks to their collaboration between Novi Education of Singapore and Ingenium Education.

The two schools, among the first in the world to have been selected by the prestigious American institute, will study NASA's aerospace missions, in a unique and engaging program that sees students engaged in workshop activities that will take them all the way to Houston.

The program embraces every aspect of aerospace missions in an interdisciplinary way, from the study of rockets and space to physical preparation and psychology.
Missouri Girl Scout leaders threatened legal action against a troop that made bracelets to raise funds for starving children in Gaza, provoking outrage and ridicule from the girls supporters and advocates for people trapped in the Palestinian territory by the latest humanitarian crisis. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Girl Scouts of the USA said its eastern Missouri chapter had only been following fundraising rules, but that it was disappointed and disheartened by the tone of the communication with the troop in St. Louis.

We felt like we were targeted, unfairly belittled and unheard, said Nawal Abuhamdeh, a first generation Palestinian Muslim American and the leader of Troop 149 in St. Louis, which has since disbanded from the Girl Scouts.

Tasneem Manjra, a troop leader in California, said it looks like the Girl Scouts are backtracking because they were called out.

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I think thats a load of Thin Mints, said Manjra. They were way too heavy-handed in their response to Nawal and her troop.

Abuhamdeh said the fundraising effort began because the girls in her troop were uncomfortable selling Girl Scout Cookies while people are starving in Gaza. During one meeting, the girls  who are of Pakistani, Indian, Somali, Syrian, Palestinian and Jordanian heritage  cried and said they felt hopeless.

What do you think a group of 10-year-old girls would want to do if they felt helpless? Abuhamdeh asked during a Zoom meeting promoted by Ceasefire for Kids, which advocates for children in Gaza. They would want to help. How do they want to help? They want to make bracelets. Theyre 10 years old. Thats what they felt like they could do.

By mid-January, they were selling bracelets of black, red, white and green beads  the colors of the Palestinian flag  with Palestine spelled out in letter blocks.

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They were raising money for the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, a U.S.-based charity that historically has helped children in need travel to the U.S. for medical treatment. Since the latest war in Gaza began, its focus has shifted to providing food, medication, clothing and humanitarian aid.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri sent an email to the troop last month threatening legal action if they continued to sell the bracelets, according to the Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Thats when the troop disbanded from the national organization.

Abuhamdeh said she is concerned about Girl Scouts commitment to girls like ours.

We aspire to be part of an organization that does not only advertise its desired values, but acts on them, she said.

In response to demands from CAIR, Girl Scouts of the USA said the local chapter followed its rules but mishandled the situation. GSUSA policy stipulates that money raised by Girl Scouts be used for scouting except in extraordinary circumstances. In the past, restrictions have been suspended to raise funds to help those suffering because of the Hawaii wildfires and the war in Ukraine.

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Restrictions were lifted for three months through Jan. 10 to allow Girl Scouts to raise money for groups supporting people in Gaza, including the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, which was approved by a charity assessment organization.

While the fundraiser in question fell outside of these dates, GSUSA did not consider taking and did not take legal action against this troop or the leader, the national group said.

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It said cookie sale proceeds can always be donated and are never subject to the same restrictions. GSUSA said in 2017 that the organization sells about $800 million in cookies annually.

A petition signed by more than 100 troop leaders demands that Girl Scouts of the USA apologize to Troop 149, issue a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and promise that no other troop will get in trouble for fundraising, Manjra said. If the organization refuses, they will stop selling cookies, she said.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri said in a statement this weekend that it had been concerned about maintaining the organizations tax-exempt status. It said it had provided Abuhamdeh with options to continue fundraising, including to modify the language on the bracelet order form to remove the Girl Scout name, or to do the fundraiser on her own.

We are sorry that Ms. Abuhamdeh chose to disband, the statement said. We would welcome them back to the Girl Scout family.

Abuhamdeh and other scouts questioned the national organizations response, saying they knew nothing about restrictions on fundraising or the moratorium on those limits.

Neither the American Jewish Committee, a prominent advocacy organization, nor the National Jewish Girl Scout Committee have responded to emails from the Associated Press seeking comment.

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CAIR said the national organizations statement was a positive first step but that questions persist.

All these Girl Scouts were trying to do was help the children impacted by the war, just like other troops did for Ukraine, CAIRs Missouri board chairman, Yasir Ali, said.

Meanwhile, the controversy has so boosted bracelet orders that the girls suspended sales last week because they couldnt keep up. Abuhamdeh invited members of the public to help them make bracelets at a mosque on Saturday, and about 100 volunteers showed up.

Thanks to that solidarity and humanity, they have raised more than $10,000, Abuhamdeh said.

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The largest AI community in Ukraine, AI HOUSE, in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Ukrainian Catholic University, is launching the School of Generative Artificial Intelligence. The initiative is designed for ML specialists with at least one year of experience working in the field, actively involved in creating ML systems, and possessing knowledge of linear algebra, probability theory, and statistics. The announcement of the School was shared on Facebook by Serhiy Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur and investor, co-founder and partner of the Roosh investment group, whose ecosystem includes AI HOUSE.

"For the past 2 years, AI HOUSE has been building a community that unites existing specialists and helps new AI/ML professionals grow. During this time, we have realized that the development in this field will be faster if we combine our efforts with educational institutions and the support of experts from other tech companies," wrote the IT investor.

The school will be held from March 11 to 16 in Lviv, the event will be conducted in Ukrainian. As part of the initiative, Ukrainian IT specialists will have the opportunity to thoroughly explore and assess the current state of such directions as Computer Vision, NLP, and Audio, and exchange experience with each other. As Serhiy Tokarev noted, "After gaining knowledge from the lectures, teams will have the opportunity to create their own solution based on Generative AI at a two-day hackathon".

Among the lecturers of the School are experts in the AI industry from top technological companies.

Vladyslava Tyshchenko  Senior Data Scientist, SoftServe;

Nazar Perepichka  AI/ML Architect, The Mom Project;

Nazarii Drushchak  Senior Data Scientist, SoftServe;

Serhii Yavnyi  Tech Lead, Responsible AI, Grammarly;

Ostap Vinnyavskyi  Computer Vision Engineer, DressX;

Ihor Babin  Machine Learning Team Lead, ADVA Soft;

Yurii Laba  Machine Learning Engineer, Intelliarts;

Andrii Shalimov  MLOps Engineer, Materialise;

Oleksandr Korniienko  Machine Learning Engineer, Grammarly, and CTO, UADamage;

Yu Zhang  Ph.D. candidate, University of Rochester;

Volodymyr Fedyniak  Computer Vision Tech Lead, DeepX;

Yaroslav Romanus  Research Scientist, ADVA Soft.

Upon completion of the Generative AI Spring School, all participants who join the offline course will receive a certificate of successful completion.

To participate, you need to fill out the registration form, and after confirmation from the organizers, donate from 1,000 hryvnias to scholarship funds in memory of the fallen Heroes from the UCU community. The number of participants is limited.

Also, anyone interested can gain access to live broadcasts and lecture recordings for a donation starting from 200 hryvnias. To do this, you need to register on the AI HOUSE website. However, this learning format does not include feedback from speakers and certificates of course completion.

AI HOUSE is a non-profit organization within the Roosh ecosystem. Its main goal is to build the largest and most powerful AI community in Ukraine to foster the emergence of new product-based AI startups, the development of the artificial intelligence field, and the overall growth of the technological sector.

The Faculty of Applied Sciences at UCU is recognized as the best in Ukraine according to the rankings of Forbes and DOU publications. It actively collaborates with global laboratories and universities and is also a participant in ELLIS, the pan-European network of scientific centers in the field of information technologies.
Australian citizens and businesses that wittingly haul Russian coal to be sold to a third party are breaching Australias sanctions regime imposed following Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, the Commonwealth has argued in court.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is locked in a legal stoush with Tigers Realm Coal, a publicly listed company backed by billionaire philanthropists Paul Little and Jane Hansen, over whether it has contravened the Autonomous Sanctions Act, which bans the importation, purchase and transport of Russian coal.

Tigers Realm Coal, which operates in Russia, has launched legal action against DFAT. Credit: Tigers Realm

The case heard in the Federal Court on Monday centres on the statutory interpretation of transport and whether Tigers, which digs up the coal and trucks it to a port, is, in fact, transporting the banned commodity to be imported to another country.

The transport at issue within Russia is for the purpose of export of Russian coal, and inhibiting that transport at issue tends to inhibit the trade in Russian coal, said Perry Herzfeld, the barrister representing DFAT. And thats plainly the intention of the sanctions directed at Russia.
Jerusalem - Israel has agreed to revise the lyrics of its potential submission to the Eurovision Song Contest after the contest organisers took issue with verses that appeared to reference Hamas October 7 attack, Israels national broadcaster Kan said on Sunday.

Eurovision, which this year will take place on May 7-11 in the Swedish city of Malmo, bills itself as a non-political event and can disqualify contestants deemed to have breached that rule. Broadcaster Kan is tasked with choosing Israels entry.

Singer Eden Golan has been chosen to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The leading Israeli submission is October Rain, a ballad sung by female soloist Eden Golan.

According to lyrics leaked to the media, and later confirmed by Kan, it includes lines such as Theres no air left to breathe and They were all good children, each one of them - apparent allusions to people who holed up in shelters as Hamas gunmen kidnapped and killed concert-goers at an outdoor music festival on October 7.
On a pristine beach near Gapuwiyak, in the Top End, NITV science reporter and Going Places with Ernie Dingo presenter Rae Johnston, enjoys an audience with Australian music royalty, a concert at sunset, a revealing conversation with a film actor and later shares the catwalk with a rising face of fashion.

[Yothu Yindi founding member] Witiyana Marika and I sat on this beautiful beach, which was part of his homeland, and he taught me about why it is that Yolngu people are born to be creative and express their culture through creativity, says Johnston, who spoke to Marika as a two-part Back Roads special showcasing the internationally renowned creativity of the Yolngu people of East Arnhem Land.

Science reporter Rae Johnston travelled to East Arnhem Land to showcase the Yolngu people in a special two-part episode of Back Roads.

Weve got so many incredible artists that come from this tiny part of the country  Baker Boy and Yothu Yindi and King Stingray  it just seems to be an area that creates superstars.

Johnston, a Wiradjuri woman from Darug and Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains, was visiting East Arnhem Land for the first time.
After seasons of barbiecore , gothcore , cottagecore and balletcore we are out of adjectives and back to the core of trying to make money in challenging times.

Out of the trenches: Acne Studios, Courreges, Balmain, Isabel Marant and Rochas autumn/winter 2024 at Paris Fashion Week, Credit: Getty, supplied

Fashion can be fabulous and ridiculous. This season, designers at most of the luxury houses showing at Paris Fashion Week chose the safe middle ground with countless trench coats, a paddocks worth of leather skirts and more sheer dresses than a strip club.

For people happy to shop their existing wardrobes its inspiring but for those who revel in the boundary-pushing ridiculousness of exaggerated silhouettes, unexpected historical references and flights of fancy its a bore.

Trench warfare

This season, the trench coat became as basic as a white T-shirt. The challenge is to find designers pushing the trend far enough to make you tap your credit card.

If you already own a trench coat, follow the runway approach of Swedish brand Acne Studios and French label Courreges by doing up the buttons and flipping your collar like youre a Cold War spy in a 70s movie.

Olivier Rousteing at Balmain was more playful with proportion, exaggerating shoulder flaps, but it was Alessandro Vigilantes debut as creative director at Rochas that took the wardrobe essential beyond basic.
Brittany Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz are expected to make the 14,000-kilometre journey from the south of France to Perth in the hopes of reaching a peace deal in their ongoing defamation row with Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds.

But any views of Perths famous Swan River will be from the eighth floor of the David Malcolm Justice Centre, where they are expected to bunker down alongside their legal teams for the next two days.

Liberal senator Linda Reynolds (centre) has taken both Brittany Higgins and her partner, David Sharaz, to court. Credit: Nine

The goal? Avoiding yet another high-profile defamation trial, which the judge presiding over this stoush is adamant will come at a great human cost.

What are they fighting about?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. People worldwide are catching on to the idea that the future of our economies and the planet hinges on embracing eco-friendly practices. Last year, global growth in CO2 emissions was much slower, compared to the economic growth. This is largely because we are leaning more towards clean energy. And Azerbaijan, a country that has leaned on oil and gas resources for years, is now showing how to take the plunge into a green economy, setting an example.

It has only been a few years since Azerbaijan started to extensively implement green technologies throughout the country. Massive areas, like the economic regions of Karabakh and Zangezur, have been designated as clean energy zones. Already, the country is showcasing impressive achievements in this field. And here is the twist - this is all while staying true to its commitments to partners, powering nearly a third of Europe with gas.

In his interview with Euronews, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev rightly noted that it is countries endowed with oil and gas resources, such as Azerbaijan, that should take the lead in the green transition trend.

"I think this is part of our overall green agenda and our feeling of responsibility, because the country rich with fossil fuel should be among the frontrunners in green transition. We do it not because we lack traditional resources, but because we want to contribute using the financing, using the revenues, which we get from oil and gas sales, to invest in renewables and to create a common understanding about the need for that," President Ilham Aliyev said.

Hosting the COP29 conference this year, Azerbaijan is getting the chance to, first, prove it has earned the trust of other countries in hosting this massive global event, and second, to share with everyone about its successfully executed strategy.

The energy landscape in Europe, with Azerbaijan on board, is transforming at a lightning pace. It is safe to say that rarely before have we seen the implementation of such massive projects in such a short span - specifically the Southern Gas Corridor project.

Just on March 1, in Baku, the 10th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting brought together top-notch energy companies, heads of energy departments from major European countries, partners from Central Asia, the Arab world, and many others, all sitting around one table. They gathered to get the lowdown on Azerbaijan's innovations and strides in the energy sector from the chief instigator of the Southern Gas Corridor project, President Ilham Aliyev.

"Today's geopolitical situation in Eurasia proves exactly what we needed to do. In the case of Azerbaijan, the Southern Gas Corridor is absolutely a new route, with now many extensions and interconnectors. The Azerbaijani gas is a new source. So here, in this format, and in the project, which we initiated, we see full implementation of energy diversification issues," President Ilham Aliyev said, as he addressed the meeting.

Those who attended the meeting yesterday expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan's substantial contribution to the region's energy security. European Commissioner Kadri Simson made it clear that, Azerbaijan is considered a reliable natural gas supplier throughout Europe. She pointed out that, since the Southern Gas Corridor started delivering gas a little over three years ago, exports have doubled. In just 2023, Azerbaijan pumped more than 11 bcm of gas into European countries. Representatives from Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, Georgia, and Turkiye, among many others, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the SGC project. They are determined to enhance the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan, underlining their strong support for the project's further development.

They are doing a commendable job on their part as well. For instance, Greece is working on expanding the capacity of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline - a European leg of SGC. The country is launching new projects for the modernization of export infrastructure, such as the LNG facility in Alexandroupolis and pipelines connecting Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Another example is Serbia, which aims to triple the imports of Azerbaijani gas in the coming years since the Serbia-Bulgaria Interconnector was put into operation in 2023-end.

For those thinking the Caspian does not have enough resources for a significant boost in supplies, Baku has a solid answer. Starting next year's first quarter, natural gas extraction kicks off as part of the deepwater project at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli block. We are looking at around half a billion cubic meters at the start, but over the next few years, that figure will jump about fivefold. It will be an extra source of gas alongside the Shah Deniz and Absheron fields. Azerbaijan is also gearing up for the second phase of the Umid gas-condensate field, possibly adding 2-3 bcm over the next 3-4 years. Plus, there are proposals from several foreign investors to start pumping from Umid, Babek, Shafag, Asiman, and Karabakh oil and gas-condensate fields.

Moreover, the event featured the Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting, marking its second consecutive year. Azerbaijan's renewable energy projects have shown impressive progress. Following the last SGC gathering in Baku in February 2023, Azerbaijan unveiled its first major 230 MW solar power plant in October. The plant was constructed by the UAE's Masdar, a giant in the renewable energy field. This milestone marks just the start of Azerbaijan's renewable energy journey. As per signed contracts and memoranda of understanding, the country aims to bring online up to 5 GW of solar and wind energy by 2030.

So, during the event, we got some forward-looking moves on paper - like a memorandum with WindEurope, sealing the deal with Nobel Energy for a 100 MW solar power plant, and Elecnor for a 70 MW wind power project.

Moving towards green energy is particularly important in the fight against climate change. Azerbaijan, hosting the COP29 conference this year, has a chance to demonstrate how to change its agenda. Everyone at the event also agreed and supported Azerbaijan in hosting COP29.

"Being a country with fossil fuel, of course, is not our fault. It's our, I think, achievement that we managed to avoid a so-called oil curse that many countries with oil and gas reserves have faced. We transformed oil into development. We managed to provide a fair distribution of wealth. We reduced poverty in Azerbaijan during the last 20 years from 50% to 5%. And all what you see here in Baku is absolutely new development of infrastructure and improvement of living conditions of the people. So, the narrative now, unfortunately, is that fossil fuel is something dangerous, which is bad, and the countries having these resources must be blamed for that. My message was that judge us by what we do, how we treat it, how we use revenues in order to address the needs of the people and stimulate the green agenda," said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with Euronews on the sidelines of the gathering.

And indeed, Baku is taking on ambitious yet completely achievable goals, given that the country has all the necessary conditions for the development of green energy. There are already solar and wind power stations built, and ongoing construction is in the works, establishing capacities for the production and export of green energy, including hydrogen, are also underway. So, with Azerbaijan hosting COP29 this year, it is set to be a prime example of successfully combining traditional and renewable energy sources.
Home buyers who have a $500,000 budget could afford fewer than one in 10 properties in some markets as affordable property options plummet.

In some once-affordable neighbourhoods, the share of property sales below the half-million dollar mark has halved or more over the past five years, leaving behind those still looking to buy.

First home buyers are finding it harder to find cheaper properties. Credit: Peter Rae

A Sydney home buyer on such a budget could have purchased about one in six homes that sold in 2019, property settlement data from PEXA shows. Their options had dropped to about one in 11 homes, or 8.9 per cent, by last year.

While the proportion of affordable home sales has almost halved, transactions exceeding $2 million have more than doubled in Sydney since 2019, rising from 7.7 to 15.7 per cent of sales.
As Vladimir Putins war enters its third year, it is time to count the bodies. Ukraine admits to 31,000 deaths suffered by its troops. The actual toll is probably much higher, not to mention all the serious injuries. Tens of thousands of its civilians have lost their lives, including hundreds of children, while 21,000 young people have been kidnapped and taken by force to Russia.

Damage to infrastructure and housing and the environment has been huge. Russia has not dared to admit to the number of its military casualties, estimated at more than four times that of Ukraine. It is thought that by the end of this year, half a million people will be dead or disfigured.

What does international law say about all this?

Hear no evil? Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Sputnik, Kremlin Pool via AP

It says, very clearly, that Putin is guilty of invading another country for no good reason and, as one of the founders of international law, Emmerich de Vattel, said centuries ago, the Russian leader bears legal responsibility for all the evils, all the horrors of war; all the effusion of blood, the desolation of families, the rapine, the ravages are his works and his crimes.
London: Matildas captain Samantha Kerr will face a criminal trial next year for alleged racially aggravated harassment of a police officer during a dispute over a taxi fare, the Metropolitan Police said.

Britains Daily Mail reported that Kerr, 30, appeared in a London court on Monday accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to a police officer during an incident in Twickenham, south-west London, on January 30 last year.

Sam Kerr at a Matildas training session in October. Credit: Richard Wainwright

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police later said the charge related to an incident involving an officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare. They said Kerr was charged on January 21 with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.

The Matildas star, who carried the Australian flag at the coronation of King Charles in Westminster Abbey, wore a white T-shirt under a black suit jacket as she appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink and spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge.
Paul Dibb, the doyen of Australian strategic commentators, likes to tell a joke about two Russians out for a walk in the countryside one day. The year is 2040. As Dmitri and Ivan are walking, Dmitri says, Hey, do you remember back in 2024 how we said China would never invade Russia? Then they cross the Chinese border into Finland.

Dibb says that when he tells the joke, as he did to an audience last week, theres usually a few seconds delay, as people think through the geography, before the laughs begin.

Illustration: Andrew Dyson

His point is that while the Russia-China partnership looks solid for now, it could be very different in years to come. The fact that its a Russian joke tells you that the Russians themselves hold an abiding suspicion of Chinas intentions.

That scenario became a little less far-fetched last week when Londons Financial Times published a leaked cache of classified Russian military documents. The 29 leaked files detail war games and potential scenarios for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Written between 2008 and 2014, the leaked files show that Moscow anticipated the risk of Chinese invasion across their vast 4000-kilometre border. And planned to use tactical nuclear weapons to stop it.
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 Alexander Denza was in class at the University of North Carolina when he heard the wail of sirens outside. Seconds later, his phone started buzzing, confirming his worst fears. Emergency: armed, dangerous person on or near campus, said the message from the universitys emergency notification system. Go inside now; avoid windows. Alexander Denza in front of Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Credit: Josh Tu For three hours, the 30,000-member Chapel Hill campus was paralysed in lockdown as police searched for a gunman who had opened fire on the campus, killing an associate professor in yet another senseless US shooting. Some students barricaded themselves in dorm rooms and gyms; others crouched in corners or lay on the floor as helicopters circled overhead. It was terrifying, Denza recalls. I remember hearing the siren and a chill ran down my spine before I even knew what it was  I think its because weve been trained to respond to this sort of thing. You always know theres a high chance of it happening in America.

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Six months on from the August 2023 shooting, eliminating gun violence  along with tackling climate change and the war in Gaza  are front of mind for students like Denza as the US heads towards another presidential election in November. Loading This week, a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle also takes place, when 15 states, including the battleground of North Carolina, hold their presidential nominating primaries and caucuses in the event known as Super Tuesday. But Denza and many other young voters feel disillusioned by the political landscape they face. Theyre frustrated by politicians who dont represent their interests, theyre angered by the glacial pace of policy reform, and theyre uninspired by the prospect of a rematch between 81-year-old President Joe Biden and his 77-year-old rival, Donald Trump. If Im being honest, I think this election is one that students are least excited for, even though its so necessary for our future, says Denza, an organiser with March for Our Lives, the youth-led movement advocating for gun control laws in America. Young people want someone who they know will represent their interests and I think the fact that we have more of the same or the status quo is tiring students out.

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Almost four years ago, young people came out to vote in record numbers to help propel Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to victory and oust Trump after only one term. According to the US Census Bureau, the 2020 turnout for American voters under 30 was 54.1 per cent  10 percentage points more than in 2016 when Trump beat Hillary Clinton, and three percentage points higher than the previous record set in 2008 for Barack Obamas history-making win. Now, however, data shows much of that cohort is sceptical or apathetic towards his years race, and some are questioning whether they want to vote at all, which can make all the difference in a close election. Young voters say theyre uninspired by a presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Credit: Artwork: Marija Ercegovac The latest Harvard Public Opinion Project, which provides the most comprehensive look at young Americans political opinions and voting trends, recently found that fewer people aged 18 to 29 intended to vote at this years November 5 election than they did at the same point during the 2020 election cycle. The decline in voting intention was most pronounced among black voters and hispanics, who form a core part of the Democrats traditional base. Biden maintains a solid lead over Trump, according to the poll, but his approval rating only stands at 35 per cent, and the risk of losing voters becomes greater for him than Trump when the field expands to include potential third-party candidates, such as vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy, the cousin of Caroline Kennedy, the US ambassador to Australia.

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Harvard polling director John Della Volpe says the good news for Biden is that there is still enough time to make the case to young people that their vote matters. Loading We know what Gen Z and young Millennials want to see and hear, he says. They want evidence that democracy works, that government can address our challenges, and that theres a meaningful difference between the two parties. Whether they can be convinced is an open question. This is a generation, after all, that is entering the workforce loaded with student debt, while the cost of housing and other basic needs continues to soar. Theyre united by their fear of what they see across the world, but according to Harvards poll, most neither trust Biden nor Trump on important issues like Ukraine, climate change, gun violence, healthcare, crime and the Israel-Hamas war. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators during an All Out For Palestine protest in Times Square in New York on Friday. Credit: Bloomberg Indeed, across the US, young activists have been at the forefront of the backlash over Bidens support for Israel and his refusal to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.

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Last week in Michigan, their rage manifested in the form grassroots campaign with Arab-Americans and other progressives to vote uncommitted in the Democratic primary race to send a message to the White House. In a warning sign for the president, more than 100,000 people did that, with many of the biggest protest votes recorded at polling booths near university precincts. But voters who spoke to this masthead during the presidential primary races in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina revealed discontent with personality as much as policy. Loading Biden is already Americas oldest president and faces lingering concerns about his mental acuity and ability to do the job for another four years. But Trump is only four years younger, has 91 criminal charges against him and is also having his fair share of gaffes on the campaign trail. As Trumps last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley argues, both are two old men who are only getting older and Americans deserve a new generational leader to unite the country.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The 20th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC) on trade and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is to be held in Astana on March 5, Trend reports, referring to the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan will be represented at the meeting by a delegation headed by co-chairman of the commission, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov," the ministry said.

The meeting will review the activities carried out since the 19th JIC meeting and discuss cooperation in trade and economy, energy, industry, construction, transportation and logistics, ecology, agriculture, information, and communication technologies.

Discussions are also planned in the fields of education, healthcare, and youth policy.

The co-chair of the commission from the Kazakh side is the Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The farmer revolts having swept through much of Europe in recent months, from Paris to Berlin and from Bucharest to Poland, show no signs of abating, Trend reports.

Thus, on February 26 in Belgium, farmers on thousands of tractors headed towards Brussels, blocking roads with large tires and vehemently expressing their protest against the EU's agricultural policy in front of the council building.

The police intervened in the protests, using tear gas and water cannons.

Belgium is home to the headquarters of the EU, considered the most significant economic and political organization in Europe. The reasons behind the farmers' revolts, also mentioned in a previous publication, include opposition to the EU's Green Deal, agricultural support policies, and Ukraine.

But are all these protests coordinated from a single center? Why don't EU governments pacify farmers to end the protests, or do they not want to? To find answers to these questions, several important points need attention.

When the Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, laying the foundations for the European Economic Community, France, not wanting to be overwhelmed by Germany's vast industry, insisted on increasing agricultural subsidies. Of course, subsidies were meant to be extended to the working class of all member countries.

Starting from the 1990s, European countries gradually moved their heavy industry, which they considered dirty, to third-world countries. However, even then, agriculture was not relocated from Europe to third-world countries because of its undeniable role in food security.

Now, significant changes are occurring globally as a new world order takes shape, following massive epidemics and significant technological developments. New approaches to production, consumption, and food safety are emerging worldwide. In this context, there will naturally be a shift in the approach to farmers as a class. This issue is closely linked to the transition to clean energy.

Thus, decisions such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Europe and minimizing the use of pesticides on farms are also a continuation of the policy of transferring production of goods to third-world countries, keeping waste away from the EU, and importing already clean products.

In the EU, the number of farms has decreased threefold from 2005 to the present, especially small farms are going out of business due to their inability to compete and lack of support at the state level. The EU leadership's attitude towards farmers producing natural and healthy products raises certain doubts. Is the farmer class really being phased out?

As mentioned in a previous publication, this year is an election year in most European countries, including the European Parliament. The inability to take steps to appease farmers, despite the election, suggests that work has been done to gradually eliminate farmers who primarily produce meat and agricultural products as a working class.

Speaking of election, it's also important to note that right-wing parties are attributed to inciting farmer riots in Europe. In the Netherlands and Germany, right-wing liberal parties support farmers. Dutch right-wing activist and political expert Eva Vlaardingerbroek, joining the protesting farmers, stated that "world elites have declared war on hardworking people owing to whom food comes to our tables. While many consider this a conspiracy theory, the idea that the global elite is declaring a "war" on the working class continues to spread worldwide.

The aforementioned politician also said in one of her past interviews that major global powers, led by the World Economic Forum, by destroying farms, want to force the Dutch to eat beetles produced in insect factories.

"Politicians know that control over food is control over people; we don't want to eat insects; we demand our steak," emphasized Vlaardingerbroek.

Thus, it can be concluded that the struggle is between globalists and the working class. While globalists take steps towards artificial food, the farmer class and right-wing liberals supporting them uphold traditional food production, and, of course, farmers are the performers. On the other hand, measures taken by organizations under the influence of globalists, advocating for a shift to renewable energy and the "Green world", also lead to the weakening of agriculture both globally and directly in Europe.

One part of the world seems to side with non-traditional artificial food, while the other continues to stand on the side of tradition.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. It is high time to increase the number of Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) commissions, said a member of the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan Ahliman Amiraslanov at the 11th meeting of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, Trend reports.

"We should strengthen our activities in this direction. This should be discussed today and at plenary sessions," the MP added.

The 11th session of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations is being held today, March 4, in the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Ken Foxe

Carriages like a refrigerator, racist abuse, being forced to stand after buying first class tickets, and getting told to enjoy your journey on a packed train were among the complaints made to Irish Rail last year by customers.

The rail operator received more than 16,000 complaints in 2023 with service disruption and onboard issues making up more than half of the total.

With complaints running at an average of just over 1,300-per-month, Irish Rail also said there had been 11 complaints of racism, 521 about anti-social behaviour, and 102 made about accessibility including by people with disabilities.

A sample of customer gripes details one group of passengers who ended up stuck on a train after doors failed to open when they arrived in County Offaly.

The passenger said: We pressed the green button, and it did not open. We then made our way to the next exit at the other end of the train, which had no green light illuminated.

We tried pressing the button and the door would not open. The train then proceeded to depart again, [it] was stopped at Tullamore for no more than one minute. As a result, we are now on our way to Portarlington.

Another wrote of the irony of being wished a pleasant journey while on a train that was severely overcrowded.

Theres an empty shop on board despite the fact that theres no catering, they said. I feel like the service could be a lot, lot better.

Freezing

One passenger complained about freezing temperatures on board a train travelling from the West to Dublin.

A copy of their complaint said: Why has the heating on train been turned off in December when it is zero degrees? Dromod to Dublin train 12pm today is like sitting in a fridge. Everyone complaining of cold.

One family booked first class travel from Dundalk to Belfast so that they could visit a Christmas market in the city.

Writing to Irish Rail, they said: Sadly we were left with no option but to stand the whole way home. We were crammed into a tiny space outside a very bad smelling toilet.

My son felt extremely nauseous the whole way home and I had incredible back pain from standing.

One student wrote of being upset and embarrassed after being asked to show a copy of their student ID to prove they were entitled to a discount ticket.

They explained how their purse had recently been stolen and said: I gave my ticket to an extremely rude staff member who pulled me to the side and was extremely rude and was very aggressive towards me.

Another person wrote of a similar experience when they were asked to show their ticket and were left extremely embarrassed.

Their complaint said: [Ticket inspector] started the attack asking if I had a problem, if I wasn't well, he cursed me under his breath, left and came back with the machine to check my Leap Card.

[He] started embarrassing me and swearing practically glued to my face that I even [smelled] his bad breath. If [I] were a man or a typical Irish person I believe this wouldn't happen.

At Kent Station in Cork, one passenger wrote about having a nasty fall on an area of slippery tiles in the station.

I slipped down on my knee at the top of the steps, they wrote. I didn't think much of it until I got outside, and my tights were soaked with blood.

Turned out I needed eight stitches, a tetanus injection, and antibiotics. The doctor thinks I must have fallen onto something sharp.

An Irish Rail spokesperson said the most recent National Transport Agency research on customer satisfaction with public transport found that 90 per cent of rail customers expressed satisfaction with services and only 4 per cent expressed dissatisfaction.

He said: This represents a very strong result for any service industry. Of course, any dissatisfaction is something we work to address in continuously improving our services, and we monitor and manage all customer feedback received.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A car show is returning to Bethlehem.

Cars & Coffee will be making its return for the ninth annual car show series on the SteelStacks campus this spring and summer, according to a news release from ArtsQuest.

ArtsQuest says Cars & Coffee is a free car show that encourages people throughout the Lehigh Valley to come out for a morning filled with dozens of cars and, of course, coffee.

Cars & Coffee is presented by Koch Automotive Group, including Koch 33 Toyota, Koch 33 Ford, Koch 33 Mazda, Koch 33 Volkswagen, Koch 33 Specialized Upfitters, Koch 33 Collison, Bethlehem Ford and Nazareth Ford.

Opening day is scheduled for Sunday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, according to ArtsQuest's news release.

Cars & Coffee runs from April through September on the following Sundays: April 21, May 19, June 16, July 14, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. Each month also offers a different car theme, from Imports to American Muscle to European, ArtsQuest says.

We are looking forward to warmer days and the return of Cars & Coffee once again here at ArtsQuest, said Dan Kendra, event co-creator. Hosting events like these is a great way to bring the car community from throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond together for car camaraderie.

ArtsQuest says the Mack Truck Stop at the Levitt Pavilion will be serving beverages and breakfast sandwiches available for purchase throughout the event.

The Bethlehem Police Department is looking forward to car enthusiasts once again congregating at SteelStacks for the annual Cars & Coffee events throughout the summer, said Chief Michelle Kott. With a very successful event last year, we once again encourage all drivers to follow traffic laws and make sure their cars are street legal for their own safety and those visiting the event, vendors and fellow police officers.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The owner of the Hamilton Business Center in Allentown now tells us he's welcoming back tenants to four floors of the building.

The building now has a big "We are open" sign outside.

Back in December dozens of tenants in the building were notified the Business Center was not up to fire code and they had to move out within a week.

Building owner Gordon Roberts says he's worked with Allentown to address the City's concerns and it has approved four floors for occupancy at this point.

"We have about 60 tenants of the 91 who have come back. They're mostly the smaller tenants, and we're very happy to see people who have their dream businesses now operating again in the place where they can thrive," Roberts continued to say.

Roberts says he is also looking for new tenants to rent the remaining space in the building.

He says the building's fifth floor still hasn't been approved for occupancy but he's hoping to schedule an inspection with the City next week.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris met on Monday with a member of Israels wartime Cabinet who came to Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Biden administration intensifies its efforts to push more humanitarian aid into war-battered Gaza.

White House officials said Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, requested the meeting and that the Democratic administration believed it was important that Harris sit down with the prominent Israeli official despite Netanyahu's objections.

President Joe Biden, Harris and other senior administration officials have become increasingly blunt about their dissatisfaction with the mounting death toll in Gaza and the suffering of innocent Palestinians as the war nears the five-month mark.

The president and I have been aligned and consistent from the very beginning," Harris said in an exchange with reporters shortly before meeting with Gantz. "Israel has a right to defend itself. Far too many Palestinian civilians, innocent civilians have been killed. We need to get more aid in, we need to get hostages out. and that remains our position.

The White House, in a statement following the meeting, said Harris and Gantz discussed the urgency of completing a hostage deal to free more than 100 people believed still to be in captivity in Gaza following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. She also reiterated the administration's support for a temporary extended cease-fire that would facilitate the release of hostages and allow for a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Although Gantz holds many of the same hardline views as Netanyahu, he has been seen as more open to compromise on critical issues, including the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The meeting comes after the U.S. on Saturday carried out the first of what are expected to be ongoing airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The moment is reflective of the increasingly awkward dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship, with the U.S. forced to fly badly needed aid past its close ally as it looks to ramp up assistance for desperate civilians in Gaza. The first airdrop occurred just days after more than 100 Palestinians were killed as they were trying to get food from an Israel-organized convoy.

The White House agreed to the meeting with Gantz even as an official from Netanyahus nationalist Likud party said Gantz did not have approval from the prime minister for his meetings in Washington. Netanyahu gave Gantz a tough talk about the visit  underscoring a widening crack within Israels wartime leadership.

We have been dealing with all members of the war Cabinet, including Mr. Gantz," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. "We see this as a natural outgrowth of those discussions. Were not going to turn away that sort of opportunity.

In addition to his talks with Harris, Gantz met with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and National Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk. Gantz also met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and on Tuesday will sit down with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Gantz ,just before the start of his White House meetings, told a reporter with Israels public broadcaster Kan: There will be an open and honest conversation between two friendly and important countries and partners.

Biden is at Camp David, the presidential retreat just outside Washington, until Tuesday as he prepares to deliver the annual State of the Union address later this week.

Over the weekend, Harris issued a forceful call for a temporary cease-fire deal in Gaza, which administration officials say would halt fighting for at least six weeks. She also increased pressure on Israel not to impede the aid that workers are trying to get into the region. The White House has been advocating for that framework deal for weeks.

Israel has essentially agreed to the deal, according to a senior Biden administration official, and the White House has emphasized that the onus is on Hamas to come on board.

Biden faces mounting political pressure at home over his administration's handling of the Israeli-Hamas war, which was triggered when militants in Gaza launched an attack, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 people hostage.

In last week's Michigan presidential primary, more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters cast ballots for uncommitted." Biden still easily won the state's primary, but the uncommitted" vote reflected a coordinated push by voters on the left to register their dissatisfaction with the president's unwavering support for Israel as its military operations in Gaza have left more than 30,000 Palestinians dead. The vote totals raise concerns for Democrats in a state Biden won by only 154,000 votes in 2020.

Gantz, who polls show could be a formidable candidate for prime minister if a vote were held today, is viewed as a political moderate. But he has remained vague about his view of Palestinian statehood  something that Biden sees as essential to forging a lasting peace once the conflict ends but that Netanyahu adamantly opposes.

It is also assumed that when the heavy fighting subsides, Gantz will leave the government, which would increase pressure for early elections.

Since Gantz joined Netanyahus three-minister war Cabinet in October, U.S. officials have found him to be easier to deal with than either Netanyahu or Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Until now, calls for elections have been muted due to the war, but analysts think that when Gantz leaves the government, it will send a signal to the Israeli public that the need for national unity has passed and efforts to oust Netanyahus government can begin in earnest.

For his part, Gantz was aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S., bolster support for Israels war and push for the release of Israeli hostages, according to a second Israeli official. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent allowed to publicly discuss the disputes within the Israeli government. Gantz is scheduled to head to London for meetings after his U.S. visit.

It was unclear if Gantz during his White House talks diverged from Netanyahu's stances on Palestinian statehood or carrying out an expanded operation in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against a Rafah operation without a plan to protect civilians, and the White House said Harris reiterated that position in her meeting with Gantz.

I dont doubt there are some administration officials who believe just by meeting with Gantz they are undermining Netanyahu, said Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. But if Gantz carries the governments line on key issues of disagreement, these meetings are net-negative for the White House while helpful back home for Gantz.

Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel; Wafaa Shurafa in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Samy Magdy in Cairo and Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) has voiced its wish for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to join the Assembly, said Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Osman Mesten at the 11th meeting of the commission, Trend reports.

"As to Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, I can state that the two nations are on the verge of peace for the first time in history. In addition, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are currently observers in the organization. We'd like them to join our organization as well. Our unity offers strength to our friends and sends a message to our foes," Mesten added.

The 11th session of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations is being held today, March 4, in the Azerbaijani Parliament.

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ISLAMABAD (AP)  Lawmakers in Pakistans National Assembly have elected Shehbaz Sharif for a comeback term as prime minister, as parliamentary allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan shouted in protest, alleging rigging in last months election.

Sharif, who held the same office from April 2022 to August 2023, is the younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif.

Khan is currently serving prison terms in multiple cases and has been barred from seeking or holding office. Shehbaz Sharif replaced him as prime minister after his ouster in a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said Sharif secured 201 votes, defeating Omar Ayub of the Sunni Ittehad Council, who got 92 votes. The winner only needs 169 votes for a majority.

Ayub was backed by Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, whose candidates could not get enough seats to form a government on their own. The PTI refused to hold talks with its rivals to form a coalition.

Following days of negotiations, Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League party and his supporters formed an alliance after the Feb. 8 election, which was overshadowed by militant violence, a nationwide mobile phone shutdown, Khan's exclusion from the vote, and an unusual delay in announcing the result.

Authorities said cutting communications was necessary to avoid attacks on candidates and security forces.

However, the delay drew criticism from Khans party, which insists the vote was rigged to stop it from getting a majority. The party claims it has evidence that its victory was stolen during the vote count, a charge the Election Commission denies.

In his acceptance speech in parliament Sunday, Sharif said: "We were subjected to political victimization in the past but never took any revenge. Without naming Khan, he said the previous ruler jailed many political rivals, including himself and his ally Asif Ali Zardari.

He also accused Khans supporters of attacking military installations while protesting his ouster in 2022, adding that now parliament and the courts would decide whether those involved in the attacks deserved a pardon.

Holding portraits of Khan, some lawmakers stood in front of Sharif when he began his speech, shouting vote thief and shame. Sharif denounced their actions, saying they were causing chaos in parliament. He also said they should present their evidence of vote rigging to the relevant authorities.

Sharif then addressed the opposition, saying, I am offering you reconciliation. Let us sit together to work for the betterment of Pakistan. But he was greeted with more protests and shouts.

The premier also spoke of repairing ties with the United States. Relations between the two countries came under strain after Khan accused the U.S., Sharif and the Pakistani military of conspiring to keep him out of office, following his ouster.

Sharif also said his biggest challenge was the economic situation as Pakistan has been relying on foreign loans to run the economy. His government faces multiple issues, including how to respond to a surge in militant attacks, improve relations with the neighboring, Taliban-run Afghanistan, repair crumbling infrastructure, and resolve year-round power outages. It must also maintain political stability as Khans party has vowed to continue protests against the alleged vote-rigging.

After losing to Sharif, Ayub addressed the parliament, commending my leader Khan for his bravery while facing the cases against him. He denounced the arrest of thousands of Khan's supporters last year.

Ayub repeated the allegations of vote rigging and demanded a probe into last months poll. He said PTI votes were tampered with and votes were stolen to stop Khan's party from forming a government.

He said Sharif can rule the country but he cannot win hearts and minds because he came to power through a rigged vote.

Last week, Khan wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund, urging it to link any talks with Islamabad to an audit of February's election. Khans move, which Sharif criticized in his speech, comes days before the IMF releases a key installment of a bailout loan to Pakistan.

Pakistan has been relying on bailouts to prop up its foreign exchange reserves and avoid default, with the IMF and wealthy allies like China and Saudi Arabia financing the country to the tune of billions of dollars. During his previous term as prime minister, Sharif had to struggle for months to get a $3 billion bailout from the IMF.

Sharif has said he will seek a new IMF bailout after the end of March when the current one expires.

He is due to be sworn in on Monday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the first to congratulate Sharif on his election as Pakistans prime minister, the official Xinhua news agency reported Sunday
StockNews.com cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Friday morning.

Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Mizuho upped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $145.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. They set a buy rating and a $140.00 price objective on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Alexandria Real Estate Equities currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $137.13.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 0.4 %

NYSE ARE opened at $124.27 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $122.93 and its 200 day moving average is $113.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 12 month low of $90.73 and a 12 month high of $146.46. The stock has a market cap of $21.74 billion, a PE ratio of 230.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 1.05.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by ($2.83). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a return on equity of 0.46% and a net margin of 3.59%. The business had revenue of $757.22 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $740.16 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.14 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $118.92, for a total transaction of $891,900.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 429,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $51,080,658.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, EVP Kristina Fukuzaki-Carlson sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.03, for a total value of $292,575.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 30,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,519,092.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.92, for a total value of $891,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 429,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,080,658.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,365,175. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter worth $522,000. Napa Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter worth $332,000. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter worth $80,000. FIL Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 81.9% in the 4th quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 32,869 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,167,000 after buying an additional 14,800 shares during the period. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 18,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,282,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.36% of the companys stock.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile

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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.

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Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 599,700 shares, an increase of 36.0% from the January 31st total of 440,900 shares. Currently, 1.6% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 194,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.1 days.

Insider Transactions at Applied Industrial Technologies

In other news, VP Warren E. Hoffner III sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.34, for a total transaction of $364,680.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 57,155 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,421,642.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Applied Industrial Technologies

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Applied Industrial Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,381,000. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Huntington National Bank grew its holdings in Applied Industrial Technologies by 963.2% during the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 202 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Middle East FZE acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. 92.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Applied Industrial Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE AIT traded down $4.46 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $187.91. The stock had a trading volume of 298,194 shares, compared to its average volume of 196,001. The firm has a market cap of $7.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.19 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a current ratio of 3.74, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Applied Industrial Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $122.24 and a fifty-two week high of $194.28. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $178.47 and a 200-day moving average of $165.81.

Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The industrial products company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.11 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.06 billion. Applied Industrial Technologies had a return on equity of 24.59% and a net margin of 8.39%. The firms revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.05 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.42 earnings per share for the current year.

Applied Industrial Technologies Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th were paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.79%. This is an increase from Applied Industrial Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, February 14th. Applied Industrial Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 15.53%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, KeyCorp upped their target price on Applied Industrial Technologies from $182.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th.

Read Our Latest Analysis on AIT

About Applied Industrial Technologies

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Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova met with the delegation headed by President of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Rosen Dimitrov Zhelyazkov, Trend reports, referring to the Press and Public Relations Department of Azerbaijani Parliament.

Gafarova expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to further strengthening and expansion of bilateral ties between the countries, including between the parliaments.

The speaker stated that Azerbaijan and Bulgaria are friendly and strategic partner countries. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2015 brought the relations to a qualitatively new stage.

The Speaker of the Parliament emphasized the importance of mutual visits and high-level meetings.

At the meeting it was emphasized that cooperation in the energy sector plays a key role in the development of interstate relations; the importance of cooperation in the economic, scientific educational, cultural, and humanitarian spheres was also noted. It was stated that consistent high-level political contacts lay the foundation for the development of ties in other spheres as well.

Recalling her visit to Bulgaria last year, Gafarova emphasized the positive role of legislative bodies in the development of relations between the countries, stressing that mutual visits and meetings give grounds to talk about the existence of good cooperation ties between the parliaments today. The importance of maintaining this cooperation between the relevant committees of the parliaments was emphasized.

Highlighting the importance of further development of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries within the framework of international parliamentary organizations, Gafarova noted that several structures show double standards towards Azerbaijan and underlined that the decision of PACE on Azerbaijani delegation is none other than a manifestation of double standards.

During the meeting, the guest was informed about the current situation in the region.

Rosen Zhelyazkov conveyed congratulations on the successful completion of the extraordinary presidential election held in Azerbaijan and the convincing victory of President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev. Noting that the Bulgarian parliamentary delegation also observed the election, the President of National Assembly emphasized the high voter turnout, emphasized that the election was free and transparent and that by voting for Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people chose stability and sustainable development.

Remarking that his country is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres, Rosen Zhelyazkov touched upon the successful cooperation in the energy sector and noted that this cooperation has turned his country from an energy consumer to a transit country. He noted that Bulgaria intends to join the project of an electric cable that will be built on the bottom of the Black Sea as part of the green energy project. It was also stated that Bulgaria is interested in developing cooperation on the Ring of Solidarity project.

He highly appreciated Azerbaijan's role in establishing sustainable peace in the region, as well as works on delimitation and demarcation of borders, and restoration of transportation infrastructure in the region. According to him, in the future, Bulgarian companies can participate in the reconstruction and rehabilitation works being carried out in Karabakh.

Stating that Azerbaijan as the leading country of the South Caucasus is Bulgaria's main partner in energy issues, Rosen Zhelyazkov congratulated our country on being chosen as the venue of COP29 and called it an assessment of Azerbaijan's attention and care in the environmental sphere. He said Bulgaria is ready to provide comprehensive support to Azerbaijan in holding such a prestigious event as COP29.

Referring to the return of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to PACE, the President of the National Assembly noted that Bulgaria supports the re-ratification of the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE.

The sides exchanged views on the prospects of the development of interstate and inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

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ASGN Incorporated (NYSE:ASGN  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $102.34 and last traded at $102.34, with a volume of 8220 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $100.76.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ASGN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. William Blair began coverage on shares of ASGN in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a buy rating for the company. Bank Of America (Bofa) reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $70.00 price target on shares of ASGN in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on ASGN from $93.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on ASGN to $112.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and issued a $110.00 price target on shares of ASGN in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $93.50.

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ASGN Trading Up 1.7 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 2.47 and a quick ratio of 2.47. The firm has a market cap of $4.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 1.50. The firms fifty day moving average is $94.43 and its 200-day moving average is $88.03.

ASGN (NYSE:ASGN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 7th. The business services provider reported $1.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.08. ASGN had a return on equity of 15.52% and a net margin of 4.93%. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.05 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.51 EPS. The firms revenue was down 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that ASGN Incorporated will post 5.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other ASGN news, President Randolph C. Blazer sold 7,746 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.31, for a total value of $730,525.26. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 107,923 shares in the company, valued at $10,178,218.13. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director Jonathan S. Holman sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.31, for a total transaction of $91,310.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 10,793 shares in the company, valued at $985,508.83. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, President Randolph C. Blazer sold 7,746 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.31, for a total value of $730,525.26. Following the transaction, the president now directly owns 107,923 shares in the company, valued at $10,178,218.13. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 9,846 shares of company stock worth $924,817. Corporate insiders own 3.40% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of ASGN

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ASGN. Argent Capital Management LLC lifted its position in ASGN by 8.9% in the 4th quarter. Argent Capital Management LLC now owns 5,917 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $569,000 after acquiring an additional 484 shares in the last quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department purchased a new stake in ASGN in the 4th quarter valued at $2,703,000. Reinhart Partners LLC. lifted its stake in ASGN by 10.7% during the 4th quarter. Reinhart Partners LLC. now owns 543,369 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $52,256,000 after acquiring an additional 52,516 shares in the last quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in ASGN by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC now owns 110,247 shares of the business services providers stock worth $9,005,000 after acquiring an additional 3,787 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of ASGN by 38.5% in the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 615 shares of the business services providers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.41% of the companys stock.

About ASGN

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ASGN Incorporated provides information technology services and professional solutions in the technology, digital, and creative fields for commercial and government sectors in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It operates through two segments, Commercial and Federal Government. The Commercial Segment provides consulting, creative digital marketing, and permanent placement services primarily to enterprise clients.

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Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Barclays from $56.00 to $66.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Barclays currently has an equal weight rating on the stock.

Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $70.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 13th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $75.00 to $62.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $83.00 to $73.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $53.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America lowered shares of Advance Auto Parts from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $60.00 to $43.00 in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seventeen have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.88.

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Advance Auto Parts Price Performance

AAP opened at $69.26 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $63.68 and a 200 day simple moving average of $59.53. The firm has a market cap of $4.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 93.59, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.14. Advance Auto Parts has a twelve month low of $47.73 and a twelve month high of $140.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71.

Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 28th. The company reported ($0.59) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by ($0.83). The firm had revenue of $2.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.47 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a net margin of 0.39% and a return on equity of 1.68%. Advance Auto Partss revenue for the quarter was down .4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.88 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Advance Auto Parts will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Advance Auto Parts Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 26th. Investors of record on Friday, April 12th will be given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 11th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.44%. Advance Auto Partss dividend payout ratio is presently 135.14%.

Insider Activity at Advance Auto Parts

In other news, EVP Kristen L. Soler acquired 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $55.60 per share, for a total transaction of $27,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 12,697 shares in the company, valued at approximately $705,953.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Kristen L. Soler acquired 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $55.60 per share, for a total transaction of $27,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 12,697 shares in the company, valued at approximately $705,953.20. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Kristen L. Soler acquired 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $52.87 per share, for a total transaction of $52,870.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 12,197 shares in the company, valued at $644,855.39. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.63% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Advance Auto Parts

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of AAP. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in Advance Auto Parts by 190.0% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 406 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 266 shares during the period. Dagco Inc. acquired a new position in Advance Auto Parts during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its stake in Advance Auto Parts by 245.9% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 211 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Advance Auto Parts during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, UniSuper Management Pty Ltd acquired a new position in Advance Auto Parts during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.75% of the companys stock.

Advance Auto Parts Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts.

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London Co. of Virginia lessened its stake in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 2.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 634,604 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 18,057 shares during the period. BlackRock makes up about 2.5% of London Co. of Virginias investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. London Co. of Virginia owned 0.43% of BlackRock worth $410,265,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Archer Investment Corp bought a new position in shares of BlackRock in the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. 77.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other BlackRock news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total transaction of $5,085,660.60. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 3,100 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the general counsel now directly owns 8,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,849,424.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,366,142.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 100,511 shares of company stock worth $71,864,028. 1.06% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

BlackRock Price Performance

BlackRock stock traded up $23.74 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $838.57. 549,743 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 603,284. The company has a quick ratio of 3.48, a current ratio of 3.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. BlackRock, Inc. has a 12 month low of $596.18 and a 12 month high of $841.72. The stocks fifty day moving average is $796.30 and its 200-day moving average is $725.72. The stock has a market cap of $124.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.32, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.37.

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, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $0.82. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.65 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.81% and a return on equity of 14.74%. BlackRocks revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $8.93 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.63 EPS for the current year.

BlackRock Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be issued a $5.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 6th. This is an increase from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. This represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.43%. BlackRocks payout ratio is 54.78%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group lifted their price objective on BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. BNP Paribas raised shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. TD Cowen raised shares of BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $785.73.

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BlackRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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MediaAlpha, Inc. (NYSE:MAX  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the six analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and five have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $18.20.

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on MAX shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of MediaAlpha from $12.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of MediaAlpha from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $9.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Monday, February 26th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on shares of MediaAlpha from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. Finally, TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of MediaAlpha in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. They issued an outperform rating and a $15.00 price objective on the stock.

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MediaAlpha Price Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On MediaAlpha

Shares of MAX stock opened at $21.55 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $13.72 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.83. MediaAlpha has a 1-year low of $5.08 and a 1-year high of $22.38. The firm has a market cap of $1.41 billion, a P/E ratio of -24.21 and a beta of 1.35.

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC acquired a new position in shares of MediaAlpha in the third quarter worth $37,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its position in MediaAlpha by 41.6% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 4,049 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,190 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in shares of MediaAlpha by 111.6% during the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,442 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 2,343 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC lifted its holdings in shares of MediaAlpha by 548.1% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 6,617 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,000 after buying an additional 5,596 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc lifted its holdings in shares of MediaAlpha by 28.2% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 7,491 shares of the companys stock valued at $74,000 after buying an additional 1,646 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.18% of the companys stock.

About MediaAlpha

(Get Free Report

MediaAlpha, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates an insurance customer acquisition platform in the United States. It optimizes customer acquisition in various verticals of property and casualty insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lowered its stake in shares of Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:JNPR  Free Report) by 33.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 82,301 shares of the network equipment providers stock after selling 41,700 shares during the period. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Juniper Networks were worth $2,287,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Halpern Financial Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Juniper Networks in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Juniper Networks by 74.1% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,071 shares of the network equipment providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 456 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Juniper Networks by 92.1% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 974 shares of the network equipment providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares during the period. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Juniper Networks in the 2nd quarter valued at $57,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Juniper Networks by 2,224.7% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,976 shares of the network equipment providers stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 1,891 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.79% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently commented on JNPR. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Juniper Networks from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $40.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $40.00 price target (up from $35.00) on shares of Juniper Networks in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Barclays reaffirmed an equal weight rating on shares of Juniper Networks in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Rosenblatt Securities raised their price target on shares of Juniper Networks from $31.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Juniper Networks in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $34.58.

Juniper Networks Trading Up 0.9 %

NYSE JNPR opened at $37.37 on Monday. Juniper Networks, Inc. has a one year low of $24.87 and a one year high of $38.04. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.50 and a 200-day simple moving average of $30.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 1.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.03 billion, a PE ratio of 39.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.64 and a beta of 0.98.

Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The network equipment provider reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.44 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Juniper Networks had a net margin of 5.57% and a return on equity of 11.72%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Juniper Networks, Inc. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Juniper Networks Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.35%. Juniper Networkss dividend payout ratio is presently 92.63%.

Insider Activity at Juniper Networks

In other Juniper Networks news, SVP Robert Mobassaly sold 5,173 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.78, for a total transaction of $190,262.94. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 36,061 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,326,323.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, SVP Robert Mobassaly sold 5,173 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.78, for a total value of $190,262.94. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 36,061 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,326,323.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Rami Rahim sold 5,556 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.29, for a total transaction of $162,735.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 857,186 shares in the company, valued at $25,106,977.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 216,246 shares of company stock worth $7,867,170 in the last ninety days. 1.29% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Juniper Networks Profile

(Free Report)

Juniper Networks, Inc designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; wide-area network SDN controllers; and session smart routers.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec lifted its stake in Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP  Free Report) by 26.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 26,123 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 5,500 shares during the quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in Credicorp were worth $3,343,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in Credicorp by 20.7% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 898,843 shares of the banks stock worth $115,025,000 after purchasing an additional 154,364 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its position in shares of Credicorp by 1,519.9% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 85,547 shares of the banks stock valued at $10,947,000 after buying an additional 80,266 shares in the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp grew its stake in Credicorp by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 5,018 shares of the banks stock valued at $642,000 after acquiring an additional 291 shares during the period. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Credicorp by 22.9% in the 3rd quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 2,168 shares of the banks stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oaktree Capital Management LP raised its position in Credicorp by 2.9% during the third quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP now owns 289,825 shares of the banks stock worth $37,089,000 after acquiring an additional 8,193 shares during the period. 70.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Credicorp from $192.00 to $190.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, February 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Credicorp from $190.00 to $194.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Credicorp currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $181.73.

Credicorp Stock Performance

Shares of Credicorp stock opened at $171.91 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.08. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $155.11 and its 200 day moving average price is $139.77. The company has a market cap of $13.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.99, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.13. Credicorp Ltd. has a one year low of $116.42 and a one year high of $173.39.

Credicorp (NYSE:BAP  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The bank reported $2.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.82 by ($0.02). Credicorp had a net margin of 20.17% and a return on equity of 14.68%. The firm had revenue of $1.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Credicorp Ltd. will post 18.21 EPS for the current year.

Credicorp Profile

(Free Report)

Credicorp Ltd. provides various financial, insurance, and health services and products primarily in Peru and internationally. Its Universal Banking segment includes granting various credits and financial instruments to individuals and legal entities; and various deposits and checking accounts. The Insurance and Pensions segment includes the issuance of insurance policies to cover losses in commercial property, transport, marine vessels, automobiles, life, health, and pensions; management services for private pension funds.

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Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec trimmed its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Free Report) by 92.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 12,200 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 152,800 shares during the quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebecs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $3,245,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 5.4% during the 3rd quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,402 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $374,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 30.7% in the second quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 6,290 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,731,000 after purchasing an additional 1,477 shares during the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,203,000. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 7.1% in the second quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 185,834 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $51,137,000 after purchasing an additional 12,284 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Autumn Glory Partners LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 1.8% during the third quarter. Autumn Glory Partners LLC now owns 5,707 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,518,000 after buying an additional 99 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Trading Up 1.2 %

NYSEARCA IWF opened at $335.15 on Monday. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $221.56 and a 12 month high of $335.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $85.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $315.15 and a 200 day simple moving average of $291.81.

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile

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.

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Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) had its price target upped by Citigroup from $154.00 to $160.00 in a research note published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

DLR has been the subject of several other reports. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, December 1st. They set a reduce rating and a $112.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $144.00 price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, February 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Digital Realty Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $135.93.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on DLR

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

DLR opened at $150.60 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $47.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a 50 day moving average of $139.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $132.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. Digital Realty Trust has a 52-week low of $86.33 and a 52-week high of $150.66.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 164.31%.

Institutional Trading of Digital Realty Trust

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,552,026 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,399,552,000 after acquiring an additional 161,178 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 11.8% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 30,815,132 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,508,919,000 after acquiring an additional 3,245,264 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in 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 valued at $2,345,318,000 after buying an additional 464,694 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the 4th quarter valued at about $2,141,890,000. Finally, FMR LLC increased its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,647,509 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,046,522,000 after buying an additional 394,682 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.71% of the companys stock.

About Digital Realty Trust

(Get 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.

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Earnest Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON  Free Report) by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,181,648 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 138,181 shares during the period. Earnest Partners LLC owned approximately 2.23% of Sonoco Products worth $118,573,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Authentikos Wealth Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sonoco Products during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Point72 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter worth approximately $50,000. Finally, Pinnacle Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter worth approximately $58,000. 76.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Sonoco Products Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of SON stock traded up $0.44 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $57.15. 105,618 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 428,480. Sonoco Products has a fifty-two week low of $49.98 and a fifty-two week high of $63.74. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.93 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.43. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. The stock has a market cap of $5.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.81, a PEG ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.69.

Sonoco Products Announces Dividend

Sonoco Products ( NYSE:SON Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The industrial products company reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.04 by ($0.02). Sonoco Products had a return on equity of 22.42% and a net margin of 7.00%. The business had revenue of $1.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.61 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.27 EPS. Sonoco Productss revenue for the quarter was down 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Sonoco Products will post 5.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 27th. Sonoco Productss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.50%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Russell K. Grissett sold 2,039 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.06, for a total value of $114,306.34. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 11,988 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $672,047.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, insider Russell K. Grissett sold 2,039 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.06, for a total value of $114,306.34. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 11,988 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $672,047.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Jeffrey S. Tomaszewski sold 10,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.53, for a total value of $604,065.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 13,456 shares in the company, valued at $774,123.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. TheStreet cut Sonoco Products from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, February 14th. StockNews.com upgraded Sonoco Products from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Sonoco Products from $58.00 to $56.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Sonoco Products has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $61.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SON

Sonoco Products Company Profile

(Free Report)

Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging.

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Edgar Lomax Co. VA lowered its position in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 374,588 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 6,265 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil comprises approximately 3.0% of Edgar Lomax Co. VAs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $44,044,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in XOM. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 720.0% in the 2nd quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares during the period. FWL Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. grew its position 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 worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 396 shares during the period. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. bought a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock.

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Exxon Mobil Price Performance

Shares of Exxon Mobil stock traded down $1.58 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $104.26. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,066,330 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,592,350. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $101.69 and a 200-day moving average price of $105.94. Exxon Mobil Co. has a one year low of $95.77 and a one year high of $120.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The stock has a market cap of $413.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.83, a P/E/G ratio of 3.85 and a beta of 0.96.

Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 10.45% and a return on equity of 18.51%. The firm had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $90.03 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.40 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.15 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.64%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.74%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Mizuho cut 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. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Finally, Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $116.00 to $119.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.53.

Read Our Latest Analysis on XOM

Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil

In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $252,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 30,189 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,169,845. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $252,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 30,189 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,169,845. The sale 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 companys 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 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. Insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

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.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The 10th meeting at the level of the Azerbaijani-Pakistani working group between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Joint Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was held at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the meeting, a detailed exchange of views was held on the current situation and prospects of the development of bilateral military cooperation, military education and science, operational planning, joint exercises, and other topics of mutual interest.

After signing the final protocol of the meeting, a ceremony of mutual presentation of gifts was held, and a photo was taken as a keepsake.

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Evergreen Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 270,208 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 7,553 shares during the period. Evergreen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $8,963,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of PFE. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in Pfizer during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Pfizer in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC grew its position in Pfizer by 179.3% in the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 1,106 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 710 shares in the last quarter. 68.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Transactions at Pfizer

In other Pfizer news, Director Scott Gottlieb bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $26.47 per share, for a total transaction of $79,410.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $238,230. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PFE has been the subject of several analyst reports. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Guggenheim assumed coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Friday, February 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $36.00 target price for the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $45.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday. Finally, TD Cowen lowered Pfizer from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $32.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.88.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PFE

Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of Pfizer stock traded down $0.64 during trading on Monday, hitting $25.95. 29,100,634 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 41,899,656. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.91. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $25.61 and a 12 month high of $42.22. The stocks fifty day moving average is $27.97 and its 200 day moving average is $30.48. The stock has a market cap of $146.53 billion, a PE ratio of 72.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.61.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.29. The business had revenue of $14.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.37 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 10.88% and a net margin of 3.62%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 41.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.14 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.22 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th were paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 25th. This is a positive change from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 466.67%.

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Evergreen Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of The AES Co. (NYSE:AES  Free Report) by 52.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 314,247 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 107,586 shares during the quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLCs holdings in AES were worth $4,777,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of AES by 17.6% in the 4th quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 3,513 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $101,000 after purchasing an additional 527 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its stake in AES by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 9,675 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $201,000 after acquiring an additional 615 shares in the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC raised its stake in AES by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 96,702 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,470,000 after acquiring an additional 665 shares in the last quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina raised its stake in AES by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 294,689 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,109,000 after acquiring an additional 754 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Simplicity Solutions LLC raised its stake in AES by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC now owns 168,016 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,554,000 after acquiring an additional 793 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.49% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at AES

In related news, EVP Tish Mendoza sold 21,594 shares of AES stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.95, for a total transaction of $409,206.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 167,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,169,595.95. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.01% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on AES from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 28th. Barclays lifted their price target on AES from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, AES currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $21.17.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AES

AES Price Performance

Shares of NYSE AES traded up $0.11 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $15.58. The company had a trading volume of 804,218 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,464,782. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.42. The stock has a market cap of $11.07 billion, a PE ratio of 46.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $17.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $16.76. The AES Co. has a 1-year low of $11.43 and a 1-year high of $25.74.

AES (NYSE:AES  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.36 billion. AES had a return on equity of 38.76% and a net margin of 2.12%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.49 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The AES Co. will post 1.9 earnings per share for the current year.

AES Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 1st will be given a dividend of $0.1725 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 30th. This represents a $0.69 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.43%. AESs payout ratio is 209.10%.

About AES

(Free Report)

The AES Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified power generation and utility company in the United States and internationally. The company owns and/or operates power plants to generate and sell power to customers, such as utilities, industrial users, and other intermediaries; owns and/or operates utilities to generate or purchase, distribute, transmit, and sell electricity to end-user customers in the residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental sectors; and generates and sells electricity on the wholesale market.

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First National Bank of Omaha lowered its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED  Free Report) by 7.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 2,500 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 200 shares during the period. First National Bank of Omahas holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $214,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in Consolidated Edison during the third quarter worth about $2,019,000. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Consolidated Edison by 1,560.1% during the third quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 301,292 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,770,000 after purchasing an additional 283,143 shares during the period. Gotham Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Consolidated Edison by 7.5% during the third quarter. Gotham Asset Management LLC now owns 72,107 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $6,167,000 after purchasing an additional 5,053 shares during the period. Fred Alger Management LLC bought a new position in Consolidated Edison during the third quarter worth about $2,106,000. Finally, CWA Asset Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 12.4% during the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 7,224 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $618,000 after acquiring an additional 799 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 64.53% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $90.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock a sector underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 20th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH assumed coverage on Consolidated Edison in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $92.50 price objective for the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $99.00 to $94.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 16th. Barclays cut their price target on Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $86.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, 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 research note on Friday, February 16th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Consolidated Edison presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $87.89.

Consolidated Edison Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of ED opened at $87.01 on Monday. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a one year low of $80.46 and a one year high of $100.92. The company has a market cap of $30.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.12, a P/E/G ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $89.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $89.50.

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.02. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 17.19% and a return on equity of 8.41%. The business had revenue of $3.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.70 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.81 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 14.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Consolidated Edison Increases Dividend

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 given a dividend of $0.83 per share. This is an increase from Consolidated Edisons previous quarterly dividend of $0.81. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.82%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. Consolidated Edisons payout ratio is currently 46.24%.

About Consolidated Edison

(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 3.7 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.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Free Report) in a research report released on Sunday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet cut Flexible Solutions International from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FSI

Flexible Solutions International Stock Down 2.0 %

Institutional Trading of Flexible Solutions International

NYSE:FSI opened at $1.99 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.09 and a current ratio of 3.14. The company has a market cap of $24.76 million, a PE ratio of 6.63 and a beta of 1.60. Flexible Solutions International has a 52-week low of $1.36 and a 52-week high of $3.50. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.86 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.06.

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in Flexible Solutions International by 22.4% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 60,122 shares of the companys stock worth $186,000 after purchasing an additional 11,006 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. acquired a new stake in Flexible Solutions International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $38,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in Flexible Solutions International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $64,000. Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Flexible Solutions International during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $67,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Flexible Solutions International by 81.7% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 274,858 shares of the companys stock worth $454,000 after purchasing an additional 123,600 shares during the last quarter. 44.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Flexible Solutions International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Flexible Solutions International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals that slow the evaporation of water in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Energy and Water Conservation Products, and Biodegradable Polymers.

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Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $6.50, but opened at $6.82. Gray Television shares last traded at $6.82, with a volume of 182 shares changing hands.

Gray Television Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.12, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $8.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $8.29.

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Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 23rd. The company reported ($0.24) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.16) by ($0.08). Gray Television had a negative net margin of 2.32% and a negative return on equity of 3.76%. The firm had revenue of $864.00 million during the quarter.

Gray Television Dividend Announcement

Gray Television Company Profile

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.92%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. Gray Televisions dividend payout ratio is presently -23.02%.

(Get Free Report)

Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network.

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,230,000 shares, a decrease of 21.7% from the January 31st total of 1,570,000 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,010,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Honda Motor

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 38.9% in the 3rd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 54,949 shares of the companys stock worth $1,849,000 after purchasing an additional 15,384 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 528,582 shares of the companys stock worth $17,782,000 after purchasing an additional 33,470 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 22.4% in the 3rd quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 240,258 shares of the companys stock worth $8,082,000 after purchasing an additional 43,965 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 21.5% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,705,298 shares of the companys stock worth $51,688,000 after purchasing an additional 301,900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in Honda Motor in the 3rd quarter worth about $633,000. Institutional investors own 5.32% of the companys stock.

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Honda Motor Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:HMC remained flat at $36.07 during trading on Monday. The stock had a trading volume of 227,816 shares, compared to its average volume of 934,766. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.71. Honda Motor has a 52-week low of $24.60 and a 52-week high of $36.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $33.15 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $32.55.

Honda Motor Company Profile

Honda Motor ( NYSE:HMC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 9th. The company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $36.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $37.68 billion. Honda Motor had a return on equity of 8.04% and a net margin of 5.05%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Honda Motor will post 4.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

(Get Free Report)

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of InterContinental Hotels Group (NYSE:IHG  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning.

Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on IHG. Berenberg Bank downgraded InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. Societe Generale downgraded InterContinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on InterContinental Hotels Group

InterContinental Hotels Group Stock Down 0.4 %

Institutional Investors Weigh In On InterContinental Hotels Group

NYSE:IHG opened at $106.68 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $96.82 and a 200-day moving average of $84.27. InterContinental Hotels Group has a 52 week low of $63.12 and a 52 week high of $112.08.

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IHG. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its position in InterContinental Hotels Group by 5.2% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 6,250 shares of the companys stock worth $413,000 after purchasing an additional 307 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in InterContinental Hotels Group by 7.9% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 10,382 shares of the companys stock worth $715,000 after purchasing an additional 762 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in InterContinental Hotels Group by 0.8% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 46,973 shares of the companys stock worth $3,233,000 after purchasing an additional 395 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in InterContinental Hotels Group by 6.1% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 227,500 shares of the companys stock worth $15,657,000 after purchasing an additional 13,017 shares during the period. Finally, APG Asset Management N.V. bought a new position in shares of InterContinental Hotels Group in the first quarter valued at $1,135,000. 5.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

InterContinental Hotels Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, EVEN, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, avid, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names.

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TELUS (TSE: T) recently received a number of ratings updates from brokerages and research firms:

2/12/2024  TELUS had its price target raised by analysts at Scotiabank from C$27.00 to C$28.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

2/12/2024  TELUS had its price target lowered by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from C$27.00 to C$26.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

2/12/2024  TELUS had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from C$26.00 to C$27.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

2/12/2024  TELUS had its price target lowered by analysts at Barclays PLC from C$25.00 to C$24.00.

1/26/2024  TELUS was downgraded by analysts at Veritas Investment Research from a buy rating to a reduce rating. They now have a C$27.00 price target on the stock.

1/26/2024  TELUS had its price target raised by analysts at Desjardins from C$27.00 to C$28.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

1/9/2024  TELUS had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$29.00 to C$30.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

1/4/2024  TELUS was given a new C$27.00 price target on by analysts at Scotiabank. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

1/4/2024  TELUS was downgraded by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an overweight rating to a neutral rating. They now have a C$26.00 price target on the stock, down previously from C$29.00.

TELUS Trading Down 0.5 %

TSE T traded down C$0.13 during trading hours on Monday, hitting C$23.70. 703,009 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,664,453. The stock has a market cap of C$35.08 billion, a PE ratio of 40.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.71. TELUS Co. has a 52 week low of C$21.16 and a 52 week high of C$28.95. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$23.99 and a 200 day moving average price of C$23.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 159.88.

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TELUS (TSE:T  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 9th. The company reported C$0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.23 by C$0.01. TELUS had a net margin of 4.20% and a return on equity of 4.96%. The business had revenue of C$5.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$5.24 billion. Analysts forecast that TELUS Co. will post 1.0201199 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TELUS Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be given a $0.376 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. TELUSs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 258.62%.

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; healthcare 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, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products.

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London Co. of Virginia decreased its position in Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LW  Free Report) by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 2,606,518 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 92,886 shares during the period. Lamb Weston makes up 1.4% of London Co. of Virginias investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest position. London Co. of Virginias holdings in Lamb Weston were worth $240,999,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lamb Weston by 24.4% in the 3rd quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 582 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Lamb Weston in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $618,000. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lamb Weston by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 8,227 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $946,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lamb Weston by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 4,729 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $544,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MML Investors Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Lamb Weston by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 16,823 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $1,758,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.77% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently issued reports on LW. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Lamb Weston from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Lamb Weston in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $120.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded Lamb Weston from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Citigroup initiated coverage on Lamb Weston in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. They set a buy rating and a $132.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Lamb Weston currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $127.11.

Lamb Weston Price Performance

Shares of Lamb Weston stock traded down $0.72 during trading on Monday, hitting $101.33. The stock had a trading volume of 605,789 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,603,027. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The firm has a market cap of $14.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.24, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a fifty day moving average of $104.85 and a two-hundred day moving average of $99.01. Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $81.25 and a fifty-two week high of $117.38.

Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 4th. The specialty retailer reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $1.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.70 billion. Lamb Weston had a return on equity of 63.19% and a net margin of 17.71%. The companys revenue was up 35.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.28 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lamb Weston Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 2nd were given a dividend of $0.36 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 1st. This is a positive change from Lamb Westons previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.42%. Lamb Westons payout ratio is 18.73%.

About Lamb Weston

(Free Report)

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc produces, distributes, and markets frozen potato products worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Global, Foodservice, Retail, and Other. It offers frozen potatoes, commercial ingredients, and appetizers under the Lamb Weston brand, as well as under various customer labels.

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LaSalle St. Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 1,849 shares of the payment services companys stock, valued at approximately $275,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. RB Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of American Express by 5.3% in the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 3,783 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $707,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Roundview Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of American Express by 0.4% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 27,029 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $5,054,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 5.6% in the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,421 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $266,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 207.1% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 946 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $177,000 after buying an additional 638 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Donaldson Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in American Express in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $397,000. 83.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of American Express from $220.00 to $226.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Stephens raised American Express from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price target for the company from $148.00 to $193.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Robert W. Baird cut shares of American Express from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $190.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Monness Crespi & Hardt began coverage on American Express in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised American Express from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the company from $167.00 to $205.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, American Express has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $189.00.

Insider Activity at American Express

In related news, insider Laureen Seeger sold 84,420 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.98, for a total value of $17,979,771.60. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 57,512 shares in the company, valued at $12,248,905.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Monique Herena sold 11,242 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $208.41, for a total transaction of $2,342,945.22. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 13,874 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,891,480.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Laureen Seeger sold 84,420 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.98, for a total value of $17,979,771.60. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 57,512 shares in the company, valued at $12,248,905.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 172,047 shares of company stock worth $36,528,388 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

American Express Price Performance

Shares of American Express stock traded down $1.21 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $218.45. 1,422,759 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,376,660. The firms fifty day moving average price is $198.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $172.73. The stock has a market cap of $158.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.60, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.23. American Express has a 12 month low of $140.91 and a 12 month high of $220.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 1.63.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 26th. The payment services company reported $2.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.64 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $15.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16 billion. American Express had a net margin of 13.84% and a return on equity of 30.99%. The companys revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.07 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that American Express will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 9th. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th were paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.10%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is 21.41%.

American Express Company Profile

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services.

Further Reading

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Chairman of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports.

"Dear Excellency,

I have the great honor to congratulate you on your re-election for another term in the Presidential elections held on 7 February 2024. Your landslide elections victory is a clear reflection of the strong confidence and trust that the people of Azerbaijan has placed in your wise leadership as much as your vast experiences, particularly in the national development and governance of state affairs of Azerbaijan.

I firmly believe that the Republic of Azerbaijan under your Presidency will continue to prosper, and I am confident that it will play an even greater role in regional and global affairs for the greater benefits of the people on the region.

The Cambodian Peoples Party attaches great importance in strengthening and deepening its long-standing bond of friendship between our two countries at all levels, especially in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) framework, as well as in other bilateral and multilateral fora.

Please accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration and my best wishes for your good health, happiness and success in your noble tasks," the letter reads.
London Co. of Virginia raised its stake in shares of NewMarket Co. (NYSE:NEU  Free Report) by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 664,683 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,796 shares during the quarter. NewMarket makes up 1.8% of London Co. of Virginias investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest position. London Co. of Virginia owned about 0.07% of NewMarket worth $302,457,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Lowe Brockenbrough & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in shares of NewMarket in the third quarter worth about $8,086,000. Legal & General Group Plc increased its position in NewMarket by 3.4% during the third quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 10,721 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $4,878,000 after purchasing an additional 354 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in NewMarket by 91.5% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 41,667 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $18,960,000 after purchasing an additional 19,907 shares during the last quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in NewMarket by 17.2% during the third quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 436 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $198,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its position in NewMarket by 68.3% during the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 15,164 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $6,900,000 after purchasing an additional 6,153 shares during the last quarter. 60.99% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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NewMarket Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of NEU traded up $1.91 during trading on Monday, reaching $645.80. 13,840 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 45,019. NewMarket Co. has a twelve month low of $334.88 and a twelve month high of $650.00. The stock has a market cap of $6.19 billion, a PE ratio of 15.93 and a beta of 0.45. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $583.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of $520.05. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 2.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

NewMarket Increases Dividend

NewMarket ( NYSE:NEU Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The specialty chemicals company reported $8.38 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $643.35 million during the quarter. NewMarket had a net margin of 14.41% and a return on equity of 41.33%.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $2.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $10.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.55%. This is a boost from NewMarkets previous quarterly dividend of $2.25. NewMarkets payout ratio is 22.26%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of NewMarket from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, February 4th.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NEU

About NewMarket

(Free Report)

NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the manufacture and sale of petroleum additives. The company offers lubricant additives for use in various vehicle and industrial applications, including engine oils, transmission fluids, off-road powertrain and hydraulic systems, gear oils, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, and other applications where metal-to-metal moving parts are utilized; engine oil additives designed for passenger cars, motorcycles, on and off-road heavy duty commercial equipment, locomotives, and engines in ocean-going vessels; driveline additives designed for products, such as transmission fluids, axle fluids, and off-road powertrain fluids; and industrial additives designed for products for industrial applications consisting of hydraulic fluids, grease, industrial gear fluids, and industrial specialty applications, such as turbine oils.

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London Co. of Virginia lessened its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 302,441 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 10,515 shares during the period. London Co. of Virginia owned about 0.26% of Broadridge Financial Solutions worth $54,152,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 10.7% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 8,155 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,270,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 15,625 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,433,000 after acquiring an additional 992 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 126.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 3,384 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $527,000 after buying an additional 1,888 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1,851.9% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 527 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $82,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the period. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 13.2% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 12,722 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,981,000 after buying an additional 1,487 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.36% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 12,731 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.02, for a total transaction of $2,559,185.62. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 13,303 shares in the company, valued at $2,674,169.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, President Christopher John Perry sold 5,069 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.32, for a total value of $1,040,767.08. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 59,651 shares in the company, valued at $12,247,543.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 12,731 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.02, for a total value of $2,559,185.62. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 13,303 shares in the company, valued at $2,674,169.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 53,977 shares of company stock worth $10,770,801. 1.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on BR shares. StockNews.com upgraded Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. Raymond James boosted their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $212.00 to $239.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $203.17.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BR traded up $1.30 during trading on Monday, reaching $205.04. The company had a trading volume of 211,091 shares, compared to its average volume of 591,811. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $201.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $189.88. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $133.97 and a fifty-two week high of $210.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.49 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.40.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.03. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 41.12% and a net margin of 10.82%. The firm had revenue of $1.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.91 earnings per share. Broadridge Financial Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.72 EPS for the current year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.80 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss payout ratio is 55.75%.

About Broadridge Financial Solutions

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

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LRT Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:ABG  Free Report) by 16.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 15,404 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,127 shares during the quarter. Asbury Automotive Group makes up approximately 2.5% of LRT Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest position. LRT Capital Management LLC owned 0.07% of Asbury Automotive Group worth $3,544,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 47.5% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 3,671 shares of the companys stock worth $593,000 after purchasing an additional 1,182 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,459 shares of the companys stock worth $233,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,583 shares of the companys stock worth $1,099,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 56.3% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 12,440 shares of the companys stock worth $1,993,000 after purchasing an additional 4,480 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 63,891 shares of the companys stock worth $10,235,000 after purchasing an additional 4,367 shares during the last quarter.

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Insider Activity at Asbury Automotive Group

In related news, Director Philip F. Maritz sold 1,651 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $227.65, for a total value of $375,850.15. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,484,733.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, SVP Daniel Clara sold 4,618 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $237.11, for a total transaction of $1,094,973.98. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 6,047 shares in the company, valued at $1,433,804.17. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Philip F. Maritz sold 1,651 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $227.65, for a total value of $375,850.15. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,522 shares in the company, valued at $1,484,733.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.41% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Asbury Automotive Group Stock Down 1.0 %

ABG traded down $2.08 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $207.72. 84,870 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 164,373. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 1.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.24 billion, a PE ratio of 7.34 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $212.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $214.38. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $178.40 and a 1 year high of $256.39.

Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $7.12 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $7.74 by ($0.62). The company had revenue of $3.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.70 billion. Asbury Automotive Group had a return on equity of 21.68% and a net margin of 4.07%. Asbury Automotive Groups quarterly revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $9.12 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. will post 31.68 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Craig Hallum lowered shares of Asbury Automotive Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $230.00 price target for the company. in a report on Thursday, February 8th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Asbury Automotive Group

Asbury Automotive Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; and vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services.

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McKesson Co. (NYSE:MCK  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $534.62 and last traded at $533.35, with a volume of 51988 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $525.88.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of McKesson from $495.00 to $514.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. TD Cowen upped their price target on McKesson from $508.00 to $563.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on McKesson from $450.00 to $505.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on McKesson in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $502.00 target price for the company. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of McKesson from $530.00 to $575.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $517.86.

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McKesson Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $69.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.83, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.44. The firms 50-day moving average is $492.56 and its two-hundred day moving average is $461.30.

McKesson (NYSE:MCK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $7.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.05 by $0.69. McKesson had a negative return on equity of 262.63% and a net margin of 0.99%. The business had revenue of $80.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.93 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $6.90 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that McKesson Co. will post 27.61 EPS for the current year.

McKesson Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. McKessons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 11.24%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, EVP Leann B. Smith sold 186 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $496.00, for a total value of $92,256.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $749,456. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other McKesson news, EVP Leann B. Smith sold 186 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $496.00, for a total value of $92,256.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at $749,456. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Brian S. Tyler sold 14,026 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $480.00, for a total value of $6,732,480.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 43,445 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,853,600. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.21% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in McKesson by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,514,039 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,920,064,000 after acquiring an additional 122,156 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of McKesson by 3.0% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,508,134 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,784,399,000 after buying an additional 187,371 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in McKesson by 16.0% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,148,794 shares of the companys stock worth $2,238,953,000 after buying an additional 708,438 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in McKesson by 0.9% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,486,792 shares of the companys stock worth $1,059,447,000 after acquiring an additional 22,726 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in McKesson by 14.0% in the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,398,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,042,937,000 after acquiring an additional 294,832 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.69% of the companys stock.

McKesson Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

McKesson Corporation provides healthcare services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS), Medical-Surgical Solutions, and International. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded, generic, specialty, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, and other healthcare-related products.

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StockNews.com cut shares of National Bank (NYSE:NBHC  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Thursday morning.

Separately, Piper Sandler increased their price target on shares of National Bank from $40.00 to $41.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on National Bank

National Bank Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of National Bank stock opened at $33.63 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $1.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.04 and a beta of 0.83. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $35.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $33.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. National Bank has a twelve month low of $26.48 and a twelve month high of $40.73.

National Bank (NYSE:NBHC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.03. National Bank had a net margin of 25.40% and a return on equity of 12.20%. The firm had revenue of $107.23 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $103.96 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that National Bank will post 3.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

National Bank Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be paid a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. National Banks payout ratio is currently 29.03%.

Institutional Trading of National Bank

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. FMR LLC lifted its stake in National Bank by 78.9% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 850 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in shares of National Bank by 145.4% during the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 1,698 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $68,000 after acquiring an additional 1,006 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd raised its stake in shares of National Bank by 2,677.4% during the first quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 1,722 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $69,000 after acquiring an additional 1,660 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in shares of National Bank by 24.4% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,005 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 393 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY raised its stake in shares of National Bank by 27.5% during the second quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 2,020 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $59,000 after acquiring an additional 436 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.61% of the companys stock.

National Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

National Bank Holdings Corporation operates as the bank holding company for NBH Bank that provides various banking products and financial services to commercial, business, and consumer clients in the United States. It offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts, including fixed-rate and fixed maturity time deposits.

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Nordic American Tankers (NYSE:NAT  Free Report) had its price target reduced by Evercore ISI from $5.00 to $4.50 in a research report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an in-line rating on the shipping companys stock.

NAT has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $5.50 price objective on shares of Nordic American Tankers in a research report on Thursday. TheStreet cut shares of Nordic American Tankers from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Nordic American Tankers currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $5.33.

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Nordic American Tankers Stock Up 2.2 %

NAT stock opened at $4.16 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $4.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.21. The firm has a market cap of $868.61 million, a PE ratio of 8.85 and a beta of -0.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 1.81. Nordic American Tankers has a one year low of $3.26 and a one year high of $4.83.

Nordic American Tankers (NYSE:NAT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, March 1st. The shipping company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $59.25 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $68.90 million. Nordic American Tankers had a return on equity of 18.05% and a net margin of 37.65%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.17 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Nordic American Tankers will post 0.55 EPS for the current year.

Nordic American Tankers Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 20th will be given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 19th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 11.54%. This is an increase from Nordic American Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. Nordic American Tankerss payout ratio is presently 51.06%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NAT. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,245,230 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $44,940,000 after acquiring an additional 126,557 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Nordic American Tankers by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 10,296,248 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $43,245,000 after buying an additional 162,870 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,526,137 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $31,610,000 after purchasing an additional 221,478 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 42.5% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 7,464,144 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $22,840,000 after purchasing an additional 2,225,910 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Nordic American Tankers by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 6,792,916 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $20,786,000 after buying an additional 57,089 shares during the period. 42.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Nordic American Tankers

(Get Free Report)

Nordic American Tankers Limited, a tanker company, acquires and charters double-hull tankers in Bermuda and internationally. It operates a fleet of 19 Suezmax crude oil tankers. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Textainer Group (NYSE:TGH  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the transportation companys stock.

Textainer Group Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of NYSE TGH opened at $49.88 on Thursday. Textainer Group has a 1 year low of $30.22 and a 1 year high of $50.15. The firm has a market cap of $2.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.52 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.76, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.16. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $49.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.62.

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Textainer Group (NYSE:TGH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The transportation company reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $190.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $195.71 million. Textainer Group had a return on equity of 12.86% and a net margin of 26.57%. The firms revenue was down 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Textainer Group will post 4.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Textainer Group Announces Dividend

Institutional Trading of Textainer Group

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 issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. Textainer Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 27.71%.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quantedge Capital Pte Ltd increased its holdings in Textainer Group by 279.5% in the third quarter. Quantedge Capital Pte Ltd now owns 29,600 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,103,000 after buying an additional 21,800 shares during the last quarter. Capital Management Corp VA grew its holdings in shares of Textainer Group by 128.9% during the third quarter. Capital Management Corp VA now owns 342,707 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $12,766,000 after purchasing an additional 192,996 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC grew its holdings in shares of Textainer Group by 9.4% during the third quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 8,767 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $327,000 after purchasing an additional 750 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Textainer Group during the third quarter valued at approximately $330,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Textainer Group by 9.2% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 271,073 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $10,097,000 after purchasing an additional 22,798 shares during the last quarter. 44.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Textainer Group

(Get Free Report)

Textainer Group Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the purchase, ownership, management, leasing, and disposal of a fleet of intermodal containers worldwide. It operates through three segments: Container Ownership, Container Management, and Container Resale. The company's containers include standard and specialized dry freight, and refrigerated containers, as well as other special-purpose containers, which include tank, 45', pallet-wide, and other types of containers.

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Evergreen Capital Management LLC lowered its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 1.3% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 160,342 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,176 shares during the quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $8,803,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Providence Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab during the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the third quarter worth approximately $34,000. State of Wyoming increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 71.0% in the 2nd quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 624 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares during the period. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. 81.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SCHW has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered shares of Charles Schwab from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $75.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. StockNews.com upgraded Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 28th. Barclays increased their price objective on Charles Schwab from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 21st. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $78.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.92.

Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 5,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.71, for a total transaction of $361,405.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 24,111 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,584,333.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 9,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.29, for a total transaction of $587,610.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 585,057 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,198,371.53. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 5,500 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.71, for a total transaction of $361,405.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 24,111 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,584,333.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 172,616 shares of company stock valued at $11,181,109. 6.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of SCHW stock traded up $1.45 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $67.92. The stock had a trading volume of 1,282,370 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,675,771. The company has a market cap of $120.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $45.00 and a 12-month high of $77.32. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $65.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.04.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.90% and a return on equity of 21.33%. The firm had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.49 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, February 9th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 8th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.47%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 39.37%.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Toronto Dominion Bank cut its holdings in The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG  Free Report) by 10.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 195,351 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 24,014 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Banks holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies were worth $5,599,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of IPG. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in Interpublic Group of Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $256,699,000. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies by 1,196.9% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 6,280,702 shares of the business services providers stock worth $222,651,000 after buying an additional 5,796,432 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 462.8% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,939,546 shares of the business services providers stock worth $74,829,000 after purchasing an additional 1,594,945 shares in the last quarter. Ossiam lifted its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 1,423.9% in the 2nd quarter. Ossiam now owns 1,580,750 shares of the business services providers stock worth $60,985,000 after purchasing an additional 1,477,017 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Black Creek Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 14.1% in the 3rd quarter. Black Creek Investment Management Inc. now owns 9,722,563 shares of the business services providers stock worth $278,649,000 after purchasing an additional 1,204,630 shares in the last quarter. 98.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Interpublic Group of Companies Price Performance

Shares of Interpublic Group of Companies stock opened at $31.20 on Monday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $32.40 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.09. The firm has a market cap of $11.82 billion, a PE ratio of 10.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $27.20 and a 12-month high of $40.95.

Interpublic Group of Companies Increases Dividend

Interpublic Group of Companies ( NYSE:IPG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The business services provider reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.57 billion. Interpublic Group of Companies had a net margin of 10.09% and a return on equity of 30.52%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.02 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 2.79 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a dividend of $0.33 per share. This is a boost from Interpublic Group of Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. Interpublic Group of Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $35.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies from $31.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $36.00 target price on the stock. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Interpublic Group of Companies presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.78.

View Our Latest Analysis on Interpublic Group of Companies

Insider Activity at Interpublic Group of Companies

In related news, CFO Ellen Tobi Johnson sold 40,393 shares of Interpublic Group of Companies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.20, for a total transaction of $1,300,654.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 88,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,844,870. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Philippe Krakowsky sold 150,403 shares of Interpublic Group of Companies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.20, for a total transaction of $4,842,976.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 415,776 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,387,987.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Ellen Tobi Johnson sold 40,393 shares of Interpublic Group of Companies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.20, for a total transaction of $1,300,654.60. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 88,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,844,870. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 249,646 shares of company stock valued at $8,038,601 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

About Interpublic Group of Companies

(Free Report)

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Media, Data & Engagement Solutions, Integrated Advertising & Creativity Led Solutions, and Specialized Communications & Experiential Solutions. The Media, Data & Engagement Solutions segment provides media and communications services, digital services and products, advertising and marketing technology, e-commerce services, data management and analytics, strategic consulting, and digital brand experience under the IPG Mediabrands, UM, Initiative, Kinesso, Acxiom, Huge, MRM, and R/GA brand names.

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Element Capital Management LLC cut its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 37.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 76,148 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 45,349 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group makes up 3.4% of Element Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Element Capital Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $38,393,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Robbins Farley acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the third quarter worth $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 340.0% in the 3rd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 66 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 51 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter worth $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Annapolis Financial Services LLC raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 38.6% in the 3rd quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 79 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. 85.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at UnitedHealth Group

In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 858 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction on Friday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $525.79, for a total transaction of $451,127.82. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 32,289 shares in the company, valued at $16,977,233.31. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

UNH has been the topic of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 20th. HSBC reiterated a reduce rating and issued a $480.00 price target (down from $550.00) on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Finally, Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $575.79.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on UNH

UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE UNH traded down $7.15 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $482.38. The company had a trading volume of 1,928,626 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,105,927. The firm has a market cap of $444.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.37, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $445.68 and a 12 month high of $554.70. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $518.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is $518.89.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.98 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $94.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $92.13 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.39%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.34 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be issued a dividend of $1.88 per share. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is 31.54%.

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.

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Hong Kong: CE begins Beijing visit

Chief Executive John Lee arrived in Beijing today, beginning a series of engagements in the nations capital.



Calling on the Ministry of Finance, Mr Lee met Minister of Finance Lan Foan for an exchange of views on various topics, including ways to enhance financial co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong.



He thanked the ministry for its continued support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Governments financial policies, highlighting that its issue of renminbi sovereign bonds in Hong Kong for 15 consecutive years underscores the countrys support for the city as an international financial centre and global offshore RMB business hub.



Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to encourage local governments on the Mainland to issue offshore RMB bonds and green bonds in Hong Kong, and to utilise Hong Kongs financial system and professional services, which are in line with international standards, to promote the RMBs internationalisation and the green transition of their economies.



The Chief Executive then witnessed the signing of two co-operation agreements between the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the National Health Commission to enhance the training of health professionals.



He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Health Bureau and the club on a local programme for infectious disease prevention and preparedness.



Emphasising the importance of cross-boundary medical collaboration, Mr Lee said various initiatives will be taken forward in the future, including the establishment of a Greater Bay Area international clinical trial institute. He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will participate in internationalising national hospital accreditation standards.



Mr Lee will attend the opening meeting of the second annual session of the 14th National Peoples Congress tomorrow.

This story has been published on: 2024-03-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Press Release

March 4, 2024 Jinggoy: Senate seals amnesty grant to rebel and insurgent groups THE Senate today adopted three concurrent resolutions favoring President Marcos Jr.'s grant of amnesty to various rebel and insurgent groups in the country, less than three months after the signing of the presidential proclamations. "The congressional concurrence to the presidential proclamations signifies the Filipino people's support to the comprehensive peace efforts and genuine commitment of the government to attaining lasting peace," Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said. These measures, he added, will foster healing and social cohesion, and will provide the window to end internal armed conflict and rebellion, which have already cost the country a staggering amount of lost economic opportunities and the lives of countless Filipinos. At least 2,000 former members of the separatist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), 1,200 from the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and 400 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) surrenderees are expected to avail of the amnesty. Adopted during Monday's plenary session were House Concurrent Resolutions No. 19, 21, and 22 concurring with Presidential Proclamations 403, 405, and 406 - the amnesty given to rebels from the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF, and MNLF respectively. Estrada expressed gratitude to the Senate leadership for prioritizing these important measures amid the very hectic legislative agenda. The amnesty is granted to rebels who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs. These crimes include, but are not limited to, rebellion or insurrection, sedition, illegal assembly, direct and indirect assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, or explosives. It is important to note that these crimes or offenses must have been committed in furtherance of, incident to, or in connection with the crimes of rebellion or insurrection, among others, the senator said. As provided under Section 4 of each presidential proclamation, the amnesty shall extinguish any criminal liability of former rebels for acts committed in pursuit of their political beliefs and shall also restore civil and political rights suspended or lost by criminal conviction. However, there are exceptions. Amnesty shall not be granted to those who have already been proscribed or charged under the Human Security Act of 2007 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Additionally, it shall not cover crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes against chastity, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights. Following the congressional concurrence to the said presidential proclamations, Estrada said his Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation and the OPAPRU will facilitate a briefing on the status of peace agreements.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The Armenian authorities decided to return the lost Azerbaijani serviceman Ruslan Panakhov to his homeland as a sign of goodwill, National Security Service of Armenia said, Trend reports.

As a sign of goodwill and in pursuance of the agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the highest level that military personnel of both sides who got lost and ended up on the opposite side should be returned as soon as possible, Armenia decided to hand over Ruslan Panakhov to the Azerbaijani side, - the NSS press service said in a statement.

On the morning of February 28, a serviceman of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Ruslan Panakhov, moving between service positions in the Lachin region, got lost, losing the direction of movement under unfavorable weather conditions.

The Armenian side soon issued a statement in which it announced the detention of an Azerbaijani soldier who had crossed the conditional border.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Wu Jing teaching the Miao language to third-graders at Minzu Primary School in Minzu Village, Meijiang Township, Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, on Feb. 20, 2024. [Xinhua/Zhou Siyu]

CHONGQING, March 1 (Xinhua)  "This is the word we are going to learn today, repeat after me  bad ghot gheab (pronunciation as reflected by the Latin alphabet)," said Wu Jing as she uttered the Miao language word for rooster with exaggerated mouth movements, while teaching dozens of third-graders.

In the school building distinguished by its Miao ethnic group architectural style, students of Minzu Primary School were gathered following their winter break. Those in Wu's class were greeted by their teacher in the Miao language.

Minzu Primary School is located in Minzu Village, Meijiang Township, Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality which borders Guizhou and Hunan provinces  the two provinces with the largest Miao population in China. Meijiang Township has an ethnic minority population amounting to about 70 percent of its total population, with most of its ethnic minorities being Miao and Tujia people.

Minzu Village is the only village in Chongqing where the Miao language has been completely preserved. The Miao language curriculum is a distinctive course offered by Minzu Primary School.

Wu wrote down a string of Latin letters on the blackboard and asked the students to pronounce the words. "The Miao language does not have a writing system, which poses difficulties in teaching the language. Therefore, the textbook adopted the Latin alphabet to mark the consonants, vowels and intonation of the language," Wu told Xinhua after the class.

Raising his right arm to indicate his desire to speak in class, Chen Shuai, a student who belongs to Han ethnic group, scrambled to read out the Miao words for "chopping the firewood." "It's peab deul," Chen said with a smile on his face. "Miao language class is my favorite, the language is cool and it's fun to learn it too."

For Long Haolin, a student of Miao ethnic origin, learning the Miao language amounts to more than a penchant for novelty, but represents a deeper connection with his cultural traditions, and more importantly, with his family. "My grandma speaks the Miao language, and I want to be able to master the language and communicate with her in the language one day," the 9-year-old said.

According to Wu, the teaching focuses on everyday language so that students find greater fun and ease in learning. To ignite the enthusiasm of students, she created Miao language jingles to praise the outstanding students.

The Miao language, belonging to the Miao-Yao language family, boasts a long history. Devoid of a writing system, it is passed down by word of mouth. "I used to be a student at Minzu Primary School. At that time, my fellow students all spoke the Miao language, so I learned to speak the language at school," said Wu.

Today, although the village elders still often speak the Miao language, the younger generation, due to leaving the village to seek employment and education, has become more accustomed to communicating in Mandarin, Wu said.

A native resident of Minzu Village, Wu returned to her hometown to teach in the primary school after graduating from a teaching college.

Minzu Primary School has provided bilingual teaching since the 1950s, but the Miao language teaching efforts there tended to rely purely on personal experiences, lacking standardized guidance.

In 2011, the school dispatched a team of Miao language teachers to Hunan and Guizhou provinces to learn better practices for Miao language teaching. Following the study tour, the teachers compiled three volumes of a "Miao Language Textbook," thus ushering in a new stage of standardized bilingual teaching in Minzu.

Apart from preserving the language of the Miao people, Minzu Primary School has also integrated elements of Miao ethnic culture, such as Miao dances, drum playing and handicraft making, into the school's extracurricular activities.

The school's efforts in boosting ethnic culture education are in line with a broader initiative of the Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County to pass down and highlight its cultural heritage, including preserving villages with ethnic minority group characteristics, renovating ancient towns and traditional dwellings, and hosting training sessions concerning intangible cultural heritage, such as Tujia brocade and Miao embroidery.

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Wu Jing teaching the Miao language to third-graders at Minzu Primary School in Minzu Village, Meijiang Township, Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, on Feb. 20, 2024. [Xinhua/Zhou Siyu]

(Source: Xinhua)
The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) holds a meeting to mark International Women's Day and honor China's women role models in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2024. Chinese State Councilor and President of the ACWF Shen Yiqin attended the event and delivered remarks. [Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei]

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua)  The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) held a meeting on Sunday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, and honored China's women role models.

A total of 310 individuals and 200 groups were awarded at the event.

Chinese State Councilor and President of the ACWF Shen Yiqin attended the event and delivered remarks. She extended festive greetings to all Chinese women and congratulated the awardees.

Speaking at the event, she called on all women to embrace self-respect, self-confidence, self-reliance and self-empowerment, and strive for fulfilling lives. She also encouraged women to contribute their wisdom and strength to the cause of building China into a stronger country and national rejuvenation through concrete actions and accomplishments.

(Source: Xinhua)


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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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The first consular consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Hungary have been held in Budapest, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

The Azerbaijani delegation at the consultations was headed by the head of the consular department of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Emil Safarov, and the Hungarian delegation was headed by the head of the consular department of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry Balazs Farkas.

During the consular consultations, the current situation and prospects for the development of consular cooperation with Hungary, which is an important partner country for Azerbaijan, were discussed, as well as the possibility of signing new bilateral agreements in the field of digitalization of consular services.

The parties, exchanging experiences on the latest innovations implemented in the consular field, also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries in the field of migration, education and other areas.

An agreement was reached between the parties to hold the next meeting of consular consultations in 2025 in the city of Baku.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 5. Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin begins a two-day working visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Russian government, during the visit it is planned to consider a range of issues related to the development of Russian-Azerbaijani trade and economic cooperation.

Particular attention will be paid to promoting joint projects in the energy, transport, industrial, cultural, humanitarian and other fields.
Forestry students branch out with new jobs at prestigious woodland giant

A group of Coleg Cambria students have secured new jobs after completing a prestigious forestry programme.

Tilhill, the UKs leading woodland creation, forest management and timber harvesting company, and Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company Plc announced the completion of their Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme in Wales and Scotland.

Launched in 2022, the programme aimed to help young people in rural Wales gain employment opportunities in forestry by providing training, health and safety equipment and mentoring.

Due to its success, it was extended into Scotland for the following years candidate intake.

The UK is experiencing a critical forestry skills shortage as it strives to meet tree planting targets to combat climate change and meet the increasing demand for homegrown timber.

In 2023, approximately 80% of all timber used in the UK was imported, making the country the third-largest global timber importer  highlighting a clear need to upskill and expand the forestry contractor workforce.

Over 70 applicants applied for the latest course and the 10 selected candidates have now completed their fully funded training at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and SRUC Barony College, Dumfries.

The trainees, Ynyr Roberts, Brychan Edwards, Rhys Ap Gwyndaf, and Bedwyr Roberts from Wales have been employed by Tilhill as contractors to carry out planting works in its woodland creation sites.

David Edwards, Tilhills Forestry Director said: It brings great pleasure to be able to welcome 10 newly qualified people into the forest industry in Scotland and Wales.

Tilhill is very proud to have partnered with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi to deliver this programme which has truly upskilled these candidates in a variety of forestry related activities ensuring a strong foundation for their future careers within the forest industry.

Andy White, Lead Forestry Lecturer at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, added: The Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people looking for a start in the forestry industry.

This years successful students have been lucky enough to receive training and qualifications in a wide range of practical forestry skills including tree felling and chainsaw use, first aid, strimmer, brush-cutter and clearing saw use, tractor driving and operation, and pesticide application.

New blood is in short supply within forestry, so this programme is particularly welcome by encouraging new entrants, and providing the basics they need to get started.

The generosity of Foresight in funding these courses, and providing all the necessary PPE, demonstrates their commitment to growing their own new generation of foresters of the future.

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Minister behind controversial 20mph roll out in Wales to leave role this month

The politician who oversaw the rollout of the controversial 20mph speed limit in Wales is set to leave his role this month.

Lee Waters MS, Deputy Climate Change Minister, announced on X  formerly Twitter  his plan to step down in two weeks with the arrival of the new First Minister of Wales.

He also intends to close his X (formerly Twitter) account due to a pile of malign comments he has received.

In a post on X, he stated, Over the last 15 years Ive spent far too much time on Twitter. It stopped being fun a while ago but I now get a pile of malign comments for even the most innocuous posts. When I leave my transport role in a fortnight, Ill be deleting my account. Elon can shove it up his X.

Over the last 15 years Ive spent far too much time on Twitter. It stopped being fun a while ago but I now get a pile of malign comments for even the most innocuous posts. When I leave my transport role in a fortnight Ill be deleting my account. Elon can shove it up his X  Lee Waters MS (@Amanwy) March 4, 2024

Mr Waters term has been marked by controversy, particularly due to the new 20mph speed limit across Wales and the cancelling of major road-building schemes like A483 junction improvements in Wrexham.

His broad range of responsibilities with the Welsh government includes climate change initiatives, setting emission reduction targets, and carbon budgets to mitigate environmental impacts.

His portfolio extends to the much-criticised Transport for Wales train services and the management of the Wales and Borders franchise, crucial for regional connectivity.

Speaking to our sister site Deeside.com last summer about the 20mph pilot scheme in Buckley, Mr Waters said it was a mistake to impose a blanket 20mph speed limit change to all roads in the town. and the surrounding area.

The trial sparked a fierce backlash in Buckley, with residents arguing that it has led to road rage incidents, as well as an increase in pollution and fuel costs.

He said, Buckley was one of eight pilots. The whole purpose of a pilot is to test things and learn from them.

With Buckley, the decision was made not to have any of what we call exceptions. So, the 20mph speed limit was applied to the whole area, rather than only some parts.

Now, I think that was a mistake. In a sense, it worked because we applied that approach, and that approach didnt work.

In September 2023, Mr Waters faced a vote of no confidence in the Senedd, initiated by the Welsh Conservatives.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies MS responded to Mr Waters announcement, stating, Motorists and business owners across Wales will breathe a sigh of relief at this news.

The Deputy Ministers time in post has been characterised by one anti-motorist policy after another, slowing Wales down and doing serious damage to our economy.

Its time to scrap the road-building ban, scrap the 20mph speed limit, and implement a transport policy that gets Wales moving.

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New images of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct with no water  as appeal looks to raise 10k to help protect ageing structure

A 10k fundraiser has been launched to preserve this Welsh engineering marvel, guaranteeing a memorable experience for locals and worldwide visitors who confirm their love of this attraction every yeara unique experience to share with the world and a remarkable connection to our industrial past.

The Canal & River Trust say, This iconic Welsh structure requires continual inspection and repair work. The passage of time and increasing popularity have taken a toll on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, demanding significant and regular attention  particularly caring for the critical components, such as the cast iron troughs, stone pillars, handrails, and the beams supporting the towpath.

Without intervention, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct risks losing some of its original charm and historical significance.

Our experts periodically drain the canal water for extensive inspections and repairs to preserve the Pontcysyllte Aqueducts structural integrity and ensure its continued use. The process requires meticulous planning to minimise disruption and protect the ecosystem, including a fish rescue operation. We go above and beyond to safeguard aquatic habitats during our essential work as part of our commitment to protect wildlife.

While our work will focus on fixing the issues we know about, its also an opportunity to learn more about the structure and create more comprehensive and lasting solutions. Your support is crucial for immediate repairs and to address urgent needs that arise during the process to ensure the future of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

We also need to enhance the towpaths surface and conduct essential works on the supports (ledgers) to make this unique experience for walkers and cyclists even more captivating along this extraordinary towpath across the River Dee valley in North Wales.

The handrails and railing uprights on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct also require attention. Delicate work, performed by highly skilled blacksmiths, is essential to maintain their historical essence.

This ageing structure costs 150,000 a year to keep in the best condition for boats and people alike. This includes planned preventative work and routine inspections. Beyond these structural enhancements, our efforts to preserve this important piece of heritage piece also creates a sense of pride and engagement within the local community.

The charity note We need your help to raise 10,000 to accomplish the work needed in the next three months after the inspection works.

The fundraiser can be found here.

The appeal comes as several superb drone shots have been shared by Carl Edwards, who kindly tweeted them @Wrexham :

The Canal and River Trust is a UK Charity facing a UK Government decision to reduce its funding commitment from 2027 onwards. The organisations latest financials can be viewed here, that also detail several people paid over 150k and a Chief Exec package of 224,503.

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Newbridge: details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised

There will be increased activity on site from now onwards to a road which has been closed for more than three years.

The B5605 in Newbridge, in Wrexham county borough, was closed in January 2021 after a large part of the road collapsed down an embankment during Storm Christoph.

There have since been lengthy delays to repair work, causing frustration for local drivers who use the busy route, which also acts as a diversion from the A483 bypass.

The Welsh Government awarded 2.8m in funding to Wrexham Council to cover the cost of the repairs in May 2022.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has published a response he has had from Wrexham Council, that gives an update on Newbridge fix progress.

Mr Skates quotes the council as saying, Wrexham County Borough Council have been fortunate to have been awarded grant funding by the Welsh Government for the numerous tasks required towards implementation of a scheme of repair within the particularly challenging environment that it is in and around the landslip area.

In collaboration with Atkins Consulting Engineers who have been appointed to support Wrexham Council Borough Council, and our Design and Build Contractors, Jones Bros Ltd, ground investigation work has been completed and the resulting detailed report on the findings has enabled design options to be developed for a scheme of permanent repair to the embankment and road.

Whilst we are conscious that the relative lack of visibility on site may be perceived as lack of progress being made overall, we are pleased to confirm that significant progress has been made and the details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised.

As planning progresses towards the main repair works, on Monday 19th February the road closure order for the affected section of road was extended to also apply to pedestrians and cyclists. From this week onwards, Jones Bros will be commencing their advanced works. This will include diverting existing services, and forming the temporary access road that is required to enable the permanent repair to the landslip itself.

As a result there will be increased activity on site from now onwards, and as the repair scheme progresses further stages will follow towards a full re-opening of the B5605 when any closures will finally be removed.

The detailed programme of works is progressing well, but is yet to be completely finalised

Ken Skates was also told there would be a dedicated update page online for updates, however Wrexham.com (and others) could not locate it yet.

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Senedd: Questions raised over plans and timescales for introducing microchipping of cats

With compulsory microchipping of cats set to be introduced in England from June, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to indicate when it is likely to be introduced in Wales.

Earlier this month, Mr Isherwood joined fellow politicians at a Cats Protection Senedd reception to discuss how compulsory microchipping of pet cats would significantly improve feline welfare in Wales.

Questioning the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths MS, in Wednesdays meeting of the Welsh Parliament, he said that 156,800, or 28 per cent, of owned cats in Wales are still not microchipped, a figure that, according to Cats Protection research, has stagnated for the past several years.

He therefore called on the Minister to outline what plans and timescales the Welsh Government has for introducing and monitoring compulsory microchipping.

Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, he said:

Microchipping cats in Wales is not currently compulsory, unlike in England, where, from 10 June 2024, cats will need to be microchipped and registered on a database by the time theyre 20 weeks old.

The Welsh Governments Animal Welfare Plan for 2021-26 says that In partnership with the UK and Scottish Governments, we have commissioned research on the effectiveness of existing dog microchipping regulations. The research will also report on the potential benefits of the compulsory microchipping of kittens and cats.

One of the action points in this plan states that Welsh Government would consider extending compulsory microchipping to include kittens and cats, and also consider, dependent upon the outcome of the research and consultation, new microchipping regulations for dogs and cats in Wales.

So, given that this is now 2024, what did the research and consultation conclude, how is that shaping the Welsh Governments policy, and what plans and timescales, if any, do you have for introducing and monitoring compulsory microchipping?

Responding, the Minister said it will be within the Animal Welfare Plan timescales, so thats obviously before 2026.

She added that its unlikely that it will be this year.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. A concert of the globally renowned Cuban jazzman Alfredo Rodriguez with his trio took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on March 3, Trend reports.

Rodriguez's jazz-inspired performance included frenetic improvisations and dances for the audience.



Rodriguez, a renowned jazz pianist and Grammy Award contender, received praise for his fascinating jazz improvisations at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 2006.



In 2009, the artist moved to the United States, the birthplace of jazz, and established himself as a renowned character in the genre. Since then, he's demonstrated his limitless brilliance on some of the world's most prominent venues.



Rodriguez and his group performed at the V International Baku Summer Jazz Days at the Heydar Aliyev Center on their globe tour in July 2023. Their performance was memorable for its compelling moments, which included the musicians dancing with the audience.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservative government has declared war on the British working class and all opponents of Israels genocidal assault on the Palestinians in Gaza.

In an extraordinary statement delivered outside Number 10 Downing Street Friday night, Sunak said of peaceful protests for a ceasefire that have mobilised well over a million people: In recent weeks and months, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality. What started as protests on our streets, has descended into intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes his statement from Downing Street, London March 1, 2024 [Photo by Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The dictatorial meaning of his words was made clear when Sunak went on to describe the landslide election to parliament of George Galloway just hours before, on a platform of opposition to the war in Gaza, as beyond alarming.

Galloway won a 5,600 vote majority in the Rochdale by-electionoverturning the Labour Partys almost 10,000 majorityand receiving more ballots than his Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat challengers combined. For the unelected British Prime Minister to tell the nation that Galloways election was illegitimate and part of a threat to our democracy was so nakedly hostile to the democratic process that the comment wasludicrously given that his incendiary statement was televisedalmost immediately redacted from the official transcript of his statement published on the Downing Street website.

Screenshot of Downing Street webpage showing Sunak's redacted March 1 "address on extremism". [Photo: Open Government Licence]

Sunaks speech set out his intention to criminalise opposition to British imperialism, above all its support for the Gaza genocide, and carry out a police-state crackdown on protesters.

While the prime minister claimed to be speaking against Islamist extremists and the far right, his entire speech was directed against the mass anti-war protests and consisted of repeated denunciations of positions held by workers and left-wing opponents of imperialism that are anathema to the far right.

Announcing an end to the technical separation of police and government decision-making, Sunak threatened, I respect that the police have a tough job in policing the protests we have seen and that they are operationally independent. But we must draw a line.

Drawing the line means repressing popular protest. Yes, Sunak continued, you can march and protest with passion. You can demand the protection of civilian life. But no, you cannot call for violent Jihad.

He gave the example of beam[ing] antisemitic tropes onto Big Ben in the middle of a vote on Israel/Gaza. The words projected were From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, Stop bombing Gaza, Ceasefire now and Stop war now. These sentiments are now forbidden, branded part of a hateful ideological agenda, equating once more anti-Zionism with antisemitism and the extremist political ideology of Islamism.

Forbidden is the call for the eradication of a State, by which is meant opposition to a religiously exclusivist, apartheid Israeli state occupying Palestinian lands, again described by Sunak as antisemitism.

Those who fight for these views will be arrested, deported and expelled from jobs, schools and universities.

He denounced an alleged threat from small groups hostile to our values [who] have no respect for our democratic traditions, for their sowing doubt about our countrys history and achievement and for claiming that our country, and the West more generally, is solely responsible for the worlds ills and that we, along with our allies, are the problem.

Areas of special concern were schools, where the targets of Sunaks witch-hunt tell children that the system is rigged against them or that Britain is a racist country to turn impressionistic minds against their own society.

His government would redouble our support for the Prevent programme, founded by Tony Blairs Labour government after the illegal invasion of Iraq to surveil public institutions and demonise Muslims.

Sunak went on, We will demand that universities stop extremist activity on campus The Home Secretary has instructed that if those here on visas choose to spew hate on protests or seek to intimidate people, we will remove their right to be here.

Ministers have demanded more aggressive action against the protests for weeks. Students have been arrested and suspended from their universities, and members of left political tendencies arrested on demonstrations. But the government has been increasingly frustrated by the lack of a real offensive against the demonstrations, including bans on marches, more violent policing and a much larger number of arrests.

For the ruling class, such an assault is now essential.

Opposition to Israels campaign of mass murder and ethnic cleansing is growing by the day, as famine grips Gaza and the lives of tens if not hundreds of thousands more are imperilled. A catastrophic regional war is threatened, spurred on by the NATO imperialist powers itching to crush Iran even as they drive an escalation of the war in Ukraine, including discussion of the deployment of ground troops that would bring them into direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia.

Most dangerous of all, anger among workers and young people over Gaza is politically directed not only against the Netanyahu regime but its bloodstained accomplices in the Tory and Labour Parties.

As the WSWS explained regarding Galloways victory in Rochdale: politics in Britain is being upended by the imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza and the radicalisation of millions of people, particularly young workers and students. An anti-imperialist, anti-war opposition to the Labour and Tory parties is building and seeking a political solution.

George Galloway, the then Respect Party leader, speaks during an interview at his offices in the constituency of Bradford West, in Bradford, England, April 22, 2015 [AP Photo/Jon Super]

The pursuit of war abroad means waging war against the working class at home. The economy and the whole of society must be placed on a war footing, necessitating the ever-more brutal exploitation of the working class and the destruction of already eviscerated social provision such as the National Health Service and education.

This is incompatible with the preservation of the most elementary democratic rights. Dictatorship is the order of the day, whichever party rules Britain.

The prime ministers comments had such a fascistic stink that almost every political party tried to distance themselves from its naked Islamophobia and authoritarian denunciation of peaceful democratic protest. Not so the Labour Party, whose leader Sir Keir Starmer rushed to declare his support.

Sunak was right to advocate unity and to condemn the unacceptable and intimidatory behaviour that we have seen recently, insisted Starmer. Citizens have a right to go about their business without intimidation and elected representatives should be able to do their jobs and cast their votes without fear or favour. This is something agreed across the parties and which we should all defend.

There has never been such an open identity between the Tory party and the Labour Party, not even when the execrable Blair was prime minister. In the eyes of millions, Sunak and Starmer are political twins, leaders of two anti-working class, anti-democratic, and overtly pro-business, pro-austerity, pro Zionist, pro imperialist and pro-war parties.

Starmer functions as a Tory prime minister in waiting should popular hostility lead to the downfall of Sunaks gang of war criminals. Nothing would be changed by their unseating the Tory government in the election due this year.

But the working class cannot allow itself to be paralysed by the united Tory-Labour front. And there can be no waiting until Labour has proved itself as violently hostile to workers interests in office as it has been in opposition. Workers and young people must seize the initiative and kick Sunak out of office before he can make good on his threats.

A government which organises a state crackdown to defend a criminal policy it pursues against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the population has no legitimacy. The demand must be raised for an immediate general election.

A national vote forced on parliament in this way over its support for the Gaza genocide would not only disrupt Sunaks authoritarian agenda; it would create the conditions for the broadest, most militant and politically focused challenge to Starmers Zionist party of NATO. It would provide a renewed focus for the widespread social and political discontent that gave rise to last years strike wave that was betrayed by the trade union bureaucracy now busy championing a Starmer government.

The Socialist Equality Party would campaign in any general election in total opposition to all Labour MPs and any suggestion to vote for them, however many unprincipled caveats they attach to their membership of a self-declared party of British imperialism. It will insist that the only way to oppose war, the slaughter in Gaza and the assault on democratic rights in the UK is the building of a mass, socialist anti-war movement in the international working class.
On Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines urging people who are actively infectious with COVID-19 to return to schools and workplaces, thereby infecting their coworkers and the general public.

Under the guidelines, workers are encouraged to return to work 24 hours after their last fever, a period in which the vast majority of COVID-19 patients will be actively infectious.

This guidance has no basis whatsoever in public health. It has two fundamental aims. First, it seeks to ensure that workers show up on the job even as they pose a major safety threat to their co-workers and customers, in order to create profits for large corporations.

Second, and no less important, by allowing COVID-19 to spread uninterrupted, the US government, speaking on behalf of the financial oligarchy, is seeking to reduce life expectancy and create the conditions for the early deaths of older Americans and immunocompromised people.

The CDCs policy change is being implemented under conditions in which COVID-19 is circulating at a higher level than at the same time during any previous year of the pandemic and under conditions in which all restrictions on the spread of the virus have been dropped. Due to the ending of all pandemic surveillance after the Biden administration scrapped the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration last May, the circulation of COVID can now only be seen through wastewater data.

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics, showing that current wastewater levels are higher than any previous year of the pandemic at this time of the year. [Photo: Biobot Analytics data fra avlpsvann]

The CDCs new policy lumps COVID-19 together with other respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), encouraging all those infected with these pathogens to report to work and resume normal activities.

At least one-quarter of working Americans lack any sick leave, which is often taken from their paid time off (PTO). Among private-sector workers, only 40 percent of the lowest paid workers are provided sick leave. Now, bosses and managers can invoke the CDCs guidelines to demand that their employees come to work sick or risk being fired.

Every aspect of the new guidelines goes against the well-known scientific truths about COVID-19: Without testing, patients cannot determine by themselves whether or not they are infectious; a large percentage of COVID-19 transmission is through asymptomatic patients; fever is only one of over a dozen COVID-19 symptoms; upwards of 20-40 percent of COVID-19 patients are still infectious after five days, with some more than a week.

The guidelines are in direct contrast to the basic principles of public health, which aim to limit the spread of all pathogens and minimize the morbidity and mortality burden suffered by society. Instead of advocating an expansion of paid sick leave for all workers, mass testing, contact tracing, and other basic public health measures for COVID-19, influenza and RSV, the CDC reduced to the bare minimum its isolation recommendation for all respiratory viruses, while no longer encouraging testing whatsoever for COVID-19.

This is only the latest in a continuous stream of unscientific policy changes by the CDC, which has discredited itself in the eyes of all serious scientists, doctors and anti-COVID advocates over the course of the pandemic.

Denouncing the CDC guidelines change, Dr. Lucky Tran, a science communicator at Columbia University, told Forbes, The changes in the CDC guidelines are really a result of political and corporate pressure. Its a dangerous change that goes against the science, encourages disease spread, and prioritizes corporate interests, making it easier to exploit workers.

Dr. Ellie Murray, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston Universitys School of Public Health, told CNN, Its not good science. Its not good public health. It doesnt provide people with accurate information.

Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, also told CNN, The overwhelmingly abundant evidence for this virus over the past 4 years tells us that it is a far more dangerous pathogen than flu, which lacks seasonality, is still evolving, has induced Long COVID in tens of millions of people throughout the worlds and cannot be FLU-ified.

Indeed, the CDCs own data, including the Background document justifying its latest policy change, make clear that COVID-19 remains far more dangerous than the flu, RSV or any other seasonal virus.

In the first week of February 2024, close to 1,600 people died of COVID-19 in the United States. Since August 26, 2023, i.e., for 24 consecutive weeks or nearly half the calendar year, the official weekly death toll in the US has remained over 1,000. While 5,748 Americans died from the flu in 2023, more than 77,000 perished from COVID-19.

According to data analyst Greg Travis, who maintains the only COVID-19 pandemic excess deaths tracker in the US, those between 18 and 44 years of age continue to see excess death rates at 20 percent above pre-pandemic baselines. Children under 18 have faced excess death rates from COVID-19 five times higher than the flu. It is not just the old and infirm being culled, but even those in the prime of their lives and those whose lives have barely begun.

Excess deaths among adults 18 to 45 years of age in the US [Photo by Gregory Travis @greg_travis]

According to the CDCs tracker of official COVID-19 hospitalizations, for the week ending February 24, 2024, a total of 17,310 people were admitted to hospitals across the country due to COVID-19 infection, far higher than any other respiratory virus. The Background document contains a chart noting that between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023, hospitalization rates of 250 per 100,000 persons were still roughly half the rates of the same time period over the prior two years and continued to dwarf admissions for influenza and RSV.

Hospitalization rates per 100,000 population for COVID-19, the flu and RSV. For all seasons displayed, dates range between October 1 and September 30 of each year. [Photo: CDC]

Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is evolving at a faster rate than any other respiratory pathogen, constantly producing new, immune-evasive variants like the JN.1 Pirola variant that quickly swept the globe this winter.

Thousands of scientific studies have shown that COVID-19 is capable of damaging virtually every organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain, at far higher rates than the flu or other respiratory viruses. Over 20 million Americans of all ages are now suffering from Long COVID, in addition to hundreds of millions more globally.

In justifying its policy change, the CDC falsifies the scientific knowledge pertaining to Long COVID and minimizes the ongoing risk of this often horrible affliction, stating in its Background document that the prevalence of Long COVID also appears to be decreasing.

The latest data from the CDCs own National Center for Health Statistics, which conducts a regular Pulse Survey of US households, indicate that rates of Long COVID have shot up to record levels during the ongoing winter wave of the JN.1 variant, which scientists estimated infected over a third of the American population in recent months.

In January 2024, 17.6 percent of American adults reported having had Long COVID at some point during the pandemic, equivalent to almost 60 million Americans.

Percentage of American adults who have ever experienced Long COVID, according to data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics [Photo: National Center for Health Statistics. U.S. Census Bureau, Household Pulse Survey, 20222024. Long Covid. Generert interaktivt: fra https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/Covid19/pulse/long-Covid.htm]

In an article published in The Conversation this week, leading Long COVID researcher Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of Washington University in St. Louis wrote:

[T]here is now abundant evidence that being infected with SARS-CoV-2the virus that causes COVID-19can affect brain health in many ways. In addition to brain fog, COVID-19 can lead to an array of problems, including headaches, seizure disorders, strokes, sleep problems, and tingling and paralysis of the nerves, as well as several mental health disorders.

Noting that these dangers have persisted under every SARS-CoV-2 variant, Dr. Al-Aly highlighted studies showing that memory problems are common, imaging studies demonstrating brain shrinkage after COVID-19 infection, a study showing that mild to moderate infections produced at least seven years of brain aging, and autopsy reports demonstrating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the brain tissue. He concluded with alarming findings from a recent study showing that COVID-19 patients suffered a significant drop in their IQ scores.

In the face of government inaction and outright criminality, Long COVID patients are organizing a protest at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on March 15. This will be the first such protest in the US since September 2022, when Long COVID patients and advocates rallied outside the White House to denounce Bidens lie that the pandemic is over.

The World Socialist Web Site endorses the upcoming rally, which takes place under conditions in which the entire political establishment is ignoring and covering up the ongoing dangers of the pandemic. The only presidential candidate running in the 2024 US elections who has publicly opposed the CDCs latest policy change is the Socialist Equality Partys Joseph Kishore, who issued a statement on Twitter/X within hours of the release of the new guidelines. Kishore wrote:

Throughout our campaign, @jerrywhiteSEP and I will fight for a socialist public health program in opposition to the Democrats and Republicans policies of mass infection, debilitation and death. We will fight for a vast expansion in funding for #LongCovid research, the renovation of all public spaces to ensure they have clean indoor air, the scientific education of the public so that everyone knows that #CovidIsAirborne, and for a new Operation Warp Speed to create nasal and other vaccines that provide truly sterilizing immunity to all #SARSCoV2 variants.

The CDCs latest policy change will only further exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 on the US and world population, with the international working class suffering the brunt of the damage. Given that the US is the center of world capitalism, the policies being set by the CDC will be replicated throughout the world, wherever limited isolation guidelines remain in place.

It is critical that the international working class oppose this assault on the right to a safe and healthy environment and fight for a socialist public health program to stop the spread of COVID-19 and all infectious diseases worldwide.
A group of recently terminated Stellantis temporary supplemental employees held a spirited protest Saturday outside the United Auto Workers Solidarity House headquarters in Detroit. The workers demanded the rehiring of hundreds of supplemental employees also known as SEs, who have been fired after promises that they would be converted to full-time positions under the supposedly historic contract signed by UAW President Shawn Fain last fall.

Fired Stellantis supplemental workers at UAW headquarters protest on March 2, 2024

Protesters, who included terminated SEs at Stellantis Warren Truck and Detroit Assembly-Jefferson, GMs Flint Assembly Plant and other plants, marched in front of the Solidarity House headquarters as vehicles driving by honked their horns in support.

The marchers carried signs saying, TPTs [Temporary Part-Time workers] Matter, Sellout Contract and No Representation, No Work! As they marched, the workers chanted, The UAW lied to us, Stellantis fired us, SEs and Full-Timers Unite, Were all in the same fight, Fain, Fain, you cant hide, were here to tell the world that you lied, and Workers of the world, unite!

The protest was endorsed by the newly formed Rank-and-File Committee to Fight Job Cuts (RFC-FJC), which is seeking to unite autoworkers with workers across all industries and borders to fight the global attack on jobs. The committee is organizing workers independently of and in opposition to the union bureaucracies, which are collaborating with the corporate assault on workers jobs and livelihoods.

Socialist Equality Party vice presidential candidate Jerry White also joined the protest and issued a statement of solidarity from SEP presidential candidate Joseph Kishore and himself.

After marching, recently terminated Stellantis Warren Truck worker, Ashley Wilmoth, a spokesperson for the group, read a prepared statement explaining the purpose of the protest. Brothers and Sisters, we have gathered here to stand up and speak out about 2024 sellout contract. We were all deceived by our union leadership. We were told to keep coming to work, that this contract would change our lives and that it is one of the best contracts the UAW leadership has ever seen. We now know this is not true.

While workers were led to believe they would have job security, thousands of union members have been terminated or laid off and left without certainty. But this is only the beginning, she said. The auto companies had planned to destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs as they transitioned to electric vehicles, which require fewer man hours to build. The UAW did not secure the shorter workweek with the same amount of pay for the membership, and this can only mean that more job cuts are coming.

The UAW contracts were not negotiated in good faith, she said, and therefore were not valid. The union leadership did not fight for the membership, and they are not currently fighting for us. We pay dues for protection and representation. Ask yourself, where is the leadership now? The company, the UAW apparatus and the government are working hand in hand to exploit workers for profits at the workers expense.

The profits are there; yet the benefits, security and the representation are not. Divide and conquer only works for the rich. We must unite to fight for our brothers and sisters, fight for our futures as well as the futures of the generations to come. This contract was no historic contract. But we have an opportunity to make history while fighting for the greater good of our membership as a whole.

She concluded: Stand up, speak out. Say no to the sell-out contract! We will not be silenced. We will not cower down. We must continue to expose the truth in true solidarity. We can fight against the corruption so long as we all do our part so that no member is left behind.

In comments to the WSWS, Wilmoth discussed the fact that Stellantis was slashing jobs in Italy and France and that companies outside of the Big Three automakers, like UPS, were cutting thousands of jobs too. This is an international struggle. There are job cuts all over the world. People are being affected every single day even outside of the Big Three. Wherever there is profit, there are going to be terminations, and, until we stand up against this together, it is going to continue and only get worse.

There is more power in numbers, and the more of us that stand up to oppose this together, that gives us a higher chance of actually overcoming this. I dont think anybody is coming to save us. We cant look to the UAW. We cant look to the government. And, we definitely cant look to the company. So, we have to look to each other so we can unite collectively and actually stand up against this.

John, another fired Warren Truck worker, told the WSWS why he was protesting. Just like anybody else who loses their job and was terminated with no type of fight-back or representation, were angry. They just kicked us straight out the door after using us to get this contract passed and building their trucks.

There were times we didnt feel well, but we couldnt go home because we were TPTs, and we had to be there. We stuck it out to the end, and the end was kicking us out the door.

Monique, another fired SE, said, They would tell us, We need you to stay over, we need you to work 12 hours to help second shift out. They told us, Just come to work everyday, and you will be hired in. Pay your union dues, and youll get representation. It was all a lie. We filled out our paperwork to get rolled over to full-time, and 24 hours later, we were gone.

John added, They told us if they didnt have work at Warren Truck, they would place us at other plants. They lied to us. Its a shame that its happening to workers all over. People have families. They say they dont want the population to be homeless, but theyre opening up the doors for people to be homeless. I did all I could for Warren Truck, came to work every day, on time, and this is where Im at right now.

This can happen to anyone, and its not going to stop. If we sit back and dont say something, they are going to continue to do what they are doingmaking their money and screwing the people.

A supplemental employee from Detroit Assembly Complex-Jefferson said the UAW not only lied about promoting SEs to full-time but also that they would get profit-sharing checks. [UAW Vice President] Rich Boyer told us straight up that supplementals would get profit sharing in 2024 at the ratification meeting. There are hundreds of witnesses. Dont come on the stage and lie. Theyre saying they are more open and transparent, but its more of the same.

Local news station WDIV covered the protest and reached out to the UAW for a response. We were told the UAW had no comment about the protest at this time, a reporter stated.

Socialist Equality Party vice presidential candidate Jerry White joined the protest and made the following remarks:

Im very proud to be with the supplementary workers from Stellantis who organized this demonstration to demand the reinstatement of more than 2,000 SEs who have been fired unjustly. UAW President Shawn Fain claimed the SEs would be rolled over to full-time positions. He only said that in order to get the workers to vote for this pro-company contract. Once the contract was passed, 539 workers were fired, their insurance was cut off to their families by January 31, and now thousands more workers in Indiana, Detroit, Toledo and other locations have been fired by Stellantis with the collusion of the UAW. The march here today was organized by rank-and-file workers. They werent looking to the UAW apparatus; they were speaking to their brothers and sisters who are still in the factories warning them that what happened to them can happen to these workers next. Stellantis is firing workers in Italy and in France. Huge corporations like UPS are firing thousands and thousands of workers. The stand that these workers are taking today is really speaking for the whole working class in America and around the world. The Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joe Kishore and I stand 100 percent in solidarity with the fight of the Stellantis workers to win their jobs back and to organize a rank-and-file rebellion against the UAW apparatus and to fight internationally to defend the right to a job for every single worker.

The SEP candidates are calling for the expansion of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to coordinate the struggle against job cuts across borders. In a social media post on the protest, White said, Capitalism offers the working class nothing but poverty, war and exploitation. The right to a good-paying and secure job for all is inseparable from the fight for socialism.

The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter encourages Stellantis and all workers to join and build the Rank-and-File Committee to Fight Job Cuts as your independent voice. To contact the RFC-FJC, call or text 248-919-8448 or fill out the form at the end of this article.
As the protest by hundreds of thousands of farmers in India approaches the end of its third week, at least one farmer has been killed and nearly 200 injured amid a wave of brutal state repression. The crackdown has been spearheaded by the Hindu-Supremacist Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the active support of several state governments in northern India.

On February 13, thousands of farmers predominantly from the northern state of Punjab began their Dilli Chalo (Lets go to Delhi) march. Their demands include a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops and farm loan waivers. The protest action was initiated by two peasant-farmers unions, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM, Working-Farmer Front) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha or United Peasants Front (Non-Political).

As a devoted political representative of Indian and foreign capital, the Modi government responded by launching brutal repression, forcing the farmers to encamp on the Punjab side of the Punjab-Haryana state border crossing at Shambhu, which lies some 200 kilometers (125miles) from Delhi. The BJP government has declared war on the farmers by mobilizing tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces; erecting multilayer barricades with massive concrete blocks and barbed wire; disrupting internet and mobile services and issuing executive orders requiring X/Twitter to censor specific accounts and posts related to the farmers protest; and attacking them with tear gas canisters from drones.

Protesting farmers gather near Shambhu border that divides northern Punjab and Haryana states, almost 200 km (125 miles) from New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Feb.14, 2024. On that day, protesting Indian farmers clashed with police for a second consecutive day as tens of thousands of them tried to march to the capital New Delhi to demand guaranteed crop prices for their produce. [AP Photo/Rajesh Sachar]

The Modi governments nervous response to the farmers agitation is born of fear it could become a rallying point for far broader social opposition to the governments pro-investor policies and anti-China alliance with Washington. This fear is all the more acute as Modi and his BJP attempt to secure a third successive term as Indias national government in general (Lok Sabha) elections scheduled for April and May. In office since May 2014, Modi has failed to fulfill any of his false electoral promises to Indias toiling masses, including to double farmers income by 2022. While Indias economy has expanded, the mass of the population remains mired in poverty and extreme economic insecurity, as virtually all the growth in income and wealth has gone to the tiny capitalist elite and their upper middle-class hangers-on.

The farmers unions were scheduled to announce on February 29 their plans for the continuation of their march on Delhi. However, in a brief statement issued that day, the unions declared that they were mourning the death of Shubhkaran Singh, a young farmer shot by the security forces, and would not announce their future plans until March 3 at the earliest. Shubhkarans cremation took place in his native village of Balloh the same day, over a week after his death. Earlier, the unions had insisted that the cremation should not proceed until the authorities filed a case against those responsible for the farmers death.

More than respect for Shubhkaran lies behind the unions repeated delays in announcing next steps. Under conditions where the government has rejected farmers key demands and indicated its readiness to use massive state violence to prevent the march from proceeding toward Delhi, they are uncertain and divided as to what to do next.

Shubhkaran suffered a fatal head injury caused by a rubber bullet on the evening of February 21. Speaking to The Wire, his uncle Buta Singh blamed the Haryana state government for creating chaos by halting farmers from marching to Delhi, saying, Shubh would have been alive if farmers were allowed to march peacefully. According to Buta, Shubhakarans family is heavily indebted and possess less than 2.5 acres of farmland. Shuhb was our only hope to take care of his aged parents and two sisters, added Buta.

On Tuesday, February 27, the SKM held Quit WTO Day protests demanding that Indias agriculture sector not be subject to World Trade Organization rules. According to the SKM, this protest in which farmers parked their tractors along state and national highways without obstructing vehicular traffic was held in more than 400 districts around India. Farmers have realized the threats to the agriculture sector due to the agreements of India with WTO, Darshan Pal, an SKM leader, told the Indian Express.

The Punjab state government, run by the Aam Aadmi or Common Mans Party (AAP), is collaborating with the BJP-led Haryana government in the latters brutal repression against the farmers. It has refused to file a FIR (First Information Report) against the security personnel from Haryana whom the protesters hold responsible for Shubhkarans death. This exposes the pro-investor character of the AAP government, which has sought to posture as sympathetic to the farmers.

To mollify the mass anger over the young farmers killing, the AAP state government announced a 10 million Indian rupee (US $120,000) ex-gratia payment and jobs for Shubhkarans next of kin. However, farm union leaders initially rejected the ex-gratia payment, citing the state governments refusal to file a case against the security personnel involved.

At least nine other farmers have been severely injured, some suffering multiple fractures, during the police repression. Since the protest began, the number of injured has risen to around 180. Patiala District civil surgeon Raminder Kaur told The Wire that most of the injuries were due to the dropping of tear gas shells or the firing of rubber bullets. Apart from this, three further casualties have been reported. Two farmers died from cardiac arrest at the protest site, and one fatality was caused by a suspected bullet injury, she said.

Giving a glimpse of the brutality of the ongoing repression against the farmers, Haryana police picked up another farmer, 32-year-old Pritpal Singh from Sangrur, and brutally assaulted him. He was stuffed in a sack. He is currently at PGI Hospital in Rohtak in Haryana with a broken limb and other severe injuries. Speaking to the Newslaundry website, Pritpals wife Amandeep Kaur said: His face was disfigured from the beating. His teeth are broken. Even after two days, his nose is bleeding. He has a severe head injury too. By unleashing such ruthless police violence, Modi and the Indian ruling elite want to send a clear message not only to the farmers in other parts of India, but also to the entire working class: the BJP government will not tolerate any opposition to its pro-investor policies.

Following the Feb. 21 clash that resulted in Shubhkaran Singhs death, the BJP-led Haryana state government threatened farm union leaders that it will invoke the National Security Act (NSA) 1980. Under the NSA, a state or Central government is empowered to detain a person for one year or more if there is reason to believe that he/she may be engaging in an act threatening national security. Amid heavy criticism and mounting anger from farmers against this warning, the government authorities were forced to back-track and withdraw their threat. It also released all 16 farmer leaders and activists whom it had taken into detention.

Speaking to the Indian Express, a senior Haryana government official admitted that the reason for the about-face on invoking the NSA was that it would have proven counterproductive and invited outrage not only from the farmers but also other sections of society.

The government has combined its brutal repression with offers of some meager concessions to induce the farmers to stop their protest.

During the fourth round of discussions between peasant-farmer leaders and government ministers on February 18, the BJP central government offered contract-based assurances that various government agencies would buy five crops the pulses, archar, tur and urad, and corn and cottonat an MSP. Well aware that the protesting farmers would angrily turn down such assurances, which fall well short of their demands, the SKM outrightly rejected the proposal, which the government in any case soon backtracked on. Rather than guaranteeing a minimum crop price, the BJP Agriculture Minister said the five crops supposedly subject to it would be procured on a contract basis. The governments real intention was thereby exposed, said KMM Coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Farmers have vowed that they will not accept anything less than the full implementation of the MSP recommendation of the government-appointed Swaminathan commission. After several years of deliberations, the commission proposed in 2006 that the MSP should be at least 150 percent of the weighted average cost of production. It also said that the MSP should include the cost of all inputs and the cost of renting the land, even in the case of tiller-owned lands. Given the fact that the BJP government failed to fulfill many of its major promises made during the first Dilli Chalo in 2020-21, farmers are rightly suspicious of the promises being made by the BJP this time.

For decades, Indias governments whether led by the BJP, the Congress Party, or various caste- and ethno-regionalist parties have worked to commercialize the agriculture sector, while cutting support for small farmers including subsidies for fertilizer and other key inputs.

While farmer union leaders are saying they are intensifying their agitation by mobilizing other farmers and trade unions, these actions are based on the bankrupt perspective that the government can be pressured into changing course. In fact, the Modi government will not make any serious concessions to the farmers, because to do so would cut across its pro-investor policies and have the potential to galvanize broader social opposition, above all from the working class.

The opposition political parties including the Congress and the Stalinist Communist Party (Marxist) or CPM are posing as supporters of the farmers with the aim of using the protest to boost the fortunes of their Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) electoral bloc. Led by the dynastic Congress Party, till recently the Indian ruling classs preferred party of national government, INDIA offers the bourgeoisie a right-wing alternative government to Modis BJP. One no less committed than it to pro-investor reform and the Indo-US military-security alliance.

As during the year-long 2020-21 farmers protest, the CPM, while feigning support for the farmers, is working to keep the working class on the sidelines. Above all, the Stalinists seek to prevent the working class from intervening as an independent force, fighting to rally the farmers and all the rural toilers, above all the agricultural labourers, in a mass movement against the Modi regime and the entire Indian ruling class and for a workers government committed to socialist policies. This was particularly shown during the Feb. 16 Grameen bandh (rural shutdown) called by the SKM and the joint platform of central trade unions, which is led by the CPM-affiliated Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). Underscoring the Stalinists perspective of subordinating the working class to the INDIA alliance, CITU President K. Hemantha, said the aim of the bandh was to defeat the BJP government in the 2024 elections.
As the genocide in Gaza enters its fifth month, millions of people took to the streets around the world in protest. Protests were held on every major continent, in many cases drawing tens of thousands of people.

The US-backed Israeli ethnic cleansing campaign has officially killed over 30,400 Palestinians. Large protests have continued despite attempts by capitalist governments and the media to smear demonstrators as antisemitic.

Thousands marched in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday. Thousands marched in Caracas, Venezuela, and similar figures were seen in Milan, Italy, and many other cities.

Protesters held up signs that read Hands off Rafah, in opposition to a planned Israeli assault. Some 1.5 million people are currently sheltering in the southernmost city in Gaza. Over 80 percent of Palestinians have been displaced since October 7, with many families forced to relocate multiple times in order to try and evade constant Israeli attacks.

Despite repeated US airstrikes, in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, millions of people protested against the Gaza genocide beginning on Friday and through the weekend.

The US and NATO powers continue to provide military, economic and political support to Israel. This steadfast support continues even as reports confirm that Israel military forces are deliberately massacring starving civilians and aid workers.

Following the flour massacre in Gaza City last week, Al Jazeera reported Sunday that an aid truck delivering flour into Gaza was destroyed in an Israeli attack near Deir el-Balah. At least nine people had been killed, with an eyewitness recounting seeing body parts in the air.

In a statement issued on Sunday, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Adele Khodr wrote that in a single hospital in the northern Gaza Strip at least ten children have reportedly died because of dehydration and malnutrition.

In the United States, over 60,000 people demonstrated in nearly 200 cities in the past week, according to a tracker maintained by Jay Ulfelder, program director at Nonviolent Action Lab, located at the Harvard Kennedy School Carr Center for Human Rights Policy.

A section of the protest calling for an end to US funding of the genocide in Gaza, in Chicago, Illinois, March 2, 2024.

Protests were held over the weekend in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Tucson, New York, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Washington D.C.

In Detroit, Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore and vice presidential candidate Jerry White spoke with many of the more than 1,000 people who took part.

Kishore issued a statement from the rally, stating, This is a genocide made in Washington. He added that the genocide is part of an expanding global war, including the US-NATO war against Russia over Ukraine. The fight against imperialism is a fight against capitalism, Kishore said, and this requires the development of a movement in the working class.

Despite the pouring rain, thousands turned out to Washington Square Park in New York City. While demonstrations have been a near-daily event in the city since last October, Saturdays event was one of the largest in the last couple of months.

Despite the rain, thousands protested against in support of the Palestinians in New York's Washington Park on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Without exception, demonstrators expressed their disgust with President Biden and the Democratic Party. Many had previously voted for Biden but vowed not to do the same in 2024, though many did not have a clear idea of what to do as an alternative.

While there was a sense of urgency to stop the genocide in Gaza, participants expressed wanting to do more than showing up to protests and shouting slogans.

Thousands of protesters braved the rain to protest in Washington Park, in New York City on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Nick said he strongly supports the Palestinian cause because it is not a war, it is a genocide. Everything that is happening right now in Gaza is just horrific. It is ridiculous to think about it.

Our government is actually funding money, weapons for Israel for a long time, he added. This needs to be stopped immediately.

Nick

They make so much money off of wars. It is nothing new, if you look at the Afghanistan war, Iraq war, all based on lies. I was very young at that time when it was the Iraq war. And back in the day, there was no Instagram, Facebook and social media. So they were lying to us, always been there lying to us. The mainstream media, you are looking at fake news  and now people are waking up to the reality.

In Washington D.C, around 2,000 people gathered outside the Israeli embassy to protest the slaughter. The event was held at the same location where 25-year-old Aaron Bushnell immolated himself in a fatal protest last Sunday.

A section of the thousands who protested in Washington D.C. on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

One young person told reporters, It was never about the hostages Which is why youre bombing them from the north, pushing them further out into the Egyptian border The [Israeli] hostages themselves have made accounts that they were treated with dignity, as opposed to the Palestinians who are arrested and imprisoned in Israel who all have the same traumatizing experiences of being treated like animals, as opposed to human beings.

One young worker said, Especially the people in the working class in this country who need somebody to stand for them and need somebody to speak for them, because theres definitely something wrong with the system that we live in.

Genevieve spoke about the importance of the working class in stopping the genocide. She said I think the only way to fight against oppressive forces like this is by getting the working class to be aware of this sort of injustice. Theres no institutional way to bring about progress. No way to do it within the system we have created We cant keep funding genocide like this, its not okay.

Genevieve at the D.C. protest, March 2, 2024.

When a reporter asked her about Bidens recent appeal in Brownsville, Texas, for Trump to join him to pass anti-immigrant legislation in order to secure more military funding for Ukraine and Israel, she responded Hes not working with what the people want Were not voting for Biden.

She added, We cant work within the confines of a system thats been created to serve people at the top.
In a series of campaign appearances in states with primary contests to choose the Republican presidential nominee on March 5 (dubbed Super Tuesday because of the large number of delegates up for grabs), the Republican frontrunner made his most toxic appeals yet to fascist and racist sentiments.

Trump focused on demonizing migrant workers, as well as attributing to President Joe Biden and the Democrats the destruction of democratic rights which he himself plans to carry out if he wins the election next November 5.

Former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. [AP Photo/Steve Helber]

These were the ex-presidents first public appearances after he and Biden both traveled to the US-Mexico border last week, and Biden appealed for Trumps support for the anti-migrant bill approved by the Senate on a bipartisan basis but blocked in the House under pressure from Trump. The likely Republican candidate made no reference to the bill or to Bidens appeal for his help in getting it passed.

The invective directed against migrants was extraordinary in its blatantly racist character and its explicit endorsement of the fascistic Great Replacement Theory, which claims a liberal-Jewish conspiracy to flood the country with immigrants from Asia, Africa and Latin America who will supposedly replace the native white population of the United States.

While he did not invoke the neo-Nazi conspiracy theory by name, Trump elaborated its basic outlines, claiming that the Biden administration was knowingly aiding and abetting an invasion by a virtual army of migrant criminals in order to shift the countrys demographic balance. The Great Replacement Theory has been publicly voiced by a series of racist mass murderersin New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and elsewhere

Bidens conduct on our border is by any definition a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America, he said in Greensboro, North Carolina. Biden and his accomplices want to collapse the American system, nullify the will of the actual American voters and establish a new base of power that gives them control for generations.

Later, in Virginia, he said of the Democrats and migrants, Theyre trying to sign them up to get them to vote in the next election.

Seeking, in his usual fashion, to accuse his political opponents of what he is planning himself, he charged that Biden was engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America and was the real threat to democracy. Using language that incorporates the legal definition of treason, a capital crime under US law, he declared that every day, Joe Biden is giving aid and comfort to foreign enemies of the United States.

Such language is aimed at inciting violence against political opponents, not only Biden and his fellow Democrats, but those who oppose both Biden and Trump from the left. Trump made repeated references to Marxists, socialists and communists, who would be targets of his wrath if he were again installed in the White House.

Trump began both his North Carolina and Virginia rallies by playing a recording of Justice for All, a rendition of the US national anthem recorded by a group of fascists who engaged in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and are now in prison for their crimes. These offenses include both assaulting Capitol Police officers and disrupting an official proceedingthe congressional certification of Trumps defeat in the Electoral College by a sizeable margin, 306-232. (Biden also won the popular vote by seven million votes.)

Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the horribly and unfairly treated January 6 hostages, the ex-president declared. The J6 Prison Choir was then heard singing while Trump recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Biden campaign responded to Trumps latest diatribeson the eve of primaries that will likely clinch the Republican presidential nomination for himnot by warning of Trumps dictatorial course but by criticizing him for pressuring House Republicans to block the legislation passed by the Senate that would pour billions into repressive measures along the US-Mexico border. These include the hiring of thousands of additional Border Patrol agents and immigration judges and the revival of most of the anti-migrant policies carried out by the Trump administration.

Bidens campaign issued a statement that declared:

Once again Trump is projecting in an attempt to distract the American people from the fact he killed the fairest and toughest border security bill in decades because he believed it would help his campaign. Sad.

Some quotes from Trumps speech in North Carolina, wildly applauded by a few thousand supporters, give a sense of the openly racist character of his appeal and his use of Nazi-like language. He claimed Biden was turning public schools into migrant camps and the USA into a crime-ridden, disease-ridden dumping ground.

He made a phony expression of concern over the death of 22-year-old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, whose alleged killer is a Venezuelan migrant claiming asylum and fighting deportation. Trump said he had spoken to the parents and blamed Biden for her death.

He painted a picture of military-aged men flooding across the border from countries like the Congo and China. They are all from the ages of 18-29, he declared. What the hell is going on with that? That is called military fighting age.

He reiterated his longstanding and entirely fabricated claim that other countries had emptied their prisons and asylums and sent the inmates to the United States, comparing the migrants to Hannibal Lecter, the fictional serial killer in a series of Hollywood films.

He continued:

Thats why a central question in this election is whether the foreign armies Joe Biden has smuggled across our border will be allowed to stay, or whether theyll be told to get the hell out of here and go back home. Well take them back home.

Trump again raised the question of the languages spoken by migrants. At the Virginia rally he railed against pupils from foreign countries, from countries where they dont even know what the language is. In his visit to the US-Mexico border Thursday, he said that migrants coming into the US were speaking truly foreign languages. ... Nobody speaks them.

Last week, he told the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), We have languages coming into our country. We dont have one instructor in our entire nation that can speak that language  they have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. Its a very horrible thing.

Trumps all-purpose answer to this supposed threat is repression. He repeated a pledge to begin mass deportations on the day he is sworn in as president. He said:

It will happen quickly. Local police  know every one of them. Everyone says, how are you going to do that? We are giving our policemen immunity from prosecution.

This would be the beginning of a political purge of the entire country, directed not only against Trumps political opponents in the corporate political establishment such as Biden and the Democrats but above all against the working class.

But as the Biden campaigns comments make clear, the Democrats will neither speak the truth about Trump nor take any action beyond supporting the various lawsuits and criminal prosecutions now slowly wending their way through the court system. Their overriding concern is to win the support of their Republican friends in Congress, most of whom have already endorsed Trump, for stepped-up US military aid to Ukraine.

The defense of democratic rights, like the struggle against imperialist war, can only be mounted by the working class, which must undertake a political offensive against Trump, the Democrats and the capitalist political establishment as a whole, on the basis of a socialist program.
Millions of people took to the streets around the world over the weekend to protest Israels imperialist-backed genocide against the Palestinians. The demonstrations were fuelled by the horrific flour massacre perpetrated by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Thursday, when at least 115 Palestinians were killed while waiting for desperately needed food aid in Gaza City.

A recent protest in Mississauga, Ontario, against Israel's genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza

Significant protests were held in major cities across Canada, including one in Vancouver, British Columbia, that shut down the busy Granville Bridge for over an hour. In Toronto, a protest against the genocide forced the cancellation of a downtown reception planned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for Italys fascist head of government, Giorgia Meloni.

Upwards of 400 demonstrators gathered outside the Art Gallery of Ontario, where the event was set to take place. The Prime Ministers Office called off the reception after declaring that secure passage for Trudeau and Meloni into the building could not be guaranteed. Protesters held placards and shouted slogans denouncing the Trudeau governments complicity in the genocide.

Demonstrations in the Greater Toronto Area have taken place on almost a weekly basis since Israels brutal onslaught on defenceless men, women and children in Gaza began in October last year. At one recent demonstration in Mississauga, families and people of all ages and ethnicities gathered to express their opposition to both the Israeli government and the Canadian political establishment, which has been complicit in the genocide since day one. Demonstrators chanted various slogans including, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!

Over 30,000 people have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza, a figure that rises well above 35,000 if the missing are included. Much of the infrastructure of the enclave lies in ruins. Food and water are scarce, and aid agencies like the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) have had their funding cut, including by the Canadian government. Figures on infant disease and starvation are horrifying.

Giovanni, a retiree who immigrated from Italy to Canada in 1968, told the World Socialist Web Site why he was attending the Mississauga demonstration.

We have a genocide going on in Gaza, and the numbers are atrocious, he said. Approaching 20,000 children killed, and 70,000 injured, and the Canadian government is basically silent on it. So we have a role to make people aware as much as we can of this situation.

Asked about the role of the Canadian government and opposition parties, Giovanni condemned all of the mainstream parties. Ive been watching TV the last couple of days, and its Navalny, Navalny, Navalny [the recently deceased pro-Western Russian opposition figure], he said. And 20,000 children killed in Gaza, which is not even mentioned.

There is no opposition. Theyre all in unison on this. The ruling class controls them, gives them money, and they respond to the needs of what the ruling class wants. We dont give contributions to political parties. Most of us can give $10, but not the big money that they receive to run the elections.

Canadas opposition parties have been just as complicit as the federal Liberal Party government in the Zionist massacre of the Palestinian people. The social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) has kept the Liberals in power since 2022 through a confidence and supply agreement, even as the Liberals summarily dismissed South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and withdrew funding for the UNRWA in a transparent endorsement of the far-right Netanyahu government.

The NDP, along with the official opposition Conservatives under far-right leader Pierre Poilievre, and the Quebec nationalist Bloc Quebecois, have viciously denounced peaceful anti-genocide demonstrations. The NDP has also clamped down on dissent within its ranks. Last October, the NDP expelled Member of Parliament Sarah Jama from the partys Ontario legislative caucus for describing Israel as an apartheid state.

Yasmina is a university student studying marketing. Her family is of Palestinian origin and immigrated to Canada in the 1980s from Lebanon. She attended the demonstration with her friend, who is Jewish.

Just to be clear, we have to separate Zionism from Judaism, she commented. Thats very important. Do not let them conflate the two. That youre antisemitic if youre anti-Zionist. Thats the most important element of this.

Asked what she thought of the idea that the imperialist powers, principally the United States, supported Israels creation to project their interests more aggressively in the Middle East, Yasmina expressed her agreement. I would agree with that, absolutely, she remarked. But there is undoubtedly some Holocaust guilt, which is used very effectively to smear people. The sad reality is its reaching the bottom. This is nonsense. There have been countless genocides in human history. The Holocaust was the worst one of the 20th century, performed by a developed nation that was heavily industrialized, and on a scale that we hadnt seen before.

But this perpetual victimhood that Zionism projects does a disservice to Jewish people and to Judaism. This is a religion, like Islam, of peace and genuine nonviolence. The prophet Mohammed, towards the end of his life, was against war.

Charges of antisemitism have been used by all of the major parties and their media mouthpieces to smear and silence all opposition to the genocide in Gaza. The hypocrisy of these charges becomes evident when considering that less than six months ago, the entire Canadian federal parliament gave a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka. The 98-year-old Ukrainian was a veteran of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a military unit complicit in the Holocaust and massacring of tens of thousands of Poles. The Canadian government continues to fund and arm the Ukrainian military, which is riddled with neo-Nazis, in the NATO-instigated war against Russia.

Greg, a high school history teacher, expressed his hope that the genocide and imperialist war could be stopped by a mass movement of the working class, especially the youth.

This myth in Canada that we are a peacemaking nation is utter nonsense, he said. I teach history and I try to make my students aware of this 

I have faith in young people. The beautiful thing is the United States is having difficulty filling the ranks of its military. Because young people are waking up. Even in Israel, young people are refusing to serve. Theyre going to jail, refusing to serve in the IDF. Theres resistance.

Greg was asked about the connection between social inequality, the growth of workers struggles, including in the education sector, and war. Definitely the elites have stacked the deck, he responded. The money is funneled upwards to these corporations and defence contractors, and basically the military industrial complex. Theres a dumbing down of our population. They dont want people knowing the truth. They dont want people to awaken to the fact that any war, its always the working class that fights the wars. This is what I show my students.

This is the reality. They do not want to pay a living wage to people. The fact that two people died in a homeless shelter in Mississauga, outside, in the last two weeks, this is indicative of Canadas care of the most marginalized, the weakest people.

Discussing his views on the way forward for the protest movement against genocide, Greg continued, We need a global movement of working people who recognize that they are being used and exploited. That they are fodder for this capitalist machine, in essence. Thats what keeps it going.

We need to educate people, to inform them. And they cant be just localized. You need to unify everybody around this. What they depend upon is racial division, particularly in the United States, and dividing peoplethis is a divide and conquer strategy that we see these governments of the world use.
Top German generals and the German government are discussing in concrete terms how Taurus cruise missiles can be delivered to Ukraine and used against Russian targets. This emerged from an approximately 30-minute conversation on February 19, which was reportedly intercepted by Russian intelligence and published over the weekend by the Russian news channel RT.

Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile under a Eurofighter Typhoon [Photo by GFDL / CC BY-SA 3.0

The conversation involved Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz, Head of Operations and Exercises in the Luftwaffe Command Frank Grafe and two lieutenant colonels of the Bundeswehr (armed forces) Space Command named Fenske and Florstedt. According to their own statements, the military commanders met to prepare a meeting with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democrats, SPD) and to discuss with him whether and how the Taurus can be delivered to Kiev and used against the nuclear-armed power Russia.

Pistorius wanted to get really deep into Taurus, Gerhartz began the conversation. He leaves no doubt that he himself supports the deployment and use of the weapons system and that he and the military are concerned with convincing Pistorius and the entire political leadership. The whole discussion about the Taurus keeps coming up, because nobody really knows why the chancellor is blocking here, he complains.

The participants do not mince words about their plans to further escalate the war against Russia. Specifically, they focus on attacks on Russian ammunition depots behind the front and the destruction of the logistically and strategically important Crimean bridge which has connected the Russian region of Krasnodar with the Crimean Peninsula since 2018. Florstedt explains at one point that the Taurus is particularly effective in combating these targets.

The bridge to the east is quite hard to reach, and the pillars are relatively small, and the Taurus can constitute that, and the Mun[itions]depotswe just get through. And if I take that into account now and compare how many Storm Shadows [the British equivalent of the Taurus] and [] were shot down, you just have a pretty good unique selling point.

Then Fenske, who was apparently commissioned together with Florstedt to carry out the Taurus mission, explains that far more than one cruise missile was needed to destroy the bridge. This is unfortunatelydue to its sizelike an airfield. That means it may well be that I need ten or twenty missiles for this. Gerhartz speaks of fifty in the first tranche and then possibly another 50 units to be delivered.

A large part of the conversation revolves around how to dispel the political concern of too direct participation by the Bundeswehr in the deployment of the Taurus. The idea of driving the target data from Poland by car to Ukraine so that no one notices is rejected as an unacceptable solution. The same goes for the proposal to simply have the data files created by the Taurus manufacturer MDBA in Schrobenhausen instead of by the Air Force in Buchel.

At the same time, the military figures agree that the full training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Taurus would be demanding and time-consuming. Fenske therefore pleads for this: When it comes to the deployment afterwards, the recommendation would actually be that at least the first mission support will be provided by us, since the planning is very complex.

Other proposals under discussion are no less explosive. Grafe raises, at least in the first phase until the Ukrainians are fully trained themselves, the issue of cooperating with Britain. The expertise of the British army, which would also have a few people on the ground, could be used to provide the Ukrainian army with the necessary data and satellite images.

At another point, Gerhartz raises the question of whether the Ukrainian army is at all dependent on direct data from Germany due to the already existing NATO support on the ground. One must always also assume all the things the Ukrainians now do, he explains. We also know that there are many people with an American accent walking around in civilian clothes. You can say that, they are then relatively quickly able to do that themselves, because they all have the satellite images.

This is explosive in several respects: Just a few days after French President Macrons statement that the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine was not excluded, the leaked conversation confirms that they are already on the ground. The fact that German generals, of all people, are planning major attacks on Russian targets exposes Scholzs claim that Germany is not a war party as a mere sham.

The German army leaderships rush towards escalation draws on a dark tradition. The Wehrmachts war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, which began 83 years ago and in which the Luftwaffe played a central role under its then-leader Hermann Goring, claimed the lives of at least 27 million Soviet citizens. The current escalation of war between Germany and NATO against Russia serves the same essential imperialist goals: the military subjugation of Russia and the plundering of its vast deposits of raw materials. The current attack not only has the potential to destroy the whole of Europe, but to turn the entire planet into a nuclear desert.

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, warned on his Telegram channel that Germany is preparing for war with Russia. He continued, The eternal opponent, the Germans, have once again become our arch-enemies. RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, who has close ties to the Kremlin, called for direct attacks on targets in Germany: Isnt it time we showed them how it ended for Germany the last time Russian bridges exploded?

The majority of the ruling class in Germany is totally indifferent to the vast dangers posed by the eruption of a direct war with Russia. It has reacted to the leaked conversation of the generals with a further intensification of anti-Russian incitement and war propaganda in order to legitimise its renewed push eastwards behind the backs of the population. The problem for them is not that the war conversation took place, but that Russian intelligence was able to intercept it. In fact, what the Air Force leadership discussed is in line with the official policy of the federal government.

A motion passed in the Bundestag (federal parliament) on February 22three days after the meetingcalls for Ukraine to be supplied with long-range weapons systems in order to carry the war deep into the Russian heartland. It states that the supply of additionally required long-range weapons systems and ammunition is necessary in order to facilitate, on the one hand, Ukraines ability to carry out targeted attacks in compliance with international law on strategically relevant targets far in the rear of the Russian aggressors territory and, on the other hand, to further strengthen the ground forces with the supply of armoured combat systems and armoured vehicles.

In his latest statement, Pistorius, who already openly threatened Russia with war in late January, described the publication of the intercepted conversation as part of an information war by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Its a hybrid attack for disinformationits about division, its about undermining our unity, he claimed. One must not fall for Putin and must therefore react prudently, but no less resolutely.
Within the framework of 2024 - Green World Solidarity Year, Financial Chain Corporation, which is always actively involved in social projects and the protection of fauna and flora, this time held a tree-planting action in Mishviqabad settlement with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Caspian Energy Club.

Bureau 19 and Lunchef companies also happily joined this wonderful initiative of Financial Chain Corporation, in which 100 eldar pine and olive trees were planted. Before the action, the area was cleaned of waste and drip irrigation systems were installed.

The purpose of the action held under the slogan Better Nature, Better Future was to protect the environment by planting trees, restore the ecological balance and contribute to nature.

As you know, one of Azerbaijan's 5 national priorities for social and economic development is a clean and healthy environment as well as greenery growth. For this reason, improving the environment, restoring and increasing greenery are among the most important issues at the moment.

More: https://f-chain.com/financial-chain-corporations-tree-planting-action/
Imprisoned WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, who exposed war crimes by the US and Britain in Iraq and Afghanistan, is facing imminent extradition to the United States and is now fighting for his life.

Assange has been indicted under the Espionage Act on trumped-up charges that carry a 175-year prison term. If Britains High Court refuses this month to hear a final appeal from Assange, he will be bundled onto a plane and held in a US supermax prison. His lawyers warn that if Assange is extradited, there is every likelihood of further espionage charges, including those with a death penalty.

[AP Photo/Matt Dunham]

Assanges freedom must be demanded by workers and youth in Britain, the US, his native Australia, and throughout the world.

He is being targeted for WikiLeaks courageous journalism that exposed criminal activity and anti-democratic conspiracies orchestrated by the White House, Pentagon and CIA against the working class and oppressed people of the entire world.

Since he was dragged out of the Ecuadorian Embassy by British police in April 2019, he has been held in solitary confinement in Londons Belmarsh Prison. Every arm of the British stateparliament, the judiciary, police, intelligence agencies and mediahave been complicit in efforts to silence and destroy Assange, overseeing his slow-motion assassination in the heart of London.

The case of Assange embodies the struggle against imperialist war, the authoritarian measures used to suppress anti-war sentiment and the propaganda lies used to justify it all.

He was targeted by Washington and London because he sought to warn the population of the brutality the ruling class was capable of. He described WikiLeaks as the intelligence agency of the people.

Those warnings are now being daily and horrifically confirmed by the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands have likely lost their lives, and in the Israeli genocide in Gaza, already responsible for at least 30,000 deaths, mainly women and children. Both are rooted in the drive by the imperialist powers for a redivision of the globe, its people and its resources, which marks the ever-deeper descent into a third world war.

The persecution of Assange, which includes a CIA assassination plot and which has ravaged his health and stolen over a decade of his life already, has been the spearhead of a crackdown on opposition to war, in preparation for the eruption of military violence now underway. It was intended to set a chilling precedent that anyone who gets in the way of the war plans of the imperialist powers will be silenced and destroyed.

The attempt to brutally silence journalists that began with Assange has now led to a policy of mass murder. Well over 100 media workers and many of their family members have been killed by the Israel Defense Forces in the space of just four months, in a clear campaign of targeted assassinations to stop the truth of the genocide being reported. In Israel, Britain, the United States, Europe and throughout the world, draconian legislation is being used to criminalise anti-genocide protests, with thousands arrested.

If wars can be started by lies peace can be started by truth, Assange told a rally against the occupation of Afghanistan in Londons Trafalgar Square in 2011. There has been no shortage of wars and lies since.

In Ukraine, the NATO powers claim to be defending sovereignty and democracy by working with fascist forces to dragoon the population into a fight to the last man designed to weaken and destabilise Russia.

In Gaza, they support Prime Minister Netanyahus cynical invocation of Israels right to self-defence as a justification for the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.

Assanges fate, the fight for his freedom, depends on the development of a mass anti-war movement against the imperialist pyromaniacs responsible for these catastrophes.

That movement has begun, with mass protests of millions across the world demanding an end to Israels genocide in Gaza, which is only the first stage of a war across the Middle East, waged by the US and its satellites against Iran and its allies in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, to secure American hegemony over the oil-rich region.

This mass movement must place the demand for Assanges freedom at the centre of the fight against genocide and war.

Under these conditions, Assanges case will take on explosive political dimensions in its next stage, whether in the form of an appeal before the UK High Court, or a defence mounted in the United States. His tormentors in Washington may think they can act with impunity, but they have not reckoned on the enormous popular sympathy for Assange and WikiLeaks.

The working class and young people are at the beginning of an election year in which the two main parties presented to themRepublican and Democratic in the US, Conservative and Labour in Britainare despised. Neither countrys ruling class is in a strong position to mount an unprecedented, legally obscene extradition and prosecution.

It will be lost on no one that while they persecute Assange, the US and its allies have mounted a chorus proclaiming the death in custody of Alexei Navalny as the ultimate proof of the criminal character of the Putin regime, shedding an ocean of tears over this racist crook.

And millions will not accept the ruling elites right to punish Assange for revealing previous war crimes when they are mobilising week after week against the newest crimes sanctioned in Gaza by Genocide Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak.

Julian Assange being dragged out of the Ecuadorean embassy in London, April 2019 [Photo: Facebook]

After more than a decade of the relentless persecution of Julian Assange by the imperialist powers, it is time for workers and young people to draw the lessons of the struggle for his freedom. At this critical juncture, it is urgently necessary to unite the fight against war with the struggle to free Julian Assange.

Like all great defence campaigns of the past, the fight to free Julian Assange can only succeed to the extent that it mobilizes the working class, linking the struggle to free Assange with the struggle against war and the fight by millions of workers all over the world against the brutal attacks on jobs, wages, essential services and basic democratic rights.

This must be done in opposition to the Labour Party, which is complicit in the Gaza genocide and Assanges persecution. Leader Sir Keir Starmer was head of the Crown Prosecution Service throughout much of its pursuit of the WikiLeaks founder on behalf of the US. Former leader Jeremy Corbyn kept a shameful silence on Assange through two general elections until the dying days of his leadership.

We urge all workers, youth and students who want to rally the working class to Assanges defence and to win his freedom to attend the public meetings called by the Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.

Manchester

Monday March 18, 7pm

Friends Meeting House (rear of Manchester Central Library)

6 Mount St, Manchester

M2 5NS

Register here for Manchester meeting

London

Wednesday March 20, 7pm

58 Birkenhead Street

Kings Cross, London

WC1H 8BB

(near Kings Cross-St Pancras)

Register here for London meeting

Inverness

Saturday March 23, 1pm

Spectrum Centre, Room 6

1 Margaret Street, Inverness

IV1 1LS

Register here for Inverness meeting

Sheffield

Sunday March 24, 3pm

Showroom Cinema, Cafe Meeting Room

Paternoster Row, Sheffield

S1 2BX

Register here for Sheffield meeting
Senior US government officials, including Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, visited Sri Lanka last month in a clear indication that Washington is expanding its strategic relationship with Colombo.

In line with US war preparations against China which the former considers the main threat to Washingtons global hegemony, the primary topics of discussion with the Sri Lankan government were increased defense and maritime cooperation. Sri Lanka is strategically situated alongside east-west Indian Ocean maritime routes that are crucial for Chinas imports and exports.

US Ambassador Julie Chung (left) and US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma meet with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe (right) at the Presidential Secretariat [Photo: US Embassy in Sri Lanka]

Verma, who was accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford, visited Sri Lanka on February 2223. Their trip followed a February 1719 visit by US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen.

According to official reports, Verma held discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to strengthen bilateral collaboration, emergencies, humanitarian relief and progress on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, with the supposed aim of putting the country on the path to sustainable economic growth.

The Wickremesinghe governments implementation of the IMFs demands has nothing to do with sustainable economic growth, but is to impose the entire burden of the countrys economic crisis onto the backs of millions of already impoverished workers and the rural masses.

During discussions, Sabry reported on Sri Lankas priorities as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and opportunities for collaboration in the blue economy and maritime security.

An official statement from the US Embassy in Colombo noted that Verma also explored opportunities to deepen defence and maritime cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, including strengthening the Sri Lankan navys capabilities to safeguard national security and promote a more stable Indo-Pacific region.

On February 23, Verma, who was on board the SLNS Vijayabahu, one of three former US Coast Guard cutters given to Sri Lanka, said that the Department of State had notified Congress of its intent to transfer a fourth cutter to Sri Lanka.

The Department obligated $9 million in Foreign Military Financing to support this effort, he said. If completed, this transfer would further strengthen defense cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka [and] provide additional security for ships from all nations that transit the busy sea lanes of the Indian Ocean.

Also speaking from the SLNS Vijayabahu, US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, said the eventual transfer of a fourth vessel would be just one more point in a long history of cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A free and open Indo-Pacific region is the propaganda pretext used by Washington for its aggressive US intervention against Beijing in the South China Sea in particular, and the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Sri Lanka is already closely collaborating with the US military. In response to calls by the Biden administration for a US-led coalition, code named Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Wickremesinghe government sent Sri Lankan navy ships to the Red Sea, supposedly to protect commercial vessels from attack by Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen as part of their opposition to Israels genocidal war in Gaza.



Though Wickremesinghe announced its participation in the Red Sea operations on January 3, the deployment has been shrouded in secrecy because of popular opposition to the Gaza genocide.



Verma warmly welcomed Sri Lankas participation in the ongoing Red Sea military operations and Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his governments unwavering commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.

On February 3, INS Karanj, an Indian navy submarine, docked at Colombo, Sri Lankas main port, for a two-day visit. It was extended a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lankan navy. This warm reception was in stark contrast to the Wickremesinghe governments 12-month ban on research ship visits explicitly aimed at blocking a previously planned visit by the Xiang Yang Hong 3, a Chinese scientific research vessel. Colombos ban was made in response to diplomatic pressure from the Indian government.

Underscoring the increasing geo-political rivalries, the Daily Mirror reported on February 29 that Chinese authorities were annoyed by the decision and conveyed its displeasure to Sri Lanka for taking such a decision at the influence of another country.

Sections of the US ruling elite have been voicing concerns that Washington needs to intensify its involvement in the Indian Ocean Region. On February 23, David Santoro, president of the Pacific Forum think tank, commented in the Asia Times that US engagement of the region has been limited and been slow to roll out non-military programs and engage smaller regional countries.

In August last year, the highly influential Council of Foreign Relations declared that the US had been far outstripped by Chinese investments in port infrastructure in the IOR [Indian Ocean Region]. From Hambantota in Sri Lanka to Bagamoyo in Tanzania, Chinese companies have constructed and operated many ports across the Indian Ocean as a part of Chinas Maritime Silk Road.

As China builds more ports, fiber optic cables, and supplementary maritime infrastructure, the United States risks becoming a peripheral actor in terms of economic and security development with smaller states, the New-York based think tank said. Last months visit to Colombo by Verma and other senior US officials is another of Washingtons efforts to change this situation.

While the pro-US President Wickremesinghe has fully embraced the US-India alliance against China in Asia and Israeli genocide against the Palestinians in the Middle East, he has attempted to keep these developments away from the public eye. His governments increased geo-strategic connections with the US, however, have garnered unanimous support from the entire ruling elite, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya main opposition parliamentary party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).

From the left US Embassy's political officer Matthew Hinson, Ambassador Julie Chung, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath during the meeting at JVP head office on 19 October, 2023. [Photo: X/Twitter @anuradisanayake]

The JVP and its electoral front, the National Peoples Power (NPP), who are bidding for political power in this years scheduled elections, has been developing its own close ties with the US and its ally India. In fact, the JVP/NPP, which long ago dropped their anti-American demagogy, is maintaining a deafening silence on the Wickremesinghe governments integration with the US military-strategic offensive against China.

Over the past two years, JVP leaders have publicly met and held discussions with US ambassador Chung on three occasions. Their last meeting occurred after the Israeli government, backed by US imperialism, unleashed its murderous assault on Palestinians in Gaza.

Washingtons diplomatic offensive to more and more closely entwine Colombo with its geo-strategic planning for war against China and in the Middle East poses grave dangers to workers, youth and the oppressed masses, not only in Sri Lanka but throughout the Middle East and Asia. These developments underscore the urgency for Sri Lankan workers to join with their class brothers and sisters in South Asia and internationally to build a unified global anti-war moment based on a socialist program and perspective.
The Australian Labor government nervously and narrowly held onto the electorate of Dunkley, in outer southeast Melbourne, in a by-election on Saturday triggered by the death of Labors former sitting member.

Both Labor and the opposition Liberal-National Coalition ludicrously claimed to draw comfort from the result. Labor was visibly relieved. It had feared losing the seat, reducing its parliamentary majority to just one. An anxious Liberal Party also hailed a rise in its vote after its defeat and the collapse of its affluent electoral base of support in the May 2022 federal election.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [AP Photo/Frank Augstein]

The results underscore the ongoing disintegration of support for the two main parties of rule and the political establishment as a whole, and the immense disconnect between them and the working class, including on the cost-of-living crisis. The burning issues of the Gaza genocide and the existential threat of a world war posed by the US-led turn to war against Russia and China were also deliberately buried throughout the campaign.

The campaign was marked by widespread disinterest in the ballot, disaffection with the political establishment and hostility directed toward both the government and the opposition.

Labors candidate, Jodie Belyea, received around 41 percent of the overall vote by depicting herself parochially as a tough fighter for the local area. This was slightly higher (0.9 percent) than Labor received in Dunkley at the 2022 federal election.

Yet, Labors vote fell sharply in the northern working-class areas of the electorate where people have suffered a devastating fall in living conditions since the Albanese Labor government scraped into office in May 2022. At the same time, Labors vote picked up markedly in the wealthier southern neighbourhoods.

On a two-party preferred basis, which compares the two major parties after other candidates ballot preferences are allocated, Labor had 52.7 percent against the Liberal Party candidates 47.3 percent. That was a swing against Labor of 3.6 percent from the 2022 election.

This was about half what the Liberals needed to win the seat, enough to raise the prospect of Labor being reduced to an unstable minority government at the next federal election, which must be held before May next year.

The Liberal Partys primary vote was 39.1 percent, 6.6 percent higher than two years ago. But that reflected the absence in the by-election, unlike in 2022, of candidates from two far-right formationsPauline Hansons One Nation party and billionaire Clive Palmers United Australia organisation.

While picking up this far-right base, the Liberals failed miserably in their efforts to whip up broader anti-immigrant sentiment following the recent High Court-ordered release of detainees from indefinite immigration detention and the arrivals of several refugee boats. Liberal leader Peter Duttons deputy Sussan Ley had declared that if people in the electorate had a problem with Victorian women being assaulted by foreign criminals they should vote against Labor.

That scare campaign was fuelled by a far-right outfit, Advance, which spent a reported $300,000 spouting similar themes. As well as its social media propaganda, Advance bought a full-page ad in the Herald Sun newspaper that warned rapists, paedophiles and murderers had been let loose in the community.

The election was also a disaster for the Greens, the third party of the capitalist rule. Their vote plummeted to 6.4 percent, 4 percentage points lower than 2022.

In a bid to justify the result, the Greens said it reflected their decision to devote few resources to the by-election because outer suburban areas like Dunkley are not their priority. That underlines the Greens orientation to more affluent inner-city electorates, as well as their perspective of forming a coalition or de facto coalition government with a minority Labor government after the next federal election.

An editorial today in the Murdoch medias Australian newspaper pointed to the concerns in the ruling class. Extrapolating an anti-Labor swing of this size across the board at a general election would force the Prime Minister into minority government with the Greens, the teals or other independents. The potential for chaos would be profound.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office in 2022 after Labor won a national primary vote of less than 33 percent. That was Labors lowest vote in nearly a century, despite the implosion of support for the widely-hated Coalition government which had ruled since 2013.

For the past 22 months, backed by the trade union leaders, Labor has presided over falling living standards for working people, with the cost of living escalating substantially higher than wages. It has intensified the attacks of the previous Morrison Coalition government on every front, including by letting loose the COVID pandemic and ratcheting up the AUKUS military alliance with the US and UK to prepare for war against China.

During the campaign, Albanese relentlessly promoted the governments rejigging of the Stage 3 income tax cuts for which Labor had voted under Morrison. Far from alleviating the impact of soaring mortgage payments, rents and prices for electricity, groceries and other essential items, the tax cuts amount to a pittance for most workersabout $2 a day for those on $40,000 a year. The vast majority of the tax cuts still goes to the wealthier layers taking home more than $200,000 a year.

In the northern, more working-class suburbs of the Dunkley electorate, households are under extraordinary pressures. In Carrum Downs, more than 80 percent of mortgage holders and 75 percent of renters experience negative cash flow, defined as their total weekly expenses exceeding their total weekly earnings. Thousands of people, in other words, are every day becoming poorer and going further into debt.

Labors vote declined in these areas. While results at different booths varied, in Carrum Downs South, Labors primary vote was down 6.2 percent since 2022, while at the central Carrum Downs booth it was down 5.3 percent.

By contrast, in some wealthier southern areas, Labors vote rose. At the Mount Eliza West booth, Labors primary vote was up 6.2 percent, in both Mount Eliza and Mount Eliza South it was up 3.6 percent and in Mount Eliza Central it was 3.9 percent higher.

The Labor government has given its full support to Israel and its ongoing Gaza genocide. Albanese has further integrated the Australian military and intelligence agencies within US forces, including in the Red Sea.

Neither this genocide nor the AUKUS pact and associated massive nuclear submarines deal targeting China were mentioned by the major parties in the Dunkley campaign.

The pseudo-left organisation Victorian Socialists sought to divert the hostility to the government over the Gaza massacres by pushing the bankrupt line that a vote for its candidate would send a message to the government to take a stand against war and use its diplomatic power to push for justice for the Palestinians and a lasting peace.

That pitch, which received 1.7 percent of the vote, was aimed at disarming the anti-war movement, which has seen millions of people protesting worldwide, and channelling the opposition back behind the same Labor Party that is completely committed to backing Israel and US militarism. Such fake left campaigns seek to block the development of the revolutionary socialist perspective that is required to end imperialism and war.

Given the parliamentary instability, sections of the Australian ruling elite are becoming increasingly frustrated, demanding even harsher measures against the working class, to further slash spending on social services to make way for rising military outlays.

On Saturday, the morning of the Dunkley by-election, the Australian newspaper issued an editorial complaining that the government was not doing more to slash spending on disability services and to boost corporate profits through so-called productivity measures. The editorial denounced the governments tax package tweak as designed to play to the mob and a crude appeal to the masses at the expense of structural reform.

This vilification of the population (the mob, the masses) is a warning of preparations for more authoritarian and repressive forms of rule as the political system implodes.
Railroad workers: Tell us how job cuts are affecting you. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

A worker rides a rail car at a BNSF rail crossing in Saginaw, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. [AP Photo/LM Otero]

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway announced last week that it was cutting 362 jobs from its Mechanical Department. This comes after a 4th quarter 2023 profit in excess of $1.3 billion. The largest Class I railroads, only six of which exist in the US, are among the most profitable companies in the United States, with total 2023 profits in excess of $24 billion.

We have team members in locations on the network where there isnt sufficient work and simultaneously not enough team members where the growth is occurring, the company claimed to industry outlet FreightWaves.

This is absurd. The reality is the railroad, as with its rivals across the country, have cut jobs to the bone. This has produced an unending series of dangerous accidents, including an average of three derailments per day in the United States.

Last year, only weeks after Congress passed a bipartisan anti-strike law to impose a contract on 120,000 railroad workers, BNSF began contracting out some locomotive maintenance to non-union companies, claiming it was necessary to meet a backlog due to winter weather. This action was met with impotent squeaks of protest by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Association of Machinists.

Shortly before BNSF announced these layoffs, the Association of American Railroads petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to grant a waiver allowing Class I railroads to be exempt from performing locomotive safety inspections on account of winter weather. BNSF mandated six-day work weeks for their mechanical employees to catch up the backlog. Then, the company subsequently began layoffs. Railroad workers will recognize this pattern of decision-making typical of the railroads, in which safety and maintenance are sacrificed for Wall Street share values.

BNSF also claimed to Freightwaves that the company has offered location transfers with incentives  BNSF has also offered craft transfers for mechanical employees to be retrained  But these options are unacceptable to many workers as transfers to other locations or crafts often result in the loss of seniority, basically forcing workers to restart their careers at the bottom of the seniority rosters, as well as uprooting their families with relocation.

On February 29, 2024, the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO published a letter to Amit Bose, the administrator of the FRA, imploring the FRA to conduct surprise inspections on BNSF equipment and further issue non-compliance orders requiring BNSF to repair any defects before being permitted to utilize their locomotives and railcars. The full letter is here.

The latest round of cuts is part of the tens of thousands of job losses since 2017 Last December, Union Pacific cut over 1,300 track maintenance jobs.

The cuts are a continuation of the Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) scheme first introduced by late CSX CEO Hunter Harrison and then by his imitators. This resulted in the elimination of approximately 30,000 positions throughout the Class I carriers, with stress and overwork for remaining employees due to understaffing, insufficiently maintained equipment and service meltdowns. This rampage culminated in a near strike by angry rail workers, a strike that was betrayed at the last minute by the rail union bureaucracies.

Meanwhile, service and safety continues to deteriorate. On February 12, 2024, a CSX train derailed eight cars in Morgan County, West Virginia, due to a track geometry defect, releasing hazardous material. The very same week, also on CSX, Randall M. Howell, 41, a track foreman with 17 years of railroad service, was struck and killed by a piece of track maintenance equipment in Roanoke, North Carolina.

This took place a few days after the one year anniversary of the Norfolk Southern derailment that poisoned the town of East Palestine, Ohio, spewing tons of vinyl chloride into the environment and sickening residents and workers. Last week, another NS train derailment sent cars and three locomotives into a riverbank in eastern Pennsylvania.

Workers had the opportunity to wage a massive struggle against the profit-driven crisis on the railroads after they voted down a sellout contract brokered by the Biden Administration in late 2022. Instead, the union bureaucracies worked with the railroad companies and their government puppets to defy the democratic will of the workers by unilaterally agreeing to numerous extensions of the cooling off period, and buying time for Congress and the Biden administration to impose the hated contract upon railroad workers.

Workers must organize themselves outside of control of the trade union bureaucracies to fight for the needs of the working class. The Railroad Workers Rank and File Committee was at the forefront of the struggle to free workers from the straitjacket of the union-corporate-government conspiracy, holding large online meetings and organizing informational pickets at facilities around the country.

Workers in all industries and internationally must unite to fight against job cuts on a world scale. Huge corporations are slashing hundreds of thousands of jobs in a bid to lower wages and shatter the growing resistance of the working class.

The destruction of jobs and vital infrastructure, the incitement of war and genocide, the increasing exploitation of the working class all require a fight by the working class against the capitalist system. The working class must take control of all vital industries and place them under democratic, public control, and using them for the advancement of society, not for the enrichment of the ruling class.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Financial regulators of Azerbaijan and Qatar have discussed prospects of cooperation, Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov wrote on X, Trend reports.

To note, a meeting was held with Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, Governor of the Central Bank of Qatar in Doha.

"During the meeting, we discussed the state of the financial sectors in both countries, the ongoing reforms, and the prospects for cooperation between our countries, particularly central banks and financial sectors," the publication says.

Meanwhile, before arriving in Qatar, the CBA chairman was on a working visit to the UAE, where he held meetings with the Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, Khaled Mohammed Balama, as well as with the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Essa Kazim.

During the meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, the sides exchanged views on the current economic ties between two countries, the development of the financial sector in both countries, as well as the status and prospects of cooperation between the central banks, and with the Governor of the DIFC discussed opportunities for cooperation with the financial sector.

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BTS V (Kim Taehyung) is releasing his spring single FRI(END)S in March. After his solo debut with the album Layover, this will be Taehyungs comeback to the music scene while serving in the military.

Following the release of several history-making K-drama OSTs, Taehyung finally made his official solo debut with Layover in September 2023. The album showed a completely different side of Taetaes artistic persona. In Layover, he used minimalist jazzy music arrangements to bring out the hypnotic charm of his lullaby-ish tracks.

BTS Vs Layover peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart after selling over 100,000 equivalent album units in the United States in the first week. The album crossed over 1.67 million copies in South Korea on its release day. It made a new record for the highest first-day sales by any solo K-pop artist in chart history.

After Layovers impressive performance, the BTS icon is returning with a new single in 2024.

Release date and time of BTS Vs FRI(END)S confirmed

BTS Vs new single FRI(END)S will be released on March 15 at 1 p.m. KST/ 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT/ 5 a.m. BST. Fans can pre-save the single before the most anticipated release on the official website.

BigHit Music noted in a press release, the song is rooted in the pop soul R&B genre, delivers relatable and witty romance through lyrics written entirely in English. The pink background of the teaser poster hints at the tracks sweet mood.

Before the official announcement of the new track, BTS V shared a mysterious reel on BTSs official Instagram page. In the reel, V hangs out with his friends and makes goofy expressions to the camera.

Along with V, another BTS member J-Hope is also making his comeback while serving in the military. J-Hopes Hope on the Street will drop on March 29 at 1 p.m. KST/ March 28 at 11 pm ET. The special album will contain six tracks. It looks like the former BTS sensations are gonna make waves and the fans are in for a treat!

The post BTS V New Single FRI(END)S Release Date and Time Revealed With a Teaser Poster appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Director Denis Villeneuve is interested in making "Dune 3."

The sequel would follow Frank Herbert's book "Dune: Messiah."

Here's what's in store for Timothee Chalamet if Villeneuve gets the green light.

Although Frank Herbert's "Dune" was seen as unfilmable by many studios, Denis Villeneuve managed to adapt the bulky source material with ease for the 2021 movie. It stars Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, whose family takes control of the desert planet Arrakis  which is mined for its natural resources that are essential for space travel.

"Dune: Part Two" arrived in theaters on March 1, to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. At the time of writing, the sequel earned itself a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes. If the success continues then Villeneuve has already made it clear that he wants to turn the franchise into a trilogy.

"If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream," Villeneuve told Empire magazine. "'Dune Messiah' was written in reaction to the fact that people perceived Paul Atreides as a hero. Which is not what he wanted to do. My adaptation is closer to his idea that it's actually a warning."

He added that he wouldn't direct any future "Dune" projects following a third movie. "After that, the books become more Esoteric."

The good news is that during a "Dune: Part Two" press conference in South Korea, Villeneuve confirmed that the "Dune: Messiah" screenplay is "almost finished." The bad news is that audiences might be waiting a while to return to Arrakis.

In February, the director told The Times: "There is absolutely a desire to have a third one, but I don't want to rush it." Villeneuve added: "The danger in Hollywood is that people get excited and only think about release dates, not quality."

Here's what's in store for Chalamet if "Dune 3" gets greenlit.

Paul Atreides will be the Emperor of the universe in "Dune 3"

Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides on Calodan in "Dune." Warner Bros. Pictures

The first "Dune" movie adapts half of Frank Herbert's original book, ending with Paul and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) taking refuge with the Fremen, the indigenous race who have adapted to live in the Arrakis desert.

The second half of the book sees them become part of the Fremen, before retaking the planet thanks to Paul's supernatural abilities as a mystical figure, known as the Kwisatz Haderach. The film ends with Paul killing Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), and taking over from Emperor Shaddam (Christopher Walken), to become the ruler himself.

But when "Dune Messiah" starts, the Fremen have transformed themselves into religious extremists, slaughtering 61 billion people across the galaxy in Paul's name. Not exactly a heroic outcome after a full-blown rebellion. That's not to say the Harkonnens were good guys either, but it's interesting that Paul's own journey of self-discovery led to an unthinkable massacre.

The book is largely about Paul reckoning with the consequences of his own actions, as well his frequent precognitive visions. He also has to deal with the plot to usurp him and his family from the throne. That also includes his younger sister, Alia  played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who had a cameo role in "Dune: Part Two."

The Bene Gesserit, the Tleilaxu, and the Space Guild are the ones plotting Emperor Paul's demise. Yes, that sounds like a lot of science-fiction jargon, so let's break it down.

The Bene Gesserit are essentially space witches, and the Tleilaxu make clones while experimenting with genetics to create people who can store information, like computers. And the Space Guild are the ones who use Spice from Arrakis to expand the minds of its pilots so they can fly ships across the galaxy. Simple enough, right?

"Dune 3" would also introduce Paul and Chani's children

Zendaya as Chani and Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides in "Dune." Warner Bros. Pictures

While Paul is married to Princess Irulan, who will be played by Florence Pugh in "Dune: Part Two," their marriage is purely for show. He's actually still in a relationship with Chani, (Zendaya) who is pregnant.

Since Paul constantly has prescient visions of the future, he foresees that Chani will give birth to a daughter, but to his surprise, she actually delivers twins. But then she dies in childbirth, because clearly Frank Herbert didn't want any of his characters to be happy. So prepare for a heartbreaking scene between Chalamet and Zendaya when Chani dies in "Dune 3."

Weirdly, the children are born with some of Paul's supernatural abilities  and are both completely conscious of who they are as soon as they're born.

Paul may exile himself to the desert at the end of "Dune 3"

Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides in "Dune."

Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides in "Dune."Warner Bros. Pictures

A key part of the story sees Paul being blinded by an atomic weapon midway through "Dune Messiah," and he relies on his supernatural abilities to see. He's kind of like Marvel's Daredevil, if Daredevil could also see the future.

Since Paul can still technically see, the Fremen don't immediately exile him to the desert, as is their tradition. But by the time his children are born and he manages to stop his enemies from taking the throne, he ends up losing his prescient powers, which renders him completely blind.

Because of this, he's no longer seen as the Fremen's messiah  and he takes himself into the desert, leaving his sister Alia as the new Emperor. Of course, this could all change depending on how Villeneuve and Warner Bros. choose to adapt the book.

Whatever happens, here's hoping Villeneuve's adaptation would continue to make this complicated sci-fi digestible onscreen  because there's a lot going on.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The agency has issued an alert regarding an Iranian official wanted in connection to a plot to assassinate current and former U.S. officials "in revenge"

Iranian intelligence officer Majid Dastjani Farahani, who is being sought by the FBI

The FBI is on a manhunt for an Iranian intelligence officer allegedly overseeing a plot to assassinate current and former federal government officials as revenge for the Trump administration's 2020 airstrike killing of an Iranian military official.

Last Friday, the agency's Miami field office issued an alert that Majid Dastjani Farahani "is wanted for questioning in connection with the recruitment of individuals for various operations in the United States." Those operations, the alert adds, include the assassinations of "current and former United States Government officials as revenge for the killing of IRGC-QF Commander Qasem Soleimani."

Major General Qassem Soleimani was the commander of Irans Quds Force, a specialized unit in the Revolutionary Guards, when he was killed in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport as he was leaving by car in January 2020.

Related: Donald Trump Orders Airstrike Killing Qassem Soleimani the Head of Iran's Elite Military Force

Donald Trump  as president at the time  ordered the killing, with the Department of Defense saying in a statement at the time, "At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization."

General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region, the statement continued, adding that Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more.

Farahani, the Iranian intelligence officer sought by the FBI, "also reportedly recruited individuals for surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses and other facilities in the United States," the FBI alleges. "Farahani acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security."

FBI FBI poster of Majid Dastjani Farahani

According to the FBI alert, Farahani is 41 years old, has brown and gray hair, brown eyes, and speaks Farsi, English, Spanish and French. He also "has ties to or may visit Iran and Venezuela," the agency adds.

The outlet Semafor reports that Farahani's plot specifically focuses on Trump-era officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook, who worked as Trumps special envoy for Iran. Citing unnamed U.S. officials, Semafor reports that both men are being provided with around-the-clock security due to the nature of the threat.

The FBI did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further details.

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Read the original article on People.
Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner and star pundit Tammy Bruce were absolutely apoplectic on Monday when a Democratic on-air guest reminded them how Donald Trump once dined with an avowed neo-Nazi.

During a standard Fox News panel segment on President Joe Biden falling behind Trump in 2024 presidential polling, Faulkner brought up Saturday Night Lives latest cold open, which mocked Biden and his Democratic allies for claiming he is extremely sharp amid rising concerns about his advanced age.

Faulkner, who laughed throughout the clip, and Bruce giddily suggested the clip proves Biden is losing support. Comedy is a remarkably important political statement, and when you have lost Saturday Night Live, when they are ridiculing you, the audience in New York is laughing hysterically, that is another sign that things perhaps might be lost, the conservative pundit noted.

Democratic strategist Jonathan Kott, meanwhile, asserted that the Biden associates hes spoken with insist that the president takes meetings long into the night and is very detail-oriented. The former comms chief for Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) then made a bold comparison to Bidens predecessor.

I would say this, I would rather have a president who maybe has a stutter once in a while than one who spews conspiracy theories, racist nonsense, and has dinner with Nazis, Kott declared. If given the choice between one or the other, Im happy Joe Biden might misspeak once in a while when hes trying to name a president of a foreign country.

After Faulkner shot back that nobody had picked on Biden for his well-known speech impediment, Bruce jumped in and took issue with Kotts reference to Trumps meal shared with neo-Nazi activist Nick Fuentes.

Fox News Host Proclaims Her Pronouns U.S.A. in Weird Monologue

Well, we just heard him call a number of Republicans Nazis and racists. So I think we can put him in the category of willing to go there, she groused.

Kott responded that he hadnt called Republicans Nazis but rather correctly stated that Trump had dinner with a Nazi. While Kott explained how the ex-president did, indeed, dine with the infamous white supremacist at his private residence, Bruce continued to shout over him.

That is a tactic that is not going to work, she fumed. The American people dont like it and they are taking it personally. Look at his numbers, its not going to work.

Fox News Anchor Harris Faulkner Laments Santos Expulsion as a Loss for Israel

And even though Kott continued to explain how he was literally stating a fact, Faulkner jumped in to end the segmentbut not before throwing in her own parting shot at the liberal commentator.

We have to go, and I had even said I never heard you talk like that. And, look, five seconds later, I was wrong. Sadly, the Fox News anchor sneered. Its desperation, Bruce added.

Despite being shouted down by a pair of Fox News personalities, Kotts claim about Trump dining with a neo-Nazi was absolutely factual. Trump hosted Fuentes and antisemitic rapper Kanye West for a dinner at Mar-a-Lago in November 2022. While Trumps sitdown with the Holocaust denier and white nationalist sparked bipartisan backlashthough some prominent Republicans stopped short of criticizing Trump himselfthe former president largely ignored pleas to condemn Fuentes afterwards.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Hannah Gadsby and their wife, Jenney Shamash, wed in 2021

Hannah Gadsby Instagram Hannah Gadsby and wife Jenny Shamash.

Hannah Gadsby has found love with wife Jenney Shamash.

The comedian  who uses they/them pronouns  fell in love with the American producer while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic in their home country of Australia.

Prior to getting married in 2021, Shamash produced Gadsbys second Netflix special, Douglas, notably named after one of their dogs. In a 2023 interview with The Seattle Times, Gadsby described their third comedy special, Something Special, as a love letter to Shamash.

Their third stand-up project for the streamer focused heavily on the couples romance and marriage. Though it was a significant relationship milestone, Gadsby told PEOPLE that exchanging vows didnt change their everyday lives. That said, since the big day, theyre happier  both together and individually.

Look, our life, as it stands, didn't change. But we really loved getting married and sharing that [with others], the comedian explained. I was really thrown by how happy people were for me. It was like, Oh, that's what this is about? Well, that's nice. 

Gadsbys fourth comedy special  and third with Shamash as producer  titled Gender Agenda premieres on Netflix on March 5, 2024.

So who is Hannah Gadsby's wife? Here is everything to know about Jenney Shamash and her relationship with the comedian.

She is a producer

Hannah Gadsby Instagram Hannah Gadsby and wife Jenney Shamash.

Shamash served as a producer on Gadsbys second Netflix comedy special, Douglas, which premiered on the streaming platform in 2020.

The set touched on Gadsbys newfound stardom and how their autism diagnosis affects different aspects of their life. Shamashs work earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding variety special that year.

For Something Special, Shamash reprised her role as Gadsbys producer and tried her hand at directing, too. Shamashs wit and perspective also landed her credit as one of the specials writers, according to Gadsby.

Im very passionate about acknowledging the collaborative process. This show was written with Jenney in many ways. Working together, touring together, we would talk about the material and shed help, they said in a 2023 interview with Them.

I actually think that happens a lot with comedians. I dont think many acknowledge it, but it [no matter] whos in your intimate circle, theyre involved in the writing of the show, Gadsby explained.

Shamash also produced Gadsbys March 2024 Netflix special, Gender Agenda.

She met Gadsby in 2018

Gadsby and Shamash met in 2018 when the comedian was preparing to perform their now-famous stand-up comedy show Nanette off-Broadway.

Shamash was assigned to produce the project, and she immediately hit it off with Gadsby when they arrived in New York. The two became fast friends, and Shamash later became a permanent member of Gadsbys team in time for the production of Douglas.

Speaking with The Times in 2022, Gadsby said traveling together brought them closer but also shared that their intimacy grew because Shamash knew about their journey with autism. Gadsby said their 2017 diagnosis didnt present a barrier or challenge in their relationship but strengthened their bond.

Having not understood myself for so much of my life, I feel like I speak two languages, Gadsby said, adding that Shamash had been very supportive. Im only just learning my natural language.

She married Gadsby in 2021

Hannah Gadsby Instagram Hannah Gadsby and wife Jenney Shamash.

Gadsby and Shamash wed in January 2021, according to an emotional tribute the comedian posted on Instagram in April of that same year.

The big news caught fans happily by surprise as Gadsby had kept their relationship tightly under wraps until that point, refraining from posting about Shamash on social media.

I would like to introduce all yall to Jenney Shamash. She is a producer extraordinaire. She is very funny and is really talented at reciting facts," Gadsby captioned a photo of them and a video of Shamash's voicemail greeting.

The comedian continued, "It is a joy to behold. We got married in January and we are very chuffed about it. ... My heart felt thanks to everybody who voted for marriage equality.

Gadsby has shared their proposal story

In their Netflix comedy show, Something Special, Gadsby dove headfirst into newlywed life and took a trip down memory lane, sharing how they and Shamash got engaged.

In a teaser shared on Instagram, the comedian started one of their jokes with, I was actually having a panic attack when I proposed.

Gadsby continued, adding that one of Shamashs favorite things to say when theyre having a bit of a meltdown is dont panic, which got a hearty laugh from the audience.

However, Gadsby added that the second part of Shamashs go-to line always seems to do the trick: Who do you want to be?

On that particular day, Gadsby had the perfect answer for Shamash. Shes gone, 'Who do you want to be? and Ive gone, 'Your wife,  Gadsby recalled with a smile.

She lives in Australia with Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby Instagram Hannah Gadsby poses with their two dogs.

Since tying the knot, the couple have settled down in Victoria, Australia, where they live with their dogs: Jasper, Daisy and Nuna Riverdale Velcro Roomba.

While Gadsby loves being back home, they said its been a bit of adjustment for Shamash, who was born in California and worked many years in New York City.

Culture shock for Jenno, shes the coastal elite, Gadsby told The Times.

Theyve had to overcome cultural differences

During a 2023 press junket, Gadsby candidly revealed how they and Shamash struggled with miscommunication and cultural differences early on in their relationship  including when it came to understanding each others accents.

We miscommunicated quite a bit as well. ... As with all our extra syllables, and you with all your R sounds. I think Jenno has found it quite fascinating, Gadsby told the outlet Into.

Gadsby credits her for making comedy a positive experience

Rob Kim/Getty Hannah Gadsby visits the Build Series at Build Studio on June 19, 2018 in New York City.

Touring is incredibly difficult for me, Gadsby revealed to Them in 2023. The comedian explained how having Shamash involved in the Something Special comedy tour made all the difference.

[Something Special], particularly, was incredibly difficult because I broke my leg twice," they continued. "So there was a lot of logistical drama  the world is not accessible  and having autism on top of that ... It can be really painful for me."

Gadsby concluded, So [Jenney and I] had to really hunker down. Were a real team. Even though it was really hard off-stage, it was a joy on-stage. We got it up together. That is informing the joy on stage as much as anything else."

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Greece has achieved energy independence through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the countys minister of foreign affairs George Gerapetritis said speaking at the Hellenic Parliament, Trend reports via Greek media.

Greece has emerged as a pivotal energy hub in recent years. We have bolstered our energy security by weaning ourselves off natural gas following the war in Ukraine, while also assisting our neighbors with supplies of both natural gas and electricity. We have achieved independence through TAP and Azerbaijan, he said.

Gerapetritis pointed out that Greece has made significant strides in supporting Bulgaria's energy needs, particularly in the realm of natural gas supplies.

The minister recalled that when the flow from Russia halted, Greece swiftly initiated the IGB pipeline to ensure uninterrupted gas provision.

Our efforts extend beyond Bulgaria; we're also providing gas to Moldova and advancing the development of the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Alexandroupoli. Furthermore, we're constructing a pipeline to connect with North Macedonia while simultaneously expanding both the TAP and IGB pipelines. In the realm of electricity, we've established a vital new interconnection with Bulgaria, with plans to extend this network to Italy. Additionally, we're actively working on a new transmission line to Turkiye. These initiatives are fundamentally reshaping the energy landscape of the region, positioning Greece at its nucleus, Gerapetritis added.

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline is part of the Southern Gas Corridor, transporting natural gas to Europe from the Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan.

Connecting with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline at the Greek-Turkish border, TAP crosses Northern Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea before coming ashore in Southern Italy to connect to the Italian natural gas network. TAPs initial capacity is 10 billion cubic meters per year, which can be expanded to 20 billion cubic meters.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
MALAGA  Opening last Friday with Dragonkeeper, also in competition, Spains Malaga Festival, its biggest dedicated event for movies from Spain and Latin America, is studded by latest films by Isaki Lacuesta  Saturn Return, reportedly fun, broad audience and radical  David Trueba  The Good Man, small scale but almost certainly ingratiating  and Antonio Chavarrias Holy Mother, about an extraordinary real life female figure in Spains 9th century Reconquista.

Also in the running is Rest in Peace, from notable Argentine writer-director Sebastian Borensztein (Chinese Takeaway).

More from Variety

All are front-runners for some kind of award next Saturday. Prominent also is a bevy of first or second features, featuring from Spain three titles from women directors  gender abuse drama The Snows, Nina, reportedly a Western set in a northern Spanish town, and tragi-comedy We Treat Women Too Well  plus a clutch of debuts from Latin America.

This years Competition may, in the final analysis, be judged by how these early features function.

Opening Night Film

Dragonkeeper, (Salvador Simo, Li Jianping, Spain, China)

Malagas opening film playing in main competition, its largest title  budgeted at a reported $28 million  and the biggest Spanish animation play of the year. Set in the Han Dynasty, young servant girl Pings fantasy adventure which is based on weighty IP  the first title in the best-selling trilogy of Carole Wilkinson  and produced by Movistar Plus+, Atresmedia Cine (Klaus) and China Film Animation. Received with admiration for the titanic effort of co-production and with praise for the portrayal of the pugnacious heroin Ping.Dragonkeeper moves and entertains, says Spains La Vanguardia. Sold by SC Films

Birds Flying East, (Pajaros, Pau Dura, Spain, Romania)

Javier Gutierrez (Below Zero) and Luiz Zahera, tremendous in Rodrigo Sorogoyens The Beasts, play two men who hit the road in Spain to watch birds  cranes  in Romania as they face mid-life crisis. A dramedic Euro road-movie, also starring Teresa Saponangelo (The Hand of God), marking the third feature from Pau Dura (Formentera Lady) and his best to date according to early reactions to the film at Malaga, which are also talking up Gutierrez and Luiz Zahera as best actor candidates.

La casa, (Alex Montoya, Spain)

The third feature from the on-the rise Montoya, whose Lucas, proved one of the buzz features at 2020s Malaga festival, sweeping three prizes at its edgier Zonacine sidebar  best film, actor (Jorge Motos) and its Audience Award. Sold by Latido Films, La Casa turns on three siblings who, after the death of their father, meet at the family house where they used to spend their summers as children, to decide what to do with the property. Adapting Paco Rocas graphic novel, with a bittersweet tone sprinkled with humour, La casa talks about family, inheritance and the inexorable passing of time, all under the gaze of the house as a witness, says the synopsis.

Golan, (Orlando Culzat, Colombia)Culzats first feature, supported by the Colombian Film Fund and the Carolina Foundation, unfolds a transformative tale produced by Cinema Co. A familys mourning trip turns pivotal for 15-year-old Pedro. Amid rituals of toxic masculinity, his encounter with Margarita exposes his familys decay, challenging him to question deep-rooted values.

The Good Man, (El hombre bueno, David Trueba, Spain)

A modest film, insists Trueba, a Spanish Academy 2103 best picture Goya winner with Living is Easy With Eyes Closed. But, given Truebas ability to endow even seemingly simple films with emotion, the feature is already being talked up as one of the Top 10 titles at Malaga. In it, a separating couple travel to Mallorca to the house of an old friend (Jorge Sanz, If They Tell You I Fell), a widower, for him to help mediate in the process. Given the location, overlooking a spectacular azure Mediterranean, conversation turns naturally enough to love and loss.

The Good Man

Un Hipster en la Espana Vacia, (Emilio Martinez Lazaro, Spain)

Director of the highest-grossing local film ever in Spain, A Spanish Affair, Martinez Lazaro delivers another culture clash comedy, the time round sparked by the progressive protagonist, hell-bent on revitalising emptying rural Spain, to the bemusement of the village he targets. A Prime Video title in Spain.

Holy Mother, (La Abadesa, Antonio Chavarrias, Spain)

From Spanish giallo Una ombra en el jardin (1989) to immigrant-junkie drama Susanna (1996) from brother from hell imbroglio Volveras (2002) through procedural Las vidas de Celia (2005) and Trotsky assassination thriller The Chosen (2016), Chavarrias has directed a huge gamut of open arthouse films enrolling in multiple ways a sense of genre. Here, sold by Film Constellation and based on true events, in the 9th century Emma is appointed head of an abbey encharged in repopulating frontier lands abutting Muslim territory.

The Land Plots, (Los terrenos, Veronica Chen, Argentina)

Chen split critics but certainly made an impact with 2020 Sundance entry High Tide, acquired by Netflix, HBO, Movistar Plus+ and Somos TV. The Land Plots, Chens seventh feature, turns on an ex-surfer whose heart is dead-set on buying a property near to the sea. A local real-estate agent dangles an immoral way of securing the house.

Little Loves, (Los Pequenos Amores, Celia Rico, Spain)

Produced by Arcadia Motion Pictures, on fire after backing Rodrigo Sorogoyens The Beasts, Oscar nominated animated feature Robot Dreams and Netflix hit Burning Body. Rico showed in her debut, Journey to a Mothers Room, selected for San Sebastians New Directors, how well she portrays a suddenly evolving mother-daughter relationship. Here, it is a redoubtable mothers sudden dependence, starring Maria Vazquez and the always reliable Adriana Ozores. Latido Films sells.

La mujer salvaje, (Alan Gonzalez, Cuba)

Sold by Habanero Film Sales, Cuban Gonzalezs direction looks to build a gripping narrative, produced by Cacha Films. In Havanas slums, a womans violent domestic ordeal turns public when a video goes viral. Desperate to protect her son from scandal fallout, Yolanda navigates Havanas streets, facing familial conflict, community disdain for her wild ways, and personal remorse in her quest. Gonzalezs fiction feature debut.

Lluvia, (Rodrigo Garcia Saiz, Mexico)

Maybe the buzziest of first features from Latin America which have made Malagas main competition cut. Six stories set on the rain-drenched streets of Mexico City where characters react to an unexpected encounter that makes them glimpse their own souls, according to the synopsis. Crucially, the films screenwriter is Paula Markovitch, a scribe on Fernando Eimbckes Duck Season and Lake Tahoe and Lorenzo Vigas The Box and director on The Prize.

Naufragios, (Vanina Spataro, Argentina, Uruguay)

In Naufragios, directed by Argentinas Vanina Spataro and produced by her label Kinofilm and celebrated Uruguayan production house Mutante Cine, Maites journey of heartbreak leads her to a desolate coastal town. Surrounded by the towns resigned inhabitants, her life drifts until an unconscious sailors arrival at the beach presents a pivotal choice: Forge a new path or stay adrift. Spataro makes her directorial debut.

Nina, (Andrea Jurrieta, Spain)

Jurrietas second feature after Ana by Day scored her a best new director Spanish Academy Goya nomination. Reprising narrative elements from Anton Chekhovs The Seagull, Nina turns on a woman, an actress, who returns to her home town on Spains rugged northern coast seeking to exact revenge on a celebrated writer. Starring Spains Patricia Lopez Arnaiz (Ane is Missing) and Argentinas Dario Grandinetti (Talk to Her), two of the finest actors of two very different generations, Nina channels Douglas Sirk melodrama and above all classic Western in a reportedly stylish genre mix, practiced by some of Spains most exciting young filmmakers.

Radical, (Christopher Zalla, U.S.)

Galvanized by its ensemble cast led by Eugenio Derbez (CODA), crafted by director Zalla and brought to life through the collaboration of 3PAS Studios, Pantelion Films and Participant, Radical is rooted in a true story from a Mexican border town. It showcases a teachers groundbreaking method to tap into the latent capabilities of his students, blending optimism with a side of heartbreak, as noted by Variety. Zalla returned triumphant to Sundance with the project following up his previously awarded debut Sangre de mi sangre.

Rest in Peace, (Descansar en Paz, Sebastian Borensztein)

An upcoming Netflix March 27 release from notable Argentine director Borensztein, a head writer on Daniel Burmans Yosi, the Regretful Spy, and director 2011s Chinese Takeaway, 2019s Heroic Losers, both starring Ricardo Darin who returns the favor producing Rest in Peace out of his label, Kenya Pictures. Here, a debt-drowned man (the excellent Joaquin Furiel) disappears from trace but years later is tempted to return to the family hes abandoned.

Saturn Return, (Isaki Lacuesta, Pol Rodriguez, Spain, France)

Probably Malaga Festivals biggest buzz title, inspired by Spanish band Los Planetas but since films about bands or albums are full of lies, as one character comments, more about the legend of how they made their third album, which changed the course of Spanish indie rock, told through a haze of chain drug use, cigarette smoke, faulty recall, fantasy and flipped POVs. Double Golden Shell winner Lacuesta directs will Pol Rodriguez, who co-directed doc series Year Zero, produced among others by Kathryn Bigelow. La Terraza, Aralan, Ikiru, Bteam Prods, Sideral, Capricci, Los Ilusos  produce, tapping into national and regional TV coin and funds. Latido initiates sales at Malaga.

Saturn Return

The Snows, (As Neves, Sonia Mendez, Spain)

From Aqui y Alli, behind San Sebastian top winner Magical Girl and Life and Nothing More, a 2018 Independent Spirits laureate, Mendezs feature debut turns on a sex tape incident in a snowbound Galician village. One of the best received titles at 2023 Malaga WIP Espana, now back in main competition. Elamedia distributes in Spain. Cosmica Producions also produces. Sideral sells.

We Treat Women Too Well, (Tratamos demasiado bien a las mujeres, Clara Bilbao, Spain, France)

Set in post-Civil War 1945 as the Spanish resistance takes over a mail office in the Pyrenees, run by the redoubtably patriotic Remedios Buendia. Hell hath no fury

Carmen Machi and Antonio de la Torre lead a fine cast. A clearly black comedy, with a remarkable screenplay by Miguel Barros, integrating humor to narrate a truly tragic story, says Bilbao. A Prime Video and RTVE pickup for Spain.

Yana-Wara, (Tito Catacora, Oscar Catacora, Peru)

Produced by Cine Aymara, Yana-Wara weighs in as a poignant film fromTito Catacora and the late Oscar Catacora, who tragically died during production aged 34. It tells the harrowing tale of 13-year-old Yana-Wara, accused of murder, whose life is marred by terrifying visions after encountering evil spirits in forbidden places, unveiling dark undercurrents of tradition and superstition.

More to Come

Callum McLennan contributed to this article.

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She styled the head-turning look (which was even more shocking from the back!) with futuristic silver makeup

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Julia Fox attends the Mugler Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 03, 2024 in Paris, France

Julia Fox just one upped herself.

The 34-year-old actress arrived at the Mugler show in Paris on Monday in a sheer catsuit covered in clear sequins. The nearly-naked look was adorned with sharp tinsel-like strips of plastic that jutted from the neck, waist, wrists and ankles.

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Julia Fox attends the Mugler Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 03, 2024 in Paris, France.

Underneath the ensemble, she wore flesh-tone undergarments which added to the nude effect, particularly when the OMG Fashun host turned around for photos.



To complement the extravagant outfit, the Uncut Gems star covered parts of her heavily-powdered face in silver glitter with metallic eyes and lips to match. She wore her icy gray hair slicked back into a bun.

Related: Julia Fox Debuts Bleached Brow Beauty Look at New York Fashion Week

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Julia Fox attends the Mugler Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 03, 2024 in Paris, France.

Fox sat front row at the show alongside Emma Chamberlain and Lisa Rinna.

The 22-year-old social media influencer wore a coordinating beige set with exaggerated shoulders and styled her hair in a slicked-back look with a loose piece in the front. The reality star chose a chic black design and went for short, choppy bangs.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty (L-R) Emma Chamberlain, Lisa Rinna and Julia Fox attend the Mugler Womenswear Fall/Winter 204-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 03, 2024 in Paris, France.

Fox debuted her light lavender-gray hair color while attending the 2024 New York Fashion WeekCostume Ball. She arrived in an e.u.n.o.i.a.a Shakespeare dress featuring a high slit and lace-up corset. She wore coordinating pointed-toe pumps with a white ribbon that wrapped around her ankles and a scarf tied around her head.

She went all-out with her glam, pairing her signature bleached brows with vibrant teal eyeshadow, fuchsia blush and red lipstick.

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Related: All the Creative Ways Julia Fox Rocks Denim and Reinvents the Canadian Tuxedo

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock Julia Fox in a white bikini over a black catsuit at Sundance Film Festival 2024.

At the beginning of the year, the Down the Drain author hit the Sundance Film Festival in an array of eye-catching looks. She kicked things off in a white cable-knit bikini layered over a black catsuit with a white faux fur coat. Fox finished the look with a pair of Sorel Caribou snow boots, a KNWLS handbag and Gentle Monster sunglasses.

Fox followed up that moment with an all-denim ensemble that she shared was an ode to Utah.

She wore an oversized denim jacket with exaggerated shoulder pads. The boxy jacket was styled with a pair of jeans that doubled as a pair of shoes. The medium-wash denim pants were sewn into the red pointed-toe high heels.

The actress accessorized the look with a bridal veil, a midi-length white suede and faux fur coat. Her final accessories included a small white leather baguette bag and a chunky white leather belt with an oversized heart buckle that read Mother."



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King Charles III just wants a peaceful reign, but its easy to see that its not going to happen anytime soon. In addition to his own health woes, Prince Andrews association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is going to haunt the royal family forever. The latest issue is coming from the state of Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In late February, the Florida governor signed HB 117, a bill that allows for the release of grand jury documents to the public  and yep, that includes the 2006 Epstein case. The public deserves to know who participated in Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking, said Governor Ron DeSantis at the signing, per ABC7 in Sarasota. Nobody should be protected from facing justice due to their wealth or status, and those who harm children should be exposed and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND  JULY 01: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme.

In 2006, the Duke of York reportedly lobbied US authorities to accept Epsteins plea deal and which resulted in only two charges against the sex offender, per the Mirror. He originally faced 15 years as recommended by the Palm Beach Police Department with multiple felony charges for sex trafficking of up to 36 victims. Instead, Epstein went to prison for 18 months, registered as a sex offender, and payed restitution to the survivors. There were a lot of questions about what happened where you had a sweetheart deal This is long overdue, but again, we feel that we cant just turn a blind eye, DeSantis shared. Even after the mountains of evidence and prison time, Prince Andrew continued his friendship with Epstein.

It is Virginia Giuffres lawyers who indicated in the civil case they filed against Prince Andrews that possible letters of recommendation exist in the old Epstein files in Florida. While the Duke of York settled his case with Giuffre for a reported $16.3 million, it is possible that when the law goes into effect on July 1, Andrews involvement in Epsteins Florida plea deal will officially be confirmed.

This pending doom for Andrew, comes at a time when hes enjoyed a step back into the public eye. After Prince William dropped out of godfather King of Constantines memorial, and Charles at home resting, it was the Duke of York who led the way for the royal family at the service. The optics werent good for anyone at the palace and their continued support for him is downright baffling. With DeSantis big move last week, things are about to become much worse for Prince Andrew.

Russell Brand

Prince Andrew, Chris Noth

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Mimmi Huria, 18, was supposed to meet her family at Boston's South Station for her school break

Milton Police Department/Facebook Mimmi Huria

Mimmi Huria took a bus Saturday from Maine to Boston's South Station, where she was planning to meet her family, authorities said

Police said she was last seen near Dewey Square, dressed in a black coat and khaki pants

"We just want her to know, wherever she is, we are not mad with her," Huria's father said

Police say an 18-year-old student who was last seen getting off a bus in Boston on Saturday is missing.



The Milton Police Department said in a statement that Mimmi Huria took a bus on Saturday from Maine, where she attends boarding school, to Bostons South Station.

Police said Huria was supposed to meet her family as her school break was starting. She got off the bus at South Station and was last observed near Dewey Square.

Authorities describe Huria as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, with dark eyes, black medium-length hair and a slim build.

Related: Tenn. Teen with Autism Has Been Missing for 5 Days With No Leads, Authorities Say

"She was last seen wearing a black coat, khaki pants with red pants underneath and possibly wearing a head scarf," police added. She had two pieces of luggage and a guitar case with her.

The Milton Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.



Related: Missing Teen with Autism Found at New Mexico Walmart, About 200 Miles from Arizona Home

Tony Ngaira-Huria, Mimmis father, told CBS affiliate WBZ, "We just want her to know, wherever she is, we are not mad with her."



"We just want to have her home safe and sound," he added.

Related: UT Dallas Student Last Seen at On-Campus Apartment Found Dead, Police Say: Sorrowful Outcome'

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Milton police are asking the public with information about Huria's whereabouts to call the department at 617-698-1212. They added that transit police are assisting in the investigation.



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A man from Wayne County, Michigan, recently won playing Fantasy 5 Double Play, the same game in which he had earlier hit the jackpot in August

Michigan Lottery Michigan Lottery ticket

The anonymous man had earlier won the jackpot in August by playing the same Fantasy 5 game

"I looked up the winning numbers, and sure enough, I had won again!" the winner recalled

He said that he plans to have fun with his new winnings

Good fortune struck twice for a 59-year-old Michigan man who played the lottery in the last six months.



The Michigan Lottery said that the man from Wayne County, who preferred to remain anonymous, won $110,000 in the Feb. 11 Fantasy 5 Double Play drawing. Back in August, he also won $110,000 for playing the same game, according to Michigan Lottery Connect, the state's official lottery news source.

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According to lottery officials, the man purchased his latest lucky ticket at a BP gas station in Southfield. the same place where he bought his earlier winning lottery ticket in August.

Related: Woman Learns She Won $135K Prize After Buying a Lottery Ticket and Forgetting About It for Months

As he later recalled, the man decided to switch up his Fantasy 5 numbers after previously winning the $110,000 prize last year.

I took my tickets to the store to check and replay them, he said, per Michigan Lottery Connect. The clerk scanned the tickets and handed me one back and said: I think you won big! I thought: There is no way, I cant be that lucky. I looked up the winning numbers, and sure enough, I had won again! I couldnt believe it. Winning is such a blessing!

Related: Couple Wins $1M Lottery Prize Twice in One Drawing After Husband Buys 2 Identical Tickets: 'Blown Away'

When he won his previous jackpot, the man used his winnings to pay off his debts. With his latest prize, he said that he was going to have some fun.

 I dont have any special plans for the money yet, he told the Michigan Lottery, I plan to sit back and just look at it in my bank account for a while.

The Fantasy 5 game, which costs $1 to play, involves players picking five numbers from 1 to 39. Those who select the five numbers correctly win a prize that starts at $100,000, according to the Michigan Lottery.

For another $1, a Double Play is added to the Fantasy 5 game, allowing players to win up to $110,000 in the drawing.

Related: Colo. Woman from Town with a Population of 27 Wins $250K Lottery Prize  and She Thought It Was a Scam!

Other Michiganders recently scored big in their states lottery. James Allen of Commerce Township won $200,000 in a December Powerball drawing by combining his kids birthdays as numbers.

In November, the Michigan Lottery announced that a man from Livingston County won $1 million in playing the Diamond & Pearls scratch-off game, whose ticket he bought the day after he got married.



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Genevieve Springer has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, according to authorities

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office NC The twins' mother, Genevieve Ellen Springer

A mother from North Carolina has been arrested and charged following the deaths of her 4-year-old twin sons.

According to a statement shared by the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office on Facebook Sunday, the police and the Cherokee County Emergency Services responded to a house in Murphy on Saturday morning after receiving a 911 call from the twins father.

Per the statement, the father told authorities that after arriving at the home of his separated wife to exercise custody of his sons, he discovered his twin sons deceased.

The twins mother, Genevieve Ellen Springer, was hospitalized in Georgia and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, authorities said. After being released from the hospital on Saturday, Springer was arrested in Union County, Georgia.

Per the release, Springer waived extradition and was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center on March 3, 2024 where she is currently held without bond.

The date and time of the twins death is currently under investigation, according to the sheriffs office. The twins father told authorities the last time he saw his sons alive was Feb. 26.

The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office is hopeful that autopsies will narrow down the date and time of the twins passing, authorities said, per the release.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In the wake of this tragedy Sheriff Dustin D. Smith is asking for prayers for the victims family, friends and all the first responders involved, the authorities continued. Sheriff Smith would like to remind our County that our children are our most precious recourse and our hope for the future. We all must stand united for their protection and for justice."



A representative from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information.

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Apo Nattawin and Mile Phakphums Thai movie ManSuang got a Netflix release. After starring in BL thriller KinnPorsche together, Thai superstars Apo Nattawin and Mile Phakphum made their big screen debut together in ManSuang.

Be On Cloud has produced this movie. Meanwhile, Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubtien, Chartchai Ketnust, and Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet have directed this movie. Furthermore, KinnPorsche writers Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet and Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubtien, along with Parida Manomaiphibul and Panuwat Denice Inthawat, are the writers of the new movie.

Mansuang premiered in Thailand in theaters on Aug 24, 2023. After a year of its theatrical release, ManSuang is now available to the global audience via Netflix.

Thai movie Mansuang ending: What happens at the end?

ManSuang portrays the story of Khem and Wan, two boys from Chachoengsao who come to ManSuang on a secret mission. ManSuang is a city of gods and angels. It is a high-profile social club where people of the lower class come to learn dancing and singing to perform for the upper class.

Apo plays the role of Khem, and Wan is enacted by KinnPorsche star Bas Asavapatr Ponpiboon. Mile plays the role of drummer Chatra. He has also come to ManSuang with a separate mission to find the killer of his father, Khun Suthin.

mansuang spoilers

I'll not get over what a beautifully crafted actor tong is, i have seen many of his works and he keeps getting better, this scene where he was demanding justice, the power in his eyes >>> he is an ACTOR frpic.twitter.com/LbuEdTZuAV  srija? (@vintagemilepo) February 29, 2024

Khem and Wan start looking for a crucial document that can change the tide of Thailands history. But as the story continues, Khem and Wan drift apart due to their differences in accepting help from others. Khem seeks the support of Master Hong, portrayed by another KinnPorsche star, Tong Thanayut Thakoonauttaya.

But Wan does not like Khems new companion, Master Hong, who is close to the Chinese clan Tua Hia. Meanwhile, several murders occur at ManSuang. Master Hongs father, Cheng, gets killed by his nephew, Tiang. Later, Tiang also tries to kill Hong, but the latter survives as he suspected the attempt already.

Khem gets hold of the document he was searching for and learns that Chatras father was trying to negotiate with two teams to sell weapons to both sides. The documents reveal two separate contracts between Europeans and Phraya Bodisorn and the Europeans and Phraya Wichien, where Suthin was the chief negotiator.

Hong decides to end the clash and brings out the truth of Tiangs disloyalty to the world. Khem helps him by putting on a performance and narrating Tiangs evil doings on stage.

to define perfect? that would be khempic.twitter.com/ldqAnNMNGs  andre (@simpingforapo) February 29, 2024

Tiang gets scared and tries to run away, but ultimately, Khem and Hong find him. Hong decides to end his life. While everything goes according to Khem and Hongs plan, Wan comes in between trying to use the gunpowder stored in the room to end all of them.

In a dramatic turn, Khem shoots his close friend. Though he had to kill Wan to save ManSuang, he seems shattered looking at the face of his dead friend.

Khem, who wants to get the documents and hand them over to Phraya Bodisorn to claim his freedom, tries to burn it. So Chatra becomes Khems savior and delivers the document to Pharaya demanding Khems freedom.

ManSuang ends positively, where both Khem and Chatra get to explore what they always wanted. Khem and Chatra decide to make changes in society without accepting the lives of the nobles.

While the drama does not show any apparent sign of romance between Khem and Chatra, their camaraderie lends the drama the warmth it needs amidst the betrayals and violence of different groups.

Along with a tightly woven plot, Apo, Tong, Bas, and Miles brilliant acting in the lead roles make the historical movie a palpable thriller where viewers cant move from their seats without getting to the end.

The post Netflix Thai Movie Mansuang Ending Explained & Spoilers: How Does Apo Nattawins Film End? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Scientists say the implications of a killer whale hunting solo, rather than in a group, could be huge for the local ecosystem

Getty (2) Stock photos of an orca whale (left) and a great white shark (right)

Since at least 2017, scientists have observed two killer whales living near South Africa team up to attack and kill great white sharks

In a recent article, scientists shared that they recently observed one of the orca whales in the shark-hunting pair kill a great white shark by itself in less than 2 minutes

Experts believe this new hunting tactic could be a response to climate change and may have an impact on other ocean species

Scientists have observed an orca whale killing a great white shark alone off the coast of South Africa, and the attack could offer insights into how the whale species' hunting tactics have changed.

Since at least 2017, a pair of orcas in the waters around South Africa have been killing great white sharks for their livers  a nutrient-dense meal for the whales  and leaving the rest of the sharks' bodies behind. The hunting tactic has been driving sharks away from the coastal waters around Cape Town, according to scientists studying the shark-hunting duo.

But this solo orca attack, observed by scientists in June 2023 and featured in an African Journal of Marine Science article published in March, showed one of the orcas killing an 8.2-foot-long shark by itself in under two minutes. According to one of the biologists who observed it, the ferocity of the attack was "unprecedented" and "astonishing."

Related: Humpback Whale Jumps Out of Water Next to Tour Boat and Waves at Stunned Onlookers

Speaking with BBC, Rhodes University shark biologist Dr. Alison Towner told the outlet that the male orca, nicknamed Starboard, grabbed the young great white by its fin and "thrust forward several times before eventually eviscerating it" to get at its liver.

A newly released video of the attack shows Starboard quickly killing the shark before swimming away with the nutrient-rich liver in his mouth, passing by a nearby boat full of tourists.

According to the recent article about the shocking killer whale attack, this is the first widely observed occurrence of an orca hunting and killing a great white shark by itself.

This occurrence also challenges existing theories about the hunting strategies of killer whales, as previous research led scientists to believe that orcas primarily hunt in groups rather than by themselves. Previous killer whale attacks on the sharks involved multiple orcas  including Starboards partner, another male named Port  and took up to two hours, the researchers wrote.

Related: Two Humpback Whales Were Photographed Having Sex for the First Time in History  and They Were Both Male

Dr. Luke Rendell, another scientist from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, told BBC that it was "unsurprising" that whales had learned to target great white sharks, as orcas may be facing challenges finding food due to issues like climate change and other human-led changes in their ecosystem.

"A great white shark is a nice, big concentration of food, so it's perhaps unsurprising that some populations [of orcas], where these sharks occur in sufficient numbers, have learned to exploit that," he said.

"Human activities, like climate change and industrial fishing, are exerting significant pressures on our oceans," Towner added.

Related: Killer Whales Sink Boat Off Morocco in 45-Minute Attack: 'Love of the Sea Always Wins'

The scientists behind the recent article on the solo killer whale attack first reported their findings about Port and Starboard in 2022. They wrote in the African Journal of Marine Science that they had traced at least 8 great white shark killings back to the pair. According to the researchers, several sharks had their hearts and livers removed.

Dr. Primo Micarelli, a biologist at Italy's Sharks Studies Centre and the University of Siena, told CNN in a statement that while seeing such a powerful attack was "unforgettable," he also worries about the ecological implications it has for both orcas and great white sharks.

"Despite my awe for these predators, I'm increasingly concerned about the coastal marine ecology balance," Micarelli told the outlet.

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Orcas are the great white shark's only predator, aside from humans. Killer whales grow up to 30 feet in length and can weigh more than six tons, while great white sharks can reach up to 22 feet long and weigh around 2.5 tons.

Towner told BBC that the orcas' new hunting habits could impact other species, such as African penguins, which could face more danger from cape fur seals  as great white sharks usually hunt the seals.

"These are groundbreaking insights into the predatory behavior of this species," Towner told CNN. "The presence of these shark-hunting killer whales possibly ties into broader ecosystem dynamics. Rapid developments in this phenomenon make it challenging for science to keep pace."



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The AEW booking strategy for Will Ospreay, following his transition to full-time status with the company, has been disclosed. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was announced as AEWs latest signing back in November during Full Gear. Ospreay made it clear that he would fulfill his obligations with New Japan Pro Wrestling before committing full-time to AEW.

Having concluded his NJPW commitments, Ospreay has officially become a full-time member of the AEW roster. Ospreay, who aligns with Don Callis family, has been seen alongside Callis. Callis, who betrayed Kenny Omega last May on AEW Dynamite, was even spotted with Ospreay during his match against Kenny Omega at the AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door 2023 PPV.

Now, with Will Opsreay being a full-time wrestler for AEW, his future plans have been revealed. According to reports from Fightful Select behind paywall, individuals within AEW dont anticipate Ospreay to remain aligned with Don Callis on AEW programming for an extended period.

A beautiful shot of Will Ospreay last night starting full time with AEW.



Look at how happy he is ? pic.twitter.com/bG9jy44fEB  Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 29, 2024

Ospreays most recent appearance in AEW occurred at WrestleDream back in October. He teamed up with Takeshita and Sammy Guevara, who are the member of the Don Callis family. They defeated the team of Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Kota Ibushi.

Will Ospreay is set to be in action at AEW Revolution

Will Ospreay officially debuted on the latest edition of Dynamite as an All Elie Wrestling wrestler. A few weeks ago, it was announced that Ospreay would face Konosuke Takeshita, a member of the Don Callis family, at AEW Revolution on March 3.

During his in-ring segment on Dynamite, the Don Callis family interrupted him. With all members of the faction coming down to ringside, led by Don Callis, the family officially welcomed Ospreay to All Elite while hyping the showdown between him and Konosuke Takeshita.

Don Callis even promoted the match as one of the biggest for the company. Tensions quickly escalated between Ospreay and Takeshita, almost leading to a confrontation before other members of the Don Callis family intervened.

The post Will Ospreays AEW Plans Revealed appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
The N.Y.C. exhibit will open from May 9 to June 2, covering the brand's most iconic photography

PEOPLE's first-ever issue was released 50 years ago today, and to kick off the celebration, PEOPLE announced that it will partner with international photography musem Fotografiska New York to launch the magazines first-ever museum exhibition.

Titled PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years, the exhibit will open in New York City on May 9, 2024, and feature archival covers, multimedia elements and interactive opportunities for visitors to turn themselves into a PEOPLE cover star.

From the very beginning of PEOPLE magazine, arresting photography has been at the core of its purpose, with PEOPLEs first prospectus declaring that dramatic images should make turning the pages irresistible.

Some of the greatest photographers in the last century  including Martin Schoeller, Ben Watts, Yu Tsai, Cass Bird, Elinor Carucci and Art Streiber (who is creating the 50th Special Issue cover)  have contributed to the magazine.

The inaugural letter from the editors, published in March 1974, declared that PEOPLE would aimed to reflect the times ... We want PEOPLE to be a magazine that is fun to pick up and both easy and worthwhile to readpage after page, cover to cover, the editors wrote. We dont want readers to put PEOPLE aside until theyve got the time, because that extra time so often fails to arrive.

The editors continued, We aim to be the indispensable guide to those millions of aware Americans who cheerfully acknowledge that what interests them most is other people.

PEOPLE has covered those interesting people for decades now, chronicling the development of rising stars into perennial household names. It has covered both world-changing events and everyday stories of people, for the people. Unforgettable photos have graced the front page of the magazine, from Mia Farrows first cover in promotion of 1974s Gatsby to the late Princess Dianas tribute cover in September 1997.

The history of PEOPLE is a microcosm of the changes that have happened in pop culture over the past 50 years, said Sophie Wright, executive director of Fotografiska New York. At the heart of this story is photography, and we are delighted to collaborate on this exhibition that celebrates the images that have defined PEOPLE and brought its human centered storytelling to life.

Related: PEOPLE Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary in 2024  Read Our Editor-in-Chief's Letter About the Milestone

Co-curated by photography historian and curator Pauline Vermare, PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years will run from May 9 to June 2, 2024. The museum will host live events and panels to accompany the exhibit throughout the month.

We are excited to show the brands evolution as we continue to innovate and lead the pop culture conversation on all platforms. I cant wait for everyone to enjoy this immersive, multimedia experience at Fotografiska, says Wendy Naugle, editor in chief of PEOPLE.



To purchase tickets, click here.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Azerbaijan and the UAE discussed opportunities for cooperation in the financial sector, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Taleh Kazimov wrote on his page on X, Trend reports.

He noted that as part of his visit to the UAE, a meeting was held with the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Essa Kazim, to explore collaborative opportunities with the UAE's financial sector.

A comprehensive tour of DIFC took place, showcasing the Center's innovative financial services and activities, the official added.

Meanwhile, DIFC is a financial zone that was established in 2004 in Dubai. DIFC is committed to driving the development of the financial sector and financial services in the region, providing international companies and investors with an attractive and regulated environment in which to operate.

DIFC is home to many international financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, investment funds and other financial institutions. It has its own judicial system and regulatory authorities that provide legal and financial stability for businesses within this financial zone.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Amid the Bravo bombshells last week was Rachel Leviss lawsuit against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix. The lawsuit targets both Vanderpump Rules stars for violating Californias revenge porn law.

For those who havent kept up with Rachel, the former Bravolebrity alleged that Tom recorded her on FaceTime without her consent while performing an explicit act. Ariana would later find this video, resulting in Scandoval.

Ariana allegedly sent the video to Rachel and herself. Various clues would also point to Ariana potentially sending the video to other members of the cast and crew. These events form the basis for Rachels suit. Now, a legal expert has weighed in.

Could Tom be found blameless in Rachels suit?

Attorney Neama Rahmani spoke with Us Weekly about the case, saying, The case against Tom is actually weaker than the case against Ariana. He explained, This is why under Californias revenge porn statute, there is a requirement that the porn be distributed. We know that Tom was allegedly participating in this FaceTime and he may have recorded it, but its unclear whether he sent it to anyone.

As such, Ariana might be in real hot water. The expert continued, The allegations are that Ariana got access to Toms phone and sent it to herself and to Rachel. So that would be the distribution there. Of course, we dont know who has the video and who it was sent to. The lawsuit does not purport to know either, implying that Rachels castmates may have seen it given their knowledge of the video.

Beyond that, the suit alleges that Ariana may have sent the video to Bravo employees. As Rahmani put it, complaint says that it may have gone to members of the production company or even the studio, in which case the distribution requirement would be met. But based on the complaint itself, I dont know how strong of a liability case it is against Tom.

Vanderpump Rules continues Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.

TELL US  DO YOU AGREE WITH RAHMANIS ASSESSMENT? WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE HAPPENING WITH RACHELS LAWSUIT?

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Curious to watch River Monsters Season 3 ? Look no further, weve got all the streaming details for you. The documentary show rolled out its third season as the fans enjoyed the underwater exploration combined with local folklore. Jeremy Wade is back with more deadly tasks and challenges to uncover the mystery behind the most dangerous fishes. The third season aired from 10 April to 30 May 2011.

Heres how you can watch and stream River Monsters Season 3 via streaming services such as HBO Max.

Is River Monsters Season 3 available to watch via streaming?

Yes, River Monsters Season 3 is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max.

The third season keeps the audience hooked with a total of 7 episodes. The first episode of season 3 shows Jeremy Wade heading to Papua New Guinea to trace the reason behind a series of strange deaths on the Sepik River. The island is infamous for cannibalism, weird rituals, and head hunters and Wade follows the clues leading to a creature that destroys certain male body parts.

The series is directed by a list of talented directors and is hosted by Jeremy Wade.

Watch River Monsters Season 3 streaming via HBO Max

River Monsters Season 3 is available to watch on HBO Max. HBO Max, introduced in May 2020, is a subscription streaming platform offering a wide array of content from WarnerMedia brands like HBO, Warner Bros., and DC, among others. The service provides personalized suggestions, curated collections, and the option to download content for offline enjoyment.

You can watch via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:

Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe Click Sign Up Now Choose your plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)

$15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)

$19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free) Enter your personal information and password Select Create Account

Max With Ads provides the services streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the services commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.

River Monsters synopsis is as follows:

Extreme angler Jeremy Wade is on the hunt for fish with a taste for human flesh. This rip-roaring ride mixes action and adventure with mysteries, edge-of-the-seat chase and a battle of wills between man and nature.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

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Rust ammunition supplier Seth Kenney today said during the involuntary manslaughter trial of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed that he started to sense that there were efforts to redistribute blame or the cause of this accident over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021.

Kenney asserted Monday that right after the accident, the attorneys for Gutierrez-Reed, as well as the relatively inexperienced armorers father 81-year-old veteran movie consultant and sharpshooter Thell Reed, were essentially trying to assert that the live ammunition on the set of Rust somehow came through me.

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Knowing Thell and having been friends with him for a few years at that point, I know how much he loves his daughter, Kenney said.

Charged with involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, Gutierrez-Reed could go to state prison for up to three years if found guilty.

Just before the lunch break, it was read out in court that Kenney declared sh*t, sh*t, sh*t, well she still didnt do her f-ing job on a call with a Santa Fe Sheriffs department detective soon after the shooting that killed Hutchins and injured Rust director Joel Souza. Afterwards Kenney rejected defense lawyer Jason Bowles presumption that he was trying to blame Gutierrez-Reed for the horrible accident at the time.

Seth Kenney testifying March 4 at Hannah Gutierrez-Reeds Rust trial

In Monday morning testimony full of drugs, guns, movie set chaos and more, the prosecution today seemingly saved the best or the worst for near last with the articulate and apparently straightforward Kenney. Depending on what side of the trial you sit on, Kenney either brought vital testimony of how Gutierrez-Reed was not up to the job she had been hired for, or he took the stand to provide powerful protection for himself.

Long a pivotal figure in the Rust tragedy, industry veteran Kenney has been cast as the likely primary source of the live ammunition that ended up on the indie Westerns set by the defense.

Initially the probe by the Santa Fe Sheriffs department itself viewed Kenney as that potential primary source too, but during their investigation, which has widely been viewed as problematic on many levels, the department found the live rounds in Kenneys Albuquerque shop did not resemble the ones found on the Rust set.

Also, as testimony today seemed to support, the busy Kenneys actual presence on the Rust set was rare.

To help and answer questions Kenney said he was there when the Sheriffs Department executed its search warrant on the prop truck after the October 21, 2021, accident.

As well as providing dummy rounds, blanks and other weapons-related material to Rust, Kenney bought the brand-new Colt .45 that star/producer Alec Baldwin used on the movie. Coming from a provider in California, that gun  the one that the recently recharged Baldwin was holding when it shot and killed Hutchins  was designated specifically for use on Rust. Kenney told the court that he provided a single box of 50 Colt .45 dummy rounds that had just come off the prop truck in Texas from Taylor Sheridans 1883 series, which Kenney had recently worked on, and was handed over to Rust prop master Sarah Zachery on October 12, 2021.

On his phone to look at old texts between himself and Gutierrez-Reed that the prosecution showed on the screen in the courtroom, Kenney told the court Monday that his last conversation with the inexperienced armorer before the October 21 shooting was a self-described expletive filled text October 16 convo. That exchange was related to an accidental discharge of a blank on the set of Rust, he said. Calling Gutierrez-Reed emotional, Kenney added he felt he was due an apology from the armorer and family friend.

Under questioning from the defense later in the morning, Kenney became a little cagier.

Previously in his testimony, Kenney recounted an earlier text conversation between Gutierrez-Reed and himself. You just send me out to do these things and dont teach me / Shame on both of you, Gutierrez-Reed wrote to Kenney. Later, under questioning from the defense, Kenney admitted he had issues with the daughter of his old friend, but he had no power to fire her from Rust. Its not that I wanted her fired, she was doing a horrible job at props  I had mixed feelings about it, he said. If I really wanted her fired, I could have gotten her fired.

Also, the weapons and ammunitions supplier could not give definite dates of when he drove back and forth from the 1883 set in Texas to New Mexico, travels that possibly saw ammo moving from one location to another. Defense lawyer Bowles, who has stated on a number of occasions on TV and in court filings that he believes Kenney was at least in part responsible for the live ammo getting on the Rust set, was more than a little incredulous that the supplier had not been able to nail down those important travel dates two years after the on-set shooting.

Several times during the composed Kenneys testimony, Special Prosecutor Morrissey and defense attorney Bowles went up to Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer to debate issues of what could and could not be said in open court. As one example, the now dismissed January 2022 lawsuit that Bowles filed for Gutierrez-Reed against Kenney became a matter of contention when Morrissey asked about it.

After both lawyers headed up to the bench, Morrissey simply asked Kenney if the suit was now dismissed. He said yes, and she passed the witness over to the defense  who examined him for a short period before the Judge called the mid-day lunch break.

Among the crew in the church at the Bonanza Creek Ranch set at the time of the shooting that fatal day, Rust still photographer Karen Kuehn took the stand first thing this morning.

In brisk testimony, Kuehn stayed away from offering much perspective on Rust. Instead, the New Mexico resident stated repeatedly that low budget and lower tier shows were always looking to cut costs, and Rust was no different in her opinion. As for what went on as the rehearsal was unfolding on the set, Kuehn had a lot of I dont recall responses to the specifics of the incident.

Like the majority of the states witness and certainly unlike Kenney, Kuehn gave mainly incremental testimony.

Also, Marissa Poppell, a Crime Scene technician for Santa Fe Sheriffs Department, returned to the stand Monday. Examining the live ammunition that was found on the Rust set and the ammunition found at supplier Kenneys shop, Poppell was soundly schooled by the defense. In his examination of the law enforcement official, defense lawyer Bowles confirmed that Poppells search of Kenneys Albuquerque shop was carried out weeks after the October 21, 2021 shootings, with the risk that evidence could have been lost or misfiled over that time

Rebecca Smith, self-described set mom and key crafts services, later told the jury of being asked to hold a baggy of powder for Gutierrez-Reed powder. Calling herself a recovering addict, Smith said that she believed the powder was cocaine. Under questioning, Smith informed the prosecutors and the court that she tossed it into a garbage can in the hotel hallway after she left Gutierrez-Reeds room. After the shooting, Smith said she received repeated texts from Gutierrez-Reed wanting her stuff back.

Smith testified today that she told no one about the incident or the powder because she wanted to stay out of the Rust investigation. In September 2023, Smith received a text from Special Prosecutor Kerri Morrissey seeking information  information that became part of the evidence tampering charge Gutierrez-Reed was hit with after refusing a plea deal offer to provide more on how live rounds got on the Rust set.

The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case and hand matters over to the defense later Monday. Judge Sommer has said that she hopes to see the three-week long case go to the jury by the end of this week. Alec Baldwins involuntary manslaughter trial is set to start on July 9, also in front of Judge Sommer.

Baldwin, who recently entered a not guilty plea to the renewed involuntary manslaughter charge, faces at a maximum of 18 months behind bars and around $5,000 in fines if found guilty.

Picking up from where those two weeks of filming in 2021 tragically ended, Rust was brought back last year without Gutierrez-Reed. The film completed production in Montana with Souza was back as director, and Baldwin as star and producer. The now-finished Rust has been looking for a buyer for months.

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A friend tells PEOPLE the update is "the best news she could have" at this stage

Chris Jackson/Getty Sarah Ferguson attends the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine at St George's Chapel on February 27.

Sarah Ferguson is "very relieved" after receiving promising news about her health.

The Duchess of York, 64, learned that her skin cancer, which was detected in January, has not spread.

The Duchess, who is popularly known as Fergie, was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer in June 2023, and doctors found a malignant melanoma during her reconstructive surgery. Fergie told friends that she had further surgery around the edges of the site of the mole where she had the skin cancer and her lymph nodes.

"Fortunately, they have turned out to be clear. This is the best news she could have on it at this stage, a friend tells PEOPLE. She will have to attend checkups every 12 weeks.

"She is very relieved," the source adds.

Stephen Pond/Getty Sarah Ferguson attends church on December 25, 2023.

Related: Prince Andrew Faces Backlash After Appearance at King Constantine of Greece's Memorial Service

This week, the Duchess of York will head to Melbourne, Australia for Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne, the inaugural international edition of Global Citizen NOW. Fergie is a co-chair of the summit dedicated to ending extreme poverty and will join ambassadors Hugh Jackman and Charlie Puth at the event.

As news of her latest cancer diagnosis broke in January, PEOPLE was told in a statement, Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

According to the spokesperson, the Duchess of York had several moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of the moles was identified as cancerous.

The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was, the representative said in January. She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.

Related: Sarah Ferguson Says Shes Feeling Positive' from 'Support of My Family amid Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Following the skin cancer diagnosis, Fergie spent time at MAYRLIFE Clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria. The second cancer diagnosis in a matter of months has obviously been a shock and a blow, a friend of Fergies exclusively told PEOPLE. But the Duchess is very resilient and in good spirits, the source said.

Last week, the Duchess of York joined members of the royal family at a Thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine. The memorial was held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle to honor the last King of Greece, who died in January 2023 at age 82.

Fergie and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, walked at the front of the group that included their daughter Princess Beatrice, their son-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall, while Queen Camilla drove up solo to St. George's Chapel.

Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson walk to the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine at St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle on February 27.

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Prince Andrew, 64, was criticized by some on social media for appearing to lead the contingent, as he is no longer a working member of the royal family. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth, stripped her second son of his military titles and patronages after he attempted to have Virginia Giuffres sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. The Duke of York has denied any wrongdoing and settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed amount in February 2022.

Over the weekend, the Duchess of York was spotted at the Bahrain Grand Prix with her daughter Princess Eugenie.



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Shortz, who's been the paper's crossword editor for more than 30 years, revealed that hes in rehabilitation after suffering a stroke

Randall Michelson/WireImage Will Shortz, crossword editor for 'The New York Times'

Will Shortz, the longtime crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times, is in rehabilitation following a stroke

Shortz has edited the crossword for more than 30 years, and also serves as Puzzlemaster for NPR

A rep for The New York Times says Shortz, 71, is "expected to [have] a full recovery"

The longtime crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times is in rehab following a stroke, he revealed this weekend.

Will Shortz, 71, who is also the Puzzlemaster for NPR, revealed his health struggle during an appearance at the end of the outlets Sunday Puzzle podcast, where he curates riddles for listeners.

I know our listeners have been wondering about Will, our beloved Puzzlemaster, host Ayesha Rascoe said towards the end of the episode. And before we go, I wanted to share a special message from the Puzzlemaster himself.

Hey guys, this is Will Shortz. Sorry Ive been out the last few weeks, he said in a recorded message. I had a stroke on February 4, and have been in rehabilitation since then, but I am making progress. Im looking forward to being back with new puzzles soon.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Will Shortz, crossword editor for The New York Times

A stroke can occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is sudden bleeding in the brain, according to the National Institute of Health, which points out that an ischemic stroke, which occurs from a blockage, accounts for just under 90% of strokes.

It was not revealed which type of stroke Shortz had, but as the Mayo Clinic points out, rehabilitation can range from exercises to improve motor skills to cognitive therapies.

Related: Brian Austin Green Says He Spent Over 4 Years Recovering from Stroke-Like Symptoms Caused By His Diet

Shortz has appeared on NPRs Weekend Edition Sunday since its debut in 1987, NBC News reports, and has been the crossword editor for the New York Times since 1993, celebrating his 30th anniversary last year.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hes only the fourth person to hold that job in the entire history of the New York Times, which first launched the famed crossword in 1941.

When I was a kid, I imagined a life where Id be sitting in an attic somewhere, making my little puzzles for $15 each, somehow surviving, he told NYT in 2017. I actually wrote a paper in eighth grade about what I wanted to do with my life, and it was to be a professional puzzle maker.

Craig Ruttle/Bloomberg/Getty Will Shortz, crossword editor for the New York Times

On Sunday's NPR episode, Rascoe continued, We here at Weekend Edition, we love Will, and I know that everybody at home does, too. And we are rooting for him, and we are so hopeful and know that he will feel better soon.

Greg Pliska, The Puzzler podcast host who filled in for Shortz on this weeks episode, added, I know I speak for the whole puzzling community in wishing Will the best. He's been a great friend to me for many years. And as much as I love playing the Puzzle on air with you, Ayesha, I look forward to getting to play from home with you and Will again in my Sunday morning pajamas.

Related: Snoop Dogg's Daughter Cori, 24, Shares Warning Signs of Her 'Severe' Stroke: 'Listen to Your Body'

The New York Times said Shortz did not immediately respond to questions about when he can return to work, but a spokesman for the outlet said the newspaper had been in regular contact with him, and wished him the best on his path to what is expected to be a full recovery.

The rep added, We look forward to having him back at work when he is ready.



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Taylor Swift is halfway through the Singapore stop of her Eras Tour, performing six nights to 60,000+ fans in National Stadium, but how she landed in that particular Southeast Asian country is creating bad blood with neighboring nations.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Singapore orchestrated an exclusive deal to pay the pop star $3 million for each of her six shows in return for making Singapore the only Eras Tour stop in the region.

Edwin Tong, a Singaporean politician and minister for culture, community and youth, said that number is nowhere as high. Channel News Asia is reporting the number is closer to $2-$3 million in total for all six shows.

Eras Tour offers powerful economic boon

Considering the boost the tour offers local and national economies, it makes sense that a government grant from Singapore would have other countries begging Swift to come back be here.

Japan estimated a $228 million economic impact for Swifts four nights performing there in February.

The tropical island country is off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is one of only four tour cities (alongside Los Angeles, London and Toronto) that will have six or more shows. Moreover, its the only Eras Tour location within 3,300 miles (the distance to Tokyo), which covers the countries of Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.

China and Singapore reportedly reached a 30-day visa-free deal allowing Chinese and Singaporean fans to travel to each others countries from Feb. 9 to March 10, covering the Chinese New Year and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Swift has a large fan base in China  3,000 Chinese fans traveled to the Japan shows because she would not be performing in their country.

The 2024 leg of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour kicked off in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

In the Philippines, Joey Salceda, the House Ways and Means Panel chairperson, told the Department of Foreign Affairs the Singaporean Embassy in Manila should explain the countrys deal.

I give it to them that the policy worked, Salceda said. Regional demand for Singaporean hotels and airlines was up 30% over the period.

He admitted the Philippines should be more tenacious in pursuing events like the Eras Tour.

We need to up our game. That is what agencies like the Tourism Promotions Board were made for, he said. We should still officially register our opposition. It also runs contrary to the principle of consensus-based relations and solidarity on which the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was founded.

'Instant Asia' is safe and diverse

Swift's decision may have involved more than just dollar signs. Singapore is known for safety, modernity and cultural diversity. In 2022, the Global Peace Index ranked the country the safest and most peaceful country in Asia. It's also known as "Instant Asia" because it offers a melting pot of cultures from all parts of the vast continent.

Swift's six nights at National Stadium will pass 360,000 attendees, a jump from attendance in Australia with 330,000 in Sydney and 288,000 in Melbourne.

Her historic Eras Tour is the highest-grossing of all time; it's speculated it earned more than a billion dollars last year alone. Swift will perform three more nights in Singapore before taking a two-month break and heading to Paris, France.

Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Singapore's Eras Tour deal causes bad blood with neighboring countries
Taylor Swift performs during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at the National Stadium on March 02, 2024 in Singapore. - Credit: Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images/TAS Rights Management

Looks like Taylor Swifts lyricism might be hereditary!

On Monday, the genealogy company Ancestry revealed that it found historical documents that connect Swifts family tree to American poet Emily Dickinson. Swift and Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed.

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According to Ancestry, both Swift and Dickinson descend from a 17th-century English immigrant  Swifts ninth great-grandfather, Dickinsons sixth great-grandfather  who settled in Windsor, Connecticut.

Swifts ancestors stayed in Connecticut for six generations until part of her family line moved to Pennsylvania, where they married into the Swifts, according to Ancestry.

The remarkable connection between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson is just one example of the incredible things you can discover when you explore your past, Jennifer Utley, Director of Research at Ancestry, said in a statement. Even if we dont know it, our pasts can influence our present  and how fun to see all the uncanny similarities between the pair.

Swift has referenced Dickinson before when describing her writing styles  quill lyrics, pen lyrics, and glitter gel pen lyrics  at the 2022 Nashville Songwriters Association Internationals annual awards show.

I categorize certain songs of mine in the Quill style if the words and phrasings are antiquated if I was inspired to write it after reading Charlotte Bronte or after watching a movie where everyone is wearing poet shirts and corsets, she said at the time. If my lyrics sound like a letter written by Emily Dickinsons great-grandmother while sewing a lace curtain, thats me writing in the Quill genre.

Its fitting timing for the family line revelation since Swift is preparing to release her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on April 19. Dickinson surely wouldve been a member.

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Here's exactly where you should go for a perfect lobster roll in the Pine Tree State.

Getty

Before I tried the lobster roll that I will refer to herein as The Best Lobster Roll of My Life, I had certain  feelings  about what a lobster roll should be. I grew up in coastal Massachusetts, five minutes from the New Hampshire border, and we New Englanders have standards when it comes to lobster rolls. We have rules. The proper lobster roll, for instance, comes cold and dressed with mayo (if youre looking for the warm, butter-doused type, head down to Connecticut, which may or may not be part of proper New England).

For the past few years, Ive made it my unofficial mission to scour Maine for the best versions of the lobster roll. Like any inquisitive food mind, I waited in line for over an hour one July afternoon for a roll at Reds Eats in Wiscasset, only to be disappointed by meat that my New England-trained palate detected as (possibly) frozen and unacceptably overpriced. But across the street, there was no line at Spragues Lobster, the family-owned joint overlooking the Sheepscot River, where my roll was $6 cheaper and over six times more delicious: judicious mayonnaise, whip-fresh lobster, and a soft, butter-burnished bun.

In Penobscot, on the Blue Hill Peninsula, where I spent time last Labor Day Weekend, I fell in love with the roll at Bagaduce Lunch. Some come for the ever-changing soft-serve swoops, but Im a fan of the no-fuss sando, which costs under $20 and offers everything you need: a view of the water from a picnic table, mayo-dressed lobster, and chunks big enough to chew.

Related: These Are America's Best Lobster Rolls

I found an overfilled roll at Claws in Rockland, which diners can gorge on between superlative meals at Primo and In Good Company. In nearby South Thomaston, at McLoons Lobster Shack, I sat outside at what is debatably the most beautiful place in Maine to eat a roll; its available in two sizes: the butter-bathed roll and the giant Rolls Royce.

Those rolls? All life-changing, I swear, and, most would argue, relatively traditional. But my personal favorite is a deviation, a revelation, and not even off the beaten path. Take me straight to Kennebunk, Maine, on the bridge that leads right into neighboring Kennebunkport, for a roll at The Clam Shack, which opened in 1968. Served on a round burger bun, its a swipe of claw, knuckle, and impossibly large tail. Connoisseurs order it with both, meaning mayo and drawn butter.

The tail  the best part and absent on so many other rolls  is served practically whole, dunked directly into warm butter. The rest of the roll receives the blessing of a squiggle of mayo. Not too much. Not too little. Its the Goldilocks of lobster rolls and, I must say, a sandwich that is gone far too quickly, making you wistful for it almost immediately. Its an apparition, just moments after it has arrived at your picnic table, which is probably the highest praise you can give this kind of perfect work of art: that it stays around just long enough to remind you that youll want another the next time you find yourself passing through town.



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Dog owners in the United Kingdom are on high alert as Alabama Rot continues to spread across the country. Since the year started, 10 dogs have succumbed to the potentially fatal flesh-eating disease, formally known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV).

10 dogs dead after incurable Alabama Rot continues to spread in UK this year

Veterinarians at Anderson Moores  a specialist clinic that tracks reported cases of Alabama Rot throughout the U.K.  have urged dog owners to remain vigilant following the alarming rise in fatalities.

While its exact cause remains unknown, experts believe Alabama Rot  which was first reported in the U.K. in 2012  is triggered by a bacteria or toxin, as per GB News reporting.

More often than not, dogs contract this incurable disease during walks in muddy or wooded areas. Alabama Rot results in painful, unexplainable skin lesions on a dogs paws, legs, tongue, head, muzzle and belly. These lesions, in turn, damage the skins blood vessels. A dogs skin also begins rotting as the bacteria feast on the flesh.

Ultimately, Alabama Rot leads to kidney failure. It has a 90% fatality rate, meaning only 10% of dogs treated after contracting the disease survive.

Initially, experts thought that only Greyhounds could catch Alabama Rot. This isnt the case now, as vets have, over the years, seen dogs of all breeds affected by the disease.

Joshua Walker, a vet with Anderson Moores, attributes the increasing Alabama Rot fatalities to the current wintry weather.

We know the disease is associated with increasing rainfall and increasing temperatures in the autumn, Walker explained. It might be that the very wet, slightly warmer November has led to a surge in cases  its important for everyone to be aware of the signs.

Vets are reminding dog owners to thoroughly wash their dogs paws, legs and bellies after every dog walking session.

The post Alabama Rot, a Flesh-Eating Dog Disease, Spreading in UK appeared first on DogTime.
Potassium permanganate bleaching, commonly known as PP spray in the denim industry, and the harmful effects it has on worker health and the environment are the focus of a new report by Clean Clothes Campaign Turkey (CCC Turkey).

PP spray was introduced in Turkey following the 2009 ban of denim sandblasting which afflicted garment workers with silicosis. However, the report argues is it just as harmful, yet the country has no legislation limiting or regulating its use.

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Though there are various alternatives to PP spray like ozone and laser technology, many brands continues to use it to achieve the vintage-inspired washes that are in high demand by consumers.

The garment worker advocacy claims the odorless, sand-like solid chemical is the cause for face skin problems, blurred vision, respiratory issues, chest tightness, and lung inflammation, and long-term exposure to the substance can damage the liver and kidneys. The chemicals environment impact damages sea life and results in wastewater. Over five tons of PP used worldwide daily cause severe damage to the surrounding environment due to manganese, a heavy metal that does not biodegrade, according to the report.

In the report, CCC Turkey examined 44 brands that bleach jeans and produce in Turkey12 of which are committed to the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). However, instead of prohibiting PP spray, MRSL urges brands to take occupational health and safety measures when using it.

This results in signatories taking various approaches to PP spray in their supply chain. For example, CCC Turkey said H&M implemented a PP spray ban at the start of this year and that Diesel is using alternative chemicals. Ralph Lauren is gradually removing it from production by 2025.

In a questionnaire, Zara-owner and MRSL signatory Inditex confirmed to CCC Turkey that it uses PP spray but that periodic checks are made on its factories to examine whether sufficient safety measures are being made.

Other brands are less specific about their use of PP spray, but they call out other sustainable technologies, CCC Turkey found. Guess and Pepe Jeansboth of which are not MRSL signatorieshighlight their use of Wiser Wash technology instead. However, the report says it is unclear if the technology is used in all jeans production.

CCC Turkey recommends brands to improve their supply chain transparency, including information about production locations and chemicals used in their products. The organization also calls for companies to develop and implement policies regarding chemical usage in their supply chains, including health and safety measures and environmental damage mitigation.

Moreover, CCC Turkey call for brands producing in Turkey to immediately reduce the use of PP, understanding that environmental damage and occupational diseases develop over many years.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The International Chamber of Commerce to focus on private sector engagement in COP29 process, Secretary General International Chamber of Commerce John Denton said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

My 100 percent focus in my visit to Azerbaijan is in the context of the countrys COP29 presidency. My focus has been on spending time with the incoming president of the COP process, meeting with other people who are relevant to the success of the process. Also, we're in the process of exploring the creation of an ICC National Committee in Azerbaijan to support our activities and our recognition of the importance of Azerbaijan as a potential economic powerhouse in the region. And because we are the world's largest business organization, it's appropriate not only that we support Azerbaijan and its leadership of the COP process, but also, we look to how we can support the development of the private sector here, he said.

Denton believes that first of all, it's important to understand that the International Chamber of Commerce is the principal interlocutor that brings the private sector into the whole COP process.

So, we have been instrumental since the creation of the Paris Agreement. In fact, most people would say that there was the ICC that was pivotal in enabling the successful completion of the Paris Agreement itself. And we have been the principal private sector interlocutor for what's called the UNFCCC, crowding in the private sector, ever since the commencement of the COP process. So, our role at COP29 will be again ensuring that the voice of the private sector is appropriately engaged with the development of the agenda, but also the execution of the objectives, not only of Azerbaijan as the leader of the COP29, but of the global community, which is how do we get to the outcomes envisaged in the Paris Agreement together sustainably and on time. And that's what we're focused on, noted the secretary general.

He went on to add that geographically positioned between East and West, Azerbaijan is an important interlocutor in the regional development of the Caucasus and a powerhouse in terms of energy.

We want to see Azerbaijan use all those different strengths it has in order to marshal as much political capital amongst the global community to deliver a strong outcome. We want to see resolution of the endless debate over Article 6 to ensure there's effective and functioning carbon markets. We want to see a joining up of the trade debate with the climate debate so that there's one aligned system. And I've discussed all these things with the president of COP29. In the COP process, you've got to understand that at the ICC, we have 170 countries. We enable $17.5 trillion worth of economic activity every year. $10 trillion of that is actually enabling the operation of the global trade finance market. What we're doing at the moment is we're working on an initiative where we're taking the whole of that $10 trillion trade finance market. We're dividing it into sectors and ensuring that the critical sectors are all aligned with what's called sustainability outcomes, Denton explained.

He went on to add that ICC is effectively creating a sustainable trade framework which will enable to grade trade finance practices, which will help take the whole of the global trade finance market over time into a Paris-aligned activity.

It's a huge contribution which we'll be making to the whole greening and the delivery of the Paris Agreement. That's an initiative which I shared with the COP29 president. We'll be adding more sectors to the Baku COP29 later on this year. The exploration by ICC of the creation of a national committee here, reflects our expectation that Baku, properly supported, can play a very important role, not just in the region, but also on a global basis as well. We want to liberate and enable more Azerbaijani entrepreneurs to participate in global economy. We want to ensure that with the adoption of ICC principles, and the use of the ICC Court of Arbitration, we will create more opportunity for Azerbaijan to attract foreign direct investments, which will help with economic development as well, said the ICC secretary general.

Denton pointed out that ICC sees Azerbaijan as potentially being a link with other economies in the region.

There are three dimensions of the financing aspect of climate goals. The first is the commitment by advanced economies to provide financing to support developing and emerging economies engage in the energy transition. There has been some movement on that. But without further movement on that, the trust between the advanced economies and the global south will erode. And that erosion will cause havoc to the success of the economy and operation of the COP process itself. So, it's very important at a global level to ensure that what was promised is actually delivered. The second level is actually making certain that the global financial architecture, the way we organize finances, is supportive of action on climate as well. Is the macroprudential regulation aligned to what's required to deliver on climate outcomes? Are the multilateral development banks focused on providing the equity stimulation that may be required as well to support activity, particularly in developing and emerging economies? he said.

Denton noted that ICC is already seeing something like 65 percent of investment in the energy transition in advanced economies coming from the private sector.

We're not seeing the same level in the developing economies. And the third area is just doing things. The ICC is acting where it has authority, which is in trade finance. We want to see more entities do that. Leading by doing is actually a key element for this COP 29 process, he concluded.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
In today's food news, a Boston restaurant is currently facing backlash online for its response to a customer's canceled reservation. Table, located in Boston's North End and owned by Jen Royle, was entangled in a heated exchange with a prospective customer, Trevor Chauvin-DeCaro, after he canceled his reservation on January 6 due to an alleged hospitalization.

Jen has appeared on Beat Bobby Flay and was described as a "celebrity chef" by Boston Magazine. In 2021, the publication also wrote that "she also isnt shy about getting into public spats with rude customers." Medianews Group / MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Over the past week, the story has garnered national attention, with creators on TikTok dissecting the exchange. One user, Nikki Mack (@nikki_mackk) has already created a multi-part series on the interaction, which has received hundreds of thousands of views. Dave Cullinane (@playthehitslive) has also posted multiple videos about the heated exchange, including screenshots of now-seemingly-deleted tweets and story posts.

Thousands of commenters have weighed in on the situation, with one user commenting on Dave's video, "I am unreasonably invested in this mess."

Here's what happened: In a thread posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) last Thursday, Trevor showed screenshots of his back-and-forth messages with Table's account on Instagram, seemingly initiated by Jen. The conversation started with Jen sarcastically thanking Trevor for "screwing over my restaurant and staff" after Trevor used his credit card's travel insurance to get reimbursed for the restaurant's $250 reservation cancellation fee. "I really hope in the future you have more respect for restaurants, especially small businesses such as mine. Pathetic," Jen concludes in her message. The thread has now been viewed over 24 million times.

Wild story incoming. Last month, we had to cancel our Boston trip after I was hospitallized. As a result I had to use travel insurance to get my money back on our hotel, train, and restaurant reservations. Today I got this message from @tableboston pic.twitter.com/d7jc84rllJ  ghostface stuck on the subway (@trevorshowvan) February 22, 2024

@trevorshowvan / Via Twitter: @trevorshowvan

On Resy, the app that Table uses to collect reservations, they note a 72-hour notice for cancellations and state that same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged full price for the $125 per person prix fixe meal.

Trevor proceeded to respond to Jen, stating that his decision to use his credit card's travel insurance was "not made lightly" or "to 'screw over'" the restaurant or staff but that he needed to cancel the reservation due to being hospitalized in the ER.

According to Trevor, his husband allegedly tried to call the restaurant to explain the situation to the staff before disputing the fee, but Trevor said that he was told to "take it up" with his credit card if he was "so butt hurt."

In a statement to BuzzFeed, Table staff claimed never to have received a call from Trevor or his husband on January 6 regarding their reservation, stating that the restaurant was not open at the time. According to Table's attorney, Michael Ford, Jen allegedly attempted to email Trevor when they were notified of the disputed charge approximately one month after the original reservation date, but she did not receive a response.

In subsequent messages to Trevor and through Instagram story posts, Jen seemingly doubled down on her frustration over the credit card dispute and continued to claim that neither she nor her staff received a call on the date in question.

Trevor denied her claim and reiterated that his husband had called and spoken to staff.

In their statement, Table also claimed that Trevor did not request reimbursement through his travel insurance but instead disputed the charges. Jen highlighted this in yet another message to Trevor, accusing him of insurance fraud.

Trevor responded that after following the standard procedure of contacting the restaurant first, to no avail, he made "a claim for the situation at hand, after which the credit card company handles the matter according to their policies." "My role in this process ends upon submission of the claim," he continued. "The actions taken by the credit card company thereafter, including any disputes, are conducted under their discretion and authority, not mine."

Jen claimed that her team was not made aware of Trevor's hospitalization until recently since, according to the credit card dispute (which a Table representative sent a copy of to BuzzFeed), the reason for the cancellation was a delayed train from New York City to Boston. Tweets from Trevor on January 6 indicate that his Amtrak train was severely delayed that day.

We need a more diverse train system than just Amtrak. 4.5 hours of waiting at Penn to head to Boston and still not out of the city. We are getting off and turning around. So much money down the toilet.  chase travel insurance it girl (@trevorshowvan) January 6, 2024

@trevorshowvan / Via Twitter: @trevorshowvan

Clarifying the situation to the Boston Globe, Trevor said that his train from New York City to Boston ended up getting "majorly delayed." Amid everything, he began "to feel terrible," resulting in him seeking hospitalization and canceling the trip. X users have since uncovered Trevor's tweet that mentions the delay, but he has responded in his defense. "Idk what the issue is," he tweets, "I was going to Boston, fell ill, then cancel[ed]. Yea, Amtrak sucks. This just shows I indeed wasnt in Boston and had lots to cancel."

Idk what the issue is. I was going to Boston, fell ill, then cancels. Yea Amtrak sucks. This just shows I indeed wasnt in Boston and had lots to cancel.   chase travel insurance it girl (@trevorshowvan) February 23, 2024

@trevorshowvan / Via Twitter: @trevorshowvan

Overall, responses have ranged from the above to people finding the whole situation to be "bizarre."

I have never had a restaurant find me and slip into my DMs like that. Thats bizarre lol. So much chaos, anger, and frustration over $250.00.   Charlie Fleming (@CharlieFleming_) February 23, 2024

@CharlieFleming_ / Via Twitter: @CharlieFleming_

Another user described it as "truly unhinged behavior."

This is truly unhinged behavior. I get being annoyed by a canceled reservation and lost revenue but this is WAY over and beyond normal or professional. This is seriously over the top bad...really really bad. They went way out of their way to target you for a normal occurence.  Sabio Scientist (@SabioScientist) February 23, 2024

@SabioScientist / Via Twitter: @SabioScientist

And many people were appalled at the idea that a restaurant would charge such a high fee in the first place.

beyond it being insane for a restaurant owner to harass a patron like this, reservation culture in cities like Boston is truly getting out of hand. their cancellation fee is $250!!!!! at a restaurant where you have to sit at a communal table!!! what is wrong with yall!!! https://t.co/qiIFX5yIzu  lexi  (@lexiicara) February 23, 2024

@lexiicara / Via Twitter: @lexiicara

In one of the last few screenshots he shared, Trevor shows the most recent message he received from Table, in which they threatened to take legal action, citing the "amount of slander the business is receiving." He told the Globe that while his situation has mostly been met with "overwhelming support" from social media users, he has also received messages with death threats and anti-gay slurs.

The public attention during the entire exchange resulted in criticism of Jen and her business, along with several seemingly fake reviews from customers who have not dined at Table but have come to Trevor's defense.

A deeper scroll through Yelp reveals that Trevor isn't the only customer (or potential customer) who has received pushback, as Jen appears to have directly responded to apparent patrons in the past. In scrolling through customer reviews from as far back as five years ago, we found at least 12 instances in which Jen reprimanded customers for their negative reviews, including the two examples below.

Jen Royle and Table's social media accounts have since been deactivated or made private, and a Table representative told BuzzFeed in an email that Jen has also been receiving "very scary threats." The restaurant was listed as "permanently closed" on Google for a few days after the exchange went viral but is now listed as open. According to Table, this came at Google's suggestion to "stop the bleeding" from the various negative reviews they were receiving. Opening the restaurant's Yelp page also prompts a pop-up stating that posting has been temporarily disabled due to "increased public attention."

We've also reached out to Trevor for comment but did not receive a response at the time this was published. We'll update you if we do.
TAP Air Portugal will fly a total of 77 flights each week between the United States and Portugal.

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It will be easier to get to Lisbon this summer as TAP Air Portugal adds 10 more weekly flights to the popular city from North America.

This summer, the airline will fly a total of 77 flights each week between the United States and Portugal, TAP shared with Travel + Leisure, and will increase frequencies from several U.S. cities. TAP will also operate 20 weekly flights from Canada.

The airline plans to add an additional flight from San Francisco (flying up to six flights per week from the California city), as well as operate two flights per day from Washington Dulles International Airport.

TAP also flies to both Lisbon and Porto from New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, and Miami.

Beyond Portugal, the airline told T+L it will resume seasonal flights to other popular European destinations like Ibiza, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, and Naples.

TAP was recently named one of the safest airlines in the world, coming in at No. 17 on the list for 2024. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance along with U.S. carrier United Airlines.

TAP operates a low-cost model with three different economy fare classes: Discount, Classic, and Plus. Travelers who book the Discount fare are entitled to a carry-on bag, but do not receive a checked bag as part of their ticket. TAP also charges extra for meals in economy.

Travelers who are hoping to plan an epic European summer vacation should start planning now since experts recommend booking flights to the continent at least six months in advance  and even up to 10 months before a trip.

Summer also happens to be one of the best times to visit Portugal thanks to warm, long days, gorgeous beaches perfect for sunbathing, and several festivals. The country is also one of the best places in the world to retire thanks to its near-perfect climate.

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Oops, he did it again.

Harry Macklowe, one of New York Citys most brazen developers, has listed his Hamptons home facing exclusive Georgica Pond  with neighbors like Steven Spielberg  for $38 million.

Theres just one catch. Its uninhabitable.

Developer Harry Macklowe has listed his uninhabitable home for $38 million. Doug Kuntz

Thats because the mansion lacks a certificate of occupancy, and the new owners wont be legally allowed to move in.

Macklowe illegally cleared land on the property and built additions without permits, endangering the wetlands and garnering fines for more than 21 violations that havent been paid for five years, East Hampton Village officials say.

The off-the-books renovations on his Hamptons home echo his 1985 move to hire a mob-run company to blow up four buildings on West 44th Street in the middle of the night without city permits, hours before the city started to enforce a ban on razing single room occupancy buildings.

The demolition put peoples lives in danger, officials said at the time.

Macklowe paid a $2 million fine, but escaped indictment because criminal intent could not be proven, the Manhattan District Attorney said at the time.

Its insane. He ripped out decks and did whatever he wanted. He illegally cleared land and built without permits  just like he did on West 44th Street, an inside source said.

The construction of the Hamptons house reminds many of Macklowes unlawful demolition of buildings on W 44th street in New York. Doug Kuntz

The house is also highly leveraged to the hilt, the source added. There is no justification for asking $38 million. The house comes with legal complications and its not even on the pond. 

The insider estimated: Its worth no more than $12 to $15 million.

The East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals declined to retroactively approve Macklowes illegal acts, and so Macklowe sued them. The case is ongoing.

For now, East Hampton Village building inspector Thomas Preiato confirmed to The Post that Macklowe can sell the house, but no one can occupy it.

The house can be sold, but because there is no certificate for occupancy, no one can move in. Doug Kuntz

He had a certificate of occupancy for the home back in 2017. But it is no longer valid because of all the fines he hasnt paid, Preiato said.

The inspector added: He put the wetlands in danger. We have a wetlands code for a reason. Its concerning.

In 2019, The Post reported that officials said Macklowe had built on the property illegally, and not paid fines that came after the fact.

Macklowe declined to comment when reached by The Post at the time.

He also declined to comment on the home going up for sale.

His previous spokesperson said he no longer has a full-time flack: He hires them on a per project basis.

Top broker Paul Brennan, of Douglas Elliman, who shares the Macklowe listing with Ellimans Martha Gundersen, declined to comment.

The four bedroom home comes with a pool and sits on 2.7 acres at 64 West End Ave. in East Hampton.

It is surrounded by preserved land, the listing notes.

Macklowe paid $10.35 million for the home in 2017, then proceeded to clear land and build too close to wetlands  all without permits, village authorities say.

The land was cleared and the house was built without any permits. Steven Hirsch

At the time, he lived there with Patricia Landeau, now his wife, while he was in the midst of an ugly divorce from Linda Macklowe, who still lives across the pond  so close that the exes can see each other from their homes.

While that proximity to an ex might make some people uncomfortable, Macklowe isnt one of those people.

He also plastered a 42-foot photo of himself with Landeau on the supertall building 432 Park Avenue, which he had helped develop  but where he never closed on a unit.

(He recently eluded foreclosure on his units there, at least temporarily, by having an entity he controls declare bankruptcy.)

The Post previously reported in 2019 that Macklowe admitted to the East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals that he didnt have the permits he needed for construction and to clear the wetlands, but he did it anyway.

Macklowes then-lawyer, Richard Whalen, told the zoning board, The great majority of the improvements that were coming to you for approval for have already been done. They were built without the benefit of a building permit, or variances or a wetland permit from this board.

The house violates zoning codes as it was built too close to the wetlands. Doug Kuntz

The work was done within 150 feet of wetlands in violation of the code, according to a the East Hampton Star.

More than 21 charges have been filed several times since 2019, and there is a stop work order issued from Feb. 11, 2019, but they were done at that point. They had gotten what they wanted, Preiato said.

Its tough. Its been going on for a while. Someone is feeling some kind of entitlement, like they arent subject to the codes, but when you are impacting bodies of water, its more serious than a patio too close to the line.

Macklowe was also in a dispute with former neighbor Martha Stewart back in the 90s over plantings on her property.

 Additional reporting by Doug Kuntz
Doughnuts and democracy really do go hand-in-hand.

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Krispy Kreme wants to reward you for doing your civic duty.

On Tuesday, March 5, a.k.a "Super Tuesday," the bakery chain is giving everyone the chance to come in and get two Original Glazed doughnuts absolutely free. As Krispy Kreme noted in a press release, it's their version of "Super TWOsday."

"While encouraging everyone to vote, our primary role on Super TWOsday will be to sweeten your day," Dave Skena, the global chief brand officer for Krispy Kreme, shared in the statement, adding that there's no purchase necessary. You don't even need to show proof of voting, though getting an "I voted" sticker never hurts.

Don't worry if your state doesn't have an election tomorrow. The free doughnut offer is available in shops across the nation, not just in those who are overseeing primary elections. The doughnuts are available both in-shop and via the drive-thru.

Related: Krispy Kreme Just Opened a Surprising New Location That Had a 500-Person Line Waiting

Let's use this Krispy Kreme promotion for a quick civics lesson. Super Tuesday is the date when the largest number of states vote in a presidential primary or a caucus. Tomorrow, the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia will all be voting in a primary. Alaska and Utah will hold caucuses. And it's not just the presidential race that's at stake. As NPR reported, voters will also be voting in primaries for candidates across the Senate and House, as well as for gubernatorial elections. As for when we'll know the results of each election, NPR says that could take hours or even days as the elections take place over six different time zones  not including mail-in ballots  and some fights are looking rather contentious. (Learn way way more about Super Tuesday by reading NPR's full explainer.)

So, really, it's a great time to go vote, then pick up two doughnuts and relax as you await the final tally. And, when you do, Krispy Kreme would love it if you shared your little Doughmocracy treat on social media with #KrispyKreme. That way, you can spread a little sugary joy and some voter awareness all in one.



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
What Laduma Ngxokolo showed on Sunday at the residence of the South African ambassador to France wasnt just the fall collection of his label Maxhosa Africa. With his first presentation on the official Paris calendar, he was planting the flag on behalf of the African continent in the global fashion arena.

I believe we, the African continent, stand a good chance to play a big part in the global value ecosystem of the fashion business, he told WWD.

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In his opinion, African fashion was sustainable, thanks to its access to raw materials and a fast-growing middle class, particularly in his home country of South Africa, a forerunner in terms of retail and textile industrial infrastructure.

The case study he has is his 13-year-old brand, which has more than 300 employees and its own vertically integrated knitwear factory.

Core to Maxhosa Africa is his belief that preserving culture comes from making it part of contemporary lives  as Western heritage brands do, he pointed out  rather than keeping it in museums or for special occasions.

He therefore continued his reinterpretation of Xhosa beadwork as well as motifs drawn from the Ndebele and Maasai cultures through the lens of knitwear.

They were used to great effect for a broad range that went from casualwear to dressier fare, with multicolored tracksuits; a cold-shoulder top and matching skirt with a lattice-like motif; lady-like cardigans; a pleated skirt that revealed silk inserts in its godets, and an openwork blue dress made of wide zigzagging bands of rhomboid shapes.

Between its expertise and Nxgokolos eye for color harmonies and flattering shapes, his brand has a space in the growing contingent of knit-based cool kids such as CFCL.

Beadwork also nodded to the brands roots, embroidered on a pinafore dress or as an asymmetric beaded bolero that had an activewear-style high neck, layered over a chic burgundy skater dress.

There was also a black jacquard suit with the brands symbols in its design and outlined with hand-applied contrasting knit piping, one of the quieter options Nxgokolo offered for those who just want to dip their toes in.

And being attracted by the visual appeal of the clothes and becoming curious about where they came from was also an acceptable first approach for Nxgokolo.

The people that are wearing [the brand] are part of the cultural preservation, he said. They might choose to dress our pieces casually, or formally, or any way or style they prefer but they have chosen to be disciples of pushing African fashion to the next level.

Ultimately, Nxgokolo wants to make sure his message that the brand is not restricted to the African diaspora, its not for the African continent  its for the world is heard loud and clear. A sign that its already working: the brand is increasingly being referred to as simply Maxhosa.

He will be amplifying it through his own retail, with a six-month pop-up in New York opening March 24 and plans for one in Paris later this year.

And given the international buyers and press who attended his presentation, the world is listening.

For more Paris Fashion Week reviews, click here.

Launch Gallery: Maxhosa Africa Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection

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Retail crimesters may not be shying away from stealing stock, but law enforcement nationwide has continued to crack down on crime ring participants.

Several states legislators have expressed their interest in decreasing retail crime rates through legislation, task forces, technology and increased budgets, citing rising crime, fearful retail employees and shoppers turning to online purchases rather than trekking into stores.

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As some of the laws begin to go into effect and others make their way through the states respective legislative processes, police have ramped up their efforts to splinter retail crime rings aspirations.

Florida

Florida police arrested six Georgia residents accused of stealing about $90,000 of merchandise from various big box retailers in Florida over the course of 18 months.

Those arrested have been accused of traveling from Georgia to Florida weekly to steal merchandise using self-checkout systems. Police said the suspects made only partial payments before leaving stores with additional items.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the six suspects are allegedly part of an organized retail theft ring responsible for over 70 separate retail thefts. Those incidents occurred at stores in eight different counties in Northeast Florida, police said.

Two of the suspectsRobert Thad Bryant III, 40, and Kimberly Michelle Thompson, 46, both of Kingsland, Georgiawill be prosecuted by the state of Florida under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Bryant also faces 49 counts of grand theft and seven counts of petit theft.

The four other arrested suspects each face at least one count of grand theft and at least one count of petit theft. Those suspects are Brian Lee Wallace, 42; Christopher Neal Coats, 41; Mary Lynn Corwin, 50, and Ryan Lee Mullis, 44. Wallace, Corwin and Mullis live in Kingsland, and Coats resides in St. Marys, Georgia.

FDLE Agent in Charge, Mike Williams, said retail crime continues to negatively impact the states economy.

Organized retail theft is becoming increasingly common and impacts consumers with higher prices on the goods they buy. In Florida, FDLE agents fight this trend by making retail theft cases a priority and working to arrest all members of a criminal organization, Williams said.

Ron DeSantis, the states governor, recently promised to tighten retail crime-related laws in the state to ensure criminals faced harsher penalties for retail theft, specifically in organized crime rings.

California

United States Marshals arrested Denayaha Duree, 22, of San Francisco, in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Valentines Day, police said. Duree allegedly stole merchandise from a mall in San Francisco in late January.

According to the San Francisco Police Department, Duree has previously been arrested in relation to organized retail theft. Police sought her arrest for the Jan. 29 theft, but also for two thefts that occurred at luxury stores in May 2023, the SFPD said.

Police said Durees charges will be solidified pending her extradition.

California leaders and politicians have been scrambling to solve the retail crime issue its cities face. One day after Durees arrest, several members of the California State Assembly put forth the California Retail Theft Reduction Act, which would punish retail crimesters found with stolen merchandise they intend to sell.

In late January, just days prior to the mall theft police allege Duree took part in, legislators introduced a bill into the California State Assembly that would revise the definitions outlined in Prop 47, in turn bringing harsher penalties against those who commit retail crime.

Oregon

Police in Eugene, Oregon, arrested 44-year-old Jason Weeks for alleged participation in organized retail crime, according to local news station KEZI 9.

Police reportedly arrested Weeks on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree theft. Police said in October 2023, they responded to a Eugene Target after reports of a gas leak. Upon investigation, the officers discovered an explosive device placed in the store as a distraction from the alleged thievery.

Officials continued to investigate that case until the end of February, when Eugene police responded to what KEZI called a dispute. Officers identified one of the people in the dispute as Weeks, whom the department had been searching for in connection with an organized retail theft ring, KEZI reported.

Police also arrested Bailey Eulene Miller, 25, and Antoine Danaebrown, 38, for their alleged connection to the Target theft, KEZI noted.

On Jan. 1, a new law went into effect in Oregon, which pledged harsher punishment for those pilfering from shelves in the state. Like a number of other states, including Washington, California and New York, state legislators expressed concern over the ways in which retail crime continues to affect business owners, retail store associates and consumer safety.
Another train derailment has befallen Norfolk Southern as the rail operator contends with its ongoing proxy fight.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the derailment involving three Norfolk Southern trains in eastern Pennsylvania on Saturday, which occurred along the Lehigh River in Lower Saucon Township. There were no reported injuries or leaks of hazardous materials, according to the board, although diesel fuel and plastic pellets had spilled before the cleanup efforts.

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The Pennsylvania wreck came 13 months after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, caused a massive fire fueled by toxic chemicals, leading to the evacuation of much of the towns residents. That incident caught national attention and brought concern among U.S. lawmakers about general railroad safety.

On the news of the derailment, activist investor Ancora Holdings wasted no time in again calling for the immediate replacement of Norfolk Southerns board of directors and termination of CEO Alan Shaw.

Our proposed slate and management team are unanimous in their view that Norfolk Southern must become a safer and more reliable railroad before it can ever reach its full potential, said Ancora in a Saturday statement. An incident like this, which is drawing national news coverage and resulting in more embarrassment for the railroad, should put an end to the boards unsustainable efforts to save a tainted CEO with no long-term future. How can anyone defend this?

Ancora has sought to insert its own board, CEO and chief operating officer as part of a new go-forward plan to focus the rail operator on profitability. A day prior to the derailment, the activist investors president, Jim Chadwick sent an open letter to Norfolk Southern chair Amy Miles, calling it astonishing that Shaw received a 37 percent increase in compensation in 2023.

Norfolk Southern fought back against Ancora Monday morning, calling the investment firms claims false and misleading, while highlighting its 42 percent reduction in mainline accident rate year-over-year.

With regards to Shaws compensation, Norfolk Southern said the board did not raise Shaws compensation 37 percent, indicating that he saw a 33 percent reduction in his realizable compensation at the end of the year, in comparison to his target compensation.

The facts about the compensation of Norfolk Southerns management team have been distorted, said the statement. The Norfolk Southern board took clear and decisive action in its 2023 compensation decisions, including exercising discretion to eliminate annual performance-based incentive payouts for 2023.

Norfolk Southern said that 92 percent of Shaws target compensation was provided in the form of at-risk or performance-based incentives that were tied to pre-set performance goals or stock price performance.

Specifically, 60 percent of Shaws equity awards issued in 2023 are performance-based and will only be earned if certain metrics and targets are met at the end of a three-year performance period. The remaining 40 percent is delivered in a mix of restricted stock units and stock options that vest over four years, which tie to directly stock price performance.

Norfolk Southern maintains that it has engaged constructively, and in good faith, with Ancora to avoid a proxy contest.

While the rail companys board says it remains open to any opportunity to find a reasonable resolution, it was after thoughtful consideration that we determined Ancoras proposed changes to the Norfolk Southern board, management team, and strategy would undermine the important progress we have made to protect and enhance our business and franchise, and would lead to the deterioration of shareholder value.

Norfolk Southern is calling on the reelection of its 13 director nominees, and to reject all eight of the candidates selected by Ancora.

Beyond the compensation callout, Chadwicks letter also accused the rail company of misrepresenting its views to regulators in Washington, D.C. Although Chadwick didnt highlight exactly in what way the claims were misrepresented, he said in the letter that both Miles and Shaw are no doubt aware that our published materials reveal no emphasis on cost cutting, headcount reductions or short-sighted tactics.

Ancora instead wants to implement a network strategy that will leverage Norfolk Southerns existing assets, namely through responsible cost management principles of scheduled railroading, said Chadwick. The precision scheduled railroading (PSR) model is designed to bolster delivery timeliness and efficiency, and is known for its longer trains, more flid rail capcity and more direct point-to-point delivery routes.

But the overhaul rail network consolidation has many industry workers saying PSR would result in cost cuts, fewer employees and a potential negative impact on safety standards, while arguing it is more aimed at pleasing Wall Street than improving rail operations.

Ancoras partner in the proxy fight, EdgePoint Investment Group, had the hedge funds back in in a Monday letter, saying it believed the status quo at Norfolk Southern would lead to continued underperformance of the railroad.
A 28-year-old man in Dunn, North Carolina, is facing felony animal cruelty charges for kicking and stomping a dog in the head and face. Enoch Braodnax made his first court appearance on Friday, Mar. 1, to answer the charges leveled against him.

6 pets seized from home of man arrested after he kicks, stomps dogs head

According to CBS17 News, Dunn Police responded to reports from an anonymous individual of animal abuse at Broadnaxs residence on Thursday, Feb. 28. Responding officers investigated the incident and arrested Broadnax for brutally attacking his dog.

Although the helpless canine survived the potentially fatal attack, a veterinarian confirmed they sustained bleeding, head trauma, and bruising on the head and face. Currently, the dog  whose breed hasnt been made public  is recovering from their injuries.

Following Broadnaxs arrest, authorities seized six additional dogs from his residence.

Broadnaxs chilling attack on his canine companion brings to light the unfathomable cruelty that innocent dogs can undergo at the hands of inhumane owners.

Animal abuse cases in the United States have undoubtedly exploded. USA Today recently reported that roughly 10 million animals die from animal abuse each year. Whats more shocking is that this number might be much higher, since animal abuse cases often go unreported.

Dogs, like every other animal, cant speak for themselves in the face of abuse. This is why its important to contact relevant authorities if you witness or suspect that a dog might be undergoing abuse. Its our moral responsibility to be the voice of these vulnerable animals.

By reporting any form of animal cruelty  whether its physical violence, neglect, dog fighting, or hoarding  you can save a helpless dog from suffering a terrible fate. Turning a blind eye to animal cruelty only denies abused dogs a second chance at life.

In the case of Broadnax, the anonymous caller made the right choice to report him because chances are, the dog would have died if nobody had intervened.

The post North Carolina Man Arrested After Stomping on Dogs Head appeared first on DogTime.
Editors Note: This story was originally published in 2018. It was updated and republished in March 2024 in tribute to its writer, John Malathronas, who died in February. Malathronas was a regular contributor to CNN Travel and an expert on Greece, having written several respected guides to his homeland.

The island of Patmos, sitting under perfect blue skies in the eastern reaches of the Aegean sea, may look like a typical vacation destination in Greece, but it isnt.

Its where the end of the world began.

Not that youd guess that, strolling down the winding path in the center of the island, where a sleepy priest tends a souvenir stall.

Yet, this is the place from where infernal visions of mankinds ultimate downfall sprang  inspiring St. John to write the Book of Revelation which forms the closing pages of the New Testament and gives the Bible some of its most portentous descriptions.

Here, the Greek Orthodox chapel of St. Anne, constructed in the early 17th century, completely encloses the cave where John is said to have seen visions that he interpreted as the final judgment.

lf it wasnt for the sign reading Cave of the Apocalypse you wouldnt know you were entering the sacred grotto. The chapel, its north side sealed by a rocky alcove, lies at the end of a series of corridors.

Inside, a silver miter rises over a fenced-off cleft where the biblical figure apparently laid his head to rest. A silver bracket surrounds the crack where hes said to have placed his hands to get up.

This is where Prochorus the scribe took down Johns reams of words as the saint was having the vision, the chapels warden says, pointing to an open Bible sitting where the rock forms a natural pedestal.

And this is where Gods voice came through and spoke to the saint, he adds, pointing to a fissure on the rock above.

The fissure ends in a triple point, considered to symbolize Christianitys holy trinity  the father, son and holy ghost.

Sacred island

The island is dominated by the fortress-like Monastery of St. John. - John Malathronas

Two monks still live in cells above the cave today, but the main focus of religious activity in Patmos  known as the sacred island  is the monastery of St. John, an imposing citadel that looms over the island.

Established in 1088 by St. Christodoulos, a Greek monk, the monastery still contains original structures dating to the 11th century  parts of the fortifications, the kitchen, some cells, the cistern and, most importantly, the church of St. John, which boasts some superb frescoes.

While the church is impressive, the monasterys museum and library are several notches more formidable.

The original golden bull by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos has pride of place. This ancient seal granted the whole island to Christodoulos, with imperial monograms appearing all over the scroll in the way we initial contract pages nowadays.

Theres also a firman  a type of edict  issued by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror from 1454 that confirms the monasterys independence and assigning a monk as a tax collector.

The library  said to be the most important in Greece outside the Greek Orthodox center of Mount Athos  boasts 1,200 manuscripts in parchment, vellum or scrolls, including leaves of Marks gospel dating from the 6th century.

Although the cave and the monastery are the principal attractions on Patmos, theyre not the only reason people flock to the island according to Panagos Evgenikos, leader of the islands council.

Some years ago we joined a European conference on religious tourism along with places like Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Lourdes in France, Evgenikos said during this writers visit in 2018. The final consensus was that religion by itself is not enough to attract tourists to a destination; there must be an extra pulling factor.

In the case of Patmos, its our beaches and the beauty of Chora, our capital.

Rainbow beach

Lambi beach is covered with multi-colored pebbles. - John Malathronas

A swim at Lambi in the north of Patmos helped prove Evgenikos words.

The beach here is dotted with small, multi-colored pebbles ranging from butterscotch orange to sweet potato red and egg yolk yellow  and the combined effect is extraordinary.

Then theres Petra, a sandy spit of land joined to the free-standing rock of Kallikatsou  according to legend the rock is formed of a young girl whose mother out put a curse on her after she swam here straight after Holy Communion, despite being forbidden to do so.

Another highlight is the lovely fishing village of Grikos, facing the small island of Tragonissi, a natural windbreaker to a safe, sandy beach.

Located in the north of Greeces Dodecanese island group, Patmos has no airport and its not easy to reach, but it attracts VIPs from all over the world due to its tranquility  the Aga Khan, David Bowie and Giorgio Armani have all been regulars over the years.

In fact, several have made Patmos their home and sought to benefit the island.

Nicholas Negroponte from MITs Media Lab installed an island-wide Wi-Fi system for everyone to surf the internet for free.

Another Patmos lover, the financier Charles Pictet, restored three windmills on a hill opposite the monastery. One is fully functional and produces wholemeal flour.

Josef Zisyadis, a Swiss politician, harbored more ambitious plans  in he began cultivating vines in 20 acres of land near Petra beach with Dorian Amar, a French winemaker.

Back in 2018, Amar was proudly showing off an Assyrtiko white and a Mavrothiriko red under the cheeky label of Domaine de lApocalypse.

The soil is fertile, theres water in the ground, but the terroir is not perfect for the vines, he said at the time. Theres wind and theres sun but theres no shade.

Ive been planting trees to lower the temperature and improve the production  an oak here, a few carob trees there  give me a few years and Ill have turned this patch into a paradise.

Many would argue that the island is already a paradise because of its relative inaccessibility, but is the building of an airport on the cards?

No nudity

Petra beach lies beyond some of the islands' vineyards. - John Malathronas

Christos Patakos, manager of Patmos Aktis, the only five-star hotel on the island, shook his head.

I dont think itll ever happen, he said, when asked in 2018. Theres a general feeling, especially among the regulars and those who own houses on Patmos, that the island must be protected from mass tourism. It is they who object.

While the monastery is one of the main draws here, it doesnt dominate life on the island.

The monastery has a lot of clout, but it keeps out of everyday life as long as theres mutual respect: for instance, theres no nudism and Choras bars shut at 3 a.m.

Father Bartholomew, a jovial, communicative monk, agreed.

Thats when we go to Matins, he interjected. Tourists forget that this is a living monastery and that we must fulfill our obligations.

Bartholomew also conceded that the monastery would welcome an airport on island.

It would only marginally increase tourism and be beneficial for the locals in medical emergencies.

According to Bartholomew, the monastery has always sided with the municipality and the tourist authorities when it comes to development plans.

An army base here wanted to have artillery exercises during the summer; we forbade them, he added.

As for the opening hours: we close at 1:30 p.m. because we hold Vespers at 3 p.m. We wake up for Matins at 3 a.m. with Mass at 6 a.m. so that we can open at 8 a.m.

Even by mid-June some shops may not have opened yet, but were the only reliable operation on the island, open all year round.

Its all balanced and harmonious; we all know where we stand.

Patakos agreed. The island has many fans, who come here to recharge their batteries and absorb its energy You can feel the vibes when you arrive.

Yes, tourism is mainly beach tourism  but were lucky to also have great sights like the monastery and the cave.

Patmos is a tiny Byzantium, like Mount Athos but more advanced  they dont call it the Jerusalem of the Aegean without reason.

Getting there

The easiest way to go to Patmos is via ferry (two to three hours) from Kos, which has an international airport.

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Patmos 855 00; +30 2247 032800

Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Patmos 855 00; +30 2247 031223

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Jesse Griffiths has a lot of irons in the fire. Based in Austin, Texas, the acclaimed chef and avid hunter owns a thriving restaurant called Dai Due, where he serves regional dishes prepared with locally sourced, hyper-seasonal ingredientsincluding wild hogs hunted in the Texas Hill Country. Dai Due, which Griffiths founded as a supper club in 2006, was recognized as a top restaurant in the country back in 2015 by Bon Appetit magazine. Since then, hes emerged as one of the best wild game chefs in America.

As the author of the The Hog Book: A Chefs Guide to Hunting, Cooking and Butchering Wild Hogs and the founder of the New School of Traditional Cookery, Griffiths teaches fellow hunters how to butcher and prepare their wild hogs for the table. And he's passionate about sharing his skills.

While hogs might be his specialty, Jesse's no stranger to the turkey woods. This spring, hes releasing a new book thats solely devoted to Americas favorite game bird. The Turkey Book is based around four different turkey hunts in four regions of the county that he embarked on in the Spring of 2023 alongside hunting buddies Ben OBrien, Jonathan Wilkins, and Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeios. In between memorable yarns about the hunts, the book lays out some of the best wild turkey recipes ever put down on paper. It also offers useful tips on field care, butchering, plucking, and skinning turkeys.

I got a sneak peek at an advance copy of The Turkey Book earlier this month, then I sat down with Griffiths to chat about the project, his cooking and butchering techniques, his favorite turkey hunting methods, and his unbounded enthusiasm for all things wild game.

As someone who didn't grow up hunting, what was your gateway into the field to table movement?

I just love being outside. I love picking black berries. I love looking for wild mushrooms, and I love fishingwhich Ive been obsessed with my whole life. As soon as it became apparent that I could add hunting into all of that, it was a no brainer for me. Now I can spend the whole year outside.

How did you get introduced to turkey hunting?

As a child, I can remember stopping at a rest stop and seeing a flock of wild turkeys. It was the first time Id ever had the urge to hunt anything. Decades later, I started hunting whitetails and hogs, but turkeys were kind of an ancillary thing. I was intimidated by the process and all the required skills that I didnt think I had.

I credit my friend Ben OBrien, who contributed greatly to this book, with helping me become a turkey hunter. Id call Ben after screwing up on solo hunts, and hed walk me through my mistakes. He helped me develop my skills and confidence and a sense of grace about failure, which is really important in turkey hunting.

This book took you on a unique turkey hunting journey. What states did you hunt in while you were working on it?

We went from Georgia to Oregonfrom swatting mosquitoes in a swamp to being thigh-deep in snowthen to Connecticut and back down in south Texas. The most striking part of the journey was how, in each of these vastly different regions, we were going after birds that were essentially behaving the same way.

Did you notice any regional differences in the way hunters prepared their turkeys for the table?

Somewhat. Everyone is slow-cooking the legs and thighs and then quick-cooking the breasts, but I did notice that the guys in Connecticut were dousing everything in maple syrupwhich I fully support. And, of course, southern turkey hunters have a real affinity for smoking their birds.

Should hunters be plucking their turkeys?

I dont like to get on a soap box and tell people that they should prepare their wild game in a certain way. I firmly believe in utilization. I would yell at somebody for throwing the legs out, and I would always encourage everyone to keep the wings, keep the heart, and the liver and the gizzard.

But beyond that, I really want people to just do what feels best for them and what theyre comfortable with. Plucking a bird, and saving the skin at the end of that process, has some technical advantages, but there are technical advantages to skinning a bird too.

I like to pound the breast flat into what are called paillards, and then fry or grill those little thin cutlets. Youll see a ton of recipes in the book for that, and to achieve all of that, I dont need the skinwhich means I dont need to spend the time to pluck it. Theres a time and place for both.

Whats the best way for a home cook to prepare tougher cuts like turkey legs?

I love crockpots. I should be endorsed by the Crock-pot brand because I talk about them so much. It gives you the perfect temperature and the perfect amount of time to break down so many cuts of gameswhether thats a venison shank, a hog shank, a sandhill crane leg, or a turkey leg.

Whats your favorite cut of game to serve to kids?

The wild turkey breast is so important for that. Kids find it recognizable, but at the same time a little bit different, and its always delicious. For young people, in particular, its approachable and familiar. And it allows us to start a conversation with them about wild game, cooking wild game, and ultimately hunting wild game.

How do you prepare turkey wings?

I love the wings. They have a distinct texture and flavor. Skinning or plucking them requires some work, but its worth it. The best way to go about it is to cook them low and slow. Once theyre tender, you can crisp them upeither on the smoker, in the fryer, or in the oven.

Do you save the offal from the birds you kill?

All of it: The heart, the liver, and the gizzard. The livers are especially very good. They can be fried, and they make an excellent simple pate.

Sometimes I combine the heart, the liver, and the gizzard into one dish. One of my favorite recipes in the book is called the Ragu di Rigaglie. Its an Italian pasta sauce. You grind gizzard, heart, and liver up with carrots and onions and celery and slow- cook it. Toss that with pasta, and grate a little hard cheese like parmesan on top. Its strikingly good.

What are some of the precautions you take in the field, right after shooting a bird, to ensure that the meat stays fresh for the table?

Get the bird as cold and as dry as possible as soon as possible. If its a warm day, gut the bird immediately, then get it back to camp and start breaking it downor hang it in the shade somewhere. If its a cold day, you might have a couple hours, but you should still gut it sooner than later. Taking those steps will really enable you to enjoy the bird more down the line.

Is there a certain type of cuisine or culture that you look to for inspiration when youre crafting your wild turkey recipes?

Without hesitation I would say Mexico. Not only because their approach to cooking the bird is great, but because of the importance that that culture places on the bird itself. They have multiple names for it. Its a classic ingredient and an everyday ingredient there, and its treated with great respect. So many ingredients common to Mexicolike tomatoes, corn, peppersgo so well with turkey. Even ancient, pre-Columbian dishes like tamales, pozole, and mole, have always used turkey as a primary ingredient.

Do you make stock from your wild turkeys?

Yes. I love turkey stock. I just love stock in general. I use it almost constantly. One method I use is to take a leg quarter and put it in the crock-pot and slow cook it. Ill shred the meat and use that for something else and keep the resulting broth for general purpose use.

Do you do much foraging while youre out in the turkey woods?

Absolutely. Spring is a great time to forage. Foraging gets me fired up about wild food and our connectivity to that food. Im always on the hunt for morels, though theyre pretty rare down here. I also love ramps and wild onions. In my part of Texas, we have an abundance of green cactus paddles and chiltepins, which we call turkey peppers.

What are your essential tools for butchering a turkey?

A decent pair of scissors can really come in handyeither pruning shears or some really sharp kitchen shears, which I use a lot for anything from doves to turkeys. Beyond that, it really just comes down to your favorite sharp knife.

Describe your style of turkey hunting.

Im usually going for a more studied, patient approach as opposed to a run-and-gun style of hunting. Ill hunt from dawn to dusk if I have to. In the past Ive been reliant on decoys, then at the end of last season, I looked back and realized that I didnt kill a single turkey over a decoy. Thats not to say that I didnt have decoys out, but none of the turkeys that I shot could see that decoy. They only responded to calling.

What kind of call do you use?

I went through the natural progression, starting on a box call then moving to the slate call, where I feel much more comfortable. Im trying desperately to become better at the mouth call. This might be the year that I actually give it a shot in the field.

Where are you hunting turkeys this Spring?

Ill be hunting them here in Texas, of course. But Im super excited to get up to New Mexico to hunt some Merriam's in the pines for the first time.

When can folks buy the book?

You can buy it on our website thewildbooks.com . Those who purchase an NWTF membership or renew an existing one can save $20 the book. We also have custom slate calls, hats, and T-shirts. Its all going to be available by early March.

Read Next: Q&A With World Cutdown Calling Champion Forrest Carvajal

Stay tuned in the coming days as we share a few of our favorite recipes from the book including turkey and dumplings and turkey "Wellington".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. As a close partner, the United Kingdom (UK) is willing to share its cyber security expertise with Azerbaijan, said UK ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld during the "UK Cyber Security Exhibition in Azerbaijan" event, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan, located in a tough geopolitical environment, acknowledges the importance of increased vigilance against the threats posed by cyber-attacks, as well as the best techniques for thwarting them. The possible targeting of essential infrastructure in these attacks poses a direct threat to the countries' economies and overall well-being, endangering lives. President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized the need to prioritize cyber security as a vital objective for the country, and the United Kingdom is ready to lend its experience as a reliable ally," he noted.

According to him, the United Kingdom is the world's leading provider of cyber security solutions.

"Our fundamental strengths include leadership in cyber intelligence, successful public-private collaborations, an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurs, a dedication to education and training, a rigorous regulatory framework, and a worldwide cybersecurity footprint," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Service dogs have long been known for their assistance to physically disabled individuals, helping with guidance, physical tasks, and medical alerts. However, their role has expanded to include psychiatric assistance for various conditions, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children. These dogs are now helping to mitigate challenges associated with autism, such as difficulty in communication, sleep disturbances, repetitive actions, and restricted behaviors. Despite the anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of service dogs for autistic children and their caregivers, scientific research in this area has been scant. Now, a recent study seeks to fill this gap.

New study shows connection between improved sleep behaviors for Autistic children with service dogs

Research undertaken by experts from the University of Arizona, the University of Virginia, and Purdue University, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, delves into how service dogs may benefit children with autism and their families. The study unveiled a connection between improved sleep behaviors in autistic children and their interaction with service dogs.

It aimed to evaluate the psychosocial functioning of families with an autistic child, comparing those who had a service dog at home with those on the waitlist for one. According to Medical Xpress, the hypothesis suggested the presence of a service dog would result in better overall functioning within these families.

This investigation stemmed from the observed positive impact of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) on autistic children, which help improve their communication, social interaction skills, attention span, and emotional management. To build on these benefits, the study aimed to assess how service dogs, trained to address sensory overload, interrupt repetitive behaviors, and provide calming pressure, can further aid autistic children.

For this study, researchers enlisted families from the database of Canine Companions, an ADI-accredited organization that trains service dogs. Participants included 39 families with a service dog at home for at least six months and a control group of 36 families on the waiting list to receive a dog.

Providing a sense of comfort to the autistic children at night, a service dogs company may translate into exhibiting less sleep anxiety and co-sleeping behavior with a caregiver, the team of researchers found.

The results supported the anecdotal evidence that service dogs offer numerous advantages, including preventing tantrums, sleep behaviors, and elopement behaviors, besides their calming influence. Moreover, these service dogs didnt only benefit the children with autism; they also provided their caregivers, usually parents, with stress relief, a sense of security, and a means to reduce social isolation. This latest research contributes to a growing body of evidence underscoring the positive role service dogs can play in the lives of children with ASD and their families.

The post Research Shows Service Dogs May Improve Sleep for Autistic Children appeared first on DogTime.


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Shogun, one of the most-anticipated series of the year, has officially sailed into the streaming wars. The historical dramawhich is based on James Clavell's 1975 novelreceived a new adaptation on FX, thanks to producer and star Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4). He leads the series as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a powerful daimyo in 17th-century feudal Japan, who is threatened by his political rivals in Osaka. "It's the next step in my life," Sanada told Esquire about landing the role last spring. "It's like I got a movie diploma."



The show follows Lord Toranaga's auspicious relationship with an English sailor named John Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis (Persuasion). Anna Sawai (Pachinko) also stars as Lady Mariko, a translator and devout Catholic who questions her faith after learning of England's religious war with Portugal and Spain. As Toranaga competes in a political struggle for the shogunatethe de facto ruler of Japanhe gathers his allies from unlikely places. Shogun was last adapted back in 1980, with legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune at the helm.

For more info about the 10-episode limited series, travel with us to the turn of the 17th century below.

What is Shogun About?



Much like Silence, the 1866 novel that Martin Scorsese adapted into a film, much of Shogun revolves around the introduction of Christianity to Japan. In the first two episodes, Toranaga and Blackthorne cross paths after the Englishman's ship is marooned off the coast of Japan. He becomes the first English sailor to ever reach the country, since the path was hidden by the Spanish and the Portuguese. After evading death, Blackthorne shares his knowledge of the world and its various Christian sects. Quickly, Toranaga realizes that he may be able to use this foreign man to his advantage. His rivals view Blackthorne as a heretic due to his Protestant faithand his mere presence is disturbing the group of elders that block Toranaga's path to the shogunate. Should the conflict go on, it could mean war.

FX

How Can I Watch Shogun?

The 10-episode limited series premiered its first two episodes on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Following episode 3, the series will continue to gain steam this week. Each new episode is available to stream on both Hulu and Disney+ at 12:01 A.M. ET on its respective release date, before its FX premiere at 10 P.M. ET. For a full schedule, check out the release dates of Shogun's upcoming episodes below.

Episode 1: "Anjin"  February 27

Episode 2: "Servant of Two Masters"  February 27

Episode 3: "Tomorrow Is Tomorrow"  March 5

Episode 4: "The Eightfold Fence"  March 12

Episode 5: "Broken to the Fist"  March 19

Episode 6: "Ladies of the Willow World"  March 26

Episode 7: "A Stick of Time"  April 2

Episode 8: "The Abyss of Life"  April 9

Episode 9: "Crimson Sky"  April 16

Episode 10: "A Dream of a Dream"  April 23

Shop Now Shogun: The First Novel of the Asian Saga amazon.com $23.74

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We all have our favorite snacks. Whether it be the go-to option on tough days, our top three of all time or the guilty pleasure that seems to never get old despite the long list of arguably better options available, if there's one thing that humans are predictable with, its snacks. And for good reason too because there is a wide world of options to choose from with dozens of hidden gems you might not have ever even heard of.

One place you can regularly rely on to stock its shelves with quality snacks is Costco. The popular bulk retailer could open its own separate location entirely dedicated to snacks if the powers that be really wanted to. And with all of the current changes happening within the company taking place, one thing Costco shoppers need more than ever is a little extra faith in their beloved bulk retailer.

Fans of international snacks from around the world have something really tasty to look forward to upon their next visit to Costco. Spotted already at a handful of warehouses across the US, Yuki & Love Strawberry Snowflake Cakes are the absolutely incredible snack you should consider picking up on your next visit to everybodys favorite bulk warehouse.

Related: Costco Is Opening a New Kind of Store, and It's Guaranteed to Change the Way Members Shop

View the original article to see embedded media.

Yuki & Love is a popular brand from Taiwan that is revered for its quality dessert and snack selection. Sold in almost all Asian countries, Yuki & Love translates to happiness and love and serves the sole purpose of bringing happiness to its consumers by way of delicious treats. Costcos current Yuki & Love selection not only includes the Strawberry Condensed Milk flavor, but the retailer has been reported as selling both Cranberry and Grape flavors as well.

These are delicious! I might have finished the bag within a week, one satisfied consumer proudly announced in response to a post shared to the popular Costco subreddit. As of now, these treats are not available at every Costco location, so you might have to do some leg work to get yourself a bag.

Each bag retails for $8.99 a pop and contains 36-pieces per bag. Be aware, however, that the feedback has been incredible for these authentic Taiwanese treats, so you might want to bulk up if you do happen to find them in stock near you. Happy snacking.

Up next: Aldi's Super-Cute Ceramic Trays are Selling for $5, So You'll Want to Grab One in Every Color
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 20, 2023. Russia may count China as an important ally, but relationships like these are not nearly as strong as those enjoyed by the United States globally. File Photo by Kremlin Pool/UPI

March 4 (UPI) -- Which country is the greatest threat to the United States? The answer, according to a large proportion of Americans, is clear: China.

Half of all Americans responding to a mid-2023 survey from the Pew Research Center cited China as the biggest risk to the United State, with Russia trailing in second with 17%. Other surveys, such as from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, show similar findings.

Senior figures in recent U.S. administrations appear to agree with this assessment. In 2020, John Ratcliffe, director of national intelligence under President Donald Trump, wrote that Beijing "intends to dominate the U.S. and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically."

The White House's current National Defense Strategy is not so alarmist, referring to China as the United States' "pacing challenge" -- a reference that, in the words of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, apparently means China has "the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the power to do so."

As someone who has followed China for over a quarter-century, I believe that many observers have overestimated the country's apparent power. Recent challenges to China's economy have led some people to re-evaluate just how powerful China is. But hurdles to the growth of Chinese power extend far beyond the economic sector -- and failing to acknowledge this reality may distort how policymakers and the public view the shift of geopolitical gravity in what was once called "the Chinese century."

U.S. President Joe Biden (R) meets with President Xi Jinping of the China on November 15 in Woodside, Calif., during the APEC Summit. Photo courtesy of MFA China/UPI

In overestimating China's comprehensive power, the United States risks misallocating resources and attention, directing them toward a threat that is not as imminent as one might otherwise assume.

Let me be clear: I'm not suggesting that China is weak or about to collapse. Nor am I making an argument about China's intentions. But rather, it is time to right-size the American understanding of the country's comprehensive power. This process includes acknowledging both China's tremendous accomplishments and its significant challenges. Doing so is, I believe, mission critical as the United States and China seek to put a floor underneath a badly damaged bilateral relationship.

Headline numbers

Why have so many people misjudged China's power?

One key reason for this misconception is that from a distance, China does indeed appear to be an unstoppable juggernaut. The high-level numbers bedazzle observers: Beijing commands the world's largest or second-largest economy, depending on the type of measurement; it has a rapidly growing military budget and sky-high numbers of graduates in engineering and math; and oversees huge infrastructure projects -- laying down nearly 20,000 miles of high-speed rail tracks in less than a dozen years and building bridges at record pace.

But these eye-catching metrics don't tell a complete story. Look under the hood and you'll see that China faces a raft of intractable difficulties.

The Chinese economy, which until recently was thought of as unstoppable, is beginning to falter due to deflation, a growing debt-to-gross domestic product ratio and the impact of a real estate crisis.

China's other challenges

And it isn't only China's economy that has been overestimated.

While Beijing has put in considerable effort building its soft power and sending its leadership around the world, China enjoys fewer friends than one might expect, even with its willing trade partners. North Korea, Pakistan, Cambodia and Russia may count China as an important ally, but these relationships are not, I would argue, nearly as strong as those enjoyed by the United States globally. Even in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a strong argument to say Washington enjoys greater sway, considering the especially close ties with allies Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Even though Chinese citizens report broad support for the Communist Party, Beijing's capricious COVID-19 policies paired with an unwillingness to use foreign-made vaccines have dented perceptions of government effectiveness.

Further, China's population is aging and unbalanced. In 2016, the country of 1.4 billion saw about 18 million births; in 2023, that number dropped to about 9 million. This alarming fall is not only in line with trends toward a shrinking working-age population, but also perhaps indicative of pessimism among Chinese citizens about the country's future.

And at times, the actions of the Chinese government read like an implicit admission that the domestic situation is not all that rosy. For example, I take it as a sign of concern over systemic risk that China detained a million or more people, as has happened with the Muslim minority in Xinjiang province. Similarly, China's policing of its Internet suggests concerns over collective action by its citizens.

The sweeping anti-corruption campaign Beijing has embarked on, purges of the country's military and the disappearance of leading business figures all hint at a government seeking to manage significant risk.

I hear many stories from contacts in China about people with money or influence hedging their bets by establishing a foothold outside the country. This aligns with research that has shown that in recent years, on average as much money leaves China via "irregular means" as for foreign direct investment.

Three-dimensional view

The perception of China's inexorable rise is cultivated by the governing Communist Party, which obsessively seeks to manufacture and control narratives in state media and beyond that show it as all-knowing, farsighted and strategic. And perhaps this argument finds a receptive audience in segments of the United States concerned about its own decline.

It would help explain why a recent Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey found that about a third of American respondents see the Chinese and American economies as equal and another third see the Chinese economy as stronger. In reality, per capita GDP in the United States is six times that of China.

Of course, there is plenty of danger in predicting China's collapse. Undoubtedly, the country has seen huge accomplishments since the People's Republic of China's founding in 1949: Hundreds of millions of people brought out of poverty, extraordinary economic development and impressive GDP growth over several decades and growing diplomatic clout.

These successes are especially noteworthy given that the People's Republic of China is less than 75 years old and was in utter turmoil during the disastrous Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, when intellectuals were sent to the countryside, schools stopped functioning and chaos reigned. In many cases, China's successes merit emulation and include important lessons for developing and developed countries alike.

China may well be the "pacing challenge" that many in the United States believe. But it also faces significant internal challenges that often go under-recognized in evaluating the country's comprehensive power.

And as the United States and China seek to steady a rocky relationship, it is imperative that the American public and Washington policymakers see China as fully three-dimensional -- not some flat caricature that fits the needs of the moment. Otherwise, there is a risk of fanning the flames of xenophobia and neglecting opportunities for partnership that would benefit the United States.

Dan Murphy is executive director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
How many orcas does it take to kill a great white shark? Only one, apparently. Dr. Alison Towner of Rhodes University and a team of marine biologists published a paper in African Journal of Marine Scientists on Friday detailing a novel discovery from June 18, 2023 off the coast of South Africas Mossel Bay. The team observed an adult orca named Starboard singlehandedly subdue and kill a great white shark, and then eat its liver  all in the space of about two minutes. Scientists say this observation is significant because orcas typically hunt in groups. Starboard usually hunts with a companion named Port, and the the two went viral last year for killing 17 Broadnose sevengill sharks in a day and eating their livers. But this time, Starboard acted alone. Starboard was observed preying on a 2.5-meter (8.2 feet) juvenile white shark, later carrying the sharks liver in its mouth past a boat, Towner told Phys.org. This sighting revealed evidence of solitary hunting by at least one killer whale, challenging conventional cooperative hunting behaviors known in the region. No one had documented orcas preying on great white sharks until April 2022, when a hobbyist drone operator flew over a group of five orcas  including Port and Starboard  nosing a mature great white shark carcass around near the surface of the water. A separate helicopter tour flew over the same group shortly thereafter and witnessed them preying on two more great whites. Orcas are partial to a sharks liver, which is more nutrient-dense than other organs or muscle meat. Watch Next: Killer Whales Try to Steal Anglers Salmon Whether a lone orca is capable of killing an adult great white shark remains to be seen. Either way, this research has farther-reaching impacts than just understanding the physical prowess of mature orcas. Marine biologists are also working to better understand how orca populations affect great white shark populations in a given ecosystem. Orcas are very capable of learning new hunting techniques and sharing those techniques with their young, and the impacts are starting to show in coastal South Africas shark population. Over two decades of annual visits to South Africa, Ive observed the profound impact these killer whales have on the local white shark population, paper co-author Dr. Primo Micarelli of the Shark Studies Center said. Seeing Starboard carry a white sharks liver past our vessel is unforgettable  Despite my awe for these predators, Im increasingly concerned about the coastal marine ecology balance. This area of research is fast-evolving as researchers continue observing and documenting the actions of Starboard, Port, and other known orcas in the area. As a result, the long-term implications for great white shark numbers in Mossel Bay remain unknown. Some 40 to 60 sharks call the bay home. These are groundbreaking insights into the predatory behavior of this species, Towner said. Our findings significantly contribute to the global understanding of killer whale predation dynamics, enhancing knowledge of marine ecosystems and predator-prey relationships.

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CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  One person is dead and another is injured after a single-car crash on Saturday afternoon in Cherokee County.

According to a preliminary DPS report, a 2017 Toyota Corolla was traveling east on SH 21 near Alto around 3:10 p.m. when the driver failed to drive in a single lane, leaving the highway to the south, overcorrecting back to the left.

17-year-old dead after overnight shooting in East Texas

The report said this overcorrection caused the car to travel into the north ditch where it struck a tree on the passenger side.

The passenger, identified as Isabella Cross, 80 of Universal City, was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver, identified as Robert Cross, 81 of Universal City, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
HAMMOND, Ind.  One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting during an apparent argument between family members in Northwest Indiana early Saturday morning.

According to the Hammond Police Department, officers were called to a home in the 1900 block of Warwick Avenue, around 4:30 a.m., following reports of a disturbance in the area.

After arriving on the scene, officers found two people who had both suffered gunshot wounds.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Police say one of the victims had been shot in the shoulder and was taken to the hospital.

The second victim suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Authorities have since identified the man as Charles Stokes, however, officers did not provide an age or location of residence for the victim.

According to police, a preliminary investigation has revealed that the shooting unfolded during a family argument, but the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unclear.

17-year-old killed, 15-year-old injured in South Loop shooting, police say

Hammond police say the shooting was an isolated incident, and there is no immediate threat to the public.

Officers say they expect to release more details about the shooting as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Shawn Ford by calling the Hammond Police Department at 219-852-2998.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
1 dead after driver on marijuana crashed into vehicle in central Las Vegas: police

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A person is dead after police said a reckless driver consumed marijuana before crashing into another vehicle.

According to police, the two-vehicle crash happened overnight near the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Rancho Drive.

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Sargeant Rondel with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said an 18-year-old driver was suspected of consuming marijuana before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Police said that the driver drove recklessly, lost control of the vehicle, and hit another vehicle head-on.

The passenger of the other vehicle was killed.

Drivers you are not allowed to consume marijuana and drive. It is a DUI, Sargeant Rondel said in a video posted on social media. You are not allowed to consume marijuana if you are under 21 years old. Please, help save a life, even if its yours.

No additional details were given at the time of publication.

According to police, this incident marks the jurisdictions 35th traffic death for 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One person was injured in an apparent stabbing in Uptown Monday morning, Charlotte Medic said.

CMPD is on scene of an apparent stabbing Monday morning in Uptown (Video courtesy of Craig Rentenberg)



DETAILS: https://t.co/zdwoJzsAu2 pic.twitter.com/9cf4q0pqZ8  Queen City News (@Queen_City_News) March 4, 2024

Emergency personnel responded to calls regarding the incident before sunrise near North Tryon Street and West 8th Street. One victim was transported with apparent stab wounds to an area medical center with life-threatening injuries.

There is no mention of a suspect and this remains an active investigation. Queen City News has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for more details.

This is a developing story; check back for updates

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Police responded to an accidental shooting in Bellevue Sunday afternoon that reportedly left one man injured.

According to Metro Nashville dispatch, the incident was called in at approximately 4:38 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 from the 7200 block of Highway 70 South.

Dispatch told News 2 that one person was brought to the hospital following the shooting,

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The Metro Nashville Police Department said a man was cleaning his gun when it accidentally discharged, hitting him in the hand.

According to authorities, the man has non-life-threatening injuries. However, nobody else was hurt.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, emphasized the country's unequivocal stance on sanctions. He stated that their policy extends not only to state structures but also to organizations affiliated with the government, such as the Georgian Railways.When asked about Georgian Railway signing tenders with sanctioned individuals, Irakli Kobakhidze refuted the claim, stating that the information is incorrect."You can search further and make sure that this information is incorrect. As for the sanctions, we have a very clear policy on sanctions. This continues both in the literal sense, on state structures, as well as on those organizations that are connected to the state, such as the Georgian Railways. We have a clear policy. Although we do not impose sanctions, we do our best to ensure that our territory is not used to circumvent sanctions. Among them, cooperation with a sanctioned company is not allowed. This has been our policy. Everyone can say anything, but you can search for additional information and you will be sure that it is all a lie," said Kobakhidze.The Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, met with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Peter Fischer, and the Defense Attache, Lt. Col. Andreas Sebald.At the introductory meeting, discussions centered around the priority areas of cooperation between the defense agencies of Georgia and Germany. Emphasis was placed on Germany's active involvement in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation formats. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the robust support provided by Germany in developing the capabilities of the defense forces, enhancing military education, and conducting joint exercises. Special attention was given to Germany's significant contribution to the successful implementation of the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package (SNGP).The parties also discussed the importance of expert and high-level visits in various directions. The minister thanked the German side for its significant contribution to the development of the Georgian Defense Forces and expressed hope that the fruitful cooperation will continue successfully in the future.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 4. The Russian Ministry of Transport has started implementing memorandums of understanding with Kazakhstan and several other countries on the creation of two new transport corridors, Trend reports.

"Jointly with the transport departments of the involved states, the Ministry of Transport of Russia started the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the creation and development of the international transport corridor (ITC) Belarus - Russia - Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan and the Memorandum of Understanding on the formation and development of the international multimodal transport corridor Russia - Caspian Sea - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan, signed in November 2023 in Tashkent within the framework of the 1st SCO International Transport Forum," the ministry noted.

The ministry emphasized that the documents are aimed at creating conditions for increasing the efficiency of transport links for the organization of cargo transportation (including container) in multilateral and transit communication along corridors, increasing the volume of international cargo transportation (including container), and prioritizing cargo (including container).

"A list of measures for the fullest implementation by all states of the potential of these international corridors is being worked out," the ministry added.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Ministries of Transport of Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus met on February 19 within the framework of the Coordinating Transport Meeting of the CIS member states.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the formation and development of the international transport corridor Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan and further actions to develop the corridor. During the meeting, the parties agreed to hold the first meeting of the working group in mid-March of this year.

The participants of the event also agreed that in general, taking into account the launch of the Darbaza-Maktaaral project, the infrastructure of the Kazakhstan section allows to ensure cargo transportation via this corridor.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ROBESON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A University of North Carolina-Pembroke student was killed and two other students were hurt following Saturday mornings shooting at a nearby apartment complex, a school official confirmed to News13.

The university identified the slain student as Cameron Taylor who was a sophomore majoring in nursing and a member of the Eta Upsilon chapter of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.

In total, six people were shot: Among them, a non-student was killed, and two others hurt with unknown injuries, according to UNC Pembroke spokeswoman Jennifer McCarrel.

The identity of the non-student who died in the shooting is not being released as the investigation into the incident is ongoing, the university said.

The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. near The Commons, a housing complex within minutes of campus.

Adrian Hunt, Pembroke Police Departments interim chief, told News13 the confrontation began as a fight that ended with multiple subjects shot including one 19-year-old male who died at the scene.

A 22-year-old later died of injuries at UNC Southeastern Hospital. Three other males and a female were treated and released, while a 24-year-old remains hospitalized.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said in a statement posted to the schools emergency network on Saturday that the Pembroke Police Department and state Bureau of Investigation are handling the case.

No arrests have been announced and Hunt said the Robeson County District Attorneys Office is also assisting in the investigation.

A tragedy like this impacts us all, Cummings said in a statement. Gun violence has unfortunately become far too common in our country, and lately, these incidents are far too close to BraveNation. Violence is never the answer and has no place here.

Cummings also said more steps will be taken to ensure campus safety which includes measures like banning parties and weapons on the schools campus. If students violate these rules, they will face student misconduct and lease eviction.

Theyre going to enforce a strict ban on any ownership or possession of a weapon on campus, Cummings said. Likewise, possession of a weapon here on our campus is actually a felony so were going to be making sure that students, everyone faculty, staff, everyone realizes that if you possess a weapon on this campus, youre going to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law which again, is a felony.

Cummings said significant steps will be taken after the second shooting event to ensure campus safety.

In reaction to the event a few weeks ago, we took significant steps and in reaction to this event, weve magnified the steps to an even greater extent, Cummings said.

Cummings also said, he, along with key members of university leadership, met with the members of the Pembroke Police Department, Pembroke Town Council, Robeson County Sheriffs Office, Robeson District Attorneys Office, the Robeson County Managers Office, and with off-campus housing property owners and their management teams to discuss areas that need an immediate increase in safety and security measures and to coordinate off-campus action plans.

As a result of those meetings, Cummings said, students will notice an increase in law enforcement presence on and around campus. As well as increased routine patrolling in and around the four off-campus housing complexes by the Pembroke Police Department and the Robeson County Sheriffs Department.

UNCP police is seeking extended jurisdiction to allow them to increase their support and presence at off-housing campus housing locations, the university said. UNCP police and the Pembroke Police Department will partner with other law enforcement agencies to increase the use of random traffic checkpoints, particularly in areas that neighbor the campus.

UNCP police will also implement monthly meetings with Pembroke police and with the Robeson County Sheriffs Department to discuss ongoing issues within the town or county that may impact the university, Cummings said.

University leadership will increase meeting frequency with off-campus housing owners to ensure implementation of changes, including the ban of parties and weapons on property and the notification of UNCP by housing agencies of any large gatherings in violation of these lease agreements, unruly behavior and any criminal acts involving our students, the release said.

UNCP police and the Division of Student Affairs will assist off-campus housing in taking disciplinary actions against students who violate laws or the University Code of Conduct, the release said.

The Town of Pembroke and Robeson County have pledged to explore the development of ordinances to allow for more law enforcement action on items like noise violations and the discharge of weapons near occupied buildings and spaces, such as educational institutions, the release said.

The above actions will significantly enhance safety on and around our campus, Cummings said. However, as Ive said before, campus safety is a shared responsibility. You will begin to see signage around campus and housing areas encouraging the reporting of any activity that appears suspicious, unusual, or concerning to Campus Police and Public Safety immediately or through the LiveSafe app. I hope you will join me in reinforcing the if you see something, say something message among our campus community.

Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

* * *

* * *

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.

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Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Last-minute deals can see you getting bargains to beaches like this one on Zakynthos (AFP/Getty)

With spring in the air and summer just on the horizon, many will be starting the search for suitably affordable last-minute trips abroad.

But organising a holiday at short notice is often easier said than done, whether its a spontaneous couples getaway or last-minute break with friends and family. The excitement of researching a destination can quickly dissipate once the slog of trawling travel agent, airline and tour operator websites has begun. Comparing flights and accommodation costs on different days for different destinations can really feel like hard work, the antithesis of the fun holiday youre hoping to book.

The good news is that, whether you want to jump across the Channel to see the Eiffel Tower or head long-haul to the beaches of Cancun, there are hundreds of online options to help you find the best deals for booking transport, places to stay and other extras.

Instead of spending hours on dozens of different websites, check out this list weve compiled of some of the best in the travel marketplace. Youll save time on the research and money on the holiday too  whats not to like?

Your next trip to paradise could be just a few clicks away (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Holiday Pirates

This travel deals site manually searches for the best holiday offers daily, finding a range of big discounts and emailing them to subscribers. At the moment you can book an eight-night tour of Turkey, staying in four and five-star hotels, for under 560pp. Other destinations with deals range from as close as Amsterdam to as far away as Mexico.

holidaypirates.com

Jacks Flight Club

Sign up  for free  to the club and get emailed the cheapest flights from the UK and Ireland including discounts, hidden offers and error fares  think UK to Brazil for 290. Many are last-minute deals, but remember, with prices like this its fastest finger first.

jacksflightclub.co.uk

Google Flights

As youd expect from the algorithm masterminds, this site compares and tracks fares to find you the best deal. But it also has features for the last-minute traveller, such as an option to search for flights in any number of cities for a specific date  so you can see if its cheaper to go jet off to Athens or Oslo this weekend.

google.co.uk/flights

Hotel Tonight

This handy website offers last-minute deals if you need a place to stay tonight, tomorrow or within the next seven days. While some deals  especially in the US  are not so good, it can deliver deep discounts in Europe and the UK while also saving you time browsing the best deals.

hoteltonight.com

Long-haul getaways may be more accessible than you think (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Kayak

On the Explore section of Kayak you can enter your trip length, travel time and dates and the site will come up with a range of options for you to choose from. The easy-to-use map feature is a great way to compare locations and prices for a last minute trip.

kayak.co.uk/explore

BA Holidays

No, its not a discount specialist, but BA Holidays  the package wing of British Airways  can offer deep discounts for last-minute trips, pairing unsold flight inventory with empty hotel rooms. In fact, the deals can be so good that a city break with hotel included can work out cheaper than the flights alone, and a weeks car hire in Europe can be close to free.

baholidays.com

Travelzoo

With more than 30 million subscribers worldwide, Travelzoo features a host of deals ranging from trips abroad to activities such as spa visits, theatre ticket deals and cruises. A sign-up is required to see full details of deals, but it seems worth it for trips such as four nights and return flights to Ibiza for 149pp.

travelzoo.com

Secret Escapes

Youll find discounts of up to 70 per cent at Secret Escapes, which follows a similar model to Voyage Prive, offering flash sales to registered members. Its a great place to scout high-end discount holidays and the customer service of the site has been praised as excellent.

secretescapes.com

European city breaks can be especially cheap if booking at the right time (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Best at Travel

This companys central London call centre means someone is always on hand to help you out. Its a normal tour operator but has a last-minute deals section on the website, which can offer good discounts on upmarket breaks. Deals at the time of writing included seven nights all-inclusive in Crete from 811pp including flights, departing on 15 April.

bestattravel.co.uk

Travel Republic

With about two million customers using the site to book holidays, Travel Republic is bound to have some good deals, and theres a vast number to choose from, since it shifts flights, tickets for attractions and traditional package holidays. For its top destinations, such as a week self-catering in Corfu, you could find holidays for as little as 218pp . The site also features a lowest-price guarantee, should you spot a better offer for the same holiday elsewhere.

travelrepublic.co.uk

Skyscanner

Perhaps the best known site on this list, Skyscanner currently claims to have over 100 million users per month. The site provides you the cheapest, fastest and best option for flights. Available in over 30 languages and offering a quick comparison for flights, hotels and car hire, the chances are that youve used it before and will use it again.

skyscanner.net
LOCUST VALLEY, N.Y. (PIX11)  At least 12 firefighters were injured while battling a house fire on Long Island on Sunday, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

The fire broke out on Great Meadow Road in Locust Valley around 3:50 p.m., according to authorities. Seven fire departments and over 100 firefighters fought to extinguish the flame, police said.

Subway riders concerned for safety following string of violent crime on trains

The 12 firefighters suffered from exhaustion, police said. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment, while 11 were treated on the scene, according to authorities.

Two residents were displaced from their home as a result of the fire, police said. The cause of the fire is under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious, according to authorities.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
UPDATE: 18-year-old Mimmi Huria has been safely located, according to a March 4 Facebook post by Massachusetts officials.

The original story is below.

An 18-year-old vanished from a bus station as she traveled to meet her family, Massachusetts officials said.

Mimmi Huria, a student at a boarding school in Maine, hopped on a bus to Milton to meet her family on March 2, according to a Facebook post by police.

But the bus dropped her off at a different location than usual, Hurias father, Tony Ngaira-Huria, told WBZ News.

Huria had plans to meet her family at the South Station since her spring break was starting, police said.

She was last seen near Dewey Square wearing a black coat and khaki pants after getting off the bus at the station, officers said.

Huria, described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall with dark eyes and black medium length hair, was traveling with two pieces of luggage and a guitar case, police said.

We just want her to know, wherever she is, we are not mad with her, Hurias father told the outlet. We love her so much. We just want to have her home safe and sound.

Anyone with information on Hurias whereabouts is asked to call 617-698-1212, police said.

Milton is about 10 miles south of Boston.

Missing kids found with dad 150 miles away from moms suspicious death, NH cops say

Man, 55, mysteriously vanishes, cops say. Then a piece of apparent flesh is found

Missing 6-year-old found over 1,000 miles away from home  on Maine island, cops say
CHICAGO  Two Chicago men are each facing a handful of charges in connection with a robbery and shootout on the Far South Side on Friday morning.

Chicago police say 20-year-old Damarco Williams, a Greater Grand Crossing resident, and 18-year-old Devin Alexander, a West Pullman resident, have both been charged with several felonies, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with the discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted armed robbery, and four counts of armed robbery.

Williams was also charged with one misdemeanor count of theft under $500. Alexander was charged with three misdemeanor counts of theft under $500.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

According to Chicago police, the charges stem from the duos role in a robbery and subsequent shootout that ensued with a security guard.

Officers say it all unfolded just after 9 a.m. on Friday in the 11500 block of South State Street in West Pullman.

The two men allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint in the area, but a shootout then allegedly broke out between them and a nearby security guard.

Chicago man accused in deadly Brighton Park stabbing facing felony charge

Police say nobody was hit by gunfire during the shootout.

The men were able to get away but officers caught up with them about an hour later, and both were taken into custody.

Both Williams and Alexander appeared in court for a detention hearing on Sunday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Two people are dead after a workplace shooting on South Pioneer Road on Sunday, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Police say they are investigating the incident and that it was not an active shooter situation.

SLCPD says officers responded to the scene and found two men dead  with one being found inside the workplace and one being found outside. Police also say they recovered a firearm near the man outside.

READ NEXT: 18-year-old arrested for murder, aggravated assault after allegedly shooting friend

There is no outstanding suspect or threat to our community, SLCPD wrote on social media.

Officers say the investigation began just after 2:30 p.m., after police got a call about a man with a gun who was at a business. SLCPDs on-duty watch commander requested the help of detectives with the Homicide Squad and Crime Lab Unit of the police department.

Several police SUVs parked in a parking lot on Mar. 3, 2024, as Salt Lake City Police investigate a workplace shooting on South Pioneer Road (Courtesy Salt Lake City Police Department)

Several police SUVs parked in a parking lot on Mar. 3, 2024, as Salt Lake City Police investigate a workplace shooting on South Pioneer Road (Courtesy Salt Lake City Police Department)

We are investigating this as a workplace violence incident that resulted in the death of two people, SLCPD spokesperson Brent Weisberg said.

Weisberg said the person who made the 911 call about the shooting is an employee at the business where the incident took place.

We do know that there were employees on scene when our officers arrived, he said.

In situations with shootings, SLCPD said it works closely with fire and ambulance crews to make sure they can assess whether there are additional patients who need treatment. Several witnesses were taken to the public safety building for interviews with the Homicide Squad, which Weisberg said was standard.

We have not had a workplace homicide in recent years, that I can recall, Weisberg said.

Weisberg said police were collecting all of the physical evidence from the scene and conducting forensic analysis in the hours after the shooting.

When there is workplace violence, that can have an emotional toll on them, a very profound impact on them, Weisberg said of the employees. Thats why we want to make sure that our social workers and our victim advocates are on scene to help them cope with the trauma that they have experienced.

Police said they are working with the medical examiners office to determine the identities and ages of the victims in order to notify family members.

Our plea right now is, for anyone who works at this particular location, or who knows the individuals who may have been involved in this situation to come forward to help our detectives trying to piece everything together, Weisberg said.

Police are urging anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 801-799-3000 and reference case 24-48513.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Two individuals from Cheektowaga were arraigned late last month on numerous alleged animal cruelty charges following an investigation, the Erie Country District Attorneys Office announced.

23-year-old Aveon D. Lockhart and 24-year-old James A. Jackson allegedly trained three pit bull mixes for the purpose of animal fighting. The two are also accused of intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.

Police received a tip regarding dog fighting in April 2022, before Erie County SPCA investigators executed a search warrant, seizing two male, and one female pit bull mixed breed dogs from an Andrews Avenue residence. Investigators found the remains of two more dogs in the backyard.

Lockhart and Jackson were indicted on the following charges:

Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class E felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class A misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

These defendants are accused of using cruel methods to train these dogs to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said.

Lockhart and Jackson were released from jail as the charges dont qualify for bail, and are scheduled to appear before an Erie County court on March 19.

Latest Local News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
MARIANNA, Ark.  A two-year-old is in the hospital after he was shot in the head Sunday while playing near an apartment complex in Marianna, Arkansas.

Child injured in shooting at North Memphis store

Legend Tillman was shot while in the courtyard of the Marianna Public Housing Authority Complex, his uncle Danny Jordan said.

The toddler was shot during an altercation between two people in the 200 block of Sealand Street around 4:30 in the afternoon, Arkansas State Police said.

He is currently in critical condition at a Memphis hospital.

A juvenile was taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail on Monday morning, state police said.

Authorities are still looking for a 22-year-old identified as a suspect by investigators.

I feel like for somebody to shoot him and just run and not eventhat was wrong, Jordan said. Some people were hidden behind some garbage cans in the woods, came through the court behind here, and got to shooting at somebody when kids were out here.

Jordan says about twenty kids were playing when shots were fired, but young Legend was the only victim and got shot in the head.

School bus with 3 kids gets into accident in southwest Memphis

The bullet went in the back and came out the side, Jordan said.

Arkansas State Police are handling the investigation and members of the Criminal Investigative Division examined bullet holes and are looking for more evidence.

Another resident who lives in the apartment complex says she was inside braiding hair when she heard several gunshots ring out. She said those bullets also hit her apartment.

It was very scary, she said. All I seen was blood from over there on the ground and that was too much. I was very scared.

If you have any information, youre urged to call Arkansas State Police at 501-618-8420 or a local law enforcement agency.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
BONNER SPRINGS, Kan.  Country Stampede has officially announced its 2024 lineup, which will head to the Kansas City metro this summer.

The newly announced lineup includes Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Chris Janson, Billy Currington, Randy Houser, LOCASH, Jackson Dean, Dillon Carmichael, Drew Green, Neon Union and more.

Foreigners Farewell Tour coming to 2024 Missouri State Fair

Chris Janson will headline Thursday, June 27, followed by Riley Green headlining Friday, June 28, and Jon Pardi will headline the final night on Saturday, June 29.

Country Stampede will be at the Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs from June 2729. The venue can hold up to 18,000 people and is just west of the Kansas Speedway.

This is the first time the concert event will be hosted at the Azura Amphitheater. This is the 28th year of the Country Stampede.

Drake promises fan hell pay off late mothers mortgage at KC concert

The festival spent its last five years in Topeka. Before it was held in Topeka, it was in Manhattan, Kansas.

Click here to find more information about tickets.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
In this photo provided by Japan Coast Guard, a coast guard helicopter hovers over a fishing boat tilting almost to the side, for their rescue, off Kozushima, southwest of Tokyo, Monday, March 4, 2024. A tuna fishing boat went aground near one of Izu islands southwest of Tokyo after an engine trouble. ( Japan Coast Guard via AP)

TOKYO (AP)  A Japanese coast guard helicopter rescued 24 fishermen as they desperately clung to the deck of a tilting , half-submerged ship being pounded by high waves Monday morning off an island chain southwest of Tokyo. One crewmember thrown from the rocking ship into the rough seas before the arrival of the rescuers was found dead.

The Fukuei Maru No. 8 stalled due to an engine failure Sunday evening in the Pacific Ocean, about five hours after it departed the Yaizu Port in central Japan en route to South America for tuna fishing, according to the coast guard statement.

It apparently drifted in the rough seas and was blown by the strong wind, and the captain sent a distress signal about five hours later, saying his ship hit the rocks, the coast guard said. It said that within two hours of the rescuers' arrival at the scene, the ship reported to them that one crew was missing.

The coast guard sent three patrol ships and three helicopters with special rescue teams to the site where the 56-meter (183-foot), 379-ton ship went aground just north of Kozushima Island, part of the Izu group and about 170 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

Public broadcaster NHK showed the crewmembers standing against the bridge of the half-submerged ship as the waves pounded into it, each person waiting for their turn as fellow crewmembers were airlifted one by one by the helicopter hovering overhead.

The ship carried 20 Indonesian crewmembers and five Japanese, including its captain, the coast guard said.

The man thrown into the water was found washed ashore and was pronounced dead at a clinic nearby. He was the ship's first engineer and was a 67-year-old Japanese man.

The cause of the ship's engine failure and loss of power was not immediately known.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 4. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov is scheduled to pay visits to Russia and Uzbekistan this month, the press service of the country's government said, Trend reports.

"In March, Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov is scheduled to pay working visits to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan," the press service said.

During the visit to Russia, the prime minister of Kazakhstan will hold talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in narrow and extended formats in Moscow. The parties will discuss the implementation of agreements reached at the level of heads of two states, as well as measures for further development of mutually beneficial trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.

In Uzbekistan, Oljas Bektenov will hold talks with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, during which they will discuss prospects for enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and the development of cooperation in the industrial, energy, agricultural, transportation, and logistics spheres.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Three NASA astronauts and a cosmonaut blasted off on a flight to the International Space Station on Sunday, the first of two launches by NASA and the Russian space agency to replace five of the lab's seven crew members and to deliver a fresh Soyuz ferry ship for two cosmonauts midway through a yearlong flight.

After launch scrubs Friday and Saturday, Crew 8 commander Matthew Dominick, co-pilot Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps and cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin thundered away from the Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 10:53 p.m. EST.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon Endeavour capsule carrying the Crew 8 mission launches from launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 3, 2024. / Credit: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

The Falcon 9's reusable first stage, making its maiden flight, flew itself back to a pinpoint landing at the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after boosting the upper stage and Crew Dragon out of the lower atmosphere. It was the 48th booster landing in Florida and SpaceX's 279th successful recovery overall.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft was released to fly on its own 12 minutes after liftoff, on course for rendezvous and docking with the space station early Tuesday.

"Oh my goodness, what an incredible ride to orbit," Dominick exclaimed after reaching space. "I'm both glad, and not glad, that you don't have a copy of our (cabin intercom), the cheers all the way up were incredible. A big thank you to SpaceX for incredible instructors ... engineers and operators. They're the reason we are now safely in orbit."

Added 64-year-old space veteran Barratt, referring to his rookie crewmates: "Just to let you know, it's kind of like a roller coaster ride with a bunch of really excited teenagers."

"I'm really honored to fly this new generation spaceship with this new generation crew," he said. "Thanks to my own family for tolerating my other-worldly habits. And thanks to NASA for being the backbone of exploration that we are. And just thanks so much to our friends and colleagues at SpaceX for the awesome ride. It's great to be back in space again."

Dominick and company originally hoped to take off early Friday, but the flight was delayed because of high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean where the crew could be forced to make an emergency landing in an abort. More high winds Saturday triggered another scrub, but the weather improved enough by Sunday to permit a liftoff.

But during the final minutes of the countdown, SpaceX told the crew engineers had spotted a small crack in a seal around the Crew Dragon's side hatch. That raised concerns about how re-entry heating might affect the seal during the ship's return to Earth six months from now.

But after an analysis, the engineers concluded the crack was too small to pose a threat and the team pressed ahead with the countdown.

The launching kicked off NASA's ninth Crew Dragon flight to the International Space Station since the agency began paying SpaceX to ferry its astronauts to and from the ISS in the wake of the space shuttle's retirement in 2011. Four other Crew Dragon flights have been launched as purely commercial ventures, three of them to the space station.

The Crew 8 astronauts during training in a Crew Dragon simulator (left to right): Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, co-pilot Michael Barratt, commander Matthew Dominick and Jeanette Epps. Barratt is making his third trip to space while his crewmates are making their first. / Credit: NASA

Up to now, the Crew Dragon was the only flight tested and certified spacecraft available to NASA. But in April, during Crew 8's stay aboard the space station, the first piloted flight of a Boeing-built Starliner ferry ship is scheduled for launch to the ISS in a major milestone for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

"Is this necessary for us to have this be successful in this mission? Absolutely," Suni Williams, who will take off aboard the Starliner with fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore, said in an interview with CBS News. "I think we need to have a couple of providers, so we're not dependent on just one provider (for transportation) to the International Space Station."

In any case, Crew 8 is expected to catch up with the space station early Tuesday. After looping up to a point directly in front of the outpost, the Crew Dragon will press in for an automated docking at the lab's forward port around 3 a.m.

They'll be welcomed aboard by Soyuz crewmates Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who were launched to the station last September. Also on board: Crew 7 commander Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Japanese flier Satoshi Furukawa and cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov.

They were launched from the Kennedy Space Center last August and are nearing the end of a nearly 200-day mission. After briefing their Crew 8 replacements on the ins and outs of station operations, the Crew 7 fliers plan to undock March 11 and return to Earth.

"I truly can't believe this adventure is almost over," Moghbeli, a veteran Marine helicopter pilot, posted on social media. "This is what I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. I was afraid I might get here and be disappointed after having such high expectations my entire life but, if anything, this experience has surpassed all my expectations."

A self-described "nerd," Dominick is a computer programming hobbyist and Navy F/A-18 pilot with more than 400 carrier landings and 61 combat missions to his credit.

Dominick and company are replacing the Crew 7 astronauts, who are wrapping up a six-month stay aboard the station (left to right): cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, commander Jasmin Moghbeli and Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa. / Credit: NASA

"You know, I've been a nerd my whole life, and the space program is kind of in the kingdom of nerds," he said in an interview with CBS News. "I've always loved that."

Barratt is a physician-astronaut who is making his third spaceflight. He's a veteran spacewalker who co-authored a medical textbook during a 2009 stay aboard the station. He plans to work on an update during his latest mission and will celebrate his 65th birthday from orbit in April.

While he's a quarter century older than his Crew 8 commander, he jokes that he still manages to hold his own.

"I am feeling great," Barratt said. "This includes being spacewalk ready. I'll be one of the primary spacewalkers with my crewmate Matt Dominick. Oh gosh, he's almost 25 years younger than me. We go out in the (training) pool together and I hold my own just fine against him.

"I think the difference is, he'll go home and do a workout, I'll lie on the couch and cry for a little while," Barratt laughed. "But we complement each other really, really well."

Epps is a former CIA analyst with a doctorate in aerospace engineering who will become the second African American woman to make a long-duration space flight. She joined NASA's astronaut corps in 2009 and trained in Russia for a Soyuz flight to the station in 2018. But NASA, without explanation, pulled her from that crew at the last minute.

After a stint training for flight aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, she was assigned to Crew 8, the last member of her astronaut class to get a spaceflight.

"You know, they always save the best for last!" she joked on arrival at the Kennedy Space Center.

Astronaut Loral O'Hara (left) launched to the space station with Soyuz commander Oleg Kononenko (center) and cosmonaut Nikolai Chub (right). O'Hara will return to Earth with a different Soyuz crew in April while Kononenko and Chub remain in space for a full year, returning in September aboard a fresh Soyuz scheduled for launch later this month along with NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson. / Credit: NASA/Roscosmos

Grebenkin rounds out the crew, named to the Crew 8 flight as part of a U.S.-Russian agreement to launch a cosmonaut on each Crew Dragon  and a NASA astronaut aboard each Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The idea is to ensure at least one representative of each nation is always on board the station even if an emergency forces a Crew Dragon or Soyuz crew to depart early. Grebenkin is the fourth cosmonaut to fly under that arrangement.

The departure of Crew 7 on March 11 will set the stage for the Russians to deliver a fresh Soyuz ferry ship to the space station along with NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, who is replacing O'Hara.

Dyson will hitch a ride to the station March 21 with Soyuz MS-25/71S commander Oleg Novitskiy and Belarus guest flier Marina Vasilevskaya. Twelve days later, on April 2, Novitskiy, Vasilevskaya and O'Hara will return to Earth using the Soyuz MS-24/70S spacecraft that carried Kononenko, Chub and O'Hara to the station last September.

Dyson will return to Earth next September, joining Kononenko and Chub aboard the Soyuz MS-25/71S spacecraft delivered by Novitskiy. While Dyson will log six months in space, the two Russians will have spent more than 373 days in orbit.

The record for the longest space single flight is 438 days, set by cosmonaut Valery Polyakov aboard the Russian Mir space station in 1994-95. The U.S. record is held by astronaut Frank Rubio, who logged 371 days aboard the ISS in 2022-23.

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Three passengers are suing Alaska Airlines and Boeing for $1 billion.

The law firm said the "preventable incident" jeopardized the lives of 180 people.

It follows a class-action lawsuit filed in January on behalf of 14 passengers.

Three people who were on board Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are asking for $1 billion in punitive damages from the carrier and Boeing.

Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland, and Kevin Kwok flew on the Boeing 737 Max 9 which lost its door plug in midair on January 5, according to a press release from the aviation law firm Jonathan W. Johnson LLC.

The blowout caused an uncontrolled decompression, meaning oxygen masks were deployed before the jet returned to Portland International Airport 20 minutes later. Nobody was seriously injured.

The lawsuit was filed last month in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, Oregon.

In its press release, the law firm said it "seeks to hold Boeing accountable for its negligence which had caused extreme panic, fear, and post-traumatic stress."

It added that it is asking for "substantial" damages because the "preventable incident" risked the lives of 180 people.

Plaintiff Kyle Rinker tweeted a photo of the hole on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. Courtesy of Jonathan W. Johnson LLC.

Referring to the subsequent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets, the law firm said, "the defects in manufacturing impacted numerous other aircraft and threatened the lives of the passengers on all Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft."

The door plug  which covers a deactivated emergency exit on configurations with a smaller capacity  came off after the plane left Boeing's factory missing key bolts, the National Transportation Safety Board said in its preliminary report into the incident.

According to CBS News, the lawsuit says the blowout is "just one terrible chapter in the evolving story of Boeing and Alaska Airlines placing profits above safety."

The complaint follows a class-action lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines filed in January on behalf of 14 people.

It said one of them was hit in the face by debris that came out of the cockpit, several struggled with their oxygen masks, and one man had a stress-related seizure after landing.

Boeing declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider. Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment, made outside regular US working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An aviation law firm has filed a lawsuit for $1 billion against Boeing and Alaska Airlines on behalf of three passengers who were aboard Flight 1282 when a portion of the aircraft blew off mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Portland International Airport (PDX) back in early January.

This suit comes after four passengers filed a class-action lawsuit later in the month. Additionally, an attorney representing another 22 passengers from the same flight filed an amended lawsuit on Feb. 7 making new allegations of negligence against Boeing and Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Air 1282: Man finds passengers iPhone perfectly intact after fall from sky

Jonathan W. Johnson LLC, who is representing the three Portland-based passengers, stated in a press release that passengers Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland and Kevin Kwok were sitting 2 rows diagonally behind a 15-year-old boy whose shirt was sucked off during the rapid depressurization.

This image from video provided by Elizabeth Le shows passengers near the damage on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, Flight 1282, which was forced to return to Portland International Airport on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (Elizabeth Le via AP)

The suit alleges that Alaska Airlines had identified the issue with the plane before the incident and neglected to make further inspections before it was placed in service. The firm added they are seeking to hold Boeing accountable for its negligence which had caused extreme panic, fear, and post-traumatic stress among the 174 passengers and six crew members who were on board.

The lawsuit is seeking punitive damages from Boeing for not only the preventability of the incident, but because these manufacturing defects impacted numerous other Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, which all had to be temporarily grounded and inspected by the FAA.

Malaysia may renew hunt for flight MH370 a decade after its disappearance

Alaska Airlines flight 1282 was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on Jan. 5, 2024, when a door plug (used to seal up the space where an optional exit door could be placed) blew off the plane, leaving a hole in the fuselage.

The incident occurred just seven minutes into the planes scheduled flight to Ontario, California. The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport.

None of the 171 passengers or six crew members were seriously injured, though some passengers have since claimed to be suffering from emotional trauma. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, in a latter to employees days after the incident, also said he was shaken to the bone by the incident, Reuters reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A crash in Franklin County left four people injured, including three teenagers, according to Georgia State Patrol.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Saturday at 5:40 p.m., troopers were called to a two-vehicle crash on GA 106 near Cromers Bridge Road in Royston, Georgia.

GSP said 19-year-old Payton Riley Caldwell of Crawford, Georgia drove a white 2000 Ford Excursion. Caldwell was reportedly traveling southbound on GA 106.

A white 2021 Honda Accord, driven by Tatsianna Nicole Peeples, 32, of Royston was traveling northbound on GA 106.

Officials say Caldwell failed to maintain his lane and traveled across the centerline. The front of the Excursion hit the front of the Accord in the northbound lane, GSP said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Caldwell, along with a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both of Winder, were taken to Athens Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Peeples was life-flighted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The passengers identities were not released.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Firefighters and police at the scene of a fatal collision Saturday night in Pomona. (OnScene.TV)

A Pomona man was arrested Saturday after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing into another car, killing three women, police said.

Police arrested Victor Siharath late Saturday night after the two-vehicle collision around 11 p.m. at the intersection of South White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard in Pomona.

Siharath had a prior DUI conviction, according to Aly Mejia, a spokesperson for the Pomona Police Department.

Everyone involved in the collision was "moderately to severely injured," police said in a news release, and they were treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.

Two women died at the scene, police said. Three others were taken to a nearby hospital, where another woman died.

Read more: Unhoused man accused of trying to steal a Waymo self-driving car in downtown L.A.

A two-vehicle crash in Pomona on Saturday night killed three people. (OnScene.TV)

Police identified the dead as Lorena Morales, 58, of Montclair; Alejandra Olaez, 33, of Pomona; and Yesenia Ochoa, 33, of Pomona.

KABC-TV reported that Morales was driving and her husband, Juan Manuel "Jaime" Garcia, was the front-seat passenger. Olaez's 12-year-old daughter was in the backseat. The group was reportedly on their way home from a baby shower.

Ochoa was in the process of adopting her 11-year-old nephew, the outlet reported.

"She died loving me," the nephew, Brian Gonzalez, told the news outlet. "I wanted her to see me grow up."

One person was still hospitalized in critical condition as of Sunday morning, according to Mejia. A male passenger sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Siharath, the sole occupant of the other vehicle involved in the crash, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI after officers determined that he was impaired, police said

The Pomona Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the collision. Anyone with information is asked to call the department's Traffic Services Bureau at (909) 620-2048.

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 Crew-8 astronauts: Alexander Grebenkin, Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick and Jeanette Epps wave to media as they head to the launch pad Sunday, March 3 2024.

Four astronauts launched into space on Sunday and have landed at the International Space Station that will become their home for the next several months.

SpaceX's Falcon rocket launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying the four astronauts on the Dragon spacecraft. They include Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps from NASA and Alexander Grebenkin from Russia.

NASA confirmed the new crew entered the space station just before 4 a.m. EST on Tuesday and will replace a crew that have been there since August from the U.S., Denmark, Japan and Russia.

The new crew will stay on board the ISS for six months, and will oversee the arrival of Boeing's Starliner capsule with test pilots in late April, and the Sierra Space's Dream Chaser in mini shuttle after.

Here's what to know about the astronauts who have landed at the ISS.

Can astronauts vote from space? How the International Space Station becomes a polling place

Matthew Dominick

In this handout photo provided by NASA, Russian cosmonaut and Mission Specialist Alexander Grebenkin, Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps, Commander Matthew Dominick and Pilot Michael Barratt speak with family and friends as they prepare to depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-8 mission launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on March 03, 2024 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The commander of the mission, Matthew Dominick joined NASA's Astronaut Candidate Class in 2017. A Colorado native, he was commissioned for flight training and designated as a Naval Aviator in 2007 and has more than 1,600 hours of flight time.

Michael Barratt

Crew-8 astronaut Michael Barratt waves to family as their leave crew quarters for the launch pad Sunday, March 3 2024.

Michael Barratt is the mission's pilot, and was selected from NASA in 2000. Prior to the current mission, Barratt has spent 212 days in space across two spaceflights.

A doctor, Barratt was born in Vancouver, Washington and is the oldest full-time astronaut to fly in space. He will turn 65 in April. He is the only crew member who has been to space before.

Jeanette Epps

Crew-8 astronaut Jeanette Epps talks to family as she leaves crew quarters headed for the launch pad Sunday, March 3 2024.

The mission specialist, Jeanette Epps is the second Black woman to be part of a long-term mission to the ISS. She was selected in 2009 as an astronaut by NASA.

Prior to liftoff, Epps said she is especially proud to be a role model for Black girls, demonstrating that spaceflight is an option for them, that this is not just for other people.

Born in Syracuse, New York, she worked for the Ford Motor Company and the CIA before becoming an astronaut.

Alexander Grebenkin

The Crew-8 astronaut Alexander Grebenkin, talks with family before headong to the launch pad Sunday, March 3 2024.

Joining the three NASA astronauts is Alexander Grebenkin, a Roscosmos cosmonaut mission specialist. Before he became a cosmonaut, Grebenkin served in the technical and operational units of the Russian Armed Forces' Air Force.

What is the International Space Station?

Designed and operated thanks to a global partnership of space agencies, the International Space Station has been home to crews of astronauts, cosmonauts and plenty of others since November 2000, NASA says.

More than 260 spacefarers from 20 countries have visited to the International Space Station, including 163 from the United States alone, according to the U.S. space agency.

Crew members who live and conduct scientific experiment aboard the space station orbit Earth 16 times a day. The orbital outpost is larger than a six-bedroom house with six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree view bay window, according to NASA.

How long does it take to get to the International Space Station?

Depending on where the ISS is in Earth's orbit, NASA says spacecraft can arrive at the space station as soon as four hours to three days after launching from Earth.

How many people are aboard the International Space Station?

Four astronauts joined the seven people aboard the International Space Station early Tuesday morning. Those 11 will be aboard the space station together for a few days until four of the earlier crew members  Jasmin Moghbeli, Andreas Mogensen, Satoshi Furukawa and Konstantin Borisov  return to Earth, NASA says. After they return, there will again be seven people aboard the ISS.

Other astronauts aboard include Loral OHara, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chubb.

Contributing: Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 lands 4 astronauts on the ISS: What to know
Omar Abu Kuwaik poses for a photo at the Global Medical Relief Fund residence, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in the Staten Island borough of New York. On Dec. 6, 2023 two Israeli airstrikes slammed into Omar's grandparents' home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. The explosion peeled the skin from his face, exposing raw pink layers peppered with deep lacerations. His left arm could not be saved below the elbow. His parents, 6-year-old sister, grandparents, two aunts and a cousin were killed. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)

NEW YORK (AP)  Omar Abu Kuwaik is far from his home in Gaza. The 4-year-old's parents and sister were killed by an Israeli airstrike, when he lost part of his arm.

Hes one of the lucky ones.

Through the efforts of family and strangers, Omar was brought out of Gaza and to the United States, where he received treatment, including a prosthetic arm. He spent his days in a house run by a medical charity in New York City, accompanied by his aunt.

It was a small measure of grace in a sea of turmoil for him and his aunt, Maha Abu Kuwaik, as they looked to an uncertain future. The grief and despair for those still trapped in Gaza is never far away.

Abu Kuwaik is glad she could do this for her beloved brothers son, whom she now considers her fourth child.

But it was a terrible choice. Going with Omar meant leaving her husband and three teenage children behind in a sprawling tent camp in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. With Israel carrying out strikes in areas where it told civilians to take shelter, including Rafah, Abu Kuwaik knows she might never see her family again.

My kids love Omar so much, she said. They told me, Were not children anymore. Go, let Omar get treated. Its whats best for him. Its his only chance.

Omar used to be an outgoing boy, she said, and he's clever like his late father, who was an engineer. Now he's often withdrawn and breaks into tears easily. He wonders why they don't have a home like the kids he sees on YouTube.

Ask Omar a question, and he covers his ears with his right hand and the stump of his left arm, declaring, I dont want to talk.

Kindergarten was nice, he eventually admits, and I was happy on the first day. He started school just weeks before the war broke out. But he says he doesn't want to go to kindergarten anymore because he's afraid to leave his aunt's side.

His flight to New York may have given him a new dream, though.

When I grow up, I want to be pilot, Omar said, so I can bring people places.

Omar was the first Palestinian child from Gaza taken in by the Global Medical Relief Fund. The Staten Island charitys founder, Elissa Montanti, has spent a quarter-century getting hundreds of kids free medical care after they lost limbs to wars or disasters, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each child started out as a stranger. Each one joined what she calls her global family, and will come back to the U.S. for new prosthetic limbs as their bodies grow. Her charity sponsors everything except the medical treatment, which is donated, primarily by Shriners Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

When the war in Gaza erupted in October, Montanti knew she had to help. But quite frankly, I said, How? How will I ever get these kids out when they cant even get out of Gaza?

Montanti had never laid eyes on Omar, but she understood that children like him were being severely wounded every day.

The deadliest round of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades was sparked Oct. 7 when Hamas-led militants broke through Israel's security barrier around Gaza and stormed into Israeli communities. Some1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

Israel has laid waste to much of Gaza in response. In less than five months of war, Israel's military has created a staggering humanitarian crisis and 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes. One assessment suggests half of the coastal enclave's buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

The number of people killed in Gaza rose above 30,000 Thursday, with more than 70,000 wounded, the Health Ministry said. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures but says women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying militants operate among the population.

Two weeks into the war, Omars family narrowly escaped death. Minutes before it was flattened by an Israeli airstrike, they evacuated the Gaza City apartment theyd bought just months earlier. His aunts family rushed out of the building next door. It too was bombed.

Homeless, with only the clothes on their backs, the families split up to stay with different relatives. But in wartime, seemingly trivial decisions  like where to seek shelter  have outsized consequences.

On Dec. 6, two Israeli airstrikes slammed into Omars grandparents' home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. The explosion peeled the skin from his face, exposing raw pink layers peppered with deep lacerations. His left arm could not be saved below the elbow. His parents, 6-year-old sister, grandparents, two aunts and a cousin were killed.

Omar was pinned beneath the rubble as rescuers dug with their hands through soot-blackened concrete. Finally they reached his little body, still warm, bleeding but somehow alive, and lifted him to safety. He was the only survivor.

As the weeks passed, Omar lay on a bed in a hospital corridor with his arm wrapped in bandages  even as his childs mind somehow imagined it might grow back. The collapsing heath care system in Gaza could provide only rudimentary care for the burns on his leg and torso.

"Our view was, anywhere is better for him than being in Gaza, said Adib Chouiki, vice president of Rahma Worldwide, a U.S.-based charity, who heard about Omar from the groups humanitarian team in Gaza.

Israel and Egypt have tightly restricted the movement of people out of Gaza, allowing just a few hundred to exit each day, mostly those with foreign citizenship. Some Palestinians have been able to get out by using private brokers. The World Health Organization says 2,293 patients  1,498 wounded and 795 who were ill  have left Gaza for medical treatment, with 1,625 companions. Roughly 8,000 more are on a waiting list, the U.N. refugee agency says.

Chouiki began reaching out to contacts in the Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian governments. He got new passports issued for Omar and Abu Kuwaik, and Israeli security clearance for the aunt to accompany her nephew from Gaza to Egypt.

Abu Kuwaik was taking a leap of faith. Permission to leave Gaza came while Montanti was still working to get U.S. government approval for Omar to fly to New York.

He cried and cried and begged me to take him back to my kids, Abu Kuwaik said. Eventually we got him into the ambulance and drove toward the border.

After waiting nervously while their paperwork was examined, they were loaded into an Egyptian ambulance and whisked across the Sinai desert.

Once safely in an Egyptian military hospital, Omar and his aunt waited for weeks until U.S. Customs and Border Protection gave them the green light to fly to New York on Jan. 17.

Omar's wounds are healing, but he remains deeply traumatized. At Shriners Childrens Hospital in Philadelphia, he had skin graft surgery for the severe burn on his leg. A constellation of gray shrapnel scars remain scattered across his face, looking almost like freckles.

He was eager to be fitted with his new prosthetic arm, and approached it as it lay on a table Wednesday, smiling mischievously as he reached out to touch it. My arm is nice.

The kids, they feel whole, Montanti said. Psychologically it means so much.

Shriners is currently treating two other kids from Gaza, one an American citizen trapped there when the war began. There are plans to bring another child from Gaza, a 2-year-old boy whose leg was amputated above the knee. Hell be accompanied by his mother, leaving behind family for the sake of her child.

Omar and his aunt boarded a plane back to Cairo a day after the boy got his arm. With them was a member of her extended family who has a home in Egypt, where theyll stay while trying to secure more permanent housing.

I almost dont sleep, Abu Kuwaik said. I think about Omar and I think about my kids, and the conditions theyre living in back there in the tents.

Food is scarce. Israel's near-total blockade of Gaza has pushed more than half a million Palestinians toward starvation and raised fears of imminent famine. And the flimsy tent they share with 40 others offers little protection from rain and wind, she said. When one person gets sick, illness spreads like wildfire.

The war has repeatedly knocked out cellphone and internet service in Gaza, but Abu Kuwaik keeps in touch when there's network. Her family often has to walk to the Kuwaiti Hospital, a hub for journalists, to get a signal.

After coming back to Egypt, Omar and his aunt's futures are unclear; they might be stuck in exile.

For Abu Kuwaik, though, theres no home for Omar to return to.

I cannot imagine ... that I go back to Gaza, she said. What would his life be? Where is his future?
Police are searching for three men who they said opened fire on a house party in King City, California, on Sunday night, killing four people and injuring at least three others.

King City police said in a statement that officers were called to North 2nd Street at 6 p.m. and found three men had been shot in the front yard  all were pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman who was also shot was taken to Mee Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the statement said.

Three other victims, all men, were treated at Natividad Hospital in Salinas, it added.

"A silver Kia pulled up in front of the residence. Three males exited the vehicle and shot multiple rounds at the partygoers in the front yard. The suspects got back in their vehicle and fled the scene," the police statement said.

Police said the gunmen were wearing dark clothes and had dark masks covering their heads.

The men, who have not been identified, are considered armed and dangerous, police said. They urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The News

More than 40 countries demanded an independent international investigation into the sudden death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The call was delivered by an EU ambassador at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on behalf of all 27 EU member states, as well as 16 other countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine.

We are outraged by the death of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, for which the ultimate responsibility lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities, the joint statement said. Russia must allow an independent and transparent international investigation into circumstances of his sudden death.

Moscow has previously rejected calls for an international probe, denying any involvement in the death of Navalny last month in an Arctic penal colony. He was imprisoned on charges widely believed to have been politically motivated, repeatedly denied medical care, and had spent more than 300 days in solitary isolation.

Navalnys associates have said that the lawyer-turned-politician was killed as a prisoner swap neared, as the Kremlin believed they could get a better trade at a later date if the 47-year-old was dead.

An official Russian investigation has concluded his death was due to natural causes, but his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused Putin of murder.
Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters upon her arrival to her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico is almost certainly about to get its first woman president.

Ruling-party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum leads in polls on the race leading to the June 2 vote. The second-place candidate is also a woman. A man running for a small third party essentially has no chance of winning.

Popular President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is barred by law from running for another six-year term, and Sheinbaum is running for his Morena party. Businesswoman, senator and Indigenous Affairs official Xochitl Galvez has an uphill battle, backed by a coalition of all the main opposition parties.

Sheinbaum, Mexico Citys former mayor, has a doctorate in energy engineering and a long career in leftist politics. Galvez helped her family by selling tamales in the street as a girl. She went on to earn a degree in computer engineering and start her own tech companies.

Whoever wins, here are the issues and stakes.

HOW COULD MEXICO'S ELECTION AFFECT MIGRATION?

Most migrants to the United States come over the border with Mexico to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Mexico has agreed to some things that it isn't legally obligated to do, such as deploying its National Guard to arrest migrants, and accepting the return of non-Mexicans who pass through on their way to the U.S.

Migration isn't much of an issue in Mexico, outside of calls for the fair treatment of Mexicans in the U.S. Mexico's next president will almost certainly have latitude in deciding either to stop cooperating with the United States, or crack down harder on migrants heading north. Either would be a big change and migration is already certain to be a key issue for whoever wins the White House in November.

COULD MEXICO'S VOTE AFFECT THE FLOW OF DRUGS?

Instead of confronting the drug cartels, Lopez Obrador has adopted what is for him the pragmatic policy of increasing government hand-outs to drain the pool of recruits for cartels seeking gunmen. But many poor, addicted or neglected youths can still be convinced to pick up a gun.

Under Lopez Obrador, anti-drug cooperation has been limited by nationalism; he doesn't like the DEA in his country and denies that Mexico produces fentanyl, the opioid that kills over 70,000 Americans each year.

The next president could take that view to an even greater extreme or decide to cooperate more as evidence mounts that drug cartels are incompatible with domestic peace.

HOW WILL MEXICO'S VOTE AFFECT ITS ECONOMY?

In the 1980s, the United States could threaten to close the border any time the Mexican government displeased Washington. Those days are over. U.S. appliance, auto-parts and automotive factories have moved to Mexico, and they need daily shipments of parts.

As Lopez Obrador put it, they couldn't last, maybe a day, but not a week with a closed border. Mexico  not China  is now the United States' biggest trading partner, and U.S. markets rely on Mexico for fresh produce and many other things. The economic relationship may now simply be too big to fail.

Mexico also depends on the money sent home by citizens living abroad  mostly in the United States. Last year, Mexican migrants sent home a record $63.3 billion. Income from remittances surpasses what Mexico earns from tourism and exports of oil and most manufactured goods.

WILL MEXICO'S VOTE SHOW A NEW LATIN POPULISM?

Latin America has seen periodic swings from left to right for decades. Free-spending presidents friendly to Iran or Russia have been quickly replaced by neoconservatives, and vice versa.

A populist wave appears to have interrupted the regions normal pendulum swings with two key events in recent months  the overwhelming reelection of El Salvador's hardline president Nayib Bukele, and the victory for libertarian firebrand Javier Milei in Argentina.

A victory for Morena on June 2 could entrench populism for 12 years in Mexico, essentially reviving the old idea of a charismatic, nationalist, hand-out regime as the perennial party in power.

Hungary has kept its populist president in power for nearly 15 years, but the world record is held by Mexico's old ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, which held the presidency for  wait for it  71 uninterrupted years.

WILL MEXICAN DEMOCRACY SURVIVE?

Lopez Obrador has tried mightily to eliminate checks and balances, regulatory oversight and the role of non-governmental organizations. He has accumulated more centralized power than any president since the heyday of the PRI in the 1970s, an era for which he expresses open nostalgia.

His main tool of governance has been the army, which has built a portfolio of railways, an airline, airports and hotels. Mexico's army, unlike many other Latin American nations', has not become involved in politics through coups or candidacies since the 1940s. But many worry that the Morena party's continued dominance might endanger that old arrangement.

Whoever wins, the outgoing president is leaving a pile of ambitious, unfinished projects, obligations and debt. Lopez Obrador has pledged to retire entirely from politics after he leaves office, but few people believe that a man who has basically spent every waking minute for the last 30 years driving toward his political goals will give that up so easily.

___

Follow AP's Latin-America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 4. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Belarus in the third quarter of 2024, said President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during a meeting with Kazakh Ambassador to Belarus Erlan Baizhanov, Trend reports.

"Our meeting with you is taking place for a reason. You are well aware that the President of Kazakhstan is likely to make an official visit to Belarus in the third quarter. It is very important for us today to define some aspects of this important event for Belarus," said Lukashenko.

According to Belarusian president, discussions will take place at the highest level, and the concerned parties will meet during this visit.

"After this visit, the billion in trade turnover we have achieved will seem insignificant. Countries with such potential as Belarus and Kazakhstan should strive for cutting-edge relations," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot be kept off the 2024 presidential ballot in Colorado  or any other state.

The justices voted 9-0 that Colorado did not have the right to act on its own to bar Trump for violating the 14th Amendments so-called insurrection clause.

But they split along ideological lines about the legal meaning of the ruling and what should happen if Trump would be found to have led an insurrection by inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Here are five takeaways:

Trump will be on the ballot in 2024 everywhere

All nine Supreme Court justices agreed that individual states like Colorado do not have the right to bar Trump from the Republican presidential primary or general election ballots, assuming he is the GOP nominee.

A five-judge majority of the court also further ruled that only Congress could pass legislation barring an accused insurrectionist from becoming president.

But such legislation will be unlikely passed anytime soon given the split power grab in Congress, with the House led by Republicans and Democrats leading the Senate.

States cannot use 14th Amendment to bar candidates for federal offices

All the justices agreed that individual states should not be permitted to decide whether a presidential candidate is ineligible for office.

The unanimous decision said allowing states to do so would create a chaotic patchwork of rules for electing the person to serve Americas highest office.

The justices did not address the fact that such a patchwork already exists when it comes to ballot access for third party and independent candidates, not to mention voting rules like those covering voting by mail and barring felons from voting.

Four justices dispute conclusion that only Congress enforce insurrection clause in future elections

The courts three liberal justices issued a fiery dissent disputing the five-judge majoritys contention that the only way for a candidate accused of being an insurrectionist to be barred from the ballot would be for Congress to pass legislation.

Their concurring opinion suggested that the Supreme Court could bar a presidential candidate under the 14th Amendment if that person had been categorically found to have participated in an insurrection, perhaps by his or her own admission.

The liberals also slammed the court for going beyond what was required to decide the matter at hand, a key judicial principle that the top courts conservative majority has regularly invoked in recent rulings, including its controversial decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett agreed with the legal point made by the three liberals, but declined to join their opinion. She decried the stridency of their concurring opinion.

Ruling sidesteps whether Trump led insurrection on Jan. 6

Every one knows the ruling is about Trump.

But neither the unanimous ruling of the court nor the concurring opinions actually mention the former president by name.

That could be because the Supreme Court is generally not called upon to determine the facts of a particular case.

And in the Colorado case, the state supreme court found that Trumps actions amounted to inciting an insurrection.

So there was no need for any of the justices to opine on whether they agreed with that assessment, or not.

Few tea leaves for Trump presidential immunity case

Some legal eagles believe the Supreme Court might be planning a so-called grand bargain on Trump: allowing him access to the ballot but refusing to block his criminal trials.

The ruling gave few signs of such a deal, which would involve rejecting his plea for blanket presidential immunity against prosecution, a very different legal issue.

A possible bread crumb about the immunity decision could be gleaned from the timing of the ballot decision, which was issued a month after oral arguments.

If the justices act with similar speed in the immunity case, they could issue a decision by Memorial Day after hearing arguments in late April.

That timing would permit a trial to start by Labor Day in Trumps federal election interference case, if the court rejects Trumps appeal.
A Georgia man is accused of beating an 18-year-old driver until he fell unconscious in an attack police said was fueled by road rage.

Duane Andrew Sudderth, 57, faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and battery, in connection with the Feb. 28 attack in Buford, a March 4 news release from Gwinnett County police said.

Officers were called about the assault and spoke with an 18-year-old man, who told them he was attacked by another driver.

It began after the teen said a driver in a dark-colored pickup truck flipped him off, so he returned the gesture, according to a police incident report. The teens 15-year-old sister was riding with him at the time, police said.

The pickup truck followed them through multiple turns and, at one point, tried to run their vehicle off the road, the 18-year-old told police. He said the driver, later identified as Sudderth, then pulled alongside him and threatened to sexually assault his girlfriend, who was actually his sister, according to police.

The 18-year-old eventually pulled into a private driveway in hopes of escaping the pickup truck driver, who pulled in behind him soon after, police said.

Thats when the man got out and began punching the teen through a window, according to police. He continued pummeling the 18-year-old, knocking him unconscious.

After he came to, the teen reported the attack to police.

Using license plate readers, officers tracked Sudderth to his home in Flowery Branch, where he was arrested Sunday, March 3, on charges that include:

Aggravated battery

Two counts of aggravated assault

Terroristic threats

First-degree child cruelty

Third-degree child cruelty

Entering auto

Aggressive driving

Sudderth remained in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail on a $3,900 bond as of March 4, online records show.

Buford is about 40 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  The Biden Administration is urging the Supreme Court to block a new Texas immigration enforcement law. For now, the high court is temporarily keeping the law from taking effect.

On Saturday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower courts ruling that temporarily blocked Senate Bill 4 from going into effect. On Monday, the Biden Administration said it is suing to keep the law from taking effect.

SB 4 gives state police the ability to arrest and effectively deport migrants. The law creates a new state crime for crossing into Texas outside of a port of entry, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor. Repeat offenders could face a state jail felony, and state magistrate judges may order them to return to Mexico.

The Supreme Court is considering whether to let the law take effect while the federal government appeals. The law could take effect next Wednesday, March 13, if the high court does not intervene.

U.S. District Judge David Ezras issued a preliminary injunction halting the law last Thursday, saying it violates the Constitutions supremacy clause and is in conflict with the nations immigration laws.

BACKGROUND: Federal judge appears skeptical of new Texas immigration law that makes illegal entry a state crime

The appeals court did not give explanation Saturday for its decision and set seven days before its order takes effect.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 4 in December, touting it as a historic measure to empower Texas state and local law enforcement to control immigration  a power currently only reserved for federal authorities.

Opponents have argued the bill violates the supremacy clause under the U.S. Constitution, which gives the federal government ultimate authority in enforcing immigration laws, which has been reinforced by a 2012 landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Arizona v. United States. After Arizona passed a similar law to SB 4, the High Court ruled that it is not within state and local police officers powers to arrest someone based on their immigration status.

Rep. David Spiller, one of the bills authors, said he was pleased with the 5th Circuits ruling in a statement to Nexstar.

I believe SB 4 is completely constitutional because it is not in conflict with the precedent set in the Arizona v. United States case, its not preempted by existing federal immigration law, its not in conflict with existing federal immigration law, and Texas has the absolute constitutional right, authority and ability to protect and secure its borders and its sovereignty, Spiller said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A 73-year-old man with romance on his mind suffered a severe beating when his date with a much-younger woman proved to be the setup for a brutal robbery, Florida investigators say.

He survived the tryst but ended up in a hospital, according to the Volusia Sheriffs Office.

As for his date, shes accused of luring a senior citizen to a violent robbery on the premise of a romantic date, the sheriffs office said in a March 2 news release.

The plan, which involved an accomplice, came to light at 5 a.m. on Feb. 22, when the victim showed up at an emergency room, the sheriffs office said.

He told responding deputies he was struck multiple times with a metal object and robbed, officials said.

The victim had met with (a woman) at a Daytona Beach bar to talk about their romantic relationship. (She) suggested he come back to her house, and he agreed, following her vehicle in his own. At one point on the drive, (she) stopped to pick up someone from the side of the road.

She stopped again to let that passenger out near a home, and thats when the attack occurred, officials said.

The victim then got out of his car and approached (the womans) vehicle. ... The passenger reappeared, hitting the victim in the head with a hard metal object, and continuing to beat him when he fell to the ground in the fetal position. The attacker then stole the victims wallet.

The suspects fled, leaving the victim bleeding on the ground in the Plantation Pines area east of Ormond Beach, officials said.

The victim suffered numerous injuries to his face, body and arms, as well as head lacerations that required staples, officials said.

A surveillance operation at the womans Daytona Beach home resulted in her being arrested during a Feb. 23 traffic stop. According to jail records, she was charged with:

aggravated battery on a person age 65 or older

robbery with a weapon

violation of probation

possession of synthetic cannabinoid with intent to sell

possession of cannabis

two counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription

As of March 4, she was still in the Volusia County Jail.

She denied involvement in the robbery, but text messages on her phone revealed it had been planned with a 33-year-old ex-boyfriend, officials said. He was arrested March 1 and charged with robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery on a victim age 65 or older, records show. He also remained in jail as of March 4.

Daytona Beach is about 55 miles northeast of Orlando.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida duo is in custody after they allegedly arranged to lure a 73-year-old victim on a date with a woman, before the man beat and robbed him, according to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said the staff at a hospital reported the incident on Feb. 22 after the 73-year-old man was brought into the emergency room with several injuries to his head, torso, and arms. The man needed staples in his head, and one of his eyes was swollen shut, according to authorities.

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The victim told officials that he met Chelsea Wright, 34, at a bar in Daytona Beach to discuss their romantic relationship. Wright suggested the two go back to her house.

As the victim followed Wright in a separate vehicle, he said Wright stopped to pick up a man, later identified as her associate and ex-boyfriend, 33-year-old Andrew Marks, on the side of the road. They kept driving until she stopped and let Marks out of the car.

Deputies said the victim got out of his car and went to Wrights vehicle. Thats when Marks reappeared, struck him in the head with a hard metal object, and beat him to the ground.

Marks then stole his wallet and fled the scene. Officials said Wright fled soon after, leaving the victim bleeding on the ground.

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Wright was later pulled over for a traffic infraction, where authorities found narcotics in her car. She was arrested on drug charges, along with violating probation.

Investigators said they found text messages between Wright and Marks discussing their plans to carry out the crime.

Marks was located on March 1 and arrested on charges of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery on a person over the age of 65. Wright was arrested as principal to those charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
ABILENE (KSNT)  A small town situated in the heart of Kansas is in the running for a national contest hosted by USA Today.

The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau announced in a press release on Monday, March 4 that Abilene will be a finalist for USA Todays Readers Choice Best Historic Small Town contest. Abilene came close to the number one spot in 2022 and 2023.

This honor is truly remarkable! Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Julie Roller-Weeks said. Achieving this recognition once is a significant accomplishment, and securing it for six consecutive years in a nationwide contest against other exceptional small towns is beyond imagination!

Abilene has routinely appeared in the top ten for the contest due to the towns rich history. Places like the Seelye Mansion, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Old Abilene Town and more are part of what makes Abilene stand out.

Learn how to start your own business in Topeka with these upcoming classes

Embracing Abilene as one of the nations best historic small towns also embraces the impact tourism plays: a positive ripple effect, boosting our local economy and enriching the lives of our residents, said Jessica Goodale, Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Director.

Voting for the contest online starts at 11 a.m. on March 4 CST and wraps up at 10:59 a.m. on Monday, April 1 CST.

Thank you to the tourism attractions, businesses, residents, employees, volunteers, and community leaders who help make Abilene the best historic small town. And a special thank you to the voters who continue to support Ikes five-star hometown in the heart of America, Roller-Weeks said.

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.
RALEIGH, N.C.  Along with hosting one of the nations most competitive races for governor and serving as a make-or-break state for either partys road to the White House, North Carolina will offer one of the latest referendums on abortion in 2024.

As is the case in many post-Roe elections following the Supreme Court's 2022 controversial decision to overturn nearly fifty years of federally protected abortion access, the issue has emerged as a hot button in North Carolinas gubernatorial race.

Republicans expected frontrunner, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, has indicated he could support a total statewide ban on abortion.

We need to stand up and declare that life begins in the womb. Life does not begin when Roy Cooper says it begins, Robinson told a congregation at Winklers Grove Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina during his 2020 campaign for lieutenant governor.

For me, there is no compromise on abortion. It makes no difference to me why or how that child ended up in that womb.

More: Southern Democrat vs. MAGA Republican: Why NC governor race is a defining contest for 2024

North Carolinas legislature last summer passed a 12-week ban with limited exceptions in the case of rape, incest or the life of the mother. A GOP supermajority in the state House and Senate continues to stymie Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers attempts to veto the measure.

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson speaks during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on March 2, 2024.

North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic candidate Josh Stein is heavily favored to face Robinson in November. Stein has jumped on using the issue of abortion and Robinsons past statements against his opponent.

It is wrong. All of it is wrong. All of it is backwards. All of it must be stopped, Stein told a cheering crowd in Washington, North Carolina, last Monday.

Robinsons record on abortion

Since his remarks four years ago and during his campaign for governor, Robinson has largely softened his language on abortion.

Even if I did pass a law saying you cant have an abortion, someones still going to go to Georgia or Florida or somewhere and have their abortion  or New York. Thats not how you save lives, Robinson told an audience of Charlotte Rotary Club members last August.

And Robinsons campaign has said publicly that the gubernatorial candidate would support a ban after a fetal heartbeat is detected, often six weeks, with exceptions for extreme situations, including rape, incest or life of the mother.

Robinson has also addressed his own experience with abortion decades ago.

Mark Robinson, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, speaking during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Before announcing his run for governor, Robinson confirmed, after an old Facebook post of his resurfaced, that in 1989, he paid for his then-girlfriend and now-wife to have an abortion.

It was the hardest decision we have ever made. Sadly, we made the wrong one, Robinson said, appearing beside his wife, Yolanda, in a video posted to social media in March 2022. Its because of this experience and our spiritual journey that we are so adamantly pro-life.

Tara Romano, executive director of Pro-Choice North Carolina, said Robinsons experience highlights the personal nature of deciding to have an abortion.

Its become so politicized. But I think a lot of people, when they find themselves in that situation, politics, its not really what theyre thinking about, Romano said.

What North Carolinians say about abortion

Still, the stakes for abortion access in North Carolina extend up and down the ballot in 2024, Romano said, and the issue is expected to be particularly salient in the race for governor.

When it comes to Robinsons position, Romano said she takes his previous statements at face value.

If he says he wants to ban all abortion, and theres an opportunity for him to do that, were just going to have the mindset that that is what he will try to do, she said.

Protesters on both sides of the issue hold signs as North Carolina House members debate, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C., on whether to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would change the state's ban on nearly all abortions from those after 20 weeks of pregnancy to those after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Both the Senate and House had to complete successful override votes for the measure to be enacted into law. The Senate voted to override the veto earlier and the House also voted to override.

Sloan Duvall, a junior at the University of North Carolina and president of her schools Young Democrats, said she expects abortion and womens rights to resonate with and rally young voters in the state.

Its incredibly scary to see whats going on across the country. And we are on the brink of that in North Carolina, Duvall, 21, said, referencing the legislatures 12-week ban.

Thats not what North Carolinians want, she added. And I think we could see our state heading down a very dark path for womens rights if Mark Robinson is elected.

Other North Carolinians, like Monica and Gerald Pittman of Kenly, North Carolina, say Robinsons hardline stance is exactly why they want the Republican to be their next governor.

The person I want in any office is the one that votes their conscience and what they really feel is best for our country or our state, Gerald Pittman, 72, said.

More: House Democrats plan their 2024 comeback on abortion, economy and contrast with GOP

Monica Pittman, 67, said she likes that Robinson held his ground opposing abortion, regardless of a lot of grief from others in the state.

We need somebody who is genuine and authentic and to tell us what theyre going to do. We got enough lying politicians in this country, she said.

Attorney General Josh Stein speaks at Urban Orchard in his bid for governor, October 11, 2023, in Asheville.

Stark contrast between the candidates

Abortion is just one of many issues where the presumptive gubernatorial candidates stand deeply divided. Robinson and Stein, also of sharply contrasting backgrounds, have clashed on the economy and immigration, which Republicans are expected to use to energize their base in 2024.

Stein and Democrats, meanwhile, will likely continue to rally around reproductive rights in the lead-up to November.

When asked by one voter about the recent Alabama IVF ruling during a campaign stop Monday, Stein said if governor, he would veto any legislation that tries to restrict womens reproductive freedoms, whether that is IVF, whether thats contraception or whether its abortion.

More: Senate Republicans support IVF  but most won't back national protections after Alabama ruling

The attorney general added that to do so, Democrats will also need to break the current Republican supermajority, which held Cooper back from overruling North Carolinas recent abortion legislation.

North Carolina Right to Life, a nonpartisan group, say abortion will be a key issue in this election and that they are focused on educating voters on what they call "a clear contrast" between the candidates' positions.

"The country needs to come together on the issues that we agree upon," Natalie Sonnen, director of outreach for the organization, said in a written statement to USA TODAY. "We can all agree to support women in their unplanned pregnancies and not present them with only one choice, the choice to kill their unborn child in their womb."

Romano also called the difference between Stein and his likely opponent "very stark" and said she expects the issue to be prominent in 2024.

They do have markedly different opinions on abortion access, she said. I do think it is going to be something that well be talking about and that a lot of voters will be talking about as they think about who theyre going to vote for for governor.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Abortion to be center issue in North Carolina governor race
A man hopped into a driverless Jaguar to try to steal it but couldnt figure out how to drive it away, California police reported.

The vehicle, which belonged to the ride-hailing service Waymo, had just dropped off a customer at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, when the man jumped into the drivers seat, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release.

But the 33-year-old man couldnt figure out how to take over manual control of the car, police said.

A Waymo representative warned the man to get out over the Jaguars communication system, police said. When he failed to exit the vehicle, the representative contacted police, according to the release.

Officers responded and arrested the man on a charge of attempted grand theft auto, police said.

California regulators on Friday, March 1, authorized Waymo to expand its fleet of driverless vehicles to Los Angeles and the wider San Francisco area, The Associated Press reported.

The vehicles have already been operating in downtown San Francisco.

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Art has led her down an interesting path.

Ive always been interested in art, recalled Anne Quilter. As a young person, I drew, painted and sewed. I was always making something using a wide variety of materials. The ping pong table was always covered with some sort of project.

Today, Quilter is president of Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society, a Marion-based nonprofit cooperative arts organization established by artists for artists.

We solicit, represent and coordinate opportunities for shows and personal development of established and emerging artistically talented individuals in all styles and media, she said. Ive been the president for the past decade or so. In that capacity, I work with our board of directors to facilitate our monthly meetings held the second Thursday of the month in the Garden Room of the Harding Centre. We organize the programming and shows and look for other ways to promote the visual arts in Marion County.

Anne Quilter is president of the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society. This photo was taken by Quilter's daughter-in-law after her Terradise Artist-in-Residency presentation.

Art education has been a big part of her life

Quilter was born near Naples, Italy, while her father served in the U.S. Navy. Her family moved to Marion long ago. She graduated from Marion Catholic High School, earned an undergraduate degree in art education and psychology from The Ohio State University, then a masters degree in counseling psychology and art therapy from the McGregor School of Antioch College.

After earning my bachelors degree, she said, I worked with the state prison system for almost four years and then began my career with Marion City Schools. Starting in the elementary schools, I taught art in every grade level in the district, retiring from Harding High School in 2020.

Once my children established their own lives, I began attending meetings, Quilter continued. I taught a few childrens classes for MOFAS and enjoyed meeting with like-minded artists. The president at that time needed to step down. They asked for a volunteer to take over and I raised my hand when no one else did. I didnt want to see this non-profit disappear from the Marion art scene. Also, MOFAS hosts the Popcorn Festival Art Show every year and I hated to see that end.

Sarah Murray is the former treasurer and now a member of the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society.

Anne has facilitated multiple things in the community, Murray said. Shes made sure the Art Society has a space to hold our annual art show during the Popcorn Festival, and she arranges details for the all-county high school art show. Anne fills the role of president with pride and passion. As a former art teacher, shes very passionate about making sure art is in the lives of as many kids as possible.

Its been an interesting path, Quilter responded. Art is my passion whether creating my own or sharing with other people, whatever the age. Im a maker, always curious to learn. Its who I am.

All County High School Art Show at Tri-Rivers

Through a grant from the Marion Community Foundation, the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society will host an All County High School Art Show and Competition for high school age artists in Marion County. Opening Night will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Tri-Rivers Career Center auditorium.

Everyone is welcome to come see the show, enjoy some refreshments from the culinary students and admire the artworks of talented young people. The show will remain on display for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society, visit Facebook.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs  whether theyre unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at news@marionstar.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Anne Quilter promotes creativity through Marion Fine Art Society
AEON Virtual Office celebrates its newly available office space for clients

AEON Virtual Office held a grand opening and ribbon cutting last week for office space its clients can use in downtown Hagerstown.

Owner Caroline Anderson said the business opened in November 2022, but the office space for clients became available in January this year.

AEON is in the Professional Arts Building at 5 Public Square, Suite 301, in downtown Hagerstown.

AEON can help small businesses and entrepreneurs establish a physical presence, according to its website.

AEON Virtual Office, owned by Caroline Anderson, recently held a grand opening for its office space in downtown Hagerstown, which became available earlier this year.

Services include a prime business address, mail handling, meeting spaces, notary services, remote work, business registration and compliance, and technology integration, according to a notice about the grand opening.

Anderson said she has over 20 years combined experience in management, sales and retail.

The event was co-hosted by Downtown Hagerstown and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

USA TODAYs Women of the Year: Meet Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, the Maryland honoree for Women of the Year

HWK Law Group opens Hagerstown office

HWK Law Group, which has offices in Florida and the Towson, Md., area, has further extended its estate planning services into Washington County by recently opening a Hagerstown office.

Chester Hobbs, who has served as president of Bodie, Dolina, Hobbs, Friddell & Grenzer, P.C., has joined HWK Law Group, according to a company news release. HWK is headquartered in Lutherville, Md.

Chester Hobbs with HWK Law Group

Hobbs' office space at 82 W. Washington St. in the Bryan Centre in downtown Hagerstown was rebranded in February for HWK Law Group.

Paralegals Beth Hare, Alyssa Kaiser, Hannah Tippett, Lisa Bontrager and Christine Rice also are joining HWK, primarily working out of the Hagerstown office.

Hobbs has a "wealth of knowledge in estate planning and administration; trust drafting and administration; and commercial, bankruptcy and corporate law," the release states. "He frequently advises clients regarding limited-liability companies as well as business and individual tax planning. His experience includes the formation of corporations, partnerships and other business entities."

Hobbs received the 10-year pro bono award from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service, the release states. He is a member of the Chesapeake Planned Giving Council, the Maryland State Planning Council and the Kennedy Krieger Planned Giving Council's board of directors. He also has served as chair for the Baltimore County Bar Association's Estates and Trusts Section.

Opening? Moving? Got a new hire or promotion? Let us know

If you have details on a business coming or going in Washington County, Md., or Franklin County, Pa., email us at news@herald-mail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Small business office space opens in Hagerstown & Hobbs joins HWK Law
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 4. In February, Kazakhstan ratified the documents on Belarus' membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), we are grateful for the fact, said President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during a meeting with Kazakh Ambassador to the country Erlan Baizhanov, Trend reports.

"Regarding your international engagements, you currently hold the chairmanship of both the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and SCO. In February, you ratified all the documents for Belarus' membership in the SCO, and we express our gratitude for that," he said.

Lukashenko emphasized that during the upcoming meeting of the SCO in Astana scheduled for July, it would be symbolic to grant membership to Minsk within the framework of this event.

"It would be highly symbolic and appreciated if Belarus could become a full-fledged member during that meeting. We will be requesting your support in this matter. The outcome will naturally depend on the presiding party, and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs should actively engage in this process," the president added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A real estate affiliate of Columbus State Community College is planning to transform a block near its campus Downtown into a 160-unit apartment complex, with some units reserved for students.

Affordable housing developer Woda Cooper Companies is building and managing a $47 million project called Opportunity Pointe. The joint venture with Columbus State Community Partners will reserve 20 of 160 planned affordable units for students enrolled at Columbus State.

This innovative development will address a key impediment to student success  housing insecurity  while bringing affordable rents within reach of lower-wage workers to a highly desirable downtown location, said Zachary Woodruff, the colleges chief real estate development officer and executive director of Columbus State Community Partners.

Maple Street Biscuit Co. opens third central Ohio brunch spot

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Columbus State Community Partners is contributing seven parcels to the project through a long-term lease. About 75% of the project block will be made up of the leased properties. The block is bordered by Cleveland Avenue, North Grant Avenue, East Spring Street and East Long Street. Woda Cooper is working to secure additional parcels on the block.

The projects go-ahead is waiting on a 9% tax credit that Woda Cooper is seeking from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. If those credits are approved, the projects development would begin in early 2025.

Rent prices of the new units would vary based on income eligibility and size of the units. Projected rents will range from the following:

One bedroom: $365 to $995

Two bedroom: $410 to $1,175

Three bedroom: $440 to $1,295

Columbus State expects to incorporate the student apartments into its housing support program. The program received $2 million in support from the City of Columbus in 2023.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Civox co-founder Adam Reis is seen in his office in San Francisco, California on March 1, 2024 (Jenn CAIN)

Jennifer spent her weekend calling California voters, urging them to cast their ballot in Tuesday's primary election for Democrat Peter Dixon.

But unlike her human counterparts, Jennifer is a creation of artificial intelligence (AI), allowing her to make thousands of calls without taking a break or losing her cool.

"Hello there. My name is Jennifer and I'm an artificial intelligence volunteer," she says, immediately declaring her identity in calls to Silicon Valley voters in the US congressional race.

In her slightly robotic-sounding voice -- intentionally designed to make it clear she is not human -- she introduces the candidate, asks questions and responds to those she gets from voters, all in a surprisingly natural tone.

"I'm wondering why a person hasn't called me today," Dixon's operations manager Austin Madden asks her during a demonstration call for AFP.

"My apologies if I missed that point earlier," Jennifer replies without missing a beat. "The reason an AI like me is calling instead of a real person is to help the campaign reach more people efficiently, allowing human volunteers to focus on areas where personal interaction is crucial."

Dixon only recently began using Jennifer, the product of start-up Civox.

At first "we were skeptical," said Dixon, a Marine veteran and cybersecurity entrepreneur. "And so we tested it."

- 'People were shocked' -

His staff expected results would be "a mixed bag."

Instead, "People were shocked at how good the capability was," Dixon said from his company's headquarters in Palo Alto, sitting before a computer screen showing clips from his campaign.

In one of the videos, images alternate between reality (Dixon holding his young daughter) and sequences in which the background (the Afghan war) and his outfit are artificially generated -- and presented as such.

The point, he said, was to "show that we are comfortable not just understanding these tools, but... using them in an ethical, responsible and transparent way."

Stunning progress in AI in the past year and the appearance of generative AI programs like ChatGPT -- which produce text, images and sounds on demand and in everyday language -- have sparked tremendous enthusiasm but also grave concerns about potential risks, including lost jobs, intellectual property theft and fraud.

"I'm terrified about all of that," Dixon admitted.

But he would rather see the US "continue to lead in how we use it, and figure out how to write the rules of the road ourselves, as opposed to having another country like China" doing so.

Ilya Mouzykantskii co-founded Civox partly to sharpen the focus on "the intersection of artificial intelligence and politics."

"We are already in a future," he said, where politicians are "using artificial intelligence tools to develop policy and to make decisions" -- without necessarily announcing that they are doing so.

"Maybe that is the benevolent technocracy that we are hurtling towards," Mouzykantskii said. "But we shouldn't end up there accidentally, and we shouldn't end up there without consent."

- 'The best technology' -

In the future, said Adam Reis, Civox's other co-founder, "it's not going to be the best-funded campaigns necessarily that have an unfair advantage. It's going to be the ones with the best technology."

Reis said he had long been working to create AI "characters" with whom he could have believable dialogues. The arrival of generative AI made that much easier.

But, he added, "We've discovered that the mechanics of conversations and of speech are actually much, much more difficult than the content of what is said."

To be truly convincing, an AI character needs to speak fluidly, understand and react quickly, and know both when to interrupt and when to allow an interruption -- all difficult challenges.

"Some people try to trick the system," said Patrick McNally, Civox's field director. "But the bot is very good at bringing it back to policy... sometimes to a point a human wouldn't even be able to."

In January, an automated program that called voters using an AI-generated voice of President Joe Biden heightened concerns about massive disinformation enabled by the novel technology in an election year.

US authorities subsequently banned the use of such "cloned" voices, to combat political or commercial fraud.

But that does not affect Jennifer or her counterparts using Civox technology. For they don't pretend to be something -- or someone -- they aren't.

juj/els/bbk/acb
An air defense battalion saw its Poland deployment extended by three months last week as the unit supports NATO defense in eastern Europe.

The 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, out of Fort Cavazos, Texas kicked off their current deployment in October and was set to return home by March. The unit will now stay on site until June.

Air defenders are one of the most deployed units with the lowest deploy-to-dwell ratios in the Army, senior leaders have said in recent years.

In December, Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey, director of the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office testified to Congress that nearly all soldiers in air defense units had exceeded the Pentagons requirement of remaining home a minimum of two years following a one-year deployment.

Weve asked a lot of our air and missile defense formations, and in every instance, they have responded to every call, Gainey said. The cost has been decreased time [at] home. Its having a strain on the force. Army leadership recognizes that strain. And the Joint Staff and [Army] leadership has looked at reducing demand.

But protecting U.S. troops in the Middle East following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent war and watching allies skies, such as in Poland amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have meant little relief for air defenders.

On Feb. 27, the Army released a summary of its plan to restructure the force to modern threats, which includes adding air and missile defense jobs as it cuts thousands of Global War on Terror-era positions that remain unfilled.

As of the end of fiscal year 2023, the Army had 7,579 active-duty soldiers with air and missile defense-specific job titles, 840 in the Guard and 235 in the Reserve, for a total of 8,654 air defenders in the force.

The push will mean four more Maneuver Short Range Air Defense Battalions, nine counter-drone batteries and four additional indirect fire protection battalions.

But those changes are part of a long-term restructuring and wont provide relief to air defenders any time soon.

Being away from family is hard, but I have really grown to my platoon being my family, Staff Sgt. Zachary Nanninga, a platoon sergeant, said in a statement to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday.

As 1st BN saw its deployment extended, members of Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment prepared for their return from Europes eastern flank in Poland, Slovakia and Romania back to Ansbach, Germany this week.

The 5th BN was the first in the Army to field and test four prototype short range air defense systems which protect against fixed-wing, rotary wing and drone threats, according to an Army release.
When the Air Force launches three new air task forces this summer, it will take its next step toward a long-desired goal: building more capable teams to fight Americas wars while maintaining a more predictable deployment cycle for airmen and their families.

The experiment aims to reimagine how the Air Force responds to unabated demand for air power in the post-9/11 decades as it gears up for a new era of military competition  and possibly war  in the Pacific.

Air Force unveils command changes, wing plans in bid to outpace China

For many airmen, the shift may boil down to a different patch on their uniform. But Air Force leaders argue the plans could eventually mark a sea change in how the service provides options to the joint force, asks Congress for resources and looks out for troops and their families.

If you operate in a high-tempo, very stressful combat situation  youre going to need a team that is trained together, knows one another, is on the same page of tactics, techniques and procedures and trusts one another, said Doug Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. That demands a far more integrated approach.

The path to the future force starts at home.

Most Air Force bases now are run by a single wing that manages daily combat training operations and routine installation life, such as medical care, law enforcement and finance. Some, like Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, have two: one wing that handles the combat mission, plus an air base wing that runs the support functions.

The air task force project looks to move more of the services installations to that second model, with a mission-focused wing and a separate unit that runs garrison functions, an Air Force spokesperson told Air Force Times.

For instance, at an installation like Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, run by the 366th Fighter Wing, an air task force would seek to split that governance into a fighter wing plus a separate air base wing or group, a service spokesperson said.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nathalie Olarte, crew chief, launches an F-16 Fighting Falcon from an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 14, 2024. (Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook/Air Force)

Those wings would be available to answer the needs of a combat commander on a rotational schedule, without robbing the base of the necessary manpower to support its needs  similar to the functions of an Army garrison.

Air task force commanders will consider what resources an operational wing would need to be able to pick up from home station, leave a full air base staff behind, and deploy overseas. The combat and air base units would fall under two separate command staffs at each installation.

Each task force will include an air staff to lead the daily training, care and feeding of airmen; a mission layer, typically comprised of fighter, bomber or airlift squadrons; and a combat support staff, which will handle base operations like running an airfield and managing communications networks. The goal is to come up with packages that are self-supporting abroad while keeping regular life running smoothly at home.

The first three task forces will start the 24-month preparation-and-deployment cycle this summer to get ready to head overseas together starting in fall 2025.

Two task forces will deploy to U.S. Central Command, and another to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, the services deputy chief of staff for operations, told a crowded room during the Air and Space Forces Associations Air Warfare Symposium outside of Denver, Colorado in mid-February. The Air Force did not reveal its first task force leaders and locations by press time.

The command element of the new air task forces will start work this summer, said Brig. Gen. David Epperson, director of current operations at the Air Forces Pentagon headquarters. A sustainment team of about 100 to 150 airmen from two to three bases will begin training together in fiscal year 2025, ahead of deployment in fiscal year 2026.

When those units head overseas, theyll do so with people they know from home and through months of training, and under a familiar wing commander instead of reporting to someone new. They could join other forces at a permanent base in a different country, or set up shop somewhere more remote.

The model is similar to how the Navy deploys carrier strike groups composed of an aircraft carrier alongside an armada of smaller ships and an air wing.

The idea aims to offer a better prepared set of airmen to regional commanders following the services new combat readiness rotation, known as Air Force force generation, or AFFORGEN, a two-year cycle that includes 18 months of training and maintenance followed by a six-month availability for missions abroad.

What were trying to continue this evolution toward is a set of conditions that values the airmen, and trains them to be ready for the fight that we know that may come our way. We hope [it] doesnt, but we need to be prepared for it, Spain said.

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists and explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 27th Special Operations Wing pause during an exercise on Melrose Range, N.M., Jan. 23, 2024. (2nd Lt. Merit Davey/Air Force)

Air Force creates task forces to pilot modern deployments

Whats in a wing?

The service plans to take the air task force concept a step further by developing three types of wings: deployable combat wings, combat generation wings and in-place wings.

Those wings will form the core of the rotational combat packages the Air Force can offer to commanders around the globe, as well as its permanent party units at each base. Elements of the air task forces will be incorporated into the operational wings over time.

A deployable combat wing would look like Mountain Home, which trains together a under wing commander at home and can pick up and go as one unit.

All of that structure is at one location, training together throughout the entire Air Force force generation cycle, so they know how to work together, said Brig. Gen. David Epperson, director of current operations at the Air Forces Pentagon headquarters. The command-and-control knows and understands all the elements, and they really can hit the ground running.

Spain added that a deployable combat wing would bring its entire mission along, but leave a minimal level of installation support behind to maintain daily base operations at home.

A combat generation wing would accompany those fighters or other assets without deploying in its entirety. Spain used Travis AFB, California, home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, as an imperfect example, because it encompasses multiple missions rather than airlift or refueling alone.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dustin Flaspohler, 138th Fighter Wing aircraft armament systems specialist, performs weapons checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, after hot pit refueling at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 15, 2023. Hot pit refueling occurs after an aircraft has landed and is still running its engine allowing for refueling in austere locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Frank)

And an in-place combat wing would execute its missions without deploying, similar to Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, where the 341st Missile Wing can handle launching intercontinental ballistic missiles from home station without needing many additional resources.

The next step includes examining the service to identify which wings fall under each category. Then the service can begin to figure out the resourcing, the necessary manning and personnel to support them.

Details of the bigger picture are still coming together; the plan is expected to take years to complete.

Leaders envision a plug-and-play sort of structure where the Air Force could offer various combinations of those wings to the joint force as it seeks, for instance, strike packages in the Middle East or intelligence and deterrence teams in Europe. Providing more standard groups of capabilities can give defense officials a better idea of what and who the Air Force has in its arsenal  and its limits.

The airmen who comprise those deployed units will be expected to handle a wider range of tasks than in the past, Epperson said, to level the playing field. As an example, an explosive ordnance technician who might not be tasked to use those job skills daily could help an electrician or HVAC journeyman, or pitch in on airfield repair.

There are a lot of people saying its doing more with less. I dont think so, he said. I think its optimizing the airmen that we have, and making sure that they have that capability to help across the team.

An expeditionary future

Those organizational shifts serve as a stepping stone to the Air Forces eventual goal of creating groups known as expeditionary air base teams.

The central tenet of expeditionary air base teams is to build a team from one base, instead of cherry-picking airmen from across the service, and send those airmen to existing bases or one they can quickly assemble. Like the units that air task forces create, the team would include personnel that can set up flight operations, a support staff and leadership.

The air base squadrons that handle installation sustainment, protection and airfield management  like civil engineers and security forces  as part of an air task force or deployable combat wing would form the core of those expeditionary air base teams, the Air Force said.

The Air Force has practiced that expeditionary vision through large-scale exercises like last years Mobility Guardian, which sent 3,000 troops across the Pacific under the 437th Airlift Wing from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina; and Air Combat Commands lead wings  four fighter wings and an air base wing that were tapped in 2022 to coordinate a broader set of units and lead them in training and deployments.

The service also deployed an early iteration of an expeditionary air base team to the Middle East in October, just as the war between Israel and Hamas ignited. One of those deployed commanders was able to operate at the speed of trust from the second they got on the ground, Epperson said, without providing further details: Thats really what were trying to get to.

Expeditionary air base teams to begin deploying in October

Devil in the details

The air task force plan, first unveiled last fall and expanded over subsequent months, is among two dozen initiatives designed to outpace resurgent threats from Russia and China while the U.S. military continues to conduct counter-terror missions and police conflicts around the globe.

We are out of time. We are out of time. We are out of time, Kendall said. For at least two decades, China has been building a military that is  purpose-built to deter and defeat the United States if we intervene in the western Pacific.

The realignment also follows more than two decades spent reacting to the needs of combat commanders  particularly in the Middle East  in more piecemeal ways that drained the service of resources and manpower.

The Air Force deployed to the Middle East in August of 1990, Herbert Hawk Carlisle, a retired four-star general who led Air Combat Command from 2014-2017, told Air Force Times in an interview. And weve never come home.

In some ways, the Air Force is looking to its past to inspire its future.

Six U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules from the 86th Airlift Wing taxi down the flightline at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 13, 2024. (Senior Airman Andrew Bertain/Air Force)

Carlisle and Birkey both pointed to the 1990s, when the service set up the 366th Fighter Wing as a response-ready composite wing made up of fighters, bombers, and tankers to meet Cold War challenges.

That was disbanded, and part of it came down to money, then-Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, who commanded 12th Air Force at the time and went on to lead Air Combat Command as a four-star general, said in 2018. The cost per flying hour of trying to sustain the small-fleet dynamics there didnt look great on spreadsheets.

But he argued the numbers failed to reflect that the money was paying for higher-quality training than other units across the Air Force received. And he cautioned that steady funding would be key to fueling a successful reorganization  which could pose problems if Congress continues to fail to pass annual spending bills by the start of each fiscal year. The Pentagon is still awaiting approval of its 2024 budget request, almost halfway through the fiscal year.

I think theyre going to have to work hard on how to resource it, because the demand signal for the Air Force never goes down, Carlisle said. Look at how many combat forces we have deployed today that arent back at home station, that are in the Middle East or in the European theater.

That includes manning. With combat wings set to focus on warfighting readiness, and base commands intended to support those wings and operate the base through war and peace, theres a limited number of people, Carlisle said.

While Air Force leaders have said they dont plan to recreate the composite wing of the 1990s, they contend resources are still challenging the services ability to keep up with daily operations and future planning. It remains to be seen whether the air task force or expeditionary air base team concepts will be more cost-effective than the Air Forces current piecemeal approach.

Birkey suggested that the reorganization should be accompanied by a serious discussion about whether the Defense Department is investing in the right skills, weapons and vehicles.

It is time to put on the table these resource conversations and this notion of true use, and cost per effect, and everything else to drive for the force we need, Birkey said. Reorgs can make us smarter [in] how we get there, but they cannot make up for [a] fundamental lack of resources that are going to undermine you no matter what you do.

While theres much to be done, Carlisle said he thinks Kendall is spot on.

I think were doing the right thing. I think we have to do it, he said. But theres a lot of work to be done and a lot of devil in the details.
An Air Force veteran who went to Mexico for a weekend has not been seen or heard from in over two weeks.

John Gamboa was last seen early in the morning on Feb. 17 hailing a cab outside the Montana Disco in Mexico City, the FBI said in a missing person bulletin.

The Houston native left for Mexico City, where he was based last year, on Feb. 16 and had plans to get his belongings and come home by the end of the weekend, his mom, Fermina Gamboa, told ABC 13 Houston, which broke the story.

"Honestly, I am not sure if he's alive," Fermina Gamboa told the local news outlet.

TROPICAL RESORTS POPULAR WITH AMERICANS NO LONGER OFF LIMITS FOR CARTEL KILLERS: THE RULES HAVE CHANGED

Fermina Gamboa said she spoke to her son the morning of Feb. 16, before his trip, but she was not even sure if he made it to Mexico City, or even if he left the United States.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

That same morning, she told ABC Houston that they received a notification from USAA Bank that someone was trying to access her son's account.

US WARNING ON MEXICO SPRING BREAK TRAVEL, TOPS THREATS FACING AMERICANS

"I don't care; I just need my son to be back. Money can be replaced, but the life of my son cannot," she said.

The FBI referred to the missing person bulletin, which said John Gamboa was last seen wearing a maroon shirt with tan pants and a tattoo on his chest that says "Jesus" and an infinity tattoo on his index finger, according to the FBI bulletin.

The Department of State said in an emailed statement that they were "aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in Mexico City, and we stand ready to provide all appropriate assistance."

"The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas," a state department spokesperson said. "We are monitoring the situation and have no further comment at this time."

KIDNAPPING IN MEXICO USED TO BE A BUSINESS. NOW THERE'S NO CODE CURBING RUTHLESSNESS: EXPERT

Fox News Digital reached out to the Air Force, but the military branch did not immediately respond.

Gamboa's cousin said on Facebook in a Feb. 24 post that he had not called his mom or any of his family.

"I pray that he can come home (and) he is safe," she said in the post, which was translated from Cebuano (a language spoken in the Philippines) to English. "The people who did this stupid thing to him will touch the Lord and just return him to us."

John Gamboa, a Philippine native who was living in Houston, served in the Air Force, his mom told ABC 13 Houston.

Gamboa and his family are from the Philippines, and he served in the Air Force, according to his mom.

Mexico City is generally considered one of the safest areas in the country. The state department breaks down warnings into four categories: do not travel, reconsider travel, exercise increased caution and exercise normal caution.

Mexico City, the country's capital, falls in the "exercise increased caution" category, which is the second safest.

The FBI asks anyone with information to call the Houston Field Office at (713) 693-5000, a local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can also be sent online at tips.fbi.gov.





Original article source: Air Force veteran disappears in Mexico, family 'not sure if he's alive': report
In order to help fund its aviation industry's transition to 100% sustainable fuel for domestic flights, Denmark has decided to impose a new tax on plane passengers.

The tax will go into effect in 2025, charging air passengers an average of 100 Danish crowns ($14.56, as of the writing of this article). The tax will then rise on average over the following five years, eventually reaching 50 Danish crowns ($7.28) for intra-European flights, 310 crowns ($45.12) for medium-distance flights, and 410 ($59.68) for long-distance flights, Reuters reported.

"The aviation sector in Denmark must  just like all other industries  reduce its climate footprint and move toward a green future," Denmark's Climate, Energy, and Supply Minister Lars Aagaard said in a statement. "We want to create that change so that the green planes also become a reality."

Which of the following sustainable changes would make you most likely to choose a particular airline?

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The move is expected to generate revenues of 1.2 billion Danish crowns (around $175 million) annually, per the Washington Post, roughly half of which will be invested into "green aviation" (with other revenue expected to go to state pensions for the elderly, per the European Travel Information and Authorisation System).

However, the concept of "sustainable aviation fuel" is still relatively new and has not been fully substantiated. Critics of the idea have derided it as greenwashing and warned that it will lead to the continued expansion of air travel, resulting in more pollution. Even though sustainable aviation fuel is generally produced from plants or waste rather than coal and oil, its impacts are difficult to assess, and it may not yet be any more sustainable or cause any less damage to the environment than the fuel that is currently used, as the World Resources Institute and others have noted.

According to one Seattle Times op-ed, "The aviation industry is hoping that we won't notice that its current unconstrained growth accounts for a larger and larger proportion of global warming. Don't let them get away with it  demand real solutions! In the meantime, we can respond by flying less, just as they feared."

Currently, almost no flights in the world operate with sustainable aviation fuel due to its high cost and lack of availability.

The best way to reduce pollution from aviation is to decrease the total number of flights by investing more in public transit options such as high-speed rail. Denmark, a country that is around double the size of Massachusetts, is fortunately doing that as well.

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Airlines ranging from one of the worlds largest to scrappy discount carriers canceled flights between South Florida and Haiti on Monday in response to a worsening situation there that has alarmed the White House and led to a new security alert to U.S. citizens issued by the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.

American Airlines suspended service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) through Wednesday as a result of civil unrest, said Bri Harper, a spokeswoman, in a statement. The carrier has a daily departure and arrival.

We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed, she said.

JetBlue Airways canceled flights on Monday. It has daily service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port-au-Prince. The decision was due to recent civil unrest, said senior manager of corporate communications Derek Dombrowski in a statement. We continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with the U.S. Embassy and our team in Haiti to determine next steps.

Arrivals from and departures to Port-au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Azul from were all canceled according the airport flight tracker.

On Monday afternoon, Spirit Airlines, which also flies out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, suspended flights to and from Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien through March 6, spokeswoman Nicole Aguiar said in a statement. The carrier is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust our schedule as needed. It suggested passengers regularly consult its website at spirit.com/flight-status. for updates.

On Sunrise Airways website, a search for flights between Miami and Haiti came up empty. That carrier had started flying between the two places last year. The company did not immediately respond to request for information or comment.

In recent days, the countrys armed gangs have ramped up attacks on critical infrastructure including an assault against a police academy on Sunday. This comes after they took control of several police substations and are threatening to take over the presidential palace - a dramatic escalation in violence in what has already been a dire security environment that has paralyzed the Caribbean nation ever since the assassination of its president in 2021.

Late Sunday, Haiti finance minister and acting Prime Minister Patrick Boisvert declared a 6 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew and a state of emergency for the next 72 hours so security forces can try to regain control of the situation.

The airlines operating between South Florida and Haiti have not said what they will do beyond Monday.

Right now, we are monitoring to see whats best, said Harper, the American spokeswoman.

The airline also issued a travel alert that includes information such as whether passengers have to pay to change their tickets.

American also advised passengers to check upcoming flights status on the carriers smartphone app or website.

JetBlue advised passengers to check the company website for info on fee waivers and upcoming flights status.

Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.
This article was originally published in the Akron Beacon Journal on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.

Akron police on Monday charged Cynthia George, a central figure in the 2001 murder of Jeffrey Zack, with complicity to commit aggravated murder.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested George, 50, of Granger Township, around 8 p.m. at the West Market Plaza in Bath Township. She was in Summit County Jail on Monday evening.

Booking photo of Cynthia George. George has been charged in connection with the 2001 murder of Jeffrey Zack. George was involved romantically with Zack and the man convicted of killing him, John Zaffino.

Zack, a 44-year-old Stow businessman, was killed June 16, 2001, by a helmeted motorcyclist who shot him as he sat in his SUV at BJ's Wholesale Club on Home Avenue.

John Zaffino, 38, was convicted of aggravated murder in March 2003 -- through what jurors called overwhelming circumstantial evidence -- and is serving 23 years to life at the Toledo Correctional Facility.

The case turned tawdry after police learned George, married to Tangier restaurant owner Ed George, was romantically involved with Zack and Zaffino.

Zack is the father of one of George's children.

John Zaffino looks around Judge John Murphy's courtroom after he was given a guilty verdict for the murder of Jeff Zack on March 11, 2003.

At Zaffino's sentencing, Akron Police Lt. David Whiddon said George was still a suspect and that the investigation was ongoing.

Prosecutors argued at Zaffino's trial that George had a problem with Zack after ending a long affair with Zack in May 2001. Testimony in the case indicated Zack may have placed harassing phone calls to both Cynthia and Ed George after the breakup.

Prosecutors said bank records show that Cynthia George may have provided the money used to purchase the motorcycle Zaffino drove in the shooting, and cell phone records indicated Zaffino and George spoke at pivotal points, including before and after Zack's murder.

John Zaffino of Rittman on trial for murder of Jeff Zack of Stow on Feb. 26, 2003. Behind him is 1995 Honda motorcycle seized by police at the home of his x-wife in Pennsylvania.

Elayne Zack, Jeffrey Zack's mother, didn't mince words when she was reached in Phoenix on Monday.

"I'm thrilled. I'm elated. She had so much goddamn nerve to do it and to think she'd get away with it," she said.

Elayne Zack testified at Zaffino's trial that she was aware of the affair and had met Cynthia George several times during visits to Ohio.

There were plenty of other twists and turns in the case.

Cynthia George refused to testify before a grand jury investigating the murder and then invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at Zaffino's trial -- and that didn't escape the notice of jurors, who were not told why her testimony was halted after eight questions.

"From the evidence I heard, she definitely had knowledge of what was going on," juror Deborah Dorsey of Richfield said after the guilty verdict. "I think it's a shame that in our system that someone who, in my opinion, played a key role in a homicide couldn't be questioned. Her absence was evidence to me."

Ed George was called to take the stand a short time after his wife, but he invoked marital privilege rights and would not testify about conversations he had with his wife.

Despite no solid alibi, Zaffino, a truck driver from Warren, Pa., who lived in Akron at the time of the slaying, always maintained his innocence.

Zaffino's lawyer, Lawrence Whitney, argued that no direct evidence linked Zaffino to the murder -- the motorcyclist was never positively identified because of the helmet.

Zaffino wasn't as silent when talking to one of his ex-wives, Christine Todaro. Police were led to Zaffino after they learned of comments made to her, including that Zaffino had fought with a "white-haired Israeli" shortly before Zack's shooting.

Zack had silver hair and served in the Israeli army; when Todaro called Zaffino at 3 a.m. a day after the killing, she asked if the man he had fought with was Zack.

His reply: "Well, let's just say the guy's going to have a hard time parting his hair from now on."

Zack and his ex-wife, Bonnie Cook, had a son who was 12 at the time of Zack's death, Cook noted during Zaffino's sentencing. Cook told Zaffino he was a fall guy for George.

"If it wasn't for Cindy George, my husband wouldn't have been shot. My son wouldn't have lost his father. And you wouldn't be looking forward to spending the rest of your life in prison," Cook told Zaffino in court.

The case, with its most lurid details highlighted, was documented in the A&E show American Justice in the episode "Who Whacked Zack." That show first aired in November.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: In 2005, Cindy George charged in murder of ex-lover Jeffrey Zack
The Alabama Legislature voted overwhelmingly late last week to provide blanket immunity to IVF clinics from any civil or criminal liability related to the death or damage of a human embryo.

While the legislation has been hailed across the media as a measure protecting IVF access, it accomplished this goal by stripping away legal protections for IVF patients whose embryos are negligently destroyed. [N]o action, suit, or criminal prosecution for the damage to or death of an embryo shall be brought or maintained against any individual or entity when providing or receiving goods or services related to in vitro fertilization, according to the text of HB 237, a bill that passed the Alabama House 94-6 on Thursday with three abstentions. The Alabama Senate unanimously passed a nearly identical bill that same day, setting up a signature from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in the coming days.

Alabama lawmakers passed the bills less than two weeks after the state Supreme Court issued a ruling holding that a fertility clinic could be sued for the negligent destruction of embryos under the states Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. The speed with which the legislature moved can be attributed to two main factors. First, following the Supreme Court ruling, at least three of the eight IVF clinics in Alabama paused treatment as they evaluated legal risks, placing some IVF patients in limbo. Second, Republicans in Alabama and nationwide are running scared from false accusations that the Alabama ruling is the result of the 2022 Dobbs Supreme Court decision and false claims Republicans want to ban IVF, a treatment that enjoys overwhelming popular support. In response to those accusations, on February 23, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump urged Alabamas legislature to act quickly, and lawmakers answered that call by introducing legislation on February 27 and passing it on February 29.

But there are perils to lawmaking at warp speed in a fit of political desperation amid a media firestormespecially on an ethically complex issue. The immunity granted by the legislation would be sweeping and absolute, as it applies to any individual or entity who damages or kills a human embryo when providing or receiving goods or services related to in vitro fertilization. The case before the Alabama Supreme Court, for example, involved wildly negligent behavior: Three sets of parents sued a clinic after their embryos were killed when a random hospital patient wandered into a cryogenic nursery through an unsecured door, accessed the stored embryos, and dropped the vials containing the embryos.

The proposed law would apply retroactively to any act, omission, or course of services which are not the subject of litigation on the effective date of this act. So it would allow those three sets of parents to continue to have their day in court, but it would not provide legal recourse to other IVF patients who experienced similar or worse treatmentno matter how negligent or willful. In an email to The Dispatch, Notre Dame law professor Carter Snead warned that the blanket-immunity legislation will have catastrophic results, including a cascade of unintended harmful consequences for IVF patients. There have been horror stories all around the country in which couples have had their embryos negligently destroyed, and successful lawsuits against those clinics have not threatened the availability of IVF. In 2021, for example, a California jury awarded $15 million in damages to couples whose embryos were destroyeda decision that did nothing to curtail IVF access in the state.

Snead, who served as general counsel on the Presidents Council of Bioethics during the George W. Bush administration, urged the Alabama legislature to slow down and study this highly complex question carefully. But theres no sign of anyone in Alabama hitting the brakes on the legislation, even as state lawmakers across the aisle acknowledged problems with the bill but portrayed it as a stopgap measure that would reopen all IVF clinics as they considered the matter more carefully. Republican and Democratic lawmakers raised concerns that the immunity offered to medical personnel treating IVF patients was too broad and risked leaving women who are injured or adversely affected during care without recourse, according to an NBC News report on the legislatures floor debate on the bills. There are parts that are still missing, Democratic Rep. Adline Clark said. Major parts. As first introduced, the legislation contained a sunset provision in March 2025 in order to force such a reconsideration, but lawmakers dropped it over concerns it could interrupt treatment for IVF patients.

If there is a way for Alabama GOP lawmakers to thread the needle hereproviding some legal recourse for IVF patients while upholding pro-life principles and ensuring all IVF clinics stay openthey certainly havent found it yet. The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America urged Alabamas legislature to copy a 1986 Louisiana law that allows IVF yet prohibits the intentional destruction of viable embryos. But that plea has fallen on deaf ears in Alabama for now. IVF often (but not always) involves the creation of several embryos at once, and those that arent immediately transferred to be implanted are cryogenically frozen and stored. One Louisiana IVF doctor told the Associated Press he and others get around the states prohibition by keeping frozen embryos stored out of state and shipped back in if and when they are desired.

We find it unacceptable, said SBAs Katie Glenn Daniel, that the Alabama legislation would create these blanket protections for the IVF industry at the expense of unborn children and of their parents.

Republicans in Alabama and Washington, D.C., and even pro-life groups, were caught flat-footed by the Alabama Supreme Court ruling because theres never really been a serious debate about IVF in this country. That lack of debate has been due to the treatments overwhelming popularity, as well as the fact that the ethicsnot to say the legalityof creating embryos through IVF has always divided the pro-life movement. See, for example, this 2019 debate between two pro-life evangelicals who argue against IVF and one evangelical who argues in favor of it as long as no human embryos are destroyed in the process, something that can be accomplished but may ultimately incur greater costs and multiple procedures. While orthodox Catholics believe IVF is ethically wrong, there is an intra-Catholic debate about embryo adoption. One doesnt need to have religious convictions, of course, to be concerned about ethical questions surrounding the treatment of nascent human life: Secular Germany passed the 1990 Embryo Protection Act that limited the number of embryos that may be created and transferred in one treatment (a law that has plenty of critics and its own unintended consequences).

In the United States, pro-life groups have never favored banning the creation of human embryos through in vitro fertilization. They have, however, always been concerned about the destruction of human beings in the earliest stages of development. But the last time there was a serious political debate touching on the issue was the George W. Bush era, and even then the debate in Congress narrowly focused on matters such as banning human cloning and prohibiting taxpayer funding of scientific research that required the destruction of new embryos.

Two weeks after the Alabama Supreme Court forced the issue to the forefront, the Alabama Legislature has found a solution to its political problem but deferred a serious debate about the deeper issues at stake to another day. My goal this week has been to try to find some compromise that would open our clinics for these families, Republican state Rep. Terri Collins, sponsor of the House bill, said on Thursday. Do we need to have the longer discussion? Yes, we do.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road (at podium) speaks on a bill that would ban the teaching of "divisive concepts" and publicly-funded diversity, equity and inclusion programs at a meeting of the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee on Feb. 21 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Alabama Statehouse livestream)

Alabamas 2024 legislative session has been frontloaded with several controversial bills.

And in the Senate, they seem to be going through one committee.

The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee has taken on legislation that would radically reorganize the governing board of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. It voted out a bill that would subject public employees who teach so-called divisive concepts or run Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs to discipline or termination.

Both pieces of legislation appear to be outside the official description of the committee. The Alabama Senate rules say County and Municipal Government may consider any legislation concerning the organization, operation, and government of any incorporated municipality in the State of Alabama and matters relating to the organization, operation, and government of counties in Alabama.



The Alabama Department of Archives and History is a state agency, and the divisive concepts and anti-DEI legislation chiefly concern public K-12 schools and colleges. On the Alabama Legislature website, the subject matter for both bills is listed as State & State Officials.

Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, the chair of the committee, criticized Archives last June for hosting a program on LGBTQ+ history, and filed a bill in last summers special session to strip $5 million from the department. That bill did not become law. Elliott sponsored the bill to change the governance of Archives.



Multiple messages were left with Elliott, who confirmed in-person last week that he had seen the first message. Elliott declined comment multiple times when asked in-person.



A man in a suit

Sen Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama Senate at the Alabama Statehouse on Feb. 20, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

In its original form, Elliotts bill would have fired the board of trustees of Archives on June 1. The bill was first assigned to the State Government Committee. When it did not pass out of committee the first day it was there, Elliott filed a new version that went to the County and Municipal Government Committee.

In the House, it was assigned to the Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee.

The divisive concepts and DEI bill was assigned to the State Government Committee in the House of Representatives.

It made me kind of ask the internal question of why, said Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, who also questioned the destination of the bills on the floor of the Senate chamber.

Coleman said that this is not the first time shes been confused by committee assignments since coming to the Senate from the House of Representatives.

You could say everything is applicable to county and municipal government

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, listens to a presentation for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson on the floor of the Alabama Senate on Feb. 8, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Asked about how committee assignments were made after Coleman spoke on the Senate floor, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, R-Jasper, said that government committees could encompass a lot.

A lot of times the government committees, the County and Municipal Government or the State Government Committee are kind of committees that catch a lot of issues that really, you could say everything is applicable to county and municipal government or state government, everything we work on, he said. We have different committees for that reason, but I think theres been a lot of these issues that have gone to those committees, just because they were related to that particular committee.

According to Rule 23 of the Senate Rules, Every Senate bill on first reading shall be referred to a standing committee by the presiding officer, or his/her designee, subject to Rule 54, a rule which governs bills on appropriations.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth presides over the Senate. A message seeking comment was left with Jesse Skaggs, Ainsworths chief of staff.

The pain in folks eyes

A man in a suit

Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, listens to a speaker in the Alabama Senate on Feb. 8, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The controversial nature of the bills have taken their toll on legislators. Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, openly discussed the possibility of resigning at a committee meeting on the divisive concepts bill on Feb. 21, saying he was tired and that he felt he was fighting battles that his mother had fought.

Hatcher spoke at length about his concerns on the Senate floor on Thursday.

Over these last 12 days, the pain in folks eyes has made it almost unbearable for me, he said.

In his speech, he mentioned the chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee by name.

It appears Chris Elliott that you are stuck with me, said Hatcher.

A message was left with Hatcher Friday.

Coleman said that, in contrast to past years, some of the more controversial bills are moving at the beginning rather than the end of the session.

The way it normally would work is we have some feel-good bills at the beginning of the session, so we can all kind of Kumbaya get closer to the mid and the end, and then when were getting ready to go home, have the more divisive pieces of legislation, she said.

A woman in a dress on a floor

Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, listens to debate in the Alabama Senate on a bill to extend immunity to in vitro fertilization programs on Feb. 29, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

She said its been difficult for the Democrats in the Senate because the three Democrats who serve on the committee have been hearing all of the bills, rather than having them spread out among the caucus. She said they usually talk amongst themselves and prepare other members, but its been the same three members all year.

The senator was able to pass legislation in 2020 that eventually led to the removal of racist language from the state Constitution. But she said she was not sure she could pass that bill today.

Im on television saying that Hey, we want to prove to the world that we are a 21st century Alabama. We are not the Alabama that you see on television when they depict the South. Thats not who we are, she said. But were proving right now thats exactly who we are.

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The post Alabama Senates local government committee gets controversial statewide bills appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 4. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov and Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin have discussed the expanding potential of North-South transport corridor, Trend reports.

The discussion took place during a meeting between the prime ministers as part of Bektenovs visit to Russia.

Thus, the parties focused on the expansion and development of the transport corridor with intensive use of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway section.

In addition to this, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan noted the need to accelerate and synchronize work to modernize checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian state border.

It was noted that by the end of 2027, 29 checkpoints out of 30, determined taking into account the workload, will be reconstructed. These measures will facilitate transit and increase capacity along the entire length of the common border.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstans trade turnover with Russia in 2023 amounted to $25.9 billion. Exports to Russia are $9.7 billion, and imports from Russia are $16.2 billion.

Furthermore, the North-South Transport Corridor was founded on an international agreement signed on September 12, 2000, by Russia, Iran, and India. This agreement was signed by Azerbaijan in 2005.

The agreement has been ratified by 13 nations in total (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Armenia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Sultanate of Oman, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Ukraine).
ROME  Albania reopened a refurbished Soviet-era air base on Monday which will host NATO jets as fears grow in the Balkans over creeping Russian influence.

Italian Eurofighters and U.S. F-16s and F-35s flew in for the inauguration of the base at Kucova, 50 miles south of the capital Tirana, which was formerly named Stalin City when Albania was allied with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

This is a base that (will add) another element of security for our Western Balkans region which we all know is endangered from the threat and neo-imperalist ambitions of the Russian Federation, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said during the opening ceremony.

Work on reopening the base started just before Russias invasion of Ukraine and has gained urgency since as Moscow foments anti-Western sentiment in the Balkans.

The 50 million ($54 million) makeover of the Cold War-era base will allow it to support NATO logistics missions, air operations, training and exercises with a 1.2 mile runway, the alliance said.

The makeover of Kucova air base is a strategic investment and shows that NATO continues to strengthen its presence in the western Balkans, an area of strategic importance to the alliance, acting NATO spokesman Dylan White said.

Albania does not operate jet fighters but on Monday it flew its new Bayraktar TB2 drones at the ceremony. Tirana purchased three of the Turkish drones in 2022.

Albania joined NATO in 2009 and is pushing to join the European Union while fellow Balkan state Serbia has by contrast maintained close ties with Russia and China.

Moscow backs Serbias refusal to recognize Kosovo, a former province of Serbia which declared its independence in 2008.

Kosovo accused Serbia of backing about 30 gunmen who entered the Kosovo village of Banjska in September and killed a Kosovar police officer during a firefight.

The terrorist attack in Banjska proved how fragile security is in our region and that there are actors who want to project the future through a past that shouldnt return, said Albanian president Bajram Begaj during his speech at the opening of the base.

Following the speeches, two F-16s and two F-35s from Aviano Air Base in Italy flew overhead while two Italian Eurofighters landed at the 860-acre base.

Kucova still hosts rusting MiGs and Antonovs left over from its days as a Communist base.

Albanias decision to reopen the base for NATO use follows the establishment in 2022 of a forward operating headquarters for U.S. Special Operations in Albania.

On Monday, Albanian prime minister Rama said he also hoped to open a new naval base at Porto Romano in Albania for NATO use.
Kucova air base in Albania reopened on March 4 after undergoing a 50 million euro ($54 million) NATO refurbishment, making it the region's largest NATO tactical air base.

The base adds to the security in the Western Balkans, which is a region endangered by the "threat and neo-imperialist ambitions of the Russian Federation," Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the inaugural ceremony.

Located 60 kilometers (38 miles) south of Tirana, Kucova air base was originally opened in 1955, when Albania was a one-party communist state.

"Albania, with this base that we are reopening today, was considered a strategic outpost," for the Soviet Union at the time, Rama said.

The base has "a defensive and deterrent mission" and is "an important center for NATO operations," Albanias President Bajram Begaj said, as cited by Euronews Albania.

Two fighter jets flew from a NATO air base in Italy and landed at Kucova to mark the reopening.

According to Rama, the base will station three Turkish Bayraktar drones and two new Black Hawk helicopters.

The renovation began in 2019 and has been NATO's biggest project in Albania in the last 10 years.

The reopening comes a week after President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Albania for the second Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, which was hosted by Tirana.

During the visit, Zelensky signed a Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and met other European leaders.

Read also: Kuleba: Albania to open embassy in Kyiv soon

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KUCOVA, Albania (Reuters) - NATO member Albania, which has no fighter jets of its own, opened a rebuilt Soviet-era air base to serve NATO aircraft on Monday amid an increased threat from Russia, Prime Minister Edi Rama said.

NATO has spent over 50 million euros ($54.26 million) on the Kucova Air Base to bolster its presence in the region. Airspace in the Adriatic country of Albania, which borders Greece to the south and Montenegro to the north, is protected by Italy and Greece.

"This is a base that (will add) another element of security for our Western Balkans region which we all know that it is a region endangered from the threat and neo-imperalist ambitions of the Russian Federation," Rama said during the inauguration.

Two fighter jets flying from NATO's Aviano Air Base in Italy landed in Kucova to mark the reopening of the airfield.

The air base is located in the small town of Kucova once known as "Stalin City" when Soviet and Chinese-made MIGs were on standby for orders to scramble in the case of a war with the West that never arrived.

The likely targets then were Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark, Rama said.

"Today we live in a different era and fortunately Albania is on the other side," Rama said.

Albania, which joined NATO in 2009, is also in talks with NATO to build a naval base at Porto Romano on the Adriatic coast.

(Reporting by Florion Goga, writing by Fatos Bytyci, editing by Nick Macfie)
Alleged IS militants in Russia's North Caucasus killed in shootout with security services

Six alleged members of the Islamic State group were killed in a shootout in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region, in what was described by security forces as a counterterrorism operation."

According to the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC), on Saturday, six men barricaded themselves in a third-floor apartment in Karabulak, a town of about 30,000 in Russias semi-autonomous Republic of Ingushetia.

A shootout with security services followed, as surrounding streets were blocked off and residents of the apartment block evacuated to a nearby school, the Russian Interfax news agency reported.

Heavy gunfire and blasts appearing to come from inside an apartment block could be heard in videos posted by Karabulak residents on social media.

The NAC did not immediately name the alleged Islamic State militants, but said three were on Russias wanted list.

All six had been involved in violent acts, including an attack on a traffic police unit last March that killed three officers, it added.

The local branch of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), the countrys main security agency, announced at 7:30 pm local time on Saturday emergency measures were being introduced due to an ongoing counterterrorism operation. The restrictions were lifted shortly after midday on Sunday.

The NAC claimed security services found automatic weapons, ammunition, hand grenades and homemade explosives inside the apartment where the men were hiding out.

The agency said that no local residents were hurt. However, Baza - a Russian Telegram channel set up by journalists critical of the Kremlin - reported a man walking by was killed in the shootout.

Euronews could not verify either side's claim.

Islamic rebels have fought two full-scale wars with Russian troops in Chechnya, a region neighbouring Ingushetia, over the past 20 years. Although the insurgency has been largely suppressed, sporadic attacks persist.

Ingushetia also suffers frequent violence attributed to insurgents, and both regions have seen unrest following Russias military action in Ukraine and a deeply unpopular mobilisation order in September 2022.
Accused Pentagon document leaker Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty Monday to the willful transmission and retention of national security information and accepted a sentence of up to 16 years in prison.

Teixeira changed his plea to guilty in the federal District Court of Massachusetts after initially pleading not guilty last year. The indication that he would switch his plea came after his attorneys filed a notice last week.

As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. will not pursue any further charges against Teixeira under the Espionage Act, according to court documents.

The 22-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guard member was indicted last year on six charges of willful retention and transmission of national security information. In his change of plea hearing Monday, he pleaded guilty to all six counts.

Teixeira also will turn over any classified documents he still has and will meet with Pentagon and intelligence officials.

His agreement with the prosecutors includes a sentencing of 16 years in prison, as recommended by U.S. attorneys, though it is not a final sentencing; Teixeira has agreed not to challenge any sentencing of 16 years or lower.

Teixeira will also be fined $500,000 and undergo 36 months of supervised release.

Teixeira has been held in custody since April. An airman first class, he was serving at Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod when he began leaking classified information to his friends on the social media chat platform Discord.

While he began sharing handwritten transcriptions, Teixeira eventually took photographs of highly classified material to which he had access as a technology staffer.

The files leaked out of Discord and into the wider online community, where they quickly spread across major social media platforms.

Teixeiras leaking of information regarding U.S. documents about the Russia-Ukraine war and assessments of strategic allies across the world was an embarrassing moment for the Biden administration.

It also spurred the Air Force to discipline 15 people following an investigation into the incident that revealed a failure to properly address warning signs from Teixeira indicating he may have been leaking classified material.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Trump Organization Finance Chief Allen Weisselberg leaves Manhattan Criminal Court after hearing on March 04, 2024 in New York City. Weisselberg plead guilty to perjury charges after reaching an agreement with Manhattan prosecutors.

Allen Weisselberg, former chief financial officer (CFO) of the Trump Organization, has pleaded guilty to perjury charges.

The two charges stem from his testimony in a civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump.

Weisselberg, 76, made the plea in a deal with Manhattan prosecutors on Monday.

He is expected to return to New York's notorious Rikers Island prison to serve a five-month sentence.

Weisselberg admitted to lying in sworn testimony in May and October, when he claimed he was not involved in an incorrect valuation of Mr Trump's Manhattan penthouse.

The Trump Tower penthouse was valued at $327m (258m) in 2015 financial statements, based on an estimate that it was 30,000 sq ft - nearly three times its size.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has called the false evaluation "absurd" and said it was an attempt to mislead lenders about the true value of Mr Trump's assets.

The former Trump Organization executive's false testimony was first reported on by Forbes, which uncovered emails between Weisselberg and the publication's journalists in which he tried to convince them that the penthouse was worth more.

A spokesperson for Manhattan's District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, said that Weisselberg "took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York State Attorney General's Investigation and Proceeding, as well as at their recent trial".

"It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial - plain and simple," the spokesperson said.

It is Weisselberg's second guilty plea in several years on charges related to his time as CFO of the Trump Organization.

Mr Trump's long-time loyal deputy also pleaded guilty in 2022 to concealing more than $1.7m in off-the-books income during his time at the organisation.

For that, he served a three-month prison sentence.

Weisselberg is expected to be formally sentenced for his latest guilty plea on 10 April.

After Monday's plea, lawyers for Weisselberg, who has worked for Mr Trump for 50 years, said the former CFO "looks forward to putting this situation behind him".

Last month, Mr Trump and other members of the Trump Organization were ordered to pay a $454m penalty after they were found liable by a Manhattan civil court for manipulating Mr Trump's net worth in the case brought forward by Ms James, a Democrat.

Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, has appealed against the penalty. He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and called the case a political witch hunt.

The former president is scheduled to return to court later this month for a criminal case in which he was accused of falsifying business records after a hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He is also facing other indictments related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a recent Idaho Statesman guest opinion, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador complained that those who criticized him for placing Idahos legal affairs into the hands of the Alliance Defending Freedom were whiners. The opinion boasted that ADFs legal services were free. Like most things hyped as free, however, the relationship comes with a heavy cost.

In its own words, the ADF seeks to recover the robust Christendomic theology of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries. This mysterious phrase is a reference to the establishment of Christianity as the official state religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. Today we would refer to this yearning for official state religion as Christian nationalism or the mingling of church and state. When ADF argues cases, it argues for the placement of Christian features into the public square.

Recall not too many years ago in the prior presidential administration, the same folks now seeking the confluence of religious doctrine and state policy raised a strong cry against the threat of Islamic Sharia law becoming the law of this land. Before breaching the membrane between church and state, it is best to remember that by 2070, Christianity may not be the majority religion in the United States. As the shoe moves to the other foot, we should protect our future religious freedoms rather than surrender our religious freedom to extremists.

This overcast of religion onto Idahos court cases has seen effective results that do not appear to be in the best interests of the majority of Idahoans. In two controversial cases, both the Idaho federal district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have stayed enforcement of Idaho statutes because they found them to be most likely unconstitutional.

In Idaho v. United States, the courts ruled that the federal law allowed abortion for pregnant women with emergency conditions if their health was in jeopardy. The courts found the federal law superseded Idahos statute preventing abortion except when a pregnant woman faced death. ADF filed a motion in the United States Supreme Court lifting this stay.

According to a survey conducted by Boise State Universitys Idaho Policy Institute and School of Public Service, 58% of Idahoans favor expanding exceptions to Idahos current abortion law. Since the law went into effect, more than 50 Idaho obstetricians have stopped practicing in the state, reducing the numbers from 227 to about 176. The clear wants and needs of Labradors client, the people of the state of Idaho, are running contrary to what the ADF is selling the courts.

The second case concerns Idahos statute prohibiting procedures for what is called gender dysphoria, or a conflict between a persons apparent gender and the gender they experience. Again, the district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have stayed enforcement of the statute because it is likely unconstitutional, but ADF has filed a motion with the Supreme Court to lift that stay during litigation.

The ADF has taken positions in these cases regardless of constitutional considerations or the needs and wants of the folks living in this state. This allows the ADF to advance its agenda to force the state to adopt the ADFs religious views. Standing, meaning the right to take a position in litigation, belongs to the litigants, not the lawyers. In the circumstance of these cases, however, Labrador has surrendered standing to ADF zealots to advance ADFs vision of a state religion regardless of the best interests of the client, the people of Idaho.

The positions taken by the ADF extremists in Idahos litigation will concern every Idahoan who cares about constitutional freedoms. The First Amendment contains what is called the Establishment Clause prohibiting the establishment of a state religion. The language prohibits the government from making any law respecting an establishment of religion.

Further, the Supreme Court tells us that the Establishment Clause means that we cannot use the machinery of the state to practice religious beliefs. ADF is doing exactly what the Establishment Clause prohibits. The Idaho Constitution may be more to the point, providing no preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship. With Labradors permission, ADF inhabits Idaho systems to advocate its religious beliefs and acts to enforce ADFs religious doctrines.

During his campaign, Labrador promised to be the lawyer for the people of the state of Idaho. As it turns out, Labrador has made ADF our lawyer. And the ADF is not for the people of the state of Idaho, but instead, the ADF is for the ADF, imposing private religious dictates on all Idahoans.

Contrary to Labradors claim that his partnership with the ADF is free, his surrender to the ADF comes at great cost. It has cost Idahoans their constitutional right to be free from state-sponsored religious constraints.

Tom Arkoosh is a former prosecuting attorney of Gem County, a long-time Idaho legal practitioner and former candidate for attorney general of Idaho.
DF-17 ballistic missiles mounting supposedly hypersonic DF-ZF glide warheads take part in a parade in Beijing. China is thought to be close to fielding the DF-27 hypersonic 'carrier killer' - Ng Han Guan/AP

China and its new DF-27 hypersonic aircraft carrier killer missiles have been a talking point recently, especially among Western military men who want aircraft carriers to be declared obsolete. While the US is rightfully concerned at this evolving threat, the nation that sent men to the moon is more than capable of rising to meet the threat to its ships and, thankfully for the rest of us, to the world order.

How is the US staying on top as a military giant and a science powerhouse? The recent launch of six super-advanced satellites, including the first of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Sensor System (HBTSS) constellation, is a prime example.

One of the problems presented by boost glide type hypersonic warheads is that they do not rise high into space like a conventional ballistic weapon. This means that ground based, or even airborne, radars do not detect incoming hypersonics until they are comparatively close.

But HTBSS satellites in orbit will detect future hypersonic DF-27s soon after launch, giving US defences time to respond. This proactive approach, backed by resources that most nations can only dream of, does more than address the immediate challenges: its shaping the very future of how warfare and defence technology evolve. The US is showcasing its dominance as a technological superpower.

Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the new satellites are designed to track high-speed threats, including manoeuvring hypersonic weapons moving inside the atmosphere at faster than Mach 5. Positioned in low Earth orbit (LEO), these satellites enhance the USs ability to detect, track, and respond to missile launches with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Trust me, this is a huge deal.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader US Space Force plan to bolster missile warning and tracking capabilities in the face of increasing threats from adversaries like China and Russia.

Parallel to its advancements in space-based tracking, the US is revolutionising its approach to missile defence with the development of Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) capabilities. This programme, driven by defence industry giants Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies, focuses on intercepting hypersonic missiles during their glide phase  potentially the most vulnerable part of their trajectory. GPI is designed to launch from US Navy surface warships, integrating seamlessly with the Aegis combat system carried by US cruisers and destroyers. Essentially, itll be another new weapon for the already potent Aegis ships, which can already knock down targets in space and ones in terminal descent.

An SM-3 interceptor is test fired from US cruiser Lake Erie. An SM-3 from the Lake Erie brought down a malfuctioning US spy satellite orbiting above the Pacific in 2008 - US Navy/AP

The strategic importance of GPI cannot be overstated. As hypersonic missiles like Chinas DF-27 pose a sophisticated threat with their ability to evade traditional missile defences, the US is countering with innovation, as it often does best. This ability represents a critical component of the USs layered defence strategy, offering a solution to intercept hypersonic threats before they can reach their targets.

No other nation can do this at the speed, scale and complexity the US can.

As the dragon sharpens its claws with the development of the DF-27 hypersonic missile, the United States sends a clear message to Beijing. When Chinas much-vaunted DF-27 is ready to deploy operationally and in meaningful numbers, the US Navys warships and the carrier groups they belong to will be more than capable of neutralising the threat, rendering the missile little more than a paper tiger.

The Pentagons readiness to swat the DF-27 out of the sky is a symbol of American ingenuity, but its also more than that; it is also a reassurance to allies like the UK that plan on deploying carrier groups to Chinas backyard.

Washingtons message to Beijing is unequivocal: the US stands ready to counter any threats, ensuring that its warships, and by extension, its global influence, remain unchallenged, no matter how many new missiles Xi Jinping develops.

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American Airlines ordered 85 Boeing's yet-to-be certified 737 MAX 10, the biggest version of the MAX family that has remained popular with customers despite problems (JOE RAEDLE)

American Airlines unveiled a large order on Monday of narrow-body planes from European giant Airbus, Brazil's Embraer and Boeing, including a model from the US giant that has yet to be certified.

The order comprises 260 new planes, plus options for an additional 193 aircraft, American Airlines said in a news release.

"Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among US network carriers," said the company's CEO Robert Isom.

"These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers."

The announcement includes a firm order for a further 85 Airbus A321neo jets, bringing the total number of the European manufacturer's largest single-aisle aircraft American has ordered to 219, Airbus said.

American also reached agreement to buy 90 of Embraer's E175 planes, which can seat up to 76 passengers, plus options for as many as 43 more planes from the Brazilian company.

With Boeing, American Airlines ordered 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, the biggest version of the MAX family that has remained popular with customers despite problems.

The Boeing part of the announcement includes a conversion of orders of 30 of the smaller 737 MAX 8 to the MAX 10, which is still being certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Airbus order is worth upwards of $11 billion, based on list prices for the plane, while the Boeing order is worth some $11.5 billion and Embraer's more than $7 billion.

- Questions on timeframe -

The latest orders are a sign of American's confidence in Boeing, which saw a major safety incident on a 737 MAX plane operated by Alaska Airlines in early January that led to a temporary grounding of some of its 737 MAX aircraft.

US regulators last week gave Boeing 90 days to come up with a plan addressing quality control issues.

In January, Isom spoke critically of the US giant's performance, saying, "Boeing needs to get their act together."

But on Monday, the company said it was pleased for Boeing to play a major role in providing a "steady stream of new aircraft" into the coming years.

"We deeply appreciate American Airlines' trust in Boeing and its confidence in the 737 MAX family," said Boeing head of commercial airlines Stan Deal.

The MAX-10 has a maximum configuration of 230 passengers for a 5,740-kilometer (3,566 miles) range to 244 passengers and a 7,400-kilometer (4,598 miles) range for the Airbus A321.

Boeing had been targeting the MAX 10, to begin deliveries in 2024, but has said that time-table could lapse in light of the latest MAX issues.

"The FAA will ultimately determine the timing of certification and entry into service," Boeing said in a January securities filing of both the MAX 10 and the MAX 7, which also is still being evaluated.

"If we experience delays in achieving certification and/or incorporating safety enhancements, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely impacted."

Airbus and Boeing both have order books full for several years to come and are both ramping up production to meet the demand, even as the FAA followed up the January Alaskan scare by announcing increased oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing.

Airlines are striving to renew their fleets with more efficient aircraft to save on fuel costs and reduce CO2 emissions as they bid to cope with strong growth in air traffic in the coming years.

mra-elm-jmb/des
By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As John Kerry prepares to depart as President Joe Biden's special envoy on climate change on Wednesday, he leaves the United States in a stronger position in global climate diplomacy despite lingering mistrust on the world stage over American policy intentions.

The 80-year-old Kerry, capping off over six decades in public service, is credited with restoring U.S. climate ties with China and courting private capital for climate action. But these accomplishments were made even as the United States has become the world's biggest producer of climate-polluting oil and gas.

In an interview ahead of his departure, Kerry said he plans to continue climate advocacy outside of government, though he did not specify whether he will join any boards or organizations.

"I will be in a better position to be able to try to leverage, push, cajole, work at the effort" after leaving his envoy post, Kerry said.

John Podesta, named by Biden to succeed Kerry, faces a challenging year on climate policy in the run-up to the Nov. 5 U.S. election in which Biden, a Democrat, is seeking re-election, with former President Donald Trump the runaway frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge him. According to news reports, Biden's administration may weaken proposed climate regulations for power plants, automobiles and climate financial disclosures amid resistance from industry and other groups.

Kerry assumed the envoy post in 2021 after Trump, during his four years as president, reversed American leadership on climate issues. Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Paris agreement that commits most of the world's nations to combating climate change - and has threatened to do it again if he wins the election.

'A GLARING CHALLENGE'

Kerry's efforts have been hamstrung by a politically divided Congress constraining what the United States could offer in climate finance, with Republicans resisting Democratic efforts.

"This is a glaring challenge for U.S. climate policy, and the whole world knows that both political parties are not on board with the agenda," Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said in an interview.

Kerry turned to building public-private sector coalitions to create momentum, Power added.

Under the 2021 Global Methane Pledge, almost 150 countries pledged to slash methane emissions and raised more than $1 billion in grant-funding. The First Movers Coalition involved nearly 100 companies including automaker Ford and cement-maker Holcim pledging to buy new climate-friendlier technologies.

Through Kerry, the United States also joined other Western governments and banks in launching "just transition" partnerships with South Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam aimed at shuttering coal plants.

Kerry has had "one hand tied behind his back," said Oxford University professor Rachel Kyte, a former World Bank and U.N. climate official.

"He's tried to find numerous creative ways to keep the conversation moving forward. Time will tell whether these initiatives get off the ground," Kyte added.

Kerry acknowledged a "dangerous trend" in recent weeks, with investment firms including Blackrock and JPMorgan rolling back climate commitments.

"I'm concerned about anything that pushes back against common sense, good policy, without presenting an alternative," Kerry said. "We have to push back against it."

COURTING CHINA

Kerry came up with the idea to forge the U.S.-China relationship on climate 10 years ago as secretary of state under President Barack Obama, then kept it alive amid bilateral tensions and COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions.

Showing unity and progress on climate change between the world's two biggest economies - and two biggest polluters - helped lay the foundation for the 2015 Paris Agreement, the 2021 Glasgow Pact and other accords, according to experts.

"Personal relationships still matter in politics," said Brge Brende, president of the Swiss-based World Economic Forum.

Gina McCarthy, Biden's White House climate adviser from 2021-2022, said Kerry's continued engagement with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua during Trump's 2017-2021 presidency meant that the United States "was able to restart the relationship at full speed" despite "Trump's attempt to weaken it."

The United States has failed to fully deliver on climate finance pledges, transferring only $2 billion of the $3 billion it promised 10 years ago. It has since pledged another $11.4 billion, but payments require congressional approval.

With private capital shying away from the poorest countries, Kerry's private sector focus has yet to serve the world's most climate-vulnerable, according to adviser to the Alliance of Small Island States Michai Robertson of the London-based global affairs think tank ODI.

Some critics faulted Kerry's approach toward corporate leaders and high-polluting countries. Mohamed Adow, director of the Kenya-based advocacy group Power Shift Africa, said many in the developing world felt Kerry focused too much on wealthier actors. Adow added that "the U.S. still has a long way to improve its record on climate change."

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; editing by Katy Daigle and Will Dunham)
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After discovering a small, lead and tin object in Poland, an archaeologist shared his find with local officials.

It turned out to be an ancient odznaka pielgrzyma  which translates to pilgrims badge  a rare find for the area, according to a Feb. 23 Facebook post from the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments.

The circular badge is made of a mix of lead and tin, and it measures about 1 inch in diameter, experts said. It was unearthed in the village of Wolka Nieliska.

Experts said the badge depicts a basilisk dragon, which in ancient times was a mythological monster-like serpent known to kill its prey with just a look or a breath.

Photos shared by the conservator show the ancient artifact.

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Pilgrims badges originated in the Middle Ages, and they were common between the 11th and 16th centuries, officials said. They were worn by travelers, or pilgrims, as protection against dangers such as assault, theft and disease. They were also meant to manifest the purpose of a trip.

Researchers said the badges came in various shapes and forms. They could be circular, cross-shaped or shield-shaped. Some depicted saints, knights or other human figures, while others showed animal figures, like the dragon.

A handful of other pilgrims badges have been found in Poland, but there are more throughout western Europe, according to the conservator.

Wolka Nieliska is in eastern Poland, about 160 miles southeast of Warsaw.

Google Translate and Facebook were used to translate a Facebook post from the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments.

Museum collection photo leads to remarkable discovery. Thought it was an illusion

Emerald green artifact was ignored for 80 years. It was a rare 500-year-old find

Hunt for ancient Roman pottery workshop leads to much older exciting find
More than 23 years ago, a US border patrol official issued a warning: slurs against people crossing the border would not be tolerated. Four years ago, the groups parent agency issued guidance condemning one word in particular. Yet reporting last month found that its still being used in the agency regularly  in shockingly callous ways.

Tonk is used as slang for a migrant. As the reporter Roque Planas writes at HuffPost, the consensus is that it refers to the sound of a heavy object, like an agents flashlight, hitting a persons head.

Related: US hospital treated 441 patients with severe injuries from border wall last year

Ive never heard it being used in anything except a derogatory, mocking way by field agents when referring to migrants, says Jacqueline Arellano of the non-profit Border Kindness, which provides migrants with supplies and legal services.

HuffPosts reporting uncovered a raft of emails and text messages at the agency that use the word. Under the subject line tonk, an agent near Spokane, Washington, asked whether someone had found that head wound with his maglite. Another email featured a picture of a T-shirt emblazoned with the word under a picture of a flashlight. Yet another email ridiculed a colleague for marrying a tonk because he cant find a legal chick here.

Vague claims have circulated that its an acronym for something along the lines of traveler, origin not known, but theres no clear source for this assertion.

The word is unfamiliar to most Americans  but not to advocates like Arellano. When I first heard the slur, it was actually being used by a four-star agent, who, literally his only job duty was to operate as search and rescue, she says. He casually used the term to describe what he does and who he serves. Growing up along the border, she says, she would hear agents using the term. And when I have heard people push back on its usage and claim that its a slur, I havent heard any denial.

The words usage among border patrol agents, and its unfamiliarity outside immigration circles, suggest it functions at least in part as jargon or in-group language, common in every line of work. But the fact that the average person doesnt know the word doesnt rob it of its power.

Because the daily work of law enforcement is hidden from the rest of the world, its terminology can become abusive, according to Michael German, a former FBI agent who is now a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice. Words like this serve to belittle or dehumanize other groups and to separate us from them.

That aligns with how sociolinguists  who study how society and culture shape communication  say language works. Everything that we say is telling the world about who we are, says Nicole Holliday, an assistant professor of linguistics and cognitive science at Pomona College in southern California.

Many people working in immigration enforcement probably avoid the word, Holliday says: So what youre doing if youre an agent whos using this term is saying kind of explicitly to your colleagues: Im a person who harbors a lot of resentment towards these people.

Kelly Wright, a sociolinguist and lexicographer at Virginia Tech, says that tonk has referred to a thumping sound for a century, while she sees no evidence to suggest the word is an acronym. The fact that the word echoes physical harm against a specific group, she writes in an email, reflects the fully sanctioned, accepted, understood, unpunished, and perhaps even celebrated nature of the violence it describes.

This is just one of the many examples that we have in which agents use their language to violate migrants, agrees Lilian Serrano, the director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition, which advocates for human rights. It starts with dehumanizing migrants and it ends with putting their lives in danger.

Given the potency of this language, could cracking down on it help limit the harm it causes? Officials have attempted bans: The terms wetback, tonk, etc. will not be tolerated, said the chief patrol agent for the McAllen sector in Texas in a 2000 staff email cited by HuffPost. Any deviation from these instructions will be considered grounds for counseling and/or disciplinary action.

Related: The unprecedented situation at the US-Mexico border  visualized

In a statement, a spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection, the border patrols parent agency, said: The use of any derogatory language towards others is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. No one feels that more than those who wear the uniform. The statement added that alleged misconduct was referred immediately to CBPs office of professional responsibility, and the agency cooperates fully with any criminal or administrative investigations that may result.

But the HuffPost emails show insiders havent stopped using the word.

A ban is just 1% of what needs to be done, says Holliday, and it offers officials an easy way out. Banning words or policing language is a way people from on high can sort of feel good about making a change that doesnt do anything, she says. Its Whac-A-Mole. New words will come up, and the sentiment remains.

Serrano, of the Southern Border Communities Coalition, raises the question of whether such bans have any teeth. Even when theres proof that agents are in direct violation of directives, they face no consequences, she says.

The language is an obvious symptom of a much bigger problem. Ultimately, what we want is not to create an index of words that the border patrol agents are not allowed to use, Serrano says. What we should be addressing is the culture that accepts the racism, that accepts the violence, that dehumanizes migrants  and part of that is a disciplinary system that brings accountability to the agents and transparency for those of us who have to interact with them.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department said that it is investigating after a shooting Sunday night at 2347 Douglas Street, according to a social media post by the agency.

The shooting occurred at a residence in the Douglas Landing Apartment Homes, according to APD Public Information Officer Ariel Crumes. Crumes said the shooting was reported just after 8 p.m.

Police officers at the scene of a March 3, 2024 shooting on Douglas Street. (KXAN PHOTOS/Frank Martinez)

Police Audio from Broadcastify detailed three victims officers encountered on scene.

We got three gunshot victims right now Our guy back here is 12 years old One victim has a DSW [Deadly Shooting Wound] to his chest and a second to his arm. And our second victim has one to his hip. Broadcastify

The first APD officers on scene located three minors with gunshot wounds, and provided first aid until Austin-Travis County EMS arrived, according to Crumes.

ATCEMS Division Chief Keith Noble said paramedics took three patients to the hospital. One of those patients had critical injuries and the other two were in stable condition, according to Noble.

All of our commanders carry blood, and I believe that resource was used on this call, Noble said.

Joann Salazar said she lives at the Douglas Landing Apartment Homes. She said she was on her porch when shots rang out and ran inside, to duck for cover.

I go, Oh my gosh!,' Salazar said. I have three grandkids living here.

According to Crumes, the situation was an isolated incident and that no arrests have been made yet, but added that detectives are looking into persons of interest.

However, there have been hundreds of reports of crime in this complex and surrounding area in just the last year, according to Austin Police Department crime data. These incidents range from violent aggravated assault, auto thefts, burglary and more.



The incident is under investigation by the APD Aggravated Assault unit. Police havent identified the victims.

KXAN reached out to the apartment complexs management company for comment, but havent heard back yet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Update: The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday evening accepted an emergency appeal from the U.S. Justice Department and kept a hold on SB 4 until at least March 13, preventing the Texas law that empowers state law enforcement officers to detain and deport migrants suspected of illegally entering or living in the U.S. from going into effect Sunday.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will allow a sweeping and controversial border security package that Texas lawmakers passed last year to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday  paving the way for state law officers to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico and allowing state judges to issue deportation orders  unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes, according to an order the court issued over the weekend.

The New Orleans-based appeals court's decision came a day after Judge David Ezra of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on Friday issued a ruling to temporarily block the law from going into effect while its constitutional challenge is settled.

"Several factors warrant an injunction," Ezra wrote in enjoining Senate Bill 4 on Friday. "First, the Supremacy Clause, and Supreme Court precedent affirm that states may not exercise immigration enforcement power except as authorized by the federal government."

However, in reversing the lower court's ruling, the appeals court allowed SB 4, which was previously scheduled to take effect Tuesday, to become active Sunday. As per its brief memo, the appeals court delayed its decision from taking effect for seven days to allow the federal government time to appeal the order to the Supreme Court.

On Monday, federal prosecutors made that petition to the Supreme Court, which the country's high court accepted later in the day, to consider overturning the appeals court's decision based on long-standing court precedent on border issues.

"This court has long recognized that the regulation of entry and removal of noncitizens is inseparably intertwined with the conduct of foreign relations and thus vested 'solely in the federal government, federal prosecutors wrote in asking to reinstate the District Courts injunction.

In response to the Supreme Court's intervention, migrant advocacy groups  including the ACLU, Las Americas and the League of United Latin American Citizens  were "cautiously optimistic" and view the continued delay of SB 4's implementation as "encouraging."

"This is a step in the right direction and a moment to celebrate the importance of checks and balances in our legal system," said state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, D-Dallas, the chair of the House Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

Earlier on Monday before the Supreme Court's intervention, Gov. Greg Abbott in a short post on X, formerly Twitter, welcomed the appeals court ruling as "huge news."

Gov. Greg Abbott and Republican lawmakers gather for a bill signing ceremony in Brownsville, giving final approval to Senate Bill 4 and additional border security legislation.

"Federal appeals court allows Texas immigration law to take effect," Abbott said. "Law enforcement officers in Texas are now authorized to arrest & jail any illegal immigrants crossing the border."

In a follow-up post nearly an hour later, Abbott clarified that law enforcement officers will be allowed to start enforcing SB 4 only if the Supreme Court doesn't take up the case by Saturday.

In November, the state Legislature passed SB 4, creating a series of penalties for anyone suspected of crossing the Texas-Mexico border into the U.S. other than through a legal international port of entry. The penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.

From left, Mori Leyva, Heather Malkawi and Bryce Lambeth unfurl a banner at a news conference before a court hearing about the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4 at the federal courthouse in Austin last month.

SB 4, which faced heavy opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups throughout the 2023 legislative calendar, also requires people accused of illegally crossing into Texas to either accept a magistrate judge's deportation order or face a second-degree felony charge for noncompliance.

Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, who wrote the House's final version of SB 4, said the appeals court ruling is "great news for Texas" and that federal prosecutors have failed to make a successful argument on the harms that could be caused by the state's immigration law taking effect.

"The injunction shouldnt have ever been granted because the DOJ failed to prove they were likely to succeed on the merits, and that SB 4 would have inflicted irreparable harm to the US  both requisite steps for the issuance of a temporary injunction," Spiller said Monday on X.

More: Far-right billionaires throw money at Republican primary to weed out enemies of AG Paxton

In reversing the lower court's injunction on SB 4 taking effect, Judges Edith Clement, Kurt Engelhardt and Irma Ramirez said the court's consideration of Texas' immigration law will be expedited, with the case to be taken up on the "next available oral argument calendar." As of Monday, no date had been set.

The appeals court decision was not unanimous by the three-judge panel, with Ramirez saying she would not have granted the temporary stay and instead favored deferring that decision to the judges panel that will hear oral arguments on the case, according to the court's order published Saturday.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed its lawsuit against Texas to stop SB 4 in January, joining previous suits filed late last year by the ACLU, the ACLU of Texas, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, American Gateways, the Texas Civil Rights Project and El Paso County.

Ryan Walters of the attorney general's office leaves the courthouse after a hearing about the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4 last month.

During oral arguments Feb. 15 in Ezra's federal courtroom in Austin, the state's attorneys defending SB 4 said the surge in migrants into Texas warrants state-level immigration provisions. Ezra, while complimentary of the argument presented by Ryan Walters, the state attorney general's office special litigation chief, entirely disagreed with the state's premise in his ruling.

"Finally, to allow Texas to permanently supersede federal directives on the basis of an invasion would amount to nullification of federal law and authority  a notion that is antithetical to the Constitution and has been unequivocally rejected by federal courts since the Civil War," Ezra wrote.

More: Here's our Texas primary election voter guide before voting on Super Tuesday

During the February hearing, federal prosecutors bemoaned Texas' effort to enact immigration law as a clear overstep into the federal government's authority, laying out their case arguing that the state lacks the authority to determine the ingress and egress of migrants along the southern border.

After Ezra's ruling and the state's immediate appeal, Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton said their intent is to continue fighting for the state law with the purpose of reaching the Supreme Court for a final decision.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: US appeals court allows Texas Senate Bill 4 to take effect Sunday
Arizona mother yelled 'I am going to kill you' as she drove through park hitting a child: police

A Peoria, Arizona woman has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly driving through a park in her pickup truck and threatening to kill teenagers who were bullying her children, according to police.

FOX 10 in Phoenix reported that 30-year-old Brandie Gotch hit one of the children and has been charged with several crimes including attempted murder and endangerment.

In court documents obtained by the station, police claim Gotch confronted a group of kids at Westgreen Park near 87th Avenue and Butler Drive after seeing them fighting with her children on Feb. 27, 2024.

During the altercation, Gotch reportedly chased one teen with a stick and grabbed another teen by the hair.

JILL BIDEN HECKLED MORE THAN ONCE AT ARIZONA CAMPAIGN STOP

She then got behind the wheel of her truck and allegedly started driving recklessly through the park while yelling, "I am going to kill you and run you over."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Court documents allege Gotch fled the scene after hitting a child and running over her leg.

Police identified Gotch as the registered owner of the pickup truck and went to her home to take her into custody.

KILLER OF TUCSON GIRL WHO DISAPPEARED IN 2012 FINALLY FOUND, BUT HE IS ALREADY SERVING LIFE SENTENCE

While interviewed by investigators, police claim, Gotch said she saw the victims fighting with her children in the park. She also allegedly admitted to driving through the park, though she did not believe she hit any of the children.

EX-AZ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WORKERS USED 'GHOST STUDENTS' TO LAUNDER VOUCHER MONEY

"Brandie continued by stating her children are being bullied at school and have had issues with this group of kids before and reported it to the school and police but nothing has been done," court documents read. "[Gotch] thought the bullying was being continued at the park when she drove up and saw her daughter get hit by one of the other juveniles."

Gotch also allegedly told investigators her children were secured in the truck with seatbelts, despite her children saying otherwise.

She was booked into jail and was held on $250,000 cash-only bond.





Original article source: Arizona mother yelled 'I am going to kill you' as she drove through park hitting a child: police
Arkansas Sen. Stephanie Flowers, D-Pine Bluff, questions Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, about proposed FOIA legislation during the special session on Sept. 11, 2023. (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

This is why Arkansas needs to keep a strong public records and open meetings law, and make it stronger.

On Dec. 4, Helena-West Helena Police responded to an unidentified callers report of a gang fight that included parents at the citys Central High School. Less than 10 minutes later, the school districts independent campus police department told city officers they werent needed.

We know this much about the violence that day thanks to the reporting of Phillips Countys scrappy weekly newspaper The Helena World.

Since then, however, the Helena-West Helena School District has stonewalled newspaper publisher Andrew Bagleys public records requests for school security video, incident reports and other documents. Even after he filed a lawsuit under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act on Jan. 29.

The school district claimed a broad exemption to disclosing the video and other information under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), but, as the Worlds lawsuit points out, FERPA allows the release of information if students identities are redacted.

Besides, the district undermined its own position when it held an expulsion hearing on Jan. 4 and not only publicly disclosed the names of students who participated in the melee, but discussed one students prior disciplinary record without the student being present or represented.

And, as Bagley pointed out in an article, the school districts FERPA exemption claim is so broad that a publication wouldnt even be given the Honor Roll to print because it could be considered a student record under HWHSDs claim.

The school district just doesnt want this to see the light of day because it results in negative public relations, Bagley said in the article.

People have a right to know what is happening in their schools and how those entrusted with its management deal with issues. Bad things happen. Often, its the response to it that results in problems, he said.

But the publishers struggle to make the school district comply with the FOIA isnt his only public records battle.

After Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin fired four police officers amid allegations of use of excessive force in February, the World asked for the officers personnel files and body camera footage.

Surprise! The city is stonewalling. City Attorney Andre Valley, citing an ongoing investigation exception for the video, requested an opinion from Attorney General Tim Griffin on whether the records can be released, but Griffins office sidestepped the issue, saying the city didnt ask a clear-cut question, and declined to opine.

Since then, the mayor has left the matter in the hands of the city attorney, who continues to oppose the release of the personnel records and the body cam footage. Worse yet, the county prosecutor supports the city attorneys position.

This apparently is going to be the M.O. going forward. Delay, deny, delay, Bagley said in an interview last week.

A proposed initiated act that would toughen civil penalties for violating the state FOIA and create a commission to help citizens enforce the law would help, Bagley said. He is part of the bipartisan coalition seeking to get the measure on the November ballot.

The proposed Arkansas Government Disclosure Act will provide an avenue other than through a lawsuit for citizens to enforce their right to know, Bagley said.

Plus, the criminal penalties in the Arkansas FOIA as it stands are worthless, he said. Prosecutors have rarely filed criminal charges under the laws misdemeanor provision.

Bagley added that his papers fight to enforce the FOIA is more than just a local fight.

Proof of that came last month in a Crittenden County Circuit Court lawsuit in which the West Memphis School Board admitted violating the FOIA by interviewing candidates for superintendent without notifying the public of the special meetings and by failing to record the meetings. The court ordered the school district to pay the plaintiffs court costs and $1,500 in attorneys fees.

This lawsuit is a perfect example of why the people of Arkansas are pursuing a constitutional amendment and peoples act to enshrine the right to transparency in our constitution, attorney and FOIA warrior Joey McCutchen said in a news release about the case. McCutchen represented the plaintiffs.

This case is the perfect example of the need in the peoples law to allow a Circuit Court to hold individual wrongdoers personally liable with the imposition of a $1,000 civil penalty which will not be satisfied with public funds, he said, referring to provisions in the proposed Government Disclosure Act.

Conduct rewarded is conduct repeated, he said.

Supporters of the disclosure initiative and the proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine the peoples right to know in the Arkansas Constitution are gathering signatures now to get both items on the November ballot.

After years of legislative moves to weaken the FOIA, encouraged last year by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Helena-West Helena and West Memphis cases show why we need the pending proposals.

The post Arkansans fight the power appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
MARIANNA, Ark.  State investigators are joining the effort to find out what led to a 2-year-old being shot outside of an apartment in eastern Arkansas Sunday afternoon.

Officials with the Marianna Police Department said the toddler was playing outside an apartment complex located in the 200 block of Sealand Street around 4:30 p.m. Sunday when a fight nearby led to shots being fired.

Man killed in early morning Pine Bluff shooting

Authorities said the child was hit by gunfire, with family members telling WREG-TV that the toddler was shot in the head. The 2-year-old was taken to a Memphis hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

Family members identified the child as Legend Tillman.

2-year-old boy shot in the head in Arkansas

Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene to help with the investigation, and agents said they were able to identify two suspects connected to the shooting.

The agents said the first suspect, an unidentified juvenile, was booked into the Lee County Jail on Monday morning. Agents said the second suspect, a 22-year-old from Marianna, was still at large and being sought by authorities.

Man arrested, Texarkana officer allegedly hit in head with machete

State investigators are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact Criminal Investigation Division Company A at 501-618-8420 or to reach out to local law enforcement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was wrapping up his time at the festival bearing his name on Sunday, but made time to throw his muscle behind an effort to place an anti-gerrymandering amendment to Ohio's Constitution on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

"I was asked to come here since I was already in the building," the former California governor joked inside a packed meeting room at the Hilton Columbus Downtown as the four-day Arnold Sports Festival wrapped up.

But Schwarzenegger, a Republican, said he supports the Ohio anti-gerrymandering effort because he backed a similar initiative in California to create a citizens redistricting commission that he said has worked.

"Get the legislature and the lawmakers out of the redistricting business," Schwarzenegger said.

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks Sunday, March 3, 2024, at an anti-gerrymandering event at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

The "Terminate Gerrymandering" event was held to support an effort by the Citizens Not Politicians group to place an Ohio constitutional amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot that would replace the Ohio Redistricting Commission and the current way of drawing Ohio House and Senate and congressional districts.

It would be replaced with a 15-member citizen commission  five Republicans, five Democrats, and five independents  and stricter rules on gerrymandering. It also would ban current or former politicians, political party officials and lobbyists from the new commission's membership.

Schwarzenegger, now 76, said he didn't know much about redistricting when he was elected California's governor in 2003.

"I started getting into it," Schwarzenegger said. And he said what he found were liberal and conservative districts in California and not much in between.

"They'll draw it in a way where their job is secure," he said of politicians.

Why some believe Ohio needs gerrymandering reform

Citizens Not Politicians asserts that Ohio's system unfairly favors Republicans who control both the Ohio House and Senate as well as governor, attorney general, auditor and secretary of state.

In November, the Ohio Supreme Court's four Republican justices dismissed legal challenges to Ohio House and Senate maps, which will be in place through 2030.

The 4-3 vote, with three Democratic justices dissenting, came after five previous Supreme Court votes that rejected GOP-drawn maps, saying they unconstitutionally violated gerrymandering rules to favor Republicans.

"How many times did the court have to tell them they screwed up?" Schwarzenegger said. "They intentionally draw it to screw you.

"When there is no competition, there is no performance. Very simple," he said.

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks Sunday, March 3, 2024, at an anti-gerrymandering event at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. Citizens Not Politicians and other backers want to place an amendment to Ohio's Constitution on the statewide ballot in the November general election to change how legislative districts are drawn.

Former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, a Republican, was the swing vote in those five earlier court rulings. Current Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, a Republican, replaced O'Connor in January 2023, and Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Cincinnati Republican Joe Deters to fill Kennedy's remaining two years as associate justice.

O'Connor is helping to drive the Citizens Not Politicians effort. She was not at Sunday's event, but sent a letter in support.

Citizens Not Politicians needs to gather more than 413,487 valid signatures from at least 44 counties by July 3 for the issue to make the Nov. 5 ballot.

Another who spoke at the event, Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said the goal is to have an Ohio that represents the needs of every citizen.

Ange-Marie Hancock, a political science professor at Ohio State University's Kirwan Institute, said gerrymandering drives political polarization.

Schwarzenegger said while a new commission doesn't solve all political problems, it helps give voices to more sides.

"I didn't see Democrats as the villains," he said.

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Arnold Schwarzenegger backs Ohio effort to 'terminate' gerrymandering
Around 170 people have been executed in attacks on three villages in Burkina Fasos northern Yatenga province, the regional public prosecutor has said.

Aly Benjamin Coulibaly said in a statement on Friday that his office was initially informed of the massive murderous attacks in the villages of Komsilga, Nodin and Soroe on February 25.

The statement was re-posted to the countrys justice ministrys Facebook page on Sunday.

Coulibaly said people were also injured, although no figure was given.

He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The statement did not mention which group was behind the attacks.

Meanwhile, authorities have yet to announce an official death toll from separate attacks on February 25 that targeted a mosque and a church in the north and east of the country.

At least 15 Muslims and 15 Catholics were killed when hordes of terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on Tankoualou and Essakane villages, the government press agency Agence dInformation du Burkina (AIB) reported last week.

The European Union condemned those attacks while expressing solidarity with the troubled nation.

The junta-led West African country is one of the worlds poorest nations and has become an epicenter of violence carried out by Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The violence began in neighboring Mali in 2012 but has since spread across the arid expanse of the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert.

Large areas of the north and east of Burkina Faso have become ungovernable since 2018. Millions have fled their homes, fearing further raids by gunmen who frequently descend on rural communities on motorbikes. Thousands have been killed.

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The arrest of a Philadelphia city official and her husband that was captured on video is under investigation

The Philadelphia district attorney's office is investigating after a city official, Celena Morrison, and her husband were arrested.

Morrison, the executive director of Philadelphias Office of LGBT Affairs, was arrested with Darius McLean during a traffic stop Saturday morning, according to police records.

Celena Morrison. (Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs)

The arrest was captured on video recorded by Morrison, and in it, McLean can be seen on the ground on the shoulder of a roadway with an officer standing over him.

"Do you want to get Tased? Put your hands behind your back!" an officer is heard saying.

"OK! They are!" McLean responds.

"That's my husband! That's my husband, please!" Morrison, who is off camera, can be heard saying.

"I work for the mayor! I work for the mayor," Morrison says to the officer after she tells her husband not to worry.

"It's cause I'm Black," McLean says. The officer rebuts that in the video before turning toward Morrison.

"Turn around," the officer tells Morrison.

In what appears to be a scuffle of some sort, the camera ends up on the ground.

"Give me your hands, or you're getting Tased!" the officer can be heard saying, as screams are heard in the background.

"Don't worry. I don't know why this is happening," Morrison tells her husband off camera. "Stay calm; we ain't done nothing wrong."

Morrison then says the officer punched her. "Why are you so aggressive?" Morrison asks the officer.

Toward the end of the video, the officer yells at McLean, instructing him not to reach for anything.

"I need my glasses!" he responds.

NBC News does not know what happened before the recording of the video.

Police said a Pennsylvania state trooper pulled over a gray Infiniti sedan on Interstate 76 at 9:09 a.m. "after multiple vehicle code violations were observed."

No additional details about the alleged violations were given.

"Prior to the trooper making contact with the operator of the Infiniti, a green Dodge sedan arrived at the location of the traffic stop and parked behind the troopers patrol vehicle," police said in a news release. "The trooper approached the Dodge and the operator of the vehicle became verbally combative toward the trooper."

The driver of the Dodge "refused multiple lawful orders," so the trooper tried to arrest the driver, who resisted arrest, police said. The driver of the Infiniti interfered with the trooper's arrest attempt, police alleged.

Both people, identified as Morrison and McLean, were arrested and accused of "resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct and other related charges," police said.

Morrison did not immediately respond to requests for comment. McLean could not be reached for comment.

State police are investigating, and the trooper will not be on patrol while the investigation is ongoing, spokesperson Adam Reed told NBC News.

The Philadelphia district attorney's office is also investigating the arrests and has asked anyone with information about the incident to reach out.

"The district attorneys office has made no charging decision pending a thorough, even-handed investigation," the office said in a statement, adding that it had no further comment.

In a statement Saturday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said that the video is very concerning and that she would have no further comment until the investigation has been completed.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 4. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) intends to establish a nature conservation trust fund in Kyrgyzstan, announced Ivana Zivkovic, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) of the UNDP, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, when announcing the establishment of the trust fund during a meeting with the Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeenbek Kulubaev, Zivkovic emphasized the importance of the country's mountain initiatives

During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the UNDP, reviewed the joint efforts in 2023, and discussed plans for cooperation in 2024, upcoming visits, as well as international and regional events.

They touched upon the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-2027. Zivkovic expressed UNDP's readiness to continue its work on current projects in Kyrgyzstan aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The necessity for further practical implementation of the National Roadmap for the Decade of Action for Mountainous Regions in Kyrgyzstan, including attracting investments from international partners and donors, was discussed.

Kulubaev confirmed Kyrgyzstan's interest in further developing cooperation and assured support and assistance for UNDP activities in the country.

Zivkovic arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the first working visit, scheduled from March 3 to March 7, 2024. During her visit, she will visit the Osh and Batken regions and participate in various events in Bishkek.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said the region faces 'destabilising, provocative and coercive actions' (William WEST)

The leaders of Southeast Asian nations and Australia are expected to jointly denounce "the use of force" in regional disputes during talks that kicked off Monday in Melbourne, a collective swipe likely to irritate China.

Beijing's increasingly aggressive stance in the South China Sea was high on the agenda as leaders from the 10-nation ASEAN bloc began a "special summit" with their Australian counterparts.

"We strive for a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected," a draft joint ASEAN-Australia statement obtained by AFP read.

"We strive for a region where differences are managed through respectful dialogue, not the threat or use of force," the statement added, without mentioning China by name.

Territorial disputes in the vital trade corridor have escalated in recent months, with China baring its teeth in areas also claimed by ASEAN members such as the Philippines and Vietnam.

Australia's Penny Wong, the host foreign minister, said nations must shoulder a joint responsibility to keep the region "peaceful, stable and prosperous".

"We face destabilising, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air and militarisation of disputed features."

While the bloc's position on the South China Sea appeared to be largely settled, there was the prospect of tense discussions behind closed doors on sensitive matters such as the war in Gaza.

A draft joint declaration obtained by AFP indicated significant differences in opinion regarding the ongoing conflict -- which poses a tricky issue for the consensus-bound ASEAN forum.

Some 40 percent of the world's Muslim population calls Southeast Asia home, and forum heavyweights Indonesia and Malaysia are among the strongest supporters of the Palestinians on the international stage.

But other ASEAN nations such as Singapore have closer diplomatic and economic ties with Israel -- and are less eager to stoke controversy.

"I think the general consensus is calling for a ceasefire," Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.

"Probably avoiding the contentious issues between Palestine and Israel, but at least for now (looking at) the ceasefire and humanitarian assistance."

The draft showed objections to suggested language on the "use of starvation" in the Gaza Strip and calls for a "durable" ceasefire.

The draft declaration also indicated that discussions about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar were similarly bogged down in disagreement and progressing with difficulty.

- 'China-phobia' -

The three-day summit is also expected to focus on economic cooperation, as countries such as the Philippines and Australia look to insulate their economy against retaliation from China.

Philippines Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo told AFP that economic resilience was a crucial part of ensuring security and sovereignty are upheld.

As part of that effort, he said the Philippines hopes to launch formal free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union "very soon".

The Philippines is focused on creating "greater economic security and economic resiliency, which in turn contributes to your own national security", Manalo said.

Other ASEAN members, however, have warned that China must play a role in the region's economic growth -- and that members should not be dragged into any dispute between Beijing and Washington.

"If they have problems with China, they should not impose it upon us," the Malaysian prime minister said.

"We do not have a problem with China. The China-phobia is in the West."

- Minerals boon -

Far more likely to generate consensus during the summit are issues of climate change and energy security.

Southeast Asia's hunger for energy is largely sated by fossil fuels, while Australia remains one of the world's biggest exporters of gas and polluting thermal coal.

Both are increasingly eager to pivot toward renewable energy, making the most of natural blessings, such as bulging deposits of critical minerals.

"ASEAN countries need more energy if they are going to continue developing their economies," said Rahman Yaacob, a regional analyst with Australia's Lowy Institute.

"Australia could be a source of that energy."

Indonesia and the Philippines are two of the world's largest producers of nickel, a key ingredient in the production of batteries for electric cars.

Another key battery metal, lithium, is found in vast quantities scattered throughout Australia.

Jakarta and Canberra have already started exploring how they could mesh these advantages to boost electric vehicle manufacturing.

arb-sft/qan
HENDERSONVILLE  Although charges have been dropped against a mother who says she was "inhumanely" arrested feet from where her son lay dead, Patricia King continues to cry foul on a law enforcement and judicial system she says has been dehumanizing to her family and anything but transparent in the handling of her son's killing and a family's grief.

King's son, Elijah Timmons III, 30, of Asheville, was shot and killed the night of Nov. 24 in the Henderson Crossing Plaza parking lot amid a crowd of people. That night, King raced from her home in Candler to the parking lot in Hendersonville holding onto desperate hope  her daughter, Tranace Timmons, and a witness to the shooting, Tyshala Pea, told her by phone that "he still has a pulse."

When King arrived at the scene, Hendersonville police claim she crossed the crime scene tape, punched a Henderson County Sheriff's Office deputy in the mouth with a closed fist and kicked another in the groin. King and bystanders claim that law enforcement officers "slammed" her to the ground.

After extensive reporting by the Citizen Times, King's charges of assault on a government official and resisting a public officer were dismissed Feb. 19 by District Attorney Andrew Murray. But King claims she has been denied her right under N.C. General Statute 132-1.4A(b2) for a court order within seven business days of her filed petition to view body worn camera footage that allegedly shows her assault on an officer and subsequent arrest.

Mother arrested at son's shooting: Asheville mother says her arrest as son died in fatal shooting was 'inhumane'

Patricia King cries out in despair while in handcuffs in the parking lot near her son's body after he was shot in Hendersonville.

King filed her petition with the police department on Jan. 19, leading to HPD's petition to superior court on Jan. 23. The judge's order was signed by Henderson County Superior Court Judge Peter Knight on Feb. 12, seven days past the time frame allotted in state statute, according to court documents obtained by the Citizen Times.

King is scheduled for a March 4 hearing in front of Knight in Henderson County regarding disclosure of the footage. Police Chief Blair Myhand told King in an audio recording obtained by the Citizen Times that they will be "subpoenaing every police officer that was there to come to this hearing and they'll all have the opportunity to object to it."

Patricia King sits in her home, sharing about her son, Elijah Timmons III, who was shot and killed in a Hendersonville parking lot Nov. 24.

What does the bodycam footage show?

Murray told the Citizen Times Feb. 20 he used his discretion to drop King's assault charges because she had just lost her child and "that makes it a difficult situation." But he insisted the dismissal was not due to lack of evidence of an assault.

"I watched the video; she would not clam down, she would not listen to reason," Murray said. "She was fighting and kicking and rolling and saying things that an officer should never hear about themselves."

However, when asked by the Citizen Times if he specifically watched footage of the alleged assault, Murray said he did not view the footage of King's initial interaction with officers where the punch allegedly happened, only the portion after she was handcuffed.

Timmons' father, Elijah Timmons Jr., said he was feet away and watched King's arrest that night after Thanksgiving. He said he saw multiple officers on his ex-wife's back, to the point she called out "I can't breathe."

When she was flipped onto her back, King said she was "dragged on the concrete" to the point her pants fell below her waist. Bystander video shows her sitting handcuffed in this state, feet away from where her son was haphazardly covered by a white sheet, his head wound exposed to bystanders.

"She was half naked on the damn ground and they're still pushing on her, grabbing on her, handcuffing her, touching her," Timmons Jr. said. He also said he overheard an officer tell his handcuffed former wife that if she didnt calm down she would be "tased."

In bystander video, one officer kneels in front of King. She said he was telling her that she wouldn't want to see her son in that moment.

When asked if he's seen cases similar to this in Henderson County, King's attorney Micheal Lovejoy said, "nothing as specific as a mom, but there's been occasions where you see excessive force, in my opinion, a lot of times."

King filed complaints in mid-December with HPD and the sheriff's office over the way officers treated her. This led to an internal investigation by both law enforcement agencies where police say no wrongdoing was found on the part of officers.

King, who is Black, said she feels her mistreatment was in part racially motivated by the officers, all of whom are white.

Elijah Timmons III sits with his three of his four children.

A lot of people have had issues like Patricias experienced, as far as miscommunication, their cases not being heard, feeling like their voices arent being heard," said Crystal Cauley, founder of the Black History Collective of Henderson County and the Black Business Network of WNC.

"I have witnessed and heard people talking about situations theyve had with the Hendersonville Police Department and the racism that happens here in this city and county.

The Citizen Times asked Myhand and Murray if they intend to get permission from a judge to release to the public officer bodycam and dashcam footage from that night. Both said no. The sheriffs office would not answer questions regarding a pending investigation.

Whats troublesome is that the police department has not released bodycam footage because this issue could have been resolved very quickly as far as what the court of public opinion is stating, said Keith Ross, an expert from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and former master instructor for NYPD, who viewed a bystander video.

Initial reporting: Asheville man found shot to death in Hendersonville parking lot, suspect at large: police

Patricia King and her family holding photos of Elijah Timmons III. Seen in the photo are three of Timmons' four sons: 12-year-old Siir'ziion (far right), 6-year-old Kii'zerriion (middle), and 10-year-old E'miilliion (far left).

Family, bystanders treated 'like criminals,' father says

Bystander videos from the night of Timmons IIIs shooting show a chaotic scene of his sister dropping to the ground and crying out, multiple people being placed in handcuffs, bystanders yelling at cops "That's the mother!" and some people recording officers from outside the crime scene tape, yelling about what was happening. One woman is heard saying, Yall slammed her for no reason.

Rob Thomas, founder of OUR AVL  a newly-formed Asheville alliance that organizes gatherings and conversations on eliminating racial injustice  viewed bystander video. Thomas told the Citizen Times he feels "it was handled very inhumane," saying the officers used fear-based control tactics, from an aggressive tone of voice to threatening the use of a Taser.

"There's a lot of grey area in what a police officer can and can't do," Thomas said. "I feel this is one of those situations that fits in the grey area where just because it's legal doesn't mean that it's right."

Family members brought up many concerns about the way officers handled the crime scene, which was initiated at 2:51 a.m.  about six minutes after Timmons' time of death, according to officer call notes. Timmons Jr. said he felt like the officers were "a bunch of rookies," and Pea added that they "were careless and rude."

"They treated us like we were a part of the crime," Timmons Jr. said. "They treated all of us like that, even me being the calmest one out of my daughters, my ex-wife, family and friends that were out there."

In one bystander video, a distinctive buzzing of a Taser is heard, and a police officer is seen pointing the Taser at a man, who is holding onto a child and ducking him out from a corner of the crime scene tape wrapped around a column of the Mighty Dollar store. Meanwhile, other officers are actively adjusting fallen tape.

Hendersonville Police Department officer seen pointing a taser at a man at the crime scene of Elijah Timmons III's shooting.

The officer yells "back up, back up," pointing a Taser at the man. After getting the child outside the crime tape, the man walked to the other side of the column and steps outside tape that's lying on the ground.

"I'm about to tase you, back up," the officer said to the man.

"You ain't going to tase me now," the man replies, who has taken out a phone, seemingly to record the interaction.

"I'm going to, you better back up," the officer says.

Another bystander chimes in and yells, "you have no reason to tase him." The officer then puts his taser back in its holster and backs away.

Five officers were around at the time, one on someone's back putting him in handcuffs, another talking to a woman, and three standing nearby, the video shows.

It was probably not justified for that officer to take (the Taser) out and point it, unless he was actually planning on deploying that taser, said Ross, of John Jay, adding that he would not deploy the Taser in that situation, at least out of fear he would hit his fellow officer.

Even if he was within the guidelines of the Hendersonville Police Department, we can all agree that the optics of that look terrible.

The police department's general order on non-lethal instruments states Tasers "should not be deployed in situations where individuals are non-compliant or resistant, unless the non-compliance or resistance creates an immediate safety risk that can be mitigated" by its use. However, the order also says, "displaying a less-lethal instrument without actual use is not considered a use of force."

Why were no witnesses interviewed at scene?

Timmons Jr. said he knew at least three other people who were witnesses at the crime scene that night, none of whom were questioned by police. City spokesperson Allison Justus said no written statements were collected at the scene because none of the eyewitnesses to the crime were "willing to speak with officers."

"The way the police acted toward the crowd and the crime scene, that kind of turned everybody off," Timmons Jr. said. "The attitude of the officers reflect the attitude of the witnesses out there that night, who could've given the proper statement."

Both the DA and the chief stated that King's "uncontrollable behavior" contributed to the unrest with the bystanders. Murray said that King "escalated the scene where instead of officers trying to do interviews and find evidence, they had to pull all their time and energy into her and her stirring up others."

"My initial thought after hearing that we arrested the mother of the deceased was not good," Myhand said. "After reviewing the footage, it was plainly clear that for 10 minutes officers gave Ms. King numerous opportunities to calm down. ... Removing her was unfortunate, but the best option at that time."

There were 11 HPD officers on the scene that night, plus sheriff's deputies and at least one state trooper, according to Myhand.

Regular innocent bystanders of a traumatic situation arent trained to control their emotions," said Keith Young, former Asheville City Council member and current Reparations Commission board member who viewed bystander video. "You expect your first responders to act with a certain decorum and empathy because that's what they're trained to do. This seems that there's just a complete lack of empathy.

Former City Council member Keith Young is the original architect of Asheville reparations.

"At the very least," Young said, King should not have been charged, though she may have been removed from the scene for a moment for officers to control the scene.

"There was a total lack of a human element. ... I think historically, there is a lack of humanization of Black citizens in traumatic situations," Young said when asked what racial justice implications may be at play.

"I respect the fact that they have a job to do, but I just feel like Hendersonville police need to go through some sort of training to reevaluate the way they do things when it comes down to mental health, death and all kinds of situations," Timmons Jr. said.

"They got to do better because what they showed me that night was injustice, for my family and my son," Timmons Jr. added. "We want (the shooter) judged by a jury of 12."

What's next?

Timmons' shooter was exonerated Dec. 12 in a self-defense claim based on surveillance footage and a gun found at the scene, according to Myhand. But King has concerns over leads and evidence she feels police have not investigated.

HPD's probe into the shooting is not closed, Justus confirmed by email Feb. 20.

"But absent any new evidence, the self-defense determination will remain unchanged. As always, the public can contact the Hendersonville Police Department at 828-697-3025 if they have new information on the incident," she said.

More: Hendersonville shooting victim's parents: Ex-deputy shot at son from 3rd floor balcony

More: Ex-Henderson County deputy charged with felony assault makes 1st court appearance

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville mother arrested while grieving son's shooting death dropped
The national debate over immigration intensified last week after Donald Trump excoriated President Joe Biden, saying his border policies are to blame for the death of a 22-year-old nursing student who authorities allege was killed by an undocumented immigrant in Athens.

Republicans up and down Georgia are also blaming Democratic policies and pushing for tough immigration laws that would make it more difficult to cross the border.

Now, Hispanic residents in Athens say they fear the fiery rhetoric will lead to backlash against the Hispanic and immigrant communities, leaving individuals at risk of violence or harsh local policies.

People are scared, said Maria, a clerk at a Mexican grocery store in Athens. Those interviewed asked that only their first or middle names be used because of their immigration status and fears of retaliation. I can understand that because this terrible thing has turned to all of us immigrants. ... Were not all the same. One bad man cannot change the face of all Hispanic people.

Laken Riley, a former University of Georgia student who currently was matriculating at the Athens campus of the Augusta University College of Nursing, was reported missing by a roommate after she didn't return from a morning run last week. Police later found her dead in a wooded area of UGA's intramural fields off College Station Road.

Authorities arrested Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, in connection with her death on murder and assault charges. Federal authorities said he entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was arrested at least once before.

Trump's message linking immigrants to violent crime has been one of his signature platforms. From first announcing he would be running for president in 2015  where he claimed Mexico sent "rapists" to the United States  Trump has used the same term to describe Mexican immigrants throughout his campaign and time in the White House.

Research suggests immigrants commit fewer crimes than people born in the U.S.

Republicans blame Biden's 'failed policies'

Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and former President Donald Trump have both placed blame for the tragedy on Biden, accusing his "failed policies" for allowing violent crime in the country.

"The American people know exactly what happened," Kemp told Fox News on Tuesday. "This president ... did not (secure the border). ... Now we have a dead young woman because of it."

Biden and Trump both visited the border last week, clashing over policy for reforms. Biden called for Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that would introduce some of the toughest restrictions at the border in a generation.

"Both houses supported this legislation until someone came along and said, 'Don't do that, it will benefit the incumbent,'" Biden said, blaming Trump for the bill being stymied. "That's a hell of a way to do business in America for such a serious problem."

Trump, speaking in Eagle Pass, Texas, Thursday, referred to "Biden migrant crime" when discussing Riley's death. He blamed Biden for allowing millions of people to come into the U.S. from other countries and asserted that migrants are dangerous and "coming from prisons."

The immigration debate spurred by Riley's killing has led one Georgia bill, first introduced earlier this year, to gain momentum in the state legislature. The legislation would restrict funding for Georgia law enforcement agencies that fail to aid federal immigration authorities, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It would also require every eligible police and sheriff's department to help identify undocumented immigrants, arrest them and detain them for deportation.

Georgia House Republicans passed it Thursday.

Samuel Thomas, an immigration attorney in Athens, said the bill allows the state to crack down on any sheriff's department or local law enforcement agency that does not cooperate with ICE.

"I believe that they (immigrants) are sharing some anxiety right now given the fact that what Georgia is trying to do with their new bill is crack down on any kind of arrest to try to get the status of the person you're putting under arrest," he said.

Jean-Luc Rivera, deputy executive director of the Latino Community Fund Georgia, an organization supporting Latinx and Hispanic communities in the state, spent Thursday at the Capitol in Atlanta to lobby state legislators to vote against the bill. He claims the legislation is spreading fear and creating a "pressure cooker environment" among the immigrant and Hispanic communities.

"Essentially, people will have to carry their passport at all times if you think you could be suspected of being a foreign national," Rivera said. "It really opens the doors for a lot of scary legislation."

'I think it's going to get bad'

Rosa, a Mexican national who is in the country undocumented, fears the intense political pressure may lead local officials to reinstate a procedure to hold people in the country illegally for 48-hours so ICE can pick them up. If the policy changed, she said shed be constantly under the threat of deportation, which she hasnt felt since she arrived in Athens 11 years ago with her family.

The mother of three, who cant get a license, currently only drives when she cant get a ride to the specialty market where she works. But she says the change in policy would make her stop taking the risk.

I think its going to get bad, she said. Theres always been a risk for immigrants but with all this.  I dont know where its going to take us.

Balancing part-time jobs with responsibilities at home, Juan, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, said he has little time for worry. But that changed when his wife asked him this week if there were other places in the U.S. where hed consider living.

It was the first time shed mentioned anything about moving their family of four out of Athens, where theyve been for six years and have comfortably settled.

It will take a lot to make us leave here, he said. (but) if people get angry and Athens is not safe for my family, what else can we do?

A crowd of people gather to mourn the loss of Laken Riley during a vigil for the Augusta University College of Nursing student at the Tate Plaza on the University of Georgia campus in Athens Feb. 26, 2024.

'Used as a political chip'

The Hispanic Student Association at UGA said in a statement on Instagram that the group has received hatred and bigotry following Riley's death.

"The hurtful and discriminatory comments made following the tragic loss of one of our own have deeply shaken us all," the statement reads.

Rivera's organization, the Latino Community Fund Georgia, also denounced hateful comments members of the Hispanic community are receiving, saying in a statement that certain characteristics should not be used to make generalizations or accusations about large groups of people.

"We firmly reject any comments, or statements that imply immigrants and or Latinos are dangerous or a problem to our communities," the group says.

Rivera said he was first shocked when he heard about Riley's killing.

"But then things started to take a turn and you could see that this was going to be used as a political chip as well," he said. "That's when I started to get very concerned about how this would affect the immigrant community in Georgia."

Rivera said he thinks the politicization of Riley's murder detracts from the main issues  like violence against women  and leads to retaliatory legislation against immigrants, race baiting and more divisive tactics.

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz spoke to the media alongside police Chief Jerry Saulters on community safety initiatives and ACCs status related to immigration on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

Protesters call for Athens mayor to resign

Tensions boiled over at a news conference last week, where Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz was interrupted by protesters calling for his resignation. Some yelled out "liar" as he was speaking while others held signs reading "BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS" and "#MakeAthensSafeAgain."

The protesters repeatedly referred to a resolution signed by Girtz in August 2019 that denounced white supremacy and declared it necessary that all people, including those without documentation, feel welcome and comfortable interacting with local law enforcement and their government.

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is welcoming to people from all lands and backgrounds and strives to foster a community where individuals and families of all statuses feel safe, are able to prosper, and can breathe free, according to the resolution.

Sanctuary city?: What does it mean to be a 'sanctuary city'? Athens area officials offer differing views

Girtz said his government has not adopted any policies that make Athens a sanctuary city, a general term used to describe local governments that limit cooperation with federal agencies enforcing immigration laws.

The Georgia state legislature banned sanctuary city policy in 2009 and, since 2016, has required local governments to submit a document each year certifying that it has no policies in place that prevent employees from notifying federal officials of a persons immigration status, according to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. Girtz told reporters his office has always complied with state law.

In 2018, the Clarke County Sheriffs Office, which runs the jail in Athens, revised its policy requiring jail personnel to hold arrested immigrants for 48 hours and notify Immigrant and Customs Enforcement.

For about the last six years, the sheriffs office only holds undocumented immigrants in the jail and notifies federal authorities if theres a warrant out for their arrest, according to a copy of the policy provided by the sheriffs office to USA TODAY. The sheriffs office maintains in the policy that it cannot detain people solely on the basis of being an undocumented alien.

Deborah Gonzalez, the Western Circuit District Attorney, who is running for reelection, said in her day-one memo that her office will take into account collateral consequences to undocumented defendants when making charging decisions.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hispanics fear for safety after killing flames immigration debate
With big name brands like In-N-Out, Smart & Final and Ross moving into Madera, the citys retail markets direction is clear.

The attraction is strong, said Darren Rose, executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission. Were working to attract some national retailers who have interest in the area. Everything from food to clothing.

Rose said national retailers are showing interest in the area in a way they havent since before the Great Recession in late 2007. One of the factors driving the renewed interest, experts say, is population growth.

The area around Highway 99 in the city was at the center of several popular store openings in the past year. In eastern Madera County, the rise of master-planned communities like Riverstone and Tesoro Viejo have made way for retail plans along Highway 41.

The bottom line, Rose said, is that demand is growing  shoppers need stores and retailers need space.

It hasnt always been this way in Madera. Mayor Santos Garcia said that residents have for a long time complained about the types of stores they have access to in town, and many have had to drive to Fresno to do a lot of their shopping.

But its not that easy to get whatever retailer to come in, he said. Whatever way you put it, were a small city.

Madera is looking forward to the construction of its own master-planned community, The Villages at Almond Grove, on the citys northwestern edge. The plans for construction on more than 1,800 acres boast three schools, more than 2 million feet of commercial and office space and over 10,000 homes at full-buildout.

That could take 30 years. But the citys population, now at about 68,000, has already grown nearly 11% since 2010. Santos expects it to keep growing steadily.

Rooftops attract retail, Rose said. Thats just how it works.

The number of rooftops in the city now seem to be attractive to national retailers, said former Madera County EDC executive director Bobby Kahn.

Its reached population point and a demographic that meets a lot of the national tenants requirements, he said. All of a sudden, it seems like its one of the hotter markets.

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In eastern Madera County along Highway 41

Riverstones The Market District off Highway 41 and Avenue 12 has already yielded some shops, but the majority of its more than 1 million square feet in commercial space plans are still undeveloped. In Tesoro Viejo, there are plans for several more million square feet of office, retail and commercial space.

Just to the south of the two communities, Valley Childrens Hospital is planning to build retail space on at least 40 acres of its nearly 500-acre campus.

In that area of the county  known as Rio Mesa and planned for the construction of tens of thousands of homes  residents also find themselves driving to Fresno for their shopping. Its population has grown rapidly since Tesoro Viejo and Riverstone broke ground, but not at a rate that has attracted a grocery store.

Rose said that could be on the verge of changing.

Depending on the supermarket, I think that theyre very close, if not already over the threshold, to be able to attract a supermarket, he said. With the Madera Ranchos, Tesoro Viejo, and even the mountain communities, theres going to be a growing need for supermarkets and other services from a retail standpoint along that corridor.

One 34-acre commercial development is already underway on Highway 41 and Road 200. There will be a coffee house, Mexican restaurant and potentially a wellness center and barbecue restaurant, Rose said.

Native American casino project in Madera inches closer to reality. When will it open?

Available commercial space a hurdle? Highway 99 casino could help

The Cleveland Avenue corridor off of Highway 99 is the citys hottest from a retail standpoint, Kahn said.

All your bigger names, thats the location theyre seeking, he said.

Thats where the big store openings in the city have taken place in recent months, with more on the way this year. In-N-Out, Smart & Final, Ross, Big Lots, Marshalls  they will all be concentrated in the corridor that includes shopping centers like the Madera Marketplace, the Commons at the Madera Fair and Country Club Village.

The downside to that, Kahn said, is that vacancy rates tend to be low in the Madera Marketplace and even lower in the Commons at the Madera Fair.

Its somewhat of a challenge to locate some of these tenants because they want to be in your market, but they also have requirements about where in the market they want to be, he said. They do their homework and they know what the shopping patterns are.

The lack of available store fronts is one of the hurdles for retails growth in the county, where the demand for vacant spaces sometimes keeps them from even making it to being listed.

Theres a waiting list on some spaces, Rose said. Its just a very tight market in terms of available space.

The construction of the 100,000 square-foot North Fork Mono Casino and Resort, which is expected to begin this year, could further attract attention from retailers and open up additional land for retail development. But Rose said creating a new shopping center in the city might take a national retailer deciding to carry out a project in Madera.

He said local government agencies tend to occupy a lot of commercial space for their needs.

Santos disagrees that there isnt enough commercial space in the city, pointing out that some incoming businesses have built their own stores and other spaces have been converted.

So there is space available, he said. Its just a matter of businesses wanting to come in and talk to the to the right people to get their needs met.

Madera retail broker Kirk Atamian, agrees with Rose. He also said moving through the government pipeline is often slow for projects. However, the city is slated for a new shopping center at State Route 145 and Pecan Avenue, an intersection two miles removed from the nearest supermarket and where the construction of hundreds of more homes are expected, Altamian said.

Madera is growing, its economy is improving, its diversifying, Rose said. Bottom line is entities are looking for space there.
ATLANTA - A group of students, who said they represented the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC) and the Black community of Atlanta, walked out of Ebenezer Baptist Church as Sen. Raphael Warnock began preaching Sunday service.

In a video posted to TikTok, the group slowly rose from the pews of the legendary church where Martin Luther King Jr. once served as the pastor. They removed their jackets and other articles of clothing, revealing matching t-shirts that said, "Stop Arming Israel."

READ MORE: ISRAEL HAMAS WAR | FOX 5 ATLANTA COVERAGE

"I voted for Raphael Warnock in the first election that I could legally vote in because I thought that he would stand for what's right but unfortunately I was wrong and he has failed the Palestinian people and the community who voted for him in Atlanta," the video was captioned.

One by one, they left their pews and filed out of the sanctuary quietly.

Despite the disturbance, Sen. Warnock, who currently serves as the senior pastor at Ebenezer, didn't miss a beat. He finished his thought before briefly addressing the situation.

"I want to thank God for the students and the young folk. I wish they'd hang out, so we could talk after church," Warnock said. "Let them know that they're welcome to stay. Let's talk after church."

Warnock then got right back into his sermon titled "A Seat at the Table."

The full service was live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

What has Sen. Raphael Warnock said about the Israel-Hamas War, Gaza ceasefire?

On Feb. 29, Warnock took to the podium on the Senate floor calling for a negotiated ceasefire, the release of all hostages still being held by Hamas and an opening for food, water, medicine and other critical aid to be filtered into Gaza.

"Tonight, I pray for a world where Israeli mothers and fathers and Palestinian mothers and fathers can put their children to bed in peace and awaken to a world where they are finally safe," he said.

 WATCH: Tune into the Senate floor as I lay out my moral vision for a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestiniansand how we get there https://t.co/Cda8tXpLzQ  Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) February 29, 2024

"The whole world must see that Israel must exist and has the right to exist," Warnock said. "The dignity of self-determination is among the values he was seeking to uphold. Israelis deserve it. So do Palestinians. Two peoples, two states living alongside one another in freedom and in peace. That must remain our North Star. And if we would be true to our own values, we must call to task any politician who would reject that right to self-determination, especially if that rejection comes while, at the same time, one is engaged in massive and indiscriminate bombing of the very same people. From the ugly and dangerous specter of it all, the world cannot and must not turn away."

RELATED: GAZA CEASEFIRE: ISRAEL HAS AGREED TO A FRAME WORK, US SAYS

A full transcript of his floor remarks was made available online.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Auditors with the Tennessee Comptrollers Office arrived in Memphis on Monday as they step in to help solve ongoing issues at the Shelby County Clerks Office.

Seven people arrived for an introductory meeting. Four or five of them will be dedicated to the process in Memphis indefinitely.

The state comptrollers office announced last week that auditors would be working with Clerk Wanda Halberts office to get tax reports in order.

I have no confidence in the Clerks Office to manage its affairs without outside intervention, Comptroller Jason Mumpower said last week.

State to step in at Shelby County Clerks Office, citing incompetence

County Trustee Regina Newman told county commissioners that she called state officials for help because the clerks office hadnt submitted correct reports since a wheel tax increase went in effect in July, and reports had been late for two fiscal years.

That could put the whole county budget process in jeopardy.

County budget in jeopardy due to inaccurate revenue reports, officials say

I consider us to be past the point of no return. Were seven months into the fiscal year and we dont know what the clerk is bringing in, and that is the second-highest revenue-producing office in the county, Newman said last week.

The comptrollers office says they are here until all reports are correct and the county can put together its budget.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
By Renju Jose and Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia said on Monday Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asian countries are facing serious defence threats as it set aside more funds for maritime security projects with ASEAN countries during a summit with regional leaders in Melbourne.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced A$286.5 million ($186.7 million) in funding for ASEAN projects in areas including maritime security, amid tensions over China's growing assertiveness and its disputed claims to the South China Sea.

"We face destabilising, provocative and coercive actions including unsafe conduct at sea and in the air," Wong said in a speech at the summit, without naming China.

"What happens in the South China Sea, in the Taiwan Strait, in the Mekong subregion, across the Indo-Pacific, affects us all."

Melbourne is hosting leaders and officials from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) for a summit from Monday to Wednesday. ASEAN member Myanmar was excluded due to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Australia is using the 50th anniversary of its ties with ASEAN to bolster ties with the region as it deals with China's growing diplomatic and military reach.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.

Speaking alongside Wong, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said the South China Sea was of strategic importance and had a promising future as long as "nations in the region resolved to uphold cooperation over confrontation".

Australia and the Philippines began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea in November.

The Philippines is ramping up efforts to counter what it describes as China's "aggressive activities" in the South China Sea, which has also become a flashpoint for Chinese and U.S. tensions around freedom-of-navigation operations.

MYANMAR CONFLICT

Just over a month since ASEAN foreign ministers called for an end to the bloody conflict in member state Myanmar, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the downtown Melbourne venue to call for concrete punitive action against the military junta.

ASEAN has barred Myanmar's top generals from attending its meetings until they commit to a peace plan, but has stopped short of further action. The junta has been furious over what it calls ASEAN's interference in its internal affairs.

One activist called for international recognition of the parallel National Unity Government, which controls militias in the country.

"ASEAN countries and Australia please act. We need action, please don't wait for (ASEAN's) plan, it is useless," activist Yuyu Chit said.

($1 = 1.5344 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Renju Jose, Lewis Jackson and Praveen Menon in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates)
A Russian drone attack that hit a residential building in Odesa on March 2 injured 20 people, including a pregnant woman, the regional health department said on March 4.

Rescue operations in the wake of the deadly attack that killed 12 people, including five children, concluded late on March 3.

Of the 20 injured residents, two people are in an intensive care unit in severe condition, and one person has been hospitalized in moderate condition. Three other victims are being treated on an outpatient basis, authorities said.

The Russian drone hit the ninth floor of the building in the early hours of March 2, destroying 18 apartments and leaving others without heat.

The children killed in the attack included a 4-month-old, 7-month-old, 3-year-old, and an 8-year-old girl and her brother who was about to turn 10 in July, according to Odesa Oblast governor Oleh Kiper.

"It's an unspeakable and horrific tragedy for Odesa and the whole of Ukraine," Kiper wrote on Telegram.

"Every Russian loss on the front line is our country's response to Russian terror," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 3 in response to the attack.

"The world must respond to every manifestation of Russian evil and repel Russia's actions. Every act of Russian terrorism ignored by the world allows them to continue killing."

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An investigation is underway after two people were found shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide inside a Haverhill home on Sunday night, authorities said.

Authorities responding to a well-being check at home on Broadway just before 5:45 p.m. found a 24-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man both dead from gunshot wounds, according to Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker.

The DAs office has identified the deceased as Loren Marino, 24, of Haverhill, and Austin Amaral, 24, of North Providence, Rhode Island.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the two people had been in a romantic relationship, authorities said.

State police, DA investigating after two found dead in Haverhill

The investigation remains active and ongoing by the Essex County District Attorneys Office, State Police Detective Unit, and Haverhill Police Department.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, Massachusetts has multilingual, toll-free, statewide, 24/7 domestic violence hotlines: SafeLink, 877-785-2020; HAWC, 1-800-547-1649; YWCA, 844-372-9922; and the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, 978-388-1888.

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.

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HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (WJHL)  Authorities in Harlan County, Kentucky are investigating after a man was killed during a trooper-involved shooting on Saturday.

According to a release from the Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Critical Incident Response Team was requested by state police in Harlan County to investigate a trooper-involved shooting that occurred just after 10 p.m. at a home in the Teetersville community.

A man inside the home was pronounced deceased by the Harlan County Coroner, the KSP stated. News Channel 11s sister station in Lexington, FOX 56, reports that the coroner identified the deceased as 42-year-old Lance Bryson.

Man found deceased at Bulls Gap McDonalds identified by police

No other injuries were reported.

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSPs standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case. Kentucky State Police

No further details were released and the investigation remains ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 4. The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, held discussions with the delegation of World Bank (WB) executive directors regarding priority investment projects in the country, Trend reports.

"Among the priority investment projects are two significant prospective "green" projects in the field of transport-transit infrastructure and energy, namely the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant," Japarov said, according to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting, Japarov emphasized the government's commitment to increasing budget revenues and reducing the share of the shadow economy. He also touched upon the country's major national projects, indicating that the new economic policy would primarily focus on three key sectors: energy, mining, and transport-transit industries.

Japarov underscored Kyrgyzstan's serious approach to climate change issues and its readiness to undertake ambitious commitments towards decarbonization and transitioning to green energy.

During a meeting, a presentation on the construction project of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant was delivered to WB's executive directors, highlighting the positive impact of the project on the water-energy balance in Central Asia.

"The Cabinet of Ministers intends to continue reforms in the energy sector and institutional transformations to strengthen the country's energy security and independence. We urge international institutions to provide support in this direction," Japarov stated.

In response, World Bank representatives expressed gratitude for the comprehensive and detailed presentation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant construction project and expressed readiness for further development and strengthening of cooperation.

The necessity for promoting a holistic approach to water resource utilization and energy development was also highlighted as the only means to ensure "green," sustainable, and inclusive development in the entire region.
Authorities locate woman who went missing while hiking in New Jersey state park

RINGWOOD, N.J. (PIX11)  A 63-year-old woman who went missing Sunday while hiking in Ringwood State Park has been found safe, according to Ringwood police.

The woman went out on a hike near Skylands Manor during the early afternoon. But when she didnt get back by dinnertime to her home in Wayne, New Jersey, her family reported her missing.

Suspicious white powder mailed to Financial District building: NYPD

The woman went into the woods without her cellphone, which she left in her car in the parking lot, police said.

The woman was eventually found wandering in Sloatsburg, New York, about 4 miles away from where she went missing. She was physically unharmed but disoriented, authorities said.

An alert homeowner in Sloatsburg called authorities after seeing the missing woman wandering past their house on their Ring doorbell camera.

It is important to thank the community with this, New Jersey State Park Police Chief George Fedorczyk said. How many of us get Ring cameras that buzz and we just take a glance at it  This individual took the time, recognized, was aware of the situation, and appropriately called the authorities.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wants to step up the pace of EU enlargement to include Western Balkan countries such as Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the face of Russian and Chinese attempts to exert influence in the region.

"The faster we become stronger as a European Union in these geopolitical times, the better," Germany's top diplomat said on Monday at a meeting with her Montenegrin colleague Filip Ivanovic in the capital Podgorica.

At the same time, she emphasised: "Enlargement is not an end in itself, but serves to strengthen our common Europe."

The Russian war against Ukraine makes EU enlargement in the Western Balkans a "geopolitical necessity," she added. As in Ukraine, "the European project is also a guarantor of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and prosperity here in the Western Balkans."

Ivanovic called Baerbock's visit, at a time of major reforms in his country, a confirmation that the European Union is interested in the Western Balkans.

"There is no alternative to integration if we want a stable region. It is the path to stability and a simpler settlement of disputes," he added.

Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo, form the Western Balkans.

The European Union is urging the countries to pursue the reforms needed for integration with the 27-member political and economic bloc.

Brussels views Montenegro as being furthest along in the accession process, but the pace is slow.

Montenegro has had a new government since October 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, who is committed to reforms. However, Spajic also governs with the support of pro-Serbian and pro-Russian parties.

Ivanovic conceded that there are concerns about Russia's negative influence. However, he also emphasized: "In Montenegro, 80% of the citizens are European-oriented, which says enough about how and in what way Montenegro is oriented."

In addition to Spajic, Baerbock also met the Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic.

Montenegro's negotiations were launched in 2012. Even under the most ambitious scenarios the EU is not expected to admit new members before the end of the decade at the earliest.

In December 2022, Bosnia-Herzegovina was granted the status of EU candidate country, but negotiations have yet to begin.

Later on Monday in Sarajevo, Baerbock was set to meet with members of Bosnia's tripartite presidency as well as Christian Schmidt, the international community's high representative overseeing peace in Bosnia.

President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic (R) meets with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Soeren Stache/dpa
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (2nd L) meets with Zeljko Komsic (L), Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina (BIH), during her visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Soeren Stache/dpa

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wants to step up the pace of EU enlargement to include Western Balkan countries such as Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the face of Russian and Chinese attempts to exert influence in the region.

"The faster we become stronger as a European Union in these geopolitical times, the better," Germany's top diplomat said on Monday at a meeting with her Montenegrin colleague Filip Ivanovic in the capital Podgorica.

At the same time, she emphasised: "Enlargement is not an end in itself, but serves to strengthen our common Europe."

The Russian war against Ukraine makes EU enlargement in the Western Balkans a "geopolitical necessity," she added. As in Ukraine, "the European project is also a guarantor of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and prosperity here in the Western Balkans."

Ivanovic called Baerbock's visit, at a time of major reforms in his country, a confirmation that the European Union is interested in the Western Balkans.

"There is no alternative to integration if we want a stable region. It is the path to stability and a simpler settlement of disputes," he added.

Montenegro has run up huge debts with China. The background to this is the construction of a motorway that the Chinese want to build from the Adriatic to the Serbian border by 2030.

Since construction began in 2009, only around 40 of the planned 167 kilometres have been completed. Most recently, there was speculation that total costs had risen to 2.7 billion ($2.9 billion).

Baerbock acknowledged that it was a mistake "that Europe was not there when important infrastructure investments were needed" in Montenegro.

Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo, form the Western Balkans.

The European Union is urging the countries to pursue the reforms needed for integration with the 27-member political and economic bloc.

Brussels views Montenegro as being furthest along in the accession process, but the pace is slow. In December 2022, Bosnia-Herzegovina was granted the status of EU candidate country, but negotiations have yet to begin and no new EU entrants are expected before 2030.

Baerbock left Montenegro for the Bosnian capital Sarajevo in the evening and held more talks with politicians.

She spoke with presidents from the Bosniak, Serbian and Croatian ethnic groups: Denis Becirovic (Bosniak), Zeljka Cvijanovic (Serbian) and Zeljko Komsic (Croatian). The presidency rotates every eight months.

During a meeting with the high representative of the international community in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the German Christian Schmidt, the foreign minister was informed about the complex situation in the country following a devastating war in the mid 1990s.

The former Yugoslav state of Bosnia-Herzegovina is divided into two entities called the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina (FBiH) and the ethnic Serbian part Republika Srpska (RS).

The president of RS is the Serbian nationalist Milorad Dodik, who is endeavouring to secede fro the union, with the FBiH controlled by Croats and Bosniaks. He is also seen as being close to Russia.

"We are firmly opposed to those who put obstacles in Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to the EU with their fantasies of division," Baerbock said before landing in Bosnia.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (R) meets with Christian Schmidt, High Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany for Bosnia and Herzegovina, during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Soeren Stache/dpa

President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic (R) meets with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Soeren Stache/dpa

President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic (R) meets with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Soeren Stache/dpa
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Bakersfield man pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, according to federal prosecutors.

Jose Luis Zambrano, 40, faces a minimum term of 10 years in prison at his sentencing in June, prosecutors said.

Bakersfield police search for suspect who allegedly robbed Cottonwood Market

From October 2016 to January 2017, Zambrano sold a pound of meth and nearly 12 ounces of heroin in transactions involving a confidential source, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California.

A wiretap revealed Zambrano was supplying drugs to Manuel Teodoro Aros, 49, of Santa Monica, according to the release. Authorities seized 2.5 pounds of meth from Aros in March 2017, the release says, and three months later information obtained through the wiretap led to the seizure of 4 ounces of heroin and nearly 6 pounds of meth intended for Zambrano.

Aros previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison.

In May 2022, Zambrano was convicted in Kern County Superior Court of solicitation to commit murder and sentenced to nine years in prison. He was brought to federal court following the conviction.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Montgomery County residents will choose four county positions as well as have their say in a statewide constitutional amendment proposal that could make it easier for a county to pass legislation.

What is Amendment 1?

If passed by voters, Amendment 1 would allow state lawmakers to consider bills that only concern one county with fewer holdups, said Sonny Brasfield, the executive director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

Today, the law requires lawmakers who want to pass this kind of legislation prior to when the budgets are approved to get two votes, the first of which needs a three-fifths majority, to even consider the bills.

It allows local legislation to become more of a priority in the process, which is all kind of legislative baseball," Brasfield said.

Brasfield is in favor of Amendment 1 as is Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton.

If we have local bills, it allows us to go ahead and get them in front of the legislature and not have to keep waiting until the general fund budgets are passed," Singleton said.

County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton speaks as Manna Beverages and Ventures announces it is building a facility in Montgomery, Ala., during a ceremony in Montgomery on Monday October 18, 2022.

Montgomery County Commission races

District 1

Two newcomers, Jihan Sanders and Kenneth Laneaux, are opposing incumbent County Commissioner Dan Harris in the race.

On her website, Sanders lists education, road and street maintenance and senior services as issues important to her campaign.

Sanders, a Montgomery Public Schools alumna, wants to work with nonprofits to assist the schools. She also wants to introduce the Here Comes the Bus app to give students and parents a more accurate time of when buses will arrive.

Kenneth Laneaux, a Montgomery native, said he wants to clear blight in District 1 and revitalize the area.

The citizens need a real strong leader because Im tired of seeing the neighborhoods where I grew up and neighborhoods that used to thrive and be real thriving communities... What word do I want to use? They dont thrive as much," Laneaux said.

He said he wants to be a voice for the residents of District 1 and also wants to create a business incubator for the district that would provide office or retail space for startups at a low cost.

Laneaux also recommended regular meetings between the county and Montgomery Public School officials as well as introducing the Here Comes the Bus app.

Harris was first elected in 2012, and during his time in office he said he is proud of introducing the summer youth jobs program for high school students. More than 300 young people have served in the program.

If re-elected, Harris said he would like to create a county community center in southwest Montgomery, where there are few after-school activities for youngsters.

Harris was part of the effort to increase the tax rates for Montgomery schools, increasing the mills from 10 to 18 and putting them more in line with schools throughout the rest of the state.

Our kids are our future," Harris said.

District 2

Incumbent Carmen Moore-Zeigler, who Gov. Kay Ivey appointed in August 2022, is facing off against Erick Wright for the District 2 position.

I realized I started something that I needed to finish for the people of District 2," Moore-Zeigler said.

She said she wants to continue working on projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. She said she helped champion the $5 million that went to sewer infrastructure in west Montgomery and also the $1 million for the Kershaw YMCA.

Moore-Zeigler is also working to secure more money for the county's Critical Home Repair program that is helping people with $3 million in ARPA dollars.

We said Montgomery, Alabama, is the capital of dreams, but we want to make sure they understand that its the county of infinite possibilities," Moore-Zeigler said.

Wright wants to add more mental health workers to schools. He said he would also like to invest more in after-school programs and add more coding and tech-certification classes.

Wright has made part of his platform updating roads and bridges, as well as creating tougher punishments for sex trafficking and dealing opioids.

I am and have been in Montgomery County for the last 20 years working on the ground with different groups and organizations and nonprofits to try to help with the problems we see out here. But it's not enough, and it will never be enough until the right people are in the seat to work with the community to solve them. I think Im that person," Wright said.

Another one of his goals is to increase revenue without raising taxes by increasing grant funding and running the district more efficiently, he said.

District 3

Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker is not seeking re-election.

Two newcomers, Justin Castanza and Cedric Coley, are competing to win the District 3 slot after Commissioner Ronda Walker announced she is not seeking re-election.

Montgomery native Castanza is the school president at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, according to his website. In 2019, he was named the YMCA Man of the Year, according to previous coverage from the Montgomery Advertiser.

On his website, he lists keeping taxes low, recruiting jobs to the district and ensuring public safety as his top goals.

Coley is from central Alabama. He has been a member of the Montgomery County Republican Party since 2015 and also serves on the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee, according to his website.

"Growing up in a single-parent home with the help of his Vietnam veteran grandfather, the Coley family instilled in Cedric a heart of community service and a mindset of liberty and justice for all," his website states.

He notes his faith and love for his nation as reasons to be politically involved.

"He spreads the message of Constitutional Christian Conservatism by participating in community service, educational forums, campaign organizes to elect Conservative Christians statewide, and by being a part of the Alabama Republican Outreach Coalition," according to his website.

Coley is a founding member of the small business Alabamboo Inc., which works in the commercial growing of bamboo in the state.

More: Autauga County Two Republicans vie for district judge post in Autauga County

Montgomery County Probate Judge race

Incumbent Judge J.C. Love will face off against Darnell Coley in the race for Montgomery County probate judge.

Coley has been practicing law for more than 25 years and has been the assistant attorney general for the state for the last 18, according to her website.

"Darnell is a real Democrat and if elected, she will; protect the right to vote absentee, oppose all laws restricting the right to vote and permit early voting in probate offices," her website states.

Love has been the probate judge since 2019. In 2022, he added a mental health therapist to his office to assist in court proceedings, which includes wills, conservatorships, adoptions, involuntary commitments, elder abuse cases and name changes.

Love would like to add another mental health therapist to the office. Duties of the office also include county business licenses, marriage certificates, drivers licenses, automobile tags, hunting licenses, elections and county archives.

He said he wants to continue the work he has done to increase voter education and voter drives.

Its been an honor and privilege to serve as probate judge," Love said.

Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Here is everything you need to know for voting in Montgomery County
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A quarter-million dollar Bank of America grant will help Horry-Georgetown Technical Colleges efforts at raising $2 million in support of the construction and expansion of its Nursing and Health Sciences Institute.

Its the second major corporate donation for the project announced in less than a month, after Conway Medical Center pledged $1 million on Feb. 13.

This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact that strategic collaborations can have on our community, and we are excited to continue working together to empower our students and build a stronger, healthier future, HGTC President Marilyn Fore said in a news release.

The Bank of America grant will speed progress toward expanding physical facilities and attracting new students to the colleges nursing and health sciences programs.

Officials plan to spend $15 million renovating 14,122 existing square feet of space and adding an additional 10,000 square feet through the construction of a second floor.

HGTC hopes to double enrollment in its health science programs, build up the healthcare workforce pipeline and offer students clinical rotations and internships.

We support Horry-Georgetown Technical Colleges mission to provide an accessible, affordable, high-quality, collegiate education and workforce development, which is why we directed this strategic philanthropic investment to help build stronger communities, said Kelly Tyler, president of Bank of America Myrtle Beach.

Groundbreaking is set for April 22. Completion is anticipated for January 2025.

* * *

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.
Barbie is back.

Fans can experience the movie with a live orchestra on July 10 at the Pavilion at Star Lake in Washington County. Barbie the Movie: In Concert will be performed by the Barbie Land Sinfonietta alongside the films score.

Presale starts at 10 a.m. Thursday and tickets go on sale Friday. Click here for more information.

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Former President Trump pulled out an unanimous victory at the Supreme Court on Monday in his historic ballot ban case that invoked the 14th Amendment, but a 5-4 division among the justices emerged beneath the surface  joined by one of his own nominees.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett and the courts three liberals criticized their five conservative colleagues for going further than they needed to in resolving Trumps case by also determining that the only way for the 14th Amendment to be enforced is through a statute by Congress.

This suit was brought by Colorado voters under state law in state court. It does not require us to address the complicated question whether federal legislation is the exclusive vehicle through which Section 3 can be enforced, Barrett, Trumps last appointee to the high court, wrote in a concurring opinion.

The majoritys choice of a different path leaves the remaining Justices with a choice of how to respond, Barrett continued. The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up.

For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home.

All nine justices sided with Trump on Monday by preserving his status on the ballot, reversing a lower courts decision that disqualified him in Colorado under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban because of his actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

The courts decision came on the eve of Super Tuesday, when Colorado voters will join more than a dozen other states in casting their primary ballots for president. The court unanimously agreed that a singular state has no unilateral authority to disqualify federal candidates from the ballot.

The other five conservatives  two Trump appointees in Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito  also concluded that Congress has exclusive authority to enforce the provision.

These are not the only reasons the States lack power to enforce this particular constitutional provision with respect to federal offices, read the courts unsigned opinion.

But they are important ones, and it is the combination of all the reasons set forth in this opinionnot, as some of our colleagues would have it, just one particular rationalethat resolves this case, it continued. In our view, each of these reasons is necessary to provide a complete explanation for the judgment the Court unanimously reaches.

In a six-page concurring opinion, the courts three liberals said the finding was unnecessary and was designed to insulate Trump and others alleged insurrectionists from disqualification.

Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision, wrote Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

They invoked the chief justices opinion in the Supreme Courts recent landmark abortion case, when Roberts criticized his conservative colleagues for going beyond merely upholding the Mississippi abortion restrictions at issue to completely eviscerate Roe v. Wade.

The trio also referenced retired Justice Stephen Breyers dissent when the court decided Bush v. Gore in 2000, in which Breyer wrote, [w]hat it does today, the Court should have left undone.

The liberal justices said Monday they could not join an opinion that decided momentous and difficult issues unnecessarily, also saying the conclusions were inadequately supported and gratuitous.

By resolving these and other questions, the majority attempts to insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office, the trio of justices wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A former BBC journalist was subjected to a disciplinary process for tweeting that there was no scientific support for the idea that males can be women.

Cath Walton revealed that she was called before an internal BBC hearing after she also said that the issue of gender identity was contested.

Reflecting on her treatment by the BBC, she said that in discussing issues around people who change gender, truth has become an emblem of defiance rather than clarity.

She spoke out after Justin Webb, the Radio 4 Today programme presenter, was found to have breached the BBCs impartiality rules by saying trans women, in other words males.

The corporations executive complaints unit (ECU) upheld a complaint from a listener who said that Webb had been giving his personal view on a controversial matter.

His supporters say he was simply stating a fact and clarifying the definition of a trans woman as a biological male living as a woman.

Ms Walton argues that she, too, was simply stating a fact when she tweeted about the term cisgender  meaning someone who identifies with the sex of their birth.

Cisgender

She said that using cisgender to distinguish between natal and non-natal women involved accepting that there were two types of women, male women and female women, which had no basis in science.

She decided to tweet about the subject two years ago, fearing that the use of the term cis was starting to be used in BBC content, even though BBC journalists are taught not to adopt activist language as their own.

Ms Walton has not gone public with her story until now, and told The Telegraph: I knew I had to tell this story as soon as the ruling about Justin came out. These conversations about how and when we should tell the truth about sex and gender are very live in the back rooms of all broadcasters, not just the BBC.

Ms Waltons row with her BBC bosses happened when she posted a series of tweets saying: Cisgender is such a contested term. Firstly, a lot of people have no idea what it means. Secondly, a lot of people object vigorously to being told they identify with being a woman.

Thirdly, people who use it are expressing their belief in gender identity, which is contested in itself. BBC journalists shouldnt be expressing their beliefs as if they are facts, thats the whole impartiality drive.

Finally, it implicitly states that females are a subcategory of women. Contrasting trans women and cis women is in effect accepting that males can be women, thus expressing an entire belief system which as yet has no scientific support.

She said that within about an hour of posting her message on Twitter (now X), she was told to delete her tweets by her then boss on the BBC News channel, who said they breached the BBCs social media rules. Another editor was also consulted.

True/Untrue

Writing in The Critic magazine, she wrote: Neither was able to explain which part of the thread was untrue, and therefore might fall into the error of opinion.

She refused to delete the tweets and she was called before a disciplinary hearing. She was told that she must delete the tweets and also admit to managers that Id been wrong and would never do it again.

Again she refused, explaining that: Everything Id said was true, and no one had been able to identify a single opinion Id publicly expressed.

The disciplinary process was eventually dropped, and she launched her own grievance hearing against the BBC, which was partly upheld on the grounds that correct procedures were not followed, but which rejected complaints from her of harassment and discrimination.

She later took redundancy, having worked for the BBC for 26 years.

Ms Walton said: Biological sex has officially become a mere viewpoint.

She said the BBC now has a festering problem with accuracy around biological sex the truth has become punishable: the lie that trans-identified men are women is not.

The BBC was contacted for comment.

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Last year, the BBC announced a major new journalistic initiative with much fanfare. BBC News CEO Deborah Turness said that BBC Verify would pull back the curtain on the work of the organisation, producing radical transparency.

Unfortunately, the curtain being pulled back on BBC Verify itself only serves to highlight the consistent and consequential failures of the BBCs reporting on the Israel-Hamas war.

I first noticed BBC Verify shortly after the terrorist massacre of October 7. A few weeks into the war I wrote in these pages about the BBCs diplomatic correspondent, Caroline Hawley. This senior journalists Twitter feed read like a series of press releases from Hamas, with Hawley reposting propaganda from Gaza without context or any apparent attempt at basic journalistic verification.

Shortly afterwards, Hawley was chosen to present a BBC Verify report on the very conflict she had just been exposed as demonstrating a lack of impartiality on. This smacked of a management showing stubborn disregard for compelling evidence of journalistic bias. To make matters worse, Hawley did not refer to Hamas as a proscribed terrorist organisation in her report.

It was claimed by staffers that BBC Verify would be a new team of investigative journalists with years of experience in verification work and forensic journalism. The reality appears to be that this new brand is instead a major contributor to the damage being done to the BBCs reputation and its commitments to impartiality and accuracy. The most recent example of this is perhaps the most damning.

Last week the BBC published a Verify-branded report on the tragic circumstances that surrounded the deaths of Palestinians at an aid convoy in Gaza. The reporting was based partially on the account of Mahmoud Awadeyah, described by the BBC as a journalist.

Thanks to the work of researcher David Collier, we know a lot more about the source that the BBC relied on for its supposedly forensic reporting. Awadeyah reportedly works for the Tasnim News Agency, which is associated with Iranian Revolutionary Guard. In other words, it appears that the BBCs source is on the payroll of a country committed to the genocidal destruction of the Jewish State, one that uses its media proxies to promote its murderous ambitions.

Unfortunately, it gets worse. Mahmoud Awadeyahs social-media timeline is filled with pro-terrorist and anti-Semitic material. BBC Verifys source appears to be a man who celebrates the deaths of Jews. Last year, as seven lay dead after a terror attack on a synagogue in East Jerusalem, Awadeyah took to Facebook to describe his feelings: A state of rejoicing, exuberance and mosques filled with exuberance. Revenge for the fetus. And this apparent glee at the violent deaths of Jewish people was not an isolated occurrence.

In the summer of 2023, he posed in front of a mural depicting what seemed to be an Islamic Jihad rocket strike on an Israeli apartment building. Eighty year-old Inga Avramayan, who had been trying to assist her paralysed husband to a shelter, was killed in that attack. Yet as well as posing in front of the mural, Awadeyah promised more, writing: Always rest assured that what is coming is more beautiful. God willing.

Awadeyahs social-media posts are publicly available for any journalist to see. Yet BBC Verify appears to have failed in the most basic of journalistic practices: checking one of their key sources. How could this have possibly happened?

The BBC has developed an apparent habit of accepting at face value what it is told by people presenting as Palestinian civilians or civic officials. It either doesnt understand or doesnt care that in too many cases these people turn out to be representatives of, or sympathetic towards, terrorist organisations.

It also appears to be increasingly the case that stories BBC reporters receive from Palestinian sources align with their negative assumptions about Israel, and that the corporations journalists dont challenge or robustly investigate accounts that come from highly flawed and disreputable sources.

The failure of BBC Verifys reporting on such a high-profile and emotive conflict is not just a profound journalistic failure. The stakes are regrettably much higher than that.

The BBCs reporting is contributing to an atmosphere in the UK in which Jewish people feel unsafe, its flawed journalism adding fuel to the fire of anti-Semitism that is glowing ever more dangerously.

It is hard to think of a more damning indictment of the BBC. And yet, nothing changes. Senior BBC managers send emails about their commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, but words are meaningless to the Jewish community. Only actions matter, and the consistent anti-Israel bias of the BBC is a real and present danger to Jewish people.

It is time that the BBCs senior leadership took accountability for this disastrous state of affairs.

Danny Cohen is a former director of BBC Television

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 4. Cooperation between the World Bank (WB) and Kyrgyzstan is at a high level, said the Executive Director of the WB Group, Dominique Favre, during a meeting with the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov in Bishkek, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Kyrgyz president, Favre recognized Kyrgyzstan's substantial development and notable achievements in recent years, acknowledging the country's progress. He expressed the WB's readiness to support priority areas in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the energy sector, citing the ongoing project for the technical feasibility study of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP) as an example.

Favre also highlighted the WB's alignment with President Zhaparov's stance on climate change, indicating its willingness to provide necessary assistance, share expertise, and knowledge.

During the meeting, Zhaparov lauded the WB's contributions to Kyrgyzstan's socio-economic development, emphasizing the country's path towards stable and dynamic growth. He noted remarkable economic growth rates over the past two years, reaching 9 percent in 2022 and 6.2 percent in 2023, marking the highest figures in a decade. Last year, Kyrgyzstan's GDP surpassed 1.229 trillion soms ($13.742 billion) for the first time in its history.

Against the backdrop of global climate challenges, Zhaparov highlighted the importance of developing green technologies, particularly hydroelectric power. The Kambarata-1 HPP project, currently one of the largest energy initiatives in Central Asia, was underscored for its significance. The president expressed confidence in the WB's continued leadership in advancing the project, which presents additional opportunities for resource mobilization from other international financial institutions.

Additionally, he emphasized Kyrgyzstan's commitment to developing road infrastructure, essential for economic activity and investment attractiveness. Specifically, Zhaparov emphasized the importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which plays pivotal role in Kyrgyzstan's transportation sector.
PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM)  The first thing that usually comes to mind when it comes to people predicting and talking about the weather is meteorologists. These individuals are trained and certified to forecast the weather. But, did you know that the general public also can help with spotting and reporting weather?

The National Weather Service has a program that allows the general public to assist the weather service in spotting severe weather. This program is called the SKYWARN Spotter Program.

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Since weather radar can only be used to collect weather data to a certain distance, the weather service relies on these weather spotters to report severe weather back to their local National Weather Service office.

Nationwide, the program has between 350,000 and 400,000 volunteers who have been trained by National Weather Service meteorologists and staff.

No experience is needed to be a SKYWARN weather spotter. Volunteers include fire personnel, dispatchers, public utility workers, and concerned members of the public. The National Weather Service holds free classes for the general public to certify or re-certify new SKYWARN weather spotters. You can find the closest class in your area by clicking here.

What is Pennsylvanias longest-numbered highway?

There is no charge for the classes and they usually take two hours to conduct. According to the National Weather Service, the training will teach the following:

Basics of thunderstorm development

Fundamentals of storm structure

Identifying potential severe weather features

Information to report

How to report information

Basic severe weather safety

More information about SKYWARN can be found here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A banned neonicotinoid that threatens bees can now be used again

Sugar beet farmers have the green light to use a banned pesticide deadly to bees following a forecast that a virus could sweep through their crops.

Emergency authorisation to use neonicotinoids was given in January but rested on a threat level being met.

Supplier British Sugar said the predicted infection rate was now 83% of crop and was "historically high".

Defra said the decision to approve was not "taken lightly" but campaigners said it made "a mockery" of the ban.

Neonicotinoids are toxic to pollinating bees, disrupting their ability to navigate and reproduce. But some sugar beet farmers say the pesticides are needed to protect against the disease known as virus yellows.

"Hugely disappointed"

The threat level posed by the virus had to be independently scientifically-verified by Rothamsted Research in its virus yellows forecast model as being above 65% of crop potentially affected before final permission for the pesticide to be used could be given.

Chair of the NFU's sugar board Michael Sly, who farms land in north Cambridgeshire and south Lincolnshire, said the sugar beet sector - which supports more than 9,500 jobs - was "facing a significant threat" from the disease, which is spread by aphids, and "can decimate crops".

Dan Green, agriculture director for British Sugar - which supplies 60% of the UK's sugar - added that the pesticide was needed "to protect the UK sugar beet crop and farmer livelihoods".

"This year's forecast for virus yellows infection is historically high and exceeds the threshold of 65% to use the seed treatment, as set by Defra in January," he told the BBC.

Previous years have seen the predicted threat range from 8% in 2021 to 85% in 2020, a season when the virus was estimated to have eventually cost growers 43m.

But environmentalists and wildlife campaigners have warned that the decision will be devastating to bees and pointed out that the government had now approved neonicotinoid use for four consecutive years.

Richard Benwell, the CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: "To have four emergency authorisations in a row makes a mockery of the ban, and now the trigger has been reached, nature will once again have to endure exposure to this harmful chemical."

He called on the government to urgently deliver its long-awaited strategy on sustainable pesticide use.

Barnaby Coupe, land use policy manager at The Wildlife Trusts, said the organisation was "hugely disappointed" but called for farmers to be given more support to grow sugar beet without resorting to chemicals.

A Defra spokesperson said the pesticide would be "tightly controlled", adding: "This decision has not been taken lightly, and now the threshold for the product's use has been passed it will be strictly limited to mitigate risks to the environment, including potential risks to pollinators."

Restrictions include limits on what crops can be planted in the same field as treated sugar beet and on the further use of thiamethoxam seed treatments on the same field within 46 months.

Levels of neonicotinoids in the environment will be monitored.

The government said its national action plan on the sustainable use of pesticides is due to be published "shortly".
Belgium has declared 1.7 billion in profits from frozen Russian assets. These funds have been partially allocated to support Ukrainian refugees, and the country's government is ready to finance Ukrainian needs, including defence, with part of this profit.

Source: Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal

Quote: "Belgium has declared that it has received 1.7 billion in budget revenues from Russian assets. Part of these funds were allocated to support Ukrainian refugees in the EU. Belgium is ready to partially finance Ukraine's needs, including defence," he said.

Shmyhal noted that Belgium is ready to consider, together with its partners, the possibility of confiscating Russian assets and transferring them to Ukraine. These mechanisms will be developed this year.

Reminder:

On Wednesday, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire publicly opposed the position of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, which indicates deep disagreements between the Group of Seven (G7) member countries.

Following the summit on 24 February, the leaders of the Group of Seven confirmed that they would keep the assets of the Russian Central Bank in their jurisdictions immobilised until the end of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

On 12 February, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision that brings closer the creation of a mechanism to use the excess profits of frozen Russian assets in the EU for the benefit of Ukraine.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen believes that any plan to confiscate or monetise US$282 billion of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine cannot be seen as a substitute for urgently needed aid that has been delayed in Congress.

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This combination of photos shows author Kate DiCamillo posing for a portrait in New York on Jan. 18, 2024, left, and cover art for her latest book "Ferris." (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, left, and Candlewick Press via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  Children's writer Kate DiCamillo is known for beloved stories like The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn-Dixie, about kids and animals trying to navigate the world and make emotional connections. Her trademarks include a strong voice, humor, and a tinge of sadness.

But her latest book, Ferris is a departure, and a surprise even for DiCamillo  the story of a happy family.

"People have opened their hearts to me. Its been this long, beautiful kind of thing, where I have been able to let myself be loved because of the stories. So now I can write a story that is all love, the author recently told The Associated Press.

The middle-grade novel  out this week from Candlewick Press  chronicles the adventures of a 10-year-old girl named Ferris living in a small town, trying to manage her quirky family members, including her daredevil little sister Pinky and glamourous grandmother, who insists shes being visited by a ghost.

Ferris still has many hallmarks of a DiCamillo story  small town simplicity, the slow pace of a hot summer, a trusted best friend, and an adorable dog with a freakishly high emotional I.Q. Most of DiCamillos books teach life lessons through humor and common experience, but characters also deal with loss, grief and loneliness. DiCamillo says she didnt recognize those themes until fans pointed them out.

I would hear the books are dark, and it would always surprise me because I would think the books are funny. Or the books are just telling the truth about what its like to be here, which is, its really hard to be here. And its also beautiful here," DiCamillo, 59, said.

HOW DiCAMILLO WRITES

The Newbery Medal winner laughed as she admitted how little planning and preparation goes into starting a new book. She says her writing process is instinctual and she often learns about her story themes while promoting her books.

I dont do character development. I dont ... think out the plot in advance, DiCamillo said. I have usually the name, I have an image or two and then its like walking down a dark hallway and I can see a little strip of light at the end of the hallway. Thats the door. And so Im just kind of like feeling my way through it.

DiCamillo has had 44 million books in print worldwide, translated into 41 languages, and many have been adapted for the stage and screen. Yet self-deprecating to a fault, DiCamillo claims she often thinks her first drafts are terrible but has faith theyll improve.

DiCamillo's human characters are usually 8- to 10-years-old and when fans wonder how she gets inside the mind of a child so authentically she says her 8-year-old self is still very present in her heart. Her newest character, Ferris Wilkey (nicknamed after her mother gave birth to her next to the Ferris wheel at the state fairgrounds) is heading into fifth grade and adores Grandma Charisse, but senses shes not well.

Youre aware of everything and you havent gone over into cynicism yet, DiCamillo said of that age. Shes seen the world, and is so open to all the magic of it and also seeing ... people that you love can get sick.

Ferris has her own room, two parents, and an extended family who demonstrate their love, creating a safe and happy home. DiCamillo says she got the idea for the story after a close family friend gave birth to a daughter and was surrounded by love when she brought the baby home. I just had this thing of like, what if I wrote a book about a kid who was absolutely, positively loved from the second that she came into the world? DiCamillo said.

She believes in the importance of being candid with kids about all the complexities of being human. The world is a beautiful place. Its a terrifying place. Its a place filled with sorrow, the author said. "But you also have to talk about the sad things, because you need to be able to find that in a book, because it makes you feel less alone.

RECKONING WITH HER OWN CHILDHOOD

DiCamillo suffered trauma as a child growing up in Pennsylvania and Florida, and has only recently shared that her father was verbally abusive, manipulative, and threatening, creating a terrifying environment at home. She says therapy and some closure around her fathers death in 2019 have helped her heal.

Even labeling her experience as domestic abuse has taken time to process. Its the moment of reckoning for me to call it that. But I think its important, she said. Its good that we can all talk about it, and somewhere in somebodys classroom or somebodys library, theres a kid that is experiencing that now, and so we can give them, a safe place and a book.

Connecting with kids and adults through her books has also led to this more secure place. DiCamillo says writing has helped her work through her emotions and Ferris is evidence of that.

NOT JUST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Bestselling novelist Ann Patchett calls DiCamillo a beautiful writer and says once she discovered her books, she couldnt put them down. It's her willingness to engage and her willingness always to talk about what kids need. We need to be read to, Patchett told the AP. "We need to have that community in literature so that we can also go off and have the experience by ourselves.

DiCamillo had long admired Patchett before meeting her and now the two are close friends who read each others work in progress. I call her Swiss Army Annie, DiCamillo says with a smile. Whatever it is that you need done, she knows how to do it. I go to her with all of my problems of being human and my problems of writing.

Patchett  who owns a bookstore in Nashville  says just because DiCamillos books are aimed at children, doesnt mean adults should miss out. She often recommended DiCamillos books during the pandemic when people were having trouble concentrating. I was like  read these books because you can have the whole experience of a giant, very important piece of American literature, but you can finish it in two hours. And people were incredibly comforted by that fact and by the books themselves.

THE POWER OF READING ALOUD

When shes not writing, DiCamillo travels around the country meeting kids and reading to them.

She says her biggest inspirations growing up and today are her mother, teachers, and librarians  people who read aloud to children. She vividly remembers her mother buying her books, reading to her, and taking her to the library. And I remember my second-grade teacher reading aloud. We read novel after novel every day after lunch, DiCamillo said tearing up. I think, boy, if it mattered that much to me, a kid who was getting it lots of other places  I think it can change lives.

The author receives hundreds of fan letters from kids and she reads and answers each one. Despite an outpouring of love, DiCamillo had a tough time receiving praise, but thats recently changed. Any time Im on a stage now, theres more proof there, that I cannot get off the stage without crying at some point because, yeah, Im letting it in, DiCamillo said. Im deeply moved by it, so Im not uncomfortable with it as much as Im astonished by it.

Rachel Person, event director for Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, New York, has met DiCamillo several times during her book tours. Person organized an event in 2016 for more than 550 people and when she started selling tickets, she began to worry because people were so emotional about meeting DiCamillo.

They were saying all these things and I was like, I dont think anyone can live up to what these people are expecting from this woman whos coming to town, Person said. But she somehow found a way to truly connect emotionally with every single person who went through that line ... to be present, in the way that these people with this intense emotional connection needed from her, which is amazing to watch.

MORE DiCAMILLO BOOKS ON THE WAY

Ferris is DiCamillos 34th book and she has two more coming out later this year. Shes also working on a collection of fairytales. Patchett calls DiCamillo freakishly hardworking.

No matter what, she gets up in the black hours of the earliest dawn and goes to work, Patchett said.

Person says when people talk about the books that shaped them as a person, its often stories they read as a child, and DiCamillo is one of those writers who's made an impact. The number of kids who have a little piece of Kate in their soul is high, and thats a really hopeful, lovely thing for our world.

I feel like its the greatest gift in the world because Im a reader myself and I know, how books have saved me, DiCamillo said. I say to kids sometimes  most of the time were never even going to meet, but still we know each other because of those stories, you know? Its a miraculous thing to me.

___

This story was first published on March 4, 2024, and was updated on March 6 to correct the name of the Northshire Bookstore.
The CQC has told Berkeley House it must take action to bring services in line with regulations.

A unit for people with learning difficulties and autism has had its rating dropped from good to inadequate.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave Berkeley House in Gloucestershire the lowest possible rating after an unannounced visit in October.

Inspectors found staff were "unnecessarily restricting people's freedoms" and some of the flats had boarded-up windows and doors.

The NHS trust that runs the unit said improvements had been made since.

However it acknowledged the outcome of the inspection was "deeply regrettable".

Berkeley House is a stand-alone unit in Stroud for people with autism and learning difficulties who have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

The CQC's investigation was launched after Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the facility, referred it to the healthcare watchdog.

The trust that runs Berkeley House said the report was "deeply regrettable"

At the time of the inspection, six of the seven flats were in use. One was occupied by a patient who was under 18 years old and the remainder were filled by adults.

Inspectors found one person had not undertaken any activity for two weeks while another only had six activities in 31 days, and there was "no evidence" to provide any rationale for this.

CCTV camera usage was "excessive", the CQC said. Inspectors found one person had five cameras in their flat with "no real reasons" in their care plan explaining why.

However inspectors also found people's care and support plans "reflected their needs" and that staff ensured people had regular contact with their families.

The CQC has told the service it must take action to bring services in-line with regulations.

'Significant progress'

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust said the majority of the CQC's recommendations had been partially or completely resolved since the inspection.

"Our overall priority will always be the health and wellbeing of the people in our care," a trust spokesperson said.

"We are in regular contact with the families of the people being cared for at Berkeley House and we are supporting them throughout. "We have been working with our partners for several years now to enable individuals to be discharged to more suitable environments as soon as and wherever possible.

"This work continues, and significant progress is being made, alongside work to redesign the wider support on offer for people with a similar level of need within Gloucestershire over the longer term."

The spokesperson added that Berkeley House is still open.

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An educational review site recently released its 2024 rankings of the top schools and districts in Kansas, but no institutions in the Wichita Public Schools district made the top-10 cut for best public middle schools in the metro area.

Fueled by data and reviews, Niche releases the rankings annually. The company grades schools on academics, teachers, culture, diversity and the overall school district. It gathers data from various federal agencies and through parent and student surveys.

Schools in the Andover, Maize, Renwick and Remington-Whitewater school districts were all represented in the 10 highest ranked in the Wichita metro area. The highest ranked Wichita Public Schools middle school was Robinson Middle School, which ranked 11th.

Wichitas school district has recently garnered attention amid a proposal that would permanently close four elementary  Clark, Park, Payne and Cleaveland Traditional Magnet elementary schools  and two middle schools  Hadley and Jardine Magnet middle schools. Officials say passing the proposal would save $16 million of a $42 million budget shortfall.

To find out more about top-rated schools, you can review area Niche grades and reviews by searching directly for your school, district or metro. You can also filter your search by type of school and grades offered.

Heres a look at how Wichita-area public middle schools fared in Niches 2024 ranking.

What are the best public middle schools in the Wichita area?

No. 1: Andover Middle School

Andover School District; 1628 N. Andover Road, Andover, KS

Overall Niche grade: A

Student-to-teacher ratio: 17-to-1

Proficiency: 53% of students showed proficiency in reading and 44% showed proficiency in math

No. 2: Andover Central Middle School

Andover School District; 903 E. Central Ave., Andover, KS

Overall Niche grade: A

Student-to-teacher ratio: 15-to-1

Proficiency: 44% of students showed proficiency in reading and 39% showed proficiency in math

No. 3: St. Marks School

Renwick School District; 19001 West 29th St. N., Colwich, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 17-to-1

Proficiency: 67% of students showed proficiency in reading and 57% showed proficiency in math

No. 4: Challenger Intermediate School

Goddard School District; 335 N. Walnut St., Goddard, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 15-to-1

Proficiency: 50% of students showed proficiency in reading and 30% showed proficiency in math

No. 5: Discovery Intermediate School

Goddard School District; 301 S. Main St., Goddard, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 14-to-1

Proficiency: 51% of students showed proficiency in reading and 36% showed proficiency in math

No. 6: Maize South Middle School

Maize School District; 3403 N. Tyler Road, Wichita, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 13-to-1

Proficiency: 40% of students showed proficiency in reading and 28% showed proficiency in math

No. 7: Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School

Goddard School District; 16152 W. Explorer St., Goddard, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 20-to-1

Proficiency: 40% of students showed proficiency in reading and 45% showed proficiency in math

No. 8: Maize Middle School

Maize School District; 4600 N. Maize Road, Maize, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 14-to-1

Proficiency: 37% of students showed proficiency in reading and 25% showed proficiency in math

No. 9: Andale Elementary/Middle School

Renwick School District; 500 Rush Ave., Andale, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Student-to-teacher ratio: 21-to-1

Proficiency: 56% of students showed proficiency in reading and 55% showed proficiency in math

No. 10: Remington Middle School

Remington-Whitewater School District; 316 E. Topeka St., Whitewater, KS

Overall Niche grade: A-

Teacher-to-student ratio: 12-to-1

Proficiency: 42% of students showed proficiency in reading and 32% showed proficiency in math

Proposed Wichita middle school closures

The two Wichita middle schools proposed for closures as of March 4 had an overall Niche grade of C.

Hadley Middle School reported 14% of students showed proficiency in reading and 4% showed proficiency in math. Hadley has a 14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and received a 2024 A grade for diversity.

Jardine STEM and Career Exploration Magnet Middle Academy reported 11% of students showed proficiency in reading, while just 5% showed proficiency in math. Jardine has a 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Like Hadley, Jardine received an A grade for diversity this year, alongside a B- for teachers.

The Wichita school board is set to vote Monday night on the proposed closures, which would effect more than 2,200 students and 322 employees,
People at the border wait to have their applications processed by US officials.

People at the border wait to have their applications processed by US officials. Photograph: Eric Gay/AP

The Biden administration asked the US supreme court on Monday to take emergency action against a Texas law which would make unauthorized entry into Texas a state crime.

The move came after a federal appeals court reversed a lower courts decision, giving Texas state law enforcement officials the authority to arrest and jail anyone they suspect has illegally crossed the border.

If the supreme court does look at the case, it would see the USs top legal body weigh in on the issue of immigration, likely to be a core battleground of the 2024 presidential election. It would also add another highly controversial case to the courts roster of other hot-button issues this year, ranging from voting rights to gun laws.

The Texas law, senate bill 4, has been contested on the grounds it allows individual states to create its own immigration laws  an issue which officially falls under the purview of the federal government.

The US justice department sued Texas and its hardline Republican governor, Greg Abbott, in January to block the law from taking effect. The justice department argued Texass law violated the US constitution which asserts the federal constitution, and federal law generally, take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions, according to Cornell Law Schools Legal Information Institute.

A federal judge in Austin blocked the state from implementing the law in February, but the fifth US circuit court of appeals granted a stay, or a ruling to stop the lower courts order from taking effect.

The supreme court now has until 9 March to intervene.

The Texas government says, according to the US and Texas constitutions, it has the right to implement its own immigration laws in the event of an invasion, likening migrants to a public foreign enemy. But legal experts are skeptical of this argument.

In its request for the supreme court to intervene, the Biden administration said: A surge of unauthorized immigration plainly is not an invasion within the meaning of the state war clause. And even if it were, the clause does not permit states to contradict the federal governments considered response to any invasion that has occurred.

The law has also faced opposition from human rights groups for paving the way for potentially racially profiling people, particularly Latinos, who make up more than 40% of the states population.

Before the appeals courts ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union called SB4 an extreme Texas legislation.

In a statement, the ACLU said: Advocates have warned that the law will separate families and directly lead to racial profiling, subjecting thousands of Black and Brown Texans to the state prison system, which is rife with civil rights abuses.
US President Joe Biden has extended the state of emergency introduced back in 2014 after Russias aggression against Ukraine, as well as sanctions against Russia related to it, for another year with a decree on 4 March.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the decree on the website of the White House

Details: The state of emergency in connection with the situation in Ukraine was implemented on 6 March 2014 with the decree of the then US President Barack Obama. Since then it has been extended several times, mainly on 21 February 2022 after Russias recognition of the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk Peoples Republics (L/DPR).

Moreover, in December 2014 and in September 2018, US presidents implemented additional sanctions.

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United StatesTherefore I am continuing the national emergency for 1 year," Bidens decree reads.

Background:

On 23 February, US President Joe Biden announced that the United States was imposing more than 500 sanctions against Russia and new export restrictions on nearly 100 organisations on the eve of the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and in reaction to the death of Alexei Navalny.

In particular, 26 companies and individuals from 11 countries, mainly from China and Serbia, have been sanctioned as they help Russian to evade sanctions and import critically important technologies and equipment for the military-industrial sector.

The US thinks that their warning about the sanctions against financial institutions has significantly affected the flow of money between Russia and such countries as Turkiye, the UAE and Kazakhstan.

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Joe Biden is facing a growing challenge from voters within his own party ahead of Super Tuesday, as liberal orgs continue urging Americans to vote uncommitted in their states Democratic primaries to protest the Biden administrations support for Israel in its war against Hamas.

At least three Super Tuesday states have seen full-throated campaigns urging voters to cast their ballot against Biden this week, including Colorado, Minnesota, and Washington.

Among the biggest players to push for an uncommitted vote is the Democratic Socialists of America, which said in a statement Sunday that Biden is on track to lose to Donald Trump this fall if he doesnt listen to the working class of this country and change course.

Defeat is certain if he fails to do so, the organization said. It also highlighted polling which shows that an increasing number of Americans want a ceasefire in Gazawhile pointing to an Israeli attack last week that Gaza officials said killed at least 100 Palestinians near an aid convoy.

Uncommitted Campaign in Michigan Shatters Expectations Against Biden

The uncommitted push comes less than a week after more than 100,000 Democratic primary voters in Michigan cast ballots for the uncommitted lineshattering a goal of 10,000 that was set by organizers. The president still easily won the state with 623,000 votes, but organizers said it sent a clear message to Biden.

Over 30,000 Palestinians have already died, the DSA wrote in a statement. How many will be ENOUGH for Joe Biden to stop this war?

The DSA has over 92,00o members and chapters in each U.S. state.

The states set to vote or caucus on Super Tuesday include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginiathough not every state has uncommitted as an option on its ballots.

The DSA isnt alone in its push, with the progressive group Our Revolution also asking Democrats to vote uncommitted in Washington state next week, citing ongoing U.S. support for Israel as the reason. A similar campaign is afoot in Colorado, where the Colorado Palestine Coalition is urging voters to select noncommitted delegate as the states equivalent to an uncommitted vote.

In a statement, Our Revolution said its endorsement is to apply political pressure on the Biden administration to reevaluate its stance on the war in Gaza, aligning it more closely with the Democratic base and bolstering its chances of reelection and defeating Donald Trump in November.

The organizations executive director, Joseph Geevarghese, cited the protests effectiveness in Michigan as a reason to push for it elsewhere.

Coming off the momentum generated in Michigan, we need to continue lifting up our voices and sending a clear message to President Bidenwe need a ceasefire now, he said. If we do not change course, he will be putting our Democracy at risk.

The uncommitted movement has been publicly backed by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who said she was proud to cast her ballot against Biden in Michigan last week.

When 74 percent of Democrats in Michigan support a ceasefire, yet President Biden is not hearing us, this is the way we can use our democracy to say listen to Michigan, she said in a video statement at the time.

Elsewhere in the Midwest, a half-page advertisement was purchased in Sundays edition of the Star-Tribune, Minnesotas largest newspaper, which urged Democrats to vote uncommitted on Tuesday.

Minnesota, Listen to Michigan. Vote Uncommitted, the advertisement reads. Be a voter in the Presidential Primary this Tuesday, March 5th. Send a message: Ceasefire now.

Minnesota appears ripe to turn out a large uncommitted vote. Like Michigan, it has a progressive history, a large Muslim community, and high voter turnout (Minnesota is No. 1, while Michigan ranks No. 10).

Amanda Purcell, a member of MN Families for Palestine who held a rally for the uncommitted vote at a Minneapolis park this weekend, told The Guardian that she can feel momentum swinging toward a protest vote.

Were really starting to feel the momentum here, she said. And were hoping that what we do here will just continue to push the wave of uncommitted across the United States.

It remains unclear if the Biden administration plans to change course due to the brewing rebellion, though it has increased its scrutiny of Israel in recent weeksa step back from its full-throated support in the early days of the countrys invasion into the Gaza Strip.

Vice President Kamala Harris called the situation in Gaza a human catastrophe on Sunday, saying Israel has no excuses to not send aid of its own to the displaced, starving Palestinians in and around Rafah.

Last week, Biden announced the U.S. would drop food and supplies into Gaza. He also told reporterswhile licking ice cream with late-night host Seth Myers ahead of an appearance on his showthat he thought a ceasefire could go into effect as early as this Monday.

Those in the Middle East threw cold water on that estimation shortly after, however, emphasizing that Hamas and Israel remained far from reaching an agreement that would see hostilities paused.

Seth Meyers Deeply Regrets Getting Ice Cream With Joe Biden

Asma Mohammed, one of the organizers behind Vote Uncommitted MN, told The Guardian that shelike other organizers for an uncommitted vote in Minnesotais against Trump returning to the White House. Instead, she said, her organizations protest is to send a message to Biden that hes alienating his base supporters.

Im hoping that President Biden listens, because I dont want to have to organize my community out of becoming Republicans or just sitting at home, Mohammed said. And its not just my community.

Mohammed told the newspaper that the ultimate goal of the uncommitted movement is for there to be a ceasefirenot keep Biden out of office.

This is a national movement, Mohammed said. It doesnt stop with Michigan. It doesnt stop with Minnesota. All of us have to be all in to get the attention of the president.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The historic Atlantic Bank Building, built in 1909 at 121 W. Forsyth St. downtown, will be the new home of Jacksonville University's College of Law.

About a year and a half after classes began, Jacksonville Universitys College of Law has received provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association, the school said Monday.

The approval means graduates will be able to take Bar exams required to practice law and can be considered for clerkships or other jobs requiring a degree from an accredited school.

This is a very important, if not crucial, milestone that we have achieved, law school Dean Nicholas Allard said. Its a big, big deal.

Jacksonville University President Tim Cost mixed with school faculty and guests gathered for a Sept. 1, 2022 ceremony commemorating JU opening its law school in downtown's VyStar Tower.

The school still has to face more review to be fully accredited, and the ABAs website says schools are required to keep preliminary approval for three to five years before shedding the provisional label.

Growth plans: After growth spree, JU leans into corporate links, puts provost over new partnership office

Getting provisional clearance is itself a prerequisite to reaching final approval. Fully accredited schools are reviewed to see how many graduates pass the Bar and enter the legal profession, for example, but that question can only be asked once a schools students are allowed to take Bar exams.

In a release from JU, Allard said the school felt a heavy responsibility to pursue and attain accreditation before our inaugural students graduated. The private Arlington university applied for ABA accreditation last March, exactly a year after deciding to open a law school.

The historic Atlantic Bank Building, built in 1909 at 121 W. Forsyth St. downtown, will be the new home of Jacksonville University's College of Law.

The initial accreditation happened as JU has been moving ahead with plans for growing the law schools enrollment and moving to a building down the street from the courthouses that are part of students instruction.

Allard said in an interview that the law school expects to admit 40 or more new students this fall and by the 2027-28 school year to have about 450 students total, 150 in each year of the three-year instruction.

Medical school: Osteopath college aims to open Jacksonville medical school at JU, filling need for doctors

The school, which opened in the summer of 2022, is scheduled to move this summer from its original offices in downtowns VyStar Tower on Laura Street to four leased floors of the 1909-vintage Atlantic Bank Building at 121 W. Forsyth St.

This 2015 photo shows the entrance to Jacksonville Universty's main campus in Arlington, where the private university has pursued a wave of projects to expand its scope, gaining accreditations in dozens of fields over about a decade

The schools new 50,000-square-foot lease area, which JU announced in November, is about two blocks from federal court and four blocks from the Duval County Courthouse.

The law school is part of a broader effort by JU to prepare students for a more comprehensive range of careers in fields from healthcare to business adminsitration, animation and aviation.

The law school's creation filled a void in Northeast Florida's legal commnuity left by the effective 2021 closure of Florida Coastal School of Law, a for-profit school that the federal government cut off from its financial aid system after concluding that school "operated recklessy" and put students at financial risk. The ABA agreed at that time that Florida Coastal's accreditation would end by 2023.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 'Big, big deal': JU law school gets provisional accreditation from Bar
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 4. Turkmenistan may become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) this year, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, Trend reports.

He noted that it is possible that the country's accession to the organization will be announced during the Summit of Heads of state in Ashgabat, dedicated to the 300th Anniversary of the birth of the poet Magtymguly Fragi.

Furthermore, Berdimuhamedov also stressed that President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed a desire to participate in the upcoming Summit in Ashgabat.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan currently has observer status in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), increasingly deepening its relations with its members.

The Organization of Turkic States is an interstate bloc created with the aim of expanding cooperation between Turkic-speaking countries in the fields of politics, economics, science, education, transport and tourism.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
On the eve of Super Tuesday, Donald Trump emerged triumphant in a speech addressing the Supreme Courts unanimous ruling Monday that states cant remove the former president from the 2024 presidential ballot.

Trump used the decision to again claim his innocence in the numerous indictments and civil actions against him, and to cast his legal woes as persecution from political rivals.

I think it will go a long way toward bringing our country together, which our country needs, Trump said in remarks at his Mar-A-Lago estate. "And [the justices] worked long. They worked hard. And frankly, they worked very quickly on something that will be spoken about 100 years from now and 200 years from now, extremely important.

The high court ruled in a unanimous, unsigned opinion that only Congress, not the states, can disqualify a presidential candidate under the Constitutions insurrection clause. The justices decision overturns a Colorado ruling that would have removed Trump from the ballot there.

The ruling from the Supreme Court marks a win for Trump as Americans in 15 states will cast votes on Tuesday, removing uncertainty on whether Trump's name should be included on the ballots.

"I was very honored by a nine-to-nothing vote," Trump said on the Howie Carr Show following the ruling. "And this is for future presidents. This is not for me. This is for future presidents, all presidents. But this was a very big decision. It was a great decision."



Trump, at Mar-A-Lago, used the Supreme Court's decision to look toward a case on whether the former president is immune from prosecution. Last week, the high court announced that it would review Trump's claim that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office. The justices will hear arguments on the case during the week of April 22 and proceedings in the trial court remain frozen.

"Another thing that will be coming up very soon will be immunity for a president and not immunity for me, but for any president," Trump said Monday. "If a president doesn't have full immunity, you really don't have a president because nobody that is serving in that office will have the courage to make, in many cases, what would be the right decision or it could be the wrong decision."

Monday's ruling is just the first of several major legal battles that will shape the course of the 2024 election. Trump first entered uncharted territory when he became the first former president to faceany kind of criminal charges after being indicted by a New York grand jury last March over his alleged role in a scheme to pay hush money to a porn star during the 2016 presidential campaign. Since then, Trump has been indicted three more times  two times at the federal level. Trump has denied wrongdoing in all four cases.
A credit line from British International Investment will become available for Ukrainian businesses

A credit line of up to 250 million ($317m) to finance the private sector in Ukraine will be provided by the financial institution British International Investment (BII) starting in April, the Economy Ministry reported on Mar. 3 after the meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and BII CEO Nick O'Donoghue.

The funds will be made available through the Co-Investment Platform with the participation of partner financial institutions in Ukraine.

Read also: Ukrainian finance chief hails Japan as nation assumes role as Kyivs top aid provider in 2024

"I am grateful to BII for joining the list of institutions ready to support Ukraine's private sector, Svyrydenko said.

The extension of the limit to 250 million is the support Ukraine desperately needs to maintain economic stability and post-war reconstruction. Previously, the BII was not on the map of international financial institutions that Ukraine was working with. I am glad that we are discovering new partners, and new partners are discovering Ukraine."

Read also: RDNA3 updates Ukraines recovery and reconstruction needs to $486 billion over next decade, up $75 billion from last year's estimate

The parties agreed to work on determining the most effective way to cooperate with other international financial organizations in making joint investments in Ukraine and to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the EBRD-led Joint Investment Platform.

Earlier, it was reported that in October 2020, Kyiv and London signed a memorandum on strengthening cooperation in the military and technical sphere, which provides for a loan of 1.23 billion pounds ($1.56b) to Ukraine and cooperation in the development of the navy.

In December 2021, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the UK would provide an additional 1 billion ($1.27b) to Ukraine. At that time, the total amount of British assistance increased to 3.5 billion pounds.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Florida is on the verge of passing the strongest consumer protections in state history for a problem-plagued home loan program touted to help homeowners pay for energy efficiency projects like solar panels and hurricane protection like impact windows or new roofs.

The Property Assessed Clean Energy program  commonly known as the PACE  provides a funding option for people who dont qualify for or want a bank loan. Instead, the often-expensive projects are paid through a lien added to the property tax bill. The program, while popular, also has drawn complaints from homeowners, critics and county tax collectors across the state who say



some consumers have been left in the dark about the true cost of their projects and how the bill will be paid.

Floridas house and senate are poised to pass bills this week addressing many of the issues consumer advocates have raised over the years, as outlined in a Miami Herald investigation last year. Some counties, including Miami-Dade, have already implemented some of these protections.

If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it, they could become law as soon as July.

Rep. Dana Trabulsky, R Fort Pierce, said she came up with the legislation after some relatives tried to use the program to repair their hurricane-damaged roof a few years ago. Trabulsky said they couldnt get a traditional bank loan or afford to put the repairs on a credit card, so they turned to PACE.

This, to me, is what PACE is for. Its a certain niche group of people who have no other means by which to keep their home, she said. Its not for everybody but it is for a certain group of people. Its for my family, and for yours.

READ MORE: Other states have fixed consumer protection problems with PACE loans. Why not Florida?

Big changes ahead

The program works in an unusual way, by using the clients house as collateral for a loan. Homeowners pay off the improvements, with a current interest rate of around 11%, on their annual property tax bill. The tax bill bump can wind up huge, adding up to a 200% to 300% increase in some cases.

But unlike a traditional bank loan, PACE providers have never been required to confirm if their clients can afford to repay the loans. And some consumers have complained that they have been misled by shady contractors about final costs and payment methods.

And because the payments are tied to property taxes, if a homeowner falls behind on their annual payments, they could lose their home. That happened several times in California, the birthplace of the PACE program, before the state introduced strict new protections. There have been no reported cases yet of anyone in Florida losing their home because of costs associated with the PACE program.

The new legislation would change some key rules.

It requires PACE providers to make sure the estimated annual payments are no more than 10% of a property owners annual income, provide a thorough disclosure form outlining the estimated costs and get permission from the bank holding the propertys mortgage to do the project.

Gilberto Lujano, 49, left, spreads tar while working on a roof on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Homestead, Fla.

The bills also require  for the first time stricter regulations of the contractors that do the work. The majority of the complaints and lawsuits against Florida PACE providers reviewed by the Herald concern shoddy construction work or alleged fraud from contractors.

The new legislation would also outlaw many of the at times dubious claims made on the flyers advertising the program taped on front doors across South Florida that tout the program as free or no-cost.

Perhaps most importantly, these bills would mandate a state audit of PACE every three years and require PACE providers to self-report information about their customers and projects, including if anyone has lost their home.

Were kind of in a pickle here in Florida because we need to harden our homes so that we dont lose our insurance so that we dont lose our homes, but we also need to be able to afford the improvements we need to make on our home without being further behind the 8-ball, Trabulsky told lawmakers while pitching her bill. If you hate PACE youll love this bill.

Ray and Kelly Coulter display the paperwork from when they financed a new roof and impact windows on their West Palm Beach home through Green Solutions and Ygrene Energy Florida.

While multiple lawmakers expressed distaste for the program in meetings about the bill, it received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Personally, Ive always been a big critic of this program just because of the predatory behavior weve seen, said Rep. Ana Eskamani, D-Orlando. We can still do more in consumer protections, but this bill is a very good step in the right direction.

Lobbyists from top PACE programs, including FortiFy, ReNew Financial and Home Run Financing publicly supported the additional consumer protections. And it won support from critics too, including noted PACE skeptic Mike Fasano, Pasco Countys tax collector.

This bill will help make sure people dont lose their homes, he said. Youve come from zero to batting 750 overnight. Hopefully, we can get to 1,000 in the future.

Re-asserting local control

These bills could also quash a statewide scuffle between one rogue PACE company and half the counties in the state. Last year, a company that bankrolls PACE construction projects interpreted a routine legal finding from Tallahassee as permission to fund projects anywhere in the state, ignoring any community-specific consumer protections they had passed.

Previously, PACE providers had to make specific agreements with individual counties about whether  and how  they could operate. Several counties, including Collier County, do not allow residential PACE at all.

READ MORE: 30 Florida counties sue, saying consumers at risk in expansion of a home loan program

But despite the historic understanding of how the program worked, the Florida PACE Funding Agency started signing up thousands of new customers across the state. Tax collectors started refusing to collect or pass on the annual payments, and both sides started suing.

The new bills from Tallahassee clarify that a PACE provider needs permission from counties to sign up customers within their boundaries.

Septic-to-sewer

These bills would also expand the kinds of things PACE could pay for. In addition to a new roof or impact windows, PACE could now cover elevating homes because of flood risk, fixing up a seawall and something long sought by Miami-Dade County  septic to sewer conversions.

Miami-Dade has more septic tanks than anywhere else in the state at nearly 140,000, and theyre already starting to fail due to high groundwater levels from sea level rise. The county is aggressively pursuing tens of millions in grant money to add the pipes and pumps necessary to switch homes to county sewer lines, but it rarely comes with extra cash to pay the homeowners cut of the costs. That can top $10,000, a hefty fee for an average resident.

If these bills become law, Miami-Dade residents could soon be able to use PACE, in addition to bank loans, to pay their half of the project.

Miami-Dade joins in

Following a series of stories from the Miami Herald, commissioners in Miami-Dade have added several new protections for Miami-Dade homeowners. They include a mandatory, detailed disclosure form that lists the exact cost of the improvement plus interest, and a print signature, instead of a digital one, for people over 65.

Last month, commissioners also unanimously passed another round of consumer protections that would require companies to inform customers, as well as the county, if they plan to abruptly pull out of the market  like Ygrene did in late 2022.

READ MORE: People got screwed. Despite troubles, green energy lender seeks restart in Florida

PACE providers, like Ygrene, must also now have at least 75% of their funding for the project as cash on hand before they greenlight the project, which was part of the issue that led to a massive service interruption for thousands of Floridians

I just want people to know exactly what theyre signing up for, said Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who spearheaded the legislation. This goes a long way to help those people who were affected by the interruption.
A bill that allows officers patrolling in Georgia to arrest anyone they suspect of violating immigration laws could head to the governors office as soon as this week.

This comes after the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student attacked and killed while jogging on the University of Georgias campus on Feb. 22.

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The next day, police arrested Jose Ibarra of Venezuela.

Since then, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as local police agencies, have confirmed how Ibarra made it past layers of law enforcement without facing deportation.

Now, the sponsor of Georgia House Bill 1105, Rep. Jesse Petrea, said he is aiming to address that.

The bill would do more than allow officers to arrest those suspected of being in the country illegally. It would also require jailers to honor U.S. and Customs Enforcement detainer requests.

Detainer documents ask local jails to hold inmates for 48 hours to give ICE agents time to show up to the jail and take custody of them. That removes the need for agents to search for them after they post bail.

If I send my officers to arrest somebody in a jail, its a secure environment, said Sean Ervin. Theres no danger to the community.

Ervin is the Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations in Atlanta. He is in charge of deporting those who violate immigration policies set by each presidential administration.

He said right now, some counties in Georgia do not honor ICE detainer requests.

Ervin said in his exclusive interview with Channel 2 Action News that he prefers to stay out of state politics.

However, he said, What would be really nice is if it wasnt necessary to get laws to pass to get sheriffs to do their jobs.

Immigration attorney Joshua McCall said the problem is that it can be considered Unconstitutional to hold anyone in jail after theyve posted bond.

This bill criminalizes and fines local jails and local police departments for not performing the duties of ICE, argued McCall. This bill forces local police departments to do more reporting and statistical studies than is currently being done by ICE.

McCall argued the section of the bill allowing patrol officers to arrest anyone suspected of violating immigration laws could leave innocent immigrants stuck in an overloaded system.

McCall is also concerned with parts of the bill that would require jailers to verify if an inmate is violating immigration laws and report it to ICE.

The jail would have to collect and report immigrant inmate data online every quarter.

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He said, It is possible for jailers/ sheriffs to face misdemeanor charges if they refuse to obey the law. It is the current law and has been since 2006. They can also face loss of state funds, said Rep. Jesse Petrea, who sponsored the bill.

Rep. Petreas full statement reads:

The bill simply ensures that when individuals in GA jails are discovered to be illegally in the country, that they are reported to federal immigration authorities. It further ensures that IF an ICE detainer is placed on an individual that it is honored by LE. ICE detainers are 48 hour holds with probable cause. This bill is ONLY about illegal aliens in jails who have committed crimes. In spite of intentional misinformation, It is not about immigrants or even illegal aliens in the community who have not committed crimes.

This week, the Senate floor could pass the bill.

Then, it would head to the governors desk. It would become law upon signature.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  State Sen. Brent Taylor is introducing a bill that would allow neighboring District Attorneys to prosecute certain crimes if Shelby Countys district attorney refuses.

Its the latest in the tug-of-war between Taylor (R-Shelby County) and D.A. Steve Mulroy in an effort to fight crime.

Taylor is sponsoring a bill called the D.A. Second Opinion Act. It would require law enforcement to report certain major criminal investigations to District Attorneys in neighboring counties.

State Sen. calls for investigation into Judge Skahan, D.A. Mulroy

Neighboring district attorneys could prosecute certain Shelby County crimes if the district attorney refuses to prosecute.

Either it will give another district attorney an opportunity to look at some crimes that will have a nexus in their judicial district, or it will create an internal pressure in our Shelby County D.A.s office to say, You know what, Im probably going to prosecute this because I dont want a neighboring district attorney to come into Shelby County and prosecute my crimes,' said Taylor.

Senator blasts judge over bail comments after murder suspects release

He called it common sense, saying, if you take a criminal whos committed a crime and youve apprehended him and you got them in jail, they cant commit another crime.

But Democatic state Rep. Jesse Chism of Memphis says this bill isnt needed, and is a huge overreach.

Its a bad bill. I think it has symptoms of being unconstitutional, Chism said.

Mulroy called it empty political messaging with no real world effect- a solution in search of a problem.

Sunday nights deadly officer-involved shooting in Collierville sparked questions about 30-year-old Antwon Booker, the man killed, and his prior arrest history.

Shelby County Court records show Booker had a sexual battery case against him dropped last year and another felony charge against him dropped in 2018.

TBI investigating deadly officer-involved shooting in Collierville

In a statement, Mulroy says Booker failed to show up for his preliminary hearing. The judge dismissed for the defendants failure to appear, and his office sent the case to the grand jury for indictment.

Mulroys full statement on the case can be found at the end of this story.

Mulroy criticized Taylor for his latest crime bill, and said his efforts would be better spent on other priorities.

Rather than grabbing headlines with proposals that wont actually make us safer, Senator Taylor would be better advised to help Shelby County get a local crime lab, provide residential facilities to deal with repeat juvenile offenders, and allow urban areas to opt out of our lax, soft-on-crime gun laws, Mulroy said.

Taylor said hes not picking on anyone. I just want Memphians to be safe.

Mulroys statement on Antwon Booker:

The Antwon Booker case is still active. When the defendant failed to show up for his preliminary hearing, the judge dismissed for the defendants failure to appear, and we sent the case to the grand jury for indictment, a routine practice done for years in Shelby County and across Tennessee. (Its of course now moot because Booker is dead.) The 2018 case was dismissed by my predecessor because the victim failed to show for a hearing and did not respond to repeated attempts at contact. The proposed bill is empty political messaging with no real world effect- a solution in search of a problem. Our office prosecutes over 40,000 cases a year, and doesnt decline to prosecute without a good reason. Law enforcement currently are already free to notify any DA office they want about offenses, but DAs are only empowered to prosecute crimes occurring inside their jurisdiction. Rather than grabbing headlines with proposals that wont actually make us safer, Sen. Taylor would be better advised to help Shelby County get a local crime lab, provide residential facilities to deal with repeat juvenile offenders, and allow urban areas to opt out of our lax, soft-on-crime gun laws.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
New medical marijuana legislation introduced in Kentuckys Senate Friday would extend the treatment option to a much broader range of conditions, including some the states current medical marijuana law leaves out.

Introduced by Republican state Sen. Stephen West of Paris, Senate Bill 337 would expand the current list of conditions from six to 21.

Under Kentuckys medical marijuana law, set to go into effect next year, only residents with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic nausea or vomiting, cancer, severe or chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder can qualify for the program.

According to Louisville Public Media, the first to report Fridays development, the bills author has been meeting with state officials tasked with launching Kentuckys medical marijuana program to get their input and blessing.

The Herald-Leader has reached out to West for comment about the legislation.

So what comes next for the Senate bill and what changes could it make? Heres what to know.

Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card under Kentuckys new law? What we know so far

What conditions would qualify for medical marijuana under the bill?

Senate Bill 337, introduces an expanded list of qualifying conditions, including:

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrigs disease Arthritis Cachexia or wasting syndrome Cancer, regardless of type, form or stage Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome resistant to treatment Chronic, severe intractable or debilitating pain Epilepsy and other intractable seizure disorders Fibromyalgia Glaucoma Hepatitis C Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Huntingtons disease Irritable bowel disease, including Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, spasticity Muscular dystrophy Neuropathies Parkinsons disease Post-traumatic stress disorder Sickle cell disease Terminal illnesses

The legislation also grants latitude to the Kentucky Center for Cannabis at the University of Kentucky to add to the list of qualifying conditions, provided there is sufficient scientific data and evidence exists to demonstrate that an individual diagnosed with that condition or disease is likely to receive medical, therapeutic, or palliative benefits from the use of medicinal cannabis.

Whats next for the bill and what are its chances of passing into law?

SB 337 has been referred to the chambers health services committee, and the legislation will need three reads before it can get a full vote in the Senate.

It may face a difficult path to passage, given it is much more permissive than its predecessor, Senate Bill 47.

The new legislation also closely follows the original list of qualifying conditions Gov. Andy Beshear included in his 2022 executive order on the issue. Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly may not be willing to endorse that list.

Note: This story was updated at 9:55 a.m. March 5 to correctly identify irritable bowel disease as a qualifying condition.

Do you have a question about medical marijuana in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know via the Know Your Kentucky form below or connect with us at ask@herald-leader.com.
Bill Gates visited the Statue of Unity in India before heading to the Ambani pre-wedding bash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally invited Gates to view the tallest statue in the world.

The Ambani's three-day party featured tech CEOs like Gates and other celebrities.

Before rubbing elbows with the world's rich and famous at the Ambani pre-wedding bash, Bill Gates was just being a tourist in India.

Gates posted photos of him on Instagram Friday at the Statue of Unity, the world's largest statue, which is located in the Indian state of Gujarat. The towering memorial to politician Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel  who helped reunite India post-British colonial rule  is nearly 600 feet tall and was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2013.

While Gates appears to be participating in regular old tourist activities, the former Microsoft CEO was personally invited by Modi himself to view the statue.

"Thank you @narendramodi for the invitation to visit the impressive Statue of Unity. It is an engineering marvel and a great tribute to Sardar Patel," Gates wrote on Instagram under a photo of him grinning in front of the steel and bronze colossus. "Also great to see it is creating economic opportunity for local tribal communities, especially women."

Gates was so inspired by the visit that he posted a follow-up video of his experience at the Statue of Unity set to "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.

Before Gates also sat down with Modi to discuss "using AI for public good," he wrote in the caption an Instagram post that featured him posing with the Prime Minister. Gates also later met with multiple local leaders, per posts on his social media.

What Gates has been making headlines for, however, is his attendance at one of the biggest parties of the year so far  the Ambani family pre-wedding bash hosted by Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. The soiree celebrating his son Anant Ambani's upcoming marriage featured a private performance by Rihanna and some of the most prominent names in business and Bollywood.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Black History Month may be gone, but that doesnt mean conversations about Blackness and the realities of being Black in America should stop, especially when it comes to mental health.

The statistics are troubling. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 21% of Black people report having a mental illness, and suicide is the third leading cause of death of Black Americans 10 to 24 years old and among Black men 25 to 34. Mental health is a significant issue in the Black community.

It seems like an insurmountable problem to fix, one that requires multiple methods and changes to improve. But it isnt impossible, and there are steps forward. Yoga is one of them.

Yoga was like a big leap of faith for me, Quamay Sams, a yoga instructor on Glo, a digital yoga and wellness platform, told Blavity in a recent interview. Initially, I had very little knowledge about yoga philosophy and anything as far as the tradition. Then I went on a little social experiment one day, and decided that I wanted to dive deep. And I took a chance. I was like, Im gonna sign up for a teacher training just to get everything that I can get from this training and just really dive headfirst into the practice. And from that, I took a 200-hour training, and then I realized it was probably like the best thing I could ever have done for myself.

Yoga has completely transformed Sams life, and not just professionally.

I have ADHD, but also suffer from anxiety [and] depression. Ive also have been diagnosed with bipolar II. So learning how to, I wouldnt say quiet the noise, but just learning how to navigate the fact that I have to, somethings constantly going on in my mind, and being able to kind of create some space and separate from it for a moment to just realize that it doesnt have to dictate everything that I do and feel has been a blessing, Sams shared.

He explained that practicing yoga has given him the tools to be present and assimilate myself to a lot of life thats happening around me without going, you know, super crazy in my own mental and internal system.

Though many may consider yoga an exclusionary practice for Black people, Sams is passionate about proving the opposite. He says that in his first month of teaching, he created a series of classes dedicated towards a bunch of Black leaders, intending to help them achieve what the practice was able to offer him.

Photo: Courtesy of Glo

I dont think this tradition was ever intended to be just for one person or group of people, he shared. But Ive been in spaces where a lot of my own people, my family friends, have such a hard stance on what it is from the outside. And I think that it takes for some people to really be on the inside to really understand and to make their own internal connections to say that, OK, I like this, or I enjoyed this, or this can be for me too.

If a yoga class still sounds daunting, thats OK. Sams said you dont need to be in a yoga studio to experiment with the practice.

I am very passionate about pranayama, or you can think of it as breathing practices. Something that I implement, usually every morning if I can get to it, is just taking a moment to kind of breathe. Close your eyes, and match your inhales to the length of your exhale. Take a moment to just mindfully sense your breath, so that way, you can engage your mind with something other than just the running of like conversation of dogs; thoughts are like feelings, but that focusing on the breath is going to take you out of your mind.

Meditation is another practice Sams cosigns.

Id say meditation or just like mindful sitting, in which you allow yourself to just watch. I think for a lot of us, when we take a seat and we do meditation, we think that it has to be some type of way. We think we shouldnt be thinking anything. I think thats opposite of what meditation is asking you for. Ultimately, you should be able to watch your mind and understand its behavior without feeling like you have to engage or attach yourself with every thought, he said.

Both pranayama and meditation only require a little time to feel their effects, which is why theyre a great place to start. Sams said practitioners can do both in five to 10 minutes.

I feel like thats another thing that keeps people from the yoga. We feel like we have to create this total different thing or have all the time in the world or go to a certain yoga studio to make a difference. Thats not true. You can start where you are, and if you got some space, you could always do this practice.

Glo offers 29 different styles of all-level classes, including yoga, Pilates, meditation, HIIT and more, offering both on-demand and daily live instruction.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Spring is just over two weeks away and Murray Family Farms is celebrating early with their annual Blossoms and Baskets event every weekend this month.

Kern residents can enjoy the farms stonefruit orchards, have a picnic, and pick their citrus. The event is set to take place Saturdays and Sundays throughout March.

Will you be able to see the solar eclipse from Kern County?

Attendees will have the chance to fill an all you can fit bag with citrus fruits directly from the tree.

Be sure to bring a camera! Photo opportunities will also be available in the stonefruit orchards blossoming with pink and white blossoms.

The event will be taking place in the Big Red Barn at Murray Family Farms located at 6700 General Beale Rd. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit MurrayFamilyFarms.org or call 661-330-0100.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Blue Bloods is saying goodbye to two special men: Treat Williams and his character, Lenny Ross.

The former partner of New York Police Commissioner Francis Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck, last appeared in Season 13, when it was revealed that Lenny had been diagnosed with cancer.

Blue Bloods (CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images)

The latest episode of the CBS drama served as a tribute to Williams, who died in June 2023 after a motorcycle accident, while revealing the fate of his character through a touching storyline involving Lenny's daughter, Tess.

What happened to Lenny in Blue Bloods?

The third episode of Season 14 of "Blue Bloods," which aired March 1, follows Frank as he mourns the death of his best friend, Lenny.

After Lenny's daughter, Tess, is arrested for fighting, she speaks with Frank and tells the police commissioner that her dad had died from cancer.

While wanting to remain loyal to their friendship, the episode puts Frank in a difficult position as he's tasked with choosing if Tess should be prosecuted.

After Tess challenges Frank on whether the friendship was enough to save her from charges, Frank responds, He was my best friend. And Im gonna honor that by doing whats best for his daughter.

He decides to remain faithful to the badge over his friend's family, explaining, Lenny was a great guy with a whole lot of flaws. And one of them was letting his daughter get away with whatever she wanted. So when he asked me to look out for her, he knew what he was signing up for. I think thats why he asked me.

Frank later gives Tess information for a defense attorney.

In the final scene of Friday's episode, Frank's family gathers to share a meal, and they take a moment to pay tribute to Lenny.

Lenny Ross was my oldest friend, my closest confidant, my getaway driver. And I lost him this week, Frank says. And it hurts like hell. But Lenny would hate it if we got all teary and quiet and sad, so Lenny  well miss you, and save me a seat at your table, and Ill see you on down the road.

Following the episode, a graphic appeared on screen.

In memory of our great friend, Treat Williams 1951-2023, it read, with a photo of Williams and Selleck.

What happened to Treat Williams?

Williams died June 12, 2023, in a fatal motorcycle accident in Dorset, Vermont. He was 71.

According to Vermont State Police, Williams was critically injured at about 4:53 p.m. after a Honda SUV turned in front of him, which resulted in Williams being thrown from his motorcycle.

He was subsequently taken to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was pronounced dead, officials said at the time.

Aside from "Blue Bloods," Williams' television repertoire included shows like Law & Order, Everwood and We Own This City.

Williams also starred in films including The Congressman. 1941, Prince of the City, Once Upon a Time in America and John Ermans adaptation of Tennessee Williams classic A Streetcar Named Desire.

As a stage actor, he started as an understudy in Broadways Grease in the 1970s before taking on the shows leading role, Danny Zuko. In 1979, he played George Berger in Hair.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Dragon TV: It was reported that the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Thailand came into force last Friday. Data shows that the number of travel orders by Thai tourists to China on March 1 increased by three times than that of last year and by over 160 percent than that of 2019. As more and more foreign tourists travel to China, what will China do to facilitate their trips?

Mao Ning: As China rolls out the visa-free policy for an increasingly larger number of countries, the number of foreign tourists to China has increased significantly. During the Spring Festival holiday, the number of inbound travelers reached 3.23 million. In particular, we have seen an obvious surge of travel orders from newly-added countries that enjoy the visa-free policy such as France, Germany, Malaysia and Singapore, with the total number doubling that of the same period in 2019.

The Foreign Ministry has rolled out six new measures to facilitate cross-border travel, including shortening visa application forms, lowering visa fees for the entire year, streamlining approval procedures for foreign students, exempting certain applicants from fingerprinting, providing walk-in without appointment visa application service and extending unilateral visa-free policy to France, Germany and some other countries on a trial basis. To address the difficulties foreigners face in mobile payment, the Peoples Bank of China has instructed payment institutions to improve the efficiency of linking mobile payment accounts with foreign bank cards, streamline identity authentication procedures and lift single mobile payment cap. In Beijing, facilities in CBDs, scenic spots, parks and hotels are being upgraded to enable the handling of foreign bank cards, and demonstration zones of payment service for overseas visitors were set up at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. In Shanghai, POS machines that can handle foreign bank cards were installed in places such as hotels and scenic spots. Chinas leading telecom operators opened new shops at the airports of major cities to help foreigners get a mobile number easier upon arrival.

We welcome more foreign friends to China and will continue working to provide a safe, enjoyable and convenient traveling environment for them.

AFP: The second session of the 14th National Peoples Congress (NPC) is soon to be held in Beijing. The NPC spokesperson said that there will be no press conference by the Premier after the conclusion of the session and if there are no special circumstances, the Premiers press conference will not be held in the following sessions of the 14th NPC in the next few years. The press conference by the Premier provides a rare opportunity for us foreign journalists. Whats the reason behind canceling the press conference by the Premier? Arent you worried that this decision reflects Chinas attitude of turning inward from the rest of the world?

Mao Ning: On the schedule of the press conferences held during the second session of the 14th NPC, the NPC spokesperson offered relevant information this morning. I have no additional information to share. Thank you for taking an interest in Chinas policies and hoping to learn about them, but your worry is unnecessary. During the two sessions, the plenary sessions of the NPC are open to Chinese and foreign friends from the press. Premier Li Qiang will deliver the report on the work of the government on behalf of the State Council at the opening of the second session of the 14th NPC. In addition to the press conference of the NPC today, the second session of the 14th NPC will hold various events, including press conferences, the deputies and ministers press briefings, and delegation meetings open to the press, to fully release information. The press center of the two sessions will provide news services to Chinese and foreign friends from the press in an open and transparent way.

Reuters: I would also like to ask about liang hui and whether you can confirm if the Foreign Minister will hold his usual press conference this year.

Mao Ning: Please stay tuned.

Shenzhen TV: US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark recently led a delegation to Beijing. She stressed many times in her speeches that China is a market greatly valued by US companies and that the Chamber is willing to continue to support US companies in doing business in China and to deepen US-China commercial ties and mutually beneficial cooperation. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: We noticed that for some time, foreign companies from the US and other countries have been bullish about the development opportunities of the Chinese market and scaled up their investment in China. Statistics from the Ministry of Commerce show that Chinas actual utilized FDI exceeded RMB 1.1 trillion in 2023, remaining at the forefront in the world, and 4,588 foreign-funded companies were established in China this January with a year-on-year increase of 74.4 percent. Actual utilized FDI in high-tech manufacturing jumped by 40.6 percent and more and more multinational companies have chosen to establish R&D centers in China. Foreign businesses investment structure in China is improving. The investments of some advanced economies in China grew at a relatively faster speed. France and Sweden witnessed 25 and 11 times of growth of their investments in China. Germany, Australia and Singapore had an increase of 211.8 percent, 186.1 percent and 77.1 percent in their actual investment in China.

China, committed to high-standard opening-up, will continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, and provide more support and convenience to foreign companies investing and doing business in China. We welcome the business sectors from the US and other countries to continue advancing cooperation with China and sharing the opportunities and benefits brought by Chinas development.

AFP: In an interview with AFP this morning, the Philippine Foreign Secretary called on China to stop harassing Philippine ships in the South China Sea. What is the Foreign Ministrys comment on this?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the issue of the South China Sea is consistent and clear. The reason behind the recent situation at sea is that the Philippines has frequently made provocative moves in the South China Sea, infringing on Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the law to defend its own sovereignty, rights and interests. There is no such situation of China harassing the Philippines.

RIA Novosti: On March 1, Russia Today editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan said that she had a recording showing that senior officers from Germanys armed forces, the Bundeswehr, discussed a strike on the Crimean Bridge. She said that German officers also mentioned American and British servicemen in the recording, with a side discussion of the fact that they were already directly involved in the conflict. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We hope that all parties will work for a political settlement of the crisis and work together to alleviate the situation.

TASS: The day before yesterday, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui held talks with Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin Mikhail Yuryevich in Moscow, during which they had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis. How does the Foreign Ministry comment on the outcome of the meeting?

Mao Ning: Russia is the first stop of Special Representative Li Huis trip in this round of shuttle diplomacy. China has put out a readout which you may refer to. In the coming days, we will release relevant information in due course. Please check back for updates.

The Paper: Former Prime Minister of Japan Murayama Tomiichi turned 100 on March 3. In a recent statement, he expressed the hope that Japan will always remain a peaceful country. What is the Foreign Ministrys comment on this?

Mao Ning: March 3, 2024 marks the 100th birthday of Japans former Prime Minister Murayama Tomiichi. We would like to send our best wishes to Mr. Murayama.

Mr. Murayama is an old friend of the Chinese people and has been committed to China-Japan friendship over the years. In May 1995, then Prime Minister Murayama visited Lugou Bridge and the Museum of the War of Chinese Peoples Resistance Against Japanese Aggression during his visit to China, and wrote down the words face up to history and pray for friendship and ever-lasting peace between Japan and China. On August 15 of the same year, which marked the 50th anniversary of Japans announcement of unconditional surrender, then Prime Minister Murayama issued a statement on the historical issues, making a profound reflection on Japans colonial rule and aggression and expressing apologies to the victim countries of the war.

The Murayama Statement represents a solemn statement and commitment by the Japanese government to the people of victim countries in Asia with regard to the historical period of its aggression and colonial rule. It needs to be honored with good faith. We hope Japan will face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, keep to the path of peaceful development, and work with China in the same direction to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the demands of the new era.

Associated Press of Pakistan: On March 3, Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the next five years. How do you view the relations between Pakistan and China during his tenure?

Mao Ning: China warmly congratulates Shahbaz Sharif on being elected as Pakistans Prime Minister. On March 3, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Shahbaz.

China highly appreciates Prime Minister Shahbazs positive statements on China-Pakistan relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). We stand ready to work with Pakistan to carry forward our traditional friendship, advance exchanges and cooperation across the board, upgrade the CPEC, deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. I believe that under the leadership of the new government led by Prime Minister Shahbaz and through the joint effort of all sectors in Pakistan, Pakistan will make new and greater achievements in national development and progress.

CCTV: Its reported that US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview that todays cars are like iPhones on wheels collecting huge amount of information. She also said that imagine there are three million Chinese-made cars on US roads and they can be simultaneously disabled by Beijing. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: Such remarks are not only false narratives but also a typical move of politicizing economic and trade issues and overstretching the concept of security. By this logic, should China be more worried about Washington sending Chinese users information to the US via hundreds of millions of iPhones, or even disabling them simultaneously?

CCTV: It was reported that US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns recently said in an interview with a US media outlet that China is the US most significant competitor; ultimately, China wants to overtake the US as the dominant country globally, and the US doesnt want that to happen; the US doesnt want to live in a world where China is the dominant country. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: The remarks by the US side are neither fact-based nor constructive. China firmly rejects these remarks.

We oppose defining the China-US relations with competition. China does not engage in major-country competition, and has no intention to replace or challenge any country. We have advanced the China-US relations under the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. We hope the US will work in the same direction with China and have a right perception of China.

China always believes that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. China will not dominate the world and we do not think the world should be dominated by any country. Neither does China have the intention to overtake the US. What we do is aimed at self-improvement so as to deliver a better life for our people. China will, as always, firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, uphold world peace, promote common development, build a community with a shared future for mankind and act as a force for world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 4. Uzbek Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov met with the country's Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov to discuss the current state and prospects for further development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation in agriculture, Trend reports.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side was presented with information on the development of Uzbekistan's agricultural sector, the main directions of the country's agricultural development strategy until 2030, work on studying and introducing the best Azerbaijani experience in farmer support, digitalization of agriculture, efficient water use, hazelnut cultivation, special varieties of pomegranate and grapes, and other crops.



Following the meeting, all parties decided to continue discussing the development of their collaboration.

The Minister invited Uzbek entrepreneurs to participate in investment projects on cattle breeding, planting various crops on land plots in Azerbaijan, where part of the land will be allocated for investment projects, as well as to take part in the Caspian Agro 2024 and Interfood Azerbaijan 2024 exhibitions to be held in Baku on May 1517, 2024.

Earlier, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed the mechanisms of financing and realization of more than 20 projects in the spheres of automobile construction, textile industry, and silk breeding.

The sides stressed the importance of the continuation of consistent work on the creation and development of the "Brain Center" under the Investment Company for the generation and analysis of promising projects. The readiness of the Uzbek side to provide all-round support to the center's activity was expressed.
FILE PHOTO: Get Out The Vote rally ahead of the Democratic presidential primaries featuring U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at South Carolina State University in SC

By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israel to craft a "credible" humanitarian plan before conducting major military activities in Rafah during a meeting with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz, the White House said on Monday.

Harris also pressed Israel to take more measures to get aid into Gaza, reiterating a sharp message delivered on Sunday that called conditions in the coastal enclave "inhumane."

"The Vice President and Minister Gantz discussed the situation in Rafah and the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to contemplating any major military operation there given the risks to civilians," the White House said in a statement about the meeting.

Israel last month intensified its bombardment of Rafah in Gaza's south, where about 1.5 million people are estimated to be crammed, most of them having fled their homes further north to escape Israel's military onslaught.

Gantz, a political rival to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was also scheduled to have meetings with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk on Monday and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

His visit comes as the White House ramps up pressure on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza during its war with Hamas.

Harris expressed her "deep concern" about humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Palestinian authorities say more than 30,000 have been killed under a months-long assault by Israel in retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, and the United Nations says many are on the brink of starvation.

She also welcomed Israel's "constructive approach" to hostage talks, the White House said.

The meeting comes as President Joe Biden and his administration face increasing pressure from his Democratic Party to back a permanent ceasefire, and push ally and military aid recipient Israel to reduce the loss of civilian life in Gaza and allow aid to flow through in greater amounts.

Harris on Sunday said conditions in Gaza were inhumane and amounted to a "humanitarian catastrophe", while calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Many in Biden's party have been pushing for a ceasefire, too, and the lack of a sustained one has hurt the president politically. Biden, who is seeking reelection in November, has struggled with low approval ratings for much of his first term; his backing of military aid for Israel is unpopular with most Democrats, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows.

INCREASING DESPERATION

In a sign of increasing desperation to get aid to Gaza residents, the U.S. military carried out its first air drop of food to Palestinians on Saturday. It plans more.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Biden, a staunch ally of Israel, has shown increasing exasperation with the country and with Netanyahu, as the deaths in Gaza increased. Last week, he said Israel risked losing support from the rest of the world, a notion Netanyahu rejected.

The U.S. State Department pushed back on a suggestion that Washington saw Gantz as more of a partner than Netanyahu. "We're meeting with Benny Gantz because he's one of three members of the war cabinet ... who has a critical vote and critical stake in how this war is conducted," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Harris said on Monday she and Biden were aligned on Israeli policy after her sharp remarks.

The vice president's meeting with Gantz is a signal that the administration is willing to work all angles on the issue within the Israeli government. Gantz leads a centrist party but joined right-wing Netanyahu's emergency cabinet last year as a show of unity against the threat facing Israel from Hamas.

Harris had tough words for Hamas on Sunday, too, but focused most of her sharp language on Israel over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The air drop, which the administration called a success, was the latest sign that Washington is moving beyond diplomacy with Israel, which the U.N. and other relief agencies complain has blocked or restricted aid. Israel denies putting any restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The administration is also considering opening a humanitarian marine corridor into Gaza, officials said on Friday.

Senator Bernie Sanders, a Democratic socialist who ran against Biden in the 2020 Democratic primary but has supported him since, on Friday urged the administration to halt funding for Israel if it did not let more aid in.

"Israel MUST open the borders and allow the United Nations to deliver supplies in sufficient quantities. The United States should make clear that failure to do so immediately will lead to a fundamental break in the U.S.-Israeli relationship and the immediate halt of all military aid," he said in a statement.

The U.S. is Israel's most important foreign arms provider. It gives Israel $3.8 billion in military aid annually, and U.S. leaders have proposed more in aid since the Oct. 7 attacks.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates)
This article by Mike Koziatek was first published in 2023. We are reposting the story today, Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois.

As the world watches Ukrainians battle the Russian army, the current war evokes memories of Casimir Pulaskis struggle against Russians in Poland about 250 years ago.

Thats the view of the leader of the Polish Museum of America in Chicago, where an annual Casimir Pulaski Day ceremony will take place on Monday to honor Pulaski, who died in 1779 while fighting for America in the Revolutionary War and is considered by historians as the Father of the American Cavalry.

Before Pulaski joined the American fight for independence, he fought in Poland in an uprising against Russians, said Richard Owsiany, who has served as president of the Polish Museum of America for eight years.

History constantly repeats itself in Eastern Europe, Owsiany said.

Throughout our 1,000-year history, weve had many, many skirmishes, battles and fights with Russia and Ukraine has gone through the same thing, Owsiany said of Poland.

With Casimir Pulaski Day on Monday, March 3, in Illinois, heres a question and answer about the holiday as part of the The BNDs effort to answer questions from BND readers:

What is Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois?

Its a day when some schools and government offices are closed in honor of Pulaski.

Its scheduled for the first Monday of each March because Pulaski was born on March 6, 1745, in Poland.

Gov. Jim Thompson signed a bill that established the Pulaski holiday in March 1986. The bill called for schools to close. State offices were not closed but municipalities could choose to close. This bill was preceded by a statewide proclamation in the 1970s that said the first Monday in March would be a commemorative day in honor of Pulaski.

How have the Pulaski holiday closings changed over the years?

After Thompson signed the Pulaski Day bill, schools across the state were closed for the holiday beginning in 1986.

But in 1995, state lawmakers gave school districts the opportunity to waive the holiday. In 2012, Chicago Public Schools stopped scheduling the holiday.

This year, 295 districts, or 35%, of the states 852 districts scheduled the holiday for students, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Check with your local district to see if your child has to go to school on Monday.

Metro-east government offices are open on Monday but the city of Chicago offices and Cook County courts are closed.

Why do we celebrate Casimir Pulaski day in Illinois?

The late state Sen. LeRoy Lemke, D-Chicago, sponsored the bill that established the first official Pulaski holiday in 1986.

The Associated Press reported in 1986 that Lemke had lobbied for the bill for 13 years after he saw derogatory treatment of Polish candidates in the 1972 election.

This holiday shows the contribution Polish-Slavic Americans have made to this country, he told The AP. It is a symbol of those who fought and died for liberty.

WBEZ, Chicagos NPR radio station, has reported on the passage of the Pulaski holiday bill and noted the citys large Polish population was a key factor in lawmakers deciding to honor Pulaski.

For Poles and Polish Americans, its a recognition for our contributions to the fight for American freedom during the Revolutionary War, said Owsiany of the Polish Museum of America.

Pulaski gave the ultimate sacrifice. Hes a hero who gave his life for this country.

How can I celebrate the holiday?

The Polish Museum of America in Chicago will host a virtual ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon Monday in honor of Pulaski.

The event will be livestreamed on the museums website at www.PolishMuseumOfAmerica.org.

What did Casimir Pulaski accomplish?

Here are some highlights of Pulaskis life and his legacy:

 After battling the Russians in Poland, Pulaski made his way to Paris, where he met Benjamin Franklin in 1776. Franklin gave him a letter of recommendation to Gen. George Washington and Pulaski sailed to America. Franklin wrote that Pulaski was renowned throughout Europe for the courage and bravery he displayed in defense of his countrys freedom.

 Pulaski wrote to Washington that he was committed to the American cause: I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.

 Pulaski is credited with helping save Washingtons life during the Battle of Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777, in Pennsylvania. His courageous charge in this engagement averted a disastrous defeat, according to a 2009 resolution that named Pulaski an honorary U.S. citizen posthumously.

 With Washingtons support, Pulaski was given the rank of brigadier general and made the first commander of the American cavalry.

 Pulaski formed the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, which fought the British in February 1779 in Charleston, South Carolina.

 Pulaski was wounded on Oct. 9, 1779, during the battle against the British in Savannah, Georgia and died a short time later. He was 34. There are conflicting reports about which day he died and where his body was buried.

 In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the joint resolution of the Senate and the House that made Pulaski an honorary U.S. citizen posthumously.
Navigating construction materials inside Hotel Renegade during a recent preview tour, it was strange to imagine the downtown attraction opening anytime soon.

Ready to awaken your inner rebel? You wont have to wait much longer.

When the 122-room hotel debuts in early May, it will unveil a dimension of swank that Boise hasnt seen yet. Not one Ive experienced, at least. An eight-story brick building at 11th and Grove streets, the Renegade describes itself as a boutique hotel stay unlike any other  where rough meets refined and details matter.

Theres a rooftop bar. A steakhouse. A coffee shop. And lots of stylish ambition.

Not-so-breaking news: Our little city is changing.

Construction crews work on Hotel Renegade in downtown Boise in late February, just a couple of months before the target opening date in May.

Boise is growing significantly in our lifetimes, said Idaho native Jussi Santa, the hotels general manager.

Hotel Renegade? Its something that I think the towns excited about and ready for.

Room reservations should launch in mid-March.

Sweet suites

Creating an atmosphere thats rugged yet luxurious is a pricey endeavor. The project from owner Hendricks Commercial Properties is getting close to $100 million, Santa said. Massive ceiling beams, hardwood floors and marble countertops? Those dont come cheap.

A corner penthouse suite called the Pend OReille features large windows and space on a top floor of Hotel Renegade, slated to open in May.

Nor will overnight stays. Introductory rates for the 100 classic rooms  either one king bed or two queens  will start at around $299, Santa said. The hotel also has 22 suites with six different floor plans. (Those will start at $399.)

At 1,313 square feet, the seventh-floor Pend dOreille Penthouse is the signature suite. With high ceilings and elegant design touches, its introductory price will be $1,500 to $3,000 per night, Santa said.

All 22 suites at Hotel Renegade are adorned with freestanding copper bathtubs. Everything has been really custom curated in order to create that rustic aesthetic, explained Casseopia Quick, director of sales.

Wearing a hard hat, a smiling woman on the media tour couldnt resist climbing into one  on cloud nine on the seventh floor. (I was jealous. I admit it.)

Natural woods, real metals, real marble, Santa said, I really think its going to set us apart.

Do not be frightened, middle-class mortals. Hotel Renegade clearly hopes to appeal to everyday Idahoans, as well as well-heeled travelers and locals splurging on staycations.

Thats where the food-and-drink destinations come in.

A copper tub is featured in all the suites at Hotel Renegade, slated to open in May.

Supper club, rooftop bar

Bright and early, Blue Collar Coffee Co. will pour espresso, java drinks, tea and smoothies, along with serving breakfast sandwiches and burritos in the ground-floor shop.

In the afternoon and evening, the hotel lobby bar will beckon  a place to wander in, belly up to the bartop (more copper) and order a glass of wine and food.

Baraboo Supper Club, the steakhouse, will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Its going to be a fun and casual atmosphere, promised restaurant manager Shawn McKenzie  with options such as locally sourced relish trays, prime rib every day and boozy ice cream drinks.

This is the view from the Highlander rooftop bar patio at Hotel Renegade, slated to open in May of this year.

Hop an elevator to the top floor, and youll walk into The Highlander  our sexy, cool, cocktail bar on the roof, Quick said. It has a scenic view of downtown and the Boise Foothills. Theres seating for 40 inside and 78 out. The patio area  which includes fire pits and heaters  seems bigger than that number. There will be generous space between tables. Roll-up glass garage doors connect the indoor bar to the patio.

Despite the spacious patio? Sorry, bros  no cornhole out there. This is, as Quick said, a more formal-type experience.

Oh, and just so you know? The Highlander, Baraboo Supper Club and lobby bar all will have their own food menus.

The Highlander rooftop bar patio, still under construction, is adjacent to the distinctive dome atop Hotel Renegade, slated to open in May.

Hotel developer is food hall owner

Does Hotel Renegade feel like a lot to take in? It is.

Hendricks Commercial Properties likes providing Boiseans with choices. The Wisconsin-based developer also created the nearby Warehouse Food Hall at 370 S. 8th St. That opened a few months after construction began on Hotel Renegade in 2022.

Integrating into Boise, Hotel Renegade is attempting a marketing synergy. There are Idaho-tied references, such as the Pend Oreille Penthouse. Or the rooftop Overland Ballroom, a reference to Boises original, 19th century Overland Hotel. But there also are Midwest influences. Baraboo is based on the tradition of a Wisconsin supper club, McKenzie said, and will serve a traditional Wisconsin old-fashioned (made with brandy). Blue Collar will pour coffee made with beans roasted by Wisconsin-based Ruby Coffee Roasters.

One thing that is similar between the Midwest and Idaho? Friendliness. I pray that our increasingly populated state doesnt lose that quality.

Hotel Renegade management appreciates Boises genial, welcoming demeanor, Santa said. The hope is to make it part of day-to-day, personal interactions with hotel customers.

We really want to tap into that, he said.

Good to know. Maybe Ill ask room service to bring my tray right up to the copper tub.

Hardwood floors are in all guest rooms and suites at Hotel Renegade, still under construction in February but expected to open in May.
FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2011 photo, the execution chamber at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution is shown in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Jessie L. Bonner, File)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  In 2012, two Idaho prison officials chartered a private plane and flew to Washington state with thousands of dollars in cash.

They met with a pharmacist behind closed doors and bought the drug for a convicted murderer's lethal injection.

Only a years-long public records lawsuit revealed the pharmacist's name, the pharmacy and other details of the exchange. After prison officials said the pharmacists exposure had scared away other lethal drug suppliers, Idaho lawmakers barred such information from getting out again.

Idaho tried and failed Wednesday to execute Thomas Eugene Creech, a 73-year-old serial killer who had been in prison for 50 years. Neither his attorneys nor the public knew where the state obtained the drug or the exact qualifications of his executioners.

Opponents say secrecy laws are are a significant hurdle to accountability and make it hard to ensure that the procedures arent unconstitutionally painful, whether the deaths are carried out successfully  as Texas did Wednesday in the case of Ivan Cantu  or botched like Creechs.

Idaho long kept the identities of execution team members and drug suppliers secret but judges were still able to force disclosure of the information if it was relevant to lawsuits or appeals. The new law prohibits state officials from disclosing the information, even if under court order.

The law also prevents professional licensing boards from taking disciplinary action against people for participating in executions.

Such secrecy is typical among states that impose capital punishment, including Texas, where lawmakers passed a similar measure in 2015 to ensure drug suppliers did not face retaliation or harassment for cooperating with executions.

"States are saying, We dont need to show you the information about ... how we find or drugs or the training of the prison staff, said Robin Maher, the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit that tracks executions. And then, when things go wrong, they cant be held accountable.

Creech was convicted of five murders in three states and suspected of several more. He has been in custody since 1974 and was already serving a life term when he beat a fellow inmate, 22-year-old David Dale Jensen, to death in 1981  the crime for which he was to be executed.

When his appointed hour came at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Creech was wheeled into the execution chamber and strapped to a table. Medical personnel poked and prodded at his arms, legs, hands and feet for nearly an hour, making eight attempts, but they couldn't find a vein they thought would hold up long enough to deliver the fatal dose. He was returned to his cell.

It is unclear whether or when the state might try again, or how. Like other states concerned about the availability of lethal injection, Idaho recently passed a law allowing for firing squads as a backup, but the state has yet to write protocols for using that method or build a facility where it could shoot people to death. It has not approved the use of nitrogen gas, a method used for the first time early this year in Alabama.

Creech's execution team comprised volunteers who, according to Idaho execution protocols, were required to have at least three years of medical experience, such as having been a paramedic, and to have current venous access proficiency. They were not necessarily doctors, who famously take an oath to do no harm  though Idaho Department of Correction Director Josh Tewalt later told lawmakers that the executioners regularly use their IV skills to save lives in their day jobs. They wore white balaclava-style coverings to conceal their faces.

Tewalt defended the state's approach, saying the department ensures execution drugs are acquired lawfully, provides test results showing their authenticity, and ensures medical members of the execution team meet or exceed required qualifications.

I would argue we are very transparent about any information that speaks to the integrity of the process, said Tewalt. What we wont do is tell you their names.

Tewalt also disagreed with characterizing the attempt as botched  stopping the execution after the failed IVs prevented the process from truly going awry, he said.

Creech, according to his attorneys, suffers from several conditions that could have made vein accessibility challenging: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and edema. It can also be more difficult for older people to have IVs inserted, as their veins can be less stable.

This is precisely the kind of mishap we warned the State and the Courts could happen when attempting to execute one of the countrys oldest death-row inmates in circumstances completely shielded in secrecy, Creech's attorneys, with the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho, said in a written statement.

Among the arguments they made in their unsuccessful last-minute petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court was that the secrecy violated Creech's due-process rights and could constitute cruel and unusual punishment if the lethal drug, the sedative pentobarbital, was of poor quality and caused unnecessary pain or complications.

Idaho did confirm the drug would not expire until February 2025. A purchase order obtained by the Idaho Statesman showed the state spent $50,000 for 15 grams of pentobarbital  10 grams of which were prepared for use in Creech's execution. The name of the supplier and purchase date were blacked out.

Idaho also provided what defense attorneys described as a heavily redacted certificate of analysis purporting to show the drug's validity, but they said the document lacked so much information that it was impossible to verify.

Creechs failed execution marked the sixth time since September 2009 that an inmate has survived an attempted lethal injection because the executioners couldnt place an IV. In the 2018 case of Doyle Lee Hamm in Alabama, executioners tried and failed for 2.5 hours; in the process they punctured his bladder and penetrated his femoral artery. Hamm died in prison three years later of cancer.

Still, failure to administer lethal injection is the exception. Over that same period, states successfully executed just over 400 people.

In Texas, condemned inmates sued in 2014 over the state's refusal to provide information about execution drug suppliers that they said they needed to verify quality. In response, lawmakers banned the disclosure of such information, saying suppliers could face harm, and the Texas Supreme Court upheld the law in 2019.

The secrecy prevents the public from fully understanding how the death penalty is administered and unnecessarily complicates legal cases, said Deborah W. Denno, founding director of the Neuroscience and Law Center at Fordham Law School.

If youre confident in your product, youre going to be very open and transparent, she said. Usually when people are secretive, that does not mean good things.
A Brazilian man convicted of raping a child in his home country and then fleeing to the United States was deported in January, immigration authorities said Friday.

Agents with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement's (ICE) Boston office deported Edimir Gustavo Eckelberg, 62, on Jan. 26, ICE said.

"There is no more repulsive and disturbing crime than the sexual assault of a child," said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons. "Our New England communities are safer without the presence of Edimir Gustavo Eckelberg, who is now in the hands of Brazilian authorities. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing such violent threats from our New England communities."

US BORDER PATROL SHOOTS, KILLS BANDIT ROBBING MIGRANTS IN CALIFORNIA

Edimir Gustavo Eckelberg, 62, seen with immigration agents before being deported back to Brazil. He fled to the U.S. after his child rape conviction, authorities said.

In May 2023, Eckelberg was convicted in Brazil of raping a child.

A court in Florianopolis, Brazil convicted Eckelberg but he fled to the U.S. before sentencing. He entered the U.S. through New York on a tourist visa in April 2023.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The next month, Brazilian authorities issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear to serve a 12-year sentence for the child rape conviction. He was eventually discovered by authorities and served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. He was held in custody until his deportation.

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He was arrested by ICE agents on Nov. 28, 2023 in the Boston suburb of Tewksbury.





Original article source: Brazilian man convicted of child rape, fled to US, deported back home, ICE says
BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sent a bill to congress on Monday to regulate labor rights of workers from ride-hailing apps in the country, which includes the need to pay a minimum wage.

The proposal, which might affect ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Chinese Didi's 99, must be approved by the Senate and Lower House to become a law.

"The debate in Congress won't be easy", Lula said on Monday in an event.

Uber said in a statement it sees the bill as "an important milestone towards balanced regulation of work intermediated by platforms.". 99 said it would only comment through the Brazilian Mobility and Technology Association.

The entity, which also represents Uber, said the proposal provides legal certainty for companies to invest in Brazil and that it will "be used as an example for many countries that are currently discussing the regulation of this new work model".

The bill says ride-hailing apps would have to pay at least the country's minimum wage, which currently stands at 1,412 reais ($285.37) per month, to eight-hours per day workers. There would also be a cap of 12 working hours per day counting all platforms.

Most recent data from the government's statistics agency IBGE, from 2022, showed Brazil had about 778,000 people who were working mainly with ride-hailing transport.

The bill also proposes to give ride-hailing workers rights such as a public pension and maternity benefits, in exchange for a social security contribution to be paid part by companies and part by the workers.

However, it follows recent courts decisions in the country on not determining the ride-hailing workers as employees. Consequently, it would not give right to paid vacations and other benefits.

"Workers will be linked to how many companies they wish, they will set their own working hours, but they will have rights", Brazil's labor minister, Luiz Marinho, said at the event, adding the government could raise almost 300 million reais per month with the social security contributions.

Lula added that now he wants to do the same with food-delivery companies.

($1 = 4.9479 reais)

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia, and Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Steven Grattan and Alistair Bell)
Ludovic de Saint-Sernin has made sheer looks a key part of his style (Charly TRIBALLEAU)

The trend for see-through clothes has dominated Paris Fashion Week which ends Tuesday, showing that demand for revealing outfits is still going strong despite practical and even legal challenges.

From pop star Dua Lipa's undie-showing dress at the "Barbie" premiere to Rihanna on the front row in a netted babydoll dress, the nude look was omnipresent on red carpets last year.

Whether in tulle, organza, fishnet or chiffon, there was no sign of the trend dying down on Paris catwalks, with everyone from Chloe and Courreges to Givenchy and Weinsanto offering versions of the style.

Fashion data specialists TagWalk say the number of sheer outfits increased 40 percent across the 20 biggest brands between 2023 and 2024.

None went as far as Saint Laurent, whose creative director Anthony Vaccarello made sheer the dominant theme of his latest autumn/winter collection last week.

It was impeccably timed to coincide with an exhibition entitled "Sheer: The Diaphanous Creations of Yves Saint Laurent" at his namesake museum in Paris, tracing it back to his first see-through look in 1966 and his emblematic transparent chiffon dress two years later.

Puritanical Americans were scandalised then, and they remain so today, albeit with a more socio-political rationale.

"Breasts, Breasts, Everywhere," wrote a shocked New York Times last week, bemoaning the fact that only 12 of the 48 looks at the Saint Laurent show could be published in "this family newspaper".

"At this stage in the 21st century that much transparency seems like the tritest form of misogynistic pretend-fashion provocation," wrote its fashion correspondent Vanessa Friedman. "(Women) are already being treated like objects, do we really need more objectification?"

- 'Sexual exhibition' -

Transparent looks have always drawn plenty of attention, of course.

Jennifer Lopez's appearance in a sheer green Versace dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards triggered so much internet traffic that it helped prompt the creation of Google Images a year later.

Some see it as an extension of the "body positive" movement, in which women can proudly flaunt their physiques.

Saint Laurent biographer Laurence Benaim dismissed criticisms of the iconic designer, saying he "elevated transparency into art".

"It was not a question of baring the body, but of suggesting its presence through a fabric as sensual as it was intangible.

"Transparency meant freedom," said Benaim.

Too much exposure can mean the end of freedom, however.

Even in supposedly liberal France, the crime of "sexual exhibition" still carries the threat of one year in prison and a 15,000-euro fine.

"There is a difference between a fashion show in a private space where the audience knows what to expect, and the idea of wearing these outfits in public," said French criminal lawyer Avi Bitton.

So how can you wear this trend without ending up in prison?

"It depends on your daily life, but even the visible panties option, for most people, is not an option," said Cosmopolitan magazine stylist Clemence Guillerm.

Instead she suggested wearing a short lining or skirt under a sheer knee-length or midi skirt for the same effect.

For the top, Guillerm urged "those who aren't so daring yet" to put a blazer over an opaque or flesh-coloured bodysuit.

dar/er/fg
Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man accused of killing his wife, dismembering her body with a hacksaw, and then discarding her remains at trash transfer stations across the region, is appealing his recent sentence in his federal art fraud case.

Walshes attorney, Tracy A. Miner, filed a notice of appeal on Monday with the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit over a 37-month sentence he was handed by a federal court judge in late February for selling two counterfeit Andy Warhol paintings in an international art fraud scheme.

Walshe, 48, previously pleaded guilty in 2021 to wire fraud, interstate transportation for scheme to defraud, and money laundering, in connection with a scheme to sell counterfeit Andy Warhol paintings.

FILE - Brian Walshe enters the courtroom for his arraignment, April 27, 2023, in Dedham, Mass. Walshe, a Massachusetts man charged with killing his wife, was sentenced Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, to more than three years in jail over an unrelated art fraud case involving the sale of two fake Andy Warhol paintings. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool, File)

These crimes were dangerous, bold, and harmful, both to the victims and the public as a whole, the government stated in a sentencing memorandum. A sentence of imprisonment is necessary to punish the defendant for his crimes and to deter others from engaging in art fraud, an especially difficult crime to detect, investigate, and prosecute.

In nearly 175 pages of filings in the art fraud case, prosecutors said Walshe orchestrated a scheme that encompassed repeated falsehoods.

Brian Walshe was also ordered to pay $475,000 in restitution to his three victims and has already paid $95,000 towards that.

25 Investigates: Brian Walshes damaging digital footprint, according to prosecutors

Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023.

In a separate case, investigators say Walshe killed his wife, Ana Walshe, last year. The 39-year-old mother-of-three, a real estate professional who worked in Washington D.C., went missing on New Years Day 2023, authorities said. Her body has never been found.

He was slated to return to court Monday for another hearing in his murder case but his attorney and the prosecutors agreed to postpone the proceeding until the spring.

Court action in both state and federal court today for Brian Walshe.



Walshe has now appealed his federal court conviction in an art fraud case.



Walshe's murder case, in the death of his wife Ana, was in state court today for a quick hearing too. pic.twitter.com/X9zRVgj7dI  Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) March 4, 2024

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Yosemite National Park partly reopened on Sunday after a blizzard that brought as much as 45 inches of snow in some areas and high winds that toppled trees.

The park reopened around noon, with officials urging visitors to certain campsites: "Be prepared for winter camping (bring a shovel!)." Weather officials say the likelihood of another closure in the next week is low.

Although officials expected that 6 to 12 inches of snow could fall in Yosemite Valley  the most popular part of Yosemite National Park  the total turned out to be twice that, at about 25 inches, according to the National Weather Service office in Hanford.

Typically, with some of the more common storms that move through the area, Yosemite sees somewhere between 6 inches and, at the higher end, 18 inches of snow, according to meteorologist Carlos Molina, with the Hanford office.

"This actually was more like two times to almost four times what they would normally get with a more normal storm," Molina said.

Read more: Yosemite closes due to monster blizzard, 'life threatening' conditions in California mountains

Toward the entrance of the park, 33 inches of snow fell, the meteorologist said. Toward the east entrance, Tuolumne Meadows received 45 inches of snow.

But the closure of the park, Molina said, had more to do with the high winds than the heavy snowfall. Winds hit between 50 and 60 mph during the storm, and visibility "was maybe 10 to 100 feet."

"A 50- to 60-mile-an-hour wind was actually strong enough to knock down some of the dead trees that Yosemite has right now," Molina said. "The public was kept out because, as the storm was moving through ... they didn't want anyone in the park to get hurt."

Although weather officials are expecting clearer conditions on Monday, they are also anticipating more precipitation on Tuesday.

From 3 to 6 inches of additional snow is expected that day.

"It's going to be the more typical, the more normal, storm that's going to be passing through Yosemite," Molina said. "Definitely less than what this storm produced."

Another storm is forecast to arrive in California closer to Wednesday, Molina said, but that one may affect Southern California more than the northern or central parts of the state.

Clear conditions are expected by Thursday and Friday. Molina said the likelihood of the park closing again "is very low."

The Ahwahnee on Sunday posted on Facebook that the partial reopening of the park included the historic hotel and "all lodging, dining and retail locations throughout Yosemite Valley."

Hotel officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Visitors to Yosemite should enter the park via Highway 41/Wawona Road and Highway 140/El Portal Road. Officials said to expect snowy conditions.

Depending on the weather conditions, Big Oak Flat Road, Badger Pass Road and ski area, and Hetch Hetchy Road will reopen on Monday at noon, Yosemite National Park posted on Facebook, along with the Hodgdon Meadow Campground.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Historic London venue Brixton Academy will reopen in April, 16 months after a deadly crush during a concert left two people dead.

Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, were killed when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a performance by Nigerian artist Asake on 15 December 2022.

The venue was under threat of permanent closure after the Met Police pushed for Lambeth Council to remove its licence, after finding large-scale disorder had taken place with a thousand-strong crowd managing to push the doors open and storm inside.

However, after a two-day hearing in September last year, a licensing sub-committee voted to allow it to reopen provided that it met 77 extensive and robust new conditions.

The venue has spent 1.2 million on maintenance and improvements in 2023, despite being closed, a hearing was told.

Responding to the decision at the time, Brixton Academy said it was immensely grateful to Lambeth Council and would reopen at first with test events.

A statement posted from the venues social media accounts has now said that the first shows to be held there since its closure will feature tribute acts to famous rock bands, including Nirvana UK and The Smyths.

Those performances on 19 April will be followed by a show on Friday 26 April starring Definitely Mightbe (a tribute act to Oasis) and UK Food Fighters (a Foo Fighters tribute band).

A crowd crush at Brixton Academy in December 2022 killed two people (PA)

The company which owns the Brixton Academy, Academy Music Group (AMG), told the committee in September that it had developed new safety measures in an effort to have its licence restored, including stronger doors, a better queuing system and more secure ticketing.

We continue to be devastated by the events of last December, AMGs statement said. Our heartfelt condolences remain with the family and friends of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson. What happened was and is a tragedy and we are committed to ensuring that it can never be repeated.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died following a crowd crush outside an Asake concert at the O2 Academy Brixton in London in 2022 (PA)

The statement continued: Over the past nine months, the venues importance to the local community and the live music scene in the UK has been made clear. Academy Music Group is determined to learn all appropriate lessons from the night of December 15 2022.

As the Licensing Sub Committee knows, the venue must implement all the new conditions and will reopen at first with test events. The commitment we give to work in close partnership with all the responsible authorities as we reopen is a serious and sincere one.

Representatives added that they looked forward to welcoming music fans back to this iconic venue.
BROCKTON  Police are investigating after a staff member was allegedly injured Monday while trying to break up a fight among students at Brockton High School.

Enterprise media partner WCVB-TV reported that "police are investigating after a fight among students at the high school" Monday resulted in an injury to a staff member.

Police and the district confirmed the incident, WCVB reported.

"No identifying information was available about the staff member or the students who were allegedly involved," WCVB reported.

"A Brockton High School staff member was evaluated by the nurse and sent home this morning after suffering an injury resulting from a physical altercation between students. The students involved will face discipline in accordance with district policy and procedures," a Brockton Public Schools spokesperson wrote in a statement to WCVB.

Brockton school board member on Fox Brockton thrust into national spotlight over call to deploy National Guard at high school

School committee members Tony Rodrigues, right, with Joyce Asack, left, speaks during a presser with fellow school committee members Claudio Gomes and Ana Oliver (not in photo) at Brockton High School on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 regarding their request that the National Guard be deployed at the school amid reports of high levels of violence and turmoil.

Brockton High School in national spotlight

Brockton was thrust into the national spotlight after four Brockton School Committee members set off a firestorm by requesting National Guard soldiers be deployed in the highs school and School Committee member Tony Rodrigues appeared on the FOX Business channel to discuss the situation.

The four members of the Brockton School Committee asked Mayor Robert Sullivan to consider contacting Gov. 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 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."

Police chief: 1,100 calls to Brockton schools in one year. What can be done?

Healy declined the National Guard request but said the state will fully fund a safety and security audit for all Brockton Public Schools.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton High School staff member injured breaking up student fight
The brother of the man charged with the homicide in Athens of a nursing student had his own day in federal court Monday in Macon on felony charges stemming from what authorities say is a fake U.S. permanent resident card.

The hearing at the Bootle Federal Courthouse was the first appearance for Diego Ibarra, 29, on those charges.

Ibarra was stopped by Athens-Clarke County Police because he matched the physical description of the person sought for the killing of student Laken Riley. Ibarras brother, Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was later arrested on murder charges stemming from the death. Diego Ibarra is said to have proffered a fake document  often called a green card  when asked to produce ID.

Ibarra entered the courtroom Monday in shackles and a set of orange Butts County jail coveralls. Some of the hair bleached blonde on top of his head had been dyed back to a shade of teal.

After the hearing began, aside from subtle nodding, he was near motionless as he listened to a translator repeat the charges against him as well as his rights in the face of those charges as they were presented by Judge Charles Weigle.

I want to remind you of your right to remain silent, Weigle said. That means you dont have to answer any questions about your case.

Weigle also told Ibarra that he has a right to ask for an official from the federal government to tell a consular official from Venezuela about his arrest.

That was where the hearing ended. Calendar conflicts between attorneys delayed the hearing about how and where Ibarra would be detained over the longer term until Thursday.

Ibarras attorney from the federal defenders office, Chauntilia Adaway, said she didnt know where Ibarra is being held until then. Butts County is not one of the handful of counties that proactively work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, in detaining immigrants, but U.S. Marshals often ask county jails to hold federal defendants, too.

A Georgia bill inspired by Laken Rileys killing would force all Georgia counties into similar collaborations with ICE.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Diego Ibarra was earmarked for speedy removal from the country upon arrival at the border almost a year ago, but was released from custody by immigration officials after presenting them with what they termed a credible fear of returning to his native Venezuela. Adjudication of that claim was planned for a later date.

Since then, Ibarra has been arrested four times by Athens law enforcement. The charges include DUI, driving without a license, shoplifting, and failure to appear in court for a fingerprintable offense.

If he is found guilty of possessing a fake permanent resident card, Ibarra could face up to 10 years in prison.
Lake Okeechobee waters continue to blast out of the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, and coastal Southwest Florida waters are starting to look like chocolate milk.

Aerial images from volunteers with Calusa Waterkeeper show a stark contrast between the Gulf of Mexico waters and the billions of gallons of tainted freshwater coming from the lake.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers typically holds Friday media calls when large-scale releases are conducted, but the agency did not have any such meeting on March 1 and doesn't plan to a press meeting until March 29.

Army Corps officials Friday afternoon were unable to say exactly what flow rates will be to the west coast over the next week, which adds to the frustration of many residents and environmental groups here.

This aerial image shows freshwater from Lake Okeechobee combined with runoff from the Caloosahatcheer River's watershed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started large-volume releases from Lake Okeechobee earlier this week.

No one really knows what to expect. They just know it's coming.

"We're way outside of the harmful flow envelope for the damaging releases to the estuary," said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce. "It's what the Army Corps needs to see to lower the lake now, and we are receiving the most amount of inundation and we still don't see much water moving south. So we have to be reactive to this."

Lake Okeechobee releases, at times, cause some of the largest water quality headaches in Southwest Florida.

Some years the releases have brought devastating blue-green algae blooms to the Fort Myers-Sanibel area. Other years the releases have fed toxic red tide outbreaks.

Lake levels have been high for months

Freshwater flows can be high enough to pump water several miles offshore, and long-term releases at these volumes can harm the Caloosahatchee River's estuary and the local economy.

Lake Okeechobee levels have been high for months, with surface levels hovering around 16.1 feet above sea level Thursday, according to Army Corps records.

Since 2008, the Army Corps has worked to keep the surface of the lake between 12.5 and 15.5 feet above sea level to provide flood protection and water for urbanized areas, farms and natural systems like the Caloosahatchee.

The Army Corps is expected to adopt a new set of regulations later this year, although those plans have been delayed several times.

Flows at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam in Alva have been above 5,000 cubic feet per second at times, which is well above the 2,800 cubic feet per second harm threshold for the estuary.

Water rushes through the Franklin Locks in Alva on the Caloosahatchee River on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The Army Corp of Engineers started releases on Feb. 17 due to high lake levels and continued El Nino conditions.

The Franklin Lock and Dam divides the Caloosahatchee's estuary from the freshwater, upper portions of the system.

The releases have been talked about on social media platforms and in business circles.

Local business community expressing concern

John Lai, president of the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce, said this is the worst time of year to have large, ugly releases along the coast.

"It's got us on pins and needles because we can't have the water flowing under our bridge be black instead of blue," Lai said. " We're just hoping the lake levels drop enough that these releases lower the lake enough that they can stop in May."

Water rushes through the Franklin Locks in Alva on the Caloosahatchee River on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The Army Corp of Engineers started releases on Feb. 17 due to high lake levels and continued El Nino conditions.

More: Clean Water Act ruling causes delays for local governments, developers

More: NWS: La Nina will impact tropical systems during hurricane season

Lai said he and others in the coastal business community have made their concerns known to the Army Corps and other agencies involved with water management.

"To have that much volume come down the river during our busy season is probably the worst timing we could have, especially with our business communities trying to hold on and make as much as they can these first three months," Lai said.

Pierce said he's heard of reports of blue-green algae outbreaks at Davis Boat ramp and one location upstream of the Franklin Lock and Dam.

"Initially they talked about six weeks from the 17th of February, but I'm hearing it could go all the way into May," Pierce said. "I believe we'll be going into the early end of summer on the tail end of these discharges."

Water rushes through the Ortona Locks on the Caloosahatchee River east of LaBelle on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The Army Corp of Engineers started releases on Feb. 17 due to high lake levels and continued El Nino conditions.

Pierce said hopes the poor water quality and the attention doesn't hurt fishing guides and Realtors.

"We're concerned about how it might impact the economy," Pierce said. "We're not crying wolf here but the releasees are harmful."

Connect with this reporter: Chad Gillis on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Army Corps sending more tainted water down the Caloosahatchee River
Read the full story on Backfire News

Bruce Springsteens Drummer Sues Car Restoration Shop

The allure of owning a fully restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was enough to get Bruce Springsteens drummer, Max Weinberg, to hand over $125,000 to a car restoration business in Florida. However, Weinberg alleges instead of performing on the agreement, the company took his money and used it for personal expenses, leaving him with nothing.

These celebrities love their Mopars.

Weinberg has in turn filed a lawsuit for $375,000 against Aurther Siegle, family members of Siegle, and Investment Automotive Group Inc. through the courts in Plam Beach County, reports the Associated Press.

Instead of spending the initial sum of money on obtaining a solid Mercedes-Benz 190SL, Weinberg says the shop presented one with plenty of rust and other damage so extensive the classic car couldnt be restored to like-new condition.

Sadly, weve seen plenty of people, both celebrities and regular folk, get taken for a ride by car restoration shops. There are many legitimate businesses that buy and restore classic vehicles for customers, but its not uncommon for customers to claim they never received a car or got one with shoddy restoration work done.

The report indicates that even though local law enforcement investigated this case and concluded the Siegles did use Weinbergs $125,000 deposit to cover personal expenses, no criminal charges were filed. The drummer handed that money over about three years ago.

Ultimately Weinbergs dream was a classic Mercedes he could enter into Concours shows, meaning it would need to be nearly perfect. Believing he had found the perfect shop to perform such work, he plunked down the deposit, only later concluding hed been had.

While there certainly are no guarantees when working with a car restoration shop, you should do research before putting a deposit down with one. Talk with former customers, look up online reviews, etc. so you get a better idea of what the business is like and whether others have experienced problems.
There's one known eyewitness to the University of Idaho student murders  a housemate who overheard sounds of a struggle and came face to face with a masked intruder on the night four undergrads were stabbed to death in Moscow, Idaho.

By the time the case goes to trial, years will have passed, with potential implications for her memory of the events.

Meanwhile, suspect Bryan Kohberger's defense has bought more time to build up an alibi and pore over vast amounts of other evidence. Latah County District Judge John Judge is still weighing scheduling and a defense motion to have the trial moved to another county. And the victims' families are still waiting for justice.

BRYAN KOHBERGER CASE: IDAHO COURT PUSHES MAKING DECISION ON POTENTIAL CHANGE OF VENUE, TRIAL DATE

"I'm listening carefully to both sides, and it's a complicated case," he said during a Wednesday hearing. "It's a death penalty case."

After Kohberger's arrest at the end of December 2022, a trial had been penciled in for October 2023. Kohberger waived his right to speedy proceedings, postponing the trial. More recently, prosecutors requested a trial date for this June, but the defense asked for more time to prepare  seeking a date no earlier than the summer of 2025.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

BRYAN KOHBERGER ASKS COURT FOR CHANGE OF VENUE AFTER DELAYS IN IDAHO STUDENT MURDERS TRIAL

The families of two victims, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, said in a joint statement that regardless of when the case goes to trial, everything will be reviewed with a fine-toothed comb, whether on appeal or by the public.

"We want to start healing, we do, we want to find justice and try to move on from this horrible tragedy, so please, please, start making some decision, get to work and quit playing the delay game," they said through their attorney Shanon Gray.

The other victims were Goncalves' best friend, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death.

GO HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Long delays could have a negative impact on witnesses for the defense, said James Scozzari, a Michigan-based attorney who has represented murder suspects at trial.

"Witnesses forget events or even die, depending on the length of time between charges and trial," he told Fox News Digital. "The defendant essentially loses his ability to confer with potential defense witnesses, or even to keep track of their whereabouts. Hard to present a defense in those situations. Also, evidence gets lost or destroyed."

Although Kohberger waived his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial, legal precedent upholds that the "passage of time makes proof of any fact more difficult," he said.

Bryan Kohberger's defense attorneys Anne Taylor, left, Elissa Massoth and Jay Logsdon arrive at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho, on June 27, 2023.

IDAHO MURDERS CASE: JUDGE TO CONSIDER BRYAN KOHBERGER ATTORNEY'S REQUEST FOR SUMMER 2025 TRIAL START DATE

That cuts both ways, impacting prosecutors as well.

"The delays are bad for the prosecution," said Neama Rahmani, a former assistant U.S. attorney whose cases included the successful prosecution of a fugitive killer featured on "America's Most Wanted," Logan Quiroga.

"Witness memories fade and evidence can disappear over time, and the victims families deserve justice," Rahmani added.

If the defense doesn't expect helpful testimony from the lone eyewitness, delays could be part of their plan, said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. But that's not his main concern.

Workers demolish the home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, on Dec. 28, 2023. Four University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed in the house on Nov. 13, 2022.

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X

"Delay until everyone forgets or dies," he told Fox News Digital. "I have worries about the case, delays arent one of them."

Those issues, he said, are related to physical evidence in the case.

"I have two big ones," he said. "How the crime scene was handled and what, if anything, was found in his vehicle. Theres no way you could pull a vicious scene like that off without transferring blood out into the snow and into his vehicle."

Bryan Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra seen during a traffic stop in Indiana in December 2022. The defendant drove cross-country with his father in the suspect's vehicle after the slayings, according to authorities, who seized it at his parents' house in Pennsylvania.

Giacalone has questioned the integrity of the crime scene during the early stages of the investigation, the eventual release of the scene and personal effects inside the home, and the destruction of the building.

"Did the gatekeeper keep a record of who entered the crime scene, at what time, what they did and what time they left?" he asked. "Lots of video where the cop never gets out of the car. Was there a sign-in sheet inside? Who was supervising it was being used?"

Bryan Kohberger arrives at Monroe County Courthouse in Pennsylvania in advance of his extradition hearing.

He took issue with the decision to return the victims' belongings to family members while police were still monitoring the scene. And he highlighted the initial decision to bring in a cleaning crew to clear out the house, which was canceled the following day before a suspect had been arrested and defense investigators arrived.

Kohberger, a 29-year-old Pennsylvania criminology Ph.D. student, was attending Washington State University in Pullman, across the state line from Moscow, Idaho, where prosecutors allege he entered an off-campus home around 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, and massacred four students with a large knife.





Original article source: Bryan Kohberger trial delay buys defense time to build alibi, concerns about memory of lone witness
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)- The Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD) arrested a suspect following an armed robbery that occurred at a gas station on Monday morning.

According to a news release from the department, BTPD officers responded to an armed robbery at the Scotchman convenience store on West State Street at around 6:13 a.m.

Marion man arrested after jumping through glass storefront, leading police on chase

The suspect was identified as Brandon Scott Lowe, 28, of Salisbury, North Carolina, according to the release.

While the robbery was in progress, an armed Sullivan County Sheriffs Office corrections officer stopped at the gas station on her way to work. The release said she held Lowe at gunpoint while employees helped the officer with handcuffing.

The Bristol Tennessee Police Department would like to thank the corrections officer from the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office for the vital role they played in this case, the release said.

Lowe was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, criminal impersonation, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the release said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Buena Vista Park and Boat Launch is open after receiving upgrades including a new lower parking lot, boat launch, floating dock and bathroom.

After a year of delays, people can access Buena Vista Park and Boat Launch again.

Users of the park on the west side of the Willamette River, about 7 miles south of Independence, will see huge improvements.

It has a new lower parking lot  that hopefully wont flood like the old one  a new boat launch, a new floating dock and a new bathroom.

The work just took longer than it was supposed to.

Buena Vista Park a popular place for non-motorized boats

Buena Vista is an unincorporated community on the Polk County side of the Willamette River.

The Buena Vista Ferry, owned and operated by Marion County, has been in use since the mid-1850s.

The park was built around 1970 to keep people from using the nearby ferry ramp to launch boats in the river.

The park is a popular launching point for kayakers and other non-motorized boaters.

Buena Vista Park and Boat Launch is a popular launching point for kayakers and other non-motorized boaters.

Matt Hawkins, Polk County administrative services director, said an upper parking lot and restroom were added to the park over the past 12 years.

But something needed to be done with the area down by the river.

The previous boat ramp had wide gaps between the planks, and it had been damaged over decades of use. There also was a steep drop-off at the bottom of the ramp, making it tricky to put a boat in the water.

The old boat ramp was removed in 2015.

In the lower parking lot, there were 10 boat trailer and eight car parking spots. None were ADA accessible. There were also no accessible routes through the park for people in wheelchairs.

And when the river level was high, the lower parking lot would flood.

Polk County finds money for upgrades to park

Polk County, which operates the park, received about $1.2 million in grant funds from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the project. It got another $400,000 from the Oregon State Marine Board and used about $200,000 in county funds.

The park was closed in May 2022, and the project was supposed to be completed by that October.

The first construction company hired tore out the lower parking lot, but didnt finish the job. It delayed construction for over a year, and the park was closed for the entire summer.

Buena Vista Park and Boat Launch is open after receiving upgrades.

So we ran in there with public works to get it back open, Hawkins said. You could still use it during fall because a lot of hunters use it. This year (2023), we got a new contractor.

Most of the in-water work had to be completed between June 1 and Oct. 15, per the county's permit.

But that couldnt start in the summer of 2023 until July, due to high water conditions.

That delayed construction even more.

The project was completed in late October 2023. It was officially open to the public again as of Nov. 15.

Statesman Journal reporter Zach Urness contributed to this report.

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Buena Vista Park in Polk County open again after construction delays
BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WFRV)  A 49-year-old Wisconsin man was flown to the hospital after being pulled from his vehicle before it started on fire.

The crash happened on Monday morning at around 11:30 a.m. when deputies responded to South Center Road in the town of Beaver Dam.

Racine Street Bridge in Menasha closing for minor construction on March 7 & 8

Preliminary investigations reveal a vehicle was traveling northbound on South Center Road and entered the southbound ditch.

The vehicle hit a field drive, causing it to vault, and when it finally came to a rest, a bystander saw what had unfolded and immediately sprung into action.

The Good Samaritan assisted in extricating the 49-year-old man from Beaver Dam out of the vehicle safely before the 2018 Ford Taurus eventually caught on fire.

The Beaver Dam man was sent to a hospital by emergency service personnel before being airlifted by UW Med Flight to another hospital. The man is believed to have suffered severe injuries because of the crash.

Wisconsin driver dies at the hospital following a roll-over crash

The incident remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriffs Office Crash Investigation Team.

The name of the driver is being withheld at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Motorcyclists and firefighters participated in the funeral procession Sunday afternoon for the two children who died as a result of a house fire Feb. 23 in Cahokia Heights.

Chad Metcalf and his sibling, Sharli Edmonds, both 4, succumbed to their injuries from the fire.

After a visitation and funeral service, their funeral procession started at the Michel Funeral Home in south St. Louis and continued to the Chapel Hill Cemetery in Cedar Hill, Missouri.

The procession included about 250 motorcyclinsts, a fire engine from the Prairie du Pont Fire Department and a police escort.

Motorcyclists and family gather in Cedar Hill, Missouri for the funeral of Sharli Edmonds and Chad Metcalf, who died in a house fire in Cahokia Heights on Feb. 24. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democrat

Just beautiful children, beautiful souls that will be forever missed in our family and well never be the same from it, is how their grandfather, Rick Metcalf of Catawissa, Missouri, described his grandchildren.

Sharli Edmonds, left, and Chad Metcalf died as a result of a house fire in Cahokia Heights on Feb. 23. GoFundMe

Family of Sharli Edmonds and Chad Metcalf, who died in a house fire Feb. 24 in Cahokia Heights, Ill., find comfort in one another while the casket is lowered at Cedar Hill cemetery in Cedar Hill, MO. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democrat

Motorcyclists from the metro-east and eastern Missouri ride through St. Louis to Cedar Hill in a procession March 3, 2024. The group was leading the funeral procession for Sharli Edmonds and Chad Metcalf, who died in a house fire in Cahokia Heights on Feb. 24. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democrat

Motorcyclists from the metro-east and eastern Missouri ride through St. Louis to Cedar Hill, MO in a procession for a March 3, 2024 funeral for Sharli Edmonds and Chad Metcalf, who died in a house fire Feb. 24 in Cahokia Heights, Ill. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democrat

Motorcyclists from the metro-east and eastern Missouri ride through St. Louis to Cedar Hill in a procession March 3, 2024. The group was leading the funeral procession for Sharli Edmonds and Chad Metcalf, who died in a house fire in Cahokia Heights on Feb. 24. Joshua Carter/Belleville News-Democfrat
A bill that would require schools to notify parents or guardians of the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, career technical education and dual enrollment courses at their students campus has been introduced by Assemblyman Juan Alanis, R-Modesto.

I am excited that the first bill I introduced this year, AB 1796, is one that opens up new pathways to students who may not be interested or able to pursue a higher education, Alanis said in a news release.

According to a recent survey of confirmed residents in Assembly District 22 by Alanis team, 71.5% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the number of PA, IB, CTE and dual enrollment courses offered at their schools. Dual enrollment courses allow students to take community college classes while finishing up high school.

Around 74% of the 227 respondents were satisfied with the current level of exposure to college and career paths in the same study.

Alanis recognizes how critical these types of courses are to the future of the Valley, industry leaders and our economy.

While I believe Stanislaus and Merced counties have some of the best and innovative CTE programs available, and some great AP and IB options out there, the reality is not every school has the same resources and opportunities available, he said.

Alanis is running for reelection in the March 5 primary against Jessica Self.

Some high school districts in Stanislaus County already notify parents and guardians about these courses.

Each school at Modesto City Schools uses the districts mass notification and mobile app, ParentSquare, to advertise and notify students and families at all grade levels.

In addition, students are provided with a ballot worksheet, also known as a paper ballot of courses available, encompassing AP, IB and CTE.

The director of secondary education at Turlock Unified School District, John Acha, said the district communicates with parents or guardians regarding course offerings at each school through mailers, social media, information nights, school board presentations and committees.

We always strive to do better and improve upon services and communication with our educational partners and we look forward to learning more about AB 1796 to ensure we are meeting and exceeding expectations, Acha said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Diplomatic channels are active between Iran and the US on Tehran's nuclear program and other issues, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said during a press conference, Trend reports.

According to Kanaani, the epistles are being sent and received within the diplomatic framework and there has been no change in this direction.

Kanaani added that a change in the US administration will not change the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The US government has unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA and this responsibility lies with this state.

"Iran's main goal is to lift the unilateral sanctions imposed on the country and enjoy the rights of the Iranian people and state as defined in the JCPOA," he said.

On January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program.

However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew 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 on Iran starting from November 2018.

Since then, the sanctions have impacted Irans oil exports and more than 700 banks, firms, and individuals. The sanctions have led to the freezing of Iranian assets overseas.

The Iranian side demands that the US rejoin the JCPOA and that other members comply with the terms of the deal, and in that case it declares that it will abide by all the obligations specified in the deal.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment 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 stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

On December 26, 2023 some media outlets, quoting the IAEA, reported that Iran has been enriching uranium faster and to a higher degree since late November 2023. They said that Iran has produced about 9 kg of 60 percent-enriched uranium per month, which is enough for making 3 nuclear bombs. The amount of uranium required for one bomb is 42 kg. Irans 60 percent enrichment is still ongoing.

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(KTXL)  The oldest living person in the world doesnt live in the United States but has roots in Northern California.

Video Above: Americas oldest living person dies in Mendocino County (From Feb. 2024)

Maria Branyas Morera was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, where her family emigrated in October 1906. She is the oldest documented person in the world at 117 years old, according to the Gerontology Research Group.

As she celebrates her 117th birthday on March 4, 2024, Branyas Morera has been the worlds oldest living person since January 2023, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Shes the last living person in Europe born in 1907 and the last person living in Spain in the first decade of the 1900s.

She is very grateful for all the congratulations received and the interest that so many people have shown in her state of health, Eva Carrera Boix, the director of Branyas Moreras nursing home told the Guinness Book of World Records. She is happy to be able to celebrate this special day intimately with her family and colleagues and wishes everyone a happy Monday.

Branyas Morera is the oldest person who was born in California and the oldest validated person to ever live in Spain, according to LongeviQuest.

Supercentenarians around the globe: Who are the oldest living people in the world?

She achieved the title of being the oldest California-born person following the death of Ruth Newman, who died at 113 years old on July 29, 2015, in Pebble Beach. Branyas Morera officially became the oldest validated person ever to live in Spain since April 2023.

After being born in San Francisco, Branyas Morera and her family eventually returned to Spain. They traveled to New Orleans and later departed for Olot, Catalonia, Spain in May 1915.

While aboard the familys voyage to Spain, Branyas Morera lost her hearing permanently in one of her ears after injuring her eardrum in a fall. Toward the end of the voyage, Branyas Moreras father died at 37 from pulmonary tuberculosis, leaving her mother to raise her and three other siblings independently.

The supercentenarian still lives in Olot, Catalonia, where she has resided at a care home since Nov. 2000, when she was 93 years old.

California woman known as the oldest living American dies weeks after turning 116

After getting married in 1931, Branyas Morera had three children born in the years 1932, 1933 and 1944. As of August 2019, Branyas Morera has 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Branyas Morera, 113 at the time, tested positive for the coronavirus. She successfully recovered, becoming the oldest recorded survivor of the virus until a French nun, Lucile Randon, recovered from a case of COVID at the age of 117 in January, 2021.

Branyas Morera received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021, making her one of the oldest validated supercentenarians to do so.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The future of Californias telework compliance office is murky as many state employees  for many, much to their dismay  begin returning to their offices this month.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms 2024-25 budget includes no funding for the states Telework Compliance Office, housed within the Department of General Services. The office oversaw the rollout of telework during the COVID-19 pandemic and is best known for publishing state telework data on an online portal.

The potential shuttering of the telework program office marks a stark reversal for an agency and administration that once heralded telework as the new normal and vowed to slash state costs by cutting leases and selling off state-owned properties.

The closure comes as several departments and agencies  including those for employment development, environmental protection and health and human services  call their employees back to the office twice per week. Unions have vowed to use what little legal power they have ever to prevent the return of in-person work.

When asked what the lack of funding could mean for the future of state telework, both CalHR and DGS sent a vague written statement that claimed the future of the telework program is under consideration due in part to the expiration of funding for limited term positions at the end of the current fiscal year. The agencies pointed to the number of employees who have returned to in-person work as a second reason for weighing the future of the telework program office.

DGS did not answer questions about whether the department would continue to maintain and update the online telework data dashboard  or if it would shut the site down permanently.

The dashboard currently presents the most comprehensive picture of which departments are teleworking the most, how many state employees are teleworking each month and roughly how many days per week those workers are at home versus in the office. Additionally, the webpage tries to quantify the upsides of teleworking by estimating the number of miles, minutes, gallons of gasoline and tons of carbon emissions saved per state employee.

Such a repository of telework data could present a challenge to an administration that, despite the lack of an official mandate, has encouraged state departments and agencies to reintroduce some in-person work as part of a new hybrid model.

Our office believes there is significant value from in-person work that should be considered along with the benefits of telework, Erin Mellon, the governors communications director, said previously in a statement.

How the states Telework Compliance Office came to be

Although the COVID-19 pandemic was the first major rollout of telework in state service, California enshrined telework as an official state policy more than 30 years ago. The law instructed the Department of General Services to establish a task force with the sole purpose of implementing, monitoring and evaluating the states telework program.

It wasnt until fiscal year 2022-23 that the team had much of a staff, though.

In a budget change proposal, DGS argued it needed $1.9 million and 10 full-time positions to ensure consistency across state government as we pivot to the new normal and deliver critical services for all Californians in a distributed work environment.

The request rehashed how Newsoms office rubber-stamped an updated telework policy in July 2020 and, in the following years, encouraged departments and agencies to embrace telework as a cost-cutting method. It pointed out how the Government Operations Agency used one-time funds in June 2021 to train more than 24,000 supervisors and managers on how to build a results-oriented culture and effectively work with their remote teams. (CalHR also procured an outside contract to provide continuing education to these managers at a reasonable cost, the budget request said.)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newsom administration advised departments to maximize telework to the greatest extent possible and ensure that post-COVID-19, departments continue to embrace telework as part of the state culture to achieve long-term efficiencies, read the DGS budget request.

Newsom answered the call by earmarking slightly more than the requested $1.9 million for 2022-23 and 2023-24. But the funding does not appear in the 2024-25 proposed budget.

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Tuesday is Election Day in California. Registered voters statewide will be able to cast their votes in this years presidential primaries and weigh in on local and statewide races.

Whether you are trying to locate your nearest polling location or are unfamiliar with this years ballot initiatives and races, here are some critical local and statewide races voters should know about before March 5.

Rep. Katie Porter heads back to Orange County to cast vote in California Primary election

When do voting polls open and close?

About 52 voting centers in California will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Super Tuesday.

Finding the nearest polling location

Registered voters can locate polling locations in their county using this website. Locations can also be found on the back of your county voter information guide.

California governor Gavin Newsom facing another recall attempt

What will be on the ballot?

Voters statewide will see:

Presidential nominations: Votes cast in the primary election will help determine the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. Donald Trump is favored by Republicans in the Golden State, while President Joe Biden is the front-runner among Democrats.

Californias Senate race: Four hopefuls, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Republican candidate Steve Garvey, Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), are all vying for the late Sen. Dianne Feinsteins vacant seat.

There are two primary elections on the ballot to replace Feinstein: one is to fill the remaining months of her current term and the other is for a full six-year term starting in January 2025.

California has a top-two primary system in which all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, and the top two finishers advance to the general election, according to the Associated Press.

Proposition 1: Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging voters to approve Prop 1, a ballot initiative he says is needed to tackle the states homelessness and mental health crisis. However, opponents say the measure will cost taxpayers more than $10 billion, according to the California Voter Guide.

In addition to statewide races and measures, voters in Los Angeles County will see:

Los Angeles District Attorney race: Multiple candidates hope to replace embattled L.A. District Attorney George Gascon.

Measure HLA: Healthy Streets LA, also known as Measure HLA, would implement Mobility Plan 2035, which calls for additional safety features such as widening sidewalks, protected bike and bus lanes, road elements to prevent speeding, and more to improve traffic safety.

However, critics of the measure, like local firefighters, say the proposal would make it less safe for emergency vehicles to navigate already congested L.A. streets.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, District 4: Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is vying for incumbent Janice Hahns seat on the board.

Los Angeles City Council, District 14: Incumbent Kevin de Leon has been a controversial figure after audio recordings of him making racially charged comments during a private meeting about city council redistricting.

De Leon apologized for his actions, disappeared for some time, and returned to the council after two months.

Since his return, he has been working with colleagues who once called for his removal after the scandal, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Multiple challengers, including Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, and retired lawyer Teresa Hillery, are vying for his seat.

Voters can also expect to see races for open House races.

How to monitor election results?

Follow KTLAs election page for live Election Day coverage and results.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
FILE - This photo shows a view from outside Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, northwestern Cambodia, on March 3, 2018. Cambodia is rejecting allegations it violated international law by evicting people living around its famous Angkor Wat temple complex, saying in a report released Monday, March 4, 2024, by UNESCO that it was only relocating squatters and not residents of more than 100 traditional villages. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)

BANGKOK (AP)  Cambodia is rejecting allegations it violated international law by evicting people living around its famous Angkor Wat temple complex, saying in a report to UNESCO released Monday that it was only relocating squatters and not residents of more than 100 traditional villages.

The U.N. cultural agency had demanded a response from Cambodian authorities in November after a scathing report from Amnesty International claimed that thousands of families, some that had lived in the area for several generations," were being forcibly evicted from around the World Heritage Site as Cambodia seeks to develop the area for tourism.

Amnesty questioned Cambodia's assertion that the families were being voluntarily relocated, citing interviews with people who said they had been forced out, while maintaining that resettlement sites lacked adequate water, sanitation and other facilities, and criticizing UNESCO for failing to challenge Cambodian authorities.

Paris-based UNESCO responded that it was deeply concerned about the allegations" and ordered Cambodia to report on the state of conservation at the Angkor site about a year earlier than previously planned, while urging them to ensure that any relocation is voluntary.

The Angkor site sprawls across some 400 square kilometers (155 square miles), containing the ruins of Khmer Empire capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the temple of Angkor Wat. UNESCO calls it one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, and it is critical to Cambodias tourism industry.

In its report to UNESCO, Cambodia argued it was only moving people involved in the illegal occupation of heritage land, and not those identified by UNESCO as inhabitants of traditional villages shortly after the Angkor complex's inscription in 1992 as a World Heritage Site.

At the Angkor heritage site there are 112 villages where people have been living for generations, but there are squatters who have been coming in, and these squatters are the people who are being relocated, not the people living in the traditional villages, Long Kosal, spokesperson for the Cambodian government body in charge of the Angkor Wat site, told The Associated Press by telephone.

The people in the villages are part of our heritage; that is why we call Angkor a living heritage site.

Amnesty said, however, that it appears Cambodian authorities have decided to cherry-pick what details were included in their new report, and that it remained extremely unclear who could be considered part of the 112 villages.

It was never made clear to the families who those families were ... and therefore who would ultimately have to leave and who would get to stay, said Montse Ferrer, the head of Amnesty's research team investigating the Angkor Wat resettlements.

So fast forward to now, that confusion remains on the books," she said, speaking from Geneva.

She said several families relocated told Amnesty that they had been living around the Angkor Wat site for generations, and had not wanted to leave their homes. She added that their research found that very few people had been resettled voluntarily, as Amnesty would define it, with many being threatened or otherwise coerced.

Amnesty said the threats came from the highest levels, noting in its November report a speech from former Prime Minister Hun Sen in which he said people must either leave the Angkor site soon and receive some form of compensation or be evicted at a later time and receive nothing.

Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, was elected to succeed him last year and has continued the policies, reiterating the official Cambodian government line that Angkor risked losing its World Heritage status if the families were not relocated.

UNESCO in November, however, emphasized that it has  always categorically rejected the use of forced evictions, and that at no point did it request, support or participate in the program.

The agency refused to comment on Cambodia's new submission, saying that it still needed to be analyzed by its experts, but that it "stands by its previous statement regarding the situation in Angkor."

In October, Cambodia opened the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airpor t, the country's biggest, to serve as a gateway to the site with a capacity of 7 million passengers a year.

Cambodia began moving people from the site in 2022. To date about half of an estimated 10,000 families have already been relocated, primarily to a vast new settlement known as Run Ta Ek, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the Angkor Wat site.

New arrivals were given small plots of land, a two-month supply of canned food and rice, a tarpaulin and 30 sheets of corrugated metal to use to build a home, according to Amnesty's findings.

Conditions have improved as authorities have added much of the necessary infrastructure to support the settlement, Ferrer said, but they still have not addressed the debt incurred by many in building their new homes nor the loss of income suffered by moving them.

They were given a plot of land, that's great, but what about everything else they lost?" she said.

During a visit to Run Ta Ek in December, Prime Minister Hun Manet referenced Amnestys allegations that Cambodia was responsible for human rights abuses, saying improvements were being made rapidly and that you should come and see for yourself within a year.

In its report to UNESCO, Cambodian authorities highlighted the fact that the people relocated were now landowners.

They now have the status of villagers, equal to that of the traditional endogenous population settled in the Angkor zone for generations, the report said.
Finance sector accounted for 70pc of the businesses based in the district a decade ago, now it's just over half - BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

Poor Canary Wharf. As a group of bank bosses based in the heart of the City declare that theyre upsizing and moving to bigger offices down the road, theyre quick to stress that Canary Wharf was never a consideration.

Why would anyone want to work there, they argued, while drinking white wine and eating lobster from their top-floor meeting room.

They have a point. Although Canary Wharf completely transformed what was once a wasteland in east London, becoming a symbol of Margaret Thatchers free-market revolution and a byword for finance, the high-rise financial district is now looking outdated.

It lacks all the things that London is famous for, the history and culture, and post-pandemic these are increasingly the assets that pull people in.

Expats who live in the Wharf, which got its name from the quay where fruit and vegetables from the Canary Islands were once offloaded, complain about feeling like they could be in any large North American city.

Some say its lonely. Nobody will talk to each other in those towers, a resident writes on Reddit.

These complaints existed before the pandemic but matter even more now.

People able to work flexibly are less likely to put up with inconvenient journeys to bland places. The Elizabeth line has significantly improved the commute for many, but its not quite enough.

Urban areas now need to be more attractive than ever.

City bankers would rather be drinking with colleagues in an old-school boozer on a cobbled street than in a soulless bar in a brightly lit shopping mall.

Businesses are flocking to more appealing neighbourhoods. Its a trend seen across Europe, with data from Bloomberg last year highlighting how high-rise financial districts have been hit hard by the pandemic while upmarket historic areas, like Londons Mayfair and Pariss seventh arrondissement, are booming.

It might be time for more banks to leave Canary Wharf so that the area can become something else, transforming in the way the once-derelict Kings Cross has.

With fewer suits and less focus on financial services, it could find a way to make itself feel less isolated from the rest of London. Now it takes just 18 minutes to get from Canary Wharf to Paddington, theres no reason it should feel so separate.

The high-profile list of big-name exits suggests that a decision has already been made.

HSBC is ditching its 45-story skyscraper, nicknamed the tower of doom by staff, once its lease runs out in 2027.

Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance plans to head off a year later, following rival law firm Skaddens decision in 2021 to swap Canary Wharf for Londons historic Square Mile.

Ratings agency Moodys is also considering its future in the district, while collapsed lender Credit Suisse is leaving after its integration into UBS, which is also based in the City.

Many staff will be delighted to work more centrally.

A JP Morgan banker who relocated from Canary Wharf to Paris in 2021 told financial website eFinancialCareers that the biggest win was the location.

Instead of being isolated in a Canary Wharf finance bubble with other lawyers and bankers, he was now in the US banks Paris hub within walking distance of places like the Jardin du Palais Royal.

The desire for flashy tower blocks in out-of-the-way areas has largely disappeared.

The City of London is in the middle of its own PR project dubbed destination City, as it tries to draw people in.

However, the shift has left Canary Wharf with a lot of empty space.

5 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf recently sold at a 160m discount - 4k-Clips / Alamy Stock Photo

Banks choosing to stay are reducing their presence by subletting floors. Last month, Blackstone shelved plans to sell a 250m tower in Canary Wharf while a nearby office once occupied by a casualty of the 2008 banking crisis recently sold at a 160m discount.

Those at the big institutions sticking it out in the district argue that the economies of scale leave them with little alternative.

With thousands of staff and no working from home allowed, its not so easy to swap a Canary Wharf skyscraper for a historic building in the City.

The office is bursting at the seams, the canteen queues have never been longer, says a Canary Wharf-based executive.

Besides, he adds, it isnt all bad. The bars are much better and, with plenty of do, people are even choosing to visit on weekends.

Many financial giants will of course stay, but either way, the Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is rightly readying itself for a reinvention.

Just over half of the businesses based in Canary Wharf are now in the finance sector, down from 70pc around a decade ago. The group has already laid out plans to convert some buildings into lab space and turn itself into a life sciences hub.

For years it has also been pitching itself to potential residents as a fun place to live with everything nearby.

Were becoming a 15-minute city  live, work, start your small business [here], CWGs former head of strategy Howard Dawber told me during the pandemic, before he became Londons deputy mayor for business.

Theres no reason Canary Wharf cant become a destination in its own right, like Kings Cross. But as long as its viewed as a characterless place made for bankers, it will be too divided from the rest of London and will struggle to move forward.

More banks will go, but that might not be such a bad thing after all.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A candlelight vigil took place in Las Vegas Sunday to honor HIV AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent.

On Sunday, March 3, family, friends, and admirers gathered at Palacio Park on the historic westside with pictures of Broadbent, balloons, and memorabilia.

Broadbent, who was from Las Vegas, died on Feb. 20. She was born with the AIDS virus and was a world-renowned trailblazer educating people about the virus and bringing awareness to the cause, a journey she embarked on as a little girl.

Broadbent would have been 40 years old this June.

Along with her friends and family, city officials showed up to the vigil to show their support.

Remembering Hydeia Broadbent (KLAS)

She was born and raised right here in our community, City Councilman Cedric Creer shared. We are celebrating her life and all that she did to break that stigma of what HIV was.

Close friends of hers shared the impact she made on their lives personally with 8 News Now.

Hydeia was a close friend of mine and she meant the world to me as a kid, Local Andy Feds said. Especially for me being born HIV positive, she created a world knowing that its going to be ok to be living with this virus.

As for what led to Hydeias sudden passing, her father, Loren Broadbent, said they still dont know exactly what happened, but said he is proud his daughters legacy will live on.

Shes been a true blessing to my life and to so many and a complete natural in helping others and being an advocate for the community, Loren Broadbent shared.

In honor of Hydeias work, free HIV and STD testing was available on-site at the vigil too.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Billie Waugh started her apprenticeship at BAE Systems at 27-years-old

As a security guard, Billie Waugh worked at festivals like Creamfields, Parklife and Belladrum.

But when work dried up during the Covid lockdowns, she made the decision to change her career.

Now the 28-year-old is an advanced commissioning apprentice at BAE's shipyard in Glasgow, where she checks Royal Navy ships before they are handed over to clients.

She is one of more than 40,000 apprentices in Scotland supporting about 12,000 businesses.

Speaking to BBC Scotland News to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Billie said that she wished she knew about the opportunity years ago.

"I left school at 16, school just made me really anxious," she said.

"Then I went down the art path because I was good at it, but I realised it wasnt what I really enjoyed."

In her security job, she worked between music venues, corporate events, ballot counts and festivals.

Looking for a career change during lockdown, she decided she wanted to learn a trade while earning money.

Billie works across all ships, but she is currently most involved in HMS Glasgow

"It was once I was approaching 30, I thought I need to do something and then I found the apprenticeship and I thought why didnt I find this 10 years ago?"

Before she applied for the scheme, she had to pass Higher maths and physics under her own steam.

Now in the second year of the four-year apprenticeship, her job is a mix of administrative tasks and physical work on the ships.

She is responsible for checking everything mechanical and electrical works, from the kettle in the galley to steam turbines.

In her security jobs, she used radios to communicate during festivals. Now she uses radios in loud ship environments.

She is also completing a HNC in marine engineering and will have the option to go on to a HND and possibly a degree.

Having worked in male-dominated industries before, Billie wasn't sure what to expect while working in engineering.

But despite having had negative experiences in the past, she said she was "pleasantly surprised" by BAE Systems.

"I feel like they actually treat you as an individual and support you," she said. "They recognise the hard work that you put in.

"Id only been there a year and I got a special recognition award and a wee trophy. So personally I really love it."

Gavin worked nightshift in retail, while also juggling childcare before his apprenticeship

Gavin Burgess, from Edinburgh, worked nightshift in retail before starting his apprenticeship at age 34.

It meant he could juggle his childcare responsibilities, enabling his wife to pursue her career.

Now he is working with Thomas & Adamson, a property and construction consultants, while studying building surveying at Edinburgh Napier University.

Work life and study life can be a balancing act at times however, I am now following my own career path, doing exactly what I want to do," Gavin said.

"The beauty of the apprenticeship is that I can combine studying and work in my chosen industry. I earn as I learn so I am getting paid to qualify in something I love."

Gavin's next step is APC Programme which is chartered building surveyor

Gavin said it was a great relief to find an option where he could get qualified and gain hands-on experience.

Its incredible to be working at an international construction company, with so many exciting, high-profile projects in its portfolio," he added.

He said his team were "fantastic" and "incredibly supportive" of one another.

"To anyone who is having doubts, Id say, youre never too old to retrain and switch careers.

Foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships offer people from the age of 16 and up employment and learning opportunities.

Frank Mitchell, who chairs Skills Development Scotland, said: Scottish Apprenticeships generate vital skills aligned to economic need, while supporting employers to develop new talent.

Apprenticeships also provide Scotland with a great social return by giving opportunities of enduring careers for many young people from Scotlands most deprived areas."

To end Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Scotlands top apprentices will be recognised at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, in Aberdeen on Friday.
Editors note: This article was corrected to show both POI after an update from the Jasper County Sheriffs Office. We apologize for the confusion.

Update

JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  Charges are filed against a man allegedly involved with the stabbing death of a Carl Junction man.

Scott Burleson

The Jasper County Prosecutor filed charges on Scott Burleson for 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action, the sheriffs office announced Tuesday.

Burleson has yet to be apprehended. Authorities are also searching for another person of interest, Paul Phillips Jr., is also being sought at this time. They are both considered dangerous.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact JCSO at 417-359-9100.

Original

Carl Junction man dies from stabbing, authorities searching for two POI

JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  A Carl Junction man dies after a weekend stabbing in Jasper County.

According to the Jasper County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to an address near 7th St. & State Line Ave. following an assault Saturday evening. Officers found Seth Langford, 36, at the scene, suffering from severe, stabbing related injuries

Seth Langford

Langford later died from those injuries.

Detectives continue to search for two persons of interest. They are Scott Burleson, 30, of Wyandotte, Oklahoma and Paul Phillips, Jr., 36, of Seneca.

Scott Burleson

Paul Phillips

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jasper County Sheriffs Office.

Both men have extensive criminal records.

Phillips is currently on probation for second degree assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was also convicted of receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

Burlesons criminal record includes convictions in Oklahoma for grand larceny, larceny, receiving and possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance. In Missouri Burleson was convicted of receiving stolen property and is currently charged with forgery.

Authorities issued a warrant for Burlesons arrest after he failed to appear for a court appearance in Newton County on the forgery charge.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG)  The Ms. Senior Alabama Organization, an organization committed to encouraging women over the age of 60 in Alabama, crowned the Ms. Senior Gulf Shores delegate on Friday.

1 dead, Mobile woman arrested in Sunday homicide: MPD

According to a press release, Cheryl Ritchie was crowned as the 2024-2025 Ms. Senior Gulf Shores delegate. The ceremony that took place at the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University on Friday is the first step to compete for the title of Ms. Senior Alabama.

Cheryl Ritchie, Ms. Senior Gulf Shores delegate (Courtesy: Cheryl Ritchie)

Cheryl Ritchie, Ms. Senior Gulf Shores delegate (Courtesy: Cheryl Ritchie)

Ritchie, who is a Broker Associate, according to her Facebook page, is an Alabama native. She is from Vestavia Hills and has relocated to Gulf Shores. Ritchie said she is thrilled and honored to represent the Gulf Shores community in the upcoming competition.

The statewide competition for Ms. Senior Alabama is set for June 1 at the Daphne Civic Center. Through the competition, the Ms. Senior Alabama Organization, is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior women, providing them with opportunities to share their experiences, wisdom, and interests with others.

For more information on Ritchie, visit her Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Terry Thompson is facing a dauntingly steep learning curve as she prepares for the impending election season. She completed her first work day as Cascade Countys new Election Administrator less than three weeks ago, and now faces a compressed election schedule while simultaneously guiding her office beyond what was a tumultuous prior year.

On Thursday Thompson greeted candidates for county precinct judge during a training session at the county fairground's Paddock Club. Around 25 men and women, most of retirement age who had applied to attend the 3-hour class on how to run local elections. In total, 100 to 120 eligible candidates were expected to apply before the end of the weekend.

It's a good turnout, with many new faces among those who have previously served as an election judge. Thompson said she hopes it represents a new opportunity to leave the controversy of the past year behind, which culminated when county commissioners stripped County Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant of her election administration duties.

A lot of people have been coming into the office, emailing, calling me, giving support  and looking forward to things calming down a little bit and getting the spotlight off of the office, Thompson said. I have a great team of people who work really hard, and theyre looking forward to the chaos going away as well.

She has little time before her effectiveness as a leader will be tested. Mail-in ballots for the May 3rd school board elections go out in six weeks. Ten days after voters have cast their ballots for school board, a new tranche of absentee ballots for the June 7th Montana primary election are supposed to be in the mail. It's a tight schedule.

Potentially we have three school districts (including Great Falls) and a water district special election to get done and then we turn around 30-days later to do the primary, which is going to have multiple ballot measures in it, Thompson said of the quick turnaround. The mail-in balloting is a lot of work, but we already have all the ballots ready to go for the Great Falls School Board election.

On the job training

That tight schedule comes as Thompson is still working to learn her job. She's served as CEO of the Great Falls Realtors Association and owns a leadership/business consulting firm, but has no prior experience in election administration. Its a fact that raised some voices of concern when the commissioners appointed her - that the elections office wouldn't be subjected to the missteps and delayed election results that plagued the Merchant administration.

First of all, no election administrator has experience when they start, Thompson said of concerns about her inexperience. A lot of them are elected, but you dont have to have any qualifications to be elected as an election administrator. Its not a degree, theres no certification. Its on the job training, and Im starting out like the prior administrators.

She said shes been putting in long days and nights for weeks now, both completing her tasks at the election office and getting in as much training as she possibly can before the elections begin.

My husband doesnt hardly ever see me, Thompson said of her daily schedule. Im on the computer at home taking all the county employee training and tests that I have to do, so every night its another 11 or 12 o'clock at night before I shut the computer off.

Thompson acknowledged that she will lean heavily upon the support of her staff and other more experienced election officials to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the 2024 election year in Cascade County.

Ive gotten calls already from the Secretary of States office and from other elections administrators from around the state saying were here for you, were a resource you can use, she said.

She also gave a lot of praise for the experience and hard work of the countys election judges.

I cant overemphasize the importance of the experience of the people who have done this, she said of the small community of people who choose to serve on a regular basis. They really know their jobs and theyre a great help.

Why election judges matter

Becoming an election judge in Montana isnt automatic. After completing mandatory training judges are appointed by the county commissioners from lists of candidates nominated by the central committees of the local political parties.

There are 26 voting precincts in Cascade County. At least three election judges be appointed from each precinct, including one Chief Election Judge who provides support for the other judges. State law requires that to the extent possible the commissioners must appoint judges to fairly represent all political parties eligible to participate in the election.

Election judges and election office staff are the only people authorized to handle ballots and official election records. They are there to make sure electors are qualified to vote, to issue provisional or absentee ballots to those who are not registered or lack the proper identification, general ballot counting and tabulating procedures, as well as ensuring the proper chain of custody of all ballots received, and assisting voters whove made a mistake or unintentionally spoiled their ballot.

The judges are the ones administrating the process of the entire election, said Thompson.

However, it's an aging community of volunteers. Most experienced election judges are retired. Few at Thursdays training appeared to be younger than 50. Thompson said she has a vision of how to attract some younger voters to become election judges.

I would love to set up an internship with the University of Providence and the College of Great Falls to have students come to participate and get trained to be judges as well, she said. Im also hoping to go the high schools and teach them the importance of voting, whether its through their history class or their BPA (Business Professionals of America) chapter.

Thompson noted that many young people who have reached 18 and older may not know how to register to vote or of the proper ID required to identify them of being of voting age.

That project will likely remain on the backburner for the foreseeable future. Thompsons to do list already longer than the ballots shes preparing.

This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Cascade County Election Administer faces daunting election schedule
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Irans stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in his statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, Trend reports.

"Irans stockpile of enriched uranium continues to increase, even though the level of uranium enriched up to 60 percent has fallen slightly," he said.

Grossi noted that the IAEA currently lacks consistent knowledge regarding the production and inventory details of centrifuges, rotors, bellows, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate.

"It is three years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol and therefore it is also three years since the Agency was able to conduct complementary access in Iran," the director general added.

Meanwhile, 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.
BEARDSTOWN, Ill. (WCIA)  Cass County authorities successfully apprehended an armed and dangerous shooting suspect early Sunday morning, after announcing he was at large Saturday night.

The Cass County Sheriffs Office and Beardstown Police responded to a report of shots fired just before 6 p.m. Saturday. At the scene near Clay Street and East 5th Street, a shooting victim was found with what officers said were non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Property crimes up in Sangamon Co. during 2023

The suspect, identified as Andrew J. Wright, was nowhere to be found at the time. The Sheriffs Office turned to social media late that night to inform the public and ask for help in locating him. They also said the Illinois State Police had joined in on the investigation.

It wasnt until 5:05 a.m. Sunday that Beardstown Police found and arrested Wright. Another social media post from the Sheriffs Office followed soon after to announce the update.

There is not believed to be any further known risk to the community, the post announcing Wrights arrest reads.

Officials also asked that those with further information on this incident to call the Beardstown Police Department at 217-323-3131.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The world has a remarkable opportunity to eliminate a cancer for the first time in history.

In January, Public Health Scotland found zero cases of cervical cancer among women who were vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV)  the virus that causes 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases  as adolescents. With a vaccine this effective, the UK has a real chance of making cervical cancer elimination a reality and has set the goal of doing so by 2040.

But in other parts of the world, the road to cervical cancer elimination is tougher. Approximately 90 per cent of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the highest burden in Africa and Latin America. Across these regions, more than 100,000 women die from cervical cancer every year. Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than other women.

In many low- and middle-income countries, women do not have access to prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care options that are readily available in high-income countries. Even when cancer is caught early, a nearby hospital with the resources and specialists to treat cervical cancer is not a guarantee. And the cost, as well as the physical and mental impact of treatment, can be overwhelming.

HPV vaccines can prevent this suffering; however, limited resources, Covid-19 pandemic-related disruptions, and challenges reaching school-aged girls have led to a deep inequity in who receives these life-saving vaccines. It is a tragedy that the lives of women are being cut short by a preventable disease simply because of where they live.

We have the chance to change this. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one dose of the HPV vaccine offers sufficient protection against cervical cancer, meaning we can reach more girls with the same number of vaccines. A one-dose regimen  which the UK adopted last year  simplifies delivery, reduces costs and alleviates pressure on our health systems. Governments can protect girls more easily and save lives with a single trip to a school to administer the vaccine.

Just last week, WHOs African Region joined the Region of the Americas in encouraging a one-dose regimen. Out of the 37 countries globally that have announced a switch to a one-dose regimen, 23 of them are in our two regions. We are hoping that even more countries will follow suit so we can protect more girls than ever before. Where feasible and affordable, countries may be able to expand their vaccination programs to include boys and older age groups to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in communities and prevent HPV-related cancers that affect men.

Theres another reason we are on the verge of driving major progress against cervical cancer: improved tools for screening and treatment, key pillars of the WHOs Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer. New methods, like self-sampling HPV tests, can help women in resource-poor settings or those living in remote areas ensure cancer is caught early enough to be treated at local health clinics, rather than specialised hospitals or treatment centers.

Now, with incredible life-saving tools and research to guide us in scaling them up, we can work toward a future where no woman anywhere needlessly dies from this disease.

We know that devastating diseases can be eliminated. Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020 and 19 African countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. In the last 10 years, the Americas region has eliminated rubella and neonatal tetanus and has a goal of eliminating 30 diseases by 2030.

These efforts required extraordinary commitments  of resources, political will and public health leadership. This week, public health leaders from around the world will gather in Colombia for the first ever Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum, giving us a chance to reaffirm our pledge to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

We need to translate that commitment into concrete action. National leaders need to introduce and scale up HPV vaccination programmes and ensure women have access to effective, affordable screening and treatment. Donors and governments must invest in HPV vaccination programs in low- and middle-income countries.

But the responsibility goes beyond our political leaders. We need health workers and patient advocates  the people with first-hand experience  to emphasise that HPV vaccines are safe and effective and can save lives. We need religious, civil society, and traditional leaders to dispel misinformation and encourage girls and women to get vaccinated and screened. And parents must ensure that their children are not denied access to this extraordinarily effective vaccine.

The health and well-being of the next generation of women depends on all of us. Twenty years ago, a world without cervical cancer was unimaginable. Today, it is within reach.

Dr Jarbas Barbosa is Director of the Pan American Health Organization and Dr Matshidiso Moeti is WHO Regional Director for Africa

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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A former St. Paul police officer with a troubled past has been charged with setting fire last summer to a building that houses a restaurant he owns with his wife.

Tou Mo Cha, 55, was charged in Ramsey County District Court last week with second-degree arson in connection with the fire on Aug. 9 at Checkerboard Pizza in the 900 block of Arcade Street.

Cha, of Little Canada, was charged by summons and is due in court on March 27. Court records do not list an attorney. A message was left Monday seeking his response to the allegations.

According to the criminal complaint:

Surveillance video from nearby businesses shows Cha leaving the restaurant and repeatedly entering the same building's apartment complex. The fire started after the final time he exited the apartment entry.

Cha told police he and his wife were present at the time the blaze started, but he denied going in the apartment entry around that time.

Fire investigators determined the blaze was set in the apartment portion of the building, possibly with gasoline being ignited with an open flame.

"The action that brought these items together was an intentional human act," the complaint read, citing fire investigators.

The monetary amount of damage from the fire was estimated at $100,000.

In 2018, Cha was at the center of a case that resulted in the firings of five St. Paul police officers, and for which he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for assault. Cha pleaded guilty in August 2019 to third-degree assault for an attack on June 17, 2018, captured on a police squad-car dash camera.

Cha admitted in court to striking a man in the head with a wooden club outside Checkerboard Pizza. The victim, a nephew of his wife's, suffered a head injury that required 24 staples to close. Five St. Paul police officers accused of standing by as Cha attacked the man were later fired.

In February 2005, Cha resigned from the Police Department after pleading guilty to lending out his service pistol, which was then used to shoot up the Maplewood home of a Hmong leader. No one was injured.

His resignation was part of a plea agreement in which the county dropped two other weapons and assault charges. Cha was sentenced to 30 days in the county workhouse and five years' probation.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man will make his first appearance in court on Monday in connection with a 2022 murder in south city.

Last week, the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Joshua D. Jackson, 32, with first-degree murder, tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. The court issued an arrest warrant, which was served on Sunday, March 3.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the murder occurred on Jan. 29, 2022, in the 2800 block of Chariton Street, located in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood.

Suspect charged in Grove shooting over mistaken vehicle

Police and prosecutors claim Jackson shot Jeffrey Cook inside Cooks home during an argument. Officers found Cook inside the residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Cook was rushed to the hospital, but died. He was 60.

An eyewitness told police Jackson threatened to harm them and their children if they spoke with the police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
CHICAGO  A Chicago woman accused of stabbing a man on the Southwest Side of the city on Wednesday is now facing felony charges.

Chicago police say 53-year-old Luvenia Slaughter, a Washington Park resident, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Police say the charges stem from an alleged stabbing that unfolded just after 3 p.m. in the 6000 block of South Western Avenue in Chicago Lawn.

According to officers, Slaughter allegedly stabbed a 41-year-old man in the area, leaving him injured.

53-year-old Luvenia Slaughter has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, in connection with a stabbing on the city's Southwest Side.

Officers say she was taken into custody about an hour later, just after 4 p.m., in the same area where the alleged stabbing occurred.

17-year-old killed, 15-year-old injured in South Loop shooting, police say

Currently, it is unclear what led to the stabbing and authorities have not provided an update on the victims condition.

Slaughter appeared in court on Saturday for a detention hearing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Orlando Fraser: 'There is an urgent need for more monies to flow into the charity sector' - Geoff Pugh/The Telegraph

Trustees must not allow their personal views to prevent them accepting donations, the chair of the Charity Commission warns in new guidelines published today.

The watchdogs guidance comes after several high-profile charities were criticised for refusing significant amounts amid mounting pressure from activists.

The commissions directions enable trustees to accept donations in the face of mounting scrutiny of their funding sources. Writing in The Telegraph, Orlando Fraser KC, its chairman, warned that charities are likely to be in no position to turn down vital funds as there is an urgent need for more monies to flow into the charity sector.

Introducing the guidelines, Mr Fraser stressed that charities were expected to take monies that are offered, only refusing when there is very good reason.

The document cautions executives from allow[ing] yours or others personal motives, opinions, or interests to affect your decision.

Targeted by climate activists

Though the legal stance is in favour of accepting funds, significant contributions to charities have been turned down in recent years, in particular by arts institutions and museums  a group targeted by climate activists such as Just Stop Oil.

In recent years, the Scottish Ballet, The National Portrait Gallery, The Royal Opera House, the Tate and the Royal Shakespeare Company have ended generous financial sponsorships from fossil fuel companies. In 2022, Save the Children rejected a 750,000 donation from Neptune Energy, reportedly intended for Ukrainian children, and last year issued guidance stating it would no longer accept funds from companies that produce fossil fuels.

Mr Fraser has previously criticised the personal squeamishness around sources of philanthropic funding demonstrated by some charity executives. Speaking to the University of Kent in November, he claimed that such reticence may benefit the sense of righteous progressiveness of a trustee or charity executive, but it will most likely not serve the beneficiary reliant on the services a charity provides.

He pledged that he would not allow the Commission to be misused or weaponised by any army involved in fighting these wars. The watchdogs new rules are intended to help trustees come to rational and reasonable decisions that are supported by clear evidence when considering turning down donations.

Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Fraser explained the context of these new guidelines. While individual donations reached an all time high in 2022 of 12.7 billion, the same cannot be said for philanthropy from the wealthiest section of the UK, which has been on a downward trend post-pandemic.

We can take another look

He also criticised those who use the charity sector to score political points and stressed that the commission would remain entirely independent, warning that materially irrational refusals would be investigated.

As a fair, balanced and independent regulator, the commission will not weigh in unnecessarily, but where decision-making looks materially irrational, we can choose to take another look, he wrote.

In addition to not being swayed by irrelevant personal preferences, the guidelines set out how executives should balance multiple factors when deciding whether to refuse or return a donation. Factors to be weighed included the value of the donation and its potential to help you further your charitys purposes and thus the financial harm that could come from turning it down.

Clear conflicts between the source of funds and the charitys aims should also be identified, for example, a cancer research charity may decide not to accept donations from donors that mainly produce or sell tobacco.

Comment

The UK's charitable spirit must be nurtured

Read more

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A convicted meth dealer in Charlotte has received a lengthy sentence term, the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Office announced.

Javonte Miller, 35, will serve 18 years after being found guilty of drug trafficking charges involving cocaine and meth.

Court records stated that in 2019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police attempted to serve a warrant on Miller at the Super 8 Motel on Queen City Drive in north Charlotte.

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Crime & Public Safety

Five bags filled with more than 1,100 pills that later tested positive for meth were seized along with cocaine and a loaded gun, and Miller was arrested.

Judge Cureton presided over this case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Anthropic, a major player in generative artificial intelligence, announced new models to fuel its Claude chatbot, the company said on Monday, as ChatGPT faces more rivals.

The company said three new AI models - called Claude 3 Opus, Sonnet and Haiku - were its most high-performing tools yet and were industry leading in terms of their ability to match human intelligence.

Founded in 2021, Anthropic was created by former employees of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and has been funded by Google and partnered with Amazon to develop new technology.

The company has made its hallmark to release AI models that seek to impose stricter guardrails than those behind ChatGPT and other chatbot rivals.

But this approach has faced pushback after last month's release of Google's Gemini model that was criticized for gaffes such as generating images of ethnically diverse World War II Nazi troops.

Some industry observers are also complaining that chatbots have become less impressive as companies introduce tighter controls in response to controversies involving the technology going off the rails or giving incorrect answers.

Acknowledging that safeguards could go too far, Anthropic said the new models would avoid making "unnecessary refusals" that were a problem for its earlier releases.

"Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku are significantly less likely to refuse to answer prompts that border on the system's guardrails than previous generations of models," it said.

Anthropic said its model Opus was the most powerful of the three and could outperform its peers on key benchmarks, including mathematics.

Claude is considered one of the major AI chatbot makers and is closely allied to Amazon and its AWS cloud division, which provides the company's intensive computing needs.

It has also received investments from Google and other Silicon Valley heavyweights.

Unlike its rivals, Anthropics Claude chatbot does not generate images and only allows users to use images as requests for analysis.

The competing tools from OpenAI and Google generate images on request but executives from Anthropic believe that customers are not clamoring for the feature.

Like other AI giants, Anthropic is facing lawsuit from content makers who accuse the company of pilfering copyrighted material to build its models.

Universal and other music publishers last year sued Anthropic in a US court for using copyrighted lyrics to train its systems and in generating answers to user queries.

arp/caw
More than $44 million of unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in February, state officials said.

There is about $2.7 billion more that has yet to be claimed, according to Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.

Patronis encourages Floridians to check if the state is holding funds that belong to you.

I want every cent of unclaimed property to be returned to its rightful owner, Patronis said.

Read: Trump can stay on 2024 presidential ballot, Supreme Court rules

I am encouraging every Floridian to search now for unclaimed property for yourself, your friends, your loved ones, and even your business, Patronis said.

The state defines unclaimed property as a financial asset that is unknown, lost, left inactive or abandoned by its owner.

The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances and refunds.

Read: Supreme Court keeps Trump on 2024 ballot: Read the opinion

Unclaimed property assets are held by business or government holders for a set period of time, typically five years.

If the person cannot claim the assets, they are reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property.

Here is a look at February 2024 unclaimed property returns by region in Florida:

Pensacola  $1 Million

Panama City  $364,255

Tallahassee  $1.9 Million

Jacksonville  $4.3 Million

Gainesville  $535,175

Orlando  $7.1 Million

Tampa/St. Pete  $9.2 Million

Fort Myers/Naples  $3.7 Million

West Palm Beach  $5.1 Million

Miami  $11 Million

Click here to see if you have unclaimed property.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Chicago police respond to a shooting in October 2022. This month, Chicagos mayor decided not to extend the citys contract with a gunshot detection software company that more than 150 U.S. cities use with the goal of reducing gun violence. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Chicago has joined a growing list of cities that have cut ties with a controversial company that tries to reduce urban gun violence with 24/7 technology that listens for the crack of gunshots and immediately notifies police.

This month, Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the city would not renew its contract with SoundThinking, the California-based company behind ShotSpotter, software that uses a network of hidden neighborhood sensors to detect the sound of gunfire.

Chicago was spending around $9 million annually on one of the biggest installations in the country, covering around 100 square miles.

More than 150 cities nationwide use ShotSpotter in an effort to help police departments respond to more incidences of gunfire, which often go unreported by residents. Cities that have recently shown new or continued interest in the technology include Cleveland, Seattle and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Leaders say it can help save gunshot victims lives by enabling emergency responders to get to the scene of a shooting more quickly. As a result, they add, investigators can more quickly recover ballistic and bullet casing evidence used to solve crimes.

But over the past decade, cities around the country such as Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; New Orleans; and San Antonio, Texas, have decided to discontinue their use of ShotSpotter. Those decisions coincided with a growing body of research showing that ShotSpotter has not succeeded in reducing gun violence, has slowed police response times to emergency calls, and often did not lead to evidence recovery. SoundThinking has vigorously disputed criticism about ShotSpotters efficacy.

Its troubling to have a powerful for-profit vendor pushing this strategy that has been widely adopted, but theres not a lot of evidence that its particularly effective.

 Thomas Abt, University of Maryland associate research professor in criminology and criminal justice

As cities continue to reevaluate their strategies for bringing down gun assault numbers, which spiked during the pandemic and are slowly falling, they must focus on tools that are proven to keep their communities safe, especially with strained resources, said Thomas Abt, a senior fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank, and an associate research professor in criminology and criminal justice at the University of Maryland.

Its troubling to have a powerful for-profit vendor pushing this strategy that has been widely adopted, but theres not a lot of evidence that its particularly effective, Abt said.

The Chicago mayors office reiterated that concern when it announced Johnsons decision to stop using ShotSpotter, saying the city will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. The city plans to decommission the software on Sept. 22.

Johnsons decision makes good on a campaign promise he made during last years mayoral election, when he called the technology unreliable. An earlier investigation by Chicagos inspector general found that ShotSpotter alerts rarely produce documented evidence of a gun-related crime, investigatory stop, or recovery of a firearm.

The technology was not making residents safer and wasnt a useful community safety tool. I think it will raise questions for other cities, said Jonathan Manes, a Chicago-based attorney with the MacArthur Justice Center. The center released a report in 2021 that found the citys use of ShotSpotter led to investigatory dead-ends and more police monitoring in communities of color.

SoundThinking did not agree to an interview with Stateline. In a statement, however, the company said that until September, it will continue to provide the Chicago Police Department and the citizens of Chicago with the highest-quality gunshot detection services that the city has relied upon for the last seven years.

City aldermen have been split on Johnsons decision, with some agreeing the software did not use taxpayer dollars wisely on an academically disproven and expensive technology, and others saying it will make communities plagued by gun violence less safe and harder for police to do their jobs.

Around the country, ShotSpotter remains a popular tool in police departments, as more cities consider adopting or expanding their use, even as criticism slowly gains traction.

How police listen for gunfire

In California, the suburban city of Richmond, just across the bay from San Francisco, has been using ShotSpotter for the past decade. When the microphones installed around the city of 114,000 detect gunfire, alerts are sent both to emergency dispatchers and to officers through an app on their phones.

The alert shows how many rounds of gunfire were detected, what sort of firearm was used and a pinpoint dot that gives a search radius for where the shots were fired. ShotSpotter uses 20 sensors per square mile.

Through the app, officers also can listen to an audio file of the shots. Using this information, dispatchers send officers to the scene to see whether there are victims and to collect evidence.

The details give officers a defined area in which to search instead of using the old school way of responding to a 911 call from a resident who heard but didnt see gunfire, unable to say exactly where the shots were fired, said Lt. Donald Patchin of the Richmond Police Department.

He pointed to a December incident in which ShotSpotter was instrumental in leading to the arrest of two people and the confiscation of two firearms, using the location of the gunshot detection as a launching point to gathering evidence. The information isnt used as the sole piece of evidence in prosecuting crimes, but it can help law enforcement, Patchin said.

Unequivocally, it has resulted in us getting firearms out of the hands of felons and people that arent allowed to have guns, and weve got them off the street, he said. Were fairly happy with the system.

Last year, Richmond saw a record low number of homicides since the city started tracking data in 1971, which Patchin in part attributes to ShotSpotter.

In Seattle, the police department will test ShotSpotter this year, subject to public comment. The city council heeded calls from Democratic Mayor Bruce Harrell to inject $1.5 million into the budget for the pilot program after Seattle set a homicide record last year.

Seattle badly needs the technology alongside community-led public safety plans, said the Rev. Harriett Walden, co-founder of Mothers for Police Accountability, a local grassroots group. Too many children, especially in Black communities, are being traumatized by gunfire, she said.

We have to see if this works for us, Walden said, if ShotSpotter can help us be able to get some arrests, be able to get people to the scene right away, and then be able to talk to young people about trauma and how this is not normal behavior.

Growing criticism

Even as cities continue to use ShotSpotter, though, many others are reconsidering their contracts.

Over the past year, leaders in Dayton, Ohio; Durham, North Carolina; and Portland, Oregon, have decided not to use ShotSpotter. Portland, for instance, found the software was not likely to reduce enough gun violence for the amount of money the city would need to spend. Leaders said they would concentrate on proven community outreach programs that targeted people most likely to commit gun violence at the micro level, instead of listening devices.

Its all bunk, but its a good sell for cities that are hard-strapped for a way to stop gun crime, said Eleni Manis, research director for Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, a New York City-based nonprofit that fights police surveillance of American communities. Its a technological boondoggle.

Manis and her colleagues published a 2022 report showing that ShotSpotter had a difficult time weeding out noises that sounded like gunfire, such as fireworks or cars backfiring. The report also documented research showing that the programs use doesnt reduce gun crimes. And it doesnt improve the medical outcomes of gunshot victims, police officers ability to clear homicide cases or communities cooperation with police.

My primary beef goes beyond whether it works or not, Manis said. It doesnt actually promote public safety. It really wastes officers time.

Let us know what you think...

A November working paper out of the University of California, Santa Barbara found that in Chicago, police officers spent so much time responding to ShotSpotter detections, some of which were false, that it took them significantly longer to respond to real emergencies. Also, because police arrived later to the scenes of actual shootings, they were less likely to make arrests.

For a police department such as Chicagos, which is suffering from officer and funding shortages, ShotSpotter exacerbates institutional challenges by reallocating resources away from other 911 calls, said Michael Topper, a doctoral candidate in economics and co-author of the study.

If you implement this technology that requires officers to do more work, then their other work is also going to suffer, Topper said. Police departments must evaluate what they have before starting to implement it.

SoundThinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, vehemently disagrees with these studies, saying on its website that the gunshot detection technology has a high accuracy rate, while also helping police and emergency responders get to shooting scenes more quickly.

What is clear is that police who use the technology do find out about more gunshots than they did before using it, said Justin Nix, an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

He wrote a study on Omahas use of ShotSpotter that found the police department would not have known about thousands of gunshots from 2014 to 2017 if not for the software. But while ShotSpotter led to more police reports, it did not produce more arrests than 911 calls did. If cities are going to use this tool, he said, they have to understand its limitations.

Maybe it has a great deal of potential that hasnt been realized yet, Nix said. But theres no concrete evidence to date that would lead us to be confident that this is where we should put our dollars.

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This story was originally published by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Chicago is the latest city rethinking disputed technology that listens for gunshots appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seriously concerned that Iran has unilaterally stopped implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said in his statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, Trend reports.

"I am seriously concerned that Iran has unilaterally stopped implementing the Joint Statement, which raises doubts that Iran remains committed to what we have agreed. I also deeply regret that Iran has yet to reverse its decision to withdraw the designations for several experienced agency inspectors," he said.

Grossi noted that Iran also needs to implement modified Code 3.1 which is a legal obligation for Iran.

"These outstanding safeguards issues stem from Irans obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and need to be resolved for the Agency to be in a position to provide assurance that Irans nuclear program is exclusively peaceful," the director general noted.

According to Grossi, public statements made in Iran regarding its technical capabilities to produce nuclear weapons only increase concerns about the correctness and completeness of Irans safeguards declarations

"I reiterate that only through constructive and meaningful engagement can all of these concerns be addressed and once again I call upon Iran to cooperate fully and unambiguously with the agency," he concluded.

Meanwhile, 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.
CHICAGO  A Chicago man accused of fatally stabbing another man on the Southwest Side is now facing a felony charge.

Officers say 43-year-old Hugo Reza-Valdespino, a Brighton Park resident, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

1 dead, 1 injured after shooting during argument between family members in Hammond

The charge stems from an alleged stabbing that unfolded just after 4 p.m. on Friday in the 4200 block of South California Avenue, in Brighton Park.

43-year-old Hugo Reza-Valdespino has been charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with a deadly stabbing in Brighton Park.

Officers say Reza-Valdespino allegedly stabbed a 48-year-old man in the area. The victim later died from his injuries.

Emergency crews battle brush fire at Tinley Park nature preserve

Reza-Valdespinoe was quickly located and taken into custody less than an hour later in the same area where the stabbing occurred.

Police say Reza-Valdespinoe appeared in court on Sunday for a detention hearing.

Authorities have not yet identified the victim killed and it is currently unclear what led up to the stabbing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
WHEELING, Ill.  A Chicago man accused of robbing a woman after following her home from a bank in the north suburbs has been charged, police say.

According to a spokesperson for the Wheeling Police Department, 26-year-old Wayne Frazier, a Garfield Park resident, has been charged with one count of robbery.

The charge stems from an incident that police say allegedly unfolded around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the 500 block of West Dundee Road in Wheeling.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Police say Frazier and another suspect allegedly followed the victim home from a bank ATM in Buffalo Grove before accosting and robbing her in the parking garage of her apartment building.

Officers say during the alleged robbery, the woman was thrown to the ground while the two suspects stole her money and other items, leaving her with minor injuries.

26-year-old Wayne Frazier has been charged with one count of one count of robbery in connection with an incident that unfolded in Wheeling on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Police say video evidence that was recovered helped investigators identify Frazier as one of the individuals allegedly involved and a warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

2 Chicago men accused in armed robbery, shootout on Far South Side

Police eventually caught up with Frazier on Sunday when Riverwoods officers located him during an unrelated traffic stop. He was then taken into custody and turned over to Wheeling police.

Authorities say charges against Frazier for similar offenses are also pending from the Arlington Heights, Summit and Berwyn police departments.

Authorities have not identified or provided a description of the second individual who is believed to have been involved in the alleged robbery.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The United Nations warned Sunday that child deaths will rapidly increase in Gaza if humanitarian aid deliveries do not immediately increase, adding to pressure on the Israeli government over humanitarian conditions in the Israel-Hamas war.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza amidst the conflict, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, including more than 100 civilians killed when the Israeli army opened fire on a crowd seeking aid Thursday.

Adele Khodr, regional director for the U.N.s childrens aid organization, said numerous reported child deaths in Gaza are man-made, predictable and entirely preventable.

The widespread lack of nutritious food, safe water and medical services, a direct consequence of the impediments to access and multiple dangers facing UN humanitarian operations, is impacting children and mothers, hindering their ability to breastfeed their babies, especially in the Northern Gaza Strip, she said in a statement. People are hungry, exhausted and traumatized. Many are clinging to life.

The Biden administration has increased pressure on the Israeli government in recent days over humanitarian aid, launching an airdrop campaign in Gaza to deliver aid and stepping up statements critical of the Israeli government.

Earlier Sunday, Vice President Harris urged the Israeli government to increase aid deliveries amid a humanitarian catastrophe, saying there are no excuses.

Khodr said the situation is most dire in northern Gaza, where fighting has gone on the longest and aid is less accessible. She said about 16 percent of children showed signs of malnutrition in a study in January.

UNICEF has been warning since October that the death toll in Gaza would increase exponentially if a humanitarian crisis emerged and was left to fester, she said. The situation has only gotten worse, and as a result, last week, we warned that an explosion in child deaths was imminent if the burgeoning nutrition crisis wasnt resolved.

Now, the child deaths we feared are here and are likely to rapidly increase unless the war ends and obstacles to humanitarian relief are immediately resolved, she added.

President Biden has backed a six-week cease-fire in the war to allow critical aid to flow into Gaza. The Israeli government agreed to the framework of the proposed cease-fire Saturday, The Associated Press reported, a sign of progress in tense negotiations.

Harris is set to meet with Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz on Monday at the White House to discuss the cease-fire deal and humanitarian aid, The New York Times reported. The scheduled meeting reportedly draws the ire of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not authorize the trip, according to The Times of Israel.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Palestinian man transports sacks of humanitarian aid at the UN distribution centre in Rafah - AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Children have starved to death in the besieged Gaza Strip, where people are eating leaves and animal food in a desperate attempt to stay alive.

Life-saving aid to the enclave continues to be delayed by stalled ceasefire negotiations and as Israel blocks delivery trucks at border crossings. Thousands of families are struggling to find food.

Ten children died at Kamal Adwan hospital in the north of Gaza, the United Nations confirmed for the first time on Monday.

Yazan Al Kafarneh, 10, was filmed by local journalists at the hospital a few days before his death, looking emaciated and barely able to speak.

On Monday, photographers captured the moment morgue attendants washed his skeletal remains.

Gazas health ministry, run by Hamas, later said a total of 15 children had died from malnutrition and dehydration at the hospital.

Diala Abu Sultan is six months old and is displaying severe signs of malnutrition and skeletal fragility. In recent weeks, her parents have been unable to find or afford milk, so they have been giving Diala water which is likely contaminated.

I cannot bear to see my child crying day and night due to extreme hunger and colic, her mother, Diana, told The Telegraph on Monday. Her bones have become visible, and she refuses to eat anything.

Doctors have told the family the infant needs vitamins, nutrients and prescription medication, but none of it can be found.

Much of the aid waiting to get to the Strip is dependent on a ceasefire being negotiated between Israel and Hamas.

However, Israel is refusing to hold talks until Hamas reveals how many of the hostages it took in the Oct 7 attacks are still alive. Hamas claims it does not know the location and condition of all captives, thought to number over 100.

Accusations Israel attacked crowds of hungry civilians last Thursday further complicated negotiations.

More than 100 people were believed to have been killed and 750 injured during a delivery of aid in Gaza City when Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians collecting their share of flour and canned goods.

Israel first claimed that most of the people killed at the aid point had died in a stampede. Later, the IDF said its troops discharged their weapons only after they were threatened by the crowd.

In a further statement on Monday, Israel said that an initial review into the incident had confirmed that no strike was carried out by the IDF towards the aid convoy.

It has also denied limiting the delivery of aid and instead blamed the UN for failing to properly distribute supplies.

Joe Biden, the US President, said following the incident that Israel must open up more routes for trucks.

No excuses, because the truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere near enough, Mr Biden said.

The US confirmed Saturday it had air-dropped 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza.

Dialas parents, meanwhile, continued searching for anything edible to keep them and their five children alive. For weeks they ate animal fodder  but so were many other Gazans, and soon even that was hard to find.

Weve even turned to eating plant leaves to stave off hunger, but Diala, being so young, cannot digest such sustenance, said her father, Muhammad.

All I beg from this world is milk to save my daughters life. The thought of losing her is unbearable. I cannot fathom losing my daughter, Diala, to hunger.

Muhammad, 40, is a driver but he has not been able to get any work since the start of the war.

While supplies have been blocked from entering the Strip, prices for the few items left at the market have rocketed beyond what he and his wife can afford with the money they have left.

I feel a heavy burden of guilt for bringing her into such a cruel world. What fault lies with my innocent little girl, suffering from starvation? All she needs is milk, said Diana, who gave birth just before the start of the war.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officials found children dying of starvation in both Kamal Adwan and al Awda hospitals.

Grim findings severe levels of malnutrition, children dying of starvation, serious shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies, hospital buildings destroyed, Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHOs director general, said on Monday after the organisations first visit to the north of Gaza since the start of the war.

He confirmed that lack of food resulted in the deaths of ten children at Kamal Adwan hospital.

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(Bloomberg) -- China would be barred from buying oil from the USs emergency stockpiles under a provision included in must-pass government funding legislation unveiled Sunday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Republican critics have sought to bar the sale of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, after nearly 1 million barrels released from the oil reserve in 2022 were sold to Unipec America Inc., a Houston-based subsidiary of China-owned Sinopec Corp.

Read More: Congress Reveals Plan to Fund Parts of Government Into September

The White House has said the Energy Department is required by law to sell oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in a competitive auction to the highest bidder, regardless of whether the bidder is a foreign company. The Trump administration sold oil to PetroChina International, a subsidiary of Chinese state oil company PetroChina Co., in 2017.

Scant prior SPR sales to Chinese entities would mute the provisions impact, ClearView Energy Partners wrote in a note to clients Monday. It noted that the measure would expire at the end of fiscal year 2024 unless renewed by Congress.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, created in the aftermath of the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, currently stands at 360 million barrels, close to a 40-year-low, following the Biden administrations historic release of 180 million barrels in 2022 to tame high oil gas prices in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The administration has been slowly trying to refill it  purchasing some 23 million barrels since last year.

The language in the government-funding legislation is similar to a bill passed by the Republican-controlled House last year barring the sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to China that was never taken up in the Senate. Congress aims to pass the bill before a Friday partial shutdown deadline.

--With assistance from Erik Wasson.

(Updates with analysts note in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - China opposes any attempt to denigrate or attack its business environment by misreading the country's counter-espionage law, National People's Congress (NPC) spokesman Lou Qinjian told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

The revised law did not broaden the scope of espionage activities, but rather it refined the definition of activities and drew a clear line between legal and illegal activities, Lou said.

Last year, lawmakers passed a wide-ranging update to China's anti-espionage legislation, banning the transfer of any information related to national security, unnerving foreign businesses and investors.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Albee Zhang; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Kim Coghill)
(Bloomberg) -- China indicated its legislature will refrain from announcing any personnel moves during its meeting this week, meaning Wang Yi will likely remain in the role for at least the near future.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Personnel appointments were absent from an agenda for the National Peoples Congress released on Monday by the official Xinhua News Agency. This suggests the weeklong meeting starting Tuesday wont reveal a replacement for Wang, who retook the role after Qin Gang was ousted in July without explanation.

Qin recently stepped down from the countrys top legislative body. The move means he loses immunity from criminal prosecution, although he hasnt been officially accused of any wrongdoing. Beijing has said little about the status and whereabouts of Qin, who was foreign minister for just seven months, the shortest tenure ever in China.

Read More: China to Unveil GDP Target, Avoid Bazooka Stimulus at Meeting

Theres been speculation regarding the position after a tumultuous year of abrupt personnel moves that projected instability in the Chinese government just as it seeks to boost confidence in its economy. Speculation on a replacement has focused on career diplomat Liu Jianchao, who heads the Communist Partys diplomatic arm.

The likely next opportunity for China to name a new foreign minister is April, when the legislatures Standing Committee meets.

(Updates with more context.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, right, attend the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

BEIJING (AP)  China's government said Monday it is eliminating an annual news conference by the premier that was one of the rare times a top Chinese leader took questions from journalists.

Lou Qinjian, the spokesperson for the National People's Congress, said on the eve of the opening of the legislature's annual session that Premier Li Qiang would not hold a news conference at its conclusion, as it has every year since 1993.

The move appears to be in line with a diminishing of the premiers power, and that of the government bureaucracy generally, as the Communist Party and leader Xi Jinping centralize control of the nations affairs, said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore.

Because the structure now is the party leads, the premier is more like an implementer of the partys orders, so no longer so important, he said. Thats the main message.

The weeklong meeting of the largely ceremonial congress, which opens Tuesday, is being closely watched for any indications of what steps the government will take to boost the struggling economy. Li will present an annual report at the opening that is expected to include the governments economic growth target for 2024.

On Monday, state leaders including Xi and Li attended the opening session of a parallel advisory body, the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, in the cavernous, red-carpeted chamber of the Great Hall of the People on one side of Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Lou said that journalists would be given more opportunities to ask questions of government ministers and other officials, as well as of the nearly 3,000 delegates to the congress. The last time there was no premier's press conference after the congress was in 1992, state broadcaster CCTV said.

If there are no special circumstances, the premiers press conference will not be held in the following years of this National People's Congress, he said, referring to its current five-year term that ends in 2027.

Lou, speaking on a range of issues, insisted that China remains open to foreign business and investment, rejecting concerns that have been raised about recent changes to the national security laws. He also expressed confidence that the nation could overcome any restrictions placed on its access to technology.

The spokesperson reiterated government reassurances that revisions to the espionage law are not targeting normal business, scientific and academic activity and exchanges. China opposes efforts to smear and undermine its business environment by misinterpreting the law, he said.

The revised law improves the definition of espionage and clarifies illegal behaviors and the boundaries of legal behavior to enhance the certainty and security of foreign companies and foreigners investing, working, and living in China, he said.

Foreign businesspeople say that uncertainties remain over what is and is not illegal.

Lou also said that no one can put a stranglehold on China when it comes to technology, citing the development of China's own GPS-like satellite navigation system.

This example fully demonstrates that as long as we persist in being self-reliant, there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome, he said. For any known technology ... it is only a matter of time before we develop it.

Lou declined to comment on this year's U.S. presidential election and its impact on China's relations with the United States. He did take issue with attacks by American lawmakers and their trips to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory.

Frankly speaking, ordinary Chinese people often see members of the U.S. Congress put out bills to counter China, target Chinese institutions, companies and nationals or even make provocative visits to Chinas Taiwan region, he said.

How much military spending will grow is expected to be revealed at the opening of the congress on Tuesday. Lou didn't comment on this year's increase, but his response suggested that it would be similar to the recent trend of more moderate growth in percentage terms than the double-digit rises that ended in 2015. Last year's hike was 7.2%.

Helena Legarda, a defense and foreign policy analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin, expects a 6% to 7% increase, which she said would reflect the importance the government is placing on defense even as it wants to boost the economy.

"This would signal quite clearly that Beijing is quite concerned about its international environment and therefore prioritizing military modernization at the expense of certain other economic or social policy issues, she said.

Lou said that China has "promoted the simultaneous improvement of national defense and economic strength in recent years while maintaining a reasonable level of spending on its military.

___

Associated Press journalist Emily Wang Fujiyama and researchers Yu Bing and Wanqing Chen contributed to this report.

___

This name of the congress spokesperson has been corrected to Lou Qinjian.
Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress, speaks at a press conference. The spokesman announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

China's annual parliamentary session, the National People's Congress (NPC), will convene for seven days, a spokesman said on Monday.

The meeting of top officials and delegates is set to begin on Tuesday and last until next Monday, spokesman Lou Qinjian said in Beijing. According to official information, the report on the work of the government is at the top of the agenda.

The targets for economic and social development for the coming year are also a major focus. The government also plans to reveal its economic growth goal for 2024, which many observers are eagerly awaiting. Some experts are expecting the government led by state and party leader Xi Jinping to set an ambitious growth target.

The National People's Congress, according to China's constitution, is the highest state body and the country's only legislative house, though it is subject to the leadership of the Communist Party. According to official figures, the plenum currently comprises 2,956 members, who are not freely elected.

At its annual session, the congress approves the plans and goals of the government led by Xi.

Police presence in Beijing has been significantly increased in recent days, with many bridges and underground station entrances guarded.

Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress, speaks at a press conference. The spokesman announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa
Proceedings kick off Monday at 3 pm with the opening ceremony of China's People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (Pedro Pardo)

China's annual political conclave kicks off in Beijing on Monday, with officials saying the flagging economy and youth unemployment are of "great concern" as they lay out plans for the coming year.

Armed police and public security workers are ubiquitous on Beijing streets as thousands of delegates arrive for the beginning of the annual "Two Sessions" gatherings.

Proceedings kick off Monday at 3:00 pm (0700 GMT) with the opening ceremony of China's People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- attended by President Xi Jinping and other party top brass -- which will last until next Sunday.

At a press conference, CPPCC spokesperson Liu Jieyi said that "economic topics are of great concern" to the body's over two thousand members.

So, too, he said Sunday, was "the employment of young people, especially fresh graduates", with youth unemployment officially at around 15 percent at the end of 2023, after the statistics bureau adjusted its calculation methods.

Monday's CPPCC is relatively low-stakes compared to the near-simultaneous gathering of the country's legislature, the National People's Congress, which begins on Tuesday.

The meetings are not expected to see the unveiling of big-ticket bailouts that experts say are needed to inject growth back into China's economy, which last year posted some of its lowest growth in decades.

Beijing is instead set to double down on national security, with analysts expecting it to increase its military budget, second only to the United States.

bur-oho/je/mtp
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Nearly 170,000 tons of various hydrocarbon products will be on sale at the Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX) on March 4, Trend reports.

Of the mentioned volume, 33,900 tons will be on sale on the domestic ring of the energy exchange.

The following goods are to be offered:

- Bistoon Petrochemical Company's 6,000 tons of solvent-502

- National Oil Company's 5,010 tons of gas condensate

- Tabriz Oil Refining Company's 3,200 tons of naphtha

- Tehran Oil Refining Company's 3,000 tons of heavy naphtha, and 1,000 tons of liquid gas (LPG)

- Zagros Petrochemical Company's 2,400 tons of methanol

- Tabas Carbon Mineral Company's 2,000 tons of coal

- Kave Methanol Company's 1,800 tons of methanol

- Shazand Petrochemical Company's 1,500 tons of heavy distillate

- Amir-Kabir Petrochemical Company's 1,000 tons of heavy distillate

- Arta Energy Company's 1,000 tons of methanol

- Bushehr Petrochemical Company 's 1,000 tons of methanol

- Shimibaft Petrochemical Company's 1 thousand tons of MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether)

- Shazand Petrochemical Company's 1 thousand tons of normal hexane of

- Bolur Kavir Mines and Mining Industry Development Company's 1,000 tons of coal

- Bushehr Petrochemical Company's 450 tons of liquid nitrogen

- Bandar Imam Petrochemical Companys 276 tons of (MTBE)

- Jam Petrochemical Company's 300 tons of heavy distillate

- Tabriz Petrochemical Company's 200 tons of raffinate, 150 tons of heavy distillate, 150 tons of fuel oil, 60 tons of pentane, 42 tons of liquid nitrogen

- Sabalan Petrochemical Company's 200 tons of methanol

- Pasargad Steel Alloy Industries Companys 100 tons of liquid oxygen, 40 tons of liquid hydrogen

- Gadir Petrochemical Company's 20 tons of liquid hydrogen

Furthermore, 136,000 tons of products will be on sale on the Iran Energy Exchange's export ring:

- Kangan Oil Refining Company's 44,000 tons of liquefied gas (propane and butane)

- Persian Gulf Star Oil Company 35,000 tons of naphtha, 5,000 tons of liquid gas (LPG), 3,000 tons of distillation tower residue

- Lavan Oil Refining Company's 32,000 tons of naphtha

- Shazand Oil Refining Company's RCD (Reduced Crude Desulfurization) unit's 10,000 tons of processed residue (ATR-140)

- Tabriz Oil Refining Company's 4,500 tons of liquid gas (LPG)

- Bandar Imam Petrochemical Company's 1,040 tons of MTBE

- Shimibaft Petrochemical Company's 1,000 tons of MTBE

- Arta Energy Company's 500 tons of methanol

The sale of hydrocarbons on the Iran Energy Exchange is vital to the country's economy. Iran seeks to boost exports and provide hydrocarbon products to local businesses through energy exchange.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Armed police and public security workers are ubiquitous on Beijing streets as thousands of delegates descend on the capital for the annual political conclave known as the "Two Sessions" (Jade Gao)

China's leadership is confident the economy will improve, an official said Monday, ahead of a key political meeting in which Beijing is expected to unveil one of its most pessimistic growth targets in years.

Armed police and public security workers are ubiquitous on Beijing streets as thousands of delegates descend on the capital for the annual political conclave known as the "Two Sessions".

Front and centre at the meetings will be China's economy, which last year posted some of its lowest growth in decades and is battling a prolonged property sector crisis and soaring youth unemployment.

Tuesday's opening of the National People's Congress is expected to see Premier Li Qiang announce that growth in 2024 will stay largely flat, at around five percent.

But at a Monday press conference, NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian struck a bullish tone.

China's leaders, he said, had "ample confidence" that the economy would rebound, adding the country has "more favourable conditions than challenges in its economic development".

"The underlying trend of a rebound in the economy and long-term growth remains unchanged."

But in a break with decades-long tradition, he said Premier Li would not be holding a press conference at the end of the NPC meeting next Monday.

Long a rare opportunity for international media to question China's top leaders directly -- with usually pre-approved questions -- Li had used last year's briefing to warn that Beijing's modest growth goals would be "no easy task".

And in 2020, his late predecessor Li Keqiang admitted that 600 million people in China were still living on just 1,000 yuan ($139) a month -- a break from China's official claims to have defeated poverty.

There was also no mention of a press conference with the foreign minister -- currently Wang Yi -- which normally takes place a few days into the NPC meeting.

Lou on Monday also addressed China's hope for this year's presidential election in the United States, with which it has clashed in recent years on flashpoint issues from technology and trade to human rights.

Americans go to the polls this November in an election that will likely pit former leader Donald Trump against President Joe Biden.

"No matter who becomes the president, we hope that the United States can work in the same direction with China and work for a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship," he said.

- Focus on economy -

China's "Two Sessions" officially kicked off Monday at 3 pm (0700 GMT) with the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- attended by President Xi Jinping and other party top brass -- which will last until Sunday, March 10.

Monday's CPPCC is relatively low-stakes compared with the near-simultaneous gathering of the NPC.

At a press conference on Sunday, CPPCC spokesperson Liu Jieyi said that "economic topics" would be "of great concern" to the body's more than two thousand members.

This week's meetings are not expected to see the unveiling of big-ticket bailouts that experts say are needed to stimulate China's economy.

Beijing is also set to double down on national security, with analysts expecting it to increase its military budget, second only to the United States.

China revised a law dramatically expanding its definition of espionage last year and conducted raids on a string of big-name consulting, research and due diligence firms.

The legislature's top body also approved a broad and vaguely worded revision to the country's state secrets law in the run-up to the NPC meeting.

Lynette Ong, a professor at the University of Toronto, told AFP there would "be continued emphasis on security".

"I don't expect any major policy change such as important structural reforms that will change the course of economic trajectory," she added.

On paper, the NPC wields little actual power.

All major decisions will have been made weeks before in closed-door meetings of the Communist Party, far from the international media's cameras.

But the topics that are up for discussion and the tone of the speeches allow for key insights into what's keeping China's rulers up at night, analysts say.

"Balancing security with the need to keep the economy ticking over while other issues are worked out is at the centre of policymaker's minds," said Diana Choyleva, chief economist at Enodo Economics.

bur-oho/qan
Last year's conclave saw the annointing of President Xi Jinping for a historic third term -- cementing his place as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong (GREG BAKER)

China will on Tuesday set a goal of five percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth and raise the military budget by over seven percent in 2024, an official copy of a government work report seen by AFP showed.

The five percent target would be in line with China's GDP growth last year, one of the country's lowest in decades and a far cry from the double-digit growth that long drove its breakneck development in the nineties and 2000s.

China's military budget will also increase by 7.2 percent and be set at 1.665 trillion yuan ($231.4 billion) this year, according to a copy of a government work report seen by AFP.

A year after the anointing of President Xi Jinping for a historic third term, the goals and budget will be officially announced later in the day at the opening of a meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC).

The parliament is set to focus on a litany of economic and security challenges during the week-long conclave.

Last year, with the awarding of his latest five-year term, Xi cemented his place as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.

But 12 months later, all focus will be on the dire state of China's economy, which last year posted some of its lowest growth in decades.

The country continues to grapple with a prolonged property sector crisis, record youth unemployment, and a global slowdown that is hammering demand for Chinese goods.

Armed police and security personnel are ubiquitous on Beijing's streets this week as thousands of delegates descend on the capital for the "Two Sessions", a carefully choreographed week-long gathering of the NPC and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

This week's meetings are not expected to see the unveiling of big-ticket bailouts that experts say are needed to get the economy back on track.

Many of its major decisions will have been made weeks before, in closed-door meetings of the Communist Party, far from the international media's cameras.

Nevertheless, the topics that are up for discussion and the tone of the speeches allow for key insights into what's keeping China's rulers up at night.

"The NPC is not obsolete or irrelevant," analyst Nis Grunberg told AFP.

"It is an important platform for the leadership to communicate its key priorities."

- Economy in focus -

The first of the "Two Sessions" has already begun: the CPPCC kicked off on Monday afternoon.

The almost 3,000-member NPC, in turn, will begin meetings at 9:00 am (0100 GMT) and hold daily sessions until next Monday.

The first order of business will be Premier Li Qiang's work report, at which he will officially unveil the GDP goal.

Beijing has for years been reluctant to confront those pressures head-on with a major bailout, fearful of putting too much strain on fragile state coffers.

Analysts don't see any reason to think that will change soon.

Beijing "will likely err on the side of caution without conceding how large the pressures on the economy are", Diana Choyleva, chief economist at Enodo Economics, told AFP.

And analysts agree that stuck between deep reforms to restart economic growth and efforts to strengthen the state's power, China's policymakers have little room for manoeuvre.

Beijing revised a law dramatically expanding its definition of espionage last year and conducted raids on a string of big-name consulting, research and due diligence firms.

The legislature's top body approved a broad and vaguely worded revision to China's state secrets law in the run-up to the NPC that was "a clear signal of security's importance for this year's governance agenda", Choyleva of Enodo Economics said.

"The government may well double down on the current direction of elevating national security measures on all fronts," Ho-fung Hung, a professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University, told AFP.

"It will not help the economy, but could help the party-state weather the storm of economic crisis."

bur-oho/je
Journalists wait for the start of a press conference in the press room of the Great Hall of the People. The spokesperson of the National People's Congress, Lou Qinjian, announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

China has surprisingly cancelled an important press conference for this year's National People's Congress.

Premier Li Qiang will not hold the meeting with journalists at the end of the week-long session, National People's Congress spokesman Lou Qinjian said in Beijing on Monday. In previous years, the press conference was always a rare opportunity for the premier to answer questions from reporters.

The press conference will not take place in the coming years either, unless there are special circumstances, Lou said, but added journalists will be given more opportunities to ask questions of ministers and other government officials.

At one week, this year's National People's Congress is also comparatively short. The rather ceremonial event - at which almost 3,000 delegates from the unelected parliament approve plans and goals of the government led by state and party leader Xi Jinping - begins on

Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress, speaks at a press conference. The spokesman announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

Journalists enter the Great Hall of the People to attend Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress's press conference. Johannes Neudecker/dpa
Journalists wait for the start of a press conference in the press room of the Great Hall of the People. The spokesperson of the National People's Congress, Lou Qinjian, announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

Journalists covering the Chinese National People's Congress, which holds a week-long meeting in Beijing from Tuesday, will not have a chance to ask Premier Li Qiang any questions, as the government unexpectedly cancelled a press conference.

Li will not hold the meeting with journalists at the end of the week-long session, National People's Congress spokesman Lou Qinjian said in Beijing on Monday. In previous years, the press conference was always a rare opportunity for the premier to answer questions from reporters.

Journalists are also out of luck for the coming years, as Lou said the press conference will not take place then either - unless there are special circumstances.

When asked about the cancellation of the event, which is traditionally scheduled for the end of the congress, the Foreign Ministry said there is no reason for media representatives to be concerned that China is not open enough.

"I think this concern is unnecessary," spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing. She emphasized that every session of Congress is open to the media.

Lou said journalists will be given more opportunities to ask questions of ministers and other government officials.

At one week, this year's National People's Congress is also comparatively short. The rather ceremonial event - at which almost 3,000 delegates from the unelected parliament approve plans and goals of the government led by state and party leader Xi Jinping - begins on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude next Monday, March 11.

This year's focus is on China's economic growth targets for the nation with an estimated 1.4 billion people. Due to the economic crisis in the world's second-largest economy, domestic and foreign companies in particular are likely to be hoping for important signals from the meeting.

Observers are also paying attention to the military budget in light of China's tensions with Taiwan and the nuclear power's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Party congress spokesman Lou defended the army's spending on Monday, saying Chinese expenditure is relatively low compared to the United States.

In 2023, the People's Republic increased its defence budget by 7.2% to 1.5537 trillion yuan ($216 billion). The increase in spending was therefore significantly higher than China's economic growth, which amounted to 5.2% in 2023.

Lou offered little insight into the Chinese stance on the upcoming US elections. He said that is an internal matter for the United States.

No matter who is elected, China hopes for stable co-operation, he said.

In front of the assembled reporters in the Great Hall of the People, however, he criticized the sometimes "anti-Chinese" statements made by members of the US Congress and visits by US politicians to Taiwan.

The Communist Party counts Taiwan as part of the territory of the People's Republic, although it has never ruled the democratic island and regularly criticizes countries that have exchanges with Taipei.

Washington is an ally of Taiwan and has pledged support in the event of an attack.

Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress, speaks at a press conference. The spokesman announced the schedule for the National People's Congress on 4 March. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

Journalists enter the Great Hall of the People to attend Lou Qinjian, spokesman of the National People's Congress's press conference. Johannes Neudecker/dpa
Authorities are looking into reports of gunshots being fired at construction workers on the right shoulder of the 605 Freeway in Baldwin Park on Sunday night.

Reports of ten gunshots first came in at 9:18 p.m. on the 605 north of the 10 Freeway, law enforcement officials said.

Tesla plunges off overpass, catches fire after landing on 134 Freeway

CHP responded to the scene and shut down all lanes of the northbound 605 Freeway for about an hour to look for evidence of a shooting, a CHP spokesperson confirmed to KTLA.

Authorities are looking into reports of gunshots being fired at construction workers on the right shoulder of the 605 Freeway in Baldwin Park on Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024. (KeyNewsTV)

Authorities are looking into reports of gunshots being fired at construction workers on the right shoulder of the 605 Freeway in Baldwin Park on Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024. (KeyNewsTV)

Authorities are looking into reports of gunshots being fired at construction workers on the right shoulder of the 605 Freeway in Baldwin Park on Sunday, Mar. 3, 2024. (KeyNewsTV)

The suspects vehicle was described as a white older model Dodge Charger with two occupants, authorities said.

Officials with the Baldwin Park Police Department contacted CHP after the shooting to alert them of a gunshot wound victim at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center; CHP did not confirm if that victim was related to the freeway shooting but said they would be investigating the possibility.

2 men shot outside Los Angeles neighborhood sports bar

It is not known if any evidence was recovered on the freeway.

No further information was released by law enforcement.

Nancy Fontan contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Chris Packham joins scientists demanding no new oil and gas licences outside Parliament - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph



Chris Packham has been criticised as irresponsible by Downing Street for defending protests outside the homes of MPs.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman rebuked the broadcaster for siding with Just Stop Oil, which pledged on Monday to continue to peacefully target politicians at their private addresses.

Just Stop Oil supporters gathered outside the homes of both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in 2023 to oppose their energy policies, and the home of Tobias Ellwood, a Tory MP, was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters in February.

The group has said it plans to continue standing outside the homes and offices of MPs despite the Prime Minister warning against the rise of mob rule in Britain.

We need a radical flank

Packham, who has said he selectively supports Just Stop Oil, told Times Radio: I think that we need a portfolio of protests, basically, because we need a radical flank and Just Stop Oil [is] seen by many as that radical flank.

They are the people who in some peoples minds go a step too far.

And that might be, you know, standing outside an MPs house.

But the fact is that they are motivated, as I am, by a manifest fear for the health of our future.

If this is a peaceful, non-violent demonstration, then we in the UK  for all the laws that have been radically changed in very recent times  have to preserve that right to protest.

Weve got a law out there, it needs to be applied equally to everyone.

Asked about Packhams comments, Mr Sunaks spokesman told reporters: It is clearly irresponsible to encourage people to protest at the home addresses of MPs.

[This] is exactly why the Defending Democracy Policing Protocol agreed last week that any protests outside addresses of MPs will be considered intimidatory.

MPs do not feel safe in their homes

Mr Sunak last week warned police chiefs that mob rule is replacing democratic rule and called on police to shut down intimidatory demonstrations against MPs amid rising fears for their safety sparked by the Gaza conflict.

In an address to the nation on Friday that warned democracy itself is a target, Mr Sunak said: Council meetings and local events have been stormed. MPs do not feel safe in their homes.

Long-standing Parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns.

He added later: The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and beat this poison.

The Criminal Justice Act already allows police to direct protesters away from a residential dwelling to prevent alarm, distress or harassment.

Just Stop Oil was criticised in February after Sarah Lunnon, one of its co-founders, wrote an opinion piece in The Guardian that called for Labour MPs to face climate protests at their officers, in their constituencies and at their homes.

Ardent critic of environment policies

Packham is a long-standing campaigner against countryside pursuits including hunting and shooting.

He has been an ardent critic of the Governments environment policies and has filed a legal challenge against Mr Sunaks decision to delay or dilute a number of flagship net zero targets, which he claimed was being pursued on a reckless whim for political gain.

On Monday, Leigh Day, the law firm representing Packham, released a statement confirming Mr Justice Eyre had given permission for the challenge to be heard in court.

The broadcaster was removed as a patron of Raptor Rescue, a bird charity, at the end of 2023 for being too political.

He has said of Mr Sunaks net zero rollback: We are in a crisis which threatens the whole world We have the potential to reduce that threat, we have the solutions and we have plans and targets. We must not divert from these.

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.
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  Christiansburg Middle School has updated its policy on electronic devices, including the banning of cell phones during school hours.

In a letter written by Principal Danny Knott, a committee was put together to review the current personal device policy to see where it could improve. In part of this, the committee reviewed articles that suggested the distractions of personal technology negatively affect students academic performance and mental health.

He says through their research, the committee found that the former policy needed to be updated to include newer forms of technology, such as smartwatches and headphones, and to create a schoolwide standard for enforcement of the policy.

The updated policy bans cell phones, smart watches, wired, and wireless headphones, as the policy labels these items as disruptive to the learning environment.

Roanoke City School Board joins nationwide lawsuit against social media companies

Students will not be allowed to use these devices during the school day. The schools expectation is that all electronic devices will be off and away in all areas of the school such as the hallways, bathrooms, and cafeteria. If devices are being used or are seen, or being swiped, tapped, or ring/buzz during the school day, they will be confiscated and turned into the office.

The new policy only allows students to use devices during instructional time and under the direction and supervision of a classroom teacher.

Students who are caught using phones may face the following consequences:

First offense  Devices confiscated and sent to the office till the end of the day. Students may pick up devices at the end of the day.

Second offense  Devices confiscated and sent to the office till the end of the day. Parents are responsible for picking up the devices.

Third offense  Same as the second offense.

Fourth (and additional) offense  Same as the second offense but includes Saturday school detention.

Staff will begin teaching students about the new policy and it will be effected on Tuesday, March 5.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW)  A fellow congregation spread love to help Clevelands first Hispanic church, which was destroyed by fire last week.

The church has been a pillar in the citys Asian town neighborhood for more than 150 years.

The Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal, or Pentecostal Church of God, on East 36th Street in Cleveland, was destroyed by fire Thursday evening.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Although the building may have been severely damaged, the congregations spirit appears stronger than ever.

Is it safe to put away the snow shovels and boots?

Mixed emotions filled the Iglesia Oasis De Bendicion on Bellaire Road in Cleveland on Sunday morning during a joint service.

At this time, I feel happy and comfortable, although I am sad because I feel that the support that we have over the next days or maybe years, were gonna be able to build a new church, said Pastor Ariel Santiago.

Pastor Santiago does speak English, but with such an emotional time, he felt more comfortable talking in Spanish with a translator.

Now that we have come out of this, I feel like more people are gonna seek the church, he said in his native Spanish.

Thursday, smoke and flames poured out of the church. The building has been a fixture on East 36th south of Superior since 1868. No one was hurt, but the building sustained about $100-thousand in damage.

Cleveland fire investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, spent most of the day Friday surveying the damage, and although they have not determined a cause, they have ruled out arson as a cause.

Like when you have a new house and your new house burning completely, you feel like your knees are going to be on the ground, said Pastor Santiago.

$250,000 reward offered in homicide of mail carrier

The roughly 50-member congregation had just put a lot of work into renovating the church. The pastors daughter sent us these heart-breaking photos that show the inside of the church, all of the renovations ruined by the smoke and flames.







She said damage to other parts of the church: The classrooms, the kitchen, and hall, are not fully known. The renovation project was called Nehemiahs Project  rebuilding the house of the Lord.

The pastor said he appreciates the support from the community and hopes to rebuild, somewhere, as soon as they can.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The Anglican church has been among British institutions facing calls to take down monuments and tributes to historic figures with ties to slavery and racism (Chris radburn)

The Church of England on Monday pledged to boost efforts to compensate for historical ties to slavery after a new report called for funding to be increased tenfold to $1.27 billion.

In January 2023, the funding body of the mother church of global Anglicanism pledged to support communities affected by slavery with a 100 million ($127 million) investment over nine years.

That followed an admission by the Church Commissioners that it was originally funded with investments in an 18th-century company involved in the African slave trade.

On Monday, experts advising the church on the initiative concluded that the financial commitment was "insufficient" for achieving "true justice, reparation and healing".

It recommended a new target of 1 billion.

"Our hope is that others will join us and invest alongside us and that through our investment, through co-investment from others and through the investment funds growing from returns," Gareth Mostyn, chief executive and secretary of the Church Commissioners, told a news conference in reaction to the report.

"We hope that the fund will grow hopefully to a billion, and more, and create a lasting positive legacy."

The Church Commissioners, which manage an investment fund of more than 10 billion to support the activities of the church and clergy, have committed to mobilising the planned 100 million within five years, instead of nine.

The money will finance projects aimed at supporting disadvantaged black communities, as well as entrepreneurs, researchers, doctors, teachers and others.

The church will also encourage other British institutions with histories linked to a slave-trading past to take responsibility.

"We recognise that the Church of England is deeply embedded in the core of the institutions of this country," said Bishop of Croydon Rosemarie Mallett.

"We recognise that our responsibility, that we've taken on intentionally, is to do what we can do, and really hope that by doing what we can do, others will look at us and see that as an example."

The Church of England has already apologised for its historical connections to slavery, as Britain confronts the legacy of its colonial past.

In 2020, it described the fact that some of its members had "actively profited" from slavery as a "source of shame".

mhc/srg/phz/tw
The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, says a Church biodiversity moves sends an important message

A Church of England decision to promote biodiversity on its land sends a "very important message", a bishop has said.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham Usher, said the Church had a "prophetic voice to the whole world".

Bishop Usher said the Church could not expect others to enhance biodiversity if it did not do the same.

He was speaking to the BBC after the Church's General Synod backed measures to promote biodiversity on Church land.

Bishop Usher told BBC Radio Norfolk: "If we are not getting our house in order why we expect anyone else to?

"So, to look at how we reduce our carbon emissions, to look at how we enhance biodiversity on our land, sends a very powerful message."

He said the Synod's decision sent a particularly important message to the Anglicans in the "poorest parts" of the world who were on the "front line of climate change".

Bishop Usher, the Church of England's lead Bishop for the Environment, also told a recent General Synod debate that there was a "need for immediate action" to promote biodiversity.

Bishop Graham has backed plans by the General Synod to promote biodiversity on Church land

The Church's land and nature motion aims to give biodiversity "equal consideration with net zero carbon" as an urgent response to the "ecological crisis".

Dioceses will be encouraged to develop their own land "action plan".

"We are all too aware that this single island planet home of ours faces the twin interrelated crises of climate change and biodiversity loss," he told the Synod.

"We are one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world - 2% of species are already extinct - 41% of species have declined since 1970, 26% of our mammals are at risk of extinction and 97% of UK's wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s.

He added: "We need to act now to help the diversity of life on this single island planet home we share."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. The Palestinian Hamas movement did not agree to the terms proposed by the United States for the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Trend reports.

According to information, the United States has presented a formula for exchanging 40 hostages held in the Gaza Strip for several hundred Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The reasons why Hamas did not accept these conditions were not stated.

It is reported that the refusal of the Palestinian movement may be one of the reasons why Israel did not send a delegation to the negotiations in Cairo.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has met privately with Republicans who support military aid to Ukraine about crafting an alternative foreign aid bill in the House, CNN reported March 3.

Republicans hope to finalize their proposal and bring it to a vote by late March or April.

A border policy and foreign aid bill allocating $61 billion to Ukraine met with immediate obstruction from Johnson when it came to the House after winning bipartisan approval in the Senate. U.S. aid to Ukraine has been delayed for months as Republicans in Congress continue to refuse funding.

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, a Republican, is leading talks to build an alternative bipartisan plan that differs from the Senate package

"We are currently working on a draft," McCaul told CNN.

Johnson has not expressed support for the House proposal or promised to give it a floor vote, but Republicans leading the negotiations believe he will bring the plan to the floor.

No, I dont think hes trying to kill it, said Mike Lawler, a New York Republican involved in the talks.

I think he understands the need to get support for Israel, for Ukraine, for Taiwan.  Its a function of process and working through these issues within the conference.

Read also: Our reserves will run out: Ukrainian artillery sounds alarm on Western shell shortage

The House proposal would reportedly allocate $66 billion to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, but would not include humanitarian aid. It would also impose even more draconian restrictions on immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, including blanket denial of entry to any asylum seekers until the U.S. achieves "operational control of the border."

Migrants would also be forced to remain in Mexico or their country of origin while their applications for asylum are processed.

Even if the new proposal does make it to the floor, it will likely face opposition from both parties. The border restrictions, lack of humanitarian aid, and funding for Israel's bombardment of Gaza will alienate Democrats who may otherwise support aid to Ukraine.

Hard-line Republicans who support former U.S. President Donald Trump also remain opposed to arming Ukraine in principle.

Chip Roy, a pro-Trump House Republican who is against aid to Ukraine, told CNN that he doesn't think Johnson should support the bill, but that it may advance anyway.

"The defense hawks usually get their way. And thats just the way this town works," Roy said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
More than 40 education advocacy organizations have teamed up to fight longstanding residency requirements that tie children to their local public schools  rather than letting them transfer to places that might serve them better.

The No More Lines Coalition aims to end what it calls discriminatory public school district boundary lines in all 50 states by 2030.

Members say past efforts to address this issue are weak and ineffective. A 2022 report showed 43 states allowed students to transfer within their school district, while 19 and the District of Columbia permitted them to transfer elsewhere. But many programs are voluntary on the part of receiving schools. Some require a sign-off from a students home school district or charge tuition for families seeking to make a switch.

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Many do not allow parents to appeal a decision.

The existing open enrollment laws are deeply flawed and limited, said Tim DeRoche, president of Available to All, a coalition member. They are circumscribed in very deliberate ways in many, many states.

Related

Educational Redlining, Rezoning and the Bitter Politics of School Closures

Proponents of robust open enrollment laws tout a recent survey of 1,000 people from across the nation that showed two-thirds favored allowing a child to attend any public school in the state. The notion was particularly appealing to Black respondents: 76% favored the idea.

A Charles Koch-funded organization called yes. every kid., which pushes for expanding learning opportunities, including school choice, is leading the effort. Coalition members discuss the issue with policymakers and publish reports examining state laws that criminally prosecute parents for using addresses other than their own to enroll their children in public school.

They also explain how states can address the lasting impacts of redlining, a decades-old practice that branded some communities as financially risky  a label linked to current education disparities and zoning restrictions.

Related

New Study: 5 Ways Racist 1930s Housing Policies Still Haunt Schools

Jorge Elorza, chief executive officer of Democrats for Education Reform, another coalition member, said children should be free to pursue their education in schools that meet their needs.

It comes down to expanding the options that families have over the schools they have access to, he said.

To that end, for example, yes. every kid is working with lawmakers in South Carolina to advance open enrollment legislation.

Erica Jedynak, the groups chief operating officer, noted, too, that Idaho recently enacted a law widening the opportunity for children to attend schools of their choosing.

Currently, parents in that state must apply for a transfer, with priority given to those who wish to switch within their home district. School officials may deny such a request if the student had been expelled, has a history of significant disciplinary issues or was chronically absent, or if the new district does not have capacity.

Challenges against zoning rules have arisen in other parts of the country as well, including in New Jersey, where the Latino Action Network and NAACP, among others, sued the state for school segregation in 2018. They cited residency requirements that often keep Black and Latino students in subpar schools. A judge rendered a mixed ruling on the case last fall.

Opponents of open enrollment laws fear they could drain low-performing schools of their best students, but coalition members say that not all families whose children attend troubled schools seek to switch, even when given the chance.

Students who feel loved and supported by their educators often stay, Jedynak said. But, she added, simply having strong open enrollment policies forces public schools to improve or specialize in order to attract students..

Public schools in Arizona, which have among the least restrictive open enrollment policies in this country, have been advertising for students for years.

Derrell Bradford, president of 50CAN, another coalition member, recalls his mother and grandmother trying to devise a way to get him into a better middle school outside their southwest Baltimore zone.

His aunt, a teacher in the city schools, knew how to navigate a pathway to a better education, and Bradford ultimately tested into a magnet school. But not all children have relatives who understand the system.

This is a hidden but treacherous problem that many American families are navigating all the time, he said. It is widely known and understood, but rarely talked about.

Related

Report: In 24 States, Using False Address to Get Into a Better School is a Crime

Bradford said school choice is most often available for the lucky and the rich, including those families who can afford homes in wealthy neighborhoods with high-performing schools. The remainder are often left behind, with some opting to break the law for their children  a choice that can bring about dire consequences.

Address sharing can land parents, friends and family members in jail. Kelley Williams-Bolar, for example, was imprisoned in 2011 for sending her two young daughters to a school they were not zoned to attend outside Akron, Ohio.

She said parents should not be penalized for trying to secure a better future for their children.

This is not malicious, trying to steal, trying to do something horrific, she said, adding that many people in her community face the same dilemma. I dont know a parent yet who would say its OK for (their children) not to get all of the fundamentals they need. Everyone wants their child to have the best education.

If that means upending rules that have governed admissions for generations, thats fine, she said.

Its time to go back in, re-evaluate and make change, she said.

Disclosure: yes. every kid. is a grantee of the Stand Together network. Stand Together Trust provides financial support to The 74.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York, Stand Together Trust, Walton Family Foundation and Nellie Mae Education Foundation provide financial support to 50CAN and The 74. Campbell Brown sits on 50CANs board of directors. Brown co-founded The 74 and sits on its board of directors.
Semafor Signals

Insights from The New York Times, The Guardian, and El Pais

The News

Colombian authorities arrested two boat captains who played a key role in ferrying migrants to the dangerous Darien Gap, a stretch of jungle that thousands have crossed in hopes of traveling onwards to the U.S.

Boat companies suspended migrant crossings to the entrance of the forest following the arrests, The New York Times reported, noting that the law enforcement moves were sure to be watched closely by U.S. officials after months of Washington pressuring Bogota to block the route.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Companies charge huge sums to migrants hoping to cross Darien jungle

Source: The New York Times

A thriving migration industry has cropped up in towns near the Darien jungle, The New York Times reported in September, with boat operators charging $40 per head to transport people to the start of the crossing. It found that some of these businesses were being run by local politicians. Colombian leaders say they can prevent their impoverished towns from being overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of needy people, help the migrants traverse the treacherous jungle more safely  and feed their own economies in the process, the Times noted.

Migrants boost local economies in Latin America

Source: The Guardian

Most of the migrants who traverse the Darien Gap come from Venezuela, and while the majority are headed for the U.S., those that settle in other Latin American countries have brought considerable economic benefits. Two recent studies found that immigrants boosted the economies of their host nations by as much as 0.25% annually  a number that could rise if migrants were given job opportunities. Migration is good business, a Colombian researcher studying Venezuelan migration told The Guardian. Receiving migrants makes us a better country and allows us to continue growing. Its as simple as that.

Migrants pushed to cross jungle as alternatives prohibitively expensive

Source: El Pais

The number of migrants using the risky Darien Gap to travel towards the U.S.-Mexico border has increased in recent years, following a move from Mexico to limit the number of tourist visas it issues new arrivals. Crossing the Darien isnt the only path to North America  but it is often the most affordable, El Pais reported. Ecuadoreans, for example, have paid smugglers as much as $20,000 per person to travel from the nation to Nicaraguas capital Managua in order to bypass the jungle.
A Colorado suspect was caught in a rather compromising position  on the toilet  when he was arrested by officers last week.

The suspect, who was charged with second-degree burglary, was caught with his pants down when he was apprehended by Lakewood Police early on Thursday. The authorities were responding to a burglary alarm sounding off.

"When a verified burglary alarm went off, [a]gents quickly got to the scene and utilized a drone to look for a suspect," the Lakewood Police Department explained in a Facebook post.

COLORADO UNIVERSITY DORM MURDER SUSPECT STILL POSES A THREAT, PROSECUTION WARNS JUDGE

A Colorado suspect was caught sitting on the toilet during his arrest for allegedly committing burglary.

"While we see a lot of things in the line of doody, we had no clue what awaited us this time!"

Video posted by the department shows serious-faced officers with firearms breaking the bathroom door open.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The officers commanded the suspect to put his hands up  while he was sitting on the toilet with his underpants down.

"I'm on the stter, bud," the suspect said while raising his hands in the air.

DISPATCH AUDIO FROM DEADLY COLORADO DORM SHOOTING REVEALS RESPONDERS NOT SURE IF GUNMAN WAS STILL AT LARGE

The suspect was caught with his pants around his ankles.

The suspect complied with the arrest. He was taken to a detention facility soon after.

"Overall great teamwork by our Patrol and Drone Teams," the police department wrote on social media.

No information about the burglary or suspect has been released by the department.

Fox News Digital reached out to Lakewood Police Department for comment.





Original article source: Colorado burglary suspect arrested while on the toilet: 'In the line of doody'
Former President Trump delivers an address during the California Republican Convention in Anaheim in September. Trump is pretty much a lock to win the Republican presidential nomination, even before California's earlier primary. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Californias early primary election needs to change. March 5 is too late to influence presidential races  and way too soon for non-presidential contests.

In fact, the whole presidential nominating process begins far too early with a hyped caucus and primary in pipsqueak states  Iowa and New Hampshire  that this year were duds.

After all votes are counted in the premature Super Tuesday behemoth in 15 states, including attention-hungry California, there will be no semblance of a nominating contest in either party with several months remaining before the Democratic and Republican national conventions.

President Biden and Donald Trump will have virtually locked up their nominations, a November face-off that inspires hardly anyone.

Granted, this is a unique election year.

Theres an 81-year-old president running who shouldnt be. Its not that Biden is too old to handle the job. Rather, its that millions of people think he is. Many may withhold their votes in November, anointing the despicable Trump.

Trump has legions of worshipers, despite his being the all-time sorriest poor loser in American history, a guy who tried to overturn an honest election, even by motivating a deadly ransacking of the nations Capitol. Not to mention hes a habitual liar who was judged to have committed financial fraud and has been indicted on 91 felony counts. And thats the short list.

A delayed nominating process would have given Biden more time to consider whether to bow out and become that bridge to the next generation he promised four years ago.

And later primaries would have provided additional time for crud to fall on Trumps head, giving Republican voters an opportunity to come to their senses.

All right, maybe thats fantasy. But the early primary for California is a nightmare.

Read more: Why Iowa? Small state has outsize role in picking the president

We should return to our traditional, comfortable June primary, at least for congressional and state races.

Under Californias latest concoction, there will also be early March primaries in non-presidential years  such as 2026, when a new governor will be elected. There will be elections for all statewide offices and  as with this year  for legislative and congressional seats.

That means there will be eight months between the primary and the November face-offs  far too long a time for general election campaigning. And the primary period is too short.

If candidates in down-ticket races had more time [in the primary] to develop messaging, it would help voters have a clearer picture, says Marty Wilson, chief political strategist for the California Chamber of Commerce. He favors returning to a June primary.

Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio calls that argument a bunch of hooey. If you want to know whats going on, youve got plenty of time.

But most voters have other things on their minds. It seems like just yesterday they took down the Christmas tree. Now theyre agonizing over income tax reports due next month.

With an early primary, congressional and legislative candidates need to start campaigning after Halloween.

During the holiday period, voters are celebrating. Theyre not very receptive to being pounded over the head with campaign ads, Democratic strategist Garry South says.

Some background for context:

Before World War II, California had a sensible two-primary system  a presidential primary in May and a state primary in late August. But during the war, we switched to a consolidated primary because it was too difficult to send ballots to troops around the world. This soon became the traditional June primary that lasted five decades.

It worked great. California occasionally even exerted presidential clout back when races began later.

In June 1964, Barry Goldwater won the Republican nomination in a landmark primary that permanently turned the California GOP from centrist to conservative. In June 1972, George McGovern captured the Democratic nomination because he won the hotly contested California primary.

Read more: Voter guide to the 2024 California primary election

But afterward, the parties  especially Democrats  got reform happy and junked Californias winner-take-all primaries, devaluing their importance. Convention delegates were basically parceled out in proportion to a candidates vote. So there was less incentive for candidates to wage highly expensive, all-out campaigns here if they werent going to reap the entire bundle, the largest cache of delegates in the nation.

The GOP  bowing to front-runner Trump  has returned to a winner-take-all primary this year. A candidate who wins more than 50% of the vote collects all 169 delegates. That has made Californias primary less interesting than it could have been because Trump is expected to gobble up the whole bunch without real opposition.

Democrats have stuck with their convoluted delegate allotment system. Democratic strategist Bill Carrick thinks they should return to winner-take-all.

It would be more attractive to candidates and make the state more influential, Carrick says.

Desperate for influence and envious of peewee states that have it, California has tried various early primary schemes since 1996. Initially I cheered the idea. Now Im booing. The coveted clout has remained elusive.

California gets caught in Super Tuesday and we become nothing  a nonentity, says political analyst Tony Quinn. Two primaries makes the most sense.

Thats the logical system: an early presidential primary  on a Super Tuesday in April or May  and a June primary for state races.

Democrats squawk that two primaries would cost too much. But they never object to any spending they like. What Democrats really fret about are low voter turnouts in June during non-presidential years. Low turnouts generally hurt Democrats.

OK, so lets just move the whole shebang back to June. March is lousy for a state primary.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Most Americans have likely never heard of Esmail Ghaani, despite his fingerprints being over a slew of recent attacks on U.S. targets.

As the powerful chief of the Quds Force, the unconventional warfare wing of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Ghaani is charged with overseeing Tehrans network of allied and proxy groups across the Middle East.

But despite recent media attention following a significant increase in attacks by Quds-backed militants since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel, Ghaani remains a figure who largely shuns the public spotlight.

This is both like and unlike his predecessor Qassem Soleimani, who died in a controversial 2020 U.S. strike in Iraq.

For the first decade of his stint as Quds Force commander, which began in the late 1990s, Soleimani also kept a low profile. But in the years leading up to his death in 2020, he promoted his accomplishments openly on social media.

Soleimanis loss was seen as a massive blow to the Quds Force and Irans national security agenda overall given his popularity in Iran and his achievements, making the task of replacing him daunting. Ghaani had been Soleimanis deputy, and the two had known each other since the early 1980s during their military service in the Iran-Iraq War.

In the initial aftermath of Soleimanis death, experts questioned whether Ghaani would be a capable replacement.

But despite differing from Soleimani in both personality and attitude toward publicity, Ghaani has managed to expand upon the foundation that Soleimani carefully cultivated over a 20-year period.

Under Ghaani, the Quds Force has doubled down on the strategy of supporting, arming and funding terrorist and insurgent groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories.

Building from Soleimanis legacy, Ghaani is responsible for developing the network into what Iranian officials call the Axis of Resistance.

It is a coalition that cuts across ethnic and religious divides in the region, despite Iran itself remaining a hard-line theocracy with an ethnic Persian and Shia Muslim identity. In cultivating the network, first Soleimani and now Ghaani have displayed a degree of pragmatism and flexibility at odds with the extreme ideological position of Irans ruling ayatollahs. And Ghaani, like Soleimani before him, appears to have done this with the full trust and support of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pressuring Irans enemies

As an expert in national security issues with a focus on counterterrorism, I have observed how the Quds Forces unconventional warfare strategy has changed the security landscape in the region. It is premised on creating pressure against Irans enemies  Israel, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia  through partnering with groups within the axis.

As Quds Force commander, Ghaani has to manage his organizations relationships with each of these groups. This is made all the more tricky as each maintains its own agendas, decision-making calculations and, at times, independence despite Irans influence and largesse.

Take the Quds Forces relationship with Hamas. Despite the long planning involved with the horrific Hamas attacks in Israel in October 2023, the Quds Force does not appear to have had a direct role.

Not that the assault wasnt welcomed by Ghaani, in public at least. In late December 2023, he was reported as saying on Irans official news agency that, Due to the extensive crimes committed by the Zionist regime against the Muslim people of Palestine, [Hamas] themselves took action.  Everything they did was beautifully planned and executed.

Esmail Ghaani speaks at event commemorating the death of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3, 2024. Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images

With other militant groups in the region, Ghaani appears to have a more hands-on approach. The deadly Jan. 28, 2024, drone attack against a U.S. military outpost in Jordan, launched by the Iraq-based and Iran-supported Islamic Resistance in Iraq network, significantly escalated tensions in the region.

It provoked a significant U.S. and British response in Iraq and Syria. After the incident, it was reported that Ghaani spent considerable effort getting the Iraqi groups responsible to temporarily pause anti-U.S. attacks.

Whether that pause lasts for an extended period or if attacks resume will be a test of Ghaanis ability to wield his influence in Iraq.

Ghaanis calculus in regard to Yemen, where the Houthis have emerged as a dangerous insurgent group, looks less clear.

Having been armed throughout a decadelong civil war by Iran, the Houthis responded to Israels campaign in the Gaza Strip by launching hundreds of rocket, missile and drone attacks against commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea.

Retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and other coalition members on Houthi targets have destroyed a significant amount of the capability that Iran had provided. Yet the Houthis seem undeterred and have continued anti-shipping operations.

It is unclear if Ghaani has attempted to dial those operations back or if he has encouraged the Houthis to maintain their pace, given the shared goals between Iran and the Houthis to keep pressure on the United States and Israel.

Relationship with Hezbollah

Beyond Israel, Iraq and Yemen, Ghaani is also likely attempting to manage the Quds Forces relationship with Lebanons Hezbollah, arguably Irans strongest partner in the Axis of Resistance. The partnership stretches back to the early 1980s and has transformed Hezbollah into a powerful force in Lebanon and a serious security concern in the region.

Since Oct. 7, the group has engaged in near daily conflict with Israel, with both sides conducting cross-border strikes. Hezbollahs general secretary, Hassan Nasrallah, seems wary of engaging in a broader war with Israel, but at the same time he has not reined in the attacks and has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the death of civilians in Lebanon.

Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, left, meets with Esmail Ghaani, right, and Revolutionary Guards General Commander Hossein Salami, center, on Dec. 28, 2023. Anadolu via Getty Images

Although Iran may well welcome Hezbollah becoming a persistent irritant to Israel, Tehran is also wary of a full-blown conflict. In such a scenario, Nasrallah, Ghaani and Supreme Leader Khamenei would have to worry about whether the United States would get directly involved  as, reportedly, the White House had been considering in the days after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Any future statements by Ghaani regarding Hezbollah will be a strong indicator of Irans intent in regard to how it sees this volatile aspect of tensions in the Middle East developing.

Walking a tightrope

To date, Ghaani seems to have successfully navigated the transition between replacing the charismatic figure of Qassem Soleimani and advancing Irans interests through Quds Force operations with the full backing of Khameini.

He may never be as revered in Iran as Soleimani, but by managing the Quds Forces relationship with Axis of Resistance groups, Ghaani has proved to be a formidable and capable adversary who should not be underestimated.

The recent escalation of multifaceted tensions across the Middle East has provided both opportunities and potential pitfalls for Ghaanis strategy  how to encourage the activities of its Axis of Rrsistance while insulating Iran from any direct blowback from the United States.

But one thing is becoming clear: Reversing the Quds Forces influence while bolstering U.S. interests is likely to be a top policy priority for Washington as it attempts to manage the developing conflict in the Middle East.

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: Javed Ali, University of Michigan

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Javed Ali 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.
More than one hundred small flames encased in blue glass flickered in the hands of mourners across a field in Odessa Sunday night for the candlelight vigil honoring Officer Cody Allen, 35, who died while on duty Thursday.

Allen was shot and killed while trying to help Jackson County civil process server Drexel Mack serve an eviction.. Mack was also shot and killed. The shooting took place shortly after 1 p.m. on the front porch of a private residence in the 1100 block of Elsea Smith Road, near Bundschu Road in northeastern Independence.

Many gathered for the candlelight vigil for Officer Cody Allen in Odessa, Mo on March 3, 2024.

He was willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary. Unfortunately, that became necessary, said retired Independence police officer and retired Chaplain Wayne Hartley. He was trying to save someone else when he gave his own life. Nothing more could be asked of a patrolman than to do that.

Two other Independence police officers were also shot. One underwent surgery and the other had minor injures. Both are expected to make full recoveries, Dustman said. One suspect was taken into custody.

Lafayette County Sheriff Kerrick Alumbaugh described Allen as the epitome of a police officer and an overall kind and caring person who loved his job and his community.

He said Allen joined the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office at a young age with a million dollar smile and handshake to match,  he was one of those kids that you just knew immediately he was destined for greatness in law enforcement. He was gonna be a cops cop, and he was just such a natural. 

The visitation and funeral are open to the public. A visitation will take place Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the 1001 W. Walnut St in Independence. The funeral will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at the same location, according to a release from the Independence Police Department.

Allen is the second Independence officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty in recent years. Blaize Madrid-Evans, 22, was killed in September 2021.

Previous reporting from the Stars Katie Moore and Kendrick Calfee contributed to this piece.
A sign held by immigration activists at the state capitol in Tallahassee on Feb. 15, 2024 (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

In some Florida counties, undocumented immigrants can obtain a community ID issued by a nonprofit to identify themselves to law enforcement, schools, banks and other entities. But the Florida House voted Monday to prohibit counties and municipalities from accepting those IDs.

The bills sponsors (HB 1451) depicted it as a follow-up to the law cracking down on illegal immigration that went into effect in July and continuously referred to undocumented immigrants as criminals or terrorists. The House approved the bill in an 81-32 vote. The Senate and Gov. Ron DeSantis still have to approve the measure.

While the bill wouldnt stop nonprofits from continuing their community ID programs, it would make them less widely accepted. The community IDs are meant to show that a person resides in a county.

State Rep. Kiyan Michael. Credit: Florida House

Duval County Republican Rep. Kiyan Michael sponsored the bill. Her son died in a car crash involving an undocumented immigrant who had been previously deported, according to News4Jax.

Within two years weve had over eight million plus known terrorists that have come into this nation. Because of my child and what has happened in my family, I dont hold any animosity in my heart, but I can guarantee you this: Im just getting started, she said.

Last years immigration law barred public funds from going toward the community ID programs, but Legal Aid nonprofits in counties such as Broward and Palm Beach still issue them for a fee of $20-25. People who want to get one must provide a picture ID such as a passport or ID from another country and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The community IDs dont authorize people to drive or vote.

Immigrants are not the only ones who use community IDs. Homeless people also use the IDs. But under the bill, counties and municipalities wouldnt be able to accept those IDs, Orlando Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani said.

I know that these issues and get kind of caught up in the immigration debate, but I think its really important to remember just why people might even consider community IDs as a concept. Again, the intention is to ensure that if youre unable to access the traditional drivers license, a community ID is not a replacement for that. You dont have the privileges of driving, she said. In Florida, you cant vote with a community ID, but the point of it is to ensure that if you get a crisis and emergency where you have to access  something like sandbags that proof of residency is easily provided. If you are a survivor of crime, it helps to ensure that theres trust between law enforcement.

We forget where we come from

State Rep. Marie Paule Woodson. Credit: FL House

Democratic Rep. Marie Paule Woodson of Broward and Miami-Dade County pointed out that several lawmakers, such as herself, are related to or are immigrants. She is from Port-de-Paix, Haiti, according to her profile on the state House website.

We forget where we come from. When we are immigrants and we are trying to marginalize other immigrants, we forget where we come from, she said. When we seem to ignore the pleas of Democrats, we forget where we come from. This country was built on the backs of immigrants. Hurting immigrants is hurting the United States.

Lawmakers in favor of the bill pointed blame at the federal government for the situation at the border, with Pinellas County Republican Rep. Berny Jacques calling it an invasion.

It might seem just very trivial. Were talking about a community ID, whats the big deal? This is a matter of literally life and death, he said. Its a matter of life and death because when illegal aliens come into this country, people we know nothing about undetected. In addition to the drain on the social services and in addition to fentanyl that has taken the lives of our own citizens. You have criminals lurking and committing very heinous crimes here in our country.

Jacques is also from Haiti, according to his profile on the House website.

The post Use of community IDs could be further restricted by the end of the legislative session appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
When the Supreme Court ruled on March 4, 2024, that former President Donald Trump could appear on state presidential ballots for the 2024 election, it did not address an idea that seemed simple and compelling when Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised it during the Feb. 8, 2024, oral arguments in the case:

What about the idea that we should think about democracy, think about the right of the people to elect candidates of their choice, of letting the people decide?

In essence, he was asking whether it would be better to let the people, rather than a court or a state official, decide whether a controversial candidate should return to the White House.

Kavanaugh had a point. Under the Constitution, the people can be  and are  trusted to make a great many important decisions.

But Kavanaugh also missed a key point that I learned in years of teaching about the presidency, the Constitution and impeachment. Right from the very beginning of the nation, and persisting until today, there have been rules that limit the ability of the people to choose their leaders.

The Constitutional Convention of 1787

Gouverneur Morris. Ezra Ames via Wikimedia Commons

The drafters of the Constitution already had the discussion Kavanaugh was trying to start during the oral arguments.

In July 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, where the Constitution was written, were discussing impeachment. Gouverneur Morris  a Pennsylvania delegate who wrote the preamble to the Constitution, including its opening phrase, We the People of the United States  made an argument Kavanaughs question would echo 237 years later.

When discussing whether it should be possible for Congress to remove the president, Morris said no.

The people could decide for themselves, he said. Making the president subject to impeachment, Morris said, will hold him in such dependence that he will be no check on the Legislature, (nor) a firm guardian of the people and of the public interest. With regular national elections, Morris said, a flawed chief executive could be removed from office by the voters. Morris added, In case he should be reelected, that will be sufficient proof of his innocence.

But George Mason, a Virginia delegate and slaveholder who championed the idea for the Bill of Rights, was ready with a response. Pointing out that true and fair elections were key to the new nations success, Mason noted that if criminal conduct by some future president involved corruption of the election process, the people might have trouble deciding the culprits fate in a subsequent election:

Shall any man be above Justice? Above all shall that man be above it, who can commit the most extensive injustice?  Shall the man who has practised corruption and by that means procured his appointment in the first instance, be suffered to escape punishment, by repeating his guilt?

Others chimed in with similar replies: Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania; James Madison of Virginia, a future president; Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, a future vice president; and Edmund Randolph of Virginia, a future U.S. attorney general and secretary of state.

The records of the Constitutional Convention say this at the conclusion of that section of debate:

Mr. Gouverneur Morriss opinion had been changed by the arguments used in the discussion.  Our Executive was not like a Magistrate having a life interest, much less like one having an hereditary interest in his office. He may be bribed by a greater interest to betray his trust  The Executive ought therefore to be impeachable for treachery; Corrupting his electors, and incapacity.

The outcome of that discussion resulted in the first of several rules that prevent the American people from choosing just anyone as the president.

Key restrictions

Section 3 of Article 1 of the Constitution is the most direct result of the debate between Morris and Mason. It says that people, including the president, who are impeached and convicted can be barred from office.

Section 1 of Article 2 of the Constitution imposes more limits. It declares that some people simply cant be president  those not born U.S. citizens, those under age 35 and those who have lived less than 14 years of their lives in the U.S.

Eight decades later, Congress and the states agreed to add a new restriction: Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, says those seeking to hold federal and state offices who have previously taken an oath to support the Constitution may not have attemped to subvert or overthrow the Constitution.

And in 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, declaring that nobody who had been president for two terms could become president again.

All of these rules stand in the way of simply letting the people decide, as Kavanaugh suggested. Strictly speaking, those rules are not democratic. But they are intended to protect democracy itself.

The U.S. Senate is one of the less democratic elements of the federal government. U.S. Senate via Wikimedia Commons

Democracy isnt always democratic

There are plenty of provisions in the Constitution that run counter to simple democracy.

The Senate and the Electoral College give extra power to states with relatively small populations.

No Congress  even one whose members were each elected by huge majorities  can pass a law abridging freedom of religion or freedom of speech. If a Congress were to pass such a law, the Supreme Court, which has been called the nations least democratic branch, could declare it unconstitutional.

Democratic majorities in America are both empowered and constrained by the Constitution. The founders wanted the will of the people to be heard and respected but never given absolute power. Absolute power of any kind was to be checked by a complicated set of prohibitions and procedures.

Kavanaugh was wise to call attention to the fact that in a democracy, the preferences of the people get a high level of deference. Voters certainly can judge the conduct and character of Donald Trump  and many have done so, both favorably and unfavorably.

But George Mason was also right. When politicians corrupt the electoral process, or try to do so, it makes little sense to use elections as the mechanism to fix the problem.

The constitutional provisions for impeachment and the 14th Amendment make clear that people who are found guilty of serious wrongdoing while in office, or violate an oath to support the Constitution, are ineligible to hold high office thereafter. In short, the people cant choose a Senate-convicted official or an oath-breaking insurrectionist, even if they want to.

Americas Constitution has long acknowledged that the preservation of the republic may, in some cases, require the disqualification of candidates and officeholders who commit crimes while in positions of power or participate in insurrection against the very government they have sworn to serve.

The Supreme Court has sidestepped the question of whether Trumps actions disqualify him from office and declared instead that Congress must make that determination, under the various constitutional restrictions that continue to exist about who is allowed to serve as president. The practical effect of its decision will be to let the people decide this vital question in the coming presidential election.

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: Robert A. Strong, University of Virginia

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Robert A. Strong 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.
State regulators on Friday signed off on a plan for Jackson-based Consumers Energy to begin burying about 10 miles of power lines in six Michigan counties over the next year, with the goal of improving the reliability of electric service by shielding the wires from inclement weather, falling tree branches and other hazards that could result in lost power for customers.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved Consumers' pilot to spend $3.7 million to bury power lines, a process known as undergrounding, in six Michigan counties: Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco. The pilot plan was included in an approved application for Consumers to raise its electric rates by $92 million, a $1.53 increase to the average monthly bill for a typical residential customer. The cost of the pilot program is directly paid for by the electric rate increase, according to a company spokesperson.

In total, 10.3 miles of power lines will be buried. That's a sliver of the over 1,000 miles of power lines Consumers hopes to bury as part of its "Reliability Roadmap" five-year plan unveiled last September.

Severe thunderstorms left more than 100,000 customers across Michigan without power, utilities reported Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. Consumers Energy received approval on Friday, March 1, 2024, to bury around 10 miles of electric lines underground, something the company says will improve reliability for customers as the power lines are shielded from inclement weather.

In a regulatory filing, staff for the MPSC noted Friday the pilot program for the first 10 miles will allow the company to evaluate the best path forward to continue burying power lines. By burying power lines, the wires will be protected from common outage causes, like lightning, high winds, tornadoes, heavy snow, ice and falling tree limbs, according to Consumers. In a previous regulatory filing, Consumers said research indicates undergrounding power lines improves circuit performance by 90% or more.

Burying power lines will help make the grid stronger and more reliable, Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energys vice president of electric distribution engineering, said in a news release Monday.This pilot will help us learn even more about cost-effective ways to bury lines, allowing us to expand undergrounding projects in the future.

A company spokesperson said over email the road map commits to burying 1,035 miles of power lines over five years for a total cost of $414 million, subject to approval from state regulators.

Initially, Consumers had estimated it would cost $400,000 per mile of power line in the pilot, but the MPSC ultimately approved a 10% reduction of that estimate, leading to a $3.7 million cost for the pilot, according to the commission's approval of the electric rate increase application.

Consumers indicated it may perform an additional 11.3 miles of undergrounding in the future, according to the MPSC, although that portion did not receive regulatory approval Friday.

Both Consumers and Michigan's other largest electric provider, Detroit-based DTE Energy, have ranked among the worst-performing utilities nationally when it comes to how long it takes them to restore power after an outage, according to a review of reliability data. DTE has also undergrounded power lines in Michigan, with one project last year burying lines in Detroit's Davison and Buffalo-Charles neighborhoods.

When the company unveiled its Reliability Roadmap in September, Consumers officials said it wants to continue trimming trees with branches hanging over aboveground power lines, undergrounding more power lines, replacing outdated electric poles and continuing to automate parts of its electric grid where it can.

The plans to improve reliability will have to be approved by the MPSC in future electric rate cases, like the one approved Friday.

Consumers provides electric service to 1.8 million customers in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, including cities such as Battle Creek, Flint, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Before the MPSC approved a $92 million electric rate increase Friday, the company had initially requested a $216 million rate increase, a request that was later reduced to $170.8 million.

Free Press staff writer Adrienne Roberts contributed with prior reporting.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) @arpanlobo.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Consumers Energy gets OK to bury power lines in 6 Michigan counties
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Israeli authorities allowed 277 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, the Office for Coordination of Activities of the Government of Israel in the Palestinian Territories under the Israeli Defense Ministry (COGAT) says, Trend reports.

According to the information, a total of 277 trucks with humanitarian aid were delivered to the Gaza Strip on March 3.

t was noted that the Israeli authorities do not limit the volume of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District and its teachers union appear to have hit a wall during contract negotiations  and union leadership says it is considering a strike.

The Paso Robles Public Educators Association and the school district are currently at the stage of fact finding in their contract negotiations, according to a news release from the school district on Feb. 23.

The union  which represents more than 400 employees across the district including librarians, teachers, yard aids, speech pathologists and more  began contract negotiations last spring, according to union President Bernadette Boddington.

The union is demanding an 8.2% cost of living salary increase, while the school district has said they can only afford a 2% increase, Boddington said.

(The school district) tried to tell us, Oh, you know, we cant afford the raise because our facilities are falling apart and we need to put new carpets, Boddington told The Tribune. But then what good does it do if you have a classroom with new carpet if there is no one to teach in it?

The district meanwhile asserts it must face certain fiscal realities and cannot approve a larger salary increase, according to the release.

Paso Robles teacher contract negotiations hit impasse

Negotiations entered the impasse stage in January, Boddington said.

Impasse is the third-to-final step in contract negotiations before the union can legally declare a strike.

After impasse, the union and district entered mediation, where a third-party negotiator attempted to come up with compromises. This stage failed and now the negotiations are in fact finding, according to Boddington.

Both sides submitted their cases to an independent third party, a fact finder, which generated a fact finders report, which is intended to show which demands are fair and which can be met.

If no agreement is reached in fact finding, the union can legally declare a strike.

Why are Paso Robles teachers asking for a raise?

Boddington said the 8.22% cost of living increase will help the district retain employees and fairly compensate existing ones properly.

A survey conducted by the union found 50% of Paso Robles educators worked a second or even third job alongside their main job. Boddington herself works at a winery on the weekends to keep up with bills, despite the fact that she has worked for the district for 24 years, she said.

When you have to work a second job, that takes away from that time that you would have to plan the lessons, to do extracurricular activities with the students, Boddington said. We want to come to a place where we can make a decent living with this job and this can be our only job.

She added that the district has had to replace 150 of its employees over the past three years due to the pay.

Meanwhile, the district has the funding to be able to approve a larger increase, Boddington said.

According to Boddington, the state earmarked a $7.3 million increase in funding for the school district to help it meet increases in the cost of living locally. The union is asking for $3 million of that funding, she said.

What does Paso Robles school district say about negotiations?

The Paso Robles school district contends that it cannot afford a larger salary increase after the 10% increase educators got in their previous cycle of negotiations, according to the district news release.

While we deeply value and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our teachers, the district must face certain fiscal realities, it said in the release. Unfortunately, we find ourselves constrained by limited financial resources. It is our responsibility to ensure that any agreements are both financially sustainable and in the best interests of our students, staff and community.

In the release, the district noted that it has seen an increase in fixed costs like facilities, maintenance, utilities and retirement funding, and it must ensure that teacher compensation remains in line with projected revenue and the increase in fixed costs so as to ensure that we remain fiscally solvent.

The district added that since funding is tied to enrollment, and enrollment dropped by 100 students in the previous academic year, the district will not be able to afford an increase in salaries.

We remain steadfast in our dual commitments: to provide the best possible education for our students, and to foster a supportive and equitable working environment for our teachers and staff, the district said.

Will Paso Robles teachers go on strike?

Boddington said there have been discussions of going on a strike, but no planning has started.

She added that she feels the recent United Teachers of Los Angeles strike and the United Auto Workers strikes have emboldened her members to consider a strike.

We are really hoping we dont have to get to that because, you know, our business is to make sure that our children get an education, Boddington said. What we want is what is right, and what is right, is to get a cost-of-living adjustment.

Paso Robles educators are expected to picket in support of a fair contract outside the districts office at 800 Niblick Road on March 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
COSHOCTON  A theater project on the American Electric Power plant in Conesville closing will hopefully lead to greater dialogue and community input on recovery in the aftermath.

"Calling Hours" was presented last May at the Coshocton ArtPARK to commemorate the third anniversary of the coal-fired power plant closing and the end of Conesville Elementary School. Students were consolidated this school year at a cost savings to the River View School District as the shuttering of the plant led to them losing $2.2 million in tax revenue.

Cover of the "Calling Hours" theatrical presentation program and script from the presentation in May 2023.

The project was a collaboration between the Pomerene Center for the Arts and Ohio State University, which did a research project looking at three communities where power plants closed, including Conesville. "Calling Hours" was funded by an ArtsNEXT grant from the Ohio Arts Council of $14,757.

The play was presented as a eulogy to the plant with local talent providing music and playing characters talking about how the closure of the plant impacted them. Anne Cornell of the Pomerene Center wrote the play with direction by Tom Dugdale, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts at OSU.

Cornell said about 200 people attended each of the two presentations and it led to a story on National Public Radio. Cornell and Dugdale will be attending summits in London, England, in March and Atlanta, Georgia, in June to showcase the project.

"It did really nice things out in the world. It's opened opportunities for us as an arts organization, but also forward the being heard component. It's being looked at at OSU as a model for an interdisciplinary community based research," Cornell said of "Calling Hours." "It's something that marries a couple different worlds that need to be married and working together so we can move forward. There really is a cultural divide."

An encore performance with most of the original cast and musicians will be at the Global Coal Transitions Research Network Conference July 17 to 19 on the campus of OSU in Columbus. The event will also feature a field trip to the Eastern Ohio coal region, photography exhibit, several speakers and different presentations and breakout sessions.

The goal of the conference is to coordinate academic and policy work focused on coal transitions and foster mutual understanding and sharing of insights from diverse experiences. Reductions in coal production and consumption occurring unevenly around the world is driving a wide variety of social, economic, political and environmental impacts, according to a press release on the conference.

Cornell would like to have representation at the conference from Coshocton County leaders. She's reached out to Coshocton City Council, Coshocton County Commissioners, Superintendent Chuck Rinkes of River View, Bruce Wallace of WTNS Radio and Tiffany Swigert of the Coshocton Port Authority so far.

Cornell would also like a committee formed of stakeholders prior to the conference to formulate what they would like to address and have those at the conference know about Coshocton and how the closing of the coal plant affected the community. She feels the conference would make a great networking and educational opportunity.

"One of the outcomes pinpointed in the research project was an opportunity to have community conversations about energy transition, about policy, about programs that help with economic resiliency," Cornell said of what was hoped for the initial outcome of "Calling Hours." "We didn't have people (at the performances) that could form the conversation, that could carry a conversation forward for the community. We're still working on that."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Shuttered coal plant inspires art, conversation with 'Calling Hours'
BOURNE  Members of the Joint Base Cape Cod Military-Civilian Community Council said at a Wednesday meeting that they want any housing built on available land at the base to prioritize members of the military and their families stationed there.

The Cape's housing shortage spurred state and Massachusetts National Guard officials to propose building housing on the Upper Cape base.

"We have so many people that serve in our military that need housing, and we can do better on that," Barnstable County Commissioner Mark Forest said. "We have so many people here in southeastern Massachusetts, serving in the Coast Guard that are literally living almost in poverty because they have housing problems."

During the Wednesday night meeting at the Welcome Center on Camp Edwards, Theresa Park, deputy director and senior executive vice president of MassDevelopment, the state's development finance agency and land bank, gave a presentation about the potential redevelopment of land on the base.

Theresa Park, deputy director and senior executive vice president of MassDevelopment, and Jill Slankas, of Barrett Planning Group, give a presentation to members of the Military-Civilian Community Council on Wednesday at the Welcome Center on Camp Edwards at Joint Base Cape Cod.

Joint Base Cape Cod leaders want to divest extra parcels leased from the state that have been deemed nonessential to base operations. MassDevelopment was brought on to explore converting the land from military to other uses, with a particular focus on housing.

The excess land is located on the southern area of the base where there are existing buildings and two former school sites.

The school buildings are under the oversight of the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, which is responsible for capital planning, public building construction, facilities management and real estate services for Massachusetts.

MassDevelopment is the designated development authority for the Massachusetts National Guard.

Christopher Faux, executive director of Joint Base Cape Cod, said the plan is at the proposal stage and money to fund the project has not yet been secured. Some on the council expressed concerns that the housing ultimately built could be used for migrants.

When asked if the state could have the authority to change the criteria for who lives in the housing assuming the project is state-funded, Faux said that "everybody in this room" needs to make sure that does not happen.

"We want this to benefit Cape Cod, the citizens of Cape Cod, and the military," he said during the meeting. "I'm not going to lie, my priorities will always be the men and women who live and work on Joint Base Cape Cod."

What is Joint Base Cape Cod?

The sprawling Joint Base Cape Cod sits on land owned by the state and covers nearly 22,000 acres, or about 30 square miles. The facility is home to four military commands, bases and stations including the Army National Guard (Camp Edwards), U.S. Air Force (Space Force) the Air National Guard (Otis Air National Guard Base) and the U.S. Coast Guard (Air Station Cape Cod). The base is part of the towns of Bourne, Sandwich and Mashpee, and it borders the town of Falmouth.

MassDevelopment hired Barrett Planning Group, BETA Inc., and Dodson & Flinker to help with the project. More information about the project can be found at www.jointbasecc.com/. The public can sign up to receive project updates.

According to an estimated project timeline from Barrett Planning Group, consultants want to first learn the existing conditions and background of the property, before moving toward parcel analysis and planning, which it hopes to complete by spring.

Then, they want to have site-specific plans by summer for the state-overseen school sites and another parcel. All the work will culminate in a report and request for proposals issued by fall.

Two community engagement meetings will be held, with one planned for the spring.

"We're in the early stages of this project," said Jill Slankas, of Barrett Planning Group. "It's been a lot of initial outreach to stakeholders, the towns, organizations in the area, that would have an interest and really just opening the lines of communication."

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.

The Cape Cod Times mobile app gets you to the heart of the matter  fast. Whether breaking news, sports, entertainment or weather get succinct, personalized coverage along with award-winning videos, captivating photography, and interactive user features. Download the app.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Plans to build housing on extra land at Joint Base Cape Cod studied
Listening to an LBC discussion about the damning recent inquiry report into Wayne Couzens on Sunday, I was struck by the words of one female caller, who implored women to talk to their male friends, sons and brothers about the importance of respecting women.

Impossible to fault the sentiment in a more generalised context, just as it was impossible to fault the thinking behind London mayor Sadiq Khans Have A Word campaign, launched last summer, which called upon men to say maaate to a mate when friends spoke or behaved inappropriately towards women. But the implication  all boys and men are potential psychopaths, by virtue of their sex  is troubling, and reifying that narrative isnt just dangerous but profoundly counter-productive.

In a new BBC documentary on Tuesday about the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard in 2021, the prosecutor in Couzens trial makes a stark statement. I dont think the incidences of violence against women and girls is reducing or decreasing in any way, says Tom Little KC. In fact, it would appear to me that its getting worse.

Statistics support this. Over the past two years, the number of rapes and sexual offences recorded in the UK have reached record highs, with an estimated 1.4 million women experiencing domestic abuse in that same period, yet both charging and conviction rates for these offences remain among the lowest since records began.

Weve done a great deal to promote female safety on the streets since Everards murder. The Government announced that a 25 million fund would be set aside to make public spaces safer for women and girls. This would pay for more street lighting and CCTV as well as a greater plain-clothed police presence in pubs and clubs. The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, commissioned a 24/7 rape and sexual assault helpline. But while, again, all of this was positive, it has done nothing to address the root cause of a sickness that begins in the male brain.

Where is all this hatred towards women coming from? Whats whipping up, not ordinary boys and men, but the unhinged, who are being tipped over into acting on their depraved impulses? Psychologists and sociologists will immediately point the finger at online porn, and theyre right to do so. Just as most American mass shooters turn out to be violent video game addicts, brutal and unregulated pornographic content of the kind Couzens watched is bound to blunt feeling and dehumanise women in mens eyes.

Social media will also (correctly) be blamed  for creating a forum where mentally disturbed cowards can dole out sexually explicit hate comments and threats without fear of repercussions, and a virtual world in which misogynists can not only roam freely, but be feted for their views, like Andrew Tate.

But theres a more pernicious culture feeding into the rise of violence against women, and thats the toxic masculinity narrative, the pitting of us against them and the constantly stressed idea that we are not two sides of the same coin, but enemies from birth.

Just look at the chaos that same extremist thinking has given rise to in our schools, our businesses and on our streets since October 7. So damaging has it been that our Prime Minister was forced to speak out against the tribalism last Friday, which has done little more than advance a divisive, hateful ideological agenda.

In the same way that this kind of extremism has inflamed and exposed the xenophobes and racists who previously, perhaps, lay dormant within our society, dividing that society up into two opposing genders with nothing in common and every reason to resent each other can only fuel sexual resentment, hatred and violence.

Fearful of the narrative she could see playing out so overtly in the days and weeks after her murder, Everards university friend Helena Edwards wrote a piece for Spiked magazine saying how politicising the tragedy and blaming men for the actions of one psychopath was wrong  and not what Sarah would have wanted.

Estranging ourselves from the opposite sex isnt the answer to this epidemic of male violence. Indeed, it will likely make matters worse. Equally, conflating low-level male behavioural blunders with rape and murder will only aggravate hateful thinking in unsound minds. As Richard V. Reeves, author of the 2022 book Of Boys And Men, says, the term toxic masculinity, ultimately poisons the very idea of masculinity itself,

Rather we should focus on both the cultural ignition switches that activated monsters like Couzens and the shocking institutional failures that allowed red flag after red flag to be ignored by the police, so that never again will a promising and loving life like Everards, as Lady Elish Angiolini said at the inquirys conclusion last Thursday, be brought to an appalling halt.

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily blocked a Texas immigration law on an emergency request from the Biden administration amid its fierce battle with the state over how to police the southern border.

The law, Senate Bill 4, allows Texas law enforcement officers to detain and deport undocumented immigrants who cross the border. It will be put on ice until at least March 13 as the high court weighs the case and decides how to proceed, according to an order penned by Justice Samuel Alito. (Alito, a conservative, oversees the federal circuit handling the case, according to CNN.)

The order flips a federal appeals courts decision that would have allowed the law to go into effect as soon as Sunday morning, provided the Supreme Court didnt intervene. The three-judge panels ruling was itself a reversal of a lower courts order to block the law, with a federal judge in Austin writing that its implementation could open the door to each state passing its own version of immigration laws.

In its emergency request, the Justice Department argued that the law would create chaos at the border and was flatly inconsistent with precedent set by the Supreme Court over the last century.

The high courts decisions have historically recognized that the authority to admit and remove noncitizens is a core responsibility of the national government, and that where Congress has enacted a law addressing those issues, state law is preempted, the department said in its appeal.

When governor Greg Abbott signed SB 4 into law in December, proponents hailed it as a safeguard against a growing population of migrants arriving every day at the southern border.

BREAKING HUGE NEWS



Federal appeals court allows Texas immigration law to take effect.



Law enforcement officers in Texas are now authorized to arrest & jail any illegal immigrants crossing the border. https://t.co/TW6MkLUXT7  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 4, 2024

But opponents objected that it was a glaring overreach of state power: The authority to regulate immigration has historically been the domain of the federal government alone. In a statement, the ACLU called SB 4 one of the most extreme anti-immigrant laws ever passed by any state legislature in the country and said it would directly endanger Black and brown Texans through racial profiling.

The Biden administration has repeatedly clashed with Abbotts government through its handling of the border. In January, it claimed that Texas state officers at a local park physically prevented federal border patrol agents from rescuing migrants who were drowning in the Rio Grandea standoff that federal agents said may have resulted in the deaths of three people, including two children. State authorities disputed that claim, saying the three people had drowned before border patrol agents arrived.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The owners of a southeast Missouri boarding school locked a former student in a room on her 18th birthday and kept her from going home for months, court records allege.

A court affidavit released Monday describes the kidnapping charges against Carmen and Larry Musgrave. It details what one student said she experienced more than 15 years ago at ABM Ministries, a Christian boarding school near Piedmont, about 330 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Carmen told (the student) that she needed to understand that nobody cared that it was her 18th birthday, and she wasnt special, and she wasnt leaving, the affidavit said. (She) stayed in the room and was not free to leave the building. All doors were locked and only a staff member had the key.

The Star spoke to the student last month, and she shared the same experiences she did with Wayne County authorities.

The Musgraves own ABM Ministries  also known as Lighthouse Christian Academy. They are being held without bond in the Wayne County Jail in Greenville on first-degree kidnapping charges. Court records show they also face charges of false imprisonment, abuse or neglect of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch served the arrest warrants Friday night at the ABM campus. He took several deputies with him, as well as two troopers with the Missouri Highway Patrols Division of Drug and Crime Control.

Those authorities spoke to all 19 students at the boarding school, Finch said Saturday.

In interviews with The Star, nearly a dozen former students have described how they said they were treated at the school over the past nearly 20 years. That included physical abuse and restraints, not being allowed to make eye contact with fellow students, standing for hours at a time staring at a wall when they were in trouble and being forced to do manual labor to benefit the school.

They also detailed how food was used as a punishment, saying that if they were in trouble they were given little to eat, such as a tortilla smeared with peanut butter for breakfast or plain white rice for dinner. And, they said, they had to watch as other students ate large portions of prepared meals.

The arrests and charges came more than a week after The Star detailed how several boys had run away from ABM Ministries since Jan. 13.

Two of those boys were helped by a local resident who took them home after they flagged her down and asked her to call 911. That resident, and another neighbor, told The Star that the boys were terrified and said the 12- and 14-year-old reported that they were hit for no reason or because they didnt finish chores fast enough.

They also said they were berated by school staff, especially the Musgraves. Deputies picked up the boys and initially returned them to the school.

Finch told The Star that all five boys who ran away since mid-January have been sent back home.

The student who said she was locked in a room on her 18th birthday in 2007 also told authorities how she said she and the other students were treated at the school, which at the time also admitted girls.

The students were told when and how to do everything, to the point of who to look at, when to go to the bathroom, how long you could use the restroom and the amount of toilet paper you could use, the records said. Every aspect of (their) lives were controlled.

The former student described mental and physical abuse, including really, really hard exercises that would last for hours. That included running, planks and things that people see in boot camps, court records said, adding, This would occur with no food or water.

The former student recalled one time when the students would run, run, run, run, run and then Carmen would have like 5-gallon buckets of ice water and there was like a 50 gallon drum filled with ice water.

She would make us line up and we would have to dunk our heads all the way under the water and ice, the student said.

On one occasion, a student was accused of drinking the water. The former student said Carmen held the girls head underwater by holding the back of her neck and pushing her head into the bucket of ice water.

She said the girl was freaking out.

Finch told The Star that this first wave of charges was just the beginning of his extensive investigation. He said he plans to travel out of state to interview more former students.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Two attorneys with deep ties to Wisconsin worked together to carry out a scheme to keep Donald Trump in power after he lost reelection in 2020, new court records show.

Former Trump attorneys Jim Troupis and Kenneth Chesebro made public this week "troves of previously hidden emails, text messages, and other documents" as part of an agreement to settle a lawsuit filed against them over a plan to have 10 Wisconsin Republicans sign and submit paperwork claiming to be electors for Trump, according to the plaintiffs' attorneys.

Trump campaign attorney James Troupis speaks during a Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing to discuss election security and the 2020 election process on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Troupis and Chesebro orchestrated an egregious and unprecedented scheme to undermine the will of the voters, in Wisconsin and beyond, Jeff Mandell of Stafford Rosenbaum LLP and Law Forward, who represented the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

This case was the first to seek accountability for those individuals who tried to overturn the will of Wisconsin voters. Through this litigation, we have been able to reveal the details of the scheme and those who were responsible, to ensure this never happens again.

But Troupis and Chesebro did not admit wrongdoing as part of their agreement with the plaintiffs to resolve the matter.

"The settlement was made to avoid endless litigation, and nothing in todays settlement constitutes an admission of fault, nor should it," Troupis said in a statement. "It is the duty of lawyers to vigorously represent their clients, regardless of their popularity, within the bounds of the law. Our representation was vigorous and ethically appropriate.

Lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, appears before Judge Scott McAfee during a motions hearing on Oct. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. Chesebro has pleaded guilty to a felony just as jury selection was getting underway in his trial on charges accusing him of participating in efforts to overturn Donald Trump's loss in Georgia's 2020 election. Chesebro was charged alongside the Republican ex-president and 17 others with violating the state's anti-racketeering law.

Attorney Matthew Fernholz, who represented Troupis in the lawsuit, said his client "did not deserve to be put through this politically driven civil lawsuit."

"I am glad he can now put this matter behind him and resume his public life that has benefitted so many," Fernholz said.

The lawsuit was initially filed in May 2022 by electors for President Joe Biden. It named Chesebro, Troupis and the 10 Wisconsin Republicans who signed the false paperwork. The group of false electors were previously dropped from the lawsuit after they agreed to a settlement of their own.

In the settlement agreements signed by Chesebro and Troupis, the attorneys agreed to not help any future presidential campaign prepare slates of "alternate electoral votes" without stipulating the documents are not being cast by true electors.

Troupis also agreed to pay an undisclosed amount as part of the settlement. Fernholz said Troupis also agreed to cover plaintiffs' attorneys' fees accrued in future lawsuits if he violated this agreement.

More: Fake elector plotter Kenneth Chesebro is reported to be cooperating with a Wisconsin investigation

As part of the resolution of the lawsuit, Chesebro and Troupis released hundreds of pages of emails, text messages and other documents showing the pair designed the plan days after the Nov. 3, 2020, election and shared the plan with Trump campaign officials at the national level.

According to the records, Troupis instructed Chesebro to prepare electoral college documents for Trump campaign officials in other states at the request of the Trump campaign.

Troupis, a former Dane County Circuit Court judge, was hired by Trump's campaign to oversee recounts Trump called for in Dane and Milwaukee counties. He lives in Cross Plains. Chesebro, who was born in Wisconsin Rapids, also worked for the Trump campaign.

The emails released by Troupis and Chesebro also show they coordinated legal strategies during recounts of ballots in Dane and Milwaukee counties, during which Troupis sought to throw out thousands of absentee ballots that were cast in person through a process known as early voting.

The pair received legal advice from former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly about their efforts, during which he urged them not to file an appeal of counting ballots collected by election workers in Madison city parks because of a lack of legal grounds to do so.

Kelly, who was working for the state GOP at the time as a legal counsel, told the attorneys if their goal is to get their arguments before the state Supreme Court, including problematic legal arguments will likely result in a rejection.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chesebro, Troupis records show depth of Wisconsin fake elector scheme
Caerphilly county borough was the first area to lockdown in September 2020

Locking down small areas during the autumn of 2020 was a "failed experiment", First Minister Mark Drakeford has told the Covid inquiry.

Some council areas and towns like Llanelli and Bangor were subject to restrictions as officials struggled to cope with rising case numbers.

A senior Welsh advisor said that in hindsight "perhaps they weren't the best idea".

Rob Orford told the inquiry that lockdowns made it more "complicated".

The chief scientific advisor for Wales was among the senior officials giving evidence at Monday's hearing, sitting in Cardiff.

It was told that Sir Frank Atherton, chief medical officer for Wales, called the lack of information surrounding different UK restrictions an "omnishambles".

The word, voted 2012's word of the year by the Oxford English Dictionary, means a situation which is shambolic from every possible angle.

Sir Frank told the hearing that Wales should have followed England when it made masks law in shops.

Meanwhile a senior civil servant, Dame Shan Morgan, admitted to deleting messages early in the pandemic.

Tom Poole, counsel to the inquiry, told the hearing that the first minister had described in written evidence local lockdowns as a "failed experiment".

Caerphilly county was the first council area to go into a local lockdown in September 2020, after a significant rise in cases there. A number of other places followed soon after.

It generally meant people could not leave the areas without a reasonable excuse. Case rates fell initially in Caerphilly, before rising again before the firebreak lockdown of late October.

Dr Orford said in "hindsight perhaps they weren't the best idea".

"I felt it made things more complicated that you had to have more legislation, more policies in place across different local authorities," he said.

Figures from the time showed case rates fell in Caerphilly before rising later

The hearing heard an account of the first Welsh government cabinet meeting where Covid was discussed in 24 February 2020 - a month after Sir Frank warned Mr Drakeford of a "significant risk" of Covid coming to Wales.

Minutes claimed that Vaughan Gething, who was health minister at the time, said there had been no imported cases in the UK at that point - there were nine positive cases by 18 February.

The minutes have been disputed by a Welsh government source, who told BBC Wales the document was incorrect in its account of Mr Gething's remarks.

Russell George MS, Welsh Conservative shadow health minister, called the alleged mistake "astounding".

"The fact that he wasn't aware of Covid's arrival into the UK when others were preparing is very telling."

By the end of January, Sir Frank said it was "increasingly apparent that optimistic scenario of it fizzling out in China was not going to happen".

He added that the delay did not particularly surprise him, because of "everything that was happening in Wales, including the management of the flooding".

Sir Frank said no matter what the Welsh or UK governments had done, he believed a nationwide lockdown was unavoidable.

Face masks

During his evidence Sir Frank said Wales should have copied England when it made face coverings mandatory in public places.

Wales made masks compulsory on public transport in July 2020 but not in shops until September, whereas England made them mandatory in shops in July.

Sir Frank originally advised against it amid concerns over PPE, face coverings encouraging risky behaviour and coverings not being up to World Health Organization standards.

"I think from all the time and energy spent on face coverings it would have been better to align," he added.

The inquiry was shown a page from Sir Frank's notebook with the word omnishambles scrawled across it, which appears to be from the summer of 2020.

Sir Frank had written omnishambles in his notebook about the difference in UK restrictions

"This represents a degree of frustration I think I had which is that information came from UK level into Wales very late and left us on the back foot on some issues," said Sir Frank.

He said it "seemed odd" that some restrictions were being lifted when the virus was low, but other restrictions - including rules on wearing masks - were being introduced.

He concluded his evidence by saying there was "no safer alternative" to discharging hospital patients with symptoms of Covid into care homes without a test being required.

"The common view was that care homes ought to be able to manage cases of infectious disease by isolating people within there," he said.

Though "not an easy decision" he said it was made "in the context of hospitals absolutely risking being overloaded".

He said elderly patients could have been asymptomatic in hospital but potentially "staying in hospital and becoming infected".

The Welsh government's chief scientific adviser for health, Rob Orford, was concerned early in the pandemic that the disease would overwhelm the NHS.

Rob Orford, chief scientific adviser for health wrote emails in February explaining the NHS would be overwhelmed

The Inquiry heard he wrote two emails in February warning the NHS capacity would be outstripped based on the demand.

Public Health Wales advised against the Wales v Scotland Six Nations match of March 2020 taking place, despite the Welsh government not forcing its postponement.

By the time organisers called off the match, one day before kick-off, 20,000 Scottish rugby fans had already travelled to Cardiff.

Tom Poole said Public Health Wales had advised the match "should be postponed or cancelled".

Mr Orford said he was not aware that advice had been given but agreed that, with "the benefit of hindsight", it would have made sense to call the match off.

Dame Shan Morgan, who was permanent secretary to the Welsh government for the bulk of the pandemic - the most senior civil servant in Wales, also gave evidence on Monday.

She admitted having deleted "some" early WhatsApp messages about Covid.

"I didn't turn on disappearing messages... To be honest I wouldn't know how to but I know I deleted a few early messages," she said. "I have no recollection of why beyond I suppose just an attempt at housekeeping."

Counsel to the Inquiry Tom Poole told the hearing that Jane Runeckles, the first minister's special adviser, switched on the WhatsApp deletion function in November 2021.

It comes after the Inquiry heard last week that Mr Gething used the same setting during the pandemic.

The Inquiry will continue on Tuesday when Wales' top civil servant Andrew Goodall and Public Health Wales boss Tracey Cooper will give evidence.
CHICAGO  A CPD officer shot an unleashed dog on the citys Far South Side on Sunday after police say it approached officers in an aggressive manner.

According to Chicago police, it happened while officers were conducting an investigation in the 11000 block of South Vernon Avenue in Roseland, just before noon.

Police say while officers were outside, the dog approached the officers in an aggressive manner after it became unleashed by its owner. One officer then fired a shot, hitting the dog.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Amid the incident, another officer sustained an injury to their leg from apparent debris. The officer was taken to the hospital in good condition.

Police have not provided updates on the condition of the dog and it is currently unclear if it survived.

Following the incident, officers say the dogs owner was given an unleashed dog citation.

CPD Area Two Detectives are now investigating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Firefighters racing to wrangle the largest blaze in Texas history could get their best chance in days to contain the flames in the wake of a cold front Monday. Hot air and raging winds have fueled the infernos in recent days, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble and inflicting harrowing injuries upon ranchers livestock.

The front arrived Monday morning, bringing an influx of cooler conditions. Breezy winds will taper off early in the afternoon and calmer air will last through Tuesday, giving firefighters a reprieve from the critical fire risk conditions that have aided the wildfires explosive spread over the Texas Panhandle.

Since igniting last Monday, the ravenous Smokehouse Creek Fire has incinerated more than 1 million acres of the Texas Panhandle and is still only 15% contained. The fire has killed at least two people and crossed into Oklahoma, where more than 31,000 acres have been burned.

Five fires tearing across the Panhandle have burned as many as 500 homes and businesses, state officials said. A new blaze  the Roughneck Fire  ignited in Hutchinson County on Sunday and prompted evacuations there as crews raced to get resources to the area.

First responders hoped that after the weekends severe fire risk, improved conditions in the coming days would allow them to inch closer to containing the infernos, Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson Jason Nedlo told CNN on Saturday.

But the blazes have so far been thriving on a bounty of fuel, including blankets of grass grown after higher-than-average rainfall this winter.

Theres a lot of fuel on the ground, Nedlo said. When you add high winds and low humidity to high fuel load levels, thats when you get the conditions that are ripe for large, fast-burning wildfires.

Tia Champion and her husband Tim help a friend search the remains of her home near Stinnett, Texas, after it was destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

Latest developments

 New fire prompts evacuations: The Roughneck Fire began burning Sunday and has grown to cover about 300 acres of Hutchinson County, which is also the origin site of the Smokehouse Creek Fire. The blaze prompted an evacuation order in the town of Sanford, which began to be lifted later that evening, county officials said. The Texas A&M Forest Service said that the fires forward progression had been halted and it was 50% contained as of Monday afternoon.

 Several other fires still burning: The Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County has burned through 144,000 acres and is 55% contained as of Sunday night, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County has torched nearly 35,000 acres and is 60% contained. The Magenta Fire in Oldham County has destroyed 3,297 acres and is 85% contained.

 Significant progress in containing Oklahoma fire: The Smokehouse Creek Fire perimeter looks good and will be turned back over to local departments tomorrow, Oklahoma Forestry Services spokesperson Keith Merckx said Sunday. The fire will be 75% contained by the end of shift today. The fire has scorched more than 31,500 acres of Oklahoma near its border with Texas.

 Lawsuit alleges fallen power pole caused fire: A woman whose home was destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire is suing Xcel Energy, its subsidiary and a contractor, claiming that an improperly maintained power pole fell and started the fire. The Texas A&M Forest Service is investigating the fire, and has not announced a cause.

Only the chimney remains upright after a home was destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Stinnett, Texas. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

 At least two people are dead: Truck driver Cindy Owen was working about 50 miles north of Pampa, Texas, on Tuesday when the Smokehouse Creek Fire overcame her, her sister-in-law told CNN. She left her truck and tried running for safety but received fatal burns over almost her entire body, said Jennifer Mitchell, the wife of Owens brother. In nearby Hutchinson County, 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship was found dead, her family said. The house was gone, her grandson Nathan Blankenship said. There was no way she couldve gotten out.

 Devastating loss of beef cattle crushes local ranchers: As the fires rip through scores of ranches and acres of farmland, officials report thousands of cattle have been killed and ranchers have been forced to put down many others that have sustained gruesome and painful burns to their hooves, udders and fur. Ranchers and local authorities told CNN that beef prices likely wont be affected, but the fire may leave lasting economic scars for ranchers.

 How you can help: GoFundMe has launched a platform for verified fundraisers benefiting Texans affected by wildfires, including dozens of families who have lost entire homes, belongings or livestock. The Texas Farm Bureau has established a fund to aid farmers and ranchers. CNNs Impact Your World has also identified several charities assisting wildfire victims.

Nothing left but ashes on the ground

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state has witnessed damage wrought by tornadoes or hurricanes, but the wildfires have brought unprecedented destruction and utter devastation for many Panhandle residents.

Frequently when you see the aftermath of (hurricane or tornado) damage, there is some semblance of a structure that is still there, Abbott said Friday. When you look at the damages that are here, its just gone. Completely gone. Nothing left but ashes on the ground.

Though officials estimate between 400 to 500 structures have been destroyed, the number could increase as damage assessments continue, Abbot said.

Tyler McCain and his family are among those who frantically evacuated their homes on Tuesday  only to return to find their lifes possessions had been incinerated. He and his wife were able to pack up their three daughters and leave their home in Fritch, Texas in time, but McCain was tortured with doubt over whether their home would be spared.

Until I saw my house, it wasnt real, McCain said. The home  razed to the ground  was unrecognizable.

Susan and Ronnie Johnson also fought desperately to save their five-bedroom ranch near Fritch, only to watch two decades of their lives go up in flames.

You dont ever want to believe itll be your house that burns, Ronnie told CNN.

Now all thats left is a pile of charred debris  a dining table, pieces of white fine china, blue and red Dutch ovens, chairs and a smoker were scattered across a devastated scene of dust, rubble and fallen trees.

The loss has been numbing, Susan said, but she still holds on to the beloved memories she and her family of nine made in the home.

Well rebuild and start again, Ronnie said.

CNNs Dalia Faheid, Camila Bernal, Robert Shackelford, Joe Sutton, Melissa Alonso, Chris Boyette, Andy Rose and Mary Gilbert contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 4. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with his Kazakh counterpart Olzhas Bektenov, the press service of the Russian government says, Trend reports.

According to the information, the heads of government will discuss current issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, joint projects in the fields of industry, energy, transport, agriculture and the humanitarian sphere.

It is reported that attention will be paid to strengthening interaction in the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS and other multilateral formats.
Videos that circulated on social media following First Lady Jill Biden's speech in Tucson on Saturday showed a pro-Palestinian protester being grabbed by surrounding attendees before being escorted out by security.

The speech at Fox Tucson Theatre was the second stop on Biden's "Women for Biden-Harris" in conjunction with the 2024 election. The event was interrupted by four pro-Palestine demonstrators within the first 20 minutes of the speech. Almost 100 protesters were gathered outside of the venue, as well, in a demonstration organized by the Tucson chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance.

A TikTok that was reposted to Instagram by PSL Tucson showed two protesters interrupting the speech.

The first protester showed in the video was one of the organizers for PSL Tucson. She stood up and shouted, "Jill, when are you going to call for a ceasefire in Gaza?" Jessica was immediately grabbed by surrounding attendees and pulled back into her seat before standing up again, continuing to speak and finally being escorted out by security.

The death toll in Gaza has reportedly exceeded 30,000 Palestinians. Israel launched a full-scale war in response to the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel by Hamas, which killed 1,200. The Associated Press reported that 80% of Gazans are displaced.

Muna Hijazi, the state coordinator of APSA, mentioned that while the protesters were escorted out by security, no efforts were made by authorities to address the audience members that forcefully grabbed the woman.

In the next clip of the video, protester Kaliana Venet stood up and shouted, "This is a genocide being committed with our tax dollars." Venet was also quickly escorted out amid shouts from crowd members.

Hijazi commented on the treatment of the protesters by the audience.

First lady Jill Biden addresses the crowd at Tucson's Fox Theatre on March 2, 2024.

"What you've witnessed (the protesters) experience is part of the dehumanization of Palestinian lives and bodies that we're seeing. Whether they're in Gaza, or the West Bank, or here in America," she said. "What you saw just with that experience is part of a very, very troubling trend."

Regarding her experience being jostled by those in attendance, Venet said, "To be honest, I think it's really insignificant compared to the trauma that women in Gaza are experiencing, right. So like being jostled in protests is really, really insignificant.

Venet also commented on her reason for protesting during Biden's speech.

I was really disappointed, when were talking about celebrating women, and the importance of women in positions of power, that this topic, of the femicide that is happening in Gaza, wasnt addressed, she said. There are women in Gaza having C-sections without anesthesia. There are children in the NICU who are dying because they dont have power in the incubators."

The U.N. Population Fund reported newborns in Gazas southernmost town of Rafah were dying because mothers were unable to get prenatal or postnatal care. Premature births are also rising, forcing staff to put four or five newborns in a single incubator. Most of them do not survive, it said, without giving figures on the numbers of deaths.

She believes Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza and she mentioned she will absolutely not vote for Joe Biden in the upcoming election.

Along with the four protesters, Hijazi was among around 100 other community members gathered outside the theater with pro-Palestinian signs while the event was going on. After the event, she recounted seeing many audience members exit the theater and drop their Biden-Harris signs to pick up "ceasefire" posters to join the pro-Palestine demonstration.

Hijazi described being met with thumbs up and tears of support.

"I am there to show that you always have a right to use your voice, you always have a right to peacefully disagree and to make yourself heard. You shouldn't be accosted or assaulted in that, you should still be allowed to stand your ground," she said.

Biden said that he hoped a cease-fire deal could take effect in the next week.

Israeli officials said Bidens comments came as a surprise and were not made in coordination with the countrys leadership. A Hamas official played down any sense of progress, saying the group wouldnt soften its demands.

On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the immense suffering resulting from the Israel-Hamas War.

Arizona List, the organizers of the event, did not respond to The Arizona Republic's requests for comment on the incident. The organization, however, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunday morning with a statement.

"Arizona List does not condone any type of physical violence and we strongly believe in bodily autonomy. Our focus is on the fact that women's rights in this country are being stripped away and we need everyone in the fight to keep them."

Arizona List does not condone any type of physical violence and we strongly believe in bodily autonomy. Our focus is on the fact that women's rights in this country are being stripped away and we need everyone in the fight to keep them.  Arizona List (@Arizona_List) March 3, 2024

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Protester grabbed by crowd at Jill Biden's event after calling for cease-fire
FIRST ON FOX: Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz will introduce a bill this week to clarify that international organizations (IOs) like UNRWA  a United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians that recently came under scrutiny for its alleged ties to Hamas  are not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts in certain terrorism-related cases.

Under the measure, titled the Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act, IOs would not be immune from U.S. jurisdiction for claims for money damages in which an IOs agents caused personal injury or death by engaging in torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or the provision of material support or resources for such an act, while acting within the scope of their employment.

The measure further provides that U.S. courts shall hear claims where an IO conspired with, materially supported, or otherwise aided and abetted a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO); and the claimant, at the time of such an act, was a U.S. national, a member of the U.S. armed forces, a U.S. government employee or individual performing a U.S. government-awarded contract; or the IO "is based in or has a substantial presence in the United States."

CRUZ DEMANDS DOJ LAUNCH CRIMINAL PROBE OF US NONPROFIT ALLEGEDLY HELPING TERRORISTS

Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz will introduce a bill this week to clarify that international organizations like UNRWA are not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts in certain terrorism-related cases.

Cruz's introduction of the measure comes after UNRWA, which was established by the United Nations in 1949, faced backlash earlier this year for its alleged ties to Hamas. Critics of the U.N. agency have long said it promoted an anti-Israel agenda in the region where it operates.

UNRWA's ties to Hamas came into focus after Israel provided the Biden administration with a new dossier containing information about how some 12 agency staffers allegedly assisted or supported the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"UNRWA has knowingly provided salaries and materials to Hamas for decades. That support enabled Hamas to arm itself, create its vast underground terrorist infrastructure, and launch the Oct. 7 terrorist atrocities," Cruz told Fox News Digital. "That attack included the murder and kidnap of dozens of Americans."

He added, "The victims and their families deserve the ability to hold UNRWA accountable for its support of Hamas and for what happened on Oct. 7. The LIABLE Act will provide them with that opportunity."

Cruz was joined by seven original GOP co-sponsors in introducing the measure, including Sens. Mike Braun of Indiana, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Marco Rubio of Florida, Rick Scott of Florida, Steve Daines of Montana and John Barrasso of Wyoming.

Since the 1940s, the International Organizations Immunities Act of 1945 has provided international organizations with some of the same privileges and immunities afforded to foreign governments, which at the time included immunity from suit in U.S. courts. At the time of the IOIAs enactment, courts looked to the State Department in determining from which lawsuits foreign governments should be deemed immune.

US TAXPAYERS HAVE FUNDED UNRWA BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AMID CALLS FOR ITS SCRAPPING: 'HORROR SHOW'

A man walks in front of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency building in Gaza City on Jan. 30, 2023.

The State Department adhered to a broad view of foreign sovereign immunity at the time before adopting the more restrictive view that sovereign immunity is available only with respect to sovereign acts, and not with respect to commercial acts. Congress codified that more restrictive view in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) of 1976, which provides several exceptions to sovereign immunity.

FSIA contains two terrorism-based exceptions to foreign sovereign immunity in U.S. courts. The first exception, section 1605A, exposes a foreign government to legal liability for acts of violence that result in "personal injury or death" only if it is a designated state sponsor of terrorism (SST). Under the second terrorism-based exception, section 1605B, foreign governments are only subject to suit for acts that cause injury "in the United States."

FSIAs terrorism-based exceptions are not crafted to apply to IOs, leaving organizations such as UNRWA with less legal liability in the U.S. for support of terrorism than a foreign government would face for similar conduct. FSIAs 1605A exception relies on an SST designation inapplicable to non-state actors, such as UNRWA, and the section 1605B exception covers only acts perpetrated in the U.S., making Hamas actions in Israel inapplicable for the purposes of this exception.

Since October, the Biden administration has sent about $121 million in taxpayer funds to UNRWA. A remaining $300,000 in appropriated funds for this fiscal year was supposed to be delivered to the agency earlier this year. However, the U.S. froze those funds over allegations that some UNRWA members participated in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

In addition to the U.S. putting a pause on "additional" funding to UNRWA in response to the dossier, other countries have followed suit. Germany, Italy, Australia, Finland, the Netherlands and Switzerland have also joined the boycott following the accusations, which have already resulted in the termination of multiple staffers.

Workers of UNRWA pack the medical aid and prepare it for distribution to hospitals at a warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, on Oct. 25, 2023.

From 2009 to 2024, a little under $4 billion in taxpayer money was given to the humanitarian relief organization, according to a Fox News Digital review published last month.

Despite the allegations, the Biden administration has defended UNRWA, insisting the entire agency should not be judged by the purported actions of roughly a dozen people.

"We very much support the work that UNRWA does, we think it's critical," Miller said earlier this year. "There is no other humanitarian player in Gaza who can provide food, medicine at the scale that UNRWA does."





Original article source: Cruz targets UNRWA, introduces bill allowing international organizations to be held accountable in US courts
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Beginning on Monday, March 4 the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) will host its 3rd Annual K9 March Madness event on its Facebook page.

CSPD said on Monday, K9s Creed and Riggs will be going head to head in the first match-up, with the winner going against Blue for the 16th seed position.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

CSPD said K9 Kylo has won the last two years and is looking for a third victory. The event will run from March 4 to Friday, March 29 on CSPDs Facebook page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba on Monday confirmed it had sought help from the World Food Programme to guarantee the supply of subsidized powdered milk for children, according to a report in state-run media, a sign of deepening economic woes on the communist-run Caribbean island.

Cuba first announced in February that it was struggling to shore up milk supply as domestic production falters, the latest shortage to strain a decades-old subsidies scheme created by the late Fidel Castro.

"Cuba requested (World Food Programme) assistance for the purchase of powdered milk in order to guarantee supply to Cuban boys and girls," state-run media outlet CubaDebate reported on Monday.

A ship carrying 375 tons of powdered milk is set to arrive in the coming days from Brazil as a result of Cuba`s request to the World Food Programme, CubaDebate said.

Spanish news agency EFE first reported Cuba`s decision to seek aid from the World Food Programme last week.

Cuban officials said in February the country had also run short of wheat, forcing it to slash the supply of subsidized bread.

Both bread and milk for children are key components of Cuba`s "rationbook" system introduced after Castro's 1959 revolution to provide subsidized staples for all.

The system however has fallen into disarray as economic crisis handicaps the communist-run government's ability to make good on its commitments, prompting shortages in food, fuel and medicine.

Cuba blames the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and stiffened sanctions against the island implemented under former U.S. President Donald Trump for fueling economic crisis and handicapping its purchasing power on global markets.

Cuba nonetheless said on Monday it had also purchased 500 tons of milk from the United States, under exceptions that allow for the sale of agricultural products, as well as from Canada and Brazil.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Two children were found dead by their father inside their mothers home, North Carolina officers said.

The father went to pick up his 4-year-old twin sons from his wifes home in Murphy at about 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, when he discovered them dead inside, according to a March 3 news release from the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office. He called 911, prompting an investigation into his childrens death, deputies said.

Now, the childrens mother has been charged in connection to their death, deputies said.

The last time the twins father was believed to have seen them was Feb. 26, according to the sheriffs office. The couple were separated. Deputies said they will determine when the children died after autopsies are conducted.

An investigation into the childrens death by the sheriffs office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the district attorneys office led deputies to charge their mother, Genevieve Ellen Springer, with two counts of first-degree murder, the sheriffs office said.

She was found hospitalized in North Georgia and was discharged March 2, deputies said. Springer was then arrested in Union County in Georgia, according to the sheriffs office.

Springer was sent back to North Carolina on March 3, according to the sheriffs office. She was booked at the Cherokee County Detention Center and is being held with no bond, deputies said.

Murphy is in southwest North Carolina, about 90 miles east of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mom runs over child she accused of bullying, Arizona cops say. I am going to kill you

Missing kids found with dad 150 miles away from moms suspicious death, NH cops say

3 siblings with infectious smiles among 5 relatives killed in crash, officials say
Dan Wootton has been suspended from GB News since September 2023

An episode of Dan Wootton Tonight on GB News broke broadcasting rules, media regulator Ofcom has concluded.

Comments made during the programme by Laurence Fox about a female political journalist, Ava Evans, prompted 8,867 complaints to Ofcom.

Viewers complained his remarks were sexist, misogynistic and offensive.

Ofcom said his remarks "constituted a highly personal attack on Ms Evans and were potentially highly offensive to viewers".

The broadcasting regulator also said it has "significant concerns about GB News' editorial control of its live output" and is requiring the channel to "provide further detailed information about its compliance practices in this area".

Fox, an actor turned politician, drew condemnation after asking what "self-respecting man" would "climb into bed" with her, during a live show on 26 September.

Wootton could be seen smiling and laughing throughout Fox's remarks, before adding for "a touch of balance" that Evans had qualified her comments, and called her a "very beautiful woman".

"[The comments] reduced her contribution to a broadcast discussion on mental health - in her professional capacity as a political journalist - to a judgment on whether she, or women like her who publicly expressed their political opinions, were sexually desirable to men," Ofcom said in its ruling.

"As such, we considered that Mr Fox's comments were degrading and demeaning both to Ms Evans and women generally and were clearly and unambiguously misogynistic."

Ofcom added that Mr Wootton's reaction and limited challenge "did not mitigate the potential for offence" and instead "exacerbated it by contributing to the narrative in which a woman's value was judged by her physical appearance".

It added that "no apology was made after the interview with Mr Fox in the remainder of the two-hour programme - nor were any other editorial techniques used to address the potential for offence".

Following the comments, GB News suspended both presenters from the channel and said the insults were "totally unacceptable".

The publisher for the MailOnline also announced it had sacked Wootton, who had previously written a column for the newspaper since 2021, "following events this week".

The 41-year-old remains suspended from GB News, while Mr Fox was sacked in September.

In a statement, Evans, who is PoliticsJOE's political correspondent, told BBC News she was "pleased" that Ofcom had recognised that the remarks made were sexist.

"My journalism is open to criticism, and it's important that takes place in a free and fair society, but remarks of this nature only serve to stifle meaningful debate and dissuade young women from choosing journalism as a career," she said. "That is to all of our detriment".

She added that Ofcom needs to do be able to "impose meaningful sanctions for conduct of this kind, not just slap its perpetrators on the wrist, should they be unwilling to change their behaviour".

At the time of the events, Evans told the BBC the comments made her feel "disgusting" and she had since received threats online, including a message telling her to "watch her back".

The regulator said it is also investigating a number of other complaints including whether Nigel Farage broke rules requiring news and current affairs to be presented with due impartiality during a show on GB News in January.

In September, Ofcom confirmed to the BBC it had 12 investigations still open into GB News, which launched promising to "change the face of news and debate in the UK".

Ofcom launched the investigation into Wootton's show under rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, in which broadcasters must ensure material which may cause offence is justified by the context.

The episode was the most complained about broadcast of 2023.

This is the second time that Ofcom has asked GB News "attend a meeting at our offices". It first made the request in May 2023 after Ofcom found the broadcaster had breached rules when it aired "unopposed" claims about the Covid-19 vaccine from guest Dr Naomi Wolf.

The BBC has asked GB News, Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox for comment.
HUMMLESTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  A locally-owned fitness training facility is now open in Dauphin County.

RELATED: Locally owned fitness training center under construction in Dauphin County

abc27 news reported back in November 2023 when the construction of Marys Training Center in Hummelstown, Pa. was nearing its completion.

The new Marys Training Center is the second facility that will be owned and operated by Hershey native Mary Driscoll, who is the owner of Marys Health & Fitness which she founded back in 2015.

Driscolls newest 40,000-square-foot training center is located at 981 Bullfrog Valley Road in Hummelstown. The new training center features a 28,000-square-foot indoor turf field, as well as a 2,500-square-foot strength and conditioning room.













Furthermore, Marys Training Center boasts a recovery room that includes a HydroWorx Underwater Treadmill and Normatec recovery pants. The new facility also has an office space and will offer on-site nutrition counseling as well.

The training center also offers tutoring sessions for students who need it as well, as well as scholarship opportunities.

To learn more about Marys Health & Fitness and the new training facility, you can click here.

Marys Training Center held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony back on Wednesday, February 21, and had its official grand opening weekend on Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3.

According to Driscoll, upon opening, she expects to create about 50 new jobs in the area and is currently looking to hire front desk personnel and more certified trainers. Interested applicants are encouraged to send an email to info@maryshealthandfitness.com

The new training center is open 7 days a week and is appointment only; for more information on their hours of operation, you can visit their website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Mourners lay flowers at the Reflecting Pools on February 26 at the annual remembrance ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six and injured over 1,000 on in New York City. On March 4, 1994, four men were found guilty in the bombing. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

March 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1681, to satisfy a debt, England's King Charles II granted a royal charter, deed and the governorship of Pennsylvania to William Penn. Penn founded Philadelphia -- the one-time capital of the United States and now the state's largest city -- a year later.

In 1789, the U.S. Congress met for the first time, in New York City.

In 1791, Vermont was admitted to the United States as the 14th state.

In 1797, John Adams took the oath of office as the second president of the United States.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into law at the White House on August 14, 1935. On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins, standing behind FDR, was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. File photo by ACME Newspictures

In 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the first president to be inaugurated in Washington.

File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

President Ronald Reagan addresses the nation via television on October 14, 1987. On March 4, 1987, Reagan acknowledged his administration swapped arms to Iran for U.S. hostages and said, "It was a mistake." File Photo by Tim Clary/UPI

In 1809, James Madison took the oath of office as the fourth president of the United States.

In 1825, John Quincy Adams took the oath of office as the sixth president of the United States.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt addresses the nation during a radio broadcast from the White House on May 8, 1933. On March 4, 1933, Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 32nd president of the United States. UPI File Photo

In 1829, Andrew Jackson took the oath of office as the seventh president of the United States.

In 1837, the city of Chicago was incorporated. In 1929, belief that the powerful forces of gangland had stretched tentacles into the innermost councils of the police department was being investigated by the state's attorney's office.

Martha Stewart shows on March 7, 2005, a poncho that was crocheted and given to her by a fellow inmate at Alderson federal prison when Martha left on March 4, 2005. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 1837, Martin Van Buren took the oath of office as the eighth president of the United States.

In 1841, William Henry Harrison took the oath of office as the ninth president of the United States.

The nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus slips into the Thames River in New London, Conn., on January 21, 1954. On March 4, 1958, the Nautilus reached the North Pole by passing beneath the Arctic ice cap. File Photo by U.S. Navy/UPI

In 1845, James Polk took the oath of office as the 11th president of the United States.

In 1853, Franklin Pierce took the oath of office as the 14th president of the United States.

On March 4, 1917, Jeanette Rankin, a Montana Republican, was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives. She was the first woman to serve in Congress. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI

In 1857, James Buchanan took the oath of office as the 15th president of the United States.

In 1861, Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office last the 16th president of the United States.

File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

In 1869, Ulysses Grant took the oath of office as the 18th president of the United States.

In 1877, Swan Lake, a ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, was first performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

In 1881, James Garfield took the oath of office as the 20th president of the United States.

In 1885, Grover Cleveland took the oath of office as the 22nd president of the United States. He also was inaugurated as the 24th president on this day in 1893.

In 1889, Benjamin Harrison took the oath of office as the 23rd president of the United States.

In 1897, William McKinley took the oath of office as the 25th president of the United States.

In 1909, the Taft administration was ushered in with a baptism of snow and slush accompanied by a 75 mph gale. Despite weather conditions, the inauguration parade, or, rather a portion of it, was held. William Taft was the 27th president.

In 1913, laughter and tears marked the passage of the 62nd United States Congress. Humor and pathos, congratulations and condolences, were the final scenes closing the old Congress as a defeated "Uncle Joe" Cannon departed the Capitol.

In 1913, Woodrow Wilson took the oath of office to become the 28th president of the United States.

In 1917, Jeanette Rankin, a Montana Republican, was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives. She was the first woman to serve in Congress.

In 1921, Warren G. Harding took the oath of office as the 29th president of the United States.

In 1929, Herbert Hoover took the oath of office as the 31th president of the United States.

In 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet.

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 32nd president of the United States.

In 1958, the U.S. atomic submarine Nautilus reached the North Pole by passing beneath the Arctic ice cap. It would become the first submarine to pass underneath the North Pole later that year.

In 1966, John Lennon told Britain's Evening Standard that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." The comments sparked condemnation and protests the following summer.

UPI File Photo

In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged his administration swapped arms to Iran for U.S. hostages and said, "It was a mistake."

In 1994, four men were found guilty in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. In 2021, one of the convictions of three of the defendants, Ahmed Ajaj, Mahmud Abouhalima and Mohammed A. Salameh, were overturned.

In 1999, a U.S. Marine pilot whose plane had snapped a ski-lift cable in Italy, killing 20 people, was acquitted of charges of involuntary homicide and manslaughter.

In 2005, homemaking guru Martha Stewart returned home after serving five months in a federal prison for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators.

In 2015, a report released by the Department of Justice found that the Ferguson Police Department routinely performed "suspicionless, legally unsupportable stops" against the Black residents of the Missouri city.

In 2022, Russian forces took control of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia.

In 2023, nearly 200 countries signed the High Seas Treaty to protect marine life in international waters.

File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
For everyone who chooses to forget daylight saving time is a thing, were here to remind you that it is here.

Heres what you need to know.

When is daylight saving time in 2024?

Daylight saving time, commonly  but incorrectly  referred to as daylight savings time, occurred on Sunday, March 10, this year. Clocks sprang forward one hour to 3 a.m. when the short hand struck 2 a.m., according to TimeandDate.com.

This change will be in effect until Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 a.m., when clocks are scheduled to fall back to 1 a.m. and daylight saving time ends.

Why do we practice daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time: What you need to know about springing forward

The idea behind daylight saving time is that it allows us to use natural daylight better, according to Almanac.com.

Moving clocks forward one hour in the spring provides more daylight in the evenings during the warmer months. Moving clocks back one hour in the fall provides more daylight during the winter mornings.

Advocates of the practice say brighter afternoons and early evenings help stimulate the economy, though the practice originally began to save fuel during World War I, according to Almanac.com.

Despite the seemingly simple solution, daylight saving time has faced opposition in recent years, with many wanting to do away with the practice.

Who observes daylight saving time?

An announcement in the April 14, 1928 newspaper regarding daylight saving time.

Over 70 countries use daylight saving time, fewer than 40% of all countries in the world, and many have different beginning and end dates. More than 1 billion people participate in the phenomenon each year, according to timeanddate.com.

The only U.S. regions to not participate in daylight saving time are Hawaii, parts of Arizona, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Who's in charge of time?

Surprisingly, the U.S. Department of Transportation is in charge of daylight saving time and all time zones in the U.S.

"The oversight of time zones was assigned to DOT because time standards are important for many modes of transportation," according to the department's website.

The department is a proponent of the practice, as they say it conserves energy.

Are daylight saving time clock changes going away?

University of Delaware student, Ethan Snyder, 25, works on the computer on a sunny and warm winter day on The Green Campus Building in Newark, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.

In March of 2023, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent in November.

This would have eliminated the twice-annual clock-changing routine by making daylight saving time the official standard time at 2 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2023, extending the eight-month practice to year-round.

The legislation was reintroduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. and was supported by more than half the states.

Under the bill, states were allowed to exempt themselves by state law in accordance with the Uniform Time Act, as amended.

The House of Representatives, which held a committee hearing on the issue, had to pass the bill before it could end up on President Joe Bidens desk for signing, but it never made it that far.

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Support for permanent daylight saving time

If permanent daylight saving time takes effect, the biggest benefit would be no sleep disruption. No need to change your clock twice a year before, at or after 2 a.m. on a Sunday in the fall and spring. Experts say ending the adjusting of clocks and disruption of established sleep patterns is better for our health.

Other perks would be an end to resetting clocks and other devices, and more time during the day to be out and about in daylight hours.

Objections to permanent daylight saving time

A path at Rockwood Park is featured after over two inches of snow fell overnight in Wilmington, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Opponents of permanent daylight saving time say extending sunlight later into the evening will result in greater sleep loss and pose a public health threat.

This doesnt mean opponents of permanent daylight saving time enjoy changing clocks twice a year, though. Those who oppose daylight saving time often voice a preference for making standard time, also known as winter time, the permanent timeframe.

What is done for the beginning of daylight saving time

At least for now, Delaware remains a participant in daylight saving time and sprang forward on March 10.

With most of our computers, smartphones and DVRs automatically changing the time for us, it's not as much of a chore as it used to be. Unless you have smart appliances, microwaves and ovens are on the short list of household items that need a manual adjustment, as well as manual clocks.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Daylight saving time is here. What to do on Sunday, March 10
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  This weekend marks another milestone for warmer weather as we spring forward our clocks an hour for Daylight Saving Time, and if you start preparing now, the loss in an hour of sleep might not hit as hard.

Daylight Saving Time officially begins on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. when the clocks will skip an hour to 3 a.m.

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Phones and computers should automatically make the jump forward as long as they have a network connection and your settings are set to adjust time automatically. Wall clocks or digital clocks on microwaves, ovens or in your car, however, will likely need to be manually adjusted.

Why do we still observe Daylight Saving Time?

According to the Old Farmers Almanac, Daylight Saving Time is still widely practiced as a way to better make use of the suns natural light. During the summer months, jumping forward to Daylight Saving Time allows us to have more daylight during the evening hours. Falling back to standard time in the fall gives us more light during the winter months.

Its a practice thats been around since as early as 1918, although the current federal policy of Daylight Saving Time went into effect in 1966. However, in recent years many states have begun rejecting the idea of switching the clocks forward and back every year.

The National Conference of State Legislature has said 19 states, including Utah, have enacted legislation or passed resolutions in recent years that would allow for a permanent daylight saving time. The NCSL said the U.S. Congress would have to make some changes to federal law first before states could adopt a permanent daylight saving time.

Only Arizona and Hawaii, as well as several U.S. territories, stay on a permanent standard time and avoid clock changes, which is allowed under the federal Uniform Time Act.

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How to make the spring forward easier

Since we will still have to spring forward and lose that hour of precious sleep, we might as well make the time skip as easy and less jarring as possible. The Old Farmers Almanac said it can take your body about a week to adjust to new sleeping and waking patterns, meaning now is the perfect time to get started.

The Sleep Foundation, an organization focused on sleep health and wellness, said your sleep on the weekend of the time change can greatly improve by making small changes in the week leading up to it.

Slowly adjust your schedule

The first thing you can do is to start slowly changing your schedule. Both the Sleep Foundation and Farmers Almanac suggest gradually changing your sleep and waking time by shifting 15 to 20 minutes each night.

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Build your sleep bank

Getting a good amount of quality sleep leading into the time change can help your body adjust more easily. The Sleep Foundation said the extra sleep may reduce your sleep drive, making it easier to stay awake and avoid involuntarily dozing off. Meanwhile, the Farmers Almanac said a short cat nap of 20 minutes is safer and healthier than being sleep-deprived after a time change.

Practice good habits before bedtime

Small choices leading up to bedtime can greatly help improve your sleep. The Almanac suggests avoiding electronic light and taking a warm  not hot  shower to help relax and transition into sleep. They also suggest avoiding alcohol, caffeinated drinks and working out in the hours leading to bedtime.

Spend time in the sun

After the time change, both Sleep Foundation and the Almanac suggest resetting your bodys clock by spending time in the sun. The natural light can help reset your bodys circadian rhythm and decrease sleep disruptions from the change.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
It's no secret that French President Emmanuel Macron is almost 25 years younger than his wife, Brigitte Macron, which is why he was called "crazy" at school. Back then, the 39-year-old teacher taught literature and theater to the 15-year-old future president, who had three children from her first marriage. But even though a quarter of a century has passed, her youngest daughter, Tiffin Ozier, and her sister Laurence and brother Sebastien are still wounded by their mother's relationship with Macron.

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Brigitte Macron's relationship with schoolboy Emmanuel was called "forbidden," and her entire hometown of Amiens was buzzing about it, which had an incredible impact on the teacher's children, Tiffaine Ozier told Paris Match. The woman was only 10 years old at the time.

"I learned a lot about human nature. I know that in those moments, we had to focus on the main thing and move forward, despite the criticism, attacks, slander, and sentences. It was not yet the era of social media, but we were in a small provincial town. Everyone knew everything," Ozier recalled.

She also noted that the couple seemed to love each other very much if the public outcry did not affect their relationship in the slightest: "Through it all, they stood firm. I gained an open mind, a desire to move forward without listening to peripheral noises, and more tolerance."

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Her older sister Laurence was a classmate of Emmanuel Macron, so Brigitte knew a lot about her future husband from her daughter, who called the young man a gifted "exceptional intellect" with whom she "felt like Mozart." So one day she approached her mother and emotionally spoke out: "Mom, there is a crazy boy in our class who knows everything about everything."

Rumors of the novel began after the school screened The Art of Comedy by Italian writer Eduardo De Filippo, which was adapted specifically for the students. At the end of the performance, Macron bowed low and kissed the teacher on the cheek, and she smiled with delight. This was reported by the Daily Mail.

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On October 20, 2007, after more than 10 years of "relationship", the woman did marry Macron, having finally divorced her ex-husband Andre Louis Osier in 2006.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Its that annual time for South Carolinians to begrudgingly ruin their sleep schedules.

Or is it?

South Carolina and the rest of the U.S. have again nearly reached the start of another daylight saving time.

Daylight saving is set to begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, requiring Americans to spring forward and set their clocks ahead one hour. Weve been without daylight saving time since Nov. 5.

The practice of moving clocks ahead or back one hour each year has deprived many Americans of sleep for decades  so much that some state and federal lawmakers have tried to stop it. So far, their efforts have been less than fruitful.

So while the time change is happening again no matter what, there are steps folks can take to reduce the damage to their sleep cycles.

Here are five tips the Farmers Almanac suggests people try to stave off daylight saving fatigue.

Good bedtime habits

In the days after the time change, stop drinking caffeinated beverages 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. Avoid alcohol in the evening. Also, if you exercise, avoid workouts within 4 hours bedtime. Working out raises your body temperature temporarily, which can make it harder to fall asleep.

Get consistent sleep

Get at least 7 hours of sleep on the days before and after the time change. The closer you stick to your normal routine, the faster your body will adjust.

If you really have trouble with the time changes, consider gradually adjusting your sleep and wake times a few days in advance by shifting bedtime 15 to 20 minutes each night. This could help your body slowly adjust.

Keep dinnertime consistent and eat more protein

On the days around the time change, eat at the same time or even a little early. Try to shift your mealtime forward 15 minutes for a few days in a row to help ease the transition.

Also, try not to overeat and if you do feel like having a snack, choose one high in protein instead of carbohydrates.

Take a short nap

If youre starting to stack up sleepless hours, it could be beneficial to take a short nap during the day instead of continuing without any sleep. Try not to take naps longer than 20 minutes though.

Get more sunlight

Go outside and expose yourself to morning sunlight on Sunday to help regulate your internal clock. Having shorter daylight hours can impact our mood and energy levels, decreasing serotonin.

Try to take some time out of your morning or early afternoon for a walk outside while the sun is out.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was warning residents of fraudulent calls regarding jury duty.

Callers were impersonating MPD members in an attempt to extort people by claiming to have issued arrest warrants due to failing to appear for a jury duty summons. The callers then ask for money in exchange for removing the arrest warrant.

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MPD said it will never ask anyone for money, bank information or social security numbers.

If residents receive these fraudulent calls, MPD advises:

Do not feel like you need to act. The caller may have public information such as your address and name but it does not mean they are legitimate.

Verify who the callers are by contacting their appropriate agency.

Never give out sensitive information such as credit card numbers, personal and financial information and do not wire transfer money to anyone you dont know.

Share what happened with friends and family and protect your community.

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If you have any questions about a jury summons, contact the D.C. Court Juror Office by either calling (202) 879-4604 or emailing jurorhelp@dcsc.gov.

To see if you have an active arrest warrant, click here or call (202) 879-1010.

Anyone who was a victim of fraudulent calls in the District should contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit by calling (202) 727-4159 or emailing mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The alarm bells are loud and clear.

Federal and international climate officials recently confirmed that 2023 was the planet's hottest year on record  and that 2024 may be even hotter.

With a global average temperature of 58.96 degrees, Earth in 2023 was within striking distance of a dangerous limit: 2.7 degrees of warming over the preindustrial period, or 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The benchmark is significant. In 2015, the United States was among 195 nations that signed the landmark Paris agreement, an international treaty drafted in response to the worsening threat of climate change.

The parties agreed to hold the increase in the global temperature to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels  and preferably below 1.5 degrees Celsius  in order to reduce the worst effects of climate change.

The preindustrial period refers to an era before humans began to meaningfully alter the planet's climate through fossil fuel and other heat-trapping emissions. Most agencies measure this using temperature data from between 1850 and 1900.

But last year's simmering temperatures make it clear the 1.5-degree Celsius benchmark is slipping away.

"At this point, it is really difficult to see a path to keeping warming below 1.5 degrees," said Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists.

To do so, she said, would necessitate a more than 40% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

"That requires a pace of emissions reductions that's really inconsistent with what we see on the planet to date," Dahl said. "At the same time, it's really important that we continue to strive for that goal, even if we know we're not going to make it."

Critically, the limit set under the Paris agreement is not about a single day, month or even year of warming, Dahl said. Rather, it refers to sustained warming over two or three decades. (The agreement does not specify a time frame, and has been interpreted differently by different scientists.)

"Remember, passing this threshold as defined in the Paris Agreement is supposed to reflect when human-caused global warming consistently exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial times," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wrote in a recent report.

NOAA noted that global surface temperatures can be influenced not only by human-caused climate change, but also by natural climate factors such as El Nino and random weather, which can briefly push monthly or even yearly temperatures above the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.

"To know when Earth has passed that threshold, we have to look at longer timescales," the agency said.

What is clear, however, is that each additional degree  or even tenth of a degree  of warming will have impacts beyond those already occurring, including increased tree mortality, biodiversity loss, worsening wildfires, longer heat waves, extreme rainfall and heavy floods.

In 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report on the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold that outlined a number of potential futures based on different levels of emissions reductions and subsequent warming.

In one middle-of-the-road scenario, delayed action around emissions leads the planet to experience a warmer decade in the 2020s before peaking at 2 degrees Celsius of warming around the middle of the century. The warming then begins to decrease due to improved global efforts and technology.

In that world, deadly heat waves would strike major cities such as Chicago, while droughts would plague southern Europe, southern Africa and the Amazon, the IPCC report says. The destruction of key ecosystems including coral reefs, tropical forests, mangroves and sea grass beds would lead to reduced levels of coastal defense from storms, winds and waves, and Asia and other places would experience major flooding.

That scenario also predicts that steadily rising sea levels, increased water stress and declining crop yields would put pressure on global food prices and lead to prolonged famines in some African countries. The world would also see increasing levels of public unrest and political destabilization, the report says.

Such possibilities illuminate the need for urgent action, as well as the consequences of a half-degree Celsius increase from 1.5 to 2 degrees of warming. For example, about 75% of the world's coral reefs are expected to be lost at 1.5 degrees of warming, versus 99% at 2 degrees, Dahl said.

Antarctic ice sheets are also sensitive to that half degree, and would see exponential melting at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond. Their melting would be "a tipping point in Earth's climate system that would be really difficult to recover from," Dahl said.

Other differences include millions of additional people exposed to sea level rise, heat waves and water stress, according to a separate report from the U.K.-based group Carbon Brief, which compiled data from dozens of studies.

At 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, the planet would soon see about 19 inches of sea level rise, a 16% increase in hot days and an 8% decline in Northern Hemisphere snowpack, the report says. But at 2 degrees Celsius, those numbers would increase to 22 inches of sea level rise, a 25% increase in hot days and an 11% decline in snowpack, among other effects.

The current best estimate for when Earth will surpass the 1.5-degree benchmark is between now and 2040, according to the IPCC's 6th climate change assessment, released last year.

Yet the planet is not only nearing that limit, it surpassed 2 degrees Celsius for the first time on record on two days in 2023  November 17 and 18, according to Copernicus.

Humanity has never before "had to cope with a climate this warm," the agency's director, Carlo Buontempo, said recently.

"There were simply no cities, no books, agriculture, or domesticated animals on this planet last time the temperature was so high," Buontempo said. "This calls for a fundamental rethink of the way in which we assess our environmental risk, as our history is no longer a good proxy for the unprecedented climate we are already experiencing."

In November, world leaders gathered in Dubai for COP28  the same annual climate conference where the Paris agreement was established in 2015. At Dubai, nearly 200 nations agreed for the first time to move away from planet-warming fossil fuels.

Dahl, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said it's a step forward. What's more, she said, it doesn't necessarily matter where emissions reductions come from. While every country should do its part, places that are lagging can be bolstered by places that are making deeper cuts, such as California.

"If we, as a country, can recognize our culpability as being the world's historically largest emitter, and really take the lead on aggressively reducing emissions, that will have a significant impact," Dahl said.

Limiting sustained warming to below 2 degrees Celsius is still within reach, she added  so long as countries continue to strengthen and implement their pledges to reduce emissions.

"Every tenth of a degree really matters," she said.

And while the 1.5-degree threshold is likely to be surpassed, it's important to keep working toward it. Dahl likened it to getting her kids to school in the morning when they're already running late  noting that it's better to be late by one minute than one hour.

"That's how I think of the 1.5 C goal," she said. "At this point, it would be incredibly difficult to achieve that, and we have to keep trying."

Eight oak trees cast their shadows on a dried-up meadow in Germany. EU countries are still a long way from the goal formulated in the Paris climate agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Jan Woitas/dpa

Each additional degree  or even tenth of a degree  of global warming will have impacts beyond those already occurring, including increased tree mortality, biodiversity loss, worsening wildfires, longer heat waves, extreme rainfall and heavy floods. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power provide energy without burning fossil fuels and warming the planet. Arne Dedert/dpa
Haiti declared a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew following a chaotic and deadly surge of violence in which armed gangs raided the countrys two largest prisons, leading to the escape of thousands of inmates.

At least 12 people have been killed since the mutiny erupted last Thursday as armed gangs carried out coordinated attacks in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, storming government buildings, jails, police stations, the airport, and the national soccer stadium in a bid to capture Haitis police chief and key government officials.

The attacks culminated with the explosive prison break on Saturday night.

Thousands of inmates recently escaped from the main prison in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Photo: Luckenson Jean/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images)

The attack was aimed at preventing Prime Minister Ariel Henry from returning to the country from Kenya, where he had flown late last week after attending a summit with other Caribbean leaders to address the persistent unrest in Haiti, which was undermining trade and economic progress throughout the region. Henry and Kenyan leaders reached an agreement for the African nation to send 1,000 police officers to Haiti to help fight gangs.

Gang violence has been responsible for thousands of deaths in Haiti since 2020, with the latest outbreak of hostilities causing further damage to Henrys tumultuous helm.

Even though he was out of the country, Henry continued efforts to gather support for a United Nations security force to assist in stabilizing the country as he faced growing pressure to resign due to his repeated delays in organizing parliamentary and presidential elections, which have not been held in almost ten years.

Violence has gripped the country since Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021, which put Henry in charge.

Despite a political deal for Henry to step down in February, elections were not held, leaving Haiti without a president or a stable government. The country has not had elected officials since senate terms expired in January 2023, leading to increased tensions with the countrys gang leaders, who are believed to control up to 80 percent of Port-au-Prince.

Gunfire crackled in the nations capital throughout the weekend as government forces struggled to reestablish order after thousands of dangerous criminals were set free.

The police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend all offenders, said finance minister Patrick Boivert, who is serving as acting prime minister while Henry is away.

The latest emergency declaration was set to last 72 hours as prison authorities worked to apprehend the nearly 4,000 inmates who escaped, while police launched an all-out manhunt for Jimmy Cherizier  a former elite police officer-turned outlaw who claimed responsibility for orchestrating the attacks as well as several previous massacres in Port-au-Prince.

Cherizier, whose street name is Barbecue, called for Henrys resignation before ordering his ragtag brigade to attack the National Penitentiary on Saturday night, leaving the overcrowded facility nearly empty as droves of convicts fled on foot.

All of us, the armed groups in the provincial towns and the armed groups in the capital, are united, Cherizier said in a statement, according to BBC News.

Fewer than 100 inmates remained in their cells and did not join the escape; among them were 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of involvement in Moises assassination, officials said.

During the siege, the Colombian inmates shared a video to social media in which they begged to be rescued and claimed that the attackers were massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells, although these accounts have not been confirmed.

Four police officers were killed in the siege, while three individuals were found shot to death at the entrance to the prison, but authorities did not immediately identify the victims.

A journalist with the AFP news agency who visited the prison after the siege reported seeing nearly a dozen bodies, some with apparent bullet wounds.

A second prison in Port-au-Prince prison with about 1,400 inmates was also gutted.

In another neighborhood, residents walked past roadblocks made of burning tires, where the bodies of two men, their hands bound behind their backs, lay face down, covered in blood, according to reports.

Internet service was down for at least a day across the region as fiber optic cables were intentionally cut or damaged during the siege, while the connection was restored by Sunday afternoon.

The violence took place amid a wave of recent attacks on government buildings, including high-level targets like the nations Central Bank, as government forces have found themselves outmanned and outgunned by gangs that had grown more organized in recent years.

Deadly Chaos In Haiti: 12 Killed As Gangs Storm Prisons In Port-Au-Prince, Freeing Nearly 4,000 Inmates
After a successful "hunt" for Russian boats and vessels, the developers of the Magura uncrewed surface vessel (USVs) are planning to deploy air defence assets and possibly other weapons systems on these drones.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda article Find and Sink. How Budanov's Magura drones destroy Russian vessels (English translation to follow shortly)

Quote from Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraines Defence Intelligence: "Experts are now working to switch air defence systems to remote operation. I'm not a technician, but I understand that this is a rather difficult task. We need assets of detecting a target, capturing an air target, an asset of destruction  and all this must be placed on a fairly small platform. It's not an easy task technically, but it is real."

Details: One of the developers explained that wave impacts and pressure drops put such a strain on the drone's structure that it is a complicated task to develop a stabiliser capable of absorbing such vibrations. And without a stable platform, no weapon system will work, because it simply won't be able to start and fire.

But this work is already underway, and very soon drones will be able to carry various modules to hit all types of targets: ground, surface and air. And the drones themselves are promised to become less and less visible, up to the point of being able to dive underwater for a while.

Read more about how the Magura surface drones appeared, the Russian targets they have captured, and Ukrainian Defence Intelligences competition with the Security Service of Ukraine in the Ukrainska Pravda article (English translation to follow shortly).

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Party delegates, like those seen here during the Republican National Convention in 2016, play a critical role in US politics, formally nominating a party's preferred presidential candidate ahead of the general election (Robyn BECK)

When the richest haul in the US presidential primary race arrives on "Super Tuesday," millions of Americans will cast their votes -- and many of them will count for nothing.

In the primary system it is the number of allocated delegates that matters more than the popular vote count.

The Republican and Democratic nominating contests that play out across the United States every four years serve to elect delegates to the national conventions, where they formally select their party's presidential nominee.

Most of the 15 states holding primaries on "Super Tuesday" award them on a winner-takes-all basis, meaning a strong second place showing can result in zero delegates for that candidate.

It's a system that tends to favor front-runners, and for Nikki Haley, the sole remaining challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, it's one that has dulled her already razor thin chances.

Haley won 40 percent of the vote in her home state of South Carolina, but received only three delegates, while Trump added 47 to his seemingly unassailable tally.

On Sunday night Haley chalked up her first primary win, in Washington, DC, taking 19 delegates.

- Nominees decided by March? -

With 2,429 Republican delegates from across the country, Trump needs at least 1,215 to secure his lock on the nomination.

Having won all eight early state and territory contests, he already has more than 247 delegates in his column compared to Haley's 24 going into Super Tuesday, when more than a third of the national Republican total is up for grabs.

Trump's dominance is such that he could cross the magic threshold as early as March 19 -- even though the primary calendar stretches into early June.

On the Democratic side, incumbent Biden is a virtual lock.

The delegate numbers differ between the parties, but the process is similar. There are currently 3,934 Democratic delegates in play, and Biden's magic number for victory is 1,968. He already has 206 delegates, and could also secure the nomination in March.

That means the re-match between Biden and Trump -- who will be the oldest ever pair of nominees -- will involve one of the longest presidential campaigns in US history.

The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while Democrats gather for their convention in August in Chicago.

The delegates also endorse the party's candidate for vice president, selected by the presidential hopeful and often announced a few days before the convention.

mlm/md/caw
It comes to something when the German Chancellor appears to betray a Nato ally to help get out of a hole he dug himself.

That is exactly what Olaf Scholz did last week when he claimed that British troops are deployed in Ukraine to assist targeting of Storm Shadow missiles against the Russians. Britains exact role in the war beyond supply of weaponry has been kept deliberately shrouded for obvious reasons. That Scholz publicly revealed military secrets at a time when he needs to justify Germanys refusal so far to send in the desperately needed and even more capable Taurus long range missile system may be purely coincidental. But it was followed up with an assertion that Germany could not follow the UKs practice as it would make it a participant in the war, perhaps an attempt to shield his country from Putins wrath while happily throwing Britain under the bus.

Then, this week Moscow made public a call between Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, chief of the Luftwaffe, and other senior officers that they had intercepted. Their conversation also alleged the presence of British military personnel on the ground and suggested that if Germany deployed Taurus they could ask British troops to take over the same ground role with their missiles as they supposedly fulfil with Storm Shadow to avoid implicating Germany in the conflict. On top of that Gerhartz said that Berlin would not send all of the Taurus missiles in one batch, but penny packet them to ensure they wont change the course of the hostilities.

How terrified Berlin must be of Vladimir Putin that they will go to such lengths to avoid any suggestion that they are doing more than the bare minimum in this conflict. Even worse: to actually supply the missiles, if they ever decide to do so, in a way deliberately calculated to minimise their battlefield effect. This faint-heartedness is no doubt accompanied by an eye to financial advantage given that Germany has the greatest commercial interests in Russia of all European countries.

None of that is any great surprise. Germany has been hesitant about supplying weapons to Ukraine from the start. And it was only after Putin invaded Ukraine that the Nord Stream 2 project was cancelled, well after Germany laughed off fears that reliance on Russian gas would limit its strategic autonomy and hand Putin too much control over European energy supplies.

Scholz and his generals recent indiscretions raise the question of whether Germany sees its strategic relations with Britain as less important than with Russia. Berlin for years blocked the delivery of Eurofighter jets to Saudi Arabia, knowing this was an important strategic priority for Britain. Scholzs government is still broodingly resentful over Brexit, displayed again last year when, alongside the Republic of Ireland, it led the charge in Europe against an amendment to the Northern Ireland Protocol, an issue over which its direct interests are to say the least limited.

It may be that Berlins stance towards our country is also fed by frustration over the UKs leading role in European support for Ukraine, in stark contrast to Germanys much criticised heel-dragging. But whatever lies behind it, we should now be taking a much more arms-length approach towards Berlin, especially in security and foreign policy.

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(Bloomberg) -- Democratic senators called on President Joe Biden to press Israel for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, citing recent deaths of Palestinian civilians in its war with Hamas and what they portrayed as a lagging US response to the humanitarian crisis.

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This killing has to stop, of the innocent people there, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said on CNNs State of the Union. The medical situation on the ground there is horrible, horrible.

Hamas said its holding talks in Cairo starting Sunday on a framework that may lead lead to a temporary cease-fire in Gaza. US officials said Saturday that Israel has essentially agreed to a six-week halt if Hamas commits to handing over hostages categorized as vulnerable, including women, the ill or injured and the elderly.

With the Biden administration under domestic political pressure to address the suffering of Palestinian civilians, US and Jordanian forces airdropped some 38,000 meals along the coast of Gaza on Saturday. More airdrops are planned.

This notion of airdrops  I support that, but that is not going to solve the problem, Durbin said. He urged the administration to push for the cease-fire and the humanitarian response as quickly as possible.

Members of Congress, at least the Democrats in the Senate, have been calling for that right and left, he added.

Dozens of Palestinians were killed or injured on Thursday during an outbreak of violence near an aid convoy in northern Gaza. Israel said it would review the incident, saying troops didnt fire into the crowd and that most victims were trampled or struck in the chaos.

I think it is time for the president to use all the leverage that he has to get a long-term cease-fire. I think if that cease-fire doesnt come, its in Israels interest for them to pause military activity to solve the humanitarian crisis, Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat who chairs a Foreign Relations subcommittee on the Middle East, said Sunday on ABCs This Week.

The head of the European Council condemned the killing of innocent civilians waiting for food and called for an independent inquiry into the incident. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the criticism, accusing Israeli troops of targeting civilians.

Read more: Hamas Sends Delegation to Cairo as Israel Seeks Hostages Status

More than 30,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, since Israel launched its assault after Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, which left about 1,200 people dead and 250 others kidnapped by Hamas.

Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union.

The war has turned into a political risk for Biden in the US, where some 100,000 voters, or more than 13%, turned in uncommitted primary ballots in Michigan after calls by activists to protest his support of Israel. In San Francisco, pro-Palestinian protesters nearly penetrated the security perimeter around Bidens motorcade last month.

We need a cease-fire, Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, said on NBCs Meet the Press. That horrific picture we all saw on Thursday was desperation. It was total desperation.

The Israel-Hamas war has tested traditional broad support in Congress for a long-standing ally.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin said he opposes tightening conditions for further military aid to Israel.

Israel is our ally, the Maryland Democrat said on Fox News Sunday.  Israel is in a fight for its security. It needs to defend itself.

--With assistance from Victoria Cavaliere and Reade Pickert.

(Updates with Dingell cease-fire comments in 13th paragraph.)

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two Denver police officers were sued after unsuccessfully searching a womans home in Montbello. Now, those damages are going to cost the officers $3.76 million.

In 2022, Denver police SWAT teams rushed to 77-year-old Ruby Johnsons residence ready with with a warrant to search the home for stolen goods. After their search came up empty, police were under fire on accusations of violating Johnsons constitutional right to privacy.

Denver police launch internal investigation after detective sued over illegal search

On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union announced that the jury found Denver Police Department Detective Gary Staab and Sgt. Gregory Buschy had violated the Colorado Constitution.

The Colorado Constitution requires that search warrants be based on probable cause supported by a written affidavit before police can invade the privacy of someones home. In this case, however, the jury concluded that the deficient warrant authorizing the search was unsupported by probable cause, the union said in a press release.

According to the ACLU, the jury awarded $1.26 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages.

FOX31 legal analyst Christopher Decker said to expect more of these types of suits.

We didnt use to see these types of verdicts at all and then we saw them infrequently. Now it seems like every time we turn on the TV another jury has held another law enforcement agency accountable for abuse, Decker said.

Internal investigation after lawsuit for illegal search

The investigation that led police to Johnsons home started with a stolen truck.

On Jan. 3, 2022, the owner told police the truck had two drones, six firearms, $4,000 cash and an old iPhone 11 inside, according to the ACLUs lawsuit.

The key issue of the suit focuses on Staab relying on the Find My app to track the iPhone that was in the truck, seeing it pinged twice at Johnsons address that day.

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According to the lawsuit that was submitted after the investigation, Staab submitted a search warrant for Johnsons address, which was approved by a judge.

The lawsuit claims the affidavit presented absolutely no independent basis to corroborate a nexus to Ms. Johnsons home, and claims the warrant authorizing the illegal search of Ms. Johnsons home issued on Defendant Staabs hastily prepared, bare-bones, misleading affidavit.

The lawsuit also claims the search took hours and left Johnson traumatized.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Ukraine expects the European Commission to present a negotiation framework for Kyiv's accession to the EU "no later than March 12," Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said, as reported by the media on March 4.

After Ukraine applied to join the EU in 2022, European leaders agreed to open membership talks during a European Council summit last December.

"No later than March 12, we expect the European Commission to present a negotiation framework and assess the progress of reforms so that EU countries can make a decision on March 19," Stefanishyna told journalists on the sidelines of an international platform on victims of conflict-related sexual violence, Ukrinform reported.

"We hope that there will be no delays."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned different timelines for the preparation of the framework on several occasions. During a press briefing on Feb. 21, she said that the framework would not be ready before the June elections for the European Parliament.

Only a few days later, during her trip to Kyiv, von der Leyen named mid-March as the expected timeline.

The European Commission started screening Ukraine's legislation for compliance with EU laws in late January, marking the first necessary step of the accession process.

Read also: EU ambassador to Ukraine: Even Putin cant stop Ukraines accession

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The famous Russian comedian, parodist and TV presenter Maxim Galkin, who has been openly condemning Russian aggression since the first days of the full-scale invasion, reacted powerfully and touchingly to the consequences of the Russian attack on Odesa on the night of March 2. He did so in Ukrainian.

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As you know, another Russian terror attack in Odesa killed 12 civilians, five of whom were children. Galkin recalled that he himself spent his childhood in a Ukrainian city on the Black Sea, where he even went to school and learned Ukrainian. The artist posted the relevant post on his personal Instagram page.

Galkin accompanied his post with an archival photo of himself posing as a child with his mother. At the end of his memories of Odesa, as well as his grief for the dead little Ukrainians, the showman reminded Russians of the punishment that will surely overtake them for every innocent death.

"Odesa is my childhood. I studied Ukrainian at school in Odesa from the first grade. And the knowledge I still have of the language is also my Odesa childhood. But I can probably be criticized for not publicly grieving for all the dead children in the world. But every blow to Odesa hits me in the heart. Odesa, my heart is with you. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. It is very bitter because of powerlessness. But no one has canceled God's judgment yet," Galkin wrote in Ukrainian.

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As a reminder, on the third day after the Russian attack, which killed 12 civilians, people in Odesa continue to bring flowers, lamps, and toys to the destroyed high-rise building.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have enacted sweeping restrictions on minors' ability to use social media. However, DeSantis' veto appears to be less about a commitment to keep the state out of parenting decisionslike whether to let a teenager on social mediaand more about the bill's likelihood of being overturned after a legal challenge.

The original bill, House Bill 1, would have banned those younger than 16 from making an account on most social media sites and required companies to delete accounts that they believe could bebut not necessarily confirmed to beowned by users under 16. The bill would also have required social media sites to use a third-party to verify users' age. Companies that violated the law could have been fined up to $50,000 per incident.

The bill was broadly popular and passed the Florida Senate with a 305 vote. But DeSantis vetoed the bill last week. In a post to X (formerly Twitter), DeSantis wrote that he vetoed the bill to make way for a superior proposal.

"I have vetoed HB 1 because the Legislature is about to produce a different, superior bill," DeSantis wrote on Friday. "Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents' rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech."

The alternate bill, H.B. 3, keeps many of the provisions as H.B. 1, though the updated bill does not include a provision requiring the deletion of possibly underage accounts. Additionally, an amendment recently approved by the state Senate would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to make social media accounts with a parent's permission but keep a blanket ban for younger children.

Even with a lowered age restriction, Florida's newest social media age verification bill will still likely face legal challenges, as several other states that have enacted similar laws have. While forcing social media companies to kick kids off their platforms has become an increasingly popular proposal across state legislatures, such restrictions almost inevitably end up violating minors' First Amendment rights to access social media content.

The post DeSantis Vetoed a Social Media Age-Verification Law, but That Doesn't Mean He Won't Sign a New One appeared first on Reason.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  One person has been taken to the hospital after a car collided with an Oklahoma City Police vehicle Monday morning.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, an officer and a detainee were traveling northbound near the intersection of I-40 and Pennsylvania Ave. around 2:40 a.m. when they were hit by another car.

LOCAL NEWS: One injured in shooting at NE Oklahoma City hotel

Officials say the police officer and the two people in the other vehicle were not injured, but the detainee was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

No more information is available as the investigation continues.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Theres a measles outbreak in Florida, and the best way to reduce the spread is by vaccination, public health experts say.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR, is one of the mandatory vaccines needed to immigrate into the U.S. and to become a resident. Its also one of the required vaccines kids need to get in order to attend K-12 schools in Florida, though some might be able to avoid getting the shot for medical and religious reasons.

People born before 1957 also lived through several years of measles epidemics, which means theres a good chance they had measles at some point, public health experts say. If youve previously had measles, you should have immunity, too.

What if youre not sure whether youve had the contagious disease before or if you received the MMR vaccine while growing up?

Besides asking your parents if theyve kept copies of your immunization records, there are several other ways you can check your immunization history in Florida:

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated objects and then touching your mouth and nose.

How to check your vaccination records in Florida

 Talk with your current and former doctors and/or pediatricians. They will likely have information on your immunization history in their records. However, keep in mind physicians are not required to keep your records forever. Under Florida law, physicians must maintain medical records for at least five years from the last patient contact.

Your healthcare provider will also likely have access to Florida SHOTS, a statewide and centralized system that tracks patient vaccination information. The system records immunization information for patients who get vaccinated at county health departments and from private providers who use the system. Pharmacists at retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will likely have access to this system too.

However, keep in mind that Florida is an opt-out-state, which means parents can choose to make their childs records not accessible in the system.

READ NEXT: What should parents do about school during a measles outbreak? Here is the guidance

 If you attended a school in Florida, including for college or university, you can contact the school and ask for your immunization records. However, schools are not required to keep this information forever, so depending on how long ago you were a student, your school may or may not have copies of your records.

 If you cant find your records, contact your countys local health department. Another option if youre at least 18 is to fill out an online form to request your vaccination records directly from Florida SHOTS. You can only use this form to request your own personal records, not for another family member. You cant use this form to request the vaccination history of minors either. And remember, just because you fill out the form doesnt guarantee the state will find your records in the system.

What if none of these options work?

You could talk with your doctor about scheduling a blood test to check for antibodies. But theres another, cheaper option that may be easier:

Just get the MMR vaccine, according to Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, an epidemiologist at Florida International University in Miami-Dade County; Dr. Mark Roberts, a distinguished professor of health policy and management and director of the Public Health Dynamics Lab at University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health; and Dr. George Rust, director of the Center for Medicine and Public Health at Florida State University in Tallahassee who also serves as medical director of Leon Countys health department.

All three public health experts say its safe to get the MMR vaccine if youre not sure whether youve previously been vaccinated or have had the disease.

Theres really no harm to getting vaccinated again with the measles vaccine even if youve had it before, said Trepka.

READ MORE: Measles cases are popping up across the country. How many are in Florida?
Diego Ibarra, the brother of Jose Ibarra who is accused of killing 22-year-old UGA nursing student Laken Riley, is set to appear in court.

Ibarras first appearance will be Monday at 2:30 p.m. in Macon.

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According to a UGA spokesperson, Diego, 29, presented a fake green card to the hiring unit to begin a temporary position as a dishwasher in Bolton Dining Hall at the University of Georgia on Feb. 6, 2024.

According to court documents, Athens-Clarke County police officers approached him because he matched the description of his brother, 26-year-old Jose Ibarra, who was wanted for homicide.

UGA said Ibarra never submitted further documentation required to keep the job and was never paid by the University.

He has since been fired.

TRENDING STORIES:

Authorities said since being in Athens, Diego Ibarra had been arrested three times for multiple charges, such as driving under the influence, shoplifting, and failure to appear for a fingerprintable offense.

Channel 2s Courtney Francisco previously reported that authorities believe Diego Ibarra arrived in Georgia from New York by Sept. 2023 after officers arrested him for the first time and charged him with driving under the influence without a license.

A month later, officials said Diego Ibarra was arrested again for shoplifting. Court documents said he was then arrested in December for failing to appear for fingerprinting.

An investigation into Diego Ibarras criminal background remains ongoing.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
ATHENS, Ga. - Update: Diego Ibarra made his first court appearance on Monday in Macon. The U.S. magistrate judge ordered a standard preliminary hearing regarding probable cause and the government's motion to detail at 10 a.m. March 7. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.

ORIGINAL STORY

The brother of the suspected killer of a nursing student on UGA's campus will make his first appearance in federal court on Monday.

Diego Ibarra is charged with possession of a fraudulent document after being caught with a fake green card.

Athens-Clarke County police officers approached him on Feb. 23 for matching the description of a murder suspect when he presented officers with the fraudulent document and was placed under arrest.

DIEGO JOSE IBARRA

Diego's brother, Jose Ibarra, is facing several charges, including malice murder in the death of 22-year-old Laken Riley on UGA's campus. ICE says Jose entered the country illegally from Venezuela in 2022.

Diego was arrested by Athens-Clarke County Police three times since September 2022 for DUI and driving without a license, shoplifting, and failure to appear.

Jose was also arrested by Athens-Clarke County Police for shoplifting and a previous arrest in New York.

JOSE ANTONIO IBARRA

The case has sparked a national debate about immigration.

On Face the Nation, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said they were not informed of Jose Ibarra's prior arrests before Laken Riley was killed.

"Different cities have different levels of cooperation. We were not notified in this instance," Mayorkas said on Sunday.

"We firmly believe that if a city is aware of an individual who poses a threat to public safety, then we would request that they provide us with that information so that we can ensure that that individual is detained if the facts so warrant," he added.

On Wednesday, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz faced criticism for a perceived sanctuary city status after Athens adopted a resolution in 2019 welcoming immigrants of all statuses. But Girtz says Georgia does not allow for sanctuary cities.

"There's been no legislation from this government that has created sanctuary city status," Girtz said.

If convicted of having the fake green card, Diego Ibarra could face up to 10 years behind bars.
A US envoy said Monday that a diplomatic solution was key to ending nearly five months of intensifying hostilities between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel after the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have been exchanging near-daily fire since October, raising fears all-out conflict could spread across the region.

"A diplomatic solution is the only way to end the current hostilities" and achieve "a lasting fair security arrangement between Lebanon and Israel", Washington's envoy Amos Hochstein told reporters in Beirut, adding that "a temporary ceasefire is not enough".

"A limited war is not containable," he said after meeting with parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally.

Security along the Blue Line, demarcated by the United Nations in 2000 after Israeli troops pulled out of southern Lebanon, "has to change in order to guarantee everyone's security", he added.

Hochstein held talks with other senior officials including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and army chief Joseph Aoun in a push to halt violence along the border with Israel.

His visit came as Israeli medics said a missile from Lebanon killed a foreign worker near the border and wounded at least seven others.

Hours later, Hezbollah said three paramedics affiliated with the group were killed in an Israeli strike on an "emergency centre" in south Lebanon.

The Israeli army said it struck the sources of "numerous launches" from Lebanon and "a number of Hezbollah military compounds".

- 'Future free of fear' -

Hochstein said that finding a diplomatic solution "is not just an American effort", adding that Washington was working with "global partners... to advance opportunities for prosperity and stability in Lebanon".

He said there would be international support for Lebanon, including its military and crisis-hit economy, "but this can only start when we can reach a way forward".

Hezbollah's deputy chief Naim Qassem earlier Monday reiterated that the group, which says it is acting in support of Gazans and Hamas, would stop its attacks on Israel once the Gaza offensive ends.

"Stop the assault on Gaza and war will end in the region," Qassem said of Israel's military campaign against Hamas.

Hochstein said the United States was working "tirelessly" for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

But Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said there will be no let-up in Israeli action against Hezbollah even if a Gaza ceasefire is secured.

Hochstein warned that a ceasefire in Gaza might not "automatically" extend to Lebanon.

"That is why we're here today," he said, to find a diplomatic solution for a cessation of hostilities and to ensure that people on both sides of the frontier "can return to their homes safely... and have a future free of fear".

During a January visit, Hochstein had said both Lebanon and Israel "prefer" a diplomatic path to end hostilities.

The cross-border fighting has displaced tens of thousands on both sides and has killed at least 299 people in Lebanon, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also including 49 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

In Israel, at least 10 soldiers and seven civilians have been killed.

aya-lg/jsa
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on January 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. Democrats held a news conference to mark the 3rd anniversary of the Jan 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Credit - Alex WongGetty Images

The information war is about territoryjust not the geographic kind. In a warm information war, the human mind is the territory.

Renee DiResta, The Digital Maginot Line

ON JANUARY 5, 2021, Rosanne Boyland left her home in Kennesaw, Georgia, for the ten-hour drive to Washington, DC. Boyland had fallen under the spell of the election-denier movement, bound by a belief that the incumbent president, Donald J. Trump, had won the presidential election but had been robbed of his victory through fraud.1 In fact, sixty-one courts and Trumps own Justice Department had already rejected every claim of fraud, and federal cybersecurity and election officials had declared the 2020 election the most secure in U.S. history.

The next day, Boyland joined a mob egged on by Trump and stormed the U.S. Capitol to Stop the Steal, as the movement slogan went. Of course, as we all know by now, the crowd breached police lines, smashed windows, and broke into the building where Congress was meeting to certify the count of electoral votes from each state, the final procedure that would seal the presidential victory for Joe Biden. Boyland found herself on the west side of the Capitol, in a tunnel near a door guarded by police. As described by the New York Times, the crowd massed together in a dangerous crush and used the weight of their combined bodies to push the officers back, trapping many people in the process. At some point, Boyland fell to the ground, but the crowd did not relent.

In all of the chaos, no medical professional could render timely aid and, within a few hours, Boyland would be pronounced dead. Witnesses say Boyland was trampled to death. Her official cause of death was an amphetamine overdose, but a medical examiner said a contributing factor to her death was the raucous scene. Her sister later said Boyland would not have been at the Capitol at all that day if it werent for all the misinformation.

Like the rest of America, Boyland had been bombarded with false claims that Biden had used fraud to steal the electiona fabrication that would become known as the Big Lie. Eight others would also lose their lives as a result of the Capitol attack that was sparked by the deluge of disinformation. Ashli Babbitt, a Trump supporter and U.S. Air Force veteran, was shot to death by Capitol Police when she tried to climb through a broken window and breach the Speakers Lobby. U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died after being attacked by rioters with chemical spray. In addition to the physical injuries suffered by 150 police officers, they and many others also suffered trauma that left unseen emotional scars; four officers committed suicide following the attack. And yet, more than a year later, 68 percent of Republicans were still deceived by lies that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen. Was this abhorrent attack on the temple of our democracy the final act that would break the fever that had gripped the country during the Trump administration? Or was it instead the beginning of the end of American democracy? Even after Trump was indicted by a special counsel in 2023 for his efforts to steal the election, the threat persists, because, as journalist Barton Gellman wrote in The Atlantic, Trump and his party have convinced a dauntingly large number of Americans that the essential workings of democracy are corrupt, that made-up claims of fraud are true, that only cheating can thwart their victory at the polls, that tyranny has usurped their government, and that violence is a legitimate response.

In 2022, former federal judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative, warned that 2020 was merely a dry run to steal future elections. He called Trump and his allies a clear and present danger to U.S. democracy. Indeed, after Trump was charged with crimes for efforts to upend the 2020 election, he began telling a second Big Liethat the indictments were themselves election interference, filed solely to prevent his election to the presidency in 2024.

Is our democracy ultimately destined for the same fate as Boyland, Babbitt, and Sicknickdeath by disinformation? Will America become a country where losing candidates refuse to concede elections, using lies to spark vigilante violence and impose their will? What if, as Gellman suggests, January 6 was practice, and Republicans are much better positioned to subvert the next election? What if Gellman is right, and their next effort succeeds?

Or is American democracy undergoing a slower erosion, invisible in real time but as devastating as a metastasizing cancer? Even if our form of government is not destroyed altogether, it risks becoming unrecognizable, controlled not by the people at large but by a small faction of the far right, willing to say or do anything to seize power. And while the current purveyors of disinformation do not represent every member of the GOP, the partys silence is a form of complicity. When Republican leaders like former congresswoman Liz Cheney denounce their partys disinformation, they are ignored or purged. Now that the potency of disinformation has been revealed, this weapon can be used by any demagogue or self-interested opportunist, regardless of political affiliation.

Disinformation is the deliberate use of lies to manipulate people, whether to extract profit or to advance a political agenda. Its unwitting accomplice, misinformation, is spread by unknowing dupes who repeat lies they believe to be true. In America today, both forms of falsehood are distorting our perception of reality.

In a democracy, the people need a shared set of facts as a basis to debate and make decisions that advance and secure their collective interests. Differences of opinion, and even propaganda, have always existed in the United States, but now, enemies of democracy are using disinformation to attack our sovereign right to truthful information, intellectual integrity, and the exercise of the will of the people. Online disinformation is particularly insidious because of its immediacy, its capacity to deceive, and its ability to reach its target.

In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a threat bulletin warning of an online environment filled with false or misleading narratives and conspiracy theories, and other forms of mis- dis- and mal-information (MDM) introduced and/or amplified by foreign and domestic threat actors.21 The bulletin stated that these threat actors seek to exacerbate societal friction to sow discord and undermine public trust in government institutions to encourage unrest, which could potentially inspire acts of violence. As technology continues to advance, the threat of disinformation looms even larger.

Disinformers deliberately inflame our passions and demonize their political opponents to artificially limit options to only two perspectives on an issue. (Debaters refer to this tactic as the either-or fallacy.) And when one side is portrayed as good and the other as evil, the choice is easy. You must be for either the Trump-supporting right or the rivals they frame as the radical left. There will always be those who get taken by the P. T. Barnums and Bernie Madoffs among us. But now, there is something more at work than simply gullible people falling for lies. A significant number of Americans dont seem to care anymore whether a statement is true. What seems to matter instead is whether any given message is consistent with their worldview. If a lie supports their position, some people seem willing to go along with the con and pretend its true. When Donald Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of illegally retaining classified national defense documents, for example, his defenders parroted Trumps claims that he was being attacked for political reasons. On the day of Trumps arraignment, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said, God bless America, President Trump, and all those targeted by Bidens regime as we continue our efforts to end this corrupt political weaponization and stop the deep state. My new book, Attack from Within, documents the ways that political opportunists and profiteers use disinformation as a weapon.

This is a pivotal moment in our nations history, and the stakes could not be higher. Legislation in a number of states is harming democracy by making it increasingly difficult to cast a ballot. Election suppression laws create obstacles to voting, such as limits on early voting, prohibitions of third-party assistance for delivering ballots, restrictions on voting by mail, and limits on the number and locations of ballot deposit boxes. These restrictions have a disparate impact on communities of color, young people, and the economically disadvantagednot coincidentally, all likely Democratic Party votersleaving some of them effectively disenfranchised. Election deniers serving as secretaries of state, canvassers, and poll workers are endangering the integrity of our electoral process. Political violence has become a reality, as public officials face threats, harassment, and attacks. In 2020, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer was the subject of a plot to kidnap her and put her on trial for objections to her stay-home orders during the Covid-19 pandemic after Trump called it a hoax. Two years later, an intruder broke into the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and brutally attacked her husband in a twisted act of political protest. In 2023, Solomon Pena, a Republican candidate for the statehouse in New Mexico who refused to concede defeat, was arrested on charges of orchestrating shootings into the homes of four elected officials, all Democrats, narrowly missing a ten-year-old girl asleep in her bed.

In addition to elected officials, members of the public are at risk. Lies scapegoating people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans, Jewish people, and the LGBTQ+ community have coincided with increases in hate crimes. Claims that the FBI is a disgrace and that the government has weaponized criminal investigations are eroding public faith in law enforcement. When people are led to believe that police officers and federal agents are corrupt, they become reluctant to provide tips and information that officers need to solve crimes. Jurors tend to distrust the testimony of federal agents when they have been told the FBI plants evidence, as Trump claimed following the 2022 search of his Florida home for classified documents after he had left office. A diminishing ability to enforce the law reduces public safety and cultivates corruption.

A lack of trust in the criminal justice system also fosters vigilante violence, a direct assault on the rule of law. Untrained civilians are taking up arms to right perceived wrongs, leading to the kind of destruction wrought by teen gunman Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020 and more than one thousand insurrectionists in our nations capital on January 6, 2021. Much of the American right glamorizes assault weapons, based on the absurd claim that the Second Amendment protects not only the right to bear arms but also the right to overthrow our government, insisting that ordinary citizens must be able to match the firepower of the US military. Flamethrowing congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-CO) has said the Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting, unless youre talking about hunting tyrants, maybe. Promoting assault weapons ownership has become a membership ritual in the far-right wing of the Republican Party, even though these are the very same kinds of guns that have made mass shootings an American epidemic.

America is experiencing an attack from within, and disinformation is the weapon of choice. If the attack succeeds, elections will be decided by manipulators, unjust laws will be enacted by the puppets those manipulators install, and political violence, corruption, militia activity, and vigilante violence will likely become widespread and routine. When power is acquired through disinformation, coups can eventually be accomplished without bloodshed. Disinformation operations turn us on ourselves. As a result, we become outraged or fearful, then cynical, and finally numb and apathetic. It is not an overstatement to say that disinformation threatens to destroy the U.S. as we know it.

In the end, though, this attack from within is a battle for hearts and minds that requires citizens to step up and take back the sovereign power of self-government. All the laws and policies in the world cannot change attitudes unless we are willing to abide by them. We the people need to remember that democracy depends on an informed electorate. As the famous saying goes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.

We already face serious challenges in climate change, pandemics, refugee crises, cybercrime, global conflict, and countless other threats. Reasonable minds can disagree on solutions, but making progress as a society requires a willingness to learn facts, appreciate nuance, and engage in meaningful debate. But instead of focusing on solving urgent problems, some political opportunists provoke voters to spend their time and energy attacking the rights of groups underrepresented in positions of powerwomen, people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community. Rather than address climate change, we debate the dress code for women in the Missouri statehouse.

We cant begin to develop a coherent strategy to meet new challenges if we continue to allow disinformers to dominate national discourse. Only an unyielding commitment to truth and justice can save our nation from the same fate that met Rosanne Boyland, Ashli Babbitt, Brian Sicknick, and the other victims of disinformation.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
AETNA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Crews from several fire departments were able to put out a very large grass fire that damaged several buildings in Mecosta County Sunday afternoon, dispatch said.

The fire started around 2:30 p.m. at 190th Avenue near 1 Mile Road in Aetna Township, Newaygo County Dispatch confirmed. Newaygo Fire Department helped Mecosta County Fire Department fight the flames.

The fire damaged several buildings and smoke could be seen billowing for miles. Meceola Consolodated Central Dispatch Authority eventually confirmed the fire was put out.

The scene of a fire in Morely on 190th and 1 Mile Road. (Courtesy Meceola Consolidated Central Dispatch Authority)

This embedded content is not available in your region.

It is not clear how the grass fire started.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, the long-standing Cuban dissident and former political prisoner who tried to organize an opposition movement to challenge Fidel Castros rule, was supposed to be attending a ceremony Monday to receive the International Women of Courage Award given by the U.S. State Department to those who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership.

Instead, she is in Havana, unable to travel abroad because the Cuban government does not want her voice to be heard, she said in a wide-ranging interview with the Miami Herald.

Were honoring a dozen women. Theres one who couldnt join us today: Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, an unyielding defender of human rights in Cuba, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the award ceremony. Cuban authorities have subjected Martha to a long campaign of detention and abuse, including prohibiting her from traveling abroad. Martha may not be able to be with us today in person, but we want her to know all of us are with her every single day.

Roque, an economist and former university professor, was one of the authors of Homeland Belongs to Us, a 1997 scathing critique of communism on the island that called for political reforms. The document led to prison sentences for her and three other dissidents who wrote it Vladimiro Roca, Felix Bonne and Rene Gomez Manzano. She was released in 2002 only to return to prison as the only woman arrested during the so-called Black Spring crackdown in 2003, when Castro ordered the arrest of 75 prominent dissidents to squash efforts to unify the opposition movement.

She was sentenced to 20 years in prison but was released a year later due to her failing health.

At 78, she still suffers from the untreated effects of chronic diabetes. The government has refused to let her get treatment abroad.

In announcing the award, the State Department said Roque is one of the longest-standing members of the historic opposition fighting for greater freedoms in Cuba, recognizing her work leading several pro-democracy initiatives and advocating for human rights and religious freedoms for more than four decades.

The fact she received the award in 2024 also underscores how little Cubas situation has changed since she started advocating for human rights and democracy.

Roque worries about the fate of about 1,000 political prisoners still being held in Cuban jails and warns the current economic crisis will lead to more protests. Nevertheless, she says she feels satisfied with staying in Cuba, fighting for freedom.

This is a condensed version of the conversation, edited for clarity and brevity.

Q: You have been in prison several times for confronting the Cuban regime, and you decided to remain on the island, even when it is clear that the government is not going to legalize the opposition. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans have chosen to leave the island. Why did you stay?

A: From the first moment, I have fought for democracy in Cuba. You have to fight here because you cant solve anything outside; you have to do it from inside the island. And my purpose was always to make Cuba a democratic Cuba. As everyone knows, the dictatorship is totally clinging to power. For us dissidents, reaching the people to unify them with the idea of reestablishing freedom has become almost impossible.

I feel good in Cuba despite everything, despite the repression, despite the harassment, even though I have a camera in front of my house, that they listen to my phone, that they commit fraud with Facebook, with my Twitter account. People think its me, and its not, because they have hacked my accounts. Theyre probably listening while we are talking.

Q: With so many dissidents in jail or forced to leave the island, what is the situation facing the opposition movement nowadays?

A: I disagree. No one has been forced to leave the country. The person who leaves the country because he wants to go is within his true right. But I have many examples of those of us who do not want to leave and cannot be forced to leave.

The opposition movement to which I belonged is totally disjointed. Then came another group that was made up of artists and others who did not face the intensity of the harassment our group faced. Some of those currently imprisoned belong to that group. Finally, some people briefly pass through the opposition movement just to leave the country.

The people who joined the opposition with me did it with the desire to see Cuba free, and we remained here in Cuba.

Q: Do you think that right now, even in the era of social media, there is less space for dissent in Cuba?

A: I think the space for dissent multiplied when more than a thousand people were imprisoned for [protesting on] July 11 [2021]. The relatives of those detained are now part of the opposition because they are constantly disclosing information about the situation of their relatives. Some are afraid, but the majority express themselves.

Q: What is the situation for political prisoners? Can you talk specifically about the women imprisoned?

A: I was talking to Sissy Abascal, who called me from a prison in Matanzas. She is there with Saily Navarro, the daughter of [veteran dissident] Felix Navarro. They were handed sentences of nine and six years in prison, respectively. And she told me they feed her with a meat paste that no one can eat. For breakfast, she says she was given guava juice without bread. She says that it is undoubtedly very difficult to live on prison food. Everything is lacking there, even feminine pads. They have nothing.

Q: What is behind this latest repressive wave?

A: They want to set an example so that people do not take to the streets to protest because prison awaits them. There are many people in jail with mental health issues that are schizophrenic or paranoid, and even cases of people who have never been able to leave the prisons medical facility. Its a cruel treatment.

We know the need for the prisoners to be released, but foreign governments also know it because they know the problems in Cuba. If there is no food for the population, imagine the situation for those in prison. Many [foreign government officials] try to talk [to the Cuban government], but nothing happens.

Q: How do you see Cubas economic and political situation today?

A: They have announced a higher gasoline price that will have a domino effect. For example, the doctor who goes to the hospital in his old car will no longer be able to do it because his salary is not enough to buy gas and support his family.

The government has tried to keep the economy afloat by putting on band-aids. At this moment, they are receiving help from the United Nations to feed the people of Cuba because they can no longer do so. There is a macroeconomic crisis, which does not allow them to buy food and meet the essential needs of the economy. Food and foreign currency prices rise daily. It is an unsustainable situation. The backward situation is going to increase until a moment when no one knows what will happen.

On July 11, the people took to the streets on their own. And there will come a time when they will do the same thing again because it is simply unsustainable to maintain a daily life here in Cuba.

Q: If the Cuban government had let you go to collect the award at the White House, you probably would have used that platform to talk about the situation in Cuba. What message would you like to send to the international community?

A: My chair will be empty, and that already indicates that I live in a totalitarian country, in a dictatorship that has not allowed me to leave Cuba. Notice that they prefer the damage of the image of an empty chair to let me give a speech.

If I were to give a message to the world, I would say: Look at the empty chair. That says it all.
While swimming off a remote Pacific Ocean archipelago in 2013, a diver spotted a mysterious and brightly colored fish.

He quickly snapped several blurry photographs before it darted away, leaving behind a trail of questions in its wake.

Now, over a decade later  after returning to the island chain  researchers have identified the peculiar fish, which they said belongs to a brand new species, according to a study published on Feb. 28 in the journal PeerJ.

A male (A) and a female Halichoeres sanchezi (B).

Discover more new species

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The Revillagigedo Archipelago, located 500 miles west of Mexico, is known as the Mexican Galapagos. Its protected waters are teeming with unique marine life  making it popular with recreational divers but still relatively understudied.

In 2022, a team of researchers conducted dozens of dives off the island chain, where they photographed over 100 species, according to a news release from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Researchers were keen on encountering the mystery fish photographed in 2013, but as the expedition entered its final days, they saw no signs of it.

However, on the very last day of the survey, one of the researchers captured a small fish that matched up perfectly with the fish in the photograph. Eventually, seven other specimens were collected.

After tissue samples were taken and DNA analyses were conducted, it was revealed that the fish belonged to a previously unknown type of wrasse, a family of colorful and diverse fish. It was given the name Halichoeres sanchezi in a nod to Carlos Armando Sanchez Ortiz, who organized the expedition.

Small juvenile (A), large juvenile (B) and an adult (C).

The specimens, which ranged in size from 1 to about 6 inches, displayed a remarkable degree of sexual dimorphism, researchers said.

The females were smaller, exhibiting reddish stripes across their bodies, while the males had orange-red bodies with yellow bellies.

Interestingly, the species are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female, with some transitioning to males later in life.

Upon switching to males, the fish take on a more remarkable color pattern  in order to woo their female counterparts.

The speciess discovery brings the total number of the archipelagos native fish species to 14, which highlights the need for the Mexican government to continue protecting the nearby waters, researchers said.

Its amazing that we can still find species that are new to science in a place where people are visiting pretty regularly, Ben Frable, one of the study authors, said in the release. It just shows how big and complex the world is.

Boaters caught trying to smuggle over 110,000 live eels out of Puerto Rico, feds say

Medusa sea creature  with up to 11 tentacles  discovered by snorkelers off Mexico

Trove of ancient ceramics  spanning 1,000-year period  unearthed from buried city
Ukraine is among the top 10 charity projects at Miss World 2023, which is being held this year in Mumbai, India. Sofia Shamiya, a 19-year-old representative of our country, presented a video about her work with children who have suffered from Russian aggression: they lost their parents, their homes, and some lost their arms or legs. The top ten were chosen from 117 projects from each participant.

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All the videos were filmed in advance, and their presentation took place in India on March 3. When it came to Sofia's turn and she had to give her speech after watching the video, she couldn't hold back her emotions and stop her tears. Veronika Shchiptsova, the chairwoman of the Miss Ukraine committee, told OBOZ.UA about this, and the list of the top 10 was published on the official Miss World Instagram page.

"We prepared a video about our project in advance and sent it to the contest itself. Yesterday, Sofia, like all the girls, presented it to the public, giving a speech on stage. When Sofia spoke, she cried," Veronika Shchiptsova shared with us.

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On her Instagram page, she also noted that the charity project from Ukraine reveals the painful topic of how Russia is taking away a normal, fulfilling childhood from little Ukrainians.

"We presented the video work of our team, where we told how the aggressor country takes away a normal childhood from our children, how this war affects them, what difficulties children face and what they go through when they lose their parents and relatives. Our nation is fighting to ensure that our children continue to have a peaceful childhood, freedom and liberty. Now the world has no right to forget what Ukrainians go through every day," wrote the head of the Miss Ukraine committee.

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Meanwhile, the representative of Ukraine at Miss World herself was crying through her speech about the children of this terrible war. Sofia recalled how she visited a hospital where children who had lost everything were lying in the hospital.

"Every time I say where I come from, I'm sorry, I get a little emotional. It's just that every time I watch this video, I remember little girls, little boys, when I was at Okhmatdyt, I had the opportunity to talk to them a lot. I remember one child running around, playing, coming up to me and saying: "I like your dress, you look like a princess." And then she said: "But you know what, my mom and dad are dead." And she says it so casually, as if it was yesterday. She says it so casually, even though I can see so much pain in her eyes," Shamia said in tears.

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In the video, which impressed the international jury, the Ukrainian woman tells how she started practicing art therapy with children to help them after the horrors they had experienced.

"On February 24, 2022, a terrible war destroyed my home, Ukraine, leaving the ruins of what had once been a happy life. Thousands of people lost their homes to missile attacks. Streets, villages and entire cities are in ruins, nature is devastated. The pain touched each of us. I was already involved in charity work, but the war made me realize that I could do more. I was inspired by Ukrainian volunteers. As an artist, I realized the healing power of art. That's why I started art therapy with children - to understand their emotions. I organized a charity auction and used the proceeds from the sale of paintings to rehabilitate children who had their childhood taken away from them," Sofia says in the video.

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In addition to Ukraine, the top ten charitable projects were also from the following countries: Indonesia, Nepal, Turkey, Czech Republic, Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you about the national costume that Sofia Shamia presented especially for the Miss World 2023 contest. "Forest Song" is the name of the fragile green dress that was created under fire in Kharkiv.

Fortunately, the contestant from the terrorist country of Russia will not overshadow the pageant. As it has become known, after the Miss Europe scandal, Russians are no longer allowed to attend this beauty pageant.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)  Documents obtained by sister station News 2 revealed multiple complaints against former Sullivans Island Police Chief Chris Griffin that spanned several years.

Griffin had been on the Sullivans Island police force since 1997 and was later appointed police chief in 2018 after former chief Dan Howard left the agency. At the time, Sullivans Island Mayor Patrick ONeil said in messages regarding the promotion that Griffin had an impeccable record of police service and strong ties with the community.

EXCLUSIVE: Secret recording reveals sheriff promised defendant to help derail attempted murder case

Mayor ONeil also noted he believed Griffin was a respected leader within the department. A search through personnel files, received through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, show Griffin received numerous certifications throughout his law enforcement career.

But documents appear to show a darker side to Griffins time as police chief including complaints made by law enforcement personnel and other area agencies that include allegations of inappropriate actions and behavior.

The following accounts are as documented in reports and files received by the Town of Sullivans Island. News 2 has not received comment from Griffin on any of these allegations. We have reached out.

Myrtle Beach Vendor Exposition

The first incident took place during a November 2019 South Carolina Police Chiefs Association Annual Leadership Conference in Myrtle Beach. According to the file, Griffin approached two women and asked for their numbers so he could send them what he thought were funny memes and images.

A lawsuit shows Griffin sent the woman almost 20 unanswered and unprompted messages at the time, and followed up asking like any of those lol[?]

The images  which were provided as screenshots in the FOIA documents  appeared to be sexually explicit, racist, demeaning, and inappropriate, according to the lawsuit. They were also provided as part of the FOIA request.

Queen City News

Investigations

Both women reported the messages to Ryan Alphin, who served as Executive Director of the Police Chiefs Association and informed him they felt uncomfortable by Griffins conduct.

The next day, Carl Ritchie, who served on the board and was chief of the Mount Pleasant Police Department, spoke with Sullivans Island Town Administrator Andy Benke about Griffins actions and provided the messages.

Griffins membership to the Police Chiefs Association was terminated on Nov. 11, based on conduct unbecoming of a member.

The lawsuit claimed the town did not open an investigation until the plaintiffs filed formal complaints against Griffin and provided the messages and images to the town. The lawsuit states the town then investigated but did not take any remedial or disciplinary action.

The town confirmed to News 2 in October 2021 that it was investigating the incident. Griffin remained employed.

10-27-21-Complaint-Served-at-12PM-from-Process-Service-IncDownload

Response to I-526 crash

Charleston Fire Department Chief Dan Curia filed a complaint against Griffin in March 2020 following an incident that took place at the scene of a crash on I-526 two days prior.

According to a letter sent to the town, Chief Curia explained that fire personnel were responding to a collision with a female who appeared to have been experiencing symptoms of COVID-19  this was at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Crews observed a patrol vehicle with its lights and siren activated, arrive at the accident scene. It was Griffin, who had not been dispatched to the scene nor was it within his jurisdiction.

Griffin was asked to not approach the scene because the patient may have COVID, but Griffin replied that he did not care because the patient was one of his employees and lobbed an expletive at fire personnel.

According to Chief Curia, Griffin entered the patients vehicle without protection and removed items and a car seat. They said his reckless actions potentially contaminated the accident scene and noted that Griffin knowingly violated two lawful orders to not enter the area.

3-30-20-Chas-Fire-Dept-Chief-CuriaDownload

Derogatory comments and inappropriate behavior

Multiple complaints were filed against Griffin by personnel from the Sullivans Island Police Department regarding derogatory and sexually explicit comments, and inappropriate behavior in 2023.

One complaint filed in late December reflected on an incident that happened following a high-speed chase that took place on August 25 and ended at Breach Inlet. According to the complaint, Griffin approached two employees and showed them a photo of a woman, and asked if they could guess her age.

Union County employee arrested, charged with soliciting prostitution: Sheriff

They guessed, and Griffin replied that she was 50 and asked if they were into MILFS, which is a term often made about women perceived as attractive mothers.

Griffin said he traveled to Florida to meet up with the woman and described their encounter, saying he wished he had filmed it because the woman was quite a freak, the complaint said.

Statement-of-Complainant-3Download

A complaint filed by a patrol officer on December 14, 2023, described a pattern of harassment.

The patrol officer stated that she had just been informed she would be hired by the department, but she was still working for Isle of Palms PD. One day, she was not feeling well and said Griffin kept contacting her, saying she could come over to his house and lay on the couch so that he could take care of her.

The woman said she told Griffin it was not appropriate since he would be her superior and that he was making her uncomfortable. He then seemed to get angry and said, cant we be friends? and then did not contact her for three weeks to the point that she began to wonder if she still was going to get the job, the complaint read.

After she started working for the agency, she said they were going through the uniforms that belonged to a previous female officer to see if she could use any of the items. The documents say she tried on a Sullivans Island Police Department t-shirt to wear under her uniform, but Griffin commented on her chest.

Like an art heist. 10-foot long thumbtack sculpture stolen from Hickory art gallery

The employee alleged many other concerning comments made by Griffin. In another case, the employee said she was told to give Griffin her locker combination because everything in the police department was police property and he had to have access.

After that, random items like toys and stuffed animals started to appear in the locker room. The employee suspected they were placed by the departments fleet manager, Tom McLellan, at Griffins direction.

Deputy Chief Glenn Meadows sent a text message to the department saying these actions would stop. While the actions stopped, the employee said it appeared Griffin and McLellan started using a nickname for her  that name was redacted. She also noted that other officers started treating her differently.

The patrol officer also believed that Griffin was tracking her vehicle because he would know where she was at various times.

Another complaint was filed on Dec. 19, 2023, by an employee who had an issue with things Griffin said about her and other employees. In one case, she described comments about what Griffin thought she would do in bed and asked inappropriate questions about her fiance.

Statement-of-Complainant-2Download

News 2 reported in mid-January 2024 that Griffin had been placed on administrative leave without pay amid an investigation into a personnel matter.

Griffin resigned as police chief on February 20. Documents show the town agreed to pay Griffin a one-time lump sum of $10,000 as part of his departure, which was split into two payments of $4,000 and $6,000.

News 2 also confirmed Friday that McLellan was no longer employed at the department.

The Town of Sullivans Island did not provide comment. We also reached out to a number associated with Griffin asking for comment but we have not heard back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
How far have we come? And how far have we yet to go?

In the 1940s, Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, saw our Japanese American neighbors rounded up and put into internment camps. Their lives were upended, and many lost large parts of their wealth. Suddenly, Japanese Americans who had lived in the U.S. for years couldnt be trusted.

Fear again gripped our nation shortly afterwards with the communist Red Scare. When the Soviets developed nuclear capability, Sen. Joseph McCarthy found the right environment for his fear-mongering to flourish, setting off a storm with unsubstantiated claims such as that the State Department was being infested with communists. His message? Fear them, and loyal Americans must work to expose them.

Fast forward to January 2024, the largest conference of Muslims here in South Florida was sabotaged, because the hotel succumbed to protest calls fueled by a hate-sourced article on a local Coral Springs news outlet. The event was eventually held at a Fort Lauderdale hotel.

We believe the article was based on a campaign by the Middle East Forum (MEF), a longtime anti-Muslim group as described by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Their message? Those people are not to be trusted. They are terrorist sympathizers. They are not loyal Americans. Fear them. Sound familiar?

One cant help but wonder whether that Coral Springs news outlet would have given a platform to a KKK-sourced article. Thats precisely what MEF is to the Muslim community  a hate group. (Islamophobic, in this case.)

Like other forms of hate, Islamophobia divides our society and puts our community in danger. A social media post last month stated that the proposed Coral Springs hotel venue should be bombed with the sympathizers in it.

In actuality, conflating support for Palestinians with supporting terrorism is what is shameful and unAmerican. Wanting freedom for Palestinians doesnt make you a terrorist  it makes you human. Weaponizing words like terrorist or Hamas against the Muslim community is no different than using any other racist trope targeting other communities.

Hate crimes such as the recent stabbing in Texas show us how real and harsh the consequences are for spreading Islamophobia. We all must reject this form of hatred, just as we must reject racism, antisemitism and all other forms of hatred that seek to divide us through fear and prejudice. Disagreement is OK  dehumanizing is not.

Our conference was rescheduled and held on Feb. 23-24 with tremendous success and over 1000 attendees. It was a labor of love, and the organizers put their heart and soul into it. The gathering allowed the families of the South Florida Muslim Federations 32 member organizations to learn about our faith, get closer to God and tackle social problems such as divorce, drug addiction and mental health challenges.

At the conference we celebrated our diverse cultures including African American, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Turkish, Caribbean and more. Our kids played, we trained our youth, and experts and scholars discussed solutions for the problems of the world  starting with our own homes. We mourned the more than 30,000 people killed in Gaza, and discussed how we can accomplish a cease-fire (something that majority of Americans want). People of all faiths and backgrounds attended, just as all faiths have been welcomed at South Florida mosques for over a decade.

We will not be silenced and are here to stay. Our simple request to the reader: Hate and injustice thrive on misinformation. Before you make hurtful decisions based on hate-filled articles, do your own research. Better yet, find someone in the local Muslim community and ask us, or find a mosque nearby and attend an open house this upcoming Ramadan. Together, we can work for a better America.

Samir Kakli is the president of the South Florida Muslim Federation, an umbrella of more than 30 mosques and Muslim organizations throughout Florida.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this op-ed made an incorrect and potentially misleading characterization of the Middle East Forum in an article by the Southern Poverty Law Center. SPLC does not have an official designation for the group. The article, which was published online in SPLCs Hatewatch section, described MEF as anti-Muslim.
Donald Trump was cleared to run for president in a major boost to his campaign on the eve of a series of key votes that will secure his Republican nomination.

On Monday, the Supreme Court unanimously banned states from excluding Mr Trump from the ballot over allegations that he incited an insurrection.

In a speech at his resort in Miami, the former president praised the unifying and inspirational ruling, which came on the eve of Super Tuesday  the biggest day in the Republican primary contest.

Mr Trump, 77, is expected to trounce Nikki Haley, his rival, and all but sew up the GOP nomination on Tuesday, when 15 states and one territory vote for who they want to take on Joe Biden in this years presidential election.

On Monday, the Supreme Courts nine justices unanimously overturned an earlier decision to remove Mr Trump from Tuesdays Colorado primary race over his role in the Jan 6 riot at the Capitol.

The court said it would be incongruous to give individual states the power to disqualify candidates for the presidency.

Minutes after the ruling was published, Mr Trump wrote on the Truth Social online site: Big win for America!!!

Speaking later from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, he said the ruling would be remembered for 200 years and praised the Supreme Court for working so quickly and so diligently and so brilliantly.

He said: The voters can take the person out of the race very quickly, but a court shouldnt be doing that and the Supreme Court saw that very well, and I really do believe that will be a unifying factor.

Buoyed by the ruling, Mr Trump added: Super Tuesday is the big one and we could clean it out.

While Mondays ruling is specific to Colorado, it will set a precedent for other states, including Illinois and Maine, which had also moved to bar him from the primary race.

The Supreme Court overruled the Dec 19 decision by Colorados top court to remove the former president from the states Republican primary ballot on the insurrection clause set out on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

The provision was adopted after the Civil War in 1868 and was intended to keep former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from regaining power.

The Supreme Court concluded that while states can disqualify people from state office, they have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency.

In a concurring opinion, the three Democrat judges said the Colorado ruling would create a chaotic state-by-state patchwork, at odds with our nations federalism principles.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson said it would defy logic to give the states new powers to determine who may hold the presidency.

The Colorado Republican Party had requested that the Supreme Court make its judgment before Tuesdays primary contest.

Jena Griswold, the Colorado Secretary of State, expressed disappointment at the ruling stripping states of the authority to enforce the disqualification clause, writing on social media: Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.

Mondays decision was largely expected after both Republican and Democrat judges expressed concern about individual states having the power to decide the presidential election during last months two-hour court session.

The Supreme Courts decision came five days after it agreed to decide Mr Trumps claim of immunity from prosecution on charges related to trying to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Urging the court to again find in his favour, Mr Trump said on Monday: The president has to have immunity or they wont be able to function, theyll be ceremonial.

A president should be free and clear and frankly celebrated for having done a good job, not indicted four times and not gone after on a civil basis and not demanded to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fines on something that was absolutely perfect.

The court, which has a 6-3 Republican majority, acted in a speedier manner in deciding the ballot disqualification issue, benefiting Mr Trump, than it has in resolving the immunity question. Delays in deciding the immunity issue could help the former president by delaying his criminal trial.

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Donald Trump's success in the national primary race is partly due to his grasp on the Republican Party's apparatus - Win McNamee/Getty Images

Colton Weeks had supported the Democrats for his entire life before he decided to become a Republican in 2016.

Donald Trumps first election campaign resonated with him, and he started to see through the bulls--t of mainstream media reporting, he said.

The 54-year-old tech consultant believes the 2020 election was stolen, and on January 6 2021 he attended the pro-Trump protest at the US Capitol in Washington.

After that, his friends in San Francisco stopped inviting him to events. His own mother blocked his phone number.

It was like coming out again, and coming out of the closet a second time as a conservative, I felt less safe than I did coming out as a gay man, he said.

Republicans are difficult to find in San Francisco, Americas most liberal city. They make up just 12 per cent of voters, and many keep their politics hidden to avoid the ire of outspoken Democrats.

But as California joins 14 other states in the Super Tuesday primary elections this week, they have a major role to play in Mr Trumps re-election campaign.

His success in the national primary race is partly due to his grasp on the Republican Partys apparatus, which is so firm that it has led to accusations that the vote is rigged in his favour.

In Michigan and Nevada, the rules were changed last year to make it more likely that Mr Trump would receive the most delegates. The same is true in California, where his supporters have turned the primary into a winner-takes-all contest.

The sheer size of the Golden States population means that even though Republicans are vastly outnumbered by Democrats there, they have a greater bearing on the GOP result than any other voters.

On Tuesday, the states 169 Republican delegates will be the biggest prize of the night  and all are set to be handed to Mr Trump, in his biggest victory yet.

Since the beginning of the primaries on Jan 15, the former president has lost just one vote, in Washington DC, and sometimes wins states by 20 points or more.

The latest California polling, released by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley on Friday, found the former president is likely to sweep up three-quarters of Republicans.

Nikki Haley, Mr Trumps only remaining opponent, will walk away with just 15 per cent of the vote, the poll predicts.

Mark DiCamillo, a veteran pollster who conducted the research, describes Mr Trumps dominance of the race as overwhelming.

He has continued to go up in every successive poll weve done this year, he said. He was at 66 per cent six weeks ago. Hes now at 75 per cent.

Mr Trumps nomination, which looked far from certain just nine months ago, is now effectively guaranteed.

With the result in California on Tuesday, plus expected victories in big states like Texas and Virginia, Mr Trump could declare victory as early as mid-March  months before primary contests are usually settled.

Republicans in California share a lot of the same concerns and issue priorities as Republicans nationwide, even though theyre a much smaller share of the states voters, Mr DiCamillo said. Theyre very much behind Trump.

This is clear from speaking to GOP members, who quietly support Mr Trump but are less vocal than MAGA Republicans in other states.

Im voting for Trump, said Charlotte, who declined to give her surname because she was concerned about being targeted by liberal activists.

Im not voting for Nikki Haley. Are you kidding me? Shes exactly what we dont want.

Another supporter, who said she feared she would lose her job at a major tech firm if she gave her opinions in public, agreed.

I am going to be voting for Trump  I never have before. But if I were to put a Trump 2024 sign on my window, I guarantee someone would put a rock through it, she said.

Previously, Californias results were highly localised to reflect its size and diversity, allowing a candidate to win just one district and still walk away with delegates at the Republican National Convention in July.

Now, after a campaign by Trump supporters at the state level, any candidate who receives more than 50 per cent of the statewide vote will receive all of the delegates.

The decision infuriated Mr Trumps opponents and effectively sank Ms Haleys campaign before it had even begun.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley at a campaign event in Portland - Joel Page/Reuters

Mike Madrid, a GOP consultant and former political director of the California Republican party, said Trump people had railroaded the changes through last September to ensure their candidate would receive the maximum number of delegates.

This was done with the full imprimatur and blessing of the Trump people. Its a complete power play to dominate the party, he said.

One of the ironies is that the old system was instituted years ago by grassroots organisers to prevent the establishment Republicans from controlling who would be the nominee.

This has had the effect of doing the exact opposite  it prevents Nikki Haley or the other candidates from being competitive. It has allowed for complete dominance of Donald Trump.

Such is Mr Trumps sway over Californian politics that a separate election to choose a new senator in November has also become a referendum on his presidential campaign.

Steve Garvey, a GOP contender for the seat, has received much of his support because he is considered the most pro-Trump candidate, while on the other side Adam Schiff won the backing of his party for working on the impeachment of Mr Trump during his last presidency.

Theyre not asking questions about abortion or climate change or gun control or economics, said Mr Madrid.

All they care about is who is the most anti-Trump, and if Trump doesnt like you the most, you get the nomination.

As Mr Trumps supporters set about remaking the state party in his image, the former president himself dialled up his attacks on Californias liberal politicians.

In a speech this week, Mr Trump extended to Gavin Newsom, the Democratic state governor, the compliment of a nickname: New-scum.

Nancy Pelosi, the veteran San Francisco Democrat, already features heavily in Mr Trumps speeches as Crazy Nancy.

The former president told the state Republican convention last year: While California was once a symbol of American success, today, under the radical left fascists and Marxists that run your stateits becoming a symbol of our nations decline.

Turning to the issue of rampant crime in many Californian cities, he promised: We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft. Very simply, if you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store.

On the ground, his campaign appears to be working among Republicans and Democrats alike.

California has voted for a Democrat president in every election since 1992, and since Barack Obamas 2008 campaign, the margin of victory has never been less than 20 per cent. In 2020, Joe Biden beat Mr Trump by five million votes.

However, the results of the latest UC Berkeley poll find that in head-to-head matchup with Mr Trump now, Mr Biden is ahead by 18 points  a little over half his margin at the last election.

When third-party candidates are included in the options given to voters, as they will be in November, the presidents estimated lead falls to just 12 points.

Latino vote shifting

Although there is no question that solid-blue California will still support Mr Biden in November, the states polling data reveals a collapse in support among some groups that will be required to get him over the line in other more equivocal states.

Many Latinos, who make up 40 per cent of Californian voters, have turned towards Mr Trump in a rightward shift, after his concerted effort to appeal to the group nationwide.

When Mr Biden took office, three-quarters of Latino voters felt positively about him. Now, that figure is 43 per cent.

At the same time, young liberal voters in California are reporting they will stay away from the polls in November in protest of Mr Bidens support for Israel  or vote for the third-party candidate Cornel West, who is fiercely pro-Palestine.

The latest polls show 57 per cent of under-30s in the state have an unfavourable view of Mr Biden, up from 25 per cent on his inauguration day. The expected turnout is down significantly.

Pollsters say the election results in California are easy to predict: Mr Trump will win the primary on Tuesday, but Mr Biden will win the state in November.

But behind those headlines is an ironic phenomenon: that Americas liberal fortress could become the site of Mr Trumps greatest victories.

A win on Tuesday will make the former president truly unbeatable in the race to the Republican nomination, while in the general election he stands to embarrass Mr Biden with the closest California result in 20 years.

The rump of shy Republicans in San Francisco hope that would enrage the liberals around them.

They didnt want him to be president in the first place, but they certainly dont want him to be president again, says Mr Weeks. Which makes me want him to be president even more.

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After four arrests in as many months, Donald Trump has now been charged with 91 felony counts across criminal cases in New York, Florida, Washington DC and Georgia. The former president and current frontrunner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary faces the threat of prison time if he is convicted.

As Trump attempts to delay his criminal trials, hes already been hit with more than a half-billion dollars in penalties from a pair of New York civil trials. Trump has twice been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E Jean Carroll by juries, awarding her a combined $88m in damages. In his New York civil fraud trial, a judge decided that Trump and the Trump Organization had lied about the value of their assets to secure better loan terms and fined him more than $350m plus interest, which has accrued to an additional $100m and counting.

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Classified documents case in Florida

Status: Trump pleaded not guilty; trial tentatively scheduled for May 2024 but likely to be moved.



Key figures:

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Charges: 40 counts, including willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act and conspiracy to obstruct justice.



Summary: In the weeks before he left the White House in January 2021, Trump and his aides allegedly packed up hundreds of classified documents with his personal belongings and transported those documents to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Federal officials repeatedly tried to recover the classified materials, but prosecutors say Trump intentionally withheld dozens of documents from investigators and misled them as they attempted to locate the missing files.

Hush-money case in New York

Status: Trump pleaded not guilty; trial scheduled for late March 2024.



Key figures:

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Charges: 34 felony charges of falsifying business records.

Summary: The case involves a hush-money scheme during the 2016 presidential election. Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels to quash her story about having an extramarital affair with the former president. Trump has denied the affair took place. Prosecutors accuse the former president of illegally reimbursing Cohen for the hush-money payment by falsely classifying the transaction, executed by the Trump Organization, as legal expenses. The trial is set to begin on 25 March, making it the first of Trumps criminal cases to head to trial.

January 6 case in Washington

Status: Trump pleaded not guilty; trial date on hold pending US supreme court ruling.



Key figures:

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Charges: Four counts: conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights in his relentless pursuit to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election and remain in office.

Summary: On 6 January 2021, a group of Trumps supporters staged a violent attack on the US Capitol in an effort to disrupt the congressional certification of Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election. A bipartisan Senate report later concluded that seven people died in connection to the insurrection. The House impeached Trump for inciting the insurrection, but the former president was acquitted by the Senate. He now faces criminal charges for attempting to overturn his 2020 election lossincluding his actions leading up to and during the the attack.

2020 election meddling case in Georgia

Status: Indictment unsealed.

Key figures:

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Charges: Against Trump: 13 counts including racketeering, forgery, perjury, filing false documents, false statements and others.

Summary: As part of his frantic efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, Trump infamously instructed the Georgia secretary of state, Republican Brad Raffensperger, to find enough votes to rob Joe Biden of his win in the battleground state. The Fulton county district attorney, Fani Willis, had been investigating Trumps efforts to overturn Bidens victory in Georgia for more than two years before charging Trump and more than a dozen co-defendants with attempting to illegally overturn Georgias 2020 election results.

E Jean Carroll lawsuits in New York

Status: Trump found liable for defamation in two separate civil lawsuits and ordered to pay more than $88m in combined penalties.



Key figures:

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Charges: Defamation and sexual abuse.

Summary: The case centered on Trumps response to allegations by writer E Jean Carroll that he sexually assaulted her at a department store in 1996. Trump denied the allegations while repeatedly attacking Carrolls character. He was ordered to pay $5m in fines after losing his first case, but continued to attack Carroll, which led to a second trial where the judge ruled hed intentionally defamed her again and ordered him to pat an additional $83m.

Trump Organization civil fraud case

Status: Trump and co-defendants found liable and ordered to pay more than $450m including interest. Trump is appealing.



Key figures:

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Charges: Financial fraud.

Summary: In February 2019, Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified to Congress that the then president had repeatedly lied on financial forms about the value of his assets to procure better tax and loan terms. It was my experience that Mr Trump inflated his total assets when it served his purposes, such as trying to be listed amongst the wealthiest people in Forbes, and deflated his assets to reduce his real estate taxes, Cohen told the House oversight committee.

His testimony triggered a civil inquiry, led by New York attorney general Letitia James, into the Trump Organizations business practices. That led to a civil trial against Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization. They lost the case and were ordered in February 2024 to pay more than $350m in penalties plus interest, a combined sum that had grown to more than $450m by the time of the ruling. Trump is appealing the ruling.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Douglas County deputy was conducting a routine traffic stop, but it turned out to be not-so-routine after the sheriffs office called in the bomb team.

It started around 5:30 a.m. last Thursday with a deputy pulling over a truck pulling a camper trailer because it had no license plate and an expired temporary tag from 2023, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office.

Thieves steal SUV and trailer from Arvada neighborhood within minutes

Sheriff Darren Weekly said the deputy noticed what appeared to be drugs in the vehicle, but that was only the beginning.

The deputy found multiple packages of suspected drugs and paraphernalia along with a gun, according to the sheriffs office. These were common finds for the sheriffs office  until the deputy found a hand grenade.

They have to assume worst case scenario, Weekly said. Theyd be negligent in their job if they didnt, so we believed this was a real device. Thats why we called out the bomb squad.

Hand grenade found at traffic stop (Courtesy of Douglas County Sheriff)

Drug paraphernalia (Courtesy of Douglas County Sheriff)

Gun found at traffic stop (Courtesy of Douglas County Sheriff)

Weekly said the bomb squad determined it was an inert device, incapable of exploding.

They have an extremely dangerous job, but theyre still out there every single day doing that job very well, Weekly said. Theyre being proactive, making those traffic stops, making contact with citizens just to ensure that we have a safe community.

Trained to look beyond just the traffic stop, Weekly said deputies have a duty to serve and protect.

Theres a lot going on, and were out there every single day trying to make a difference, Weekly said.

As for the suspects, the sheriffs office said that the male driver was arrested on multiple charges including drug possession and possession of a weapon. A female passenger was arrested on drug possession.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Remember how Big Data was going to revolutionise the state? Or how Agile and web thinking would transform the civil service? How about some magic apps?

On each occasion, ministers had hoped that new technology would solve the seemingly intractable problems of bureaucratic inefficiency and dysfunction. Now its Oliver Dowdens turn to rub the bottle and pray that a genie comes out.

Artificial Intelligence is the closest thing you have to a silver bullet in terms of driving efficiency for the taxpayer, the deputy prime minister told us last November.

Last week, he urged Whitehall to rub the bottle harder, as the Cabinet Office unveiled plans to spend 110m on AI tools and technical staff. Even more AI investment is expected in the Budget.

But its quite reasonable to be pessimistic about the outcome  largely because whatever the buzzword of the day, technology has failed to do much to make public administration leaner and meaner.

The utopian belief that technology gives us improvements in national economies, in organisations, or by making individuals happier and more productive at work, is falling apart at every level.

Lets start at the top. The productivity paradox describes how we have more technology than ever but see less gain.

As McKinsey consultants wrote in 2018, the productivity boom of the 1990s from the introduction of the PC and databases was running out of puff by 2005.

The financial crash caused a further fall.

The benefits of digitisation, McKinsey intoned, have not materialised at scale.

For over a decade, businesses have been urged to undertake digital transformations and are now exhausted by it all.

Why isnt technology yielding more benefits? It should allow the physical constraints of space and time to disappear. But it seems to generate its own impediments for staff.

Instead of being freed up to work, theyre swatting away swarms of emails and Slack messages. Research for HP found that these technology-related interruptions reduced workers IQs by an average of ten points.

By comparison, a separate study found that smoking marijuana led to only a four-point reduction in IQ. No one would seriously suggest getting employees stoned to make them more productive but managers and ministers keep believing in the digital drug.

Alongside these trends, the British state has waned and then waxed.

The 2010 coalition Government cut the size of the civil service by around 15pc, and by 2016 it was smaller than it had been since the Second World War, with just over 384,000 employees.

But since then its followed a U-shaped curve, and in 2023 was larger than it was in 2010. Thats partly because it was given more to do, with resources thrown at leaving the EU, and then the pandemic. Core competencies were repatriated from Brussels, while Covid created new administrative schemes.

Alex Thomas, who spent 17 years in Whitehall, and is now programme director at the Institute of Government explains that most of the extra staff have been taken on for policy and digital work.

Consultants have also returned in large numbers. Just as Silicon Valley is laying off hundreds of thousands of tech workers, the Government is boasting its hired more than ever.

The Government Digital and Data profession has grown from 4pc to 5.4pc of total Civil Service headcount, close to our target of 6pc, said Alex Burghart, parliamentary secretary to the Cabinet Office, in a statement on Friday.

But like lawyers, digital departments come at a cost.

My personal view is that there is room to trim back on these policy civil servants, Thomas says.

The Government is encouraging staff to adopt Microsofts Co-Pilots, or Co-Parrots as civil servants are calling them.

But listening to Dowden, he appears to be describing a new technology that hasnt been invented yet.

Its certainly more capable and more reliable than anything on offer today. But we cant trust them, as the Civil Services own advice cautions: Output from generative AI is susceptible to bias and misinformation, they need to be checked and cited appropriately, the official guidance published in January explains.

A Co-Parrot burping up incorrect answers to parliamentary questions, or inaccurately condensing the ministerial red box is a disaster waiting to happen.

This sounds like a JR [judicial review] nightmare, observed Politicos Joe Bambridge, a former Treasury official. If you cant rely on it, I dont see where the big productivity gains come from? Quite.

But the biggest problem with throwing AI into an organisation is much more subtle. It simply generates lots of what we dont need: waffle.

As I predicted here a year ago, AI becomes a prop that allows the idle to look busy, which in turn, encourages the most mediocre staff and demoralises the most able. I call this the Fishburne Effect, after the cartoonist who first identified it.

In Fishburnes cartoon, one employee boasts that AI created a three-page email for him he didnt need to send, while another boasts that AI read a three-page email she didnt need to receive.

So it has turned out, as studies show that ChatGPT is good news for people who perform poorly in their jobs.

The use of AI embeds inefficient processes and lacklustre workers. If this doesnt change, dont expect any productivity gains in the office  or Whitehall.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The driver of a pickup truck was critically injured after the vehicle rear-ended a tractor-trailer Monday morning on I-90 eastbound near Batavia, New York State Police announced.

Police said the crash happened around 7:30 a.m., and the driver had to be airlifted via Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Both lanes of I-90 East between Exit 48 (Route 98) and Exit 47 (I-490) were closed for almost four hours due to the crash.

A separate crash also took place Monday morning in the same area involving a rolled-over tractor-trailer hauling bags of dirt that blocked all eastbound lanes, according to police. The driver of the tractor-trailer had to be extricated and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

An investigation into the crash involving the pickup truck remains ongoing, and more information will be released by police when it is available.

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.
A 34-year-old driver followed a GPS detour and ended up trapped in 2 feet of snow in southwestern Oregon, deputies said.

The man texted 911 to say he needed help at about midnight March 2 from Snow Creek Road, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

He had been visiting Corvallis from Santa Rosa, California, to buy a 1996 Ford F-150, deputies said.

But there were delays on Interstate 5, the highway that would lead him home, deputies said.

So he opened his Google Maps and followed a detour.

Google maps recommended a detour which he selected that instructed him to take exit 88, drive east on Upper Cow Creek for approximately 13 miles, and turn south onto Snow Creek Rd, deputies said.

But when he got five miles onto Snow Creek Road, deputies said his truck slid into a deep ditch, trapping him in 2 feet of snow.

Deputies said he wasnt prepared for the conditions and couldnt dig himself out.

Rescuers eventually reached him and drove him to Seven Feathers Casino Resort, deputies said.

Blindly following GPS navigation can potentially lead to dangerous situations and have serious consequences, Lt. Brad ODell said in the post. Although travel delays can be disruptive, it is best to remain on routes that are maintained.

Corvallis is about 35 miles southwest of Salem.

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Actor Viggo Mortensen, star of The Lord of the Rings, appeared on the red carpet of the Glasgow Film Festival wearing a black T-shirt with a Ukrainian trident. The celebrity also expressed his support for Ukraine and criticized Russian aggression.

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This was reported by the Daily Mail. "We support Ukrainians in the fight against Russian aggression, against people who condone it. Both in Russia and abroad," Mortensen said.

The star is not interested in what Western leaders should do to support Ukraine. The American used to regularly criticize former President Donald Trump when he was in office. Currently, Republicans are trying to block military aid to Ukraine.

"Two years of death, destruction and incredible suffering of the Ukrainian people. For anyone in my home country, the United States of America, or any other country in the world to ignore the barbarism, the land grab by Putin and his government, which I think is incomprehensible and unforgivable. I support the people of Ukraine and their desire for territorial integrity. Long live free Ukraine," Viggo Mortensen said in a video for United24.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A former school bus driver is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he set two school buses ablaze  including one with 42 children inside the vehicle in Utah.

Michael Austin Ford, who used to drive for the Granite School District in Salt Lake County, was ordered detained pending trial on March 1, court records show.

The 58-year-old West Valley City resident is a danger to the entire community, according to a detention order signed by Magistrate Judge Cecilia M. Romero.

The risk of danger was described as high, the order shows.

McClatchy News contacted Fords court-appointed federal public defender, Benjamin A. Hamilton, for comment on March 4 and didnt receive an immediate response.

The first fire with students on board

In February 2022, Ford used an ignition device to set fire to a Granite School District bus while driving 42 children, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah said in a March 2 news release.

Once the fire was lit, he kept driving through traffic as smoke gathered and billowed past his face towards the back of the bus where children were seated, according to video footage, prosecutors said.

The smoke originated from underneath the bus dashboard, the video shows, according to a Nov. 2 statement issued by Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

Students were seen coughing and covering their faces from the smoke, the district attorney said. One child ultimately sought treatment for smoke inhalation, the leading cause of fire-related deaths.

Ford stopped the bus after the students reported the smell and evacuated the children from the vehicle, according to the district attorneys statement.

Then, he put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, according to an information filed in court in Salt Lake County.

In state court in November, Ford was charged with 10 counts of first-degree felony aggravated arson and second-degree felony aggravated child abuse in connection with the fire, according to the district attorney.

Ford started working as a bus driver for the Granite School District in 1998, until he was put on leave in April and fired on June 5, district spokeswoman Andrea Stringham told McClatchy News on March 4.

Following the fire, the district had suspicions about the incident, according to Stringham, but there wasnt enough evidence at the time to lead to his prosecution.

The bus was repaired and returned to service, and school officials worked with authorities to install additional camera systems on his bus and took other measures based on those suspicions, she said.







The second school bus fire

Similar to the first fire, Ford is accused of setting fire to another Granite School District bus while in traffic in April 2023, according to federal prosecutors.

This time, he was seen doing so on video, prosecutors said.

Again, Ford continued to drive the bus with smoke billowing past his face, according to prosecutors.

Surveillance footage showed Ford using a lighter to ignite electrical components below the bus dashboard as the vehicle was stopped, according to the information filed in court.

Ford continues driving the bus, looking down several times at the smoke and intermittently visible flames, a statement of probable cause says. A few minutes later the fire is extinguished.

The video footage was captured after the bus surveillance system was altered to keep recording in the event that it was manually turned off, according to the information.

Granite School Police arrested Ford a few days later and questioned him before he was released, the U.S. attorneys office said.

The area transportation manager for the school district told investigators that Ford disabled his bus video surveillance system or had issues with the system several times, the statement of probable cause says.

He was ultimately charged in state court with second-degree felony arson and second-degree felony obstructing justice in relation to this fire, the Nov. 2 news release from the Salt Lake County district attorney said.

On Feb. 21, a federal grand jury indicted Ford on two counts of arson of a vehicle of an organization receiving federal funds, according to federal prosecutors.

More fires?

In addition to the two school bus fires, Ford is accused of driving on two separate occasions when fires started on school buses, according to the information filed in court. It wasnt said when these additional fires occurred.

The origin of all four fires was the same: the flames came from underneath the vehicles dashboards, the information says.

The court filing notes theres also been fires at two of Fords homes and a fire involving his car.

A fire related to his car is referenced in his federal detention order, which says Ford has been living in a garage due to fire damage to his home.

In regards to the fire on the school bus with children aboard, Ford is accused of delaying extinguishing the fire, further endangering the students, his federal detention order says.

Ford is due back in federal court on April 29, when a jury trial is set to take place.

We are grateful for the efforts of Granite Police, West Valley Police and the Utah State Fire Marshall to help investigate this matter, Stringham said.

West Valley City is about 10 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

Teen breaks into school, then takes bus on joyride in parking lot, Alabama cops say

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Bus driver was drunk while taking 23 elementary students to school, New Jersey cops say

Man calls 911 threatening to blow up school, then calls back asking for a ride, feds say
Court documents released on Monday tell us that 32-year-old Lynnwood man Raul Benitez Santana is facing vehicular homicide charges for the death of 27-year-old Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd.

Gadd was hit and killed by the driver of a black SUV along I-5 in Marysville around 3 a.m. on Saturday. A witness told Snohomish County deputies that the SUV was driving fast, swerved, and struck the back of Trooper Gadds patrol vehicle. The SUV then bounced off the troopers vehicle, stopped in the fast lane, and was subsequently hit by a van with six people inside.

According to deputies, Benitez Santana -- who was behind the wheel of the SUV -- had bloodshot eyes and admitted to smoking marijuana hours before the crash, as well as drinking two Coors Light beers.

Roughly three and half hours after the incident, deputies say the reading for Benitez Santanas blood alcohol content was 0.047. Thats slightly over half the 0.08 legal limit.

Benitez Santana was booked into Snohomish County Jail. The six people in the van that hit him are okay.

Bail was set at $1 million for Benitez Santana Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn Trooper Gadd, who was a husband and the father of a two-year-old daughter.
The ballooning use of unmanned technologies including drones has consequences for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and associated infrastructure, according to the leader of Strategic Command.

Militaries and extremist groups around the world are deploying drones and other robotic technology to collect intelligence, aid targeting and even attack from relative safety. Learning how to intercept and neutralize them has quickly become a priority for Defense Department officials, who are monitoring skirmishes across Ukraine and the Greater Middle East.

The proliferation of sophisticated uncrewed systems poses a challenge to the department and our nations nuclear enterprise, Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton said in his 2024 Strategic Posture Statement, which was sent to Congress on Feb. 29. The matter is further complicated by an accelerating technological race with our adversaries, namely Russia and China, he said.

Cottons command, headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, oversees the U.S. nuclear arsenal and supports electromagnetic operations and missile threat assessment.

STRATCOM in 2022 and 2023 tested counter-drone weaponry to better understand its effectiveness and inform future investments, Cotton said in his statement. He did not disclose results.

So-called no drone zones were established years ago at military bases and nuclear weapons sites, including where parts are made and maintained. A provision in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act empowered the Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administration to protect its facilities from drones considered hazardous to safety or security.

Houthi rebels present little threat to undersea cables, US admiral says

The zones cover sensitive compounds such as Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, where nuclear-weapon cores known as pits are expected to be manufactured; the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, where uranium-processing facilities are being built; and the Nevada National Security Site, where subcritical experiments and nonproliferation research are conducted.

NNSA leadership in December visited the Nevada site, where they were shown counter-unmanned aerial system technologies.

These capabilities are applicable across all of NNSAs sites, Frank Rose, the administrations deputy, said in a statement at the time. We are developing the tools we need not only to counter the UAS of today but also to defend against evolving threats.

Among the equipment showcased was the Anduril Industries-made Anvil. Anvil drones zip toward a target on a collision path with the goal of knocking threats out of the sky. An explosive variant dubbed Anvil-M offers the same sort of countermeasure, but instead relies on a fire-control module and munitions payload.

Rose was also pictured in front of a screen displaying Andurils command-and-control Lattice software.
Dublin City Council is considering taking steps to protect a popular city centre statue from damage, following reports of wear through excessive handling.

The bronze statue of local folk hero Molly Malone is a popular spot with tourists to the Irish capital. Visitors pose for photographs touching the figures exposed breasts, a practice said to bring good luck.

As a result, part of the statue has become tarnished over time.

Now Tilly Cripwell, a student who busks near the statue, has launched a campaign calling for an end to what she believes is a misogynistic tradition.

Cripwell told the Telegraph: A lot of people clamour around her, kiss her on the cheek, kiss her boobs, its all inappropriate. Its reducing her to this derision and not giving her the status of being a national treasure.

Molly Malone is a figure from Irish folklore, the protagonist of a song about a girl who sells cockles and mussles from a barrow in Dublins fair city.

A bronze scuplture of her pushing her cart, by Irish artist Jeanne Rynhart, was erected on Grafton Street in 1988 as part of Dublins millennium celebrations. It was moved to its current location outside the Dublin Tourist Office on Suffolk Street in 2014.

This is not the first time that the statue has been in the news. It was vandalised three times last autumn, with vandals daubing Please dont, TY [thank you] and 7 Years Bad Luck across the figures decolletage.

7 Years Bad Luck refers to the idea, whose origin is unknown, that touching the statues breasts will bring seven years good luck.

Ray Yeates, arts officer at Dublin City Council, said in a statement: Dublin City Council is aware of the reports concerning people touching the Molly Malone statute. It is not beneficial for any work of art of this kind to be handled and this may cause wear or damage.

The Council is considering what measures might be effective in protecting the statute and recently carried out repairs due to vandalism.

Molly Malone is an important figure in the Dublins folklore and this statue and all public art should always be treated with respect.

It is unfortunately not uncommen for public art works to be damaged by tourists, whether maliciously or through a lack of awareness of the risks of handling. In September an Irish tourist snapped off part of a historic statue in Belgium one day after it was unveiled to the public following a 15,000 restoration. While last August, a group of 17 tourists destroyed a sculpture valued at 200,000 in the town of Viggiu in Lombardy, Italy.
The deliberations of the Dutch parliament rarely make waves in the UK, but a motion passed by its MPs last week may have a profound effect on the way the NHS treats children seeking gender reassignment.

In short, the Dutch government has been told to conduct research into the physical and mental health outcomes of children given puberty blockers, which tends to be the first step on the pathway to changing gender. Cross-sex hormone treatment and surgery often follow.

The reason this is such a big deal is that the Netherlands pioneered the use of puberty blockers, using guidelines known as the Dutch Protocol, which has been copied in the UK and around the world since it was first published by a clinic in Amsterdam in 1998.

The fact that the Dutch are now having doubts about a practice they effectively exported to the rest of the world has obvious implications, not least for the NHS.

For the past 10 years, the controversial Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which is about to close following a damning independent report into its treatment of children and young people, has courted controversy with the striking number of recommendations it has made for puberty blockers.

The Tavistock clinic will be replaced by two regional hubs, and the pending Dutch investigation is likely to have an impact on their approach to children who complain of being in the wrong body.

Campaigners against the use of puberty blockers believe the Dutch parliaments decision to order an investigation into them could represent a major turning point in what they refer to as the Wild West of gender dysphoria treatment.

The house of cards has started to fall, says Stephanie Davies-Arai, the director of Transgender Trend, a UK organisation which calls for evidence-based care for children with gender dysphoria. Country by country, this whole area of healthcare has been examined and found wanting.

Its hugely significant for the UK because the Dutch Protocol was used as a kind of template for everybody else.

When the new hubs are opened to replace the Tavistock clinic, the NHS will have to have very strict criteria for getting onto a trial of puberty blockers.

The NHS will have to have a 'very strict criteria' for puberty blockers in future, says Transgender Trend director Stephanie Davies-Arai - PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Critics of the Dutch Protocol have long complained that it was based on flawed research, that clinicians prescribe blockers as a way of pausing puberty when in fact they cause irreversible physical changes, and that data on their long-term effects is at best patchy and at worst shows that they cause more problems than they solve, including reduced bone density.

When the paediatrician Hilary Cass was asked to conduct an independent review of GIDS, she said in an interim report published in 2022 that the unquestioning affirmative approach to children who were unsure of their gender overshadowed the need to look into comorbidities, such as poor mental health.

In other words, children who may be struggling with physical changes to their bodies for all sorts of reasons are being given irreversible medical treatments when in many cases the real cause of their unhappiness may involve autism, depression, ADHD, anxiety or abuse.

Cass also noted that the NHS had applied the Dutch Protocol far more loosely than its authors ever intended.

She observed that in the Netherlands, children presenting with gender dysphoria are routinely given therapeutic support in advance of  or in some cases instead of  puberty blockers, but criteria to have accessed therapeutic support prior to starting hormone blocking treatment do not appear to be integral to the current NHS process.

Moreover, the Dutch Protocol specified that puberty blockers should only be given to children who had expressed gender incongruence from early childhood and who were not suffering from significant psychiatric comorbidities.

The NHS diverged from these criteria too. In 2011-2012, there were fewer than 250 referrals to GIDS, most of whom were boys. A decade later, there were more than 5,000 referrals, two thirds of whom were girls who had only started expressing gender-related distress in adolescence.

Rather than withholding puberty blockers from the unexplained explosion of adolescent girls who were claiming to be in the wrong body, as the 1998 Dutch Protocol dictated, GIDS recommended puberty blockers for around 20 per cent of its referrals.

Stella OMalley, a psychotherapist and the founder of the gender-critical organisation Genspect, says: The Dutch Protocol became known as international best practice but it is not evidence-based care, it is experimental care, and we cant even call it an experiment because there isnt a control group.

I think there is going to be a very difficult reckoning for all the clinics that followed the Dutch Protocol.

Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley: 'There is going to be a very difficult reckoning' - Patrick Bolger

The Netherlands is not the first country to start questioning the use of puberty blockers.

Sweden, regarded as an exemplar in the field of LGBT rights, started restricting hormone therapy for children in 2022, and now only sanctions it in rare cases.

In Finland, a review by its health service of the success or otherwise of gender transition treatment for minors concluded that gender reassignment of children was an experimental practice; that it was dangerous to give hormone treatments to young people with serious mental illness and that gender transition should not be offered until adulthood.

Dr Riittakerttu Kaltiala, a psychiatrist who oversaw Finlands gender identity service for children, was among those who raised the alarm. She has described how, when the clinic opened its doors in 2011, she expected to see a small number of boys who had claimed to be girls since early childhood but instead 90 per cent of our patients were girls, mainly 15- to 17-years-old, and instead of being high functioning, the vast majority presented with severe psychiatric conditions.

By 2015 her clinic was noticing groups of teenage girls from the same towns or even the same schools telling very similar stories about their medical history, and doctors realised they were swapping information with each other in what Dr Kaltiala describes as social contagion-linked gender dysphoria.

Finlands clinics quickly changed their protocols and sent children for counselling rather than gender identity assessment if they had other, more urgent psychiatric problems.

Zhenya Abbruzzese, a US healthcare consultant who helped co-found the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine, wrote a paper in a medical journal last year on the Dutch Protocol, in which she said that the studies on which the current version of the Protocol was based suffer from such profound limitations that they should never have been used as justification for propelling these interventions into general medical practice.

She said that only the most successful cases at each treatment stage were included in reported results, that no research was done on the effects on bone and brain development, and that the Protocol did not apply to the majority of cases being seen today, as it excluded those with significant mental illness and those who had no history of gender dysphoria before puberty.

US healthcare consultant Zhenya Abbruzzese said the Dutch Protocol suffers from 'profound limitations'

This is a question for society rather than doctors, she says. Medicine can only tell you how you can do this, not whether you should do this. Like abortion or euthanasia, gender transition should be debated on ethical grounds not medical grounds.

In the next few weeks the full and final version of the Cass Report is expected to be published. It is likely to put further pressure on the NHS to produce evidence to support any medical interventions offered to children by the two new hubs that will replace GIDS.

Bev Jackson, the co-founder of LGB Alliance which campaigns for gay and lesbian rights, adds: Im pleased that the Dutch parliament passed this motion, though its depressing to note that all four of the major Left-wing parties voted against it.

Why would anybody vote against an investigation into the outcomes of treating children with puberty blockers? If you are certain that the outcomes are good, why would you try to block it?

Davies-Arai believes we are now at the beginning of the end of the widespread use of puberty blockers.

At some point we will look back in horror at this, as we look back now on lobotomies, she observes. It might take a long time because this generation of children has been indoctrinated, but hopefully younger children will now be spared.

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Duval County School Board members wont have a special election this year to fill two seats that plaintiffs in a redistricting lawsuit argued were racially gerrymandered, a judge has decided.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard said the election requested by residents and organizations including the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP wouldnt be justified by a settlement reached last year to resolve the lawsuit filed in 2022.

Regardless of the merit of plaintiffs desire for a special election, the request for such relief in this action at this stage of the proceedings is improper, Howard wrote in a ruling signed Friday.

The 2022 lawsuit challenged the results of a redistricting effort Jacksonvilles City Council was required to do to account for population changes measured in the federal governments 2020 census.

District 4 School Board member Darryl Willie, who won election in 2022 and is shown in a 2023 photo, would have been required to run again this year to finish his four-year term if special elections had been ordered.

Howard handled that lawsuit and agreed that boundary lines for half of the councils 14 districts were the product of intentional race-based decision-making and had to be redrawn in time for the 2023 council elections.

City Council: Two Jacksonville City Council races will measure Black voting power in court-ordered map

The redrawing also affected School Board districts 4, 5 and 6, which each combine two council districts into a single School Board district.

The council and the plaintiffs ultimately reached a settlement that Howard approved in a final judgment last May.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs then asked the judge in July to also order special elections in School Board districts 4 and 6, saying people in those areas deserved districts that werent gerrymandered as fast as reasonably possible.

District 6 School Board member Charlotte Joyce, showin in a 2023 photo, would have been required to run again this year to complete the fuor-year term she won in 2022 if special elections had been ordered.

Odd-numbered School Board districts (1, 3, 5, 7) were already scheduled to have elections this year. The special election request would have required School Board members Darryl Willie (District 4) and Charlotte Joyce (District 6) to run again at the same time to complete the four-year terms they won in 2022.

But Howard said the plaintiffs didnt address the 2022 election in their original complaint, so it wouldnt be a proper to undo those district lines now.

And regardless, having settled this lawsuit without an admission of liability or a final determination on the merits, and agreed to the entry of final judgment, plaintiffs cannot obtain any further relief at this time, the judge ruled.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: No special elections for Duval School Board, says redistricting judge
Early voting for the primary elections opened at many suburban locations on Monday, March 4. Voters can pick their nominees for United States president, United States Congress and other positions. Election day is March 19.

Heres information from Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbroughs office on where and when early voting will take place in the Skokie, Norridge, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Niles, Lincolnwood, Evanston and Glenview areas and how to register online.

Voting by mail

Voters can register to vote by mail at www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote up to five days before March 19. Voters must provide their drivers license or state ID number, the last four digits of their social security number, the address to which they would like their ballot mailed and their email.

Registering to vote

Residents can look up whether they are registered on the voter look-up system and must not currently be serving time as a result of a conviction, be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, have lived in their election precinct for at least a month before the election, and not claim the right to vote elsewhere. Residents can also register the day they vote in person.

Park Ridge

Park Ridge City Hall, 505 Butler Place, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents seeking more information may contact City Clerk Sal Raspanti at (847)-318-5204 or sraspanti@parkridge.us.

Skokie

Skokie Courthouse Cafeteria Room 100, 5600 Old Orchard Road, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 19. Monday through Sunday hours are 9 p.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On election day, voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse.

Norridge

Norridge Village Hall, 4000 North Olcott Avenue, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Des Plaines

Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Street, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Morton Grove

Morton Grove American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Glenview

Glenview Village Hall, 2500 East Lake Avenue, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Northbrook

Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Evanston

Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, is open for early voting from March 4 to March 18. From March 4 to March 9, hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.; March 11 to March 15 hours are 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. March 16 hours are from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. March 18 hours are from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m.

Wilmette

Wilmettes Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, will offer early voting from March 4 to March 18. Monday through Saturday hours are 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

For more information and additional locations, voters can visit https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/early-voting/early-voting-locations/
(KRON)  A man who was stabbed last month died in the hospital on Saturday, said the East Palo Alto Police Department.

At 8:25 p.m. on Feb. 8, East Palo Alto police were dispatched to the area of University Avenue and Bell Street for the report of a stabbing. Responding officers located two men suffering from stab wounds. One of the stab victims was treated at the scene. The other was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Masked shooters kill 4 people and injure 3 at an outdoor party in California, police say

The victim transported to the hospital was identified as Frank Finney. On March 2, Finney succumbed to his injuries at Stanford Hospital.

According to police, victims provided a limited description of the suspect: Hispanic with a mustache wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. Police said the suspect fled the scene after stabbing the victims.

According to police, they do not have a viable suspect identified.

The East Palo Alto Police Department asks for the communitys assistance with this investigation. According to police, there is video surveillance that shows a white SUV stopped and appeared to witness the attack on Mr. Finney. The accompanying video surveillance footage shows the attack and the SUV on the top of the screen, police said. Police ask that the white SUVs occupants contact them to get further information.

The department is looking for witnesses or surveillance video in the area from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 8. Anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Klein at (650) 833-9904.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
An East Village man died Friday night after he tripped into an intersection near his house and was crushed by a city bus  and the driver allegedly just kept going, the NYPD said Sunday.

Shawn Gooding, 45, was walking near the intersection of Avenue D and East 10th Street at about 10:40 p.m. when he tumbled into the road near the crosswalk, police said.

Just as he fell into the street, a Metropolitan Transit Authority bus operated by an unidentified 59-year-old driver was turning south onto Avenue D, cops said.

The back of the accordion bus struck Gooding, whose battered body remained in the road while the bus drove away.

EMS workers rushed him to NYC Health + Hospital Bellevue, but he didnt make it, cops said.

Police have not charged the driver  and the NYPD said its still unclear if he actually knew he collided with Gooding.

On Sunday, the MTA president issued a statement saying the driver likely didnt realize what happened.

East Village man Shawn Gooding died after falling into an intersection and getting hit by an MTA bus. Robert Mecea

There is no indication that the bus operator was aware of any impact, agency head Richard Davey said. Nevertheless, this was a tragic incident, regardless of the circumstances, and our hearts go out to the victims family and friends at this terrible moment.

Wadeeah Sabir, Goodings younger sister, blamed a lengthy construction project strangling the intersection for her brothers death.

The construction has been there for about a year, messing up traffic and making it very dangerous for people there, Sabir, 35, told The Post on Sunday. People have to walk in the street because theyre afraid of walking in the little construction scenes that are taking up the sidewalk.

The already-constricted lanes become even tighter if two buses are passing each other, she added.

Unfortunately it had to come to my brother losing his life before anyone could notice the danger of having two buses turning in that little spot, Sabir said.

Gooding was a devoted uncle to her sisters kids, Sabir said. And he always carried bags for neighborhood women looking for a hand.

The bus driver kept going after striking Gooding. Robert Mecea

It figures hed be the one, she said. Our parents are both gone, we were a family of three sisters and one brother. He was the only man we had! And now hes gone.

The family is waiting for Goodings blood to wash away before they set up a memorial on the corner.

Theres still a little blood there, but were going to go light candles for him tonight, she said.

Other neighbors reiterated how hazardous the clogged intersection can be.

This is too dangerous, June Kim, a 31-year-old mom, told The Post as she walked with a stroller through the intersection.

One sidewalk is completely covered all the way, and the other one is usually blocked with construction and cones, she said. It wouldnt be that bad, but there are always those double buses passing each other right here so you kind of have to wait a little while.

The departments highway investigations squad is still looking into the accident, cops said.
In the cell laboratory at the Fertility Center Berlin in January, an electron microscope is used to fertilize an egg cell. (Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The Alabama Supreme Court decision last month determining that frozen embryos have the same rights as children brought the personhood debate to a surreal level that should terrify anyone who supports the right to terminate a pregnancy or start one in a lab through in vitro fertilization.

It was a preposterous ruling  three couples whose frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed at a fertility clinic were found to have the right to sue for wrongful death. But it is an example of the growing anti-abortion effort to redefine embryos  in utero and in laboratory dishes  and fetuses as people with the 14th Amendment right of equal protection under the law.

Read more: Litman: Alabama's highest court declared frozen embryos people. The U.S. Supreme Court is to blame

It's all part of the chaos over reproductive rights that has engulfed the country since the Supreme Court took away the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022, and conservative states rushed new and horrible restrictions into law. Now conservative anti-abortion politicians and their supporters have finally found out what its like to have a court interfere with their reproductive freedom.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Alabama quickly passed a bill Thursday to protect in vitro fertilization providers from criminal and civil liability  some clinics halted procedures after the ruling. It wasn't a victory for reproductive rights, however, just a stop-gap measure that will be obliterated if the personhood movement gains more traction in state legislatures.

Since Roe vs. Wade was overturned, more than a dozen states have introduced personhood bills bestowing legal rights upon fetuses or embryos, or both. Legislators in Iowa and Colorado have introduced bills that would define personhood as beginning at fertilization and subject to the states homicide, wrongful death and assault laws  with no IVF exceptions.

Read more: Editorial: Abortion opponents' latest tactic: Try to keep people trapped in states where abortion is illegal

Last week, after the Alabama decision, lawmakers in Florida shelved a bill that protected "unborn" children from wrongful death. But it likely will return in some form.

And 18 members of the U.S. Senate and 166 members of the U.S. House co-sponsored legislation in 2021 that would have conferred equal rights under the 14th Amendment to a fertilized egg. The bills have gone nowhere, but that could change depending on the outcome of the election in November.

A number of personhood laws are already on the books. A Georgia law called the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act declares a fetus a person after six weeks of pregnancy and bans abortion after that point. Louisiana has a law specifically preventing the destruction of embryos.

Read more: Opinion: How the GOP fixation on abortion could help Democrats retake the House

Abortion foes have been trying to shift the storyline, with a slew of new state laws, from punishing pregnant women to championing innocent fetuses, which is an easier sell to the public. Even Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker, in his concurrence, waxed on about how even before birth, all human beings bear the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory.

While personhood laws define an embryo or fetus as having legal rights, state fetal homicide laws vary in how broadly they consider fetuses and embryos as potential victims. Some dont say anything about abortion. Others exclude it. Californias murder statute extends to killing a fetus if it is done maliciously. But it specifically excludes abortion or any action taken by a person carrying the fetus.

This move toward declaring fetuses and embryos people with legal rights is all the more reason we need a federal law protecting the right to abortion. The decisions that voters make this year in elections will have enormous implications for how much bodily autonomy women are allowed, and could set a course for a dystopian future where their rights are trumped by the rights of their embryos.

Even straightforward legislative efforts to protect IVF have stalled in Washington, D.C. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) tried to parlay bipartisan concern about the Alabama ruling into support to rush through a bill that would protect an individuals right to IVF and a clinics right to do the procedure. The bill also would allow the U.S. attorney general, an individual or a healthcare provider to sue a state or municipality preventing or limiting that access.

Apparently all that was a bridge too far for Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi, whose "no" vote quashed its chances. The urgency bill could only pass with unanimous support in the Senate. Hyde-Smith claimed falsely the bill would, among other things, legalize human cloning and commercial surrogacy (which is already legal in a few states).

The IVF ruling illustrates the further confusion that will come from personhood laws. The IVF procedure involves collecting multiple eggs to fertilize and store so a patient can have several attempts at getting pregnant or determine with their doctor which embryos have the best chance of developing into a healthy pregnancy. If destroying the unused embryos is a crime equal to killing, say, an infant, then another reproductive right will be lost to Americans.

Abortion opponents have so fetishized embryos and fetuses that even when they support the concept of IVF, they cant let go of their quest for personhood laws that may end up not just prohibiting abortion but making infeasible the IVF procedure that has been such a lifeline for so many who cannot conceive on their own.

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.
The first week of spring is beginning. What does it bring with it - good news or worries? The stars can give us the answer.

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Astrologers have compiled a horoscope for all zodiac signs for the coming days. Read on to find out what awaits you.

Aries

The beginning of the week will bring the need to face difficult situations. At work, don't let additional responsibilities and overtime burden you. In relationships, try to establish communication with your partner and find more time to spend with each other. For single Aries, the stars promise an acquaintance that will arouse their interest for a long time. Spend more time cleaning on the weekend.

Taurus

A week full of pleasant surprises awaits you. Unexpected challenges await you at work. But don't worry, you can handle it. In a relationship, you will discover the secrets of a partner who, despite the fact that you have known each other for many years, will fascinate you. Single representatives of the sign will be able to meet a person who will understand them and allow them to express their innermost thoughts. On the weekend, you will have a pleasant time on vacation.

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Gemini

Your mood will be mercurial this week. At work, focus primarily on your current responsibilities and keep up with the pace. In a relationship, you will feel that your partner is limiting and controlling your independence, and this will cause irritation. Lonely Gemini can meet a charming person, but this relationship will not last long. On weekends, instead of relaxing, you'll have to work for extra money.

Cancer

This week you will take the initiative for new ideas. At work, you will surround yourself with qualified people who will help broaden your horizons. In relationships, expect tender gestures from your partner - handwritten notes, gourmet meals prepared with love, etc. Free-spirited people will be able to express their romantic nature.

Leo

Focus on professional tasks. At work, you will bravely face new challenges, even if it is a big risk. In relationships, pay attention to things that need improvement and common interests with your partner. If you are looking for someone, you will meet an intellectually interesting person. If possible, go on a weekend trip.

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Virgo

Positive vibrations are coming into your life. At work, someone will remind you of your mistakes, but the situation will pass quickly and your bosses won't even notice. Relationships can be stagnant, so try something new with your partner on Friday. Single representatives of this sign shouldn't waste their time with someone who has already proven that they are not worthy of them.

Libra

This week you will be inclined to take risks. At work, you'll be excited about new tasks that could bring you a leap forward in your career. Challenges will inspire you. In relationships, you will be unpredictable because you will want to freshen them up. Lonely Libras will want to have fun and will not focus their attention on one person. Relax with friends on the weekend.

Scorpio

The beginning of the week will be unhurried. At work, you may find it difficult to express what you really want from your professional duties. In relationships, you will face challenges in the area of deeper commitments. But count on your partner's understanding. On Friday, beware of rash flirting! Free representatives of the sign will return to the past to see if there are any feelings left in it.

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Sagittarius

March brings with it many new beginnings. At work, you will learn to get rid of everything unnecessary, especially those monotonous duties that do not contribute to your career. In a relationship, you will stubbornly avoid household chores, which can lead to serious conflicts. Lonely Sagittarius will feel in love with someone who is out of their reach.

Capricorn

You may be overwhelmed by heavy emotions. Things may not go in your favor at work. But don't give up, just fight for yourself. In relationships, you will have intense discussions with your partner who will try to convince you of their point of view. It will be difficult for free-spirited representatives of the sign to express their feelings for someone they really like.

Aquarius

This week you will go your own way. You'll have a lot of freedom at work, and you'll be able to work at your own pace without being overly controlled by your boss. In your relationships, you will work on creating new conditions to revive your sense of intimacy. And free-spirited people will have a new goal that will enthuse them. Allow yourself to relax more on weekends.

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Pisces

This week, you will have to take care of your peace of mind and, above all, free yourself from unnecessary thoughts. At work, you will quickly adapt to the new reality, which will prove to be successful for you. In relationships, the week will start with a conflict. But you will quickly stop analyzing so much and let go of the situation. Lonely Pisces will look far into the past in order to be open to new acquaintances.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Gabriel Chambers, wearing a Trump T-shirt, is interviewed outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 8. The justices on Monday ruled that states could not remove Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)

In ruling that Colorado  and other states  may not bar Donald Trump from the ballot, the Supreme Court has provided necessary clarity about the reach of a once-obscure section of the 14th Amendment aimed at preventing insurrectionists from holding public office.

At a time of paralyzing political polarization, it is notable that the courts ruling on Monday was supported by all nine justices. A unanimous decision on this highly partisan issue is welcome, though three Democratic appointees complained that the unsigned majority opinion went too far in saying that Congress must act to enforce the insurrection provision.

Read more: Editorial: More delays? Supreme Court was wrong to put off Trump immunity decision

It is now clear that if Trump is to be prevented from returning to the White House, he must be rejected by the voters and denied a majority in the electoral college. Whatever the legal merits of the courts ruling, its chief consequence is to bolster democracy.

The Colorado Supreme Court effectively held that under the Constitution voters could be denied the right to decide whether Trump is suitable for a second term. Its ruling barred Trump from the states Republican primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. That provision says that no person who had sworn an oath to support the Constitution may hold public office if that person "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same.

Read more: Calmes: We can't count on the courts to hold Trump accountable before November. It's up to us

At oral arguments in this case, Justice Elena Kagan, a Barack Obama appointee, seemed to channel the concerns of several justices when she raised the question of why a single state should decide who gets to be president of the United States.

Monday's unsigned majority opinion picks up on that concern. It says that state-by-state resolution of the question whether Section 3 bars a particular candidate for president from serving would be quite unlikely to yield a uniform answer consistent with the basic principle that the president. . . represent[s] all the voters in the nation.

All nine justices signed on to this worry about a patchwork result. But the three Democratic appointees and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, didnt endorse another argument in the majority opinion: that Congress must act to authorize application of Section 3 to federal officeholders and candidates. In a separate opinion Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Kagan wrote that the majority unnecessarily shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement.

Read more: Editorial: Trump's nomination is becoming a horrible inevitability. Why can't the GOP do better?

This objection isnt trivial, but it shouldnt overshadow the agreement of all nine justices on the bottom line that states may not use Section 3 to disqualify presidential candidates. As Barrett observed in a brief opinion, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home.

The court wouldnt have to struggle with these issues if Trump, after inspiring a riot at the Capitol with his self-interested claims of election fraud, had slunk out of politics. Officials or aggrieved voters in Colorado, California and other states might not have contemplated it at all if Republican politicians and voters had seen Trump for what he is: a narcissist who nearly destroyed our democracy with his attempts to overthrow the results of the 2020 election.

That alone should disqualify him in voters' eyes. His own statements since launching his reelection bid make clear that he would return chaos to the Oval Office, fray relations with U.S. allies and exacerbate racial and other divisions.

Neither the Supreme Court nor the Constitution will relieve voters of the responsibility to face facts about his obvious unfitness for another presidential term.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters looks over material Feb. 22 at a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

A hearing before an Oklahoma Supreme Court referee scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled after the Oklahoma State Department of Education voluntarily agreed to stay enforcement proceedings against Edmond Public Schools over a school library book dispute.

The Edmond district sued the Education Department, the Oklahoma State Board of Education and state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters last month, asking the court to rule on who has the authority to determine what books should be in school libraries in a district  the districts elected school board, or Walters and the state agency.

The lawsuit came after the Education Department threatened to lower the Edmond districts accreditation over the presence of two books in the libraries of the districts three high schools. The district had asked for an emergency hearing for a ruling that would prevent the agency from doing that, but the agency agreed to not take any action against the district before the case was resolved. Specifically, attorneys for Walters and the agency said it wouldnt place enforcement proceedings on an agenda for a state Board of Education meeting for the time being.

The court has given Walters, the Education Department and the state board until March 15 to respond to the district's application for the state Supreme Court to assume original jurisdiction in the case and the district's request for declaratory and injunctive relief. No hearings are set in the case for now.

Edmond student Anderson Bell speaks July 27, 2023, during public comments at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting.

However, the state Supreme Courts chief justice, M. John Kane, has granted permission for a nonprofit organization that works on behalf of local school boards to file a legal brief supporting the Edmond districts position. The Oklahoma State School Boards Association also was given until March 15 to file its brief.

Another nonprofit education-related organization, the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administrators, filed a similar motion, which the court approved on Monday. It's also due by March 15.

Walters has called both of those nonprofit groups woke organizations. In announcing in January that the Education Department would no longer work with those two organizations or the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, Walters said the groups as "work in tandem with national extremist groups that seek to undermine parents, force failed policies into the schools, and work against a quality education in Oklahoma." He provided no specifics as to how they do so.

The Cooperative Council is an umbrella organization for a group of professional organizations, including the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals, the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals, the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association and the Oklahoma Directors of Special Services.

The state school boards association is governed by a 32-member board of directors composed of local school board members, who are elected by taxpayers of their respective districts.

In addition to those nonprofit organizations, three large school districts  Deer Creek Public Schools, Mid-Del Public Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools  have publicly expressed their support for the Edmond district.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Education Department agrees to voluntary stay in Edmond library case
As Gov. Ron DeSantis has tacitly admitted, the tide of censorship in Florida schools and colleges has gone too far. And its long past time to reverse this destructive trend.

More harmful legislation poised to undermine our education system is working its way through Tallahassee this week. Despite an outcry from organizations across the state and country, the House of Representatives is expected to pass House Bill 1291 at any moment.

This bill, like its now-blocked predecessor, the Stop WOKE Act, attempts to censor college-level teacher preparation courses, essential for those entering the profession. Alongside its counterpart, Senate Bill 1372, the bill prohibits programs that are based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political and economic inequities. The bill comes amid a severe shortage of teachers in the state.

Last week, the governor and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., alongside one of the founders of Moms for Liberty, addressed the rampant book banning in Florida. While DeSantis clung to the refrain that book bans are a hoax, he also urged the Florida Legislature to fine-tune the school book challenge process. The real message from the press conference and deeper truth is that book bans in our state have spiraled out of control and DeSantis and Diaz know it.

While DeSantis and Diaz continue to blame others for the crisis they orchestrated, their admission that the situation is toxic and must be addressed opens a path to cleaning up the mess.

These are important cracks in the facade of the unrelenting wave of censorship we have seen since 2021, but they represent only incremental steps. Floridas education system is experiencing dire consequences and harm from the actions of this administration and Legislature. It is also far too little when the Florida Legislature persists in attempting to embed erasure and censorship at the core of our education system.

These bills incorporate the same provisions of the Stop WOKE Act enshrined in the Florida Statutes, which limit classroom instruction on race and gender in Floridas public schools, colleges and universities. In a lawsuit filed to challenge these provisions, federal Judge Mark E. Walker found such prohibitions to be positively dystopian... if liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.

The failure of the Stop WOKE Act serves as stark evidence that bills like SB 1372/HB 1291 offer no meaningful change to improve Floridians lives. Quite the opposite. The range of educational censorship bills advanced in the past three years are destroying our educational system, with generational consequences for all students passing through Florida schools. These bills, coupled with local movements to ban books, are working to keep Floridians in the dark, uninformed and uneducated.

We need our teachers. We need them well-informed, educated and empowered to prepare the next generation as citizens in a pluralistic society. And we need the people who train them to be able to do their jobs without fear of reprisal.

What we are seeing now is a collective desire to restore reason, logic and common sense to our school system, following years of worsening confusion, fear and disarray. DeSantis should listen to his own advice; if he is the one calling out this overreach chaos, he should be willing to take steps to curb it.

The wave of educational censorship has gone too far, but the tide can and will change. The Legislature should vote no on HB 1291 and SB 1372 and if not, the governor should swiftly veto. Florida should be a beacon of academic freedom and free expression, a state that embraces and learns from its history and shines based on the diversity of thought and experience that are the fabric of our state. We are not, in fact, where WOKE goes to die. This is Florida, where we, all of us, come to flourish.

Katie Blankenship is director of PEN Americas Florida office.
Greek life is on an indefinite halt at the University of Maryland as the school investigates possible hazing within fraternities and sororities on its campus.

The college announced the suspension Friday in a letter saying it believes "multiple chapters within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (PHA) have been conducting activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the University community."

The university did not thoroughly detail the unsafe activities but said an emergency meeting occurred Thursday with fraternity and sorority leadership. Greek life was notified during the meeting how more "allegations of misconduct may result in a cease and desist of activities for one or multiple councils."

"Despite that warning, additional incidents regarding fraternity and sorority organizations were reported today," the university said. "Therefore, effective immediately, all IFC and PHA new member program activities are suspended indefinitely, pending the results of a thorough investigation."

Cheerleaders assemble outside Reckord Armory Oct. 27, 2023 on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park for a launch event for the Maryland Service Year Option program.

Greek life can't communicate with new members, the college says

In addition to the suspension, the school said all fraternities and sororities are on social moratorium indefinitely. A social moratorium bans chapters from hosting on or off-campus events where alcohol is present, according to the school.

Current fraternity and sorority members also can have "absolutely no contact with any new member or prospective new member," the college said.

"This directive means that every current member of the organization must not contact any new member or prospective new member via in-person, telephone, postal mail, any electronic means (including social media), or third-party communication," according to the university.

Any failure to follow the college's suspension guidelines will result in "disciplinary action," the school said.

Once officials are done investigating, a decision will be handed down for the sororities and fraternities on campus, according to the university.

UVA fraternities received suspension a week earlier after a student was injured

The news in Maryland comes a week after the Univerity of Virginia suspended recruit activities for its 30 fraternities.

According to a statement on Feb. 27, the school said it was aware of an incident involving a student occurring Feb. 21 and an investigation has been launched alongside state authorities.

"Our primary concern is the health and well-being of the individual involved, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to the affected individual, their family, and loved ones during this time," the school said in the statement.

Hazing: Laws on hazing are on the books in most states. They don't protect equally

The decision to suspend recruit activities for three weeks was "made as a commitment to anti-hazing efforts and out of respect for the ongoing situation," according to the university.

The college's spokesperson, Bethanie Glover, told People Magazine that UVA has recently suspended the Universitys recognition of the Kappa Sigma fraternity as University Police investigate allegations that hazing led to the injury of one student.

The University does not tolerate hazing activity, and we act quickly to investigate and pursue necessary disciplinary action when reports are made, Glover told the outlet in a statement.

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maryland frats, sororities suspended over unsafe activities on campus
(Bloomberg) -- Egypt is carrying out a feasibility study on further expanding the Suez Canal in a push to speed up transit times and avert potential blockages in a waterway that carries 12% of global maritime trade.

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The project is meant to turn single-lane segments  50 kilometers in the northern segment and 30 kilometers in its southern part  into double lane crossings, Suez Canal Authority chief Osama Rabie said at an event on Sunday.

Read more: Egypt Grapples With Impact of Red Sea Hits on Suez Canal Revenue

The proposals build on plans first aired in 2021 after the grounding of the giant Ever Given vessel that largely shuttered part of the vital route for nearly a week. Nearly a decade ago, Egypt completed an $8 billion expansion of the canal aimed at slashing waiting times and drawing in more ships.

Initial studies were concluded and submitted to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who will receive the final proposal when its ready for approval, Rabie said. It was unclear how much the expansion could cost, and he didnt make clear a potential timeline for the projects completion.

Two companies  ACE Moharram-Bakhoum and Dar Al-Handasah  are currently conducting a feasibility study for the project and considering possible partners. The expansion will make transiting the Suez Canal 100% safe, Rabie said.

Read more: Egypt Bids Adieu to Suez Canal Saga With Payoff and a Party

Revenue from the canal  vital funding for Egypt  has been hit hard since Yemens Houthi militants began targeting ships on the Red Sea in retaliation for Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Tennessee I Voted stickers rests on display for voters at the Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill, Tenn., on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Election Day for the 2024 March 5 Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary Election is upon us, with voters having one last chance to cast their ballots.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at each districts respective polling station. Anyone unsure of where to vote can simply look at the address printed on their voter registration card or by contacting the Maury County Election Commission at www.MauryCounty-TN.gov or by calling (931) 375-6001.

More: Just a few days left for early voting as March 5 Primary Election approaches

The election commission will not have voting available at its main facility on Tuesday.

Voters must cast their votes via paper ballot, which was approved by the Election Commission in 2022 to make the voting process as secure as possible. Voters will be directed to fill out a paper ballot before entering it into a tabulator machine, where it will be counted and processed.

The process is not much different from a typical voting machine, just filled out on paper and fed through a separate counting device.

This year's primary includes elections for U.S. President, as well as even seats on the Maury County School Board and Circuit Court Judge for District 22. School board District 2 and 10, as well as Property Assessor did not have Republican or Democratic candidates to pull a petition to run, but the seats will be open to Independent candidates in the Aug. 1 county general election.

The qualifying deadline for Independents to run in the Aug. 1 election is April 4.

According to the Maury County Election Office, no independent candidates have pulled a petition to run for school board, District 2, District 10 or Property Assessor.

Voters also are encouraged to download the Tennessee Secretary of States Go Vote TN app for theirsmart phones, which lists polling locations and information. Please see govotetn.com for details.

Visit the Maury County Election website for more information, https://www.maurycounty-tn.gov/227/Election-Commission.

Candidates listed in the March 5, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary elections include:

Candidates for Republican Party

U.S. President

Ryan Binkley

Chris Christie

Ron DeSantis

Nikki Haley

Asa Hutchinson

Vivek Ramaswamy

David Stuckenberg

Donald J. Trump

Circuit Court Judge District 22

Julie C. Heffington

Assessor of Property

No qualified candidate

Superintendent of Roads

Ken McKee

School Board District 2

No qualified candidate

School Board District 4

Darryl Martin

School Board District 6

Sue Stephenson

School Board District 8

Brendan Babcock

School Board District 10

No qualified candidate

Constable District 7

Patrick Ryan

Constable District 11

Aaron Easton

Candidates for Democratic Primary

U.S. President

Joseph R. Biden

School Board District 8

Gregory Hanners

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Election Day: Maury voters urged to cast ballot in Tuesday Primary
TWO RIVERS - Katrina B. Baur and Jesse Vang are both expected to appear in Manitowoc County Circuit Court Thursday as they continue to face child neglect charges related to the disappearance of 3-year-old Elijah Vue.

Baur, 31, of Wisconsin Dells, is being held at Manitowoc County Jail on a $15,000 bond and is suspected of felony child neglect in connection with the disappearance of her son.

Vang, a 39-year-old Two Rivers man, was also arrested and charged with felony child neglect. According to the criminal complaint, Elijah was staying at Vang's Two Rivers residence for over a week before he disappeared while his mother stayed in Wisconsin Dells.

Elijah was reported missing Feb. 20. Daily search efforts by local, state and federal law enforcement officers have included canvassing of urban and rural neighborhoods; searches of rivers, shores and a landfill in Calumet County; and K-9 teams "checking and rechecking various areas."

Firefighters from St. Nazianz Fire Department walk along State 310 near Johnston Drive in the search for missing 3-year-old Elijah Vue Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Two Rivers, Wis.

The FBI has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to locating Elijah or convicting those responsible for his disappearance, and Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward.

In a press release from Two Rivers police Sunday, law enforcement canvassed rural areas throughout the weekend, and they continue to follow up on all tips and leads that they receive.

Volunteer groups made up of residents also continue to aid in searching for the child by volunteering daily to canvass neighborhoods and other public areas.

Elijah Vue latest: Extensive rural search involving numerous agencies is conducted Saturday

Do you have information about Elijah Vue?

Elijah, a 3-year-old boy from Two Rivers, is missing Feb. 20. The Two Rivers Police Department has asked the public for help with finding him.

Police describe Elijah as being of Hmong and white ethnicity with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 3 feet tall and has a birthmark on his left knee. He was last seen wearing gray pants, a dark-colored, long-sleeve shirt and a pair of red-and-green dinosaur slip-on shoes. He may also be carrying a red-and-white plaid blanket.

If you have information that could help the Two Rivers Police Department find Elijah Vue, contact their tipline at 844-267-6648 or submit information via the Crime Stoppers app P3.

People who share information that leads to finding Elijah or the arrest of anyone involved in or responsible for his disappearance could be eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000 through Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers or $15,000 through the FBI.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Elijah Vue latest: Missing Wisconsin boy's mother, caretaker in court
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Twitter's former top brass, who say he owes them more than $128m (100m) in unpaid severance.

The four executives, including former chief Parag Agrawal, said Mr Musk fired them as he took over Twitter, now X, "without reason, then made up fake cause" to avoid handing over the money.

They said the move was part of a "larger pattern" of refusing to pay former staff what they were due.

Mr Musk did not immediately comment.

Mr Agrawal filed the lawsuit with former chief financial officer Ned Segal, former chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde and former general counsel Sean Edgett.

In the lawsuit, they contend that under a years-old severance plan they are owed one year's salary and stock awards. That would total more than $57m for Mr Agrawal; more than $44m for Mr Segal; more than $20m for Ms Gadde; and more than $6m for Mr Edgett.

Mr Musk purchased Twitter in 2022 for $44bn. The billionaire attempted to get out of the acquisition, but he eventually went ahead with the contentious agreement under threat of a lawsuit.

He then moved within minutes of the deal closing to fire key leaders, which included the four executives.

According to the lawsuit, the four men were told they had been sacked for "gross negligence and willful misconduct". Examples that were given included signing off on retention bonuses for Twitter employees, thousands of whom were also fired in the wake of the takeover.

But the lawsuit alleges Mr Musk was angry about being forced to complete the purchase. It further claims he has attempted to avoid paying the millions he owed the leaders, dismissing the severance plans that laid out compensation if the executives lost their jobs without cause.

The two sides have been fighting over the money ever since and have now exhausted the administrative process, the lawsuit said.

X has previously said staff were paid in full. Mr Musk's attorney, Alex Spiro, did not respond to a request from the BBC for comment.

In the lawsuit, however, the executives accused Mr Musk of turning the company into an entity that flouts the law and does not pay its debts.

"Musk doesn't pay his bills, believes the rules don't apply to him, and uses his wealth and power to run roughshod over anyone who disagrees with him," according to the filing in federal court in California.

Last year, a former human resources officer at the platform filed a class action lawsuit accusing the company of failing to pay roughly $500m (385m) in severance pay owed to former staff.

The roughly 20 people working for the company in Ghana at the time of the takeover, which took place roughly 16 months ago, told the BBC in February that they had only recently received the money they were due.

The four executives' lawsuit has attempted to paint Mr Musk as an individual who avoids paying his debts and treats his employees poorly.

"Musk's refusal to pay ... is part of a larger pattern of refusing to pay Twitter's former employees the benefits and other compensation they are due," Mr Agrawal and his former colleagues alleged in the lawsuit.
It took 19 years to try and convict Iain Packer for Emma Caldwell's murder

The mother of Emma Caldwell is to meet the first minister on Tuesday to call for a public inquiry into the investigation of her daughter's murder.

Margaret Caldwell wants a judge to look into the failings by police in the case.

Iain Packer was jailed for life on 28 February for the murder of Emma as well as 11 rapes and multiple sexual assaults against a total of 22 women.

The Scottish government has said it will consider a public inquiry.

After the verdict, Police Scotland apologised for how the original inquiry was handled and for letting down Emma and other victims.

Ms Caldwell's family said she had been failed by officers due to a "toxic culture of misogyny and corruption" which left Packer free to rape other women.

A BBC investigation showed how police missed the chance to catch Packer in the months after her murder because senior officers repeatedly dismissed him as a suspect.

Four former detectives who were involved in the earliest stages of the inquiry said evidence of Packer's violent, abusive and predatory behaviour was known to police from the start of their investigation.

But they said senior officers told them not to pursue Packer and instead wrongly built a case against four Turkish men who were then cleared.

Mrs Caldwell told BBC Scotland News she could "breathe again" after Packer was found guilty.

"When they found Emma's body, and they came in and told me they had found her body, I just took this huge breath in and now I feel as if I can let it out," she said.

Margaret Caldwell has called for a judge-led public inquiry into the investigation

"I can breathe again and go on. She will always be in our thoughts. She will always be there. She will always be my Emma."

The family's lawyer Aamer Anwar described Packer as being "one of the UK's worst sex offenders" and called for a "robust" judge-led public inquiry into the original police investigation, adding that some officers had "blood on their hands".

'Tireless campaigner'

Speaking at first minister's questions on Thursday, First Minister Humza Yousaf said ministers were exploring a judge-led public inquiry and said they were giving "very serious consideration" to the idea.

On Monday, Mr Yousaf, said he was looking forward to meeting Mrs Caldwell, though he wished it was not under such circumstances.

"I want to pay tribute to Margaret Caldwell who has been a tireless campaigner," he said.

"I'm looking forward to hearing directly from Margaret Caldwell and then of course rightly we will update parliament in terms of any next steps that we choose to take forward."

Later in the week, Mrs Caldwell is also due to meet the chief constable of Police Scotland and the Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC.
Take 5 Car Wash located at 1676 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, as seen on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

To save some cash, Scott Olson thought to cancel his car wash membership with Take 5 in Waukesha.

He figured the process would be as easy as the Take 5 website suggests  just an online form or a quick chat at his preferred location.

Instead, Olson said employees at the Waukesha location told him they had no clue how to cancel his membership.

According to Olson, one manager said the issue could be that his membership began under previous ownership  when the location was still called Coast Car Wash  and suggested Olson cancel his debit card.

"Obviously I have a lot of other bills, stuff coming through [to that card]," Olson said. "That's the last thing I want to do."

Olson said he then tried canceling his membership through Take 5's website, which didn't recognize his account numbers. Two emails to the company's main customer service line also went unanswered.

After a month of frustration, Olson reached out to Public Investigator in February as a last effort.

Within a day of Public Investigator reaching out to Take 5, company spokesperson Taylor Blanchard responded and said the company was canceling Olsons membership and reimbursing him for January and February's membership fees.

"We sincerely apologize to Mr. Olson about the trouble cancelling his membership at our Waukesha location," Blanchard said in an email.

Take 5 followed up with Olson via email the same day. The email, which Olson shared, said Take 5 will send him a check for $109.98.

Olson, who paid $54.99 per month for his two cars to have unlimited car washes, said he was surprised by the prompt response.

"Wow," he said. "Good job."

What was the holdup?

It's still unclear exactly what caused the delay with ending Olson's membership.

The Take 5 Waukesha location did not respond to the Public Investigator team's calls and voicemails. Blanchard, the company spokesperson, did not answer further questions about why Olson could not cancel his membership or whether the issue had happened with other people.

Olson said he first went to the 1676 Arcadian Ave. location in late January to try to cancel his membership, with no success. After he was also unsuccessful canceling his membership online, Olson sent two emails to the company on Feb. 5 and another on Feb. 6 but didnt get a response, his emails showed.

At one point, a manager at the Waukesha location told him the issue could be because his membership was originally with Coast Car Wash, he said.

When Take 5 took over the Coast Car Wash location a few years ago, Olson said he got a new membership sticker. But the charges to his bank account still stated "Coast Car Wash" each month, according to screenshots of his charges.

Beth Klumb, the co-owner of Coast Car Wash, said she and her husband washed their hands of the business three years ago when they sold it to Take 5. They sold three locations, including the one in Waukesha, in 2021 she said.

"We don't get one penny any more from that," Klumb said. "All the accounts for Coast Car Wash are all closed out. There's not even a checking account open."

Are other people struggling to cancel their Take 5 car wash membership?

A few months ago, Jeremy Taylor said he also struggled to cancel his membership with Take 5 in West Allis.

He posted about his frustration on Facebook last November, writing that he contacted Take 5 "twice both in writing and by phone" with no success.

Taylor told Public Investigator that his membership also was initially with Coast Car Wash before the West Allis location was sold to Take 5, and that his charges were also still under the Coast Car Wash name.

Jeremy Taylor's Nov. 2, 2023 Facebook post about struggling to cancel his car wash membership with Take 5.

Taylor said he initially tried to end his membership last September at the 10901 W. Lapham St. location. A few weeks after his Facebook post, after several emails to corporate, he was able to cancel his membership, Taylor said.

He said he wasn't reimbursed by Take 5.

The state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said it hasn't received any complaints involving Take 5 in the past four years. Wisconsin residents who have a complaint about a business or people who have a complaint about a Wisconsin business can file a complaint with the agency online.

Olson is concerned that the same problem is still happening to other members, and wonders how local Take 5 employees will be able to help others in his shoes in the future.

When he first spoke to Public Investigator, Olson said he wasn't so sure his difficulty cancelling his membership would be a story worth investigating. He said his coworkers asked him if it could be a user error on his part, rather than a company error.

"They were like, 'Scott, did you try this? Did you try that?'" Olson said. "And I was like, 'Yes, I did.' So see, this is a story."

Gina Castro is a Public Investigator reporter. She can be reached at gcastro@gannett.com.

About Public Investigator

Public Investigator

Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to watchdog@journalsentinel.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Take 5 offers refund to man who was unable to cancel his car wash membership
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson has opened the door for U.S. lawmakers to agree on a new proposal for a bill that includes aid to Ukraine. Republican supporters of this plan believe that the aid project will be finalized by mid-March.

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This was reported by CNN. According to the speaker, before that, it is necessary to finalize the development of a law on public funding.

Privately, Johnson has met with other Republicans who insist that the bill should include restrictions on the border with Mexico. Lower House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul has taken the lead in finalizing the proposal to bring it to a vote by the end of March or early April.

However, Republican supporters of the plan believe that once the aid bill is finalized by mid-March, it will still be put to a vote. Even though it may provoke a backlash from far-right Republicans or even lead to a vote to remove Johnson as speaker.

"More than you think. We've got to do something," said Brian Fitzpatrick, a representative of the lower house from Pennsylvania, when asked about the support for the bill among Republicans.

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However, it is extremely difficult to pass the bill through the House of Representatives. Republicans are divided on the issue of Ukraine, and former President Trump can kill the bill with a single post on social media.

In addition, its adoption will require broad support among Democrats, which is also difficult given that the package contains additional border restrictions and aid to Israel, which is likely to be opposed by the left wing of the party.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, US President Joe Biden met with the leaders of both houses of Congress to unblock aid to Ukraine. As a result of the meeting, it became known that three out of four congressional leaders supported the allocation of funding for Ukraine and urged Johnson to finally bring the bill passed by the Senate to a vote in the House of Representatives.

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After the meeting with Biden, Johnson himself said that "first and foremost, we need to think about the needs of the United States." He prioritized the issues of border protection and avoiding a shutdown.

As a reminder, on February 15, two days after the Senate passed a bill that included more than $60 billion for Ukraine, Johnson adjourned the House of Representatives. Senators did not consider the bill on aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
End of Life Act would set back NH suicide prevention efforts

Feb. 28  To the Editor:

As a college student at the University of New Hampshire and a resident of Rochester, I oppose House Bill 1283 (known as the End of Life Act). I feel strongly that a law that legalizes suicide in New Hampshire would have detrimental effects on young people.

By normalizing the act of ending one's life with medical assistance, especially in a state like NH where suicide rates among youth are already too high, you are effectively stating that an acceptable solution to life's challenges is killing yourself.

House Bill 1283 is being considered by New Hampshire lawmakers.

This proposed legislation would undermine all the good work the state has done on suicide prevention over the years. It sends the wrong message about the value of life and the importance of seeking support during times of distress.

There are many young people who struggle with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues  particularly the LGBTQ community where suicide rates are high.

Please promote life, not death, by voting NO on HB 1283.

Sam Farrington

Rochester

More: NH End of Life Act opponents push against 'normalizing' suicide: Here are their concerns

More: NH urged to allow terminally ill to choose death by families whose loved ones experienced painful deaths

Rye candidate is preaching, but not delivering the goods

Feb. 27  To the Editor:

In response to Rob Wrights letter of Feb.19 announcing his run for the Rye Select Board, I am expressing my concerns about his candidacy. In his letter, Mr. Wright validates the actions of a resident who made errors in not applying for proper permits to develop his property. As a member of the Rye Planning Board this speaks poorly of Mr. Wright as land use regulations exist to protect residents and our precious natural resources, including water supplies. Moreover, the act of remedying land use violations via after-the fact permitting is a costly affair for the Town and the Building Department.

Mr. Wright is preaching fiscal responsibility, yet in his role as Chair of the Long-Range Planning (LRP)and Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC), he has yet to deliver the goods when it comes to updating the Master Plan in a timely fashion. Three-years into this project, Mr. Wright is still focusing on conduct[ing] outreach and listening sessions, while manifesting this as an accomplishment.

Initial budgeting and planning for this update of the Master Plan began in the Fall of 2020, yet the timeline to complete this project is not until the end of 2025. Close to $150,000 is being spent just for consultants, and this in addition to staff time. A circuit rider from the Rockingham Planning Commission was hired to help the Planning Department in July 2023 via a $45,000 contract/year.

In running for a seat on the Rye Select Board, Mr. Wright is abandoning the ship, namely he is not finishing the job that he set out to do as both the Chair of the LRP and MPSC.

I support Tom King.

Dominique Winebaum

Rye

Vote for Tom King for Rye Select Board

Feb. 28  To the Editor:

We have an opportunity on March 12 to vote in town elections to strengthen our democracy even (especially) at the local level.

I value democracy. I value experienced candidates who demonstrate character, whose actions are in sync with their high values.

In Rye, Im supporting the re-election of Tom King, our current chair of Selectmen. I have personally witnessed Toms diligence as well as his kindness and fairness. He shows concern and respect for our towns infrastructure as he oversees issues with our drinking water and swimming water, the sewers and conservation. He has been a leader in planning for Ryes future, equitable school funding and so much more.

Despite all this important and critical business, Tom responded to my own small request with his time, his concern. BUT, he went far beyond my ask and spoke up publicly for veterans and Gold Star families. His support matters to me.

Sovote for people who share your goals for your town. In Rye, I encourage you to vote for character, as in Tom King.

Nancy Irving Marston

Rye

Rye must vote in best interest of town

Feb. 29  To the Editor:

If Rye residents dont show up and make good voting choices on March 12 I have no sympathy for what may and may not happen in our town. There are a slate of people running who are not right and are wrong for Rye. The good news is we have a number of excellent people offering to serve.

I have been attending Select Board meetings for the last fifteen years and Tom King is one of the best Select Board members we have had in all those years. Correspondence from and observations of the other Select Board choice has demonstrated why Tom King is head and shoulders a far superior choice.

Serving on the Budget Committee with me, Kate Dumas brought much needed financial experience and Doug Abrams has been on the Budget Committee since I first became a regular at Budget Committee meetings. I recently met Laurie Mashall Belden and recognized her from School Board meetings. As a parent Belden learned that Rye and Greenland students were less prepared to succeed in advanced math at PHS. As a result of her efforts, both schools will be adding an Algebra 1 option. She is a School Board candidate who will hit the ground running.

For the Library, Jeff Ross has been a past chair and I have worked closely with him on the Budget Committee. The current board has also benefitted greatly from the other incumbent, JoAnn Hogdon, who many know from her IT guidance newspaper stories. Rachel McCann is running for the two year Library position and impressively made the effort to meet me.

In the contested Planning Board race, I am the only candidate who is a current Planning Board Alternate. I had been attending Planning Board meetings or watching recordings, so when the Planning Board needed alternates last year, I made that commitment.

Rye residents should feel free to ask me direct questions (no social media) and tap into the decade and a half of analyzing budgets and following Town, School and water district activities.

Steven Borne

Rye

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: End of Life Act would set back NH suicide prevention efforts: Letters
Kentucky House Bill 500 was recently passed by a House of Representatives' Small Business and Information Technology Committee  a 9-4 vote  is now headed to the House floor for a full chamber vote.

The bill focuses on employee lunch and rest breaks, as well as other employee benefits enforced by Kentucky labor laws.

Could Kentucky lose lunch breaks?: Bill repealing right to breaks advances

Here's what you need to know about HB 500 in Kentucky:

What is KY HB 500?

Kentucky Rep. Phillip Pratt, R-Georgetown, is the committee chair and owner of a landscaping business called Pratt's Lawn and Landscape.

The bill aims to:

Eliminate required lunch breaks

Eliminate required rest breaks

Eliminate time-and-a-half overtime pay for working 7 days in a row.

Statute of limitations for bringing employment lawsuits decreases from five to three years.

Pratt sponsored HB 500 and claims his efforts are to "modernize" Kentucky labor law so it will match federal law. He's also the sponsor of HB 255  a bill threatening to weaken the state's child labor laws.

Employers can still provide lunch breaks and rest periods by choice, according to Pratt, a practice his company plans to continue.

However, an employment law attorney, organized labor groups and more are crying foul over the proposition.

Michele Henry, a Louisville employment law attorney at Craig Henry PLC, referred to the bill as simply unfair to employees who are spending eight or more hours a day at the workplace.

"They should be entitled to time off to eat and to engage in other activities. Eliminating breaks increases the chance of injuries and burnout."

'Fight until our very last breath': Unions rally against bill weakening child labor law

Kentucky lunch breaks bill amendment made by sponsor Rep. Phillip Pratt

On Monday, March 4, Pratt walked back his initial offering afer an outcry from labor groups and phone call and emails from concerned constituents.

The floor amendment as originally written would have repealed Kentucky laws requiring that workers get meal and rest breaks.

The bill, if amended, would:

Eliminate time-and-a-half overtime pay for working 7 days in a row.

Decrease the statute of limitations for bringing employment lawsuits from five to three years.

I guess I was surprised by the outcry because actually my attempt was to simplify Kentucky labor law to make it so small businesses could keep from getting themselves in trouble, Pratt told The Courier Journal.

Pratt claims the new version strengthens workers rights because it requires employers to relieve workers from any work duties while taking a meal break and to pay workers if they end up having to eat while working.

Pratt was uncertain when the bill could come up for a floor vote.

Does federal labor law require lunch breaks?

Kentucky Bill 500 aims to eliminate mandatory lunch and rest breaks for employers in the state.

No, according to the dol.gov. Lunch and coffee breaks are not required by federal law. However, short breaks consisting of 5 to 20 minutes when offered by employers are to be considered compensable work hours that would be included in the sum of hours worked during the workweek and considered in determining if overtime was worked.

Meal periods of around 30 minutes are considered to serve a different purpose than coffee or snack breaks, according to the website. Hence, lunch breaks are not considered work time and are not compensable.

Can I work 8 hours without a lunch break in Kentucky?

No. Currently, it is required by Kentucky law for employers to give workers an unpaid lunch break in the middle of their shift.

Do you have to take a 30-minute lunch break in Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky law currently indicates an unpaid lunch break must be provided no sooner than 3 hours after a shift begins and nor later than 5 hours after the start of a shift. Exceptions can be made through a collective bargaining agreement or mutual agreement between the employee and employer.

Are rest breaks mandatory in Kentucky?

Yes. Rest breaks are currently required in the state of Kentucky at 10 minutes over every 4 hours worked.

KY HB 500 concerns

Rep. Susan Witten, R-Louisville, broke with her party and passed on voting as expressed concern over the bills unintended consequences.

The bill, even if amended with Pratt's new language, could still allow employers not to pay employees for travel between sites during the workday, Henry said.

According to Henry, the number of lawsuits filed by employees who think they've been underpaid could also be on the rise since the statute of limitations for bringing employment lawsuits would be changed by the bill from five to three years.

This means employers who underpay employees would have to pay back lost wages for only three years instead of five. Resolutions with employers will likely be replaced by increased lawsuits.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: KY Bill 500: How a Kentucky bill is attacking lunch breaks, rest
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, believes that the statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, indicating his consideration of the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, suggests that Western politicians are beginning to realise the importance of Ukraine's victory, and they are willing to do more.

Source: European Pravda, citing ERR

Quote: "Macron's statement that he may consider sending troops to Ukraine was a paradigm shift. It indicates that the importance of Ukraine's victory has reached Western policymakers who make decisions and are prepared to do more."

Details: The Estonian Minister noted that to help Ukraine overcome the war imposed by Russia, the EU "should start by fulfilling the promises already made." Specifically, he reiterated that Ukraine has not yet received the promised one million rounds of ammunition.

Tsahkna also called on the EU to "be bolder and more ambitious."

The Estonian Foreign Minister acknowledged that there is currently no consensus on the issue of sending troops to Ukraine. However, he believes that "this (Macrons statement) may change the stance of some countries towards immediate military assistance to Ukraine, as it would undoubtedly be an easier decision than direct intervention."

Quote: "It is important to note that the principle that ammunition should only come from the European defence industry has been cancelled. It's good that we are discussing different options, and our priority is to deliver ammunition to Ukraine as quickly as possible, obtaining them from wherever possible," added the Estonian minister.

He also recalled the statement by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who urged the use of profits from frozen assets of the Russian central bank to purchase military equipment for Ukraine. Tsahkna considers this to be an important step.

"Russia must receive a clear signal that there will be no flexibility or return to normal relations until Ukraine wins, and the losses incurred by Ukraine are compensated. Through our actions, we must show that time is running out not only for Ukraine, Europe, and the entire democratic world but [also] for the aggressor," he emphasised.

Background:

Macron said last week that "we cannot rule out" the possible sending of Western troops to Ukraine. Later, he added that his resonant words were thought through.

Macrons words drew criticism from the governments of the allied countries, whose leaders have stressed that they do not intend to send troops to Ukraine.

While the majority of NATO member states have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, including such powerful players as Germany, the UK and the US, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, said on 28 February that he was thankful to Macron for starting the debate.

Moscow was outraged by Macrons remarks, warning that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would inevitably lead to a conflict between Russia and NATO.

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By Andrew Gray

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission will propose on Tuesday ways for the European Union to boost its arms industry so it can shift to "war economy mode" in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Thierry Breton, the European industry commissioner, will lay out proposals to encourage EU countries to buy more weapons together from European companies, and to help such firms increase production capacity, according to EU officials.

"We need to change the paradigm and move into war economy mode. This also means that the European defence industry must take more risks, with our support," said Breton, previewing the package.

Breton, a French former tech company CEO, has also said the possibility of another U.S. presidential term for Donald Trump - who has questioned Washington's commitments to NATO - means Europe has to do more to protect itself.

"In the current geopolitical context, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, regardless of the outcome of our allies elections every four years, Breton said.

Russias war in Ukraine has prompted many European countries to increase defence spending.

But EU officials argue purely national efforts are less efficient and want EU bodies to play a greater role in defence industrial policy.

Analysts say the war has made clear that European industry was ill-prepared for some major challenges, such as a sudden surge in demand for large amounts of artillery ammunition.

Bretons proposals include creating a European version of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales scheme, under which the United States helps other governments to buy from U.S. arms companies.

Another proposal would allow the EU to compel European weapons firms to prioritise European orders in times of crisis.

To become reality, the proposals will need approval from the EUs 27 national governments  which have often been reluctant to cede power on defence and military matters  and the European Parliament.

The proposals will also be studied closely by NATO, which has said it welcomes EU efforts to help European defence but warned they must not duplicate or clash with the transatlantic alliance's work.

FUNDING QUESTIONS

Bretons package is expected to include some 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) in new money through the end of 2027  a modest sum in the world of large-scale defence procurement.

But officials say the package will create a legal framework that would allow much greater coordinated spending in years to come, if the EU is willing to stump up the cash.

Breton has called for a special EU fund of 100 billion euros for defence projects.

Commission officials say they want Kyiv to take part in the proposed new schemes to boost joint procurement and production capacity, even though Ukraine is not part of the EU.

"Our mission here is to treat Ukraine as almost equivalent to a member state," said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of the launch of the package.

Agreeing on the proposals will take some time, particularly as a new European Parliament will be elected in June, followed by the appointment of a new European Commission.

Disagreements within the current Commission give a foretaste of some of the power struggles ahead.

While Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she will create a post of defence commissioner if she serves a second term, Breton has argued there is no need for such a role.

"If the question is that of a Defence Industry Commissioner, it seems to me that we already have one, he said.

($1 = 0.9210 euros)

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
The European Commission will propose to make Ukraine a full member of the EU's defence industry support scheme, which will help Brussels use Kyiv's experience and bring Ukraine closer to EU membership.

Source: Euractiv, citing the offer from European Commission, as reported by European Pravda

Details: One of the three objectives of the proposal for the European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP) is a step "contributing to the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base and progressive integration into the European [one], thereby contributing to mutual stability, security, peace, prosperity and sustainability".

In order to achieve this, Ukraine should be allowed to become a full member of any consortium for joint procurement of military equipment with other EU member states and have access to EU funds and VAT exemption in case of joint ownership, the draft text says.

The EDIP Regulation will be presented by the European Commission on Tuesday, 5 March, along with the EU's common political defence strategy.

Therefore, Ukraine will receive a special place in the programme, which is intended to support joint European arms procurement and strengthen the EU's defence industrial base (DIB), which utilises EU funds.

Previous defence and industrial programmes adopted in the EU have never considered any third country as a full participant in these schemes, except for Norway.

Ukraine's accession to the EDIP would be crucial in shaping Europe's DIB, given Kyiv's two-year experience in using defence equipment and its EU accession aspirations.

With Ukraine in dire need of defence supplies, especially ammunition and drones, Kyiv is engaging with EU companies to establish joint ventures, make direct purchases from the EU industry, and develop large-scale UAV production facilities. Two years of war also gave the Ukrainian army expertise in testing and utilising modern weapons.

Under the draft regulation, "contributing to the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base" is a way of "support[ing] defence readiness of the Union and its member states".

Outside the European Union, the EU industry is facing challenges in galvanising production while awaiting contracts after decades of underinvestment following the Cold War.

"Faced with a high-intensity conflict, the Ukrainian defence and technological, industrial base had to shift to a war economy model," the draft defence strategy reads, and therefore "will emerge as one of the best engines of the economic recovery of the country at the end of the war and testbed of the defence industrial readiness".

Cooperation between Ukrainian industry and European industry is a key aspect of the security commitments that the EU's diplomatic service has been discussing with Ukraine.

"Ukraine is and will increasingly be a crucial partner in the Union in the defence industrial sector, notably given its full accession process," the unpublished text of the defence strategy stated.

The draft document also envisages a separate budget for Ukraine's defence industry.

The document contains no indication of the total financial package, although the European Commission representative noted that it should be no less than 1.5 billion.

However, as the draft states, Ukraine must comply with several rules as outlined in the plan. It lists pre-conditions on the rule of law that resemble those it must meet on its path to EU membership.

Ukraine must "continue to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multiparty parliamentary system and the rule of law, and to guarantee respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, thereby contributing to mutual stability, security, peace and prosperity".

The European Commission will also consider assessing the security context to evaluate its further support.

The integration of Ukrainian industry into the EU defence programme is likely to raise questions from enlargement sceptics who may oppose giving a candidate country another single market advantage and the benefit of subsidising sensitive national industries when the membership process and the war are protracted.

Background: Earlier, the European Union reportedly engaged Ukraine to work on a future industrial strategy for the EU's defence industry.

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Euphorias Nika King has opened up about the financial difficulties shes faced amid the shows season three delay.

King played Leslie Bennett, the mother of troubled Rue (Zendaya), on the first two seasons of HBOs hit teen drama.

During a recent stand-up comedy show at Los Angeless Hollywood Improv Lab, King revealed that shes been unable to pay rent for the past six months.

Season three is coming out, I dont f***ing know. Dont ask me, I dont know. I know, its one of those things. People are like, We need season three, and Im like b****, I need season three. I havent paid my rent in six months, the actor and comedian told the audience.

And Zendayas over in Paris for fashion week, and Im like, b**** come home! I need you. Momma needs you.

Yall laughing, and Im serious. I havent booked nothing since Euphoria. This is some bulls***, she quipped.

In the time since Euphoria released its second season in early 2022, King did have a small role playing Alya, the mother of Nevine (Chloe Colman), in Adam Drivers 2023 sci-fi movie 65, although its unclear when she booked that job.

I thought my career was on the rise after Euphoria. I thought I was good, King said. It dont work that way. I called Taraji [P Henson] and she was like b**** get used to it.

The Independent has contacted Kings representative for comment.

Last December, Henson sobbed over the pay disparity in Hollywood, revealing that she almost considered quitting acting because of it.

Im only human, The Color Purple star told Gayle King in an interview series for SiriusXM. Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when its time to renegotiate Im at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and Im tired. Im tired.

Euphoria was scheduled to begin filming sometime in 2023, but was halted due to the writers and actors strikes. It has yet to begin filming as the script is still being written.

Euphoria star Colman Domingo recently explained the shows delay, telling GQ: [Creator Sam Levinson is] a person who writes and rewrites and writes and rewrites again, because I think hes wrestling with whats important.

Hes responding immediately to what the ills of the world are. I know that the one thing I can tell you is that hes very much interested in the existential question of who we are right now. Our souls. Thats what he wants to figure out with season three.

Season three of Euphoria is scheduled to premiere in 2025.
The European Commission wants Ukraine to become a full member of the EUs defense industry support scheme, which would help use the countrys military experience and bring Kyiv closer to EU accession, Euractiv reported on March 4, citing a draft proposal.

The report comes as Kyiv calls on its allies to speed up the provision of weapons and other military equipment, as delays in Western defense aid have already affected the situation on the battlefield, with Ukraine recently losing more territory in the east.

One of the three objectives of the European Defense Investment Programme (EDIP) proposal is the step contributing to the recovery, reconstruction, and modernization of the Ukrainian defense technological and industrial base and progressive integration into the European, thereby contributing to mutual stability, security, peace, prosperity, and sustainability, according to the document obtained by Euractiv.

For this, Ukraine should be allowed to become a full-fledged member of any country-consortium for joint procurement of military equipment with other EU member states, obtain access to the blocs funds, and VAT-exemption in case of joint ownership, the draft proposal says.

Read also: Ukrainian soldiers recall retreat from Avdiivka  on foot, leaving their wounded behind

The European Commission will reportedly present the EDIP regulation on March 5, together with the EU's overall defense strategy.

The draft document also envisages a separate budget for the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex but does not specify the sum, Euractiv wrote.

Previous defense industrial programs implemented in the EU have never considered any third country as a full-fledged participant except for Norway.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Feb. 29 calling on EU member states to support Ukraine with "whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia," including long-range weapons.

To ensure Kyivs victory, the EU should have "no self-imposed restriction on military assistance to Ukraine," MEPs said, urging European countries to provide Ukraine with air-defense systems, long-range missiles such as Taurus and Storm Shadow/SCALP, various types of artillery and ammunition (155 mm in particular) and drones and weapons.

Read also: Wests response to Macron comments on troops to Ukraine reveal discord, weakness, experts say

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The European Commission does not intend to negotiate with Russia to continue the transit of Russian gas to European countries through Ukraine's gas pipeline system, instead aiming to wean itself off Russian gas completely.

Source: Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, reported by Ukrinform

Quote: "I made it very clear to our Ukrainian partners that the European Commission will not be involved in [negotiations] with Russia, as it did five years ago when a trilateral gas transit agreement was made. On the contrary, according to our RePowerEU plan, we should cease using Russian gas by 2027 at the latest. We are working overtime to provide countries with alternative supply routes and alternative suppliers, and at the same time to support Ukraine and its further integration into the EU energy market."

Background:

The transit agreement between Naftogaz of Ukraine and the Russian company Gazprom was signed in December 2019, and is due to expire in December of 2024.

The European Union is preparing to rule out the possibility of extending the agreement with Russia on gas transit through Ukraine after it expires at the end of the year.

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A growing restaurant chain known for its Korean corn dogs is headed to Columbia.

Corn Dogs by Mr. Cow, which has a host of locations across the U.S., will open a spot in the Columbiana Centre mall off Harbison Boulevard, according to a recent Facebook post from Columbiana Centre. An exact opening date for the Mr. Cow location hasnt been announced, but mall signage said it is expected in spring 2024, and Columbiana Centre said in a Monday reply to a commenter on social media that the corn dog spot could be open in the next few weeks.

Korean corn dogs have grown in popularity. Much like American corn dogs, they are often battered, deep fried and served on a stick, though K-corn dogs are typically battered in rice flour rather than cornmeal.

Mr. Cow uses our own custom premix which contains a majority portion of rice flour, which makes our corndog very chewy and savory, Mr. Cow notes on its website. Also, we use freshly prepared dough for the best taste.

The corn dogs at Mr. Cow come with a host of different toppings, coatings and fillings. For instance, you can get them filled with an all-beef hot dog frank, or with mozzarella cheese, or with a mix of a hot dog and mozzarella, or with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. They have, among other offerings, a caramel puff dog, covered in caramel and sweet barley puffs, and a spaghetti dog thats covered in marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.

A post on Mr. Cows Instagram page offers the following definition of K-corn dogs: A culinary masterpiece that proves everything is better on a stick. Its like a regular corn dog went to Seoul for a makeover and came back looking like a snack straight out of a K-drama.

There are Mr. Cow locations in Hawaii, Florida, Virginia, Georgia and elsewhere.

The Columbiana Centre mall has remained an active shopping hub about 10 miles northwest of downtown Columbia, along busy Harbison Boulevard. About 30,000 cars per day travel down Harbison, while about 95,000 cars per day traverse Interstate 26 near the mall, per state Department of Transportation data.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

PANERAGATE EXPLAINED

By now, youve probably heard at least a little about California Gov. Gavin Newsoms latest controversy. But lets sum it up, just in case.

AB 1228, which gives most California fast food workers a $20 minimum wage, has a curious carve-out for restaurants that operates a bakery that produces for sale on the establishments premises bread.

In other words, fast food franchises that produce their own bread are exempt from paying their workers the new minimum wage.

Bloomberg News was the first to report that this carve-out appears to benefit one franchise in particular, Panera Bread, though a couple of others also would be included, according to that outlet.

According to Bloomberg, Newsom fought for that exemption to be included in the final form of AB 1228.

Thats notable because billionaire franchisee Greg Flynn, who owns two dozen Panera Bread restaurants in California, is an old Newsom buddy and also a mega-donor to Newsoms campaigns for reelection and to defeat the 2022 recall attempt.

So is this pay for play?

Republicans certainly think it is.

Campaign contributions should not buy you exemptions in legislation. The public deserves to know the truth about the allegations of Governor Newsoms crony capitalism, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-Santee, said in a statement.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, blasted Newsom for what he described as shaking down special interests and then using his office to set them up with favors at the expense of regular Californians.

This type of crooked dealmaking is wrong and exactly why our constituents think the government isnt looking out for them, Gallagher said.

Republicans have called on Attorney General Rob Bonta to open an investigation.

But Newsoms office last week pushed back hard on the story. Per Newsom spokesman, Alex Stack, The Governor never met with Flynn about this bill and this story is absurd. Our legal team has reviewed and it appears Panera is not exempt from the law.

As The Bees Lindsey Holden reported last Friday, Newsoms team based its argument that Panera is not exempt on the word produce.

Essentially, since Panera doesnt make its dough on-site (though they do bake their own bread), the exemption doesnt apply. Or so the governors argument goes.

Thats big, if true. But it remains to be determined whether that is the case, and the raise doesnt go into effect for another month.

It also remains to be seen whether this political blunder, possibly the biggest since Newsoms infamous French Laundry meal, will take a toll on the governors already sagging poll numbers, especially with another recall effort in the works.

POLL SHOWS PROPOSITION 1S FATE IS UNCERTAIN

Tomorrow is Election Day in California, and the fate of the sole measure on the ballot, Proposition 1, is a coin toss.

A new poll from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found that just half of likely California voters support the measure, which would restructure the states Mental Health Services Act and authorize a $6.4 billion bond to be used for homeless housing and mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The poll shows that slightly more than a third (34%) of voters say theyre a hard no on the ballot measure, while 16% remain undecided.

In a statement from Berkeley IGS, for that many voters to be undecided this close to an election is not a good thing for Prop. 1, as, historically, most undecided voters in the late stages of a bond campaign tend to vote No.

As is often the case, party tends to dictate whether someone supports or opposes the measure. Democrats were more likely to support it, with 70% saying they would vote yes, while Republicans were the opposite, with 63% saying they would vote no.

No Party Preference voters were on the fence, with 49% saying yes and 36% saying no, with another 15% undecided.

Independent voters could be the difference maker this Tuesday, but will they save it? Or slay it?

Berkeley IGS polled 6,536 registered voters for the survey, including 3,304 who had already voted or were likely to, between Feb. 22 and Feb. 27.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Access to this crucial service should never be blocked or placed in danger. I am calling on leaders from both political parties to do whats right for women, families and doctors. Now is not the time for partisan games. In-vitro fertilization treatment should be protected at all costs.

- Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel, in a statement unveiling ACR 154, a resolution to protect IVF treatment, in the aftermath of an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found that the states Wrongful Death of a Minor Act extends to frozen embryos.

Best of The Bee:

Republican Steve Garvey has jumped into a virtual tie with Rep. Adam Schiff in the battle for a U.S. Senate seat, a new Berkeley-Institute of Governmental Studies poll showed Friday, via David Lightman .

A California lawmaker has reintroduced legislation to offer undocumented seniors cash assistance when they can no longer work, a proposal identical to one Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed four months ago, via Mathew Miranda .

REALITY CHECK: Did Kevin Kiley flip votes to block Joe Bidens labor secretary nominee? Via David Lightman .

The California Democrat who authored bills creating a fast food worker council and setting a $20-per-hour minimum wage claims he was not part of negotiations that led to an exemption for Panera and similar bakery restaurants, via Lindsey Holden .

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now claiming Panera Bread will not be exempt from new fast food worker minimum wage laws as he fights back against allegations suggesting a major Newsom donor and Panera franchise owner received a special carve-out, via Lindsey Holden.
The Google Earth satellite imagery service, launched in 2005, has allowed us to look at the Earth from a perspective that no one has ever seen before. Now anyone can view the surface of our planet from satellites. Of course, this leads to extraordinary findings.

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The Live Science publication told us about the most incredible discoveries made by users. Here are some of them.

An island on a lake on an island on a lake on an island, Philippines

This piece of land is located inside a crater lake on a volcanic island in the middle of Lake Taal on the Philippine island of Luzon. Something similar was later found in northern Canada, in areas where no one had likely set foot.

Undiscovered Egyptian pyramids

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The masterpieces of ancient Egyptian architecture are still revealing their secrets, even though they have been studied for more than a century. But it seems that archaeologists have not yet discovered everything. Over the past five years, dozens of anomalies in Egypt have been discovered using Google Earth that may be unexcavated pyramids buried under the sands. Currently, there is a debate whether they are natural objects or artificial structures. Additional excavations are needed to find out, but the security and economic situation in Egypt has led to restrictions on such work.

A ghostly sand island near New Caledonia

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In 2012, a group of Australian researchers spotted a mysterious object the size of Manhattan in the South Pacific. The mysterious place called Sand Island appeared on maps northwest of New Caledonia in Melanesia. On Google Earth, it looked like a black polygon. But when scientists sailed there in November 2012, they found open water instead of solid land. In April 2013, they published an explanation of how the phantom land could have appeared on the maps. The reason was called human error and, probably, a raft with pumice stone.

Pentagram in Kazakhstan

In a remote steppe region of Kazakhstan, a huge pentagram with a diameter of about 366 meters was found engraved. The five-pointed star inscribed in a circle is located on the southern shore of the Verkhnobolsk reservoir. Commentators suggested that this was the site of mysterious satanic rituals. In fact, it turned out to be a star-shaped park laid out in Soviet times. The figure is formed by tree-lined paths, which make it look so ominous from a bird's eye view.

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Spiral installation "Breath of the Desert" in Egypt

At first glance, this figure in the Sahara sands near the Egyptian city of El Gouna on the Red Sea coast evokes associations with "alien drawings." In fact, it is an art installation called "Breath of the Desert" by sculptor Danaya Stratow, industrial designer Alexandra Stratow, and architect Stella Constantinides. In 2007, they opened the 100,000-square-meter facility, which consists of depressions and mounds.

Blood Lake in Sadr City, Iraq

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Near the Iraqi city of Sadr, there is a small lake whose waters are blood red. Scientists still have no explanation for this phenomenon.

Polka dot pattern on the ground in the Grand Canyon, USA

A strange area near a volcano on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon has been called the "Throne of the Volcano". It looks like a polka-dot fabric. However, those who "painted" the ground in such a way were identified quite quickly. They turned out to be red ants. They can create nests with a diameter of about 120 centimeters, around which a bare area of up to 10 square meters is formed. The theory still needs to be tested, but these creatures do live in the area.

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Aircraft cemetery at a desert air base in Arizona, USA

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, is a burial site for American military aircraft. Its area is more than 10 square kilometers. Almost all models of aircraft from the Second World War - from the B-52 StratoFortress to the F-14 Tomcat - are buried here. You can see this object from the ground in the video by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for the song Learning to Fly.

The word "Hamad" in the middle of the desert in the United Arab Emirates

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The giant word carved into the sandy surface of Al Futaisi Island near Abu Dhabi is the name of Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, a billionaire sheikh and member of the ruling family. He is the owner of this island. The letters that form the inscription are over 1.5 km high and over 3 km long. It is probably the largest man-made inscription in the world. It can be seen from space, and the desert is not able to carry such an object with the sands.

Secret "military base" near Kashgar in China

A mysterious set of satellite images found on Google Earth once caused quite a stir. The former CIA analyst who spotted them told Wired about them. He discovered the structures in the desert around Kashgar, a city in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. The province is known for being a giant concentration camp for the Uighur people. They live there under round-the-clock state control and suffer terrible oppression. However, further analysis by ecologist and geospatial blogger Stefan Gins, who spent several months in this part of China, showed that the site was most likely part of a large manufacturing or economic center.

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Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A former police officer at Edwards Air Force Base pleaded guilty Monday to mail fraud charges stemming from the submission of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims during the pandemic, according to federal authorities.

Bakersfield landlords settle with state over alleged tenant rights violations

Trevon Miller, 31, submitted fraudulent claims between April and June 2020, claiming he was unemployed when he was working as an active-duty U.S. Air Force police officer, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California.

Miller was issued debit cards for the claims that totaled more than $150,000, the release says. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 at his sentencing in June.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Former Gov. David Paterson on Sunday endorsed Mayor Eric Adams bid to roll back New York Citys sanctuary protections for migrants accused of violent crimes and with prior rap sheets.

He has evolved to the point where I think his take on the migrant issue is better than anyone else who is talking about it, Paterson told host John Catisimatidis of Adams on The Cats Roundtable 770 WABC AM radio.

Former Gov. David Paterson said Mayor Eric Adams bid on New York Citys sanctuary protections for migrants is needed. AP

Hizzoner on Friday said his administration is looking into its legal options after the City Council swatted down his bid to change the Big Apples Sanctuary City policy to more easily deport migrants accused of serious crimes.

The mayor has suggested the city should better cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to potentially deport those suspected of carrying out serious crimes in light of a recent spate of violence involving migrants, some linked to gangs and with growing rap sheets.

Right now, the citys self-declared Sanctuary City status is designed to help protect even those migrants from deportation.

Paterson added that even without changing the Big Apples status as a sanctuary city, the 200,000 migrants who have come to the city in the past two years are too much to handle.

The mayor suggested the city should deport those suspected of carrying out serious crimes in light of a recent spate of violence involving migrants. DCPI

The citys self-declared Sanctuary City status is designed to help protect even those migrants from deportation. NYPD

Noting the the shelter, food and other services provided to arriving migrants, Paterson said, That kind of benefit that we were allowing people, we cant do that right now.

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, in a separate show segment, said New York City residents have only themselves to blame for electing politicians to the council who pass soft-on-crime policies.

The voters of New York  a very small majority of them  come out to vote in the primary and thus end up influencing significantly what happens in the general election. Those voters just dont get it, Bratton said.

Theyre destroying the city. Theyre disassembling it a brick at a time with the crazy causes theyre supporting and the politicians that theyre electing.

Paterson added without changing the Big Apples status as a sanctuary city, the 200,000 migrants who have come to the city in the past two years are too much to handle. WireImage

Ultimately, who do you blame for the way New York is going? The voters! Bratton said. That small majority who do vote.

Who do you also blame blame? The voters who dont vote. If they were to turn out, the centrists and others, they would be the majority. Instead, they allow the minority to effectively rule the city. And look what were getting.
The former assistant coach for the Kansas City Chiefs has had his sentence commuted by Missouri governor Mike Parson after he was jailed for a DUI crash that seriously injured a young girl.

Mr Parson commuted Britt Reids sentence on Friday, and the ex-assistant coachs prison sentence has now been turned into house arrest, subject to certain conditions.

Reid, 38, the son of Andy Reid, the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, was sentenced to three years in November 2022 after he pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury.

The decision to shorten Reids sentence was made by the governor after he considered several factors, Mr Parsons spokesperson said.

Reid had completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offences, said Johnathan Shiflett, Mr Parsons spokesperson, according to the Associated Press.

Reids house arrest conditions, which will continue until 31 October 2025, include weekly meetings with a parole officer and a peer support sponsor, and he will have to attend behavioural counselling, the outlet reported.

Reid will also be required to work at least 30 hours a week and complete 10 hours of community service a month, among other conditions.

Reid was driving around 84mph while intoxicated when his truck hit multiple cars near Interstate 435 and Stadium Drive, near Arrowhead Stadium, on 4 February 2021, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors office.

Inside one of these cars was five-year-old Ariel Young, who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury as a result.

Britt Reids sentence was commuted by Missouri governor Mike Parson (AP)

Police found that Reids blood alcohol level was 0.113 per cent two hours after the crash. The legal limit is 0.08 per cent.

A total of six people, including Reid, were injured during the incident. One of the vehicles he hit was stalled due to a dead battery, and another was owned by Ariels mother, who arrived to help, the Associated Press reported.

Following the crash, Reid was put on leave until the expiration of his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

An attorney for Ariels family told CBS News in a statement on Saturday that the family of Ariel Young is horrified and disgusted by the governors decision to pardon this criminal. This is a slap in the face to a young girl who was in a coma for eight days and continues to endure the effects of the defendants actions. All privileged people who do not obey the laws of the state of Missouri should be encouraged by the governors actions.

J.R. Hobbs, Reids attorney, told The Independent that they have no further comment on the commutation.
Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee, declared game on with Donald Trump after the former president claimed that the Make America Great Again movement makes up the vast majority of the GOP.

Steele, co-host of MSNBCs The Weekend, flipped to a clip of the former president claiming that MAGA represents 96% and maybe 100% of the Republican Party as he spoke to supporters at a Virginia rally Saturday.

Were getting rid of the Romneys of the world, we want to get Romneys  and those out, said the GOP front-runner of the Utah senator who recently remarked that he would absolutely not vote for Trump in November.

But they know that we are the only ones who can stop them.

Steele, in response, noted that hes a decadeslong member of the Republican Party before taking a swipe at Trump.

If anyone is the biggest RINO, its you, and we comin for you, Steele said.

So, just so you understand, you drew the line, baby. Im stepping up to it and a whole lot of Republicans out there  at least 40% or more  are stepping to that line, too. So you just need to chill on that.

Co-host Symone Sanders-Townsend added that Steele, a long-time criticoftheformerpresident, was putting Trump on notice before the ex-RNC chair chimed back in.

Just on notice  you bring it, baby, cause you wanna punk? Lets punk, baby. Lets go, one-on-one.

Co-host Alicia Menendez went on to note a post on X from Sarah Longwell, founder of the Republican Accountability Project, who pointed to former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lakes criticism of John McCain voters.

I forget, is she the Governor of Arizona right now, or no? Longwell wrote in response to the Trump clip Sunday.

Weve already seen this movie play out when you say, We are not a big tent and we dont want you at our table, Menendez said.

Steele added that Trump  whom he called the biggest RINO in the room  has duped supporters into thinking hes somehow the conservative standard bearer.

You want to try to build a party and grow it? Youre not doing it. Youre shrinking. What elections have you won? What elections have you won? None, except your own. And youre not winning this one because you didnt win the last one, Steele said.

H/T: Mediaite

Related...
A former soldier who escaped jail for fraud by pretending he had served in Afghanistan was caught after his aunt read a news report, a court has heard.

Ashley Thompson, 29, told his cousin Michael Green in 2020 that he had won 7,000 on an online gambling site and persuaded him to allow the winnings to be paid into his account, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

In fact there was no gambling win. Thompson had used Mr Greens bank details to apply for a 7,000 loan in his cousins name, which Mr Green then transferred to him, thinking it was the proceeds of the win.

Mr Green was later shocked to receive details from Admiral Loans of the amount he owed them.

He told police and Thompson later admitted the fraud in court, but the judge was persuaded to defer sentence for four months after Thompson argued that he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

The judge had been told by Lloyd Jenkins, defending, at that hearing that Thompson had been discharged from the Army in 2017 after serving for seven years, and had resorted to using cocaine and gambling as an escape.

Turning your life around

In deferring sentence, Judge Macmillan told Thompson: I understand that you have drug and gambling addictions and over the next four months I want you to try and sort a few issues out to prove that you are turning your life around.

However, soon after the hearing, Thompsons aunt read an account on a Gloucestershire news website and alerted the authorities that he had lied about his Army service and his alleged duty in Afghanistan.

Back before Gloucester Crown Court last week, Thompson admitted perverting the course of justice with his lies, as well as the original fraud offence against his cousin.

He also admitted cultivating cannabis, after police investigating the fraud offence went to his home and found 41 plants growing there.

Jailing Thompson for 36 months, Judge Rupert Lowe told him he was an inveterate liar who came up with fictitious stories to try to excuse or explain his criminal behaviour.

Judge Lowe told Thompson: You are a thoroughly dishonest, manipulative and deceitful man.

When you appeared before Judge Macmillan you said you were suffering from PTSD. That was a lie. You said you had served twice in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2014. That was not true either.

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Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury Monday in connection with his testimony during former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial.

Mr. Weisselberg pleads guilty to the charges," his attorney, Seth Rosenberg, told a judge in court.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recommended Weisselberg be sentenced to five months in jail and agreed to his release before sentencing, which is scheduled for April 10.

The charges accuse Weisselberg of committing perjury in a deposition, as well as in testimony, in Trumps civil fraud trial. Bragg's office alleged Weisselberg lied in July 2020 in claiming he learned Trumps triplex apartment had been dramatically overvalued only after Forbes published an article detailing the issue, when, in fact, he had known about the overvaluation before then.

Bragg's office also said that as part of the plea, Weisselberg admitted that he committed conduct underlying other instances of perjury.

In a statement Monday, a spokesperson for the district attorney said, "It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial  plain and simple."

"Allen Weisselberg took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York State Attorney Generals Investigation and Proceeding, as well as at their recent trial," the spokesperson said. "Today, Allen Weisselberg is pleading guilty to this felony and being held responsible for his conduct.

Gary Fishman, an assistant district attorney, said in a statement, The harm he caused tears at the very fabric of our justice system."

Rosenberg declined to comment on the way out of the hearing. In a statement afterward, he said his client "looks forward to putting this situation behind him."

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung slammed Bragg in response to Weisselberg's plea, alleging Bragg committed repeated prosecutorial misconduct in his illegal, desperate pursuit of Trump that violated federal and state constitutions and Braggs ethical obligations.

Bragg "has been on a crusade of vindictive and oppressive pressure leading, today, to a forced plea by Allen H. Weisselberg, Cheung said. These are corrupt, election interference persecution tactics ripped from the playbook of Joseph Stalin, which cannot be allowed in America."

Weisselberg was not expected to enter into a cooperation agreement with the plea that would require his testimony at any future trial, a source familiar with the matter said. Weisselberg surrendered to the Manhattan district attorney's office Monday morning, said Danielle Filson, Braggs communications director.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

New York state Judge Arthur Engoron also requested comment on claims that Weisselberg had lied on the stand during Trump's trial, which prompted an attorney for Trump to push back in a filing, saying the request was unprecedented, inappropriate and troubling.

It is Weisselberg's second guilty plea. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to multiple tax fraud charges in a 15-year tax fraud scheme at the Trump Organization. He and the company were charged by Bragg's office in that case, and he was sentenced to five months in jail. Two subsidiaries of the Trump Organization were convicted and hit with $1.6 million in fines. Weisselberg agreed to pay $2 million in back taxes for concealing his income for years with off-the-books benefits such as tuition for his grandkids, a luxury apartment and two Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Weisselberg was released from jail after a little over a few months with time off for good behavior.

Engoron last month ordered Trump, his adult sons, business associates and the Trump Organization to pay more than $350 million in damages and prohibited Trump from running businesses in New York for three years. Engoron later rejected Trump's request to delay the enforcement of the damages against him. Trump is expected to appeal the ruling.

In his 92-page ruling in the civil fraud trial, Engoron wrote that Weisselberg lacked credibility on the stand, saying that "his testimony in this trial was intentionally evasive, with large gaps of 'I dont remember.' That rendered Weisselberg's testimony "highly unreliable," he added. "The Trump Organization keeps Weisselberg on a short leash, and it shows.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg admitted on Monday to testifying falsely to the New York attorney general about his knowledge of the size of Donald Trumps apartment triplex and how the value of that apartment was inflated on Trumps financial statements for years based on the incorrect square footage.

Weisselberg was charged with five counts of perjury, but under a deal with prosecutors, he agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts relating to testimony he gave during a 2020 deposition with the attorney generals office. Weisselberg admitted to testifying falsely at the attorney generals civil fraud trial against Trump last fall, though that is not among the charges to which he pleaded guilty.

Per his agreement with prosecutors, Weisselberg did not plead guilty to perjury at Trumps civil fraud trial over the triplex, and the parties agreed he wouldnt be sentenced for that conduct, which could be considered a violation of his parole in connection to his 2022 guilty plea to 15 counts of tax fraud.

The former Trump Org. CFO answered questions from Judge Laurie Peterson confirming his plea. Weisselberg told the judge he is pleading guilty because he is guilty.

In reviewing the plea agreement, prosecutor Gary Fishman said they considered Weisselbergs age in not recommending more than five months in prison but said prison time was necessary as the harm caused by perjury tears at the very fabric of the justice system.

Weisselberg will be sentenced on April 10. Under the terms of the deal with prosecutors, Weisselberg will be sentenced to five months in jail  a deal identical to the prior arrangement he made in 2022 plea. In the previous case, he served about 100 days.

During his arraignment Monday morning, Weisselberg acknowledged he lied when he testified to the attorney general during a 2020 deposition that he never heard Trump falsely misstate the size of Trumps triplex in a September 2015 interview with a Forbes reporter. He admitted he was present for that Forbes interview.

Weisselberg also admitted he gave false testimony during a May 2023 deposition when he tried to distance himself from the creation of Trumps inflated personal financial statements at issue in the AGs civil fraud case. Weisselberg acknowledged he falsely testified when he told state attorneys that I didnt delve into the numbers and that he relied on the property valuations computed by former Trump Org. Controller Jeff McConney.

These statements were false as Weisselberg was significantly involved in determining what methodology and numbers were used to value properties in the [statements of financial condition], the complaint says.

Per his plea agreement, Weisselberg also admitted he lied again about these matters on the stand last October during the civil fraud trial, though that is not among the charges to which he pleaded guilty.

CNN

Earlier Monday, Weisselberg declined to comment to CNN. Seth Rosenberg, an attorney for Weisselberg, also declined to comment.

A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that it is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial  plain and simple, adding that the former Trump Organization official is being held responsible for his conduct.

Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump, accused Bragg of committing prosecutorial misconduct.

Weisselberg had been in plea talks with Manhattan prosecutors for several weeks relating to his testimony taken during the New York attorney generals civil investigation into the former president in 2020 and when he testified last year, several people familiar with the investigation said.

As part of the plea talks, Weisselberg was not expected to turn on Trump and will not testify against him at the New York criminal hush money case scheduled to start later this month, the people said.

Trump is indicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment and reimbursement before the 2016 presidential election. Weisselberg was central to the financial dealings but neither prosecutors nor Trumps attorneys said they plan to call him as a witness. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is the second guilty plea by Weisselberg, who in 2022 pleaded guilty to 15 counts of tax fraud and testified in the trial of two Trump Org. entities. Weisselberg was credited with giving truthful testimony and the entities were convicted and fined. The judge sentenced Weisselberg to five months in jail and supervised release. He served about 100 days in Rikers Island jail.

The latest charges are a blow personally for Weisselberg, who is in his late 70s with medical issues. Last month, the New York state judge overseeing the attorney generals civil case found Weisselberg liable for fraud and ordered him to pay $1 million plus interest, roughly half of the $2 million severance he received from the Trump Org.

In the hush money case, Weisselberg helped arrange the reimbursement to Michael Cohen, the ex-presidents former lawyer, who advanced $130,000 to Stormy Daniels to stop her from going public about an affair with Trump. Trump has denied the affair.

The payment initially drew scrutiny of federal prosecutors who gave Weisselberg limited immunity for his testimony before a federal grand jury. Prosecutors moved forward with charges against Cohen.

Because the Trump Organization is a privately held company, had I remained silent and stayed on Donalds desired messaging, none of this would have been exposed, Cohen told CNN. Cohen was investigated by federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to multiple charges in 2018. He did not cooperate with the federal investigation. However, he did cooperate with the Manhattan district attorneys investigation and is expected to testify against Trump at the trial later this month.

This story and headline have been updated with additional information.

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Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of Donald Trumps Trump Organization, pleaded guilty to perjury charges on Monday over the testimony he gave to investigators examining the real estate companys finances.

Weisselberg, 76, arrived at the office of Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg early on Monday morning, CNN reported, after which he duly surrendered and appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court for processing wearing a Covid mask and handcuffs.

The defendant was then charged with five counts of perjury in the first degree, with the judge accepting that the plea deal he had agreed with Manhattan prosecutors, which saw him plead guilty to two of those five counts.

He was subsequently sentenced to five months in jail.

The former executive has been engaged in plea talks with prosecutors for several weeks but neither he nor his lawyer Seth Rosenberg have yet commented on Mondays developments.

The final agreement with Mr Braggs office required Weisselbergs admission that he lied during his testimony to investigators in a deposition last May and in his October interviews with the office of New York attorney general Letitia James regarding his former employers business practices.

Weisselberg is not now expected to turn on Mr Trump or be called as a witness against him in the latters upcoming criminal case, which was brought against him by Mr Bragg and is scheduled to begin on Monday 25 March.

The district attorney indicted Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, a year ago on 34 charges related to the falsification of business records to conceal hush money payments made on his behalf to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election in order to secure her silence about an extramarital affair they are alleged to have had a decade earlier.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty.

In a second New York case related to the Trump Organization, Judge Arthur Engoron last month ordered Mr Trump and his associates to pay more than $454m in financial penalties and interest to the state of New York after they were found guilty of misrepresenting the value of company assets between 2011 and 2021 to secure favourable terms from city banks and insurers in a case brought by Ms James.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in that case too and has appealed against the verdict, complaining without evidence that he is the victim of a conspiracy to prevent his return to the White House  even comparing his plight to that of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny.

Prior to issuing his ruling in that case, Judge Engoron appealed for information regarding the possibility of Weisselberg admitting to perjury after his plea negotiations were reported by The New York Times, provoking an angry row with Mr Trumps lawyers in which the justice told attorneys Chris Kise and Alina Habba: You and your co-counsel have been questioning my impartiality since the early days of this case, presumably because I sometimes rule against your clients. That whole approach is getting old.

Weisselbergs latest plea deal follows his 2022 conviction on 15 violations of New York tax law, after prosecutors accused him of participating in a years-long systemic fraud scheme.

That case involved a sweeping and audacious illegal payment arrangement in which Trump companies paid him generous benefits  including free rent, luxury car leases and private school tuition for his grandchildren  that were not reported for tax purposes.

Weisselberg was sentenced to five months in prison for that offence and spent around 100 days in Rikers Island jail before being released under supervision last April.
Trump Organization's former CFO Allen Weisselberg leaves the Manhattan Criminal Court, in New York City

Trump Organization's former CFO Allen Weisselberg leaves the Manhattan Criminal Court, in New York City

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg on Monday pleaded guilty to perjury charges for misleading New York state investigators about financial statements that overstated the size of Donald Trump's penthouse.

Judge Laurie Peterson at a hearing in Manhattan criminal court said she would sentence Weisselberg, 76, to five months in jail. That would mark the second stint behind bars for the former U.S. president's longtime loyal deputy, who was led into the courtroom in handcuffs after surrendering earlier Monday.

Weisselberg's plea comes ahead of Trump's criminal trial starting March 25 on charges brought by the Manhattan District Attorney of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election.

Trump, who faces three other criminal indictments related to efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and his handling of government documents, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

As part of his plea agreement, Weisselberg admitted to lying on the witness stand in a recent civil fraud trial against Trump and during two earlier depositions with the New York state attorney general's office about his role in Trump's financial statements.

In some of those statements, Trump claimed his Manhattan penthouse was more than 30,000 square feet, nearly three times the real size.

Weisselberg testified at the trial on Oct. 10 that he was not involved in an incorrect valuation of the penthouse - one of a series of misleading financial statements that New York state Attorney General Letitia James said amounted to a fraudulent effort to dupe lenders.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office, which brought Monday's charges against Weisselberg, said in a felony complaint that the former CFO's emails showed he was in fact paying close attention to the apartment.

Trump's 2015 and 2016 financial statements valued the unit at $327 million, which James called "absurd." Trump in later years valued the unit at between $105.9 and $131.3 million, which James said were also inflated.

Peterson set Weisselberg's sentencing date for April 10.

"Allen Weisselberg looks forward to putting this situation behind him," his lawyer Seth Rosenberg said in a statement.

'SHORT LEASH'

The judge overseeing James' case, Arthur Engoron, ordered Weisselberg last month to pay $1.1 million including interest.

Engoron wrote that Weisselberg's testimony at the trial was unreliable because he was still awaiting four payments from the Trump Organization as part of a severance agreement that bars him from cooperating with any entity "adverse" to the real estate company.

"The Trump Organization keeps Weisselberg on a short leash, and it shows," the judge wrote.

Engoron ordered Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, to pay $454.2 million. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the trial part of a political witchhunt aimed at derailing his third run for the White House.

Weisselberg's written plea agreement did not indicate he would be cooperating with the District Attorney.

Weisselberg worked for the former president's family for half a century.

He spent around three months in New York's Rikers Island jail in 2023 after pleading guilty to participating in a 15-year tax fraud scheme at the Trump Organization.

Weisselberg had testified at the Trump Organization's 2022 trial that found the company guilty of all charges and fined $1.6 million. Trump was not charged in that case.

(Additional reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu, David Ljunggren and Chizu Nomiyama)
Kremlin mouthpiece Dmitry Kiselyov threatened to strike four bridges in Germany in response to a possible missile attack on the Crimean Bridge. Commenting on the wiretapped conversations of Bundeswehr generals about the possible supply of Taurus missiles, the propagandist said that Germany has no "equivalent" to Kerch bridge, so "we will have to pay attention to others."

ADVERTISIMENT

Kiselyov made the threats on Sunday, March 3, on the Vesti Nedeli program on the Russia 1 propaganda channel. "For all the sophistication of the interlocutors (German generals - Ed.), they do not have images of bridges in Germany in their heads. In this rather small country, there are no bridges as long as the Crimean one. But there is still something to see through the missile sight," he said.

The propagandist added that they would feel "sorry" for the German bridges, but that nothing could be done, because "they don't feel sorry for our Crimean bridge".

Kiselyov then listed four bridges in Germany that Moscow could allegedly strike back at.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to him, these are the Fermanzund and Rugen bridges in northern Germany, which connect the mainland with the islands of Fehmarn and Rugen, the Hohenzollern railway bridge in Cologne, and the Magdeburg Water Bridge, which connects two canals across the Elbe 150 km from Berlin.

The propagandist threatened that Russia would hit four bridges at once, as there are no bridges of equal length in Germany.

"We will have to pay attention to other bridges in Germany to recoup the damage by the linear meter," Kiselyov said.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 Russian propagandists have outlined the content of an almost 40-minute conversation between German military officers about the possible supply and use of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which allegedly took place on February 19. The officers discussed, among other things, the possible destruction of the Crimean Bridge, which is "difficult to reach," so it would take "not one or two dozen missiles."

 The German Ministry of Defense promised to thoroughly check the information about the wiretapping of the Air Force representatives.

 Later, the ministry confirmed that the conversation between the officers about the Taurus took place and was intercepted. At the same time, they did not rule out that changes could have been made to the recorded or written version.

ADVERTISIMENT

 German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Putin is waging an "information war" against Germany. According to him, Russia's "leak" of the conversations of German generals was a "hybrid attack" aimed at "undermining resolve."

 On March 4, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a new reason not to provide Ukraine with Taurus. According to him, the transfer of such weapons requires the participation of the German military. The other day, he said that Germany was not providing Ukraine with Taurus because these missiles could allegedly reach Moscow, and Berlin was not yet ready to send its military to monitor the use of the system.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A newly expanded NATO is launching major exercises with Nordic nations Finland, Sweden and Norway as the Western security alliance seeks to demonstrate forces are prepared to defend its borders.

NATO started the exercises, called Nordic Response 2024, on Sunday and will run the drills through March 14.

Nordic Response, which involves more than 20,000 troops, is part of a larger NATO exercise called Steadfast Defender that will stretch through May.

Sweden was slated to participate with Steadfast Defender even before it was officially ratified into NATO last week, expanding the military alliance into 32 member nations.

Finland, which applied for NATO membership at the same time as Sweden in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is also a new alliance member after ratification last year.

Nordic Response will be primarily conducted in northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland across multiple domains involving more than 50 ships and more than 100 aircraft.

Royal Norwegian Air Force Brigadier Tron Strand, commander of the Norwegian Air Operations Centre, said the exercises were vital to demonstrate the Nordic nations can fight back and stop anyone who tries to challenge our borders, values and democracy.

With the current security situation in Europe, the exercise is extremely relevant and more important than ever before, Strand said in a statement.

Russias invasion of Ukraine dramatically changed the security landscape in Europe, leading many nations, particularly in Eastern Europe, to expand their security forces.

Those concerns have extended even to Sweden, which for more than 200 years had followed a policy of nonalignment and largely stayed out of major conflicts like World War II and the Cold War.

The emerging threat from Russia has been particularly true for Finland, which shares a more than 800-mile land border with Russia.

Estonian intelligence officials warned last month that Russia may double the number of forces on NATOs borders, including with Finland.

Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen said in a Monday speech that Russias astonishingly rapid descent from a quasi-democratic system into a totalitarian dictatorship makes a return to the post-war era impossible.

It is time to face the facts and say out loud what has been in the air for some time. Russia is a threat to the democratic world, he said. Gone are the days when we assumed our safety was guaranteed as long as we stood still and didnt move.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Super Tuesday, the biggest day of the year for the presidential primaries, is set to take place on March 5.

Sixteen states will host one or both Republican and Democratic nominating contests for president.

They are: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. Alaska will also only host its Republican primary, while Iowa will close out its Democratic primary process.

But, with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump polling far ahead of their respective challengers, the day is likely to draw to a close with few surprises.

Heres an overview of where the candidates stand in seven of the 16 states where recent polling has been done.

Alabama

Trump  the far and away favorite to win the GOP nomination  is leagues ahead of Nikki Haley, his sole major rival, in the Yellowhammer State, according to recent polling.

The vast majority of Republican voters in the state, 76%, support the former president, while only 16% back Haley, per a survey commissioned by Gray Television and Alabama Daily News. The poll, conducted in late January, sampled 515 likely GOP voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

No recent polls have questioned Alabama voters about the Democratic primary candidates.

California

In the Golden State, 75% of likely Republican primary voters plan to back Trump, while 17% intend to support Haley and 9% remain undecided, according to an Emerson College poll released Feb. 29.

Biden holds a similarly sizable advantage, receiving the backing of 80% of likely Democratic voters compared to 6% who back Rep. Dean Phillips and 14% who are undecided.

The poll, conducted in late February, sampled 1,000 likely voters and people who already voted, and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Maine

A large majority of likely GOP voters, 77%, support Trump in the Pine Tree State, while 19% back Haley, according to a University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll conducted between Feb. 15 and 19.

Similarly, 75% of likely Democratic voters plan to vote for Biden, while only 3% said theyd vote for Phillips and 10% said theyd vote for someone else.

The poll sampled 824 state residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

Massachusetts

Trump holds a smaller, but still large lead over Haley in Massachusetts, according to recent polling. A majority of likely GOP voters, 55%, support the former president, while 38% back Haley, according to a February poll from Suffolk University.

Similarly, Biden was backed by 70% of likely Democratic primary voters, while 6% backed Phillips and 18% were undecided.

The poll, conducted between Feb. 2 and 5, surveyed 1,000 registered voters in the state and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

North Carolina

The majority of likely GOP voters, 69%, support Trump in the Tar Heel State, compared to 24% who back Haley, per a poll from the High Point University Survey Research Center.

Biden, who has no opposition on the ballot, was backed by 87% of likely Democratic voters.

The poll, conducted between Feb. 16 and 23, surveyed 1,215 state residents.

Texas

Trump is backed by 75% of likely Republican voters in Texas, while Haley is supported by 17%, according to a poll from the University of Texas at Tyler Center for Opinion Research.

Biden is supported by 74% of likely Democratic voters in the state, while Phillips is backed by 10%, according to the poll.

The poll sampled 1,167 registered voters between Feb. 18 and 26.

Virginia

Similarly, Trump is supported by 75% of likely GOP voters in the Old Dominion State, while 15% back Haley, according to a poll from the Roanoke College Institute for Policy and Opinion Research.

The poll, conducted between Feb. 11 and 19, sampled 703 state residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points.

No recent polling has been done in the state on the Democratic primary candidates, according to FiveThirtyEight.

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By Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian media published a 38-minute audio recording of an intercepted online call between senior German military officials about how to support Ukraine in its fight against the Kremlin's invasion.

Germany's government has confirmed the veracity of the call.

This is what the officials discussed and the reactions to the security breach:

WHAT WAS DISCUSSED DURING THE RECORDED CALL?

In the call, German Air Force Chief Ingo Gerhartz discusses with three high-ranking Luftwaffe officials the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly so far firmly rejected.

They also talk about the training of Ukrainian soldiers, and possible military targets for the missiles including the bridge linking the Russian mainland to Crimea and Russian ammunition depots.

The discussions included details of allies' operations, such as the fact British personnel were deployed in Ukraine and how Britain's Storm Shadow and France's Scalp missiles were deployed in the country.

One official talks about the fact Britain is already handling for France the satellite data needed for Ukraine to program the missiles.

He suggests it could do the same for Germany - preventing the country from being in any way directly involved in their deployment, which is a political red line for Berlin.

HOW WAS THE CALL INTERCEPTED?

One participant on the call mistakenly joined via a non-secure line from Singapore and Russia had likely intercepted the discussion by chance via widespread surveillance, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday, as he presented initial results of an investigation into the leak.

German communications systems have not been compromised, nor did a Russian spy dial into the call, he said.

WHY IS THIS A SCANDAL?

Critics say the incident demonstrates a systematic underestimation in Germany of security threats.

Germany's allies have not publicly criticized the leak. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told reporters it was a matter for Germany to investigate and Britain would continue to work together with Germany to support Ukraine.

But former British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was quoted as saying by The Times that the incident demonstrated Germany was "neither secure nor reliable".

The recording also underscores the extent to which the decision on deploying Taurus missiles is a political one - and Scholz is reticent about Germany getting too directly involved in the Ukraine war or prompting an escalation of hostilities.

The Taurus missiles can reach twice as far as the Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles, and would thus enable Ukraine to even reach as far as Moscow.

HOW DID GERMANY REACT?

Germany has said the leak was a Russian "hybrid disinformation attack" that aimed to sow discord within the country and with allies.

It has also said it will continue to investigate whether it should take disciplinary measures against the officers on the call.

But asked on Tuesday if the leak could affect the position of Gerhartz, who was not the one to dial in from Singapore, Pistorius said if nothing further emerged in the probe, "then I am not going to sacrifice one of my best officers to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's games".

MOSCOW'S TAKE

The Kremlin says the recording shows Germany's armed forces were discussing plans to launch strikes on Russian territory, and questioned whether this was government policy or Chancellor Scholz lost control of the situation.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that it demanded on Monday an explanation from the German ambassador to Moscow Alexander Graf Lambsdorff about the discussion which "clearly demonstrates the involvement of the 'collective West', including Berlin, in the conflict around Ukraine".

Germany has called accusations of war preparations "absurd" propaganda. Analysts say Moscow is seeking to ensure Scholz does not send Ukraine the Taurus cruise missiles.

RUSSIAN SPYING IN GERMANY

Germany, one of the largest providers of military hardware to Ukraine, is a major target of Russian spying operations, which have grown in scale since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, authorities have warned.

The authorities arrested a German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND) employee they suspected of spying for Russia in late 2022.

Last year, authorities arrested an officer of the military procurement agency on suspicion of passing secret information to Russian intelligence.

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
George Galloway made his comments after being sworn in as the new MP for Rochdale on Monday - Stefan Rousseau/PA

The next election will be about Muslims, George Galloway said as he was sworn into the Commons as the new MP for Rochdale.

The controversial politician said it was clear to him that Rishi Sunak had identified Muslims and Gaza as the wedge issue that he intended to use as his only hope of re-election.

He vowed to target Angela Rayners Ashton-under-Lyne seat, claiming to have at least 15,000 supporters in the Greater Manchester constituency  enough to overturn the deputy Labour leaders majority of about 4,000.

At an impromptu press conference after his swearing-in ceremony, he also urged Jeremy Corbyn to launch and lead an alliance of socialist, progressive and anti-war organisations.

George Galloway's wife Putri Gayatri Pertiwi has a fingernail painted with the Palestinian flag as her husband speaks outside the Palace of Westminster yesterday - Carl Court/Getty Images

Mr Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain and a former Labour MP, stormed to victory in the Rochdale by-election last week, having courted the towns substantial Muslim vote on a pro-Palestinian ticket.

On Monday, he said the next election will be about Muslims and the taking away of civil liberties in this country.

Its clear to me that Sunak has identified Muslims and Gaza as the proximate centre of that wedge issue that he intends to use as perhaps his only hope of re-election.

They want to force [Keir] Starmer either to stand up and defend the democratic rights of the British people, including the rights of its religious and ethnic minorities  and if he does that Im a Dutchman  or to engage him in what will turn out to be a Dutch auction of nastiness.

If he chooses, as I suspect he will, the latter, thats going to allow us and independent candidates to pick up potentially millions of votes from those who treasure the free rights that we have enjoyed since the Second World War in this country, and who wish to defend the Muslim communities in Britain.

Either way, that suits Rishi Sunak. So thats what Im predicting here. The next election will be about Muslims, and will be about the taking away of civil liberties in this country.

The MP claimed to be speaking for a very large number of people in Britain, and said voters in many constituencies supported his views.

He said this would be become clear to Sir Keir Starmer, adding: If I give you just one example: Angela Rayner has a parliamentary majority I think of around 3,000. Theres at least 15,000 supporters of my point of view in her constituency.

So well be putting a candidate against her, either a Workers Party candidate or more likely an independent candidate that we [will] support, and that will vitally affect the election of the Labour deputy.

Ms Rayner won a majority of 4,263 in her Ashton-under-Lyne seat in 2019, down significantly on 11,295 in 2017.

George Galloway is sworn in as the new MP for Rochdale - UK Parliament

Mr Galloway said he did not expect Mr Corbyn, the former Labour leader who now sits as an independent MP, to join his party, but said he had called on him to launch and lead an alliance, a coalition of socialist, progressive and anti-war organisations.

Mr Corbyn was expected to introduce the new Rochdale MP to the chamber on Monday afternoon.

It was also initially thought that David Davis, a former Tory Cabinet minister, would take one of the spots. But he had a change of heart when Chris Williamson, Mr Galloways deputy, refused to condemn the Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Instead, Neale Hanvey, the Alba MP, and Sir Peter Bottomley, the Father of the House, carried out the introduction.

Bim Afolami, the Treasury minister, told GB News: The fact that people didnt seem to want to do it is an indication of the standing with which hes held in the House of Commons, which is not very high. But were in this position really because of the weakness of the Labour leader, and frankly the fact that Labour still hasnt changed.

Mr Galloways return to the Commons is likely to reignite tensions in the chamber, with the Board of Deputies of British Jews calling for him to be shunned as a pariah by all parliamentarians.

It comes just two weeks after the House descended into chaos when Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, broke with convention and selected a Labour amendment to the SNPs opposition day motion on an immediate truce in Gaza.

Senior backbenchers accused him of making the decision so Sir Keir could avoid the prospect of an embarrassing Labour rebellion. Sir Lindsay rejected the accusations and insisted he had been motivated by the fact that MPs were facing threats to their safety.

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.
Explosives have been found under the car that belongs to Vitaliy Kiselyov, the former "assistant head of the Interior Ministry of LPR", who was appointed by the Russians to the position of "deputy rector" of Luhansk University (LPR, Luhansk People's Republic, is the part of Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast currently occupied by the Russians and pro-Kremlin collaborationists  ed.).

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti and TASS with reference to a source; anonymous Telegram channels

Details: A device with an electronic detonator and a white substance was reportedly found under a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Anonymous Telegram channels report that the deputy rector himself was not inside the car at the time. The area around the university was cordoned off, and investigators found an item similar to a detonator.

Kiselyov previously reported an assassination attempt in Luhansk in May 2022, when the attacker used a pistol with a silencer.

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Theres extra security in the area outside of Six Flags Sunday after an officer-involved shooting on Saturday, just off Six Flags property.

That shooting left a 15-year-old in critical condition after he was shot by an officer during an exchange of gunfire, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2 Action News obtained cell phone video of the incident that happened on Saturday night, outside Six Flags.

A GBI spokesperson said there were about 500-600 young teens outside the Six Flags in the area of South Service Road.

GBI investigators said there were several fights in the area and multiple suspects fired at officers.

On Sunday, Shelby Crawford and Jaz Cowan told Channel 2s Larry Spruill they noticed things were different at the park.

Crawford noticed the extra security officers in the area.

We saw more police officers kind of walking around and talking. I was telling him, something happened, there had to be a fight, but we didnt realize something happened until we walked out, said Crawford.

They put more police and security outside, just to make sure everyone was safe. It did seem a little more empty than usual. But ultimately, I felt safe, said Cowan.

Channel 2 Action News has reported on several incidents that involved teens at or near Six Flags.

One incident happened on the opening day in 2023.

There were multiple fights at the park.

Another incident happened in the Fall of 2023, a teen said he was attacked while at the park.

Gerald Rose with the New Order National Human Rights Organization talked to Channel 2 Action News about the violence.

The gun violence is at an uprise and its not even summer time yet. This is not the first time something like this happened at Six Flags. Theres a pattern throughout Metro Atlanta about the ongoing gun violence, said Rose.

TRENDING STORIES:

A spokesperson for Six Flags released the following statement:

Our goal is to provide safe, fun entertainment. We employ state-of-the-art security systems and metal detection, maintain a robust and vigilant Public Safety Department, and have strong support from Cobb County Police who are present both inside and outside the park. Every guest is expected to follow our strict code of conduct and anyone unwilling to follow that code of conduct is unwelcome. It is incredibly disappointing that our community is disrupted at public events throughout the region by groups of underaged youth. Just like other venues in the area, we are committed to keeping this type of trouble outside our park and off our property. There was police activity involving gunshots; we want to confirm there was no shooting at our property or parking lot. This took place on South Service Road which is not owned or operated by Six Flags. However, we join our community and the Atlanta region in our commitment to safety and security. We wont put up with that type of activity here.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Claim:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the real "tragedy" was not the Feb. 14, 2024, shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade but rather his 2020 election loss.

Rating:

Rating: False

On Feb. 14, 2024, a social media post from U.S. President Joe Biden's reelection campaign implied that former President Donald Trump had compared the mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade  which left left one person dead and nearly two dozen others injured  to his 2020 election loss.

"Hours after another deadly shooting, Trump says the real 'tragedy' was his own election loss in 2020," the @BidenHQ account posted (archived) on X. The account is an official rapid-response arm for Biden's campaign. Included with the post was a 14-second video clip that showed Trump giving a campaign speech that evening in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hours after another deadly shooting, Trump says the real "tragedy" was his own election loss in 2020 pic.twitter.com/qF6ZXROZTQ  Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) February 15, 2024

During the clip, Trump references the Democratic Party and his 2020 election loss with the words, "We can't let them win. We're not going to have a country. But after the election, if a tragedy happened like happened three years ago. That was a tragedy what happened. That was a tragedy. Look what's happened to our country. Our country has gone to hell."

But Trump was not referencing the Kansas City shooting when he made those remarks, so we rate this claim as "False."

One of the top replies under the Biden campaign post read (archived), "Heartless and cold. Wow."

"Trump gives a true narcissist's reply to this tragedy," a different user remarked (archived).

Another user captioned (archived) the video as, "Sick f--- has words for 9 children shot today in Missouri."

These three examples were only a drop in the bucket of the number of people whose replies and reposts reflected that they believed that the post was saying that the video showed Trump addressing the shooting in Missouri that had happened just hours earlier.

However, the truth was that Trump did not mention the shooting during his speech. Further, surrounding context was missing from the 14-second video clip posted by the Biden campaign, as several users noted in other replies.

"Where's the entire video and the context of what he was saying? That matters," one person responded (archived). Other users also asked for context.

Snopes transcribed Trump's remarks that surrounded what the brief video in the Biden campaign post had highlighted. His full comments revealed that he was talking about energy prices and was boasting that he believed he could have done a better job than Biden, had he been elected in 2020.

Only the bolded part below was included in the post:

Under "Crooked Joe," energy prices have reached the highest in history. And gas prices have reached $5, $6 and even $7 a gallon. And now, it seems like they're going up again. They're doing everything they can. They'll use anybody. Send it around. They want to do anything they can. But after the election, we can't let them win. We're not going to have a country. But after the election, if a tragedy happened like happened three years ago. That was a tragedy what happened. That was a tragedy. Look what's happened to our country. Our country has gone to hell. But if a tragedy happened, you'd see prices, energy prices, go up double and triple.

Readers can watch this part of the speech beginning at the 5:58 mark in this YouTube video:

Snopes contacted both campaigns by email to ask about this matter and will update this story if they respond.

We previously reported about another false rumor also posted by the @BidenHQ account. In that instance, the Biden campaign's target was former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Sources:

Hollingsworth, Heather, et al. "Dispute May Have Led to the Mass Shooting after the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, Police Say." The Associated Press, 15 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-62e69a17b469b854afd7bcc3f548d1fc.

Liles, Jordan. "Nikki Haley Said 9/11 Happened on Sept. 10?" Snopes, 14 Feb. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/haley-911-sept-10/.

"LIVE: President Donald Trump Get Out The Vote Rally in North Charleston, S.C. | NEWSMAX2." YouTube, Newsmax, 14 Feb. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zainWIHMnF0.
Claim:

As of January 2024, more than 7.2 million migrants had illegally crossed into the U.S. over the Southwest border during U.S. President Joe Biden's administration  a number higher than the individual populations of 36 states.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The number specifically reflected border encounters with U.S. officials, not an increase of that magnitude in the immigrant population.

On Feb. 20, 2024, a user on X posted (archived) and many others shared the claim, "7.2 million illegals entered the U.S. under Biden administration, an amount greater than population of 36 states." An image displaying a map of U.S. states accompanied the post, which contained attribution in its lower-right corner to Fox News.

7.2 million illegals entered the US under Biden administration, an amount greater than population of 36 states. pic.twitter.com/D4cnPqzOT0  DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) February 21, 2024

The post and image cited data from a Fox News article that was published on the same day. The headline read, "7.2M illegals entered the US under Biden admin, an amount greater than population of 36 states."

This claim was true, in that the number of more than 7.2 million immigrants specifically reflected border encounters with U.S. officials, according to data provided on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website  not an increase of that magnitude in the immigrant population.

Snopes contacted the White House for comment about the Fox News article. We received a response from a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who said, in part, that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration "has removed, returned, or expelled more migrants in three years than the prior Administration did in four years." This also was true, according to statistics provided on the DHS website. Further comment from DHS and a wealth of statistics are all laid out below.

More Than 7.2 Million Southwest Border Encounters

Here are the facts: A record number of migrants have attempted to cross into the U.S. during Biden's administration since his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021.

U.S. Border Patrol agents and Office of Field Operations officials recorded encounters with more than 7.2 million migrants who attempted to cross the Southwest border between the time Biden assumed office and the end of January 2024. Comparatively, the number of border encounters with migrants under the Trump administration was around 2.4 million, according to statistics provided on the CBP and DHS websites.

In other words, as of January 2024, the Biden administration had handled around three times the number of border encounters as the Trump administration.

'Greater than the Population of 36 States'

It's true that the number of border encounters under Biden, 7.2 million, is larger than the individual populations of 36 states, according to the most recent data that's available, as provided by WorldPopulationReview.com.

As accurately reported in the Fox News article, "That is larger than the population of 36 U.S. states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming."

The Border: Trump Versus Biden

The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, published an article on Jan. 5, 2024, contending that "data from the Trump era clearly show that, if he were in office, Trump would not be deporting any more border crossers than Biden has."

While it's not possible to know for certain what may have occurred had Trump been reelected in 2020, Snopes examined the statistics sourced in the article, which laid out figures for specific time periods that pitted Trump's administration versus Biden's, citing data from CBP, DHS and the U.S. House of Representatives. The data on Trump's administration pertained to the 24-month period of fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (October 2018 through September 2020), while the statistics for Biden pertained to a 26.3-month period between Jan. 20, 2021, and March 31, 2023.

For Trump, out of 1,365,529 Southwest border encounters during the 24-month time period, 47.4% of those immigrants were expelled or repatriated, while 52.2% were released. Comparatively, under Biden during the 26.3-month time period, out of 5,022,027 encounters, 50.9% of the immigrants were expelled or repatriated, while 48.6% were released.

Also, the estimated apprehension rate for immigrants attempting to cross the Southwest border averaged 78% between fiscal years 2017 and 2020. For fiscal year 2021, which appeared to be the most recent data available and included Trump's roughly last four months in office and Biden's roughly first eight months, the estimated apprehension rate was reported as 80.9%.

The DHS spokesperson told Snopes by email: "Under [Biden's] Administration, the estimated annual apprehension rate has averaged 78%, identical to the rate of the prior Administration." Snopes requested the specific statistics for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, but did not receive a response before this fact check was published.

Note: The data regarding apprehension rates is available on Page 13, Table 1 in this DHS document, which also notes the following: "While USBP has reliable administrative data on apprehensions, the Department does not have an exact count of unlawful entry attempts since an unknown number of unlawful border crossers evade detection. As a result of this so-called 'denominator problem,' the Department must estimate the apprehension rate."

Statistics on 'Gotaways'

From fiscal years 2021 through 2023, which included data for October 2020 through September 2023, around 1,589,155 "gotaways" were recorded by Border Patrol for the Southwest border. This was in addition to the 7.2 million-plus encounters recorded by officials  not just detected  along the Southwest border.

Comparatively, "gotaways" for fiscal years 2017 through 2020, which included most of Trump's time in office and a small amount of former U.S. President Barack Obama's second term, totaled 521,247.

DHS defines the term "gotaway" as "a person who is not turned back or apprehended after making an illegal entry" along a U.S. border. A "gotaway" is recorded "when cameras or sensors detect migrants crossing the border, but no one is found, or no agents are available to respond." The department also reported that "an unknown number of migrants evade detection" and "the actual number of 'gotaway' migrants is unknown."

Mayorkas' Impeachment and Failed Border Bill

The publishing of the Fox News article and the X post followed the news of the impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by the U.S. House, which occurred on Feb. 13, 2024. The impeachment succeeded by one vote and followed an unsuccessful vote the previous week. It also followed a failed vote to pass a national security and border reform package, which Biden supported. Republicans largely rejected the package after Trump both criticized and mischaracterized the bill, The Washington Post reported.

Mayorkas' impeachment came after fierce criticism from Republicans regarding his record of border security since being sworn in on Feb. 2, 2021. The articles of impeachment will next go to the U.S. Senate. However, The Associated Press reported that "neither Democratic nor even some Republican senators have shown interest in the matter," meaning that it might be "indefinitely shelved to a committee."

Voters' Thoughts on Immigration

As it appears, at the time of publication, that Biden is headed for another election showdown with Trump in November 2024, the results of a new poll suggested that some voters have become increasingly concerned about immigration and border security.

PBS.org reported of the PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll  which was released on Feb. 7, 2024: "Welcoming others makes the country what it is, 57 percent of U.S. adults said in this poll, including 84 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents. That's a significant downward shift in attitudes since July 2021, when 66 percent of U.S. adults supported openness to others."

The poll summary also noted that: "More than four in ten Americans (41 percent) report that the Republican Party will do a better job at handling the issue of immigration. 29 percent say the Democrats are better equipped to do so. 10 percent of residents say both the Republicans and Democrats are on par to address immigration. A notable one in five Americans (20 percent) reports neither party can handle the issue, an increase from 13 percent in November 2022."

Sources:

"Alejandro Mayorkas." Homeland Security, https://www.dhs.gov/person/alejandro-mayorkas.

"Biden DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: More Than 600,000 Known 'Gotaways' Crossed Border In FY2023." YouTube, GOP War Room, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdsuJjcp-iA.

Bier, David J. "Data Show Trump Would've Released as Many Border Crossers as Biden." Cato.org, 5 Jan. 2024, https://www.cato.org/blog/data-show-trump-wouldve-released-many-border-crossers-biden.

@cb_doge. "7.2 Million Illegals Entered the US under Biden Administration, an Amount Greater than Population of 36 States." X, 20 Feb. 2024, https://twitter.com/cb_doge/status/1760108211041104082.

Chishti, Muzaffar, et al. "Biden at the Three-Year Mark: The Most Active Immigration Presidency Yet Is Mired in Border Crisis Narrative." Migration Policy Institute, 19 Jan. 2024, https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/biden-three-immigration-record.

Goodwin, Liz, et al. "Senate GOP Blocks Border Deal; Future of Ukraine, Israel Aid Unclear." Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/07/senate-border-security-vote/.

"Immigration Enforcement and Legal Processes Monthly Tables." Office of Homeland Security Statistics, https://www.dhs.gov/ohss/topics/immigration/enforcement-and-legal-processes-monthly-tables.

"Intensifying Conditions at the Southwest Border Are Negatively Impacting CBP and ICE Employees' Health and Morale." U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 3 May 2023, https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2023-05/OIG-23-24-May23.pdf.

Liles, Jordan. "US Illegal Immigration Grew Tenfold from 2017 to 2023?" Snopes, 13 Feb. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/us-illegal-immigration-growth/.

Mascaro, Lisa. "GOP-Led House Impeaches Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas  by One Vote  over Border Management." The Associated Press, 13 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214.

Montoya-Galvez, Camilo. "Migrant Crossings at U.S. Southern Border Reach Record Monthly High in December." CBSNews.com, 28 Dec. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-crossings-u-s-southern-border-record-monthly-high-december/.

Pandolfo, Chris. "7.2M Illegals Entered the US under Biden Admin, an Amount Greater than Population of 36 States." Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/illegal-immigrants-biden-admin-amount-greater-population-36-states.

Santhanam, Laura. "Americans Are Increasingly Worried about Immigration and National Identity, Poll Shows." PBS NewsHour, 7 Feb. 2024, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/where-voters-stand-on-immigration.

Shaw, Adam. "Mayorkas Confirms over 600,000 Illegal Immigrants Evaded Law Enforcement at Southern Border Last Fiscal Year." Fox News, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-confirms-over-600k-illegal-immigrants-evaded-law-enforcement-southern-border.

"Southwest Land Border Encounters." U.S. Customs and Border Protection, https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters.

"The Road to the General Election: NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist National Poll." Marist Institute for Public Opinion, 7 Feb. 2024, https://maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/the-road-to-the-general-election/.

"The Use of Parole Under Immigration Law." American Immigration Council, 18 July 2022, https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/use-parole-under-immigration-law.

"U.S. States - Ranked by Population 2024." WorldPopulationReview.com, https://worldpopulationreview.com/states.
Claim:

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he preferred Joe Biden to Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Rating:

Rating: True

On Feb. 14, 2024, a clip of Russian president Vladimir Putin stating that he would prefer U.S. President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump to win the 2024 presidential election went viral, leading Donald Trump Jr. to proclaim on X (formerly Twitter) that Putin "said the quiet part out loud."

It is factual that Putin made this statement to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin in a video released on Feb. 14, 2024.

As reported by Reuters:

Putin was asked by interviewer Pavel Zarubin who was "better for us" out of Biden, a Democrat, and Trump, a Republican. Putin replied without hesitation: "Biden. He is a more experienced, predictable person, a politician of the old school." Smiling slightly, he added: "But we will work with any U.S. president who the American people have confidence in."

It was the first public comment made by Putin on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to the outlet. Because Putin did make this statement, we rate this claim as "True."

Sources:

Putin Says He Prefers Biden over Trump. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xGx9ytCqaE.

Trevelyan, Mark. "Putin Says He Prefers 'more Predictable' Biden over Trump." Reuters, 15 Feb. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-says-he-prefers-more-predictable-biden-over-trump-2024-02-14/.


Claim:

U.S. President Joe Biden is the first president to skip a cognitive test during an annual physical exam.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

Biden did not take a cognitive test as a part of his annual physical exam on Feb. 28, 2024. However, presidents are not legally required to take such a test. In fact, no president has publicly acknowledged taking such a test or made the results public except former President Donald Trump.

On Feb. 28, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden completed a 2.5-hour annual physical examination at Walter Reed Medical Center. In a six-page memo, his physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that "President Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief."

Reporters and social media users raised questions in the weeks leading up to the physical about whether Biden would take a cognitive test as a part of the exam, and many online posts claimed that he was the first president to "refuse" such a test. This claim is false, and, to provide context, we looked into both whether he skipped the test and whether he was the first president to do so.

Did Biden Take a Cognitive Test?

He did not. Within hours of Biden's physical, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to a question about the president taking a cognitive test as part of the annual exam by saying that Biden "doesn't need a cognitive test" according to his doctor and neurologist (beginning at 31:13 in the video below):

Jean-Pierre also doubled down on the position she took on Feb. 12, 2024, when asked a similar question, which was that Biden "proves every day how he operates, how he thinks by dealing with world leaders, by making really difficult decisions on behalf of the American people."

The transcript of the question and Jean-Pierre's answers from Feb. 12 are as follows:

Reporter: Does the White House think that the idea of the president taking a cognition test, a cognitive test, as a part of this physical is a legitimate idea, particularly just on the heels of the special counsel's report, more polling as my colleague Selina just mentioned, showing that many American people have concerns about that? Jean-Pierre: Look, I got this question last week as well, and I'm just going to say what Dr. O'Connor said to me about a year ago when the report came out last year, obviously, on his physical, which is the president proves every day how he operates, how he thinks, right, by dealing with world leaders, by making really difficult decisions on behalf of the American people whether it's domestic, whether it's national security. And so he shows it every day in how he thinks, how he operates, and so that is how Dr. O'Connor sees it and that's how I'm going to leave it. Reporter: What do you think about the idea of taking that kind of a test? Jean-Pierre:  I believe you're asking me my personal opinion. He is sharp, he is on top of things, when we have meetings with him, with his staff, he's constantly pushing us trying to get more information, and so that has been my experience with this president. Anything else outside of that I just shared with you what Dr. O'Connor said to me and so I'll just leave it there.

The special counsel's report mentioned by the reporter, released on Feb. 5, 2024, detailed Biden's handling of classified documents. It found that the president's memory was "significantly limited"; he could not recall when he was vice president or, within several years, when his son Beau died.

Biden previously showed an unwillingness to take a cognitive test. In 2020, when asked about it by CBS News correspondent Errol Barnett, Biden stated: "No, I haven't taken a test? Why the hell would I take a test?"

Was Biden the 1st President to Skip the Test?

Several posts on X (formerly Twitter) claimed Biden was the first U.S. president to refuse a cognitive test, a claim that requires context.

BREAKING: White House confirms Biden will not take a cognitive test as part of his upcoming physical exam. Biden will be first U.S President in history to refuse a cognitive test. pic.twitter.com/q11OkJHxEP  Financelot (@FinanceLancelot) February 13, 2024

A cognitive test designed to detect signs of Alzheimer's is not a legally required element of a president's annual physical. Former President Donald Trump was the first president to make public his request of one, as well as his results.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment  the test taken by Trump in 2018  is the most sensitive test available for detecting Alzheimer's disease, the MoCA Cognition website claims. It consists of 30 questions that include (in Version 8.2 of the test below) labeling drawings of animals and drawing a specific time on a clock.

https://media.snopes.com/2024/02/moca_test.pdf

(via championsforhealth.com)

Although it is traditional for presidents to have an annual physical exam and release an assessment to the public, it is not legally required. The choice as to what portions of an assessment to release or whether to release it at all is up to the president and the administration's discretion. However, failing to be transparent about a president's or a presidential candidate's medical information has historically been a matter of controversy, as explained in a 1995 New England Journal of Medicine article.

When former President Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994, just five years after leaving the White House, critics accused his physicians of covering up early symptoms. Dr. Lawrence C. Mohr, one of Reagan's doctors, said in a 1997 interview with The New York Times that ''there was never anything that would raise a question about his ability to function as president" and that his ''cognitive function, belief structure, judgment, ability to choose between options, behavior and ability to communicate were totally and completely intact.''

The only law in place to prevent a president with physical or mental conditions rendering him or her unable to serve from staying in office is the 25th Amendment, which was adopted in 1967 and states that, should a president be "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," the vice president would assume the role of presidency.

In summary, posts claiming that Biden "skipped" or "refused" a cognitive test are misleading given that a cognitive test is not required, and it is unclear whether any presidents other than Trump have ever taken such a test.

Sources:

| About. https://mocacognition.com/about/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2024.

'Biden Angrily Pushes Back at Special Counsel's Report That Questioned His Memory, Handling of Docs'. AP News, 8 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec.

'Biden on Cognitive Test: "Why the Hell Would I Take a Test?"' AP News, 5 Aug. 2020, https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-970ebab7e7a7f848f4153a9282600014.

'Https://Twitter.Com/FinanceLancelot/Status/1757389159348805788'. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/FinanceLancelot/status/1757389159348805788. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

Hur, Robert K. Report on the Investigation Into Unauthorized Removal, Retention, and Disclosure of Classified Documents Discovered at Locations Including the Penn Eiden Center and the Delaware Private Residence of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Feb. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf.

Joe Biden Refuses to Take Cognitive Test at His next Medical Exam. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr61qRl1Gtk. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

Parker, Ashley, and Dan Diamond. 'A "Whale" of a Tale: Trump Continues to Distort Cognitive Test He Took'. Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/19/trump-cognitive-test/.

'Reagan's Letter Announcing His Alzheimer's Diagnosis'. Ronald Reagan, https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/ronald-reagan/reagans-letter-announcing-his-alzheimers-diagnosis. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

Shear, Michael D., et al. 'Trump Has Perfect Cognitive Test Score, White House Physician Says'. The New York Times, 16 Jan. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/16/us/politics/trump-health-exam-doctor-cognitive-test.html.

'Special Counsel Alleged Biden Couldn't Recall Personal Milestones. His Response: "My Memory Is Fine"'. AP News, 8 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/biden-memory-age-special-counsel-report-doj-f4232bc8316e556ed467185b67c3e0a8.

'The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution'. National Constitution Center  Constitutioncenter.Org, https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-xxv. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

White House Press Briefing: 2/12/24. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyknhFs09oY. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

White House Press Briefing: 2/28/24. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZCz_Fr6s2A. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.
The Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office has sent to court an indictment against the former politician and TV presenter of the banned Ukrainian TV channel NewsOne Maksym Goldarb. He is charged with two crimes: collaboration and justifying Russia's war against Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the press service of the prosecutor's office. It is noted that the traitor faces up to 12 years in prison.

The prosecutor's office named two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine under which the defendant is accused:

. 6 of Art. 111-1 (conducting information activities aimed at supporting the aggressor state and avoiding responsibility for armed aggression against Ukraine)

Part 2, Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (production and dissemination of materials justifying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which began in 2014).

According to the press service of the prosecutor's office, in his interviews, Goldarb deliberately and purposefully spread Russian narratives that Ukraine's European allies were actually using Ukrainians to settle scores with Russia and intended to seize and divide the lands of western Ukraine among themselves.

ADVERTISIMENT

The suspect shifts the blame for the war in Ukraine unleashed by Russia onto the United States and the current Ukrainian government, denying and justifying Russia's armed aggression.

At the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Maksym Goldarb fled Kyiv and publicly supported Russia's armed aggression.

The SBU collected evidence of his illegal activities.

Thus, it was proved that Goldarb published pro-Kremlin posts on his own Telegram and YouTube channels, in which he spread fakes about the activities of Ukraine's top military and political leadership and disinformation about the internal situation in our country.

In addition, he disseminated his own "insights" about the alleged "plans" of several European countries to seize territory in western Ukraine.

Goldarb also repeatedly participated in "teleconferences" with Russian propagandists who spread disinformation.

ADVERTISIMENT

Maksym Goldarb was served with a notice of suspicion in October last year.

"The sanction of the article provides for 12 years in prison with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions for up to 15 years," the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the SBU has notified pioneer Maksym Goldarb of suspicion of collaboration and justification of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. Since the suspect is hiding from the investigation outside Ukraine, comprehensive measures are being taken to establish his whereabouts and bring him to justice for crimes against our country.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Claim:

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted on X that she believed New York Judge Arthur Engoron "should be disrobed."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

On Feb. 22, 2024, users on X shared a screenshot of a post that claimed U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.  a strong supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump  had posted that a judge who oversaw a case involving Trump should be "disrobed."

The definition of "disrobe" is "to take off one's clothing," according to Merriam-Webster.com. Meanwhile, Cambridge.org offers a slightly different definition of the word: "to remove your clothes, especially an outer or formal piece of clothing worn for ceremonies."

This was an authentic post (archived) by Greene and not a fake tweet like so many other social media rumors we've reported on in the past. In the post, Greene misspelled the judge's name, writing, "Judge Engeron should be disrobed and thrown out, he's a disgrace!!"

The post referenced Judge Arthur Engoron of the New York State Supreme Court  who just days earlier ordered Trump to pay $354 million in fines, plus nearly $100 million in additional interest, after finding in a civil fraud trial that he had lied about his wealth for years on financial statements.

Snopes reached out to Greene via a DM on X to ask about the "disrobed" post but did not receive a response before this story was published.

Users on X discussed the post after the word "disrobed" began to trend on the platform, with one person posting that she likely had been suggesting having Engoron disbarred  expelled from the profession.

At least one X user suggested that Greene's incorrect use of the word "disrobed" was done on purpose, claiming that it was part of a long-running strategy for her to get attention.

Reminder that MTG writes things like "Judge Engoron should be disrobed" because she wants engagement, and knows that putting dumb typos in the first line of a tweet will ensure liberals share it to dunk on her. She excels at getting attention and trending. https://t.co/voMRh4VtRh  Mike Rothschild (no relation) (@rothschildmd) February 22, 2024

For further reading, Snopes previously reported on other rumors that claimed Greene had mistaken the word "Antenna" on her TV for a country where the product was manufactured, referenced "Nancy Pelosi's gazpacho police," mentioned Guam as being a foreign country and once said, "We all want Earth to be the best planet in the world."

Sources:

"Definition of DISROBED." Merriam-Webster.Com, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrobed.

"Disrobed." Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/disrobed.

Kates, Graham. "Read the Full Decision in Trump's New York Civil Fraud Case." CBS News, 16 Feb. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/read-trump-new-york-fraud-case-decision-fine-sanctions/.

Saul, Emily. "Ex-Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Is Disbarred After Conviction for Obstructing Federal Probe." New York Law Journal, 16 Nov. 2022, https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2022/11/16/ex-brooklyn-supreme-court-justice-is-disbarred-after-conviction-for-obstructing-federal-probe/.

Sisak, Michael R., et al. "Judge Orders Trump to Pay $355 Million for Lying about His Wealth in Staggering Civil Fraud Ruling." The Associated Press, 16 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-verdict-engoron-244024861f0df886543c157c9fc5b3e4.
Claim:

A photograph authentically shows Donald Trump with his daughter Ivanka as a child, posing on a bed.

Rating:

Rating: True

Critics of former U.S. President Donald Trump often share photographs in which he poses with his daughter Ivanka, allegedly behaving inappropriately towards her. One such photograph, shared online for years, purportedly showed her when she was a teenager, posing on a bed with her father.

The photograph is authentic. It was featured in a 1995 issue of InStyle magazine. Therefore, we have rated the claim "True."

The photo surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) in early 2024 and has existed on various other social media platforms, including Facebook, Imgur, Pinterest, Quora, and Reddit.

(X user @MarioVe69225752)

TinEye reverse-image search results showed it has circulated online at least since 2016. "Does [Trump] have any clue how this looks to strangers?" one Reddit user commented on the image.

Snopes reached out to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign to ask about the in-question image. We will update this report when, or if, we receive a response.

It's worth noting that, in many early posts with the image, it was seemingly a photo of a printed photograph. "From the Trump family photo album," one X post claimed without evidence.

Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka photographed for a Pretty Baby-esque publicity shoot in the '90s pic.twitter.com/3jMLTZTjAg  Anna Biller (@missannabiller) October 17, 2016

We did notice that the photograph's background seemingly matched that of other photographs from inside Donald Trump's penthouse in New York (see image below).

(X user @missannabiller, France24.com)

After the initial publication of this article rating the claim "Unproven," a reader shared with us what appeared to be digital scans of pages from a printed article featuring the in-question photograph. We asked if the reader owned a physical copy of the purported article and had scanned the image. We're waiting on a response.

(Email from Snopes' reader)

We uploaded the reader's images into TinEye's reverse-image search. Using those results and Wayback Machine, an internet archive, we found the images indeed matched media that appeared in an article published by InStyle magazine in December 1995. We tracked down that magazine's cover, which teased the article, "at home with [...] Donald & Marla Trump."

Inside, the article with the in-question image was titled "Breakfast Above Tiffany's" and was written by Leslie Marshall, according to a 2015 post by InStyle. We were unable to locate a digital version of the entire magazine issue.

(Wayback Machine)

Based on the images, Firooz Zahedi photographed the Trumps. We reached out to Zahedi  as well as Marshall, the article's author  for more information about the 1995 piece, and we will update this report when, or if, we receive responses.

Two books by Gwenda Blair about the Trump family ("The Trumps: Three Generations of Builders" and "Donald Trump: The Candidate") cited the 1995 article by InStyle.

(Google Books)

This was not the first rumor about Donald Trump and his children that Snopes has fact-checked. For instance, in January 2024, we confirmed a photo authentically depicted Donald Trump with two of his children, Ivanka and Eric, alongside Jeffrey Epstein in 1993. We also investigated rumors that Donald Trump said he'd like to date Ivanka and debunked a false claim that Ivanka once said she would "mace" him if he wasn't her father.

Sources:

Evon, Dan. "Did Donald Trump Say He'd Like to Date His Daughter?" Snopes, 10 July 2015, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/donald-trump-date-daughter/.

---. "Ivanka Trump Said If Donald Trump Wasn't Her Father, She Would 'Mace' Him?" Snopes, 25 Nov. 2016, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/ivanka-trump-said-if-donald-trump-wasnt-her-father-she-would-mace-him/.

Mahdawi, Arwa. "Donald Trump Was Allegedly Creepy about Ivanka  but Will His Fans Care?" The Guardian, 1 July 2023. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/01/donald-trump-ivanka-miles-taylor-book-claims.

PerryCook, Taija. "Were Trump and 2 of His Kids, Ivanka and Eric, Seen with Jeffrey Epstein in '93?" Snopes, 3 Jan. 2024, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-ivanka-and-eric-with-epstein/.



Updates:

February 20, 2024: This article was updated to include a response from photographer Firooz Zahedi to Snopes' inquiry about the photo.

February 21, 2024: This article was updated to include additional information from the reader who sent Snopes digital scans of the printed article featuring the in-question photograph.
Claim:

A photograph shared to social media genuinely shows a size comparison between a bear's paw and the man holding it.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

Context:

Though there is no reason to doubt the authenticity of the photo, Snopes spoke with a wildlife expert who confirmed the size is likely the result of forced perspective, a photography trick that makes objects closer to the camera appear larger.

A photograph of a hunter proudly holding up a dead bear's paw that dwarfs his hands and head has been shared online for years, often with captions that claim that it accurately shows "the size of a Grizzly Bear paw." One such example was posted on Instagram in February 2024:

A reverse-image search of the photograph using Google Lens (archived) returned a version of the photograph that was posted to Facebook on Oct. 19, 2021, (archived) that was said to show a man by the name of Rick Paillet.

The same image was posted on Paillet's Facebook page dated Oct. 16, 2021, (archived) with a caption that said he had "killed the giant bear" during a hunting trip in Alaska.

Though we have no reason to doubt the photograph's authenticity, there may be an element of forced perspective at play. Snopes contacted Paillet for further details about the bear, including its age, sex and measurements, and will update this article accordingly. Because of the apparent optical illusion, we've rated this claim as "Miscaptioned."

As Snopes previously reported, forced perspective is a photography technique that can "make things appear bigger or smaller than they actually are, depending on their distance from the camera and other objects." Take, for example, this odd photograph of U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Jimmy Carter. (Or any fish photo on a person's dating profile, for that matter.)

Snopes spoke with Riley Woodford of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, who is also the photo editor for the agency's image library. Woodford told Snopes that though he believes the photograph is genuine, the size of the paw is likely due to a camera trick:

[Paillet] is kneeling back behind the bear, the hunting guide/photographer is using a low camera angle, and in the "paw picture" the hunter is holding the paw out at arms-length, thrusting it at the camera. You can see his arm is extended and his elbow is barely bent. It's a big animal to be sure, but they are exaggerating the size.

It is not known in what region the bear was killed and, without that information, Snopes was not able to verify its species.

Grizzly and brown bears are largely considered to be the same species (scientific name Ursus arctos). However, grizzly bears are classified as a separate subspecies (U. a. horribilis), as the National Park Service notes, because of a few morphological differences.

"Evolution happens gradually and when looking at a range of subspecies, it's a spectrum, not a well-drawn line," Woodford said. "The Kodiak bear has been isolated from other brown bear populations for at least 40,000 years, and has developed some distinctive divergent characteristics, mainly the size."

Kodiak bears (U. a. middendorffi), found only on Alaska's Kodiak Archipelago, are the largest bears in the world. With a weight of up to 1,500 pounds, a large male can stand more than 10 feet tall on his hind legs, and 5 feet when on all fours. Females, by comparison, are about four-fifths the size and roughly two-thirds the weight of males.

Other brown bears typically weigh between 500 and 900 pounds, though according to the National Park Service a weight of 1,400 pounds is "not unheard of in the fall." On their hind legs, brown bears can stand almost 9 feet tall, and between 3 and 5 feet when on all fours.

And with big bears come big paws. iNaturalist, a nonprofit social network of naturalists, citizen scientists and biologists, reports that all four feet in average-size brown bears tend to be between 7 and 8 inches wide. Large male coastal or Kodiak males may see hind feet that measure up to 16 inches in length and 11 inches in width.

For further reading, check our other Snopes fact-checks related to bears.

Sources:

"Brown Bear (Mammals of Serbia - Guide)  iNaturalist." iNaturalist, https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/889098. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Brown Bear Frequently Asked Questions - Katmai National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/brown-bear-frequently-asked-questions.htm. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Brown Bear - Ursus Arctos - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/kefj/learn/nature/brown-bear.htm. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Brown Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/brown-bears.htm. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/.

---. "Why Do the Bidens Look Giant in Photo With Carters?" Snopes, 4 May 2021, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/bidens-photo-carters/.

Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/luckyduckdecoys/posts/our-very-own-rick-paillet-was-in-alaska-and-had-the-opportunity-of-a-lifetime-he/2534487930017584/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Google Lens. https://lens.google.com/search?ep=gisbubb&hl=en&re=df&p=AbrfA8rN38BPTCdRvXMAVRHrRTZCa2aVnK2f73qAjFRLjFHQ4yvBvpADRAwvsBoXQ7Jtd02ge_nI-c-nF1GDLpe_BWyFcpUvPE7NBgkZKcQ0t_3_wHXglZTot-ysm2TwyVqUgfNh9Lf2C1URXS5_tSWLaZwd1_rXrSoDeYVI1Cr5TMj0tsIfUmhGhN2DE1Ia01V5U_agf52WcKg_Iw%3D%3D&pli=1#lns=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsIkVrY0tKRGcyTVRSak1EaGxMVGt5TW1ZdE5EbGlaUzA0TnpZMExXWXhObU5tTWpreU56SXhPUklmUlRjNFZGUkNhVkIwTnpoVlVVVjFlRFl4WHpJd1dFTTRRM1ZGYWpOU1p3PT0iLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLFtudWxsLG51bGwsW251bGwsWzc1MSwxNzgwMCw4MTQwMCw5MzM2N11dXV0=. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

"Https://Twitter.Com/AC_Black_/Status/1756066132401025424." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/AC_Black_/status/1756066132401025424. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Kodiak Brown Bear Fact Sheet, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=brownbear.trivia. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Wrona, Aleksandra. "Examples of a Deceptive Photography Trick: Forced Perspective." Snopes, 22 May 2023, https://www.snopes.com//list/forced-perspective/.
Claim:

During a speech at CPAC 2024, former president Donald Trump referred to his wife Melania by the name Mercedes.

Rating:

Rating: False

On Feb. 24, 2024, former president Donald Trump addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an influential meeting of American conservatives presently aligned with Trump.

A portion of that speech went viral, because it was interpreted as evidence of Trump referring to his wife Melania as "Mercedes." That claim even reached late night television, when it was featured on a Feb. 26, 2024, segment on "Late Night with Seth Meyers":

These claims are false, because they omit obvious context indicating that the former president was referring to a Mercedes Schlapp. Among other connections, Schlapp served in the Trump Administration as White House director of strategic communications.

The American Conservative Union, which runs CPAC, is chaired by her husband, Matt Schlapp. At the beginning of the speech, Trump thanked both of them, looking to his far left as he did so:

This indicates that Mercedes Schlapp was in attendance and likely seated in that general direction during Trump's speech. Other views of the conference room during his remarks indicate that some sort of VIP area may have been placed in the general direction of Trump's gaze:

The Schlapps were not the only people acknowledged by Trump. Much of the introductory portion of his one-and-a-half-hour speech was dedicated to recognizing people of note in attendance. Trump frequently looked to the people gathered in that area to his left, commenting to them when a name he mentioned got a notably receptive response from the crowd.

Trump did not acknowledge Melania in this portion of the speech. Along with a lack of photos of her at the event, this suggests she did not accompany the former president to CPAC. Trump's first reference to the former first lady occurred midway through the speech. Melania's name interrupted a story denigrating President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities:

[Biden] trips over the machinery and [...] if there's a wall behind him, he ends up walking into the wall []. [The U.S. Secret Service] will run up and grab him and take him off the stage. This is what we have as our president. But the worst thing is when I do that the fake news I call up my wife, our great first lady. She was a great. People love her. People love her

The crowd applauded and rose to give a standing ovation. Following that, Trump looked in the same direction as earlier, remarking  once again  about the notably receptive response. This time, he directed his comment to Mercedes. "Oh, look at that," he said. "Wow, Mercedes, that's pretty good."

This crucial context is omitted when presented as evidence of Trump supposedly forgetting the name of his wife. It is clear, given the context of his introductory remarks, that Trump is referring to the same Mercedes as earlier in the speech.

Because viral and comedic claims that Trump referred to his wife as Mercedes during Trump's 2024 CPAC speech omit the crucial context that he was referring to Mercedes Schlapp, the claim is "False."

Sources:

Haberman, Maggie, and Annie Karni. "Mercedes Schlapp Leaving White House Press Office to Join Trump Campaign." The New York Times, 1 July 2019. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/us/politics/mercedes-schlapp-trump-campaign.html.

LIVE: President Donald Trump Speech at CPAC 2024 | NEWSMAX2. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoXKP55cC9Y. Accessed 27 Feb. 2024.

"Trump Calls Himself a 'proud Political Dissident' in CPAC Speech." AP News, 24 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-cpac-vindication-judgment-day-2c73c0e64ff5b25afd2e3b09fd75204a.

Williamson, Elizabeth. "Meet the Schlapps, Washington's Trump-Era 'It Couple.'" The New York Times, 30 Apr. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/30/us/politics/schlapp-trump.html.
Claim:

A photograph shared in early March 2024 shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the hospital for COVID-19.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

In early March 2024, a photograph spread on X (formerly Twitter), allegedly showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a hospital bed. "Urgent Update: Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly in a grave condition after contracting a severe mutated strain of the coronavirus. The situation is said to be critically serious," one X post read.

(X user @SilentlySirs)

Google reverse-image search results showed that the photograph had been shared online at least since 2016. We found that it was a digitally edited version of an authentic photo shared in October 2015 on Netanyahu's official Facebook profile. The edited version featured Netanyahu's face pasted over that of the original subject, so it looked as if the prime minister were the person lying in the hospital bed. We found no reports in reputable sources stating that Netanyahu was hospitalized with COVID-19.

The original post said the photograph showed Sara Netanyahu, Netanyahu's wife, visiting the patient, Adel Bennett, who was injured in a terrorist attack. We translated the post using Google Translate:

Today, my wife Sara visited Adel Bennett and her son Natan, who were injured in the terrorist attack that happened in Jerusalem last Saturday night, at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. My wife talked at length with Adel and her parents, asked her to tell about the terrible attack and strengthened her in dealing with the long and difficult process she is facing. My wife stated that she would ask the state to extend any help to help the family. "Adele is extraordinary in her bravery and her greatness of spirit," my wife said today at the end of the visit, "she went through agony in the minutes she ran wounded and knew she had to save her children, in the face of unparalleled cruelty. It is impossible to define in human terms the evil and cruelty on the part of those who were there, who stood filled with deep hatred. This is murder, this is slaughter. Each and every one on that street who abused her, laughed at her and kicked her, or drank a can of Coke in the face of this horror - each and every one of them is the most despicable murderer there can be. I hope that everyone will face their punishment and that Jews They won't face slaughter like that, which I don't wish on anyone."

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in 2015 that "Rabbi Aharon Banita-Bennett, 22, of Beitar Illit was stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist near Lion's Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday evening. His wife and 2-year-old son were wounded."

All in all, because the photograph was flipped horizontally and edited so that Benjamin Netanyahu's face was superimposed over that of the female patient, we rate this image as "Fake."

(Benjamin Netanyahu -   Facebook profile, X user @SilentlySirs)
Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, arrives the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong

By Jessie Pang and Edward Cho

(Reuters) -Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai is on trial accused of endangering China's national security.

Lai, 76, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces - which carry a possible life sentence - and a lesser charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material.

Over two months into the high-profile trial, the prosecution has laid out its case of Lai's alleged collusion with foreign forces, which it says included meetings with U.S. officials in Washington during the presidency of Donald Trump.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The trial is widely seen as a landmark national security case after Beijing imposed laws on the financial hub in 2020 following months of protests in 2019.

Lai has long been an outspoken critic of China's Communist Party and is the highest-profile figure to face prosecution under the law. Diplomats are watching developments closely.

Hong Kong's former colonial ruler Britain and the United States have called for Lai's immediate release, saying the case is politically motivated. Hong Kong officials say Lai will receive a fair trial.

WHAT IS THE PROSECUTION'S CASE?

Prosecutor Anthony Chau described Lai as a "radical" and alleged he was at the centre of conspiracies to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious material in the Apple Daily newspaper he founded.

Chau alleged that Lai used "the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy" to request that foreign countries, in particular the United States, impose sanctions or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong and China.

The court heard that one example of Lai's alleged collusion was a meeting he held with Trump's Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in July 2019 to discuss an extradition bill proposed by the Hong Kong government.

The bill would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. It sparked mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and was withdrawn.

WHO IS THE PROSECUTION LINKING WITH LAI?

The prosecution listed agents and intermediaries of Lai, including former U.S. Army General Jack Keane, former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, founder of the Hong Kong Watch rights group Benedict Rogers and former U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong James Cunningham. Commenting from outside Hong Kong, Cunningham and Rogers said Lai's interactions were normal, legal activity.

Prosecutors also identified a syndicate led by Lai, which they said included activists, his aide, rights campaigners, a Japanese congresswoman and a U.S. financier. The prosecution case says these people contacted the U.S., Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Czech Republic, Portugal and Ireland to impose sanctions or take other hostile action against Hong Kong and China.

Prosecutors described Lai as "the mastermind and financial supporter at the highest level command of the syndicate".

One count of collusion said Lai had links to a group the prosecution named as "Stand With Hong Kong Fight For Freedom" (SWHK), which it said lobbied countries for sanctions on China and Hong Kong.

Mark Simon, Lais personal assistant and a U.S. citizen, executed his instructions and vetted requests for financial support, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors also said Lai used Apple Daily as a platform to conspire with three of its subsidiaries, six former executives linked to the newspaper, and staff members Mark Simon, Nick Cheung and Simon Lee and others to collude with foreign forces.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Andy Li, a key prosecution witness, who had been jailed for 7 months in a Chinese prison before the trial, began testifying on Wednesday.

Li testified that two companies had helped give advance payments for a campaign in 2019 to buy advertisements in major international newspapers that called on G20 nations to "stand with" Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. The prosecution had earlier alleged the two companies belonged to Lai.

Cheung Kim-hung, the former CEO of Apple Daily's parent company Next Digital and the first prosecution witness, denied being asked by police to become a prosecution witness when he was remanded in the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.

Cheung said earlier he had been instructed by Lai to call people to join protests in 2019 and draw the attention of Western democracies.

(Reporting by Jessie Pang, Edward Cho and Dorothy Kam; writing by Greg Torode: Editing by Neil Fullick and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Justice Department logo is seen at Justice Department headquarters in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Five months into the fiscal year, congressional negotiators have unveiled the first tranche of bills to avert a partial government shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats touting the portions of the legislation that embraced their key priorities.

Below are some of the details from the 1,050-page bill.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson touted the fact that the legislation bars the Justice Department "from targeting parents exercising their right to free speech before school boards."

A section of the measure "prohibits the Department from targeting or investigating parents who peacefully protest at school board meetings and are not suspected of engaging in unlawful activity."

Republicans took issue with a department memo issued in 2021 that said it was using its authority to discourage a spike in harassment, threats and intimidation of school officials. Attorney General Merrick Garland has defended the memo, saying authorities never used the FBI against parents.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Johnson said the measure imposed deep cuts on the Environmental Protection Agency, while Democrats said the bill rejected drastic cuts to environmental programs.

The bill cuts funding to the EPA to $9.16 billion, down from $10.1 billion in the previous fiscal year. But it maintains staffing levels and funding for several programs.

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS

Johnson said Republicans had won deep cuts to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The bill cuts funding to the ATF by about 7%. Much of that decrease stems from the fact that there are not construction expenses included for the bureau in the current fiscal year.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Both Democrats and Republicans touted the fact that the legislation fully funded veterans' healthcare. The bill boosts funding for veterans' healthcare by more than $2 billion, including for mental health, women's health and caregivers.

FOOD AID

Democrats touted the fact the legislation fully funded a key food aid program. The bill boosted funding for the program by about $1 billion.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Democrats highlighted funds for rental assistance and for programs to help build housing. The legislation included money for a program to produce housing, housing vouchers and other rental assistance.

(Reporting by Makini Brice; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Family members of Americans held hostage by Hamas are expected to attend president Joe Bidens State of the Union address this week as he faces mounting pressure over his handling of the conflict.

Its a living hell. A living hell from the moment you get up in the morning until you go to bed, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, told NBC News. He is hopeful that his presence in the Capitol will remind Americans of the horrific situation of the hostages, as they continue efforts to secure their release.

There really are no words to describe how difficult this is. I feel for my son; I am consumed for his wife and his three little girls who are waiting for him at home and have absolutely no idea what his condition is, Mr Dekel-Chen told the outlet. He is attending the event as the guest of Democratic representative Josh Gottheimer. There are at least six remaining American hostages in Gaza.

Mr Bidens State of the Union comes as the prospects of a ceasefire took a major hit on Thursday with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continuing to hold an unspecified number of hostages, including both Israeli and American civilians.

Last week, families of hostages held in Gza and their supporters launched a four-day march from southern Israel to Jerusalem to demand their loved ones be set free.

According to the Israeli government, about 1,200 people have been killed, while around 240 people were kidnapped. Meanwhile, the civilian death toll from Israels assault and the resulting famine and other effects has passed 30,000.

Earlier on Sunday, vice president Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire, as she condemned Israel for failing to allow humanitarian aid to citizens of the Gaza Strip.

[G]iven the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire  for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, said the vice president.

The remarks came after Israels military was widely criticised for opening fire as Palestinians swarmed an aid truck carrying flour. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in the incident, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act, Ms Harris said.

The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses, she added.

They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services, and promote order in Gaza, so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need, Ms Harris said.

President Biden has been under immense pressure from his own party in recent days to pressure Israel to halt fighting in Gaza and allow the delivery of more humanitarian aid, as aid agencies warn that a famine is imminent. At least 15 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration in recent days, according to the Gaza health ministry.

This latest shift in the administrations messaging comes after more than 100,000 voters in Michigans Democratic primary voted uncommitted after progressives including Rep Rashida Tlaib urged Michiganders to register protest votes against the administrations handling of the war in Gaza.
Delegates vote at the state party conference of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) Saxony-Anhalt in Magdeburg. Peter Gercke/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa

An Alternative for Germany (AfD) member has won the election for mayor of a small town in the east of the country, adding to a recent string of victories for the far-right party.

Rolf Weigand received 59.4% of the vote on Sunday, easily defeating the two other candidates in Grossschirma, a town located west of Dresden.

Weigand is a member of the state parliament of Saxony for the AfD.

In the mayoral election he ran as an "individual candidate," meaning he was not officially put forward by the AfD.

The election in the town of 5,500 residents had become necessary following the sudden death of the long-time incumbent Volkmar Schreiter late last year.

Weigand also stood in the previous mayoral election, but was defeated by Schreiter, a member of business-friendly Free Democrats.

In the town of Pirna, about 60 kilometres east of Grossschirma, Tim Lochner took office as mayor at the beginning of the week. Lochner is not an AfD member, but had been nominated for election by the party.

Tino Chrupalla, Federal Chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, speaks at the state party conference of the AfD Saxony-Anhalt in Magdeburg. Peter Gercke/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
The Scoop

The U.S. government is intensifying a manhunt for an Iranian intelligence operative who the Federal Bureau of Investigation believes has been plotting to assassinate current and former American officials, including one-time Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The FBIs Miami field office on Friday issued a public alert seeking information on Majid Dastjani Farahani, a suspected member of Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security, who the Bureau alleged has been recruiting individuals for operations in the U.S., to include lethal targeting of current/former USG officials.

Its unclear why the FBI issued its warning in Florida. But the U.S. government warned in a Most Wanted notice issued Friday that Farahani speaks Spanish and frequently moves between Iran and Venezuela. The U.S.s Department of Justice convicted an alleged Iranian operative in 2011 of working with Mexican drug cartels to attempt to assassinate Saudi Arabias former ambassador to Washington, Adel al-Jubeir, while he dined at a Georgetown restaurant. In January, the DoJ indicted an Iranian gang leader for allegedly working with members of the Hells Angels to kill Iranian dissidents living in Maryland.

The Iranian government has repeatedly vowed over the past four years to avenge the 2020 death of Major General Qasem Soleimani  a commander of Irans elite Qods Force  whom the Trump administration assassinated in Baghdad using a drone strike on his convoy. The DoJ indicted members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) in 2022 for allegedly plotting to murder Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton, who served in the White House in the months leading up to Soleimanis death.

U.S. officials told Semafor they believe Pompeo and Trumps special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, are also on Tehrans hit list. The U.S. government is currently providing both men with around-the-clock security due to the severity of the threat.

The FBI said Friday that Farahani, 42, was recruiting individuals as revenge for Soleimanis death and to conduct surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses, and other facilities in the United States. The Treasury Department sanctioned Farahani in December.





Jays view

The Biden administrations backing of Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas  which is armed and funded by Iran  has significantly raised tensions between Washington and Tehran. An Iranian-backed militia killed three U.S. soldiers during a January drone strike on an American military base in Jordan. But any Iranian operation that kills a current or former U.S. official, or a political dissident, on American soil could cross a red line that leads Washington to retaliate against Tehran directly.

Theres growing evidence that Iran and its allies are operating aggressively inside the U.S. In August 2022, a self-avowed supporter of the Islamic Republic stabbed the British-American novelist Salman Rushdie at an upstate New York literary festival in a suspected attempt to make good on the religious fatwa Tehran placed on the writers head in 1989. The Department of Justice is still investigating whether the Lebanese-American assailant was acting directly under Irans orders.

Last January, the DoJ indicted three natives of Azerbaijan for allegedly attempting to murder the Iranian-American womens rights activist, Masih Alinejad, in New York. U.S. law enforcement said they also derailed a 2021 Iranian plot that aimed to kidnap Alinejad in Brooklyn and spirit her by speedboat to Venezuela, a close ally of Irans.

Tehran, in virtually all of its operations against the U.S.  including military strikes and assassination plots  appear to work almost solely through proxies. United States law enforcement officials told Semafor that they assume Tehran would maintain this doctrine in any attack on the Trump-era officials, and Farahani appears to be working along these same lines. This could make proving attribution behind any attack very difficult, these officials said.

Brian Hook, the former U.S. envoy, told a congressional hearing last week that he believed the plots against him continued and thanked U.S. law enforcement for protecting him. I wish we were in a place that it was not necessary, but that is where we are, he said.





The View From Iran

The Iranian government has made the avenging of Soleimanis assassination one of its top national security objectives. Senior members of the IRGC have said in recent weeks that Hamass October attack on southern Israel was driven, in part, by this aim. The Al-Aqsa Storm was one of the retaliations of the Axis of Resistance against the Zionists for the martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani, Iranian state media quoted IRGC spokesman, Ramezan Sharif, as saying in December.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also openly threatened U.S. officials for assassination during his September speech at the United Nations in New York. The Islamic Republic of Iran, through all tools and capacities in order to bring to justice the perpetrators and all those who had a hand in this government sanctioned act of terror, will not sit until that is done, he said. The blood of the oppressed will not be forgotten.

Notable

The U.S. and U.K. jointly sanctioned 11 Iranian individuals in January who were allegedly involved in attempts to assassinate dissidents and political opponents overseas.
The blockade of the Ukrainian border by the Poles has not led to delays in military and humanitarian supplies  they are moving freely. However, reports to the contrary are not true.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He noted that the equipment mentioned in such reports is commercial.

"It is very important that despite the protests of Polish carriers and farmers, not a single case of blocking the delivery of weapons, military equipment, humanitarian aid, and fuel to Ukraine has been recorded. All of these goods go to Ukraine unhindered. These cases, which are loudly exaggerated in Telegram channels, are not military equipment. These are commercial vehicles being transported under different guises," the Prime Minister said.

Poland has given an ultimatum to the European Commission

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of farmers' protests and border blockades (primarily of the Ukrainian one), Poland itself has begun informal talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. At the same time, the Poles have already set an ultimatum: if the EC does not agree to Polish demands, the country's authorities threaten to impose unilateral bans and not unblock the borders at the state level.

ADVERTISIMENT

Negotiations are underway to grant the Poles exemptions from the EU's Green Deal and restrictions on agricultural imports, said Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Sheyna. According to Onet Wiadomosci, Poland is looking for exemptions from EU rules "for everything that is possible"  from the Green Deal to limiting the inflow of products that could lead to "permanent disruption of the market of one or more countries."

Sheina said that if the EU does not agree to Poland's demands "for too long," disruptions at the border will continue. "We will make changes, we will introduce border blockades, barriers and duties unilaterally," the Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Thus, Poland claims that the inflow of cheaper agricultural products from Ukraine allegedly threatens Polish farmers. However, back in 2023, Poland imposed a ban on some Ukrainian products, including grain.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA, at the same time, according to Volodymyr Balin, Vice President of the Association of International Road Carriers (AsMAP), Polish carriers are worried about the period when Ukraine will join the European Union and will be able to carry out international transportation without restrictions. Therefore, they are already doing everything to make their carriers less competitive.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  A North Carolina woman was arrested after she and three others were in a violent dispute at a Raleigh Cook Out early Sunday morning, according to police.

Raleigh Police said they were called to 1201 New Bern Avenue at 2:41 a.m., which is a Cook Out, for an altercation. After arriving, officers learned that a minor fender bender led to a fight among four women.

Police said the women were in a physical dispute, and two of them were cut. The other two women went to the hospital with minor injuries.

All four women were identified by police.

Sunday night, the Raleigh Police Department Watch Commander confirmed that Diesha Monique Mills, 31, of Kinston was arrested in the incident.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Mills was taken into custody at UNC Health Rex hospital after she was treated for injuries, police said.

She was charged with assault with a deadly weapon  serious injury, according to police and arrest records.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Officials are investigating after a staff member at Brockton High School was injured during a fight between students.

According to a spokesperson for Brockton Public Schools, two students were involved in a physical altercation on Monday morning. The details leading up to the fight are unclear, but officials say a staff member was injured during the fray and was evaluated by the nurse. The staff member was then sent home for the day and the extent of their injuries is unclear.

The students involved will be disciplined per district policy and procedure, according to the district spokesperson. Brockton School Police are also investigating the incident.

The assault comes a week after calls by school officials for the National Guard to step in and help quell the violence at the embattled high school.

Brockton High School is the largest public school in Massachusetts, with over 3,000 students enrolled.

Brockton superintendent placed on paid leave after a vote by the school committee

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.

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An argument between men at an Atlanta-area Hooters led to a deadly shooting, Georgia police say.

The disagreement turned violent outside the restaurant and bar in Newnan early Monday, March 4, according to the citys police department. Officers were called about the shooting just after 12:15 a.m.

They arrived to find a man shot in the parking lot, police said in a news release. He was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries around 6 a.m., according to authorities.

Police identified him as 22-year-old Luke Oliveira, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.

Investigators said Oliveira was at the restaurant with Jacob Lee Vandiver, 28, when the two started arguing. Their verbal disagreement turned physical and Vandiver shot Oliveira, according to police.

Its not clear how the two men knew each other or what led to the argument.

McClatchy News reached out to Newnan police for more information Monday and was waiting a response.

Vandiver, whos from Fayetteville, is charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, police said.

Gun violence in the U.S.

Thousands of people die from firearm-related injuries in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deemed a serious public health problem, firearm injuries were among the leading causes of death for people ages 1 to 44 in 2022, per the CDC.

Public health officials add that gun violence impacts more than just victims and their families.

Shooting incidents, including those in homes, schools, houses of worship, workplaces, shopping areas, on the street or at community events can affect the sense of safety and security of entire communities and impact everyday decisions, according to the CDC.

Newnan is about 40 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta.

Topless bar employee slaps and spits on customer for not tipping, Florida cops say

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26-year-old bar worker is shot to death while trying to break up fight, Florida cops say
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka firefighters were called to the scene of a shed fire that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to property on Saturday.

The Topeka Fire Department (TFD) was called around 10:30 p.m. on March 2 to the 500 block of SE Leland Street, according to a press release from the City of Topeka. Fire crews at the scene found the fire spreading to a nearby detached garage and vehicle.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Topeka spokeswoman Rosie Nichols said firefighters requested help in extinguishing the flames. An investigation into the incident has yet to identify the cause but did confirm a total estimate of $13,500 in damage to local property. No one was injured during the incident.

East Topeka fire prompts response from local firefighters

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  First lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership across the globe during a ceremony at the White House on Monday.

The 18th annual International Women of Courage Awards ceremony falls during Womens History Month.

Because your fight is all our fight, and we are stronger than any force that hopes to silence us, Dr. Jill Biden said.

The first lady and secretary of state honored women who demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership sometimes at their own personal risk and sacrifice.

Your voices carry across oceans and continents, calling to the women and girls who need to hear your stories, Biden said.

During his remarks, Blinken highlighted the Biden administrations effort to support women and girls around the world.

Supporting women and girls is not only the right thing to do, its the smart and necessary thing to do, Blinken said.

Among the honorees were nine women from Nicaragua who were part of a group of political prisoners released in February of last year.

Since 2007, the State Department has recognized more than 190 women from 90 countries with the International Women of Courage Award.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn (R), former Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (2nd R), Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges (3rd R) and Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell (L) listen during the final House Select Committee hearing on the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Dec. 2022. File photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

March 4 (UPI) -- The Kentucky man who was the first known person to breach the U.S. Capitol building during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack was found guilty Monday by a Washington, D.C., court.

Michael Sparks, of Elizabethtown, was found guilty of multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his conduct at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and is one of over 1,313 individuals also charged with activities relating to that day.

U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly is expected to hand Sparks an official sentence on July 9, according to a release by the Justice Department.

The violent and deadly breach on the Capitol building -- which left five people dead and over 140 injured police officers -- notably disrupted a joint session of Congress convened to count and certify the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

A federal jury convicted Sparks, 46, of felony offenses of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder.

According to official records, Sparks was first arrested on Jan. 19, 2021, and was formally indicted days later on Feb. 5 and had a superseding indictment filed on Nov. 10, 2021.

The FBI's Louisville and Washington Field Offices investigated Sparks' case where he was also convicted of several other misdemeanor offenses including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

Evidence that was presented during the trial show Sparks as the very first rioter to enter the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. He was seen entering through a window and then jumping down onto the floor at around 2:13 p.m. that day despite hearing screams of "don't go in."

After entering the building, Sparks was seen following a group of other men who chased a Capitol Police officer up a flight of stairs and proceeded to harass the officer. Other Capitol Police officers ordered the group to leave, which they did not after Sparks "grew increasingly agitated" and yelled at the officers, "This is our America! This is our America!"
Keeping up with Donald Trumps court schedule is a dizzying task, since he faces two federal trials, a criminal trial in Georgia, and two separate civil and criminal trials in New York. (Oh, and hes running for president.) To make it easier to follow along, each Monday well be looking back on all the Trump trialrelated developments you might have missed the previous week.

Today was supposed to be the start of Trumps federal election interference case, but instead the Supreme Court decided to take up the former presidents absolute immunity appeal, leaving that trial on hold until the summer. And speaking of the high court, they also decided on this fine Monday morning that states cannot disqualify Trump from their ballots because of his alleged engagement in an insurrection. In Florida, Judge Aileen Cannon might finally be moving toward assigning a new trial date in special counsel Jack Smiths classified documents case, while Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg wants a gag order on Trump ahead of his hush money trial thats kicking off in exactly three weeks.

On Monday morning the Supreme Court reversed the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove Trump from its primary ballots and ruled no state may unilaterally remove a presidential candidate from national officea power that rests with Congress and not the states.

Its a huge win for the former president, who has been kicked off three state ballots, with more than 10 states embroiled in ongoing legal challenges to his candidacy. These challenges are based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which says that any former officeholder who engaged in insurrection is disqualified from regaining public office. Colorado was the first state to use this clause to remove Trump from their ballot, and his appeal quickly landed before the Supreme Court.

Though the justices issued a unanimous decision in the Colorado ballot case, they were divided on their reasoning. The courts most conservative justicesClarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh, plus Chief Justice John Robertsjoined an unsigned majority opinion declaring that only Congress may enforce Section 3 against federal candidates for office through some kind of enabling legislation. The liberal wing of the courtJustices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jacksonconcurred in the judgment only, arguing the majority was overstepping and could not join an opinion that decides momentous and difficult issues unnecessarily. Justice Amy Coney Barrett agreed that the majority overreached, meaning the court really split 54 on the heart of the decision. (Mark Joseph Stern breaks down why the majority went further than it needed to, and the broader consequences that will have.)

As soon as the courts decision came out, Trump was on Truth Social, posting with glee: BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!!

The highest court in the land granted another one of Trumps wishes last week: The justices are making it very difficult for special counsel Jack Smiths election interference case to wrap up before the election. After taking over two weeks to consider Trumps and Smiths filings, the justices agreed to keep Smiths case on pause while they consider whether the trial should be dismissed, as Trump has argued, because of presidential immunity.

A federal appeals court recently shut down Trumps immunity argument, noting that presidential immunity is mentioned nowhere in the Constitution and therefore Trump is not shielded from criminal charges for actions he took in office. As expected, Trump fought that decision by first asking SCOTUS to pause the appeals court ruling while he works on filing a petition for review. Smith then filed a reply brief asking the justices to treat Trumps request for a stay as a petition for review in order to fast-track this process. The justices agreed and now they get the final word.

Regardless of how the high court rules, its a big win for the former president. Thats because SCOTUS has bought Trump a lot of time, scheduling oral arguments for the week of April 22, and they likely wont issue a decision until the end of June. And given that Judge Tanya Chutkan has suggested in court papers that Trump should get one extra day to prepare for every additional day his trial is delayed from her original March 4 trial date, Smith may end up having to wait until after November to try the former president. If Trump wins in the presidential election, its safe to assume he will try to dismiss Smiths entire indictment.

The high courts decision in this case could also impact Smiths classified documents trial and the Georgia election interference case, where Trump has also claimed presidential immunity. The claim is not at issue in the New York hush money case.

Attorneys for Trump urged Judge Aileen Cannon to dismiss Smiths classified documents case, pointing to how special counsel Robert Hur decided not to prosecute President Joe Biden for classified documents he held on toand Smith called foul.

Trump, unlike Biden, is alleged to have engaged in extensive and repeated efforts to obstruct justice and thwart the return of documents bearing classification markings, wrote David Harbach, assistant special counsel. And the evidence concerning the two mens intentwhether they knowingly possessed and willfully retained such documentsis also starkly different.

Harbach is referencing Hurs report which concluded that, because Biden had cooperated with the Department of Justice and had significantly limited memory, it was unlikely jurors would be convinced Biden willfully held on to classified documents. That stands in stark contrast to Trump, according to Harbach, who argued that the defendants have not identified anyone who has engaged in a remotely similar suite of willful and deceitful criminal conduct and not been prosecuted.

Last Friday, Judge Cannon held a hearing to consider when Trump should go to trial in Smiths classified documents case, months after she suggested that her initial May 20 date wouldnt hold because of potential overlap with the other trials Trump is facing. Prosecutors and the defense each presented their cases for when the former president should face a jury, and they unsurprisingly offered two very different timelines.

Smiths team proposed that Trumps trial should begin on July 8one week before the Republican National Conventionwhile also dropping big news: The DOJs 60-day rulean unwritten policy of avoiding prosecution close to an electiondoes not apply to the classified documents case because Trump has already been charged, and because the trial date is set by a judge, not prosecutors. Cannon signaled that a July trial would be unrealistic, given that there are numerous pretrial motions to be decided on beforehand.

Trumps attorneys proposed that the trial should begin on Aug. 12, but noted that their first preference would be to delay the trial until after the November general election. Smiths team accused them of putting out fake dates that they expect Cannon to end up pushing back again until after Election Day. We just need to bring this case to trial this summer, said Jay Bratt, prosecutor on the special counsels legal team.

Todd Blanche, Trumps attorney, insisted that forcing a trial before November is a mistake and should not happen. He argued that it would force Trump off the campaign trail for blocks of time for really no reason.

The former president tried appealing the bond terms of his New York civil fraud case judgment, requesting to post only $100 million along with a promise to pay the full $450 million (and counting) judgment at a later time through a bond company. An appellate court judge turned him down, but did open another door for him.

As part of New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engorons decision, Trump not only has to pay $450 million for filing fraudulent financial documents, hes also banned from getting a loan from a New York bank for three years and cannot run any New Yorkbased companies. But in order to afford bond, Trump would need to rely on a loan, making the terms of Engorons verdict impossible. Appellate court Justice Anil Singh recognized that, and though he denied Trumps initial payment plan request, he did pause the part of Engorons verdict that would prevent Trump from securing a loan.

Trump has until March 25 to cough up the $450 million fine, and if he cannot pay, New York Attorney General Letitia James has said shes ready to seize his assets, specifically his New York properties.

Like many of the prosecutors trying the former president, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is trying to get ahead of the inevitable: Trump attacking people associated with his criminal cases. So last week, Bragg filed a request for a gag order that would ban Trump from publicly attacking witnesses or exposing jurors identities in his New York hush money case. (This trial will start on March 25.)

Bragg argues that, given Trumps longstanding history of attacking witnesses, investigators, prosecutors, judges, and others involved in legal proceedings against him, the former president must be legally barred from making or directing others to make public comments about witnesses and jurors in this case. Bragg has charged Trump with 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in the first degree. It goes back to the days of 2016 when Trump was campaigning for president the first time and allegedly arranged, then lied about, payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to stop them from publicly speaking out about their alleged affairs with Trump. (Trump denies the affairs and claims the payments to Michael Cohen were not criminal.)

Judge Juan Merchan is overseeing Braggs case, and if he approves the requested gag order, its likely that Trump will appeal it. Steven Cheung, spokesman for Trumps presidential campaign, has already criticized Braggs move, calling it a restrictive gag order, which if granted, would impose an unconstitutional infringement on President Trumps First Amendment rights.

Its been two weeks since the start of hearings into a series of misconduct allegations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and the special prosecutor she hired, Nathan Wade. Theyve been filled with dramatic testimony, and last week was no different, as Terrence Bradley, Wades former business partner and divorce attorney, took the witness stand.

Bradley was less than thrilled to be testifying, but after receiving a subpoena he was forced to show up in court. He was considered a key witness for defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who initially filed the misconduct allegations against Willis and Wade last month, alleging the DA improperly hired Wade because he was her boyfriend and that the couple have a conflict of interest in prosecuting her client, Mike Roman. Trump quickly joined Merchants motion, and both defendants want Willis, Wade, and the DAs entire team disqualified from the election interference case and all of their clients charges dismissed.

Both Willis and Wade have already testified and admitted to dating while working together, but argue there is no conflict. The hearing spent a considerable amount of time focusing on trips the couple took together with funds Wade earned through his work for Fulton County, which the defense argues is evidence of a conflict of interest. Both prosecutors testified that Willis paid Wade back for that travel, and Willis announced the couple was no longer dating.

Merchant grilled Bradley about the timeline of Willis and Wades relationshipboth testified they started dating in 2022, about a year after Wade was hired by the DAand he remained adamant that he had no knowledge of it starting, or when it started. But Merchant presented a text message exchange between herself and Bradley from January where he responded Absolutely to Merchant asking if Willis and Wade began dating before she hired him in 2021.

Yet on the witness stand, Bradley insisted he was just speculating about the couples relationship timeline. After Merchant repeatedly failed to get Bradley to divulge more information about the meaning behind his January text message, Trumps attorney Steve Sadow also failed to get Bradley to explain why he would speculate when Merchant asked him a direct question. I have no answer for that, said Bradley, to which Sadow retorted, Except for the fact that you do, in fact, know when it started and you dont want to testify to that in court. Thats the best explanation.

Closing arguments were presented later that day and Judge McAfee announced he would make a final decision about Willis and Wades roles in this case within the next two weeks. If he rules that Willis is disqualified, her entire office would be forced to step down too, and a new prosecutor would be assigned by the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia. Though it is exceptionally rare for a prosecutor to be disqualified, it does happen. In that event, there is no guarantee that the scope of Willis indictment would hold or when a replacement prosecutor would get assigned.
Boys walking by dormitories at the School for Boys in Marianna, Florida. 1950 (circa) Credit: Florida Memory, State Library and Archives of Florida.

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

The Florida Legislature is now poised to send a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis that would award a total of $20 million to the victims of abuse at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee reform school in North Florida.

The Florida Senate on Monday unanimously approved the proposal (HB 23) and the House passed the legislation last week.

Tampa Bay area Democratic. Sen. Darryl Rouson after the vote on March 4, 2024 (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

State Sen. Darryl Rouson, of Tampa Bay, said on the Senate floor that the $20 million would be a a solemn obligation to honor the souls of the dead and the still missing. To give credence to those present whose voices yet scream of the atrocities, the horrors, the terrible things that happened to the children, the boys, who are now men left to tell the stories.

Rouson has been working to get the compensation since he began serving in the Florida House more than a decade ago. He was elected in the Senate in 2016.

Over those years, some of the still living victims of rape and physical beatings by officers at those reform schools have been making their way to Tallahassee to tell state lawmakers about the horrors suffered at those state-run institutions. Theyve been dubbed the White House Boys for the building on the Dozier campus in Marianna, where boys were  among other things  beaten with a leather strap attached to a wooden handle.

The school was closed after a federal investigation in 2011, and lawmakers gave a formal apology to the survivors back in 2017.

The boys confined between 1940 and 1975 and were subjected to abuse at the Dozier School and the Okeechobee reform school, will receive compensation. Rouson told the Phoenix last week that he believes that there are approximately 400 living survivors of the abuse, which would break down to roughly $50,000 per survivor.

Jacksonville Democratic Sen. Tracie Davis said that while no amount of financial compensation could make up for the physical abuse and mental trauma that these men have endured for decades, it sure does help to look towards a brighter future.

It sure does help to get the resources and the help you need to get at 70-80 years old to end your days better than they started when you were abused and tortured at a state ran school, she said.

Northeast Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley said that she had followed the stories about what happened at Dozier over the years in news articles and books but said the actual testimony of abuse that she heard this session in a Senate committee touched her emotionally.

I dont think that you can appreciate the emotional impact to really capture the horror until youve heard that testimony, she said.

Gene Luker is one of the oldest living White House Boys. He turns 80 next month (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

One of the living survivors of abuse at Dozier is Tampa resident Gene Luker, who has been testifying in front of lawmakers to tell his story since 2016. It hasnt been easy. I get very emotional when I come up here, he told the Phoenix after the vote. It brings back so much that we  I tried to bury my [emotions] in alcohol.

At the age of 79 (he will be 80 next month), Luker says that he believes he is one of the oldest living White House Boys survivors.

Although Sen. Rouson has stated that he believes that there are approximately 400 living survivors, Luker thinks there arent that many.

I dont believe that, he said. I think if theres around 100-150 from that time limit, though he joked that more might come out of the woodwork now that it looks more possible than ever that the living victims will receive some financial compensation.

For Luker and the other White House Boys, there is still one more step to go. With the bill passing through the House last week (that measure was sponsored by Escambia County Republican Michelle Salzman and Duval County Republican Kiyan Michael), the proposal will soon go to Gov. Ron DeSantis desk for his consideration.

The post FL Legislature approves $20 million to compensate victims of abuse at state-run reform schools appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Video above: Temple Terrace officers wrangle bull running loose in neighborhood

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida fire rescue crews are rejoicing after rescuing a baby calf after its mother died during birth on Sunday.

Marion County Fire Rescue said they rushed into action after a man and his son approached the crews with an urgent plea for help. They told crews that a newborn calf was stuck in the swamp, desperately in need after its mother sadly passed away during birth.

Womans body found outside Tampa church; police seek answers

Without hesitation, first responders ventured into the swamp to save the helpless calf. After being rescued, the baby animal was brought back to the warmth of Station 6.

On Monday, MCFR shared an update on the calf, whom they named Maybelle, announcing that St. Johns River Management District connected MCFR Captain Justin McKinney with the farmer.

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue

The farmer donated the calf to Justin, finding a silver lining in this bittersweet rescue.

According to fire rescue, the crews took turns bottle-feeding the calf through the night, ensuring she felt loved and cared for.

Were overjoyed to share that Maybelle has now moved to her forever home with the McKinney family, where she will be cherished and adored. This story isnt just about a rescue; its about community, kindness, and the incredible bond between firefighters and the lives they touch, both human and animal, fire rescue said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
In the Tampa area, a child-welfare organization doing business with the state was enhancing an executives annual pay with state and federal funds while children under its watch were forced to sleep in offices.

In Central Florida, the lead agency for foster care was accused in a lawsuit of failing to pay a service provider that was helping it house children in the system.

And in North Florida, the chief executive officer of an organization dedicated to helping abused and neglected children currently earns nearly $775,000  a majority of which is paid through public contracts.

All of these scenarios  outlined in state reviews and investigations, news reports and lawsuits  have been cited as the impetus for legislation advancing this year in the Florida Senate that would set stricter disclosure requirements for administrative salaries and conflicts of interests, among other accountability measures. The bill sponsor, Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, says she wants to ensure non-profit organizations that are hired by the state to provide services for abused and neglected children are not misusing public funds.

We have an obligation to protect the resources of the taxpayers, especially when it comes to making certain those dollars are wisely used in caring for the most vulnerable, said Garcia, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 536.

Lawmakers are seeking to further scrutinize how privately-run child-welfare agencies are using public funds, and want to impose financial penalties for officials who fail to disclose potential conflicts of interests. The House does not go as far as the Senate with its legislation when it comes to penalties, but still includes provisions intended to give more oversight to the Department of Children and Families in managing the child welfare groups. The fate of the bills remain up in the air as the House and Senate iron out their different approaches with four days left in this years annual legislative session.

The proposed legislation comes nearly four years after Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered state agencies to review how nonprofit organizations that get state dollars spend their money on things like executive salaries.

Read more: Ex-CEO of disgraced domestic violence coalition arrested on fraud charges

The governors actions were prompted by what he said were revelations that the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a state-funded nonprofit, had used state and federal funds to subsidize exorbitant executive leadership team compensation payouts. Tiffany Carr, the former head of the organization, was compensated more than $7.5 million over three years despite being monitored by the Department of Children and Families.

Inspired by that directive, two private auditors hired by the Florida Department of Children and Families found issues with six of the states 17 contracted child welfare groups, including failing to competitively bid contracts.

The House bill sponsor, state Rep. Fiona McFarland, on Monday said that she wanted to do more for accountability and transparency in the system after learning state reviews recently raised potential issues at some of organizations.

The House and Senate bills would both impose fines on nonprofits that fail to disclose conflicts of interest when executing a contract, but the House has a smaller financial penalty than the Senate  $10,000 for a first violation, compared to $25,000 in the Senate. And in the Senate, when a group fails to disclose a conflict of interest when setting a contract, a board member can be removed  under the House bill, they would not be.

Additionally, one provision could impact one executives salary that has been the subject of scrutiny by a Department of Children and Families review last year. Garcia said she proposed legislation in light of state-backed reviews that raised concerns about groups like Northwest Florida Health Network and how much the group paid its CEO, Mike Watkins.

She is also concerned about allegations against Eckerd Connects and Embrace Families, the two state contractors that faced scrutiny for financial decisions as children in their care slept in offices. The state no longer has contracts with Eckerd and Embrace Families.

Watkins currently earns $775,000 a year, state records show. From that amount, he earns $310,000 from community based care contracts and $139,500 from a separate state contract with the Department of Children and Families  making his total payout in public dollars $449,500. Under the Senate proposal, his salary cap for public dollars would be set at $315,000.

Watkins says he is currently complying with state law compensation requirements and that he plans to adhere to the laws as we always have if the Senate bills provision were to pass, and potentially impact his current salary.

The Senate legislation would factor in that extra state pay, potentially forcing Watkins salary down.

I am very proud of the success weve had across the panhandle. As the only managed care company serving both child protection and behavioral health in Florida we are uniquely situated to serve children and families in 18 North Florida Counties, Watkins said in a statement when asked about his salary.

Watkins is also the chair of the Florida Coalition for Childrens board of directors, which represents the various child welfare groups that contract with the state, and is active in Republican political circles.

Last week, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said the government needs to do a better job at ensuring public funds are not being misused and said she was supportive of the Senate proposal.

State Rep. Fiona McFarland, the House bill sponsor, said on Monday that the House proposal is a better option, and said she considered it to be a compromise between what the Senate is seeking to do and the feedback she received from those involved with private child welfare groups.

We feel like we ought to reward strong executives for good work while still being responsible for how high that executive compensation can go, said McFarland, R-Sarasota. She added that giving administrators more flexibility on salary might help bring more providers into that sector.

In a text message to the Herald/Times on Monday, Garcia said she is concerned that allowing higher salary amounts will take away money from services and would like to see stronger provisions than the House bill.

McFarland said her proposal would give more powers to the Department of Children and Families to ensure compliance with community-based care contractors and it would create an oversight panel for such contracts.

At a bill stop in mid-February, Watkins told lawmakers the accountability measures proposed in the bill already exist, and noted that the department has a representative at every single board meeting they have and that the state agency approves every dollar they spend for reimbursement.

He also mentioned that the state can already choose not to renew a contract.

Those levers already exist and they have pushed out the bad actors already, Watkins said.

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Children and Families said they are focused on accountability and transparency within the child welfare system.

We appreciate the support of the Legislature this Session through SB 536 and HB 1061 which will further ensure that the funding in the system is being properly managed and spent to help achieve the best outcomes for the children in our care, the spokesperson said.

Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris at a committee meeting told lawmakers she supports the bills accountability measures. She said they were not thought out of thin air but rather came from a need to close loopholes discovered in the audits.

Harris said the child welfare system is typically thought of as underfunded, and that they wanted to be sure that every dollar goes toward the services needed for children.

We feel very strongly that the provisions in here are not excessive, or rather are supportive of the most accountable system that we can have for the kids in care, Harris said.
The Free Trade Area (FTA) between Ukraine and the European Union (EU) will not expire in the summer of 2024. However, at the moment, there is an issue of partial return of quotas and duties on exports of a number of "sensitive" goods from Ukraine to Europe. In particular, these are eggs, chicken, and sugar.

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Veronika Movchan, head of the Center for Economic Research, told OBOZ.UA. As for the FTA, it is indefinite. In the summer, autonomous trade preferences, which the EU introduced for Ukraine in 2022 in addition to the FTA to fully open the market, will expire.

"The free trade zone is not coming to an end in any case, the free trade zone is an Association Agreement, it has no end date. The Association Agreement says that the FTA should be fully formed within 10 years after it enters into force. Usually, they count from 2016, when Section 4 (of the Association Agreement  Ed.) came into force. That is, it takes 10 years to finalize it, and then it (the FTA  Ed.) is still in effect," Movchan explained.

Nevertheless, in the Association Agreement, and as a result of the FTA, the European Union retains incomplete market opening for some goods. "The governments agree that for certain sensitive goods, the opening is incomplete, or they remain closed, or, as in the Association Agreement, some goods have a zero duty rate, and the rest simply apply the regular rate," the expert said.

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In June 2024, the preferences that provide for the abolition of quotas and duties for all Ukrainian goods will expire. However, Ukraine is interested in maintaining its preferential trade regime.

"Now, amid protests in Poland, the government is trying to maintain maximum access... But it's also important because Ukraine is heading to the European Union, there will be negotiations and so on, and in general, we want to have an open market, fully open as soon as possible," Movchan said.

The European Commission has already proposed extending autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine. However, the Europeans are planning to partially limit the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products.

"The decision has not yet been made... The EU Council still has to vote, but now, amid farmers' protests and calls from some EU member states, especially Poland, they are talking about returning to certain restrictions... There was a proposal that if the export of certain goods  as far as I remember, it was eggs, chicken, sugar, and a few other goods  reaches a certain level, it will be possible to return the import duty on the remaining volume," the expert said.

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However, even now, trade preferences are not working at full capacity due to restrictions imposed by certain countries. For example, Poland has completely banned the import of wheat, which, according to Movchan, does not really comply with the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

"We'll see, it will be formed and agreed upon. The European Commission and European countries support Ukraine and want to maintain the most liberal access to support the Ukrainian economy. It is also obvious to them that the more Ukraine trades, the more Ukraine exports, the less external support it needs. This is not to say that we don't need it at all, but a functioning economy is much better than a non-functioning economy," Movchan said.

She reminded that, on the other hand, farmers' protests put pressure on the European authorities. Among other things, farmers are demanding to limit imports from Ukraine, although it is not the reason for the collapse of purchase prices for agricultural products in Europe.

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"Against the backdrop of a global drop in agricultural prices, it is clear that farmers are looking for someone to blame, someone to close the market from to try to preserve their income. I am not sure that this is the right approach, but we have it. That's why the government is now really actively working with the European Commission to preserve the liberal regime as much as possible. The Ukrainian goal is, of course, to ensure that no additional restrictions are imposed and that there is no return to the regime that existed before 2022... There are many factors, many things that determine the competitiveness of goods, but the Ukrainian goal is to have free, duty-free trade for all goods. And the Europeans are now trying to deal with their protests, also having an interest in supporting Ukraine," the expert summarized.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier the First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky, commenting on the situation with the border blockade, stressed that not only Ukrainian but also Polish producers lose income from the reduction in trade in agricultural products and food with Ukraine. According to him, the potential position of the European Union on the extension of trade preferences for Ukraine depends on this agreement.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bryant Middleton, center, talks to reporters after the Senate vote. Middleton was held at Dozier 1959 - 1961. On his left is Ralph Freeman, held at Dozier in 1972. To Middleton's right is Richard Huntley, held between 1957 - 1959.

The arc of the moral universe started bending towards justice Monday for the Dozier boys.

After years of impasse, Florida lawmakers finally approved a $20 million fund to compensate the victims of sexual, physical, and mental abuse over a 35-year period at the state-run (and now-defunct) Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

More than a dozen men, now in their 70s and 80s, sat in the Senate gallery for a 13-minute discussion of the legislation as lawmakers praised their perseverance in making public the abuse they suffered while wards of the state.

The measure (HB 21), which passed the House last week, creates the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Program. Its aim: To compensate those still living who were held at the Dozier School or the Okeechobee School, then known as "reform schools," between 1940 and 1975.

Lets put it this way: They beat our asses but, in the end, we beat them. Thats all. This (is) one of the greatest feelings, said retired Army Ranger Capt. Bryant Middleton, a Dozier survivor, minutes after the Senate vote.

A dedication ceremony was held for the Dozier School for Boys Memorial in Marianna, Florida on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to approve it. Applicants must attest to being subjected to mental, physical, or sexual abuse at the hands of school staff. Surviving family members are not entitled to compensation, however.

Monday's passage marks the end of a nearly two-decade attempt to get recognition and compensation from the state.

All I can say is that it should not have taken 16 years with all the evidence that came forward," Middleton said. "I personally was polygraphed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and year after year after year, they threw stumbling (blocks) at us. But we didnt give up.

Middleton, who was held at Dozier 1959-61, later became a Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient, then joined up with Jerry Cooper, the de facto leader of what became known as the "White House Boys." Cooper died in 2022.

More: Jerry Cooper, who fought for White House Boys abused at Dozier school, dies at 76

A dedication ceremony was held for the Dozier School for Boys Memorial in Marianna, Florida on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.

A long road to closure

The state first began investigating victims' claims under then-Gov. Charlie Crist. Years passed until then-Gov. Rick Scott finally apologized and agreed seven years ago that they should be compensated for their suffering, which included rapes, beatings and other abuses.

But claim bills, which would have authorized state payments to the victims, repeatedly failed to pass the Florida Legislature  until this year.

Previous coverage: Dozier School abuse survivors seek justice in form of compensation from state

We officially said, as a state, 'were sorry' years ago. But 'sorry' sometimes doesnt cut it, said Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill.

Indeed, frustration over the failure of previous claim bills led Middleton to call the Legislatures 2017 apology for the abuse they suffered empty words, which he later apologized for.

Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, has carried a Dozier victim compensation bill for eight consecutive years. He told his colleagues Monday that this year's effort fulfilled a solemn obligation to honor the souls of the dead and the still-missing and to give credence to the screams of children who are now men.

This bill is fundamentally about the imperative to make right the past wrongs, Rouson said.

Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, sponsored a Dozier compensation bill for six consecutive sessions when she was in the House in 2017-22.

While money cant heal all wounds, Davis said, it can help these 70- and 80-year-old men get the resources and help they need to end (their) days better than they started as abused, tortured (children) in a state-run school.

Dozier memorial dedication: White House Boys thankful for Dozier memorial but continue to search for justice

James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @CallTallahassee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida lawmakers approve $20 million for Dozier School abuse victims
ORLANDO, Fla.  Florida lawmakers are poised to bar civilian police oversight boards in Orlando and elsewhere in the Sunshine State from investigating complaints of officer misconduct.

The change will remove a vital layer of review that helps to build community trust in law enforcement, said Caila Coleman, a former member of Orlandos board.

Whoever offered this bill wants people to forget what happened to George Floyd, said Coleman, who served on the board from 2016-2021. Now you are trying to get rid of the transparency of the police department. That does nothing but cause mistrust with citizens. What are you trying to hide?

But critics of oversight boards say civilians lack the training to evaluate an officers split-second decisions, and multiple agencies from internal affairs departments to state attorneys already scrutinize the police.

A member of Tallahassees review board sparked concerns among law enforcement groups when she attended a meeting with a cup that had an abolish police sticker on it.

Imagine being a doctor and being evaluated on the conduct of your care by someone who has no idea what your own community standard might be, state Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough County, said during a House floor debate. They have no idea what its like to commit a surgery.

The Florida Senate approved the review board overhaul Friday in a 32-0 vote. It needs a final vote by the Florida House to head to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

Orlandos oversight board reviews internal affairs investigations and makes recommendations. Board members can concur with the findings, disapprove or ask for more investigation. Coleman, who served as chair and vice chair, said she and her colleagues used those powers to create a policy that officers carry spare batteries for their body cameras.

You have to investigate what was done wrong in order to change the policy, said Coleman, an attorney who now lives in Atlanta. Otherwise, what are we doing?

While Orlandos board can make suggestions, it has no subpoena power to gather evidence or authority to issue binding edicts to the police department, Coleman said. Elsewhere in the United States, review boards have more power. For instance, the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board has subpoena power and a staff of civilian employees who conduct investigations.

Some civilian review boards have been in place for decades, but the country saw a surge of new ones after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, according to a study by the University of Chicago. Orlando created its board in 1992 in the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the police beating of Rodney King.

Floridas proposal (HB 601) specifies that civilian review boards cannot engage in the receipt, processing, or investigation  of complaints of misconduct by law enforcement or correctional officers. It allows a police chief or sheriff to establish a civilian oversight board to review policies and procedures, provided at least three members and up to seven are appointed by the agencys leader.

Florida has 21 civilian police oversight boards, according to the LeRoy Collins Institute, a nonpartisan policy organization at Florida State University. The other Central Florida cities on the list are Kissimmee and Ocoee.

Steve Zona, president of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, said he thinks civilian review boards have become biased and politicized. The union backs the bill.

The civilian review boards have a tendency to operate based on politics, emotions and agenda and not facts and evidence, he said.

As an example, he pointed to the Tallahassee board member with the controversial abolish police sticker on her cup.

In response to a police backlash, the Tallahassee City Commission voted 3-2 in 2022 to oust the member Taylor Biro from the review board, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

Even with the changes, the community will still be able to read internal affairs investigations, which are public records once they are closed, and participate in city and county meetings to advocate for policy changes, Zona said.

Floridas civilian review boards have different policies and procedures. Orlandos nine-person board is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members serve without pay.

The board examines the use of deadly force, allegations of excessive force, police actions that result in death or serious injury, complaints from the mayor or city commissioners, and any other complaint a majority of the board selects to review. The board is also charged with reviewing department policies, including those about the use of force.

Orlandos legislative delegation is expressing concerns about the proposed changes to the citys review board, spokeswoman Cassandra Bell said in a prepared statement.

As a city, we believe that local governments know best how to meet the needs of our communities, residents and businesses, said Bell, press secretary for Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The review board for the Orange County Sheriffs Office is more limited in its powers. The sheriff may refer individual cases, but they must be of concern to the public, according to the agencys procedures. The boards mandate stipulates that the committee is not responsible for investigating the case or determining fault. Instead, members must evaluate how the case poses an opportunity for learning and constructive change.

That boards nine unpaid members are appointed by the sheriff. The county mayor and commissioners, as well as the collective bargaining union, can submit nominees for the board.

Some groups want to see civilian review boards strengthened. Instead of weakening the boards, they should be given subpoena power so they can obtain documents and call people in to testify, said NR Hines, a policy strategist with the ACLU of Florida.

Its invalidating the work local communities are doing in increasing trust between residents and law enforcement.  Law-abiding officers have no reason to fear a civilian review board. They are there to be impartial, Hines said.

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ORLANDO, Fla.  The office of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez issued an apology after a photo of a dead body was posted to the sheriffs Instagram page, prompting an online uproar over the weekend.

The photo, which the Orlando Sentinel received but will not publish, was of a body wearing a green top and blue jeans lying beneath a mound of brush, and appeared to have been posted to Lopezs Instagram page on Saturday along with images of a community event for seniors hosted by the sheriff. The photo was posted a day after the corpse of 13-year-old Madeline Soto was found in rural St. Cloud by Osceola County Sheriffs Office search teams.

A separate photo  a selfie of agency Executive Director Nirva Rodriguez in front of Stephan Sterns, the prime suspect in Madelines disappearance  was posted to Rodriguezs personal Facebook page, with the caption written in Spanish translated to, If Gods love has been poured out over your life, dont allow evil to keep you away from what He has prepared for you. It appears to have been taken seconds before Sterns was videoed being placed in the back of a patrol car.

The second photo also drew criticism. Both images have since been deleted.

On March 2, 2024, a post was made on social media about a community event for seniors. In the post, an investigative photo was accidentally included. The photo was immediately removed. We deeply apologize for any confusion or disturbance this may have caused. As with any investigation, the information obtained is confidential and any mistaken disclosures will be immediately rectified, read a statement sent to the Sentinel by an unsigned Sheriffs Office spokesperson. The agency has not responded to a follow-up question clarifying whether the photo was of Madeline.

It wasnt long after the photo was posted that screenshots were circulating on social media. Russ Gibson, Lopezs predecessor and primary election opponent, blasted his former deputy on the platform, saying he was shocked and appalled after receiving the photos from concerned citizens.

This is 100% unacceptable and 100% shameful and disrespectful to Madeline, her family and friends, Gibson wrote. I do have a copy of the post but out of respect and reverence for Miss Madeline, the photograph will not be posted. The time for Marcos Lopez and certain members of his administration of dishonoring themselves, our agency, and our great County is coming to an end!

Angel Rojas, another of Lopezs primary opponents, also reacted: Lack of leadership, lack of ethics, lack of honesty, lack of empathy, lack of honor. Thats what they both represent. They have dishonored the Office of the Sheriff.

Florida law broadly forbids the release of photos or video of the killing of a minor, which includes photos of a dead body, without the permission of the surviving family. Anyone who willfully and knowingly does so would be accused of a third-degree felony.

The Kissimmee Police Department, which is investigating Madelines death and disappearance, declined to comment on the photo posted by Lopez.

The Kissimmee Police Department is working diligently on the Madeline Soto investigation and will not be making any statements or doing interviews at this time. Any questions you may have involving the Osceola County Sheriffs Office needs to be directed to them, spokesperson James Napier said to the Sentinel.

KPD took the lead on investigating Madelines death after Sterns, her mothers boyfriend, was allegedly caught disposing of her backpack and school-issued laptop into a dumpster at an apartment complex in Kissimmee.

Jail records indicate Sterns has not been charged in Madelines death, but he is considered the prime suspect after a search of his phone revealed materials containing child sex abuse. He is in the Osceola County Jail without bond as he faces two charges of sexual battery of a minor, including one count for capital sexual battery on a minor under 12, which carries up to a death sentence.

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida  In Florida, even measles is polarizing.

An outbreak in Broward County has split the state, as Republicans in the Capitol rally around the controversial state surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, who is taking a hands-off approach while Democrats accuse him of endangering children.

Ladapo, who rejected federal guidelines for Covid-19 vaccinations, sent a recent letter to parents at an elementary school in Broward County where six kids were infected with measles. In his letter, he advised parents that they should decide for themselves whether to vaccinate their kids or remove unvaccinated students from schools.

He did not follow federal recommendations to urge parents to vaccinate their children against measles or quarantine those who may have come in contact with the virus. People who have been vaccinated against measles have a very high protection rate.

Florida is one of 15 states that has had measles cases this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January warned health care workers to be on the lookout for infections after cases were reported in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and elsewhere. At the time, the CDC said the infections reflected a wider rise in measles cases throughout the world after countries postponed or missed administering the vaccine amid the Covid pandemic.

The measles cases in Florida were first detected about two weeks ago. The Florida Department of Health has fielded a total of 10 reports of measles infections so far, with nine infections involving children in Broward County and one adult case in Polk County. The Polk County case involved an adult who came to Florida from outside the U.S. and has since left the state.

The measles outbreak in Florida shows the further polarization of vaccines, one area that once had overwhelming consensus across political parties and throughout the U.S. The measles vaccine is especially effective in protecting against the virus and, according to the CDC, has led to a 99 percent decrease in the virus compared to the pre-vaccine era.

Ladapos comments drew sharp rebukes from the medical community and state Democrats who said hes putting kids in danger. Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose district includes parts of Broward County, called on him to resign.



But top GOP senators in the GOP-led Legislature who confirmed Ladapo to be Floridas top medical official are defending him based on his credentials but not engaging the issue at hand, saying lawmakers cant withdraw confirmations and they approve of the work hes done.

As far as I can tell, he's been doing a great job, and we can't undo confirmations, so we're not going to go there, said Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo Wednesday.

Five other GOP senators said they trusted that Ladapo  a Harvard-trained medical doctor and researcher who has long been skeptical of vaccines  has the credentials and experience to provide the right medical guidance for the state.

Hes looking at everything and making his decisions, GOP Sen. Travis Hutson said. Hes obviously in the field and Im not, so whatever decisions he makes, I stand by.



Some Republican senators supporting Ladapo downplayed the measles cluster in South Florida, with one, Sen. Danny Burgess, telling POLITICO that he hadnt heard about the surgeon general's response to the cases in Broward County. Another, GOP Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, said calling a public emergency over six or nine people is very premature.

Ladapo has faced backlash over his resistance to vaccines since DeSantis nominated him to be surgeon general two years ago. The medical community pushed back after Ladapo in 2022 warned young men against getting the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, claiming they could increase their chances of cardiac-related deaths. Last year, Ladapo also went against federal health agencies by warning people under 65 not to get the most recent Covid booster.

The CDC, Food and Drug Administration and others have said those vaccines and boosters are safe and effective.

DeSantis shares Ladapos skepticism of vaccines. At the governors request, the state Supreme Court convened a grand jury to investigate crimes and wrongdoing related to Covid vaccines, and DeSantis regularly questions the effectiveness of Covid shots. Hes also very supportive of Ladapo and brought his surgeon general with him on the campaign trail in New Hampshire while DeSantis was running for president.



Democratic Senate leader Lauren Book, whose district includes the Weston elementary school where at least six children are infected with measles, said that Ladapo has a habit of sidestepping science-based facts, endangering Floridians along the way.

There is a highly contagious disease infecting children in my community, and for the surgeon general to be spreading disinformation instead of science-backed medical advice is downright dangerous, Book said on Wednesday. He is putting kids at risk for serious illness and should be removed from his position immediately before more damage is done.

The Florida Department of Health, in defending Ladapo and the agency, on Wednesday provided more details into how it handled the outbreak after the surgeon generals guidance alarmed parents, school officials and local leaders who worried Ladapo was not doing enough to stop the spread.

The department stated it recommends to the elementary school facing infections that people who are not vaccinated or have had measles previously should stay home for up to 21 days. That guidance is generally in line with established medical advice.

This recommendation has been made at Manatee Bay Elementary, the DOH statement said. It did not elaborate on why Ladapo initially gave different advice.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami-area Democrat, criticized the surgeon generals overall measles response, saying Ladapos advice is based on politics and not medicine.

How hes moved and how hes operated, hes operating on politics, Jones said. And that is why hes dangerous.

CORRECTION: This report has been updated to clarify Sen. Danny Burgess' remarks.
Pembroke Park is one of the tiniest towns in Florida, with a square mile and a half of palm trees, mobile homes, and Canadian snowbirds who winter among the 6,000 year-round residents. Its so small it doesnt even have a hotel, and the hottest night out is at Frenchies Bar and Grill.

But behind the sleepy exterior, a municipal feud worthy of a major city is brewing. At the center: former mayor and current town commission member Geoffrey Jacobs, a Navy veteran and ex-cop with a scandalous past.

He is a headache. I think he treats people so badly and they dont want to deal with it, Vice Mayor Erik Morrissette told The Daily Beast. He manages by fear and I believe he is not suitable for office.

Jacobs has been investigated, censured by his colleagues, and sued by a former town employee. He has been accused of fostering a hostile work environment, sending a homophobic TikTok to a former town attorney, hurling slurs at his opponents, and using his town credit card for questionable transactions.

While Jacobs, a Republican, has denied any wrongdoing, hes lodged plenty of his own allegations, accusing fellow commissioners of corruption, making complaints about colleagues to state agencies, and filing a libel lawsuit, since dismissed, against a resident who publicized his firing from a job in Arizona.

Things really came to a head in November, when Police Chief Ra Shana Dabeny-Donovan interrupted a town meeting to investigate a complaint about the mayor that Jacobs made to the Broward County Sheriffs Office earlier that evening.

It has come to my attention that the police have been called because there is an allegation by the commissioner that I have a weapon on me, particularly that I have a gun on me, Mayor Ashira Mohammed explained.

So, with that, Im going to allow the chief to search my purse, on the record, so that everyone can see.

No weapon was found, and this month Broward prosecutors hit Jacobs with a misdemeanor count of misusing 911 for the allegedly false claim. He denies the charge, but his critics say hes gone too far.

Of all the things he has done, and in my opinion, what he did to the mayor is at the top of the list, Commissioner Bill Hodgkins said. When you publicly humiliate someone like that, its another level.

Geoffrey Jacobs history of controversy stretches more than 15 years and 2,000 miles from Pembroke Parkto Arizona, where he began working for the Department of Public Safety in 2002. A highway motor cop, part-time pilot, and later a photo-enforcement specialist, he made headlines for the May 2009 speeding arrest of former Republican Party Executive Director Brett Mecum.

Soon, less flattering headlines followed. In 2008, DPS began investigating Jacobs, who had a fling with the daughter of the agencys director Robert Halliday, according to court papers and a report in the Phoenix New Times. The probe was reportedly triggered by pictures Halliday took of his daughters bruised arm and leg; she then alleged he hurt her during sex and took photos and videos without her consent.

Rumors swirled around the office about Jacobs' sexual behavior and antics, including a claim he used a DPS airplane to circle the home of another ex who was also a DPS officer, the New Times reported. (He told DPS investigators he made one circle over his exs apartment from 1,500-plus feet in the air.) DPS investigators discovered that Jacobs once wrote a fake obituary for that ex-girlfriend to convince Hawaiian Airlines to transfer her non-refundable ticket to another woman, the New Times reported. (He claimed an airline representative suggested the maneuver.)

Im human, just like anyone else, Jacobs said in a 2014 interview. The punishment I went through was ridiculous. [DPS] violated my civil rights in investigating me.

According to Jacobs libel suit, DPS completed its investigation and handed the findings to the Glendale Police Department, which submitted one possible criminal charge to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office on April 9, 2008. Prosecutors told The Daily Beast they declined to prosecute because there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction, but Jacobs was fired in September 2009 and decertified as an Arizona law officer. Jacobs sued DPS and the Hallidays in 2010 for defamation and emotional distress, but the case was dismissed.

In 2014, Jacobs ran for Maricopa County justice of the peace as a Democrat but lost. He moved to Pembroke Park two years later, bringing his political ambitions with him. His attorney, Mike Pizzi, says Jacobs background was hardly a secret and that residents elected him a commissioner in 2019 with full knowledge about what happened.

That ship sailed many years ago and talking about it now, its like a broken record, Pizzi said.

Pembroke Park Mayor Ashira Mohammed has her belongings searched after Commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs accused her of bringing a gun to the meeting. The Town of Pembroke Park

At first, Jacobs worked alongside his colleagues for the benefit of the residents of Pembroke Park, a diverse, working-class community about a 10-minute drive from Hollywood, Florida.

In my opinion, he has an outgoing personality. He is very charming when he wants to be, Hodgkins, his fellow commissioner, said. He is also very brutal when he wants to be.

Sentiment began to turn against Jacobs in 2020 after he went to war with Mohammed, the Democratic mayor. Mr. Jacobs has reported what he believed to be misconduct by the mayor and other city officials to the state authorities on multiple occasions, Pizzi said.

A damning Broward Inspector Generals Office report found Mohammed improperly used her office when she failed to resign as mayor before an unsuccessful bid for state representative and used the towns Facebook page to self-advertise. (The state declined to prosecute Mohammed in 2022.) Jacobs filed a lawsuit demanding that Mohammed resign; he was appointed mayor by the commission when she stepped down in November 2021.

Complaints of a hostile workplace and potential code violations mounted against the new mayorto the point that the commission that put him in the position would hire an outside attorney to conduct an independent investigation at the cost of $19,000.

In August 2023, the investigation found that Jacobs tenure was marked by a pattern of bullying, threatening harm, intimidation, public humiliation, and retaliation. Thirteen current and former employees alleged that Jacobs would lash out in anger, use intimidation tactics to drive people out, and routinely bash the town as a shithole. Other witnesses said that Jacobs framed and displayed the New Times article about the Arizona scandal in his mayoral office.

It felt like he was proud of it, Hodgkins told The Daily Beast.

Babette Friedman, the towns former human resources director, tried to talk to Jacobs about half a dozen formal complaints against him. He refused and tried to have her fired, the investigative report alleges.

Former town attorney Melissa Anderson told The Daily Beast that during her two years working for Pembroke Park, Jacobs was always difficult and condescending but did not attack her until he began pushing for the creation of a town police department.

In an interview for the independent investigation obtained by The Daily Beast, she said Jacobs behavior became increasingly aggressive and bizarre. In text messages included in the report, Jacobs called Anderson a fucking cunt to the town clerk. On Oct.1, 2022, Jacobs allegedly sent her a TikTok video of a bouncer bashing masculine women, describing them as super confrontationaluntil they realize a man can beat them up.

I was so baffled. And freaked out, Anderson, who is openly gay, told The Daily Beast of the video.

At a subsequent town meeting, Jacobs was encouraged to apologize to Anderson; he said he would when hell freezes over. He claimed that he accidentally sent Anderson the TikTok and insisted that he works with a great deal of gay flight attendants, the investigative report said.

I think the worst thing he has done is waste the resources of a small underserved community for the aggrandizement of his own ego, Anderson told The Daily Beast.

In March 2023, Jacobs was re-elected to the commission by Pembroke Park residents after running unopposed. The commission, which appoints the mayor, opted to have Mohammed resume her old job, ousting Jacobs.

But the drama did not end when Jacobs was dethroned. During a May 2023 food drive, he allegedly called Friedman, who is Jewish, a Nazi in front of colleagues and residentsprompting the commission to censure Jacobs for violating the towns code of conduct. Jacobs responded by calling Hopkins stupid and ignorant at a meeting.

But there are other choice words, four-letter words that I would use to describe you, Jacobs said at the June 14 meeting, referring to Friedman. (She filed a $2 million lawsuit against Jacobs in December, which Pizzi called totally meritless.)

At the meeting, Jacobs, wearing a T-shirt with the words First Amendment and eating popcorn, claimed to be the victim of harassment by the commission. In September 2023, a glimmer of good news for him: the results of an investigation into his use of the town credit card did not find misconduct.

The small city of Pembroke Park is spending more money on outside special counsels than they have investigating President Trump, Pizzi said. Its ridiculous and its all part of this twisted witch hunt.

Commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs wears a T-shirt with the words First Amendment to a Pembroke Park commission meeting. The Town of Pembroke Park

As Pizzi tells it, once Mohammed became mayor again, she engaged in relentless retaliation against Jacobsand that led Jacobs to call the Broward County Sheriffs non-emergency line just before the town meeting in November of last year.

Im expressing my personal safety concern because the mayor has had continual threatening behavior towards me on the dais. At the same time, she carries concealed, Jacobs said on the call. She has posted about carrying weapons all the time, including here.

In the call, Jacobs admitted he did not know if Mohammed was carrying a firearm at that moment, but stressed that he was concerned. Then he joined his colleagues on the dais without a word of apprehension, the police affidavit about the incident says.

When police arrived to search her, Mohammed walked to the front of the dais, joking that her tight tan dress would reveal any concealed weapons, and handed her purse to the chief. Before returning to her seat, she made the point of patting herself down in front of the cameras.

Mohammed later told police she had no idea why Jacobs would accuse her of bringing a gun to a meeting because she had never talked about carrying a weapon.

Jacobs alleged that Mohammeds friends and family had previously threatened him and his family but could not give specifics other than his belief that the mayor was carrying a firearm in the city government building, the affidavit states. This towns commission is corrupt and needs to be investigated, Jacobs said, according to the affidavit.

The search immediately sparked a new legal battle between Jacobs and the town. Pizzi has filed an intent to sue the town and others for $10 million for violating his clients rights and submitted a motion to dismiss the chargeswhich he calls a baseless political attack.

It was an innocent phone call based on innocent concerns and it was blown out of proportion, Pizzi told The Daily Beast. He does have concerns about his safety. He does have fear for his safety. But again, a lot of members of Congress and a lot of city officials around the country fear for their safety. Thats not a crime.

As the fight drags on, eating up time, energy, and resources, Morrissette believes the only hope for a return to normalcy in the local government is for the governor to oust Jacobs.

I think he is a dictator. He is the only one causing this trouble and he cannot keep hurting people, Morrissette said. He has no allies in the commission. He needs to go.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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GREEN BAY  Former Green Bay School District superintendent Claude Tiller says he asked to speak with the Green Bay School Board about possibly rescinding his resignation two days before the deadline to do so passed. The board was not interested, he said.

In an interview with the Press-Gazette, Tiller said he has not spoken to the Green Bay School Board since he was placed on administrative leave Feb. 13. Tiller resigned Feb. 17, after less than a year as superintendent, amid an investigation into comments he made on an Atlanta radio show earlier in the month.

More: Radio show interview of former Green Bay School District Superintendent Claude Tiller released

Claude Tiller tried to talk with the School Board about returning. It wasn't interested.

The settlement agreement between Tiller and the board had a provision allowing Tiller to void his resignation by the end of the day Feb. 25.

On Feb. 23, Tiller's attorney emailed the board's attorney, Geoffrey Lacy, saying he wanted to discuss the possibility of rescinding his resignation.

"To be honest with you, it was expressed through my attorney, through their attorney that they were not interested," Tiller said.

Lacy did not respond to the Press-Gazette's emailed questions about whether he received the email and shared it with School Board members. Tiller said Lacy responded to the email, acknowledging its receipt.

All the conversations between the board and Tiller have been through their respective attorneys, according to Tiller. Board President Laura McCoy did not immediately respond to the Press-Gazette's phone call.

More: Green Bay School Board says it will not bring back former superintendent Claude Tiller -- but UW-Green Bay has said it would be interested

The Green Bay School Board released a statement Feb. 28, three days after the deadline for Tiller to void his resignation, saying the window to have a conversation about bringing back Tiller was closed.

"The window to have this conversation has closed and there are no further comments to make," the board's statement said. "We are now moving forward with discussing the process for identifying and selecting the districts next superintendent."

Tiller resigned because his attorney advised him to, he said. Plus, there was a lot of uncertainty about what would happen if he didn't.

He said there was no security in rescinding his resignation without knowing where the board stood.

"It's about my family, as well. I didn't know, to be honest with you. It's just the uncertainty of it all because I had never talked to the board personally," he said.

Dr. Claude Tiller Jr., the superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District, shakes the hand of former school board member Jean Marsch of Allouez at a meet-and-greet in the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County on July 18, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis.

Community support changed Claude Tiller's mind, making him want to stay in Green Bay.

In the weeks since Tiller was placed under investigation, residents have gathered at School Board meetings and community events calling for his reinstatement.

"I try not to tear up now. It's very emotional, very emotional for my family and I to see the love that was garnered in the short amount of time that I was there," he told the Press-Gazette. "It was just beautiful. And I want to thank everybody, just the love that was shown to me, while I was there, from the community was just wonderful."

The outpouring of community support made Tiller want to stay, he said.

"That really changed my heart and changed my mind. I mean, I want to stay with the community in Green Bay," he said.

Over 100 community members gathered Feb. 24 to support Tiller, and the Feb. 27 board meeting had another similar showing of community support.

Claude Tiller says he was caught off guard, and his radio show comments were taken out of context

Tiller said he was caught off guard by how everything happened. From when the board placed Tiller on administrative leave to when he resigned, it was four days.

When asked if he felt like he was given a fair chance, Tiller declined to answer. But he did say that it all happened very quickly.

He also said that some of his comments were taken out of context on the radio show, particularly by Ed Dorff. He's a former principal and former School Board member who spoke at a board meeting about Tiller's comments before the radio show interview was released to the public.

"I was always taught to own up to whatever you do  be it good, be it bad," Tiller said. "So I would have owned up to anything that the board would have asked me to own up to, if I thought that anything was in the wrong."

A copy of the radio show interview obtained by the Press-Gazette through an open records request is included in a Facebook Live video from the show's host. The video is separate from the radio station's officially recorded interview. The Facebook Live video includes both on-air comments and conversation between Tiller and the host, Adrienne Berry, during commercial breaks.

More: Former Green Bay superintendent Claude Tiller to receive $250K payout; doesn't rescind resignation by deadline

In the nearly two-hour-long radio interview, Tiller talked about student mental health, applying for the superintendent job, re-energizing clubs for students and staff of color, the need to hire more teachers of color and his vision to make the Green Bay School District known for its education.

During one of the commercial breaks captured on the Facebook Live video, Tiller referenced an employee who he said was being targeted by a district principal. In the video, Tiller said he has to move the employee just to protect him.

"This wicked witch ... she's leaving at the end of this year," he said, referring to the principal. "She's doing everything in her possible to get him."

Then Berry said that people don't want to have those kinds of conversations, to which Tiller agreed.

"The first thing they say, 'Who me?' Well, B-I-T-C-H, of course it's you," Tiller said in the video.

Tiller told the Press-Gazette that the host did tell him the Facebook Live video would pick up commercial break comments. But he got comfortable talking with her, he said.

"She initially told me they were going to be (picked up), but as we got into the conversation, for the most part, I just was so comfortable talking to her," he said.

Green Bay School Board President Laura McCoy, Superintendent Claude Tiller, student Winter, Jackson Elementary Principal Kate Dolan and Mayor Eric Genrich celebrate the opening of Jackson Elementary's new playground on August 30, 2023 in Green Bay.

What's next for Claude Tiller?

Tiller is back in Michigan, where he lived before coming to Green Bay. He said he hopes to find another superintendent position and continue the type of work he was doing in Green Bay.

"Whatever the community needs, I'm a big community builder," he said. "I love community and getting out and meeting with people."

He will continue being a steward of students and a champion of children, he said.

Tiller joined the Green Bay School District in July as its first leader of color in its over 150-year history. He came in with ambitious goals to raise attendance and graduation rates as well as standardized test scores in reading in math.

He has a doctorate in education and came to Green Bay from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, a district of 53,000 students and over 100 schools.

Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Ex Green Bay Schools Superintendent Claude Tiller speaks out
Allen Weisselberg, a longtime lieutenant to Donald Trump, faces five months in jail after reaching an agreement with prosecutors in New York to plead guilty to perjury in the former US presidents recent civil fraud trial charges.

As the former chief financial officer in the Trump Organization, Weisselberg was key in helping Trump record his net worth. A defendant in the fraud trial, Weisselberg was accused of helping to inflate Trumps net worth on government financial documents, misleading lenders.

That trial ended with a judge imposing a huge financial penalty of more than $450m including interest on Trump. Weisselberg, 76, was ordered to pay $1.1m and permanently banned from serving in the financial control function of any New York business.

Weisselberg also faces five months in jail after pleading guilty to perjury. His formal sentencing will take place in April.

On the witness stand in October, Weisselberg was evasive, often saying he did not recall the real-estate valuations that were at the center of the trial.

But a key moment of his testimony came when Weisselberg insisted he did not notice a discrepancy on Trumps financial statements: that Trumps triplex apartment was listed as being 30,000 sq ft when in reality, it is closer to 11,000 sq ft.

It was de minimus, in my mind, he said at the time.

Forbes magazine disputed the claim he made on the stand, saying it had emails and notes that proved Weisselberg had actively tried to convince the magazine for years that the triplex was bigger than it actually was, denying what was listed on real-estate documents. Weisselberg abruptly ended his testimony after Forbes published an article accusing him of lying on the stand.

In exchange for Weisselberg pleading guilty to perjury in the fraud trial, the Manhattan district attorneys office agreed to not prosecute Weisselberg for any other crimes he may have committed during his time at the Trump Organization.

The district attorneys office is taking Trump to court later this month over hush-money payments sent to the adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. Trump is accused of falsifying business records by reporting hush-money payments as legal fees on records.

It is unclear what role, if any, Weisselberg will play in that case. But his guilty plea on the perjury charge would make it easier for prosecutors in the hush-money case to deem him an unreliable witness.

The district attorneys office said in a statement: It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial  plain and simple. Allen Weisselberg took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York state attorney generals investigation and proceeding, as well as at their recent trial.

Today, Allen Weisselberg is pleading guilty to this felony and being held responsible for his conduct.

Weisselberg left the Trump Organization last year but has remained loyal to his former boss. The company agreed to pay him severance of $2m.

In 2022, Weisselberg pleaded guilty to allegations of tax fraud at the heart of the former presidents real estate empire. He spent 100 days in New Yorks notorious Rikers Island prison after testifying against the Trump Organization.
A former school bus driver in Utah faces both federal and state arson charges for allegedly lighting his school bus on fire in two separate incidents, including at least once with students onboard.

Michael Austin Ford, 58, of West Valley City, was indicted by a federal grand jury last month on two charges of arson of a vehicle of an organization receiving federal funds, according to the US Attorneys Office for the District of Utah. He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, according to the court docket.

One incident stems from February 2022 when the US Attorneys office alleges he set a Granite School District bus on fire with 42 children inside and while driving in traffic. He used an ignition device to start the fire and continued to drive the bus while smoke blew past his face toward where the children sat in the back, according to the US Attorneys Office, which said the incident was captured on video.

Over a year later, in April 2023, he again set a school bus on fire and continued driving in traffic as the smoke billowed past him, according to the office, which said this incident was also captured on video. A detention memo filed by prosecutors says video also shows him attempting to tamper with the surveillance system and covering up the camera above the drivers seat.

Ford was arrested days later in April 2023 by Granite School Police and questioned about the fire but was released, according to the prosecutors office.

While the investigation was ongoing, his home and personal vehicle were severely damaged by fire in October 2023, the second time his home had serious fire damage, and he acknowledged two other personal vehicle fires, according to the memo. Further, Ford acknowledged to investigators his involvement in three other bus fires in which he was driving, dating back to around 2001 or 2002, 2016 and 2017, according to the memo.

Ford was arrested again on felony state charges in October 2023, according to a state docket report. Ford has been ordered detained ahead of his federal trial, set for April 29 in Salt Lake City, the prosecutors office said.

CNN has reached out to his federal public defender Benjamin Hamilton for comment.

Suspect was district bus driver for 25 years

The Granite School District said in a statement Ford was employed as a bus driver in part-time and full-time positions from 1998 until he was terminated in June 2023. He was hired after passing appropriate background checks as required by law, the district said.

The district said it had suspicions about the February 2022 fire and so officials worked with law enforcement and installed additional camera systems on his bus. After the April 2023 fire, the district said it obtained footage and evidence that indicated he was responsible for tampering with the bus and then placed him on leave.

In addition, Ford has been charged in state court with 10 counts of aggravated arson and a count each of aggravated child abuse, arson, obstruction of justice and misdemeanor property damage for the two bus fires, according to Utah district court filings.

His attorney in his state case, Jason Groth, did not respond to CNNs call and email requesting comment.

According to a declaration of probable cause, onboard video surveillance of the February 2022 fire shows smoke coming from under the bus dashboard as Ford drove. Students reported smelling smoke, according to the declaration, which says they covered their faces and coughed. Finally, Ford stopped the bus, evacuated the students and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, according to the declaration. One minor was treated for smoke inhalation.

In the bus fire on April 7, 2023, the declaration states onboard video shows Ford used a thumb-strike lighter to light electrical components under the dashboard on fire. He continued driving the bus and looked down several times at the smoke and flames before the fire was extinguished minutes later, the declaration states. The fire was determined to be incendiary, or had been deliberately set, the declaration says.

An area transportation manager for the school district said Ford had previously disabled the video surveillance system on his bus or had issues with the system several times, according to the declaration. Suspicious of those problems, bus shop staff altered the system so that it recorded even when manually turned off  a change that led to the video surveillance of the April 2023 fire, according to the declaration.

State prosecutors asked the court to deny bail and said Ford was a clear danger to the community and to himself. Prosecutors also noted several other fires may be related.

Not only was he the cause of the two bus fires detailed in the probable cause statement, but two additional times he was the bus driver when fires started on buses, the statement said. All of the fires originated under the dash of the bus. An intentional fire set in a school bus full of minors presents an unacceptable risk to those minors and the community at large. Additionally, fires have occurred at two of Fords residences and one of his vehicles. The fires at Fords residence cannot be a mere coincidence.

CNNs Lindsey Knight contributed to this report.

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From his home in Fort Lauderdale, a former Venezuelan military officer directed a complex scheme to borrow millions of dollars from Venezuelas banks for financing food imports to the starving country.

It was all a fraud, Nepmar Jesus Escalona Enriquez admitted Monday in Miami federal court.

In reality, he orchestrated the transfers of $1.7 million to bank accounts in Brazil, South Florida and other parts of the world to enrich himself while paying bribes to Venezuelan government officials, according to his plea agreement. No food products were ever imported into Venezuela.

Escalona, 47, a former Venezuelan National Guard major, pleaded guilty to one count of a money laundering conspiracy involving paying bribes to Venezuelan officials and defrauding financial institutions between 2010 and 2017, a span when corruption escalated under the socialist regimes of the late president Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro.

Up to 20 years in prison

Escalona faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing May 23 before U.S. District Judge Robert Scola in Miami federal court.

Escolona submitted the fraudulent loan application through Venezuelas government currency agency to the nations central bank and Banesco Bank, putting only $164,000 worth of bolivars into the fraudulent food-import financing deal, according to a factual statement filed with his plea agreement.

In doing so, the central bank and Banesco were deceived into releasing U.S. dollars to Brazilian bank accounts controlled by Escalona and two other co-conspirators, according to the statement.

Escolona and the two co-conspirators falsely stated on the loan applications that the money would be used for importing a chemical food additive from Brazil, the statement says. They also paid bribes to Venezuelan government officials to prevent the detection of the food-import scheme.

The illegal proceeds were then divided up among Escalona and the others, federal prosecutors said.

Five illicit wire transfers  proceeds and bribes totaling $420,847  were made through Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, UBS Bank and Mercantil Commercebank, according to prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office and Justice Department.
Fort Lauderdale "welcomes" spring breakers with preparations to ensure there's "organized fun" during the month-long bash, the mayor said.

Preparations include the standard increased police presence with "strategic" law enforcement strategies, as well as out-of-the-box, practical safety measures, like free roofie tests to make sure drinks are drug free, and rideshare zones to limit the number of cars and cut down on drunken driving.

The Florida city announced detailed plans that include a list of restrictions on beaches  although nothing as drastic as Miami Beach's edicts  such as prohibiting alcohol, coolers, live and/or amplified music, electric scooters and tents on beaches.

"We want to make your spring break experience the best experience you've ever had," Mayor Dean Trantalis said. "Why? Because we want you to come back. We want you to come back next year, we want you to come back in future years and, hey, maybe you want to make Fort Lauderdale your home."

FLORIDA SPRING BREAK HAS FAMILY BEACH TOWNS BRACING FOR CROWDS AS MIAMI BEACH CRACKS DOWN

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, coastline on Jan. 6, 2010.

After the mayor made opening remarks during a Friday morning press conference, the police chief came to the podium to say law enforcement will lay down the hammer on those who wreak havoc.

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"We have an expectation of behavior," Police Chief William Schultz said. "And just remember if any of these are violated, you can be arrested. We absolutely will be watching out for alcoholic beverage violations. That includes taking open alcohol into places that aren't allowed and giving alcohol to anyone under 21."

FLORIDA SPRING BREAK HAS FAMILY BEACH TOWNS BRACING FOR CROWDS AS MIAMI BEACH CRACKS DOWN

The city included a list of regulations on its website, which includes what's prohibited in certain areas.

Chief Schultz went on to say uniformed and undercover police will be looking for fake IDs, causing public disturbances or fighting, and public indecency.

Spring breakers enjoy the sand and sun at Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, on March 18, 2023.

Fort Lauderdale's restrictions along most areas of the city's beach, with some designated exceptions near hotels.

The city plans more lifeguards and jet ski patrols on the beaches.

Moving beyond the law-and-order crackdown, Schultz and the fire chief announced additional safety measures will be in place.

That includes free tests  that come in the shape of cards  to test if your drink was drugged or spiked, and there will be more lifeguards and jet ski patrols on the beaches, as well as accessible Narcan  an opioid-overdose antidote  in each hotel and by lifeguards on the beach.

FLORIDA SPRING BREAK PARTIERS CAUSE MIAMI MAYHEM

The city also set up "rideshare zones" and additional circuit shuttles that will pick you up at your location and drop you off anywhere in the service area. The city also has a separate community shuttle service for longer trips or bigger groups.

The mayor said he wants to cut down vehicle traffic along the beach and the tourist areas, while avoiding drunken driving.

The card that the police chief is holding can test drinks for drugs and will be free throughout Fort Lauderdale during spring break.

Rideshare zones will be set up to cut down traffic congestion.

Fort Lauderdale has the largest strip of beaches in Broward County, Florida.

Fort Lauderdale, which has the largest strip of beaches in Broward County, has been in the spotlight more in 2024 than in previous years after Miami Beach's mayor and police brass had enough of the annual chaos and "divorced" spring break.

The city enacted several new laws and regulations that essentially gut the annual event after last year's chaos, when two people were fatally shot, several were injured in stampedes, and police made 488 arrests (including 230 felony arrests) and seized 105 firearms.

SPRING BREAK DANGERS: 5 AMERICANS WHOSE VACATIONS ENDED IN DEATH

This happens year after year throughout the streets around Miami Beach.

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner told Fox News Digital that he had a direct message to visitors planning to party in his city: "Come here, enjoy our city, but don't come looking for trouble. It won't end well."

He said there will be license plate readers, DUI checkpoints and more law enforcement "than you've ever seen."

"We look forward to another peaceful spring break, as weve had for many years," City Manager Greg Chavarria said.

The city has set up "rideshare zones" and circuit shuttles to pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the service area.

The chaos typically hasn't spread 30 miles up to the coast to cities like Fort Lauderdale, which had the exact opposite feel during Friday's press conference with the clear, blue skies and swaying palm trees in the backdrop.

"We look forward to another peaceful spring break, as weve had for many years," City Manager Greg Chavarria said. "We expect an influx of visitors and have enhanced our operations to keep everyone safe and happy during their visit.

"People may see an increase in public safety staff, stronger enforcement of beach policies and greater transportation options to reduce vehicular traffic on roadways, among other measures."

"We want to make your spring break experience the best experience you've ever had," Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said during the March 1 press conference.

Fort Lauderdale spring break

Fort Lauderdale's website includes tips from the police department's Bar Watch program, which is a network of people, including bar staff and police officers, who know how to identify and act upon potentially troublesome situations.

The website included these tips to reduce risk of sexual assault (tips from the Nancy J. Cotterman Center):

Travel in a group. Check in with each other and leave together. Dont be isolated.

Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably is.

Watch your drink. Never leave it unattended. Dont accept drinks from strangers.

Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is going on around you.

Dont feel obligated. Dont do anything you dont want to or feel uncomfortable about.

WATCH FORT LAUDERDALE'S FULL MARCH 1 PRESS CONFERENCE

The police department also talked about pickpocketing as a common crime and included these tips:

Keep it close: Never leave your phone or wallet unattended, including on a bar, on a table, or in a restroom.

Keep your wallets and phones in a front pants pocket.

Keep pockets zipped and purses buttoned, and always keep them on you.

If you carry a purse, keep the straps short to keep it close to your body.

When you go out, only take the bare minimum of cash and cards needed.

Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Report suspicious activity. See something, say something.

Fox News Digital's Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.





Original article source: Fort Lauderdale braces for wild spring break with free roofie drink tests, DUI alternatives
Fatime Letifova

The 20th session of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, tomorrow, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Energy Ministry.

Azerbaijan will be represented at the meeting by a delegation led by the co-chairman of the commission, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov.

Within the framework of the meeting, a review of the work done during the past period since the 19th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, cooperation in trade and economy, energy, industry, construction, transport and logistics, ecology, agriculture, information and communication technologies, education, health, youth policy and other fields discussions are planned.

The co-chairman of the commission from the Kazakh side is Transport Minister Marat Karabayev.

It is worth noting that the 19th Meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan was held in Baku.

Before the meeting, a bilateral meeting was held between the Co-Chairs of the Commission, Azerbaijan Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan - Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Zhumangarin. The sides exchanged views on the current status of cooperation and new cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
Russian occupation troops have entered the outskirts of Novomykhailivka village (Marinka community, Pokrovsk district) in Donetsk region. The fighting continues, with Ukrainian defenders resisting the Russian army.

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According to Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesman for the Tauride Defense Forces, the fighting is taking place on the eastern outskirts of the village. He said this in a comment to LIGA.net on the morning of March 4.

The military noted that the number of enemy attacks in this area may be higher than in the Avdiivka area.

The enemy is using the tactics of small assault groups in the battle for Novomykhailivka. In addition, the Russian Armed Forces are conducting massive artillery and air strikes, and attacking with FPV drones.

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It should be noted that in its March 3 report, the DeepState Telegram channel stated that the occupiers "increased pressure on Novomykhailivka and continue to gain a foothold in the ruins."

According to the 2001 census, the village of Novomykhailivka was home to 1,440 people. Almost all of them called Ukrainian their native language (92.91%).

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on March 3, the Defense Forces neutralized 1150 Russian army servicemen. The defenders also destroyed one hundred pieces of enemy military equipment and weapons.

 During March 3, 78 combat engagements took place on the front line in our country.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FORT WORTH, Texas - One person is dead after a shooting in Fort Worth late Saturday night in the citys popular West 7th entertainment district.

Police said officers were called to the 2900 block of Crockett Street, where two people got into a fight just after 10 p.m.

Investigators found that one person pulled out a gun, opened fire, and then ran away.

Paramedics tried to revive the gunshot victim, identified as 29-year-old Bryson Rodgers, but Rodgers was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's unclear if Rodgers knew the person who shot him.

Police are looking for witnesses while searching for the shooter. Fort Worth police said theyre following up on several leads, but right now, no one is in custody.

Detectives are asking anyone with video or information about the shooting to contact police or share a tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers of Tarrant County.

FOX 4 spoke to people walking around the area Sunday. They said the increase in violence does make them concerned to go out at night.

"Its just sad, why do we ever have to come to that?" Joe Kaminski said.

People said they feel safe for the most part during the day.

"Once I come out here in the nighttime, you just have to keep your whereabouts and know exactly what youre doing," Ysrael Placencia said.

Placencia lived in one of the apartment buildings on Crockett Street.

"I moved out. I heard one too many gunshots and I was like, Im out, I dont want to be here anymore," she said.

Last September, TCU student Wes Smith was killed in an apparent random shooting outside a bar in the same area.

The shooter, 21-year-old Matthew Purdy, was arrested and charged with murder.

"Theyve increased police enforcement. Ive seen police officers coming up and down the streets now more than Ive seen in the past," Placencia said. "Unfortunately, Im thinking of going somewhere else rather than here because you dont feel as safe as it used to be."
Traces of soot and fire can be seen on the facade at the rear of a building. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports.

Police said on Monday morning said the fire broke out during the night.

One person's life is in danger, a firefighter and a police officer were seriously injured and 15 other people suffered minor injuries.

Reports said that 46 residents of the retirement home had to be evacuated. The cause of the fire was still unclear.

Regional public broadcaster WDR initially reported the news.

When the fire brigade arrived at around 5 am (0400 GMT), the situation was dramatic, WDR reported, citing a fire brigade spokesman. Some of the firefighters had to break windows to rescue the residents.

A police officer stands in front of a retirement home. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Traces of fire can be seen on a door at the rear of a building. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Traces of soot and fire can be seen on the facade at the rear of a building. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Police and fire department are in action after several people died and were injured in a fire at a retirement home. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports. Christoph Reichwein/dpa

Police and fire department are in action after several people died and were injured in a fire at a retirement home. Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports Christoph Reichwein/dpa
The Magura V5 Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) are successfully destroying Russian ships by acting in groups and being controlled by skilled operators.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda article Find and Sink. How Budanov's Magura drones destroy Russian vessels (English translation to follow shortly)

Details: As is stated in the article, on the night of 9-10 November 2023, it was time for the Magura drones to shine for the first time when they did what they had been designed for. A group of Magura drones detected and struck two high-speed landing ships of the Russians, Serna and Akula ("Shark"), in the sea near the village of Chornomorske not far from the Crimean coast.

The next two missions of these drones revealed their potential even more. On 1 February 2024, the missile-armed corvette Ivanovets was struck, on 14 February  landing ship Tsezar Kunikov.

These four vessels of the Black Sea Fleet of the Armed Forces of Russia which were not simply damaged, but completely sunk.

Quote by one of Magura developers: "Previously, the number of drones was smaller, and the main task was simply to hit a warship, but now they operate in groups of more than five. This allows us to distribute roles in the group, determine the order of attack, etc.

The main objective of the first phase is to immobilise the target, so the initial strike is usually on the engines. In the second phase, the strikes are aimed at the most vulnerable part of the ship. They are determined in advance when studying the target during mission planning. If we manage to create a breach, the next strikes are aimed at the same spot."

Details: The Magura V5 drone is quite expensive. Nobody reveals the exact price but it is certain that each unit costs millions of hryvnias [or hundreds of thousands of dollars  ed.]. The drone is so costly that even Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, who often performs missions together with his soldiers, has not even once given in to the temptation to use one himself.

Magura was designed to be a true hunter. The manufacturers explained that this model was created specifically to "hunt" warships in the sea so it is smaller, faster and much more capable of manoeuvring than other similar drones.

Asked what helped to switch from just damaging Russian ships to an almost guaranteed sinking, Budanov replied:

"You see, the technologies are developing, the operators are becoming more skilled. I would say that it only depends on our technologies and skills. But sometimes the factor of skillfulness of the crew of the ship we target also comes into play. Sometimes luck is also a factor. Yes, sometimes we just get lucky, but only those of us who are trained well."

Budanov explains that it is important to be able to quickly adapt to changes and make decisions on the spot.

"The most important thing here is to allow the operators to act according to the plan. When something does not go according to the plan we should quickly decide what and how we will do next. For instance, the Tsezar Kunikov was not initially the main target. But the conditions of attacking the main target changed during the mission," explains the head of the Defence Intelligence Department for Uncrewed Vessels, a general with an alias Borets ("Fighter").

He added that the Magura drones were hunting a group target but a few hours before the drones were supposed to approach the ship, the vessels started moving, and the main target could not be struck. So they decided to "hunt" the Tsezar Kunikov ship.

Read more about how the Magura surface drones appeared, the Russian targets they have captured, and Ukrainian Defence Intelligences competition with the Security Service of Ukraine in the Ukrainska Pravda article (English translation to follow shortly).

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He was among Frances most unpopular presidents when he left office. So low were his approval ratings at the end of his mandate in 2017  just 3 per cent wanted him to run for re-election  that Francois Hollande chose not to have a crack at a second term, paving the way for Emmanuel Macrons election.

However, the 69-year-old Socialist has bounced back to such an extent that he is now Frances third most popular political figure after Gabriel Attal, the French prime minister, and Edouard Philippe, Mr Macrons former prime minister, according to an Ifop poll out in February.

And with his Socialist Party embroiled in a controversial alliance with the hard-Left under Jean-Luc Melenchon and Greens, Mr Hollande now reportedly believes there could be a way for him to return to front-line politics through a mouse hole, according to aides cited by Le Figaro.

President Hollande has aroused a real and constant fervour in the various trips he has made since leaving the Elysee Palace. But for the past two or three years, there has been increasing talk of his return, a close aide told the conservative newspaper.

While the same source said he was not thinking about another crack at the presidency in 2027, another Socialist Party figure told the paper: If he can come back, he will come back.

Looking back in December at his five-year mandate from 2012 to 2017, Mr Hollande said: Id thought of a campaign slogan if Id stood for re-election. It was All things considered, it wasnt so bad.

Gaspard Gantzer, his former Elysee spin doctor, said: For the first time, I think that his re-election in 2027 is possible, I feel that something is happening.

They still like me

Compared with the younger politicians, his experience could work in his favour, as it has with a string of older leaders around the world, he claimed.

In his editorial, Le Figaros Guillaume Tabard said Mr Hollande was convinced that there was a place for a leader of a governing Left between the increasingly Right-leaning Mr Macron and virulently Leftist Mr Melenchon, both of whom are a turnoff for the majority of centre-Left voters.

Imagine that the Socialist Party scores well in the European elections. The reformist Left would have a substantial space before the presidential election. But with which candidate? Apart from Hollande, I cant think of anyone whos good enough to pull it off, said Mr Gantzer.

Olivier Faure, the current head of the Socialist Party, who has thrown in his lot with the Leftists and Greens, said: He needs the Left to be knocked out to hope for a situation that would be profitable for him.

Mr Hollande will in the coming weeks bring out a book explaining the European Union for children.

Asked why he was so popular with young French people, he recently said: For those aged between 18 and 25, Im the president of their childhood. There was Father Christmas and the president. I was the president. They still like me.

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.
On Monday, France became the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights in its national constitution. On a 780 to 72 vote, lawmakers explicitly concluded that, in Article 34, "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion." Women have had the right to abortion under French law since 1974, and none of the country's major political parties currently represented in parliament have questioned the essential right to abortion. But French feminist activists were prompted to cement legal protections after the United States Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning federal protection of US abortion rights.

"This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorized us to think that France was exempt from this risk," Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group, told Reuters after the passage of the legislation. "There's a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman."

https://twitter.com/karlaadam/status/1764715274484244985

As reported by the New York Times, French justice minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said the new clause of Article 34  which regards abortion as a "guaranteed freedom"  prevents future governments from drastically modify(ing) current laws funding abortion up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told MPs and senators gathered at the Versailles Palace for the special vote that France is "sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you."

Celebrations erupted in Paris following the vote. As captured on video by The Washington Post's Karla Adam, triumphant music and dancing filled the streets against a backdrop of a sparkling Eiffel Tower as activists and women of all ages embraced in victory.
France made history on Monday as the first country in the world to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution.

In a special session held at the Palace of Versailles, parliament passed the bill, which had already been adopted by the National Assembly in January and the Senate on Wednesday, with an overwhelming vote of 780-72. Parliament had to put a final stamp of approval at the joint session on Monday for it to officially go into effect, reported AP.

The amendment to Article 34 of the French Constitution states that the law determines the conditions by which is exercised the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975 and is overwhelmingly supported by the French population, according to polls.

Recently, President Emmanuel Macron promised French citizens that he would work to make the right to abortion "irreversible" following the rollback of abortion rights in the U.S.

France is the only country to currently have such a specification in their constitution, though former Yugoslavia enshrined the right into its constitution in 1974, a sentiment that carried over into modern-day Serbia in less specific terms as the right to "decide on childbirth. This amendment to the French constitution is one of only 17 made since the constitution was adopted in 1958 and the first since 2008.

A General view of the Congress of both Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Versailles during the speech of French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in Versailles, west of Paris, Monday, March 4, 2024.

According to AP and The Guardian, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told parliament that they "have a moral debt to women" in an appeal before the vote on Monday, saying in part, We are haunted by the suffering and memory of so many women who were not free. We owe a moral debt [to all the women who] suffered in their flesh."

Today, the present must respond to history," he continued, reported AP and The Guardian. "To enshrine this right in our constitution is to close the door on the tragedy of the past and its trail of suffering and pain. It will further prevent reactionaries from attacking women."

The right to abortion has not faced significant challenges by modern French parties, including conservatives and the far-right National Rally party. While some have voted against making abortion a constitutional right in the past, the attitudes of the major political parties generally align with that of the French public, of which a recent poll found more than 80% support the right to abortion, according to AP.

Reactions to the French abortion bill

U.S. abortion restrictions: Wyoming legislature approves chemical and surgical abortion restrictions

Pro-abortion supporters hug each other after French lawmakers have approved a bill that will enshrine a womans right to an abortion in the French Constitution, at Trocadero Plaza in Paris, Monday, March 4, 2024.

Applause and celebration broke out in parliament following the successful vote, with lawmakers caught on camera standing to clap in the chambers.

Photos and videos outside the palace also showed crowds stationed outside with signs, hugging each other, cheering, clapping and setting off celebratory glitter launchers as the final approval was announced. According to AP and The Guardian, cheers and celebration could be heard both in and outside the palace.

Anti-abortion protestors also made an appearance outside the Palace of Versailles in response to the bill, likewise sporting signs. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, told outlets including Reuters the move was unnecessary and a ploy for political points, though she also said her party would not vote against it.

Other anti-abortion organizations like the Association of Catholic Families criticized the move, calling it a "defeat" to women and children, according to Reuters.

Pharamcies to stock abortion meds: CVS and Walgreens to begin carrying abortion pill mifepristone within weeks

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, right, applauds after lawmakers approved abortion as a constitutional right, at the Palace of Versailles Monday, March 4, 2024, in Versailles.

What does 'enshrine' mean?

The word "enshrine" is often used when referring to amendments and constitutions, such as in the case of France enshrining the right to abortion in its constitution. Why say "enshrine" when you could simply say something like "written into" or "included in?" The connotation of the word is slightly heftier than simply "to put in."

According to Merriam-Webster and the Cambridge Dictionary, to enshrine something is to containor preserve it in a place or way that is highly admired, protected and respected.

If a political or social right is "enshrined in something" it is protected by being included in that thing. For example, the right to vote for women is present in the United States Constitution in the form of the 19th Amendment, meaning women's right to the vote is protected, regarded and respected because it is enshrined in, or is part of, the constitution.

In this way, enshrine means more than to place something inside of something else. It carries the connotation of respect and importance.

Abortion rights post overturning of Roe v. Wade

French lawmakers cited the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. as part of the inspiration behind its most recent abortion bill, saying in part: "Unfortunately, this event is not isolated: in many countries, even in Europe, there are currents of opinion that seek to hinder at any cost the freedom of women to terminate their pregnancy if they wish, reported AP.

French activists and politicians have expressed concerns over abortion rights since the Dobbs decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022, stripping Americans of abortion rights after 50 years of constitutional protection.

Other European countries are also weighing expanding access, including the few very small countries that do not currently allow or heavily restrict abortion, like Poland. Abortion is currently accessible in more than 40 European nations.

In the time following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, dozens of states across the country have banned or attempted to ban abortion. Before the decision was overturned, people in almost every state were allowed to undergo an abortion until around 24 weeks into a pregnancy, which was typical practice determined by the Supreme Court in the 1992 decision Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Now, abortion laws vary from state to state, with many high-profile cases of ongoing bills, legal battles, and deaths punctuating the battleground that has been reproductive rights.

Recently, an Alabama law that determined frozen embryos to be "extrauterine children" raised alarms amongst IVF patients and providers; in December, the plight of an Ohio woman who suffered a miscarriage became national news when the state charged her with felony abuse of corpse.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France enshrines abortion as constitutional right
France became the worlds first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution on Monday, the culmination of an effort that began in direct response to the US Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Lawmakers from both houses of the French Parliament voted 780 to 72 in favor of the measure, easily clearing the three-fifths majority needed to amend the French constitution.

Mondays vote, held during a special gathering of lawmakers at the Palace of Versailles, southwest of Paris, was the final step in the legislative process. The French Senate and National Assembly each overwhelmingly approved the amendment earlier this year.

The amendment states that there is a guaranteed freedom to abortion in France. Some groups and lawmakers had called for stronger language to explicitly call abortion a right.

Lawmakers hailed the move as a history-making way for France to send a clear signal of support on reproductive rights, with abortion under threat in the United States, as well as in parts of Europe, like Hungary, where far-right parties have come to power.

Following the vote, the Eiffel Tower was lit up with the words my body my choice.

The Eiffel Tower lights up with the message "my body my choice" after the vote on Monday. - Abdul Saboor/Reuters

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said before the vote that lawmakers had a moral debt to women who were, in the past, forced to endure illegal abortions.

Above all, were sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you, Attal said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the government would hold a formal ceremony celebrating the amendments passage on Friday, International Womens Rights Day.

France first legalized abortion in 1975, after a campaign led by then-Health Minister Simone Veil, an Auschwitz survivor who became one of the countrys most famous feminist icons.

While abortion is a highly divisive issue in US politics that often falls along party lines, in France it is widely supported. Many of the lawmakers who voted against the amendment did so not because they opposed abortion, but because they felt the measure was unnecessary, given the wide support for reproductive rights.

The measures passage is a clear victory for the French left, which has been pushing for years to guarantee abortion rights in the constitution. Before 2022, President Emmanuel Macrons government argued  like the amendments current opponents  that the move was unnecessary.

However, in 2022, when the US Supreme Court ruled against Roe v. Wade and let states individually decide on the issue, France was pushed to act.

French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said perviously, before debate began in the National Assembly in January, that history was full of other examples where fundamental rights were believed to be safe but then taken away, as we were recently reminded by the decision of the US Supreme Court.

We now have irrefutable proof that no democracy, not even the largest of them all, is immune, he said.

The vote marks the 25th time the French government has amended its constitution since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958.

The Catholic Church was one of the few groups to announce its opposition to the amendment. The Pontifical Academy for Life, the Vatican body which focuses on issues related to bioethics, said in a statement that in the era of universal human rights, there can be no right to take human life.

A conference of French bishops on Thursday also reiterated the churchs opposition to abortion ahead of the vote.

CNNs Joseph Ataman and Christopher Lamb contributed to this report

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Ukrainian officials signed a memorandum of understanding with France to invest over 5 million euros towards the reconstruction of Chernihiv Oblast, Ukrainian infrastructure minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced on March 4.

Work is reportedly already underway on several restoration projects, including on the roof of the Chernihiv regional academic theater, development of anti-radiation centers in local hospitals, as well as local government trainings on recovery, decentralization, innovation, mobility, and more.

"Our shared goal is to facilitate the rapid recovery and lasting transformation of the region through community recovery programs and plans," Kubrakov stated.

"A successful partnership between French and Ukrainian communities is essential for the sustainable development of Chernihiv region, especially given Ukraine's gradual integration into the European Union economic space."

Chernihiv Oblast is located on Ukraine's northern border with Russia. The region was invaded and partially occupied during Russia's initial onslaught in February 2022, but the invading forces withdrew in April 2022 after the Kremlin failed to take Kyiv.

Since then, settlements in the region come under regular Russian attacks.

Several European countries have already committed funds towards the reconstruction of different regions across Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Italy announced its plan to commit 500,000 euros to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in downtown Odesa.

In addition to the more than $1.4 million in cooperative funds with Ukrainian major cities, Denmark has prioritized restoring the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv and the surrounding region, devoting 60% of its development aid to the region.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine slows Russian advances west of Avdiivka, military says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Members of the public react as the French abortion vote results are announced. French lawmakers have made abortion a constitutional right.

France has become the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution.

Parliamentarians voted to revise the country's 1958 constitution to enshrine women's "guaranteed freedom" to abort.

The overwhelming 780-72 vote saw a standing ovation in the parliament in Versailles when the result was announced.

President Emmanuel Macron described the move as "French pride" that had sent a "universal message".

However anti-abortion groups have strongly criticised the change, as has the Vatican.

Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but polls show around 85% of the public supported amending the constitution to protect the right to end a pregnancy.

And while several other countries include reproductive rights in their constitutions - France is the first to explicitly state that an abortion will be guaranteed.

It becomes the 25th amendment to modern France's founding document, and the first since 2008.

Following the vote, the Eiffel Tower in Paris was lit up in celebration, with the message: "My Body My Choice".

Before the vote, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told parliament that the right to abortion remained "in danger" and "at the mercy of decision makers".

"We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you," he added.

While resistance from right-wingers in parliament failed to materialise, President Macron has been accused of using the constitution for electoral ends.

Critics say the revision is not necessarily wrong in itself, but unnecessary, and accused the president of trying to use the cause to boost his left-wing credentials.

Since 1975 the law has been updated nine times - and on each occasion with the aim of extending access.

France's constitutional council - the body that decides on the constitutionality of laws - has never raised a query.

In a 2001 ruling, the council based its approval of abortion on the notion of liberty enshrined in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man, which is technically part of the constitution.

So many jurists say abortion was already a constitutional right.

The Eiffel Tower lit up with the message "My body My choice" after the vote

The constitutional change was prompted by recent developments in the US, where the right to abortion was removed by the Supreme Court in 2022. Individual states are now able to ban the procedure again, ending the right to an abortion for millions of women.

The move to enshrine abortion in the French constitution has been welcomed by many.

"This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorised us to think that France was exempt from this risk," said Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group.

"There's a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman," she said.

But not all support it, with the Vatican repeating its opposition to abortion.

"There can be no 'right' to take a human life," the Vatican institution said in a statement, echoing concerns already raised by French Catholic bishops.

It appealed to "all governments and all religious traditions to do their best so that, in this phase of history, the protection of life becomes an absolute priority".
Paris  France became the first country to enshrine a woman's right to an abortion in its constitution. Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament met Monday and easily passed the historic amendment.



The bill was approved in an overwhelming 780-72 vote, and nearly the entire joint session stood in a long standing ovation.

The move was driven by concern that snowballed in France as the U.S. started rolling back abortion rights two years ago, when Roe v. Wade was overturned. French President Emmanuel Macron promised that France would ensure women's right to abortion was protected in the event of any similar moves to restrict access at any time in the future.

The amendment to Article 34 of the constitution would explicitly enshrine "a woman's guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion."

Macron announced after the vote that the amendment would be inscribed in the constitution on Friday, March 8  International Women's Day  during a ceremony in central Paris that will be open to the public. Writing on social media, he said the vote was a matter of "French pride" and a "universal message."

A woman clenches her fist and others hold flags of the

The move has overwhelming support in the country. Several opinion polls have found that more than 80% of the French population approves of amending the constitution to enshrine that right.

There has been cross-party support for the change. Even far-right parliamentarians, from parties that have historically opposed expanding abortion rights, voted in favor of the reform.



Abortion was legalized in France in 1975. The legal limit for abortions was extended from 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy in 2022, amid anger that French women were often forced to travel abroad for the procedure.



Just days ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, there was another historic moment Monday when the Congress was opened by a woman for the first time.

The president of the National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, launched the proceedings, saying: "I am proud to pay tribute to all the women who have written, have acted, have fought daily so that we can climb the steep slope leading to equality between men and women."

Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, delivers a speech during a special congress gathering both the upper and lower houses of the French parliament (National Assembly and Senate) to vote on a bill to enshrine the right to abortion in the French constitution, at the Versailles Palace near Paris, France, March 4, 2024. / Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/REUTERS

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told the session in Versailles: "We owe a moral debt to women," and said that passing the amendment would be "a victory for women's rights."



"When women's rights are attacked in the world, France rises and places itself at the forefront of progress," Attal said in a social media post after last week's Senate vote in favor of the amendment.

Justice minister Eric Dupond-Moretti called it "an historic vote," adding: "It reminds all those who didn't yet know it that the women in our country are free, and to what point we are all attached to that freedom."



France is a proudly secular country, though there is a strong Catholic tradition embedded in the culture. The country's Conference of Bishops relayed a call Monday for a day of "fasting and prayer," called for by several Catholic associations, over the pending legislation.

The Vatican also noted its opposition last month, and on Monday its Pontifical Academy for Life released a statement saying that, "in the era of universal human rights, there can be no 'right' to take a human life."

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After the loss of another A50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft, the Russian terrorist army has begun to attack Ukraine more often with Kh-31P missiles. The enemy uses these weapons to conduct reconnaissance activities to find air defense systems and radar stations.

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The frequent use of Kh-31P may also indicate that the Russians lack intelligence. Natalia Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Press Center of the Operational Command "South", told about this during the telethon.

According to her, after the destruction of the A50 aircraft, the enemy intensified the use of Kh-31P anti-radar missiles. In different directions, the occupiers are trying to check the location of air defense systems and radar with this missile.

In addition, Humeniuk emphasized that the enemy is currently unable to approach the front line to launch guided bombs in the southern sector, so it relies on missiles.

"The Kh-31P missile is an anti-location missile aimed at searching for air defense systems and radar stations. It was such a missile that once hit a foreign ship entering the port. There is also a radar system there, and accordingly, the missile hit its own trap," Gumenyuk said.

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The "South" command noted that Ukrainian servicemen are using various methods to counteract the missile attack. However, Gumenyuk added that, in addition to air missiles, Russians often use ballistic missiles. In particular, on the evening of March 3, such a missile struck Mykolaiv region.

"Ballistic missiles are being used from Crimea, and they are hitting the territories that are not directly near the frontline, but deeper and further away. This is the enemy's intention to keep the Ukrainian territory under terror and pressure," said Humeniuk.

As a reminder, on the afternoon of March 3, Russian terrorists launched a missile in the direction of Odesa region. A tactical aircraft launched an Kh-31P missile. The defense forces noted that the missile lost its combat capability over the sea.

Earlier it was reported that after the loss of the second A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft, Russia probably stopped their flights. This will continue until internal terrorist investigations reveal the reasons for the ineffective protection of these aircraft.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, before the start of the full-scale war, Russia had only nine reconnaissance aircraft: three A-50s and six A-50Us. The occupiers use them as correctors during massive shelling of Ukraine, and one such aircraft costs at least $330 million.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
French President Emmanuel Macron after a conference in support of Ukraine with European leaders and government representatives at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on February 26, 2024

France has sent more than 2.6 billion euros ($2.8 billion USD) worth of military equipment to Ukraine since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion, the French Defense Ministry reported, who provided a full list of aid provided to Ukraine.

France has been supplying equipment and materials adapted to the combat conditions in which the Ukrainian Armed Forces are engaged, the Defense Ministry added.

Read also: Ukraine to finally receive more long-range weapons after Macron announces allied coalition

France supplied Ukraine with military equipment worth 2.615 billion euros ($2.8 billion USD), the Defense Ministry said.

The country provided an additional 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to the European Peace Facility (EPF). This constitutes support to Ukraine amounting to more than 3.8 billion euros ($4.1 billion) from Feb. 24, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023.

"These financial efforts are accompanied by decisive actions in the field of training, as almost 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained in the armies of Poland and France," the Ministry said.

Read also: For second straight day, Russia encroaches on NATO air space, forcing France to scramble Mirage jet

France has provided Ukraine with air defense systems, artillery, small arms, personal protective equipment, armored vehicles, drones, trucks, sea boats, aviation fuel, and other equipment.

Ukraine received six Mistral air defense systems, two Crotale-NG air defense systems, and one Samp/T anti-missile defense system.

France also handed over 250 VAB (The Vehicule de l'Avant Blinde) armored personnel carriers, 38 AMX-10 armored fighting vehicles, more than a million rounds of ammunition for small arms, 60 drones, and ten drone detection systems.

The country also supplied 30 Caesar howitzers, six TRF1 howitzers, four LRU MLRS, and 10 120 mm heavy mortars.

Some information is classified, including the number of missiles provided for the Crotale and SCALP anti-missile systems.

Deliveries meet three criteria. The first is to ensure full capability: equipment is provided along with ammunition, training, and its maintenance. The second criterion is that France's Armed Forces should not be weakened, and the third is "escalation control."

Some differences regarding aid to Ukraine have developed between French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Read also: UK urges Germany to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine  Bloomberg

Macron slammed Germany following the summit of European leaders in Paris on Feb. 26, mentioning the allies who, before the start of a full-scale war, offered Ukraine only "helmets and sleeping bags." His words were "not well received in Berlin", because after the episode with the helmets, Germany became the second largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the USA, reports said.

The possibility of deploying Western troops in Ukraine is not something to be completely ruled out, Macron said after the same summit.

Western countries would not send their troops to Ukraine, Scholz said the next day.



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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The French Ministry of Defence has published a list of military aid provided to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Source: French Ministry of Defence; Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: The French Defence Ministry noted that military assistance to Ukraine is estimated to be 2.615 billion, which includes 1.2 billion donated to the European Peace Facility (EFF). This makes a total of over 3.8 billion from 24 February 2022 to December 2023.

These supplies, as stated in the report, meet three criteria for support: ammunition, training and maintenance of equipment.

Some 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in France and Poland with the support of Paris.

The list of 50 items includes both protective and communications equipment, as well as various weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. This data is as of 31 December 2023, that is, before the signing of the bilateral security agreement between France and Ukraine.

Among the air defence systems that Paris has identified as priorities for support to Kyiv, two Crotale NG air defence systems, six Mistral MANPADS, and one Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system were delivered by the end of 2023. No ammunition data is indicated for any of the systems. The CM200 air defence radar is also listed in this section, but it is likely to be the Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar announced in February 2023. Among the air-to-surface weapons, only SCALP missiles (which are the French equivalent of the UK's Storm Shadow) are listed, and their quantity is not disclosed.

Another priority area in which the French authorities decided to support Ukraine in the war with Russia is artillery. By the end of 2023, Paris had handed over 30 Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, 6 decommissioned TRF1 howitzers, 4 multiple-launch rocket systems and 10 120-mm mortars to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The howitzers were also supplied with 30,000 rounds of ammunition. The anti-tank systems include 1,002 AT4 grenade launchers and three Milan anti-tank guided missile systems.

By the end of 2023, France had delivered 38 AMX10 RC light wheeled tanks and 250 armoured vehicles with weapons or in ambulance configuration, as well as 120 off-road vehicles and 6 lorries. The AMX10 RC was supplied with 9,000 rounds of ammunition for the main gun.

In addition, Ukraine received 160 reconnaissance drones and 10 drone detection devices. It is not known what kind of drones these are, but only 30 Zodiacs Futura inflatable boats are listed in the "marine vessels" section. However, the French authorities have previously expressed a desire to expand cooperation in the field of unmanned vehicles and announced plans to build production facilities in Ukraine. This table, as can be seen from the description, takes into account only the assistance provided to Ukraine from outside.

Small arms include 55 7.62-mm machine guns, 560 12.7-mm machine guns, as well as 1,000 Famas rifles and 20 sniper rifles. Over the past two years, 1.7 million rounds of 12.7-mm ammunition, 1.1 million rounds of light small arms ammunition, including 9-mm and 5.56-mm calibres, as well as 10,500 grenades and 3,600 anti-tank mines were supplied to these weapons. Other items include petrol, protective equipment (bulletproof vests and helmets), as well as first-aid kits, communications and navigation equipment.

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France has committed more than 3.8 billion euros ($4.1 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine between Feb. 24, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023, including 2.615 billion euros ($2.8 billion) in military equipment and a 1.2 billion euro ($1.3 billion) donation to the European Peace Facility (EFF), the French Defense Ministry announced on March 3.

Although France has committed a comparably smaller portion of its GDP than countries like Germany or Poland, French President Emmanuel Macron has recently called for more decisive steps in support of Ukraine, even not ruling out sending troops to the besieged country.

The newly published list of 50 items includes 30 Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, 38 AMX10 armored fighting vehicles, 250 VAB armored vehicles in various modifications, 160 drones, and 10 drone-detecting systems.

France has also supplied Ukraine with several air defense systems, including SAMP/T (one unit), Mistral (six units), and Crotale (two units), as well as an unidentified amount of missiles for these systems.

Ukrainian forces further received 1.1 million small ammunition rounds, some 1.74 million 12.7 mm cartridges, 30,000 155 mm artillery shells, and over 1,000 AT4 anti-tank launchers.

Other items include various vehicles, grenades, small arms, medical aid, technical equipment, fuel, body armor, and more.

Separate from the overall $4.1 billion sum, the French military has also helped train almost 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in France and Poland.

Macron and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed an agreement on Feb. 16 on a long-term security cooperation between the two countries, under which Paris pledged 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in military aid this year.

France also announced a new defense aid package, including artillery shells, Caesar howitzers, and air defenses.

European defense assistance is all the more crucial for Ukraine as $60 billion in aid from the U.S., a key military donor, remains stuck in Congress due to opposition from parts of the Republican Party.

Read also: Wests response to Macron comments on troops to Ukraine reveal discord, weakness, experts say

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French lawmakers head to Versailles Palace Monday for a special parliamentary congress  the final step in an historic process to guarantee the right for women to access abortion. The issue has been at the centre of a long political and legal tug-of-war, and comes two years after the United States Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion.

A total of 925 members of the National Assembly and the Senate will travel by bus to Versailles on Monday afternoon to vote on amending Article 34 of the constitution in order to "guarantee the freedom of women to have access to an abortion".

Three-fifths of them need to vote for the amendment in order for it to pass; and if they do, as expected, France will become the only country in the world to clearly protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its basic law.

The government said in its introduction to the bill that the change was needed after the rollback of abortion rights in the United States, where in June 2022 the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling that guaranteed access to the procedure nationwide.

Since then, some 20 states have banned abortion outright or severely restricted access, while others have moved to protect it.

'Writing history'

She warned that "entire rights", or pro-life, groups' voices were getting louder in France and other countries  especially the US, Brazil, and Russia  supported by the Vatican.



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

French Senate approves bill making abortion a constitutional right

Vatican opposes inclusion of abortion rights in French constitution

Number of abortions in France reaches highest level in 30 years
The Eiffel Tower was lit up in celebration after the legislation was passed in parliament - DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

The French parliament voted on Monday to anchor the right to abortion in the constitution, making France the first country in the world to offer explicit protection for terminating a pregnancy in its basic law.

A congress of both houses of parliament, gathered in a special chamber at the Palace of Versailles, easily found the three-fifths supermajority needed for the change, with 780 lawmakers in favour and 72 voting against.

Deputies applauded the change with cheers and a standing ovation.

Emmanuel Macron, the president, described the move as French pride that had sent a universal message, and a special public ceremony is planned to celebrate the move in Paris on International Womens Day on March 8.

The Eiffel Tower was lit up in celebration after the change was passed, with slogans including My Body My Choice projected upon it.

This is a fundamental step... A step that will go down in history, Gabriel Attal, Frances prime minister, told the politicians as he urged them to pass the legislation.

He said they owed a moral debt toward all women who had suffered before the legalisation of abortion.

Members of the French parliament applaud the speech by prime minister Gabriel Attal during a special congress gathering of both houses - CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

But Mr Attal said the freedom to abort remained in danger worldwide, with our freedoms in essence threatened... at the mercy of decision makers.

In one generation, one year, one week, you can go from one thing to the opposite, he said, referring to rights reversals in the United States, Hungary and Poland.

Such joint parliamentary sessions are extremely rare in France and are called only for momentous occasions such as constitutional changes, the last of which was made in 2008.

Mr Macron pledged last year to enshrine abortion in the constitution after the US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling that guaranteed the right to abortion, allowing individual American states to ban or curtail it.

The vote is of huge significance given the rollback of this essential right around the world, said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals secretary general, adding that it had sent a message of hope and solidarity.

In January, Frances lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, overwhelmingly approved the move with the upper house, the Senate, following suit on Wednesday.

A majority of the public supports the move to give the right to abortion extra protection, according to polls. A November 2022 survey by polling group IFOP found that 86 per cent of people supported inscribing it in the constitution.

Left-wing and centrist politicians have welcomed the change, while some Right-wing senators have said in private they felt under pressure to give it the green light.

A congress of both houses of parliament gathered in a special chamber at the Palace of Versailles to pass the legislation - Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

Several hundred abortion opponents, largely marginalised in the move for the constitutional change, protested in Versailles.

Meanwhile, Catholic bishops called for a day of fasting and prayer so the French could rediscover the taste for life.

Weighing in from Rome, the Vatican said there could be no right to take a human life.

But hundreds of jubilant backers of the move were overjoyed at the Place du Trocadero in western Paris as they witnessed the passing of the law on a large screen set up for the occasion.

Im happy because our rights are constantly under threat everywhere... and its only getting worse, said Cecile Carimalo, 46, who watched with her 12-year-old daughter at the Trocadero esplanade.

This they wont be able to take from us.

If men got pregnant, it would have been inscribed in the text in 1792 during the French Revolution, she added.

Abortion was legalised in France in 1975 in a law championed by then health minister Simone Veil, a womens rights icon granted the rare honour of burial at the Pantheon after her death in 2017.

When political campaigning began in earnest in 1971, we could never have imagined that the right to abortion would one day be written into the constitution, Claudine Monteil, head of the Femmes Monde (Women in the World) association, told AFP.

At the time, an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 women had an abortion each year.

Leah Hoctor, of the Centre for Reproductive Rights, said France could offer the first explicit broad constitutional provision of its kind, not just in Europe, but also globally.

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France became the worlds first country to explicitly enshrine abortion rights into its constitution amid a rollback in reproductive rights in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Following a final vote on Monday evening, the bill was approved by members of Parliament who had been summoned to Paris by President Emmanuel Macron for a special meeting at the Palace of Versailles. The historic bill to protect abortion rights needed at least three fifths of the vote to pass.

"We're sending a message to all women. Your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told MPs and senators who had gathered in congress.

The newly approved amendment protects women seeking abortions under Article 34 of France's 1958 constitution. Macrons government proposed the wording, The law determines the conditions by which is exercised the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed.

In January, Frances National Assemblythe lower house of its Parliamentvoted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill. On Wednesday, the senate also endorsed the bill, tweaking the wording of the amendment to "guaranteed freedom" after pushback from conservatives.

The bill has been broadly well received across the political spectrum, with no major political parties in Parliament opposed. The move marks the 25th amendment made to the Fifth Republic's founding document.

In a post on X on Feb. 28, Macron said he is committed to making women's freedom to have an abortion irreversible with this bill.

The legislation is inspired by the rollback of reproductive rights in a number of countries, particularly the U.S. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, which had since 1973 provided federal protection of abortion rights to Americans.

Unfortunately, this event is not isolated: in many countries, even in Europe, there are currents of opinion that seek to hinder at any cost the freedom of women to terminate their pregnancy if they wish, the French legislation introduction states.

Abortions in France have been legal since 1975, and may take place until 14 weeks after conception, following updated legislation in 2022.

Following Wednesdays senate approval, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said: When womens rights are attacked in the world, France stands up and places itself at the avant garde of progress.

But observers say the initiative is a political effort from Macron to appeal to left-leaning figures in his Renaissance party after controversial stances on pension reform and immigration.

Some have also argued that abortion is already constitutionally protected following a 2001 ruling in which France's constitutional council approved abortion under liberties enshrined in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man.

Anne Levade, a law professor at Paris-Sorbonne University, told the BBC, Beyond being a symbol the revision will change absolutely nothing.

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  St. Francis of Assisi Parish is set to host the sixth annual Kern Catholic Prayer Breakfast March 20.

Kern parishioners are invited to pray the Rosary and the Mass starting at 6 a.m. followed by a breakfast and a keynote address by Steve Ray, who also goes by Jerusalem Jones.

Blossoms and Baskets returns to Murray Family Farms every weekend in March

The theme of this year, speech is Defending the Eucharist: You Are What You Eat. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at KernCatholic.com. Tickets will be on sale until March 14.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Near the end of The Battle of Algiers, the 1966 film directed by Italian leftist Gillo Pontecorvo, crowds waving flags and chanting slogans surge into the streets of the Algerian capital. The scene is set on December 11, 1960. President Charles de Gaulle was visiting Frances prized Mediterranean colony, when apparently spontaneous demonstrations revived an anti-colonial movement that had seemed on the verge of military defeat. Confronted with the persistence of popular support for the National Liberation Front and facing a rising tide of criticism at the United Nations, de Gaulle soon afterward opened negotiations that would lead, eventually, to Algerian independence in 1962.



Pontecorvos fluid camerawork in the protest scenes conveys a sense of irrepressible movement, in contrast with the restricted mobility earlier imposed by French forces. Counterinsurgency in The Battle of Algiers is above all a matter of keeping people in place: maintaining checkpoints and barbed-wire borders between the European and native quarters; driving insurgents into ever more constricted, often underground hideouts; and, most literally, shackling bodies in prison cells and torture chambers. The triumph of anti-colonialism is, conversely, a festival of free movement. In Pontecorvos version of December 11, protesters flood into the well-ordered neighborhoods inhabited by European settlers and dance joyously in the face of menacing soldiers. Reclaiming space, dissolving boundaries, and breaking free from physical constraint are portrayed as prerequisites to political independence.

Pontecorvos vision owed a great deal to the radical psychiatrist and writer Frantz Fanon. In some of the most famous passages of his most famous work, The Wretched of the Earth (1961), Fanon wrote of the colonial subject as a being hemmed in.



The first thing which the native learns is to stay in his place, and not to go beyond certain limits. This is why the dreams of the native are always of muscular prowess; his dreams are of action and of aggression. I dream I am jumping, swimming, running, climbing.

Decolonization for Fanon was a process of transforming dreams of mobility into reality. It was also, inevitably and not entirely regrettably, a violent process. The stark dichotomy of the colonya world cut in two, between the tightly circumscribed zones of the colonizer and the colonizedwas defended by force and could only be dismantled by force. Although the fast-moving coda of the film elides the body count, more than 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured in the events of December 1960. Writing at just this moment, Fanon observed that the violence of colonial rule will be claimed and taken over by the native at the moment when, deciding to embody history in his own person, he surges into the forbidden quarters and brings about the abolition of the colonial world.

No one did more than Fanon (and, perhaps, Pontecorvo) to make decolonization the new master narrative of the left in the 1960s. At a moment when European radicals, losing patience with the reactionary tendencies of the working classes at home, shifted their hopes to the masses of the so-called Third World, Fanon succeeded in refashioning the Algerian story into a universal fable of revolutionary possibility: dispossessed against privileged, slave against master, Black against white. As Adam Shatz traces in his new biography of Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth spread across the world within a few years of its appearance, read in Spanish by Latin American guerrillas in a Cuban translation commissioned by Che Guevara; in English, by ANC rebels in South Africa; in Portuguese, by anti-colonial fighters in Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique; in Farsi, by Iranian Marxists and Islamic revolutionaries; and, not least, in Arabic, by Palestinian fedayeen in training camps in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Even Black Panthers in the United States would take inspiration from Fanon, finding parallels between the casbah and the ghetto.

Decolonization for Fanon was a process of transforming dreams of mobility into reality. It was also, inevitably and not entirely regrettably, a violent process.

Unlike many of the thinkers read by insurgents half a century ago, Fanon remains hugely influential today. When radicals (and would-be radicals) issue calls for decolonization, they are invoking Fanons vision of liberation through the dismantling of privileged enclaves. One reason for his continuing appeal is that he can be read in so many different ways: as a proponent of political violence and a chronicler of its destructiveness; as a spokesman for Black identity and a critic of its limitations; as a visionary of postcolonial utopia and a Cassandra of postcolonial failure.

But there is another explanation for Fanons durability. While some of his contemporaries made similar arguments about the lived experience of oppression and the warping effects of colonialism, Fanon did so from the perspective of a practicing psychiatrist. In treating patients who were often severely disturbed, he was able to see abstractions about the harm inflicted by racism and empire as flesh-and-blood realities. It was the imperative to heal that infused his politics with such urgency. We still read Fanon because he diagnosed the disease and worked for a cure.





Fanons ideas were forged in a life of serial self-reinvention. From the Caribbean, to Europe, to North Africa, to sub-Saharan Africa, he sought new identities out of frustration with the limits imposed by old ones. Resisting the blood-and-soil nationalisms and sectarian tribalisms that loomed large in his lifetime, he treated identity as plural and changeable. With varying degrees of ambivalence at different stages of his life, he considered himself West Indian, French, Algerian, and African, making him a conspicuously cosmopolitan or postmodern subject.

The Caribbean island colony of Martinique provides the starting point for Fanons journey not only in the obvious sense that he was born there in 1925, but also because he was haunted from an early age by a sense of his countrys political inadequacy. In contrast to Haiti, where slaves freed themselves by force in the great revolution of 17911804, emancipation came to Martinique in 1848 at the hands of a white savior, the liberal French minister Victor Schlcher. A statue of him loomed over Fanons hometown, the capital, Fort-de-France (until it was torn down amid the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020).

Fanons fear of a failed or incomplete decolonization grew after 1946, whenwith the support of the Martinican poet-statesman Aime CesaireMartinique and three other old colonies were not granted independence, but rather reclassified as overseas departments with the same political status as mainland France. Eventually breaking with Cesaire and several West African leaders who saw a continued French connection as a lifeline for needed resources, Fanon resented the persistence of paternalism.

But even though he would fault Martinique for failing to liberate itself from France and Frenchness, he remained personally attached to both. Commitment to republican ideals prompted him to volunteer for Free French forces during World War II, when a Vichyite regime, the Tan Robe, intensified the racism and brutality of colonial rule on the island. Military service brought Fanons first exposure to the world-shattering violence of combat; his first glimpse of North Africa, where the anti-Black prejudices of the Arab population presaged future tensions; and the first fruits of his status as an evolue, an educated Caribbean subject who ranked higher in the imperial hierarchy than the West African soldiers known as tirailleurs senegalais. Rather than resettling in his native land, as the title of Cesaires 1939 poem Cahier dun retour au pays natal had it, Fanon after the war returned to Martinique only briefly before deciding to pursue medical studies in France. His cauterizing wartime encounters with French racismincluding, most painfully, the refusal of local women to dance with Black soldiers at a Liberation celebration in Toulononly sharpened his determination to claim the rights and privileges of French citizenship. We refuse to be treated as outsiders, Fanon wrote a few years later. We are well and truly part of French history and its drama.

One of the more provocative elements of Shatzs account is the suggestion that a residue of republican universalism, overlaid with existential and Marxist universalisms, left Fanon with a lasting defiance of identitys claims. Fanon was, of course, well aware of the hypocrisies lurking within high-flown rhetoric of equality, and disdainful of naively color-blind ideologies that ignored the necessity of racial struggle. His first book, Black Skin, White Masks (1952), contained a searing indictment of misguided Francophilia, hopeless mimicry, and pathological self-loathing among his fellow West Indians. But Fanon also insisted on defining race as a product of material inequality rather than as an innate condition: The black problem is not just about Blacks living among Whites, but about the black man exploited, enslaved, and despised by a colonialist and capitalist society that happens to be white. Fanon would come to reject the Negritude espoused by Cesaire and others, because it risked essentializing Blackness as a comfortable, even nostalgic, refuge rather than mobilizing it as a weapon of the weak.

A strength of The Rebels Clinic is the meticulous charting of the schools and figures that influenced Fanons thought. Fanon was an intellectual bricoleur, and his eclectic tendencies are especially conspicuous in Black Skin, White Masks, with its abundant references to Negritude as well as phenomenology, clinical psychiatry, psychoanalysis (in its Freudian, Jungian, Lacanian, and Adlerian variants), films, novels, folktales, and comic books. Perhaps most significant, he interpreted his experiences of everyday racism while a medical studentincluding the famous incident in a Lyons train carriage when a little boy shouted, Look, maman, a negre!through the prism of philosopher Maurice Merleau-Pontys writings on the embodied nature of perception. Blackness, according to Fanon, was constructed through the hostile gaze of others. He argued that Black people internalize the fear, loathing, and fascination that their appearance provokes in white onlookers, substituting an inherited burden of racial alienation for the freedom of authentic selfhood.

This argument bore close affinities to two contemporary accounts, Jean-Paul Sartres Anti-Semite and Jew (1946) and Simone de Beauvoirs The Second Sex (1949), which both traced the identities of oppressed groups to the stereotypical projections imposed on them. These parallels underscore the capacious possibilities of solidarity in Fanons thoughtthough, as Shatz notes, Fanon was always far more generous about acknowledging his debts to Sartre than to de Beauvoir.

Fanon was not alone, either, in asking what colonialism did to the unconscious mind. Two other Francophone writers in the 1950sa colonial official in Madagascar turned Lacanian analyst, Octave Mannoni, and a left-wing Tunisian Jew, Albert Memmiproduced their own binary narratives of the colonizer and the colonized locked in a psychological drama shaped by fantasy, insecurity, and the drive to dominate. What set Fanon on a more radical path was his encounter with North African migrant workers as patients in France. Voicing fears of imminent death, they reported diffuse aches and pains, fluttering heartbeats, splitting headachesailments dismissed by white doctors as imaginary. Fanon, rather than ascribing these complaints to hysteria or malingering, observed that Arab workers in France had to endure a perpetual state of insecurity: separated from their families and other meaningful relationships, isolated from French society, and offered little support or sympathy from the French state whose citizenship they nominally enjoyed. Their symptoms were the symptoms of a thoroughgoing dehumanization, a plight both exemplified and compounded by the callous incomprehension of the French medical establishment. Just as the Algerian independence movement gained much of its strength from Algerians based in France, Fanon first came to appreciate the insidious trauma of colonialism during his time there, at the center of empire.





Even so, there is no reason to think that Fanon and his wife, a white Frenchwoman named Josie, had revolution on their minds when they left mainland France for Algeria in 1953. While he could be counted a successful example of assimilation in many ways, neither his psychiatric nor his literary career had achieved overwhelming success. His prospects, like those of many other upwardly mobile Frenchmen, simply looked brighter on the other side of the Mediterranean. Few people in France, Shatz observes, imagined at the time that a war of national liberation was imminent. Here was the origin of the jibe, which circulated later among his comrades in the National Liberation Front, or FLN, who were resentful of his celebrity, that Fanon owed more to the Algerian Revolution than it owed to him. While he would eventually put his life in the service of the uprising that broke out in 1954, running grave risks as doctor, publicist, and ambassador for the FLN, he would always remain something of an outsider. As a French-educated Black man and secular intellectual who spoke little Arabic, he stood at odds with the Islamic and Arab nationalist currents within the independence movement and tended to overlook their significance in his writings.

Yet it was his anomalous background that made him both a perceptive observer of and a creative participant in the Algerian struggle. Steeped in the Caribbean heritage of plantation slavery, he saw that the extraction of labor and accumulation of wealth by force lay at the heart of empire everywhere. Used to challenging authority figures as he moved from place to placehis own father; Cesaire; Sartrehe set about dismantling the authoritarian customs of the Blida-Joinville mental hospital outside Algiers, loosening patients isolation from the outside world and from one another. He encouraged them to socialize and engage in culturally meaningful pastimes as part of what he called social therapy, even installing a Moorish cafe for the use of his Muslim patients. He also set up a covert clinic for the treatment of FLN fighters and allowed FLN leaders to use the hospital for meetings.

Shatz is perhaps a bit too eager to cast Fanon as a forerunner of anti-psychiatry, the later movement that saw madness as a form of tragic knowledge and aimed at emptying out the asylums. He was, after all, an enthusiastic practitioner of electroshock therapy (a grim irony in light of the French armys use of torture by electrocution on Algerian prisoners). More persuasive is the suggestion that shock therapy came to function as a political metaphor for Fanon, an extension of his faith in self-making through physical action. Like the jolts from the electrode, Shatz writes, violent resistance could offer an exhilarating rush of self-confidence and energy that exploded the North African syndrome of depression and helplessness. Later, in exile in Tunis, Fanon would employ equally heavy-handed methodsadministering large doses of insulin and neuroleptics to induce comalike sleepto restore insurgents to health in advance of their return to the battlefield.

The oracular status Fanon retains among academics and activists today has a way of obscuring his more questionable pronouncements. The relentless Manichaeanism of The Wretched of the Earth is in many ways a misleading guide to a conflict that saw deep and violent divisions within the colonized camp: between the FLN and rival anti-colonial movements; between FLN insurgents on the ground, the forces of the interior, and the exiled FLN command who amassed an army of the frontiers in Tunisia and Morocco; between Arabs and Berbers; between Algerians fighting on the French side (known as the harkis) and those fighting against it. Of course, Fanon was writing a manifesto, not history or journalism; he simplified in order to dramatize and expose any quest for compromise as illusory. Yet other parts of The Wretched of the Earthincluding, most notoriously, his ode to landless peasants as the messianic vanguard of world revolutionhave aged even less well.

The book is perhaps best read today not as a playbook for revolt but as a conflicted reflection on it. Beginning with an argument for the cathartic and constructive possibilities of violence, it ends with a series of psychiatric case studies that examine its devastating effects on French torturers and Algerian fighters alike. As Shatz notes, the tension mirrors Fanons cross-pressured role within the movement: In his role as a spokesman for the FLN, Fanon dutifully presented a heroic image of the Algeria Revolution. But as a doctor, he was dressing the psychic wounds of Algerias soldiers, bearing witness to the kinds of horror that nationalist fables are designed to make us forget. It is bleakly unsurprising that conservative elements in the FLN could co-opt his ideas about the peasantry into an official ideology while discarding his warnings about the authoritarian potential of anti-colonial movements.





Fanon did not live to witness the extraordinary global career of his book. He died of leukemia in a Bethesda, Maryland, hospital at the age of 36, a few weeks after The Wretched of the Earth was published. He was thus deprived of the opportunity to enjoy his ever-growing stature in the years that followed. He was also spared seeing many of his bleakest premonitions for a world after empire come true: the self-serving enrichment of postcolonial elites, the repressive redirection of insurgent discipline, the retreat into ethnic and sectarian exclusivism.

The Rebels Clinic does not reveal a strikingly different Fanon than does David Maceys deeply researched Frantz Fanon: A Biography (2000). But it delivers a smoother, often engrossing, narrative, one that deserves to be the first stop for anyone looking for an introduction to Fanons life and work. Calls to decolonize today are Fanonian in the sense that Fanon understood decolonization as a process, not an event, and one of such world-historical significance that hierarchies and inequalities of all kinds would be called into question. For Fanon, struggles against racial subjugation, economic exploitation, and military occupation were necessarily linked. Butand this is an irony Shatz underlinesFanon never wanted to see the heroic moment of the independence struggle frozen in amber. A modernist by temperament and ideology, he prized liberation from the burdens of the past in service of a higher goal: as he put it in The Wretched of the Earth, to invent the total man whose triumph Europe has been incapable of realizing. Whatever a Fanonian future might look like, it has not arrived yet.
FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans is formally denouncing calls for a cease-fire in Gaza in a direct rebuke of the Biden administrations increasingly critical stance on Israels war against Hamas.

House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good, R-Va., is introducing a resolution on Tuesday that, if passed, would rebuke U.S. officials demanding a cease-fire, as well as calls for an independent Palestinian state.

It would also call on the U.S. to totally halt humanitarian aid and other funds flowing to Gaza "until an independent and comprehensive investigation is completed."

CRUZ DEMANDS DOJ LAUNCH CRIMINAL PROBE OF US NONPROFIT ALLEGEDLY HELPING TERRORISTS

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good is introducing a resolution to formally rebuke calls for an Israel-Gaza cease-fire.

The legislation is being rolled out a day after Vice President Kamala Harris intensified the cease-fire rhetoric coming from the White House in a speech at the annual commemoration of the 1965 Bloody Sunday civil rights march in Selma, Alabama.

"Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks. This is what is currently on the table," Harris said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has been pushing for a temporary pause in the fighting to be part of any deal struck between Israel and Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

US TAXPAYERS HAVE FUNDED UNRWA BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AMID CALLS FOR ITS SCRAPPING: 'HORROR SHOW'

"Instead of unequivocally backing our most important ally in the Middle East, both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have undermined Israels efforts to defend itself by repeatedly suggesting there should be a cease-fire in Gaza," Good told Fox News Digital on Monday morning.

Vice President Kamala Harris escalated the White House's position on Israel and Gaza during a speech in Selma, Alabama.

"The United States must continue to support Israel as they defend themselves from the Hamas terrorists who have brutally attacked their citizens, including women, children, and the elderly. In the absence of leadership from the White House, I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the House who stand with Israel."

Good is joined by 18 co-sponsors, including House GOP Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer, R-Ala., Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.

Biden has been under growing pressure from the left to ramp up his criticism of Israel as the conflict continues to drive a wedge between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party.

STATE DEPARTMENT IMPOSES FINANCIAL SANCTIONS ON ISRAELI NATIONALS FOR THREATENING PEACE IN WEST BANK

Republicans, for the most part, have stood firmly behind Israel, citing its critical role as the U.S.s firmest ally in the Middle East. They have also backed Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas, arguing a cease-fire is untenable as long as the terror group exists.

President Biden has called for a temporary cease-fire as part of ongoing negotiations over Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Israels bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza was spurred by an Oct. 7 surprise attack launched by Hamas militants who invaded the southern part of the country and killed more than 1,200 people  mainly civilians. Hundreds more were taken hostage into Gaza.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, has said that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israels responding military campaign. Palestinian officials have warned that the number of children who are dying due to being unable to access food or medical care is also expected to increase.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.





Original article source: Freedom Caucus chair leads resolution denouncing Israel cease-fire calls, demanding end to Gaza aid
During a special session of both houses of France's National Assembly in the Palace of Versailles near Paris on Monday, French women's rights advocates react after a 780-72 vote to approve a bill that enshrines women's right to abortion in the constitution. Photo by Christophe Petit Tesson/EPA-EFE

March 4 (UPI) -- France became the first country in the world to make abortion a constitutional right Monday, with French lawmakers adopting the bill in a 780-72 vote in a move inspired by the U.S. reversal of Roe vs. Wade.

The law gives women a "guaranteed freedom" to choose for themselves if an abortion is the right choice to make.

The amendment won the support of the three-fifths of the 925 National Assembly and Senate members required to pass in an extraordinary afternoon session at the Palace of Versailles just outside Paris in a move that was overwhelmingly supported by the public.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said to those assembled in Congress Hall that "we owe a moral debt" to the women who had to suffer through illegal abortions in the past.

After the vote to approve the constitutional change, Paris' Eiffel Tower was lit with the words in French "my body my choice" in the country where abortion was first legalized in 1975, two years after the United States' first ruling on Roe vs. Wade.

French lawmakers passed a vote to make abortion a constitutional right that will make France the only country in the world where it is a "guaranteed freedom" in law. File Photo by Eco Clement/UPI

"We are haunted by the suffering and memory of so many women who were not free," Attal said, adding that the new constitutional change "will further prevent reactionaries from attacking women."

While limiting abortion ranked very low on France's political agenda, lawmakers were prompted to take action to protect abortion rights in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of the 1973 Roe ruling that legalized abortion. Subsequently, several American states have passed laws to restrict or outlaw the procedure.

"I say to all women within our borders and beyond, that today, the era of a world of hope begins," said Attal, who at 34 became the country's youngest prime minister.

This was the first time since 2008 that France took steps to change its constitution. There will be a ceremony to finalize the amendment on Friday, which is also International Women's Day.

The change overcame initial opposition in the upper house to pass on Wednesday four weeks after the assembly approved the measure by 493-30 votes to enshrine the right to terminate a pregnancy in the constitution -- despite being legal in the nominally Catholic country for almost 50 years.

On Monday, the Vatican group Pontifical Academy for Life posted on X, "In the era of universal human rights, there can be no 'right' to take a human life."

President Emmanuel Macron pledged last year to enshrine the right to signal his strong support for reproductive rights and score a victory against a far right that is on the rise in France and across Europe.

The move ahead of an election in June has proved a boon for Macron and a problem for the right, while lending him credibility with left-leaning voters.

In January, France's justice minister referenced how history was full of cases like the reversal of Roe vs. Wade in the United States, where people lose rights they once thought to be safe.

"We now have irrefutable proof that no democracy, not even the largest of them all, is immune," French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said.

"It's impossible to tell if abortion rights won't come into question in the future in France," Mathilde Panot of the left-leaning France Unbowed group in parliament, who also introduced the bill, said at the time.

"It's important to capitalize when we have the public on our side," she said, accusing Macron of trying to cash in on an achievement delivered by feminists and MPs.

The clause of the constitution that sets out provisions by which the constitution may be amended states that any proposed revision must be "voted by both assemblies in identical terms" followed by a "yes" vote in a referendum."

However, amendments can be adopted without a referendum provided the president submits it to Parliament convened in a joint session of both houses.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that his country does not intend to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. The head of the German government explained that the transfer of such weapons is excluded, as it requires the participation of German military personnel.

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He also hinted that Germany is afraid to transfer these missiles because of their range. This was reported by The Guardian.

Scholz explained that German soldiers would need to be involved in the operation of Taurus cruise missiles. It was this factor that the chancellor explained Germany's refusal to transfer the weapons system to Ukraine.

At the same time, the head of the German government said that the Taurus missile can hit targets at a great distance. Therefore, Germany wants to control the use of these missiles.

"You cannot create a weapons system that will have a very long range and then not think about how you can control the weapons system. And if you want to have control, it is possible only with the participation of German soldiers, for me, it is out of the question," Scholz said.

As a reminder, Russian propagandists have published the content of a nearly 40-minute conversation between German Air Force Inspector General Ingo Gerhartz and three officers about the details of a possible supply to Ukraine and the use of Taurus cruise missiles. The conversation allegedly took place on February 19.

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After that, the German Defense Ministry promised to thoroughly check the information about Russia's interception of the talks between representatives of the German Air Force. This refers to a 40-minute audio conversation between German generals published by Russian propagandists.
A general view shows MPs and Senators during the convocation of a congress of both houses of parliament in Versailles

A general view shows MPs and Senators during the convocation of a congress of both houses of parliament in Versailles

By Stephanie Lecocq and Gonzalo Fuentes

VERSAILLES, France (Reuters) -France on Monday enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, a world first welcomed by women's rights groups as historic and harshly criticised by anti-abortion groups.

MPs and senators overwhelmingly backed the move, by 780 votes against 72, in a special joint vote of the two houses of parliament, under the gilded ceilings of Versailles Palace, just outside Paris.

Abortion rights activists gathered in central Paris cheered and applauded as the Eiffel Tower scintillated in the background and displayed the message "MyBodyMyChoice" as the result of the vote was announced on a giant screen.

Abortion rights are more widely accepted in France than in the United States and many other countries, with polls showing around 80% of French people back the fact that abortion is legal.

"We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal told lawmakers ahead of the vote.

Women have had a legal right to abortion in France since a 1974 law - which many harshly criticised at the time.

But the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to reverse the Roe v. Wade ruling that recognised women's constitutional right to abortion prompted activists to push France to become the first country to explicitly protect the right in its basic law.

"This right (to abortion) has retreated in the United States. And so nothing authorised us to think that France was exempt from this risk," said Laura Slimani, from the Fondation des Femmes rights group.

"There's a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman," Slimani said.

Monday's vote enshrined in Article 34 of the French constitution that "the law determines the conditions in which a woman has the guaranteed freedom to have recourse to an abortion".

"France is at the forefront," said the head of the lower house of parliament, Yael Braun-Pivet, from French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party.

ABORTION RIGHTS

But the move was not exempt from criticism.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said Macron was using it to score political points, because of the large support for the right to abortion in the country.

"We will vote to include it in the Constitution because we have no problem with that," Le Pen told reporters ahead of the Versailles vote, while adding that it was an exaggeration to call it a historic step because, she said, "no one is putting the right to abortion at risk in France".

Pascale Moriniere, the president of the Association of Catholic Families, called the move a defeat for anti-abortion campaigners.

"It's (also) a defeat for women," she said, "and, of course, for all the children who cannot see the day."

Moriniere said there was no need to add the right to abortion to the constitution.

"We imported a debate that is not French, since the United States was first to remove that from law with the repeal of Roe v. Wade," she said. "There was an effect of panic from feminist movements, which wished to engrave this on the marble of the constitution."

(Additional reporting by Tassilo Hummel; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Bernadette Baum, Alex Richardson and Christina Fincher)
DONBAS, UkraineIts rare to see gruff front line personnel, the kind who have been to hell and back, be so raw and straightforward with their emotions.

It hurts, said Yevhenii Solod, a medic who evacuates the gravely injured from the battlefield. Its insulting, I would say.

Solod is talking about the pain he feels when he goes back to major cities in Ukraine and sees civilians trying to live life as usual. Like many still actively involved in Ukraines war effort, he is noticing a growing divide between those fighting and those theyre fighting to protect.

Much like American soldiers who returned home from far-away places in Iraq and Afghanistan to civilians ignorant of the sacrifices they made, Solod feels that the Ukrainian public needs to step up. It hurts me even more because my father is on the front lines right now, he said. You come back, and [civilians] live absolutely all their life being ignorant about what is happening.

For Ukrainian troops and front line workers, the past few months have grown increasingly bleak. Theres a sense that the tide of war has swung decisively against them, and that their countryexhausted from two years of fighting, outmanned and outgunnedis on the precipice of a terrible disaster.

In the United States, this is an abstract policy decision. In Ukraine, its a human catastrophe.

Sitting in the back of his ambulance, Solod is in the midst of yet another trip back and forth from the front lines. The dangerous job includes the soul-crushing task of trying to keep horrific battlefield injuries from killing his patients. The medic yearns for the spirit of the early days of Russias invasion, when it seemed like Ukrainians everywhere were unified against the Russian military. Every factory was churning out war-related goods; every civilian was helping deliver food or making camouflage nets.

This is still happening to a degree, but such national resolve is difficult to sustain for years on end. Many civilians are now less engaged than they were, trying to inject some normalcy into their lives even as air alerts and bombings in major cities continue at a startling clip.

Some people live in peaceful cities, and they live like the war has never happened, Solod said. I try to understand, because everyone has to have their own lives, and everyone is making their own choices.

Russia has recently been making advances in eastern Ukraine, aided by Ukrainian shortages in ammunition and Western dithering.

The state of the war being what it is, theres no telling when the conveyor belt of wounded and dead will stop. Everybody understands that there wont be any rotation soon, explained Ivan Tarn, a 34-year-old soldier. This war is for [the] long [haul]. It is for years to come. And everybody is starting to adapt to that new idea.

Confusion over the future is compounded by Ukraines lack of a publicly declared strategy about what victory means and how they will achieve it.

I dont know [how to fix the strategic issues], sighed Bogdan, a Ukrainian drone pilot with multiple deployments. Like many other soldiers interviewed for this piece, he declined to provide their surname for security reasons. I just know what I need to do. Thats it. I need to do my job in the best way I can. Thats it.

Ukrainian forces held off Russias invasion admirably for months. Still, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Institute for the Study of War have assessed that Russia has regained momentum after capturing the towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. Although Russian forces have reportedly taken hundreds of thousands of casualties, they may even launch a new offensive as early as May.

The situation for the Ukrainian army is bad, said Aslan, a Chechen soldier fighting for the Ukrainian military. But to be honest, its also very bad on the Russian side.  They throw themselves at our positions like meat, and we dont have enough ammunition, shells, or men to stop them, so we are forced to gradually withdraw.

In such a war of attrition, an authoritarian leaders disregard for human life can effectively grind the opponent down. Russian President Vladimir Putin has an extremely high threshold for battlefield casualties, with analysts estimating that Russian forces lost more troops fighting for the small town of Avdiivka than they did in a decade of warfare in Afghanistan during the 1980s.

But the Ukrainians arent toast yet. Theres a lot more warfighting to be done.

The situation is much better than when we fought the Russians in Chechnya, said Walid, the commander of the Chechen Sheikh Mansur Battalion, in a safe house in eastern Ukraine. They use exactly the same techniques and strategies; the only difference is that today, in Ukraine, we are better trained and organized. But, most importantly, we still have the support of the West for now.

For now.

Zelensky and his administration are in a bind. How can Ukrainian political and military leaders put together a comprehensive strategy when they do not know how much support they can count on from the West? France and Germany have recently signed long-term security agreements with the war-torn countryas has the United Kingdombut Ukraines largest benefactor during the first year of the war, the United States, has not.

American military assistance for Ukraines war effort dried up at the beginning of this year, and a faction of populist Republicans in Congress has blocked additional aid from being appropriated. Its unclear when that will change, if it ever does.

Given that reality, Aslan, the Chechen soldier, is worried about the state of the Ukrainian army. They lack ammunition, shells, artillery, aviation, anti-aircraft defense systems, and equipment of all kinds, he said near the front lines in Chasiv Yar, a city in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine is retreating because it lacks ammunition.

Among soldiers and civilians alike, the sense of betrayal is palpable. They heard the United States promise to support their war effort for as long as it takes, only for aid to run out when Ukraine is arguably at its most vulnerable.

These are rich and powerful countries, and they havent even sent Ukraine 10 percent of what it needed to fight, Aslan said, anger in his voice. They havent given us enough to break the Russian defenses. A persistent critique of the Biden administrations approach to the wareven before aid dried uphas been that it consistently provided Ukraine with enough munitions to stave off Russian advances but not to actually defeat the enemy.

Frustrations with allies aside, recent shakeups in the countrys military hierarchy have also complicated Ukraines war effort. Zelensky decided to fire his commander-in-chief, Valerii Zaluzhny, last month, removing from his post one of the only people in Ukraine with a higher approval rating than his own.

Why? Zaluzhny made a classic political blunder: telling the truth. In an interview with The Economist late last year, he admitted that the war had become a stalemate and that there would most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough.

The general also backed the Ukrainian militarys request in December for another 500,000 conscriptsa massive influx of new troops for a country with only 800,000 currently serving in the Armed Forces.

This all takes place with a grim backdrop: Zelensky recently said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war, though U.S. intelligence officials believe that tally could be more than twice as high. The Ukrainian militarys proposal shook the civilian leadership, which immediately understood that it would be deeply unpopular with the broader population.

The proposal is still working its way through the Ukrainian legislature, but troops on the front line say that their relief cant come soon enough.

Its absolutely necessary. There is no other way, said Tarn. It has to be done, and better sooner than later. Because every day that we wait with this, we lose experienced troops who can pass their experience on.  The longer we wait [for] providing new troops, the more difficult the task before those new troops becomes.

Going forward, new troops will be under the command of Oleksandr Syrskyi, a Russian-born general known for his Russian approach toward prioritizing strategic objectives over human lives. Ukrainian soldiersmost of whom greatly admired and respected Zaluzhnyare not thrilled with the transition.

I was deeply moved by General Zaluzhnys dismissal, said Mykhailo, a 25-year-old soldier enlisted in the 36th Naval Infantry Brigade. But not as much as when I learned he was replaced by Syrsky.

The new commanders nationality is also a sticking point for some. Even though he remains a fine strategist, I have a hard time with him because he is Russian, said Serhii, a soldier who has been fighting for the Ukrainian territorial defense forces since 2022. [Syrskyi] was born in Russia and studied in Russia.

Syrskyis tactics have earned him some tough nicknames. I served under his command, Mykhailo explained with a sigh. Unlike Zaluzhny, he sees the lives of his men as a mathematical equation. Thats why hes called The Butcher.

In Syrskyis defense, Aslan Ocherkhadzhiev, one of the commanders of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, considers this title relatively unfair. [Syrskyi] is nicknamed The Butcher simply because he fights to the end and demands that his soldiers do the same, Ocherkhadzhiev said. He refuses to surrender and to give up even the smallest piece of territory to the Russians.

Its true he has a bad reputation, Ocherkhadzhiev continued. But he led the ground army during the toughest operations of the war, and one must not forget that war is war. Syrskyi is less delicate, but he remains a brilliant man. And if his methods do not win unanimous approval, he is still more than a competent general surrounded by a team of soldiers with extensive field experience.

But like many Ukrainian soldiers, Mykhailo thinks that the change in leadership will not have much impact on the course of the war.

What we lack most of all is ammunition and aid from the West, he said. Whether its Zaluzhny or Syrskyi at the head of the army, its not going to help us fill our arsenals.

Read more at The Dispatch

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From above, Haitis capital city Port-au-Prince still looks serene, its white-washed homes climbing steep green hills that encircle a glittering bay. But to step onto its cracked streets requires a careful calculation of risk and reward.

Ruthless gangs have a stranglehold on the city, preying on the population, carving neighborhoods into warring criminal fiefdoms, and cutting Haitis international port off from the rest of the country.

In this city, the most-shared online videos are often torture footage, recorded and posted by gangs to spread horror and hasten ransom payments for thousands of kidnapping victims. Last month, within hours of landing at the citys Toussaint LOuverture airport, a CNN team began to receive forwarded messages from contacts sharing the latest cruel footage  a bound woman twisting away from flames as her kidnappers jeered.

It was a glimpse into the viral daily torment of life in Haiti, where frequent civilian protests emphasize that the population has reached a breaking point. Gangs control 80% of the capital, according to UN estimates, and are fighting to seize the rest.

Since last week, Port-au-Prince has been gripped by a wave of highly coordinated gang attacks, with armed groups burning down police stations and freeing prisoners in what one gang leader described as a direct challenge to Haitis unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry. On Sunday, Haitis government declared a state of emergency after thousands of inmates apparently escaped from its largest prison.

We have chosen to take our destiny in our own hands. The battle we are waging will not only topple Ariels government. It is a battle that will change the whole system, said Jimmy Barbeque Cherizier, a former police officer who styles himself as Robin Hood figure in his territory, in a statement reported by local media.

Henrys whereabouts are currently unclear, after a visit to Kenya last week.

Police officers run holding their guns while confronting a gang in Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 1, 2024. - Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

The country cannot continue like this

Each year in recent memory has been worse than the last, each catastrophe another blow to the disintegrating Haitian state. In downtown Port-au-Prince, the countrys historic National Palace is still in ruins from Haitis devastating 2010 earthquake. Now, multiple courthouses in the area have now been taken over and occupied by gangs.

Many Haitians blame their prime minister for rapidly ceding ground to the gangs over the past three years, while refusing to organize elections that would bring in a new government and give the country a fresh start. Henry and his allies say that the current insecurity would make a free and fair vote impossible, but such explanations do little to appease popular outrage.

Earlier this month, when rumors swirled in one Port-au-Prince neighborhood that a local police station would be closed, fed-up residents quickly spilled into the streets, toppling a bus and burning tires as they called for Henrys ouster.

Ariel Henry has to go, one protester shouted. We are living in total precarity. Were living on trash, on sewage. I have nothing, Im empty. I cant go to work, I cant support my family, I cant send my kids to school.

Even for some within the gangs, the brutality of the current situation has become unbearable.

I see people dying in front of me every day, one 14-year-old gang recruit from the citys Martissant neighborhood told CNN, visibly distraught, in an interview last month. The thing I hate the most is when (other gang members) kill someone and they make me burn the body, he said.

One of his friends, also a gang member, was killed and burned a few days ago, he adds. I dont want that to happen to me. CNN is not naming the teenager due to concerns for his safety.

The sentiment on the ground is that the country cannot continue like this. The level of violence that people are exposed to is inhumane, United Nations deputy special representative in Haiti Ulrika Richardson warned in a press briefing in New York Wednesday.

80% of Port-au-Prince controlled by gangs

On TikTok and WhatsApp, accounts flaunting guns and flashy cars tout affiliation with groups like the 5 Segond gang, 400 Mawozo (notorious in the US for the 2021 kidnapping of over a dozen foreign missionaries), and Kraze Barye, whose leader has a nearly $2 million bounty on his head from the FBI.

Haitis gangs were once seen as thuggish instruments for powerful politicians and business elites. But today, they seem to have slipped their leashes; the gangs overrunning Port-au-Prince have become independent violent entrepreneurs, according to a recent analysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

In an impoverished country with little to exploit, the gangs are treating human beings like commodities, snatching at least 2,490 people off the street last year to trade in a fast-growing kidnapping business, per UN figures.

Victims whose families cannot pay for their release are often killed, adding to the thousands of others who have lost their lives to indiscriminate gunfire, waves of arson, and other abuses. Haitis national homicide rate doubled last year, reaching 41 murders for every 100,000 people, the UN says  one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Haitis National Police, which boasts an aggressive new anti-gang unit, has seen some success in apprehending some criminal figures and holding back gang expansion in a key areas of the city, including next to the US embassy. But with nearly 100 growing gangs in the metropolitan area, the force just does not have the firepower or training to restore calm to the country, sources say.

According to UN figures, Haitian police are quitting en masse, with 1,663 officers leaving in 2023 alone.

People drive past a burning blockade as demonstrators hold a protest calling for the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry outside the Canadian Embassy, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti February 25 2024. - Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

As hunger spreads, popular anger grows

One recent morning in the neighborhood of Delmas, dozens of women from the nearby gang-controlled slum of Cite Soleil lined up to receive food handouts from the UNs World Food Programme, distributed by Catholic charity St. Kizito.

Every person CNN approached said they had been brutalized one way or another; one recounted being raped by a gang member, showing scars on her arm from the attack. A widow said her husband had been burned alive inside their family home during a battle between gangs.

I was at home with my family, when a rival group to our local gang attacked the neighborhood. I had the time to run with my child, but my husband was too slow behind us. They burned the house down with him inside.

Over 300,000 civilians have been made homeless by inter-gang warfare, according to the UN.

On the other side of Haiti, in the southern coastal city of Jeremie, an administrator at St. John Bosco school told CNN that at least 20 new students had arrived from the capital with their families since the start of 2024, some fleeing in such a hurry that they brought no clothes or even identification documents.

But in rural areas, the threat is hunger. Gang control of key roads in and around Port-au-Prince has dramatically slowed the transport of vital imported food and fuel across the country. Exorbitant bribes are required for safe passage.

Prices are spiking unsustainably for a population where more than 60% of households live on less than $4 per day, according to World Bank estimates.

One market vendor in Jeremie told CNN that the wholesale price for a sack of sugar had now leapt from the equivalent of $50 to $150. The cost of a bag of rice, a staple in Haitian cuisine, has risen from $40 to $120.

The stress of trying to make ends meet in these conditions is fraying the social fabric. In January, rioters attacked the St. John Bosco school, trying to break down its gates and reach food stocks donated by the UNs World Food Programme, according to the administrator.

The food was intended for impoverished students lunches  often their only meal of the day. But since then, the terrified kids have not come back.

Anger boils over

From the smoke-filled streets of the capital to farmworkers plunging their machetes into the fields in Jeremie, CNNs team repeatedly heard an angry sing-song refrain: Ariel kraze peyi a, Ariel kraze peyi a. Ariel is destroying the country.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon by training, was appointed prime minister in 2021 with the backing of the United States, Canada and other key allies, following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise.

The job was a poisoned chalice; even then, gangs were estimated to be in control of more than half of Port-au-Prince. Henry vowed to restore order and hold elections, but two and half years later, the worlds first free Black republic is further than ever from those democratic fundamentals. Haitis last elections were in 2016, so most terms have long since expired, leaving elected offices vacant  including the presidency and the entire legislature.

Its a fertile landscape for political opportunists. Earlier this month, Guy Philippe, a rebel leader who was recently repatriated by the United States to Haiti after serving time for money laundering, called for a revolution. Accompanying him in some videos were members of the Haitian Environment Ministrys security brigade (BSAP), raising fears of a state security force gone rogue.

We are battling to change a system which is not working for any Haitian, in which no one can live, no matter who they are We are loyal to the government, but it is not loyal to us, one BSAP commander, Inspector Odric Octina, told CNN.

Any revolution that can free the Haitian people from this dictatorship, we are ready to stand with it, he said, adding the caveat that BSAP does not intend to turn their arms against the government and that his only action so far had been to participate in protests in Port-au-Prince.

The gangs meanwhile have shown no qualms about attacking government institutions directly.

As armed groups pounded the National Penitentiary, one of Haitis police unions posted a desperate message to X on Saturday, pleading for reinforcements. If the prisons detainees are released to join gangs already at large, the union warned, we are done. No one will be spared in the capital. But by the end of the day, the prison had been opened; over 3,500 prisoners are thought to have escaped, according to UN estimates.

Violence continued throughout the weekend, with Haitis government on Sunday announcing a state of emergency in the West department, where Port-au-Prince is located, and a curfew from 6pm to 5am in an effort to regain control of the situation.

People run down a street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on February 29. - Johnson Sabin/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

People flee their homes as police confront armed gangs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, February 29, 2024. - Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters

Hope in a foreign uniform

February 7 was the date that a new elected government should have taken power in Haiti, per an agreement between Henrys government and a coalition of influential figures from Haitis civil society and business sector.

But the necessary elections were never held, so Henry last month could offer only a rare national address asking for patience as the deadline came and went, telling citizens it is time to put our heads together to save Haiti.

The principal task of this transitional government is to create the conditions in which elections can be organized, he assured viewers.

My interim government is working hand-in-hand with the police to restore normal life in the country. We are aware that many thing have to change, but we need to make those changes together and calmly, he also said.

A new transition deadline has already been proposed: Last week, the leaders of regional bloc Caricom said in a statement Henry had agreed to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry at the United States International University Africa, in Nairobi on March 1, 2024. - Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images

Until then, Henrys best hopes may rest on an outside solution over which he wields little control: The Kenyan-led military support force requested by his government last year and greenlit by the United Nations Security Council.

The reason why the Prime Minister requested the UN resolution back in October 2022 is because the police department and other forces cannot challenge the gangs, Henrys advisor Jean Junior Joseph told CNN.

Anger toward the government for Haitis gangs problem is misplaced, he also said, emphasizing that the government has limited options.

The situation is so complicated that the gangs have more ammunition than us, he said.

The Prime Ministers office declined CNNs request for an interview.

Foreign military interventions are viewed with deep skepticism in Haiti, where UN peacekeepers are synonymous with sex abuse scandals and the deadly introduction of cholera. How exactly the Kenyan-led mission will operate and what kind of human rights precautions its forces will take remain unclear.

Still, Haitian security forces interviewed by CNN say they welcome the help. The United States  a top destination for Haitian migrants fleeing the countrys turmoil  has also eagerly backed the mission with a promise of $200 million.

It may be no coincidence that the latest wave of gang violence began while Henry was in Nairobi last week to sign an agreement underpinning the mission.

The stakes are high: If the promised 1,000-plus troops are delivered, the foreign muscle is expected to pose a serious challenge to gang control  potentially renewing hope for change in the country and buying time for the embattled premier.

But if the mission does not come soon, experts and government insiders warn that mounting pressure over Haitis unbearable violence is likely to explode.

CNNs Leinz Vales and Sean Walker contributed reporting.

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Semafor Signals

Insights from CNN, Reuters, Politico, and Haaretz

The News

Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet and a key rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived in Washington for talks with top U.S. officials. The trip signals widening divisions within the Israeli government as global calls intensify for a ceasefire in its war against Hamas.

Gantz, a former opposition leader, reportedly waited until Friday to tell Netanyahu of his travel plans, and the Israeli embassy in Washington has been told to boycott the meeting, the Financial Times reported.

The visit also comes at a time of reportedly growing tensions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Gantz is Netanyahus biggest rival

Sources: The New York Times, Politico

Gantzs trip comes as divisions between Israel and the U.S. over the wars trajectory deepen. Netanyahu is at odds both with U.S. President Joe Biden and members of his own cabinet over the ongoing hostilities, accused of drawing out the crisis to meet his own political aims. The premier has continuously rejected calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, something Washington has increasingly pushed for, and vowed to fight in Gaza until total victory despite intensifying global calls for a ceasefire. Gantz is one of the biggest threats to Netanyahus premiership: If a vote were held in Israel today, he would likely win, Politico reported. A visit to the U.S., if met with progress on the hostage front, could further boost Gantzs support, the outlet noted.

Visit indicates US finds Gantz trustworthy

Source: Haaretz

Gantz is set to meet with senior leadership in Washington including Vice President Kamala Harris  and the invitation to do so highlights a level of trust in the politician, Haaretz journalist Ben Samuels noted. The White House may not publicly say it is not aligned with Netanyahu, but actions are more effective than words, Samuels wrote. Democratic lawmakers are fully aware of the difficult position they find themselves in while trying to navigate criticism of Israeli policy with support of Israel as an ally. Gantz provides them with a self-correcting mechanism.

Israel boycotts ceasefire talks in Cairo

Sources: CNN, Reuters

The U.S. said last week that it believes a ceasefire deal is close  but Israel is reportedly boycotting talks in Egypt after Hamas rejected a request for a list of the hostages that are still alive after they were taken from Israel during Hamas Oct. 7 attacks. A top Hamas official that spoke to CNN said they wont agree to a deal until Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces from Gaza, and the return home of displaced Palestinians from the north of the enclave. The Israeli boycott comes as officials in Washington suggested that Israel had already accepted the terms of a six-week ceasefire. On Sunday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate end to hostilities, urging Israel to allow aid to move freely into the Gaza Strip.
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KFOR)  A long-time Garfield County judge faces eight felony counts after he was indicted in a Texas courtroom Friday.

Judge Brian Lovell was indicted on eight counts of deadly conduct discharge of a firearm. He was arrested and charged after an incident in Austin, Texas in 2023. He was arrested for reportedly firing a gun at five cars, then ramming his SUV into the back of a womans car twice.

LOCAL NEWS: Shell casings link Garfield County judge to second shooting

An affidavit, obtained by KFOR back in September said Lovell then attempted to push the womans car into oncoming traffic.

News 4 asked Judge Lovell about the incident in September but he declined to comment. Garfield County said Lovell has not presided over any cases since his arrest.

He is expected back in an Austin courtroom on March 19.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
With power cut off and fuel scarce, much of the Gaza Strip has been forced into darkness (MAHMUD HAMS)

Gaza's hospitals have been wracked by strikes, sieges and raids, but on a day-to-day basis, it is the Palestinian territory's acute power shortages that pose an enduring risk to life-saving care.

"Power means life or death in hospitals," said Hiba Tibi, country director for the occupied West Bank and Gaza at the international aid group Care.

At Kamal Adwan hospital's maternity ward in northern Gaza, solar panels are the only thing keeping incubators running, five months into the gruelling war.

"This section works on solar energy, so it may stop working at any time as a result of clouds or any change in the weather," said doctor Ahmad al-Kahlut.

Kamal Adwan hospital is one of only 12 partly functioning hospitals, out of 36 in the entire war-battered Gaza Strip.

"We hear of newborns dying because there is no electricity for the incubators," said Tibi, as well as children dying when ventilators switch off.

Patients are "dying on the operation table simply because lifesaving machinery is switched off," she added.

According to Kahlut, there are no more functional neonatal care wards in the rest of the coastal territory, piling pressure onto his hospital.

Power generation is a critical issue plaguing Gaza, United Nations agencies have stated since the beginning of the war on October 7.

"Electricity shortages in the north of the Gaza Strip" were still among the top challenges listed Friday by the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA.

- 'Complete siege' -

Israel announced a "complete siege" of Gaza at the start of the war, cutting off fuel and power supplies, as well as food, water and other vital goods, to the territory's 2.4 million people.

The enclave has mainly relied on power generators as a result, which require fuel to function, a scarce commodity these days.

At the beginning of the war, WHO established that Gaza's 12 main hospitals require 94,000 litres of fuel to keep functioning.

The first fuel deliveries entered the Palestinian territory on November 18 after they were authorised by Israel.

But the desperately-needed fuel struggles to reach those in need, due to both the difficulties on the ground as well as in receiving permits at the Kerem Shalom crossing controlled by Israeli authorities.

The Israeli Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) for Gaza says it permits the entry of goods depending on the "security situation" and "humanitarian" considerations.

An analysis by Care of satellite images found that 70 percent of Gaza's hospitals have "little or no" power overnight.

- 'Serious threat' -

The war began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in southern Israel, resulting in the death of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based of official Israeli data.

Israel's retaliatory response in Gaza has already killed 30,534 people, mostly women and children, according to the territory's health ministry.

On January 24, the World Health Organization and its partners said they completed a high-risk mission to resupply fuel to the Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.

The mission delivered 19,000 litres of fuel according to WHO, but "faced delays at the checkpoint" due to "severely damaged" roads, and "thousands of civilians (that) surrounded the UN vehicles and fuel truck in the hopes of finding food and water".

Over the weekend, a WHO team visited Kamal Adwan hospital which was overwhelmed by patients, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"The lack of electricity poses a serious threat to patient care, especially in critical areas like the intensive care unit and the neonatal unit," he said on X.

The quantity of aid entering Gaza was halved in February compared to January, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

In a February report, Amnesty International said: "While (Israel) has now allowed some fuel to enter Gaza, the quantities remain jarringly insufficient."

crb-lba-jd/rsc/jsa
George Galloway has said he wants to oust Labour's deputy leader from Parliament, as he began work as an MP.

The Workers Party of Britain leader said his party could overturn Angela Rayner's majority in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency at the next election.

He was sworn in as an MP, following his by-election win last week.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, he listed more areas with large Muslim populations and vowed to "win or make sure that Keir Starmer doesn't win".

He named the Labour deputy leader's seat as a target, saying: "There's at least 15,000 supporters of my point of view in her constituency."

Mr Galloway was expelled from the Labour party in 2003 over his views on the Iraq war and said his Rochdale win was "for Gaza".

Following his swearing-in ceremony, the 69-year-old listed a number of local priorities, before telling reporters his first words in Parliament would be about Gaza, and added he hoped he'd get a chance to speak at this week's PMQs.

When asked by the BBC if Hamas, which is proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK, US, Israel and several other countries, should be allowed to run Gaza, he responded the question was "dripping with imperial condescension" and queried whether the UK or the BBC should decide who runs Gaza instead.

"I would not myself have voted for Hamas - I am an Arafat man and have been since the 1970s - but the people picked Hamas," he said, adding that "no good can come" from foreign countries meddling in others' affairs.

He later responded to questions about Israel, saying "Israel exists, it's not up to me" but that "no state has the right to exist - not the Soviet Union, not Czechoslovakia, not the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" and that he supported the Oslo Agreement but was "still waiting for a Palestinian state".

During his initial speech, Mr Galloway went on to invoke the Holocaust, saying: "There's a genocide going on....If the by-election had been in February of 1940 or 41, would anyone seriously have condemned me for putting the crimes of the Holocaust at the centre of my election campaign?"

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism lists "drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis" among its examples.

The IHRA definition is intended to show how certain ways of speaking target Jewish people, and includes attacks on the state of Israel, over and above criticism that would be levelled at any other country.

Sworn in

Earlier, Mr Galloway had struck a defensive note as he arrived at Westminster, saying: "I've always loved the building - the people in it not quite so much."

Mirroring that view, Conservative minister Bim Afolami told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "We're going to have to endure him and that is really the fault of the Labour party."

Mr Galloway was sworn in by the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle before business got under way in the House of Commons.

He was escorted by the Father of the House Peter Bottomley and Neale Hanvey, the Westminster Leader of the Alba Party.

Mr Galloway won a clear victory in Thursday's by-election, which had seen Labour withdraw support for candidate Azhar Ali over remarks widely alleged to be antisemitic.

Mainstream parties were beaten into third place after a chaotic campaign, sparked by the death of Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd, with independent and local businessman Dave Tully taking second place.

Mr Galloway has previously been an MP for Labour until 2003. He then sat in the Commons as an independent and Respect Party MP for three constituencies between 2003 and 2015.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Galloway only won in Rochdale because Labour withdrew support from its own candidate about a fortnight before polling day.

Sir Keir apologised to voters for the decision, which forced Labour to effectively withdraw from the race due to electoral law, the but said it was "the right decision".

Mr Galloway has long campaigned for causes in the Middle East and the first words of his victory speech in Rochdale were "Keir Starmer: This is for Gaza".

Following his win, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said it was "extremely concerned" by Mr Galloway's victory, accusing him of having an "atrocious record of baiting the Jewish community", including calling for Bradford, when he was an MP there, to be declared an "Israel-free zone".

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was "very concerned" at reports of intimidation during what he labelled "one of the most divisive campaigns we've seen in recent times".
Having a baby in Georgia is riskier than almost every other state in the United States.

The March of Dimes report card gives Georgia and most of the southeastern U.S. a failing grade when it comes to infant mortality.

The stats are worse when you look at Black communities.

Its a reality Denielle McCray and her husband know well.

Their daughter Shelea spent 108 days in NICU.

I had my firstborn at 27 weeks and 6 days, McCray told Channel 2s Wendy Corona.

A placenta abruption caused the pre-term birth.

I was doing all the right things. I was thinking, did I do something wrong to cause this? But, it literally came out of the blue, McCray said.

The March of Dimes gives Georgia an F on pre-term birth rates, which are any births before 37 weeks.

TRENDING STORIES:

Since 2016, Georgia has had a pre-term birth rate of more than 11%. Black babies are 1.5 times more likely to be born pre-term than all other babies. They also have the highest death rate at 10.86 per one thousand births in the United States.

The director of maternal and child health collective impact for the March of Dimes, Tama Mason, told Corona the data cannot be ignored.

Access to care is definitely a huge reason why we see that failing grade, Mason said.

Half of Georgias 159 counties do not have an OB-GYN. Add onto that the hospital closures across the state; maternity care deserts are growing.

March of Dimes has also been saying we need to close the health equity gap, Mason said.

Pre-term birth is one of the leading causes of infant death in the United States and the world. Even then, Doctor Mattie Wolf, neonatologist at Emory University and Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, told Corona the babies who do make it to their first birthday face challenges.

Lung disease and asthma, to things like developmental delays and mental health conditions, Wolf said.

With the overall U.S. score only slightly better than a D+, the March of Dimes is emphasizing advocacy, research, education, and direct service programs to try and close the equity gap.

Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have fully expanded Medicaid. Georgia has not. Its an issue Georgia lawmakers recently spoke about at the State Capitol.

It is a medical emergency in our state that continues to happen, and it is completely preventable, state Rep. Ruwa Romman, D-Gwinnett County, said.

She and other Democratic lawmakers discussed Medicaid expansion in February.

In the meantime, McCray is pitching to NICU parents by offering comfort, lending support and hearing them out as they navigate the NICU. Her daughter is now thriving.

At 3-and-a-half years old, shes moving toward physical milestones like walking on her own.

Sheleas steps are steady as she grows into herself, despite an early birth.

RELATED NEWS:
The murder of a Georgia college student last month is reigniting a debate over immigration reform on Capitol Hill.

22-year-old Laken Riley was attacked and killed near the University of Georgia campus where she went for a jog in February.

Riley was a nursing student at Augusta Universitys Athens campus.

Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Jose Ibarra, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela.

Officials said Ibarra had previously been arrested in the U.S. for driving without a license and endangering a child, and was later cited for shoplifting.

In the first place, the guy should have never been in the country, Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) told our Washington News Bureau.

Collins is now leading a proposal named after Riley in the House.

It reduces the threshold of when to contact ICE when something happens, said Collins about the new measure.

According to Collins, the Laken Riley Act does three key things: it allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants for theft-related crimes like shoplifting; it allows State Attorneys General to sue the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failed immigration policies; and it condemns the Biden administrations border policies.

The people that have come into this country illegally, they did it illegally. They dont care about our laws, said Collins. We need to pick them up and deport them.

But the measure is facing backlash from immigrants rights groups.

These are not meaningful legislative attempts to create safer communities and better lives for all Americans, said Suchi Mathur, a Senior Litigation Attorney with the American Immigration Council. What is certainly not helpful is politicians who engage in scapegoating without meaningful solutions.

Mathur argues the focus should instead be on improving safety and resources for migrant families.

Theres a lot of empirical evidence that as a group, immigrants and new arrivals commit crimes at much lower rates than other Americans, said Mathur. We all live in mixed communities and diverse communities. We all love and appreciate our neighbors for who they are, and communities need support.

Collins said he expects the bill to be voted on in a House committee Tuesday and could go to the full House floor for a vote as soon as Thursday.
Theres a consistent hum of machinery in the background and a whiff of paint in the air as Beau Neal, owner of Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, places labels on freshly canned beer for his six-packs.

Hes invested a significant amount of his own capital into his business to keep things afloat, but Chattabrewchees struggles during this economic climate isnt unique among Georgia breweries.

Amid closures, many brewers feel reforms to a century-old system in the state could help ease their financial burdens.

But efforts led by the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild to pass Senate Bill 163, aimed at providing flexibility from regulations, stalled when the bill failed to advance out of the state Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities committee.

Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse is located at 1301 6th Avenue in Columbus, Georgia. 02/28/2024

The bill would accomplish four main changes to regulatory policies.

Allow limited self-distributions for small brewers.

Reform beer franchise laws to allow breweries to more easily terminate agreements with wholesalers

Remove limit of products breweries can sell to customers each day

Allow direct charitable contributions of beer

Wholesalers aggressively lobbied against this legislation for two years, Joseph Cortes, executive director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, told the Ledger-Enquirer.

We have reached out to try and work with them on some common sense reforms that would help our small businesses, he said. They have expressed zero interest in working with us to help enact some small reforms that would be meaningful to craft breweries across the state.

An antiquated system

After the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933 ended the nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol, states created their own laws regulating the beverages.

Georgia adopted a three-tiered distribution system. Tier One represents the brewers and distillers, Tier Two represents distributors or wholesalers and Tier Three represents retailers.

For small breweries across Georgia, we have a very, very antiquated regulatory system, Cortes said.

Until 2017 when Senate Bill 85 passed, local craft breweries and distilleries werent allowed to sell products directly to their customers. They could only sell, at wholesale prices, to distributors.

This change gave breweries, like Chattabrewchee, the ability to sell a limited amount of beer to customers on-site.

Beau Neal, the owner of Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse in Columbus, Georgia, talks about the challenges of distributing Chattabrewchees craft beer, and the failure of Senate Bill 163 to advance out of committee in Georgia state senate. 02/28/2024

They changed the law to move forward with the rest of the country to allow breweries to stop doing tasting rooms and allow us to sell our own beer, Neal said.

Despite passing S.B. 85, Georgia remains one of the most restrictive states to open and operate a small brewery, argues the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.

With 171 breweries in the state, Georgia ranks 44th in breweries per capita, according to the Brewers Association. But the state ranks 13th in barrels of craft beer produced and 12th in economic impact.

Georgia is losing a brewery about every two weeks, Neal said.

The current distribution system really is not economically viable for most small breweries, Cortes said.

Self-Distribution and removing limits

Breweries can currently sell one case of beer per person per day, but this isnt enough to be sustainable.

Self-distribution is the primary goal, Cortes said, because the model is necessary in the consumer-driven economy.

The middleman is the problem, Neal said.

Distributors take a percentage of the profits, he said, and theyre needed to get products to restaurants, bars and liquor stores. As a brewery in Georgia, Chattabrewchee is required to sign with a distributor, Neal said, while border states like North Carolina and Alabama have gotten rid of those laws.

Chattabrewchee doesnt have any advertising, and it doesnt make any money off the sale of its cans, bottles or kegs. The markup from selling in bars and stores is too much for the brewery to earn money, Neal said, but it is a way for them to advertise their product.

It allows us to get our name out there, he said. So, we can get the customer from that.

Workers at Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse in Columbus, Georgia label nearly 1,000 cans of Chattabrewchees Lazy River Lager. 02/28/2024

Most of Chattabrewchees profits come from customers visiting the brewery and drinking in the tap room.

However, under the current system, they cant help customers who are looking to purchase large quantities of beer for parties or events because of the current laws.

Theres a big military presence here, Neal said. And they come here wanting to bring this beer to a party. But they really cant.

For individuals looking to purchase large quantities of beer from a local brewery, they would have to purchase it from a retailer. This means the beer is sold from the brewery to a distributor and then to a retailer before it reaches the consumer.

The markup for the middleman and the markup for the retailer are doubling or tripling the price of the beer by the time it gets to the consumer, Neal said.

Most consumers move on to another mass-produced beer instead of buying local because its cheaper.

Despite how being able to sell more beer directly to consumers and to do more self-distribution would help his business, Neal is aware of the impact legislation like S.B. 163 would have on some distributors.

Its going to kill my guy, he said. Because my guys a small distributor that does particularly small business. The big places like Coors and Anheuser-Busch arent going to feel this at all.

Chattabrewchee will continue to find ways to evolve and stay alive, Neal said. One of the changes Columbus residents can look forward to includes purchaseing a food truck, he said.

The Georgia Craft Brewers Guild is not backing down despite the setback, Cortes said. They plan to continue speaking out and searching for community support.

Well continue to make the case with elected officials, he said. We believe its time for them to really step up and show some leadership with helping these small businesses.
A Russian terrorist attack in Odesa involving a kamikaze drone strike on a multi-story building caused significant damage and tragic consequences. The scale of the destruction of the residential building suggests that the occupiers could have used a thermobaric warhead in the drone.

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If this version is confirmed, we can say that the Russians have reached a completely different level of terror against the civilian population. This was stated on OBOZTV by Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military and political observer of the Information Resistance group.

According to him, the Russian fake that the destruction of the building was allegedly caused by air defense systems is easily debunked. Elements of a Shahed-136 kamikaze drone were found at the site of the attack. In addition, there is video evidence that the UAV was sent directly into the house.

Kovalenko also emphasized that final conclusions should be drawn after the results of the official examination. But even at this stage, it can be stated that the power of the explosion was quite large for a Shahed-136 kamikaze drone.

"In principle, the Shahed-136 has a powerful warhead for a kamikaze drone. But to completely destroy the entrance... If you pay attention to how the blast wave was distributed in the city after the hit, what shape it was, and how the structural elements of the building itself, the concrete structure, were destroyed, then I personally have an opinion that a thermobaric warhead was used," Kovalenko said.

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In addition, he explained that a conventional Shahed-136 warhead weighing 30-40 kg does not produce such results unless it is a thermobaric projectile. Kovalenko emphasized that if this version is confirmed, we can say that the occupiers have reached a completely different level of terror against the civilian population.

"They have long been trying to improve the properties of the warhead of the kamikaze drones, they added, for example, fragmentation elements, and not only to have more fragmentation effect during the explosion. However, the power of the warhead itself can only be increased by changing its chemical composition. And it is thermobaric mixtures that are the most powerful after nuclear weapons. If we are talking, for example, about the equivalent of 40 kilograms of trinitropugol or hioxane, the thermobaric mixture will still be much more powerful," Kovalenko explained.

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On the night of March 2, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 17 drones. Air defense forces shot down 14 of them. In Odesa, a Shahed hit a residential high-rise building and completely destroyed the entrance.

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Earlier it was reported that a large military family was killed in a Russian terrorist attack. Rescuers found a man with his wife and one child under the rubble. The bodies of their two other children were found later.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, three children were among the victims of the terrorist attack: boys aged 3 years and 4 months, as well as an 8-month-old girl. In particular, a 4-month-old baby died with his mother. A three-year-old boy was killed with his father, and the child's mother was hospitalized in intensive care in serious condition. Another mother and child were found under the rubble on the morning of March 3.
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Germany's ambassador to Russia, attends a reception at the embassy to mark German Unity Day. German ambassador for talks at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow. Ulf Mauder/dpa

The German ambassador to Russia, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, held talks on bilateral issues at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow on Monday.

"There was an invitation to discuss various bilateral issues," Lambsdorff told dpa in Moscow. He emphasized that he was not summoned to the embassy, but he did not comment on the specific content of the conversation.

The Foreign Office in Berlin also made it clear that the ambassador had been at the ministry for an appointment that had been arranged a long time ago.

Lambsdorff thus contradicted the account given by the Russian media: Citing an anonymous source, the Russian state news agency TASS reported that the ambassador had been summoned because of the recently published recordings of a telephone conversation between German Air Force officers on the possible deployment of Taurus cruise missiles in Ukraine, which had been intercepted by Russia.

According to Lambsdorff, however, the appointment had already been planned before the intercepted conversation was published.

In response to a question as to whether the Russian ambassador to Germany should be summoned in light of this incident, a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin said that he had nothing to announce in this regard.

Russian-German relations have been severely disrupted in the wake of Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Nevertheless, there are regular talks between Russian representatives in the Moscow Foreign Ministry and diplomats from the various European states categorized as "unfriendly" in order to discuss issues relating to bilateral relations.

For example, following the mutual expulsion of representatives of the states, an important question between Germany and Russia is how the work of embassies and consulates should be organized.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking on a visit to Rome on Saturday said the leak of the classified conversation was "very serious" and pledged an intensive investigation to be carried out at pace. Photo by Giuseppe Lami/EPA-EFE

March 4 (UPI) -- Russia summoned Germany's ambassador to Moscow to its foreign ministry Monday to answer for a leaked conversation of German officials discussing arms for Ukraine and a possible attack by Kyiv on the Kerch Bridge in Crimea.

The Russian foreign ministry followed through on demands for "prompt explanations" from Berlin by summoning the German Ambassador, Alexander Lambsdorff, first thing Monday for a dressing down.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the leaked discussion between four top Bundeswehr officers indicated that a desire to secure "Russia's strategic defeat on the battlefield" among European allies "still remains very very high."

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, said Moscow's claims about Europe's attitude toward the war were "completely absurd."

Pistorius instead said on Sunday that Russia was engaged in an "information war" seeking to disrupt Germany and its allies.

"It is a hybrid disinformation attack. It is about division. It is about undermining our unity," said Pistorius who added he had no information about whether Moscow had obtained intelligence from other meetings that may have been hacked into.

Items discussed in the leaked conference call, a transcript of which was posted by Russian Today head Margarita Simonyan on social media Friday, included Kyiv's long-standing request for Germany to provide Taurus cruise missiles and the use of long-range missiles from France and Britain and training Ukrainian troops.

The military brass also discussed if and how Taurus missiles could be used to destroy a bridge, an apparent reference to the Kerch bridge linking occupied Crimea to mainland Russia, prompting a furious response from Moscow coming on the same day Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged Germany would not send Taurus missiles to Ukraine for fear they could be used to target Moscow.

"As promised, I am publishing an audio conversation between Bundeswehr officers discussing how they will bomb the Crimean Bridge," Simonyan said.

"Germany's top brass was in fact mulling how to carry out a potential attack on the Crimean Bridge in a way that would have no repercussions for Berlin by giving it the cover of plausible deniability."

Scholz on Saturday said the leak was "a very serious matter and that is why it is now being investigated very carefully, very intensively and very quickly".

Opposition politician Roderich Kiesewetter warned that more recordings may emerge.

"A number of other conversations will certainly have been intercepted and may be leaked at a later date for Russia's benefit," he told German broadcaster ZDF.

It should be taken as rote, Kiesewetter added, "that the conversation was deliberately leaked by Russia at this point in time with a specific intention ... to prevent the delivery of Taurus [cruise missiles] delivery by Germany."

In October 2022, three people died in a massive blast that severely damaged the strategic Kerch bridge linking Russia and the occupied Crimean peninsula.

Two spans supporting the roadbed of one lane of the bridge collapsed when a truck exploded on the bridge in an attack Kyiv eventually admitted in July that it had carried out.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany should maintain control over the deployment of Taurus long-range missiles in Ukraine, which is only possible with the presence of German soldiers on Ukrainian territory, making the transfer of such weapons impossible.

Source: n-tv, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "It is unacceptable to supply a weapon system capable of reaching great distances without considering how to control it. If you want control, it only works with the participation of German soldiers, so for me, this is out of the question," Scholz said.

He described the debate over the possible transfer of long-range missiles to Ukraine as "strange" and recalled that Germany had pledged seven billion euros in military assistance to Ukraine this year.

The Chancellor noted that this amount is significantly higher than in other European countries.

Last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again ruled out sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stating that doing so would mean Germany would become a party to the war with Russia.

He said that Germany could not give Ukraine "a weapon with a range of 500 km, which, in case of incorrect usage, could hit a certain target somewhere in Moscow".

Following that, a scandal erupted in Germany as a result of the interception and leak of a conversation between German Air Force representatives who, according to Russian propaganda, discussed the use of Taurus missiles to attack the Kerch Bridge.

The German Ministry of Defence confirmed the interception of the conversation.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the scandal, describing it as a hybrid attack aimed at spreading misinformation.

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Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has ordered an inquiry into how the sensitive information was leaked - Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Downing Street has described the German leak of British military intelligence as a very serious matter as it supported the investigation ordered by Olaf Scholz.

Germany accidentally shared British military secrets with Russia by using off-the-shelf video phone technology to discuss missiles being used by Ukraine.

The head of the Luftwaffe told officers that British officers were joining French counterparts in delivering Storm Shadows to Ukrainian soldiers before adding that British troops were on the ground, in remarks that were subsequently broadcast by Russian state media.

On Sunday, Mr Scholz, the German chancellor, described the leak as very serious as he ordered an inquiry into what had happened.

Asked about the security breach, one of the worst by Berlin since the Cold War, Rishi Sunaks official spokesman told reporters: Its obviously a matter for Germany to investigate and youve got Chancellor Scholzs words on this.

I think he said that its clearly a very serious matter, and thats why its now being investigated very carefully. The UK was the first on our part to provide long-range precision strike missiles to Ukraine, and we would encourage our allies to do the same.

Weve been clear from the outset that the UK will provide Ukraine with the necessary aid, including lethal support, to defend itself and reclaim its sovereign territory.

The spokesman declined to be drawn on whether there were any plans to restrict intelligence sharing with Germany and said the incident was one for Germany to investigate.

More broadly, weve got a long-standing and very close defence relationship with Germany, were two of the biggest providers of military aid to Ukraine, and we will continue to work together to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia.

We previously acknowledged the presence of a small number of British troops in Ukraine for providing security to our diplomatic presence and supporting the armed forces of Ukraine, including through medical training. But I wouldnt comment any further on that.

Downing Street sources noted the language used by Mr Scholz did not confirm the presence of UK military personnel in Ukraine.

Last week, Mr Scholz was criticised after he said he did not want to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine because he feared they would be used to strike targets in Moscow and potentially drag Germany into the conflict.

It came as Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP and a former chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, said the leak had been worrying on a number of levels.

Mr Ellwood told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: At the recent Munich Security Conference attended by chancellor Olaf Scholz, and indeed President Zelensky, who was begging for weapon systems, the very public frustration about Germany not matching Britain in sending long-range air-launch missiles was second only to the frustration in delays over the Americans not sending their $60 billion package of support thats got caught up in Congress.

So this interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels.

Mr Ellwood questioned why basic concept protocols were not followed, adding: It also revealed a tension, I think, between senior German military who want to see Taurus dispatched and the German chancellor, who seems increasingly focused on his political survival rather than whats best for the continent.

And its also how this plays out in Germany. You can see the tensions that are playing out in capital cities as to what we should do next in Ukraine because the tide does seem to be turning unless they receive greater support.

Mr Scholz on Thursday told voters that the missiles, which are more advanced than British Storm Shadows, if used incorrectly could reach a specific target somewhere in Moscow.

He has previously expressed his concerns about Germany being seen as a Kriegspartei, or party to the conflict, and stated that Taurus missiles would require boots on the ground in Ukraine, a step he has ruled out because of his concerns about the possibility of a further escalatory response by Vladimir Putin.

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German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, speaks during German government questioning session in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze warned that Islamist terrorism and Russian ambitions were threatening the Sahel region in sub-Saharan Africa ahead of her departure for political talks in Burkina Faso and Benin.

On Monday, Schulze will be the first European minister to visit Burkina Faso since the military coup in September 2022 that installed Ibrahim Traore as leader of the country.

Schulze is the chair of the Sahel Alliance, which was founded by Germany, France and the European Union to support the Sahel states. Germany is the fourth largest donor to the development body.

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country with around 23 million people, has been under attack for years by Islamist terrorist groups, which are moving ever closer to the capital Ouagadougou. Several thousand people were killed last year alone.

The transitional military government led by Traore only controls around half of the country's territory and has postponed the elections promised for this year indefinitely. More than 2 million people are estimated to be internally displaced.

Like its neighbours Mali and Niger, which are also ruled by military forces following coups in recent years, Burkina Faso is moving ever closer to Russia.

All three states are also pivoting away from former colonial power France, which previously provided military aid and anti-terrorist support.

Mali increasingly works with Russia's Wagner mercenary outfit to maintain order and fight terror.

"The spreading terrorist groups and the growing Russian influence in the region have the potential to increasingly destabilize an entire region in Europe's neighbourhood," Schulze said in a statement issued by her ministry.

"With this trip, I want to open up channels of dialogue, listen, and promote our positions," said Schulze.

In Burkina Faso, she also plans to visit projects aimed at training up media skills to tackle disinformation.

On Tuesday evening, she is scheduled to travel on to the neighbouring democratic coastal state of Benin, which is menaced by the spread of violence on its border.
The White House has called the leaked recording of a conversation between German Air Force officers about the theoretical deployment of Taurus missiles in Ukraine an attempt by Russia to sow discord between Kyiv's Western allies.

Source: John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator, at a briefing on 4 March, as quoted by AFP, European Pravda reports

Details: Kirby reported that the leaked conversation between the German Air Force officers is "a ridiculous and obvious attempt by the Russians to sow discord and show divisions, to try to create the impression that the West is not united".

As reported, the German Ministry of Defence has initiated an investigation into whether the intercepted conversations of the air force representatives, who, according to Russian propaganda, discussed the blowing up of the Kerch (Crimean) Bridge with Taurus missiles, were made.

The Ministry of Defence later confirmed the interception.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the scandal, noting that it was a hybrid disinformation attack.

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Robert Habeck, Germany's Economy Minister, gives a press statement before the opening of the International Crafts Fair (IHM). Habeck is travelling to the United States on 6 March. On his third trip to the US since taking office, Habeck plans to visit Washington, New York and Chicago, which are important locations for German subsidiaries. Sven Hoppe/dpa

German Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck is travelling to the United States on Wednesday.

On his third trip to the US since taking office, Habeck plans to visit Washington, New York and Chicago, which are important locations for German subsidiaries.

According to his ministry, the trip will focus on current economic, energy and climate policy issues, particularly in light of the current geopolitical crises. The aim is to strengthen economic relations with the US in the long term and promote cooperation on future technological issues.

Habeck plans to return to Germany on Saturday.

In Washington, he plans to meet Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

In New York, a meeting is planned with the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, as well as meetings with economic officials from various US states. Habeck also plans to meet entrepreneurs.

The US is the most important foreign sales market for German companies. According to the ministry, around 10% of all German exports are shipped to the US. The volume of trade in goods with the US rose by around 1.1% last year to over 252 billion ($273 billion).

German companies are the fourth-largest foreign investor and the third-largest foreign employer in the US.
Berlin  The Kremlin said Monday that a leaked audio recording broadcast over the weekend by Russian media, of a meeting between high-ranking German military officers discussing the hypothetical provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, showed "the direct involvement of the collective West" in the Ukraine war. Germany's government has been thrown into convulsions by the embarrassing leak of the detailed, top-level military discussion. It called the leak a Russian "hybrid attack" aimed at destabilizing the European country.

A Russian state broadcaster published the 38-minute recording of a conversation between four German army officers about how Ukraine's military might use Taurus cruise missiles if Germany were to provide the weapons.

Inside a Ukraine city that may be next to fall to Russia's advancing forces

Although no shipment of the missiles has been approved, the recording broadcast on Friday afternoon revealed detailed discussions among German officials about what Ukraine could do with the weapon system if it were delivered. Specific targets, including ammunition depots and strategic bridges, were discussed.

"The recording itself says that within the Bundeswehr [German military], plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday, misrepresenting the discussion.

Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Germany's ambassador in Moscow for a dressing down over the conversation.

German Ambassador to Russia Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, is seen outside of Russian Foreign Ministry building in Moscow after being summoned to appear following the publication by Russian media of an audio recording of a meeting between senior German military officials discussing weapons for Ukraine, March 4, 2024. / Credit: Sefa Karacan/Anadolu/Getty

Another topic of the conversation, which took place last month, according to Russia, was whether Ukrainian forces could use the Taurus missiles without hands-on help from German personnel, and how long it might take to train Ukrainian troops to do it themselves.

Putin says NATO sending troops to Ukraine would risk global nuclear war

The Ukrainian government requested the delivery of Taurus missiles in May 2023, saying it needed the long-range weapons to enable it to target Russian supply lines in occupied territory behind the front lines. The missiles would give Kyiv the ability to attack much deeper inside Russia, however, even to reach Moscow, and in October, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz decided not to send the weapons to Ukraine.

Over the past few days, Scholz has reiterated his concern that providing them could risk Germany becoming directly involved in the war with Russia.

The intercepted conversation shows that a rapid deployment of the complex weapon system would only be possible with the direct participation of German soldiers. The German officers noted that Ukraine could eventually train its soldiers and deploy the missiles unilaterally, but that would require more time.

A handout image provided by the South Korean Defense Ministry shows a Taurus long-range air-to-surface missile fired from a South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jet during an exercise on Sept. 12, 2017 in Taean-gun, South Korea. / Credit: South Korean Defense Ministry/Getty

"German soldiers must not be linked to the goals that this system achieves at any point and in any place," Scholz said last week, noting that any public deployment of German troops to help operate the Taurus missiles could be deemed by Russia as active participation in the war.

Some members of Scholz's government, as well as opposition politicians, are in favor of Germany delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine quickly, and he was already coming under criticism for his reluctance before the audio leak.

This ordeal has brought even more intense scrutiny on Scholz, raising questions about his repeated insistence that German soldiers would be needed to operate Taurus missiles in Ukraine, when the officers on the call made it clear that would not necessarily be the case.

Germany's Military Counter-Intelligence Service immediately launched an investigation into the leak of the audio, and at a hastily called news conference on Sunday afternoon, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called it "a hybrid attack" by Russia.

Pistorius called it "disinformation" and said it was "about division  it's about undermining our unity."

The German Air Force officers involved in the conversation appeared to have been relatively careless in conducting the conference call. The virtual meeting did not take place on a secure line, but via the WebEx platform, which is known to be relatively easy to intercept. An encrypted line should have been used for the discussion of confidential military matters, per Bundeswehr regulations.

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The leak of a conversation revealing Britains activities on the ground in Ukraine is a security breach that is worrying on a number of levels, a prominent Conservative MP has said.

British soldiers are on the ground in Ukraine helping Kyivs forces fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles, according to the leak in Russian media of a top-secret call involving German air force officers, authenticated by Berlin. During the conversation, Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, the head of the German air force, describes how the UK and Ukraine work to deploy Storm Shadow missiles against targets behind Russian lines.

When it comes to mission planning, the German commander says, I know how the English do it, they do it completely in reachback. They also have a few people on the ground, they do that, the French dont.

Berlin has launched an investigation. Germany's defence minister Boris Pistorius has described the leak of the conversation as part of Russia's "information war" against the West, and said it is about "undermining our resolve". On Monday, the German government sought to contain the domestic fallout from the leak and promised a quick investigation into how it was possible that a conversation by top German military personnel could be intercepted and published.

Several German media have reported that the officers were in a meeting on the WebEx platform when they were taped. A spokesman for the German defence ministry told Germanys Bild newspaper: There are indications that an insufficiently secure means of communication was used in view of the content that was obviously discussed. This is, among other things, the subject of further investigations.

"It is absolutely clear that such claims that this conversation would prove, that Germany is preparing a war against Russia, that this is absurdly infamous Russian propaganda," a spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin. Government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said the leak was part of Russia's "information war" against the West, and that the aim was to create discord within Germany.

File photo: German defence minister Boris Pistorius (left) shakes hands with Kosovo opposite number (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The audio was posted to social media by Margarita Simonyan, the head of the Kremlin-controlled Russia Today channel, who claimed it was proof that Germany had been planning attacks on Crimea.

On the call, four officers can be heard discussing deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine ahead of a meeting with the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, German news agency dpa reported. The officers then states that early delivery and rapid deployment of Taurus long-range cruise missiles would only be possible with the participation of German soldiers  and that training Ukrainian soldiers to deploy the Taurus on their own would be possible, but would take months.

The recording also shows the German government has not given its OK for the delivery of the cruise missiles sought by Ukraine, dpa reported. There has been a debate in Germany on whether to supply the missiles to Ukraine as Kyiv faces battlefield setbacks, and while military aid from the United States is held up in Congress. Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US and is further stepping up its support this year.

Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and is further stepping up its support this year.

Olaf Scholz describes leak as very serious matter (AP)

But Mr Scholz has stalled for months on Ukraines desire for Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and could in theory be used against targets far into Russian territory.

The chancellor has long emphasised his determination to help Ukraine without escalating the war and drawing Germany and NATO into it, and stressed that no German soldiers will go to Ukraine.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations of spreading false or misleading information when faced with allegations from other countries. Russia's foreign ministry, threatened Germany with "dire consequences" in connection with the leak on Monday, though it did not elaborate.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, described the leak as worrying on a number of levels.

Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme what the most troubling aspect was, he said: Theres many aspects of this; at the recent Munich Security Conference attended by the chancellor Olaf Scholz, and indeed President Zelensky who was begging for weapon systems, the very public frustration about Germany not matching Britain in sending long range air launch missiles was second only to the frustration in delays over the Americans not sending their 60 billion package of support thats got caught up in Congress.

So this interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels.

He added one aspect is why wasnt basic concept protocols followed and another is how this plays out in Germany.

Downing Street said the leak was a matter for Germany. The prime ministers official spokesman said: Thats obviously a matter for Germany to investigate and youve got the Chancellor Scholzs words on this. I think he said that its clearly a very serious matter and thats why its now being investigated very carefully.

On our part, the UK was the first country to provide long-range precision strike missiles to Ukraine and we would encourage our allies to do the same. We have been clear from the outset that the UK would provide Ukraine with the necessary aid, including lethal support to defend itself and reclaim its sovereign territory.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attends the Buendnis90 / Die Gruenen (Alliance 90/The Greens) party's state delegates' convention ahead of the Brandenburg state elections in the autumn. Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa

Western Balkan countries deserve strong support as they move down their path to European Union membership, Germany's top diplomat said on Monday, singling out the risks posed by Moscow to the region's stability.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the EU cannot afford what she called security "grey areas."

"We cannot allow ourselves grey areas anywhere in Europe and must do everything we can together to close flanks that Russia can use for its policy of destabilization, disinformation and infiltration," she said before leaving for Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"This includes supporting the countries of the Western Balkans in strengthening their democratic institutions, improving their resilience and offering people economic prospects," added Baerbock.

"It has become a geopolitical necessity, especially in the face of Russia's brutal imperialism, that we do everything we can to support the six states in the region on their way to joining the European Union," Baerbock said.

"[As the EU, we have] the common task of making ourselves fit for the future while we place more chairs at the European table," she said.

Baerbock is to hold talks in Montenegro's capital Podgorica with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic and President Jakov Milatovic.

Prime Minister Spajic and President Milatovic have led Montenegro since 2023 and, like their predecessors, they are declared pro-Europeans. However, Spajic could only be elected with the support of small pro-Russian and pro-Serbian parties.

Later on Monday evening, in Sarajevo, Baerbock was set to meet with members of Bosnia's tripartite presidency as well as Christian Schmidt, the international community's high representative overseeing peace in Bosnia.
The destruction of Ukrainian Avdiivka in the Donetsk region by Russian troops was shown from a satellite. By February 2022, the population of this city was approximately 35 thousand people.

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The occupiers, trying to capture Avdiivka for many months, regularly shelled it with all kinds of weapons. In the last weeks before the occupation, enemy aircraft became even more active and threw heavy bombs at the city. The Donbas Realities project has shown the consequences of the "Russian World".

Photos taken by Mahar satellites show how the settlement looked before the full-scale invasion. These photos were taken on October 16, 2021.

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The second images were captured on February 17, 2024, the day the Defense Forces command announced the withdrawal of troops from the city.

The difference between what the streets of Avdiivka looked like before and after is truly frightening.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- During March 2, 14 enemy air strikes were recorded in the Avdiivka sector.

- The Institute for the Study of War said that the Russian occupation forces are trying to take advantage of the tactical opportunities that have emerged after the capture of Avdiivka. They are maintaining a relatively high tempo of offensive operations in the hope of advancing as far as possible in the area before Ukrainian troops establish more difficult defenses.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attends the Buendnis90 / Die Gruenen (Alliance 90/The Greens) party's state delegates' convention ahead of the Brandenburg state elections in the autumn. Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa

Western Balkan countries deserve strong support as they move down their path to European Union membership, Germany's top diplomat said on Monday, singling out the risks posed by Moscow to the region's stability.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the EU cannot afford what she called security "grey areas."

"We cannot allow ourselves grey areas anywhere in Europe and must do everything we can together to close flanks that Russia can use for its policy of destabilization, disinformation and infiltration," she said before leaving for Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"This includes supporting the countries of the Western Balkans in strengthening their democratic institutions, improving their resilience and offering people economic prospects," added Baerbock.

Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, along with Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo, form the Western Balkans.

The European Union is urging the countries to pursue the reforms needed for integration with the 27-member political and economic bloc.

Brussels views Montenegro as being furthest along in the accession process, but the pace is slow.

Montenegro's negotiations were launched in 2012. Even under the most ambitious scenarios the EU is not expected to admit new members by the end of the decade at the earliest.

In December 2022, Bosnia-Herzegovina was granted the status of EU candidate country, but negotiations have yet to begin.

"It has become a geopolitical necessity, especially in the face of Russia's brutal imperialism, that we do everything we can to support the six states in the region on their way to joining the European Union," Baerbock said.

"[As the EU, we have] the common task of making ourselves fit for the future while we place more chairs at the European table," she said.

Baerbock is to hold talks in Montenegro's capital Podgorica with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic and President Jakov Milatovic.

Prime Minister Spajic and President Milatovic have led Montenegro since 2023 and, like their predecessors, they are declared pro-Europeans. However, Spajic could only be elected with the support of small pro-Russian and pro-Serbian parties.

Later on Monday evening, in Sarajevo, Baerbock was set to meet with members of Bosnia's tripartite presidency as well as Christian Schmidt, the international community's high representative overseeing peace in Bosnia.
FILE PHOTO: The IMF logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington

By Rachel Savage

ACCRA (Reuters) -An anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana's parliament last week, which could derail international aid for the West African country if it becomes law according to an internal government memo, has not yet reached the desk of President Nana Akufo-Addo, he said on Monday.

In his first comments on the bill's passage, he said Ghana will not backslide on its human rights record, and added that the bill had been challenged in the Supreme Court.

"I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court," Akufo-Addo said in a statement. "In the circumstances, it would be as well for all of us to hold our hands and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken," he added.

The bill could lead to a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years if it becomes law, derailing a $3 billion IMF loan package, the finance ministry said in a document seen by Reuters earlier on Monday.

Akufo-Addo would need to sign the bill in order for it to become law.

Lawmakers on Feb. 28 unanimously passed the legislation that will intensify a crackdown on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and those accused of promoting LGBTQ identities.

The finance ministry document, dated March, said it summarised deliberations between the finance minister, central bank governor, head of the tax authority and other senior officials and contained recommendations for the president.

The bill's passage comes as Ghana seeks to emerge from a deep economic crisis and debt default with the help of an International Monetary Fund loan programme secured last year and financing from the World Bank.

The United States has said it is "deeply troubled" by the proposed legislation and urged a review of the "constitutionality of the bill."

In the internal document, the finance ministry said the loss of World Bank financing would negatively impact foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability.

That would in turn "derail" the IMF programme, triggering a negative market reaction that would affect exchange rate stability, it added.

"A derailed IMF programme will have dire consequence on the debt restructuring exercise and Ghana's long-term debt sustainability," it said.

It also recommended "engagement with conservative countries, including the Arab countries and China," to secure additional financing.

The World Bank said it was preparing a response. The IMF referred to its Friday statement in which it said it could not weigh in on the implications of a bill not yet signed into law.

The IMF also noted that internal IMF policies prohibited discrimination based on personal characteristics.

(Additional reporting by Maxwell Akalaare AdombilaWriting by Sofia Christensen and Portia CroweEditing by Bate Felix, Nick Macfie and Matthew Lewis)
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo is reported to be holding meetings with key ministries over the bill's impact

Ghana's finance ministry has urged the president not to sign a controversial anti-LGBT bill passed by parliament last week.

It warns the country could lose a total of $3.8bn (3bn) in World Bank funding over the next five to six years.

The bill prescribes three years in jail for identifying as LGBT+ and five years for promoting LGBT+ activities.

Ghana is suffering a major economic crisis and last year had a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

There are concerns that any shortfall in funding from the World Bank and other donors could derail the economic recovery.

In a highly unusual move, the warning from the finance ministry was leaked to several media, including the BBC.

It recommends that President Nana Akufo-Addo defer signing the bill until the Supreme Court rules on whether it aligns with the constitution. Human rights groups went to court even before it was passed by parliament but it is unlikely to be heard by the Supreme Court for some time.

Ghana's president has seven days after receiving the bill to decide whether to sign it into law and if he doesn't, 14 days to give reasons. Although the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill was passed by parliament last Thursday, it has not yet been sent to the president for his assent.

Mr Akufo-Addo is reported to be holding meetings with key ministries and donors to assess the impact of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill.

The US, UK and human rights groups have already condemned the bill, which was backed by both of Ghana's two main political parties.

Last year, the World Bank announced it would freeze new loans to Uganda in response to the introduction anti-LGBT legislation which is even tougher than that passed in Ghana.

An IMF spokesperson said it couldn't comment on a bill that hadn't been signed into law but noted that "diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces".

This year alone, Ghana could lose about $850m (670m) in support, which officials say will negatively impact an already struggling economy, reduce the country's foreign reserves, and affect exchange rate stability.

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Residents of Fort Leavenworth were upset at the news last year that as many as 89 of the garrisons historic homes are seen as too costly to maintain and could be demolished.

Now, The Star has confirmed, that number has ballooned to as many 185.

Whereas the first 89 included grand, gabled homes built before 1919, with sweeping porches and staircases, the nearly 100 more added to the list are in 12 multi-unit infantry barracks along Pope Avenue and Doniphan Drive dating to the early 1900s.

This is literally erasing history, said one military source familiar with discussions, requesting anonymity for fear of repercussions. Once these are gone, theyre gone forever. If these are removed, Fort Leavenworth is a totally different place. Its almost a ghost town.

Fort Leavenworth, set to celebrate its bicentennial in 2027, is a National Historic Landmark with some 269 of its 1,700 living units built before 1919. It has more historic homes than any other military base. Fort Leavenworth is the oldest U.S. Army garrison still in operation west of the Mississippi River.

One of its barracks, The Rookery, built around 1830, is said to be the oldest occupied home in Kansas. Each fall and spring, the forts most beautiful historic homes are opened for tours on a parade of homes.

Unrepaired damage at The Rookery at Fort Leavenworth, as reported to the Kansas State Historical Society.

A for-profit company, the Michaels Organization, manages the housing there and would be the one to recommend any demolition.

But the Army, for its part, has remained resolute. No solid plan to demolish any of the residences currently exists.

Any numbers being recommended by our housing partners are pre-decisional, meaning they have not been agreed to by Army leadership at any level, said Scott Gibson, Fort Leavenworths public affairs officer.

Michaels spokeswoman, Laura Zaner, told The Star in an email, I can confirm that the Army has not yet told Michaels of any decision they have made regarding its plan (going) forward for these homes  so we really cant comment at this time.

But that Michaels has been discussing demolition to perhaps replace old structures with new has been an open secret on the post for at least a year. Late last month, the proposal to raze 185 historic units was shared in a meeting at Fort Leavenworth with Tami Bartunek, the Kansas City district director for the office of Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.

That was a topic that was discussed, Bartunek confirmed.

The high cost of maintaining Fort Leavenworth historic homes led to a recommendation in 2023 to demolish as many as 89 on post, including this one, all inside its National Historic Landmark District. The number may have risen to 185 historic housing units.

The Star also sought comment from David Guldenzopf, the Armys federal preservation officer, but received no response. By law, any proposal to remove historical homes would first have to be vetted by the Kansas Historical Society and other stakeholders, including the public.

Since last year, the proposed destruction of the historic homes has nonetheless become a passionate topic on the post and in town.

Carol Ayres, president of the Leavenworth County Historical Society, said she understands that clash behind a company tasked with making profits versus the high cost of maintenance and preservation.

Its expensive to redo those old homes, she said. Theyre expensive to replace, too. I think everyone understands the reality of the situation. Im afraid the people that make those decisions, excuse me, dont always think about the history and how important it is.

We stand on the shoulders of the people who built that post, who built our town. We wouldnt be where we are today without them.

The Michaels Organization in 2006 signed a 50-year agreement to manage the forts housing. It currently does so through its management company, Fort Leavenworth Frontier Heritage Communities.

In taking on that obligation, the company also took on an inventory of homes more than 100 years old, burdened by problems such as outdated and faulty plumbing, old heating and electrical systems, asbestos, lead paint and aging wood.

Damaged and unrepaired siding at the historic Syracuse House on Fort Leavenworth.

Maintaining the housing is expensive, made more so by the fact Fort Leavenworth is on the National Register of Historic Places with homes in a National Historic Landmark District. Because of that, when the company looks to fix part of a historic home, it must adhere to the strict federal guidelines known as the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Often, that means hiring special artisans who use original rather than replacement materials.

A complaint heard among post residents is that, over the last several years, instead of maintaining its older homes, Michaels is engaging in demolition by neglect  allowing a greater number of historic homes to sit unoccupied and to decay to the point that demolition may become inevitable.

Residents maintain that if Michaels simply lived up to its obligations under its program agreement with the Army to properly care for the homes, few to none would now be imperiled.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to inform state preservation officers, such as the Kansas State Historical Society, about actions affecting historic properties.

In December, through a Kansas Open Records Act request, The Star published a story cataloging what Fort Leavenworths Directorate of Public Works reported to be a growing list of adverse effects to historic homes from Michaels deferred maintenance.

In a Pope Avenue historic home reported as a fire hazard, plaster is cracked and lathe is missing.

One report, on the Rookery, said that the level of care and maintenance that this home has received.  Is the living definition of Demolition by Neglect.

It included 50 photographs of rotted wood, peeling paint, missing boards, cracked support columns, along with rusted and leaking gutters. In one Colonial Revival home from 1905, a supposed fix included unpainted boards laid atop of rotted boards. The report included an email from a British officer who complained that the porch was in such disrepair that he worried for the safety of his children.

Reports on other historic homes chronicled falling plaster ceilings from water damage, crumbling bricks and insect infestation. A July report on Syracuse House, a two-story, yellow duplex built in 1855, included multiple photos of rotted planking, trim, soffits, fascia, railings and unpainted patchwork repairs.

Of the posts 269 homes built before 1919, some 25% sat unoccupied last year because of their condition.

The Army understands that we must balance the historic significance of our installation while providing the best quality of life for the soldiers and families who live here, Gibson, the posts public information officer, wrote. As part of this responsibility, our housing partners at the Fort Leavenworth Frontier Heritage Communities, also must consider all options for safe, affordable, and quality housing.

As we work toward solutions regarding our historic homes, there will likely be many more proposals and discussions between the Army and our housing partner, and we are confident that we can work together to preserve the historic relevance of Fort Leavenworth.
The Amazon basin is up against a severe drought because of a lack of precipitation, heat waves, and warmer-than-average temperatures.

What's happening?

The western Amazon basin is suffering from an extreme drought, driven by a dearth of rainfall since July 2023, according to a November report from the Global Drought Observatory.

From July-September 2023, all Amazon basin countries recorded their lowest rainfall in over 40 years. This led to drought in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.

Several extreme heat waves across the region have exacerbated this lack of precipitation. Brazil was especially affected  Sao Paulo hit a scorching 36.5 degrees Celsius (98 Fahrenheit) during the city's warmest winter in more than 60 years.

Why is the drought concerning?

The drought has led to low river flows, dry soil, and increased fire danger across the Amazon basin. Low river flows have also restricted navigation, endangering trade.

"Large boats struggle to navigate, challenging the mobility in riverside communities, affecting the transport and access to essential goods and disrupting local economies," according to the EU Science Hub.

Since October, all 62 municipalities in Brazil's Amazonas state have been under a state of emergency because of the severe impacts of the drought, affecting around 590,000 people. The nearby state of Para declared 20 of its 144 municipalities in emergency status later that month. Drought is also affecting citizens of other Amazon countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela.

This historic drought is part of a larger trend  according to a recent report, nearly a quarter of people around the world lived under drought conditions in the past two years. These dry conditions are having significant impacts on agricultural production, food security, and availability of drinking water.

Drought also threatens ecosystems. As fire risk increases in the Amazon, so does the possibility of losing the forest's carbon-storing trees, which also provide habitat to a number of species.

"If that goes into [the] atmosphere as greenhouse gases, that can be the straw that breaks the camel's back for the global climate," Philip Fearnside, a biologist at the Institute for Amazonian Research in Manaus, Brazil, told the New York Times. "Not just the Amazon."

What can I do to help?

You can pitch in to help curb the overheating of our planet by putting pressure on elected officials. The United Nations Environment Programme gives tips on how to urge politicians, your employer, bank, and city to move toward net-zero pollution.

You can also help out by living a more sustainable lifestyle. Some things you can do include avoiding single-use plastic, using clean energy at home, replacing old appliances with new energy-efficient models, and taking public transit or riding a bikeinstead of driving.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
The University of Florida announced March 1 that it was eliminating all positions related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) following a new Florida Board of Governors regulation that labels expenses related to DEI as prohibited expenditures.

The Board of Governors defines DEI as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification."

The announcement: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employees will no longer have a job at UF

Information: University of Florida eliminiates DEI employees per DeSantis law. Here's what we know

UF Spokesperson Cynthia Roldan said 13 full-time positions were eliminated as well as 15 administrative appointments, which are roles that faculty members accept in addition to their regular duties. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer has been closed and all DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors have been halted, the university's announcement said.

Amiya Gupta, a fourth-year engineering major, said she wasn't surprised due to the political climate in Florida over the last few years, but is disappointed in the university's decision.

"As a student, UF has a lot of things that I'm really continuously impressed by," she said. "I think we have a lot of resources. I've always thought that this has been a great university in terms of the academics, the research and the community. But I think this is symptomatic of a bigger problem in Florida's politics, because I think, historically, universities have always been places of community building and show the importance of bringing in wide and diverse perspectives  not only diverse in terms of race or any personal characteristics  but in terms of thought and ideas. And I think that Florida politics is trying really hard to infiltrate that."

Gupta said she's seeing professors begin to search for jobs elsewhere, including in the engineering department. Gupta wants to pursue grad school and said she has spoken to students in the doctoral application process who say UF has good research but that they don't want to attend because of the politics.

"I think that UF is going to have a big struggle with brain drain and people going to other areas, simply because they don't feel like there's support from the university," she said.

Tigert Hall, the University of Florida's administration building, is shown in 2018.

Gupta is a part of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), a collection of culturally based sororities and fraternities on campus focused on diversity and cultural engagement. She said her group isn't worried about funding since it receives support from Sorority and Fraternity Life.

There are concerns, however, about the future of the Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (CIME), which oversees the offices of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Student Engagement, Black Student Engagement, Hispanic-Latinx Student Engagement and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) Student Engagement.

"Being in MGC, or any of the other cultural kind of organizations, I do a lot of programming [that] revolves around diversity or around inclusion education," Gupta said. "And so when rules came up about what words were and were not allowed to be used  like using words like 'diversity' or 'equity'  that does put a lot of constraints on programming, especially that kind of stuff that revolves around DEI, so I wasn't surprised when I saw that this is the next step that was taken."

Lorena Bacallao, an advertising major and student building manager at UF, shared the same sentiment: disappointed, but not surprised.

"As a school that takes so much pride in so many different things, like research and being the first, or being innovative... I feel like it would have made more sense for the university to be the one that [said]: 'No, we're not doing this  this is a right,' but they did the opposite."

As a first-generation college student as well as a Latina and Cuban woman, Bacallao said it was "heartbreaking to know that there is a risk of losing those safe spaces or those rights as a student." She also said the 13 employees who were fired "randomly [lost their] job over something that's so wrong."

Last year Bacallao was a peer leader for ADELANTE, a free program under CIME and the Office of Hispanic-Latinx Student Engagement, which supports first-year Hispanic-Latinx students with their transition to college. She said she was disappointed that these types of programs could lose funding or be removed altogether.

"In the sense of community," she said. "People won't feel like they belong, or that they should even come to the state of Florida to study here, because it's like: 'Okay, am I even safe? Do I belong there?'"

The regulation says a state university "may not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities" that violate section 1000.05 of Florida Statutes, advocate for what it defines as diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in what it defines as political or social activism. This means independently-funded groups might still continue.

Sophie Benson, a political science and sociology sophomore, heard about the news and how it is impacting agencies and organizations at UF through the Independent Florida Alligator student newspaper and student government.

"It's a little bit of a crisis in figuring out, like, will those agencies be able to sustain without those funds, or are we going to be able to get other funds, or are they just going to go away," she said. "I know there's talk about getting funds from alumni and stuff, like that's a possibility. So if that happens, I mean, hopefully everything stays the same. But definitely, I know people are upset about it."

UF Student Government released a statement Monday, calling the decision "jarring" and saying that it "leaves many students feeling lost and takes a piece of home from the Swamp, especially those like us coming from minority communities."

The statement also paid tribute to the employees who were fired, thanking them for all they've done at the university. UF said in its announcement that these employees are "allowed and encouraged" to apply  between March 1 and April 19  for expedited consideration for other open positions at the university. UF also said it will work to speed up the interview process for these employees and provide an answer on all applications within 12 weeks, which is when their severance pay would end.

Multiple students, when asked, said they didn't know about the decision to remove DEI positions or didn't know enough about the situation to make a comment.

One student who wished to remain anonymous said he didn't "think it really matters" and doesn't think the decision will impact the UF community. He said, until today, he hadn't heard about it and doesn't know what the employees whose positions were eliminated specifically do.

The employees who have been fired will receive 12 weeks of severance pay under the direction of UF Human Resources. The approximately $5 million in funds previously reported to Tallahassee for DEI salaries and expenses will be reallocated into a faculty recruitment fund to be administered by the Office of the Provost.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: University of Florida eliminates diversity, equity, inclusion staff
Automotive companies have for years been promising self-driving cars, but only now with Google sister company Waymo expanding its driverless car service in the US, does it appear closer to becoming an everyday reality. Andrej Sokolow/dpa

In a milestone for self-driving cars, Google's sister company Waymo has been given authorization to expand its robotaxi service from San Francisco to Silicon Valley and parts of Los Angeles.

The announcement from Waymo, a pioneer in autonomous driving, comes after its competitor Cruise from car giant General Motors suspended its services following a major accident.

At the start of March, a Californian regulatory authority authorized Waymo's request for commercial drives in a large area south of San Francisco as far as Sunnyvale, about 60 kilometres away.

This area also includes San Francisco Airport and the Google headquarters in Mountain View. Waymo says there are currently no plans to immediately expand the area of use of the vehicles.

Until now, the company had been allowed to transport passengers in self-driving cars without people at the wheel in the San Francisco metropolitan area, where it had around 250 cars in operation. The company emerged from Google's self-driving car programme, which began around 15 years ago.

However the advent of autonomous cars has been met with much resistance in the region, and both authorities and local residents have complained about these cars obstructing traffic and not driving safely.

Emergency services have complained about robotaxis stopping in the middle of the road and blocking their way. Public transport companies in San Francisco also reported similar problems when driving buses.

A few weeks ago, a Waymo car completely burnt out after being set on fire by vandals during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

For the time being, competitor Cruise will have to do without a similar licence to drive in San Francisco after it was frozen in the wake of an accident. In October, a woman was hit by another car with a person at the wheel and thrown in front of the Cruise vehicle. She got stuck under the robotaxi and was dragged several metres by it.

General Motors replaced the management team at Cruise after the accident. The ambitious growth plans of the former Cruise management were scrapped and the Robotaxi service is now only to be relaunched in one city.

The plans for a Cruise vehicle without a steering wheel and pedals have been put on hold for the time being. Waymo uses converted electric cars from Jaguar in its Robotaxi fleet.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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Para leer esta historia en espanol, haga clic aqui.

Former President Donald J. Trump overwhelmingly won the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus on Saturday, burying his closest rival Nikki Haley and claiming all 32 Idaho delegates, Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon announced.

At about 6:35 p.m. Mountain time on Saturday, Moon announced that Trump held an insurmountable lead with 84% of the states caucus sites reporting.

We havent quite finished up our tabulations, but I am thrilled to announce that the Idaho Republican Party announces that President Donald J. Trump has won the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus, Moon told reporters at the Idaho Republican Partys headquarters in downtown Boise.

The Associated Press had called the Idaho Presidential Caucus for Trump at 5 p.m. Final results were posted to the Idaho GOP Presidential Caucus website at 8:20 p.m.

Idaho has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Trump today, Moon added. We recognize that our state stands as a beacon of support for Republican ideals, reaffirming Idahos status as Trump Country.

Complete results released by the Idaho Republican Party on Saturday night showed:

Trump: 33,603 votes, 84.89%

Haley: 5,221 votes, 13.19%

Ron DeSantis: 534 votes, 1.35%

Vivek Ramaswamy: 95 votes, 0.24%

Chris Christie: 91 votes, 0.23%

Ryan L. Binkley: 40 votes, 0.10%

Even though all of the candidates in the Republican field dropped out besides Trump and Haley, the other four candidates names appeared on the ballots in Idaho because they paid the $50,000 filing fee, Moon said.

Moon told the Sun she did not vote in Saturdays caucus because she was working at Republican Party headquarters in downtown Boise and her caucus site was near her Stanley-area home.

Moon also told the Sun on Saturday evening that she did not yet know what percentage of Idahos registered Republican voters turned out for the caucus.

Why Idaho Republicans voted in a caucus rather than a primary election

The presidential nominating caucus was new for Idaho voters this year. Idaho Republicans had not held a caucus since 2012, and Idaho Democrats had not had a caucus since 2016. Idaho voters had been voting in primary elections. But last year the Idaho Legislature unintentionally eliminated the presidential primary election. Legislators passed House Bill 138, which was designed to move the presidential primary election back from March to May, when the states other primary elections take place. But instead of moving the presidential primary back to May, the law actually just eliminated the primary election.

When the Idaho Legislature didnt fix the mistake and reinstate the presidential primary election, Idahos political parties created their own caucuses.

The Idaho Democratic Presidential Caucus is scheduled for May 23.

For Saturdays Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus, voters gathered at 210 local caucus sites across the state. In order to participate, voters had to register and affiliate with the Idaho Republican Party by Dec. 31 and participate in person at noon Mountain time, 11 a.m. Pacific time.

There was no absentee voting or early voting in the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus, but an absentee option will be available for Idaho Democrats, according to the partys website. Active duty members of the U.S. military serving away from home, religious missionaries, people who had to work, people who were ill and people who were unable to travel to their GOP caucus site were unable to attend.

News reporters and independent observers who were not registered Republicans were not allowed into the caucus cites or allowed to observe the tabulation of votes at GOP headquarters in downtown Boise, Moon said, citing Idaho Republican Party rules.

During state-run primaries and elections, news reporters and poll watchers are allowed inside polling locations and are allowed to watch the Idaho State Board of Canvassers certify election results.

Idaho voters will head back to the polls on May 21 for the state primary election that features legislative candidates, county commissioners, county prosecutors, county sheriffs and other local races. Presidential candidates will not appear on the May 21 primary election ballots.

Two days later, on May 23, Idaho Democrats will conduct their presidential nominating caucus. Voters who voted in the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus will not be allowed to vote in the Idaho Democratic Presidential Caucus.

The general election is set for Nov. 5.

This story was published earlier by the Idaho Capital Sun, an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix.

The post GOP chairwoman announces Trump wins Idahos 2024 Republican presidential caucus appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Potential buyers try out guns which are displayed on an exhibitor's table during the Nation's Gun Show on Nov. 18, 2016 at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. | Alex Wong, Getty Images

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

The Florida House on Monday approved a bill (HB 17) that would shorten the mandatory waiting period to purchase a firearm from a licensed seller. However, the Senate hasnt pushed the issue, and its likely that the legislation will not pass.

One Year Anniversary Parkland tragedy

A memorial at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, following the mass shooting on February 14, 2018, in Parkland. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Nevertheless, the GOP-controlled House voted to repeal a portion of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act on Monday. That was the gun safety law passed in the wake of the shooting massacre that killed 17 students and staff at the high school in Parkland, in Broward County.

The 2018 law prohibits a licensed dealer from transferring a firearm to a purchaser unless the purchaser successfully completes a background check, regardless of the length of time required to complete the background check.

But the House bill voting on Monday says that if a background check does not come back before three days, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) must issue a conditional approval authorizing the purchaser to take delivery of that gun. If the FDLE subsequently determines that a purchaser is not authorized to possess a firearm, they are then required to notify the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and a local law enforcement agency, who are responsible for retrieving the firearm.

I have heard of many occasions where people have not been able to get access to their firearms because their background checks were taking days, weeks and even months long, so this bill is definitely necessary, said Escambia County Republican Michelle Salzman.

However, the FDLE has said that 98% of all background checks are resolved within minutes of being received.

Democrats consider the proposal dangerous.

The three-day waiting period was part of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Safety Act, said Broward County Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky. And it said that there would be a mandatory three-day waiting period or having completed the background check process, whichever comes later. Because the idea of giving someone a firearm when the background check process hasnt been completed, is honestly kind of reckless.

Susan Gill, a member of the Tallahassee chapter of the Moms Demand Action wasnt sure why the House was even hearing the bill on Monday, given that the Senate hasnt pursued the issue.

Im guessing theyre trying to pander to certain constituents, somewhere, she said. Were just glad that the Senate has more sense.

Republican Rep. Joel Rudman is the sponsor of the bill and represents parts of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties. During his comments on the House floor, he begged the Senate to find a way to introduce the Senate version of the bill so both chambers could approve the final legislation.

This isnt a gun bill. This is a freedom bill, he said. A right delayed is a right denied.

The post GOP-controlled House passes measure to shorten wait period on some gun background checks appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Hunter Bidens former business partner, whose claims of wrongdoing by the first son and his father have largely fallen apart under scrutiny, filed a $10 million federal lawsuit on Monday over accusations he was involved with some sort of shady business dealing.

The suit brought by Tony Bobulinski, the House GOPs star witness in its ongoing and thus far, unsuccessful attempt at connecting President Joe Biden to Hunters overseas deals, alleges former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson defamed him in her bombshell memoir, Enough.

In the lawsuit, Bobulinskiwho has close ties to a particularly unsavory Russian oligarch presently on a U.S. blacklistdubs himself a decorated Navy veteran who put his country above politics, and contends he is being treated unfairly [b]ecause [he] did not pledge blind loyalty to the Democrat Party and to the Biden family. But in describing Hutchinson as a liar, Bobulinski cites a trio of far-right conspiracy theorists, one of whom was banned from Twitter and Facebook for spreading falsehoods about the 2020 election, as proof of his assertions.

Bobulinskis defamation lawsuit against Hutchinson, which he threatened last month to file, opens with a rundown of his U.S. Navy service, after which it lays out a timeline for his partnership with Hunter Biden. It says Bobulinski met Joe Biden in 2017, and that Hunter Biden subsequently asked Bobulinski to serve as CEO of SinoHawk Holdings, an investment partnership formed with a Chinese government-affiliated energy conglomerate.

Bobulinskis suit goes on to allege that leaked emails eventually raised questions about whether Hunter Biden was profiting off his fathers name when he was Vice President of the United States.

The emails showed that Joe Biden was aware of Hunters business dealings with foreign nations and even personally benefited from them, the lawsuit states. They contradicted Joe Bidens several prior assertions that he had no involvement with his sons business dealings.

However, this claim was later deemed false by Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, both of which are conservative outlets.

From here, Bobulinskis suit states that in October 2020, he was then-President Trumps personal guest at the presidential debate. The following month, Bobulinskis suit says he attended one of President Trump [sic] campaign rallies in Rome, Georgia, and briefly met with Mark Meadows, President Trumps Chief of Staff, during the rally.

This interaction with Meadows is key to Bobulinskis defamation claim, alleging in his suit that following Hutchinsons testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee, she turned her attention and malignancy towards Mr. Bobulinski by lying about his interactions with Mark Meadows.

He takes particular exception to a specific passage in Hutchinsons book, which was published in September 2023, saying that during the exchange, Meadows handed Bobulinski what appeared to be a folded sheet of paper or a small envelope. Hutchinson observed the two men huddling, with Bobulinski covering his face with a ski mask, through a gap in the vehicles, she wrote. Meadows had asked Hutchinson to locate Bobulinski, then work with [the] Secret Service to find a hidden spot, according to Hutchinsons book.

This is really stupid of you, Mark, Hutchinson said she told Meadows. I dont know whats going on, but its really stupid.

According to Bobulinskis lawsuit, nothing nefarious was going on, and the face-to-face was simply an exchange of pleasantries. It says Bobulinski had become the target of death threats, and that Meadows asked to meet with him for the sole purpose of checking on his and his familys health and safety due to the ongoing threats against them.

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Bobulinski insists in the suit that, under oath last month before the Jan. 6 Committee, he unequivocally rejected the notion he was wearing a ski mask during the meeting with Meadows. He further complains about being mocked on social media about the mask, embedding a photo of himself in his dress whites, an actual photo of Plaintiff, a decorated Navy veteran, to distinguish himself from a meme-ified cartoon showing a masked man smoking a cigarette.

The defamatory statement has directly and proximately caused Mr. Bobulinski to suffer significant damages, including direct damages, damages to his reputation, humiliation, embarrassment, mental anguish, anxiety, and fear for his safety and the safety of his family members, all of which are ongoing in nature and will be suffered in the future, the lawsuit states.

In the wake of Bobulinkskis Jan. 6 testimony, Hutchinson responded to Bobulinskis claims by releasing a photograph, via her attorney, that appeared to show Bobulinskiin a ski maskmeeting with Meadows, at night, exactly as Hutchinson had described.

Perhaps Mr. Bobulinskis memory is impaired about the meeting, and a picture would help refresh his recollection, Hutchinsons lawyer Bill Jordan wrote in a Feb. 23 letter to Raskin. On that November evening Ms. Hutchinson took a photo of Mr. Bobulinski meeting with Mr. Meadows from her vantage point just on the other side of the vehicle from their conversation. A copy is attached to this letter. Mr. Bobulinski may be somewhat hard to make out in this imagesince he is wearing his Penn State hatand a mask A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it shows the truth.

Jordan did not immediately respond on Monday to The Daily Beasts request for comment.

Bobulinski, according to a Feb. 12 letter Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) sent to House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY), is a less-than-credible witness whose mysterious ties to the Trump campaign, his refusal to engage with the Committees Democratic staff, and his problematic personal finances, raise significant concerns about his truthfulness, credibility, and motivations. He had significant financial difficulties at the time he decided to become involved with the Trump campaign in 2020, deeply in debt after losing a lawsuit over an unrelated investment failure, Raskins letter says. In 2015, Bobulinski sued his own cancer-stricken father, his stepmom, and the couples childrens charity, for $900,000. Robert Bobulinski died two months later.

At a Feb. 28 deposition by the House Oversight Committee, Hunter Biden said, Tony is a bitter, bitter man that did not get in on a deal that he wanted to get in on, because I thought that he was both incompetent and an idiot.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has announced that she has finally moved to Russia. At the same time, the politician, who was remembered for dancing with dictator Vladimir Putin, will not change her citizenship.

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This was reported by DW, quoting a news item from the Russian propaganda state media following the Austrian's performance on the sidelines of the so-called youth festival on March 3. The event, which is called the "World Youth Festival" in Russia, is held by decree of dictator Vladimir Putin.

"I moved to Russia because it is a truly free country," Kneissl said at one of her lectures.

According to her, she has already "looked at one place in eastern Russia where I would like to build a house" to stay there, as she does not consider herself a city dweller.

At the same time, the former Austrian foreign minister said that she does not plan to apply for a Russian passport, believing that the rights and obligations conferred by citizenship should be associated with only one country.

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"You can't just change your citizenship. And if I do, I will have to choose one citizenship. Maybe I'm too conservative, but having two at once is like living in polygamy and being married to two people," Kneissl compared.

According to media reports, in August 2023, the Austrian woman rented a house in the village of Petrushovo in the Ryazan region of the Russian Federation. In the past, she lived for some time in Seibersdorf in Lower Austria, where she ran a small farm.

In July 2022, the American newspaper The Washington Post published an article in which it reported that the former Austrian foreign minister had left her country because of threats. On the same day, Kneissl herself explained in a comment on the social network X (formerly Twitter) that she had left Austria in September 2020 due to "constant attacks." At the end of May 2022, it became known that Kneissl had resigned from her position on the board of directors of the Russian state-owned concern Rosneft, which she had held for about a year.

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It should be noted that Karin Kneissl was born in 1965 in Vienna, studied at the University of Vienna, and served as Austrian Foreign Minister from 2017 to 2019. Austrians criticized her for continuing to work for Rosneft despite Russia's war against Ukraine.

In August 2018, 53-year-old Kneissl married businessman Wolfgang Meilinger. She invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the wedding: he brought "Cossacks" with him, presented the couple with a painting with rural motifs, an old oil press and a Tula samovar, made a toast in German and danced with the bride. At the time, she told the media that she had "spontaneously" invited her government colleagues and the Kremlin leader, who was on a visit to Austria at the time, to the party.

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On June 17, 2023, Der Spiegel reported that the former minister had become the head of the G.O.R.K.I. Center at St. Petersburg State University, which bills itself as a "Geopolitical Observatory on Key Problems of Russia's Development."

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, in August 2022, Karin Kneissl published a scandalous post in support of Russia, which was already waging a full-scale war against Ukraine. She compared Russian dictator Putin to Lenin and European politicians to "peasants humiliated before him."

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The United Nations headquarters stands in Manhattan on Sept. 19, 2019, in New York City. Photo by Spencer Platt | Getty Images

Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives are passionate about their desire not to eat bugs. Not that anyone was planning to force them.

Nevertheless, they voted this week to ban governmental entities in Arizona from enacting any portion of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as a long list of other initiatives promoted by the World Economic Forum that are aimed at sustainability. Both pieces of proposed legislation are based on conspiracy theories that accuse globalists of using these international nongovernmental organizations in an attempt to control the worlds populace.

The United States signed onto the UNs 2030 Agenda back in 2015, along with the organizations other 192 member states, but each country is tasked with implementing policies aimed at reaching those goals within its own borders. The UN has no way to force its members to take any action.

House Bill 2788, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Jones, R-Tucson, which would ban Arizona governments from enacting any portion of the UNs 2030 Agenda, passed through the House Feb. 28 by a party-line vote of 31-28.

The 2030 Agenda includes goals like ending poverty and hunger, protecting the planet from degradation through sustainable consumption and fostering peaceful, inclusive societies.

There are a multitude of programs at all levels of government in Arizona that are aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, improving public health, promoting economic development and combating climate change  all goals of the 2030 Agenda. All of those efforts would ostensibly be illegal if HB2788 becomes law.

Jones told the House Government Committee on Feb. 15 that these global organizations want to limit the consumption of meat in the U.S. and to replace that protein with bugs instead.

A related piece of legislation, House Concurrent Resolution 2040, also passed through the House of Representatives this week with only Republican support. The resolution would ask voters to bar public monies from being spent on a list of World Economic Forum initiatives, including reducing the production or consumption of meat and replacing it with insects, an idea that the WEF has floated as an idea to help address food insecurity across the globe.

The WEF, an international organization that brings together heads of nations and businesses and other leaders in an effort to shape global and regional agendas, has no enforcement power in the United States and has never sought to force governments to replace meat consumption with insects.

There have been conspiracy theories surrounding the WEF, its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and its work for many years. But those expanded in 2020, when the theme of the nonprofits annual meeting was The Great Reset, with the goal of making broad changes to society to recover from the pandemic and increase sustainability.

And since then, conspiracy theorists have used the term The Great Reset to describe what they believe is an attempt by national governments and globalist organizations to control citizens and take away individual sovereignty.

Merissa Hamilton, a conservative political operative, proposed House Concurrent Resolution 2040 to its sponsor, Rep. Austin Smith, a Republican from Wittman.

Hamilton, who commonly posts or shares misinformation on social media, told lawmakers on the House Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee on Feb. 14 that cities in Arizona are already spending money on items from the WEF agenda, using Phoenixs designation as a C40 city as an example. C40 cities are a network of nearly 100 mayors who lead large cities across the globe and have committed to cutting their share of greenhouse emissions by 2030.

Hamilton told lawmakers that residents of Arizona should have a say in whether municipalities adopt any of these initiatives.

This is a huge way of life change that is being promoted and proposed, Hamilton said.

Arizona cities are all led by elected city councils, whose members are accountable to the voters they represent.

If voters approve it, the resolution would ban public spending on things like reducing or replacing motor vehicle travel with walking or biking; limiting the number of items of clothing a person can purchase or own; furthering Marxist ideologies; or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other things.

Democratic Rep. Melody Hernandez, of Tempe, couldnt contain her laughter, giggling as she read through the resolution during the committee meeting, and she questioned if any government bodies in Arizona were actually trying to put a limit on the number of items of clothing people can own.

No local governments have done so, or indicate that they plan to, and its unclear how they would possibly enforce such a law.

Hernandez added that she believes it would be better for voters to decide individually which items on the list they support and those they dont, instead of banning a lengthy list of sustainability initiatives that some of the cities might be interested in implementing.

Rep. Cesar Aguilar, D-Phoenix, agreed, pointing out that the resolution would tie the hands of cities whose citizens want more public transportation options to reduce greenhouse gasses or who would like to make their neighborhoods more walkable.

Smith said that the resolution would allow voters to tell cities they dont want the U.S. to reduce its beef and dairy production, as recommended by the WEF, and that it would stop the push for 15-minute cities.

The urban planning concept of 15-minute cities is meant to ensure no one in a city has to travel more than 15 minutes for essential services, but since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were implemented in 2020, it turned into a boogeyman for the far right, with conspiracy theories that the idea is actually part of a global plot to allow governments to control their populations.

Jones mentioned that conspiracy theory during a Feb. 15 discussion on her bill, saying that the UNs globalist agenda was threatening state and national sovereignty.

A lot of it is about, basically, controlling citizens, she said.

This isnt the first time that Arizonas legislature has attempted to stop entities in the state from following the UNs agenda. In 2012, the state Senate passed a bill that would have banned cities and towns from implementing its Agenda 21  a list of principles of sustainable development that conspiracy theorists seized on as the first steps in creating a one-world government.

That bill never became law.

Democratic Rep. Betty Villegas, of Tucson, said before the vote on Feb. 28 that Pima County was already working to address some of the issues mentioned in the UN and WEF initiatives, with its own Pima Prosperity Initiative, and worried that the legislation could get in the way of that.

We need to think about what we are doing here, she said. I think we can all agree that what has been done to end poverty on both sides of the aisle hasnt worked. We can and must do better.

She added that Jones bill could tie the hands of those trying to address pressing issues in their communities.

We should be open to look at all available resources to find solutions to make our city, our state and our entire world better, she said.

The bill and the resolution will both next move to the Senate for consideration, but even if they are approved, they will almost certainly meet their end with a veto from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

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The post GOP lawmakers want to ban compliance with UN, World Economic Forum goals for sustainability appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Preparations are underway for the April 8 eclipse across multiple Arkansas agencies.

Saying the eclipse has the potential to be one of the largest tourism events in state history, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and agency heads presented plans and preparations during a Monday morning news conference. Sanders said the number of visitors to the state was projected to be anywhere from 300,000 to 1.5 million.

The state has established a portal webpage for eclipse information at Arkansas.com/Eclipse, the governor said.

Arkansas eclipse map: Which cities will have the best view?

Arkansas Department of Transportation Director Lorie Tudor said her agency had been planning for the eclipse for two years and expects peak activity on state highways from April 5 to 9.

Other accommodations being made include preparation for parallel routes for possibly clogged highways, as well as ARDOT and vehicles equipped with emergency food and gasoline for travelers positioned strategically around the state. Tudor also said that ARDOT is holding a construction holiday over the four days to keep lanes open and is working with trucking companies to avoid wide loads on those days.

Central Arkansas universities prepare for total solar eclipse

Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism director Shea Lewis went down a fairly long list of how that agency is preparing for the influx, including state parks and promoting local events. He echoed Sanders statement about this being the largest tourism event in state history.

The state has 26 parks in the totality path, Lewis said, and each had planned special activities for April 8. The agency had also established thresholds for people and vehicles in order to avoid overcrowding.

Arkansas Division of Emergency Management opens web portal for eclipse info

Secretary of Education Jacob Olivia said that the eclipse will be a learning event for all students in Arkansas. Training is ongoing for teachers to ensure the eclipse is a learning event for students, he said.

Oliva added that some preparations include light-sound equipment from Harvard that will allow blind students to experience the eclipse. He said 103 school districts are scheduled to be closed on the eclipse day.

Director of the Division of Emergency Management A.J. Gary said the state emergency center will be open the day of the eclipse in order to quickly coordinate emergency response should the need arise. He also reminded that his agency has a eclipse information web portal.

Comet, planets, stars might also be visible during 2024 total solar eclipse

Department of Health Secretary Renee Mallory said her department was coordinating with ambulance services and first responders should a traumatic event take place. The department was also working for safety at mass gathering events, such as festivals to make sure food vendors, for example, are aware of what is required to get a permit from her department.

The Department of Human Services will be operational that day, Secretary Kristi Putnam said, adding that workers are being encouraged to prepare for remote work. The agency has planned for level six shelter and food assistance if emergency response is needed, she said.

Eclipse spurs Maumelle to invest $174,000 in rescue gear

Officials noted multiple times during the conference was pointed out that accommodations for still available for visitors experiencing the Natural State for the eclipse. For a list of open accommodations or to see more information on state preparations for the event, head to Arkansas.com/Eclipse.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The congressional funding bills unveiled Sunday do not include bipartisan reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry, as lawmakers and the Biden administration look for a path forward.

Lawmakers rolled out six full-year spending bills to fund a slew of agencies until early fall, including the departments of Agriculture, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Commerce and Energy.

The health priorities in the legislation were considerably narrower than advocates and lawmakers had been hoping for.

The legislation included a funding boost for community health centers through Dec. 31. Health centers will see an additional $270 million in annual funding, backdated to the beginning of fiscal 2024.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, called the increase responsible, since it is offset and contains Hyde amendment language prohibiting the money from being used to fund abortions.

Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been pushing for a much higher increase to address a shortage of primary care providers, but in a statement he said he was proud of the increase.

Given the dysfunctional political environment in Congress, I am proud that we were able to reach a deal to provide meaningful increases in funding for primary care in America, Sanders said.

PBM reforms cleared two Senate committees on a bipartisan basis, but major policy disagreements between House and Senate Republicans in terms of the scope of the changes led to them being sidelined, likely until a lame duck session after the November elections.

Im extremely disappointed it leaves behind major reforms that would lower prescription drug costs for Americas seniors and permanently expand access to mental health care. We can do better, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a statement.

It is a real missed opportunity that these critical, bipartisan provisions will be unnecessarily delayed until December or longer, he added.

At the same time, the White House on Monday held a listening session with industry representatives as well as state and federal officials to discuss how changes to PBMs business practices could make the industry more transparent and result in lower health costs for Americans.

Critics charge that PBMs act as shadowy middlemen, relying on opaque pricing models that drive up costs for businesses and consumers.

Notably, one of the attendees was Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan. The FTC is conducting an inquiry into the business practices of PBMs and how they impact independent community pharmacies. But more than a year and half after the inquiry began, the three largest companies  CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx  arent fully complying with document requests.

FTC orders are not suggestions, Khan said Monday. We will not hesitate to use the full extent of our legal authorities to mandate compliance.

The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade group for pharmacy benefit managers, said they were not invited to the White House and claimed officials only heard from people and groups with vocal anti-PBM agendas.

Unfortunately, todays event serves to promote only one model and one perspective. We share the Administrations goal of lowering prescription drug costs and would welcome the opportunity to work together to make prescription drugs more affordable for patients and employers, the group said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russian forces struck the village of Rizdvianka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with cluster munitions, killing a civilian, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported on March 4.

Settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in southeastern Ukraine suffer from regular Russian strikes due to their proximity to the front line. Part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion.

Russian troops launched two cluster munitions strikes against the village, with the second killing a resident, Fedorov said on Telegram.

Rizdvianka lies around 80 kilometers east of the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia.

Russia launched 177 strikes on six settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on March 3, damaging 11 houses and infrastructure facilities, Fedorov reported earlier.

Read also: Who are they fighting, children? Family of 5 killed in devastating Russian attack on Kharkiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR)  Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement Sunday afternoon in response to the thousands of acres burned throughout Oklahoma from the wildfires.

I am watching the wildfire activity in western Oklahoma closely and working with the Department of Emergency Management and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to ensure the right resources are being deployed for those impacted. As emergency crews continue to fight the fires and we survey the damage, I encourage Oklahomans to do what we do best  help out our neighbors. As you do, follow instructions from your local authorities and stay safe. Governor Kevin Stitt (R)

The governor added that at this time the fires have not met the threshold for FEMA funding.

| MORE LOCAL NEWS > Valentines Day nightmare: man brutally beaten and robbed after date >

He added that USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs could be available for anyone who has suffered agricultural losses from the fires.

As of Sunday, the massive Smokehouse fire, burning in both Texas and Oklahoma, has scorched 1,078,086 acres with 60% containment, according to the Oklahoma Forestry Service.

Other fires include the Cabin Fire in Adair County burning 109 acres with 50% containment, the un-named Yet Fire in Okmulgee County at 900 acres burning, the Catesby Fire in Ellis County which burned 90,920 acres with 40% containment, and then the Slapout Fire in Beaver County which is at 26,048 acres with 75% containment.

| MORE LOCAL NEWS > Oklahoma County officials stress the county is NOT a sanctuary county >

For more information and updated reports, you can click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Despite the heightened partisan tensions of an election year, governors of both parties have largely downplayed parental rights bills, book bans and other culture-war controversies in their 2024 State of the State addresses, a FutureEd analysis of 38 of the addresses has found. Rather, they have proposed substantial investments in education and practical ways to strengthen learning.

Although a handful of education issues still divide governors along partisan lines, such as whether to establish universal pre-kindergarten programs or allocate public funds for private schooling, governors from both parties want to increase teacher pay and target incentives to shortage areas, expand access to higher education and promote college and career readiness in high school. In some instances, they backed priorities that traditionally have been linked to their political opponents, with Republicans proposing initiatives to address youth mental health and Democrats supporting the expansion of reading reform.

But governors from both parties gave short shrift to one the most pressing problems facing local school leaders: sharply higher rates of chronic absenteeism in the wake of the pandemic. Neither Democrats nor Republicans outlined new steps to spur students return to school.

The states chief executives concentrated their 2024 education policy priorities in seven areas: child care and early learning, the teaching profession, school choice, curriculum and instruction, student mental health, higher education and workforce development.

Child Care and Early Learning

Early learning and child care were a bipartisan priority, with 17 governors proposing measures to enhance accessibility and affordability for working parents.

Democratic governors in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, New Jersey and Michigan championed statewide universal pre-K, while Maura Healey of Massachusetts proposed the strategy for 26 midsize cities facing social and economic challenges. Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly proposed the largest single-year investment in the states early childhood system, while the governors of Missouri, West Virginia, Nebraska and Hawaii proposed new or expanded child care tax credits.

The Teaching Profession

Echoing a trend from last year, governors are seeking to strengthen the ranks of public school teaching by increasing compensation, addressing shortages and expanding recruitment  three closely connected strategies. Twenty-one governors have proposed such initiatives.

While both Republicans and Democrats addressed the issue in their speeches, most concrete proposals to raise teacher pay came from Republicans in Southern and Western states, which are less unionized and where salaries tend to be lower. In more-unionized, Democratic-leaning states, proposals were generally more focused on recruiting and retaining educators.

Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Republican Jim Justice of West Virginia proposed across-the-board 5% pay raises for teachers in their states. South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster called for raising the starting salary to $45,000 from $40,000 by 2025 and further raising it to $50,000 by 2026. Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds urged the legislature to allocate an additional $96 million, to raise starting pay to $50,000 a year  a 50% increase; establish a minimum salary of $62,000 for teachers with at least 12 years experience; and allocate $10 million for a merit-based grant program for educators.

Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy pitched a three-year incentive program that would offer hiring and retention bonuses ranging from $5,000 for teachers in urban areas to $15,000 for those working in rural schools. Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to increase paraeducator pay and create incentives for more teachers to serve special-education students. Missouri Republican Gov. Michael Parson proposed an additional $6 million for the states teacher Career Ladder Program, a performance-based pay matching initiative  on top of new funds to raise starting teacher salaries to $40,000 statewide.

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced plans to launch a teacher apprenticeship program, and Kentuckys Education First Plan provides funding for a teacher loan-forgiveness program.

Some governors are also looking for ways to lower regulatory hurdles to teaching. In Nebraska, Republican Jim Pillen proposed lowering barriers for potential teachers to enter the workforce by, among other things, allowing licensure reciprocity for teachers from other states.

School Choice

School choice initiatives, particularly those involving private school options, emerged as one of the few starkly partisan issues in this years speeches. While both Democrats and Republicans offered charter school and public school choice initiatives, six Republicans advocated for vouchers and education savings accounts, while two Democrats strongly opposed such measures.

Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey announced legislation that would eventually provide $7,000 for every student to spend on private education, calling it her No. 1 legislative priority. Similarly, Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee expressed support for universal private school choice through what he called education freedom accounts, as he proposed in November. If they succeed, Alabama and Tennessee will join 10 other Republican-led states with universal or near-universal private school choice programs. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp also pledged to push through private school choice this year.

Related

Teacher Pay, School Choice, Literacy: Top Priorities for 44 Governors in 2023

Democrats, on the other hand, attacked public funding of private schooling. I will continue to reject vouchers and any attempt to send public education dollars to private schools, declared Kansass Laura Kelly. Vouchers will crush our rural schools, plain and simple. In Arizona, where Republican state leaders enacted universal education savings accounts with few limitations on the use of the funding and few reporting mandates, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs pledged to work for greater accountability, as well as a requirement for students in the program to have attended public schools for at least 100 days before they can use an education savings account. Otherwise, Hobbs said, the current projected price tag of $1 billion is only the start.

In a departure from last years addresses, several governors pledged new support for public charter schools. Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little announced plans to introduce legislation to cut more red tape to support charter schools while providing taxpayers transparency, as a way of expanding school choice without diverting resources from public schools. Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis pledged to provide charter schools their full share of public education funding. And Oklahomas Kevin Stitt, a Republican, proposed moving high-performing charter schools into vacant public school buildings, especially in communities with underperforming district schools.

Curriculum and Instruction

Governors signed a wave of literacy-reform legislation in 2023 rooted in the science of reading, and the leaders of nine states, both blue and red, have pledged similar initiatives this year. Healey, of Massachusetts, announced Literacy Launch, a $30 million initiative to ensure that districts have high-quality curriculum and teacher training tied to the science of reading. New Yorks Hochul called for legislation mandating evidence-based reading instruction and $10 million to train 20,000 teachers.

New Mexico Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham announced plans for a $30 million statewide literacy institute and a free summer reading program for 10,000 students. And Iowas Reynolds proposed requiring education majors to pass a test of reading instruction as a way to hold education schools accountable for teaching the science of reading and ensure graduates competence in early literacy instruction for teacher licensure.

Other curricular initiatives were also sprinkled among the governors addresses, including a $10 million investment in math education in South Carolina; a proposal by North Dakota Republican Gov.Doug Burgum to require financial literacy instruction; Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcombs proposal to require computer science for high school graduation; and Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros plan to assemble toolkits on digital literacy and critical thinking to help students discern fact from fiction.

Student Mental Health

Eleven governors on both sides of the aisle addressed student mental health and youth behavioral concerns, supporting both school and community-based approaches. In Idaho, Little proposed a statewide student behavioral health initiative and doubled funding for school advisers. Reynolds proposed a new youth behavioral health facility. And Evers and Hochul pledged increased funding for school-based mental health services.

Hochul was also among the governors who addressed the impact of social media, pledging to advance legislation to safeguard childrens privacy online and to regulate the algorithms that target them on social media feeds. Lee of Tennessee pledged to mitigate the negative impact of social media on children by enhancing parental involvement, and Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont announced plans to send guidance to local school boards regarding smartphone and social media use in schools.

Higher Education

Governors from across the political spectrum proposed steps to improve college access, starting in high school. The leaders of 17 states announced plans to expand dual high school-college enrollment, lower the cost of associate degrees and increase scholarship opportunities. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed making two years of community college tuition-free for all high school graduates. South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem advocated free tuition for National Guard members at private colleges within the state, building upon last years initiative to extend free tuition at state universities. And in South Carolinas McMaster asked the General Assembly to freeze college tuition for in-state students and increase appropriations to higher-education institutions.

Some governors are rethinking how their states structure and fund higher education, including two that hope to shift to an outcomes-based model. In Pennsylvania, Shapiro announced a Blueprint for Higher Education that would unite state universities and community colleges under a single governance structure, funded through a predictable, transparent, outcomes-based funding system. Oklahomas Stitt similarly wants to shift to an outcomes-based model, urging legislators to stop subsidizing institutions with low enrollment and low graduation rates.

Several governors announced investments in evolving and emerging job markets. Arizonas Hobbs announced plans to expand the states medical schools and open new ones, and Democrat Dan McKee of Rhode Island proposed expanding a cybersecurity program into a full-fledged cybersecurity institution. Not surprisingly, governors are looking to higher education to spearhead work on artificial intelligence. New Yorks Hochul announced the formation of the Empire AI Consortium, a $400 million research and development network of seven public and private universities. New Jersey Democrat Phil Murphy announced a similar initiative  what he called an AI Moonshot.

Workforce Development

Fifteen governors from both sides of the aisle argued that college shouldnt be students only postsecondary option and proposed ways to provide alternative pathways after high school. In at least five states, that work begins in high school. Healey wants to increase investments in innovation pathways that provide high school students with hands-on, skill-based learning. Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin told legislators that all high school students should graduate with both a diploma and a credential setting them up for high-paying jobs. And Missouris Parson proposed allocating $3 million toward expanding youth apprenticeship programs, alongside a $54 million investment in employer-driven education and training.

Some governors want to see specialized high schools focused on career readiness. Alabamas Ivey asked the legislature to prioritize funding the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, a residential high school designed to address the medical fields workforce shortage. The school would offer a unique STEM-focused curriculum, along with hands-on clinical training.

Hobbs wants to double the number of postsecondary apprenticeships in construction and trades such as plumbing, while Shapiro intends to establish a new Career Connect program to link employers with talented youth, creating thousands of internships over the next decade.

This report was produced through a partnership between FutureEd and The 74.

Meghan Gallagher of The 74 developed the interactive maps. FutureEd Research Associate Jingnan Sun contributed to the analysis.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Grass fires in North Shawnee County forced some people to evacuate their homes Sunday.

According to a release from Sheriff Tim Morse with the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, at 1 p.m., Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, as well Kansas Wildlife and Park Officers, assisted the Shawnee County Sherriffs office in evacuating people from their homes near Shawnee County State Lake.

27 News spoke with the Silver Lake Fire Chief, Joe Hawkins, who was on the scene. He says the fire got out of hand quickly.

This is the biggest one Ive seen so far this year, he said, and its probably one of the bigger ones of my career.

He says the fire marshal began investigating immediately and believes the fire started on 78th Street. Hawkins says high winds caused the fire to spread rapidly.

Near as we can tell right now, it burnt about two miles east of Humphrey, all the way over Landon Road, he said. Weve had multiple fire departments out here assisting with this.

Officials do not believe the fire was started intentionally. While the cause is under investigation, according to Hawkins, the fire marshal believes the exhaust of a diesel truck may be the culprit.

Accidental, or not, Hawkins says its a good reminder to make fire safety a priority this time of year.

We try to frown on burning brush because of how long it takes,  he said. This is springtime. You get the windy conditions, and dry it doesnt take much to get going.

He says although there were some vehicles damaged by the fire, fortunately, there were no injuries.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
The Alabama House of Representatives debates a bill to extend criminal and civil immunity to in vitro fertilization providers on Feb. 29, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House approved the measure on a 94-6 vote. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama Legislature crammed 40% of this years session into February.

Thats light speed for the body. At this rate, lawmakers could finish the session in mid- to late April, over a month before the state Constitution would require them to depart.

You might approve. The less time the Legislature sits, the less time they have to pass bad laws. In recent years, the Republican supermajority has turned legislative sessions into bonfires of civil rights and voting access. If it could stop our lawmakers from throwing other freedoms into the flames, Id end the sacrificial ritual early.

But stampeding through the session means lawmakers are pushing through major bills in a frenzy. And with little reflection about the impact or long-term consequences.

Even as were seeing the fruits of another short-term decision.

The Alabama Supreme Courts decision to effectively end IVF treatments in the state depended on a 2018 constitutional amendment, approved by the Legislature the previous year, declaring that the public policy of the state was protecting unborn life.

Ahead of the election on the amendment, supporters downplayed its impact, claiming it was just a statement of values, even as abortion rights groups warned that the measure would have dire consequences should Roe v. Wade fall.

The following year, the Alabama Legislature passed what would become an effective abortion ban in the state, restrained only by Roe v. Wade. Then, in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization.

And in 2024, the far-right justices on the Alabama Supreme Court  citing both the 2018 amendment and Dobbs  decided to close off a method of conception for childless people.

Thats a deeply unpopular decision. So Republicans are trying to fix it. Their approach is to extend civil and criminal immunity to IVF providers. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, who sponsored the 2019 abortion ban, is carrying the House version.

But Collins and other supporters acknowledged it will only be a temporary fix. And it does not address the courts central conclusion that frozen embryos are children, a pretty steep legal barrier to any revival plan.

My mom always said, If you do it right the first time, you wont have to worry about it on the back end, Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said during the House debate on the measure Thursday. And Alabama did not do it right on the front end. And thats why we are paying for what were faced with right now.

But thats not stopping legislators from racing some other dangerous bills through the process.

SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, has passed the Senate and is in position for a vote in the House. It would criminalize certain forms of absentee voting assistance, allegedly because of what supporters call ballot harvesting.

Voter fraud is not an issue in Alabama. As al.com reported, the evidence that it is includes a handful of majority-Black counties voting absentee more than the state (not evidence of a problem, let alone a crime) and a 24-year-old voting fraud conviction (which suggests existing laws can catch actual malfeasance).

Thats a shaky foundation for a brand-new punishment regime. At a minimum, lawmakers would make it harder for people with disabilities to vote. And they could subject people making good faith efforts to help those people vote to criminal punishment.

There are other bills. SB 92, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, and HB 111, from Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, would define men and women by the presence of or potential for particular reproductive cells.

As LGBTQ+ activists note, this could lead transgender people in our violent prisons to get thrown into populations that dont reflect their gender identity or spark harassment of any woman who doesnt conform to traditional gender presentations. And Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, noted it might also run afoul of a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Or how about SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road? That would subject a public employee who teaches a divisive concept or runs a program encouraging people to get along with people of different backgrounds to discipline or termination. Theres a lot of potential to make a teachers life hell if a student finds something disagreeable in the days lesson plan.

All these bills progressed through the Legislature in the last three weeks. All have the potential to make Alabamians lives miserable or dangerous.

And the breakneck pace of the 2024 session makes it more likely that those bills will do those things.

I asked House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter about this on Thursday. Ledbetter said the GOP caucus wanted to get things out there and get them moving pretty quickly. Leaders had planned to slow down this week, he said, until the Alabama Supreme Courts IVF decision came down.

Were they worried about unintended consequences? Well, every time we pass a bill theres unintended consequences, he said. It doesnt matter if were meeting three days a week or five days a week. I mean, thats just part of the process. Substantially, we can correct those issues if they come to be a problem.

Ledbetters right: the Legislature can fix mistakes. But why not be cautious the first time around?

Would slowing the process to a jog lead to better bills? Maybe not. But it would give time for legislators to think things through and alter the bills. Senate Democrats managed to get a series of amendments on SB 129 earlier this month that struck out language that could have inhibited the teaching of slavery in schools and discussions related to DEI topics.

Not great. But not as bad.

Yet lawmakers are moving at a pace that makes less bad untenable for most legislation. It cuts off real consideration of what a new law can do. And it creates the potential for another IVF-style crisis in the state  caused by lawmakers not thinking through the consequences of their actions.

So the great 2024 legislative stampede continues. Its as sudden and perilous as any similar panic. And Alabamians face a real risk of getting trampled.

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The post The Great Goat Hill Stampede of 2024 appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The latest Great Lakes Fishing Decree has taken effect, and its guidelines for certain Great Lakes fisheries in Michigan will be in place for the next 24 years.

The decree was approved Aug. 24, by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and went into effect this week.

Its the third version of the Great Lakes Fishing Decree since 1985and its important to take a look at the updates, officials say.

It is important to review the updated maps within the decree to understand where commercial fishing nets may be located, said Nick Torsky, a supervisor within the Department of Natural Resources. Being careful and vigilant for commercial fishing nets while on the water is critical to public safety.

The 2023 decree includes many updates, including which areas tribal commercial fishers can use, as well as the reporting requirements for the fishing industry, DNR officials said.

Anglers may see nets in locations they are not used to. Commercial fishing nets are marked with staff buoys that extend 4 feet above the surface of the water and have an orange flag that is 16 inches by 16 inches in size. Anglers and boaters who encounter nets should give them a wide berth and not interfere with commercial fishing activity. (Photo/Michigan DNR)

In the 1836 Treaty of Washington, five area tribesthe Bay Mills Indian Community, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indiansreserved fishing rights in certain parts of Michigans Great Lakes waters.

The first fishery management pact, in 1985, arose from tensions between tribal commercial operations and sport anglers. An updated version went into effect in 2000, continuing until this year.

DNR officials say the Great Lakes ecosystem has changed substantially since 2000. Fishing regulations have been amended in response, and patterns within commercial fishery are also likely to change.

Anglers may see nets in locations they are not used to, said Torsky.

Gillnets, which form a wall of netting that hang in the water, are a particularly controversial part of the new fishing decree. Critics say gillnets indiscriminately catch and kill too many fish.

The new decree allows tribes to use the gillnets in more places, restricting the depth of the water, the time of year and how much netting they use.

Expanded gill netting now allowed in bays and other areas of the lakes that havent had them for more than 40 years will cause social and biological consequences, said Tony Radjenovich, president of the Coalition to Protect Michigan Resources.

As part of the 2000 pact, the state spent more than $14 million paying tribal fishing operations to switch from gillnets to the more selective trap nets.

U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney said in his 139-page opinion that, as the updated version of the pact continues with limits on how many fish are caught, the type of net the tribes use shouldnt be relevant.

Whether they meet that harvest limit quickly by using the efficient method of gill nets, or whether they meet that harvest limit over time by using less efficient means of fishing, the tribes are still subject to the same harvest limits regardless of gear used, Judge Maloney said.

You can see the 2023 Fishing Decree here.

CBS News contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Trooper patrol car seen on Highway 69 South on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017.

A Greensboro woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday in Hale County.

Irene W. Watkins, 59, was fatally injured when the 2014 Cadillac XTS she was a passenger in collided head-on with the 2006 International tractor-trailer driven by Emmett L. Dukes, 38, of Selma.

Troopers said Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Cadillac, Jane L. Wallace, 66, of Greensboro, was injured and taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa for treatment.

The crash occurred at around 11:15 a.m. on Alabama Highway 69 near the 113 mile marker, about 3 miles north of Greensboro, in Hale County.

No further information was provided. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Highway Patrol Division are investigating.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Greensboro woman killed in two-vehicle crash in Hale County
On Monday, March 4, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Donald Trump to run for president, ruling that he cannot be unilaterally excluded from the primaries. The court unanimously overturned a Colorado ruling that Trump had lost his right to run for president again due to the organized storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

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This was reported by CNN. It is noted that the Supreme Court ruled the day before Super Tuesday when Colorado and 14 other states and one territory will hold presidential primaries.

"Today, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump should be on the ballot in Colorado," the statement said.

This decision put an end to attempts to prevent Donald Trump from running for president under a constitutional provision that prohibits persons involved in a rebellion from holding office. It was the first time that the Supreme Court considered Trump's involvement in the January 6, 2021, mutiny in the Capitol.

The ruling overturned the Colorado Supreme Court's decision that Trump had lost the right to run for president again because of his attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.

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Thus, the Supreme Court sided with Trump, ruling that a single state does not have the unilateral right to apply the 14th Amendment to disqualify federal candidates.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on December 19, the Supreme Court of the US state of Colorado found former President Donald Trump guilty of inciting an uprising and banned him from participating in the presidential election in the state. This decision was made on the basis of the 3rd part of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, as well as the court verdict of November 18, 2023, in which Trump was found guilty of attempting a coup d'etat and inciting the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Greg Abbott says he doesnt want to be Donald Trumps running mate in the 2024 election, claiming that he can do more to help the Republican frontrunner by remaining governor of Texas.

Abbott was asked about his thoughts on joining Trumps ticket during a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, just days after the former president said Abbott was absolutely on his shortlist of potential running mates. Abbott later downplayed his interest in becoming Trumps potential vice president before flatly rejecting the possibility over the weekend.

Mayorkas Says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Trying to Wreak Havoc on U.S. States

Do you want to be Trumps running mate? Abbott was asked by 60 Minutes. No, the governor replied with a smile. Asked what he would do in the event that Trump asks him to do it, Abbott answered: Listen, I love being governor of Texas. I can best aid him in my role by being a great governor of Texas.

On Thursday, Abbott had sat alongside Trump during a Fox News interview from the border. When host Sean Hannity asked Trump if Abbott would be on the list of possible running mates, Trump said absolutely after calling him a spectacular man whos done a great job. Trump also mentioned his former rival for the GOP nomination, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), when asked about other names on the list.

Obviously its very nice of him to say, Abbott said Friday about Trumps comments, according to The Texas Tribune. But I think you all know that my focus is entirely on the state of Texas.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Theresa Fletcher said she spoke with her son, David Bentley, a day before he was killed by a car in what Portland police say may be an intentional act.

Now, she said she feels like shes living in a nightmare.

Hes a very good son, he was my best friend, Fletcher told KOIN 6 News. I dont have any friends left. My best friends been taken from me.

A cyclist died after a crash where shots were fired in Southeast Portland on Feb. 25, 2024 (KOIN)

The crash around 3 a.m. February 25 happened near SE Belmont and MLK Jr. Boulevard. When police got there they found Bentley next to his bike. Paramedics rushed him to a hospital but he later died from his injuries. He leaves behind 5 children.

PBOT launches 2-week March Madness campaign for pothole repairs

A Portland police affidavit states multiple witnesses saw the suspect, Shane McKeever, argue with the people living at a homeless camp at that spot. One witness told police his friend heard McKeever threaten to run over the camp.

One of Bentleys friends told police he was talking to him at the camp and said the vehicle McKeever was driving hit his friend at 40-50 miles per hour, and didnt stop after dragging Bentley and running over his belongings.

Then, the friend said, McKeever did a 180-degree turn and tried to also run them over but they managed to jump out of the way.

I dont know what his motive was and why he had to take it out on David, Fletcher said. I dont understand.

Investigators believe someone fired shots at the sedan, but police have not yet found the shooter. They also said they didnt find anyone who was shot.

She wants everyone to know how much her son will be missed.

He was very loving, very kind, outgoing, sharing honest, helpful, always helping people constantly, very good natured, she said.

Shane McKeever, right, during his first Multnomah County appearance for manslaughter, February 27, 2024 (KOIN)

She hopes the City of Portland will be able to fix that area so another family doesnt suffer the same tragedy shes going through.

McKeever pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and reckless driving charges. He was previously convicted of fourth-degree domestic violence assault in Linn County and domestic violence menacing in Marion County.

Fletcher said she has to forgive him and hopes McKeever will learn to forgive himself.

I have to forgive him because I want to be forgiven, so I know I have to forgive him, she told KOIN 6 News. I just hope he can forgive himself. My experience  thats the hardest thing to do is forgiving your own self.

She said its not easy.

Im working on that right now. Letting it go and forgiving him. Im praying for them and Im praying for him.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Raymond Martinez was known by his family as a Christian and a handyman who had a knack for fixing things.

A resident of Silver Springs Shores for decades, Martinez was killed in a hit-and-run crash that also injured his friend over the weekend.

Mary Pate Wise, the person accused of driving the vehicle that hit and killed Martinez, has spent several nights in the Marion County Jail. For now, she's expected to spend more time behind bars.

Martinez's family wishes Wise would've stopped, tried to help, or do something to assist their loved one after the crash.

"She should've stayed. She shouldn't have left. She could've explain to the police what happened," Martinez's brother, Edward, and his wife, Ligia, who have been married for 49 years and live in New York, told a Star-Banner reporter during a telephone interview on Monday.

The couple wishes Martinez's friend, Luciano Torres, who was with Martinez when the crash occurred, wasn't with the victim.

"He (referring to Torres) shouldn't have taken him" on their trip to the store that night, Ligia Martinez said.

Court appearance

On Monday Wise made her first court appearance in front of County Judge Tommy Thompson via Zoom from the jail.

Booked into the jail in the early morning hours of March 3, Wise has been charged with hit-and-run/fail to stop remain at crash involving death, hit-and-run/fail to stop remain at crash involve serious bodily injury, and hit-and-run/leave scene of crash involve property damage.

Cpl. Wilson Swartz, a Florida Highway Patrol traffic homicide investigator, had charged Wise with the offenses following the deadly traffic crash late Saturday in Silver Springs Shores.

During the hearing, the judge told Wise, wearing a red and white jail uniform, that if convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison.

Assistant State Attorney Pete Sziklai told the court that Wise's arrest violated her previous bail bond. Sziklai said Wise had been arrested in Sumter County recently for possession of a controlled substance and methamphetamine.

The judge told Wise he was denying bail in this most recent case because of her previous arrest. Looking sad, Wise was appointed the Public Defender's Office for representation. Her next court date will be in April.

Wise's criminal past

From 2002 through 2020, the 40-year-old Silver Springs Shores woman has had multiple interactions with various law enforcement agencies, according to court records. Some of the encounters were for criminal offenses, and others were traffic related.

On the criminal side, Wise has spent time in prison for possession of cocaine. She was released in January 2016.

Her other convictions include dealing in stolen property, domestic violence, violation of domestic violence pre-trial release, and offer to commit prostitution.

Her driving infractions are numerous. They include expired tag six months or less, not having a motor vehicle registration (three times,) driving while license is suspended or revoked and no proof of insurance.

In 2020, adjudication was withheld for not having a valid driver's license

The crash

FHP officials said Torres, 49, of Silver Springs Shores, was riding a tricycle east on Spring Road near Spring Place in the Shores. He was dragging along a shopping cart in which Martinez, 83, was riding. Troopers said there were groceries in the cart, suggesting the two probably were coming back home from Walmart.

Family members said Torres recently came to Martinez's Silver Springs Shores residence. Martinez's family said he (Martinez) has lived at the home since the late 1970s.

Troopers said Wise, driving an older model Chevy Silverado, was traveling in the opposite direction. She struck the bicycle and the shopping cart, then drove off. The crash occurred close to 11 p.m. The intersection is not lit.

A young Raymond Martinez, shown at right, poses with his father in this old family photo.

Martinez was pronounced deceased at the scene at 11:09 p.m., authorities said. Torres was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Sheriff's deputies assisted troopers in searching for the vehicle, which eventually was found at Wise's residence. Interviewed by troopers, she admitted she was driving the truck. She said she thought she had struck a mailbox or some object in the roadway, according to an arrest report.

Troopers said the truck damage isn't consistent with hitting a mailbox. A residential security video that troopers viewed showed Wise's pickup truck stop for a second after impact, then drive away.

She was arrested shortly after 2:05 a.m. Sunday and taken to the jail.

Remembering Martinez

Martinez said his brother could fix anything, mowed lawns, played musical instruments like the guitar and piano in church, was a devoted Jehovah's Witness for many years, and was a friend to anyone.

"He's my brother. We were always together," Martinez said.

Martinez said his brother was the eldest of four brothers and a sister. He said his brother was born in Haiti and moved to the United States in 1962.

Martinez said his brother has three adult children, two daughters and a son. Martinez said Torres called and told the family about the crash.

Hit-and-runs: FHP needs help finding two hit-and-run drivers; sole survivor of SR 40 E crash has died

Martinez said whenever he visits Florida, he cooked and did laundry with his brother.

"I'm going to miss family vacations with him," Martinez said.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Grocery cart occupant killed in hit-and-run crash in the Shores
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Body camera video shows two officers run after a suspect, spot his gun and shout at him to drop it before a shootout on Saturday night.

The suspect remained on the loose Monday, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom said at the start of an afternoon news conference at police headquarters downtown. He urged anyone with information to come forward to Michigan State Police, which is handling the investigation, or Silent Observer.

GRPD: Suspect on the loose after shootout

The shootout started during a traffic stop on S. Division Avenue near Crofton Street at 11:44 p.m. Saturday. Dashboard camera video shows a police cruiser pulling over a car with no license plate.

I do not know at this point in time, because its not my investigation, what the probable cause was for the traffic stop, but as youll see from the in-car camera video, there is no license plate on the vehicle so that would be probable cause and certainly a traffic violation and cause for a stop, Winstrom said.

As soon as the car pulled over, the video shows, a passenger got out of the back of the car on the drivers side of vehicle and ran away. Two officers jumped out of the cruiser and ran after him.

Stop, stop, put your (expletive) hands up! shouted the officer who had been driving.

Hes got a gun, said his partner.

The man ran eastbound into an alley and between houses. Two officers chased him to Horton Avenue near Burton Street.

Drop it! Drop that (expletive) gun, drop the gun! Hes got a gun, hes got a gun. Drop it, dude! the first officer can be heard yelling in bodycam video as he changed the suspect down an alley.

Gunshots can then be heard.

GRPD showed still images from the bodycam video and pointed out an object in the suspects right hand. Police said the man had a semi-automatic handgun that he used to fire multiple rounds at the officers, who were not hit. They returned fire.

From our trained point of view  you can watch it, you can slow it down  you can tell immediately that its the individual, the subject who fires first, probably three times, the officers return fire possibly about eight times, Winstrom said.

Still images from body camera video show a fleeing suspect carrying something believed to be a gun in his hand before a shootout with officers.

Still images from body camera video show a fleeing suspect carrying something believed to be a gun in his hand before a shootout with officers.

He said one or more houses were hit by gunfire, but its not clear by whose bullets. There were no injuries.

When that shooting happened, (the officers) stopped. And they stopped because now they know the individual is attempting to murder them, Winstrom said. Those two officers, they followed their training, they stopped there.

Police then set up a perimeter and used drones and K-9s to try to find the suspect. MSP detectives went door-to-door in the neighborhood asking people for information and surveillance video.

Unfortunately, it doesnt always work out, Winstrom said. How he got away is something that, Im sure well learn eventually.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic or light-skinned Black male wearing a black puffy coat with a hood and khaki pants. Anyone with information about him is asked to call GRPD at 616.456.3400 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

The two other people who had been in the vehicle with the suspect stayed at the scene. Winstrom said he does not know what information they provided to the officers but confirmed neither of them were charged with any crime associated with the situation. The driver was the legal owner of the car, he said.

The two officers involved were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. Both officers had been with GRPD for over five years and are members of the Special Response Team, which requires a significant amount of time in as a patrol officer, Winstrom said. He called them seasoned officers.

The shooting happened in the same area where three people were shot dead within hours and blocks from one another in November  Horton Avenue near Burton Street. The officers were on patrol for gun-related crimes at the time.

This area of the city is important. And thats one of the reasons why our special response team officers are down there ensuring the neighborhoods safety, Winstrom said.

This marks the sixth officer-involved shooting in the two years since Winstrom took over as GRPD chief, he noted.

These two officers came just within inches of losing their life from an individual running from a traffic stop with a firearm. So I want to praise the men and women of the Grand Rapids Police Department for the work that theyre doing, Winstrom said.

He also thanked Michigan State Police for taking over the investigation, which is standard procedure.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Growing up on both sides of the Arizona-Mexico border, Denise Moreno Ramirez got respite from the border town bustle by hiking through sycamore and juniper trees in the mountains near her home. These isolated mountains  known as the Sky Islands  provide a crucial habitat for native plants and animals, but also played a special role in Moreno Ramirezs family history: like many in the area with Indigenous Yaqui or Mayo origins, her ancestors once mined the mountains for precious metals.

Moreno Ramirezs great-grandfather, Alberto Moreno, dug for copper when he first came to Arizona from Mexico in the early 1900s. He found that the mining industry powered the state economy and put food on his table; eventually his son  Moreno Ramirezs grandfather  followed suit and worked in the mines, too.

So Moreno Ramirez wasnt surprised when she heard an Australian mining company, South32, planned to open a manganese, zinc, lead and silver operation in the same area where her family had worked.

We from the US-Mexico border are used to this, she said, describing how the region, brimming with biodiversity, attracts the boom and bust of extractive industries.

The Patagonia mountains are the heart of the Sky Islands. If those mountains go, a lot of other things are going to go Moreno Ramirez of the University of Arizona

But this latest proposed mine was alarming, she said, because Biden is fast-tracking it in the name of the energy transition  potentially compromising the mountains delicate ecosystems, many of which have begun to be restored as mines have shut down. The Patagonia mountains are the heart of the Sky Islands. If those mountains go, a lot of other things are going to go, period, said Moreno Ramirez, an environmental scientist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arizona.



A growing network of Arizona residents say that allowing the mine to proceed as planned could introduce a grave new layer of environmental injustices.

The grasslands, woodlands, swamps and prairies of south-east Arizonas Sky Islands are home to more than 100 species of large mammals: the greatest number north of Mexico. Residents from the borderlands area have long dealt with the health impacts of pollution linked with earlier industrial activity, including mining  from lupus to cancer. And in spite of it all, they have managed to preserve a patch of one of the most biodiverse, and imperiled, ecosystems in the world.

Biodiversity is the foundation of a lot of our health. The western perspective has made it so that were very disconnected from that reality, said Moreno Ramirez. But the fact is that we do not have technological tools that will compensate.

No existing standards

The lithium boom has received the bulk of attention amid calls to electrify everything  but another mineral, manganese, has been earmarked by the US as a critical element to ramp up the production of electric vehicle batteries.

Manganese hasnt been mined in the US since 1973. Amid an expected surge in new demand, the mine proposed in south-east Arizona appears to be the crown jewel in the Biden administrations ambitions to introduce domestic supply of the mineral, which is abundant in the US south-west. The project received expedited status under Fast-41, a 2015 program that coordinates the environmental review process for infrastructure investments over $200m, many of them clean energy projects.

But experts say state and federal environmental standards around manganese are lagging. Overexposure to the chemical when airborne can cause Parkinsons-like symptoms: from tremors and stiffness to depression. Air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do not include any limit for manganese, though the agency suggests that adverse health effects may begin at 0.05mg per cubic meter. The state of Arizona has no legal standard either.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) sets the limit at 5mg per cubic meter, recommending that workers not exceed 3mg per cubic meter during any five-minute work period. But a study led by Brad Racette, a leading researcher on clinical manganese exposure, suggests manganese can cause adverse health effects at exponentially lower levels.

We do not know the level at which manganese exposure is safe Researcher Brad Racette

When Racettes team studied more than 600 residents living adjacent to a manganese smelter in South Africa, they found Parkinsons-like motor symptoms in residents living with 0.00075-0.0026mg per cubic meter of ambient manganese.

Since we do not know the level at which manganese exposure is safe, it is critical that every effort be made to keep occupational and environmental exposures as low as possible, Racette said, noting that his primary concerns over the south-east Arizona mine is the safety of workers and unexpected aquifer contamination.

There are other risks associated with mining in this region of Arizona, according to experts. Extraction can liberate additional neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting metals such as lead and zinc, which are both embedded in the deposits South32 is seeking to mine, said C Loren Buck, a biology professor at Northern Arizona University.

Bucks research shows that manganese and other toxic metal dust can travel in the air for at least a radius of 20km (12.5 miles), affecting people and wildlife in that vicinity.

A spokesperson for South32 said the company uses conservative occupational exposure standards and community guidance values for manganese, though they did not further specify which standard.

South32 is the largest producer of manganese globally, with mines in South Africa and Australia. There is no specific mention of manganese dust limits in the 185-page draft air-quality permit South32 submitted, which has residents worried. A representative of the Arizona department of environmental quality noted that while there is no manganese standard to apply in the permit, any manganese air emissions from the South32 facility will be entrained in particulate matter for which the draft permit does include requirements.

Like Racette, Moreno Ramirez worries about workers in her home town. She says the South32 mining and processing jobs are likely to be appealing, especially to working-class people. She characterizes the current opportunities for those without a college education as: produce, police or border patrol. Her research on exposure at Arizona superfund sites suggests that, as with prior environmental injustices, disparities in mining-related exposure in Santa Cruz county are slated to occur disproportionately along race and class lines.



The workers that are actually doing the hard mining who are more than likely to have impacts to their health are more than likely going to be the people in my community, she said.

Dewatering the mountain

Residents like Carolyn Schafer are also worried about the mine further polluting the regions streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers. Schafer has been working with the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance (Para), an Arizona-based environmental watchdog, for over a decade.

You wonder where all [the water] is gonna go, and whats going to happen to the mountain Robert Proctor of Friends of Sonoita Creek

The communities around the proposed manganese mine are already at an elevated risk of exposure to downstream water pollution. According to the EPAs environmental justice screening tool, census tracts in the surrounding 12 miles (20km) are in the 40th to 89th percentile for wastewater discharge.



Conservationists say they worry that South32 is seeking to use water irresponsibly amid long-term drought. According to a draft permit, the company would discharge up to 6.48m gallons (24.5m liters) a day of treated mine drainage water, tailings seepage, groundwater, core cutting water, drilling water, and stormwater into Harshaw Creek, in the Santa Cruz watershed.

Pumping out groundwater to clear the way for extraction, known as dewatering, is of concern given Arizonas overall susceptibility to the impacts of the climate crisis.

While much of Arizona is arid and deals with crippling drought, the Patagonia mountains are lush with vegetation that rely on underground sources. Dewatering is likely to worsen extremities: the dramatic absence of water in some places, and excess in others, said Robert Proctor, director of the local conservation group Friends of Sonoita Creek.

You wonder where all [the water] is gonna go, and whats going to happen to the mountain, Proctor said, noting that the creeks he used to play in here have all dried up since he was a child. Its a mess.



Grassroots groups, including Para, are pursuing legal actions, including appealing two water permits issued by the Arizona department of environmental quality, one of which allows the company to discharge into a stream already found by the agency itself to be impaired with metals, including lead. They have also sued the US Forest Service for failing to take into account the cumulative effects of South32s exploratory drilling at another nearby site, including the impact that proposed 24/7 activity would have on endangered species such as jaguars and ocelots.

If youre going to force mining on us in what is a global biodiversity hotspot, it must also be mitigated to the highest science possible and monitored on an ongoing basis, said Schafer.

A moment to restructure?

Alida Cantor is an associate professor of geography at Portland State University who studies emerging conflicts over decarbonization. She said that communities should have the right to reject a project they deem too harmful.



Cantor argues there is much room for energy transition projects to be completed equitably, such as through community ownership and rigorous community benefit agreements. The energy transition is also a moment to restructure, she said, including through policies that expand public transit and decrease dependence on private vehicles, rather than encourage the one-to-one replacement of gas-powered cars with electric ones. Modeling has shown such alternatives to hold great potential to lower the demand for critical minerals.



We need to rethink this dynamic  we cant just keep sacrificing local communities in the name of energy security or decarbonization, Cantor said.

The South32 proposal, as the first mining project to be granted Fast-41 approval, will in many ways set a precedent for energy transition projects. Advocates remain hopeful that such development can occur at the speed and scale needed to address the climate crisis, without creating other outsized social and environmental problems along the way. But much remains to be seen in Arizona; last month, South32 announced an investment of over $2bn into the development of the zinc-lead-silver deposit in the Patagonia mountains, signaling at least part of the companys plans are moving forward.



We are the guinea pigs in the whole country on this, Schafer said.
U.S. Border Patrol agents ride ATVs across land owned by National Enterprises Inc. on Sept. 25, 2007. The undeveloped land butts up against the U.S.-Mexico border fence east of the Otay Mesa, Calif., port of entry. Border patrol agents engaged in a gun battle with a robbery crew early Sunday. (Los Angeles Times)

One person was killed near the U.S.-Mexico border in remote San Diego County early Sunday, in what one border agent described as an exchange of gunfire involving U.S. border agents and a crew aiming to rob migrants.

The shooting involved a special operations team for the U.S. Border Patrol and what the federal agency called an armed individual, who died at the scene. The person who died was not identified. A statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not say if anyone else was wounded, and a spokesperson did not respond to questions about any further injuries.

It wasn't immediately clear who or how many people fired weapons, but Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, described the incident on Fox News as a "gun battle." The shooting occurred about 7 a.m. Sunday in a remote area east of the Otay Mesa port of entry, according to a statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Read more: Migrants struggle against the elements in San Diego's open-air desert camps

The statement provided few other details, except that multiple agencies responded to the scene to investigate the shooting, including the FBI, the Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility, the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of the Inspector General and the San Diego Sheriffs Department.

But Judd, who leads the union that represents thousands of border agents, compared the situation to the 2010 shootout that killed border patrol agent Brian Terry. He called Sunday's incident a clash between federal agents and a heavily armed group, known as a"rip crew," which look to rob migrants. He said these robbery crews have recently become more brazen in their attacks, which is why the special operations team had been in the area.

They're doing it right in front of our cameras," Judd said in the Fox News interview. "Weve had several incidents where rip crews have been robbing and stealing from migrants right in front of the camera.

Another border patrol official recently shared photos on social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, from border patrol cameras near Chula Vista, which he said showed "armed bandits robbing several groups as they attempted to enter the country illegally."

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to questions about Judd's characterization of the incident.

The situation at the border has become an increasingly critical issue for the 2024 presidential election, as the number of people illegally crossing into the U.S. continues to soar, overtaxing the nation's immigration system, as well as cities and state across the nation.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Protests against Prime Minister Ariel Henry have been mounting in recent weeks

Thousands of prisoners on the loose after gangs stormed the jails they were in, a government without a single elected official and a gang leader who openly threatens the prime minister.

The scenes unfolding in Haiti are shocking even to those who have been following the seemingly unstoppable rise of armed groups in the country in recent years.

Here we take a closer look at how gangs have come to dominate huge swathes of the capital and, increasingly, of rural areas of this Caribbean country.

Short presentational grey line

Armed groups have long played a bloody role in Haiti's history.

During the 29 years of the dictatorship of Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, and his son Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, a paramilitary force called the Tonton Macoutes used extreme violence to stamp out any opposition to the Duvalier regime.

The younger Duvalier was forced into exile in 1986, but gangs have continued to exert varying degrees of power, sometimes shielded and encouraged by the politicians with whom they forged alliances.

The most recent widespread outbreak of gang violence has been fuelled by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on 7 July 2021.

Jovenel Moise was shot dead in July 2021

The president was shot dead by a group of Colombian mercenaries at his home outside of Port-au-Prince after he had started denouncing "dark forces" inside Haiti.

While the Colombians and a number of other suspects have been arrested, an investigation into his killing has still not determined who ordered the president's assassination.

Gang violence had already been rampant under President Moise, but the power vacuum created by his murder allowed these gangs to seize more territory and become more influential.

And it is not just the position of president which is vacant.

Following repeated delays to hold legislative elections, the terms of all elected official have run out, leaving the country's institutions rudderless.

Since Jovenel Moise's murder, the country has been governed by Ariel Henry.

Mr Henry had been designated by President Moise as his prime minister shortly before he was killed, but he is unelected and some therefore question his legitimacy.

Ariel Henry has been serving as prime minister since 2021 - the post of president has remained vacant

Opposition to Ariel Henry's leadership has been increasing as the elections he promised to hold have failed to materialise.

Moreover, insecurity has spiralled, forcing hundreds of thousands of Haitians to flee their homes.

One of the most outspoken rivals of Mr Henry is Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer who became a gang leader after he was fired from the police force.

Also known by his nickname of Barbecue, the ex-cop leads G9, an alliance of nine gangs founded in 2020 which reportedly has links to late President Moise's Tet Kale Party.

Barbecue has opposed Prime Minister Henry from the start.

The gang leader used Moise's assassination, which he blamed on the "stinking bourgeoisie", to encourage his followers to engage in what he called "legitimate violence".

Brutal attacks and looting spread, especially in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where Barbecue has his power base.

In October 2021, Ariel Henry was prevented from laying a wreath at a monument, when heavily armed members of Jimmy Cherizier's gang suddenly showed up and fired shots into the air.

Dressed in a pristine white suit and flanked by his men, the gang leader then proceeded to lay a wreath at the monument - an extraordinary show of force.

His G9 gang has also been fighting a bloody war with G-Pep, a rival gang which is reportedly linked to the parties who opposed murdered President Moise.

Shootouts and battles over territory between the two groups are common and have spilled over from the poorer neighbourhoods into the centre of Port-au-Prince.

Schools and hospitals have had to close and more than 100,000 people fled their homes in 2023, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The International Committee of the Red Cross told the BBC its staff had to talk to hundreds of gangs in order to be able to deliver humanitarian aid.

In a further flexing of its muscles, the G9 gang also blocked access to the Varreux fuel terminal in 2022, causing fuel shortages and hampering other key deliveries, such as medicines and drinking water.

Haiti's national police force - which according to 2023 figures only has 9,000 active-duty officers in the country of 11 million inhabitants - has struggled to confront the gangs, which are well armed with high-powered weapons smuggled in from the US.

Eighty percent of the capital is now estimated to be under gang control and the people living in these areas face "inhuman" levels of violence, according to the United Nations' humanitarian co-ordinator, Ulrika Richardson.

Ms Richardson said that there had been a 50% increase in sexual violence between 2022 and 2023 with women and young girls in particular targeted by the gangs.

Mr Henry has repeatedly called for international support to combat the violence, but so far only The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados and Chad have formally told the UN that they plan to send security personnel.

But none have arrived so far.

During this latest spike in violence, Mr Henry went to Kenya to lobby officials there to make good on their promise to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti.

While Haitian civilians are desperate for more security, the deployment of foreign security personnel is viewed with concern by some.

Haiti, which became independent from France after the successful 1791 slave revolt, was occupied by the US from 1915 to 1934. Subsequent US military interventions between 1994 and 2004 have also made many wary of outside "meddling".

Some critics of Mr Henry fear he wants to use the Kenyan police force to prop up his power, just as protests calling for his resignation are mounting.

Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier is one of those who has accused Ariel Henry of trying to cement his power by inviting in foreign security personnel.

Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier is a gang leader who likes to style himself as a revolutionary

In 2022, the gang leader put forward his own plan for "peace", suggesting members of his gang be offered an amnesty and a "council of sages" be created with representatives from Haiti's 10 regions.

At the time he also suggested that his gang be given posts in the cabinet.

Since then, he has been ratcheting up the pressure, trying to present himself as a "revolutionary" who aims to overthrow what he says is an "illegitimate" leader.

On 1 March, Cherizier said he would "keep fighting Ariel Henry".

"The battle will last as long as it needs to," he added.

It is not currently clear where Mr Henry is, but with thousands of prisoners on the run and the powerful leader of the G9 openly calling for him to step down, the odds of the prime minister quickly re-stablishing order have just become more remote.
Haitis beleaguered police made a desperate plea for all officers with a weapon and a car to join the war against heavily armed gangs running riot across the capital Port-au-Prince following a mass jailbreak.

Bodies lay in the streets across various neighbourhoods on Monday as criminals and security forces engaged in ferocious shootouts  while residents cowered in their homes.

In a frantic message, one of the countrys police unions called on all officers with firearms or vehicles to immediately report for duty beside the military to stop the assault on the countrys largest prison.

It warned that if the inmates escaped, no one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra criminals on the streets.

The post added: Stick together, stick together, stick together, together we can avoid the disaster. Never forget, the best way to defend is to attack and attack well!

Yet despite the unions plea, gang members wielding machine guns and machetes successfully stormed the jail on Saturday night and freed almost all of its 3,600 inmates.

There were violent scenes during anti-government protests before the mass prison break - RALPH TEDY EROL/REUTERS

The police now face difficult odds to restore order. There are just 9,000 officers in a population of 11 million. Meanwhile, the criminals already control an estimated 80 per cent of the capital.

The handful of prisoners who remained inside the ramshackle jail included 18 Colombian mercenaries accused of the 2021 assassination of president Jovenel Moise, which plunged Haiti into its current downward spiral.

One of those Colombians, Francisco Uribe, pleaded to be saved on social media over the weekend, warning that the gangs were massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.

Police take cover during an anti-gang operation in Port-au-Prince - Odelyn Joseph/AP

Last month, prosecutors charged several people, including a former prime minister and Moises widow Martine, over his killing, although the alleged motive remains unclear.

The current uprising is being led by a warlord and former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, nicknamed Barbecue after he once allegedly burnt down an entire block of shanties while its residents were still inside.

He is trying to head off a UN peacekeeping force from intervening in Haiti, the Americas poorest nation, which has had a troubled history since 1804, when a slave uprising won independence from Napoleons forces.

A police officer points his gun as he confronts gang members on Friday - RALPH TEDY EROL/REUTERS

Ariel Henry, the countrys embattled prime minister, who postponed elections originally planned for February, is currently in Kenya negotiating the details of the UN intervention.

The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad have all agreed to send troops.

Cherizier is now targeting the capitals airport in an attempt to stop Mr Henry from returning to Haiti.

Around 200 gangs operate in the country, according to a report published last month by the Global Initiative against Transnational Crime, a Geneva-based think tank.

Some are well-structured, well-armed and operationally competent, it warned, and fund themselves through a mix of extortion, robbery, kidnapping, contraband and drug-running.

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Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley notched her first victory of the 2024 primary campaign, besting former President Trump in Washington, D.C.

Haley won the contest with nearly 63% of the vote, according to an Associated Press call of the race about 90 minutes after polls closed Sunday. The results mean the former South Carolina governor will walk away with 19 delegates.

Sunday's primary had a lower turnout than in 2016. The tally now stands at 244 for Trump and 43 for Haley.

Washington, D.C., represented Haley's possible best shot at notching a victory and ending Trump's undefeated primary streak. While Trump won the district in an uncontested 2020 primary, he finished a distant third behind Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich during the 2016 primary. The district also leans heavily Democrat, with President Biden garnering 92% of the Washington, D.C., vote in the 2020 election.

TRUMP WINS MICHIGAN GOP PRIMARY, BRINGING HIM STEP CLOSER TO SECURING REPUBLICAN NOMINATION

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Trump

Trump has so far made easy work of this year's GOP primary, notching victories in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Virgin Islands, South Carolina and Michigan. The seemingly easy stream of wins has solidified the former president's front-runner status in the race, with the campaign telling Fox News Digital ahead of the results that they have already begun to look forward to the general election.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Republican voters have delivered resounding wins for President Trump in every single primary contest and this race is over," a spokesperson for the campaign said. "Our focus is now on Joe Biden and the general election."

Former President Trump

DC PRIMARY REPRESENTS HALEY'S BEST CHANCE YET TO BEAT TRUMP

The former president held a commanding lead ahead of the Washington, D.C., primary with 10 times as many delegates as Haley before his first loss on Sunday. Trump maintains his strong lead going into the most important week on the primary calendar despite Haley gaining 19 delegates with her victory in the nation's capital.

The former South Carolina governor is the only other contender in the field, vowing to stay in the race despite a recent loss in her home state of South Carolina.

The Haley campaign looks to carry the momentum to Monday's contest in North Dakota, where 29 delegates are up for grabs, and this week's Super Tuesday, when voters in 15 states head to the polls to determine who gets a share of 865 total delegates. Haley has invested heavily in Super Tuesday; last week, her campaign announced a seven-figure ad buy in various states set to vote that day.

The magic number toward securing the GOP nomination is 1,215 delegates, meaning no candidate can become the presumptive nominee after the upcoming week's primaries are over.





Original article source: Haley ends Trump's undefeated run with victory in DC primary
(Bloomberg) -- Nikki Haley won the Republican primary in the District of Columbia Sunday, giving her the first victory in the nominating contests of 2024 and slowing Donald Trumps march to the Republican nomination.

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Haley won the district 63% to 33%, according to the Associated Press.

In winning the 19 delegates from the nations capital, Trumps former ambassador to the United Nations nearly doubled her voting strength at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. But her 43 delegates still trail the former president, who won the first nine contests and has amassed 244 delegates.

North Dakota will vote on Monday before the 15-state Super Tuesday contests the next day that will award 36% of all Republican delegates. Those states are mostly favorable to Trump, with winner-take-all contests likely to allow him to amass delegates quickly.

Washington is the most Democratic jurisdiction in the country, with only 23,000 registered Republicans in the city. Only about 2,000 of them voted in a primary conducted over two days at a single polling location.

Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos, Haley spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement. She noted that Haley became the first woman in history to win a Republican presidential primary.

The Trump campaign quickly dismissed Haleys victory in Washington.

While Nikki has been soundly rejected throughout the rest of America, she was just crowned Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo, said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

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Nikki Haleys balancing act over the issue of January 6 and the 2020 election continued on Sunday as she appeared on NBCs Meet the Press and faced questions about the attack on the Capitol from Kristin Welker.

Ms Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations under Mr Trumps presidency, drove a careful edge between opposing Mr Trumps actions before and during the riot as she warned that the former president would have to answer in court for his actions. She took no position on whether the former president was guilty of a crime for not calling off the mob after rioters began attacking and injuring police on the grounds of the Capitol, only calling it questionable and stating that the courts would decide the answer.

Im not a lawyer, she insisted, after explaining: I think he should have said something earlier. I think he should have stopped it when it started.

I am telling you: Having the rally was not a crime. To turn around and not stop people from breaking the law, when he had the opportunity to do that, is questionable. And thats what I think the courts are going to have to play with.

The former governor added that her opponent will have to answer for allegedly condoning lawlessness on the day of the attack. Ms Haley has also indicated, however, that Mr Trump would receive a presidential pardon for his actions were she to reach the White House, meaning that any potential punishment for his actions at the federal level would not be levied.

WATCH: @NikkiHaley wont say if former President Trump is morally responsible for January 6th but says he should have stopped it when it started.



Having the rally was not a crime. To turn around and not stop people from breaking the law  is questionable. pic.twitter.com/4bmxtzbWd9  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 3, 2024

Ms Haleys attacks on her primary opponent have sharpened considerably in recent weeks, but she remains well behind the former president in both polling and delegates to the July Republican convention in Milwaukee. That gap between the two rivals could widen considerably on Tuesday when more than a third of all delegates in the contest are up for grabs in 15 states and one territory.

She is hoping to pick off a few states from Mr Trump in the upcoming Super Tuesday contest this week, including Utah and Virginia, though even that will be a challenge and will likely result in her campaign watching larger states such as Texas and California go to her opponent.

Ms Haleys path to the nomination remains unclear absent something forcing Mr Trump out of the race, such as the mounting costs of his various legal issues. So far, that remains a minuscule possibility. So far, she has retained a sizable enough contingent of Republicans, independents and even conservative Democrats supporting her bid to keep going, though she has yet to display any notable momentum and will soon run a real risk of being mathematically eliminated.

Washington DCs Republican primary results are expected Sunday evening, with voting occurring throughout the day. Ms Haley is expected to be competitive in the District of Columbia, though there is a sizable contingent of Trump supporters in the city and surrounding suburbs as well.
Nikki Haley will win the Washington, D.C., Republican presidential primary, netting her first victory of the GOP nominating process, Decision Desk HQ projects.

Haley garnered 1,274 votes to former President Trumps 676 with all precincts reporting, according to DDHQ.

The win for the former United Nations ambassador breaks a streak of more than a half dozen victories for Trump to start out the GOP contests for the nomination. Its a much-needed triumph for Haley to show she can top Trump somewhere, but she still has a long road ahead of her.

She has pledged to stay in the race at least through Super Tuesday this week, when more than a dozen states will vote. But she was not able to win any of the early-voting states in January and February, and no upcoming state obviously jumps out as a clear opportunity for her to win.

Still, the win in the winner-take-all D.C. primary will give her all of its 19 delegates. Voting in the District took place across three days from Friday to Sunday.

Trump still has an early lead in delegates attained that will likely grow significantly on Tuesday with the additional states voting. Candidates need at least 1,215 delegates to mathematically clinch the Republican nomination.

The Democratic primary in D.C. will take place in June.

Updated 8:49 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris called for a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas as talks drag on over a deal to release hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attacks.

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US officials said on Saturday that Israel had essentially agreed to a six-week cease-fire if Hamas hands over hostages categorized as vulnerable. Hamas said its delegates were traveling to Cairo to outline the groups position on the talks, though a senior Israeli official said the country wont send a delegation unless it gets certain information from the group.

Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war cabinet, is expected to travel to the White House on Monday to discuss the path ahead.

The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated, Harris said Sunday in Selma, Alabama, adding that too many Palestinian civilians have been caught up in the conflict. Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.

The Biden administration has faced increasing political pressure to step in. US and Jordanian forces airdropped about 38,000 meals on Saturday, with further airdrops planned, following an outbreak of violence last week in which hungry Palestinians were killed near an aid convoy in northern Gaza. Israels military said its reviewing the incident after accounts that its forces fired on people trying to reach the aid trucks. Israel said most victims died in a stampede for the assistance.

A cease-fire has been a priority for Palestinian-Americans and progressives who have condemned the killings of civilians in Gaza. Roughly 100,000 voters, or more than 13%, turned in uncommitted primary ballots in Michigan after calls by activists. Protesters almost penetrated the security perimeter around the presidents motorcade in San Francisco last month.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. About 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, and another 250 were kidnapped. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union.

Hamas claims it wants a cease-fire. Well, there is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal, Harris said.

The US vice president is due to meet with Gantz at the White House on Monday, according to a White House official. Gantz is also set to meet with Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove.

(Updates with Benny Gantz visit to Washington.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Vice President Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war Sunday, doubling down on pressure from the Biden administration as negotiations continue for a six-week pause in fighting.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire at least for the next six weeks, which is currently on the table, she said in a speech in Selma, Ala.

President Biden has urged the Israeli government to agree to a six-week cease-fire for weeks, amid tense negotiations with Hamas.

The Israeli government agreed to the framework of a proposed six-week cease-fire Saturday, The Associated Press reported, a sign of progress in negotiations.

Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war Cabinet, at the White House on Monday to discuss the cease-fire deal and humanitarian aid, The New York Times reported.

The scheduled meeting reportedly draws the ire of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not authorize the trip, according to The Times of Israel.

The vice president also pressed the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza in the speech, calling the situation in the war-torn region a humanitarian catastrophe.

What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating, she said. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal food. Women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

She added that there are no excuses for Israel not to increase aid deliveries in Gaza.

The Biden administration has turned up criticism of Israel in recent weeks over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, especially after the killing of more than 100 civilians attempting to receive aid on Thursday.

Biden has faced growing pressure from Democrats to call for a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas as the situation in Gaza worsens, and the Palestinian death toll from Israels attacks climbs above 30,000.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, praised Harriss statement Sunday but urged the Biden administration to follow it up with policy.

The VP has called for an immediate ceasefire, and urgent aid into Gaza, Jayapal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now lets back it up with policy shift.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rania Abu Anza's twins, a boy and a girl, were conceived after she spent more than a decade and three rounds of fertility treatments trying to become a mother. At just six months old, they were both killed Saturday, along with at least 14 other members of the Abu Anza family, in an Israeli strike on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"What did these babies do," the bereaved mother asked, holding her babies' bodies. "What are you doing? Just watching us die?"

After nearly five months of a war that has killed some 30,000 people in Gaza, according to its Hamas-run Health Ministry, the Biden administration issued its fiercest criticism of the conflict to date Sunday, with Vice President Kamala Harris labeling the situation in the Gaza Strip a "humanitarian catastrophe" and calling for an "immediate cease-fire."

"People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act," Harris said at an event commemorating "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama, where state troopers beat civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge nearly 60 years ago.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Selma, Alabama, March 3, 2024. / Credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty

Harris called for the Israeli government to do more to increase the flow of aid to Gaza to ease the suffering there, adding that there could be "no excuses."

She said the threat that Hamas poses to the people of Israel "must be eliminated," but added that, "given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table."

The U.S. conducted its first airdrops of food aid into Gaza on Saturday, one day before a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for continued cease-fire talks. A U.S. official said Israel had agreed on the framework for a truce deal, but Israeli media reported that the country's government then boycotted the talks on Sunday because Hamas had rejected its demand for a complete list of hostages who are still alive.

"Hamas claims it wants a cease-fire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," Harris said in Selma on Sunday. "Let's get a cease-fire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim told CBS News partner network BBC News that the group was unable to compile a complete list of surviving hostages.

"Practically, it is impossible to know who is still alive," Naim said. There are still believed to be about 130 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Hamas seized about 240 people as hostages during its Oct. 7 terror attack, which sparked the ongoing war, but it is not believed to have retained control over all of them during the conflict. About 100 of the hostages were released during a previous short-term truce in November.

The Biden administration has repeatedly said a cease-fire deal is close, and the White House has been pushing to have it in place by the start of Ramadan on March 10.

Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz was in Washington on Monday, meanwhile, to meet with Harris, where the U.S. vice president was expected to deliver a similarly forceful message.

Pressure for a cease-fire and hostage release deal has also been intensifying across Israel.

The families of those still being held in Gaza, along with supporters, marched in Jerusalem this weekend demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu agree to an immediate truce with Hamas.

Among them was Shay Dickman, who wants her cousin Carmel freed.

"I really want to hope that [Netanyahu] puts people's lives in first priority," ahead of the war, Dickman told CBS News.

CBS News correspondent Imtiaz Tyab contributed to this report.

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(KRON)  A criminal investigation has been launched in connection to a protest at University of California, Berkeley last week at an event featuring a speaker from Israel. In a statement published Monday to the schools public affairs page, university leaders slammed the protest as unacceptable.

According to the statement, which was attributed to UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ben Hermalin, two Jewish students who organized the event were subjected to overtly antisemitic expression.

Manager of San Francisco Giants institutes new policy for players during national anthem

The UC Berkeley Police Department is investigating those incidents as hate crimes. There are also allegations of physical battery against the students, according to the statement. Campus police are investigating other reports of illegal conduct, including an additional allegation of physical battery.

The investigation has identified one criminal suspect who campus leaders say was trespassing. Additionally, the universitys Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination has opened a separate discrimination investigation.

The incident in question took place last Monday, Feb. 26. A speaker from Israel had been invited to speak by student organizations. Before the event started, a crowd of 200 protesters surrounded the building.

According to the university, doors were broken open and protesters gained unauthorized entry to the building. The event was subsequently canceled and the building was evacuated to protect the speaker and members of the audience, school officials said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini says his agency's ability to continue its work is 'seriously threatened' after several countries froze funding (Fabrice COFFRINI)

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees is set to defend his organization's work Monday at the General Assembly, after crippling backlash over accusations some employees were involved in Hamas's surprise October 7 attack on Israel.

Philippe Lazzarini warned in a letter to the General Assembly's president that the UNRWA is at a "breaking point" as donors freeze funding, Israel exerts pressure to dismantle the agency and humanitarian needs soar.

The UNRWA's ability to carry out its mandate is "seriously threatened," Lazzarini said, urging member states to "provide the political support necessary to sustain" the agency.

The organization has been at the center of controversy since Israel accused about a dozen of its employees of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in some 1,160 deaths, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Israel's retaliatory offensive on the besieged Palestinian territory has killed more than 30,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.

Lazzarini has said that Israel has provided no evidence against his former employees.

But several countries -- including the United States, Britain, Germany and Japan -- suspended funding to the UNRWA following the Israeli allegations.

The total frozen amounts to $450 million -- the equivalent of more than half the funds UNRWA received in 2023.

The United Nations fired the employees accused by Israel and has begun an internal probe.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also tasked an independent panel with assessing whether UNRWA acts in a neutral fashion in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The European Commission, recognizing steps taken by the UN and its refugee agency, said Friday it would release 50 million euros ($54 million) in UNRWA funding.

The United States -- the top contributor to the chronically underfinanced agency -- was among the first countries to suspend aid. It diverted some funds to other UN operations.

But Guterres has insisted no other agency has the capacity to replace UNRWA which, in addition to providing humanitarian aid, manages schools and hospitals.

Yemeni Ambassador Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi implored donors on behalf of the Arab Group to resume financing ahead of Monday's General Assembly meeting, as "two million people are completely reliant on UNRWA services," he said.

NGOs including Save the Children and Action Against Hunger made the same point in a joint statement, warning of the "complete collapse" of the humanitarian response in Gaza, where food and water shortages are widespread.

But Israel held firm on its accusations, with its UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan insisting Monday that the agency "has always been part of the problem, and never part of the solution."

"UNRWA, with international financing -- your financing -- is grooming Palestinian children into terrorists," he said, again calling for its defunding.

The UNRWA employs some 30,000 people in the occupied territories, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria -- with some 13,000 staff in the Gaza Strip.

abd/bbk/des/caw/mlm
The levels of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS in tested North Kent County residents' blood are higher than national averages  and the more unfiltered well water they drank contaminated with the nonstick compounds, the higher their blood contamination, the results of a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services exposure assessment found.

The findings, released by the state health department late Friday, confirm what many who live near a PFAS-using Rockford shoe manufacturer long suspected  that their PFAS-contaminated drinking water wells contributed to them having excessive PFAS exposures in their bodies. But the larger question they still hope is addressed  whether their exposures have led to increased cancer or other PFAS-connected illnesses  has not yet been answered by public health officials.

"I probably could have saved the state thousands of dollars and said we're going to be higher (in PFAS contamination) than anybody else. But I guess it's what you have to do when you are doing research," said Sandy Wynn-Stelt, a Belmont resident whose home was across the street from a former Wolverine Worldwide Inc. landfill. The Rockford-based shoe manufacturer used PFAS compounds for many years for their water-resistant qualities.Wynn-Stelt and her husband, Joel, moved into their House Street home in 1992, unaware that the picturesque Christmas tree farm across the road used to be a landfill where Wolverine dumped its PFAS-laden industrial sludges.

Joel died of liver cancer in March 2016, only a few weeks after being diagnosed.

Sandy Wynn-Stelt, of Belmont, stands in her home on Monday, March 11, 2019. Wynn-Stelt lives across the street from the former House Street landfill, where Wolverine Worldwide dumped its PFAS-containing waste for decades. The DEQ informed her in 2017 that her well water had PFAS contamination as high as 78,000 parts per trillion. She has sky-high levels in her blood and her husband died of cancer over the past few years, leaving her wondering whether it's related.

In 2017, Wynn-Stelt learned from health officials testing her residential well that it contained PFAS levels up to 76,000 parts per trillion. Wynn-Stelt's blood concentrations for the compounds were at one point 750 times that of the average American.

Low concentrations may carry health implications

State health department spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said the agency is conducting more studies to research health outcomes that may be linked to the high PFAS levels in drinking water found in the Belmont and Rockford area of northern Kent County and several locations near Kalamazoo, including Cooper Township, the city of Parchment and Richland.

Wynn-Stelt welcomed that news.

"If we only did this to find out we have more PFAS in our blood, I want my money back," she said.

Public health officials initiated the North Kent County Exposure Assessment following a 2016 finding of PFAS in some North Kent County residents' residential wells of up to 50,000 parts per trillion or more, in areas near former known Wolverine waste disposal sites.

A sign posted on a fence around the former House Street landfill in Belmont warning of environmental contamination research is seen on Monday, March 11, 2019, where Wolverine Worldwide dumped its PFAS-containing waste for decades.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working on a national drinking water regulation for several PFAS compounds, but in an interim updated health advisory in 2022 found that "some negative health effects may occur" from exposure to two of the most commonly identified PFAS compounds, known as PFOS and PFOA, "with concentrations ... in water that are near zero and below EPAs ability to detect at this time."

According to state health department officials, households located north of Grand Rapids with residential wells were eligible for the study if their wells had documented PFAS levels. The department held clinics from November 2018 to June 2019 to measure the amount of PFAS in the blood of residents in these areas, and collected exposure information using a survey.

Some 1,783 private drinking water wells in northern Kent County were tested for PFAS by September 2018. Of those, 982 were identified as contaminated with PFAS compounds, with 299 having detections of total PFAS over 70 parts per trillion, the EPA's previous lifetime health advisory level set in 2016 that's now being reconsidered due to its inadequacy to protect public health.

More: PFAS contamination is Michigan's biggest environmental crisis in 40 years

Some 413 residents agreed to provide blood samples, most from households whose wells tested for PFAS at greater than 70 parts per trillion; the rest whose wells had some PFAS but less than 70 parts.

"By multiple measures, serum PFAS concentrations for several PFAS (most notably PFOA, Br-PFOS and PFHxS) were higher among residents in the investigation area with detectable concentrations of PFAS in their private drinking water well than among the general U.S. population," the study states.

Water filtration likely lowered PFAS in blood

The study further found a connection between increasing PFAS concentrations in participants' unfiltered drinking water and how much of it they drank every day, and increasing concentrations in their blood for some, but not all, PFAS. Because exposure mitigation efforts were well underway by the time some affected residents donated blood for analysis, including whole-house water filtration systems installed by Wolverine at the most significantly affected homes, levels of some PFAS compounds that are eliminated from the body more quickly were already reduced or even eliminated by the time of testing, the study notes.

"For most, if not all, participants, exposure was significantly reduced in 2017 and 2018 when whole-house filters were installed, or household members chose to only consume bottled water," the study states.

"This also means that participants' serum PFAS concentrations reported here are not likely the highest they have ever been."

That raises important questions.

"Even if your blood levels have started going lower, is the damage already done? Does that even matter?" Wynn-Stelt said.

"I think there is a ton to this, and this is just a first step."

The study also finds some residents' PFAS blood contamination came from environmental sources other than their drinking water, including a correlation between eating fish caught in lakes, rivers and ponds and higher blood levels.

"That should kind of send a chill through all of us," Wynn-Stelt said.

More: Eating locally caught freshwater fish can put PFAS in human blood, study says

The primary goal of the North Kent County Exposure Assessment was to see whether using contaminated drinking water led to an increase in the concentration of PFAS in the blood of residents in this area, Sutfin said.

"MDHHS will use the findings, including the finding that the use of filters can greatly reduce people's PFAS exposure from contaminated water, as we work with local health departments to recommend or provide filters in other PFAS-impacted communities," she said.

A federal judge in Grand Rapids in March 2023 approved a $54 million class action settlement among Wolverine; 3M, the manufacturer of the PFAS compounds used at the shoe manufacturer, and affected North Kent County residents. Wolverine has also been engaged with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy since 2016 on cleanup efforts at its plant site and in surrounding contaminated ground and water bodies.

State health department representatives will share findings from the latest exposure assessment report and answer questions from the community during two upcoming webinars, at noon and 6 p.m. on Wednesday. To access the virtual meeting, go to Michigan.gov/DEHBio to register for the Zoom webinar in the North Kent County Exposure Assessment section.

Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: North Kent County residents have more PFAS contamination in blood
Ukraine's Health Ministry is starting an inspection of military medical commissions in Kyiv due to increased complaints, Minister Viktor Liashko announced on March 4.

Enlistment facilities across the country attracted authorities' attention after journalists discovered in June 2023 that the family of the ex-head of the Odesa Oblast military enlistment office had acquired property worth $4.5 million since the start of the full-scale invasion.

This led to a nationwide inspection that uncovered already 260 cases of suspected violations by enlistment offices and military medical commissions.

Complaints about the work of Kyiv military medical commissions relate to non-compliance with the electronic queue system, uncomfortable conditions during medical checks, doctors' negligence, and corruption practices, among other things, Liashko said on Facebook.

Liashko also said the Health Ministry would focus on the commissions involvement in illegal schemes for transporting draft-age men across the state border, their decision-making on granting postponement of service based on health conditions, and issues with challenging the commissions conclusions.

"There are many questions. The Health Ministry does not have direct leverage over everything, but from our side, we will do our best to ensure that everyone, without exception, follows the law," Liashko added.

"Disgraceful cases where doctors deliberately indicate the wrong diagnosis or demand a bribe for a correct one must stop. Each manipulation must receive a proper assessment by law enforcement agencies. And we are working on it together."

Read also: Its their turn now: Ukrainians call on government to demobilize exhausted soldiers fighting for nearly two years

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Cordish Companies and its builder AnderCorp are opening opportunities for local contractors to cash in on the nearly $300 million Live! Casino and Hotel project in Bossier City.

Cordish and AnderCorp have scheduled a diverse and local contractors outreach fair from 10 a.m.-noon March 14 at the construction site at 711 Live Casino Boulevard, where they will provide an overview highlighting procurement opportunities and business policies for participating contractors.

More than a dozen major subcontractors will be available to network, engage and foster relationships with potential MBE, WBE, local and veteran-owned subcontractors and suppliers, the companies said in a press release.

Cordish and AnderCorp said they are eager to engage with local businesses based in Louisiana, including Women-Owned Business Enterprises, Minority-Owned Businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business, and HUBZone small business concerns.

No registration is required to attend the event and more information can be found at https://livecasinola.com/vendors.

John Cordish speaks during the Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana's groundbreaking ceremony at the former Diamond Jack's Casino location on Wednesday December 13, 2023, in Bossier City.

AnderCorp, which is headquartered in Gulfport, Miss., has already provided preconstruction services, design review and managed early-stage demolition of the old Diamond Jacks Casino property to set the stage for the $270 million Live! project, which will be the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market.

Leaders for both companies now say construction is in "full swing." Cordish plans to open the casino in 2025.

The vision and design for Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is spectacular, and we are excited to be a team member with Cordish and its designers in transforming the site into an exciting destination resort in Bossier City, said Roy Anderson III, AnderCorp's chairman and chief executive, in a previous statement.

Cordish executives and local and state officials hosted an on-site groundbreaking ceremony in December, where Jon Cordish told USA Today Network the project will be transformative.

"It's going to have a quality and energy that when you walk into this property you'll feel like you're in a premier casino and resort in the top gaming markets, including Las Vegas," Cordish said. "I guarantee you this is going to be game-changing and set a new standard in the market."

The project will create 750 construction jobs and 750 permanent jobs.

More: Can Diamond Jacks transformation reverse declining Shreveport-Bossier gambling market?

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Cordish offers Louisiana contractors chance at $270M Bossier casino project
Joseph Henry, 33, looks at the trophy he received Friday, March 1, 2024, during the first graduation ceremony of Franklin County Common Pleas Court's mental health docket, called RISE Court.

Joseph Henry has been on probation or behind bars since he was 10 years old, struggling with his mental health, self-medicated on drugs and committing crimes he regrets.

But Henry, now 33, is two years sober, employed at a warehouse, happier and a free man thanks to his hard work and the help of Franklin County's RISE Court, which stands for Reaching Individual Success Everyday.

Henry said this unique court, the county's first specialized mental health court for individuals convicted of felonies, gave him a chance.

They all believed in me. I aint never really had that before, he said.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Sheryl Munson founded RISE Court to help participants on probation get the services and support they need to break the cycle. The program connects individuals not only with mental health counseling, in-patient drug rehab and employment opportunities but also other wraparound services such as bus passes and gift cards for food.

More than that, participants like Henry said RISE is like a big, supportive family. Currently, 43 people with a variety of mental health diagnoses are in RISE Court.

Its about accountability and attention, Munson said. The specialized docket is seeing success and ultimately helps reduce crime.

Henry was the first person referred to RISE two years ago, and he was among the first five graduates to complete the program and get off probation.

Mar 1, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Graduate Joseph Henry thanks family and staff during the first graduation ceremony of Franklin County Common Pleas Court's mental health docket called RISE Court.

On Friday, those graduates were celebrated by their families, other RISE participants, public defenders, court staff, their probation officer, treatment providers and even a couple of judges who sentenced individuals to the program.

After accepting his certificates and trophy, Henry thanked court staff and his mom. He also thanked Judge Mark Serrott, who sentenced him to probation and RISE Court  along with a prison sentence reserved for Henry if he failed to complete his probation.

"If he wouldnt have gave me a chance to do this, then I would have never been able to change my life and I would have probably just sat in prison, Henry said of Serrott.

Serrott yelled back from the audience, You did it. Youre welcome.

I believe in redemption, and I knew Joseph had the drive and desire to change, Serrott told The Dispatch later. He simply needed the tools and the resources to help him overcome his issues.

Serrott said RISE Court can be a much better solution than sending someone to jail or prison, which rarely results in rehabilitation.

Mary Henry, Joseph Henrys mother, said she is happy for her son and agreed with Serrott that the traditional justice system fails to rehabilitate.

The systems fail these kids because they put them in prison, and thats where the drugs are. They send them to these halfway houses; thats where the drugs are, Mary Henry said. He had to just get in the right place.

Renee Massey takes a photo with her daughter Leonna Jefferson, one of the five graduates in the first graduation ceremony Friday, March 1, 2024, of Franklin County Common Pleas Court's mental health docket called RISE Court.

Renee Massey, another mother of a graduate, said the program saved the life of her daughter, Leonna Jefferson, 25.

If it had not been for this program, she could have gotten a long prison term, Massey said. Im so glad. They saved her life really. She was just going down the wrong path.

Jefferson said she now plans to go to Columbus State Community College to study psychology.

More on restorative justice: 'She's my angel' Franklin County Drug Court graduate says h.a.r.t. program saves lives

The transformation of these graduates is evident, RISE Court coordinator Shannon Bradshaw said.

Two years ago, new RISE graduate Travis Stafford, 29, was homeless and eating out of dumpsters on Columbus' West Side while using drugs and committing crimes.

Now, Stafford is sober and employed at an oil change business. Eventually, he wants to become a truck driver or a firefighter.

Graduate Travis Stafford hugs Jjudge Sheryl Munson on Friday, March 1, 2024, during the first graduation ceremony of Franklin County Common Pleas Court's mental health docket, called RISE Court.

Stafford gets to see his four children now. Hell be around for two of his kids March birthdays for the first time: One is turning 3, and the other is turning 8. Stafford said he loves it when they run to greet him, and theyre a big motivator for him.

Getting here wasnt easy, Stafford said, and Munson makes sure RISE participants put in the work or they dont stay in the program.

At first, I was doing it just to keep myself out of prison, Stafford said. But once I got into the program and saw the support I had, I wanted to do it to help keep me sober, not just to keep me out of prison. They played a big part in my recovery.

Stafford said he intends to come back to court but only to support others in RISE Court with whom hes bonded, like Cory Cook, to whom he referred as a brother while accepting his certificate. Cook is set to graduate from RISE in the fall.

Stafford admitted hes nervous now that hes off probation.

That means I got to watch him even closer, Cook said with a smile.

Munson closed the graduation ceremony Friday by saying RISE is committed to the worth and dignity of every person.

Youre worthy and valuable, Munson told the graduates.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: RISE, Franklin County's mental health court, holds first graduation
Youd think that after the shellacking top college presidents got late last year for their poor response to antisemitism on campus, other college administrators would be standing guard.

Not so.

Two recent troubling incidents at California universities show that too many campuses are still not prepared to do the hard work of protecting all members of the campus community  and making sure all students are given an environment that fosters free expression. There also seems to be a lot of confusion among campus leaders about how to enforce their codes of conduct  and what exactly free speech even is.

A disruptive protest took place at San Jose State University simply because angry students didnt like the guest speakers views on the Israel-Hamas war. The speaker had to be escorted off campus by police.

Sproul Hall on the campus of the University of California at Berkeley is a symbol of the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s and is still the focal point of student protests more than half a century later. Sproul Plaza, the red brick walkway in front, has long been a gathering place for Berkeley students.

Last Monday, an event at the University of California, Berkeley featuring Israeli Defense Forces reservist and lawyer Ran Bar-Yoshafat was canceled before it could begin because of violent protests ahead of the event.

That is far from students simply expressing themselves. These mobs took violent action that prevented other students from hearing speakers at peaceful events.

What happened is not free speech.

Violence is 'opposite of speech'

The Berkeley incident was especially egregious. The school where the Free Speech Movement blossomed in the 1960s has taken a dangerous turn.

There were reports of students shouting "intifada," preventing others from entering the venue, breaking glass doors and spitting on students. Others say they were kicked and injured in the melee.

We were seeing a lot of violence, and violence is not a form of speech, violence is not extreme speech, Haley Gluhanich, a program officer at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), told me. It's the opposite of speech, and it's opposite of what higher education is supposed to be all about.

College and university administrators know that after Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7, the subsequent war in Gaza has been a flashpoint for students. They must be ready to protect students and potentially controversial speakers as well as protests when they are peaceful.

Unfortunately, the violence last week was rewarded by the speakers having to flee campus. That will only encourage more such bad behavior  unless administrators offer a swift and strong response.

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.

Berkeley officials have condemned what happened and said they have launched an investigation. It remains unclear what the final disciplinary action will look like.

FIRE has advocated expelling the students directly involved in the violence, which would send a strong message that such behavior is not tolerated.

A confusing landscape of campus speech

Not all campus violence is punished. For instance, former NCAA collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines was assaulted and essentially held hostage for hours last year after speaking at San Francisco State University. Gaines, who hosts a show on OutKick, has become controversial because she stands for womens rights in sports. Shes used to facing opposition on campuses, but the San Francisco students' reaction was over the top.

Shouted down: 'Triggered' students mob athlete who spoke about women's sports

Yet, almost a year later, the university police finally announced they did not plan to press charges against the students involved.

Gaines was unhappy to say the least. Whoever is responsible for me being held against my will ... deserves to be held accountable, she told OutKick.

Yet, universities sometimes overreact to speech that isnt actual violence. Thats what happened to Cornell junior Maria Lima Valdez in January. Lima Valdez had posted an Instagram story in which she used the words Zionists must die in response to news from the Israel-Hamas war.

Strong words: Posting Zionists must die is awful. But it shouldn't get student kicked out of college.

That earned her an immediate suspension, and Lima Valdez recently told me shes still suspended and doesnt know when shell get a hearing. Her appeals have been denied.

She said she wishes she had used different words but feels her punishment has been extreme. Free speech advocates agree that her post didnt cross the line to a true threat.

Campuses have to have the highest tolerance for opinions and expression but no tolerance at all for violence, Gluhanich said.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Antisemitism on campus: Berkeley, don't bend to violence
Around 31.9% of Ohioans over the age of 25 only have a high school degree or equivalent, and another 19.1% attended some college but did not attain a degree, according to 2022 U.S. Census data.

Ohioans might not go to college or complete their college degrees for a variety of reasons. Some, like North Side resident Belinda Ababio, had to leave college for a family situation. Others simply can't afford college or choose a career that doesn't require a college degree.

The median yearly earnings of Ohioans who only have completed high school or an equivalent is $36,919, while Ohioans who have a bachelor's degree have a significantly higher median wage of $62,605.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of high-paying jobs for Ohioans without college degrees. Here's what they are:

Here are the highest paying jobs in Ohio that don't require a college degree

Construction workers building the Honda-LG Energy Solution put the final steel beam in place for the electric vehicle battery plant they're building in Fayette County. The event is referred to as a tree-topping ceremony with a tree atop the steel.

Every two years, Ohio's Bureau of Labor Market Information compiles a short-term employment forecast for the next two years. These forecasts list Ohio's fastest-growing industries, the highest-paying jobs, the occupations with the most job openings, and more.

The following jobs may require on-the-job training or certifications but can usually be obtained with only a high school degree.

While most of the positions Ohio LMI compiled have a listed median hourly wage, some have listed median yearly earnings instead. For those with only a yearly median salary listed, an estimate of the equivalent hourly wage calculated assuming a 40 hour work week for 52 weeks will be included.

Positions marked with a star usually require some college experience but not a degree.

Claims Adjusters, examiners and investigators: $98,940 yearly or $47.56 hourly

Insurance appraisers, auto damage: $94,300 yearly or $45.33 hourly

Computer user support specialists*: $43.99 hourly

Surveying and mapping technicians: $42.41 hourly

Occupational health and safety technicians: $41.35 hourly

Social and human service assistants: $40.26 hourly

Community health workers: $39.50 hourly

Title examiners, abstractors and searchers: $37.36 hourly

Self-enrichment education teachers: $36.76 hourly

Library technicians: $36.46 hourly

Here are the jobs with the most openings that you don't need a college degree for

Wendy's is looking to open more restaurants abroad, like this one in the Bahamas. The Dublin-based chain opened its 500th international store earlier this year. [Photo courtesy of Wendy's]

These jobs have the most openings and only require a high school diploma or equivalent, according to Ohio LMI's 2022 Short-Term Employment Forecast.

Fast food and counter workers: 26,740 openings

Stockers and order fillers: 22,531 openings

Cashiers: 21,374 openings

Retail salespersons: 19,303 openings

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers , hand: 18,913 openings

Customer service representatives: 16,306 openings

Home health and personal care aides: 15,104 openings

Waiters and waitresses: 13,822 openings

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers: 12,918 openings

Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners: 11,464

Here are the fastest growing jobs in Ohio that you don't need a college degree for

After about an inch of snow fell on January 19, 2024, an airport worker prepares a Delta flight to Minneapolis at John Glenn International Airport.

These jobs have the highest percentages of annual growth and only require a high school diploma or equivalent, according to Ohio LMI's 2022 Short-Term Employment Forecast.

Aircraft cargo handling supervisors: 9.4%

Industrial truck and tractor operators: 9.4%

Machine feeders and offbearers: 8.3%

Locker room, coatroom and dressing room attendants: 7.3%

Taxi drivers: 7.2%

Amusement and recreation attendants: 6.3%

Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators: 6.3%

Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators: 6.2%

Roofers: 6.2%

Light truck drivers: 6.2%

Des Moines Register reporter Paris Barazza contributed to this story.

@PartofMyHart

NHart@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: These highest paying Ohio jobs don't require a college degree
Daqua Ritter, 26, was found guilty of killing Pebbles LaDime Dime Doe, the 24-year-old Black transgender woman at the center of a 2019 hate crime.

This guilty verdict is historic as there hasnt been a federal hate crime trial about someones gender identity, according to CNN. The jury of the four-day trial found him responsible for three charges: one hate crime count, one federal firearms count, and one obstruction count. He wasnt the only suspect in custody as Xavier Pinckney, 24, was charged with two obstruction crimes, one for providing false narratives and purposefully misleading investigators who were actively working to solve Dime Does case, CBS News reported.

This case is historic; this defendant is the first to be found guilty by trial verdict for a hate crime motivated by gender identity under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general with the U.S. Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a Feb. 25 statement via the U.S. Department of Justice per CNN.

According to the DOJs statement, Ritter was mad and annoyed that people in his neighborhood started to question his sexuality because he was dating Dime Doe. On Aug. 4, 2019, he asked the victim to meet him in Allendale, SC, a secluded area outside the city. After she arrived, he shot her three times in the head and then burned the clothes he was wearing at the time and disposed of the gun.

The South Carolina man hasnt been sentenced as that hearing hasnt been scheduled yet, but theres a possibility he may spend the rest of his life behind bars. Clarke shared her sentiments about the impact this case will have going forward for the trans community.

A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty for the heinous and tragic murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, Clarke said. The jurys verdict sends a clear message: Black trans lives matter, bias-motivated violence will not be tolerated, and perpetrators of hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

She added, We want the Black trans community to know that you are seen and heard, that we stand with the LGBTQI+ community, and that we will use every tool available to seek justice for victims and their families.
Minutes before a violent mob smashed through barricades set up around the Capitol on Jan. 6, Trump attorney Ken Chesebro held out hope that his plan to halt certification was beginning to work. Members of Congress had objected to electors from Arizona, the first of seven swing states in which Chesebro organized slates of fake electors.

You got Arizona. Well done Ken! wrote Jim Troupis, an attorney and former Wisconsin judge who had, months earlier, brought Chesebro onto the Trump campaign, in a text. History is made! he added in the text to Chesebro.

As Chesebro walked around the Mall, and as rioters breached the Capitol, he continued texting Troupis. He sent a selfie of himself alongside Infowars host Alex Jones; after Troupis texted him tear gas in the Capitol, Chesebro replied, I caught a wife. Wiff. Lol.

Whiffs aside, the newly revealed text messages were released on Monday as part of a settlement that Troupis and Chesebro reached with electors for Joe Biden. The 2020 electors sued Chesebro, Troupis, and Wisconsin fake electors in state court; the fake electors settled last year.

Per the settlement, announced Monday, both Chesebro and Troupis were required to turn over communications relating to their efforts to help Trump cling to power after losing the 2020 election. Troupis was required to pay an undisclosed sum to settle the civil suit, documents filed in the case show.

The documents include a lengthy text thread between Troupis and Chesebro, tracking their communications from the November 2020 election until after Bidens inauguration.

That text exchange, along with emails and other texts that Troupis provided, offers another window into the improbable journey of Ken Chesebro and his at times-comical approach towards feeding the Trump campaign legal theories that brought the U.S. closer than it has even been to a failure to transfer power  and that also, as he noted in one message, could have resulted in series of bizarre, unintended effects, such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) becoming acting president. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) also is shown in the texts to have been in direct communication with members of Trumps legal team over the fake electors plan in his state.

Chesebro developed the fake electors theory, and was tasked by the Trump campaign with coordinating its implementation in the states. He also, TPM reported, advocated early on that the Trump campaign find ways to have Mike Pence decline to open Electoral College ballots.

Chesebro laid out his plan in a Dec. 6 memo, suggesting that the fake electors could be used to bring the Trump cause before the Supreme Court. The next day, Chesebro asked Troupis to send the memo to Trump campaign official Justin Clark.

I have sent it to the White House this afternoon. The real decision makers, Troupis replied in one newly revealed text, adding that he had given the document to Reince Preibus so he might talk with the President.

Chesebro replied to that with paragraphs of text outlining his now-familiar legal theories for how Pence could disrupt the count on Jan. 6: there is a very defensible, technical way he could throw a wrench in the count to buy more time.

The texts add new color to Chesebros surprising journey into Trumpworld: The heterodox onetime acolyte of Lawrence Tribe had an idea, and he was trying to get it to people in power. The people in power liked the way he thought. Over the next several days, emails previously obtained by TPM show, Chesebro was introduced to Trumpworld figures like Rudy Giuliani, Boris Epshteyn, and others as he was tasked with coordinating the fake electors in seven states which Trump lost.

As Chesebro worked through the details of the scheme  in which Pence would feign confusion at which elector slates were real, the Biden or contingent Trump ones  he arranged a call with Pence legal advisor Greg Jacob.

In a newly revealed text to Troupis and two other attorneys immediately after the call, Chesebro sounded dejected: Jacob had given him a reality check on what is likely to happen under the Electoral Count Act.

But despite the unenthusiastic response from Pences office, Chesebro would go on to spend the following weeks advocating for various ways in which Pence, or another actor, could hold up the count. Nearly all of them involved either deviating from or suspending the Electoral Count Act.

He even took a version of the idea to Trump himself at a Dec. 16 White House meet-and-greet. At the meeting, Chesebro told Trump that the real deadline was Jan. 6.

Days later, Trump tweeted that his supporters should come to Washington on Jan. 6. Will be wild! Trump wrote.

Chesebro looked at the tweet, the texts show, and saw his influence.

Wow. Based on 3 days ago, I think we have unique understanding of this, he texted Troupis, before linking to a Gateway Pundit writeup of Trumps tweet.

The Trump campaigns plan to stalemate Congress as it sought to certify Bidens win relied, in theory, on the cooperation of several GOP members of Congress. The power to delay the count, in the minds of Trump attorneys, resided not only with Pence (if he had the courage) but with Republican senators. But if the count was frozen, the outcomes were literally unpredictable. Chesebros texts reflect an awareness of the pandoras box that his wild schemes might open: At one point, Chesebro fretted that Congress might elect Kamala Harris President (a horror). But none of that would happen unless Pence freezes the count, he told Troupis, or if the continuing resolution by which the Electoral Count Act is adopted were filibustered.

Chesebro told Troupis on Jan. 3 that he had been in contact with John Eastman and Boris Epshteyn on the issue, and that he believed they had briefed the senators.

It came to naught, though the messages contain hints that Johnson at times entertained elements of the scheme.

Troupis released texts between himself and Johnson in which the senator asked for an update on Troupis and Chesebros lawsuit asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reverse Trumps loss in the state. They lost that battle.

After the fake electors convened, the texts show, Chesebro wrote that he had heard that a Ron Johnson staffer called asking if there would be a summary of the situation.

That involvement continued until Jan. 6 itself. Troupis wrote in one message that day that he had been on the phone with Johnson and his chief of staff as part of an effort to ensure that the Wisconsin fake elector ballots made their way to Mike Pence.

That effort was doomed; Pence would not play along and his staff did not want to touch the ballots. But Troupis related to Chesebro the excuse that Johnsons team said they had been given: the fake elector envelope had been opened, and the VP cannot accept any unsealed mail.

It was a comically lame excuse, but there was no time to dwell: rioters were beginning to breach the Capitol.

Reeling from it all the next day, Chesebro texted Troupis that he blamed Antifa for the actual breaking in, but also Mike Pence, who gave Trump false hope.

He added that he hoped Trump could smooth things over by inviting Biden and Harris over for coffee on inauguration morning.

He could lighten it up with a couple of well-placed jokes, Chesebro suggested.

This time, the Trump campaign did not take Chesebros advice.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW)  Police spent more than an hour overnight using a drone and K-9 to help search for four carjacking suspects.

Is it safe to put away the snow shovels and boots?

According to police, the suspects who fled on foot after leading police on a chase in a stolen vehicle were eventually taken into custody.

Multiple police agencies including Cleveland, Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority, and University Circle police assisted in the search in the area of E. 77th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Terroristic charges for man in fire dept. lockdown

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The suspects have not yet been identified, but officials said they are suspected of being involved in multiple armed robberies earlier in the night.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The boss of a Hull turbine manufacturer has said the UK is not moving fast enough to build offshore wind farms.

Darren Davidson, head of Siemens Energy, said with the present speed of development, the target of 50 gigawatts of offshore power "won't be achieved".

The firm employs 6,000 people across the country, including more than 750 at its Hull factory in Alexandra Dock.

The government said it had a "clear strategy to boost UK industry and reach net zero by 2050".

Mr Davidson told the Press Association: "I think what we need to do is be at the front end, leading and helping our customers and the Government to come up with plans as to what we can to achieve because, if I'm brutally honest, we're not fast enough."

"I think it's clear to everyone. From a speed perspective, we need to improve or, I would say, help to do things faster.

"I think if we go at the current speed our objectives to get 50 gigawatts of (offshore) wind around the UK won't be achieved. And I think that it's really important that we recognise that and push for change."

'Worryingly slow'

As well as the Hull turbine factory, East Yorkshire is home to the world's largest offshore wind farm off the coast at Hornsea.

The UK has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, which means a country takes as much planet-warming gases out of the atmosphere as it puts in.

UK carbon emissions from electricity generation have fallen by around three-quarters since 1990, according to government figures.

However, a report by the government's independent advisers the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has called recent progress "worryingly slow" adding it was "markedly" less confident than a year ago that the UK would reach its targets for cutting carbon emissions.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said the government was "working closely with the private sector on strategic investment".

"We have a clear strategy to boost UK industry and reach net zero by 2050, backed by 300 billion in low carbon investment since 2010", the spokesperson said.

"We have a world leading renewables sector, home to the five largest operational wind farms in the world and accounting for over 40% of our electricity compared to 7% in 2010.

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Spies for an independent Scotland would conduct espionage in line with Scottish values, according to a new report unveiled by Humza Yousafs Government, that has attracted ridicule.

The blueprint, entitled An Independent Scotlands Place in the World, said a single Scottish Security and Intelligence Agency would be set up to replace MI5, MI6, GCHQ and Defence Intelligence.

It said the new organisation would support Scotlands role as a good global citizen and improve national security whilst promoting and protecting human rights.

As in all other aspects of an independent Scotland, national security would be delivered in line with Scotlands values, it added.

The blueprint, written by the Civil Service, also claimed that an independent Scotland could remove the UKs Trident nuclear deterrent from its Faslane base on the Clyde as soon as possible, while also joining Nato.

This is despite Nato being a nuclear-tipped alliance and Trident forming part of its supreme guarantee of its members security.

No timescale and no estimated cost

Angus Robertson, the SNP minister tasked with unveiling the report, insisted that removing the UKs deterrent from Scotland would not embolden Vladimir Putin, but he could provide no timescale for its removal. The report did not estimate the cost of setting up a separate Scottish defence force or a new intelligence agency.

It also did not provide many details of a separate Scottish Armed Forces other than stating that it would have a land component, a maritime component and an air component.

The document said the details would be worked out in a defence review at the time of independence, but admitted there would be a transitional period in which Scotland would not have the level of capability enjoyed by other small countries.

Willie Rennie, a former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said: Not content to play dress up diplomat, now it seems like Humza Yousaf wants to play at being James Bond too.

The average Scot would much rather he got on with cutting waits for a GP than wasted time coming up with plans for an imaginary spy agency.

Craig Hoy, the Scottish Tory chairman, said: These propaganda papers  designed only to further the nationalists plan to break up the United Kingdom  are a scandalous misuse of civil servants time and money.

The report was the latest in a series of documents written by civil servants that together form an updated prospectus for breaking up the UK.

It said the UKs nuclear deterrent should be removed from Scotland in the safest and most expeditious manner possible after independence.

Shortly after Russias invasion two years ago, an adviser to Ukraines deputy prime minister stated that it wouldnt have started if her country had not given up its nuclear weapons in the 1990s.

Asked whether Nato would be weakened by any disruption to the UKs nuclear deterrent and Putin would be emboldened, Mr Robertson told reporters: I dont think so.

I draw attention to what has been happening in recent months, which is that smaller, northern European nations have been joining Nato and underscoring how keen they are to work together, and I think Scotland should be a part of that.

Mr Robertson also claimed the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force were not doing enough to defend the north-east Atlantic, arguing there was no single conventional ocean-going naval craft based in Scotland.

We do have to understand what the challenges are, we do need to acknowledge there are real threats, we do need to acknowledge there are bad actors, he said. That is why youre required to have the capacity to deal with them. The UK does not, we will.

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Several hundred people rallied in the Senegalese capital Dakar on Saturday calling for the country's postponed presidential elections to be held before April 2, the date when incumbent Macky Sall's term is set to end.

The protesters gathered at a sandy lot in a working-class neighbourhood for the protest, called by the "Resistance Front", an alliance of opposition parties and campaigning groups.

Many brandished Senegalese flags and portraits of the opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, jailed since July for "incitement to insurrection" and barred from running in the presidential vote. Sonko has endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is also in jail but who was cleared to be on the ballot.

The crowd shouted "Macky Sall dictator" and "Free Sonko", singing a song in his praise.

Several speakers representing some of the election candidates addressed the crowd, including former prime minister Aminata Toure, a member of the "Bassirou President" coalition.

"What we are asking President Macky Sall is to organise these elections before April 2 and to give the keys to the palace to his successor face to face, so that we can begin to rebuild our country," she said.

Senegal was thrown into a political crisis on February 3 when Sall postponed the presidential election planned for February 25. His announcement, denounced as a "constitutional coup d'etat" by the opposition, sparked huge protests that resulted in four deaths.



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Senegal opposition demands election to pick new president by April

Senegal's president says he will call elections before end of July

Symbolic votes replace real polls as Senegalese declare a day of 'mourning' for democracy
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told the Russian state-controlled news agency RIA Novosti on March 4 that the time has not yet come for a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

In late January, Olha Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, said Ukraine was working to organize an official visit by Orban, the first in 14 years.

The Hungarian prime minister said before that he had received an invitation from Zelensky to hold a bilateral meeting in the future and accepted it.

As of now, Szijjarto says the meeting of the two leaders requires "some preconditions," the Russian state media outlet wrote.

"At the moment, these conditions for organizing the meeting are far from being ready," the Hungarian minister said without explaining the reasons.

Zelensky and Orban were last seen talking on the sidelines of the inauguration of Argentina's President Javier Milei on Dec. 10, 2023, which Ukraine's president described as a "frank" conversation.

This was followed by Szijjarto's visit to Uzhhorod in Zakarpattia Oblast on Jan. 29, where he met his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak. As a result, Kyiv and Budapest agreed to establish a special commission to deal with the unresolved issues of national minorities.

Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions on Russia, undermined Western aid efforts, and maintained close relations with Moscow since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Krisztina Than

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban will meet former U.S. President Donald Trump this coming Friday in Florida, shortly after he openly endorsed his long-time ally's bid to return to the U.S. presidency this year.

The right-wing Orban, who has regularly been at loggerheads with the EU over his anti-immigration campaigns and moves to put the judiciary, NGOs, and media under more state control, has been described by Trump as a "great leader".

Orban's conservative family policies have also earned praise among populist figures in the United States, and Hungary has hosted meetings of CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, in the past years.

Next month Hungary will host CPAC for the third time.

The Hungarian premier, who has refused to send weapons to Ukraine and kept up close economic ties with Russia since the Russian invasion in 2022, has repeatedly said that only the return of Trump to the White House could bring peace in Ukraine.

"It is not gambling but actually betting on the only sensible chance, that we in Hungary bet on the return of President Trump," Orban told an economic forum on Monday.

"The only chance of the world for a relatively fast peace deal is political change in the United States, and this is linked to who is the president."

Trump, who is seeking reelection, caused outrage among Western allies last month after suggesting the United States might not protect NATO allies who are not spending enough on defence from a potential Russian invasion.

Orban has said the U.S. presidential election this year and the vote for the European Parliament in June would be crucial as conservatives in Europe and the U.S. must fight together to "reconquer" institutions in Washington and Brussels from liberals who, according to Orban, threaten Western civilisation.

Orban, in power since 2010, has faced tensions with President Joe Biden's administration, mainly over Budapest's foot-dragging concerning the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership.

After a long delay, the Hungarian parliament last week approved Sweden's NATO bid and the legislation await a final sign off by the president this week.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Kim Coghill, Stephen Coates and Angus MacSwan)
A meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not take place any time soon, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said.

Source: European Pravda, citing Szijjartos comment to Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti

Quote from Szijjarto: "Some preconditions must be in place for this meeting, and these conditions for organising the meeting are far from being met."

Background:

At the end of January, Szijjarto indicated that there was a "long way to go" before a meeting between Zelenskyy and Orban, adding that it would take place after Kyiv fulfils Budapest's conditions.

The Hungarian minister noted that if Ukraine fulfils Hungary's conditions, it will start a clean slate in bilateral relations and allow for a meeting at the highest level.

At the same time, after his talks with Szijjarto, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, announced a "strong move" towards a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Hungary.

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Rafael Grossi, Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attends the spring meeting of the IAEA. Roland Schlager/APA/dpa

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, plans to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week over the worrying security situation at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya.

Europe's largest nuclear plant is currently supplied with only a single power line for cooling nuclear material, Grossi said during a press conference in Vienna on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA board of governors.

"All this makes for a very, very precarious situation," Grossi said. The IAEA chief plans to leave for Russia on Tuesday.

Russian troops occupied the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant at the beginning of March 2022. Since then, nine of the original 10 lines that supplied the plant with electricity have failed due to the war.

An IAEA team is constantly on site to monitor the situation at the largely decommissioned power plant, which is very close to the front line. The experts reported military activities in the vicinity of the plant at the weekend.

"The physical integrity of the station continues to be at risk," said Grossi.

The IAEA chief met Putin in October 2022 to negotiate the establishment of a security zone around the plant. Grossi's plan was never implemented, partly due to resistance from Ukraine.

Instead, Grossi has since proclaimed principles for preventing a nuclear accident in Zaporizhzhya at the UN Security Council.

According to these principles, the facility may not be fired upon, nor may it be used as a base for attacks.

In a recent report for the IAEA board of governors, Grossi complained that his team on site was not allowed to move freely around the facility in order to check that no weapons systems were stationed there.

He also pointed to the significant drop in staffing levels, delayed maintenance work and lack of spare parts under Russian management.

Rafael Grossi, Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrives to attend the spring meeting of the IAEA. Roland Schlager/APA/dpa
VIENNA (Reuters) - U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday he intends to discuss Russia's plans for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant it is occupying in Ukraine when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.

Grossi is due to leave for Russia on Tuesday, he told a press conference on the opening day of a quarterly meeting of his agency's 35-nation Board of Governors at which envoys from various countries marked the second anniversary of Russian forces seizing the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Grossi's trip to Russia has long been planned. He originally intended to go there last month after a trip to Ukraine.

"There are issues related to the future operational status of the plant. Is it going to be started or not? What is the idea? What is the idea in terms of the external power supply lines, since what we see is extremely fragile and thin?" Grossi said when asked what he would discuss with Putin.

Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, has lost its connection to all its external power lines eight times in the past 18 months, forcing it to rely on diesel generators for essential functions like cooling fuel in its reactors to avoid a potentially catastrophic meltdown.

While one of its main power lines is currently functioning and its six reactors are in shutdown, which reduces the operational risk, the International Atomic Energy Agency says the situation at the plant remains precarious.

Although Grossi stopped short of spelling out that he would meet Putin, he said: "It's the idea...This is the intention."

He left open what other issues might be discussed.

"I would not be coming with a fixed list of items. As it happens, when I have a meeting with a world leader that has responsibilities, and in particular a nuclear-weapon possessor state, permanent member of the Security Council, I cannot exclude that other things are discussed," he said.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
If we can successfully encourage high school students to attend college with the help of these pilot programs, the plan is to take Within Reach to other school districts in Idaho, writes guest columnist Rod Gramer. (Getty Image)

Is the cost of college still worth the price?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average student loan debt in the United States currently totals $37,338. The average student borrows more than $30,000 to pursue a bachelors degree. And more than 45 million Americans have student loan debt.

High school students considering whether it is worth it to pursue a college degree usually consider two major questions: how much debt will I incur, and how much will I make when I finally achieve graduation and a career? Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to easily find the answers, which can result in students taking out large college loans for careers that might not provide the adequate salary to pay down the loans.

Many colleges and universities have been criticized for offering classes and degrees that put students little in the way of career benefit. At the University of Houston, you can obtain a degree in foresight  or the ability to predict the future. A Georgetown, you can take classes called Philosophy and Star Trek.

A recent survey by the Wall Street Journal found that 56% of Americans believe a four-year college degree isnt worth the cost. Depending on the career choice, they may be right. Attendance at universities throughout the region and nation show precipitous declines.

Between 1963 and 2021, cost of attendance at a four-year college rose 165%. Increases can be found in both public institutions, where the average cost is now $19,374, and private, where students can now pay $45,920. Interestingly, private, for profit colleges have been successful in lowering their costs, from a peak of $31,709 in 2004, to $27,470 today.

It is not a given that the cost of college must increase, however. Consider the example being set by Purdue University.

Purdue University has kept its tuition frozen for 13 years  at less than $10,000 per year. Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels  who became president of Purdue  says it has been a top priority to keep the number affordable for families. As a result, student loan borrowing at Purdue has decreased by 40% since 2012.

Now, 11 graduating classes at Purdue have never experienced a tuition increase.

Daniels says the key has been an effort to manage expenses, and asking alumni for more contributions. But as Purdue has kept tuition frozen, student enrollment has increased, allowing the university to more easily balance its books.

While we are hopeful that other higher education officials can learn from the Purdue example by adopting policies that make tuition more affordable, policymakers can also help provide data that informs a students decision on which colleges to attend and degrees to pursue. One option to make the decision easier is a concept Mountain States Policy Center is calling a Career Transparency Act or CTA.

The act would require the state to make a variety of statistics and information publicly available to high school students considering a college path. The information would include:

A listing of the states future workforce needs;

Starting wage information and education requirements for the top 25 high demand jobs in the state;

A listing of the 40 baccalaureate degree programs with the highest average annual wages following graduation;

A listing of the 20 associate degree programs with the highest average annual wages following graduation;

The cost of obtaining the degree or certificate at state institutions of higher education, including; Tuition and fees Room and board Books and supplies Transportation Other costs

The median wage earned by students who graduated with the certificate or degree;

The median student debt of those who graduated with the certificate or degree;

Progress on repaying student loans by those who graduated with the certificate or degree; and

The percentage of students who withdraw from the institution and do not enroll in the program at another higher education institution.

With this information readily available, students could better understand whether the long-term career benefit would be worth such a large financial burden.

Policymakers may not be able to control all college costs, but they can help inform better career and financial decisions by students considering higher ed. Identifying workforce needs, a listing of wages, clear information about the cost of obtaining a degree, and more should all be made readily available via a Career Transparency Act.

The post Idaho should consider bringing transparency to college costs and data on in-demand careers appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Belize-flagged, Marshall Islands owned, Lebanon operated and Saudi chartered vessel Rubymar before she sank in the Red Sea at the weekend. The vessel's links to the UK were tenuous at best - Planet Labs PBC/via AP

The southern Red Sea remains a shooting war zone. Some 190 drones and missiles have been fired by the Houthi rebels of Yemen since 26 October last year. The Houthis have sought to portray this as a targeted campaign aimed at Israel and its allies, but in fact it is the equivalent of simply firing automatic weapons into a street at random passers by without any attempt to pick individual targets.

So far the Houthis weapons have been ineffectual enough, and the defence offered by international warships attempting to protect merchant shipping has been effective enough, that shipping passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait has mostly suffered only minor damage.

But then on Saturday the bulk carrier Rubymar, having been hit by a Houthi ballistic missile on 18 February, finally sank taking her cargo of 21,000 metric tons of ammonium phosphate sulphate fertilizer to the bottom. Other than the obvious environmental considerations, what are the broader implications of this latest twist?

Many have claimed that the Rubymars sinking was some sort of blow inflicted against the UK: indeed the usual suspects  al Jazeera for instance  boldly claimed that the 27-year old, Japanese built, Belize-flagged vessel was UK owned. Others have even described the Rubymar as a British ship.

The reality is rather different.

Rubymars registered managers are GMZ Ship Management Company, registered in Honduras but operating from Lebanon, and the ultimate owners of the ship are the Captain Wael Chahadah family group of companies. Her chartering broker was the Blue Fleet Group from Lebanon. Other GMZ vessels have been described as high risk and have been involved in name changes mid-voyage and other activities of concern.

The Rubymar was internationally crewed (Syrian, Egyptian, Filipino and Indian). Her only UK link is a shipping database entry that records a Southampton address for the ships formal owner Golden Adventure Shipping SA. However Golden Adventure is not a UK company  it is in fact registered in the Marshall Islands, which despite being named after a British explorer have never had anything to do with Britain  and the Southampton address is a residential block of flats, not an office. Golden Adventure, again, appears to be under the control of Captain Wael Chahadah of Lebanon. The Rubymars cargo was going from the UAE to Bulgaria under charter to a Saudi company.

The idea that this is some kind of strike against Britain or a British ship is, bluntly, absurd. The Houthis might as well pick ships to target at random: and that is pretty much what theyre doing.

On the weapons strike itself, one of the key differences was that on this one, the warhead detonated. In the previous biggest hit - on naphtha carrier Marlin Luanda - the damage was caused by just kinetic energy and unspent fuel. Had it detonated, and were it not for the excellent actions of the crew and Indian Navy, it would have been a lot worse. We knew that the defences offered by Operation Prosperity Guardian (US led) and Asipides (EU led) were porous  it is impossible for a defensive-only shield not to be  and it was therefore only a matter of time before there was a sinking.

The Marshall Islands and Lebanon owned bulk cargo ship Rubymar, sunk in the Red Sea by a Houthi missile. The Rubymar's connections with the UK were tenuous at best - US Central Command/via Reuters

The delay between the strike and the actual sinking is easy to explain. It is not uncommon for a ship to take on water and be abandoned by its crew in the initial stages during the initial panic. Then as compartments fill completely, the ingress slows and the ship finds her own stability again. I commanded a ship in the Magellan Strait that did exactly this  though we didnt abandon ship, and in the end we saved that one. I was also captain of a frigate whose helicopter winched off a crew in the Indian Ocean from the MV Pavit  which they reported as sinking  only for the supposedly doomed ship to wash up on a beach off the coast of Mumbai some two months later. Getting off too soon is not uncommon.

The Rubymars anchor eventually held after she was abandoned, keeping the ship more or less stable. Then the weather got worse and the ship started to move around. More water then came in through the missile holes and the rest was inevitable.

Its not entirely clear why she wasnt salvaged during this period but reports of local ports (and tug firms) refusing to take her, not unreasonably given her condition and cargo, seem credible. The Houthis saying they would not allow it cant have helped.

Elsewhere, more warships are joining the respective operations which is good news. Operation Prosperity Guardian (US) and Aspides (EU) continue to operate separately and we already have a predictable but unfortunate example of what happens if groups of warships operate side by side off different air pictures. German frigate Hessen engaged a US MQ-9 Reaper drone that wasnt squawking correctly on its transponder.

Reports suggest the Germans called the US to check the drone wasnt theirs. I dont know what circuit this call was made on, but in a 30-seconds-to-impact ballistic missile environment, having to call anyone about something already airborne is an air warfare fail. Until all the ships there are operating from the same air picture, this risk, or worse, remains. Fortunately (in this case) the two Standard missiles the Germans fired both missed. Given how reliable that weapon is, it does raise questions about the missile control systems of the Hessen but that is for another time. The Germans then redeemed themselves by engaging two drones with close-in systems.

Shortly after, Italian destroyer Caio Duilio joined in the gunfight by downing a drone with 76mm cannon. That they needed just six rounds to engage a target at three nautical miles means that system is working very well. The latest 76mm guns as seen on the Duilio are very different from those of old, much more rapid firing and capable of firing guided smart shells.

Weve now seen several cases of warships choosing to engage the Houthis simple, slow flying petrol engined drones with guns firing affordable shells rather than million-dollar interceptors intended to deal with jet or rocket powered targets. The clever people in the directed energy labs do still need to hurry up and get their rayguns into service.

Another point worth noting is that some of the warships have now been on station since October and November of last year. If this does endure, rotations and replacements will need to be in place. The Royal Navys HMS Diamond has done just this, taking three weeks to replenish, rearm and conduct maintenance in Gibraltar and is now heading back to join the fight.

HMS Richmond (in front) passes HMS Diamond en route to take over duties in the Red Sea. Diamond has been replenishing and rearming at Gibraltar - Royal Navy

What all this means to the reassurance and therefore return of international shipping to the Red Sea remains as hard as ever to call. Car carriers, container ships (especially those who carry over 13,500 twenty-foot containers), crude tankers and Liquid Natural Gas ships are yet to be reassured to the point where it makes economic sense to run the gauntlet and are still going around southern Africa.

There is a bit of a game of who will blink first here. If say CMA CGM fully resumes Red Sea operations under the umbrella of French warship protection, or say Chinese-owned Cosco or OOCL do, they will gain a competitive advantage and others may then have to follow suit.

If it goes the other way, and cheaper-to-insure bulk carriers (such as the Rubymar) decide to go south about now, then a food shortage will be next.

One thing is for sure, the combined effect of the defensive Prosperity Guardian, its offensive counterpart Poseidon Archer and EU defensive operation Aspides isnt producing results yet. Will it ever or are we now locked in a resource-draining fight that satisfies so many of our adversaries end states whilst keeping both warships and merchant ships in harms way?

Something ashore will change eventually but in the meantime, we can tick off ship loss, environmental disaster and blue on blue on our list of inevitable undesirabilities. Thankfully, loss of life and warship hit have been avoided so far, but as this goes on, so the chances steadily creep up.

In the meantime, freedom of navigation in a key global chokepoint is being challenged by a terrorist militia and so far, fixing the situation has eluded the forces of the US, UK, EU and Nato.

Tom Sharpe is a former Royal Navy officer who commanded four different warships

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This marks the third and final batch of Tribune Editorial Board endorsements in the contested primaries for the Illinois House.

36th District

This district covers a small portion of Chicagos Southwest Side and moves west into suburbs such as Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge and Palos Hills. Democratic Rep. Kelly Burke, whos represented the district since 2011, is retiring. Democrats Rick Ryan, an attorney, and Sonia Anne Khalil, an administrator for the city of Markham, are running to succeed her.

Ryan has had a personal injury law practice in Oak Lawn for three decades or so, but has been involved in local politics and helped Burke in her initial race for the seat. The well-regarded Burke has endorsed him. He told us he is a moderate Democrat primarily focused on safe neighborhoods where people can raise a family and their kids can return to do so as well when theyre grown. He describes the district as a status quo district, where people want things to remain as they are. Voters are worried about public safety and are skeptical of the Safe-T Act, he says.

Ryan would support potentially reintroducing cash bail, but, on the other hand, he doesnt back locking up defendants accused of non-violent crimes and without lengthy criminal records.

Khalil, 34, says access to health care is the most pressing issue facing the district. She backs the Safe-T Act and generally has positions somewhat more to the left than many voters in this district.

She describes herself as a lifelong supporter of a womans right to choose an abortion, something she says Ryan cant say. Ryan allows that he ran for state Senate in 2000 as a pro-life candidate. Most of the women in my life told me I was wrong, he says, and he says he has been staunchly pro-choice ever since.

The Khalil campaign also has pointed to a period of about a decade in which Ryan was unable to pay all the federal taxes he owed. He says he was fighting cancer (Khalil, too, is a cancer survivor) during that period and chose to keep his legal staff employed while he was unable as a sole practitioner to generate much income. He since has paid what hes owed, he says, and no one challenges that.

Ryan clearly has made some mistakes but we think his views are more in tune with his district.

Rick Ryan is endorsed.

79th District

Kankakee is the focal point of this district, which extends beyond the city to surrounding areas. Four Democrats are competing to challenge incumbent GOP Rep. Jackie Haas, who is unopposed in the primary.

They are Kankakee County board member Robert Ellington-Snipes; retiring Kankakee Schools Superintendent Genevra Walters; William Billy Morgan, a Monee Township trustee and a press officer for former Gov. Pat Quinn; and Dylan Mill, a machine operator at AHFs hardwood flooring plant in Kankakee.

Ellington-Snipes, 63, boasts the most political experience of the four, having served on the Kankakee County board for more than 20 years. Walters, 55, has been the schools head for a decade. Morgan, 33, works at the University of Chicagos Harris School of Public Policy and was in Gov. Pat Quinns administration. Mill is 23 years old and calls himself young and ambitious and indifferent to political party labels.

Ellington-Snipes, a crisis counseling supervisor in Kankakee schools, says education is the most pressing issue in the district and calls for more investment. Walters, too, is focused on education  not surprising given her experience running the local schools. The teacher shortage is a pressing issue, she says. Morgan, who has the endorsements of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and Planned Parenthood, is pushing for property tax relief and a child tax credit in the state. Mill believes education and economic development are the most important issues facing the district.

Democratic voters have several candidates with impressive credentials to choose from. On balance, we most like Morgans focus on kitchen table issues.

Billy Morgan gets our endorsement.

83rd District

This Kane County district includes parts of Batavia, Geneva, Aurora and Oswego. Democratic Rep. Matt Hanson is in his first term and is being challenged by Arad Boxenbaum, who ran against Hanson in 2022.

Both candidates are intelligent and largely agree on most issues. Boxenbaum, 24, who sits on the Geneva Public Library Board, says his highest priority would be to get a referendum before Illinois voters to enshrine the right to an abortion in the Illinois Constitution. Hanson is sympathetic to that as well and notes theres a legislative task force working on the possibility.

In a recent voter forum, we were impressed with Hansons nuanced answer to a question about the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, the landmark green-energy law enacted in 2021 that phases out fossil fuels in power generation over the coming two decades. He noted deadlines in the law for achieving certain milestones that already look unlikely to be achieved  a practical issue that arose during the debate over that law (before Hanson was in the General Assembly). Boxenbaum emphasized during the forum that he would accept no donations from fossil fuels companies.

Hanson pleaded guilty late last year to driving under the influence. He said he took full responsibility and said he would undergo evaluation for alcohol-related issues and take any steps recommended in that process. We dont think that should disqualify him from public service, assuming it doesnt recur. We think Boxenbaum shows promise, but Matt Hanson has our endorsement.

88th District

This downstate district includes parts of Bloomington-Normal and runs south to Decatur. GOP Rep. Dan Caulkins isnt running for reelection. The Republican primary is between Regan Deering, a businesswoman and granddaughter of former Archer Daniels Midland CEO Dwayne Andreas, and Chuck Erickson, a McLean County board member.

Caulkins, a member of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, has endorsed Deering. Erickson has the endorsement of former state Rep. Dan Brady, whos more moderate.

We think Erickson, who pledges to work with Democrats when he can and confront them when he must, is the right choice for Republican voters in this district.

Chuck Erickson is endorsed.

99th District

Quincy is the focal point of this district, which covers a broad region to the west of Springfield. Incumbent Republican Rep. Randy Frese isnt standing for reelection.

Running in the GOP primary for a safe Republican seat are Kyle Moore, former mayor of Quincy, and Eric Snellgrove, who sits on the Cass County Board and lives in Beardstown. Moore has the endorsement of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and is the clear favorite in this race. He left office as Quincy mayor in 2021, keeping his promise to serve just two terms in that role.

Kyle Moore is endorsed.

105th District

This heavily rural district covers a territory north of Bloomington and largely east of Peoria. First-term incumbent Dennis Tipsword Jr. is being challenged by Donald Ray Rients, an IT employee for State Farm who lost to Tipsword in the previous primary and has run unsuccessfully for Congress twice and lost to U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood.

Rients attacks Tipsword for supporting legislation allowing non-citizens to become police officers if they have work permits and legally own a gun. Tipsword says he knew that vote would garner some criticism but says it was the right thing to do to alleviate a shortage of police officers.

Tipsword ably represents this district. Dennis Tipsword is endorsed.

107th District

This ruby red district south of Decatur includes Taylorville and Effingham and is represented by GOP Rep. Brad Halbrook. A member of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, Halbrook is one of the more conservative members of the Illinois House. His challenger is Marsha Webb, who has the support of former GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey.

Halbrook pledged when first elected to limit himself to five terms. If he wins reelection, it will be his sixth term, so hes broken that pledge. He supports removing Illinois status as a sanctuary state. Asked whether he thinks Joe Biden legitimately won the presidential election in 2020, he expresses exasperation with the persistence of the question and doesnt answer directly, saying, The 2020 election is over. Time to move on. Theres a reason we still ask that question. Look no further than the likely GOP nominee for president.

We know little about Webbs views, but were no fans of Bailey. We decline to make an endorsement in this race.

110th District

Representing this southern Illinois district east of Belleville is GOP Rep. Blaine Wilhour. The first-term representative is facing a challenge from Matthew Hall, a member of the Fayette County Board, chairman of the Fayette County Republicans and a corrections officer for three decades.

Wilhour, a member of Darren Baileys group that has vilified Chicago, has earned the ire of the Illinois Education Association. The state teachers union has supported Halls challenge, and Wilhour has called on Hall to refuse the financial backing of an organization he says has a woke agenda. Hall says Wilhour is ineffective and in effect represents a point of view that productive engagement with Democrats comes with the job.

Sometimes youve got to take a horrible bill and make it bad, he told Vandalia Radio. You do that by being willing to work across the aisle and say, Lets do this and compromise. Theres nothing wrong with compromise.

Amen.

Matthew Hall wins our endorsement.

116th District

Four-term GOP Rep. Dave Severin represents this sprawling district north of Carbondale. Challenging him as insufficiently conservative is Angela Evans, who defines herself as pro-Trump, pro-life and a lifelong member of the NRA on her campaigns Facebook page.

Severin was challenged a few years ago for having the temerity to vote for Rebuild Illinois, the states first major infrastructure law enacted in years, financed in part by higher gas taxes.

This is an easy call, and Dave Severin is endorsed.

An earlier version of this editorial mis-stated Rick Ryans position on abortion rights. Although he ran for state Senate as a pro-life candidate in 2020, he says he has been pro-choice ever since.
A building in Odessa after the Russian attack on March 2, 2024

It will be impossible to rebuild the part of the building damaged in the devastating Russian drone strike in Odesa, said the expert who surveyed the damage, reported Odesa Regional Military Administration head, Oleh Kiper, on the We  Ukraine Telegram channel on March 3.

"It may be possible to construct a wall to support it - to prevent further shifting or damage, and keep it in a safe condition, he said.

Read also: Photos reveal shocking extent of Russian recent attack on Odesa

This is preliminary information.

Kiper also discussed the condition of buildings damaged during previous Russian attacks. Attempts will be made to restore newer buildings, while older ones will be demolished.

12 people were killed, including five children, when a Russian drone struck a nine-story building in Odesa overnight on March 3.

Read also:

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

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Police in eastern India have arrested three men for the alleged gang rape of a foreign tourist and assault of her husband, as they hunt for four more suspects in a case that highlights the countrys decades-long struggle to curb sexual violence against women.

The couple, who had been traveling by motorcycle from the state of West Bengal to neighboring Nepal, were found late Friday by police officers on patrol, said Pitambar Singh Kherwar, superintendent of Dumka district police in Jharkhand state.

They were taken to hospital, where the woman told the doctor she had been raped, he said.

Police know the identities of the wanted suspects and have formed a special investigative team, Kherwar said. It is unclear whether the three arrested suspects have legal representation.

CNN is not naming the female victim, in accordance with Indian law that prevents the naming of victims of sexual violence. Police have not disclosed the names or nationalities of the couple.

The arrests come after a travel vlogger couple on Saturday posted on their Instagram account that they had knives (held) to our throats, during an attack in India. The woman had been raped and brought to the hospital for DNA testing, they said.

The couple posts in Spanish, and the woman says on her Instagram page that she is Brazilian.

On their Instagram story, the woman showed bruises on her face, saying, This is what my face looks like, but it isnt what hurts the most. I thought I was going to die.

In a follow-up post Sunday, the couple thanked their followers for their support, saying they are doing well and that the police is doing everything possible to catch the remaining suspects.

CNN has reached out to the couple for comment.

Indias National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the alleged attack.

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma has spoken to the victim and extended all required assistance, the organization posted on social platform X on Saturday.

Jharkhand minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur called the alleged assault a condemnable incident.

If a crime has been committed, the culprits will not be spared, he said on Saturday.

India has struggled for years to tackle high rates of violence against women, with a number of high-profile rape cases involving foreign visitors drawing international attention to the issue.

In 2018, A British woman was allegedly raped while walking to her hotel in the western state of Goa, a popular tourist destination; two years earlier, an American woman was allegedly drugged and raped by a group of men in her five-star hotel room in New Delhi. And in 2013, six men were sentenced to life in prison for the gang rape of a Swiss tourist.

According to Indias National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 31,516 rape cases were recorded in 2022, an average of 86 cases per day.

And experts warn that the number of cases recorded are just a small fraction of what may be the real number, in a deeply patriarchal country where shame and stigma surround rape victims and their families.

Under Indias current laws it is still not a crime for a man to force sex or sexual acts on his wife, as long as she is over 18.

Perhaps Indias most infamous case of recent years was the 2012 gang-rape of a medical student who was beaten, tortured and left to die following a brutal attack on a public bus in New Delhi.

The case and ensuing nationwide protests drew international media scrutiny  and prompted authorities to enact legal reforms. The rape law was amended in 2013 to broaden the definition of the crime and set strict punishments not only for rape but also for sexual assault, voyeurism, and stalking.

Despite these changes, rape cases remain prevalent in the country  with victims and advocates saying the government is still not doing enough to protect women and punish attackers.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
FILE- An activist of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) walks with flags after a protest outside the Lakshadweep administration office in Kochi, Kerala state, India, June 15, 2021. India announced plans for a new naval base off the countrys south-west coast and close to Maldives, as tensions are running high between Delhi and the island nation. The Indian Navy said Saturday it plans to build a base called INS Jatayu on Minicoy, the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. (AP Photo/R S Iyer, File)

NEW DELHI (AP)  India announced plans for a new naval base off the countrys south-west coast and close to Maldives, as tensions are running high between Delhi and the island nation.

The Indian Navy said Saturday it plans to build a base called INS Jatayu on Minicoy, the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Indias Lakshadweep islands lie about 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of the Maldives. It said a more detailed plan will be published Wednesday.

The base will enhance operational reach and facilitate the Indian Navys operational effort towards anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in Western Arabian Sea. It will also augment Indian Navys capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland, the navy statement said.

The Indian Navy said the base was part of a policy to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important islands.

India already has a base in the Lakshadweeps, INS Dweeprakshak on Kavaratti.

Tensions between India and Maldives have grown since Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu came to power last year.

After taking power, Muizzu visited China ahead of India, and said Maldives small size is not a license for anyone to bully the country, in an apparent response to calls on Indian social media for tourists to boycott Maldives after three Maldives deputy ministers made derogatory posts about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The ministers were later suspended.

In February, Muizzu asked India to replace military personnel who operate humanitarian service planes based in Maldives with civilian technical staff. At least 75 Indian military personnel are believed to be in Maldives and their known activities include transporting patients from remote islands and rescuing people at sea.
Ulviyya Shahin

Azerbaijan and Brazil discussed expanding the export of agricultural products, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Agriculture Ministry.

A meeting was held in the institution with the delegation led by Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Trade and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Majnun Mammadov said that President Ilham Aliyev has identified the development of agriculture as a priority area. As a result of this policy, the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan has entered a new stage of its development. He gave detailed information to the participants of the meeting about the role of agriculture in the development of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan, state support to the agricultural sector, the implemented reforms, the introduction of the Electronic Agricultural Information System, the electronicization of agricultural services, and the favorable investment environment in Azerbaijan.

At the meeting, the creation of a legal and contractual basis for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Brazil in the agricultural field, increasing the trade turnover of agricultural products, transfer of the most modern technologies in the agricultural field, strengthening of cooperation in the fields of animal husbandry, implementation of experimental programs in the field of scientific research in the agricultural sector, and the export of agricultural products of Azerbaijan to Brazil were discussed.

Mammadov touched on the importance of the "Caspian Agro" exhibition organized annually in Azerbaijan, and called on Brazilian businessmen to actively participate in this exhibition, as well as to explore the possibilities of investing in the agricultural sector of Azerbaijan, taking into account the reliable and favorable business environment.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that there is great potential for the expansion of mutual relations in the field of agriculture. The parties expressed their interest in the further development of bilateral cooperative relations between the two countries in the field of agriculture in the future.
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi  an insider's guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly.

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Tens of thousands of farmers will be using public transport to reach Indias capital on Wednesday, after weeks-long protests were stymied by blockages on highways, in the growers latest attempt to dial up pressure on the government to meet their demands.

The farmers protesting near Delhis borders were not allowed to enter the city on tractors. Authorities blocked highways to restrict their movement and dropped tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Since the farmers cannot come on tractors, they will travel to Delhi by bus and train, read a statement issued by one of the farmers groups.

In 2020-21, three agricultural reform laws led to farmers orchestrating a sit-down at Delhis borders for almost one year. After the government was forced to roll back the laws, the farmers presented a list of demands, the most significant being a law guaranteeing minimum prices for certain crops. Reluctant to adopt the comprehensive measure, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government offered a guaranteed price for only a few crops, which farmers rejected.

Last month, the government blocked social media accounts of some farmers leaders amid negotiations with the growers, who represent a major voting bloc and whose voice will be particularly relevant as India heads to the polls in a few weeks.

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FILE PHOTO: Indian farmers march towards New Delhi to press for better crop prices

By Rajendra Jadhav

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian farmers are planning to escalate their protests from Wednesday by entering the capital New Delhi by bus and train, and increasing their numbers at border points that are currently blocked by tractors.

Thousands of farmers began the "Delhi Chalo" (Let's go to Delhi) march last month but were stopped by security forces about 200 km (125 miles) north of the capital with teargas and water cannon.

The farmers, who are demanding higher prices for their crops, intensified their protest after several rounds of failed talks.

Farmers from various states, from Kerala in the south to Madhya Pradesh in central India, will arrive in New Delhi by trains and buses on Wednesday, Ramandeep Singh Mann, a farmer leader, told Reuters.

"Farmers from Punjab and Haryana will continue protesting at the existing protest sites with tractor trolleys. They will attempt to enter New Delhi with tractors only," he said.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from the northern states of Punjab and Haryana, with around 3,000 tractors, are stuck at three borders that were blocked by police and paramilitary troops with barricades.

Clashes between farmers and security forces, including cane charges and tear gas canisters dropped by drones, have played on television screens for several days. The farmers say at least one protester has died in the clashes while dozens have been injured on both sides.

The protesting farmers will also block railway lines across the country for four hours during the afternoon of March 10, Mann said.

Farmers are determined to continue protesting until their demands for higher support prices, backed by law, are met, Mann said.

The government announces support prices for more than 20 crops each year, but state agencies buy only rice and wheat at the support level, which benefits only about 6% of farmers who raise those two crops.

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
An Indonesian state-owned bank has warned social media users not to be misled by imposter Facebook pages promoting a "prize draw" in its name. The pages -- which were not verified -- shared posts that had the hallmarks of a phishing scam.

One Facebook post promoting the purported "prize draw" contained the logo of Indonesian state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) (archived link).

Shared by an unverified page called "BNI Promotion Rewards" on February 26, 2024, it included an image of two people wearing a uniform for the bank's employees (archived link).

The Indonesian-language text on the image reads: "Prize Draw Celebration".

The post's caption reads in part: "Latest BNI 2024 Promotion. Exclusive for BNI customers who have activated mobile banking.

"Thunderous BNI Fortune is for you active BNI customers. Please register for the Thunderous BNI Fortune and directly get rewards such as main rewards: 1 unit house, 5 units of Scopy motorcycle, 1 unit of Alphard car, 3 tickets to Singapore, 4 units 50 inch TV".

Screenshot of the false post, taken on February 28, 2024

AFP found the post contained a link that directed users to a website which then invited them to enter a phone number.

Following the submission of a contact number, the website then asked users if they were BNI customers before requesting them to share their debit card details.

Screenshot of the fraudulent website asking users to enter banking credentials

Similar false posts promoting purported BNI's prize draw were also shared on other Facebook pages featuring the bank's logo, including here, here and here.

Some social media users appeared to believe that the post was genuinely from the bank.

"I have completely registered and now waiting for the result," commented one user.

"I am interested in opening a BNI account," says another user.

However, a BNI representative told AFP on February 28, 2024 that neither the pages nor the posts were related to the bank and warned its customers to be wary of such social media accounts.

"Don't reveal personal information such as OTP code, PIN, User ID, CVC (Card Verification Code) and e-banking passwords to other parties," the representative said.

The imposter Facebook pages had almost no followers, while BNI's verified Facebook page -- identifiable from its blue check mark -- has more than 437,000 followers (archived link).

Below is a comparison of one of the fraudulent Facebook pages (left) and BNI's page (right):

Screenshot comparison between the fake page (left) and the genuine BNI's Facebook page (right)

AFP put the false post's URL into VirusTotal -- an online malware and virus scanner -- and found it was flagged as malicious by at least three security vendors (archived link).
The Rock Island Public Library is creating a new strategic plan for 2025 to 2028, and wants your input about library services, needs, and community priorities.

The online community survey is open until April 1, 2024, and is available to anyone, including non-users of the library, HERE and on the library website HERE. A paper copy is available at library locations.

The librarys strategic plan helps it determine how to best focus its efforts, and address the needs of individual patrons and of the overall community.

(Rock Island Public Library)

Whether you use the library a little, a lot, or not at all, your answers will help us better understand your needs, and those of the larger community, Lisa Lockheart, Rock Island Public Library publicity and outreach liaison, said in a Monday release. It takes just a few minutes to make a lasting impact.

Survey participants do not have to live in Rock Island or the Milan-Blackhawk-Area Public Library District. Rock Island Library events are open to all, and the library regularly serves cardholders from other libraries in Davenport and the Illinois Quad Cities.

Previous surveys helped the library identify needs for fine-free borrowing, homebound delivery, after-hours book pickup, and study rooms, all of which were introduced during the current strategic plan.

Another way to add your voice to planning is to attend any of three Community Conversation events hosted by both the library and the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion times are:

Tuesday, March 26 , 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30 th Street

Wednesday, March 27 , 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road

Saturday, March 30, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street

Partnering with the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department for the Community Conversations makes perfect sense, library director Angela Campbell said. Both of our organizations enhance the livability factor of our community, so hearing how best to focus our efforts in the coming years will aid in planning and future partnerships.

All discussions are open to anyone. Coffee and refreshments will be available.

For more information on upcoming library programs, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow library social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Beaufort, officially founded in 1711 and South Carolinas second-oldest city, can boast more history than most communities in the United States. The seeds of the Civil War were planted here, in a Craven Street home thats now famously known as Secession House. A walled fortress known as the Beaufort Arsenal, built in 1798, still stands, also on Craven Street. It once housed the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery after it fought with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, it houses the Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention & Visitors Bureau  and the Beaufort History Museum.

But what if there are too many artifacts, too much memorabilia, and not enough space to display the history trove? The Beaufort History Museum, the citys official historic repository, decided to have an auction called A Piece of Our Past, where it plans to sell some of its most unique treasures that are kept in storage because of a lack of space at the museum. Interested in U.S. Cavalry-issued saber? How about a lesser-known Lowcountry landscape painting completed by a celebrated portrait artist whos famed works include two U.S. presidents still hanging in the White House? Antique maps? Vintage photographs? Those are samplings of the diverse range of items from the museums archives that will be up for bid on March 14.

A wooden case with glass holding a saber forged in Columbus, Ohio will go to auction in the March 14 Piece of Our Past Fundraising Auction to be held in Beaufort.

This remarkable event offers an exclusive opportunity to acquire artifacts and treasures that will enhance your home or add to that special collection, the History Museum says.

John Warley, the new president of the museums board, said the museum has too much stuff to display at its second-floor museum at The Arsenal and hopes to sell some of it to raise money for its plan to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026.

The not-for-profit history museum, which was founded in 1939, is an extension of the city in that it cares for the historical items of importance to the community.

The eclectic collection of artifacts that isnt displayed at the museum is stored in the basement of City Hall.

Its a cross, says Warley, between your grandmothers attic and historical treasure.

Warley surveyed the archived history one day last week. Some of these items will be sold to the highest bidders later this month.

Look at this old thing, says Warley, pointing to a Gatling gun, the rapid-fire, multiple-barrel firearm invented in 1861.

The gun is not the only bizarre item in the collection. An early type of bicycle known as a penny-farthing, also known as a high wheel, stands out. Multiple swords, some still in scabbards, are stacked on a shelf. Warley jokes it would be possible to have a sword fight. Warley picks up another vicious weapon. With a chain and spiked steel ball on the end, it appears to be a medieval fighting instrument. Posters, paintings, clothing, dolls, art. You name it, its here, although its not clear what some of the items have to do with Beaufort history.

But there are diamonds in the rough that Warley says might have some sex appeal, and those will be the items up for auction and possibly future auctions.

The saber was made in 1902 by the Columbus, Ohio-based M.C. Lilley & Co. and was standard-issue by the U.S. Calvary.

John Warley, a Beaufort Art Museum board member, shows the details of a saber forged in Columbus, Ohio that will go to auction in the March 14 Piece of Our Past Fundraising Auction to be held in Beaufort.

An original painting of scrub oaks and a beach that may feature a Hunting Island scene should generate interest, too. It was painted by Herbert Abrams. Abrams was best known for his portraits. His paintings of former presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, for example, are part of the official presidential collection and still hang in the White House.

Another landscape by Abrams already hangs outside the City Council chambers at Beaufort City Hall. Its called the low country and features an orange sunset peaking through a break in a round tree canopy and reflecting off of a creek winding through the marsh grass.

This painting by Herbert Abrams called The low country is owned by the Beaufort History Museum and hangs at Beaufort City Hall. City officials decided it should not be a part of an upcoming auction that will raise funds for the museums planning for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

The museum had planned to sell this Abrams painting as part of the auction. But City Council members Neil Lipsitz and Josh Scallate objected, arguing the city should keep it because of its value and noting the famous artist. The museum agreed and decided to auction the scrub oak painting instead.

A replica of an etching called nurse and child by Elizabeth Oneill Verner also will be auctioned.

Several years back, Warley noted, the museum decided to start an art collection and purchased paintings, But theres really no place to display an art collection.

As president of the museums board of directors, Warley wants to vet the unused collection and sell items for which there is no foreseeable need. Its his hope that the board will agree to use the funds raised at the auction for the museums efforts to celebration the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. A room at the museum, he says, is currently sitting vacant.

We want to have a lights out Revolutionary War exhibit in that room, Warley says.

It will take $15,000 alone to get the planning started and another $75,000 to $100,000 to implement the plan. The auction will jump-start the fundraising.

A few tickets remain for the live auction, which will be held in the home of Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer, a member of the not-for-profit organization.

Besides the historic items that will be up for bid, those who attend will get the chance to buy exotic trips to Mexico and Havana, an airplane flight over Beaufort and a cocktail party for 20 at the home of Mike McFee, another Beaufort City Council member.

Whats next

The Beaufort History Museums A Piece of Our Past fundraising auction is Thursday, March 14 at the home of Location Phil and Amelie Cromer, 162 Spanish Point Drive. There were few spaces left as of Monday. Go to beauforthistorymuseum.wildapricot.org for more information.
A Russian strike on the Kramatorsk district of Donetsk Oblast killed two rescuers and wounded another three while they were putting out a fire caused by an earlier attack, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on March 4.

Settlements in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast are targeted by Russian strikes on a daily basis due to the ongoing fighting as Moscow seeks to occupy the entire region.

Attacks against first responders violate international conventions as they don't take part in hostilities but rescue civilians and provide aid.

The secondary strike carried out by a drone killed two first responders aged 29 and 31, according to Klymenko.

Three other rescuers are receiving medical assistance, the minister said on Telegram.

"Our rescuers have no weapons, they risked their lives so that others could live," he added.

The State Emergency Service's spokesman, Oleksandr Khorunzhyi, said on Aug. 8, 2023, that over 70 Ukrainian rescuers had been killed in Russian attacks while doing their job.

Read also: Our readers questions about the war, answered. Vol. 5

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Police are investigating a 10-week-old baby girl who they said died while sleeping in a bed with someone else.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Action News Jax spoke with a local pediatrician who is warning parents not to co-sleep with their infants. That pediatrician also said he sees these preventable deaths every year.

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Never co-sleep with a child in the bed, Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen said.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, the 10-week-old girl died Sunday night after being found unresponsive at a home on Lambing Road in Jacksonville Heights.

Officers said the infant was co-sleeping with someone else, and at this time no foul play is suspected.

Dr. Goldhagen, a local pediatrician at UF Health, said these types of deaths are avoidable, and he doesnt recommend co-sleeping any time.

READ: JSO: Jacksonville baby dies while co-sleeping with mother, police investigating

I discourage co-sleeping because we have four to five or so, maybe more deaths a year from suffocation and secondary to co-sleeping, Dr. Goldhagen said.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, so far in 2024, our area has seen four deaths in Bradford, Columbia, Clay, and Duval Counties all involving infants sleeping with their mothers.

Dr. Goldhagen said that newborns do not belong on beds.

Beds are made for adults. They arent made for babies and so having soft mattresses and pillows in an adult bed is dangerous for babies, Goldhagen said.

Dr. Goldhagen said that no babies should die due to co-sleeping, but parents are a critical part of preventing these kinds of deaths.

READ: 5 babies die from co-sleeping in 2 weeks in Northeast Florida

We do want babies to be sleeping in the rooms with the parents in particular breastfeeding moms, he said. They can stay in a crib, or as I mentioned there is a bed extensions that families can use to put those babies in bed extensions.

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JSO is asking that if anyone has any information on this incident to call them on the non-emergency number at 904-630-0500.

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Construction on the tower block on the waterfront started in 2007

Costs to repair structural and fire safety issues on a tower block in Ipswich could reach 30m, administrators said.

The freeholder of The Mill development went into administration in 2010.

Administrators, RSM UK, told residents that funds were expected to run out in the summer.

Unless a buyer is found, the development could enter liquidation, leaving residents with the running costs.

The tower block was deemed unsafe after gale force winds tore cladding away.

Fire hazards identified following the Grenfell Tower disaster have also yet to be rectified, with 249 flats affected.

RSM UK said in a letter, seen by the BBC, that there was no "exact figure on the total cost of rectification work but we are led to believe it could be in the region of 30m".

The administrator said they now expected funds to run out at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Last year that was thought to be the first part of the year.

If residents are not able to afford to fund the current fire safety measures, thought to be around 500,000 a year, the fire service may evacuate the building.

Amie Holdsworth says she wants transparency on the situation

Amie Holdsworth bought her flat in the development in 2018. She said she had no idea of the issues when moving in and she said they "still don't know the severity of how bad things in the building are".

The 33-year-old tried to remortgage in 2020, but was told her flat was "worthless".

People in the building are worried about living there but many have no choice, she said. "We are the ones living in these buildings, with potential fire risks," she added.

RSM UK said the safety of all residents was its priority.

"We are in ongoing discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Homes England to help us access further funds, which we hope will significantly improve the prospects of being able to complete a sale of the development in due course," a spokesperson said.

The MP for Ipswich, Tom Hunt, said he had been meeting with residents, adding that senior figures in government were following the case.

Mr Hunt said he was "hopeful" the building could be sold to a developer.

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: "We have every sympathy for the residents of The Mill and others affected, and our priority is to find a way to keep people in their homes.

"We are working to find a long-term solution with the Administrators, Ipswich Borough Council and Homes England. This may take some time as it will need to address both the cladding and structural issues identified."

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and X. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk
Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi speaks at a press conference on the parliamentary elections in Iran. Around 60 million people were called to vote for a new parliament and the Council of Experts, an influential body of Islamic clerics. Voter turnout was not high. Many people stayed away from the polls in protest after the failed attempts at reform in recent decades. Arne Bansch/dpa

Iran's interior minister on Monday confirmed a historically low turnout in Friday's elections of 41%.

The figure had previously been reported by media close to the government.

A total of around 25 million of the 61 million eligible voters went to the polls, Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi told journalists.

The number of invalid votes was just under 8%. The figures could not be independently verified at present.

In 2020, turnout for parliamentary elections was 42.6%.

On Friday, Iran elected a new parliament and the so-called Council of Experts, which deals with the succession of the powerful religious leader in the event of his death.

In the process, the camp of arch-conservative fundamentalists was able to expand its power.

Many people, disillusioned after failed attempts at reform in recent decades, stayed away from the polls in protest. International observers said the elections in Iran were neither free nor fair.

These were the first elections after the women-led protests in 2022 following the death of Kurdish-Iranian Mahsa Amini in police custody.

She had been detained for allegedly wearing the religious headscarf or hijab improperly.

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Wahidi speaks at a press conference on the parliamentary elections in Iran. Around 60 million people were called to vote for a new parliament and the Council of Experts, an influential body of Islamic clerics. Voter turnout was not high. Many people stayed away from the polls in protest after the failed attempts at reform in recent decades. Arne Bansch/dpa
By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI (Reuters) - Turnout in Iran's parliamentary election was around 41%, the country's interior minister said on Monday, the lowest participation since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that swept the clerical rulers into power.

Friday's election was seen as a test of the clerical establishment's legitimacy amid mounting economic struggles and a lack of electoral options for a mostly young population chafing at political and social restrictions.

"Some 25 million people out of over 61 million eligible Iranians voted in the March 1 election for the 290-seat legislature," Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told a televised news conference.

In the 2020 parliamentary election, turnout was 42.5%. About 62% of voters participated in 2016.

Authorities said the turnout "indicated the people's trust in the sacred system of the Islamic Republic".

Vahidi said invalid votes made up 5% of the total vote count. Some Iranian media reported that number to be as high as 30%, suggesting signs of disillusionment even among core supporters of the Islamic Republic.

"Authorities should listen to the silent majority ... and reform the governance method ... I hope they realise before it's too late to reverse the damage and harm this path will cause," state media quoted reformist politician Azar Mansouri as saying.

In some constituencies, where candidates failed to get the required minimum 20% of the votes cast, a run-off will be held in April, Vahidi said.

In Tehran, which accounts for 30 seats in parliament, a second round will be held for 16 seats.

The election was the first since anti-government protests in 2022-23 that spiralled into one of Iran's worst political turmoil since the Islamic revolution and quelled by a violent crackdown involving mass detentions and even executions.

With heavyweight moderates and conservatives staying out and reformists calling the election not free and unfair, the contest was essentially among hardliners and low-key conservatives, all proclaiming loyalty to revolutionary ideals.

Iran's parliament, dominated by hardliners for more than two decades, has little impact on foreign policy or Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. These issues are determined by the country's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Activists and opposition groups, arguing that a high turnout would legitimise the Islamic Republic, had called for a boycott by widely distributing the hashtags #VOTENoVote and #ElectionCircus on the social media platform X.

Former president Mohammad Khatami, considered the spiritual leader of Iran's reformists, was among critics who did not vote on Friday.

Opposition critics say the ruling clerics are no longer capable of solving an economic crisis caused by a mix of mismanagement, corruption and U.S. sanctions reimposed since 2018 when Washington ditched Tehran's nuclear pact with major powers.

The parliamentary election was twinned with a vote for the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, an influential body that has the task of choosing the 84-year-old Khamenei's successor.

(Additional reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Ros Russell)
Run-offs will be held for more than half of the 30 seats in Tehran after winning candidates failed to win 20% of the votes

Hardliners have won a majority of the seats in the parliamentary elections in Iran, which saw a record low turnout of 41% after calls for a boycott.

Most moderate and reformist figures were disqualified from standing in Friday's polls, which were the first since the 2022 nationwide protests.

Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told a news conference that 25 million of the 61 million eligible voters took part.

He also revealed that about 5% of the ballots cast were "invalid", or spoilt.

Hardline President Ebrahim Raisi earlier praised the "passionate turnout", which he described as an "extreme blow" to opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Analysts said a low turnout would be a show of disenchantment with politics, after the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had urged people to vote.

Some 42% of those eligible voted in the last parliamentary elections in 2020. Turnout had been consistently above 50% before then.

Iran's election headquarters announced on Monday that 245 of the 290 seats in parliament had been decided in the first round.

The remaining 45 seats will go to second round run-offs because the winning candidates had not received the 20% of the votes required.

Only 14 candidates reached the threshold in the capital, Tehran, and its surrounding province, meaning that run-offs will be held for more than half of the 30 seats there.

Most of the winning candidates nationwide are considered to be conservative hardliners, who are staunchly loyal to the Islamic ruling system and are opposed to political or social freedoms.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Conservatives also dominated separate elections held on Friday for the Assembly of Experts - an 88-member clerical body that is responsible for appointing the next Supreme Leader when the time comes.

Ayatollah Khamenei - the Islamic Republic's most powerful figure and commander-in-chief - is 84 and the new assembly will sit for eight years.

As with the parliamentary polls, many prospective candidates were disqualified by the Guardian Council, a hardline watchdog made up of theologians and jurists.

Among those barred was former president Hassan Rouhani, a moderate who had previously served on the assembly for 24 years.

Mr Rouhani warned in January that such decisions would "undermine the nation's confidence in the system" but still turned out to vote on Friday.

Another former president, the reformist Mohammad Khatami, was among those who did not vote, having warned last month that Iran was "very far from free and competitive elections".

Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammedi denounced the elections as a "sham", following what she called the "ruthless and brutal suppression" of the 2022 protests.

The unrest was triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly".

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands detained in a continuing crackdown by security forces, which have portrayed the protests as "riots".
A Shiite Muslim cleric and a woman in front of an installation in the form of a giant ballot box, pictured in Tehran on February 28, 2024, ahead of the elections (ATTA KENARE)

Iran's conservatives and ultra-conservatives secured a large majority in parliamentary elections, officials said Monday, in a vote marked by a turnout of 41 percent, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

"Around 25 million people participated, with a turnout of 41 precent" in Friday's elections, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told a Tehran press conference.

Candidates categorised as conservative or ultra-conservative on pre-election lists won more than two-thirds of the seats, with around 15 percent of contests headed for a second round.

The vote, which also chose members of the key Assembly of Experts, was the first since nationwide protests broke out following the September 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

Amini, an Iranian Kurd, had been arrested for allegedly flouting the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.

The elections, in which a vetting process barred many hopefuls including moderates and reformists from running, took place as Iran suffers a severe economic crisis deepened by international sanctions.

Vahidi said the vote happened "despite the ill-wishers of the nation, including intelligence services and terrorist groups, trying very hard to undermine security".

He also said that "in spite of the heavy and unprecedented propaganda of the enemies and the use of all tools to discourage and dissuade people from voting, and despite some economic problems, the people showed a magnificent presence".

Iranian authorities, fearing low turnout, had attempted to rally voters, with supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying before the election that Iran's "enemies want to see if the people are present".

In contrast, a coalition of parties called the Reform Front had said it would not take part in "meaningless, non-competitive and ineffective elections".

On Monday, Azar Mansouri, the head of the coalition, said she hoped "this election will be a lesson and the authorities in the country will find out before it is too late that the continuation of this path will cause irreparable damage to this country," according to reformist newspaper Shargh.

- 45 seats for second round -

Of the 290 seats in parliament, 45 will go to a second round of voting to be held in either April or May, including 16 of 30 seats in the capital Tehran, according to the spokesman for Iran's elections authority Mohsen Eslami.

Over 200 out of 245 elected members are conservatives or ultra-conservatives, including the two who garnered the most votes in Tehran, Mahmoud Nabavian and Hamid Rasaee.

The current speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also a conservative, came in fourth while 35-year-old TV host Amir Hossein Sabeti secured the third place.

Centrist candidate Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, who criticised conditions in Iran ahead of the election as "not favourable", did not gain enough votes to secure a seat.

The parliamentary elections use a list system, with large multi-member constituencies. The highest ranked candidates, up to the number of seats available, are elected.

A candidate must get at least 20 percent of all valid votes in their constituency to be elected in the first round.

Across the country, 11 women garnered enough votes to enter parliament in the first round of the elections compared to 16 who currently sit in the unicameral legislature.

Eslami also said all the new members had been chosen for the 88-seat Assembly of Experts which is tasked with electing, supervising and, if necessary, dismissing the supreme leader, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran.

Khamenei, now 84, has held the post since 1989.

The most high-profile absentee of the assembly election was moderate former president Hassan Rouhani who was barred from taking part after 24 years as a member.

Iran's 2020 parliament was elected during the Covid pandemic with a turnout of 42.57 percent -- at the time the lowest since 1979.

In the 2016 parliamentary elections, turnout was above 61 percent in the first round.

pdm/dcp/fz
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A few dozen people gathered in downtown Scranton Sunday afternoon to witness the rising of the Irish flag as we enter the first week of the lucky month.

Organizers gather in Scranton for Annual Dignitary Dinner

In front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse, there were speakers who explained the meaning of the colors of the flag and the important role the Irish played in local history.

In attendance were some city officials, including Mayor Paige Cognetti and Congressman Matt Cartwright.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
By Ali Sawafta

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) -Israeli forces raided the Palestinian administrative capital of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank overnight, killing a 16-year-old in a refugee camp during their biggest such operation into the city in years, Palestinian sources said on Monday.

The Israeli military said security forces had conducted a counter-terrorism operation in the camp during which a riot broke out, with rocks and petrol bombs thrown at soldiers, who responded with live fire.

In a separate West Bank raid, Israeli forces killed a 10-year-old boy and in the village of Burin, south of Nablus, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Citing medical sources, it said the boy had been shot in the head by Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Violence has surged across the West Bank in parallel to the Gaza war, with at least 400 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers, and Israel regularly raiding Palestinian areas across the territory it occupied in 1967.

Witnesses in Ramallah said the Israeli forces had driven dozens of military vehicles into the city, the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority (PA) led by President Mahmoud Abbas which exercises limited self-rule over parts of the West Bank.

The Palestinian health ministry said Israeli forces shot and killed 16-year-old Mustafa Abu Shalbak while raiding Am'ari refugee camp.

WAFA reported confrontations broke out as Israeli forces stormed the camp, "during which live bullets were fired at Palestinian youths", wounding Abu Shalbak in the neck and chest.

The Israeli military said security forces had conducted a six hour-long operation in the camp, apprehending two wanted suspects, questioning others and seizing "inciting material spread by Hamas".

"During the operation, a violent riot developed, in which suspects hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli security forces, who responded with live fire. A hit was identified," it said.

An Israeli border police officer was lightly injured during the exchanges.

'UNBEARABLE HELL'

The Palestinian foreign ministry said Israeli occupation authorities were making lives of Palestinians in the West Bank "an unbearable hell" with actions including raids, detentions, and movement restrictions, warning of "serious risks" of plunging the West Bank into "violence and anarchy".

Israeli forces also tore up a main road by the Nur Shams refugee camp in the Tulkarm area of the West Bank, witnesses said.

"Every time they enter the camp they destroy more than the previous time," said Ibrahim Hamarsheh, a resident of the camp who heads the Tulkarm branch of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which advocates for Palestinians in Israeli jails.

He said Israeli forces had also bulldozed roads in the camp.

WAFA also reported that Israeli forces had stormed the city of Nablus, and blew up the home of a man previously accused by Israel of carrying out an attack in which a British-Israeli mother and her two daughters were killed in April in the West Bank.

The man, Moaz al-Masri, was killed by Israeli forces in Nablus last May.

Israeli forces detained at least 55 Palestinians in raids across the West Bank overnight, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club.

(Additional reporting by James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; Writing by Tom Perry, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Angus MacSwan and Ros Russell)
The Israeli government released audio recordings on Monday purportedly implicating two United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) teachers in Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

In one of the alleged phone call recordings, a man identified by the Israeli government as a UNRWA-employed elementary school teacher in Gaza tells a second speaker that he is inside with the Jews. The location he is referring to in the calls is not clear, and the second speaker is not named.

In the second tape, another alleged UNRWA teacher says that he caught a female captive. I was there, he says to a second unidentified speaker. They took action for liberation, god willing we brought what we could.

The authenticity of the recordings, which the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared on Twitter with English subtitles aimed at English-speaking audiences, have not been independently verified by The Daily Beast. Questions have been raised about the authenticity of previous recordings that the Israeli government has released regarding the war.

Breaking: incriminating evidence which reveals the participation of @UNRWA teachers in the October 7th massacre.



Im inside, Im inside with the Jews! We have female hostages, I captured one!



Listen to these two recorded conversations incriminating two different UNRWA pic.twitter.com/1hGOiXlBp3  Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 4, 2024

The Israeli government released the alleged phone call recordings weeks after accusing UNRWA workers of participating in the Oct. 7 massacre. Israel reportedly went to the United Nations with the allegations, but did not share evidence on the accusations, only offering information verbally. The UN fired several employees in response, and launched an investigation to look further into the allegations. The probe is ongoing and the reviewing body is expected to submit a final report in late March.

The UN body reviewing the allegations said on Thursday that it is still waiting to receive materials from the Israeli authorities. Staff from the organization, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), plans to travel to Israel to obtain information from Israeli authorities, a UN spokesperson said.

In the meantime, multiple countriesincluding the United Statessuspended their funding to the relief agency, even as the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen in Gaza. U.S. officials have expressed concerns over the allegations and are waiting on the UN to complete its investigation.

The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres has requested that countries reconsider resuming funding, as aid shortfalls are hampering UNRWAs relief work in Gaza.

UNRWA commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, called the move a collective punishment that could have been avoided.

Our humanitarian operation, on which 2 million people depend as a lifeline in Gaza, is collapsing, Lazzarini said. I am shocked such decisions are taken based on alleged behavior of a few individuals and as the war continues, needs are deepening and famine looms. Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment.

U.S. Pauses Funding to U.N. Aid Agency in Gaza Over Alleged Ties to Hamas

Some have reconsidered suspending aid to UNRWA in the weeks since the allegations were made. The European Union announced in recent days that it will resume providing 50 million worth of aid to UNRWA this week. A UN spokesperson said they were still waiting on Israel to provide intelligence on the matter early this week, according to DW.

The European Commission noted that it supports the UNs investigation into the allegations against UNRWA staff, but President Ursula von Der Leyen added that the Palestinian people dont deserve to suffer.

We stand by the Palestinian people in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. Innocent Palestinians should not have to pay the price for the crimes of the terrorist group Hamas. They face terrible conditions putting their lives at risk because of lack of access to sufficient food and other basic needs. That is why we are reinforcing our support to them, von Der Leyen said.

Israel on Monday doubled down on its allegations against UNRWA. Israels military accused 450 of UNRWA employees of belonging to terrorist organizations in a statement Monday.

"According to intelligence, over 450 terrorists belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, mainly Hamas, are also employed by UNRWA, the statement said.

The UN spokesperson Steph Dujjaric on Monday appeared to push back on the allegation, noting that Israel had raised no concerns when the UN provided it a list of UNRWA employees in recent months.

Every year, we provide the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority the full list of all UNRWA staff who work for UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank, Dujjaric told reporters. As far as we've been told, as far as I've been told, no red flags were shared with us by the Israeli authorities.

Israeli Dossier Raises Questions About U.N. Staffs Oct. 7 Involvement

Dujjaric told reporters on Monday that Israel has still not shared videos of allegations with the United Nations as of Monday, while answering a different question about the allegations.

The United Nations has been investigating a number of different incidents surrounding what happened on Oct. 7, and announced Monday there are reasonable grounds to believe Hamas used rape and sexualized torture in its attack.

Hamas has previously claimed that it did not used sexual assault in its attack. But the investigating team found clear and convincing information that some of this abuse may still be ongoing and that some hostages have been raped or tortured sexually.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The debris of the Nablus house of Moaz al-Masry, a Palestinian accused of a deadly attack against Israeli settlers (Zain JAAFAR)

Israeli troops on Monday blew up the home of a Palestinian accused of killing a British-Israeli woman and her two daughters in the occupied West Bank last year.

The apartment of Moaz al-Masry, who was killed by Israeli forces following the April 7 attack, was demolished in the early hours, Palestinian witnesses and the Israeli military told AFP.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said their medics treated about 15 people after Israeli forces fired tear gas during the raid on the West Bank city of Nablus.

Masry, along with two other attackers, was accused of shooting dead Israeli settler Leah Dee and her daughters Maia and Rina as they were driving near Hamra in the Jordan Valley.

Following a manhunt, the assailants were killed in a military raid on Nablus in May.

Troops overnight into Monday stormed the Al-Makhfiya neighbourhood in Nablus and surrounded Masry's house, a witness told AFP.

Israel routinely demolishes the homes of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks, arguing that such measures act as a deterrent, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment.

The Red Crescent told AFP they had evacuated multiple residents, including children, from the building housing Masry's apartment.

Violence in the West Bank had flared even before the war in the Gaza Strip between Hamas militants and Israel erupted on October 7.

Since the war broke out, at least 420 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops and settlers, according to the Palestinian health ministry based in Ramallah.

The latest fatality was 16-year-old Mustafa Abu Shalbak, who the ministry said was shot before dawn on Monday by Israeli forces near Ramallah.

Residents said Israeli forces came under fire as they raided a home in Amari refugee camp.

An AFP photographer saw troops marching two blindfolded Palestinians through a street, while multiple soldiers pointed their weapons at surrounding buildings.

The military said it carried out a "counter-terrorism operation" at the camp and apprehended two wanted suspects.

"During the operation, a violent riot developed, in which suspects hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli security forces, who responded with live fire. A hit was identified," the military said in a statement.

During the violence an Israeli border police officer was also lightly injured, it added.

In recent months Palestinian militants have also carried out numerous attacks against Israeli troops and civilians in Israel and the West Bank, killing at least 17 people, according to Israeli figures.

Israel has occupied the West Bank -- including east Jerusalem, which it later unilaterally annexed -- since the Arab-Israeli war of 1967.

Israeli settlements which are illegal under international law have ballooned over the decades and are seen as a key barrier to peace with the Palestinians.

str-he-jd/ami
The fighting has reduced much of Gaza to rubble and many of the victims were women and children

US Vice-President Kamala Harris says people in Gaza "are starving" and has urged Israel to "significantly increase the flow of aid" there.

She said "there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks", which would "get the [Israeli] hostages out".

Earlier, Israel did not attend truce talks in Egypt, saying Hamas was not giving a list of hostages still alive.

Hamas told the BBC it was unable to do so because of the Israeli bombing.

"Practically it is impossible to know who is still alive," said Dr Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official.

Hamas's team and mediators from the US and Qatar are understood to be in Egypt's capital Cairo for the planned negotiations.

Pressure for a ceasefire deal intensified after Thursday's incident outside Gaza City in the north of the Palestinian enclave where at least 112 people were killed when crowds rushed an aid convoy and Israeli troops opened fire.

Speaking at an event in Alabama on Sunday, Ms Harris said: "What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

"As I have said many times, too many innocent Palestinians have been killed."

Kamala Harris spoke at an event in Alabama to honour US civil rights protesters

The vice-president stressed that "our common humanity compels us to act", reiterating President Joe Biden's commitment "to urgently get more life-saving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need".

On Monday Ms Harris is due to have talks in Washington with Benny Gantz, an influential member of Israel's war cabinet, to discuss a possible ceasefire deal and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Ms Harris said "there is a deal on the table and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families, and let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza."

She also said "the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses."

She was speaking in Selma, Alabama, at an event marking the 1965 attack by state troopers on civil rights demonstrators, known as Bloody Sunday.

The Israeli military launched a large-scale air and ground campaign to destroy Hamas after its gunmen killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel on 7 October and took 253 back to Gaza as hostages.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says at least 30,410 people, including 21,000 children and women, have been killed in Gaza since then, with some 7,000 missing and 71,700 injured.

Dr Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told the BBC's Newshour programme on Sunday that the group was unable to provide Israel with a full list of surviving hostages.

"Practically it is impossible to know who is still alive because of the Israeli bombardment and blockage. They are in different areas with different groups.

"We have asked for a ceasefire to collect that data", he said, adding: "we cannot accept any preconditions". He was speaking from Istanbul.

The UK, US and their Western partners consider Iranian-backed Hamas to be a terrorist organisation.

"Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation that has vowed to repeat October 7th again and again until Israel is annihilated. Hamas has shown no regard for innocent life," Kamala Harris said, insisting that "Hamas cannot control Gaza".
The fatherly embrace of Israel by President Biden in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas atrocities of October 7 has gradually given way to irritation and frustration. Washington no longer conceals its objections, as it undertakes the unprecedented step of parachuting humanitarian aid into an area captured by an ally. On both the conduct of the Gaza warIsraels stingy approach to humanitarian assistance includedand Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus refusal to discuss the wars political objective and desired outcome (the morning after), the gap between the Biden Administration and Netanyahu's government has never been wider or more visible.

Early American warnings, based on lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, to design the morning after so that it informs the conduct of the war in order to clearly indicate that the war is with Hamas, not with the Palestinian people, and to tend to the needs of non-combatants, were all rejected by the Israeli government. Mounting pressure yielded partial Israeli accommodations, but the tragic event last Thursday, when over 100 Gaza civilians died, as, desperate for food, they stormed an aid convoy, triggered the American decision to provide aid unilaterally.

Disagreements over the conduct of the war even extend to the other humanitarian issue, the one most Israelis, and by his own admission and conduct, President Biden too, consider the highest priority: bringing the 134 hostages back. Anyone who visited Washington over the past week could not have missed the dismay expressed by administration officials at what has become a growing suspicion that decisions by Netanyahu on when to negotiate, at what pace, what to offer and what offers to reject may not be clean of political calculations.

More broadly, the Biden Administrations emerging regional strategy offers Israel a unique opportunity for turning the trauma of Hamas brutality of October 7, 2023 and the ensuing war into a three-way win: an exit from Gaza; progress in the broader Israeli-Palestinian arena; and integration into a potent regional coalition.

Read More: Netanyahu Must Do a Deal to Free Hostages Like My Uncle

Yet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects that offer. Not only does he not provide the Israeli public nor its armed forces with a clue as to how he wishes the war to end, his sloganeering and machismo in the form of a total victory or destroy Hamas, which he repeated recently on CBSs Face the Nation, remain meaningless, if not reckless, substitutes for policy directives. Moreover, his "plan" released week before last spells an open-ended occupation of the Gaza Strip and offers Gazans no hope and no alternative to armed resistance.

For Israel, the morning after options are limited. None is risk-free.

An Israeli unilateral withdrawal from Gaza is commonly assumed to be ruled outfor good reason. The ensuing vacuum would see not only a Hamas resurgence but also other terrorists from across the region occupying the Strip, harassing its long-suffering Palestinian residents as well as neighboring Egypt and Israel. Weve been there before. Twice in recent decades, Israel opted for unilateral withdrawals: first, in 2000, from Lebanon, when a negotiated option was not available. Second in 2005, from Gaza, when unilateralism was a choice.

Unlike the negotiated peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, which incorporated robust security arrangements and have proven resilient for decades, the two unilateral withdrawals saw the emergence of potent terror organizations: Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in the south. Armed to the teeth, both ended up being state-like adversaries, brutal to boot.



The second option of a prolonged Israeli occupation of the Strip means that no third party will agree to contribute to Gaza rehabilitation and governance, leaving Israel to enjoy Gaza. A bloody occupation there might trigger the West Bank sliding into a Gaza-like situation. And public pressure will likely ensue on governments in Egypt and Jordan to freeze relations with Israel, as well as on signatories to the Abraham Accords. Israels normalization with Saudi Arabia will join the archive of lost opportunities.



The third option, embracing the American offer, seems a no-brainer, especially since it reflects a U.S.-forged consensus among a powerful group of Arab countries that includes Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and possibly others. Dubbed the Contact Group by Washington, all have learned that the price of ignoring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an agitated domestic public, undermined stability, a strengthened Iran (and its violent proxies), and the threat of a broader conflagration.

Indeed, October 7 marks the moment when the two-state solution turned from lip service to a policy directive in numerous capitalsWashington included. For that potentially transformative moment to not go the way of past lost opportunities, this newly created fragile momentum calls for Jerusalem to say yes, the U.S. and its Arab partners to stay the course, and Palestinian leadership, too, to rise to the occasion.

Washington and its Arab partners realize that, in the midst of these traumatic events since October 7, Israelis and Palestinians are in no mood to contemplate a peace agreement any time soon. Likewise, they recognize that the Palestinian Authority, undermined by successive Netanyahu governments and despised by its constituents for its ineptitude and corruption, is not up to the task of governing Gaza. This realization is at the root of an important characteristic of the emerging Biden plan: gradualism. This pertains to the Palestinian Authority, where its updated acronym RPA (Revitalized Palestinian Authority)indicates a process of substantial internal reforms before it is gradually entrusted with managing the Strip. This also applies to Gaza, where an interim, third-party governance is under discussion among the U.S., PA and the Arab Contact Group. And this is the case for the broader vision, in which Israeli-Palestinian negotiations over the end game of a two-state solution is deferred, but all involved are expected to commit to it now, and conduct themselves in a manner that brings it about.

The one exception to gradualism offers Israel a major bonus: integration into a U.S.-led regional coalition, including normalized relations with Saudi Arabia (as well as other Arab and non-Arab Muslim countries). Designed to contribute to the prosperity of all while constituting a potent security check on Irans meddling, it will materialize once Israel says yes to the two prerequisites: PA role in Gazainitially symbolic and, as it is revitalized, substantive; and a credible, irreversible, time-bound path leading to a future two-state solution.

The Biden approach gives Israel an alternative to an open-ended occupation of Gaza and hope to Palestinians who need an alternative to the Hamas ideology and the perpetual conflict it brings.

It would seem to be politically suicidal for Netanyahu to stand up to an American president admired by Israelis for his unwavering support during an unprecedented hour of need, and who came over while war was raging and provided Israelis with the comforting father figure they didnt have at home.

Nevertheless, Netanyahu, captive of the very extremists he handpicked for his coalition, seems determined to fight the vision Biden presentswhatever the cost to Israels security and other strategic interests. Catering to a shrinking political base (successive polls indicate his party has lost half of the support it enjoyed just over a year ago, his coalition has shrunk by one third, while an overwhelming majority wants him gone), he bets his political future on resisting the Biden plan and the president himself. We must never underestimate the political skill of Israels ultimate verbal acrobat and architect of chaos that keep him in power. Indeed, he has already turned the Biden-regional offer into an imagined threat to dictaterather than negotiate in the futurea two-state solution.

Hamas brutality on October 7, the unknown fate of well over 130 Israeli hostage for over 150 days, and the horrors of war as experienced by Gazans, all accentuate the need for Israel to embark on an alternative course. The twin promise of an Israeli-Palestinian arena turning away from violence and toward a peaceful future however tortuous the road, and of Israels integration into a more stable region, while challenging, is real. Friends of Israel and the broad regional and international coalition that has embraced the Biden approach must communicate to Israelis the potency of this promise. They need to spell out their ideas to the Israeli public and refute Netanyahus distortions. It is up to Israelis to bring about a change in Jerusalem or blame no one else but themselves for the tragic consequences should this historic opportunity be wasted.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Russia is waging a disinformation campaign regarding peace negotiations to win preemptive concessions from the West ahead of talks, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its March 3 report.

"Russian officials continue to falsely blame Ukraine and the West for the lack of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, despite numerous public Russian statements suggesting or explicitly stating that Russia is not interested in good faith peace negotiations with Ukraine," analysts said.

China and Turkey have both expressed interest in facilitating peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and Russian officials are exploiting that interest to perpetuate their own narratives, the ISW said.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with China's special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, in Moscow on March 2. Both Russia and China agreed after the meeting that "the settlements will not be reached without Moscow's participation," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey on March 1. Fidan on March 3 called for ceasefire discussions to begin, saying "it is time to start a dialogue."

Amid these calls for dialogue, Russian officials have claimed that Ukraine is at fault for delaying the peace process by refusing to talk to Russia.

Ukraine has repeatedly said that any peace talks should be held on the basis of its 10-point peace formula, which includes a full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Moscow has rejected this proposal.

A document obtained by the Wall Street Journal shows that Russia's proposed peace terms for Ukraine in 2022 would deny Ukraine NATO membership and shrink the country's military, leaving it permanently vulnerable to Russian aggression.

"ISW continues to assess that any Russian statements suggesting that Russia is or always has been interested in peace negotiations are very likely efforts to feign interest to prompt preemptive Western concessions regarding Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and place the onus for negotiations on Ukraine and the West," analysts said.

Read also: Opinion: 6 obstacles to peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ivanka Trump is having the cultural experience of a lifetime  thousands of miles from Miami.

The former first daughter has been documenting her trip to India on Instagram all weekend long while partaking in fabulous pre-wedding festivities for billionaire heir Anant Ambani and his fiancee Radhika Merchant.

Footing the $100 million bill for this over the top, three-day bash in the coastal town of Jamnagar is the groom to bes father, Mukesh Ambani, the worlds 10th richest man, and Asias wealthiest. The Reliance Industries titans net worth? $83.4 billion, give or take.

Trump really got into the swing of things over there, dressing the part in traditional ceremonial attire. In one of her posts, she is seen wearing a glittery, ab-baring lehenga, accompanied by husband Jared Kushner, whos in a formal, collarless jacket. In another clip, their daughter Arabella, 12, makes an appearance dancing (seems the couples other kids, Joseph, 9, and Theodore, 7, stayed stateside.)

Sending warm wishes to Anant and Radhika for endless happiness and love as they embark on this wonderful adventure together, Trumps post read.

The former White House political advisors werent the only big shots in attendance. The 1,200 person strong guest list also included fellow gazillionaires Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as pop star Rihanna, who went viral for a performance that was criticized as lackluster.

For her 19 song set, RiRi was paid about $6 million, a mere drop in the bucket for the host, who will also be throwing the actual wedding for his son in July.
FILE PHOTO: Undated picture shows Jack Douglas Teixeira who was arrested by the FBI, over the leaks online of classified documents

By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) -Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard charged with leaking classified military documents on a social media platform, pleaded guilty on Monday to carrying out one of the most serious U.S. national security breaches in years.

Teixeira, who has remained in custody since his arrest last April, admitted wrongdoing during a hearing in federal court in Boston after striking a plea deal with prosecutors who plan to ask a judge to sentence him to over 16 years in prison.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information relating to national defense over a leak last year of a trove of classified records to a group of gamers on the messaging app Discord.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, who heads the U.S. Department of Justice's National Security Division, at a press conference said the plea "brings a measure of closure to a chapter that created profound harms for our nation's security."

In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to charge Teixeira with further violations of the Espionage Act.

The plea deal calls for a sentence of at least 11 years in prison, and prosecutors plan to ask U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani to sentence Teixeira to 16 years, eight months in custody. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Before his arrest at his mother's house in North Dighton, Massachusetts, Teixeira had been an airman 1st class at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where he worked as a cyber defense operations journeyman, or information technology support specialist.

Despite being a low-level airman, Teixeira held a top-secret security clearance, and starting in January 2022 began accessing hundreds of classified documents related to topics including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to prosecutors.

He did so even though his superiors admonished him twice in 2022 about his handling of classified information and warned him against conducting deep dives into intelligence information, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Casey said in court on Monday.

Under the username "TheExcaliburEffect," Teixeira shared classified information on Discord in private servers - a kind of chat room - while bragging he had access to "stuff for Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iran and China."

The leaked documents held highly classified information on allies and adversaries, with details ranging from troop movements in Ukraine to Israel's Mossad spy agency.

Michael Bachrach, a lawyer for Teixeira, told reporters that his client was "unfortunately very much a kid" whose youth played a significant role in his actions.

"He is significantly remorseful for his conduct," Bachrach said.

In December, the U.S. Air Force announced it had moved to discipline 15 personnel over the leak and relieved Colonel Sean Riley of the command of the unit to which Teixeira belonged.

It did so after an Air Force inspector general report on the incident found that some members of Teixeria's unit and leadership "had information about as many as four separate instances of his questionable activity."

A smaller number of people had a more complete picture of his intelligence-seeking behavior and "intentionally failed to report the full details of these security concerns/incidents," the report said.

Olsen, the Justice Department official, told reporters the Defense Department is now undertaking a "thorough review" of how it monitors access to classified information. The Defense Department had no immediate comment.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Additional reporting by Phillip Stewart; Editing by Will Dunham, Alexia Garamfalvi and Jonathan Oatis)
The Massachusetts Air National Guardsman at the center of one of the most significant leaks of national-security documents in a decade pleaded guilty on Monday to posting dozens of highly classified intelligence records in an online chat group.

Jack Teixeira, 22, accepted a prison sentence of up to 16 years as part of his guilty plea to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. As part of the deal, the Justice Department will not pursue any further charges against him under the Espionage Act.

The revelations amounted to one of the most damaging disclosures of U.S. government documents in a decade, straining relations with U.S. allies and and triggering national embarrassment. The case also revealed glaring blind spots in the U.S. security-clearance process and added new urgency to the ongoing debate over the screening of online profiles of military service members and government officials for potential problematic affiliations and activities.

According to his plea agreement, Teixeira will have to participate in a debrief with officials at the Pentagon, the Justice Department, and intelligence agencies. He will also have to hand over any documents or other materials still in his possession. Compared to similar cases related to the mishandling of classified information, "this will be one of the longest sentences ever imposed," says Stephanie Siegmann, the former chief of the national security unit of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Boston.

"The secrets that he posted about were extraordinary," Siegmann tells TIME. "The disclosures could have revealed sources and methods, and our intelligence capabilities, to foreign adversaries...it could be a matter of life and death. It was stunning."

Read More: The Strange Saga of Jack Teixeira Reveals New Security Challenges.

Teixeira, who worked as an IT specialist with the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, was arrested last April. He was charged with posting the trove of secret military documents in a small chat group called Thug Shaker Central on Discord. At the time, Teixeira pleaded not guilty.

Photographs of the materials showed smoothed-out papers that were marked SECRET/NOFORN, meaning it is not meant to be shared with foreign countries. Others, which appeared to be briefing documents, had the seal of the Joint Chiefs intelligence arm. The documents, which included sensitive intelligence on the war in Ukraine, Chinese aircraft carriers, Irans nuclear program, and the killing of Islamic State terrorists, sat in the chat group for over a month before surfacing on social media and drawing the attention of U.S. officials.

Read More: The Mysteries of the Biggest Intel Leak in a Decade.

Unlike many leakers of classified information, Teixeira seemed driven by hubris rather than ideology. Discord messages in court filings indicate that he reveled in showing off his access to the online chat group, which was largely made up of teenagers.

Teixeiras security clearance process had turned up an incident from his sophomore year in high school, when he was suspended for alleged violent and racial threats, including comments about bringing guns and Molotov cocktails to school. Nevertheless, he received a top-secret clearance upon joining the Massachusetts Air National Guard. After the Discord leaks became public, federal investigators found that he continued to regularly post about violence and murder in online forums, asked for advice on how to turn an SUV into an assassination van, researched mass shootings, and amassed an arsenal of weapons in his home, according to a filing from prosecutors in April.

Read More: Why the U.S. Security-Clearance Process Has a Digital Blind Spot.

After an internal Air Force probe released its findings in December, 15 airmen were disciplined for failing to take proper action after becoming aware of [Teixeiras] intelligence-seeking activities. The review lays out several incidents where Teixeiras superiors were aware of "questionable activity" but intentionally failed to report the full details of these security concerns [and] incidents ... fearing security officials might 'overreact.'" Col. Sean Riley, the commander of Teixeiras unit, was relieved of his command. However, the report did not find evidence that members of Teixeiras supervisory chain were aware of his alleged unauthorized disclosures.

After Teixeiras arrest, the Pentagon conducted an internal review and took steps to tighten the way it controls access to national-security information. In July, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a memo outlining recommendations to restrict classified information and security clearances on a need to know basis.

"The fact that so many people were disciplined in the Air Force National Guard in relation to this case shows the message being sent by the military that we will not tolerate this type of behavior and you need to report it, says Siegmann.There were a number of warning signs.

Write to Vera Bergengruen at vera.bergengruen@time.com.
An Air National Guard member has pleaded guilty to posting dozens of classified documents online in one of highest-profile intelligence leaks in recent years.

Prosecutors recommend that Jack Teixeira, 22, be sentenced to up to 16 years and eight months in prison.

While working at an Air National Guard base, he posted documents to Discord, a platform popular with gamers.

The material included maps, satellite images and intelligence on US allies.

Teixeira pleaded guilty to six counts of wilful retention and transmission of national defence information in a US federal court in Boston on Monday.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, under the terms of a plea deal, prosecutors said they would ask for 200 months in prison - which Teixeira has agreed not to contest.

At minimum, he will serve 11 years and pay a fine of $50,000 (39,000). Teixeira also agreed to be debriefed by intelligence and defence officials.

During the hearing he spoke briefly to confirm his agreement to the plea deal.

US prosecutor Joshua Levy told reporters that the government is seeking a "very serious sentence" in order to send "a powerful deterrent message".

"One of the reasons this case is so serious is that once things are posted on the internet, shared on the internet, it's almost impossible to track down what happens to every document," Mr Levy said.

Teixeira's attorney Michael Bachrach called his client "very much a kid" and said that his youth played a "significant role" in his actions.

Mr Bachrach said he hoped to be able to successfully argue for a jail term of 11 years at a sentencing hearing scheduled for 27 September.

Teixeira initially began sharing information in late 2022 to a small community of gun and military enthusiasts on a Discord server, or chatroom.

Initially the documents stayed within the group - and Teixeira expressed frustration that his online friends did not realise their significance - but the information was soon re-shared to more public channels.

Eventually, the documents spread to fringe message boards and bigger social media networks, and were picked up by pro-Kremlin Telegram channels and military bloggers.

Some copies of the documents were later altered by others, for instance to inflate Ukrainian casualty figures.

Teixeira was warned by supervisors after he was seen making notes while looking at classified documents, prosecutors said, and he posed specific questions based on classified intelligence during a briefing.

Teixeira was based at the Otis Air National Guard Base, near his home a little more than an hour south of Boston, Massachusetts.

He worked as a cyber-defence operations journeyman - an information technology job maintaining the Air Force communications network - and held the rank of Airman 1st Class. Despite his junior role, he had a top-secret security clearance.

The leak prompted an investigation and led the Pentagon to examine its systems for handling classified information.

The Air Force disciplined 15 of its members in connection with the case in December.

A report from the Air Force's inspector general said officers were aware of Teixeira's "intelligence-seeking activities" and failed to stop him, and that leaders in his unit knew of up to four instances of "questionable activity" involving his access to classified material.

Several officers knew of other incidents, the report said, but did not report them, fearing that security officials would "overreact".

But the report also said Teixeira's supervisors did not know the full extent of his online activity.

The report said there was a lack of supervision during overnight shifts at the base, when a three-person crew was responsible for answering phones and ensuring the heating and air conditioning systems were operating. Teixeira would print and smuggle out classified documents when working those shifts. Screenshots of the classified information appeared to showed creased printouts photographed at his home.

Teixeira took photographs of the documents and posted them online

In court filings, prosecutors said Teixeira was once suspended from high school after a classmate overheard him making racial threats and discussing weapons. Even though Teixeira said he was talking about a video game, local police then denied him a firearms identification card needed to purchase weapons.

He was eventually approved, however, and authorities found a number of guns when they searched his house after his arrest.

Prosecutors also said he attempted to destroy evidence, smashing his tablet, laptop and Xbox and encouraging members of a Discord chat room to delete their messages as authorities closed in.

Teixeira's family has a history of military service. His stepfather served 34 years in the Air Force, and his mother previously worked for non-profit organisations focused on veterans. Both attended his plea hearing on Monday.

In a statement the family said Teixeira was "a good person" who has "has taken responsibility for his part in this".

They said the Air Force Inspector General report revealed "shocking details" about lack of training and oversight at the base, and that they hoped "substantive changes are made to stop this from ever happening again."

Jack Teixeira's stepfather Thomas Dufault and mother Dawn Dufault arriving at the court house in Boston on Monday
The Jackson City Council, on a 5-0 vote, passed a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2628, which would, if passed, place control of JXN Water under a state-appointed board after Jackson's federally appointed Third-Party Water Administrator Ted Henifin leaves.

The action came during in a special-called meeting Monday morning in which Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes and Ward 5 Councilman Vernon W. Hartley Sr. were not in attendance.

The resolution states the bill is in violation of the federal stipulated order, which placed the City of Jackson's water system in the hands of Henifin. The order was signed off on by U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency and Jackson city officials in 2022.

In addition, Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote proposed amendments to the council's final resolution. Foote said if the bill passes, there shall be an annual townhall held by the utility authority in all wards of the City of Jackson, as well as the City of Ridgeland and the City of Byram which rely on Jackson's water system as well.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote

Henifin supports passing of SB 2628: Jackson MS water system takeover by state supported by water administrator Ted Henifin

Foote and attending city council members believe that would allow citizens of Jackson to have a voice in the operation of the water system.

For clarity, this is again going to encourage our legislative body in the state of Mississippi (on) how Jackson feels, Council President Aaron Banks said in the meeting.

Councilman Aaron Banks of Ward 6

Last week, members of the city council discussed the bill during a Public Works Committee meeting with a majority of the council denouncing the bill. Specifically, council members voiced opposition because the water system is one of the city's biggest revenue generators.

Resolution Opposing SB 2628 Revision 2 3.4.2024 by USA TODAY Network on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Ward 6 Councilman and Council President Aaron Banks, Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay were also upset that none of the bill writers, nor those in favor of the bill  including Henifin  sat down with anyone from the city or on the council to discuss the future of the water system.

Banks blasted the bill, stating that the city "needs a partner. Not a slaveowner, not a taskmaster, but a partner."

Senate Bill 2628 would create a water authority consisting of a nine-member board and a president appointed by the governor and the lieutenant governor. It would also need approval by the U.S. Department of Justice.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS city council resolution opposes state takeover of water system
House Oversight Chair James Comer has a new explanation for why the main witness in his rapidly crumbling impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden was indicted for lying to the FBI: Its all a deep state conspiracy.

Comer made his latest claims about Alexander Smirnov during an interview on Newsmax, which the Kentucky representative shared on social media Sunday. Smirnov, an ex-FBI informant, claimed that Biden and his son Hunter accepted bribes from a Ukrainian oligarch. But the Justice Department has since charged Smirnov with making false statements and revealed he admitted that Russian intelligence operatives fed him the accusation. Smirnov was arrested, released on bail, and then arrested again for fear of being a flight risk.

During the Newsmax interview, host Greg Kelly said he feared that Smirnovs life could be in danger.

Youre exactly accurate, Comer said. This stinks to high heaven. It wasnt an important part of our case. It was a tip that we got from Charles Grassley. We investigate every tip, but at the end of the day, the more they do to this Smirnov guy, and the more that they use it in their media narrative, the fishier it sounds to me.

 Joe Biden was the closer in his family's corrupt influence peddling schemes. @POTUS met nearly every foreign associate funneling his family millions.@GOPoversight exposed the Biden business model & Joe continues to lie about the key role he played in the schemes. @NEWSMAX pic.twitter.com/cNvGUfNa7t  Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) March 3, 2024

In reality, Smirnovs claimswhich the FBI repeatedly warned were never confirmedserved as the entire basis for the Republicans investigation into the president and his family. But since Smirnovs indictment, Republicans have rushed to rewrite their inquiry, deleting references to him from witness request letters and even the Oversight Committee website. Comer has accused the FBI of being suspicious and undermining Smirnovs supposedly rock-solid credibility.

Comers behavior directly contradicts a promise he made last May, toward the start of the Biden investigation. The Committee will assess the form it has subpoenaed from the FBI, he said at the time, referring to the FD-1023 form outlining Smirnovs claims. Those forms are only used to document unverified tips to the FBI.



[As] has been my practice, we will report to you only facts when they are verified and indisputable, Comer continued. This committee will not pursue witch hunts or string the American people along for years with false promises of evidence that is beyond circumstantial evidence.

And yet, despite Comer saying just last week that he was ready to try to begin to close this investigation, he and the other committee chairs spearheading the Biden probe have continued to levy accusations against the president and even summon more witnesses to testify.

Earlier in the Newsmax interview, Comer claimed that Hunter Biden lied while testifying to the Oversight Committee, because investigators had found proof and heard witness testimony confirming that the father-son duo were involved in criminal business practices overseas.

Every single witness Republicans have called has refuted these accusations. And ironically, Comer left toward the beginning of Hunters testimony, so he missed most of what the embattled first son said.
Representative Jamie Raskin has a message for the Supreme Court: challenge accepted.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that Colorado cant kick Donald Trump off its 2024 state primary ballotand by extension, neither can any other state. Although the bench was united in its decision, it was sharply divided in reasoning. Five of the six conservative justices determined that the Fourteenth Amendment can only be enforced through a law passed by Congress, which the three liberal justices strongly opposed.

I disagree with that interpretation, just because the other parts of the Fourteenth Amendment are self-executing, Raskin said on CNN.

In any event, the Supreme Court punted and said its up to Congress to act, the Maryland representative continued. And so I am working with a number of my colleagues, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Eric Swalwell, to revive legislation that we had to set up a process by which we could determine that someone who committed insurrection is disqualified by Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) after SCOTUS ruling says he is working to revive legislation to set up a process to, under the 14th Amendment, disqualify someone who's committed insurrection:



The question is whether Speaker Mike Johnson would allow us to bring this to the floor. pic.twitter.com/UDC9xbVLLo  The Recount (@therecount) March 4, 2024

Raskin noted that the House had voted in 2021 to impeach Trump for inciting insurrection. The Senate ultimately acquitted Trump, but only by a vote of 5743.



The Colorado state Supreme Court ruled in December that Trump had engaged in insurrection during the January 6 attack and was therefore ineligible to appear on the primary ballot. Little more than a week later, Maines secretary of state also barred him from the states ballot. He was booted from the Illinois state ballot just last week.

The Supreme Court ruling mandates his return to all three ballots and ends dozens of lawsuits weighing whether Trump was eligible to appear on other states ballots.

The three liberal justices agreed that Colorado couldnt make such a massive decision on its own but strongly disputed that the amendment can only be applied through legislation. Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson slammed the majority for overstepping the bounds of the lawsuit at hand and, in doing so, ruling out enforcement under general federal statutes requiring the government to comply with the law.

By resolving these and other questions, the majority attempts to insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office, the three justices wrote in their dissenting opinion.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) praised Vice President Harris for pushing for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war Sunday but urged the Biden administration to follow through on the words amid rising pressure from Democrats.

The VP has called for an immediate ceasefire, and urgent aid into Gaza, Jayapal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now lets back it up with policy shift.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table, Harris said during remarks Sunday in Selma, Ala.

Harris also criticized the Israeli government, denouncing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and calling on the country to facilitate more aid deliveries for Palestinian civilians.

The vice presidents remarks were some of the most definitive criticisms of the Israeli government from the Biden administration, as the White House increases pressure on the country due to civilian deaths.

Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has been a leading force in urging the Biden administration to back a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Biden has refused to push for a permanent cease-fire but has redoubled efforts for a short-term pause amid tense negotiations.

The Israeli government agreed to the framework of a proposed six-week cease-fire Saturday, The Associated Press reported, a sign of progress in negotiations.

President Biden announced Friday that the U.S. will airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza as negotiations continue over a temporary cease-fire. Biden added to criticism of Israel on Friday over the amount of aid allowed into the region.

Innocent people got caught in a terrible war, unable to feed their families, and you saw the response when they tried to get aid. And we need to do more, and the United States will do more, Biden said.

The truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough now. Its nowhere nearly enough. Innocent lives are on the line, and childrens lives are on the line, he added.

The airdrops began early Saturday. Harris applauded the aid deliveries and noted that the U.S. will work to establish a sea route for aid to enter Gaza.

The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid, she said Sunday. No excuses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donna Ida Thornton is embroiled in a feud with a Plymouth-based contractor who claims he has not been paid a penny for work on a 1.2m property

A company co-owned by an Australian fashion tycoon known as the jean queen is facing a 236,000 bill following a row with a builder over the restoration of her 19-bedroom Jacobean mansion.

Donna Ida Thornton, 50, whose denim has been worn by Dame Kelly Holmes, the Olympian, and the model Jodie Kidd, is embroiled in a feud with Keith Elliott, a Plymouth-based contractor who claims he has not been paid a penny for work on the 1.2 million property.

Ms Thornton bought the Grade II listed Langdon Court in south Devon with her husband Robert Walton, a 67-year-old restaurateur in 2021 and hired Mr Elliott that April to help turn the property into a boutique hotel.

However, Ms Thornton and Mr Elliott parted ways in December 2022, two-thirds of the way into the project, following an amicable disagreement about costs.

Their relationship then deteriorated, with Mr Elliott going on to complain about his treatment on social media. He claimed his company, Keith Elliott Construction (KEC), had shouldered the full cost of the renovations but had not been paid for the work.

Langdon Court, a Jacobean mansion, has 19 bedrooms

In November last year, Mr Elliott applied to an adjudicator at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to decide who was responsible for the costs.

In January, the adjudicator ruled in Mr Elliotts favour, saying that Langdon Court Ltd, a private company owned by Ms Thornton and her husband, was liable to pay accumulated costs of 236,000.

Documents seen by The Telegraph show that Langdon Court Ltd was instructed to pay 100 per cent of the bill claimed by KEC, as well as the adjudicators fee. Counter-claims by Langdon Court Ltd for a similar sum, which argued that some of the works were defective, were thrown out.

Donna Ida Thornton is known as the 'jean queen'

KEC was also awarded interest on money owed. Both KEC and Langdon Court Ltd agreed that their contract had been ended by mutual consent.

Mr Elliott posted a photo of a bar and ban letter on Facebook, reportedly issued by Ms Thornton, prohibiting him from setting foot on the estate.

He is now taking legal action in the High Court against Langdon Court Ltd, claiming he has not received any funds following the adjudication.

Builder Keith Elliott has vowed to continue the legal battle

Mr Elliott wrote in a Facebook post: What they have tried to do to us at KEC has been horrendous. I believe that they tried to take us out of business, either way, what they have done could have, and it showed complete disregard to myself, my family, our staff, their families and also our supply chain.

They simply didnt care about if there was a knock on affect (sic) of their non-payment, thankfully in that case, we have limited any affect (sic) to just KEC & myself. We protected every other party, at great cost.

They thought that they could bully us into submission. Yet not only did we stand up to them, at great cost and huge losses, but we won hands down, in fact we destroyed them.

Now we will see this through, continuing to follow the elongated legal process despite all its failings.

A representative for Ms Thornton declined to comment when approached by The Telegraph.

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GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Students and staff are returning to an elementary school in Jenison after it was closed for two days due to a stomach bug.

Sandy Hill Elementary School reopened Monday after a comprehensive deep cleaning of the entire building, school officials said in a letter to families.

Jenison elementary school closes for fast-moving stomach bug

The school reminded students and families of the importance of proper hand hygiene in stopping the spread of illness by regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Students should also stay home if they show any symptoms of illness, including fever, upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.

The district said that Sandy Hill Elementary was closed Thursday and Friday so the building could be cleaned and surfaces sanitized and disinfected to prevent further spread of an illness that had been fast-moving at the school.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Jeremy Corbyn is currently campaigning for a ceasefire in Gaza - AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali

Jeremy Corbyn has threatened to take legal action against Nigel Farage over a highly defamatory statement.

The former Labour leader, who now sits as an independent MP, said he could not let disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged.

A statement from Mr Corbyns team alleged that the former Brexit Party leader had accused Jeremy Corbyn of subscribing to an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the MP said: I have asked my lawyers to take the first steps in commencing legal proceedings against Nigel Farage, following a highly defamatory statement about me.

We are a movement for peace  and we cannot stand by and let these disgusting and malicious lies go unchallenged.

He added: Our demonstrations for a ceasefire are made up of people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, united in a desire to end human suffering.

We continue to march because people continue to die and we will not allow others to cynically and deliberately distort our calls for peace.

In 2018, Ben Bradley, the Tory MP, apologised for posting a wholly untrue false statement about Mr Corbyn passing British secrets to a communist spy after he was threatened with legal action over the allegation.

Mr Farage 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.
JetBlue Airways on Monday announced that it is abandoning its bid to purchase Spirit Airlines, after a judge blocked its plans to merge earlier this year.

New York-based JetBlue said that while both companies still believe the merger would benefit passengers by creating an airline that can compete with other larger carriers, ultimately the airline bowed to what has become intractable legal and regulatory approval hurdles, especially considering the Biden administration's muscular stance against consolidation.

We believed this merger was worth pursuing because it would have unleashed a national low-fare, high-value competitor to the Big Four airlines, said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlues chief executive officer. We are proud of the work we did with Spirit to lay out a vision to challenge the status quo, but given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines interests are better served by moving forward independently.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines control roughly 80 percent of the domestic market.

In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland called the decision "a victory" for the "Justice Departments work on behalf of American consumers." The merger, Garland said, "would have caused tens of millions of travelers to face higher fares and fewer choices."

JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million to terminate the deal. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie on Monday said the company is disappointed it couldnt move forward on a deal that would have created a real challenger to the dominant airlines.

In a major win for the Biden administration  which has sought a string of actions intended to improve competition among airlines  U.S. District Judge William Young in Boston blocked JetBlue's proposed $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit in January, arguing that customers who rely on Spirits bargain prices would be negatively affected by a merger.



JetBlue and Florida-based Spirit said they disagreed with the ruling, and just last week, the two airlines filed their appeal urging the appeals court to overturn a Youngs ruling this year to block their prospective merger.

The airlines argued that the initial ruling favored a small subset of Spirit customers that it hypothesized must rely on Spirit for air travel because they cannot afford another airline, but the outcome overall ignored the vast majority of air travelers that would benefit from a new airline.

That said, following the trial, JetBlue hinted it could possibly terminate the merger deal.

Antitrust enforcement advocates praised Young's initial decision. William McGee, a senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, at the time said the ruling is an enormous victory for travelers, workers and local communities and said airline executives and Wall Street are now on notice.

In 2022, budget airlines Spirit and Colorado-based Frontier Airlines first announced their intent to merge  a deal valued at $6.6 billion. JetBlue's proposal eventually forced Spirit to abandon those plans.
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines formally called off their merger following an unfavorable January US court ruling (JOE RAEDLE)

JetBlue and Spirit Airlines formally pulled the plug Monday on their merger, about six weeks after a federal judge ruled it violated US antitrust law.

The companies had positioned JetBlue's $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit as beneficial to consumers, but a federal judge in January sided with the US Justice Department, which had argued that the removal of the no-frills Spirit would lead to higher fares.

The companies decided after concluding that, given the legal situation, they were unlikely to meet the merger's deadline of July 24, 2024.

JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million as a termination fee.

"We believed this merger was worth pursuing because it would have unleashed a national low-fare, high-value competitor to the Big Four airlines," said JetBlue Chief Executive Joanna Geraghty.

"Given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines' interests are better served by moving forward independently."

US President Joe Biden hailed the decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"This merger would have forced higher fares and fewer choices on tens of millions of Americans. My Administration's historic success in blocking it is a win for American consumers and competition," he said.

Shares of Spirit slumped 14.5 percent in early trading Monday, while JetBlue rose 3.9 percent.

Spirit remains confident "in our future as a successful independent airline," said Chief Executive Ted Christie in a company statement.

"After discussing our options with our advisors and JetBlue, we concluded that current regulatory obstacles will not permit us to close this transaction in a timely fashion under the merger agreement," he added.

"We are disappointed we cannot move forward with a deal that would save hundreds of millions for consumers," he said.

Spirit said it has enlisted advisors on efforts to refinance and reduce debt payments.

jmb/bys/da/bgs/st/nro
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines announced Monday that they have terminated their merger agreement after a federal judge blocked it nearly two months ago.

The airlines, in two separate statements, announced they reached an agreement to terminate the merger announced in July 2022, calling it the best path forward.

JetBlue said the necessary legal and regulatory approvals were unlikely to be reached by the merger agreements deadline in July of this year.

We believed this merger was worth pursuing because it would have unleashed a national low-fare, high-value competitor to the Big Four airlines, JetBlue Airways Corp. CEO Joanna Geraghty said Monday. We are proud of the work we did with Spirit to lay out a vision to challenge the status quo, but given the hurdles to closing that remain, we decided together that both airlines interests are better served by moving forward independently.

Spirit Airlines Inc. President and CEO Ted Christie echoed these remarks, saying the company is disappointed the deal cannot move forward. He claimed the deal would have saved hundreds of millions for consumers and create a real challenger to the dominant Big 4 U.S. airlines.

Under the merger termination, JetBlue said it will pay Spirit $69 million, and all outstanding matters regarding the transaction will be mutually released.

JetBlues proposed $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines was blocked in mid-January after a federal judge ruled it would reduce competition and hurt consumers. The deal would have made JetBlue the fifth-largest airline. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge William Young said it would substantially lessen competition in violation of the Clayton Act, which was designed to prevent anticompetitive harms for consumers.

Young argued the merger would also eliminate JetBlues largest competition and increase prices for cost-conscious consumers. Spirit is the countrys biggest low-cost airline.

Youngs ruling was in response to the Department of Justices lawsuit to halt the merger. Attorney General Merrick Garland said last year the merger would limit choices and drive up ticket prices for passengers across the country.

The airlines quickly appealed Youngs ruling, with JetBlue at the time arguing it was necessary to purchase the smaller airline to allow for greater competition with larger airlines.

A U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston last month said it would hear the case in June.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jewish advocates called on the citys education chancellor and a Sheepshead Bay principal to be removed following shocking allegations of antisemitism at a public high school.

The call came for the removal of chancellor David Banks and Origins High School interim principal Dara Kammerman during a Sunday press conference after multiple staffers outlined a series of alarming incidents, including a claim that dozens of teens had marched through the hallways chanting Death to Israel and Kill all the Jews after the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel.

This is a school where there are things happening every day and this has become a culture where this behavior is tolerated and accepted and the [Department of Education] is OK with it. This is now a pattern, a systemic problem, said Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican, who demanded the ouster of interim principal Dara Kammerman.

Jewish advocates have called for the removal of School Chancellor David Banks and Origins High School interim principal Dara Kammerman after allegations of antisemitism at the Brooklyn school. Gregory P. Mango

Footage of a student at Origins High School giving a Nazi salute. Courtesy of Sidney Southerland

The fiery claims, previously outlined by The Post, included one teacher lamenting that she was scared to come to work every day after she was called a a dirty Jew by a student who said he wished she was killed in the Holocaust.

In another alleged incident, a student donning a Hitler moustache was caught on security footage going from class to class doing the Sieg Heil salute, according to employees.

This is a place where swastikas are painted on teachers offices, on walls, in classrooms, on boards, on students laptop, she alleged. This has become the norm at this school. The complaints fall on deaf ears. Theres been no discipline, which is why this behaviors been encouraged.

Former Assemblyman Dov Hikind speaking at a press conference outside the school on March 3, 2024. Gregory P. Mango

Supporters holding Israeli flags at the press conference. Gregory P. Mango

Dov Hikind, who served in the Assembly for decades as a Democrat before retiring in 2018 and switching his political affiliation to Republican last year, called it the school from hell.

Hilkind blasted students who allegedly distributed flyers last week for a Vigil of the Martyrs of Palestine at Brooklyn College

Are those martyrs also the Hamas terrorist Nazis that butchered 1,200 Jews on Oct.7? he asked. I assume so.

When a teacher says I live in fear going to work everyday, should anyone live in fear of going to work? Hilkind added. Especially in a public school, a public high school where are tax dollars pay for everything.

City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov said the schools antisemitism is a systemic problem. Gregory P. Mango

Advocates claim that no serious discipline has been doled out by interim principal Kammerman, who Hikind said issued a letter to parents allegedly telling them not to worry because she herself is Jewish.

The Jewish advocates called for her removal as well as the firing of Banks as the DOE chancellor

Banks does nothing and he will do nothing, said Hikind, as he citied a DOE statement from the front page article of Sundays Post.

History teacher Danielle Kaminsky has faced antisemitism from students. Campus manager Michael Beaudry cites numerous hate incidents in the school. Gregory P. Mango

Kammerman did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.

The DOE said it will investigate the antisemitic allegations, adding there is currently no evidence that these claims are true.

In response to the statement, speakers at the rally accused the nations largest school district of gaslighting the Jewish community.
FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., penned a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday, calling on him to acknowledge the death of Georgia college student Laken Riley during his State of the Union address Thursday night.

Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, was killed last month and the suspect charged in relation to her death is Jose Ibarra, who was found to have illegally immigrated into the U.S. in 2022.

"At just six years old, Laken knew she wanted to be a nurse so she could help people. She was living her dream until it was shattered by Joe Bidens wide open border," Banks told Fox News Digital in a statement. "This was a totally avoidable tragedy. President Biden owes it to her family and the American people to say her name."

Laken Riley poses for a photo posted to Facebook. Riley, a nursing student, was found dead near a lake on the University of Georgia campus on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.

Banks implored Biden in the letter to "publicly acknowledge the Riley familys tragedy" by speaking about their daughter Laken's death during the annual address to Congress.

GOP CONGRESSMAN INTRODUCES 'LAKEN RILEY ACT' TO REQUIRE ICE TO DETAIN MIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR THEFT

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"As Commander-in-Chief, it is your duty to protect American citizens, and this tragedy highlights the urgent need to address the surge in crime resulting from your negligence at our southern border," Banks wrote.

The Indiana Republican, currently running for the Senate seat being vacated in 2025 by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., further listed what he considered Biden's failures on the issues of the southern border and immigration. Banks noted Biden's reversals of Trump-era policies such as "Remain in Mexico," Title 42, and the building of a border wall.

"Your failure to publicly acknowledge this tragedy is unacceptable," Banks added.

Last week, the White House provided a statement to Fox News Digital regarding Riley's death. "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley," a spokesperson said. "People should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law if they are found to be guilty. Given this is an active case, we would have to refer you to state law enforcement and ICE."

Rep. Jim Banks questions witnesses during a House hearing on Feb. 28, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Biden, himself, has not addressed the death of Riley, despite being asked during a press conference if he bears any responsibility for it following a speech last week.

MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS AT SOUTHERN BORDER SURPASS 21,000 IN 72 HOURS, CBP SOURCES SAY

"You have a great opportunity to respect the wishes of Laken Riley's mother by breaking your silence and saying her name at the upcoming State of the Union address on Thursday, March 7, 2024," Banks told Biden in the letter.

Riley's mother, Allyson Phillips, recently changed her Facebook profile picture to a heart in UGA's colors of Red and Black, with the hashtag "#SayHerName."

In addition to asking Biden to acknowledge Riley at his SOTU address, Banks also called on the president to "take swift and decisive action to secure the border. You can prevent further tragedies and ensure a safer future for all Americans."





Original article source: Jim Banks calls on Biden to 'publicly acknowledge' Laken Riley at SOTU
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The owner of an Albertville pawn shop charged after an August 2022 raid pleaded guilty and was sentenced last month.

Joe Cephus Campbell III, the owner of Joes Pawn Shop, was charged federally with being a felon in possession of a firearm  in addition to a state charge of first-degree receiving stolen property following the raid.

Several agencies respond to aircraft crash in Madison County

Campbell pleaded guilty to both the state and federal charges on February 22, 2024. He was sentenced to 115 months in prison, split to serve 12 months followed by 60 months of probation.

Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims said the raid, which took place on Aug. 4, 2022, followed a four-month investigation.

During a news conference, Sims said loss prevention officials from several large area stores, including Walmart, Target, Lowes, and Home Depot, were involved in the investigation. He said many of the items seized in the raid were in their original boxes.

In the filing regarding Campbells federal firearm possession charge, Agent Phillip Sangster with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), detailed the situation and probable cause for the charge.

Marshall County Coroner identifies man killed in Boaz crash

Sangster said neither Campbell nor his business, had a license to sell firearms.

The agent added that Campbell was found alone upstairs in the shipping area of the shop and stated this room is where firearms were created or modified and then shipped. The room had 3D printers, boxes of magazines, and shipping labels.

Sangster said he believed most, if not all, of the firearms found in the shipping room during the search warrant were not produced in Alabama. He said since those weapons were possessed but not produced in the state, they necessarily affected interstate commerce.

A total of six people were arrested in connection to the four-month-long investigation.

Four of the six were men who were employed at the pawnshop  John Eller, Zachary Shake, Dylan Green, and Santo Andres.

 Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App

Eller, Shake, Green, and Andres were all charged with first-degree receiving stolen property by Marshall County Sheriffs investigators, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). A Marshall County Grand Jury indicted Eller, Shake, Green, and Andres on September 7, records show.

Campbell must turn himself into the U.S. Marshals or to the Marshall County Sheriff by March 27 to begin serving his split sentence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
John Oliver on Boeing: At every point along the way, the FAA either delegated responsibility to Boeing, or gave them the benefit of the doubt, which hopefully they will never do again.

John Oliver on Boeing: At every point along the way, the FAA either delegated responsibility to Boeing, or gave them the benefit of the doubt, which hopefully they will never do again. Photograph: Max

John Oliver dug into commercial air travel and specifically the troubled recent safety record of Boeing, a few weeks after a door popped off a Boeing 737 Max-9 flown by Alaska Airlines mid-flight.

A few passengers were injured in the incident, and that was luck  if someone had been sitting in the exit row seat without a seatbelt, or if the door had fallen off at a higher altitude, the injuries could have been catastrophic. The plane was also new  it had been delivered by the manufacturer Boeing to Alaska Airlines two months earlier. Thats too soon for a sneaker to fall apart, let alone a multimillion-dollar aircraft, the Last Week Tonight host explained.

According to the preliminary investigation, four bolts that were supposed to hold the door in place were missing; Alaska Airlines subsequently found loose bolts on many of its Max 9 airplanes.

Related: John Oliver on Alabamas IVF ruling: It is chaos

Its beginning to feel like this might be a much broader issue within Boeing, said Oliver, because it comes on the heels of a years-long string of alarming incidents, from fires on board to a pair of devastating crashes that were blamed on Boeing planes. The Federal Aviation Administration recently gave the company 90 days to address safety issues, given reports that employees felt scared to report any concerns.

Its a concerning turn for a US company that used to be synonymous with safety and craftsmanship. Best known for revolutionizing commercial aviation, Boeing for decades maintained a sterling reputation for excellence.

But in 1996, Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas, a company known for building military planes with a terrible safety record. Was merging with the McDonnell Douglas aerospace corporation slash murder emporium the worst decision that Boeing CEOs worst decision? Probably not, said Oliver, because the then CEO Philip Condit married his first cousin. So the last decision Id ask this guy to make is who its a good idea to couple up with.

A profit-driven culture took over; within a few years, the company introduced a stock buyback program, as priorities shifted from safety and product to stock prices. Oliver outlined how this process affected the development of the 787 Dreamliner in the 2000s, which was given less than half the budget of previous planes, and outsourced production to 50 different suppliers. So basically, the plan was for Boeing to create the plane the same way someone creates a gingerbread house from a kit, said Oliver, essentially assembling a bunch of pieces other people made, leading to a finished product that, structurally speaking, was always going to be a fucking mess.

The Dreamliner, released three years late and $25bn over budget, was eventually grounded due to several fires on board within days of each other, the result of defective batteries made by a subcontractor and not audited by Boeing.

The company tried to rebound with the 737 Max model under the slogan more is less. At the same time, from 2014 to 2018, the company diverted 92% of operating cash flow to dividends and share buybacks to benefit investors, far exceeding its investment in research and development. And then two catastrophic crashes  the 2018 Lion Air crash, killing 189, and the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash, which killed 157 people  highlighted significant safety concerns.

Oliver summarized the issue with Boeing Maxs MCAS system, which altered the planes angle and could be compromised by a single sensor that could be knocked off by a bird or a balloon. Even worse, Boeing did not tell pilots about the MCAS system, which would require retraining. How is information about a system that could crash the plane unnecessary? Oliver fumed. Its not all Fruit Loops are the same flavor, or identical twins dont have the same fingerprints, or if you give a mirror to a dolphin, theyll admire their own genitals. All of that is good information, but unnecessary for a pilot to know. But we put some software on the plane that might try and murder you feels important.

After the Lion Air crash, Boeing promised to have a software fix for MCAS within six weeks. That didnt happen; instead, the company authorized a record $20bn share buyback program. So clearly they were concerned about safety  specifically, the safety of their fucking stock price, Oliver exclaimed.

The FAA grounded the 737 Max 3 days after the Ethiopian Airlines crash. During the planes two-year grounding, a congressional investigation found damning emails from employees aware of the MCAS issues  this airplane is designed by clowns, who in turn are supervised by monkeys, wrote one.

Related: John Oliver on Elon Musks messiah complex: The least surprising thing on Earth

Which prompted Oliver to wonder: Where the fuck are the regulators? For one, the FAA relied heavily on Boeing employees to vouch for the aircrafts safety, because it lacked the ability to effectively analyze what Boeing shared. Also, Boeing appointed their own inspectors, employed by the company. Boeing was paying Boeing employees to regulate Boeing, said Oliver. Its the most incestuous relationship weve seen in this story so far, which is saying something because remember, this guy [former CEO Condit] was fucking his first cousin.

At every point along the way, the FAA either delegated responsibility to Boeing, or gave them the benefit of the doubt, which hopefully they will never do again, Oliver summarized. Because Boeing, like so many American companies, seems to be coasting on a reputation it built up over decades even though it squanders it quarter by quarter.

Oliver echoed Boeing whistleblowers in calling for new leadership for the company, despite its public promises for more transparency and accountability. If you truly are too big to fail, he concluded, that should mean that you are big enough to spend the time and resources required to fix the culture that you have destroyed.
A frantic search is under way for six-year-old Joslin Smith, who went missing on 19 February

South Africa's navy has joined the search for a six-year-old girl which has transfixed the country.

Joslin Smith disappeared from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, two weeks ago.

The 300 naval officers join rescuers from the City of Cape Town, a dog unit and drones in the desperate search.

Many are asking why she still hasn't been located. A child goes missing every five hours in South Africa, but most are found.

Investigators are confident of a breakthrough after bloodied clothing was found in an open field nearby.

The items, discovered on Saturday, have been sent to a forensic laboratory for further analysis.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa told the BBC the naval officers were dispatched on Monday to help follow any leads.

It is not common for the navy to assist with civilian searches but they can do so if asked by police.

Saldanha Bay mayor Andre Truter predicted it would be a "big day" for search operations.

"I stood in amazement when I saw how many people from so many different organizations, led by SAPS [South African Police Service], focused on getting the job done! It gave me new hope for finding little Joslin," Mr Truter said.

Frantic community members searched sewers and pits across the area in the days following the girl's disappearance, with an angry mob also taking to searching homes and accosting neighbours, said Mr Truter.

A 100,000 rand ($5,200; 4,100) reward has been offered to anyone with information on her whereabouts, with social media filled with hopes and prayers that Joslin will be found alive.

She was left in the care of her mother's boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, in an informal settlement, when she went missing.

He could not account for her whereabouts, police said.

However, he has denied any involvement in her disappearance.

Joslin's mother told local publication The Daily Voice she was not giving up hope.

"My motherly instincts are telling me my daughter is still alive and in this area. We will find her, I will walk on foot to find her. I will look in every little shack, I'm going to do it by myself if I have to."

The couple have been accused by some community members of having a hand in their daughter's disappearance, a charge they have both denied.

They have since been moved to a safehouse for their own safety.

Brig Potelwa said the public should not spread false information about Joslin's disappearance or share recordings from the search operations.

"This may adversely impact the investigation. The primary focus of the coordinated efforts should be to find Joslin or what happened to her."

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A federal judge on Monday rejected Sen. Bob Menendezs (D-N.J.) claims that the search warrants executed on his home were unconstitutional.

Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled Monday that the search warrants used to investigate Menendezs emails and search his home in 2022 were not unconstitutional, according to court filings. Menendezs lawyers had previously argued the evidence collected was illegally obtained and alleged that prosecutors actively distorted the evidence.

Attorneys for Menendez said the warrants were riddled with material misrepresentation and omissions that deceived the authorizing magistrate judge, according to court documents. Stein rejected this argument, ruling that Menendez failed to prove that the warrants were purposefully misleading.

Prosecutors said FBI agents discovered $100,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in hidden cash while executing a search of Menendezs home. He was indicted on bribery charges last fall that accused him and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, of accepting more than $600,000 in bribes from a group of New Jersey businessmen on behalf of interests in Egypt.

Menendez is also accused of acting as a foreign agent of Egypt between June 2018 and June 2022. Earlier this year, a second superseding indictment alleged he accepted gifts for aiding a foreign government.

The New Jersey Democrat and his wife have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Stein also rejected arguments by one of the three businessmen charged in the case, Wael Hana, who had also raised a challenge to one of the search warrants.

Menendez and Hana have failed to make a substantial preliminary showing of material misrepresentations or omissions that, based on credible evidence, are deliberately or recklessly misleading, Stein wrote.

Stein also noted in his ruling that the affidavits that backed requests for a search warrant only needed to show probable cause.

As the government assertsand Menendez does not contestthe affidavit need only establish probable cause that the evidence, fruits, or instrumentalities of a crime would be found in the search, even if the crime was only perpetrated among Nadine, Hana, and the New Jersey Defendant, Stein wrote, noting that the threshold is amply satisfied by the documentary evidence described in the affidavit.

Jose Uribe, one of the businessmen charged in the case, pleaded guilty Friday to charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, obstruction of justice, and tax evasion, according to court filings. Hana and another businessman charged, Fred Daibes, have pleaded not guilty.

A spokesperson for the prosecutors office decline to comment.

The Hill has reached out to Menendezs legal team for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The concept of establishing Premier League meetings is a good one for Flat racing. The conferred badge of excellence will entice punters who reside abroad to wager on those meetings, which is the best way for racing in this country to generate more income.

The additional earnings a fixture receives if it can become a World Pool fixture is around 800,000. But no National Hunt meeting will ever be allowed into the World Pool.

In spite of the Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival being way out in front of any Flat race or meetings in this country as far as betting turnover is concerned, most punters around the world have either never heard of jump racing or would not risk their money on a horse with obstacles in its way.

Shoehorning the elite National Hunt meetings into better-funded Premier League fixtures is not going to move the dial as far as expanding revenue is concerned. And there is a concern that doing so may actually be damaging jump racing.

Since the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year, no Grade One steeplechase has attracted eight runners or more. It is an alarming statistic that lays bare the fact that the sport is on the wrong track, because clearly where the good horses run is not about the money.

And given that there is only so much prize money to go around, maybe less should be thrown at the top races and more invested in grass-roots novice hurdles?

The beginning of a steeplechasers career is a slow, expensive burn; a process that a declining number of owners can or want to stick at.

So rewarding those connections better when their potential chaser finishes third or fourth in a novice hurdle is going to do more to increase the number of runners in Grade One chases in three or four years time. It would also keep more people in the sport.

When Sir Alex Ferguson and his partners paid 740,000 (633 million) at auction for a six-year-old gelding a month ago, they were talking about the races they could win with the horse, Caldwell Potter, not the amount of prize money.

Presumably the same goes for anyone who pays six figures for a gelding, unless they are clinically insane. Those horses also tend to end up in the same few yards, exacerbating the problem of small fields.

French and Irish prize money is way better than in the UK, and those owners influenced by that have long departed. What jump racing needs to do now is look after the owners who go through years of paltry returns to develop an old-fashioned steeplechaser.

Racing must deliver message on gambling affordability checks

The so-called debate on gambling affordability checks in Westminster Hall last Monday was an affront to democracy.

It became apparent that gambling minister Stuart Andrew is either not intelligent enough to engage in a debate which involves reacting to issues that are raised, or too arrogant to address the concerns of more than 100,000 voters. Or perhaps he just does not care about jobs in the horse racing industry. My back channels into Westminster assure me it is the former.

The Government may feel that it has sleepwalked too far down the road to acknowledge that the technology to carry out frictionless checks does not exist, but addicts markers of harm do.

Given that the bookmakers already have access to the technology that can spot the markers of harm, why are they not more vocal in this debate?

I am led to believe that most of the major online bookmakers have given up on the UK as a market to invest and expand in. It has become too much of a hassle, whereas the US is opening up.

The online bookies are now much more interested in not falling out with the UK regulator, which could have a knock-on effect abroad, rather than helping to make the case that the Government, led by the Gambling Commission, has got this one badly wrong.

Enormous credit should be given to MPs such as Philip Davies, Laurence Robertson, Peter Aldous and, dare I say it, Matt Hancock for trying to have a debate.

Unfortunately, they now know that Lucy Frazer, the minister for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is cloth-eared and has the skin of a rhinoceros.

It is time for racing to deliver a very clear, succinct message to the Prime Minister that a trial using markers of harm technology must be given a chance to satisfy both sides of the debate.

Anyway, in the great scheme of things, who cares? One of the best racehorse trainers, Mark Bradstock, died last week.

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JUPITER FARMS  Florida Power & Light is at work on a project to bury 45 power lines in Jupiter Farms by the end of the year.

The underground lines would cut the number of power outages in the area and reduce the cost of restoring the lines after hurricanes and other storms, said Jacob Benator, FPLs lead project manager for lateral hardening in Palm Beach County.

He said Jupiter Farms is at the top of the list out of all of the areas in Palm Beach County that could benefit from power lines moved underground.

Since 2019, FPL has moved eight power lines in the neighborhood underground, and the utility began its effort to move more underground at the end of 2023.

How Palm Beach Gardens is growing: New tower proposed for Mira Flores apartment complex

FPL: Underground lines make it faster to restore power after storms

A Florida Power & Light crew member demonstrates the process of moving power lines underground on February 21, 2024, in Jupiter Farms, Fla.

The lines that crews plan to move underground stretch more than 45 miles and serve about 900 customers, according to a spokesperson.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are more than 4,300 households in the community, according to their latest data. Its last population count for Jupiter Farms tallied more that 12,500 people across about 15 square miles.

Benator said power lines running through residential areas in Jupiter Farms often are inaccessible to crews.

Those lines are highly susceptible to vegetation or downed trees, causing outages, Benator said of the unincorporated community known for its multitude of towering oaks and swaths of untouched land. Its hard for us to access and maintain these lines. Not only are we converting those lines underground, we're relocating those lines to accessible locations.

Crews are moving the lines underground near public roads so that they have easier access to make repairs the next time problems happen. Many of these lines now sit on property belonging to homeowners.

Underground lines perform 50% better than overhead lines in day-to-day conditions and significantly better during named storms, Benator said.

Even before crews begin to restore power there, oftentimes they have to wait on a vegetation crew to trim up trees around the lines to clear the way, he said. Underground lines are much more insulated from environmental hazards like downed vegetation, debris or trees.

'Some of their homes are in danger': Jupiter Inlet Colony closes beach as waves erode sand

Other parts of Palm Beach County in line for underground power lines

Florida Power & Light plans to move more than 45 miles of power lines underground in Jupiter Farms by the end of 2024.

Along with Jupiter Farms, FPL is also working on improving power lines in other communities around the county this year, including Greenacres, Palm Springs, The Acreage and Delray Beach.

The effort is a part of FPL's Storm Secure Underground Program, which started in 2018 and has the goal of strengthening all neighborhood power lines in Palm Beach County over the next several years. Crews will bury some lines and convert other wooden power poles to either steel or concrete.

The utility covers the cost of the undergrounding and power pole improvements through a monthly charge customers pay as part of their bills. It amounts to a little less than $4 per month.

Their crews have either buried or improved the poles for 80% of all power lines in the county so far, according to a spokesperson. FPL is not always permitted to tear down existing poles after it moves lines underground because some belong to telecommunications companies, such as AT&T.

More than a zoo: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary grows into its larger campus in Jupiter Farms

Some residents have questions about benefits of underground lines

Florida Power & Light crews demonstrated the process of moving power lines underground on February 21, 2024, in Jupiter Farms, Fla.

FPL crew members have begun the process of reaching out to homeowners to ask for their OK to move power lines on their properties underground.

Matthew Gitkin, the secretary of the Jupiter Farms Residents civic association and a theater professor at Palm Beach State College, said he wished FPL had notified all Jupiter Farms residents about its plans to improve power lines.

It seems like a lot of residents get notified of this in the mail and they dont know what it is all about, said Gitkin, 56, who has lived in Jupiter Farms for 14 years. There hasnt been any information disseminated, other than what is directly mailed to residents in a certain area.

Gitkin said he isnt sure if the underground lines would be beneficial to the community in the long term. Some of his neighbors think the lines could take longer to fix if there are outages.

He questioned if the process of moving the lines could damage homes. However, the homeowner would not be responsible for costs to repair any damages if they do occur.

FPL pledges to restore all properties to their previous condition once a project is complete. Crews use horizontal drilling when they install power lines, which helps to minimize the impact to homes during construction, according to a spokesperson.

The proof is in the pudding, Gitkin said. I would love to know how successful this is going to be. There are a lot of people thinking it will be great, but I don't know. If its not going to decrease the amount of poles or better infrastructure, I guess great is in the eyes of the person saying it.

Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: FPL moves power lines underground to reduce outages in Jupiter Farms
John Dees, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, was found dead Jan. 13, 2020, in a wooded area off Pecan Road on Tallahassee's west side. Dees, who struggled with personal demons after coming home from the war, had been shot.

A second person has been convicted for the 2020 murder of Iraq War veteran John Dees, prosecutors announced.

Sherill Conner, 55, the first person to be arrested in the shooting and killing of Dees, was found guilty by a jury of being an accessory after the fact in the first-degree murder following a two-day trial.

She is set to appear in court again March 26 for a case management hearing, according to a press release from the State Attorney's Office.

Dees rented a room from Conner, and a few weeks after he moved in, Dees' body was found Jan. 13, 2020, with gunshot wounds in his head and arm in a wooded area off Pecan Road, according to the release.

The night Dees was murdered, Conner called the Tallahassee Police Department to complain that he had become loud and combative, and she wanted him removed from her apartment.

The 34-year-old Dees, who served in the Army, suffered a head injury in Iraq and fell into addiction after coming home, an unforeseen consequence of pain pills he was originally prescribed for a toothache.

"She was advised that that would require an eviction, and when the officers left her apartment she immediately called her co-defendant, Cleveland McNair, to come remove the victim instead," the State Attorney's Office said.

McNair, 40, was arrested a month after Conner on a charge of first-degree murder.

However, last year he was was found guilty on a lesser charge of manslaughter after a two-day trial and sentenced to 13 years in prison. He is now at the Bay Correctional Facility in Panama City, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.

Surveillance footage shows a third suspect, who still is unidentified, arriving in an unknown car with McNair. The vehicle departs then later returns, and Conner can be seen inspecting the backseat of the car before the three walk into her apartment, the video shows.

They spent the rest of the evening clearing out Dees' belongings and burning them in a dumpster.

"The defendant lied to law enforcement in multiple interviews that she had no knowledge of where Mr. Dees went, or who the men on the surveillance were, until she ultimately admitted she did know these men, she did call them over and she did destroy the victims belongings," the State Attorney's Office said.

Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Jury convicts Tallahassee woman in 2020 murder of U.S. Army veteran
Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama Sunday, characterizing the situation there as a humanitarian catastrophe.

The strongly worded speech marked some of the most critical remarks yet voiced on the matter by a senior U.S. official.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire, Harris said to applause, for at least the next six weekswhich is what is currently on the table. This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in.

This would allow us to build something more enduring, she continued, to ensure Israel is secure, and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.

Harris said that civilians inside Gaza are starving amid inhumane conditions, an acknowledgment of a United Nation officials warning to the Security Council this week that at least a quarter of the besieged enclaves population is one step away from famine. The vice president, in her speech, urged Israel to do more to significantly increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the area.

Official Says Israel Must Strike First in Inevitable War in Second Country

No excuses, she said. They must open new border crossings and not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian convoys are not targeted and restore basic services and order in Gaza so more food, water and fuel can reach those in need.

Harris made her 18-minute speech before an audience gathered at Selmas Edmund Pettus Bridge, where on March 7, 1965 police officers attacked hundreds of demonstrators marching in support of voting rights. The challenges we currently face are not unlike the challenges faced by those 600 brave souls 59 years ago, she said.

President Joe Biden said Friday that he hoped a ceasefire deal could be secured ahead of the March 10 start of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims. He also said that the U.S. would begin airdropping aid into Gaza. The truth is, aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough now, he said. Its nowhere nearly enough. Innocent lives are on the line, and childrens lives are on the line.

The move came a day after chaos erupted around an aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of at least 115 Palestinians. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli soldiers had fired into the crowd, and the director of a Gaza City hospital told the Associated Press that the majority of the wounded had been hit by gunfire.

U.S. officials confirmed to The Observer over the weekend that Israel had agreed to the framework of a six-week agreement, but that Hamas had yet to sign off on its terms. The ball is in the court of Hamas, one said. Another official told CNN that Israel did not attend talks in Egypt on Sunday after Hamas failed to respond to the deal.

Harris on Sunday criticized Hamas, saying the group continued to pose a threat to Israel. Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table, she said. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Lets get a ceasefire.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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UPDATE: Kansas City police say 12-year-old Levi has been located and is safe.



KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police are searching for a missing 12-year-old Sunday.

Levi Gorman was last seen around 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the area of 80th Street and Michigan Avenue. Police said he was on foot and headed northbound.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

The 12-year-old is described as 5-foot-6, weighing 140 pounds.

Anyone who sees Levi is asked to call 911 immediately.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
In a little more than two weeks, Kansas voters will show up to the polls for the states first presidential primary in 31 years.

Advance voting for the election officially kicked off Feb. 28, and it begins at the Sedgwick County Election Office Monday, March 4. The countys 18 early voting satellite locations will be open starting Tuesday, March 12.

Anyone registered with a party in Sedgwick County can vote in-person at any of the countys early voting locations.

You can vote at the county election office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on the last day of early voting, Monday, March 18. The satellite polling places will be open March 12 through Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Advance voting ends in Kansas at noon March 18, ahead of the Tuesday, March 19 presidential preference primary.

You must bring photo identification to your polling site.

Unaffiliated Kansas voters can participate in this election as long as they declare a party on Election Day. Additionally, Feb. 20 was the deadline to register to vote in time for the primary, as well as to request a mail-in ballot.

Where can I vote early in the primary in Sedgwick County?

Sedgwick Countys early voting satellite locations, open March 12-16, are:

Bel Aire City Building, 7651 E. Central Park, Bel Aire, KS

Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road, Wichita, KS

Evangel Presbyterian Church, 1545 S. 135th St. W., Wichita, KS

Goddard District Conference Center, 315 S. Main St., Goddard, KS

Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS

Haysville Community Library, 210 Hays Ave., Haysville, KS

Mt. Vernon Methodist Church, 5701 E. Mt. Vernon St., Wichita, KS

Northside Church of Christ, 4545 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS

Park City City Hall, 1941 E. 61st St. N., Park City, KS

Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 2727 E. 25th St. N., Wichita, KS

Reformation Lutheran, 7601 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS

Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS

St. Andrews Lutheran, 2555 Hyacinth Lane, Wichita, KS

Urban League, 2418 E. 9th St. N., Wichita, KS

Valley Center Community Center, 314 E. Clay St., Valley Center, KS

Westlink Church of Christ, 10025 W. Central Ave., Wichita, KS

Woodland Lakes Community Church, 770 S. Greenwich Road, Wichita, KS

Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, KS

Whats the difference between a caucus and a primary?

Kansas has only had a presidential primary in 1980 and 1992, but the process was revived for this year through state legislation.

Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill into law that put the primaries in place for Republican, Democratic and Libertarian parties. The bipartisan measure, House Bill 2053, only scheduled the 2024 primary, however, and did not expand it to future election years.

Kansas typically holds caucuses, which are less costly but result in lower participation.

A caucus is when the political parties hold separate meetings to decide how many delegates are given to each candidate, which depends on the number of caucus votes received. A presidential primary, on the other hand, is when balloting is conducted by the state, through an election process.

Marchs primary will be a preference primary.

It is a preference primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate, the secretary of states website reads.

Who will be on the March 19 ballot in Kansas?

The March ballot will be different depending on your party registration.

For Democrats, incumbent President Joe Biden and candidates Marianne Williamson, Jason Michael Palmer and Dean Phillips will appear on the ballot. For Republicans, former President Donald Trump and candidates Nikki Haley, Ryan Binkley and Ron DeSantis will be on the ballot.

Ron DeSantis has officially dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, but will still appear on the ballot due to filing deadlines.

To see your sample ballot and polling location, visit the Kansas secretary of states voter registration lookup and enter your first and last name and date of birth.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Some Kansas lawmakers are looking to prevent land from being purchased by corporations from foreign countries.

HB 2766 aims to prohibit companies domiciled or controlled by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela from purchasing or leasing land within 150 miles of any U.S. military installation.

A hearing on the bill, known as the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act, is slated for 1:30 p.m. on March 4 will take place in the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.

The bill was introduced by House Majority Leader, Rep. Chris Croft (R) of Overland Park. 27 news obtained a copy of his written proponent testimony for the hearing.

Crofts testimony says the bill was written with extensive input from national security professionals and is designed to bolster national security.

It is clear that we are facing a new type of threat in the Peoples Republic of China, which is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP has the goal of global dominance and usurping the United States as the worlds premier military and economic power. Rep. Chris Croft statement on HB 2766

Kansas tax collections more than $33 million below estimate

Croft says the bill would see Kansas join 15 other states which have adopted similar legislation. The bill also includes an exclusion for land ownership by lawful permanent residents.

This legislation is in no way intended to strip away the individual rights of immigrants, Croft said. This exclusion ensures that legal immigrants and dissidents fleeing authoritarian regimes can still fulfill their American Dream.

Crofts testimony says the threat posed by foreign adversaries demands action from the state legislature.

Countering China will be the Cold War of the 21st Century, and a problem that our nation will be dealing with for generations to come, Croft said.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Kate Middleton has become the subject of a social-media frenzy in recent weeks.

Kate was not spotted publicly for months following a "planned abdominal surgery."

Kensington Palace finally released a photo of her Sunday, but the image appeared to be manipulated.

Public interest around Kate Middleton reached a fever pitch on Sunday after Kensington Palace released a photo of her that appeared to be manipulated.

The Princess of Wales underwent a "planned abdominal surgery" in January and is expected to be recovering until Easter, Kensington Palace previously announced. She wasn't seen in public from Christmas 2023 until March 4, 2024, and though Kensington Palace repeatedly said she was doing well, social-media users questioned her whereabouts and condition online.

The royals seemed to be hoping to put those concerns to bed when Kensington Palace released the first official photo of the princess in 2024 on Sunday. But the move backfired, as social-media users quickly noted that it seemed heavily edited.

Then, on Sunday evening, photo agencies like AP and Reuters issued kill notifications for the photo so it could no longer be distributed through their platforms.

Here's everything we know so far.

Kate Middleton made her most recent public appearance on Christmas Day.

The royal family on Christmas Day 2023. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Kate joined the royal family for their annual walk from Sandringham in Norfolk, England, to attend a church service on Christmas Day.

The Princess of Wales walked with her children and husband to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in one of her signature coatdresses, much like she did in years past.

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced Kate was in the hospital for "a planned abdominal surgery."

Kensington Palace said in its statement that Kate would remain in the hospital, The London Clinic, for up to two weeks following the procedure.

"Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery," the statement read. "The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Kensington Palace provided no additional information about what procedure Kate underwent, though the palace told the Associated Press the princess didn't have cancer.

The statement also said Kate hoped "her personal medical information remains private" to help provide her children with "normality."

"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share," the statement went on to say.

Prince William was photographed visiting Kate at the hospital the following day.

Kensington Palace said on January 29 that Kate had returned to Windsor Castle.

Kate Middleton in November. Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery," the statement shared on Instagram said. "She is making good progress."

William and Kate went on to thank the staff at The London Clinic in the statement, as well as those who sent them well wishes.

The same day, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles was returning home after having a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement.

Buckingham Palace announced on February 5 that King Charles has cancer.

King Charles III during the state tour of France in September 2023. Samir Hussein - Handout/Getty Images

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that "a separate issue of concern was noted" during the king's prostate procedure, and additional testing disclosed he has cancer. The palace didn't disclose what form of cancer he was diagnosed with, though they said it wasn't prostate cancer.

The statement also said that the king "commenced a schedule of regular treatments" and that although he would still be working from home, he would "postpone public-facing duties" per medical advice.

The palace didn't specify how long the king would forgo public-facing work.

"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," the statement also said.

Prince William returned to public duty on February 7.

Prince William in March 2023. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

William paused his royal engagements amid Kate's surgery and recovery, returning to work on February 7 for an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The same day, he attended a gala raising money for the London Air Ambulance, and he thanked the public for their messages of support for Kate, Town & Country reported.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," he said, adding that "it means a great deal to us all."

He has attended a handful of public events since. The public was predicted to look to William in Charles and Kate's absences, as he represents the monarchy's future as heir to the throne.

"It's an opportunity for him to communicate on behalf of the royal family," Eric Schiffer, the chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, said.

In addition, the public generally responds to younger royals more favorably. Without Kate, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, William's youth could be a boon for the monarchy, as Kristen Meizner, a royal watcher, told BI.

"They are most focused on the royals when they are of courtship age, getting married, having babies, that kind of thing," she said. "They're not necessarily considered as dazzling or as exciting to the public when they're 60 or 70 or whatnot."

Kate was reported on February 9 to have traveled to Norfolk to continue her recovery.

Kate Middleton in 2023. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

On February 9, the Daily Mail reported that Kate had joined her family at their home in Sandringham, Anmer Hall, for her children's half-term holiday.

The outlet also reported that her recovery was going well at the time.

Kate wasn't photographed during her trip from Windsor to Sandringham.

King Charles was photographed a few times throughout February, while Kate remained unseen.

King Charles and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace on February 21. ONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Although he isn't taking on public-facing duties, King Charles has still been photographed a few times since his cancer diagnosis and the beginning of his treatment.

On February 11, he and Queen Camilla were spotted going to church in Sandringham, and he was photographed meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on February 21 at Buckingham Palace.

Kate, on the other hand, remained absent, as Kensington Palace released no photos or videos of her.

William released a rare solo statement on February 20.

A statement from The Prince of Wales pic.twitter.com/LV2jMx75DC  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024

Typically, William and Kate have released statements as a pair since they got married.

But on February 20, Kensington Palace released a statement on only William's behalf regarding the conflict in Gaza, in which he said he remained "deeply concerned about the human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October."

"I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible," the statement said. "There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza."

William also said he continued "to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that."

In addition to speaking for only William, the statement had a "W" seal at the top rather than the crown featured on messages from the Prince and Princess of Wales as a unit.

William missed a service of thanksgiving on February 27 because of an unnamed personal matter.

Prince William didn't attend his godfather's service of thanksgiving. Kin Cheung - WPA Pool/Getty Images

On February 27, members of the royal family attended a service of thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece, King Charles' second cousin and close companion. He was one of William's godfathers.

William was set to attend the event alongside Queen Camilla and other family members but missed the service because of a personal matter, Kensington Palace told Business Insider.

A palace representative also told BI that Kate was doing well, but they didn't elaborate on what caused William to miss the event.

Following his absence, chatter about Kate's prolonged absence from the public eye erupted on social media, with users speculating about why she hasn't been seen in months. The princess was trending on X, and thousands of people posted about her on TikTok. "Kate Middleton" was also sixth on Google's list of trending search terms on February 27, highlighting how high public interest got in her absence.

Kensington Palace reiterated that Kate was "doing well" as William returned to public duty on February 29.

Prince William speaking to a Holocaust survivor, Renee Salt, at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue on Thursday. Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

On February 29, Prince William resumed public duty, visiting the Western Marble Arch Synagogue to learn about the Holocaust Educational Trust, as Kensington Palace shared on Instagram.

He sat down with a Holocaust survivor, Renee Salt. Rebecca English, a royal editor for the Daily Mail, reported on X that during the conversation, he spoke on behalf of himself and Kate.

"Both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise in antisemitism," English quoted the prince as saying to Salt. "That's why I'm here today to reassure you all that people do care and people do listen, and we can't let that go."

Kensington Palace also reiterated that Kate was "doing well" in a statement sent to BI on February 29.

"We gave guidance two days ago that The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well," the statement said. "As we have been clear since our initial statement in January, we shall not be providing a running commentary or providing daily updates."

Kate was spotted for the first time in 2024 on March 4.

Kate Middleton in September 2023. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

On March 4, a sunglasses-clad Princess of Wales was seen riding in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, in photos obtained by Backgrid and shared by TMZ.

According to TMZ, the pair were driving near Windsor Castle when they were photographed, and no other royals or security appeared to accompany them on the drive.

The sighting came as Queen Camilla announced she was taking a break from filling in for her husband at royal engagements until March 11.

After initially indicating she would attend, the British army removed references to Kate from online tickets for a June event shared on March 5.

Kate Middleton during the Trooping the Colour parade in 2023. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

On March 5, outlets like BBC News reported that Kate's name was included on tickets released online to The Colonel's Review, an event the British army hosts amid Trooping the Colour, on June 8. Kate was named the Colonel of The Irish Guards in December 2022, and the Colonel typically participates in the Review.

Many took her inclusion on the tickets as a sign she was on track to return to work in the summer. But then, the army quickly removed all references to Kate after the tickets were released because Kensington Palace had not confirmed she would attend.

A source close to the situation told Business Insider's Mikhaila Friel the army didn't get approval from Kensington Palace to include references to the princess in the tickets, leading to the confusion.

The palace didn't respond to a request for comment from BI on the matter.

Kensington Palace released a photo of Kate with her children for Mother's Day  but the photo was immediately met with suspicion.

Sunday was Mother's Day in the UK, and to commemorate the occasion, Kensington Palace released the first official portrait of Kate since Christmas.

In the photo, Kate sits in a chair surrounded by her children, who are all giggling. According to the caption they shared on social media alongside the image, William took the picture of his family in 2024, and the photo appeared to come directly from Kate, as she signed the caption, "C," which stands for Catherine.

"Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months," she wrote. "Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day."

But shortly after it was released, people began to speculate the photo had been edited. Photo editor Patrick Witty told BI's Shubhangi Goel it was "astonishing" the palace released the photo at all because of issues in the image, pointing to areas where the picture is blurred and things that seemed to be added to the shot during the editing process, like a zipper on Kate's jacket.

Later that day, multiple photo agencies removed the picture from their platforms.

Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2023. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

On Sunday, Reuters, the Associated Press, and the French organization Agence France-Presse sent kill notices for the picture, which means the picture is no longer available for distribution through their platforms.

Reuters said it removed the picture after a "post-publication review," while the AP said explicitly in its kill notice that it wouldn't distribute the photo because "it appears the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent."

Kensington Palace has been accused of editing photos of the royals before, as was the case with the Waleses' 2023 Christmas card, but the photo released Sunday is the first to be killed by photo agencies.

The palace did not respond to a request for comment on the editing controversy.

Kate personally apologized for "any confusion" the picture caused on Monday.

Kate Middleton in September 2023. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

On Monday, Kate addressed the controversy surrounding the photo in a statement released on social media, seeming to take responsibility for the manipulated image.

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote on X. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

Notably, the statement was signed by Kate alone. Kensington Palace typically speaks on behalf of the couple as a unit, and the royals said in their post on Sunday that William took the shot.

The statement didn't appear to convince royal watchers online. Kate was trending on X, and the edited image had been viewed over 72 million times on the platform as of Monday.

William and Kate were photographed together on Monday before he attended a Commonwealth Day service.

Prince William attends a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2024. Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

A few hours after the princess posted on X, the Daily Mail released a photo of Kate and William in a car together leaving Windsor Castle.

Kate is looking out of the window in the shot, so only her profile is visible. According to the outlet, Kate was going to "a private appointment," and William was en route to a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

William was photographed alongside Queen Camilla at the Commonwealth Day service after the photo of him and Kate was published.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Kate Middletons uncle Gary Goldsmith is officially a contestant on this years rebooted Celebrity Big Brother, following much speculation over whether or not he would be competing.

The younger brother of the Princess of Waless mother, Carole Middleton, entered the house in the first episode on Monday, as the reality show made a comeback for the first time since 2018.

The 58-year-old businessman is appearing in what is Big Brothers first celebrity edition in six years after its regular debut on ITV in 2023.

Kate Middletons uncle Gary Goldsmith is officially a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, following much speculation over whether he would be competing (ITV)

Goldsmith, who owns a recruitment business, appeared on the stage alongside the two new hosts, AJ Odudu and Will Best, who asked him if Kate would be watching the show. He jokingly replied, If she is, it will be from behind the couch, describing the couch as a nice one in a nice house.

Speaking of the princess in a teaser that aired before he entered the house, Goldsmith said: She is simply perfect. He added: First time I met William, Catherine was cooking and William said, Hi, do you want a cup of tea? Very normal.

Kensington Palace said last Friday that the princess was still doing well while she recovers from abdominal surgery she underwent last month. The palace reiterated that nothing has changed as her health became subject to mass public speculation on social media. Kate remains out of the public eye, while her husband, Prince William, abruptly pulled out of his godfathers funeral last week.

Kensington Palace said on Friday that the Princess was still doing well while she recovers from abdominal surgery (AP)

Goldsmith  who was a guest at the royal wedding in 2011 and also attended niece Pippa Middletons wedding in 2017  is said to have upset his sister, Carole, and her husband, Michael, as rumours circulated ahead of his participation in the reality show.

A source told The Sun: Gary said hes been read the riot act by Kates mum Carole and her dad Michael  they arent happy hes going into Celebrity Big Brother. It is infuriating for them. Kate doesnt need this stress.

Gary Goldsmith is said to have upset his sister Carole and her husband Michael as rumours of his participation circulated (Getty Images)

After the reality series Titan returned last year on a new home, the celebrity version has been resurrected in the hopes of emulating the success of the 2023 civilian series, which was won by Jordan Sangha in November.

In the past, Big Brother, which originally aired on Channel 4 and then Channel 5, has been hosted by Davina McCall, Brian Dowling and Emma Willis.

Previous versions of Celebrity Big Brother have produced moments of TV gold, from Tiffany Pollards iconic Davids Dead misunderstanding to George Galloway and Rula Lenskas creepy cat cosplay.
Middle Europe, sometime in the 2020s: Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet) is chancellor of a vague nation. Unrest strikes the countrys highly profitable cobalt mines. Military men massacre a dozen miners after riots strike the work sites. Mold has infiltrated the chancellors castle. But this too shall pass, right?

In the premiere episode of The Regime, HBOs splashy new drama, Elena needs to do damage control following the Butchers of Site 5the miner murdersscandal. She cant become the enemy of her nations military, so she cant denounce their actions; instead, she hires one of the killers, Corporal Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), in a minor role on her staff. Because Elena fears shes allergic to the mold spores growing in her castle, Herbert will follow the chancellor everywhere she goes, testing each room for moisture levels. Hes kind of like the dozens of police you see on every New York subway platform these days: somewhat dangerous, and wholly useless.

Herbert is a known killer, palace manager Agnes (Andrea Riseborough) warns the other employees. Alas, the chancellor has demanded Herberts presence. After so much hustle and bustle around the castle, when Elena and Herbert finally meet, it feels like a dreamy rom-com. In fact, Elena claims to have seen Herbert before in some sort of dream. They lock eyes. Itsromantic? Maybe? Its off-putting, for sure, but theres some sort of tension present between the two. Elena demands that Herbert, who remains silent almost the entire time, strive to have a graceful mind, whatever that means.

Then, shes done with him. Lets have you leave now, she says, because chancellors speak like wordy robots instead of real human beings. Elena records a public service announcement to the residents of her nationwe never get the name of this vague European stateand calls it a day.

Meanwhile, several buildings over in the workers corridor, Herbert is shown his bedroom and told to purchase vats of moisturizer, because the mold dehumidifiers turn skin into a mummys asshole, per a palace staffer.

Kate Winslet Is Hilarious in The Regime, a Nastier, Wilder Veep

The next day is so-called Victory Day, a celebratory occasion to mark the anniversary of Elena being elected chancellor and beating the other guy, Edward Keplingeror the rat, as everyone around the castle calls him. Herbert awakes, vomits (presumably due to the dry air, or maybe whatever drugs the palace has given him to sedate his violent ways), and works out before he meets Agnes for more briefing. Does Herbert have the floor plan memorized? He thinks so. She hates doubt, Agnes scolds, suggesting that Herbert should be more sure of himself. So long as Herbert asks no questions, he wont end up like the last guy.

Andrea Riseborough and Kate Winslet. Max

Elenas staffers give her a rundown for the day: She has a meeting with her cabinet, her French husband, Nicholas (Guillaume Gallienne), is having an interview with Vogue, and there will be a banquet to impress American investors held in the evening. Herbert stalks Elena with his mold device, which looks kind of like a giant metal detector that you wave around in the air, into every room. When he walks in with Elena for her cabinet meeting, her staffers groan. Its like a dog using a calculator, one snips.

Most of Elenas cabinet is in agreement: The nation needs to grant America rights to their cobalt mines, which would result in a skyrocketing GDP. The people want growth. But Elena isnt convinced, especially because she doesnt think her wealthy, upper-class cabinet has any idea what the people want. But the chancellor will play alongfor now.

Herbert follows Elena down to the catacombs of her mansion, where her father, the late Joseph Vernham, has been laid to rest in a glass tomb. Elena teases her father, who started the political party she is now the leader of, for never being elected chancellor. They loved me much more than they ever loved you, she quips. Elena hates that her dead dad is covered in dark spots, but Herbert reassures her: The mold levels are low in these parts. Elenas father is where her germaphobia comes from; he died of lung disease, and shes now terrified that if her air isnt purified, shell meet the same fate.

Guillaume Gallienne. Max

As Elena readies herself for the banquet, she whines about how much she hates events. She wants to rid herself of those filthy Americans. Herbert agrees, one of the first real things hes actually said, putting a smirk on Elenas face. When Herbert arrives at the functionwithout Elena, who is preparing herself for a big performanceAgnes warns him: Hell need to tell Elena the moisture level, but discreetly; otherwise, shell look like a mockery to her American visitors.

Theres a bunch of chatter about the unrest in the mines. In Nicholas interview with Vogue, the reporter asks about it, but Nicholas immediately shuts down the conversation to talk about his national poetry NGO instead. At the banquet, Herbert overhears some Americans talking. Were there actually riots, or was there just increased talk about the bad air qualityand did the military panic and start shooting the moment they feared there would be backlash?

Kate Winslets Mare of Easttown Is the Years First Great Crime Drama

The conversation is all halted when Elena comes on stage with a terrible rendition of If You Leave Me Now by Chicago. And we thought Joe Bidens ice cream addiction was cringyimagine your world leader failing to harmonize with a band while sashaying awkwardly in an ill-fitting dress. Herbert is entranced. The crowd gives her a standing ovation. I would kill to see how the royal family would react to King Charles doing something like this.

Elena grabs a seat with the Americans, who gripe about the lamb dinnertheyre pescatarians. Maybe Elena shouldnt have shot down the chef when he presented a salmon entree three hours earlier. Too late now. The American business people offer up a 30-percent stake in mining rights, although they eventually want to advance to a majority stake. Elena is upset with this idea; she doesnt want to have to reach out to these Yanks every time she needs access to her mines. But shes interrupted by Herbert, who announces the humidity percentage to the table.

Elena excuses herself and asks Herbert to follow him out. She slaps him, infuriated. You made me look ridiculous in front of the Americans, she whisper-shouts. I am not ridiculous. I am very much not ridiculous! Surely!

In light of his failure at the gala, Herbert is demoted to night moisture checker; now, hell have no interactions with Elena. Hell never see her face again. But on his first night monitoring the floors for mold poisoning, Herbert spots something else. There is an intruder in the palace heading for Elenas room, and right as the masked fellow is about to sink a dagger into Elenas heart, Herbert stops him.

Kate Winslet and Matthias Schoenaerts. Max

Elena has a panic attackshes not worried about being assassinated, but she is peeved that she breathed the same air as the assailantand is escorted to the infirmary. There, she squeezes Herberts arm and releases her husbands hand. Theres a new man in town, one who can actually protect her.

The chancellor then goes two weeks without a public appearance, hiding out in her room with a zillion medical devices hooked up to her lungs. Nicholas begs Elena to come back to the real world, to be her real self again, but she insists that this is how shes always been: You just couldnt see me yet.

Finally, with the help of Herbertwho was the only person granted complete clearance to visit her in quarantineElena returns to the public eye. She learns that the man who attacked her was a former cobalt miner. But she has no idea how to fix everything, so she consults Herbert, the only person she trusts. He can tell her what the nobodies of the nation want.

Herbert tells her to ditch the deal with America. They are laughing at us because you dance for foreign cash like a sick fucking bear at the circus, he shouts. Thats what everybody is saying out there. Herbert is like a madman, shouting about pigs and fucking and fucking pigs. His biggest piece of advice: Fire everyone around her. They are the ones killing her, not the mold.

Elena is back in power. She makes an announcement to the people of their nation: Shes fired a bunch of her staffers because she believes theyve been weakening her immune system and her power, and they were responsible for the assassination attempt. These people have been advising her to make a deal with America, which is a bad idea, so this country is going to reject Americas deal.

The chancellor wraps her message with a call to her people, which could either inspire them to step up or start some sort of dangerous movement in the country: It is time to show America and the world precisely what we are worth.

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The day of Truman Capotes funeral, the iconic New York restaurant Mortimers witnessed the polarization of the two worlds of the author of essential works such as In Cold Blood or Breakfast at Tiffanys: on one side of the establishment gathered his editors and his few remaining friends from high society (with which he lived his glory days and from which he had been cast out); on the other, the night creatures of Studio 54 and Warhols Factory, the crowd that surrounded him as he indulged in a spiral of self-destruction from his social decline until his death on August 25, 1984, one month before his 60th birthday.

Now that the 40th anniversary of his tragic loss is almost upon us, producer Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, American Crime Story) and Gus Van Sant (directing six of the eight episodes) bring Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (Hulu) to the screen, a miniseries that portrays the writers betrayal of his swans, the New York high society ladies who adopted him as company, brought to life with a remarkable cast that includes Tom Hollander as Capote, as well as Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloe Sevigny, Calista Flockhart and Demi Moore.

The first nail in Capotes social coffin was the 1975 publication of a passage from the long-announced novel Answered Prayers, titled La Cote Basque, 1965, in Esquire magazine. The story, named after a splendid Fifth Avenue French restaurant where the jet set used to gather, unabashedly exposed the transgressions shared with him by his intimate circle: Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Gloria Vanderbilt, Lee Radziwill, Marella Agnelli and CZ Guest. His acidic revelations about substance abuse, assaults, hurtful remarks, infidelities, a murder and even a sexual encounter tainted by [menstrual] stains the size of Brazil were quite far from the fancy events for which they usually appeared in the society pages.

Jean Murray Vanderbilt and Barbara Babe Paley, two of Capotes swans, with the writer in 1957. ullstein bild Dtl. (ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Truman Capote with Lee Radziwill, one of his swans (and one of the few who didnt stop talking to him), at the New York Four Seasons, in 1969. Santi Visalli (Getty Images)

The bloody sheet episode, for example, featured a mistress and William S. Paley, president of the CBS media group and husband of the socialite Babe Paley (played by Naomi Watts), who elegantly tolerated her husband being a womanizer. Babe Paley had been a fashion editor at Vogue before shelving her career and devoting herself to the unofficial role of queen of New York: an impeccable pulchritude that was only threatened by La Cote Basque, 1965. She stopped talking to Capote forever. She died three years later from lung cancer, without ever forgiving him. Capote was never able to get past it: Paley had been his favorite swan, and he never forgave himself for not making up with her. Later, the writer explained Paleys harshness with bitter lucidity in an interview with Playboy magazine: In the long run, the rich run together, no matter what.

There were other tragic episodes. Ann Woodward (played by Demi Moore) never got to read the story because she killed herself three days before its publication. Some say that she had received a copy in advance and that Woodward, a showbiz girl who made her fortune by marrying an old millionaire, took her own life when she learned that Capote, in his story, had unearthed the accidental death of that first husband: she mistook him for an intruder and killed him with a shotgun in their own home  something for which she was declared innocent at the time.

There is much more. Gloria Vanderbilt is presented like a vain fool who does not even recognize her first husband when he approaches her at lunch to greet her. Lee Radziwill (played by Calista Flockhart), Jackie Kennedys little sister, is the only one who did not stop talking to him, although she always kept her distance. The character inspired by Slim Keith (Diane Lane in the series) is depicted as a vulgar snob from the American West married to an English aristocrat who gossips about her friends to Capotes alter ego, a literary con artist and a bisexual prostitute, while they dine in fancy restaurants. It is said that it was she who led the writers social veto. His friend and official biographer Gerald Clarke warned him: they are not going to like it at all. Everyone will know on whom the characters are based. Nah, theyre too stupid, was Capotes reply.

Socialite Ann Woodward. Bettmann (Bettmann Archive)

But not only did the protagonists recognize themselves in the satire; so did everyone else. When the issue arrived on newsstands the author was in California, making his debut as an actor in the black comedy Murder by Death (1976). His big-screen demise  stabbed in the back  served as a graphic prediction of what awaited him back in New York. Overnight, he had become an outcast. The mechanism that moves the gears of high society moved like clockwork: invitations stopped arriving. His calls were not taken. If someone saw him at a restaurant, they changed tables.

What did they expect?

Capote had been developing what was to be his greatest work for more than 15 years; he had already announced Answered Prayers after the success of In Cold Blood (1966). For his novel, he accumulated countless notebooks with notes from all those gatherings of fabulous people in fabulous places. While he entertained that wealthy sphere with his incisiveness, he was also extracting all the information he needed. What did they expect? I am a writer, and I use everything, he would say in his defense.

With the swans, he was an advisor and confidant. In a society where homosexuality was still criminalized (in New York, for example, it was not decriminalized until 1980), Capote challenged the internalized homophobia of the husbands by transcending the classic role of the walker (one of the derogatory terms with which the effeminate friends who entertained the ladies were known). As journalist Louise Grunwald, the wife of Time editor-in-chief Henry Grunwald, told Vanity Fair: Nobody came into their houses that the husbands didnt approve of. In a way, Truman could be very seductive, and he was a good listener. He was sympathetic. He seduced both the men and the women.

Liza Minnelli, Truman Capote and Steve Rubell, the owner of Studio 54, partying at the New York nightclub. Robin Platzer/Twin Images (Getty Images)

He told their wives what to wear, what to watch, what to read, what to pay attention to, who to ignore. He set a course in their agendas and gave a meaning to the boring days they spent surrounded by other rich people. Capote accompanied them on their lunches, their jets, their European yacht vacations. Meanwhile, he accumulated an even more valuable wealth than what they all possessed: their private stories. A fortune that led to his ruin overnight when they felt betrayed by his revelations  as well as terrified, thinking about what else the rest of the novel might reveal. The writer tried to defend and explain himself to Liz Smith, the lady of gossip, in New York magazine, by stating that he wanted to prove that gossip could be made into literature.

Short, affected and with a strident voice, the sophisticated character that he built as an adult was never able to completely overshadow the child who grew up feeling isolated and different in some remote Alabama town. He was haunted by the insecurity of being a poor boy from the miserable white neighborhoods of the southern United States. From his childhood, he claimed to remember only one friendship: with Harper Lee, who would also become a writer and who would honor him by basing one of the children in To Kill a Mockingbird on Capote. His biological father, Arch Persons, a businessman who made a living from running small scams, soon vanished from the scene. Raised by his loving aunts, he never got over his mothers temporary abandonment during his childhood. Lillie Mae Faulk left to try her luck in New York, and he did not see her again until she remarried (Capote would take his stepfathers last name). She would end up taking her own life at the age of 49 after going through various crises due to her alcoholism. In the series, her ghost is played by Jessica Lange. Capotes mother was the direct inspiration for the gold-digging prostitute in Breakfast at Tiffanys (1958), a character that had little to do with the glamour of Audrey Hepburns portrayal in the film version.

Used as he was to navigating between upscale lounges and the seediest dives, he found in Studio 54 the perfect refuge for his exile from high society. In full euphoria, he described it as very democratic. Boys with boys, girls with girls, girls with boys, blacks and whites, capitalists and Marxists, Chinese and everything else  all one big mix. In 1977, he confessed his alcoholism at a university lecture. He showed the seriousness of his situation on The Stanley Siegel Show, in 1978. Where did you go last night? the presenter asked. Well, I havent been in bed for 48 hours. I dont even know how I got here today, he replied, rolling his eyes under his characteristic hat. Although he was removed from the set 17 minutes into the interview, he had time to declare that eventually Ill kill myself. Truman had gone from applauded wit to a disturbing caricature.

A family man

Kate Harrington, his goddaughter and the daughter of John OShea  one of the boyfriends with whom Capote fared the worst  recounted how, at the age of 14, Capote took her to Richard Avedons studio for her first photo shoot as a model. Later, she would serve as his chaperone at Studio 54, although he always sent her home before things started getting out of hand. In the documentary The Capote Tapes, she reflects that, even though as a child he used to take care of her, at some point the tables turned and she ended up taking care of him. The author had a particular tendency to have long love affairs with married men and gain the affection of the rest of their families  including the wronged wives. OShea was a bank manager who had been married for 20 years and had four children; in the words of his friend Joe Petrocik, just the kind of man Truman liked: a married, Irish, Catholic family man.

Truman Capote posing in 1981 in Los Angeles. Harry Langdon (Getty Images)

An aspiring writer, after his first meeting in a sauna in 1973, he was dazzled by the alternative life that the little genius offered him. Their differences soon gave rise to a toxic relationship  in every sense, filled with all kinds of substances and verbal and physical attacks. He even broke Capotes nose, as well as some teeth and a rib. They split up and got back together frequently. Along the way, the author sued him for stealing the manuscript of a chapter of Answered Prayers, and even hired a thug to intimidate him, who ended up setting OSheas car on fire.

His tendency towards physical self-sabotage was a constant during his admissions and exits in hospitals and clinics. He pretended to swallow the pills he was prescribed, hid his own minibar, even rented luxurious limousines to escape in style a few days after entering the rehabilitation centers. As his lawyer, Alan Schwartz, would point out, Capote accumulated all kinds of ailments: polyps in the throat, prostate problems, painful tics, epilepsy, emphysema, liver diseases. All aggravated by his excesses with vodka, cocaine and barbiturates. His death came when he drank the least, when his turbulent party companions were gone and he was fighting phlebitis, an illness that scared him like no physical problem ever before.

With the corpse still warm, his archenemy Gore Vidal did not hold back, referring to his last breath as a smart turn in his career. The writer had won a lawsuit against Capote for defaming him in Playboy by telling the story of the night when Vidal had supposedly been kicked out of a dinner at the White House for getting drunk and insulting Jackie Kennedys mother. He demanded a public apology and $1 million in damages.

That exact amount, $1 million, is what Truman Capote would have received from Random House for the publication of Answered Prayers. The complete novel never saw the light of day (a compilation with the three chapters, presented as an unfinished novel, came out in 1987). The whereabouts of that literary testament that would bring about his downfall remains a mystery today. If there ever existed an actual manuscript (Capote wrote everything by hand) of that work that was going to do to America what Proust did to France, he managed to keep it hidden even from his biographer Gerald Clarke, his publisher Joe Fox and his attorney and executor Alan Schwartz. The three turned Capotes apartment on the 22nd floor of the luxurious United Nations Plaza upside down, questioned all his possible accomplices and even forced his most faithful ex-boyfriend, the writer Joe Dunphy, to open the trunk of the Buick that in his last days he could not drive anymore. All to no avail. Many friends claim to have heard him recite passages over the years, although given his excellent memory and ability to improvise, many of these stories might have been nothing more than him fooling around.

The legend goes that, already sick, one morning he called the aunt who had raised him to confess that she had destroyed him. The day before his death, Capote handed a key to his most faithful friend, Joanne Carson (the second wife of talk show host Johnny Carson, played by Molly Ringwald in the series), in whose Bel Air house he had settled, already quite weak. He told her that it was from a safety deposit box in California where the manuscript was. No further details, no bank, no number. The novel will be found when it wants to be found, he stated, cryptically. Maybe its pages will rest in that cold darkness forever. A great final joke, worthy of his incomparable ingenuity.

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The California Senate race is coming down to the wire for Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) as she looks to eke out a second-place showing and advance into Novembers runoff in the states top two primary.

Polling has shown Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) leading the crowd of California Senate contenders, with Porter and Republican Steve Garvey hovering around second place. All the candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will be placed on the same ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to November.

But low voter turnout is threatening to end Porters congressional career early as data shows the voters casting ballots being older and whiter, which could push Garvey into the runoff with Schiff for a red-blue showdown.

All along, this race has been Adam Schiffs to lose, said California-based Democratic strategist Kate Maeder, arguing the low turnout absolutely benefits the frontrunner.

The only people really voting are older, white voters who have seen Adam Schiff on CNN and MSNBC for years, so he has this sort of built-in advantage heading into the race, Maeder said.

Schiff, Porter, Garvey and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) are running to serve a full term that was vacated by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and is temporarily being filled by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), who decided against running for a full term.

The four Senate front-runners are among 27 candidates running for the seat, whose term begins in January, but they are also among seven candidates running in a special election to decide who will briefly take over from Butler, the temporary appointee who will serve through November, until the next term starts.

Schiff has amassed a sizable war chest, beginning the year with nearly $35 million in the bank. He has enjoyed high name recognition as the lead House impeachment manager in former President Trumps first trial, as well as for serving on the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Porter  best known in the House for her iconic whiteboards during committee hearings and for flipping a red Orange County House seat to blue in 2018  started the year with a smaller but still notable cash on hand of $13 million.

Lee, who is known for her time volunteering for the Black Panthers and for bucking her party at times, including on her lone vote against the Afghanistan war, has trailed in the polls and fundraising as she started this year with less than $1 million in the bank.

Democratic strategist Maclen Zilber said Schiff has fared well in most public polling because of his high profile and the sheer financial advantage he has over his opponents.

Its going to be tough for someone else to gain ground or supplant you if youre also meaningfully outspending the field in a state where it takes a lot of money to move voters a little bit, he said.

A University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) poll, which was co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times and released Friday, showed 27 percent of likely voters backing Garvey, 25 percent backing Schiff, 19 percent backing Porter, 8 percent backing Lee, and 12 percent backing someone else. Undecided likely voters made up another 9 percent.

Because the Garvey-Schiff split falls within the polls margin of error, which is 2 percentage points, the pair are essentially tied.

Meanwhile, an Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill survey released Thursday found Schiff at 28 percent, Garvey at 20 percent, Porter at 17 percent and Lee at 8 percent. Another 17 percent said they were undecided.

One variable thats scrambled the calculus in the primary is low turnout. Data from Political Data Intelligence (PDI), a research firm that compiles California turnout data and tracks voting trends, found just 11 percent of the states mail-in ballots returned as of Friday.

Of those returned ballots, PDI data shows 25 percent are voters aged 65 and older and 14 percent are white  voters who are more likely to skew toward Garvey than Porter. In comparison, just 3 percent of 18- to 34-year-old voters and 5 percent of voters between 35 to 49 have cast their ballots; 10 percent of Asian voters and 9 percent of African Americans have voted.

Its really going to be on the cusp of possibly being the lowest-percent-turnout election in the states history, said Paul Mitchell, vice president of PDI, who added the stark age divide is shocking.

A Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) poll released last month showed Schiff leading Porter by 13 points in the 45-and-older age bracket, while Porter was ahead by 12 points among voters younger than 45. But the turnout data suggests the younger Californians who favor Porter arent the voters who are turning in their ballots at this point.

About 11 million ballots have been mailed to registered voters aged 50 and older, as well as to voters younger than 50, according to PDI data, making the Golden States age groups roughly the same size. But while close to two million Californians aged 50 and older have already voted, fewer than 500,000 voters younger than 50 have done the same so far.

Its like a hall of mirrors where two people go in and theyre the exact same height, and then they come out the other side, and one is eight times larger than the other. Because thats whats happening here  theres an eightfold increase in the percentages of old people to young people, Mitchell said.

Porter has expressed concern that those low numbers could keep her from being on the runoff ballot against Schiff in November.

Were on track for a low turnout election, even by primary standards. Polls show I tend to do well with younger voters, who tend not to show up in low turnout contests, so this is a worrying sign, Porter wrote on her weekly Substack.

Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin, whos worked with the likes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), took the turnout data with a grain of salt, noting that early voters are usually older, though he added lower turnout overall obviously means a more challenging path for Porter.

An older, whiter turnout could also make it easier for Republican candidate Garvey to join Schiff in the top two.

Underscoring the competitiveness of the race, Schiff and a super PAC supporting him have emphasized Garvey in their ads in the hopes of pushing Porter into third place. Meanwhile, Porters campaign has boosted GOP long shot Eric Early, which could hurt Garvey enough to have Porter swing into second place.

No one in this race has fought harder than Adam when it comes to protecting our democracy, our economy, and our planet, Schiff campaign spokesman Marisol Samayoa told The Hill, defending the ads around Garvey. Steve Garvey will be a rubber stamp for Donald Trumps extreme agenda if elected. California voters deserve to know the differences between the two top-polling candidates.

Porters campaign has attacked Schiff for elevating Garvey in the primary, but Schiff has called Porter hypocritical for using a similar tactic. Strategists largely expect a Democrat-Republican runoff to be an easier win for Schiff, hence the push to knock Porter out of the running.

Its disappointing that Rep. Schiff, a self-described defender of democracy, is playing a cynical game to avoid a competitive election and deprive Californians of a real choice in November, Porter campaign spokeswoman Lindsay Reilly told The Hill.

Instead of campaigning on the issues, Rep. Schiff is spending millions of dollars to end this race before it starts. Thats bad for our democracy and bad for Democratic races down ballot, which will see higher Republican turnout numbers if Steve Garvey makes it to the general.

The ads have also been criticized by the Republican candidates.

Mike Netter, an Early campaign spokesman, told The Hill in a statement, Katie Porters ads calling Eric Early too MAGA and too dangerous for California, correctly state that unlike Steve Garvey, Early proudly supports former President Trump and the Second Amendment.

Porters ads (predictably) fail to mention however, that the danger Eric Early poses is not to California, but rather to Katie Porters, Adam Schiffs and the entire far-lefts Socialist/Marxist agenda for America.

Still, experts say the tactic is working for Schiff.

The results suggest that Schiffs strategy of boosting Garveys candidacy to allow an easier race in the November run-off election appears to have worked, perhaps even better than Schiffs campaign had envisioned, said Eric Schickler, the IGS co-director, in a release on the new poll.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Kentucky man was killed in a shooting Saturday, according to state police.

The shooting happened around 10:14 p.m. in Harlan County. Kentucky State Police said a man was shot and killed inside a Teetersville home.

The Harlan County Coroner pronounced the victim dead on scene, according to KSP. No other injuries were reported.

No other details about the shooting were released. KSPs Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting after witnesses are interviewed and pertinent facts are gathered, the agency said.

Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case, KSP said in a press release about the shooting.
The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program  which regulates the legal cultivation, production, sale and use of medical marijuana products  is set to officially start Jan. 1, 2025.

But before patients and businesses can take part, the state still needs to finalize its regulations to oversee the emerging industry in the commonwealth.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law last March, legalizing the medical marijuana industry in Kentucky. The bill put the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in charge of regulations for the industry.

In early January, Beshear's administration filed its first set of 10 regulations governing the industry and providing a framework for how businesses will operate.

These regulations were filed the same day, Beshear urged the expansion of the medical cannabis program to include 15 additional qualifying conditions.

The 10 regulations focus on cultivators, processors, producers, safety compliance facilities, dispensaries and more.

They include tracking from seed to sale, establishment of product safety testing standards and a license requirement for both consumers and businesses to participate in the industry.

According to the website for the state medical cannabis program, the cabinet is in the process of developing additional regulations.

"In the coming weeks and months, the Cabinet will promulgate additional regulations on how patients and caregivers can become cardholders and how individuals and businesses can apply for a medical cannabis business license," Brice Mitchell, a cabinet spokesperson, told The Courier Journal in an email.

The simple act of filing regulations does not guarantee they will go into effect. First, there will be a public comment period. Afterward, the cabinet will review and consider the public input and potentially tweak the regulations. Then, the regulations head to the General Assembly for approval.

A public comment hearing on the regulations will be held March 25 at 9 a.m. via Zoom. To attend, interested parties must notify the cabinet in writing by March 18 at CHFSregs@ky.gov.

Here's a look at three key points in the 10 medical marijuana regulations filed by the Beshear administration:

Medical marijuana must be grown indoors

Despite Kentucky's natural agricultural advantages that help the region produce high quality bourbon, racehorses and hemp, the regulations say all medical cannabis must be planted, grown, cultivated and harvested "in an enclosed, locked facility," including a room, greenhouse, building or other indoor enclosed area.

Currently, the state allows for hemp, a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC content, to be grown outside.

Strict packaging and labeling requirements for products

Following in Beshear's footsteps when he filed an executive order in 2022 to regulate the packaging of delta-8, a hemp derived marijuana alternative, the cabinet has placed an emphasis on controlling packaging standards in an effort to protect the public from accidental consumption of medical marijuana and to ensure there is no confusion about what is in a product.

"The packaging and labeling regulation provides a consistent standard for how packaging and labeling medicinal cannabis products will occur and how information required under state law ... will be displayed on product labeling to protect and inform Kentucky consumers," Mitchell said.

The packaging and labeling regulations require medical cannabis products to not resemble commercially available major-brand, edible non-cannabis products, such as popular candies or snack foods. The package must clearly state the item inside contains medical cannabis.

The state government also wants no representation that could mislead consumers to believe the medical marijuana product has been endorsed by the state or any packaging that would be attractive to minors.

Packages must also be child resistant, have a two-step opening process and be labeled with product warnings, THC content, CBD content and more.

Dispensaries are final line of consumer safety defense

Cousins Eric Zipperle, left, and Jim Higdon founded Cornbread Hemp.

By the time products have reached a dispensary, they will have been vetted for a variety of safety factors in multiple steps along the way before ever reaching the customer.

But it's up to the dispensary and its employees to ensure consumers buy what they legally can and what they intend to buy. For example, "vaporizing" methods of medical marijuana can't be sold to those under the age of 21. Also, no medical cannabis products can be sold directly to a minor. One caveat is that a patient's caregiver, such as a parent, can be legally authorized to buy medical marijuana for a minor to use.

Dispensaries will be allowed to sell raw flower, a part of the cannabis plant often used for smoking, but not "any medicinal cannabis accessory that is used solely for the purpose of smoking medicinal cannabis, including rolling papers and lighters."

Mitchell said the sale of raw flower is aimed at allowing patients the ability to make "homemade edibles/baked goods and teas."

Industry experts like Dee Dee Taylor, the owner of 502 Hemp Wellness Center, 812 Hemp and a member of Beshear's medical cannabis advisory committee, finds it "comical" and "naive" to not allow smoking for patients, noting many patients would likely still use flower to smoke.

Others like Jim Higdon, the co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, which sees the medical cannabis industry as a "natural progression" of his business, said the no-smoking provision in the state program is "unique in the nation."

The dispensary regulations also require that a dispensary cannot be located in a shared space with a medical cannabis practitioner. Medical marijuana can be sold only within a licensed, enclosed building or secure structure.

Dispensaries will be allowed to operate only within the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to know about regulations for Kentucky medical marijuana program
Lakeeta B., a mother of two kids living in Washington, D.C., said she began noticing a change in her outgoing daughters interests and demeanor when she was around 14 years old. Her daughter was a cheerleader, a gymnast and a really, really good kid, she told Atlanta Black Star.

But Lakeetas daughter soon became someone she didnt recognize. I didnt know this kid. I was like, whos this kid? You know what I mean? she said.

The concerned parent believes the popular social media app TikTok played a huge part in her daughters decline.

As they get older, they kind of start settling into their own personalities and things of that nature, Lakeeta said. Her daughter, who once aspired to be a fashion designer, began spending more time in her room scrolling on the app.

Lakeeta B. and her daughter. (Photo courtesy of Lakeeta B.)

I didnt realize that it happened to be TikTok until I had a family member send me a post which [my daughter] had posted and it was very, very dark, she said.

The post suggested her daughter was having suicidal thoughts, according to Lakeeta. The mother said her child also posted images of marijuana.

Typically if youre living in a house with someone and this is a child, you think that youre as tuned in as you possibly can, but then you learn that the outside world has a bigger influence on children and more pressure that we care to admit, she said.

How TikTok impacts childrens health

Kelvin Goode, the founder of consumer justice platform ClaimsHero, says what makes TikTok particularly harmful is the lack of control young people have over what appears on their feed.

If youre on Instagram, youre usually seeing content from people that you actually follow, Goode, whose platform is helping thousands of families take legal action against TikTok, told Atlanta Black Star.

TikTok pumps content out to anyone, he said, also noting that the app has design defects that internal documents have shown the company is aware of.

They basically still pump it out to the kids, Goode said. Some of these defects they know cause compulsive use, like the endless feeds, the notifications late at night.

Several studies have linked TikTok usage to higher risks of depression, body dysmorphia, self-harm and eating disorders, especially among teens, according to ClaimsHero.

A recent United States Surgeon General report also outlines some of the growing concerns about how social media affects the mental health of youth.

TikTok did not respond to a request for comment.

The company states on its Safety page, We do not allow content depicting, promoting, normalizing or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide or self-harm.

TikTok, which describes itself as a a positive and supportive community, says the platform doesnt allow users to share content depicting them partaking in or encouraging others to partake in dangerous activities that may lead to serious injury or death, according to its website.

We will not show self-harm related content when searching related terms, the company states online, adding that it wants to support users by providing resources and access to emotional support helplines, including suicide prevention hotlines.

TikToks team also says it works with emotional health experts to continually improve our policies and approach, and will intervene if theres a user who may be at risk of self-harm.

States and school districts take legal action

Lakeeta learned her child was not alone in suffering mental health impacts linked to using TikTok.

The social media platform owned by Chinese company Bytedance and launched in 2016, has been embroiled in controversy in recent years related to its reported impacts on the mental health of children and teens.

A 2022 report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that among some of the harmful content hosted on the app, TikTok recommended eating disorder and self-harm content to new teen accounts within minutes of scrolling the the apps For You page, according to the nonprofit.

The report revealed that content with themes of suicide were recommended to users within 2.6 minutes of scrolling the app used by two-thirds of American teens for an average of 80 minutes a day.

TikTok has been the target of lawsuits and legal action, including a nationwide investigation launched by attorneys general from 46 states including California, Florida and New Jersey into the apps effects on youths mental health, The Associated Press reported.

The multistate lawsuit alleges that TikTok is violating state consumer protection laws in ways that have fueled the ongoing crisis in the mental health of children and teens.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement in 2022, when his state joined the ongoing investigation, the probe seeks to determine what methods TikTok is using to increase the time users spend on the platform, and how that increased time harms young users physical and mental health.

At least 600 school districts, including some in Tennessee, Arizona and Colorado, have also launched lawsuits against TikTok, citing mental health impacts on children.

A school board in North Carolina voted on Tuesday to join a federal class-action suit against the app that also sues the owners of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, the News & Observer reported.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Feb. 14 that his administration also filed a 311-page lawsuit against the companies for similar reasons. Because TikTok changed its terms of service last July, Goode says time is running out for parents to seek justice.

Parents are fighting back against TikTok

Goode told Atlanta Black Star that TikTok added a one-year statute of limitation to its terms. Parents only have a couple of months left before their claims are forever extinguished, Goode said. They cant bring claims after July 2024, so were encouraging families, like Im trying to scream at the top of every building to just sign up, share your story and see if you do have a claim.

His company identifies consumer harm and raises awareness for those harms to make it easier for consumers like Lakeeta B. to speak up. She is among more than 5,000 seeking help from ClaimsHero to pursue legal action against TikTok.

Lakeeta, who says her now-17-year daughter has since drastically improved mentally following therapy and is on track to graduate early, said a friend told her about the platform.

They definitely are doing the correct thing by just trying to get these people to take accountability, she said. And parents have gotta step up and say, OK, yep, we see what youre doing to our youth, and were no longer accepting it.

Erika Bent, a San Francisco psychotherapist specializing in working with kids and teens, recommends that families noticing their child struggling as a result of TikTok usage monitor what their kids are seeing on social media so they can step in if needed. She also suggested having open conversations with kids.

Not in a judgmental way of, you dont seem to be doing well, so Im going to take away your social media, because I think that can actually create more suffering, isnt helpful necessarily and can have more of a punishing element to it, Bent told Atlanta Black Star.

I think more importantly, parents should come forward with, Ive noticed that you seem to be spending less time with your friends, or you havent been having dinner with the family lately  can we talk about it? Bent recommended.

Whos This Kid?: Outraged Mom Says Her Once Outgoing Teen Became Unrecognizable After Hours on Social Media; Shes Taking Legal Action to Hold TikTok Accountable
A veteran of the UK's nuclear testing programme in the 1950s has been presented with a medal from King Charles at his home in County Down.

Bernard Jenkins, 97, helped to oversee atomic bomb testing in the Australian desert in 1957.

The Nuclear Test Medal, which was released last year, was presented to Mr Jenkins by two senior RAF officers.

About 40,000 British personnel took part in the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs in the 1950s and 1960s.

Fewer than 2,000 are believed to be still alive.

Mr Jenkins, who turns 98 next month, is one of the oldest veterans to receive the honour.

Speaking at his home in Portaferry after receiving the medal, he said: "I was a team member. Others were equally as good as me if not better. They were all brilliant people".

Asked about the dangers he faced during the nuclear testing, he said simply: "I trusted the people that we had."

One of the officers who presented Mr Jenkins with the medal was squadron leader Steve Hamilton from RAF Aldergrove.

He said: "Bernard's medal collection is quite unique. He has received recognition from three monarchs - King George VI, Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III also.

"That in itself is an incredible achievement."

Mr Jenkins served in the RAF after World War Two and rose to the rank of wing commander.

Although he was born in south Wales, he settled in Northern Ireland after marrying a woman from Dundonald, Margaret Kirk, in 1949.

While at Oxford University in the mid-1940s, he served in the same air squadron as two men who went on to become famous actors, Richard Burton and Robert Hardy.

Burton starred in the Hollywood blockbuster Cleopatra. He died in 1984.

Hardy featured in the TV series All Creatures Great and Small and also in four of the Harry Potter films. He died in 2017.

Mr Jenkins was a navigator in the RAF. In 1957, he was posted to Maralinga in a remote part of southern Australia as the joint services operations manager during the second phase of British nuclear bomb testing.

He took a photograph of the mushroom cloud created by one of the blasts.

Looking at the picture, Bernard's eldest son David says it shows that his father was only two or three miles away from the explosion.

"As a family we are extremely proud of him. He is a very humble man. He doesn't like to blow his own trumpet but the history in this one man is absolutely remarkable," he said.

"Since he joined the air force in 1944, he's always been proud to serve in the RAF. He has worked with all of the services but particularly the RAF - it's been his life."

As he reflected on his long career, Mr Jenkins said: "I would do it all again. I loved every minute of it."

The awarding of the Nuclear Test Medal began last year. It followed a long fight for recognition by veterans and their families.

Many said that exposure to nuclear tests had caused cancer and premature deaths among thousands of people who took part, as well as causing health problems for their families.

The Ministry of Defence said three large studies of nuclear test veterans "found no valid evidence to link participation in these tests to ill health".

The government had previously refused calls for official recognition, saying that participation in the tests fell "outside the criteria for medallic recognition".

The medal features an atom surrounded by olive branches and bears the words "Nuclear Test Medal". The other side features King Charles.
Election workers process ballots using a sorting machine at the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, Nov. 7, 2023. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Colorado is 1 of 15 states to vote in the presidential primary election on Super Tuesday, which this year is March 5.

During the primary, voters select which candidate for president they prefer in either the Democratic or Republican race, and their votes go to delegates who in turn support preferred candidates during the national party conventions in the summer, when nominees are officially selected to stand in the general election in November.

In Colorado, where every eligible resident automatically can vote by mail, more than 800,000 ballots have already been returned. But Coloradans can register and vote through Tuesday.

There is still time to vote in Colorado. Coloradans can return their mail ballot to one of more than 400 drop boxes or 150 voting centers across the state, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold told Newsline by email. Every election is an opportunity for Coloradans to make their voice heard and help shape policies that matter to them.

Heres some useful information about the election.

Whats on the ballot?

In Colorado, registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary, registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary, and unaffiliated voters can vote in the Democratic or Republican primary, but not both.

The Democratic presidential primary ballot contains eight candidates, including the clear Democratic frontrunner and incumbent President Joe Biden. It also offers the option to vote for Noncommitted delegate  a delegate not bound to support a particular candidate at the national convention.

The Republican presidential primary ballot contains seven candidates, including the clear Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, and the one other major candidate still in the race, Nikki Haley. The ballot also offers a write-in option.

What to do with your ballot

Ballots were mailed to voters starting Feb. 12. It is too late to return them by mail. But ballots can be deposited in a drop box or dropped off at a voter service and polling center. The Colorado secretary of states office provides an online tool voters can use to find the nearest polling location and drop boxes. County clerks must receive ballots by 7 p.m. on Election Day  postmarks do not count. Coloradans may vote in person at a voter service and polling center even if they do not have their mail ballot.

Election night

County election officials have already started processing ballots, but initial results will be released by the secretary of state only after polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Initial unofficial results will be posted and updated at the secretarys home page.

Other Super Tuesday states

The states besides Colorado with Super Tuesday presidential primary contests are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. The U.S. territory American Samoa also has a Super Tuesday contest. More than a third of delegates in each party will be awarded on Super Tuesday, the single largest batch in the presidential primary cycle, which started in January.

More on that Noncommitted delegate option

The presidential primary election in 2024 is unusual in that each party has a candidate who has established a convincing lead early in the election cycle. But one of the emerging stories of the election is the campaign by some Palestinian-supporting progressive Democrats, incensed by Bidens approach to the war in Gaza, to persuade voters to support uncommitted delegates. The Colorado Democratic Partys executive committee voted unanimously to request the noncommitted ballot line in December. After a similar effort in Michigan produced stronger than expected results, Colorado activists last week launched the Vote Noncommitted Colorado campaign.

More useful information

Ballottrax allows voters to track their returned ballot and make sure its counted.

The county clerks in Colorados 64 counties oversee elections in their jurisdictions, and they can provide answers to many questions a voter might have. Contact information for every county clerk can be found here.

The secretary of states Go Vote Colorado page has lots of general information about voting in Colorado.

Lindsey Toomer contributed to this report.

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The post What to know about the Colorado presidential primary election appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
The second of four elections scheduled in Pueblo for 2024 is coming on Tuesday, when Coloradans will join several other states in Super Tuesday presidential contests.

This years presidential primary is much less exciting for Democrats than in previous years, as incumbent President Joe Biden has picked up nearly all of the delegates so far.

Former President Donald Trump is also expected to win his partys nomination, but former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is still in the race.

Voters must return their ballots by 7 p.m. Tuesday at the latest to ensure they are counted.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Monday morning that overturned the Colorado Supreme Court decision about Trumps eligibility on primary ballots.

Plaintiffs and their lawyers argued that Trump shouldnt be allowed on the ballot because he had previously engaged in an insurrection. The Supreme Court argued unanimously that Congress, not individual states, should make decisions about eligibility.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Richmond, Va.

How you can cast your ballot

Most Pueblo voters received ballots in the mail a few weeks ago.

Those ballots were configured when more candidates were in the running and include several contenders who have since dropped out. On the Republican ticket, Trump and Haley are the only two candidates still in the running.

Unaffiliated voters have been mailed ballots for both Democrats and Republicans but can only cast one ballot for their vote to count.

As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Pueblo County had received 26,502 mail and in-person ballots. Of those ballots, 10,145 were Democratic, 10,994 were Republican, and over 5,000 were still being processed.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on Bidenomics at CS Wind in Pueblo on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Where can I drop off my ballot in Pueblo?

The county is opening 11 24-hour secured drop boxes throughout the county. Heres where they are inside the city:

Pueblo County Election Office, 201 W. 8 th St., on the east side of the building via Main Street

Pueblo County Courthouse, 215 W. 10 th St., on the west side of the building via Court Street

Colorado State Fairgrounds, 950 S. Prairie Ave., outside the gate on Prairie Avenue

Lamb Branch Library, 2525 S. Pueblo Blvd., behind the building

Routt Avenue motor vehicle drive-through, 1228 Routt Ave.

CSU-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., access from Gonzales Drive

Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave., access from Harrison Street

Here are the locations of drop-boxes outside of city limits:

Pueblo Rural Fire, 29912 US-50 BUS, Pueblo County

Beulah General Store, 8859 Grand Ave., Beulah

Greenhorn Valley Library, 4801 Cibola Dr., Colorado City

Pueblo County Sheriffs Substation, 320 E. Joe Martinez Blvd., Pueblo West

Where are polling locations open on Election Day?

A few voter service polling centers have been open for a few weeks ahead of election day, but several more have opened ahead of the election. You can drop off your ballot or vote on an in-person machine if you prefer.

On Election Day, all of these locations will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Pueblo County Election Office, 201 W. 8 th St., 7 th floor

Colorado State Fair Colorado Building, 1001 Beulah Ave.

Pueblo West Library, 298 S. Joe Martinez Blvd., Pueblo West

Pueblo Housing and Human Services, 2631 E. 4 th St.

Giodone Branch Library, 24655 US Hwy. 50 East

Greenhorn Valley Library, 4801 Cibola Dr., Colorado City

Tundra Room at CSU-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd.

Ballroom at Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave.

Anna Lynn Winfrey covers politics at the Pueblo Chieftain. She can be reached at awinfrey@gannett.com. Please support local news at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: How and where to vote in Pueblo's 2024 presidential primary elections
Trainee doctors have been on strike over plans to increase medical school admissions (Jung Yeon-je)

South Korea said Monday it will take steps to suspend the licences of striking trainee doctors who have defied orders to return to work in a standoff over medical training reforms.

Around 10,000 junior doctors walked out nearly two weeks ago to protest against an increase in medical school admissions from next year which is meant to help combat shortages and meet the demands of an ageing society.

The striking trainees have defied a February 29 government deadline for them to return to work or face legal action, including possible arrest or suspension of their medical licences.

Despite repeated government appeals, the number returning to work "has been minimal", Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told at a press conference.

"Starting today the government is enforcing legal measure," he said, noting inspections at hospitals nationwide would be conducted on Monday to find out who had returned or not.

If doctors' "absence is confirmed" from the on-site inspections, he said, the government would notify them that procedures to suspend their licences were underway.

"If they violate the government's back to work order, a three-month-suspension is inevitable."

The mass work stoppage has taken a toll on hospitals, with crucial treatments and surgeries cancelled, prompting the government to raise its public health alert to the highest level.

Around half of the surgeries scheduled at some major hospitals have been cancelled since last week, according to the health ministry.

Under South Korean law, doctors are restricted from striking, and the government has requested police investigate people connected to the stoppage.

The warning Monday followed the government's February 29 deadline for the trainee doctors to return to hospitals while remaining firm on its plan to increase medical school admissions by 65 percent.

South Korea's government is pushing to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually from next year to address what it calls one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed nations.

Doctors fear the reform will erode the quality of service and medical education, but proponents accuse medics of trying to safeguard their salaries and social status.

Polling shows up to 75 percent of the public support the reforms.

kjk/mtp
Trainee doctors have been on strike over plans to increase medical school admissions (Jung Yeon-je)

South Korea said Monday it will take steps to suspend the licences of striking trainee doctors who have defied orders to return to work in a standoff over medical training reforms.

Around 9,000 junior doctors walked out nearly two weeks ago to protest against an increase in medical school admissions from next year which is meant to help combat shortages and meet the demands of an ageing society.

The striking trainees have defied a February 29 government deadline for them to return to work or face legal action, including possible arrest or suspension of their medical licences.

Despite repeated government appeals, the number returning to work "has been minimal", Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told a press conference.

"Starting today the government is enforcing legal measure," he said, noting inspections at hospitals nationwide would be conducted on Monday to find out who had returned or not.

If doctors' "absence is confirmed" from the on-site inspections, he said, the government would notify them that procedures to suspend their licences were underway.

"If they violate the government's back to work order, a three-month-suspension is inevitable."

Such a suspension would lead to a delay of at least a year in getting a specialisation medical certificate, he warned, and negatively affect career prospects.

As of Thursday nearly 9,000 trainee doctors, or 72 percent of the whole junior workforce, were on walkouts, Park said.

Only 565 doctors had resumed work by the deadline, according to figures released by the health ministry.

The mass work stoppage has taken a toll on hospitals, with crucial treatments and surgeries cancelled, prompting the government to raise its public health alert to the highest level.

Around half of the surgeries scheduled at some major hospitals have been cancelled since last week, according to the health ministry.

Under South Korean law, doctors are restricted from striking, and the government has requested police investigate people connected to the stoppage.

- Public support for reform -

The warning Monday followed the government's February 29 deadline for the trainee doctors to return to hospitals while remaining firm on its plan to increase medical school admissions by 65 percent.

While the ultimatum fell on Thursday, the government would take into consideration those who had since returned to work, Park said.

South Korea's government is pushing to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually from next year to address what it calls one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed nations.

Doctors fear the reform will erode the quality of service and medical education, but proponents accuse medics of trying to safeguard their salaries and social status.

Polling shows up to 75 percent of the public support the reforms.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has taken a hard line on the striking doctors -- and has seen his approval ratings tick up as the standoff drags on.

With legislative elections in April, and Yoon's party looking to win back a parliamentary majority, the government is unlikely to compromise quickly, analysts said.

But doctors have also vowed not to back down, saying the government's plan did not address the sector's real problems.

"The government is very aware of the reasons why all doctors are opposing the increase in the medical school admissions but are exploiting policies to turn doctors into slaves forever," Kim Taek-woo of the Korea Medical Association said at a rally in Seoul on Sunday.

kjk/mtp
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that the Russian authorities are manipulating the negotiation platforms proposed by China and Turkiye to derail further international support for Ukraine.

Source: ISW

Details: Analysts noted that as China and Turkiye continue to create their own negotiation platforms to resolve the situation in Ukraine, the Kremlin is using them to advance its information operations intended to impede further international support for Ukraine.

Mikhail Galuzin, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, and Li Hui, China's Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs, held a meeting in Moscow to discuss China's willingness to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Galuzin and Li noted that it was "impossible" to discuss a settlement in Ukraine without Russia's participation and without "taking into account [Russias] interests in the security sphere".

Galuzin and Li added that Western and Ukrainian "ultimatums" and "dialogue formats" only "harm the prospects for a settlement and cannot serve as [the settlements] basis".

The report further stated that Li is expected to visit Ukraine and some EU countries after the meetings in Russia.

At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on 3 March that Turkiye hopes the ceasefire talks in Ukraine "will start soon" and that his country believes "both sides have reached the limits" of what they could accomplish militarily.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently stated that Turkiye is ready to arrange another platform for talks between Russia and Ukraine, a proposal that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly rejected on 1 March.

The report points out that Russian officials continue to falsely blame Ukraine and the West for the absence of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite numerous public Russian remarks indicating that Russia is not interested in holding good-faith peace negotiations with Ukraine.

ISW remains of the view that any Russian statements that Russia is interested in peace talks are likely an attempt to feign interest in order to elicit pre-emptive concessions from the West on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and to place the responsibility for negotiations on Ukraine and the West.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 3 March:

China and Turkiye continue to pursue their own negotiation platforms for a settlement in Ukraine, which the Kremlin is exploiting to further its own information operations aimed at discouraging continued international support for Ukraine.

Recent relatively high Russian aviation losses appear to be prompting a significant decrease in Russian aviation activity in eastern Ukraine, although it is unclear how long this decrease in activity will last.

Delays in Western security assistance will likely make Ukraines energy infrastructure more vulnerable to Russian strikes.

Russian forces operating around Avdiivka appear to be adapting to conducting offensive ground operations with trained and untrained personnel.

German officials confirmed that the Kremlin is conducting an information operation aimed at deterring Western states, particularly Germany, from sending additional military aid to Ukraine.

The Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) announced on 3 March that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) conducted a localised counter-terrorism operation in Karabulak, Republic of Ingushetia.

Positional engagements continued throughout the theatre on 3 March.

Russian regional administrations continue efforts to expand the aperture of ongoing crypto-mobilisation efforts.

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More ammunition, more weapons production, more investment and coordination in defense capabilities. Europe is on the warpath. EU member states are increasing their spending in defense and the European Union  a project aimed at maintaining peace without a military component  is now metamorphosing into a model with a strong focus on defense, as it aims to protect itself from external threats in turbulent times.

The path of this metamorphosis is marked by Russias war against Ukraine, which has entered its third year. Kyivs troops are struggling due to the lack of ammunition and the paralysis of U.S. aid, the Kremlin is proving more resilient than expected, China is increasingly assertive, and there are growing concerns over what will happen to U.S. support if Donald Trump returns to the White House or if Washington focuses its efforts on another of its areas of interest: the Asian giant. The Old Continent has recognized its fragile position and lack of means if another conflict were to arise.

The threat of war may not be imminent, but it is not impossible, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, told the plenary session of the European Parliament last week, stressing that it is time for Europe to step up. The warning from the conservative leader, who was Germanys minister of defense for more than five years, shocked many due to its severity, a diplomatic source told EL PAIS. But it is one more move towards a paradigm shift in the EU, where some member states are already talking about bringing back reservists (Belgium), while others asking their citizens to mentally prepare for war (Sweden).

In other words, Von der Leyens address is just the latest in a slew of statements warning of the risk that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attack a European country and NATO ally to try to test the NATOs mutual defense pledge, which states that an attack on any member of the Alliance is an attack against all. Our experts expect that in a period of five to eight years this could be possible, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Danish Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, argued that the hypothetical attack could happen even earlier: This was not NATOs assessment in 2023. This is new knowledge that is coming to the fore now, he stated.

Amid this background, Europe is rearming itself. In 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, European NATO allies spent $235 billion or 1.47% of GDP on defense. In 2023, that figure rose to $347 billion (both calculated in 2015 prices), equivalent to 1.85% of GDP. By 2024, defense expenditure is expected to reach $380 billion and 2% of GDP, according to NATO data. Everything indicates that these figures will continue to rise sharply. Today, 10 of the 22 European members of NATO have exceeded the objective of spending 2% of GDP on defense and 17 more are expected to do so by the end of 2024. But NATO wants this to be the floor, not the ceiling of expenditure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv on February 24. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN)

The European Union, for its part, took a historic step when Putin launched the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and it decided to support Kyiv militarily with intergovernmental funds. The EU has committed 35.5 billion to Ukraine for military supplies. If financial support is also taken into account, the EU has provided more aid to Kyiv than the United States, recalls a Western diplomat. However, the EU has not fulfilled its promise to deliver one million artillery rounds and this is evident on the battle front, where, after Ukraines failed counteroffensive, troops are rationing ammunition.

Russia, with its economy focused on defense production, has help from Iran and North Korea. Meanwhile, the European industry has increased its production capacity by 40%, according to EU data. But companies say they want long-term orders. And EU members have still not reached that point.

There is a storm of worry, says Carmen Claudin, senior associate researcher at the CIDOB analysis center. She points to not only the stalled progress on the battle front due to the Wests insufficient support for Ukraine and the fear that Trump will return to the White House; but also to the upcoming European elections in June, where polls predict far-right and populist forces, many of them pro-Russian, are set to make gains. The murder of the opponent Alexei Navalny has once again reminded us who we have in front of us, she adds.

Strategy to deter Putin

The European Commission is now working on another axis, which highlights the profound metamorphosis of the EU: a new defense industrial strategy to promote weapons production, which is currently uneven and fragmented. It is also trying to scrape together funds to fill its arsenals and launch new projects, while dealing with tight budgets. The plan is based on a joint purchasing system  the same one used to purchase Covid-19 vaccines. The goal is to increase the use of this payment system to increase orders and secure the supply chain. Under this plan, half of the purchases (in market value) will be made to European companies. It also proposes creating strategic warehouses of basic components, in case a crisis occurs, according to the draft of the document seen by EL PAIS.

The strategy marks a historic paradigm shift in the EU. It even suggests that the European Investment Bank (EIB) change its credit policy to finance companies that manufacture weapons and ammunition; and not just dual-use goods, such as drones and radars.

The turbulent times have sparked a sense of urgency. Europe wants to become much more capable of defense in order to support Ukraine in the short term and, above all, to deter Russia in the medium term. Europe is not facing a one-off crisis, points out William Alberque, director of Strategy, Techonology and Arms Control at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The problem is Russia. And if we do not have the determination to deter it, then it will attack again, he says.

Putin  who is celebrating a quarter of a century in power this year and next month faces elections, with no rivals, to remain at the helm of the Kremlin until 2030  is a distant threat for some countries such as Italy or Spain, which feel more affected by instability in the Middle East, according to the surveys. But Russia is very close to others like the Baltic countries or Poland, which have their own history and experience with Russian imperialism. Despite the territorial differences, all signs point to a change in the mentality of generations of European citizens, who have never experienced a war up close or ever felt the threat as imminent.

Inside NATO, the official alert level has not changed. So is really possible that Putin will attack outside Ukrainian territory? Although we cannot rule out the possibility of isolated aggressions, Russia does not seem to be in a position to sustain a military offensive in a NATO country in the short term, since the situation in Ukraine has tied up Russian forces, says Luis Simon, director of the Elcano Royal Institute Office in Brussels. In the medium term, says the expert, it will depend on how the situation in Ukraine and the political direction of the United States evolve. Even in the face of unfavorable developments in these areas, it does not seem that Russia is in a position to sustain a large-scale military offensive against a NATO country, since it will take time to rebuild its force structure, adds Simon.

Added to this is the accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO. With the two Nordic countries, the Alliance now has 32 members and it has reinforced the defense position of the Baltic countries. The war in Ukraine also shows that resistance is possible, which underlines deterrence.

If Europeans take the issue of defense seriously, Russia will not attack. Russia attacks where it smells weakness, not where it perceives strength, says Alberque, who was director of NATOs Center for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. That is the challenge for Europeans. Are we willing to make a long-term effort? he asks. Unfortunately, Europe has neglected its defense for 30 years. To prepare public opinion, leaders must take a step forward, take some risks, tell uncomfortable truths. Unfortunately, if Trump wins, the risk is credible, he adds.

Nuclear arsenals

These growing and increasingly serious warnings seek to help the public understand the changes being sought, says a NATO source. The risk of a Russian attack remains very low. But if the war in Ukraine ends in a positive result, Russia is likely to rebuild its forces with its war economy. And if Trump wins the November presidential election, and there is turbulence in East Asia that distracts Washington, then nothing can be ruled out.

The possible victory of Trump, who has questioned NATOs mutual defense pledge, may lead to a complicated debate about Europes nuclear protection. France, the only EU member country with nuclear weapons, recently moved to open a debate on the issue with its partners. The United Kingdom also has nuclear weapons. Although their joint arsenals are smaller than Russias, they have hundreds of nuclear warheads that undoubtedly have deterrence capabilities.

Under what circumstances, under what terms, might London and Paris consider acting in defense of a European partner? This is a very thorny issue that may have to be addressed urgently after the U.S. elections in November.

Whats more, the threat is not just of a traditional attack. Putin  the great destabilizer who has made moves to unbalance Moldova  will use the Kaliningrad enclave and the North Sea to intimidate his neighbors, says an intelligence officer from a European country. According to this source, this is likely to coincide with the European and U.S. presidential elections. Disinformation, interference and attacks on essential infrastructure are also part of the threat posed by Russia.

We find ourselves at the dawn of a new, more turbulent and difficult era, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Saturday in Rome. Regardless of what happens in the United States, we must increase our support for Ukraine, invest more in defense, in military support. And we have to assume our responsibility and continue to join forces, with internal cooperation in the EU and expand it.

Strengthening European defense will require the continent to face and resolve multiple issues. One such issue is defining the balance between the interest in strengthening the European industrial base, with orders from local manufacturers, and the interest in urgently strengthening combat capabilities, which often means weapons manufactured in other markets are given preference. The Spanish Armed Forces, for example, which need to replace their Harrier fighter planes, which will exhaust their service period at the end of this decade, and according to experts, Americas F -35 are the most logical replacement.

Frictions in Europe

Another important issue will be increasing the interoperability of the weapons of the different European forces more. Fragmentation in Europe is very high. In the joint German-Dutch unit, for example, both parties use 155 caliber ammunition, but it is not interchangeable due to slight manufacturing differences.

The initiative to boost European defense will involve power struggles on several axes: between the EU Commission and EU Council, between Brussels and member states and between the EU and NATO, entities that are now strengthening their cooperation.

This friction is already present. For months, the EU has been trying to approve a special program to finance weapons for Ukraine, with 5 billion in the first tranche. And this time it is not just Hungary that is blocking the move. France and Germany are clashing over the core short-term strategy, with Paris demanding European purchases, and Berlin  along with other allies  calling for urgent purchases. It also wants this fund to prioritize reimbursements for bilateral deliveries and not joint acquisitions.

Meanwhile, the warnings continue. Russia has adopted a more aggressive attitude, not only in Ukraine, but in general, French President Emmanuel Macron said last week. We firmly believe that Russias defeat is pivotal for Europes security and stability, he added, arguing that sending troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out. The possibility of an allied country officially putting boots on the ground in the invaded country, even as instructors  as contemplated by the EUs security commitment project with Kyiv  or for de-mining and military advisory tasks, is perceived as distant.

In fact, the French leaders statement, which is framed within the so-called strategic ambiguity that is, not giving clues to the enemy  unleashed a cascade of statements from Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Poland and Spain, which have ruled out the possibility of sending troops. But this also happened with the war material. Berlin offered helmets and sleeping bags in the first stages of the invasion and is now sending artillery and tanks.

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Mourners come to grave of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Moscow

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Monday it had nothing to say about the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which drew thousands of people onto Moscow's streets last Friday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the Kremlin had "nothing more to say on this subject".

Thousands of Russians chanted Navalny's name and said they would not forgive the authorities for his death as the opposition leader was laid to rest on Friday.

(Reporting by Reuters)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth before you vote on Tuesday, Krispy Kreme has a deal for you.

The doughnut shop is giving away two free Original Glazed doughnuts to anyone who visits a Krispy Kreme location on March 5 to celebrate Super Tuesday.

The offer is available nationwide, not just in the 16 states conducting primary elections.

Florida wont be participating in Super Tuesday, however, you can vote early in Hillsborough and Polk counties starting Monday.

While encouraging everyone to vote, our primary role on Super TWOsday will be to sweeten your day, said Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme.

The deal is available in shop and via the drive-thru. You can also get the deal online by using the promo code TWOSDAY.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The child care industry is under attack.

Secretary Eric Friedlander mentioned during a legislative committee meeting that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has approximately $293 million left over from stimulus money due the child care industry. He is applying it to CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). CCAP helps families with free child care; CCAP does not help the child care industry. Why isnt the leftover money going towards continued stipends so child care facility owners can continue to pay their staff the livable wages they deserve in order to retain them?

The House of Representatives set aside approximately $80 million over a two-year period for child care in their budget but again  for CCAP. The child care industry is forever grateful that we were included in their budget but why CCAP when CCAP helps families, not the child care industry? We are still waiting for the Senate budget to be disclosed.

Lets be clear  CCAP will always be funded. CCAP is already funded by the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) every year, for which Kentucky receives approximately $150 - $170 million every year. The child care industry receives $0 from block grant.

You can put everyone under the sun on CCAP but if licensed child care centers are not staffed, that center cannot take on a new child. The issue is staffing  retaining and attracting new staff to the child care industry  with a competitive wage. If you dont pay competitive wages, you lose existing staff and wont attract new staff so you cant watch children; therefore, you close your doors. The industry has been hit hard with a double edged sword since COVID.

Sen. Danny Carroll introduced the SB 203 Horizons Act / Bill this session  asking for approximately $300 million to be invested in child care. But he is asking for the money to be invested in CCAP and other already funded programs. This bill will not help the child care industry. Continued stipends are the only way to help the child care Industry escape life support. This bill also lays the ground work for a public/private partnership for universal preschool, which the child care industry is totally against. When any form of universal preschool becomes a reality, the child care industry will become extinct.

There have been bills filed in support of the child care industry. Senator Adrienne Southworth has filed SB 235 & SB 236 while Representative Josh Calloway has filed HB 775 & HB 776  both Sen. Southworth and Rep. Calloway are true champions for the industry. These bills remain in holding waiting for leadership to approve them for a vote.

How can we pull the child care industry out of crisis?

1) Passing Bills SB 235 and SB 236 and HB 775 and HB 776;

2) Continued stipends so we can continue to pay our staff the livable wages;

No one is willing to work for an industry where the pay is not worth the risk.

Our Industry has been and continues to be ignored. Leaders pull people with titles to talk about our industry on television, radio, and committee meetings  people who have no clue about our industry because they have never owned a child care center or been a provider. The child care providers who want their voices heard are denied the right to speak. Please turn your focus on providers who actually work within the child care industry.

To all of the families out there reading this article  we have room for your children, we want to care for and educate your children  but we must have some wiggle room within regulations and funding to staff qualified employees in our classrooms. Please reach out to your legislators and beg them to help the child care industry before we become extinct.

Melanie Barker is a child care provider writing on behalf of KACCO (The Kentucky Association for Child Care Owners & Their Providers).
(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmers Labour Party has recently approached UK business leaders across a range of sectors asking them to formally endorse the party ahead of a general election expected later this year, people familiar with the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Britains main opposition party plans to publish a series of letters signed by executives backing Starmer to be the UKs next prime minister, in an effort to convince voters the countrys economy is safe in its hands, according to the people, who requested anonymity discussing electoral tactics.

The initiative shows how Labour is looking for a return on the past four years of outreach as Starmer and would-be Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves engaged executives with smoked-salmon breakfasts and one-on-one meetings.

Labour already enjoys a large lead in national polls over Rishi Sunaks ruling Conservatives, and its efforts to woo business are part of Starmers plan to appeal to a swath of middle England by distancing himself from the left-wing policies of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn and stealing the Tories claim to be the natural party of business.

The letters, which could be placed as stories in national newspapers during the campaign, would seek to show company bosses extolling the business credentials of Starmers Labour. Sunak must hold an election by the end of January 2025, and some latest polls have given Labour a lead of more than 20 points.

Such letters are a classic campaign tactic often deployed by political parties ahead of public votes. The missives have in fact been drafted by Labour officials and sent to large numbers of firms, with the aim of gathering as many signatures as possible.

One such letter sent to tech executives and seen by Bloomberg, asked them to sign a message to voters stating: We ask that you also provide your support and vote for the Labour Party in this years general election so that the tech sector can flourish.

The Labour Partys platform aligns with our own belief in the transformative power of technology to drive societal advancements, reduce inequality and create opportunities for all, the draft text reads.

It leaves a space at the bottom for the bosses to sign: Sincerely, [Your Name], [Your Title], [Your Company].

A spokesman for Labour declined to comment.

The move echoes a last-ditch effort by the Remain campaign in the Brexit referendum to convince Britons not to vote to leave the European Union. The day before that vote in June 2016, the Times newspaper published a letter signed by more than 1,200 business leaders, including the bosses of 50 FTSE 100 firms, arguing the UK should remain in the bloc. In the event, the UK voted to leave the EU by a margin of 52%-48%.

Labour will be hoping corporate Britain proves more persuasive this time.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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If one wants to track the likely course of a future UK-wide Labour government then it is a good rule of thumb to look at what is going on in Wales.

Most of us by now know about the parlous state of the NHS in the principality and about the whacko obsession of its public authorities with creating a manana economy via the imposition of 20mph speed limits.

But now comes evidence that at local government level too, the Leftish hegemony in Wales is pushing policies that are seriously against the interests of hardworking taxpayers.

Pembrokeshire Council, which is run by a coalition of Labour, the Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru, is looking to push through a council tax increase of 16 per cent in a budget-setting meeting of councillors on Thursday.

For all the gradual tightening we have seen of the financial thumbscrews on council tax-payers in England, residents in the biggest constituent part of the UK are at least protected from such disproportionate increases.

In England, councils are limited to a five per cent ceiling in the amount they can raise the council tax each year apart from under two special circumstances. The first is when they are effectively bankrupt and the extra funds are needed as an emergency. An example is in Birmingham this year where the local authority has been permitted by Whitehall to levy a ten per cent rise. The second exemption is where a council puts a proposed increase of more than five per cent to a local referendum and wins it.

But the rarity of such referendums actually taking place tells us what a strong protection they form. Way back in 2001, Bristol City Council held the first such referendum in a large city, offering residents a range of choices including a four per cent benchmark rise, a six per cent rise and a freeze. More than half of those who voted backed the freeze and chastened council chiefs had to scurry off and find efficiency savings.

Id guess the same would happen in Pembrokeshire were residents there permitted a referendum rather than suffering the imposition of the agendas of tax-hungry Leftists at both a local and national level. Instead, a standard band D council tax payer in the county is now being lined up for an increase of more than 200, with even bigger rises for those in higher bands.

So should we in England praise the Conservatives for maintaining stricter controls over local tax-raising? Clearly, the regime that taxpayers live under here is not as open to abuse by big-spending local authorities as the one that prevails in Wales.

And yet, what have they done lately to promote a culture of low taxes and an expectation of public authorities zealously seeking to deliver value for money to those of us who pay their bills? Not a lot, I would argue.

For instance, councils have been given permission to impose double council tax on second home owners and several have instantly opted to do so. Can we really be confident that a Labour government wont turn that doubling into a trebling and point to the precedent set by the Tories?

And given the enormous expansion in the size and cost of the state  both at a national level and a local one  that the Tories have presided over, isnt higher taxation an inevitable consequence?

Perhaps Jeremy Hunt will re-ignite low-tax Toryism in the Budget on Wednesday. But, then again, one wouldnt want to bet on it. Putting cash into a rainy-day fund would be a better use of the stake money. Because Labour and the ways of Wales are heading our way very soon.

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The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public to help find a missing 89-year-old woman.

Authorities say Flora Castro was last seen on foot in the 6500 block of South Vermont Avenue on Sunday at noon.

Castro is a Hispanic female, with gray hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighs approximately 130 pounds.

Castro was wearing a pink shirt, green pants, and black shoes. Her family and friends are concerned about her well-being.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Flora Castro please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 323-786-5077. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Richard Lewis, stand-up comedian and frequent scene-stealer on Curb Your Enthusiasm, died last week at the age of 76. But while Sundays episode of the show, whose final season is currently airing, opened with a brief memorial to the actor, Curb refused to let that death weigh heavy upon it. Instead, this always absurd sitcom reminded us of the pure sweetness that underlaid Lewis misanthropic characterLarry Davids well-matched, lifelong best friend, one of the only other recurring characters playing a lightly fictionalized version of himself.

Perhaps sweetness is an overstatement. Larry has few champions in the world of Curb, alienating nearly everyone around him. (Its gotten to the point where, as in last nights episode, members of his temple are donating money to get defamatory messages about his wretchedness engraved in a wall outside the building.) To a drop-in viewer, Larry and Richard Lewis rapport may scream of a similar disdain. But Richard and Larrys frequent mockery of each other, name-calling, and self-centered repartee always came with an underlying quality of brotherly love. Why else would Richard, one of the few people in Larrys life with no obligation to care for or about him, stick around? In a world of transactional and toxic relationships, Richard and Larrys connection is, ironically, meaningfully genuine.

Last nights classic Richard-and-Larry barb-offs honored that historically poignant friendship. Larry dropped by Irmas (Tracey Ullman) Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which Richard Lewis also was attending. Richard proudly told Larry that hed done some of his best material during the meetingthey let him go long, he said.

I cant divorce my comic self, he tells Larry, when Larry questions why hes talking about AA like it was a stand-up set. Part of me will always be a comedianand a drunk. An old lady opened for him, he said, but the meeting otherwise became The Richard Lewis Show. A bemused Larry watches as Richard receives compliments for his comedy from fellow members, including for his bartender from hell bit. As myriad an obituary recalled last week, Lewis proudest comic claim was popularizing the phrase from hell, the basis of jokes he told on talk shows, stand-up specials, and two books.

Richard Lewis and Larry David John Johnson/HBO

I mean, I do the from hell on occasion, he told a raised-brow Larry. But Im workshopping some other things  Another couple meetings, I tell you, I got a special. Its a perfectly ridiculous concept, one which Larry supports wholeheartedly. He agrees: Pitch this to HBO. Keep working on that material with his fellow ex-drunks.

Thats why were best friends! Richard calls to Larry, as he heads out. The Drunk from Hell Concert!

Richard Lewis Spent His Life Obsessing Over His Death

An encouraging Larry isnt out-of-character with Richard, but their other scene together speaks perfectly to the cattier depths of their bond. At luncha regular setting for the pair throughout the seriesLarry takes advantage of Richards current fixation on getting Larry to put him in his will, quid pro quo. Larry will put Richard in his will, just as his friend put him in his, he saysbut only if Richard gives up some gossip about Irma from their AA meetings. Anything Richard can give Larry to convince Irma to dump him, so that he can fast-track getting her out of his life, will earn Richard the right to as much as he wants from Larry, should he die first. (Among all the toxic relationships on Curb, Irma and Larrys is by far the worst.)

Richards loyalty to Larryand his relentless drive for Larry to concede to himoutweighs his dedication to his fawning audience at AA. And so Richard blabs about Irmas admission that she dumped her ex-husband after he was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that left him in diapers. The intel grants Larry a foolproof way to get Irma to dip. What it does not grant, he tells an annoyed Lewis, is entry into Larrys will.

Larry David HBO

Its hard to read anything that Larry does or says to Richard as mean, or vice versa. (Id argue that Larry is hardly mean to anyone, anyway; hes selfish and uninhibited, but not actively cruel.) This is a guy who ultimately gave Richard one of his kidneys, after all. Their tit-for-tat is the hilarious edge thats propelled their friendship since the show began, and, per interviews over the years, its been a defining trait of their relationship since they were teens. The story goes that Larry and Richard were born three days apart in the same Brooklyn hospital, reconnecting at summer camp years laterwhere they hated each other. They reconnected again when they were older on the stand-up circuit, where that childhood rivalry morphed into a fierce, and funny, mutual affection.

All this talk of Richards will this season doesnt quite feel like a Chekhovs gun, but Curb is hard to predict. But wherever Richard and Larry land by the series end, I imagine it will involve them bickering with sly, telling grins on their faces. And long after the show is over, fans will keep revisiting the many moments of Larry and Richards cranky, quippy, ultimately loving cracks at each other. To start you off, check out a very good (and lengthy) compilation of their friendship below.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE)  A 14-year-old Las Cruces High School student passed away as the result of a car crash that occurred on Friday, March 1, according to Las Cruces Public Schools. Samantha Bursum was on her way to a club volleyball tournament in Midland, Texas when the accident took place.

The ninth-grader played volleyball for Las Cruces High School, was involved in student government and marching band, and took advanced placement classes. The districts superintendent, Ignacio Ruiz, provided the following statement regarding Bursums death:

Our hearts are with the Bursum family and the Bulldawg community. Right now, we are focused on how to best support them in their grief. We are devastated by this loss and send our love to Samanthas family, including her older sister, who was also one of our LCPS students. LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz

ABQ couple struggles to get medication after nationwide pharmacy cyber-attack

Students at Las Cruces High School have the week of March 4-8 off of classes for spring break; during that time off, the Ben Archer School-Based Health Clinic is offering support to students and staff. Those wanting support can call 575-541-5941 and ask for Danielle during normal business hours. For immediate support, a crisis line can be accessed by texting 741741 through the LCPS STOPit app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A New York jury voted to convict a Las Vegas businessman on federal charges after he took part in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme.

As the 8 News Now Investigators first reported, the FBI arrested Martin Marty Mizrahi, 53, in December 2022. Mizrahi founded LV.net, a Las Vegas-based internet company.

After a 12-day trial, the jury found Mizrahi guilty on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft, among other charges connected to the defrauding of banks and credit card companies of nearly $8 million and the laundering of $4 million in drug money, prosecutors said Monday.

Court documents mentioned LV.net in forfeiture allegations but not outwardly in terms of Mizrahis criminal actions.

Prosecutors said Mizrahi laundered money from a Mexican-based drug cartel. Other money was obtained through a business email compromise scheme, prosecutors said. In addition, Mizrahi ran up nearly $8 million in fraudulent transactions through his company, though the company was not named.

Martin Mizrahi brazenly used his company as a front to launder millions of dollars in drug and fraud proceeds and to deceive credit card companies into processing additional millions of dollars in sham charges, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. The jurys unanimous verdict sends a resounding message that individuals who steal and introduce illicit funds into the U.S. financial system will be held accountable.

Mizrahi said he was innocent in a January 2023 interview with the 8 News Now Investigators.

In August 2021, the United States government seized funds from me based on Bitcoin that I had sold in May 2021, Mizrahi said to the 8 News Now Investigators. The funds transmitted to me were simply payment in consideration for Bitcoin. At the time, I fully believed the funds that were wired to me were from a legitimate source and I had no reason to believe otherwise. Indeed, I had provided the FBI any/all docs they had requested of me.

Mizrahi faces decades in prison. A sentencing date was not immediately available Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  During a brief hearing Monday, a Las Vegas judge scheduled the trial for the six people who submitted phony electoral certificates after the 2020 election for January 2025.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus scheduled arguments for the defendants motions to dismiss for April 22. Should their attempt fail, a trial could start on Jan. 13, 2025.

In December, a Clark County grand jury indicted the group on charges of offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, stemming from the submission of the documents in 2020. Both charges are felonies. Prosecutors charged Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald, Clark County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Law, Jim DeGraffenreid, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice.

The six electors signed the paperwork signaling their support for Trump in a symbolic ceremony devoid of any legal merit and coinciding with the official state-sanctioned tally on Dec. 14, 2020. The purpose of the documents was to force Congress to decide the presidential election, according to people whom the Jan. 6 committee interviewed. A legal advisor to the Trump campaign, Kenneth Chesebro, emailed DeGraffenreid about the plan, the committee found.

As the 8 News Now Investigators reported in December 2021, the certificate sent by Nevada Republicans and received by the National Archives looks much different than the official state-sealed one and reads, We, the undersigned, being the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America from the State of Nevada, do hereby certify six electoral votes for Trump.

Lawyers for the six argue the case should be tried, if it gets that far, in Carson City, not Las Vegas.

A tweet from the Nevada GOP with a copy of the fake certificate sent to Washington. (Twitter/KLAS)

Biden won Nevada by more than 33,000 votes, or about 2.4%. Bidens lead was greater in Clark County, where he won by nearly 10 percentage points. The result was reversed in Carson City, the state capital, where Trump bested Biden by nearly 12 points.

No widespread voter fraud was ever discovered in Nevada. The state supreme court denied the Trump campaigns request to overturn the states election results and proclaim the then-president the winner. The campaign also never provided any court with evidence of fraud.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The security crisis in Haiti pushed the government to declare a state of emergency and to impose a curfew in most parts of the country on Sunday night, according to the prime ministers office and interim president, Ariel Henry. The decision, which will be in effect for 72 hours, comes after thousands of prisoners escaped from the main jail in the capital, Port-au-Prince, following an attack by the criminal gangs that plague the Caribbean country with terror and sought to overthrow Henrys government. By announcing the curfew, the government hopes to restore order and take appropriate measures to regain control of the situation. The authorities have acknowledged that the country is experiencing a degradation of security, after months of gang clashes.

The Caribbean island is plunging into an abyss of violence and chaos that is resulting in thousands of internally displaced individuals. Clashes in Port-au-Prince have prompted hundreds of inhabitants of the northern part of the capital to flee their homes. The U.N. has reported that more than 800 people died in January, a stark reminder of an internal war that is bleeding the impoverished Caribbean nation. The violence is also driving out tens of thousands of Haitians, and the neighboring Dominican Republic is the main destination of this diaspora. The tension in the latter nation due to the large number of migrants it receives has been so great that its president, Luis Abinader, has issued a desperate cry for help to save Haiti.

The curfew declared by the Haitian government will be in effect until Wednesday, although it may be extended if the authorities are unable to stabilize the critical situation. The executive is unable to cope with the violence and has mobilized the entire security forces in an attempt to establish order, mainly in the capital. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the ceasefire and arrest the violators, said the interim president, who accepted that the violence is endangering national security.

Haiti endured a night of terror on Saturday after 3,696 inmates escaped from Port-au-Princes largest prison. Local organizations have reported that several criminal gangs stormed the prison, enabling 97% of the prisoners to flee. Around 15 deaths have also been reported, according to the news agency EFE. Several gang leaders and the 18 Colombian ex-military personnel accused of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 had been serving sentences there. The prison assault has been attributed to Jimmy Cherizier, a former elite police officer who commands one of the capitals violent gangs. Cherizier, who goes by the name Barbecue, reportedly planned the attack to capture the head of the Haitian police and claims his goal was to overthrow the interim president.

As chaos engulfs his country, interim president Henry traveled to Kenya in search of support to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti. This is a desperate measure after failed attempts to get the United Nations to send a multinational mission, despite the fact that the Security Council approved a resolution early last year to authorize such a mission. Dominican President Abinader has denounced that the aid pledges have merely been words. The collapse of Haiti, said the president, would pose a threat to us and to the region.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Metro police arrested a member of Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardos security detail on a DUI charge after a crash Friday, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Kevin Bonilla, 28, faces a misdemeanor DUI charge, records said. A preliminary breath test showed he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.144, documents said. The legal limit in Nevada is 0.08.

It was unclear Monday what Bonillas specific role was on the detail, though the Dignitary Protection Detail is tasked with conducting close-proximity protection and transporting the Nevada Governor, first family and/or assigned dignitaries, state documents said.

Two spokespeople for the Department of Public Safety and Lombardo said Bonilla was a Nevada State Police Parole and Probation officer assigned to the security detail. He was off-duty and in a personal vehicle at the time of the crash, they confirmed.

On Friday around 6 p.m., a Metro police officer responded to a crash involving three vehicles near Blue Diamond Road and El Capitan Way in the southwest valley, documents said.

Witnesses told police they saw the driver of a black Dodge Ram, later identified as Bonilla, driving around 70 mph and running a red light before the crash.

While speaking with officers, Bonilla said he was coming back from work and headed home, documents said. Bonilla later said he had an alcoholic beverage earlier in the day and was actually coming from a grocery store, documents said.

While waiting for a technician to draw Bonillas blood in a mobile phlebotomy van, the officer noted a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from Bonillas breath.

The officer booked Bonilla into the Clark County Detention Center. His probable cause hearing was canceled as he paid a surety bond, records said.

Bonilla was due to return to court in July. The Department of Public Safety placed him on administrative duty pending the investigation, a spokesperson said.

The 8 News Now Investigators first asked the Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Dignitary Protection Detail, about the incident on Saturday.

A booking photo was not immediately available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas woman was arrested in Hawaii after she allegedly fell into a stream after a domestic incident with her boyfriend and later escaped from custody, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Alexandra Grady, 26, of Las Vegas was arrested in Kukuihaele on Feb. 28 on several charges including abuse of a household family member, disorderly conduct, and second-degree assault relative to the abuse investigation.

Alexandra Grady, 26, of Las Vegas was arrest in Hawaii after she allegedly fell into a stream after a domestic dispute (Hawaii Police Department)

On Feb. 28 around 3:30 p.m., Hamakua patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a woman who had fallen into Waiuliuli Stream.

When officers and fire crews arrived, they found a woman, later identified as Grady, in the stream yelling for help. Rescue personnel airlifted Grady, who appeared to be intoxicated, from the stream, according to police.

Police said she sustained minor injuries and refused further medical assistance.

According to police, Grady and her 52-year-old boyfriend, also from Las Vegas, were staying at a residence on Kukuihaele Road when Grady initiated a domestic incident that turned physical before Grady fell in the stream.

Grady was arrested and taken to the Hamakua Police Station for processing.

After she arrived at the police station, Grady was able to slip out of a handcuff and left the station, police said. She was captured by police within 30 minutes and arrested on escape charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
They were the pioneers of space exploration - the 24 Nasa astronauts who travelled to the Moon in the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s.

Now, more than 50 years on, the race to put people back on the lunar surface is set to heat up once again.

A number of private companies are scheduled to send scientific craft to the Moon in 2024. The first of these, Peregrine, ran into trouble shortly after launch, and while the second made it to the lunar surface, it broke one of its legs while landing.

Nasa had intended to launch Artemis 2, its first crewed lunar expedition since Apollo 17, later this year but that date has slipped into 2025, as the space agency says it needs more time to prepare.

Nasa hopes the new programme will lead to astronauts living on the Moon this decade. China is also aiming to have people on the lunar surface by 2030.

These delays highlight the sad fact that the number of remaining Apollo astronauts is dwindling. The programme's Ken Mattingly and Frank Borman died within a few days of each other late last year.

Now just eight people remain, who have escaped the relative safety of Earth orbit and ventured deeper into space.

Who are they, and what are their stories?

On 21 July 1969, former fighter pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin left his lunar landing craft and became the second person to step on the surface of the Moon. Almost 20 minutes beforehand, his commander, Neil Armstrong, had been the first.

Aldrin's first words were: "Beautiful view".

"Isn't that something?" asked Armstrong."Magnificent sight out here."

"Magnificent desolation," replied Aldrin.

The fact that he was second never sat comfortably with him. His crewmate Michael Collins said Aldrin "resented not being first on the Moon more than he appreciated being second".

But Aldrin was still proud of his achievement; many years later, when confronted by a man claiming Apollo 11 was an elaborate lie, the 72-year-old Aldrin punched him on the jaw.

And following Neil Armstrong's death in 2012, Aldrin said: "I know I am joined by many millions of others from around the world in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew."

Despite struggles in later life, he never lost his thirst for adventure and joined expeditions to both the North and South Poles, the latter at the age of 86.

While at @EH_Stonehenge yesterday I decided to send a message to the cosmos. #GYATM (Photo by James O.Davies) pic.twitter.com/ra5Y2OsSPB  Dr. Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) March 16, 2015

While embracing his celebrity, he has remained an advocate for the space programme, especially the need to explore Mars.

"I don't think we should just go there and come back - we did that with Apollo," he says.

And his name has become known to new generations as the inspiration for Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story series of films. In January 2023, at the age of 93, he married for a fourth time.

Bill Anders (Apollo 8)

In December 1968, Bill Anders flew on Apollo 8, the first mission in which humans travelled beyond low Earth orbit, and the first crewed flight to reach and orbit the Moon.

When the spacecraft came out from behind the Moon for the fourth pass across its face, the crew witnessed an "Earthrise" for the first time in human history, Anders capturing the moment on film.

The image is widely credited with motivating the global environmental movement and leading to the creation of Earth Day, an annual event to promote activism and awareness of caring for the planet.

Speaking of the moment, Anders said: "We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing that we discovered was the Earth."

Following his retirement from the space programme in 1969, Anders largely worked in the aerospace industry for several decades. He also served as US Ambassador to Norway for a year in the 1970s.

There are only four people still alive who have walked on the Moon - Charlie Duke is one of them. He did it aged 36, making him the youngest person to set foot on the lunar surface.

In a later BBC interview, he spoke of a "spectacular terrain".

"The beauty of it the sharp contrast between the blackness of space and the horizon of the Moon I'll never forget it. It was so dramatic."

But he had already played another significant role in Nasa's exploration of the Moon. After Apollo 11 touched down in 1969, it was Duke - in mission control as the Capsule Communicator, or Capcom - who was waiting nervously on the other end of the line when Neil Armstrong said: "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

In his distinctive southern drawl, Duke replied: "Roger, Tranquility. We copy you on the ground, you've got a bunch of guys about to turn blue, we're breathing again."

"I really meant it, I was holding my breath the last minute or so," he later told the BBC.

In 2022, Duke told the BBC he was excited about Nasa's Artemis mission - but warned that it wouldn't be easy for the new generation of astronauts.

"They've picked near the South Pole for the landing, because if there's any ice on the Moon, it would be down in that region. So that's gonna be difficult - because it's really rough down there. But we'll pull it off."

Charlie Duke now lives outside San Antonio, Texas, with Dorothy, to whom he has been married for 60 years.

Fred Haise was part of the crew of Apollo 13 that narrowly avoided disaster in 1970 after an on-board explosion caused the mission to be aborted when the craft was more than 200,000 miles (321,000km) from Earth.

The whole world watched nervously as Nasa attempted to return the damaged spacecraft and its crew safely. Once back, Haise and his crewmates James Lovell and Jack Swigert became celebrities, to their apparent surprise.

"I feel like maybe I missed something while I was up there," he told talk show host Johnny Carson when the crew appeared on The Tonight Show.

Haise never made it to the Moon. Although scheduled to be commander of Apollo 19, that mission was cancelled because of budget cuts, as were all other flights after Apollo 17.

He later served as a test pilot on the prototype space shuttle, Enterprise.

Like many of his fellow Apollo alumni, after leaving Nasa, Haise continued to work in the aerospace industry until his retirement.

James Lovell (Apollo 8, Apollo 13)

Lovell, Borman and Anders made history when they undertook the first lunar mission on Apollo 8, testing the Command/Service Module and its life support systems in preparation for the later Apollo 11 landing.

Their craft actually made 10 orbits of the Moon before returning home. Lovell was later supposed be the fifth human to walk on the lunar surface as commander of Apollo 13 - but of course, that never happened.

Instead the story of his brush with death was immortalised in the film Apollo 13, in which he was played by Tom Hanks.

Following his retirement from Nasa in 1973, Lovell worked in the telecoms industry. Marilyn, his wife of more than 60 years, who became a focus for the media during the infamous incident, died in August 2023.

Jim Lovell is one of only three men to have travelled to the Moon twice, and following Frank Borman's death in November 2023, he became the oldest living astronaut.

Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17)

Unlike most other astronauts of the time, Schmitt had not served as a pilot in the US forces.

A geologist and academic, he initially instructed Nasa astronauts on what to look for during their geological lunar field trips before becoming a scientist-astronaut himself in 1965.

Schmitt was part of the last crewed mission to the Moon, Apollo 17, and along with commander Eugene Cernan, one of the last two men to set foot on the lunar surface, in December 1972.

After leaving Nasa in 1975, he was elected to the US Senate from his home state of New Mexico, but only served one term. Since then he has worked as a consultant in various industries as well as continuing in academia.

He is also known for speaking out against the scientific consensus on climate change.

David Scott, the commander of the Apollo 15, is one of just four men alive who have walked on the Moon - but he was also one of the first to drive on it too.

In 1971, Scott and crewmate James Irwin tested out the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), "Man's First Wheels on the Moon" as it was called. Travelling at speeds up to 8 mph (12 km/h) the LRV allowed astronauts to travel large distances from the lunar lander much quicker than they could walk.

"On a first mission you never know whether it's going to work," he later recalled. "The greatest thrill was to get it out, turn it on, and it actually worked."

After returning from the Moon, Scott worked in various management roles within Nasa, before joining the private sector.

He has also acted as consultant on several film and television projects, including Apollo 13 and the HBO miniseries From The Earth To The Moon.

Thomas Stafford (Apollo 10)

As commander of Apollo 10 in May 1969, Tom Stafford led the final test mission for the programme before the planned landing of Apollo 11.

On that mission, Stafford and pilot Eugene Cernan became the first crew to fly the lunar landing module outside Earth orbit.

Shortly after his return, Stafford was appointed chief of the Astronaut Office, a role he held for almost two years.

In 1975 he was Nasa's commander of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project flight, the first joint space mission between the US and then-Soviet Union, and a precursor to the International Space Station. His Soviet counterpart, Alexey Leonov, became a lifelong friend.

Together they had participated in the momentous handshake in orbit, something that would have been unimaginable at the height of the space race.

What will the next generation of lunar adventurers accomplish?
Representative Lauren Boebert hasnt alienated just potential voters. She has also pushed away her former campaign volunteers, who feel the congresswoman used them just to get power.

Things havent been going well for the Colorado Republican lately, whose public image has taken a major hit since she and a date were caught on security footage groping each other during a performance of Beetlejuice. The scandal is a major reason why Boebert is struggling to gain popularity in her new district.

But trouble began to brew long before Beetlejuice, a former Boebert volunteer told The Washington Post.

She has a bad reputation with her volunteers at this point, Savannah Wolfson said in a story published Monday. She just kind of uses you and then leaves.

Wolfson said that she and some of her friends had noticed last year that Boebert was sharing many weird photos on Facebook. It looked like the representative, who filed for divorce from her ex-husband in May, was constantly at frat parties.

One of Wolfsons friends texted Boebert to warn her to be careful about her choices and her posts. Boebert just responded with a kissy face emoji, Wolfson saidbut it felt more like a kiss off.

It seemed as if Boebert was saying Bye, bitch to the people who had helped get her elected, Wolfson said.

Boebert, who currently represents Colorados 3rd congressional district, announced in December that she was moving and would run for election in the 4th district. She billed the move as a necessary fresh start for herself and her sons following her divorce.

While the 4th is a GOP stronghold and will likely send a Republican to Congress, theres no guarantee that that Republican will be Boebert. As of late February, only a third of Republican primary voters said they backed the MAGA lawmaker.

Boeberts fellow candidates have repeatedly slammed her for carpetbagging, and many voters expressed serious skepticism over her ability to represent their district well and over her personal charactersomething brought further into doubt by her former volunteers revelations.

I dont appreciate, as a Christian, people saying theyre Christian to get your vote and then turning out to be a lowlife, and now I just kind of think of her as a lowlife, Judy Scofield, a retired university employee, said in February.
The Trump Organization's longtime chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, pleaded guilty on Monday to criminal charges  the second time he has done so regarding his connection to the former president, per The Washington Post.

Court filings showed that Weisselberg pleaded guilty to five counts of perjury in the first degree, charges which emanate from statements he made to New York Attorney General Letitia James' office. James subsequently brought a civil fraud trial against Trump, in which he was recently ordered to pay a financial penalty of over $400 million for years of conspiring to inflate his net worth. Weisselberg was found liable for $1 million in the case and was banned for life from working in the "financial control function" of any New York company, according to WaPo.

In 2021, Weisselberg was indicted alongside the Trump Organization for a scheme intended to dodge personal income taxes, with the company ultimately being convicted in 2022. The MAGA executive in 2022 pleaded guilty to over a dozen felonies.

Trump stuck by Weisselberg at the time, calling him "a fine and honorable man who, for the past 4 years, has been harassed, persecuted and threatened by law enforcement.

University of Michigan law professor Barb McQuade stressed the importance of Weisselberg's guilty plea, writing, "Perjury and false statements cases are important to send a message that those who lie to conceal crimes will be brought to justice."

Trump CFO Weisselberg will plead guilty today to lying to investigators in NY AG fraud case. Perjury and false statements cases are important to send a message that those who lie to conceal crimes will be brought to justice. https://t.co/bq7O3fcMTV  Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) March 4, 2024

New York University Law Prof. Ryan Goodman added that the plea deal also "helps neutralize" Weisselberg as a potential defense witness in Trump's upcoming Manhattan criminal trial and helps "insulate $450 million civil fraud ruling on appeal."

Legal significance of former Trump Org CFO Allen Weisselberg pleading guilty to perjury:



1) Helps neutralize him as potential defense witness in coming Manhattan criminal trial.



2) Helps insulate $450 million civil fraud ruling on appeal.https://t.co/HsjcSIOVoB  Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) March 4, 2024
If youve never caught a burglar, youre missing out.

The satisfaction of locking one up is hard to beat. Whether they broke in with force, or slipped in by fraud, the impact of their crimes is typically the same: victims having their precious property stolen and, worse still, no longer feeling safe in their own home.

Yet new data suggests police have failed to solve a single burglary in nearly half of all neighbourhoods in England and Wales in the past three years. And, of course, the satisfaction can rapidly drain away when the court hands out a less than serious sentence  often measured in weeks or months behind bars, rather than years.

The problem policing faces isnt helped by a political and policymaking class that have generally proven themselves as allergic to getting serious about crime as many of the senior police officers who seem to think crime is like the weather: impervious to action.

Its little surprise then that the law-abiding in modern Britain feel like they arent just paying the heaviest tax burden, but also paying the heaviest price for the lawlessness they see, hear and experience. From concerns over increases in prices of goods on shelves because of a shop theft pandemic, to the delays getting about our cities because of disruptive protestors, through to the litany of text and email codes we must now contend with in order to ensure we, rather than fraudsters, can spend what little of our own money the Government deigns to let us keep each month, theres a strong sense no one is on their side.

There is a dispiriting apathy afflicting our major political parties and the leadership of our public and private institutions. They are quick to fly flags, don rainbows, and talk about unity and cohesion, while failing to name (never mind confront) elephants in the room or get busy with the serious stuff that really matters.

I have little time for this on crime and public safety because Ive seen, heard and felt the impact of crime in some of our most crime-ridden neighbourhoods. Ive seen the young man stabbed and bleeding on the dimly lit pavement, the young girl who has nightmares after finding a burglar in her familys kitchen, the women living in fear of drug addicts in their tower block.

The common denominator is that the criminals behind all of these crimes  and many more  are prolific. They commit huge volumes of crime, creating dozens and dozens of victims, and yet it is as though our entire policymaking and political apparatus is unable to grasp this simple truth.

When brought before our courts, we see, through the sentences handed down, far more consideration given to them and their rights than is often afforded to their past, present, or future victims.

Given the unsatisfactory performance of most police forces in catching crooks, as evidenced by their own figures, it is all the more important that we have a criminal justice system resourced and determined to use sentencing to punish, deter and incapacitate.

Alas, despite more than a decade of supposedly Conservative rule, we have a criminal justice system in an even worse state than policing  and just as vulnerable to even more of the radical leftist thinking that sees the criminal as the true victim, and society, but especially the average law-abiding citizen, as the oppressor.

The latest consequence of the states failure to ensure sufficient prison capacity is that the Government has a Sentencing Bill that proposes a new duty on judges to not imprison some criminals. The result will see more criminals deserving of a prison sentence avoid jail time.

Hooray for dangerous drivers, sexual predators, thieves, fraudsters, and violent knife-carrying thugs  but woe betide the rest of us, including their future victims.

Contrast this with the approach of Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, who has shown what can be achieved when politicians get serious about crime  and arent afraid of being labelled populist.

In less than two years, he more than doubled the prison population, with spectacular results: slashing homicide rates in one of the worlds most dangerous countries. Prison works.

The former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, is doing commendable work to fix the Sentencing Bill with vital amendments, but the reality is that we need no less of a radical crime-fighting package than that announced by Bukele.

Such an offering seems unlikely to originate from either Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak, lacking, as they both are, the courage to wear the populist label that will be applied to anyone who dares to do what is necessary to make us substantially safer.

Rory Geoghegan is founder of the Public Safety Foundation and a former police constable

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The sprint to stave off a partial government shutdown is set to collide with President Bidens State of the Union address this week, as the president prepares to go face-to-face with some of his fiercest GOP opponents  who have sharply criticized his handling of spending matters  one day before the funding deadline.

Bidens State of the Union address is scheduled for Thursday evening, and Congress is staring down a midnight Friday government funding deadline, two dates that are laying the foundation for a high-stakes 24 hours on Capitol Hill.

Congressional leaders rolled out a package of six spending bills Sunday that will keep some departments and agencies funded for the rest of the fiscal year. Both chambers are slated to consider the legislation this week, but conservatives on both sides of the Capitol are already voicing their strong opposition to the package.

Also this week, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are eyeing a vote on a resolution to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress, the latest move by GOP lawmakers pushing to obtain documents related to the U.S.s messy withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

On the Senate side, the race to succeed Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) as the top lawmaker in the conference is expected to continue this week, with some of the Kentuckians deputies  and a few dark horses  mulling bids to succeed the longtime GOP leader.

Lawmakers stare down government funding deadline

Lawmakers this week will consider six spending bills to stave off a partial government shutdown by Fridays funding deadline, the fifth time this Congress that members are scrambling to keep the lights on in Washington.

Congressional leaders unveiled a package of the spending bills  known as a minibus  Sunday, laying out legislative text that will fund the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, in addition to other programs and agencies.

The legislation spans 1,050 pages and includes more than $450 billion in funding for fiscal 2024. The remaining six bills are due March 22.

The minibus was the product of bipartisan, bicameral discussions between congressional leaders and appropriators, which have gone on for months amid negotiations over government funding. Leaders in both parties touted wins in the legislation in an effort to court support for the floor votes Sunday.

House Republicans secured key conservative policy victories, rejected left-wing proposals, and imposed sharp cuts to agencies and programs critical to the President Bidens agenda, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, said in a statement: We are proud to be keeping the government open without cuts or poison pill riders, adding that the minibus maintains the aggressive investments Democrats secured for American families, American workers, and Americas national defense.

Conservatives, however, were quick to criticize the legislation  a reaction that was expected but could spell trouble for Johnson as he gets ready to put the measure on the floor for a vote. Hard-liners have urged Johnson to instead hold a vote on a continuing resolution through the rest of the fiscal year  which would trigger a 1-percent cut across the board  a move that Democrats and some Republicans are strongly opposed to.

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) dubbed the legislation The Swamps first spending package in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. And Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) responded to a post from Elon Musk that said America needs secure borders, safe cities and sensible cities, writing on the platform, the Omni bills this week arent this.

The bill will first be considered in the House, where GOP leadership is expected to bring the measure to the floor under suspension of the rules, a fast-track process that requires two-thirds support for passage and eliminates the need to first pass a procedural rule, which conservatives would likely torpedo.

That course of action, however, will certainly incense hard-line Republicans who oppose the spending plan and loathe GOP leaderships strategy of considering must-pass legislation under suspension of the rules  putting Johnson in the hot seat even further as conservatives become increasingly fed up with his handling of government funding.

Biden to deliver State of the Union to divided Congress

The sprint to avert a partial shutdown this week comes as President Biden is preparing to deliver his State of the Union address, a speech that comes hours before the funding deadline, months before Election Day, and amid a GOP-led impeachment inquiry into the president.

The address, before a joint session of Congress, is slated to begin at 9 p.m. EST.

The speech will put Biden head-to-head with some of his most outspoken GOP critics who have called for his impeachment, denounced his handling of international matters and slammed his policies at the southern border  a dynamic that will be on full display as Republicans float boycotting the address.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) announced last week that she would not be attending the constitutionally mandated event, writing on X, Make no mistake, the world is in turmoil because of Joe Biden. I will not be a part of the puppet show.

A White House official told The Hill last week that Biden will utilize the speech to highlight his achievements thus far in office and lay out his vision for the future, themes that are particularly salient as the president looks to shore up support for his reelection bid.

But the remarks may also touch on government funding and the threat of a shutdown, which has loomed over Congress for the past seven months and at the top of lawmakers to-do list this week.

House panel eyes contempt vote against Blinken

The House Foreign Affairs Committee is eyeing a vote to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress this week, the culmination of a months-long battle by the GOP-led committee to obtain documents from the State Department as part of its investigation into the 2021 U.S.s messy withdrawal from Afghanistan, which left 13 U.S. service members dead.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) warned Blinken in a letter last week that if the State Department does not hand over specific documents by March 6, Wednesday, the panel will move to hold him in contempt of Congress. A markup for the contempt of Congress resolution is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m.

The threat of contempt comes as the panel pushes to obtain interview notes taken by the team led by Ambassador Daniel Smith, who spearheaded the State Departments review of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was titled the After Action Review of Afghanistan.

Smith told the committee during an interview in August that the report was in part based on conversations conducted with officials at the department, which the panel has requested on a number of occasions to no avail.

In October, the department said providing the committee with the documents would have a significant chilling effect on the Departments ability to conduct thorough and impactful lessons learned efforts to improve our foreign policy-making, and in November it said the items requested by the panel  including the notes  either belong to a third agency or implicate significant Executive Branch confidentiality interests.

McCaul is now presenting Blinken and the State Department with an ultimatum: hand over the interview notes or risk being held in contempt of Congress.

The Departments stated reasons for withholding the interview notes are not rooted in law and, in fact, contravene Congresss constitutional and statutory oversight authority, McCaul wrote to Blinken last week. The law does not afford the State Department blanket authority to hide behind Executive Branch confidentiality interests to obstruct Congresss access to the truth.

It is appalling that over two years after the deadly and chaotic withdrawal, the Department continues to choose politics over policy, he added.

Jockeying to succeed McConnell continues

The jockeying to succeed McConnell as leader of the Senate GOP conference is poised to continue this week, as a handful of Republicans eye bids to fill the leadership void McConnell will leave when he steps down from his post in November.

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), the former Republican whip, was the first to jump into the race last week, writing in a letter to colleagues: I believe the Senate is broken and I intend to play a major role in fixing it.

Other Republicans, however, are expected to join him in the field, including Senate GOP Whip John Thune (S.D.) and Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.), the chair of the Senate GOP conference. That trio  known in the Capitol as the three Johns  has worked closely with McConnell in recent years.

Other dark horse candidates could emerge, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who mounted an unsuccessful challenge to McConnells leadership after the 2022 midterm elections, failing in a 37-10 vote. Scott last week said he is seriously considering another run for the top job in the Senate GOP conference, telling The Charlie Kirk Show in an interview, This is a big opportunity.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who said he is supporting Thune in the race, said other Republicans are looking into a bid for the top job.

Weve got some other folks that are going to take a look at it, Rounds told ABCs This Week on Sunday. They are good people. Its not a matter of having a bad choice out there for those of us in the Senate, but weve got some really good choices.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  First responders in Lawrence County had to leave their Saturday night fundraiser in order to fight a fire that caused a chicken barn to partially collapse.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, Center Point Fire and Rescue  which was holding its Hamburger Steak Fundraiser  said crews were dispatched to a chicken barn fire along Newton Road.

The first unit on scene reported 60% of the structure was involved with flames and 40% had collapsed. Since the building was more than 16,000 square feet and the nearest water supply required a 7-mile round trip, officials said they issued a county all call was issued for tanker support.

TN woman last seen two weeks ago found dead in Whites Creek, Metro police say

According to the department, when the first engine from Center Point arrived, personnel immediately began suppression efforts. Then, after consulting with Aviagen, first responders directed their focus toward containing the blaze to the structure, limiting potential run-off, and cooling the two 1,000-gallon propane tanks on site.

Center Point Fire and Rescue said it received tremendous support from its neighboring departments, surrounding counties, and local utilities. For example, first responders from Southeast, Crossroads, Leoma, Iron City, Gandy, New Prospect, Lexington (Alabama), Lawrenceburg, and Lawrence County brought tankers and manpower; Giles County Fire and Rescue responded to New Prospect to stand by with a tanker; and Thompson Gas disconnected and moved the two propane tanks away from the structure, as well as assisted with removing other hazards.

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy: Center Point Fire and Rescue)

In a Facebook post on Sunday, March 3, Center Point officials emphasized the fact that they were in the middle of their first fundraiser of the year when the fire was reported:

When the call came out 3 members were cut loose to respond with others staying to continue cooking and serving food. If there was ever an illustration of why we should not have to fundraise, this is it. Because of the call other people stepped up to help and we need to acknowledge them here. First is our wives and kids who were helping even before the call came out. (Lets be honest, they were already running the show!) Second, is Red McDow and Road Superintendent Ryan Krick, both of whom stepped in to cook. Last but not least is Ray McDonald. Ray is a long-time member of New Prospect who was enjoying a meal supporting one of his fellow departments. Ray didnt hesitate to put his fork down, take our tanker to the scene, and operate it for the duration of the fire.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to Center Point Fire and Rescue, personnel spent at least six hours preparing for the fundraiser before spending another six hours at the blaze. Then, on Sunday, they were set to return to the department so they could clean up and make sure the equipment used the night before is ready for the next emergency.

There is no word on the cause of the fire or the total extent of the damage caused by the blaze.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A woman whose home near Canadian, Texas, was destroyed in the record-breaking and deadly Smokehouse Creek Fire is suing a power company, alleging a fallen utility pole near Stinnett started the devastating fire.

Melanie McQuiddy filed the lawsuit late Friday against Xcel Energy; its subsidiary Southwestern Public Service Company; and Osmose Utilities Services, a contractor headquartered in Georgia that inspects wood utility poles.

In her suit, McQuiddy alleges the pole, which the companies failed to properly inspect, maintain, and replace, splintered, and snapped off at its base on February 26, causing the fire.

As a result of the utility, powered utility lines hit the ground, igniting a fire, which spread quickly into an uncontrollable conflagration, states the lawsuit.

Mikal Watts, who is representing McQuiddy in the lawsuit and has previously represented plaintiffs in lawsuits related to wildfires in Maui and California, told CNN his team used fire patterns to identify a specific pole. He said the patterns indicate the fire started near where the pole went down.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is investigating the fire, which is the largest in the states history, and has not announced a cause. CNN reached out to the service Monday morning for comment and is awaiting a response. The lawsuit does not provide specific evidence for its claim that the wildfire was started by a fallen utility pole.

The plaintiffs daughter, Brooke McQuiddy, told CNN she evacuated last week along with her mother as the wildfire erupted. It was only three days before the massive inferno became the largest wildfire in state history.

My mothers home, unfortunately, has burned to the ground, and theres absolutely nothing left. Shes lost everything, Brooke McQuiddy told CNN last Wednesday.

In a statement to CNN, Xcel Energy said, Our thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by the devastating wildfires across the Texas Panhandle. The company added, There has been no official determination of cause or causes for the fires in the Texas panhandle and investigations are ongoing.

In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission last Thursday, Xcel Energy disclosed that a law firm requested that a fallen SPS utility pole that is situated within the vicinity of the fires potential area of origin be preserved.

The lawsuit alleges Osmose Utilities Services is the company that inspected poles for SPS, and negligently failed to adequately or properly inspect or report on the rotten pole that caused the Fire.

Osmose is closely following reports of the devastation brought by the Smokehouse Creek Fire, and our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy, Osmoses CEO, Mike Adams, said in a release Monday.

Osmose takes these allegations extremely seriously. We immediately launched an in-depth investigation, and we are committed to fully cooperating with any other local investigations into the cause of the fire. We stand by the quality and accuracy of our utility pole inspections, Adams said.

Since igniting last Monday, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has incinerated more than 1 million acres of the Texas Panhandle and is still only 15% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire has killed at least two people and crossed into Oklahoma, where more than 31,000 acres have been burned, according to the service.

CNNs Elizabeth Wolfe contributed to this story.

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Ermel Corona, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested in Veracruz and returned to an immigration detention center in Tabasco. A family from Honduras  Gerson Torres, his wife and four children  were taken off a bus twice and lost what they paid for the tickets. In the Mexican capital, a non-profit group confirmed that almost a dozen migrants spent more than 36 hours, the maximum time they can be detained, in an immigration station. In Nuevo Leon, an organization of lawyers stopped the transfer of people from the northern to the southern border, the most common tactic to wear out the migrants. In 2023, Mexico detained 782,176 people in an irregular situation  the highest figure since records began and almost double that of the previous year  and became the wall against those eager to reach the United States.

Gerson Torres, his wife and their four children, who are between five and 12 years old, were detained not once, but twice. They left Honduras three months ago and spent about two weeks in Tapachula, a city on Mexicos southernmost border, near Guatemala. After leaving there, the worst came in the southern state of Oaxaca. They detained us first in San Pedro Tapanatepec. Then we took another bus in Oaxaca and half an hour after leaving they took us off again, he explains. In the detention centers, which the National Migration Institute (INM) calls immigration stations, they were only there for an hour, they were treated well and they were released. But of course, they lost the 4,600 pesos they had paid for the tickets and had to walk to the capital. The children got sick, they are hungry and have blisters on their feet, explains the father.

Hondurans represented 15% of migrant detentions in Mexico in 2023, putting them at the top of the list. The reasons to leave the country are many. We lived in the capital, Tegucigalpa. With so much crime everything collapsed, the basic basket of goods went up in price and in any job you earn just $5 or $7 a day for the whole family, Torres recalls. The family made a living selling fish, vegetables and other products at a food store, similar to the Oxxo store under which they now sleep in a tent in Mexico City. These days they sell popsicles on the street to finance their trip north while they fill out the CBP One, the immigration form that is completed through a cell phone application and that the United States devised so that migrants could wait for their asylum request in Mexico.

For Torres and his family and hundreds of thousands of more people, Mexico has become a wall that they run into in their bid to reach the United States. This year, more than 500,000 people crossed the Darien Gap, the jungle between Colombia and Panama thats a deadly trap for migrants. That is double the figure for 2022, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). This increase was noted on the southern border of the United States, where a record of arrests was also set in 2023, with 2,475,669 million people detained. It was an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. In Mexico, the number of migrant arrests increased by 44% from 2022 to 2023, according to INM data.

The surge in arrests contrasts with the number of deportations. While in 2022 there were 120,000, in 2023 they fell to 50,000. Where are all the detained people going then? Most experts agree that Mexico is carrying out internal deportations from the northern border to the southern, a tactic that wears down migrants who have often spent all their savings to reach the border with the United States.

One such case was defended by the Alaide Foppa Refugee Legal Clinic in November 2023. The organization filed an appeal on behalf of 14 migrants who were detained between three and five days at the Guadalupe immigration station, in Nuevo Leon, near U.S. territory. A resolution of the Supreme Court of Justice from March 2023 says that migrants can only spend a maximum of 36 hours in these detention centers. However, in Nuevo Leon, authorities never initiated proceedings against these people.

What the authorities wanted was to take them to the south of Mexico again, to another detention center, where the 36 hours would officially start to be counted. The Refugee Clinic has confirmed that migrants are detained in the north of the country with the aim of being transferred to the center or the south, as part of the immigration containment policies, read the lawyers statement. Salvador Guerrero, director of the Legal Clinic for Refugees at the Universidad Iberoamericana, describes these internal movements as a kind of roulette. The intention is to tire them out so that they do not go up to the border with the United States, the lawyer denounces.

Something similar happened to Ermel Coronel. The 48-year-old Ecuadorian has migrated twice, fed up with extortion and the wave of violence ravaging his country. Once in early 2023, across the Darien; and again last January on a flight from Quito to El Salvador, because he had to return to his country to collect documentation. From El Salvador, he traveled to Guatemala and re-entered Mexico. Along the way in Mexico, they ripped up the same document that immigration gives you with permission to stay for 45 days, he explains.

INM agents arrest people who were staying in hotels in Tapachula in December 2023. Damian Sanchez Jesus (Cuartoscuro)

In Veracruz, while Coronel was traveling to Mexico City by bus, he was stopped at 9 p.m. We were there for 12 hours. Then they took us to a detention center in Villahermosa [Tabasco]. There they fed us, they signed a paper to release us and we left, he recalls. Even though he was not mistreated, he had to spend part of his savings again to buy another bus ticket. While passing through Acayucan, again in Veracruz, an immigration agent asked him for his papers again. He pretended to be looking for them and the officer noticed a Guatemalan two seats behind him. He was the one who ended up under arrest.

This internal deportation strategy is another one of the reasons that add to the list of migrant detentions in Mexico in 2023. Since they are taking people south again, they get detained again, explains Gretchen Kuhner of the Institute for Women in Migration (IMUMI), who has been studying immigration patterns in the country for 25 years.

She and other IMUMI colleagues entered an immigration station in Mexico City on February 6. There they observed the good conditions in which 11 of the migrants with whom they were able to speak, mostly Guatemalans, were treated that day. One of them asked to tell her story privately. She said through tears that she had been in the immigration station for 13 days and just wanted to return to Guatemala so she could see her little daughter. Of the 11 women they visited, eight had spent more than 36 hours at the immigration station.

In addition, migrants do not have access to legal defense in these centers, which by law they should have. Lawyers often do not have contact with people. The public defender is not there, because they cannot attend to the thousands of people who come in on a daily basis. The migrants sign that they agree with that and they are released, explains legal advisor Salvador Guerrero. EL PAIS tried unsuccessfully to contact the INM to find out what caused the high number of arrests in 2023 and its response to these accusations from NGOs and migrants.

Migrants in a camp in Huixtla (State of Chiapas), in November 2023. Damian Sanchez Jesus (Cuartoscuro)

The detention policy contrasts with the initial rhetoric of the president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who after beginning his term in December 2018 established a looser policy to guarantee the basic rights and conditions of migrants. Things changed in June 2019, after the then president of the United States, Donald Trump, threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico if it did not stop the flow of migrants. The immigration issue was militarized and securitized at the request of the United States, explains Eunice Rendon, coordinator of the consultancy Agenda Migrante.

Mexican protection of the borders has continued during the Biden administration. The year 2023 has stood out for the pressure that Republicans are exerting with their anti-immigrant rhetoric with a view to the presidential election in November. There have been some efforts [by Mexico] to have comprehensive policies, such as the 2020 law so that children cannot be in immigration stations. Although Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocol program [two anti-migrant programs that the United States applied to ensure that migrants remained in Mexico] were established by Trump, they were used much more in the Biden era and in agreement with the Mexican government, explains Rendon.

While dozens of bilateral meetings continue to take place every year between the governments of the United States and Mexico to negotiate immigration issues, hundreds of people are sleeping on the streets of Tapachula, on the border between Guatemala and the Mexican state of Chiapas, waiting to regularize their situation. Others on the northern border risk their lives crossing the Rio Grande to try to reach the United States. Meanwhile, Gerson and his family are living in a tent, like hundreds of Haitian migrants, in the Plaza Giordano Bruno in Mexico City. Ermel is waiting to regularize his situation in Mexican territory so he can get a job. Torres and Coronel say they want to return to their countries of origin one day. I have a daughter in Ecuador who is studying medicine, I would like to bring her over. But when everything is done, I want to return, says Coronel.
With elections for local, state and federal posts just months away, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried is suspending the head of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, according to party officials.

On Monday, Fried called Robert Dempster, whos helmed the county party since 2021, to ask for his resignation. Dempster declined to step down, according to party officials, prompting Fried to suspend him from the job.

The decision on Monday came just over a month after Florida Democratic Party officials sent a letter to Dempster notifying him that the Miami-Dade party was out of compliance with the state partys rules and bylaws.

Due to ongoing and unresolved issues, and failure to comply with the rules that govern all local parties, the Florida Democratic Party has made the decision to suspend the Chair of the Miami-Dade [Democratic Party] and rebuild in 2024  because the cost of inaction is too high, Fried said in a statement to the Miami Herald.

She described the decision to suspend Dempster as part of an overall strategy to get Miami-Dade back on track following a more-than-year-long rough stretch that included a series of disappointing election results for Democrats in the county, as well as internal disputes over Dempsters leadership.

Dempsters suspension temporarily removes him from the chairmanship just eight months before the November elections, when a number of high-profile offices will be on the ballot, including the presidency. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is also facing reelection in August, while voters will decide a handful of county-wide offices for the first time, including sheriff and supervisor of elections.

Dempster, reached Monday, said that there were no violations or issues within the county party that justified Frieds decision to suspend him.

I dont think it comes anywhere near the bar of warranting a suspension, Dempster told the Herald.

In January 2023, a group of Miami-Dade Democratic officials sent a letter to then-Florida Democratic Party Chairman Manny Diaz calling for Dempsters resignation over the alleged misuse of campaign funds and what they described as amateurish party leadership.

Dempster disputed those allegations at the time, and said that there were good-faith efforts being made to correct any bookkeeping errors in the partys finances.

After Fried took over as the Florida Democratic Partys chair in February of last year, she dispatched a team to Miami to look into the county partys affairs. Multiple people familiar with that effort said that Dempster repeatedly refused to cooperate with the state partys evaluation efforts.

The Florida Democratic Party sent a letter to Dempster on Feb. 1 giving him one month to rectify its alleged compliance issues. State party officials said that as of March 1, those issues had not been resolved.

Dempster told the Herald on Monday that he had received a letter notifying him of his suspension, but had not had a chance to read through it in its entirety. He said that the suspension was based on a party rule that prevents county parties from endorsing candidates unless 90% of the partys district committee positions are filled.

He said that the Florida Democratic Party also raised concerns about several county party members who may no longer live in Miami-Dade County. Dempster said that the county party had recently reinstated its membership committee and has begun cleaning up its membership rolls.

He said that he believes his suspension was unwarranted.

From the best that I can tell, this is the first time that this relatively obscure rule is being enforced, he said.

Dempsters fate will be decided by the state Democratic Partys central committee, which will vote at its next meeting on whether to permanently remove him from his post. Removing a party chair requires a two-thirds vote by the 120-member committee.

Exactly when that vote will take place is unclear. The central committees next meeting has not yet been scheduled. Maria Elena Lopez, the Miami-Dade Democratic Partys first vice chair, will take over the chairmanship in the meantime.

Dempster said that he believes hell be reinstated as chair once the central committee meets.

Im pretty confident Ill be reinstated, he said.
The Kremlin claims an audio recording released by Russian media last week is evidence that Germany is planning to conduct strikes on Russian territorythe second time in days that Moscow has reacted to what it claims is evidence of an impending Western attack.

The audio captures a purported meeting of senior German military officials discussing supplying arms to Ukraine and a possible attack that Kyiv could conduct targeting a bridge in Crimeathe peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

The recording itself says that within the Bundeswehr [German military], plans to launch strikes on Russian territory are being discussed substantively and concretely, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday, according to Reuters.

German Plot to Bomb Crimean Bridge Sparks Moscow Meltdown

This does not require any legal interpretation. Everything here is more than obvious, Peskov continued. Here we have to find out whether the Bundeswehr is doing this on its own initiative. Then the question is: How controllable is the Bundeswehr and how much does [German Chancellor Olaf] Scholz control the situation? Or is it part of German government policy?

Peskov added that both possibilities are very bad.

Both once again emphasize the direct involvement of the countries of the collective West in the conflict around Ukraine, he added.

Germany says it is investigating an apparent instance of Russian eavesdropping in relation to the audio. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Sunday said the leak was much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation in that it is part of an information war that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is waging.

The row over the German audio comes after Putin last week said the West could provoke a nuclear war if it sent soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

His comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the possibility of European countries sending their troops to support Kyivan eventuality that was quickly dismissed by Frances NATO allies. Peskov said a direct conflict between Russia and NATO would be an inevitability if the military alliance deployed troops in Ukraine.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Starting a new business may seem like a daunting task, but it doesnt have to be something you try to do alone.

Classes on how to start your own business in Topeka are being held in several months throughout 2024 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Each workshop is planned with help from the Washburn School of Business.

People who attend the workshops will learn the basics for how to start a small business by learning about local resources, how to research ideas and markets, legal and registration requirements, business plan resources and financing opportunities, according to the librarys website. The workshops are held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

March 20

April 17

May 15

July 17

Sept. 18

Oct. 16

Nov. 20

Find a $7.25 job for your Topeka teen with this program

All participants will need to register ahead of time to be able to attend the workshops. This can be done by sending an email to washburnsmallbusiness.com or ksbdc@washburn.edu or by calling 785-215-8375. More information on each class, including which areas of the library they will be held in, can be found on the librarys events page.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
One person has been killed and seven others wounded in a likely Hezbollah missile attack on northern Israel.



The anti-tank missile, which was launched from Lebanon, struck an orchard near the border community of Margaliot, emergency services reported, killing a foreign worker in his 30s and leaving two others in a serious condition. Another five people were injured in the blast.

The victims, who were taken to hospital by air ambulance, are all believed to be agricultural labourers from Thailand, the Times of Israel reported.



Hezbollah has repeatedly targeted settlements in northern Israel with anti-tank missiles in recent months.

The Israeli Defence Force said it struck the missile launch site in response. It also launched fighter jet strikes on a Hezbollah compounds in the southern Lebanon town of Chihine, where members of the terror group were gathered, and in the Ayta ash-Shab area.

04:02 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for tuning in to todays live blog. Well be back tomorrow to bring you all the latest from the Israel-Hamas war.

Key moments from today:

President Biden has warned Israel against losing the moral high ground in its conflict with Hamas.

Israels security agency foiled an Islamic State-inspired attack involving around 100 bombs, the Times of Israel reported.

A US special envoy has warned that a limited war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would not be containable.

A senior Hamas official has said the ball is in Israels court over the release of hostages, after Hamas presented the criteria for the Palestinian prisoners it wants to see released.

It is impossible to know which hostages are still alive, a Hamas spokesman has said.

The Israeli army has been handing out food packages to evacuating Palestinians in order to drive a wedge between the civilian population and Hamas, the Times of Israel reported.

Israel has captured 80 terrorist suspects attempting to hide among the civilian population evacuated from Khan Yunis, the Israel Defense Forces reported.

Israel has blown up the home of a Hamas terrorist accused of killing a British-Israeli mother and her two daughters, Palestinian media reported.

Israeli forces swept into the West Bank administrative capital of Ramallah overnight, killing a 16-year-old in a refugee camp and arresting 55 people, Palestinian sources reported.

US Vice President Kamala Harris urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, upping the pressure on key ally Israel as heavy fighting raged in the Palestinian territory.

03:56 PM GMT

Gantz US visit sparks bitter feud among Israeli government

The visit of Benny Gantz to Washington to meet with vice president Harris has sparked a bitter feud among Israels war cabinet.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israels finance minister, slammed the US, accusing president Bidens government of looking for places to drive a wedge between Israelis, in order to advance its plans, with the help of Gantz.

In this way, Gantz is working to advance their plans to establish a Palestinian state, he added.

However, Danny Danon, Israels ambassador at the UN, has hit back at the criticism over the meeting, stating: Any meeting between an Israeli minister and [US officials] is welcomed.

We need to remember that were in the midst of a difficult war.

Mr Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet, is in Washington for talks with senior officials to discuss a temporary ceasefire and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

03:41 PM GMT

Pictured: Israel patrols Gaza Strip border

An Israeli soldier stands near the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

03:26 PM GMT

Biden warns Israel against losing moral high ground

President Biden has warned Israel against losing the moral high ground in its conflict with Hamas.

I understand the anger and the rage sparked by October 7, but you cant let the rage consume you to the point where you lose the moral high ground, he told the New Yorker.

The president said he is hoping to see a significant reduction in use of force by Israel and is pressing on the government to come down hard on these out-of-control settlers - referring to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Bidens comments come as Israeli minister Benny Gantz travels to Washington to meet with Kamala Harris and other top officials in order to discuss a ceasefire arrangement.

03:13 PM GMT

Israeli ministers call for ramped-up strikes over Ramadan

Israeli hardline ministers have pushed for an escalation in strikes on Gaza during Ramadan in order to force Hamas to keel.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israels Finance Minister, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the countrys National Security Minister, have both rejected diplomatic efforts to broker a pause in fighting before the Muslim fasting month, which starts next week.

Mr Smotrich said only more pressure on Hamas in Ramadan will force them to kneel and release the Israeli captives, adding: We must not allow Hamas to choose who is released from among our abductors, and the demand must be the release of all abductees.

Meanwhile, Mr Ben-Gvir said: We think it is necessary to order the cessation of the negotiation talks and move to another phase of fighting with intensity.

The ministers criticism of diplomatic efforts highlights growing divisions both within Israels war cabinet, and between Israel and its Western allies over ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

02:52 PM GMT

Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz to meet US leaders

Benny Gantz, an Israeli war cabinet member, will meet with Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, and other top officials in Washington on Monday as the White House ramps up pressure on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza.

Harris and Gantz are due to discuss increasing aid to Gaza, where the United Nations says many are on the brink of starvation. as well as a hostage deal and temporary ceasefire, a White House official said.

The meeting comes after Vice President Harris described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe and called for an immediate ceasefire. She is likely to deliver the same blunt message directly to Mr Gantz.

An official from Israels ruling Likud party said Mr Gantz, a political rival to Benjamin Netanyahu, did not have the prime ministers approval for his meetings in Washington and was given a tough talk over his actions.

The disagreement underscores widening cracks within Israels wartime leadership, with hard line figures, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli National Security Minister, pushing for an escalation in fighting.

02:48 PM GMT

Pictured: Israel strikes on Gaza and Lebanon

A Palestinian man with two children walks among the rubble of a destroyed house following Israeli air strikes in Al Nusairat refugee camp, Gaza - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE

Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE

02:25 PM GMT

Israel thwarts Isis-inspired bomb plot

Israels security agency foiled an Islamic State-inspired attack involving around 100 bombs, the Times of Israel reported.

Shin Bet said a group of four West Bank Palestinians made around 100 explosive devices to use against IDF troops in the region.

The devices were manufactured using online guides and instructions that the head of the cell, Murad Markatan, acquired from Islamic State operatives abroad. The cell also had assault rifles and makeshift submachine guns, the security agency said.

The bombs were safely detonated by police sappers and the other weapons seized, the security service said.

Meanwhile, the suspects, arrested last month, were named as Murad Markatan, Hasin Markatan, Muhammad Markatan and Ahmed Markatan  all residents of Tarqumiyah near Hebron. They have all been charged with serious security offences.

02:08 PM GMT

Limited war with Lebanon would not be containable, warns US envoy

A US special envoy has warned that a limited war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would not be containable.

A diplomatic solution is the only way to end the current hostilities across the Lebanon-Israel border, Amos Hochstein told reporters after meeting Lebanons parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.

Escalation of violence is in no ones interest, and there is no such thing as a limited war, said Mr Hochstein, adding that a temporary ceasefire is not enough.

His warning comes amid the worst conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah since the 2006 war, with daily attacks from the Iran-backed terrorist group on Israeli communities and military outposts contributing to concerns about the Israel-Hamas war escalating into a regional conflict.

Despite fears of a wider conflagration, Mr Hochstein said that the US is hopeful about efforts to restore stability to southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

01:49 PM GMT

Pictured: Palestinians evacuate Khan Yunis

Displaced Palestinians walk after the Israeli army told residents of the Hamad area in Khan Yunis to leave their homes and head towards Rafah, near the border with Egypt - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE

01:31 PM GMT

Ball is in Israels court over hostages, says Hamas

A senior Hamas official has said the ball is in Israels court over the release of hostages, after Hamas presented the criteria for the Palestinian prisoners it wants to see released.

Speaking to Arab World News, the unnamed official said Hamas did not give the names of specific prisoners, but explained that at least 20 Palestinians serving life sentences will be included.

He added that Hamas is not pushing for an immediate return of Gazans to the north of the Strip because of the risk of overcrowding. Instead, it wants there to be an orderly, staged return of over 500 families a day throughout an arranged ceasefire period, with the participation of the Red Cross and UNRWA.

12:56 PM GMT

Watch: Israel retaliates after Lebanese rocket attack

12:53 PM GMT

Impossible to know which hostages are still alive, says Hamas

It is impossible to know which hostages are still alive, a Hamas spokesman has said.

Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told the BBC that the organisation cannot give Israel a list of living hostages because it does not know who is still alive or where they are being held.

Technically and practically, it is now impossible to know exactly who is still alive and who has been killed because of the Israeli bombardment or who has been killed because of starvation because of the Israeli blockade, Mr Naim told the BBC from Istanbul on Sunday.

He added that the hostages are in different areas with different groups and therefore we have called for a ceasefire to be able to collect the data.

Mr Naim repeated the Hamas demand that it will not agree to a deal without an end to the war and a full withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza.

12:34 PM GMT

Israel hands out aid to drive wedge between civilians and Hamas

The Israeli army has been handing out food packages to evacuating Palestinians in order to drive a wedge between the civilian population and Hamas, the Times of Israel reported.

The IDF launched an operation in the Khan Younis area in recent days, inviting the civilian population to evacuate while it targets Hamas infrastructure and personnel.

As part of their efforts, Israeli forces have been handing out food packages ahead of Ramadan containing basic products such as flour, wheat, oil, sugar, tea, and dates, as well as a greeting card with a Quranic verse.

Military officials told the Times of Israel the move is aimed at driving a wedge between the civilian population and Hamas.

Around 8,500 Palestinians were evacuated from a residential complex in the region over the past day, with the IDF saying more than 80 terror suspects were captured hiding among them.

12:04 PM GMT

Israel wipe out Islamic Jihad terrorists within 30 minutes of strikes

Israel killed Palestinians who fired rockets at two Israeli settlements on Saturday within 30 minutes of the attack.

The terrorist group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for firing four long-range rockets towards the Israeli settlement of Hazterim, near Beersheba, and a projectile towards Beeri on the Gaza border on Saturday.

The Israel Defence Force today revealed it identified the terrorist cell behind the attack within half an hour and directed an airstrike against them.

Elsewhere, the IDF says Nahal troops have killed 15 gunmen in central Gaza over the past day with sniper fire and by calling in airstrikes and tank shelling.

11:52 AM GMT

IDF captures 80 terror suspects hiding among civilians

Israel has captured 80 terrorist suspects attempting to hide among the civilian population evacuated from Khan Yunis, the Israel Defense Forces reported.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad members were among those arrested as the military cleared a residential compound on Sunday in the southern Gaza neighborhood.

Following a large concentrated wave of airstrikes in the area on Saturday night, IDF troops encircled the area and began to carry out raids against Hamas sites in the neighborhood, the Times of Israel reported.

The IDF said it had raided Hamas weapon depots, hideout apartments, and other infrastructure used by senior Hamas officials.

The terrorists are interrogated by the troops and provide important information for the continuation of the fighting, the IDF said.

11:32 AM GMT

Israel destroys home of Hamas terrorist behind killing of British-Israeli family

Israel has blown up the home of a Hamas terrorist accused of killing a British-Israeli mother and her two daughters, Palestinian media reported.



Pictures and videos posted on social media show the destruction of a fourth-floor apartment, reported to belong to Moaz-al-Masri, who was part of a Hamas cell that opened fire at Lucy Dee, 48, and her daughters Maia Dee, 20, and Rina Dee, 15, as they drove through the northern Jordan Valley in April last year.

The daughters were declared dead at the scene, while Lucy was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but died three days later. The family lived in the West Bank settlement of Efrat, just south of Jerusalem, having moved to Israel from London around eight years ago.



Following a lengthy manhunt, al-Masri, Hassan Qatnani and Ibrahim Jabr were killed in an Israeli military raid in early May. Hamas confirmed the three were members and claimed responsibility for the attack.



In June, the IDF published pictures of soldiers mapping the al-Masri home for demolition. As a matter of policy, Israel regularly destroys the homes of Palestinians accused of being involved in deadly terror attacks

11:06 AM GMT

Families of Gaza hostages hold silent march

 ,

   .

150 . pic.twitter.com/YTxb9SFinz  Noa Shpigel (@NoaShpigel) March 4, 2024

Family members of those held hostage in Gaza marched in silence in Israels parliament to mark 150 days since their loved ones were captured.

Footage posted on social media shows the hostages families walking in silence in the Knesset, each holding aloft an image of a family member captured during Hamas October 7 attacks.

The march started with the participants standing outside the Knesset building, and counting together to 150 - the number of days when their loved ones have been in captivity, Haaretz reported. They later went inside and walked through the buildings corridors.

10:42 AM GMT

Israel carries out biggest raid in years on West Bank capital

Israeli forces swept into the West Bank administrative capital of Ramallah overnight, killing a 16-year-old in a refugee camp and arresting 55 people, Palestinian sources reported.

During the raid, described by Palestinian sources as the biggest one in years, Mustafa Abu Shalbak, 16, was killed after being shot in the neck and chest by IDF fire, The Palestinian Health Ministry reported.

Witnesses in Ramallah said Israeli forces had driven dozens of military vehicles into the city, which is the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

10:23 AM GMT

Israel launches West Bank raid

Israeli troops raid the Al-Amari refugee camp near Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank - JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/Getty Images

10:06 AM GMT

Avoiding Gaza escalation is imperative, warns UN chief

The United Nations human rights chief has said it is imperative to avoid any escalation of the war in Gaza, warning that a conflagration could have devastating repercussions across the Middle East and beyond.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk said the war in Gaza had already spilled over into neighbouring countries.

I am deeply concerned that in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration, said Mr Turk. This would have implications for every country in the Middle East, and many beyond it.

He added that military escalation in southern Lebanon between Israel, Hezbollah and other armed groups is extremely worrying. It is imperative to do everything possible to avoid a wider conflagration, he said.

09:46 AM GMT

Kamala Harris calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, upping the pressure on key ally Israel as heavy fighting raged in the Palestinian territory.

Harriss comments on Sunday, the most forceful to date by a US administration official, came as Washington led a push to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins in around one week.

Envoys from the United States, Qatar and Hamas were in Cairo for the latest round of talks over a proposal to pause the five-month-old war.

According to a senior US official, Israel has broadly accepted the terms, which would see stepped-up aid deliveries and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

09:16 AM GMT

In case you missed it: Hamas refuses to reveal how many hostages are alive

Hamas was refusing to hand over the names of living hostages, stalling talks for a ceasefire, on Sunday night, writes Melanie Swan.

Israel has demanded to know how many of the roughly 130 hostages that remain in Gaza are still alive as a condition of returning to the negotiating table.

A delegation of Israeli negotiators due to arrive in Cairo this weekend to meet with representatives from the US and Qatar was withdrawn after Hamas refused to meet the condition, according to Israeli news website Ynet.

Earlier in the weekend, a senior Hamas representative had claimed that a ceasefire deal was as close as 24 hours away.

Read Melanies full story here.

08:57 AM GMT

Pictured: limited food aid dropped into Gaza

A limited amount of food aid is dropped by airplanes to the city as the Israeli attacks continue in Gaza City - Getty Images/Dawoud Abo Alkas

08:41 AM GMT

Significant progress made on Gaza ceasefire

Gaza ceasefire talks have made significant progress, Egyptian state-linked TV reported negotiations in Cairo entered a second day.

Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators have spent weeks scrambling to negotiate a six-week truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict ahead of the start of Ramadan next week.

The proposal also includes the release of hostages abducted by Hamas during their October 7 attack that sparked the war, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Al-Qahera News, linked to Egypts intelligence services, quoted an unnamed senior official as saying: Egypt continues its intense efforts to reach a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month which begins on March 10 or 11.

There has been significant progress in the negotiations, the report said. Meanwhile, a senior US official reported that Israel has broadly accepted terms of the proposed truce, which would also see increased aid deliveries into Gaza.

This comes despite reports in the Wall Street journal over the weekend, citing an unnamed Hamas official, that a ceasefire agreement is unlikely to be reached before Ramadan and may instead come to fruition the following week.

08:30 AM GMT

Pictured: The Hamas terrorist whose home was blown up

The home of deceased Hammas terrorist Moaz Al-Masry has been destroyed

Images posted on social media show the fourth-floor apartment reduced to rubble - @qudsn/Twitter

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A man has been jailed for 10 years and eight months for blinding a father-of-two in a "sickening" glass attack.

Matthew Syron, 32, lost his sight after Gareth Dean, 37, smashed a bottle into his face at Revolucion de Cuba on Call Lane in Leeds on 27 December.

Dean, of Elm Tree Close in Leeds, had admitted causing GBH with intent.

The victim, a former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player who now lives in Australia, has since regained some blurred vision in one eye.

His attacker has 10 previous convictions for 15 offences, including serious violence, Leeds Crown Court was told.

Sentencing, Judge Richard Mansell KC told him: "I have no hesitation in deciding that you are dangerous."

He described the attack as "unprovoked, cowardly and sickening", with defence barrister Michael Levy offering no explanation for his client's actions.

'I doubt he'll learn'

As well as his jail term, Dean will serve the maximum term of five years on licence.

Speaking outside court, Mr Syron said: "Hopefully he will learn, but I doubt he will."

The court heard the impact of his injuries had left him suicidal.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Syron said: "I have gone from being a person that doesn't need anything from anyone to now being a 32-year-old that's like a baby. It is soul-destroying.

"I hate every day."

Both men had been on a night out with friends after watching a rugby league match earlier that day when the attack took place.

The friendship groups had joined together in Revolucion de Cuba and Dean had an arm-wrestling competition with one of Mr Syron's friends, which was said to have ended in good spirits.

But later, when Mr Syron was stood at the bar with his back to his attacker, CCTV footage showed Dean reaching across another man and smashing a glass into his face.

He then left the scene and went to another bar to continue his night out before handing himself in to police six days later.

He said he had been drinking heavily on the night and tested positive for cocaine after he was arrested.

Mr Syron, a self-employed electrician originally from Kirkstall, had been home for Christmas to visit friends and family.

He has been unable to return to Australia due to his ongoing medical treatment.

In a victim statement, his fiancee Keone said the couple's "dream" to have more children was "on hold".

She added: "Instead of planning a homecoming with my partner I'm planning appointments with a carer."

Well-wishers raised more than 58,000 for Mr Syron in the wake of the attack, which left him needing 40 stitches in his eyes and unable to work.

He will have to pay towards his medical care in Australia.

Prosecuting, Michael Smith said his client remained "in limbo" about the possibility of his eyesight returning - and said what vision he had regained could get worse.

Mr Syron is now campaigning for a change in the law to ban the use of glasses and bottles in nightclubs late at night.

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Leaving rural Kentucky in 1971 at 17, I entered the world a decade behind my peers, because I had to spend ten years unlearning the homophobia and racism I had grown up with. Last year, copycatting Florida and Tennessee, the Kentucky legislature passed a dont say gay law designed to drive out or shut up anyone who doesnt lock step with the legislators gender stereotypes. Now the all-white supermajority is on the verge of passing anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) legislation designed to terrorize teachers, administrators, and students into silence regarding any controversial issues.

These laws are shackling our children with ignorance. Ignorant children are frightened children. Frightened children are dependent children, who have been deprived of the power of knowledge and so they resort to guns. And so it is that violence in the legislature begets violence in the heart, which manifests as violence against the self and against others.

LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. I would have those childrens names carved into the desk of every homophobic legislator.

Gay people (there, Ive written it for anyone to read, sue me the next time I set foot in the Commonwealth) are the wild card in the legislatures efforts to resurrect white supremacy. Legislators be forewarned: there is no way of knowing who is contaminated with aberrant seed. We are lurking in your genes, in your loins, in the very act of procreation. In the heat of passion you sow us like dragons teeth and in nine months we spring up, fully armed with our wigs and feather boas, our leather vests and rainbow flags, our insistence that sex is a sacred gift, our delight in life here and now, our indifference to threats of eternity in hell.

A Kentucky observer worried about dont say gay laws producing a brain drain. Brains have always been the Commonwealths most valuable export, I responded, offering as evidence Native peoples, Daniel Boone, Abraham Lincoln, the enslaved men and women who self-liberated by the thousands, the Great Migration of black people the legislature drove out of the state, Robert Penn Warren, Elizabeth Hardwick, Sam Gilliam . . . and as capstone evidence, the current legislatures all-white supermajority, whose actions against their own children and constituents testify to the departure of critical thinking and to the triumph of distant, cynical minds and money over homegrown affections.

The same observer asked if I had given thought to moving back. Sure, I responded, witness these pages. But who wants to live in a state whose legislators are so mean to kids and their parents that they punish those who dont conform to the legislators religious beliefs? A legislature that so distrusts its teachers that it dictates how to teach students they have never met and subjects they have not studied? A legislature that privileges the law over family and friendship?

Educators are bravely stepping up to the plate to object. But where are the voices of the business community and Chambers of Commerce, speaking out against legislation that will make recruiting and retention of diverse candidates more difficult, and may drive away the next generation of the Commonwealths best and brightest?

Mercifully and always there are those who love Kentucky so passionately that they will not leave, or who are so bullheaded that they respond to efforts to force them out by digging in their stilettos or Doc Martens. I am not among them, but I salute the courage of those who keep faith and continue the struggle. I think of Louisville activists who camped out for more than a year, demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. I think of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, who occupied the governors office in protest of mountaintop removal. Their protests offer a measure of the largeness of their love.

I offer my greatest praise for those who stay in place and practice positive deviance, in the words of Dee Davis, founder of the Center for Rural Strategies. Christians motivated by love instead of fear would say bearing witness, but each phrase points to the same destination: a challenge to the supermajority legislators to open their hearts to love without shackles.

Nelson County author and educator Fenton Johnson is the author of Scissors, Paper, Rock, the 2024 Kentucky Reads choice of the Kentucky Humanities Council, and a 2024 inductee to the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame.
Shauna Sias, 48, has lived in Opelousas, Louisiana, almost her entire life. And thanks to her father, a civil rights advocate who battled racial segregation in the Deep South, shes always known about the massacre that shattered the small Louisiana city during Reconstruction.

Over the course of around two weeks beginning on Sept. 28, 1868, white men in Opelousas murdered as many as 250 people, most of them Black Americans. The vigilantes goal was to suppress Black voter turnout ahead of the November presidential election.

The Opelousas Massacre was one of the deadliest episodes of racist violence during the countrys second founding, and its deeper aim  to limit Black voting strength  mirrors political conflicts plaguing Louisiana more than 150 years later.

It feels like were in the same fight today, Sias, an organizer, told Capital B. We arent getting massacred the way we were in 1868, but were still getting massacred  were still fighting for the same equality. Its just a different century.

Consider Louisianas years-long redistricting clash.

In January, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law a congressional map that gives the state a second majority-Black district. Previously, Black residents could elect their preferred candidate in only one district, even though Louisiana is 33% Black. Days after the new map was enacted, a group of white voters filed a lawsuit challenging it. They hope to bring back the lines that diminished the influence of their Black fellow Americans.

Nothing, really, has changed, Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir, a history professor at Xavier University of Louisiana, explained to Capital B, reflecting on the loud echoes between the past and our present. I dont think that this history has gone away  at all. Black people here continue to struggle to have their voices heard.

Of course, disputes over maps stretch beyond Louisiana. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether its OK for South Carolina Republicans to use a racially discriminatory congressional map if the lines are drawn to secure a partisan objective. And the high court has ordered the 2024 elections in Galveston County, Texas, to be conducted under a map that had been deemed mean-spirited because it carves the diverse county into all majority-white districts.

Yet Louisiana feels especially noteworthy. It was one of the most progressive states during Reconstruction: Its 1868 constitutional convention extended the franchise to Black men, and other provisions demanded the integration of public schools. Today, however, Louisiana is associated with rigid conservatism, and it ranks near the very bottom on the issue of fair representation.

Read on for the stories of some of the Black organizers on the front lines of Louisianas present-day fight for racial equality.

The mother standing in her power

Im as angry as anyone else about everything thats happening right now, says Ashley Shelton, president and founder of the nonprofit Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. But I also see opportunity here. (Courtesy of Ashley Shelton)

Baton Rouge native Ashley Shelton, the president and founder of the nonprofit Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, relishes the citys towering civil rights history.

In 2003, she worked on the 50th anniversary of the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott, the first action of its kind during the mid-century struggle for Black liberation. It served as a model for the more well-known Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1955.

Shelton, 47, explained that these events, designed to force white city leaders to integrate local buses, shape her reason for being: helping Black Louisianans own their power.

Our work is about building power for disenfranchised communities, she told Capital B. We often ask: How do we help people understand what power means to them? Its the power to change their circumstances and address problems in their communities.

One of the best ways for Black Louisianans to change their circumstances? Through the vote  through electing someone who has their interests at heart and can confront problems such as the dire state of criminal justice in the state. This fact is why protecting the effectiveness of Black votes is so central to Sheltons organization, which was a plaintiff in the redistricting case.

If you codify into law that I cant even elect a candidate of choice, elect a candidate who could change the policies that are harming Black and brown people in our state, then youre saying that Im actually a second-class citizen, because I cant change my circumstances, she said. I cant put anybody in government whos going to make a difference in my life or in the lives of my children.

Its hardly lost on Shelton that Black Louisianans are locked in many of the same political battles today as they were in the 1960s or 1860s. The notion, she stressed, that racial discrimination is no longer an issue  that we made it  simply because Barack Obama was in the White House is ridiculous.

And yet, even in the face of sobering racial realities, she remains ferociously optimistic about the future of the countrys burgeoning multiracial democracy.

Im as angry as anyone else about everything thats happening right now. But I also see opportunity here, she said, opportunity for us to stand in our power as Black voters and choose leaders who are going to do the work of the people.

The trailblazer leading the New Southern Strategy

What weve seen over the past decade is the repeal of pieces of the Voting Rights Act, and this white supremacist force become stronger and stronger, says Alanah Odoms. (Courtesy of Alanah Odoms)

New Orleans resident Alanah Odoms isnt only informed by history  the 42-year-old herself has made history as the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Louisiana, which was established in 1956.

Odoms said that she and her colleagues connect their present-day civil rights work  including their efforts to rein in the menace of racist policing and protect the sanctity of the ballot box  to the past so that people can understand the evolution of systemic oppression.

Call it the New Southern Strategy. Its something like an inversion of the Republican Partys plot in the latter half of the 20th century to grow its political power among white voters below the Mason-Dixon line by stoking their resentment of civil rights gains.

I like to think of the work we and others do as the New Southern Strategy, making sure that voting rights are protected in the Deep South, she told Capital B. What weve seen over the past decade is the repeal of pieces of the Voting Rights Act, and this white supremacist force become stronger and stronger.

Through 2013s Shelby County v. Holder, the U.S. Supreme Court defanged Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which had mandated that states with histories of racial discrimination receive federal approval before changing their voting policies. Without this backstop, individual citizens and civil rights groups have had to increasingly depend on Section 2 to challenge racial discrimination in voting.

This use of the provision is poised for a Supreme Court showdown, where several Republican-nominated justices seem eager to gut it.

Despite this bleak outlook, Odoms is energized by the fact that Louisianas recent redistricting victory  her organization represented plaintiffs in the case  offers a chance for the American South to reject the white power structure.

Shes lived in New Orleans for 16 years, and one thing shes learned during this time is that numbers are crucial. The state has had only five Black people represent it in Congress since Reconstruction, and stronger Black representation can bring vulnerable communities greater access to key resources, including roads, schools, and hospitals.

We often talk about policy issues in terms of narrative stories, which are very important. But, really, were talking about the number of seats in the House and the Senate. Were talking about numbers, said Odoms. We have an opportunity to talk about not only the narrative of equality  but also the importance of a system that produces numbers that actually serve the people.

The Opelousas native leaning into history

Shauna Sias (left) stands with Monica Fabre, a former principal in St. Landry Parish. Sias says she focuses a lot of her activism on young people. With a young tree, you can influence how it grows, she says. (Courtesy of Shauna Sias)

Shauna Sias said that it baffles her when people want to erase the history of racism in the U.S. when that history is still incredibly fresh.

She remembers walking hand in hand with her father and mother in the early 1980s into an Opelousas restaurant where Black Americans werent welcome. The staff were so furious that a Black family had dared enter their establishment that they loaded up her fathers food with red pepper. They wanted him to take his wife and young daughter and get out. But he ate it all anyway.

This moment made a huge impression on Sias, and its partly why a lot of her activism focuses on teaching children about the past.

I sometimes joke that I dont fool with adults. What I mean is that, with adults, its like trying to bend a grown tree. You cant do it. But with a young tree, you can influence how it grows, she told Capital B. And I use that metaphor simply to say that we need to let these younger generations know about past struggles.

To that end, Sias has helped to develop a wide-ranging curriculum intended to nourish children both intellectually and emotionally.

We teach them about the importance of voting rights and knowing about people such as Fannie Lou Hamer and Michelle Obama and people in the local community. We still have people here in Opelousas who went through integration. We have to remind everyone that theyre still alive, Sias explained.

On top of zooming in on history, she added, we empower children by teaching them how to build healthy relationships.

In 2019, Sias created the bully box, a locked box where students can leave notes about any bullying theyre experiencing or observing on campus, at home, or in their neighborhoods. Its a simple and secure way to let children know that someone cares about them.

At a moment when Republican lawmakers across the U.S. are laying siege to classroom instruction about race and identity, she feels that access to honest and high-quality education is one of the most important civil rights issues of our day.

We need to concentrate on getting the tools to build our own table, Sias argued, to build an education system where no one can tell us what to teach or what not to teach in our schools.

The post How the Legacy of a Reconstruction-Era Massacre Shapes Voting Rights Today appeared first on Capital B News.
Sub-postmaster Tom Hedges outside the Royal Courts of Justice after his 2010 conviction was overturned on April 23, 2021 - Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

No-win, no-fee legal deals that enabled sub-postmasters to take action against the Post Office are to be protected by a new law after the Supreme Court ruled that they were unenforceable.

Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, is to introduce a law that will return the legal situation to what it was before the Supreme Court issued its ruling.

The Supreme Court judges ruled that so-called third party agreements were unenforceable. These are legal deals where lawyers take on a case often for no or minimal funding on the basis that they will take a percentage of the damages even though they are not party to the dispute.

Mr Chalk said the new law would make it easier for members of the public, such as the sub-postmasters, to secure the financial backing of third parties when launching complex claims against moneyed corporations with sizeable legal teams which they could otherwise ill-afford.

Its crucial victims can access justice  but it can feel like a David and Goliath battle when theyre facing powerful corporations with deep pockets, Mr Chalk said.

This important change will mean more victims can secure vital third-party funding to level the playing field and support their fight for justice.

The sub-postmasters were able to secure third-party funding in their legal action against the Post Office. Now others will too.

Mr Chalk: 'It's crucial victims can access justice' - Anadolu

Therium Capital Management, a specialist litigation funder, backed the compensation claim by 500 sub-postmasters against the Post Office after they were falsely accused of fraud because of its flawed Horizon IT system.

It was only because of Therium that the sub-postmasters were able to sue. Alan Bates, the sub-postmaster who led the campaign, has called for a change in the law to ensure similar David versus Goliath battles can go ahead.

Nick Emmerson, the Law Society president, welcomed the move. Too frequently it is said that justice is not a priority for this Government, but we would hope recent events will call for reflection on how it supports access to justice through the court system for all those without independent financial means, he said.

The public do care about justice and are vocal when it is lacking.

The Government is also considering options for a wider review of the sector and how third-party litigation funding is carried out.

This could consider whether there is a need for increased regulation or safeguards for people bringing claims to court, particularly given the growth of the litigation funding sector over the past decade.

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To the editor: Its getting ridiculous. U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez overturned a 100-year-old prohibition against billy clubs because it isn't "long-standing," contradicting what he decided in 2021.

He based his ruling on the "originalist" Supreme Court's finding that to be valid, such prohibitions must date back to Revolutionary or Civil War times. Yet the court is expected to allow bans on bump stocks for semiautomatic rifles, neither of which dates back to those times. Ridiculously inconsistent.

Also ridiculous is the plaintiff counsel's comment, "It's common sense that the Colonial era didn't ban people from carrying sticks around or owning sticks in their house." Therefore, big sticks (billy clubs) should be allowed, right?

Also not banned were flamethrowers, hand grenades, machine guns, sarin gas and so on. So, they should be allowed now, right?

Instead of using the originalist litmus test to prevent banning incredibly dangerous arms, use the originalist test to choose allowable arms. Only allow arms that are, in the words of the Supreme Court, deeply rooted in the American "history and tradition" of the late 1700s.

The right to carry those arms shall not be infringed. Anyone and everyone may own and carry those traditional arms  but nothing else. Originalist-allowed arms would include, yes, sticks, as well as dirks, swords, spears and muzzle-loading pistols and muskets.

Anything more advanced would obviously not be allowed.

Geoff Duane, Torrance

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Thompson doesnt represent constituents

I applaud Rep. Glenn Thompson for his newsletters describing The good, the bad, and the local. My enthusiasm stops there. His newsletters  and voting record  make clear how poorly he represents many of us.

Thompson laments the crisis at the southern border. He voted to impeach Homeland Secretary Mayorkas (with zero evidence of wrongdoing), but he hasnt actually done anything to solve the problem. He voted against providing funds to border agents. He joined his House Republican colleagues in blocking bipartisan legislation addressing border security, legislation that  by most analyses  gave Republicans almost everything they requested.

His failure to act on border security highlights Thompsons fealty to Trump rather than to his constituents. Trump wants chaos and doesnt support any legislation that might appear to give credit to Democrats.

Americans, however, want action on border security.

Thompson recently co-sponsored a bill affirming that life begins at conception. It has the same effect as the recent Alabama decision, conferring personhood on frozen embryos produced through in-vitro fertilization. It makes abortion illegal under all circumstances.

With this legislation, Thompson shows callous disregard for many constituents: namely, the one in six couples who experience fertility problems; the people whose religion differs from his, including those who are equally moral but define life as beginning at birth; and the women who need a medical abortion for a severely ill fetus or a dangerous pregnancy.

Representative Thompson needs to stop playing partisan games and represent his constituents.

Brucie Serene, State College

Learning from history

In reading C. W. Goodyears recent biography of James Garfield, the second of our four assassinated presidents, I was reminded that although Donald Trump is unique in presidential history some Trump-like issues are not, including two during Garfields election campaign in 1880.

Tens of thousands of cheap labor Chinese immigrants hired to build western railroads were kindling white grievance, Goodyear writes. The Caucasian working class bemoaned livelihoods lost; histrionic novels like Last Days of the Republic cast the migrants as a foreign invasion... (The Chinese Exclusion Act resulted in 1882.) Trump has claimed that hordes of immigrant families today are poisoning the blood of our country.

Another issue was the spoils system of patronage that put frequently corrupt or simply incompetent allies of Congressional politicians in federal jobs that required knowledge or at least skill. Public outrage had pushed civil service reform for years. (The Civil Service Reform Act resulted in 1883.)

Recently the press has reported that a cadre of admiring lawyers who are planning for a second Trump administration is devising ways of replacing administrative state key career civil servants at various agencies  who allegedly sabotaged the first Trump administration  with true believers, Trumpists who will never question the whims of the strongman in the White House.

John N. Rippey, Zion
The culture war led by President Javier Milei in Argentina aims to erase the policies of equality put forward by feminists over the last decade. After having denied the existence of the wage gap between men and women  which official statistics place at 25%  and demoting the Minister of Women, Gender, and Diversity to the level of undersecretary, the government announced that it will prohibit inclusive language and anything related to the gender perspective in the national administration.

The official argument is that the gender perspective has been used as a political tool and has contributed to destroying values, which is why it is necessary to get rid of it. The president has not specified how it will reverse policies that are interdepartmental and that are part of international commitments that Argentina agreed to, such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda or the Belem do Para Convention against gender-based violence. However, the effects of budget cuts are starting to be felt in key programs such as the telephone line 144 for victims of gender-based violence and the shelters created for them.

It seems very serious to us as an institution, says Carolina Villanueva, director of the Grow Genero y Trabajo organization. Villanueva doubts that the government can stamp out the use of inclusive language in public institutions. Even so, she considers that the announcements are part of a broad strategy to repeal hard-won rights, such as the countrys comprehensive sex education law and the legalization of abortion. The response from feminist movements will be heard in the streets on March 8, International Womens Day. Milei, however, has been joined by other ultra-right Latin American leaders such as Nayib Bukele.

Bukele, against gender ideology

The educational authorities of El Salvador have decided to remove what President Nayib Bukele has called gender ideology from the public school curriculum. The decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Jose Mauricio Pineda. The action has sparked criticism from feminist organizations, who claim that the Central American country has one of the highest rates of violence against girls and women in the region.

The measure comes after Bukele attacked the gender perspective at a meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in the United States. The controversial president assured attendees that he will not allow those ideologies in schools and colleges. Minister Pineda has stated that every use or trace of gender ideology has been removed from public schools, without giving more details about the implications of this decision.

Statistics show that women in El Salvador suffer high rates of violent deaths. Data from U.N. Women reveals that in 2019 the rate was 6.48 per 100,000 women. In addition, the organization cites reports from the countrys Attorney Generals Office, which indicate that in the first half of 2021, 315 women were reported missing, while the 2019 National Sexual Violence Survey reflected that, nationally, 63% of women (6 out of 10) said they had experienced at least one incident of sexual assault. In general terms, women and girls experience continuous forms of violence and discrimination that are based on the patriarchal system and that require a comprehensive and integrated approach to eradicate it, U.N. Women warns.

Colombia: from the peace process to Maria Fernanda Cabal

The year 2016 revealed the hidden power that conservative groups can exercise in defense of the traditional family. On October 2, in a scenario that no one had foreseen, Colombians rejected the peace agreement signed between the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC guerrillas. Among the various reasons that led a majority of citizens to vote no to the agreements, the point on the gender approach  which highlighted equality between men, women, LGBTQ+, straight, and people with diverse identities  was the one that generated the most controversy.

The rejection that took place at the polls that October had been brewing for months. Evangelical and Catholic groups, with the support of former president Alvaro Uribes party, had taken to the streets that summer to protest against the governments indoctrination in gender identity due to its guidelines on sexuality. The debate was ignited and fueled by fake news and viral information that distorted reality, but increased the anger of a sector of Colombian society that is so deeply conservative that it can set the agenda. Maria Fernanda Cabal, the leading senator of the most radical right wing, is a firm defender of these theses. She repeated the phrase: Gender ideology is disgusting.

Brazil: Bolsonaro and his children

In Brazil, Bolsonaro and his children used the diffuse concept gender ideology on their social media at least 206 times between 2014 and 2022, according to a count by the Diadorim agency. Use of the term has risen each time elections approach, demonstrating the potential to mobilize certain bases, especially among the powerful evangelical electorate. Far-right deputies even presented bills to prohibit the gender perspective in schools, but none advanced. The Supreme Court struck down up to four municipal laws that were along those lines, as they were found to be unconstitutional.

Unlike in some neighboring countries, in Brazil inclusive language never really took root. However, Bolsonaros head of cultural policy vetoed its use in projects that sought tax benefits, and the former president himself mocked the Argentine government when Alberto Fernandez announced that he would use it in his official communications. How does that help your people? The only thing that has changed is that now there are shortages, poverty, and unemployment. May God protect our Argentine brothers and help us get out of this difficult situation, he said.

Chile: the balances of Kast

Inclusive language and the gender perspective have not been the main focuses of the Chilean Republican Party under Jose Antonio Kasts extreme right political and conservative crusade, but they are present. The political group, which he founded in 2019, opposes equal marriage, the adoption rights of same-sex couples, abortion, sex education in schools, and an abstract set of ideas called gender ideology.

In his first presidential run ahead of the November 2021 elections, part of Kasts program on culture called Lets recover the language, no more cultural deformation, pointed out that the so-called inclusive language is part of a political-ideological agenda, and not a cultural agenda. We are going to strengthen the correct use of language, with no forced imposition of its deviations or discrimination of any kind. But, when he went to the second round to compete with Gabriel Boric, who was elected in December of that year, he did not mention the idea again.

In August 2022, a group of deputies from different groups, including Benjamin Moreno, from the Republican Party, presented a bill that modifies the General Education Law to establish the correct use of language and the prohibition of so-called inclusive language within the duties of education professionals and assistants in all educational institutions. The parliamentarian then said that this language [that comes] from ideology is trying to change the way we communicate and is starting to indoctrinate our children from an early age.

The ultraconservatives of Mexico

In Mexico, ultraconservative groups have also put eradicating what they call gender ideology at the center of their agenda. This is in direct response to equality policies and the expansion of the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community. However, they are not the only ones who have spoken out against these hypotheses. For decades, more traditional parties such as the National Action Party (PAN) have voted against legislating in favor of abortion or have tried to stop same-sex marriages in some states. Perhaps the only difference between them is visible in the way they show their opinions, but not so much in the substance.

Eduardo Verastegui, a former actor, fanatical Catholic, and the last representative of the most conservative right, tried to get on the ballot for the next June elections. However, he did not get enough signatures to be able to register as a candidate. Nevertheless, he received the support of more than 160,000 of his fellow Mexicans and managed to capitalize on part of the discontent towards the Lopez Obrador government. For several years, Verastegui has been linked to far-right circles. He has links to the far-right Vox party in Spain and leaders such as Donald Trump and Javier Milei. Like them, Verastegui has found a place on social media in which to spread his anti-rights speech in the search for clicks, likes online, and votes, as when he stated that abortion is a crime, or when he perpetuated the trope that being part of the LGBTQ+ community is linked to pedophilia.

With information from Mar Centenera, Carlos S. Maldonado, Ines Santaeulalia, Naiara Galarraga Gortazar, Ana Maria Sanhueza and Almudena Barragan.

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Belvilles attempt to annex property for the first time in two decades might have hit a snag.

In early February, the town considered and voted to approve its first voluntary annexation request in 20 years. Now its neighbor says a state law prevents Belville from incorporating the parcels.

Annexation is the process of adding new land into a towns limits. For the last two decades, Leland and Belville have been in an agreement that limited the towns boundaries and annexation power. The agreement, reached following years of fighting over property in northern Brunswick County, stripped Belville of its power to annex land, Belville Mayor Mike Allen said.

Leland, on the other hand, has grown by approximately 20 square miles in the last 20 years, mostly thanks to voluntary annexations of land previously in unincorporated Brunswick County.

The agreement came to an end in December, and Belville began receiving voluntary annexation requests from property owners. In early February, a quorum of the towns board of commissioners unanimously approved a petition for the voluntary annexation of two parcels of land on Chappell Loop Road.

A map shows the 3-acre site on Chappell Loop Road that Belville recently brought into its town limits.

Before and after the vote, Leland officials raised questions regarding Belvilles ability to annex these parcels. The land is noncontiguous to Belvilles corporate limits  meaning no point of its boundaries are connected to current Belville property.

State law permits the annexation of noncontiguous land within three miles of a towns corporate limits. However, Leland officials said the annexation of a noncontiguous area must also meet other standards.

Citing N.C. General Statute 160A58.1, Leland said it would be unlawful for Belville to annex these parcels, as that law states the noncontiguous area may not be closer to the primary corporate limits of another city. The parcels touch Lelands corporate limits.

Leland Town Manager David Hollis brought this concern to Belville Town Manager Athina Williams in a letter dated Feb. 7, 2024, the day the board voted to annex the parcels.

These parcels do not meet this standard as they are closer to the town of Lelands primary corporate limits than they are to the town of Belvilles corporate limits, Hollis wrote. Accordingly, Belville cannot lawfully annex these parcels absent an annexation agreement with Leland. No such annexation agreement exists.

However, that night, the public hearing and vote proceeded as planned.

Williams directed the StarNews to the towns attorney, Norwood Blanchard. Blanchard did not respond to StarNews' requests for an interview by the time of publication.

Leland is currently under an annexation moratorium. State lawmakers passed a bill in July stripping annexation power from the town. The bill, called in part the Leland Annexation Moratorium, does not indicate when the power to annex land would be restored to the town.

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Together, the two parcels total just over three acres of land. The land was previously zoned for industrial use in Brunswick County and would remain zoned for industrial use following an initial zoning in Belville. The land at 9971 and 9981 Chappell Loop Road was located in unincorporated Brunswick County.

Jessica Jewell, communications manager for the town of Leland, said town officials are evaluating potential next steps.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Could this state law stop Belville, NC from growing?
In the heart of Imperial Valley, California, a project by Australian firm Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) and Lilac Solutions is setting the stage for a major shift in the availability of lithium in the U.S.and possibly around the world.

The project takes place in the Salton Sea, a shrinking lake north of the California-Mexico border home to a lithium reserve capable of fulfilling the entirety of the U.S.s and 40 percent of the world's projected lithium demand. The reserve has the potential to produce over 600,000 tons of lithium resources a year, Rod Colwell, CEO of CTR, told CNBC.

The U.S. is still in the beginning phase, Erik Desormeaux, director of application development at energy efficiency firm Energy Recovery, Inc, told The Daily Beast. Even though a lot of the innovation and battery technology started here, most of the mining, processing, and manufacturing still happens overseas. In the future theyre projecting a lot more lithium demand than supply, which is opening up more opportunities for lithium mining in the U.S..

The $1.8-billion Hells Kitchen lithium-geothermal project, which will use CTRs lithium extraction plant and Lilacs ion-exchange technology, will potentially reduce dependency on lithium imports and fuel the growth of electric vehicles. Localizing lithium extraction allows the U.S. to ensure a more secure supply of this critical raw materialreducing dependency on foreign sources. This also aligns with broader goals like achieving energy independence and meeting climate change commitments. Local lithium production can also increase competitiveness of American-made EVs and related technologies on the global market.

Steam rises from fumaroles, or steam vents, situated between two of the five Salton Buttes lava dome volcanoes that line the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea and are heated by magma under the Salton Sea Geothermal Field. David McNew/Getty Images

The project also hopes to rejuvenate the Salton Sea area, a region thats been in decline in recent decades due to high unemployment and environmental degradation. The Hells Kitchen project plans to leverage the abundant geothermal steam of the Salton Sea to extract and concentrate lithium in an environmentally friendly mannera massive technological and sustainable leap for the U.S. lithium market.

There is currently only one operational lithium mine in the nation: Thacker Pass, which is located in Nevada. The mine was approved in 2021 after two years of legal dispute with environmentalists and Native American tribes fighting for a few species who inhabited this land as their priority habitat. The Salton Sea geothermal plant may offer the opportunity to extract lithium in a less destructive way.

The Briney Deep

Lithium comes primarily from two geological sources: lithium-enriched brines, which are underground pools of liquid that contain high concentrations of the mineral and are most abundant in the salt lakes of South America (known as the lithium triangle); and from hard rocks, which require mining to extract. By pumping the liquid into shallow evaporation ponds, rapid evaporation leaves lithium salts behindready to be removed and refined for batteries.

There are many brines in the U.S. that have lithium. However, its difficult to permit them [as evaporation ponds] because they take up a lot of space, Desormeaux said. And there are other environmental issues that make it difficult to do that in the EU, the U.S., and sometimes in South America.

The most pressing environmental concern that comes along with evaporation ponds is water depletion, as more than 90 percent of original water content is lost to evaporation. This puts freshwater reserves at great risk, which threatens local ecosystems and communities.

Emir Salas, lead chemist at Controlled Thermal Sources, shows off brine with metals extracted at their Hells Kitchen test facility near the Salton Sea in Niland, California. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Thats why many start-ups are using direct lithium extraction (DLE), a process which shifts from traditional, environmentally-taxing lithium extraction methods to cleaner processes. It does this through a process called ion exchange, which is essentially like using a sponge designed to soak up lithium from a brine, rather than all of the other salts naturally found in itreducing the necessary amount of water and land.

The Green Battery of the Future Is Right Under Your Feet

The Hells Kitchen project will use geothermal brine, which leverages geothermal power plants to extract underground brine and converts it into steam. The project will also use ceramic beads to absorb the lithium from the Salton Sea. CTR then plans to refine it on-site into a powder that will be ready to process and manufacture into batteriestwo processes that will be outsourced and predominantly take place in Asia.

A Wildlife Morgue

The Salton Sea has been rife with environmental challenges in the past decades, as the rapidly evaporating lake has led to toxic dust blow-off, causing health issues among the largely Mexican-American population that lives in the surrounding area. The now arid and shrunken lake has also become a wildlife morgue, with agricultural runoff, horrible air quality, and toxic metals in the soil causing widespread deaths of fish and waterbirds.

Locals and environmentalists are advocating for a portion of the money earned from the extraction plant to go back into lake restoration and the local community. In general, I think the people who know how DLE works arent as concerned with the direct environmental impact as they are with the indirect, like, Is the energy coming from renewable sources? Desormeaux said. In the Salton Sea, its coming from geothermal, which is considered renewable.

So despite the promise, the project is met with hesitance from both industry experts and environmentalists as DLE from geothermal brines at such a scale is unprecedented. Extracting lithium from geothermal brines has never been done before at scale, so it remains to be seen whether the electric-vehicle industry, the local community and/or the environment will actually benefit, Desormeaux said.

And the economics of the new extraction plant are yet to be proven lucrative. Time will tell whether this nascent technology can successfully extract lithium from brine cost-effectively at a commercial scale.

The Hells Kitchen project is expected to deliver significant amounts of lithium hydroxide within the year, contributing to the EV industry and chip production. The commitments from major corporations like General Motors to source lithium from CTR highlight the projects significance and opportunity.

I think people are very optimistic about the project but its a lot of Wait and see, Desormeaux said. I think people think the problems are all solvable but until they figure them out there will still be a lot of skeptics.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas traveled to the United States on March 3 ahead of a planned meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced.

Security and defense concerns have intensified in the Baltic states since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. With Russian aggression at its doorstep, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have been among Ukraine's staunchest supporters throughout the war.

Anusauskas and Austin will discuss bilateral security cooperation, including the presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania. Military aid to Ukraine will also be on the agenda.

"The focus will also be on support to Ukraine as U.S. military aid to Ukraine remains critical," the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.

U.S. aid to Ukraine has been delayed for months amid obstruction from Republican legislators. The lack of funding has translated to battlefield losses, as Ukrainian forces run out of money and supplies.

Lithuania participated in a joint Nordic-Baltic delegation that appealed to Congress on Feb. 8 to approve additional military aid to Kyiv. Delegates left the meeting feeling disappointed by U.S. lawmakers' lack of urgency.

As Congress continues to draw out the funding debate, Russia continues to attack civilian targets in Ukraine. A Russian drone strike on Odesa overnight on March 1-2 killed 12 people, including five children.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on March 3 called the attack "outrageous murder" and demanded "immediate consequences" for Russia.

"By deliberately killing babies in their sleep, Russia is declaring a clear contempt for any peace agreements, past or future. There must be serious and immediate consequences, not continued impunity," Landsbergis said in a post on X.

Read also: What danger does Transnistria pose to Ukraine, Moldova?

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The Supreme Court held Monday that a single state such as Colorado can't prohibit Donald Trump from running for president as an insurrectionist under the 14th Amendment. It was the second time in less than a week that the court provided a crucial boost to the former president's campaign to return to the White House.

The courts strong inclination to restore Trump to the ballot was clear from the oral argument in the case last month, and indeed the justices reversed the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously. The per curiam, or "by the court," opinion further emphasized that the court was speaking with a single voice.

But the justices were far from united on the rationale for reversal. There was a clear 5-4 split with two concurrences, one by the liberal justices  Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  and the other by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Read more: Litman: Without even ruling on Trump's immunity claim, the Supreme Court handed him a huge victory

The narrow, right-wing majority within the unanimous decision held that congressional legislation is needed to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits elected officials who engage in insurrection from holding office again. This clearly restricts the amendment's force going forward.

All four of the concurring justices parted from requiring a federal law to enforce Section 3. For them, it was sufficient that the Colorado decision would impose an inconsistent and intolerable patchwork in which a major presidential candidate appeared on the ballot in some states but not in others. As the court wrote, Nothing in the Constitution requires that we endure such chaos.

The opinion signed by the three Democratic-appointed justices, though styled as a concurrence, was fairly sharp in its differences with the majority. Most pointedly, they quoted Justice Stephen G. Breyers dissent in Bush vs. Gore, the 2000 opinion that remains a bete noire for liberals: What it does today, the Court should have left undone.

Read more: Column: Why the Supreme Court will probably put Trump back on the ballot in Colorado and nationwide

Barrett similarly felt that her five fellow conservatives had overreached. But she sounded a conciliatory note, writing that this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency.

So although the court was able to come together as to the result, surely a priority for Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., its political divisions were evident just beneath the surface. It was no kumbaya moment.

In cases of this magnitude and political stakes, the court is better off when it's unanimous or nearly so. Kagan and Jackson, who seemed to be leaning toward reversal at oral argument, and even Sotomayor, whose inclination was less clear, thereby stepped up in the service of the courts institutional interest. Notwithstanding their fundamental differences with the majority, their concurrences permitted the court to conclude with a feel-good paragraph noting that All nine Members of the Court agree with that result. They were good soldiers and team players, which may engender goodwill with Roberts going forward.

Of course, with the rock-ribbed conservatives to the chief justices right, there may be scant prospect of similar goodwill. The court's right has been in lockstep on ideologically divisive matters, and theres no reason to expect that to change.

Indeed, after last weeks decision to review the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' rejection of Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution for Jan. 6, todays decisive ruling is a second substantial victory for the president who appointed three of the justices.

Some observers speculated that the justices would view the two Trump cases, on immunity and the 14th Amendment, as a pair that they would split. Ruling for Trump on the Colorado case and against him on the Jan. 6 prosecution would communicate a sort of neutrality.

It's difficult to see it that way now, though. Not that the court will hold that Trump is immune from the charges growing out of his perfidious attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 eleciton. The best he can hope for is a remand to the trial court and eventual loss on the merits of his immunity claim.

But the court last week gave Trump the invaluable gift of time, suspending the proceedings in Judge Tanya Chutkans U.S. District Court for at least several months, leaving serious doubt as to whether the case can be tried before the election.

If the polls are to be believed, a criminal conviction would likely persuade a significant number of voters to abandon Trump. That means the courts decision to enter the fray and delay the case  when it could have let the D.C. Circuit's thorough, bipartisan opinion stand  is probably the most important assist it could have given to Trump's campaign.

Moreover, while the court acted with some dispatch in the immunity case, it was nowhere near as quick as in other exigent cases. That includes the one it decided Monday, rushing to clarify the electoral landscape just in time for Colorado and other states to vote on Super Tuesday.

Theres plenty of room for debate as to why the court acted as it did in each case. But theres no doubt about the impact. Should the country awaken on Nov. 6 to the horrifying prospect of a second Trump presidency, history will record that the Supreme Court played a critical role.

Harry Litman is the host of the Talking Feds podcast. @harrylitman





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Born in Memphis, raised in Phoenix, and now living in Raleigh, I am an American  but not just an American. My family is originally from a country rich in history and culture. A country located by the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. A country devastated by occupation, checkpoints and apartheid. Palestine.

When I was a child, my family attempted to settle in Palestine. My parents had hopes of raising us in our homeland, surrounded by our family, culture and heritage. Unfortunately, the occupation made our lives challenging and stripped my parents of their dream.

Israa Al-Sayyed

I remember being forced to wait in line for hours at checkpoints just to move from one city to another and often being denied entry depending on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers mood. By age 6, having a rifle pointed at me by IDF soldiers did not faze me as it was a regular occurrence. Ive been tear gassed numerous times and forced to flee for my life because I was being shot at.

My last visit to Palestine was in June 2022 at age 31. I hadnt been for 10 years. My heart filled with joy being there, but my eyes flooded with tears from the injustice I witnessed.

I observed the growth of illegal Israeli settlements throughout the West Bank and expansion of IDF checkpoints. Palestinian-Americans do not receive equal treatment as other Americans. I needed special clearance from Israel just to enter Jerusalem. While I was there, IDF soldiers stopped me several times for random ID checks. One soldier even gave me a mocking smirk and said welcome.

In Raleigh today, I am a world away from my relatives in Gaza and the West Bank  and its painful.

In the last three months Ive lost five family members there. My second cousin, a 15-year-old boy, was killed by an Israeli sniper in the West Bank. The other four family members were killed in Gaza. One of my cousins was advised by Israel to flee to a safe zone so she fled from the northern part of Gaza to the south as directed. On Dec. 4, she and her two children, ages 4 and 7 months, were killed in an Israeli airstrike. They found my cousin dead with her baby in her arms. Another cousin is now a widow with a 2-year-old son after her husband was killed by a shrapnel fragment from an IDF explosion.

Each of my relatives sole crime was being Palestinian.

The majority of my remaining family is in northern Gaza, constantly relocating as all their homes have been destroyed. There are 14 of them  five are children under the age of 10.

We often go days without hearing from them due to power shortages. When this happens, we check the news with fear, afraid well see their names listed as martyrs. We have to mentally prepare ourselves that at any moment we may discover that all of our family has been killed.

Many Palestinians struggle to carry out their daily activities. Its hard to carry out mine too while my relatives are under constant threat from explosions and snipers. I cant eat without wondering if they had a meal today. When I tuck my children into bed, I wonder if other children are able to sleep through these cold nights under the constant sound of bombs.

As a physician assistant (PA), I am unable to care for my patients here in North Carolina without thinking about the healthcare providers in Gaza who are forced to watch their patients suffer and die due to lack of resources.

I always wonder is my family still alive? Why havent they texted me back?

More than 14,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. How many Palestinian children need to die for America to call for a ceasefire? Many of the bombs and weapons deployed are manufactured in the United States, and billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars are helping supply and support the Israeli military. As an American taxpayer, my tax dollars are being used to kill my family in Gaza.

Israa Al-Sayyed lives in Raleigh.






LIVERMORE  Over 175 residents gathered with Larimer County Commissioner John Kefalas and county staff Thursday to discuss the future of the community.

The meeting came after three residents asked the county to develop a character plan that would study potential land uses around The Forks Mercantile and Saloon  a store and restaurant at U.S. Highway 287 and County Road 74E  with the intent of creating a community vision for the future. Those residents have crafted a proposal that aims to remediate water issues but would include some development to help pay for it.

But not all residents are on board with their ideas.

Livermore is like a Picasso  you shouldnt mess with it anymore, Debra Benton, whos been a Livermore resident for 24 years, told a crowd at the Livermore Community Hall. Community members were sitting and standing next to sepia photos of ranchers and landscapes.

Kefalas and county planners held the meeting to get feedback from residents in the rural community. Larimer County has enough funding about $50,000  for one character study this year. The countys comprehensive plan identified 13 communities, including Livermore, and only one can get funded for its own character plan.

Update: Here's why Livermore won't get a county-funded character area plan after community meeting

Larimer County Principal Planner Matt Lafferty said at the event that character area plans are high vision documents about the community.

What is our vision for the next 10, 20 years? How do we want to see land use unfold? Do we not want to see it unfold? Lafferty said.

Proposed Livermore Rural Center plan dominates conversation

Though Thursday's meeting was focused on discussions about the community's concerns and future as the county prepares to select a community to get a character plan, the Livermore Rural Center plan proposed by the three residents dominated the conversation.

The proposal, prepared by Bob West, co-owner of The Forks; Cheryl Rennels, who owns a nearby ranch; and Zach Thode, Roberts Ranch manager, shows a desire to create a more reliable water source for the restaurant; Livermore Elementary, which trucks water to the school; the church; and fire station.

The Forks Mercantile and Saloon  a store and restaurant at 17685 U.S. Highway 287, No. 3, Livermore  is pictured.

But water systems are expensive and can't occur without growth to help pay the costs. The plan suggests some housing; lodging such as short-term rentals; and additional commercial space like a small grocery store, dental office and other services not currently available.

After seeing a map of some of the proposed development, some residents said they felt they were not included in this process and the proposal didnt represent them.

They have a carwash, theres an Airbnb, all those things are printed over our neighbor's houses, Jason Hanson, a Minnesota native who has been in Livermore for 25 years, told the Coloradoan.

A map from the proposed Livermore Rural Center plan, prepared by Bob West, co-owner of The Forks; Cheryl Rennels, who owns a nearby ranch; and Zach Thode, Roberts Ranch manager.

I can't even make out the drawing of what it looked like," Hanson said. "But it was like a bike rack on my property. And nobody contacted us to talk to us about this idea that they had.

Thode, who was among the three residents who proposed the Rural Center plan, said he believes "that private property rights are No. 1."

I don't want somebody else to tell me what to do on my private property," Thode said at the event. "And I don't want to tell you what to do on your private property. So, it's very important that we maintain that balance."

Other residents attended the event to get clarifications on what the proposed plan was.

Theres so much right information, false information. I just want to hear from the horses mouth what this meeting is, Glen McMillan told the Coloradoan. I have no problem with growth. I've made my living off of growth, Ive been a construction worker my whole life.

Residents and Larimer County staff gather for a discussion at the Livermore Community Hall at 2044 W. Larimer County Road 74E on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Originally from rural Wisconsin, McMillan worked on construction projects, including the Sears Tower in Chicago. McMillans sister lived in Colorado for 45 years, during which hed come to visit. After retiring, McMillan decided to move to Glacier View Meadows, where hes been living for the past eight years. Glacier View is a community between Livermore and Red Feather Lakes, with children there attending school in either of the neighboring communities.

McMillan said growing up, many of the farms went under over the years and small businesses allowed young people to get jobs close to home.

Kids up here in Glacier View and Red Feather Lakes, there's not a lot of opportunity for them, for jobs, McMillan said.

The Forks offers some of this employment, but bringing more businesses can increase that, he said.

But I got to see all the pros and cons before I can make a true decision on how I feel about it," he clarified.

A sign at The Forks at 17685 U.S. Highway 287, No. 3, in Livermore in pictured.

Some residents acknowledge there is a water problem but did not agree with the proposed plan as the solution for it.

I'm not against some level of development, but this particular set of ideas is driven very clearly by the people who will profit from it the most, Kathleen McNutt told the Coloradoan.

McNutt, who moved to Livermore in 2022, has been active on the social media platform Nextdoor to gather members for discussions.

To be clear, there are no development applications from the Rural Center plan that have been proposed or approved, according to the county.

'People who live in Livermore moved here for a reason'

Although many of the residents are not native to Livermore, they shared why they moved there and why they want to conserve it during the meeting and in interviews with the Coloradoan afterward.

People who live in Livermore moved here for a reason: to be away from the hustle and bustle of a town and to have wide open spaces," Benton said in an interview with the Coloradoan. "They want to go to Fort Collins if they need things, they don't want Fort Collins to come to them. This is the last community in Northern Colorado that still has the character and culture of what Colorado was.

Mountains are seen in the landscape near the Livermore Community Hall at 2044 W. County Road 74E.

We live here because we love the space," Nicole Hanson told the Coloradoan. "We love the land. We love the wildlife, the beauty of it, the peace of it. People come here for a reason. We come here for what Livermore is today, not what somebody wants to turn it into.

What's next for Livermore, community plan process after Thursday's meeting

Larimer County Director of Community Planning, Infrastructure, and Resources Lesli Ellis told the Coloradoan in an email that the county "will determine next steps in the next week or two based on the input we received at the meeting and that we are still reviewing, and that which is still coming in."

In addition to water problems, many residents at the event echoed concerns about traffic safety, due to a series of car crash fatalities, and demanded stronger enforcement of speeding laws.

Residents and Larimer County staff gather for a discussion at the Livermore Community Hall at 2044 W. County Road 74E.

"I do know that regardless of the timeline of developing or making the decision about the character area plan, we do want to have conversations up there aiming towards building trust, but also responding to some of the issues that came up last night," Kefalas told the Coloradoan. "... But in the end, we have to make a decision. If Livermore doesn't want a formal character area plan, that's going to be their call. And then maybe there's some other ways we can support their efforts."

Coloradoan reporter Pat Ferrier contributed to this report.

Ignacio Calderon covers climate and Larimer County government for the Coloradoan. Contact him at ignacio@coloradoan.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Livermore residents share development concerns, values with county
'I can't give my precious vote to the Tories any longer and will be voting Reform,' says one Telegraph reader - CHP

Reform UK hit its highest-ever polling support level on March 1, reaching 14 percentage points in YouGovs latest survey.

Meanwhile, the partys recent performance at the Wellingborough and Kingswood by-elections, where it achieved 13 per cent and 10 per cent of the vote respectively, suggests its polling success is matched by real-life support.

As the popularity for Richard Tices party surges, Telegraph readers have equally been voicing their backing for Reform. Many explain why the Conservatives have failed them and voice their reasons for why they plan to vote Reform instead.

I pray that Reform will make this country great again

According to YouGov, Reform is currently taking 21 per cent of those who voted Conservative in 2019. Telegraph readers are impressed by Reforms manifesto and discuss the policies they think will encourage positive change in the UK.

Reader John Elsby will be voting Reform as he wants a party that will control immigration and abandon the net zero nonsense. He continues: I want the police to enforce the law. I want the NHS to spend their money on patients and to get rid of all trans and diversity expenditure.

Similarly, Richard Long will also vote Reform. He joined the party early last year after being a lifelong Conservative voter and member.

The Tories have wanted to raise National Insurance on low-paid workers, raised taxes to the highest level since WW2, sacked anyone who speaks sense (Suella Braverman and Lee Anderson) and, worst of all, presided over record-breaking, eye-watering legal immigration of 1.2 million yearly.

He argues that only a complete idiot would continue voting for this Left-wing version of the Tories. Ill never believe the Tories or vote for them again as long as I live, Reform UK for me from now on.

Reader Rob Smith shares how he has never voted for anyone but Conservative yet Reform will be getting my vote this time around.

I particularly like the zero tax band going to 20,000. I am an additional rate taxpayer so I wont benefit but I believe 20,000 is a fair amount to earn before paying tax and should remove the need for the ridiculous in-work benefits.

He says theres lots to like in their manifesto and is keen for them to enforce it, as the country needs a genuine change.

Comparably, Carole Meers explains she cannot give her precious vote to the Tories any longer and will be voting Reform.

I realise we will have to suffer a Labour government but hopefully not for too many years. I pray that Reform will go from strength to strength and have the opportunity in the near future to make this country great again.

Neither the Tories nor Labour speak for the silent majority of the British people

Other readers suggest that voting Reform could mean a fresh start for the country and is the best solution to defeating the current two-party system.

Reader Ashley Scutchings argues: Reform seems to be the only party with any vision to rebuild this country from the bottom upwards.

With Richard Tice as a leader and his passion for this country, there is a good chance they can drag us off the scrapheap.

Another reader, Sidney Logan, is in agreement, and says Reform speaks for the silent majority of the British people, unlike the Tories or Labour. Sunak is becoming a master of what he thinks is the right sound bite but hardly ever follows through with action.

Similarly, Sue Norminton explains how she has voted Conservative in every general election since 1983, because they were not only miles better than Labour, but they were good for the country too.

She continues: Theyre no longer a net plus for the UK. And theres no credible prospect of them becoming so. In such circumstances, the only hope for the UK is a realignment on the Right, and thats why former Conservative voters need to vote Reform.

The Tories have cynically betrayed their core electorate

Many readers feel betrayed and neglected by the Conservatives and plan to vote Reform in protest.

Telegraph reader Jim Harrison argues: The Conservatives have betrayed its traditional supporters and they need to be punished.

He continues: It may mean a Labour government but it may result in the medium-term to a new party with a better grasp of what the country needs to take over when Labour falls to pieces.

Similarly, C Erksine says: I will vote Reform because of complete betrayal and abandonment of Tory principles by the government.

Reader P.J. Spiers notes that, Reform is now the only vaguely Right-of-centre party that supports the hardworking population.

The Tories have comprehensively adopted the insanity of woke, cynically betrayed their core electorate and have destroyed the oldest political party in the UK and arguably the world. It is a tragedy beyond words.

Unsurprisingly, many former Tory voters have turned to Reform  who are now close to the critical mass of support needed to win seats  and possibly enough to exert some real influence. Only those betrayed Tories who believe a vote for Reform is a wasted vote stand in their way.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Congaree Riverkeeper organization is threatening to sue one of the Columbia areas major manufacturing plants, accusing the factory of discharging hazardous chemicals into the lower Saluda River, a state scenic waterway.

Shaw Industries, a manufacturer of fiber and nylon used in carpets, is releasing a class of compounds known as forever chemicals from its plant in Irmo into both the river and nearby Kinley Creek, according to a letter to Shaw from a non-profit legal group representing the Riverkeeper organization.

Through testing, the Congaree Riverkeeper organization says it has found 15 types of forever chemicals in Shaws wastewater discharges during the past two years. But the Riverkeeper groups letter says the pollution may have been occurring as far back as 2005, when Shaw acquired the plant.

Long-term exposure to forever chemicals is linked to certain types of cancer, thyroid problems, high cholesterol and other ailments. Forever chemicals, also known as per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, move relatively quickly in water and do not break down easily in the environment.

Shaw is discharging toxic chemicals that harm public health at very low levels into a state scenic river and a drinking water source for thousands of South Carolinians, according to a news release that quotes Catherine Wannamaker, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. We wont let Shaw pass off the burden of dealing with this PFAS pollution to those downstream. It has to stop.

The Congaree Riverkeeper group looks out for water quality in three Columbia area rivers: the Saluda, the Broad and the Congaree, which is formed by the other two rivers.

The lower Saluda, below the Lake Murray dam, is the more widely known of the three rivers as a recreational spot, providing a rare cold-water trout fishery and whitewater rapids in the states midsection near a major city. It has characteristics of both the mountains and the Lowcountry, and has been designated a scenic river by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

The Riverkeeper letter to Shaw says it will move forward with a suit, if the company doesnt address the forever chemical discharges. Such a lawsuit could be filed as soon as early May, officials said.

When groups threaten such lawsuits, it is typically part of a formal process that is intended to get companies to resolve problems.

Congaree Riverkeeper is willing to discuss effective remedies for Shaws legal violations that could avoid the need for litigation, the letter says.

Representatives of Shaw were not immediately available.

The Shaw plant is a hulking industrial complex that dominates the landscape along St. Andrews Road.

Shaw, one of the worlds largest carpet manufacturers, acquired the plant from Honeywell in 2005. The site has been the location of the industrial facility since at least 1961, according to news reports.

When Dalton, Ga.-headquartered Shaw acquired the Irmo plant from Honeywell, the St. Andrews Road facility had nearly 400 employees.

The issue over PFAS is a new one for the factory in Irmo, but not the first concerning chemicals associated with the Shaw site.

One chemical, called caprolactam, drew community complaints in the 1990s. The site also is the subject of a voluntary pollution cleanup contract between the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and Honeywell, the previous owner.

The Riverkeepers letter to Shaw said it had found an array of chemicals trickling through groundwater, in addition to PFAS. Those chemicals include lead, acetone, benzene, arsenic, and chromium, all of which present varying threats to people and wildlife. The Saluda River lies 350 yards away.

But the focus of the legal threat is PFAS, the class of compounds showing up in rivers, drinking water and fish across South Carolina and the country.

Textile companies are among the suspected sources of PFAS in South Carolina and across the country. A closed textile plant in Darlington County is blamed for polluting groundwater surrounding the facility, making well water unsafe to drink, The State reported last year.

PFAS, which was created more than 80 years ago, has historically been used by textile manufacturing companies to prevent stains and waterproof material. Shaw is among those facilities that have used forever chemicals, the Riverkeeper letter says.

Virtually every river checked by DHEC has shown evidence of forever chemical pollution, often at levels above a proposed new federal drinking water standard. The agency has issued warnings against eating more than certain amounts of fish found to contain the toxins..

Drinking water is a concern statewide. More than 50 utilities have registered the toxins in drinking water.

The Riverkeepers letter says forever chemicals threaten drinking water supplies for the cities of Cayce and West Columbia, which draw water downstream from the Shaw plant.

The letter from the environmental groups says the discharges violate both the federal Clean Water Act and the federal Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, the nations hazardous waste law.

Shaws discharges come from three pipes composed of either non-contact cooling water or process wastewater, stormwater and other sources, the letter says.

The letter says PFAS is polluting wastewater basins and wastewater sludge from the plant.
Take a look: 2nd eagle egg arrives in Avon Lake nest

**Related Video Above: Bald Eagles build nest in Metroparks last March (Video courtesy Cleveland Metroparks)

AVON LAKE, Ohio  The bald eagle nest near Avon Lakes Redwood Elementary School has welcomed a second egg.

Hard decision: Brandywine, Alpine Valley announce season closures

Earlier this week, parents Stars and Stripes had one egg in the nest, keeping it warm and protected. Sunday, around 3:50 p.m., nest watchers reported seeing another egg among the twigs.

This isnt the pairs first foray into parenthood, as seen on the live eagle nest camera feed over the years. The pair has reportedly had more than 15 successful fledges since 2015, according to the school.

Eagles normally lay two or three eggs a couple of days apart, making a third egg not totally out of the realm of possibility (the couple had multiple eggs and hatchlings last year as well).

In the past, the school has held a naming contest for the eventual baby birds.

Watch a live stream of the eagle family right here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Former President Donald Trump was called out for repeated verbal gaffes over the weekend amid right-wing attacks on President Joe Biden over his age.

Trumps fans went quiet when he confused Biden and former President Barack Obama while claiming that he personally would have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled if he wins back the White House in November.

I know them both very well and we will restore peace through strength. Get that war settled. Its a bad war. And Putin has so little respect for Obama that hes starting to throw around the nuclear word, Trump said during a speech in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Imagine if Biden repeatedly misidentified the guy hes running against? https://t.co/nR4T88Wz4H  David Corn (@DavidCornDC) March 3, 2024

Trump, who is 77, has repeatedly mixed up Biden and Obama on the campaign trail amid a series of other mix-ups, including recently confusing former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Republican presidential primary rival Nikki Haley. Trump has dubiously claimed that he mixes up names on purpose.

"When I purposely interposed names, they said I didn't know Pelosi from Nikki," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina last month, making another gaffe.

MediasTouch editor Ron Filipowski posted a montage of 32 clips from Trumps speeches in Virginia and North Carolina on Saturday in which he mispronounced words, got confused, mixed up names, forgot names, and babbled insane nonsense.

Montage of 32 clips from Trumps two speeches yesterday where he mispronounced words, got confused, mixed up names, forgot names, and babbled insane nonsense. pic.twitter.com/SQeURo2zhd  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) March 3, 2024

MSNBCs Morning Joe played a supercut of Trumps slips over the weekend and questioned what was happening with the former president.

"What happened there? asked host Joe Scarborough. He gets in the middle of sentences, he is reading teleprompters and his mind still blanks out  Nikki Haley for Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama for Joe Biden, and it is just so pathetic and sad. They're going, he's doing it on purpose. No, he's not doing any of this stuff on purpose. Take the fact his mind blanks out and he looks lost."

Conservative guest Charlie Sykes expressed alarm that Trump is less than 48 hours away from effectively clinching the Republican nomination on Super Tuesday despite his 91 felony charges and gaffe-filled speeches.

"If there's any upside here, Joe Biden will be able to say, 'Yeah, I'm old, I'm stiff when I walk, but this guy is also old and crazy  he's dangerous, he's incoherent,'" Sykes said. "He needs to make that point. The other maybe upside is, you know, now that there's no way of denying it'll be Donald Trump again, it'll focus the mind I think Democrats need to stop the bedwetting, but they need to get out of the bed and freak out a little bit because the reality is, maybe this is what it'll take for them to realize this guy could become president of the United States.

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CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan played a clip of Trump confusing Biden and Obama on Sundays Face the Nation and pressed Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, over his endorsement of the former president.

He seemed there to confuse Biden for Obama. He also suggested that there were U.S. troops serving in Ukraine. Are you comfortable about his mental fitness? she asked.

Compared to the current president? Sullivan replied. One hundred ten percent. And as your polling shows, I think the American people have real concerns where President Biden is with regard to his fitness for office, particularly his mental acuity. And relative to President Biden  or relative to former President Trump  I dont even think its a close call when you see the two in action.

Brenan noted that Trump also appeared confused about troops in Ukraine.

To be clear, there are no US troops serving on the battlefield in Ukraine, Brennan said. There are military advisors. But there arent troops, correct?

Sullivan dodged the question, responding: I would go back to who is demonstrating more mental fitness to be the president and I dont even think its a close call between President Trump and President Biden right now.
Ulviyya Shahin

Azerbaijan's expansion of agricultural product exports to Brazil was discussed in a meeting dedicated to the annual "Caspian Agro" exhibition held in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.

The meeting took place with a delegation led by Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Majnun Mammadov stated that President Ilham Aliyev has identified the development of agriculture as a priority sector. This policy has led to a new stage of development in the agricultural sector in the country. Minister Mammadov provided detailed information to the participants about the role of agriculture in the development of the non-oil sector, government support to the agricultural sector, implemented reforms, the application of the Electronic Agricultural Information System, digitization of agricultural services, and the favourable investment environment in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, discussions focused on creating a legal framework for cooperation in the agricultural sector between Azerbaijan and Brazil, increasing the trade turnover of agricultural products, transferring modern technologies in agriculture, strengthening collaboration in livestock, implementing experience programs in scientific research in the agricultural sector, and expanding the export of Azerbaijani agricultural products to Brazil.

Minister Mammadov emphasised the significance of the annual "Caspian Agro" exhibition held in Azerbaijan, inviting Brazilian businessmen to actively participate in the exhibition and explore opportunities to invest in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, considering its reliability and favourable business environment.

The potential for expanding mutual relations in the field of agriculture was highlighted during the meeting, with both sides expressing interest in further developing bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin once again showed his nuclear card this past week to dissuade the West from taking another step in its support for Ukraine. This really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilization, Putin told the Russian Parliament on Thursday.

The comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that nothing should be ruled out with respect to Russias war in Ukraine, not even sending NATO troops to the country. Macron later qualified this statement, explaining that he was not referring to troops entering combat, but rather training Kyivs troops in the rear.

The Kremlin has a very large arsenal of around 6,000 nuclear warheads, a figure similar to the United States arsenal. The difference, however, is Russias 2,000 tactical warheads. These are small nuclear bombs that are not listed in disarmament treaties and that are the focus of an important debate among Western experts: would the Kremlin provoke a nuclear explosion as a warning if cornered in Eastern Europe?

The U.S. and Russia have over 90% of the planets nuclear bombs. Just a year ago, Putin suspended the New START agreement with Washington, aimed at the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Frozen in practice since the pandemic  Moscow has not allowed the U.S. to inspect its arsenals since 2020  this pact limited the destructive power of both powers to 700 strategic delivery systems (intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and heavy bombers); 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 800 nondeployed launchers. In practice, both sides are suspected of having about 200 more nuclear warheads each.

These are weapons that could destroy the world in a few minutes. In addition, there are the thousands of Cold War nuclear warheads that remain locked in warehouses, which would take time to deploy. The actual figures are classified, although the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that Russia and the United States had 5,889 and 5,244 nuclear warheads, respectively, in 2023.

This is where the so-called tactical bombs come into play. They are designed to destroy specific targets, such as a fleet or a base  not entire cities  but they are still a major threat. According to the Pentagon, Russia has about 2,000 nuclear warheads of this type.

Under official Russian military doctrine, using the most powerful weapons in the world is acceptable in response to an aggression which puts the very existence of the Russian Federation under threat, according to the latest revision that Putin signed in 2020. However, the Kremlin began to consider using these weapons in conflicts two decades ago, when it observed the technological superiority of NATO in conflicts such as the two wars in Iraq.

Western experts do not agree on whether Moscow is capable of resorting to the escalate to de-escalate tactic. In other words, of employing a tactical bomb first to force the opponent to negotiate. Mark Schneider, former senior official of the U.S. Department of Defense, recalls that Russian doctrine considers this option in response to large-scale aggression utilizing conventional weapons. Kristin Ven Bruusgaard, an analyst at Chatham House, says that describing Russian nuclear strategy as escalate to de-escalate is an unproductive simplification. She believes Moscow would be more concerned about NATOs possible response after such an action.

NATOs problem is that it does not know what to expect from Putin. The contradiction between declared and actual policy casts doubt on all previous and future Russian nuclear doctrines, warns Nikolai Sokov, a researcher at Center for Nonproliferation Studies, in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which was created by scientists from the Manhattan Project.

In its war against Ukraine, Russia has utilized its nuclear weapons in the offensive deterrence mode  that is, as a cover for its unprovoked aggression rather than for the purposes of defensive deterrence against what is proscribed in all official documents  from the national security concepts to the military doctrines, continues Sokov, who was one of the Russian negotiators of the first disarmament treaties with the United States. He believes it is possible that Moscow will escalate to de-escalate.

Since the start of its offensive against Ukraine, the most serious step the Kremlin has taken so far has been deploying of a small arsenal of nuclear weapons in Belarus in 2023. Given the short ranges of delivery vehicles intended for a nuclear mission in Belarus, the nuclear signal appears clearly aimed at Poland, a full member of NATO. That country has taken arguably the most proactive position on assistance to Ukraine, warns Sokov, arguing the measure will change the geostrategic map in Eastern Europe in the coming years.

Testing ground

The Kremlin has been modernizing its strategic force. [Russias opponents] understand that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory, Putin said last Thursday. During his speech, the president spoke of Russias new generation of weapons and how they can deter NATO, both in a regional and large-scale conflict. Two of them have already been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Kyiv claims to have evidence that the Russian army used a 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile against several Ukrainian cities in February. The rocket, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, can reach a target 620 miles away and has a top speed of Mach 9, around 7,000 miles per hour. Russias test against Ukrainian air defenses  which include American Patriot batteries  is another measure of Putins weapons. This includes the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, which has been used extensively in the war.

They are powerful weapons, but not infallible. Many Kinzhals  made from Western parts  have been shot down in Ukraine, while new nuclear-powered weapons, the Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik missile, remain out of service. The new generation of Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles is an unknown. The RS-28 Sarmat, with a range of 11,000 miles, is the successor to the backbone of Russian ICBMs, the R-36M Satan. The problem is that it was manufactured in Ukraine, and since the breakup a decade ago, the Kremlin has been forced to put its Sarmat into production, without barely a single successful test.

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After spending nearly three months at New York Citys dreaded Rikers Island jail, longtime Donald Trump finance guru Allen Weisselberg looks like he has booked a return trip back there on Monday when he admitted to lying about his former employers bank fraud schemes.

He now faces another five months in jail, this time for frustrating law enforcement efforts to get at his former boss.

Weisselberg, the Trump Organizations ex-chief financial officer, turned himself into the Manhattan District Attorneys Office to plead guilty to perjury. Local prosecutors are swooping in to hold him accountable for frustrating a parallel investigation at the New York Attorney Generals Office. The disgraced accountant, who keeps trying to protect Trump, admitted that he lied to the AGs investigators in depositions and at her recent bank fraud trial.

Trump Officially Appealing $464 Million Bank Fraud Judgment

Its the latest in an ongoing legal headache that has dogged the 76-year-old for half a decade.

Weisselberg was at the center of the Manhattan DAs tax fraud trial against Trump companies that resulted in a $1.6 million guilty verdict and the New York AGs bank fraud trial against the Trumps that hit them with a $464 million judgment. But Weisselberg always played the role of a reluctant witness, refusing to point the finger at Trump as the mastermind behind the persistently dishonest behavior at the real estate company.

The conspicuously timed plea deal comes just three weeks before Trump himself faces trial against the DA for criminally interfering with the 2016 election by covering up his sexual affair with a porn staryet another scandal that involved Weisselberg. And it raises the question as to whether Weisselberg will finally be willing to testify openly against his former boss.

According to the plea agreement he signed, Weisselberg acknowledged he wouldnt be truthful when discussing his involvement in the way Trump repeatedly faked the size of his palatial triplex apartment at Trump Tower. The accountant helped Trump vastly inflate the value of his personal assets by some $200 million when they claimed the three-floor, 10,996 square foot apartment was actually closer to 30,000 square feet.

As part of the plea deal, Weisselberg admitted he lied to the AG during a July 2020 deposition, when he told state investigators that he remained clueless about the real size of the triplex until a journalist called him out on the fabrication.

We didnt find out about the error until the Forbes article came out, he told the AGs team, according to a transcript cited in court documents.

In reality, DA prosecutors say, emails show that Weisselberg was fielding questions from Forbes reporters and involved with internal discussions about the matter for months.

However, Weisselberg apparently kept up that lie even after he came under the Manhattan DAs microscope for dodging taxes at the Trump Organization. In 2022, Weisselberg struck a plea deal with the DA and later testified at the criminal trial. But new details first revealed on Monday show that he kept up the act even after his 99-day stint in jail.

In the plea deal, Weisselberg admitted that he lied to the AG during a May 2023 deposition in the run-up to her bank fraud trial, claiming he wasnt involved in determining the property values that made up Trumps personal financial statements. Then he lied a third time at the three-month bank fraud trial last fall, when he testified in court on Oct. 10, 2023, that he never focused on the triplex and never thought about that apartment.

Judge Denies Trumps Attempt to Delay Paying Massive Bank Fraud Fine

Weisselberg and his defense lawyer, Thomas Rotko, signed a plea deal on Monday that levies two felony counts of perjury against the accountant. They agreed to a definite sentence of 5 months in jail.

According to New York state court records, Weisselberg will be sentenced on April 10which would put it two weeks into Trumps first ever criminal trial in the very same building.

Weisselberg is also on the hook for $1.1 million, the hefty penalty issued by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur F. Engoron for his role in Trumps bank fraud. And its a sum thatll keep increasing by $246 in prejudgment interest every day he doesnt pay it off.

Rotko did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DA communications director Danielle Filson issued an office statement noting it is a crime to lie in depositions and at trialplain and simple.

Allen Weisselberg took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York State Attorney Generals Investigation and Proceeding, as well as at their recent trial. Today, Allen Weisselberg is pleading guilty to this felony and being held responsible for his conduct, Filson said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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President Joe Biden says he is the only candidate to have beaten Donald Trump and will do so again later this year - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Donald Trump will refuse to concede if he loses the 2024 election because losers are never graceful, Joe Biden has warned.

Sitting down for a rare profile interview, the US president attacked his political rival, claiming he will do anything to try and win this years battle for the White House.

Losers who are losers are never graceful, Mr Biden told The New Yorker.

I just think that hell do anything to try to win. If  and when  I win, I think hell contest it. No matter what the result is.

Mr Trump, 77, has continued to claim the 2020 election was stolen.

While speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, he said the only way Mr Biden could win was if they cheat enough that they can steal it.

We won every contested race

During the interview, Mr Biden suggested he was confident about the 2024 election as he had proved people wrong in 2020 and during the 2022 midterms.

I told you there wasnt going to be any red wave. And in 2023, you told me were going to get our a-- kicked again? And we won every contested race out there.

In 2024, I think youre going to see the same thing, he said.

Mr Biden said he never doubted whether he was going to run again and insisted he was the only one who has ever beat him [Trump]. And Ill beat him again.

During the Jan 17 interview, which was published on Monday, the Democrat leader handed a notecard to biographer Evan Osnos which included a list of threats Mr Trump has made ahead of this years election.

The note included his claim of becoming a dictator on day one and describing migrants as poisoning the blood of our country.

What the hell, Mr Biden said.

If you and I had sat down 10 years ago, and I said a president is going to say those things, you would have looked at me like, Biden, youve lost your senses, he added.

Commenting on the Iowa caucuses results, during which Mr Trump won 51 per cent of the vote, Mr Biden insisted his rival was only popular with a substantial portion of the Republican Maga party.

He also questioned why only 110,000 people had turned out to vote, despite it being the coldest Iowa caucuses ever held.

Now, theyre going to argue the weather was the reason, Mr Biden said.

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President Joe Biden speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, March 1, 2024, to travel to Camp David, Md., for the weekend.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden predicted Donald Trump, the frontrunner to secure the Republican nomination, would again seek to overturn the election if he loses in November.

Biden made the forecast in a rare interview with the New Yorker published Monday, saying he believes Trump  just like he did in 2020  won't concede if Biden beats him.

Losers who are losers are never graceful, Biden told the New Yorker. I just think that hell do anything to try to win. If  and when  I win, I think hell contest it. No matter what the result is."

Biden is trailing Trump, the former president, in most national polls including a A New York Times/Siena College poll Saturday that found Trump ahead 48%-43% among registered voters.

In the same New Yorker article, Mike Donilon, a top Biden adviser, argues the preservation of democracy will emerge as the defining issue of the campaign as the election draws nearer.

By November, Donilon predicted, the focus will become overwhelming on democracy. I think the biggest images in peoples minds are going to be of January 6th.

Trump faces federal criminal charges from Special Counsel Jack Smith for trying to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in a violent attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The Supreme Court last week said it will hear arguments on Trump's claim that presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution the week of April 22.

Despite the pending criminal case, Trump has doubled down on debunked claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election and is already making unsubstantiated claims of cheating in the 2024 election. Trump told supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina over the weekend that Republicans must have a massive turnout in November "so it is too big to rig."

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Biden predicts Trump won't concede in 2024 if he loses
US President Joe Biden speaks to the press before he departs the White House in Washington, DC, for the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland, on March 1, 2024. US President Joe Biden said Friday he was "hoping" for agreement on a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas conflict by Ramadan. (SAUL LOEB)

US President Joe Biden warned that likely 2024 rival Donald Trump would contest the result of November's election if he loses, in an interview published Monday.

"Losers who are losers are never graceful," Biden was quoted as saying in a lengthy profile by the New Yorker magazine of the 81-year-old Democrat.

"I just think that hell do anything to try to win. If -- and when -- I win, I think hell contest it," Biden added in the interview conducted in January.

Former president Trump, 77, the Republican frontrunner for his party's nomination as he bids for a comeback to the White House, falsely contends that Biden did not win the 2020 election.

Trump faces federal criminal charges of conspiring to overturn the vote four years ago, relating to the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

In the New Yorker interview, Biden defended his decision to run for a second term despite polls showing voters are increasingly concerned about the Democrats age.

"If you thought you were best positioned to beat someone who, if they won, would change the nature of America, what would you do?" Biden told the magazine.

Trailing Trump in a series of recent polls and with his economic successes so far failing to register with voters, Biden has increasingly focused on attacking Trump as a threat to democracy.

Biden dismissed concerns that his campaign was overconfident, saying the media had written him off in 2020 against Trump and then again in mid-term and off-year elections in 2022 and 2023 -- all of which brought gains for him and the Democrats.

"Im the only one who has ever beat him. And Ill beat him again," he said.

dk/sms
Donald Trump does not seem OK. The GOP front-runner was alarmingly loose-lipped during back-to-back campaign rallies in Richmond, Virginia, and Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, during which he admitted to hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, framed President Joe Biden as a national enemy, threw around the nuclear word, and confused the man currently in the White House for his old nemesis, former President Barack Obama.

Shortly after we win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled. I know them both very well, and we will restore peace through strength. Get that war settled. Its a bad war. And Putin has so little respect for Obama that hes starting to throw around the nuclear word. You heard that. Nuclear. Hes starting to talk nuclear weapons today, Trump said in Virginia, drawing stunned silence from his typically uproarious crowd.

Wow the crowd goes silent as a confused Trump says: And Putin has so little respect for Obama that he's starting to throw around the nuclear word pic.twitter.com/M0oMFKUBgu  Acyn (@Acyn) March 3, 2024

It wasnt the first time Trump has confused the two on the campaign trail, transparently attempting to cover up the blatant memory lapses by claiming that Obama is running the show. But if that wasnt enough, Trump went on to try to take credit for Veterans Choice, which was passed in 2014 under Obama.

Trump also mistook Argentina for a person, calling MAGA the greatest movement  maybe in the history of any country, even Argentina.



You know, Argentina, great guy. Hes a big Trump guy. He loves Trump. I love him because he loves Trump. Anybody that loves me. I like them, Trump said.

As Trump became increasingly flustered and overwhelmed, he couldnt figure out how to say Venezuela and repeatedly short-circuited.

Trump short circuits again LOL pic.twitter.com/OqfJpZR2i8  Acyn (@Acyn) March 2, 2024

And while in North Carolina, Trump aligned himself with the January 6 rioters, hailing them as hostages, while pegging himself as a proud political dissident and a public enemy of a rogue regime.

And, despite awaiting trial in relation to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, Trump condemned President Joe Biden as the real threat to democracy.

Bidens conduct on our border is by any definition a conspiracy to overthrow the United States of America, he said in Greensboro. Biden and his accomplices want to collapse the American system, nullify the will of the actual American voters, and establish a new base of power that gives them control for generations.

Other glitches included mistaking a poll for a legislative bill, calling the country the United Stage and a nation thats no longer respectered, and just generally making an uncanny assortment of noises for a candidate for the most powerful office in the world: Diiiiing, boom. This is me, [unintelligible] bing!

Ahead of the weekend, Trumps campaign signaled that it had no intention of reeling in the GOP front-runners alarming rhetoric.

Donald Trump is Donald Trump. Thats not going to change. Our job is not to remake Donald Trump, senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita told the Associated Press.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung added that Americans deserve a president who will not sugarcoat whats happening in the world.

And Bidens campaign appears ready to rely on that.

Donald Trump is still Donald Trumpthe same extreme, dangerous candidate voters rejected in 2020, and theyll reject him again this November regardless of the team he has around him, said Biden spokesman Kevin Munoz.

Trump has worked to distance himself from the issue of age, slamming Biden for similar verbal gaffes despite joining the 81-year-old as one of the oldest presidential candidates in U.S. history.



Over the last few months, Trump has repeatedly prided himself on acing a dementia test, insisted that immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border dont speak languages, claimed that he would stop banks from debanking Americans, mixed up former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and his only remaining rival in the GOP race, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and described his plan for Americas missile defense system by going, Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. Boom. OK. Missile launch. Woosh. Boom.

He also appeared with mysterious, unexplained red sores on his hands that political commentators couldnt help but notice looked an awful lot like syphilis.
"Am I Doing It Wrong?" co-host Noah Michelson's dog, Jumanji, AKA Jumi, who tolerates being petted like a champ. Courtesy of Benji Jones

Some things go perfectly together: Peanut butter and jelly. He-Man and She-Ra. Netflix and chill. And... dogs and petting, right?

Not necessarily.

Believe it or not, thats what we  Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, the co-hosts of HuffPosts Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast  learned when we recently chatted with Dr. Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the owner of Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey.

Many dogs really dont find being pet and hugged and kissed particularly nice  they just dont enjoy it very much, she told us.

There are some dogs  dont get me wrong  that love a good butt scratch or when you first come home or they havent seen you in a while, because theyre so excited to see you, that may mask how they really feel about it... but when you really watch a dogs body language when theyre hanging out and doing their own thing, most of them are just tolerating [being petted] at best. There are lots of dogs where, quite frankly, they get so frustrated and annoyed that they start to growl and say Hey, please, back off! Im really not enjoying this.

Of course lots of furry friends do seem to enjoy physical affection, but if were dealing with a dog who doesnt seem particularly enthused about it, should we refrain from doing it?

This is where we have a little bit of a culture clash  human culture and dog culture. We have dogs... we love them... and I would say if theyre tolerating it, and as long as theyre not aggressing or its [not] making them very anxious  tail tucked, ears back  if theyre tolerating it, its a little bit like hugging your kid, especially as they become more a teenager, you know? Sometimes its like, youre just going to hug them and kiss them and they just have to put up with it. So I dont think its a terrible thing to pet and hug and kiss your pet if they tolerate it.

So when shouldnt we be doing it?

If it clearly makes them anxious or it theyre using aggression as a strategy to say, STOP, Dr. Levine said. If we ignore the early signs  the growl, lets say  then the dogs sometimes feel they have to escalate their message. Fair enough, because we arent getting it.

Dr. Levine noted that hugging in particular can make dogs feel suffocated, so she suggested some alternative physical expressions of affection that might be better appreciated by your pet.

[You can pet] the cheek and the chin... probably avoiding going along down the back... and you can keep it brief, too, she said. Prioritizing the quality of your interactions over quantity might be the approach to take.

Its a relationship we have with our dogs  theres always give and take  so as long as [petting] is not the only thing you ever do with your dog, lets make sure theyre getting time to play, or getting time to do things they find enjoyable.

So how do we determine what our dogs want  or dont want? Dr. Levine advised that our best bet is to look at their body language.

Theyre constantly telling us how they feel. We just have to learn how to read it. Were not born knowing that  no dog owner should feel guilty about not knowing how to read their dog. But there are lots of resources  body language videos and other resources  where you can learn how they are communicating ... Its the best thing really that a dog owner can do, to really get to know their dog, learn how they speak, because theyre speaking all the time.

We also chatted about the one thing every pet owner should do while walking their dog, whether or not its safe for a dog to sleep with us in our bed and much more.

After youve had a listen to the full episode above or wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe to Am I Doing It Wrong? so you dont miss a single episode, including our investigations of the ins and outs of tipping, how to score the best deals on airline tickets, how to apologize or vanquish your credit card debt, how to find love online or overcome anxiety, online shopping strategies, tips for taking care of your teeth and pooping like a pro, secrets to booking and staying in a hotel, how to deal with an angry person and more.

Need some help with something youve been doing wrong? Email us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we might investigate the topic in an upcoming episode.

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(Bloomberg) -- Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is pushing to strengthen the labor rights of drivers for Uber Technologies Inc and similar passenger transport apps, taking on a challenge that has vexed lawmakers around the world.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Lula on Monday sent congress a legislative proposal that sets new pay and hour rules for companies like Uber and 99, a ride-hailing app owned by Beijing-based Didi Global. The bill, the first major labor proposal the former union leader has put forth since he and US President Joe Biden launched an initiative to improve working conditions last September, defines drivers status as autonomous workers and will limit them to a 12-hour workday for the platforms.

It establishes an hourly pay rate of 32.09 reais ($6.49) and sets a monthly minimum of 1,412 reais, equivalent to the current minimum wage. It also sets percentages for worker and company contributions to social security programs, and includes fines of as much as roughly 140,000 reais for companies found in violation of the rules.

The growth of the gig economy has forced lawmakers, regulators and courts to determine the rights of workers at companies like Uber under existing labor laws. The European Unions years-long effort to implement new regulations failed last month, when the bloc was unable to win support for a bill many platforms opposed. The US and UK have in recent years implemented new regulations or had top court rulings define the status and rights of Uber drivers and other gig workers.

Lula promised to implement stronger labor protections during his 2022 presidential campaign. In September, he and Biden agreed to work together to bolster workers rights, with challenges related to the gig economy a central part of their pact.

Read More: Biden, Lula Launch Partnership to Improve Conditions for Workers

Lulas initial proposal, which needs approval from both houses of Brazils congress, only applies to ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99, and does not include workers for delivery platforms or other similar services.

Some time ago no one in this country believed that it would be possible to establish a negotiation between workers and entrepreneurs and the result would be to conclude by a different organization in the world of work, Lula said in a speech.

The president said the government will also begin discussing with banks a special credit line for the roughly 1.5 million app workers.

The companies actively participated in the drafting of the text, Brazil Labor Minister Luiz Marinho said in an interview. He expects lawmakers to approve the bill in the first half of this year, given that Lula is submitting it with a request for urgency.

I hope this influences delivery platforms to participate in negotiations, Marinho said by phone Sunday. When you have the parties agreeing, you wont have Uber and 99 lobbying against it.

Marinho argued that the legislation will bring legal certainty to companies that have faced at least 17,000 labor court lawsuits seeking to recognize the relationship between workers and platforms, according to Brazils attorneys general office.

Andre Porto, a spokesperson for Amobitec, an association that represents mobility and technology platforms in Brazil, said companies will not work for changes in the agreed bill.

There is full agreement with the text, he told journalists after the proposal was disclosed.

(Updated with the submission of the proposal to the congress in second, statements from the president and the representative of the platforms throughout)

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Police say a Charlotte Lyft driver picked up two teenagers on the side of a Charlotte road and took them to his apartment to allegedly sexually assault one of them.

Investigators said Dominique Jackson picked up the 14-year-old and 15-year-old girls at the end of February.

Police say a man picked up two teenagers on the side of a Charlotte road and took them to his apartment to allegedly sexually assault one of them.

ALSO READ: Its disheartening: Police search for suspect after home break-in, sexual assault

Detectives said Jackson took the girls back to his Highland Terrace apartment off The Plaza in northeast Charlotte. Its where officers said he made one of the teens perform oral sex.

Channel 9s Hunter Saenz paid him a visit Monday after he posted bond on two felony charges.

I mean, did you meet these girls? Saenz asked.

Police say a man picked up two teenagers on the side of a Charlotte road and took them to his apartment to allegedly sexually assault one of them.

I mean, Im not at liberty to really say too much because I havent actually met with my attorney yet, Jackson said.

Police said the two girls were runaways who later showed up to Atrium Health and told doctors what happened.

Even though these children are runaways and we tend to think of them as like easy targets and victims, theyre also children, said Jessie Lindberg with Turning Point. And theyre really vulnerable. And now theyre victims.

Lindberg is the organizations executive director. Turning Point is a local organization helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

ALSO READ: Bond denied for man charged with raping woman after breaking into her Ballantyne home

These children need to go to an expert to help them make sense of what happened, she said.

Detectives said after the incident, Jackson began messaging one of the teens on Snapchat. According to court documents, he told police he shot his shot and asked her to have sex with him.

Lindberg said social media is often a tool for those who prey on children.

Its very subtle but its very manipulative, and its very hard to pull away once theyve gotten into the clutches of these predators, she said.

A case like this which seems to be random is highly unusual, Saenz learned.

Jackson is now charged with indecent liberties with a child and soliciting a child by a computer. Saenz reached out to Lyft who confirmed Jackson was a driver for them. In a statement, a spokesperson said they dont believe he was working for them when the incident happened.

The behavior being alleged has no place in our society, and our thoughts are with the victims, the spokesperson said. Based on the information available at this time, we do not believe the incident involved the Lyft platform. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation.

(WATCH BELOW: Community members hold protest after pastors comments about sexual assault victims)
Email money@telegraph.co.uk if you would like to take part in How I Spend My Money. All our subjects are genuine but anonymous.

I have been learning to code since I was about 14 and have always loved the problem solving and creativity involved.

During most of my teenage years, I was making scripts and plugins for Minecraft servers, which gave me a great foundation of knowledge which helped me to excel.

I had my first work experience before university. I created my own speech recognition assistant, and sold the rights to it to a hotel chain experimenting in similar technology.

I went to a decent university where I got a first in Computer Science. As part of my degree, I did a year in industry as a software engineer at an investment bank in London (I was paid 48,000 when I was 20-years-old).

During my final year, I worked for a financial services company in Dubai, which sponsored my dissertation in high frequency trading. I had to remain in the UK for my studies, but they flew me out to Dubai during the holidays so I could work closely with the rest of the team and also experience working abroad.

This work experience was unpaid, but the opportunity was too valuable to decline, and eventually it paid off as it gave me the experience I needed for my current job at a leading investment bank.

I have also been a remote computer science tutor for five years, starting at 25 an hour and increasingly gradually over the years to 80 an hour. I enjoy tutoring because it has taught me lots of communication skills which have helped tremendously in coding interviews, where I need to discuss my thought process while writing code.

I tutor on weekends and in the evenings, where a slow week could only be one hour, but during busy exam seasons I can get up to six hours a week. On average, I usually tutor about two or three hours a week, which works out to about 10,000 annually.

When I was 16, I worked in a warehouse on 4.50 an hour and I remember my target was to graduate into a job that paid 30,000. It has been a bit overwhelming going from that to six figures in just over five years, but its something you get used to quickly.

Vital statistics:

Age: 22

Pre-tax salary: 105,000 excluding bonus (95,000 as a software engineer, 10,000 from tutoring)

Post-tax monthly salary: 5,817.52

Student loan: 500 per month after April

Pension: 7pc of total earnings

Housing costs: 400 per month

Subscriptions: Spotify (11/mo), gym membership (18/mo), SIM contract (30/mo), Amazon Prime (95/year), Uber One (60/year), Google One (16/year), Discord Nitro (8/mo)

Monthly savings: 2,000 (Help to Buy Isa, 200; savings account, 500; current account that pays 4.1pc interest, 1,300)

Day 1

I am required to work in the office three times a week. I can choose which days I come in, but I normally try to avoid Thursdays since the commute is noticeably busier  however, I am making an exception as I am meeting a friend after work, so I came in anyway.

The gruelling hour-long commute had me famished, so I had a cooked breakfast and treated myself to an overpriced apple juice at the canteen, totalling 7.70.

I also worked up an appetite during my morning meetings, where most of my contributions were limited to nodding in agreement and saying thank you at the end of the call, so I bought a large burrito for lunch, which was 12.95. I enjoy burritos because they dont feel like fast food, but still seem somewhat nutritionally complete.

After work I met up with a mate. We went to a bar to play pool, and shared some drinks, which came to 52.30 between us. Then we ended the night at a nice Tapas restaurant where we sampled some very reasonably priced Iberico pork and seafood for 73.96, which we also split.

After getting the train home (total return fare was 14.90), I ordered a cab home from the station for 8, but the driver was quite funny so I gave him a tenner and told him to keep the change.

Total: 108.68

Day 2

I worked from home today and made my own food, but after work I went for a 22 haircut to freshen up my fade ahead of a night out in London.

The train was 9.10, but everything went downhill after this as one of my mates had his car stolen so couldnt make it.

After a few rounds of doubles, I was shocked to realise that I had spent 85.48. I left and got an overpriced pizza for 15 at a nearby Italian restaurant and then made the most of my Uber One membership getting a Uber home for 48.51.

Total: 180.09

Day 3

I felt a little worse for wear this morning, but I went to the gym to wake myself up, stopping by Londis on the way home to pick up some water and fresh toothpaste for 6.96.

I was going to top up on my Listerine as well, but I categorically refuse to pay almost 6 for a bottle, so I shall wait till I eventually go to Tesco to get it at Clubcard price.

In the evening, I met up with some friends for dinner, which was 17.86 and then a 10.15 train return ticket home.

Total: 34.97

Day 4

This morning I went to the gym before a couple hours of tutoring. I was teaching a student programming by creating a pizza order app.

There was food in the fridge but after talking about pizza for two hours, I caved in and ordered a Dominos pizza  a stuffed crust Meateor, with extra chicken for the illusion that adding extra protein will be beneficial for my gym gains (20.75)

I also ordered a monitor arm to help free up some space on my desk, which was 39.99.

Total: 60.74

Day 5

I worked from home today, but went to the dry cleaners at lunch to pick up my suit. It was 10 to get a two piece cleaned which I think is extremely reasonable.

The dress code at the office is smart-casual and I dont have to wear a suit, but ever since I was really young going to visit London I always wanted to dress like a super-cool businessman, so here we are, sort of.

I also booked a holiday to Dubai with a close friend of mine  we only needed to book flights for now since were staying at a friends place. We plumped for Emirates economy which came to 548.99 per person.

Total: 558.99

Day 6

I was back in the office today, so I was up early to get on the train (14.90 return). I had another cooked breakfast, but couldnt stomach paying 2.50 for 300ml of apple juice, so I requested extra hash browns instead, totalling 5.80.

I met up with a friend for lunch at Wagamamas as we had a few startup ideas we wanted to brainstorm, so were better prepared for when AI comes to take our jobs.

I was craving the chicken katsu. I also wanted the chilli squid side dish, but it was 8.50 which is a bit overpriced in my opinion. However, there mustve been a lapse in communication as the waiter brought it out for us anyway. It was still very nice, but my bill was 22.50, which is a bit more than Id like to pay for lunch.

I had to grab some plasters from Boots since I cut my hand at the weekend and I was going rock climbing after work. My Unidays student ID is still valid, so I enjoyed a sweet 10pc discount, spending just 1.78 in total.

Rock climbing is surprisingly quite popular amongst software engineers, so I thought I would hop on the bandwagon with my mate. This visit was 20 since I am not yet a member, and we also treated ourselves to a Nandos after as well, which set me back 14.95.

Total: 79.93

Day 7

I was contemplating coming into the office, but as it was Valentines Day, I thought Id spare myself from seeing all the happy couples. To ease the pain of being single on yet another Valentines Day, I bought a nice shirt and pair of jeans which had finally come on sale, for 93.60 in total.

Its also my Dads birthday next week, so I bought a card online for 3.79 and a 100 gift voucher to his favourite clothing brand.

Total: 197.39

Weekly total: 1,220.79

As told to Madeleine Ross.

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A Texas senior citizen says she was booted from her Houston residence that she has occupied since 1977, although she doesnt recall putting the property up for sale.

Wanda Jackson was unexpectedly kicked out of her Houston residence in September 2023. During an in-depth interview with KTRK, Jackson said she had no plans of leaving her home, which notably underwent some repairs a few years back.

Jackson hired a man named Malcom Pryor who came at the recommendation of a friend to complete the work at the start of the pandemic. She paid him out of pocket for his efforts, she told the station.

Wanda Jackson says she doesnt recall signing over the home shes lived in for nearly 50 years. (Photo: ABC13/Youtube/Screenshot)

A year later, she became sick for an extended amount of time after contracting COVID-19. Throughout this time, Jackson was going to therapy to learn to walk again and does not recall much from her recovery, according to the report.

Things took a turn when the contractor accused her of not paying for the repairs. First, he filed a mechanics lien. Records reportedly show shortly afterward Jackson transferred the deed to her home to Pryor.

Jackson told the outlet that she didnt know she signed it away in September 2022 or that she was no longer the owner of the property located at 5119 Stuyvesant Lane. Her home was swapped between several owners under her nose for the next few months.

Based on documentation viewed by KTRK, Pryor sold her house to a local investor for $50,000. About five months later, he took out a loan from Noble Mortgage and got it back for $262,500.

Due to failing to make the payments, the local mortgage lender foreclosed on the home, per the outlet. She finally learned what was going on after receiving notice last April that the home was in foreclosure and shes have to move.

Now she is struggling financially and living in an apartment close by.

To make matters worse, another home that Jackson inherited from her deceased mother located in Marshall, Texas, is also not owned by Jackson anymore. She claimed Pryor said he would do repairs there too.

The Houston Police Department is investigating the matter, although its unclear if anyone would be charged. A financial crimes investigator informed KTRK that scammers usually target older adults.

The suspect usually would take advantage of the elderly person because they know they may be living alone, HPDs Esminda Gomez-Nicholas told the news station. They know there may not be a family member around, and they may take advantage of them.

In 2021, 66-year-old Claude Frye was evicted from his Florida home after unknowingly signing over his deed to a man, Thomas Brinson, for $10. At the time, he was struggling to pay his mortgage after his mother passed away. Brinson sold it to a real estate investor who was able to sell it for $185,000 to a buyer in New York.

Last year, Tom Roy was charged for attempting to sell the home of an 86-year-old bedridden woman for $500,000 by using fake documentation and pretending to be her son, per the Miami-Dade police.

Although the chances are slim, Jackson is optimistic that she will get her home back. She hired an attorney to help with her eviction case, but her fight wasnt successful. The retired teacher also needs extra funds to get through the process. Her home is now in the hands of another investor.

Im mad at everybody concerned, Jackson said during the interview. It was more than [Pryor] who had something to do with this. You do not walk around to take peoples property just because you can.

Im Mad At Everybody: Houston Woman Evicted from Property Shes Lived In for Nearly 50 Years Says She Doesnt Recall Signing It Away
It is 8.30 p.m. on February 2 and a woman is chatting with her close friend, lying in bed in her home in the upscale Madrid district of Salamanca. She tells her friend that she is going to bed early, that she is tired, and does not mention any weekend plans. The conversation lasts about an hour. A day later, two people receive a message from her cell phone, but nobody believes that she wrote it.

Ana Maria Knezevich Henao, 40, a U.S. citizen born in Colombia, was reportedly in the middle of a difficult divorce made more complicated by the lack of agreement with her ex and also by the large amount of money involved. The missing woman had moved from Colombia to Miami 18 years ago. Thirteen years ago she married a man of Serbian nationality named David Knezevich. Together they founded three very successful technology firms providing computer support in Florida, EOX Technology Solutions, Registered Corporate Agents LLC and EOX Capital LLC. As evidenced by their social media accounts, the couple led a very comfortable life.

However, last summer their romance came to an end, and the marriage broke up. What at first the woman thought would be a friendly divorce instead became strained due to negotiations over the distribution of assets. According to sources close to the family, she wanted a 50% split for each, while her husband wanted her to keep only 25% of the assets. According to these same sources, this situation increasingly undermined her health. She was prescribed antidepressants and lived in a constant state of anxiety. Hoping to change airs, she crossed the Atlantic and settled down in Madrid, where she had visited before as a tourist and had some friends.

In late November, she moved to an apartment on Francisco Silvela Street and, according to her family, her mood and condition improved significantly. She was financially well off, and had mentioned that with what she had already made, she could spend the rest of her life without working.

On the day that she went missing, she had gone to see a house to settle permanently in Madrid. The lease on her rental was running out in March, and she needed a place to stay long-term. That night, in the telephone conversation from bed, she told her friend that she did not like the property she had visited and that she was going to keep searching. They also talked about the plans they had for a trip they would take to Barcelona the following week. They were meant to be going to the Catalan capital on February 5 to attend a talk by a psychiatrist that Ana Maria liked, and they would take the opportunity to spend a few days of leisure. At around 9.30 p.m. the conversation ended. At 11.30 p.m. another friend sent Ana Maria a message, which appears as read, although she never answered it.

That night, Ana Maria did not lower the blinds in her bedroom to keep the sun out in the morning, as she normally did. When the police interrogated one of her neighbors, the latter clearly remembered that she had stayed up until 1.30 a.m. and that there was still light in the home next door. Early the next day, the blinds were still up. Neighbors also say that on the same day that the woman disappeared, a man wearing a motorcycle helmet disabled the buildings security cameras with a spray can. However, sources investigating the case do not necessarily tie this event with Ana Marias disappearance, as this has happened several times in an area that is a common target for thieves.

The morning after her last phone conversation, two messages were sent out from Ana Marias phone. One, at around 2 p.m., to Sanna Rameau, a friend from Sweden. This message, written in English, claimed that she had just met an amazing man. I met someone wonderful!! He has a summer house about 2h from Madrid. We are going there now and I will spend a few days there. Signal is spotty. Ill call you when I get back. The message went on to say that both felt an amazing connection. Like I never had before.

Sanna was tremendously surprised by that story. She wanted to be with her people, with her friends, to be calm, she was not looking for a relationship, confirmed family sources. Two hours later, her close friend from Madrid, who had been calling her all morning, received the same message, this time in Spanish. It looked suspiciously like an automatic translation. Another thing that caught her attention was that there were periods and commas in the text, when Ana Maria never bothered with them.

No signs of break-in

On Sunday, February 4, Ana Marias phone no longer gave a signal and her friend from Madrid notified the police, who obtained a warrant to access the house. The firefighters entered through the window and found the apartment empty and without any noticeable disorder. A few personal items were missing. Given that there was no trace of her, her friend filed a police report. Throughout the weekend, this woman was in touch with Ana Marias relatives, who also reside in Miami.

Her brother, Juan, contacted her husband David twice. At first, he didnt respond. When they finally managed to talk, David assured him that he had no idea what could have happened to his wife. The second time, when the family asked him for financial support to travel to Spain or to get legal advice, he replied that this was no longer his concern, say sources close to the family. During this time, David hired the services of a criminal lawyer from Miami, Ken Padowitz, who assured the AP agency that his client had nothing to do with his wifes disappearance, that he had been in Serbia since before her trail was lost, and that he would collaborate fully with the investigation. He also said that the reason he has not yet come to Spain or participated in any way in the search is because he does not speak Spanish and would not be useful there.

The family has filed another missing person complaint in the United States. They are all being legally advised by SOS Desaparecidos, a missing persons volunteer organization that has provided them with psychological support and legal advice. Its president, Joaquin Amills, says that the Spanish police are working closely with the FBI on the investigation. Meanwhile her two brothers, her mother and her close friends are still hopeful that they will find Ana Maria alive and dance with her again the cumbia that she liked so much.
Unlike James Bond, played here by Daniel Craig, MI6 agents are more low-key in their demeanour

A spy has revealed that the MI6 code for overseas missions is to tell everyone its an admin trip so that nobody asks questions.

Speaking under pseudonyms, staff working for the UKs secret intelligence service disclosed how they dealt with the pressures of not being able to share details of their profession with friends and family.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Lives Nihal Arthanayake, junior spy Sam explained that when she goes abroad for work, she just sort of says admin to her loved ones.

As soon as you say admin, no one wants to hear about [it], she said.

Sam was speaking to the BBC in a special series about the MI6, which gave the broadcaster unprecedented access to staff and directors in a drive to recruit more people from diverse backgrounds.

In interviews recorded at the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, south London, one of the organisations directors said diversity in recruiting was one of their biggest priorities.

The MI6 granted the BBC exclusive access to staff for a new radio series - georgeclerk/E+

Jay, the director of global intelligence reporting, said: We dont just want Oxbridge graduates: we want people with the right skills, the right sort of backgrounds to join us and not to self-censor.

I think thats the key thing. Not rule them out because theyve watched No Time to Die and have seen Daniel Craig and thought Im not sure when I look in the mirror Im quite like him  thats not what we want.

Jay added that the MI6s association with Ian Flemings James Bond caused problems when it came to hiring new people.

He told the BBC that the brand of the fictional spy was synonymous with MI6, but that it was a caricature.

James Bond has meant the organisations brand recognition is quite strong and that many people know what it is, but the trouble is it tends to attract a certain type of person.

Kwame, the organisations finance and HR director, added that looking at MI6s history, they were very mindful of the fact that hiring people who look the same and think the same tends to lead to groupthink.

So we need more people that look different, sound different [and] think differently to help us, he explained.

You dont want to burden your family

Meanwhile, another junior spy under the pseudonym Jack disclosed that the guilt of lying to his family about his profession does sometimes weigh on you, but that he would not want to put the burden of truth on them.

Obviously, they are your loved ones and you want to be as open as you can with them, he said. But it is also not going to put the burden on them because they wouldnt be able to tell their own friends and family.

So I feel like youre doing them a service as well as the office and myself because if everyone knew I was a spy it wouldnt really work for the job.

One of the directors also told the BBC that the events of the last few years  from Russia invasion of Ukraine to the October 7 attacks in Israel  meant that they dont get to read a lot of positive news in our jobs.

Its often felt like weve been in perpetual crises and we have to look after our people, our staff, so that they can respond when we need them to. And that means taking their wellbeing incredibly seriously.

The full interviews were broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday March 4, and can be heard in a special podcast, Inside MI6 with Nihal Arthanayake, on BBC Sounds.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has once again commented on his controversial statement about deploying Western troops in Ukraine, emphasising that French forces will not be deployed there for the time being.

Source: Macron in an interview with Czech portals Novinky and Pravo.cz, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Macron recalled that he mentioned sending troops in response to a question asked at a meeting with representatives from over 20 states in Paris, only to say that "nothing can be ruled out".

Quote: "This does not imply that we are considering sending French troops to Ukraine in the near future, but rather that we are beginning a discussion and considering everything that can be done to assist Ukraine, particularly on Ukrainian territory," he added.

According to the French president, the meeting participants agreed on five areas where they are willing to do more: cyber defence, joint production of military equipment in Ukraine, the security of countries directly threatened by Russia's offensive in Ukraine, particularly Moldova, the opportunity to assist Ukraine on its border with Belarus, and demining operations.

"Furthermore, I have always clearly defined our framework: we are not fighting against the Russian people and refuse to engage in the logic of escalation," Macron emphasised.

Background:

President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine in the future after a meeting in Paris last week, emphasising that there is currently no consensus among allies in this regard.

At the same time, the French president's statements provoked a negative response from allied governments, whose leaders quickly assured that no troops would be sent to Ukraine.

While most NATO countries, including major players such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed gratitude to Macron for initiating the debate.

Moscow reacted angrily to Macron's remarks, warning that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would inevitably lead to a conflict between Russia and NATO.

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MAGA influencers are turning to generative AI to fabricate photos of presidential candidate Donald Trump alongside smiling Black voters, according to a report from the BBC  yet another sign that the threat of AI-driven misinformation to America's ongoing election cycle is no longer an imminent danger, but one that's already taking root.

Two images were at the center of the BBC's investigation: the first being a picture of Trump surrounded by and hugging a group of smiling Black women, which was shared to Facebook in November 2023 by conservative radio jockey Mark Kaye, and the second an image of the former president sitting on a stoop with a group of young Black men, which appears to have been first shared to X-formerly-Twitter in October 2023 by an account called "Trump History." The latter photo has been kicking around X in the months since it was first posted, though picked up renewed steam this year when a a blue-checkmark MAGA influencer dubbed "Shaggy" posted the image with the false claim that it was snapped after Trump halted his motorcade to "take pictures with young men that waved him down."

Though each photo contains telltale signs of AI generation  mushy, strange fingers, missing appendages, and more of the like  an alarming number of social media users were seemingly duped by the AI-spun imagery.

"A beautiful photo," reads one of many positive comments on Kaye's November Facebook post  which, we'd be remiss not to note, appears to be an effort to sell a Kaye-authored Christmas book inspired by Rush Limbaugh. "God Bless you all & keep President Trump safe always!"

"Happy Black History Month!" an X user with #AmericaFirst and #Trump2024 in his bio captioned a February 24 post containing the fake "motorcade" image.

https://twitter.com/politvidchannel/status/1764604463728476215

Black Americans have historically leaned Democrat, and to that end, support from Black voters was crucial to President Joe Biden's 2020 victory over Trump. A recent Gallup survey, however, showed that Biden's support may be waning among Black and Latino adults in 2024; meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, the Trump campaign  despite Trump's known and well-documented history of racism  is specifically looking to target Black voters in 2024.

In other words, given Trump's push to win over Black voters, it's not surprising to see MAGA pundits continue to use AI as a means to chip away at the former president's racist image  without the candidate doing the work of actually going out and meeting Black voters, that is.

As Cliff Albright, the cofounder of the political organizing group Black Voters Matter, told the BBC, this wouldn't be the first time that disinformation was disseminated with the hopes of swaying Black voters.

"There have been documented attempts to target disinformation to Black communities again," said Albright, "especially younger Black voters."

On that note, neither Shaggy nor Kaye seemed thrilled to answer the BBC's questions about the AI-generated photos they shared.

"[My posts] have attracted thousands of wonderful kind-hearted Christian followers," Shaggy told the BBC, before blocking the journalist.

"I'm not claiming it's accurate," Kaye, whose show is hosted by Newsmax, or the roided-out version of Fox News which claims to offer "real news for real people." He also added that he's not "not a photojournalist," a fact he seemingly believes absolves him of any factual responsibility when sharing images.

"I'm not out there taking pictures of what's really happening. I'm a storyteller," Kaye's absurdity continued. "I'm not saying, 'Hey, look, Donald Trump was at this party with all of these African American voters. Look how much they love him!" he added, though it's difficult to imagine what else he may have been implying.

Misinformation is a reality of the modern political environment, but no publicly-available technology has been as capable of mass-producing misinformation as cheaply and readily as generative AI. Kaye certainly isn't a journalist, but like he said himself, he is a storyteller. And in this case, judging from the comments section on his post, his AI-abetted narrative-building was effective, as was Shaggy's motorcade claim  a reality that should make all of us take AI's role in the 2024 election gravely seriously.

More on AI and elections: AI Used to Resurrect Dead Dictator to Sway Election
Maines secretary of state on Monday withdrew her determination that former President Trump should be blocked from the states ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause after the Supreme Court ruled in Trumps favor.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that individual states lack authority to enforce Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment with respect to federal offices, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows wrote in a modified ruling, obtained by The Hill. Consistent with my oath and obligation to follow the law and the Constitution, and pursuant to the Anderson decision, I hereby withdraw my determination that Mr. Trumps primary petition is invalid.

As a result of the modified ruling, votes cast for Mr. Trump in the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election will be counted, Bellows continued.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled earlier Monday that only Congress has the authority to enforce the 14th Amendment to disqualify federal candidates.

Originally designed to keep ex-Confederates from returning to power, the 14th Amendment prevents individuals who took an oath to support the Constitution and then engaged in insurrection from returning to office, unless Congress votes to lift their disqualification.

It fell dormant for decades before anti-Trump voters and groups began filing dozens of lawsuits against Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

In December, Maine became the second state to block Trump from its primary ballots. Colorado was the first state to disqualify Trump, after a group of Republican and independent voters filed a lawsuit backed by the nonpartisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

The decision made Bellows, a Democrat, was the first time a state official removed a presidential candidate via the 14th Amendment  a court made the Colorado decision.

I do not reach this conclusion lightly. Democracy is sacred, Bellows said at the time.

I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment, she wrote. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.

Bellows wrote in a 34-page decision at the time that Trump was aware of the tinder laid by his multi-month effort to delegitimize a democratic election, and then chose to light a match.

She told The Hill in an interview earlier this year that her office was flooded with a stream of steady, abusive and threatening messages targeting herself, her staff and her family in the wake of her decision.

The Supreme Courts decision hands Trump a massive win on the eve of Super Tuesday, where he is expected to close in on clinching the Republican nomination. Both Colorado and Maine will hold their primaries Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tropic Haze, the popular Yuzu Nintendo Switch emulator developer, appears to have agreed to settle Nintendos lawsuit against it. Less than a week after Nintendo filed the legal action, accusing the emulators creators of piracy at a colossal scale, a joint final judgment and permanent injunction filed Tuesday says Tropic Haze has agreed to pay the Mario maker $2.4 million, along with a long list of concessions.

Nintendos lawsuit claimed Tropic Haze violated the anti-circumvention and anti-trafficking provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Without Yuzus decryption of Nintendos encryption, unauthorized copies of games could not be played on PCs or Android devices, the company wrote in its complaint. It described Yuzu as software primarily designed to circumvent technological measures.

Yuzu launched in 2018 as free, open-source software for Windows, Linux and Android. It could run countless copyrighted Switch games  including console sellers like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Wonder. Reddit threads comparing Switch emulators praised Yuzus performance compared to rivals like Ryujinx. Yuzu introduces various bugs across different titles, but it can typically handle games at higher resolutions than the Switch, often with better frame rates, so long as your hardware is powerful enough.

A screenshot from Yuzus website, showing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Tropic Haze / Nintendo)

As part of an Exhibit A attached to the proposed joint settlement, Tropic Haze agreed to a series of accommodations. In addition to paying Nintendo $2.4 million, it must permanently refrain from engaging in activities related to offering, marketing, distributing, or trafficking in Yuzu emulator or any similar software that circumvents Nintendos technical protection measures.

Tropic Haze must also delete all circumvention devices, tools and Nintendo cryptographic keys used in the emulator and turn over all circumvention devices and modified Nintendo hardware. It even has to surrender the emulators web domain (including any variants or successors) to Nintendo. (The website is still live now, perhaps waiting for the judgments final a-okay.) Not abiding by the settlements agreements could land Tropic Haze in contempt of court, including punitive, coercive and monetary actions.

Although piracy is the top motive for many emulator users, the software can double as crucial tools for video game preservation  making rapid legal surrenders like Tropic Hazes potentially problematic. Without emulators, Nintendo and other copyright holders could make games obsolete for future generations as older hardware eventually becomes more difficult to find.

Nintendos legal team is, of course, no stranger to aggressively enforcing copyrighted material. In recent years, the company went after Switch piracy websites, sued ROM-sharing website RomUniverse for $2 million and helped send hacker Gary Bowser to prison. Although it was Valves doing, Nintendos reputation indirectly got the Dolphin Wii and GameCube emulator blocked from Steam. Its safe to say the Mario maker doesnt share preservationists views on the crucial historical role emulators can play.

Despite the settlement, it appears unlikely the open-source Yuzu will disappear entirely. The emulator is still available on GitHub, where its entire codebase can be found.
The Malaysian government announced Sunday that it is pushing for a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished nearly 10 years ago while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Flight MH370 was a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew when it disappeared on March 8, 2014.

The disappearance of the aircraft ranks among the world's greatest aviation mysteries after Australia, China and Malaysia ended a fruitless $157-million search effort in January 2017.

Investigators in Malaysia have not ruled out the possibility that the commercial airline was deliberately taken off course, as debris confirmed and believed to have come from the plane has washed up on the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

RETIRED FISHERMAN CLAIMS HE FOUND PART OF MALAYSIA AIRLINES MH370 IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WATERS: REPORT

A young child watches the Malaysia Airlines planes on the tarmac hopefully for the return of the missing flight, MH370 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Tuesday, March 11, 2014.

On Sunday, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Ocean Infinity, a U.S.-based firm that explores the seabed, had been invited to discuss the latest search proposal after two previous failed efforts.

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"The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370) and the search must go on," Loke said at a remembrance event on Sunday.

The minister also said Malaysia would talk with Australia about cooperation in resuming the search once Ocean Infinitys proposal is approved by the Malaysian government.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370 PILOT SUSPECTED BY 'TOP LEVELS' OF MASS MURDER-SUICIDE, EX-AUSSIE PM SAYS

Ocean Infinity did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital on the matter.

One of the victims on the ill-fated flight was Anne Daisy, and her husband, V.P.R. Nathan, said the proposal from Ocean Infinity has a "no find, no fee" option, which he welcomed.

"We want the search to carry on, but we also have to be realistic," he said. "We cannot expect the government to spend billions [on the search]."

The flights disappearance sparked a multiyear search that resulted in a confusing and convoluted series of revelations that have yet to turn up a solid conclusion of what happened. After three years, Malaysian authorities called off the search, and subsequent search efforts have remained short-lived.

DEBRIS OFF MADAGASCAR 'MOST LIKELY' FROM MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370, REPORT SAYS

Malaysian Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke (C) looks at the Wing flap found on Pemba Island, Tanzania which has been identified a missing part of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 through unique part numbers traced to 9M-MRO during a commemoration event to mark the 5th anniversary of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 03, 2019.

A Netflix documentary released in March 2020 examined the timeline of the planes disappearance, speaking with some of the more prominent voices and players involved in the response and search for the plane.

The documentary also revived some of the more outlandish theories about what happened to the plane.

Following its disappearance, the plane emitted several "pings" that London-based satellite firm Inmarsat recorded and tracked over the immediate six hours.

The pings allowed the company to confirm that the plane backtracked over Malaysia before the final ping somewhere over the Indian Ocean. After that, the mystery deepened. Inmarsat used the data to determine the plane flew south into the Indian Ocean rather than bank north over continental Asia.

In subsequent years, Blaine Gibson, a self-described hobbyist "adventurer," found several pieces of the plane that washed up on islands around the Indian Ocean that airline authorities say were consistent with the Boeing 777. And they determined that as proof enough that the plane went down because no other plane has been reported missing in the intervening years. It's the closest to a confirmation they believe the families will get.

Just last year, a retired fisherman claimed he found a large piece of the missing plane off the coast of Australia.

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Retired Australian fisherman Kit Olver said, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald that he discovered the piece of the plane during a deep-sea fishing expedition when his trawler pulled up what appeared to be a wing.

He said he kept quiet for nine years but wanted to come forward with the information to help the families of those who were on board MH370.

Fox News Digitals Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Malaysia announces renewed push to find MH370 decade after disappearance: Search must go on
A memorial wall in Malaysia marks the 10th anniversary of the plane's disappearance - Shutterstock

Malaysias prime minister has said he would be happy to reopen the search for missing flight MH370 if compelling evidence emerged.

Ahead of the tenth anniversary of its disappearance this Friday, Anwar Ibrahim was asked about renewing the hunt for the Malaysian Airlines jet during his visit to Melbourne on Monday.

He said: I dont think its a technical issue. Its an issue affecting the lives of people and whatever needs to be done must be done.

The prime ministers comments followed confirmation by Anthony Loke, the transport minister, that US technology firm Ocean Infinity had proposed another no find, no fee search of the seabed in the southern Indian Ocean where the plane is believed to have crashed in 2014.

Mr Ibrahim, seen here in Melbourne, said he hoped the plane would be found to 'provide truth to the next-of-kin' - STEVE CHRISTO/ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2024/AFP via Getty Images

The government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370, Mr Loke told a remembrance event in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, which was attended by about 500 relatives of the victims and their supporters.

We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin.

The fate of the Boeing 777, which vanished from radar while carrying 239 people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, has become one of the worlds biggest aviation mysteries.

Satellite data revealed the plane veered from its flight path after pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah said goodbye to Malaysian air traffic controllers and moved into Vietnamese airspace without indicating anything was wrong.

The planes transponder was turned off as it appeared to turn around to fly back south towards the Indian Ocean.

Family members of passengers and crew on board the missing plane light 239 candles - Shutterstock

A $200m multinational government search led by Malaysia, China and Australia ended without success in 2017, followed by a private investigation by Texas-based Ocean Infinity in 2018 that was also fruitless.

Oliver Plunkett, Ocean Infinitys chief executive, told the New Straits Times the company had been focusing on improving its technology and robotics since 2018 to make another attempt.

We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for MH370, he told the Malaysian publication, adding that Ocean Infinity had been working with experts to try and narrow down the search area.

The Malaysian government has yet to indicate how much it would pay for a successful mission, although in 2018 a sum of up to $70m was on the table.

Mr Loke said he had invited the company to meet him to evaluate new scientific evidence.

Visitors look at the wreckage of an aircraft believed to be from flight MH370 - Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters

The Associated Press reported that family members attending the remembrance event were visibly moved by the hope of a fresh probe to find their loved ones.

Im on top of the world, said Jacquita Gomes, whose flight attendant husband was on the plane.

We have been on a roller coaster for the last 10 years If it is not found, I hope that it will continue with another search, she said.

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A man accused of breaking into a Butler County church has been formally charged after leading Preble County deputies on a pursuit last week.

>>Not going to be forgotten; Hours after discovery of Ellie Carders body, community hosts vigil

Preble County Sheriffs deputies were notified that a Madison Township church had been broken into on February 27 and a witness was following the people responsible, according to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.

The witness followed the suspects vehicle into Preble County and law enforcement found it in Camden.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled north on U.S. 127 towards Eaton. They used a tire deflation device that deflated three of the four tires.

The vehicle stopped in the 1500 block of North Barron Street and the driver fled on foot, refused to stop for deputies, but was apprehended by a sheriffs deputy K9, Sheriff Simpson said.

Medics transported the suspect to Kettering Preble ER for minor injuries.

>>Kayaker locates body of missing Troy girl Ellie Carder, no signs of trauma found

Douglas K. Vanderpool, 29, of Trotwood has been identified as the suspect.

He was formally charged in Eaton Municipal Court on two felony counts of Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal or Police Officer and a felony count of Vandalism. Vanderpool is also facing formal misdemeanor charges of Receiving Stolen Property and Resisting Arrest, Sheriff Simpson stated.

A second passenger was arrested and returned to the Butler County Sheriffs Office.

Vanderpool remains in the Preble County Jail. He is expected to face additional charges in Butler County and had an outstanding warrant in Montgomery County at the time of his arrest.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Camden and Eaton Police departments assisted in the incident.
A driver is accused of being under the influence when he fled from state troopers at more than 100 miles per hour, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The driver, a 39-year-old man from St. Petersburg, was in a white Chevrolet Camaro when a trooper clocked him speeding, according to a March 3 arrest affidavit from the FHP.

The trooper turned on their lights and sirens and started to chase the driver, then he picked up speed, the said.

The driver weaved in and out of traffic and hit a top speed of 140 mph on Interstate 275, troopers said.

The driver went off the highway and was stopped by troopers, according to highway patrol.

He took off on foot but was taken into custody shortly after, the FHP said.

The driver had a suspended or revoked license, and when troopers searched his name, they found he had been convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license nine times previously, highway patrol said.

He also had two previous charges of fleeing to elude charges, according to troopers.

Troopers said they smelled alcohol on his breath and his eyes were bloodshot and watery, according to the affidavit, and he was unable to complete a field sobriety test.

The driver was charged with fleeing to elude, driving while license suspended or revoked, misdemeanor driving under the influence and resisting arrest without violence, the FHP said.

Driver fleeing troopers at 130 mph slams into parked tractor trailer, Florida cops say

Driver fleeing 2 different crash scenes kills woman in third wreck, Florida cops say

BMW driver instigates 100-mph chase believing it would be fun, Florida sheriff says

3 people die when stolen patrol car crashes in 100-mph chase, Florida sheriff says
The Frieze contemporary art fair is a good indicator of the number of rich individuals who flock to the cities where it is held. Fair dates are ones that fashion firms should have circled on their calendars. At a past fair in London, a multi-brand fashion store organized a pop-up store in one of the most expensive areas in the British capital. Champagne was served in an impeccably decorated space, with opulent designs displayed on mannequins. There, fair attendees shared opinions on digital art and up-and-coming galleries. One of the guests, dressed in a variety of cream tones, walked in, took a quick glance and asked if they sold The Row. The clerk apologetically replied that they did not. The fan of the minimalist brand promptly walked out the door without so much as a sip of champagne. Oops.

Not including Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsens brand at a space dedicated to high fashion is a miscalculation, but it is an understandable one. Since the Olsen sisters founded the brand in 2007, The Row has been defined by an attitude that might be described as ostentatiously understated. Perhaps to offset the fame that has followed them since childhood, the Olsens created a brand without a visible logo that avoids any obvious advertising and has a limited presence on social media. This silence is complemented by prices so high that they are prohibitively expensive for aspirational customers. So, who wears The Row? The answer is people who are invisible to the common mortal, those with whom we will probably never cross paths, who do not want to experiment with their closet, and who stock up on $1,600 sweaters the way others go to Uniqlo sales.

For all this eagerness to be exclusive, its surprising that The Row debuted as one of the most searched brands last quarter in The Lyst Index rankings. According to the fashion retail platform, searches for The Row increased 93% during the last three months of 2023. Its Margaux model bag, which costs between 3,000 ($3,243) and 6,000 ($6,487), was the most coveted product during the same time period, with a year-on-year search increase of 198%. This tells us that something must be changing at The Rows New York offices, and not just because the collections  known for their reduced color palette  suddenly contain touches of carmine red.

One of The Rows latest offerings.

At the end of 2023 Mary-Kate, the current creative director, and Ashley, the CEO, granted a rare interview to the Financial Times. In it, the Olsens claim that the company is growing at around 20% to 30% each year, and that their goal is to maintain control over their brand so that it grows sustainably. They also complained about still being referred to as the girls, even though they are both 37 and have their own business.

Rare news leaks about the brand have not always been positive. In fact, the pandemic put The Row in difficult financial straits. Reportedly, half of the employees, including several design directors, were laid off in 2020. The staffing cuts came after the departure of the companys president David Schulte, who subsequently sued the sisters; today, Trish Donnelly, formerly of Calvin Klein, occupies that position. In addition, industry media reported that high production costs have forced the brands workshops to move from the United States to Italy, calling into question its Made in the USA label. On top of that, the firm has been accused of racial inequality because of the lack of diversity in its workforce.

The sisters have not spoken out directly on these issues, and they continue to lead extremely private lives. Little is known about them: Reportedly, Ashley married her partner, artist Louis Eisner, and they had a baby together in 2023. A couple of years ago, Eisner posted a photo of Ashley carrying a beer and a machete that left his Instagram followers speechless. We know that in 2020 Mary-Kate petitioned for an emergency divorce from Olivier Sarkozy, the brother of the former French president. The rest of their activities can be seen on Instagram accounts that follow their movements and often post photos of the sisters smoking on their work breaks.

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen at the premiere of 'Anna and the King' when they were little girls. Jim Smeal (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

The Olsen twins have been in the public eye since they were 9 months old, when they started on the show Full House where they played Michelle Tanner, the familys youngest daughter. Eight seasons later, the sisters were almost teenagers and child stars. Having barely come of age, they were already burnt out from show business and decided to create The Row, a tribute to Londons Savile Row, which is known for classic tailoring.

The original idea was based on designing the perfect shirt, and over the years they have maintained this process, identifying everyday garments and obsessively refining them to sell them at premium prices. According to the sisters, their garments aim to make life easier for the wearer, creating a sort of upscale, trend-conscious secular nuns uniform.

The Row sandals (1,090/$1,179 at MyTheresa).

The question is why the brand has been increasing its exposure in recent months, despite its supposed pathological shyness. Perhaps the strategy consists of projecting an aura of mystery, limited access and exclusivity, when in reality The Row has robust distribution channels. The brand has three physical stores (in New York, Los Angeles and London), its own e-commerce and a presence on almost all multi-brand websites such as Net-A-Porter, Matches Fashion, MyTheresa, SSENSE and Farfetch. The Row even organized a special sample sale in New York in October. Put simply, the Olsens are not as elusive as Phoebe Philo, even if the latter is their model.

The Rows LinkedIn account doesnt have a single news item posted and its Instagram profile shows more artwork and designer furniture than clothing, but that doesnt mean the brand doesnt participate in popular culture. Quiet luxury casts a long shadow, and perhaps after Succession rendered visible this boring style for rich people, followers of fashion have become more interested in brands like The Row. Its Margaux bag has been seen on the arms of celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Zoe Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence, which coincides with the current online popularity reported by The Lyst Index. On the other hand, Cate Blanchetts character in Tar wears a coat from The Row, which, as Bina Daigeler (who was also in charge of designs at Cristobal Balenciaga) said, practically blew the films wardrobe budget.

Kendall Jenner with The Row's Margaux bag. MEGA (GC Images)

But the Olsens success most likely has to do with the fact that the commercial is king in the fashion industry today. Many designers feel pressure from above and struggle to balance creative vision with money. But at The Row there is no such tension. Prices are reassuringly high for its customers, and its offerings dont challenge the status quo or spark new conversations. The brands devotees may go to sleep surrounded by a turbulent world, shaken by violence and geopolitical crises, but when they wake up, The Row is still there, cashmere soft and in the same old colors.

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Lyndell Mays, one of the men charged with murder in the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally mass shooting, appeared briefly in Jackson County Circuit Court Monday morning, but a scheduled hearing was postponed after his attorney was unable to attend.

Associate Judge R. Travis Willingham asked Mays if he was able to find a lawyer. After being informed that Mays had but the attorney was not able to appear at the hearing, Willingham rescheduled Mays bond hearing for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

John A. Reed with the law firm of Kelly, Reed & Jansen, entered his appearance as special assigned public defender for Mays, according to a court filing on Monday morning.

Mays is being held in Jackson County jail on a $1 million cash only bond.

Prosecutors charged Mays, 23, with one count each of second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The Raytown man also faces two counts of armed criminal action for his alleged role in the shooting.

Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Johnson County mother of two and beloved disc jockey in Kansas City, died in the shooting, and two dozen others were injured by gunfire. At least 18 others were hurt in the stampede that followed as people rushed to safety. Roughly half of those injured by gunfire were under the age of 16.

Dominic M. Miller, 18, of Kansas City also was charged with one count each of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action.

A court date for Miller, who remains hospitalized since the shooting and has not yet been booked into Jackson County jail, has not been set. His cash bond has also been set at $1 million. His attorney, however, has asked that he be released on his own recognizance or have his bond lowered.

Prospectors alleged Mays pulled his handgun first, but it was gunfire from Millers firearm that struck and killed Lopez-Galvan. Missouri laws says that a person who did not pull the trigger can still be charged when someone is killed during the commission of a dangerous felony.

Prosecutors previously charged two minors with gun-related crimes and resisting arrest in relation to the shooting. Their names have not been released.

The Jackson County Prosecutor also has charged 36-year-old Jose L. Castillo with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after he allegedly picked up a firearm that was dropped during the shooting. Castillo has been released after posting $2,500 of a $25,000 bond.
An Iredell County man is accused of stealing thousands of classified documents from a Department of Defense (DOD) contractor and manufacturer of ballistic armor, and then giving the information to a foreign competitor.

Thats according to a federal lawsuit filed in late February involving Integris Composites against a former employee.

Court records say a former vice president of sales at Integris left in September 2023 to work for Hesco Armor, but an employee at his new company caught him planning to use Integris documents to take customers away.

The former VP hasnt been officially charged yet, so Channel 9 isnt naming him.

ALSO READ: Mecklenburg County leaders approve sending used police body armor to help Ukraine

Integris claims [Defendant] Copied and removed at least 9,000 files from Integris computer systems in the two-week period preceding his resignation  including Proprietary information, [For Official Use Only] information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and export-controlled information.

According to the federal court documents, an employee at Hesco reached out to investigators and told them what was found.

[Source] disclosed for the first time that he received Integris proprietary and confidential information pertaining to customers, pricing, and business strategies from [Defendant], the lawsuit says. [Source] subsequently contacted Integris and provided Integris copies of the ill-gotten and stolen proprietary and confidential information received from [Defendant].

According to the lawsuit, the former Integris employee shared customer account information for at least 10 customers in military, law enforcement, and commercial body armor industries.

The lawsuit says the source claimed that the former VP was planning on using the information to help his job at Hesco.

[Source] further disclosed that [defendants] expressly stated intent was to disclose and use Integris stolen proprietary and confidential information in an effort to take customers away from, and to compete directly with, Integris, according to the lawsuit.

SEE MORE >> Family Dollar agrees to $41M settlement

The lawsuit says that Hesco fired the defendant once the company learned about what he was doing with Integris documents.

Right now, the case is in civil court, but according to the lawsuit, the company is bound by laws and agreements with the Department of Defense.

Integris facilities are beholden to laws, contract clauses, nondisclosure agreements, and other binding arrangements with the DOD, which govern the security of sensitive and confidential information, according to the lawsuit.

The former VP could face possible criminal penalties, depending on what documents were taken and what was done with them, according to DOD policy.

On Monday the defendant was served a copy of the lawsuit in Charlotte.

The investigation into the totality of the alleged leak is still ongoing according to Integris and the companys lawyers asked a judge to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the man, claiming the information was still at risk.

The judge denied the TRO, instead setting a hearing for the two parties to present evidence on Monday; the outcome of that hearing is not yet known.

(WATCH: Police investigating embezzlement at Hickory church)
A former Florida International University student accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and a woman in Wynwood previously had been banned from all the schools campuses, records show.

Elijah Nathan Jean-Gilles, 20, was arrested Saturday by Miami police on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation as well as battery. He bonded out of jail after a Monday morning court appearance, during which he pleaded not guilty.

A trespass warning issued in April 2023 by FIU police indicates that Jean-Gilles wasnt allowed on any university property. The flyer, which included a photo of Jean-Gilles, requested that anyone who saw him call police.

Jean-Gilles was barred from the campus after police were dispatched to the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential House, where he was being suspicious, according to an FIU police report. Its not clear what actions prompted the suspicion.

On Friday, Miami police say that the 12-year-old girl was walking from school to Bubba Tea n Smoothies, 2617 N Miami Ave. in Wynwood, when a man groped her. She told investigators that she slapped his hands away, ran to the restaurant and called her mother.

A woman, who was also groped by the same man, told police she witnessed him touching the girl. The woman flagged down a nearby officer and identified Jean-Gilles as the groper, according to police.

Anyone with information about the case should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available
Catastrophe Failure

Tesla fan and Phoenix-based lawyer Matthew Chiarello had a terrifying experience with his Cybertruck.

"Love Tesla and my Cybertruck but 'catastrophe [sic] failure' with steering and brakes while on a road trip with wife and toddler," he tweeted, sharing a picture of his truck being loaded onto a flatbed truck.

"Pretty pretty pretty not good," he added. "Oh and service center not open today."

https://twitter.com/ChiarelloERISA/status/1764357938070626653

Steer-By-Wire

While it's still unclear what exactly happened, it sounds like a serious incident that warrants an investigation. The truck, which started shipping to customers in late 2023 after years of delays, has continuously made headlines for everything from rusty body panels to disintegrating tires.

Meanwhile, users on X-formerly-Twitter were quick to point out Chiarello's seemingly undying love for the car brand, despite the danger it put him and his family in.

"I love my death trap that nearly killed me and my family," one Twitter user replied sarcastically.

Others pointed out the sky-high price of the truck and how it's the first of its kind.

"Buying prototypes for 100k might be a bit risky," one user pointed out.

"Production car," Chiarello replied.

Normie Rockwell

The Cybertruck is a notable departure from the industry median, not only in terms of appearance but features as well. The brutalist pickup uses a steer-by-wire system, which means there's no physical connection between its oddly shaped steering wheel and the wheels.

Tesla claims that "steering Cybertruck feels more responsive and requires less effort from the driver" on its website.

The system has drawn plenty of scrutiny from critics and fans alike, despite not being the first production vehicle to make use of the tech.

The Cybertruck doesn't have a mechanical backup for its steer-by-wire system, but has two redundant computer chips as well as low-voltage battery backups in case of emergencies.

There's a lot we still don't know about the latest incident. What exactly led to the catastrophic failure? Was it a manufacturing error or did human error play a role as well? And did it have anything to do with the steer-by-wire system?

We'll update this space as we hear more.

More on the Cybertruck: Auction House Flips Cybertruck for More Than Double the Price
A Georgia investor at the center of a Channel 2 Action News investigation has been arrested and charged with money laundering overseas.

Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray has confirmed through law enforcement sources that Flowery Branch resident Ed Zimbardi was arrested in the Netherlands.

Multiple US law enforcement agencies and states are now in touch with each other and Dutch officials about an investigation into Zimbardi here.

Our office actually initiated the entire investigation once we saw that theres something here and we reached out to parties throughout the entire country, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger told Gray.

Raffenspergers office said another law enforcement agency actually reached out to inform them about Zimbardis arrest because of our Channel 2 Action News reporting.

They reached out to us because they did an internet search and found your story, Noula Zaharis from the Secretary of States Securities division told Gray.

MORE STORIES FROM 2 INVESTIGATES:

In a Channel 2 Action News investigation in February, we reported on Ed Zimbardi and the big returns he promised investors.

I kept saying to people, you know, theres never a losing day, investor Derek Corrado said.

That is until investors like Corrado were told all the money was gone.

It was a facade. Every bit of it was fake smoke and mirrors at best, investor Nathan Whaley said.

Investigators are looking into whether it was an illegal scheme designed to profit Zimbardi by taking advantage of consumers not just here in Georgia, but around the country and the world.

Were looking at it from it has the appearance of probably being a Ponzi scheme, Zaharis said.

While Dutch authorities have formally charged Zimbardi, US authorities have not yet.

Georgia officials confirm they are part of a multi-state and multi-agency investigation into Zimbardi.

Bad actors, especially those that want to steal your money, are very good at what they do, Zaharis said.

RELATED NEWS:
COLUMBUS (WCMH)  A Fairfield County man has been charged with kidnapping after a 5-year-old girl was found nearly 300 miles away and across state lines.

According to the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a house fire on 7200 block of Pleasantville Road northeast of Lancaster. Upon arrival about 6 a.m. Monday, deputies learned that a 5-year-old girl was missing.

The girls father told authorities that she was last seen the night before when she went to bed. He was awakened by another adult who was in the home attempting to extinguish the fire. Three other adults, including 38-year-old John Beckman, were in the home when the girl went to bed.

Leaked document shows Columbus ShotSpotter sensor locations

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The girl was not found around or near the residence, and it was learned that she could be with an acquaintance of the family. Several agencies, including the Lancaster Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Kentucky State Police were able to locate the girl near Louisville, Kentucky, at 10:16 a.m.

The girl was found by the Kentucky State Police on Interstate 65 south, near Elizabethtown, during a traffic stop when deputies located Beckmans vehicle.

Beckman was arrested and charged with kidnapping. Prosecutors in Fairfield County requested a bond amount of $2 million. Court documents did not yet confirm a judges ruling.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man died early Sunday morning after he was taken into custody by the San Diego County Sheriffs Department in Cardiff, San Diego police said in a release.

The man was arrested by deputies from SDSOs North County Coastal Patrol Station around midnight, following a call reporting a suspicious person crawling around a parking lot in the 800 block of Birmingham Drive without a shirt or shoes, according to SDPD.

When deputies arrived, he was located and evaluated for intoxication. Deputies took him into custody without incident for being under the influence of a controlled substance, SDPD said. He was later booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

One dead after crash with parked excavator on SR-78

While he was being transported, however, SDPD says the man began to throw himself against the interior of the patrol car, causing injury to his face. They say he also moved his handcuffs to the front of his body.

Paramedics were requested by deputies, who had the man exit the car, fix his handcuffs and sit down on a bench. According to SDPD, the man stood up and resumed kicking and flailing against deputies trying to control him, prompting them to place him in a WRAP restraint device.

SDSO reportedly monitored him in the restraint device until paramedics arrived. After they arrived, SDPD said the man went unconscious and stopped breathing due to an unidentified medical emergency.

Paramedics began life-saving measures and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, medical staff pronounced him dead around 4 a.m., according to SDPD.

The man has been tentatively identified by authorities, but it has not been disclosed. He was described by law enforcement as an adult man in his 30s.

The death remains under investigation by authorities. Per the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, SDPDs Homicide Unit were called to the scene for the investigation.

When detectives complete their investigation, authorities say it will then be reviewed by the county District Attorneys Office to determine if the officers bear criminal liability for their actions. The Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) will also conduct a review of the incident.

Audit shows SDPD spent $50M on overtime last year; limits now considered

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Attorneys Office will be monitoring the probe throughout.

The mans death marks the fourth SDSO in custody fatality this year so far, according to data from the department. The law enforcement agency has drawn scrutiny in recent years for its handling of in custody deaths after a record 18 people died in county jails back in 2021.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11)  A man was shot and killed Sunday night in the rear parking lot of the NYCHA building where he lived, according to police and law enforcement sources.

Authorities found Kenneth Taveras, 33, with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest in the back of the NYCHA Polo Grounds at 2971 Eighth Ave. in Washington Heights at around 10:35 p.m., accoridng to the NYPD and sources. Taveras was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.

Sources said a group of men was seen leaving the scene in a black pickup truck. There have been no arrests.

Burglars use ladder to break into Queens home, steal jewelry and clothing worth $37K: NYPD

The investigation is ongoing.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The Floyd County Coroner says a man was found dead on railroad tracks.

On Feb. 28, the Floyd County Coroners Office responded to a report of a person found on the railroad tracks on the west side of Rome between Old Airport Road and Kirton Street.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

They got to the scene and found a man dead on the tracks.

According to the coroner, the man had injuries that indicated he may have been hit by a moving train.

Floyd County Deputy Coroner John Hamilton was contacted by a concerned person who thought the man could be related to him.

TRENDING STORIES:

After using a photo of the man and making a positive identification, the coroners office identified the man as 26-year-old Clinton Santos Vicente-Vicente.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab is finalizing the manner of Vicente-Vicentes death.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A jury within the 340th District Court in Tom Green County recently found a man guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Mugshot: Raymundo Flores 2-29-2024

Raymundo Flores was sentenced to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with no fine on March 1, 2024.

A report was made with law enforcement after a mother discovered her daughter lying with her genitals exposed, with a family member nearby in the living room in January 2020. After a forensic interview was completed with the Childrens Advocacy Center, an outcry of sexual abuse was made against Flores.

Two arrested after high-speed chase in stolen vehicle

During the jury trial, which began on February 26 with 340th District Court Judge Jay Weatherby, both the victim and the mother were called to the stand to testify as witnesses, a press release from the District Attorneys Office shared. Four witnesses were also called to testify on behalf of the defendant.

After a six-hour deliberation, the jury found Flores guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The jury then assessed the punishment, as the defendant elected.

District Attorney Allison Plamer shared thanks to the jury for their careful consideration in the case along with the law enforcement agencies and Detective Rebecca Stuart who assisted in the investigation.

We applaud the young lady who had the strength and courage to take the stand and confront her perpetrator, the office said in the release. We hope that this verdict will help her in the healing process and she can move forward from this awful period in her life.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
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

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops under the orders of Putin, and the massacre that the Palestinians have suffered for three months in Gaza at the hands of Israeli troops under the orders of Netanyahu, are the two events that are most likely to influence our lives (and especially the generation that is 18 to 40 years old). And yet the attention of a majority of citizens in European countries and in the United States is focused on domestic political problems.

Public opinions seem totally devoted to the contemplation of a political polarization that increases year after year to the point, as Ivan Krastev of the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna explained in a recent interview, that the biggest problem for democracies is that every election is starting to look like a regime change.

In an increasing number of countries, parties that have lost elections act as if they had never seen the results of the polls, says Krastev. It is happening in the United States, where Republicans block everything within their reach; in Poland, where the PIS, the ultranationalists who lost the elections a few months ago, are fighting the Tusk administration tooth and nail; and in Spain, where the conservative Popular Party (PP), just three months after the formation of a leftist government by Pedro Sanchez, is already demanding his resignation. That attitude of you may have a majority, but that doesnt mean we are going to let you govern is becoming the new reality in European politics, warns the Bulgarian analyst.

All of these internal problems are serious, but they are acting as a smokescreen that prevents citizens from paying the necessary attention to the two international problems that can really radically change their lives: Ukraine and Gaza. In both places, international law is at stake and that of two peoples to organize freely, as they are crushed by other states that do not even recognize them as such. The Russian government believes that Ukraine is part of its empire, and the government of Israel believes that Palestinians do not have the same human rights as Jews and that the latter can be expelled from their land. The defeat of the Ukrainians and the Palestinians would destabilize the institutional framework created after World War II, and ignoring it would place Europe (and very likely Asia) in the most dangerous possible scenario. Overwhelmingly, the same people who believe Russia will win the war also believe there will be no European Union within 20 years, Krastev explains.

Helping Ukrainians defend themselves is as urgent as any domestic political problem. In the case of the Palestinians, it is not about defending themselves, something that is not within their reach against the merciless Israeli army, but about preventing them from being crushed by an apartheid regime that Israel has been building before the distracted eyes of Europe and that, if consolidated, will destroy the reason for being of the European Union itself towards the world. Today it is urgent to ensure that the definition of antisemitism does not include criticism of the policies of the State of Israel (something that Josep Borrell rightly demands), but rather remains founded on the concept that antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish), as stated in the Jerusalem Declaration on Anti-Semitism, signed in 2020 by 200 specialists. Antisemitism is denying the right of Jews in the State of Israel to exist and flourish, collectively and individually, as Jews, in accordance with the principle of equality, explains that text, where the concept of equality is fundamental.

Compassion seems to be the sentiment with which Europeans view Ukraine and Palestine. But compassion, as Susan Sontag wrote, is an unstable emotion and needs to be translated into action or else it withers. It is not easy to be optimistic about the ability of Europeans to act in the face of their two greatest and very real threats. The important thing, again, is to know what historians have demonstrated time and time again: that nothing is preordained.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A 56-year-old man arrested last week on a warrant has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter in connection with a deadly crash that occurred in 2022.

Albert Lester Phillips III pleaded not guilty on Friday and is due back in court later this month for a preliminary hearing.

Will you be able to see the solar eclipse from Kern County?

The charge stems from the Aug. 1, 2022, crash on White Lane that killed Vicki Arlene Doty, 55, prosecutors say.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
A man guilty of stabbing an Ohio police officer in 2022 has been sentenced to seven years in prison, according to our CBS affiliate in Cleveland, WOIO-19 TV.

Cameron Howard, 28, stabbed Orange Village Police Sergeant Mike Debalijak 10 times with a 9-inch knife.

>> 4 hurt, 1 flown to hospital after 15-year-old turns in front of Logan County Sheriffs cruiser

He was struck in his head, face, neck, upper cheek, and left hand. Debalijak also sustained a fractured skull.

On Jan. 30, Howard was found guilty of two counts of felonious assault on a police officer, one count of attempted murder, and one count of attempted aggravated murder in a Cuyahoga County Court, WOIO-19 reported.

The attack happened on March 30, 2022, at the Extended Stay American Hotel in the 3800 block of Orange Pl.

He was initially called on reports of an unwanted guest who was being disrespectful to hotel staff, WOIO-19 reported.

When Debalijak arrived, Howard attacked him without warning or provocation.

Debalijak tased Howard and was able to take him into custody, despite his injuries, WOIO-19 reported.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A man was taken to the hospital after he was struck by gunfire late Sunday night on Dauphin Street, according to the Mobile Police Department.

1 dead, Mobile woman arrested in Sunday homicide: MPD

An MPD news release said officers were called to the area of Dauphin Street and Conception Street around 11:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of a shooting.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

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When officers arrived, they found that a man had been standing on the sidewalk when he was struck by gunfire.

The man was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Mobile police identify homicide victim

The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly sexually abused a man who was sleeping on the subway in Manhattan on Saturday, according to the NYPD.

The victim, 25, was asleep on a northbound No. 6 train as it entered the Astor Place station around 2 a.m. Police said the man woke up to the suspects hand inside of his pants.

Man beaten, robbed after being lured onto date: police

Police said the victim was not physically injured.

The NYPD on Sunday released a photo of the suspect. Police described him as a man with a heavy build. He was last seen wearing dark-colored baseball cap, green shirt, tan pants, and tan boots.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
In March 2022, the city of Tishomingo suffered a horrific tragedy when a gravel truck traveling at high speed collided with a small sedan at the intersection of State Highway 22 and U.S. 377. This juncture features an obsolete design that merges high speed traffic at a triangle with poor visibility. Tragically, six young women  all high school students  were killed. In such a small community, there is no escape from the devastation of this loss.

Grieving families need closure, and closure requires answers from the public officials who chose to ignore this dangerous intersection for far too long. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is trying to avoid responsibility and has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the victims families. We believe it is essential for this case to move forward. Our research shows that instead of making essential safety upgrades in Tishomingo, ODOT chose to spend millions on unnecessary projects that mainly benefit private interests.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office has recorded at least 10 separate serious crashes at the Tishomingo intersection over the span of a decade. In Johnston County (home of Tishomingo), the rate of fatal crashes has been twice as high as the state average for at least five years. Overall, rural highways account for nearly 60% of all fatalities and serious injury crashes in Oklahoma.

Instead of allocating funds to repair deadly intersections in rural areas like Tishomingo, however, ODOT spent millions subsidizing the Oklahoma Turnpike Authoritys construction of the Gilcrease toll road in Tulsa. This co-mingling of funds was lauded as a public-private partnership, but this self-congratulatory rhetoric masks an important question. Why? Why was ODOT using state and federal tax dollars to build an unnecessary 5-mile toll road instead of prioritizing essential safety improvements in rural areas of the state?

More: How Oklahoma has turned around and fixed crumbling roads and bridges in the state

According to the turnpike authoritys own traffic study, the Gilcrease Turnpike was predicted to save just one to three minutes of travel time over existing routes  hardly sufficient to justify $250 million in construction costs.

A credit rating analyst agreed, describing the project as having limited essentiality. The Gilcrease Turnpike is popular, however, with the Tulsa and state Chambers of Commerce and other private entities who stand to benefit from residential and commercial real estate development along the new road.

With this precedent in mind, we invite all Oklahomans to question the wisdom of the proposed ACCESS Oklahoma toll road expansion plans announced in 2022. ODOT and OTA are now planning to borrow at least $7 billion to build new urban loops around Cleveland County instead of undertaking long overdue repairs and improvements to the states rural roadways. There is no independent oversight to prevent this kind of spending.

More: Turnpike's land seizure, other eminent domain acts could mean end of private property: Landowner

Unless some measure of accountability can be established in the Transportation Department, all Oklahomans will be forced to endure more burdensome debt, more unnecessary construction and more tragic deaths on neglected rural roads.

Derek Burch

Katherine Hirschfeld

Richard Labarthe

Derek Burch is an Oklahoma City attorney and is representing the families of the Tishomingo crash victims. Katherine Hirschfeld is a professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma and a board member with the grassroots movement Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation. Richard Labarthe was one of the attorneys for the Open Meetings case against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma spends millions on turnpikes, but ignores deadly intersection
POWELL, Ohio (WCMH)  A breakfast and brunch spot featured on the Food Network for its biscuits and gravy has opened a third central Ohio location.

Maple Street Biscuit Co. at 9711 Sawmill Parkway in Powell is now welcoming guests after opening on Feb. 26. The new eatery marks the brands third central Ohio location after the first opened near Polaris Fashion Place at 1310 Polaris Pkwy. in January last year and the second in Worthington at 7105 N. High St. last summer.

Japanese doughnut bakery Mochi Ring to open first Ohio shop in Columbus

An overwhelming number of guests have been asking us to open a store in their Columbus communities for years, said Jay Quart, Vice President of Brand and Culinary Strategy at Maple Street, when the Worthington location was announced. Columbus has been so welcoming to Maple Street, and itll be an honor to grow our ability to serve more breakfast, brunch and lunch to our newest friends and neighbors.

(Courtesy Photo/Maple Street Biscuit Co.)

(Courtesy Photo/Maple Street Biscuit Co.)

The Nashville-based brand serves comfort food with a modern twist, like the Food Network-featured Squawking Goat biscuit sandwich with battered chicken strips, goat cheese and pepper jelly.

Favorites on the menu include the Extreme B&G with a maple sausage meatball, two biscuits, and two eggs covered in sausage or shiitake gravy, along with the Bam! Yo-Yo asiago-bacon waffle with chicken strips and maple syrup.

The Powell location is joining the brands more than 60 locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Guy Fieris inaugural Flavortown Festival in Columbus has been canceled

Were so grateful to our guests in Columbus for giving us this opportunity to live out our mission to help people, serve others, and be a part of the community and look forward to continuing to do so in more communities in the area, said Quart.

Maple Streets Powell restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Gen. Eric Smith is taking steps to return to full duty as commandant of the Marine Corps, about four months after being sidelined due to a heart attack, according to defense officials.

Smith quietly returned to the Pentagon on one occasion a few weeks ago, and was again in the building for a few hours on Friday.

Officials said he has been listening in on meetings in recent weeks and getting updates in order to be prepared when he eventually returns to full duty as commandant.

They said that return could happen in the coming weeks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss plans not yet made public.

On Oct. 29, 2023, Smith suffered cardiac arrest near his home at Marine Barracks Washington and was hospitalized. He underwent successful surgery in early January to repair a bicuspid aortic valve in his heart, which was the cause of his cardiac arrest.

New in 2024: Eric Smith plans a return to the job of top Marine leader

At that time, the Marine Corps said he will return to full duty status as Commandant.

The assistant commandant, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, has been serving as the acting head of the Marine Corps since Smiths hospitalization. He will continue to do so until Smith returns to full duty, which officials said will be done after consultation with medical doctors.

Smith was confirmed as the new commandant on Sept. 21, 2023.

His heart attack came just two days after hed talked publicly about the stress of having to do the Marine Corps top two high-level jobs for the service  commandant and assistant commandant  for several months because Mahoneys nomination for the No. 2 job had been held up by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

Tuberville had blocked hundreds of military promotions and nominations for months due to his opposition to Pentagon policy paying for troops travel for abortions and other reproductive care. Under pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle, Tuberville ended his holds in December 2023, allowing the Senate to confirm more than 435 nominations.
A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge said his court does not have jurisdiction over claims made in a Marion County lawsuit against the Oregon State Hospital and Oregon Health Authority, although he said he would allow the county to file an amended complaint.

Marion Countys lawsuit, filed in September, claims the state entities failed to fund, build and staff enough beds for individuals who need inpatient behavioral health restoration services. The county claims that, under state statute, it is OHAs job to manage state hospital campuses and the hospital to maintain custody of committed individuals until they no longer require a hospital level of care.

In January oral arguments, the county said it was seeking a declaration from the judge on the state hospital and OHAs compliance with state statutes as well as financial relief for the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on community restoration due to the states failures.

But, it is not the purpose of the circuit court to declare noncompliance with state statutes, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Henry Kantor said in his Feb. 21 order.

A Multnomah County judge said Marion County must amend its lawsuit against the state hospital and the Oregon Health Authority.

Kantor said the countys claims lack standing under the Declaratory Judgement Act (DJA), which allows courts to provide early guidance on the rights of involved parties and obligations of the court.

The County asserts that it is interested in the defendants compliance with these statutes because it is affected by noncompliance, Kantor said in his order. Being interested in the defendants compliance with the statutes and being damaged by alleged noncompliance does not satisfy the DJAs requirement that the County be affected by these statutes themselves. The statutes do not affect the Countys rights, legal status or relations.

Kantor also said the court cannot rule for the county to receive financial relief because the power to allocate the Oregon Health Authority budget lies with the governor and state Legislature.

If the county fails to file an amended complaint within 30 days, the lawsuit would be dismissed.

Jane Vetto, the countys lawyer, said Marion County intends to file an amended complaint this week.

Year of disputes between Marion County, Oregon State Hospital

Marion County filed its initial lawsuit the day after a federal judge invoked the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, forcing the county to accept patients from the state hospital who had stayed beyond limits set by the judge.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman in September 2022 set strict limits on how long aid and assist patients, those unable to aid in their defense due to a behavioral health condition, can stay at the state hospital before returning to the county in which they were charged.

Marion County has been one of multiple counties and organizations that have pushed back on the federal order, claiming there are not enough community-based resources to treat defendants who need secure, intensive care once released.

Marion and other counties appealed Mosmans order, which was denied by the judge.

In July 2023, Mosman amended his order to allow counties to request longer stays for patients who needed more treatment before being able to aid in their defense.

After the amendment, Marion County held hearings resulting in orders prohibiting the release of defendants from the state hospital, which led Mosman to invoke the supremacy clause, saying his federal orders took precedence over state orders.

The countys resulting lawsuit contends community restoration programs that provide behavioral health treatment to defendants still unable to aid in their defense were not designed to provide care to individuals in need of a hospital level of care.

Sydney Wyatt covers healthcare inequities in the Mid-Willamette Valley for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions, and tips to her at SWyatt@gannett.com, (503) 399-6613, or on Twitter @sydney_elise44

The Statesman Journals coverage of health care inequities is funded in part by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which seeks to strengthen the cultural, social, educational, and spiritual base of the Pacific Northwest through capacity-building investments in the nonprofit sector.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Marion County must amend Oregon State Hospital suit, judge says
(Bloomberg) -- Mark Cuban urged President Joe Biden to go further to rein in prescription drug costs, a key element of his reelection pitch, as he backed the incumbent ahead of a likely November rematch against Donald Trump.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The billionaire entrepreneur and minority owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks visited the White House on Monday in his role as co-founder of the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. for a roundtable on drug prices.

The company sells prescription drugs at prices based on the acquisition cost plus transparent mark-ups and fees, a model in contrast to the complex formulas and rebates for drug prices that sometimes lead to high costs.

Cuban told Bloomberg News he cast a ballot for Nikki Haley in the Texas GOP primary but would back Biden over the former president.

Biden, though, needed to do more to loosen the grip of pharmacy benefit managers, Cuban said. Just stop doing business with them, he said, adding that if the administration stopped working with PBMs the whole industry changes in 10 seconds.

Cubans company is taking aim at a byzantine supply chain that has long drawn criticism from pharmacies, employers, patients and policymakers. PBMs, as they are known, say they reduce costs by negotiating discounts and rebates on the prices drugmakers set, but critics accuse them of failing to pass on those savings. The industry is dominated by three companies that process about 80% of prescription claims, units of CVS Health Corp., Cigna Group, and UnitedHealth Group Inc.

The arrangements impacting who pays what for medicines have come under scrutiny, with Congress weighing transparency rules and other reforms.

Biden has regularly touted his efforts to curb drug prices on the campaign trail, part of a broader effort to keep costs down for American households, with polls showing voters give him poor marks for his handling of the economy, in particular over rising prices.

Cuban said Bidens reforms to allow Medicare to negotiate the prices of some drugs was a good start and that for Medicare patients, theyve been off-the-charts amazing, perfect.

But everything else, he continued, ending his sentence with a shrug. Right?

While Mr. Cubans comments were unfortunate and not an accurate representation of our industry, we respect his efforts to introduce new ways to drive prescription drug affordability for patients, a mission we share, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents PBMs, said in a statement. We are glad that Cost Plus has been able to partner with multiple PBMs to advance that work.

Backing Biden

Cuban also downplayed concerns about Bidens age.

If they were having his last wake, and it was him versus Trump, and he was being given last rites, I would still vote for Joe Biden, Cuban said. He called his vote for Haley in Texas, one of 15 GOP states voting on Super Tuesday, a protest vote against Trump.

The White House session on drug costs was led by a pair of senior Biden aides, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard and Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden.

The cost of healthcare is unacceptably high for too many Americans and President Biden has been fighting to bring down health care costs, Brainard said.

Cuban urged government health programs including Medicare and Medicaid to stop working with the largest PBMs.

The biggest three PBMs will make you think theyre so big that if you dont work with them, everything will collapse, Cuban said at the event. They are everything that is wrong with this industry.

--With assistance from John Tozzi.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Police in King City, Calif., are searching for three men they say opened fire at a California house party, killing four and wounding at least three others.

The King City Police Department said officers responded to reports of shots fired around 6 p.m. Sunday and discovered three men with gunshot wounds in front of a residence. All three were pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman with gunshot wounds was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead, police said in a statement.

Three others with gunshot wounds were taken to a local hospital, authorities added.

Authorities said their investigation determined that a party was taking place at the home when a silver Kia pulled up and three men got out. The men fired multiple rounds at the partygoers in the front yard before fleeing, police said.

The suspects were wearing dark-colored clothing and dark-colored masks over their heads and have not been identified or located, police said late Sunday night.

King City is in Californias southern Salinas Valley along the states central coast.

The suspects are considered armed and dangerous, and residents were advised to call 911 and not contact them directly should they see them or the vehicle, police noted. Those with additional information were asked to contact King City Police Department Sergeant Josh Partida at 831-386-5988 or jpartida@kingcity.com, or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Police did not release the victims names or any other information about the suspects.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The capital of the United States has always been hostile territory for Donald Trump. Joe Biden won the 2020 election against the then president with 92% of the vote. In general, the District of Columbia is markedly blue, the color of Democrats. The Republican Party held its presidential primaries on Sunday in a single voting center, a room at the Madison Hotel, in downtown Washington, D.C. With low turnout, Nikki Haley scored her first  and perhaps last  victory against Trump. Its more of a symbolic victory, but it gives her a boost ahead of Super Tuesday.

In a city of nearly 700,000 residents, there are just 23,000 registered Republican voters. Although voting by mail is not allowed, turnout at the Madison Hotel on Sunday was low. Only a few dozen voters were filling out their ballots in the afternoon. At the door, a woman was handing out leaflets in support of David Stuckenberg, a businessman and former military pilot whos a virtual unknown in the presidential race. Another woman, dressed in a red tracksuit and a Trump cap, was sitting in a folding chair looking at her cell phone. At a table inside, two volunteers from Nikki Haleys campaign were handing out stickers (or, at least, they had stickers to hand out, but little demand).

The District of Columbia primaries only award 19 delegates for the Republican National Convention. On Saturday, Trump won 122 (all those at stake) in the Idaho, Missouri and Michigan caucuses, and on Super Tuesday, there are 874 Republican delegates in 15 states up for grabs. For this reason, the capitals primaries usually garners little interest. Voter intention polls arent even carried out.

Even so, the District of Columbia is probably the constituency where the most delegates are awarded in proportion to Republican members, since the distribution takes into account the population. In New Hampshire, for example, Trump needed 176,000 votes to win 12 delegates. In Washington, a few thousand are enough to win 19. The Republican primaries in the capital are closed, so only the 23,000 registered Republicans can vote. Furthermore, turnout is usually very low. In 2020, only 1,559 people voted; in 2016, that figure was 2,839; in 2020, it was around 5,300, and in 2008, about 6,200. Obviously, the District of Columbia does not set trends.

The capitals voting began on Friday and that same day, in another room of the same hotel, Nikki Haley gave a rally. On Sunday, however, the candidates didnt even stay in town to wait for the results. Nikki Haley chose to campaign in the states that are voting on Tuesday, while Trump chose to rest after his rallies on Saturday, which were filled with numerous lapses, errors and disjointed statements. Once again, Trump mistakenly called Barack Obama the president, instead of his successor, Joe Biden.

Voting center for the 2024 Republican primary in Washington, DC, at the Madison Hotel. Miguel Jimenez Cabeza

Under Republican Party rules, the candidate who obtains more than 50% of the votes in the District of Columbia primaries is awarded 19 delegates. If no candidate obtains more than 50% of the vote, the delegates are allocated proportionally among the candidates who exceed the 15% threshold. But with only two candidates in the race, there was no real possibility that the delegates would be proportionally awarded. A handful of votes were, however, cast for candidates who withdrew from the race, but were still on the ballot, such as Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Trump won the District of Columbia primary during his 2020 re-election bid, when he faced no other contender. But at the vote four years earlier, he came in third place, behind Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Ohio governor John Kasich. He only obtained 13.8% of the votes and was awarded no delegates. The District of Columbia was one of three primaries Rubio won in his failed 2016 bid for the White House. Mitt Romney and John McCain won the citys primaries in 2012 and 2008, respectively, before securing the Republican Party nomination.

There is little love for Trump in the capital. The former president criticizes the city at every opportunity, a sport practiced by many other U.S. politicians as well. The Trump campaign issued a statement shortly after Haleys victory, sarcastically congratulating her for being named Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo. Republicans call Washington the swamp to insinuate that it is filled with corruption, taking advantage of the fact that it is partly built on an actual swamp.

Haleys campaign turned the argument around: Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement, pointing out that Haley is the first woman to win a Republican primary in history.

The race for the Republican nomination will make another minor stop before Super Tuesday. On Monday, North Dakota will hold caucuses. A total of 29 delegates are up for grabs, and Trump is expected to take them on. The following day is Super Tuesday, where according to all polls, Trump is set to show that his lead over Haley is insurmountable, despite her win in the District of Columbia.

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March 4 (UPI) -- Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira on Monday changed his plea to guilty on charges of leaking top secret Pentagon documents and agreed to a prison sentence of up to 16 years.

According to a plea agreement filed by prosecutors in U.S. District Court in Boston, Teixeira, 22, pleaded guilty to six counts of retention and transmission of national defense information and unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or materials.

He has agreed to a sentence of between 132 months and 200 months for each count, as well as a fine of $50,000 and 36 months of supervised release, the deal states.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy indicated he intends to ask District Court Magistrate Judge David Hennessy that Teixeira be sentenced to the upper end of 16 years, citing aggravating factors such as the fact the leaks involved top secret information and because Teixeira "abused a position of trust."

Another aggravating factor, prosecutors said, is that Teixeira "willfully obstructed or impeded" the investigation into the leaks.

Teixeira, who was 21 at the time of his arrest, originally pleaded not guilty last year to all six counts. Prosecutors said he was motivated by seeking to impress his friends with his access to top secret documents.

Authorities said once he had obtained the documents from his classified workstation at the Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, Mass., he transcribed and transmitted the information in written paragraphs on the Discord social media platform.

The airman also was accused of posting images of classified documents bearing "top secret" classification markings, indicating they contained "highly classified United States government information."

At least one of the top secret documents allegedly was found in digital form in a particular account associated with Teixeira, prosecutors said.
Reunited with Buck Cleven, Bucky Egan and other men from the 100th Bomb Group, including Crank Cruikshank, Frank Murphy, Hambone Hamilton and Benny DeMarco, face the struggle of survival in the Stalag Luft III POW camp. Their German captors, called goons by the prisoners, fed them little more than cabbage water and moldy rye bread. For protein, POWs relied on canned meat in Red Cross packagesor whatever they could catch in the Stalag, as DeMarco was shocked to learn.

Despite having luxuries like record players, a library, and even a theater, life in a Stalag for American POWs was tough (Apple TV+)

Maintaining military order and discipline, American POWs organized under their ranking officers. Egan and Cleven led efforts to gather intelligence and disseminate it throughout the camp via makeshift radios and secret notes. Although they are depicted as being led by Lt. Col. Albert "Bub" Clark in the show, Donald Miller's Masters of the Air book notes that the Americans in the West Compound of Stalag Luft III were under the command of Col. Darr "Pappy" Alkire, the first commander of the 100th Bomb Group in the United States before the unit left for England. He was shot down on his 19th mission in January 1944.

Crosby's position as Group Navigator largely kept him from flying missions (Apple TV+)

Back at Thorpe Abbotts, heavy casualties in the skies over Europe mean a constant stream of replacement aircrews arriving at the base. Harry Crosby later recalled one pilot who arrived in the afternoon, was assigned to a barracks, flew his first mission the next morning before he'd unpacked his bags, and was shot down; he became known as "The Man Who Came to Dinner." These new arrivals relied on experienced leaders like Rosie Rosenthal to show them the ropes and give them a chance of making it to 25 missions. Still, there was a way to go home alive without completing a tour of duty.

Quinn and Bailey return to Thorpe Abbotts after evading capture (Apple TV+)

After evading capture and returning safely to England, Sergeants Williams Quinn and Chas Bailey are given a ticket home to prevent any compromise of the European resistance members who helped them. Notably, future aviation legend Chuck Yeager escaped back to England after being shot down and raised hell all the way up the chain of command to Gen. Eisenhower who eventually allowed the West Virginian to fly combat missions again.

Rosie watches as the 100th returns on Black Monday (Apple TV+)

On March 6, 1944, the Eighth Air Force launched its 250th combat mission and first maximum-effort daylight raid on Berlin. A reinforced Luftwaffe, defending their capital city, showed the bombers no mercy. The Bloody Hundredth lost 150 men, over half of its fighting force. As Rosie would later learn, Black Monday represented a change in strategy by the Eighth's new commander, Maj. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle; achieve air superiority by luring the Luftwaffe into the sky with bombers and shooting them down. This made Doolittle extremely unpopular with bomber groups like the 100th, a sentiment that was worsened when he extended their tours of duty from 25 to 30 missions; Doolittle reasoned that it was wasteful to send experienced airmen home after they reached their peak efficiency.

To cope with the rising casualties and plummeting morale, airmen turned to drinking, fighting and sex. In his book, A Wing and a Prayer, Crosby recounts the close relationship he had with a British officer named Landra Wingate (depicted as Sandra Westgate in the Masters of the Air show). In the book, Miller writes that Crosby toured London after the Schweinfurt mission with an Iowa girl named Dot whom he had been in love with before he met his wife, Jean. The English capital was a popular destination for men to blow off steam on pass. Women of the night would even feel the uniforms of their potential clients to determine how much to charge; American uniforms were made of nicer material than their British counterparts, and the uniforms of better paid officers were nicer still.

Lt. Col. Clark and his senior leaders, including Bucky and Buck, are cautioned against further escape attempts to prevent the SS from taking over the Stalag from the Luftwaffe (Apple TV+)

In the Stalag, Bucky works the secret underground of the camp to acquire parts for Buck to assemble a crystal radio. Buck also receives a letter from Marge who agrees to marry him; conversely, Bucky comes to the difficult realization that he won't be receiving letters like his friend. Regardless, the two men work together to build Buck's radio while debating the pros and cons of an escape attempt and the chances of survival. Following the "Great Escape" by the British and Commonwealth airmen in the North Compound of Stalag Luft III, Buck and Bucky brace themselves for further challenges in captivity.

The P-51 Mustang, a little friend to the big bombers, changed the air war in Europe (U.S. Air Force)

Two days after Black Monday, the 100th flies a second mission to Berlin. In reality, Col. Chick Harding was rushed to the hospital on March 6, 1944 for a severe case of gallstones which he had been ignoring. Lt. Col. John Bennett, who previously commanded the 349th Squadron and had just been promoted to Air Exec by Harding on March 5, 1944, was thrown into command of the 100th and led the group on Black Monday; he did so again on the return mission on March 8, 1944. Luckily for Rosie and his crew, on their 25th mission, P-51 fighters had the range and performance to escort the bombers all the way to Berlin, intercept the German fighters, and return to England.

Rosie returns from his 25th mission (Apple TV+)

Exempt from the increase in tour requirements, Rosie and his crew are treated to a celebration and have their tickets home. However, feeling that his work in Europe is incomplete, Rosie decides to stay and takes command of the 350th Squadron. In reality, he didn't take command until May 1944. As they continue to fly bait missions in preparation for D-Day, the 100th will rely on the leadership, experience, and knowledge of men like Rosie and Crosby to get through.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has selected Matt Rice to be the state's next solicitor general.

The solicitor general is the state's chief appellate attorney. Rice will manage all litigation in state and federal appeals courts and oversee all published opinions by the attorney general.

Rice joined the office of the solicitor general in June 2022, most recently working as special assistant to the solicitor general.

Solicitor General Matt Rice is a brilliant attorney and exceptional writer with a renowned work ethic and a remarkable record of success. Matt learned from some of the top legal minds in the country and has been a consistently excellent contributor since he joined the office, Skrmetti said in a news release.

Tennessee Supreme Court building in Nashville.

Rice is replacing Andree Blumstein, who is returning to private practice after 10 years as solicitor general, according to the news release. Blumstein was the state's first female solicitor general. Skrmetti recognized Blumstein for successfully defending the state's Education Savings Account program. The program provides taxpayer-funded vouchers to offset private schooling costs for students zoned for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Hamilton County Schools and the state's Achievement School district.

"[Blumstein's] commitment to quality has consistently elevated the Offices legal practice and improved the work product of each and every one of our attorneys. She is the consummate professional and the State of Tennessee has benefited greatly from her service," part of Skrmetti's statement reads.

Rice is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. His legal experience includes a clerkship for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and as associate attorney at Washington litigation firm Williams & Connolly.

Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at emealins@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EvanMealins.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee attorney general names Matt Rice next solicitor general
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday endorsed U.S. Rep. Danny Davis over city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and three other candidates in the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.

The endorsement from Johnson, like Davis a West Side resident, came three days after Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other top Democrats staged a show of support for Davis. It also marks a break for the mayor from his core political base, the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, which last month backed Conyears-Ervin.

Calling Davis my neighbor and my friend, Johnson in a statement said the 14-term congressman is a dedicated leader who consistently fights for the interests of our community, always has and always will.

From securing critical funding for infrastructure projects to championing legislation that supports working families, Congressman Davis has been an effective voice for our city and our district, Johnson said in the statement, which was issued by the Davis campaign.

Davis, whos been in Congress since 1997, backed Johnson last year in the mayoral runoff over former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas, as did Conyears-Ervin and her husband, Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th.

In a statement, Davis thanked Johnson for his endorsement and his dedication to the betterment of our city.

A spokesperson for Johnsons political operation did not respond immediately Monday to a question about whether allegations of ethical misconduct leveled at Conyears-Ervin, the mayors City Hall colleague, factored into his decision to endorse Davis.

In November, the citys Board of Ethics found probable cause that Conyears-Ervin violated the ethics code in firing two employees whod spoken out about allegations including that the treasurer used public workers to plan her daughters birthday party and attempted to force BMO Harris to issue a mortgage tied to the building that houses her husbands aldermanic office.

Conyears-Ervin has dismissed the allegations as four-year-old complaints that misrepresent me.

Aside from Conyears-Ervin, Davis also is a facing a challenge from third-time opponent Kina Collins, whom he defeated by 6 points in 2022, in the March 19 primary.

Also on the Democratic primary ballot in the 7th District race are Nikhil Bhatia and Kouri Marshall, both of Chicago.

The lone candidate on the Republican ballot is perennial candidate Chad Koppie, who resides outside the district in far northwest suburban Gilberts.

The 7th District centers on the West Side but stretches from the lakefront to western suburbs past the Tri-State Tollway, and from Chicagos Old Town neighborhood on the North Side to West Englewood on the South Side.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The meeting between Memphis Mayor Paul Young and local gang members was orchestrated with the help of a nonprofit, HEAL 901.

Durell Cowans HEAL 901 nonprofit was instrumental in making the meeting happen at the request of the mayor.

Cowan, the executive director, says, We cant have conversations about how to help individuals without including them in a conversation.

City leaders talk new crime initiatives at town hall meeting

He says the two-hour meeting included over 15 gang members.

Doing violence intervention and prevention work, its easy to be in contact with these individuals and what we found out is that they were not hesitant in meeting with the mayor. And once again, this was not something that was in negotiation, Cowan said. It was hey, we got to do something about crime. I need a seven-day ceasefire. What would it take to bring to your community to prevent these things from happening?

Cowan says the gangs want solutions too.

It is different gangs, but due to the fact that me as well as my brother Delvin Lane from 901 Block Squad, we communicated on who we are bringing to ensure that there is no true rivals in the space to where they can be able to have that conversation safely and free. Thats important, Cowan said. These people are humans and dont think that they want to be out here. Sometimes the things that you see are a cry for help. See when we talk about mental health and things of that nature, typically theres not a conversation until we see a situation has happened. We got to get in front of these things. We have to and the only way you are going to do that is by hearing from them directly.

Its the kind of work that Heal 901 was founded on in 2018 offering training, resources, and mental health services to those in need.

Mayor Paul Young holds community meeting in Whitehaven

They want mentorship, they want prosperity. The guys that are committing these crimes for funds, are not doing it just for fun its for funds, Cowan said.

He says the seven-day truce that the Mayor called did happen. However, we didnt see a total cease on crime because every gang is not at the table yet.

But we have to be clear on this, Cowan said. Youre talking about the city of Memphis, which has over 40 different gangs and gang fractions. So having 15 individuals and some of those from the same organizations in the space is not going to lead to the immediate city-wide seven-day ceasefire. Its a start.

Cowan, who is also co-chair of the citys Public Safety Task Force, says its going to take everyone offering alternatives to young people.

Were consistently working, he said. Were working aggressively. But we still need more. We need more volunteers. We need more help. We need more support.

Cowan says another meeting has already been scheduled with the hopes of bringing even more gang members to the table.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Michael Lincoln-McCreight (second from the left) has been advocating for Florida's recognition of supportive decison-making for more than four years. Photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024, by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

The Florida Senate unanimously approved a bill that would carve a legal path for people to make their own decisions as an alternative to being placed into a guardianship.

The bill (HB 73), now heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis desk, codifies supportive decision-making into Florida statutes. This would allow a person with a disability to keep their autonomy to have a final say over what happens in their life while allowing supporters to obtain information on the persons behalf and communicate their wishes.

I hope that this bill will stop people from being placed in necessarily restrictive guardianships. Thats not to say that there arent students that absolutely need a guardian, but not everybody that has a disability in Florida wants or needs that level of support, said Olivia Babis Keller, a senior public policy analyst at Disability Rights Florida, in a phone interview with Florida Phoenix.

This session, the bill received unanimous support in both chambers of the Legislature, but it has been a four-year-long effort for North Florida Democratic Rep. Allison Tant. She took up the issue because her son has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition with symptoms including developmental delays.

Its wonderful. I mean, its overdue, but, at the same time, it took this long to get it right, Tant told the Phoenix.

She continued: This allows the court to understand and to count supportive decision-making teams as legitimate decision-makers on behalf of someone else. Its not unlike a power of attorney, but it does not allow the power of attorney to make the decision unilaterally for the individual, and that is a very good thing. Just like a power of attorney now helps people execute life decisions. Its going to be very similar to that, and I think its a really good necessary step to make sure that people can get what they need. 

Eighteen states and D.C. have enacted laws recognizing supportive decision-making agreements, according to the Center for Public Representation, a national legal advocacy center for people with disabilities.

Another aspect of the bill Keller highlighted is that it would require schools to inform parents of students with liabilities about supportive decision-making before they turn 18. This way, parents could still be involved in the educational decisions of their children without having to place them in a guardianship.

The post Measure that would give Floridians with disabilities greater autonomy is heading to Govs desk appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
If you want to eat like a certain former president, look no further than a restaurant in downtown Columbus.

Ruth Anns Restaurant serves meatloaf claiming to be the recipe used by former President Donald Trumps mother.

Mary Heisey, owner of Ruth Anns, said the staff was prompted to make a dish the former president liked when it was announced that Trump would be appearing at the Georgia GOP Convention in Columbus last summer.

After some research, Heisey found Trump liked meatloaf and found a recipe online claiming to be that of Mama Trump.

Heisey said Ruth Anns was considered for a possible Trump visit and the Secret Service conducted a site analysis. However, the former president decided to visit a Waffle House in Columbus.

Ruth Anns Restaurant in Columbus, Georgia has a meatloaf inspired by former President Donald Trump. 02/29/2024 Mike Haskey/mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

So, Heisey and some friends went to the Waffle House to see Trump and the meatloaf came along.

After Trump got done talking, people with Heisey started yelling out, President Trump, we made your moms meatloaf, Heisey said.

Heisey said Trump then spoke with them and said, Put that on the plane.

They handed over the bag containing the meatloaf, though shes not sure if he ever ate it.

I wouldnt give a random bag of food to my boss, she quipped. I think it just made him happy that somebody even thought about it.

Mary Heisey, owner of Ruth Anns said the restaurant was considered for a possible visit from former President Donald Trump during his visit to Columbus in 2023 for the state Republican convention. However, Trump instead visited a Waffle House. So, Heisey and some friends went to the Waffle House to see Trump and the meatloaf came along. After Trump got done talking, people with Heisey started yelling out, President Trump, we made your moms meatloaf, Heisey said. Lisa Kean/Photo courtesy of Ruth Ann's Restaurant

Heisey said she later received a phone call from a friend in Florida saying they thought they saw her in a photo with Trump.

After hopping on Twitter (now named X), she saw posts about the meatloaf. Then people started showing up to the restaurant asking about the meatloaf.

A few months later they introduced their new menu featuring the newly added meatloaf. However, the meatloaf doesnt tout the trumploaf moniker on the menu and is simply titled Meatloaf.

Heisey said she received requests from around the country for the restaurant to ship the meatloaf to them, but declined, noting she was not in the meatloaf shipping business.

But she did have tee shirts made with the meatloafs design - an animated meatloaf on the front with words that read Trump Loaf and Making Meatloaf Great Again.

Ruth Anns Restaurant in Columbus, Georgia has a meatloaf inspired by former President Donald Trump. 02/29/2024 Mike Haskey/mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

The back of the t-shirt shows the recipe they use to make the meatloaf. Whats in the meatloaf?

The recipe includes:

Two pounds ground beef

Two garlic cloves

One green bell pepper

One red bell pepper

One Spanish onion

One large tomato

 cup parsley

Three eggs

 cup tomato puree

 cup Italian bread crumbs

One teaspoon pepper

Two teaspoon salt

And again, I tell everybody, have I been to Trumps mothers home? No I have not, said Heisey.

Heisey said the authenticity of the recipe is uncertain but said, I think Trump would enjoy eating our meatloaf.

This reporter, in the name of journalistic integrity, tested the meatloaf. It was moist and juicy, laced with a savory flavor, a bit of spice and a hint of sweetness and tangy.

Food is like the great equalizer, Heisey said. Everybody eats, everybody likes good food.
Israel and the main Palestinian aid agency traded accusations Monday of "terrorism" and torture, after the United States stepped up pressure for a halt in fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants.

While mediators in Cairo persisted with efforts toward a Gaza truce, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) came under renewed attack from Israel, whose military accused it of employing "over 450 terrorists" belonging to groups including Hamas.

UNRWA is at the centre of efforts to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza, where aid groups warn of looming famine after nearly five months of war between Israel and the Islamist group.

Israel previously accused about a dozen UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack that began the war.

That attack, in southern Israel, resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, an AFP tally of official figures shows.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed 30,534 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.

Phillipe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has said that Israel provided no evidence against his former employees.

On Monday his agency, in a statement to AFP, said some UNRWA staff alleged "they were forced to confessions under torture and ill-treatment" while being asked about the October 7 attack.

Lazzarini also told the UN General Assembly on Monday that dismantling the UNRWA would sacrifice a "generation of children, sowing the seeds of hatred, resentment and future conflict".

US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed "deep concern" over the situation in Gaza during talks Monday with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House, her office said.

Harris "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza" and urged Israel to let in more aid, while calling on Palestinian militant group Hamas to "accept the terms on the table" for a ceasefire, her office said.

- Raped 'then killed' -

Qatari and Egyptian mediators were meeting with United States and Hamas envoys -- but no Israeli delegates so far -- in Cairo for a second day of talks. They are aiming for a halt in fighting before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan starts early next week.

According to Israeli media reports, Israel's government has refused to send its delegation to Cairo, stating they had not been given a list of living hostages by Hamas.

However, Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, told AFP from Cairo that details on the status of the prisoners "were not mentioned in any documents or proposals circulated during the negotiation process".

The talks on securing a new ceasefire are set to continue Tuesday, an Egyptian TV broadcaster known for its links to Cairo's government said late Monday.

The plan under discussion is for a six-week truce, the exchange of dozens of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and for more aid to enter Gaza.

Israel has said it believes 130 of the original 250 captives taken by Hamas during their attack remain in Gaza, but that 31 have been killed.

A UN report on Monday said there are "reasonable grounds to believe" rapes were committed during Hamas's attack and that hostages subsequently taken to Gaza have also been raped.

"In most of these incidents, victims first subjected to rape were then killed, and at least two incidents relate to the rape of women's corpses," the report said.

Shortly before the report's release, Israel said it was calling in its UN ambassador over what it said was an attempt by the body to "silence" information of sexual violence by Hamas.

The spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denied trying to suppress the report, saying it "is being presented publicly today".

Harris -- whose country provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel -- called for the truce deal to be accepted and criticised Israel in unusually strong language over insufficient aid deliveries into Gaza.

Harris said Israel "must open new border crossings" and "must not impose any unnecessary restrictions" on aid delivery.

Belgium on Monday sent a military transport plane to join an international operation to airdrop aid into Gaza also involving the United States, France and Jordan, officials said.

- 'We want to eat' -

US President Joe Biden faces acute pressure in an election year over his support for Israel, as Gaza's civilian death toll continues to rise.

Itamar Ben Gvir, Netanyahu's national security minister, told members of his Jewish Power political party that Hamas was "deliberately delaying the talks".

He called for an end to the negotiations and movement instead to a "more powerful combat phase".

Gaza's health ministry on Monday said bombardments and combat killed 124 more people within 24 hours.

Witnesses reported clashes in Gaza City's Zeitun neighbourhood and the main southern city of Khan Yunis, which has seen heavy fighting.

Khan Yunis residents returned to find decomposing bodies lying in streets where homes and shops had been torn apart.

"We want to eat and live. Take a look at our homes. How am I to blame, a single, unarmed person without any income in this impoverished country?" said Nader Abu Shanab, pointing to the rubble with blackened hands.

The Gaza war has sparked violence across the region, including near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement.

- Indians wounded -

On Monday, a foreign worker in northern Israel was killed and seven Indian workers were wounded in a missile strike near the Lebanese border, Israeli medics said.

Later, Hezbollah said three paramedics affiliated with the group were killed in an Israeli strike.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who since November have fired drones and missiles at numerous ships in the Red Sea area vital for world trade, claimed responsibility for another strike.

Their claim came after marine security firm Ambrey reported a Liberian-flagged vessel was targeted and reportedly struck off Yemen.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk cited Lebanon and Yemen as places where the Gaza war is having wider effect, expressing concern that "in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration".

burs-ami-jd/it/js/st
In the religious and agrarian society of 19th century America, Sunday was a day for Mass and rest, and Wednesday was market day. For many, it took a day by carriage to reach their polling place, which meant an election could not be held on Monday or Thursday either. So by way of deduction and for conveniences sake, Tuesday became election day par excellence. Federal elections in the United States are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November (so that it wouldnt fall on November 1, All Saints Day). But another Tuesday has emerged in recent decades as a key election date: Super Tuesday, the day when the most U.S. states vote in the presidential primaries.

Super Tuesday has seen decisive battles for the nomination. But this year, that wont be the case. Both the Republican presidential hopeful, Donald Trump, and the Democrat candidate, U.S. President Joe Biden, are set to win overwhelmingly in what is the least competitive Super Tuesday in history.

Biden is running practically unchallenged, as is often the case with incumbent presidents. The peculiarity of this years primaries is that the outcome of the opposition party has also become a foregone conclusion. Trump has dominated the race, despite losing the District of Columbia to Nikki Haley on Sunday. The nomination of Biden and Trump seems inevitable, and the polls suggest this will be confirmed on Super Tuesday, when 15 states head to the polls.

Neither Biden nor Trump can mathematically secure the nomination, not even by winning all the delegates at stake for the summer conventions. To pass the threshold of half plus one of the delegates, they will have to wait at least until another Tuesday: March 12 (for Trump) and March 19 (for Biden). But if the forecasts are met, there will be no doubt about the result.

In other election years, Super Tuesday was a fierce battle between presidential hopefuls of both the Republican and Democratic Party. This time, thats not the case for either group. In 2020, Biden won 10 states and 726 delegates on Super Tuesday, but Bernie Sanders won four others, including California, for a total of 505 delegates. That day put Bidens nomination on track, but it was a day of high tension, with close victories.

In 2016, there was double the excitement on Super Tuesday. In the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton won seven states (486 delegates) while Sanders won four (321 delegates). And on the Republican side, Trump won in seven of the 11 states, but Ted Cruz won in three others and Marco Rubio, in one. Trump, in fact, only won 256 of the 600 delegates up for grabs. The race was so close that when five states voted two weeks later, the day was called Super Tuesday II. This led to clearer  although not overwhelming  victories for Clinton and Trump.

Even more exciting was the 2008 Democratic Super Tuesday, a dog-eat-dog battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, which ended in a near draw. Obama won in 13 states and Clinton in 10, but the number of delegates was even closer: 847 to 834. In addition, more states voted that year than ever before, which is why it was called Tsunami Tuesday and Super Dupa Tuesday, among other nicknames. On the Republican side, with 21 states at stake, John McCain won nine, Mitt Romney won seven and Mike Huckabee won five.

Indeed, Super Tuesday was more hotly contested, at least in one of the two parties, in all past presidential races since the concept triumphed in the 1980s. The only precedent comparable to todays is 1996, when then-president Bill Clinton was unchallenged in the Democratic Party, and the Republican front-runner, Bob Dole, won every state. However, on that occasion only seven states voted, and there was somewhat more uncertainty, as Doles main rival, Pat Buchanan, had scored previous victories in New Hampshire and Louisiana.

Whats more, this year Republican delegate allocation rules favor Trump. In several states, the winner takes all delegates if they win more than 50% of the vote (which is likely to happen everywhere, as there are only two candidates). One of the winner-take-all states is California, where the most delegates are awarded (169). In Texas (161), the system is similar, but based on the respective majority achieved in the district and state. Trump has a wide lead in both areas.

At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin  which will take place between July 15 and 19  there are 2,429 delegates. To secure the nomination, Trump needs 1,215 delegates. He has about 270 and on Tuesday, 874 are at stake. This means he will have to wait at least until March 12, when 161 delegates are up for grabs, before he has the numbers to cinch the nomination.

In the Democratic Party, Biden must get 1,968 pledged delegates out of a total of 3,934 to secure the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago, Illinois. He has 206 of the 208 that have been awarded, and 1,420 will be allocated on Tuesday. Since the Democratic calendar is somewhat behind the Republican one, he will not pass that threshold until March 19, even if he continues to win in all states.

On Super Tuesday, voters in both primaries will head to the polls in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. In addition to those 14 states, there are also Republican caucuses in Alaska. In the case of the Democratic Party, the results of Iowas mail-in vote will be revealed, and primaries will also be held in the U.S. territory of American Samoa.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A suspicious death in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood that launched an investigation in late February has been ruled a homicide, Portland police announced Monday.

Officers responding to 3300 SE 90th Place for a welfare check on Feb. 27 found Christopher M. McMillan, 41, dead at the scene. Police said they found suspicious circumstances at the scene.

Wanted man killed in train crash during police pursuit in Eugene: officials

A medical examiner later determined McMillan had died of homicide by gunshot wound. An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact police.

Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Irish President Michael D Higgins was taken to hospital on Thursday evening after feeling unwell

Medical tests on Irish President Michael D Higgins have all been positive, a spokesperson has said.

Mr Higgins has been in hospital since last Thursday to monitor his blood pressure.

He had experienced a "mild transient weakness", the spokesperson added.

They said the president had now completed tests, "all of the results of which have been positive".

"They have indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the presidents health," they added.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

"Following with his medical team, President Higgins has agreed with their recommendation that he remain in hospital for an extra few days in order that they can monitor his blood pressure," the spokesperson said.

"He will return to Aras an Uachtarain [his official residence] on Thursday."

The presidents medical team have further advised him to limit the number of public engagements he undertakes in the coming weeks.

The 82-year-old was admitted to St James' Hospital in Dublin after feeling unwell.

President Higgins has thanked the public for the well wishes which he has received since yesterday evening. The President will remain in hospital over the weekend and is expected to return to Aras an Uachtarain early next week. Full statement: https://t.co/DNYhhVbZIG  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 1, 2024

A statement from his office on Friday said Mr Higgins had thanked the public "for the outpouring of well wishes" he received.

It said he would "like to express his deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care."

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said he had been in touch with Mr Higgins.

"I just passed him on my best wishes. Obviously anything around his medical information is confidential," Mr Varadkar told the Press Association.

"But I expect he'll be out in the next couple of days, and obviously we all wish him a very speedy recovery."

'Excellent spirits'

Mr Higgins became president in 2011 and was re-elected in November 2018.

He felt unwell at Aras an Uachtarain on Thursday afternoon and underwent an initial medical assessment.

His office said "no immediate concerns were identified", but a decision was taken to proceed to hospital for further tests.

The president was said to be in "excellent spirits" that evening.

On Wednesday night, Mr Higgins presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival.

He had been due to host an afternoon tea reception at his official residence today.

Mr Higgin's office said the reception proceeded as planned and was hosted by his wife, Sabina Higgins.
WAUKEGAN, Ill.  Two men were arrested after being accused of killing a man and woman at random in a crime spree that started in Chicago.

Officers responded to the 400 block of Powell Avenue on Feb. 24 and found Rodrigo Olivan, 28, and Ana Gil, 24, suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to police, Olivan and Gil were targeted at random by Ishawn Pitts and Tylo Eddins.

Earlier in the day, police allege Eddins carjacked an Uber driver in Chicago at gunpoint and left the driver near an expressway ramp.

He then allegedly traveled to the 500 block of South Genesee Street in Waukegan and robbed a person of $20 at gunpoint. Police said Eddins then picked up Pitts in the stolen Kia.

Eddins and Pitts then allegedly took part in the aforementioned killings of Olivan and Gill on Powell Avenue.

After their slayings, the Kia crashed into a fence in Zion and the pair allegedly fled the scene.

Pitts was taken into custody on Feb. 29 for an aggravated battery warrant out of Round Lake.

Police said he confessed to the shootings and was charged with first-degree murder.

1 dead, another critical after head-on expressway crash in Kane County

Eddins allegedly fled Waukegan shortly after the homicides. He was arrested in Killeen, Texas and is facing six counts of first-degree murder. Eddins is currently waiting extradition back to the area.

Police believe the shooting was an absolute travesty and it allegedly occurred at random.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Theres only one proposition on the March 5 California primary election ballot  but its a $6.4 billion question.

Proposition 1 asks voters whether to approve billions in funding for the construction of new inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment centers, as well as toward housing options for veterans and the homeless.

But thats not all that Prop. 1 does.

The ballot measure also asks voters whether to approve a restructuring of state Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding, which comes from a 2004 millionaires tax, that would shift an estimated $140 million in county funding to the state.

The measure has been championed by a coalition of Democratic leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, as well as members of the law enforcement community.

But county officials and mental health advocates are sounding the alarm about the ramifications if Prop. 1 becomes law.

Why are mental health advocates opposed to this measure?

Advocates like Karen Vicari, director of Public policy for Mental Health America of California, which advocates for mental health services and which opposes Prop. 1, believe that it will lead to less, not more, money going into vital services.

We do not believe it will increase access to mental health services, it will decrease access to mental health services, Vicari told The Bee in a recent interview.

Specifically, the restructuring of the MHSA funding will divert significant amounts of money away from primarily upstream mental health services.

That includes cuts ranging from 30% to 50% to voluntary outpatient, peer-run and community-based treatment programs, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California.

That includes prevention and early intervention services that aim to keep people from reaching dire circumstances to begin with, and which are incredibly effective to keep people out of involuntary care, Vicari said.

Instead, Prop. 1 funding will go toward people who are already in crisis, something Vicari called a fail-first system of care.

The people that are going to be left out are the people with mild to moderate mental health challenges and the people who have already been stabilized, she said.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who authored what became the MHSA while still in the Legislature, spoke to The Bee on behalf of the Yes On Proposition 1 campaign.

He acknowledged that, yes, Prop. 1 would shift funding away from programs like what Vicari described, but as MHSAs original champion, he said this ballot measure is about recognizing the original intent of the act.

Change is hard, but sometimes change is necessary, he said.

Steinberg said that while the county programs were worthwhile, he believes that MHSA money needs to be focused on the people who are the sickest of the sick.

What sort of programs would be cut if Proposition 1 passes?

In addition to early intervention and prevention services, other community-based programs that could go away as funding shifts toward the states top-down approach include culturally specific services that cater to hard-to-reach culture groups, according to Vicari.

So if we cut those services, its really going to have a disproportionate impact on different racial and ethnic groups, she said.

Vicari provided The Bee with a list of Sacramento County services that would face the most severe cuts under Proposition 1, including mobile crisis support teams and suicide prevention and outpatient services.

Other Sacramento-area services that would see cuts include the Adult Psychiatric Support Services Clinic and the Community Outreach Recovery Empowerment Program, which serve more than 7,500 people at any given time; the Wellness and Recovery Program, which serves more than 2,400 people; Childrens Community Mental Health Services, which services more than 9,500 annually and the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic, which serves 7,800 people.

Steinberg disputed that funding for these programs is just going to go away. He said that there are streams of revenue now that didnt exist when the MHSA first became law. Programs like California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) can replace the funding streams for those programs who would lose funding if Prop. 1 passes, Steinberg said.

As opposed to having one initiative try to provide the funding for everything, he said.

But wont this measure help house the homeless?

Its true that Proposition 1 would devote about $2 billion in funding to convert derelict hotels into housing for the homeless, and also to build new housing.

Supporters of the measure say that the measure will result in substantial housing opportunities for the unhoused population, as well as those in danger of losing housing.

Its not just about the net number of people who are currently on the street, its also about the people who are at risk of becoming homeless, he said.

But critics of the measure, including the ACLU and Mental Health America of California point to a Legislative Analysts Office analysis of the ballot measure that said that the ballot measure would reduce statewide homelessness by only a small amount.

And while proponents of the measure say that it will help get unhoused people off the streets and into treatment beds, Vicari said that is not the case.

You basically have to have a serious mental health challenge, and the vast majority of unhoused people do not have a serious mental health challenge, she said.

Will this measure drive people into involuntary treatment?

Nothing in the measure itself deals with involuntary inpatient treatment.

However, critics of the measure say that it will provide the infrastructure for forced treatment.

While the measure provides more than $4 billion in funds for both inpatient (which often is involuntary) and outpatient treatment centers, the propositions cuts to outpatient services means that counties will have little incentive to build outpatient facilities.

Instead of housing, Proposition 1s bond measure focuses on funding about 10,000 inpatient psychiatric beds, which are typically used for involuntary treatment, and creates a funding stream for for-profit locked mental health facilities, where people with mental health needs can be placed long-term without the right to leave, consent or refuse certain treatments, or other basic civil liberties, according to the ACLU.
Mercedes-Benz is accused of firing two Alabama workers who requested time off for medical reasons, federal officials say.

Now, the company owes nearly $440,000.

The car manufacturer violated the Family and Medical Leave Act by firing two production workers after they requested federally protected leaves of absence, the Department of Labor said in a Feb. 29 news release.

The act allows certain employees to take unpaid time off work to care for themselves or other family members due to health reasons or other issues.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) is fully committed to compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and expends substantial resources to do so, a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told McClatchy News in a written statement.

The spokesperson said the company cooperated with the governments investigation and denied it violated the Family Medical Leave Act.

While MBUSI believes the referenced two team members were not wrongfully discharged and that its actions were taken in a good faith effort to comply with the FMLA, MBUSI voluntarily cooperated with the DOL and resolved this matter to avoid the future costs and expenses of litigation, as well as to avoid further disruption.

One production employee requested time off for a personal serious health condition, and the other because of a family members qualifying health condition, officials said.

Mercedes-Benz employees can receive monthly bonuses for attendance, but these two workers were denied their bonuses because of their absences, according to labor officials.

The company is also accused of discriminating against the employees by reprimanding them.

Under the companys point system, the absences led to the workers being terminated, officials said.

Employers cannot deprive eligible workers of their legal right to family and medical leave and force them to make the hard choice between keeping their jobs and caring for themselves or their families, Kenneth Stripling with the Department of Labor said in the release.

The Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told McClatchy News the company provides additional benefits beyond the Family Medical Leave Act, including a short-term disability program that provides workers six months of paid leave.

The company owes the former workers missed wages after termination, three months of front pay and unpaid bonuses, as well as additional damages totaling $438,625.

Investigators said the company also didnt reinstate workers to their previous or equivalent positions, record their leave, notify employees they can take protected leave if their requests qualify, and educate workers on the rights and responsibilities of the act.

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Mesa polices organized crime unit was critical to a monthslong Internal Revenue Service investigation that led to the arrest of a New River couple who were charged with defrauding the state's Medicaid system and laundering the proceeds.

The racketeering case of Thvoughn Lynden Curry, 31, and his wife, Alexis Curry, 32, marks the first federal health care fraud investigation Mesa has completed, according to a case summary.

In an internal email to Mesa City Council members, Chief Ken Cost wrote he was proud of the team's work and said, We will continue to hold these criminals accountable with more investigations.

The Curry probe is just one of several Medicaid fraud cases the two departments are investigating.

Mesas organized crime unit has three open and active AHCCSS-style investigations, according to a spokesperson from the department. The IRSs Phoenix field office has 13 cases related to AHCCCS fraud. Details of those cases remain closely guarded by investigators.

The Currys are part of a widespread scandal involving the massive defrauding of taxpayers and the exploitation of vulnerable, mostly Native American people, many of them kidnapped from across the West. State authorities have pegged the cost to taxpayers at around $2 billion and counting.

The scam, authorities say, involved stashing people who needed to beat drug or alcohol addictions in motels, homes or multi-family complexes. Those responsible are accused of billing the state's medical system for services without providing addiction therapy.

The state has suspended payment to nearly 300 licensed providers.

Robert Wood (left) and Jeffrey Steele (right) attend a rally outside the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2023.

Mesa is not the only community dealing with unlicensed sober living homes. In the West Valley, local police departments and code enforcement officers are cracking down on scores of known homes, especially in Suprise, Glendale, Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear.

Those communities are ringing the alarm to the rapid increase of unlicensed homes in the cities. Goodyear police said it has five licensed group homes although officials are aware of 156.

In January 2023, the IRS task force received information from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System about alleged nefarious activities of the Currys that launched the roughly nine-month-long investigation.

The Currys are accused of bilking the states health care system of more than $12.5 million between February 2021 to March 2023.

The husband-and-wife duo were arrested outside of a casino in California after failing to self-surrender on Nov. 2. They were arrested on charges related to wire fraud and money laundering and are accused of submitting fraudulent claims to AHCCCS.

The couple appeared in a federal court in Los Angeles and was later released. The duo pled not guilty.

What went into the Mesa and IRS joint investigation?

Mesa police Det. Thomas Steffa, a member of an IRS task force, teamed up with Mesa Police Department's complex financial investigations unit to review more than 15 personal and business accounts held by the Currys.

Mesa police issued 25 subpoenas and used police cameras to surveil target locations. Police also reviewed paperwork including titles, business documents, and AHCCCS records, the case summary states.

Detectives interviewed the Currys' former employees as well as several neighbors who lived near unlicensed sober living homes associated with 1 Family Clinic LLC.

The couple purchased eight properties, including their home in New River, five homes in Mesa and two homes in Phoenix, worth a total of $5.36 million, according to investigators. Court records show the Currys also amassed $1.6 million in cash, $1.2 million in cars, more than half a million in designer clothes and nearly $370,000 in jewelry.

The homes in Mesa were spread throughout the eastern and northern parts of the city that are nestled into typical Arizona neighborhoods with beige stucco-painted homes.

Mesa police were called a total of 24 times to the five homes there over the roughly three-year period. Calls ranged from welfare checks, family fights, and in one instance an assault with a deadly weapon.

Federal prosecutors filed papers in U.S. District Court in Arizona to seize the Currys' assets, which they allege were purchased with criminally derived funds.

Two of the homes in Mesa were sold just days after a federal judge issued arrest warrants. The proceeds of those sales were transferred to the federal government to await the release of the money by the court at the end of the case, Zach Stoebe, a spokesperson from the U.S. Attorneys office wrote in an email to The Republic.

The value of the homes ranges between $499,000 to $900,000, according to the case summary.

Neither the IRS nor the Mesa Police Department provided further details of the investigation citing pending legal action in the courts.

The Currys' enterprise

In July 2020 the Currys filed a tax ID form with the IRS to set up their business, 1 Family Clinic, LCC. The same day they registered the business with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Four months later, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued the Currys a license to operate an outpatient counseling facility.

Over the next three years, according to a federal affidavit in court, 1 Family Clinic submitted claims for reimbursement to AHCCCS totaling more than $12.5 million for bogus services to about 185 individuals, including 163 who were insured through the American Indian Health Program.

Court documents state that at least three former employees of the Currys told FBI agents they witnessed employees signing people up for AHCCCS claiming the person was Native American when they were not.

Prosecutors also alleged the couple overbilled beyond the hours the clinic operated. Former employees also said house managers of three homes in Mesa looked the other way so individuals could bring drugs and alcohol, according to the affidavit.

A federal search warrant application stated that Currys had not filed personal tax returns between 2020 and 2022. No income or wages other than payments reported by AHCCS were reported for the Currys from 2018 to 2022.

The pair were investigated under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a key law enforcement tool used to break up criminal conspiracies.

The Currys were released on bond and ordered to turn in their passports by the court. The court also ordered them to not own or operate any business in health care. The Currys are due in court on July 2 in Phoenix.

Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @maritzacdom.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mesa organized crime team key to IRS unraveling AHCCCS fraud case
(Bloomberg) -- Mexico presidential front runner Claudia Sheinbaum said pensions wont be at risk of disappearing or being altered in her government.

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The candidate from the ruling party Morena said she supports the pension plan recently presented by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Reforma newspaper reported, citing Sheinbaums speech at an event Sunday in Guadalajara.

Nothing is going to happen to Afores, as the pensions are known, she said. Theyre going to keep working as they always have.

Lopez Obrador in February put forward a set of constitutional reforms that are unlikely to pass because of a lack of Congressional support. Among them is a proposal to guarantee pension payments at a workers last salary.

The president also proposed setting up a 64 billion peso fund ($3.7 billion) to finance the reform, to be created on May 1.

Read More: In Sync With AMLO, Mexico Frontrunner Proposes Boosting Welfare

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be at West Mesa High School on Monday afternoon. Grisham is set to sign four public safety bills into law.

The second my signature is on those pieces of paper, the four bills that we talked about are law in the state of New Mexico, said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-New Mexico).

In front of a crowd at West Mesa High School, which has seen its share of gun problems in recent years, the governor and lawmakers touted the four gun and crime reform bills that made it across the finish line.

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House Bill 129  Creates a seven-day waiting period for gun purchases.

Senate Bill 5  Makes it a misdemeanor to bring a firearm within 100 feet of a polling place while voting is in progress. Exemptions for law enforcement officers carrying out their duties, lawful businesses, individuals in their cars and Individuals with a concealed firearm if they have a valid concealed carry license.

Senate Bill 96  Increases the penalty for attempted murder from three to years to nine years. Increases the penalty for second-degree murder from 15 years to 18 years.

Senate Bill 271  Creates automatic no-bold hold if a repeat felony offender violates their conditions of release by committing another felony.

These four bills are an incredible effort to do more. We have to be vigilant and continue this work until Albuquerque and New Mexico are the safest places in America to raise your families, to go to school, to own a business, Lujan Grisham said.

The governor said shes still leaning toward having a special session on public safety, but no word yet on when that could be. A total of 72 bills passed this session. After Monday, the governor has signed nearly 50 of them. She has until Wednesday to sign the rest, or they get pocket-vetoed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos presidential candidate for the main opposition coalition, Xochitl Galvez, said Monday that shes crunching numbers to determine whether to complete the project for an international Mexico City airport that was scrapped by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in favor of a military-built facility.

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Days after the formal launch of her campaign, Galvez said her team was evaluating their financial options, and considering whether to continue use of the alternative airport in Mexico State known as the Felipe Angeles Airport, or AIFA. She is also deciding how to proceed with Lopez Obradors other major projects, such as an oil refinery and a touristic train in the countrys southeast, which she criticized for going above budget.

Mexico will hold elections June 2, with popular Lopez Obrador limited by law to a single six-year term. His protege and former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum holds a 17-point lead over Galvez, according to a March 1 poll by El Financiero.

Read More: Mexico Looks to Guarantee Airport Bonds as Navy Takes Over Hub

To finance plans under a potential government, Galvez added that she would seek to increase the number of taxpayerswithout raising taxesand take a hard look at the cost overruns on some of the existing projects. More money would be destined toward security and medicine under her leadership, she said.She also vowed to continue the popular cash welfare programs started under the current president, known as AMLO.

Citing the frustrations of her own brother in the military, Galvez said she would also direct Mexicos security forces to combat crime instead of participating in other tasks, such as detaining migrants. I dont have fear of using the force of the state when its necessary, she said.

Other points mentioned during her campaign speech:

Mexicos state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos SA would have to stem losses from its refining business

Heads of criminal organizations would be sent to a new maximum security prison

Mexico and the United States should have better cooperation on border customs

The National Guard force should be doubled, then directed to focus on security

Cost overruns on presidential flagship projects like the Tren Maya and Dos Bocas refinery project suggest corruption

It will be necessary to promote environmental programs for the areas around the Tren Maya

--With assistance from Guillermo Molero.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  New Mexicos highest court has reversed the decision from the Court of Appeals that overturned a conviction for manufacturing child pornography. The decision from the New Mexico Supreme Court means defendant David Rael, from Los Alamos, will have his conviction reinstated.

Rael was sentenced to nine years in prison for multiple counts of manufacturing child pornography and a count of distribution and a count of possession of child pornography, according to the Administrative Office of the Courts. That was in 2017. Later, the Court of Appeals overturned the convictions.

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The argument behind that overturning decision was that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Rael intended to violate state law  Rael contended that he inadvertently downloaded child pornography, the Administrative Office of the Courts says.

Now, the state supreme court says there was enough evidence for the conviction. The assertions of accidental conduct ring hollow in light of the persuasive circumstantial evidence presented at trial, justices wrote in their recent decision. This evidence and reasonable inferences from the evidence are sufficient for a factfinder to reasonably conclude that Defendant intentionally copied these videos with the intent to copy child pornography because he knew they depicted child pornography, the justices wrote.

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Now that the New Mexico Supreme Court has made its ruling, the case goes back to the district court for reinforcement of the judgment and the original sentence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 14:37 | World, All

South Korea and the United States on Monday began a large annual military exercise to prepare for an emergency on the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean military said, following a series of cruise missile firings by North Korea since late January.

In the Freedom Shield joint exercise to be held for 11 days through March 14, the two allies will conduct 48 field drills, double the number last year, given North Korea's rapidly advancing nuclear and missile technology, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The focus of the exercise is to neutralize Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats by using forces in the land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, the JCS and U.S. Forces Korea said in a briefing last week.

The drill will be based on scenarios that include detecting and shooting down cruise missiles, which North Korea has repeatedly launched since late January, according to the South Korean military.

Large-scale military drills were halted under the administration of former President Moon Jae In, which prioritized improvement in the inter-Korean relationship. But President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office in May 2022, resumed the Freedom Shield exercise last year after a five-year hiatus.

In addition to South Korea and the United States, a member country of the United Nations Command overseeing the armistice that ended the 1950-1953 Korean War, 11 other members of the command including Australia, Britain and France will also participate in the exercise, according to the multinational force.

Related coverage:

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Nearly a decade after holding its first Microsoft Ignite event in Chicago  and then abruptly pulling up stakes for other cities  the software giant is bringing its annual information technology conference back to McCormick Place in November.

Microsofts return engagement, announced Monday, is expected to bring thousands of IT professionals to McCormick Place and $44 million in economic impact to the city during the five-day event, a late-season windfall for Chicagos tech and tourism industries.

Microsofts choice to host Ignite 2024 in Chicago reaffirms this citys standing as a hub for innovation, technological advancement, and major corporate events, Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release.

Launched in May 2015, the inaugural Ignite conference drew 20,000 attendees to McCormick Place, generating nearly 90,000 hotel room nights and high hopes for a recurring annual event. But five months later, Microsoft announced it was canceling its scheduled 2016 Chicago return, moving Ignite to Atlanta and pushing it back to the fall.

At the time, it was a significant blow for Chicago, with a Microsoft corporate partner notifying more than 50 participating hotels to cancel reservations. Officials estimated the loss of the 2016 Ignite conference cost the city $56 million in economic impact.

For nine years, Microsoft Ignite took place far from its Chicago origins.

After one year in Atlanta, Ignite was held in Orlando for three years, then it canceled a planned move to New Orleans in 2020 when the pandemic hit, going exclusively digital until 2021. For the past two years, Microsoft has hosted the in-person conference in its home city of Seattle.

The return of Microsoft Ignite to Chicago is scheduled for Nov. 18 to 22, with the event centered on the burgeoning applications of artificial intelligence.

This years focus is to empower our customers and partners through AI transformation, Takeshi Numoto, Microsofts chief marketing officer, said in the release.

Microsoft did not respond to an additional request for comment Monday on its decision to return to Chicago or its future plans for the conference.

The late-season addition of Microsoft Ignite bolsters the continued recovery of Chicagos tourism industry, which was hard-hit by event cancellations during the pandemic.

In 2019, McCormick Place held 129 convention center events generating $1.94 billion in economic impact, according to Cynthia McCafferty, a McCormick Place spokesperson. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the convention center shut down and was briefly converted to an alternate medical care facility to handle overflow COVID-19 patients.

The convention business began returning in 2022, with 103 events generating $1.65 billion in economic impact, McCafferty said. In 2023, McCormick Place held 115 events generating $1.81 billion in economic impact, she said.

This year, there are 92 scheduled convention center events, including Microsoft Ignite, which are projected to create $2.21 billion in economic impact, McCafferty said.

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority is a municipal corporation that owns McCormick Place, the Hyatt Regency, the Marriott Marquis Chicago, Wintrust Arena and Navy Pier, which it leases to a not-for-profit corporation for $1 per year.

The economic engine of Chicagos tourism industry, the McCormick Square convention and hotel complex generated a net operating income of $856,000 in fiscal year 2019, but bled red ink during the pandemic, losing nearly $73 million in 2021 and $5.8 million in 2022.

The McCormick Place campus returned to profitability in 2023, generating $7.9 million in net operating income for the fiscal year ending June 30, according to MPEA.

In addition to Microsoft Ignite and other McCormick Place events, Chicago is gearing up to host the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19-22 at the United Center. The convention is projected to bring 50,000 visitors, 20,000 members of the media and 5,500 delegates to the city, according to the Chicago DNC 2024 host committee.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
President Javier Milei has set his sights on Argentina's largest state-owned news agency, vowing to shutter it for being "a covert propaganda ministry." The move unfolded as police fenced off the agency's offices in Buenos Aires and prevented workers from entering since midnight on Monday.

During a speech at the opening of the Argentinian Congress' 142 session last Friday, Milei announced the closure of Telenoticiosa Americana (Telam), alleging that the agency has served as "a Kirchnerist propaganda agency for the last decades," referring to former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. "It is immoral that in a poor country like ours," Milei said, "the government spends the people's money to buy the will of journalists."

Established in 1945, Telam rose to become Argentina's most prestigious news agency, disseminating national news and photographs to smaller news outlets across the country. According to its website, the agency "is the only one in the country with a network of correspondents in all of the country's main cities and provinces."

Shortly after Milei's announcement, Telam's website went offline. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni said at a press conference that the agency's staff was exempt "from providing services for seven days with pay, while progress is made" to close the agency.

Telam workers, human rights activists, and the opposition rejected the closure announcement, claiming that the move was an attack on the free press. Many workers and union members plan to protest against Milei's decision by holding a "symbolic hug" of the building on Monday.

In response to the events, Buenos Aires Press Union (SiPreBA) issued a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the government for "carrying out one of the worst attacks on freedom of expression in the last 40 years of democracy. Tonight, city police fenced off the two buildings of the National News and Publicity Agency Telam, to prevent the massive embrace and impede access to the building."

The Argentine Journalism Forum (Fopea) claimed the president's decisions "only exacerbate hostility and intolerance against journalism," adding that it was a "step backward" for democracy and freedom of expression in the country.

Since assuming office, Milei has pledged to end Argentina's economic crisis by deregulating the economy and slashing government spending. His efforts to privatize or eliminate inefficient and corrupt state institutions, including Telam, were outlined in an omnibus bill presented to Congress last year. However, the bill was blocked by Congress last month, stalling many of his proposals indefinitely.

But the president has been undeterred by setbacks. Since taking office in December, Milei has cut the number of government ministries from 18 to eight and fired over 50 percent of all government workers. On March 1, Milei told Argentina's lawmakers that he was going to keep pushing his free market reforms "with or without the support of political leaders, with all the legal resources of the executive." And last month he announced the closure of the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI)an institution that he equated to "thought police."

"The decision was made to move forward with the dismantling of institutes that serve absolutely no purpose, such as INADI," Adorni said.

Telam might be Milei's latest target, but it certainly won't be his last.

The post Milei Closes State News Agency Telam for 'Spreading Propaganda' appeared first on Reason.com.
In recent weeks U.S. forces made multiple airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in an effort to stop their disruption of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

But the U.S. hasnt done that work aloneits had the help of the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and several other countries in carrying out those strikes. For most modern militaries, working with coalitions is the rule, not the exception.

What is a coalition?

In a coalitiona temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action, according to Websterthe two key terms are temporary and action. One defines the what and the other the why of states with often disparate interests coming together to achieve some particular objective.

In a technical sense, coalitions differ in both level of commitment and legal standing from other multinational military groupings such as alliances, partnerships, or ad hoc combined operations. The U.S. National Defense Strategy defines allies as countries with which we have formal, long-term relationships and generally backed by treaties (NATO, for example), while partnerships usually focus on something mutually beneficial during a specific amount of time or for specific circumstances, as with the current Prosperity Guardian operation designed to prevent the Houthis in Yemen from interfering with freedom of navigation in and around the Red Sea. The most recent airstrikes conducted in Yemen were conducted by a subset of Prosperity Guardian participants and distinct from that missionan example of ad hoc operations involving two or more nations forces. This generally indicates a rift in the partnership or coalition over some combination of ends and means, allowing more aggressive members to act while providing plausible deniability or even a protest vote to more passive states.

In practice, partnerships and coalitions are mostly indistinguishable, with the latter sometimes considered more formal or enduring and the former allowing cover for some participants through looser definitions of whats actually been agreed to. News outlets tend to use the terms coalition, partnership, or alliance interchangeably. So, while including the more formal alliance in that mix misses the mark, differentiating between partnerships and coalitions is a distinction without a difference for most audiences. And throwing ad hoc in front of any of those terms just implies shorter timelines and more specific short-term objectives.

Why a coalition?

Arguing against a coalition is easy when youre the 600-pound gorilla in the room. They slow down decision making. They force compromises in ends and means. And, like any committee, they include personalities, animosities, and agendas that must be pleased, placated, and addressed. If youre in a hurry with vital interests threatened, going it alone is certainly easier and often more effective if youve got the means to do it. The Cold War provided numerous examples of the U.S. taking this route, including Panama, Grenada, Iran, and many more limited interventions where the we had overwhelming military superiority and the cost of bringing others onboard carried limited benefits with potentially high diplomatic or material costs and risks.

But thats not always the case, especially when overriding goals of international legitimacy or others national honor are important to the eventual end state. In that case, it may be best to spread the glory (or blame) by including stakeholdersreal or perceivedand putting up with the inefficiencies and added costs that may involve. Iraq and Jordan, for example, are part of the anti-ISIS coalition because having a U.S. military presence and conducting combat operations on their soil would be humiliating to them if they didnt share in decision-making.

Coalitions also can have practical benefits. Logistics are much more manageable with access to ports and airfields in the conflict area, as demonstrated today by our use of numerous ports and airfields in Persian Gulf states and Saudi Arabia. Local intelligence services often have a much better picture of facts on the ground. High-tempo operations may outpace U.S. local or regional capabilities. Diplomatic and personal contacts and access can be critical to prevent escalation or encourage resolution. For a military with global responsibilities like ours, even minor burden sharing in critical places or at critical times can make a significant difference in the cost/benefit analysis of intervention decision-making or eventual success.

Then there is the issue of legitimacy.

Whether its the combatting the old Axis of Evil or the current Axis of Resistance, having dozens of nations supporting your overall goals lends much more validity to your actions than just a few outlier regimes noisily working to upend the status quo. This can be true whether the coalition partners make real contributions to the military effort or are just providing moral or diplomatic support.

Do coalitions work?

Do-overs in war are rare. For that reason, there arent many counterfactuals to study and determine whether a particular conflict would have come out differently with or without a coalition. But it is possible to look back at history and examine some of the factors that contribute to success or failure in uniting states with some combination of overlapping and clashing national interests behind a set of defined military and diplomatic objectives.

But its difficult to determine whether, say, Afghanistan would have worked out differently if the U.S. werent limited by differing and often restrictive rules of engagement among coalition partners. Having to constantly check which coalition partners could conduct what types of operations while still ensuring they did enough to report their contributions back home often tied U.S. forces hands and complicated decision making. Who knows what opportunities may have been missed? Would Vietnam have gone differently if we had convinced more regional partners of Domino theory arguments and got them more directly involved militarily or diplomatically? Could Japan, Indonesia, or even China have been enlisted to press Hanoi toward a peaceful solution if we were willing to compromise on some of our objectives, or even just better understand the objectives and motivations of both North and South Vietnam? Reasonable people will differ, and undoubtedly do. But since war is politics by other means, at least for democracies, coalition warfare is here to stay.

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A railway bridge across the Chapayevka River in Russia's Samara Oblast has been blown up, paralyzing the traffic, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) said on March 4 without specifying who was responsible for the incident.

The bridge and the adjacent railway connection were used by Russia to transport military cargo, namely engineering explosives produced by the JSC Polimer in the city of Chapayevsk, the military intelligence agency said.

The agency's statement came after Russian Telegram channels reported the incident, publishing alleged photos of the bridge. According to military intelligence, the bridge was damaged at about 6 a.m. local time.

"Given the nature of the damage to the railway bridge, its use will be impossible for a long time," the agency said on its Telegram channel.

This is not the first such incident to take place in Russia in the past months.

In late January, military intelligence claimed that partisans burned down several relay cabinets on the railroad and other facilities in three regions of Russia that were reportedly used for the Russian troops' logistics.

Read also: Ukraines military intelligence claims cyberattack on Russian Defense Ministry

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The defence ministers and commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the UK held a telephone conversation concerning the situation at the contact line and defence cooperation on 4 March.

Source: Rustem Umierov, Ukrainian Defence Minister, on Twitter (X); European Pravda

According to Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi explained the operational situation in Ukraine and its urgent needs to UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps and head of the UK Armed Forces, Sir Antony David Radakin.

"We also discussed opportunities to implement within the Maritime Capability Coalition. Ukraines success in destroying russias fleet has to be scaled up. Thus we need to increase Ukraines use of drones," Rustem Umierov added.

The minister also thanked the UK for the allocation of 200 million for the production of drones for Ukraine.

Last week, Radakin said that Ukraine will experience a shortage of ammunition and will be at a disadvantage in the war with Russia within a few months until the West agrees on further steps to support Kyiv.

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Ukrainian forces have stalled the Russian military's advances in some areas west of the recently captured city of Avdiivka, Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria Group, reported on March 4.

Ukraine was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka, a key front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, on Feb. 17 and from other nearby villages weeks later. Russia is intensifying offensive actions along the front as Ukraine's Armed Forces face severe ammunition shortages due to delays in U.S. aid.

Ukraines military has managed to stabilize the situation and slow down Russian advances near the villages of Novoselivka, Berdychi, Tonenke, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske west of Avdiivka, Lykhovii said on national television.

Russia controls parts of Berdychi and Tonenke, but "the Defense Forces are doing their job, inflicting significant losses on the enemy," added Lykhovii.

Read also: Our reserves will run out: Ukrainian artillery sounds alarm on Western shell shortage

Moscow is reinforcing its troops to capture Novomykhailivka near Marinka, which has become one of the hottest areas of the front, Lykhovii told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on the same day.

"There are more assaults there every day than in the Avdiivka sector. For example, yesterday there were 20 (attacks) in the Avdiivka sector and 30 assaults in Novomykhailivka and its outskirts."

Russian troops have also been focusing their efforts near Chasiv Yar, a city west of occupied Bakhmut.

Russia sees Chasiv Yar as crucial for further advances toward Kostyantinivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, according to the Ukrainian military.

Read also: Our readers questions about the war, answered. Vol. 5

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There are only 55 jobs for every 100 people in former coalfield areas, research has found

Former coal-mining areas are falling further behind the rest of Britain decades on from pit closures, a charity has warned.

Forty years after the 1984 miners' strike, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) said communities had been "let down" by a lack of investment since the loss of an industry which employed more than 220,000 people.

It comes as a survey commissioned by the BBC suggested 73% of people living in former mining towns and villages felt they had seen little or no progress on levelling up - the Conservatives' flagship policy aimed at reducing regional inequalities.

The government said it had committed 15bn to improve the lives of "everyone, everywhere in the UK" through levelling-up projects.

The BBC's poll of 2,426 people in former coalfield communities in England, Wales and Scotland found 57% felt there was a lack of suitable jobs in their area.

Darren Wood, 49, who lives in the ex-mining village of Goldthorpe, near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, said he had been looking for work for five years but "never hears anything back" about his applications.

"You can apply for stuff, check your emails and you don't get any replies. They don't get back to you, not even a 'no, sorry you're not suitable or been successful'. It does grind you down," said the single father-of-two.

Darren Wood has been looking for work for five years

Thousands of men in Goldthorpe and neighbouring village Thurnscoe worked at four local collieries when miners across Britain went on strike in 1984 to fight the National Coal Board's plans to shut pits.

By the end of 1994, all four mines - along with more than 120 others in England, Scotland and Wales - had closed.

Linda McAvan, chair of the CRT, said: "The strike was 40 years ago but of course that was the beginning of the issues in the coalfields, not the end of them.

"In that time some things have got better - land has been cleared up compared to how it used to be - but we see the gap widening between the coalfields and the other parts of the UK, the cities in particular."

Job availability, growth in employment, the number of people with qualifications and wages in coalfield areas all lag behind the national average, previous research has found.

A 2019 report by Sheffield Hallam University found there were 55 jobs per 100 residents in former mining areas, compared to a national average of 73. In London, there were 86 jobs for every 100 people.

Health problems were also more widespread and life expectancy was lower in former mining towns, researchers found.

'Still playing catch-up'

Levelling-up policies were a key part of the Conservative Party's campaign in the 2019 general election, when the party won seats from Labour in former coalfield areas such as Rotherham, Northumberland and North Wales.

But the results of Survation's poll for the BBC suggested many people in coalfield communities still felt left behind.

Only 16% of respondents said there had been progress on levelling up their area.

The survey polled adults aged 18 to 64 in former mining heartlands across Britain, from Fife in Scotland to Dover in Kent. It found:

49% of respondents with children were worried about their child's prospects of getting a job in the local area.

53% said their local area offered few or no opportunities. Only 5% said there were lots of opportunities.

57% felt a lack of suitable jobs was the greatest barrier to employment in their area.

"Mining communities are still playing catch-up," said Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council.

"The damage that was done - the economic as well as the social damage - was huge," he added. "That takes generations to pull back."

In Thurnscoe and other coal towns, warehouses have replaced mining jobs

Around 20,000 jobs were lost in Barnsley when coal mines shut in the 1980s and 1990s.

Warehouses and call centres - some built on the site of demolished collieries - have brought new jobs to the town.

But the CRT, which works to improve quality of life in former coalfield areas across Britain, said many new roles were low-paying positions on flexible contracts that did not offer job security.

Ms McAvan said there were "simply not enough jobs in the coalfields," forcing young people to commute elsewhere.

"If our transport links were fantastic and cheap that might be OK, but they're not," she said.

Anna Lowe is forced to get taxis home from work because there are no buses

Anna Lowe, 22, grew up in Thurnscoe and left school with few qualifications. She landed her first job two years ago at a warehouse in Manvers.

"It was a big moment for me," she told the BBC.

Ms Lowe lives with her parents and travels to work by bus. But by the time her shift finishes at 22:00, services have stopped for the day. Her choice is a four-mile walk home at night or a taxi.

"I'm getting taxis back which is costing me about 12 a night just to get home," she said.

"But I would much rather pay that than walk from Manvers to Thurnscoe. You've got to do what you've got to do."

Barriers to employment graphic

Last year Barnsley Council established an independent commission aimed at identifying and removing barriers to employment.

While the town's official unemployment rate of 3% is lower than the national average of 3.8%, more than a quarter of Barnsley's population is classed as economically inactive - meaning they are not employed and not actively seeking work. The national rate of economic inactivity is 21%, according to the Office for National Statistics.

A Centre for Cities report last year said many men in former mining areas such as Barnsley and Sunderland "withdrew into economic inactivity" rather than registering unemployed when the coal industry collapsed. It said this "legacy of the 1980s" was "still visible on today's labour market".

Analysis box by James Vincent, Political editor, BBC Yorkshire

When you rename a whole government department with one of your slogans, you know you'd best make it work.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities took its new name straight from the manifesto promise that convinced many here to vote Conservative, often for the first time.

In former pit villages the blue side of politics was a dirty word - but after years of feeling forgotten, voters changed their minds.

Don't underestimate how big a shock it was for people to see places like Rotherham and Doncaster vote for the Conservatives. Much of that was down to Boris Johnson's levelling up promises.

Conservative MPs attempting to keep their two-letter suffix this year will lean heavily on the pots of money given out as part of the Levelling Up and Towns Funds.

They will point to that and say the money will be used to improve local towns and villages - but it is also offset by the huge cuts over the last 10 years to local councils.

If people in former mining areas think they've not been "levelled up" then they'll tell you about it.

The real survey happens later this year when they get to choose their MP.

Thurnscoe charity Station House was once a soup kitchen which fed miners and their families during the strike. Today it helps parents stay in work by offering heavily subsidised childcare.

Charlotte Williams, the charity's chief executive, said: "To live in Thurnscoe is a great experience, but it has its challenges. These challenges aren't always caused by the people who live here.

"Poverty, transport, access to healthcare, access to employment, and at times it does tipple into anti-social behaviour and some of the other things we associate with poverty. But what we need to remember is nobody made themselves poor here. It's by circumstance."

Station House is the only childcare centre in Thurnscoe which offers after-school and holiday provision

The government said it was investing more than 320m in South Yorkshire, including improvements to high streets, transport, community hubs and residential areas.

Barnsley Council has approved five projects which it said would "revitalise" Thurnscoe, Goldthorpe and neighbouring village Bolton upon Dearne using 23.1m of government funding. The first of those projects, a new public square in Goldthorpe, opened in October.

But other coalfield areas have missed out on funding.

Last year Wakefield Council in West Yorkshire said it was "extremely disappointed" the government had rejected its bid for 19m of levelling-up funding which it said would have "transformed" the former mining town of Knottingley.

The town was once home to thousands of miners who worked at Kellingley Colliery, which was Britain's last operational pit when it closed in 2015 and was once the largest deep coal mine in Europe.

The council had planned to use the money to build new leisure facilities and cycle lanes in Knottingley, where rates of ill health are higher than the national average.

John Williamson, 65, worked as a courier in Knottingley for 16 years before suffering two strokes in 2018.

He said: "I came home from work one day, not well. Went to the doctors, blood pressure through the roof. He says come back next week and we'll check it. I had two strokes the next morning sat in the bath."

Mr Williamson was able to ease off his painkillers after enrolling on a course run by the CRT for people in chronic pain. But he said: "I can't work any more and it's done my head in."

More than a third of people in coalfield areas suffer chronic health problems, according to the charity.

'Supporting everyone'

Ms McAvan called for the government to implement a long-term strategy with specific targeted policies for coalfields.

She added: "We don't want to be here in 25 years telling the same story. We want these communities to get the jobs, to grow their own wealth-building capacity, and to see people living decent lives here."

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: "We're supporting everyone, everywhere in the UK - including those in former coalfield communities - to improve their everyday lives through our 15bn levelling up programmes.

"This includes our 1.1bn Long-Term Plan for Towns so local people are empowered to steer their town's regeneration over the next 10 years. Through this initiative, 55 towns, including former mining towns like Accrington, Burnley, Merthyr Tydfil and Chesterfield, will develop Long-Term Plans for regeneration based on local priorities to support transformation projects."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
A House bill that would ease many of the restrictions placed on school resource officers last year will get its first floor vote on Monday after weeks of talks between legislators and law enforcement officials.

The sweeping education bill Gov. Tim Walz signed into law last spring restricted how and when police officers stationed in public schools may restrain students, leading several agencies to suspend their programs. The new legislation would exempt police from the rules educators must follow to restrain students and establish a set of standards and trainings for police officers and sheriff's deputies stationed in schools.

About 40 agencies suspended their school resource officer programs in response to concerns over potential legal liabilities for their employees. A handful of police departments and sheriff's offices reinstated their on-campus presence after a pair of memos from the attorney general's office. Many never removed their officers.

The executive directors for three organizations that represent Minnesota law enforcement officials told lawmakers they support the legislation in a joint letter. Executive directors for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and Minnesota Sheriffs Association said they "feel a sense of urgency to resolve this issue" and allow dozens of agencies to restore their school resource officer programs.

But they also criticized legislators for not inviting law enforcement officials to testify or otherwise seeking their input when the bill passed last year.

"We respectfully request that if there is future legislation that impacts the roles and duties of police officers in any meaningful way that we have an opportunity to provide feedback prior to enacting new laws," the law enforcement officials wrote. "We feel strongly that the suspension of SROs programs across the state could have been avoided if we would have had the opportunity to engage with this issue in the same manner that has occurred over the past few weeks."

A coalition of educators and advocates that support the bill's training provisions also took issue with the legislation for explicitly allowing officers to place students in the prone position, even in narrow circumstances.

"We do not think it is reasonable to allow children to be put in these holds in any case, other than in the case of imminent bodily harm," Erin Sandsmark, program manager for Solutions Not Suspensions, said in February. "We feel that it does not hold up the humanity of our children."

Lawmakers made only minor changes to the bill after it was introduced. Amendments pushed back training deadlines and relaxed language that would have required a dress code for police officers and sheriff deputies.

This story will be updated.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Fairfax County Police Department said a minor was injured after a crash on Sunday afternoon.

Police said there are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash involving a bus and a car at Gallows Road and Anderson Drive in Merrifield.

Police identify man hit, killed by car in DC

Officers said the juvenile who was in the car was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 5, 2024 - 08:24 | All, Japan, World

Rina Gonoi, a former member of Japan's armed forces, attended a White House ceremony on Monday as one of the recipients of an award honoring women who have taken courageous actions to fight for a better world.

Hosting the annual ceremony with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, First Lady Jill Biden praised the women on stage, saying, "You've spoken out for yourselves and for others in the face of fear and risk, and those who have tried to steal your voices away."

"Together, we will keep chipping away at the quiet that haunts our world, and while there may be those who wish for us to fall silent, we will never fall because the steepness of the struggle will not stop our ascent," she said.

With 11 other women from countries such as Bangladesh, Belarus, Iran and Myanmar, Gonoi received the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award for leading a public campaign against sexual harassment.

Gonoi, 24, who was sexually assaulted while serving in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, attended the ceremony wearing a judo outfit. She did not make comments at the event.

She is the first Japanese woman in nine years to be selected as a recipient of the award, which started in 2007. In 2015, Japanese activist Sayaka Osakabe was commended for her fight against "maternity harassment," or unfair treatment of pregnant working women.

Gonoi came forward in 2022 as a victim of long-term sexual harassment and abuse by colleagues in her unit. Her actions drew attention and led to Japan's Defense Ministry receiving more than 1,400 reports of sexual and other forms of harassment within the Self-Defense Forces.

In December, a Japanese court found three former male colleagues of Gonoi guilty of sexual indecency.

At the ceremony, Blinken said, "The United States stands with every woman of courage working to build greater stability, greater equality and greater opportunity."

"Supporting women and girls is not only the right thing to do, it's the smart and necessary thing to do, and we know this in so many different ways," he said. "Simply put, when women do better, we all do better."

Related coverage:

Abused former GSDF member Gonoi gets women of courage award

3 ex-SDF members convicted in high-profile sexual indecency case

Abused ex-GSDF member attends Time event, says speaking out is key
Metro Police have identified a missing 44-year-old Nashville woman as the person pulled from Whites Creek near Buena Vista Pike Saturday.

Emily Bradley was reported missing on Feb. 21.

She was last seen Feb. 18 leaving her home on Norvel Avenue, police said.

Emily Bradley was reporting missing in Nashville in February.

The Medical Examiners Office has revealed Bradley's apparent cause of death as blunt force trauma, and cold case/homicide detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department are continuing their search for her missing gray Chevrolet Cruze with Florida tag 086PML, police said.

The car has a noticeable dent in the trunk.

Anyone with information on Bradleys death or her missing vehicle are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Missing Nashville woman Emily Bradley's body found in creek
HERNDON, Va. - Have you seen Luz Avila Lopez?

The 15-year-old, who goes by "Leila," went missing on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The Fairfax County Police Department is urgently seeking information from the public to locate her.

Leila was last seen on surveillance video leaving Herndon High School at dismissal time.

Strangely, detectives say she did not board the school bus to return home. She was wearing a distinctive outfit at the time: a white jacket, gray sweatpants, black socks, and flip-flops, as depicted in the photo provided by her family.

The family is deeply concerned for Leila's safety, prompting the Fairfax County Police Department to escalate efforts to locate the missing teenager.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Leila's whereabouts to contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2233. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in reuniting Leila with her family and ensuring her well-being.
The Mississippi Senate Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committee has pushed forward legislation to amend the state's constitution and bring regulatory changes to the state's stonewalled ballot initiative process.

On Thursday, AET Chair Sen. David Parker, R-Olive Branch, presented the committee with Senate Bill 2770 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 527, which would establish stricter requirements for those seeking to start ballot initiatives in Mississippi, as well as change the constitution to account for the state's four congressional districts.

In the early 2000s, Mississippi's districts went from five to four after a United States Census accounted for a declined state population.

Requirements listed out in the bill include a threshold of double the number of qualified voters in the state to sign petitions to put the initiative on the state's next general election, or about 200,000 people. SB 2770 also bans voters from attempting to use the ballot to amend the state constitution, the Public Employment Retirement System of Mississippi, any abortion laws passed by the Legislature and only one subject can go on any one ballot. It would also require a voting majority of 60% or more to be passed into law.

Sen. David Parker, R-Olive Branch, addresses Senate members regarding a bill he authored to set up a nonprofit regional utility authority for the Jackson water system at the Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi on Feb. 7. Parker has passed through a bill to bring back ballot initiatives to the state.

The legislation mirrors House Concurrent Resolution 11, which passed through the House by only a handful of votes earlier this year. However, Parker told fellow lawmakers that he took out a provision that would have allowed the Legislature to offer an alternative piece of legislation to any ballot initiative proposed by the voters.

Read about HCR 11 Abortion off table as MS House passes ballot initiative reform. See what else is restricted

"The changes the House made are very limited in the statutory changes," Parker said. "We're taking out that alternative measure section. That, in my mind was somewhat complicated. It made it very difficult for some of us in this room to explain what was going on the ballot initiatives."

Up until 2020, the state had a ballot initiative process. That changed when a group led by long-time Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler sought to challenge Initiative 65, which legalized medical cannabis, and the entire initiative process in court. The law, they argued, was outdated because it required signatures to come in equal proportion from the state's "five" congressional districts.

In May 2021, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled on Hawkins-Butlers side, putting the state's marijuana ambitions in what would ultimately be a temporary pause, but the ballot initiative process into a more lasting limbo. Since then, the court has asked the Legislature to change only the constitution to account for the district change.

Parker's bill also requires that any groups starting the ballot process must report where any money funding the process comes from, and they must disclose if any out-of-state groups are the primary funding source. The person responsible for circulating petitions for signatures must also register with the Mississippi Secretary of State's office and be a Mississippi resident.

The Mississippi Attorney General's office will also need to ensure that the initiative focuses on only one issue before it can go onto the ballot. Once the sitting AG signs off, they will submit a report summarizing the initiative with recommended changes to the state board of election commissioners.

Once the board reviews the ballot initiative, it will be sent to the Secretary of State's office for final approval before going onto a ballot for a vote.

Parker said he added several financial reporting requirements because he does not want any out-of-state groups to have sway in the state's laws via a ballot initiative. Members of House leadership have also voiced the same concern.

"When this was first brought to me, I felt strongly that anything we do on this and anything that is initiated should be the will of the people of Mississippi," Parker said. "I've tried to make provisions in here to make sure that's going to be the case, because, quite frankly, I don't really care what people from other states think we are doing or want us to do."

Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, challenged the bills, asking why voters would be required to reach a 60% threshold when most bills in the Legislature and regular elections require a simply concrete majority. He also challenged Parker's policies within the bill to try and regulate out-of-state groups to either fund or participate in a ballot initiative in Mississippi and the 200,000-signature threshold.

"The theory that citizens are not going to know what they are doing and are going to be manipulated by outside interests and big-money campaigns, that's a theory, but I would say we 30 years of evidence to show how the people of Mississippi did with the initiative process, and they voted for good things and against bad things," Blount said. "So, I think that fear us misplaced."

Blount also expressed concern over the legislation restricting what Mississippi voters can choose to begin a ballot initiative, referring to the restrictions on PERS, abortion laws and the constitution.

Parker, while not defending his bill's restrictions on those items, did say the 200,000-signature threshold is a more modern requirement as technology has increased voter access to petitions.

Read about House move to study vouchers Abortion off table as MS House passes ballot initiative reform. See what else is restricted

"I think now the ability to reach people is greater, so I think you can and you should achieve a higher number," Parker said.

The two pieces of legislation will now be considered by the full Senate for a vote on the floor, and they will require a two-thirds majority.

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS Senate ballot initiative bill takes out constitution, abortion changes
Prosecutors in Jackson County, Missouri, have filed serious charges against a man who allegedly shot and killed both an Independence police officer and a civil process server on Thursday, while wounding two other law enforcement officials.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters office announced that Larry D. Acree faces two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault and three counts of armed criminal action charges.

Acree is accused of killing Independence Police Department Officer Cody Allen and Jackson County circuit court process server Drexel Mac.

According to court documents, Mac went to a home at about 1 p.m. on Thursday, on N. Elsea Smith Road to follow up on a notice to vacate that was posted on the property six days prior.

MISSOURI CIVIL PROCESSOR SERVING EVICTION NOTICE, RESPONDING POLICE OFFICER FATALLY SHOT, 2 OTHERS WOUNDED

At least three Missouri law enforcement officials were shot at a residence near E. Bundschu Road and N. Elsea Smith Road in Independence on Feb. 29, 2024.

Mac was accompanied by two people identified as Witnesses 1 and 2 on Thursday, and after knocking and announcing their presence, the three did not receive a response and drilled out the lock before entering the home.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Mac and "Witness 1" entered, court documents state, and gunshots were fired, striking Mac and causing him to fall to the ground immediately inside the front door of the home.

Witness 1 was able to get out of the home and call for help. Three Independence police officers responded and entered the home to retrieve Mac, when more gunshots were fired from inside.

FORMER MISSOURI SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ADMITS HIRING HITMAN TO KILL PREGNANT TEACHER

Larry Acree of Independence, Missouri allegedly shot three law enforcement officials at his home near E. Bundschu Road and N. Elsea Smith Road on Feb. 29, 2024.

Victim 2, identified as Officer Cody Allen, was shot in the head, court documents state, and a second officer was struck in the torso.

Officers returned fire at the suspect, later identified as Acree, and by 1:30 p.m., he was taken into custody.

All victims who were wounded were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Allen and Mac were subsequently pronounced dead, while the officer who was shot in the abdomen was taken to surgery and expected to survive the wounds.

MISSOURI POLICE FATALLY SHOOT SUSPECT WHO STABBED 2 OFFICERS

Independence, Missouri law enforcement officials responded to a home near E. Bundschu Road and N. Elsea Smith Road in Independence on Feb. 29, 2024, after a civil process server from the county was shot while serving eviction papers.

On Thursday, Independence Police Department Chief Adam Dustman described Allen as always having a smile on his face, calling him "one of a kind" and "a human being among human beings."

Allen is survived by his wife, their two small children and his parents.

Judge Jalilah Otto of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri said Mac had been with the court for over 12 years.

Otto told reporters Mac was "a true public servant, and he lost his life doing his job."





Original article source: Missouri man faces murder charges after allegedly fatally shooting police officer and civil process server
A 15th circuit court judge has been appointed to preside over the case of a man who allegedly fatally shot an Independence police officer and a Jackson County court employee.

Judge W. Page Bellamy, who works in Saline County, will transfer to Jackson County Circuit Court to preside over the case of Larry Acree, according to a decision Friday from the Missouri Supreme Court. Jackson County court judges recused themselves from presiding over the case.

Larry Acree, 69, was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree murder as well as first-degree assault and armed criminal action for his alleged role in the fatal shooting Thursday of Jackson County civil process server Drexel Mack, 41, and Independence police officer Cody Allen, 35.

Civil process servers, including Mack, arrived at Acrees former home in the 1100 block of North Elsea Smith Road Thursday to carry out an eviction. Police said they announced their presence and had a maintenance worker drill the locks off the door when there was no answer.

At that point, Acree allegedly shot Mack, who fell to the ground, according to a probable cause affidavit. Acree allegedly continued to shoot at officers who came to Macks aid, including Allen, who was shot in the head.

Acree also allegedly shot two other police officers, whom officials said were released from the hospital and are recovering at home.

Police returned fire and took Acree into custody at the scene with minor injuries.

Acree is in police custody on a $2 million bond. He will be transferred to Jackson County jail once he recovers from his injuries.

An initial court date has not been set.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A local man was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he pleaded guilty to committing in 2022.

1 dead, Mobile woman arrested in Sunday homicide: MPD

Morgan Daniel Barnhill, 29, of Mobile, pleaded guilty to the murder of Etienne Murray, 25, in March 2022. Barnhill beat Murray in the head with a shovel, leading to Murrays death.

Barnhill originally called police on March 29 to report a burglary at his home. He told officers at the time that an unknown man tried to enter his shed, so he hit the man over the head with the shovel.

Officers investigated the case and found that Barnhill had lied about the attempted burglary.

According to previous reporting, a prosecutor told a judge during a bond hearing that the killing was motivated by Barnhills belief that Murray stole something from him, adding that they believe race is another factor in the crime. Barnhill is white, and Murray is black.

Spring Break season brings changes to Alabamas beaches

Prosecutors also said that Barnhill had left Murrays body there for hours before calling the police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) didnt waste any time after the Alabama Supreme Court threatened to upend the political cycle by ruling that frozen embryos are people.

Reproductive rights issues had given Democrats a big leg up in 2022 while Republicans struggled to communicate cohesively in the wake of the Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision  and the chair of the Senate GOPs campaign arm wanted a different model in 2024.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) went on offense after the Alabama decision. It was in contact with campaigns by the next morning, and in short order, one Republican candidate after another released similar pronunciations: IVF helps families struggling with fertility have children and should be protected.

Senate Republicans and campaign operatives alike said it was an example of the changes Daines has made at the NRSC as he looks to hold together far-flung factions of his party and retake the chamber in November.

We just wanted to make sure we quickly went out with an exclamation point that we dont want to restrict that option for so many families that want to have babies, Daines said in an interview with The Hill.

He said they were in contact with campaigns right away.

It was a quick response.

Daines has also worked to correct the much-talked-about candidate quality problems that vexed the party in 2022 while cultivating a relationship with former President Trump  and hes received high marks from colleagues.

Hes done a magnificent job, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who ran the committee during the 2010 and 2012 cycles.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) addresses reporters after the weekly policy luncheon on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. (The Hill/Greg Nash)

Drawing the Senate map

His work has come to the forefront in recent weeks as the partys 2024 map came together and the party scored big wins.

Daines scored a major coup last month when the popular former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) shocked the political world by announcing a bid for Sen. Ben Cardins (D-Md.) open seat, spawning an out-of-nowhere pickup opportunity for the GOP.

Hogan, who left office with a 77 percent approval rating, passed on a bid in 2022. But Darin Thacker, Daines chief of staff and a longtime Marylander, sent him a letter imploring him to run this time.

The pair met in Annapolis, where Thacker presented a poll showing the ex-governor in the lead.

That got the ball moving in earnest, leading to a series of meetings with Daines and what a source familiar with the governor described as a professional, full-court press  a big difference from the talks Hogan had with former NRSC Chair Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and the committee during the 2022 cycle.

According to the source, Scott and Hogan held one call and discussed a possible run for seven minutes tops with no follow-ups. The source called the effort passive.

It was like, Let us know if youre interested, the source familiar with Hogan said, describing this years outreach as a comprehensive and exhaustive series of discussions.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan rehearses his farewell speech moments before reciting it over a video feed inside the old Maryland Senate chambers, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

To be sure, Hogans chances are better this cycle, with an open seat, and a source with knowledge of the NRSCs 2022 strategy disputed the Hogan teams recollection.

Thats a rewriting of history. There was significant outreach and multiple discussions and he wasnt interested in running, the source said. Glad he made the decision to run this cycle. Its good for the party and all our candidates.

Bud Daines was lauded for the effort, and days later he succeeded in clearing the field in Montana for Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and businessman whom Daines personally recruited to run against Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), a top target in November.

Only hours after Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) announced his Senate campaign, Trump endorsed Sheehy, putting the proverbial nail in Rosendales campaign coffin. He dropped out days later.

Sheehy and Hogan joined a Republican field that leaders in the GOP believe gives them a solid chance in a year expected to feature plenty of friendly terrain.

This includes David McCormick in Pennsylvania, Sam Brown in Nevada and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who retired from the House in 2014.

Weve been trying to get Mike Rogers to run for a decade, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) told The Hill.

The U.S Capitol photographed on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Fixing candidate quality

The GOP has struggled for years to bypass rough-and-tumble primaries and clear the way for candidates acceptable to a general election audience.

The 2022 midterms were a prime example, when Mehmet Oz, Herschel Walker and Blake Masters emerged from the primaries  with Trumps endorsement  and helped cost Republicans the majority.

Some Republicans criticized the NRSC for not being more involved in pushing its preferred candidates.

Scott often declared that voters didnt want Washington to pick who the candidates are  a posture Daines has reversed this cycle.

Hes maneuvered the choppy waters of candidate recruitment and, more importantly, exclusivity better than about anybody in history, and largely because hes the only person probably who dared weigh in the way he has with both recruiting the right candidates and detracting the wrong candidates, said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who is up for reelection this fall.

Thats not without considerable political risk, but its also what comes with tremendous political rewards, he added.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) addresses reporters after the weekly policy luncheon on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (Greg Nash/The Hill)

Daines has been helped by his relationship with Trump, which has already proven worthwhile with Rosendales exit.

Daines endorsed the former president in late April, becoming the first member of GOP leadership to do so as he sought to bring Trump into the fold on the partys Senate campaign efforts.

Hes managed that dynamic really well, Thune said. He knows that particularly in primary elections, former President Trump has a ton of influence with primary voters. I think hes tried as much as possible to sync up where they can, knowing full well that trying to have clean shots at these Democrat incumbents is going to require everybody being on the same page.

That relationship also led to reports in recent days that Trump is urging Daines to run for Republican leader.

Daines told The Hill that he talks with Trump on the phone every week or two and that the two text back and forth several times a week.

We are staying in very close contact, he said.

The NRSC chair has also maintained a good relationship with McConnell, who butted heads with Scott repeatedly. The Montana Republican has been trying to mend fences between Trump and McConnell to the point where the GOP leader might endorse the former presidents campaign.

Senators have indicated the likely main reason behind McConnell backing Trump is to provide a united front for the partys Senate candidates.

Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake

Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Hurdles to November

Still, potential pitfalls await.

Daines has spoken openly about the difficulty of defeating incumbents and Democrats have a large number of battle-tested prolific fundraisers.

And despite the intense focus on candidate quality, the party still has some issues to contend with on that front. Chief among them is Kari Lake, who loudly and repeatedly beat the drum about the election being stolen from Trump in 2020. Daines argued that Lake is a talented candidate and has refocused her rhetoric toward issues related to the border and the economy.

Shes focused on the future and not the past elections, he said, adding that he believes Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) will decide against seeking a second term and that Lake will not face a tough primary, aiding her path.

There are also some questions about the committees fundraising, though operatives note that the malaise has seeped in across the party. To help counteract that, Daines and Senate Republicans are relying on a number of self-funders, including Sheehy, McCormick, and Eric Hovde in Wisconsin.

FILE  Voter in the foreground casts a ballot. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Democrats, however, sense opportunity against some of the GOP candidates and are quick to note that some of them were unsuccessful last cycle, including McCormick and Brown.

Senate Republicans have recruited a roster of unvetted, carpetbagging losers with enough baggage to sink a ship, said David Bergstein, a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman. By the time voters learn the truth about their disqualifying flaws, they wont be able to get elected dogcatcher.

Trumps impact also remains to be seen, especially in some of the more purple states on the map, as well as in Maryland. Hogan has been an outspoken Trump critic, but Daines thinks Trump will keep his powder dry.

There are still eight months until Election Day, but top Republicans are optimistic.

Its not like hes out there recruiting the village idiots. Hes out there recruiting the best of the best, and I think thats widely recognized, Cramer said. He has universal support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Trader Joe's grocery store employee sanitizes shopping carts at the store's Bayshore Town Center location in Glendale on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The business had a steady flow of customers.

More than 60,000 pounds of steamed chicken soup dumplings are being recalled from Trader Joe's locations nationwide after possible contamination of plastic from a permanent marker, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The problem was discovered after Trader Joe's received complaints from consumers reporting they found hard plastic in the dumplings. There's been no confirmed reports of injury due due to this product.

Here's what to know about the recall:

What product did Trader Joe's recall?

CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp., of Beaumont, Calif., is recalling some Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings it produced because they may contain foreign material.

Trader Joe's recalled steamed chicken soup dumplings produced on Dec. 7, 2023. The following product is recalled:

6-oz. boxes with plastic trays containing six pieces of TRADER JOES Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings with lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2 printed on the side of the box.

The product has the establishment number "P-46009" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide.

Where are Trader Joe's locations in Wisconsin?

These are the Trader Joe's Wisconsin locations:

Brookfield: 12665 W. Bluemound Road

Madison: 1810 Monroe St.

Glendale: 5600 N. Port Washington Road

What should you do if you bought a product recalled from Trader Joe's?

If you've purchased this product, discard it or return it to a Trader Joe's location for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626)-599-3817, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time or send an email.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporations Consumer Experience Department at 800-544-6855.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trader Joe's recall 2024: 60,000 pounds of chicken dumplings recalled
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  More than 7,100 people attended the God Loves You Frontera Tour with Franklin Graham Sunday night, March 3 at the Don Haskins Center.

This was the seventh stop on the tour, and over 180 churches from around the Borderland attended the event, according to the organizers.

Photos courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Maybe theres an emptiness in your life tonight. Is it in such a mess that you dont know where to go or what to do? Whatever is wrong, Im here tonight to tell you that Gods Son, Jesus Christ can solve it, Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said during his El Paso stop.

There are many of you here tonight, youre religious but you do not have a relationship with God. Im here to share how you can have a new life by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, said Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham.

More than 33,000 have people attended the first seven stops of the tour. The 10-city, 1,500-mile tour will make its next stop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tucson.

The events are free.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
(NewsNation)  An uptick in traumatic encounters in libraries across the nation is forcing librarians to navigate dangerous situations they arent properly trained for.

While these public institutions are open to everyone, new reports say these buildings have become hot spots for the homeless, migrants and people with drug addiction.

Librarians have reported they are often faced with verbal abuse, racy situations, dangerous confrontations and mental health crises, especially in such states as Colorado, Oregon and California.

Difficult to process: NYC cellist attacked while playing in subway

We are seeing an uptick in incidents at all of our libraries, and its a trend happening all across the country, Contra Costa County Library spokesperson Brooke Converse told NewsNation.

She continued, There were threats to staff and library property. There was damage to staff and library property multiple times, including things being set on fire.

The concerns have become so widespread that the Oakland Public Library reportedly hired a mediation consultant to address those safety concerns and low morale.

For a year, the mediator, Joseph Maurer, studied 18 branches and interviewed 50 employees. His internal report, published by The Oaklandside, revealed that library staff feel more unsafe now than ever before.

While some libraries are worse than others, Maurer found overwhelming evidence of low morale and employees feeling increasingly unsafe with a lack of tools and support.

Border officials: Fake, missing documents make it hard to ID migrants

Maurer said the libraries open access puts enormous pressure on staff, saying they feel stress and strain when handling unpredictable emergencies brought into the library by people with mental and emotional health issues.

NewsNation reached out to several Oakland branch managers to confirm the report but has not yet received a response.

As local audits reveal librarians face serious security threats, overdoses and suicides as part of their normal day, the American Library Association has denounced any violence and intimidation at libraries across the U.S.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 14:25 | All, Japan

A former employee of the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo was retroactively enrolled in Japan's employment insurance scheme on the order of the state-run job consultation office, allowing her to secure benefits she was previously denied when the embassy failed to sign her up, her labor union said Monday.

The woman was hired as a local clerical worker by the embassy in June 2021 and gave birth in January 2023. Although she took 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, she was unable to access further childcare leave benefits as the embassy did not take the legally mandated step of signing her up for employment insurance.

She consulted the Public Employment Security Office in September 2023 and was told she qualified for employment insurance, according to the General Union.

She was given an insurance certificate which enrolled her on the authority of the office and was subsequently paid childcare leave benefits, it said.

The embassy has also told her that it would enroll her in the insurance scheme retroactively, the union said.

The union praised the decision by the embassy, saying in a statement, "It is of great significance that diplomatic privilege was not applied" in processing the staff's employment insurance, referencing the fact that even a foreign diplomatic body is required by law to adhere to Japanese employment standards.

The embassy told Kyodo News it would not comment on private matters.

The woman, whose nationality was not disclosed, said she hopes her case would set a precedent that encourages other locally hired employees of foreign entities to fight for their rights at work.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, diplomats working in Japan are not eligible for employment insurance but embassies and consulates are required by law to take insurance enrollment procedures for employees hired in Japan.

Under the employment insurance system, both employers and employees pay premiums to cover benefits paid out in various cases such as when an insurance member is taking a childcare leave, loses their employment or requires training to find a new job.

Related coverage:

Japan to revise official romanization rules for 1st time in 70 yrs

Japan city to require multilingual trash rules posted for foreigners

Only 45 quake-hit foreign trainees in Japan allowed to do other jobs
The mother of a 5-year-old boy, who was found dead after falling 17 stories from a Kansas City apartment, entered a not guilty plea Monday during her arraignment in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Corrinne OConnor, 27, of Kansas City is accused of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child leading to the death of Grayson OConnor, according to Jackson County court records. The Class A felony carries a maximum term of life in prison under Missouri law. On Friday, she was indicted by a grand jury in connection with his death.

On Nov. 27, police responded to an alley near the Grand Boulevard Lofts, where a 911 caller had found Grayson.

Officers noticed an open window on the 17th floor and questioned OConnor in her apartment. She allegedly told police her son had gone out the window, according to court documents. Authorities said she didnt call 911 to report his fall.

OConnor allegedly removed safety devices from the window of her apartment that wouldve prevented the window from opening more than a few inches, according to an eviction petition from the apartment building.

Graysons death upset neighbors, who said they had seen signs of neglect over the time the boy and his mother lived in the building. At times, they stepped in to feed and house Grayson when they found him wandering the building, neighbors said.

Police were called to the apartment at least eight times since 2018, according to a Star analysis of police records. The reports were for general disturbances and to check the welfare of a person threatening suicide.

Neighbors also said they reported their concerns for Graysons welfare to Missouris Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline.

OConnor was officially charged in December, but the records remained under seal until late January. She was booked in jail on Jan. 25 and made her first court appearance the following day via video.

OConnor remains in Jackson County jail on a $100,000 bond.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 18 at 9 a.m.

The Stars Bill Lukitsch contributed to this report.
A single mother said she was left traumatised after she was stopped at an airport by police for suspected child trafficking.

Bridgetta Tomarchio, 45, was travelling with her four-year-old son to go and visit her childs father and when she got off the aircraft at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, she was confronted by officers.

She says she was waiting in a hire car office when two officers came in and started to question her about her son and told her they had received a report of potential child trafficking.

Ms Tomarchio, who regularly flies with her son and has a companion pass, said the officers asked to see identification for her son.

Now, my son has a different last name than me, so I also handed them my ticket, and I said, Heres my ticket, heres his ticket, and they said to me, Oh, he has a ticket?, she told Fox19.

In bodycam footage obtained by various outlets, Ms Tomarchio can be seen standing in a Hertz office when a person who appears to be an officer said they had a couple of calls and asked the mother if this was her child.

Okay, I dont know what exactly is going on, but I guess a pilot was concerned about potential trafficking. I dont know if something was said or what he heard, the officer can be heard saying.

Its traumatising. Im shaking inside, like thinking to myself, What did I do? I dont even understand what could have possibly happened, she told the outlet.

During the flight, she said her son was cold and tired, so he slept the entire flight wrapped in her jacket.

Ms Tomarchio claimed that officers revealed that it was a call from a Southwest Airlines pilot that started the investigation, something she said was really messed up, according to the outlet.

However, Southwest Airlines told Fox19 that after investigating the incident, they believe that company employees were not involved in the incident.

After further investigation, the information we have is that weve determined Southwest employees were not involved in this situation, as calls made to local authorities appeared to have been placed by an individual or individuals who are not affiliated with Southwest Airlines.

These are serious allegations and we appreciate the patience from the customer to allow us to look into these claims. Our customer engagement team will be in touch with the customer to further discuss the investigation, the airline added.

According to a dispatch report from the airport, a pilot was listed as the caller, but was not specifically a Southwest pilot, Fox19 said.

Ms Tomarchio is calling for airlines to have an improved protocol when it comes to cases of suspected child trafficking.

She has recently started an online petition for all children travelling by plane to carry government-issued IDs with both legal parents names on them, something that she hopes would improve child safety.

She told the Daily Mail, The unjust accusation left me feeling humiliated and emotionally traumatised and highlights a trouble[d] pattern of discriminatory behaviour towards single parents, particularly those who do not share the same last names or physical appearances as their children.

It is unacceptable that in this day and age, a single mother travelling with their child can be targeted and accused of such a heinous crime based solely on unfounded suspicions without any protocol in place, she added.

The Independent has contacted Southwest Airlines for comment.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  MSU Board of Trustee Chair Rema Vassar has resigned from her leadership position Sunday evening.

Vassar sent her resignation letter to fellow board members and incoming President Kevin Guskiewicz.

MSU Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar denies any wrongdoing in allegations related to ethics and policy violations. (WLNS)

Throughout my career, I have been an advocate for education as an elixir to cure all that ails our society, Vassar wrote in the letter according to the Detroit News. I have been and will always be especially dedicated to advocating for those who are marginalized, victimized, ignored, and suffering in educational spaces. This has been and will continue to be my focus and lifes work. Please accept my resignation as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, effective upon the naming of a new Chair. I have been honored to serve as Chairwoman, and I look forward to continuing to support the Universitys land grant mission as a Trustee.

This came just hours before a late-night special meeting to be held by the Board of Trustees on Sunday.

The meeting was a couple of days after the release of a new independent investigation of allegations of wrongdoing within the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.

MSU Trustees schedule late Sunday night special board meeting

Miller & Chevalier  the company hired to do the investigation  found three members of the elected body violated board bylaws and policies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frosts (D-Fla.) MadSoul music festival was supposed to be a party for activists  a celebration of Central Floridas progressive and queer community, in a hostile state. Frost wanted to show how far the community has come and its defiant rejection of Floridas increasingly right-wing tilt, with a mix of music and community building featuring appearances from indie artists and progressive politicos, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

But the festival would take an unexpected turn near the end, highlighting the mounting tensions between progressive leaders and activists disturbed by the United States continued support for Israel and its deadly siege on Gaza.

After a long day of speeches and local artists performances, the headliners are Muna, a Los Angeles indie-pop group composed of unapologetically queer people that blew up in 2022 in part due to their anthem Silk Chiffon. Frontperson Katie Gavin had just introduced a song by saying its about being gay and horny  a description that applies to much of the Muna songbook, but which is not the sort of banter you get at most political events. One song later, after dedicating Kind of Girl to all the trans people in Orlando, Gavin stops the set to ask whats going on.

in case anyone wanted to see what happened tonight at madsoul during muna's set/kind of girl, here's my video from tonight pic.twitter.com/00l6lwLpzz  alexi  (@alexigayperson) March 3, 2024

Members of Central Florida Queers for Palestine are in the crowd, waving a Palestinian flag and yelling at the stage.

What do you need, asks guitarist Naomi McPherson. Are you guys getting harassed?

As the protesters continue to yell, McPherson  who earlier in the set declared Free Palestine  notes its a bit hard to hear what they are saying, but urges the crowd and security to let them speak unharmed: Do not put your fucking hands on protesters.

It was difficult to make out what they were saying in the moment, but video shows the protesters were calling out Frost for, in their view, not doing more to stop Israels brutal assault on Gaza, and were upset with him for previously voting for a bill to give aid to Israel. The protesters say they were being targeted by security, while Frosts team says that they merely asked them to put away their flag, as the event had a no flags policy, and deny taking any further action.

As the protesters continue to yell, the vibe in the audience grows notably tense. Earlier in the day Frost had called for a cease-fire, but the activists shouted that this was just performative. Some time earlier, an abortion activist had read a statement on behalf of Central Florida Queers for Palestine onstage. Now, though, organizers from the group were yelling at Muna to be let onstage to speak.

McPherson notes, several times, that they agreed with the protesters, adding: A hundred percent, free Palestine, do not put your hands on these people, stand down. Members of the crowd join in with a free Palestine chant, as a visibly shaken Gavin explains that there was no way they could let the protesters on the stage. They apologize, noting they were also getting instructions via their inner-ear monitors, and then decide to pause the set. When security arrives, much to the bands distress (we are 100 percent anti-cop, says Gavin), the protesters opt to leave the festival, and the situation seems to deescalate. This doesnt feel good, Gavin says shortly before walking offstage.

I speak with one of the protesters, Lamia Moukaddam  whos wearing a T-shirt that says, No Peace in Apartheid  and ask what made the group decide to protest the event.

Were gonna have AOC here, were gonna have Maxwell Frost, were gonna have [Florida state Rep.] Anna Eskamani. These are three people who have consistently been very performative in their support for Palestine, she says. They refuse to put out a letterhead, stating support for Palestine.

OK, they just recently decided to get on board for a cease-fire resolution, she continues. However, we have been working with them on issues around Palestine for years now. For them to take this long to sign on to a cease-fire resolution is ridiculous. Theyve also voted to send military aid to Israel. Theyve also voted to equate anti-Zionism to antisemitism. They voted to condemn Hamas, which are freedom fighters.

While polls show that a solid majority of voters want a cease-fire and a deescalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, theres a lot of disagreement about the particulars of that goal, and the right way to achieve peace for the people of Palestine. (And to say the least, the majority of people do not view Hamas as freedom fighters.) To an extent, its a matter of perspective, as its always an activists job to push leaders, even progressive ones, and in this instance, its their prerogative not to be overly concerned about the great deal of security logistics that would keep a band like Muna from letting activists onstage at a campaign event.

But from a different perspective, its worth noting that in November, Frost and Ocasio-Cortez both cosponsored a resolution in Congress calling for a cease-fire. Eskamani was one of only two state lawmakers in Florida who voted for a cease-fire resolution.

Electoral politics are, of course, always inherently slow-moving, messy, and frustrating. The protesters anger is easy to understand. But its also a shame that an event intended to be a night of joy for Floridas embattled queer community was disrupted. Im not going to say theres any easy answers here, but I do have to admit Im heartened by how many people in Orlando care about issues of equality and justice. I can assure you, it didnt feel that way when I was growing up here.

In this pic with AOC are: Abortion care and access activists, organizers, abortion fund leaders and many who aided in solidifying abortion rights come November 2024.

Thank you to my @flaccessnetwork team, love you all!

So proud of us!



Thank you Rep. Frost and @madsoulfest. pic.twitter.com/vRXTfC269D  Guerdy Remy (@RemyGuerdy) March 3, 2024

IF YOU ONLY KNOW one thing about Frost, 27, its probably that hes the first member of Generation Z in Congress. But if you know two things about him, then you may have heard that Frost is a big music guy. Hes spoken of his love of Frank Ocean and the Cure in interviews, and when he won his race in 2022, he celebrated by attending a show by the 1975. Last year, he made headlines by joining Paramore onstage for Misery Business, in Washington, D.C., and capped off his performance by screaming fuck Ron DeSantis.

Before winning office, he got his start as an activist who attributed his political awakening to the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and the death of Trayvon Martin, who was killed by George Zimmerman in nearby Sanford, Florida. Along with his high school friends Niyah Lowell and Chris Murie, hes been throwing the MadSoul Music & Arts festival since 2015. But as his star has grown, so has his festival. He likely couldnt have gotten Lin-Manuel Miranda to appear back when the MadSoul started, but this year he showed up, encouraged the crowd to vote, and introduced members of the University High choir, who sang a Hamilton medley.

Held at the Loch Haven Park, tickets were available on a sliding scale, with proceeds going to local abortion funds and LGBTQ youth programs such as Florida Access Network, Zebra Youth, Equal Ground, and SWAN of Orlando. The organizers estimate nearly 3,000 people showed up. In addition to local acts such as indie rockers Palomino Blond and the 1970s-style R&B group Venture Motel (for whom Frost sat in on the drum kit for one song, acquitting himself nicely), the event was effectively the Avengers of young, progressive politicians and activists. Prominent speakers included gun-control activist David Hogg, Democratic Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones, Democratic Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, and progressive Florida lawmaker Eskamani, as well as U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Captain America herself, Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive New York Democrat. (It was certainly an unusual political rally. I lost track of the amount of times DeSantis, the Florida governor and failed Republican presidential candidate, was told to fuck off.)

While the event demonstrates the ongoing disagreements, to put it lightly, about Israel and Palestine among progressives and liberals  as well as the eternal tensions between activists and progressive leaders  its also a sign of just how much the political culture of Central Florida has changed in recent years. As Frost says onstage, Dont give up on Florida.

Though former President Barack Obama won Florida in both 2008 and 2012, the Sunshine State has taken a hard right turn in recent years. Donald Trump won in 2016 and 2020, and DeSantis romped to victory in the 2022 governors race. DeSantis has made the state a testing ground for regressive laws, including a six-week abortion ban, the Dont Say Gay law targeting teachers, and book bans that disproportionately target Black and queer authors and subjects.

I was born and raised in Orlando, and while I enjoy my share of Florida Man humor, I also bristle at times with the simplistic picture of my home state in the national imagination. I wouldnt describe the Orlando I grew up in as conservative, but sleepy. Though there were pockets of art, culture, and activism, it was always hard to shake the idea that the town mostly existed for tourists and people who made their livelihood from tourism, and theres a reason I left. But whenever I visit these days, Im always shocked by how vibrant and full of energy the town seems, and that nearly every new restaurant or bar I visit has a LGBTQ pride flag or Orlando Strong sticker. (Theres also 1,000 percent more vegan restaurants in town than when I was growing up.)

Its very clear that Orlando changed in the wake of the 2016 mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse that killed 49 people and injured 53, and the intense refusal from the community to let that incident define the city.

Before Pulse happened, many of our county commissioners, even the county mayor, were not supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, says Eskamani, the state representative. And when Pulse happened, that tragedy shook so many people to their core. Political figures who, again, historically have been either agnostic or even oppositional to equality, showed up in a way that we never expected. And the city did the same thing. And so I think that also sets a tone for everyone that were not going to put up with attacks on diversity, that were going to embrace. What makes us so special is our differences, and we really want to make an Orlando that serves all.

Eskamani, 33, notes that Pulse was the first gay club that I ever went to when I was, 18, 19. The first Iranian-America to hold office in Florida, Eskamani was elected to office in 2018, as part of a nationwide wave of young politicians that rose in reaction to the election of Trump.

I woke up in the morning to the sound of helicopters outside and, at the time, was already pretty involved in gun-safety prevention work. My first reaction was checking on my friends, she says, speaking at the local theater near the MadSoul stage thats being used for press interviews. I think that also really shaped my commitment to service, because at the time, our community was represented by a Republican in the legislature who was not championing the issues that I care about. I didnt see them at memorials for Pulse victims or see him at political rallies supporting things like equality and gun safety. And we staged a sit-in at Senator Marco Rubios office for the 49. Ten people got arrested that day. So it really charged up a lot of our activism even before Trump got elected.

Frost also views the tragedy as a turning point, for the city and for himself. I think since Pulse, things have changed a lot. Its interesting because you say something like that and you think for a negative reason, he says. But the way our community came together, its just around resiliency and love. So now in the place where Pulse happened, its in the middle of a state where theres just far right neo-fascism really taking over, and Orlando is one of the top cities in the country for queer people to live.

While Pulse is one of the most visible moments of anti-LGBTQ hatred in recent history, the past few years has seen a notable rise in anti-gay hate crimes and rhetoric. When I ask Frost for his reaction to the death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old trans student in Oklahoma who died after being bullied in school, his demeanor changes as notes of palpable anger begin seeping into his voice.

Its when you have right-wing leaders who continue to fuel the flames of hatred and bigotry, specifically on trans youth, he replies. Those people should not be surprised when trans youth are targeted by others. This is how this works. It starts with rhetoric. We call the rhetoric dangerous. But do we understand its more than just a culture war? This stuff can turn into a real war. And thats what happened to Nex. So its incredibly heartbreaking. Its horrible. And heres the thing. Nexs story, if we keep going down this path, will not be unique.

Love this! @Lin_Manuel rocking out to the University High School Choir singing Wait For It at the Mad Soul Festival pic.twitter.com/upkFklP2Oj  Barry Birthday Month (@culturenthrills) March 2, 2024

When I ask what Congress can do to protect LGBTQ people, he says, Id like to see the [Justice Department] be a little bit more involved here on a lot of these cases, and making sure that were investigating in a big way. I know theyve said they are on this case, but on other ones as well. We also need Congress to pass legislation across the country to protect people. I dont care whatever state youre in, Dont Say Gay laws should not be able to go into effect because theres federal law that protects them. Yeah, we have this already with a lot of other communities, but we lack a lot of it with LGBTQ+ community and specifically trans people. And so its under this guise of parental rights, but its a load of BS. Its not parental rights, its to oppress a specific group of people.

In the afternoon, a different organization, called Free Palestine, protested the festival. Told this, Frost notes he was the first member of Congress to call for a cease-fire. I get it, Im with them, he says. We are seeing 30,000 people blown to bits, or shot and killed, or starving to death in Gaza. Its horrible. All the members of Congress on this lineup have also called for a cease-fire, AOC  same thing with [state lawmakers] Justin Jones and Zooey Zephyr. So were with them on that. We need to save lives now.

Recently, President Joe Biden has said he hopes Israel and Hamas will soon agree to a six-week cease-fire, which Frost is cautiously optimistic about. Well see. I want to be very hopeful because every day theres lives being lost, people dying. So I pray and hope to God that it happens as soon as possible, he says. I think what weve seen is theres been a lot of deals that have almost gotten there, and then Israel rejects it or almost gets there. But Ill say this, its going to be really important that we have a deal here where we see all hostages come back home. We really need this bombing to stop.

The day after the festival, a representative for Frost sends the following statement from the congressman to Rolling Stone: As someone who was out in the streets, got arrested, tear gassed, and maced during the Black Lives Matter uprising  I got elected to Congress as an organizer and protester at heart. Making your voice heard in any way possible is at the core of our democracy, and I respect everyones right to fight for what they believe in. Im currently the only member of Congress in the state of Florida calling for a cease-fire and thanked the cease-fire demonstrators that were outside the festival from the stage. Im proud to have hosted an impactful event that centered the arts and advocacy as we fight right-wing neo-fascism in the South. MadSoul is about connecting music to the issues that impact our lives.

EARLIER IN THE DAY, Muna was given a tour of the Pulse memorial by local activist Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the massacre who lost two close friends.

Its just a profoundly sad and intense experience that grounds you in your purpose. I just remember it so vividly, says Naomi McPherson. I just remember, rolling over my bed, looking at my phone and being like, What the fuck? And just its one of those things that kind of pops the bubble that you live in a little bit.

Youre like, shit is real, they continue. Its life or death. People want you fucking dead. That is just the truth.

This will be Munas first show in Orlando, mostly due to touring logistics, as it can be difficult to tour the state and not lose money, but theyre excited to be here today.

We were aware of all the anti-trans, anti-LGBT legislation, and we knew that the festival was going to benefit organizations that aided that. So we just felt like it was the right time for us to come, says Gavin. We do like playing in places that we know are a little more hostile to queer people or maybe have less havens for queer people just because it tends to be more meaningful to those fans.

When visiting the Pulse memorial, Gavin says with a tear in their eye and a fragile voice, what was so emotional was looking at the people on the wall; they look like my friends and the people that I love. And so you cant help but feel like this could have happened to somebody very close to me. Its really scary. It just makes you feel so protective and so sad that Nex wasnt protected.

One of the Munas signature songs is their 2016 single I Know a Place, which has become an anthem for queer acceptance in the wake of the Pulse shooting. Its happy-sounding, but its a song filled with a lot of grief, says McPherson. Its a sad song. Its acknowledging the fact that, for a lot of people and even for us, the world you wish existed might only exist in your head.

McPherson notes that by living in Los Angeles, they dont have to worry about their safety every waking moment of my life. Its just super intense, but also its, its grounding for us to be able to come here and play for the people of Orlando. I hope it will feel good when were onstage.

I DONT KNOW if were doing the right thing, says Gavin while wiping away tears. I really dont.

They have returned to the stage after a nearly 20 minute break, and mention that they want to do a few more songs for the people who came to see them. They say they hope the audience has Palestine in their heart, and that the cease-fire movement pushes people into action all across the world. We want a different world.

muna speaking after coming back onstage at madsoul pic.twitter.com/l78h9Y3xHx  alexi  (@alexigayperson) March 3, 2024

They bring Wolf onstage and thank him for showing them the Pulse memorial, before playing I Know a Place to a mass and cathartic singalong. Munas set ends with a surprise appearance by Phoebe Bridgers on their hit Silk Chiffon, to rapturous approval.

The day after the festival, Munas publicist sends the following statement to Rolling Stone: We as a band stand unequivocally for a free Palestine and we support all of those using their voices to advance the cause and call for a cease-fire and an end to the ongoing genocide.

As I leave the festival, I walk by a gaggle of protesters continuing to call for a free Palestine, and a crying teenager who tells a friend I cant believe I get to tell my mom I saw Phoebe Bridgers and Muna. I marvel at how much has changed  and how much more must be done.

Closer video of Phoebe singing Silk Chiffon tonight at MadSoul Festival! pic.twitter.com/lcCUgii3jM  boygenius source (@boygeniussource) March 3, 2024

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One might find it strange that Delaware, celebrated for its beach tourism, hasn't scared off visitors with its unsettling waterway names like Slaughter Beach, Broadkill Beach and Murderkill River.

Yet, many locals are still wondering why this cute tiny state has some of the most fearsome names of any body of water in the country. In fact, a Delaware teacher made a campy horror film about a psycho fisherman titled "Slaughter Beach." The film was recently picked up on the popular streaming platform Tubi.

Put on your knee-high rain boots and matching yellow raincoat, because we're about to wade through backstories behind a number of creepy names for some of Delaware's waterways.

Broadkill and Murderkill River aren't serial killer names

The word "kill" comes from the Dutch and it refers to a river or stream.

Denise Clemons, archivist for Lewes Historical Society, said if you ever see a word that has "kill" in it  such as Broadkill River, Broadkill Beach or Murderkill River  that's usually because it's a waterway, not because it was inspired by homicidal maniacs.

Broadkill's name was based on a description of how it widened, she added.

In 2014, robin brown, then writing for Delaware Online/The News Journal, explained the "Murder" in Murderkill through an interview she did with Delaware Heritage Commission chairperson Dick Carter.

Mother is "moeder" in Dutch, and river is "kill," she reported.

"I've always understood that the name 'Murderkill' is taken from the original Dutch for Mother River," Carter said.

Lewes used to be Whorekill

During the 1650s, the coastal town we now call Lewes used to be called Horenkill, with another variation being Whorekill, according to the archivist. Hoorn is a city in Holland in the Netherlands. In 1681, Whorekill was renamed Deale, and the following year William Penn changed it to Lewes, she said. "The name Whorekill was an alternative spelling and had nothing to do with women of ill repute."

Slaughter Beach has different origin tales

The DVD and Blue-ray cover art for the campy Delaware horror film 'Slaughter Beach,' which got picked up on Tubi in January, is a project created by Newark resident Dan Davis who was inspired by the Delaware beach's unsettling name.

Slaughter Beach was founded in 1681 and incorporated in 1931. The town's website mentions the way the beach "got its name has been debated over the years."

Early maps, per the town's website, show a small creek named Slaughter Creek that flowed through the marsh from the Cedar Creek south and emptied into Delaware Bay.

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To the southwest of the town is an area called Slaughter Neck, and Neck is a term used to describe upland areas between two key boundary areas. There is a theory on the website that the first postmaster for the area "had the last name of Slaughter."

Another rumor from the website involves horseshoe crabs that spawn on the beach during spring and early summer: "Wave action flips the crabs over where they are left to die in the hot sun, thus the Slaughter of the Crabs.'

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The site's most controversial claim about Slaughter Beachs name is about Native Americans who were said to be attacked by early settlers in the area. Legend has it that the leader of the settlers arranged a meeting on the beach with the indigenous chief so that the settlers' God could speak to them.

"The leader had the Indians gather around their 'god,' a cannon, and fired the cannon killing all the Indians  thus the Slaughter of the Indians,' according to the website.

But the town's website doesn't state the official origin of the beach's name.

Meanwhile, Clemons said she believes the name behind Slaughter Beach "comes from a family named Slaughter, based on research in ancestry."

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Creepy Delaware names explained: Slaughter Beach, Murderkill River
Federica Gigante was preparing for a lecture about Islamic culture in Europe when she looked up Ludovico Moscato  an Italian collector from the 17th century whose collection included Islamic artifacts.

The Google search turned up a portrait of the collector and a photo of a museum room at Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo in Verona.

On the corner of that photo, I could see something that looked like an astrolabe, Gigante told McClatchy News in a March 4 interview. At that time, that was pretty much my life. I was curating astrolabes in Oxford, so I was basically surrounded by them all day long.

The artifact dates to the 11th century, according to Gigante.

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Gigantes interest was piqued, so she immediately contacted the museum and asked about the artifact.

Coincidentally, the museum, too, was interested in the astrolabe, but had not found any experts to come look at it.

It was like that lucky coincidence that I had just contacted them, she said. When they sent photos, I realized it was actually probably a lot more than I had thought initially and anyone had realized.

Astrolabes were the worlds first smartphone, the University of Cambridge said in a March 4 news release about the discovery.

They provided a portable two-dimensional model of the universe fitting in their users hand, enabling them to calculate time, distances, plot the position of the stars and even forecast the future, by casting a horoscope, according to the university.

A few months later, Gigante went to Verona to examine the artifact in person. As she looked at it, she began noticing smaller inscriptions made among more prominent Arabic inscriptions.

I initially thought it was an illusion, Gigante said.

But a closer look revealed that Gigante was right: There were both Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions in the bronze.

A small Hebrew inscription made above a larger Arabic inscription.

I could only make them out in the raking light entering from a window, she said in the universitys release. I thought I might be dreaming but I kept seeing more and more. It was very exciting.

Further analysis revealed numeric inscriptions that were clearly added by a Latin Italian speaker, according to Gigante.

The astrolabe has Arabic, Hebrew and numeric engravings.

After examining and studying the astrolabe, Gigante determined that the remarkable artifact dates to the 11th century, according to a March 1 study published in the journal Nuncius.

It likely originated from Spain before making its way through North Africa  probably to either Morocco or Egypt  and ending up in Italy, where it has remained

The remaining preserved pieces of the astrolabe include its main body, two plates and its rete  which is a disk with piercings to represent a map of the sky. One of the plates was a replacement, Gigante said in her study.

Photos show the astrolabes rete, which includes a bird-like carving at its center.

The astrolabes rete includes star pointers and a bird-shaped carving.

The astrolabe is engraved with various geographic coordinates, including the latitude of Cordoba and the latitude of Toledo, both in Spain, according to the university. The second plate includes North African latitudes.

The first plate also has an inscription with a dedication and signature including the names Isaac and Jonah. Gigante believes these are Jewish names written in Arabic script, suggesting that the object was at a certain point circulating within a Sephardi Jewish community in Spain, where Arabic was the spoken language.

Gigante said the astrolabe is quite rare.

There are only about five or six known astrolabes with Arabic and Hebrew engravings, she said. The Verona astrolabe is even more exciting because it includes Latin, too.

This isnt just an incredibly rare object, Gigante said in the universitys release. Its a powerful record of scientific exchange between Arabs, Jews and Christians over hundreds of years.

Verona is in northern Italy, about 75 miles west of Venice.

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Michael Gove will unveil plans enabling the Government and public bodies to bar groups from venues or campuses and block funding - Kay Roxby/Alamy Live News

The Muslim Council of Britain, Palestine Action and Muslim Engagement and Development could be among groups identified as extremist under government plans to broaden the definition of extremism.

On Saturday, The Telegraph revealed that ministers are to create a broader definition of extremism to enable universities, councils and other public bodies to crack down on a wider range of Islamist and Right-wing groups.

Michael Gove will unveil the plans, enabling the Government and public bodies to bar groups from venues or campuses and block funding if they are judged to be promoting extremist ideology that undermines or overturns British values, as early as next week.

The Communities Secretary is concerned that the current definition of extremism is too narrow and allows Islamist and Right-wing groups to get away with behaviour that stirs racial and religious hatred, threatens communities and divides society.

It is understood that officials have drawn up a list of organisations likely to be captured by the new definition, including the Muslim Council of Britain, Palestine Action and Muslim Engagement and Development.

Final names on list under review

Mr Gove is said to be keen to publish a list, although the final names are under review because of legal concerns. One insider was sceptical that the Muslim Council of Britain would be included in the final version.

The Government has a policy of non-engagement with the organisation over its alleged association with extremism, but Whitehall departments have still worked with it and given funds.

The Ministry of Defence has used the council to appoint imams in the military. The police have worked with leading figures from the organisation such as Mohammed Kozbar, the chairman of Finsbury Park Mosque, who praised Hamas as martyrs of the resistance.

Last year, more than three-quarters of funding for the Muslim Council of Britain Charitable Foundation  a total of 326,000  came through Kickstart, a government scheme to get young people into work by part-funding salary costs.

Palestine Action is committed to closing down Elbit Systems, Israels largest arms manufacturer, while Muslim Engagement and Development, a non-governmental organisation, campaigns against Islamophobia and promotes engagement with Muslim communities.

The move comes after Rishi Sunak said on Friday that extremists were trying to undermine British democracy and called for the country to come together and beat this poison.

The Prime Minister said there had been a shocking increase in extremist activity in the UK in the wake of the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Mr Gove has long been an advocate of tougher action against extremism and has commissioned Sara Khan, a former head of the independent Commission for Countering Extremism, to produce a report on the threats to community cohesion, expected to be published within weeks.

It is understood he originally wanted the new definition to be statutory but was warned that making it legally enforceable could capture political organisations such as the Scottish National Party. Instead it is expected to take the form of guidance, which will be less prescriptive.

Speech smeared protesters

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain said: Mr Sunaks speech not only attempted to smear hundreds of thousands of protesters calling for peace in Gaza, it was also peppered with ill-defined warnings of extremism from Islamists and the far Right.

We await to see how the Government will expand its definition of extremism and whether they would also cover large swathes of the Conservative Party leadership who have directed divisive and hateful rhetoric against Muslims, and the large portion of the partys membership with conspiratorial views about Muslims.

The council said it fully supported Mr Sunak on the importance of the safety of MPs, the integrity of the democratic process and the need to ensure that Britain does not descend into polarised camps.

A spokesman for Palestine Action said: This Government, along with Israel, has killed over 30,000 Palestinians in a genocide. The primary target of our campaign is Elbit Systems, Israels largest arms manufacturer, which markets its weapons as battle-tested. No definition will deter our campaign to shut Elbit down.

The majority of the population in this country share our view and reject complicity in genocide. According to the Arms Trade Treaty, of which Britain is a ratifier, it should not be arming Israel. Is the Arms Trade Treaty and international law extreme?

Muslim Engagement and Development has also been 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.
Rafael Grossi, Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), attends the spring meeting of the IAEA. Roland Schlager/APA/dpa

A Russian railway bridge was damaged in an explosion in the region of Samara on the Volga river on Monday, Ukrainian military intelligence coy over wther it was involved.

"There are no deaths or injuries," the Russia FSB intelligence service in the Samara region told the state news agency TASS.

The area around the bridge in Chapayevsk was cordoned off. According to initial information, the cause of the blast was an explosive device.

Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR confirmed its knowledge of the explosion. Without taking direct responsibility, the HUR described the bridge as important military infrastructure.

Moscow has previously transported military lorries and explosives over the bridge by rail. Traffic on the line was temporarily suspended.

Chapayevsk is located around 1,000 kilometres from Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia more than two years ago. If Ukraine is involved, it would be one of the most daring attacks deep inside Russia during the war.

One of the major flashpoints of the conflict has been the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya falling into Russian hands.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, plans to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week over the "precarious" situation at the power station.

Europe's largest nuclear plant is currently supplied with only a single power line for cooling nuclear material, Grossi said during a press conference in Vienna during an IAEA board of governors meeting.

The IAEA chief plans to leave for Russia on Tuesday.

Russian troops occupied the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant at the beginning of March 2022. Since then, nine of the original 10 lines that supplied the plant with electricity have failed due to the war.

An IAEA team is constantly on site to monitor the situation at the largely decommissioned plant, which is very close to the front line. The experts reported military activities near the plant this weekend.

"The physical integrity of the station continues to be at risk," said Grossi, who pushed a plan at the UN to prevent fighting at the plant.

The IAEA chief met Putin in October 2022 to negotiate the establishment of a security zone around the plant. Grossi's plan was never implemented, partly due to resistance from Ukraine.

In a recent report for the IAEA board of governors, Grossi complained that his team on site was not allowed to move freely around the facility to check that no weapons systems were stationed there.

He also pointed to the significant drop in staffing levels, delayed maintenance work and lack of spare parts under Russian management.

In another blow for Russia's industrial prestige, the manufacturer of Russia's latest Armata main battle tank said it is too expensive for use in the war against Ukraine.

"In terms of its functionality, it is far superior to existing tanks, but it is too expensive and therefore the army is unlikely to deploy it now," Sergey Chemezov, head of the state armaments holding Rostec, told the state news agency Ria Novosti.

The Armata T-14 was first presented to the public in 2015 at the annual military parade in Moscow. According to reports, the tank did not initially enter series production due to technical problems.

The Russian armed forces have since taken the Armata into service, said Chemezov, a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the costs are too high for deployment in Ukraine.

"Today we need money to produce new tanks, new weapons, possibly cheaper ones," said Chemezov. It was therefore appropriate to buy cheaper T-90 tanks for the current conflict. The Armata was originally intended to replace the T-90.

Rafael Grossi, Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrives to attend the spring meeting of the IAEA. Roland Schlager/APA/dpa
A woman is behind bars after officials say she killed her twin four-year-old sons.

Cherokee County, North Carolina sheriff officials said on Saturday deputies received a 911 call from a home at Gooseberry Road in Murphy, North Carolina.

According to the investigation, a man arrived at the home of his separated wife, Genevieve Ellen Springer, to get custody of his four-year-old twin sons around 10 a.m. Saturday. When he went inside the home, officials said he found the bodies of his twin sons.

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At the time, Springer, the twins mother, was hospitalized in Union County, Georgia. Officials did not say why she was in the hospital.

Springer was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and taken into custody after she was discharged from the hospital. She was taken to Cherokee County, North Carolina to answer for her charges.

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Investigators determined that since the last time the father saw the twin boys alive was Feb. 26, the time of death would have taken place between then and Saturday. Officials added that autopsies would be performed to help narrow down the date and time of the twins death.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
By Hiroshige Shimoe, KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 15:28 | Arts, Feature, All, Japan

Portraits of ordinary people crafted by Kawahara Keiga, an Edo period Japanese painter in the service of German physician and botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold, are attracting renewed interest on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Siebold's arrival in Japan.

Unlike Katsushika Hokusai and other ukiyo-e artists of his generation, Kawahara (1786-1860s?) learned the fundamentals of Western painting techniques from a Dutch painter and mixed them with traditional Japanese methods.

His unique realist style was fostered in Nagasaki, which was the only window to the West during the Edo period (1603-1867). Kawahara studied under painter Ishizaki Yushi, a master of the Nagasaki painting style.

In a time that preceded the development of photography, Kawahara's paintings were more realistic than his contemporaries, providing snapshots into the lives and times of the era.

"We can really appreciate the valuable materials that accurately depict the Edo period, which was completely different from our world today," said Masahide Miyasaka, 69, a visiting professor at Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University and expert on Siebold.

Kawahara also painted animals and plants, naturalistic landscapes, social scenes and many aspects of life at the Dutch factory of Dejima, an artificial island off Nagasaki, built in the 17th century by the isolationist Tokugawa shogunate as a trading post in southwestern Japan for the Portuguese and subsequently the Dutch.

Born in Nagasaki, Kawahara was hired by Siebold, who was serving as the resident physician of the Dutch factory, accompanying him on trips to Edo, the former name of Tokyo, and various other places like Kyoto and Nagasaki to document people. What is striking is the diversity shown among the common people he portrayed.

It is believed that Kawahara, in addition to being taught by Ishizaki, learned realistic painting techniques from a Dutch painter who had come to Dejima at Siebold's request after the German physician arrived in Japan in June of 1823.

When a delegation from Dejima, which included Siebold and Kawahara, visited the court at Edo, the painter documented objects and settings such as streets and court scenes.

Apparent in Kawahara's works, recent studies of Japanese history have rejected the notion of a fixed feudal social structure of samurai, farmers, artisans and merchants, and have shown that the Edo period was a society with a diverse mix of classes and religions.

One of Kawahara's paintings, featuring a "fox-faced man" walking around dressed in a full-body white fox costume, depicts the people who pay homage to the "Inari" shrines, leaving "abura-age" (fried tofu) and other foods in bushes inside the compounds. Inari shrines are used to worship the god Inari, a popular deity associated with foxes, and abura-age is considered the god's favorite food.

There also remain paintings by Kawahara of whale-catching fishermen who were active in Wakayama and Kochi, as well as Nagasaki and Saga.

The "star fishermen" were famous for jumping onto the humps of whales in the rough winter seas to deliver fatal stab wounds. They were known to have distinctive topknots purposely grown long to make it easier to pull them from the water when they tired from the hunt.

Although Kawahara's portraits were published long ago, there have been no additional printings of his work produced and no current plans to release any soon.

Noting that Japanese people have become more Westernized since the Meiji era (1868-1912), Miyasaka, said, "We can see the Japanese people we have forgotten about" through Kawahara's paintings.

Although Siebold was funded with subsidies by the Dutch government for his research in natural science that included studying Japanese flora and fauna, one may wonder why he allowed Kawahara to draw ordinary people for purposes outside of work.

According to Miyasaka, Siebold wrote in an unpublished letter addressed to his family, "This civilization will disappear sooner or later and must be recorded."

Siebold possibly feared that Japan would lose its culture to the impending influx of Western civilization, made irresistible through the Industrial Revolution, Miyasaka said.

During his stay in Japan, Siebold also lived together with a Japanese woman and fathered a daughter, Kusumoto Ine, who eventually became the first female doctor in the country to be educated in Western medicine.

Kawahara was unfortunate in his later life. Preceded in death by his wife and two daughters, it appears the only person who may have been by his side was his son, also a painter.

A record book kept by the Nagasaki magistrate office named Kawahara as "a criminal" for his involvement in an incident where Siebold was accused of attempting to bring maps of Japan and other documents overseas and eventually expelled from Japan as a spy.

Chances are likely Kawahara was seen as a dangerous person and viewed with callous eyes by those around him in his later years before dying in obscurity.

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The Minneapolis branch of the NAACP and advocacy group Childrens Rights have filed a lawsuit alleging the state of Minnesota and its child protection agencies and officials have discriminated on the basis of race against Black families in Minnesota, particularly in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

The lawsuit argues the discrimination is evident in the historic, pervasive, and ongoing overrepresentation of Black families in Minnesotas child welfare system and that the state has a pattern and practice of using federal funds to discriminatorily surveil and separate Black families, specifically in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Minnesota has engaged in a long-standing pattern and practice of intrusive interventions, causing prolonged and often permanent separation and inflicting immediate and long-term harm, the suit states. The consequences of these patterns and practices in Minnesotas child welfare system have been disastrous and disproportionately suffered by Minnesotas Black and low income population, leading to significant adverse and discriminatory effects on the basis of race that are without any legitimate justification.

The groups have filed the lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS-OCR) and are now calling for an investigation.

For far too long, forces within our government have worked to divide, and decimate Black families and communities. Lets be clear  federal dollars should never be used as tools of discrimination, said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, in a statement.

Our children are the future, and we must protect them. The NAACP is proud to stand with our Minneapolis branch and Childrens Rights in advocating for Black families across Minnesota who have been relentlessly targeted and terrorized. We will continue to hold institutions of power accountable for their role in advancing equity and opportunity for all Americans, Johnson said.

Black children in Hennepin County made up more than 53 percent of all reports to Minnesotas Children and Family Services in the last five years from schools, law enforcement, social services and other mandatory reporters, nearly 70 percent of which were not due to physical or sexual abuse, according to the lawsuit. White children made up less than 35 percent of all reports in the last five years.

In Ramsey County, Black children made up 41 percent to 46 percent of all reports in the last five years, the majority of which were not due to physical or sexual abuse. White children comprised less than 36 percent of all reports in the past five years.

Hennepin and Ramsey counties are home to Minneapolis and St. Paul, the states largest two cities.

During this time, cases involving Black children were more likely to result in an investigation, as well as removal and family separation, than cases involving white children.

In 2021, the Black child population in Minnesota was 11 percent, but Black children made up 17 percent of those involved in assessments and investigations.

That same year, Black children in the state were two times more likely  and biracial or multiracial children were seven times more likely  to be removed and placed in a foster home than white children.

Cynthia Wilson, president of the Minneapolis Branch of the NAACP, said Minnesotas government has failed these families.

Black children and families have long endured suffering at the hands of Minnesotas child welfare system, said Wilson. Its a sad day when advocates must step in to protect our children from the very agency that is supposed to serve them.

Research has shown the U.S. child welfare system disproportionately impacts Black children and families.

In 2020, 63 percent of Black children were separated from their families because of neglect. But neglect does not always indicate abuse.

In January 2021, the U.S. Administration for Children and Families identified neglect removals as one of the leading causes for children to be removed from their families. But reasons for those removals included inadequate housing or failure to provide adequate nutrition.

In April 2021, President Biden acknowledged that the enduring effects of systemic racism and economic barriers mean that families of color are disproportionately affected by these removals.

More than 50 percent of Black children are investigated by child welfare services, compared to only 28 percent of white children.

Studies show Black families are more likely to experience worse outcomes once they become involved in child welfare services than white families.

But, the lawsuit argues, Minnesotas numbers outpace national trends.

Between 2019 and 2021, Black children in Hennepin County were removed from their homes between 33 percent and 38 percent of the time. In Ramsey County, Black children were removed between 33 percent and 37 percent of the time.

Black children in Minnesota are also more likely to experience termination of parental rights (TPR) than white children. These numbers also outpace national trends.

Between 2019 and 2021, TPR for Black children in Hennepin County ranged from 32 percent to 39 percent. In Ramsey County, TPR ranged from 45 percent to 54 percent.

During the same period, the national TPR rate ranged from 18 percent to 19 percent.

The nation has failed children. Every 2.5 minutes, a child in the U.S. is separated from their family and placed in the foster system, most often for reasons related to the color of their skin or the poverty they experience  not because they are hurting their kids. Minnesota has set a shameful example decade after decade, said Shereen A. White, Director of Advocacy and Policy at Childrens Rights. The discriminatory use of emergency removals and implementation of safety assessment tools is devastating Black families in Minnesota.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Officials in Minnesota have "relentlessly targeted and terrorized" Black families with removal of children "under the guise of child protection," according to a civil rights complaint filed Monday by the NAACP. Photo by amir appel/Flickr

March 4 (UPI) -- The state of Minnesota and its two largest counties have engaged in systematic discrimination against Black families in their child welfare policies, according to a complaint filed Monday.

The Minneapolis branch of the NAACP and the legal advocacy group Children's Rights claim in the complaint that the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Hennepin County Department of Human Services and the Ramsey County Department . of Social Services have "relentlessly targeted and terrorized" Black families for the removal of children "under the guise of child protection."

The complaint was submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights under the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as other statutes, and urges Biden administration officials to investigate the state and counties.

The groups allege the child welfare system, as operated overseen by the state and operated within its two largest cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, violated civil rights laws "in ways that discriminate against, and are having a disparate and harmful impact on, Black children and families."

"Our children are the future, and we must protect them," NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement. "The NAACP is proud to stand with our Minneapolis branch and Children's Rights in advocating for Black families across Minnesota who have been relentlessly targeted and terrorized."

The state of Minnesota, he says, has for years "discriminatorily surveilled and separated Black families," resulting in what the complaint calls "significant adverse and discriminatory effects on the basis of race that are without any legitimate justification."

Children's Rights Executive Director Sandy Santana added: ."The federal government acknowledges the racially discriminatory and harmful impact of child welfare systems on Black children and families, propped up by decades-old laws rooted in racism and the legacy of slavery."

"The impact has been devastating for children in Minnesota and across the country and we must use every tool to address it. In this moment we join with our NAACP partners in urging the Biden Administration to take action," she said.

UPI has reached out to the office of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for comment on the complaint.

It alleges that despite recent scrutiny over the removal of Black children from their families, the "disproportionate percentage" of Black families who have been investigated and have had children removed has remained "relatively unchanged" in during the last three years.

Minnesota's use of federal funds to "discriminatorily surveil and separate Black families" in Hennepin and Ramsey counties "warrant investigation into the violations of Title VI and its implementing regulations," the advocates claimed.
There's a seemingly endless supply of snack option -- chips, pretzels, jerky, cakes and more. And National Snack Day today, March 4, celebrates them all. So, which ones come out on top in Ohio?

What are the top five favorite snack foods in Ohio?

According to HubScore, Ohio's favorite snacks are:

Doritos Cheetos Fritos Cheerios Goldfish

The Buckeye State joined Kentucky, West Virginia and several southern and east coast states that chose Doritos as their favorite snack.

Who invented Doritos?

Arch West is the Frito-Lay executive credited with the invention of Doritos, according to his 2011 obituary in the Washington Post.

According to the obit, West was on vacation in California in 1964 when he first bought a bag of toasted tortillas at a roadside shack.

West, then marketing vice president at Frito-Lay, brought the idea with him when he returned to work. His pitch was a crispy, triangle-shaped corn chip that would complement the companys lighter Lays potato chip and the thicker, curly Frito.

When he was buried, he had his chips tossed in before the dirt, according to the LA Times.

What are the top favorite snack foods by state?

According to Hubscore, the top snack foods nationally are:

Rice Krispies Treats (18 states)

Doritos (16 states)

Cheetos (8 states)

Chex Mix (3 states)

Fritos (3 states)

Lays (2 states)

Cheerios (1 state)

What national day is today?

Today, March 4, is National Snack Day. It's the creation of Jane Shoemaker-Galloway, who established the day in 2015.

For more national days, check out National Day Calendar, National Today or Days of the Year, among many others.

The new Shearers Foods headquarters is at the corner of First Street NE and Lincoln Way East

What are some Ohio-based snack companies to support?

Ohio has many companies that make snack food and more, according to the state's tourism agency, including:

If a bag of Doritos isn't your thing, you can still get your snack on during National Snack Day while supporting Ohio businesses.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Celebrate National Snack Day with Ohio's favorite, other local snacks
Major NATO military exercises named Nordic Response 24 are set to begin in the northern regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway on March 4, Finnish media outlet Yle reported on March 3.

Read also: NATO to host inaugural Baltic Sea exercises to send clear signal to Putins Russia

This marks the first time Finland is participating in the NATO joint defense exercises as a member of the alliance.

Nordic Response consists of extensive military drills on land, at sea, and in the air, involving around 20,000 troops from 14 countries. Finland will be represented by approximately 4,100 service members.

The largest NATO exercises in decades, Steadfast Defender, began on Jan. 24 and will continue until the end of spring 2024.

The exercises are based on a scenario where a Russian attack on Alliance territory triggers the activation of NATO's Article 5, reported Bild. Article 5 obliges members to provide assistance to any state that has been attacked, stating that an armed attack on one or more allies is an attack on all.

Russia might attempt to attack Europe towards the end of 2024 or early 2025, a period when the United States could be "without a leader" and might face delays in providing aid to European nations, Bild reported earlier.

NATO is convinced that aggressor nation Russia will launch an attack on an Alliance country, the Financial Times reported. Diplomats believe there is no luxury in assuming that Russia will stop at Ukraine.

Read also: NATO begins large-scale exercises in the Baltic Sea, practices to repulse Russian aggression

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
Soldiers from France and Poland take part in a joint military exercise with soldiers from several NATO countries on the Vistula. Around 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO countries are taking part in the exercise called Dragon 24 on Poland's longest river. The crossing of the Vistula is a test of cooperation between the armed forces on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

Some 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO countries transporting battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other military equipment crossed the Vistula river on Monday in a major NATO manoeuvre to test its readiness against Russia.

The operation - Dragon 24 - took place on Poland's longest river near Korzeniewo, which is about 100 kilometres south of Gdansk. Of the 20,000 soldiers, 15,000 were from Poland, the Polish armed forces said.

"We are showing what capabilities we have and we are combining this with the determination to use them," said NATO General Gunnar Brugner.

Overcoming a body of water is a key capability that an army needs in order to bring reinforcements to the front, Brugner said.

Dragon 24 is part of the larger NATO operation dubbed Steadfast Defender, which will last around four months and stretches from Norway to countries such as Romania. The defence alliance has mobilized around 90,000 soldiers in total for it.

Steadfast Defender is NATO's largest exercise since the Cold War.

The Vistula flows from the mountains in Poland's south to the Baltic Sea.

There are increasing warnings from European officials that Russia could be ready to test the solidarity of NATO allies at some point in the next few years.

The debate about the Western alliance's readiness for war gained more momentum in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine just over two years ago.

Poland is one of Ukraine's most committed supporters and has also taken in almost 1 million war refugees from its eastern neighbour. It also serves as a logistical hub for military aid from the West.

The EU and NATO member feels particularly threatened by Russia due to its location and history. Many Poles are worried they could one day face a similar fate to the people of Ukraine.

Ukraine is not in NATO but wants to join, one reason given by Russia for invading. An attack on Poland would mean NATO has to intervene as per treaty.

Poland has recently invested heavily in modern weapons systems and spends around 4% of its gross domestic product on defence - or double NATO's 2% of GDP defence spending target.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats against the West should be taken "deadly seriously."

Bundeswehr soldiers (front) take part in a joint military exercise with soldiers from several NATO countries on the Vistula. Around 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO countries are taking part in the exercise called Dragon 24 on Poland's longest river. The crossing of the Vistula is a test of cooperation between the armed forces on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

US Army soldiers take part in a joint military exercise with soldiers from several NATO countries on the Vistula. Around 20,000 soldiers from nine NATO countries are taking part in the exercise called Dragon 24 on Poland's longest river. The crossing of the Vistula is a test of cooperation between the armed forces on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
This story is part of our ongoing coverage of The Natural Bridge Zoo's legal problems starting with a Dec. 6, 2023 search warrant. To catch up from the beginning, click here.

LEXINGTON  Attorney Michelle Welch and Rockbridge County rested the case against Natural Bridge Zoo on Friday, March 1.

The final county witness testified about the four giraffes left in the zoo's care after the Dec. 6 and 7 warrant execution. The jury will decide if the 100 animals seized will return to the zoo or not. Of those 100 animals, the giraffes were the only animals left behind.

Natural Bridge Zoo's defense team began presenting witnesses after lunch on the fourth day of testimony, fifth day of the trial.

Giraffe expert is the county's final witness

The last witness for Rockbridge County was veterinarian Amy Phelps, a specialist in giraffe care. She expressed many of the same concerns she did during the General District court hearings.

The three female giraffes, Little Girl, Valentine and Wrinkles, were kept in one pin while the single male giraffe, Jeffrey, was kept in another.

The female giraffes dealt with back-to-back breeding. Phelps testified she saw visual signs of the breeding on the giraffes bodies, and a review of the zoos records confirmed this. For example, the records allegedly showed Valentine having a calf, then immediately bred again. No calves were found when the zoo was searched.

When the Natural Bridge Zoo began over 50 years ago, it was not common practice to have a training program for giraffes, as most zoo owners felt they were not intelligent enough to warrant one.

The new basic standard is to have the animals on a positive-reinforcement based training program, although there was not a written standard mandating such. Phelps testified she did not find such a program in place.

Training also allows zoos to teach the giraffes to allow for hoof care without sedation. Before such programs, giraffes had to be sedated before any work could be done on their feet. Phelps called the sedation one of the most dangerous procedures a veterinarian could perform. A training program often teaches giraffes to let groomers take care of their hooves without requiring a sedeative.

Rockbridge County offered video of the giraffes flipper walking, similar to how people wearing swimming flippers walk, due to long, untrimmed hooves.

Just existing in those feet could be uncomfortable, Phelps said. This problem would be exasperated by the concrete floor of their pins, covered just by a layer of pine straw, where they could stand for 16 hours of the day.

Giraffe hooves as they appeared on Dec. 6 and 7.

When zoo staff arrived to take care of the giraffes on Dec. 6, Phelps said the giraffes appeared to be afraid of staff, saying she was surprised how nervous they were, and They looked terrified. She highlighted her concern by describing the way staff allegedly brought the giraffes outside.

She demonstrated, standing up, holding her arms all the way out and making her chest broad.

Get back! Go! Go! Phelps yelled, clapping her hands.

Phelps examined a photo, showing an enrichment activity log for the giraffes. The only entry listed on the page was butter leaves over ten months before the search warrant was executed. Phelps felt the animals should be seized, in part, due to lack of enrichment, citing the log, the lack of a training program, and the animals behavior.

She asked the jurors to imagine being trapped in their own home with nothing to read, no furniture to sit on, no television to watch, nothing to do. The highly intelligent giraffes would live in a perpetual state of boredom. Jeffrey would walk in circles in that stall until he wore a track into the pine shavings.

Its prison without enrichment, Phelps testified. If we put ourselves in their situation, we can understand that.

With the end of her testimony, Welchs case for seizure came to an end.

A motion to dismiss the countys evidence

Before the defense witnesses began, attorney Aaron Cook argued the countys case should be thrown out. He based the case on several issues, arguing the specifics of the law. Because the standard set in Virginia State Code ( 3.2-6570. Cruelty to animals; penalty) reads deprives any animal of necessary food, drink, shelter, or emergency veterinary treatment, Cook argued that the state had not proven their case by only asking their experts if the zoo had provided adequate food, drink, and care.

I will admit that the general assembly did a very poor job of writing this statute, Cook said.

Cook argued the state could not have the power, in a free county, to seize a sheep because it is overweight and has a malformed horn.

Welch disagreed, pointing to  3.2-6569. Seizure and impoundment of animals in the Virginia State Code.

The animal doesnt have to be on deaths door  for the government to go in and seize the animal, Welch argued.

Judge Russell sided with county, refusing to throw out the case as presented so far.

Defense witnesses take the stand

Natural Bridge Zoo's defense team began offering witness testimony after lunch on Friday.

Lois Magill picked up two llamas, the minidonkey, the sheep, and the donkey from Natural Bridge Zoo on Dec. 6 and 7. A known animal keeper, she was recruited to house the seized animals after the warrant execution. Magill felt the animals were in good shape, testifying that she wished her animals behaved the way the Natural Bridge Zoo animals did.

Magills testimony runs parallel to a county witness, veterinarian Samantha Moffitt. For example, Moffitt testified Patticake, the minidonkey, had facial swelling, but was initially unsure what was causing it. Magill testified to receiving a call from Natural Bridge Zoo, telling her the minidonkey needed someone to remove crud from its mouth after it ate. Magill did so, telling the jury the minidonkey was clearly used to it. Moffitt requested a sedated oral examine, but no results from an oral examine were offered. Despite Magills testimony to Patticakes good health, Moffitt testified Patticake had parasitic worms.

Patticake (lower right), the minidonkey who lived with the llamas at Natural Bridge Zoo before the seizure.

Deputy Tanner Fix of the Rockbridge County Sheriffs Office testified to responding to a call to the zoo.

After Christine Bozcars trip to the zoo in October, she had someone in the vehicle with her call local authorities to anonymously report seeing a dead goat in one of the exhibits. Fix responded to the call, going out to the zoo. Fix is not the animal control officer, who was out on another call at the time.

According to Fixs testimony, he was first greeted by staff, then spoke with Gretch Mogensen, the zoos manager. Staff told him the goat had died in childbirth. The body was removed from the exhibit when staff discovered it. However, he did not inspect the exhibit himself, taking staffs word that the body had already been removed. He left after the conversation.

The passed goat, who was directly mentioned in the search warrant application.

Improving conditions for the giraffes?

The defense seemed to make the case of improving conditions for the giraffes. As pointed out several times by Welch during the General District hearings, Dadone was not present to examine the giraffes on the day of the raid, the day the evidence presented was gathered. The giraffes remained on site because the county was unable to transport them with their available equipment. This also gave the zoo a case to improve conditions, before the trial and before outside consultants saw the animals.

Lisa Dadone, a consultant on proper giraffe husbandry, came to the zoo in two clusters of visits. The first visits were on Jan. 3 and 4, where she got to know the four giraffes. The second time, on Feb. 25 and 26, she reviewed improvements the zoo made since the first visit.

Dadone testified the giraffes seemed to like the zoo staff, approaching them without caution. A photo was presented of Jeffrey interacting with a member of zoo staff, eating bamboo twigs as the staff member stands by the fence.

The giraffe hooves were overgrown, Dadone said, but not the worse she has seen. She presented photos of the bottom of Jeffreys feet. When a giraffe walks in circle in their stall, they often develop ulcers on the bottom of their feet. Jeffrey, when she visited in January, showed no signs of ulcers.

Phelps also went back to Natural Bridge Zoo on Feb. 17. Many of the problems with the giraffes had been taken care of by then, she testified.

Well, most of them, she added. She did not list specifics beyond safety concerns with a gap in the pins cage.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Natural Bridge Zoo begins defense: Day Five
While some of the Navys ongoing battles in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are without precedent  such as the Iran-backed Houthis use of anti-ship ballistic missiles  this is not the first time the sea service has found itself defending commercial vessels in the restive waters of the Middle East.

Decades ago, the so-called Tanker War also saw Navy warships protecting commercial shipping in the region, while fending off attacks on those vessels and its own surface fleet.

Its the closest historical analogy in my mind that applies to what were seeing with the Houthis today, said Brent Sadler of the Heritage Foundation, who wrote the book U.S. Naval Power in the 21st Century: A New Strategy for Facing the Chinese and Russian Threat.

Nearly 40 years later, the Navy once again finds itself navigating an escalating conflict in the region, with both merchant and military ships being targeted by the Yemen-based Houthis.

In response, America is using its military might to ensure that commerce can keep flowing through the Red Sea, a waterway where an estimated 11 percent of global trade transits.

One of the preeminent national interests of the United States is the free flow of commerce, retired Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, a former commander of the Navys 5th Fleet in the region, told Navy Times.

But unlike todays crisis to date, the Tanker War involved stricken U.S. warships and sailor deaths.

In the 1980s, the United States found itself drawn into an extended campaign to protect commercial shipping in the Middle East following a fatal incident involving a Navy frigate.

U.S. involvement effectively began on May 17, 1987, when the Oliver-Hazard Perry class frigate Stark was transiting the Persian Gulf. Two Iraqi Exocet missiles struck the vessel, killing 37 American sailors and wounding another 21.

The tragic incident during the Tanker War, an outgrowth of the broader Iran-Iraq War that was sparked by Iraqs 1980 invasion of its neighbor, marked the beginning of an American convoy operation to ensure the safety of merchant ships passing in and near the Persian Gulf.

And while todays engagements with the Houthis at times parallel the Tanker War, analysts and experts say the current conflict also suggests a new level of defensive action for the surface fleet.

The sea services continued clashes with the Houthis have put pressure on the Navy to defend against a lot more systems for a lot longer, Donegan said.

Its certainly a lot of missiles inbound to ships that we havent seen in quite some time  where weve had to respond to those in a defensive manner, he said.

The character of naval warfare changes all the time, noted James Holmes, a former surface warfare officer and director of maritime strategy at the Naval War College. But the fundamentals of strife between combatants determined to get their way at sea never do.

Teachings from the Tanker War

In the fallout of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and the overthrow of the nations American-backed leader, hostility between Iraq and Iran expanded into full-scale war.

By the early 1980s, with the bloody ground combat between the countries at a stalemate, Iraq began attacking Iranian shipping, leading to a new phase of the conflict. Iran retaliated, and global commerce within the sea lanes off the nations coasts no longer remained free from interference.

After the Stark attack, which Iraq claimed was an accident, the United States officially commenced Operation Earnest Will in July 1987, escorting Kuwaiti tankers re-flagged as U.S. ships through the troubled waters, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Today, several lawmakers are questioning whether President Joe Biden needs congressional authorization to protect foreign commercial vessels from the Houthis, or to continue launching strikes against the militant group.

But the American military was pulled into the Tanker War for other reasons as well, according to experts.

The U.S. wanted to aid Iraq, leading the Navy to defend oil shipments transiting the Gulf that helped Baghdad secure funding for its fight, according to Dr. Tim Francis, a senior historian with Naval History and Heritage Command.

And amid the Cold War, American leaders also wanted to prevent the Soviet Union from dictating how the escort operation would occur, Sadler said.

A months-long streak of continued engagements between the U.S. and Iran reached a climax in April 1988, when the U.S. frigate Samuel B. Roberts was severely damaged by an Iranian mine. Days later, the U.S. launched Operation Praying Mantis, a retaliatory effort that targeted various Iranian assets.

The Iranian frigate Sahand sinks on April 18, 1988, after being struck by U.S. naval forces in retaliation for the mining of the American Samuel B. Roberts. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command)

Even before the Tanker War, the Navy had participated in missions to protect commercial vessels, such as the Yangtze River Patrol of the 1920s that protected merchant ships on the coast and rivers of China, Francis said.

And while the conflict between Iran and Iraq ended in 1988, other 20th-century conflicts also saw a great deal of maritime action, including the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War, according to Holmes.

The Houthi war falls more into the same class as our 1980s deployments off Lebanon and Libya, and our post-9/11 support for joint and combined operations, he said in an email to Military Times.

Broadly speaking, the Navy has learned from modern warfare that warships need to maintain sufficient well-trained watch teams to be able to operate at a certain level around the clock for sustained periods of time, Jan van Tol, a retired Navy captain and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, said via email.

That of course puts a real premium on ships being able to train their watch teams and keep training and qualifying new watch standers both before deploying and also during deployment, he added. The real possibility of being hit also once again underlines the critical importance of good damage control training.

But the real escalation question, van Tol said, is how the U.S. would respond against Iran if a Navy warship is hit and sailors are killed.

The Navy destroyer Gravely launches Tomahawk missiles on Jan. 12, 2024, toward Iran-backed Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word/Navy)

Houthi attacks since October

The Houthis launched their campaign against ships in the Middle East in October in solidarity with Hamas after the Palestinian militant groups attack earlier that month on Israel.

Check out Navy Times updated tracker report for up-to-date information regarding the ongoing series of engagements between the U.S. Navy and the Houthis, including a catalog of near-daily clashes between the two sides through February.

The Houthi attacks led the United States to create a multinational security coalition named Operation Prosperity Guardian in December to protect ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, vital corridors of global commerce.

All the Houthi-US Navy incidents in the Middle East (that we know of)

By January, the U.S. State Department announced it would designate the Houthis as a terrorist group and the Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions against key Houthi officials. Earlier that month, a United Nations Security Council resolution demanded the Houthis cease their attacks on vessels and took note of the right of member states to defend from such attacks.

The lions share of the weapons and training that the Houthis have built up over the years came from Iran, said Donegan, who also served as director of operations for U.S. Central Command. He added that while the U.S. is slowly taking out the Houthis various assets, it needs to better interdict the supply chains from Iran that supply the Houthi insurgents.

In February, a Defense Intelligence Agency report confirmed that Houthi forces have employed various missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from Iran in their regional attacks. It noted that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force has provided the Houthis a growing arsenal of sophisticated weapons and training since 2014.

The U.S. and its partners have intercepted at least 18 Iranian smuggling vessels with illicit weapons on their way to the Houthis since 2015, the DIA report notes.

Some analysts are bracing for a change to Houthi tactics.

Sadler said the Navy should increase field testing of high-energy lasers as a cheaper tool to take down Houthi drones, instead of relying on the expensive and finite high-end missiles that a Navy destroyer carries.

The next evolutionary challenge for the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea is going to be the Houthis making more coordinated, diversionary attacks in order to wear down a ships defenses or distract its defenses in order to get in the attack that theyre planning, he said.
RALEIGH, N.C (WNCN)  Numbers are in on how many people voted early this primary cycle, and more than 670,000 North Carolinians cast their ballots early.

The number represents nearly 9 percent of the states more than 7.4 million eligible voters.

While numbers are in, there is a potentially big change heading into Election Day when it comes to getting results. Results will likely roll in later than usual because of a change in North Carolina law.

Nikki Haley wins the District of Columbias Republican primary and gets her first 2024 victory

In 17 days of early voting, 670,559 voters cast their ballots in North Carolinas primary.

Thats down just a little bit from where we were in this time 2020, but we also saw an increase in the number of people voting absentee by mail thus far for this primary, said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Bell said there are some changes this year, including voter ID laws.

For many, it will be the first time that theyve been asked to present a photo I.D., and were just trying really hard to make sure that folks know that, she said.

So far, she said she has heard of no major issues, but the biggest change to early voting is what will happen on Election Day.

The early voting results will not be released at the close of polls, which is 7:30 p.m., Bell said.

A recent change in state law means election staff will not start counting early voting ballots until polls close, and results will come out as they are counted.

North Carolina is among GOP states to change its voting rules. The primary will be a test

So for some counties that have multiple early voting sites, theyre going to have a longer process and those results will be released 30 minutes, an hour, maybe even two hours, Bell said.

Bell said the biggest chunk of results are usually from the early voting period, so she hopes the process runs smoothly.

Its going to be something new for us. We will get those out as quickly, but as accurately, thats the most important part, as we can, she said.

Heading into Tuesday, the State Board of Elections is asking for patience, not just for those early voting results, but for Election Day results as well. Volunteers at polling locations have to drive the results to their county elections office before they can be uploaded.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A 35-year-old man who was found with over 1,100 methamphetamine pills weighing over 400 grams was sentenced to at least 18 years in prison, according to a press release from the North Carolina District Attorneys office.

A jury found Javonte Miller guilty of two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, possessing cocaine to sell or deliver, possession of cocaine, possessing a firearm as a felon, and being a habitual felon, the release said.

The state elected not to proceed on the habitual felon status, the release said. Judge Donald J. Cureton sentenced Miller to a mandatory 225-282 months in prison.

In 2019, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers attempted to serve outstanding warrants for the arrest of Miller. They believed, the release said, that he was staying at the Motel 8 on Queen City Drive.

At the motel, officers  recognizing Millers vehicle as it was leaving the parking lot  decided to wait for it to return. When it did, Miller was arrested as he exited the car.

Officers found cocaine in Millers pants pockets and in a cigarette box he was holding, and a search of the car uncovered a loaded .357 Taurus firearm under the drivers side floor mat.

The officers also found three bags in the center console of the vehicle which were later determined to be methamphetamine, the release said. A DNA analysis also showed Millers DNA on the firearm

After obtaining a search warrant for Millers motel room, officers found an additional five bags of over 1,100 unknown pills. The pills were determined to be methamphetamine after a sampling was subjected to a chemical analysis, and a statistical analysis determined the pills weighed over 400 grams, which is a little less than a pound.

Millers case was among several tried by the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Habitual Felon Team, the release said. It also said his conviction was the second of a major drug trafficker in a month.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah Department of Workforce Services is hosting a statewide virtual job fair this week with more than 50 Utah employers offering nearly 1,500 open positions.

The virtual job fair will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, with jobs available in a variety of sectors including health care, banking, education, government and more. Applicants can attend the virtual job fair for free through their own computer or on their smartphones.

With Utahs strong economy, there are many opportunities for individuals who are looking for a new job or want to advance their career, said Workforce Development Division Director Liz Carver. The virtual job fair offers an easy way to connect with employers who are hiring for full-time, part-time and remote jobs statewide.

Utah National Guard leaves on largest deployment in a decade

To participate in the virtual fair, job seekers should pre-register for the event online at the Department of Workforce Services website. Applicants are encouraged to come prepared with their resume and a professional profile picture uploaded to their online account.

While attending the fair, applicants will see a digital floor plan with rows of booths, each representing a different employer. Users can click on a booth and see the companys profile, available job openings and their social media accounts.

Applicants will also be able to start a live chat with a hiring representative and share their resume. From there, employers can schedule an interview, start a one-on-one video chat or even make a job offer on the spot.

In addition to the 1,500 available jobs at the virtual job fair, applicants will also be able to look through more than 35,000 openings online or by visiting their local employment center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Baku, Azerbaijan - On March 1st, 2024, the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD) successfully hosted the Young Public Diplomacy Summit Baku 2024, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum - Eurasia Regional Center (ICYF-ERC), EduHub, and the Pakistan Embassy in Azerbaijan. This significant event took place at the Azerbaijan University of Languages (ALU) and was attended by a diverse audience, including a significant number of students.

Hassan Mehar, Chairman of CSCD, welcomed scientists, experts, local students, and event partners, emphasizing the event's role in fostering cultural understanding among nations, while the Executive Director of the CSCD, Malik Tehseen, along with the Head of Operations, RehanJaved, and Head of Programs, Anum Javed, expressed their belief in the usefulness of the discussions and presentations that will be held within the framework of the summit.

Distinguished guests, including JalaGaribova, Vice Rector for International Affairs at Azerbaijan University of Languages, and Novruz Mammadov, former Prime Minister of Azerbaijan and Vice Rector for Scientific Issues of ALU, graced the occasion with their welcome remarks and encouragement for the youth participants.

A pivotal moment in the summit was the enlightening keynote speech by Bilal Hayee, Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, who shared valuable insights on Public Diplomacy in the contemporary world. A subsequent panel discussion further enriched the discourse on this crucial subject.

Vusal Garbanov, Acting Director General of ICYF-ERC, extended a warm welcome and showcased the organization's youth-centric initiatives. Chingiz Gasimzada, representing ICYF-ERC, delivered a presentation that resonated with the summit's theme.

Engaging lectures were delivered by renowned speakers, including Hukuma Abbasova's discourse on Post-War Azerbaijani Society, Gulnara Aslanbayli's insights on Youth Leadership and Advocacy in Cultural Diplomacy leading to Business Diplomacy from AmCham, and Orkhan Masimov's discussion on Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship in the Third Sector from EduHub.

The summit concluded on a celebratory note with a captivating music performance by the Seyyah band. Participants had the opportunity to share their perspectives, adding depth to the dialogue.

It should be noted that, over 15 foreign young people from 10 took part in the summit.

With an overwhelming turnout, the Young Public Diplomacy Summit Baku 2024 underscored the transformative potential of cultural diplomacy in empowering youth and fostering global understanding.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Nikkei stock index ends above 40,000 for 1st time

TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index ended at a fresh closing high above the 40,000 mark Monday on firm technology stocks, reaching the milestone just over a week after hitting an all-time high for the first time in 34 years.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 198.41 points, or 0.50 percent, from Friday at 40,109.23, after hitting a record intraday high of 40,314.64.

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Antitrust watchdog to warn Nissan for underpaying subcontractors

TOKYO - Japan's antitrust watchdog plans to warn major automaker Nissan Motor Co. for unilaterally reducing payments to over 30 subcontractors, a source familiar with the matter said Monday.

Nissan allegedly underpaid the companies by some 3 billion yen ($20 million) upon delivery of their services over an extended period, in violation of the subcontract law, the source said, with the Yokohama-based company admitting it was in the wrong.

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Former embassy worker wins battle for Japanese employment benefits

OSAKA - A former employee of the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo was retroactively enrolled in Japan's employment insurance scheme on the order of the state-run job consultation office, allowing her to secure benefits she was previously denied when the embassy failed to sign her up, her labor union said Monday.

The woman was hired as a local clerical worker by the embassy in June 2021 and gave birth in January 2023. Although she took 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, she was unable to access further childcare leave benefits as the embassy did not take the legally mandated step of signing her up for employment insurance.

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3 in China found guilty of operating Japanese anime piracy site

TOKYO - Three people involved in a website in China offering pirated Japanese anime have been found guilty by a local court of copyright infringement in the first such conviction of an overseas operator as a result of Japanese lobbying, a trade group said Monday.

A court in Jiangsu Province north of Shanghai handed down the verdict last December to the unnamed trio operating "B9GOOD" after the Content Overseas Distribution Association had filed criminal charges against them and the Chinese police charged them last year.

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South Korea, U.S. begin military drill amid North Korea missile threat

SEOUL - South Korea and the United States on Monday began a large annual military exercise to prepare for an emergency on the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean military said, following a series of cruise missile firings by North Korea since late January.

In the Freedom Shield joint exercise to be held for 11 days through March 14, the two allies will conduct 48 field drills, double the number last year, given North Korea's rapidly advancing nuclear and missile technology, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

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Japan PM vows strong determination in repatriating North Korea abductees

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Monday that his government will, "with strong determination," make every effort to realize the return of all citizens abducted by North Korea.

Kishida's remarks came during a meeting at his office with family members of the abductees, who have recently said they would not oppose any move by Japan to lift sanctions against North Korea should Pyongyang return all abductees immediately.

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Japan's capital spending jumps 16.4% in Oct.-Dec., in boost to GDP

TOKYO - Capital spending by Japanese companies surged 16.4 percent in the October-December quarter from a year earlier, the Finance Ministry said Monday, indicating that the state of the Japanese economy may not be as bleak as initially thought.

Investment by all nonfinancial sectors for purposes such as building factories and adding equipment totaled 14.48 trillion yen ($96 billion), a record for the quarter.

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1 dead after Japan fishing boat runs aground off Izu Islands

YOKOHAMA - A fishing boat with a crew of 25 mostly Indonesian nationals ran aground off the Izu Islands south of Tokyo, with the Japan Coast Guard confirming the sole missing member, a Japanese citizen, dead on Monday.

The tuna fishing vessel based in Kagoshima Prefecture, with 20 Indonesian and five Japanese crew, was drifting in waters off Kozushima, part of the Izu Island chain, at around 5 p.m. Sunday after suffering engine and power generator problems, the coast guard said.



Video: Career fair held in Yokohama as job-hunting season kicks off in earnest
NEENAH  Candidates Mark Ellis and Kristen Sandvick will compete in the April 2 nonpartisan election for a three-year term on the Common Council after advancing through the District 1 primary election.

Only 17 votes separated the two in the primary, with Ellis receiving 284 votes and Sandvick 267 votes. Candidate Brian Roeh was eliminated from contention. Incumbent John Skyrms didn't seek reelection.

Ellis is seeking a third stint on the Neenah council 26 years after his last one. He served on the council from 1981 to 1987 and from 1993 to 1998.

Sandvick ran for the council in 2022. She survived a three-way primary election before losing to incumbent Kathie Boyette by 10 votes.

The League of Women Voters of Winnebago County will sponsor a forum for Neenah council candidates at 6 p.m. March 13 at City Hall, 211 Walnut St. The candidates will respond to questions from the audience.

As part of The Post-Crescent's election coverage, Ellis and Sandvick were asked to update a questionnaire to explain why they're running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. Their answers are published below.

For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

Related: Partisan politics enters Neenah school board race

Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis

Address: 218 Clybourn St.

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired

Highest education: Studied political science and marketing for two years at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Relevant experience: Neenah alderman for 11 years; vice president of the Neenah council; and past board member of the Neenah-Menasha YWCA (now YMCA), Youth Go, Future Neenah Development Corp., Future Neenah Inc., United Community Services Inc. and Beaming Inc.

Campaign website: None

Kristen Sandvick

Kristen Sandvick

Address: 312 Caroline St.

Age: 37

Occupation: Stay-at-home parent, homeschool teacher, growth and development teacher

Highest education: Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Relevant experience: I interned with Coulee Region Mediation and Restorative Justice, where I learned skills on conflict resolution and mediation. I spent nearly two years as a Wisconsin Works (W-2) coordinator in Monroe County. I have community engagement experience as a La Leche League leader and as a homeschool co-op administrator for the past eight years.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/ksandvickforneenahcitycouncil

Why are you running for office?

Ellis: Since I first became an alderman 43 years ago at age 25, I wanted to quietly leave my mark for a better Neenah. In 1981, when we began to rebuild our downtown, I was a key member to make that happen. Now that Im retired, I want to serve again.

Sandvick: I love this community. I have lived here for most of my life, and I believe that it is a great place to live. Historically, Neenah has been a place where people have wanted to live and raise their children, and with good leadership, it can continue to be.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

Ellis: Experience. My past years of serving on the city council, along with my years of participating in community events and serving on several local nonprofit boards of directors, make me well prepared to serve District 1 and Neenah once again.

Sandvick: As your alderperson, I will actively seek out opinions on local issues from my district's residents and small businesses. I will prioritize finding solutions that benefit our district and the greater community.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Ellis: The folks I have spoken with are all pretty pleased with Neenah and its growth. I wish to continue that direction.

Sandvick: While canvassing, I heard concerns about where the city is spending money. There were concerns about unsafe roadways, parking downtown and pedestrian crossings. People also wanted to know if there would be any developments along First Street on Doty Island, specifically, if Doty Island could get a Kwik Trip. One resident suggested we could consider having West Wisconsin Avenue become pedestrian only. This idea reminded me of a street from my time in Hong Kong that was pedestrian only at peak times. I look forward to bringing creative problem-solving to our city council.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Neenah election: Mark Ellis, Kristen Sandvick compete in District 1
By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU (Reuters) -Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal named three ministers, including one each from two opposition parties, in a new coalition on Monday, dumping the centrist Nepali Congress party which had dominated his previous government.

Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla leader in the mountain nation lying between China and India, formed a coalition cabinet including the Nepali Congress and other smaller groups last year.

But his Maoist Centre party, which is the third biggest group in the 275-member parliament, had criticised the Nepali Congress for not giving him free hand and putting "hurdles" to removing some ministers with whom he was not satisfied.

Dahal named a three-member cabinet including one minister each from the new coalition partners - the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The third minister is from his own Maoist Centre party.

No portfolio was allocated to any minister for now.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to the new ministers, a presidential statement said.

"It is clear that the prime minister himself broke the coalition with us," said Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Nepali Congress general secretary.

But an aide to the prime minister blamed the Nepali Congress for not cooperating with him.

"There were mainly policy differences that made it difficult for the prime minister to continue to work with the Nepali Congress. So he is bringing in the UML and RSP as new coalition partners," Govinda Acharya, Dahal's press secretary, told Reuters without elaborating.

Party officials said Dahal, 69, wanted to remove some "non-performing" ministers including Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, who is from the Nepali Congress, saying he had not done enough to boost growth of the $40 billion economy.

Mahat has said the economic condition of the country was better now than last year.

Dahals Maoist Centre and the Nepali Congress are also claiming the chair of the upper house of parliament the National Council, a parliamentary body key to making new laws.

Analysts said after the change in coalition partners the prime minister must take a vote of confidence in the parliament within 30 days, which he is expected to win.

The full cabinet is likely to be announced after that, party officials said.

Dahal led a decade-long insurgency from 1996 which caused 17,000 deaths before he joined the mainstream under the 2006 peace deal overseen by the United Nations.

He is serving a third time as prime minister but did not complete the full five-year term during his previous stints.

Nepal has had 13 governments since it abolished its 239-year-old monarchy in 2008 and became a republic.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma, editing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Angus MacSwan)
FILE - Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, speaks during a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart Nikos Panagiotopoulos, at the Greek Ministry of Defence, in Athens, Greece, on Nov. 18, 2022. Benny Gantz, who is in Washington this week for meetings with U.S. leaders, is a crucial member of Israels War Cabinet. He is also the top political rival to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz is a centrist politician who joined Netanyahus ultranationalist and religious government soon after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas, File)

JERUSALEM (AP)  The top political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with U.S. leaders in Washington this week to discuss the war in Gaza. Benny Gantz is a key member of Israel's War Cabinet whose popularity is on the rise  and who has a pivotal role to play in the country's future.

Gantz, 64, is a centrist politician who joined Netanyahus ultranationalist and religious government soon after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The goal was to bring a sense of national unity to the country as it wages war against Hamas in Gaza.

The former military chief of staff has seen his public support soar. Polls show he would earn enough support to become prime minister if elections were held today.

In contrast, Netanyahus backing has collapsed. Many Israelis blame the prime minister for failing to prevent the Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians.

Amid the rivalry, Gantz' trip to Washington earned him a rebuke from Netanyahu, a sign of the growing rift in the government.

Gantz is widely expected to leave the government once the heavy fighting subsides, signaling the period of national unity has ended. The Israeli public will likely see that as a cue to resume the mass anti-government demonstrations that took place before Hamas attack.

While the government wouldn't collapse if Gantz leaves, large demonstrations could ramp up the pressure on Netanyahu's deeply unpopular coalition to hold early elections.

Gantz has been a top political rival of Netanyahu's for half a decade. He joined Netanyahus coalition in the disorienting days after Hamas attack and at a time when Israel was at its most divided after months of protests over planned changes to Israels legal system. He has served on the influential War Cabinet and has acted as a moderating force in the far-right government.

He has sought to promote the cause of the roughly 250 hostages taken into Gaza, while others in the Cabinet opposed dealing for their release because of the cost it could exact from Israel. He has also sought to foster Israel's alliance with the U.S., which has provided key diplomatic and military support during the war.

Gantz heads the National Unity faction in parliament. After a nearly four decade military career, Gantz entered politics in late 2018. That was the start of a period of political instability that sent Israelis to the polls five times in less than four years, each one a referendum on Netanyahus fitness to serve while facing corruption charges.

After refusing to sit in a government under Netanyahu, Gantz agreed to join a short-lived Netanyahu-led coalition in a bid to stem the political turmoil as the COVID pandemic was taking root. After being ousted in one of the elections, Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022, forming a government of West Bank settlement supporters and opponents of Palestinian statehood.

Gantz has served as defense minister, overseeing brief operations in Gaza. In 2021, he outlawed six prominent Palestinian rights groups, citing alleged militant links, a step widely criticized by the Palestinians.

He has been vague on his views on Palestinian statehood but he has taken steps to show he is open to the idea, including holding meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas while serving as defense minister.
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Monday, March 3. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our live updates file on the war for Tuesday, March 5.

Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated Monday her call for a cease-fire in Gaza  putting the onus on Hamas to agree to a deal  during her controversial meeting with Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz in Washington, according to a White House readout.

Harris voiced continued support for Israel's security but also "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the recent horrific tragedy around an aid convoy in northern Gaza,'' the readout said, adding that she and Gantz also discussed the urgency of freeing the hostages.

To that effect, Harris exhorted Hamas "to accept the terms on the table whereby the release of hostages would result in an immediate six-week ceasefire and enable a surge of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza,'' according to the readout.

On Sunday, Harris made news by becoming the highest-ranking administration official to call for an immediate cease-fire. "People in Gaza are starving,'' she said, urging Israel to allow more aid into the territory. "The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act."

The visit by Gantz, an increasingly popular figure in Israeli politics and a longtime rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was not authorized by Israel's government. Gantz's meetings with top U.S. officials are viewed in Israel as a warning from the Biden administration to Netanyahu, who has refused global demands for a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis and has pledged to continue the war in Gaza until Hamas is crushed.

Gantz, a centrist who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of solidarity after the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, is scheduled to meet Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Associated Press reported Netanyahu admonished Gantz for the trip, telling him the country has just one prime minister.

Kamala Harris urges Gaza cease-fire: Cites 'immense scale of suffering'

Palestinian children attend an English class in a school housing displaced Gazans in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024.

Developments:

 Lt. Col. "G" was appointed commander of Israel's "Ovda" military base, becoming the first woman to command an Israeli air force base, the Israeli military announced. Her full name was withheld for security reasons.

 Israel, which has accused at least a dozen members of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees of participating in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, said Monday that 450 UNRWA employees belong to militant groups in Gaza, though it offered no evidence. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said he has not been told or presented evidence of Israel's claims.

 More than 10 relatives of American hostages held in Gaza will attend Thursday's State of the Union address as guests of members of Congress, according to a group pushing for the captives' release.

 Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, hasnt been in contact with his own negotiating team for at least a week, raising concerns that a cease-fire deal could be held up awaiting Sinwar's approval, Egyptian and Qatari officials told the Wall Street Journal.

 Israeli forces killed two Palestinian boys  one age 16, the other 10  in separate West Bank raids, Reuters reported. More than 400 Palestinians, including 106 children, have died in the West Bank in clashes with Israeli forces or settlers since the war started.

Oct. 7 victims and hostages subjected to sexual violence, UN report says

A United Nations envoy said her team found evidence that not only did Hamas militants commit rape and "sexualized torture'' of women during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, but that such acts of sexual violence have been perpetrated on some of the hostages as well.

Pramila Patten and her nine-member team, who visited Israel and the West Bank from Jan. 29 to Feb. 14, said in a report released Monday that there are "reasonable grounds'' to reach both conclusions.

Patten said her team couldn't persuade any of the victims to share their stories, but interviews with witnesses and other accounts revealed multiple incidents of "victims being subjected to rape and/or gang rape and then killed or killed while being raped.

Across various locations, she said, the team found that several fully naked or partially naked bodies from the waist down were recovered  mostly women  with hands tied and shot multiple times, often in the head.

Hamas has denied its members engaged in sexual violence.

US envoy seeks peace in simmering Israel-Hezbollah conflict

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut on Monday for meetings with Lebanese leaders aimed at avoiding escalation of the clashes between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, which keep veering into troubling territory.

On Monday, Israel responded to a Hezbollah missile attack that killed at least one foreign worker in northern Israel with an airstrike that killed three Hezbollah paramedics in southern Lebanon, according to state media.

Hezbollah has said it will stop its near-daily cross-border assaults, which have forced the displacement of about 60,000 northern Israel residents, when Israel ends its war in Gaza. Thousands of people in southern Lebanon have also evacuated because of the conflict.

Hochstein urged the sides to reach their own agreement independent of what happens in Gaza. The United States remains committed to advancing lasting security solutions achieved through diplomatic process, Hochstein said after meeting with Lebanon Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally.

Israeli official calls for less talk, more military muscle

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Hamas of stalling in negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release and reaffirmed Netanyahu's position that military might is needed to win their freedom. Ben-Gvir said Hamas believes international pressure will be turned up on Israel during Ramadan, a Muslim holy month that starts next week. Hamas also hopes that Arabs living in Israel will rise up against the Israeli government, he said.

"We think that the negotiation talks should be stopped and we must immediately move to a more powerful phase in the fighting," Ben-Gvir said in a speech translated by TV7 Israel News.

Americans' view of Israel, Palestinian Authority slides

Americans' opinion of Israel and of the Palestinian Authority worsened in the past year amid the escalating crisis, a new survey suggests. The Gallup poll shows 58% of Americans have a very or mostly" favorable view of Israel, down from 68% last year and the lowest favorable rating for Israel in over 20 years. Young adults show the biggest decline, dropping from 64% favorable among 18- to 34-year-olds in 2023 to 38%.

Positive opinion of the Palestinian Authority has also fallen, to 18% from 26% a year ago. Republicans overwhelmingly sympathize with Israel, independents tend to favor Israel, and more Democrats side with the Palestinians than Israelis.

The telephone interviews of 1,016 adults were conducted Feb. 1-20, 2024 with a margin of sampling error at 4 percentage points.

Hamas won't provide information on hostages 'for free'

A senior Hamas official told the BBC it is impossible to know which hostages are still alive because of continuing Israeli bombing. Basem Naim said the hostages are in different areas held by different groups and that a cease-fire is needed to track them all down. Naim also said valuable information about the hostages could not be given "for free."

Israel has refused to send a delegation to cease-fire talks in Cairo, demanding that Hamas first provide an accounting of which hostages are still alive. Israel took the stance one day after the Biden administration said Saturday that Israel had essentially agreed to a six-week cease-fire that would include the release of some hostages, but that Hamas has yet to sign off on the deal.

UN agency investigating claims of abuse of Palestinian prisoners

An unpublished investigation by the United Nations agency for Palestinian affairs accuses Israel of abusing hundreds of Palestinians detained in Gaza during the war, the New York Times reported, saying it had reviewed the report. Its authors allege the detainees, including at least 1,000 civilians later released without charge, were held at three military sites inside Israel.

The report said the detainees included males and females whose ages ranged from 6 to 82, some of whom said they were beaten, stripped, robbed, blindfolded, sexually abused and denied access to lawyers and doctors. Some died in detention, said the report compiled by UNRWA, which is under investigation after at least 12 of its 13,000 employees were determined to have participated in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Patten, the U.N. envoy gathering information on sexual violence in conflict, said her team received reports about some forms of sexual violence against Palestinian men and women in detention settings, during house raids and at checkpoints.

Contributing: David Jackson, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war live updates: Netanyahu rival, Kamala Harris meet
[Source]

Netflix has announced it will not move forward with a second season of The Brothers Sun despite a good showing in the first few weeks of its release.

Why it was canceled: While Netflix did not provide a reason for the cancellation, some reports note that the action comedy-drama failed to garner a large enough audience. Weekly views reportedly dropped from under 7 million to below 2 million in its last two weeks on the platform's list of its top 10 English-language series, where it stayed for five weeks and peaked at No. 2.

Reception: "The Brothers Sun" earned praises from critics and viewers when it premiered on Netflix on Jan. 4. The show has a 7.6 rating on IMDb, while it has scored 91% and 84% among audiences and critics, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trending on NextShark: Asian restaurant slams influencer's request for free meal in exchange for exposure

What this means: The news is the latest blow to Asian representation on television, coming just about two months after Disney Plus canceled "American Born Chinese" following its first season. Both series starred Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh in leading roles.

Reacting to the news: Following the announcement, cast member Justin Chien, who plays Charles Sun, thanked show co-creators Brad Falchuk, known for his work on "Glee" and "American Horror Story," and Byron Wu. He also thanked fans.

It fills me with so much joy knowing that the show resonated with so many people, Chien wrote in an Instagram post. Your love made all of our collective work, sacrifices, and heartache, worth it.

Trending on NextShark: Benny Blanco faces Filipino fury after disrespectful review of Jollibee

How people reacted: Fans criticized Netflix for its decision to cancel "The Brothers Sun" and its alleged lack of support in growing the show's audience. "One of the only shows that packed humour, action and heartfelt moments together and that showed REAL Asian diaspora representation gets canceled? Feels racist tbh, one X user wrote.

I haven't watched a show as entertaining as 'The Brothers Sun' in a long while, an Instagram user commented under Chien's post. I was thrilled and so proud to see Asian representation that is rare to find  representation that was unique to the Asian, AAPI, and immigrant experience.

Trending on NextShark: Netflix cancels The Brothers Sun after one season

Filipino American rapper and journalist Rocky Rivera offered words of comfort for Chien in her comment, writing, You did amazing. Its not your fault that streaming services dont value POC-centered shows and consider our stories  no matter how dynamic  irrelevant. We received the message.

Meanwhile one fan started a Change.org petition to try to help save the show from cancellation. "One of the most commendable aspects of 'The Brothers Sun' is its portrayal of Asian American characters in roles that defy stereotypes and embody the complexities of the human experience," the petition said in part.

Trending on NextShark: 119-year-old Vietnamese woman may be world's oldest living person

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WASHINGTON  Nikki Haley on Sunday defeated Donald Trump in the GOP presidential primary in Washington, D.C., her first win against the former president.

Its a relatively tiny victory, one Trump will almost certainly use to portray Haley as a creature of the D.C. swamp. D.C.s 19 delegates will now cast their votes for her at the Republican National Convention in July. Thats out of 2,429 delegates, and so far, Trump has trounced her in all of the other state GOP primaries.

Right on cue, shortly after Haleys win was announced, Trumps campaign said her victory means the swamp has claimed their queen.

While Nikki has been soundly rejected throughout the rest of America, she was just crowned Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo, Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for Trumps campaign, said in a statement.

Trump has a total of 244 delegates and Haley now has 43. Whoever is first to hit 1,215 delegates will be the Republican presidential nominee. Trump is expected to get much closer following this weeks Super Tuesday primaries, where polls show him dominating from coast to coast.

But Haleys win counts for something. For starters, unbelievably, she is now the first woman to ever win a Republican presidential primary.

Her ability to defeat Trump in any primary means he cant celebrate a clean sweep, which, as petty as it sounds, is almost certainly going to infuriate him and delight his critics. And for Haleys supporters in D.C., its a sign that theres enough of them, even if in this small election, to send the message that they reject the MAGA grip on their party.

It matters for her to win in D.C. because I think its going to frustrate Trump more and more, said Cherry, 66, who was one of about 250 people at a Haley campaign event in D.C. on Friday afternoon. She asked to use her first name only.

Ive never hated a politician, but I hate Donald Trump, she said. This is Americas Hitler.

A Haley victory in D.C.s GOP primary would put our little group on the map, said Dennis Paul, an 84-year-old semi-retired resident.

She seems to grasp things very well, he said. Shes obviously good on fiscal policy. Shes vibrant and exciting.

Joe, a long-time D.C. resident, praised Haley for her message of real vigor and understanding of the issues. He said he wants her to stay in the race as long as possible, even though its unlikely she can win.

First of all, shes not Joe Biden. Secondly, shes not Donald Trump, said Joe, who is in his 60s and who also requested only using his first name, but confirmed his last name is not Biden.

Anywhere  anywhere  she can win and show momentum would be great, Joe said of Haley.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 2: Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign rally at Raleigh Union Station on March 2, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Despite having lost every state primary thus far to Donald Trump, Haley intends to stay in the Republican race at least through Super Tuesday on March 5. (Photo by Eros Hoagland/Getty Images) Eros Hoagland via Getty Images

Some attendees at Haleys event said she has come to represent something much bigger than herself.

Antonia Ferrier, a former longtime senior aide to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and the late Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), is now a major donor to Haleys campaign.

She said its clear there is a faction of voters who feel almost voiceless in the Republican Party. She rattled off recent polling that has deeply frustrated her: Nearly 70% of Americans dont want a Biden-Trump rematch in November. Nearly 60% think theyre both too old. More than 40% of voters are registering as independent, tying a record high in 2014.

There is a collective scream in this country, said Ferrier, who is currently an executive at a GOP nonprofit focused on advancing democracy. Its like a collective scream for a leader we can be proud of. But the established political class refuses to listen to it because of their own feedback loops or whatever fucking reason, and Haley is giving voice to that.

Ferrier said she wants the former South Carolina governor to stay in the race as long as she can, because she is an affirmation of the politics saying there is a better way. She gets it. Its clear she understands it.

There is another way for our country, she emphasized.

Haley herself made this point at her campaign event on Friday.

We dont have to live the way were living now, she told the room, to applause. But we need to be part of the solution. Were gonna fight for Super Tuesday.

But what is Haleys endgame, if its clear she cant defeat Trump in the Republican primary but is continuing to campaign and raise money?

I dont know. I dont even know if she knows, replied Ferrier. But you know what? There is something about just fighting for basic fucking common decency.

Liz Skalka contributed reporting.
In todays newsletter: President Joe Biden faces a crucial hurdle to overcome in his State of the Union address. Nikki Haley snags her first GOP primary win. And Caitlin Clark has become NCAA Division I basketballs overall top scorer.

Heres what to know today.

Biden to juggle competing political demands in State of the Union address

politics political politician (Evan Vucci / AP)

President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech this week is expected to dive into how hes on the side of lower health care costs, democratic freedoms and Ukraines fight to keep itself from being swallowed up by Russia, and that voters should unite behind him.

These choices and obstacles facing the United States will be the theme of Bidens third State of the Union speech, advisers say. Hell look to ease growing unhappiness inside his own party about handling of the Israel-Hamas war and to remind voters about legislative victories. It would be important for him to show his concerns about the future of Gaza, said a Democratic member of Congress, speaking on the condition of anonymity so as not to alienate the White House.

Tens of millions of people will tune in, meaning Biden can expect the biggest television audience hell get at least until the convention in August. The Super Tuesday primaries take place two days before Bidens address, and Trump is expected to sweep the 15 contests and be a prohibitive front-runner for the GOP nomination once the votes are tallied. Bidens poll numbers are declining and with his re-election in doubt, he has a chance to get a fresh look from an electorate that seems willing to dump him in favor of an ex-president who is defending himself against 91 felony charges.

Bidens address has the potential to be his most important political speech so far, as he seeks to reassure voters that hes up and ready for the job.

Nikki Haley gets first 2024 win in the Washington, D.C., GOP primary ahead of Super Tuesday

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks (Joseph Prezioso / AFP - Getty Images)

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley won her first GOP presidential nominating contest, claiming her first victory in the Washington, D.C., primary, NBC News projects. Haley took 63% of the GOP primary vote to 33% for Trump. Just more than 2,000 Washington Republicans cast their ballots and because Haley got more than half of the vote, she came away with all of the districts 19 delegates.

Haley, who won the primary over former President Donald Trump, has for weeks pledged to stay in the race through Super Tuesday tomorrow, when 15 states and American Samoa will hold nominating contests. Trump is dominating in almost all of those states in most public polling and is expected to extend his delegate lead.

Kamala Harris calls for an immediate cease-fire as talks continue in Cairo

Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in a speech at an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. Harris referred to current negotiations for a hostage deal in her comment that there must be a cease-fire for at least six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.

This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom and self-determination, she said.

A White House official said the vice president was repeating the Biden administrations recent stance, which calls for a cease-fire for at least six weeks to allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas, as well as for aid to flow through the entire Gaza Strip.

Follow here for live updates.

SpaceX, NASA successfully launch manned Crew-8 mission to International Space Station

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule with a crew of four on a mission to the International Space Station lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday. (John Raoux / AP)

SpaceX and NASA successfully launched their joint Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They are set to return in the fall and will spend six months at the orbiting outpost.

NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four in the Dragon spacecraft, marking SpaceXs eighth crew rotation mission to the space station within NASAs Commercial Crew Program. The NASA astronauts are commander Matthew Dominick, pilot Michael Barratt, mission specialist Jeanette Epps and Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, who is also acting as mission specialist. It is the first mission to the space station for all except Barratt, who is making his third visit. Watch the launch here.

Politics in Brief

Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is expected to issue rulings today, one of which could be the decision on whether Colorado can kick Trump off the primary.

Texas politics: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is endorsing candidates in tomorrow's primary who are challenging the Republican lawmakers who voted for his impeachment.

Voter ID laws: Eight states enacted new voter ID laws since the 2020 election. See if your state has any new ID requirements.

Local elections: North Carolinas primary tomorrow is expected to set up a clash between Democrat Josh Stein and Republican Mark Robinson to be the biggest governors race of 2024.

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Staff Pick: A low-drama approach to a volatile candidate

Susie Wiles disembarks Trump Force One at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post via Getty Images file)

For the last three years, people close to Trump have pointed to Susie Wiles as the key behind-the-scenes figure helping Trump with his political operation. As he moves toward clinching the Republican presidential nomination, we wanted to tell readers more about Wiles and why Trump has put so much faith in her.

Wiles seldom grants interviews, and Trump world sources are usually reluctant to talk about her publicly. We secured an on-the-record interview and asked what she thinks about a variety of topics  including her famous feud with Ron DeSantis and how the campaign will run the Republican National Committee. But it wasnt just Wiles we talked to. We heard from allies, critics and even Donald Trump Jr., all of whom shared views that we think put Wiles  arguably the most powerful aide in the GOP  in perspective.

 Jonathan Allen, senior politics reporter

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Nikki Haley has refused to drop out of the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination despite significant losses to Donald Trump in Iowa, New Hampshire and her home state of South Carolina. Haley has tried to cast the race in an especially favorable light: As essentially an incumbent, Trump should be near-unanimously supported, but he hasnt been  so she should keep on fighting.

Haley has made several versions of this argument:

 After finishing third behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Iowa caucuses, Haley saw enough hope to declare the contest a two-person race  to incredulous ears.

 After coming in 11 points behind Trump in New Hampshire, an unusually hospitable state to her in ideology and temperament, a Haley spokesperson characterized Trumps win as not exactly a ringing endorsement for a former president.

 After getting just under 40% of the vote in her home state to Trumps 60%, Haley again framed the result as more disappointing for Trump than for herself, stressing that Trump as, technically, the Republican incumbent did not win 40% of the vote.

Im a political scientist, and I have studied Trumps 2016 campaign and his administration as well as the Haley challenge. I dont buy Haleys rationale for holding on.

As the two candidates face Super Tuesday, the biggest day of primary voting across the nation, Trump is not the weak candidate Haley would like him to be.

Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford in a televised presidential debate during the 1976 election. Carter beat Ford and became 39th president. Universal History Archive/Getty Images

No comparison

Haleys claim that Trumps early victories reveal some type of weakness hinges on comparing Trump with real incumbents running for reelection, who are indeed usually unopposed within their party. Think the Biden reelection campaign and Trumps own in 2020.

But this comparison is unreasonable: Trumps not a real incumbent and should not be compared with one.

To see how well Trumps doing, an appropriate comparison pits Trump against previous one-term presidents running for a nonconsecutive second term against the incumbents who defeated them  Gerald Ford in 1980 against President Jimmy Carter, Carter in 1984 against President Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush in 1996 against President Bill Clinton.

See what todays situation has in common with these precedents?

Nothing. They never happened.

And thats because these former presidents would have had little chance of getting nominated by a party that had moved on after their loss. So they chose not to run at all.

Lose, then retreat

Carter never seriously entertained a presidential run in 1984 against Reagan, to whom he had lost in a 44-state landslide in 1980. Even before 1980, observers foretold Carters loss of support among Democrats in 1984, saying it is very doubtful the party will give him another shot if he lost in 1980. After he did lose, Carter threw his support behind his vice president, Walter Mondale. Against Mondale, Reagan would deliver an even bigger, 49-state landslide.

George H.W. Bush in 1996 is a similar story. After losing to Clinton in 1992, he left office embittered and would not recover politically. It was evidently someone elses turn to run for president, as the party moved on to Bob Dole in 1996 and to Bushs own son, George W. Bush, just four years later.

Of these might-have, could-have bids for a return to the presidency, Fords came closest to reality, partly owing to his unique circumstances.

Ford became president because of Richard Nixons resignation in 1974. That happened not long after Nixon picked Ford to replace Vice President Spiro Agnew, who resigned in 1973. Ford had not had a chance to run on his own terms. In a sense, his 1976 defeat was less conclusive in ending his political life than those of Carter and Bush, making his revival more plausible.

Still, discouragement from the former presidents own inner circle dampened his flirtations with a 1980 run.

Wishful thinking?

The big picture: Voters are generally unwilling to give a candidate a second chance to run against someone who already defeated them once  a reason that presidential rematches are so rare.

Trump is proving to be an exception. He lost reelection in 2020, is running again in 2024 against the same president who beat him and is comfortably marching toward nomination a third time in a row. Theres no modern precedent for this, and it attests to his enduring and extraordinary strength within his party.

To be fair, one thing makes Trumps rationale for a re-run more compelling than Ford in 1980, Carter in 1984 and Bush in 1996: Many Trump supporters dont believe he lost legitimately to Biden in 2020 in the first place, making them think he is somehow deserving of another chance. But thats precisely part of Trumps strength.

So, why does Haley talk of Trumps weakness?

Its a mix of a few things. She needs to project confidence and justify soldiering on to voters, donors and herself. Shes hoping for miracles in upcoming contests. She could be ambitious for 2028 and beyond.

Its also just wishful thinking.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Huchen Liu, University of Nebraska Omaha.

Read more:



Huchen Liu 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.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 20:52 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Monday that his government will, "with strong determination," make every effort to realize the return of all citizens abducted by North Korea.

Kishida's remarks came during a meeting at his office with family members of the abductees, who have recently said they would not oppose any move by Japan to lift sanctions against North Korea should Pyongyang return all abductees immediately.

Sakie Yokota, the 88-year-old mother of Megumi, who was abducted to North Korea at age 13 in the 1970s, said, "We have a little hope" that Kishida and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un can negotiate the long-standing abduction issue.

"We would like you to surely take action while you are prime minister," Yokota told Kishida at the gathering, adding that he appears to have a better chance of making progress on the matter than previous Japanese political leaders if negotiations take place with Kim.

Late last month, the families and supporters of the abductees compiled a policy for their future activities, also affirming that they would not object to the Japanese government providing humanitarian aid to North Korea if the victims were repatriated.

Kishida has expressed an eagerness for a summit with Kim to address the abduction issue. He met with family members just weeks after Kim's sister hinted at the possibility of a visit to Pyongyang by the Japanese prime minister.

In a statement in February carried by North Korea's state-run media, the sister said a visit could happen if Japan does not make the issue of the abductions an obstacle between the two countries, describing it as "settled."

But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has said her assertion regarding the abductions was "totally unacceptable." The government's top spokesman, who doubles as the minister in charge of the abduction issue, also participated in Monday's meeting with the families.

Kim, meanwhile, sent a message of sympathy to Kishida in early January over a deadly earthquake that hit central Japan on New Year's Day. It is very rare for a Japanese prime minister to receive a message from a North Korean leader.

While the two Asian nations have no diplomatic ties, Junichiro Koizumi became the first Japanese prime minister to make a trip to Pyongyang in 2002, leading to the return of five abductees. He revisited North Korea in 2004.

Related coverage:

Abductees' families say won't oppose Japan lifting North Korea sanctions

North Korean leader's sister says Japan PM visit to Pyongyang possible

Japan to make "appropriate responses" to North Korea's quake message
Nikki Haley speaks during a campaign rally in Portland, Maine on the fday of her victory - Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

Nikki Haley won her first Republican primary contest on Sunday in a victory over Donald Trump in Washington DC.

The former South Carolina governor won the capital by 63 per cent to Mr Trumps 33 per cent, with around 2,000 Republicans in Washington casting a ballot.

The win makes Ms Haley the first woman to win a Republican primary in US political history, and marks the victory of Ms Haleys bid for the nomination.

Her spokeswoman, Olivia Perez-Cubas, said: Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos.

Ms Haley is the first woman to win a Republican primary in US political history - Joel Page/Reuters

The Washington DC primary has far fewer voters than most states, and has an electorate of Republicans that are generally more moderate than the rest of the US.

In 2016s primary, the last competitive race, Mr Trump won just 16 per cent of the vote there.

Mr Trump has won ten consecutive primaries, and is expected to win the contest by securing half of the total delegates in the next few weeks.

The former presidents campaign said Ms Haley had been crowned Queen of the swamp  the derogatory nickname he has given to the city.

Tonights results in Washington D.C. reaffirm the object of President Trumps campaign  he will drain the swamp and put America first, said Karoline Leavitt, a Trump Campaign Press Secretary.

While Nikki has been soundly rejected throughout the rest of America, she was just crowned Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo. The swamp has claimed their queen.

President Trump will fight for every American who is being let down by these very DC insiders and devastated by Joe Bidens failures.

Ms Haleys majority victory means she will receive all 19 of the capitals delegates to the Republican National Convention in July.

However, Mr Trump is expected to have received the 1,234 delegates he requires across the US to win the contest by the end of March.

The result in Washington comes after Mr Trump won delegates in Michigan, Missouri and Idaho on Saturday, setting him up for fifteen more votes on Super Tuesday next week.

Ms Haley is forecast to lose heavily, including in the two major states of California and Texas, raising further questions about the viability of her campaign.

In an interview on Sunday morning, Ms Haley suggested she may not honour her pledge to the Republican National Committee (RNC) to support whoever wins the primary race.

The RNC is now not the same RNC, she said on NBCs Meet the Press. Ill make what decision I want to make.

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By Gram Slattery

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters) - Nikki Haley is drawing the biggest crowds of her presidential campaign. She just scored the endorsements of two U.S. senators. And she is turning in confident performances to crowds that are more raucous than ever - even as almost no one in attendance thinks she will win.

"I just want to say that I did something," said Alyson Emanuel, an attendee at a Haley event in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday.

Asked if the former South Carolina governor had a shot at the Republican presidential nomination, Emanuel was blunt: "No. And you know what? I don't care."

Such is the latest, and perhaps the last, phase of Haley's presidential bid. Whereas supporters and people close to Haley saw a narrow path for her to edge out former President Donald Trump just weeks ago, now they have no illusions.

In interviews with 13 voters at Haley rallies in Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., in the past four days, 11 said they considered Trump's primary victory a sure thing, or close to it. But they came out anyway, they said, to register their discontent with the former president or to demonstrate support for the policy ideas that were popular among Republicans before Trump came onto the scene.

These voters, deeply disaffected by Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden, will be a crucial constituency heading into a likely November general election rematch. Some Haley supporters are hoping that this run sets her up for another shot in 2028 or that she may benefit if Trump finds himself sidelined due to health-related or legal problems, although Haley has consistently played down any such motivation.

As she crisscrosses the country in the lead-up to March 5's "Super Tuesday," when 15 states and one territory will host their nominating contests, Haley has managed to cajole cheers, chants and shouts of support from overflow crowds. At the Raleigh event, over 1,000 people showed up to see her speak at a train station, many standing on benches to see her.

After the event, Haley remained on scene to shake hands and take selfies until the crowd dissipated.

'FLUSH FUND'

At a Friday event in Washington, D.C., she criticized Trump for spending campaign funds on legal fees. She said the Republican National Committee would be his legal "flush fund," before correcting herself, saying it would be his "slush fund."

"You were right the first time!" one attendee shouted out, prompting laughs and applause.

"FLUSH FUND!" another attendee yelled.

It's a far cry from some other campaigns on their last legs, which have taken on a morose or tired air. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, for instance, infamously asked a small crowd in New Hampshire to clap for him weeks before dropping out of the 2016 primary, which Trump won.

"I think they're sort of happy warriors," said Chip Felkel, a Republican strategist from South Carolina and a vocal Trump critic.

"I don't know that it's her intent. But she's giving a voice to people who do not want Trump," Felkel said.

Among those people is John Wright, 60, an airline pilot and self-described "Reagan Republican" at the Haley event in northern Virginia on Thursday.

He described Haley as a guardian of a brand of Republican politics that was about to be destroyed, even as he was gaming out what would happen after her loss. Trump, he said, disrespected veterans, damaged America's standing in the world and has an abrasive "persona."

All the same, Trump is clearly tightening his hold on the party, a point reinforced last week by U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell's decision to step down from his leadership role later this year.

"This party is completely and 100% run by Trump," Wright said. "It's like a runaway train, and it's going off the rails. I wouldn't be surprised if a whole new party comes out of the ashes."

On Sunday, Haley scored her first primary win, besting Trump in D.C., where Republicans have long been cool on the former president. Polls show it will be hard to replicate that performance elsewhere.

Still, the campaign celebrated her victory, pointing out it was the first-ever win by a woman in a Republican presidential nominating contest.

"Nikki is fighting for the future of the Republican Party and long-standing conservative principles like fiscal discipline and a strong national security," said campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.

"She's fighting for the 40% of Republican primary voters who want to make America normal again."

'RUNNING THROUGH THE TAPE'

Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has declined to say if she will stay in the race past Super Tuesday. When pressed by journalists on Saturday, she responded: "We're running through the tape."

In her stump speech, Haley acknowledges questions about why she is staying in despite Trump's massive lead. But she avoids explicitly telling supporters that she is in the race for the long haul.

"You know, all the media is losing their minds, like, 'Why does she keep fighting?" the former South Carolina governor told the crowd in Raleigh on Saturday. "The reason I'm doing this is because of my kids. It's because of your kids and our grandkids"

Her rhetoric is a far cry from the lead-up to the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24. Days before that contest, which she lost by 20 percentage points, she convened a press conference to declare that she would continue in the race no matter the results.

"We would love for Haley to win the nomination," said Robert Schwartz, the co-founder of Primary Pivot, an outside super PAC supporting her bid. "But it's just very unlikely at this point."

Still, if she decides to stay in after Super Tuesday, she will have a dedicated base willing to charge into the breach.

One person who has worked on Haley's campaign described himself as content to "go down with the ship." Another high-ranking official associated with an outside super PAC supporting Haley said the race is now "a crusade as much as a campaign."

Among Haley's willing foot soldiers is Christine Kiley, a Republican art dealer who attended Haley's event in Washington, D.C. She said Haley has no shot at the nomination, but that her chances are irrelevant at this point.

"If she's going to stay in the race," Kiley, 65, said, "then she needs her supporters."

(Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Scott Malone)
SOUTH BURLINGTON  Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley made her way to Vermont on her campaign trail to the Republican nomination, just days before the key Super Tuesday election on March 5.

Amidst a gray and dreary afternoon in Vermont, energy was bright and electric behind the double doors of a ballroom in the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington hotel. Red and blue "Pick Nikki" signs moved over the crowd like a wave and "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts played over the speakers.

After being introduced by Vermont Rep. Ashley Bartley and Gov. Phil Scott, Haley took the stage for a 30-minute speech rallying support on border safety, supporting veterans, the budget crisis and national security, along with term limits and competency tests for elected officials.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at her campaign rally on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington hotel in South Burlington.

The podium was moved so Haley could roam the stage, speaking with ease about her beliefs and how she differs from Donald Trump, who she called "the last fella I need to catch up to."

The road so far

Haley, former governor of South Carolina and U.N. ambassador under Trump, is running for the Republican presidential nomination. although she has yet to win a primary or caucus against Trump in the early voting states.

Nikki Haley and Gov. Phil Scott embrace when he brings her on stage

Trump so far has won South Carolina, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan and the Virgins Islands.

While Haley has a resume of high-ranking government positions, its the former governors first attempt at a presidential ticket.

Haley takes on Vermont

Haley's visit to Vermont seemed to surprise residents, with many attendees mentioning that its a rarity for a presidential candidate to stop in Burlington.

David Delaney of the UVM Political Science Club said that an event like this is a great opportunity for the members.

A table of T-shirts, pins, bumper stickers and more sit outside the ballroom doors.

Not many people have been to a political rally before," Delaney said. "Why not come expose ourselves to all the hubbub. Young people vote less enthusiastically and that's not a good thing. Regardless of how one feels about a candidate, it's a good experience for young people and college students."

Delaney said the club has no affiliation with any party or candidate, but for an educational experience.

Gail Couillard, a lifelong Vermonter, attended the rally with her diabetic medical alert dog, Lyndon.

Couillard said she wasn't necessarily a supporter of Haley but thinks that she has forward ideas. She hopes to see more legislation around service animals, stating that Vermont doesn't have registration or certifications for service dogs, and she can't take Lyndon a lot of the places she may need him.

Protests during the rally

Haley was interrupted nine times by protesters dispersed in the crowd  with cries of "Free Palestine" and "Ceasefire now"  but kept the conversation moving with support from the rest of the audience.

A protester is removed by police in the midst of Nikki Haley's rally in South Burlington, March 3, 2024. The protester was chanting "Ceasefire now."

Ashley Smith, a member of the Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation, was stationed outside the rally on the corner of Williston Road and Danny O'Sullivan Way, armed with Palestinian flags and bullhorns.

Smith said the reason for their protests is to oppose genocide, and that Haley, along with Trump and President Joe Biden, are "political, economic and military supporters to the state of Israel."

Inside, Haley took the interruptions in stride. While people were being removed by police, Haley said she supported their right to protest and that it's something "my husband and other soldiers fought for."

The scope of the 2024 election

Most Americans dont want to see a Trump vs. Biden ticket this fall, with 70% of Americans saying they dont want Biden to run for re-election  many citing his old age  and 60% of Americans not wanting Trump to run.

Haley and her team made that clear throughout the rally. She urged Vermonters to not stand for "petty comments or rhetoric" that Trump is known for giving out.

Supporting Haley in the primary could help ensure that the November election doesnt come to that, said Martha Rainville, retired adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard and a member of Haleys campaign.

"I don't want to see a Trump-Biden ticket again," Rainville said. "I looked around thinking if I want a choice, I have to be willing to work to achieve that."

Over 300 people packed the ballroom on March 3.

She joined the Haley campaign after that, stating that she agreed with many of Haley's stances, especially around military support, and appreciated her "grace and compassion."

Rainville said Haley embodies the integrity and respect a president should have and that, ultimately, she's someone her two 15-year-old grandchildren can look up to.

Rainville, who currently resides in North Carolina after living in Vermont for about 20 years and still has professional and personal ties to the area, knows the importance of getting out and voting in Vermont.

She cites Vermonts open primary, allowing anyone to cast a vote for any party, unlike other states that require residents to declare a party and only vote within that party.

When asked if she will support Trump if he is nominated, Rainville gave a staunch No.

Signs wave across the crowd as Nikki Haley concludes her speech.

How can Vermonters get involved?

On Tuesday, 15 states and one U.S. territory will hold elections as part of Super Tuesday.

Tuesday is also Town Meeting Day in Vermont, when Vermonters vote on local issues and for the officials they want to represent them in local government. This year, that includes the induction of a new mayor, the first change in the role in 12 years as current Mayor Miro Weinberger chose to not seek a fifth term.

Registered voters can vote at their wards polling station between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. Find your polling station here.

Sydney Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Niki Haley makes Vermont stop ahead of Super Tuesday
Nikki Haley is touting her victory in this weekends Washington DC primary as proof she is viable. Theres much less to her win than meets the eye.

Her triumph is not unimportant. The fact that she could easily prevail  she beat Trump by a 63-33 margin  shows that she retains appeal even as Trump looks to be a lock for the nomination. Thats commendable and speaks well of her political abilities.

Look a little closer, though, and one can see why she won so easily. Haleys vote this year has tracked that of the combined 2016 primary vote for moderate John Kasich and establishment favorite Marco Rubio. She regularly does best in counties where they did well and worst in counties where they fared poorly.

Haley won DC because it had the highest combined Kasich and Rubio vote share of any state or county in the country. Their 72 per cent meant Haley started with a big advantage. Considering this, her loss would have come as a massive shock.

The surprise came from the fact she ran 9 points behind their performance. They did not receive a majority in any of the states voting on Super Tuesday that held primaries eight years ago. Her best upcoming state by this metric, Vermont, only gave the pair 49 per cent back then. She needs to do better than they did collectively, not worse.

Her fate looks dire when applies this approach to Tuesdays electorate. Only one other state, Virginia, gave Kasich and Rubio more than 40 per cent. Massachusetts gave them 36 per cent, and they did not top 30 per cent anywhere else. Its hard to see how she wins any of these states if shes running behind their vote.

Three states holding primaries this year held caucuses in 2016, and all are relatively moderate states where she might do well. Maines moderate Republican Senator, Susan Collins, said she voted for Haley, and Rubio won Minnesotas caucuses. The winner of Colorados Senate 2022 primary, Joe ODea, was a moderate who was pro-choice on abortion. He beat a Maga-inclined opponent by nine points by winning the Denver metropolitan area handily. Haleys dream is that she replicates ODeas performance, helped by support from the states many independent voters eligible to cast Republican ballots.

That would require a remarkable comeback given her weaker-than-expected showing in DC and Michigan. The latter state should have been tailor made for her. It is more moderate than Southern states like South Carolina and has no party registration, allowing Democrats and independents to cross over to oppose Trump. She nonetheless won only 27 per cent, about 8 points less than Kasich and Rubio. Thats the sign of a campaign leaking air, not one gaining altitude.

Nikki Haley has fought a good race, one much stronger than many had expected. Shes running into the same brick wall that Ron DeSantis and the other fellas, as she calls them, did. Republican conservatives like Trump and prefer Maga conservatism to the old Reaganite tunes. Unless Tuesday gives us one historys greatest political upsets, Haleys race will soon face the music.

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Nikki Haley won her first presidential primary on Sunday. She just had to wait for the D.C. insider crowd to vote.

Haley defeated Donald Trump in the Washington, D.C. Republican primary, a contest that took place over the weekend in a downtown hotel just steps away from the heart of D.C.s lobbying hub. Haley carried nearly 63 percent of the vote, according to D.C. party officials.

Haleys victory came after she was crushed by Trump in caucuses in Missouri and Idaho and at a Republican convention in Michigan on Saturday. Trump is cruising to the GOP nomination and is favored to win primaries across 16 Super Tuesday states this week.

But the GOP electorate in D.C.  where Republicans make up just 5 percent of registered voters  is hardly representative of the conservative base found in most other parts of the country.



This universe is a little more sophisticated than just about any universe in any other state, said Patrick Mara, chair of the D.C. Republican Party. I listen to the political podcasts in the morning. I read the newsletters throughout the day. Thats probably, like, half the people showing up at this.

Dan Schuberth, who runs a trade association in downtown D.C. and supported Haley in the primary, described his fellow D.C. Republicans as a pretty unique electorate, perhaps the only in the country where many of the voters personally know the people working on one or both of the campaigns.

You've got a really dialed-in political class, Schuberth said of the Republicans voting this weekend. You know, folks read POLITICO. They read The Hill. Folks here are reading the Washington Post.

Voting in the primary ran over three days at the Madison Hotel, and Haley herself held a campaign rally there on Friday. Among Haleys supporters on Friday was Dana Milbank, a longtime Washington Post columnist who said he had been a Republican for just a few weeks  when he changed his voter registration in time to cast a vote in the weekend primary.



It was part of an experiment for a piece hes working on in which Milbank has engaged in activities he said appeal to Republican voters  such as, in his explanation, watching NASCAR races, going to a Hobby Lobby and visiting a gun show.

I've always been a RINO, Milbank said, when asked how it felt to be a part of the D.C. GOP establishment. So I feel like I fit right in.

But the typical behavior of a Republican living in the nations capital is vastly different from a Republican outside of the district. And even those who showed up to vote for her said that they were a unicorn breed in their own party.

This is a more moderate area, said Dennis Paul, a retiree who has been a registered D.C. Republican his entire adult life. And I think people here think a little bit more rationally.

Trumps prospects in the D.C. GOP primary were never high. He was trounced in the contest here in 2016, coming in third behind Marco Rubio and John Kasich. Still, his campaign made a play for D.C. Republicans this year, warning D.C. lobbyists that they will be blacklisted from any future Trump White House access if they didnt show up to vote in the weekends primary.

Campaigning in Massachusetts on Saturday, Haley ripped Trump for the effort, saying, You cant threaten people. You cant push them out, because that is not a winning combination.

Despite notching her first primary win on Sunday, Haley has not signaled she plans to continue her campaign beyond Tuesdays contests. Speaking to a roundtable of D.C. political reporters Friday morning, Haley maintained that she was only thinking about Super Tuesday, and not what she plans to do beyond that.

Haley will campaign in Texas on Monday, but has no public events or election night gathering scheduled for Tuesday.

At a rally in Portland, Maine, that wrapped up long before she was declared the winner in Washington, Haleys only mention of the D.C. contest was another swipe at Trump for threatening to cut off access to lobbyists who didnt vote for him.

If youre a candidate running for president, your job is to bring people in, not push people out of your club, Haley said.

Haley had one win to celebrate on the spot, though  the support of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who said she cast her ballot for the former U.N. ambassador.

When all the fellas are following the herd, she showed why shes got a steel spine, Haley said, adding later: Thank you for showing the fellas that youve got more balls than them.

Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report
Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley stands with the crowd after speaking at a Republican campaign event in Needham, Mass., Saturday, March 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) | Michael Dwyer

Nikki Haley was declared the winner of the Republican primary in Washington, D.C., on Sunday night, her first win this year  and also, her campaign said, the first for a Republican woman. On Saturday, former President Donald Trump was declared the winner of caucuses in Idaho and Missouri.

After Haleys win Sunday night, her spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas released a statement saying, Its not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos.

The Trump campaign also released a statement. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Haley was queen of the swamp, and suggested she was elected by lobbyists and D.C. insiders.

Haley picked up 19 delegates for winning the district, bringing her total to 43. Meanwhile, after winning caucuses in Idaho and Missouri Saturday, Trump was up to 244 delegates. The total number of delegates needed to win the nomination is 1,215.

Trump wins Idaho

The Idaho Republican Party held caucuses throughout the state Saturday, with Trump receiving 85% of the vote, and Haley capturing 13%.

Party chairwoman Dorothy Moon released a statement, which said, in part, Idaho has reaffirmed its steadfast support for President Trump today. We recognize that our state stands as a beacon of support for Republican ideals, reaffirming Idahos status as Trump Country with his resounding victory in our caucus.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) | Steve Helber

Trump wins Missouri

Also on Saturday, Trump won the Missouri caucus, capturing every county and the city of St. Louis, according to the state party.

Missouri Republicans have spoken loud and clear today, affirming their trust in President Trumps leadership and rejecting the failed policies of the Democrats in Washington, said Nick Myers, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, said in a press release.

Haleys campaign released a statement Saturday suggesting her voters were intimidated during caucuses in Missouri Saturday. The statement linked to a social media post from St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Lynn Schmidt, who said she caucused for Haley, and felt intimidated and scared. Haley supporters were told to line up 2 x 2 in the middle of the floor of the gym, while Trumps supporters, who are also our neighbors, booed at Nikkis candidacy.
















Why were running it: It took Nissan 11 years to give us its second EV. Was it worth the wait?

Life with a Nissan Ariya: Month 4

Want to use the Nissan app? You'll need to pay for the pleasure... - 21 February

As a digital native, I find smartphone apps largely intuitive. But not the Ariyas. Nissan wants to charge me 2 per month to remotely check the state of charge of my battery. But I discovered that I can ask Siri, theoretically bypassing this fee. When I asked, he obediently responded with 66%  which was wrong by about 40%.

Mileage: 11,074

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We chicken out of taking our EV up north  but its PHEV substitute isnt much better - 14 February

In last week's issue, you might have read a review of the latest Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe.

The real anoraks among you may remember that it was shown in picturesque Northumberland, with the sky's palette doing a remarkable impression of a golden retriever.

That test location was quite far away for this latte-sipping, media-bubble-inhabiting Londoner, so I decided that something powered by petrol would be preferable to my Ariya, as the drive is essentially all the way up the Al, and at motorway speeds the EV is still managing fewer than 150 miles per charge.

We hadn't written about the latest BMW X3 PHEV for the website, so it seemed like a win-win. Autocar would receive lovely pictures from Max Edleston and some tolerable words from me, and I would get to drive up north without spending hours charging en route.

The X3 has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four, an electric motor and a 12kWh lithium ion battery. Officially it does around 30 miles of pure-EV driving, but in reality it does a lot less. No stress for me, as I could just fill up in moments thanks to the ICE.

Except that the 2.0-litre petrol is supplied by a measly 50-litre tank, and I had around 600 miles to cover there and back. And for the purposes of Porsche photography, we needed to do another couple of hundred miles. And we wouldn't have time to charge the tiddly battery. And the X3 needed to lug around that empty battery. And the need to get the shots before sunset meant we couldn't hang around while driving between locations.

This resulted in around 28mpg, or fewer than 300 miles per tank. Going by the on-board computer, I saw it as low as around 270. That's rubbish for an ICE car. Some EVs will go farther than that between stops. Big-battery Teslas, Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs and Hyundais do 300 miles easily.

I know I'm not comparing apples with apples here, as it takes much longer to fill a battery with electricity than to fill a tank with petrol. But it does make you think that the days of driving 800 miles without filling up are behind us.

Could I have taken the Ariya, with a range of 140 miles? On the way there, sure. I had to stop every now and then anyway, so it wouldn't have taken much longer with some planning. But when I was leaving Newcastle at 6pm with a six-hour drive home? Petrol every time.

Love it

Feeling spoilt

You get a real sense of space up front. And the carpets are plush.

Loathe it

But also let down

Its range is poor at present and the phone app offers very little info.

Mileage: 11,058

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Life with a Nissan Ariya: Month 3

Our Ariya is leaving us a bit cold  quite literally  because of its low range - 31 January

Dear valued Autocar reader, I would like to formally apologise to you. In our 20/27 December 2023 double issue, I posited that range anxiety was a state of mind and it needn't really exist for most people because most people don't drive that far in one go.

It was all just a case of being pragmatic, I said, and doing a bit of planning. I even went as far as describing myself as 'blase' about range. I wrote that in a heightened sense of machismo and I have since been put firmly back in my place.

You see, all of this grandstanding was done when I was mostly just nipping around town and using the occasional dual carriageway. In the past month or so, I increased my mileage drastically compared with the norm and the Ariya has been a bit of a headache.

Range was typically close to 200 miles with my mixed driving. But in the cold, at 70mph, it is more like 140. This is quite annoying, especially when, during one trip, I could not get the ginger spaceship to do more than 2.5mpkWh.

Typically, it does around 3.0mpkWh, but for some reason the efficiency tumbled, as did my mood. This particular act of insubordination led to an unplanned charging stop and a rather tired-looking partner, who was already wearing her coat because I had turned the heating off to attempt to claw some range back.

I'm aware that my last two reports have been on the topic of range. But I'm not being obtuse (or lazy, sub-editors). When you drive an EV with a small battery in the depths of winter, range is the thing that you think most about.

You don't have the mental capacity to judge secondary ride when you're on Google Maps attempting to find a shorter, if not quicker, route to where you're going.

And my gut feeling is that if I were driving a Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 right now - the Ariya's main competition - you would be reading about some little quirk or the way it drives or how its range prediction software has remained spot on during the cold snap and not about my girlfriend wearing her winter jacket inside of the car.

Love it

Speed thrills

The ride, enhanced by relatively small, 19in wheels, is glossy at motorway speeds.

Loathe it

Speed chills

Range, not helped by the cold weather, is greatly reduced at motorway speeds.

Mileage: 11,206

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Caught out by range anxiety... and the Ariya's computer - 24 January

Less than a month ago, I posited that range anxiety was a state of mind. I was wrong. So wrong. More reasons, thoughts and self-flagellation in the 31 January issue. In slightly more positive news, I found a particularly lovely rapid charger attached to a posh hotel in Warwickshire. Better than a forecourt, even if the only reason I went is because the Ariya hugely overestimated its range.

Mileage: 10,801

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Life with a Nissan Ariya: Month 2

Best cure for range anxiety? Not a bigger battery but simply extended time in an EV - 20 December

The term 'range anxiety' first entered the Oxford English Dictionary more than a decade ago and, according to the de facto authority on the language, its usage dates way back to the 1990s.

Even after all this time, many people are still living with a sense of disquietude, fearful that their electric car doesn't have enough charge to get them to where they want to go.

I know of EV drivers who charge their cars every night, even when their batteries are at 50-80%. My dad, who is from Glasgow but now lives in the Midlands, says he wouldn't buy an electric car in case he suddenly needed to drive up to Scotland.

But I have finally got to the point of being completely blase about battery charge. As I'm writing this, on a cold Friday evening in East London, I genuinely don't know how much my Nissan Ariya has.

I have been driving EVs for years now and have had four as long-termers over that time, and I've finally got to this zen-like state because I know I don't need to drive very far tomorrow. Or the next day. Or next week, particularly. And I bet you don t either - no matter what those internet commentators may say.

So if you're an EV sceptic, I implore you to pay heed to these words: range anxiety goes once you realise that you most likely don't need to drive 200 miles with 10 minutes warning.

This is a good thing because the range of this 63kWh Ariya isn't brilliant. The lowest temperatures recently recorded have reduced its real-world cruising ability to below the 200-mile mark.

Turning off the car's heating systems doesn't make too much of a difference to the range - which is a pro because some EVs shed range should you so much as just look at the air-conditioning system, the Toyota bZAX being one recent example.

In any case, I'm finding that the heated seats are so good at warming up that I don't bother messing around with the air temperature settings at all.

I've been experimenting with Nissan's e-Pedal function to see if I can claw back some juice that way. However, I don't think it makes a huge difference to the mpkWh figure, mostly because when it's off, the lack of rolling resistance really does make it feel like a large wind might have enough wattage in it to sail me to the shops or work, so at times it almost seems counterintuitive to try to slow the car down.

The e-Pedal system itself is also a little annoying. It's often hard to judge quite how much effort is required to bring the car to a stop.

At times, it has made me look a bit amateurish, which is super embarrassing when I have friends in the car who are left wondering why their 'car expert' mate pulls up at a set of red lights with the decorum of a taxi driver who has competing ride-hailing maps vying for his attention on multiple window-mounted smartphones.

Now that I've covered a good number of miles in the Ariya, I'm in a position to comment on Nissan's semi-autonomous driving system, called ProPilot. It's simply one of the best in the business. After a few weeks, you can set it with two finger movements while not averting your gaze from the road.

It doesn't beep or bong all that much and its interventions are measured and smooth. It's easy to change the cruising speed and broadly it's a good system that's easy to get on with. The yardstick against which I'm measuring the Ariya is the Kia EV6, and I think Nissan's self-driving tech is just that bit easier to get on with.

Then again, it often turns itself off on the A12, and I'm not too sure why. Maybe it's just keeping me on my toes, trying to add a dash of anxiety back into my life.

Love it

Feeling warm

The heated seats do their job so efficiently that I rarely feel the need to adjust the cabin heating.

Loathe it

Spaceship looks

There are certain angles, such as side on, that make the Ariya look like a disfigured soap bar.

Mileage: 10,071

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Life with a Nissan Ariya: Month 1

Scullion's charger faces problems - 29 November

First-world problem, I know, but I cant get the wireless phone charger to work consistently. It juices up my mobile on a straight motorway jaunt, assuming I dont change lanes too quickly or hit a pothole, but when I dare to enter a roundabout at more than 5mph, said mobile ricochets around the charger housing and so refuses to charge.

Mileage: 10,020

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Welcoming the Ariya to the fleet - 14 November 2023

James Hunt, Alan Jones, Gilles Villeneuveand me. What do we have in common? No, youre wrong. We have all conquered Spains Jarama racing circuit.

Admittedly when I drove around it I was behind the wheel of a Nissan Ariya complete with crumple zones, driving aids, airbags and air con. But still, nailed it.

You see, I went to the original launch of the Ariya, which was done at the San Sebastian circuit. As far as driving experiences, Jarama in an electric SUV was a weird one. I could certainly suss out the fundamentals of the car as well as what its like probably-not-quite-on the-limit-but-fairly-close-to-it (its about what youd expect from a FWD SUV) but the billiard-smooth surfaces didnt tell me much about what its like in the real-world.

What I'm getting at here - finally - is that Im thrilled to be running one for a few months so I can experience what its like in real life. To see what its like to commute in, do long distances in and even, how it traverses the dizzying trail to Asda. Who knows, I may even pitch it against something from Nissans back catalogue.

Initial impressions? The ginger-on-black spaceship vibe is a look. Its like Elon Musk tasked Mrs Hinch to create an autonomous personal delivery vehicle for the new inhabitants of Mars. I think the paint is a 1225 option most people would tick.

Inside its also refreshingly modern. Like with a lot of electric cars, theres a tonne of space in here and it feels almost bare at times. Theres a large gap between the centre console and dash which realistically Ill never do anything with. But I like the idea of it.

I adore the camera button. A very minor thing, I know, but it lets you, the driver, tell the car that youd like to see the front or rear cameras. Rather than you have to rely on the brain guessing if youd like to see one.

Heating controls not on the screen is a bonus too. Although they are a bit weird. More on that in another update.

In posher versions of the Ariya the centre console is electrically adjustable. Ours is the 63kWh Advance model. This is the second cheapest and not quite upmarket enough for me to be able to do this, which is sad because it really is peak over-engineering and such an enjoyable gimmick.

Despite our cars lowly status among the Ariya species its hardly lacking in kit though. It has 19-inch alloys, Nissans easy-to-use semi-autonomous tech, a12.3in infotainment screen and front and rear parking cameras.

One thing our model does have - and something I remember while trying to ape James Hunt on track - is lush carpets. The extra thick covering is really noticeable when you step in. Sure, its used because of its sound-deadening qualities rather than an attempt to make it like a Rolls-Royce. But thats the sort of thing us car bores would say. Regular people, my mum for example, notice these small things.

The Ariya comes with two battery sizes and ours is the smaller one. This means less range (officially 250 miles), but faster charging times. Nissan also has four power options, but the smaller battery model is only available with one output - 215bhp.

Cars with the larger battery (87kWh) get 239bhp in standard rear-wheel drive form, while all-wheel drive models get twin motors and 302bhp or 389bhp in Performance spec.

It has a lot going for it, then, and Im relishing the idea of living with it, because Ive driven and lived with most of its rivals.

Most people in my position have done the same. The electric SUV market is torrid, in both senses of the word. Most manufacturers have one in their arsenal and the Ariya finds itself up against some stiff competition.

The Skoda Enyaq is impressive with clever use of space while the Ford Mustang Mach-e is engaging and keenly priced.

But my favourite is the Kia EV6. Its a really well-thought-out car that looks great and has brilliant battery management tech and a reliable range predictor. If the read-out says you have 200 miles worth of range, you probably do.

This is the yardstick from which Ill be measuring the Ariya against. If it can be as clever with its battery as the Kia I think it can offer real competition against a really, really highly regarded car.

I mean, Nisans certainly had long enough to get things right. It initially caught the other car manufacturers napping in 2011 with its Leaf Hatchback, but since then Teslas rise has been meteoric and the Korean manufacturers have sunk billions into EVs.

Nissan is going through an exciting time at the moment. Just five years ago it was selling the remarkably forgettable Nissan Pulsar (yes, I did need to Google it) and now, its building super modern electric SUVs with fancy carpets and close to 400bhp.

And I have the opportunity to see if the Ariya brings a new start for Nissan in the electric age or if its just a footnote in the cars history, as well as being the unofficial record holder for 'least sporting car to tackle Jarama.'

Second Opinion

The Ariya both impressed and disappointed me. It has an inviting cabin and great low-speed drivability, but Im amazed that Nissan, which usually takes care over the small things, was satisfied with its close body control: I found it fussy, head-tossy and generally a bit odd.

Matt Saunders

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Nissan Ariya 63kWh Advance specification:

Price New 43,845 Price as tested 46,365 Options Akatsuki Copper paint with Pearl Black roof 1225, Sky Pack 1295

Test Data: Engine Single AC motor, separately excited Power 215bhp Torque 222lb ft Kerb weight 1914kg Top speed 100mph 0-62mph 7.5sec Economy 3.5mpkWh CO2 0g/km Faults None Expenses None

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2024 - 18:19 | Arts, All, World, Japan

Three people involved in a website in China offering pirated Japanese anime have been found guilty by a local court of copyright infringement in the first such conviction of an overseas operator as a result of Japanese lobbying, a trade group said Monday.

A court in Jiangsu Province north of Shanghai handed down the verdict last December to the unnamed trio operating "B9GOOD" after the Content Overseas Distribution Association had filed criminal charges against them and the Chinese police charged them last year.

The website illegally uploaded about 46,000 videos, including anime, with approximately 95 percent of access coming from Japan, according to CODA, which was founded by the Japanese anime industry to protect and promote Japanese content.

CODA said a man who had operated the site since 2008 under various names was given a prison term of three years, suspended for three years and six months, and was fined 1.8 million yuan ($250,000).

In addition, two women who were paid to upload videos were sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months, and eight months in prison, suspended for one year, respectively.

The court determined the website unlawfully gained ad revenue of roughly 1.78 million yuan.

"We expect the move will have a great impact in preventing piracy websites," CODA said in a statement.
Perrigo Company announced Opill has 'shipped to major retailers and pharmacies and will be available on shelves nationwide and online later this month' (Handout)

Prescription-free birth control pills will be available across the United States later this month, widening access to contraception at a time when abortion rights have been drastically curtailed.

American-Irish maker Perrigo Company announced Monday that its Opill has "shipped to major retailers and pharmacies and will be available on shelves nationwide," available in one-month and three-month packs for $19.99 and $49.99 respectively. It will also be available on Opill.com.

Over-the-counter (OTC) birth control has long been backed by major medical organizations as a way to reduce barriers to contraception access, with approximately half of the more than 6.1 million pregnancies in the US each year unintended, according to official data.

"We champion the right of women and people to determine their own sexual health journey and the availability of Opill over-the-counter is truly a historic moment of which our entire organization can be proud," said Perrigo Executive Vice President Triona Schmelter.

Opill, which was cleared last year by the Food and Drug Administration for sale without prescription, is known as a "mini pill" because it contains progestin only, and works by thickening mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.

Preserving access to contraception has proven politically divisive following the conservative-led Supreme Court's decision to revoke the national right to abortion in 2022.

Twenty-one states banned or moved to restrict abortions to limits tighter than before Roe v Wade, the case law that previously upheld the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy.

Republicans in Congress also blocked Democrat-backed legislation that would have codified individuals' right to access contraception, an issue that has taken on more urgency as conservative-run states define personhood in new ways.

Alabama's top court last month said that frozen embryos should be considered children, though the state's legislature quickly moved to pass a bill protecting clinics from legal liability if such embryos were inadvertently damaged or destroyed.

Over-the-counter birth control is backed by major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Much of Asia, Africa and Latin America allow OTC birth control. The UK joined the club in 2021, but prescriptions are still required in much of mainland Europe including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, according to "Free the Pill" which tracks the issue.

ia/bfm
VIRGINIA (DC News Now)  Freedom Reads, a national nonprofit, opened 32 Freedom Libraries on Monday at the Dillwyn and Buckingham correctional centers in Virginia.

Eighteen libraries will be in Buckingham housing units, while 14 libraries will be installed at Dillwyn, providing inmates access to the 500-book collections, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC).

Freedom Libraries aim to create spaces to encourage community in correctional facilities.

Northern Virginia man working hard to raise hospice care awareness

The books in Freedom Libraries were curated through consultations with hundreds of poets, novelists, philosophers, friends and readers. They include works by contemporary poets, novelists and essayists, as well as classic works.

Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts established the libraries. Betts is a 2021 MacArthur Fellow and Yale Law School graduate who was sentenced to nine years in a Virginia prison when he was 16 years old.

I grew up in Virginia prisons and it was in those cellblocks that I discovered a love for all that a good book can do for you, stated Betts in a press release from VDOC. Bringing Freedom Libraries here, sharing my artistry with men I served time with, and hoping to be a part of this beacon of possibility we all need is a real honor. It was men in Virginia prisons that reminded me I mattered when I didnt believe it to be true and this is something of a thank you.

The recent library openings mark the 19th anniversary of Betts release date.

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Each bookcase is handcrafted out of maple, walnut or cherry and is curved to contrast the straight lines and bars of prisons, according to the press release.

These donations are so greatly appreciated by the Virginia Department of Corrections, said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. We all know the true inspiration books can bring to our lives, and I hope these libraries will bring messages of hope, inspiration, knowledge, and wisdom to the inmates at Buckingham and Dillwyn. Thank you to Mr. Betts and the Freedom Reads team for their donation, which will help to prepare inmates for successful re-entry. That successful re-entry in turn leads to long-term public safety in the Commonwealth.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican candidate for governor, speaks at a rally for former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, in Greensboro, N.C., March 2, 2024. (Veasey Conway/The New York Times)

DURHAM, N.C.  One of the countrys most closely watched elections this year will be in North Carolina, where the race for governor will be a test of Democratic strength in a state whose narrowly divided electorate includes a crush of newcomers.

After the primaries Tuesday, North Carolinians will likely have two sharply contrasting candidates to choose from: the mild-mannered state attorney general, Josh Stein, a Democrat whose political rise has followed a traditional path, and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a firebrand Republican who catapulted into politics after comments he made defending gun rights in 2018 went viral.

If you went to a candidate factory and said, Create me the two most different candidates possible, I dont think you could do any better, said Christopher A. Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University. Theyre just radically different in demeanor, in ideology.

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Both men would break ground if elected: Robinson, 55, would be the first Black governor of North Carolina if elected, while Stein, 57, would be the states first Jewish governor.

The race will be closely watched in part because of the potential national implications: Both candidates are planning to portray each other in politically extreme terms, which could boost turnout not only for their elections, but also for the presidential race in the hotly contested state.

Stein, like the current term-limited Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, has tried to avoid culture war issues. Robinson appears eager to dive into many of them, disparaging LGBTQ+ people, posting comments that were widely perceived as antisemitic and calling Michelle Obama a man. He has also quoted Adolf Hitler on Facebook and embraced former President Donald Trumps false claims about election fraud in 2020.

Stein supports access to abortion and has been endorsed by abortion rights groups, which are mobilized after the Republicans used their new supermajority in the Legislature last year to ban most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Robinson supports a so-called heartbeat law, which would ban the procedure after about six weeks of pregnancy, when many women have yet to realize they are pregnant.

His campaign spokesperson said Robinson supports exceptions for rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger, but he did not specify at how many weeks those protections would apply.

Robinson has dismissed the criticisms, casting them as smear jobs orchestrated by liberals and the news media. He has also insisted to reporters that he has never been antisemitic, pointing to a trip he took last fall to Israel and outreach he has made to Jewish organizations as evidence.

Even as Democrats have won seven of the last eight elections for governor in North Carolina, they have consistently lost federal races: The only Democrat that the state has picked for president in almost 50 years was Barack Obama in 2008.

At a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, Trump said that Robinson  who worked in furniture manufacturing before turning to politics  had his complete and total endorsement. Polls have consistently shown Robinson far ahead of his Republican primary rivals, Dale Folwell, the state treasurer, and Bill Graham, a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer.

Stein is leading four other Democratic primary candidates in polling, including Michael Morgan, a former North Carolina Supreme Court justice.

Robinson has painted Stein as a boring, Biden-aligned political insider who is out of touch with the general public.

Stein has pointed to Robinsons numerous statements around culture war topics as evidence that the lieutenant governor is focused on polarizing social issues instead of challenges that most voters care about, like improving education.

With North Carolina being a key swing state this year, the race will likely draw millions of dollars in fundraising, especially if polls continue to show the candidates neck and neck.

Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, said that outside the presidential election, the North Carolina governors race will probably be the most expensive and most divisive in the country. And Robinson, he added, could drive much of that attention.

Robinson is very much willing to say what he thinks, and at times he kind of tries to tiptoe around his past comments, Bitzer said. But he is very much in the vein of Trump-style politics and the fact of resentment  an us versus them mentality.

Trump won the state in 2020 by 1.3 percentage points, while Cooper beat his Republican opponent that year by more than 4 percentage points. Steins victory for attorney general in 2020 was more tenuous, with 50.1% of the vote, a margin of 13,000 votes.

Still, Democrats are counting on Robinsons past comments and polarizing approach to motivate voters who want to defeat him.

The question that some Republicans have is whether Robinsons style will be too extreme for swing voters, who make up 3% to 5% of the electorate. They could include many of the several hundred thousand people who have moved to North Carolina since 2020, many of whom settled in the suburbs and exurbs of Charlotte and Raleigh, the states largest cities. President Joe Biden won the counties that contain those cities but lost many of the surrounding areas.

Jonathan Felts, a Republican strategist running a super political action committee supporting Robinsons campaign, said the candidates image as a conservative fighter and political outsider would appeal to the working-class Trump base that dominates conservative North Carolina, much of which is rural.

Morgan Jackson, a Democratic strategist who advises both Stein and Cooper, said that residents have historically shown they like a balance in their government, with a Democratic governor who will keep the Republican Legislature in check.

Jackson said Stein will let his experience speak for itself and will talk on the campaign trail about his work fighting the fentanyl crisis, putting child predators in jail and keeping communities safer.

Both Stein and Robinson have prioritized education issues in their campaigns.

Some Republicans, like Robinsons rivals in the partys primary, have worried that Robinsons rhetoric could cost conservatives the executive mansion.

Paul Shumaker, a Republican consultant in the state and chief strategist for Graham, said he believes Robinson will become a liability for Trump. In a memo Shumaker sent to other consultants this year, he wrote that Robinson would create a toxic red tide for Republicans that could have repercussions down the ballot.

At the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference, Robinson spoke about how his name was always mentioned in conjunction with social issues.

According to them, I hate everybody, he said, before adding that what he was doing was not about hate. We should be operating because of what we love.

Stein recently told The News & Observer that Robinsons beliefs were not those that a leader of a thriving, growing, diverse state can hold.

c.2024 The New York Times Company
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. The Supreme Court unanimously restored Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to ban him over the Capitol riot. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  Donald Trump won the North Dakota Republican presidential caucuses on Monday, adding to his string of victories heading into Super Tuesday.

The former president finished first in voting conducted at 12 caucus sites, ahead of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. The result puts Trump back on the winning track, which was briefly interrupted on Sunday when Haley notched her first victory of the campaign in the District of Columbias primary.

The White House hopefuls now turn their attention to Super Tuesday, when results will pour in from 16 states and one territory in contests that amount to the single biggest delegate haul of any day in the presidential primary. Trump and President Joe Biden, a Democrat, are dominating their races and are on track to winning their nominations later this month.

Under North Dakotas rules, candidates are eligible to win delegates if they finish with at least 20% of the vote. However, a candidate who wins at least 60% of the vote receives all of the states 29 delegates.

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Four candidates were on the ballot, including Trump and Nikki Haley. The other candidates, who have received little attention, were Florida businessman David Stuckenberg and Texas businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley, who recently ended his campaign.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who ended his unsuccessful presidential campaign in December, was speaking on Trumps behalf Monday night. He endorsed Trump before the Iowa caucuses.

I think were going to send a message that is going to be a kickoff to tomorrow, which is President Donald Trump is going to close this out, this is going to be the end of the trail, and were going to say we have a nominee, and lets go after it, and beat Joe Biden in the fall," Burgum said in a virtual address to caucusgoers.

Retired music teacher and librarian Karen Groninger, of Almont, said Monday that she voted for Trump, calling him the best choice. The 76-year-old cited Trumps 2020 speech at the annual March for Life anti-abortion event in Washington, D.C.  the first by a sitting president  and his border policies.

Longtime Republican state Sen. Dick Dever, of Bismarck, said he voted for Haley, but added she was unlikely to win. The retired factory representative, 72, said, I hear an awful lot of people say that they really liked Trumps policies but they dont like the way he conducts himself, and I think hes gone overboard a bit.

Caucus voters were encouraged to be paying party members, but those who wouldnt pay $50 for annual membership were asked to sign a pledge to affiliate with the party, caucus Chair Robert Harms said.

North Dakota is the only state without voter registration. The caucuses followed official state voter identification protocols, such as providing a drivers license. Voting was done only in person and on printed ballots, which were hand-counted.

In 2016, it was a North Dakota delegate who helped Trump secure the number needed for the Republican presidential nomination.

He swept North Dakota's three electoral college votes in 2016 and 2020, winning about 63% and 65% of those votes, respectively.

As president, Trump visited Bismarck and Mandan in 2017 to talk about tax cuts, and he campaigned twice in Fargo in 2018 for Republican Kevin Cramer in the then-congressman's successful Senate bid against Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

North Dakota's Democratic-NPL Party is holding a presidential primary almost entirely by mail, with mail-in voting from Feb. 20 to March 30, and limited in-person voting for residents of Indian reservations. Biden, Rep. Dean Phillips and six others are on the ballot.

A third party will count ballots in Fargo on March 30, with results available on the partys website afterward.

Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Democratic caucuses in 2016 and 2020.
The skies above parts of Wales were lit up in a spectacular display of the Northern Lights on Sunday night.

The natural phenomenon was captured against the backdrop of a snow-covered Pen y Fan, the highest peak in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Swansea, Powys, Gwynedd and Flintshire were also rewarded with views of the aurora.

The lights occur when charged particles from the sun hit gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Mark Griffiths travelled from Crewe, Cheshire, to Talacre beach in Flintshire with 25 other Northern Light hunters.

He runs local group Cheshire Northern Light Hunters and helps people to see the aurora closer to home.

"It was a fab night," he said, describing it as the best display he had seen in the UK in years.

"I go to Iceland every month during the winter for aurora but last night was unreal," he added.

The scientific name for the Northern Lights is Aurora Borealis.

According to the Met Office, the illuminations are most common during the Equinox in March and September, when the Earth is not tilted towards or away from the sun.

Analysis by BBC weather presenter Sue Charles

In the UK, we see the Aurora Borealis in Scotland, but we don't often see them as far south as Wales.

But it was largely dry and clear on Sunday night with light winds, particularly across north east Wales - favourable conditions for catching the Northern Lights.

North east Wales was also where it was coldest overnight.

Under clear skies, temperatures dropped to -3C in Hawarden, Flintshire.

Green is the most common colour, which occurs when the particles hit oxygen in the lower atmosphere. Red appears when the particles hit oxygen in the upper atmosphere, while blue or purple occur when nitrogen is involved.

Photographers who stayed up to see the spectacle shared their images with the BBC.
Norways King Harald returns home after being fitted with pacemaker at Malaysian hospital

King Harald of Norway has been discharged from a Malaysian hospital after being fitted with a pacemaker due to a low heart rate following an illness on holiday at Langkawi.

He will continue his recovery in Norway and take a two-week sick leave during which Crown Prince Haakon will assume his duties, reports said.

The Royal Palace said in a statement: His Majesty will be on sick leave for two weeks. The crown prince will in that period be regent and take over the Kings constitutional duties.

King Harald, Europes oldest reigning monarch at 87, fell ill during a visit to Langkawi. He is returning home on a medical evacuation plane for safety, following his pacemaker fitting.

Following his release on Sunday, the King is being repatriated aboard a medically equipped flight. The installation of the pacemaker is to ensure a safer journey back home, stated the Kings doctor.

On Saturday, the Royal Palace said the pacemaker was implanted due to a low heart rate and the decision was made earlier today, and the procedure was successful.

His Majesty is doing well under the circumstances but still requires rest.

King Harald V, who was crowned in 1991, holds the distinction of being the first native-born king of Norway since the 14th century and is among the worlds most senior reigning monarchs.

His tenure has seen Norway experience an economic surge, largely fueled by the oil and gas sectors, as per the New York Times report.

In a move that was controversial at the time, he chose Sonja Haraldsen, the daughter of a clothing merchant and a commoner, as his bride in 1968.

In recent years, King Harald has faced several health challenges, occasionally appearing in public with walking aids due to his condition. In 2020, he underwent heart surgery to replace a valve that was originally installed in 2005. He has had to take sick leave for infections in the past few months.
King Harald V of Norway is pictured after the official opening of the sailing 8mR World Cup 2018. Felix Kastle/dpa

Norway's King Harald V is to receive a permanent heart pacemaker, the royal family announced on Monday.

Harald, who is 87, fell ill with an infection while on holiday in Malaysia and was admitted to hospital there last week. On Monday the king returned to his homeland on a special plane after a stopover in the United Arab Emirates.

According to Oslo officials, the king had already been fitted with a temporary pacemaker before the flight, which his personal physician said was to make the return journey safer for the monarch.

Harald is now in hospital in Oslo. He is said to be recovering from the infection, but his heart rate remains low, so a permanent pacemaker is therefore necessary.

The procedure will reportedly take place once the infection has completely cleared up.

Several members of the royal family visited the king in hospital on Monday, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon. The king has initially taken two weeks' sick leave. In the meantime, Haakon will take over his father's official duties as regent.
As the climate crisis grows worse every year, alternative energy options are increasingly important. Much recent debate has focused on nuclear energy, which has an understandably troubled reputation after the disasters at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Fukushima, and is further tarnished by its association with the devastating potential of nuclear weapons. Nuclear energy is definitely "cleaner" than fossil fuels in terms of carbon emissions, but most experts Salon contacted were skeptical that it can offer a path to climate salvation.

Some climate activists "promote nuclear power as a possibility to battle climate change," said Nikolaus Muellner, a professor of safety and risk sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. while others are eager "to avoid the risks associated with nuclear power."

M.V. Ramana, a physicist at the University of British Columbias School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and author of the upcoming book "Nuclear Is Not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change," made clear in an email response to Salon that he falls into the latter camp. "If one evaluates nuclear energy as a way to deal with climate change," Ramana said, it actually plays "a negative role in reducing emissions."

There are two reasons for that, he continued: "First, the money invested in nuclear energy  even in the case of keeping old and possibly dangerous plants operational  would save far more carbon dioxide if it were invested in renewables and associated technologies." So he sees "an economic opportunity cost to investing in nuclear energy." Furthermore, building new nuclear reactors can take years or decades, compounding the opportunity cost, because "the reduction in emissions from alternative investments would not only be greater, but also quicker."

Ramana also cited the "variety of risks and environmental impacts" associated with nuclear energy, including catastrophic accidents, the fact that fuel for nuclear power can be diverted to weapons programs, and the production of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous to human health for thousands of years.

"Because of the inevitable production of long-lived radioactive wastes, nuclear power cannot be defined as sustainable," Ramana said. As for accidents, he believes they are "inevitable ... even with newer reactor designs," and that the risk "is far higher than proponents of nuclear power admit."

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

Also responding by email, Muellner offered a more nuanced and technical view, focusing on the much lower "calculated emission costs" of nuclear power generation compared to electricity generated with fossil fuels. Emissions over the life cycle of a nuclear plant, he said, "are of the same order of magnitude as life cycle emissions from renewable generated electricity."

Still, Muellner did not deny that the environmental downsides are significant. "Nuclear power plants generate power by splitting uranium atoms  or, more precisely, nuclei  and the fragments of the split uranium are highly radioactive" and generate heat, he explained. In a severe accident such as the infamous Chernobyl disaster, that intense heat and radioactivity could "destroy the barriers that are designed to contain those fission products, the fission products could be released and large areas of land could become inhabitable." Storing those dangerous fusion products, potentially for millennia into the future, ":is a highly challenging task."

Benjamin K. Sovacool, director of the Institute for Global Sustainability at Boston University, sounded a similar note of caution, warning that "nuclear power has high future costs, made more expensive by accidents" and that the nuclear industry "still doesnt have a solution to its waste problem." Because the process of nuclear fission does not burn or oxidize anything, nearly all the fuel used in producing energy at nuclear plants becomes waste without reducing its mass.

"Typically, a single nuclear reactor will consume an average of 32,000 fuel rods over the course of its lifetime, and will also produce 20 to 30 tons of spent nuclear fuel per year," Sovacool told Salon. That equates to "about 2,200 metric tons annually for the entire U.S. nuclear fleet, and almost 10,000 metric tons of high-level spent nuclear fuel" around the world. Most of that waste, he observed, is not reprocessed, and ends up stored on site at nuclear power plants, "because no community wishes to host long-term nuclear storage facilities." Finding a final resting site for all that nuclear waste is "a pernicious problem in search of a solution," and plans to build a permanent underground storage repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, "have been indefinitely suspended."

It's no surprise that states, regions or communities are less than eager to host nuclear waste storage facilities, Sovacool noted. "The nuclear fuel cycle involves some of the most hazardous elements known to humankind, including more than 100 dangerous radionuclides and carcinogens," he said. "These are the same toxins found in the fallout from nuclear weapons."

Finally, there are the security risks of nuclear energy, also mentioned by Ramana. Several countries "have tried or succeeded in developing nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian nuclear weapons programs," Sovacool said, quoting Nobel-winning physicist Hannes Alfven's observation that "Atoms for peace and atoms for war are Siamese twins." The four world nations with the largest nuclear reprocessing capacity, said Sovacool  those being Belgium, France, Germany and the U.K.  "have acknowledged that they possess at least 190 tons of separated plutonium," enough material to manufacture more than 20,000 nuclear weapons.

"If we double the number of nuclear reactors worldwide," Sovacool said, "we double the possibility that countries without nuclear weapons might obtain them. No other energy system has such an acute link to weapons of mass destruction."
An East Bank development deal under consideration by Nashville's council reveals how the city's newest riverfront neighborhood will take shape over the next decade.

Hundreds of acres of industrial land and parking lots will soon be humming with construction activity. The Tennessee Titans broke ground on a new, $2.1 billion stadium Thursday with a target opening date in April 2027. And if a proposed deal between Metro and development firm The Fallon Company is ultimately approved, work on an initial 30 acres of Metro-owned land surrounding the stadium site could begin as soon as Spring 2026, working from plots closest to the stadium toward parcels closest to the river.

The deal on the table offers more details on 695 promised affordable housing units, the character of the neighborhood and the division of costs between Metro, Fallon, the Titans and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. It also provides a clearer view of an estimated timeline for the first steps of what will be Nashville's most expansive project to date.

Metro Council will consider the 438-page development package for the first time on Thursday, in addition to a nonbinding resolution outlining terms with TPAC for the construction of a new facility on East Bank land.

Metro's development agreement with Fallon will need to pass three readings to go into effect. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration is aiming for Council approval by April 16, the last council meeting before the city's annual budget process begins in May. Otherwise, further consideration of the legislation will be bumped to July.

Housing and affordability

The deal on the table would require Fallon to build 1,550 units across five residential buildings, including 695 income-restricted units.

At least 600 of the affordable units will be located in two income-restricted buildings, with construction on the first 300-unit building estimated to begin in 2026 (the first construction phase for the project overall). The other 300 units are envisioned as part of an East Bank transit hub, with a construction timeline not yet determined.

Income restrictions are based on where a tenant's income falls compared to the Area Median Income, a federal benchmark marking a typical household's annual earnings in a given area. In 2023, the AMI for a family of four in the Nashville area (which spans 10 counties, including Williamson) was $99,850.

Proposed income restriction requirements include:

Two-thirds of the units in each income-restricted building would be reserved for tenants at 60% AMI and under (with opportunities for deeply affordable options available through Housing Choice and Project-Based vouchers)

One-third of the units in each income-restricted building would be reserved for tenants between 60% and 80% AMI

At least 10% (95 units) in market-price residential buildings would be reserved as income restricted at 80% AMI or below

All income-restricted units would remain income-restricted for the entirety of the 99-year ground lease with Metro

Units will be available in multiple sizes, from studio apartments to multiple bedrooms

A tenant's rent in an income-restricted unit would not be adjusted unless their voucher would cover the increase, leaving the tenant's portion of rent unaffected

If an income-restricted unit tenant's income increases above the maximum level, the tenant may choose to renew the lease at the end of its term at market rate, and the property will designate the next available comparable unit as income-restricted

Contractual milestones for Fallon are also centered around residential unit delivery:

Within two years: Deliver 300 affordable units along with reserved space for day care

Within six years: Deliver 400 additional residential units (40 of which are affordable)

Within nine years: Deliver 550 additional residential units (55 of which are affordable)

After James Robertson Parkway is lowered to grade (timeline to be determined): Deliver 300 additional affordable residential units to be developed atop an East Bank mobility hub

More: Nashville mayor's office seeks to create East Bank authority to oversee development

Neighborhood feel

In addition to setting residential unit requirements, the contract proposal between Metro and Fallon bakes in limits on the number of hotel buildings and prohibits certain uses like short-term rentals and casinos.

"Our goal is to put a neighborhood around (the new stadium) that's a genuine, actual neighborhood and not just an extended party zone," Metro Nashville Chief Development Officer Bob Mendes said during a community meeting Thursday.

Fallon would reserve a space for a day care facility alongside the first 300 residential units, and all buildings will feature ground-level retail.

The developer would also "diligently investigate" opportunities to incorporate grocery stores, additional day cares, cultural facilities and local businesses (retail, restaurants and others). But building up enough residential density to attract grocery stores will take time, Mendes said. Plans for the first 30 acres place emphasis on residential offerings to build a neighborhood, but those residents on Metro's parcels alone likely won't support a grocery store.

A proposed expansion of the Downtown Code zoning district would extend building-specific regulations across the Cumberland River to the developing East Bank.

Metro's East Bank land would be rezoned to be part of the Downtown Code, which would create an "East Use Area" allowing Metro to set more specific conditions for development. Early ideas for conditions include potentially restricting the number of bars in the area and their proximity to one another.

The Downtown Code zoning will also delineate building height on the East Bank. Anna Grider, a member of Metro Planning Department's East Bank team, said the department's current vision includes a maximum of 40 stories around the stadium, tapering down to around four to six stories closest to the river. The Bonus Height program available to developers in other neighborhoods covered by the Downtown Code will not be available on the East Bank, she said.

Zoning changes must be approved by the Metro Planning Commission and Metro Council, and that process is expected to conclude around September.

Fallon would also be required to create a "Public Space Framework Plan" detailing the scale, character and design for parts of the project in the public realm, to be approved by the Metro Planning Department.

A map depicts plans for the initial 30 acres of Metro-owned land on the East Bank of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tenn.

The 30-acre development area could have a maximum of three hotels, though this limit would not apply to a parcel of land located to the left of the new Nissan Stadium.

The deal allows for construction of office space on Parcel G, with the provision that it remain office space for 10 years. If the developer isn't able to find a market-rate tenant for that location (or they find an office tenant for a building elsewhere on the Metro-owned property), the space could be developed for other uses, including a hotel that would not be counted toward the hotel limit.

Splitting the infrastructure bill

"Infrastructure on the East Bank is expensive," Mendes said Thursday, but he and O'Connell's administration believe that maintaining Metro's ownership of the East Bank land allows the city to keep control of the land as it is developed, particularly when it comes to infrastructure and affordable housing.

Under the proposed agreement, an extension of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge will be designed and constructed by Fallon (with Metro design approval), and financed by Fallon and TPAC. TPAC would be responsible for ensuring continuous accessibility to pedestrians and cyclists throughout construction. Mendes said Metro intends to ensure the pedestrian bridge is never shut down by a private party for special events.

Fallon would cover costs for:

Part of the East Bank boulevard from Victory Avenue to Korean Veterans Boulevard

Part of Waterside Drive and part of Sylvan Street

In a separate agreement expected to go before Metro Council this summer, TPAC would cover costs for:

Victory Avenue from Second Street to Waterside Drive

Part of Waterside Drive

A temporary structure to maintain pedestrian bridge access through construction

Metro would bear the costs for a pedestrian bridge spanning East Bank Boulevard and the removal and relocation of a Colonial Pipeline.

Metro is also "obligated to use good faith efforts to obtain any rights over any CSX property" within or around the 30-acre area that would be needed to complete Waterside Drive. Mendes said the tracks in that area serve only the nearby scrap yard, which may eventually move, and he's hopeful CSX will agree to remove the tracks in the future.

An open-air plaza adjoining the stadium will be built, furnished and maintained by the Titans.

In keeping with the Titans stadium agreement passed in 2023, Metro will maintain at least 2,000 parking spaces to be guaranteed for stadium use on event days.

The Titans will develop parking on Parcel B (to the left of the stadium), and Metro will have the option to build structured parking on that parcel at Metro's cost. Metro could also decide to build structured parking on Parcel C, to the right of the stadium, at taxpayer expense. The Titans will receive all revenue from parking on Parcel B. The team will also receive all revenue from those 2,000 Metro-owned parking spaces during stadium events, and Metro will receive revenue from those spaces at all other times.

Fallon and ground tenants are not obligated to build parking for the stadium, but can choose to offer parking during stadium events.

For the time being, enough surface parking remains to satisfy Metro's contractual requirement to the Titans, so the city will likely hold off on parking garage construction and keep options open until a later date.

Money going to Metro

Fallon will pay rent to Metro based on type of use and values to be determined by an appraiser, with annual escalations. TPAC will pay a lower than market-rate rent to Metro for its ground lease (with the idea being that it is footing initial infrastructure costs instead).

Fallon will pay property taxes to Metro as though Fallon owned the land. If state law changes, Fallon would contractually continue to pay Metro the equivalent amount in "additional rent" each year.

Upon the sale or refinancing of property within the Initial Development Area, the tenant shall pay Metro a percentage of the proceeds in "future participation rent": 0.75% for market residential ground leases and 1% for other ground leases (except for 100% affordable residential buildings).

"This participation rent is supposed to make it so as market value buildings increase and they inevitably change hands, that Metro will be able to share in that revenue for the taxpayers," Mendes said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What's in Nashville's proposed East Bank development deal
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The National Weather Service office in Huntsville is transferring responsibilities over to Jackson, Mississippi temporarily after a fire in their building Monday.

According to NWS Huntsville officials, a fire in the NWS building on the University of Alabama Huntsville campus Monday morning caused the office to evacuate.

Several agencies respond to aircraft crash in Madison County

A spokesman with Huntsville Fire and Rescue told News 19 that an overloaded surge protector malfunctioned, causing the fire.

NWS Huntsville hopes to resume normal operations and return to the building by Tuesday once they can confirm that the air quality conditions are safe.

Until then, the Weather Forecast Office in Jackson, Miss. will be assisting the Huntsville office and sending out all forecast products until further notice.

Air Quality testing of the office will take place on Tuesday. On Tuesday, responsibilities will transition to the Birmingham National Weather Service forecast office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- At the sight of the scientific facilities such as water quality monitoring laboratories and photobioreactors, all set beside a swath of farmland, not many people would associate them with farming.

The tech-empowered fields, spanning more than 130 hectares in the city of Chibi, central China's Hubei Province, have been reshaped into an eco-agricultural base after years of continuous efforts by Tian Shuxian, a farmer with a master's degree and grassroots lawmaker.

Tian, 35, was elected as a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in 2023. Using her agricultural and technological knowledge, she has led locals to prosperity by working to develop modern eco-agriculture.

Tian grew up in the countryside and decided to dedicate herself to farming when she was in high school. She majored in biotechnology as an undergraduate and later completed a master's degree in fishing science.

"I chose my major to prepare for farming," she said.

After working at an IT company in east China's Zhejiang Province for two years, she left the booming internet industry in 2017 and returned to her hometown of Anfeng Village to begin a career of raising crayfish.

Some locals had already been raising crayfish, but their production faced the bottlenecks of low output and low quality. Determined to make a change, Tian established a laboratory right next to her contracted field, monitoring water conditions and improving forage.

Utilizing her knowledge of aquatic bait science, she was successful in improving water quality and refining the feeding system, earning more than 10,000 yuan (about 1,390 U.S. dollars) in one breeding season.

Profits were not all that Tian pursued. After every fishing season, locals used to pour pesticides into the water, which Tian knew polluted the water and the soil.

To solve these environmental problems, Tian developed a comprehensive, eco-friendly farming model to raise crayfish and ducks together in rice paddies, wherein ducks feed on the remaining crayfish and fertilize rice with their feces.

The new model proved successful, and an increasing number of locals began to follow it. In 2018, Tian established a specialized, eco-friendly crayfish-raising cooperative, which currently has 226 members and is estimated to generate a total output value of 8 million yuan this year.

After she was elected as an NPC deputy, Tian made two suggestions related to promoting agricultural informatization and strengthening the protection of plowlands.

She also plans to introduce a new agricultural model that integrates crayfish raising, rice planting and eel breeding this year, and promised to offer door-to-door technical guidance and assistance to locals.

"She has been leading us to do things together. We trust her, as she really works for the benefit of us all," said villager Chen Honghu.

Tian has also helped local farmers expand their sales channels through online stores and livestreaming. "In the past, farming depended on the elderly in the village. But now, with Tian's efforts, more young people are willing to return," said Luo Jinhe, then Party chief of Anfeng Village.

For the upcoming annual session of the NPC, Tian has prepared a suggestion on supporting an integrated rice planting and aquaculture farming model to help advance rural revitalization and promote low-carbon agricultural development.

"This model can reduce production input and cut carbon emissions," Tian said. "With improved industries and environment, people will live better lives and the countryside will become more beautiful." 
The city budget director on Monday became the latest Adams administration official to cast doubt on whether the four new borough jails will be completed in time to close Rikers Island by 2027, as mandated by law.

We know its not going to happen by 2027, Jacques Jiha, the mayors budget director, told the City Councils Finance Committee on Monday.

Jiha also said the new total cost for building the four borough-based jails has risen to $15 billion. Thats almost double the $8.7 billion the city estimated construction would cost in 2019, when the plan to close Rikers was signed into law by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Jiha suggested a spike in cost for construction material is in part to blame, saying, The price of steel has doubled.

In December, Mayor Adams and former state chief judge Jonathan Lippman penned an op-ed in the Daily News underscoring the pledge to close the notorious jail complex. But the mayor, a Democrat, has repeatedly suggested it wont happen by the mandated deadline and has discussed developing a Plan B.

In August, he called the original approach flawed from the beginning. The original plan envisioned a jail population of 3,300. After dropping to less than 4,000 during the pandemic, when releases to preserve life were a priority, the population is now more than 6,100.

Across the same period, the jails suffered a relentless stream of in-custody deaths  16 in 2021, 19 in 2022 and nine in 2023. The federal monitor tracking violence and use of force in the jails issued report after report criticizing the management of the system.

In November, the Legal Aid Society and the U.S. attorney in Manhattan submitted filings arguing for the system to be taken from city control and handed to an outside receiver appointed by a federal judge. The city has yet to file its expected opposition to the move.

The new Brooklyn Borough Jail already has a completion date two years after the deadline in 2029. Target opening dates for new jails in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens remain unclear.

The Adams administration is not above the law, and City Hall has a statutory obligation to close Rikers Island by August 2027, said Tina Luongo, chief attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society.

On Oct. 19, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams reconstituted the Independent Rikers Commission to take another look at the closure plan with the intent of keeping the deadline but allowing for leeway based on other emerging factors.
Scientific methods and techniques developed and used at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been helpful in the detection and investigation of several crimes.

Madhavi Martin, leader of the Biomaterials and Biomass Characterization Group in ORNLs Biosciences Division, has used laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to provide useful forensic evidence in several cases. Her work for one case led to the conviction of a man who murdered the mother of a baby.

Madhavi Martin describes her research to a Friends of ORNL audience. She also told them how she used her laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system to help identify the man who was later convicted as the murderer of a young mother of a baby.

At her recent talk to Friends of ORNL, Martin told how she used LIBS to identify and quantify the chemical elements in logs from Texas in 2004 without knowing why a University of Tennessee professor asked her to do the analysis. Her findings helped lead to the conviction of the man who murdered the 20-year-old mother of a three-month-old daughter.

Heres an edited version of the story she told FORNL.

The young women disappeared at midnight and left the baby alone in the house. Her husband came home and called the police. He said he didnt know where she had gone and why she left the baby alone. A police detective found out that the couple had been having arguments and were planning to get a divorce.

Then the skeleton of a young woman was found almost completely burned near a state park close to a small town in Texas. The body could not be identified indisputably because the missing woman had no teeth records on file. But some partially burned logs were found near her body. That potential evidence suggested to the detective that the murderer had chopped down a tree from the state parks wooded area and had tried to set fire to the logs to aid him in burning the body of the woman he had killed.

Later in the day of the murder, a well-attended outdoor barbecue was held near the home of the dead woman. Her husband, whom the police suspected was the murderer, had attended this event. The police collected the burned logs from the murder site and from the barbecue pit. Noting that the mesquite samples from both sites looked similar, they sent the partially burned logs to the University of Tennessees expert in dendrochronology, who often can tell if various wood samples come from the same tree by counting tree rings.

The tree rings were not well formed in the mesquite logs sent to him, so he was having problems determining if all the logs came from the same tree or a group of similar trees, Martin said. So, by using Google he looked for a wood chemistry expert and found me.

He asked Martin if she could analyze the element content of wood samples and determine whether they were all similar or dissimilar. He did not tell her that her findings could be used to help identify a murderer. She replied that she had just received seed money to pursue wood chemistry projects.

Her manager gave her permission to use LIBS to analyze 13 bulky logs delivered from UT at Knoxville to ORNL. She also unknowingly received control samples  mesquite logs sold by a store for use in home fireplaces. It took her six months to get her final results.

Martin called the UT dendrochronologist and told him, I have good news and bad news. He asked for the good news. I finished the analysis of all the logs, and it took me six months, she said. It was hard work and I didnt have a good stage for them. I had to keep turning them around to scan them properly with the laser. Im so glad Im done.

Whats the bad news? he asked. The logs all look the same except for one or two and I dont know why theyre different, she said. Thats actually good news, he said. Lets meet so I can see your data and tell you the whole story behind this project.

Martin learned that her data would likely be used to help solve a murder mystery in Texas. The UT dendrochronologist did statistics on her data. He found that it was 99.9% certain that all the wood, except for the control samples, came from the same tree or clump of trees in the state park, where the crime was committed, Martin said.

Another one of her important findings was that the wood from the state park contained another element not usually found in trees  titanium.

It turns out that near the park is a factory that produces waste contaminated with titanium that gets into the water and soil in the surrounding region and is picked up by the trees in the area near the factory, Martin said. That evidence helped confirm that the wood at the barbecue pits came from the site of the murder.

After questioning, the police found out that the husband had an alibi that proved he was not in the house when his wife disappeared. Then it was learned that another man was known to have brought wood to the outdoor barbecue.

The new suspect was questioned and told by police that the wood at the barbecue matched the wood at the murder site, indicating it was from the same tree or group of trees. The murderer eventually confessed to committing the crime. He was tried and convicted.

It was a such a sad story, said Martin, noting that the baby who lost her young mother to a crime is now 20 years old.

More detective work by Martin

Martin has used LIBS to do analyses of counterfeit currency for the CIA and of carpet samples from the trunk of Casey Anthonys car. The forensic evidence was obtained for the trial of Casey Anthony, whose toddler daughter Caylee mysteriously died on July 15, 2008, in Orlando, Florida. The mother, accused of murder and child abuse, was found guilty in July 2011 of four misdemeanors for providing false information to a law enforcement officer. She was acquitted on the murder charge.

In another case, Martin found out why a man who had received a hip implant suffered increasing pain and finally could no longer walk six months after his hip replacement. A surgeon removed the implant and asked police to investigate whether the implants materials were responsible for his suffering.

Nobody wanted to take the blame for what happened to him, Martin said.

She was asked to use LIBS to determine the elemental contents of the failed implant, which was purported to be made of or coated with titanium oxide. She was given three samples from three different areas of the hip implant.

We found that the implant contained no titanium and that it was made solely from stainless steel that was leaching toxic chromium and other elements into the victims body, she said.

Her forensic evidence was used in a successful lawsuit against the manufacturer of the failed hip implant.

ORNL scientists can make a difference in many ways.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: How an Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientist helped solve a murder
Delaying Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill only benefits the people smugglers, James Cleverly warned as the Government suffered defeats in the Lords over the plans.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the Home Secretary said opponents in the Lords and Labour were trying to take away one of the tools that would deter migrants from making life-threatening Channel crossings and would break the business model of people-smuggling gangs without coming up with an alternative that would work.

I refuse to just sit and watch whilst people are dying in the Mediterranean or dying in the Channel and whilst evil people are making money. I flatly refuse to be passive on this, he said.

Mr Cleverly said he would look closely at the amendments backed by the Lords but would reject any that wrecked or watered down the legislation, saying that the Bill had been carefully drawn to be robust and effective but remain within the bounds of international law.

We want to make sure that it works, but Im also going to make sure that wrecking amendments which are designed to destroy the Bill are not entertained, he said.

James Cleverly - UK Parliament/Maria Unger/via Reuters

His comments came during his first meeting with the Calais group of countries in Brussels to agree a new customs partnership to share border intelligence and intercept the funds, boats and equipment of the people-smuggling gangs.

It coincided with damaging defeats which threatened to delay Mr Sunaks pledge to get Rwanda flights going.

In a series of votes, peers backed five amendments, which declared that Rwanda is not a safe country and required tougher legal safeguards.

Following the death of a seven-year-old migrant in the Channel, Mr Cleverly said it illustrated the fact that the bottom line is that the people-smugglers are proving themselves to be more and more careless with human lives.

There is nothing noble or honourable or righteous about watching this happen and not doing anything, he said. The Government and the Prime Minister, we are taking action to break these gangs and people can help or they can get out the way but Im not going to be deterred.

If people, whether they be in the Lords, or the opposition parties in the House of Commons, if they are trying to take away one of the tools for dissuading people making these life-threatening journeys, and if theyre trying to take away one of the tools to break the business model of people-smugglers and they are not suggesting what they would replace it, my assessment is they are not helping solve a problem.

Other countries are looking seriously at replicating elements of our Rwanda plan. They are very keen to see how this works because they recognise that we cant just sit on our hands and watch this happen. It is the luxury of opposition that you get to point at things and say I wouldnt do it like that.

Mr Cleverly said the Home Office intended to get the first flights to Rwanda taking off as quickly as possible but refused to place an arbitrary deadline on when that would happen. However, he added that work to operationalise the plan in the UK and Rwanda was being carried out in tandem.

March 20 has been pencilled as a potential date for the Bill to complete all its deliberations in Parliament. This would pave the way for the flights in the spring, although Mr Cleverly accepted that there would be legal attempts to block them.

Were confident that the combination of the Bill, the treaty, our logistical work and our experience from previous attempts will combine to make sure that weve got a robust and effective plan of action, he said.

However, he stressed that the Governments strategy was not just about Rwanda but also police and Border Force working with international partners to smash the people-smuggling gangs and to disrupt the supply chains of boats and migrants.

Under the new customs agreement, partnership countries and their customs agencies will share information to disrupt shipments of small boat materials, preventing them from making it to the Channel. It follows a similar deal signed last month with the EUs Frontex border agency to share intelligence.

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Russian proxy authorities in occupied Crimea blocked traffic on the Crimean Bridge in the early hours of March 4.

The closure marks the second consecutive night that occupation authorities shut down the bridge. Officials blocked traffic overnight on March 3, amid reports of explosions in Feodosia.

The Russian Defense Ministry later claimed that Russian forces intercepted 38 Ukrainian drones over occupied Crimea during the night.

Authorities did not provide a reason for the March 4 traffic closure.

The bridge, also called the Kerch Bridge, connects the Russian mainland with the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula. It is a critical supplies and transport route for Russian forces in Crimea and mainland Ukraine, and has been the target of repeated attacks following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have intensified attacks on targets in occupied Crimea, particularly against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, over the past months. In an interview with Fox News released Feb. 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky said more "surprises" were in store for Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
OCONTO - Richard Heath says he is glad he will become Oconto County's new administrator starting April 22.

"There were other counties where I was asked to apply," Heath said. "(But) this is the place where I wanted to continue my career. I think there are a lot of resources here."

Heath was named to the position during the Feb. 22 meeting of the County Board. Currently administrator for the Town of Algoma in Winnebago County, he will take over from Erik Pritzl, who resigned effective Feb. 7 after just over two years in the position to begin a second stint as Brown County Human Services director.

Richard Heath, posing in the Oconto County Courthouse and government building, takes over the the new county administrator April 22.

Here are five things to know about the new county administrator, based on the resume he submitted to the county and an interview with the Reporter immediately following his confirmation by the board.

Heath will apply small-town experience to the county

Heath comes to Oconto County, with a population of about 39,000, from a town of about 7,000 between Oshkosh and Omro. It might seem a bit of a jump to become administrator of a community more than five times the size of his previous experience in that position, but Heath said he expects a lot of similarities.

He noted the Town of Algoma, where he started in November of 2019, successfully has worked to grow under his watch there. He helped the town put together annual budgets of about $3 million, was responsible for overseeing large construction projects with budgets that ranged from $300,000 to $6.3 million and administered a three-year, rolling capital improvement plan of $11 million.

As administrator in Algoma, Heath also supervised other professional town staff members and served as the contact person for its fire department.

"As a growing community, you deal with a lot of infrastructure," he said. "Having that background in infrastructure, building and maintenance is a good basis for a county administrator. The biggest pieces of the county are infrastructure, health and human services, and public safety. Having that background will help me communicate with these people.

"I have a broad-based knowledge of government, from taxes to services to parks to the day-to-day operations of the town. It's just a smaller version of a county.  Working in Algoma kind of foreshadowed how county government works."

And he has experience with large organizations

Heath also has served in positions high up the organizational chart with a variety of large entities, giving him experience in dealing with governments, fundraising, grant writing, planning and land use, and other aspects that relate to municipal governments.

Before coming to Algoma, Heath was with Northern Arizona University, first as executive director of its Prescott Valley campus then as its associate director of strategic partnerships. Prior to that, he was executive director of the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership in Arizona.

Heath also spent more than 10 years with the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission, which provides planning services and coordination for eight Northeast Wisconsin counties from Sheboygan to Florence, including Oconto. He started there as assistant director/principal planner and was executive director and economic development planner for his last five-plus years. Before that, Heath was executive director of the Clark County Economic Development Corp.

"I certainly have worked with different entities," he said. "Every one had a little piece to it that I think will make me successful in this position."

Heath hopes to keep things going, build economy

Heath said he isn't planning massive changes once he's on board in Oconto County.

He noted the county is on solid financial footing, with its half-cent sales tax used to contribute to capital improvement projects, and board members and officials to who he's talked indicated they're generally satisfied with the direction the county currently is heading.

"I think they just want to continue that stability," Heath said. "I have no preconceived ideas, no agenda."

One thing he said he hopes to facilitate is economic and business growth.

"The economy is so important to the well-being of a county," Heath said. "Bringing in employers, keeping employees, adding new businesses, that's important."

Richard Heath speaks to the Oconto Board Board during its Feb. 22 meeting, at which the board approved Heath as the new county administrator.

He wants to hear from residents

Heath said he's always had an open-door policy and will continue to do so in Oconto County. He believes it's vital for someone in his position to hear how residents feel about projects and issues, especially in a widespread county like Oconto.

"I think people sometimes underestimate how you can communicate with the public," he said. "You have to be able to listen, to digest, to problem-solve quickly. It's that public relations. I think you have to have a good handle on it.  People want to be heard, even if the solution isn't what they wanted.

"I think I'm very personable, am a good listener. I truly want to hear from those around the county how they like it here."

He's no stranger to Oconto County

Heath was born and raised in Plum City in western Wisconsin but attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he not only earned his bachelor's degree (he also holds a master's in development from Ohio University and a certificate in emergency management from Northern Arizona) but also met his future wife, Cindy, an Oconto County native who graduated from Suring High School.

He said Cindy still has family in the county, and he and she have visited often. They plan to move to the county.

"I fish on Montana Lake, Porcupine Lake, Kelly Lake," Heath said. "We come up here, this is where I recreate. It's nice for my wife to be able to come back."

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

FOR MORE OCONTO COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website!

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Here are 5 things to know about Oconto County's new administrator
One person was shot and killed by a deputy early on Sunday morning, according to the York County Sheriffs Office

MORE: 1 shot, killed by Cherryville police after assaulting them, department says

According to the sheriffs office, the shooting happened close to 4 a.m. in York near Highway 321.

POLICE ACTIVITY: Alexander Love Hwy. between Lincoln Rd. and Hwy. 321, York, SC is closed for an investigation of an... Posted by York County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, March 3, 2024

Deputies began their investigation on Alexander Love Highway and blocked off the area from Lincoln Road to Highway 321 for hours.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said on Monday that it started when an officer with the York Police Department started a traffic stop that turned into a vehicle chase. YCSO deputies got involved during the chase and found the person involved, who had barricaded himself inside his vehicle along Alexander Love Highway.

SLED says the YCSO SWAT team responded and negotiated with the person, but he was shot.

YCSO says no deputies were hurt.

After the early morning violence, veteran crime reporter, Glenn Counts, went to the area to speak with concerned residents. They told Counts, that situations like this just dont happen here.

Well to be honest I was taken aback, a lot of times this doesnt happen around here so you know an officer shooting someone is rare, Erik Graves, a resident, said.

Just after 8 p.m., YCSO identified the victim as 62-year-old, Charlie Baker, from Clover.

It was a little bit disturbing, this area is usually quiet, its a good area where we live around and safe for the kids of course, so a shooting of that sort is of course concerning, Monica Burton, another resident, said.

The sheriffs office has not identified the officer in the shooting.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will be investigating the shooting.

(WATCH: Another child taken: Teen dies from gunshot in Longhorn parking lot)
Warsaw is conducting informal negotiations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on granting Polish farmers possible exemptions to the EU's Green Deal, Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna said on March 3.

Polish farmers in February launched a new wave of protests against Ukrainian agricultural imports and environmental policy reforms in the European Green Deal. Ukraine's State Border Guard reported on March 3 that all six border crossings with Poland are now blocked by protesters.

Szejna confirmed to Polish media that informal talks with the EU are in process. He said Poland is looking for exemptions to EU regulations on "everything that is possible, both from the Green Deal and the influx of products that would cause a permanent disruption to the market of one or most countries."

Warsaw argues that the flow of cheaper Ukrainian products threatens the livelihoods of Polish farmers, a claim Kyiv denies. Poland has already instituted a ban on several Ukrainian products, including grain.

Szejna also warned that if it takes too long for the EU to accede to Poland's demands, disruptions at the border will continue.

"(W)e will introduce changes, we will introduce border blockades, barriers, and customs duties unilaterally," he said.

Poland and Ukraine are set to hold official talks in Warsaw on March 28. Szejna said that by the time of the meeting, "the issue of the problem at the border will no longer exist."

The ongoing protests threaten to strain Ukraine-Poland relations, with some demonstrators dumping Ukrainian crops and displaying anti-Ukrainian slogans.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 3 that the crisis on the Polish border "has gone beyond both economics and morality."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Ojai City Council unanimously voted to permanently ban the sale and use of glue traps in their community.

Ojai, which became the first American city to recognize the legal rights of nonhuman animals last September, believes that glue traps, which are primarily used to trap and kill rodents, can pose a risk for species that the traps are not intended for.

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Glue traps are commonly used for rodents, however PETA states that these traps have been used to capture other wildlife such as birds, snakes and squirrels, the ordinance introducing the ban stated. Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control warns against the use of glue traps due to potentially producing harmful health impacts as the trapped animals produce urine and feces.

The types of traps now outlawed in Ojai are described by officials as extremely cruel and painful even though they are regularly used in homes, foodservice establishments and by pest management companies.

While the larger glue traps designed to capture vertebrate animalstend to be the most problematic due the increased likelihood to capture larger animals or multiple animals, smaller glue traps designed to capture animals such as ants, flies, insects and cockroaches present similar dangers, Ojai city officials said. Therefore, all glue traps, regardless of their size or intended victim, pose animal welfare and health concerns.

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Several alternatives to glue traps include snap traps and electric traps, both of which have a higher chance of killing the rodent instantly, city officials said. Live traps, also known as catch-and-release traps, are a way of safely capturing an animal and safely releasing it somewhere else.

The movement to ban glue traps has grown in SoCal, the United States and across the world; West Hollywood became the first city in the nation to ban glue traps in April 2023, and according to PETA, three American cities have reportedly banned glue traps within their internal operations: Cartersville, Georgia; Eugene, Oregon and Washington D.C.

Similar bills were introduced in New York and Massachusetts during the 2021-2022 Legislative Session, but neither passed.

On an international level, England, Iceland, Ireland and New Zealand have also reportedly banned the use of glue traps, Ojai officials say.

PETA keeps a list of places and companies that have banned glue traps, which can be viewed here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Animals dying slowly and painfully from starvation, dehydration, asphyxiation and blood loss. Having their eyes and mouths glued shut. Chewing off their own limbs trying to get free.

Jakob Shaw, special projects manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, laid out the gruesome consequences of glue traps Tuesday as the Ojai City Council considered a ban.

Glue traps  boards coated with an adhesive meant to entrap rodents  have ensnared birds, bats, chipmunks, lizards, opossums, mice, rabbits, salamanders, snakes, turtles and even flying squirrels, Shaw said, citing the WILD-ONe database, created by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

"The suffering needs to stop," said Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix.

At the meeting, the council unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of glue traps  making it the second city in the country to ban them, following West Hollywood last year.

Read more: West Hollywood is first American city to ban rodent glue traps

Brian Popovich, management analyst for the city manager's office, pointed to Ojai's "big history of supporting items that promote animal welfare." This includes recently passing an ordinance declaring that elephants have the right to liberty.

In addition to citing the suffering and inhumane deaths of trapped animals, Popovich said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned against using glue traps.

"DO NOT USE glue traps and live traps," the CDC states. "These traps can scare the rodents causing them to urinate, which can increase your chance of getting sick."

Popovich told the council that more humane alternatives are snap traps, live traps or electric traps. Snap and electric traps, he said, have a higher chance of killing rodents instantly, reducing their suffering, while live traps are intended to capture and release animals safely.

Glue traps, Shaw said, "are responsible for more suffering than any other commercially available wildlife control product."

"They pose a threat to every amazing animal who lives in and around Ojai," he said. "They're just these horrible, indiscriminate killing devices that permanently disable, injure and kill countless small animals every single year."

Shaw said that, according to the WILD-ONe database, 180 species of wildlife had been caught in glue traps and brought to animal hospitals.

This year, the Wildlife Center of Virginia posted on Facebook about an Eastern screech owl that flew into a glue trap. The veterinary team bathed the owl to remove the glue residue and carefully dried its feathers with a hair dryer.

"What is so horrible about glue traps is that the vast majority of animals who are caught in these traps are never even taken to an animal hospital or a wildlife rehabilitator," Shaw said. "They are left to suffer excruciatingly painful deaths."

The three people who made public comments at the meeting voiced support for the ordinance; however, one questioned, "as bad as glue traps are, are we just pushing people to options that are worse?"

The Ojai ban will take effect within 30 days.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A protest in support of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange outside the High Court last month - Li Ying/Xinhua News Agency / eyevine

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, said on Monday he would welcome British courts protecting Julian Assange - as the Wikileaks founder fights to avoid extradition to the United States.

US prosecutors are seeking to put Assange, 52, on trial over WikiLeakss high-profile release of vast troves of confidential military records and diplomatic cables.

I am of the opinion that it would be good if the British courts granted him the necessary protection because he has to expect persecution in the USA, given the fact that he has betrayed American state secrets, Mr Scholz said at a technical college event.

He added that the chances of Assange avoiding extradition had increased, in his view.

It contradicts an official statement from the German government last October which said ministers do not comment on ongoing court cases.

We are in the middle of a foreign policy disaster and the timing of this makes me think he wants to distract from another issue said Natalie Vogel, a research fellow at the Washington DC-based Institute for World Politics, referring to the Bundeswehrs communications about British deployment in Ukraine being intercepted by Russia.

Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, is set to meet with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock on Thursday. It is unclear whether the issue will be on the agenda.

Lawyers representing the US told the High Court in London last month that Assange put lives at risk with the release of the unredacted documents.

The Wikileaks founder is making a final bid for an appeal in the UK, with lawyers arguing he is at risk of a flagrant denial of justice if he is extradited on espionage charges.

Assange, whose supporters say could face 175 years in jail if he is extradited, is wanted in the US over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information following the publication by Wikileaks of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

The activist is accused of encouraging and assisting former US soldier Chelsea Manning in obtaining classified documents, including around 400,000 Iraq war-related activity reports and 250,000 US State Department cables, before publishing many of them through WikiLeaks.

Assange spent seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London before he was forcibly removed when his political asylum was revoked in 2019.

He has been remanded in custody at Belmarsh prison in south-east London.

Judges will decide on the case at a later date.

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The Chinese coastal city of Xiamen pioneered the establishment of China's 1st ocean sanitation station in 1994 to address the challenge of stray marine waste. Find out more about its operation after three decades of development.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
A previous report can be seen in the player above.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH)  One person is dead after being rushed to the hospital after a water rescue in Fairfield County Sunday night.

According to a Greenfield Township Fire Department spokesperson, witnesses saw a kayak overturn in the Greenfield Dam Wildlife Area north of Lancaster at approximately 6 p.m.

16-year-old dead in Union County crash

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The person, who the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office identified as 42-year-old Jeremy Klobusnik from Lancaster, was pulled from the water approximately an hour later by the Fairfield County dive team with emergency medical personnel working to resuscitate them.

Klobusnik was taken to Fairfield Medical Center and was pronounced dead at the hospital, per the sheriffs office. The FCSO is continuing to investigate and do not suspect foul play.

In addition to Greenfield Township Fire, first responders from Fairfield County, Pleasant Township, Walnut Township, and Bloom Township responded to the scene.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Ernesto Delgados new restaurant isnt quite like anything else in Sacramentos dining scene  especially when it comes to the method of cooking.

Octopus Baja is Delgados ode to historic spice trade routes, a Mexican seafood concept at 2731 K St. in midtown Sacramento that is unafraid to draw from Japanese, Peruvian and European cuisines.

Chef Joel Siegels menu has twisted and turned like tentacles since a soft opening began on Valentines Day, introducing and tweaking a series of dishes to develop more permanent fixtures.

The current roster includes a bluefin tuna tostada ($12) topped with chipotle aioli and corn microgreens, and mahi-mahi aguachile bearing sesame seeds and a wakame seaweed salad ($15.50) about which Siegel raves.

The dish is very green, very bright, but then it has like a little palate refresher through it with a seaweed salad, Siegel said. So you pick up on the sesame, you pick up on the crunch of the wakame. Its a nice takeaway for that dish, for sure.

Chipotle salmon ($22) is served with charred broccoli and fresh-cut mango salsa over quinoa cooked in the fat of housemade chorizo and bacon. All seafood is wild-caught and sourced from Sunh Fish, a popular vendor on Broadway.

Another salsa was pounded in a molcajete, but featured San Marzano tomatoes more commonly seen in pizza and pasta sauces. A small bar leans on tequila, mezcal and rum to craft cocktails such as coconut mojitos or prickly pear margaritas, with all food items eventually linking to recommended beverage pairings.

Delgado is Sacramentos most famous Mexican restaurateur, the visionary behind Mayahuel and La Cosecha downtown and Mesa Mercado in Carmichael (he also bought Sals Tacos in 2018, more than 40 years after the West Sacramento institution initially opened). Siegel has been Mayahuels general manager for the past four years after initially meeting Delgado in the Culinary Institute of America.

An exterior view of Octopus Baja on Friday. The restaurant on K Street in midtown Sacramento is the latest offering by restaurateur Ernesto Delgado.

A sister concept called Octopus Peru will soon open at 980 Ninth St. in downtown Sacramentos Park Tower, with more of a focus on ceviche and other Peruvian dishes, Siegel said. Another Octopus location will open in La Ciudad, Delgados planned culinary market at 424 C St. in West Sacramento.

Its a three-plan project called Octopus, all connected by the same food but with a different story, Delgado said.

Octopus Baja is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Friday, 3-10 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday, with happy hour from 3-6 p.m. when open.

At the forefront of gas-free, induction cooking

Octopus Baja opened in a 2,000-square foot former Blimpie sandwich shop after the owners of Midtowns Cantina Alley scrapped their plans for a market in that space last year. With no cooking range to speak of, there seemed to be two options: install a costly cookware system (and its associated ventilation, if using gas), or be restricted to a raw bar with no-cook ingredients.

Instead, Delgado outfitted Octopus Baja with Rationals iCombi Pro after attending a product demonstration in November. A high-utility, self-cleaning electric combination oven that can be pre-programmed and left virtually unattended, its being used to sear shrimp or roast king trumpet mushrooms at Octopus Baja.

An octopus sits in a broth that it was cooked in for more than an hour in an iCombi Pro oven during a November demonstration at commercial kitchen rental space Fantastic Kitchen in Sacramento.

Some traditional Mexican chefs have bristled at Californias transition to induction cooking, saying the high heat from gas stoves is necessary to produce the cuisines rich flavors.

Yet Delgado will outfit all three Octopus concepts with iCombiPros, becoming one of the first Sacramento-area restaurateurs to embrace the device. Franquette, a French-inspired bakery in West Sacramento, also uses one, co-owner Brad Cecchi confirmed in a text message.

Each Octopus location will focus more on cured and raw fish than concepts such as Oaxaca, Delgados planned Oak Park restaurant at 3400 Broadway that may debut later this year. While that restaurant will revolve around tlayudas, crispy tortillas sometimes dubbed Mexican pizzas, the Octopuses will rely on citrus juice and vinegar as much as the iCombi Pro.

The concept here is that the fire is in the bowl, Delgado said. Youre cooking in the blender, youre cooking in the bowl, youre curing and adding acid. The fact that its fresh and healthy is truly the goal.
Americans views of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have dropped as Israels war with Hamas in Gaza approaches its fifth month of fighting, according to a new Gallup poll.

The poll was released Monday and found 58 percent of Americans have very or mostly favorable opinions of Israel, the lowest rate in more than 20 years. This is a 10-point drop from last years rating of Israel.

Positive views of the Palestinian Authority have also worsened and now sit at 26 percent, the lowest since 2015, per Gallup. This is an 8-point drop from last years rating.

The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank, but not Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, while the Palestinian Authority has been discussed as a potential future governing body for Gaza.

Opinions of Israel have doubtlessly been hurt by the intense bombing campaign the country has waged on Gaza since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. President Biden has dealt with regular protests over his support for the Israeli government.

Gallup pollsters noted Israel has always received more positive views since it began measuring opinions of the nation in 1989, with an average of 65 percent of Americans having had favorable opinions of it through the years.

The Palestinian Authority, which was established mid-1990s under an Israel-Palestinian peace agreement, has historically received lower ratings, with an average of 19 percent of Americans having a positive view since Gallups first poll in 2000.

Fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas has raged on for more than four months in Gaza, where more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since early October, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Israel has vowed to eliminate the threat of Hamas following its Oct. 7 surprise assault on the country that killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage.

Israels military campaign has largely leveled Gaza and forced nearly 85 percent  1.9 million  of the enclaves population from their homes, according to the United Nations.

Gallups poll follows a series of other findings in recent months showing the publics support for Israel declining amid ongoing tensions and violence in Gaza.

The decline in positive opinion is biggest among young adults  ages 18 to 34  going from 64 percent with a favorable rating in 2023 to 38 percent in Gallups latest survey. Middle-aged adults  35 to 54 years old  had a smaller, 11-point drop while no significant change was observed among adults 55 and older, Gallup noted.

Ratings of the Palestinian Authority have not largely changed among young and older adults, while middle-aged adults dropped by half  30 percent to 15 percent, Gallup found.

Gallup said the war has not changed Americans sympathies towards Israelis and Palestinians by a large margin, with the latest poll finding 51 percent saying they sympathize more with the Israelis and 27 percent more with the Palestinians. This is similar to last years findings, when about 54 percent were more sympathetic to Israelis and 31 percent to the Palestinians.

This suggests that the recent actions by both sides have done little to shift U.S. loyalties, even if overall opinions toward both sides are less positive, Gallup wrote in its analysis.

The polls results are based on telephone interviews conducted Feb. 1-20 with a random sample of 1,016 adults living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The margin of error is 4 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
OREGON (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Lake Oswego man is facing several charges after police said he drugged three 12-year-old girls at a sleepover last summer.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, Lake Oswego police were notified that three 12-year-old girls were being treated at Randall Childrens Hospital after reporting they had been exposed to an unknown prescription drug while at a sleepover at a friends home in Lake Oswego.

Detectives determined Michael Meyden, 57, of Lake Oswego, who was the host of the sleepover, was responsible for the drugs detected in the girls bloodstream.

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Crime & Public Safety

In late February 2024, a Clackamas County Grand Jury heard evidence in this case and issued an indictment against Meyden for the following charges:

3 counts of causing another to ingest a controlled substance

3 counts of application of a schedule-4 controlled substance to another

3 counts of delivery of a controlled substance to a minor

Meyden turned himself in at the Clackamas County Jail on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KFOR)  Investigators are looking into a fatal shooting involving Johnston County Sheriffs deputies Sunday night.

According to the Johnston County Sheriffs Office, deputies were notified around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, of a person possibly in Johnston Co. wanted by the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office.

LOCAL NEWS: Victim dies after shooting at NE Oklahoma City hotel

The Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police said that the subject was wanted for violating a Protective Order by making threats to kill his wife and to commit suicide by law enforcement. Johnston Co. deputies were notified of multiple locations the subject may have been, but his vehicle was later located near Hutchins Lane.

Officials say the car was empty and it was determined the subject was picked up by someone unaware of the situation. Deputies found that vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

As deputies spoke with the driver, the subject pulled out a firearm which led to the deputy-involved shooting. Based on the current information, the subject also fired his weapon during the incident.

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The driver was taken to safety and deputies began life-saving measures on the subject, who was taken to a nearby hospital where he passed away.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Johnston Co. Sheriffs Office in the investigation. Two deputies have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The office of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez issued an apology after a photo of a dead body was posted to the sheriffs Instagram page, prompting an online uproar over the weekend.

The photo, which the Orlando Sentinel received but will not publish, was of a body wearing a green top and blue jeans lying beneath a mound of brush, and appeared to have been posted to Lopezs Instagram page on Saturday along with images of a community event for seniors hosted by the sheriff. The photo was posted a day after the corpse of 13-year-old Madeline Soto was found in rural St. Cloud by Osceola County Sheriffs Office search teams.

A separate photo  a selfie of agency Executive Director Nirva Rodriguez in front of Stephan Sterns, the prime suspect in Madelines disappearance  was posted to Rodriguezs personal Facebook page, with the caption written in Spanish translated to, If Gods love has been poured out over your life, dont allow evil to keep you away from what He has prepared for you. It appears to have been taken seconds before Sterns was videoed being placed in the back of a patrol car.

The second photo also drew criticism. Both images have since been deleted.

On March 2, 2024, a post was made on social media about a community event for seniors. In the post, an investigative photo was accidentally included. The photo was immediately removed. We deeply apologize for any confusion or disturbance this may have caused. As with any investigation, the information obtained is confidential and any mistaken disclosures will be immediately rectified, read a statement sent to the Sentinel by an unsigned Sheriffs Office spokesperson. The agency has not responded to a follow-up question clarifying whether the photo was of Madeline.

It wasnt long after the photo was posted that screenshots were circulating on social media. Russ Gibson, Lopezs predecessor and primary election opponent, blasted his former deputy on the platform, saying he was shocked and appalled after receiving the photos from concerned citizens.

This is 100% unacceptable and 100% shameful and disrespectful to Madeline, her family and friends, Gibson wrote. I do have a copy of the post but out of respect and reverence for Miss Madeline, the photograph will not be posted. The time for Marcos Lopez and certain members of his administration of dishonoring themselves, our agency, and our great County is coming to an end!

Angel Rojas, another of Lopezs primary opponents, also reacted: Lack of leadership, lack of ethics, lack of honesty, lack of empathy, lack of honor. Thats what they both represent. They have dishonored the Office of the Sheriff.

Florida law broadly forbids the release of photos or video of the killing of a minor, which includes photos of a dead body, without the permission of the surviving family. Anyone who willfully and knowingly does so would be accused of a third-degree felony.

The Kissimmee Police Department, which is investigating Madelines death and disappearance, declined to comment on the photo posted by Lopez.

The Kissimmee Police Department is working diligently on the Madeline Soto investigation and will not be making any statements or doing interviews at this time. Any questions you may have involving the Osceola County Sheriffs Office needs to be directed to them, spokesperson James Napier said to the Sentinel.

KPD took the lead on investigating Madelines death after Sterns, her mothers boyfriend, was allegedly caught disposing of her backpack and school-issued laptop into a dumpster at an apartment complex in Kissimmee.

Jail records indicate Sterns has not been charged in Madelines death, but he is considered the prime suspect after a search of his phone revealed materials containing child sex abuse. He is in the Osceola County Jail without bond as he faces two charges of sexual battery of a minor, including one count for capital sexual battery on a minor under 12, which carries up to a death sentence.
The issue of rape has often triggered protests in India

The alleged gang rape of a tourist with Brazilian-Spanish dual nationality in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand has led to outrage.

The 28-year-old woman and her husband, who were on a motorbike tour, had stopped for the night in Dumki district when the alleged attack took place.

Police say that they have arrested four men and are searching for three more.

The identities of the men, who are also accused of beating the woman's partner, have not been disclosed yet.

The couple had travelled to several parts of Asia on their motorbikes before arriving in India a few months ago.

Over the weekend, the woman posted a video on their Instagram page which has 234,000 followers.

"Seven men raped me. They have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things [were taken] because what they wanted was to rape me," she said in Spanish, adding that the men beat them and threatened to kill them.

In a separate video, the husband, who is Spanish, said: "My mouth is destroyed, but my partner is worse than me. They have hit me with the helmet several times, with a stone on the head. Thank goodness she was wearing the jacket and that stops the blows a little."

The videos are no longer up on their page.

Dumka's police superintendent Pitamber Singh Kherwar told reporters the couple flagged down a patrol van which took them to a local health centre for treatment.

"The couple were speaking in a mixture of English and Spanish so the patrolling team could not understand them initially. But they appeared visibly injured so they were taken for treatment," he said, adding that the couple then told doctors about the alleged rape.

The Brazilian embassy in India told the BBC that the woman and her husband "were victims of a serious criminal attack". The embassy said it had contacted the woman and local authorities as well as the Spanish embassy, as the couple had used Spanish passports to enter India.

"The Spanish embassy said that it had offered all the assistance available, including psychological care, but that the victims had declined the offer as they were already being looked after by the Indian emergency services," the Brazilian embassy said, adding that it would continue to "monitor all developments".

The BBC has reached out to the Spanish embassy for comment.

"We need to stand united in our commitment to end violence against women everywhere in the world," the Spanish embassy in India posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Conversations around rape and sexual violence became more prominent in India after the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a bus in Delhi led to huge protests and changes to the country's rape laws. But tens of thousands of rapes are reported every year and activists say there is still a long way to go to tackle the issue.

Over the weekend, several women shared their stories of dealing with unwanted sexual attention while travelling in India.

The chief of India's National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, also sparked criticism after she responded to a post from a US journalist who wrote that while India was one of his favourite places, "the level of sexual aggression" he witnessed while living in the country was "unlike anywhere else I have ever been". He also gave a couple of examples of sexual assault faced by women he knew.

"Did you ever report the incident to police?" Ms Sharma wrote. "If not then you are totally an irresponsible person. Writing only on social media and defaming whole country is not good choice."

The response led to an outpouring of criticism from people on social media.

Several people have also left comments under the couple's Instagram and YouTube videos, expressing solidarity and sympathy with them.

Read more India stories from the BBC:
Hundreds of thousands of newly hatched salmon released into the Klamath River died passing through a dam due to be demolished, California wildlife officials reported.

The 830,000 fish likely perished from gas bubble disease, caused by severe changes in water pressure, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a March 2 news release.

The salmon died while passing through a tunnel associated with the Iron Gate Dam, officials said. The dam and tunnel are scheduled to be removed later this year.

The fish were part of a Feb. 26 release of Chinook salmon fry into Fall Creek, which flows into the Klamath River, from a new $35 million fish hatchery, officials said.

The project is part of an effort to restore Chinook and coho salmon runs on the Klamath River following the removal of several dams, the agency said.

Scientists found no evidence the salmon died because of oxygen levels or higher levels of particles in the river, and the dead fish showed signs of gas bubble disease, officials said.

The problems associated with the Iron Gate Dam tunnel are temporary and yet another sad reminder of how the Klamath River dams have harmed salmon runs for generations, the agency said in the release.

Future releases will take place below the dam until it is removed, officials said. In all, the state plans to release 3.25 million salmon into the Klamath River in 2024.

Additional salmon are being raised at the hatchery to replace those killed in the February release.

The Klamath River is about 300 miles north of Sacramento, near the Oregon border.

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Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, next to the border with Israel, on March 4, 2024. An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said. The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 4 (Xinhua) -- An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said.

The missile struck an orchard in the community of Margaliot, hitting eight Indian workers, Israel's Channel 12 TV news reported.

Israel's rescue service of Magen David Adom said in a statement that two were seriously injured and others had moderate to light wounds. They were evacuated with Air Force helicopters to hospitals.

The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson.

The violence was the latest in 150 days of fighting across the Israel-Lebanon border amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. 

Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, next to the border with Israel, on March 4, 2024. An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said. The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, next to the border with Israel, on March 4, 2024. An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said. The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, next to the border with Israel, on March 4, 2024. An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said. The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

Smoke rises from the Lebanese village of Markaba as a result of Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, next to the border with Israel, on March 4, 2024. An Indian national was killed and seven others injured in northern Israel on Monday by an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Israeli sources said. The Israeli army responded by launching tank and artillery fire toward the source of the missile attack, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.  Overland Park police investigated a suspicious package on a Blue Valley school property Monday but ultimately found nothing dangerous.

Police spokesman Officer John Lacy said the suspicious package was located near 124th Street and Switzer Road on the property line of Oak Hill Elementary School near a fence.

Basketball game at North Kansas City High relocated after shooting

Blue Valley School District spokesperson Kaci Brutto said a teacher found an unattended bag with suspicious items inside during recess.

About two hours later, police gave the all clear after determining the bag was not dangerous.

Brutto said Oak Hill was not on lockdown but students were not allowed outside for the remainder of the day.

The schools dismissal, scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Monday, was not delayed, and students were dismissed as normal.

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However, Brutto said parents should expect some traffic changes for pickup so officers can continue investigating.

This is a breaking news story. FOX4 will update as we learn more.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Oviedo firm Shock Stream Technologies is in the big leagues now. The simulation hardware firm had been subcontracting on government jobs since 2016, but once it created a joint venture with Phoenix Defense, it won a $307.2 million U.S. Army contract.

We teamed up with the current incumbent Phoenix Defense  the company that previously was executing on similar military contracts, said Shock Stream President Derrick Sines. The combination of our agility and their large business capabilities allowed us to get this.

Phoenix Defense is based in Orlando and has offices in Research Park. Shock Stream is the lead on the project.

Read: See inside Central Floridas newest aquarium

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




(Bloomberg) -- Shehbaz Sharif was selected as Pakistans prime minister for a second term after two old-guard parties formed a coalition to keep jailed politician Imran Khans party out of power.

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Lawmakers voted for the next premier in the National Assembly on Sunday with Sharif securing 201 votes. His opponent Omar Ayub Khan, who is backed by jailed leader Imran Khan, got 92 votes.

Sharif is expected to be sworn in on Monday. The 72-year-old was prime minister until parliament was dissolved in August in the lead-up to elections. Last months polls provided an inconclusive result with no group winning a clear mandate, prompting two family-controlled parties  the Pakistan Muslim League-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party  to eventually nominate Sharif as their candidate.

The Pakistan Muslim League-N is led by Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of Shehbaz and a three-time prime minister, while the Pakistan Peoples Party is co-chaired by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

However former premier Khans independent candidates defied the odds and secured the most seats in the election but refused to form a coalition government with other main parties. Khans loyalists have accused authorities of widespread rigging in the poll, an allegation denied by the Election Commission and the caretaker government that supervised the polls.

Pakistans Sharif Faces an Even Tougher Task Second Time Around

The new government will seek a fresh loan of at least $6 billion from the International Monetary Fund with the current program ending in April, highlighting the fragile state of the economy. Sharif said last month that Pakistan will need to secure a new loan at the earliest.

Pakistan needs to carry out a deep surgery to bring revolutionary changes in the system and reform various sectors, Sharif said in parliament on Sunday after he was named prime minister, speaking at length about the nations debt. Sharif plans to gradually reduce the size of its debt, described by the IMF as borderline manageable.

Pakistan dollar bonds handed investors a gain of almost 15% this year, the biggest in Asia. The currency is up about 1%.

Sharif helped Pakistan avoid default last year by securing its current $3 billion loan program. He took unpopular steps including removing fuel subsidies and raising energy prices to meet the IMFs conditions.

He plans to set targets for banks to disburse more loans and will discourage lenders from investing in government securities. The government also plans to give subsidies to farmers and import high-quality seeds to boost farm yields, Sharif said.

His nomination for the top position came as a surprise as Nawaz was widely expected to become prime minister when he returned from exile in London to contest the election. Shehbaz is seen to have maintained good ties with the military that is expected to influence key decisions from behind the scenes.

The house on Friday elected Sharifs candidate Ayaz Sadiq as speaker of the National Assembly. Sadiq has called for a joint sitting of the upper and lower houses on March 9 to select the countrys president, according to a statement. Members of the two federal houses and four provincial assemblies elect the president for five years.

Sharifs alliance has agreed to nominate Asif Ali Zardari, the father of Bilawal, for president. Imran Khans supporters have picked a Pashtun nationalist, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, as their contender.

--With assistance from Khalid Qayum and Karl Lester M. Yap.

(Updates from second paragraph, adds market trend.)

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ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif took the oath on Monday to officially become prime minister for a second time, nearly four weeks after an uncertain national election caused delays in the formation of a coalition government.

Sharif, 72, officially took up office at a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential office in the nation's capital, Islamabad, a day after parliament elected him prime minister despite protests from lawmakers aligned with jailed former premier Imran Khan.

His first meeting after the ceremony was with his finance team, a statement from the prime minister's office said late on Monday, adding that he directed them to begin talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on an extended funding facility. The current agreement expires in April.

"We got a mandate to improve country's economy and that's our government's top priority," the statement said.

During his oath-swearing Sharif wore a black traditional overcoat, called a sherwani, in the ceremony, broadcast live on state TV and attended by civil, military, bureaucracy and other dignities.

The Feb. 8 election was marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests and violence in its build-up and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.

Candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) agreed to form a coalition government. The PML-N is spearheaded by Shehbaz Sharif's elder brother, three time premier Nawaz Sharif, but he decided not to take the prime minister's post.

The younger Sharif returns to the role he previously held until August, when parliament was dissolved to prepare for the election.

Economists, investors and foreign capitals would now be watching closely for an announcement by Sharif on the cabinet, especially the important finance portfolio. The next finance minister will have to lead tough talks with the IMF to get a new multi-billion dollar funding agreement.

Former four-time finance minister Ishaq Dar remains the top contender, PML-N sources have told Reuters, though several other candidates were being seriously considered.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield and Asif Shahzad; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Sharon Singleton)
It has been just over four and a half years since police in Aurora, Colorado, violently detained Elijah McClain, who had committed no crime, after a teenage 911 caller reported he "look[ed] sketchy" as he walked home from a convenience store in August 2019. The encounter, which originally flew under the radar, epitomized the sort of hyperactive, abusive policing that people of varying political persuasions could admit was excessive as the U.S. engaged in a national debate about the broader subject in 2020. And the cursory internal investigationif you can call it thatinto McClain's death embodied the government's not-so-subtle tendency to insulate itself from transparency and accountability at the expense of the people who pay their salaries.

But all these years later, accountability is finally coming. And the results are, to put it mildly, a bit weird, raising potentially uncomfortable questions about what justice should look like in similar cases of abuse.

Peter Cichuniec on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison. But Cichuniec was not the officer who first physically accosted McClain within 10 seconds of exiting a patrol car, despite that no crime had been reported and that McClain had no weapon. That was Nathan Woodyard. Nor was Cichuniec one of the two officers who joined Woodyard shortly thereafter, helping him forcibly subdue and arrest McClain, notwithstanding the fact that they had not met the constitutionally required standard to do so. Those were Jason Rosenblatt and Randy Roedema.

Cichuniec, who didn't arrive until about 11 minutes later, was the lead paramedic, ultimately administering too large a dose of a sedative after miscalculating McClain's size and hearing from police that McClain was allegedly experiencing "excited delirium," a potentially dubious syndrome characterized by severe distress, agitation, and sudden death. While it remains unclear what exactly caused McClain to go into cardiac arrest, an amended autopsy attributes McClain's death to "complications of ketamine administration following forcible restraint." For Cichuniec's error, which occurred in rapidly changing, chaotic circumstances, he will spend significantly more time in prison than any of the officers, without whom Cichuniec would never have been called in the first place.

Woodyard, who initiated the encounter and violated department policy by applying two carotid holdswhere blood flow to the brain is cut off by applying pressure to both sides of the neckwas found not guilty of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. (He has since returned to work with $200,000 in back pay.) Rosenblatt was also acquitted. Roedema, the senior officer on the scene, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault and sentenced to 14 months in jail.

As Reason's Jacob Sullum wrote previously, McClain died from a smorgasbord of constitutional violations, laid out exhaustively in a 157-page report released in 2021 by an independent panel appointed by the Aurora City Council.

Did Woodyard meet the Fourth Amendment bar to conduct an investigatory stop of McClain? No, the panel concluded, as it "did not appear to be supported by any officer's reasonable suspicion that Mr. McClain was engaged in criminal activity." Was law enforcement justified next in frisking McClain, which is legally permissible only if they reasonably suspect the person is armed? No, the panel concluded, as Woodyard himself admitted he felt safe approaching because McClain "didn't have any weapons." And did police meet the constitutional threshold to escalate the encounter to an arrest, which requires probable cause that a crime has been committed? No, the panel concluded, as "the only facts that had changed were Mr. McClain's attempt and stated intention to keep walking in the direction he had been going and his 'tensing up.'" (In 2021, the city of Aurora authorized a $15 million settlement with McClain's family. Good.)

When Woodyard first approached McClain, he had earbuds in and appeared to not hear Woodyard's commands. He was wearing a ski mask, sweat pants, a jacket, and a knit cap, which makes sense when considering he had anemia, a condition that causes coldness in the extremities. Those were the circumstancesalong with the teenage 911 callthat ultimately led police to feel justified in forcibly accosting McClain, who was 5'7 and 140 pounds, so much so that he vomited profusely into his ski mask.

Cichuniec was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault, with a sentencing enhancement for causing serious injury or death. His five-year sentence is the mandatory minimum prescribed by Colorado law. At trial, prosecutors argued he and Jeremy Cooperthe other paramedic on scene who was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and will be sentenced laterfailed to do their due diligence in monitoring McClain after giving him the ketamine. The defense countered that the two men were unaware McClain had already been the subject of two carotid holds and that he had vomited multiple times sinceimportant information when evaluating ketamine use, which can further restrict breathing.

It can certainly be true that Cichuniec made an egregious professional misjudgment. And it can also be true that punishing him criminally for it makes little sense, particularly in the context of a criminal justice reform conversation that has, often rightfully, emphasized that prison should be reserved for people who actively present a danger to society. That those two things may feel painful to reconcile does not actually make them irreconcilable.

So is Cichuniec actively a danger? While his errorwhich appeared to be an honest one, no matter how catastrophicvery well may have contributed to McClain's demise, it is difficult to make the argument that he still poses a threat to the public. There are, after all, different forms of accountability outside of prison walls. Fire him? Of course. Bring a civil suit? Ideally. Imprison him for the next five years? I fail to see who, exactly, that makes safer.

At the close of one of the criminal trials involving McClain's death, the jury heard a refrain often touted by criminal justice reformers. It came from an unlikely source. "Just because there's a tragedy does not mean there's criminality," said one of Roedema's lawyers during closing arguments. Readers can view the body camera footage and decide for themselves if that applies to the officers.

But, at least when it comes to Cichuniec, the distinction between tragedy and criminality is correct. Elijah McClain didn't deserve to die. That's a fact. And it doesn't change the reality that putting Cichuniec in prison only serves to undermine what this same movement has often fought against: overbroad, ham-fisted prosecution. For that to mean anything, society shouldn't be sending people to prison because the political moment seems to demand itno matter how unsympathetic the defendant.

The post A Paramedic Got 5 Years in Prison for Elijah McClain's Death. That's Not Justice. appeared first on Reason.com.
A Portland couple claim negligence caused the panel of the plane to blow out mid-flight (Getty Images)

Three passengers are suing Alaska Airlines and Boeing for $1 billion after a negligent cabin panel blowout mid-flight in January.

Portland couple Amanda Strickland and Kyle Rinker along with a third passenger, Kevin Kwok, were onboard the terrifying flight 1282 from Portland to Ontario, California when the unused exit door blew off at 16,000ft.

The trio, who were seated in the row behind the door plug, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

The lawsuit says: As a direct result of the frightful, death-threatening failure of the Boeing aircraft, Mr Kwok, Mr Rinker, and Ms Strickland suffered severe mental, emotional, and psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress, and physical injuries.

Their attorney, Jonathan W. Johnson, told local news channel KGW-TV: The issue with Alaska [Airlines], on this particular aircraft, they had several warnings, air pressure monitor warnings. In fact, I think they had said this aircraft couldnt fly over water.

I think some of their problems recently is that they outsource some of the manufacturing, and even if they have adequate safety protocols at Boeing, when they use third-party contractors, they arent necessarily making sure that the contractors follow the same safety protocols. So you could have a contractor send in a part that is not meeting those safety protocols.

A shirt, iPhones and other items were sucked out of the aircraft during the life-changing 5 January event, before the flight made an emergency landing.

Boeing manufactured the 737 Max 9 planes  grounded in the aftermath of the incident until they had passed inspection  with several of the models reported to have loose hardware and missing key bolts to hold the door in place.

Several other passengers, including seven plaintiffs previously offered $1,500 in compensation, sued Boeing in January for the emergency. They alleged that those on board suffered from bleeding ears, bruises and headaches.

Daniel Laurence, the attorney representing the plaintiffs said: This nightmare has caused economic, physical and ongoing emotional consequences that have understandably deeply affected our clients, and is one more disturbing black mark on the troubled 737-Max series aircraft.

An Alaska Airlines representative said that the company could not comment on pending litigation.
The latest decisions out of the Supreme Court, first on when to hear former President Donald Trumps immunity appeal, then on how to deal with his Colorado ballot disqualification, have made one thing very clear: We need to stop deluding ourselves that a majority of the Supreme Court sees the same political emergency that many of us do in terms of the threat Trump poses to American democracy. Whether it understood or even accounted for the consequences of the decision to delay the criminal case against him and to expedite its decision to keep him on the ballot, the high court ensured this past week that Trump is extremely unlikely to have a jury decide if he engaged in election subversion before voters cast their ballots for the next U.S. president this fall. After failures by outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and now the Supreme Court, its clear that if anyone is going to save American democracy, it is going to be the voters.

To briefly recap how we got here: Trump engaged in a multipronged effort to turn himself from a loser in the 2020 presidential election into a winner by pressuring federal, state, and local officials to find fraud or irregularities that could serve as the basis to send in a bunch of fake electors to Congress. That might have provided a fig leaf for allowing Congress to ignore the will of the voters and subvert the election outcome by declaring Trump the winner. The plan failed. After Trumps lies inspired a violent invasion of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Congress counted the real Electoral College votes, and Joe Biden was declared the winner. The House of Representatives impeached (again) Trump for his attempted election subversion (again), and 57 senators voted to convict, short of the 67 needed under the Senates rules. McConnell pointedly voted no, bringing others with him, arguing that the criminal and civil processes would take care of Trump.

That kicked the ball over to Garlands court, where he did littleas far as the public is awarefor a long, long, long time. The Justice Department focused instead on the Capitol invaders, not the folks at the top who directed them or who participated in wider attempts to interfere with the peaceful and legal transition of power. Only belatedly did Garland appoint Jack Smith as special counsel to investigate these potential crimes, killing precious time that we all knew was ticking because Trump had said, early on, that he was going to run for president. By choosing to run, Trump put himself in a position to yell Election interference! as every charge was brought by a DOJ attorney headed by an appointee of his political rival. (Running also sets himself up for self-pardons or to scuttle ongoing federal cases if he wins the presidency again.)

It sure looks as if Smith moved expeditiously, not only in the election subversion case but also in the Florida classified documents case. But Trump has every incentive to delay, and a key part of his strategy involved taking an interlocutory (that is, before trial) appeal in the election interference case, claiming that he is wholly immune from criminal prosecution for official acts as president. (Never mind that many of his acts, such as cajoling the Georgia secretary of state to find 11,780 votes, were not in any way part of the official duties of a president, who has no role in running or supervising elections.)

The wheels of justice take time, but in this case the Supreme Court holds all the cards. Smith asked the justices back in December to let this appeal leapfrog over the D.C. Circuit, which sits between itself and the trial court, and the Supreme Court refused. That cost months. Then, after the circuit ruled against Trump, Smith tried to expedite things again.

Many of us wrongly believed that the court would move quickly and let the case get back to trial, on the reality-based theory that the American people deserve to know before voting if Trump, the candidate in 2024, was guilty as the 2020 candidate of trying to steal the election. The case for sending it back for trial is especially strong because Trumps immunity argument on the merits is loony. As one D.C. Circuit judge noted, it would allow the president to order SEAL Team Six to assassinate political rivals without any consequences.

But the court did not move quickly. Not at all. After 13 days of silence following the end of emergency briefing, it set a schedule allowing almost two months of further briefing, with a likely decision delayed until two months after that, at the end of June. Compare that to Bush v. Gore, in which the Supreme Court went from order to hearing the case to issuing a final decision in just a few days. Or, perhaps more pertinently, compare it to the decision Monday to allow Trump to remain on the ballot, despite arguments for his disqualification under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, after a speed run of just three months.

Despite this timeline of a May or June (or July) SCOTUS decision, it is possible that Trump could go on trial for election subversion before the 2024 election. Indeed, over at Just Security, Norm Eisen, Matt Seligman, and Joshua Kolb game out eight-week trials and 12-week trials with different start dates going far into the fall up to and sometimes even through Election Day. And if you watch the cable news channels, you can see all kinds of legal commentators suggesting that the courts could still move heaven and earth to get this thing to trial by Election Day. The chief justice could release an opinion before dissents are authored. The court could still issue a decision in a matter of days after arguments.

But why should we expect the court to do anything of the sort in light of how it has acted already? Just because the court expedited the Colorado ballot removal case doesnt mean that it considers the election subversion trial an emergency. We made a massive category error in imagining that at least six justices, the number needed to rubber-stamp the D.C. Circuit Courts ruling without further argument, saw the need for speed in the Trump immunity case.

And what did the court do on the merits in the disqualification case? It not only held that states cannot enforce the disqualification provisions against an insurrectionist running for federal office. It put a straitjacket on Congresss ability to enforce it too, raising serious questions about whether even Congress could possibly satisfy the Supreme Court if it attempts to say that Trump cannot serve as president again.

With disqualification off the table, attention turns back to the immunity appeal pending before the court and whether Trump can be rushed to trial before the election. There are a lot of people who are devoting their time to crafting scenarios in which the court might still evince interest in saving itself and the possibility of preserving a functioning democracy after the election by expediting a decision in Trumps immunity appeal. Thats their prerogative, and we fervently hope they are correct. But lets be candid about the fact that the court has missed its last best chance to do so: A completed trial before Election Day seems highly unlikely. Rolling Stone reports that Trumps lawyers literally popped Champagne when the Supreme Courts scheduling order came out.

Even though Smith has now taken the view that the internal rule keeping the DOJ from bringing charges within 60 days of the election doesnt apply to criminal cases that have already been instituted, it would be quite extraordinary for a court to make one of the two major political party candidates stand for trial in the middle of the general election season and even during the period of early voting (which begins weeks before Nov. 5, Election Day). Would a court even start a trial before Election Day that wouldnt be finished until afterward? Such trials are rare. We think of the 2008 case of Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, who wanted to go on trial and clear his name of corruption charges before the election. He went on trial, was convicted, and lost reelection. (A blistering report from the DOJ issued after trial showed that it hid exculpatory evidence from Stevens.)

And even if Judge Tanya Chutkan allows the trial to go forward, Trump has a right to put on his defense, and he would have every incentive to call witnesses and drag out sending the case to the jury until past Election Day.

Do we deserve a Supreme Court that cares about putting the evidence of Donald Trumps potential criminality before the American people before they head to the polls? We do. Do we have such a court? We do not. Clearly. So, the sole remaining question seems to be whether it is a delusion or a useful exercise to spin out elaborate fantasies in which the justices reverse course to step up. Is producing an elaborate flowchart of a trial that might take place between the first and second presidential debates going to somehow soften and change a justices mind?

There are between four and five votes at the court to treat Trumps presidency as ordinary and his actions in trying to reverse the election results as not a potential national emergency. As Aziz Huq notes, Donald Trump is getting treated infinitely better than most criminal defendants before the court, which doesnt give a break even to those who are actually innocent of the crimes of which they are accused. We can sit around reading entrails from the courts scheduling order in the immunity appeal to attempt to parse that breakdown and to hurl our efforts at changing those numbers through hope and limited influence. Or we can thank the court for its inadequate service and move on.

We should move on.

In the end, all this wishcasting about a Supreme Court that is going to save us has material costs. It deludes us into thinking that someone else is going to rush in while we watch and cheer from the stands. Call it Mueller Derangement Syndrome or whatever else youd like. But lets stop thinking theres someone else. The 2024 election, like everything else, all comes down to turnout. That isnt in the courts hands. Its in ours.
The Allegri Quartet in 1963: Patrick Ireland is second from right with the viola - Antony Matheus Linsen/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

Patrick Ireland, who has died aged 100, was the founding viola player of the Allegri String Quartet; officially the quartet was named after Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652), regarded as the first composer to write for string quartet, though others suspected that their name was chosen to be above their great rivals, the Amadeus Quartet, in alphabetical listings.

With Eli Goren and James Barton (violins) and William Pleeth (cello), the quartet rehearsed 66 times before giving their first concert in 1953. They were soon heard on radio, on record and in the concert hall, performing not only Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, but also works by Britten, Tippett and Rubbra, who dedicated his third quartet to them.

They were chosen by Sir John Barbirolli for his recording of Elgars Introduction and Allegro with the Sinfonia of London and collaborated with the clarinettist Gervase de Peyer, the pianist Fou Tsong and the violist Cecil Aronowitz. In 1961 they were the subject of one of Humphrey Burtons first television documentaries and in his memoir, In My Own Time (2021), Burton describes Ireland as an exceptionally beautiful man.

After the quartets performance of Schuberts Death and the Maiden quartet at the Wigmore Hall in 1966, a Daily Telegraph critic wrote how the Allegri players, apart from demonstrating their impeccable ensemble, produced great refinement of tone and a buoyant, forward-driving rhythm.

Ireland was a fine violist, known for producing a rich and mellow sound. Away from the quartet he collaborated with Yehudi Menuhin, including in the Bath Festival Orchestra and as a viola teacher at the Yehudi Menuhin School.

They also appeared together in Mozarts Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola and in 1959 recorded Bachs Brandenburg Concerto No 6, which calls for two solo violas. In 1961 Ireland was the Proms soloist in Vaughan Williamss Flos Campi, which according to one critic he delivered with a passionate sensibility and a wealth of colour.

William Patrick Ireland was born at Helston, Cornwall, on November 20 1923, the younger of two sons of William Ireland, a dentist, and his wife Eileen, an artist. Choral singing was a family tradition and he became a chorister at St Pauls Cathedral, singing at the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935 and winning a music scholarship to Wellington College.

Called up by the RAF, he trained as a bomber pilot and served in coastal patrols in 1945. The following year he returned to music, studying violin with Max Rostal and at the Royal College of Music before reading French and Music at Worcester College, Oxford.

Ireland joined the Peter Gibbs Quartet in 1948 as second violin, switching to viola when the original violist left. When they disbanded in 1953, he considered becoming a museum curator, but Pleeth persuaded him to try a new group of musicians. The Allegri String Quartet soon came into being and the following year Ireland picked up a battered Amati viola for the princely sum of 300.

In 1977 he was appointed assistant head of strings at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, sharing a smoke-filled office with the cellist and future BBC producer Eleanor Warren. He continued to play chamber music, including quintets with the Lindsay Quartet. Meanwhile, his 1971 recording of Mozarts Kegelstatt Trio with Jack Brymer (clarinet) and Stephen Bishop (piano) was described by Gramophone magazine as unfailingly beautiful.

Ireland was a splendid craftsman and was still making fine wooden furniture in his mid-nineties. He met the pianist Peggy Gray at the Royal College of Music, when she invited him to play through the Brahms D minor violin sonata. They were married in 1948. She died in 2021 and he is survived by their four children two of whom, Robin and Richard, are professional musicians.

Patrick Ireland, born November 20 1923, died February 14 2024

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The Beijing base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda is set to commence operations in 2025, with 50 giant pandas planned to be introduced, according to the local authorities.

#Giantpanda #Beijing #China #animal #cute #panda #conversation








WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Police have charged a man after they say he attacked cars, and officers, and tried to assault people while being high on drugs.

According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, on Saturday around 7:00 p.m., officers were called to the 500 block of South Main Street when a man, later identified as Christian Roldan, 31, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, began trying to enter, punching cars and attempting to assault people walking-by.

Police say Roldan was reported to have followed a person for several blocks and forced a woman driving in her car with her toddler, to run a red light to stop him from getting into her car.

Rare coroner inquest underway for 54-year-old Luzerne County cold case

Once officers arrived and began to confront Roldan he threatened and fought with them, attempting to wipe his blood on officers, as stated in the affidavit.

According to court documents, Roldan was highly intoxicated on a controlled substance, experiencing paranoia and hallucinations.

Roldan has been charged with aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on a $50,000 bail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a pickup truck Friday night in the Town of Concord, New York State Police announced.

Police said a Ford F250 was traveling southbound just after 8 p.m. on Springville Boston Road when it struck Boston, New York resident Barney N. Spors, 68, who was lying in the roadway. Spors was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and no charges were announced by police.

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.
FILE - A polling judge, right, helps guide a voter's ballot into a voting machine during the Pennsylvania primary election, at Mont Alto United Methodist Church in Alto, Pa., on May 17, 2022. Voter-by-voter electronic election records are not subject to public scrutiny, a Pennsylvania court ruled Monday, March 4, 2024, in a case that began with a request for those records by an election researcher whose work has fueled right-wing attacks on voting procedures. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  Spreadsheets of raw data associated with every ballot cast are not subject to public scrutiny, a Pennsylvania court ruled Monday in a case that began with a request for the cast vote records by an election researcher whose work has fueled right-wing attacks on voting procedures.

Commonwealth Court ruled 5-2 in favor of Secretary of State Al Schmidt, saying that researcher Heather Honey and others were not entitled to the records from Lycoming County for the 2020 General Election.

Pennsylvanias Elections Code says county election records are public except the contents of ballot boxes and voting machines and records of assisted voters. The law does not define voting machines, however.

Honey's October 2021 request under the state's Right-to-Know Law was turned down by the county elections office, a decision upheld by the state Office of Open Records before a Lycoming County judge ruled the public is entitled to the records.

The Commonwealth Court majority ruled Monday that cast vote records are the electronic, modern-day equivalent of all the votes in a traditional ballot box and the optical scanners are considered voting machines under state law.

Because Honey did not live and vote in Lycoming County, she was succeeded in the litigation by three Williamsport area residents  a local businessman, a retired state trooper and Republican state Rep. Joe Hamm.

Their lawyer, Thomas Breth, said Monday a decision had not been made about whether to appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

We respectfully disagree with the majority of the courts interpretation of the Election Code, Breth said.

The county judge said in December 2022 that optical scanners used to record Lycoming votes that had been cast on paper ballots did not qualify as voting machines under state law. The judge said that the contents of ballot boxes or voting machines, information that the law shields from public disclosure, amount to the ballots and the mechanisms of voting machines, rather than information contained in those machines such as electronic data.

Judge Ellen Ceisler's majority opinion concluded that Lycoming's optical scanners "are undoubtedly mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, or electronic components of a voting system that are specifically used for the task of voting, including with regard to the casting and tabulation of votes. Therefore, these devices also fit the generally understood definition of voting machines."

She said it would be absurd if the physical ballots were not available for public inspection but digital analogues of those very same ballots were freely available upon request, as what is special about the ballots is not so much the form which they take, but the voting information which they contain.

Breth said releasing the data would not enable anyone to pierce the secrecy of ballots.

The courts decision, I dont believe, was based upon any theory that you could reverse engineer the data and identify how somebody voted," Breth said.

The Department of State's press office said it was working on a response to the ruling.

In a dissent, Judge Patricia McCullough said the cast vote records don't associate a ballot with a specific voter.

The order of the numbered list of voters does not even correspond to the order in which ballots are cast, McCullough wrote. The only way a person could determine an elector's ordinal position is by personally observing that elector cast his or her ballot.

Honey, who heads the Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based firm Haystack Investigations, had previously likened the cast vote record to a spreadsheet and described it as merely a digital report tallying the results of ballots scanned into a tabulator. The CVR is a report that is prepared after an election from a desktop computer that is not and never was the contents of a ballot box.
Penny Mordaunt has said that she will be selling the iconic caped teal dress she wore to King Charless coronation.

The leader of the House of Commons, 51, was the first woman to present a British monarch with the Sword of Offering at the ceremony last year, and the first woman in history to proclaim a new monarch.

For the occasion, Mordaunt wore a show-stealing teal caped gown, embroidered with a fern motif in a nod to the privy council, designed by luxury ready-to-wear brand Safiyaa. The teal colour, called Poseidon, is a reference to her Portsmouth constituency.

She arrived at the ceremony wearing ballerina flats with studded bows, and later changed into a pair of nude stilettos.

The look went viral on social media with royal fans admiring her ensemble. Who had Penny Mordaunt overshadowing everything on their bingo card? wrote one person on X/Twitter at the time.

In a new interview, the Conservative MP revealed her plans for the outfit, telling The Times: I can never wear it again  unless Im going to a fancy dress party as myself!

She explained that her coronation look was inspired in part by the late Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to be elected speaker of the House of Commons, who was known for her brisk but good-humoured demeanour and glamorous sense of style.

Boothroyd, described by her peers as one of a kind, died aged 93 in February last year, three months before Charles and Camilla were crowned King and Queen.

Penny Mordaunt stole the show at the ceremony last year (Getty Images)

Mordaunt said she had also been influenced by Baroness Helena Kennedy who had advised her to make sure she is looking really good if she wants people to engage with the arguments she is making.

I think sometimes the power of an image, seeing a woman doing a particular role and being strong has a huge impact on the aspirations of young women, Mordaunt said in the 2023 BBC 2 documentary Lives Well Lived.

As Lord President of the Privy Council, Mordaunt was tasked with presenting the 3.6kg jewelled sword to King Charles during his coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, on 6 May 2023.

It was first blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and then taken by the Tory MP to put it in the Kings right hand.

Mordaunt carrying the sword during King Charless coronation (PA)

After being placed on the altar by the Dean of Westminster, the sword was retrieved by Mordaunt and exchanged for redemption money, which she placed on the alms dish held by the Dean.

She then drew the sword and carried it without its sheath before the monarch for the rest of the service, which lasted 51 minutes, much to the admiration of viewers watching the coronation around the world.

Addessing her appearance at the ceremony, Mordaunt later posted a message on X/Twitter to say: Honoured to be part of the #coronation with thousands of others who played their part.

Im very aware that our armed forces, police officers and others have been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep us all safe. In comparison, my job was rather easier.

Huge and heartfelt thanks to all who made this so remarkable. Im so proud of you all and the King and Queen today.

Mordaunt confirmed that proceeds from the sale of the dress would help raise money to fund projects in her own Portsmouth constituency.

It struck me it ought to do some good, she said. Its such an iconic dress that it ought to go on and do some other good things.
Editors note: This report contains discussion of suicide. Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, texting 838255 or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.

The Pentagons independent watchdog is looking into the Navys efforts to prevent and respond to suicides, according to a project announcement posted Tuesday.

The review follows an internal Navy audit spurred by two clusters of suicides within the same command during 2022.

The project began in February, according to the announcement, and will assess whether the Navy effectively took actions to prevent and respond to incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members of the Navy assigned to sea duty or shore duty, according to the announcement.

It will include site visits to Norfolk Naval Air Station, Virginia; Naval Base San Diego, California; Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton, Washington; and Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The Navys suicide rate in 2022, the most recent year for which complete data is available, was 20.6-per-100,000, lower than the Armys 29-per-100,000 and the Marine Corps 35-per-100,000, and just slightly above the Air Forces 19.7-per-100,000.

Those numbers include at least three suicide deaths by sailors assigned to the carrier George Washington in spring 2022, as well as four suicides at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center later that year

Audit: Navy has failed to properly run suicide prevention program

A year ago, the Naval Audit Service released a report of its findings that the 21st Century Sailor Office, the Navys hub for quality-of-life policy, was not tracking reports of suicidal ideations and suicide attempts alongside completed suicides, hampering the services ability to create strategies and policy.

It also found that some of the selected commands reviewed couldnt confirm whether all of their sailors received required annual suicide prevention training, or didnt have required crisis response plans in place.
Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty on Monday to leaking highly classified military documents about the war in Ukraine and other national security secrets under a deal with prosecutors that calls for him to serve at least 11 years in prison.

Teixeira, of North Dighton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act nearly a year after he was arrested in the most consequential national security leak in years.

The 22-year-old admitted illegally collecting some of the nations most sensitive secrets and sharing them with other users on Discord, a social media platform popular with people playing online games.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for September in Bostons federal court and said she would decide then whether to formally accept the agreement, which calls for a prison sentence between 11 and nearly 17 years. Prosecutors said they plan to seek the high end of that range.

Mr. Teixeira callously disregarded the national security of the United States and he betrayed his solemn oath to defend the country and the trust of the American people he swore to protect, Matt Olsen, assistant attorney general for national security, told reporters after the hearing.

The stunning security breach raised alarm over Americas ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets and forced the Biden administration to scramble to try to contain diplomatic and military fallout. The leaks embarrassed the Pentagon, which tightened controls to safeguard classified information and disciplined members found to have intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeiras suspicious behavior.

Teixeira smiled at his father before being led out of the courtroom with his hands and legs shackled, wearing orange jail garb and black rosary beads around his neck. He stood flanked by defense attorneys through much of the hearing and occasionally leaned down to speak into the microphone to answer questions from the judge.

Michael Bachrach, an attorney for Teixeira, told reporters they will push for a sentence of 11 years. Bachrach described Teixeira as a kid, adding that the defense will show at sentencing that his youth played a significant role in his conduct.

He is significantly remorseful for his conduct. He has accepted full responsibility for his conduct, Bachrach said.

In an emailed statement, Teixeiras family said: It is unfathomable to think your child would ever be involved in something so serious, but he has taken responsibility for his part in this, and here we are.

Our focus now remains on Jack  his protection, health, and well-being, and taking care of whatever is in his best interest, they said.

Teixeira, who was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, worked as a cyber transport systems specialist, essentially an information technology specialist responsible for military communications networks. He remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, an Air Force official said.

Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings. Prosecutors also said he tried to cover his tracks before his arrest, and authorities found a smashed tablet, laptop and Xbox gaming console in a dumpster at his house.

The leak exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russias war in Ukraine, including information about troop movements in Ukraine and the provision of supplies and equipment to Ukrainian troops. Teixeira also admitted posting information about a U.S. adversarys plans to harm U.S. forces serving overseas.

Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy told reporters Monday he would not speculate on Teixeiras motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy.

In exchange for Teixeiras guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to charge him with further Espionage Act violations. As part of the deal, Teixeira must participate in a debrief with members of the intelligence community, the Defense Department and the Justice Department about the leaks.

Teixeira has been behind bars since his April arrest. The judge denied his request for release from jail last year after prosecutors revealed he had a history of violent rhetoric and warned that U.S. adversaries who might be interested in mining Teixeira for information could facilitate his escape.

Prosecutors have said Teixeira continued to leak government secrets even after he was warned by superiors about mishandling and improper viewing of classified information. In one instance, Teixeira was seen taking notes on intelligence information and putting them in his pocket.

The Air Force inspector general found that members intentionally failed to report the full details of Teixeiras unauthorized intelligence-seeking because they thought security officials might overreact. For example, while Teixeira was confronted about the notes, there was no follow-up to ensure the notes had been shredded and the incident was not reported to security officers.

It was not until a January 2023 incident that the appropriate security officials were notified, but even then security officials were not briefed on the full scope of the violations.
Former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty on Monday to all six charges against him for leaking top-secret military information online.

The signed plea deal reveals that federal prosecutors intend to seek a 16-year prison sentence for Teixeira, which he has agreed to accept. Hed previously pleaded not guilty to the six charges and faced a sentence of 30 years to life.

Alleged Intel Leaker Said He Wanted to Kill a Fuck Ton of People: Prosecutors

The plea agreement also stipulates that Teixeira must sit for a satisfactory debrief with the Department of Defense, Justice Department, and members of the Intelligence Community about his actions. He must also hand over any relevant documents that he may have retained or has knowledge of to the government.

In striking the deal, Teixeira will not be charged with additional counts under the Espionage Act.

Teixeira used his high-level security clearance as a cyber transport systems specialist to access classified information well beyond what was needed for his job, which he then posted online.

As early as February 2022, he leaked sensitive intelligence on the social media platform Discord about North Korea, Israel, and Russias ongoing war in Ukraine.

Some leaked material featured assessments of military actions, troop movements, and details of arms shipmentsputting fellow soldiers lives at risk in addition to jeopardizing strategic planning.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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South Carolina state legislators recently filed new bills to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) in state law after Alabamas Supreme Court ruled embryos created by IVF should be legally protected as children.

The ruling came from a court case where two couples sued when their frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed.

After the ruling in Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system paused infertility treatments.

The ruling from Alabama reverberated through neighboring states, where residents wondered if their state was next to prevent IVF, an infertility treatment.

Now, SC lawmakers are trying to ensure that does not happen here.

State Rep Chandra Dillard of District 23 in Greenville County during a session in the South Carolina House of Representatives of the State Capitol in Columbia, S.C. Monday, June 21, 2021.

The bills, filed in the South Carolina House and Senate, come from a bipartisan group of state lawmakers.

Its not a Democrat or Republican issue, South Carolina Rep. Chandra Dillard, a Democrat representing Greenville, told The Greenville News on Friday. People want to have babies, and this is sometimes the only alternative for conceiving.

The House Bill states that fertilized human eggs or human embryos existing outside of the uterus should not be considered an unborn child or any term that connotes a human being.

The following SC representatives are sponsoring the bill:

Kambrell Garvin, (Democrat, District 77)

Heather Bauer (Democrat, District 75)

Beth Bernstein (Democrat, District 78)

Gilda Cobb-Hunter (Democrat, District 95)

Chandra Dillard (Democrat, District 23)

Gil Gatch (Republican, District 94)

Wendell Gilliard (Democrat, District 111)

Pat Henegan (Democrat, District 54)

Wendell Jones (Democrat, District 25)

Jermaine Johnson (Democrat, District 70)

Gary Brewer (Republican, District 114)

Michael Rivers (Democrat, District 121)

Jerry Carter (Republican, District 3)

John King (Democrat, District 49)

Seth Rose (Democrat, District 72)

Leon Stravinakis (Democrat, District 119)

Ivory Thigpen (Democrat, District 79)

The Senate bill protects IVF by adding if patients choose to preserve eggs, sperm or fertilized embryos, a practitioner must provide for appropriate preservation. Senators Margie Matthews (Democrat, District 45), Brad Hutto (Democrat, District 40), Tameika Devine (Democrat, District 19), Penry Gustafon (Republican, District 27), Tom Davis (Republican, District 46), and Mia McLeod (Independent, District 22) are sponsoring the bill.

South Carolinas abortion law, which outlaws the procedure at around six weeks of pregnancy, does not mention anything about IVF procedures. But, the abortion ban does define an unborn child as means an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from conception until live birth.

We are committed to protecting IVF so that what happened in Alabama will not happen to South Carolina families, The South Carolina House Democrats X account, formerly known as Twitter, posted.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC lawmakers introduce bills with bipartisan support to protect IVF
The stars and director of the new BET+ series Perimeter are bringing viewers back to 90s Atlanta.

Directed by Maxines Baby: The Tyler Perry Story co-director Armani Ortiz, Perimeter follows interconnected stories of people living and loving in Atlanta, during the time of the citys explosion onto the modern cultural scene. Trey Mangum, Blavity/Shadow and Acts managing editor, talked with stars Ava Monet, Tatyana Ali and Ortiz about what fans can expect.

Ortiz said his inspiration was his own journey into the history of Atlanta.

Im originally from New York and when I moved down to Atlanta, we were working on the Tyler Perry documentary and I started doing research on Atlanta and seeing all these little pockets of culture and how in the 90s it was starting to form into the beautiful city that it is today, he said. It has a long history of Black [mayors] and the Olympics were right around the corner in 1996. With the drug game and the epidemic that was happening in New York and in Atlanta as well, all of these things were hitting at the early 90s. I was like, Wow, I cant believe no one has ever made a series or a movie about this, especially in the early 90s.'

Watch the full interview below. Perimeter is now streaming on BET+. Heres more about the series from the synopsis.

In Atlanta, in the 1990s a complex web of personal stories unfolds. Paige, a promising Spelman sophomore, veers off her path to success when she falls for a bad boy just before the pivotal Freaknik event. Adulthood disrupts their lives, pulling Paige, her long-term boyfriend Malcolm, and newcomer Romeo into a series of challenges. Amidst Atlantas global Olympic spotlight, eventual mayor Robert Dawns rise to power comes at the price of personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas. These interconnected stories set off a transformative chain reaction in the city, echoing Dantes words: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
The white trailer blends into the winter landscape at SKB Environmental's landfill in Rosemount, but inside, machinery is working to capture one of the most pervasive environmental pollutants of our time.

The landfill is the final stop for industrial waste, incinerator ash, and demolition garbage, where all of that material is mixed into massive, lined cells. Like in every landfill, moisture in the trash that's trucked in mixes with rainfall and collects into a polluted soup known as leachate.

SKB is experimenting with filtering PFAS chemicals out of that liquid. The leachate is pumped inside the trailer, where it travels through several tanks that repeatedly froth it up. These chemicals bubble into a super-concentrated foam  much like soap would. Then that foam is siphoned off, and the cleaned water continues on to a sewage plant.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are thousands of chemicals used to make frying pans nonstick, clothes and carpets stain resistant, and even to snuff out dangerous fires. The chemicals' almost unbreakable carbon-fluorine bonds make them useful, but also ensure they don't break down. They have been found in the environment across the globe, including in the bodies of people and animals.

Growing research also shows that these chemicals are toxic, linked to some cancers and reproductive, developmental and immune system issues.

In the past few years, regulation of these chemicals is finally starting to catch up  the EPA set new limits for six PFAS in drinking water last year, and the private startups are racing to find a way to destroy them. But decades' worth of the compounds are sitting in landfills right now  presenting a new contaminant to handle for waste handlers who didn't create the pollution, but now find themselves awash in it.

Researchers are still trying to understand whether the chemicals are also escaping into the air, whether through gasses from landfills, aeration in wastewater treatment and the emissions from incinerators, said Detlef Knappe, a professor of environmental engineering at North Carolina State University.

A few waste companies are trying to get ahead of the curve now. Ryan O'Gara, government affairs manager at SKB, said the company is expecting a future where new regulations would force the waste industry to reckon with the PFAS that are flowing through it.

"We might as well be on the leading edge of it, as opposed to trying to catch up later," O'Gara said.

And at the company's Rosemount landfill, early tests are showing some promising results. Tests of the filtered leachate show that the process is capturing nearly all of two of the oldest  and most toxic  forms of these chemicals, said James Locurto, a project manager with the landfill's contractor, Sanexen Altra.

Eventually, Locurto's company hopes to treat 72,000 gallons of leachate a day.

Stopping the source

It's little surprise that PFAS are ending up in our waste. For years, the chemicals have been used in food containers, clothes, carpeting, cookware, cosmetics and even some medicines, all of which can end up in garbage cans.

There's hope now that a wide-ranging PFAS ban that Minnesota passed last year, the strictest so far, will help lessen the burden. By 2032, almost everything sold in the state will have to be free of the chemicals. Some of the most common products that use PFAS must comply as early as 2025, including makeup, clothing, home textiles and cookware.

The federal government is also making slow strides  the Food and Drug Administration announced Feb. 28 that PFAS had been voluntarily phased out of paper and cardboard food packaging in the U.S.

In Minnesota, the waste industry has supported these moves, hoping it would reduce their own burden down the line.

In historic cases where waste operations haven't been properly managed, the costs have been severe.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has found that 100 closed landfills are leaking some amount of the chemicals  and in the worst case, groundwater contamination was 1,000 times worse than the state's limit.

For the most part, drinking water has not been affected, but MPCA does provide bottled water to three families whose well water has been contaminated by PFOA from landfills, an agency spokesman said.

Tested technology

In Rosemount, SKB plans to test not only its filtering system  known as foam fractionation  but also several technologies that claim to either lock up or destroy PFAS. In one case, it will try to use concentrated PFAS liquid to cure concrete that would go back into the landfill.

The science of PFAS destruction is still developing, in a technological race that could spur a lucrative industry.

But in another part of the state, waste handlers are relying on older technology.

In St. Louis County in northern Minnesota, where Dave Fink manages environmental services for the rural areas outside of Duluth, the options seemed stark. The county landfill serves a large, rural section of Minnesota's biggest county. It's one of eight counties across the state that spray their treated landfill leachate directly onto fields.

That leachate filters directly down into groundwater, and faces some of the strictest state pollution rules, Fink said. But none of them addressed PFAS, and sending the liquid to a sewage plant in nearby Duluth would do little, ultimately depositing the chemicals into Lake Superior.

"We wanted to do our part to keep [our] fraction of the wastewater out of Lake Superior," Fink said. "And we knew we could."

Knappe said that in many cases, landfill leachate has a higher concentration of PFAS than wastewater, but the higher volume of effluent coming out of a sewage plant usually makes it a more consequential source of the chemicals to the environment.

In general, the wastewater industry says it's too expensive and not technologically possible to filter all their material for PFAS. Minnesota estimated last year that it would cost between $14 billion and $28 billion over two decades to filter out all the PFAS that flows to sewage plants.

Building the future

Instead of relying on a sewage plant, St. Louis County is building its own facility, on a much smaller scale. It will use two older technologies  granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis  to filter the PFAS out of leachate, and then take the concentrated liquid that remains and put it back in the landfill.

The hope is to create a "closed loop" for the chemicals, and keep them contained, rather than spraying them onto a field or letting them flow into Lake Superior. If new methods to destroy or trap PFAS end up working, there will be room in the new building to install them, Fink said.

Knappe said that for the smaller volume of liquids that landfills produce, this loop might work for now. But a few of the new destruction technologies that use high pressure in their process "have really strong potential to succeed," based on some early published research.

The new treatment plant will be built for between $15 million and $17 million, with a combination of state, county and federal American Rescue Plan funds. That's part of why St. Louis County is using well-worn filtration methods  the federal dollars require the plant to be running by 2026, so the technology needs to be ready.

The hope, Fink said, is that the investment will serve the waste system for years to come, even beyond PFAS. "We're hoping to capture the next contaminants of concern that come down the pike," he said.

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. Sign up to republish stories like this one for free.
This photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows a Chinese airplane C919 at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. Chinese airplanes C919 and ARJ21 developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) on Monday arrived in Laos for a static display and demonstration flight.

The two jetliners flew from Singapore to Vietnam, and then to Laos, after finishing the Singapore Airshow 2024 where they made their first airshow appearances outside China. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese airplanes C919 and ARJ21 developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) on Monday arrived in Laos for a static display and demonstration flight.

The two jetliners flew from Singapore to Vietnam, and then to Laos, after finishing the Singapore Airshow 2024 where they made their first airshow appearances outside China.

Managing Director of Lao Airlines, Khamla Phommavanh, said "I am happy and honored to attend today's displays of C919 and ARJ21."

He noted that the two jetliners are high-standard aircraft with international safety standards, coupled with a comfortable interior and durable exterior design.

ARJ21-700 is a twin-engine jet with a maximum of 90 seats while the C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft with a maximum capacity of 192 seats.

ARJ21 will also conduct demonstration flights on the round-trip route from Vientiane to the tourist city of Luang Prabang. 

This photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows the interior view of a Chinese airplane C919 at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. Chinese airplanes C919 and ARJ21 developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) on Monday arrived in Laos for a static display and demonstration flight.

The two jetliners flew from Singapore to Vietnam, and then to Laos, after finishing the Singapore Airshow 2024 where they made their first airshow appearances outside China. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows a Chinese airplane ARJ21 at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. Chinese airplanes C919 and ARJ21 developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) on Monday arrived in Laos for a static display and demonstration flight.

The two jetliners flew from Singapore to Vietnam, and then to Laos, after finishing the Singapore Airshow 2024 where they made their first airshow appearances outside China. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Philadelphias executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs and her husband were arrested over the weekend in a video the mayor described as "very concerning."

"A Pennsylvania State Police Trooper executed a car stop on the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia, reportedly for a Motor Vehicle Code violation. Celena Morrison, the Citys executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, was in the vehicle that was stopped," Mayor Cherelle Parker posted on X Saturday.

"A video circulating on social media that depicts a portion of the incident is very concerning to me, and I will have no further comment until the investigation has been completed," she added.

Video footage posted to social media and reportedly recoreded by Morrison shows a Pennsylvania State Trooper standing over Morrisons husband, identified as Darius McLean, on the shoulder of I-76 as Morrison shouts, "Thats my husband!"

PA DEMOCRAT CHERELLE PARKER MAKES HISTORY AS PHILADELPHIA'S 100TH MAYOR, FIRST WOMAN TO HOLD THE POSITION

"Put your hands behind your back," the trooper is seen shouting at McLean as he is on the ground.

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"They are," McLean responded.

Morrison is heard in the background telling the officer that she works "for the mayor" and for the trooper to "stop."

"That is my husband  Don't worry about it. I'm gonna get his ... I work for the mayor. No. I work for the mayor. I work for the mayor, Please just stop!"

Morrison is believed to be the first openly transgender individual to lead a city office in Philadelphia and was appointed to the position under former Mayor Jim Kenney in 2020. She remained in the role following the election of Parker, who was sworn in as mayor in January of this year.

DEMOCRAT CHERELLE PARKER WINS PHILADELPHIA'S MAYORAL PRIMARY

Philadelphia's mayor said footage showing the arrest of Celena Morrison and her husband was "very concerning."

Morrisons husband serves as director of the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center and chief operating officer of a Philadelphia-based nonprofit William Way LGBT Community Center.

State police released a press release over the weekend detailing that a trooper pulled Morrison over after observing "multiple vehicle code violations" for her gray Infiniti sedan. The violations included illegally tinted windows, an expired and suspended car registration and that the headlights on the vehicle were not on despite it raining on Saturday morning, police told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Before the trooper was able to make contact with Morrison, a green Dodge sedan pulled up and parked behind the troopers vehicle, according to the press release.

McLean was operating the green Dodge, according to local media, with the press release outlining that the driver of the Dodge "became verbally combative toward the trooper." The press release does not identify McLean or Morrison by name.

CRISIS IN KENSINGTON: PHILLYS NEW LEADERS VOW TO 'DISMANTLE' INFAMOUS OPEN-AIR DRUG MARKET. WILL IT WORK?

McLean "refused multiple lawful orders" during the interaction with the trooper and the officer then attempted to arrest McLean. Police said McLean resisted arrest multiple times, with Morrison then leaving the Infinity and "interfered" with the troopers arrest.

"Both individuals were arrested for resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, and other related charges," state police said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Morrison's office, as well as McLean, for comment on the matter, but did not immediately receive responses.

"Please just stop," McLean is heard saying in footage of the scene. "Its because Im Black."

SUSPECT WHO FLED POLICE OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL GETS ARRESTED MORE THAN 200 MILES AWAY

"Its not cause youre Black," the trooper responded.

"Yes it is," Morrison is heard saying off camera.

Footage showing the arrest of Darius McLean in Philadelphia.

McLean was handcuffed, and the trooper was seen approaching Morrison and telling her to turn around.

"Give me your hand or youre getting tased!" the trooper said.

WILD VIDEO IN PHILADELPHIA SHOWS HORSE RUNNING ALONG INTERSTATE-95

"I dont know why this is happening," Morrison said. "We aint done nothing wrong."

"He just punched me," Morrison is heard saying.

A spokesman for the mayors office said the newly-minted mayor does not have any additional comment to include on the matter, and that the case is in the hands of the Pennsylvania State Police. State police directed Fox News Digital to its weekend press release when called Monday morning, saying no additional details were available at the time.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order declaring a public safety emergency on Tuesday and directed police in the city to develop "comprehensive plans" that address crime throughout the city.

The couple was detained and later released Saturday evening. The district attorneys office said they have not made any decision on potential charges until a thorough investigation is carried out.

"As our office continues to investigate all aspects of the incident on the Vine Street Expressway on Saturday, we encourage members of the public who have truthful information about this incident to contact the DA's Special Investigations Unit at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or 215-686-9608," the DA's office said in a statement.





Original article source: Philadelphia's LGBT office chief arrested in video mayor calls 'very concerning'
The President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Lowy Institute during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday that he had no choice but to defend his countrys territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression and illegal actions in pursuit of Beijing's own territorial claims.

It is unfortunate that despite the clarity provided by international law, provocative, unilateral and illegal actions continue to infringe upon our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdictions, Marcos told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in the Australian city of Melbourne.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, which is one of the worlds most crucial waterways for shipping. That has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, which all maintain claims to islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

Marcos, who is attending a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Melbourne, said standing up to China in the South China Sea was not a policy choice.

We simply have no choice. We must defend the territory of the republic. That is a primordial duty of a leader, Marcos said. The territorial integrity of the Philippines cannot be threatened, and if threats are made, then we must defend against those threats."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the Philippines of taking provocative action in the South China Sea and undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the laws to safeguard its sovereignty and interests, she said. There is no so-called Chinese harassment of the Philippine ships.

Earlier on Monday, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo urged regional neighbors to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China has constructed garrisons on several artificial islands in a bid to fortify its claims.

The Philippines has accused China of deploying coast guard ships and civilian vessels to block fishermen's access to reefs and corals and prevent resupply of its troops.

Both Marcos and Manalo referred to the Philippines legal victory over China in a 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, that invalidated Beijings vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept the ruling.

The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all, Manalo said. It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalos comments, saying the nine ASEAN member states represented at the Melbourne summit need to nurture and protect agreed rules, uphold international law, prevent conflict and build strategic trust.

We know that a major conflict in our region would be devastating to our communities and economies, as the terrible conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown, she added.

She announced that Australia would spend 40 million Australian dollars ($26 million) on enhancing its maritime partnerships in the region aimed at both security and prosperity.

Australia and the Philippines, conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China will maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.

____

Associated Press video producer Caroline Chen in Beijing contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his nation will pursue bilateral engagements with China to resolve their dispute in the South China Sea, even as he rebuked aggression in the contested waters and defended deepening ties with the US.

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We are determined to make our bilateral mechanisms with China work, and we will leverage our bilateral mechanisms with other claimant states towards the peaceful management of disputes, Marcos said in a speech from Melbourne hosted by the Lowy Institute.

The Philippine leader, however, criticized in the same address the pattern of aggression in the South China Sea. He also defended his countrys deepening alliance with US which he described as a pillar of stability in the region, while denying that Manila is just following Washingtons orders.

Why China, Philippines Keep Clashing at Sea and What Comes Next

Ties between China and the Philippines have been strained in the past year as they assert their overlapping claims to the sea that serves as a vital trade route and holds energy potential. At the same time, Marcoss government is moving to bolster both defense and economic ties with the US.

Marcos is also in Melbourne for a three-day summit as leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations commemorate 50 years of relations between Australia and the regional bloc.

--With assistance from Cliff Venzon.

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Philadelphias head of LGBT affairs and her husband were arrested by a state trooper Saturday, in what the mayor is calling a very concerning, interaction, according to a video circulating on social media, which was confirmed by police.

Celena Morrison, executive director of the Citys Office of LGBT Affairs, recorded a portion of the arrest of her husband, Darius McLean, on the Vine Street Expressway, her sister told CNN on Sunday.

Morrison can be heard on the video repeatedly saying, that is my husband, as McLean is on the ground.

Morrison can then be heard saying, I work for the mayor.

Its cause Im Black, McLean says in the video.

The unnamed trooper responds, Its not cause youre Black.

The officer shown in the video then walks toward Morrison and the camera goes unstable.

A police report of the Saturday incident said the two individuals were both resisting arrest at the time of the traffic stop.

The unnamed state trooper seen in the video initiated the traffic stop for the driver of a gray Infiniti sedan, according to the report, due to multiple Vehicle Code violations. A green Dodge sedan pulled up and parked behind the troopers vehicle shortly thereafter.

The person driving the Dodge became verbally combative when the trooper approached, the report said.

The individual refused multiple lawful orders made by the trooper and the trooper subsequently attempted to place the individual under arrest. The individual resisted arrest on multiple occasions, the report said.

The driver of the Infiniti then began interfering with the arrest of the driver of the Dodge, the report said.

Both individuals were subsequently arrested for Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice, Disorderly Conduct and other related charges, the report said.

The report does not list Morrison or McLean by name.

LaTasha Morrison Sinclair, Morrisons sister, posted the arrest video on Facebook. The video is no longer public as of Sunday afternoon. It is unclear whether Facebook or Sinclair took the video down.

State police are not releasing the name of the trooper in the video at this time. The trooper is on restricted duty status and will not be on patrol during the investigation, according to Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Myles Snyder.

They also said the incident was recorded by a dashboard camera in the troopers vehicle.

They also said the incident was recorded by a dashboard camera in the troopers vehicle.

CNN has reached out to Facebook, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and Morrison for comment.

Joe Grace, the communications director for the mayors office, said, please  give our City official some time and space.

On Saturday, Mayor Cherelle Parker called the interaction very concerning.

Earlier today, a Pennsylvania State Police trooper executed a car stop on the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia, reportedly for a Motor Vehicle Code violation.

Celena Morrison, the Citys executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, was in the vehicle that was stopped, Parker said.

A video circulating on social media that depicts a portion of the incident is very concerning to me, and I will have no further comment until the investigation has been completed.

A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police said Sunday its office is still investigating.

Several misdemeanor and summary charges were filed but initially declined by the Philadelphia DA Office pending additional review of the incident, Snyder said Sunday. Multiple traffic violations to include expired/suspended registration, following too closely.

A spokesperson with the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said no charges have been filed as a result of the incident but the investigation is ongoing.

The District Attorneys Office has made no charging decision pending a thorough, even-handed investigation. As our office continues to investigate all aspects of the incident on the Vine Street Expressway on Saturday, we encourage members of the public who have truthful information about this incident to contact the DAs Special Investigations Unit at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or 215-686-9608.

As this is an active and ongoing investigation, we have no additional comment at this time, the spokesperson added.

CNNs Caroll Alvarado contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
"I hate how China controls all of our politicians. They make them go touch the Great Wall of China and swear allegiance to the CCP," reads the caption of a photo collage shared on an Australia-based Facebook page on February 20.

The collage shows former US presidents Obama, Trump, Clinton and Bush touching a wall. All four appear to wear what seems to be a red conical hat (archived link).

Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on February 28, 2024

The collage was also shared over 1,500 times with the false claim in social media posts in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and the United States.

Some social media users responded to the posts with laughing emojis while comments from others suggest they believed the claim.

"That's manipulation, I hate it," another comment read.

"Many members of Congress and government officials are also citizens of China. Many states have passed laws against criticizing China," another said.

Relations between the United States and China have been fraught for years, with conflicts simmering over a gamut of issues, including trade, alleged espionage, human rights and foreign policy.

Tensions have eased markedly in the last year after a series of high-level meetings between US and Chinese officials, including a summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Misused photos

Reverse image and keyword searches on Google and TinEye found the pictures were actually taken in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the holiest place where Jews can pray.

The pictures were also altered to insert images of the red conical hats on the heads of the four former US leaders.

Obama's photo was published by American media company Getty Images on July 24, 2008 (archived link).

Its caption says it was a handout photo provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It adds the picture shows Obama, then the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, placing a note between the ancient stones of the Western Wall.

AFP also published a similar photo of Obama.

Below is a screenshot comparison between the image in the false posts (left) and the picture from Getty Images (right) with similar features highlighted:

Trump's photo was originally published by AFP on May 22, 2017. Trump became the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall, AFP reported at the time.

Below is a screenshot comparison of Trump's image in the collage (left) and the AFP picture (right) with the similarities highlighted:

Clinton's picture is from Reuters news agency. Its caption says it shows the former president touching the Western Wall when he visited on November 15, 2009 (archived link).

The screenshot comparison below between the falsely shared image (left) and the original Reuters photo (right) highlights the matching elements:

Finally, the photo of Bush previously appeared in an article by American magazine Slate on April 17, 2002. The report said the picture shows Bush at the Western Wall in 1998 (archived link).

AFP reported Bush visited Jerusalem in November 1998 when he was Texas governor.

Below is a screenshot comparison between the image in the collage (left) and the picture published by State (right) with corresponding features highlighted:

Obama visited the Great Wall of China in November 2009, Clinton in June 1998 and Bush in February 2002, photos on the AFP Forum website show.

Trump jetted off to a summit in Vietnam after his state visit to China in November 2017 while his wife Melania stayed behind and hiked the Great Wall, AFP previously reported.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man will spend the rest of his life in state prison after reaching a plea agreement in a pair of 2022 murder cases.

Graylon Lindsey, 24, had been scheduled to go to trial this week for a murder in the Fairground neighborhood and another in Carondelet.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office initially charged Lindsey with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. However, prosecutors amended the charges to second-degree murder and dropped the armed criminal action charges in exchange for Lindseys plea.

A St. Louis Circuit Court judge immediately sentenced Lindsey to two concurrent life terms in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

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Lindsey admitted in court to killing Arriell Dixon and Kyrierah Jeffries.

Dixon was shot on the morning of May 5, 2022, in the 4200 block of Obear Avenue. She called 911 after being shot and provided dispatchers with a description of Lindsey and the car he was driving. Dixon died at the scene with gunshot wounds to her neck and arm. She was 25.

Jeffries was killed on the afternoon of May 14, 2022, in the 5900 block of Minnesota Avenue. Police found the teen outside a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Jeffries was 16.

Investigators later linked a Nissan spotted near Dixons murder to Lindsey.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
NEW DELHI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The government of Delhi on Monday announced a scheme to provide monthly financial assistance of 1,000 rupees (about 12 U.S. dollars) to all women aged 18 and above in the Indian capital territory.

The announcement was made by Delhi's finance minister Atishi Marlena during her presentation of the budget for FY2024-25 at the Delhi assembly.

To qualify for this scheme, a woman aged 18 and over should also be a registered voter in Delhi while being not a government employee, income taxpayer or beneficiary of any other pension scheme. 
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  Shooting pledges with air guns, making them eat butter with dirt on it and making them drink bong water led to a Coastal Carolina University fraternitys five-year suspension, according to an investigative report obtained by News13.

The fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho, was suspended in January through 2028 after an October 2022 hazing incident.

The hazing violations were reported to the university on March 29, 2023. It was reported that in the evening hours of Oct. 10, 2022, into the early morning hours of Oct. 11, a first-year student pledging the fraternity was injured after being shot multiple times with an air gun as part of the groups initiation process.

According to a report News13 obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, about six pledges went to a fraternity house off campus on Oct. 10 to prepare for an exam about the fraternitys history.

Later in the evening, the pledges were lined up and each were asked questions about the upcoming exam, according to the report. Initially, if one of them answered incorrectly, they were told to lay in the dirt or do pushups.

Eventually, the punishments escalated to the fraternity members shooting the pledges with air guns, including a first-year pledge who was shot twice in the head, twice in the stomach and multiple times in the back, the report said. That student sought medical attention in the following days for headaches and hearing difficulty.

Shortly after, he received texts from some of the fraternity members, including one who allegedly told him to keep the frats name out of your mouth, according to the report. The pledge withdrew from the university on Jan. 9, 2023, for medical reasons.

The university last April asked the Cozen OConnor law firm to investigate the hazing allegations, the report said. Between May 31 and Oct. 6, investigators interviewed 23 people, including current and former students, the universitys Fall 2022 director of Greek life, a Department of Public Safety officer, Fall 2022 employees of the Dean of Students Office and the director of communication and development of the Fraternity National Chapter.

An interview with one of the witnesses, a former pledge who was at the fraternity house that night, said he wasnt shot, but that the pledge who was shot was laughing every time he answered a question incorrectly, which made the fraternity brothers more and more angry, according to the report.

It seemed more like them taking their anger out versus trying to teach someone something, he said in the interview.

The student during his interview with investigators also shed light on other alleged hazing activities in the fraternity, including having to eat a stick of butter rolled in dirt and drinking bong water.

The student told investigators that one pledge was messing up the answers pretty badly and that the punishments initially started as just pushups. A fraternity member then gave the pledge bong water and told him to drink it.

The student recalled the pledge going over to the side of the house and it sounded like he threw up, according to the interview. The student said the pledge came back looking pale and visibly disgusted.

School leaders slapped the fraternity with an interim suspension two days after the investigation began March 29. Those findings were submitted to CCU on Oct. 24 and confirmed that hazing took place. Alpha Chi Rho appealed the decision on Nov. 17, and it was later denied on Jan. 3.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
A Swedish JAS Gripen fighter jet stands next to an U.S. plane at Kallax Air Base

A Swedish JAS Gripen fighter jet stands next to an U.S. plane at Kallax Air Base

BODOE, Norway/LULEA, Sweden (Reuters) - Swedish armed forces joined NATO for exercises on Monday, contributing troops, helicopters and fighter jets as the alliance carries out its largest set of military drills since the end of the Cold War.

Sweden is poised to join NATO, possibly within days, after gaining the final outstanding ratification last week.

The exercises - involving over 20,000 troops from more than a dozen countries - are taking place in a high north being transformed by the accession of Sweden and Finland, who turned their backs on long histories of non-alignment after Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago.

In Bodoe in northern Norway, U.S. and Norwegian F-35s joined Finnish F-18s and Swedish Gripen fighter jets flying low across the sky above Camp Bodin military base, part of a first test of a joint Nordic air operations centre, a key part of the drills.

"The new concept now is that we try to integrate even further and that is possible because of the new NATO membership of Finland and the Swedish NATO membership shortly to come," said Major General Rolf Folland, Norwegian Air Force Chief and head of the new centre.

"Then the last hindrance for total integration is taken away and that makes it possible for us to be able to work as one air power in peacetime, crisis and war."

More than 300 officers and specialists are working to coordinate and control the aircraft taking part in the exercises, about half of them temporarily operating from Camp Bodin.

The drills in the far north of Norway, Sweden and Finland are part of the alliance's overarching Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises rehearsing how U.S. troops could reinforce European allies on NATO's eastern flank and put new regional defence plans to the test.

About 90,000 troops are due to join the wider NATO exercises running through May that include more than 50 ships as well as planes, tanks and other armoured vehicles.

NORDIC FLEET

Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark agreed last year to begin creating a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia.

Integrating the Nordic air forces will create a regional fleet of around 250 fighters, on par with that of a military power such as Britain, offering credible deterrence against would-be attackers.

"This is going to be a massive contribution in terms of air power and control of the skies over the entire Baltic, Nordic, high north region," said William Alberque at International Institute for Strategic Studies, a leading research center.

Sweden, which has not been at war in two centuries, has edged ever closer to NATO in recent decades - in part because its own military was scaled back after the Soviet Union's collapse - taking part in missions in places such as Libya.

"We have a lot of strengths when it comes to operating and connecting our systems together and we can bring that to the Nordic nations and to NATO," said Major General Jonas Wikman, chief of the Swedish Air Force.

Among Sweden's strengths are a fleet of Gripens, a rugged fighter that can be readied for new missions minutes after landing and operate from small temporary air strips, a capability generating interest among allies.

"Right now, both NATO and the U.S. are looking quite a bit at Sweden and Finland," Colonel Peter Greberg, commander of the Swedish Air Force's 21st wing, said on the sidelines of a demonstration of the jet in Lulea, in northern Sweden.

"I had a NATO general here last week who visited us precisely to look at this concept."

Sweden's armed forces may well face the prospect of joining NATO before the current exercises are actually over. "I have a bottle of champagne ready to pop whenever the membership is granted," Norwegian Air Force chief Folland said.

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has criticized meetings between the foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Peter Szijjarto and Juraj Blanar, and their Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The meetings, which took place on the fringes of a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, at the weekend were "not just an expression of good or bad taste. This is another sign from the Hungarian government that we find difficult to accept for moral and political reasons," Tusk said on Monday after a meeting in Vilnius with his Lithuanian counterpart Ingrida Simonyte, who for her part spoke of a "regrettable choice."

"Our colleagues in Bratislava and Budapest prove once again that our opinions on certain issues are too different. The same can be said about Russia and its military actions in Ukraine," Tusk said, according to the BNS agency.

He said that at the most recent summit of the so-called Visegrad Group a few days ago, he had formed "his own impression" of the political leaders' attitude towards Russia. "These are not optimistic observations or an optimistic opinion," the Polish Prime Minister said.

The Visegrad Group is an informal association of Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The four EU and NATO countries have differing views on the all-out war of aggression that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for two years.
(Bloomberg) -- Poland will call on the European Commission to impose a full ban on imports of food products from Russia and Belarus in a bid to increase the regions security and protect farmers, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

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I am convinced that a joint European decision will be more efficient than individual decisions of countries in the region, Tusk said during a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart, Ingrida Simonyte, on Monday in Vilnius, adding that he would put forward a parliamentary resolution.

Lithuania would support an EU-wide initiative to ban Russian agricultural goods, Simonyte said, as the premiers discussed security issues in light of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Food is just as important as security issues, Tusk said.

Polands imports of food products from Russia amounted to 350 million in 2023, well below the 1.7 billion in imports from Ukraine, according to official data. Russian imports included mostly fish, oil plants and fats.

The plan to ban imports from Russia and Belarus is a part of Warsaws response to demands of protesting farmers, who have condemned what they call the uncontrolled influx of agricultural goods from Ukraine  and called for an overhaul of the European Unions climate agenda.

Tusk will send the European Commission his proposal this week on how to modify the EUs Green Deal to alleviate its impact on farmers.

We have views that tell us to act to protect the climate, Tusk said. But we also find in the Green Deal provisions that are not fully relevant to the real problems faced by the EU.

--With assistance from Konrad Krasuski.

(Adds import and Green Deal imports from first paragraph.)

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Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk pauses as he speaks, during a news conference following his meeting with Lithuania's Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte at the government's headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday, March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP)  Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday sharply criticized the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers for meeting with their Russian counterpart during a regional forum in Turkey.

Tusk said that meeting Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the same day that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was buried in Moscow was "not just an expression of good or bad taste.

"The issue of feasting on the day of Alexei Navalnys funeral  is just another sign of the Hungarian government, which we find difficult to accept for moral and political reasons, Tusk told a news conference.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar met with Lavrov on Friday during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum gathering. Szijjarto posted details of their dinner on his social media profile.

Colleagues in Bratislava and Budapest prove once again that our opinions on certain issues are too different, Tusk said. "Certainly regarding the attitude toward Russia and the attack on Ukraine.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who met with Tusk, called the meeting with Lavrov a regrettable choice.

Central European countries are deeply divided over the Russian war against Ukraine and how to resolve the conflict. While Poland and the Czech Republic are united in staunch support for Ukraine, including arms deliveries, Hungary and Slovakia have sharply different views.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
An 83-year-old woman died after she crashed into a pole and a tree in Hickory on Sunday, investigators said.

ALSO READ: 1 dead after crash involving motorcycle in Gastonia, police say

It happened around 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Hickory police said Roberta Shuford Long was driving her SUV north on Highway 127 South near Third Avenue Southeast when she crossed the center line, ran off the road, and hit a light pole and a tree.

Long died at the scene, police said. No one else was hurt.

Its not clear what caused the crash.

Police asked anyone who saw that happened to call Officer J. Brown at 828-328-5551 or email him at jbrown@hickorync.gov.

(WATCH BELOW: 2 severely hurt in crash in northwest Charlotte)








Among the measures expected in this weeks Budget is yet another crackdown on waste in the public sector. Ministers have long promised greater efficiency and yet it never seems to materialise. Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, said at the weekend that one aim was to free up the police from endless form-filling so that they could focus more on crimes like burglary.

The police have complained for decades that red tape so ties up their officers that they cannot carry out even basic tasks. As we reported, in nearly half the country not a single burglary was solved despite promises that every crime will be investigated.

That was never to be taken seriously since the police always have to prioritise. They pay less attention to so-called low-level offences, not least since the Government is urging the courts to pass community sentences for some crimes because the prisons are full.

But burglary is a serious crime, or at least it used to be considered so. Anyone who has had their home violated will know the trauma involved, even if the loss of property is small.

Yet the Telegraphs analysis of police data shows that in 48 per cent of neighbourhoods  areas covering between 1,000 and 3,000 people  in the past three years, not one break-in was solved. Overall, Home Office figures show that the proportion of burglaries resulting in a charge is below 4 per cent.

As Dame Vera Baird, the former victims commissioner, observed, burgling somebodys home has become a free hit the criminal can walk away with the proceeds and never look back.

If the police really are attending the scene of every reported burglary then they are evidently not securing the evidence that might lead to a charge and conviction. Moreover, warranted officers do not need to do this themselves  scenes of crime staff can take fingerprints and monitor CCTV and run checks against known offenders.

This matters because burglaries are usually carried out by a small number of criminals. Finding and locking them up can lead to dramatic falls in the crime rate locally. Perhaps red tape is problematic and needs to be cut significantly. But the suspicion that the police no longer see burglary as serious is now hard to dispute.

Public confidence in the police has fallen markedly and will not be enhanced by a belief that reporting a serious crime leads to no action.

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Police have released new details about a deadly shooting that happened near the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando over the weekend.

Investigators have identified the woman who was killed as 35-year-old Veronica Ramirez.

Orlando Police Department released a picture of her Sunday night.

Please share this @CrimelineFL flyer to assist Orlando Police Detectives solve this Homicide case. Further details on the flyer and on our Facebook page: https://t.co/StGtCTRFzQ pic.twitter.com/GOFcMwgkB4  Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 4, 2024

READ: Investigations underway for 2 shootings in Orlando, police say

Police said Ramirez was shot in the flea market parking area of the fairgrounds around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Officers performed CPR, but said she died at the hospital.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for tips leading to an arrest in the case.

WATCH: Crew-8 launches from Space Coast, on target for 6-month stay aboard ISS

If you have information to share, call Orlando Police Department or make an anonymous report to Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS(8477).

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Police investigate after man killed in Little Village shooting

CHICAGO  A man is dead and an investigation is underway after a deadly shooting on the citys West Side on Monday afternoon.

According to Chicago police, the shooting unfolded just before 1:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of West 26th Street, in Little Village.

Officers say a 25-year-old man was on the sidewalk in the area when he was shot several times by an unknown individual.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

The victim was then transported to a West Side hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officers did not provide a description of the person responsible.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and authorities say no arrests have been made.

Chicago man accused of robbing suburban woman after following her home from bank

Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
PHNOM PENH, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Britain agreed on Monday to boost bilateral cultural relations and mutual understanding.

The agreement was made during a meeting in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh between Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona and visiting British Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

"Both sides agreed to examine the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the prevention of illegal trafficking of antiquities," said a press statement from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

Sackona also extended her profound thanks to Britain for returning looted Cambodian treasures to the Southeast Asian country.

In February 2023, Britain repatriated 77 pieces of ancient jewelry looted during wartime to Cambodia. Also in December 2017, it returned a set of 10 looted Angkorian-era gold jewelry pieces.

Trevelyan arrived in Phnom Penh on Saturday for a three-day maiden visit, with the aim of bolstering cooperation between the two countries on trade, economic development, and education. 
FILE PHOTO: A photographer takes a picture of the sign at the entrance to Poland's constitutional court in Warsaw

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's new pro-European government on Monday presented a package of solutions that it says will restore the independence of Poland's top court from political influence after eight years of nationalist rule.

The Law and Justice (PiS) party, voted out last year, has been accused by critics at home and abroad of undermining democratic rules and increasing political influence over courts.

PiS said the changes were necessary make the system more fair and efficient and rid it of vestiges of communism. Its overhaul of the judiciary resulted in suspension of billions of euros in EU funds for Poland - which were unblocked last week.

The Constitutional Tribunal, which rules on the validity of laws, is at the heart of the conflict. Below are the main points of contention and its most important recent rulings:

LEGALITY OF JUDGES

Critics of PiS say three of the court's judges should not have been appointed because they replaced judges already appointed to those positions by parliament.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that such an appointment was illegal and denied citizens the "right to a tribunal established by law". Similar reservations had been expressed by the EU executive, the European Commission.

Poland's new government also criticises close ties between some of the Tribunal's judges and PiS politicians, noting that PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski calls the court president, Julia Przylebska, a "close friend".

KEY RULINGS UNDER PIS

The Tribunal shocked the EU by ruling twice in 2021 that provisions of EU treaties were incompatible with the Polish constitution, expressly challenging the primacy of European law over national law, a cornerstone of the Union.

The tribunal also ruled that interim measures imposed on the Polish judicial system by the top EU court contravened the Polish constitution.

And it found that the European Court of Human Rights, an institution of the Council of Europe, could not question the appointment of Polish judges.

At home, the Tribunal has sparked massive protests by blocking terminations of pregnancies with foetal defects, making a broad ban on abortion near-total.

The European Parliament accused the government led by PiS, which is close to the socially conservative Catholic Church, of improperly influencing the court on the issue, and said it showed that the rule of law had collapsed in Poland.

last year, the European Commission sued Poland in the EU's top court over violations of EU law by the Tribunal and its case law.

POST-ELECTION RULINGS

After PiS came first in an election last October but lost its parliamentary majority and could not form a government, the Constitutional Tribunal issued a series of rulings intended to block the new government's efforts to undo PiS's reforms, and to complicate efforts to unfreeze EU funds.

In December, it ruled that penalties imposed by the top EU court before a final ruling, known as interim measures, were not compatible with the Polish constitution, and that the judicial reform legislation demanded in return for access to EU funds was unconstitutional.

Later, it set a higher bar for bringing central bank governor Adam Glapinski before the State Tribunal. The ruling coalition accuses him of pursuing monetary policy that aimed to help the previous government in the run-up to the election, a charge he denies.

It rejected as illegal plans to liquidate Poland's state broadcaster, which the new government said had become a propaganda outlet for the previous administration.

It also moved to block the dismissal of a senior prosecutor accused of helping to politicise the legal system.

The government is set to face further challenges from the court as President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, said he would ask it to review any bill adopted by parliament, such as this year's budget. Duda said he could not support legislation approved in the parliament after two lawmakers were dismissed.

Mariusz Kaminski and Maciej Wasik were convicted of abuse of power when Kaminski was interior minister and Wasik his deputy, and lost their seats in parliament. Both were pardoned by Duda in January.

(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced an address to the Polish Sejm (the lower chamber of the Polish parliament) to discuss sanctioning Russian and Belarusian agricultural products.

Source: European Pravda, citing Delfi, a news website in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

Details: "A minute ago, I informed the [Lithuanian] prime minister that today I would address the Marshal of the Polish Sejm regarding the introduction of sanctions on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products," Tusk said after meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte.

The Polish official added that a joint EU decision on sanctions against Russian and Belarusian agricultural products is essential.

"It is not only about strengthening sanctions because of [Russias] invasion of Ukraine and Belarus' cooperation with Russia but also stepping up protection of the agricultural sector in Lithuania and Poland," the Polish prime minister said.

He stressed that one of the EU's main tasks should be to block the export of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products.

"The markets really face great pressure because of the war. And undoubtedly, one of the main tasks is to block exports from Russia and Belarus to countries that have long been recipients of these products," Tusk said.

For her part, Simonyte echoed Tusk's sentiments, but stressed that this should be a joint decision of the EU countries, otherwise Russia will find ways to circumvent such restrictions.

Background:

At the end of February, Tusk suggested that Poland might impose a ban on imports of Russian agricultural products, following Latvia's example.

On 22 February, the Latvian parliament passed a temporary ban on imports of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus until at least July 2025. Latvia stated that this step seeks to sever economic ties with the aggressor countries and complements EU sanctions.

On 31 January, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina noted that her country was setting an example for others by banning grain imports from Russia and Belarus.

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All's well that ends well?

The state government complex was locked down for about two hours Thursday after a man called Annapolis police claiming to be heading for the Maryland State House with a gun. After searches were conducted by several law enforcement agencies, neither the man nor a weapon was found. The lockdown began at about 5 p.m.

Most legislators had left the statehouse by then; standing committees usually conduct bill hearings in the afternoons during the Maryland General Assembly at the House and Senate office buildings about a block away. They were locked down, too, but some hearings continued during the lockdown.

Mayors in town for a conference were arriving at Government House, the governor's residence across State Circle from the statehouse, including Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez, Keedysville Mayor Ken Lord and Smithsburg Mayor Donald Souders.

Gov. Wes Moore, center, joins Maryland mayors after a security threat closed the state government complex Thursday in Annapolis.

Martinez told the Herald-Mail Media on Thursday that the three of them were together at Government House, and that law enforcement "was prompt and professional." She said they were at the gate when the first officers arrived, and that they were taken inside but didn't know what was happening until their families started calling.

At about 6:30 p.m., Sen. Paul Corderman, R-Washington, told The Herald-Mail law enforcement were trying to clear the buildings. Senators received a text message from Senate President Bill Ferguson advising them that "we are still sheltering in place while law enforcement secures the buildings on the legislative campus for safety precautions.

"Please remain calm and continue to follow the instructions from the State Police. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions."

But notification about the lockdown was uneven, journalists covering the General Assembly say. Those who were working in the ground floor press offices were notified when a member of House Speaker Adrienne Jones' staff warned them to lock their doors.

A half-hour later, Gov. Wes Moore's office released a statement saying the statehouse was "under lockdown for a security threat," but that no further information was available, and everyone should "shelter in place."

The journalists were eventually evacuated to the House office building, where they huddled in the Baltimore City Delegation's meeting room, according to a reporter for Maryland Matters.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Corderman said the lockdown had been lifted. Martinez said Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller eventually, albeit briefly, joined the mayors at Government House.

"We all understood," she said. "He definitely needed to get to his family."

More: Political Notebook: Moore issues 'Green Bag' appointments, county treasurer bill 'on hold'

The other folks on the primary ballot

In addition to presidential, U.S. House and Senate candidates, voters who belong to either of the two major political parties will also be asked to choose delegates to their parties' presidential nominating conventions this summer. Candidates are selected by congressional district, and in most cases  but not all  reflect which presidential candidate they will support. Here's who's on the ballot for convention delegate from the Sixth District:

Democrats

For President Biden:

Donna S. Edwards, Allegany County

Jessica Fitzwater, Frederick County

Brian K. Grim, Allegany County

Djawa Hall, Montgomery County

Karen Lewis Young, Frederick County

Thomas G. Slater, Frederick County

Uncommitted:

Ata W. Ahmad, Montgomery County

Haroon Akhtar, Frederick County

Ovais H. Bajwa, Frederick County

Syeda N. Mehmooda, Frederick County

Republicans

For former Ambassador Nikki Haley:

Robert Vincent Johnson II, Frederick County

Seth Schwartz, Frederick County

Jim Shalleck, Montgomery County

For former President Donald Trump:

Barrie S. Ciliberti, Frederick County

Jerry DeWolf, Washington County

Derek J. Harvey, Washington County

The Maryland primaries are scheduled May 14.

Student of the Week winner: Herald-Mail Student of the Week: See this week's winner

Still looking for a few more election judges

The Washington County Board of Elections will begin training election judges for this year's elections on March 14, and Elections Director Barry Jackson says he could use a few more.

If you'd like to help, you can find more information and an application on the election board's website at washco-mdelections.org. The application cannot be filed online, however, Jackson said. Applications may be mailed or dropped off at the board office at 17718 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown.

 Tamela Baker

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Political Notebook for March 4
TechCrunch

Elon Musk's xAI has open-sourced the base code of Grok AI model, but without any training code. In a blog post, xAI said that the model wasn't tuned for any particular application such as using it for conversations. Last week, Musk noted on X that xAI intended to open-source the Grok model this week.
 Copyright 2024, Des Moines Register and Tribune Co.

More Iowans oppose than favor Gov. Kim Reynolds plan to require transgender Iowans birth certificates to designate both their sex at birth and their current gender identity, a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll finds

Reynolds, a Republican, drew widespread condemnation from LGBTQ advocacy groups when she introduced House File 2389 in February. The bill also would define man and woman in state law and make it easier for the state to exclude transgender women from womens bathrooms and other facilities.

Critics have described it as erasure of transgender and nonbinary Iowans, while Reynolds calls the bill a womens bill of rights.

The bill has passed a committee in the Iowa House but it has not been taken up by the full chamber.

The Iowa Poll asked Iowans if they favor or oppose the effort to require transgender Iowans birth certificates to include both their sex at birth and their current gender identity.

The poll found 49% of Iowa adults oppose the proposal, while 44% favor it. Another 7% are not sure.

The poll of 804 Iowa adults was conducted Feb. 25-28 by Selzer & Co. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The poll shows a partisan divide in how Iowans view the issue. Half of self-identified Republicans (50%) say they favor the proposal, compared with 42% who oppose it.

Only a third of Democrats (33%) favor the idea, compared to nearly two-thirds (63%) who oppose it.

Political independents are closely divided, with slightly more saying they are opposed (48%) than in favor (45%).

More: What you should know about the Iowa bill that legally defines 'man,' 'woman' and 'sex'

Lucy Giehl, a 62-year-old Democratic poll respondent who lives near Burlington, opposes the idea. She said lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues, like water quality and rising cancer rates.

I feel like there are so many issues that our legislators could and should be working on that theyre ignoring so that they can pick on LGBTQ people and minorities of all kinds, she said.

Giehl, a retired teacher who works as a math tutor, said she sees the bill as part of an agenda by Reynolds to bully transgender Iowans.

Why would you require that other than to bully those people? she said. I feel like thats her whole agenda, to marginalize those people more than they already are.

Reynolds and Iowa Republicans have enacted a slew of bills in recent years placing restrictions on LGBTQ Iowans. In 2022, the governor signed a law banning transgender women and girls from participating in womens sports.

Last year, the state passed restrictions on which bathrooms transgender students can use at school, prohibitions on teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through sixth grade, and a ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth under the age of 18.

Protesters gather in opposition to HF2389 as lawmakers hold a hearing for the bill that would set legal definitions for the words "man" and "women" Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Iowa State Capitol.

Jim Fillman, a 67-year-old retired Republican poll respondent from Cascade, said he favors the new birth certificate requirements.

It doesnt make sense that somebody can change their gender because they choose to, he said.

Theres boys and theres girls and thats the way God made us, Fillman added.

More: Iowans flock to Capitol for heated hearing on Kim Reynolds' bill defining 'man' and 'woman'

What would Kim Reynolds bill defining man and woman do?

Reynolds bill says that, for the purposes of state law, the term sex means someones biological sex assigned at birth. It includes definitions of male and female.

A female is a person whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a male is a person whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female, the bill states.

The bill says that the term equal does not mean same or identical and that separate accommodations are not inherently unequal.

That language would allow the state to exclude transgender women from womens facilities, including bathrooms, locker rooms, womens prisons, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis shelters.

Transgender Iowans seeking a new birth certificate after a gender transition would be required to note their sex at birth, in addition to their current identity.

A new certificate of birth ... following a change in sex designation, shall include a designation of the sex of the person, as male or female, both at the time of birth and at the time the new certificate of birth is established, the bill states.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

About the Iowa Poll

The Iowa Poll, conducted Feb. 25-28, 2024, for The Des Moines Register and Mediacom by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, is based on telephone interviews with 804 Iowans ages 18 or older. Interviewers with Quantel Research contacted households with randomly selected landline and cell phone numbers supplied by Dynata. Interviews were administered in English. Responses were adjusted by age, sex and congressional district to reflect the general population based on recent American Community Survey estimates.

Questions based on the sample of 804 Iowa adults have a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. This means that if this survey were repeated using the same questions and the same methodology, 19 times out of 20, the findings would not vary from the true population value by more than plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Results based on smaller samples of respondentssuch as by gender or agehave a larger margin of error.

Republishing the copyright Iowa Poll without credit and, on digital platforms, links to originating content on The Des Moines Register and Mediacom is prohibited.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll: 49% oppose birth certificate requirements for trans Iowans
Has a company treated you unfairly? Our Consumer Champion is available to help. For how to contact her click here.

Dear Katie

Back in September my daughter and I attempted to buy tickets for the British Grand Prix. We spent five hours trying to get them, and eventually we were able to secure them. It was very expensive at 793 for a three-day ticket for two people, but it was our dream to go.

However, mere weeks after this my daughter found out she was pregnant with her first child, which is due on June 1. It means the baby would only be five weeks old, or less if it is overdue, when the Grand Prix started. She felt she could not possibly attend under these circumstances.

With this in mind I contacted Silverstone and asked if we could return the tickets. It asked her to produce a MAT B1 form to prove the pregnancy, which we happily did.

As soon as we had it I sent it to Silverstone asking for the refund but was surprised when it responded saying it is under no obligation to refund the tickets unless the baby was due either on the date of the Grand Prix or a week either side.

I expressed how unhappy I was with this and asked it to reconsider, but it point-blank refused. I think this is grossly unfair. Is there anything you can do?

RF, Southampton

Dear Reader,

You and your daughter had been delighted to secure these weekend tickets for the Grand Prix, but soon realised that attending with a tiny baby in tow would be seriously impractical.

You were peeved that Silverstone would have refunded the tickets had your daughters baby been due within a week of the event, yet it considered having a five-week (or less) baby to be an unreasonable excuse not to attend.

I suspect whoever made this decision may never have experienced caring for a newborn themselves. Anyone who has will realise that travelling across the country to attend a noisy, crowded event like the Grand Prix with a crying, pooing, feeding, windy babe in arms for three days, would likely be any new parents worst nightmare.

Silverstone suggested you attend with a friend, but naturally, you felt you needed to clear your diary so you could support your daughter when she needed you the most.

Therefore, and because there was enough time before the event for Silverstone to resell the tickets, I was happy to support you in your complaint. I contacted Silverstone asking it to try to resell your tickets.

I said if it was able to sell them, but only at a discounted rate, then it should refund you the difference between the two prices. Happily it quickly agreed to refund the price tickets in full, which you are extremely grateful for.

With your first grandchild on the way this is a very exciting time and I wish you, your daughter and your grandchild the very best of luck.

A Silverstone spokesman said: We understand that the customers situation is unique, especially considering the potential timing of the pregnancy. We do have a strict refund policy, however in this instance our customer service team will provide a more compassionate resolution for the customer.

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Its not unusual for candidates to wage war on members of their own party during primary elections, but in the Madison County Board chairmans race, bullets are flying at close range.

Incumbent Kurt Prenzler and challenger Chris Slusser, who now serves as county treasurer, work in offices on the same floor of the same building in Edwardsville, walk the same halls, attend the same meetings and deal with many of the same people every day.

They were once Republican allies. Slusser supported Prenzler in his successful bids to become treasurer in 2010 and 2014, and Prenzler appointed Slusser to replace him in 2016, when Prenzler was elected board chairman.

But in recent months, both campaigns have leveled sharp criticism at the other, including claims of incompetency, corruption, dishonesty and political dirty tricks. The primary election is March 19.

Kurt has lost his way, especially in the last four or five years, Slusser said. He hired some really bad people for key positions in his administration. They were engaged in wrongdoing and not showing up for work or doing their jobs, and he wasnt holding them accountable.

Slusser, 46, of Wood River, said Prenzler has failed to keep board members informed, encouraged people to harass them, created chaos and controversy at meetings, caused turnover among employees and focused more on activist issues than the administrative job taxpayers are paying him to do.

Slusser said he enjoys being treasurer and wouldnt leave that position if fellow Republicans hadnt asked him to run and stop the craziness. All Republican countywide elected officials have endorsed him.

Prenzler, 68, of Edwardsville, said he makes no apologies for being a conservative activist and not being a RINO (Republican in name only), and hes proud of fighting against COVID-19 mandates and drag-queen story hours at libraries and speaking out on other issues in local communities.

Prenzler said some Republicans are opposing him because he has fought for property tax caps, and they want everyone on the same page.

Theyre trying to put together the old Madison County political machine, he said, referring to Democrats in charge for decades. Except that theyre going to put Rs behind the names.

In some cases, rhetoric in the local campaign resembles that of other Republican primaries across the county, reflecting divisions between right and far-right conservatives.

Republican voters in Madison County will choose Prenzler or Slusser to be their nominee for board chairman. No Democrat has yet filed to run in the general election, which will be held Nov. 5.

Ethical questions

Prenzler said his problems with Slusser go back to at least 2018, when Slusser wore a listening device to record a conversation with Prenzler and others in his administration for a police task force that former Democrat States Attorney Tom Gibbons formed to investigate possible corruption.

The investigation resulted in no criminal charges, but the County Board fired two employees.

In a recent clash, Prenzler compared Slusser to a former Madison County treasurer who was sentenced to federal prison in 2013 for illegally structuring property tax sales to reward campaign contributors.

Slussers own conduct is similar to Fred Bathons conduct, Prenzler stated in an email.

Slusser called that an insane response. He said everyone knows that he runs a very ethical office, and it was because of his high standards that he agreed to help the police task force in the late 2010s.

Prenzlers comment about Bathon last month was in reaction to a report from the countys ethics adviser, who determined that Prenzler had violated rules against electioneering on county property when he gave a campaign business card instead of a county-issued business card to a county vendor.

Prenzler later apologized and said he should have written his cellphone number on a piece of paper instead of the business card.

Prenzler accused Slusser and his supporters of instigating the ethics investigation over a minor mistake and weaponizing the criminal justice system. He compared it to the situation with former President Donald Trump, whos facing 91 felony charges in state and federal courts while a candidate.

Mick Madison, the County Boards chairman pro tem, a Republican, asked for the ethics investigation of Prenzler. Slusser denied involvement.

The ethics report eventually prompted board members to vote 16-6 to censure Prenzler, a bipartisan sign of disapproval. Madison dismissed his claim that it was a lynching without due process.

I would have to do this no matter what elected official was accused, Madison told Prenzler. After apologizing, you went into the public and called it a witch hunt. Youre misleading the public that theres people coming after you. You did this to yourself.

Campaign contributions

Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine, a Republican, had also referred the ethics allegation against Prenzler to the Illinois attorney generals office and Illinois State Police. In an email, he told Madison it would be a conflict of interest for his office to prosecute if a crime had been committed.

Both agencies declined to take action on the case, which Prenzler held up as vindication.

Slusser pushed back, sending a news release stating that Illinois State Board of Elections data showed that Prenzler had accepted 150 political contributions worth $82,000 from vendors, despite his campaign promise not to take money from people working for the county.

Based on Mr. Prenzlers long-documented track record of hounding county vendors for political donations since he became chairman, I think its easy to draw the conclusion that he was attempting to shake down another county vendor in this instance, Slusser wrote.

Prenzler responded with a news release stating that his opponents were making a mountain out of a molehill on the business-card issue and accusing Slusser of having his own history of dishonesty and unethical behavior.

Prenzler stated that he asked Slusser in 2016 if he had any negative employment history when he was deciding who to appoint as county treasurer, and that Slusser replied no.

Prenzler alleged that documents and video obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show that Slusser was fired from his job as a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville police officer in 2002 for taking confidential papers out of a supervisors briefcase and distributing copies in an effort to damage the supervisors reputation.

Chris Slusser is a hypocrite who works hard to smear the reputations of others, Prenzler wrote.

Slusser denies being fired from the SIUE job. He said a group of police officers played a practical joke on a supervisor involving a letter for a mail-order bride, resulting in a hearing but no disciplinary action, and that he and others later resigned due to a hostile work environment.

Regarding vendor contributions, Prenzler said he didnt realize the board chairman had no influence over purchasing when he, as treasurer, made the campaign promise; he didnt know some of his contributors had done work for the county; and he has never accepted money from AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), the union representing half the countys employees, unlike Slusser.

Accounting and law

Prenzler is a certified public accountant with a law degree, a husband and father of three college-age children. He ran for Madison County treasurer in 2006 and lost before winning in 2010 and 2014. He was elected County Board chairman in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Prenzler often mentions that he blew the whistle on Bathon to help federal officials with their bid-rigging case against him. Prenzler also emphasizes his efforts to cut existing taxes and stop the creation of new ones and to reduce county costs as treasurer and board chairman.

Prenzler said he has kept the Madison County property tax levy the same since he became chairman, resulting in decreasing tax rates.

I will continue to push the County Board to put PTELL (Property Tax Extension Law Limit) caps on the ballot, he wrote on a BND candidate questionnaire, referring to caps that would apply to schools and other taxing districts. Board members have resisted my request four times: 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023. Republicans joined with Democrats to keep tax caps off the ballot.

Prenzler also said he:

Backed a non-binding resolution that voters approved in 2018, designating Madison County as a sanctuary to protect residents from unconstitutional gun laws.

Persuaded the Madison County Board of Health to adopt a reopening plan in May 2020, defying a one-size-fits-all statewide COVID-19 lockdown, and opposed mask and vaccination mandates.

Spoke out against drag-queen story hours at Collinsville and Glen Carbon libraries and helped Glen Carbon residents pass an advisory referendum against them.

On the questionnaire, Prenzler wrote that he supports legal immigration but is against spending county money on illegal migrants, blaming Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, for inviting them to Illinois.

Prenzler identifies taxes as the campaigns most important issue.

I have reduced taxes, defended our freedoms (Second Amendment and COVID freedom) and exposed and fixed corruption, helping to send Democrat Treasurer Fred Bathon to federal prison due to unethical tax sales, saving taxpayers $1 million per year, he wrote.

Prenzler is a regular letter-to-the-editor writer, expressing his opinions on everything from a multi-gender bathroom thats proposed for Edwardsville High School (hes opposed) to what he calls machine politics in Granite City.

Prenzler has been endorsed by U.S. Representative Mary Miller, a Republican in Illinois 15th District, and the Madison County Conservative Caucus.

Policing and business

Slusser lives in Wood River with his wife and two daughters. He holds degrees in criminal justice, speech and business. Besides the SIUE police job, he formerly worked as an investment adviser, finance officer for a real-estate company and vice president of a development company.

Slusser was elected to the Madison County Board in 2008 and again in 2016 after losing a 2012 bid to become chairman. After Prenzler appointed him treasurer in 2016, he won election in 2018 and reelection in 2022.

Slusser emphasizes his strong involvement in church activities and programs, his long list of civic affiliations and his participation in multiple efforts to defeat referendums for tax increases and government borrowing.

These campaigns have saved county taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, he wrote on the BND questionnaire.

Slusser also said he:

Introduced a plan to put the countys checkbook online as a County Board member so citizens could track spending, making it only the second county in Illinois to do so.

Oversaw the return of millions of dollars in taxpayer refunds as a member of the former Wood River Township Hospital Board after the taxing district was dissolved.

Returned money to the countys general fund every year as treasurer after spending less than what was budgeted and overhauled its under-performing investment portfolio, which went from earning $4.5 million to $34 million a year.

Slusser identifies taxes and economic development as the campaigns most important issues. He argues that the only way to reduce property taxes is to pass reforms that rely more on sales taxes to fund public schools. He calls PTELL a gimmick that wont work.

On the issue of economic development, I think its important that we develop a regional strategy among our communities in Madison County, so theyre not all competing against one another and just desperately throwing incentives at businesses without having a plan and engaging in property negotiations, he wrote on the questionnaire.

We havent had this type of leadership in the county chairmans office, and our region has suffered as a result.

Slusser said political activism is important, and he has been involved in it, but his top priority as county treasurer is operating the department in a professional and efficient manner.

Slusser has been endorsed by Haine, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor, Circuit Clerk Tom McRae, Auditor David Michael, County Clerk Linda Andreas, Regional Superintendent of Schools Rob Werden and Illinois State Sen. Jason Plummer of the 55th District, all Republicans.

A news release from Slussers campaign called it historic that 100% of Republican countywide elected officials had endorsed him.

If Slusser were to lose in the primary, he would remain treasurer.

Republicans in charge

The vast majority of County Board members and elected officials in Madison County were Democrats for decades.

Board members selected Democrat Alan Dunstan as chairman in 2002 before the process was changed to make the job elective. He won in 2004 and got reelected twice, beating Slusser in 2012.

Prenzler had served as county treasurer for six years by 2016, when he ran for board chairman. He beat Dunstan by only 508 votes out of nearly 125,000 cast in the general election.

I was the first Republican to win a countywide office since John Shimkus, who went to Congress (in 1997), Prenzler said, speaking of the former county treasurer who became a U.S. representative.

Republicans also took over the majority of County Board seats. Today, the makeup is 18 Republicans and eight Democrats, not including the chairman. All other countywide elected officials are Republican, except for one, Democrat Coroner Steve Nonn, whos retiring this year. One Republican, Nick Novacich, but no Democrat, has filed to run for the office.

In other words, the Republican party is firmly in control.

But its the growing animosity between Prenzler and other Republicans, particularly Slusser, that tends to dominate news cycles. Slusser has stated that he and Prenzler agree on 99% of issues while disagreeing on execution.

I will actually communicate with County Board members so that they can be properly informed and on board with our agenda, and our meetings will no longer resemble a circus or a Jerry Springer episode, Slusser wrote on the BND questionnaire.

I plan to begin our County Board meetings with a prayer. I will also repair damaged relationships between the current chairman and the law enforcement community, including the sheriffs and states attorneys offices, and many others.

The intra-party Republican power struggle rose to new levels in 2022, when the County Board voted 19-6 to strip away some of Prenzlers powers, including the ability to appoint department heads, and give them to Madison and a vice chairman pro tem.

According to the ordinance, Prenzler had exhibited chronically inept management, lack of communication and research on important issues, lack of attention to the job and multiple disastrous personnel decisions, resulting in millions of dollars in legal costs and settlements.

Today, Prenzler maintains that the vote, held on July 6, 2022, was more about outrage over his support of County Board challengers who had promised to put PTELL property tax caps on the ballot and who beat incumbents in the Republican primary on June 28, 2022.

That continues to be the issue right now, Prenzler said, predicting that people will be unhappy with this years property tax bills because of higher levies set by some taxing districts.

Blowback from firings

No discussion on the race between Prenzler and Slusser is complete without mention of Rob Dorman, Madison Countys former information-technology director, and Doug Hulme, former county administrator.

Both were hired by Prenzler, and both were fired in 2020 by the County Board in two 26-1 votes.

The high-level employees had been accused of ethical violations, including the allegation that Hulme accessed emails of county employees for political purposes with Dormans help. Both deny wrongdoing. Hulme has said he was checking for electioneering on county time using county resources, and that he was authorized and obligated to do so.

Slusser said he had become aware of Hulmes efforts to dig up dirt on Democrats and Prenzlers failure to take action, and he felt bound to report it to authorities, leading Gibbons to form the police task force and Slusser to agree to wear a listening device.

At the end of the day, (recording a conversation with Republican officials) was not a popular thing to do, Slusser said. But Im going to do the right thing. If someone is committing felonies or engaging in wrongdoing, Im not going to turn a blind eye, no what party it is.

Hulme ran for county treasurer in 2022, and Slusser defeated him in the Republican primary.

Since their terminations, Dorman and Hulme have filed about 20 lawsuits against Madison County and its officials, as well as many requests for documents through the Freedom of Information Act (Dorman and Hulme estimate 150 requests; Slusser says its 500).

Im doing all this because what they did was so wrong, and if they can do it to me, they can do it to anyone in the United States, said Dorman, who often acts as his own attorney.

In October, Slusser sent a news release that called on Prenzler to demand that his political allies (Dorman and Hulme) end their continuous costly, harassing and frivolous lawsuits against county officials.

Slusser cited Haines calculation that the county had spent $270,000 to fight the lawsuits and estimated that employees had worked 2,000 extra man-hours responding to the FOIA requests.

Slusser stated that the majority of Dorman and Hulmes lawsuits had been dismissed due to lack of merit and that judges had sanctioned them in some cases, forcing them to pay county legal fees. He called it a waste of taxpayer funds and an abuse of the legal system.

Anyone who claims to be a fiscal conservative and concerned about taxpayer money wouldve already called for an end to this madness, Slusser wrote. But our Chairman remains silent. We need a new Chairman.

Dorman and Hulme said some of their lawsuits have been dismissed due to technicalities or biased judges in Madison County, but they have successfully petitioned to get some heard outside the Third Judicial Circuit (Madison and Bond counties).

Prenzler said he implored County Board members in 2020 not to fire Dorman and Hulme without a proper administrative review and warned them that it would result in lawsuits requiring the county to spend millions of dollars to fight litigation and pay compensation.

Every employee is entitled to an administrative review, Prenzler said.
The Princess of Wales at Sandringham on Christmas Day, the most recent time she was pictured in public - Mark Cuthbert

The Princess of Wales has been photographed by paparazzi for the first time since her abdominal surgery in January, seen being driven by her mother near Windsor Castle as she continues her recovery.

The Princess, wearing sunglasses, was photographed at long range in the passenger seat, with Carole Middleton at the wheel.

The images have been published on a US gossip website after global speculation about the Princesss health. The accompanying report states that she is maintaining a low profile ... or trying to, anyway.

The photographs are reported to have been taken shortly before 9am on a Monday, suggesting the Princess and her mother may have been on their way back from the school run.

It is the first time she has been photographed since Christmas Day, when she walked to Sandringham with the rest of the Royal family. The photographs were not authorised by Kensington Palace, which has regularly emphasised the Princesss wish for privacy.

She has been recovering at home at Adelaide Cottage since undergoing surgery and is not expected to return to public duties before Easter.

Her whereabouts have been the subject of extreme social media conspiracy theories, from intended jokes to offensive speculation about her health and well-being.

Members of the public have been calling for updates on the Princess, with some suggesting the palace should release a photograph to prove all is as it seems.

On Jan 17, Kensington Palace said in a written statement: The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.

Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness progress when there is significant new information to share.

Since then, a spokesman has reiterated that the Princess is doing well, saying there are no changes from that original statement.

The Princess and her mother were photographed hours before her uncle, Gary Goldsmith, was due to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

The images are likely to cause some alarm at the Palace. The Prince of Wales has been determined to ensure his wife is given privacy and rest during her recovery, attending engagements alone once she was safe and settled at home.

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On March 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by Euronews TV channel as part of the 10th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting.

Azernews presents the interview.

Euronews: If you could please begin by telling me why are today's meetings so important for the energy industry, the achievements and next steps in successful operation and development of the Southern Gas Corridor?

President Ilham Aliyev: You know, when we started this project, there were a lot of different ideas, how it would succeed. There were optimists and pessimists, and also those who thought that we would not be able to implement it. But we were committed, and we knew that it is possible to do it. But we needed a broad international cooperation. So, we started to build this partnership between countries, between companies, inviting leading international financial institutions to support us with their financing. And a 3500-kilometer-long pipeline is now a reality. It is not a dream any longer. And it is embracing more and more countries, because, as I said today at the opening session, we have new interconnectors, which allow to transport natural gas to new destinations. And really, its changing completely the geography of energy supplies, issues related to energy security. And when you see good results of the initiative, which we launched 10 years ago, of course, you always must feel happy.

Euronews: It's a very pivotal year as well. COP29 is on the horizon. And the development of these renewable energy projects really showcase how Azerbaijan is trailblazing the future of sustainable energy.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, I think this is part of our overall green agenda and our feeling of responsibility, because the country rich with fossil fuel should be among the frontrunners in green transition. We do it not because we lack traditional resources, but because we want to contribute using the financing, using the revenues, which we get from oil and gas sales, to invest in renewables and to create a common understanding about the need for that. We see it here in Baku every year. Every year, we see how the Caspian Sea is becoming shallower. Everybody who lives by the seaside sees it, even here in the center of Baku. So, we see the implication and dangerous implication of the climate change. Less water in our rivers, less snow in our mountains, less water in the Caspian Sea. And if we don't address this issue with passion and with the commitment, then all of us will suffer.

So, renewable projects agenda of Azerbaijan is very ambitious. The Caspian Sea potential of Azerbaijan is 157 gigawatt, which is based on the assessment of International Finance Corporation. And we already started this important journey. And we plan to use renewables maybe in the 10-year time at the maximum degree and reduce the consumption of natural gas domestically.

Euronews: I liked in your speech inside, you said the countries who have oil and gas should not be blamed. When we talk about fossil fuels, thats not their fault but they should be judged on these views and said they should be judged on how they address environmental protection and green transitions. Do you truly believe this, yes?

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, of course. This is how we need to change a little bit the narrative about that because being a country with fossil fuel, of course, is not our fault. It's our, I think, achievement that we managed to avoid a so-called oil curse that many countries with oil and gas reserves have faced. We transformed oil into development. We managed to provide a fair distribution of wealth. We reduced poverty in Azerbaijan during the last 20 years from 50% to 5%. And all what you see here in Baku is absolutely new development of infrastructure and improvement of living conditions of the people. So, the narrative now, unfortunately, is that fossil fuel is something dangerous, which is bad, and the countries having these resources must be blamed for that. My message was that judge us by what we do, how we treat it, how we use revenues in order to address the needs of the people and stimulate the green agenda. I hope my message will be heard.

Euronews: Mr. President, Your Excellency, thank you so much for your time.






















COLOMBO, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen countries from Africa, Europe and Central Asia, and Arab States region have gathered in Sri Lanka for a global exchange workshop on climate action that will last until Thursday, a statement from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said on Monday.

The aim of the workshop is for countries to share best practices, celebrate achievements and explore lessons learned from their work, the UNDP said.

Around 40 participants will share knowledge, field experiences, challenges, and solutions from their respective countries, emphasizing the importance of fostering partnerships and enhancing visibility efforts, according to the UNDP.

The UNDP has assisted developing countries in translating their national climate pledges, also known as their Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, into tangible actions since 2021. The funding is implemented through UNDP's flagship initiative, Climate Promise, according to the statement.

"The Climate Promise has been a catalytic tool for UNDP to support Sri Lanka with its ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5 percent by 2030," said UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota. 
A program that serves thousands of students at risk of dropping out of school could be on the chopping block as federal emergency COVID funding expires at the end of June, sources said.

The Learning to Work program receives about three-quarters of its budget  $32 million out of $40 million  from federal pandemic stimulus funding.

As New York City grapples with the costly migrant crisis, Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council have to fill the massive hole in the upcoming budget when the federal dollars disappear on June 30.

New York Citys Learning to Work program may be at risk when federal emergency COVID funding expires at the end of June. MIA Studio  stock.adobe.com

The Learning to Work program serves 16,000 students enrolled in 66 second-chance or transfer schools, 19 Young Adult Borough Centers served by 20 community-based, not-for-profit groups. Many students are behind in academic credits or have criminal records and are trying to get on track toward graduation or learn skills to get a job.

The teens with the greatest needs are being left out in the cold, said Michael De Vito, executive director of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development. The program runs three Young Adult Centers at Tottenville, McKee and Concord high schools on Staten Island. Internship programs are offered at all three sites.

This program needs immediate attention. But we havent heard anything from the Department of Education about our funding other than, We dont know,' De Vito said.

De Vito said the financial crunch due to the migrant crisis hasnt helped matters.

Were being told the city has to focus on other priorities, that the city needs additional resources for the migrants, he said. Its becoming political. We dont want to be political. We want our young people taken care of.

Michael De Vito, executive director of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, called the initiative a life-saving program. Michael De Vito Jr.

The New York City Public Schools have received more than $7 billion in federal stimulus funding, starting under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, including for the Learning to Work program.

At the time using federal dollars to fund the program made sense because we lost so much in tax revenues during the pandemic. That saved us, De Vito said.

But he expressed surprise at the lack of planning and direction from City Hall and the Council about an action plan to address the loss of federal pandemic dollars.

It should not have taken this long to figure it out, De Vito said.

Another source familiar with budget discussions said the city has no plan  at least not yet  on how to finance the program.

In a letter De Vito sent to state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton Feb. 9, he called the initiative a life-saving program.

Mayor Adams and the City Council have will have to fill the holes in the city budget when federal funding ends. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

He said at-risk students benefit from small learning environments, intensive attendance outreach, youth and family counseling, work-based learning, post-graduate planning and job training and internships. Some of the students, he noted, are homeless.

We keep our kids out of jail, supporting them as they surf couches, sit with them in emergency rooms, making sure they have food to eat and clothes on their backs, he said.

He cited data claiming that students participating in internships in LTW Programs are 9 times more likely to graduate than those in the same circumstances, and they have a far better chance of earning a diploma in YABC/Transfer schools than a traditional public school.

A city Department of Education rep said Sunday the funding for the program is still up in the air.

Creating and deepening career pathway opportunities for young people is of the utmost importance for New York City Public Schools. While no final decisions have been made, we are engaging with Learning to Work providers as we plan for next year and beyond and recognize the importance of this impactful programming for our citys young people, said DOE spokesperson Chyann Tull.

As with all programs funded by expiring federal stimulus dollars, we continue to advocate to our state and local partners to identify new funding to sustain these programs after this year.
The progressive group Our Revolution is backing the uncommitted effort in Washington state, adding to support for the protest vote movement against President Bidens response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The endorsement on Sunday from the progressive group comes after more than 100,000 Michigan voters cast ballots for uncommitted last week. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) also endorsed the protest Sunday.

The group said it supports the uncommitted vote to apply political pressure on the Biden Administration to reevaluate its stance on the War in Gaza, aligning it more closely with the Democratic base and bolstering its chances of reelection and defeating Donald Trump in November.

The Washington Democratic primary is March 12.

Coming off the momentum generated in Michigan, we need to continue lifting up our voices and sending a clear message to President Biden  We need a ceasefire now, Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese said in a statement. If we do not change course, he will be putting our Democracy at risk.

Led by Arab American community leaders and progressive activists and backed by notable politicians, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the uncommitted movement is seeking to mobilize tens of thousands of Democrats nationwide who disagree with Bidens response to the war in Gaza.

The Biden administration has increased pressure on Israel in recent weeks amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions and encouraged a six-week cease-fire, but it refused calls from the protesters to support a permanent cease-fire.

Vice President Harris declared the need for an immediate cease-fire on Sunday, referring to the six-week deal under negotiation, garnering praise from Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

The VP has called for an immediate ceasefire, and urgent aid into Gaza, Jayapal wrote on X, formerly Twitter. This is the first time this language has been used by the administration. It is important. Now lets back it up with policy shift.

Harris also criticized the Israeli government, denouncing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and calling on the country to facilitate more aid deliveries for Palestinian civilians.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ASHEVILLE  As the federal government removed Immediate Jeopardy designation at Mission Hospital, and antitrust cases against the facilitys corporate owner HCA Healthcare proceed in federal and state court, lawyers for the North Carolina Attorney Generals office and the hospital prepare for a showdown in the states business court.

State gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Josh Stein sued HCA Dec. 14, alleging that the company did not provide the level of emergency and cancer care it agreed to when it bought the Mission Health system in 2019. HCA responded Feb. 13, arguing that the company complied with the agreement and that the contract did not require the hospital to adhere to any quantity or quality standards.

On Feb. 27, Steins office and HCA jointly filed a Case Management Report in North Carolina Business Court. This report, required by state rules of practice and procedure, includes each partys preference for case governance including timeline for discovery, schedule for depositions, timing for mediation and a proposed trial schedule.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein requested his trial against HCA Healthcare begin April 2025 at the earliest.

On the same day, Stein noted his intent to ask the court to allow his office to file an amended complaint by April 1. If Judge Julianna Theall Earp denies Steins request, the court agreed to allow his office 10 extra days to respond to HCAs motion to dismiss.

The Case Management Report reveals a disagreement over pace. Stein requested more time for discovery, for HCA to serve expert reports, prepare for deposition and trial. HCA provided a schedule that would initiate the trial in late October. Per Steins schedule, if the attorneys file at the requested deadlines, the trial would begin in April 2025 at the earliest, after he leaves office.

"Cases involving complex legal issues often take an extended period of time to resolve. The dedicated attorneys at NCDOJ will keep fighting this case as long as it takes to restore health care services to the level western North Carolinians expect and deserve," spokesperson for the attorney general's office Nazneen Ahmed told the Citizen Times in a March 1 message.

Duke Law Professor Donald Beskind told the Citizen Times in a Feb. 29 email that these differences over speed were common.

This is not unusual because the plaintiff has the burden of proof and because in this case, the plaintiff, not being the one who operates the facility, has more to learn, he said.

Beskind added in a follow-up conversation that defendants often want to squeeze plaintiffs with an early trial date, so they are rushed. He said he has no opinion about whether that is occurring with this case.

The Mission Hospital Campus, October 3, 2023.

HCA also requested the court to not allow Stein to produce rebuttal expert reports.

We are confident in our compliance with the APA and are seeking to reach a resolution as soon as the Court agrees is reasonably possible, Mission Health spokesperson Nancy Lindell told the Citizen Times in a March 1 statement.

Earp will ultimately rule on these differences in the Greensboro business court, but no hearing date has been set as of March 1.

Stein Ex Rel Dogwood v HCA - Case Management Report FINAL by Mitchell Black on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Both parties found some common ground. They agreed to limits on written discovery, and how documents between parties in litigation are identified, preserved and processed. There were also agreements about the number of certain types of depositions, and needs for orders that would conceal information, like identifying patient information, from the public.

Since Stein filed his lawsuit, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services declared that conditions at Mission Hospital created an Immediate Jeopardy situation, the most serious deficiency regulators can assign. Immediate jeopardy is reserved for noncompliance with federal Medicare conditions for participation that puts patients in danger of serious injury, harm or death. A report detailing the deficiencies that rose to immediate jeopardy revealed four patient deaths.

More: CMS: Mission Hospital removed 'Immediate Jeopardy' conditions; follow-up results pending

More: Doctors, advocates slam Mission's plan to correct deficiencies; doesn't address staffing

More: State and federal government survey Mission Hospital after Immediate Jeopardy designation

Stein told the Asheville Watchdog in Asheville Feb. 27 that the findings of the federal report could influence his litigation against the hospital.

CMS has since removed the immediate jeopardy designation, giving the hospital 90 days to become compliant with Medicare regulations.

Mitchell Black covers Buncombe County and health care for the Citizen Times. Email him at mblack@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @MitchABlack. Please help support local journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: HCA, NC Attorney General Stein lawsuit: Disagreement over pacing
People are queuing at the Thai embassy in Yangon to apply for a visa. Myanmar's army introduced compulsory military service in 2010 - but until now the law has never been enforced. That is set to change from April, causing scores of young people to go into hiding or flee the crisis-hit country. Myo Myo/dpa

Nineteen-year-old Doe Doe has already had to make a series of difficult decisions in his young life.

When Myanmar's military took power in 2021, he decided to drop out of high school, feeling he was unable to continue with his education in a system controlled by the junta. He was 16 years old at the time and about to graduate.

After the military recently announced that they would enforce a previously inactive conscription law, Doe Doe decided to join the People's Defense Forces (PDF) in the central city of Mandalay, which is fighting junta forces in many parts of the country.

"I didn't tell my parents anything about it," he told dpa on the phone. "Now I'm taking part in combat training here - it's time for us to finally defend ourselves."

Even as he speaks, fighter jets can be heard dropping bombs. Screams can be heard over the phone.

The military in Myanmar has been fighting mercilessly against its own people since the overthrow of former leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Nearly 600 PDF groups have emerged across the country since the coup, and the conflict has created a massive humanitarian crisis in the Southeast Asian country.

In recent months, the army has suffered heavy losses inflicted by armed militias in many parts of the country.

There was particularly fierce fighting at the end of last year in northern Shan State on the border with China, a region known for drug trafficking.

Within a few days, the Brother Alliance - a guerrilla group made up of three ethnic groups and some allied PDF factions - gained control of important trade routes to China as well as more than 180 bases and outposts.

With the army now considered weakened and in desperate need of young volunteers, the regime announced it would enforce the conscription law requiring 18 to 45-year-old men and 18 to 35-year-old women to serve two years in the armed forces. Specialist professions, including doctors and engineers, must serve for three years.

Moreover, military service can be extended for five years in case a national emergency is declared, according to the law.

According to the army, some 14 million in the country of some 55 million are eligible for conscription under the law, 6.3 million men and 7.7 million women.

Initially, some 5,000 people are set to be drafted every month.

The planned compulsory recruitment, which is set begin in April, has triggered a mass exodus, with many people fearing that they will soon be drafted from their homes into military service to fight for the junta - against their fellow citizens.

Kyaw Kyaw, a 27-year-old member of the LGBT community, worked as a private teacher in Myitkyina, the capital of Myanmar's north Kachin State, at a private boarding school after the coup.

A former employee at a government-owned bank, he joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) strike, refusing to work for the military. As a result, his passport was suspended and he was banned from leaving the country.

Despite the threat of arrest, Kyaw Kyaw stayed in Myitkyina and continued to teach.

"But I had to keep quiet as I am a CDMer," he told dpa. To avoid being drafted into the military, Kyaw Kyaw has now fled to the border area between Myanmar and Thailand, which is controlled by the powerful Karen National Union (KNU), from where he hopes to make it across the border.

The KNU is the oldest armed group in the multi-ethnic state of Myanmar. It has been fighting for freedom for more than 70 years and has offered protection to many internally displaced people and PDF fighters since the coup.

Kyaw Kyaw is unsure what the future holds for him. "I am supposed to restart my life in Mae Sot," he said referring to the Thai town near the border where a lare number of people from Myanmar have fled since the coup.

Like so many others, he ignores warnings from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that Myanmar nationals who enter Thailand illegally will face legal action - no wonder, given the alternative that awaits them at home.

"Signs of desperation, such as the imposition of conscription, are not an indication that the junta and its armed forces pose a lesser threat to the people of Myanmar," warned the UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews.

In fact, many are now exposed to even greater dangers. According to the UN, there are reports that the military has begun kidnapping young people and forcing them to work as porters - or even using them as human shields.

"We are constantly afraid. We don't dare go out on the streets at night," said a 35-year-old graphic designer from Yangon.

Thousands of young people have been queuing in front of the Thai Embassy in the city to obtain a visa in recent days.

"We have only one son and he should be with us forever but we have to let him go. I can't see him joining the junta's forces," Daw Nyein, a 50-year-old mother in line at the embassy, told dpa.

Young people are also trying to flee to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos to escape conscription, though Thailand remains the most important destination as many Burmese already fled there following the coup.

Passport offices in major cities are being overwhelmed by the onrush, with two women killed in a pre-dawn stampede at the office in Mandalay on February 19.

Meanwhile, Doe Doe continues to cling to hope that some day he might be able to graduate from high school. "I am convinced that we will win in the end. Everyone here believes that," he said. "The junta cannot treat us like this, the people will fight back."

A military post in Shan State, photographed on the border with Thailand. The announcement by the military junta in Myanmar to enforce a previously inactive law on compulsory military service has triggered mass exodus in the crisis-hit country. Tens of thousands of mainly young people are currently trying to leave their homeland for Thailand. Carola Frentzen/dpa

Fighters from the Karen National Union (KNU) at a parade on the border with Thailand. The KNU is the oldest armed group in the multi-ethnic state of Myanmar. Athens Zaw Zaw/dpa
A protester was violently grabbed and pulled by the crowd at an event with First Lady Jill Biden event after the protester called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Dr Biden spoke in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Tuscon, Arizona on Saturday and it was at the Fox Theatre in Tuscon that multiple protesters were removed from the premises after interrupting the first ladys speech.

The first lady focused on Republican efforts to curb abortion rights in her speech, which was interrupted at least four times during its 15 minutes, according to USA Today.

Jill, when are you and the President going to call for a ceasefire in Gaza? one protester asked before she was pulled down by the audience and subsequently dragged out by security.

The activist group known as the Answer Coalition shared a video of the incident:

Jill, when are you and the President going to call for a ceasefire in Gaza?



Protestors in Arizona disrupt Jill Bidens speaking event to #ShutItDown4Palestine  pic.twitter.com/BuZNYwKvqX  ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) March 2, 2024

More than 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza, many as a result of Israels often indiscriminate bombing campaign, after the beginning of the Israeli response to the 7 October attack by Hamas last year, in which around 1,200 people were killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the goal of the war is to fully root out and destroy Hamas, a task many observers say is insurmountable.

Donald Trump has spent a lifetime tearing us down and devaluing our existence. He mocks womens bodies, disrespects our accomplishments, and brags about assault, Dr Biden said. Now hes bragging about killing Roe v Wade.

Donald Trump is dangerous to women and to our families. We simply cannot let him win, she added. When our bodies are on the line, when our daughters futures are at stake, when our country and its freedom hang in the balance, we are immovable and unstoppable.

Kaliana Venet was one of the protesters who interrupted Dr Bidens speech. She told USA Today that she thinks Israel is guilty of genocide and that she wont support President Joe Biden in the election in the autumn.

I was really disappointed when were talking about celebrating women, and the importance of women in positions of power, that this topic, of the femicide that is happening in Gaza, wasnt addressed, she told the paper. There are women in Gaza having C-sections without anaesthesia. There are children in the NICU who are dying because they dont have power in the incubators.

While the Biden administration still backs Israel, it has said that more care needs to be taken to prevent civilian harm, and it has started to airdrop aid into Gaza.

Mr Trump moved in lockstep with Mr Netanyahu during his presidency and hes highly unlikely to push back on any Israeli war effort if elected.
By Andrew Osborn

(Reuters) -Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and an ally of President Vladimir Putin, described Ukraine on Monday as part of Russia and said what he called historical parts of Russia needed to "come home."

In a bellicose presentation that suggested Russia's military goals in Ukraine are far-reaching, Medvedev, who was Russia's president from 2008-2012, praised the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union and said Moscow would prosecute its "special military operation" until the Ukrainian leadership capitulated.

"One of Ukraine's former leaders said at some point that Ukraine is not Russia," Medvedev, a hawk who diplomats say gives a flavour of the thinking inside the Kremlin, told a youth forum in the Black Sea city of Sochi.

"That concept needs to disappear forever. Ukraine is definitely Russia," he said to applause. "Historic parts of the country need to come home."

There was no immediate reaction from Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Medvedev and other top Russian officials of waging an illegal war of conquest and said Ukraine and its people are distinct from Russia and Russians.

Medvedev was speaking in front of a giant map of Ukraine showing the country as a much smaller landlocked rump of land than its internationally recognised territory.

The map appeared to depict a scenario where Ukraine would be squeezed up against Poland, with Kyiv remaining its capital, but Russia would be in control of a swath of Ukrainian cities and its east, south and entire Black Sea coastline.

Russia has the initiative on the battlefield and controls just under one fifth of Ukrainian territory, which it claims as its own, but the scenario is sharply different from the situation on the ground.

PEACE TALKS RULED OUT

Medvedev, who the West once saw as a liberal reformer, said Russia's "geostrategic space" was indivisible from Ukraine and that any attempt to change that by force was doomed.

"All our adversaries need to understand once and for all a simple fact: that the territories on both banks of the Dnipro River (which bisects Ukraine) are an integral part of Russia's strategic and historical borders," he said.

Medvedev ruled out peace talks with the current Ukrainian leadership. He said any future Ukrainian government that wanted talks would need to recognise what he called the new reality.

Commenting on East-West relations, Medvedev said ties between Moscow and Washington were now worse than during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis when the two countries appeared on the brink of nuclear conflict.

"I will say one bitter thing," he said. "The current situation is much worse than the one in 1962. This is a fully fledged war against Russia with American weapons and with the participation of American special forces and American advisers. That's how it is."

(Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Andrew Osborn, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
FILE - Host Jimmy Kimmel speaks at the Oscars on March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Kimmel will host the 96th Oscars on Sunday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Through one of the most tumultuous periods in Oscar history, through flub and slap, Jimmy Kimmel has emerged as the steadying hand and abiding face of the Academy Awards.

When Kimmel hosts the 96th Oscars on Sunday, hell be emceeing the telecast for the fourth time. Only three people  Bob Hope (19 times), Billy Crystal (nine times) and Johnny Carson (five times)  will have hosted more than him.

After Kimmel hosted the 2017 and 2018 ceremonies, he watched the Oscars experiment without a host and then with a trio of them. But after returning last year to right the ship following the Will Smith fracas, Kimmel has proven adept at a balancing act that has eluded most others.

Its an experience that I try to remember is special, Kimmel said in a recent interview. I just want to make sure for the people who are watching and the people who are there that we bring the proper amount of respect and also the proper amount of disrespect to the proceedings.

Kimmel spoke as he prepared for Sundays show in between his day job at Jimmy Kimmel Live! That includes sifting through possible jokes, posing for photographs hed rather not and plenty of Oscar discussion around the dinner table, too. Molly McNearney, Kimmels wife, is an executive producer on the broadcast.

But Kimmel is by now an old hand at a highly specialized gig. Last years broadcast drew 18.7 million viewers, the most since 2020.

Im pretty calm, said Kimmel. I cant speak for everyone else.

The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

AP: Does it irk you that your avowed nemesis Matt Damon is a co-star in the film that appears to be steamrolling to best picture, Oppenheimer?

KIMMEL: It delights me. Matt Damon was completely left out of the Oscar festivities. He was even in the movie. It couldnt be more embarrassing for him. Its like if everyone in the class got invited to a birthday party, and hes the one kid who didn't.

AP: How does having two huge films like Barbie and Oppenheimer prominently nominated affect your job?

KIMMEL: It makes it 10 times easier. When nobody has seen the movies  and that has happened, including years when Ive hosted  you have no point of reference to go from.

AP: Youve even suggested Barbie partially motivated you to host this time.

KIMMEL: It was one of the big contributing factors, knowing that this movie was probably going to get nominated. I felt like I could have some good angles jumping off that. Like our promo was one of them.

AP: This is an election year and war is raging in Ukraine and Gaza. Do you expect to be more political?

KIMMEL: I probably shouldnt tell you this but Im going to march all the nominees to the border and were going to see if we cant fix the whole thing on Sunday night. (Laughs) I dont know. Its not really the focus of the Oscars. It doesnt mean I wont have a joke or two about it. But its not really my goal to invoke the name of he-who-shall-not-be-named at the Oscars.

AP: You havent been shy on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to take jabs at Donald Trump. He recently called you a loser.

KIMMEL: I was going through my records and it seems like only one of us has lost.

AP: For you, whats the appeal of hosting the Oscars?

KIMMEL: What I do is very fleeting. You do a show and then its gone. You dont have much to show for it because it is so topical. The Oscars have a permanence thats different for me and its fun. However it goes, Ill always have that. When you watch these montages of 96 years of the Oscars, and to be in it, you have to be pretty jaded for that not to have an effect on you.

AP: Youve sounded as though you thought you were done. Is that right?

KIMMEL: Oh, absolutely. I never imagined theyd ask me again, really. I was, like, two times, that was good. Maybe it was one of those things where she dumped me and Ill never date her again. But whatever the case, here I am again for number four.

AP: Does that mean youre approaching it as if this is the last time?

KIMMEL: It might be. I dont presume that Ill be asked to do it again. Looking back on it, its always easier to only remember the good things. But I dont know. Ill say four seems like a solid number to me.

AP: Youre not interested in remaining a mainstay like Bob Hope?

KIMMEL: The way I look at is: People tend to take you for granted and resent you rather quickly. (Laughs) Im sure Ill get some of that this time around. Ill get the usual, Cant they get anyone else to host this thing? And the answer is, no, they couldnt.

AP: Have you kept any mementos from your past three times hosting?

KIMMEL: I steal one Oscar every year. Usually from the animated short people. I tell them I need to take it and Ill get it back to them, and I just never do. They dont know any better. I have three Oscars now and Im looking forward to number four.

AP: Thats tough for the animated short people.

KIMMEL: Yeah, well, theyre lucky to be there.

AP: Is there anything youve learned about what works and what doesnt from previous shows?

KIMMEL: Ive learned that you can put a huge amount of effort into pre-taped comedy bits and get very little response from them. (Laughs) Weve learned not to do that anymore. Whatever people see on the Oscars that is not an award being handed out they believe is the reason the show is long. Thats not really true, for the most part. A lot of times you have live comedy bits or pre-taped comedy bits just to reset the stage. But Ive given up on them almost entirely.

AP: One thing we know about Sundays show is thatRyan Gosling will be singing I'm Just Ken.Do you plan to join him at all in that number?

KIMMEL: No one has asked me to sing. But if I get the call, Oh, yes, I will be center stage belting it out with Ryan.

AP: You were great with him in the Oscar promo.

KIMMEL: Its a lot harder to look at my face when his is in the same frame. I believe that was my wifes assessment.

AP: You had the post-slap narrative last year. Is there anything aboutthis years crop of movies and nominees thats interesting to you?

KIMMEL: For me, none of it is particularly interesting. But I like the surprises, you know? Most of these nominees, we dont know these people, we dont know what theyre going to say. Some of them we do. Some of them have won 11 awards leading up to this. But the really great moments come from the unexpected winners and people youve never heard of. I very much hope that the quality of the speeches comes even close to last year. Thats the difference between a good show and a great show.

AP: How is it going through this experience with your wife, Molly McNearney?

KIMMEL: Its great. Theres nobody I trust more. That said, we get involved now in a lot more decisions than we were last year. And theyre not all fun decisions. It has its pluses and minuses, for sure. Its become the topic work-wise in our house pretty much all day, every day for the last two months.

AP: Does your family enjoy you hosting the Oscars?

KIMMEL: A big side storyline is me trying to figure out what my parents are going to wear, how theyre going to get to the show, whos going to get them backstage after the show. It turns quickly into a family reunion. My older kids will be there with their spouses, some of my cousins, my brother, my sister. There will be a few Kimmels cheering me on in the audience. They look around and then they report back on who was laughing and who wasnt.

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

___

For more coverage of the 2024 Oscars, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards
Que Pasa: What to do in the Borderland this week

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  In this weeks episode of Que Pasa KTSM, Karla Draksler and Lauren Falco with Destination El Paso visited the Tikki Room Downtown to discuss all the upcoming events in the Borderland.

Tikki Room has been around for three years and is about to celebrate one year at its new location on Durango Street.

You can find food and drinks during Wipeout Wednesdays at Tikki Room or enjoy happy hour every Thursday and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

The restaurant owner said they would open their patio before the end of March.

For more information, you can visit Tikki Rooms Instagram page.

Heres a list of featured events for this weeks Que Pasa:

Whose Live Anyway?

Tuesday, March 5

At the Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza

Come From Away

March 8-10

At the Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza

Poppies Fest

Saturday, March 9

At the El Paso Museum of Archeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean

Wine & Love Music with The Retroz

Saturday, March 9

At Zine Valle Vineyard, 7215 Canutillo-La Union Rd

Deserto Brunch

Sunday, March 10

At Deserto Pizza, 2829 Montana Ave

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The Queen will hand out 75 ceremonial coins to 75 men and 75 women, in line with the King's age - POOL/via REUTERS

The Queen will distribute Maundy money on behalf of the King at Worcester Cathedral during this years Royal Maundy service.

Queen Camilla, 76, will present ceremonial coins to 75 men and 75 women on Maundy Thursday, as per Easter tradition, while the King continues his cancer treatment.

It will mark one of the most significant royal events from which King Charles, 75, will be absent.

The Queens involvement will also mark the first time that a consort has stood in to perform the duty on behalf of the monarch.

The service, which is held at a different cathedral each year, was last held in Worcester in 1980.

Lord High Almoner John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester, will accompany the Queen as she presents the specially minted coins on March 28.

He said: It is an honour to be able to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to Worcester. This is an immensely special service and I know it will mean a huge amount to those who have been chosen to receive the coins, all of whom will have given years of service to their local communities.

Canon Stephen Edwards, Worcester Cathedrals interim dean, said: We are delighted that Worcester has been chosen as the location for this years Royal Maundy service. We will be pulling out all the stops to create a special occasion for all the recipients.

Maundy money is given to a number of male and female recipients equivalent to the monarchs age and is delivered in two purses, one red and one white.

Pensioners who have supported the church and their local communities are recommended by clergy of all denominations to receive the gifts.

The ancient ceremony stems from the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.

A royal history

Both the King and Queen attended last years service at York Minster.

In 2022, the ailing Queen Elizabeth II pulled out of the Maundy service for the first time in more than 50 years, asking her son, then the Prince of Wales, to step in for her at St Georges Chapel, Windsor.

The late Queen had only missed the event on four previous occasions, in 1954 and 1970, due to royal tours, and in 1960 and 1964, due to the births of Princes Edward and Andrew.

In 1954, the monarch was represented by Lord High Almoner Michael Gresford Jones, the Bishop of St Albans. Six years later, the Queen Mother stood in for her daughter, who had given birth to the Duke of York two months earlier.

In 1964, following the birth of Prince Edward, the Queens role was fulfilled by her aunt Princess Mary and in 1970, the Queen Mother again distributed the Maundy money when her daughter was on tour in New Zealand.

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Should we adopt the Iranian system of rule by a Council of Guardians  wise Ayatollahs  who oversee what elected representatives must, may and cannot do, to ensure government policies accord with the Ayatollahs interpretation of sacred texts?

No takers for that in Britain you may think. But in fact the UK is well on the way to succumbing to such a system. In Iran it was established by the Islamic Revolution overthrowing the Shah. Here it is being imposed by a stealthy constitutional revolution.

Our unelected, unaccountable guardians are lawyers, giving themselves power to constrain what elected representatives can and cannot do. Their sacred text is not the Koran but the European Convention of Human Rights which, they assert, Parliament cannot override or resile from, but which judges declare to be a living instrument - open to their subjective interpretation. This week, we will find whether these legal Ayatollahs have already gained the power to stop Parliament passing the Rwanda Bill.

For a thousand years in Britain, law has been made by Parliament and implemented by the Courts. If the Courts interpret laws in ways that Parliament did not intend or feels is out of line with values of the public who elect it, Parliament can change the law. That is what Parliamentary sovereignty means.

But senior judges and lawyers now assert that Parliament is not sovereign: it can no longer change the law if our legal Ayatollahs say it conflicts with the spirit of human rights and other laws as subjectively interpreted by them and their international confreres.

If we allow this to go unchecked, it will be hugely damaging not just for democracy but for the rule of law. We will have moved from the rule of law to the rule of lawyers.

The rule of law means that laws made and approved by our elected representatives are impartially implemented by the courts and all of us - citizens, public officials, ministers, police  are subject to those laws. But if we dont like a law, we can try to persuade our elected representatives to change it.

The rule of lawyers means that unelected and unaccountable judges can impose their opinions and there is nothing we can do about it. That appeals to (some) lawyers just as Irans system appeals to Ayatollahs. But ultimately it will erode public support for the rule of law. Moreover, it will inevitably lead to the politicisation of the judiciary.

If lawyers can make essentially political judgements based on their subjective opinions which elected representatives cannot remedy, the appointment of judges becomes a hugely political issue. That is the case in the US  where the Supreme Court can interpret the Constitution to overturn Congressional decisions. Do we want to be like America, where two vacancies during Trumps first term gave him the chance to appoint judges whose political opinions he liked and who were young enough to impose those views for decades to come?

This week, as the Safety of Rwanda Bill reaches its final Parliamentary stages, lawyers will deny Parliaments right to assert that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers. Yet in 2004  with no outcry  the Blair government legislated to create an irrebuttable presumption that a list of countries were safe. Our highest courts upheld this and declared it compatible with the Human Rights Act.

Our would-be Ayatollahs will also assert that Parliament cannot empower Ministers to reject demands by the European Court of Human Rights to further delay sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Yet the French government ignored the Court and returned an Uzbek citizen to his homeland. The international legal order has not collapsed.

We are often told that the Convention merely codified human rights which had evolved in Britain since Magna Carta. So it would change nothing for us while obliging historically less fortunate nations to emulate us. A patronising view, and also untrue: it was the first step empowering lawyers to make laws, unaccountable to any electorate and unamendable by Parliament, particularly when they gave themselves the right to treat the document as a living instrument.

No human rights are absolute. Freedom of speech is already significantly constrained. Rights to asylum must be balanced against saving lives by deterring dangerous channel crossings and the right to protect our borders. Balancing different rights is intrinsically political and best left to Parliament, not the courts.

If the European Convention of Human Rights cannot be reformed to recognise this, reaffirming the rule of law, not rule by lawyers, may ultimately involve Britain leaving. Meanwhile, Parliament should have no qualms about enacting a Bill intended to save lives and implement the democratic desire to control immigration.

Lord Lilley is a Conservative peer

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Women of the Li ethnic group demonstrate Li brocade weaving during a culture exhibition at a theme park of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

HAIKOU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Donning a traditional Li ethnic group costume, a woman sits on the ground and weaves colorful yarn into delicate brocade, with spindles gently shuttling back and forth on the loom. Such a scene has been common in China's southernmost province of Hainan, whether in Li villages or public places, such as scenic spots, museums, and exhibitions.

The Li brocade, created by the Li ethnic group on Hainan Island, boasts a history of around 3,000 years. The Li brocade tradition, the entire process of which includes spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery, was included in the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.

Hu Chunfang, 66, who lives in Jiamao Town of the province's Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, began learning the craft as an apprentice since she was nine years old. Hu is one of the few provincial-level inheritors of the Li brocade in Hainan.

In recent years, Hainan has invested heavily in opening training institutes to teach the techniques of Li brocade to the locals. Since 2012, Li brocade has been introduced as a course in primary and secondary schools in the province. Local authorities have also formulated a raft of measures to strengthen the systematic protection and innovative development of Li brocade, striving to help the traditional skills survive time.

To spread extensively the Li brocade skills, Hu has compiled teaching materials by herself. Over the years, she traveled to more than a dozen provinces and cities, taking on more than 40 people, including her relatives, neighbors and even craft lovers all over the country, as her apprentices, and training thousands of people.

Meanwhile, Hu also constantly brought her Li brocade works to participate in the exchange activities of intangible cultural heritage in Japan and France on behalf of Hainan. A set of her double knit handicraft of Li brocade was collected by UNESCO when it was exhibited in Paris.

Hainan is vigorously pushing the Li culture to go global as well, with the ancient craft further expanding its presence on the international stage during the past five years.

In 2019, the Li brocade techniques became the first Chinese intangible cultural heritage project to be put on display at UNESCO headquarters. Last year, the exhibition and exchange activities of Li culture entered the world's fashion capital of Milan, Italy.

In addition, Li brocade has also appeared in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference for many consecutive years and was presented as a national gift to guests at home and abroad.

The traditional exquisite brocade is embracing the modern fashion industry as local authorities make efforts to expand its inheritance and development space further. The city of Wuzhishan in Hainan has signed a talent training agreement with the Shenzhen school of Italy's top art school Istituto Marangoni, with accessories, silhouette, fabric and digitization on the curriculum.

The intangible cultural heritage is also being made into creative products, such as handbags, bookmarks, table flags, and costumes. As nice-looking and utilitarian featured souvenirs, they have been introduced into Hainan's major tourist attractions, popular business areas, and airports. Some products have entered the cultural exhibitions and consumer markets in foreign countries, including Britain, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Norway.

Hu said that with Li brocade blooming nowadays, "its cultural value not only belongs to China, but also the world." 
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  The Chesapeake Health Department said Monday a now-deceased cat recently tested positive of rabies.

On or around Feb. 25, a resident encountered the tan and black tabby cat near Gabion Way.

The Chesapeake Health Department wants to be notified immediately about any human or pet exposure to the rabid feline.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The disease kills almost any mammal or human that gets infected. It can be transmitted through a bite or getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound, eye, nose or mouth.

An animal exposure is a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation is critical. A prompt assessment will lead to timely response which may include observation or testing of an animal, and when necessary, rabies vaccinations, said Dr. Nancy Welch, MD, health director for the Chesapeake Health Department. Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases.

If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact the Chesapeake Animal Control at 757-382-8080.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
By Lefteris Papadimas and Renee Maltezou

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece, host of the headquarters of the EU operation to shield ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, hopes to play a more central role in ensuring security of the 27-nation bloc, the defence minister said.

"We have to be able to defend ourselves," Nikos Dendias told Reuters, adding that the European Union could achieve that in cooperation with NATO and other allies.

"What we're trying to do is have a home-grown defence industry in Greece and Europe which could service the needs of the European Union."

The EU's Red Sea naval mission, dubbed "Aspides", which in Greek means "Shields", was launched last month to guard vessels from attack by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas in its war with Israel.

At the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe, Greece controls the largest merchant fleet in the world and attacks against its vessels have increased. Greece's largest port, Piraeus, has seen trade drop 40%.

The Greek frigate Hydra sailed last week for the Red Sea as the country assumed command of the EU mission whose headquarters will be in the city of Larissa. Italy commands the naval force.

"It's important that we succeed," Dendias said. "You cannot be a crossroads if roads do not exist or do not function. So for us (Greece) this is a huge threat directly and indirectly."

Both Greece and the European Union are alarmed by the "sophisticated approach" of the Houthis, he said, with sea mines and submarine weapons used in attacks.

The safety of the five Aspides warships and crew, also from Germany, Italy, Belgium and France, was also a concern, he said, urging close coordination with other fleets in the area, which include warships from the United States and India.

"Having a very close communication and as much a common approach as possible with other fleets ... is something advisable and important," he said.

Following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the European Union wants to increase its defence role as a bloc rather than as a collection of 27 nations where military policy is drafted at a national level.

Greece, also a NATO member, wants to reform its army along the example of Finland. It also aims to revamp its defence industry and boost its shipyards' business, as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis that forced it to slash spending.

It has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan, that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S, three frigates from France and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters.

It wants to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in talks with the United States to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates for the Greek Navy. Foreign frigates could be serviced in Greek shipyards, Dendias said.

"This presents a huge challenge," he said. "We're a proud maritime nation but it's the first time in our history that we may be able to co-design a platform as important as the Constellation."

(Writing by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) spotted a sign that Republicans impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden might be dead in the water.

Thats all she wrote, folks. Even crazy Tomi Lahren thinks this thing is over, he tweeted, sharing a clip of the right-wing commentator on Fox News.

As somebody who does believe theres plenty of evidence here, I think that this has failed optically for Republicans, Lahren, a contributor to the network, told MediaBuzz host Howard Kurtz on Sunday of the impeachment probe.

Theyve done good work ... but optically, it does make it seem as though theyre beating up on someone with addiction issues, she added, referring to the intense focus on the presidents son, Hunter Biden.

She encouraged Republicans to focus on the election instead.

This impeachment inquiry, unfortunately, is falling flat with a lot of viewers and voters, she said.

Swalwell wasnt the only one to spot the pivot. Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, also shared the clip, writing: When youve lost Tomi Lahren

Thats all she wrote folks. Even crazy Tomi Lahren thinks this thing is over. https://t.co/uNRGSKZTqi  Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) March 4, 2024

Despite what Lahren says she believes and the claims of Republicans leading the probe, GOP lawmakers have failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden after more than a year of investigating him and his family.

The investigation has unraveled in recent weeks, leaving its fate up in the air after one of Republicans key sources in the probe was charged with lying to the FBI about the Bidens.

Lahren and many other Fox News pundits have been advocates for the inquiry, leaning heavily into unsubstantiated Republican allegations in their coverage for months.

In July last year, Lahren told Fox News, Weve been literally tripping over evidence against Joe Biden and said, I think I speak for a lot of Americans when I say Well, its about dang time to open an inquiry.

She added, This is going to be big.

Related...
Leer en espanol

U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego joined the Biden administrations call for an immediate ceasefire in the war in Israels Gaza region and called on Israel to facilitate swifter humanitarian aid to the Palestinians there.

Gallego, the only prominent Democrat running in the race for Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas seat, urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire that Vice President Kamala Harris outlined Sunday to help bring about the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

When it comes to Gaza, I of course want a ceasefire, Gallego said Monday at a news conference at the state Capitol in Phoenix. Im heartened by whats happening right now in terms of some of the conditions. I hope that Hamas will actually come to the table now and do that ceasefire.

In the meantime, Israel needs to be doing everything possible to be rushing in aid. The holdups  theyre inhumane and unnecessary, he said before alluding to his service as a Marine in the Iraq War. You can have both security and provide for humanitarian assistance. Ive done it. Ive done it in combat, and Israel should be abiding by that.

U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego holds a press conference before submitting signatures to the Secretary of State's office, on March 4, 2024, at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.

Its incumbent on the United States to always work with our allies  all allies  to make sure that they are doing whats in the best interest of civilians, limiting civilian casualties as well as making sure that as friends of Israel that we are looking out for their long-term survival as well as standing within this world.

Biden is relating that to Israel in private, said Gallego, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. The private talks are frustrating but essential, he said.

But it is something that needs to continue and I think to the best interests of all parties involved to get to a ceasefire.

In a social media post later Monday, Gallego wrote that any ceasefire in Gaza must come with the release of hostages, a deal that hinges on Hamas accepting it. The influential and politically active American Israel Public Affairs Committee responded to it thanking Gallego "for your moral clarity."

Harris was scheduled to meet Monday with an Israeli war cabinet official at the White House.

U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego (front) holds a press conference before submitting signatures to the Secretary of State's office, on March 4, 2024, at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.

Gallego spoke to reporters on the day his campaign turned in more than double the signatures needed to qualify for the Democratic primary this summer and the November general election. It was the first day his campaign could qualify for the ballot and came as Sinema, I-Ariz., hasnt even begun to gather signatures, which must be submitted by April 1.

Sinema hasnt publicly said whether she will run for reelection. Kari Lake is the front-runner for the Republican nomination. Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is challenging Lake for the GOP nod.

As he has since entering the race more than a year ago, Gallego took swipes at Sinema and Lake.

Ive never really counted her out or in, he said of Sinema. When I jumped in this race in January 2023, we didnt know what the landscape was going to look like. We didnt know which Republican was going to be running against us. We didnt know if Kyrsten Sinema was in or out.

Instead, he said, his campaign focused from the outset on fighting for everyone.

We need somebody who is going to fight for everyday Arizonans, not just the well-connected, Gallego said. As much as we like to say people go to the Senate to work hard, people in the Senate have forgotten Arizonans.

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He cast Lake as untrustworthy.

I think Arizonans want somebody they can trust, Gallego said of Lake. He said she has changed her rhetoric around restricting abortion rights multiple times. Lake has recently said she supports Arizona's ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

As a gubernatorial candidate in 2022, Lake said she was incredibly thrilled about Arizona following its territorial-era law that will prohibit abortion in Arizona except to save the life of a mother.

She has said since November she would oppose a federal ban on abortions.

She cant be trusted. Her positions are all over the place.  We are going to remind the voters in Arizona that shes not in this for Arizonans," Gallego said. "Shes in this for herself. She denied the 2020 election. She denied the 2022 election to help herself and she continued to grift through all her various nonprofits and programs. It would not surprise me that shes also going to deny the results of the 2024 election.

As evidence of a Lake swindle, his campaign pointed to the Save Arizona Fund nonprofit organization Lake started after her 2022 election loss. It raised millions, and at least initially, mostly paid for attorney's fees and communications expenses, according to the Arizona Mirror.

In a statement, Alex Nicoll, a spokesman for the Lake campaign, pushed back against Gallegos comments.

Ruben Gallego is a career politician who has never accomplished anything for Arizona, Nicoll said. Kari Lake is an outsider, mom and the only woman in the race who has given birth. Ruben supports abortion up to nine months with no restrictions. Kari is not going to be lectured by a man who left his wife when she was nine months pregnant. She supports saving babies and more resources for women, not a federal abortion ban.

Gallego and his now-ex-wife, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, separated when she was expecting their child within weeks. Kate Gallego has endorsed Ruben Gallego's Senate campaign.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ruben Gallego sides with White House in calling for ceasefire in Gaza
Staff members at the James F. Condon Community School have been placed on leave for their involvement in allegedly restraining a student to a chair, according to school officials.

A teacher allegedly used nylon straps and duct tape to restrain a student with special needs at the South Boston school, which has students in kindergarten through eighth grade, according to school officials.

In a statement, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper called the accusations Deeply concerning.

The safety and well-being of our students is our number one priority. This incident is deeply concerning and goes against our values and policies as a school district, Skipper said. We understand how difficult this has been for both our student and their family, and we will continue to work directly with them to provide all the support they need to feel safe and continue learning at BPS.

As soon as we were made aware of this incident we took immediate action and placed staff members involved on leave, Skipper said. Our investigation remains ongoing, and we want to reassure all BPS families that we are working with our entire community to ensure that every student feels safe, secure, and welcome.

The school district has not identified the staff members who were placed on leave.

In a letter to the school community on Thursday, Mary Driscoll, Region 2 school superintendent for Boston Public Schools, called the use of restraints on students inappropriate.

I am writing to inform you of an incident that recently came to our attention regarding the inappropriate use of restraints on students, Driscoll wrote in her letter. I want to reassure you that this matter is being fully addressed consistent with school and district policies. The BPS Office of Specialized Services is in direct contact with the school to support staff with proper district protocols regarding the use of student restraints.

As you know, the Condon K-8 School is working to provide all students with learning opportunities in safe and welcoming spaces, Driscoll wrote.

Mayor Michelle Wu, who spoke about the incident over the weekend, said the matter is under investigation and that officials will be reaching out to the students family.

It sounds as if something happened that is against the policies of our schools as well as the values of how to keep our young people safe and cared for, Wu said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Germany's ambassador to Russia, attends a reception at the embassy to mark German Unity Day. German ambassador for talks at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow. Ulf Mauder/dpa

The German ambassador to Russia, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, has arrived in Moscow for a meeting at the Foreign Ministry, according to media reports.

Citing an anonymous source, the Russian state news agency TASS reported that the ambassador had been summoned because of the recently published recordings of a telephone conversation between German Air Force officers on the possible deployment of Taurus cruise missiles in Ukraine, which had been intercepted by Russia.

According to dpa information, however, Lambsdorff arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry for a meeting that had been planned some time in advance.

Neither the press office nor the ambassador himself were initially available for comment.
When the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos could be considered children, it put an unpopular target on the most effective fertility treatment in the country.

It also put a target on the backs of Republicans, with many GOP politicians suddenly facing questions about their long-held beliefs about when life begins.

Squaring support for in vitro fertilization with the general GOP positionthat life begins at conceptionis hard enough. But many Republicans, from Donald Trump to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), rushed to do just that in the aftermath of the Alabama ruling.

And yet, for some GOP lawmakers, theres a reason why supporting IVF may come off as disingenuous: theyre cosponsors of a bill, The Life at Conception Act, that would vow to protect all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization.

Baby Dreams Dashed by Alabama Courts Nightmare IVF Ruling

If you ask these Republicans how they square their newfound public support for IVF with their support for a measure that would undermine IVF, youll get some torturedthough, at times, candidanswers.

With difficulty, is how Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) responded last week.

I cant honestly tell you Ive invested myself properly to give you a solid answer, but generally, you know, I will always defend life from conception to natural death, Higgins told The Daily Beast.

While Higgins admitted he hadnt thought much about the potential hypocrisy, he triedin that instantto grapple with the question. He compared IVF to the fetal stem cell debates of the early 2000s. And for those who believe life begins at conception, Higgins said, the issue has provoked a soul-searching moment.

You have to determine wheres the line you draw with medical science, he said.

But if these GOP lawmakers are relying on medical science to guide their opinions, its clear many havent done much research.

Im in favor of in vitro fertilization, Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) told The Daily Beast. I think there's a bunch of work that you can do to make sure its been managed appropriately, but Im in favor of it.

While Bentz said he supports IVF, hes also a cosponsor of the Life at Conception Act. And when pressed on what he meant by working to ensure IVF is managed appropriately, he deflected.

Thats a complex area and one that, I think, the proper people to be talking to would be folks who are in that space, he said. Because for me to beas a lawyerto be talking about IVF is asking a bit much.

But therein lies one of the ironies of lawmakers making health decisions. These Republicans arent deferring to doctors to make law; theyre making sweeping statements about when life beginsand then trying to draft laws that conform to those beliefs.

1246360256 "UNITED STATES - JANUARY 3: Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., is seen outside a meeting of the House Republican Conference in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)" Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Bentz said Republicans now supporting IVF were focusing on the goal of people having more children, because thats something everyone should be in favor of.

And then exactly how we go about it, I think that needs to be done with due regard to embryos that are created, but this is a space that requires a lot more knowledge about the process, Bentz said.

Asked how he squares his simultaneous support for the Life at Conception Act and IVF, Bentz said that requires a pretty good understanding of IVF.

Thats why Im telling you that the proper people to be talking to are those that are familiar with it, he said. Experts in that space.

Pressed again about his support for a bill that could undermine IVF, Bentz challenged the idea that legislation defining life as beginning at the moment of fertilization was a test to IVF.

So why would that in any way be anti-IVF? Bentz asked. When The Daily Beast tried to respond, Bentz interjected. Are you a doctor? he asked.

For fertility expert Dr. Eve Feinbergan associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicinelegislation that assigns personhood to embryos is very problematic for IVF.

So if you are saying that a fertilized egg has all of the rights of the citizen, Feinberg told The Daily Beast, then any time an embryobe it a fresh embryo, or a frozen embryo, or an embryo that was generated through natural conceptionanytime that embryo stops growing and developing, all of a sudden this opens the door for litigation, to assign fault and criminality and money damages at the person who is believed to be at fault.

But time and again, Republicans didnt see any issue with their bill and their sudden support for IVF.

Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR)another Life at Conception Act cosponsorsaw no contradiction, calling IVF a good tool.

It allows a lot of people with infertility problems to have children, he said. Its amazing technology.

And when pressed on the specifics, he said he believes embryos are a part of life that should be respected but regulated.

Theres a lot of ethical issues and it has to be regulated with IVF, he said. But, again, its been a remarkable tool that allows people to have children that couldnt have children otherwise.

John Oliver Nails the Fatal Flaw in Alabamas IVF Ban

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)another cosponsoranswered the question of how he can support IVF and the Life at Conception Act with another question.

Thats really where we have to sit down, I think, as a body. How can we make sure were protecting the opportunity for parents to do that, and at the same time protect the children? Owens said.

By children, Owens clarified, he meant unimplanted fertilized eggs.

There are 124 House Republicans who have signed on to the Life at Conception Actincluding Speaker Johnson.

The bill has become the subject of intense scrutiny after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created by IVF are legally children. While Republicans contend the Alabama ruling didnt outlaw IVF, concerns about clinics being held liable for damage done to the embryos under the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act have had a chilling effect; several Alabama IVF providers have already discontinued the treatment.

The logic of the Alabama Supreme Court decision underpins the Life at Conception Act. Embryos, supporters argue, are humans and should be treated as such under the law. If the Life at Conception Act passed, experts say it could have massive ramifications for IVF access nationwide.

Republicans are already in a tough position politically on abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The decision to make abortion a state issue has invigorated voters to turnout for Democrats and contributed to key Republican losses, even in red states like Kentucky, Kansas and Ohio.

The GOPwhich has long branded itself as the party of lifeknows it cant oppose the most effective fertility treatment in the country without facing even steeper political repercussions. Which is why the chairman of the Senate GOPs campaign arm, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), released a memo in the wake of the Alabama decision calling on Republican Senate candidates to post statements unequivocally supporting IVF.

Even Johnson, one of the most pro-life members of Congress, obliged.

I believe the life of every single child has inestimable dignity and value, Johnson said in a statement. That is why I support IVF treatment, which has been a blessing for many moms and dads who have struggled with fertility.

Unaddressed in his statement was how he squared the contradiction of his support for IVF with his support for a bill that would treat embryos like human lives.

But some Republicans did seem to see the contradictioneven if they didnt want to address it.

Bill cosponsor Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) said he believes life begins at conception, but he declined to comment further than that. Another cosponsor, Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), said he supports IVF but directed The Daily Beast to reach out to his communications staff with follow-ups.

When asked for his thoughts on IVF, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) said he was not going to opine or get involved in that.

Asked about his support for the Life at Conception Act, Buck asked The Daily Beast when he signed on to the bill. The Daily Beast told him 2023.

I'll have to look at that timing, he said. But I am absolutelyand have always beena pro-life member and will continue to be.

In an apparent acknowledgement of the political optics around the partys confused IVF messaging, some vulnerable Republicans have tried to clear up where they stand on the treatment. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution expressing strong support for IVF. As did Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR).

Neither of those measures, however, are binding. If passed, the resolutions wouldnt lend any protection to IVF.

They could actually do something, and instead theyve put out non-binding resolutions and said, We support it, House Democrat campaign Chair Suzan DelBene (D-WA) told The Daily Beast. But if you really want to do something, do something of substance.

DelBene told The Daily Beast that Democrats will hold Republicans accountable for their support of the Life at Conception Act on the 2024 campaign trail.

Democrats have also proposed their own IVF safeguards. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) introduced a bill to protect IVF in January. But despite the supposed GOP support for IVF, of the bills 102 sponsors, not one is a Republican at the moment.

Some Republicans argue the issue is better left up to the states and that there isnt a role for the federal government in IVF.

We already have IVF legal in every state, and Alabama is gonna make it clear its legal there, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) told The Daily Beast. So Im not sure theres a need for federal law, already legal everywhere.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) said on the Senate floor that she supports the ability of mothers and fathers to have total access to IVF in bringing new life into the world. I also believe human life should be protected.

These are not mutually exclusive, she said. But then, on Wednesday, Hyde-Smith objected to IVF protections proposed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (R-IL) on the Senate floor.

GOP Senator Derails Bill to Protect Access to IVF

Hyde-Smith said Duckworths bill oversteppedshe argued it would legalize human-animal chimeras, among other thingsand suggested it was unnecessary since no state has actually banned IVF anyway.

Predictably, Democrats are jumping at the chance to call Republicans hypocrites on IVF. Before The Daily Beast could even finish asking a question about the GOP contradiction, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) launched into a condemnation of her Republican colleagues.

Theyre so supportive that they will do nothing to protect it, Warren said. The Republicans have been captured by an extremist wing of their party, and they cant figure out how to shake loose. So they do what the extremist want, but try to talk a more moderate game.

Nobody is fooled, she added.

Still, not everyone in the GOP is going for moderation. Some Republican lawmakers were quite forthcoming about their concerns witheven outright opposition toIVF.

Asked about his stance on IVF, Life at Conception Act cosponsor Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) said he sees challenges with leftover embryos.

Due to those concerns, Rutherford said he is not really supportive of IVF, specifying he would be more open to IVF if there was a guarantee that no embryos would be left over.

Asked if he considers discarded embryos murder, he said he didnt know if hed call it murder,

But it certainly denies the sanctity of life, he said.

Conservative Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) was similarly skeptical of IVF. When asked about the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, unlike many of his GOP peers, Burchett made no effort to distance himself.

If youre pro-life, and you believe life begins at conceptionthat means if it begins in a Petri dish, or in the womb, or in the back of a 1955 Chevyits still life, he said. And so if were going to be pro-life, then we better be able to defend it.

On the other side of the issue, some Republicans were more firmly cemented in their support for IVF. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) told The Daily Beast he was not about to sign on to federal protections, but he also expressed concerns with Republican-led bills policies that could imperil IVFlike the Life at Conception Act.

Theres a reason why I didnt sign onto that piece of legislation, Miller said. Its not because I dont believe that life begins at conception.

Its murky, Miller said. We have to be pragmatic to the will of the American people.

Miller acknowledged that IVF is a very tough issue to navigate and emotionally charged, but he said he supports couples that want to build a family. That said, he believes IVF is something that should fall to the states.

Miller said he and his wife did not use IVF, but that it could have been close.

And I would have wanted to because I would like to have a child, he said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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NEW DELHI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government has asked the country's anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe the recent blast at a popular eatery in the southern city of Bengaluru, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Monday.

The low-intensity blast went off at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru during the lunch hour on Friday, injuring 10 people.

"Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to the NIA," the broadcaster said.

Closed-circuit television camera footage accessed by the police in Bengaluru and aired by local television news channels shows a man wearing a face mask, glasses and a cap carrying a bag inside the cafe's premises in the Whitefield locality. Police suspected the man placed the bag near the eatery's handwash area and then left before the blast took place.

Police said the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device fitted with a timer.

Bengaluru is India's technology hub. 
The suspension came after years of protest and complaints

Campaigners against a stinking landfill site say the site should be shut down altogether, rather than just suspending new deliveries of waste.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued a suspension notice on Friday to Walleys Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, after years of complaints about the smell.

However, residents and politicians say the order does not go far enough.

Walleys Quarry Limited (WQL) described the suspension as "unnecessary and entirely inappropriate".

Reacting to the suspension, resident Ron Cartwright said he wanted the landfill closed entirely, and said people have "had enough".

Carol Cadman backed those calls, and said she wanted to see "action not words".

I dont know how defiant they are or whatever, but lets hope they do take note.

Lets hope they get it sorted quicker rather than later.

She added: Theyre not really taking heed of what people are saying, unless theyre made to do something. Thats how I feel anyway.

She said: Weve had enough to put up with one way or another, round here.

Anne Marie Watt said the smells are particularly bad during cold weather.

She said: Some days it can be like a horrible, dirty nappy smell; today it was sulphur; last week it was like a really, really sour smell  that would suggest different stuff is being dumped on different days.

Conservative MP Aaron Bell said: The whole community of Newcastle-under-Lyme has come together against this landfill, and I am sure that the EA would not have been in a position to make this important step without the common purpose of the community.

The Conservative leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Simon Tagg, said he had been raising the issue since 2012 and said he was hopeful that the suspension was the first step towards the full closure and restoration of the site.

Residents have been complaining about the smell from Walleys Quarry for several years

'A disgrace'

Labour politicians have also spoken out over the issue  including parliamentary candidate Adam Jogee.

He said: The situation at Walleys Quarry is a disgrace and has had a huge impact on our community.

I stand with all residents and my local Labour colleagues on the council in demanding an end to this environmental nightmare.

The government must take responsibility and ensure that the operator is held accountable - and fast.

Borough council opposition group leader, Dave Jones, welcomed the Environment Agencys decision to suspend the landfill operators licence.

This suspension is a victory for the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme. We will not rest until the blight caused by Walleys Quarry is rectified, he said.

Walleys Quarry said the suspension was "self-serving in terms of seeking to justify the extreme scrutiny under which the Agency has placed Walleys Quarry over the past years".

Bosses said there was extensive work underway involving gas infrastructure and capping at the site, with this already in progress prior to the EA notice being issued.

Walleys Quarry will be working to the withdrawal of this pointless notice in the minimum timeframe possible as it continues as a responsible business to take all necessary safe and sustainable steps to ensure the eventual completion of the site," the spokesperson said.

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David Hunter is a retired medical physicist who's always been interested in science and astronomy. (Michael Heenan/CBC - image credit)

David Hunter has always been interested in science and astronomy.

In 2017, he even took a trip to Wyoming to see a total solar eclipse. Then it dawned on him: central New Brunswick will be the centreline for the next total solar eclipse.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks out the sun. The path of totality for the eclipse April 8 includes Fredericton, Woodstock and Miramichi, while Saint John and Moncton will experience about 98 per cent coverage of the sun.

Hunter's hometown of Florenceville-Bristol, near the western edge of the province, is also in the path of totality, but he wanted to get closer than the front-row seat he already has.

So he hatched a plan to build what he calls a balloon-borne solar telescope.

David Hunter stands next to the six foot tall payload made up of multiple computers.

David Hunter stands next to the 183-cm payload made up of multiple computers. (Michael Heenan/CBC)

The project is meant to get better views of the Earth, the shadow of the moon, and the sun during the eclipse from an altitude of about 30 kilometres  more than double the maximum altitude a commercial airplane can fly.

Hunter said Earth is a very special place.

"The eclipse is one demonstration of that," he said.

WATCH | 'It's my destiny,' says retired physicist of balloon project:

"We should really appreciate this and look after our home planet."

The balloon-borne solar telescope has different parts. The 183-centimetre-tall payload is made up of multiple computers, each with a camera.

The computers have different jobs, including radio communication and taking photos to send live to the ground.

People who hope to view the eclipse from the ground should get special eclipse glasses, which are available online from reputable sellers. Experts warn of possible fakes, which could be dangerous because looking directly at an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.

Another way to watch the show would be through a live YouTube link, which will be available closer to the eclipse, from Hunter's team, which will broadcast the main feed.

Retirement hobby turned multi-faceted undertaking

Hunter said the project was conceived in 2019 when he moved back to Florenceville-Bristol after he retired the year before from his job in Toronto as a medical physicist.

The move brought him back to his hometown, and the place where he first saw a partial solar eclipse. That was in July 1963, and his brother helped him make a self-viewing box to watch the event.

Retired physicist David Hunter moved back to Florenceville-Bristol in 2019 and his plan for a balloon-borne telescope was set in motion.

Retired physicist David Hunter moved back to Florenceville-Bristol in 2019 and his plan for a balloon-borne telescope was set in motion. (Michael Heenan/CBC)

Then in 1968, when he was in Grade 10, Hunter wanted a telescope  so he built one.

"You've got to have a passion about things which transcends rationality," he said.

Hunter said it isn't a new idea for people to send balloons up during eclipses. But he said there are two things that make this project different.

In the past, amateur balloons didn't have a tracking telescope to get exact views of the sun.

On Nov. 4, volunteers prepared for their fourth flight test.

On Nov. 4, volunteers prepared for their fourth flight test. (eclipseplus.ca)

Another unique feature of the balloon is that usually, images of the event aren't seen until the payload has landed, which happens after the flight is terminated and a parachute carries the payload to the ground.

But Hunter's balloon will be sending images in real time to the team on the ground.

Hunter said the cameras on the computers will be able to capture the shadow of the moon approaching New Brunswick as totality nears  something that won't be able to be seen from the ground.

The balloon itself is a large latex weather balloon, which will be attached to the payload.

Once it launches, it can be tracked, but the wind will have control of where it goes. Hunter said he's monitoring the weather and on the day of the eclipse, launch time can be adjusted slightly to try to ensure the balloon doesn't drift outside the path of totality, but it will likely be around 3:23 p.m., near the time of the start of the partial eclipse.

Seen here is the payload and balloon going up during the Nov. 4 test flight.

Seen here is the payload and balloon going up during the Nov. 4 test flight. (eclipseplus.ca)

The time of totality will be around 4:32 p.m. in Florenceville-Bristol.

When Hunter started the balloon project, he thought it would be a little retirement hobby to keep him busy, but it got much bigger than that.

In 2020, he approached the University of New Brunswick to get students involved, and before that, he got a former colleague on board.

Organized teams for launch, recovery

He kept recruiting people for different roles, including his brother, Lawson Hunter, who is helping to communicate with NAV Canada.

There will be a launch team that will send the balloon off from the launch site at the Amsterdam Inn. People can watch it happen, but there will be a security perimeter set up around the site.

Tom Hunter is part of the balloon's launch team. He's also been a farmer in the area for around 40 years.

Tom Hunter is part of the launch team, who will be seeing the balloon off on April 8.

Tom Hunter will be part of the launch team that will see the balloon off on April 8. (Michael Heenan/CBC)

"It's certainly a lot more exciting than some of the work that I do day to day," he said.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

He said the team has had a number of practice flights, and has also prepared for bad weather on the day of the eclipse.

There will also be a team assigned to recovering the payload once it lands  the location being an unknown at this point in the process.

Ian Giberson, who's on the recovery team, found out about the project from a local newspaper and decided to see if there was anything he could do to contribute.

On the day of the launch, Giberson said he'll be in a pickup truck with a radio and will be following the balloon in an attempt to rescue the payload when it lands.

Ian Giberson will be part of the team recovering the payload when it comes back down to the ground.

Ian Giberson will be part of the team recovering the payload when it comes back down to the ground. (Michael Heenan/CBC)

"The thing goes up 100,000 feet, in theory, and  depending on the wind direction and velocity, lands somewhere, maybe in a river, maybe in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, maybe somebody's backyard," said Giberson.

But until that day, he said, it's hard to tell where it will go. Usually, in practice runs, the balloon goes west to east, but during one practice round, it went the other direction and landed in Maine.

David Hunter said New Brunswickers are lucky to be able to experience a total solar eclipse, noting that the last one in the central part of the province was more than 1,000 years ago.

The path of totality of April's solar eclipse tracks right across the centre of New Brunswick, with Woodstock, Fredericton and Miramichi directly in its path.

The path of totality of April's solar eclipse tracks right across the centre of New Brunswick. Saint John and Moncton are outside the path and will experience around 98 per cent coverage. (timeanddate.com)

He called the total solar eclipse a cosmological historical event.

"Just statistically, every 400 years, any particular spot on Earth will experience a total solar eclipse, so this is a rare event," he said.
The Rheinmetall logo pictured on the company's stand at the Enforce Tac trade fair for security technology. German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall said on 4 March it has won an order to supply a European member of NATO with multiple rocket launcher ammunition. Daniel Karmann/dpa

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall said on Monday it has won an order to supply a European member of NATO with multiple rocket launcher ammunition.

The company did not say which country had placed the order, but did say it was booked in December 2023, and represents a sales volume of more than 300 million ($325 million). The delivery is to take place between this year and 2027.

The company said Rheinmetall Expal Munitions of Spain is responsible for manufacturing and delivering the rockets, which have a maximum range of 300 km. The order encompasses additional services and other systems.
Critics have long said Rule, Britannia! has uncomfortable associations with slavery and colonialism - Guy Bell/PA Wire

Labours shadow culture secretary has said Rule, Britannia! alienates many Britons as she welcomed a good debate about its performance at the Last Night of the Proms.

Thangam Debbonaire described the patriotic anthem as not my favourite bit of music and insisted she would leave any decision about its future to the BBC.

In 2020, the broadcaster faced a backlash over a plan to perform the composition without any lyrics in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The plan was reversed within days.

Critics have long said that Rule, Britannia! has uncomfortable associations with slavery and colonialism. Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the cellist, reignited the debate in January, arguing that the piece should be axed from the Last Night because it made a lot of people feel uncomfortable.

Asked about Kanneh-Masons comments, Ms Debbonaire told the Spectators Women with Balls podcast: Its not my favourite bit of music. And the Proms is a fantastic institution and its the worlds greatest music festival

I think its a decision for the people who run the Proms and again, like I said, it shouldnt be politicians who tell people how to run cultural events.

I think for a lot of people that feels like a very sort of British moment, which I think has to be respected as well, but for a lot of people, as Sheku Kenneh-Mason said, it will feel alienating.

As I want the Proms  I want culture  to be accessible to everyone, I think its a good debate for us to be having.

Thangam Debbonaire said politicians shouldn't tell people how to run cultural events - Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

The position taken by the shadow culture secretary is in contrast to that of Downing Street, which earlier this year dismissed calls for Rule, Britannia! to be scrapped and said Rishi Sunak was comfortable in celebrating British traditions.

Ms Debbonaires remarks faced a backlash, with the Conservative Party accusing Labour of being happy to run roughshod over our national traditions.

Jack Lopresti, a deputy party chairman, added: After all, this is the same party whose leader says his favourite piece of classical music was the EUs anthem, Ode to Joy.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former leader of the Commons, said: I think that it is a uniting song. It is about the marvellous history of this country, to which every British citizen belongs.

There are always some people who dont like the country to which they belong. The overwhelming majority of people are proud of Britain, proud of its history, and this is encapsulated in the very stirring words of Rule, Britannia!

Philip Davies, the Tory MP for Shipley, added: Rule, Britannia! is an integral part of the Last Night of the Proms. Without things like Rule, Britannia!, what on Earth is the point of it?

I think this just gives everyone a sneak preview of the political correctness that wed be likely to see from a Labour government and one that basically has very little pride in Britain and its history and its tradition.

Giles Watling, a member of the Commons culture committee, said: Rule, Britannia! is traditional and people should be able to perform whatever they like.

I agree to a great extent that politicians shouldnt interfere in what people do culturally. But we also mustnt be prescriptive about certain forms of performance unless, and it is a big unless, it promotes hate and division. We should be less jumpy about these things.

Elsewhere in her interview, Ms Debbonaire accused the Conservatives of fighting culture wars more often than theyre fighting for culture and lauded the BBC as a great provider of joy and jobs.

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For more than a decade, poultry farmers across the U.S. and North Carolina fought for financial protections from the big agriculture companies that they not only rely on but sometimes fear.

Less than a month after those protections went into effect, some members of Congress and agricultural trade groups are pushing to take them away.

They support inserting language into the U.S. House appropriations bill that would prevent the USDA from funding the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting Tournaments rule, said Aaron Johnson, policy co-director for the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.

The protections, implemented independently by the USDA this year, require that poultry companies be more transparent and less deceptive towards the people who raise their birds, said Johnson, whose North Carolina-based group advocates for farmers.

It says, USDA, were giving you money, but you cant spend a single penny of that money on the Packers and Stockyards Act rule, said Johnson of the text added to the appropriations bill. Theyre basically defunding the process.

In a letter to congressional leaders, more than 50 poultry and livestock industry groups across the U.S. said the acts recent additions will hurt the ranchers and farmers they represent.

Poultry farms now dot most of North Carolina. The smallest farms raise about 20,000 chickens at a time. The largest: more than 1.5 million. This map, built from two datasets and verified with satellite imagery, may be the most accurate view yet published. It shows 4,679 farms in 79 counties.

The reversal could come as soon as this week, when Congress is scheduled to vote on an agriculture appropriations bill. A draft of the bill includes language that would declaw federal rules prohibiting poultry companies from deceiving farmers, said Johnson, who has reviewed the bill.

These rules are so basement-level basic, Johnson said. Transparency. Not being able to deceive people or retaliate against people. How do we expect a marketplace to work with any kind of integrity or fairness without being able to enforce these basic expectations?

Count your chickens

RAFI-USA members realized a decades-long goal on Feb. 12 when the USDA required that poultry companies be more transparent with the farmers.

The rule requires that companies, such as Tyson Farms, Perdue Farms and Pilgrims Pride, tell farmers in their contracts how many flocks and chicks theyll receive each year. The information gives farmers insight into how much income they might earn.

North Carolina is home to some 4,700 lightly regulated poultry farms that raise more than a billion birds annually, a recent Charlotte Observer investigation found. Raising poultry is the states leading agricultural industry, but state lawmakers have cloaked the business in secrecy.

Poultry farmers typically receive five to seven flocks each year. The number of birds in a flock can vary, but a single barn can house as many as 40,000 chickens.

Rudy Howell used to raise chickens in Robeson County, but said the poultry company he contracted with terminated its relationship with him after he raised complaints. He said farmers need the kind of protections offered by a new bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.

In years past, farmers alleged that companies sometimes slashed the numbers of birds they provided, perhaps because of economic conditions, processing plant capacity or retaliation against farmers who spoke out against the company.

Most poultry companies use a tournament system to pay the farmers who raise their poultry. The people who fatten their chickens most effectively are paid the most. But many farmers have complained that the system can punish them for things they cant control, such as the quality of the chicks or feed they receive from the company.

To comply with the new rules, companies must now compensate growers even if a minimum number of flocks or birds is not reached, Johnson said.

That can provide a sense of security for poultry growers, said Rudy Howell, a Robeson County farmer who raised chickens for Perdue Farms for 25 years.

You could get your finances straight, Howell said. Before, you didnt know nothing.

Februarys USDA rule change also required that poultry companies disclose information about a flocks breed, gender and health. Theyre required to disclose the same information about the flocks sent to competing farms.

This disclosure, Johnson said, creates a paper trail for farmers who allege that the quality of chicks theyve received was substandard, which hurts their chances at the highest payout.

Howell knows what its like to get sickly birds, he said. He knows what its like to find dead birds on a barn floor just days after delivery. And he knows the financial harm that can have on farmers.

Weve gotten flocks that couldnt pay the light bill, he said.

But language inserted into the House of Representatives agriculture appropriations bill would nullify the recent changes and prevent additional protections.

One of protections that the USDA is seeking would stop companies, also known as integrators, from discriminating or retaliating against farmers who speak out. Fear of retaliation is real, Howell said. It keeps farmers quiet, stopping them from complaining about reduced flocks, sickly birds or poor quality feed.

In a 2021 complaint to the U.S. Department of Labor, Howell alleged that Perdue terminated his contract unfairly. The company ended it, Howell said, after he complained that some company representatives were abusing chickens and he allowed environmental advocates onto his farm.

Theyre afraid to complain because theyre going to get a bad flock if they do, Howell said. Theyve seen it. Theyve lived it. You can tell if you got good birds. You can tell if you got bad birds.

Two of the more than 50 industry groups that signed the letter to Congress in hopes nullifying the new USDA rules are North Carolina Cattlemens Association and Pork Council.

The rules, the letter says, would incentivize frivolous litigation which would necessarily result in reduced opportunities to access these essential marketing channels. The entirety of the meat supply chains would be negatively affected by this outcome, but none more so than farmers and ranchers.

Poultry is big business in NC

The Big Poultry project found that the contracts poultry farmers sign often leave them with mounting debts and little income.

Public records and interviews with interviews with more than a dozen current and former poultry farmers in North Carolina revealed:

Most poultry companies compensate farmers based on how efficiently they fatten their chickens. But the companies give farmers no control over important factors, such as the health of the chicks and the quality of the feed.

 Some poultry farmers were surprised when poultry companies required they they spend hundreds of thousands for equipment upgrades if they wanted to keep raising chickens.

 When farmers are unhappy with their poultry company, rarely can they switch to another provider. In many parts of North Carolina, there is only one poultry company that contracts with farmers.

The integrators dont work with these farmers, Howell said. They want to control them.

NC Reality Check reflects the Charlotte Observers commitment to holding those in power to account, shining a light on public issues that affect our local readers and illuminating the stories that set the Charlotte area and North Carolina apart. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@charlotteobserver.com

Charlotte Observer reporter Ames Alexander and McClatchys congressional reporter Danielle Battaglia contributed to this report.
Russian forces fired at the Sumy Oblast border nearly 30 times on March 3, striking eight communities, the regional military administration reported.

The attacks caused 130 explosions in the area. The communities of Khotin, Yunakivka, Krasnopillia, Seredyna-Buda, Velyka Pysarivka, Shalyhyne, Esman, and Bilopillia came under fire.

Throughout the day, the border region was assailed with artillery, drone, mortar, grenade, and rocket attacks. Russian forces also dropped 37 mines on Velyka Pysarivka.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.

The residents of Sumy Oblast's vulnerable border communities face near-constant attacks from nearby Russian forces. Russia has launched attacks on the region almost every day since April 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

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BAGHDAD, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A senior intelligence officer was killed in armed clan clashes in southern Iraq, causing local authorities to impose a curfew, the Iraqi government said on Monday.

The clashes broke out Sunday night between armed tribesmen from two clans in the town of al-Islah in Dhi Qar province, leading to the death of Aziz Shallal Jahal, director of the intelligence department of the provincial counter-terrorism service, said an Interior Ministry statement.

The statement called the incident "a serious violation of the rule of law."

It added that local authorities imposed a curfew in the town while reinforcements arrived and immediately arrested at least 75 suspects from both sides, confiscating large quantities of weapons.

Meanwhile, an Interior Ministry officer, speaking on condition of anonymity to Xinhua, said that Jahal was killed while trying to end the clashes.

According to initial reports, at least six security members and four civilians were wounded in the clashes that also burned and destroyed many buildings and civilian cars, the officer added.

Armed conflicts are common in Iraq between the clans to which millions of Iraqis belong, especially in the southern part of the country, and often lead to casualties among civilians and security forces. 
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed one person and injured 21 over the past day, regional authorities said on March 4.

Russia targeted a total of nine Ukrainian oblasts  Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv. Casualties were reported in the latter four regions.

A total of 16 people, including a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, were injured in Kurakhove, Donetsk Oblast, after Russian forces dropped a 500-kilogram guided missile on the roof of a residential building, Ukraine's National Police said.

The attack damaged 15 apartment buildings, according to authorities.

Russia also hit the city of Pokrovsk with an Iskander-M missile, injuring three people, police said. Four multi-apartment buildings, 12 cars, and roads were damaged, the statement read.

One person was killed in Kherson Oblast as a result of Russian attacks, said Oleksandr Prokudin, the regional governor.

Russian troops launched 10 strikes against multiple settlements in Kherson Oblast, damaging around 16 houses, nine apartment buildings, and administrative buildings in Kherson, Prokudin noted.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian troops shelled the city of Vovchansk and attacked the village of Velykyi Burluk with guided aerial bombs, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Five houses and a warehouse were damaged, he said.

A 60-year-old man sought medical help after a Russian attack on the villages of Kruhliakivka and Petropavlivka in the Kupiansk district, the governor reported.

A Russian artillery strike against Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injured a 51-year-old woman, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

On the evening of March 3, a Russian kamikaze drone attacked Nikopol, damaging the post office, a private house, and a car, according to the report.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

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Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts overnight, damaging private property and civilian infrastructure, officials reported on March 4.

A kamikaze drone struck the city center of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Governor Serhii Lysak reported via Telegram. The attack damaged the local post office, a car, and a house.

Shelling in Marhanets damaged a power line, Lysak said.

No casualties were reported.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian forces struck multiple communities in 177 separate attacks, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Robotyne, Malynivka, Mala Tokmachka, Hulyaipole, and Novodanylivka came under fire.

Drone strikes, artillery shelling, and rocket attacks damaged 11 residential buildings and infrastructure facilities in the region, Fedorov said. No civilians were injured.

While parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast remain occupied by Russian forces, the Ukrainian-controlled territory suffers regular attacks from the Russian side.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

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Ukrainian servicemen near the city of Kupyansk

Russian forces have amassed a group of 122,000 tropps on the Lyman-Kupyansk front, said Khortytsia operational-strategic group spokesperson, Illia Yevlash, on national television on March 3.

Russians have also deployed over 1,100 tanks, nearly 2,000 armored combat vehicles, over 1,000 artillery systems, and more than 400 multiple rocket launch systems in this area, Yevlash said.

Read also: Russia masses over 40,000 soldiers, heavy armor near Kupyansk, hinting at plans for further advances

"This significant troop presence has been maintained for an extended periodsince the end of summer, Yevlash said.

This is not news to our military. Furthermore, we have learned to work effectively and hold back the enemy's advance."

Russian Forces are currently relocating many units to the area around the Chorny Zherebets river, addded Yevlash, referencing intelligence data.

Read also: Russian forces consolidate positions and regroup in preparation for future attacks in Lyman sector, Khortytsia

"They are preparing their defensive structures and training assault troops, he said.

Every third company in the enemy's battalion is an assault unit. These are the stormtroopers who continuously engage in 'meat grinder' assaults."

Russians have been trying for a long time, without success, to find a weak spot in the Ukrainian defense. On the Lyman front, Russia is attempting to concentrate its forces near the Terny settlement due to a lack of progress near Synkivka.

Reinforcement of Russian reserves near Kharkiv was reported on Feb. 26, as part of a strategic move to capture Kupyansk

Around 40,000 Russian troops, over 500 tanks, and 650 armored combat vehicles were concentrated near Kupyansk as of early February, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Moscow court ordered an arrest in absentia of Petro Vrublevskyi, Ukraine's former ambassador to Kazakhstan, over his comments about killing Russian soldiers, the Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported on March 4.

Talking to a Kazakh blogger about Russia's war in an August 2022 interview, Vrublevskyi said: "We are trying to kill as many of them as possible. The more Russians we kill now, the less of them our children will have to kill."

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry summed the ambassador to issue a protest. Vrublevskyi apologized for his words, saying he made the comment in an "aggravated emotional state." President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed him from his post in October 2022.

Russian authorities now opened a criminal case regarding the former ambassador's comments and put Vrublevskyi on the federal and international wanted lists, TASS reported.

Rosfinmonitoring, Russia's financial monitoring service, included Vrublevskyi in the list of terrorists and extremists.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia opened criminal cases against present and former Ukrainian officials over "hostile" comments and actions, including military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov or former Presidential Office advisor Oleksiy Arestovych.

Read also: Russia, West fight for Kazakhstan as Astana plays both sides

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A Russian drone attack against the city of Beryslav in Kherson Oblast on March 4 wounded a 55-year-old man, the regional military administration said.

The drone reportedly dropped an explosive device on Beryslav's streets in the morning, injuring the resident. He was hospitalized with a blast injury and shrapnel wounds, officials said.

No further details have been provided at the moment.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River, such as Beryslav, 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.

Over the previous day, Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast killed one person, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said in his morning report on March 4.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attack on Odesa kills 12, including 5 children

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said that "denazification" in Germany has not been completed, warning it of "dire consequences" after Russian propaganda leaked secret talks between high-ranking German Air Force officers.

Source: Zakharova, quoted by the Russian RIA Novosti news agency on Monday, European Pravda writes

Quote: "They (Germans  ed.), as we now understand, have not been fully denazified... The most terrible thing is that this will lead  and this is a fact, you can check if nothing is done, if this process is not stopped by the German people themselves  first of all, [it will lead] to terrible consequences for Germany itself," she said.

Zakharova said that the West "must be held accountable for the destructive actions that it planned and largely implemented".

The Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany has initiated an investigation into whether the conversations of representatives of its air force  who, according to Russian propaganda, allegedly discussed blowing up the Crimean bridge with Taurus missiles  were intercepted.

Germanys Defence Ministry later confirmed the interception.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the scandal, noting that it was a hybrid attack that aimed to sow disinformation.

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The German ambassador to Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry in the wake of a scandal involving a private conversation between German Armed Forces leaders being leaked; the conversation in question regarded the possibility of supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Source: TASS, a pro-Kremlin Russian news agency; European Pravda

Details: TASS reported that the German ambassador arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry, "where he was summoned in light of the German Air Force officers conversation about the attacks on the Crimean Bridge".

Background:

The Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany has initiated an investigation into whether conversations between representatives of its Air Force  who, according to Russian propaganda, allegedly discussed blowing up the Crimean bridge with Taurus missiles  were intercepted.

Germany's Defence Ministry has confirmed that an internal conversation between German Air Force officers has indeed been intercepted.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that the scandal surrounding Russias interception and leak of a conversation about Ukraine between top-ranking officers of the German Armed Forces is being whipped up intentionally, as part of the "information war" being waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador to Russia Alexander Lambsdorf on March 4, the Russian state-owned agency TASS reported.

Russian Kremlin-controlled media wrote that the ambassador's summons is related to an alleged leaked recording of talks between high-ranking German military officials about the possible delivery of Taurus long-range missiles to strike targets such as the Kerch Bridge in occupied Crimea and the training of Ukrainian troops.

The recording was published on March 1 by Margarita Simonyan, the chief editor of Kremlin-controlled TV channel RT. German military officials have confirmed that a conversation between Air Force personnel was intercepted and that they have opened an investigation into the leak.

Berlin has not officially commented on the reported ambassador's summons to the Russian Foreign Ministry. TASS accompanies its claims with a video that reportedly shows Lambsdorf leaving the Russian ministry at about 12 p.m. local time.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the publication of a leaked conversation between German military officers a "hybrid disinformation attack."

The wiretapping scandal comes as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to oppose Germany's provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Scholz is reportedly against sending Taurus missiles to Kyiv over fears the move will draw Germany into the war. Ukraine has received other long-range missiles, such as the Storm Shadow from the U.K. and the French-made SCALP.

Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), have been the subject of extensive discussion since Ukraine submitted a request to acquire the weapons in May 2023.

Read also: Scholz again rules out Germanys delivery of long-range Taurus missiles

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Russian propagandist Dmitry Kiselyov, speaking on Vesti Nedeli, his weekly TV news show, has named four bridges in Germany that Russia could destroy "in response to a strike" on the Kerch Bridge in occupied Crimea.

Source: Agentstvo. Novosti, a Russian news outlet

Quote from Kiselyov: "Sophisticated as the interlocutors [Ukraines Western allies] may be, they do not have images of bridges in Germany in their heads. In this relatively small country, there are no bridges as long as the Crimean Bridge. But there is still plenty to see through a missile sight.

...It will be a pity, but what can we do? They don't care about our Crimean Bridge."

Details: Kiselyov went on to list four German bridges that Russia could strike in retaliation: the Fehmarn Sound and Rugen bridges in Germanys north, which connect the mainland with the islands of Fehmarn and Rugen, the Hohenzollern Railway Bridge in Cologne, and the Magdeburg Water Bridge, which connects two canals across the Elbe River, 150 km from Berlin.

Kiselyov claimed it is possible to attack four bridges at once, as there are no bridges in Germany of equal length: "We'll have to consider other bridges in Germany to get the appropriate damage in terms of linear metres."

Kiselyov was commenting on a recently published conversation in which high-ranking German military officials discussed the possible use of German-made Taurus missiles on Russian targets, including the Kerch Bridge in occupied Crimea.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called Russia's interception of the conversation an element of Russia's information war.

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Russian soldiers targeted while riding on top of armored vehicles is now a 'daily occurrence,' pushing up its death toll, US soldier says

Video shows a Russian armored vehicle with soldiers riding on top being attacked.

A US veteran fighting in Ukraine said it was "a daily occurrence" that had killed many Russians.

Warning: The video contains graphic scenes of warfare that may be disturbing.

Footage showing Russian soldiers being targeted while they are riding on top of an armored vehicle highlights a "daily occurrence" that has driven Russia's death rate way up, according to a US veteran serving in Ukraine.

The video was shared by Ukraine's Strike Drones Company, part of Ukraine's 47th Mechanized Brigade.

It shows about a dozen Russian soldiers riding on top of a fast-moving armored vehicle that has smoke pouring out from it.

As it slows to a stop behind another vehicle, the soldiers all rush to jump off as shells are seen exploding around them.

The attack then increases.

Some of the troops appear to be directly hit. Some lie unmoving, and it is unclear if they are waiting, injured, or killed.

Bradley IFV of the 47th Brigade as well as FPV drones attack and destroy Russian assault group on the Avdiivka front. https://t.co/V3grdq6aaE https://t.co/FPVfUtnZ5k pic.twitter.com/PgbX4l9w1v  Special Kherson Cat  (@bayraktar_1love) March 2, 2024

The Strike Drones Company said the soldiers involved were trying to storm Ukrainian positions but were defeated before they reached their targets.

Ryan O'Leary, a US veteran in Ukraine, described what happened in the video as "a daily occurrence. 30-45 min apart for over a month straight."

He said that this had driven up Russia's death toll.

"Which is why when people say x amount of Russians have been killed, don't actually understand anything. Hundreds of Russians were sent to their deaths before more elite were sent in," he added.

O'Leary is part of the Chosen Company, a group of international volunteer fighters supporting Ukraine's fightback against Russia.

He's a 10-year US Army National Guard veteran and did tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to Politico.

O'Leary said his unit had a machine gunner "who literally sat there and shwacked" a platoon element "as they dismounted. Over and over again."

Russia does not publish its casualty figures, and only estimates are available for Russian losses in Ukraine.

The UK Ministry of Defence said over the weekend that Russia had likely seen 355,000 personnel killed or wounded since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

It also said that Russia's daily casualties in February were the highest since the invasion began, at an average of 983 a day.

Russia has been accused by its own soldiers, by Ukraine, and by Western intelligence of treating its own troops as disposable, and of using "meat grinder" tactics to advance.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LOS ANGELES, March 3 (Xinhua) -- NASA and SpaceX launched a new crew rotation mission to the International Space Station on Sunday.

The mission, codenamed "Crew-8," is NASA's eighth commercial crew rotation mission with the company to the space station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 10:53 p.m. Eastern Time (1553 GMT) on Sunday, according to NASA.

Shortly after the liftoff, SpaceX confirmed the main engine cutoff and stage separation. The Dragon spacecraft has separated from the second stage, and is heading to the space station.

The spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously to the space station at about 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time (0800 GMT) Tuesday.

The Crew-8 mission carries NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps, as well as Alexander Grebenkin of Roscosmos, Russia's state space corporation. 
The Marshal Shaposhnikov arrives at the harbour of Vladivostok

(Reuters) - Russia's Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov entered the Qatari port of Hamad where it will take part in the DIMDEX-2024 defence exhibition, Interfax news agency reported on Monday, citing the press service of fleet.

"A welcoming ceremony for the Russian warship took place at the pier, in which representatives of the Russian Embassy in Qatar and officers of the naval forces of the host country took part," the agency cited the press service as saying.

The destroyer, which in January conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, has been on "a long-distance voyage," since Jan. 22, Russian agencies reported.

The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) will take place March 4-6, according to the exhibition's website.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne)
Russian bombardment on 4 March damaged another educational institution in Kherson.

Source: Roman Mrochko, the head of Kherson City Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: According to him, Russian troops opened fire from the temporarily occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. The blow was directed at the city's Dniprovskyi district, where an educational institution came under fire.

The building has broken windows, damaged ceilings, and internal walls.

Mrochko did not specify which educational institution was involved or whether anyone was injured.

Earlier: The Russian army attacked the Korabelnyi district of the city of Kherson several times from the Dnipro River's left (eastern) bank on the morning of 3 March, causing five direct hits to residential buildings. Apartments, roofs, and street furniture have been damaged.

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Photo: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Over the course of the day, 63 combat clashes were recorded at the front line, with the Russians inflicting 5 missile strikes and 44 airstrikes, as well as carrying out 68 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 4 March

Quote: "During the day, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine targeted eight clusters of personnel and one ground control station of the enemys UAVs. In addition, Ukraines air defence downed one Kh-59 guided aircraft missile.

Units of Rocket Forces struck one cluster of personnel, one air defence system and six artillery pieces."

Details: On the Kupiansk front, the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders six times near the village of Synkivka, Kharkiv Oblast.

On the Lyman front, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled one attack on Terny, Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians, with the support of aviation, tried to break through Ukrainian defences.

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled three attacks near the village of Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians tried to improve their tactical position.

On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 21 attacks in the vicinity of Novoselivka, Berdychi, Tonenke, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Novopavlivka front, Ukraines Armed Forces continue to restrain the Russians in Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, Vodiane, Prechystivka and Urozhaine in Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians supported by aircraft tried to breach Ukrainian defences 16 times.

On the Orikhiv front, the Russians did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions.

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, the Russians did not abandon their attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro River, despite significant losses. During the day they carried out two unsuccessful assault actions.

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There are no Energoatom personnel left at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

Source: Petro Kotin, Acting Chairman of the Energoatom Board, at an event dedicated to the second anniversary of the occupation of ZNPP, which took place on 4 March 2022, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "Our experienced staff is no longer present there. In February, the invaders drove out the last of our people who remained faithful to Ukraine and ensured security at the station," Kotin said.

According to him, the company had 360 employees at the power plant at the start of the year, but they have been denied access to the station.

According to Energoatom, 60% of shift managers of the power units (40 people) left the temporarily occupied territory, Ukraine terminated its labour contract with 12% (8 people), and 14% (9 people) had their passes revoked by the Russians and were refused employment as they would not sign contracts with the Russians. The same number of positions remain unfilled as of today.

"That is, they currently have only eight shift managers  people who are directly responsible for nuclear and radiation safety," Kotin said.

He emphasised that while Russian personnel are currently present at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, they are unable to operate the station reliably.

"Nuclear units at ZNPP have been modernised, projects differ significantly from Russian ones, and Russian personnel who have not passed Ukrainian licensing requirements cannot operate them reliably.

Furthermore, they recruited personnel from nearby cities, towns, who do not understand what a nuclear power plant is  they only saw it from a distance," said the head of Energoatom.

According to the company, at the beginning of 2022, almost 9,000 employees worked at the station.

Background:

On 5 March, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Secretary-General Rafael Grossi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to learn about his vision for future work and ensuring the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The shelf life of the nuclear fuel used in ZNPP reactors will soon expire. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that there is no one to replace it if necessary.

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The San Francisco Unified School District, which pulled algebra from its middle schools 10 years ago in the name of equity, will bring the course back next fall, ending a controversial experiment that some say squandered the opportunity for advanced learners to excel in mathematics  and did little to close the achievement gap.

The public will vote on the issue in a ballot measure tomorrow, though the effort is now largely symbolic: The school board, facing consistent pressure to reinstate the course, opted to restore it during its Feb. 13 meeting.

After 10 years of damage, the district did the right thing, said Rex Ridgeway, who, along with several others, filed a lawsuit against SFUSD on the matter last year, casting doubt on the gains the district said it made by removing the course from middle school.

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San Francisco is just one of many school systems nationwide that has grappled with when to offer algebra in a battle that has pitted equity against rigor. An earlier survey by The 74 of the countrys largest school districts showed varied participation rates in the course at the middle school level with white and wealthier students often having greater access.

Related

Equity Builder or Racial Barrier: Debate Rages Over Role of 8th-Grade Algebra

Some education experts called algebra an unnecessary barrier to student success while others were trying to increase the number of children who can take it.

Dallas made advanced coursework at the middle school level, including mathematics, opt-out rather than opt-in, dramatically increasing participation rates among traditionally marginalized students  without seeing a drop in scores. Cambridge Public Schools, which nixed middle school algebra years ago, recently reversed itself after parents pushed back.

While some groups, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, praised San Francisco for its earlier decision to remove the course, parents quickly mobilized against it. They feared the plan would hinder students ability to take calculus in 12th grade. The impact, they reasoned, could follow them to college, jeopardizing their chance to enter lucrative STEM fields.

Related

A Bankrupt Concept of Math: Some Educators Argue Calculus Should Be Dethroned

Ridgeway, a retired stockbroker, tutored his granddaughter, Joselyn Marroquin, from first to ninth grade, plugging in what he described as gaping holes in math, English and science instruction.

Immediately, I saw she was not getting the type of education I would expect, he said.

Ridgeway paid $860 for Marroquin, now 16, to take an online algebra course the summer before her freshman year of high school so she could sail through the class in 9th grade  and double up on another course, geometry.

But it was a challenge.

It was a little difficult because it was online, Marroquin told The 74. I think I learn best in person.

She said the course succeeded in preparing her for high school math, but that the time commitment ate into her other plans.

Although classes were in the morning, I had to complete homework and study for the next lesson, she said. Because of that, it was difficult to do other activities I enjoyed. I didnt really have a summer vacation.

SFUSD moved to its current model to address the fact that few students were successfully progressing through its math sequence at the time: Just 19% of tenth graders  and only 1% percent of Black children  had passed the state math assessment and had not repeated math coursework across the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years.

Those pushing for the change also noted a lack of participation in advanced math courses among Black and Hispanic students.

But a 2023 Stanford study found large ethnoracial gaps in (Advanced Placement) math course-taking did not decrease after the policy change. Specifically, the percentage of Black students enrolling in any AP math course in high school remained the same while Hispanic student participation increased by just 1 percentage point.

Meredith Dodson (San Francisco Parent Coalition)

Meredith Dodson, executive director of SF Parents, understands the school districts rationale for eliminating the course, but has long disagreed with the move.

I think their experiment 10 years ago to delay algebra was well-intentioned, but in the end it had the opposite of the intended effect, she said. Kids who were supposed to be helped by that policy change were ultimately further harmed.

Dodson said the disparity is stark.

Parents around San Francisco are shocked when they hear algebra isnt offered in middle school currently, she said. Its time to bring it back, and were just glad that the district isnt ignoring the data any longer.

California public schools, like those in many other states, have lost tens of thousands of children to private schools and homeschooling post-pandemic. SFUSDs student population alone shrank from 58,018 in 2014 to 2015 to 49,560 in 2023-24. District leaders just announced they will shutter some schools because of the loss.

The districts reversal on algebra comes two years after three school board members were recalled in a February 2022 referendum. The vote reflected the publics enormous dissatisfaction with school closures, the renaming of campuses and changes to admissions at a competitive high school.

Related

San Francisco Recall a Rare Success in Efforts to Unseat School Board Members

Algebra will be piloted in several forms in the district next fall. It will also offer an online Algebra 1 course next school year and a summer course in 2025.

Patrick Wolff, cofounder of Families for San Francisco, served as the groups executive director before the organization was absorbed into TogetherSF. Wolff, who had children in the district from 2010 to 2022, said its problems extended well beyond a single course.

SFUSD has done a terrible job of teaching kids math, he said. Kids who are capable of learning more math have been held back for no good reason and kids who need more support in order to reach their full potential have absolutely been failed in receiving the support and instruction they need.

Wolff said there is nothing wrong with acknowledging that some students might excel in advanced mathematics at a younger age while others will not  as long as those who struggle are helped to improve.

Related

Reading Supports Abound in Schools, But Effective Math Help Much Harder to Find

Melodie Baker, national policy director at Just Equations, an organization that promotes math policies that support equity in college readiness and success, said the district cant simply return to an earlier, failed approach.

So the prior tracking policy didnt lead to equitable outcomes, she said. Detracking didnt lead to equitable outcomes either. So it makes sense that theyre not sticking with it, but theyll need to find new ways to implement eighth-grade algebra that ensure better outcomes for Black and Latinx students. Not just revert to what they were doing before.

A RAND study released last month noted just 65% of U.S. principals said their elementary or middle school offered algebra in eighth grade  but only for some students. Twenty percent of respondents said it was open to all.

Eighth-grade algebra was even scarcer in California: only 48% of principals said their school offered the course, and only to certain children. Eighteen percent said any child could enroll.
Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session.

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session scheduled to run from March 5 to 11. 

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Journalists raise hands to ask questions at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Journalists raise hands to ask questions at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Journalists work at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Journalists work at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Journalists work at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

A journalist asks a question at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

A journalist asks a question at a press conference of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice will air on Tuesday evening on BBC One - BBC/Everard family and friends

Violence against women and girls is getting worse, the prosecutor in the Wayne Couzens trial has said.

Tom Little KC said he did not think the number of attacks was reducing or decreasing in any way following the murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by the serving Metropolitan Police officer.

He made the comments while speaking on camera for the first time about the case in a new documentary on the 33-year-olds death.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice has been two-and-a-half years in the making and will air on Tuesday evening on BBC One, days after the third anniversary of her death.

Speaking about the trial, Mr Little said that in order to secure a whole life order, meaning Couzens, now 51, would never be released, he had to prove he had used his position as a police officer to trick Miss Everard into getting into his car in Clapham, south-west London.

That is a situation that had never arisen before. Police officers had murdered but they had never done so while acting as a police officer.

He added: I dont think the incidences of violence against women and girls is reducing or decreasing in any way. In fact it would appear to me that its getting worse.

Sarah Everard was murdered in March 2021 by Wayne Couzens, while he was a serving officer in the Metropolitan Police - BBC/Everard family and friends/PA

Also appearing in the documentary, and speaking for the first time, is Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who led the investigation.

DCI Goodwin said the thing that most troubles her is whether police can win back the publics trust following the murder.

She added :I began to wonder then, how endemic it is.

In the year after Miss Everard's murder 138 women were killed by men in the UK or a man was the chief suspect - BBC/Everard family and friends

In the documentary, Miss Goodwin also revealed the police discovered Couzens was suspected of an indecent exposure offence days earlier in Kent before they found out he was a serving officer.

A team was sent to Couzens house in Kent to question him. But while officers were en route, a detective ran into Miss Goodwins office, shut the door and told her: You need to hear this.

A researcher on the phone then revealed that Couzens was a serving Met officer.

Miss Goodwin said: I knew that I had to tell my boss and I can just remember the shock of having to just sit on the floor of the office and say to her, Youre not going to believe this, that hes a police officer.

And then the same questions went through her head as went through my head, Are you sure?

Former Met detective Nick Harvey was the first to question Couzens and recalled the moment he discovered the suspect was a serving officer while driving to his house.

He told the documentary: The gravity of the whole situation then became incredibly clear. You know, the moment I told the team, it just went silent.

Mr Harvey knocked on Couzens door and said that when he showed his warrant card he just went grey.

Just... all the colour just ran out of his face, he said.

Police footage in the documentary showed Couzens during interrogation rocking back and forth in custody with a bandage on his head.

He is asked how he is feeling, to which he replied: I am in a dark place.

He then refused to answer any questions about the murder, until finally a female officer says to him: People trust us to look after them. People trust us to help them. You know, protect and serve, thats what they say, isnt it? Thats what were here to do. We all took that oath, you included.

Miss Everard was walking home at night when Couzens arrested her - BBC/Everard family and friends/PA

In the year after Miss Everards murder 138 women were killed by men in the UK or a man was the chief suspect. In the same year in England and Wales, an estimated 798,000 women experienced sexual assault and more than 100,000 were raped or were a victim of attempted rape

The documentary will be shown the week after a damning report released by Lady Elish Angiolini found the police repeatedly ignored and missed chances to stop Couzens.

The inquiry branded him a predatory sex offender and murderer who should have never been a police officer.

In a 347-page report, Lady Elish revealed how Couzens first interactions with police dated back to 1995 when he allegedly tried to kidnap a woman at knifepoint in north London.

In 2015, while working for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Couzens again exposed himself but despite the victims providing police with his car registration, he was never arrested or charged.

Lady Elish said without a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture there was nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight.

Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice will air on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) charged two Russian generals who commanded air strikes on high-rise buildings in the town of Borodianka in Kyiv Oblast during the fighting in 2022, the SBU reported on March 4.

Borodianka, once a town of 12,000 people 40 kilometers northwest of Kyiv, suffered widespread destruction in the first weeks of Russia's all-out war against Ukraine.

Its scale was revealed along with mass killings in other capital's suburbs after Russian troops retreated from Kyiv Oblast in the spring of 2022.

The SBU found evidence that Alexander Chayko, the commander of the Eastern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces, gave a direct order to fire on apartment buildings in a settlement downtown.

Vladimir Kravchenko, the commander of the 11th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Russian Armed Forces, subsequently dropped 500-kilogram high explosive bombs on residential buildings full of civilians using Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets, according to the SBU.

"As a result of the air attack, Russia destroyed six apartment buildings, killing more than 30 local residents, including a young girl," the report said.

Some of the Borodyanka residents are still considered missing.

Ukrainian law enforcement officers managed to identify 91 Russian soldiers in 2022 who committed war crimes on the territory of the Bucha community in Kyiv Oblast, where more than 9,000 war crimes have been reportedly documented, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

As of late 2023, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said that Ukraine had collected evidence of 109,000 Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

Read also: Gruesome photos show Borodyanka in ruins

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Clover man killed by the York County SWAT team was armed and barricaded in his car following a police chase Sunday morning, according to an account from South Carolina law enforcement officials.

Charlie Baker, 62, died at the scene at Alexander Love Highway and Wesley Amaker Road, said Sabrina Gast, York County Coroner. The area is near the city of York, west of Rock Hill and southwest of Charlotte.

The York Police Department pursued Baker and made a traffic stop early Sunday before York County deputies came in contact with him, the State Law Enforcement Division said in a statement Monday.

Baker barricaded himself inside his vehicle before the York County SWAT team was called, according to SLED. Officers attempted to negotiate with Baker before a member of the SWAT team shot him with a rifle, state officials said.

York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said that SWAT team member is Lance Corporal Berlin Gipson, who is on paid administrative leave during the SLED investigation. Gipson has been a deputy since June 2021.

Tolson said he asked SLED to do an outside investigation of Sundays shooting.

The county SWAT team has deputies and police from other York County law enforcement agencies, except Rock Hill, which has its own team.

The shooting in the early morning hours near York Comprehensive High School and a house of worship prompted the road to be closed for several hours. No deputies were hurt, officials said.

8th SC shooting involving police in 2024

The York County shooting is the eighth involving an officer in South Carolina in 2024, according to information released by SLED in late February. In 2023, South Carolina had 43 shootings involving police.

SLED investigates police shootings when requested by local law enforcement, but prosecutors decide if the use of force was justified or violated any criminal laws.

Kevin Brackett, 16th Circuit Solicitor, told The Herald he was briefed Sunday after the shooting. Brackett said he will assist SLED if needed, then review its findings after the investigation is complete.

Brackett declined further comment because the investigation findings have not been submitted.

What happened last time?

Generally, South Carolina county prosecutors handle the review of use of force, but there are times when the S.C. Attorney Generals Office or another county prosecutor steps in if there is a potential conflict of interest.

The last police shooting in York County was in November when Rock Hill Police Department officers shot a bank robbery suspect in the hand after he allegedly pointed a gun at police who were trying to take him into custody. Brackett said his office determined the use of force by Rock Hill officers in that shooting was justified.

The last York County Sheriffs Office fatal shooting was in September 2022 when a deputy shot and killed a man who rammed his cruiser with a vehicle after a chase. There were police body camera and dash cam videos in that shooting.

Brackett determined that shooting was justified, saying the deputy faced a clear and immediate threat to his life.
The ability to carry a gun without a permit in South Carolina still has multiple hurdles to cross before becoming law. While some Republicans echo the necessity for its passage, it is unclear what version, if any, will be sent to the governors desk.

Its now left up to six lawmakers to negotiate a solution to be approved by the general body.

The conference committee of Rep. Micah Caskey, Rep. Bobby Cox, Rep. Justin Bamberg, Sen. Brad Hutto, Sen. Shane Massey and Sen. Shane Martin spent 15 minutes Tuesday listing the bills differences between the Senate and House versions, and discussing their concerns and aspirations for the bill.

The bill moved to conference after the House rejected the Senates amended version in February. The House reverted it to its original version.

Heres the major differences being discussed in conference.

1. Active members of the general assembly can carry anywhere in the state

This Senate amendment caused uproar by some House Republicans who said the proposal creates an unfair stipulation for elected officials.

Some House Republicans have questioned whether this amendment was proposed to ensure the bill didnt pass. But Sen. Gerald Malloy, the amendments sponsor, said there was no such intent. The Senate approved it with a voice vote, but Senators Thomas Corbin, Wes Climer, Tom Young and Josh Kimbrell desired to be recorded as voting against the amendment. Senators Massey, Michael Johnson, Brian Adams, Sean Bennett, Thomas Alexander and Ross Turner also voted no.

2. Penalties for concealed carry without a CWP

Masseys amendment would add an extra penalty for anyone carrying a concealed weapon without a CWP. This measure was not supported by some House Republicans who say it creates different classes or types of gun owners.

3. Open carry is not reasonable suspicion for probable cause

This Senate amendment establishes that police dont have reasonable cause to search, detain or arrest people just because they are openly carrying a weapon.

4. Free permit training courses to be offered in each county

This was another part of an amendment Massey proposed. The free training program would be available twice monthly in every county, put on by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

5. Lowers age from 21 to 18

This part of Masseys amendment proposes to allow South Carolinians 18 years and older to carry concealed handguns openly without a license or any gun safety training. Tyler Bailey, an at-large member of the Columbia City Council, wrote in an op-ed, published in The State, The proposed legislation also dismantles South Carolinas system of responsible gun ownership currently provided through criminal history checks and the confirmation of statutory eligibility.

Other concerns

Other differences include adding a prohibition on carrying into a public building marked court, which also covers magistrate offices. There is a change in wording from election day to election days, and lists churches on places where a person of authority can give express permission to carry. Another amendment adds hospitals to the list of places someone can carry with or without a CWP.

While lawmakers on the committee called the bill a success for second amendment rights, Bamberg and Hutto, reiterated the dangers and concerns frequently raised.

Its important that when we go though this process to not forget the reality of the world we live in, Bamberg said.

One of his concerns he has had with the bill is the potential uncomfortable position the bill would put law enforcement into, he said.

The goal of this is to protect rights but also protect life, Bamberg said.

Hutto echoed Bambergs concerns, and said three different deputies stopped and approached him recently about their concerns and questions.

Concerns included road rage situations, approaching a car with a gun on the dashboard, not knowing the good from bad guys with guns.

Whats next

Martin, Massey, Caskey and Cox emphasized working to get the bill passed and moved to the governors desk.

Two votes from the Senate and two votes from the House are needed to get an agreed version of the bill out of conference committee. Then it would be sent back to both the House and Senate for a final vote. The bill can not be amended once sent back to the House and Senate.
TOKYO, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese crew member of a fishing boat died after the ship ran aground off Kozushima, south of Tokyo, the Japan Coast Guard said Monday.

The 379-ton tuna fishing boat, with 20 Indonesian and five Japanese crew, was drifting in waters off the island, part of the Izu Island chain, at around 5 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Sunday after its engine had malfunctioned, the coast guard said.

Coast guard officials said they received a report from the captain shortly before 5 a.m. local time on Monday (2000 GMT on Sunday) that the vessel was tilting and a crew member in his 60s was missing after he fell overboard.

The coast guard searched the sea and recovered the man on Monday morning, who was later confirmed dead.

The remaining 24 aboard were rescued, according to the coast guard. 
Police officers leave a property in the Friedrichshain district, as part of a police operation during a police operation searching parts of the left-wing alternative construction trailer site in the Friedrichshain district - in connection with the "manhunt" for the wanted ex-RAF terrorists Staub and Garweg. Paul Zinken/dpa

German police searched another flat in Berlin on Sunday evening as the manhunt for two fugitive members of the disbanded far-left Red Army Faction (RAF) in the German capital continued.

The operation followed the surprise arrest of RAF terrorist suspect Daniel Klette six days ago.

The police raid in the flat on Grunberger Strasse in the eastern Berlin district of Friedrichshain on Sunday evening did not result in any arrests.

The operation was connected to the search for Ernst-Volker Staub and Burkhard Garweg, two RAF suspects still on the run, a spokeswoman for Lower Saxony police, the force leading the operation, said.

She did not say whether evidence had been found that could help investigators in their search for the two.

Police earlier searched a construction trailer site in Friedrichshain, a Berlin district neighbouring Kreuzberg, where Klette was arrested on Monday.

Investigators assume that one of the suspects, Garweg, had been staying at a trailer on the site which was taken away for forensic investigations.

A police spokeswoman declined to say how long Garweg might have used the accommodation.

The site, which was taken over by a left-wing alternative association after the fall of the Berlin Wall, includes small shacks, some of which house workshops, as well as caravans.

German news magazine Der Spiegel reported that Garweg is said to have lived permanently on the site and stayed there often.

In total, police provisionally held 10 people on the premises on Sunday, according to the Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office. "All of the people have already been released after the identity checks were completed," it said.

Staub, 69, and Garweg, 55, went underground more than 30 years ago at the same time as Klette, 65.

All three were members of the so-called "third generation" of the RAF, often known in the English-speaking world as the Baader-Meinhof Group after two of its most prominent original members.

Sunday's raid began at 07:30 (0630 GMT) and involved members of the national and city police forces.

The sounds of gunshots were heard at one location during the detentions, but no one was injured, the spokeswoman said. The noises came "in connection with a door opening."

Klette was arrested in her rented apartment in Berlin on Monday evening. She had been a fugitive for three decades but was found living under a false name in the middle of the German capital.

The authorities accuse Klette, Staub and Garweg of attempted murder and a series of serious robberies between 1999 and 2016, some of which involved the use of firearms and a bazooka.

The RAF was founded in 1968 by far-left extremists Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin and Ulrike Meinhof, with members active well into the 1990s.

During the time of the RAF third generation, the then Deutsche Bank boss Alfred Herrhausen (1989) and Treuhand boss Detlev Karsten Rohwedder (1991) were murdered and Herrhausen's driver was seriously injured.

The RAF murdered more than 30 people during their reign of terror but disbanded in 1998.

The group justified its attacks back then to destroy the capitalist social order in West Germany.

There is widespread speculation they were partly funded by the Communist East German state and its secret police arm, the Stasi.

Police officers leave a property in the Friedrichshain district, as part of a police operation during a police operation searching parts of the left-wing alternative construction trailer site in the Friedrichshain district - in connection with the "manhunt" for the wanted ex-RAF terrorists Staub and Garweg. Paul Zinken/dpa
This photo supplied by the South African Police Services shows a photo of Joshlin Smith who went missing on Feb. 19 in the Saldanha Bay area on South Africa's west coast, sparking a search by police. The South African navy was brought in Monday to help with the f6-year-old who has been missing for three weeks in a case that has captured national attention. (South African Police Services via AP)

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  The South African navy was brought in Monday to help with a search for a 6-year-old girl who has been missing for two weeks in a case that has captured national attention, forcing police to ask people to give them space to work and stop encroaching on the operation and recording it on their cell phones.

Joslin Smith went missing on Feb. 19 in the Saldanha Bay area on South Africa's west coast, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Cape Town.

Police, firefighters and specialized K-9 dog units have scoured sand dunes and scrubland near the informal settlement of shacks and small houses where Joslin lived.

Search teams have used drones to view large areas of ground, police said, and personnel from a South African navy base in Saldanha Bay have now bolstered the operation. A team of top detectives was sent from Cape Town to help lead the investigation.

Community members have also been involved in the search. Some of them claimed this weekend to have found a knife and girl's clothing stained with blood, which they said they handed over to the police. Police said they had sent items found during the search to a laboratory for forensic examination but didn't give further details.

They pleaded with the public to desist from recording the searches as interest in the case spiked following news that bloodied clothing had been found. People taking photos and videos of officers working may adversely impact the investigation, police spokesperson Brig. Novela Potelwa said, urging members of the public to keep their distance.

A photo of Joslin, with her smiling face, bright green eyes and hair neatly platted in pigtails, has been widely published, evoking sympathy, anger and fear that the little girl may be another example of South Africa's appallingly high level of crime against children.

People say that she just vanished. No, people do not just vanish, said Theresa le Roux, a local government official. Everybody sees something. Whether it's stuck in your mind and you forget about it and later you remember. But somebody must have seen her somewhere. Somebody must have seen who she was with.

Police Minister Bheki Cele met with Joslin's family on Saturday and pleaded for calm among local residents after anger erupted over the young girl's disappearance. Joslin's mother, Kelly Smith, said she and her boyfriend were kept at a police station for their own protection after angry neighbors blamed them for not watching over the child. Police did not comment on that but Cele asked the community to remain calm amid the finger-pointing.

Smith, the mother, said she asked her boyfriend to look after Joslin when the young girl felt unwell and didnt go to school on the day she disappeared. The boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis, said he lost track of where Joslin was and she was missing by the time her mother came back from work.

The Missing Children South Africa charity, which is helping in the search for Joslin, says police statistics indicate a child goes missing every five hours in the country. Around a quarter of the missing children are killed, trafficked, or never found, it said.

Police also launched a separate search for a 3-year-old boy who went missing in another town near Cape Town on Sunday.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that he has appointed Glen Gilzean as the new Orange County supervisor of elections.

He fills the vacancy left by former elections supervisor Bill Cowles, who retired in January.

Gilzean previously served as the administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which was previously known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

He previously served as chairman of the Florida Commission on Ethics and the president and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League.

Read: Longtime Orange County Supervisor of Elections announces retirement ahead of 2024 presidential elect

Before that, Gilzean was vice president at Step Up For Students, an Jacksonville organization that grants scholarships.

He served on the Pinellas County School Board in 2012 and on the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees from 2013 until 2014.

Gilzean served as a regional field director for the Florida Department of Education from 2006 until 2009.

Read: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles says he will not seek reelection

He received his bachelors degree in biomedical sciences and his masters degree in entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Orange County Democratic Party Chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago expressed concerns about Gilzeans appointment.

Mr. Gilzeans record as a Republican party loyalist and as a close ally of Gov. DeSantis is what has led to his appointment as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, he said in a statement. Having such a partisan figure administering the elections in such a Democratic county is more than deeply troubling. We look forward to electing a Democrat to this critical office in November.

Read: DeSantis local visit touts Disney governing districts progress

Vilchez Santiago said his party has established an Election Protection Committee headed by attorney Ben H. King.

This committee has already demonstrated its effectiveness by facilitating ballot curing, deploying poll watchers and greeters, and overseeing canvassing board meetings during the recent (House District) 35 special election, he said.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. Harris condemned efforts to limit access to voting and reproductive health services. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

Vice President Kamala Harris called for new efforts to protect voting and reproductive rights and drew parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of 60 years ago and the current political climate in a speech in Selma on Sunday.

Harris invoked, speaking during commemorations of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, an attack on civil rights protestors, compared efforts to suppress civil rights to efforts that she said threaten various freedoms, such as the right to vote; the right to live free of gun violence and the right to make ones own reproductive health choices.

In this moment, we are witnessing a full-on attack on our hard-fought, hard-won freedoms, Harris said before the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where a posse of law enforcement officers attacked voting rights marchers on March 7, 1965.

People holding signs urging people to vote

Marchers gather and hold signs on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

She pointed to efforts to restrict voting rights, such as laws restricting absentee voting, and cited Georgias law that prohibits people from passing out water to those waiting in line to vote. These attacks on elections, she said, are giving rise to violence, including a rise in poll worker intimidation.

Whatever happened to love thy neighbor? The hypocrisy abounds, she said.

Harris said she and President Biden will continue to push for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act on the face of these assaults on the freedom to vote and in honor of those who cross the bridge.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act would, among items, restore federal review of voting laws in states with histories of discrimination, including Alabama. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the measure in 2013.

Lewis, later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia, was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, and regularly attended commemorations of the event in Selma until his death in 2020.

Harris also criticized the Alabama Supreme Court IVF ruling, in which the all-Republican court ruled that frozen embryos have the same rights as unborn children. The decision effectively stopped IVF programs in the state. The Republican-controlled state Legislature is pushing through legislation aimed at restarting IVF treatments.

Consider the irony  on one hand these extremists tell women they do not have the freedom to end an unwanted pregnancy. On the other hand, these extremists tell these women they dont have the freedom to start a family, she said.

Harris also addressed the war in Gaza at the top of her speech, and called for a minimum six-week cease-fire, calling it a a humanitarian catastrophe.

The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act, she said.

Harris noted that the Department of Defense carried out a humanitarian aid airdrop, and that President Joe Biden is committed to providing more aid to Gaza via more airdrops. The administration will work a new route by sea to deliver aid, she said.

But she said that there is a ceasefire on the table and that Hamas must agree to that deal.

Lets get a ceasefire. Lets reunite the hostages with their families, and lets provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza, she said.

After the speech, a crowd chanted ceasefire now at the foot of the bridge.

A woman standing in front of a bridge.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Harris condemned efforts to limit voting rights and access to reproductive health. (Will McLelland for Alabama Reflector)

Speaking before Harris, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, whose district includes Selma, urged those present to vote.

I submit to you that if your vote didnt matter, extremists wouldnt be trying so hard to take it away. Our vote is our voice, and when we vote, we win. And when Black people vote, we make a difference, Sewell said.

The attack on the Edmund Pettus Bridge drew national condemnation and sparked the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It also spurred efforts to pass the Voting Rights Act, which President Lyndon Johnson signed five months after Bloody Sunday.

The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee brings politicians and visitors from around the country, and Sunday continued that tradition.

Calandra Morrow, who was born and raised in Selma, said that even after moving to Montgomery, she still makes it a point to come home for the celebration each year. She said it started as a family tradition when she was 16 years old, to honor an uncle who had participated in the march.

Its very impactful to honor him and his late passing, and to just re-embrace the moments of what they went through 59 years ago, she said.

Gabriella Banks came to Selma from California, because, she said, she feels that its important for people across the nation to see whats going on in other parts of the country, especially the South. She said that while visiting Selma increased her awareness for voting rights, particularly different legislative efforts to restrict voting access, abortion is on top of her mind.

Its always good to have an option about what youre going to do with your body, because you never know when youre going to have to make certain decisions, she said.

A teen girl poses for a photo in front of a crowd

Jayde Robinson traveled with her family to listen to Vice President Kamala Harris remarks in Selma on Mar. 3, 2024. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

Jalen Parker, 18, said reproductive rights is something that he is concerned about, along with access to voting and fair representation.

I want to see what the vice president and other government officials have to say to invest in our community, he said.

Jayde Robinson, a 15-year-old from Mobile, said she came to experience the culture and think about what her ancestors had to endure.

Its really important that we understand history so that we dont let it repeat itself, she said.

She said she was excited to hear the vice president. Robinson said that as a Black woman, Harris had hard times to come through to be able to show her competence.

Im really excited for her to show that its okay and we can build ourselves up from scratch and that no matter what, you can still keep going and persevere for that top spot, Robinson said.

In closing her speech, Harris said that the challenges today are not unlike the challenges faced by those 100 brave souls 59 years ago and that todays generation must continue the work of past generations.

History is a relay race. Generations before us carried the baton, and now they have passed it to us, Harris said.

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The post In Selma, Kamala Harris says personal freedoms are under attack appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Vice President Kamala Harris called for new efforts to protect voting and reproductive rights and drew parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of 60 years ago and the current political climate in a speech in Selma on Sunday.

Harris invoked, speaking during commemorations of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, an attack on civil rights protestors, compared efforts to suppress civil rights to efforts that she said threaten various freedoms, such as the right to vote; the right to live free of gun violence and the right to make ones own reproductive health choices.

In this moment, we are witnessing a full-on attack on our hard-fought, hard-won freedoms, Harris said before the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where a posse of law enforcement officers attacked voting rights marchers on March 7, 1965.

She pointed to efforts to restrict voting rights, such as laws restricting absentee voting, and cited Georgias law that prohibits people from passing out water to those waiting in line to vote. These attacks on elections, she said, are giving rise to violence, including a rise in poll worker intimidation.

Whatever happened to love thy neighbor? The hypocrisy abounds, she said.

Harris said she and President Biden will continue to push for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act on the face of these assaults on the freedom to vote and in honor of those who cross the bridge.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act would, among items, restore federal review of voting laws in states with histories of discrimination, including Alabama. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the measure in 2013.

Marchers gather and hold signs on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

Lewis, later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia, was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, and regularly attended commemorations of the event in Selma until his death in 2020.

Harris also criticized the Alabama Supreme Court IVF ruling, in which the all-Republican court ruled that frozen embryos have the same rights as unborn children. The decision effectively stopped IVF programs in the state. The Republican-controlled state Legislature is pushing through legislation aimed at restarting IVF treatments.

Consider the irony  on one hand these extremists tell women they do not have the freedom to end an unwanted pregnancy. On the other hand, these extremists tell these women they dont have the freedom to start a family, she said.

Harris also addressed the war in Gaza at the top of her speech, and called for a minimum six-week cease-fire, calling it a a humanitarian catastrophe.

The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act, she said.

Harris noted that the Department of Defense carried out a humanitarian aid airdrop, and that President Joe Biden is committed to providing more aid to Gaza via more airdrops. The administration will work a new route by sea to deliver aid, she said.

But she said that there is a ceasefire on the table and that Hamas must agree to that deal.

Lets get a ceasefire. Lets reunite the hostages with their families, and lets provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza, she said.

After the speech, a crowd chanted ceasefire now at the foot of the bridge.

Speaking before Harris, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, whose district includes Selma, urged those present to vote.

I submit to you that if your vote didnt matter, extremists wouldnt be trying so hard to take it away. Our vote is our voice, and when we vote, we win. And when Black people vote, we make a difference, Sewell said.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

The attack on the Edmund Pettus Bridge drew national condemnation and sparked the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It also spurred efforts to pass the Voting Rights Act, which President Lyndon Johnson signed five months after Bloody Sunday.

The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee brings politicians and visitors from around the country, and Sunday continued that tradition.

Calandra Morrow, who was born and raised in Selma, said that even after moving to Montgomery, she still makes it a point to come home for the celebration each year. She said it started as a family tradition when she was 16 years old, to honor an uncle who had participated in the march.

Its very impactful to honor him and his late passing, and to just re-embrace the moments of what they went through 59 years ago, she said.

Gabriella Banks came to Selma from California, because, she said, she feels that its important for people across the nation to see whats going on in other parts of the country, especially the South. She said that while visiting Selma increased her awareness for voting rights, particularly different legislative efforts to restrict voting access, abortion is on top of her mind.

Its always good to have an option about what youre going to do with your body, because you never know when youre going to have to make certain decisions, she said.

Jalen Parker, 18, said reproductive rights is something that he is concerned about, along with access to voting and fair representation.

I want to see what the vice president and other government officials have to say to invest in our community, he said.

Jayde Robinson, a 15-year-old from Mobile, said she came to experience the culture and think about what her ancestors had to endure.

Its really important that we understand history so that we dont let it repeat itself, she said.

She said she was excited to hear the vice president. Robinson said that as a Black woman, Harris had hard times to come through to be able to show her competence.

Im really excited for her to show that its okay and we can build ourselves up from scratch and that no matter what, you can still keep going and persevere for that top spot, Robinson said.

In closing her speech, Harris said that the challenges today are not unlike the challenges faced by those 100 brave souls 59 years ago and that todays generation must continue the work of past generations.

History is a relay race. Generations before us carried the baton, and now they have passed it to us, Harris said.

This story was published earlier by the Alabama Reflector, an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix.

The post In Selma, Kamala Harris says personal freedoms are under attack appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
The News

Today, Semafor launches its inaugural Global Election Hub, a new platform designed to provide insight into the key figures and global patterns behind the most consequential elections taking place this year around the world. The innovative digital destination will track critical contests and candidates, highlight electoral trends and ballot updates, and provide deep context from Semafors editorial team. The Global Election Hub will also highlight Semafor newsrooms extensive U.S. election coverage and will use Semafors newest editorial product, Signals, to present readers with authoritative information and a range of diverse global perspectives on election news.

Bens view

2024 has been called The Biggest Election Year in History , The Super Election Year, and the Voldemort of election years.

More than half the world will vote  in India, in the United States, in Russia (sort of), South Africa, Mexico, and dozens more countries.

But global elections is a bit of a contradiction in terms, and a disorienting idea. People arent voting for United Nations representatives. Theyre voting for presidents and prime ministers and governors and councilors (and, yes, occasionally members of the European Parliament). The vast share of political journalism, too, is inherently national, looking inward from Washington or Westminster or New Delhi. Theres no big global needle telling you which side populists vs. establishment in many places, authoritarians versus liberals in others, actual Communists versus nationalists in a few  is winning.

The Semafor Election Hub represents our effort to orient the curious reader in this chaotic landscape, with our map, calendar, and key readings from around the world; and to centralize that running conversation in a Global Election Hot List that will keep an eye on consequential races and red flags alike.

At the heart of the story are the two biggest trends that together compose the crisis in democratic politics that faces the world in 2024.

First, the rise of a new right populism that has transformed politics in the United States and Europe over the past decade, and where small stories  a nationalist Romanian leader making claims to part of Hungary, a backlash against migrants from Brazil to Finland  help explain larger ones, like Britains post-Brexit identity crisis. We also hope to help American political journalists  Dave Weigel, Shelby Talcott, Benjy Sarlin, I, and others on the Semafor team have been in that game for a while  to understand what in Donald Trumps appeal and Joe Bidens struggle to sell his policies reflect personality and national trends, and where we are seeing the consequences of tectonic global movements.

The other great trend is the rise of a new kind of authoritarian rule which is democratic only in its form. Russias elections later this month are the purest form of this. The Indian election later this spring could pull the worlds largest democracy in the same direction.

Our hotlist will elevate the trends and moments that shed light on these questions, and we will be attuned to the aesthetics and ideology of rising political movements as well as to their substance. Populism right now has a particular style  some would say, a hairstyle  as does a waning Establishment. Familiar global patterns turn up across continents, and some of our most widely-read elections stories have come from Semafor Africa, including the rise of Ghanas theatrical, social-media driven masked candidate and the struggles of Cameroons 91-year-old incumbent.

Speaking of that needle: we considered and discarded the idea of concocting some kind of Red-or-Blue arrow giving you the state of populism on any given day. The story is far too complex, the measurement is all apples and oranges and bananas, and its not always clear which side gets which color. But in the absence of false certainty, we hope to offer context, orientation, and multiple, global perspectives on our own coverage and others as we approach the biggest stories of 2024.
GOP conservatives led by Sens. Mike Lee (Utah), Ted Cruz (Texas), Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rick Scott (Fla.) are looking to play the role of kingmaker in the battle to elect the next Senate Republican leader.

These outspoken conservatives, who felt largely shut out of major political and policymaking decisions by outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), want to play a major role in shaping the future direction of the Senate GOP conference as he steps down  particularly in what they hope will be a Senate majority.

They are looking for political and procedural reforms to give themselves and fellow conservatives, such as Sens. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), more say in the leadership of their conference.

And they want to do what they can to prevent the next Republican leader from exercising as much power and control over the GOP conference as McConnell did for the past 17 years.

One Republican strategist familiar with the deliberations of Senate conservatives say they are looking to act as a decisive swing bloc of votes in the race for Senate Republican leader, which is expected to boil down to a contest between Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) and former Senate GOP Whip John Cornyn (Texas).

From the perspective of the conservatives, this is something theyve been preparing for since McConnell said Im going to serve the remainder of my term, and that was it. Thats the mindset theyre in, said the strategist.

Theres going to have to be conversations between the candidates and the conservatives, and I dont think John Thune or John Cornyn can take their support for granted, the source said.

McConnell stirred speculation among colleagues that he wouldnt run for another term as leader when he declined to reveal his future plans.

I have no announcements to make on that subject, he said in September, when reporters pressed him on the future after he froze for the second time that year in front of television cameras.

I am going to finish my term as leader, and Im going to finish my Senate term, he said tersely.

Lee on Friday began laying out some of the concessions he and other conservatives will want from the next leader.

The next Senate GOP leader should have the confidence to relinquish discretionary control over committee assignments, he posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Lees comments appeared directed at McConnells decision to boot him and Scott off the prestigious Senate Commerce Committee last year after Lee backed Scotts challenge to McConnell in a leadership race after the 2022 midterm elections.

Conservatives were angered by McConnells decision not to grant Schmitt a waiver to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he was barred from doing because Hawley  whos also from Missouri  was already on the panel when Schmitt came to Congress.

They thought the denial of Schmitts request was retaliation for the Missouri freshman declaring during the 2022 campaign that he wouldnt support McConnell as leader.

Lee on Friday said the next leader shouldnt let his own political ambitions guide decisions about whom to support in contested GOP primaries.

The next Senate GOP leader shouldnt fund primaries just to ensure future senators are loyal to him personally, he wrote on X.

Lee and Cruz led the calls for McConnells resignation during the bitter infighting among GOP senators over the bipartisan border security deal, which McConnell hailed as a success.

I think a Republican leader should actually lead this conference and should advance the priorities of Republicans, Cruz declared at a Feb. 6 press conference.

Scott on Friday hailed McConnells retirement as a big opportunity to change the direction of the Senate GOP conference.

He said fellow conservatives, including Lee and Johnson, will call a special conference meeting to craft a mission statement they hope will guide the outcome of the race to replace McConnell.

First thing were doing is weve called  Ron Johnson, Mike Lee and I and some others have called  for a conference meeting and said, Hey, what do we want to be? Scott told The Charlie Kirk Show.

Scott says as a former business guy he wants to come up with a mission statement about what we stand for.

And once senators discuss what they stand for, he explained, the next question is: Who are we going to elect to do it?

Scott said hes seriously considering jumping into the race to replace McConnell. He ran for the top leadership job in November of 2022 but lost by a vote of 37 to 10.

Senate conservatives want to bring their conference more in line with House conservatives, who are more aligned with former President Trump and are pushing for deep spending cuts and ambitious policy reforms.

Senate conservatives generally respect Thune and Cornyn. But they have also clashed with both of them.

Thune has run the Senates floor operations for the GOP since McConnell suffered a concussion and fractured rib in March of last year. He served as de facto GOP leader while McConnell spent weeks away from the Capitol recovering.

But running legislative operations for McConnell created tensions between Thune and conservative colleagues. That was on display during last months acrimonious battle over a bipartisan border security deal, which conservatives condemned as a political gift to Democrats.

Cornyn is a longtime member of the Senate Steering Committee, which Senate conservatives often use on Wednesdays as a forum to discuss their priorities and grievances.

Some senators think that affiliation may give Cornyn an advantage with conservatives because Thune is not a member of Steering.

But Cornyn frustrated Senate conservatives in 2022 when he negotiated bipartisan gun violence legislation. The majority of the GOP conference ended up voting against the legislation, including Thune.

Thune and Cornyn have both stepped up their efforts to appeal to conservative colleagues in recent days.

Cornyn endorsed conservatives call to give rank-and-file senators more say in strategic decisions and policymaking

We will improve communication, increase transparency, and ensure inclusion of every members expertise and opinion, he pledged Thursday. We will restore the important role of Senate committees and reestablish the regular appropriations process.

Both candidates are touting their records enacting Trumps agenda while serving in leadership.

Cornyn held the No. 2-ranking Senate leadership job during Trumps first two years in the Oval Office, while Thune held it during Trumps second two years in office.

Cornyn endorsed Trump on Jan. 23, and Thune then did so a month later.

Johnson, who joined Lee and Cruz in attacking McConnells handing of Ukraine funding and the border security deal, acknowledged that his colleagues have been planning the post-McConnell future of the Senate GOP conference for a while now.

Its about time we really sit down as a conference. Figure out: What are we? Who are we? What direction do we want to take this conference? What direction do we want to take the country? And be able to communicate that to the American public, he said.

Hopefully people will embrace generating a mission statement, he said. Im hoping leaders would kind of rise out of that process  embrace the mission statement, embrace the goals and convince members that theyre fully on board with implementing those things, he said.





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SEOUL, March 4 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the United States on Monday kicked off a joint military exercise amid concerns from neighbor countries.

The annual springtime war game, Freedom Shield (FS), will continue for 11 days through March, South Korea's defense ministry said.

A variety of combined field training exercises will be staged in sea, land and air to bolster the interoperability and enhance the combined operation capabilities.

During the war game, U.S. military strategic assets such as strategic bombers and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers will be likely to be deployed around the Korean Peninsula, according to Yonhap news agency.

Seoul and Washington have insisted that the joint drill is defensive in nature, but the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has denounced it as a dress rehearsal for a northward invasion. 
By Ngouda Dione and Alessandra Prentice

DAKAR (Reuters) - Writer Moustapha Gueye voted for Senegalese President Macky Sall at the last two elections.

But disappointment in Sall's second term and the president's thwarted attempt to postpone the next vote have shaken Gueye's allegiance to the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition.

Reclining on a sofa at his home in Dakar, Gueye said he was saddened that Sall's presidency had culminated in a bitter electoral tussle with the opposition and in unrest that has dented Senegal's reputation as one of West Africa's more stable nations.

"These are domestic issues that Senegal should have grown out of," he said.

Sall's shock decision to issue a decree delaying the election just weeks before it was due to take place in February revived widespread fears that he was trying to tweak the constitution to stay in power longer.

Sall denies this. A court later overruled his order, but too late to keep to the original electoral schedule.

Mechanic Ousmane Sene said he was tired of second-guessing the ruling party's intentions.

"The reason I won't vote for Benno (BBY) anymore is simply that I trusted them, but not anymore. That trust has been betrayed," he said at his roadside repair shop in a Dakar suburb.

Authorities have still not confirmed a new date for the vote.

As the process grinds on, BBY and Sall will be gauging how the unresolved crisis is swaying other long-time supporters like Gueye and Sene and how it is affecting the chances of their handpicked candidate in the presidential race, Amadou Ba.

'TOTAL CONFUSION'

Sall cited concerns over potential election disputes as the reason for the delay. But many believe BBY and Sall tried to postpone the vote because they were unsure about their own candidate and wanted time to think.

Sall has publicly stood by Ba. But equally public critics of the candidate include at least two cabinet ministers and senior BBY member Souleymane Jules Diop, who took to the radio in late 2023 to accuse Ba of being bland and uninspiring, local media reported.

"It's very evident that the election delay would not have taken place if Macky Sall believed that Amadou Ba was clearly capable of winning the presidency," Tochi Eni-Kalu, Africa analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said.

A 10-month delay could have bought enough time for a reshuffle of the candidate list, but on Feb. 15 a top court ruled that such a postponement would be unlawful and ordered the election be scheduled as soon as possible.

With Ba still on the ticket for now, the crisis may turn out to have been a politically costly miscalculation by Sall and BBY if their electoral manoeuvring has put off many other voters like Gueye and Sene.

With no official public election polls, shifts in voter intention are hard to measure.

But of those who voted for Sall in the last election in 2019, only 60% are believed to be planning to vote for BBY's candidate this time, said statistician Moubarak Lo who, as adviser to the prime minister, produces strategic analysis for the authorities.

Lo said he thought the estimated fall was less a response to the recent upheaval than a natural drop-off in support over the course of a presidential term.

He cautioned against drawing any conclusions about the election outcome at this stage. "Today, it's total confusion," he told Reuters on Feb. 24.

OPPOSITION MOMENTUM

All eyes are on whether Sall agrees with a June 2 election date proposed on Tuesday after talks that were boycotted by most of the opposition presidential candidates. Some of them have formed an informal alliance in response to the electoral turmoil.

This closer collaboration could influence the result of the election if it leads to them rallying around a single candidate in a second round in the event no contender secures more than 50% in the first round.

"It's very clear the momentum is on the opposition side now and that could have a bearing on the election," Eurasia Group analyst Eni-Kalu said.

"It's become very obvious that it's going to be very difficult for Amadou Ba to win outright in the first round," he added. "A lot depends on what happens in the next few weeks in terms of the opposition closing ranks and presenting a united front ahead of a run-off."

The electoral turbulence has not deterred all BBY supporters. A pro-BBY rally in Dakar on Feb. 24 attracted hundreds of people, comparable in size to a pro-opposition rally a week earlier.

The crowd chanted and waved Senegalese flags handed out by organisers. One man carried a homemade cardboard sign that said "Macky, Senegal loves you."

Penda, who gave only her first name, said her support for BBY was unchanged by recent events.

"We are here to show everyone, including the President, that those who love him continue to do so," she said.

($1 = 602.7500 CFA francs)

(Additional reporting by Cooper Inveen and Diadie Ba; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Crystal Chesters)
Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Russian state-owned defence company Rostec, has claimed that "the state-of-the-art" T-14 Armata main battle tanks (MBTs), which Russia showcased in 2015, will not be used in the war against Ukraine, supposedly on account of their high price, although he argues that they are in service with the Russian Armed Forces.

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza; Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti

Quote from Chemezov: "Armata is, in fact, a bit costly. It is undoubtedly superior to existing tanks in terms of functionality, yet its sky-high cost means the army is unlikely to use it now. It's easier for them to get the T-90s."

Details: Chemezov claimed that it makes sense for Russia to invest in cheaper weapons. "We currently need funds to develop new tanks, new weapons, perhaps cheaper ones. Therefore, if it is possible to acquire cheaper weapons, why not," Chemezov added.

Background:

In September 2015, Russian propagandists posted a video of a crew member of the new T-14 Armata MBT in action. A single shot was fired, and the shell supposedly hit the target. However, neither the firing conditions nor the distance to the target were disclosed.

Before that, the Armata malfunctioned during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade in Moscow on 7 May. During the parade rehearsal, the announcer claimed that the tank's stoppage had been planned to display "how the evacuation of military equipment will be carried out".

In January 2023, UK intelligence reported that a small batch of Armata tanks had been prepared for deployment to the front, but the Russians hesitated to use them amid concerns about their technical condition.

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There was hardly a dry eye in the courthouse Friday in 350th District Court when a mother was sentenced for starving to death her toddler born with a disorder requiring a feeding tube.

Teliea Thomas was back in court after being handed a guilty sentence just before Christmas. Thomas was found guilty of injury to a child in connection with the death of her 22-month-old son, Dairess Fuller Jr.

Judge Thomas Wheeler of the 350th District heard witness testimony from LaMeka Lowe, Fuller's aunt, and also from Thomas herself. Wheeler decided in a matter of minutes to sentence Thomas to life in prison.

Teliea Thomas

Thomas starved her son, called "Junior" by his family, in what appeared to be an attempt to shield herself and her growing fetus from the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Appeared emaciated'

On May 22, 2020, the Abilene Police Department responded to an emergency call about an "injured subject" in northern Abilene, according to court documents.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the toddler, who "appeared emaciated and had bruises under his eyes," with a "G-tube" in his stomach. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the follow-up investigation, detectives discovered that Fuller was born prematurely July 28, 2018, and was removed by Childhood Protective Services in October 2018.

Junior was placed with his aunt, LaMeka Lowe, where she discovered that he "had trouble swallowing." He was then diagnosed with subglottic stenosis and subsequently received a G-tube to assist with feeding.

As a result of the diagnosis, Fuller required 24-hour care, and nurses resided in the home with the family. Fuller was also referred to speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. After living with Lowe, the child began to thrive and put on weight.

Some time later, Lowe allowed her half-sister Thomas to reside in the home with them, even taking Thomas to the hospital to receive training on how to care for Fuller and use his medical equipment.

According to court documents, however, Thomas took Fuller and her two other children Sept. 17, 2019, while Lowe was at an appointment and moved them all back to Abilene.

'Concerns over COVID-19 and her pregnancy'

Court documents show that shortly after arrival to Abilene, Thomas took her son to Dr. Brent Steadman on Oct. 2, 2019. At that visit, Fuller weighed 18.6 pounds, and was referred to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center for speech, occupational and physical therapy services.

Thomas, however, never went back for a check-up with Steadman.

Thomas later took Fuller to West Texas Rehab on Jan. 21, 2020. The team developed a plan for the child, which included "recommended feeding therapy."

Thomas, however, did not return for follow-up visits and requested a discharge, citing COVID-19 concerns and issues with her pregnancy.

In the follow-up investigation, the medical examiner discovered Fuller's cause of death was "homicide due to malnutrition." The autopsy revealed Fuller's weight at the time of his death was 15.8 pounds.

'I forgive you, so we can heal.'

When Lowe took the stand Friday in 350th District Court, it was easy to see how her grief has affected her in the years since Fuller's passing.

On the stand, Lowe recounted how she raised Fuller and even moved closer to the hospital to better access all of the treatment he required on a weekly basis. Lowe also allowed nursing staff to move into her home so Fuller could have 24-hour care.

While observers in court wiped their eyes, Thomas sat emotionless and barely looked at her half-sister throughout Lowe's testimony.

With tears in her eyes, Lowe noted with his death, Fuller saved his three other siblings who now permanently reside with her.

Despite the strong words for her half-sister, Lowe ended her testimony with tears in her eyes by telling Thomas, "I forgive you, so we can heal."

'I honestly thought I could handle it on my own.'

When the defense called Thomas to the stand, she spoke flatly and without emotion for the majority of the time.

Under oath, she said one of her children had previously been found with three types of drugs in her hair. As a result, Lowe had taken custody of Thomas' children.

While Thomas did recount that she had received training to care for Fuller, when she spoke of taking Fuller back to Abilene, she simply said, "I honestly thought I could handle it on my own."

When it was time for cross-examination, Taylor County Assistant District Attorney Dan Joiner steadily hammered Thomas with many questions surrounding Fuller's lack of medical treatment and malnutrition.

Joiner was quick to point out that Thomas had attended several prenatal checkups during her pregnancy but had failed to take Fuller for any follow ups with Steadman or West Texas Rehab.

Joiner then brought up text messages which Thomas sent to her partner, Dairess Fuller Sr., saying that she was done with the child's crying, and the boy would no longer be getting any love from her.

At this point, Lowe hung her head as tears streamed down her face.

Throughout Thomas' testimony, Wheeler had a stern look on his face as Thomas repeatedly said she was just sorry and selfish.

Sentencing in a matter of minutes

In the defense lawyer's closing remarks, he asked Judge Wheeler to "have some mercy."

When Joiner spoke, however, he emphasized the CPS report had asked for Thomas to "get the electric chair," and "she should not see the light of day."

Throughout Joiner's closing remarks, one could hear the sniffles in the courtroom, and the Reporter-News witnessed a court bailiff wipe a tear from his eye.

All the while, Thomas sat still and emotionless. The only sounds were of her quietly shaking her chains as she waited for the judgement.

Within minutes of both the defense and prosecution resting, Wheeler sentenced Thomas would to life in prison to the happy shouts of Lowe and family.

Following the sentencing, Lowe stood outside the Taylor County Courthouse for a balloon release in the child's honor. She was joined by investigators, detectives, and Joiner, as they released "baby shark" themed balloons.

It was an emotional moment as the sun shined brightly upon the crowd.

Family, investigators, attorneys and detectives stand outside the Taylor County Courthouse on Friday, March 1, for a balloon release in honor of Dairess Fuller, Jr. who died at the age of 22 months after his mother withheld nutrition and medical attention.

While Thomas has received a life sentence, she will be eligible for parole after 35 years, according to Assistant District Attorney Erin Stamey.

The toddler's father, on the other hand, is expected to be in court in April for a jury trial. He is facing a similar charge of first-degree injury to a child.

It remains to be seen if he will take a plea deal after seeing Thomas' sentence to life in prison. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Sentenced: Abilene mother starved her toddler to death
Videos of young girls using products from the cosmetic retailer Sephora and filming their beauty routine are sweeping the video-sharing platform TikTok. But as pre-teens flock to luxury skincare brands, specialists worry these trends pose risks to children's mental and physical health.

Like the routines shared by adult influencers, "Sephora kids" is gaining large audiences with its "get ready with me" (GRWM) videos with girls, some under age 10.

One "mom-influencer" highlights her daughters' beauty rituals behind a display of products in a February 14, 2023 TikTok.

The girl applies expensive creams, some containing potent active ingredients, followed by light makeup and lip gloss.

Screenshot of a TikTok taken February 28, 2024

"Sephora kids" videos have garnered international popularity on the social network, with many videos earning thousands of views. Some girls spend small fortunes on their shopping sprees, and more and more stores are left to deal with ravaged shelves, spilled products and destroyed makeup, courtesy of their young patrons.

Screenshot of a TikTok taken February 29, 2024

But the main concern, experts point out, comes from the choice of products young people are gravitating toward, which are often unsuitable for their age.

Youthful skin

"We are seeing more rashes and irritations from young tweens and teens using products that they see advertised on social media," Anne Chapas, a Manhattan-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, told AFP.

Despite the youthful and brightly colored packaging, much of the skin care touted in these videos contains aggressive active ingredients sold as "anti-aging" or "anti-blemish" solutions.

Danilo Del Campo, a Chicago-based dermatologist told AFP he has had many more adolescent patients asking for these types of creams.

As more children are using adult cosmetics, he has also noticed "an increase in consultations related to skin reactions and concerns resulting from the misuse of these products."

This is due to ingredients including retinol and a variety of acids which can cause redness, flaking, and tightness of the skin.

He warns: "Young skin is more delicate and more sensitive to irritation" and these products can compromise the skin's natural barrier. Early exposure to a wide variety of chemicals contained in these cosmetics, "can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis," he said.

To minimize risks, Campo advises parents to "supervise their children's skincare choices and prioritize products specifically designed for young, sensitive skin." This means mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products that will not expose them to unnecessary irritants or allergens.

Some doctors on TikTok have voiced their similar concerns. "What does a nine-year-old with normal skin need with that many acids?" said one dermal clinician, reacting to the skin problems suffered by a 9-year-old child following the use of several trendy products.

An impact on self-esteem

In consultations, Campo also notices self-esteem problems in young children who "feel the need to correct perceived flaws that may not actually exist." He worries the trend could be impacting the self-image and confidence of young girls during crucial developmental years.

Michael Stora, a psychoanalyst specializing in online behavior, said the girls in the videos are "not playing with dolls as you might expect at their age -- they are the dolls."

Some mothers in the videos defend the trend as just a "game" -- but Stora accused parents of the "fetishization" of their offspring.

"I see more and more parents with a sense of narcissistic fragility where they see the world only as beautiful or not beautiful," said Stora.

Solene Delecourt, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley who specializes in social inequality, also believes the videos can "contribute to a very stereotypical representation of girls and women online."

"These are not women but little girls, and they are already subject to this intense social pressure," she said.

AFP contacted Sephora, owned by French conglomerate LVMH, for comment but a response was not forthcoming.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Residents at Serenity Towers are sounding the alarm after they say several of their cars are being towed despite having permission to park there.

Residents say PB&J is snatching cars from Serenity Towers, despite the managers instructions to stop.

Al Tyler says the manager promised him PB&J signs will be removed, indicating an end to their services here.

Tyler says cars with valid handicap stickers have been towed from handicap spots. He even had to go retrieve his truck from PB&J, even though hes lived here for over seven years.

Why Serenity Towers failed HUD inspection with a score of 23

They charged me $225 to get my truck back, Tyler said. They also told her that morning when she called me down to the office they were going to bring my truck back I dont have to pay anything so I felt good about that. They never showed.

Tyler says this weekend, a message was broadcast over the complexs intercom system urging residents to park across the street until Serenity Towers severs ties with PB&J.

Frida Jennings, who has lived here for seven years, says she doesnt park at Serenity Towers, but witnessed the chaos firsthand, frequently driving her neighbors to the tow yard to get their vehicles back.

I did. I drove several people down to get their cars and there were a lot of people there to get cars. This happened at three oclock in the morning on Friday which was a payday, a very profitable day for the tow truck company, Jennings said. We have to park all the way across the street. Theres nothing convenient for senior citizens. Im handicapped. I have a handicap sticker, but I moved my car across the street because I rather have the inconvenience of walking over here than paying $200 to retrieve a car.

Serenity Towers has made headlines for all the wrong reasons over the years. Representatives for Serenity Towers were recently back in Environmental Court discussing problems with security, a lack of hot water, and pests.

Trash, hot water problems plaguing Serenity Towers

However, residents acknowledge that manager Deidra Giles is genuinely trying to turn things around.

Theres some issues here that need to be resolved a lot of issues, but the management here is doing the best that they possibly can, Jennings said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Scotland Yard may have failed to identify some serial sex offences because officers did not record basic details about victims and their attackers, it has been claimed.

Despite repeated warnings by watchdogs to improve the way data was collected, an internal report suggested the Met had struggled to record information accurately and fully.

There were numerous intelligence failings, with opportunities to link suspects to crimes and establish patterns of offending regularly missed.

Failure to record vital information

The document  commissioned in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard  found that in 356 serious sexual offences reported in the previous year, officers had failed to record vital information about the attack, according to The Times.

This included recording details about the suspect which could have helped link them to other unsolved crimes or patterns of offending.

In thousands of cases the relationship between victim and offender was not recorded on police computer systems, leading to further intelligence gaps.

The internal report revealed that in 2019-20, the suspects relationship with the victim was listed as either unknown, or was not recorded in 1,289 cases, while the following year it was 1,076.

The report also stated that there were regular errors or a lack of detail when it came to recording basic information such as age, ethnicity and gender.

The Met was severely criticised for failing to spot patterns and links between previous offences in the cases of both Wayne Couzens and David Carrick.

In the case of Couzens, he had been reported for indecent exposure on a number of occasions before abducting, raping and murdering Sarah Everard.

Nine chances to spot offending missed

And police missed at least nine chances to spot the offending of Carrick, who was last year jailed for life after admitting 85 sex offences.

Details about the various failings were contained in an internal Met report intended to help identify where investigative problems lay.

But the document was obtained through a Freedom of Information request which the Met initially fought.

Deniz Ugur, deputy director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: This evidence underlines what victims, survivors and womens organisations have long known: the police are failing women and girls by not taking their abuse seriously, failing to properly investigate these offences and failing to take basic actions that would prevent other women from becoming victims in the future.

Commander Kevin Southworth, Met lead for public protection, said the force remained determined to rebuild trust with women and girls and do more to protect them.

He said: We know we have let victims down in the past but we are resolute in changing this.

Weve already made solid progress  doubling our charges for rape since 2021, doubling the number of stalking protection orders and using data to target the most predatory male offenders and bring them to justice.

We know theres more to do and we will be judged on our actions and not our words.

Other forces showed similar problems

Our 10-point Violence Against Women and Girls Action plan sets out how we will build confidence by continuing to pursue perpetrators and creating safer spaces.

Internal reports from other forces showed similar problems in the way sex offences were investigated.

Devon and Cornwall Police reported that in 2022, its officers were taking an average of 10 months to search a suspects phone.

In 2018, North Yorkshire Police was forced to use non-specialist officers to investigate sex offences in a third of all cases, due to a lack of trained officers.

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.
Many of the kittens had eye condition and upset stomachs

Seventy Bengal cats and kittens have been rescued from a single house.

The cats, including 42 kittens, were rescued from a house in Runcorn, Cheshire, on 28 February after a breeder sent them from London.

Warrington Animal Welfare, who said it had never taken in so many at once, said it was "an example of backstreet breeding at its worse". Bengal pedigree cats can sell for up to 1,000.

The underweight felines had cat flu and stomach or eye conditions.

The centre is hoping experienced owners can be found to adopt the kittens

Trustee Julie Pickett told BBC North West Tonight: "They were in cages.

"It was very overwhelming at the time, but we did call in the help of another rescue."

The centre is now look at re-homing the cats and kittens through adoption from experienced pet owners.

The kittens and their mothers will be kept at the centre for up to four or five weeks.

Why not follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
BEIRUT, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah thwarted two cross-border infiltration attempts by Israeli forces into southern Lebanon early Monday, Lebanese military sources and Hezbollah said.

The sources told Xinhua that an Israeli infantry force attempted to cross the borderline separating Lebanon and Israel in an infiltration operation into the southern Lebanese village of Ramyah.

Hezbollah said in a statement that the troops from Israel's Golani Brigade prompted Hezbollah fighters to attack them using a large explosive device and several artillery shells, causing casualties.

Another statement by Hezbollah said its fighters fought back a hostile Israeli force that tried to infiltrate into Lebanese territory in the Qatamoun Valley area opposite the village of Rmeish, causing casualties on the Israeli side.

Lebanese security sources told Xinhua that the Israeli military launched a series of air strikes on the villages of Aita al-Shaab, Kafr Kila, and Ramyah in the eastern and central sectors of the border region to cover for the ground infiltration.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that these raids were accompanied by heavy Israeli artillery shelling on towns and villages in the area, causing massive material damage to dozens of homes.

There have yet to be reports of injuries as Lebanese medics rushed to the scenes, the sources noted.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked on Monday several Israeli sites, including "the sites of Jal al-Alam, al-Motella, al-Malikiyah, al-Ghajar, and al-Samaqa."

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 332 people on the Lebanese side, including 226 Hezbollah members and 61 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. 
The Ukrainian government is working to reduce the number of ministries by one-third as part of the civil service reform, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a press conference on March 4, a Kyiv Independent journalist reported.

According to Shmyhal, 20,000 government vacancies have already been cut in 2024. If the number of ministries is reduced, there will be 15 or 16 ministries left in Ukraine, the prime minister said. Ukraine currently has 20 ministers.

Shmyhal revealed the government's plans to create a "Government Center" that will provide "supportive administrative functions."

"The ministries should formulate policies, and the Government Center, in turn, will provide legal, personnel, accounting, and other support," the prime minister explained.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference on Feb. 25 that he was discussing the ministries reduction with Shmyhal due to lack of funding.

"This is the format we are preparing for reducing the number of ministries, reducing the number of ministers, and cheaper management. Not easier to manage, but more coordinated," Zelensky said.

Earlier, the president noted that a reset of Ukraine's leadership was necessary and could involve several personnel shakeups beyond the military. Shmyhal refused to comment on possible government reshuffles.

In early February, Ukraine's parliament approved the resignation of Yuliia Laputina as the veterans affairs minister and appointed Oleksandr Porkhun, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and a Hero of Ukraine, as the acting head of the Veterans Affairs Ministry instead.

Read also: Rai News: Zelensky says leadership reset is necessary

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine is compiling a list of sites that Russia has destroyed to specifically allocate funds from frozen Russian assets, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a press conference on March 4, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist.

Western countries and other partners froze around $300 billion of the Russian central bank's assets at the start of the full-scale invasion. According to the World Bank, the estimated cost of Ukraine's post-war recovery and reconstruction has risen to $486 billion.

The confiscation of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction is a key priority for the Ukrainian government in 2024 and is an initiative supported by most of Ukraine's partners, Shmyhal said at the press conference.

As well as compiling a list of damaged infrastructure, Ukraine is establishing an "international confiscation task force," Shmyhal said.

Shymhal said that Ukraine is separately working with Belgium and the EU regarding the use of profits generated by frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction.

The EU has been hesitant to confiscate Russian assets outright, fearing legal pitfalls and possible retribution by Russia, but has made steps to target the profits generated by frozen Russian central bank assets.

The EU agreed in February to set aside billions of euros of profits from these assets, paving the way to allow the profits to be transferred to Ukraine.

The plan most directly impacts Euroclear, a Belgium-based financial services company that holds about 191 billion euros ($205 billion) in Russian assets.

Central securities depositories (CSDs) holding more than 1 million euros ($1.07 million) in assets from the Russian central bank must separate any profits generated from the primary accounts, according to the plan.

A letter signed by international legal experts in February argued that the seizure of frozen Russian central bank assets to aid Ukraine would be lawful given Russia's "ongoing breach of the most fundamental rules of international law."

Read also: Russian invasion damages 1 in 7 Ukrainian schools

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Singapore said Monday its grant to Taylor Swift for her concerts in the city was nowhere near as high as speculated, following media reports that the superstar was offered millions of dollars per gig.

Around 300,000 people from Singapore and around the region are expected to attend the six sold-out shows that began March 2 -- but some neighbours were not happy about being left off The Eras Tour.

Some, including reportedly the Thai prime minister, have said that Swift was paid millions to keep her from performing anywhere else in the region.

"There has been some online speculation as to the size of the grant. I can say that it is not accurate and not anywhere as high as speculated," Singapore's culture minister Edwin Tong told parliament.

"Due to business confidentiality reasons, we cannot reveal the specific size of the grant or the conditions of the grant."

Tong added that the "economic benefits to Singapore are assessed to be significant and outweigh the size of the grant".

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had reportedly said, citing a concert promoter, that Singapore offered Swift up to US$3 million per concert if she did not play anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

A lawmaker in the Philippines also criticised Singapore, reportedly saying this was not "what good neighbours do".

Tong played down the role the grant may have played in convincing Swift to perform only in Singapore.

"Promoters of top artists will do their own calculation and assess where they want to perform and for how long," he said, citing Singapore's location and infrastructure as key factors.

Since the end of pandemic curbs, a number of top artists have performed in Singapore, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Blackpink and Harry Styles.

mba/qan
Scientists have found a mutation in our DNA that snipped our tails off.

The mutation may have allowed our ancestors to walk upright.

But it may also be behind a birth defect that still affects babies today.

We may have finally figured out why we begin developing tails in the womb  and why we lose them at around eight weeks of gestation.

A single genetic tweak that occurred among our ancestors 25 million years ago means humans today are unable to grow a tail, according to a new study.

This tweak to our genetic makeup may have given us evolutionary advantages, such as being able to walk upright  but it came at a cost.

Researchers believe it could be behind a birth defect called spina bifida that still affects babies.

Langur monkeys rest together at the Deer Park in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India on July 08, 2023. Himanshu Sharma/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A long-standing mystery

Humans' ancestors started off with a tail, but about 25 million years ago, they dropped the appendage, leaving it to other tree-dwelling primates like monkeys.

But it's not like we've completely lost the ability to make a tail. Human fetuses start growing a tail in the womb, but after about eight weeks they lose it leaving behind only the coccyx, a nub at the end of the spine where the tail used to be.

That we still have the genes to make a tail, but our bodies refuse to make it, has long puzzled scientists.

Scientists knew that a gene called TBXT was involved in the snipping of the tail. Mutations to this gene are linked to shortened tail phenotypes in tailed animals. It's what gave us the Manx cat, a breed of cat without a tail, for instance.

But they couldn't figure out why our genetic makeup made us tail-less. A team of scientists at the NYU Langone and Grossman School of Medicine say they have finally cracked it.

Manx cats don't have tails. Asep Supriatna/Getty Images

Wandering DNA snipped off our tails

The solution, they found, was in a type of "jumping gene" called an Alu element. These types of DNA sequences are known for moving around the genome.

Scientists found two Alu elements around a part of the TBXT gene, called Exon 6. The insertion of these DNA sequences seemed to result in the loss of a tail.

Scientists tested their findings by inserting Alu sequences in mice. They found they sometimes had shortened tails or no tails at all.

Mice are shown with or without the TBXT mutation. Some have shorter tails, some have no tail at all. Xia, B et al. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07095-8 CC BY 4.0

It's still not clear exactly how the mutation leads us to be tail-less, Miriam Konkel and Emily Casanova, two experts who commented on the work but were not involved in the study, said in an opinion piece in Nature.

There could still be other factors at play in the formation of a tail that could be working with the Alu elements in the TBXT gene.

Still, the work is "deeply compelling" and offers "a new chapter in the tale of our tail," Konkel and Casanova said.

Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature on February 28. A version of the study, published before it passed the scrutiny of peers, was previously published on the online server arXiv in 2021.

A missing tail that comes with a cost

While the work provides an unprecedented look into why humans are the way they are, it also exposes a sinister shadow of the mutation.

Scientists found that adding the Alu sequences to the TBXT gene in mice didn't only truncate their tails, it also gave them an unusually high level of a defect in the neural tube, a structure which later turns into the nerves in the spine and the brain.

In humans, that defect is known for producing spina bifida, which is when the baby's spinal cord doesn't completely close, leaving a bit of the spine and some nerves exposed on the back. This can lead to paralysis or incontinence. It is fairly common, affecting about one in 2,000 births in the US every year.

Some scientists argue that it was a necessary sacrifice in our quest to stand up. They say, for instance, that a tail would have hindered the delicate balance that keeps us on our feet.

Others, however, aren't sure it's that simple.

Primates lost their tails about 25 million years ago. Xia, B et al. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07095-8 CC BY 4.0

Early research now suggests we may have lost our tails while we were still in trees, and that a tail could have helped, rather than hindered, our two-legged lifestyle, said Konkel and Casanova.

It's possible, these scientists say, that the mutation arose when humans' and apes' ancestors were isolated from other groups. They claim the loss of the tail was less of an evolutionary boon as it was a bizarre trait our ancestors kept because they didn't mix with primates with tails at the time.

"We apparently paid a cost for the loss of the tail, and we still feel the echoes," Itai Yanai, a study author and graduate researcher at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, previously told Science magazine.

"We must have had a clear benefit for losing the tail, whether it was improved locomotion or something else," said Yanai.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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)  Detectives are calling a weekend shooting at a Salt Lake workplace a murder-suicide, following a preliminary investigation.

PREVIOUS: 2 dead in workplace shooting, SLCPD investigating

The Salt Lake City Police Department said Miller Bin, 56, allegedly shot and killed Hay Ly, 61, before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot of the companys property.

The shooting happened on Sunday afternoon, March 3, around 2:30 p.m. at Varex Imaging in the 1600 block of South Pioneer Road. SLCPD said they responded to the scene after getting calls about a man with a gun at the business.

Detectives said Bin was an employee of the business and a firearm was allegedly found near his body. There were reportedly no other victims. Detectives are still working to determine a motive behind the shooting.

Workplace violence can include physical, verbal and psychological abuse, said SLCPD in a press release. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines workplace violence as an act or threat of violence on a spectrum that ranges from verbal abuse to physical and even lethal assault towards persons at work or on duty.'

Police say Varex Imaging is cooperating with detectives in the investigation. SLCPD spokesperson Brent Weisberg said the department has not had a workplace homicide in recent years.

The company released a statement following the incident sharing its condolences and heartfelt support with the families.

It is with deep and profound sadness I inform you that there was a shooting at our Salt Lake City site yesterday, and two Varex employees passed away. While we know that the shooter is deceased, we cannot share any additional information about the incident at this time. Salt Lake Police department may be able to share more information with you about the incident. Our condolences and heartfelt support are with the impacted families. Varex Imaging, statement

The company said they are offering onsite counseling at the Salt Lake City site throughout the week for employees and their families as well as 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Program.

The safety of our employees is paramount, and the facility has been evaluated and secured by the Salt Lake City Police Department, the statement read.

Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is encouraged to call SLCPD at 801-799-3000 and reference case 24-48513.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) kicks off at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng took their seats on the rostrum. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, opened its annual session on Monday in Beijing.

The second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee kicked off at the Great Hall of the People, where more than 2,000 national political advisors gathered.

Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng took their seats on the rostrum.

At the opening meeting, the agenda for the session was reviewed and approved.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee to the session.

Reviewing the past year's work of the CPPCC, Wang highlighted the new achievements made by the 14th CPPCC National Committee and its Standing Committee, and their contributions in serving the development of the cause of the Communist Party of China and the state.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and stands as a pivotal year for achieving the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), Wang said. It also marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC's establishment, he added.

In 2024, the CPPCC will focus on advancing Chinese modernization, actively offer suggestions, foster broad consensus, and pool wisdom and strength for the country to achieve the economic and social development objectives for the entire year, Wang said.

According to a report on the handling of political advisors' proposals since the previous session, a total of 5,621 proposals have been submitted since the 2023 session, and of the 4,791 proposals filed, 99.9 percent have been processed with feedback. 

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He)

Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, delivers a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Shi Taifeng presides over the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Gao Yunlong delivers a report on proposals submitted since the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Journalists work at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Journalists work at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) walk towards the Great Hall of the People for the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
RALEIGH, N.C.  Heading into the 2024 campaign, North Carolina will serve as the battleground for a marquee gubernatorial race: a likely faceoff between a Southern Democrat and a GOP candidate who is popular with Donald Trump's base.

Once a reliable Republican stronghold  long associated with the southern fried conservatism of the late Sen. Jesse Helms  the Tar Heel State has become more competitive largely because of diverse population growth.

"I believe that the road to the presidency is going to go through North Carolina," Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term limited, told USA TODAY in an interview.

"And I believe that we can win this state for Joe Biden when you look at the momentum that's occurring right now, and you look at how outrageous Donald Trump has become, even more so since his presidency."

People wait in line to vote at a polling place on November 8, 2022 in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, United States. After months of candidates campaigning, Americans are voting in the midterm elections to decide close races across the nation.

As millions are flocking to the polls for Super Tuesday, primary voters in North Carolina have a sharp contrast in the two party's leading contenders to fill Cooper's seat: Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

They are polar opposites in more than just policy positions and campaign styles, but personal backgrounds.

Where Robinson is a firebrand known for making controversial remarks, Stein is a career politician attempting to ride Cooper's popularity coattails. Their race for leader of the state is expected to hinge on the economy and reproductive rights.

North Carolina Democrats, led by Cooper, who has endorsed Stein, have won the governor's mansion even with Trump at the top of the ticket in past cycles. They are looking to follow Georgia, another southern state that has turned blue because of changing demographics, pointing to its frontline battles on abortion and razor-thin margins in the past two presidential contests.

But Republicans, who control the Legislature, also want to win back the state after bursting Democratic optimism in the past two Senate races.

Currently Biden holds an abysmal 38% approval rating with North Carolina voters, according to an Emerson College poll released in February.

Coupled with anxieties over the economy and immigration, GOP campaign officials and strategists believe the 2024 governor's seat can be flipped.

Jonathan Felts, a longtime GOP consultant in the state who is executive director of Patriots First, a pro-Robinson super PAC, said conservatives are eager to send Biden and the country a message.

"You got a strong fighter in former President Trump versus an incumbent president who looks weak and feeble in terms of standing up to the challenges of the job, but also standing up for working families," he said.

Robinson, he added, is running as an outsider, much like Trump.

"He is a fighter," Felts said. "So, yes, North Carolina is definitely going to resemble the national election."

Who can flip North Carolina first?

Of the 11 gubernatorial races this year, North Carolina is one of just two (along with New Hamsphire) rated as a toss-up by Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia, which forecasts elections.

"It's going to be the marquee state race," said J. Miles Coleman, an associate editor at Crystal Ball.

North Carolina is still thought of as a slightly Republican state when it comes to federal elections, he said.

But he points out how Democrats have fared better when it comes to the governors seat. They have won seven out of eight contests going back to 1992, for instance.

Democrats have tried mightily to cast North Carolina as a swing state after then-candidate Barack Obama won it in 2008.

In each presidential election since, the state been decided by less than 4 percentage points. The 2020 election saw Trump defeating Biden by less than 1 percent.

(Democrats) always fall a little short, Coleman said.

Stein vs. Robinson: The incredibly stark potential match-up

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks at the MLK, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, January 13, 2024.

If all goes as predicted on Super Tuesday, then voters will have two very different candidates in the fall.

One is an Ivy-league-educated Democrat whose father was a famed civil rights attorney who leans into liberal causes.

The other a Republican factory worker who turned into a right-wing populist with brash rhetoric about culture war issues.

Stein, who is Jewish, and Robinson, who is Black, would break barriers if either won in the fall.

Democrats front-runner and hopeful successor to Cooper, Stein gained name recognition in North Carolina as the states attorney general since 2017 and a state senator before that.

Herman Gaskins, 74, who lives in Washington, North Carolina, said he has supported Stein for governor since he and his wife began thinking about the 2024 election two years ago when they met the attorney general for lunch.

He said they left that meeting solidly in Steins corner.

Gaskins, a private attorney who knew Stein's father, said the Democrat comes from a line of lawyers that have stood up for equality, for all races, for all sexes. And he has shown a tendency to do that, in his political career so far.

Mark Robinson, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, speaking during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

And I am just shocked by who the Republicans are apparently going to nominate, Gaskins said.

Steins likely opponent, Robinson, grew up poor as one of 10 children in Greensboro. He joined the political scene in 2020, when he became North Carolinas first Black lieutenant governor.

But he captured attention two years prior, when his fervent defense of gun rights at a Greensboro City Council meeting went viral in spring of 2018.

The police can barely enforce the law as it is, Robinson said at the time.

Thats what I see, we demonize the police, criminalize and vilify the police, and we make the criminals into victims. And were talking about restricting guns? How are you going to do that?

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson speaks at rally at Freedom Christian Academy on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

Following his rise to fame in conservative circles, Robinson has made waves for several comments made since, including endorsing antisemitic conspiracy theories and enraging Black voters when he said that so many freedoms were lost during the Civil Rights movement.

"The choice for the voters of North Carolina is going to be incredibly stark, Stein said last Monday after a campaign stop along the coast in the deep red area of Beaufort County.

They can choose a vision that is forward looking, positive and optimistic, that's about being inclusive and growing, he added, versus the lieutenant governor's vision, which is weak and angry and divisive.

Stein said he is confident about his chances, as well as Robinsons, in next Tuesdays primary.

What will matter most to North Carolina voters?

Abortion rights protesters are removed after becoming vocal, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C., after North Carolina House members voted to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would change the state's ban on nearly all abortions from those after 20 weeks of pregnancy to those after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Both the Senate and House had to complete successful override votes for the measure to be enacted into law. The Senate voted to override the veto earlier, and the House also voted to override. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) ORG XMIT: NCCS114

Early voting began on Feb. 15, and those who showed up were fully aware of the national spotlight that is ready to shine on their state and the significance of their choice in the context of the presidential race.

Republican Dewey Baker, 52, of Princeton, said that played heavily on his mind when he voted for Robinson.

"Hes for Donald Trump; he believes everything Donald Trump believes, which is everything I believe," he said.

Monica Pittman, 67, and Gerald Pittman, 72, Republicans from Kenly, said they hope Robinson will be their next governor. Both said they like how the candidate has pushed back on criticisms of his positions, including on abortion.

The person I want in any office is the one that votes their conscience and what they really feel is best for our country or our state, Gerald Pittman said, after casting an early vote for Robinson.

I think as lieutenant governor he has again spoke his mind even when he realized that the majority of people would not have felt that way," he added. And I feel like hes probably going to do the same on anything else, whatever he felt was best, hes not going to back down.

But that is exactly what worries 65-year-old Wayne Penn, who moved to Belhaven six years ago.

(Robinson's) just so extreme and so off base to me that I can't imagine why anyone would vote for him, Penn said.

Penn said he hopes Robinsons extreme nature will dissuade independents and tip the election in Democrats favor.

We're definitely a purple state now. Used to be red, but it's definitely purple now," he said.

The Emerson College survey, which was released Feb. 21, shows North Carolina voters remain evenly split ahead of the primary.

Head-to-head, 47% back Trump while 44% support Biden in a poll with a 3% margin of error  a virtual tie. The remaining 10% are undecided.

Its findings on the issues bode well for the GOP, however, with 36% of voters saying the economy is the top issue, an area Republicans generally score well on with voters. That far exceeds the 6% who ranked threats to democracy and 5% who said abortion access was their chief concern.

Abortion, immigration could dominate North Carolina race

Biden, Trump visit border on same day as polls show voter concern over immigration

Across the country Republicans are expected to hammer Democrats on immigration, which the survey found ranks as the top issue with 10% of respondents.

The GOP is likely to pounce on Stein's previous positions, such as when he joined other attorneys general in 2021 who challenged the Trump administrations plans to rescind DACA, the Obama era executive order that protected from deportation undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

The poll also found 47% of voters think "things in North Carolina are on the wrong track" compared with 32% who believe the state is headed in the right direction.

But reproductive rights are what Democrats are betting will galvanize a significant portion of the electorate, given the battle last year between Cooper and the GOP-controlled Legislature that resulted in dueling vetoes and override votes over a 12-week abortion ban.

"The anti-choice wing controls the Republican Party, and the (state) Republican leadership has said they're coming back to do more," Cooper said. "So the people of North Carolina know that they've got to go to the polls. This is going to be a significant issue in November."

Protesters on both sides of the issue hold signs as North Carolina House members debate, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C., on whether to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would change the state's ban on nearly all abortions from those after 20 weeks of pregnancy to those after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Both the Senate and House had to complete successful override votes for the measure to be enacted into law. The Senate voted to override the veto earlier and the House also voted to override.

During the 2020 election, Robinson said, "there is no compromise on abortion," but in recent months he has softened his position.

Sloan Duvall, 21, who chairs Students for Stein, the official statewide student campaign for the Democratic candidate, said that won't fool voters this fall.

"Women in North Carolina are facing one of the greatest threats they've ever seen in Mark Robinson, she said.

"I'm looking forward to post-graduation, where do I want to live, and I don't want to live in a state where Mark Robinson is governor," Duvall added. "He's a threat to women in this state."

Accusing Robinson of fearmongering, Duvall said the Republican wants to pick up every culture war he can find and fight it.

"He wants to make people afraid and just fight these culture wars that are just going to divide our state, she added.

Even GOP rivals say Robinson goes too far, hinting at possible hesitance with more moderate residents in a state where every vote matters.

North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell, one of Robinson's opponents in the primary, lambasted the lieutenant governor for straying from what he said are fundamental Republican Party values.

He is history's latest example of someone who's trying to rise to power by selling hate, Folwell said.

"He somehow thinks ... that selling hate and rage is somehow going to build the Republican Party. And it's not."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Josh Stein vs. Mark Robinson: Why NC governor race is key in 2024
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  SpaceX is aiming for a Falcon 9 launch of Crew-8, their human spaceflight mission to the International Space Station on Sunday night from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Crew-8 is Dragons eighth operational human spaceflight mission and its ninth flight with astronauts.

Tampa International experiencing significant delays, cancellations due to weather

The four astronauts aboard are Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Alexander Grebenkin.

While in the orbiting laboratory, they will conduct over 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. SpaceX said this includes research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

The Dragon spacecraft previously flew Demo-2, Crew-2, Ax-1, and Crew-6 missions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
SpaceX launched another crew of four to the International Space Station tonight (March 3).

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off with the four astronauts of NASA's Crew-8 mission at 10:53 p.m. EST tonight (0353 GMT on March 4) from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The rocket's two stages separated 2.5 minutes after launch. About five minutes after that, the first stage returned to Earth at Cape Canaveral, acing the company's 204th consecutive booster landing. Then, 12 minutes and 15 seconds after liftoff, the Falcon 9's upper stage deployed the mission's Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, into low Earth orbit (LEO).

The astronauts of Crew-8 now on their way to the space station are NASA's Matthew Dominick (commander), Michael Barratt (pilot) and Jeanette Epps (mission specialist), as well as mission specialist Alexander Grebenkin of Russia's space agency Roscosmos. All crewmembers are new to space aside from Barratt, who is making his third spaceflight.

"Hey, Earth! Just to let you know, it's kind of like a rollercoaster ride with a bunch of really excited teenagers," Barratt told mission control just after Endeavour deployed into LEO. "Thanks so much to our friends and colleagues at SpaceX for the awesome ride. It's great to be back in space again!"

Related: Meet the SpaceX Crew-8 astronauts launching to the ISS

a black-and-white spacex falcon 9 rocket launches into a night sky.

Crew-8 marks SpaceX's 13th crewed flight overall and its eighth operational one for NASA as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. The company has now sent a total of 50 people to orbit, although astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria flew twice, as commander of both the Ax-1 and Ax-3 private missions, making it 49 different people.

Tonight's launch was the first flight of this particular Falcon 9 rocket, making it the sixth time SpaceX has used an unflown rocket in a crewed launch.

On the flip side, the Endeavour capsule is a seasoned veteran. Endeavour famously flew on the first crewed test flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30, 2020, ferrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the ISS.

Since then, Endeavour has also flown the Crew-2 and Crew-6 missions for NASA and the Ax-1 private mission for Houston-based company Axiom Space in 2022. Crew-8 therefore marks five flights for Endeavour, the most of any Crew Dragon, making it the "fleet leader," said Steve Stich, manager for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, during a press briefing on Feb. 28 at KSC.

Yet, despite how many times these capsules have flown  in addition to the increasing cadence at which SpaceX is launching crewed missions to the orbital laboratory  NASA refuses to let its guard down. During the same Feb. 28 briefing, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stressed that crew safety is "primary" for the agency. "It's risky business," he said.

"Every time we launch, it's white-knuckle time  and especially when humans are on top," Nelson added later during the briefing. "We never want to get in to the frame of mind that it's so routine that it's like getting in your car and taking a Sunday afternoon drive."

That safety culture was on display tonight in the leadup to launch. Shortly after the four astronauts were locked inside Endeavour, mission team members noticed a slight crack in the thermal seal around the capsule's hatch. After considerable discussion and analysis, NASA and SpaceX determined that the issue is minor and would pose no excess risk to the crew, so they went ahead with the launch.

"We estimated the square acreage of this defect to be about 0.02 square inches [0.13 square centimeters], which is less than half of what we are required to qualify this system to holes or cracks or other defects," Sarah Walker, director of Dragon mission management at SpaceX, said during a press conference held about an hour after launch. "About 0.05 inches [0.32 square cm], I believe, is the qualification limit."

In addition, the crack will be on the leeward side of Endeavour when it reenters Earth's atmosphere about six months from now, meaning it won't be exposed to the most extreme heating that the capsule experiences. And the seal material will likely expand during reentry, eliminating the defect anyway, Stich said during the postlaunch briefing.

side-by-side views of a rocket landing at night (left) and an engine nozzle glowing orange-yellow (right).

Tonight's liftoff occurred a few days later than expected; it was pushed back several times due to bad weather.

During their six-month stay aboard the ISS, the Crew-8 astronauts will conduct more than 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations in microgravity, including research that will support human exploration into deep space.

NASA is already looking to the future with its current human-related science research endeavors, to a time when people might live aboard private space stations or conduct long-duration missions to the moon and Mars through the agency's Artemis program.

RELATED STORIES:

 Why NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps waited an extra 6 years for her ISS space mission

 SpaceX Crew-8 astronauts eager for launch to ISS on March 2: 'Things surprise you, but we're ready'

 SpaceX rolls out rocket, capsule for Crew-8 astronaut launch (photos)

Like Crew-8's science focus, most of the agency's current human-science research is not only geared toward thriving in LEO, but also toward keeping human crews safe and healthy on exploration missions, Kristin Fabre, deputy chief scientist of NASA's Human Research Program, told Space.com. "The need to understand all of the changes that are happening during exploration missions, and also understand the changes of the human body over a diverse population, is more critical than ever," Fabre said.

When the Crew-8 quartet arrives at the space station, they will briefly join the four international astronauts of Crew-7 before the latter group hands over the torch and gets set for their departure, which will occur no earlier than March 11. Crew-8 will also rendezvous with the three members of Russia's MS-24 mission, which includes NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara.

SpaceX is one of two commercial companies with multibillion-dollar contracts to fly astronauts to the ISS and back for NASA. The other company, Boeing, aims to launch the first crewed flight on its Starliner spacecraft no earlier than April 22.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 12:55 a.m. ET on March 4 with more information about the thermal-seal defect from the post-launch press conference.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had an expanded meeting over lunch with Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama.






















by Shamim Zakaria

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- As I meandered through the bustling streets of Beijing on a weekday evening, my senses were lured by an irresistible aroma that beckoned me to a quaint Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of this sprawling metropolis. "In Kitchen" was brimming with a busy stream of customers who, like me, were there to sate their cravings for authentic Indian delicacies.

Welcomed by the warm ambiance, I engaged in conversation with Chandan Kumar Bhanja, the restaurant's manager, who shared the story behind their recent expansion.

Unlike their previous branch, which offered a menu card system alongside occasional buffets, this new venture focused solely on providing a buffet experience. Bhanja, drawing from over a decade of experience in China's restaurant industry, explained that this shift aimed to offer customers a wide variety of Indian dishes at a reasonable price, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle in Beijing.

As I bit into a crispy "samosa," the crunch mingling with the rich blend of spices, I couldn't help but observe the steady stream of customers filling the restaurant, even on a weekday evening. This sight also served as a microcosm of China's rebounding consumption market, which has played a vital role in the country's economic recovery efforts.

In 2023, China's total retail sales of consumer goods rose by 7.2 percent year on year, reaching 47.15 trillion yuan (about 6.64 trillion U.S. dollars). Final consumption expenditure contributed significantly to economic growth, accounting for 82.5 percent of it, an increase of 43.1 percentage points compared to 2022.

Delving deeper into the subject of China's economic recovery, it's heartening to note the latest data that underscore a robust rebound. The Chinese economy wrapped up 2023 with target-beating growth despite domestic challenges and external pressure, providing a strong impetus for the global economy.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 percent year on year to a new high of 126.06 trillion yuan last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The growth rate is higher than the government's annual target of around 5 percent and exceeds the 3 percent increase in 2022.

This resurgence is not just limited to numbers on a spreadsheet but is visible in the bustling markets, the thriving restaurants, and the rejuvenated public spaces across the country. The palpable energy in the air speaks volumes of the positive trajectory that the Chinese economy is on.

The decision to expand In Kitchen reflects the optimism regarding China's economic prospects. Bhanja noted that every filled seat in the restaurant is a reflection of the economic confidence pulsating through Beijing. "Watching the city buzz with renewed energy and optimism, I'm more confident than ever in our decision to expand. China's economic recovery is a robust canvas on which businesses like ours can paint their success stories."

This tale of business triumph finds resonance in "Dastaan," another Indian restaurant situated in Beijing's bustling Sanlitun Soho area. Embarking on an expansion journey after just two years of operation, it stands on the cusp of growth propelled by its initial success. Co-founder Rabiul Baksh, previously a chef at a five-star hotel in Beijing and hailing from a lineage of culinary experts, attributes his decision to open a new branch to the promising prospects afforded by China's flourishing economy.

Entering 2024, China's economic development is bolstered by a multitude of advantageous factors, encompassing robust economic momentum, resilience, vitality, intensified reform and openness, and abundant policy latitude. Adding to this narrative of connection and openness is Beijing's enhanced initiative to welcome foreign entrepreneurs.

The city's market regulation authorities have recently introduced a groundbreaking policy that allows foreigners to complete the entire company registration process online through facial recognition. This innovative approach, which significantly reduces the registration time, marks a significant stride in China's commitment to opening up its markets and fostering a welcoming environment for international business.

Currently engrossed in the setup and logistics of his new branch, Baksh shares his vision for offering a unique twist at this new Dastaan location, aiming to provide a retro Indian cultural and culinary experience. The lively ambiance of these restaurants, especially popular among Chinese food enthusiasts, also serves as a wonderful reminder of how food can unite cultures and foster mutual understanding. In a world that often seems divided, the universal language of food has the power to connect hearts and transcend boundaries.

The exchange of culinary traditions not only enriches our palates but also our minds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity that shapes our global tapestry.

Reflecting on the insights gleaned from conversations and observations in these eateries, I'm deeply moved by the intricate ties linking cuisine, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity. It's apparent that China's burgeoning economic growth acts as a rising tide, elevating all sectors, these restaurants included. The palpable vibrancy and dynamism in this setting not only inspire dreams in expatriates like Baksh and Bhanja but also contribute significantly to their businesses flourishing amidst this surge of growth and prosperity.

In the bustling streets of the Chinese capital, amidst the scents of spices and the chorus of diverse voices, lies a beautiful story of resilience, recovery and the unyielding strength of human bonds. 
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A 39-year-old St. Petersburg man who was arrested early on Sunday morning has nine prior convictions for driving while license suspended, according to officials.

The Florida Highway Patrol says troopers originally tried to stop Barnard Stokes Jr. for speeding and weaving through traffic in Tampa on I-275 near I-4. However, he fled the stop and continued into Pinellas County on southbound I-275 near mile marker 34, according to FHP.

The white Camaro Stokes was recklessly driving reached 140 mph during the pursuit, according to law enforcement.

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

Troopers say they were eventually able to stop the car at 22nd St N and 54th Ave N in St. Pete by using a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver.

READ: Woman hit, killed while crossing street in Manatee County: FHP

Stokes tried to run from officials once the car was stopped, but troopers say they eventually caught him.

He was identified by his driver's license. This was Stokes' tenth offense for driving while license suspended, and he had two prior fleeing to elude charges, according to authorities.

Barnard Stokes Jr. was arrested in Pinellas County. Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

FHP says Stokes had bloodshot, watery eyes and his breath smelled like alcohol.

He also had poor balance while standing, according to officials.

Authorities found an alcoholic beverage and burnt/unburnt marijuana in the car. Stokes refused to provide breath samples, according to FHP.

According to officials, Stokes was arrested shortly before 3 a.m. and charged with:

Fleeing to Elude (felony)

DWLS (felony)

DUI (misdemeanor)

Resisting w/o violence (misdemeanor)

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Anti-Semitism has no place in Switzerland, its president has said, after the brutal weekend stabbing of an Orthodox Jewish man, allegedly by a teenage Islamic State supporter.

The knife attack in Zurich shocked me, president Viola Amherd wrote on Twitter, adding that her thoughts were with the victim and all Jewish citizens in the country.

The 50-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was stabbed in Switzerlands largest city late on Saturday, with police initially saying he had been critically injured.

The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities, however, told the Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS news agency Monday that the mans life was no longer in danger.

A police statement on Sunday said the motives for the attack remained unclear but that investigators were looking into the possibility that it was an anti-Semitic crime.

A 15-year-old Swiss boy with a Tunisian background is suspected of carrying out the attack, the youth prosecutors office said Monday, adding that the teenager was in custody.

Investigators were looking into whether or not the attacker acted alone, it said.

Police officers stand guard at the Synagoge Agudas Achim in Zurich - Getty/Arnd Wiegmann

The suspect had made a video claiming responsibility for the attack, Mario Fehr, Zurich cantonal police chief, told a press conference.

In the video, the teenager voices his allegiance to the Islamic State group and calls for a fight against Jews around the world, police said, according to Keystone-ATS.

Islamic State did not appear to have immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on its channels.

But the video mentioned by police appeared to be the same as one published by the Site Intelligence Group consultancy, which showed a teenage boy claiming to be a soldier of the Caliphate.

In it, the youth threatened a major attack on Jews in Switzerland, saying he would storm a synagogue and harm as many Jews as possible, before going into the street and trying to slaughter non-Muslims.

Zurich police said on Sunday they had hiked security around Jewish institutions as a precautionary measure.

The Zurich-based Foundation Against Racism and Anti-Semitism said witnesses had heard the alleged perpetrator shout anti-Semitic slogans that suggest a hate crime.

It was not just an isolated case, it said in a statement. Since the escalation in the Middle East, anti-Semitic incidents in Switzerland have skyrocketed.

Anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes have been on the rise in many countries since Hamas militants from Gaza carried out an attack inside Israel on Oct 7.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
To mark International Womens Day, The Independent is bringing together a panel of experts to discuss how police forces in the UK are tackling violence against women and attempting to stamp out institutionalised sexism.

Three years on from the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, the panel will explore whats changed in Britains police forces  if anything  and discuss what work still needs to be done.

Hosted by The Independents crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin, we will be joined by retired police chief Susannah Fish OBE.

Sue joined Nottinghamshire Police in 1986 as a constable, and her career has seen her work across uniform and detective roles in Nottinghamshire, the West Midlands, the Metropolitan Police, and nationally. Her career culminated in being appointed Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police until her retirement in 2017.

She was awarded the OBE for services to policing in the Queens Birthday Honours in 2008; received the Queens Policing Medal for distinguished service in the Birthday Honours 2016; and was also awarded Upstander of the Year in the national hate crime awards 2017 for her leadership on misogyny as a hate crime.

Our panel also includes Dr Jessica Taylor, a chartered psychologist and the director of VictimFocus.

VictimFocus works with police forces and victim services to improve services, resources, advice, support, and training for professionals working with victims and witnesses of crime.

Our second panellist is also a fierce advocate of womens rights. Harriet Johnson, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, is a founder member of Women in Criminal Law, trustee of the charity Women in Prison and often acts on behalf of women against public authorities.

A powerful speaker, Harriet has given addresses at conferences all over the world. She is a regular media contributor who is frequently called upon to provide legal insight and commentary on a range of contemporary topics, but in particular concerning violence against women.

Harriets first book, Enough: the violence against women and how to end it was an Amazon bestseller and focuses considerably on police failings.

Also attending the event is Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO of leading domestic abuse charity Refuge.

Abigail joined Refuge in November 2021 in the newly created post of Director of Service Delivery, leading all of Refuges operational services including refuge accommodation, community-based services, Refuges flagship Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

Abigail has worked in social care or local government for nearly two decades, holding strategic or senior leadership positions for the last 15 years.

The event will be hosted on Zoom and will last one hour. It will take place on Friday 8 March and will start at 6.30pm GMT.

Once signed up you will be able to ask questions to the panel. You can also post questions in the comments of this article.

For more information and to sign up for a free ticket click here.

Refuge supports many thousands of women and children every day, in our emergency accommodation, our community services, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which Refuge runs, and which is the gateway to support services across the country. Every two minutes someone looks to Refuge for help.

More than one in four women in England and Wales experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and on average two women are killed by a current or former partner a week.

This International Womens Day stand with the 1 in 4 women who will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime by donating to Refuge today.
Kelly Mooney is a Republican candidate for Alabama State Board of Education District 3. (Contributed)

This is one in a series of profiles of Alabama State Board of Education candidates. Read the profiles to date here.

When Kelly Mooney was student teaching, she said a little boy came back from a break with his heart broken because of his parents divorce. By the end of the year, she said that the teachers and school had supported the child back to success.

She said she saw what education can do for students.

And I knew that was the field for me, she said.

Kelly Mooney

Age: 66

Profession: Client services with a wealth management company

Party: Republican

Education: B.A., Education, University of North Carolina, 1979.

Previous political experience: First run for public office

Mooney was in the education field for 15 years and the business world for 10 years, but says education is her passion.

Mooney is running for the Alabama State Board of Education for District 3, running through the middle of the state and taking in parts of Montgomery and Jefferson counties. Incumbent Stephanie Bell chose to not to run again after roughly three decades in the seat.

Mooney said the three highest priorities for the district are parental rights, returning to a back to basics curriculum and fiscal responsibility.

She said that she sees a parent as a partner with a teacher.

We have teachers in the classroom that want to be there, but they want to have success too, and with that partnership, that is the best way we can do it, she said.

Mooney said that she wants to return to a focus on reading, writing and arithmetic. She does not want gender ideology, politics or religion in school.

If we have to allow one religion, we have to let them all so we just need to take those out, she said.

Mooney said she believes Alabama schools have adequate funding but that it needs to be used well, and said she wanted less spent on bureaucracy.

She said she supports the CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like program which would provide up to $7,000 per student to use on educational expenses, but she wants to fiscally protect traditional public schools.

NAEP, or the Nations Report Card, is a national test measuring student achievement. Alabama has historically fallen close to the bottom of rankings but has made gains in recent years. To improve NAEP performance, Mooney said education officials need to focus on curriculum.

The scores will take care of themselves, she said.

Mooney said she has heard good things about the Literacy Act, which aims to have students reading on grade level by the end of third grade, but she wants to make sure it is enforced going forward.

We dont need to, say, put it in place, and then it go dormant as far as being watched over, she said.

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The post State Board of Education: Kelly Mooney wants back to basics curriculum appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
CHERRY HILL  School officials in some South Jersey districts have reacted with shock and dismay to sharp reductions in state aid.

A cut of almost $7 million, or 19 percent, was devastating news for Cherry Hill, said Kwame Morton, the districts acting superintendent.

Lenape Regional's finances have a "canyon-sized hole" after its aid plunged by $4.7 million, or 20 percent, said Superintendent Carol Birnbohm.

She said the "unprecedented reduction in state aid in one year" will require the Burlington County district to "reevaluate our plans and make deeper cuts that will inevitably impact programs and staffing."

"It's unjustified," said Superintendent Robert Fisicaro in Haddon Township, where aid fell by about $800,000, or 8 percent.

He asserted a state aid formula unfairly penalized middle-class districts, noting cutbacks of about 17 percent each for Voorhees and Oaklyn schools.

State board acts: Cinnaminson teacher who fathered teen's child loses certificates

Aid also fell by 11.1 percent for the Eastern Camden County district, which serves older students from Voorhees, Berlin Borough and Gibbsboro.

Elsewhere, reductions measured 57.7 percent in Runnemede, 31.6 percent in Newfield, and about 21 percent in Riverton and Lumberton, according to state statistics.

According to Fisicaro, the cuts "appear to correlate to increases in rising property values and other socioeconomic increases, including the increase in per capita income levels of residents.

But he asserted there is no explanation or mechanism for how such factors can actually help a school budget, considering the 2 percent cap on the local tax levy.

Superintendents: Aid cuts will hurt students

The aid denied to districts would have funded "positions and salaries dedicated to delivering comprehensive programs for students," said Fisicaro.

Area superintendents said districts also are squeezed by rising costs in areas like healthcare, special education and transportation.

Although we must submit a preliminary budget soon to the county, it may take until July when we have a firm grasp of our actual final deficit, said Fisicaro.

Barring some change, Fisicaro said, "We're going to have to reduce services to children."

State aid went up or stayed steady for almost all school districts in South Jersey, including all of those in Cumberland County.

Cherry Hill's school district has announced a cut of almost $7 million in state aid for 2024-25.

But the losing districts were scattered throughout the region.

Locally, the state's figures included these percentage decreases:

South Harrison  27.8Shamong  20.4Clearview - 17.4Barrington - 17.3Mainland regional district - 17.2Bordentown Regional - 16.4Delanco - 16.2Palmyra  15.1Pitman - 13.9Tabernacle  10.6East Greenwich - 9.3Mantua - 7.4Elk - 7.3Chesterfield - 4.5Black Horse Pike regional - 3.2Wenonah - 2.3West Deptford - 1.0

Gov. Phil Murphy said his proposal for statewide aid of $11..7 billion  up by $908 million  would represent the first-ever full funding of a school-funding formula established in 2009.

State aid has been cut for the Lenape regional district, which includes Lenape High School in Medford.

He said the proposal ensures students "receive the high-quality education necessary to support life-long success."

The governor's Feb. 29 announcement included praise from a South Jersey legislator, Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, chair of the Assembly Education Committee.

New Jerseys public school system is routinely recognized across the country, and the funding announced today will help ensure it remains nationally-ranked for years to come," said the Cherry Hill Democrat.

Superintendents will push for change

Birnbohm offered a sharply different view, saying "it's essential to know that this 'full funding' involves taking millions of dollars in aid away from about 140 school districts, including ours."

"If you share my disappointment and frustration, I encourage you to reach out to our elected officials," she wrote in a message on the district's website.

"Gov. Murphy's proposed budget is not set in stone, and your input can make a difference," she asserted.

In Haddon Township, Fisicaro said he will work with superintendents in districts with similar problems.

"We're really banding together to address this problem," he said, adding the districts would welcome residents' support.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Aid cuts dismay Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Lenape school leaders
KATHMANDU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday broke his coalition with the Nepali Congress party and reshuffled the cabinet.

Dahal, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), joined hands with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and after removing all the cabinet ministers, he initially introduced three ministers into the new cabinet, with one from the CPN-UML and the others from CPN (Maoist Center) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Ministers from the Nepali Congress party did not offer to resign, but waiting for the prime minister to remove them on the grounds that it was Dahal who broke the alliance, not their party.

President Ram Chandra Poudel later administered the oath of office to the three new ministers, the president's office said.

Dahal, also known as Prachanda, took office as the head of a coalition government in December 2022 after no single party won a majority of seats in the lower house in the general elections a month earlier in the South Asian country. The Nepali Congress party joined the coalition later following the exit of the CPN-UML. 
President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress on March 7, with several military-connected issues expected to be among his talking points.

Although policies directly impacting American troops or their families are not expected to be featured in the national speech, Biden is expected to talk about continued U.S. military support for Ukraine in their war against Russia and U.S. assistance to Israel in their ongoing military operations in Gaza.

He is also expected to broach Congress ongoing budget impasse. Federal agencies  including the Defense Department  have been operating on short-term budget extensions for five months because of political fights over spending levels.

White House budget planners are expected to unveil their plans for the fiscal 2025 federal budget on March 11, but lawmakers are unlikely to have the fiscal 2024 year-long spending plan finalized before then. Last week, House and Senate members approved another short-term budget extension, with promises of finishing a full budget plan by the end of March.

Wednesday, March 6

Senate Homeland Security  9:30 a.m.  342 Dirksen

Business meeting

Lawmakers will discuss pending legislation, including a bill to require executive branch employees to report certain royalties.



House Small Business  10 a.m.  2360 Rayburn

Small Business Administration

Hearing to evaluate the Government Accountability Office's recommendations for reducing mismanagement at SBA.



House and Senate Veterans Affairs  10 a.m.  G50 Dirksen

VFW

Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and others will testify on their policy priorities for the upcoming year.



Senate Foreign Relations  10 a.m.  419 Dirksen

Global Food Security

Officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development will testify on global food security issues.



House Transportation  10 a.m.  2167 Rayburn

Coast Guard Manpower Shortages

Coast Guard officials will testify on personnel shortages and their impact on service missions.



House Armed Services  3:30 p.m.  2118 Rayburn

Army Aviation Rebalancing

Service officials will testify on Army aviation modernization plans.





Thursday, March 7

Senate Armed Services  9:30 a.m.  216 Hart

Central Command and Africa Command

Officials from U.S. Central Command and Africa Command will testify on current operations and budget needs for fiscal 2025.



House and Senate Veterans Affairs  10 a.m.  G50 Dirksen

Disabled American Veterans

Representatives from the Disabled American Veterans will testify on their policy priorities for the upcoming year.



House Judiciary  10 a.m.  2141 Rayburn

Weaponization of the Federal Government

Lawmakers will discuss concerns about misuse and abuse of government agencies.



House Foreign Affairs  10 a.m.  2172 Rayburn

Blinken Contempt of Congress

The committee will consider a resolution holding Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt for failing to provide certain documents related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.



Senate Foreign Relations  10:30 a.m.  419 Dirksen

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations, including Robert William Forden to be ambassador to Cambodia.



House Foreign Affairs  2 p.m.  2200 Rayburn

Antisemitism in Latin America

State Department officials will testify on issues of discrimination and antisemitism in Latin American countries.



House Armed Services  2:30 p.m.  2118 Rayburn

COVID-19 tracking

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester MartinezLopez will testify on continued efforts to monitor COVID-19 in the ranks.




LONDON (AP)  A very fast car has made a very slow return.

British police said Monday that they have recovered a Ferrari stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger in Italy almost three decades ago.

Can you buy recreational marijuana in Michigan and bring it back to Ohio?

The red Ferrari F512M was one of two sports cars taken while their drivers were in Imola for the San Marino Grand Prix in April 1995.

Neither was ever found, until Londons Metropolitan Police force was tipped off by the manufacturer in January that a Ferrari in the process of being sold to a U.S. buyer by a U.K. broker had been flagged as a stolen vehicle.

The forces Organized Vehicle Crime Unit investigated and found the car had been brought to Britain from Japan in late 2023. Officers seized the car, which the force said is valued at close to 350,000 pounds ($444,000).

Taylor Swifts concert film gets early premiere date

Our inquiries were painstaking and included contacting authorities from around the world, said Constable Mike Pilbeam, who led the investigation.

We worked quickly with partners including the National Crime Agency, as well as Ferrari and international car dealerships, and this collaboration was instrumental in understanding the vehicles background and stopping it from leaving the country.

No one has been arrested, and the second stolen Ferrari remains missing.

Ferrari manufactured 501 of the F512M model between 1994 and 1996. The car has a top speed of 315 kilometers an hour (196 miles per hour).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
(NewsNation)  University junior Marley Stevens faced a startling setback when a paper she worked on received a zero grade, plunging her into academic probation and jeopardizing her scholarship. The twist? She had used Grammarly, a popular writing plugin recommended by her university to refine her work.

Stevens, recounting her ordeal, expressed initial disbelief upon receiving the email notifying her of the zero grade. I thought he had sent the email to the wrong person because I worked super hard on my paper, she said in a Sunday interview on NewsNation Prime.

She didnt expect that three months later, she would still be entangled in the aftermath, with her scholarship hanging by a thread. Grammarly says 30 million people use this tool to catch spelling errors, typos and grammar issues.

Difficult to process: NYC cellist attacked while playing in subway

Grammarly also uses generative AI, and a detection service flagged Stevens assignment for the teacher as unintentionally cheating.

Im on probation until Feb. 16 of next year. And this started when he sent me the email. It was October. I didnt think that now in March of 2024 that this would still be a big thing that was going on, Stevens said.

Despite Grammarly being recommended on the University of North Georgias website, Stevens found herself embroiled in a battle to clear her name. The tool, briefly removed from the schools website, later resurfaced, adding to the confusion surrounding its acceptable usage despite the softwares utilization of generative AI.

I have a teacher this semester who told me in an email like, Yes, use Grammarly. Its a great tool. And they advertise it, Stevens said.

Grammarlys Jenny Maxwell clarified the companys stance, emphasizing its role as a partner in enhancing writing experiences while ensuring responsible usage. Our AI engine inside of it helps people create better writing experiences that are grammatically correct, [with] fewer spelling issues, she explained.

Florida couple pose as Amazon driver to kidnap baby in Washington: Police

Maxwell defended the tools integrity, highlighting its 15-year history of aiding students and professionals in crafting grammatically correct content. Weve recently added a generative engine within Grammarly, Maxwell explained, emphasizing responsible usage and transparency in citing its assistance.

Despite Stevens appeal and subsequent GoFundMe campaign to rectify the situation, her options seem limited. The universitys stance, citing the absence of suspension or expulsion, has left her in a bureaucratic bind.

Maxwell, on behalf of Grammarly, extended support, including a $4,000 donation.

Reflecting on the broader implications, Maxwell urged institutions to adapt their assessment methods in light of evolving technologies like AI.

Education is wrestling right now with how they need to evolve the way that they assess writing, she remarked.

NewsNation reached out to the university for comment and hasnt heard back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal challenging a "bias-response team" at Virginia Tech, avoiding a roiling debate over campus speech that has pit First Amendment claims against efforts to foster inclusivity at American colleges.

The court sent the case back to the lower courts to dismiss as moot because Virginia Tech disbanded the team and said it would not reinstitute the policy.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito said they would have taken the case to address "a high-stakes issue for our nation's system of higher education."

"Until we resolve it, there will be a patchwork of First Amendment rights on college campuses," they wrote. "Students in part of the country may pursue challenges to their universities' policies, while students in other parts have no recourse and are potentially pressured to avoid controversial speech to escape their universities' scrutiny and condemnation."

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she would have outright denied the challenger's appeal.

Virginia Tech created the team in 2018 to review and confront bias on campus  sexist jokes, for example, or racist name-calling. Similar efforts have proliferated at universities across the nation as schools wrestle with a series of high-profile hate incidents.

The bias-response team at Virginia Tech, which one administrator described as "air traffic control" for bias-related claims, met weekly to consider complaints that were submitted through online forms.

But a series of lawsuits in recent years have challenged the efforts on First Amendment grounds. Conservatives say the policies intimidate students who want speaking their minds.

The legal fight reached the top court as the debate over speech on campus has become particularly fraught. School administrators are navigating a push for inclusivity in student bodies that  like the rest of the nation  are often sharply divided over politics, cultural issues and foreign affairs.

Two university presidents have resigned in recent weeks, including Claudine Gay of Harvard, after a congressional hearing in early December in which they were questioned about their handling of student activism on campus related to the Israel-Hamas war.

Cornell University students walk through campus on November 3, 2023 in Ithaca, New York. The university canceled classes after one of its students is accused of making violent antisemitic threats.

A U.S. District Court ruled against the group that sued Virginia Tech, Speech First. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit affirmed that decision. As Speech First was preparing to appeal to the Supreme Court, Virginia Tech disbanded its bias-response team, and the university's president, Timothy Sands, signed an affidavit pledging that the university would not reinstitute the policy.

Speech First claims the bias efforts violate the First Amendment by making students with unpopular views reluctant to express those opinions for fear of being turned over to school officials for discipline. Those views, the group told the Supreme Court, included one student who believes immigrants who cross the border illegally should be referred to as illegal aliens and another who believes the Black Lives Matter movement is fundamentally racist.

Noting the policy change, the school had sought to dismiss the case as moot, which is what the high court did.

More: Speech police? Supreme Court asked to enter fray on confronting bias on campus.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court declines to weigh 'bias-response team' at Virginia Tech
The Supreme Court signaled it will issue rulings on Monday, an unusual declaration that indicates it may have made a decision on the high-stakes question of whether Colorado may legally bar Donald Trump from appearing on the states primary ballot.

On its website, the Supreme Court said it will release an order list on Monday, Mar. 4the day before Colorados state primary is set to take place alongside several other states, a primary season event known as Super Tuesday.

The high court said in a statement on its website that it may release opinions beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, but wont take the bench.

The court typically issues its rulings from the bench, and the unusual note could reflect the expedited timeline on which it heard Trumps immunity case and the decisions extremely sensitive timetable.

The justices are not scheduled to take the bench again until Mar. 15.

Trump is currently set to appear on the Colorado ballot despite a ruling made by the state Supreme Court, which declared that Trump is ineligible to run in the race because his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots amounted to insurrection.

Is There Any Chance the Supreme Court Kicks Trump Off the Colorado Ballot?

The state ruling has been on hold while Trump appealed it.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in early February in the case, which hinges on the assertion that Trump is barred from running for office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, otherwise known as the insurrection clause. That provision was originally added to prevent ex-Confederates from holding U.S. office after the Civil War on the grounds that they had broken their oaths to the Constitution and acted against it.

Trumps lawyers have denied that he participated in any insurrection and have argued that the president doesnt constitute an officer of the United States as written in the text. That defense didnt sway a panel of D.C. judges in a separate immunity case, which the Supreme Court has also agreed to hear.

A ruling, if it lands on Monday, could determine Trumps eligibility to appear not only in the Colorado race, but in a number of states that have attempted to bar him from their primary and general election ballotsincluding Illinois and Maine.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The Supreme Court declined to wade into the constitutionality of college bias response teams Monday, dismissing as moot a request to take up such a case involving Virginia Tech.

Speech First, a group formed to advocate for students free speech rights, petitioned the court to hear an appeal after a lower court tossed its lawsuit over a Virginia Tech school policy enabling students to anonymously report bias incidents.

In an order issued Monday, the Supreme Court vacated the lower ruling and sent it back to the lower court with instructions to dismiss the lawsuit as moot. The school had requested that disposition, noting it has discontinued its bias response team.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a liberal who has often pushed back on how the high court handles moot cases, dissented without expressing any view on the merits of the case.

In my view, the party seeking vacatur has not established equitable entitlement to that remedy, Jackson wrote.

Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito separately dissented and did address the merits, describing it as a high-stakes issue and indicating they wanted to review the First Amendment challenge.

I have serious concerns that bias response policies, such as Virginia Techs, objectively chill students speech, Thomas wrote.

Speech First, which brought the case, has filed lawsuits challenging various bias response policies at universities across the country.

Those cases led to a split among the federal appeals courts as to whether Speech First has legal standing, meaning the ability to sue.

This petition presents a high-stakes issue for our Nations system of higher education, Thomas wrote in his dissent.

Until we resolve it, there will be a patchwork of First Amendment rights on college campuses: Students in part of the country may pursue challenges to their universities policies, while students in other parts have no recourse and are potentially pressured to avoid controversial speech to escape their universities scrutiny and condemnation, he continued.

The bias response team Virginia Tech created would have allowed students to anonymously report incidents of perceived bias to university officials, who would then call the reported student in for a voluntary meeting and ask them to explain their words or actions.

While these groups are controversial on campuses, they typically do not have the authority to punish a student, and further actions would have to be referred to another university body.

A divided panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Speech First, which filed the case on behalf of three unnamed students at Virginia Tech, did not have standing because no reasonable student would self-censor, since the universitys team had no authority to punish them.

Speech First then appealed the case to the justices, blasting the schools policy as Orwellian and a violation of students First Amendment rights.

The question here has created an acknowledged five-circuit split, and the answer could not be more important to the constitutional rights of college students, Speech First wrote to the justices. This case is an ideal vehicle to resolve the split because Virginia Techs team is typical, the material facts are undisputed, and the legal question is fully vetted.

The group is represented by J. Michael Connolly, a partner at conservative law firm Consovoy McCarthy.

Connolly made his Supreme Court argument debut last term, representing a group of challengers to the Biden administrations student now-defunct debt relief plan. Connolly was also involved in the recent Supreme Court case that struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

Speech First Executive Director Cherise Trump said the group was disappointed with the courts decision but glad that Virginia Tech had ended its bias response team.

There is simply no bigger mechanism on college campuses that serves to silence, deter, and chill student speech, Trump said in a statement. The battle for campus free speech is bigger than ever before and we will continue to defend our students right to free speech across the country.

Virginia Tech, however, urged the Supreme Court to toss the new case as moot, noting it discontinued its bias response team.

The school declined The Hills request for further comment.

In a sworn statement to the justices, the schools president, Timothy Sands, said the policy was envisioned by Virginia Techs dean of students and was discontinued after that person left the university. Sands said he would ensure the policy isnt re-implemented.

Regardless, the school insisted its policy complied with the First Amendment. Virginia Tech is represented by former Virginia Solicitor General William Hurd, now an attorney at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott.

Virginia Tech recognizes that serious questions have been raised in the media and the courts about the right of free speech at some universities around the country, the school wrote in court filings. But Virginia Tech stands apart. Virginia Tech values its role in the marketplace of ideas and carefully adheres to the First Amendment. The overall mission of Speech First may be laudable, but when it sued Virginia Tech, it stumbled.

Lexi Lonas contributed. Updated at 12:56 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israeli troops are seen as Palestinian people flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday.

According to the statement, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023.

It noted that some victims remain under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of civil defense and ambulance crews.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. 

Israeli military vehicles are seen during military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers take part in military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers take part in military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers take part in military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

An Israeli armored vehicle is seen during military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers take part in military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers take part in military training near the border with Gaza Strip, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

People gather around a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

A man conducts rescue work after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

People stand next to a damaged car after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

An excavator works on a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

People conduct rescue work after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on March 4, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 30,534, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A man flees from home in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Israeli troops are seen as Palestinian people flee from their homes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

An injured man is transferred to a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua)

The body of a man killed in Israeli strikes is transferred to a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua)

An injured man is treated at a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on March 4, 2024. According to a statement by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday, the Israeli army killed 124 Palestinians and wounded 210 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 30,534 and injuries to 71,920 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua)
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Colorado cannot disqualify former President Trump from the ballot under the 14th Amendments insurrection ban, a historic decision that preserves Trumps ability to seek a second presidential term.

Mondays decision effectively ends the long-shot efforts that aimed to prevent Trump from returning to the White House, handing a monumental legal victory to the former president on the eve of Super Tuesday, when he is poised to close in on clinching the Republican nomination.

Voters and advocacy groups had filed dozens of challenges to Trumps ballot eligibility in states across the country, claiming his actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack triggered his disqualification.

The high court instead sided with Trump by ruling Congress has exclusive authority to enforce the 14th Amendment to disqualify federal candidates.

Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse, read the unsigned opinion from the court.

All nine justices sided with Trump, but the courts three liberals and conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote separately to criticize the majority for going further than it needed to.

The court ruled 9-0 that states have no unilateral authority to disqualify federal candidates, but five of the courts conservatives went on to specify that the only way for the provision to be enforced is through a statute from Congress.

The three liberal justices  Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  in a joint opinion said the majority improperly decided novel constitutional questions to insulate this Court and [Trump] from future controversy.

In a sensitive case crying out for judicial restraint, it abandons that course, the justices said of the majority.

Barrett similarly wrote, The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up.

For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home, Barrett continued.

The 14th Amendment prevents individuals who took an oath to support the Constitution and then engaged in insurrection from returning to office, unless Congress votes to lift their disqualification.

Originally designed to keep ex-Confederates from returning to power, the Civil War-era provision fell dormant for decades before anti-Trump voters and groups began filing dozens of lawsuits against Trump in the wake of Jan. 6.

Colorado became the first state to disqualify Trump after a group of Republican and independent voters filed a lawsuit backed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), an officially nonpartisan watchdog that regularly challenges Trump.

Maine and Illinois later followed suit, while judges in many other states tossed lawsuits that came before them. Trumps name had remained on the ballot everywhere, however, as he mounted appeals.

The Supreme Court decided Monday that states may disqualify candidates or officeholders attempting to hold state office for violating Section 3 but have no power to enforce the rule against federal offices  especially the presidency, the justices wrote.

The justices also wrote that allowing states to decide whether federal offices can be disqualified under the insurrection clause would invert the rebalancing of federal and state power the 14th Amendment achieved.

The Supreme Courts decision now supplies voters with a decisive resolution to the legal battle, which again thrust the justices into the center of a presidential election nearly a quarter-century after the Supreme Court decided Bush v. Gore in 2000.

Trump celebrated the high courts decision on Truth Social, writing in a post BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

CREW said in a statement that the Supreme Court failed to meet the moment by allowing Trump back on the ballot but called the ruling in no way a win for the former president.

The Supreme Court had the opportunity in this case to exonerate Trump, and they chose not to do so, CREW President Noah Bookbinder said. Every court  or decision-making body  that has substantively examined the issue has determined that January 6th was an insurrection and that Donald Trump incited it. That remains true today.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) said in a statement that the Supreme Courts decision affirms Trump as an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary.

Mondays opinion was issued speedily, less than four weeks after oral arguments and one day before Super Tuesday, when voters in Colorado and 14 other states will cast their ballots and could nearly propel Trump to clinch the Republican nomination.

The justices preserved Trumps eligibility while avoiding the most politically contentious issue of whether Trump engaged in insurrection with his Ellipse speech and other actions surrounding the Capitol riot.

Instead, the justices resolved the case by ruling that a singular state has no authority to disqualify a presidential candidate from the primary ballot.

The ballot ban case isnt the only historic Trump-related case on the justices docket.

In April, the justices will hear Trumps arguments that he has presidential immunity from his criminal charges accusing him of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results, a case that will impact the future of three of Trumps four indictments. He pleaded not guilty to all 91 charges.

Updated at 10:39 a.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
VIENTIANE, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone called for leading officials in the Ministry of Energy and Mines to ensure more effective management of investment projects.

The Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Monday that Sonexay made the call when speaking at a meeting of the ministry on Friday. Minister of Energy and Mines Phoxay Sayasone summarized the work of the ministry over the past year.

The minister cited improved management of the use of electricity within Laos, efforts to balance energy sources and regulate mineral exploration, and efforts to carry out effective assessments of companies with operations in the mining sector.

In addition, he reported on mining and mineral processing operations and the management of rare earth and iron ores.

Sonexay instructed the energy and mining sectors to introduce stricter guidance in their respective areas of work, asking ministry officials to also focus on reviewing policies on electricity supply across all sectors of society to contribute to socio-economic development and ease poverty levels.

He called on the ministry to help fulfill the resolutions adopted by the government regarding the increased use of electric vehicles as well as the greater use of the clean energy sources available in Laos.

In addition, Sonexay urged the ministry to evaluate the progress of mineral exploration and processing operations that have not yet been completed and also to determine specific criteria for the licensing of mining development and investment companies, according to the report. 
Former President Donald Trump was handed a major victory on Monday when the Supreme Court ruled that he cannot be excluded from Colorado's primary election ballot over his actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

"BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, shortly after the ruling was handed down.

Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Trump said he hoped the ruling would unify the country in allowing him to continue his bid for the White House.

"I think it will go a long way to bringing our country together, which our country needs," he said.

The former president had appealed the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify him under the 14th Amendment's Section 3, the so-called insurrection clause of the Constitution.

The unanimous decision came just one day before Colorado voters head to the polls on Super Tuesday.

Heres what to know about the ruling.

 What the ruling said

Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

"Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse," the justices wrote.

Its the first time the Supreme Court has weighed in on the insurrection clause, as the post-Civil War era provision was enacted in 1868 to prevent former Confederates from becoming a member of Congress or being elected to other offices.

Its also the most significant case related to the presidential election that the high court has decided on since Bush v. Gore, in the 2000 election.

 What the liberal justices said

While the court's three liberal justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson concurred with the judgment, they disagreed with the conservative majority's rationale, saying it was unnecessary and went too far:

"The majority announces that a disqualification for insurrection can occur only when Congress enacts a particular kind of legislation pursuant to Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment," Kagan, Sotomayor and Jackson wrote. "In doing so, the majority shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement. We cannot join an opinion that decides momentous and difficult issues unnecessarily, and we therefore concur only in the judgment."

 What the Colorado secretary of state said

Rioters clash with police outside the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

"I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates," Jena Griswold wrote on X. "Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking [insurrectionists] from our ballot."

 What the ruling means

The highly anticipated ruling provides clarity as to who will appear on the ballot  not just for voters in Colorado as they head to the polls on Super Tuesday, but also in Illinois and Maine, where voters had petitioned for Trump to be disqualified from the ballot in those states, also citing the insurrection clause.

Nothing of this nature can go forward in any state, not Maine, not Illinois, not anywhere else, Ned Foley, a law professor and director of the election law program at Ohio State University, told Yahoo News. That's one thing that's absolutely clear from today's ruling.

After the ruling on Monday, Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, said Trump's spot on the state's ballot was restored.

Consistent with my oath and obligation to follow the law and the Constitution, and pursuant to the Anderson decision, I hereby withdraw my determination that Mr. Trumps primary petition is invalid," she wrote.

 How we got here

The case, known as Trump v. Anderson, centers on the so-called insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution, formally known as Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. It prohibits officials who have previously sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution from holding government office if they engage in insurrection.

Section 3 does not specifically mention the word president in a long list of government offices. Trump maintains that Section 3 doesnt apply to him on two levels: because he did not engage in insurrection and the provision does not specify president.

However, Colorado voters argued that Trump did engage in insurrection on Jan. 6 and therefore should be disqualified from holding office under Section 3.

Trump, however, has not been explicitly charged with insurrection in any of the four criminal cases in which he has been indicted.

Unanswered questions

During the Feb. 8 oral arguments of Trump v. Anderson before the Supreme Court, many questions arose as to whether Section 3 applies to Trump, like whether he is considered an insurrectionist due to his actions on Jan. 6, or if the presidency is an office of the United States.

Many of the issues that had to do with Section 3 and whether it actually applies to Trump, [the court] did not answer any of them one way or the other, Foley told Yahoo News.

Foley said perhaps the main question is what congressional members, like Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, who voted to impeach Trump twice for insurrection, will do if Trump is elected into the White House again. Congresspeople like Raskin could accept the will of the voters, or, if some members feel that Trump shouldnt be anywhere near the Oval Office, they could perhaps invoke Section 3.

It could get very ugly between November this year and January 2025 if the court hasnt really settled Section 3, Foley said.

 Read the full Supreme Court ruling

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The U.S. Supreme Court overruled a Colorado courts decision barring Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 presidential ballot in an unsigned and unanimous decision on Monday.

The case revolved around a clause in the 14th Amendment stating that anyone who took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution but then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against it is ineligible to hold state or federal office. The Colorado Supreme Court had ruled Dec. 19 that Trumps actions in support of the Jan. 6 insurrection disqualified him from the ballot.

The Supreme Court disagreed, arguing that states do not have the ability under the 14th Amendment to disqualify candidates for federal office.

We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office, the decision states. But States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.

The courts decision ensures that Trump will remain on the ballot in Colorado, and Maine and Illinois, where judges and election officials similarly ruled him ineligible under the 14th Amendment. The decision came the day before Colorados Republican presidential primary election, which the states top court had ordered Trump disqualified from.

While the Supreme Court allowed Donald Trump back on the ballot on technical legal grounds, this was in no way a win for Trump, Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the liberal legal group that led the Colorado lawsuit, said in a statement. The Supreme Court had the opportunity in this case to exonerate Trump, and they chose not to do so.

Trump, on the other hand, called the decision a BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

The case came before the court after a group of Colorado voters challenged Trumps eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment in state court. This challenge followed a series of lawsuits brought by CREW and Free Speech for People, another liberal legal group, seeking to disqualify other candidates from office for their participation or alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

At first a Colorado court ruled against the challenge to Trumps ballot eligibility by claiming that the presidency was not an office ... under the United States to which Section 3 applied. On appeal, the Colorado Supreme Court overruled the lower state court in a 4-3 decision to find that Section 3 applied to the presidency and that Trump engaged in insurrection that warranted disqualification from future political office.

In its decision, the U.S. Supreme Court remained silent on whether Trump engaged in insurrection or not, but instead solely determined that states did not have the authority under Section 3 to disqualify federal candidates.

Because federal officers owe their existence and functions to the united voice of the whole, not of a portion, of the people, powers over their election and qualifications must be specifically delegated to, rather than reserved by, the States, the decision says, quoting from its 1995 precedent in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton where it struck down state-imposed term limits on congressional candidates.

While the court spoke in a united voice in its decision that states did not have the authority to disqualify federal candidates under Section 3, four justices dissented from the decisions assertion that Section 3 could only be enforced by congressional legislation.

Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President, a concurrence from liberal justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson states. Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision.

In addition, conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett issued her own concurrence stating that the case does not require us to address the complicated question whether federal legislation is the exclusive vehicle through which Section 3 can be enforced.

The courts decision to allow Trump to remain on the ballot was not a surprise. When it heard oral arguments in early February, the court appeared unanimous in its skepticism of the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that Trump was disqualified from office because of his role inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Former president Donald Trump attends the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chris Unger via Getty Images

At that hearing, the courts six conservative justices and three liberal ones appeared united in the argument that that clause does not empower individual states to remove candidates for federal office from the ballot without legislative authorization from Congress.

The whole point of the 14th Amendment was to restrict state power, Chief Justice John Roberts, historically a swing vote on the court, said at the hearing.

Wouldnt that be the last place youd look for authorization for the states, including the Confederate states, to enforce  the presidential election process? he added. That seems to be a position at war with the whole thrust of the 14th Amendment and very ahistorical.

Kagan raised similar concerns.

To put it most baldly, the question that you have to confront is why a single state should get to decide who gets to be president of the United States, she said at the time.

When it issued its ruling in December, the Colorado Supreme Court acknowledged the enormity of such a decision.

We do not reach these conclusions lightly, the court wrote. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case at the request of Trumps lawyers. The former presidents spokesperson Steven Cheung called Colorados decision an unAmerican, unconstitutional act of election interference which cannot stand.

Efforts to remove Trump from the ballot have advanced in 36 states, though courts have since dismissed or rejected more than half of them.

Trumps legal woes are far from over. He was initially scheduled to face trial in March on four felony charges related to his role in the Capitol insurrection, but a judge delayed the start of that trial. A new date has not been set.

Across the four criminal cases in which hes been indicted, hes been charged with 91 felonies.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Related...
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Donald Trump on Monday, affirming what those of us whove studied the Constitution already knew: Each president is entitled to one free insurrection.

At issue was Trumps name going on the presidential primary ballot in Colorado. Six voters  four Republicans and two independents  sued to remove him from the states ballot, claiming that the former president and current criminal defendant had engaged in insurrection, something he quite clearly did and, by his ongoing denial of the 2020 presidential election results, continues to do to this day.

Of course that belief, confirmed by a Colorado judge who found Trump did engage in insurrection, only applies to those who have eyes and ears and saw and listened to everything Trump said and did before, during and after the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

He has been nothing if not insurrection-y.

Supreme Court wants presidents like Trump to fill their insurrection punch cards

But the Supreme Court justices must look at cases through the lens of our beloved Constitution, and somewhere in there, possibly in a footnote or maybe a part thats a little hard to read due to parchment aging and whatnot, it clearly says: Each president shall be granted one insurrection free of consequences. Any additional insurrections will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon the fomenting of a sixth insurrection, the president shall be awarded one foot-long turkey and Virginia ham sandwich.

Donald Trump

That makes it understandable why the high court on Monday unanimously ruled that a single state cant disqualify a presidential candidate. A Civil War-era provision in the 14th Amendment, cited by the Colorado voters, says anyone who previously pledged to support the Constitution as an officer of the United States cant go back into office after engaging in insurrection.

Want to know how weird Trump is? Just read this transcript.

But it doesnt say who should enforce that provision, so the Supreme Court justices decided that the responsibility "rests with Congress and not the States  which is sort of the opposite direction the court took when it came to abortion rights, saying that issue is up to the states and the federal government can pound sand.

Those justices sure do keep us on our toes!

Voters will now have to decide whether insurrection is disqualifying

Given that Congress is about as good at doing things as your average raccoon carcass, Mondays ruling all but affirms Trump has been granted his one free insurrection.

Valarie Walker of New York City raises her sign as protestors gather outside the United States Supreme Court as the court reviews a ruling by a Colorado court that barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on the states Republican primary ballot due to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

The Monday decision means voters in Colorado and across the country will have the final say on whether Trump deserves a second term and, presumably, a second chance to overthrow the U.S. government and work his way toward that coveted sandwich. (The Constitution does not mandate the type of bread, but I believe we can count on the Supreme Court to rule that the Founders wouldve wanted a crusty sourdough, with perhaps one dissenting opinion in favor of a hearty wheat.)

Trump has shown that he loves nothing more than a good insurrection

Trump has certainly not been shy about his pro-insurrection stance.

His rallies now begin with a song recorded by a choir of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists whose devotion to Trump landed them in prison. He continues to baselessly blame the attack on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  whom he at one point confused with his Republican primary rival Nikki Haley  and he keeps saying there were no guns carried in or around the Jan. 6 attack, which would be true were it not utterly false.

Insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. The Department of Justice is prosecuting those who violently stormed the Capitol.

The good news for Democrats, of course, is that President Joe Biden has not yet cashed in on his free insurrection. So if Democrats win full control of Congress in November, and if we must rely on Congress and Congress alone to enforce the Constitution, the skys the limit for Biden. Bring on the gun bans!

Rules  what are they, really? And who needs them?

In arguments before the Supreme Court on behalf of Colorado voters, attorney Jason Murray said: The reason were here is that President Trump tried to disenfranchise 80 million Americans who voted against him, and the Constitution doesnt require that he be given another chance.

Yeah, apparently it does. Im sure the nation's highest court will be much harder on him after the second insurrection, but this ones a freebie. Rules are rules. Sort of.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on X, formerly Twitter, @RexHuppke and Facebook facebook.com/RexIsAJerk

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court keeps Trump on 2024 ballot, gives insurrection a pass
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- As China's annual "two sessions" draw global attention to its economic targets and policy announcements, the nation's democratic processes during this major political event warrant deeper examination.

Over 5,000 legislators and political advisors gather in Beijing for the sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The gathering is more than a mere legislative exercise. It represents China's brand of democracy, featuring the Party's leadership, the people running the country, and law-based governance.

Some Western observers often overlook or ignore the extensive consultation involved. Opinions from diverse groups -- including experts, entrepreneurs and netizens -- are solicited through various channels for the government work report before the NPC's annual session.

The Great Hall of the People echoes with diverse voices channeled through legislators and political advisors. This inclusive approach is seen as the hallmark of a functional democracy.

Whole-process people's democracy is a true democracy that works.

In response to suggestions and proposals raised during last year's "two sessions," the State Council introduced over 2,000 policies and measures, addressing key economic and social challenges. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, for instance, acted on 962 suggestions and proposals, leading to substantial employment and entrepreneurship initiatives.

China is also innovating in terms of democratic participation. Last year, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee expanded its local legislative outreach offices, ensuring direct representation of local voices in national lawmaking.

Public engagement in the drafting of laws is evident, with draft laws open for public comment through the website of the NPC in 2023.

NPC deputies address diverse issues, from local infrastructure needs to industry development, enhancing citizens' sense of happiness and fulfillment. The CPPCC is an integral part of China's system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It promotes unity and strengthens multiparty cooperation.

China's approach to democracy emphasizes people-centered development and ensures people take part in democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight.

China's approach to democracy contributes to maintaining unity and stability and achieving economic growth, in contrast to the political and social divides in some Western nations.

According to a survey by France-based consulting group Ipsos last year, approximately one in two people in countries including the United States and Britain are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in their countries.

No democratic model is universal or perfect, nor is democracy a once-and-for-all cause. The political system that suits a country best is the most appropriate. China's creation of its own democratic system has explored a new path for the development of human democracy.

As the myth of Western democratic supremacy is fading, China's whole-process people's democracy offers a distinct perspective on governance and alternative insights for global development. 
FILE - Lawyer Kenneth Chesebro is sworn in during a plea deal hearing, Oct. 20, 2023, at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta. A lawsuit settlement offers new details about how two attorneys for former President Donald Trump orchestrated a plan for fake electors to file paperwork falsely saying the Republican won Wisconsin in a strategy to overturn Democrat Joe Bidens 2020 victory there and in other swing states. The agreement settles a civil lawsuit filed by Democrats against the attorneys and the fake electors. (Alyssa Pointer/Pool Photo via AP, File)

More than 1,400 pages of emails, text messages and other documents released Monday reveal details of a strategy by Republican operatives tied to then-President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 victory in Wisconsin. The documents  settling a civil lawsuit filed against two attorneys and 10 Wisconsin Republicans who posed as fake electors  also allow a deeper look into how the strategy played out in other battleground states.

WH0'S BEHIND THE LAWSUIT?

Two Wisconsin Democratic electors and a voter filed the lawsuit in 2022 alleging a conspiracy by Trump and his allies to overturn his loss in the presidential race in the state.

It named attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Jim Troupis, along with 10 Republicans who signed documents falsely stating they were electors. The electors settled in December. Chesebro and Troupis settled by agreeing to turn over the documents.

Chesebro worked closely with the Trump campaign. Troupis, a former judge, served as Trump's attorney in Wisconsin.

WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT MEAN?

The settlement lays bare the orchestrated plan to keep Trump in office by creating paperwork and pulling together false slates of Republican electors in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and belatedly New Mexico.

The trove of documents shows the plot's origins in Wisconsin  which federal prosecutors have also noted  and how it was replicated with coordination between the attorneys and the Trump campaign.

The goals of the lawsuit were about transparence, accountability and deterrence, said attorney Jeffrey Mandell, who helped negotiate the settlement for the plaintiffs.

Chesebro and Troupis didn't admit any wrongdoing or liability, but they have promised never to participate in similar efforts. Troupis must also pay an undisclosed amount.

Text messages between the two in the final months of 2020 show how they looked for ways to draft false certificates for the fake electors, among other things.

There are no communications directly from Trump, but there are glimpses into an Oval Office meeting and White House communications.

When Chesebro shares a memo on strategies, Troupis responds with: I have sent it to the White House this afternoon. The real decision makers.

WHO ARE ELECTORS?

Electors are appointed by state parties to represent voters.

The job is often given to current and former party officials, state lawmakers and party activists. The winner of the states popular vote typically determines which partys electors are sent to the Electoral College, which convenes after the election to certify the winner. Electors gather in their respective state capitols in December to certify their statewide popular vote winner.

Trump lost Wisconsin by fewer than 21,000 votes, but as part of the scheme, the electors claimed he had won the state.

Mondays document release includes a 10-minute video shot by Chesebro of the fake Wisconsin electors filling out ballots for Trump, cheering and taking photos.

Troupis said Monday in a statement that the alternative ballots were part of a reasonable course of action as the election results were appealable. His attorney Matthew Fernholz dismissed the case as a politically driven civil lawsuit.

WHERE DO THINGS STAND OUTSIDE WISCONSIN?

The fake electors in Wisconsin have  so far  gotten off easier than their counterparts in some other battleground states where fake certificates were sent to Congress falsely declaring Trump the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

In Michigan, 16 people initially were charged with forgery and other crimes. Six Republicans in Nevada, including the state's GOP party chair and Republican National committeeman, were indicted in December on felony charges.

Meanwhile, 18 people  including Trump and several of his top lawyers  were charged last summer in Georgia. Three of those charged are accused of being fake electors. Several lawyers, including Chesebro, agreed to plea deals.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, said in January that he wouldn't prosecute. Charges also haven't been filed in Pennsylvania or Arizona.

WHAT DO THE CASES HAVE IN COMMON?

The documents offer a glimpse into the strategy's origins in Wisconsin and the major role that Troupis played. But across the other cases, Chesebro remains in the spotlight.

The indictment in Georgia alleged he coordinated and executed the plan to have Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won the state and declaring themselves duly elected and qualified electors.

He pleaded guilty to a felony in October in the Georgia case.

Chesebro also cooperated with authorities in Nevada, testifying before a grand jury in November. He also could be called to testify as a defense witness in Michigan.

Documents in Monday's settlement show how Chesebro was in direct communications with top Trump campaign officials for an assessment of how states were doing with the plan.

Wisconsin appears to be the most organized state so far, concludes a Dec. 11, 2020, email from Trump campaign associate general counsel Joshua Findlay to Chesebro and others. The same email calls Pennsylvania the most challenging and says Michigan's response was moderate, as some electors do not see the point in holding a vote.
After more than two hours of voting, New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy won the line at an open county convention for the first time, scoring her first victory in Bergen County.

Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim have been battling at conventions throughout the state to claim the coveted county line  a ballot position that lends an edge to the holder  for the June primary for the Democratic nomination in this years U.S. Senate race.

Tammy Murphy is shown with supporters outside the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, Local 164, where the Bergen County Democratic Party Convention is being held, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus.

More than 1,100 delegates turned up to the Bergen County Democratic convention Monday night at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers hall in Paramus.

Murphy won 738 votes to Kims 419. The vote was conducted via paper ballot.

Both candidates  vying to replace federally indicted Sen. Bob Menendez, who has not yet said whether he will seek a new term  have been holding campaign events in Bergen County for weeks.

Andy Kim speaks with supporters outside the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, Local 164, where the Bergen County Democratic Party Convention is being held, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus

Kim and Murphy addressed Bergen County Democratic delegates at the IBEW hall on Century Road in Paramus last Tuesday.

Bergen County Democratic Chairman Paul Juliano endorsed Murphy two days after she announced her candidacy. Juliano has said he did not talk to Kim after the Burlington County congressman announced his intent to run. Juliano currently serves as the president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, having been appointed to the post by Gov. Phil Murphy last year. He makes $280,000 a year in the role.

What Murphy and Kim said

Tammy Murphy speaks with supporters outside the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, Local 164, where the Bergen County Democratic Party Convention is being held, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus

The first lady said after the vote that the Bergen win showed she has momentum but that nothing changes and she plans to keep going up and down the state.

I think things are going as I had hoped. Obviously its great to have this incredible win, and I just feel really good, she said. I spoke to so many people. I was standing up for four hours straight taking pictures, and I could just feel the excitement.

The congressman is not retiring from the contest, though. Kim said he was happy with the turnout and said he wanted to show that he isnt scared of the machine, and 400 people also said that.

Were really excited about the energy weve had. The Korean American community has been fired up here, Kim said. Bergen County is going to be central, so were going to continue to be up here.

Victor Herlinsky opens the first of three voting boxes just before counting began, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, Local 164, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus.

He went on to say that it was not a fair fight because Juliano, the county Democratic chair, endorsed Murphy a mere 48 hours after she declared her candidacy.

When asked about the fairness of the process in Bergen County, Murphy said the candidates are all in the same fight, but she did not expand on that response.

Juliano said he definitely supported her, but it was a fair process.

I picked up the phone and said this is where Im going and this is why Im going that way, Juliano said. If they chose to follow me Im grateful, and if they chose to go another direction thats fine, too.

Where does the race stand?

Trenton, NJ  February 27, 2024 -- Assemblywoman Lisa Swain with Bergen County Democratic Chair, Paul Juliano and Assemblyman Louis Greenwald during Governor Phil Murphy's budget address for New Jersey's 2025 fiscal year.

Kim has won the line in Monmouth, Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren counties, where an open convention with a secret ballot was used to determine ballot position. He also won the endorsement of the county party in Sussex, though the ballots there have a block design format.

Murphy has garnered the line in Passaic and Union counties, where the former allows for a private screening committee vote and the latter has the partys screening committee of the municipal and county chairs vote publicly.

Kim lawsuit has March 18 hearing

Kim filed a lawsuit last month calling the ballot design in New Jersey unconstitutional and saying the design used in the other 49 states  a block style  should be used here as well.

A hearing in that case will be held March 18.

The system provides preferential ballot position for such candidates and displays them in a manner that nudges voters to select them, even when they otherwise might not, Kim's filing says. By contrast, their opponents are often excluded from a chance at preferential ballot placement, displayed in a column by themselves or in a manner that is less appealing to or harder to find for voters, separated by one or more blank ballot spaces from their opponents, stacked in a column with candidates for other offices with whom they do not want to be associated, and/or otherwise strewn about haphazardly on the ballot.

Congressman Andy Kim congratulates First Lady Tammy Murphy after the ballot count of the Bergen County Democratic Convention, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, Local 164, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Paramus. Murphy won with more than 60% of the vote.

Kim, alongside the two other candidates in the primary, Patricia Campos-Medina and Lawrence Hamm, has already called for the line system to be dismantled and the block system, which is used by every other state in the nation as well as two New Jersey counties, to be implemented statewide.

In response to the suit, a spokesperson for Murphy said that "Andy Kim doesn't have a problem with the county line system, he has a problem with the idea of losing county lines  as he is perfectly happy to participate in the process when he wins, and he has benefited from the lines in every other election he's run."

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey State House. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Tammy Murphy beats Andy Kim at Bergen County Democratic convention
When her body was moved from the Honda Civics passenger seat, the lead core of the bullet that killed Darionne Burley fell to the floorboard.

Blood saturated the pregnant womans thick hair.

Blood splashed the front passenger side window and a sun visor. It soaked down to the floor.

Burley wore maternity shorts with an elastic band to make room for the babies growing inside her uterus.

When she was shot to death, the twin boys, at a gestational age of about 24 weeks, died too.

A jury in the Criminal District Court No. 4 in Tarrant County on Monday found Maurice Smith guilty of capital murder in the deaths of Burley, who was his girlfriend, and their unborn twins, Twin A and Twin B. He was automatically sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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Smith left Burley in the car and carjacked a woman in a sport utility vehicle on June 29, 2020, in the 1600 block of N. U.S. 287 Frontage Road in Mansfield.

Burley, who was 26, and Smith, then 28, had been involved in an intermittent relationship since high school.

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Worcester's new Doherty High School, left, will open in the fall. The existing school is shown at right.

WORCESTER  Many students in Worcester are learning in classrooms dating back to the late 1800s and early 1990s.

"There's beauty in these older buildings. They're so incredibly detailed and the potential of what they can be is pretty spectacular," Superintendent Rachel Monarrez said at a meeting about district facilities Thursday. "And yet at the same time, obviously, the buildings aren't anywhere to what a modern business looks like today."

The Worcester Regional Research Bureau finalized a report this week that emphasized investing in Worcester Public Schools facilities and the importance of doing so for students' futures.

An assessment done in 2017 found that 22 of the 66 buildings in the district needed replacing or renovation including schools, district administration buildings and grounds. Monarrez said at the time the cost for urgent repairs was nearly $70 million.

"That was in 2017. So, you can only imagine where we are now in terms of the number of schools that need to be renovated or replaced," Monarrez said.

To obtain state funding for construction projects, the district has to apply through the Massachusetts School Building Association. The new Doherty Memorial High School, set to open next school year, and Burncoat High School, which the district wants to replace, have both received approval. The cost of projects like these is combined with Massachusetts School Building Association and city funding.

"There is a large fiscal impact on the overall city budget without a lot of revenue sources," Monarrez said. "The cost is a lot more than what the $70 million and this facilities assessment, which today shows more than 22 buildings that need to be replaced or renovated."

The Worcester Public Schools want to prepare students for their futures as much as possible, Monarrez said, which means adapting to the world of technology and artificial intelligence.

Worcester Schools Superintendent Rachel Monarrez

"To educate children and what the future is going to look like in our buildings that date back to the previous century is a hard place to bring all that together," Monarrez said. "Just logically it doesn't make sense."

Along with adapting to the ever-changing technological landscape, the district wants to expand opportunities to enhance students' technical skills like software development and programming.

"This is important to understanding the importance of school facilities on the ability for a child to thrive and be successful as an adult," Monarrez said. "School facilities are essential to making sure that we can create the learning environment and experiences that the children need so that they practice the vision of a learner starting in kindergarten and practice it every year and on upon graduation."

Recently Monarrez visited a couple of different schools; she did not say which ones. At one of the schools, a pipe had burst in the ceiling, drenching books.

At another school, she observed a student with a disability struggle to reach the second floor because of a lack of wheelchair accessibility. Every day, the student is taken out of their wheelchair and carried up the stairs along with their wheelchair. This issue is not an accelerated repair, Monarrez said, but vital for the district to address.

"The financial element of ADA implication is something we just talked about," said Paul Matthews, executive director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. "That's something that's been an ongoing priority."

By the end of 2028, Worcester Public Schools are "committed" to ensuring all school facilities have the infrastructure to support 21st-century teaching and learning environments, which is part of the district's strategic plan.

One of the district's goals is to increase spending on facilities, repairs and maintenance of schools, grounds and district buildings.

"We want to be responsive when our schools tell us that they need something," Monarrez said.

However, the district's budget for maintenance and repairs is tight. Monarrez said they have put additional funds aside for the projects and the city manager is working with the district to allocate enough funds.

Additionally, staff at elementary schools expressed concerns about students' playgrounds located on the same blacktop where teachers park. Living in a city means there is limited space, Monarrez said, but students need them to thrive.

"We as the district, the city, the community and the state really need to work together to come up with a workable situation that will allow our kids to have not just a sound infrastructure in terms of the building, but also the learning infrastructure inside and the things that every child should have like a playground and the ability to get in and out of the buildings without difficulty," Monarrez said. "This is a task for all of us."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Monarrez emphasizes safety and accessibility in school renovations
The Russians are concentrating significant reserves near Novomykhailivka on the Novopavlivka (formerly Mariinka) front. They are sending reinforcements to take the village.

Source: Dmytro Lykhovyi, the spokesman of the Tavriia Operative-Strategic Group, on the air of Radio Liberty

Details: Dmytro Lykhovyi reported that Novopavlivka is currently one of the hottest areas on the contact line.

Quote: "There are more attacks there every day than on the Avdiivka front. For example, yesterday there were 20 attacks on the Avdiivka front, and 30 in Novomykhailivka and its surroundings. But the defence is holding, the enemy is making huge efforts, but is not successful at all."

Map: DeepState

Background: In February, after more than four months of gruelling fighting, the Ukrainian military retreated from the town of Avdiivka near Donetsk, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine had held since the beginning of the armed conflict in 2014. With the loss of Avdiivka, the Ukrainian Defence Forces also lost control of several villages located north and northwest of Avdiivka.

On Monday, Lykhovyi also said that the Ukrainian Defence Forces stopped the Russian advance on the Avdiivka front in Novoselivka, Berdychi, Tonenke, Pervomaiske and Nevelske.

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Congress is closer than ever to restoring a tax credit the defense industry has lobbied extensively for since it partially expired in 2022. But final passage is far from assured as the Senate wrangles over other issues in the broader bipartisan package.

The $78 billion tax bill, sponsored by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., includes a provision to fully restore a research and development credit Congress first enacted in 2017 as part of former President Donald Trumps sweeping tax cuts. The House passed the bipartisan bill in January in an overwhelming 357-70 vote.

The 2017 R&D tax cuts allowed companies to immediately deduct their research and development expenses. But in 2022, the provision partially expired, meaning companies now must spread that deduction out for a minimum of five years or longer in an amortization period.

Smiths bill would fully restore the immediate R&D tax deductions without the amortization period while allowing defense contractors and other businesses to retroactively claim the credit for 2022 as well.

Aerospace Industries Association chief executive Eric Fanning said in a statement the critical bill provides a short-term fix to a harmful policy that has forced American businesses to cut back on R&D spending.

The defense industry is pushing the Senate to pass it before the 2023 tax filing season ends.

Congressional members deserve enormous credit for addressing a significant issue negatively impacting companies of all sizes and across all sectors of the U.S. defense-industrial base, the National Defense Industrial Association said in a statement. The statement said the five-year amortization period substantially reduced the cash flow many small businesses had available to maintain a highly qualified and specialized workforce and to accelerate their research and development investments.

The top five biggest defense contractors  all of whom are National Defense Industrial Association members  have also lobbied Congress heavily to restore the tax credit, according to lobbying disclosure forms reviewed by Defense News.

Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman brought up the R&D tax credit every quarter while lobbying Congress last year, according to the disclosure forms. Boeing and RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, also raised tax issues every quarter.

Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman both spent at least $10 million total last year lobbying Congress. General Dynamics spent at least $12 million lobbying in total last year, while RTX spent at least $11 million and Boeing at least $14 million.

All of those companies, except Lockheed Martin, are also members of the Aerospace Industries Association.

Last year, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Chris DeLuzio, D-Pa., pressed defense contractors on their lobbying to restore the R&D tax credit, deriding it as nothing but corporate handouts. But the R&D tax credit nonetheless enjoys widespread bipartisan support.

Even so, the bill remains stalled in the Senate over unrelated issues, and the Financial Services Committee has yet to advance it amid opposition from ranking member Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho.

Crapo lambasted efforts from the House to pressure Senate Republicans to rubber stamp the compromise legislation as counterproductive in a statement last week.

This was the risk of announcing a deal without my support and with no near-term path forward in the Senate, said Crapo. He said he disagrees with the bills child tax credit policy even as he supports its measures to maintain pro-growth policies from the Trump tax cuts.

That is precisely why I am still working with my Senate colleagues to reach consensus on a path forward, Crapo added.

In the meantime, Senate Democrats are looking at possibilities to advance the bill outside the Financial Services Committee. Those options range from holding a stand-alone vote on the Senate floor to attaching it to must-pass legislation due this month. Possible legislative vehicles include the long-overdue spending bills or the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act.
Lawmakers in Frankfort filed more than 1,000 bills during the 2024 General Assembly.

Some of them will become law. More of them wont.

But in a handful of cases, Kentucky voters will get the final say.

Included in the slew of bills ahead of last weeks filing deadlines were more than two-dozen proposals to amend or add to Kentuckys constitution.

Constitutional amendments must pass both chambers of the General Assembly by a three-fifths vote before theyre put to the voters on the November ballot, and no more than four amendments can appear on the ballot at once.

Unlike with other bills, Gov. Andy Beshear cannot veto bills for constitutional amendments, though he has previously indicated hed work to oppose at least one amendment should it be up for consideration on Election Day.

In 2022, Kentuckians rejected both amendments put on the ballot: Amendment 1, which would have let the legislature have greater control of its schedule; and Amendment 2, a proposal to make explicitly clear theres no constitutionally protected right to abortion.

And in 2020, Kentuckians passed an amendment nicknamed Marsys Law that gave crime victims more rights, but rejected changes to the way some state court officials are elected.

Heres a rundown of the amendment bills filed by lawmakers this year.

School choice amendments

Filed by Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, House Bill 2 would add a section to the constitution allowing the legislature to use state money for non-public schools.

The state constitution currently requires the General Assembly shall...provide for an efficient system of common schools throughout the state. Miles proposal says lawmakers may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools.

Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, has also filed a school choice amendment in House Bill 208. Calloways bill would require the legislature to provide for a portion of the educational costs of parents of students outside that common school system.

Calloways bill has racked up more than two dozen co-sponsors. It has not received a committee assignment.

Miles bill has also not been assigned to a committee, but given her place in GOP leadership and supportive comments made by Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, HB 2 is more likely to be the vehicle for school choice this session than HB 208.

In the Senate, Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, has filed Senate Bill 358, would add a section to the constitution saying the legislature may provide for the educational costs of students outside of the system of common schools.

Additionally, the state constitution shall not prevent any provision for educational costs of students outside of the system of common schools, nor require a referendum for funding such educational costs so long as no funds are used from the common school fund.

Beshear has previously expressed his opposition to any school choice amendment and any voucher program. Voters can expect his involvement should one of these amendments appear on the November ballot.

Sessions of the General Assembly

Kentucky remains among the minority of states in which only the governor has the authority to call the legislature into a special session.

House Bill 4, sponsored by Speaker of the House David Osborne, R-Prospect, would change that.

It would also allow the General Assembly to set its own schedule for 60-day sessions in even-numbered years and 30-day sessions in odd-numbered years and do away with sine die, the constitutionally set end date for session, which is April 15 (even-numbered years) and March 30 (odd-numbered years.)

In 2022, Kentuckians rejected Amendment 1, which would have let the legislature extend its regular sessions beyond their current mandatory end dates and call itself back for special sessions later in the year without the governors authorization.

Osborne said his proposal is in simple terms that voters can understand, as opposed to the epistle that was next to impossible to understand in 2022.

Osbornes bill has been assigned to the Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs committee.

In a similar vein, Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, has filed House Bill 94, which would also do away with the mandated sine die dates. Locketts proposal would require the General Assembly to wrap up its allotted legislative days by Dec. 31 of a given year.

Locketts bill has not gotten a committee assignment.

Non-citizen voting





People who are not United States citizens currently cant vote anywhere in Kentucky  and two proposed amendments moving in the legislature would keep it that way.

The House has OKd House Bill 341 from Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, and the full Senate has passed Senate Bill 143 from Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray.

Both bills propose amending the state constitution to add that no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote in this state.

As section 145 of the constitution  the section outlining persons entitled to vote  currently reads, every citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen years who has resided in the state one year is eligible to vote except for people convicted of felonies, people incarcerated at the time of the election and people adjudged mentally incompetent.

The bills sponsors have argued their amendments would prevent any cities from passing ordinances allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections, a practice that has happened in other states but not Kentucky.

Senate Bill 323 from Sen. Adrienne Southworth, R-Lawrenceburg, would repeal the existing section of the constitution that outlines voter eligibility and replace it with a new section. Under that change, voter eligibility would be limited to citizens who are at least 18 and meet set residency requirements.

Additionally, people ineligible to vote would only be those found to be mentally incompetent and those convicted of treason, bribery in an election or election fraud, unless their rights had been restored by a pardon.

Restoration of rights

The Kentucky constitution has a blanket policy of disenfranchisement of people convicted of felonies.

In 2015, Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear signed an executive order restoring rights to people who had completed their sentences for many nonviolent offenses. However, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin immediately reversed the order after taking office.

But Bevin was defeated in 2019 by Andy Beshear, who signed off on an executive order restoring those voting rights shortly after his inauguration.

Despite that executive order, The Sentencing Project  a national nonprofit that advocates for criminal justice reform  found Kentucky still denies the right to vote to more people with a felony conviction than 39 other states.

In addition to Southworths SB 323, three amendments filed this General Assembly would make some form of rights restoration enshrined in the constitution.

Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, filed Senate Bill 195 to narrow the disenfranchisement to those convicted of election fraud, a violent felony offense, or a felony sexual offense. A person with any other felony convictions will be able to vote three years after completing their sentence.

Similarly, Louisville Democrat Gerald Neals Senate Bill 257 would automatically give convicted felons their voting rights back after completing their sentences, and their other civil rights three years later.

Both SB 195 and SB 257 have been assigned to the State and Local government committee.

House Bill 566 from Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, is similar to Neals SB 257, but instead sets the time frame for civil rights restoration at five years. The bill was heard for discussion-only in the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs committee in late February.

Election year change

Sen. Christian McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 10, an amendment that would align the election years for Kentuckys constitutional offices, such as governor, attorney general and secretary of state, with that of the presidential contest beginning in 2032.

Its somewhat of a sticking point for McDaniel, who has filed the same constitutional amendment bill eight times since taking office in 2013.

Kentucky was one of just three states to elect its statewide officeholders in 2023. Because of this, three out of every four years in Kentucky are election years.

A fiscal impact statement from the Legislative Research Commission estimates local governments would save about $20 million during the calendar year of the eliminated elections.

The Senate passed the bill 26-9. It is awaiting action in the House.

Governors pardon powers

Another McDaniel amendment idea, Senate Bill 126 would limit the governors power to issue pardons for a limited time frame around Election Day.

The governors ability to commute sentences and grant pardons and reprieves would be suspended for the period beginning thirty days prior to the date of the gubernatorial election and ending the fifth Tuesday succeeding the election, which is inauguration day, according to the proposed language.

McDaniel said the amendment was inspired by the actions of former Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, who issued hundreds of pardons and commutations on his way out of office in 2019, including of murderers and child rapists.

The bill has passed the full Senate 34-2, with one pass vote. It is awaiting action in the House.

Taxation

There are a half-dozen amendment bills that relate to taxes in some form or fashion.

House Bill 14 from Rep. Jonathan Dixon, R-Corydon, would allow the General Assembly to allow local municipalities to assess and collect local taxes and license fees ... that are not in conflict with the rest of the constitution. Speaker David Osborne and Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy are co-sponsors.

House Bill 59 from Rep. Candy Massaroni, R-Bardstown, would give lawmakers the power to exempt all or any portion of any class of property from being taxed, and to eliminate all or a portion of any tax and the related provisions of that tax.

Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Wnchester, sponsored House Bill 62, which asks voters if theyre in favor of giving lawmakers the authority to determine the amount of the property tax homestead exemption for owners 65 or older, or owners who are totally disabled.

Senate Bill 23 from Sen. Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, and House Bill 111 from Rep. Thomas Huff, R-Shepherdsville, would expand the homestead exemption for senior homeowners by exempting them from any increase in the valuation of the real property that is assessed after the later of the year the owner turned 65 or the year the owner purchased the property.

Southworth also sponsored Senate Bill 351, which would exempt the homesteads of honorably charged military veterans who are certified as having a service connected permanent and 100% total disability, as well as the homesteads of surviving spouses of service members who died on the job.

The widowed spouse only qualifies for the exemption if the home was jointly owned with the deceased and the survivor remains unmarried.

Slavery and involuntary servitude





A trio of amendment bills  two in the Senate and one in the House  would make slavery illegal in all instances.

Section 25 of the state constitution currently reads: Slavery and involuntary servitude in this State are forbidden, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

All three bills  House Bill 295 from Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington; Senate Bill 231 from Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill; and Senate Bill 117 from Neal  would strike the exception for punishment of a crime.

Both Senate bills have been assigned to the State and Local Government committee. Neals SB 117 has three co-sponsors, including two Republicans.

Democrat-sponsored proposals

Republicans enjoy super-majorities in both chambers of the legislature; they hold 78 of the 98 occupied seats in the House of Representatives and 31 of 38 Senate seats.

Those numbers mean its all but impossible that any Democrat-led effort to change the constitution will succeed.

But that hasnt stopped some Democrats from trying.

Rep. Nima Kulkarni, D-Louisville, sponsored House Bill 160, which would add a new section of the constitution to protect the rights of adults aged 21 or older to possess, use, buy, or sell cannabis and cultivate, harvest, or store cannabis plants in limited amounts. Additionally, Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, filed Senate Bill 362, which would do the same.

Two amendment bills come from Rep. Josie Raymond, D-Louisville: House Bill 302 says there is a right to a healthy environment and House Bill 336 would establish a process for citizen ballot initiatives to propose and enact or reject laws.

House Bill 394 from Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, would establish an independent citizens redistricting commission that would be responsible for redistricting plans for all legislative and congressional districts. As it stands now, the General Assembly adopts these district maps.

Two Louisville Democrats have sponsored bills that would lower the age requirement for becoming a legislator.

Rep. Rachel Roarxs House Bill 546 would lower the age for the House of Representatives from 24 to 18.

Herrons House Bill 519 would lower the age for representatives to 21 and senator from 30 to 24. It would also lower the residency requirement from six years to three for senators.

Yates also sponsored an amendment bill, Senate Bill 355, which would set term limits for members of the General Assembly. Beginning with the 2026 election, a senator would be limited to three terms and a representative would be limited to six. The terms are four and two years, respectively.

None of these bills have been assigned to a committee.
NEW DELHI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Five persons belonging to the same family were killed in a road accident in India when the car they were travelling in collided with a tanker parked by the roadside, a local cop told Xinhua over phone on Monday.

The dead included two married couples aged 28-34 and a one-year-old child. A three-year-old child survived the accident, suffering injuries.

The accident occurred on the outskirts of Vadodara district of the country's western state of Gujarat, said the cop. The deceased were on the way returning to their home in Vadodara from Bharuch area of Gujarat. 
Over a dozen teachers will not be in class today at McDougle Middle School in Carrboro following a threat made by a student last week, according to district emails.

The incident, in which a student threatened the school in front of a teacher, was reported to the Carrboro Police Department on Feb. 26. Police filed a juvenile petition two days later on Wednesday, which is the process by which children ages 10 to 18 are charged with a crime.

The student has been charged with threats of mass violence on an educational property, a police spokesman said. McDougle Middle School Principal Christopher Horne told parents in an email Tuesday that there were no weapons involved.

The school is also taking appropriate consequences as outlined in our CHCCS Community Code of Character, Conduct and Support, including addressing the allegations with the student and their family, he said in the email.

The districts student code says students can be expelled or placed on long-term suspension for serious violations that threaten to substantially disrupt the education environment or that threaten the safety of students, staff and visitors.

The district and the police department have declined to talk about specific details, citing the students age. Horne urged parents to talk with their children about the expectations for behavior and respectful, responsible communication at school.

On Sunday night, Horne emailed McDougle Middle School parents again to let them know 15 staff members would be out Monday, because of the incident. Some of the teachers already planned to be out, he said, but others had notified the school since Friday.

Substitute teachers are helping to cover the vacancies, Horne said.

The school resource officer for McDougle Elementary and Middle schools is working with the administration to help with the situation, Horne said in his message Sunday.

I would like to offer my assurance that a thorough safety plan is in place, reviewed and vetted by district administration, to ensure that all students and staff have a safe and enjoyable day at school, he said.
MURRAY, Utah (ABC4)  A teenager was shot while sitting in a car in Murray Saturday night, leaving him in serious condition, according to Murray Police.

Police responded to the incident at 4500 South 500 West at around 6:20 p.m. on Mar. 2.

Three teens were sitting in a car in the parking lot of a McDonalds, according to Kristin Reardon, Murray Police. The gun fired and one teen was hit, Reardon said. That person is reportedly in critical condition.

UDOT issues several road alerts amid severe weather

It is unclear at this time whether the gunshot was accidental or intentional, Reardon said.

Investigators are reportedly working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The three teens are believed to be friends, Reardon said.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  Two teens are facing charges after allegedly trying to cover up a smuggling attempt by starting a fire in the woods just outside of Davisboro.

Washington County Deputies responded to reports of suspicious individuals on Sparta Davisboro Road on Thursday, February 29.

Once there, they found a vehicle with Tennessee plates and a juvenile female in the drivers seat. Two males subjects, now identified as 18-year-olds Travis Smith and Bryant Thaxton of Grayson, Georgia, then reportedly fled into the woods. K9 units were called in to apprehend the two teens.

Georgia Forestry and local firefighters were also dispatched after a forest fire was discovered at the location. Investigators say the fire was set to destroy contraband that was intended to be smuggled into Washington State Prison.

Smith and Bryant were both arrested and charged with Felony Criminal Attempt of Trading with Inmates, Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass and Felony Burning of Woodlands or Other Lands. Further charges may be forthcoming.

The case remains under investigation.





For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Supreme Court on Monday unanimously ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the primary ballot in Colorado, rejecting the state's disqualification and potentially setting national wide guidelines.

The nine justices, three liberal and six conservative, all agreed with the ruling.

By deciding that states lack the authority to remove Trump from the ballot due to his involvement in the events preceding the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the Supreme Court delivered a significant victory to the former president, who is the frontrunner in the Republican presidential race.

The U.S. Supreme Court declared that the Colorado Supreme Court had made an incorrect assumption that states possess the authority to decide whether a presidential candidate is disqualified under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding public office.

"Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the states, responsible for enforcing section 3 against all federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse," the ruling said.

The latest ruling makes it clear that it is Congress, rather than individual states, that is responsible for establishing regulations regarding the enforcement of the 14th Amendment provision. Therefore, this decision applies to all U.S. states, not just Colorado.

The ruling came one day before Super Tuesday, the day in the presidential primary cycle when most states vote. This year, some 15 states and one territory, including Colorado, will vote on Super Tuesday. 
The Texas wildfires continue to sweep across the state's panhandle and have now burned over a million acres.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the largest in the state's history, was last reported to be burning across 1,076,638 acres, according to Texas A&M Forest Service's post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Although it shrunk from its initial size, the fire is still only 15% contained.

The agency states that the fire's acreage will continue to change as mapping becomes more accurate. "Firefighters continue suppression actions on the fire," states the post.

The warm, dry weather in the area has proved to be an obstacle as firefighters battle the blazes. But conditions are expected to improve today as a cold front is expected to move across the state's rural Panhandle early Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Click here for latest info for 3/6/2024: Fire chief dies, map shows scope of devastation, learn how you can help those impacted

Where are the Texas wildfires?

According to the latest data provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service, there are six active fires in the state:

Smokehouse Creek  Hutchinson County, 1,076,638 acres, 15% contained

Windy Deuce  Moore County, 144,206 acres, 55% contained

Grape Vine Creek  Gray County, 34,882 acres, 60% contained

Magenta  Oldham County, 3,297 acres, 85% contained

687 Reamer  Hutchinson County, 2,000 acres, 10% contained

Roughneck  Hutchinson County, 300 acres, 25% contained

Texas wildfire maps

Burn bans issued in Texas

There are 65 counties in the state, mainly in its panhandle and western border, that are under burn bans due to the wildfires and drought conditions.

In a post on X, FEMA warned that wildfire danger is high not only in Texas but also Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana.

The agency is asking people to check local burn bans and reg flag warnings in their area.

Texas wildfires have caused 2 deaths

So far, two deaths have been confirmed from the fire.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Chris Ray, Cindy Owen, who was driving in Hemphill County when she encountered the fire or smoke from it on Tuesday afternoon. She got out of her truck, and the flames overtook her.

Joyce Blankenship, 83, was identified by family members. According to her grandson, Lee Quesada, deputies told his uncle that the former substitute teacher's remains were found Wednesday in her home, which was burned.

In addition to human lives lost, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller predicts there could be around 10,000 cattle deaths due to the fire. But, this number is not confirmed.

Texas governor, Greg Abbott, said on Friday that he believes wildfires destroyed around 500 structures, reports NPR.

The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy," said Abbott in a statement.

Contributing: Ahjane Forbes, Thao Nguyen

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas wildfires map 2024: Track locations of state's active wildfires
FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court to make her final statements in a trial on a charge of criminal negligence in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 1, 2017. A Thai court on Monday, March 4, 2024, dropped a charge against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, now living in exile, for mishandling government project expenditure in 2013. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

BANGKOK (AP)  A Thai court on Monday acquitted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, now living in exile, on charges of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013, the latest legal victory for the powerful family of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The ruling came shortly after Thaksin, Yingluck's brother, was released on parole on corruption-related offenses. Last year, he returned home after more than a decade of self-imposed exile, and was detained in a hospital for six months before being granted clemency because of his age and ill health.

Thaksins release, after almost two decades of antipathy between his populist political machine and Thailand's conservative royalist ruling class, raised speculation that Yingluck also might be returning soon.

It was the latest favorable verdict for Yingluck, who was prime minister from 2011 until she was forced from office in 2014. In December last year, the same court cleared Yingluck of abuse of power in connection with a personnel transfer she had overseen.

But to return to Thailand without facing prison, she would also need a pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn or other form of clemency. In 2017 she was sentenced in absentia for alleged negligence in implementing a rice subsidy program that lost the government a massive amount of money, estimated to be as much as 500 billion baht ($14 billion).

Yingluck and her supporters said she is innocent and was being persecuted in an effort to dismantle Thaksin's political machine. He was toppled from power by a military coup in 2006 after being accused of abuse of power, corruption and disrespect for the countrys monarchy.

The Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party came to power last year after a general election in a coalition with military parties connected to the coups that twice removed the family from power, and Thaksins daughter Paetongtran has since become the partys leader and a prospective future prime minister.

The judges unanimously acquitted Yingluck and five other defendants accused of mishandling 240 million baht ($6.7 million) that had been earmarked for a roadshow to tout investors on an ambitious infrastructure plan, according to a statement from a special body under a division of the Supreme Court that handles criminal cases against political officeholders.

Yingluck, now 56, was the first female prime minister of Thailand. Her acquittal shows that the influence of Thaksins family is rising again, said Punchada Sirivunnabood, a political scientist at Thailands Mahidol University.

Thaksin's supporters, who delivered him unprecedented electoral victories, believe his only offense was challenging the power of the countrys traditional elite, led by monarchists and the military and supported by the urban middle class.

His release appeared to reflect a reconciliation with his enemies in Thailands conservative elite, who had believed his brash populist politics and electoral popularity posed a threat to them and the monarchy.

Parties supported by Thaksin continued to dominate at the polls after his ouster. However, last year, Pheu Thai managed just a close second-place election finish to the more progressive Move Forward party, whose proposals for reform of the army and the monarchy alarmed the royalist conservative establishment more than a return of Pheu Thai, which had softened its anti-military line and was anxious to get back into power.

Yingluck's acquittal is another sign that the establishment has reconciled with the Shinawatras in an effort to face down the rising challenge of the Move Forward party, Punchada said.

This is the way the conservative or established institution want this to happen because, by the conservatives themselves, I dont think they can challenge the expanding popularity of the Move Forward party, so then thats why they use Thaksin and Pheu Thai as one of the factors that can balance the power with the Move Forward party, Punchada said.

Thaksin remains in legal jeopardy despite his release. The Office of the Attorney General says it is still investigating a charge of royal defamation that was made against Thaksin almost nine years ago. He could face up to 15 years in prison if he is ever convicted.

___

This story corrects that the amount of money Yingluck and fellow defendants were accused of mishandling was 240 million baht, or $6.7 million, not 240 billion baht.
PHNOM PENH, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian customs police at the Phnom Penh International Airport have arrested two South Korean nationals for an attempt to smuggle 2.27 kg narcotics to South Korea.

The duo, a man and woman, were caught Sunday night while they checked in for a ZA215 flight bound for Seoul, the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia said in a news release on Monday.

"In their body searches, our customs officials found many packs of drugs wrapped around their waists," the news release said. "As a result, some 1.29 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 0.98 kg of ketamine were seized from the two suspects' possession."

The Southeast Asian country has no death sentence for a drug trafficker. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be jailed for life.

According to the country's Anti-Drug Department (ADP), Cambodia nabbed 3,899 drug-related suspects, including 106 foreigners, in 1,659 cases from Jan. 1 to March 3, 2024, confiscating a total of 2.79 tons of narcotics.

Most of the seized drugs were ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine. 
STACKER  Scientists have been trying to figure out when and how dogs became mans best friend for years now, and recent studies suggest that wolves actually did it themselves. Becoming friendly with early humans who gave wolves access to their food made it easier for them to survive. This began the centuries-long friendship that humans share with their pets today. But the relationship isnt without conflict; more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and a little more than 800,000 of those bites are treated by medical professionals.

What Joplin residents will see during the eclipse

Any dog can bite, but someespecially larger, more powerful dogscan inflict greater consequences when they do. Stacker looked at data collected by ANIMALS 24-7, which logs serious attacks by dog breed from September 1982 to December 31, 2018, to see what trends emerged in the most serious attacks. Only pure dog breeds with 10 or more attacks doing bodily harm were ranked, and any ties were broken by the number of deaths.

Dogs are routinely misidentified by sight, which can make finding exact numbers of attacks by breed difficult. These numbers are often used to label certain breeds as dangerous or vicious. Some cities and states have passed laws banning ownership of specific breeds because of these perceptions, though most animal welfare groups oppose such legislation. As our understanding of dogs expands, more people are recognizing that a dogs upbringing and trainingnot its breedholds more influence over how a dog reacts in a moment of stress, fear, or anxiety.

Take a look at the top 10 breeds for most attacks towards people below:

#10. Chow

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 67 (1.9 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 8



Chows are unique among dog breeds because of their blue-black tongues, almost scowling expression, and an unusual degree of independence. They typically bond closely with only a few human companions and can be territorial and aggressive with everyone else, meaning theyre not recommended for most families.

#9. Labrador

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 78 (2.2 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 7



Labradors have been Americas favorite purebred dog since the 1990s, helped by their easygoing, family-friendly attitude. They were bred to retrieve ducks while hunting and be a fishermans mate, making them levelheaded, eager to please, and less likely to be territorial than other breeds. The ANIMALS 24-7 data on labradors includes one victim who was attacked by as many as 23 dogs owned by the same person, with each dog accounted for individually in the total number of attacks.

#8. Akita

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 86 (2.4 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 9



Akitas are one of the largest dog breeds, with males weighing in at as much as 130 pounds, and they can sometimes use their bulk to act aggressively toward dogs they dont know. They are famous for their loyalty to their families, however; one Akita waited for his owner at a train station every day for nine years after his death, inspiring a 2009 movie. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States after she was gifted one as a gesture of respect after a 1937 visit to Japan.

#7. Wolf hybrid

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 98 (2.7 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 20



It can be difficult to tell how many wolf hybrids attack people in a certain year because of their shared features with huskies and malamutes, as well as the difficulty of determining if a dog has as much wolf ancestry as its owner claims. Actual wolf hybrids behave unpredictably once they reach adulthood, and though some people are successful at raising them, most owners are not equipped to meet their particular needs.

#6. Boxer

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 110 (3.1 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 10



These popular dogs can trace their ancestors back to the Assyrians in 2500 B.C., where they were often used in war. Boxers themselves were originally bred as bull-baiting dogs or butchers helpers. These dogs are powerful, energetic and independent thinkers, perfect companions for families with older children.

#5. Husky

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 126 (3.5 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 28



Siberian Huskies are perhaps best known for their use as sled dogs, and most huskies are friendly with strange dogs and humans alike, thanks to a history of running with their pack. They have energy to spare, but their destructive tendencies are usually limited to chewing on furniture and digging holes in the backyard.

#4. Bull mastiff (Presa Canario)

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 152 (4.2 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 20



Bull mastiffs are not the most active dogs, despite their large size, and can live everywhere from small apartments to suburban backyards without too much issue. Theyre mild-mannered once they grow up and are intensely loyal to their families as long as theyre trained before they become too large to control.

#3. German shepherd

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 191 (5.3 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 21

The second most popular purebred dog, German shepherds went from working herders to popular family friends after making their Hollywood debut via Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart. Today, theyre popular police and military dogs, and their bounds of energy can cause some high-strung or aggressive behaviors if they dont have something to do every day.

#2. Rottweiler

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 615 (17.1 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 103



Rottweilers are part of the American Kennel Clubs working group, and these intelligent, confident dogs have served as some of the first service dogs for the blind, police dogs, and search-and-rescue workers. Their territorial nature means they are well-suited as watchdogs, but they can also make for great family pets as long as theyre supervised around small children, who could be knocked over or bumped by this massive dog.

#1. Pit bull

Attacks doing bodily harm (1982-2018): 5,994 (166.5 per year)

Deaths (1982-2018): 421



Pit bulls have a fearsome reputation, but theyre not natural fighters like some people think. Pit bull refers to a variety of breeds, which inevitably means these dogs are regularly misidentified by shelters and news outlets. Statistics around their dangerousness are therefore almost impossible to compare with those for more universally defined breeds. Some pit bulls may be aggressive due to genetics and training, but these dogs are generally intelligent, gentle, and extremely loving dogs when owned by those who know how to handle their rambunctious nature.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev delivered a sweeping speech Monday claiming Ukraine is definitely Russia and spouting anti-Ukraine rhetoric aimed at erasing the country from the map.

Our geostrategic space has been indivisible since the time of the ancient Russian state, the former Russian president said, presenting a map showing the vast majority of Ukraines territory gobbled up by Russia. This concept must disappear forever. Ukraine is definitely Russia.

Medvedevs map shows the borders of other countries, including Poland and Romania, changed as well.

The speech echoes previous comments from Medvedev, who has repeatedly said he doesnt think Ukraine should exist, accusing it of being simply a misconception following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and an unnecessary part of the world.

Russia will not stop its war until Ukraine surrenders, he said in the speech, adding that peace talks with Kyiv were off the table.

Historic parts of the country need to come home. All our adversaries need to understand once and for all a simple fact: that the territories on both banks of the Dnipro River [which bisects Ukraine] are an integral part of Russia's strategic and historical borders.

The aggressive speech comes weeks after Medvedev threatened to use nuclear weapons against the United States and other western allies, and just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to use nuclear weapons if NATO countries contribute troops to help defend Ukraine. The remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron suggested allies could deploy forces to Ukraine.

They must understand that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory, Putin said. All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilization. Dont they get that?

The bellicose rhetoric coincides with a Russian information operation aimed at diluting Western support to Ukraine and hasten a Russian victory, according to Germanys defense minister. Russian state media reported on leaked audio allegedly showing German officers discussing support for Ukraine and the possible provision of Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv.

Leaked Audio Proves Germany Plans to Attack Russian Territory, Kremlin Claims

It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve, the defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said.

Over two years into the war, Ukraine is still heavily dependent on Western support to maintain its defense against Russia. But delays on Capitol Hill in approving more military aid are hampering Ukraines defenses, according to Kyiv.

In its first major loss since losing Bakhmut last year, Ukraine withdrew from Avdiivka in February, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky citing a gap in artillery and long range weapons supplies and urging western allies to step up support.

Our actions are limited only by ... our strength, Zelensky said. 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.

Just over the weekend, Zelensky again blamed delays from allies in supplying air defenses for the deaths of 12 people in an attack in Odesa early this month.

Delaying the supply of weapons to Ukraine, missile defense systems to protect our people, leads, unfortunately, to such losses, Zelensky said. When lives are lost, and partners are simply playing internal political games or disputes that limit our defense, its impossible to understand. Its unacceptable.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Top Senate Republicans are slated to attend a fundraiser for Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake on Wednesday as the party looks to coalesce around her ahead of November.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Republicans campaign arm, will be in attendance at the D.C. fundraiser, along with other top Republicans, including Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), according to a copy of the invite obtained by The Hill.

The latter three senators are running for, or said to be eyeing, the Senate GOP leader position.

Seventeen Senate Republicans are expected to attend in total.

Lake is considered the heavy favorite to win the Republican nomination in the Arizona Senate race. Shes looking to take on Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in November for Sen. Kirsten Sinemas (I-Ariz.) seat, though its unclear if Sinema will run for reelection.

Last month, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) endorsed Lake as Republicans have moved to rally around Lake. Republicans see Arizona as a key pickup opportunity as they look to retake the Senate majority.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Sinemas seat a toss up.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Paul Scully says the Conservatives have become too focused on a shrinking core voter base - Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

A former minister has announced that he will quit as an MP at the next election, saying the Tory party has lost its way and must win back younger voters.

Paul Scully, the MP for Sutton and Cheam, said the Chancellor must use Wednesdays Budget to try to reunite the divided party with a vision beyond crisis management.

He warned that the Conservatives were heading down an ideological cul-de-sac by focusing solely on a core vote that will eventually shrink to nothing.

In a withering assessment of his partys record, he warned that many voters were coming to the conclusion that the Government were b---ends.

Mr Scully announced that he was stepping down days after he was forced to apologise for claiming that there were no-go areas in London and Birmingham.

He admitted to a poor choice of words but said the furore showed people will take the easy option to report division [rather] than to understand.

The former minister said he had already told people he had decided to step down before the row, but the backlash confirmed Id made the right choice.

He is the 59th Tory MP to announce plans to quit at the next election, with Conservative strategists fearing a stench of death around the party.

The record for the number of Tory MPs standing down in a single Parliament is 75, reached in the run-up to Labours 1997 landslide victory.

But it is Mr Scullys verdict on the state of the Tories, posted in a resignation statement on social media, that will prove most worrying for Downing Street.

Fuelled by division, the party has lost its way and needs to get a clear focus, which I hope the Budget can start to provide, he wrote.

It needs a vision beyond crisis management which can appeal to a wider section of the electorate, including younger people. If we just focus on core vote, eventually that core shrinks to nothing.

He added that the party must talk more about housing and offer bolder reform for renters because home ownership has drifted too far from so many.

His remarks will be seen as veiled criticism of the Government over repeated delays to the Renters Reform Bill and the banning of no-fault evictions.

He said the Tories must show a real connection and empathy with other generations, otherwise we risk pushing ourselves into an ideological cul-de-sac.

Posting a photo of the famous bell curve politics graph  a theory that most voters views are broadly centrist  he added: Most people are in the middle We can work with the bell curve or become the b---ends. We need to make that decision. I fear the electorate already [has]!

My words above are speaking truth to power, not a sign that I believe we should have anything else but a Conservative government.

Mr Scully held various junior ministerial posts during a nine-year career, including at the science, business and levelling up departments. He also served as the minister for London, and last year unsuccessfully campaigned to become the Tories candidate for mayor of the capital.

The MP said during that time he had lost my marriage and seen two colleagues murdered, adding that it was time to pass the baton.

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BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's annual "two sessions," a highly anticipated event on the country's political calendar, began on Monday with the opening of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

As the world's second-largest economy endeavors to solidify the momentum of economic recovery in its pursuit of Chinese modernization, the sessions carry immense significance for China and beyond.

Amid a solemn yet spirited atmosphere, the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing welcomed more than 2,000 members of the CPPCC National Committee, the top political advisory body, from diverse sectors of society on Monday afternoon.

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders took their seats on the rostrum, in a nod of congratulations on the commencement of the event.

In his address, Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presented a work report to the session, saying in 2024 the CPPCC will focus on advancing Chinese modernization, actively offer suggestions and foster broad consensus.

The CPPCC aims to pool wisdom and strength so that the country will achieve the economic and social development objectives for the entire year, Wang said.

MAJOR POLITICAL EVENT

The "two sessions" refer to the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and the CPPCC National Committee. The NPC session is scheduled to open on Tuesday.

Taking place almost simultaneously in Beijing, the sessions will not only determine the national agenda for this year but will also have far-reaching implications that draw global attention.

The NPC holds the highest state power in China. A significant item on the NPC session's agenda is the review of a government work report, which highlights past achievements and sets development targets for the present year and beyond.

During the upcoming session, NPC deputies will examine a draft development plan and budgets for the current year. Additionally, lawmakers are expected to deliberate a draft revision to the Organic Law of the State Council, apart from reviewing the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

At Monday's meeting, political advisors heard a report on the handling of their proposals since the previous session. Figures show that a total of 5,621 proposals have been submitted since the 2023 session, and of the 4,791 proposals filed, 99.9 percent have been handled.

They are also expected to participate as non-voting attendees in the NPC session, engaging in discussions on important documents, including the government work report.

Above all, Chinese legislators and political advisors play a crucial role in contributing to the country's development by putting forth proposals and suggestions that are taken into careful consideration by relevant authorities. According to government figures, in 2023, departments under the State Council handled 12,480 suggestions and proposals submitted by NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members.

CRUCIAL YEAR

This year's "two sessions" hold particular significance as 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and stands as a pivotal year for achieving the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

China's economy rebounded in 2023, demonstrating solid progress in high-quality development. Gross domestic product grew by 5.2 percent, surpassing the initial target of around 5 percent. The country continues to be a vital engine of global development, contributing around 30 percent to world economic growth.

Looking ahead, the Chinese leadership has emphasized the importance of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and faithfully implementing the new development philosophy across all areas. Consolidating and strengthening the momentum of economic recovery is of utmost importance.

While challenges and difficulties remain in further promoting China's economic recovery, the overall trend of recovery and long-term improvement remains unchanged. The "two sessions" are expected to foster consensus and enhance confidence in this regard.

HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

Anticipation surrounds how the "two sessions" will focus on promoting high-quality development, seen as a crucial requirement for Chinese modernization. NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members are eager to contribute suggestions and proposals on "new productive forces," a term highlighted in the economic work deployment of central and local authorities.

In the opinion of Yuan Yuyu, an NPC deputy and chairman of Medprin Regenerative Medical Technologies Co., Ltd. based in Guangzhou, this concept refers to advanced productive forces driven by innovation. The key emphasis lies in promoting high-level self-reliance and strengthening capabilities in science and technology.

This year also holds significance in terms of comprehensively deepening reform, with the primary task being the formulation of plans for more comprehensive reforms. This key message emerged from a meeting of the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform in February.

The legislators and political advisors stressed the need to continue prioritizing reform measures that expand domestic demand, optimize economic structures, boost confidence, ensure people's livelihoods, and prevent and defuse risks.

Stressing the importance of adhering to market-oriented reforms, Zhang Junkuo, a national political advisor and former deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, underscored the need to leverage the government's role effectively while ensuring the market's decisive role.

Gao Zicheng, an NPC deputy and president of the All China Lawyers Association, highlighted the significance of private enterprises as vital driving forces for China's high-quality development and active contributors to deepening reforms. He suggested the introduction of new regulations to promote the private economy's development, thereby enhancing market confidence and vitality. 
Tourist camping with her husband is gang raped in India

Three Indian men have appeared in court after the gang rape of a Spanish tourist on a motorbike trip with her husband, with police hunting four other suspects, reports said Monday.

The attack took place on Friday night in eastern India in Jharkhand state's Dumka district, where the couple were camping.

A total of seven men are accused of carrying out the brutal assault.

"We have formed a team to hunt the remaining suspects," senior local police officer Pitamber Singh Kherwar told AFP.

On Sunday, three accused were seen being escorted into court with sacks on their heads by police officers holding ropes tied around their waists. The three were later remanded in custody.

Police personnel escort men accused for allegedly carrying out a brutal assault on a Spanish woman, to a district court in Dumka, in India's Jharkhand state on March 4, 2024. / Credit: -/AFP via Getty Images

The Spanish woman and her husband were also in court.

The couple told Spanish TV channel Antena 3 on Saturday that the men raped the woman and hit the man repeatedly, the Reuters news agency reported. They said they had camped out because they could not find hotels nearby, Reuters reported.

"We have to ensure strict punishment," Kherwar said, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported Monday.

Kherwar said a special team including forensic officers had been formed to scour the scene of the attack, while another team was hunting more suspects.

"They are constantly raiding places," Kherwar said in PTI's report. "We will soon arrest the remaining accused."

An average of nearly 90 rapes a day were reported in India in 2022, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau.

That year, police arrested 11 people after the alleged brutal gang rape and torture of a young woman that included her being paraded through the streets of Dehli. Also in 2022, a police officer in India was arrested after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who went to his station to report she had been gang-raped.

In 2021, a 34-year-old woman in Mumbai died after being raped and brutally tortured.

Large numbers of rapes go unreported due to prevailing stigmas around victims and a lack of faith in police investigations.

Convictions remain rare, with cases getting stuck for years in India's clogged-up criminal justice system.

The notorious gang rape and murder of an Indian student made global headlines in 2012.

Jyoti Singh, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, was raped, assaulted and left for dead by five men and a teenager on a bus in New Delhi in December that year.

The horrific crime shone an international spotlight on India's high levels of sexual violence and sparked weeks of protests, and eventually a change in the law to introduce the death penalty for rape.

Beaufort, SC, bans 5 books from school shelves after push to ban 97 | 60 Minutes

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DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: "We were not informed" about prior arrests of Georgia suspect
Walter Fischel is one of several tourists to be targeted in Cape Town - NEWS 24

An American tourist who was shot in the face and robbed after driving into a violent township on arrival in Cape Town will sue Google for allegedly sending him into the neighbourhood.

Walter Fischel had his belongings and rental car stolen after his satnav suggested a shortcut through a notoriously violent area called Nyanga.

Nyanga is close to the airport that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but its streets at one time held the unwelcome title of South Africas murder capital.

Google said it has provided an alternative route on its app for motorists who drive past the Nyanga intersection in Cape Town - BRENTON GEACH/GALLO VIA GETTY IMAGES

Mr Fischel is one of several tourists who were attacked in Nyanga last year after allegedly following satnavs into danger.

Kar Hao Teoh, a British orthopaedic surgeon, was shot dead in August in Nyanga after his GPS allegedly diverted him off the N2 motorway.

Last years spate of incidents led the Foreign Office and US State Department to update travel advice and warn visitors against taking GPS navigation shortcuts down back streets.

Google removed Nyanga from shortcuts in November, after talks with the South African tourism authorities.

Crime hotspot

A Google spokesman told The Telegraph in December: We have updated Google Maps and provided an alternative route to our users who drive past the Nyanga intersection.

This new route takes users away from the area which has been reported by authorities as a crime hotspot and ensures that they get to their destinations safely.

Mr Fischel told News24: Before I came to Cape Town, Google Maps had already known Nyanga was a problem area yet it was still put on the route map.

Why they did not remove it a long time ago is beyond me. They have caused major damage to my mental health and healing process.

Google was contacted for comment on Mr Fischels case.

Robbers lie in wait for tourists in rental cars

Another American couple are also reported to be suing the tech company after they followed the app into Nyanga and were robbed in October.

Jason and Katharine Zoladz, from Los Angeles, were left terrified and bloodied after attackers threw a paving slab through their side window, breaking Mr Zoladzs jaw.

Their case filed in January in Santa Clara County Superior Court in California alleged that gangs of robbers would lie in wait for tourists travelling in rental cars and would assault the cars by throwing bricks or large stones through car windows, violently assaulting the occupants and stealing valuables.

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.
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Two men have been arrested and another has an outstanding arrest warrant in a Smith County theft case involving an attempted ATM theft.

Officials said that through the course of the ongoing investigation, a reported stolen pickup truck and a tow truck valued at $137,000 were recovered.

17-year-old dead after overnight shooting in East Texas

According to the sheriffs office, investigators were assigned to the case after it was reported on Dec. 7 and through leads, obtained an arrest warrant for felony theft for Jacob Tadlock, 28, and a corresponding search warrant for his home.

Officials went to his Tyler home on Feb. 27, where they reported that Tadlock ran when he saw uniformed authorities and chased into his residence where he locked himself inside of the bathroom. He was taken into custody a very short time later.

The search warrant was conducted where the sheriffs office said the pickup was found inside the shop area and other items were found and seized as evidence.

Tadlock was booked into the Smith County Jail for theft of property where his bond was set at $250,000. Arrest warrants for felony theft were also issued for Nicolas Burkhart, 38, and Jeremy Erwin, 38, after authorities said more information and evidence was gathered.

Mugshots of Jacob Tadlock, Jeremy Erwin and Nicholas Burkhart, courtesy of Smith County Jail Records

Erwin was already in custody on unrelated warrants, and Burkhart is still outstanding on his theft warrant.

According to the sheriffs office, investigators found information that links Tadlock and Burkhart to the theft of a now recovered tow truck that was subsequently used in the attempted theft of an ATM which was reported to the Tyler Police Department.

The theft of the tow truck and attempted ATM theft are both being actively investigated by the Smith County Sheriffs Office Property Crimes Division.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Kansas officials want to reduce the number of deadly crashes on the state's roadways, and they hope a reduction in excessive speeding would help.

The Drive To Zero Coalition, which aims for zero deaths from traffic crashes, had a news conference with information booths at the Statehouse on Thursday.

While organizers touted progress  2023 was the first time since 2015 where Kansas had fewer than 400 traffic fatalities  they said the only acceptable number is zero.

"For the past three years, we have seen a reduction in fatalities," said Calvin Reed, secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation. "This trend is not an accident. It is the result of deliberative work. ... That said, we still have a considerable way to go."

Kansas Highway Patrol superintendent Col. Erik Smith, left, on Thursday shakes hands with Kansas Department of Transportation secretary Calvin Reed during a Drive to Zero event at the Statehouse.

The coalition has looked for ways that various stakeholders, including legislators, can help achieve that goal.

Among the ideas is a renewed lobbying effort by the Kansas Highway Patrol to increase penalties for speeding in excess of 100 mph. Similar legislation has previously failed.

"First-responders from across the state understand that dangerous driving behaviors are the main cause of crashes," said Col. Erik Smith, the KHP superintendent.

He said the KHP wants to educate about safer driving habits that can prevent crashes but will enforce laws when necessary to protect the public.

Kansas Highway Patrol superintendent Col. Erik Smith speaks Thursday during a Drive to Zero event at the Statehouse.

"In Kansas, we've seen an increase in aggressive driving and excessive speed," Smith said. "Over the last four years, we've been working very hard to combat this epidemic. Since 2020, KHP has issued over 12,000 citations to motorists driving over 100 mph.

"When drivers travel at these speeds and they crash, the injuries are often catastrophic, so likelihood of death increases dramatically."

He noted social media efforts to highlight excessive speeding, and that KHP is committed to "the pursuit of legislation to help curb this senseless  and frankly selfish  behavior."

Our Troopers have been actively enforcing speed limits, and this post highlights the continued efforts of Troopers Voss, Arnold, and Kleiber in ensuring road safety. Additionally, a reminder to motorists: shared roadways require vigilance to protect both yourself and others from pic.twitter.com/jKePcTa8CN  Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) February 21, 2024

The highway patrol requested Senate Bill 476, which would increase the penalties for speeding at 100 mph or more. The bill made it out of committee but hasn't passed out of the Senate.

A similar concept was proposed by the highway patrol with House Bill 2146. Instead of setting the bar at 100 mph, the House version would increase penalties for anyone going more than 30 mph over the speed limit.

That bill also made it out of committee but was struck from the calendar because it didn't pass the House before the turnaround deadline.

In 2022, when the KHP proposed tougher penalties for going 100 mph, a House committee amended it to anyone going more than 40 mph over the limit. That House Bill 2628 died after it wasn't taken up by the House.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Highway Patrol wants tougher penalties for excessive speeders
This photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows copies of the Bulgarian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" during a promotional event in Sofia, Bulgaria. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was published on Monday.

The first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" is a compilation of major works of the Chinese leader from Nov. 15, 2012 to June 13, 2014; it comprises 79 speeches, talks, interviews, instructions and correspondence in 18 chapters. This book provides important documentation for the international community to understand contemporary China and the Communist Party of China.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was jointly translated and published by Foreign Languages Press and Bulgarian Iztok-Zapad (East-West) Publishers. The publication of this book is of great significance for Bulgarian readers to gain a deeper understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to understand and perceive the modern civilization of the Chinese nation as well as the Chinese modernization, and to enhance the traditional friendship between China and Bulgaria.

So far, "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been translated and published in four volumes. The first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been translated and published in 41 languages. 

This photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows the promotional event for the Bulgarian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Sofia, Bulgaria. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

Zahari Zahariev, chairman of Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, delivers a speech during the promotional event of the Bulgarian edition of the first volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)
Donald Trumps lawyers on Monday asked the judge overseeing his New York criminal case to throw out prosecutors request that he be barred from attacking witnesses and others involved in the trial, arguing that it would be unconstitutional to impose a gag order on the former president.

American voters have the First Amendment right to hear President Trumps uncensored voice on all issues that relate to this case, his attorneys wrote in a filing first reported by ABC News.

The lawyers insisted that Trumps political enemies would attack him on the basis of the case, which concerns his alleged efforts to conceal $130,000 in hush money payments made to the adult film star Stormy Daniels in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election. The voters have the right to listen to President Trump's unfettered responses to those attacksnot just one side of that debate, they added.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the case, requested the gag order in a narrowly tailored pretrial motion last Monday. Prosecutors for Bragg asked state Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan prohibit Trump from speaking about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and their family members.

Notably, they did not ask that Merchan bar the former president from making comments about Bragg.

The district attorneys office cited Trumps long history of making public and inflammatory remarks about the participants in various judicial proceedings against him, saying his rhetoric posed both a significant and imminent threat to the orderly administration of this criminal proceeding and a substantial likelihood of causing material prejudice.

Prosecutors also asked that Trump be prevented from revealing personal information about the jurors at the trial, including their names and addresses, though they did not request the jury be anonymized. Instead, the court should put defendant on notice that he will forfeit any statutory right he may have to access juror names if he engages in any conduct that threatens the safety and integrity of the jury or the jury-selection process, they wrote.

In a statement issued shortly after the gag order request was filed, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung slammed it as an unconstitutional infringement on President Trumps First Amendment rights, including his ability to defend himself, and the rights of all Americans to hear from President Trump.

The Manhattan trial, which stems from the first of four criminal indictments filed against Trump, is set to kick off with jury selection on March 25. He has denied all wrongdoing in the matter.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing former President Donald Trumps criminal trial on charges that hush money payments made in 2016 to cover up an alleged extramarital affair violated tax and campaign finance laws, rules that Trump and his lawyers can learn the names and addresses of the jurors in the case but cannot make that information public. In a separate New York case, Trump hands over a $91.6 million bond so that he can appeal the judgment in his defamation trial brought by columnist E. Jean Carroll. Here are the latest developments in the legal cases involving the Republican frontrunner for president in 2024.

New York hush money

Judge allows Trump and his lawyers to know juror names

Key players: Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, adult film star Stormy Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen

Merchan ruled Thursday that Trump, his attorneys, prosecutors, jury consultants and legal staff will be allowed to know the names of the jurors who will serve in the hush money trial of the former president that begins on March 25, the Associated Press reported.

Citing Trumps extensive history of attacking jurors in other cases, and on a Georgia grand jury that voted to indict him, Braggs office had sought to keep those names hidden from Trump.

But Trumps lawyers countered that prosecutors had not provided a single example where President Trump mentioned  let alone attacked or harassed  any juror by name.

Trump is charged with 34 felonies stemming from hush money payments arranged by Cohen to Daniels and McDougal in order to hide alleged extramarital affairs. Made during the 2016 presidential election, the payments violated New York State tax and campaign finance laws, according to Braggs indictment.

Merchans ruling is a compromise of sorts, allowing Trump and his attorneys to know the names and addresses of the jurors but forbidding them from making that information public.

If Trump or his lawyers do reveal any names or other information about the jurors, the judge said he would revisit his decision.

Merchan has yet to decide on a prosecution request to issue a gag order on Trump to try to keep him from publicly attacking jurors, witnesses and courtroom staff.

Why it matters: Just as he did in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trials and the New York financial fraud case, Trump has repeatedly expressed displeasure at the judges rulings in the hush money case. Merchans rulings have not all gone against Trump, however, and the judge said Thursday that the courtroom will remain open during jury selection and throughout the trial.

E. Jean Carroll defamation

Trump posts $91.6 million bond as he appeals judgment

Key players: Judge Lewis Kaplan, columnist E. Jean Carroll

One day after Kaplan refused to allow Trump to delay paying the full amount of his bond while he appeals the jurys judgment in January in the Carroll defamation trial, Trump posted a $91.6 million bond, CNN reported.

The money goes into an escrow account pending a ruling in Trumps appeal.

In January, a Manhattan jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages, finding that Trump had repeatedly defamed her by denying he had ever met her, let alone sexually assaulted her in the changing room of a Manhattan department store in 1996.

In May, a second jury found that Trump had sexually assaulted and defamed Carroll and awarded Carroll $5 million.

Why it matters: With the bond amounts coming due, Trump is being forced to hand over nearly a half billion dollars in order to pursue his appeals in two civil lawsuits. That comes as he is also seeking to be reelected to the White House.

Recommended reading

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______________________

Thursday, March 7

_____________________

Judge Lewis Kaplan denies former President Donald Trumps request to temporarily delay paying an $83.3 million bond required by New York state while he appeals the judgment in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial. Trump now has until Monday to come up with that sum. As Trumps trial on felony charges that he violated New York state tax and campaign finance laws by paying off two women to keep them from sharing their accounts of extramarital affairs with him looms, his lawyers move to keep Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen from testifying. In response, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs team calls that request totally meritless. Here are the latest legal developments for the Republican presidential frontrunner seeking to be reelected to the White House.

E. Jean Carroll defamation

Judge denies Trump request to delay payment of $83.3 million bond

Key players: Judge Lewis Kaplan, Trump lawyer Alina Habba, columnist E. Jean Carroll

Kaplan denied a request by Trumps lawyers for a three-day delay to post an $83.3 million bond required as he pursues an appeal of the jury decision awarding Carroll that sum, ABC News reported.

Mr. Trumps current situation is a result of his own dilatory actions, Kaplan wrote in his order late Thursday. He has had since January 26 to organize his finances with the knowledge that he might need to bond this judgment, yet he waited until 25 days after the jury verdict ... to file his prior motion for an unsecured or partially secured stay pending resolution of post-trial motions.

Habba had stated in a court filing that paying the full bond amount would result in irreparable injury to Trump, but Kaplan rejected that argument.

The expense of ongoing litigation in the absence of a stay does not constitute irreparable injury in the relevant sense of that term, Kaplan wrote.

Trump now has until Monday to pay an $83.3 million bond into an escrow account. If he is unable to pay it, Carrolls lawyers can seek to force him to liquidate his assets.

Trump will owe even more money later this month, when the $454 million bond amount comes due as he seeks to appeal the judgment in his civil financial fraud trial.

Why it matters: During his financial fraud trial, Trump said he had more than $400 million in cash available. An appeals court judge stayed a ruling by the judge in that case that prohibited him from asking for bank loans to cover the shortfall. With both the Carroll and fraud trial bonds coming due, he may indeed need help from outside sources.

New York hush money

Prosecutors call Trumps attempt to keep Cohen from testifying totally meritless

Key players: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, adult film star Stormy Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, Judge Juan Merchan

On Tuesday, prosecutors on Braggs team responded to a legal filing by Trumps lawyers seeking to disqualify Cohen from testifying in the hush money case, saying the defense arguments were intentionally inflammatory and totally meritless, the New York Post reported.

In their filing, Blanche and Necheles described Cohen as a serial liar and asked the judge to block him from taking the witness stand in order to protect the integrity of this court and the process of justice.

In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress while under oath. He was sentenced to serve three years behind bars, but was released early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cohen, a former vice president with the Trump Organization, also testified against Trump in the New York civil financial fraud trial.

Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts stemming from payments made during the 2016 presidential election to keep Daniels and McDougal from publicly sharing their accounts of extramarital affairs they had with him.

In their response to Trumps filing, prosecutors said that Cohens testimony about the hush money payments would be backed up by corroborating evidence and that Trumps lawyers were welcome to cross-examine his assertions.

To the extent that defendant nonetheless believes the jury should disbelieve Cohens testimony at trial, he may challenge Cohens credibility by cross-examining him about a variety of topics, including his previous guilty pleas, prosecutors said, CNN reported.

The first of the four criminal trials in which Trump is charged is scheduled to begin on March 25.

Why it matters: It is unlikely that Merchan will rule that Cohen is not allowed to testify in the hush-money case. If he does, Trumps lawyers will do their best to portray him as an unreliable witness, even though his conviction for lying to Congress came when he was trying to protect the former president.

______________________

Wednesday, March 6

_____________________

The United States Supreme Court announces it will hear arguments on April 25 about whether presidential immunity protects former President Donald Trump from being prosecuted for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. After two stinging court losses, attorneys for Trump ask for a new trial and for a much lower judgment than the combined $88.3 million two juries awarded to E. Jean Carroll. Trumps lawyers also ask the judge in the New York hush money criminal trial to deny Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs request to impose a gag order intended to keep Trump from attacking witnesses and courtroom staff. Here are the latest developments in the legal cases facing the Republican looking to be reelected to the White House in 2024.

Jan. 6 election interference

Supreme Court to hear presidential immunity arguments on April 25

Key players: United States Supreme Court, Special counsel Jack Smith, Judge Tanya Chutkan, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals

On Wednesday, the high court announced that it would hear arguments on April 25, the last day of hearings for the current term, on whether the concept of presidential immunity protects Trump from being prosecuted for his efforts to overturn his loss to Biden in 2020.

Chutkan ruled in December that although Trump was president when he set about trying to block the transfer of power to Biden, he was not protected from being prosecuted by Smith.

A three-judge federal court of appeals panel concurred with Chutkan.

In late December, Smith asked the high court for an expedited ruling on the immunity question, but the court declined.

Why it matters: Though the Supreme Court is widely expected to uphold the lower court rulings that immunity does not shield Trump in this case, the court's delay on hearing arguments has cast doubt on whether Smiths case will go to trial before the 2024 presidential election.

E. Jean Carroll defamation

Trump asks for a new E. Jean Carroll trial

Key players: columnist E. Jean Carroll, Trump lawyer Alina Habba, Judge Lewis Kaplan

Trumps lawyers filed papers Tuesday with federal court requesting that he be granted a new trial following two losses in sexual assault and defamation cases brought by Carroll that resulted in a combined judgment of $88.3 million, the Guardian reported.

The motion filed by Habba and Trumps other attorneys contends that Kaplan erroneously instructed the jury and that his ruling striking some of Trumps testimony about his state of mind when denying Carrolls claims of sexual assault was prejudicial.

This Courts erroneous decision to dramatically limit the scope of President Trumps testimony almost certainly influenced the jurys verdict, and thus a new trial is warranted, Trumps lawyers wrote.

Last May, a jury found that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll in 1996 in a changing room at Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan, and it awarded her $5 million for his denying the encounter took place and having said he had never met her.

In a second trial, earlier this year, a second jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million for Trumps denials made when president and his persistent pattern of defamation since then.

In Tuesdays filing, Trumps lawyers also said the damages awarded to Carroll should be significantly reduced.

Why it matters: Carrolls lawyers are pressing Kaplan to force Trump to pay the $88.3 million judgment against him. While Trumps lawyers said in their filing that it is likely the award will not be upheld on appeal, the federal court could simply deny him a new trial.

New York hush money

Trump lawyers: Gag order would inflict injury on tens of millions of Americans

Key players: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Judge Juan Merchan, adult film star Stormy Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen

In a Monday filing to Merchan, Trumps lawyers said that a gag order proposed by Bragg intended to keep Trump from attacking witnesses and court staff in the hush money case would inflict injury on the former presidents supporters, Business Insider reported.

A restriction on President Trumps speech therefore inflicts a reciprocal injury on the tens of millions of Americans who listen to him, Trumps lawyers wrote, adding, American voters have the First Amendment right to hear President Trumps uncensored voice on all issues that relate to this case.

Trump is charged with 34 felony counts in the case that stems from his payments made to Daniels and McDougal that prosecutors say were designed to keep them quiet about extramarital affairs with Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Cohen paid Daniels $130,000, bank records show, and plans to testify during the criminal trial that begins on March 25.

Bragg contends Trump violated New York tax and campaign finance laws by making what he described as hush money payments.

Why it matters: If Merchan imposes a gag order in the first of Trumps criminal cases to go to trial, it will come as Trump is poised to win his partys presidential nomination. That offers the first clear test of how courts will handle the unprecedented conflict of how to enforce limits on speech for a person who is also once again seeking the highest office in the land.

__________________

Monday, March 4

__________________

Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg surrenders to prosecutors Monday and pleads guilty later to lying in a deposition with New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office in former President Donald Trumps financial fraud trial. Weisselberg was fined $1 million by Judge Arthur Engoron as part of the massive judgment against Trump, his adult sons and members of the family business. As expected, the Supreme Court rules that Congress, not individual states, is the only authority that can bar candidates who engaged in insurrection from holding office again. Here are the latest legal developments involving the former president hoping to be reelected to the White House in 2024.

New York financial fraud

Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty to committing perjury

Key players: Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg

On Monday, Weisselberg pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury relating to a deposition he gave to Jamess office in the financial fraud trial of Trump, his adult sons and their family business, CNN reported.

Weisselberg surrendered to prosecutors Monday morning. Under the terms of the deal, he will be sentenced to five months in prison.

For weeks, Weisselberg had been negotiating the deal with Manhattan prosecutors, but in exchange for pleading guilty, he will not have to testify against Trump at his upcoming trial on campaign finance and tax violations.

In 2022, Weisselberg, 76, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of tax fraud. He was sentenced to five months in jail but served only 100 days at Rikers Island prison.

After learning that Weisselberg may be negotiating a plea deal with Bragg, Engoron asked lawyers in the fraud case to supply him with any knowledge they may have had regarding Weisselberg lying on the witness stand.

As part of his judgment against the defendants, Engoron fined Weisselberg $1 million plus interest and barred him from ever working for the Trump Organization in any financial capacity.

In a statement, the Trump Organization said Weisselberg is now being used by the Manhattan District Attorney as a pawn in a scorched earth attempt to harm the former President.

Why it matters: On the witness stand, Weisselberg tried to convince the judge that he had not overinflated Trumps personal and business assets to obtain favorable loan and insurance rates. The plea deal is just one more bit of evidence that will be used to counter Trumps appeal of Engorons massive $464 million judgment against the former president and his company.

Jan. 6 election interference

Supreme Court halts Colorado, Illinois, Maine and other states from kicking Trump off ballot

Key players: U.S. Supreme Court, Colorado Supreme Court, Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows

As expected, the United States Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Colorado Supreme Court had overstepped its authority when it ordered that Trump be removed from state ballots, Yahoo News reported.

Colorados Supreme Court, Porter and Bellows had all cited Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits those who have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution but later engaged in insurrection from holding office, and concluded that Trump was not eligible to be on their states respective primary ballot.

In its decision, however, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates.

Because the court found that Congress and not the states is the arbiter of Section 3, that effectively puts an end to all state attempts to ban Trump from ballots.

Trump celebrated the ruling with a post on his social media network that read, BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

Why it matters: While legal scholars and some conservative former judges filed amicus briefs with the court arguing that Section 3 could be applied to prevent Trump from holding office again, the case was mostly viewed as a long shot. The same can be said of a sharply divided Congress finding that Trump violated the Constitution when he attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Fatime Letifova

Despite all the pressures of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), we will always stand by our brother Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Chairman of TURKPA's Legal Affairs and International Relations Commission, Deputy of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Osman Mesten, telling at the 11th meeting of TURKPA's Legal Affairs and International Relations Commission held in Baku on March 4.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan became a full member of the Council of Europe and PACE in 2001. On January 24, some European parliamentarians questioned the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation at PACE and made unimaginable accusations against the delegation. Taking this into account, the Azerbaijani delegation issued a broad and detailed statement at PACE. Against the background of unbearable racism, Azerbaijanophobia and Islamophobia in the Parliamentary Assembly, the Azerbaijani delegation decided to suspend cooperation with PACE and participation in the organization for an indefinite period. The delegation left the venue after making the statement.

Osman Mesten stated that he believes that the strengthening of relations between the Turkic states will create confidence in friends and will strike fear into the souls of the enemy: "We should further develop relations with many international organizations, including the Organization of Turkic States,"he added.

"Also, we want to see brotherly Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan among the TURKPA member states," the chairman says.
AMMAN, March 4 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday highlighted the need for maximum efforts to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to protect civilians, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

He made the remarks during a meeting in Amman with a delegation representing Arab lawmakers in the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, said the report.

The king said Jordan will continue to push for an end to the war and provide humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance by land and air to Gaza, while warning of the danger of continuing the war on the Palestinian enclave and escalating tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

He renewed his commitment to protect and care for the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship.

The king reiterated Jordan's rejection of any attempts to separate the West Bank and Gaza, which constitute the Palestinian state, or any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, said the report.

He stressed the importance of continuing to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in fulfilling its international mandate. The king also emphasized the need to find a political horizon leading to a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, which ensured the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He expressed his appreciation for the important role of the Joint Arab List in the Knesset which includes Arab lawmakers in representing and conveying the Arab voice, and for their supportive positions on efforts to achieve peace and find a political horizon to end the conflict based on the two-state solution. 
By Andrew Chung and John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court handed Donald Trump a major victory on Monday, barring states from disqualifying candidates for federal office under a constitutional provision involving insurrection and reversing Colorado's exclusion of him from its ballot.

The justices unanimously overturned a Dec. 19 decision by Colorado's top court to kick the former president off the state's Tuesday Republican primary ballot after finding that the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment disqualified him from again holding public office. The Colorado court had found that Trump took part in an insurrection for inciting and supporting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

The justices determined that only Congress can enforce the constitutional provision against federal officeholders and candidates. But four of the nine justices, including the court's three liberal members, faulted the rest of the court for announcing rules limiting how the provision may be enforced in the future.

Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. His only remaining rival for his party's nomination is former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

The ruling was issued on the eve of Super Tuesday, the day in the U.S. presidential primary cycle when the most states hold party nominating contests.

It came five days after the justices agreed to decide Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution on charges related to trying to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden. The court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three Trump appointees, acted in a speedier manner in deciding the ballot disqualification issue, benefiting him, than it has in resolving the immunity question. Delays in deciding the immunity issue could help Trump by delaying his criminal trial.

The 14th Amendment's Section 3 bars from office any "officer of the United States" who took an oath "to support the Constitution of the United States" and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."

"We conclude that states may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office. But states have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency," the unsigned opinion for the court stated.

Trump welcomed the ruling, saying during an appearance in Florida: "Essentially, you cannot take somebody out of a race because an opponent would like to have it that way." Trump said he hoped the decision would help unify the country, but then lambasted political opponents and prosecutors behind four criminal cases against him.

Trump was also barred from the ballot in Maine and Illinois based on the 14th Amendment. Those decisions were put on hold pending the Supreme Court's ruling in the Colorado case.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed disappointment at the ruling "stripping states of the authority" to enforce the disqualification clause.

"Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot," Griswold wrote in a social media post.

'MOMENTOUS AND DIFFICULT ISSUES'

Though the justices unanimously agreed with the result, the three liberal justices, as well as conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said the court's opinion decided more than what was necessary to resolve the case by specifying that Section 3 can be enforced only through federal legislation.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson objected to the majority's "gratuitous" decision to announce rules limiting the way Section 3 can be enforced in the future.

"Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oath-breaking insurrectionist from becoming president," the liberal justices said. "Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majority's effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision."

In a concurring opinion, Barrett wrote that "this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency. The court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the court should turn the national temperature down, not up," Barrett wrote.

"For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home," Barrett added.

Trump's eligibility had been challenged in court by a group of six voters in Colorado - four Republicans and two independents - who portrayed him as a threat to American democracy and sought to hold him accountable for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

The plaintiffs were backed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a liberal watchdog group.

CREW President Noah Bookbinder emphasized that while the court's ruling allows Trump back on the ballot, it did not directly address the Colorado Supreme Court's finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection.

"The Supreme Court had the opportunity in this case to exonerate Trump, and they chose not to do so," Bookbinder said, adding that, "The Supreme Court removed an enforcement mechanism, and in letting Trump back on the ballot, they failed to meet the moment."

As lawsuits seeking to disqualify Trump cropped up across the country, it was important for his candidacy to clear any hurdles to appear on the ballot in all 50 states.

Not since ruling in the landmark case Bush v. Gore, which handed the disputed 2000 U.S. election to Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore, has the court played such a central role in a presidential race.

The justices in the immunity case in December declined the prosecutor's bid to speed up resolution of the matter before a lower court had weighed in, then last week agreed to take up the matter after lower courts had ruled - setting arguments to take place in late April, a much longer timeline than the ballot issue.

Ethan Strimling, one of three former lawmakers behind the disqualification bid in Maine, said Monday's ruling effectively ended the effort to remove Trump from that state's ballot.

CAPITOL ATTACK

In a bid to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's 2020 election victory, Trump supporters attacked police, broke through barricades and swarmed the Capitol. Trump gave an incendiary speech to supporters beforehand, repeating his false claims of widespread voting fraud and telling them to go to the Capitol and "fight like hell." He then for hours rebuffed requests that he urge the mob to stop.

The 14th Amendment was ratified in the aftermath of the Civil War of 1861-1865 in which seceding Southern states that allowed the practice of slavery rebelled against the U.S. government.

In ruling against Trump, Colorado's top court cited the "general atmosphere of political violence that President Trump created" and that he aided "the insurrectionists' common unlawful purpose of preventing the peaceful transfer of power in this country."

During Feb. 8 Supreme Court arguments, Trump's lawyer said he is not subject to the disqualification language because a president is not an "officer of the United States," that the provision cannot be enforced by courts absent congressional legislation, and that what occurred on Jan. 6 was shameful, criminal and violent but not an insurrection.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York and John Kruzel in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward, Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu and Katharine Jackson; Editing by Will Dunham)
Former President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Former President Donald Trump swept a trio of states Saturday, inching his way closer to a formal grasp of the partys nomination for president.

But the weekend also featured a bright spot for Nikki Haley, who won her first contest in the nominating cycle with a victory in Sunday's Washington, D.C., primaries.

Trump notched victories in the Missouri and Idaho caucuses, and also gained the 39 delegates available at Michigan's convention caucuses.

The two will face off Monday night in the North Dakota caucuses, and then in the numerous elections being held Tuesday, which is known as Super Tuesday, where over 800 delegates will be in play. Despite her victory Sunday, Haley remains far behind Trump in the race for the Republican nomination.

Nikki Haley spoke at a campaign event in North Carolina Saturday.

Weekend votes featured limited participation

None of the three elections Trump won this weekend were primaries. All were caucuses, which limit turnout by requiring participants to arrive at a specific time and usually to stay for a certain period to participate in a more formal process.

Caucus specifics vary from state to state, but they usually involve hearing speeches and then casting a vote.

In both Idaho and Missouri, state lawmakers canceled the Republican primary and replaced it with caucuses.

This gave a small percentage of Republicans in the state control over who the party nominates.

The last time Idaho held caucuses instead of a primary, in 2012, only about 45,000 people took part. That was about a fifth of all registered Republicans in the state. The tally Saturday night in Idaho appeared to be even lower  the Associated Press reported fewer than 40,000 votes were cast.

The timing of the caucuses was also an obstacle for many. Idaho, which is split between the Mountain and Pacific time zones, held its caucuses at 12:30 or 1:30 in the afternoon. Missouri held its caucuses at 10 a.m. Central Time.

Although Washington, D.C., held a primary, the district is overwhelmingly Democratic, so a small number of people actually voted. The AP results showed barely 2,000 votes total, with just under 1,300 of them cast for Haley.

The Associated Press called the Missouri caucuses for Trump at 12:40 p.m. ET and Idaho at 6:58 p.m. ET Saturday. The AP called the race for Haley at 8:36 p.m. ET Sunday.

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Michigans caucus convention was even more restricted

In Michigan, which held its caucuses at 10 a.m. ET, the average voter couldnt even take part.

Michigan also held a primary last week that allocated about a third of that states delegates. Trump won that contest easily.

But there was a scheduling conflict between the date set by Michigans Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, and rules for the Republican nominating calendar set by the Republican National Committee.

So the Michigan GOP created a hybrid system in which a majority of the states 55 delegates are allocated based on a caucus convention.

The caucus convention was held Saturday and brought together around 2,000 party activists from around the state, who were selected at the county level.

A state of confusion

But the confusion in Michigan was made worse when activists last year accused state party chair Kristina Karamo of mismanaging the organizations finances.

Trump backed a different state party chair, former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, as did the Republican National Committee.

Karamo, however, refused to back down and organized a caucus convention of her own, separate from the caucus convention held by Hoekstra and his organization.

Only one day before the two dueling meetings were set to take place, Karamo and her former staff bowed to the pressure from the national party and canceled their competing caucus convention.

Trump at an election night watch party in Columbia, S.C., on Feb. 24.

Heading into Tuesday

Though the votes might be small, the victories in Missouri, Michigan, and Idaho give Trump a little momentum heading into Super Tuesday. Trumps campaign hopes to wrap up the primary race in the coming weeks  or as soon as Tuesday night, should Haley drop out.

The victories also offer positive headlines for Trump, in contrast to his numerous, high-profile legal problems. Those include recent civil judgments against him totaling over $500 million, criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the election and his handling of classified information, and Supreme Court cases on whether he can appear on Colorado's ballot and the validity of his immunity claims.

For Haley, the 19 delegates she receives from Washington, D.C., may be less important than the moral victory of finally winning an election. But as for staying in the race, she has said that March 5 is as far as Ive thought in terms of going forward.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at an economic forum of Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Budapest, Hungary, on March 4, 2024. Orban said on Monday that the connection between the West and the East is necessary despite their differences. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday that the connection between the West and the East is necessary despite their differences.

In a speech delivered at an economic forum of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Orban noted the faster reshaping of the world's economic and political map. "The geopolitical and economic implications of this change are significant because they pose a serious dilemma," he said.

Orban said that Hungary had a unique position to facilitate cooperation and maintain economic opportunities and "we started to think in a global commercial network."

Orban noted two possible options for the debate concerning the West and the East: the West's decoupling, or disconnection, from the rest of the world, and connection.

Though Hungary is part of the West, it does not seek to sever its connections with the East, he said. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at an economic forum of Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Budapest, Hungary, on March 4, 2024. Orban said on Monday that the connection between the West and the East is necessary despite their differences. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Two separate non-fatal shootings happened over the weekend in Kansas City, according to the Kansas City Police Department.

Around 8:24 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to a disturbance at a CVS at 6300 Prospect Avenue. On their way there, the call was upgraded to a shooting, and they found someone shot when they arrived.

I looked right in his eyes: Witness recalls shooting at North Kansas City High

Police said the victim was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Soon after that, around 8:49 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting victim in downtown Kansas City near East 7th and Main streets. They found the victim in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound.

After investigating, police said the victim was driving east on Interstate 70 near the Main Street exit. Police said a suspect allegedly drove up next to the victim and fired a round of gunshots into the victims driver-side door.

The driver was hit and then drove to a parking lot to call the police. First responders took the driver to a local hospital.

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These two non-fatal shootings followed a homicide police are investigating that happened near Front Street around 6 p.m. Saturday, as well as a shooting that took place at North Kansas City High School after a basketball game.

Around 9:30 p.m. that night, officers also responded to a non-fatal stabbing in Shawnee, Kansas, that resulted in one suspect being arrested.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Melbourne  Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he would be "happy to reopen" the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 if "compelling" evidence emerged, opening the door to a renewed hunt a decade after the plane disappeared.



"If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened, we will certainly be happy to reopen it," he said when asked about the matter during a visit to Melbourne.



His comments came as the families marked 10 years since the plane vanished in the Indian Ocean with 239 people aboard.



"I don't think it's a technical issue. It's an issue affecting the lives of people and whatever needs to be done must be done," he said.

Crew on board a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion scan ahead as they search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 debris or wreckage on March 22, 2014, in the Southern Indian Ocean, off the west coast of Australia. / Credit: Pool/Getty

Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has never been found and the operation was suspended in January 2017.



About 500 relatives and their supporters gathered Sunday at a shopping center near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur for a "remembrance day", with many visibly overcome with grief.



Some of the relatives came from China, where almost two-thirds of the passengers of the doomed plane were from.

Chinese relatives of passengers on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 take part in a prayer service at the Metro Park Hotel in Beijing, China, April 8, 2014. / Credit: WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty

"The last 10 years have been a nonstop emotional rollercoaster for me," Grace Nathan, whose mother Anne Daisy was on the flight, told AFP. Speaking to the crowd, the 36-year-old Malaysian lawyer called on the government to conduct a new search.



Transport Minister Anthony Loke told reporters that "as far Malaysia is concerned, it is committed to finding the plane... cost is not the issue."

He told relatives at the gathering that he would meet with officials from Texas-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted a previous unsuccessful search, to discuss a new operation.

"We are now awaiting for them to provide suitable dates and I hope to meet them soon," he said.

Ocean Infinity's chief executive Oliver Plunkett said in a statement shared with CBS News that his company felt it was "in a position to be able to return to the search" for MH370, and he said it had "submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government" to resume operations.

Plunkett said that since the previous effort was called off, Ocean Infinity had "focused on driving the transformation of operations at sea; innovating with technology and robotics to

further advance our ocean search capabilities."

He acknowledged the mission to find the plane was "arguably the most challenging" one his company had undertaken, and he gave no indication of any breakthroughs over the last six years or so. But he said his team had spent that time working with "many experts, some outside of Ocean Infinity, to continue analysing the data in the hope of narrowing the search area down to one in which success becomes potentially achievable."

It was not immediately clear if the Malaysian government, in the transport minister's upcoming meetings with Ocean Infinity officials, would see the "compelling" evidence Prime Minister Ibrahim said would convince him to launch a new operation, but Plunkett said in his statement that he and his company "hope to get back to the search soon."



An earlier Australia-led search that covered some 46,000 square miles in the Indian Ocean  an area roughly the size of Pennsylvania - found hardly any trace of the plane, with only some pieces of debris picked up.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) made a stop in San Diego Sunday while kicking off day two of his California For All Tour.

The Democrat, a congressman representing Californias 30th Congressional District, is running for U.S. Senate. Schiff is currently in his 12th term in the House of Representatives.

The lawmaker serves as a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, which oversees the administration of justice within the nations federal courts, federal administrative agencies, and federal law enforcement.

Ten injured after falling from border wall in San Diego County

When it comes to the issues, Schiff touched on Californias housing affordability.

This is predominantly a problem of supply. Theres simply not enough affordable housing, Schiff said during his speech. We can do everything else right, we can provide far more Section 8 vouchers as I want to do, we can make sure everyone qualifies for Section 8 vouchers, we can give people renters tax credit as Im proposingbut if we dont increase the supply of housing, none of that is going to work.

Schiff then pointed to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria who he says is bringing a sense of urgency to this problem.

The decree that you cut down the time and the process to build new housing and approve new housing and help people find shelter is really a model, the lawmaker stated in regards to the mayors approach. We all know how difficult it is and I want the federal government to be a much better partner.

The U.S. Senate candidate also touched on the cross-border pollution issue, saying he wants to bring back the federal resources that can help address the problem.

Its necessary to do this to address the pollution and the sewage in the Tijuana River, but also to address the sewage plant north of the border on the U.S. side that is also in need of massive renovation, said Schiff. So that we can reopen our beaches, so that we can protect the population, so we can attack what I think is one of the most severe environmental injustices we see anywhere in the state.

The presidential primary election in California is happening March 5, with dozens of local, state and federal races and several measures on the ballot.

Schiffs full speech can be viewed in the video at the top of this page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Krista Kafer, a Republican commentator and one of the plaintiffs in a case seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, speaks to the press outside the U.S. Supreme Court following oral arguments in the case on Feb. 8, 2024. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

Former President Donald Trump must be placed on Colorados 2024 ballot, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday, striking down a first-of-its-kind holding by the Colorado Supreme Court that the Republican front-runner is disqualified from office under a Civil War-era insurrection clause.

Trump disqualification

Read more from our reporting on the Trump 14th Amendment case here.

Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 (of the 14th Amendment) against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse, justices wrote in the unsigned, per curiam opinion.

The ruling  which comes just one day before Colorado holds its presidential primary election on Super Tuesday, March 5  brings an end to a six-month legal saga that began in Denver District Court and sent shockwaves through American politics during its fast-tracked ascent through the judicial system.

Six Republican and unaffiliated Colorado voters, backed by the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed a lawsuit last September alleging that Trumps actions in relation to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualify him from office under Section 3. The clause prohibits a person who engaged in insurrection after taking an oath to support the Constitution from holding office again.

In a 4-3 majority opinion issued Dec. 19, the Colorado Supreme Court sided with the plaintiffs, ordering Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold not to certify Trumps candidacy for the states 2024 Republican presidential primary. The historic ruling, which drew furious condemnations from leading Republicans and even some centrist and liberal commentators, set the stage for similar decisions by Maines secretary of state later in December and an Illinois judge last week.

Mondays ruling will likely result in the reversal of those decisions and spell an end to similar Section 3 challenges in at least a dozen other states, with the justices citing the disruption and chaos that would ensue if states were allowed to enforce the clause against federal candidates.

Trump said in a radio interview Monday morning that he was very honored by a nine-to-nothing vote.

Representatives from CREW said in a press call they were still digesting the particulars of the courts ruling, but faulted the court for taking what they called a procedural off-ramp to allow Trump on the ballot.

The Supreme Court removed an enforcement mechanism, and in letting Trump back on the ballot, they failed to meet the moment, CREW president Noah Bookbinder said in a statement. But it is now clear that Trump led the Jan. 6 insurrection, and it will be up to the American people to ensure accountability.

The Colorado ruling never took effect, because the justices stayed their order pending U.S. Supreme Court review, and Trump still appeared on GOP primary ballots, which were mailed to Colorado voters beginning Feb. 12. Mondays U.S. Supreme Court ruling ensures that all votes cast by Colorado primary voters for Trump  the overwhelming favorite for his partys nomination following the withdrawal of nearly all of his major rivals from the race  will be counted.

I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates, Griswold wrote on X following the ruling. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.

In accordance with this decision, Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary, Griswold said.

Court split on enforcement

Though all nine U.S. Supreme Court justices agreed on the outcome of the case, the opinions released Monday show a divide over how far the court should have gone to settle key issues relating to the enforcement of Section 3.

In his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Trumps attorneys challenged the Colorado ruling on a variety of grounds. In addition to arguing that enforcement of Section 3 required an act of Congress, Trumps team put forward a theory that Section 3s reference to officer(s) of the United States did not include the presidency, and disputed claims that the Jan. 6 attack was an insurrection and Trump engaged in it.

Mondays ruling is silent on the latter two questions, an outcome that the plaintiffs attorneys sought to portray as a victory on Monday.

The Supreme Court was given the opportunity to exonerate Donald Trump for engaging in insurrection. Donald Trump asked them to exonerate him for engaging in insurrection, Bookbinder said in a press call. And they did not do that. There is not a single sentence from a single justice, in that opinion that came out today, taking substantive issue with the findings of the Colorado Supreme Court that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection.

But five Republican-appointed justices  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh  appeared to back strict limitations on how the insurrection clause can be enforced. Citing a precedent known as Griffins case, an 1869 circuit court opinion authored by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, they wrote that it was necessary for Congress to enact enforcing legislation pursuant to Section 5 of the 14th Amendment, which states that Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

The Constitution empowers Congress to prescribe how those determinations should be made, the ruling says, referring to the Enforcement Act of 1870 and Section 2383 of the U.S. Code, a statute prescribing a criminal penalty for rebellion or insurrection, as appropriate uses of the Section 5 power.

That interpretation appears to rule out the possibility that Section 3 could be enforced by federal courts or by Congress through other means, such as by refusing to seat insurrectionist members or declining to certify the election of an insurrectionist president. In a separate opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that she did not join the other conservative justices in deciding that issue. And in a third opinion, the three Democratic-appointed members of the court  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  called the majoritys Section 5 findings as inadequately supported as they are gratuitous.

Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President, the liberal justices wrote. Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision.

Other avenues

Following the 14th Amendments ratification in 1868, Section 3 was aggressively enforced against hundreds of ex-Confederates for a period of several years. But a series of amnesty measures approved by Congress largely rendered it moot by 1871, and it was enforced in only a handful of cases in the ensuing 150 years.

The unprecedented events of Jan. 6, 2021, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of President Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election, revived interest in the clause among legal scholars. In another case brought by CREW in 2022, a New Mexico court removed from office a GOP county commissioner who had participated in the attack. Mondays ruling bars states from enforcing Section 3 against candidates for president or other federal offices, but does not preclude them from enforcing it against state and local officeholders.

Colorado was singled out by CREW as a good venue for a 14th Amendment case against Trump because of provisions in its election code requiring only candidates who are eligible to assume office to be placed on the ballot. Challenges in several other states, including Minnesota and Michigan, had been rejected by the courts.

Trump was indicted last year by federal prosecutors who allege that his pervasive and destabilizing lies about the 2020 election targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government. That case is still pending, as is a separate election interference case against Trump in Fulton County, Georgia.

In briefs and oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court last month, the Colorado plaintiffs had argued that Section 3, like many other measures in the Constitution, is self-executing, and that Griffins case was wrongly decided. Donald Sherman, CREWs executive vice president and chief counsel, said Monday that the majoritys interpretation contradicts the consensus view of historians and constitutional scholars.

The text of Section 3 does not say any of this, Sherman said. The majority opinion is reading words into this provision that clearly are not there.

Proponents of Trumps disqualification said they will closely scrutinize the courts opinion and evaluate other ways that Section 3 could be enforced.

We certainly expect there will be interest in Congress as to whether there is a practical path forward for congressional action, Bookbinder said. And well be looking into what other avenues there might be, whether its rooted in the 14th Amendment or otherwise, to try to protect democracy from those who have attacked it.

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The post U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Colorado 14th Amendment ruling, clearing Trump for ballot appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a campaign event on Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterloo, Iowa. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

This is a developing story and that was last updated at 10:28 a.m. Monday, March 4, 2024.

Former President Donald Trump must be placed on Colorados 2024 ballot, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday, striking down a first-of-its-kind holding by the Colorado Supreme Court that the Republican front-runner is disqualified from office under a Civil War-era insurrection clause.

Trump disqualification

Read more from our reporting on the Trump 14th Amendment case here.

Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 (of the 14th Amendment) against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse, justices wrote in the unsigned, per curiam opinion.

The ruling  which comes just one day before Colorado holds its presidential primary election on Super Tuesday, March 5  brings an end to a six-month legal saga that began in Denver District Court and sent shockwaves through American politics during its fast-tracked ascent through the judicial system.

Six Republican and unaffiliated Colorado voters, backed by the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed a lawsuit last September alleging that Trumps actions in relation to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualify him from office under Section 3. The clause prohibits a person who engaged in insurrection after taking an oath to support the Constitution from holding office again.

In a 4-3 majority opinion issued Dec. 19, the Colorado Supreme Court sided with the plaintiffs, ordering Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold not to certify Trumps candidacy for the states 2024 Republican presidential primary. The historic ruling, which drew furious condemnations from leading Republicans and even some centrist and liberal commentators, set the stage for similar decisions by Maines secretary of state later in December and an Illinois judge last week.

Though all nine U.S. Supreme Court justices agreed on the outcome of the case, the opinions released Monday show a divide over how far the court should have gone to settle key issues relating to the enforcement of Section 3.

In his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Trumps attorneys challenged the Colorado ruling on a variety of grounds. In addition to arguing that enforcement of Section 3 required an act of Congress, Trumps team put forward a theory that Section 3s reference to officer(s) of the United States did not include the presidency, and disputed claims that the Jan. 6 attack was an insurrection and Trump engaged in it.

Mondays ruling is silent on the latter two questions. But five Republican-appointed justices  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh  appear to back strict limitations on how the insurrection clause can be enforced. Citing a precedent known as Griffins case, an 1869 circuit court opinion authored by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, they wrote that it was necessary for Congress to enact enforcing legislation pursuant to Section 5 of the 14th Amendment, which states that Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

The Constitution empowers Congress to prescribe how those determinations should be made, the ruling says, referring to the Enforcement Act of 1870 and Section 2383 of the U.S. Code, a statute prescribing a criminal penalty for rebellion or insurrection, as appropriate uses of the Section 5 power.

That interpretation appears to foreclose the possibility that Section 3 could be enforced by federal courts or by Congress through other means, such as by refusing to seat insurrectionist members or declining to certify the election of an insurrectionist president. In a separate opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that she did not join the other conservative justices in deciding that issue. And in a third opinion, the three Democratic-appointed members of the court  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  called the majoritys Section 5 findings as inadequately supported as they are gratuitous.

Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President, the liberal justices wrote. Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision.

The Colorado ruling never took effect, because the justices stayed their order pending U.S. Supreme Court review, and Trump still appeared on GOP primary ballots, which were mailed to Colorado voters beginning Feb. 12. Mondays U.S. Supreme Court ruling ensures that all votes cast by Colorado primary voters for Trump  the overwhelming favorite for his partys nomination following the withdrawal of nearly all of his major rivals from the race  will be counted.

I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates, Griswold wrote on X following the ruling. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.

In accordance with this decision, Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary, Griswold said.

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This story was originally published by Colorado Newsline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. Follow Colorado Newsline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Colorado 14th Amendment ruling, clearing Trump for ballot appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Krista Kafer, a Republican commentator and one of the plaintiffs in a case seeking to bar former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, speaks to the press outside the U.S. Supreme Court following oral arguments in the case on Feb. 8, 2024. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Former President Donald Trump must be placed on Colorados 2024 ballot, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday, striking down a first-of-its-kind holding by the Colorado Supreme Court that the Republican front-runner is disqualified from office under a Civil War-era insurrection clause.

Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 (of the 14th Amendment) against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse, justices wrote in the unsigned, per curiam opinion.

The ruling  which comes just one day before Colorado holds its presidential primary election on Super Tuesday, March 5  brings an end to a six-month legal saga that began in Denver District Court and sent shockwaves through American politics during its fast-tracked ascent through the judicial system.

Six Republican and unaffiliated Colorado voters, backed by the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed a lawsuit last September alleging that Trumps actions in relation to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol disqualify him from office under Section 3. The clause prohibits a person who engaged in insurrection after taking an oath to support the Constitution from holding office again.

In a 4-3 majority opinion issued Dec. 19, the Colorado Supreme Court sided with the plaintiffs, ordering Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold not to certify Trumps candidacy for the states 2024 Republican presidential primary. The historic ruling, which drew furious condemnations from leading Republicans and even some centrist and liberal commentators, set the stage for similar decisions by Maines secretary of state later in December and an Illinois judge last week.

Though all nine U.S. Supreme Court justices agreed on the outcome of the case, the opinions released Monday show a divide over how far the court should have gone to settle key issues relating to the enforcement of Section 3.

In his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Trumps attorneys challenged the Colorado ruling on a variety of grounds. In addition to arguing that enforcement of Section 3 required an act of Congress, Trumps team put forward a theory that Section 3s reference to officer(s) of the United States did not include the presidency, and disputed claims that the Jan. 6 attack was an insurrection and Trump engaged in it.

Mondays ruling is silent on the latter two questions. But five Republican-appointed justices  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh  appear to back strict limitations on how the insurrection clause can be enforced. Citing a precedent known as Griffins case, an 1869 circuit court opinion authored by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, they wrote that it was necessary for Congress to enact enforcing legislation pursuant to Section 5 of the 14th Amendment, which states that Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

The Constitution empowers Congress to prescribe how those determinations should be made, the ruling says, referring to the Enforcement Act of 1870 and Section 2383 of the U.S. Code, a statute prescribing a criminal penalty for rebellion or insurrection, as appropriate uses of the Section 5 power.

That interpretation appears to rule out the possibility that Section 3 could be enforced by federal courts or by Congress through other means, such as by refusing to seat insurrectionist members or declining to certify the election of an insurrectionist president. In a separate opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that she did not join the other conservative justices in deciding that issue. And in a third opinion, the three Democratic-appointed members of the court  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  called the majoritys Section 5 findings as inadequately supported as they are gratuitous.

Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President, the liberal justices wrote. Although we agree that Colorado cannot enforce Section 3, we protest the majoritys effort to use this case to define the limits of federal enforcement of that provision.

The Colorado ruling never took effect, because the justices stayed their order pending U.S. Supreme Court review, and Trump still appeared on GOP primary ballots, which were mailed to Colorado voters beginning Feb. 12. Mondays U.S. Supreme Court ruling ensures that all votes cast by Colorado primary voters for Trump  the overwhelming favorite for his partys nomination following the withdrawal of nearly all of his major rivals from the race  will be counted.

I am disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Courts decision stripping states of the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates, Griswold wrote on X following the ruling. Colorado should be able to bar oath-breaking insurrections from our ballot.

In accordance with this decision, Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary, Griswold said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This story was published earlier by the Colorado Newsline, an affiliate of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix.

The post U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Colorado 14th Amendment ruling, clearing Trump for ballot appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
TEHRAN, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday denounced as "baseless" the recent claims made by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) about his country's share of a gas field located in a neutral maritime zone between Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

At a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital of Tehran, Kanaani reiterated Iran's principled positions on the issue, adding the "baseless" unilateral claims would not safeguard any right for the claimant.

A GCC ministerial meeting said on Sunday in a communique that the entire Al-Durra gas field, known as Arash in Iran, and its natural resources are jointly owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Reacting to the GCC remarks, Kanaani stressed that Iran had always, based on bilateral talks with the Kuwaiti government, valued constructive cooperation on extraction activities in the joint gas field for common interests.

He highlighted the necessity to continue legal and technical negotiations in meetings with the Kuwaiti side.

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have a long-lasting dispute over the ownership of the offshore gas field. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed an agreement on jointly developing the gas field in March 2022. Iran denounced the agreement as "illegal" and said it violated previous negotiations.

Iran and Kuwait have held talks for many years over their disputed maritime border area, which is rich in natural gas, but failed to map border demarcation and end disputes. 
Border reconnaissance units, alongside fellow soldiers from the Khortytsia 23rd Brigade of Ukraines National Guard, blindsided the Russian enemy by destroying a Murom-M video thermal surveillance system.

Read also: Ukrainian forces destroy Tor air defense system and TOS-1A flamethrower near Donetsk

Footage showing the exact moment a kamikaze drone crashed into the complex was shared by Ukraines State Border Guard Service on YouTube.

Ukraines soldiers not only disabled the surveillance complex but also damaged its antenna equipment.

The complex was located on the Zaporizhzhya front



Read also: Ukrainian Air Force hit two more Russian planes with anti-aircraft missiles

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The relevant Ukrainian ministry will cooperate with the French agency to restore Chernihiv Oblast.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure; European Pravda

A memorandum of cooperation was signed with the French agency for international technical cooperation Expertise France.

"Expertise France will provide comprehensive support for the recovery of Chernihiv Oblast, focusing on expertise and innovation. Reconstruction and European integration are our priorities. We strive to start working as soon as possible, so we are already working on structuring technical assistance projects," said Jeremy Pelle, General Director of the agency.

Assistance to Chernihiv Oblast and its hromadas, in particular Ichnia, Novy Bilous, Nova Basan, Oster, Pryluky, Semenivka and Novhorod-Siverskyi district, will be provided through two projects of the agency [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

For more convenient work, Expertise France will create a project office for hromada support in Chernihiv, with the participation of international and local experts.

Among other things, they plan to preserve the roof of the regional academic theatre in Chernihiv, support local innovation projects, recover anti-radiation shelters in central hospitals of the oblast, support local self-government bodies, including through educational projects in the topics of innovation, mobility, agriculture, culture and heritage.

Chernihiv Oblast has already received humanitarian aid and support from France to recover its infrastructure.

France is also preparing a plan to help the affected cultural sights of Odesa.

Previously: Latvia has also focused on supporting Chernihiv Oblast.

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NAIROBI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Sub-Saharan African countries are committed to halting the flow of small and light weapons due to the threat they pose to peace, stability and long-term growth, officials said Monday at a forum in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

The officials attending a two-day regional preparatory meeting decried the movement of these weapons across borders, fueling terrorism, armed insurgencies and wildlife crimes.

Raymond Omollo, principal secretary for the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration of Kenya, said that the proliferation and misuse of small and light weapons pose an existential threat to Africa's peace, cohesion and stability.

"Small and light weapons continue to wreak havoc in communities, fuel conflicts, undermine peace and stability, and hinder socioeconomic development in the African continent," Omollo said.

Delegates from 26 African countries are attending the meeting for the fourth review conference on the United Nations program of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the trade in small arms and light weapons. Also in attendance at the Nairobi conference, which will share best practices to promote the elimination of illicit weapons, are senior officials from the United Nations, African Union and regional blocs.

The forum will review progress in the implementation of the UN Program of Action and discuss a set of priorities in preparation for the UN Program of Action Fourth Review meeting scheduled to take place in New York from June 17 to 28.

Omollo reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to implementing global, regional and national treaties to strengthen action on illicit weapons that are fomenting strife in some parts of Africa.

He cited enhanced border controls, regional cooperation on arms control, improved surveillance and stockpile management, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies as effective strategies in curbing the flow of illegal weapons.

Bankole Adeoye, the African Union commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said halting the cross-border movement of small and light weapons in Africa aligns with the African Union's Silencing the Guns initiative, which is a flagship project under the AU's Agenda 2063.

According to Adeoye, African leaders have committed to ending all wars and armed conflicts by 2030, while the continent has developed a common position to curb the trafficking of illicit weapons. 
by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Huang Heng

LOS ANGELES, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Participants in a U.S.-China Green Port and Low-Carbon meeting have called for stronger port cooperation between the two countries to jointly promote carbon emissions reduction and sustainable port operations.

Representatives from over 60 global shipping and logistics companies, container terminals, zero-emission technology developers, and original equipment manufacturers gathered at the meeting in Long Beach, Southern California, on Sunday to explore potential opportunities for trans-Pacific cooperation between Southern California and China's Shenzhen, a technological innovation hub in southern China's Guangdong Province.

They focused on ways to lower emissions and further decarbonize the shipping and logistics sectors at the two countries' ports.

They also held in-depth discussions regarding potential sister-port cooperation between the Port of Long Beach, the U.S. second busiest port, and the Port of Shenzhen and potential collaboration in green ports and low-carbon shipping initiatives.

The Port of Long Beach is the most important gateway for China-U.S. trade, with more than 70 percent of its cargo volume related to China, said Peng Jing, commercial counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles.

In order to jointly build a clean and beautiful world, China and the United States need to strengthen cooperation in new energy technology innovation, promote cooperation in clean energy industry chain, and build a new win-win model of green energy and low-carbon transformation, she said.

"In terms of green and low-carbon development, the U.S. market has demand, Chinese products have advantages, and there is broad space for cooperation between the two parties," Peng noted.

She said that both Yantian Port in Shenzhen and the Port of Long Beach are actively promoting green port construction, expressing her hope that the two ports further enhance communication and exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in clean energy and low-carbon environmental protection, and jointly promote the green development of China-U.S. shipping and logistics industries.

"For the Port of Long Beach, the green port, we're very proud to work with the U.S.-China exchange (program) in terms of net emissions, decarbonization, in terms of what we need to do," said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

He said it is exciting to have discussions with Chinese partners with regard to sustainability via emissions reduction.

Wayne Nastri, executive officer of South Coast Air Quality Management District, expressed his hope for greater partnership for green revolution.

"We know that as we develop new technologies, we have responsibility. We need to make sure that as those technologies are being developed, there's a real market for it," he said.

"And we know that in order to get to zero emissions, to clean the air, for our communities to improve public health, we have to deploy those technologies, and we have to do it in a way that business can utilize and thrive," he added.

Neville Lam, commercial director of Hutchison Ports Yantian, shared the port's practice in pursuit of green initiatives and eco-friendly operations.

Hutchison Ports Yantian is the leading gateway serving import and export container traffic generated by its immediate cargo hinterland in the Pearl River Delta region in China.

Calling the port one of the biggest container terminals of the world, Lam said it has been ranked No. 1 in annual throughput in China for consecutive 20 years.

"Looking ahead, Hutchison Ports Yantian is committed to achieving a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) by 2030 compared to the 2021 levels, and we remain steadfastly committed to pursuing our long-term goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions," Lam said. 
Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, believes that the country will be able to join the European Union immediately after winning the war, and that it will complete its "homework" in two years.

Source: Shmyhal at a press conference on 4 March, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "I have high hopes that political decisions regarding Ukraine's accession will be made immediately following our victory. I do not believe the EU will wait for some formalities as Ukraine completes its homework. We will have it done, there is no doubt... I want to believe that Ukraine will join the EU immediately following our victory, at the end of this war. We'll get our homework done in two years."

Details: Shmyhal noted that Ukraine is making rapid progress toward membership in the EU. According to him, the country has already self-screened its legislation for compliance with EU law, which shortens the duration of the negotiation process.

He expressed confidence that Ukraine would be able to complete all negotiation procedures "very quickly  up to two years." "We're ready to do our homework," Shmyhal stated.

Furthermore, he believes that the EU leaders will only need to make a political decision on Ukraine's accession, and the parliaments of EU member states will be able to ratify it.

Background:

Ukraine expects the European Commission to present it with its negotiation framework for future accession to the European Union no later than 12 March.

The negotiation framework is expected to be approved at an intergovernmental conference held following the EU leaders' March summit on 19 March. Convening an intergovernmental conference is the official start of accession negotiations.

The March EU summit is expected to assess Ukraine's latest moves in order to start the accession negotiations. Among these moves is the approval of the law on lobbying.

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Businesses and the market in Ukraine are ready to produce over a million UAVs. The government has allocated about UAH 40 billion (roughly US$1,04 billion) to set up this production.

Source: Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the annual summary press conference on the results of the government's four years of work

Details: "We took quite substantial steps in 2024 to strengthen our domestic arms production. The president set a goal of 1 million drones [to be produced]. We understand that business and the market in Ukraine are ready to produce over a million UAVs. We will certainly acquire everything that our business can produce in order to supply it to our Defence Forces," Shmyhal noted.

The prime minister stressed that additional resources have been allocated for drones production.

Shmyhal added that the government is now allocating substantial funds to procure domestically-made weapons. The goal is to use 50% of the funds earmarked for purchasing weapons and military equipment to procure them from Ukrainian manufacturers.

Background:

On 19 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine would produce one million drones in 2024.

Ukraine is indeed capable of producing one million First-Person View drones, as Zelenskyy stated on 21 December.

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Both President Biden and former President Trump are focused on the November general election.

But they must first win over voters in a slew of primaries and caucuses on Super Tuesday.

Nikki Haley has continued to campaign vigorously against Trump in the GOP primary.

Super Tuesday is perhaps the most important day on the presidential-nominating calendar. This year, the outcomes of races in 16 states and one territory on March 5 are poised to give virtually insurmountable delegate leads to both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Headed into Super Tuesday, Trump has won nearly every GOP contest against Nikki Haley, a former UN ambassador and ex-governor of South Carolina and his sole remaining major intraparty challenger. The former president has emerged victorious in key contests including the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary, South Carolina primary, and Michigan primary, while Haley won her first primary in Washington, DC, on Sunday.

On Super Tuesday, Trump is looking to continue his dominant performance against Haley as he inches closer to earning the 1,215 delegates needed to secure the GOP nomination. However, Haley continues to criticize Trump over everything from his electability to his judgment regarding foreign affairs, arguing that the GOP must turn the page from the former president.

Though Biden easily won the early Democratic contests, he encountered some pushback in last week's Michigan primary when over 100,000 Democratic primary voters chose "uncommitted" to protest his refusal to call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. (He still won the state's primary with 81% of the vote.)

Democratic challengers Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson have so far attracted minimal support among the party's voters.

Here's a look at the states and one territory where voters will head to the polls on Super Tuesday:

Alabama

Donald Trump shakes hands with Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville at a fundraiser event for the Alabama GOP in Montgomery on August 4. AP Photo/Butch Dill

Democratic delegates at stake: 52

GOP delegates at stake: 50

Should Trump win the GOP nomination, Alabama is set to be one of his strongest states in the general election. The former president easily carried the state in both 2016 and 2020, and with an evangelical base that remains strongly behind him, he's poised for a major victory over Haley.

Biden  who has sought to appeal to Black voters ahead of November  won over 70% of the Black vote en route to a huge victory over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the state's 2020 Democratic primary. That year, Black voters made up a near-majority of the Democratic primary electorate in Alabama.

While the state will almost certainly be in Trump's column in the fall, Biden's margins among Black voters could be a barometer of the current state of his campaign, as he'll need to energize this critical group across the country to secure reelection.

Alaska

Trump campaigns for former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at a rally in Anchorage on July 9, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

GOP delegates at stake: 29

Alaska will hold a Republican caucus on Super Tuesday, which Trump is expected to win.

Despite Trump's popularity among the state's conservative base, his endorsement didn't help Kelly Tshibaka defeat GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski in 2022. Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump for "incitement of insurrection" for his actions on January 6, 2021, recently threw her support behind Haley's presidential campaign.

Democrats will hold their presidential primary in Alaska on April 6.

Arkansas

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former White House press secretary, is a key Trump surrogate. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Democratic delegates at stake: 31

GOP delegates at stake: 40

Arkansas is another conservative-leaning Southern state that is almost certain to back Trump by wide margins in both the GOP primary and the general election.

Biden is expected to win the Democratic primary in the Natural State.

California

Joe Biden greets California Gov. Gavin Newsom after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport to attend the Summit of the Americas on June 8, 2022. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Democratic delegates at stake: 424

GOP delegates at stake: 169

California, the most populous state in the US, has the highest number of delegates in both the Democratic and GOP primaries.

Last year, the California Republican Party tweaked the rules for the primary, which will now afford all of the state's GOP delegates to the candidate who wins the contest with over 50% of the vote, in a move that's viewed as a boost to Trump. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, then the delegates will be granted proportionally.

Biden is expected to win California's primary rather handily, but both Phillips and Williamson could chip away at his margins in this large state.

Colorado

Biden speaks about investing in clean-energy manufacturing at CS Wind in Pueblo, Colorado. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Democratic delegates at stake: 72

GOP delegates at stake: 37

Both Biden and Trump are favored to win their respective primaries in Colorado.

In a 4-3 decision late last year, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump should be disqualified from appearing on the state's primary ballot, but the decision was stayed as the Trump campaign later sought an appeal.

On March 4, a day before Super Tuesday, the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that states cannot disqualify Trump from the ballot.

Once reliably Republican, Colorado has voted for every Democratic presidential nominee since 2008. With its sizable share of college-educated suburban voters and unaffiliated voters, Haley could put up a solid showing in the state's GOP primary.

Iowa

Biden campaigned in Iowa in 2020 but was unsuccessful in his efforts to flip the state. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Democratic delegates at stake: 40

Republicans in the Hawkeye State held their first-in-the-nation caucus in January.

But after the Democratic National Committee moved South Carolina to the front of the line in the party's nominating process, Iowa Democrats instead turned to a presidential-preference vote via mail. (Voting began on January 12 and preference cards that are postmarked no later than March 5 will be accepted.)

In recent election cycles, Iowa, once a decidedly purple state, has shifted to the right, giving Democrats little hope that Biden can win the state this fall.

Trump carried Iowa in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

Maine

Maine Sen. Susan Collins is backing Nikki Haley's GOP presidential candidacy. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Democratic delegates at stake: 24

GOP delegates at stake: 20

In Maine, both Biden and Trump are favored in their respective party primaries.

However, Haley is poised to peel off center-right Republicans who remain uncomfortable with a second Trump presidency, especially after Maine Sen. Susan Collins endorsed Haley's campaign last week.

Massachusetts

Biden in Boston. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Democratic delegates at stake: 92

GOP delegates at stake: 40

Biden's victory in the 2020 Massachusetts Democratic primary effectively ended Sen. Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign that year.

He's set to win the state's Democratic primary again, this time as the occupant of the Oval Office.

Haley could put up one of her best Super Tuesday showings in Massachusetts, as many of its GOP voters continue to embrace the sort of old-school Republicanism in the mold of former moderate Govs. Bill Weld and Charlie Baker. Still, Trump remains popular with base conservatives in the state.

In the general election, Massachusetts will lean heavily toward Biden.

Minnesota

Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Democratic delegates at stake: 75

GOP delegates at stake: 39

Biden is expected to win Minnesota despite the presence of Phillips  a congressman representing part of the Minneapolis suburbs  in the presidential race.

Haley could attract the support of many of the state's suburban voters in the GOP primary.

North Carolina

North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd takes the stage with Trump, who endorsed him, during a rally in Selma, North Carolina, on April 9, 2022. Chris Seward/AP Photo

Democratic delegates at stake: 116

GOP delegates at stake: 74

North Carolina is poised to be one of the most competitive states in this year's general election.

Trump won the swing state in both 2016 and 2020, but the Biden campaign is desperate to flip it in November.

The primary results could reveal any major weaknesses and strengths for both Biden and Trump, especially in the populous suburbs surrounding Charlotte and Raleigh.

Oklahoma

Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Democratic delegates at stake: 36

GOP delegates at stake: 43

Both Trump and Biden are poised to win Oklahoma in their respective primaries.

Tennessee

Trump at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 22. AP Photo/George Walker IV

Democratic delegates at stake: 63

GOP delegates at stake: 58

Trump's conservative base is firmly behind him in Tennessee, while Biden should perform well with core Democratic constituencies in the state.

Texas

Trump exits a campaign rally in Waco, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Democratic delegates at stake: 244

GOP delegates at stake: 161

Trump has cultivated his political support in Texas for years, and even with the state's vast contingent of suburban voters, he's set to perform well there against Haley in the primary  especially with immigration being a paramount concern for GOP voters. The former president has long campaigned on border security and he's heavily amplified the issue ahead of a likely rematch with Biden.

Utah

Trump in Salt Lake City in 2017. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Democratic delegates at stake: 30

GOP delegates at stake: 40

In Utah, one of the most conservative states in the country, Democrats are holding a presidential primary while Republicans opted for a caucus.

Vermont

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is backing Haley's presidential bid. Glenn Russell/VTDigger via AP, Pool, File

Democratic delegates at stake: 16

GOP delegates at stake: 17

On Super Tuesday, Haley could win some support from centrist Vermont Republicans who are leery of Trump. In January, the former South Carolina governor was endorsed by the popular GOP Gov. Phil Scott.

However, Vermont is a strongly Democratic state on the presidential level.

Virginia

Biden speaks at an event focused on abortion rights in Manassas, Virginia, on January 23. AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Democratic delegates at stake: 99

GOP delegates at stake: 48

Both Biden and Trump are poised to win Virginia, which leans Democratic in presidential elections.

But Haley could make things interesting on the GOP side in Northern Virginia and in politically competitive suburbs and exurbs in metropolitan Richmond and Hampton Roads.

American Samoa

A view from the National Park of American Samoa. emperorcosar/Shutterstock

Democratic delegates at stake: 6

Democrats will hold caucuses in the US territory of American Samoa. Republicans will hold their caucuses there on Friday after Super Tuesday.

While American Samoa doesn't have any electoral votes in the general election, it still plays a role in the nomination process.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BEIRUT, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Monday with visiting U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to discuss the developments on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Hochstein said the United States is committed to working on a long-term solution to stop the ongoing military operations on the Lebanon-Israel border, the National News Agency reported.

"The United States believes that a diplomatic solution is the only way to end the ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, which would allow the displaced Lebanese to return to their homes, and the same is true on the other side of the border," the envoy noted.

Hochstein said, "A temporary ceasefire is insufficient," stressing that the security of each party along the Blue Line must be guaranteed.

"Today's visit is the result of weeks of escalation," he said, assuring that the United States is working with countries worldwide to create an opportunity that enhances stability and prosperity for Lebanon.

Hochstein, who arrived on Monday in Beirut, also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun, and other Lebanese officials with whom he also discussed the situation in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 
FILE - IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi attends a joint press conference with head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami in Tehran, Saturday, March 4, 2023. Iran has further increased its total stockpile of uranium, according to a report by the United Nations nuclear watchdog seen by The Associated Press on Monday, and continues to bar several of the most experienced inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program. The IAEA report estimated that as of Feb. 10, Irans total enriched uranium stockpile was at 5,525.5 kilograms, an increase of 1038.7 kilograms since the last quarterly report in November 2023. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

VIENNA (AP)  The U.N. atomic watchdog agency's director said that he's due to depart for a trip to Moscow on Tuesday for high-level talks with Russian officials to discuss the issue of nuclear safety in Ukraine.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi made the announcement on Monday, the first day of a regular meeting of the agency's 35-nation board of governors in Vienna. There was no immediate confirmation of the trip from the Kremlin.

The situation continues to be very fragile, Grossi told reporters, referring to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant located in southeastern Ukraine.

The safety of the nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest, is of tremendous importance in terms of international peace and security, he said.

Grossi said that it was the intention that he will meet personally with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his upcoming trip, but added that he would expect Moscow as the host of the talks to officially confirm it.

Grossi last met with Putin in October 2022.

Grossi visited Ukraine in February, and crossed the front line to visit the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in person as part of the IAEAs efforts to prevent a nuclear disaster amid an ongoing war. He also held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He told reporters in Vienna that he considered it important to maintain a dialogue with both sides.

Grossi said that he expected to discuss technical issues related to the future operational status of the plant in Moscow. He also said that if the six-unit Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently in cold shutdown, is to be restarted, he would need to discuss what kind of safety evaluation will be made. He also said that he needs to speak about the issue of the external power supply lines, since what the IAEA currently sees is fragile and thin.

The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the Zaporizhzhia facility amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and seized the facility shortly after.

The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.

The plant suffered eight losses of off-site power since the start of the war, forcing it to temporarily rely on emergency diesel generators, while continuing to face challenges related to staffing.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
JERUSALEM - In a report published by the U.N. Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the international body finally recognized that Hamas terrorists carried out extreme acts of sexual violence on Oct. 7, including rape and gang-rape in at least three locations. It also noted that in some of the incidents, the victims were subjected to rape and were then killed; in others, Hamas terrorists raped the women after they were killed.

Despite the recognition, Israel expressed disappointment that the report stopped short of condemning Hamas heinous acts outright or even convening a special hearing in the Security Council to discuss taking action against the group  and its supporters.

Israels foreign minister, Israel Katz, accused the U.N. of downplaying the atrocities and ordered the countrys special representative, Ambassador Gilad Erdan, to return to Israel for "consultations."

United Nations headquarters and flag juxtaposed with a picture of an Israeli woman kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.

HAMAS TERRORISTS 'SYSTEMATICALLY AND INTENTIONALLY' COMMITTED SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING OCT. 7 ATTACK: REPORT

"I have ordered our ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan to return to Israel for immediate consultations regarding the attempt to silence the serious U.N. report on the mass rapes committed by Hamas and its aides on October 7th," the Minister wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Despite the authority granted to him, the U.N. Secretary General did not order the convening of the Security Council in view of the findings or declare Hamas a terrorist organization and impose sanctions on its supporters," wrote Katz.

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"It took the U.N. five months to finally acknowledge the shocking sex crimes committed during the Hamas terror attack on Oct.7," Erdan said in a statement. "Today, with the release of the report on the sexual abuse that Israeli female hostages are enduring, the shame of the U.N. is on clear display. The U.N. has not held even one discussion on the topic. Not even one meeting."

Erdan called on the secretary-general, and the Security Council, to immediately condemn Hamas for its crimes, and apply unrelenting pressure on the terrorists to ensure that their sexual abuse ends and that the hostages are released.

Calls for a cease-fire, he said, would prolong the suffering of Israeli hostages at the hands of Hamas and allow Hamas "to continue their sexual violence."

The report was carried out by Pramila Patten, the special representative of the secretary-general, who visited Israel with a team of experts last month. In a statement to the press, she noted that the mission "found clear and convincing information that sexual violence, including rape, sexualized torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment has been committed against hostages."

UNITED NATIONS SLAMMED FOR SILENCE OVER HAMAS RAPES, MUTILATION AND MURDER OF ISRAELI WOMEN, CRITICS SAY

A soldier with the Military Rabbinate unit opens a container filled with bodies of people killed during the Hamas terrorist attack on the Shura army base, on Oct. 24, 2023, in Ramle, Israel.

She also highlighted that there were "reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing against those still held in captivity."

"The mission team also found a pattern of victims, mostly women, found fully or partially naked, bound, and shot across multiple locations," Patten said in the press statement, adding that "although circumstantial, such a pattern may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence, including sexualized torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."

Thousands of Palestinians led by terrorists from Hamas elite Nukbah force broke through the border fence from the Gaza Strip, infiltrating into Israel on Oct. 7, murdering more than 1,200 people on multiple army bases, towns, villages and at a music festival taking place in the area.

Aside from the murders and rapes, terrorists also took hostage some 240 individuals, including babies, children, women and the elderly. More than 134 people are still being held captive some five months later, with Israelis expressing particular concern for the welfare of the remaining female hostages, who they believe are being attacked sexually while in captivity.

In his briefing on Monday, the Israeli army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, shared an intercepted voice recording of an elementary school teacher employed in a Gaza school run by UNRWA, the U.N. agency that services Palestinian refugees, bragging about kidnapping an Israeli woman during the Oct. 7 attack.

Hagari pointed out that the man uses an Arabic term also used by ISIS terrorists when that group carried out atrocities, including rape, against the Yazidi community in Iraq between 2014-2016.

In the chilling recording Hagari identified the school teacher as Yussef Zidan Suleiman Al-Hawajara and, with English subtitles translating the Arabic, Al-Hawajara can be heard describing in detail how he entered Israel and is now holding an Israeli woman captive.

"On the call you can hear him bragging about sabaya a female captive, he is talking about one of our girls, about one of our women," Hagari said in his briefing, pointing out that "sabaya" is an Arabic term meaning female captive and that it was the same terminology used by ISIS.

'I WILL BE HAUNTED FOREVER: ISRAELS HORRIFIC VIDEO OF HAMAS ATROCITIES LEAVES VIEWERS SHOCKED AND SICKENED

An Israeli soldier patrols near Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel on Oct. 12, 2023, close to the place where 270 revellers were killed by terrorists during the Supernova music festival on Oct. 7.

Hagari said the call was intercepted by the military on Oct. 7 and had just been declassified in order to highlight the involvement of employees from the controversial aid agency, which Israelis believe serves to perpetuate the decades-old intractable conflict and turns a blind eye to Hamas terror activities.

Naming several additional UNRWA employees, Hagari said the army had evidence that as many as 450 UNRWA workers were active members of terror groups in the Gaza Strip.

In January, UNRWA, which receives billions of dollars in funding from multiple countries, including the U.S. and the EU, acknowledged previous Israeli revelations that 12 of its workers were directly involved in the murderous rampage. The organizations commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, said at the time that he had decided to "immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay."

A man walks in front of the UNRWA building in Gaza City on Jan. 30, 2023.

Juliette Touma, the agencys director of communications, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that "UNRWA encourages any entity that has any information on the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff to share it with the ongoing U.N. investigation."

"This investigation is led by the Office of Internal Oversight Services in the United Nations Headquarters in New York and is being done independently of UNRWA," she said.





Original article source: UN finally recognizes that Israeli women were raped, sexually attacked by Hamas terrorists
The US supreme court overturned the Colorado supreme courts decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot  but that was only the half of it.

The US supreme court overturned the Colorado supreme courts decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot  but that was only the half of it. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA

On the face of it, Mondays 9 to 0 per curiam ruling from the US supreme court appeared to be one of those rare moments when consensus returns to America, an indication that when the chips are down the country can still achieve an elusive harmony.

Amy Coney Barrett put it most succinctly in her concurring opinion. Pointing out that all nine justices had agreed to overturn the Colorado supreme courts decision to remove Donald Trump from the presidential ballot, she urged Americans to take home the message that our differences are far less important than our unanimity.

Related: Trump was wrongly removed from Colorado ballot, US supreme court rules

Thats a tempting thought at a time when US consensus appears to be breathing its last and the supreme court itself is mired in partisan infighting. It is also entirely misleading.

The justices unanimous agreement is the easy bit. All nine conclusively decided that individual states do not have the power to disqualify a candidate for federal office  if they did, chaos would be let loose in a patchwork of state-based outcomes.

But Colorado was only one half of the issue before the court. The other half is arguably far more important in terms of the ongoing health of Americas democracy  accountability.

The 14th amendment of the US constitution is all about accountability. Proposed by Congress in 1866 just a year after the end of the civil war, it was designed to prevent former Confederate officers from returning to power despite their rebellion.

Fast-forward 158 years, the circumstances are different, but the conundrum remains the same: should Trump, having attempted to subvert the democracy upon which the union depends, be held accountable and barred from ever holding federal office?

There is a heavy irony on this side of the question. Mondays supreme court ruling was handed down on the very day that Trump had initially been set to go to trial for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

That date has now been pushed back  dangerously so, many observers believe  by the actions of the same US supreme court which, by agreeing to hear arguments on Trumps claim that as former president he is immune from prosecution, appears all-too willing to play his delaying game. So if accountability for insurrection is not yet available in the form of a criminal trial, what about accountability under the 14th amendment?

Related: Read the supreme court ruling on Trumps removal from Colorado ballot  in full

According to the three liberal justices on the court  Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor  Mondays ruling should go down as a dark day for American democracy. In their concurring opinion they argue that, with the sole exception of Barrett, the conservatives have in effect defanged the 14th amendment.

Not content to overturn the Colorado decision, the five conservative justices go on to deliver their own unexpected  and in the liberal justices view, wholly gratuitous  reinterpretation of the amendment. They state that for it to be enforced, Congress must first pass implementing legislation.

Nothing in the amendments text says anything about Congress needing to pass such legislation. In fact, as the liberal justices emphasize, the 14th amendment is one of the so-called reconstruction amendments framed in the immediate aftermath of the civil war, and as such is self-executing  meaning that it can be applied without any need for congressional approval.

It requires little contemplation to know what the conservatives imposed formula of prior congressional action means in practice. It means no action.

When Trump faced his second impeachment trial over inciting insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, all but seven Republican senators voted to acquit him. Then there are the 147 Republicans in Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election results on that same fateful day.

Most of the analysis of Mondays decision will focus on its immediate implications in terms of Trumps 2024 presidential run. But the sting of the ruling  and its danger, despite its unanimous facade  is likely to be felt in the longer term.

As the three liberal justices lament, the ruling shields the court and petitioner  ie Trump  from future controversy. Worse, the conservative majority has moved to insulate all alleged insurrectionists from future challenges to their holding federal office.

That is a devastating charge. It accuses the chief justice, John Roberts, as well as Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, as well as Clarence Thomas whose wife, Ginni, is deeply implicated in the 2020 stolen election conspiracy, of protecting all future insurrectionists against the democratic safeguards built into the US constitution.

That future may not be long in coming. Trump has shown no remorse over 2020, and may well unleash another attack should he lose in November.

And after Trump? Could a more formidable Trump 2.0 emerge, one whose chances of success have been enhanced by Mondays per curiam ruling.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi speaks at a press conference on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA board of governors, in Vienna, Austria, March 4, 2024. Rafael Grossi said on Monday that he plans to travel to Russia on Tuesday for high-level talks over ensuring nuclear safety in Ukraine. (IAEA/Handout via Xinhua)

VIENNA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi said on Monday that he plans to travel to Russia on Tuesday for high-level talks over ensuring nuclear safety in Ukraine.

The situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine "continues to be very fragile," Grossi told a press conference on the sidelines of a meeting of the IAEA board of governors, adding that the plant's safety is "of tremendous importance in terms of international peace and security."

Grossi said he expects to discuss with Russian officials the technical issues related to the "future operational status" of the ZNPP.

The IAEA chief said that it is important to maintain high-level dialogues with both Russia and Ukraine.

Earlier on Monday, Grossi told the IAEA board meeting that the situation at the ZNPP "continues to be very precarious," as the plant recently suffered its eighth total loss of off-site power since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and it continues to face challenges related to staffing. 
Border patrol agents in California shot and killed a bandit who was robbing other migrants as they crossed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Multiple U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources confirmed that a criminal migrant who crossed the border in the San Diego sector was shot and killed by a member of the Border Patrols elite Border Patrol Tactical unit, or BORTAC, early Sunday morning.

The incident happened in a remote area where the bandits had been seen crossing into the U.S., robbing migrants and returning to Mexico.

Border Patrol agents responded to "bandit activity" on Sunday morning, when they came across a small group of bandits who were robbing migrants as they were walking to an area where migrants surrender to agents so they can be processed.

ARMED BANDITS ROB MIGRANTS CROSSING CALIFORNIA BORDER ILLEGALLY

Armed bandits robbing migrants at the southern border

One of the bandits was shot and killed while the others returned to Mexico. None of the Border Patrol agents were harmed during the encounter.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The 26th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Jason Owens, shared images of armed bandits on Feb. 26, 2024, on the social media platform X.

"USBP surveillance technology near Chula Vista, CA captured these images of armed bandits robbing several groups as they attempted to enter the country illegally," the chief posted. "Yet another example of the dangers these criminals & smugglers pose to the public, the migrants and our agents."

ICE OFFICIAL RIPS NYC POLICIES SHIELDING POLICE-BEATING MIGRANTS FROM DEPORTATION

Owens posted last week that so far this fiscal year, Border Patrol has apprehended over 890,000 immigrants and has had more than 120,000 known "gotaways."

He recently revealed that agents have caught nearly 180 illegal immigrants with gang affiliations so far this year. The gangs, including Paisas and MS-13, are involved with murder, extortion, narcotics, weapons/human trafficking and prostitution, Owens wrote on X.

Owens also wrote that in fiscal year 2024, Border Patrol has apprehended more than 6,400 subjects with criminal convictions.

ONLY 288 CHINESE CITIZENS DEPORTED FROM US IN FY 23 DESPITE 24,000 ENCOUNTERS AT BORDER AS INFLUX CONTINUES

Migrants are encountered by Border Patrol in the San Diego sector on Feb. 17.

It comes as more than 21,000 Chinese citizens have already been apprehended in the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector alone during the 2024 fiscal year, sparking national security concerns.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Nearly 7.3 million migrants have illegally crossed the southwest border under President Biden's watch, a number greater than the population of 36 individual states, a Fox News analysis found.

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.





Original article source: US Border Patrol shoots, kills bandit robbing migrants in California
WINDHOEK, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Namibia needs to achieve a transformative shift from old fossil fuel technologies to a modern economy that prioritizes environmental repair and provides opportunities for all, a senior official said Monday.

Speaking at the launch of the country's Sustainable Development Awards in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, Namibia's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta called for collective action from governments, institutions, businesses and civil society to accelerate change towards a prosperous and sustainable world.

He highlighted the importance of reducing carbon footprint, protecting biodiversity and investing in green infrastructure, underscoring the significance of investing in nature through bold and prompt action to address environmental crises linked to climate change.

"Investing in nature means more than financial commitments; it is about bold and prompt action. From green infrastructure to reframing conversations, we must converge efforts to address environmental crises linked to climate change. As stewards of this planet, we have the momentum to build resilience for a future of sustainable, inclusive growth," he said.

Namibia has been actively engaged in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation for several decades. The country faces numerous environmental challenges, including desertification, water scarcity and wildlife conservation issues, which have spurred efforts toward sustainability.

The awards aim to recognize outstanding contributions to sustainability and are organized by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia and the Sustainable Development Advisory Council of Namibia. 
ADDIS ABABA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Africa needs supportive policies and robust infrastructures to tap into the limitless opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) and leapfrog its development, experts have said.

The call came at a panel discussion on "Fostering prosperity through policies on artificial intelligence in Africa," on the sidelines of the ongoing 56th Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Zimbabwe, according to a press release by the UNECA Sunday.

The UNECA with its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said the experts agreed that AI would present massive development opportunities for Africa if the right policies and infrastructures were in place.

"It is important to have the right policies to regulate the use of AI and also avert its risks, but Africa should not wait to have the regulations in place to embrace the technology," the statement quoted Ousman Bah, Gambian minister of communications and digital economy, as saying.

According to research presented at the panel discussion, AI technology has the potential to contribute up to 15.7 trillion U.S. dollars to the global economy by 2030, of which 1.2 trillion dollars could be generated in Africa, representing a 5.6 percent increase in the continent's gross domestic product by 2030.

Sandra Makumbirofa, a senior economist at Research ICT Africa, said AI has transformative potential to boost African economies through effective financial inclusion, employment creation and enhanced public service delivery. Most of the market value of AI, however, is realized in the United States and China, she said, citing research by the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

"It is therefore important for African countries to actively participate in global fora to ensure their interests are represented," Makumbirofa said.

Baratang Miya, chief executive officer of Girlhype Coders Academy based in South Africa, said governments should regulate and incentivize stakeholders across AI value chains, focusing on small and medium-scale enterprises to foster innovation and equitable access to AI technologies.

Miya also emphasized the need for African governments to establish ethical frameworks for the development and deployment of AI, addressing issues such as data privacy, security, transparency and accountability in AI systems. 
By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday that she and President Joe Biden are in synch about Israel policy, after her blunt comments calling for a ceasefire and declaring a "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza sparked questions about their positions.

During a trip to Alabama on Sunday Harris urged Hamas to agree to a six-week ceasefire and said Israel must do more to let aid flow freely into Gaza, where conditions, she said, were "inhumane."

Biden has been a staunch ally of Israel and has not wavered in his support since the Oct. 7 attack by Iran-backed Hamas that killed some 1,200 people sparked an offensive by Israel in Gaza that Palestinian authorities say has left more than 30,000 dead.

Biden has been pushing for a 6-week ceasefire to get aid into Gaza and hostages out of the enclave.

The president and I have been aligned and consistent from the very beginning, Harris said when asked by a Reuters reporter whether there was any distance between her and Biden on the issue.

"Israel has a right to defend itself. Far too many Palestinian civilians, innocent civilians, have been killed. We need to get more aid in. We need to get the hostages out. And that remains our position," she said.

Hamas and Egyptian mediators said on Monday they were pressing on with talks on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel's decision not to send a delegation. The United States has said Israel has largely agreed to a deal but Hamas must agree to release its hostages.

"It is important that we all understand that ... were in a window of time right now where we can actually get a hostage deal done," Harris told reporters in Washington. "We all want this conflict to end as soon as possible, and how it does matters."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Stephen Coates)
The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone, Oct. 14, 2022, in Boston. | Michael Dwyer, Associated Press

Gov. Spencer Cox signed the first bill of the legislative session on Jan. 19. The bill delayed the implementation date of Utahs unique social media law from March to October.

Throughout the rest of the session, lawmakers worked to amend the Social Media Regulation Act via two bills.

Cox has indicated he thinks these bills will protect children while withstanding legal scrutiny.

I will say that these are still the strongest social media bills in the country right now, Cox said. And with the changes that have been implemented, so I feel really, really confident about what were doing and I do believe that it will help us withstand some of the judicial scrutiny that will be coming as we move forward with these cases.

In addition to the social media bills, the Utah Legislature also passed legislation on pornography generated by artificial intelligence and filters on smartphones for kids.

Utahs social media law

Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, and Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, sponsored SB194, which made changes to the Social Media Act.

Under this bill, social media companies would be required to enable the maximum default privacy settings on Utah childrens accounts. They would have to verify the ages of their users and provide supervisory tools that a Utah minor could enable for a parent or guardian.

Social media companies would also be required to restrict Utah minors direct messaging capabilities. Theyd only be able to message with connected accounts.

Teuscher and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, R-Draper, sponsored HB464, which established a private right of action and provided social media companies with an affirmative defense. The bill makes it so Utah children and their parents can bring a private right of action forward. The person bringing forward the action would need to demonstrate a child was harmed directly by excessive use of algorithmically curated social media.

It also establishes an affirmative defense for social media companies if they can show that they limited use of the algorithmically curated content on a childs account to three hours and a parent or guardian consented to the child account holder using the service, among other measures.

The bills rolled back some of the initial measures included in the Social Media Regulation Act. Utah was sued by NetChoice and F.I.R.E. over the initial restrictions.

Artificial intelligence pornography

Sen. Karen Kwan, D-West Valley City, sponsored SB66, which amended the definition of a counterfeit intimate image.

The bill only added one word to existing Utah code: generated. This word broadens the law to ensure that it includes pornography generated by artificial intelligence.

In a committee meeting during the session, Kwan said the addition of the word is intended to close a potential loophole with all the new AI technology.

Phone filters

Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, sponsored SB104 this session. Previously, the Utah Legislature passed a bill that would have required smartphone companies to put filters on childrens phones to block them from seeing obscene content. The bills date of implementation hinged on at least five other states passing a similar bill.

Weiler said that did not happen yet, but the bill would set an implementation date. Since its passed, as long as Cox signs it, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

The filter would prevent children from accessing obscene material via Internet browsers or search engines. Adults would be able to disable and reactivate the filter. The bill also grants the attorney general powers to bring civil actions against manufacturers which do not comply with the bill.

Contributing: Bridger Beal-Cvetko
A few weeks ago, Utahns joined the ranks of Americans telling the federal government to go pound sand. The move is less dramatic than the confrontation playing out in Texas, where state officials are essentially implementing their own international border control policies, but it's also more clearly based in law. The state's defiant move is an example of the sort of local conflict with higher levels of government that has become common in recent years and is likely to define fraught American politics in times to come.

States vs. the Feds

"Balancing power between state and federal sovereignty is an essential part of our constitutional system," Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, commented in January upon signing the Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act. "This legislation gives us another way to push back on federal overreach and maintain that balance."

That law states: "The Legislature may, by concurrent resolution, prohibit a government officer from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of a federal directive within the state if the Legislature determines the federal directive violates the principles of state sovereignty" with "government officer" defined as "an individual elected to a position in state or local government."

Basically, the act says if Utah doesn't like a federal law, the feds will have to enforce it themselves.

"This sends the message, and the Utah legislature is famous for sending messages of this sort, that it's unhappy with the federal government," Robert Keiter of the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law told CNN. "(And it's) expressing that in a way that is constitutionally problematic."

Keiter points to the Constitution's Supremacy Clause, which says federal law "shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby." That settles the matter, he claims. Except it doesn't.

The Feds Can't Require State Assistance

"Under Printz and New York v. United States it is well established that the federal government cannot force state officials to implement federal laws," Case Western Reserve University School of Law's Jonathan Adler wrote in 2013 when a Texas law barred state assistance in enforcing federal gun control.

Several years later, Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University, pointed out that a federal effort to compel states to enforce immigration law had been ruled "unconstitutional, because it violates constitutional restrictions on federal 'commandeering' of state governments." He added that "commandeering, a doctrine the Supreme Court established in the 1990s, occurs when the federal government forces states and cities to help enforce federal law."

Specifically, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote for the majority in New York v. United States (1992): "The Federal Government may not compel the States to enact or administer a federal regulatory program."

That's come to be called "anti-commandeering doctrine." It means that, while states and localities can't actively impede federal enforcement of laws and rules created in D.C., they don't have to expend a single dime or drop of sweat to assist the feds.

The Utah sovereignty law is rooted in a dispute over a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule intended to force states to curtail ozone emissions, potentially by closing coal-fired power plants on which the state depends. Under the law, "Utah could simply fail to take any action until the issue works its way through the court system," Amy Joi O'Donoghue of Deseret News noted upon the bill's signing. Or the feds could do something themselves, but they usually rely on local compliance and enforcement.

Everybody Gets a Turn at (Dis)Liking Local Autonomy

As Adler and Somin point out, anti-commandeering doctrine has been invoked by to establish "sanctuary cities" that don't cooperate with federal immigration authorities, and to create "Second Amendment sanctuaries" that don't help enforce federal gun laws. Like all aspects of federalism, it's something Democrats love when Republicans dominate in D.C., and vice versa. Libertarians, who are most consistently inclined to encourage people to pick the rules by which they live, have also used the doctrinenotably in the form of Norman Vroman, one-time Libertarian district attorney of Mendocino County, California, who had little use for government and refused to enforce marijuana prohibition.

"Americans of every political stripe have much to gain from stronger enforcement of constitutional limits on federal authority," observed Somin. "One-size-fits-all federal policies often work poorly in a highly diverse and ideologically polarized nation."

Low-Drama Defiance vs. High-Profile Confrontation

Utah's act of defiance was almost lost against the headline-grabbing conflict playing out at the border between Texas and D.C. officials involving migrants and barriers.

"The federal government has broken the compact between the United States and the States," Texas Governor Greg Abbott charged in January in the ongoing dispute over immigration and border control. "The Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other Texas personnel are actingto secure the Texas border."

Texas built a National Guard base in Eagle Pass and dedicated state troops to border control, joined by contingents from other Republican-led states. It's a direct challenge to federal jurisdiction that almost seems crafted as a marketing stunt for a certain upcoming movie about a second civil war that's getting lots of buzz. The standoff also skates very close to the Supremacy Clause that so troubles the University of Utah's Robert Keiterenough so that Texans' act of defiance may not survive legal challenge.

But if Texas is setting the current tone for state and local relationships with the federal government, Utah demonstrates a low-drama way of setting boundaries based on the Constitution and existing court precedents. Facing off with the feds may get publicity but ignoring them has a higher chance of success. It's also an approach likely to be widely popular.

"Just 16% of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do the right thing just about always or most of the time," according to Pew Research.

"Americans have the most faith in local government (67%) and the least faith in the legislative branch of the federal government, or Congress (32%)," add Gallup pollsters. State governments fall between the two.

Americans seem ready to move decision-making closer to home, as locally as possible. For those of us inclined towards personal freedom let's not forget that the most local authority of all is the individual.

The post Utah Tells the Feds To Pound Sand appeared first on Reason.com.
A Veteran received a payment-free vehicle at All American Chevrolet of San Angelo from the Military Warriors Support Foundation and Wells Fargo.

Former U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Chad Calvert was honored for his service and sacrifice on Wednesday, Feb. 28 with the vehicle in partnership the MWSF Transportation4Heroes program.

Former U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Chad Calvert was honored for his service and sacrifice on Wednesday, Feb. 28 with the vehicle in partnership the MWSF Transportation4Heroes program.

"Chad Calvert was chosen to receive this life-changing gift after applying to MWSFs Transporation4Heroes program," according to a news release. "The application has a rigorous vetting process to ensure that the veteran chosen to receive a vehicle is the best recipient to participate in the program. MWSF works with the veteran to ensure that the gift of a payment-free vehicle assists them in their successful transition out of the military and into their new civilian life."

Calvert was presented the car by Steven Salazar of All American Chevrolet, Mike Meganak of Wells Fargo, Allison Peterson of MWSF and Mayor of San Angelo Brenda Gunter at the dealership at 203 Bryant Blvd.

"It's been a long road just to get our feet back on the ground" Calvert said. "We have three kids. We are trying to give them everything we didn't have growing up. I got to defend my country, and now I just want to raise my kids with what I didn't have. Thank you guys so much for this."

Calvert was born in Tennessee and grew up in Kentucky. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1997 following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Calvert served in numerous deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Europe, and Asia.

"During his deployment to Iraq in July 2006, he was injured from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion and received a Purple Heart," the release stated.

After 13 years of service, Calvert retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. He currently resides in Brownwood, Texas with his wife, also a former U.S. Marine, and their children.

Since 2015, the Transporation4Heroes program has worked with companies across the country to award over 170 payment-free vehicles.

"In addition to providing vehicles, MWSF supports combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses through family and financial mentorship connected programs," the release stated. "These programs provide crucial transitional support that focus on housing, outdoor recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through this work they have enabled participants to pay off over $27 million in pre-existing debt."

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Veteran receives payment-free vehicle at San Angelo car dealership
NAIROBI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Ministers of African countries in charge of water services on Monday began a three-day meeting in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, to discuss how to increase the African people's access to water and sanitation services.

The meeting gathered senior government officials and regional economic communities from across the continent to boost water security in the region.

In his opening remarks, Zachariah Njeru, Kenya's cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation, said that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 water and sanitation targets requires a significant increase in investments in Africa.

"Africa needs to increase its current annual allocation of 13 billion U.S. dollars by five times to address its infrastructure backlog for universal access to water and sanitation," Njeru added. He noted that failure to achieve global targets in water, sanitation and hygiene automatically holds back progress in all other sustainable development goals.

Rashid Mbaziira, executive secretary of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), said that the continent is lagging behind in most indicators for the SDGs on water despite having abundant water resources.

Climate change is affecting the sustainability and equitable access to water by residents in Africa, resulting in insufficient resilience to health and food system shocks as well as downgraded competencies to mitigate water-related disaster risks, Mbaziira said, adding that an estimated 800 million people in Africa are yet to have access to safely managed sanitation and basic hygiene services.

Tahani Sileet, chair of the Technical Advisory Committee of the AMCOW, said that about 450 million people in Africa do not have access to potable water. 
President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Dimitrov Zhelyazkov and other delegation members has visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku today, Azernews reports.

The delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who sacrificed their lives for the countrys independence and territorial integrity and put flowers at their graves. The participants visited the Eternal Flame monument.

The guests enjoyed a panoramic view from the highest point of Baku and were informed about the history of the Alley of Martyrs and the redevelopment of the city.

To recall that a delegation from Bulgaria headed by President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Dimitrov Zhelyazkov is paying a visit to Azerbaijan. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Dimitrov Zhelyazkov. During the conversation, the operation of SOCAR's office in Bulgaria in the context of energy cooperation between 2 countries was emphasized.
DAR ES SALAAM, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has allocated 150,000 euros (about 162,919 U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to Tanzania in response to the recent cholera epidemic in the country, said an EU statement reaching Xinhua Monday.

The statement said the support aims to assist the country in containing the outbreak, which poses a significant risk to over 4 million people. It also stressed that the EU funding will bolster the efforts of the Tanzanian Red Cross Society in providing much-needed relief, including clean water, healthcare, sanitation and hygiene.

The funding will run for three months, until the end of May 2024, and is expected to reach 178,000 people in the hardest-hit areas of the Kagera, Mwanza and Shinyanga regions.

Tanzania is currently facing its most severe cholera outbreak in almost 40 years, with 13 regions affected since early January 2024, according to official reports.

The widespread epidemic is worsened by heavy rainfall from the El Nino weather phenomenon, which overwhelms wastewater systems and other infrastructure, especially in densely populated regions. 
ULAN BATOR, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The extreme wintry weather, known as "dzud," has killed over 3 million head of livestock so far this winter in Mongolia, the country's State Emergency Commission (SEC) said Monday.

"At least 3,089,420 head of livestock have so far perished across Mongolia due to the dzud," the SEC said in a statement.

"Dzud" is a Mongolian term for a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered by snow.

Mongolia has seen much more snow than usual this winter, and over 80 percent of its territory has so far been covered with snow up to 100 cm thick, said its weather monitoring agency.

As one of the last surviving nomadic countries in the world, Mongolia has recently elevated its disaster preparedness to high alert due to the harsh winter and livestock loss.

The promotion of livestock husbandry is seen as the most viable way to diversify the landlocked country's mining-dependent economy.

At the end of 2023, the number of livestock in Mongolia stood at 64.7 million, according to the National Statistics Office. 
by Xinhua writers Ma Zheng, Guo Peiran

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. business officials and senior executives remain upbeat about the Chinese market, emphasizing its crucial role for U.S. companies striving for global competitiveness.

"Companies continue to tell us that China is important for multinational companies who want to be globally competitive," Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in China, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Thanks to a growing economy and frequent visits by senior U.S. officials and CEOs to China, U.S. businesses in China are increasingly optimistic about China's business environment and bilateral relations, Hart said.

In the annual China Business Climate Survey released by AmCham China in February, half of the 343 members surveyed placed China as their first choice or within their top three investment destinations globally, a 5 percent increase year-on-year.

China is "an important source of talent and innovation that helps American companies boost their global competitiveness," said the survey conducted late last year.

The report also found that though challenges remain, most members are maintaining their manufacturing or sourcing in China and expatriates have become more willing to relocate to China over the last year.

Noting China's 24 pro-foreign investment measures put forward by the State Council in August last year, Hart said that companies like the sound of that and are looking for "what's the actual action related to those policies."

Regarding U.S.-China relations, Hart said he is happy to see "both governments trending now in an upward direction," which means that companies will be "a little bit more excited."

The companies surveyed also reported an improved financial performance for 2023, particularly in the consumer and services sectors, as well as an improved outlook.

In November 2023, fast-food giant McDonald's announced its decision to ramp up its stake in its China business from 20 percent to 48 percent. "This underscores McDonald's confidence in the development and business environment of the Chinese market," said Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald's China.

"I don't think that there's any company that's big and truly international would doubt that in the long term, they need to be here in China. They need to have a significant presence. And they need to continue to develop this market because it's so big and growing that it really can't be ignored at all," Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China, a U.S. essential oil company, told Xinhua.

"China's part of a global supply chain, and has years and years of successful investments, industries and buildup. And that's why companies are still here," said Hart. Enditem

(Zheng Kaijun in Beijing, You Zhixin and Zhang Mengjie in Shanghai also contributed to the story.)
Russia's network of spies has expanded in both size and influence since the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March 3.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) faced disruption after intelligence reports underestimated Ukraine's defense capacity, with Russian President Vladimir Putin placing many top officials under house arrest. Europe also expelled hundreds of diplomats suspected of espionage.

Since then, WSJ reports, European security experts believe the FSB's foreign intelligence apparatus has been able to replenish its ranks and regain effectiveness.

European officials also say that Putin's decision to leave Russia's borders open following the February invasion allowed FSB spies to join the thousands of Russians who fled the country to avoid mobilization.

At the same time, the FSB's Third Directorate for Military Counterintelligence (DKVR)  which spies on the Russian military and prevents defections  has become the agency's largest division, security analysts say. Experts also say that Russia has become more aggressive about targeting dissenters in foreign countries.

Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine in August 2023, was killed in Spain on Feb. 13. He was reportedly shot six times, and his burned-out car was found nearby.

Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), commented on Kuzminov's death on Feb. 20, calling the pilot a "traitor" and "a moral corpse."

Alleged Russian spy rings have also been discovered in Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia.

Russian security services expert Andrei Soldatov said that the FSB, SVR, and military intelligence (GRU) agencies are increasingly collaborating, blurring the boundaries between the different organizations.

"The services used to be very separate but now they are exchanging personnel and assets," Soldatov told WSJ.

"It's just like Stalins time."

Read also: Russias descent into totalitarianism: How it happened

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia is increasing imports of dual-use goods like drones or U.S.-made computer chips from China via Central Asian trade routes, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March 4.

Foreign-sourced goods and materials such as microchips fuel Russia's war machine amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, allowing Moscow to construct missiles, drones, and more.

Despite Western sanctions aimed at cutting off these supply lines, Russia continues to obtain sanctioned goods via third-party countries or buys them directly from friendly nations.

Countries like Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan are a "growing pipeline for Russia," the WSJ wrote, made possible by long open borders and non-transparent business practices.

The supplies usually originate in China, Moscow's major political and economic partner. Some of the goods are produced by U.S. companies, which say that their products end up in Russia without their permission, the WSJ reported.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us

The Central Asian route is important not only for products used on the battlefield but also for items for personal consumption, such as car parts and luxury goods, Natalie Simpson, a Russia analyst at the C4ADS research company, told the outlet.

Customs data show that Chinese exports of 45 sanctioned goods to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have risen to $1.3 billion in 2023, a 64% increase compared to the previous year.

Drones, which are not on the list of sanctioned goods, have also been massively imported to Russia via Central Asia. Kazakhstan bought $5.9 million worth of drones from China last year, exporting $2.7 million worth of them to Russia, the WSJ reported.

Central Asian countries are not the only routes that Russia uses to acquire sanctioned and military-use goods, as entities in states like Turkey or the United Arab Emirates also help Moscow evade sanctions.

Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention said last December that out of the roughly 2,500 foreign components found in Russian weaponry, nearly three-quarters were made by U.S. producers.

Kyiv's partners have been ramping up their efforts to prevent Russia from circumventing the sanctions via third-party countries.

Read also: Opinion: Putins silk road around sanctions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Washington State Universitys first Black president, the late Elson S. Floyd was honored last week by the WSU Tri-Cities Black Student Union in the Elson S. Floyd building in Richland.

The event marked the unveiling of Floyds portrait and a plaque displayed in the entry hallway in the building named after him on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

Floyds widow, Carmento Floyd, took part in the unveiling ceremony and were joined at the vent by 60 community members.

Floyd, 59, became the 10th president of WSU in 2007 but died of complications from colon cancer in 2015.

He was known across Washington state and beyond for his passion for increasing access and affordability to a higher education.

In 2017, Mark Mansperger, a clinical associate professor of anthropology at WSU Tri-Cities, suggested changing the Richland buildings name to honor the former presidents contributions at both the Tri-City campus and the university as a whole.

The building on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland, previously called the West building, was re-named in honor of the late WSU President Elson Floyd in May 2017.

Floyd led efforts in the state Legislature to allow WSU to create a medical school, which now bears his name.

During his tenure, 30 construction projects were finished, including the WSU Tri-Cities Wine Science Center.

Current WSU Tri-Cities students wanted to take the recognition one step further and felt Black History Month was the appropriate time to honor him.

WSU Tri-Cities is at 2710 Crimson Way in Richland.
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday unanimously ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the primary ballot in Colorado, rejecting the state's disqualification and potentially setting national wide guidelines. 
WA state wants school districts to keep better track of truant students
WASHINGTON, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Sunday defeated former U.S. President Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary in Washington D.C., marking her first win in the party's nominating contest.

Haley's victory came after Trump's recent sweep of the Republican contests. On Saturday, the former president won Missouri's and Idaho's Republican presidential caucus. Also on Saturday, he was awarded more delegates during a Republican convention in Michigan, following his victory in the northern state's primary on Tuesday.

Trump, who recently also won Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, has cemented his status as the clear front-runner to become the Republican Party's nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

Despite consecutive losses, Haley has said that she would remain in the race at least through Super Tuesday races.

"When the country's future is on the line, you don't drop out. You keep fighting. In fact, you fight harder than ever. That's why I refuse to quit," Haley said in the speech delivered in Greenville, South Carolina on Feb. 20.

It's typical for approximately one-third of all delegates to the Republican or Democratic conventions to be distributed on Super Tuesday, the day in the presidential primary cycle when most states vote. This year's Super Tuesday falls on March 5, when some 15 states and one territory will vote.

The U.S. presidential primaries, extending through June, precede the Republican National Convention in July, where the party's presidential nominee is officially selected by delegates, followed by the Democratic National Convention in August.

The 2024 Election Day falls on Nov. 5. 
Bill to require Washington courts to try minors based on their age at the time of the crime awaits Inslee's signature
WA is home to 10 of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, new study says
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WASHINGTON, March 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met Monday with a member of Israel's cabinet prosecuting the war in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and the increase and safe distribution of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in need.

Harris' meeting with Benny Gantz, former Israeli defense minister and deputy prime minister, came one day after the vice president gave what appeared to be the most strongly-worded call to date from the Joe Biden administration for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"The Vice President discussed the urgency of achieving a hostage deal and welcomed Israel's constructive approach to the hostage talks," said a readout of the meeting issued by the White House. "She called on Hamas to accept the terms on the table whereby the release of hostages would result in an immediate six-week ceasefire," it added.

Harris also "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the recent horrific tragedy around an aid convoy in northern Gaza," the readout said, referring to an incident Thursday that killed scores of Palestinians trying to get food from an aid convoy in Gaza City. As a result, the civilian death toll since Israel launched its offensive in Gaza surpassed 30,000.

The Israeli military said Sunday that most of those killed in the chaotic event died from stampede, while Palestinian-run local health authorities said those sent to hospitals were shot by large-caliber ammunition.

During her meeting with Gantz, Harris "urged Israel to take additional measures in cooperation with the United States and international partners to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and ensure its safe distribution to those in need," the readout said.

Gantz's visit came amid a growing rift between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the latter's handling of the war. Gantz is a political opponent of Netanyahu, but the two have reached a deal whereby they agree to share power in planning the military operation against Hamas. 
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Description

Guest Speaker:

Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting at SBU

Q&A moderated by Tom Needham, Host of The Sounds of Film at WUSB radio.

Summary: Viktor, Oleana, Christina, Jana and Oleg are journalists, reporters and presenters for the Ukrainian television channel ICTV. On 24 February 2022, the first day of the Russian full scale invasion, they chose to stay at work, to do their job, to report the news, to contribute to the war effort. Their lives were turned upside down overnight: installed in secret basements, they no longer knew the boundary between their professional and private lives. They became a family, dedicated 24 hours a day to providing information in wartime. How is wartime news produced in Ukraine? A gripping and fascinating insight into the upheavals of everyday life in television newsrooms. (Telerama, 15 February 2023).

2023 / France / Ukrainian with English Subtitles

Director: Laurent Jaoui, Distributor: Veilleur de Nuit

Running time: 75 minutes
Razboi total intre Nicusor Dan si Robert Negoita. De ce se cearta edilul sectorului 3 cu edilul general?

Tonul a fost dat de primarul de sector, Robert Negoita."Primaria Generala nu face nimic in acest sens. Nu are proiecte de fluidizare a traficului. Avem niste insi trimisi de primarul [citeste mai departe]
EVALUATOR SIMULARE BAC Ce inseamna sa fii evaluator la simularea pentru BAC in Romania educata?

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- Israelul i-a dat Hamas ragaz pana la inceputul Ramadamului, in jurul datei de 10 martie, sa elibereze ostaticii israelini, sub amenintarea lansarii ofensivei contra Rafah, transmite presa internationala. Tel Aviv a lansat un ultimatum miscarii Hamas: daca ostaticii israelini nu sunt eliberati pana la

- Yemens Houthi rebels shot down a US drone and damaged a Belize-flagged British cargo ship in their latest assault against commercial vessels, their spokesperson claimed Monday, according to Politico. The Iranian-backed group, which has been targeting commercial shipping since the outbreak of the conflict

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- Poland has introduced stricter controls on agri-food products at the Ukrainian border to protect its domestic market from an uncontrolled influx of products, Deputy Agriculture Minister Michal Kolodziejczak said on Sunday, according to Euractiv. The European Unions liberalization of trade rules with

- The United Nations humanitarian chief warned of catastrophe if countries dont resume funding for the main relief agency in the Gaza Strip, after assistance was paused over Israeli allegations that some of its employees took part in the October 7 attack by Hamas, according to Bloomberg. Aid for Gaza

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- Israelul a propus ca liderii de rang inalt ai Hamas sa paraseasca in siguranta Fasia Gaza, ca parte a unui acord mai larg de incetare a focului, au declarat pentru CNN doi oficiali apropiati de discutiile internationale in curs de desfasurare. Propunerea apare in conditiile in care Israelul a avut dificultati
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- Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, president of the Social Democratic Party, declared on Monday for the private broadcaster Antena 3 that former prime minister Dacian Ciolos must provide explanations regarding the Rosia Montana case, adding that there is a connection between the "Uniti Salvam Rosia Montana"

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Permanent exhibition: One of the most fundamental adjustments is that the collection is moving out of the recently renovated building of the Museum of Fine Arts, which now serves as the home of art from antiquity until the year 1800.

In 2019, as the first of many steps in a process expected to last several years, around 2300 works of international art from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as contemporary pieces, will be transferred to the National Museum Restoration and Storage Centre, a new facility constructed as part of the Liget Budapest Project.



Eventually, these international works will join up with Hungarian art from the same period (presently housed in the Hungarian National Gallery), and will eventually go on permanent display in the New National Gallery, which is expected to open in 2022.



Tickets:

HUF 3,200



Phone:

+36 1 201 9082 | +36 20 439 7331 | +36 20 439 7325



Venue:

Hungarian National Gallery, Building D, 1st floor

1014 Budapest, Szent Gyorgy ter 2.



More:

mng.hu



Photo courtesy of the venue
In Hungary, local men usually give flowers to the women in their every year on March 8th, and it is wise for expat men to follow this tradition ;)

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion.



When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.



Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.



Read more about a definition of what it means to inspire inclusion here.



Get involved for IWD 2024

With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.



World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained:

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."



So together, let's all help fight the good fight. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women.



More:

internationalwomensday.com



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With the average monthly rent in the U.S. closing in on $2,000, its getting tougher to find places where a single persons Social Security benefits will cover that portion of their expenditures.

It can be done, however  and in some pretty livable cities.

Find Out: Heres the Cost To Retire Comfortably in Every State by Age

For You: Do This To Earn Guaranteed Growth on Your Retirement Savings (With No Risk to Your Investment)

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for a retiree age 65 and up is $1,860 these days. For people in this situation, GOBankingRates has compiled a list of cities that best blend:

The most Social Security left over after your rent is paid, and

The highest livability scores, sourced from AreaVibes.

Weve also factored in the overall cost of living and total population.

The Upper Midwest is well-represented, with 7 out of 10 cities in our list in that region. Only one entry is located in the Western U.S.

Heres our top 10 list, in reverse order.

YinYang / Getty Images

Fargo, North Dakota

Average rent: $891

Social Security left over after rent: $969

Livability score: 84

Fargos population of about 127,000 is enough to make it the most populous city in North Dakota. Its attractions include multiple museums and theaters, North Dakota State University and activities on and around the Red River.

With average monthly rents below $900, a single retiree could have nearly $1,000 left over each month after paying the rent.

Check Out: 9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks

Be Aware: How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings

Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity.

Lynn Betts / USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services

Urbandale, Iowa

Average rent: $1,063

Social Security left over after rent: $798

Livability score: 89

Urbandale is a bedroom community for Des Moines with about 46,000 residents. It offers nearly 1,000 acres of parks, over 30 miles of trails and historic Living History Farms. Its also tied for the second highest livability score in our top 10, with a strong 89 from AreaVibes.

Story continues

Explore More: 7 Bills You Never Have To Pay When You Retire

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Average rent: $1,017

Social Security left over after rent: $844

Livability score: 84

One of three Wisconsin locales on our list, Stevens Point sits about 110 miles north of Madison in the central part of the state. Its roughly 26,000 residents have easy access to the states oldest farmers market, 20 different parks and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

BergmannD / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Shorewood, Wisconsin

Average rent: $1,198

Social Security left over after rent: $663

Livability score: 91

The village of Shorewoods average monthly rent is the highest on this list, but at around $1,200, its still within reach for many cost-conscious retirees. Plus, Shorewood boasts a strong livability score of 91.

A suburb of Milwaukee located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shorewood touts its walkability and location at the edge of the city and the heart of everything. About 14,000 people live here.

Steven D Reynolds / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Average rent: $912

Social Security left over after rent: $949

Livability score: 82

Mount Pleasant is home to Central Michigan University and about 22,000 full-time residents. A portion of the city is located within the Isabella Indian Reservation, which includes the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The Chippewa River provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming and other activities.

Learn More: Cutting Expenses in Retirement: 9 Things To Downsize (That Arent Your Home)

Michael Rolands / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Coralville, Iowa

Average rent: $1,098

Social Security left over after rent: $762

Livability score: 88

This Iowa City suburb has about 22,000 residents. Coralvilles attractions include the Iowa River Landing and the historic Iowa Edgewater Park archaeological site, also located on the river. Coralville also hosts numerous community events throughout the year.

Bobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia Commons

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Average rent: $880

Social Security left over after rent: $980

Livability score: 80

Fergus Falls gets a livability score of 80 from AreaVibes, the lowest in our top 10. Its 14,000 residents do endure some chilly weather, with average temperatures in the single digits during January.

Fergus Falls offers a strong arts scene and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is located in western Minnesota, about 180 miles northwest of Minneapolis and about 60 miles southwest of Fargo, North Dakota.

Ron and Patty Thomas / iStock.com

Chubbuck, Idaho

Average rent: $950

Social Security left over after rent: $910

Livability score: 86

Little-known outside of southern Idaho, Chubbuck sits just north of Pocatello and has about 16,000 residents. It offers easy access to numerous outdoor recreation spots, including the American Falls Reservoir, Blackrock Canyon and scenic Buckskin Road.

Discover More: Why Floridas Retirees Are Fleeing  And Where Theyre Going Instead

iStock.com

Richmond, Indiana

Average rent: $792

Social Security left over after rent: $1,068

Livability score: 81

Richmond is located about 70 miles east of Indianapolis on the Ohio border. With an average monthly rent of less than $800, residents receiving the average Social Security benefit could have more than $1,000 left over after rent is paid  the highest total in our top 10.

About 36,000 people live in Richmond, which has attractions such as the Hayes Arboretum and numerous historic buildings.

DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com

Wausau, Wisconsin

Average rent: $910

Social Security left over after rent: $950

Livability score: 89

Solid livability scores like Wausaus and sub-$1,000 monthly rents dont always go together, but this Wisconsin town can make the claim. Located in central Wisconsin and bisected by the Wisconsin River, Wausau boasts more than three dozen parks, whitewater kayaking and canoeing at Whitewater Park, and multiple museums, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. About 40,000 people live in Wausau.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed places in the U.S. where the cost of rent is lower than the average monthly Social Security benefit for a single person. GOBankingRates started by finding the average Social Security benefit for a retired worker aged 65 and up (sourced from the Social Security Administrations Monthly Statistical Supplement). We then found the average rental costs for December 2023 (sourced from the Zillow Observed Rental Index). Using the average rental cost and the average Social Security benefits, the leftover savings in Social Security benefits after rent is paid can be calculated. Cities with average rent above the average Social Security benefit were removed. For the remaining cities, the livability index was sourced from AreaVibes. All cities with a livability index below 75 were removed. For all the remaining places, cost-of-living indexes for multiple expenditures were sourced from Sperlings Best Places and multiplied by each expenditures national average cost for people aged 65 and over (sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 Consumer Expenditure Survey). This determined the average total cost of living for each city. The total population for each city was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. The total population was scored and weighted at 0.75, the livability index was scored and weighted at 1.00, the leftover Social Security benefits following rent was scored and weighted at 1.20, and the expenditure cost was scored and weighted at 1.00. All the scores were combined and sorted to show the best places to retire where Social Security benefits cover rent. All data was collected on and is up to date as of Feb. 16, 2024.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the locations listed in this article.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Best Places To Retire Where Rent Is Covered by Social Security
Prime Minister Viktor Orban will participate at a panel discussion with Kevin Roberts, the head of the conservative Heritage Foundation, in Washington D.C. on Thursday, March 7, the PMs press chief said.

The discussion will focus on the future of ties between the US and Hungary, Bertalan Havasi said.



On Friday, Orban will meet for talks with former US President Donald Trump in Florida.



Orban Meets Congo President in Antalya



Prime Minister Viktor Orban had talks with Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, the president of Congo, in Antalya on Saturday, the PMs press chief has said.



The talks focused on further developing bilateral ties, with regard to promoting Hungarian investment in Congo, Bertalan Havasi said.



At the talks, Orban noted that the Hungary Helps programme had aided Congo with a total 2.4 million dollars in 14 health, education, and welfare projects since 2018.



Later on Saturday, Orban travelled to Belgrade for talks with President Aleksandar Vucic . They discussed the war in Ukraine, the Western Balkans European integration and national sovereignty.



Photo: PM's press office Vivien Cher Benko

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There seems to be no solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and that leaves European politics paralysed, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

If you think that time is on the Ukrainian and the Western side, and continuing the war can provide military success for the Ukrainians, its reasonable to continue. If you think that time is more on the Russian side, and continuing the war would bring more success to the Russians, for the Ukrainians it is better to stop now. I belong to the second camp, Orban said.



He said we are in trouble because many countries consider the conflict as our war and if the enemy proves to be stronger  you belong to the losers  and its very difficult to explain how to behave and how to get out of a situation when you lose a war.



Hungary was not viewing the war through the eyeglasses of Ukraine or those of Putin but from a Hungarian perspective, Orban said.



Orban noted the ethnic Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, who have lived there for one thousand years and are now being conscripted to the Ukrainian army. Peace in Ukraine would ensure that Hungarian lives were safe, he added.



Thats one reason, among others, why we Hungarians are very much committed to peace, Orban said.



Szijjarto Calls for 'Every Effort' to Avoid Conflict Between NATO, Russia

Every effort must be made to avoid a conflict between NATO and Russia, the foreign minister told public radio.



Addressing French President Emmanuel Macrons recent remark that nothing could be ruled out when asked about the possibility of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, Peter Szijjarto told Kossuth Radio that Europe was suffering from war psychosis.



He welcomed responses by the majority of European politicians who said they did not wish to send troops to Ukraine.



After Western Europes deliveries to Ukraine progressed from helmets to ammunition, to armoured vehicles and rockets, he said it was no surprise that some Western politicians were talking about the deployment of ground troops. That is diametrically opposed to joint decisions taken till now, he added.



He noted that NATO members had issued a declaration two years earlier, stating that NATO was not a combatant and that all efforts should be made to avoid a conflict between NATO and Russia.



Comments by Western politicians on the deployment of troops to Ukraine are in violation of that declaration, he said. He added that NATO was a defence alliance and attacking anyone was not its purpose.



He said that Hungarys prediction made at the start of the war that sanctions against Russia would not work and that there would be no solution on the battlefield, had proved correct.



He warned that the longer the war lasted, the greater the threat of that terrifying danger called the third world war.



Szijjarto said the scenario in which Ukraine made advances on the battlefield that would put the country in an advantageous position to start negotiations had failed.



Time is on Russias side, he added. He reiterated Hungarys position against sending weapons or troops to Ukraine, and for urging a ceasefire and peace talks.



Speaking about a recent summit of Visegrad Group leaders, he acknowledged differences on positions concerning the issue of peace, but said cooperation was an advantage when representing interests that converge, such as illegal migration, keeping energy supply a sovereign matter and agriculture development.



Szijjarto: Hungary Not to Sacrifice Energy Security for 'War We Are Not Part Of'

Hungary will not sacrifice its energy security for a conflict that is not our war, the foreign minister told the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.



Speaking at a panel discussion at the forum, Peter Szijjarto said it was unfortunate that the European Union approached the issue from an ideological standpoint, adding that optimal solutions for member states could be found only if the issue was considered a matter of physical reality.



Energy supply needs infrastructure, and the procurement of energy resources will always be determined by the delivery routes at hand, he said. Hungarys government sees energy supply as a priority, he said.



Noting that Hungary had been granted exemption from implementing certain EU sanctions on the Russian energy sector, Szijjarto said the countrys supply would be impossible without cooperation with Russia.



Replacing Russian energy deliveries with European ones would be realistic only if Europe could supply resources at the same price, quantity and schedule, Szijjarto told EU foreign ministers, according to a ministry statement.



Hungary would be in grave danger if ideological considerations were to cast a shadow over energy policy, he said.



On the matter of nuclear energy, Szijjarto said it was the only cheap, safe and sustainable way to produce large amounts of electricity. Hungary finds it unacceptable that the EU is considering excluding nuclear energy from the category of clean energy, he said.



Hungary has been cooperating with Russia on nuclear energy production for nearly 50 years, he said. At the same time, the Russian contractor working on the upgrade of Hungarys nuclear plant is employing US, French and German subcontractors, he said.



That goes to show that economic players are ready to think more realistically than certain governments.



The government has also been working on a sensible energy diversification. Turkiye is expected to deliver 275 million cubic meters of gas to Hungary this year, he noted.



Szijjarto also touched on the Green Energy Corridor, a delivery route planned to deliver green energy from Azerbaijan and Georgia.



The planned 1,100 kilometre pipeline connecting Georgia and Romania would be the longest underwater pipeline in the world, he added. I



ncreasing capacity is all the more important as Hungary is set to become the second largest battery manufacturer in the world, and the sector is extremely energy-hungry, he said.



Meanwhile, Szijjarto also called for expanding the natural gas infrastructure in south-east Europe, which is key to drawing new resources, he said.



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The Central Government today approved direct air service from Dehradun to three major cities of the country - Ayodhya, Amritsar and Varanasi. All three services will be launched on March 6. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for the approval of air services on these three routes. Dehradun Airport is a medium-sized airport in India with domestic flights only. On the other hand, Ayodhya recently got its first airport which has been named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. PM Modi had inaugurated the airport on December 30 last year.

In a bid to bolster air connectivity to the sacred cities of Ayodhya, Varanasi and Amritsar, and to cater to the increasing influx of pilgrims, the three air routes have been added to the list. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia had virtually inaugurated SpiceJets direct flight service linking Ayodhya with eight key cities last month. Now Dehradun has been added to this list.

The newly launched flight routes establish connections between Ayodhya and prominent urban centres such as Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, Darbhanga, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This strategic expansion comes in response to the rising demand for flights to Ayodhya following the recent 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple, heightening Ayodhya's tourism prospects and setting the stage for economic and societal advancement.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Ayodhya airport on December 30, regular flight operations commenced a week later, with IndiGo's Delhi-Ayodhya route. Presently, the airport facilitates 11-12 departures daily, linking the temple town to major cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai, among others.

As per preliminary figures released by the Airport Authority of India, the airport served a total of 42,341 passengers between January 6 and February 6. This comprised 22,546 arrivals and 19,795 departures.
New Delhi: Filmmaker Vikas Bahl has his hands full with his latest psycho thriller Shaitaan starring Ajay Devgn and Madhavan. He also has completed writing the sequel to his 2013 hit Queen.  Finally we have a story, not a screenplay as yet but the story is ready.

Queen which charted the journey of a young woman Rani who is jilted by her fiancee hours before her wedding. She decides to go alone on what would have been their honeymoon, only to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empower herself in the process.

Will Kangana Ranaut be back to reprise her role, one waits to see. Though the director had confirmed he could not imagine anyone else but her as Rani. The actor too had expressed her excitement at the same.

That means all is well between her and the director. Five years ago when Vikas Bahl had been named in a #metoo controversy after a woman had called him out for harassing her.

Kangana had stood up in support of the victim and said She totally believed the girl, even accusing him of making her uncomfortable at times on set. But it seems the two have buried their hatchet and let bygone be bygones.

Vikas Bahls last Ganpat starring Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon failed to make a mark, and is confident about his next Shaitaan.

Talking about theatre vs OTT he says Theatre is a celebration, OTT is a great library at home But he says as of now one cannot distinguish between the two platforms as many big films are going the streaming way.

The director made his OTT debut with the web show Sunflower starring Sunil Grover, says the good thing about OTT is it helps you tell the story at your pace, while in a film you have just those three hours.

However, he admits he misses the cinematic large-than-life feel of movies in the 80s and 90s.  I wonder why is it not happening, are we not capable of it anymore. We seem to have got stuck in being real and driven by the number of stars a film will get, that we have stopped celebrating the small things.

Shaitaan will hit screens on March 8.
New Delhi: The government has permitted exports of 64,400 tonnes of onion to the UAE and Bangladesh through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), according to notifications from the commerce ministry. While the export of 50,000 tonnes of onion is permitted to Bangladesh, shipments of 14,400 tonnes were allowed to the UAE.

Notification from DGFT

"Export of 14,400 tonnes of onions, with a quantity ceiling of 3,600 MT (metric tonnes) quarterly, to the UAE through NCEL is notified," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

Role of DGFT

DGFT is an arm of the commerce ministry, which deals with norms related to imports and exports. For exports to Bangladesh, it said that the modalities for the exports will be worked out by the NCEL in consultation with the Department of consumer affairs.

Export Policies and Bans

Though onion exports are banned, the government allows specified quantities to friendly nations. The exports are allowed based on permission granted by the government to other countries upon their request. (Also Read: BIG Blow To THESE SBI Credit Card Holders; You Will Not Get Rent Payment Rewards From April 1)

Export Ban and Subsidized Sale

On December 8 last year, the government banned exports of onion until March 31 this year with a view to increasing domestic availability and keeping prices in check. Earlier, in October 2023, the Centre had decided to step up the sale of buffer onion stock at a subsidized rate of Rs 25 per kg in retail markets to provide relief to consumers.

Price Control Measures

To control prices, the government has taken several steps. It imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports from October 28 to December 31, 2023. In August, India imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023.

Export Figures and Importing Countries

Between April 1, 2023, and August 4, 2023, this fiscal year, 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions have been exported from the country. The top three importing countries in value terms are Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE. Onion is a politically sensitive commodity. (Also Read: Delhi Man Accuses Ola Driver Of Slapping In Front Of 6-Year Son: Check His LinkedIn Post)

About NCEL

NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society. It is jointly promoted by some of the leading cooperative societies in the country, namely, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), popularly known as AMUL; Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO); and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
Maharashtra WRD Result 2024: The Maharashtra Water Resource Department, also known as Jalsampada Vibhag, has released the results for the recruitment exam 2024 for various Group B and C positions. Individuals who participated in the Maharashtra WRD recruitment exam 2024 can now access their results on the official website, wrd.maharashtra.gov.in. The Maharashtra WRD result 2024 is available in PDF format, and candidates need their login credentials, such as registration number and password, to download it.

The recruitment drive aimed to fill a total of 4,497 vacancies across different positions, including Canal Inspector (Daftar Karkoon), Civil Engineering Assistant, Assistant Draughtsman, Geological Assistant, and various other posts. The selection process for the Maharashtra WRD recruitment involves a written exam, typing test, and document verification.

Maharashtra WRD Result 2024: Steps To Check

- Visit the official website of the Maharashtra Water Resource Department at wrd.maharashtra.gov.in.

- On the homepage, find and click on the link for Maharashtra WRD Result 2024.

- The result in PDF format will open on your screen.

- Search for your name and roll number in the document.

- Verify your Maharashtra WRD exam result 2024 status.

- Download and take a printout of the result for future reference.

The written exam for Maharashtra WRD recruitment took place on December 27, 29, and 31, 2023, as well as on January 1 and 2, 2024. The examination was conducted at 126 centers within the state of Maharashtra. The written test comprised 100 questions, and candidates had a duration of 2 hours to complete the paper. The Maharashtra WRD answer key 2024 was released on February 14.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for any updates or notifications related to the Maharashtra WRD recruitment process. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures the selection of qualified individuals to contribute to the various roles within the Water Resource Department.
New Delhi: It is an exciting March for all K-drama fans, with the return of one of the most popular actors Kim Soo Hyun on screen once again. The current poster boy of cool Cha Eun Woo showcases another facet of his personality in a melodrama. Here are 5 K-dramas you can binge on this March.

Queen Of Tears

Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the heiress of a family-owned business empire, Queens Group, marries Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), a senior official of the group. Though it seems like a fairytale marriage, a crisis turns their lives upside down. So, what happens when the so-called perfect couple find themselves in imperfect situations? Will they make it or will it be the end of the road? One of the much-anticipated dramas, which also marks the comeback of Kim Soo Hyun back on screens in a rom-com.

Watch It On Netflix



Wonderful World

Psychology professor and writer Soo-hyuns (Kim Nam Woo) world is rocked after she loses her son to a dangerous group of corrupt men. Soo Hyun is hell-bent on getting revenge and seeking justice after the perpetrators are set free. Cha Eun Woo stars as Kwon Sun Yool, a former medical student who has led a rough life, after suffering a devastating family tragedy. What happens when a grieving mother and a son join hands? Can the two help heal the other?

Where to watch: Disney +Hotstar



Grabbed by the Collar

Kim Ha-neul is a famous journalist Seo Jung-won, who hosts a prime-time show. On the surface, she leads and leads a perfect life, she is married to one of the richest men Seol Woo-jae (Jang Seung-jo) and has everything going for her. But when Woo-jaes mistress turns up dead, as she recovers from the shock of her husbands infidelity, she also gets framed in the murder. Her only ally is the detective and her former boyfriend Kim Tae-heon (Yeon Woo-jin) and they set out to uncover the truth.

Where To Watch Viki



Chicken Nugget

Choi Sun Man (Ryu Seung Ryong) strives to bring back his daughter Min Ah (Kim Yoo Jung) who has turned into a chicken nugget after entering a mysterious machine. He takes the help of Ko Baek Joong( Ahn Jae Hong) an intern, who has a crush on Min Ah, and Hong Cha(Jung Ho Yeon) Koreas best food columnist in this comic mystery series.

Where To Watch: Netflix



Midnight Studio

Joo Won Seo Ki-joo is the seventh owner of a mysterious photo studio that provides its services exclusively to ghosts. With 20 years of experience, he handles ghost guests skillfully. The special camera that can take photos of ghosts can only be operated by him, so in his absence, his clients cannot ascend to heaven. Kwon Na-ra stars as Han Bom, a lawyer who passionately defends justice, obtains the ability to see ghosts, and becomes the other living being to capture spirits in Ki Joos studio. What happens when these two meet and encounter their spirited guests, beyond the witching hour?

Where To Watch: Viki
With only a few days left for the Lok Sabha polls announcement, the Congress and the BJP are finalizing their poll strategy to woo the voters. While the BJP made its poll strategy very much clear during this year's interim budget, the Congress has appeared to have taken a leaf out of that to counter the saffron party's strategy. In the interim budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government's focus is on 'GYAN' - 'Gareeb (Poor), Youth, Annadata (Farmers) and Naari (Women).

Congress Opts For 'GYAN'+P

The grand old party appears to have taken a leaf out of the BJP's 'GYAN' plan. The Congress party in its manifesto meeting discussed the party's strategy for the Lok Sabha Polls it was decided that the focus will be on Gareeb (Poor), Youth, Annadata (Farmers), Naari (Women) and Picchde (Backward classes). The party will promise several game-changer schemes for these sections of society. The Congress has also decided to put a special emphasis on youth voters and will use Artificial Intelligence to woo them.

Countering BJP's Political Might

The biggest challenge for the Congress is to counter the BJP's political might. The BJP is way ahead of Congress in terms of funds and social media strategy. Also, the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi works as an icing on the cake for the BJP whereas the Congress will have to find a way out to defeat the BJP. The BJP also has a very strong booth-level cadre which Congress lacks in many states.

Alliance Trouble - BJP vs Congress

While the BJP is having alliance trouble in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, the Congress is facing issues in states like West Bengal and Kerala. The BJP's defeat in Punjab and Tamil Nadu may not bother it much but if Congress fails to resolve its seat-sharing issue in Bengal and Kerala, its tally in the Lok Sabha may certainly take a hit.
Three days ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's Gujarat leg, a big setback came for Congress as two key party leaders resigned from the grand old party. Congress MLA and former president of the party's Gujarat unit Arjun Modhwadia resigned from the assembly and the party while the party's working president of the Gujarat unit Ambarish Der also resigned leaving the party in troubled waters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Two Big Leaders Quit Congress

Modhwadia submitted his resignation to the state Assembly Speaker. He was among the Congress CM contenders during the 2017 polls. Addressing the media, Modhwadia said, "When a party loses its connection with the people, it cannot survive for long. The people of the country wanted the Ram Temple to be constructed. The Congress had also decided that after a constitutional verdict from the Supreme Court, we would support it. Even then the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha was declined. I raised my voice then too, that this would hurt the public sentiment and we should not make such political decisions and that decision showed a lack of connection with the people. I tried to convey my message in several other matters, but I was not successful. Finally, I decided to resign today."

The party's Gujarat unit working president Ambarish Der also resigned from the party and said he will join the ruling BJP on Tuesday. His resignation came after the party suspended Der from all posts and as a primary member of the Congress for a period of six years for his 'anti-party activities'.

Earlier in the day, Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president CR Paatil visited Der's residence in Ahmedabad. Der also said that he was upset with the party's stand on Ram temple in Ayodhya. The 46-year-old former MLA claimed it will be his "home-coming" as he was with the BJP in the past and worked extensively for it when he was young.

Der had represented the Rajula seat in the Amreli district from 2017 to 2022 as the Congress MLA. He had defeated BJP's heavyweight Hira Solanki, the younger brother of state minister Parshottam Solanki. Ahead of the 2022 Gujarat assembly polls, Der was made the Congress working president and remained on the post despite suffering defeat at the hands of his arch rival Hira Solanki.

Assembly, Lok Sabha Polls Speculation

While there is speculation that Hira Solanki might be asked to resign as the Rajula MLA and fielded from the Bhavnagar Lok Sabha seat, and Der might be the BJP candidate for the Rajula seat bypoll. The BJP might field one of the two leaders in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra

Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra will enter Gujarat on March 7 and will cover 400 kilometres across seven districts over four days. During this, Rahul Gandhi will offer prayers at temples and visit the historic Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "There will be 27 corner meetings and six public gatherings as part of the yatra's Gujarat leg. Some of the distance will be covered using cars and buses, while foot marches will be held in urban areas," said the Congress.

The yatra, which began in the strife-torn Manipur, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20-21 after covering 6,713 kilometres across 110 districts over a period of 67 days, as per party leaders.
New Delhi: Border Security Force (BSF) marked a historic moment in its annals as it welcomed Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari, heralding her induction as the force's premier woman sniper. Embarking on a rigorous eight-week odyssey at the prestigious Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore, Suman emerged triumphant, clinching the coveted instructor grade and etching her name in the echelons of BSF history.

Taking to social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), BSF effusively extended its felicitations to the trailblazing Mahila Sniper. In a fervent proclamation, BSF underscored its commitment to fostering inclusivity within its ranks, declaring, BSF is a bastion of inclusivity where #women are forging ahead with remarkable strides. In a landmark development, following arduous training, #BSF proudly introduces its First #Mahila Sniper.

Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Suman's journey from leading a platoon in Punjab to enrolling in the grueling sniper course was propelled by a solemn realization of the looming threat posed by sniper attacks from bordering territories. Driven by an unwavering resolve to defend her nation, Suman sought and obtained approval from her superiors to embark on this arduous path.

Throughout the duration of the sniper course, Suman distinguished herself as the lone female amidst a cohort of 56 men, navigating through challenges and obstacles with unparalleled resilience. Renowned for its exacting standards, often likened to the rigorous commando training regimen within BSF, the course demanded unwavering dedication and prowess from its participants.

Presenting Suman Kumari, the Inaugural Female Sniper in BSF's Illustrious Roster...

Emerging from humble beginnings in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, BSF's pioneering woman sniper emanates from a modest familial background. With her father employed as an electrician and her mother overseeing household affairs, Suman's ascent to prominence stands as a testament to grit and determination.

Embarking on her journey with BSF in 2021, Suman's repertoire extends beyond sniper proficiency, encompassing mastery in unarmed combat techniques, further enriching her arsenal of skills in service to her nation.
jetcityimage / Getty Images

Your budget as a single parent will vary significantly depending on your income, how many kids you have, where you live, and your household needs. But with that being said, if youre a single parent and a Costco member, there are certain things you can buy to help keep overall costs low.

Explore More: 6 Expensive Costco Items That Are Definitely Worth the Cost

Try This: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

GOBankingRates spoke with several experts about what to buy at Costco as a single parent at the warehouse club. Here are a few suggestions.

Costco

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Everyone needs a toothbrush, but toothbrushes must be replaced every so often. To keep costs down, shop for these at Costco.

Costco is a great place to buy everyday essentials in bulk, if you can. As a single parent on a tight budget, consider purchasing a bulk set of toothbrushes, said Samantha Landau, a consumer expert at TopCashback. You can save money, but youre also increasing convenience by ensuring you have a stock handy in your linen closet or under your bathroom sink.

Currently, you can get an eight-pack of Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothbrushes for $12.99  originally $17.99.

While youre at it, pick up some toothpaste.

Toothpaste is also great to buy in bulk for the same reasons, but if youre the only one using the minty flavors, make sure you consider the expiration dates before buying in bulk, Landau suggested.

Check Out: Im a Costco Superfan: These Are the 5 Highest-Quality Kirkland Food Items

Discover More: 8 Aldi Meals That Are Cheaper Than Buying Takeout

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Costco

Diapers

If you have little ones at home and need diapers, Costcos the place to go.

If you have a small child, diapers and even training pants are both great purchases for parents on a tight budget. The unit price of these items is much better than what youll see elsewhere, coming in at 18 to 20 cents per diaper for the Kirkland Signature brand and 24 to 27 cents per diaper for name brands like Huggies, said Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.

Story continues

If youre looking at training pants, selection may vary by store, she added. But online, Costco has Pull-Ups in 128 count boxes for $41.99, which works out to 33 cents per pant.

Read Next: 10 Best Members Mark Pantry Products To Pick Up at Sams Club

@Costco / iStock.com

Baby Wipes

Diapers arent the only thing you can get for your young children at Costco  baby wipes are a great buy, too.

This is another thing that parents on tight budgets should pick up at Costco. There may only be a couple of choices, but Kirkland Signature tends to come in both fragrance-free and Fresh Scent varieties for the same price and size, said Ramhold.

You can buy 900 wipes for $22, or $0.03 per wipe.

Costco

Chips

If you have school-aged children and want to pack them a quick, inexpensive snack, Costco has a ton of options, too. This includes chips, cookies, crackers, candy and healthier alternatives.

Perfect to throw in a lunch box, grab and go snack bags are a great staple to pick up at Costco to save money, said Landau. You can score a 54-count of the Frito-Lay Classic Mix one-ounce bags for just $23.99. Walmart offers the same item, but for over $35, making Costco the best choice to save on these popular snacks.

Bartosz Luczak / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Salad Kits

Costco has a rotation of salad kits in the vegetable section of the warehouse.

These bags contain everything you need for a healthy meal, said Kristen Markel of Warehouse Wanderer, a site dedicated to all things Costco. Add chopped rotisserie chicken and have an easy weeknight dinner or a few work lunches. We love Taylor Farms Thai Chili Mango, [which] has the perfect spicy and sweet balance.

For You: 10 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joes

Costco

Granola Bars

Another great addition to the kids lunches  or even your own  are granola bars.

Whether you need them for daycare, to pack in lunches or as an after-school snack, Costco has plenty of affordable options for parents on a tight budget, said Ramhold. For instance, the Kirkland Signature Soft & Chewy Granola Bars come in a box of 64 for just $11.99 online  they may be cheaper in person  which works out to about 19 cents per granola bar.

Costco

Protein Bars

If youre looking for a snack to get you through the day, check out Costcos selection of protein bars.

As a busy parent, it can be super helpful to have a quick-reach snack to tide you over or replace a meal you forgot to have. Costco has some great options for protein bars in bulk, said Landau.

For example, they offer a 20-count through their Kirkland Signature brand in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor for $23.99, she continued. Each bar has 21 grams of protein, and they are gluten free. Alternative brands, like Quest, can be pricey, and you get less value for your money.

Costco

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a must-have around the house. And if youre a single parent having to do multiple loads of laundry every week, this is a great bulk buy.

Costcos Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent comes with 194 fluid ounces of product for only $19.99, promising approximately 146 loads. Target, on the other hand, offers Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent with only 154 fluid ounces for $21.49, said Landau. Youre getting less product from Target for more money, making Costco the best option to save on this essential.

Check Out: 7 Best Dollar Tree Grocery Items To Buy Online in Bulk

Costco

Easy Meals

If you run a busy household, easy meals like macaroni and cheese or pizza can be a lifesaver. And your kids are bound to enjoy them, too.

Things like mac and cheese come in packages of 18 regular sized boxes for $18.99 online, or $1.06 per box at Costco, said Ramhold. You can generally find them cheaper by shopping in-store, too, so you may find that the same item is just under $1 per box by doing so.

As for pizza, youre bound to find something the whole family will love.

The frozen food section is brimming with pizzas, which are great for after-school snacks and easy dinners, said Markel. Older kids can easily make these for themselves. Check out the Detroit Motor City pizzas, which are hearty and delicious, or Miltons Cauliflower Crust, which is so flavorful you wont realize the veggies are there!

Costco

Pulled Pork

If youre looking for something with more protein for you and the kids, check out Costcos pulled pork.

Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork was recently revamped, and its delicious, said Markel. Its fully cooked, making it an easy weeknight dinner, and the generous portion size provides enough for leftovers, and its reasonably priced, too!

A pound of pulled pork is about $8, depending on where you live.

Costco

Gift Cards

You might not initially think about buying gift cards from Costco, but they can actually be a tactical way of saving money  provided you use them! This is because Costcos gift cards are usually a little cheaper than what youd find at other stores.

Costco is well-known for their fantastic gift card deals. This is especially important for single parents, who can fund an entire days worth of activities through these discount gift cards, said Landau. For example, if theres a new movie youd like to take your kid(s) to, you can score two standard movie tickets and a $20 gift card to AMC for only $36.99.

You can also find gift cards to restaurants, airlines, experiences and more at Costco.

Learn More: Stock Up on These 6 Sams Club Items Before Winter Ends

Costco

Juice

Keeping your family hydrated is important, and, while water might be high on your list, your kids might want something a little more flavorful  and you might, too. Costco has plenty of types of juice at reasonable prices.

There are a ton of different options for juice at Costco, whether you want to go with Capri-Sun ($15.99 for 40 pouches), Kool-Aid Jammers ($9.99 for 40 pouches) or something more wholesome, like Honest Kids organic juice drinks ($15.99 for 40 pouches), said Ramhold.

When you consider the price-per-unit of these beverages, youre saving more than you would if you were to shop at another grocery store.

Costco

Clothing

If you have a little more flexibility in your budget, you could also pick up some affordable clothes at Costco.

Especially if youre looking at sets, you may be surprised at the savings you can find, said Ramhold. For instance, a 32 Degrees kids heat set that includes a shirt and pants is just $6.97 and is perfect for layering up during the colder months.

Costco isnt known for its clothing section, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. You can pick up things like pants, shirts, shoes and swimwear. You just might not have as many items to choose from.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 13 Things You Must Buy at Costco While on a Single Parent Budget
New Delhi: The State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday petitioned the Supreme Court for an extension of the deadline to provide information regarding electoral bonds to the Election Commission till June 30. The bank has requested the apex court to provide more time disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties.

Earlier in February, the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement stuck down the electoral bonds scheme and directed the SBI to provide information to the Election Commission (EC) by March 6.

In a petition presented to the highest court, the State Bank of India (SBI) argued that extracting information from individual databases, referred to as "silos," and cross-referencing data between them would require a considerable amount of time. The petition highlighted that the meticulous measures taken to maintain the anonymity of donors would make it challenging to decipher electoral bonds and correlate donors with their contributions, thus complicating the process.

In its plea the SBI stated, "It submitted that the data related to the issuance of the bond and the data related to the redemption of the bond was kept recorded in two different silos. No central database was maintained. This was done to ensure that donors' anonymity would be protected."



"It is submitted that donor details were kept in a sealed cover at the designated branches and all such sealed covers were deposited in the Main Branch of the Applicant bank, which is located in Mumbai," the plea added.

Termination Of Electoral Bonds

The Supreme Court terminated the controversial electoral bonds scheme, citing its infringement on citizens' right to information. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud remarked that the electoral bonds scheme was unconstitutional and arbitrary, potentially fostering a quid pro quo arrangement between political parties and donors.

The Supreme Court instructed SBI to cease issuing these bonds and disclose details of donations made through this channel to the EC. The Election Commission was then tasked with publishing this information on its website by March 13.

A constitutional bench comprising five judges determined that the purported aim of combatting black money and preserving donor anonymity failed to justify the scheme. The court emphasized that electoral bonds were not the sole means to address the issue of black money.

Electoral Bond Scheme

Introduced in 2018, the electoral bonds scheme aimed to prevent the inflow of black money into the political arena. Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had asserted that the conventional practice of political funding in India involved cash donations, often from anonymous or pseudonymous sources. He argued that the existing system facilitated the influx of untraceable funds, emphasizing the need for transparency.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA alliance over nepotism and corruption and accused them of resorting to personal attacks on his family. Emphatically, the PM declared that ''140 crore Indians'' are part of his extended family. PM Modi said this in response to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's ''parivaarvaad'' jibe at the PM. Addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, former Bihar CM and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, "What is this Modi?... This Narendra Modi is attacking 'parivaarvaad' these days. First, you should tell why you do not have any children or family. For the people with more children, he (PM Modi) says that it is dynasty politics. You don't have a family...You are not even a Hindu. Every Hindu tonsures their head to mourn their mother's death. Answer why did you not get your hair and beard removed..."

Opposition's Real Manifesto Exposed: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the INDI Alliance leaders, highlighting their involvement in corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement. He asserted that their real manifesto for the 2024 elections has been revealed, emphasizing his commitment to serving the nation and addressing dynasty politics.

#WATCH | Telangana: In Adilabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Leaders of INDI Alliance who are involved in corruption, dynasty and appeasement are going berserk. They have now come out with their real manifesto for the 2024 elections. When I question their dynasty pic.twitter.com/tCVzsuLOcU  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

My Life Is An Open Book: PM

Responding to allegations about his family, PM Modi affirmed, "My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well." He shared anecdotes about receiving letters from citizens, acknowledging their concern for his well-being while working tirelessly for the nation.

PM Modi reflected on leaving his home as a child with a dream in his eyes to serve the people. He pledged to spend his life fulfilling the dreams of the citizens, emphasizing that crores of people in the country consider him as their own family.

Telangana's Future Unaffected By Change In Leadership

Addressing the political landscape in Telangana, PM Modi asserted that nothing significant will change with Congress replacing BRS. He praised the contributions of the people of Telangana, especially the tribal community, underlining the BJP Government's efforts for their development.

In Adilabad, PM Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated over Rs 56,000 crore worth of development projects. The projects spanned across power, rail, and road sectors, symbolizing a new chapter of development not only for Telangana but the entire nation.

PM Modi highlighted various projects, including the inauguration of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS, showcasing India's pace of development. He emphasized the significance of tribal empowerment and the launch of the world's largest storage scheme for farmers.

From Adilabad in Telangana, launching development initiatives that will further strengthen the country's power, road and rail infrastructure.https://t.co/KV6jbwPsh4  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024

Focus On Tribal Development

The Prime Minister celebrated the achievements of tribal women, pointing out that before the BJP came to power, the idea of an Adivasi woman becoming the country's President was unimaginable. He dedicated projects that symbolize progress in tribal welfare and honour.

Energy And Infrastructure Boost To Telangana

PM Modi dedicated significant energy projects, including NTPC's 800 MW unit in Telangana and 660 MW unit in Jharkhand. He stressed the importance of these projects for Telangana's energy production capabilities and the overall progress of marginalized communities.

Connectivity And Infrastructure Development

The Prime Minister inaugurated national highways, highlighting the enhanced connectivity through railways and highways. He emphasized the positive impact on travel time, tourism, and employment opportunities in the region.

Expanding Renewable Energy

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various solar and hydroelectric projects across different states, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.

Rail And Road Connectivity Projects

The electrification of the Ambari - Adilabad - Pimpalkhuti rail line and the foundation stone for two major National Highway projects connecting Telangana with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh were also part of the extensive development initiatives unveiled by PM Modi.

In the presence of Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, PM Modi showcased the government's dedication to comprehensive development, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's progress.
NEW DELHI: In a monumental ruling, the Supreme Court of India on Monday said that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) cannot shield themselves from prosecution when faced with charges of bribery concerning votes or speeches within the legislative bodies.

PM Modi Hails SC Ruling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the historic ruling of the apex court. In a post on X, the PM said, ''A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.''

SWAGATAM!



A great judgment by the Honble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen peoples faith in the system.https://t.co/GqfP3PMxqz  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024

SC Overturns Ruling In 1998 Narasimha Rao Case

A seven-judge Constitution bench, with resounding unanimity, overturned the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment, a case that had hitherto extended immunity to lawmakers from bribery charges related to parliamentary voting. "Bribery isn't protected by parliamentary privileges. The interpretation of the 1998 verdict contradicts Constitutional Articles 105 and 194," declared the bench, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrity in public office.

Seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court rules that an MP or MLA can't claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote/speech in the Parliament/ Legislative Assembly.



Supreme Courts seven-judge bench in its unanimous view overruled pic.twitter.com/xJ4MRWvpoO  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

Parliamentary Privileges Revisited: Upholding Integrity In Governance

The apex court vehemently rejected the notion that accepting bribes by legislators constitutes a privilege, asserting that such actions undermine the ethical fabric of public service. "Granting unconnected privileges would breed a class exempt from the rule of law," it admonished, underscoring the indispensable nature of parliamentary privileges for the effective functioning of legislative bodies.

Supreme Court says we disagree with the judgment in PV Narasimha and the judgment in PV Narasimha which grants immunity to legislators for allegedly bribery for casting a vote or speech has wide ramifications and overruled. March 4, 2024

Reaffirming the sanctity of Constitutional provisions, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of parliamentary privilege to encompass not only collective legislative functions but also electoral processes such as Rajya Sabha elections and presidential appointments. The interpretation of the PV Narasimha judgment was deemed antithetical to the Constitutional ethos, creating a paradoxical scenario where legislators enjoyed immunity for illicit conduct.

Legal Clarity: Legislators To Be Held Accountable

Addressing the core issue of accountability, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the offence of bribery is cemented upon the acceptance of illegal gratification, irrespective of subsequent legislative actions. Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay concurred, affirming that legislators engaging in corrupt practices would be subject to prosecution without any special treatment.

Preserving Democratic Integrity: Upholding The Spirit Of Justice

The ramifications of this verdict extend far beyond legal corridors, resonating profoundly within the democratic framework of India. By dismantling the shield of immunity, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the principle that integrity and accountability are paramount in sustaining parliamentary democracy.

Following exhaustive deliberations, a bench comprising the Chief Justice of India and six other esteemed justices reserved its order in October, recognizing the gravity of the issues at hand. The referral to a larger seven-judge bench underscored the significance of the matter, signalling a watershed moment in the moral fabric of the nation's polity.

Constitutional Mandate: Ensuring Freedom With Responsibility

In elucidating the purpose behind Article 105(2) and Article 194(2), the top court emphasized the imperative of fostering an environment where elected representatives can discharge their duties with autonomy and accountability, free from the spectre of undue influence or corruption.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' for the women of the national capital. Presenting the budget in the Delhi assembly, Finance Minister Atishi said that the Kejriwal government will give Rs 1000/month to every woman above 18 years of age. "Elders of a family hand over money to sisters and daughters. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as the elder of the Delhi family is taking a huge step for the sister daughters of Delhi," said Atishi.

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government in its Budget announced the populist measure to transfer Rs 1,000 per month to every woman above 18 years of age under 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana for the financial year 2024-25. However, not all Delhi women will get the benefits of the scheme.

Who All Are Not Eligible?

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that while there are around 67 lakh women voters in the national capital, around 45-50 lakh women are likely to get the benefits of the scheme. "Delhi has around 67 lakh women voters. If you remove income taxpayers and government employees from them, it is also possible that all women may not apply for this, then as per my estimates, around 45-50 lakh women will avail the benefit of the scheme," said CM Kejriwal.

Therefore, those women who are residents of Delhi and pay taxes or those who are government employees will not be eligible for the monthly financial aid. Also, those women who won't apply for the scheme will not get the benefits.

Political Masterstroke?

Delhi now has a total of 1.47 crore registered voters out of these, there are 67 lakh women voters. This is around 45 per cent of Delhi's population. To woo the women voters, the AAP has come out with this populist scheme. If this translates into votes, this will certainly dent the BJP's winning chances in the Lok Sabha polls. CM Kejriwal even appealed to the Delhi voters to give all seven seats to the INDIA bloc. "What did Delhi get by electing 7 BJP MPs? When the central government stops the work of the people of Delhi, BJP MPs clap loudly. I want to tell the people of Delhi that I am fighting for them alone against the Central Government. This time, I will get strength if you make 7 MPs from the INDIA Alliance. Then no one will have the courage to stop the work of Delhi," said Kejriwal.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to participate in a high-stakes meeting on Tuesday in Delhi. According to sources, the meeting is slated to discuss the seat distribution for the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar and will be attended by key members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The meeting scheduled at Home Minister Amit Shahs residence is significant as it precedes the BJPs Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Wednesday.

BJP To Contest On 17 Seats In Bihar

The meeting with the Bihar CM will focus on discussions with the Bihar election team regarding the distribution of the 40 parliamentary seats in the state. As per sources, the BJP, a prominent member of the NDA, is gearing up to contest 17 MP seats in Bihar. The NDA has reportedly already settled on the exchange of seats, with notable changes anticipated in constituencies such as Munger, Vaishali, Nawada, and Hajipur. The Hajipur seat has become a focal point of contention due to competing claims for candidacy. The claimants include Union minister Pashupati Paras and his nephew Chirag Paswan.

Hajipur Seat Controversy

While both Chirag Paswan and Pashupati Paras are part of the NDA, the union minister asserted earlier that he has no intention of giving up his Hajipur Lok Sabha seat for his nephew. He said that the constituency had been nurtured by Chirag's late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, over several decades, and it holds significance for him. Paras claimed that although he was already a part of the NDA, his nephew was sceptical about joining the coalition, even though he had received an invitation from BJP chief JP Nadda to participate in a meeting of the alliance in July last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today praised a BJP worker who came to welcome him at the Chennai Airport. During the interaction, the worker shared the news of becoming a father to twins but also stated that he hadn't met the infants yet. To this, PM Modi told the worker that he should not have come. PM Modi also conveyed his blessings to the kids.

"A very special interaction! At Chennai airport, one of our Karyakartas, Shri Aswanth Pijai Ji was there to welcome me. He told me that his wife had just given birth to twins but he hadnt met them yet. I told him he shouldnt have come here and also conveyed my blessings to him and his family," said PM Modi.

A very special interaction!



At Chennai airport, one of our Karyakartas, Shri Aswanth Pijai Ji was there to welcome me. He told me that his wife had just given birth to twins but he hadnt met them yet. I told him he shouldnt have come here and also conveyed my blessings to him pic.twitter.com/4Oywc2cSPE  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024

PM Modi also said that the dedication of party workers makes him emotional. "It is heartening to see that our party has such dedicated and devoted Karyakartas. Seeing such love and affection of our karyakartas makes me emotional," said the Prime Minister.

Later, addressing a rally in Chennai, Prime Minister Modi lashed out at the DMK government, alleging that the state government did not do flood management during the severe inundation Chennai faced last December, but instead did headline management to send out the message that everything is fine. "Amidst all the efforts of the Central Government, the DMK Government has turned its back on the needs and dreams of the people of Chennai. During the troubling times when the cyclone hit here, instead of helping, the DMK government worked to intensify the problems of the people. During crisis, the DMK people do not ensure 'flood management', but 'media management'," said PM Modi.

PM Modi further alleged, "DMK government did not do flood management but media management; the government told the media that all is well during Chennai floods." He claimed that the DMK is upset that it is unable to 'make money' out of central government schemes. Stating that he shares a longtime bond with Tamil Nadu, Modi claimed that some people in the state today are unable to stomach the BJP's growing popularity.
NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has transferred the probe into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), news agency ANI reported on Monday. This decision comes in the wake of heightened concerns over the incident and the urgent need for a thorough investigation.

Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over Bengaluru's The Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to National Investigation Agency. The blast took place at the cafe on 1st March in Bengalurus Whitefield area where several people were injured.  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

Central Agency Takes Charge

The MHA's decision to hand over the case to the NIA comes after a recent visit by the agency's team to the blast site. With the re-registration of the case and the initiation of investigations, the NIA is poised to delve deep into the matter to unearth the truth behind the explosion.

Bengaluru Shaken By The Blast

The incident, which occurred on March 1 at a bustling cafe in Bengaluru's Whitefield area, sent shockwaves through the city. During the lunch hour rush, an explosion rocked the Rameshwaram Cafe, leaving several individuals injured in its aftermath.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the blast ripped through the popular eatery, inflicting injuries on over half a dozen people. The low-intensity explosion left the community shaken and raised concerns about safety and security in the area.

CCTV Footage Of Blast Emerge

Prior to the NIA's involvement, the Bengaluru Police had taken swift action, registering a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act. Initial findings from CCTV footage pointed to a suspect who was seen placing a bag inside the cafe before the blast occurred.

Karnataka Leaders Assure Public Of Safety

Amidst growing apprehension, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured the public of ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice. With a multi-pronged investigation underway, authorities remain vigilant, exploring all possible angles to the case. "We are continuing our investigation. 8 teams have been formed and all are working in different directions and looking at different aspects. We have collected several CCTV footage. We are examining every angle including if there is any jealousy factor. I also appeal to the opposition to cooperate with us and not to make this a political issue...We do not know if there is any connection with the Mangaluru blast. They have used a similar material and the same system technically. Yesterday NSG arrived here. We will definitely find the person. We had a meeting yesterday and briefed the CM. Today, I have called a meeting of all the senior officers. BJP should not issue negative statements" the Karnataka Home Minister said on Sunday.

In a show of solidarity, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar urged residents not to succumb to fear in the aftermath of the blast. Emphasizing the need for collective resilience, he reassured the people of Bengaluru that authorities are diligently investigating the incident to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Several malls have flourished in the Delhi-NCR in the past decades with many located in key areas attracting hundreds of visitors every day. People often visit these malls to spend quality time as well as for meetings but the two back-to-back safety incidents have raised question marks on the safety of the mall infrastructure. Just a day before, two people were crushed to death after a grill fell from the fifth floor of Greater Noida's Blue Sapphire Mall. A day later, a portion of the concrete roof collapsed in Delhi's Ambience Mall.

A big chunk of the concrete roof collapsed at southwest Delhi's Ambience Mall around 1 AM on Monday. There were no casualties as the incident took place past midnight and the mall was shut to the public then. Had it been the usual working hours, there could have been multiple casualties. Police said the roof partially collapsed in the mall's central hall around 12.45 am and there was debris scattered all around the section.

Concern Among Public

The back-to-back incidents have created an environment of panic among the people in Delhi-NCR. Residents have expressed concerns demanding a safety audit of the old and new infrastructure. Amit Kumar, a resident of Delhi's Vasant Kunj, told Zee News English that he had visited the Ambience Mall two weeks ago on Sunday and it was bustling with people. "I am now afraid of visiting a mall. There should be structural audits of these infrastructures as any negligence could prove fatal," said Kumar. Similar concerns were expressed by residents of Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad as well.

Lessons From Gurugram

It may be noted that the Department of Town and Country Planning in Gurugram was forced to carry out structural audits of many residential buildings following accidents at some highrises including Chintels Paradiso housing complex and NBCC Green View in 2022 and 2023. The residents of RWAs of Gurugram forced awaken the district administration to take a strict view of the safety of highrise apartments. While those were residential buildings, now the recent accidents have highlighted possible safety negligence in commercial projects like malls.
New Delhi: Amid the escalating conflict between Google and Indian startups, the eight out of the ten prominent homegrown companies have reappeared on the Google Play Store after they complied with Google's new policy, sources reported to IANS on Monday.

Several apps have returned to the Play Store after adhering to Google's policy. Sources indicate that most of them are choosing the consumption-only option for their relisting on the platform. Google removed over a dozen apps from the Play Store, including those from major Indian digital companies like Matrimony and Shaadi.com. (Also Read: Advisory To Launch AI Models With Permission Doesn't Apply To Startups: Centre)

Applications from companies such as Altt, Stage, and Aha streaming platforms, Truly Madly and Quack Quack dating apps, Kuku FM audio content platform, and FRND social networking app were also delisted by Google. Notably, Aha is a regional streaming service owned by Arha Media & Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G With 6,000mAh Battery And Sensors Launched In India; Check Price, Specs)

After facing criticism, the tech giant reinstated some of the apps belonging to Shaadi.com, Info Edge's Naukri, 99acres and NaukriGulf, but many others continue to be delisted.

On Sunday, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said that a majority of apps that were delisted by Google Play are yet to be relisted. Google and Indian startups are currently locked in a fierce battle over new Play Store policies, and the government is also intervening to resolve the matter. (With Inputs From IANS)
New Year: Earlier this year, Google took action by removing a group of employees from its YouTube Music team who had been engaged in a prolonged protest. These employees had been advocating for better pay from the tech giant.

The Alphabet Workers Union-CWA, which represents contractors for YouTube Music, reported that Google's contractor, Cognizant in Austin, Texas, decided to terminate contracts due to the strike, as per The Verge. Cognizant was tasked with approving music content for YouTube Music. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Gets Price Cut On Amazon; Check New Price)

Last February, more than 40 employees from YouTube Music went on strike, seeking revisions to Google's policy for returning to work. The Alphabet Workers Union-CWA stated that numerous remote workers at YouTube Music were compensated as low as $19 per hour. (Also Read: NCPCR Seeks Action Against Ullu App Over Distribution Of Obscene, Objectionable Content)

Nonetheless, Courtenay Mencini, a spokesperson for Google, informed The Verge that the responsibility for downsizing the team did not rest with Google but instead with Cognizant. On the other hand, the chief communications officer of Cognizant mentioned that the team would receive seven weeks of pay and chances to secure another position within Cognizant.

Previously, Google contended that it shouldn't be viewed as the employer of workers supplied by staffing company Cognizant Technology Solutions. However, in January of this year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) dismissed Google's assertions and stated that Google had breached US labor laws.

The NLRB determined that since Google managed benefits, work hours, and guided the tasks of the contractors, it was considered a partial employer. Google announced that it would seek a review of the ruling from a federal appeals court.

A worker at YouTube Music who is also a member of the union stated that Google and Cognizant have implemented several alterations to working conditions without negotiation. These changes include mandating employees to return to the office and eliminating sick pay.

According to CNBC, it's not just the YouTube Music contractors who are challenging Google to acknowledge them as employees. The NLRB stated that Google could be considered a partial employer for unionized contractors working with Accenture, who were involved in projects related to Google Search and Bard before its rebranding.
In this article, we will take a look at 20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 5 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World.

Humans are complex beings, gifted with a multitude of qualities-- some innate, others acquired through exposure. Precisely pinpointing a metric to measure their brilliance is a daunting task. The world is filled with awe-inspiring scientists who have shaped and reshaped our understanding of Earth, the cosmos and their multifarious dynamics, researchers who have brought forth astounding findings, politicians who have redrawn boundaries between countries and etched their mark in history, as well as artists and musicians who have brought immense pleasure to the world. The list of diverse accomplishments that humans can possess is endless. They are all stars, shining brilliantly in their respective domains.

Preparing Generations of Brilliance

The students-- future pillars of all nations-- are unique individuals, each evolving along their path of knowledge. Over the years, significant emphasis has been placed on developing curricula that focus on critical thinking tools, participatory learning, and independent problem-solving techniques. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, in particular, has been hailed as the harbinger of future learning. Major countries like the US and Europe have predominantly incorporated it into their educational systems. However, with time, Asian countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan have also embraced this system. By 2020, China had emerged as the leading producer of STEM graduates, with 3.57 million, followed by India with 2.55 million and the US with 820,000 graduates.

STEM education is gaining even greater relevance in our technologically oriented world. The onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and the global proliferation of educational apps have fostered an environment conducive to digital education. From 300,000 in 2011, the number of massive open online course learners has surged to 220 million in 2021. Additionally, numerous digital startups have emerged on the online education map, driven by the rise in US venture funding for Education Technology (EdTech). Notable companies, such as Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR), have played a pivotal role in this transformative landscape.

Story continues

Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR) is an online platform that collaborates with over 300 universities and organizations, including prestigious institutions like Stanford, Duke, UC Berkeley, Dartmouth, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), and IBM (NYSE:IBM). The platform provides online courses, certifications, and degrees across various subjects. Aligning with the contemporary needs, Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR) CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda, explains how the company can assist students and professionals through adaptive and personalized learning experiences.

Research and Innovation Producing Brilliant Students

While investing in strong schools and effective teaching tactics is crucial at the foundational level, the fast-paced, technologically oriented world demands an even greater emphasis on continuous research and upgrading. In the contemporary era, countries allocate millions to research to ensure rapid and up-to-date progress. The United States has emerged as the country with the highest spending on academic Research and Development (R&D). According to 2020 OECD data, the U.S. invested $81 billion in this sector, followed by Germany with $28 billion, the United Kingdom and Japan each with $20 billion, and France with $18 billion. The 27 European Union countries, including Germany and France, collectively spent $100 billion in the year 2020. American universities, like John Hopkins, University of California, San Francisco, and University of Pennsylvania, are spearheading the growth in the R&D sector. In 2022, R&D spending by academic institutions in the country reached $97.8 billion, marking an $8 billion increase from 2021. Thus, it is no wonder that the worlds leading technologically innovative companies, such as Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), are situated in the U.S.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), a technology pioneer for two decades, stands as one of the most widely used social media platforms globally. Originating from the mind of a brilliant psychology student at Harvard, the company swiftly captured the world's attention and continues to do so. With innovation as the cornerstone of their success, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) recently entered into a collaboration with IBM (NYSE:IBM). Together, they have formed an industry group comprising more than 40 companies and organizations, aimed at establishing open-source artificial intelligence work. This initiative is designed to facilitate technology sharing and reduce associated risks.

20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World

20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World

Methodology

To compile our list of 20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World, we have used the H-Index of the papers published in all the subject areas from the period of 1996-2022. H-Index is a robust measure of scholarly impact. We present our list in ascending order of H-Index. If you want to delve into the details of what H-index is, please refer to the methodology section in our piece on 15 Countries That Produce the Best Engineers in the World. We also use the OECD's "What Students Learn Matters: Towards a 21st Century Curriculum", 2020 report to quote data for percentage of lower secondary school teacher who encourage use of critical thinking and problem solving in their students as well as the percentage of curriculum that embeds critical thinking and problem solving.

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Let us now take a look at our list for 20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World.

20. Finland

H Index: 793

Finland is renowned for having one of the best and most challenging education systems globally. While the early school years are relatively relaxed, the later years become progressively demanding, urging students to embrace a more application-oriented approach. Consequently, students in Finland excel in honing their acuity and thriving in creative endeavors. In 2022 alone, the country recorded 1,361 patent applications, and it boasts a high citation impact per paper, underscoring the quality of education that produces exceptionally brilliant students.

19. India

H Index: 795

India has secured a prominent position in the rankings among 12 Asian countries with the best education systems, boasting 45 high-ranking universities that offer students crucial platforms for growth. Notably, 15 Indian universities have earned spots in the top 1000 Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2023. As one of the most promising innovators on the global stage, the Indian student body is evidently making strides in the creative realm, providing tangible proof of their academic brilliance.

18. Austria

H Index: 822

As a part of the highly advanced European region, Austria boasts a well-developed public education system, securing the 14th position in the global ranking of the best education systems. According to the OECD report on the 21st-century curriculum, 35% of lower secondary teachers in Austria encourage students to solve problems based on their intuition, while an impressive 84% express confidence in their ability to greatly assist students in developing critical thinking skills. This approach is poised to nurture and produce brilliant students.

17. South Korea

H Index: 863

South Korea places significant emphasis on its education system, known for its rigor and competitiveness. Students in South Korea are exceptionally hardworking and operate within a culture of academic excellence. The OECD 2030 Curriculum Content Mapping exercise reveals that the country has integrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills into its future curriculum at an impressive rate of 83% each. These aspects are incorporated across all areas of study, including science, humanities, and the arts. Furthermore, 47% of lower secondary school teachers in South Korea frequently assign tasks that require students to engage in critical thinking.

16. Israel

H Index: 865

Israel is renowned for contributing to some of the world's best education systems, consistently producing brilliant students. The country is a hub of innovation, evident in the 1,527 patent applications filed in 2022. A significant majority of Israels lower secondary school teachers, standing at 79%, believe in their ability to nurture critical thinking skills in their students. Looking ahead to their 2030 curricular agenda, Israel aims to further emphasize critical thinking (85%) and problem-solving (83%) as integral components.

15. Denmark

H Index: 949

Denmark's education system is not only recognized as one of the toughest but also stands as one of the best globally. The emphasis is placed on encouraging students to cultivate an inquisitive mind and learn through practical and collaborative efforts. To ensure this, Denmark is actively engaged in teacher training, recognizing its pivotal role in the educational process. The country's approach is holistic, not solely focused on science or academic subjects, but also dedicated to honing students' practical skills and cultural knowledge. As a result, Denmark boasts a high H Index rank and consistently produces some of the most brilliant students in the world.

14. Belgium

H Index: 995

Belgium's education system is rigorous, emphasizing critical and innovative thinking, taking students on a comprehensive educational journey. It stands as one of the best education systems globally, contributing to the country producing some of the most brilliant students worldwide. Belgium is also renowned for its innovations, and researchers in the country have demonstrated a high level of productivity impact.

13. Sweden

H Index: 1,087

With a rigorous coursework and a focus on independent analysis, Sweden guides its student body through a demanding educational journey. Education is compulsory for children from the age of six to fifteen. A significant portion of lower secondary teachers, 49%, actively encourages critical thinking, while 45% emphasize problem-solving skills, frequently prompting students to engage in these practices. Unsurprisingly, Sweden's success in nurturing innovation is evident in its thriving start-up scene. In 2022 alone, the country recorded 1,798 patent applications, a testament to the embedded brilliance of graduates continually entering the global market.

12. Spain

H Index: 1,127

Ranking high on the H index, Spain showcases the consistent brilliance of its students worldwide. The country's education system places significant emphasis on actively engaging students in critical thinking and problem-solving, which contributes to this notable achievement. Lower secondary school teachers frequently encourage independent problem-solving, with 41% of them prompting students to find solutions autonomously. Moreover, 65% of teachers ensure that children regularly practice critical thinking, underscoring the commitment to nurturing these essential skills.

11. China

H Index: 1,210

China's education system is widely regarded as one of the best not only within the context of Asian countries but also on a global scale. The commitment to continual improvement is evident through their 2030 curriculum agenda. Emphasizing critical thinking as a key component of student learning across all subjects, China allocates a significant proportion, 61%, to this aspect in their curriculum. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on cultivating high problem-solving capacities (72%) within various subjects. The country's remarkable achievement in filing 1,464,605 patent applications in 2022 serves as evidence of the brilliant students produced by their education system.

10. Switzerland

H Index: 1,212

As one of the most developed countries globally, Switzerland boasts one of the best education systems. The nation prioritizes the cultivation of critical thinking skills in students, offering the opportunity to pursue both academic and vocational studies following an intensive 11 years of compulsory education, which includes learning languages and foundational subjects. Additionally, the country demonstrates a commitment to excellence through generous investments in research and development. This holistic approach contributes to the overall production of brilliant students, as evidenced by the high H index, reflecting the productivity and impact of their academic work.

9. Japan

H Index: 1,236

Japan has carved a notable reputation in the field of education, excelling both regionally and globally. Renowned for possessing one of the best and toughest educational systems, the country subject students to rigorous academic training and innovative development. A testament to their commitment to holistic education can be seen by their focus on problem-solving, allocating a significant 83% emphasis to this crucial skill in their curriculum.

8. Italy

H Index: 1,255

Developing one of the world's best education systems, Italy has earned recognition as a country with some of the most brilliant students globally. Not only does Italy foster innovative abilities in its young generation-- ranking among the most innovative countries worldwide--but their contributions to the literary world are also highly impactful, as evidenced by their impressive H index ranking.

7. Australia

H Index: 1,276

Boasting one of the world's best education systems, Australia is equipping its students with a penchant for profound and critical thinking, coupled with early exposure to independent problem-solving. This approach results in the country producing researchers who contribute at a very high level of impact and productivity. It is for this reason that Australia is rightfully recognized as one of the countries with the most brilliant students in the world.

6. Netherlands

H Index: 1,284

The education system in the Netherlands revolves around fostering in-depth and profound thinking, coupled with a focus on practical learning. As one of the most innovative countries, the Netherlands consistently produces meaningful and high-quality research work, a testament to the brilliance of the students within this country.

Click to continue reading and see our 5 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World.

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Disclosure: None. 20 Countries with Most Brilliant Students in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
BEIJING: China's prestigious "Two Sessions" commences in Beijing on Monday where thousands of delegates from across the country will signal how they plan to steer the worlds second-largest economy in the year ahead and try to dispel deepening concern about the challenges it faces. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his top Communist Party officials are expected to focus on projecting confidence during the "two sessions," a highly choreographed event where China's rubber-stamp legislature and top advisory body convene.

The largely ceremonial political gathering is taking on heightened importance this year as Chinas economy has been roiled by a property sector crisis, hefty local government debt, deflation, a stock market rout and tech friction with the US  all fueling questions about whether the country will lose steam before it reaches its goal of becoming a developed global power.

Economic Focus And Premier's Projections

Xi faces scrutiny amidst economic difficulties and rising scepticism. The past year saw him embark on an unprecedented third term, marked by economic struggles, job uncertainties, market losses, and small business challenges. Premier Li Qiang's report will unveil a 5% economic growth target for 2024 and address pressing issues from declining birth rates to tech regulation.

Global Impact And Political Implications

China's economic troubles reverberate globally, especially in a year where the U.S. presidential election may strain Sino-American relations further. Leaders aim to showcase the government's ability to handle economic issues and provide confidence in China's economic trajectory.

The "Two Sessions" serve as a platform for the government to announce strategies and key indicators, including economic growth targets and military spending. However, the space for open exchanges has diminished as Xi tightened control, raising questions about the direction of China's economic and social policies.

Economic Debate Restrictions And Leadership Challenges

Recent controls on economic debates, including social media restrictions on analysts, highlight the government's efforts to control narratives. Xi's political shakeup and challenges faced by the new administration raise questions about the future direction of China and its impact on the global economy.

Crucial Topics And Global Relations

The sessions will shed light on China's stance on Taiwan, relations with the U.S., and efforts to bolster innovation amidst tech export controls. Observers anticipate a possible shift in tone towards a more conciliatory stance, temporarily easing the confrontational 'wolf warrior diplomacy.'

Leadership Appointments And Foreign Minister's Role

The unexpected removal of officials, including the foreign minister and defence minister, adds an element of uncertainty. A new foreign minister's appointment and potential high-ranking cabinet posts fillings will be closely monitored, as they signal shifts in China's leadership and foreign policy.

NPC Dynamics: Ousting And Appointments

The NPC's Standing Committee witnessed the removal of 11 members, including key figures linked to China's military apparatus. The departures, particularly of Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Defense Minister Li Shangfu, prompt questions about military dynamics and leadership judgment.

Deciphering NPC And CPPCC Roles

Though technically independent from the CCP, both the NPC and CPPCC are significantly influenced by it. While the NPC is China's primary legislative body, the CPPCC operates as a political advisory entity, fostering collaboration and extending CCP influence.

NPC's Significance Beyond Formality

Despite being colloquially labelled a "rubber stamp," the NPC holds importance beyond formality. Limited public input and occasional displays of dissent showcase its role in representing citizen interests on less sensitive issues.

Influence of Non-Party Actors And Global Market Skepticism

China's political landscape accommodates diverse interest groups, including advocates for women's rights and environmentalists. Their influence, however, remains constrained by the CCP's dominance. Market skepticism prevails as observers await the impact of confidence projections and measures announced during the "Two Sessions."
TEL AVIV: In a grim turn of events, the Health Ministry in Gaza has reported another devastating attack by Israeli forces on individuals seeking aid in Gaza City. This renewed assault has resulted in dozens being killed and wounded, marking it as yet another tragic episode in the ongoing conflict. The Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza City has witnessed the heartbreaking toll of the conflict, with UNICEF confirming that 15 children have died from malnutrition. Concerns loom over the possibility of even higher numbers at other medical facilities, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

VP Kamala Harris Urges Immediate Ceasefire

US Vice President Kamala Harris has made a plea for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. However, she stopped short of calling for a permanent end to Israel's assault, indicating the delicate nature of international diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Israel's Bold Move: Opts Out Of Cairo Talks

While a Hamas representative reported the group's earnest efforts in Egypt to reach an agreement, Israeli media revealed that Israel has opted not to send its delegation to Cairo for discussions on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israel has chosen not to participate in Cairo talks addressing the ceasefire and hostage release. This decision is a response to Hamas' failure to address crucial Israeli demands, including providing a detailed list of hostages and confirming the status of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

Netanyahu's Demand: Clarity On Hostage Identities Before Progress

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in coordination with Mossad director David Barnea, made the decision based on Hamas' lack of response to key demands. Netanyahu emphasized the need for clarity on the identities of hostages before any further agreements can progress.

Ceasefire Proposal Accepted by Israel, Derailed By Hamas' Silence

Despite a statement suggesting Israel's acceptance of a proposed six-week ceasefire, the lack of response from Hamas has led to the cancellation of Israel's participation in the Cairo talks. Sticking points in the negotiations, according to a Hamas source, include establishing a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals. Optimism persists, but a diplomatic source downplays immediate breakthrough prospects, citing slow progress.

Human Cost Rises: Over 30,000 Palestinians Killed, 1,139 Israelis Dead

The toll of the conflict is staggering, with at least 30,410 Palestinians killed and 71,700 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the revised death toll from the October 7 Hamas attacks stands at 1,139, underscoring the human cost on both sides.
Two! Four! Ten! How Many Reactors Will Energoatom Actually Build?

The number of nuclear reactors that we plan to build just the day after tomorrow is mind-boggling. Considering that nuclear power today is the hope and backbone of our energy system, it is high time to separate the hullabaloo of Energoatoms management from objective needs and real results. Of course, since recently Energoatom has become an entire corporation, which will definitely have a supervisory board, but let us not overestimate this reform.

Yes, the role of NPPs in the energy system is key. Last year, they fell just a little short of half of the total electricity generation in the country (in winter, their share of generation sometimes reached 60%). According to the results of 2023, Ukrainian NPPs generated 52.4 billion kWh, and the plan for this year is 53.6 billion kWh. It is possible to increase capacity at least for the sake of the possibility of repairing existing ones.

In fact, it is at the expense of cheap nuclear power that we manage to keep relatively low prices for the population (by the way, two thirds of the company's revenue  128 out of 190 billion UAH in 2023  went to compensate for these tariffs).

All of this is provided by thousands of workers. Many of them are in the Ukrainian armed forces. And although the units themselves have not yet been shelled, the trajectories of the missiles have passed directly over the nuclear reactors of the same South Ukrainian plant, at a height of 100200 metres, and there have already been attacks on the industrial zone of the plants. And this really threatens the world with a catastrophe bigger than the Fukushima disaster.

However, war is war, and schemes are schemes. They have been going on and on around the National Nuclear Energy Generating Energy Company (NNEGEC) for years. Energoatoms tenders have long become a fascinating puzzle for journalists  you can often find bidders with prices much higher than market prices (sometimes several times), driven to victory by the finger of fate. This irritates Energoatom terribly. Not overpricing, of course, but close attention to the company's purchases. They explain everything by enemy psychological operations and continue to change nothing.

In planning issues, too. A couple of years ago, the NNEGEC management and the friendly Ministry of Energy recalled the tale of Hodja Nasreddin and teaching a donkey to speak. Well, remember, either the donkey dies, or the Padishah will not have enough time. They prudently assigned the role of the Padishah to Bankova. Since then, they have been voicing grandiose plans for future megastructures of reactors of various types and in unprecedented quantities with a regularity of about once a month.

We started with the completion of one or two Soviet-designed units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. Then the units began to multiply themselves, and at the moment they are already counted in dozens. True, the lion's share of them are microreactors that do not exist in iron at all, which are promised to be constructed in the next decade, but who cares about such trifles. Everyone knows in advance that later the plans will be corrected, most of them will be thrown to the dump, and... new ones will be drawn. But continuous generation of good news is useful in the struggle to keep your place. And then, the more large-scale the planning, the more financial flows it generates. Actually, the business of spending money on the development of all kinds of feasibility studies is by no means Energoatoms know-how.

Unfortunately, the process is not so harmless. Partners get used to the fact that statements by Ukrainian top officials can be just shaking of the air with kindergarten level arguments, and our attitude towards us changes not for the better.

A fresh example is a statement by the Minister of Energy: ...in the summer or autumn of 2024, Ukraine plans to start construction of four new nuclear reactors. We need reactor vessels, which will have to be imported. We want to build the third and fourth units (at the Khmelnytskyi NPP.  I.M.) at once... We want to compensate for those at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Two reactors are going to be bought in Bulgaria (we have already written about this). Two more  in the United States (and about this).

As a matter of fact, it is not difficult to start construction. Energoatom says that they are already working on the completion of the third unit and they are not deceiving  they have put a rain roof on the unit and are plastering the auxiliary rooms. Who says its not construction? There is also a very economical option  to put a sign here will be the block number so-and-so. At the Rivne NPP, such a sign has been in place of Unit 5 since the Yanukovych presidency.

But in our case, it's a bit more complicated than that and can hit consumers' pockets pretty good.

Negotiations on the purchase of Bulgarian blocks have been officially underway since last summer. The deadlines have been gradually postponed, but the process has not stopped. Sofias key condition is to sell them for no less than 600 million euros. This is how much Bulgaria bought them from Russia. Scenarios with higher figures  up to 750 million euros  are also voiced. At the same time, the Bulgarians claim that the Ukrainian side expects to finance the deal from the EU aid. Curiously, is the Ukrainian Finance Ministry aware of this?

The purchase of state reactors has in fact already started. A year of negotiations and in December 2023, Energoatom announced that it was buying a reactor for a new power unit at Khmelnitsky NPP for another $437.5 million. We have already told you: it is not so much that we want to buy, as that they want to sell us two reactors, which Westinghouse has to get rid of by 2025 under the debt settlement agreement. And the buyers were frankly tight.

The Chinese reached a 70% level of production localisation when building their units. Now they have their own reactor of the same type. The attempt to reach an agreement with the Indians is not very successful either  the project to build six reactors there is stalled, and according to the old Indian tradition, no one says yes or no. And so it has been for many, many years. The Europeans were not keen either. But Energoatom was ready to buy.

However, there was one little thing in the way  absence of money, as always.

Not only for reactors, by the way. There is no money for cheaper facilities, and in the conditions of the war, even for facilities that are more necessary for the energy system. In its investment plan last summer, the NNEGEC melancholically stated that there were not enough funds even for personnel shelters at the South Ukraine NPP and the Khmelnytskyi NPP. It sounded like this: ...in 2023 it was planned to design a civil defence shelters at .... ... in 2023 it was planned to design the construction of an additional personnel shelter at the industrial platform of the Khmelnytskyi NPP and to carry out pre-project works and develop technical requirements for the construction of an additional personnel shelter at the industrial platform of the South Ukraine NPP. Due to the deficit of funds, the financing of the construction of the shelters at the Khmelnytskyi NPP and South Ukraine NPP is postponed.

It turned out that there were much more important things than spending several hundred million hryvnias on shelters for station workers. Then the honourable management was reprimanded a bit, but the priorities were maintained.

I don't even know what to call it  in the conditions of war to start four whole construction projects in the absence of funds and construction resources even for one? No decent answer can be found...

In the old days, it would have been called sabotage. Now the times are bursting with humanism, so (later) they will call all this inefficient use of resources. And theyll wag their finger. Maybe even directly from the supervisory board.

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of his re-election as Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Azernews reports.

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I sincerely congratulate you on your re-election as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

It is gratifying that our relations with Pakistan, our fraternal country and reliable partner, are steadily developing. Bound together by religious and cultural roots, our countries maintain fruitful cooperation in areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We express our appreciation for Pakistan's constant support and fair stance towards the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of our country's internationally recognized borders.

We are determined to continue to expand the relations and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan based on brotherhood, friendship, mutual confidence and support. I invite you to pay a visit to Azerbaijan to continue our political dialogue and exchange views on the prospects for development of our bilateral cooperation.

I wish you the best of health, happiness and success in your upcoming responsible activities for the prosperity of brotherly Pakistan and its people.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 4 March 2024
Meta House Inc. plans to develop a residential substance abuse treatment facility on a parking lot at a former Miller Brewing Co. office building in Milwaukee's Piggsville neighborhood.

A $30 million residential treatment facility for women recovering from substance abuse would be built on Milwaukee's near west side  if it obtains city approval.

Meta House Inc. wants to develop the four-story facility at 3901 W. Bluemound Road on what's now a parking lot for a former Miller Brewing back office building  just south of the Wisconsin Avenue viaduct.

The 4.8-acre site would house Meta House's administrative offices, outpatient treatment facility and residential treatment operation with 100 beds for recovering women and their children.

That's a major expansion from Meta House's longtime base at 2625 N. Weil St. Those Riverwest operations include 35 beds for residential treatment.

More space is needed because of the devastating effects of opioid addiction in Milwaukee and other Wisconsin communities Meta House serves, said Valerie Vidal, the nonprofit group's president and chief executive officer.

"This development will allow us to serve even more clients and save more lives," Vidal said at a Feb. 8 hearing before the Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals.

"The expansion of this housing is very important," said Gregory Miller, a Milwaukee Fire Department captain who oversees its overdose response operations.

Milwaukee zoning board to rule March 7 on Meta House

Meta House is seeking two special use permits to operate the facility. The board is to issue a decision at its March 7 meeting.

Vidal, in an interview, said she believes Meta House meets the city's criteria to obtain those permits. Meta House wants to begin construction in June and operate the new facility by the end of 2025.

Along with serving more people, the Piggsville neighborhood location would allow Meta House to own its property.

Meta House's Riverwest operations, which would relocate to the new site, include space leased in St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church's former school.

"It certainly brings more stability to own most of your real estate assets," Vidal told the Journal Sentinel.

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Meta House's four-story residential substance abuse treatment center would house women and their children.

Meta House has Piggsville opponents and supporters

The board hearing included testimony from four Piggsville residents opposed to the new facility.

They cited concerns about more traffic  with the new facility to house 140 employees working three shifts.

Others say they fear an intrusion on their privacy, an increase in litter, and harmful effects on housing values.

"I am told it is a negative for new people looking to move into a quiet neighborhood," said resident Janet Haas, who said she spoke to a Realtor about the issue.

People testifying in support included six neighborhood residents. They said Meta House's investment would help combat illegal dumping, drug buys and prostitution in Piggsville  a neighborhood bordered roughly by Interstate 94, West Wisconsin Avenue, North 35th Street and the Menomonee River.

"This is going to be a huge benefit to the safety of our block," said resident John Gardner.

Others supporters included two Riverwest residents who testified Meta House has had a positive effect in that neighborhood.

"If anything, they drive crime down," said Ruth Weill.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration supports Meta House plan

Mayor Cavalier Johnson's Department of City Development is recommending approval. Meta House's plans meet the special use criteria of protecting public safety and health, and do not raise concerns about nearby property values or traffic impact, said Sam Leichtling, city planning manager.

Ald. Michael Murphy, whose district includes Piggsville, raised questions about whether the development would contradict the city's comprehensive near west side plan. It discourages concentrating social services facilities in that larger area.

Leichtling said there is no such concentration in the Piggsville neighborhood, which has only around 300 residents.

Much of that concentration occurs on West Wisconsin Avenue, between North 20th and North 35th streets, and on North 27th Street, between West Clybourn Street and West Highland Boulevard, said Brian Randall, Meta House's attorney.

Meta House is a good service provider, said Murphy, who in 2019 sponsored a budget amendment creating the Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative.

However, he said it's reasonable for neighbors to have concerns about the proposed development.

"This is a significant change for any neighborhood," Murphy said. He also said Meta House serves people from other communities where such a development wouldn't be welcomed.

Meta House had initially considered a site at 4160 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, which that city's Common Council approved in April.

But that building, located in a business park, ultimately was determined to be "not the right fit for the project," Vidal said.

Meta House President and Chief Executive Officer Valerie Vidal.

Ald. Michael Murphy seeks shorter term for Meta House permits

Murphy asked the zoning board, if it approves the special use permits, to set their term for way fewer than the 30 years sought by Meta House.

In an interview, Murphy said a four-year term would give neighborhood residents a better chance to raise potential concerns when the permits come up for renewal.

Murphy, who's not seeking re-election, also said it would give his successor an opportunity to raise concerns during their first term on the council.

In addition, Murphy said the zoning board should not allow the site's vacant one-story, 40,200-square-foot office building to be converted into a future substance abuse treatment facility. Meta House has no plans to use the building, Vidal told the board.

In an interview, Vidal said financing for the development would include $4.9 million Meta House received from the state's share of a 2022 opioid lawsuit settlement; a $775,000 grant from University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health via American Rescue Plan Act funds; private philanthropy, and federal New Markets Tax Credits  which help finance new commercial buildings in lower-income neighborhoods.

Meta House's annual revenue in 2022 was $9.4 million, according to its latest annual report filed with the Internal Revenue Service. That included $4.4 million in government grants, $2.8 million in private grants and $1.4 million in Medicaid payments.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee could get new opioid abuse treatment center, Meta House
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Pensana's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

A total of 4 investors have a majority stake in the company with 50% ownership

Using data from company's past performance alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company

A look at the shareholders of Pensana Plc (LON:PRE) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 34% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. 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 Pensana, beginning with the chart below.

Check out our latest analysis for Pensana

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Pensana?

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.

We can see that Pensana does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Pensana's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

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Pensana is not owned by hedge funds. Fundo Soberano de Angola is currently the company's largest shareholder with 26% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 12% and 6.4% of the stock.

Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 50% of the company is controlled by the top 4 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business.

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. We're not picking up on any analyst coverage of the stock at the moment, so the company is unlikely to be widely held.

Insider Ownership Of Pensana

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. 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.

We can see that insiders own shares in Pensana Plc. It has a market capitalization of just UK89m, and insiders have UK5.2m worth of shares, in their own names. It is good to see some investment by insiders, but we usually like to see higher insider holdings. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

With a 32% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Pensana. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Pensana better, we need to consider many other factors. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Pensana (of which 3 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about.

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.
Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock.com

Both homeowners and real estate investors buy houses hoping  and perhaps even expecting  that their properties will appreciate over time.

Many do  but not all.

Check Out: Avoid Buying a Home in These 10 Florida Cities

Learn More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

According to an Axios/Redfin report, more than 3% of homes sold at a loss in 2023, up from 2.4% the year before. The median loss was around $40,000.

San Francisco  where one in seven owners lost money  took the biggest hit, with a median loss of $125,000, but New York, Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit all suffered depreciation rates above 6%, too.

Clearly, homeownership does not guarantee wealth building, but the good news is that a few telltale warning signs can help you predict whether your house might be primed to hemorrhage value in 2024.

Listen, the housing market can be tricky to predict, but there are definitely some red flags to watch out for if youre concerned about your homes value, said real estate investor Itay Simchi, founder of Proven House Buyers. While a few isolated issues may not be a deal-breaker, a combination of these factors can certainly dampen buyer enthusiasm and potentially lead to a decline in price.

If you notice any of these cautionary signs, you might consider cutting your losses and selling while you still can.

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Your Neighborhood Is Showing Signs of Decline

If you leave your house every morning and feel like your once-pleasant neighborhood is going to the dogs, your home value might begin to plummet with your quality of life.

Is your street becoming increasingly neglected? Simchi said. Are businesses closing down and storefronts sitting vacant? This can create a perception of a less desirable environment, making it harder to attract buyers willing to pay top dollar.

According to iBuyer, other signs include loose or aggressive animals, garbage and litter, excessive noise and unruly behavior.

Story continues

Discover More: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

Crime Is on the Rise

There are many signs of neighborhood health, but none are more immediate, more impactful or more consequential than the crime rate  and when crime rates rise, home prices fall.

A rise in crime in your area can be a major deterrent for buyers, Simchi said. Its important to stay informed about local crime statistics and take steps to ensure your own safety and security, but be aware that a perceived lack of safety can affect your homes marketability.

Surrounding Properties Are Deteriorating

When estimating a homes value, real estate pros look at comps  recorded prices of similar properties on the market. When the values of those comparable homes fall, yours can get washed away in the tide even if you do everything right  and it takes only one derelict property to ruin a block.

If neighboring houses are falling into disrepair, with overgrown lawns, unaddressed maintenance issues or even code violations, it reflects poorly on your entire street and can bring down property values collectively, Simchi said.

The Local School System Is Failing

Parents pay a premium to live in good school districts; and, when a neighborhood loses that key amenity, buyer demand  and prices  can fall quickly.

A decline in school ratings can be a significant concern for families, especially those with young children, Simchi said. This can make your home less appealing to potential buyers seeking a good educational environment for their kids.

Your Town Is Becoming Overdeveloped

Population loss is a classic sign of a neighborhood in decline  but too many newcomers arriving too quickly can be just as bad for home values.

While some development can bring positive change, an influx of new construction, especially if its poorly planned or disrupts the character of the neighborhood, can lead to concerns about traffic congestion, noise pollution, and a loss of community feel, potentially impacting property values, Simchi said.

Your Own Unimpressive Maintenance and Upkeep Standards

Many things affect property values that homeowners cant control, but sometimes they have only themselves to blame for property depreciation.

Lets face it, curb appeal matters, Simchi said. If your homes exterior shows signs of neglect, like peeling paint, a damaged roof or overgrown landscaping, it creates a negative first impression and can signal potential buyers that significant repairs may be needed, impacting their offer price.

Simchi stresses that these factors do not represent an exhaustive list and can vary considerably depending on your location and local market conditions.

But if youre concerned about your homes value, its definitely worth keeping an eye on these trends and taking proactive steps to address any areas within your control, like keeping up with maintenance or addressing curb appeal issues, he said. Consulting with a local real estate agent familiar with your area can also provide valuable insights and guidance.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Key Signs Your Home May Plummet in Value in 2024
Paolo Gagliardi / Getty Images/iStockphoto

As with any asset, rare coins have varying degrees of value. A coin that sells for hundreds or thousands of dollars on the collectibles market might seem valuable  until you find out that some coins sell for millions of dollars. Although you might think the priciest coins are the oldest, thats not necessarily the case. Some coins minted within the last century rank among the most valuable in the world.

Read More: The 1933 Gold Coin Thats Illegal To Own & 4 Other Strange Gold Investing Rules

Check Out: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

Its a challenge finding extremely rare coins outside of an auction house because most have already been discovered and collected. But that doesnt mean you cant try. Among the best places to hunt for valuable coins are antique stores, estate sales, flea markets, garage sales, coin shows and bankrolls. You never know when youll come across a rare coin that has gone undiscovered.

What should you look for? Rarity is the biggest factor determining a coins value. A coin might be rare for several reasons. In some cases, there werent many produced to begin with, such as error coins that somehow slipped through the cracks at the mint. Many modern coins fall into that category. Other coins, usually very old ones, simply disappeared over the years, leaving only a small number still around.

A coins condition also plays a part in its value. Those in pristine shape, that have been graded by a professional grading service will fetch the highest prices. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 1 being poor and 60-70 earning a mint state (MS) grading.

The market for rare and collectible coins continues to grow and evolve as more people get involved. Maximize Market Research estimates that the global coin collection market was worth about $9.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around $19.5 billion by 2030. The biggest market is North America which is one reason U.S. coins are among the most valuable in the world.

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Heres a look at seven of the most valuable coins in 2024, according to the ZacJohnson.com site.

Find Out: Lincoln Pennies With Dime Reverse Sides Are So Rare Theyll Fetch Upwards of $100K

1933 Double Eagle

This U.S. gold coin, with a denomination of $20, is one of the most highly sought-after because only 14 are known to exist. It rates high for historical significance, craftsmanship and scarcity. One of the 1933 Double Eagles, called the Weitzman Specimen, sold for $18.9 million.

1794 Flowing Hair Dollar

This was the first dollar coin issued by the U.S. government and only 1,758 were ever minted. In 2013, the highest-graded version of the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar sold for $12 million at auction.

1787 Brasher Doubloon

One of the main attractions of this gold coin is that it was minted by Ephraim Brasher, described as a renowned goldsmith and silversmith. Only a few specimens are known to exist today. One version sold for $9.36 million at auction in January 2021, setting a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a gold coin.

1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle

This coin gets its name from the unique reverse design created by Anthony C. Paquet, which represented a departure from the traditional Liberty Head motif. Because of production issues with the details, only a limited number of these coins were minted before the design was revised. The 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle has an estimated value of $7.2 million.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The most valuable American nickel by far is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Rumor has it that the coin was produced illegally because it happened during the transition from Liberty Head to Buffalo nickels. Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist, and they were never officially released. The estimated value today ranges from $3 million to $5 million.

1804 Draped Bust Dollar

Only 15 specimens of this coin are known to exist, making them prized by dealers and collectors. The current value of the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar ranges between $3 million and $4 million.

1915 Panama-Pacific $50 Gold Piece

This rare coin was issued to commemorate the completion of the Panama Canal. In addition to its fetching design and historical significance, the 1915 Panama-Pacific $50 Gold Piece is made of 2.5 ounces of gold, which helps push its value up to about $3 million.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Coins Worth A Lot of Money in 2024
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Illinois Tool Works' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

The top 12 shareholders own 51% of the company

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

A look at the shareholders of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 82% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Therefore, a good portion of institutional money invested in the company is usually a huge vote of confidence on its future.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Illinois Tool Works.

View our latest analysis for Illinois Tool Works

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Illinois Tool Works?

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.

We can see that Illinois Tool Works does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. 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 Illinois Tool Works, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

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Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Illinois Tool Works is not owned by hedge funds. The company's largest shareholder is The Vanguard Group, Inc., with ownership of 8.8%. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 8.8% and 7.1%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

A closer look at our ownership figures suggests that the top 12 shareholders have a combined ownership of 51% implying that no single shareholder has a majority.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Illinois Tool Works

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. 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 Illinois Tool Works Inc. insiders own under 1% of the company. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own US$244m of stock. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 17% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Illinois Tool Works better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Illinois Tool Works that you should be aware of before investing here.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But if you pick the right individual stocks, you could make more than that. Just take a look at Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:ABMB), which is up 38%, over three years, soundly beating the market decline of 2.0% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 10% , including dividends .

Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns.

Check out our latest analysis for Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. 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).

Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad was able to grow its EPS at 16% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. The average annual share price increase of 11% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 8.64.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

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. As it happens, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad's TSR for the last 3 years was 65%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad shareholders have received returns of 10% over twelve months (even including dividends), which isn't far from the general market return. Most would be happy with a gain, and it helps that the year's return is actually better than the average return over five years, which was 1.6%. It is possible that management foresight will bring growth well into the future, even if the share price slows down. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
There was a time when Altria Group (NYSE: MO) -- back when it was still called Philip Morris -- was a powerhouse of a company. Although the tobacco giant has faced predictable problems linked to the health risks of smoking since the 90s, it's still managed to grow its top and bottom lines between then and now.

The past few years, however, have been measurably different for Altria and its peers. The entire tobacco business is at a tipping point thanks to ongoing smoking-cessation campaigns. For the second year in a row, Altria's 2023 revenue fell from the prior year's levels, as did the total number of cigarettes it sold. This year's results aren't expected to be meaningfully better, either. It's not too tough for investors to find companies with better growth prospects.

Yet, there's still a narrowly focused case to be made for stepping into Altria stock at this time.

Tobacco doesn't have much of a long-term future

Veteran investors probably know the history here. Until 2003 Altria was known by its flagship cigarette brand Philip Morris, although it's been more than just that label. It also holds the rights to make and sell Marlboro cigarettes within the U.S., plus a handful of other, lesser-known brands. Beyond cigarettes, Altria is the name behind Skoal and Copenhagen oral tobacco products, plus vaping brands like NJOY and heated tobacco products from Horizon. It even holds minority stakes in beer and cannabis companies.

It's a good mix. If U.S. consumers are going to enjoy a nicotine-based vice, Altria stands ready to serve them.

The fact is, however, all of these categories of products are living on borrowed time.

Take the data from a recent Gallup poll regarding smoking, for instance. As of 2023, 12% of U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, extending a long-term downtrend from more than 40% as of the 1970s. Fewer people are picking up the habit, too. Gallup reports that during the early 2000s, roughly one-third of young adults were at least occasional smokers. Now that number has been pared back to only 10%.

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If you don't start smoking when you're younger, you're less likely to do it when you're older.

Vaping is catching on, to be fair, explaining at least part of tobacco usage's decline. Consumers of all ages still don't overwhelmingly see e-cigarettes as a remarkably safer alternative, however. That's a key reason the CDC reports e-cigarette usage from 14.1% to 10% among U.S. teenagers in 2023.

Connect the dots. The smoking-cessation movement's supporters are winning the war, and it's unlikely that Altria or any other tobacco giant will be able to turn the tide.

That doesn't mean Altria doesn't still have something to offer investors in the meantime.

Not much immediate danger

Don't misread the message. Headwinds are blowing. They're just blowing incredibly slowly. Sheer population growth is now offsetting a great deal of the declines in the domestic prevalence of smoking. Indeed, Gallup's calculation that 12% of U.S. adults smoked in 2023? That's actually up from 2022's figure of 11%.

In the meantime, although teens are now doing it less, the 18-to-24-year-old crowd remains a sizable cohort of e-cigarette users. They're also more likely to vape as well as smoke traditional cigarettes. Therefore, this age demographic is still a prime customer for tobacco companies like Altria no matter how these people choose to get their nicotine fix. There may not be a great number of them. But this group is also least likely to even attempt kicking either habit.

The point is, Altria can look forward to many, many more years of measurable demand for its goods whether or not they're tobacco-based.

This demand drives business that's remaining surprisingly profitable too, all things considered. Despite ever-rising costs in a challenging environment, half of last year's revenue was turned into operating income, while over 8% of the company's top line became adjusted net profits. And that was a pretty typical year, mirroring 2022's numbers.

This reliable flow of earnings of course supports Altria's equally reliable quarterly dividend, which has not only been paid like clockwork for decades, but (after adjusting for spinoffs and splits) has been raised every year for the past 54 years.

And this is where the case for owning Altria stock starts taking shape. There may not be any meaningful growth left in store. However, there's a ton of dividend income still left to be dished out before the company finally runs out of enough paying customers to continue making dividend payments as it is now. Newcomers will be stepping in while the dividend yield is an incredible 9.6%.

Altria's a great income stock now even if it won't be forever

Exactly how long will Altria be able to keep paying this big dividend? That's just it -- nobody knows for sure. It should be at least several more years; it could be several more decades. It's impossible to know how the world will view smoking and vaping in the future, just as it's impossible to know what the industry's legal landscape will look like down the road. Stock buybacks completed in the meantime will help support per-share payouts. Income-minded investors buying into this big dividend will just want to keep their finger on the pulse of the company's business; you'll know when you know.

Just make sure you don't wait too long to make your exit. This income-oriented equity isn't going to work like a bond, where you collect a return of your original principal once the bond matures and stops paying interest. Once Altria is no longer able to maintain its current dividend payments, the stock will have little to no value left to investors.

If you need growth and don't care about income right now, of course, there's little point in owning this terminal tobacco titan.

Should you invest $1,000 in Altria Group right now?

Before you buy stock in Altria Group, 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 Altria Group wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

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James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Altria Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Supported by BNY Mellon1, Awardees will Receive Unforgettable Behind-the-Scenes Field Trip Experiences at Iconic Historical and Cultural Sites Across the U.S., from the Statue of Liberty to Yellowstone National Park

WASHINGTON, March 04, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in collaboration with BNY Mellon, the 240-year-old global financial services company that played a pivotal role in the development, growth, and rise of the United States, is launching "Americas Field Trip,"  a nationwide scholastic contest with awardees receiving behind-the-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. Americas Field Trip invites elementary, middle, and high school students to submit artwork, videos, and essays reflecting on what America means to them.

75 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will be provided free travel, lodging, and access to unforgettable field trip experiences at select historical and cultural sites across the country, and second-place awardees will receive $500 cash awards. Inaugural field trip experiences and partners include:

Tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York

Tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana

Weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Unique tours at the National Archives and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Special tours at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Explore America's iconic financial capital, New York City, with private tours of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and the Bank of New York Mellon , the country's oldest bank

Experience National Parks of Boston with a special visit to the USS Constitution and a sunset cruise to Spectacle Island

Candlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge

Costumed roleplaying experience at American Village in Alabama

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"Americas Field Trip is one of the most ambitious education engagement campaigns ever attempted because it's more than a contest  its an extraordinary opportunity to bring students across the country together in celebrating and commemorating our nations 250th anniversary by exploring our past and allowing them to express their dreams for the future," said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. "Were proud to launch this nationwide effort alongside BNY Mellon, whose support will make it possible to send students on experiences of a lifetime. As we forge ahead toward our nations 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, this historic milestone is just as much about the future as it is our past  and Americas Field Trip will help empower young people to stand at the heart of this endeavor."

"BNY Mellon was founded by Alexander Hamilton just a few years after the birth of America, and we are proud of our firms heritage of advancing Americas industries and communities over the century," said Jayee Koffey, Global Head of Enterprise Execution and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for BNY Mellon. "Its fitting that we participate in telling the countrys story of growth and resilience through Americas Field Trip and inspiring the next generation to continue the nations long history of innovation."

America250 partnered with worldwide edtech leader Discovery Education to develop toolkits with lesson plans and student activities that educators can use to bring the Americas Field Trip contest to their classrooms.

"We are proud to partner with America250 to deepen curiosity about our nation's history," said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education Experience. "As we approach this important milestone, we are excited to work with America250 and BNY Mellon to bring this national contest to life for students nationwide."

"This collaboration with America250 embodies our shared commitment to provide educational opportunities that inspire informed and engaged citizenship," said Tom Medema, National Park Service Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers. "Through America's Field Trip, we are excited to offer opportunities for students to connect with and experience the incredible natural and cultural treasures within our national parks as we look toward our nations 250th anniversary."

The inaugural contest will serve as the pilot launch of Americas Field Trip, which America250 will look to expand in 2025 and 2026. Watch this video to learn more about Americas Field Trip.

How to Participate in Americas Field Trip

Students must develop their submissions individually and must have a teacher or parent submit entries on their behalf. Students at each grade level will respond to the question, "What does America mean to you?" Students, families, and teachers can find more information, including resources, contest rules, release forms, and toolkit materials to integrate the contest into classroom activities at america250.org/FieldTrip.

The contest has different submission requirements for each grade band and is available to any student in elementary school (third to fifth grade), middle school (sixth to eighth grade), and high school (ninth to twelfth grade). The contest begins accepting submissions today, March 4, 2024, and will remain open until 11:59 PM on May 17, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in June 2024, and field trips will start in mid-July.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 3/4/24 and ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 5/17/24. Open to U.S. students (3rd  12th grade); students parent/legal guardian or teacher with parental permission must submit entry on students behalf (unless student is age of majority). Submission includes grant of license rights to entrys content. First Prize awardees must travel with parent/legal guardian on designated dates. See Official Rules for full details including how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize description/restrictions and judging procedure. Void where prohibited.

About America250

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org. This multi-year effort kicked off with Americas Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Until July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world  managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients, putting our expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today we work with over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. We support governments in funding local projects and work with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of December 31, 2023, we oversee $47.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). We are headquartered in New York City, employ over 50,000 people globally and have been named among Fortunes Worlds Most Admired Companies and Fast Companys Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our Newsroom for the latest company news.

1Fundnding provided by The Bank of New York Mellon Foundation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304446516/en/

Contacts

press@america250.org | 734.834.1997
Assessing the Sustainability and Growth of ADI's Dividends

Analog Devices Inc (NASDAQ:ADI) recently announced a dividend of $0.92 per share, payable on 2024-03-15, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-03-04. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Analog Devices Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Analog Devices Inc Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Signs with ADI.

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How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock?

Analog Devices is a leading analog, mixed signal, and digital signal processing chipmaker. The firm has a significant market share lead in converter chips, which are used to translate analog signals to digital and vice versa. The company serves tens of thousands of customers, and more than half of its chip sales are made to industrial and automotive end markets. Analog Devices' chips are also incorporated into wireless infrastructure equipment.

Analog Devices Inc's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Analog Devices Inc's Dividend History

Analog Devices Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2003, with dividends currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Moreover, Analog Devices Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2004, earning it the status of a dividend achiever. This accolade is reserved for companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 20 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Breaking Down Analog Devices Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Analog Devices Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.75% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.88%. This indicates an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Analog Devices Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 11.60%, which extends to a five-year horizon, increasing to 12.10% per year. Over the past decade, the annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 9.60%.

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Based on Analog Devices Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Analog Devices Inc stock as of today is approximately 3.10%.

Analog Devices Inc's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2024-01-31, Analog Devices Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.46.

Analog Devices Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Analog Devices Inc's profitability 9 out of 10 as of 2024-01-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Analog Devices Inc's growth rank of 9 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors.

Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Analog Devices Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Analog Devices Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 17.30% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 64.55% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Analog Devices Inc's earnings increased by approximately 26.10% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 54.97% of global competitors.

Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 11.50%, which outperforms approximately 40.65% of global competitors, further reinforces the company's growth potential.

Concluding Insights on ADI's Dividend Profile

Combining Analog Devices Inc's consistent dividend increases, a moderate payout ratio, and robust profitability and growth metrics paints a picture of a company with a solid dividend profile. For value investors seeking stable and growing income streams, ADI presents an attractive case. However, as with any investment, it is crucial to monitor the underlying business performance and market conditions that could impact future dividend sustainability.

GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


The European Commission's competition chief Margrethe Vestager said Apple had abused its dominant position for a decade - Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP

Apple has been fined 1.84bn (1.6bn) by the European Union for raising the cost of music streaming by imposing illegal restrictions on apps such as Spotify.

Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissions competition chief, said Apple had abused its dominant position for a decade, using its control over the iPhone App Store to impose fees on music streaming services.

Hundreds of thousands of iPhone users paid around 3 a month more for Spotify because of Apples fees. The company is facing multiple lawsuits on behalf of millions of users over its app charges.

Mondays larger-than-expected fine is the latest in a series of EU crackdowns on Silicon Valley companies, which has led to accusations of anti-American bias in Brussels. It is the first fine that the EU has imposed on Apple and Europes third biggest anti-monopoly fine, behind two penalties on Google.

Apple shares fell by more than 2.5pc on Monday after the announcement, knocking around $70bn (55bn) off its market value.

The fine comes five years after Spotify formally complained to the EU, accusing Apple of imposing unfair conditions on streaming apps, and four years after the bloc opened its investigation.

Apple hit back at the decision, saying the fine followed coordination between the Commission and Spotify. It vowed to appeal, raising the prospect of years of legal fights.

The penalty comes days before sweeping EU internet competition laws come into force that will require companies including Apple, Google and Meta to change how they operate.

Under the new laws, Apple will have to offer alternatives to its App Store, which is currently the only way to download iPhone apps and generates billions in fees for the company.

On Monday, Ms Vestager said Apples control over how iPhone apps are downloaded meant many music fans paid significantly more for music streaming services than they should have.

Apple charges fees of up to 30pc for music subscriptions bought through apps, meaning many streaming companies have charged extra when users purchase memberships in this way.

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Spotify, for example, used to charge 12.99 a month for subscriptions bought through the app  3 more than the regular price.

It later stopped selling subscriptions through its app but it subsequently emerged that 680,000 Spotify subscribers had paid the higher price. Music streaming apps such as Deezer continue to charge extra for in-app memberships. Apple is facing a lawsuit in the UK on behalf of 20m users claiming they have been overcharged.

Apple has imposed anti-steering rules banning apps from directing users to cheaper subscriptions on their websites. The Commission said this meant many listeners may not have been aware of the cheaper option.

Apple's own streaming service, Apple Music, competes with the likes of Spotify - Jenny Kane/AP

The iPhone maker runs its own streaming service, Apple Music, which competes with the likes of Spotify.

The Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, it said.

Apples conduct, which lasted for almost 10 years, may have led many iOS users to pay significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions because of the high commission fee imposed by Apple on developers and passed on to consumers in the form of higher subscription prices for the same service on the Apple App Store.

Ms Vestager said: For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store.

They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules, so today we have fined Apple over 1.8bn.

Apple suggested the fine was the result of a nine-year campaign by Spotify, saying the streaming giant had worked closely with the EU on an investigation with little grounding in reality.

The Californian company said: The primary advocate for this decision  and the biggest beneficiary  is Spotify, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Spotify has the largest music streaming app in the world, and has met with the European Commission more than 65 times during this investigation.

The reality is that European consumers have more choices than ever. Ironically, in the name of competition, todays decision just cements the dominant position of a successful European company that is the digital music markets runaway leader.

Spotify said: This decision sends a powerful message: no company, not even a monopoly like Apple, can wield power abusively to control how other companies interact with their customers.

Shares in Spotify rose almost 3pc in New York.

The UK will receive a share of the fine because the investigation was opened before the end of the Brexit transition period.

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A credit limit for Ukraine's private sector from the British International Capital Agency (IBC) will be available from April, Azernew reports that this has been informed in the press release of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

BBS has announced an overall limit of up to 250 million for private sector financing in Ukraine.

These funds will be obtained through a joint investment platform with the involvement of partner financial institutions in Ukraine.

"Previously, the British International Capital was not on the map of the international financial institutions with which Ukraine works," said Yuliya Sviridenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. was hit Monday with a 1.8 billion ($2 billion) penalty from the European Union over an investigation into allegations it shut out music-streaming rivals, including Spotify Technology SA, on its platforms.

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The European Commission also ordered the Cupertino, California-based firm to stop preventing music-streaming apps from informing users of cheaper deals away from Apples App Store. The larger than expected fine is the first to be handed out to Apple by the EU.

Shares were down 1.5% in premarket trading in New York.

For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said. They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem.

Apple said it will appeal the EUs decision, which sets off a legal battle that could last for years. In a statement, the company said regulators failed to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.

Apple reported revenue of $119.6 billion in the first quarter, including $69.7 billion from the iPhone alone, with sales from the device up 6% from a year ago.

Vestager has made it a core strategy to attempt to dismantle Big Techs dominance in the bloc through fines and regulatory actions. Mondays penalty is the third largest that shes handed out for anti-competitive behavior.

She slapped Alphabet Inc.s Google with the two biggest EU antitrust fines so far  a record 4.3 billion over its dominance in the Android mobile market in 2018. That followed a 2.4 billion fine for allegedly boosting its own shopping service over rivals. She also ordered Apple to repay 13 billion in allegedly unfair tax breaks from Ireland.

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The EUs investigation was sparked by a complaint nearly five years ago from Stockholm-based Spotify, which claimed it was forced to ramp up the price of its monthly subscriptions to cover costs associated with Apples alleged stranglehold on how the App Store operates.

The commission homed in on Apples so-called anti-steering rules in a formal charge sheet in February, saying the conditions were unnecessary and meant customers faced higher prices.

The reality is that European consumers have more choices than ever, Apple wrote in a post about the EU decision. Ironically, in the name of competition, todays decision just cements the dominant position of a successful European company that is the digital music markets runaway leader.

At a private June hearing in the EU case, Apples stance was that it already addressed any possible competition concerns, according to a person familiar with the US firms thinking. In early 2022, Apple began allowing Spotify and other music services to direct users to the web in their apps to sign up for subscriptions.

Vestager said that Apples rules prevented consumers from making informed choices, meaning some may have paid more than they needed to.

The commission found that Apples rules result in withholding key information on prices and features of services from consumers, she said in a news conference.

The EU crackdown on Apples App Store has run alongside sweeping new rules aimed at heading off market abuses before they take root. Under the Digital Markets Act, which comes into full effect this week, itll be illegal for the most powerful tech firms to favor their own services over their rivals.

Companies will be barred from combining personal data across their different services and from using data they collect from third-party merchants to compete against them. They will also have to allow users to download apps from rivals platforms. The rules come into full force March 7 and Apple has also challenged its designation under the new regime.

Read more: Europes Two-Track Approach to Policing Big Tech: QuickTake

(Updates with premarket shares in the third paragraph)

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(Bloomberg) -- Theres a growing sense of unease among asset managers that companies with conspicuously small tax bills pose a financial liability too big to ignore.

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Federated Hermes Inc., Robeco Institutional Asset Management, Van Lanschot Kempen NV and Natixis Investment Managers unit Mirova are among asset managers that have been singling out stocks based on their tax history, a process that in some cases has even led to firms being excluded from portfolios.

Tax payments that equal less than 15% of profits have become a red flag requiring that  at the very least  the companies accounts need to be reviewed, according to investment managers.

Its an issue thats set to grow in importance as governments seek to replenish revenues after the historic wave of emergency spending caused by the pandemic, said Eszter Vitorino, Van Lanschot Kempens lead expert for environmental, social and governance advisory. The Dutch money manager has added tax-related risks to a scoring tool used to determine which companies to exclude.

Companies are sometimes not aware fully, yet, of the risks theyre running, Vitorino said in an interview.

Joanne Beatty, director at EOS, which is the stewardship arm of Federated Hermes, said shes on the lookout for aggressive corporate tax planning.

Failure to handle taxes appropriately has a range of potential consequences, including lost earnings and a damaged reputation, Beatty said. Its a clear governance risk, which is why theres now an increase in shareholder action on the issue, she said.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says:

High effective-tax-rate (ETR) stocks have outperformed low tax-rate stocks since mid-2017, with the decline in the statutory rate to 21% from 35% in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act potentially the catalyst, given its benefited high-tax companies. Yet we see close correlation between tax-factor performance and certain industries like energy, which has an elevated link with the tax factor and solid three-year annualized performance.

Story continues

Click here to read more from BIs Jessica Lin and Christopher Cain

High/Low Tax-Rate Stocks Sector Breakdown

The number of shareholder resolutions singling out tax risks at the worlds largest companies doubled to six in 2023 from the prior year. So far in 2024, four such proposals have already been filed, according to the Sustainable Investments Institute. Companies targeted in the shareholder resolutions include Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips, the data show.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Exxon said it  along with the oil and gas industry in general  is subject to some of the highest tax rates in the world. The companys worldwide effective income tax rate, as reported in our Form 10-K, was 33% for 2022, Exxon said. We comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, including tax laws, wherever we do business.

A spokesperson for Chevron said the company values input from its investors towards the goal of enhancing shareholder value. Any shareholder proposal Chevron receives is evaluated through its well-established governance process. Our approach to tax, as referenced on our website, matches our efforts globally to conduct our business legally, responsibly, and with integrity.

ConocoPhillips said in a statement that it complies with the tax requirements in every jurisdiction where we operate, including disclosure of tax payment information to tax authorities as required by local laws and regulations.

Federated Hermes EOS, which advises investors holding $1.4 trillion of assets, is currently in talks with 30 companies due to concerns about their tax history. Though Beatty declined to name the companies, she said they span the technology, pharmaceutical, automotive and industrial sectors in Europe and the US.

Companies exploiting gaps between countries tax systems cost governments somewhere between $100 billion and $240 billion of lost annual revenue, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Thats a key reason why more than 130 countries signed an OECD-backed agreement in 2021 that seeks to enshrine 15% as the minimum global corporate tax rate.

Read More: A New Way to Tax Global Corporations, Explained: QuickTake

Jens Peers, chief investment officer at Mirova US, says hes now in the process of purging the portfolio he oversees of tax risks.

As the world coalesces around a 15% minimum global corporate tax rate, any companies that are below that level are going to start seeing an impact potentially on their margins, Peers said. And thats certainly not priced in today.

Risks identified by Mirova include fines and sudden spikes in tax bills. So you start making adjustments in the model, Peers said.

The OECD framework is comprised of two pillars. The first aims to ensure a fairer distribution of profits and taxing rights among countries, while the second introduces 15% as a global minimum rate. The US hasnt adopted pillar two rules, but American companies operating in jurisdictions that have enacted legislation to adopt the second pillar will be affected by the agreement.

Read More: Double Tax to Coalesce as Details of G-20s Tax Plan Progress

Michiel van Esch, head of voting at Robeco, said the asset manager has started monitoring newsflow around disputes with tax authorities, because they can have a direct impact on a companys profitability.

Mirovas Peers said tax-related concerns are part of the reason why the asset manager doesnt hold shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc. or Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc. Paying taxes is one way to show what companies are actively doing to almost contribute to that social inequality we have today, he said.

A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment, and Alphabet didnt respond to requests for comment.

Louise Dudley, portfolio manager at Federated Hermes who oversees the firms $2.4 billion global equity ESG fund, said some companies are pushing very much a low-cost approach from a tax perspective. For these, the OECD framework is going to have a significant impact and thats something thats a bit of a red flag for us, she said.

It wouldnt be a black-and-white decision, but we would look at that alongside other governance factors and other kinds of valuation metrics to see what is the overall risk and upside potential for an individual name, she said.

(Adds Quicktake on OECD proposal.)

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TOKYO, March 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced dosing of the first patient in the STARLIGHT 2 Phase 3 pivotal study for fezolinetant, an investigational oral, nonhormonal compound being studied for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause in Japanese women.

Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients.(PRNewsFoto/Astellas Pharma Inc.)

In Japan, two Phase 3 clinical studies are underway. STARLIGHT 2 is evaluating the efficacy and safety of fezolinetant once-daily through 12 weeks. STARLIGHT 3 is evaluating the safety and tolerability of fezolinetant once-daily through 52 weeks.

Marci English, Vice President, Head of BioPharma Development, Astellas

"VMS associated with menopause affects millions of women in Japan. We are excited the STARLIGHT Phase 3 clinical studies are underway, bringing us one step closer to making this novel, nonhormonal treatment option available in Japan for women experiencing VMS associated with menopause."

Dosing for the STARLIGHT Phase 3 clinical studies was determined based on available global data, including the STARLIGHT Phase 2b study (NCT05034042) that enrolled 147 patients and completed in 2022. Primary results of STARLIGHT Phase 2b were presented at the Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Menopause and Women's Health on Dec. 3, 2023.

About STARLIGHT 2

STARLIGHT 2 (NCT06206408) is a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical study to evaluate the superiority of fezolinetant versus placebo and assess the safety of fezolinetant in Japanese women experiencing VMS associated with menopause. Approximately 390 participants will be randomized to this study with 130 participants per treatment arm (fezolinetant low dose, fezolinetant high dose or placebo). The primary endpoint is mean change in the frequency of VMS from baseline to week 8, with total treatment duration of 12 weeks.

About STARLIGHT 3

STARLIGHT 3 (NCT06206421) is a 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical study to assess the safety and tolerability of fezolinetant in Japanese women experiencing VMS associated with menopause. Approximately 260 participants will be randomized to this study with 130 participants per treatment arm (fezolinetant or placebo). The primary endpoint is frequency and severity of adverse events through 52 weeks.

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About VMS

VMS, also known as hot flashes and/or night sweats, are common symptoms of menopause that can have a disruptive impact on women's daily activities and overall quality of life.1,2 Worldwide, more than half of women 40 to 64 years of age experience VMS.3,4 In Japan, about 25% to 37% of women experience these symptoms during or after the menopausal transition.5,6

About Fezolinetant

Fezolinetant is an investigational oral, nonhormonal medicine in clinical development in Japan for the treatment of VMS associated with menopause. VMS are also known as hot flashes or night sweats. Fezolinetant works by blocking neurokinin B (NKB) binding on the kisspeptin/neurokinin/dynorphin (KNDy) neuron, helping restore the balance in the brain's temperature control center (the hypothalamus) to reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.7,8,9 There is no guarantee the agent will receive regulatory approval in Japan or become commercially available for the uses being investigated.

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+ healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

References

1 Utian WH. Psychosocial and socioeconomic burden of vasomotor symptoms in menopause: a comprehensive review. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2005;3:47.

2 Jones RE, Lopez KH, eds. Human Reproductive Biology. 4th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier, 2014:120.

3 Makara-Studzinska MT, Krys-Noszczyk KM, Jakiel G. Epidemiology of the symptoms of menopause - an intercontinental review. Przegl Menopauzalny [Menopause Rev]. 2014;13:203-211.

4 Gold EB, Colvin A, Avis N, et al. Longitudinal analysis of the association between vasomotor symptoms and race/ethnicity across the menopausal transition: study of women's health across the nation. Am J Public Health. 2006;96:1226-1235.

5 Tomida M, Otsuka R, Tange C, et al. Vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling Japanese women. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021 Oct;47(10):3677-3690. doi: 10.1111/jog.14937. Epub 2021 Jul 18. PMID: 34278662; PMCID: PMC9291044.

6 NHK World-Japan. Survey on Menopause and Work 2021: Summary of Results. https://www.jil.go.jp/tokusyu/covid-19/collab/nhk-jilpt/docs/20211103-nhk-jilpt.pdf

7 Depypere H, Timmerman D, Donders G, et al. Treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms with fezolinetant, a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist: a phase 2a trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104:5893-5905.

8 Fraser GL, Lederman S, Waldbaum A, et al. A phase 2b, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-ranging study of the neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause. 2020;27:382-392.

9 Fraser GL, Hoveyda HR, Clarke IJ, et al. The NK3 receptor antagonist ESN364 interrupts pulsatile LH secretion and moderate levels of ovarian hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. Endocrinology. 2015;156:4214-4225.

Cision

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SOURCE ASTELLAS PHARMA INC.
BRISBANE, Australia, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Avcair Aviation Group, Australia's private aviation company based in Brisbane, achieves a remarkable milestone, securing the 30th position in the Australian Financial Review's prestigious Fast 100 List.

Avcair Aviation Group excels in Air Ambulance sector for Australian Aviation.

A proud moment for Australian aviation company, Avcair Aviation Group announces their latest feat of entrepreneurship and adaptability, landing amongst the highest achieving Australian companies in Australian Financial Review's Fast 100 List as the year wrapped up.

After founding Avcair almost 24 years ago, when he was just 21 years old, Michael Cooke made a crucial decision ahead of the global Covid-19 Pandemic that would lead to the company's recent achievements.

Assessing the market trends and lack of demand for VIP Private Jet Charter throughout Australia, Cooke identified the need to vertically expand Avcair's services, and establish international brand awareness, to ensure the company's longevity.

"I'm immensely proud of the groundwork we laid in 2018 and 2019, especially in collaboration with the UQ MBA program. Through a meticulous analysis of the market landscape, we foresaw the potential in the APAC Air Ambulance sector, which was valued at US$ 4.5 billion in 2018.

"This strategic foresight not only guided our entry into this critical segment but also contributed significantly to our recent success, showcasing the importance of informed decision-making in our industry. It's a testament to the dedication and forward-thinking approach of our team at Avcair Aviation Group." Cooke says.

Amid a strategic transition into various new aviation services, the global pandemic hit. Though, rather than halt expansion plans with uncertainty felt throughout the industry, Cooke charged ahead. Of course, the pandemic did slow down plans for international growth at that time, but this allowed for the progressing developments to be reviewed and prepared in greater detail.

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This period of consideration proved to benefit Avcair greatly, with the first international base for Southeast Asia's market being secured at Singapore's Seletar Airport almost overnight.

"I couldn't be prouder of what Avcair Aviation Group has achieved. Our journey, marked by strategic decisions, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of our team, has positioned us as leaders in the Australian aviation industry.

"Every milestone, every challenge overcome, is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of the Avcair team. I have the utmost confidence in our capabilities and the exciting future that lies ahead as we continue to soar to new heights together," says Cooke. Within one month of operating from their Singapore base, Avcair was profitable.

Today, Avcair Aviation Group not only provide personal and commercial VIP Charter, but also an extensive range of premium aviation services, inclusive of medivac and engineering services, now making up 70% of Avcair's annual turnover.

With 12 aircraft operating across Australia and Singapore, Avcair also offers aircraft management, operational expertise, aircraft acquisition and sales, 24/7 services across their VIP lounges and FBO ground handling, and operates a dedicated fuel arm.

The success of this expansion, driven by Cooke, was made clear by Avcair's incredible positioning on the most recent Financial Review's Fast 100 List, announced at the tail-end of 2023. This marked a significant shift in the company's trajectory, positioning Avcair as leaders in the Australian aviation industry.

Aviation has been a strong component of the family DNA, with Michael being a fourth-generation pilot, founding Avcair with his father Dr David Cooke, a Royal Flying Doctor while operating day-to-day alongside his brother, Anthony Cooke, and sister, Amelia Cooke.

Avcair Aviation Group, its rich family history, and the team behind it, are thrilled by their achievements and are ready to further expand their international ambitions across Asia Pacific.

About Michael Cooke

Michael Cooke is the Group CEO of Avcair Aviation Group and founded the company in 2001. Michael rented his first plane at just 21 years of age, later rebranding to Avcair alongside his father, David Cooke, in 2005. Michael still remains 100% owner of Avcair.

About Avcair Aviation Group

Avcair Aviation Group proudly raises the bar for premium Aviation Services throughout Australia and internationally. Recently recognised by Australian Financial Review as the 30th fastest growing established company in the 2023 Fast 100 List, Avcair is positioned as one of Australia's leading providers in aviation services.

With roots in aviation that stem back far beyond their 22 years of operation, Avcair pride themselves on offering private and corporate charter, aircraft management and sales, and Air Ambulance services that exceed expectations.

www.avcair.com

Cision

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SOURCE Avcair Aviation Group
Since taking the helm in July 2020, Dame Amanda Blanc has streamlined Aviva by selling eight non-core businesses and recouping around 8bn - Anna Gordon/EyeVine

Aviva is returning to Lloyds of London for the first time in more than two decades as threats such as climate change and cybercrime boost demand for speciality insurance.

The insurance giant has agreed to buy Lloyds insurance platform Probitas for 242m, giving it a lucrative foothold in the booming commercial insurance sector.

Founded in 1688, Lloyds is the worlds largest and oldest insurance hub  boasting a network of more than 380 brokers and 77 underwriting syndicates.

Probitas is a speciality property and casualty insurer and also offers insurance in emerging sectors such as renewables.

Though small, the takeover will allow Aviva to diversify away from home and motor insurance products, and gain exposure to higher margins and faster growth.

This acquisition is another step in our strategy to invest in Avivas future profitable growth, said Aviva chief executive Dame Amanda Blanc.

Avivas presence in the Lloyds market opens up new opportunities to accelerate growth in our capital-light General Insurance business.

The takeover marks Avivas return to the London market for the first time since the turn of the millennium.

Lloyd's boasts a network of more than 380 brokers and 77 underwriting syndicates - Eddie Mulholland

Aviva, then known as Norwich Union, quit Lloyds in 2000 after selling Marlborough Underwriting Agency to Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway.

The 2000 exit coincided with a merger between Norwich Union and CGU, which created Aviva.

Aviva is planning to retain the Probitas branding and management team once the deal is completed later this year.

Probitas, which is 49.9pc owned by Saudi Arabian insurer Saudi RE, has been in sale talks with the FTSE 100 group for more than a year.

Aviva had reportedly been considering creating a Lloyds start-up but it has now decided to acquire a business off the shelf.

Probitas chief executive Ash Bathia said linking up with Aviva would help build one of the most successful and profitable franchises in the Lloyds market.

The Probitas acquisition also marks part of a broader shift by Dame Amanda to diversify Aviva away from traditional consumer products like car insurance.

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Since taking the helm in July 2020, she has streamlined Aviva by selling eight non-core businesses and recouping around 8bn  5bn of which has been returned to shareholders.

Probitas joins a number of other bolt-on acquisitions for Aviva, including Succession Wealth and AIGs UK protection business.

The strategy has pleased long-suffering shareholders, who suffered years of dismal performance under former chief executives Andrew Moss, Mark Wilson and Maurice Tulloch.

Shares have risen 60pc since Dame Amanda took over.

Her decision to trim Avivas sprawling empire also saw off activist shareholder Cevian Capital, which exited its stake last year.

Probitas is set to join Avivas global corporate and speciality division, which already provides commercial insurance.

The Lloyds deal will add an extra distribution channel, and other opportunities to grow the division.

The latest acquisition won the support of City analysts, who said Aviva had struck the 242m deal at the right time.

Lloyds is a good market to be in, said Abid Hussain, an insurance analyst from Panmure Gordon. We are going to see pricing power coming through to prime insurers and it diversifies Aviva away from their other lines of business. It ticks all the boxes.

Analysts at Bank of America also hailed the deal, saying Probitas business aligned with Avivas existing operations stretching across the UK, Ireland and Canada.

The fresh foray into the Lloyds market will help Aviva tap into a recent boom in Leadenhall Street.

Rising risks like climate change and cyber threats have triggered a surge in large global companies buying ever more complex insurance products, driving up premiums and margins.

Lloyds chief executive John Neal has predicted Lloyds current underwriting figures of 47bn could double over the next decade due to demand wrought by climate change and cyber attacks.

The Lloyds market is quite different now than it was 20 years ago, said Mr Hussain from Panmure Gordon. It runs in cycles and has entered a favourable underwriting cycle so from a timing perspective its a good entry point.

Around 60pc of Probitass book is property and casualty insurance, with finance, construction and cyber also key to its offering, meaning it is exposed to the rising tide of specialist demand at Lloyds.

Lloyds observers say the underwriter is a relatively small player in the market, meaning Aviva is dipping its toe in the water rather than wading in.

This isnt like the Man City takeover, and materially changing the Premier League, said one industry observer. What they are not intending is for it to be a game changer.

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Key Insights

The considerable ownership by individual investors in Ballard Power Systems indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy

34% of the business is held by the top 25 shareholders

Recent purchases by insiders

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSE:BLDP), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that individual investors own the lion's share in the company with 59% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Following a 11% increase in the stock price last week, individual investors profited the most, but institutions who own 25% stock also stood to gain from the increase.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Ballard Power Systems.

See our latest analysis for Ballard Power Systems

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Ballard Power Systems?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

We can see that Ballard Power Systems does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Ballard Power Systems' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Ballard Power Systems. Weichai Power Co., Ltd. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 3.1% and 2.4%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

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A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Ballard Power Systems

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

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 data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Ballard Power Systems Inc. in their own names. It appears that the board holds about CA$2.4m worth of stock. This compares to a market capitalization of CA$1.3b. Many tend to prefer to see a board with bigger shareholdings. A good next step might be to take a look at this free summary of insider buying and selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a substantial 59% stake in Ballard Power Systems, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. This size of ownership gives investors from the general public some collective power. They can and probably do influence decisions on executive compensation, dividend policies and proposed business acquisitions.

Public Company Ownership

We can see that public companies hold 15% of the Ballard Power Systems shares on issue. This may be a strategic interest and the two companies may have related business interests. It could be that they have de-merged. This holding is probably worth investigating further.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Ballard Power Systems that you should be aware of.

Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- A bank group spearheaded by Morgan Stanley held discussions with Elon Musk and his team about refinancing a roughly $12.5 billion debt package that supported the tech billionaires take-private of the social media platform X, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

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In talks that faltered earlier this year, certain banks and Musks team explored options to strengthen the debt package, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential talks. The parties discussed options that could reduce the cost of the debt and make it less risky for banks to hold, one of the people said.

A group of seven banks, led by the New York-based lender, has been stuck holding the debt since 2022. Theyve repeatedly renewed an agreement not to individually offload their holdings, with the goal of coordinating a sale when X  formerly known as Twitter  is on firmer financial footing with stable advertising revenues, subscription growth and further traction from a planned peer-to-peer payments platform, one of the people said.

Representatives for X and Morgan Stanley declined to comment.

Morgan Stanley was the largest lender on the deal, providing just over a quarter of the debt package. That contributed to $876 million of mark-to-market losses the bank took in 2022 on corporate loans it was looking to sell. The firm said in its annual regulatory filing last month that such losses were smaller in 2023, without providing a figure.

Fidelity, which received a stake in X after helping Musk complete his $44 billion purchase, has marked down the value of its position by 72% since the takeover.

Musk, who counts X as one of several business ventures, has recently been focusing on reincorporating companies including SpaceX and Neuralink Corp. to Texas and Nevada, respectively, after a Delaware judge in January voided his almost $56 billion pay package at Tesla Inc.

Story continues

--With assistance from Ed Ludlow.

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(Bloomberg) -- BlackRock Inc. and Morgan Stanley investment funds agreed to buy TC Energy Corp.s Portland Natural Gas Transmission System in a deal valued at about $1.14 billion as the worlds largest asset manager bulks up in infrastructure.

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The sale by TC Energy and partner Energir LP to BlackRocks diversified infrastructure business and investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners includes the assumption of $250 million in debt. TC Energy said Monday it will reap pretax cash equity proceeds of about C$740 million ($545 million).

BlackRock is working to become a player in the expanding market for alternative assets, snapping up Global Infrastructure Partners for about $12.5 billion and investing $500 million in an arm of Canadian Solar Inc. just this year. For TC Energy, the sale moves it closer to achieving a goal of selling C$3 billion in assets this year to reduce its debt.

The Portland Natural Gas Transmission System consists of 295 miles (475 kilometers) of natural gas pipelines in northern New England and Atlantic Canada.

Barclays provided financial advice to TC Energy and Energir on the sale. Bracewell LLP was legal adviser to TC Energy.

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Mexico City-based real estate developer Meor is seeking partners for an initial investment of $300 million to build a 5.7 million-square-foot industrial park in Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

As nearshoring attracts more manufacturers to prime sites in Mexico, real estate firm Meor is betting big on continued demand for industrial space along the border.

Meor, a real estate developer based in Mexico City, announced its search for U.S. equity partners to help fund a $1.7 billion plan to develop a multiphase portfolio of 13 industrial projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The developer hired Chicago-based Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) to help it find equity partners to fund the projects, which will total over 18 million square feet. Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate research and services firm.

The Mexico industrial market has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years driven by both the headlining tailwinds of nearshoring and the exponential growth of e-commerce, Ernesto Sanchez, Cushman & Wakefields vice president of institutional equity, debt and structured finance, said in a news release. This is a robust industrial development portfolio of best-in-class industrial parks that will be strategically positioned in several of Mexicos strongest industrial markets to service both existing, expanding users and new entrants alike.

Mexico was the top overall U.S. trading partner in 2023. The countrys trade with the U.S. rose 2.5% year over year to $798 billion last year, boosted by exports of gasoline and other fuels and imports of passenger vehicles.

According to Meor, the vacancy rate for industrial space in key Mexican locations along the border is around 1%, with demand outstripping available locations.

Meor is seeking partners for an initial investment of $300 million to build a 5.7 million-square-foot industrial park in Tijuana, Mexico.

The Tijuana industrial park will be a five-phase project constructed on the last land-site of scale in proper Tijuana, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The project will have a total capitalization of nearly $700 million once completed.

Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and is just across the border from San Diego. It has nearly 2.3 million people.

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Foreign companies looking to diversify their supply chains have increasingly been choosing Mexican border states in recent years.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the evolving global trade flows has been the so-called Cali-Baja mega-region, the border area connecting Southern California and the northern portion of Baja California.

From January through September, foreign direct investment reached $1.1 billion in Baja California, accounting for 3.6% of the national total, which placed the state ninth among the 32 states in Mexico in attracting foreign direct investment across the country, according to Mexicos National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

More than 950 maquiladora factories currently operate in Baja California, of which 621 are in Tijuana. A maquiladora is a factory in Mexico run by a foreign company and exporting its products to the country of that company.

In addition to Tijuana, Meor plans to initially develop an industrial park in Monterrey, Mexico, about 135 miles south of Laredo, Texas.

After the initial phase of developments in Tijuana and Monterrey, Meor aims to construct industrial and logistics parks in the Mexican cities of Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Mexicali and Torreon.

Ciudad Juarez, which lies across the border from El Paso, Texas, is expected to be the largest single project, accounting for about 37% of the total 18.3 million-square-foot portfolio.

This is a very special opportunity for a U.S. capital partner/investor to establish a long-term, programmatic relationship with Meor, a premier developer with deep ties to the highly competitive and relationship-driven Mexico market, Rob Rubano, executive vice chair at Cushman & Wakefield, said in a statement. Meor offers extensive development experience, having completed nearly 100 projects encompassing 10.2 million-square-feet since 2006.

More articles by Noi Mahoney

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Mass furloughs reported at BNSF Railway operations in 4 states

The post Borderlands Mexico: Developer bullish on industrial real estate on border appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Bloomberg) -- Thierry Breton has rejected any responsibility for the troubles at embattled Atos SE, the French IT company he ran for 10 years before becoming a European Union commissioner.

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I have no responsibility, zero, Breton told members of the financial press association in Paris on Friday, adding that he left the company with no debt and in a good position to benefit from the rise of the cloud industry.

Breton, who was Atoss chief executive officer until 2019, has faced criticism from politicians, bankers and media reports for contributing to the companys problems as it looks for ways to pay off billions of euros in debt. Atos is now at risk of being dismantled, with its fate in the hands of a court-appointed mediator. The French Senate is currently holding closed-doors hearings on the deterioration of the company.

The 69-year-old Frenchman took the helm of Atos in 2009 and molded it into an IT giant through various high-profile acquisitions. The companys core business of managing on-site data centers is now being disrupted by external public cloud computing services pioneered by US giants like Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp.

Critics of Breton say the companys quick growth through large acquisitions left it with a patchwork of disparate businesses that struggled to adapt to changes in the IT industry.

Breton said that Atos was one of the first companies to partner with Alphabet Inc.s Google and propose private cloud services, in his first public comments on the matter. In his view the companys woes, including a series of governance setbacks and strategy shifts, started in 2021, causing the firms market value to plunge from 8.2 billion ($8.7 billion) at the end of 2020 to 266 million today. His team gave journalists a three-page document outlining the events that contributed to the decline of Atos in the years after he left, including the names of CEOs in charge at the time.

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Breton said he sold all his shares in the company before becoming a commissioner at the request of the EU Parliament.

In his role as EU internal market commissioner, Breton spearheads efforts to regulate Big Tech in Europe. He also plans to join President Emmanuel Macrons first campaign event for the European elections of June later this month in Northern France.

--With assistance from Ania Nussbaum.

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?Turkiyes Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday said that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum became an internationally recognized brand and intellectual hub in the field of diplomacy, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Adopting a regional ownership perspective, the Forum has evolved into an internationally recognized brand and intellectual hub in the field of diplomacy," Fidan said on the X platform.

It serves as a platform where various approaches and experiences tackling global issues are exchanged, and a wide range of worldviews are articulated, he said.

Fidan also said that the 3rd edition of the Forum hosted approximately 4,700 people from 48 countries.

He also thanked the participants and congratulated the colleagues who contributed to the organization.
(Bloomberg) -- Chile President Gabriel Borics disapproval rating rose at the end of February according to two new polls, highlighting the challenges facing his administration as it readies another push of its key reforms.

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Roughly 66% of voters reject Borics management, the most since September and up from 61% the week prior, according to a Cadem poll published late Sunday. A survey released the same day by Pulso Ciudadano put his disapproval at 62.2%  thats the worst since December, 2022.

The timing isnt good for the leftist president as his administration prepares for new negotiations with lawmakers over marquee proposals to increase pensions and raise tax revenues. Boric has been bogged down by concerns over crime, clandestine migration and corruption. Complicating matters further, his government has a limited window to muster support and pass legislation before Octobers local elections dominate the political agenda.

In January, the lower house of Congress approved the base text of the pension reform while also rejecting several key articles, setting the stage for tense debate in the Senate in March. The government is also seeking backing for measures including an anti-evasion plan to raise tax income.

Read more: Chiles Boric Gets Bittersweet Win as Pension Bill Approved

While Boric is struggling for support two years into his mandate, his disapproval levels are lower than those of former President Sebastian Pinera at the same point during his second administration, according to Cadem. They are roughly the same as Michelle Bachelets just before the halfway point of her second term.

The Cadem poll surveyed 704 people between February 28 and March 1, and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. Pulso Ciudadano surveyed 1,213 people between February 28-29 and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

Story continues

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Key Insights

China Sunsine Chemical Holdings' estimated fair value is S$0.30 based on Dividend Discount Model

Current share price of S$0.40 suggests China Sunsine Chemical Holdings is potentially 35% overvalued

The CN0.47 analyst price target for QES is 59% more than our estimate of fair value

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of China Sunsine Chemical Holdings Ltd. (SGX:QES) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's 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.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

View our latest analysis for China Sunsine Chemical Holdings

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We have to calculate the value of China Sunsine Chemical Holdings slightly differently to other stocks because it is a chemicals company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.1%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.1%. Compared to the current share price of S$0.4, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

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Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= CN0.08 / (7.1%  2.1%)

= S$0.3

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at China Sunsine Chemical Holdings as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.104. 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 China Sunsine Chemical Holdings

Strength

Currently debt free.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Chemicals market.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Singaporean market.

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Singaporean market.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and 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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For China Sunsine Chemical Holdings, there are three further aspects you should look at:

Risks: Be aware that China Sunsine Chemical Holdings is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... Future Earnings: How does QES'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 Singaporean 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.
Sign of Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) is seen on its building in Ningde

By Sarah Wu

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese battery giant CATL is in discussions to set up research and development centres in Hong Kong to create new technologies that can be licensed abroad and within the industry, its chairman told reporters on Monday.

The potential R&D expansion in Hong Kong aligns with CATL's strategy to place greater emphasis on exporting battery technologies, not just batteries, as Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries face intensifying scrutiny from foreign governments.

Chairman Robin Zeng, who founded the world's largest battery maker, made the comments ahead of a meeting of China's parliament, the National People's Congress. He is a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a top advisory body of experts, business leaders and representatives from other political parties, which held its opening meeting of the annual gathering on Monday.Some of CATL's licensing attempts abroad have encountered roadblocks. Ford last year announced plans to invest $3.5 billion to build an EV battery plant in Michigan with help from CATL's technology, but the deal has drawn the ire of some U.S. lawmakers.

Meanwhile, concerns about China's clout in the EV battery supply chain have extended to the country's rising status as a vehicle exporter. Exports have been a driving force for growth for automakers in China as demand at home weakens.

The European Commission last year launched a probe into China's EV subsidies.

When asked about European concerns over Chinese overcapacity, Zeng said Europe does not have enough "higher-quality" products yet.

The EU probe does not worry Zeng, who said the EV industry has received "regular support from the government" as China pursues its carbon neutrality goals.

While the European market has seen a slight slowdown, with electric vehicle batteries considered too expensive, more battery plant investments there will enable further growth, Zeng said.

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He believes Germany will "catch up very quickly" in electrification and could be asking China for more EVs in a few years.

Earlier this month, the United States opened an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports pose national security risks and said it could impose restrictions on "connected" car technology.

Zeng said such concerns were unnecessary and could be resolved through communication.

(Reporting by Sarah Wu; Additional reporting by Brenda Goh and Zhang Yan; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Susan Fenton)
Citigroup will expand its wealth management business in the Greater Bay Area and rest of Asia from its base in Hong Kong, according to its global wealth head.

The US banking group remains committed to Hong Kong and China despite selling its mainland wealth business to HSBC in October, Andy Sieg said after visiting a number of Greater Bay Area cities last week.

"The onshore consumer business in mainland China was sold because, similar to other markets where we divested such businesses, it just did not have the necessary scale to compete," Sieg said. "Having Hong Kong as our base to serve our clients in mainland China is our strategy.

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.

"Our commitment to Hong Kong and to China could not be stronger. We are extremely focused on this region as a source of growth for Citi's wealth management in the years ahead."

Andy Sieg, global head of wealth at Citi, expects Hong Kong to play a key role in its wealth management business. Photo: Jonathan Wong alt=Andy Sieg, global head of wealth at Citi, expects Hong Kong to play a key role in its wealth management business. Photo: Jonathan Wong>

Citigroup believes US$100 trillion of wealth creation will take place across the world over the next 10 years, with the highest rate of growth in Asia.

"That represents an enormous opportunity for wealth management, and Hong Kong is the epicentre of this global wealth creation," Sieg said.

The banking group in 2021 set a target of capturing US$150 billion of new business in the region by 2025.

The veteran banker last September rejoined Citigroup. He started his career at Merrill Lynch in 1992, joined Citigroup from 2005 to 2009 followed by 14 years with Bank of America.

Sieg visited Hong Kong and a handful of Greater Bay Area cities including Shenzhen and Guangzhou to meet staff and high-net-worth clients.

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Asked about the recent column by Stephen Roach, in which the former Morgan Stanley chief economist declared "Hong Kong is over", Sieg said he strongly disagreed with the statement.

"I spent almost a week with our team and clients, and they are all incredibly optimistic about the future of Hong Kong as a market and incredibly energised about the business opportunity for Citi in Hong Kong.

"When we think about the future for our wealth business, Asia is at the very centre and we are very proud of the presence that we have in Hong Kong and Singapore to serve clients in the region."

He said Hong Kong's strength is its proximity to the Greater Bay Area, which Beijing created five years ago to integrate the city with Macau and nine mainland cities into an economic powerhouse.

Citigroup will also expand its credit card, retail banking, private banking and family office businesses in the coming years, Sieg said.

The Hong Kong government in March 2023 unveiled several measures to attract billionaires to set up family offices - to pursue investments, philanthropy and succession planning - in the city.

A refreshed investment-migration programme, tax breaks and art storage facilities are among the measures announced by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to attract 200 new family offices by 2025.

"Hong Kong offers a great base for family offices because it has a combination of deep history as a financial centre and proximity to what is taking place in mainland China," Sieg said.

He said many international family offices want to use Hong Kong as a stepping stone to invest in mainland China, while wealthy clients from the Greater Bay Area want to diversify their investments through Hong Kong.

To capture the growing number of mainland clients, the US bank opened its first wealth centre globally in November 2022 in the tourist hotspot of Tsim Sha Tsui. The centre in K11 Atelier opened just before the city reopened its borders after the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a result, the bank reported a 61 per cent uptick in the number of new international personal banking customers compared with pre-Covid levels in 2019.

"We see Hong Kong and Singapore as key centres for the future of wealth in Asia," Sieg said. "They will both be successful markets as the two cities act as a bridge between China and the broader markets of Southeast Asia and the world."

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.
Revenue: Q4 revenue declined by 5.0% to $223.1 million, while full year revenue reached a record $994.7 million.

Net Income: Q4 net income soared to $23.3 million, a significant turnaround from the previous year's net loss of $32.0 million.

Adjusted EBITDA: Full year adjusted EBITDA margins increased by 140 basis points to 6.8%, although Q4 saw a decrease.

Debt Reduction: CVGI reduced its net debt to $103.7 million, achieving a lower leverage ratio of 1.5x.

Segment Performance: Electrical Systems segment grew by 19.4% in Q4, offsetting declines in other segments.

2024 Outlook: CVGI projects net sales between $915 million and $1,015 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $60 to $73 million.

On March 4, 2024, Commercial Vehicle Group Inc (NASDAQ:CVGI) released its 8-K filing, detailing its financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023. CVGI, a leading supplier of cab-related products and systems for the commercial vehicle market, faced a challenging quarter with a 5.0% revenue decline, attributed to a labor strike and reduced demand across several segments. Despite this, the company's full year revenue reached a record high, driven by strong pricing and new business wins, particularly in the Electrical Systems segment.

Commercial Vehicle Group Inc (CVGI) Reports Mixed Results Amidst Market Challenges

Financial Performance and Challenges

CVGI's Q4 operating income improved to $5.0 million, up from a loss in the prior year, while adjusted operating income decreased due to lower volumes and increased SG&A expenses. The net income for Q4 was remarkable, turning a substantial loss from the previous year into a profit of $23.3 million. Full year adjusted EBITDA margins increased, reflecting the company's ability to improve profitability despite market headwinds.

James Ray, President and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the company's transformation plan and record sales. He emphasized the focus on operational efficiency and growth in the Electrical Systems segment for the coming year. Andy Cheung, CFO, highlighted the record revenue and the company's success in reducing debt and leverage, positioning CVGI for resilience in 2024.

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"We are pleased with our 2023 results as CVGI continued winning new business, particularly in Electrical Systems, and made progress on the Companys transformation plan, driving record annual sales and improved profitability for the year," said James Ray.

Segment Insights and 2024 Outlook

The Vehicle Solutions segment experienced a revenue decrease due to lower volumes and a customer strike, while the Electrical Systems segment saw a significant revenue increase of 19.4%, driven by pricing and volume. The Aftermarket and Accessories segment faced a decrease in revenue, but operating income increased slightly. The Industrial Automation segment's revenue dropped due to decreased customer demand, yet operating income improved due to cost controls.

For 2024, CVGI anticipates net sales between $915 million and $1,015 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $60 to $73 million. This outlook is based on current industry forecasts for North American Class 8 truck builds, which are expected to decline. However, CVGI expects to benefit from growth in the Electrical Systems segment, partially offsetting the projected industry downturn.

Value investors may find CVGI's ability to generate record annual sales and improve profitability, despite a challenging market environment, to be a positive indicator of the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency. The focus on debt reduction and the growth of the Electrical Systems segment could provide a stable foundation for future performance.

For a detailed analysis of CVGI's financials and future prospects, investors are encouraged to review the full earnings report and consider the implications for their investment strategies.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Commercial Vehicle Group Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Over the last year, a good number of insiders have significantly increased their holdings in Corporate Travel Management Limited (ASX:CTD). This is encouraging because it indicates that insiders are more optimistic about the company's prospects.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

See our latest analysis for Corporate Travel Management

Corporate Travel Management Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by MD & Executive Director Jamie Pherous for AU$1.4m worth of shares, at about AU$15.98 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is AU$15.99. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. Happily, the Corporate Travel Management insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 90.90k shares for AU$1.5m. On the other hand they divested 59.28k shares, for AU$1.3m. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Corporate Travel Management insiders. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. 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.

Insiders At Corporate Travel Management Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at Corporate Travel Management. MD & Executive Director Jamie Pherous spent AU$1.4m on stock, and there wasn't any selling. That shows some optimism about the company's future.

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Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Corporate Travel Management insiders own 13% of the company, currently worth about AU$310m based on the recent share price. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Corporate Travel Management Tell Us?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Corporate Travel Management insiders are well aligned, and quite possibly think the share price is too low. Looks promising! Therefore, you should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Corporate Travel Management.

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.
A woman ponders her retirement plan while sitting in a cafe. T. Rowe Price studied alternative withdrawal strategies suited for retirees with a primary focus on meeting their spending needs, as well as those with considerable assets and a desire to leave an estate for their heirs.

A common approach to retirement income relies on withdrawing money from taxable accounts first, followed by 401(k)s and IRAs, and lastly, Roth accounts. Conventional wisdom holds that withdrawing money from taxable accounts first allows a retirees 401(k) assets to continue growing tax-deferred while also preserving Roth assets to potentially leave to heirs.

A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement and find a tax-efficient strategy for withdrawing your assets. Find a financial advisor today.

But this relatively simple and straight-forward approach for generating retirement income may result in tax bills you could otherwise avoid. In a 17-page study, T. Rowe Price explored alternative withdrawal strategies suited for retirees whose primary focus was on meeting spending needs, as well as those with considerable assets and a desire to leave an estate for their heirs.

By changing up the order in which assets are withdrawn from different accounts, specifically by tapping tax-deferred accounts earlier than what is conventionally recommended, a retiree can actually reduce his tax liability, extend the life of his portfolio and leave an estate for his heirs, T. Rowe Price found.

When following conventional wisdom, you start by relying on Social Security and taxable account withdrawals, Roger Young, a certified financial planner and director of thought leadership for T. Rowe Price, wrote in the report. Since some of that cash flow is not taxed, you may find yourself paying little or no federal income tax early in retirement before required minimum distributions (RMDs). That sounds great  but you may be leaving some low-tax income on the table. And then after RMDs kick in, you may be paying more tax than necessary.

A Better Way to Meet Spending Needs and Reduce Taxes?

Choosing which accounts to tap and when is critical to an effective withdrawal strategy. T. Rowe Price studied alternative withdrawal strategies suited for retirees with a primary focus on meeting their spending needs, as well as those with considerable assets and a desire to leave an estate for their heirs.

To illustrate how the conventional withdrawal strategy could cost you at tax time and ways to improve upon it, T. Rowe Price examined several hypothetical scenarios involving retired couples with both taxable accounts and tax-deferred accounts.

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In the first example, the firm looked at a married couple with relatively modest retirement income and an annual budget of $65,000. The couple collects $29,000 in Social Security benefits and has $750,000 in retirement savings, 60% of which is held in tax-deferred accounts and 30% in Roth accounts. The remaining 10% ($75,000) is kept in taxable accounts.

Following the conventional strategy of using withdrawals from taxable accounts to supplement Social Security benefits first, the couple preserves their Roth assets to be used later in retirement. However, they would incur a federal income tax bill of $2,400 in years 4 through 17 of a 30-year retirement as a result of relying too heavily on their tax-deferred assets, which are taxed as ordinary income.

A better approach is to fill up a low tax bracket with ordinary income from tax-deferred account distributions, Young wrote. This income could fill the 0%, he noted, where income is less than deductions, or the 10% bracket.

Any spending need above those distributions and Social Security can be met with taxable account liquidations, followed by Roth distributions, Young added.

By spreading distributions from their tax-deferred accounts across more years (years 1 through 27) , the couple would eliminate their federal income tax liability altogether, according to the analysis. This alternative approach also relies on using Roth distributions earlier in retirement (year 8) as opposed to waiting until the 18th year of a 30-year retirement to begin taking these tax-free distributions.

The T. Rowe Price analysis shows that the couples portfolio lasts nearly two years longer (31.6 years) compared to the conventional method (29.8). Thats an improvement of 6%. If both spouses die between ages 80 and 95, their heirs would receive between $19,000 and $63,000 more after-tax value than with the conventional method, Young wrote.

Preserving Assets for Your Estate

A retired couple looks over their retirement portfolio. T. Rowe Price studied alternative withdrawal strategies suited for retirees with a primary focus on meeting their spending needs, as well as those with considerable assets and a desire to leave an estate for their heirs.

While the first scenario looked at how a married couple with modest income and savings could optimize their withdrawal strategy to limit taxes and extend their portfolio, T. Rowe Price also examined how even wealthier retirees could preserve more of their assets to bequeath to heirs.

Since money withdrawn from Roth IRAs is not taxable, many people choose to limit or avoid taking distributions from Roth accounts while theyre still alive so they can leave those accounts to their heirs. This makes Roth IRAs powerful and popular components of estate plans. But a couple that expects to leave an estate may want to consider preserving taxable accounts for a bequest instead of Roth assets, according to Young.

Under current tax law, the cost basis for inherited investments is the value at the owners death, Young wrote. This is known as a step-up in basis, and it effectively makes gains during the original owners lifetime tax free for heirs. This can be a major benefit for people with wealth that wont be spent in retirement.

Its important to note that President Joe Biden last year proposed closing this legal loophole. As part of his Build Back Better agenda, Biden proposed eliminating the step-up in basis on assets that exceed $1 million when a single taxpayer dies and $2.5 million for couples who file jointly. However, the provision did not have enough support on Capitol Hill and was dropped from the bill that eventually passed the House of Representatives.

Bottom Line

The conventional strategy for withdrawing retirement assets often starts with taking distributions from taxable accounts early in retirement so tax-deferred accounts can continue to grow. But research from T. Rowe Price shows that retirees with taxable accounts may want to consider alternative withdrawal tactics, including taking distributions from 401(k)s and other tax-deferred accounts earlier in retirement and spreading the money across more years.

Doing so may limit a retirees federal income tax bill on such distributions in a given year. Additionally, retirees who hope to leave an estate to heirs may consider preserving their taxable accounts deeper into retirement and passing them on to heirs instead of Roth IRA assets.

Retirement Planning Tips

A financial advisor can help you sort through the many decisions youll need to make when it comes to your retirement plan, including a withdrawal strategy. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve 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.

Need help determining how much youll need to have saved for retirement? Fidelitys 45% rule states that your retirement savings should generate about 45% of your pretax, pre-retirement income each year, with Social Security benefits covering the rest of your spending needs.

SmartAssets retirement calculator can help you track the progress youre making toward a savings goal. Meanwhile, estimate how much your Social Security benefits will be using our Social Security calculator.

Photo credit: iStock.com/South_agency, iStock.com/designer491, iStock.com/fizkes

The post You Could Be Doing More to Limit Taxes in Retirement appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
SINGAPORE, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where mathematics is a universal language and a fundamental tool for science subjects, how do young learners from different countries perform in maths? When it comes to children's mathematical proficiency, which of these four countries stands out: Singapore, South Korea, Japan, or India?

By integrating AI technology and educational expertise, Creta Class provides unique insights into these fascinating questions.

Creta Class Finds Singaporean Children Excel in Maths Learning Concentration

Covering a sample of around 50,000 global users, we focused on young learners aged 3-6 years old, spotting trends in 4 key areas within Creta Class's learning programme: Video Lessons, Quizzes, Math Talk Sessions, and parents participation.

Join us as we reveal interesting insights into how children in Singapore, India, Japan and South Korea navigate maths and how their parents are involved in the process.

Singaporean Children Has Best Concentration in Maths Learning

Overall, Singaporean children demonstrate remarkable attention skills, as more than 70% of children aged 4-7 can complete a full lession in a single sitting without interruption. Furthermore, their average time to complete the lesson, (approximately 15 minutes), is among the shortest. For instance, in the case of 3-4 years old, Singaporean children exhibit even greater speed, with a median completion time of 8 minutes, which stands in contrast to 9 minutes for Indian and Korean children, and up to 11 minutes for Japanese children.

Parents of Children Aged 5-6 in Korea Are Most Involved

Based on a set of data on Korean and Indian parent-teacher interactions, it is observed that, compared to other age groups, Korean children aged 5-6 years old exhibit a significantly higher parental involvement index (stage involvement rate/average parental involvement rate in that country * 100) of 114. Starting from the age of 3, Korean parents' involvement continues to increase until it peaks at 5-6 years old. The trend is similar for Indian parents, but Korean parents show higher levels of engagement at ages 4-6.

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Indian Children Lead in Arithmetic Competency

Indian children has recorded outstanding results in the "Numbers and Operation" module, achieving an 3-star accuracy rate of 83.2%. Singaporean children of the same age group also did well, securing an excellent rate of 81.8%, whereas Korean and Japanese children exhibited slightly lower performance.

Japanese Children is Most Reserved in Mathematical Expression

In general, Japanese children have a more conservative approach to verbal participation than children from the other three countries. In particular, in the 4-5 year old age group, 86% of the Indian children are engaged in active verbal participation, compared to 72% of the Japanese children. Among those who have participated, the Indian children spent an average of 72 seconds in the Math Talk session, compared to 35 seconds for Japanese children.

We live in a diverse world where children in every country exhibit uniqueness in their learning performance. Additionally, their performance are influenced by educational environments, styles, and cultures. With the support of big data, children's learning behaviors and trends can be better observed and understood by educators today.

As an international education company, Creta Class respects and actively embraces multiculturalism. We are committed to researching the learning behaviors of global children and developing learning content that caters to children with different behavioral patterns. While we strive to enhance children's knowledge and capabilities, we also nurture their enduring passion for learning, facilitating their development into well-rounded individuals.

Achieving these goals requires effort and collaboration of every parent, educator, and other stakeholders in children's education. It's our mission to provide a supportive learning environment that ignites curiosity, boosts self-confidence, and fosters intellectual exploration.

About Creta Class

Creta Class integrates AI technology and education expertise to provide a fun, inspiring, and high-quality educational experience for children around the world with a presence in the United States, Singapore, Japan, Korea, India, among other countries and regions.

Website: www.cretaclass.com

General inquiry: press@cretaclass.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/creta-class-finds-singaporean-children-excel-in-maths-learning-concentration-302077985.html

SOURCE Creta Class
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 04, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Impossible Metals today announced the appointment of Peter Jantzen as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

Peter founded the deep sea mining company Blue Minerals, which received sponsorship from Jamaica and successfully applied for and received an exploration permit from the International Seabed Authority in 2021.

"With 14 years in deep-sea mining and success at Blue Minerals, Peter brings valuable expertise to Impossible Metals," said Oliver Gunasekara, CEO and Co-Founder of Impossible Metals.

"I was instantly attracted to Impossible Metals advanced technology, which leverages AI to selectively harvest polymetallic nodules, preserving the marine habitat," said Peter Jantzen. "Combined with unique buoyancy technology to avoid touching down on the seabed, this solution provides the next generation of harvesting equipment for deep sea minerals."

"Peters efforts and achievements in founding and developing the deep seabed mining company Blue Minerals Jamaica Ltd. have provided Jamaica with the potential for a new long-term sustainable industry," said Jamaicas Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority, Ambassador Angela Comfort. "Peter was instrumental in developing the relationship between Jamaica and Blue Minerals Jamaica Ltd. in the pursuit of Jamaicas deep seabed mining opportunity. He was a pleasure to work with, and we thank him for his energy, drive, and efficiency in advancing our perspectives as a sponsoring state."

Impossible Metals also announces the publication of its 2023 ESG Annual Report, which can be downloaded from here.

About Impossible Metals

Impossible Metals (YC W22, Public Benefit Corporation) vision is to accelerate clean energy by delivering sustainable critical metals. We are developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) to harvest critical metals from the seabed while protecting the environment. Located in the US and Canada, Impossible Metals is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Download our Media Kit Assets.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304999066/en/

Contacts

PR Contact:

Marco Larsen, marco@publicnewyorkcity.com

PUBLIC, NYC 646.812.4444
Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalar

Sisecam plans to invest 114 million dollars in three new coated glass lines. These cutting-edge lines, boasting a collective capacity of nearly 20 million square meters, will be located in Turkey, Italy and Bulgaria

Prof Dr Ahmet Kirman

Cavaliere Prof Dr Ahmet Kirman - Sisecam's Chairman and Executive Member of the Board

ISTANBUL, Turkey, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sisecam, a global player in the fields of glass and chemicals, has announced its decision to invest 114 million dollars in three new coated glass lines. These cutting-edge lines with a total capacity of almost 20 million square meters will be located in Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria. Through these investments, Sisecam seeks to address the rising demand for coated glass within the flat glass sector. The Company aims to bolster its competitiveness by enhancing operational efficiency and diversifying its product range. Additionally, Sisecam aims to elevate the proportion of value-added products in its total production.



As part of the investments planned to commence operations in 2025, Sisecam will invest in a coated glass line with an annual capacity of 7 million square meters at its flat glass production facility under construction in Tarsus. Additionally, the Company will invest in a coated glass line with an annual capacity of 6.5 million square meters at its flat glass facility in Northern Italy. Sisecam will also invest in a line with an annual capacity of 6 million square meters at its flat glass facility in Bulgaria. These investments, totaling 114 million dollars including working capital requirements, will bring the total number of Sisecam's glass coating lines to seven worldwide. The objective is to elevate Sisecam's existing coated glass capacity, currently around 22 million square meters based on an average product mix across four different lines, to approximately 42 million square meters through these strategic investments.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Krman, Sisecams Chairman and Executive Member of the Board of Directors, commented on the new investment decision, saying: "Each strategic investment we undertake enhances our ability to grow and progress. Our most recent decision, aimed at addressing the rising demand for coated glass within the flat glass sector, marks a significant milestone. This initiative will almost double Sisecam's production capacity for coated glass. While strengthening our leadership in the architectural glass market in Turkey, it will also facilitate our access to a broader customer base globally with higher competitiveness. These investments will elevate the share of high-value products within our total production volume and augment our product portfolio. Additionally, the investments will facilitate Sisecam in achieving a more flexible management of its supply chain, leading to heightened operational efficiency.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72107f1f-be3a-43d4-a226-c40ad1886a91





CONTACT: Aysegul Akyarl AAKYARLI@sisecam.com




Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, Azernews reports.

According to the information, the head of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry stressed that during the meeting a constructive dialogue was held within the framework of the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya.

It is reported that the ministers paid attention to strengthening ties between the two countries and plans for the near future. Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed readiness to further expand cooperation at various levels.
Elon Musk has just been dethroned by Jeff Bezos for the title of world's richest man after Tesla shares have taken a 25% dip in recent months. However, Musk's interests span far beyond Tesla as his worth is a complex mechanism of diverse cogs from a social media mammoth to revolutionizing electric vehicles to space travel.

As Musks riches started to grow exponentially, so did his interest in the Lone Star State. As it stands today, the Musk wealth train has rolled into Texas and has been a notable player in Austin's rebranding as a southern tech hub.

Here are some of the wealth generators that we have confirmed Musk has in Texas.

Tesla Headquarters

A Giga Texas sign. File photo

The electric carmaker moved its corporate headquarters to Austin in 2021 to the site of its $1.1 billion manufacturing facility, Giga Texas. The factory has played a key role in the company's growth, and produces the Model 3, the recently released Cybertruck and vehicle batteries  while also employing more than 10,000 workers.

In 2022, Musk said on X that once the factory is performing well it plans to create an "ecological paradise" on the south portion of the property. Long-term, Musk said he also wants to have "little electric Tesla boats with a retro-futuristic Victorian design" and a boardwalk with amenities that goes all the way to downtown Austin so you can walk, bike or kayak."

The Boring Company

Perhaps in line with its name, Musk's tunneling and infrastructure company made very little noise when it moved its corporate headquarters from California to Pflugerville. It has been rapidly growing its operations in the Austin area ever since.

Nationally, the Boring Company has one operational tunnel, a 0.8-mile project underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, and Las Vegas officials have also approved a 29-mile tunnel system containing 51 stations under the city. The company previously had a 1.1-mile test tunnel in Hawthorne, California., that it recently dismantled, according to Bloomberg news service.

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SpaceX

SpaceX Starship prototypes sit inside the Starbase facility in Boca Chica. File photo

Another one of Musks companies that has migrated from California to Texas, SpaceX has had a significant Texas presence for several years now. With facilities in South Texas and the Waco area, the company makes and launches rockets and satellite communications technology, among other things.

Since moving into Texas, Space X has moved operations into Austin as well as a new facility in Bastrop County near the already established Boring Company offices in the Hyperloop Plaza where Musk hopes to open a new community.

Neuralink

Elon Musk shows the Neuralink disk implant in this video grab from an online presentation in 2020.

Neuralink recently made headlines after they successfully placed their first implant into a brain just weeks ago. Another of Musk's California-based ventures, the neurotechnology company is seeking to create a computer-brain interface, which is intended to let people control a computer or mobile device using their minds.

Musk has described the technology as a Fitbit in your skull with wires that go into your brain. The secretive company has yet to bring a product to the market and rarely shares public updates but news of its first implant was received as groundbreaking.

X Content Moderation team

'X' logo at Twitter HQ. File photo

The social media company X, formerly Twitter, recently announced it is establishing an Austin-based "trust and safety" center and it appears the team will run out of an Austin-based office.

The company mentioned its plans in a post in late January for the new location and in a wider post detailing Xs plans to tackle child exploitation on its website.

We are also building a Trust and Safety center of excellence in Austin, Texas, to hire more in-house agents so we can keep accelerating our impact, the post said.

Tech reporter Kara Carlson contributed to this article

Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk no longer the richest man alive, here are his Texas assets
Above ground work has begun on Microsoft's first data center building in Mount Pleasant. We Energies in a recent filing with state regulators said it expects to spend $335 million to extend electric power to the building and future datacenters.

We Energies expects to spend about $335 million to build electric distribution infrastructure to serve Microsoft's data center development in Mount Pleasant.

A recent filing with the state Public Service Commission seeks to defer accounting for the costs until the project is complete. We Energies in the application said it needs to begin construction by June to meet Microsoft's needs.

Data centers are massive users of electricity that run around the clock to support cloud computing and other data-intensive applications. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers consume up to 50 times the energy of a similarly sized-office space and account for about 2 percent of all electricity use in the U.S.

The PSC application identifies three work areas with the most immediate spending, about $50 million, focused on the area where Microsoft's $1 billion first phase of construction is already underway. Microsoft bought that 315-acre property in May and began site work on the first of two buildings in July.

A Feb. 27 construction update states foundation work is nearly complete and said work has begun on the building's steel structure. We Energies will soon begin work on a distribution substation on the western part of the parcel, the update states.

Above ground work has begun on Microsoft's first data center building in Mount Pleasant. We Energies in a recent filing with state regulators said it expects to spend $335 million to extend electric power to the building and future datacenters.

Substation built for failed Foxconn project

American Transmission Co. in 2019 spent more than $100 million to extend transmission lines to the industrial park and built a substation large enough to support Foxconn International Holdings' unfulfilled promise of a $10 billion manufacturing complex that was to employ up to 13,000 people. Microsoft in December bought more than 1,000 acres in the park that had previously been controlled by Foxconn.

The land sale marked a dramatic reduction in Foxconn's aspirations in Wisconsin. The company has competed several buildings and employs about 1,000 people who make servers for data centers and electronic devices for rooftop solar arrays.

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More: How Microsoft's purchase of 1,000 acres in Mount Pleasant could lead to a decade of construction

We Energies projects spending an additional $35 million in the parcel to the west of the construction site, which includes the ATC substation, and $250 million in an undeveloped 800-acre area north of the Foxconn site, according to the PSC filing.

We Energies spokesman Brendan Conway said the project supports Microsoft as well as "the strong economic growth along the I-94 corridor."

Microsoft has not made public its construction timetable for those sites, but a development agreement with the village requires Microsoft to begin a second building by 2030. A third building must be under construction by 2037 and construction of a fourth building must begin no later than 2044. Combined, the data centers would have a minimum value of $3 billion according to village planning documents.

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Economic development officials expect construction to take place more quickly than that.

We Energies is seeking the accounting exemption to allow it to begin ordering equipment, some of which has long lead times for delivery, and obtain financing for the project.

The project itself does not require PSC approval under a 2017 law exempting utilities from the normal approval process in the Electronics and Information Technology zone that was created as part of a $3 billion incentive package to lure Foxconn to Wisconsin.

Above ground work has begun on Microsoft's first data center building in Mount Pleasant. We Energies in a recent filing with state regulators said it expects to spend $335 million to extend electric power to the building and future datacenters.

Microsoft will pay an unspecified share of We Energies' construction costs, according to We Energies' application.

"Because the customers forecasted load characteristics are still being refined, the costs to be funded by contributions from the customer to be served has not been determined," the application states.

The remainder of the cost will be included in a future rate adjustment, after the project is completed, Conway said.

Protecting utility customers from subsidizing the costs associated with producing and delivering the huge amount of electricity consumed by data centers has become an issue in multiple states, said Tom Content, executive director of the Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board.

"Both We Energies and Microsoft have talked about the fact that Microsoft is standing ready to pay its fair share of these costs of costs, linked to the data center. The challenges is, the devil's in the details on how that actually plays out," he said.

Application follows similar request for new gas plant in Oak Creek

The PSC on Thursday opened a docket to consider a joint request from We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. for similar accounting exemptions for $200 million it plans to spend on components for a new $1.2 billion natural gas-fired generating plant in Oak Creek .

The company also plans to spend about $200 million to build a liquefied natural gas storage system on the site to assure an adequate fuel supply for the new generating plant, natural gas customers, and the eventual conversion of the nearby Elm Road Generating Station from coal to gas. Another project would spend $211 million to install smaller gas turbine systems at We Energies' Paris Generating Station in Racine County.

More: As We Energies readies to close its Oak Creek coal plant, it's planning a new gas plant on site

The company has said neither the Oak Creek nor the Paris projects are intended to run full time. Rather, they are designed to be available to fill gaps at times of high electricity demand or when the company's growing renewable energy portfolio is not operating at capacity.

According to documents filed with the PSC, the spending is driven by the need to retire coal plants in advance of new EPA pollution rules, changing rules governing utilities' reliability and seasonal power generating capacity from the 14-state Midwest Independent System Operator and "increasing customer demand from economic development, particularly in Southeastern Wisconsin."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We Energies to spend $335 million on Microsoft electric power project
Regulators should take bolder steps to expand the Wealth Management Connect scheme and encourage more investments in Hong Kong products by mainland China-based investors, according to a finance lobby group.

The government's recent adjustments are "steps in the right direction", but further relaxations are needed, as the support provided now is "not significant" enough to revitalise the industry, according to Peter Stein, CEO of Asian Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA).

The scheme should raise the investment quota of individual investors to 8 million yuan (US$1.1 million), up from the current 3 million yuan, Stein said. That would allow them to meet the threshold for being classified as "professionals", giving them access to a wider range of products.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The scheme should also open more products to mainland investors, such as those managed by subsidiaries of Hong Kong-domiciled funds and primarily investing in global markets like the US and Europe, said Eugenie Shen, head of ASIFMA's asset management group.

Giving mainland users more diverse choices could boost investments, she said. "It's really about mutual benefits for both the industry and investors."

The Wealth Management Connect scheme allows residents in the Greater Bay Area to invest in approved wealth management products across borders. 16NOV23 SCMP/ Dickson Lee alt=The Wealth Management Connect scheme allows residents in the Greater Bay Area to invest in approved wealth management products across borders. 16NOV23 SCMP/ Dickson Lee>

Launched in 2021, the Wealth Management Connect scheme allows residents of Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in Guangdong province to invest directly in approved wealth management products across borders.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and People's Bank of China last month announced new measures to further improve the platform, including raising the individual quota from 1 million yuan to 3 million yuan, and adding higher-risk products.

Despite the expanded offerings, currently only funds domiciled in Hong Kong are eligible for sales, which limits the investment choices for mainland investors and constrains the platform's potential, according to Shen.

Hong Kong asset managers should also be allowed to provide more advisory services, so that mainland investors can be better educated on the products on offer, she added.

Founded in 2006, ASIFMA is an independent industry association representing global banks and asset managers, aiming to promote capital market development in Asia.

The group suggests that mainland market regulators should also relax cross-border information sharing by international financial firms.

Last year, the Chinese government said that cross-border financial information will be more intensely scrutinised as a matter of national security, but the official guidance is "somewhat unclear" and concerning for market participants, Shen said.

If authorities allow foreign asset management firms to share their research in China with overseas entities, it could help enhance market credibility and attract more investments from abroad, she said.

"At least for the time being, the economic outlook in mainland China is still unclear and our members, some of the largest global financial institutions, tend to be more conservative," Shen said. "So it's good timing to implement further reforms, attract more foreign investors and shore up confidence."

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.
Fiserv Inc. officially opened its new downtown Milwaukee headquarters Monday at the HUB 640 building, 640 N. Phillips Ave.

Fiserv Inc. has officially opened its new Milwaukee headquarters  marking the latest in a series of similar downtown developments in recent years.

Fiserv, a global financial and payments technology provider, began moving employees in January from its longtime Brookfield headquarters to HUB640, the former Boston Store building, 640 N. Phillips Ave.

The company is leasing 168,000 square feet and is basing several hundred employees there. It marked the move with a Monday media event.

The new headquarters is "a dynamic destination for talent and clients" and "reflects our focus on creating value and enabling best-in-class results for our clients," said Frank Bisignano, Fiserv chair, president and chief executive officer, in a statement.

Bisignano also called the headquarters, located four blocks from Fiserv Forum, a "superbly strategic location" providing an unparalleled ability to entertain clients.

"It's an investment for the long haul," he told Fiserv employees and guests in his remarks.

The office "brings added activity and vibrancy to the center of Milwaukee, said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

The headquarters features include an "experience center" for meetings with clients that also serves as a training center; Clover Cafe, named for Fiserv's point-of-sale payments and business management platform and featuring Colectivo Coffee, and connections to a parking structure as well as 3rd Street Market Hall.

City provides $7 million to help redevelop building

The Common Council and Johnson in December 2022 approved a plan to spend $7 million to help finance the building's $37 million redevelopment to accommodate Fiserv.

That will be provided through annual payments for up to 20 years tied to HUB640's higher property tax bills.

Fiserv must base at least 780 employees at HUB640 to obtain the full $7 million, and must keep its headquarters there for at least 16 years, according to a contract between the company and the city.

Fiserv expects to have 580 employees in its first year at the new headquarters, with that number rising to 780 by its fourth year. That includes 250 jobs that will be new to the Milwaukee area.

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Also, the company is to receive up to $7 million in state tax credits in return for meeting annual job targets.

Fiserv posted 2023 revenue of $19.1 billion and net income of $3.1 billion.

HUB640's other tenants include the new Kohl's department store that opened in November.

Fiserv joins Milwaukee Tool, others with downtown investments

Since 2020, companies that are relocating or opening new offices are bringing more than 7,000 jobs to the downtown area, according to the Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District.

That includes Enerpac Tool Group Corp. The company announced Feb. 21 it will move its headquarters, with around 130 employees, in early 2025 from Menomonee Falls to ASQ Center, 648 N. Plankinton Ave.  to be renamed Enerpac Center.

Other developments include Brookfield-based Milwaukee Tool, which last summer opened a new office at 551 N. Fifth St.; Veolia North America, which is moving to Enerpac Center by summer from 125 S. 84th St., in Honey Creek Corporate Center, and Allspring Global Investments, which plans to move its regional operations from Menomonee Falls to an office building, at 417 E. Chicago St., by early 2025.

Also, Northwestern Mutual has started work on a $500 million expansion of its downtown campus and plans to relocate its Franklin operations there beginning in 2027.

Executives at Northwestern, Fiserv and other companies have cited a similar broad factor in their decisions to open or expand large downtown offices: a need to better attract and retain talent  especially younger employees who prefer working, living and playing in urban neighborhoods.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fiserv marks Milwaukee headquarters opening with move from Brookfield
SINGAPORE, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FOMO Group, a Singapore-based financial holding group, today announces the appointment of Cindy Ho as Group Head of Compliance. Cindy will lead the Group's Compliance function, overseeing regulatory compliance, policy development and implementation, risk assessment and business advisory activities, to support its business growth.

Cindy Ho, FOMO Group Head of Compliance

Cindy brings over 30 years of compliance experience to the role, having held key leadership positions in renowned financial institutions with a wealth of experience covering compliance issues across the region. Formerly the Chief Control Officer of Bank J. Safra Sarasin in Singapore, she led the Singapore and Hong Kong Compliance teams, managing regulatory advisory and KYC/AML/CFT surveillance in Asia. Prior to this, Cindy held roles as the Vice President of Compliance at Credit Suisse and the Head of Compliance for Private Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. She successfully spearheaded large-scale compliance projects, orchestrating the development of robust compliance frameworks to combat anti-money laundering and KYC issues across Asian markets and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Her extensive experience working with regional stakeholders and fostering positive impact in the finance ecosystem aligns seamlessly with FOMO Group's pursuit of top-tier talent to elevate compliance capabilities and uphold a leading position in the industry.

As Group Head of Compliance, Cindy will play a pivotal role in advancing FOMO Group's commitment to customer protection and robust compliance. She will direct the implementation and enhancement of a comprehensive compliance framework aligned with regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions. Leveraging her extensive knowledge, Cindy will consistently optimize the organization's suite of compliance tools to ensure robust security throughout the entire business process, from client onboarding to transaction monitoring, to bolster client trust. Cindy's strategic focus also includes maintaining close engagement with regulatory bodies and participating in industry dialogues, which contribute to developing practical compliance programs and standards for the broader industry.

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"The digital finance industry has experienced transformative shifts propelled by innovative technologies that enhance efficiency and accessibility," said Cindy. "While this presents exciting opportunities, it also introduces new complexities and risks that need to be carefully managed."

"FOMO Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the highest standards of compliance. I look forward to working with its wealth of talent to build a robust line of defense. Together, we will navigate the dynamic regulatory landscape and uphold the trust our customers place in us," said Cindy.

Louis Liu, Chairman of FOMO Group, said, "We are excited to welcome Cindy to our team as we propel forward in building a trusted, fully regulated, one-stop digital payment platform. With her vast, impressive background and deep understanding of compliance, she is an ideal fit to guide our compliance initiatives to strengthen our business competitiveness and resilience. Compliance stands paramount in our priorities, and we believe her joining our team perfectly aligns with our goal of ensuring compliance and fostering sustainable growth."

About FOMO Group

Founded in 2015, FOMO Group is a Singapore-based financial holding group, globally recognized and trusted by institutional and corporate clients as a leading one-stop digital payment, digital banking and digital asset solutions provider. With a commitment to seamlessly bridging Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 ecosystems, FOMO Group owns three financial institutions which operate independently from each other:

FOMO Pay  A major payment institution regulated under the Payment Services Act to conduct Cross-border Money Transfer Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Digital Payment Token Service, and Merchant Acquisition Service. The firm is currently building Asia's first licensed gateway helping institutions and businesses to connect between fiat and digital currency.

CapBridge  A Capital Markets Services licensee licensed to deal in capital markets products, including securities and collective investment schemes, and provide custodial services. It is also an exempt financial adviser permitted to advise on investment products and to issue or promulgate analyses and reports on such investment products.

1exchange  A licensed and regulated private securities exchange with a Recognized Market Operator License, allowing companies and investors to list and trade regulated financial products and equity assets.

For media inquiries, contact marketing@fomopay.com.

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SOURCE FOMO Pay
Ford Motor Co. announced Monday that its philanthropic Ford Fund, along with Ford dealers, is investing $2 million in scholarship money throughout the country to help students become automotive technicians.

The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship project will award 400 needs-based scholarships to current or future students who have completed high school and enrolled in auto programs, according to a Ford news release.

This investment is twice what the Ford Fund announced in 2023, when it launched the effort. The application process, which opened Monday, runs through Aug. 31.

To apply for a scholarship this year, applicants must study in the areas of Detroit; Greater Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Phoenix; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Miami; Seattle, or Cincinnati. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis and applications reviewed when received, Ford said.

Ford Motor Co. announced Monday, March 4, 2024, a $2 million investment in scholarships for auto technicians. Scholar Makenna Enga is pictured here on Dec. 4, 2023, in Phoenix.

The pinch in hiring auto techs

"The automotive industry continues to face an ongoing shortage of technicians, with over 400,000 techs needed by 2027," Ford said in its news release. "Now in its second year, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship creates opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers as the industry moves toward electrification and software integration."

Last years program directly resulted in 200 students receiving $1 million in scholarships across four regions: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, the automaker said. Ford told the Free Press in 2023 that the automaker directed scholarships to regions with the most need for training.

The challenge of technician hiring and training was among the issues that emerged in a Detroit Free Press investigation published last month showing that Ford is reinspecting more than a quarter million vehicles to ensure that recalled Takata air bags were replaced properly. A whistleblower complaint alleged that Ford weakened tech certification standards, setting up the risk, which Ford adamantly denies.

In addition, Ford has notified dealers that 56% of their shop techs must complete mandatory training by April 1 or Ford will reject their repair claims. Reaction to that news and to the investigation revealed friction over repair reimbursement and related matters among Ford, its dealerships and their techs.

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In recent days, federal safety regulators notified Ford that it has opened an investigation into why brake and steering assist recall repairs on the E-Series vehicles, often used as shuttle buses and ambulances, need to be repaired again.

Elena Ford, great-great granddaughter of Ford founder Henry Ford, is chief dealer engagement officer for the Dearborn automaker.

As vehicles become more advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them, she said in a statement. "Partnering with our dealers to invest in these students helps create job opportunities, shapes the future of our communities, and drives growth in our industry.

Elena Ford, chief dealer engagement officer at Ford Motor Co., mentioned the need for more trained auto technicians in a news release sent Monday, March 4, 2024.

The $5,000 scholarship per student will be awarded to people earning automotive technology degrees or certificates from various accredited programs, and may be used for tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation. Ford dealers will offer support, advice, on-site training and career guidance, Ford said.

Making the occupation more accessible

The Ford Auto Tech scholarships will be administered by the national nonprofit TechForce Foundation, which began operations in 2007 as the Universal Technical Institute supporting students attending its program and expanded in 2014 to try and address the tech shortage nationally, according to its website.

Every technician plays a vital role in moving our communities forward. In order to solve the shortage of technicians the transportation industry currently faces, and because diversity drives innovation, we need to make the field more accessible for people of all backgrounds, Jennifer Maher, chief executive officer of the TechForce Foundation, said in the Ford news release. By partnering with Ford dealers and Ford Fund to remove barriers to entry and increase greater economic mobility, we pave the way for more communities to thrive.

Tim Hovik, chairman of the Ford National Dealer Council that serves as an advisory group on strategy and developing issues within Ford, and owner of San Tan Ford in Gilbert, Arizona, couldn't be immediately reached for comment on Monday.

Ford spotlighted scholar Makenna Enga, who spoke of getting trained in Phoenix.

"I am extremely passionate about pursuing a technical education in automotive technology for many reasons, Enga said in the news release. To start with, a pretty obvious one is the lack of women in the industry. No one in my family has studied a trade, but I believe I was made for it."

To apply, go to the TechForce website page devoted to the Ford partnership: techforce.org/fordfundv2/

More: 2024 Ford F-150 pickups stored on Michigan lots ship on schedule after quality checks

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on X at @phoebesaid

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford doubles scholarship fund to train auto technicians: How to apply
Ford dealers and the Ford Fund, the philanthropic division of the Michigan-based automotive giant, are investing $2 million in scholarship funding in 10 regions to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.

Spanning more than 20 states and 292 eligible schools, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship will grant 400 need-based awards to current or future students enrolled in post-secondary auto programs.

Memphis is among the regions where scholarships will be awarded.

Here's what we know about the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship program.

Ford hopes scholarship opportunities can build up pipeline of auto techs

Ford Auto Tech Scholarship will grant 400 need-based awards to current or future students enrolled in post-secondary auto programs

Ford hopes to influence more young people to look at the automotive industry as the sector to face an ongoing shortage of technicians, with more than 4,000 techs needed by 2027.

The Ford Auto Scholarship aims to help create opportunities for high-paying jobs as the industry shifts toward electrification and software integration.

As vehicles become advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them, Elena Ford, chief dealer engagement officer at Ford, said in a news release. Partnering with our dealers to invest in these students helps create job opportunities, shapes the future of our communities, and drives growth in our industry.

At BlueOval City in Haywood County, Ford is building an assembly plant to make electric trucks. It will employ 3,300 and is expected to begin production in 2025.

NEW JOBS: 'We want to hire locally': BlueOval SK recruits in West Tennessee for battery plant jobs

Who is eligible for Ford Auto Tech Scholarships?

Ford dealers and Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are investing $2 million in scholarship funding in 10 regions to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians

Students eligible for the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship are required to be pursuing automotive technology degrees or certificates in one of the following regions: Memphis, Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle and Cincinnati.

The scholarship can be used for all attendance costs including tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation. Ford dealers in each region will serve as a support system by offering advice, onsite training, and career guidance.

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The Ford Auto Tech scholarships will be distributed by TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that helps students involved in technical education and pursuing careers as professional technicians.

Ford is partnering with TechForce to award $5,000 per student in financial assistance for education and training in auto and auto/diesel at a wide range of accredited institutions.

Every technician plays a vital role in moving our communities forward, TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher said in a news release. In order to solve the shortage of technicians the transportation industry currently faces and because diversity drives innovation, we need to make the field more accessible for people of all backgrounds. By partnering with Ford dealers and Ford Fund to remove barriers to entry and increase greater economic mobility, we pave the way for more communities to thrive.

WEST TENNESSEE: Brownsville mayor talks area potential growth fueled by massive BlueOval City project

How to apply online for a Ford Auto Tech Scholarship

Now in its second year, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship creates opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers as the industry moves toward electrification and software integration

For those looking to apply or find out more information about the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, visit the TechForce website at https://techforce.org/fordfundv2.

The application process is open from March 4 through Aug. 31. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as received.

Last years program resulted in 200 students receiving $1 million in scholarships across four regions of Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix.

Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ford Auto Tech Scholarship: Who is eligible and how to apply
PARIS (Reuters) - Fashion brands with ultra-fast product turnover such as China's Shein should be subject to penalties of up to 50% of their garments' selling price to offset their environmental impact, French ruling-majority MPs have proposed in a new bill.

The MPs say that ultra-fast fashion brands, rather than renewing their collections four times per year like traditional clothing brands, offer thousands of new products per day, inciting excessive spending and unnecessary pollution.

"This evolution of the apparel sector towards ephemeral fashion, combining increased volumes and low prices, is influencing consumer buying habits by creating buying impulses and a constant need for renewal, which is not without environmental, social and economic consequences," the bill said.

The bill singled out Chinese ready-to-wear company Shein, saying that it on average presents more than 7,200 new garment models a day, and makes more than 470,000 different products available to consumers.

To offset the environmental impact of ultra-fast fashion, the MPs propose penalties of up to 10 euros ($10.86) per item sold, or up to 50% of the selling price, by 2030.

Shein, in a statement to French news agency AFP, said it follows "best international practices in terms of sustainable development and social commitment".

Following discussion in a parliamentary committee, the bill will be presented to parliament in the second half of March.

French Environment Minister Christophe Bechu said in a statement on Monday that following a meeting with industry players, activists and researchers, his ministry plans several measures to reduce fashion's environmental impact.

He said France plans a ban on advertising by ultra-fast fashion companies and the introduction of a financial incentives system to make ultra fast-fashion more expensive while sustainable fashion will become cheaper.

The popularity of fast fashion e-commerce retailers like Shein and Temu has disrupted the retail sector. Shein taps a network of largely China-based suppliers, bucking traditional manufacturing trends by accepting small initial orders, then scaling up based on demand.

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The ultra-flexible supply chain has allowed Shein to create a different business model than established fast-fashion players like Zara and H&M, which pioneered shorter production timelines but still largely rely on predicting shoppers' preferences.

($1 = 0.9211 euros)

(Reporting by Geert De Clercq and Mimosa Spencer; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Those following along with HSBC Holdings plc (LON:HSBA) will no doubt be intrigued by the recent purchase of shares by Georges Bahjat Elhedery, Group CFO of the company, who spent a stonking UK4.0m on stock at an average price of UK5.97. Not only is that a big swing, but it increased their holding size by 36%, which is definitely great to see.

View our latest analysis for HSBC Holdings

HSBC Holdings Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent purchase by Georges Bahjat Elhedery is the biggest insider purchase of HSBC Holdings shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of UK6.13. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. Happily, the HSBC Holdings insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid UK4.3m for 723.26k shares. But insiders sold 192.95k shares worth UK1.1m. In total, HSBC Holdings insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

HSBC Holdings is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insider Ownership Of HSBC Holdings

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It appears that HSBC Holdings insiders own 0.05% of the company, worth about UK62m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

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So What Do The HSBC Holdings Insider Transactions Indicate?

The recent insider purchases are heartening. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest HSBC Holdings insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing HSBC Holdings. Our analysis shows 2 warning signs for HSBC Holdings (1 is a bit unpleasant!) and we strongly recommend you look at these before investing.

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.
Assessing the Sustainability of Gerdau SA's Dividend Payments

Gerdau SA (NYSE:GGB) recently announced a dividend of $0.02 per share, payable on 2024-03-19, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-03-04. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Gerdau SA's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Gerdau SA Do?

High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio

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How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock?

Gerdau SA produces steel and steel products. The company operates in civil construction, agriculture, automotive, iron ore, exports, research and development, and home steel products sectors. It offers products such as nails, rebar, columns, billets, slabs, tribar tutor, mechanical construction bars, reinforced steel locks. The company's geographical segment includes Brazil Operations; North America Operations; South America Operations as well as Special Steel Operations. It derives most of the revenue from the Brazil Operations segment.

Gerdau SA's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Gerdau SA's Dividend History

Gerdau SA has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1998. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Breaking Down Gerdau SA's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Gerdau SA currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 7.11% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 6.76%. This suggests an expectation of decreased dividend payments over the next 12 months.

Over the past three years, Gerdau SA's annual dividend growth rate was 134.80%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to 121.20% per year. And over the past decade, Gerdau SA's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at an impressive 28.40%.

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Based on Gerdau SA's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Gerdau SA stock as of today is approximately 376.53%.

Gerdau SA's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-09-30, Gerdau SA's dividend payout ratio is 0.68.

Gerdau SA's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Gerdau SA's profitability 7 out of 10 as of 2023-09-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 7 years out of the past 10 years.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Gerdau SA's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors.

Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Gerdau SA's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Gerdau SA's revenue has increased by approximately 26.40% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 84.39% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Gerdau SA's earnings increased by approximately 104.70% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 88.53% of global competitors.

Engaging Conclusion

In conclusion, Gerdau SA's consistent dividend payments, robust growth rate, manageable payout ratio, and strong profitability and growth metrics collectively paint a promising picture for value investors. The company's ability to sustain its dividend in the face of industry trends and economic cycles will continue to be a focal point for shareholders. As Gerdau SA (NYSE:GGB) progresses, will it maintain its appeal as a dividend-paying stock amid changing market conditions? Value investors may find it prudent to monitor these factors closely. For those interested in high-dividend yield stocks, GuruFocus Premium users can utilize the High Dividend Yield Screener for further research and investment opportunities.

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.


By Alimat Aliyeva

Stone tools dating back about 250,000 years ago were discovered near the city of Sakhnin, which is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets.

According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, the remains of flint found in the area indicate that it was used to destroy and process stone tools during the Middle Paleolithic period. Archaeologists say that metal and ceramics were not used at that time, stone tools were widespread, and flint was used as a cutting tool, as well as for digging soil and other work.

The article says that these findings are of great historical importance. Thus, they will open up new opportunities for obtaining detailed information about a time when information was scarce, and for studying human evolution over millennia.

According to the researchers, the next task is to study the daily life of the Neanderthals (Paleolithic people) who inhabited this place. By studying their living conditions, social structures, and migrations, archaeologists will try to understand the overall picture of life in the Middle Paleolithic.
Online Docuseries Spotlights Conservation Heroes in Developing Countries And Their Critical Efforts to Combat Forest Destruction and Species Extinction

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Conservation , the only international non-profit organization focused on direct protection of endangered National Parks and Indigenous Territories in developing countries, is proud to present its new film series War on Nature .

Global Conservation

The ten-episode film series airing on YouTube exposes the ongoing destruction of the world's last intact forests, marine ecosystems, and endangered species on the brink of extinction and chronicles Global Conservation's race to protect them.

The first-of-its-kind series takes the audience to the world's most critical frontline battles in the War on Nature  from Africa to the Amazon, the jungles of the Leuser Ecosystem on the island of Sumatra to the coral reefs of the Derawan Archipelago  to meet the real Heroes in Protection battling to save the planet.

These short films explore the massive impact of illegal logging and mining, palm oil expansion, wildlife poaching, illegal fishing, and burning of the Earth's last intact forests and wildlife habitats.

Heroes in Protection profiled include Farwiza Farhan of HaKA Sumatra, a TIME 100 Awardee in 2023, and Michael Keigwin, MBE of the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), who has dedicated his life to protecting Uganda's endangered national parks and wildlife. In their fight to save our planet, these notable conservation leaders have faced massive illegal wildlife poaching, heavy corruption, and fights against criminal gangs, all with limited financial resources.

"Without these Heroes in Protection, the Earth would not stand a chance against humankind's War on Nature," said Jeff Morgan, Founder and Executive Director of Global Conservation. "Without the direct support of Global Conservation, many endangered UNESCO World Heritage sites, National Parks, Indigenous Territories, and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in developing countries face daunting challenges for survival."

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Directed and narrated by world-renowned conservation filmmakers like Paul Hilton and Andrea Pistoli, the first two films of the series focus on the War on Nature: Uganda and the recovery of Murchinson Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, and the War on Nature: Sumatra protecting the Leuser Ecosystem  the Last Place on Earth where tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans exist together in the wild. Upcoming episodes in 2024 in the War on Nature series include Panama, Georgia, Zimbabwe, Borneo, and Marine Protection.

"Every time we lose a species, we are one step closer to our own demise," said Paul Hilton. "By traveling to these locations and meeting the people on the ground, it really hits home how underfunded and underappreciated these Heroes in Protection truly are. Risking their lives daily, these frontlines heroes are dedicating their lives to protect the biodiversity and most critical habitats on our planet, and with Global Conservation's direct funding, equipment, and training, and Global Park Defense and Community Protection methodologies, they are creating scalable and effective models across five continents."

For more information on the War on Nature film series, please visit WaronNature.org .

For more information on Global Conservation, please visit GlobalConservation.org .

About Global Conservation

Global Conservation (GC) is the only international non-profit organization focused exclusively on protecting endangered national parks and indigenous reserves in developing countries. Led by Jeff Morgan, a former Silicon Valley executive, Global Conservation deploys Global Park Defense technology and systems and Community Protection, combined with direct funding and training, to protect endangered National Parks and indigenous territories in developing countries in the face of accelerating wildlife poaching, illegal logging, mining, and land clearing. Global Conservation works closely with indigenous leaders and local communities to collaboratively plan for biodiversity conservation, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable land use. www.globalconservation.org

Media Contact:

globalconservationpr@glodownead.com

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Straits Research - Market Research Strategy | Strategy Consulting | Business Research | Business Consulting | Market Research

The global high voltage cable industry is led by Asia-Pacific, followed by Europe and North America. Growth is driven by factors like increasing renewable energy adoption, government initiatives, and infrastructure development. China and Japan are the key players in Asia-Pacific, while Europe focuses on underground cables and offshore wind farms. North America benefits from being the second largest electricity producer globally.

New York, United States, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- power transmission cables are referred to as high-voltage cables. There are three ways to install high-voltage cables: above, underground, and undersea. Since they are used in many different industries, such as mining, oil and gas, and electric utilities, underground cables are attractive. The market for high-voltage cable is expanding due to the expansion of infrastructure. Developing nations like China, Japan, India, and Dubai have recently started several significant infrastructure projects. These infrastructure projects include office buildings, shopping centers, homes, theaters, and parks, among other commercial and residential constructions. These projects need a considerable quantity of high-voltage power cables, which helps the industry grow. Additionally, investments and government programs have helped the sector grow.





Download Free Sample Report PDF @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/high-voltage-cable-market/request-sample

Industrialization and Urbanization in Developing Countries to Drive the Global High Voltage Cable Market

According to Straits Research, The global high voltage cable market size was valued at USD 16.5 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 27.87 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Global urbanization and industrialization are driving the electricity demand. Therefore, as the need for power grows, so does the amount of power generated and transmitted, increasing the need for high-voltage connections. Many governments are investing in renewable energy projects, including offshore/onshore wind farms, solar plants, and tidal power plants, due to the depletion of fossil fuels like coal and oil. In the past ten years, many renewable energy projects have been developed due to the need for electricity in developing nations like China, Japan, and India. As a result, there is a rising need for high-voltage cables in power distribution facilities and sectors like mining, oil & gas, and power utilities. Due to industrialization and urbanization, the amount of power produced by renewable and non-renewable energy resources has increased during the past several years.

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Expanding Offshore Power Projects in Developing Countries to Provide Opportunities for the Global High Voltage Cable Market

The governments of these regions are expanding their offshore power projects to supply the need for electricity in developing regions, including the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The installation of 140 floating wind turbines is expected to be completed by 2020. The Japanese government has started building a floating wind farm 12 miles off the coast. In the South China Sea, the Chinese Ship Building Industry Corporation is also building a floating nuclear power plant that will be completed in 2020.

In addition, the Global Wind Energy Council predicts that during the next five years, the capacity of wind turbines to generate energy will increase to 536 GW. A sizable number of high-voltage cables are required for offshore projects like floating wind and solar farms to transport electricity to the primary grid. As a result, these variables are predicted to increase the demand for high-voltage cable throughout the forecast period, offering the market a lucrative development opportunity.

Key Highlights

Based on Installation, the global high-voltage cable market is divided into overhead, underground, and submarine. The underground segment was the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

By end user, the global high voltage cable market is further bifurcated into the renewable energy, industrial, and infrastructure segments. The industrial segment includes power utilities, mining, chemical & petrochemical, oil & gas, and others (paper & pulp, wastewater treatment, manufacturing, and cement industry); the renewable energy segment is divided into the hydro, wind, and others (solar, geothermal, and tidal); and the infrastructure segment is divided into commercial and residential. The industrial segment was the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Based on region, the global high-voltage cable market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific high-voltage cable industry share is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2%. The second-largest electricity producer in the world is located in North America. The use of high-voltage cables in this area has increased as a result of the expansion in energy production in North America. The market for high-voltage cables has expanded due to numerous government efforts, including funding and policy for renewable energy projects. As an illustration, the US government spent $34 billion on wind farms, solar power plants, and other renewable energy initiatives. Many top businesses have also entered the high-voltage cable industry to expand their market reach. Sumitomo Electric Industries installed a 230 Kv AC undersea power line with a 4.5 km route in San Francisco Bay to boost its operations there. The demand for high-voltage cables is anticipated to be driven by an expansion in metals and mining, oil and gas exploration, and building activities in the area.

Europe is the second largest region. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.9%. Europe is anticipated to expand during the anticipated period due to the rapidly expanding wind and solar industries, which will drive demand for high-voltage cables in this area. High-voltage cables are used more frequently in Germany due to increased electricity production from renewable energy sources. Due to the high population density in this area, the underground cables market segment is also more common and is predicted to continue to dominate the local market. Due to this area's extensive transmission and distribution network, the utility sector generates most of the industrial segment's revenues. The region has also chosen the undersea cables section because of the substantial offshore wind capacity. Many major players are growing their European businesses using diverse tactics, including collaborations and agreements with other firms. By starting new projects, businesses with operations in Europe are expanding their geographic reach. By building two submarine cable links of 14 km and 6 km, the Prysmian Group, for instance, had begun a new project in Venetian Lagoon, Italy.

North America is the third largest region. In the Asia-Pacific region, China and Japan accounted for around 75% of the market. China and Japan are the two most attractive markets from a growth perspective, with much more rapid growth rates forecast over the projected timeframe. China produces 5,810,500 GWh of power annually, making it the largest energy producer in Asia and requiring numerous high-voltage cables for transmission. The market for high-voltage cable in Asia-Pacific is seeing entry from many industry titans. For the sale of its Asia-Pacific division, General Cable Technology Corporation, for instance, reached a sales agreement with MM Logistics Co. Ltd. Additionally, the Chinese government is upgrading grid technology through several projects. For instance, the State Grid Corporation of China makes significant financial investments in smart grid technologies to improve its electrical networks and reduce carbon emissions. Due to cheaper setup costs and easy access to personnel, the region is becoming more industrialized, which is what is primarily causing a rise in the need for high-voltage cables in the industrial sector. High voltage cables are now being used more frequently in the region's renewable energy sector due to the region's extensive wind energy production.

Competitive Landscape

The global high-voltage cable market comprises players such as Prysmian Group, Dubai Cable Company Pvt. Ltd., NKT Cables, Nexans, Southwire Company, LLC, and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

Market News

September 2022- Prysmian Group, the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, will present its state-of-the-art integrated range of products and services for the onshore and offshore wind power industry at the 2022 edition of WindEnergy Hamburg.

August 2022 - Prysmian Group has attained a significant technological milestone in the field of Power Transmission, reaffirming its leading position and dedication to the energy transition. The cable industry's global leader has successfully developed and tested the first 525 kV extruded submarine complete cable system for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) applications.

Global High Voltage Cable Market: Segmentation

By Product Type

Cables XLPE Cables (Cross-linked Polyethylene) EPR Cables (Ethylene-Propylene Rubber) HEPR Cables (High Modulus Ethylene-Propylene) MI Cables (Mass Impregnated)

Accessories Cable Joints Cable Terminations Fittings & Fixtures Others



By Installation

Overhead

Underground

Submarine

By Voltage Level

50KV-110KV

115KV-330KV

Greater Than 330KV

By Conductor Type

Copper

Aluminum

By End User

Industrial

Oil & gas Mining Power utilities Chemical & petrochemical Others (paper & pulp, manufacturing, wastewater treatment and cement industry)



Renewable energy

Wind Hydropower Others (tidal, solar and geothermal)



Infrastructure

Commercial Residential



By Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

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By Akash Sriram

(Reuters) - Google-backed EV infrastructure startup Gravity Mobility has opened the fastest charging solution in the United States to the public, as it looks to attract fleet customers.

Major fleet operators will have access to 24 of Gravity's 500 kilowatt (kW) chargers in New York, Gravity said on Monday. The devices can charge at a rate of 2,400 miles of range per hour or 200 miles in five minutes.

The company has the capacity to manufacture and deploy thousands of chargers a year and more sites are already in development, apart from the first in Midtown Manhattan, it said.

"If you look at how many (Tesla) Superchargers are added per year, we can add that many or more to grow our network. There's nothing blocking that," Gravity's CEO Moshe Cohen told Reuters.

Tesla has signed a large number of agreements with Ford, General Motors and a slew of other automakers to allow vehicles across brands to access its more-than 15,000 strong charging network. Scaling to this level could be challenging.

Gravity plans to raise more funds this year to expand its network of high speed chargers across the United States.

"We will do more fundraising, of course, our goal is to expand nationally immediately, and so we have quite a bit of interest," CEO Cohen said.

Gravity's chargers are the size of a carry-on suitcase, compared with large stands deployed by automakers and other EV charging network operators.

However, most electric cars have a charging speed cap of 350 kW, with future models expected to be able to take advantage of faster chargers. Late last year, EV charger maker ChargePoint announced its Express Plus Power Link 2000 product, which is capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously at speeds of up to 500 kW, while Tesla's Superchargers have a limit of 250 kW.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)




Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

Years back, I bought a swimsuit for my son from Costco that he never ended up wearing that summer. Knowing I had a growing kid on my hands, I was mad at myself initially for not making that return in a timely fashion -- I'd basically thrown my money away since the swimsuit was unlikely to fit the following season. When I shared my financial blunder with my husband, his response was, "Are you kidding? It's Costco. They'll take it back."

I remember being nervous when I approached customer service to initiate that return. (This was back when I wasn't as experienced a Costco shopper as I am today.) Sure enough, Costco took the swimsuit back without a hassle. And the money I paid went back on my credit card.

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Through the years, I've made my fair share of returns as a Costco member. But all told, the percentage of items I've taken back is relatively small compared to the total number of items I've purchased.

But what if your situation is different? What if you're someone who makes a lot of Costco returns? Are you at risk of losing your membership because of that? The quick answer is, generally not. But you do need to be mindful of Costco's policies.

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A very fair approach to returns

I've shopped at a lot of stores, and I truly feel that no other retailer's return policy is as generous as Costco's. Basically, with limited exceptions, you can bring back any item to Costco at any time for a refund. It's that simple.

Certain items have a 90-day return window, like electronics. And there are a handful of items you can't return or get a refund for, like cigarettes, alcohol, gold bars, and live events. Interestingly enough, Shop Cards -- Costco's version of a gift card -- are also non-refundable.

But otherwise, if there's an item that doesn't meet your expectations or needs, you can take it back, no questions asked. You can even return partially eaten food to Costco on the basis of simply not liking it. In that context, though, there are rules.

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Not so long ago, I asked a customer service representative about food returns, and she said that Costco will absolutely take back anything where there's a clear quality issue, such as if an item has spoiled ahead of its printed expiration date. She also told me that while Costco will accept eaten food on the basis of a customer not enjoying its taste, you have to make sure to return a reasonable portion of it.

For example, if you buy a Costco cake and bring it back 80% eaten, the store isn't going to give you your money back. But if you bring it back with a small corner missing and explain that it really didn't taste the way you thought it would, you'll generally get your money back the first time. If you keep buying the same cake over and over and returning it on the basis of taste, Costco is probably going to say no.

Can you lose your Costco membership for making too many returns?

According to the customer service person I spoke to, there is such a thing as having your Costco membership revoked for abusing the store's return policy. But you have to go to some pretty big extremes to have that happen.

For example, if you return 10 items a week, every week, or if you keep bringing back food items that are 70% eaten, Costco might flag your account. But for the typical consumer, losing a membership due to making returns isn't something to worry about. Even if you return a few items per month, if it's a small percentage of your total purchases and your returns are reasonable in nature -- such as you're bringing back unworn clothing with the tags still attached -- then it's really not an issue.

In fact, recently, the internet was in an uproar over a person who returned a couch to Costco two and a half years after buying it. If you're worried about losing your Costco membership, pulling stunts like that aren't recommended. But don't sweat it if you end up returning that kitchen gadget that didn't work the way you thought it would or the jacket that's a bit too bulky on your spouse. These things really are a non-issue at Costco.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here's What Happens When You Make a Lot of Costco Returns was originally published by The Motley Fool
As home prices have continued to soar and mortgage rates remain high, many would-be first-time buyers are opting to stay in the rental market longer.

This might be the more doable financial option for many  with median rent prices continuing to decline across the nation for the sixth month in a row  but those living in the Northeast have experienced consistent price increases in comparison, according to Realtor.com's January 2024 Rental Report.

What do rent prices look like across the country?

In the country's 50 largest metropolitan areas, median rent prices were approximately $1,721 in January, a 0.3% decrease from the same time last year.

This is a slower decrease compared to the 0.8% year-over-year decrease seen in December 2023, and median asking rents nationwide are still about $265 more than those seen before the pandemic in 2020.

Studio units have seen the largest rent declines across the country, with prices decreasing by 1% compared to January 2024 and with median asking rents of $1,434. These prices are down by $56 from its peak in October 2022, but $153 higher than before the pandemic.

Two-bedroom rentals have seen the second largest rent decline at 6%, with median asking rents of $1,892. In comparison, one-bedroom rentals have seen a 0.1% increase in prices compared to January 2023, with median asking rents of $1,591.

How do rental prices in New Jersey compare?

Ivy and Green, a luxury apartment building in Hackensack.

Compared to big Western rental markets like Phoenix, Riverside and Las Vegas  which all saw rent prices decline for eight months before seeing their first year-over-year price growth in January 2024  the New York metropolitan area has experienced faster rent growth.

This region  which includes the North Jersey counties of Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex and Sussex  has median rents of $2,844. This is 2.3% more than median rent prices seen in our area this time last year.

The report credits the steady increase in rent prices in our area to expensive home prices and high mortgage rates are keeping buyers in the rental market, boosting demand and putting pressure on rents in popular areas.

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A strong labor market and the slowing growth of new multi-family homes is also said to play a role in increasing prices.

"Consequently, the stronger labor market in the Northeast is likely contributing to an increased demand for rentals, rendering it more competitive compared to the rental market in the West," according to the report.

"Although both regions saw record-high new multi-family starts in 2022, we expect a significant portion of 2022 starts in the Northeast to be completed in 2024," the report reads.

How were these finding compiled?

Realtor.com analyzed rental data for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units advertised as for-rent on their site as of January 2024. Rental units include apartments and private rentals such as condos, townhomes and single-family homes.

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 rent prices at the start of 2024, and across US
Readers hoping to buy IOI Corporation Berhad (KLSE:IOICORP) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be present on the company's books to be eligible for a dividend payment. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. This means that investors who purchase IOI Corporation Berhad's shares on or after the 8th of March will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 21st of March.

The company's upcoming dividend is RM00.045 a share, following on from the last 12 months, when the company distributed a total of RM0.11 per share to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that IOI Corporation Berhad has a trailing yield of 2.8% on the current share price of RM04.00. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing.

Check out our latest analysis for IOI Corporation Berhad

Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. IOI Corporation Berhad is paying out an acceptable 67% of its profit, a common payout level among most companies. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. The company paid out 98% of its free cash flow over the last year, which we think is outside the ideal range for most businesses. Cash flows are usually much more volatile than earnings, so this could be a temporary effect - but we'd generally want to look more closely here.

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IOI Corporation Berhad paid out less in dividends than it reported in profits, but unfortunately it didn't generate enough cash to cover the dividend. Cash is king, as they say, and were IOI Corporation Berhad to repeatedly pay dividends that aren't well covered by cashflow, we would consider this a warning sign.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Businesses with shrinking earnings are tricky from a dividend perspective. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. With that in mind, we're discomforted by IOI Corporation Berhad's 6.3% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. When earnings per share fall, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid also falls.

Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. IOI Corporation Berhad has seen its dividend decline 3.4% per annum on average over the past 10 years, which is not great to see. While it's not great that earnings and dividends per share have fallen in recent years, we're encouraged by the fact that management has trimmed the dividend rather than risk over-committing the company in a risky attempt to maintain yields to shareholders.

The Bottom Line

Has IOI Corporation Berhad got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? It's definitely not great to see earnings per share shrinking. The company paid out an acceptable percentage of its income, but an uncomfortably high percentage of its cash flow over the past year. Overall it doesn't look like the most suitable dividend stock for a long-term buy and hold investor.

With that being said, if you're still considering IOI Corporation Berhad as an investment, you'll find it beneficial to know what risks this stock is facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for IOI Corporation Berhad 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Houthi militants attacked and damaged a Swiss-owned container vessel on Monday in the Gulf of Aden, as the Iran-backed group continues to roil shipping in the region.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The MSC Sky II, managed by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., was about 90 miles southeast of the Yemeni city of Aden when a blast occurred. The Houthis fired two missiles, one of which hit the ship, according to the US military.

Initial reports indicate there were no injuries, US Central Command said on X. The ship did not request assistance and continued on its way.

MSC confirmed in a statement that the ship was attacked on Monday while sailing near the Bab el-Mandeb strait toward Djibouti from Singapore.

The missile caused a small fire that has been extinguished while no crew were injured, it said. She is currently continuing her journey to Djibouti and will arrive today for further assessment.

The Houthis claimed the attack.

Earlier, security company Ambrey Analytics said the explosion damaged an accommodation block as well as one other part of the ship.

The Houthis have been attacking merchant and military ships in and around the southern Red Sea since mid-November, ostensibly in support of Hamas as it wages war against Israel in Gaza. The group has said it wont back down from hitting vessels until Israel stops fighting.

The Houthis have withstood several rounds of airstrikes on their positions in Yemen from US and UK forces. The shipping assaults have caused thousands of miles worth of diversions for merchant vessels  forcing them to sail around southern Africa instead of through the Red Sea and Suez Canal  and sent freight rates soaring.

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Many oil companies have also diverted their cargoes. In a note to clients on Monday, Goldman Sachs Group Ltd. said that nearly half the respondents in a recent survey it did do not expect normalization of the flows this year.

Over the weekend, another merchant ship called the Rubymar sank about two weeks after being hit by a Houthi missiles. It marked the first vessel the Houthis have sunk, and highlighted the environmental risks that the incidents pose.

The militants are still holding a Japanese-chartered car carrier called the Galaxy Leader that was hijacked in November.

The US military reported two other incidents on Monday. It said the Houthis fired a ballistic missile that landed in the Red Sea without damaging any vessels. Later on, American forces struck two anti-ship cruise missiles that presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.

--With assistance from Alessandro Speciale.

(Updates with MSC response in 4th, 5th paragraphs.)

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(Bloomberg) -- From New York to Denver, city and state officials have asked President Joe Biden to pay their bills for housing migrants. So far, they havent got much help.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Now one politician in Illinois is trying a different approach to amp up pressure. Comptroller Susana Mendoza is opening the states books to the public with an online portal that allows anyone to track how money is being spent. She plans to use the tally to garner state support for her pitch to claw back funds from the federal government.

Theres precedent for that, Mendoza said in an interview at Bloombergs office in Chicago. When the pandemic hit, states paid for things like gloves and masks before assistance from the federal government started flowing in. Illinois should also get aid now, said Mendoza, who wants reimbursement for a bill that has already reached $478 million.

We should be able to claw back those funds, said Mendoza, a second-term Democrat who is responsible for cutting the checks to pay the states bills. This is a situation that the federal government has allowed to happen and now states are having to deal with it.

Her strategy to cope with the more than 36,000 asylum seekers that have arrived in Chicago since 2022, many from Texas, is likely to face headwinds. New York City Mayor Eric Adams got just $30.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a fraction of the $350 million in aid it had requested. Cities like Denver are also petitioning for federal dollars.

A spokeswoman for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, one of the presidents biggest backers, declined to comment on Mendozas pitch.

Texas Governor Greg Abbotts strategy to bus migrants from the southern border to major American cities like Chicago and New York has been billed as a political stunt by Democrats. Mendoza expects that flow to continue or even increase ahead of the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago in August.

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Governor Abbott is going to keep sending more and more and more, she said. He wants to see the chaos, right? He wants to make this a real eyesore for the nation during whats supposed to be our shining moment.

A spokesman for Abbott said Mendoza should call on her party leader to finally do his job and secure the border instead of complaining about Texass move.

Mendoza, who previously ran for mayor of Chicago, said shed like to see more transparency from Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration on how its spending money related to the crisis. Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have pledged about $182 million and $70 million respectively, while Johnson has been noncommittal about the citys contribution.

In a separate interview, Chicagos Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski said the city is looking into contingency plans for additional funding but has not finalized decisions.

The challenge for the city is that this is really a national issue that is being borne by a small number of cities right now, she said. We need the federal government to step up and help manage the situation and provide funding.

--With assistance from Julie Fine and Danielle Moran.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Indonesias Ministry of Finance Urged To Review Crypto Tax Policy

Indonesia's Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti) is reportedly asking the Ministry of Finance to re-evaluate the current tax regime for cryptocurrency transactions. This request comes as the agency anticipates crypto to play a more significant role in the nation's future economy.

Bappebti officials, led by Tirta Karma Senjaya, head of the Bureau of Market Development and Development, argue that the 0.11% value-added tax (VAT) and 0.1% income tax imposed on crypto transactions require reassessment. Their reasoning centers around the growing integration of crypto into Indonesia's financial landscape.

While the current tax structure has been in place since April 2022, generating approximately $2.49 million in January 2024 alone, Senjaya emphasizes the need for annual reviews, aligning crypto taxes with the standard practice for other tax regulations.

This move comes amidst a period of significant growth in the Indonesian crypto space. The number of crypto holders has risen by over 11% from 2021 to 2023, showcasing increasing public interest. Additionally, the recent presidential election victory of Prabowo Subianto, whose running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has expressed support for fostering opportunities in the crypto and blockchain space for the younger population in Indonesia.
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Dublin, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global IoT Sensors Market by Offering (Image Sensors, RFID Sensors, Biosensors, Humidity Sensors, Optical Sensors, Others), Technology (Wired, Wireless), Sector (Manufacturing, Retail, Consumer Electronics, Others), & Geography - Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global IoT sensors market is expected to reach $56.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.7% during the forecast period of 2023-2030.



The growth of the IoT sensors market is driven by the increasing investments in Industry 4.0 technologies, government initiatives supporting the adoption of IoT devices, and the increasing integration of IoT sensors into connected and wearable devices. However, data security and privacy concerns restrain the growth of this market.



The growing use of IoT sensors for predictive maintenance and the proliferation of smart cities are expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in the IoT sensors market. However, the high initial investment required for IoT ecosystem implementation is a major challenge for market growth. Additionally, the rising adoption of industrial robots and increasing integration of artificial intelligence into IoT sensors are key trends in the market.

In 2023, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of the IoT sensors market. Moreover, this market is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the surging demand for smart sensor-enabled wearable devices, growing technological advancements in industrial sensors, increasing adoption of industrial robots, the advent of Industry 4.0, and increasing adoption of IoT devices in the manufacturing and healthcare industries.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in various sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing. This growth can be attributed to increasing urbanization, rising health awareness, and higher disposable incomes. Japan, China, India, Singapore, and South Korea are investing a significant portion of their GDP into the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, which is driving the market growth.

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In 2023, the image sensors segment is expected to account for the largest share of the IoT sensors market. Moreover, this segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the rising demand for image sensors in mobile devices and increasing developments by market players in this market. Image sensors offer several advantages, such as increased sensitivity, reduced dark noise resulting in higher image fidelity, enhanced pixel well depth, and lower power consumption, among other benefits.



In 2023, the wireless technology segment is expected to account for the larger share of the IoT sensors market. Moreover, this segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing use of wireless sensor networks for various applications and the increasing adoption of IoT devices across various sectors.

Various wireless technologies are employed in IoT systems, including ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Infrared, EnOcean, and Thread. These wireless technologies facilitate the connection of IoT devices to wireless sensors, allowing them to gather and analyze information about the surrounding environment. The demand for wireless IoT sensors is increasing as they require less maintenance and power.



In 2023, manufacturing segment is expected to account for the largest share of the IoT sensors market. However, the healthcare segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing developments by market players, increasing integration of IoT sensors in medical equipment, and growing demand for IoT devices for patient monitoring applications.

Several companies are focusing on boosting the domestic manufacturing of medical devices and improving the efficiency of healthcare centers worldwide. For instance, in October 2021, Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.) launched the Real-Time Health Monitoring System (RTHMS), a smart edge-to-cloud communication platform integrated with sensing technology. It helps in remote and real-time monitoring of patients, improves care delivery, enhances healthcare worker productivity, and enables process efficiency.



Key questions answered in the report:

Which are the high growth market segments in terms of offering, technology, sector, and countries?

What is the historical market for IoT sensors across the globe?

What are the market forecasts and estimates from 2023-2030?

What are the major drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global IoT sensors market?

Who are the major players in the global IoT sensors market, and what shares of the market do they hold?

Who are the major players in various countries, and what shares of the market do they hold?

How is the competitive landscape?

What are the recent developments in the global IoT sensors market?

What are the different strategies adopted by the major players in the global IoT sensors market?

What are the geographical trends and high growth countries?

Who are the local emerging players in the global IoT sensors market and how do they compete with the other players?

Market Insights

Factors Affecting Market Growth

Increasing Investments in Industry 4.0 Technologies Driving the Adoption of IoT Sensors

Government Initiatives Supporting the Adoption of IoT Devices Across Various Sectors

Increasing Integration of IoT Sensors into Connected and Wearable Devices Supporting Market Growth

Data Security and Privacy Concerns Hampering the Adoption of IoT Sensors

Growing Use of IoT Sensors for Predictive Maintenance Expected to Generate Growth Opportunities for Market Players

Proliferation of Smart Cities Expected to Increase the Adoption of IoT Sensors

High Initial Investment Requirements Impacting the Implementation of IoT Ecosystems

Trends

Rising Adoption of Industrial Robots

Increasing Integration of Artificial Intelligence into IoT Sensors

Porter's Five Forces Analysis

Value Chain Analysis

Case Studies

Monitoring System for Precision Farming

IoT Technology for Manufacturing Operations

Real-Time IoT Tracking and Visualization

Company Profiles

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Bosch Sensortec GmbH

STMicroelectronics N.V.

Honeywell International Inc.

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

TE Connectivity Ltd.

OMRON Corporation

Analog Devices, Inc.

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Infineon Technologies AG

Broadcom Inc.

TDK Corporation

Vighnaharta Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

ANBSensors

Sensoneo

Scope of the Report:

Market Assessment, by Offering

Image Sensors

Biosensors

RFID Sensors

Accelerometer Sensors

Flow Sensors

Pressure Sensors

Optical Sensors

Humidity Sensors

Temperature Sensors

Level Sensors

Proximity Sensors

Gas Sensors

Other IoT Sensors

Market Assessment, by Technology

Wireless Technology

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

Zigbee

Z-Wave

Other Wireless Technologies

Wired Technology

Market by Assessment, by Sector

Manufacturing

Surveillance & Safety

Machine Inspection & Maintenance

Smart Robotics

Production Planning

Inventory & Warehouse Management

Transportation & Logistics

Traffic Management

Fleet Management

Parking Management

Telematics

Retail

Customer Experience Management

Operations Management

Inventory Management

Healthcare

Telehealth/Telemedicine

Hospital Operations & Workflow Management

Remote Patient Monitoring

Medical Devices

Other Healthcare Applications

Oil & Gas

Remote Monitoring

Worker Safety & Security

Predictive Maintenance

Asset Tracking and Management

Energy & Utilities

Smart Grid Management

Predictive Maintenance

Asset Management

Security And Safety

Consumer Electronics

Home Automation

Smart Wearables

Security & Safety

Agriculture

Crop Monitoring

Livestock Monitoring

Smart Irrigation

Inventory Management

Weather Tracking and Monitoring

Market Assessment, by Geography

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Rest of Asia-Pacific

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Middle East & Africa

Latin America

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nz7mw7

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.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




According to the training plan for 2024 approved by Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, events on the enlightenment of servicemen continue in the Azerbaijan Army, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

At the events held in accordance with the plan, the military personnel is informed about the ideas expressed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev about the Azerbaijan Army, exchange of views is held, questions of servicemen are answered and necessary recommendations for military service are given.

Detailed information about the official meetings of the leadership of the Defense Ministry, events and innovations in the country and the region is provided, as well as examples of courage and bravery shown by Azerbaijani heroic servicemen during the Patriotic War and other successful subsequent combat operations are brought to the attention.

Moreover, talks on the topics of military-patriotic education, improving moral-psychological training, strengthening military discipline, proper relationship building among servicemen and other topics are held with military personnel.

The Motherland defenders willingly approach classes, thoroughly master teachings, and recognize their duty to the Motherland.
Internal Revenue Service tax forms. (Keith Srakocic / Associated Press)

Update:

3:38 p.m. March 6, 2024: This story has been updated to include ID.mes response to critics who have raised privacy concerns about the service.



If you're a California resident and haven't done your federal tax return for 2023, you now have another, more user-friendly option online: the free Direct File service from the IRS.

It's not for everyone, however. Instead, it's aimed mainly at people with very simple annual tax returns, which the Treasury Department said amounts to about 1 of every 3 taxpayers.

The tax agency launched the Direct File service in January on an extremely limited basis to make sure its online systems were up to the task. That changed Monday, when the IRS announced that Direct File was available to all taxpayers in California, Arizona, Nevada and nine other states.

Think of Direct File as the IRS' alternative to the free online tax-filing programs from TurboTax and H&R Block. It provides step-by-step guidance for filling out your tax forms, filing them and either paying any amount you might owe or collecting your refund.

The program's question-and-answer approach means you won't have to know which forms to fill out or where on the forms to enter your information. Instead, the program will handle those details for you.

The IRS already works with several tax-prep companies to offer lower-income taxpayers a free online tax return service called Free File. What makes Direct File different is that there's no middleman and no income limit for participants  anyone can use it, provided that their tax returns use only the most basic forms.

Read more: IRS gives taxpayers in disaster-stricken San Diego County two extra months to file returns

Specifically, the program will work only for taxpayers whose income is limited to wages reported on a W-2, retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, unemployment benefits or interest income of $1,500 or less. That means if you're a self-employed person, a business owner, a contractor or a gig worker, or if you have income from a partnership or trust, Direct File isn't for you.

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The Treasury Department estimates that 19 million people in the 12 participating states are eligible to use Direct File this year and that several hundred thousand people will do so.

Direct File also allows you to claim only a truncated list of credits and deductions: the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers, the credits for children and other dependents, the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest payments and educators' classroom and professional development expenses. If you're able to claim other credits and deductions, such as those for foreign taxes paid, child care or retirement savings, or if you cut your tax bill by itemizing deductions (for example, if you have sizable medical expenses), Direct File would not be a good choice for you.

One other caution: The IRS says Direct File will be available only until April 15, when most Californians' 2023 returns are due. The agency pushed the deadline for taxpayers in San Diego County back to June 17 in response to the federal disaster declaration in that county.

Direct File runs online only; you'll need a smartphone, tablet or computer to access it. And to get started, you'll need to prove to the IRS that you are who you say you are.

The only way to do that this year will be to use the identity verification service ID.me, which takes a scan of your government-issued picture ID, such as your driver's license or passport, then uses facial-recognition software to match your image from a live chat session or a new selfie against the stored photo. While ID.me has raised concerns among some critics, who say it poses too great a threat to privacy and security, the company says it provides data only to agencies seeking to verify an individual's identity with explicit user consent, making it compliant with the highest federal standards for identity verification and sign-in services.

Read more: Silver lining to winter storm damage in California: You can claim a property tax cut

Once you've established your identity, the program will check your eligibility, then guide you as you enter information about your income, credits and deductions. You don't need to download any software, the IRS said; instead, your entries will be saved online, and you'll be able to pause and resume later without having to start over.

Direct File has a live chat feature to help taxpayers with questions, but it's not a source of free tax advice.

"IRS customer service representatives can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the tax scope of Direct File," the agency said in a release. "Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate."

The Direct File service hasn't been integrated into California's tax filing system yet, so you won't be able to transfer your federal information seamlessly to your state return. The state Franchise Tax Board offers a free online return filing system called CalFile whose restrictions are similar to those in Direct File, so if you're eligible for the latter, you're probably able to use the former.

If you're entitled to a refund, tax experts say, you should file your return as soon as possible. Otherwise, you're just making an interest-free loan to the federal government.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ORTUCCHIO, Italy (Reuters) - Italy expects the European Commission to reach a quick decision in favour of Lufthansa's bid to buy a minority stake in carrier ITA Airways after opening an antitrust investigation in January, Italy's industry minister said on Monday.

The German carrier in May agreed to buy 41% of the state-owned Italian airline, created from the ashes of bankrupt Alitalia, for 325 million euros ($352.63 million) with a view to later acquiring a majority stake.

However, the European Commission opened a full-scale investigation into the deal on concerns that the acquisition could reduce competition in passenger air transport services on several short-haul and long-haul routes.

"We expect the Commission to decide in a timely manner, and therefore quickly. This should happen in order to provide full clarity," Minister Adolfo Urso told reporters on the sidelines of an event at a space centre in central Italy.

"We believe that the Commission should decide in favour of this project, which strengthens the European air industry, and Europe's competition," he added.

On Friday, Reuters reported that Lufthansa expects to receive an EU antitrust warning in the coming weeks over the proposed transaction, and is prepared to offer targeted remedies to address competition concerns.

($1 = 0.9217 euros)

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti, editing by Alvise Armellini, Kirsten Donovan)
(Bloomberg) -- JetBlue Airways Corp. formally abandoned its pursuit of Spirit Airlines Inc. more than a month after a federal judge blocked the $3.8 billion acquisition on antitrust grounds.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The carriers reached an agreement to walk away after determining that required legal and regulatory approvals were unlikely to be met by dates specified in the deal, JetBlue said Monday in a statement. The company  which is also facing pressure from activist investor Carl Icahn to return to sustainable growth  will pay Spirit $69 million and the agreement resolves all outstanding matters related to the deal.

The probability of getting the green light to move forward with the merger anytime soon is extremely low, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Joanna Geraghty told employees in an internal message. The lingering uncertainty is distracting and taking our resources away from more pressing priorities.

The decision ends JetBlues lengthy quest for Spirit and marks a sharp reversal after the companies pledged to fight for the tie-up  even as analysts said an appeal had little chance of succeeding. JetBlue had hoped to accelerate its growth with a quick infusion of Spirits planes and pilots at a time when both are in short supply.

Spirit shares fell 11% at 9:41 a.m. in New York after an earlier slump of as much as 16%. JetBlue rose 2.1%.

Spirit confirmed the news in a separate statement, with CEO Ted Christie saying the carrier remains confident in our future as a successful independent airline.

The deal had been on the ropes since a federal judges ruling Jan. 16 that the acquisition of Spirit would violate antitrust laws by eliminating the nations dominant deep-fare discounter, driving up prices and reducing competition.

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The effort to acquire Spirit was a bold and courageous plan intended to shake up the industry status quo, Geraghty told JetBlue workers, and the airline was right to challenge Frontier Group Holdings Inc. to secure the merger agreement.

The payment to Spirit includes costs JetBlue was responsible for if the plan continued through the July termination date, JetBlue said. It includes lawyers fees, financing costs and the remaining prepayments to Spirit shareholders that would have been required. JetBlue had already paid Spirit investors $425 million.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Icahns presence influenced the decision to drop the appeal. In the weeks since the deal was blocked, Icahn revealed a roughly 10% stake, making him one of JetBlues largest shareholders. The carrier shortly thereafter gave the investor a pair of board seats, heading off a proxy fight.

Conditions have changed drastically since the JetBlue takeover deal was forged in July 2022. Both carriers are grappling with a weakened domestic market, where too much capacity is holding down fares and costs are increasing. Both also are struggling with manufacturing problems at engine maker Pratt & Whitney that have forced the long-term grounding of some of their planes. The market value for Spirit, hit particularly hard by the engine issue, has fallen to around $630 million from $2 billion in the third quarter of 2022.

New Direction

The decision frees Geraghty from the prospect of working for years to integrate two dissimilar carriers and allows her to pursue a stand-alone plan for a return to profitability that she outlined recently. Under Geraghty, the airline is evaluating deeper cost cuts, delaying new aircraft and reworking its flight network

The Spirit purchase would have added 200 planes and 3,000 pilots to JetBlues ranks. Without them, JetBlue will remain as a second-tier competitor behind the industrys big four carriers. It had planned to end Spirits no-frills discounts and reconfigure its aircraft with fewer seats.

JetBlue warned earlier that it could terminate the deal on or after Jan. 28 because all the closing conditions may not be satisfied ahead of a requirement to complete the acquisition by late July.

Wall Street analysts have speculated that Spirit could be forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy or liquidation without the deal. The company has said it has sufficient liquidity to stand on its own.

Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes stepped down on Feb. 12, citing health reasons. The collapse of the Spirit agreement leaves him 0 for 3 in major partnerships and planned acquisitions to strengthen the carrier. He lost out to Alaska Air Group Inc. in a 2016 fight to buy Virgin America, and last year a federal judge ordered JetBlue and American Airlines Group Inc. to dismantle their Northeast Alliance partnership in the Boston and New York areas. That venture also stymied competition, the judge found. American is appealing.

--With assistance from Anne Cronin.

(Updates with share trading in fifth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By David Shepardson and Aatreyee Dasgupta

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines scrapped their $3.8-billion merger agreement on Monday, with the low-cost carriers saying there was no path forward after a U.S. judge blocked the deal in January on anti-competition concerns.

A successful deal would have created the fifth-largest carrier in the United States and potentially ensured Spirit's survival, as it burns through cash and struggles with its debt pile. But the combination had been on the ropes ever since a Boston judge said it would harm consumers by reducing competition.

The decision is a victory for the Biden Administration, which has taken a hard line against tie-ups in the aviation sector and argued the deal would boost ticket prices for consumers.

President Joe Biden said the "merger would have forced higher fares and fewer choices on tens of millions of Americans" and called the decision to block the merger "a win for American consumers and competition.

The administration has used antitrust action and other enforcement efforts to try to bring down prices across several industries.

"With the ruling from the federal court and the Department of Justices continued opposition, the probability of getting the green light to move forward with the merger anytime soon is extremely low," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty told employees in an internal note seen by Reuters.

"Even if the ruling was overturned on appeal, we simply dont see a path to regulatory approval by the required July 24 deadline."

Privately, JetBlue executives expressed relief the deal was blocked, because of Spirit's deteriorating finances, according to a person familiar with the matter. Had the companies prevailed in their antitrust fight, JetBlue was considering using a "material adverse change" clause in its contract with Spirit to walk away from the deal, citing the latter's decline in fortunes, the source said.

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Spirit CEO Ted Christie said in a statement, "we concluded that current regulatory obstacles will not permit us to close this transaction in a timely fashion under the merger agreement."

Under the agreement, JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million. While the merger agreement was in effect, Spirit stockholders received approximately $425 million in total pre-payments.

Without the JetBlue deal, Spirit, the seventh-largest U.S. carrier, faces a rough road ahead. The ultra-low-cost carrier has grappled with weak demand in its key markets as it seeks to return to sustainable profitability. Some analysts have even suggested the company could face bankruptcy if it cannot shore up finances.

Spirit shares closed down 11% in late morning trading, while JetBlue, the sixth-largest U.S carrier, shares rose 4.3%.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Young found the proposed deal was likely to hurt competition in the U.S. aviation market and could hike ticket prices.

That prompted JetBlue to raise doubts over the future of its deal, saying it might be unable to meet certain conditions required as part of the agreement.

JetBlue opted not to appeal a separate ruling that had declared its Northeast partnership with American Airlines anticompetitive.

JetBlue, which last month hiked baggage fees, said is working on numerous near-term efforts to boost revenue by more than $300 million and said it is on track to deliver $175-200 million in cost savings from its structural cost program and $75 million in maintenance savings from its fleet modernization.

A judge in May sided with the Justice Department and six states in a lawsuit challenging the joint venture that American and JetBlue entered into in 2020, called the "Northeast Alliance," joining forces for flights in and out of New York City and Boston, coordinating schedules and pooling revenue.

Spirit said it was taking steps to ensure the strength of its balance sheet and ongoing operations and retained Perella Weinberg & Partners and Davis Polk & Wardwell as advisors.

(Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by David Gaffen, Devika Syamnath, Arun Koyyur and Nick Zieminski)
(Graphic: Business Wire)

ISDA returns to Asia for its 38th Annual General Meeting in Tokyo on April 16-18, 2024. Dont miss out  register today at http://agm.isda.org

March 04, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Join the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) at its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tokyo from Tuesday April 16 until Thursday April 18, 2024.

Keynote speakers include:

Teruhisa Kurita, Commissioner, Financial Services Agency, Government of Japan

Rostin Behnam , Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Masahiko Kato, President & CEO, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Yutaka Nakajima, Deputy President Director, Representative Executive Officer, Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Marco Casalaina, Vice President of Products, Azure AI

More keynote speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Accredited journalists are invited to attend the event and must register in advance. Please send your name, affiliation and contact details to Christopher Faimali, cfaimali@isda.org, +44 20 3808 9736

The conference will include sessions on:

Global market outlook and the impact on derivatives markets

Navigating geopolitical risks

The regulatory response to non-bank financial intermediation

Managing disruption events

The impact of US Treasury clearing on global liquidity and market structure

Analyzing the costs of the final Basel III rules

Implementing regulatory reporting rule changes

Derivatives trading strategies

Managing digital transformation

Procyclicality and margin preparedness

Additional information on the conference, including an agenda, is available on the ISDA's website. An updated agenda will be available in due course.

Journalists are invited to attend all social events, including the pre-conference welcome reception on Tuesday April 16 at 7:30PM.

Please note that attendance at the evening events is granted on a strictly off-the-record basis and is for networking purposes only, not for reporting.

WHEN: Conference sessions will be held on Wednesday April 17  Thursday April 18, 2024. The pre-conference welcome reception is on Tuesday April 16 at 7:30PM. WHERE: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6 Chome-10-3 Roppongi Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Since 1985, ISDA has worked to make the global derivatives markets safer and more efficient. Today, ISDA has over 1,000 member institutions from 77 countries. These members comprise a broad range of derivatives market participants, including corporations, investment managers, government and supranational entities, insurance companies, energy and commodities firms, and international and regional banks. In addition to market participants, members also include key components of the derivatives market infrastructure, such as exchanges, intermediaries, clearing houses and repositories, as well as law firms, accounting firms and other service providers. Information about ISDA and its activities is available on the Associations website: www.isda.org. Follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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All press attending this conference must register in advance.

Please send your name, affiliation, and contact details to Christopher Faimali, cfaimali@isda.org, +44 20 3808 9736

ISDA  is a registered trademark of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240303095282/en/

Contacts

Christopher Faimali

+44 20 3808 9736

cfaimali@isda.org
Logo of KPMG is seen at VivaTech fair in Paris

By Huw Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's accounting watchdog said on Monday it has fined KPMG 1.46 million pounds ($1.90 million) for "basic failings" in its audit of advertising company M&C Saatchi plc in 2018.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said it launched an investigation after M&C Saatchi found accounting errors which led to the restatement of the company's accounts for 2018.

KPMG and Adrian Wilcox, the audit engagement partner at KPMG for M&C Saatchi, both admitted breaches regarding failures to audit with sufficient professional scepticism regarding a type of payment that inflated revenue by 1.2 million pounds.

There was also a failure to properly audit journal entries across a number of subsidiary companies, and to document their reasoning in relation to retention of rebates under a contract, the FRC said.

"The sanctions imposed have taken into account the fact that it was a challenging audit and the auditors demonstrated some robustness in pushing back the signing date until they obtained further evidence from management," the FRC said.

KPMG would have been fined 2.25 million pounds had it not admitted to the breaches, the FRC said.

Wilcox was fined 48,750 pounds and received a severe reprimand, but avoided a 75,000 pound fine after admitting to the breaches, the FRC said.

KPMG also paid the investigation's costs.

Cath Burnet, head of audit at KPMG UK, said the company was committed to learning from past cases and it regrets that aspects of the 2018 audit of M&C Saatchi fell short of required standards.

"We continue to invest significantly in audit quality, in our training, controls and technology, to drive further improvements and resilience in our audit practice," Burnet said.

The FRC said it imposed no other sanctions because KPMG was already undergoing "audit improvement programmes" following other enforcement actions, thereby reducing the risk of the identified failings recurring.

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KPMG received a record 21 million pound FRC fine last October for a "textbook failure" in audits of builder Carillion.

($1 = 0.7893 pounds)

(Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Supermarket giant Kroger is based in Cincinnati.

What happens now that regulators at the Federal Trade Commission have taken legal action to stop Krogers proposed takeover of grocery rival Albertsons?

Its been more than 15 months since the Cincinnati-based supermarket giant announced its controversial $25 billion plan. Antitrust legal experts say all eyes are turning to U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, where a judge has already been assigned and federal regulators have gotten a temporary order barring the deal from going through until arguments are heard in court.

Here are legal experts' first impressions of the FTCs case and a preview of what lies ahead:

The FTC actually filed two cases against the Kroger merger. Why?

The FTC is fighting the merger through two related legal actions: In Oregon, its suing to halt the merger, while it has also filed a complaint through an in-house administrative court at the FTC in Washington, D.C.

Like several U.S. agencies, the FTC serves as both prosecutor and judge in cases it pursues. The agency tries antitrust cases in a proceeding presided over by an administrative law judge. The system is similar to how unfair labor cases are handled by the National Labor Relations Board or how the Environmental Protection Agency pursues many enforcement actions.

Antitrust cases can take a year if they go through the full administrative proceeding that functions as a federal trial, legal experts said.

In theory, the FTC wants a court order from the Oregon court, so it can focus on prosecuting its administrative case back in Washington, D.C. But, in practice, antitrust experts say to watch the Oregon case, which could end the dispute quickly.

How important is this Oregon case seeking a preliminary injunction? (Hint: it's huge)

The FTC's Oregon case seeking a preliminary injunction will be a "mini-trial" with evidence and witnesses (but no jury) that could decide the whole thing, antitrust experts said.

If the Oregon court awards a preliminary injunction, it could mean an unacceptable delay for Kroger and prompt it to call off the merger.

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William Kovacic, the director of the Competition Law Center at George Washington University, said 90% of companies that fail to block preliminary injunctions abandon their merger plans.

In practice, the grant or denial of the preliminary injunction is the end of the matter, Kovacic told The Enquirer. If they (Kroger) lose at PI stage, they won't take the time and expense of trying to obtain favorable results  It's a tremendous drain on the productivity of the company ... Can you imagine how much work has gotten done at Kroger or at Albertsons in the last couple of months?

Either party could also contest an unfavorable preliminary injunction decision to a federal appellate court, but after that theres a strong possibility the case would be dropped before heading back to the FTC administrative court.

Kroger declined to discuss how far it will press its case against the FTC and several attorneys general seeking to kill the merger.

In January, Kroger told shareholders it planned to complete the deal by August this year  after previously predicting it would wrap up early this year.

Albertsons employee Shelly Elmquist gathers shopping carts at the Albertsons parking lot in Phoenix in 2023.

Why Oregon?

There are several federal courts in the U.S. with deep benches of judges with experience in antitrust: Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco and Seattle, for example. Oregon is not one of them, yet the FTC filed its case there.

Antitrust experts arent sure why.

Its an appropriate venue since both Kroger and Albertsons have dozens of stores in the state  and several are targeted for divestiture to C&S Wholesale Grocers. Beyond that, experts say regulators might be hoping to speed the case along by contesting it in a court with a lighter docket. Or the states attorney general, who joined as a plaintiff, might figure into proceedings. Or they think an Oregon court might be more sympathetic to the case.

Federal Trade Commission chairperson Lina Khan speaks at a Kroger town hall meeting in Phoenix.

Who's the Oregon judge?

The work in court is already underway. The FTC has been granted a temporary restraining order blocking the merger from taking place while regulators seek the preliminary injunction. Kroger and Albertsons agreed to the routine measure.

The case has also been assigned to a judge: Adrienne Nelson, a Biden appointee, who was confirmed to the federal bench last year after serving five years on the state Supreme Court. From 2006 to 2018, she served as a circuit court judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland. Prior to taking the bench, she worked as a coordinator and senior attorney for Portland State University from 2004 to 2006.

Early in her career, Nelson worked as a public defender representing indigent defendants who were charged withstate crimes. Later, from 1999 to 2004, she worked for a law firm where she gained experience in civil litigation, personnel disputes, employment law matters, commercial cases, family law, arbitrations and mediations.

What arguments are in the FTCs case?

Antitrust experts said much of the FTCs case is a traditional argument that the acquisition by Kroger would give it too many stores in several markets, which would reduce competition. The lack of strong local rivals would allow the grocer to raise prices on consumers who wouldnt have good enough options to shop elsewhere.

Antitrust experts say its a strong argument  and you can tell because Kroger and Albertsons arranged a divestiture deal for at least 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Foods to mollify those concerns. Eleanor Fox, a trade regulation professor at New York University, said deciding whether the deal to sell off stores is enough to maintain competition in affected markets will be critical to the case.

This happens to be a really important question  The FTC is saying clearly that the spin-offs (stores sold to C&S Wholesale) cannot solve the anticompetitive problem and that you can't trust the spin-offs. Its a big bet, Fox told The Enquirer.

The FTC also makes another argument that combining Kroger and Albertsons will hurt union workers because they would no longer be able to make the two companies compete for their labor.

Douglas Ross, an antitrust law professor at the University of Washington, said the argument reflects the Biden Administrations commitment to labor, but it might not work. He said grocery workers are a large, lower-skilled labor force and it could be argued they could get jobs for other companies and other fields, therefore their pay and prospects arent hurt by the merger.

Im skeptical whether this theory is really going to carry the day, Ross told The Enquirer.

Kroger worker Desiderio Reynoso Morales disinfects shopping carts at a store in Newport, Kentucky, in 2020.

What evidence might make a difference in the FTC's case?

Though heavily redacted, the FTCs lawsuit makes clear references to evidence that previously surfaced in antitrust cases filed by the Washington and Colorado attorneys general.

In Colorado, investigators uncovered an e-mail that revealed a secret deal struck between Kroger and Albertsons during a 10-day strike at Kroger's King Soopers stores in 2022. Worried about losing workers and pharmacy customers, Kroger persuaded its rival not to poach its workers or solicit customers, according to court documents.

Christine Bartholomew, a law professor at the University at Buffalo, said the e-mail shows possible collusion between the grocers and could undermine Krogers and Albertsons argument that merging wont hurt their workers.

It doesn't look good, that's for sure. It makes it harder for the companies to insist their proposed merger doesn't create a risk to (labor) competition, Bartholomew told The Enquirer. If the collusion did occur, then the market might arguably be so concentrated that the risk of collusion has come to fruition. This would make the proposed merger that much more of a risk.

Other electronic communication first revealed by Washington state investigators may come to haunt the two grocers. In a series of internal chats, Albertsons executives expressed misgivings about the promises of grocery prices going down after the merger and the legality of combining of the two companies, according to court documents.

One executive said the deal was basically creating a monopoly. Another executive wrote: Its all about pricing and competition and we all know prices will not go down.

Are all the workers against the merger? (Hint: there's a twist)

Evidence will be presented and witnesses may be called during the proceedings in Oregon.

While the FTC has based part of its case on a stance of looking out for Kroger and Albertsons workers, one local chapter has endorsed the merger. UFCW Local 555, which represents 18,000 workers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Wyoming, on Feb. 19 issued a statement in favor of the deal.

That stands in stark contrast to most of the unions representing workers impacted by the proposal: The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million workers in grocery and other industries across North America, applauded the FTC for suing to stop the deal. Similarly, UFCW Locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000, which represent 100,000 workers in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C., have vigorously opposed the deal.

But Miles Eshaia, a spokesman for Local 555, said its membership is concerned that the investment firm that owns Albertsons plans to sell off the company. Their membership would prefer to work for Kroger and C&S Wholesale Grocers than some other buyer yet to be determined.

Were worried about the future: Albertsons is for sale. Cerberus (Capital Management) is not going to hold on to it forever, Eshaia told The Enquirer.

A UFCW union button worn by Kroger workers in campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What will happen to the state lawsuits?

State antitrust lawsuits filed separately by Washington and Colorado are not connected to the federal case filed in Oregon.

Still, legal experts say decisions in the federal or two state courts could influence the other cases. They also noted the state cases could potentially delay the merger getting completed if the federal regulators case is unsuccessful, but one or both of the state cases remain viable.

The federal proceedings are independent of the state attorneys general cases, Bartholomew told The Enquirer. Even if the FTC loses, those cases could still cause significant headaches for Albertsons and Kroger.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (left) speaking at a 2023 event.

Ross predicted the federal case would move quickly and the state courts hearing the Washington and Colorado antitrust cases might wait to see what happens in Oregon.

If the FTC doesnt get the injunction  then we might see Washington or Colorado or both push their cases and ask for the same thing, Ross said. (The states) can take another bite at the apple.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a Kroger-Albertsons merger town hall in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What's next in the FTC fight with the Kroger merger with Albertsons
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing operations at the company's 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.

Highlights:

Mechanized mining commencing on Zone 2 stopes in the URW1 stockwork vein system.

Airleg mining commencing on Zone 5 stopes at the UR2 and URW3 lode systems.

Limited mechanized mining in Zone 5 scheduled to commence in April.

Stope mining at Tuvatu scheduled to increase throughout March and April.

Continuous gravity concentrator is commissioned and in operation.

Intensive leach reactor is commissioned and in operation.

First long hole drill is in operation conducting sludge hole drilling.

Second long hole drill is on site undergoing commissioning.

Tuvatu Operations Update

The Tuvatu project is currently in the pilot plant stage of operations. The focus of mining operations to date has been on the development of underground access. Open stope mining is starting in March and is set to increase throughout April and May with the introduction of mechanized mining.

Mechanized mining at Tuvatu will consist of long hole open stoping. The first long hole drill is in operation on site and is conducting sludge hole drilling to confirm stope boundaries at the URW1 stockwork vein system in advance of blasting and extraction. The first stopes to be extracted through long hole open stoping will be at the URW1 stockwork vein system in Zone 2. The second long hole drill is undergoing commissioning on site at Tuvatu and will commence sludge hole drilling in the Murau stockwork vein system in Zone 2 once commissioning is complete.

Open stope mining in Zone 5 will initially consist of airleg stoping in March before the introduction of limited long hole open stoping in April. Airleg stoping has started in Zone 5 at the UR2 lode system and will be initiated at the URW3 lode system in late March. Limited long hole open stoping is scheduled to commence in Zone 5 in April before increasing throughout May and June.

Story continues

The continuous gravity concentrator and intensive leach reactor were commissioned at the end of January and are in operation. New blowers have been ordered for the CIL tanks and are anticipated to be installed by mid-April. Mill throughput of approximately 26,000 tons is anticipated for the three-month period from March to May. Gold production is anticipated to increase during this period as a result of the commencement of open stope mining and full commissioning of the processing plant.

Qualified Person (NI43-101)

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company, and has reviewed, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of 7 diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.

Diamond drill core samples are logged and split by Lion One personnel on site and delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 0.50 g/t Au are re-assayed three times to get two assays within 10% of each other. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are also delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 33 important pathfinder elements.

The Lion One lab has implemented the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to automate workflows, integrate instruments, and effectively manage samples and associated data across all analyses conducted in the lab.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO

Contact Information

Investor inquiries: info@liononemetals.com

Phone:1-855-805-1250 (toll free North America)

Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/200281
(Bloomberg) -- Macquarie Capital is writing down nearly its entire investment in Indian startup Byjus, weeks after Swiss bank Julius Baer Group Ltd. accused it of charging fees based on an outsized and outdated valuation, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The unit of Australias Macquarie Group Ltd. is cutting the value of its stake in the beleaguered education provider by about 98%, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. Macquarie Capital invested a few hundred millions of dollars in Byjus in 2021, said the people.

The move comes after Julius Baer Chief Investment Officer Yves Bonzon sent a letter to Macquarie Capital in January, saying the firm was too slow to revalue the stake and provide information. Bonzon said Macquarie Capital continued to charge clients based on a 2022 funding round that valued Byjus at $22 billion, even after other investors marked down their valuations by as much as 95%, according to the letter seen by Bloomberg.

Julius Baers clients invested via a feeder fund into a Macquarie vehicle that held the Byjus stake.

Julius Baer declined to comment. A Macquarie spokesperson said the information was incomplete and not up to date, without elaborating.

Founded by entrepreneur Byju Raveendran, Byjus was once Indias most valuable tech startup. Its market value has since plummeted in the books of many other investors. But Macquarie Capital continued to calculate management fees based on a net asset value that no longer intrinsically represented what Byjus is worth, Bonzon wrote.

We believe this demonstrates a disincentive for Macquarie to devalue the position, despite the strong market indications that the March 2022 valuation no longer holds, in contravention of your fiduciary duties as a fund manager, Bonzon wrote in the letter dated Jan. 22, which two of the people said was delivered both electronically and in person.

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The issue highlights the risk of private market valuations, which lack the speedy repricing of publicly listed stocks. While that has helped many institutional investors maintain the paper value of their portfolios, it can also disguise poor performance.

Julius Baer marked down its own valuation of the feeder fund by 80% in December as we found it challenging to justify the position held by Macquarie Capital, Bonzon wrote.

We have repeatedly sought clarification on these matters, yet the responses thus far have not provided the clarity or resolution we expect, the CIO said in the letter. This issue is of significant importance, not only due to the size of the investment but also because it reflects on the integrity of our partnership.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Legacy Fast Casual Brand Known for Craveable Sandwiches, Spuds & Sweet Tea Hits Billion Dollar Milestone

ATLANTA, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GoTo Foods, the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's, announces legacy brand McAlister's Deli, has officially crossed the $1 Billion systemwide sales milestone. The achievement is fueled by accelerated brand growth, strong brand foundation, and prioritization of guest loyalty.

GoTo Foods (PRNewsfoto/GoTo Foods)

McAlister's Deli is the first of GoTo Foods' concepts to reach $1 billion in systemwide sales. Founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, McAlister's Deli began as a regional brand but has since expanded to 29 states across the United States. The brand has kept its focus on genuine hospitality, proving commitment to core brand values will propel any brand to success. Additionally, after unlocking untapped revenue streams such as digital ordering, pickup windows, tableside service, to-go, and catering innovation, McAlister's Deli reported an average unit volume of over $1.9 million for its traditional locations, contributing to the achievement of the $1 billion milestone.

"We are grateful to our loyal guests, our franchisees and restaurant team members who deliver our brand promise each and every day," said Mike Freeman, McAlister's Deli Chief Brand Officer. "Every decision we makefrom brand development, menu innovation and digital enhancementsis made with our guests and franchisees top of mind. Prioritizing this business model has been imperative to our success and continued growth."

Accelerated Growth

Fueled by impressive growth, McAlister's Deli is showing unstoppable momentum, entering new markets, growing in existing markets and adding new franchisees to its growing system. Notable to McAlister's Deli restaurant growth is multi-unit expansion. Recently, Steve and Dani Wegman signed a 10-unit agreement to open the brand's first locations in Minnesota.

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As of December 31, 2023, McAlister's has 539 restaurants open. The brand's strong unit-level economics and AUV draw franchisees to the brand, as franchisees achieved $1,922,992 average net sales for fiscal year 2022*. Additionally, new restaurants continue to break records for their opening performance.

Strong Brand Foundation

One of the common denominators of McAlister's Deli's success is the people. The brand has tenured leadership, engaged franchisees, and a loyal customer base, creating a strong brand foundation and consistent growth. Mike Freeman, CBO of McAlister's Deli has been with the brand for over 15 years, Vice President of Operations, Aron Teneyck has been with the brand for over 20 years, and Vice President of Marketing Jessica Osborne has served the brand for over 10 years, beginning her career working with one of McAlister's Deli franchise groups. In addition to its strong corporate leadership, the brands' largest franchisees are close collaborators in increasing the strength of the system and advocating for the franchisee base at all times.

Impressive Brand Loyalty & Innovation

Where strong leadership and franchisee dedication exists, customer loyalty is able to blossom and remain steady. The company emphasizes "a little something extra" in their service philosophy, and it does not go unnoticed by guests, directly correlating to strong guest loyalty.

Alongside positive customer service, McAlister's Deli is constantly evaluating the menu to ensure it is offering items that appeal to consumers and mirror industry trends. Guest expectations are evolving, so constant innovation is necessary to balance their needs with the needs of the business to help drive profitability for franchisees. As a result, the brand is building a menu of the future by modernizing its current menu, creating new menu categories, simplifying operations, and increasing profitability. The brand is exploring adding new hot side options, shareable dips, flatbreads, and bowl options.

The brand also has a high-performing catering platform. Most known for their lunch box catering options, McAlister's introduced breakfast catering in 2023 to remarkable success. The breakfast catering menu includes unique items like build-your-own avocado and French toast bars as well as breakfast boxes which include a breakfast sandwich, fruit and yogurt. Most impressively, this new daypart did not add any additional SKUs, which helps keep operating costs down.

McAlister's Deli's achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning multiple awards and recognitions, including ranking on Entrepreneur's 2023 Franchise 500 in addition to Nation's Restaurant News Top 500 list and Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service list.

The GoTo Foods portfolio offers compelling opportunities for franchisees looking to sign franchise agreements. Visit https://development.gotofoods.com/ to learn more about how you can join one of our seven iconic brands.

About GoTo Foods

Atlanta-based GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of December 31, 2023, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,700 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes, and bakeries in all 50 states and over 60 countries and territories under the Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, and Schlotzsky's brand names, as well as the Seattle's Best Coffee brand on certain military bases and in certain international markets. GoTo Foods is proud to be Certified by Great Place To Work, the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition and the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience. Please visit www.gotofoods.com to learn more.

About McAlister's Deli 

Founded in 1989, McAlister's Deli is a fast casual restaurant chain known for its genuine hospitality, sandwiches, spuds, soups, salads, desserts and McAlister's Famous Sweet Tea. In addition to dine-in and take-out service, McAlister's Deli also offers catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts, a hot spud bar and more. With numerous industry accolades, the McAlister's Deli brand had more than 530 restaurants in 29 states as of December 31, 2023. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit mcalistersdeli.com , and find McAlister's on social media at Facebook.com/McAlistersDeli , Twitter.com/McAlistersDeli and Instagram.com/McAlistersDeli .

*Average net sales in the brand's 2022 fiscal year for 431 traditional franchises that operated throughout such fiscal year in traditional locations.

Media Contact: Leah Trice, Fishman PR, 847-945-1300, ltrice@fishmanpr.com

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SOURCE GoTo Foods
Anax Developments, a subsidiary of a leading investment firm Anax Holding, has broken ground on its landmark project, Vento Tower, in the heart of Business Bay, Dubai.

Spanning 19 residential floors, Vento Tower comprises 225 luxury studios and one-bedroom apartments, fully furnished and equipped to a high standard with top-notch fixtures from Siemens and Teka, and a Smart Home System from Bosch.

A new benchmark for quality and excellence in urban living, the residents will enter via a five-star hotel-style lobby, with 24-hour security and a fully-fledged concierge service, making Vento Tower a game-changer in contemporary living in Business Bay, said its top official at the groundbreaking ceremony.

"Vento Tower is our debut project, and with a goal to reform urban luxury living targeting homeowners, we aim to set a new standard of luxury living in Dubai with our flexible payment plan and commitment to top-notch quality, we will set a benchmark for excellence in the industry," remarked Anax Developments Chairman Satish Sanpal.

The ceremony was attended by Anax Holding Managing Director Ravi Bhirani; Head of Sales, Saqib Bin Tariq; and representatives from Adnan Contracting and Edmac Consulting.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a revolutionary 30/70 flexible payment plan, tailored for prospective individuals seeking accessible payment terms with an option to pay as low as 1% to secure the unit, emphasizing the company's commitment to attracting homebuyers.

This plan is especially significant in the competitive Business Bay area, offering urban individuals seeking a residence in Dubai a unique opportunity to invest in their dream home, said Bhirani.

"By offering a flexible payment plan and prioritizing quality, we are not just selling homes; we are enabling dreams. Our approach resonates with a new wave of young, first-time buyers, empowering them to own a piece of Dubai's thriving real estate market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
MADD Canada

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MADD Canada and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) are bringing a powerful and dynamic message about impaired driving prevention to Manitoba students.



MADD Canadas School Program is currently being delivered to thousands of Manitoba students in Grades

7  12. The educational video shows young people what is truly at stake when someone drives impaired, and equips them with the knowledge and inspiration to never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.

As Provincial Sponsor of MADD Canadas School Program, MPI is directly sponsoring 116 presentations this school year. This Thursday, MADD Canada National President and long-time Winnipeg resident Tanya Hansen Pratt will be joined by MPI for a special screening Final Play at Oak Park High School in Winnipeg to mark the School Programs tour of Manitoba schools.

Media are welcome to attend the screening and speak with special guests, students and staff.

Date: March 7 at 10 a.m. Location: Oak Park High School  820 Charleswood Road, Winnipeg, MB R3R 1K6 Guests: Kari Dykes, Director, Communications, Brand & Marketing, MPI Tanya Hansen Pratt, MADD Canada National President Dawn Regan, MADD Canada Chief Operating Officer

Young people are at increased risk for impaired driving. Vehicle collisions are the number one cause of death among Canadian youth, and alcohol, cannabis and/or drugs are involved in more than half of those crashes.



The School Program features a fictional story followed by interviews with real-life victims, and will be available in traditional assembly format, as well as classroom or virtual formats, depending on each schools preference. Following the presentations, schools receive an Educators Guide and School Kits with additional scenarios to help teachers continue the sober driving conversation throughout the school year.

New for this year, schools can choose one of three films to be presented to students: Final Play, No Tomorrow or Over the Edge. The films are revamped School Program presentations that include new educational components to allow for more hands-on learning with students.

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To see clips of MADD Canadas School Program: maddyouth.ca.

To RSVP for the event, contact:

Dawn Regan, MADD Canada Chief Operating Officer, 1-800-665-6233, ext. 223 or dregan@madd.ca




The "Magnificent Seven" stocks aren't particularly known for being dividend payers. This group of companies includes the following tech leaders: Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia, and Tesla. These corporations have generally produced excellent stock market returns. However, several of them don't even pay dividends. Of those that do, one stands out as the best income stock of the group. That company is Microsoft. Let's find out why.

Eliminating (most of) the competition

It's hard for a company to be a great dividend stock when it doesn't pay any. So, we can start by putting aside those members of the Magnificent Seven that haven't initiated payouts. That gets rid of Alphabet, Amazon, and Tesla. Next, we can put Meta Platforms out of the running, too. Though the Facebook parent company pays a dividend, it just started doing so this year. Only time will tell whether Meta Platforms will become an outstanding dividend stock. But for now, it hasn't proven itself in this arena yet.

That leaves us with three companies in the running. One of them, Nvidia, is the inferior dividend stock of the trio. Nvidia hasn't increased its payouts in more than five years. The company's forward yield of 0.02% could hardly be lower. Nvidia has plenty of qualities that make it an attractive stock, but its dividend program isn't impressive, at least not compared to our two finalists.

The final round: Microsoft vs. Apple

Microsoft and Apple have raised their payouts significantly over the past 10 years. However, Microsoft's track record is better than Apple's in this category.

MSFT Dividend Chart

That's the first point in Microsoft's favor, especially since its dividend per share is more than three times Apple's. Next, let's compare the companies' yields. Microsoft also wins in this head-to-head, although neither is particularly impressive. Apple's forward yield of 0.53% is lower than Microsoft's 0.74%. Let's now turn to these companies' cash payout ratios. Microsoft's 30.75% is higher than Apple's 14.11%.

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Conventional wisdom might suggest that Apple is the winner in this battle. A lower cash payout ratio is usually considered better as it shows that a company has plenty of room to increase its dividends. However, it can also show that a corporation is failing to do so despite having the means. Neither Microsoft nor Apple is anywhere close to a cash payout ratio that would be problematic.

In this context, the higher of the two might indicate a greater willingness to reward shareholders with dividend increases. That's especially true since Microsoft generates less free cash flow than Apple. Yet, the former spends a greater share of its smaller free cash flow on dividends. No wonder, then, that some investors feel it's about time for Apple to raise its dividend. So, this third category also goes to Microsoft. It has the superior dividend profile.

But that means nothing if it will be unable to sustain its dividend program in the future. Is Microsoft's underlying business strong enough to keep payouts moving in the right direction? The answer is a resounding yes! Microsoft remains the undisputed leader in the market for computer operating systems. It is also one of the biggest players in gaming.

The tech giant has multiple growth areas to exploit, from cloud computing to generative artificial intelligence, thanks to its investment in ChatGPT creator OpenAI. Microsoft also boasts a solid competitive advantage from multiple sources. Its brand name stands as one of the most valuable worldwide, and it benefits from switching costs thanks to its productivity tools and cloud computing services.

Also worth noting: Microsoft is one of the few companies with a higher credit rating than the U.S. government. The company can clearly handle its obligations. Microsoft will continue producing excellent financial results for a long time while providing a solid dividend stream to its shareholders. The company is the top dividend stock among the Magnificent Seven.

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They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now and Microsoft made the list -- but there are 9 other stocks you may be overlooking.

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John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. 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. Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Amazon and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Meet the Best Dividend Stock Among the "Magnificent Seven" was originally published by The Motley Fool
ST. LOUIS, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Englehart has been named president of cardiovascular services across Mercy, the final service line president announced in six specialty service areas. Englehart joins Dana Haynie, cancer care; Brian Connor, neurosciences; Matt Wright, orthopedics and sports medicine; Michelle Fortune, surgery and gastroenterology; and Dawn Martin, women and children.

Mercy (https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/mercy-quick-facts/), one of the 20 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and one of the nations largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 50 acute care and specialty (heart, childrens, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 900 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 4,500 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 47,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. (PRNewsfoto/Mercy)

"We have been very deliberate about finding the best people to lead our specialty services across Mercy's large footprint, and Michael completes our team," said Dr. Jeff Ciaramita, Mercy president of specialty service lines. "It's critical to have the right people leading these foundational services so we provide the best care possible. These presidents will work collaboratively with leaders, physicians and medical teams across to meticulously shape and cultivate a Mercy experience tailored to each patient."

Englehart brings almost three decades of experience as an innovative business and strategic health care leader focused on value-based payment models and patient outcomes. Prior to joining Mercy, he served as chief executive officer at a national cardiovascular practice in the private equity sector, where he drove transformative initiatives aimed at improving care quality and reducing costs. He also held leadership positions at various health systems including Advocate Health and two Catholic health systems, Trinity Health and Presence Health.

"Michael's passion to improve the quality of care for patients while reducing health care costs aligns perfectly with Mercy's strategy to provide value-based care," Dr. Ciaramita said. "His understanding of Catholic health care and tenure at other organizations underscores his ability to navigate complex health care issues and drive meaningful change."

Englehart earned a master's in organizational leadership from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, and a master's in business administration (MBA) from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in Lake Forest, Illinois. He also holds several certifications in project management, lean and Six Sigma methodologies  a data-driven approach used by organizations to improve process efficiency, enhance quality and achieve operational excellence.

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"I have observed Mercy for many years and have been impressed by its entrepreneurial spirit," Englehart said. "Mercy consistently has been at the forefront of shaping the future of health care, from leading the way with telehealth to the movement toward value-based care. I am eager to contribute to establishing a solid foundation for its continued success, specifically in cardiovascular services."

Mercy, one of the 20 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation's largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 50 acute care and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 900 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 4,500 physicians and advanced practitioners and 50,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2023 alone, Mercy provided more than half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid.

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SOURCE Mercy
Microsoft Corp. has made waves with its strategic investment in Mistral AI, signaling a notable shift in artificial intelligence (AI) development. However, this move comes against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding OpenAI, compounded by a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into its CEO Sam Altman.

Mistral AI, a French newcomer to the AI arena, has swiftly garnered attention for its innovative approaches to AI system optimization. Microsoft's investment and partnership with Mistral, which they claimed to be an innovator and trailblazer shows the companys commitment to staying at the forefront of AI advancements.

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"Today, we are announcing a multiyear partnership between Microsoft and Mistral AI, a recognized leader in generative artificial intelligence. Both companies are fueled by a steadfast dedication to innovation and practical applications, bridging the gap between pioneering research and real-world solutions," Microsoft said in its announcement.

Microsoft invested $16.3 million, which will convert into equity in the companys next funding round. In December, Mistral AI closed its Series A funding round, raising about $415 million, with its lead investor being Andreessen Horowitz.

However, Microsofts substantial stake in OpenAI, amounting to 49%, adds a layer of complexity to its investment in Mistral.

As Mistral introduces new features like Le Chat, its alternative to OpenAIs ChatGPT, questions arise regarding Microsofts allegiances within the AI ecosystem.

Trending: Fortnites creator company greenlights partial ownership for up to 100 accredited investors in the upcoming series.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is under scrutiny because of an SEC investigation into Altman. The investigation follows events in November when OpenAI replaced Altman as the CEO only to have him return to the position a week later.

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The OpenAI boards concerns about Altmans leadership, including transparency and communications issues, have raised eyebrows within the industry.

"Mr. Altman's departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities. The board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI," according to the OpenAI announcement.

The SEC is now looking deeper into Altman's emails and other internal communications.

Microsoft is at a crossroads, balancing its investments in both Mistral and OpenAI amid leadership challenges and regulatory scrutiny. As the AI landscape evolves, stakeholders must prioritize ethical practices and transparency to foster innovation and trust within the industry.

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This article Microsoft Just Invested In OpenAI's Competitor Amid SEC Investigation Into Sam Altman After Board 'No Longer Had Confidence In His Ability To Lead' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
FILE - The sun sets over water lilies and cypress trees along the remote Red Trail wilderness water trail of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, April 6, 2022, in Fargo, Ga. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asserting legal rights to waters that feed the Okefenokee Swamp and its vast wildlife refuge, setting up a new battle with a mining company seeking permits to withdraw more than 1.4 million gallons daily for a project that critics say could irreparably harm one of America's natural treasures. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  A federal agency is asserting legal rights to waters that feed the Okefenokee Swamp and its vast wildlife refuge, setting up a new battle with a mining company seeking permits to withdraw more than 1.4 million gallons daily for a project that critics say could irreparably harm one of America's natural treasures.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tells Georgia state regulators that federal law prohibits diverting water from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in quantities that would harm its function as a protective habitat for native animal and plant species.

Disruption to the natural flow of groundwater in this interconnected system could have far-reaching consequences for both the Refuge and surrounding areas, Mike Oetker, the federal agency's acting Southeast regional director, wrote in a Jan. 31 letter to Georgia regulators. He added: Any decision regarding the proposed mining permit must be made with consideration of federal reserved water rights.

Twin Pines Minerals is on the cusp of obtaining permits it has sought since 2019 to mine titanium dioxide less than 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from the southeastern boundary of the Okefenokee refuge, the largest U.S. refuge east of the Mississippi River.

The Okefenokee refuge covers nearly 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers) in southeast Georgia and is home to more than 400 animal species including alligators and bald eagles. The swamps wildlife, cypress forests and flooded prairies draw roughly 600,000 visitors each year, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge.

Scientists have warned that mining near the Okefenokee's bowl-like rim could irreparably harm the swamps ability to hold water and increase the frequency of withering droughts. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in 2022 declared the proposed mine poses an unacceptable risk to the fragile ecosystem at the Georgia-Florida line.

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Twin Pines has insisted its proposed 773-acre (312-hectare) mine wont harm the Okefenokee refuge. Regulators with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division have said their own analysis concluded that water level in the swamp will be minimally impacted.

The Georgia agency issued draft permits for the mining project Feb. 9, starting a 60-day period for public comments before regulators work up final permits for the agencys director to approve.

While it's unclear how much permits might be delayed by the Fish and Wildlife Service's formal assertion of water rights, legal experts said Georgia regulators are legally obligated to work with the federal agency to ensure the Okefenokee keeps enough water to function as a wildlife refuge.

Legal issues dealing with water consumption are generally left to the states. However, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1908 established that public lands reserved by the federal government for Native American tribes, national parks and other purposes have rights to water that take precedence over other users.

This doctrine does not just give the Fish and Wildlife Service a seat at the table," said Megan Huynh, an attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. It legally entitles the Okefenokee to as much water as is necessary to support the primary purpose of the refuge and wilderness area.

While federal agencies commonly assert water rights for public lands in the West, where the arid climate makes water more scarce, they have rarely done so in the eastern U.S., said Ryan Rowberry, a Georgia State University law professor who has studied how federal reserved water rights protect public lands.

Now were moving into a different era, Rowberry said. Growth in population, industry and awareness that climate change is getting worse have called into question the premise that theres enough water for everybody" in eastern states, he said.

The move by the Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to reassert some level of federal oversight of Twin Pines' proposed mine. Typically, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would also need to approve permits. But it lost that authority over the Georgia project in 2020 because of regulatory rollbacks under then-President Donald Trump.

The Fish and Wildlife Service's letter to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division asks for federal officials and state regulators to meet and work together to quantify the amount of water the Okefenokee refuge needs. The state agency has not yet responded.

Georgia EPD is reviewing the letter from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service like all of the other comments being submitted" by the public on Twin Pines' mining application, John Eunice, the state agency's deputy director, said in an email Monday. He anticipated a response once the public comment period has closed."

The groundwater use permit Twin Pines is seeking would allow an average daily withdrawal of 1.44 million gallons (5.45 million liters) of water from the Floridan Aquifer to process mining debris and waste. The plan calls for removal of additional water that gushes into mining pits during excavation.

Any discussions between federal officials, Georgia regulators and Twin Pines over the Okefenokee's water needs and how much water the proposed mine would divert from the swamp could be contentious. Hydrologists for the National Park Service said last year that documents Georgia regulators relied upon to conclude the mine wouldn't harm the refuge contained technical errors and critical shortcomings that made them unreliable. Regulators stood by their analysis.

___

This story has been corrected to show the period for public comments on the mining permits that began in February is 60 days, not 30 days.
From Vienna, Austria: These days, no task seems too big for Artificial Intelligence (AI): In a matter of seconds, it drafts complex texts, analyzes financial data, and provides automated responses to customer queries  and more often than not, the output is surprisingly good. This seems to put many white-collar jobs at risk, and quite a few people are worried that machines might edge them out of their jobs.

But is AI capable of innovation as well? And does it possess entrepreneurial acumen, for instance when told to come up with an innovation strategy?

Nikolaus Franke, academic director of MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the WU Executive Academy at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and his MBA students recently put AI to the test to find answers to these very questions.

Twenty-one MBA students of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation specialization were given a task that required entrepreneurial creativity to complete. They had to react to the dilemma of having an outstanding idea for innovation which, being a small company, they would be unable to protect. The scenario was based on the historical example of businessman Robert Taylor, who, by accident, had stumbled upon a promising innovation. Throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks: this strategy employed by Taylor is about testing numerous ideas to find out which one works best, just the way only a small amount of the pasta thrown will remain stuck to the wall.

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From Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School professor Raffaella Sadun resigned from the presidential task force on antisemitism, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Interim Harvard President Alan M. Garber 76 appointed Sadun in January to lead the task force as a co-chair last month. Her decision to resign was confirmed in statements from Sadun and Garber on Sunday.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help advance the vital work to combat antisemitism and believe that President Garber has assembled an excellent task force, Sadun wrote. I will continue to support efforts to tackle antisemitism at Harvard in any way I can from my faculty position.

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Professor Sadun has expressed her desire to refocus her efforts on her research, teaching and administrative responsibilities at HBS, Garber wrote. Her insights and passion for this work have helped shape the mandate for the task force and how it can best productively advance the important work ahead.

Saduns decision to resign is just the latest setback for Garbers antisemitism task force, which has been dogged by controversy since its inception. After Garber announced Sadun would co-lead the group with Jewish history professor Derek J. Penslar, Penslars appointment drew criticism over allegations that he had minimized campus antisemitism.

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From Porto, Portugal: Porto Business School is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Rome Business School, one of the leading business schools in Italy that offers Masters and MBA programs both on campus and online. This partnership aims to enhance international student exchanges and encourage collaborative academic ventures.

In addition, Porto Business School and Rome Business School will closely collaborate in the development of dual degrees and executive education programmes.

The purpose is to empower the students towards initiatives designed to cultivate a global, diverse mindset, and propel students career growth, says Jose Esteves, dean of Porto Business School. Our alliance paves the way for a realm of shared innovation, enriching learning experiences, and a dynamic knowledge exchange, Esteves says, all pivotal in nurturing the sustainable and inclusive leaders and managers of tomorrow.

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DONT MISS IN INDIA, 100% EMPLOYMENT AT 2 OF 3 IIM A-B-CS

The post Whos More Innovative: ChatGPT Or MBA Students? appeared first on Poets&Quants.
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. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should.

In contrast to all that, many investors prefer to focus on companies like RATIONAL (ETR:RAA), which has not only revenues, but also profits. While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing.

See our latest analysis for RATIONAL

How Quickly Is RATIONAL Increasing Earnings Per Share?

The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so you'd expect share price to follow earnings per share (EPS) outcomes eventually. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. It certainly is nice to see that RATIONAL has managed to grow EPS by 33% per year over three years. If growth like this continues on into the future, then shareholders will have plenty to smile about.

It's often helpful to take a look at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. The good news is that RATIONAL is growing revenues, and EBIT margins improved by 4.3 percentage points to 25%, over the last year. Both of which are great metrics to check off for potential growth.

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. For finer detail, click on the image.

While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for RATIONAL?

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Are RATIONAL Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Since RATIONAL has a market capitalisation of 8.6b, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a large percentage of shares. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. Indeed, they have a considerable amount of wealth invested in it, currently valued at 1.4b. That equates to 16% of the company, making insiders powerful and aligned with other shareholders. Looking very optimistic for investors.

It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. Well, based on the CEO pay, you'd argue that they are indeed. For companies with market capitalisations between 3.7b and 11b, like RATIONAL, the median CEO pay is around 2.7m.

RATIONAL offered total compensation worth 2.2m to its CEO in the year to December 2022. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Does RATIONAL Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

For growth investors, RATIONAL's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. If you still have your doubts, remember too that company insiders have a considerable investment aligning themselves with the shareholders and CEO pay is quite modest compared to similarly sized companiess. The overarching message here is that RATIONAL has underlying strengths that make it worth a look at. We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for RATIONAL that you should be aware of before investing here.

There's always the possibility of doing well buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But for those who consider these important metrics, we encourage you to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a tailored list of German companies which have demonstrated growth backed by recent insider purchases.

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.
Over the past decade, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) has undergone a significant transformation, bouncing back from its lowest point to reestablishing itself as a dominant player in the retail landscape.

In 2023, Abercrombie & Fitch experienced a 285% increase in its stock price, followed by more than 50% uptick so far in 2024. While other fashion retailers like American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Levi Strauss & Co. and Macys have also seen growth in their stock prices in 2024, none have matched the rise of Abercrombie & Fitch.

Don't Miss:

Abercrombie & Fitch even outpaced artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse Nvidia Corp. in 2023, a feat that caught many by surprise given Nvidias formidable reputation in the technology sector. Nvidia saw a 238% stock price growth in 2023.

Abercrombie & Fitch is seeing constantly growing sales. Revenue was up 20% compared with the previous year, according to its third-quarter report.

A key factor in Abercrombie & Fitch's success has been its strategic use of platforms like TikTok to engage with customers and build a stronger, more relevant brand in todays fashion landscape. By listening to customer feedback and leveraging the authenticity of TikToks community, Abercrombie & Fitch has humanized its brand and better connected with its target audience.

"Over the past few years, we've been laser-focused on listening to our customers and TikTok has been the perfect platform for fostering that communication," Abercrombie Brands Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Carey Collins Krug told Teen Vogue. "We watch the reviews and hauls of our products. We take notes of how people describe the quality and fit. There's an authenticity innate to TikTok and its entire community that has allowed us to humanize Abercrombie."

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Trending: This startup coined eBay for gamers with a breaktaking track record has opened up a window to invest in its future growth.

Additionally, Abercrombie & Fitch has integrated AI technology into its product design process, allowing it to quickly iterate and refine its offerings based on historical data and customer preferences. This strategic integration of technology has enabled Abercrombie & Fitch to stay ahead of the curve and continuously innovate in a rapidly evolving retail environment.

Samir Desai, the company's executive vice president and chief digital and technology officer, elaborated on this approach, stating, We feed [the tech] historical images of products that have sold really well and use prompts to iterate and refine and base a new line off of that. It's driving inspiration, it's driving velocity and how quickly [the team] can produce product images.

Its important to acknowledge Abercrombie & Fitch's past challenges, including controversies surrounding its lack of plus-size options in 2013, which led to a boycott and accusations of discrimination. The company has since taken steps to address these issues and broaden its inclusivity, reflecting a commitment to adaptability and growth.

Abercrombie & Fitchs resurgence serves as a testament to the enduring power of strategic vision, adaptability and innovation in the face of change. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, its trajectory highlights the importance of staying agile and responsive to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements in the retail industry.

Read Next:

Harvard-founded AI startup is solving paywalls, growing 5x yearly and looking for new shareholders .

One startup funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Homeland Security aims to solve this specific nuisance in a spectacular fashion, and you can invest in it today.

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This article This Once-Bankrupt Retailer Went From Facing Boycotts To A 285% Stock Price Increase And Now Is Outpacing Nvidia originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Rheinmetall fair value estimate is 639

Current share price of 429 suggests Rheinmetall is potentially 33% undervalued

The 408 analyst price target for RHM is 36% less than our estimate of fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Rheinmetall AG (ETR:RHM) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Rheinmetall

The Model

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 538.6m 804.1m 1.26b 1.19b 1.14b 1.11b 1.10b 1.09b 1.08b 1.08b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ -3.71% Est @ -2.43% Est @ -1.53% Est @ -0.91% Est @ -0.47% Est @ -0.16% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 4.2% 517 740 1.1k 1.0k 928 868 820 780 745 713

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 8.2b

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We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 4.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 1.1b (1 + 0.6%)  (4.2% 0.6%) = 30b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 30b ( 1 + 4.2%)10= 19b

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 28b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 429, the company appears quite good value at a 33% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Rheinmetall 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 4.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Rheinmetall

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Aerospace & Defense market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Moving On:

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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Rheinmetall, we've compiled three relevant factors you should further examine:

Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Rheinmetall . Future Earnings: How does RHM's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the XTRA every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- A rising number of blue-chip Japanese companies are cutting staff  a move that used to be seen as a last resort  as a historic boom in the Nikkei puts pressure on firms that have missed out.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Last week, the countrys largest cosmetics brand Shiseido Co. said it was offering early retirement for about 1,500 positions at home. That was days after Omron Corp., a maker of thermometers, sensors, relays and switches, said it would cut about 2,000 positions worldwide, with half to occur domestically. The Kyoto-based manufacturer said it was buying out employees 40 years and older whod been employed for three years or more.

Such announcements are rare in a country where labor laws are among the strictest in the world. But pressure is mounting on any outliers to a rally thats lifted the Nikkei 225 Stock Average to a record high. While their peers stock prices soar, Shiseido and Omron have slumped roughly 40% from their respective peaks last year, as they grapple with a slowdown in China thats eroded their bottom lines.

For the stragglers whove so far missed out on the Nikkeis historic price surge, pressure is mounting to show investors theyre making changes necessary to kickstart earnings momentum.

Shiseidos move would bring improved profitability in domestic operations, Citigroup analyst Shuhei Oba said. As for Omron, Jefferies analyst Masahiro Nakanomyo said he expected earnings to improve after completion of the adjustment phase, although he said lack of recovery sentiment is likely to linger for the time being.

After announcing its early retirement program, Shiseidos stock rose 2.5%. Omrons shares also rose 1.9% following its announcement.

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Shiseidos shares have struggled as its operating profit for the fiscal year ended December fell 40% on tumbling demand in China, which generates about a quarter of sales. Omron, whose switches are used in factory lines, was also hurt by the manufacturing slowdown in the worlds second-largest economy. Its also grown to rely on China for about a quarter of sales.

Early retirement is Japans go-to method of reducing staff. The number of publicly traded companies that offered such packages rose for the first time in three years to 41 companies in 2023, according to Tokyo Shoko Research Center. Medium-sized and large-sized companies could announce more of these programs this year, it said.

Last week, Sony Group Corp. said it was laying off 900 people across its video-game division, or about 8% of its employees, and close a game studio in London. Wacoal Holdings Corp. also said last week that a bigger-than-expected group of 215 people applied for its job buyout program.

--With assistance from Grace Huang.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
King Salman International Airport has appointed British engineering consultancy Mace as lead consultant for its mega King Salman International Airport project, located in Saudi capital Riyadh. Its scope of work includes project management, design management, cost consultancy and procurement.

On completion, the King Salman International will be the worlds largest airport project spread over a sprawling 57-km area with six parallel runways. It will also include existing terminals at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in addition to 12 sq km of airport support facilities and other logistics real estate.

Mace has extensive experience in airport design and construction, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale and complex projects worldwide. It had worked on Londons Heathrow Airport for over 30 years.

Last year, the UK group was signed up as the delivery partner on three major infrastructure improvement projects in Heathrow.

For the giant airport project, Saudi authorities had signed up a host of top global players in the airport construction sector. The masterplan for the airport was designed by British architect Foster+Partners, while US-based company Jacobs handled the infrastructure design.

Earlier, Saudi Press Agency had reported that Saudi Arabia was planning to invest $100 billion in its aviation sector in a bid to achieve its target of tripling the annual passenger traffic into the kingdom to 330 million by 2030. It also aims to increase air cargo traffic to 4.5 million tonnes

Unveiling the airport's masterplan in 2022, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), said it was part of PIFs strategy aimed at unlocking the capabilities of promising sectors to enhance KSAs efforts in diversifying the economy.

With sustainability at its core, the new airport will achieve LEED Platinum certification by incorporating cutting-edge green initiatives into its design and will be powered by renewable energy,

It is expected to contribute SR27 billion ($7.18 billion) annually to Saudi Arabias non-oil gross domestic product, he added.

According to SPA, the construction of the airport is expected to take about 10 years to complete, with the first phase set to open in 2027.

The new airport will also have a dedicated terminal for the countrys national carrier, Saudia. The large size of the airport and its multiple runways will allow for a high volume of air traffic and efficient operations.

The mega King Salman International Airport aims to accommodate up to 120 million passengers by 2030 and once fully operation, it will boast a capacity of 185 million passengers by 2050 annually.
Looking at Pantera Minerals Limited's (ASX:PFE ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

View our latest analysis for Pantera Minerals

Pantera Minerals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent purchase by Barnaby Egerton-Warburton is the biggest insider purchase of Pantera Minerals shares that we've seen in the last year. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.045). It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when an insider has purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Barnaby Egerton-Warburton was the only individual insider to buy during the last year.

You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership Of Pantera Minerals

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data indicates that Pantera Minerals insiders own about AU$1.4m worth of shares (which is 13% of the company). Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.

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So What Do The Pantera Minerals Insider Transactions Indicate?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But on the other hand, the company made a loss during the last year, which makes us a little cautious. While the overall levels of insider ownership are below what we'd like to see, the history of transactions imply that Pantera Minerals insiders are reasonably well aligned, and optimistic for the future. 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. To help with this, we've discovered 6 warning signs (5 can't be ignored!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in Pantera Minerals.

But note: Pantera Minerals may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The new collaboration will provide customers with innovative solutions to tackle performance and preservation challenges in industrial sectors such as paints, coatings, and lubricating fluids

SAO PAULO, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ -- Univar Solutions Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced a new distribution agreement with Arxada for a full range of biocides, preservatives, and performance additives used in a variety of industrial applications. The new agreement strengthens Univar Solutions' product offerings in Brazil's paints, coatings, and lubricants markets by adding cost-effective and highly versatile antimicrobials and performance additives tailored to preservation and microbial control.

The new collaboration will provide customers with innovative solutions to tackle performance and preservation challenges in industrial sectors.

"Consumers today are more mindful about the products they are using and the global footprint they are creating. At the same time, we are committed to supporting manufacturers who are reformulating chemistries and launching innovative products that prioritize sustainability while remaining high performing," said Matthew Oliver, global vice president of Performance Materials for Univar Solutions. "Working with specialty ingredient suppliers like Arxada, we can offer customers the latest guidance, bio-based materials, and solutions such as corrosion inhibitors, antimicrobials, lubricants, and other specialty additives to provide efficacy in coating systems and material protection," added Oliver.

"We are delighted to announce our partnership with Arxada in industrial paints and coatings markets and the lubricants space, focusing jointly on sustainability without sacrificing performance for our customers," said Jorge Buckup, president of Latin America for Univar Solutions. "We are confident that together we can unlock new growth avenues with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions that meet the increasing demand for green products in the region."

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As consumer mindsets shift toward sustainability, performance remains the leading demand. Using next-generation antimicrobial ingredients offered by Univar Solutions, customers can deliver on key consumer trends while meeting the latest regulations. Working with supplier partners like Arxada, Univar Solutions goes beyond traditional distribution, bringing ingredients to life through innovative concepts and technical expertise that lead to new and improved formulations. Supported by technical innovation at its Solution Centers, a global distribution footprint, and supply chain expertise, Univar Solutions delivers a comprehensive customer experience, from product development through ongoing sales support in industrial markets.

"As a global science-based specialty chemicals company, with our partners, Arxada provides innovative chemistry and solutions to solve the world's toughest preservation challenges by enhancing sustainability with cleaner, greener solutions in antimicrobial control and performance additives," said Mauro Guerra, business director of industrial microbial control - South America for Arxada. "Our solutions are focused on multiple end-markets such as Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings, Metalworking Fluids, Polymers and Textiles, and Wood Protection, among others, providing a broad portfolio of differentiated products, supported by our science and innovation capabilities, in-depth regulatory know-how and track record in manufacturing and process development. We are very happy to have Univar Solutions as our distributor for Brazil. Our partnership is a result of our shared vision and mutual commitment to our customers."

Find out how Univar Solutions is delivering innovations and specialty solutions to help customers meet the demand for more sustainable options.

About Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at univarsolutions.com.

About Arxada

Arxada is a global science-based specialty chemicals business creating innovative chemistry and solutions. The company aims to solve the world's toughest preservation challenges by enhancing sustainability with cleaner, greener solutions. Arxada focuses on multiple end-markets primarily in: Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings, and Wood Protection, providing a broad portfolio of differentiated products and solutions, supported by its science and innovation capabilities, in-depth regulatory know-how and track record in manufacturing and process development. The company's 3,600 employees contribute to the success of its customers, spanning 24 production sites and 14 research and development centers. Learn more at arxada.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company's business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement.

Univar Solutions, Growing Together

Cision

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SOURCE Univar Solutions LLC

Cision

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(Bloomberg) -- Gustavo Petros bid to transform Colombias economic model has prompted a personnel crisis, with a stream of cabinet ministers and technocrats leaving their posts amid clashes with the president.

Most Read from Bloomberg

As the traditionally conservative South American nations first leftist leader, Petro is trying to deliver radical change for the 11 million Colombian voters that supported him. But after a year and a half in power, his popularity is waning and hes pushing out long-serving officials in favor of loyalists, stripping his government of institutional knowledge and capacity.

It sends a message of concern to investors, credit rating agencies and international organizations that see that the executive branch that has historically been prepared and that dominates public policy is lost, Jose Manuel Restrepo, a former finance minister who now leads Antioquia-based EIA University, said in an interview.

Lee esta nota en espanol.

The latest departure saw Jorge Ivan Gonzalez  who was seen as a key voice of moderation within the government  sacked as head of the National Planning Department in a dispute over infrastructure spending. The president wanted money allocated to projects that werent yet in the budget and when Gonzalez told him that wasnt possible, he was asked to resign and replaced by a close Petro ally.

Other more centrist officials have been sent packing as well. Jose Antonio Ocampo, a highly-regarded economist seen as someone who could counter Petro, was ousted as finance minister last year. His colleagues in education and agriculture were also dismissed after disagreeing with Petro about social reforms, including overhauls of healthcare and pensions.

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Beyond political appointees, scores of mid-ranking officials with years of experience in key ministries have been asked to resign or seen their contracts not be renewed due to the governments distrust of those who served in previous administrations, according to people with direct knowledge who spoke on condition they not be named for fear of retaliation.

Technical-level staff were excluded from meetings during fine-tuning of the governments health reform last year, a former official said. In a meeting before the roadmap bill was presented to Congress, Petro said the draft didnt represent his vision and blamed technocrats who toiled under his predecessors, according to a person who witnessed the incident.

In response to repeated questions last week about ministerial and staff departures, Petros office said by email Sunday that the government values the work and experience of public officials regardless of political affiliation. At the same time, his push for transformational change requires contributions from those previously excluded from the policy making process, so technical skills must be balanced with political considerations in pursuing reform, his office said.

On Friday, however, the president was more incisive. Technocracy is having alleged technical officials in power. Democracy is having people in power, Petro said on social-media platform X. In the first, the people serve the supposed technicians. In the second, the technicians serve the people.

Since the president took power, his government has changed experience and education requirements for candidates to hold executive positions in key public institutions. The Energy Ministry, state-oil producer Ecopetrol SAs board and Invima, the oversight agency for food and medicine, have all been affected.

At the Trade Ministry, there were 126 changes out of about 500 positions at a rate of 12 per month since Petro took office through the end of October, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. Theres been even more staff churn since then, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Turnover at the Finance Ministry has also been substantial. Some 158 of 800 people have left their roles since the administration began, according to government figures provided to Senator Paloma Valencia. About a fifth of those who left had two decades experience or more.

Some mid-ranking officials across the government have become uncomfortable working in roles theyve held for years, the people said, as their bosses guard against information leaks and seek to blunt internal opposition to Petros agenda.

A group of dissidents at a government union sent a letter to Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo last year reporting workplace harassment, a hostile environment and stigmatization of those who worked under previous administrations as internal enemies.

The beating that this government has inflicted on technocracy is a shame, Cecilia Lopez, who was ousted as agriculture minister alongside Ocampo, said Thursday during a public tribute to former officials.

Another dispute saw Martha Lucia Zamora ousted as head of the agency in charge of defending Colombia against international litigation.

Petro ordered the Foreign Affairs Ministry to void a contract for passport fabrication, arguing there was no competitive bidding process. Zamora instead warned that Colombia would risk a lawsuit and suggested conciliation with the company, Thomas Greg & Sons, which has made passports for almost two decades.

The government didnt follow her advice and the nation now faces a $30 million compensation claim. Alvaro Leyva, a Petro ally, has since been suspended as foreign minister by the Inspector Generals Office over potential irregularities in the bidding process.

The case took another turn when the ministrys secretary general awarded the contract to the same company, arguing the decision was made in accordance with the law. But he didnt have authorization from acting Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, who was traveling. Hours later, Petro used his X account to fire the secretary general, accusing him of treason.

Colombias health sector, meanwhile, was one of the first to see changes at technical levels under Petro. With his government seeking to strengthen the role of the state in the delivery of medical services, mid-ranking officials who worked for decades to build the nations successful public-private system were seen as an obstacle to reform.

Fernando Ruiz, who led the countrys response to Covid-19 under former President Ivan Duque, said that while new ministers often changed their deputies and some department heads, technical officials were traditionally left in their posts. Under Petro, however, he said inexperienced activists took their place.

Colombia was one of the last countries among its peers to implement a response against the monkeypox virus. And the Inspector Generals Office has warned that most of the 6 million Covid vaccines the nation had in stock last year have expired.

All of this is the result of the initial breakdown between the technical structure and the ministrys decision-making, Ruiz said.

The Health Ministry didnt respond to several emails seeking comment or to text messages sent to the press office. Carolina Corcho defended the staff changes she made as Petros first health minister, saying there are different views about the technicalities of public policy making.

Rhetoric vs. Reality

Gonzalez, the former planning chief, argued in an opinion column that Petro understands Colombias key societal problems like climate change, the energy transition and the fight against inequality. However, hes unable to reconcile rhetoric that energizes his base and whats feasible in the public sector, nor does he recognize institutional, economic, legal and political limits on his power.

Katherine Miranda, a Green Party congresswoman who supported Petros bid for the presidency but now disagrees with some of his policies, sees that disconnect as key to his current woes.

With few people around Petro who are capable of contradicting him, she said, his government is prone to making bad decisions. As an example, she cited the ban on corporate royalty deductions included in the administrations 2022 tax bill.

The congresswoman said that during discussions about the proposal, a group of lawmakers warned the president it was unconstitutional. Petro went ahead with the idea anyway, only to see it struck down by Colombias top court last November, leaving the government with a nearly $800 million hole in its finances.

Petros speech and his brain have been much faster than his hands, Miranda said in an interview. We havent really seen that those ideas, many of them wonderful, can be translated into reality.

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Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) stock has been a roller coaster. In January, shares nearly doubled in value only to give up those gains by the end of the month. February brought much of the same, with the stock price recently surging 17% over a handful of days.

Despite the volatility, shares remain well below their all-time highs. But if the company's management team succeeds with their vision, it's possible that Plug Power stock could rise in value by 1,000% or more.

Is this beaten-down growth stock finally a buy?

Plug Power has an exciting history

Despite its innovative business model, Plug Power isn't a new company. The company went public in 1999 at the height of the dot-com bubble. Its leaders had a lofty vision: to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen fuel cells.

This vision proved ahead of its time. When the dot-com bubble crashed, Plug Power stock lost more than 99% of its value. For the next decade, the share price remained depressed.

In 2020, everything changed. The share price zoomed higher by nearly 2,000%, reaching a market cap of more than $35 billion.

Then, just as suddenly, the share price collapsed. Today, the stock price remains beaten down, trading roughly at pre-surge levels, with a market cap of around $3.5 billion.

PLUG Chart

It's important to highlight that from a fundamental standpoint, many items on Plug Power's income statement continued to improve throughout the volatility. Revenue for 2023 was around three times higher than 2020 levels. And if management is to be believed, this rapid growth has only just begun.

Plug Power's primary mission today is to create a vertically integrated clean-energy hub focused on hydrogen fuel cells. It seeks to not only produce hydrogen fuel but also to transport, store, and deliver the fuel to customers.

As the company's revenue indicates, Plug Power has already achieved part of its long term vision. It has, for example, nearly 1 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. It also has five hydrogen production facilities under construction or already online, with five more in development. Several pilot projects in South Korea, meanwhile, are providing real world proof points that its technology can work at a small scale.

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Management believes that hydrogen fuel cells can help rapidly transition the global economy away from fossil fuels. Its revenue targets -- $6 billion by 2027, and $20 billion by 2030 -- reflect that optimism .

Plug Power has an exciting history, but the hydrogen economy has long been overhyped and underdelivered.

A lack of cost competitiveness is largely to blame, but there are also concerns with how clean the energy source is given hydrogen fuel can be produced either with renewable power or conventional fossil fuels.

With an unprecedented volume of funds being directed toward climate-friendly technologies, however, this could finally be Plug Power's opportunity to shine. It operates in an increasingly crowded market, and many competitors believe they can scale faster with more efficient technologies.

Still, a big reason Plug Power has struggled in previous decades is that the global hydrogen economy has failed to take off in any meaningful way. Over the coming years, that could change.

Should you buy this growth stock right now?

Before you jump into Plug Power stock, there are a few important things to know.

First, the company is betting on a change to the status quo. Right now, the use of hydrogen as a fuel source remains incredibly small. Switching to hydrogen as a fuel source, meanwhile, typically requires costly investment. For most industries, the cost of switching still isn't worth it, meaning Plug Power must continue to build scale to bring these costs down .

To execute on its growth vision, Plug Power will likely need to invest billions of additional dollars into new infrastructure. That will require additional debt or stock sales, with free cash flow levels remaining in the negative likely for several more years at the minimum.

Notably, the company issued a "going concern" notice in November, an accounting warning that triggers whenever a company's balance sheet deteriorates to the point that near-time financial survival becomes threatened. The company has been selling stock hand over fist to raise cash, and recently finalized a term sheet with the U.S. Department of Energy for a $1.6 billion loan. But make no mistake: Plug Power's current balance sheet will have a very difficult time executing on the company's lofty promises.

Can Plug Power grow its revenue to $30 billion by 2030 as its management team expects? Sure, but there is a meaningful likelihood of failure. If financing dries up or demand for hydrogen fuel fails to scale, Plug Power may end up building an empire for nothing.

PLUG Average Diluted Shares Outstanding (Annual) Chart

The second thing to know before buying Plug Power stock is that the company may fail even if hydrogen fuel wins. For example, the company currently transports most of its hydrogen fuel to customers via a fleet of trucks. Long term, however, it is probably cheapest to deliver the fuel by pipeline, the same way fossil fuels are transported over long distances.

Of course, Plug Power might end up transporting its production by pipeline, but this type of infrastructure is incredibly expensive to produce, meaning the company would need to build its own infrastructure from scratch or pay an existing pipeline operator to use its network.

Right now, there are only around 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipelines operating in the United States compared to the nation's 2.6 million miles of fossil fuel pipelines. Many fossil fuel companies are looking to transition their conventional pipelines to be able to handle hydrogen, but this transition will takes years if not decades .

All of this is to say that the future of how the hydrogen economy will look is still in question, even if one assumes that overall global demand for the fuel source skyrockets. Plug Power is ready for the hydrogen economy to take off, but there's a chance the industry will form in a way that doesn't benefit the company as much as management believes.

Should you take a chance on Plug Power stock? It clearly has huge potential upside, but it will probably be many years before the company's ultimate fate can be determined. The company's repeated inability to execute on its big promises combined with a near-term funding crunch will continue to keep me on the sidelines.

Should you invest $1,000 in Plug Power right now?

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Plug Power Stock Just Surged 17%. Is This Beaten-Down Growth Stock Finally a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Power Root Berhad's (KLSE:PWROOT) returns on capital, so let's have a look.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Power Root Berhad:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.14 = RM54m  (RM492m - RM114m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023).

So, Power Root Berhad has an ROCE of 14%. That's a pretty standard return and it's in line with the industry average of 14%.

Check out our latest analysis for Power Root Berhad

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Power Root Berhad compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Power Root Berhad for free.

What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us

The trends we've noticed at Power Root Berhad are quite reassuring. Over the last five years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 14%. The amount of capital employed has increased too, by 71%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Power Root Berhad thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital.

On a related note, the company's ratio of current liabilities to total assets has decreased to 23%, which basically reduces it's funding from the likes of short-term creditors or suppliers. So shareholders would be pleased that the growth in returns has mostly come from underlying business performance.

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What We Can Learn From Power Root Berhad's ROCE

To sum it up, Power Root Berhad has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 50% return over the last five years. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue.

Like most companies, Power Root Berhad does come with some risks, and we've found 2 warning signs that you should be aware of.

While Power Root Berhad may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list 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.
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, PPG Industries' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

A total of 17 investors have a majority stake in the company with 50% ownership

Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business

To get a sense of who is truly in control of PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 83% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about PPG Industries.

See our latest analysis for PPG Industries

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About PPG Industries?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that PPG Industries does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at PPG Industries' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in PPG Industries. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 10% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 8.3% and 5.0%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

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Looking at the shareholder registry, we can see that 50% of the ownership is controlled by the top 17 shareholders, meaning that no single shareholder has a majority interest in the ownership.

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. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of PPG Industries

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

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 most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of PPG Industries, Inc.. It is a very large company, so it would be surprising to see insiders own a large proportion of the company. Though their holding amounts to less than 1%, we can see that board members collectively own US$71m worth of shares (at current prices). It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 17% stake in PPG Industries. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for PPG Industries you should know about.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
After having two children and giving up on her youthful forms of movement like dancing ballet and running, a Pueblo mom is rebounding from her former aches and pains thanks to a low-impact exercise program she is now sharing with others.

Katie Farmer said she was very lucky to grow up with a family that was always on the move. Her mom, Francie Hurtado, was her first dance teacher and today her daughter Anneliese, 9, also is a dancer.

"I bet I was 2 years old when I started to dance. I learned ballet, ran in high school, did weightlifting and went back to ballet," Farmer recalled.

"I started teaching dance at the arts center when I was in college," she said.

Katie Farmer, left, leads Erin Frew in an Essentrics excercise class at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

But fast forward to five years ago and the mother of two was sitting on the couch in the dead of winter, realizing she couldn't move or run like she once did.

"I was just kind of depressed and I was holding onto the past," she said.

Farmer was enviously eyeing a beach exercise class on television. The class was Essentrics with Miranda Esmonde-White, who has had "one of the longest-running fitness shows on TV," she said.

"Finally, I got off the couch and started doing exercise with her," Farmer said. "I wasn't used to doing exercise alone."

So she looked into Essentrics and found there were instructors in Colorado Springs and Denver, but none in Pueblo.

"I thought, 'Maybe I should be an instructor. I have to show up for exercise if I am a teacher,'" she said with a laugh.

Like Esmonde-White, she had a background in ballet. She also has a desire to move past her own aches and pains and help others who, like her, may have back, pelvic and core strength issues.

So she took a certification program and now teaches Essentrics twice a week in Pueblo.

Katie Farmer leads an Essentrics low impact excercise class at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

What is Essentrics?

"It is a low-impact dynamic movement that focuses on classical stretching, strengthening, mobility and flexibility and it is something you can continue on doing for a long time," even as you age, she said.

"It is a bit reminiscent of ballet because you reach out with your arms and stretch your torso. You are using your own body weight, so it is safer and we just keep going, flexing, swaying and reaching all sorts of different muscles," she explained.

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"You just listen to your own body. It's about making you feel good when you walk out of there and having a figure we are happy with," Farmer said. "It's not about looking like the person next to you, because the movement is going to look different for everybody."

The class is ideal for both men and women, adults and older adults.

Farmer will travel to Canada this spring for a teachers' workshop, her first in-person one since the pandemic forced classes to Zoom.

Pueblo classes run 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the George L. Williams Pavillion at City Park, 801 Goodnight Ave., and the cost is $10. However, students can get four classes for $20 in March. Classes are free for older adults who have health insurance fitness programs such as Silver Sneakers, Renew Active, One Pass and Aptive.

Farmer also teaches a class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. The cost of the arts center class is $12 and center members get 10% off.

The health insurance benefits are not accepted at the arts center class. To find out more, go to essentricswithKatieFarmer.com, email essentricswithKatierFarmer@gmail.com, or call Farmer at 719-470-3017.

Katie Farmer leads students through stretches during her Essentrics low impact excercise class at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

More local news: What to know about Spring Break 2024 in Pueblo

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Mom of 2 brings Essentrics low-impact exercise program to Pueblo
The new real estate team of Mette Milland, left, and Toni Schemmel.

Toni Schemmel, a former longtime marketing director and real estate agent with the Schemmel Soda Group and Premier Sothebys International, and Mette Milland, a luxury real estate agent with a background as a corporate executive, have joined Michael Saunders & Company as a real estate agent team in the Main Street office.

For more than 10 years, Schemmel oversaw all marketing for the Schemmel Soda Group at Premier Sothebys International in Sarasota. Utilizing her extensive marketing experience in luxury real estate and her credentials as a licensed Realtor, she played a pivotal role in elevating the Schemmel Soda Group to become the leading small agent team in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

She earned an MBA in marketing from Loyola University, in Chicago, and a bachelors in accounting from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Milland has six years of experience as a real estate agent, most recently with the Schemmel Soda Group and previously with William Raveis Real Estate, in Sarasota.

Originally from Denmark, she lived in several other countries, including Singapore and St. Petersburg, Russia, before relocating to the U.S. in 2007.

She has a degree in international marketing and management and has held several senior executive roles in the cellular phone industry, including as CEO of a prominent chain of mobile phone stores in Denmark.

Exit King Realty adds agents

Bailey Evergin and Jill Gould have joined the growing team of real estate sales professionals at Exit King Realty, in Bradenton.Exit King Realty, at 8728 E. S.R. 70, is a member of Exit Southeasts rapidly expanding network of independently owned and operated brokerages across the region.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Schemmel Soda Group agents move to Michael Saunders as team
Last week, you might have seen that China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corporation Ltd (SGX:G92) released its full-year result to the market. The early response was not positive, with shares down 3.2% to S$0.91 in the past week. Revenues were US$14b, approximately in line with whatthe analysts expected, although statutory earnings per share (EPS) crushed expectations, coming in at US$0.068, an impressive 26% ahead of estimates. 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. Readers will be glad to know we've aggregated the latest statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their mind on China Aviation Oil (Singapore) after the latest results.

Check out our latest analysis for China Aviation Oil (Singapore)

After the latest results, the dual analysts covering China Aviation Oil (Singapore) are now predicting revenues of US$16.2b in 2024. If met, this would reflect a solid 12% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to soar 21% to US$0.083. In the lead-up to this report, the analysts had been modelling revenues of US$20.1b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.09 in 2024. It looks like sentiment has fallen somewhat in the aftermath of these results, with a substantial drop in revenue estimates and a minor downgrade to earnings per share numbers as well.

The analysts made no major changes to their price target of S$1.08, suggesting the downgrades are not expected to have a long-term impact on China Aviation Oil (Singapore)'s valuation.

One way to get more context on these forecasts is to look at how they compare to both past performance, and how other companies in the same industry are performing. One thing stands out from these estimates, which is that China Aviation Oil (Singapore) is forecast to grow faster in the future than it has in the past, with revenues expected to display 12% annualised growth until the end of 2024. If achieved, this would be a much better result than the 6.3% annual decline over the past five years. Compare this against analyst estimates for the broader industry, which suggest that (in aggregate) industry revenues are expected to decline 1.8% per year. So it's pretty clear that China Aviation Oil (Singapore) is expected to grow faster than the wider industry.

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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. Sadly they also cut their revenue estimates, although at least the company is expected to perform a bit better 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 China Aviation Oil (Singapore). Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. At least one analyst has provided forecasts out to 2026, which can be seen for free on our platform here.

Another thing to consider is whether management and directors have been buying or selling stock recently. We provide an overview of all open market stock trades for the last twelve months on our platform, 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Banco Santander SAs head of corporate finance in Asia Pacific, Gonzalo Garrigues, has left his role with the Spanish lender in Hong Kong, according to people familiar with the matter.

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Garrigues, based in the Asian financial hub with Santander since 2019, is likely to pursue other opportunities in the financial services industry, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. He was a managing director working on mergers and acquisitions for the Spanish bank, as well as private fundraising and initial public offerings, the people said.

A representative for Santander declined to comment.

During his tenure with Santander in Asia, the bank advised on deals such as State Grid Corp. of Chinas $3 billion acquisition of a Chilean electricity network company from Naturgy Energy Group SA. Other transactions included Platinum Equitys purchase of Urbaser SA in a deal that valued the waste management company at about $4.2 billion including debt, and advising New York-listed Canadian Solar Inc. on the sale of a $500 million stake in Recurrent Energy to BlackRock Inc. Santander also worked on deals in sustainable technology.

Prior to relocating to Hong Kong five years ago, Garrigues was head of equity capital markets in Europe, based in Madrid. He has worked at Santander since 2011 and previously held positions at Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Deutsche Bank AG and JPMorgan Chase & Co., according to his LinkedIn page.

Garriguess departure follows a recent reshuffle at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA in Asia, where Pep Ferris has replaced Pablo Riquelme as the new head of corporate and investment banking in the region.

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Banks such as Santander and BBVA have played a role in cross-border deals involving Chinese companies buying and selling assets in Europe and Latin America, which in recent years has become one of the top destinations for Chinese investments in sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure.

Santander recently made Mencia Bobo global head of global transaction banking within its CIB unit, replacing Jose Luis Calderon who moved to the banks payments division. Bobo will report to CIB head Jose Linares and join his leadership team, Bloomberg News has reported. Santander has been expanding in the US, seeking to strengthen its business advising in areas such as technology, health care and energy transition.

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Bahrain's leading telecom services operator Batelco, a part of the Beyon Group, is set to play a major role at the 7th Annual Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024 as the event's solutions partner.

The two-day summit, which opens tomorrow (March 5) at the Gulf Convention Center, Manama, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid Bin Abdulla Alkhalifa, Deputy Prime Minster Kingdom of Bahrain.

The summit, which incorporates a conference and exhibition, offers an opportunity for industry experts, government officials, and stakeholders to interact and discuss the latest advancements and innovative solutions in smart city technology as well as providing a platform to forge local and regional business connections.

As a key partner of Bahrain Smart Cities Summit, Batelco will showcase its cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to enable and accelerate digital transformation. The major products being showcased includes the smart connectivity and safe & secure city solutions.

Batelco General Manager Enterprise Abdulla Danesh said: "We are thrilled to announce our support and participation at the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024, which is one of the most prominent events in the local real estate sector."

"This event offers an outstanding opportunity to connect with industry peers and showcase our proficiency in providing innovative smart city solutions. With our dedication to digital advancement and our extensive expertise, we are proud to play a key role in the implementation of Smart Cities in Bahrains real estate sector," stated Danesh.

According to him, Batelco is committed to supporting the development of smart cities solutions in Bahrain and has already partnered with various entities to implement smart solutions across the kingdom.

The company's support of the Summit reflects its keenness to contribute to the expansion and growth of technology in the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service
National Grid

A Scottish wind farm operator has been ordered to pay a 5.5m fine for overcharging the National Grid to switch off turbines at peak times.

Dorenell Wind Farm in Scotlands Highlands was found to have charged excessive prices when asked to reduce its power output on multiple occasions since 2020.

The company, which is owned by French energy giant EDF, and others are sometimes asked to reduce the amount of electricity they generate when there is not enough capacity on the grid to prevent it being overloaded.

This often happens in Scotland, where massive amounts of wind power is generated but infrastructure to transport it south is still lacking.

Generators are paid compensation when they are asked to turn off output, with the price based on an estimate of how much they would have earned.

However, Ofgem, the industry regulator, said the prices charged by Dorenell were too high and did not comply with its licence conditions. Dorenell said it had done this unintentionally and would make changes to the way it calculates prices in future.

It is thought to be the first time a wind farm has been fined for excessive grid charges since Ofgem launched a crackdown in August.

The money paid by Dorenell will go towards funds set up to support vulnerable UK households who struggle to pay their bills.

Cathryn Scott, director of enforcement at Ofgem, said: This company has accepted its error and has agreed to make a significant payment to put it right.

Customers  particularly those in vulnerable situations  will rightly benefit from over 5 million as a direct result.

We hope this sends a clear message that licence breaches will simply not be tolerated.

Ofgem has grown more concerned about the prices charged by power plants to switch off since annual costs rose from an average of around 500m per winter previously to 1.5bn in 2021/22.

The costs of balancing the grid is ultimately borne by consumers through their bills.

Last autumn, the watchdog vowed to take a tougher approach and Ofgem has now levied more than 45m in fines related to overcharging, following breaches by power companies Drax, SSE and EP, which is owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

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To keep the lights on, the National Grid must balance the electricity supply with demand moment-by-moment.

It pays power generators to adjust their output on a half-hourly basis, with companies offering a price for which they are willing to deviate from their own plans.

In Dorenells case, Ofgem said the calculations made by the company resulted in higher charges than were necessary to recover its costs. Its prices did not properly reflect the financial benefits of reducing its output, the watchdog said.

The company accepted Ofgems findings and complied with the regulators investigation.

A spokesman for Dorenell added: Dorenell Windfarm Limited takes compliance seriously and aims to comply with regulations at all times.

DWL reviews its practices regularly and adapts as necessary. At all times throughout this review, DWL has engaged actively with Ofgem and cooperated fully to resolve the issue.

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AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd.

Southeast Asia's interior fit-out furniture market is expanding. Driven by rapid urbanization, a burgeoning middle class, and hospitality growth, it offers vast opportunities for domestic manufacturers and international suppliers alike. Key trends include a focus on sustainability, tech-integrated fit-outs, and strong demand in the commercial and residential sectors.

New Delhi, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest research by Astute Analytica, the Southeast Asia interior fit-out furniture market, valued at US$ 8.93 billion in 2023, is projected to reach over US$ 13.33 billion by 2032. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.55% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

The residential sector dominates the Southeast Asian interior fit-out furniture market. With over 25% of overall demand, its not hard to imagine that the region's growing middle class (now around 35% of the population) and rapid urbanization is driving this demand. As people have more money and move into cities in droves, they naturally want nicer living spaces. And why wouldnt they? Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand drive the regional market due to their stronger economies and higher standards of living.

Get a Free Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/southeast-asia-interior-fit-out-furniture-market

The commercial sector holds the majority of revenue share: over 75%. The office-furniture industry is expected to continue a healthy growth as modern workplaces are becoming more popular due to changing work patterns and a focus on employee wellbeing. Also, since Southeast Asia is a global tourism hub with over 140 million international arrivals in 2022, it makes sense that so much emphasis would be put on hospitality segments where interior fit-out furniture plays a key role in creating an experience for guests.



Southeast Asia interior fit-out furniture market trends like sustainability are important drivers as well. Over 70% of Southeast Asian consumers think about sustainability when buying products which has led to an increase in eco-friendly furniture production. Online sales channels are also being democratized as more people gain access to them. And even though smart furniture isnt too popular yet (it still occupies a niche), its rising adoption means there's definitely a desire for technology-enhanced living/working environments; so well see how long that niche lasts! Southeast Asias ability to manufacture such goods puts them at an advantage within the global market  further contributing towards industry growth.

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Key Findings in Southeast Asia Interior Fit-Out Furniture Market

Market Forecast (2032) US$ 13.33 billion CAGR 4.55% Largest Country (2023) Malaysia (31.6%) By Type Category A fit-out (60.8%) By Services Manufacturing (55.2%) By Application Commercial (75.1%) By Model B2C (55%) By Distribution Channel Furniture Manufacturers (39.6%) By Building Type New Contract (80.3%)

Southeast Asia's Contract Furniture Boom: Opportunities for Suppliers and Investors

The contract furniture in Southeast Asia interior fit-out furniture market is witnessing a strong influx of demand. The sales are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% between 2024 and 2032, according to Astute Analytica. This growth is coming from all over, but it's mostly coming from the hospitality industry which still holds a whopping 35% of the total market share. Theres always a competition of which one can be more luxurious. However, as lucrative as the hospitality sector may seem, its actually the office sector that is growing at the fastest pace right now. Wherein, businesses are starting to realize how important collaboration is for success and they want their offices to reflect this. So, naturally theyre turning towards contract furniture like ergonomic seating options and adaptable office setups. Another interesting thing about this trend is that Vietnam and Indonesia have positioned themselves as major production hubs for contract furniture, but China still has a strong hold on Southeast Asia's industry.

Its also worth mentioning that sustainability has emerged as a very important factor in purchasing decisions recently. In fact, nearly two thirds of businesses prioritize eco-friendly choices when choosing contract furniture according to estimates.

Thailand Offers Lucrative Growth Opportunity to Capitalize on Thriving Interior Fit-Out Furniture Market

Malaysia is currently leading the market, but it looks like Thailands interior fit-out furniture market might be next in line for domination. Its economy has been growing rapidly, and so has its middle class. There are also a lot more people living in urban areas now than there used to be. The biggest players in this region include Modernform, Index Living Mall, and SB Furniture. Theyre all Thai manufacturers and retailers thatve seen some serious growth lately.

Thailand boasts a strong design heritage and an established manufacturing base. Because of this, their consumers are willing to shell out big bucks on fancy new furnishings. On top of that, architects and interior designers play a crucial role in specifying what fit-out products should be stocked at each location. And lets not forget about contract furniture suppliers  theyre the ones who actually bring those ideas to life.



Tourism is driving the hospitality industry forward at an alarming rate in the country, offering lucrative opportunity for market players. Moreover, the growth from residential houses and office buildings also has substantial demand thanks to population growth and the evolution of workspaces. As per Astute Analytica, there are already many established companies competing with one another here, they have to differentiate somehow to stay competitive. One way is by partnering with a local distributor or manufacturer so that the brand will take off faster in the country.

Manufacturing Services are the Heart of Southeast Asia Interior Fit-Out Furniture Market, Captures Over 55.2% Revenue Share

Today, Southeast Asia is a major manufacturing hub for interior fit-out furniture thanks to the cost competitiveness due to lower labor costs compared to developed regions. The region also has highly skilled workers who are very good at woodworking and craftsmanship. Theres an abundance of natural materials like wood, rattan, and bamboo which are important for furniture production. Governments across some Southeast Asian nations have given support to their nations economies with incentives and infrastructure development that encourage investment in the furniture manufacturing sector. Lastly, Southeast Asia is also geographically close to China which makes it easier for them to get supply chain materials.

Demand for Southeast Asian manufactured interior fit-out furniture market comes from a lot of different places too. Rapid urbanization and construction all over the region creates massive needs for interior fit-outs within residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. An expanding middle class poses more disposable income which prompts them to want higher quality furniture. Also, as global design trends continue to spread out further into Southeast Asia there will be a much greater need of diverse design styles in their marketplaces.

The domestic market within the region stands as one of the biggest consumers of Southeast Asian manufactured fit-out furniture. International importers such as retailers and design firms in developed nations require their services too as well as the global contract furniture industry serving institutions and large-scale projects around the world. Thailand and Malaysias established industries and skilled workforces carry out a lot of work when it comes to manufacturing service providers while Vietnam and Indonesia become major production hubs instead where theres greater opportunity for growth.

Inquire Before Buying This Research Report @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/southeast-asia-interior-fit-out-furniture-market

Category A Fit-Outs: Shaping the Future of Southeast Asian Commercial Spaces, With More than 60.8% Revenue Contribution

Category A fit-outs flooring, ceilings, partitions, and essential MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) services  make up 60.8% of Southeast Asias interior fit-out furniture market. It's no surprise that the region's construction sector is booming; it's predicted to grow at a CAGR of over 6% between 2023-2028. When it comes to functional commercial spaces, Category A fit-outs are an absolute must-have. The corporate sector is expanding rapidly  especially office spaces in Vietnam and the Philippines  which only drives demand for Category A fit-outs further.

Sustainable solutions are taking center stage: around 70% of businesses are willing to invest in eco-friendly fit-outs. Smart building technology is also seeing niche yet promising growth.

Southeast Asia Interior Fit-Out Furniture Market Key Players

ATC craft

PT. Chitose Internasional Tbk

Decoy Plant Co., Ltd.

East Coast Furnitech Public Company Limited (ECF)

Global House Public Company Limited. (Thailand)

Hin Lim Furniture Manufacturer Sdn. Bhd

Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

PT Integra Indocabinet Tbk

Kaiser 1 Furniture Industry (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.

KOKUYO CO., LTD.

Lio Collection

Minh Duong Furniture Corp

Phu Tai Joint Stock Company

Pottery Barn

VIVERE Group

VS FURNITURE

Waltco International, Inc.

West Elm

Other Prominent Players

Key Segmentation:

By Type

Shell and Core Fit-Out

Category A Fit-Out Electrical outlets Raised access floors HVAC systems Fire protection systems Toilets Grid ceiling Others

Category B Fit-Out

By Services

Consulting Design, functionality, materials, and building physics Project-related custom solutions Prototypes and patterns

Planning Construction documentation and execution Detailed operational charts

Manufacturing Carried out by experienced specialists Three facilities specialized in wood products

Implementation Project managers experienced in handling large-scale projects Quality, cost and schedule control throughout the construction process



By Distribution Channel

Real-estate Developers

Architects/Interior Designers

Furniture Manufacturers

Others

By Application

Residential

Commercial Offices Retail Education Healthcare Hotels Resorts & Leisure Others



By Building Type

New Construct

Existing (renovation/upgrade)

By Model

B2B

B2C

By Country

Vietnam

Indonesia

Philippines

Malaysia

Thailand

Get Our Detailed Methodology @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-methodology/southeast-asia-interior-fit-out-furniture-market

For further details or to explore our comprehensive industry reports, we invite you to connect with our dedicated team. Please reach out to us at sales@astuteanalytica.com for personalized assistance.

About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

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CONTACT: Vipin Singh BSI Business Park, H-15,Sector-63, Noida- 201301- India Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/




A Chatham local is serving an even larger community with a new executive promotion; giving people around the U.S. options and assistance with the nations leading end-of-life care provider.

Joel Wherley of Chatham was promoted to president and chief operating officer, or COO, of VITAS Healthcare on Feb. 26. The promotion followed several other recent strategic promotions by the hospice company.

Established in 1978, VITAS Healthcare is headquartered in Miami, Florida and operates 50 different hospice programs in 14 states. Focusing on patients with advanced illness, VITAS employs 10,537 professionals who helped an average of 19,455 patients daily in 2023. Professionals in VITAS help at patient homes, hospitals and nursing homes or assisted living.

Chatham resident Joel Wherley, president and chief operating officer of VITAS Healthcare

More: Fight against poverty: Illinoisans to rally outside the state capitol this weekend

Wherley joined VITAS Healthcare in 2016 as a senior vice president of operations. A year later, he was promoted to EVP and COO. In his expanded role as president and COO, Wherley now leads and oversees day-to-day field operations, clinical services, business development and physicians leadership.

According to a statement from VITAS Healthcare, Wherley has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a steadfast commitment to advancing the VITAS mission of providing exceptional patient and family.

An alumnus of University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College, Wherley holds degrees in respiratory therapy and business administration, management and operations.

Before joining the health care provider, Wherley held executive-level positions at American HomePatient, Hospice Advantage and Gentiva. He was honored as an inaugural advisory board member for The Home Care Innovation + Investment Conference (HI2) in 2022.

Alongside Wherleys promotion to president and COO, Bryan Wysong of Ohio was promoted to executive vice president of operations, while Nick Westfall has been named VITAS chairman.

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"These promotions reflect our organizations deep commitment to develop talent and empower our leaders to continue to elevate the care and comfort we provide to our patients and their caregivers," said Westfall. "Since hiring both Joel and Bryan to VITAS, they have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to our mission, and Im confident that they will continue to drive innovation and excellence in their expanded roles.

Contact Claire Grant at CLGrant@gannett.com, X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Vitas Healthcare names Springfield-area's Joel Wherley as president
jimkruger / iStock.com

Walmart (ticker:WMT) and Target (ticker: TGT) are both titans of retail. While Walmart is the biggest by far, Target is still in the top 10 for US retailers. You may already have a preference on which store is the best to shop at  but which companys stock is the better investment? Lets take a look.

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1. Financial Strength

Both companies are huge, with market caps measured in the billions, which generally means they are financially stable. That doesnt make them equal, though. Assessing a companys financial strength is a crucial part of understanding how risky or safe their stock is as an investment.

One commonly-used metric is the current ratio, which measures a companys ability to use liquid assets to meet its short-term obligations. Typically investors will look for a current ratio of at least 1 or higher, but because retailers have so much money tied up in inventory, their current ratios tend to be lower. Walmart has a current ratio of 0.83, while Target comes in at 0.86, putting both companies on roughly equal footing.

Another useful way to measure financial strength is the Piotroski F-Score, which uses nine different metrics to assess a companys underlying fundamentals. Target has a trailing twelve month (TTM) F-Score of 7, which is good, but Walmart has an F-Score of 8 over the same period.

Edge: Walmart

2. Dividend Yield

For companies that pay a dividend, comparing the dividend yield can help determine which stock is the most attractive. The higher the yield, the more you are earning in dividend payments for every dollar you have invested. Target has a TTM dividend yield of 2.28%, while Walmart yields 1.27%, meaning you would receive a dollar more in dividends from Target for every $100 invested.

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Edge: Target

3. Valuation

Probably the single most important factor when analyzing a stock is its valuation. In the end, the price you pay will determine your return, so even the very best companies can make a bad investment if you overpay. By far the most common valuation metric used to evaluate publicly-traded stocks is the price to earnings (P/E) ratio. Walmart has a TTM P/E ratio of 30.74, meaning its stock price is 30 times its earnings. Target has a P/E ratio of 14.13 over the same period, indicating that the stock market is pricing Walmart stock much higher than Target stock.

Edge: Target

The Winner: Target

Learn More: Im a Financial Advisor: Id Invest My First $5,000 in These 6 Stocks

While its clear that Walmart is a very high quality stock, the overall pick here is Target. With a valuation less than half as rich as Walmart, and a more attractive dividend yield, investors should be willing to bear a little more risk for Target. Things can always change, so remember to review your stock holdings on a regular basis.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Target vs. Walmart Stock: Which Is a Better Investment?
Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Brunswick Exploration (CVE:BRW) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'.

Check out our latest analysis for Brunswick Exploration

How Long Is Brunswick Exploration's Cash Runway?

A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. In December 2023, Brunswick Exploration had CA$12m in cash, and was debt-free. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through CA$11m. Therefore, from December 2023 it had roughly 13 months of cash runway. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

How Is Brunswick Exploration's Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Brunswick Exploration didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. In fact, it ramped its spending strongly over the last year, increasing cash burn by 135%. It's fair to say that sort of rate of increase cannot be maintained for very long, without putting pressure on the balance sheet. Brunswick Exploration makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth.

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How Easily Can Brunswick Exploration Raise Cash?

Given its cash burn trajectory, Brunswick Exploration shareholders may wish to consider how easily it could raise more cash, despite its solid cash runway. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Brunswick Exploration's cash burn of CA$11m is about 12% of its CA$94m market capitalisation. Given that situation, it's fair to say the company wouldn't have much trouble raising more cash for growth, but shareholders would be somewhat diluted.

Is Brunswick Exploration's Cash Burn A Worry?

On this analysis of Brunswick Exploration's cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. We don't think its cash burn is particularly problematic, but after considering the range of factors in this article, we do think shareholders should be monitoring how it changes over time. On another note, Brunswick Exploration has 6 warning signs (and 3 which are concerning) we think you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Ubirider Platform, a digital mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform for transport providers, riders and cities, helps move people, information and payments seamlessly. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Funding to Fuel Development and Global Expansion of Industrys Only End-to-End Mobility-as-a-Service Platform Serving Both Transport Operators and Travelers

PORTO, Portugal, March 04, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ubirider, a mobility fintech company and creator of Ubirider Platform, a digital mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform for transport providers, riders and cities that helps move people, information and payments seamlessly, today announced that it has closed a seed round of funding co-led by Techtree Investments, an investment vehicle from CTT and managed by Iberis Capital, and Cedrus R&D III, an investment vehicle managed by Cedrus Capital. Existing investor Grupo Barraqueiro also participated, as well as two angel investors Jose Santos from the United States and Andres Alcala from Colombia. The $1.95 Million raised will be used to grow the company internationally and expand the product development and marketing teams to bring open mobility and banking through innovative contactless payment solutions to transit riders and operators everywhere.

With more than 11.4 Million transactions on the Ubirider Platform, Ubirider has demonstrated the high demand for digital and open-loop ticketing (use of contactless bank cards or smartphone wallets) by transport providers and cities. Open-loop and MaaS capabilities deliver added value to riders by offering a seamless travel experience, enabling contactless payment and travel with a smartphone or a bank card. Data Bridge Market Research forecasts that the global mobile payment technologies market will reach $2 trillion by 2030, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 37% during the forecast period.

"Payments have long been of great relevance to Group CTT, particularly to Payshop, our subsidiary company specializing in payments, and transport and mobility ticketing. Currently, the adoption of mobile ticketing and contactless payments in cities by transport service providers is a trend that is experiencing significant growth and is an area where will continue to invest," said Nuno Matos, Director of Digital, New Channels and Innovation at CTT. "What Ubirider has created with its mobility as a service platform makes us very confident in its potential to gain relevance in the market. At the same time, we are very excited to see how it will help transform public transport into something that people enjoy and seek, as well as contributing to environmental sustainability, which is one of our strategic priorities. We are very happy to have Ubirider in the portfolio of our investment vehicle, Techtree."

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"While the Covid pandemic all but halted the growth in the transportation market, we are now seeing a surging demand for mobile-first solutions," said Pedro Appleton Figueira, Partner at Cedrus Capital. "Riders want to purchase, store, and manage tickets seamlessly using their smartphones, and operators need to have better insights into rider patterns and behavior in order to make the best business decisions to better serve their customers. The team at Ubirider has been exceptionally thoughtful and visionary in creating a solution that addresses the needs on both sides and we are thrilled to be a part of their next growth phase."

"We invested in Ubirider for the first time in July 2019 and we are now investing again, because, over these years we have seen Ubiriders team passion, commitment and dedication to excellence to develop digital products for agencies and travelers that go beyond just great tech and also provide an optimal user experience," said Artur Pedrosa, Director of the Board at Grupo Barraqueiro. "Ubirider Platform has a smart design that is simple yet powerful, meeting the needs of several different stakeholders inside a transportation agency: managers, dispatchers, fare collection, sales & marketing, finance, payments, etc. Grupo Barraqueiro is not just an investor, it is also a happy customer. We see with great satisfaction and pride the start of Ubriders internationalization, so other transportation companies can, like us, benefit from the powerful Ubirider Platform."

"Facing the pandemic was challenging to say the least for a company focused on the mobility market, but our team and our sole investor (at the time), Grupo Barraqueiro, believed in our mission and persevered to create the most complete, flexible and robust mobility platform on the market," said Paulo Ferreira dos Santos, CEO and Founder of Ubirider. "The positive customer feedback weve received drives us to continue innovating to enable the most convenient, seamless travel experience for riders, but also to offer agencies of any size an affordable and powerful digital platform that will maximize operational efficiency."

Strategic partnerships with Mastercard, Deloitte, Payshop, Viva.com and others fosters significant advancements in digital payment solutions for more efficient and sustainable transportation

With the help of Mastercard, Ubirider has been able to successfully deploy its innovative platform with contactless payments in various public transit agencies in the Portuguese cities of Lisbon, Evora, Faro and Beja. Those implementations, combined with the implementation of the mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform of the city of Cascais has resulted in nearly 300,000 registered users and 2.1 million tickets sold. Strategic partnerships with Mastercard, Deloitte, Payshop, European technology bank Viva.com and others are enabling Ubirider to be one of the most innovative players and to continue growing its customer base, delivering the most sophisticated MaaS platform to serve both riders and transit operators.

The Ubirider Platform is redefining the standard for state-of-the-art open-loop ticketing and payment systems. Ubirider is not only making the transportation experience significantly better, more integrated and simpler for people, but it is also empowering transit and mobility operators to gain meaningful real-time data and insights into travel trends that will enable them to be nimble enough to adjust their networks to satisfy citizens and business needs, all while being more sustainable.

Ubirider has built the mobility-as-a-service app Pick for riders and the cloud and smartphones-based Ubirider Platform for agencies. The mobile app Pick allows users to plan door-to-door travel, pay and ride to all destinations, everywhere, using the best transport combination. It is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery.

Finally, the company debuted new branding with an updated company logo and new logo for the mobile app Pick. See the fresh, new look at www.ubirider.com.

About Ubirider

Ubirider was founded with the mission to transform the utilization and management of transportation operations to be simple, elegant and more accessible. The Ubirider Platform is the most complete mobility-as-a-service platform that includes mobile and web components that serve the interests and needs of travelers, commuters and mobility operators. Pick is a mobility as a service app which helps travelers determine the best option for every journey, combining traditional and modern modes of transportation from buses and ferries to carsharing and micro-mobility. Ubirider is based in Porto, Portugal and is funded by Techtree Investments, an investment vehicle from CTT and managed by Iberis Capital and Cedrus R&D III, an investment vehicle managed by Cedrus Capital, Grupo Barraqueiro as well as angel investors. Ubirider is a strategic partner of Mastercard, Deloitte, PayShop and Viva.com. For more information, visit www.ubirider.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304797977/en/

Contacts

Ubirider

Angela Costa Simoes

415-302-2934

angela.simoes@ubirider.com
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX), is not the largest company out there, but it led the NYSE gainers with a relatively large price hike in the past couple of weeks. The company is inching closer to its yearly highs following the recent share price climb. As a mid-cap stock with high coverage by analysts, you could assume any recent changes in the companys outlook is already priced into the stock. But what if there is still an opportunity to buy? Lets examine Louisiana-Pacifics valuation and outlook in more detail to determine if theres still a bargain opportunity.

See our latest analysis for Louisiana-Pacific

Is Louisiana-Pacific Still Cheap?

The stock is currently trading at US$75.08 on the share market, which means it is overvalued by 29% compared to our intrinsic value of $58.11. Not the best news for investors looking to buy! But, is there another opportunity to buy low in the future? Since Louisiana-Pacifics share price is quite volatile, this could mean it can sink lower (or rise even further) in the future, giving us another chance to invest. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for how much the stock moves relative to the rest of the market.

Can we expect growth from Louisiana-Pacific?

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. Louisiana-Pacific's earnings over the next few years are expected to double, indicating a very optimistic future ahead. This should lead to stronger cash flows, feeding into a higher share value.

What This Means For You

Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has well and truly priced in LPXs positive outlook, with shares trading above its fair value. At this current price, shareholders may be asking a different question  should I sell? If you believe LPX should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed.

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Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on LPX for a while, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its true value, which means theres no upside from mispricing. However, the optimistic prospect is encouraging for LPX, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

With this in mind, we wouldn't consider investing in a stock unless we had a thorough understanding of the risks. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Louisiana-Pacific you should know about.

If you are no longer interested in Louisiana-Pacific, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- The US uranium enrichment industry would get a $2.7 billion infusion in a government funding bill unveiled Sunday, reflecting efforts to wean the nation off nuclear fuel imported from Russia.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The funding, which was requested by the White House, is part of a broader plan by President Joe Bidens administration to buy enriched uranium directly from domestic producers. The goal is to spur the return of nearly dormant US capabilities by creating a guaranteed buyer of American-made nuclear reactor fuel.

The effort comes as the Senate may join the House in passing legislation that would bar imports of enriched uranium from Russia, which was the top foreign supplier of nuclear reactor fuel in 2022. The enrichment funding is conditional on limits being put in place on the importation of enriched Russian uranium, according to bill text.

Earlier: US Seeks $4.3 Billion for Uranium to Wean Off Russia Supply

The funding would be repurposed from a credit program for domestic nuclear reactors that was included in 2022 bipartisan infrastructure law. Its earmarked to help create a market for domestic production of the enriched uranium used as fuel in the US fleet of more than 90 nuclear reactors as well as for highly-enriched uranium used in a new breed of advanced reactors that is currently only produced in Russia.

Congress is seeking to pass the underlying bill needed to prevent a partial government shutdown before a Friday deadline.

(Adds additional context in third paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
First Countrywide Access to Visual History Archives of Holocaust, Oct. 7 Survivor Testimonies

JERUSALEM and LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The USC Shoah Foundation has partnered with the National Library of Israel to provide Israelis with the first countrywide access to the Institute's entire Visual History Archive, including testimonies from more than 52,000 Holocaust survivors and hundreds of survivors of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.

USC Shoah Foundation

USC Shoah Foundation Finci-Viterbi Executive Director Chair Dr. Robert J. Williams and National Library of Israel Chairman Sallai Meridor announced the exclusive partnership during a March 4 signing event at the new National Library of Israel building in Jerusalem. As part of the agreement, the USC Shoah Foundation created a customized page on the NLI website allowing anyone with an Israeli IP address to search, stream and download testimonies from survivors of the Holocaust and other antisemitic attacks at https://www.nli.org.il/en/research-and-teach/holocaust-research .

While the entire Visual History Archive is accessible at close to 200 academic and cultural institutions around the world, the partnership with NLI makes Israel the only country where full access is available nationwide.

"The work of the USC Shoah Foundation with the National Library of Israel is a strong sign of what is possible when major institutions work in partnership in ways that elevate each other's missions. Together, we are creating a resource that not only helps inform the global struggle against antisemitism, but one that also builds awareness and understanding of the Jewish people," said Dr. Williams, who serves as UNESCO Chair on Antisemitism and Holocaust Research and Advisor to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. "It is vitally important that all our testimonies are available in Israel, where nearly half of the world's remaining Holocaust survivors and the vast majority of Oct. 7 survivors live. The USC Shoah Foundation's archive contains uniquely powerful sources that inform education, research and awareness-raising initiatives that bring people and societies face-to-face with the human beings who survived the world's oldest hatred. By giving scholars, educators and the wider public additional access to these testimonies through the National Library of Israel, we are helping connect the past with the present in ways that can secure a better future for Israel and the wider international community."

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"The National Library of Israel is the keeper of national memory for the Jewish people and the State of Israel," NLI Chairman Meridor said. "This outstanding agreement will deepen the understanding of Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths as to humanity's nadirs and zeniths, from the lowest levels of cruelty, brutality and malice to the highest points of resilience, faith and courage. We invite all users of the National Library website to watch and witness these testimonies, and hope fervently that our resolute pledge of 'Never Again' will continue to guide generations to come."

The March 4 National Library of Israel event kicked off the USC Shoah Foundation's four-day Israel Solidarity Mission designed to foster collaboration in the fight against antisemitism. The mission also includes meetings with Israel President Isaac Herzog, a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and conversations with Oct. 7 survivors and hostage families, as well as visits to sites of Oct. 7 mass atrocities in southern Israel.

Over the past five months, the USC Shoah Foundation has gathered more than 400 testimonies of Oct. 7 survivors and eyewitnesses. The National Library of Israel, which opened its new building in the shadow of the war on Oct. 29, will serve as a central repository cataloging October 7 testimonies collected by the USC Shoah Foundation and other organizations.

"Our collective work will represent the most comprehensive archival effort to chronicle antisemitic violence," Dr. Williams said. "Researchers and storytellers  now and in the future  can turn to these archives as an irrefutable, publicly available resource to rely on in the ongoing fight against antisemitism."

About the USC Shoah Foundation

The USC Shoah Foundation preserves and amplifies the voices of the past to build a future that remembers. The Visual History Archive (VHA) is home to more than 56,000 testimonies of survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, and other historical events of genocide, crimes against humanity, and related persecution, including contemporary antisemitism. It is the largest such collection in the world.

Testimony empowers humanity. Centered around survivor voices, the USC Shoah Foundation's innovative programming, global-impact strategies, and cutting-edge research initiatives help foster insights and practical solutions to preserve Holocaust memory and history, confront antisemitism, and strengthen democratic values.

About the National Library of Israel

The National Library of Israel (NLI) is the dynamic institution of national memory for the Jewish people worldwide and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths. As Israel's preeminent research library, NLI collections include the world's largest collection of textual Judaica, as well as world-class collections of Jewish and Islamic manuscripts, ancient maps, rare books, photographs, communal and personal archives and more. NLI encourages diverse audiences in Israel and around the globe to engage with its treasures via innovative educational, cultural and digital initiatives, as well through a new landmark building that reflects NLI's core values of democratizing knowledge, and opening its resources to the broadest audience possible. For more information, please visit: www.nli.org.il/en .

Cision

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SOURCE USC Shoah Foundation
WEZLANA IS THE FIRST BIOSIMILAR TO STELARA TO BE AVAILABLE FOR CANADIAN PATIENTS IN ALL INDICATIONS

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Amgen Canada today announced that WEZLANA (ustekinumab injection) and WEZLANA I.V. (ustekinumab for injection, solution for intravenous infusion), a biosimilar to STELARA, is now available in Canada. WEZLANA is the first biosimilar to STELARA to be approved by Health Canada for all indications. WEZLANA is indicated for adult and pediatric plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.[1]

Amgen Canada Logo (CNW Group/Amgen Canada)

"The availability of WEZLANA marks a significant milestone in expanding high quality therapeutic options for physicians and Canadian patients living with certain chronic inflammatory diseases," says Daniel Martinez, executive medical director, Amgen Canada. "The addition of WEZLANA to the Amgen biosimilars portfolio has the potential to increase access for patients and underscores our commitment to serve patients in Canada."

"Inflammatory diseases are complex and impact individual patients differently," says Dr. Marc Bradette, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Universite Laval, Quebec. "Biosimilars contribute to a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system, with optimal access to important treatments. WEZLANA offers a cost-effective option for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease."

Health Canada approval was based on a robust comprehensive data package, which found no clinically meaningful differences in efficacy, safety and immunogenicity between WEZLANA and STELARA.2 WEZLANA is available as a subcutaneous injection, 45 mg/0.5ml and 90 mg/ml and as an intravenous solution, 130 mg/26mL (5mg/mL).1

About WEZLANA

WEZLANA (ustekinumab injection) / WEZLANA I.V. (ustekinumab for injection, solution for intravenous infusion) is a biosimilar to STELARA (ustekinumab injection) / STELARA I.V. (ustekinumab for injection). A biosimilar is a biologic drug that was granted Health Canada approval based on a demonstration of similarity to a version previously authorized in Canada, known as the reference biologic drug. Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds with specificity to the shared p40 protein subunit of human cytokines interleukin IL-12 and IL-23. 1

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About Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Following a physical injury, or in certain conditions, inflammation is a normal, healthy response; however, inflammatory disorders that result in the immune system attacking the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, which can result in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues.3 In this case, the inflammation refers to a biological response to stimuli interpreted by the body to have a potentially harmful effect.3

Millions of Canadians suffer from various chronic inflammatory diseases,4 often considered "invisible" since it does not show telltale physical signs the way acute inflammation does.5 Chronic inflammatory diseases are a burden to humans because of life-long debilitating illness, increased mortality and high costs for therapy and care.6

The only way to detect chronic inflammation is to have an evaluation by a doctor including a physical exam and blood tests.5

About Amgen Canada

As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ontario's vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading healthcare, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.

Amgen Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those Amgen projects. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for Amgen to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and Amgen expects similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints Amgen has selected. Amgen develops product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as Amgen may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, Amgen or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products, including its devices, after they are on the market.

Amgen's results may be affected by its ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing its products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of Amgen's products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, Amgen's research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. Amgen's business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, Amgen's business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. While Amgen routinely obtains patents for its products and technology, the protection offered by its patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, or Amgen may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. Amgen performs a substantial amount of its commercial manufacturing activities at a few key manufacturing facilities, including in Puerto Rico, and also depends on third parties for a portion of its manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of its current products and product candidate development. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, Amgen competes with other companies with respect to many of its marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for Amgen's products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of Amgen's distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with Amgen. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of Amgen's products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on its business and results of operations. Amgen's efforts to acquire other companies or products and to integrate the operations of companies Amgen has acquired may not be successful. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Amgen's systems and Amgen's data. Amgen's stock price may be volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Amgen's business performance could affect or limit the ability of the Amgen Board of Directors to declare a dividend or its ability to pay a dividend or repurchase its common stock. Amgen may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to it, or at all.

REFERENCES

1 WEZLANA Product Monograph. Amgen Canada Inc. (December 2023). 2 NCT04607980 study. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04607980?term=ABP+654&draw=2&rank=2 . 3 https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_inflammatory-disorders.asp..

4 https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/49032.html.

5 https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation.

6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753361/.

SOURCE Amgen Canada

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Business solutions provider Transguard Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zand Bank, the UAEs first digital bank.

Under this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, Transguard Cash is signalling its interest in exploring, through strategic partners, the expansion of its already robust portfolio of services to include Digital Asset Collection Solutions and Digital Asset Custody Services.

This MoU represents a pivotal moment in Transguards ongoing evolution in the digital space, stated Rabie Atieh, CEO, Transguard Group. While we are well-established as leaders in cash management solutions, this partnership with Zand Bank will allow us to further expand our product range to existing clients and even more client segments in order to serve this dynamic new sector.

Digital security

I am thrilled to build our strategic alliance with Transguard, the most trusted cash and valuable commodities custodian as well as the largest security company, added Michael Chan, CEO, Zand Bank. Together we are embarking on a journey to revolutionise digital services and set the highest standard of security in digital asset custody. We want to provide our clients with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their core business. This partnership showcases how we are well-positioned to help businesses meld the reliability of time-honoured services with the dynamism of modern innovation, keeping institutions at the forefront of their industries.--TradeArabia News Service
As Houthi rebels continue to wreak havoc in the Red Sea, China recently sent a diplomat to the major countries involved in the crisis in a bid to "restore safety and stability" in the region.

But analysts have said the diplomatic mission is unlikely to yield any solid breakthroughs in the crisis due to Beijing's continuing reluctance to intervene further - and threaten its neutral position in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Last month, Wang Di, director general of the foreign ministry's West Asian and North African affairs department, became the first Chinese diplomat since the crisis began to visit both Saudi Arabia and Oman as he met with Saudi, Omani and Yemeni officials.

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.

In all his meetings, he had a similar message.

In Saudi capital Riyadh, Wang told Yemeni deputy foreign minister Mansour Ali Saeed Bajash that China attached great importance to "maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea region", adding that Beijing supported Yemen's "legitimate government", but it would only pursue a "political settlement" on the anti-government Houthi militants.

While there, he made the same point to Saudi Arabian officials - that Beijing was willing to work with the country to "restore safety and stability" in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Wang also highlighted China's call for a ceasefire in Gaza during his tour, telling Omani officials that Beijing believed the Red Sea crisis was a "prominent manifestation of the spillover from Gaza".

Since November, Iran-backed rebel Houthi militants have conducted drone and missile attacks on the Red Sea shipping lines in response to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, damaging the vital trade lifeline connecting Europe and Asia.

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Liu Xinlu, director of the school of Arabic studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said Wang's visit showed that the Red Sea crisis was "closely related" to China's interests.

"Although the Yemeni Houthis have not launched attacks on Chinese ships and have given such facilities to [Chinese] personnel and enterprises, the Red Sea corridor is related to world shipping, so the transport of oil and gas resources and commodities still has a relatively large impact [on China]," he said.

Saudi Arabia and Oman are key players in the Houthi crisis. Riyadh has led an anti-Houthi coalition against the militants since 2015. The years-long war has triggered humanitarian crises in Yemen, but under Oman's mediation, the two parties started ceasefire negotiations last year.

Beijing has also reportedly urged Tehran to rein in the rebel group. Earlier this month, the Chinese deputy foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu told his Iranian counterpart Ali Bagheri that Beijing needed "safety of navigation in Red Sea waters".

Liu said Wang's visit reaffirmed Beijing's position on the Red Sea crisis, which was "a spillover of the Gaza war", and further suggested that "the Palestinian-Israeli issue is at the heart of the Middle East problem".

The Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have been causing havoc on the vital Red Sea trade routes since November in protest over the Israel-Gaza war. Photo: AP alt=The Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have been causing havoc on the vital Red Sea trade routes since November in protest over the Israel-Gaza war. Photo: AP>

"Actually, Wang's diplomatic visit is about furthering Beijing's goal of a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli issue, which is to achieve a ceasefire [in Gaza] through diplomatic mediation and political approaches," he said.

But Yin Gang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that since Wang was not considered a senior official of the foreign ministry, his visit was more of a "routine" one, underscoring Beijing's reluctance to get more involved in the crisis.

He noted that as the Houthi militants gave the green light to Chinese and Russian vessels in the trade corridor, Beijing needed to maintain a balanced approach so it would not be blamed for "conspiring with the Houthis and Iran".

Beijing has long supported the exiled legitimate government of Yemen, but it also advocated a peaceful resolution to the Yemen crisis, avoiding a harsh stance towards the Houthi militants.

It has sought to play the role of peacemaker in the Yemen conflict at the diplomatic level as its influence in the Middle East grows. Last year, Shao Zheng, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Yemen, promoted the idea of China as a mediator after it brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

But in terms of the Red Sea, Yin said: "China has no ability nor motivation to be further involved."

He said Beijing would continue its independent strategy, which meant steering clear of any approaches from Tehran or the Houthis, or even Washington.

"Except when China's vital interests are compromised, such as a widespread attack on Chinese carriers, China will maintain a low-profile stance."

Wang Di, director general of the foreign ministry's West Asian and North African affairs department, visited Saudi Arabia and Oman earlier this month in a bid to find a diplomatic solution to the Red Sea crisis. Photo: Handout alt=Wang Di, director general of the foreign ministry's West Asian and North African affairs department, visited Saudi Arabia and Oman earlier this month in a bid to find a diplomatic solution to the Red Sea crisis. Photo: Handout>

Washington has also pushed China to get further engaged in their exchanges in recent months, with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken putting pressure on Beijing.

Liu predicted higher-profile diplomatic exchanges related to the Gaza war and Red Sea issues may be on their way, with Beijing still looking to find political solutions to the Palestine-Israel conflict.

China is not alone in trying to maintain a fragile balance in the Red Sea crisis. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both traditionally allies of the US, have not joined the anti-Houthi patrols, but neither have they publicly supported the militants' attacks on Israel. Egypt has also largely remained silent.

"China's position is mostly one of distancing itself from Western countries. Chinese diplomats have been carefully commenting on the events, but in Beijing's narratives, the rise of attacks is a consequence of Israel's war in Gaza," said Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute.

"Because Beijing portrays the US as the main cause behind regional instability in the Middle East, it looks at Prosperity Guardian and the air strikes against the Houthis as contributing elements to the escalation," he said.

Operation Prosperity Guardian is a US-led military exercise formed in December 2023 to respond to the Red Sea attacks.

China, meanwhile, has not announced any force deployment to help safeguard the shipping routes, despite having a strong military presence in the region.

The passage of water at the centre of the crisis is home to China's first overseas naval base - in Djibouti. The Horn of Africa port opened in 2017 across the sea from Yemen's Houthi-controlled west coast.

On February 21, China dispatched the 46th fleet of the Chinese PLA Navy to secure the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, which connect the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. It replaces the 45th fleet.

Without mentioning the Red Sea crisis, the PLA Navy said the 46th fleet includes a guided-missile destroyer, a missile frigate and a comprehensive replenishment vessel.

The deployment includes more than 700 officers and soldiers, dozens of special forces personnel and two helicopters.

Despite China not joining the US-led operations in the area, Yin said the heavy presence of the 46th fleet sent a clear signal to Iran and Houthi militants that China would protect shipping safety there.

China's defence ministry, however, denied the dispatched fleet is related to the Red Sea crisis, calling it a "regular escort operation" on February 29.

"The fact that the Chinese naval fleet went to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters to carry out regular escort operations has nothing to do with the current regional situation," ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said, referring to the Red Sea situation.

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.
Shares of Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW) rallied 35.8% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The hospital-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) rebounded after crashing in January. The main driver was reporting progress on its asset sale plan last month.

Making progress

Medical Properties Trust stumbled into 2024. The healthcare REIT disclosed in early January that its top tenant, Steward Health Care, wasn't able to resume making full rental payments due to liquidity issues. That caused concerns that the REIT might need to cut its dividend again.

The company had much more positive news to report in February when it released its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2023. The highlight was that it accelerated its divestiture strategy, which will boost its liquidity by $480 million. Medical Properties Trust sold five hospitals back to Prime Healthcare for $350 million. It also sold its remaining non-operated interest in a tenant and two under-leased hospitals for another $17 million. On top of that, it sold its syndicated term loan investment in Median for $115 million. These sales are part of a plan to generate at least $2 billion of incremental liquidity this year to address upcoming debt maturities.

The company also noted that it has received encouraging interest from other hospital operators about facilities currently leased to Steward. The REIT is evaluating options to retenant or sell some of the facilities it currently leases to Steward. Those deals would either enable those facilities to resume contributing to its earnings or become additional sources of liquidity. They'd also help reduce its exposure to Steward.

Is Medical Properties Trust a buy after last month's rally?

Medical Properties Trust's divestiture program is off to an excellent start. It's nearly a quarter of the way to its goal. Executing that strategy would give it the liquidity to pay off debt as it matures.

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Meanwhile, there's upside to that plan because it doesn't include the sale of three facilities in Connecticut currently leased to Prospect Medical Holdings that it agreed to sell to Yale New Haven for $457 million in total value, which includes $103 million of additional equity interest in Prospect's managed care business. The REIT also hopes to monetize its 49% interest in that business, which was worth nearly $700 million at the end of last year.

These sales would give the REIT the cash to repay debt and fund new investments in income-producing hospitals. That would help shore up its balance sheet and portfolio, putting the company in a position to start growing again. While it has a lot of work remaining, it has tremendous upside potential if it can complete its planned asset sales at strong prices. That upside makes it an enticing opportunity these days for investors with a high risk tolerance.

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Why Medical Properties Trust Stock Skyrocketed 35.8% in February was originally published by The Motley Fool
FILE PHOTO: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand in Wellington

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand's central bank on Monday said banks must report major cyber incidents within 72 hours, as it plans to implement formal cyber reporting requirements in phases through this year.

The move comes after regulated entities supported proposals by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) on the importance of having access from the central bank to information on cyber resilience.

Having accurate, timely information is key, RBNZ Director of Prudential Policy Kate Le Quesne said in a statement.

RBNZ collaborated closely with New Zealand's financial markets regulator, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), to develop shared reporting requirements that can be used for both agencies, Le Quesne said.

"We received useful feedback on ways to simplify and coordinate our processes with other agencies," Le Quesne said, adding that it was critical that RBNZ adequately understood the nature of risks facing entities and their ability to respond to incidents.

Under the proposed rules, banks must inform RBNZ of all cyber incidents, with large entities required to report all cyber incidents every six months and other entities annually. Self-assessment measures put in place must also be reported.

New Zealand has seen a rise in online break-ins, prompting the government last year to boost its cyber defence by setting up a lead agency to make it easier for the public and businesses to seek help during network intrusions.

RBNZ in 2021 said a cyberattack had breached its data systems and affected a file-sharing service used by the bank to share information with external stakeholders.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Diane Craft and Mark Porter)
Key priorities of General Assembly Democrats  and in some cases, at least some Republicans  are on a fast-track path for Gov. Glenn Youngkins action, due Friday.

Some of the bills are not obviously controversial, such as House Bill 1336, sponsored by Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, to make sure nursing homes have all the medications they need to treat residents suffering a mental health crisis.

But some are. They include measures to protect women's reproductive health care rights and to tackle gun violence, said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax.

The seven-day deadline for the governor to act applies to bills that the House of Delegates and Senate have acted on and that the speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor, who presides over the state Senate, have signed and formally communicated to the governor before the final week of a legislative session. On most other bills the governor must act 30 days after the General Assembly adjourns. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn their 60-day session on Saturday.

I think the next seven days are gonna say a lot about the next two years, Surovell said.

Youngkin press secretary Christian Martinez said: The Governor is reviewing the legislation that has been delivered to his desk, as he continues to watch how the General Assembly chooses to act on other important priorities.

The seven-day clock is ticking on bills, Senate Bill 238 and House Bill 819, that would require health insurers to pay for contraceptive drugs and devices, including over the counter products.

You see women are perfectly capable of making decisions of when they will start a family," said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria. "These bills are a critical step to keeping health care accessible for women in the commonwealth, especially at a time when we're seeing a barrier to access becoming greater and greater in other states around the country.

Those bills passed the Senate by a 24-15 vote and the House 69-29.

Also on the fast track for gubernatorial action are gun bills - Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington and House Bill 46, sponsored by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria. Under those measures, people banned from possessing a firearm because they are under a protective order, or were convicted of an assault and battery of a family or household member, could not transfer guns to other prohibited people, or people who live with them, or to minors.

These passed both bodies on largely party-line votes of 21-19 in the Senate and 52-47 in the House.

Under another bill on the fast track, House Bill 498, sponsored by Del. Laura Jane Cohen, D-Fairfax, school boards would have to require an annual notice to parents of their legal responsibility to safely store any firearm at home. It passed the House on a 54-45 vote and the Senate by 22 -17.

Bill would return Va. to voter data program

At a news conference on Monday House and Senate Democrats also highlighted bills that would return Virginia to the Electronic Registration Information Center, also known as ERIC, an interstate voter registration data sharing program, which Virginia commissioner of elections, Susan Beals withdrew from last summer.

This is very, very important because as we've seen, just this last election cycle where over 3,400 Virginians were removed from the voting rolls," said state Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, who chairs the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. "We want to ensure that this does not happen again in the year where our democracy is on the line."

Rouse said the seven-day list also includes a bill from Del. Marcia Price, D-Newport News, on tenant protections. Under that measure local governments could take landlords to court when they do not correct fire hazards or serious threats to the health and safety of tenants or are out of compliance with their obligations in a rental agreement. It passed the House 53-45 and the Senate 39-0.

Several high-profile bills that have passed both House and Senate are not on the list because they have not yet been signed by House Speaker Don Scott Jr, D-Portsmouth and Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears.

They include such Democratic priorities as measures to increase the minimum wage, and to make the sale, purchase, or transfer of assault firearms a crime punishable by up to a year in jail.

Nor on the list are the hard-won comprises that would legalize electronic skill games and set a framework for legal retail sale of marijuana.

Under the state Constitution, governors can sign bills into law, veto them or send them back to the General Assembly with recommendations for changes. The General Assembly then considers a governor's vetoes or recommended changes when it reconvenes, a month after the end of the regular session. In a closely divided legislature Democrats are unlikely to muster the vote to override a Youngkin veto, which takes a two-thirds vote in House and Senate

If Youngkin does not act on a bill by the time the seven-day or the 30 day deadline passes, the measure automatically becomes law.

House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah questioned the Democrats' tactics.

"I don't know what the Democrats hope to accomplish by sending these bills to the governor on an accelerated timeline," he said. "Regardless of party, the governor's office often finds errors and problems in legislation and sends down fixes, If these bills are truly that important, why would Democrats want to rush the governor's review?"

Gun bills heading to Youngkin

on Monday, the House moved to the governors desk House Bill 175, sponsored by Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax. It would prohibit the carrying of semi-automatic center-fire rifles or shotguns on any public street, road, or any other place open to the public. The House passed the measure on a party-line 51-47 vote. It had passed the Senate 21-19.

Also moving to governor is House Bill 22, sponsored by Del. Michael Jones, D-Richmond. It would ban auto-sears, which are devices that allow a semi-automatic firearm to automatically shoot several times with a single pull of a trigger. It passed the House 89-2 and previously passed the Senate 27-13.

On another topic, the Senate passed House Bill 985, that would prohibit the sale of driveway sealants containing more than 1% by weight of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a major toxin that has been flowing into Virginia streams, rivers and the Chesapeake. This bill passed the Senate 23-14 and the House 78-21.
In the days leading up to the U.S. Supreme Court's historic consideration of whether Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking another term as president, 73 sets of legal briefs representing thousands of individuals and organizations flooded in to offer perspectives on the Colorado Supreme Court's finding of Trump's ineligibility.

Although most of the "amicus"  or friend-of-the-court  briefs took a position on Trump's disqualification from office, 14 submissions were formally filed in favor of neither side. Some groups simply asked the Supreme Court to decide the case as soon as possible, as voters have already cast primary election ballots in multiple states. Others warned that federal courts should not second-guess state courts' interpretations of their own election law.

David Boyle, a Long Beach, Calif. attorney, argued the Supreme Court could order Trump removed from every state's ballot or kept on every state's ballot if it wished, but disqualification would not be inherently undemocratic.

"Democracy includes protecting people from insurrectionists, not just letting anyone onto the ballot," Boyle wrote. "And it may be exponentially more important to keep an insurrectionist off the ballot, than to keep someone off whos 34 years, 11 months, and 29 days old on Inauguration Day."

How Colorado became the focal point of 14th Amendment efforts to disqualify Trump from the ballot

The Supreme Court agreed last month to hear a case that rocketed through Colorado's courts since the fall. A group of four Republican and two unaffiliated voters petitioned a judge to order Secretary of State Jena Griswold to keep Trump off of Colorado's 2024 presidential primary ballot.

Although the petitioners used state elections law as their vehicle, their fundamental complaint was that Trump's actions to halt the certification of President Joe Biden's victory and encourage a mob of his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol amounted to disqualifying conduct. Specifically, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in the wake of the Civil War, disqualifies senators, U.S. representatives and "an officer of the United States," among others, from holding future office if they took an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently "engaged in insurrection."

The Colorado Supreme Court, by 4-3, agreed with the petitioners in December, prompting Trump's appeal to the nation's highest court.

"Remarkably, the Supreme Court of Colorado has devised a new way to divide an already bitterly divided national electorate. It has found a way for state officials to take the outcome of a presidential election, at least in part, and perhaps entirely, out of the hands of voters," wrote the conservative groups Judicial Watch and Allied Educational Foundation in support of Trump. "Its decision rewards local, partisan interests, and clever lawyering."

"Section 3 was enacted for such a time as this, and for such a figure as President Trump," countered Sherrilyn Ifill, who formerly led the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. "Insurrection in a stable democracy should be rare and firmly rejected. But when it occurs, its proponents must be barred from political leadership."

Supreme Court interrupts its break for landmark Trump ballot case

The central questions

Several of the briefs addressed the main themes underlying the disqualification case: Does Section 3 apply to presidents as "officers of the United States?" Can Section 3 alone function to disqualify Trump or does Congress need to act first? Did Trump's words and actions to overturn the 2020 election results amount to engaging in insurrection?

Some of Trump's supporters characterized his conduct as First Amendment-protected speech or minimized the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021. The Christian Family Coalition Florida, Inc. described Jan. 6 as an "unruly break-in at the Capitol which lasted 2-3 hours." A collection of gun rights groups suggested that Trump "may have" actually won reelection in 2020.

Other briefs pointed out law enforcement has not charged Trump with insurrection and the U.S. Senate failed to reach the supermajority required to convict him for incitement.

The absence of criminal proceedings for Trump meant nothing, countered George Mason University professor and Cato Institute scholar Ilya Somin, because "as demonstrated by the famous case of O.J. Simpson, a person acquitted of a crime may nonetheless be subject to civil liability for the very same events."

'If you can do good, do it,' says Colorado Republican suing to remove Trump from ballot | TRAIL MIX

On the subject of Section 3's applicability to the presidency or the need for Congress to authorize disqualification proceedings, multiple briefs presented historical evidence about the motivations of the Reconstruction Congress. Trump's supporters contended the exclusion of the presidency from Section 3 was conspicuous, and the ratifiers of the 14th Amendment were not concerned about a supporter of the Confederacy becoming president.

Some briefs even suggested the actions Congress took in the late 1800s granting amnesty to former Confederates extended amnesty to anyone implicated by Section 3 going forward.

A group of Civil War and Reconstruction historians, however, noted Congress actually began considering Section 3 after hearing reports that secessionist activity in the South was on the rise even after the war's end, making it a national security imperative to bar insurrectionists from positions of power.

"The Republican framers of the Amendment believed that anything short of the disqualification of insurrectionists risked surrendering the government to anti-Constitutionalist rebels," the scholars wrote.

Some Trump backers, in contesting the notion that a candidate could be disqualified before his election, noted the 20th Amendment provides a process for the vice president-elect to fill in "if the President elect shall have failed to qualify." Therefore, the appropriate time to adjudicate Trump's qualification would be after he wins.

Not so, argued 20th Amendment scholar Edward J. Larson of Pepperdine University. The amendment purely governs the line of succession after electors choose a president, and "has no impact" on disqualification decisions before Election Day.

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Politics, democracy and threats

Several briefs raised an identical concern: If Democratic states can find ways to disqualify Republican candidates from the ballot, Republican candidates will respond in kind by kicking off Democrats.

"For secretaries of state and state supreme court justices, the path to national notoriety will be illuminated: To enhance your credibility among co-partisans, simply concoct a reason to declare a disfavored presidential candidate of the opposing party ineligible to run for office," wrote Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP presidential candidate who dropped out of the race after this year's Iowa caucuses.

Colorado justices grapple with unprecedented possibility of disqualifying Trump from ballot

Supporters of Trump alleged that Democratic officials' support for the 2020 protests over the police killings of Black Americans could just as easily qualify as an "insurrection."

Constitutional law scholars Akhil Reed Amar and Vikram David Amar emphasized there is a difference between lawmakers' "abstract statements of solidarity" and the action or inaction by a president as the electoral vote count is under assault by his supporters.

"A president must affirmatively protect the Constitution. Certain intentional inactions  smiling and sitting on his hands amidst an insurrection  are more constitutionally culpable," the Amars wrote.

Who's weighing in on Trump's ballot eligibility before the Colorado Supreme Court?

State and national GOP organizations, as well as individual voters, warned the disqualification of Trump infringed on their constitutional rights to select and support their party's candidates. If Trump remains ineligible, "then every President will now have to constantly look over his shoulder, wondering how any politically charged decision or even campaign-related rhetoric might play out in each of the 50 states," wrote Republican attorneys general for 25 states.

If that is the case, countered a collection of experts who study democracy and the rule of law, it would be a product of Trump or other presidents using the tactics of dictators abroad.

"The events of January 6 unfortunately bear closer resemblance to what happens in some of the worlds weakest democracies," they added.

Trump cleared for 2024 Colorado ballot, Denver judge rules after eligibility challenge

Role for states and courts

The briefs further argued over the proper role of states and the courts in adjudicating presidential disqualification.

"Whatever the answer to that question, it emphatically should not be a power given to Secretaries of State," wrote a group of Republican secretaries of state.

A brief signed by more than 3,000 Americans believed any proceedings disqualifying Trump should take place "in a Washington, D.C. courtroom and not in a Colorado state court."

Those who supported Colorado's process noted the substantial evidence and witness testimony afforded in the disqualification challenge, and that the U.S. Constitution vests states with the ability to administer elections. Moreover, GOP voters could select a candidate who holds Trump's same policy views, but who did not engage in insurrection.

Second-guessing Colorado's decision "would avoid neither violence nor further insurrection. It would convey that our Constitution does not apply to individuals who threaten it, precisely because they threaten it," wrote retired members of six state supreme courts.

Three former GOP governors  Marc Racicot of Montana, William Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey  wrote at length about the sanctity of an oath to support the Constitution.

"Should Mr. Trump be permitted to stand again for election," they wrote, then the presidential oath and Section 3 "will have been rendered meaningless in their legal force and stripped of their moral authority and power."

Finally, 33 state and territorial Republican parties suggested the Supreme Court could simply end the case without deciding the case. Until Trump is formally the nominee  and potentially not until he is president-elect  the case may actually not be "ripe."

"In other words, if Mr. Trump were to lose either the Republican primary election or the general election, then there would be nothing for the courts to decide," they noted.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday unanimously told Colorado it could not use its election laws and judiciary to disqualify Donald Trump from the presidential primary ballot, overturning a contrary decision by the state Supreme Court from December.

While the unsigned majority opinion concluded states may not remove presidential candidates absent congressional authorization, the justices did not address the conclusion from Colorado's state courts that Trump engaged in insurrection.

The decision arrived weeks after oral arguments and fewer than 48 hours before voting ends in Colorado's March 5 primary. Although Trump's name remained on the state's ballot, it was an open question what would happen with votes cast for Trump in the event the nation's highest court found him ineligible to hold office.

"BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The Colorado Republican Party, a party to the lawsuit, also cheered Trump's victory on social media platform X: "Joe Biden and his crooked allies dont get to engage in election interference by violating our right to vote for the candidate of our choice. On to November!"

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the group that backed the litigation, maintained the ruling was not a victory for Trump.

"While the Supreme Court allowed Donald Trump back on the ballot on technical legal grounds, this was in no way a win for Trump. The Supreme Court had the opportunity in this case to exonerate Trump, and they chose not to do so," said Noah Bookbinder, president of CREW. "Every court  or decision-making body  that has substantively examined the issue has determined that January 6th was an insurrection and that Donald Trump incited it. That remains true today."

The case originated in Colorado after four Republican and two unaffiliated voters petitioned to force Secretary of State Jena Griswold to bar Trump from the ballot under state elections law. The petitioners alleged Trump was ineligible to hold office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in the wake of the Civil War.

Section 3 disqualifies senators, U.S. representatives and "an officer of the United States," among others, from holding future office if they took an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently "engaged in insurrection." The Colorado petitioners argued Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election results and disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's victory on Jan. 6, 2021 amounted to engaging in insurrection.

The Colorado Supreme Court, by 4-3, agreed with them and declared Trump constitutionally ineligible late last year.

On appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three opinions, all reaching the ultimate conclusion that Colorado could not disqualify Trump.

The majority opinion from Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh  all of whom are Republican appointees  concluded states may disqualify candidates from state office only. For federal offices, and "especially the Presidency," the majority believed there would be logistical problems from a potential "patchwork" of state-driven disqualifications.

Two concurring opinions disagreed with the majority's reliance on Congress to enforce constitutional disqualifications.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, wrote separately to agree states may not enforce Section 3 against presidential candidates, but stopped short of endorsing the idea that Congress alone could act to do so. She did not describe how else a presidential candidate might be disqualified for insurrection, but argued that, in the middle of an election, the Supreme Court's opinions should "turn the national temperature down, not up."

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The court's three Democratic appointees  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  also wrote separately to dispute that only Congress can act to remove insurrectionist candidates from office. They pointed out Section 3 explicitly allows Congress, by a two-thirds vote, to reverse a candidate's disqualification, but says nothing about who disqualifies in the first place.

"It is hard to understand why the Constitution would require a congressional supermajority to remove a disqualification if a simple majority could nullify Section 3s operation," the justices wrote, by "declining to pass implementing legislation."

Griswold, in a statement, said the Supreme Court "has ruled that states do not have the authority to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for federal candidates. In accordance with this decision, Donald Trump is an eligible candidate on Colorados 2024 Presidential Primary."

Dissent from Colorado's Samour came closest

With all three opinions totaling just 20 pages, the justices made little reference to the work of their counterparts in Colorado.

Although two members of the state Supreme Court, Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright and Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter, were concerned about the use of Colorado's elections code to disqualify Trump, only Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr. expressed the viewpoint later endorsed by the U.S. Supreme Court's majority.

"Because the Constitution gives this job to Congress, and only Congress," Samour wrote in dissent, "I consider it equally improper  indeed, constitutionally impossible  for state legislatures, in the absence of federal legislation, to create pseudo causes of action pursuant to Section Threes disqualification clause."

Where the majority landed was "quite close to the position set forth by Justice Samour," said Derek T. Muller, a Notre Dame law professor who followed the disqualification case.

Ian P. Farrell, an associate law professor at the University of Denver, agreed Samour's dissent came closest, but his opinion also covered other topics the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately bypassed.

"Justice Samour held that the method (enacted by the Colorado legislature and applied by the trial court) to determine this issue violated due process of law. The Supreme Court opinion did not address this," Farrell said.

Samour's dissent also listed a key rationale the Supreme Court's majority incorporated to support the idea that Congress alone can enforce Section 3 disqualifications: Section 5 of the 14th Amendment gives Congress the authority to enforce its terms "by appropriate legislation"  which the majority described as "critical" and which Samour referred to as Congress' "absolute power."

In that sense, Samour's "bottom-line conclusion was the same one that the court reached today," said attorney Christopher M. Jackson.

The case is Trump v. Anderson.
K-9 Milo has done it again.

On Friday, the Colorado Springs police dog was instrumental in an arrest that yielded several rifles, pistols and illegal narcotics, including hundreds of fentanyl pills.

At about 11:30 a.m. Friday, a Colorado Department of Corrections officer saw a wanted parolee enter a business in the 500 block of East Platte Avenue in east Colorado Springs, police said. The officer, who was attached to CSPDs Metro Armed Violent Offender Unit, believed the parolee to be armed and dangerous and contacted tactical officers to assist in an arrest.

Tactical teams, including K-9 Milo and his handler, moved into the area and blocked the parolee when he returned to his vehicle. After unsuccessfully trying to ram his way out, the suspect left his vehicle and tried to get away on foot. Thats when he encountered Milo and wisely dove to the ground to surrender, police said.

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Police saw a loaded handgun and several boxes of ammunition in the mans car. A further search turned up more than 800 fentanyl pills and a large quantity of cash, officials said.

After obtaining and executing a search warrant, officers found an additional two assault rifles, three stolen pistols and more illegal drugs, all linked to the parolee, police said. The apprehended fugitives name was not released.

The CSPD police dog is no stranger to suspect apprehensions. In October 2021, Milo ran down an armed robbery suspect after a vehicle pursuit became a foot chase. In March of last year, he helped officers catch a suspected violent offender in southeast Colorado Springs.
On May 20 last year nearly lifelong Fountain resident Shawna Boyles life changed forever after a visit from the Fountain Police Department.

The Fountain Police Department responded to an allegation made from the Boyles son that her husband, James Boyle, had been threatening her and was on a methamphetamine binge. The Fountain Police arrived at the Boyles home in southern Fountain to perform a wellness check, and to ask Shawna Boyle if she would like a civil restraining order.

The Fountain police were not summoned to the Boyle home to make an arrest. They did not have a warrant.

Did Shawna Boyle feel like she was in danger from her husband that day?

No, I didnt she says. I was just sitting here, and (James Boyle) was just leaning over the counter talking to us.

Yet, when Fountain Police Officers Zackary Corey and Destin Alvarez responded that afternoon, it resulted in the death of James Boyle.

Body-worn camera footage of the incident released by the Fountain Police Department shows a chaotic scene where James and Shawna Boyle are shoved onto the ground by the police during a physical altercation while James Boyle can be heard saying Im not under arrest and stop, youre hurting my wife.

After being shoved to the ground, where James Boyle is now on top of his wife, Corey yells that he will shoot if James Boyle comes at us again. James Boyle responds by stating he is not under arrest, gets up, turns his back to the officers and attempts to open the door to the house.

After turning to open the door Officer Alvarez can be seen tasing James Boyle before a few seconds later Officer Corey fires two shots into his back, ultimately killing him. After James Boyle was shot he can be heard yelling leave me alone, please, several times before Alvarez tased him a second time. James Boyle was unarmed.

Throughout the incident, Shawna Boyle can be heard screaming and yelling from the ground, stop.

I didnt know they were coming. And Im pretty sure I told them that we didnt need them, Shawna Boyle recalled. He tried to get back (up) and fight because he was like, screw this. But at the same time, I think he was scared  It was very scary.

The body-worn camera footage of the incident also shows that the Boyle familys dog, a pit bull named Cid, was shot four times by Alvarez during the interaction after the dog got out of the house and attacked him.

The 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office reviewed the case and ruled against any criminal prosecution.

Corporal Coreys actions and his use of force are difficult to analyze under the given facts in this investigation and in light of the law. To be clear, his actions are concerning but ultimately, they do not rise to the level sufficient to support criminal charges, the release from the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office states.

The review additionally states that Officer Alvarez was justified in his shooting of the Boyle familys dog as he was being attacked and had no choice but to use deadly force.

Corey stated in an interview following the incident that he felt fear for his life because there were weapons in the house, and he felt James Boyle may have been going to grab them when he turned his back to officers to re-enter the house.

I was afraid if he got back inside, he was going to kill somebody. I could not let him get back inside. So, I shot him twice in the torso, Corey said in an interview after the incident, according to the release from the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office. I think if he would have gotten back in that house, he would have gotten a firearm and he would have, we would have had a gunfight on our hands, or he would have killed somebody.

Shawna Boyle has filed a civil suit for damages against the city of Fountain and officers Corey and Alvarez, in part to seek change in the departments methods.

We think the only way to get change is to force them to change, said Boyles attorney, Dan Kay, regarding the Fountain Police Department. We certainly want there to be better training  Maybe this will force the police to look and say, hey, maybe we got to change our practices so this doesnt happen again.

Since her husbands death nearly a year ago, Shawna Boyles life has changed dramatically.

Since the shooting, she has had brain surgery four times to attempt to treat her seizures, which have been an ongoing issue causing her to be unable to work, and rarely leave the house.

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Im 46, obviously, nobodys gonna hire a fall risk, especially with a seizure disorder, Shawna Boyle said.

Shawna Boyle spoke about how her seizures will often leave her unable to move for hours on end until someone finds her. She recalled an incident just a week prior where she had a seizure and was laying on the floor for six hours unable to move.

Do you know how long six hours on the floor feels like when you know whats going on the whole time, Boyle said.

Shawna Boyle was supported financially by her husband, whom she had been married to for 30 years, and since his death she has struggled significantly with the medical expenses of her seizures. Boyle said that in January, she made $1,013 from government assistance, but had just paid $1,063 in medical expenses, and that she now relies on food from the food bank in Fountain to get by.

She now spends her days trying to help her neighbors with things like walking their dogs, or moving furniture around.

To help financially, and to help take care of her, Shawna Boyles son recently moved into her home. Her attorney, Dan Kay, said that he is looking into getting his client a support dog to help as well.

Kay is representing Shawna Boyle in her lawsuit against the city of Fountain and officers Corey and Alvarez. The lawsuit, filed in Colorados 4th Judicial District Court, states that Corey used unjustified force when he shot and killed an unarmed James Boyle.

There really wasnt a reason for them to attack Mr. Boyle. Certainly to the extent that they did. It escalated so quickly, Kay said.

And they were so big. One of those guys could have took him down and handcuffed him, Shawna Boyle added.

The lawsuit cites other cases where the Fountain Police Department came under fire for alleged misconduct.

Miles Kirby, who is also represented by Kay, was arrested by the Fountain Police Department last year for killing his wife, Joslyn Teetzel, and staging the scene as a suicide. Approximately one month after Kirbys arrest his case was dismissed after the El Paso County Coroners Office determined that Teetzels death was a suicide, not a homicide.

The lawsuit also references a lawsuit filed by Kyle Fisher, a Fountain resident who claimed that he was unlawfully detained and his house was unlawfully searched by Fountain Police in 2022 when police responded to an unjustified welfare check on the home.

The above cases, including this case, and the facts surrounding them, make clear that the FPD has yet to adequately train and supervise its officers regarding the appropriate and legal use of force or otherwise ensure that the clear ongoing custom and practice of police misconduct and constitutional violations as occurred here ceases, the lawsuit filed by Kay on behalf of Shawna Boyle reads.

The frustration with Fountain Police Department in the death of James Boyle has continued past the initial incident. The lawsuit alleged that neither officer involved in the shooting was disciplined following the incident or provided counseling for their actions.

To our knowledge there was never any time off at all (for Alvarez and Corey), Kay said.

If there was any sort of suspension it certainly was not a lengthy one, Cindy Hyatt, another attorney representing Shawna Boyle, added.

City of Fountain attorney Troy Johnson confirmed that both Alvarez and Corey remain employed at the Fountain Police Department at the time of writing. Johnson declined to answer several specific questions from The Gazette regarding any suspension, punishment or treatment that Alvarez and Corey received following the shooting.

Officers Corey and Alvarez are still employed by the Fountain Police Department. Due to pending litigation, the department is unable to comment further, Johnson wrote in a statement to The Gazette.

James Boyles ashes now sit in a tree of life urn on a table in the Boyles home, unmissable from the sunlight shining on the urn through the window next to the chair that Shawna Boyle sits in every day.

Shawna Boyle recalled how James Boyle was funny, always loved to draw and how she loved to go on camping trips or shop at Goodwill together.

With her husbands death, Shawna Boyle has become the center of more attention than shed ever desired, something she described uncomfortable. But more uncomfortable for Shawna Boyle: The idea that her friends and community would see her as weak.

That video (the body-worn camera footage) made me look like a weak person, Shawna Boyle said. I definitely dont want to be looked at as weak. Ive never been weak.
Saudi oil giant Aramco has unveiled the companys new large language AI model, aramcoMETABRAIN, and also establishment of an innovative R&D network, the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL), that aims to advance the digital economy.

Announcing the launch, Aramco President & CEO Amin Nasser said the aramcoMETABRAIN was a groundbreaking, industrial-grade generative AI model based on 90 years of accumulated company data.

It represents a strategic investment in generative AI by the company, which plans to use it to power disruptive, cognitive applications across its business.

SAIL is expected to focus on challenge-based R&D, product development and digital ventures building through creating a national and global ecosystem of partners to strengthen its capabilities.

It has been cofounded by Aramco with the Saudi Research, Development and Innovation Authority, and partners King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program and Saudi Arabias Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, he stated.

These projects were discussed during Nasser's keynote speech on Digital Leadership in the Energy Sector at LEAP 2024, a global technology event underway in Riyadh.

LEAP is an annual event that brings together over 172,000 members of the worlds tech ecosystem to learn, network, make discoveries and innovate.

The third edition of the event runs from March 4 to 7 and focuses on the theme Into New Worlds. Over 600 startups, 1,300 investors and 800 cross-industry specialists are attending, with the event featuring talks by globally renowned tech experts from major companies.

On the aramcoMETABRAIN large language AI model, the top official said: "We believe METABRAIN has the potential to raise both productivity and growth as well as transform the way we work Clearly, the power of generative AI is something most companies are keen to tap into. What is also clear is that with any major innovation, there are obvious risks. For Aramco, developing our own generative AI model enables us to realize the benefits while reducing these risks."

On the formation of SAIL, Nasser said: "SAIL is not just a project. It is a journey with our national and private partners, and it is a commitment to the future. Together we intend to establish a preeminent digital ecosystem that attracts global leaders, top talent and breakthrough innovation to incubate what is needed now and invest in whats next."

"We aim to enable Saudi businesses to outperform in their industries, growing the digital economy and keeping the Kingdom at the forefront of market-driven digital innovation. Through SAIL, our goal is to create new digital products, new digital ventures, breakthrough IP and global consortiums to tackle major challenges," he added.

On Aramcos technology strategy, Nasser said: "Aramco is constantly moving forward in our tech journey. We are doing so in three ways: through integration, through innovation and through investment. In terms of integration within our operations, we continue to see benefits from our ongoing digital transformation"

"It is a transformation that is touching every part of our company, from managing projects to improving logistics to calculating reserves Our dedicated digital and AI-driven centers are also playing an important role in helping increase efficiency and decrease costs," he stated.

On the importance of technology innovation, Nasser said: "It all comes down to creating value. For society in general, the latest technology can help reduce emissions. For our shareholders large and small, it can help us maximize returns. For current and future generations of Saudis, it can help us optimize the Kingdoms resources."

"For Aramcos customers around the world, the latest technology can help us deliver the highest possible reliability and energy security. And for our employees, it can help all of us do our jobs efficiently and safely. Indeed, creating value for people is the ultimate reason for any technology journey, ours included," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud

CAIRO/RAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) -Hamas and Egyptian mediators said on Monday they were going ahead with talks in Cairo on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel's decision not to send a delegation, as Washington pressed again for a truce, the release of hostages and plan to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe.

The ceasefire talks, which began on Sunday, are billed as a final hurdle on the way to securing the first extended ceasefire of the five-month-old war, in time for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday.

Israel has declined to comment publicly on the Cairo talks. A source told Reuters it was staying away because Hamas would not provide a list of hostages taken on Oct. 7 who are still alive, information that the Palestinian militants who control Gaza say they will provide only once they have agreed on terms.

"Talks in Cairo continue for the second day, regardless of whether the occupation's delegation is present in Egypt," a Hamas official told Reuters.

Two Egyptian security sources said mediators were in touch with the Israelis, allowing negotiations to continue despite their absence.

A Palestinian source close to the talks said the discussions remained "uneasy", with Israel sticking to its demand for only a temporary truce to free hostages and Hamas seeking assurances that the war would not start up again.

In Washington, President Joe Biden's administration said a temporary ceasefire was essential to a hostage deal and urged Hamas to accept the terms currently on offer.

HARRIS MEETS WITH NETANYAHU RIVAL

In a sign of the strain between Washington and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday hosted Benny Gantz, a longtime Netanyahu political rival who joined his war cabinet in a national unity pact at the war's start.

Netanyahu has not been invited to Washington since returning to office a year ago.

After Harris' meeting with Gantz, the administration said in a statement that Harris had discussed the "urgency" of achieving a hostage deal and "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza."

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters the United States still hoped to conclude a ceasefire-for-hostages deal by the start of Ramadan, but that Hamas had not yet agreed.

"Israel bears a responsibility here to do more," Kirby said, echoing unusually forceful language Harris had used on Sunday.

The proposal being discussed envisions a truce of about 40 days, during which militants would release around 40 of the more than 100 hostages they are still holding in return for some 400 detainees from Israeli jails.

Israel would pull back from some areas, more aid would be allowed into Gaza, and residents would be permitted to return home.

But the deal did not appear to address directly a Hamas demand for a path to a permanent end to the war. Nor does it resolve the fate of more than half the remaining hostages - Israeli men excluded from agreements covering women, children, the elderly and the wounded.

Israel says it will not end the war until Hamas is eradicated. Hamas says it will not free all its hostages without a deal that ends the war.

The Egyptian security sources said mediators were trying to bridge the gap with guarantees to Hamas on future peace talks and to Israel on the safety of hostages.

A Palestinian official close to the negotiations disputed the U.S. contention that Israel had agreed to the deal and Hamas was holding it up, saying this appeared aimed at deflecting blame from Israel should the talks collapse.

TRUCE COULD SHIELD RAFAH

The war erupted after Hamas fighters burst into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

On Monday, a team of U.N. experts reported that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred at several locations during the attacks.

"The mission team found clear and convincing information that some hostages taken to Gaza have been subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing," the report said.

Since Oct. 7, Israel has sealed off the Palestinian enclave, stormed most of its towns and pounded it from the sky. Palestinian authorities say more than 30,000 people have been confirmed killed, with thousands more made homeless. The United Nations says hundreds of thousands face famine.

A Ramadan truce could head off a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah, the town in southern Gaza where more than half the population has taken shelter.

But recent days have been particularly bloody. Authorities said 118 people were killed on Thursday while they were trying to get food for their families from an aid convoy. The incident caused global outrage, and Washington said on Monday it supported a U.N. investigation.

Residents have described heavy fighting since Saturday just north of Rafah in Khan Younis and Israeli forces have released video showing buildings obliterated in airstrikes.

In Rafah, nightly airstrikes have been killing families in their homes. At least 14 bodies were laid out at a morgue on Monday, one body bag partially unzipped so weeping relatives could stroke a dead child's hair.

"I woke up to people collecting bodies. I don't remember anything," wept Nidal al-Gharib, whose wife was among the dead.

Health officials said another Israeli air strike near a hospital in Khan Younis killed 10 people late on Monday.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Bassam Massoud in Rafah; additional reporting by James Mackenzie in Jerusalem and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Peter Graff, Sharon Singleton and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Cynthia Osterman, Kevin Liffey and Rosalba O'Brien)
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) said Monday that state authorities are "now authorized" to arrest illegal immigrants just moments before President Joe Biden's Justice Department petitioned the Supreme Court to undo an appeals court ruling allowing the state's law criminalizing illegal border crossings.

"Law enforcement officers in Texas are now authorized to arrest & jail any illegal immigrants crossing the border," Abbott wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, two days after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's block on the state's law criminalizing illegal border crossings.

The appeals court issued had a temporary stay on Saturday that would allow Texas's Senate Bill 4 to take effect on March 9 if the Supreme Court does not intervene, and the Biden administration on Monday afternoon filed an emergency petition to stay the 5th Circuit's decision by Saturday at midnight.

The Biden administration argued it is likely to succeed on the merits if the high court granted the issue for certiorari, or agreed to hear the case, and contended that lower courts have found the "United States would suffer irreparable harm if SB 4 goes into effect," according to its Supreme Court petition.

The 5th Circuit's reversal came just days after U.S. District Court Judge David Alan Ezra blocked SB 4 from going into effect; the measure allows law enforcement to arrest illegal migrants within the Lone Star state. Ezra, a Reagan appointee, said the law threatens the fundamental notion that the United States must regulate immigration with one voice.

University of Texas law professor Steve Vladeck posted to X on Sunday, saying the appeals court's decision is "effectively *forcing*" the Supreme Court to rule by Saturday whether to allow Texas's policy to go into effect."

Abbott signed SB 4 in December, marking one of several major attempts by the Lone Star State to deter immigrants from crossing the Rio Grande after years of historic numbers of immigrants arriving at the Texas-Mexico border.

The law makes illegally crossing the border a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a sentence of six months in jail for those convicted. Repeat offenders could face a second-degree felony with a punishment of two to 20 years in prison.

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SB 4 also requires state judges to order immigrants returned to Mexico if they are convicted, leaving local law enforcement responsible for transporting immigrants back to the border. A judge could drop the charges if an immigrant agrees to return to Mexico without contesting the process.

The lawsuit against SB 4 stems from the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Texas, along with support from the Texas Civil Rights Project. One month after the groups filed their lawsuit in December, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Texas, which have since been combined.

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Legal proceedings come as both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump visited the border last week in separate bids to promote their plans to handle the migrant crisis, with the pair likely to face off in the November general election.

Trump maintains that he will revert the nation's immigration policies to how they were before Biden became president and has argued that the Department of Homeland Security under Biden is seeking to incentivize illegal immigration.

The Supreme Court recently also become ensnared in separate litigation stemming from Texas over Abbott's fight to install razor wire fences along the state's border. The 5th Circuit was scheduled to hold an en banc oral argument hearing last month over the border wire dispute after the Supreme Court effectively allowed U.S. Border Patrol officials to begin cutting Texass wire fences on Jan. 22. That hearing has been postponed pending further developments at the federal district court, according to the 5th Circuit's docket.

The Biden administration has filed 15 emergency appeals to the Supreme Court this year, with 12 of them stemming from lawsuits at the 5th Circuit.
Philadelphia Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke will give the progressive response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on behalf of the Working Families Party, one of the first times a noncongressional speaker will deliver the rebuttal.

The Working Families Party's selection of O'Rourke signals the third party is searching for up-and-coming lawmakers to serve as their national representative for the progressive movement. The party has not endorsed Biden for the 2024 election despite endorsing him in 2020 but has adamantly opposed former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican nominee.

Nicolas will bring all his moral clarity and strategic vision to this speech, the Working Families Party's national director, Maurice Mitchell, said in a statement. Just like in 2020, winning states like Pennsylvania will mean really understanding what matters to working people in cities like Philadelphia. Anyone who wants to stop the MAGA movement in its tracks should listen to Nicolas closely.

O'Rourke shifted into the spotlight last year after winning his bid for council as a member of the Working Families Party, one of two seats held by the party after ousting the Republicans who had held those seats for over 70 years. The other Working Families Party councilmember elected last year is Kendra Brooks, who became the first third-party candidate in decades to secure a seat on the city council following her win in 2020.

As he prepares to deliver the party's seventh progressive response to the State of the Union, O'Rourke said in a statement that it is an "honor" to be selected.

"I hope to give voice to the working people in Philadelphia and around the country who want a better life for themselves and a brighter future for the next generation," O'Rourke said. "Together, we can ensure that everyone who calls this country home, no matter your race or place, can earn a good living and have a good life  with the education and healthcare, housing and jobs that every family needs."

O'Rourke is known for emceeing a counter-protest to pro-Trump allies demonstrating outside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2020 where election workers were counting Philadelphia's ballots. City officials had praised O'Rourke and the Working Families Party for turning the events into a dance party and preventing any displays of political violence.

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The councilman will likely praise Biden in some areas, such as economic policy and his green energy agenda. However, the president will likely face severe backlash from O'Rourke for his support of Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza strip, a choice that caused progressives, Muslim Americans, and Palestinian allies to push the "uncommitted" movement forward in Michigan and other key Super Tuesday primary states.

In the past, the Working Families Party has selected progressive Democrats to deliver the party's response, so O'Rourke's selection is the first time in years that a nonmember of Congress has been slated to deliver the address.

In 2022, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) delivered the progressives' response to Biden's State of the Union. Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, has blasted the president and members of the Democratic Party for supporting Israel and repeatedly calls for a ceasefire in a war that has cost thousands of Palestinian lives.

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Last year, Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) delivered the address, and other progressive Democrats like Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) have given a speech on behalf of the Working Families Party in the past.

Biden's State of the Union address will take place on March 7, followed by the progressive response and the Republican rebuttal, which will be delivered by Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL).
Colorado is one of 16 states holding a presidential primary on Super Tuesday, with questions on whether former President Donald Trump will appear on the ballot finally silenced following a Supreme Court ruling on Monday.

Voting begins at 9 a.m. Eastern time and will go until 9 p.m. Democrats can choose between several presidential candidates, most notably incumbent President Joe Biden. However, Biden is facing a growing challenge from his own party and voters who are unhappy with his response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Colorado ballot: Will Trump appear?

Despite the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that Trump is disqualified from the ballot under the 14th Amendment, the former president will appear on Colorados primary ballot on March 5. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the state's decision on Monday, ruling that only Congress can disqualify federal officeholders and candidates.

The high court's ruling effectively brings an end to other challenges to Trump's candidacy in states such as Maine, Illinois, and New York. Maine's decision to remove Trump from the ballot had been stayed in the wake of the Supreme Court taking up the Colorado case, and the former president is appealing a decision in Illinois to remove him from the ballot as well. New York had also paused proceedings on the matter as it waited for the Supreme Court's ruling.

Trump will appear on the Colorado ballot alongside a slew of other candidates, five of whom have suspended their campaigns. The former president, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Rachel Swift, and Walter Iwachiw are the four candidates with campaigns Republicans can select on Super Tuesday.

Fremont County Clerk Justin Grantham told Colorado Public Radio ahead of the Supreme Court ruling that the plan was to go ahead and count the Trump votes. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said it would have been helpful for the Supreme Court to rule on the case before ballots were mailed out.

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Joe Biden vs. uncommitted

Biden is facing some challengers, notably Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN). However, he is now facing a new and perhaps more formidable opponent: the uncommitted option.

After over 100,000 Michigan voters selected uncommitted, a similar movement in Colorado was spurred. The Colorado Palestine Coalition and local chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America announced the "Vote Noncommitted Colorado" campaign on Wednesday after the results of the Michigan primary were released.

The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the war that followed between Israel and Hamas have placed Bidens approval ratings and performances in the 2024 primary elections in jeopardy, particularly as support from key voting blocs such as Muslim Americans and other Palestinian supporters continues to dwindle.

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In Michigan, the uncommitted movement was organized by Layla Elabed, campaign manager for Listen to Michigan and sister to Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American member of Congress who has been vocal in her opposition to Bidens support of Israel.

Whether or not Biden has overwhelming support on Super Tuesday will be up to voters in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, and Iowa, all states that, like Colorado, have an uncommitted option on their ballots.
Bapco Energies and TotalEnergies recently held a meeting to establish a promising collaboration, with TotalEnergies supporting Bapco Energies in optimising its upgraded Sitra refinery and trading petroleum products.

TotalEnergies will bring its global oil and feedstock supply capacity, as well as its refining and trading expertise.

Present in the meeting were Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the Kings Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain; Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; and Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: "We are pleased to welcome such a respected and experienced global player in the energy trading sector. Bapco Energies and TotalEnergies collaboration will pursue opportunities for the Kingdom of Bahrain's oil & gas products and offer new energy solutions to our customers. With the start-up of our $7 billion Bapco Modernisation Programme (BMP) refinery upgrade project later this year, our partnership with TotalEnergies will help build a quality customer base for our expanded production. We look forward to working in partnership with the Total team and bringing their experience and technology to Bapco Energies."

"We are pleased to have been selected by the Bahraini authorities to support Bapco Energies in optimising their downstream petroleum operations, with a view to maximising value for Bahrain. I sincerely hope that this new partnership marks the beginning of a promising relationship between TotalEnergies and the Kingdom of Bahrain," said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

He added: "We are indeed a global integrated energy company and are willing to bring for the benefit of the Kingdom of Bahrein and Bapco Energies our full expertise along integrated oil, LNG and power value chains. We will work to extend our collaboration beyond oil and petroleum products to potential future developments in other energies, such as LNG or renewable power."

This new collaboration with TotalEnergies will bring incremental value to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Bapco Energies through the application of TotalEnergies global expertise in product trading and feedstock optimisation. We are looking forward to partnering with TotalEnergies to building the Bapco Energies brand as a reliable and trusted global supplier of quality products, concluded Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies. --OGN/ TradeArabia News Service
The Supreme Court's pending decision on whether former President Donald Trump should be on Colorado's Republican primary ballot makes this Super Tuesday unlike any other.

With Trump's legal problems upending this election season more broadly, the Supreme Court's decision, which could be announced on Monday morning, could similarly upend Super Tuesday's primary results in Colorado and Maine before Illinois votes later this month.

Colorado Republicans and unaffiliated voters have been able to cast a ballot for Trump. But if the Supreme Court decides in Trump v. Anderson that the former president was ineligible to be on Colorado's ballot, pursuant to the Constitution's 14th Amendment insurrectionist clause, those votes will not be counted, and Trump will not be on the state's ballot for November's general election, according to the Colorado Republican Party.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams explained that if the Supreme Court does decide against Trump, the Colorado GOP will "ignore" the state's Super Tuesday primary results and depend, instead, on the state party's caucuses from March 7-9 and state Assembly on April 7 to allocate its 37 Republican National Convention delegates.

"Those delegates will most likely be Trump delegates," Williams told the Washington Examiner. "This isn't helpful to democracy; this flies in the face of it, and ultimately, the right thing to do is to allow voters to vote for a candidate of their choosing."

Trump similarly will appear on the ballot in Maine, but until the Supreme Court decision, it's unclear whether his votes will be counted. Last month, the office of Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows confirmed to the Washington Examiner that votes for Trump would simply be treated as blanks, though the Maine Republican Party will acknowledge the ballots so it can allocate its national delegates.

"We're not only harming free and fair elections in this country, but we're also encouraging a retaliatory response, whereby red states will start to disqualify President Joe Biden, and that's not good policy," Colorado's Williams, a state House lawmaker, said. "The best thing to do is to allow voters to decide who their president should be in the court of public opinion, not in a court of law."

Although some constitutional law scholars and practitioners agreed with Colorado's interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, the Supreme Court appeared skeptical during February's oral argument, undercutting an Illinois court's decision last week to follow Colorado and Maine's precedent and rule that Trump is ineligible for its ballot over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

"What the Constitution does is it sets the policy in terms of who is eligible to run for president," Center for Constitutional Litigation founder and President Robert Peck told the Washington Examiner. "So, for example, if Colorado voters had elected as the nominee for the Republicans someone who was ... only 30 years old, they'd be ineligible to serve as president and it would be ineffective."

"Now, if the court decides that Colorado has the authority to determine that he was an insurrectionist and therefore ineligible, it would have that same effect," he said. "However, we do know from the questions that were asked that, the tenor of the oral argument, that result seems to be unlikely because an alternative policy consideration that the court seemed to be concerned about is whether one state could affect the election of a president just because it, by itself, determined that a president was ineligible."

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During two hours of oral argument, even Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, nominated by former President Barack Obama, underscored how it would be "extraordinary" for Colorado to have such power in an election.

Robert Kelner, who chairs Covington & Burling LLP's election and political law practice group, was of the opinion that the Colorado Supreme Court's decision, of which Trump v. Anderson is an appeal, "is almost certainly wrong."

"It is very far from clear that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was intended to apply to the president," Kelner said. "At oral argument, it was actually Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson who made the point that the language of the 14th Amendment notably leaves out any reference to the president, even though the language expressly cites members of Congress and others."

"On top of that, you have the fact that Donald Trump has been investigated by numerous prosecutors, and none of them have charged him with insurrection, including Jack Smith," he added. "It's really hard to see a candidate excluded from the ballot on the basis of insurrection when even prosecutors who look closely at the case did not see a basis for charging him."

For Peck, Trump v. Anderson is an example of a case in which the Supreme Court could decide to take "constitutional politics" into account.

"If you read Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to say that an insurrectionist is ineligible to be president and are satisfied that then-President Trump's actions on Jan. 6 and subsequent to that were sufficient to label him an insurrectionist, then you would say that he is not eligible and that is not a democratic choice," he said. "But it's actually a choice that supports democracy because it prevents people who would rebel against the government from serving as its leader. ... So the question is, do we temper our democracy with constitutional limitations or not?"

Rather, Kelner implored the Supreme Court to "just stick to its knitting on interpreting the law and not worrying about how its decision might affect ... public perceptions of our institutions."

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"People are so polarized right now that, no matter what the Supreme Court does, partisans on one side or the other will claim that the court's decision undermines faith in democracy and our judicial system," he said. "I just think everybody is divided into their separate camps."

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia are holding presidential primaries on Super Tuesday, with Iowa Democrats completing their mail-in caucus next Tuesday as well.
Former President Donald Trump is speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that he may remain on the presidential ballot.

Trump is expected to speak at noon EST.

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The high court, with its Monday ruling, reversed the Colorado Supreme Court's December decision that Trump was ineligible to run for president under the 14th Amendment. The opinion held that Congress, rather than the states, is responsible for enforcing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. He celebrated the ruling in a social media post shortly after it was issued on Monday morning and said, "BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!"
David is an award-winning Senior Investigative Reporter at The Gazette and has worked in Colorado for more than two decades. He has been a journalist since 1982 and has also worked in New York, St. Louis, and Detroit.
Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has been honoured with two prestigious awards -- Airport Operator of the Year for Medium Size Airport and Aviation Sustainability Award.

The awards were given at the 2024 Aviation Achievement Awards that took place in Dubai, UAE, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) announced. The awards were received by BACs Health, Safety and Environment Manager, Eng Hasan Farhan, and BAC Environment and Sustainability Engineer, Dana Ismaeel.

The Airport Operator of the Year award recognises BACs commitment to excellence in managing and operating BIA, delivering top-notch services, and providing exceptional travel experience for passengers, while the Aviation Sustainability Award acknowledges BACs groundbreaking initiatives to reduce carbon emissions as part of its strategy to minimise the impact of airport operations on climate change, highlighting the LEED Gold certificate received by the company for the new passenger terminal building, which incorporates sustainable architecture and energy efficient systems.

These accolades serve as a testament to BACs commitment to providing a world-class airport experience while reducing environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.--TradeArabia News Service
Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films as well as Predator, The Mandalorian and Happy Gilmore, has died at 76.
Iowa Republican politicians celebrated the U.S. Supreme Courts Monday decision that states cannot remove former President Donald Trump from a ballot over claims that he incited an insurrection, claiming a win for the embattled candidate who is on track to clinch the Republican nomination.

The ruling overturned a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court that would have precluded Trump from appearing on the ballot in Tuesdays primary election. The Colorado court found that Trump was not able to appear on the ballot because of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which bars individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding office again.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called the Colorado decision an attempt to subvert the will of the voters in the 2024 election in a statement Monday.

The decision of who should serve as President belongs to the voters. Not only would this disenfranchise Coloradans, but Iowans as well who believe Donald Trump is the best candidate on the ballot, Reynolds said. Frivolous attempts like this to harm the integrity of our elections should be struck down in similar fashion.

Individuals and activist groups lodged lawsuits in several states challenging Trumps eligibility to be on the 2024 election ballot. They alleged that his role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection, in which a mob of his supporters broke into the Capitol in an attempt to stop the legitimate certification of President Joe Bidens electoral votes, disqualified him from holding office under the 14th Amendment.

In its decision on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled Congress has the sole discretion of enforcing the 14th Amendment. Because of that, state courts do not have authority to remove someone from the ballot for engaging in insurrection, the court said.

The court's three liberal justices said in a concurring opinion that they agree with the central ruling, but they think the court considered more questions around the 14th Amendment than were necessary.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, who endorsed Trump before this year's caucuses, called the ruling a victory.

First, we won in Court. Now, were going to win at the ballot box, Bird said on social media. Lets bring home the biggest victory yet for President Trump this November!

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said the ruling preserved the rights of the voters to decide in the 2024 election.

"The Supreme Court unanimously affirmed what we all saw as a brazen, unconstitutional power grab attempting to cause election interference, Kaufmann said in a written statement. The checks and balances worked against an unbalanced and unhinged effort to trash the Constitution and take away the right of people to vote in a free and fair election.

The Iowa Democratic Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

Iowa bill would insulate Trump from ballot challenges

While there has been no similar challenge to Trumps ballot eligibility in Iowa, Republican lawmakers are moving to insulate him and other presidential candidates from such challenges in a proposed election bill.

Among the many changes to election laws in the bill, it would dictate that a presidential candidates ballot eligibility can only be challenged based on the legal sufficiency of the certificate of nomination. It would also remove a rule that federal candidates must sign a statement indicating that they are aware they are disqualified from holding office if they have been convicted of a felony.

Republicans have said the bill will protect presidential candidates from overzealous judges, while Democrats decried it as a move to protect Trump from legitimate legal questions.

Republican Rep. Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton, the floor manager of the House bill, said the ruling affirms his argument that judges should not be deciding who is eligible to be on the ballot. Kaufmann was a senior advisor to Trump's 2024 Iowa caucus campaign.

"I have been saying all along that it is not the job of activists on the far right or far left to pick who the party's nominees are," he said. "That is the will of the voters. My friends on the other side of the aisle seem to think that activists should subvert democracy and choose who's on the ballot."

Kaufmann said he still thinks the provision limiting ballot challenges for presidential candidates is necessary. The language came from a proposed secretary of state bill, and Kaufmann said he wants to ensure that state law matches up with federal court precedent.

Kaufmann said he expects the House to vote on the bill on Tuesday.

Ernst, Hinson praise ruling

Members of Iowas congressional delegation also celebrated the decision on Monday. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, said the American people should decide in a social media post.

GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson, who endorsed Trump after the January caucuses, also showed her support for Trump on social media.

I was proud to sign an amicus brief in support of President Trumps Colorado ballot disqualification appeal & am glad the Supreme Court reversed this disastrous decision & stood up for American voters & our Constitution, she said. Voters decide elections, not liberal court justices.
The place of Claf Abercuawg in relation to the larger body of Middle Welsh poetry attributed to Llywarch Hen (that is, as narrator rather than author) is a matter of debate, and one that is not likely to be soon settledbluntly put, there is no way of knowing with certainty. It seems that the association is based largely on the similarity of the structure of Claf Abercuawg to the structure of other laments found in the Llywarch Hen cycle, in addition to its presence immediately preceding the Llywarch Hen material in extant manuscripts. However, modern scholarship has called the connection of this poem to the Llywarch Hen cycle into question, and indeed, there is nothing in the poem itself that necessitates a connection. Nevertheless, nature poetry like Claf Abercuawg does not form a complete work of poetry itself, but is rather used as a prologue to another type of poem, and so separating this poem from the Llywarch Hen cycle would require another tradition for its origin. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that there seems to be the implication of an otherwise unknown history behind the current condition of the narrator, as suggested by his reference to his previous life in the court of a king. Nor can the striking similarity of imagery to poems in the Llywarch Hen cycle, such as Gwen ap Llywarch ai dad , be ignored. Finally, the appellation Claf Abercuawg is a modern creation , and in the manuscripts there is simply a break in the line and an ornate initial letter to signal the beginning of a new piece. Thus, to speak of it as a clear entity is misleadingit is simply one poem that precedes a number of interrelated poems.



This is not to claim that Claf Abercuawg must have originated from the same tradition as the Llywarch Hen material, but rather that, if they did come from different traditions, the evidence found in the themes, the imagery, and the placement of these poems in the manuscripts makes it increasingly difficult to believe that the scribes would place Claf Abercuawg immediately preceding the Llywarch Hen cycle without the intent to connect the two. And so while it is impossible to say whether the original Claf Abercuawg was intended to be a part of the Llywarch Hen cycle, by the time of the assembly of the extant manuscripts, it was clearly considered to be so.



1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a difficulty in ascertaining the connection between Claf Abercuawg and the Llywarch Hen cycle of poetry?



A. The similarity in literary technique between the works.

B. The unlikelihood of Claf Abercuawg being a stand-alone work.

C. Both works have anonymous narrators.

D. The placement of the poems in the manuscripts.

E. The implied background of the narrator of Claf Abercuawg.





2. Based on the passage, what seems to be the authors response to the question of the connection between the works?



A. The connection is clear based on the extant manuscripts.

B. The connection is more likely than not.

C. It is fruitless to examine because it can never be known.

D. The connection is implied in the extant manuscripts.

E. The connection is possible but unlikely.





3. The primary purpose of this passage is to



A. describe the poem Claf Abercuawg.

B. outline the origins of the poem Claf Abercuawg.

C. contrast other Middle Welsh poetry with Claf Abercuawg.

D. explain the relationship between Claf Abercuawg and the Llywarch Hen poetry.

E. describe all the Llywarch Hen poetry.





4. Which of the following is an accurate paraphrasing of the highlighted portion?



A. The poem Claf Abercuawg was recently rewritten.

B. The poem originally had a different title than Claf Abercuawg.

C. The poem was only given the title Claf Abercuawg recently.

D. The poem should not be called Claf Abercuawg.

E. The poem as it now stands has been heavily redacted. A. The similarity in literary technique between the works.B. The unlikelihood of Claf Abercuawg being a stand-alone work.C. Both works have anonymous narrators.D. The placement of the poems in the manuscripts.E. The implied background of the narrator of Claf Abercuawg.A. The connection is clear based on the extant manuscripts.B. The connection is more likely than not.C. It is fruitless to examine because it can never be known.D. The connection is implied in the extant manuscripts.E. The connection is possible but unlikely.A. describe the poem Claf Abercuawg.B. outline the origins of the poem Claf Abercuawg.C. contrast other Middle Welsh poetry with Claf Abercuawg.D. explain the relationship between Claf Abercuawg and the Llywarch Hen poetry.E. describe all the Llywarch Hen poetry.A. The poem Claf Abercuawg was recently rewritten.B. The poem originally had a different title than Claf Abercuawg.C. The poem was only given the title Claf Abercuawg recently.D. The poem should not be called Claf Abercuawg.E. The poem as it now stands has been heavily redacted.
Virginia will be in the spotlight Tuesday as voters head to the polls to select Republican and Democrat candidates for president.

Known as Super Tuesday, its when most states hold primaries that will ultimately settle the nomination process for both parties.

Polls across the state will open at 6 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m.

This is the first dual primary to offer in-person early voting  which wrapped up Saturday  in the commonwealth. The last dual primary was in 2016, which was before the state started offering 45-day early voting.

By about mid-morning Saturday, about 15 people had elected to vote early at the Voter Registration and Elections Department in Chatham.

While early voting started slow in January, voter participation has been steadily increasing as we approach Super Tuesday here in Pittsylvania County, Pittsylvania County Registrar Shani Shorter told the Register & Bee.

Three election workers were ready Saturday to guide voters through the process.

When voters arrive at their precincts, our election officers are going to ask what primary they would like to participate in, Shorter explained. The reason is there are two simultaneous primaries going on  Democratic and Republican.

Shorter said Virginia is one of the few states that has whats known as an open primary system. That means voters do not have to be registered with a particular party to cast a ballot.

Even though some candidates have dropped out of the race, their names will still appear on the ballot.

For example, there were six candidates originally seeking the GOP nomination. Now only former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley remain in the race.

On the Democratic side, two others are challenging President Joe Biden on the ballot.

Voters will need to present a form of identification Tuesday.

Overall turnout is expected to be low, as is traditional for primaries.

In Danville, early voting has been very slow, Registrar Petty Petty said via email.

Hope to get 10% total with both parties added together, Petty said.

In Danville, 12% of registered voters cast a ballot for Democrats and an equal number voted as Republicans in the 2016 dual primary.

While turnout is historically lower for primaries, no matter the scenario we are ready to serve the voters of the county, Shorter explained.

Even though many schools serve as polling precincts, classes will still be in session in both Danville and Pittsylvania County.

But Petty noted this has happened before and doesnt expect any issues.

Parking might be an issue until school dismissal, she said. Voters might want to avoid trying to go by a school when buses are unloading or loading.

Shorter said shes been in contact with Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Mark Jones.

They were meticulous in their efforts to make sure that the impact to instruction was as little as possible, she said.

Only minor changes will need to be made, such as the location of voting within the individual school facility. These will mirror the special election hosted Jan. 9, Shorter said.

For example, in some locations instead of voting in the cafeteria, voting would be in the gym or auditorium with access from an outside entrance, she explained. We have taken great strides in providing extra signage at each school so voters can easily find their polling places if changes have occurred.

Absentee ballots may be returned by Election Day at the polling place or using a drop-off location. If mailed, it must be postmarked Tuesday and received by noon Friday.

Shorter said that anyone who will be 18 on or before Nov. 5  Election Day  may still vote in the primary. Although the registration period has ended, those people may vote by same day registration.

This is an exciting year for elections in Pittsylvania County and our team of election professionals are ready to serve the voters of Pittsylvania County, she said.
At the invitation of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, attended the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, which took place from 1 to 3 March in Antalya, Turkey.

 MAE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Jeyhun Aziz oglu Bayramo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan MAEE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Elmedin Konakovic, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia-Herzegovina.  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Republic of Albania; Angelina Eichhorst, Executive Director of the European External Action Service of the EU; Kolinda Rabar-Kitarovic, former President of Croatia; Ana Palacio, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain.  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Abdallah Bou Habib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Republic of Lebanon; Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Mevlut Cavusoglu, former Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs; Burak Akcapar, Deputy Minister; Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Ivica Dacic, Serbian Minister for Foreign Affairs; Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Mihail Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Moldova. MAEE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Luigi Di Maio, Special Representative for the Gulf Region, European Union MAEE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Miguel Angel Moratinos Cuyaube, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Hakan Fridan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, Coo, World Food Programme; Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs  MAE (fr. l. to r.) Jens Plotner, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the Federal Chancellor, Germany; Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Mevlut Cavusoglu, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Turkey MAEE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Elmedin Konakovic, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Peter Szijjarto, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary. MAEE (fr. l. to r.) Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President, Republic of Kosovo

The Forum, themed "Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil", is a high-level event that brings together heads of State and Government, Foreign Ministers, representatives of international institutions, academics and business representatives to debate the main regional and international issues.

In this context, Minister Bettel took part in a panel discussion on "The European Union's capacity to shape global transitions", together with Igli Hasani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Angelina Eichhorst, Executive Director of the European External Action Service of the EU, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, former President of Croatia, and Ana Palacio, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain.

During the panel, Minister Bettel recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine have shown that the European Union - when united - can act quickly and decisively. It is therefore vital that the EU Member States stand united, while remaining true to the fundamental values of the European Union. "Given the history of the European continent, Luxembourg will always be resolutely committed to peace, both within the EU and internationally," said Luxembourg's head of diplomacy, underlining the importance of working together to find common solutions to global problems.

Minister Bettel held a number of bilateral meetings, notably with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon and Moldova, while attending this diplomatic forum. The Minister also met the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio, and the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Operations of the World Food Programme, Carl Skau.

These meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on the latest international developments, including the situation in Ukraine and Gaza, and to strengthen Luxembourg's relations with the countries concerned. In this context, Minister Bettel expressed his deep concern about the latest tragedy in Gaza, when Israeli soldiers opened fire on residents gathered around a food aid convoy, and stressed the importance of an independent investigation to shed full light on this incident. "This tragedy shows us once again the absolute necessity of an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages," stressed Minister Bettel.

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
The Minister Delegate for Tourism, Eric Thill, attended the opening of the plenary session of the MPI (Meeting Professionals International) annual conference in Europe. Known as the European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), the event will take place in Luxembourg from 3 to 5 March 2024. With 15,000 committed members, MPI is the world's largest meetings and events industry association representing event planners, association professionals, suppliers, hotels and other event service providers.

MECO Eric Thill, Minister delegate for Tourism

The organisation of the EMEC in Luxembourg is part of the government's efforts to promote, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Convention Bureau (LCB), the Grand Duchy as a host country for organising international professional events and thus developing congress and business tourism. Located at the heart of Europe, Luxembourg boasts a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities for hosting meetings, conferences and events.

In his speech at the European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL), the Minister Delegate for Tourism, Eric Thill, stated: ''Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the professional events sector'' Organisers and visitors are looking for events that respect the environment and place greater emphasis on the principle of social and ecological responsibility. We are responding to this demand with our 'Green Business Events' initiative, which aims to promote environmentally-friendly business events and support sustainable solutions."

The business events segment includes conferences, congresses, conventions, exhibitions, trade fairs, corporate events and special events. The sector generates income for local businesses in a variety of sectors: convention centres, events and communications agencies and, above all, the hotel and catering industry.

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy
A new bar is giving Greensboro a taste of New Orleans.

The Quarter opened Feb. 27 downtown at 112 West Lewis St., in a restored two-story building next to Boxcar bar and arcade.

The Quarter is the latest project from Wade Robinson, Herbie Gimmel and Joel Bernstein, who also own Earls WS restaurant and Joyners bar in Winston-Salem. It is their first project in Greensboro.

Robinson, who designed the new bar, said he was drawn to the character of the old building, which had been abandoned for years, and that helped him craft a look that evokes the French Quarter in New Orleans. Once I saw the pitched roof, I thought it would be interesting to take out the second floor and make a balcony, he said. And once we had a balcony, I thought, What if it was like a street in New Orleans?

When customers enter the bar, they can see straight up to that pitched roof, which is filled with skylights. A wrought-iron rail around the balcony is reminiscent of many classic French Quarter courtyards. The courtyard effect is enhanced by the presence of two large fiberglass tree sculptures whose trunks originate on top of the central bar and which extend up to the second floor.

For the sculptures, they hired Anthony Heinz May, an old college friend of Ornsteins who is now an artist based in Oregon and known for his work with trees.

Robinson said that the project took two years because the building had been vacant so long. So, the floors, windows, electrical and pretty much everything else is new.

The main bar is made of mahogany and measures 35 by 15 feet in the center of the main floor. The bar kind of mirrors the one in Joyners, Robinson said, though its much larger.

The Quarter Address: 112 West Lewis St., Greensboro, N.C. 27406 Phone: 336- 617-4082 Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Website: thequartergso.com Instagram: @thequartergso

Theres also a smaller auxiliary bar upstairs on the balcony.

The color scheme is mostly dark and brown, with a lot of banquette booths along the two long walls. But the skylights and upper windows on one side also let in a fair amount of light before sunset. And the bars look changes quite a bit once night falls. At night, theres a whole nother feel, Robinson said.

Ed Medina, with whom Gimmel had worked in New York, is the general manager. Medina has carried The French Quarter theme through the bar menu, which includes a small selection of beer and wine but focuses on cocktails.

New Orleans-style drinks ($14) include the (milk-punch-clarified) Golden Hurricane with passionfruit; Umeshu Sazerac (with plum wine); and the Big Easy Express with vodka, Amaro and coffee liqueur.

Other cocktails include a Greensboro Gin Spritz with cucumber, mint, elderflower and prosecco. Mocktails also are available.

Draft beer currently includes Gate IPA, The Lightest Thing We Have Pilsner and Dino DNA Amber. There also are cans and bottles.

Wines include just three whites, three reds and four sparklings.

Robinson said that in light of the tall ceiling, they plan to have an aerialist performing on a ring on weekend nights. They also plan to have a DJ on weekends.

The partners are hoping to open more bars. Bernstein focuses on finding properties, Robinson focuses on design, and Gimmel brings years of restaurant/bar experience.

Our goal is to open one bar a year, so were always looking for places, Robinson said.

But right now what we really hope is we contribute to Greensboro  and make it a better place. I love designing bars, and we want to keep having fun.
Three Cone Health-affiliated hospitals  Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville and Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro  debuted Thursday their versions of a metal detection system.

The system is situated at the entrance to each hospitals emergency department. Moses Cone Hospital put its system into use in September.

The system is designed to enhance security and prevent violence in the emergency departments. Only law enforcement personnel with statutory authority to enforce federal, state, city or county laws are permitted to carry weapons on Baptist property.

It scans for any type of weapons without requiring people to empty their pockets or open their bags. People will walk through a couple of panels, and the device alerts security of suspicious items.

Those triggering alerts, those who request it and people in wheelchairs or stretchers will be examined with a hand wand. Anyone with a large knife, gun or other weapon will be asked to put it in their car before entry.

When asked about searching purses, Cone spokesman Doug Allred said not routinely. Security may ask to look in a purse if the device indicates a possible weapon inside.

People with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices can safely walk through the detector.

Cone Healths director of security and emergency management, Chris Cromer, said that since Moses Cone began utilizing the system in September, people have taken well to the idea of them being in there. We have seen no problems at all.

Most people walk through them without giving it a second thought. When we do detect something, they have been very good about putting the items in their car.

Cone said it plans to spend nearly $3 million on a dozen more units to improve security at other hospital entrances, as well as its MedCenters, by the end of September.

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, 70% of nurses who work in emergency departments say they have been hit or kicked, while 47% of doctors say they have been assaulted.

Cone joins Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Forsyth Medical Center, both of which have added metal detectors over the past two years.

Baptist debuted its walk-thru metal detectors system in July at the adult emergency department on the main Ardmore campus. A system has been added at Brenner Childrens emergency department.

Other Baptist-affiliated hospitals in Bermuda Run, High Point, Lexington and Wilkes are utilizing metal detectors.

Forsyth Medical Center had its metal detectors installed in early 2022. All Novant-affiliated hospitals have handheld metal detectors available for use when needed.

Besides the metal detectors, Atrium said it has installed amnesty boxes outside emergency department entrances where patients and visitors can voluntarily discard prohibited items, such as firearms and knives, before entering the emergency department.
Voters in North Carolina will decide a full slate of primaries Tuesday, including contested races for governor, U.S. House and other offices, not to mention the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.

President Joe Biden is the only candidate listed on the Democratic primary ballot, although voters have the option of selecting No preference in either contest. U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and self-help author Marianne Williamson had attempted to get on the ballot, but the State Board of Elections decided in January to finalize the candidate lists provided to them by the state parties.

Former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are the only active candidates on the Republican ballot. A voter had attempted to block Trump from appearing on the ballot, saying he was disqualified for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but the elections board dismissed the challenge in December.

Biden and Trump are the overwhelming front-runners in their bids for a second term. Super Tuesdays massive delegate haul from more than a dozen states could put them within reach of clinching their parties nominations. Trump could reach that milestone as early as March 12; for Biden, its March 19.

Also on the ballot Tuesday are contested primaries to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. State Attorney General Josh Stein, former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan and three other candidates will compete on the Democratic ballot. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of Greensboro, state Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham will compete for the Republican nomination. Stein has Coopers backing, while Robinson won Trumps endorsement.

Primaries are also being held for other statewide offices such as lieutenant governor, attorney general and treasurer, as well as for the state Senate and state House, and the U.S. House, including five districts where the incumbent is not seeking another term.

Nonpresidential races where no candidate receives a single vote over 30% of the total voteshare may go to a May 14 runoff if the second-place finisher requests it.

Heres a look at what to expect on Election Night:

Election Day

The North Carolina presidential and state primaries will be held on Super Tuesday, March 5. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Whats on the ballot

The Associated Press will provide coverage for the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries as well as key state races. Biden is the only Democratic presidential candidate on the ballot, but he does face a No Preference ballot option. The Republican ballot options include Trump, Haley, No Preference and former candidates Ryan Binkley, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Asa Hutchinson and Vivek Ramaswamy. Among the notable state races are the Democratic and Republican primaries for governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer, the Republican primary for secretary of state, the Democratic primary for attorney general as well as various primaries for U.S. House, state Senate and state House.

Who can vote

Registered party members may only vote in their own partys primary. Unaffiliated voters may vote in any primary.

Delegate rules

There are 116 pledged Democratic delegates at stake in North Carolina, and theyre awarded according to the national partys standard rules. Twenty-five at-large delegates are allocated in proportion to the statewide vote, as are 15 PLEO delegates, or party leaders and elected officials. The states 14 congressional districts have a combined 76 delegates at stake, which are allocated in proportion to the vote results in each district. Candidates must receive at least 15% of the statewide vote to qualify for any statewide delegates and 15% of the vote in a congressional district to qualify for delegates in that district.

Republicans have 74 delegates at stake, 32 of which are statewide delegates awarded proportionally to candidates who receive more than 20% of the statewide vote. Each of the 14 congressional districts awards three delegates. If the leading candidate reaches 60% in a congressional district  or if only one candidate surpasses 20% of the vote  all three delegates go to the candidate with the most votes. If more than one candidate receives 20% but no candidate surpasses 60% in a congressional district, the candidate with the most votes receives two delegates while the runner-up receives one.

Just remember

Trump won the 2016 North Carolina primary against a more competitive field than he faces this year. In that election, Trump edged out U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by about 3 percentage points. Cruz almost managed to take the state by winning the second- and third-most populous cities of Raleigh and Greensboro and the surrounding areas, as well as a handful of counties in western North Carolina. Although past primary results show that Haley appeals to a much different type of Republican primary voter than Cruz, her likeliest path to victory would resemble Cruzs performance. To pull off an upset, she would need to rack up big wins in Raleigh and Greensboro and improve on Cruzs performance by also winning in Charlotte, the most populous city in the state. Trump carried Charlotte in the 2016 primary, but its the type of area where Haley has found some success this cycle.

Biden had a 19-point victory over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2020 primary, and the president is the only named candidate on the ballot in 2024. A winner call should be possible if the initial votes of the night confirm that he was an overwhelming lead over No preference.

Nonpresidential races with at least four candidates could go to a May 14 runoff if no one receives at least one vote more than 30% of the total vote and the second-place finisher requests one. This could delay winner calls on those races. Runoff-eligible races in which the leading candidate hovers near the 30% mark may not be called until additional votes are counted, even if the front-runner leads the rest of the field by a significant margin.

The AP will call winners in races in which a candidate has clearly received more than 30% of the vote. AP will declare a runoff in races in which no candidate reaches the threshold by advancing at least one of the candidates to the runoff election.

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

Numbers game

Turnout in the 2022 U.S. Senate primaries was about 9% of registered voters in the Democratic primary and about 11% in the Republican primary.

As of Wednesday, nearly 385,000 had been cast before Election Day, about 46% in the Democratic primary and about 53% in the Republican primary. In the 2022 U.S. Senate primaries, pre-Election Day voting made up about 50% of the total vote in the Democratic contest and about 37% in for Republicans.

Decisions, decisions

In the 2022 primary election, the AP first reported results at 7:38 p.m. ET, or eight minutes after polls closed. The election night tabulation ended at 12:52 a.m. ET with about 99% of total votes counted. Results on Super Tuesday may be reported later than in previous elections because of a new state law requiring elections officials to wait until polls close before tabulating pre-Election Day votes that were cast in person.
GREENSBORO  North Carolinas Super Tuesday ballot has plenty to draw voters, with primaries for governor and president in a swing state that will be among the most closely watched in November.

But first, voters must deal with a long list of new laws pushed by Republican lawmakers to make sure they can cast their ballots  and that they will be counted.

This will be the first statewide election requiring voters to provide a photo ID to vote in person due to a 2018 law that had been delayed by lawsuits. A separate law added a requirement that voters who cast their ballot by mail include a copy of their photo ID in the envelope. Yet another change approved last year says any mailed ballot received after Tuesday wont be counted, eliminating the previous three-day grace period for ballots postmarked by the day of the election.

All this has landed on local election officials, who must not only work the new rules into their election preparations but also educate voters on how to navigate them.

If you dont know if youve got the right kind of ID, just bring everything you got, said Charlie Collicutt, elections director in Guilford County, home to some 377,000 registered voters. Dump your purse out and were going to find if one of your IDs works. And if it doesnt, we got a process for you.

His advice to voters: Be persistent and dont let the new rules deter you from casting a ballot.

The changes in North Carolina were among the most extensive state voting reforms passed last year and continue a trend among Republican state legislatures, many of which have passed laws since 2021 adding new voting restrictions. The laws were pushed through after former President Donald Trump began falsely claiming that widespread fraud cost him reelection, claims that have resonated with many Republicans.

Democrats in North Carolina and elsewhere have criticized many of the new laws as attacks on voting rights that often target minority and low-income voters. North Carolinas changes in 2023 were pushed through without any Democratic support by Republican lawmakers who hold a super-majority in the legislature. They overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, whose final term ends this year.

They want chaos to continue to try and cover up the fact that Trump tried to steal this election, Cooper said in an interview. They are trying to change the laws in order to gain significant advantage by restricting peoples voting rights.

Mail voting has been a major focus of Republican legislatures over the past few years. They have moved up deadlines to request mail ballots, added ID requirements and limited third-party ballot collection. Some states also have banned or limited the use of ballot drop boxes.

In another state voting Tuesday, Texas, legal challenges have not stopped sweeping changes made in 2021 from taking effect. During the states 2022 primary, about 13% of mail ballots were rejected as voters struggled to navigate new rules.

One of the new laws in North Carolina that has drawn significant concerns, a planned overhaul of who picks state and county election board members, is on hold pending a legal challenge.

Republican legislators have said the changes respond to what their constituents believe are problems in recent elections. While Republicans performed well in 2020 in the state, GOP leaders were unhappy with legal actions involving the state board that extended the deadline for receiving mail ballots, a change made amid worries about mail delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new changes contain commonsense reforms that restore faith in our elections, GOP Sens. Paul Newton and Warren Daniel, the 2023 bills chief sponsors, said in a statement when lawmakers voted to override the governors vetoes. Voters can go to the polls knowing that elections are being conducted in a fair, nonpartisan manner.

While no major problems have been reported statewide ahead of the final day of voting Tuesday, critics of the changes have warned that many voters could be in danger of not having their ballots counted.

More than 12,000 ballots out of the 5.5 million counted for the November 2020 election in North Carolina were received in the three days after the general election and were counted, according to state data. Republicans argue that everyones voting deadline should be the same and that people will get used to the earlier absentee ballot deadline.

In North Carolina, weve had an election system that has been tried and true, said state Rep. Allen Buansi, a Democrat from Chapel Hill. When youre making those kinds of changes for our election systems without even the consent or negotiation of a minority party  much less the people of the state who vote  youre causing just tremendous damage to our election systems.

For election officials, the focus has been on educating voters as they enter a presidential election year that is expected to generate high interest.

Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said the agency launched an advertising campaign for the new ID requirements that includes an informational webpage and a mailer that was sent to 4.9 million households ahead of the primary. Another mailer is planned before the November election.

With this primary, we are going to learn a lot about how far-reaching our message has been helping voters to understand that we do have photo ID in place, and we will continue that messaging into the fall, Brinson Bell told reporters last month.

Data from last Novembers municipal elections, the first time the new voter ID bill was in use, showed that of the 614,000 ballots cast, fewer than 600 provisional ballots were submitted by people who didnt have a qualifying ID at the polls. Just over half of those ended up being counted.

Voting rights groups, however, released a report after the municipal elections that found voters lacking qualifying IDs were treated differently depending on the county and sometimes failed to receive an exception form. The State Board of Elections approved rule changes in February to help address those concerns.
Good Samaritan Ministries continues to seek a new location to run an emergency winter shelter for women and hopes to find a place that can house not only the shelter, but the daytime Our Place drop-in facility as well.

The search continues as the Montana Department of Commerce said recently that Good Samaritan has until May 1 to come up with a viable proposal for a new shelter location in Helena or lose a tentative $559,738 grant.

At that time, Commerce will reassess Good Samaritans proposal to determine whether to make an actual award, officials said in a Feb. 20 news release.

Theresa Ortega, executive director of Good Samaritan Ministries, said Friday she hopes to meet that deadline and would update the request for proposal with a new location.

She said it is all hinging on one thing after another.

Its all very nerve-wracking, she said. If someone has a building they think might fit our needs wed love to hear from them, love to talk to them.

Good Samaritan has been looking for a new shelter after previous efforts were stalled when a property at 648 Jackson St. that was to serve as a 26-bed overnight winter shelter for homeless women, to be known as Ruths Place, was sold.

While there was community support for such a shelter, there was opposition as well.

The site now houses Our Place, a peer support addiction counseling drop-in center administered by Good Samaritan Ministries, a Rocky Mountain Development Counsel satellite office and a cremation business.

Ortega said the new property owner has agreed to honor Our Place's contract, which expires in February 2025.

The funding for an emergency winter shelter for women facing a deadline was to come under Commerces Emergency Shelter Facility Grant Program, a one-time funding opportunity authorized by House Bill 5 in the 2023 Legislative Session.

Ortega said she is hopeful of finding a new place that can house not only Our Place, but the womens emergency womens shelter that was to be called Ruths Pace.

Id like to have both in the same building, she said, adding shed like to use an existing space.

Lets use what we got here, she said.

She said it is a feasible idea as they operate at opposite hours. Our place is a daytime operation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Ruths Place would open at 4:30 p.m. and close at 7:30 a.m., prior to Our Place opening.

She was asked if a winter shelter for women is still possible this year.

I would be hoping we could do something this winter, but I dont know at this point, Ortega said, adding they are trying to place people in hotels or other possibilities.

Its very much at this point on a one-on-one basis with what people need, she said.

Ortega said if she had to do it all over again, she would try to have more focus on how information was dispersed.

It really was just overwhelming and some of it wasnt accurate, she said, adding it is a community service-provider issue to look at how information goes out.

I dont often have regrets, because I truly feel that with every difficult phase of something there is good that comes out of it, Ortega said, adding that through this experience Good Samaritan has built a closer relationship with the chancellery office. Bishop Austin Vetter spoke in favor of the shelter during public hearings held by city officials in December. Vetter lives in the Seeley Building, where the Catholic Diocese of Helena, is also located, across the street from Our Place. The Seeley Building owner spoke in opposition to the permit, saying it was not a good location.

She said she is working with a group through the United Way to find a new location.

Ortega said May would be the soonest something could happen, but is not overly optimistic.

I dont know what we are going to do if something that does not come through quickly, she said. Weve got a year, but many things can change in a year with available spaces  We are just going to ride this out and see what we can do.

Ortega said she hopes people will look favorably on this and help with support.

She said its not just location, it as cost as well. She said she looked at one location that wanted $14,000 a month for rent.

Good Samaritan Ministries states on its website that it began managing Our Place in late 2019.

Since then, individuals and services have doubled (averaging 1,100 people per month) while increasing the services provided by 85 percent, the website states.

Ortega said the new owner of the property where Our Place is located has been supportive of it staying there through February 2025, when its lease expires.

The commerce department announced in a news release that nearly $5 million of grant funding has been allocated to 10 nonprofit organizations to support homeless shelters with new construction, capital improvements and shelter space acquisition for Montanans experiencing homelessness.

Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce, said the grants provide vital support to organizations that provide a safe place to stay for those who are unhoused.

Commerce continues to rapidly respond to housing issues across the state by leveraging federal and state funding opportunities to increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing.

The ESFG funding was awarded to:

The Butte Rescue Mission will receive $750,000 of ESFG funding for the rehabilitation and expansion of its emergency shelter in Butte.

The District IX Human Resource Development Council will receive $562,500 of ESFG funding for the new construction of Homeward Point in Bozeman.

Family Promise of Gallatin Valley will receive $187,500 of ESFG funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Journey Home property in Bozeman.

The Montana Rescue Mission will receive $750,000 of ESFG funding for the construction of shelter space as part of its Unified Campus in Billings.

Mountain Home Montana will receive $369,183 of ESFG funding for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Mountain Home Hillside property in Missoula.

The Poverello Center will receive $228,593 of ESFG funding for capital improvements to the Poverellos shelter spaces in Missoula.

SAFE in the Bitterroot will receive $750,000 of ESFG funding for the expansion of SAFEs emergency shelter in Hamilton.

The Samaritan House will receive $750,000 of ESFG funding for the rehabilitation of its Building Stability property in Kalispell.

YWCA Missoula will receive $91,136 of ESFG funding for the rehabilitation of the Missoula Family Housing Center.

For more information about all of Commerces housing programs, visit housing.mt.gov.
The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are seeking a field instructor and 13 high school students (grades 10-12) who love the outdoors  or are curious about outdoor-based jobs  to apply to the 2024 Youth Forest Monitoring Program.

Students who participate enjoy hands-on forest experiences where they study and report on forest health, said Liz Burke, YFMP leader and conservation educator.

Last year we celebrated our 25th year," Burke said in a news release. "We brought together alumni throughout the history of the program, and it was moving to hear what an impact this experience has had on their lives.

This years program runs June 17-July 25 and includes a multi-day overnight in the Scapegoat Wilderness.

Students receive training alongside Forest Service scientists to learn forest ecology concepts and field protocols for monitoring streams, soils, vegetation, wildlife and now archaeology. Students split into teams and apply their training to specific monitoring projects. Teams collect, compile and interpret monitoring data.

Field instructors supervise students, and each monitoring project is sponsored by a designated Forest Service scientist. Students consult with their Forest Service contact periodically throughout the program and have a chance to present their results to the community at the end.

This year the Forest Service is also looking for a new field instructor. The field instructor position supervises and transports teams of high school students to forest monitoring sites near Helena, Townsend and Lincoln. The instructor supervises student time divided between outdoor fieldwork and indoor data analyses and reporting.

Applications for the program and field instructor position are due April 12. Visit Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Volunteering (usda.gov) to learn more about the program as well as the position openings, wages and stipends.
DECATUR  Two Decatur men are serving prison sentences after authorities say they looted some 15 vehicles of cash and valuables in a series of crimes targeting the Harristown, Warrensburg and Niantic area.

Chancellor C. Embry, 22, took a plea deal in which four burglary charges were dismissed in return for admitting a charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon. He received a 7 year sentence in Macon County Circuit Court and Judge Jeffrey Geisler also agreed to dismiss another weapons possession charge and a charge of armed violence.

State prison records show Embry had been paroled from the Danville Correctional Center in February 2023 after being sentenced to five years in prison in April 2021 on a charge of residential burglary.

Embry was accused of armed robbery and home invasion as well as that Decatur residential burglary offense, but those other charges were dropped in another plea deal. Prison records show the defendant also has earlier additional undischarged sentences for weapons possession and possession of a stolen vehicle.

His accomplice in the Harristown, Warrensburg and Niantic car burglaries was Cornelius D. Thomas, 27, who accepted his own plea agreement that saw him get three years in prison after admitting a single charge of burglary. Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith dismissed three further burglary counts against Thomas along with charges of armed violence and possession of a weapon by a felon as another part of his plea deal.

Both Embry and Thomas were arrested early Sept. 6 when Warrensburg Police Chief Greg Wheeler cornered the two defendants while they sat in a car in a Warrensburg parking lot.

A sworn affidavit said hundreds of dollars in cash and other valuables were found with the men, who admitted being involved in the string of burglaries targeting unlocked parked vehicles.

Thomas was sentenced Feb. 2 while Embry, whose case had been set for a Feb. 13 hearing, made a surprise appearance in court Jan. 19 for sentencing, telling the judge he would take the plea deal after previously pleading not guilty.

The judge also agreed to recommend Embry for drug abuse treatment while he is in prison.

Embry and Thomas are in custody at Danville Correctional Center and East Moline Correctional Center, respectively, according to state records.
DECATUR  The Decatur Fire Department was dispatched to a "suspicious" fire in the 800 block of North Monroe Street just after 1 a.m. Monday.

The first firefighters to arrive found the house 40% involved and venting out of a north window. That engine company began dousing the flames with water while other firefighters worked on roof ventilation utilities, search and a secondary line. No victims were found in the house and no injuries were reported.

The fire was under control by 2 a.m. and firefighters remained on the scene until 3:30 a.m. to perform overhaul operations.

The fire was determined to be suspicious due to multiple areas of origin and is under investigation by the Office of the Illinois Fire Marshal.

PHOTOS: Decatur firefighters perform training exercises at future site of fire station No. 5 Sprague_Kerrick 10.4.18.jpg Weber_Cody 10.4.18.jpg Smith_Mike 10.4.18.jpg Emmerd_Mike 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 1 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 2 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 3 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 4 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 5 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 6 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 7 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 8 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 9 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 10 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 12 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 13 10.4.18.jpg Decatur Fire Dept training drills 14 10.4.18.jpg
FORSYTH  A central theme of Corrie ten Boom's message in her books, the most famous of which is likely The Hiding Place, is forgiveness.

As portrayed by Gayle Haas at Decatur Christian School, ten Boom recalled her father telling her, when someone had hurt her feelings, to forgive, and the then-teenage ten Boom said I can't. He said, You cannot, or you will not?

There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still, Haas said, in character as ten Boom.

Dressed in typical 1940s-era clothes to portray the author, Haas told the story of the ten Boom family in Haarlem, Holland before and during the Nazi era. The family were Christians, and built a hiding place in the family home where they could conceal Jews. Eventually they were caught, and Corrie, her sister Betsie, and her father Caspar were sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp in September 1944. Caspar ten Boom died only 10 days after arriving at the camp, his age and health unable to withstand the conditions. Betsie, who was frail and sickly, died in December 1944, shortly before Corrie was released due to a clerical error. She had been slated for death. Later, at a prayer meeting, one of the former Nazi soldiers from Ravensbruck approached her and told her he had become a Christian and asked for her forgiveness.

I thought, I cannot, Haas said as ten Boom. But the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, 'You cannot, or you will not?' Where have you heard that before? She did forgive him, shook his hand, and felt a sense of release in the act.

Haas lives in Aurora with her husband, Dan, and together they founded A Future and A Hope Foundation, after spending more than 45 years in church ministry. The foundation's focus is on urban communities and addressing issues of violence, poverty, education and discipleship training.

(Corrie ten Boom's) story, which is a true story, is one we all need to hear, Haas said. That's the power of love and forgiveness. And that is certainly Corrie's story, and it's a privilege to share it. And also, there are people who don't think the Holocaust ever even happened. It's important that our children are hearing the truth, and adults as well, that they be mindful of the dynamics of what was happening when the Nazis came. But the real power of the story is forgiveness, and not staying in a prison of unforgiveness. In no way does that condone any of those things. Jesus didn't condone it. But he said, don't stay angry and become bitter.

She learned ten Boom's story, she said, thanks to the friend who led her to Christ. The two friends went to a Billy Graham crusade in Chicago and he spoke of ten Boom. She began to read ten Boom's books and the author became a hero of the faith to her, she said.

Hearing ten Boom's story from Haas, said freshman Andrea Wildman, made her want to read ten Boom's books, too.

I think Corrie ten Boom is an inspiring person for all she went through, yet she was still praising God through it all, said Maddie Colbert, also a freshman.

The way that she forgives even after all she'd been through, she still had the love in her heart to forgive, Andrea said. She was able to move past that.

Photos: Preserving the silent witnesses to the Holocaust
You are invited to join us for a webinar on using cover crops as a feed supply, titled Managing Cover Crops for Forage at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Many livestock producers in our area plant a cover crop each year to protect the soil behind a corn crop or summer annual and then either plow it under or kill it for no-till purposes the following spring.

Managing cover crops as a forage crop has the potential to produce significant feed for a livestock operation. Maximizing forage yield from a cover crop takes some adjustments planting practices, fertility management, and harvest timing.

This webinar will cover the following topics: Potential forage yields of managed cover crop systems, 2023 Cover Crop Production Trials from the Southwest AREC, counting plant tillers to assess nitrogen needs, and linking cover crop management and SWCD programs.

The link for the program is https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83454686507. Call me at 276-608-6545 if you have trouble signing on.

45th annual Southwest Virginia BCIA Bull Sale

The 45th annual sale of the Virginia BCIA Southwest Performance Tested Bull Test will be Saturday, March 23, 2024, at noon.

The sale will be held at the Appalachian Regional Exposition Center (APEX Center) at 200 Apex Drive in Wytheville, Virginia, just off of exit 70 of Interstate 81.

The sale will include approximately 150 bulls representing the top two-thirds of the bulls tested.

Both fall-born senior and spring-born junior bulls will be offered. Selling will be bulls from the following breeds and breed crosses: Angus, Simmental, SimAngus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Gelbvieh Balancers, and Hereford.

There will also be 30 bred heifers offered for sale. These are fall-calving commercial heifers. They are AI sired and breed to calving ease AI sires. All heifers meet Virginia Premium Assured heifer program requirements. Interested parties are invited to attend.

If you would like to view the bulls before the sale there will an open house held from 1:00 PM  4:00 PM on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Test Station located at 255 Grippy Road in Wytheville.

Come and visit with the consignors and the station managers.

If you cannot make to the open house, videos of the individual bulls will be available for viewing at the BCIA website mentioned below. For catalogs and detailed information visit the website http://bcia.apsc.vt.edu, or phone VA BCIA at 540/231-9163. Online bidding and viewing will be available through LiveAuctions.TV.
Syriac Union Party's Fourth Conference Kicks Off in Syria

Under the slogan, "The unity of our people is the guarantee of establishing our national rights... consensus among Syrians is the guarantee of reaching a sustainable political solution," the Syriac Union Party organized today its fourth conference, with the participation of 50 male and female delegates, in the Zana Hall in the city of Qamishlo.

The conference was attended by male and female members of the party's sub-councils in NE Syria, in addition to the participation of its representatives in the diaspora via the Internet, representatives of the DAS and its bodies, male and female members of the Kurdish and Arab political parties, movements and organizations of young men and women, and tribal notables

.After standing for a minute of silence, the co-chair of the party, Nazera Gewriya in Arabic, and Sanharib Barsoum in Syriac, delivered the opening speech.

In it, they stated that "the participation of Syrians from various components and segments of society in the conference is only an indication of the essence of the Syrians' ambition, to strengthen and develop relations to build a democratic, pluralistic, decentralized Syria, and that everyone bears the responsibility of working in order to reach this goal."

They pointed out: "Our party was involved in establishing the Autonomous Administration, and as an Autonomous Administration and people, we are facing risks and challenges, including the attacks of the Turkish state, and we are required to preserve the gains that were achieved for all the components. Therefore, as the Syriac Union Party, we will remain supportive of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and we will work and raise efforts so that Autonomous Administration gains the trust of all Syrians."

In the name of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the co-chair of the Legislative Council of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in the Jazera Canton, Hikmat Habib, blessed the holding of the conference and wished it success.

He added: "Since 2024, the Autonomous Administration has worked with its social contract to bring all parties and components together, and the Syriac Union Party had a prominent role in the political process. From this standpoint, in light of the genocidal attacks targeting the Syrians by the Turkish fascist state, and their democratic project, the gains that have been achieved must be preserved through concerted efforts and unification of ranks through all Syriac, Kurdish and Arab parties."

The conference was then closed to the media to discuss the party's bylaws, and the conference is scheduled to end with the election of a new general council and co-chai and the approval of final recommendations for the conference.
For 50 years, the White Pine Supper Club in Conover was a popular destination for steaks and live music on the weekends.

The supper club, located at 1316 Conover Boulevard E near the intersection with N.C. Highway 16, closed in 1997. The building has seen other uses since then, including a period as a honky-tonk bar, but has sat vacant for nearly a decade.

Doug Rink, who owns Buddys Tavern II in Newton, is looking to change that. He bought the restaurant from Gary, Neal and Woody McGee, the three living sons of the White Pine founder Noah McGee, with plans to bring back the supper club.

In recreating the White Pine, Rink is taking inspiration from storied Hollywood night spots Ciros and the Rainbow Bar & Grill. He also wants to remain faithful to the restaurants original menu. If they said they had frog legs, well have that, Rink said. If they had livermush sandwiches, well have that. If they had steaks, well have that. So, whatever, because you cant change it.

Gary McGee said the restaurant was known for the quality of the steaks prepared there, but he and his brothers also pointed to frog legs, fried chicken and shrimp cocktails. This was one of the few places back in the 40s and 50s you could go get a steak and have a drink, Gary McGee said. The brothers said the White Pine started out requiring formal attire but became more casual over the years.

The brothers said the restaurants meat-and-three lunches drew a faithful crowd throughout the weekend. There was live music on the weekend and people who were out for the night could enjoy a cheeseburger at the bar out front without having to pay a cover charge.

At one point, the restaurant allowed patrons to bring their own alcohol. It had a reputation of being a rowdy place but they didnt really have that much trouble, Gary McGee said. I mean, youre not going to run a bar for 50 years and not have a little trouble. (Dad) did escort a few people out the door.

Rink said he also wants to seek input from people who used to patronize the White Pine as he looks to bring back the restaurant. He plans to set up a Facebook page called Remembering the White Pine as a place for people to share memories and photos. For now, he says, people can message him photos through the Buddys Tavern 2 Facebook page.

Renovations to the building are in the early stages. Rink said there have been some repairs to the roof and he is working to clean out the building.

He added there is more work ahead. Rink said his goal is to have at least the front bar area open within the next six to eight months.
New York Times best-selling author Kwame Mbalia visited River Bend Middle School on Thursday to interact with an audience of 125 middle school students, according to a press release from the Catawba County Schools district.

Mbalia discussed his novel, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. The book is about a fictional seventh-grade student who, finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left Black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted, according to the Barnes and Noble overview.

Every student in attendance received a copy of the book, the press release said.

The event was more than an author discussion and book signing, according to the press release. Mbalia talked about his journey as a writer, and said, Its one thing to write for yourself, but its something else to put it out there for others to read and judge and comment on.

Mbalia emphasized the need for thick skin and self-discipline in aspiring authors, according to the press release.

His advice to young writers was to write 250 words per day, according to the press release. By the end of the year, writers who stick to that goal will have a 100,000-word book, Mbalia said.

Mbalias visit was not only a celebration of Black History Month, but also a beacon of inspiration for students to embrace their potential, adapt to opportunities and carve their paths in the world of storytelling, the press release said.

The event was a collaboration between River Bend Middle School and the Catawba County Public Library. Its success underscores the communitys commitment to fostering literary appreciation and creative expression among its youth, the press release said.
City Council Supports Abbott Ave. School Zone

The Hillsboro City Council approved a proposal to lower the speed limit on Abbott Avenue near Hillsboro schools during a regular meeting held Tuesday, February 20.



The city has been in conversations with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) about dangerous traffic conditions in the area near Hillsboro elementary and high school campuses. The change will lower the maximum speed limit on the main lanes to 50 miles per hour. During school hours, the speed limit will be reduced to 35 miles per hour. Changes to the service roads are minimal but also include a school zone. TxDOT will implement the traffic changes, which are expected to take effect later this spring.



For the complete story, see the February 29, edition of The Reporter Newspaper.




The lack of price-supportive grain news means that feed prices have settled into a weaker pattern in recent months and are set to continue their declines. Without a significant demand boost, pressures such as continued growth in yields will likely win over the market and keep feed prices in check for dairies.

Theres an old saying that bull markets need fed. In other words, for prices to stay elevated, there needs to be a steady stream of news into the markets justifying those higher prices.

The grain market bull has gone very hungry, indeed. Although summer dryness led to lower yields and higher prices, harvest brought the realization that large plantings offset the low yields, and prices have been alternating between sideways and down ever since.

In 2024, I expect to see sideways or downward trends continue at least through March. Once planting begins in earnest, weather will matter more, but ample 2023 production will keep a lid on any feed rallies.



Sources of demand

Since the fall, corn futures prices have continued to weaken on large supplies and modest demand. Demand changes would drive any changes to old crop corn prices in 2024.

We are still not seeing increases in cattle or hog numbers, so feed demand wont be a factor.

Ethanol production has been solid and should continue to be through 2024. But strong growth is not expected, and any boosts from sustainable aviation fuel demand wont happen for a few more years.

That leaves exports as the remaining source of any additional corn demand. To date, exports have been in line with the USDA forecast of 2.2 billion bushels. This level of exports is higher than last year but has already been priced into the market.

South American harvest outlook

South American corn production will matter increasingly more as we move through 2024. Argentinas production is set to rebound from last years abysmal crop, with availability starting in April. It is still too early to say much about Brazils second crop, which will start being harvested in June, but there is widespread belief that plantings will decline on lower prices compared with last year.

Between now and April, I expect corn prices to languish and basis also to struggle. Dairies should stay hand to mouth on feed purchases through planting. If the second crop Brazilian harvest starts to struggle or U.S. planting is delayed, be proactive in pricing summer needs.



Soy meal prices have remained high over the past two years, primarily because of restricted supplies from Argentina. World exports in the 2022/2023 marketing year were down 3.3%, the largest decline since 2007 (see below). U.S. exports were significantly higher last year and this year to fill the gap left by lower Argentine exports.

I expect South American soybean production to return to a much more normal level this year after last years severe drought in Argentina. After South American harvest, this should cause a weakening in domestic meal and feed prices unless there are problems with U.S. planting or growing weather.

In the coming years, meal users should benefit from the sharp rise in crushing capacity in the U.S. I remain doubtful that more than two-thirds of what has been announced will actually be built in the next two to three years, but even that amount will create a useful oversupply in the protein meal market. Because of widespread construction of new crushing plants, most gains will be in futures, not basis, though some areas will also see much weaker meal basis develop if multiple plants are built.

A return to pre-2020 feed prices?

The 2024 harvest should continue the pattern of weaker feed prices. If yields keep growing without any strong increases in demand, there is a real chance that we will be on a course back toward the grain markets of 2014 through 2020, which were marked by oversupply and corn prices in the low $4 range. Though weather may delay such a scenario, without a large climb in demand, the feed prices of those years are coming back for dairies.





To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2024

February 29, 2024
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa: https://www.ituc-africa.org/), expresses profound dismay and condemnation for the reprehensible act committed by the Kenyan police in shooting Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), during what was meant to be a peaceful protest. This disturbing incident occurred amid demonstrations over the delayed posting of medical interns, further exacerbating the grievances of healthcare professionals in Kenya.

ITUC-Africa joins the Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU)  Kenya in strongly denouncing the use of excessive force by the police, a blatant violation of international principles. The incident not only contradicts the principles enshrined in the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association but also undermines the right to strive and engage in collective bargaining, as outlined in various international agreements.

The Kenyan Constitution and the International Labour Organizations Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise explicitly outline the rights of workers to form and join trade unions without interference. These pieces of legal frameworks equally provide for workers organisations to carry out their activities in full freedom and without disruption. The shooting of Dr. Atellah, who was leading a peaceful procession, stands in direct contradiction to these principles, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and respect for basic human rights. The shooting is a reckless and mindless provocation, and we strongly condemn it.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has been at the forefront advocating for fair working conditions and the hiring of medical interns. Dr. Atellahs leadership during the peaceful march underscores the necessity of protecting the rights to peaceful assembly and expression.

ITUC-Africa calls upon the Kenyan government to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this alarming incident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice. We urge the government to reaffirm its commitment to upholding international labour standards and human rights, fostering an environment where workers can exercise their rights without fear of reprisal.

In conclusion, ITUC-Africa stands in solidarity with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and calls for an immediate cessation of violence against healthcare professionals, emphasizing the imperative of respecting and upholding international labour conventions and human rights standards. It is imperative that the demands of the protesting medical workers be judiciously and expeditiously addressed.

Akhator Joel ODIGIE

General Secretary
COMPANY NEWS: New security status enables Dynatrace to assist all Australian Government departments and agencies to deliver flawless and secure digital interactions

Dynatrace (NYSE: DT), the leader in unified observability and security, today announced it has achieved the Australian Government security status of PROTECTED after successfully completing an assessment performed by an Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) assessor.

The assessment, conducted by Sekuro, a leading cybersecurity and digital transformation company, enables Dynatrace to serve Australian government customers with the Dynatrace Platform, which provides AI-powered observability, automation, and optimisation for complex cloud environments, improving performance, security, and user experience.

At the same time, it will further support Dynatraces financial services, utilities, telecommunications and other enterprises in Australia to satisfy the cyber security standards required by government agencies.

The IRAP assessment involves a process documented in the Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM). This is required before departments can adopt any security platforms and tools external vendors provide. The program ensures that all data processed and collected within the Dynatrace Platform was assessed at the protected level against the applicable requirements stipulated in the June 2023 version of the ISM.

The successful assessment will enable Dynatrace to support internal IT teams to secure their end-to-end infrastructure and meet the strict security and compliance standards required to enable secure and flawless digital interactions and to drive digital transformation initiatives at scale.

The successful completion of this IRAP assessment now allows us to expand our ability to work with both public sector organisations and commercial businesses which require the higher PROTECTED status to have been reached, said Rafi Katanasho, Chief Technology Officer and VP Solution Engineering APAC, Dynatrace. Well now be able to provide the robust cloud capabilities they require to gain accurate and informed data insight in real time to make better business decisions.

During the assessment period which began in September 2023 and was completed in January 2024, Sekuro worked with key Dynatrace stakeholders to perform the assessment, including documentation review, technical configuration reviews, observations of core processes, remote interviews, and necessary evidence gathering.

Sekuro Senior Consultant and IRAP assessor, Rob Lowe, who undertook the assessment process, says the newly achieved PROTECTED status confirms the Dynatrace SaaS platform built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) is designed and operating effectively to achieve the requirements stipulated in the June 2023 version of the ISM.

Katanasho added, For several years now, the Australian Government has been adopting a cloud-first strategy. These organisations are constantly aiming to reinforce their cybersecurity posture while at the same time enhancing the level of service delivered to citizens. Dynatrace looks forward to working with them to fully discover the real benefits of the value in their cloud investment through advanced observability, AI, and automation.

To learn more about how Dynatrace can help public-sector agencies accomplish their missions, visit https://www.dynatrace.com/solutions/industry/public-sector/
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It is born of a healthy caution about total involvement in foreign wars. Spawned in the ranks of MAGA, it resists the endless commitment of American lives we saw in Vietnam and Iraq or of our money that is evident in Ukraine.

Very recent polling by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs shows a growing trend toward reluctance to make heavy commitments in foreign policy. In their annual studies, the Council tracks American public opinion about global affairs.

Ivo Daalder, the former US ambassador to NATO under Obama says the Council's annual polls are discovering two important trends: "One change," he says, "is that Republicans have increasingly  since about 2016  become more skeptical about the United States playing an active role in world affairs and more favorable for it staying out of world affairs. This is the question we've been asking for 50 years."

But, he stresses "something bigger happened in the last survey from late last year, which is that for the first time since we asked that question, more Republicans wanted to stay out of world affairs than play an active role in world affairs. That has never happened before.

There is this secular change over the last decade or so, where Republicans are becoming more isolationist vis-a-vis Democrats. And then all of a sudden, this major shift in the party on the question of whether to stay involved or not. And that major shift can really be explained by one part of the Republican Party."

Ambassador Daalder says that it is pro-Trump MAGA Republicans leading the change. In his survey, he divided Republicans into those who had a very favorable opinion of Trump vs. those Republicans who either had unfavorable or only a somewhat favorable opinion of him.

He found that Global-skepticism runs deep among MAGA Republicans. Only 40 percent of pro-Trump Republicans want the US to "play an active part in world affairs" while 59 percent prefer that we "stay out of world affairs and focus on domestic issues instead."

Isolationism  the extreme form of Global-skepticism  is a potent force in our political history. It has never been defeated in a general election. It fell into disrepute after Pearl Harbor and during Stalin's conquest of Eastern Europe.

The Republican Party split to its core in 1952 when internationalists, led by Eisenhower, defeated Ohio Senator Robert Taft at the national Republican convention and led the US into the UN and NATO. But now, clothed in MAGA garb, the global-skeptics are increasingly dominating the modern Republican Party.

They are being driven by doubts about the wisdom of emptying our national treasury and denuding our stockpiles of weapons to help Ukraine. But the movement has deeper roots that tap into an anti-globalist America First world view.

Apart from Ukraine, skepticism about global climate change is driving the new political movement. 72% of Trump Republicans say the US is paying "too much attention to climate change while 16% feel we are paying too little heed to the issue and 12% feel that we have the balance about right.

But, on the other hand, the survey finds a strong willingness  indeed an eagerness   among Trump Republicans to assume an active role in policing our border, competing with China, and stopping Iran's nuclear program.
 Akron (Ohio) Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable made a couple's dreams come true as he officiated a "Star Wars"-themed wedding, the Associated Press reported.

Julia and Robert Jones said when they heard about the special ceremonies, "There was no other right decision. That was it."

They joined six other couples in 15-minute wedding ceremonies at the Highland Universal Gathering Spot in Akron.

Julia and Robert took the theme to the next level, wearing Sith and Jedi robes and carrying lightsabers.

"By the joining of the lightsabers," Cable intoned, "and by the giving and receiving of rings," he pronounced them husband and wife. "May the Force be with you." [AP, 5/4/2023]
Insight Nikki, it's time to fold your losing hand By Michael Reagan Published Feb. 26, 2024

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OK, Nikki Haley.

Sing along with me, the Republican Party and the great Kenny Rogers:

Youve got to know when to hold em,

know when to fold em,

Know when to walk away,

know when (NOT) to run.

It's long past time for you to drop out of the race for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination.

Youve been called repeatedly and youve still got a losing hand.

Donald Trump has humiliated your political butt in primaries across the U.S. But you still don't know when to throw in your cards and just go away.

Ron DeSantis was smart enough to get out of the primary race before he made a fool of himself.

He knows he still has a future in the GOP, as governor of Florida or maybe even as Trump's vice president.

But you are still busy burning your political bridges to nowhere.

When you were in that terrible Republican presidential primary debate last fall, I said you looked like you were doing an impression of a mad housewife, arguing with Sen. Tim Scott about drapes.

You changed, as I hoped you would, but it was for the worst.

Now youre apparently running an "I told you so" campaign.

You want to be able to wake up this Nov. 6 and tell the rest of us Republicans, " See? I told you so. Trump was going to lose. And you still didn't vote for me?!"

But what youre really doing is making sure youll never have another position in Republican politics  anywhere.

You were a phenomenal United Nations ambassador for Trump and a great governor of South Carolina.

But by dragging out your hopeless campaign and refusing to quit the primary, youre throwing away your legacy and political future.

You know you have no hope of winning the presidency. You couldn't even win a primary in your own state.

You lost Michigan this week and on Super Tuesday on March 5 you will lose every primary in 15 states.

Maybe on March 6 you'll finally wake up, look in the mirror and suddenly realize that Americans would rather have a president who might be behind bars than you.

Maybe instead of asking what that says about Americans, you'll ask yourself, "What's that say about me?"

The rest of us might also ask what do your back-to-back humiliations in the primaries say about the sanity of your donors?

Your biggest donor, one of the zillionaire Koch brothers, woke up, saw the cards youre betting with and bailed on you.

Face it, Nikki, someone running for president who is counting on the guy you're running against being in jail is not a good look.

And what makes you think that if Trump was thrown in solitary tomorrow Americas voters would choose you?

It'd be a free-for-all at the Republican National Convention but the party would choose anyone who's still breathing over you.

I get it that a Republican nominee, whoever it is, will need Democrat votes to win the presidency. I've been there, seen that.

But the Democrats who crossed party lines and voted for you in the primaries so far wouldn't vote for Trump this fall if their party nominated a convicted serial killer.

If Trump fell over dead tomorrow, would the Republican Party support you? Not a chance. A lot of other people would jump in the race and you would be trampled.

So Nikki, please, face the Kenny Rogers music.

You've blown your present and your future. Its so sad, Gavin Newsom is now telling everyone youre the best surrogate Biden and the Democrats have.

The Republican Party and its members don't want you to be the nominee, no matter what.

It's time to fold your losing hand, cash in your chips and go home to Carolina.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant, and the author of "The New Reagan Revolution" (St. Martin's Press). He is the founder of the email service reagan.com and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation.
100 years ago,

March 4, 1924

CHARLESTON  United States Senator William B. McKinley, after an informal reception at Hotel Byers on Monday afternoon, departed for Charleston, where he addressed a meeting of Charleston voters in the circuit courtroom of the Courthouse on Monday evening. After the meeting the senator returned to Hotel Byers to spend the night, going this morning to Sullivan and Shelbyville. He will return to Mattoon this evening and Wednesday morning will leave for Clinton, where he will address an afternoon meeting and thence to Decatur for a night meeting...WINDSOR  Rev. E.U. Smith will terminate his pastorate with the Windsor Christian Church at the close of May. He notified the board a few days ago that he would not be an applicant for further service at the close of this year's contract, which expires on that date. Rev. Smith is serving his fourth consecutive year with the Windsor church, but he served that congregation from 1911 to 1914.

50 years ago, 1974

The beautiful weather over the weekend could have knocked some people down with a feather, with the help of some 50-mile-per-hour wind gusts. The temperature Sunday reached an all-time record high of 75 degrees. Dalias Price, a weather observer at EIU said today the prior record was 71 degrees set in 1946...MATTOON  A man shot during an alleged burglary Saturday was listed in fair condition at Burnham City Hospital, Urbana. Rick Cobb, 19, of Mattoon was shot during the alleged break-in at the new WLBH radio station facilities north of Mattoon by J.R. Livesay, president of Mattoon Broadcasting. Livesay was on nightwatch when the incident occurred. James R. Livesay II said today the construction site had been plagued by vandalism and burglaries and that was why the armed guard was needed. He said when his father got to the site about 11:40 p.m., he saw a car parked in the lane. He went to investigate, according to the younger Livesay, and found a partition had been kicked in to gain entry. Two persons then ran out of the building, knocking Livesay down. He had yelled stop, when a third burglar ran past him. Yelling stop again, Livesay said a warning shot was fired into the air, and then a second shot hit Cobb in the left leg, according to the younger Livesay. Livesay said the gun his father used was a .351 deer rifle primarily used for hunting. An on-the-spot check found nothing missing, according to Livesay.

25 years ago, 1999

CHARLESTON  Despite some lingering negative views, EIU's new biological sciences department is charging ahead through its second semester, the chairman says. "This is a done deal," Kipp Kruse said. "We're going on, and we're going forward." The Illinois Board of Higher Education and the EIU board of trustees have both approved the merger and its curriculum changes, and there are no plans to reconsider it, Kruse said. Some people, including students and several alumni, had expressed concern with the merger, including two men who say they will withdraw a total of $3 million in donations because the botany major was eliminated. For the most part, though, the reaction has been positive, Kruse said. "The outcry was from one or two students, really," Kruse said. Still, in January, student Kevin Franken collected 782 student signatures in favor of keeping all majors intact. At that point, however, the decisions had already been made. There was "no malicious intent" behind the merger, Kruse said, and he hopes people will realize that the decision was made with students' best interests in mind. "People don't like change," Kruse said.

Close Hubert McCoy works on fixing up the American Legion Post 68s historic 1937 American LaFrance fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy works on the engine of the American Legion Post 68s historic 1937 fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy takes the American Legion Post 68s 1937 fire truck on a test drive through Wyman Park in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy works on the American Legion Post 68s fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. The vehicle is a historic 1937 American LaFrance model. Photos: Sullivan American Legion antique fire truck getting fixed up Hubert McCoy has been fixing up the American Legion Post 68s historic 1937 American LaFrance fire truck in Sullivan. Hubert McCoy works on fixing up the American Legion Post 68s historic 1937 American LaFrance fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy works on the engine of the American Legion Post 68s historic 1937 fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy takes the American Legion Post 68s 1937 fire truck on a test drive through Wyman Park in Sullivan on Thursday. Hubert McCoy works on the American Legion Post 68s fire truck in Sullivan on Thursday. The vehicle is a historic 1937 American LaFrance model.
Even before California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the landmark law in September that would increase the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour starting in April, eyebrows were raised over the so-called Panera exemption.

The law was designed to boost pay and improve working conditions for employees of fast-food chain restaurants, but it contained an oddly specific carve-out: It wouldnt apply to restaurants that bake and sell bread as a stand-alone item on the menu.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Newsom pushed behind the scenes for the exemption, which will benefit billionaire Greg Flynn, a campaign donor and business associate who owns two dozen Panera Bread locations in the state.

Flynn runs one of the worlds largest restaurant franchise operations and was a vocal opponent of the law, which sets a fast-food worker wage and creates a Fast Food Council that would hike pay in future years and develop labor, health and safety standards for the covered restaurants.

Flynn, who also attended the same high school as Newsom, contributed $160,000 combined to the governors 2021 anti-recall campaign and his 2022 reelection. Thats a lot of dough.

When questioned about the bread exemption last year, Newsom dismissed it as part of the sausage-making of politics. Amid rising outrage last week, Newsoms office put out a statement calling the Bloomberg story absurd and suggesting Panera is not exempt from the law because it mixes the dough at an off-site location and only bakes and sells the bread at the restaurant.

OK, but were going to need some proof. Because the carve-out for bakeries has been reported numerous times using Panera as the example of a restaurant that would benefit from the exemption. The governors office has yet to explain publicly why the bakery exemption was even warranted. And Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, who carried the bill, said he had nothing to do with devising the bread break.

Newsom and legislative leaders need to explain themselves. This sounds exactly like the kind of legislative shenanigans that undermine public confidence. Lawmakers should expect to explain why an exemption from any new law is necessary.

But its difficult to imagine how this one could be justified. How does it make sense that, if a restaurant bakes bread for sandwiches, its workers deserve $20 an hour, but if it sells it as a loaf, its workers dont?

If you were thinking, well, why doesnt McDonalds just start selling the McBaguette in California to avoid the law? The exemption applies only to restaurants that operate on-site bakeries as of Sept. 15, 2023.

This is really a half-baked idea anyway. Anyone who works for Panera or another exempted chain restaurant-bakery can easily switch to another eatery that pays the new minimum wage. This idea so crumby it could have risen only in Sacramento.
Its a long way, obviously, from scarred and war-torn Afghanistan to North Carolina.

More than 6,800 air miles  14 hours, 9 minutes  to be exact if standard commercial direct flights were available.

The journey is longer, much longer, for a man running for his life and toward a new one here. Longer still if forced to leave his family behind, even if it was only temporary.

Stay or go? That was the choice for 42-year-old Fraidon Sultani.

But thats the choice Fraidon Sultani faced.

And there was a further complication. A longtime employee of the Samaritans Purse relief organization, the 42-year-old had a history of heart trouble  a leaky valve.

Staying in a familiar place could be a gamble. Stepping onto a plane with only the clothes on his back  and hope in his heart  would give Sultani, his wife and four children a shot at the proverbial better life. Even if he had no idea where they might wind up or how theyd get by. Sultani took his chance, made a leap of faith and landed softly thanks to the kindness and generosity of strangers.

Welcoming grace

A weekday afternoon visit to Sultanis home, an apartment in Winston-Salem, is an experience filled with grace, gratitude and an unexpected whirlwind of activity.

A shoe tree sits by the front door. Sultani and his family, per custom, leave theirs by the entrance.

A frequent visitor, Peter Jennings, a volunteer for an organization that helps settle refugees, asks Sultani if its OK for guests to keep their shoes on. Americans, Jennings said with a smile.

Yes. Yes,  Sultani replied.

Within minutes, he escorted his visitors to the living room and offered them a choice of seats. His wife, Nooria, quietly slipped in to pour hot tea and set down trays of nuts and seeds.

And only once everyone was settled did Sultani begin telling the story of his journey and opportunity  a reminder that America, despite recent rumblings to the contrary, remains a welcoming place that offers opportunity to those bold enough to try and seize it.

He boarded that first flight from Afghanistan in 2021 after being vetted. Hed worked for six years as a cook for Samaritans Purse so he had an easily verifiable history.

Sultani went first to Qatar and stayed for 18 days. Next came a flight to Philadelphia and then onto New Mexico.

An Army camp. 28 days, Sultani said. His count is precise, each day separated from his family one he could never get back. Then Winston-Salem.

World Relief chose it for him. A global relief organization that assists refugees with basic needs, has a history in the Triad and a well-established network of volunteers. The more support, emotional, physical and financial, the easier the transition.

Mr. Peter, as Sultani affectionately calls Jennings, showed up when he settled into his first apartment.

I met Mr. Peter on the first day, Sultani said. He came back the second day. And he kept coming back.

And he wasnt alone. Far from it.

Generous spirits

The first item of business was business.

Sultani needed a job and he wanted one. The sooner he could get established, the sooner his family could be reunited.

Jennings drove him to the Showmars restaurant, owned by the son of an immigrant.

When we were there, an older man in the restaurant opened his wallet and pulled out a $100 bill, Jennings recalled. He had tears in his eyes and said he remembered coming here from Greece and how hard it was.

Next on the checklist was finding reliable transportation. Jennings had an ace, one hes relied on multiple times through his years  he texted Chris Culp, the founder and director of Twin City Bike Collective, a nonprofit based at Summit School that overhauls used bicycles and distributes them throughout the community.

Most of the time, we (donate) bikes in bunches to other groups that give them to kids. The Housing Authority and things like that, Culp said. Its awesome pulling up in the truck and seeing the look on the kids faces.

Donating bikes in ones and twos to adults, new arrivals, is relatively new for the bike collective but equally rewarding.

World Relief is a great partner, he said. They do the vetting and tell us exactly what they need. They might call and say, Weve got a man, 5 foot 8 who needs a way to work. That way we know what size and kind of bike to get.

Collective workers, Summit students, then upfit the bike with a rack for carrying things, new tires and a lock.

And that simple machine, viewed by many as a kids toy, becomes a toehold.

Sultani, for example, rode his three or four miles four mornings a week to take English as a Second Language classes at Forsyth Tech and then onto work.

He was on his way. Until his heart began giving him trouble.

A health scare

It started with a familiar shortness of breath and increasing difficulty with his energy. Sultani suspected what it was; hed had a heart valve repaired in 2009 in India.

He had health insurance through his job so seeing a doctor was easier than it might have been. (How many restaurants do that? Jennings asked.)

And yet Sultani was determined to work as long as he could. The bike collective stepped in again and found an eBike  electric assist, which makes pedaling easier. So nice, Sultani said. Very helpful.

He had surgery in June 2022; his family joined him not long after he was able to leave the hospital.

Heres the thing. They didnt know whether he would survive, Jennings said. And if he didnt, (the family) might not have been able to stay in the U.S.

Clearly Sultanis surgeons knew how to attack and fix the issue.

Twelve days in the hospital and three months no work, as Sultani said, and the reunited family got busy making a life in a new home.

A Good Neighbor team, this one a partnership between St. Pauls Episcopal and First Baptist, swooped in ready to work. And they continue doing so to this day.

One volunteer, Paige Dillon, helped the Sultanis find a bigger place and some furniture. Others keep coming to help the kids with their homework and their English.

A village making sure a family felt welcome, supported and with a chance to flourish.

Nooria Sultani has a job now working in a coffee shop at Wake Forest. Maryam, a whip smart student at Jefferson Middle School, helps her parents translate sometimes.

They have a van now, too, and Fraidon Sultani has his drivers license. Making ends meet can be difficult, but thats not unusual in the United States these days.

Sultani isnt inclined toward discussing the situation in Afghanistan; he prefers looking forward, not back. My country has changed, he said.

Besides, the future is bright and the hardest part of a very long journey is over.

My family (was) not here, Sultani said. Now they are.

PHOTOS: Fraidon Sultani
The parent company of Golden Corral said last week that a data breach on Aug. 11-15 may have caused the release of personal information, including Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, of current and former employees, their dependents and beneficiaries.

The Raleigh-based restaurant chain said it is unaware of any misuse of the information and is providing notice to potentially affected individuals out of an abundance of caution.

The company did not say how many employees were affected and whether it was providing services to those employees.

Affected personal information also could include: employee, dependent and beneficiary name; drivers license number; medical information; username and password; and health insurance information.

Golden Corral discovered the incident on Aug. 15, after it caused a temporary disruption to corporate operations.

The chain conducted a review of the data breach that was completed Jan. 26. It began notifying affected individuals on Feb. 16.

Golden Corral said it is cooperating with federal law enforcement authorities.

While Golden Corral is unaware of the misuse of any personal information impacted by this event, individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft by reviewing account statements and explanations of benefits for unusual activity, the chain said.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the appropriate insurance company, health care provider or financial institution.

For more information, call 833-918-0983 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Other local data breaches

The Golden Corral data breach is just the latest in a series of incidents after Triad residents and employees.

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 bank notifications to 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 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.

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.
Nebraska's deputy auditor confirmed Monday that all 235 outstanding Red Way airlines refunds had been paid and processed.

Craig Kubicek, the deputy auditor for the Nebraska Auditor's office, confirmed in a letter to Lincoln Airport Executive Director David Haring that all outstanding airfares have been refunded.

Kubicek had been communicating with Red Way CEO Nick Wangler, who Auditor Mike Foley said was "helpful and upfront with our office, providing routine updates along the way."

According to the letter, Wangler confirmed Feb. 13 that all remaining 235 customer refunds "were issued with no processing errors."

On Feb. 14, the auditor's office reached out to more than 25 Red Way customers awaiting refunds and said it got responses from "several" of them who confirmed their refunds had been processed.

Red Way, a startup airline based out of Lincoln, shut down after less than three months in operation, burning through $3 million in public funds and leaving thousands of customers holding tickets for flights that were no longer scheduled.

According to a state audit of Red Way that was completed in December, the airline owed more than $360,000 in customer refunds when it shut down at the end of August.

Even after Attorney General Mike Hilgers got involved and announced that final refunds for 670 customers were being processed, Foley's office discovered that many customers still had not received them.

Red Way got its start largely thanks to $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from both the city of Lincoln and Lancaster County, which was used as a revenue guarantee to offset startup losses. But the airline used up all the money in less than three months, without coming close to turning a profit.

Last week, County Commissioner Matt Schulte, who was not on the board when it approved the money, called for the Lincoln Airport Authority to fire Haring.

I believe that the Airport Authority (board) has the power to fire their director and they probably should fire their director for losing that much money, Schulte said Friday.

Photos: First Red Way flight departs from Lincoln Airport
Scammers are apparently targeting patients at Nebraska hospitals that have been hampered by a nationwide cyberattack.

The Nebraska Hospital Association and Bryan Health both said Monday that they are aware of reports of patients being targeted by scammers offering refunds if they provide credit card information.

They said the scam calls are apparently connected to the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary that provides financial and clinical authorization services to hospitals and pharmacies across the country.

The Nebraska Hospital Association said last week that the cyberattack on Change Healthcare was affecting "a majority" of the state's hospitals, which have been experiencing issues with prior authorizations for drugs, surgeries and other medical procedures; insurance verification for hospital stays; cost estimates; and patient billing.

It's not clear exactly what refunds the scammers are offering, but Bryan said in a news release that it has received reports of scammers who are claiming to be representatives from Nebraska hospitals and reaching out to patients offering them refunds if they provide credit card information. It's not clear what charges they are claiming to be refunding.

"The scammers have seen the headlines of the breach and are trying to take advantage by pretending to work at hospitals and collect credit card info, even ones that are not impacted by the cyberattack," said Brad Colee, a spokesman for Bryan, which was not affected by the cyberattack. "We wanted to make patients in the community aware of this in case they receive any type of suspicious call."

He reminded patients that Bryan will never ask for credit card information over the phone to initiate a refund.

Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, said in a statement that people need to be vigilant when presented with these types of scams.

If you are at all skeptical regarding the nature of a phone call, hang up and call your hospital directly, he said.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
OMAHA  The latest rail layoffs last week, combined with an investment fund's ongoing campaign for control of Norfolk Southern, are renewing concerns among unions and regulators about the effects all the cuts might have on safety and service.

The worries about the lean operating model the major freight railroads have embraced for several years as they cut roughly one-third of their workforce are not new. It relies on fewer, longer trains that require fewer locomotives, workers and railcars. The railroads have defended their approach as a sound strategy to make the most of their resources without jeopardizing safety. But the industry has acknowledged that service suffered particularly in 2022 after the railroads cut too deep during the pandemic.

All the major freight railroads  and the Ancora Holdings investors targeting Norfolk Southern  have repeatedly stressed they are committed to improving safety, especially after last year's disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Efforts to impose new safety rules on the industry have largely stalled since that crash, though the industry has taken several steps on its own, like installing hundreds more trackside detectors to help spot mechanical problems.

But the chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, Martin Oberman, told an industry gathering last week that he believes Wall Street's focus on boosting short-term profits, stock buybacks and dividends undermines safety and service. And he said the recent investor pressure on Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific could prompt every rail CEO to back away from investing for the long run.

Any campaign, proxy or otherwise, that threatens to undo recent efforts to rebuild the railroad resilience and move toward significant long-term growth would be a major setback, Oberman said. It would undercut safety and be the opposite of good business, the opposite of fulfilling the common carrier obligation, and the opposite of meeting the congressional commandment to serve the public.

Ancora maintains that Norfolk Southern is misrepresenting its plans to regulators and investors as the railroad's board tries to recruit support for CEO Alan Shaw and his strategy of keeping more workers on hand during a downturn so the railroad will be better prepared to handle the eventual rebound in shipments. The investors say their picks for CEO and operations chief want to improve safety without widespread cuts, although their plan does call for shrinking Norfolk Southern's workforce through attrition as they streamline operations over the next couple of years.

Our proposed CEO, Jim Barber, believes the health and safety of the companys constituencies is the bedrock of long-term success. Our proposed COO, Jamie Boychuk, helped CSX dramatically improve customer service and go roughly two-and-a-half years without any work-related fatalities," Ancora said Friday in its latest letter to the board of Norfolk Southern. "They firmly believe that the health and safety of Norfolk Southerns people and communities are the highest priorities.

Three major rail unions have jumped into the fight over Norfolk Southern and urged investors to back Shaw's strategy and his efforts to improve safety ever since the Ohio derailment.

BNSF laid off more than 360 mechanical employees last week, including dozens in Lincoln  just days after Warren Buffett told shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate that owns the railroad that he was disappointed in BNSF's profits  though that railroad said it is simply trying to shift workers to its busiest terminals. Union Pacific has also laid off several hundred workers since it named Jim Vena CEO last summer after a hedge fund pressured the railroad to change management. UP says most of those cuts were a normal seasonal move when major construction projects typically slow down because of winter.

The BNSF layoffs prompted a letter from the Transportation Trades Department labor coalition urging the Federal Railroad Administrator to step up inspections because unions believe these latest cuts  even though they are relatively small compared to the railroad's more than 37,000 workers  will make it even harder for the railroad to complete required repairs and inspect its locomotives and railcars.

BNSF workers are being pushed beyond capacity, and with these additional cuts, there is grave concern that there will be additional lapses in safety, the unions wrote. We are seeing this verified in real time with exhausting and unsafe overtime mandates. It is time to stop the scheme that puts profits above all else.

The head of the nation's largest rail union, Jeremy Ferguson, added to those concerns in his own letter calling out Buffett's pursuit of profits at worker expense. Ferguson, who leads SMART-TD, said instead of working harder to grow, to earn new business or expand its relationships with the customers they have BNSF is taking the easy route to improve the bottom line by handing out pink slips and furloughs because the executives and shareholders must get theirs first and foremost."

BNSF spokeswoman Kendall Sloan said the railroad's furloughs weren't a widespread effort to cut costs. Instead, they should simply help the railroad ensure it has enough workers in areas where volume is growing across its network that crosses the western United States if workers accept incentives to move into other jobs.

We believe any presumption that BNSF is shifting its priority away from safety is inaccurate," Sloan said. "We consider safety in every decision we make.

Amit Bose, who leads the Federal Railroad Administration, said Union Pacific's furloughs since Vena took over makes me question UPs commitment to safety.

But Vena responded in a letter of his own Friday that Union Pacific will never compromise the safety of our employees or of the communities where we operate. He said Bose's comments were misleading because he lumped together seasonal track worker layoffs with the furloughs of less than 100 mechanical workers last fall after shipping volume slowed.

The latest federal safety statistics for all of 2023 released Friday are mixed with the number of derailments nationwide dipping slightly while the rate of accidents along the main tracks between crossings increased 8%. But Association of American Railroads spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek said the trade group believes the data clearly demonstrate a positive trendline even though there is still need for improvement.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to a large grass fire in north Lincoln on Sunday amid high winds and dry conditions.

LFR was called to the fire in a field near the Salt Creek just southeast of 27th and Superior streets a little after 1:30 p.m., according to LFR spokesperson MJ Lierman.

Crews were hampered by rough terrain and limited access to the fire but eventually got the fire under control.

It's unclear what caused the fire or how many acres it scorched.

No injuries or damage were reported, Lierman said.

Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph, and low humidity prompted the National Weather Service to put much of Nebraska, including Lancaster County, under a red flag warning until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Crews from the Southeast Rural Fire District and Raymond Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department also responded to the blaze.

Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene "for quite some time" Sunday to monitor hotspots, Lierman said.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
Nebraska court interpreter pay rates are in jeopardy of decreasing just a year after the workers got a raise for the first time since 2004.

Wages for court interpreters increased in 2023 from $50 an hour for certified language interpreters to $75 an hour  short of the $85 an hour they were seeking. Without additional funding, there is a possibility of wages dropping back to the 2004-2022 rate of $50 an hour.

"We were asking for $85 to be able to have the same purchasing power that we had in 2004," said Vladimir Bazan, a certified interpreter for Nebraskan courts.

State Sen. George Dungan proposed a bill in 2023 that would have appropriated $1.2 million in the budget to cover the rate increases for court interpreters. Eventually, the funding in the bill was reduced to $400,000 and was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Jim Pillen, who believed the Nebraska Supreme Court had enough funding to cover the rate increase.

State Court Administrator Corey Steel did use funds from the court's budget to increase the interpreter's pay, but only for a year.

Dungan introduced a bill this session  LB864  to allow the Legislature to allocate $600,000 from the general fund for 2023-24.

But the bill is only a stopgap measure to maintain the recent pay increase for another year.

"We still have to come back next year when we actually write the budget for the new biennium and have the discussion about a more sustainable increase in the court budget for interpreters," Dungan said.

Last year, interpreters in Nebraska staged a work stoppage to protest their pay after going nearly two decades without a raise.

Multiple judges across jurisdictions had to reschedule court cases because of a lack of interpreters from the work stoppage, Steel said.

Kelly Varguez, another Nebraska court interpreter, says she sees interpreters leave the state to go elsewhere for better pay.

"We had one interpreter who used to work in Madison County, who moved to Texas and is now making twice as much money per hour," Varguez said.

Court interpreters are not state employees, but rather small-business owners in most cases.

"We really take home to live off of roughly a third of (our pay rate) because the other two-thirds go to taxes, business overhead, skill improvement, all the things that go into running a business," Varguez said.

Bazan said he recently attended an interpreter and translator conference to improve his skills, but the trip was paid for out of his own pocket. Time at the conference was also time spent not earning wages.

"I think in a free market, the small-business owner ought to be free to say, this is what it costs for me to provide this service," Varguez said.

Interpreters often get asked about artificial intelligence and applications being used to replace them, but not only is the technology not developed enough to interpret in a judicial setting accurately, it is currently not allowed in courts.

"At this point in time, there's no federal guidelines that allow for any use of apps or AI or anything like that that can be utilized for the courts," Steel said.

Dungan, a former public defender for nearly a decade, remembers working with interpreters to communicate with his clients. He feels that some were overworked because of a lack of interpreters in Nebraska.

Steel said that in Nebraska there has been a continued increase in the use of interpretation services, which are a constitutional right ensuring all people, regardless of their primary language, have access to a fair trial.

Bazan said a common misconception about interpreters is that they only serve those who don't speak English. In reality, they are helping everyone involved in the judicial system, including judges, lawyers and plaintiffs.

Interpreters are also called upon to aid with testimony if a witness to a crime does not speak English well enough to express themselves.

If LB864 does not pass to increase court interpreters' pay, other court programs may suffer if court administrators decide to maintain the current wage without additional funding, Steel said.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
Steve Evans still wants answers, not out of spite or revenge, but to ensure that the mistakes that caused his popular Facebook page to be taken offline for a week are not repeated.

"We want to learn from this situation," Evans said Monday after Nebraska Through the Lens was put back online by the social media giant.

The company did not respond to a request for comment about why it removed the page  or reinstated it.

Started in 2013, Nebraska Through the Lens has attracted more than 466,000 people representing 99 countries and all 50 U.S. states with its daily offering of dozens of photos, ranging from weather shots to landscapes to wildlife.

But without warning, Nebraska Through the Lens was canceled last week. Evans spent days in search of someone at Meta, Facebook's parent company, to explain the violations.

On Wednesday, Evans was finally notified through email that the site was taken down because "Facebook's technology had identified that we had violated their community standards on intellectual property," Evans said.

A day later, he was told the page would be permanently taken down. Five days later, Evans had no answers for why the page was suddenly reinstated.

"I don't know if it was pressure from media or if it was people complaining," said Evans, who lives in Holdrege. "We had people that were reaching out to their elected officials both at the state and federal level."

Nebraska Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, in the midst of the legislative session, had planned to see what she could do to assist in getting Nebraska Through the Lens back online. Before she could do anything, Facebook reversed its decision.

"I am relieved this page has been restored and appreciate all those who reached out to share our support," Wishart said. "Nebraska Through the Lens serves as a window into our beautiful state and brings so much joy to Nebraskans  including myself."

Evans said he had heard from other group administrators in the last week who wondered what they should do.

"They reached out to me, worried and wondering if this was something they needed to be worried about," he said. "All I could tell them is, I don't know.

"We honestly don't know what the violation was. Until we can figure that out, we're still kind of flying blind, but we definitely want to learn from it and figure out how to keep it from happening again."

Evans said there are protocols in place where every photo put online is confirmed by a group of about a dozen administrators. He said he spends two hours a day tending to the web page.

He said there were times in the site's 11 years that he would get notified every now and then that a photo was removed for violating community standards.

"We would try to look into it to see what it was so we could learn from it," he said. "It was locked and we were told they couldn't share that information with us. So we never could even learn from those violations."

"Our goal is going to be figure out exactly what we were doing wrong and figure out a way to fix it," Evans said.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
The Federal Rail Administration is floating proposals for new passenger lines throughout the United States, including an Amtrak line from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Rapid City, South Dakota, that would pass through the Nebraska Panhandle.

In a workshop for its Long-Distance Service Study, the FRA outlines a potential rail line that would likely pass through Sidney, Bridgeport, Alliance and Crawford and could include stations in some of those communities.

The study was commissioned under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which tasked the FRA to evaluate the restoration of daily inter-city passenger rail service, according to the FRA website.

The FRA defines long-distance routes as passenger lines that cover more than 750 miles between endpoints. Amtrak currently runs 15 long-distance routes.

The proposed line would start in Cheyenne and would pass through the Panhandle on the way to South Dakota including stops in Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, en route to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

The presentation was part of the FRAs third workshop on the study. FRA officials will conduct a fourth workshop later this year before presenting its findings to Congress.

Dan Bilka, co-founder and president of All Aboard Northwest, an advocacy group for passenger rail service, has identified a significant gap in Amtraks long-distance service in the Midwest.

There is currently only one long-distance line in Nebraska and none in Wyoming, North and South Dakota. The only line in Nebraska travels through Omaha and Lincoln connecting to Denver and heading farther west.

Congress has directed the FRA to look at our four criteria about making and serving large and small communities as part of a regional rail network to advance the economic and social well-being of rural areas, Bilka said.

Bilka, who was involved in the FRA workshops, said he had a direct role in bringing the gaps in service to the FRAs attention.

Thats the value of what our advocacy has been, an outreach there to inform the project team that there was some data that was missing from their background information, Bilka said.

While the proposals are a step in the right direction, Bilka said, they are still in the early stages of development, and an actual passenger line could look different from what has been proposed in the study. The passenger line is included as part of the Proposed Network of Proposed Routes, but the FRA presentation does note significant work is still needed to be done before any of those routes become a reality.

Theyre about just a conceptual network, Bilka said of the study. They were not actually creating routes  they were identifying what segments are, what communities, what markets truly should they serve with a true national network.

At this point in the process, Bilka said he feels that a proposed rail line would likely use the existing Union Pacific and BNSF Railway freight lines in the Panhandle.

BNSF reviews new or expanded passenger rail on our network through the lens of our longstanding Passenger Principles, Lena Kent, BNSF general director of public affairs said. New long-distance passenger service will require capacity improvements, although BNSF is unaware which projects are necessary, feasible or sufficient until further analysis, modeling and engineering is performed.

Mike Jaixen, senior manager of communications for Union Pacific, made a similar statement, saying that while UP has been involved in the process, the company has not and will not make any decisions until more information is available.

Union Pacific has participated in several of the Federal Railroad Administrations open sessions and met to receive updates on its progress, Jaixen said. We have not evaluated nor provided specific guidance regarding needed infrastructure or route feasibility, but will continue participating in discussions and the study continues to progress.

The FRA has established a line for public comments on the materials released during the recent workshop, which can be found on starherald.com.

Public comments are open until March 8 through the FRAs Long-Distance Service Study website at fralongdistancerailstudy.org or via email at contactus@fralongdistancestudy.org.
WOOD RIVER  One person died in a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday that officials are saying was an act of arson.

The explosion at 107 E. Eleventh St. was reported at about 9:15 a.m., according to a news release from the State Fire Marshal on Sunday. The house was destroyed and an adjacent home caught fire, according to Hall County Emergency Management.

Investigators believe the explosion was the result of arson, according to the release. Evidence showed that a suspect tampered with the natural gas system inside the home.

The suspect was later found deceased in the basement, the release said. Officials are withholding identification of the suspect until the family is notified.

Hall County Emergency Management said one person was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries and released.

Residents as far away as about 7 miles reported hearing and feeling the effects of the blast, which occurred near an elementary school and church. Several houses and businesses in the area sustained damage.

The State Fire Marshal and Hall County Sheriff's Department investigated the explosion.

Hall County EMA said authorities "believe this was an isolated incident and there is no reason to believe additional incidents may occur."

A number of fire departments responded, including from Shelton, Alda and Cairo.

Windows of neighboring houses and businesses were blown out, including at the home of Patty and Jim Debraal, who live across the street.

Patty Debraal said she was in a hallway when the explosion occurred, and it blew me back. ... We looked out the door and there was a ball of fire right across the street.

Patty Debraal said first responders were on scene within minutes.

Another nearby neighbor, who declined to give his name, was watching TV when the explosion occurred.

The force of the blast, lifted everything up in the living room.

We ran out of the house and saw debris flying, he said.

Other neighbors mentioned pictures falling off the wall.

Neighbors on scene reported the smell of gas before the explosion. Fire department officials on the scene said they were near the house before the explosion, because of reports of the odor of gas in the area.

Jim Debraals sister, Lisa DeVore lives 4 miles outside town, to the east.

I heard it. It shook our roof, she said.

Down the road on 11th Street, teenager Cherish Faircloth was sleeping when, all of the sudden I heard boom and there was a gush of wind. ... My window was broken out.

Faircloths father, Tyrell Cline, said, We were woken up by it. After his daughter alerted him to the broken window, he found other windows had been broken out as well.

Came outside to see a bunch of lumber on the roof of the corner house, he said. And about two minutes later there were about 20-foot (high) flames.

Wood River Mayor Greg Cramer declared a local state of emergency for the city.

The Wood River Fire Department said, "Thank you all for your support today" in a Facebook post, noting plywood was available at the station for boarding up windows and doors.

The department said a fund was set up to help "affected families that suffered losses from the explosion today." The department said physical needs had been met, but financial help is needed.

Donations can be sent to: Wood River Ministerial Association, c/o Heritage Bank, P.O Box 487, Wood River, NE 68883

PHOTOS: Home explodes in Wood River Photos from the scene of a home explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. Home explosion in Wood River Photos from the scene of a home explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Firefighters work to put out fires caused by a house explosion on Saturday, March 2 in Wood River. The home was leveled, while numerous nearby Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion The explosion sent debris flying, up to blocks away from the home. Wood River home explosion Flames poke through smoke on the scene of a house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Numberous fire departments responded to Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion The explosion damaged multiple homes. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows and debris is strewn about after a house exploded in Wood River. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. The blast affected multiple nearby homes and businesses. Wood River home explosion Fire crews spray a home in Wood River after a house exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A home exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River explosion aftermath Photos from the scene of a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Neighbor describes Wood River home explosion Patty Debraal was in her hallway when a house across the street in Wood River exploded on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Cherish Faircloth sweeps glass and debris off the overhang after an explosion in Wood River broke her bedroom window. Wood River home explosion A house exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Debris from the explosion scattered for blocks, and was caught up in numerous trees in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows and debris is strewn about after a house exploded in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Smoke billows where a house once stood on 11th Street in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion Debris from a house explosion hangs in a tree in Wood River. Wood River home explosion The Alda Fire Department was among many that responded to a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A State Fire Marshal's Office investigator prepares to work at the scene of a house explosion in Wood River on Saturday, March 2. Wood River home explosion A smoke-filled scene from the house explosion in Wood River. Wood River home explosion Cherish Faircloth sweeps glass and debris off the overhang after an explosion in Wood River broke her bedroom window. Wood River house explosion Multiple fire crews responded after a house exploded in Wood River on Saturday, March 2.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued his first veto of the year Monday, sending back to the Legislature a bill that would allow local jurisdictions to distribute hypodermic needles to drug users to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

The Legislature approved the bill 30-7 last week, signaling strong bipartisan support for the proposal introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha.

The bill (LB307) would let public and behavioral health providers set up needle distribution programs with prior approval from cities or other relevant governing jurisdictions, ensuring drug users have access to clean needles while increasing the likelihood they seek treatment for addiction.

Nebraska would be one of the last states to legalize such programs if the Legislature overrides Pillen's veto, which would take 30 votes in the 49-member body  the same total the bill garnered the last time lawmakers considered it Thursday, when two senators who had supported the bill in prior votes were absent.

Still, Pillen exercised his veto power to reject the bill, calling it "problematic" in a news release Monday.

"As written, it exposes our kids to increased dangers by allowing them to participate in needle exchange programs and does nothing to enhance the safety of our communities," Pillen wrote. "There is also evidence that these programs lead to enhanced drug use and does not result in significant reductions in the transmission of communicable diseases."

Pillen's rationale runs counter to the conclusions of communicable disease and public safety experts.

Nearly 30 years of research show that comprehensive syringe service programs are safe, effective, save money and do not increase illegal drug use or crime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Such programs also play "an important role" in reducing the transmission of infections including viral hepatitis and HIV, among others, according to the CDC.

Hunt introduced the bill as Nebraska's HIV infection rate is rising while the nationwide rate is falling, she said amid floor debate earlier this month, citing a 26% increase in infections recorded in 2021.

In an interview after Pillen issued his veto Monday, Hunt said the governor's rationale reflected "the fact that he's not familiar with the bill, that he's out of his depth a little bit and he's talking about a policy that he doesn't understand."

She accused Pillen of cherry-picking suspect research to support his own opinion rather than evaluating the merits of so-called "harm reduction" programs.

"The truth is the bill is responsive to needs of Nebraskans," Hunt said. "It's tailored for Nebraska with input from community stakeholders and experts and local health care practitioners. Law enforcement is asking for this. Localities are asking for this."

And by suggesting that public and behavioral health care providers would furnish needles to children, Hunt said, Pillen is "fearmongering" and "undermining trust in local experts."

"None of these programs are going to give out needles to young children," she said. "So it's just fearmongering  and my colleagues understand that. And I think there's a big appetite in the body to override that veto."

Hunt filed a motion Monday to override Pillen's veto, though it's unclear when the Legislature might take it up.

The Omaha lawmaker said she's "always nervous" when facing a veto override  a reflection of the power the governor can wield over conservatives in the formally nonpartisan Legislature  but said Pillen's "easy to rebut" rationale gives her confidence her colleagues will vote to override his veto.

Though some conservative senators ultimately opposed the bill, others who were initially hesitant were swayed by provisions allowing local control of the programs and a letter of support from Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, who called for lawmakers to take "an umbrella approach to reducing addiction."

Across the county, syringe service programs have been used to varying degrees for more than 30 years but have remained illegal in Nebraska, where addiction care providers and drug use researchers have long noted the obstacles in state statute preventing harm reduction efforts from taking root here.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
The kitchen table isnt far from the altar in Kathy and Tim Johnsons home. A comfortable recliner and cozy couch share the living room with a wooden pew. Stained-glass windows cast colorful shadows across their bedroom.

Other people walk in and they stop and they just go, wow, Kathy Johnson said.

We just kind of forget that it was a church.

After more than a century of worship, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Benedict closed its doors in January 2020. Seven months later, the Johnsons bought it.

This house of worship turned home is one of a number of Nebraska churches that, amid rising costs and falling attendance, have found second lives filling gaps in their local communities. Churches are becoming apartments, community centers and places to preserve history and foster the arts.

In early February, the Lincoln City Council signed off on a proposal to turn the former Southminster Methodist Church into offices and apartments.

Cadre Architecture and Design is set to buy the church for $350,000 after New Visions United Methodist Church decided to merge into one building and sell their two remaining properties in Lincoln.

A Baptist congregation bought the first, while the latter, awaiting a religious buyer, received only secular offers. Other proposals included a gym and an art gallery.

We were focused on selling the buildings to other churches, but it doesn't have to be that way, New Visions board chair Beth Baldwin said.

New Visions had a front-row seat to what Rick Reinhard calls the great mismatch.

Aging congregations no longer have the resources or numbers to fill and maintain large and, in some cases, deteriorating buildings, said Reinhard, an urban planner and consultant who spent four years assessing United Methodist Church properties across the U.S.

He points to four factors that have contributed to the mismatch: declining membership, rising property expenses, virtual livestream options and COVID-19.

There was hope that someday we would get back to being three separate churches after the pandemic, but it just became so obvious that something needed to be done, said the Rev. Doyle Burbank-Williams, pastor at New Visions.

Americans participation in organized religion has declined in recent decades, multiple surveys have shown.

A study by the Public Religion Research Institute found a combined 56% of respondents in 2022 said they either seldom or never attend religious services  up from 43% in 2013.

That tracks with research by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research that found median attendance at weekly worship services decreased from 137 attendees in 2000 to 65 attendees in 2020.

The Omaha Archdiocese, which spans from Omaha to Sioux City, told the Flatwater Free Press that only 25% of Catholics in northeast Nebraska attend Sunday Mass and there's been a 42% decline in mass attendance since 2003. Fifteen churches in the Archdiocese have closed since 2000.

The United Methodist Church Great Plains Conference, which includes Nebraska and Kansas, has seen 81 churches close since 2014.

Three other Christian religious authorities in Nebraska contacted by the Flatwater Free Press either did not respond or said they did not keep records of closures to confidently report.

Part of the mismatch, Reinhard said, lies in the fact that many churches were constructed at a time when they needed to be within walking distance of parishioners.

Well, not only do we have motorized vehicles, now we have the internet, he said. So if I want to watch the Archbishop of Canterbury service in London, all I need to do is to click the mouse.

Churches are also expensive to operate. The International Facility Management Association estimates that it costs $7 to $10 per square foot annually to run a church.

Rising maintenance costs factored into the decision to sell the First Baptist Church in Wayne in 2021, according to Matt Ley.

Ley bought the property for $175,000 after seeing the listing on Facebook. At one point, he said, the congregation was considering selling the church windows, demolishing the building and selling the lot. He thought that would be a mistake.

You cannot build that building the way it is now for less than $4 million these days, Ley said.

He renovated the church into six apartment units, which now rent for between $1,000 and $2,000 a month.

I really just wanted to save one of the most beautiful buildings in town and provide different housing options.

Nebraska hasnt been immune from a nationwide housing shortage. A 2022 report by the Strategic Housing Council of Nebraska found a statewide shortage of 32,230 rental units for extremely low-income households. The report noted the shortage extends to housing at all price points across the state.

Kathy and Tim Johnson sold their home in York and moved into the former church in Benedict out of a desire to live closer to family without the burden of a mortgage.

They bought and renovated the 5,100-square-foot church for less than $100,000, most of which was used to build a kitchen, add plumbing upstairs and update the wiring.

Overall, the structure was basically sound as far as not needing any repairs, Tim Johnson said.

The Johnsons were initially concerned about the utility bills, but theyve turned out to be manageable.

If you dont want to be in debt, go buy a church in a small town, said Kathy Johnson, a former member of the church she now lives in.

While housing is a common use for a churchs second act, its not the only one.

The First Presbyterian Church in Madison was sold for $5,000 and turned into a nonprofit arts center in 2007; the former Immanuel Lutheran Church in Snyder was converted into a museum in 2018; and the Seward Chamber of Commerce bought and repurposed a local Presbyterian church to become the Olde Glory Theatre in 2013.

In Pilger, St. Peters Lutheran Church managed to survive a pair of devastating tornadoes in 2014. But it ultimately couldnt survive falling attendance and a lack of volunteers, said Gene Willers, a former member of St. Peters.

The church closed in January 2023 and the congregation donated the building to the Stanton County Historical Society, which now runs a museum out of the former church.

With only one Lutheran church remaining in town, Willers said most people drive to Norfolk or Wisner to attend religious services.

Its just a hard adjustment, he said.

In the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod district that covers all of Nebraska, minus the panhandle, 35 churches have closed or disbanded since 2000.

When the Rev. Scott Alan Johnson became bishop of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 18 months ago, one church was in the process of closing. Another went through from start to finish and a third has begun.

Closures can be emotional experiences, especially for families who have deep connections to a church, said Rev. Johnson, who noted that some properties can also include a cemetery.

There has not been any pushback, but is there grief? Yes, he said.

Some Nebraska churches are choosing to restructure their congregations rather than sell or donate their properties.

In 2022, the Omaha archbishop grouped 134 Catholic churches into 33 families across eastern Nebraska. The change allows parishes to better coordinate resources that can address declining attendance, population changes and shifting cultural attitudes, said Riley Johnson, Omaha Archdiocese communications director.

No parishes have made a decision to merge or close since the restructure.

Johnson said the archdiocese wants to shift its attention from maintaining buildings to the mission that we're all called as Christians to carry on, which is to go out and to bring the hope of the Gospel to our neighbors.

Burbank-Williams at New Visions in Lincoln shared a similar message.

The closing of the other two churches gave this one life, he said.

Money from the sales funded renovation projects at their current location, including a new sign, handicap parking, and environmental updates to the building, according to Burbank-Williams. These sales will also help replenish New Visions reserves after years of losses.

There are churches like us that have given themselves permission to not do things the way they've always been done, he said. And those churches I think are growing.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Photos: Inside Lincoln's beautiful houses of worship First Plymouth Church Mount Zion Baptist Church Holy Thursday 4.1 Westminster Presbyterian St. Patrick's First-Plymouth stars St. Mary's St. Joseph Catholic Church First Christian Church First Presbyterian Church Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Sabah Mosque St. Luke United Methodist St. Teresa's Zion Church Salem Baptist Saint Paul United Methodist North American Martyrs St. John the Apostle First United Methodist Church Christ Temple St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center Compline at First-Plymouth Tifereth Israel Synagogue St. Joseph Catholic St. Patrick's First Presbyterian Zion Church St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center Saint Paul United Methodist St. Patrick's
A $20 million state grant will give a major boost to the Malcolm X Memorial Foundations efforts to preserve the slain civil rights leaders legacy and offer programming at his birth site in North Omaha.

Hopefully it shows that the state is finally beginning to honor the legacy of Malcolm and what he means to not only North Omaha, but what he means to the world, state Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said. And by giving that amount of money to the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, his legacy will continue to go on and hopefully more people will begin to learn more about Malcolm, visit the center and visit North Omaha and see it for what it really is.

The grant money comes from the more than $400 million the Nebraska Legislature appropriated for North and South Omaha economic recovery. A bill passed in 2023, after Malcolm X was voted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, approved up to $20 million for a museum honoring him.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development recently announced the grant to the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation for a museum that will serve as a tourism destination and cultural hub.

The Hall of Fame induction and future development plans are an opportunity for people from all walks of life to learn and connect with Malcolm X through visiting the bust or the historic landmark, said JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, executive director of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation.

The landmark, at 3448 Pinkney St., marks the site of Malcolm Xs family home when he was born as Malcolm Little in 1925. Less than two years after his birth, the family fled Omaha because of threats from the Ku Klux Klan. The nonprofit foundation has a visitor center and outdoor plaza on the 17-acre site.

The grant will help fund a new cultural and educational center and an amphitheater, LeFlore-Ejike said.

We have a need for cultural convening space in North Omaha, she said. This will allow us to have more community programming, because in our current space, we reach capacity a lot in our 200-person-capacity building.

The site has attracted about 10,000 visitors a year in recent years, LeFlore-Ejike said. Many of them have attended a Juneteenth festival on the site, but people come from all over the nation.

Just think if we could receive more people, people could have a more intentional visit while theyre here, she said. And local residents can have a hub for cultural experiences that North Omaha has never had before.

Asked if the $20 million will cover the whole cost of the project, LeFlore-Ejike said that will depend in part on how much infrastructure improvements cost.

I would imagine though that were still going to need to do some fundraising, she said.

The timing of the developments is uncertain, but the grant requirements call for the money to be used by 2027.

Preston Love Jr., whose history tour in North Omaha includes the Malcolm X Center, said the investment from the state has the potential of making the Malcolm X facility rival The King Center in Atlanta.

Malcolm X has an international following thats as great as Martin Luther King, as well as domestically, said Love, who teaches a class on African-American history at University of Nebraska at Omaha and is a 2024 U.S. Senate candidate. Once that is there and established and programmatically relevant, it will change the nature of tourism and become a place of choice for workshops and all sorts of domestic and international events.

McKinney said he hopes the center will attract more people to North Omaha and generate more economic impact on the community.

More tourism, more jobs, he said. The center will be able to hire more people and hopefully more businesses will be going up as well.

Malcolm X had been nominated for the Hall of Fame at least two times before 2022, when he became the first Black person chosen.

But these last couple of years have been good, McKinney said. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame and now this has happened, so, steps in the right direction.

Photos: Malcolm X through the years
The eviction notice came as a shock to Crystal Hoss. The single mother of four was only $250 behind on rent and thought she had more time to catch up.

Hoss had been excited to restart her life in Omahas public housing when she moved from her native western Illinois into a Southside Terrace row house in 2022.

A year after she settled in, the eviction sent Hoss and her children back to Illinois in a U-Haul truck stuffed with all the belongings they could fit.

The abrupt return to Illinois was disruptive for the family. But Hoss didnt feel the full effect of her eviction until eight months later when a phone alert informed her that a new debt in collections had dropped her credit score.

Her debt to the Omaha Housing Authority had ballooned to $1,372 by the time it appeared on her credit report.

Hoss worries the hit to her credit could hurt her chances of finding housing in the future.

It ruined a lot of stuff in my life, Hoss said.

Between 2019 and 2023, OHA referred at least 284 former tenants debts to Credit Bureau Services, a Fremont-based collection firm that often pursues lawsuits against debtors. OHA received up to 60% of any cash recovered by the company.

Omahas public housing agency is doing this, as are a couple of others in Nebraska, even as subsidized housing providers elsewhere in the Midwest have moved away from the practice.

Advocates contend that turning evicted public housing tenants over to debt collectors pushes extremely poor renters further into the cycle of poverty. Debts in collections could follow an ex-tenant for years and hamper their ability to find housing and financial stability, they said.

OHA recently switched to a new debt collector, Omaha-based Clear Recovery, that will not report ex-tenants debts to credit bureaus, said OHA CEO Joanie Poore.

While OHA is expected to collect on debts owed, we do not wish to adversely affect the credit of tenants while doing so, Poore said.

OHA didnt always send former tenants to a collection agency. The practice arose after a damning audit and a subsequent review by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found financial shortcomings at OHA during the 2010s.

We werent doing it (debt collections) for a really long time. I dont think anyone here really wants to do it. I view it actually as pretty staff-intensive and worthless from a perspective of business, said OHA attorney Brian Hansen during a November interview.

HUD required OHA to make changes, and in early 2019, the two agencies agreed on several new measures, including more robust debt collection, said Poore, who arrived at OHA a few months later.

There is no federal policy or directive requiring OHA to use a debt collection agency, said HUD spokesman Brian Handshy. That decision is at the sole discretion of a public housing agencys leaders, he said.

In 2023, OHA referred 106 former tenants to Credit Bureau Services for collections. OHA doesnt know how much money it recovered through debt collection, but the agency writes off hundreds of thousands of dollars in tenant debts every year, Poore said.

Nebraskas second-biggest subsidized housing agency also refers ex-tenants to collections  on a much smaller scale.

Last year, the Lincoln Housing Authority sent 16 ex-tenants owing about $30,000 to debt collection firm Credit Management Services. Of that amount, about $1,100 has been recovered  and only $700 went back to LHA.

LHA Director Chris Lamberty said making diligent efforts to collect tenant debts is a good management practice, adding that the agency tries to set up monthly repayment plans with debtors before referring them to the collection agency.

The west Omaha-based Douglas County Housing Authority did not send any ex-tenants to collections last year, but it has referred at least two evicted residents to Credit Bureau Services since 2019, according to court records reviewed by the Flatwater Free Press.

Every dollar that the housing authority does not collect that is owed to them is a dollar we dont have to help another family, said Section 8 and Public Housing Director Beverly Valasek.

Many former public housing tenants are judgment-proof, meaning they dont have money or assets for a debt collector to seize when a court order requires payment.

But a debt in collections can still be financially burdensome for ex-tenants  a stain on their credit makes it even harder to find housing for a renter with an eviction already on their record, said Marybeth Shinn, a professor at Vanderbilt Universitys Department of Human and Organizational Development.

Debt collections and evictions are both pretty harmful to anybody going through them. To have those things paired from the public housing authority  is disappointing, said Erin Feichtinger, a lobbyist for the Womens Fund of Omaha.

The Chicago Housing Authority doesnt use a collector because a debt in collections can hinder former tenants access to resources and benefits that require a credit check, said spokesman Matthew Aguilar.

Public housing agencies in Des Moines and Kansas City, Missouri, no longer use collectors because they have found the practice ineffective for recouping debts.

Youre sending a debt collector to go after someone who simply cannot pay. Whats going to be my success rate? said Edwin Lowndes, director of Housing Authority of Kansas City.

Both agencies say they have found more success by having tenants repay their debts when they reapply for subsidized housing. Kansas Citys agency also has the option to garnish debtors state tax refund.

Jasmine Frampton barely made it six months in Southside Terrace before OHA evicted her over $225 in unpaid rent and security deposit charges.

The mother of three boys had no income, and in hindsight, she feels the agency doomed her by failing to inform her of a rent exemption that could have prevented the eviction.

A couple of months after she got the boot, Frampton received a letter from OHA that said she owed the agency $725, including a $200 court fee.

Frampton said she hasnt been put in collections for her debt to OHA, but she worries that outcome would put more strain on her family.

Its good that the agency switched to a debt collector that doesnt refer to credit bureaus, but people who never knew of their right to apply for a rent exemption shouldnt owe anything, she said.

Its crazy that they do people like this when were going through difficult times, Frampton said.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2024
RACINE  A man accused of killing Shawnte Hudson pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Tracy Scott, 63, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Scott was arrested in late June by the U.S. Marshals Service in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and is being held on a $1 million warrant.

Scott is accused of shooting Hudson, who was his daughters boyfriend, after Hudson and his daughter reportedly got into a fight.

Allegations

On June 2, officers from the Racine Police Department responded to a residence in the 1600 block of West Sixth Street after a report of a shooting.

Officers reportedly found Hudson with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

RPD Investigator Don Nuttall testified Thursday that when officers arrived, a woman told them that her dad had shot her boyfriend. Nuttall said Scott is not the womans biological father, but her mothers long-term boyfriend who the woman refers to as her father.

Nuttall testified that the woman contacted her mom and said that she and Hudson were arguing, and that the womans mother and Scott went to the residence.

According to the complaint, the woman said she and her mother went into the kitchen, and Scott went to the living room by Hudson. The woman allegedly said she heard a gun shot, then saw Scott with a handgun and Hudson on the ground.

Nuttall testified that Scott allegedly started yelling lets go, and told the woman that he shot Hudson after they left the residence.

Commissioner Alice Rudebusch found probable cause and bound Scott over to stand trial.

Scott is scheduled to appear in court April 16 for a status conference.

Correction: This article previously stated that Investigator Nuttall was bound over for trial. Terry Scott, the suspect in the case, was the one bound over for trial.
WATERFORD  Troy McReynolds, the owner of Crazy Train tavern, is raffling a 2023 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special to raise money for the Racine County Sheriffs Office and the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association.

Only 2,000 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Tickets are available at Crazy Train, 600 E. Main St.

McReynolds said he expects to donate about $35,000 each to the sheriffs police dog program and to the associations mental health program after paying for the motorcycle and other raffle-related costs.

RCSO has lost four K-9s during the past 16 months to death or retirement.

McReynolds, the son of former Racine County Sheriff Bill McReynolds and a member of the Waterford Village Board, said buying a ticket in the raffle will show support for first responders.

Both causes are for the people who are on the front lines every day, he said.

The raffle winner will be drawn July 27 at the House of Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership in Milwaukee during a Harley homecoming festival. The winner need not be present to take home the prize.

The owner of Pudgys Pub, 7800 Washington Ave., Racine, has purchased 20 raffle tickets, and has challenged other business owners to purchase 10.

Three businesses have accepted the challenge: Penny Bar, Lake Home Retreats and 3D Construction Inc.

RCSO Lt. Michael Luell said the K-9 program operates entirely on private contributions, and that McReynolds donation will help the program continue.

The sheriffs office is tremendously appreciative of the generous donation, Luell said.

PHOTOS: Top photos from the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Rapid City businesses benefit from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Bikers For Trump Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Rapid City businesses benefit from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday Sturgis Rally Main Street Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Continues Wednesday Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees in Downtown Rapid City Hotel Sturgis Downtown Sturgis and Jackpine Gypsies Legend's Ride Festivities Kick Off Motorcycles in Legend's Ride People Admire Bikes in Deadwood Downtown Sturgis on Monday Actor Tom Berenger Speaks Before Legend's Ride Steve Harwell Virus Outbreak Sturgis Rally Virus Outbreak Sturgis Rally Virus Outbreak Sturgis Rally Virus Outbreak Sturgis Rally Virus Outbreak Sturgis Rally A Racer Rounds the Corner Attendees Watch the Race A Racer Passes The National Anthem Flat Track Racers Pass Each Other People Watch from the Pit A Racer Puts on A Helmet Michael Mowery Rounding the corner People Walk Through Downtown Sturgis Motorcycles Ride Through Downtown Motorcycles Ride Through Downtown Motorcycles Ride Through Downtown Linda Moore Bob Miller People in Downtown Sturgis Gear Up for Rally Marilyn Larson Alex Gruman Mike Price Rapid City Regional Airport Before Sturgis Rally Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Quiet Riot performs at the Buffalo Chip Bell Brawl Stunt Show 2020 Sturgis Buffalo Chip.jpg PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day PHOTOS: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues for the fifth day
RACINE COUNTY  Southeast Wisconsin residents experienced a warm weekend followed by a record-breaking Monday, and record highs were set elsewhere in the state Sunday.

Milwaukee set a daily record high early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

It was 63 degrees in Milwaukee on Monday shortly after midnight, which set a new record for March 4. The previous record was 59 degrees in 2000.

NWS records are not kept in Racine, which experienced humid temperatures in the low to mid-50s Monday afternoon.

There is also a chance for severe thunderstorms Monday late afternoon and evening in Southeast Wisconsin that could bring damaging winds and hail, according to the NWS.

Temperatures hit 64 degrees Sunday at Batten International Airport in Racine, which was more than 21 degrees above the normal high for March 3.

It also was 64 degrees in Milwaukee on Sunday. That was below the record-high temperature for March 3, which was 72 degrees in 1983, according to the NWS.

Madison set a record Sunday, with the mercury levels reaching 73 degrees. That broke the previous March 3 record of 70 degrees set in 1983.

The warm weekend came a few days after the area experienced record-high temperatures in the 70s last Tuesday that were soon followed by storms and snow.

Cameron Miller, NWS meteorologist in the Milwaukee/Sullivan office, said the high temperatures last Tuesday and this weekend were caused by a similar weather pattern.

We have warm air from the south being allowed to move north into our area on southerly winds, Miller said.

Temperatures have varied greatly over the past week in Racine County, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 20s.

Miller said temperature swings are generally larger in winter than summer, but not as extreme as the area has experienced in 2024. He said going from 10 degrees to 40 degrees is more common this time of year.

The fact that we got these stretches of 70 this early, thats whats pretty abnormal for this time of year, Miller said. Youre not really expecting to get your first 70 (degree day) until youre in April around here.

Record highs are not expected this week in Racine County. Temperatures are expected to cool down, with highs in the mid 40s to low 50s,

That is still warmer than typical for this time of year, though.

Even though it will get cooler, we are still going to be experiencing above-normal temperatures, Miller said.

Photos: Record-setting warmth offers a glimpse of Spring
Two Wisconsin lawsuits seeking to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot were dismissed after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that only Congress, not states, can reverse candidates eligibility for participating in an insurrection.

The Wisconsin lawsuits were launched as part of a nationwide effort to remove Trump under a provision of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting anyone who has engaged in an insurrection or rebellion against the country from holding federal office. The lawsuits alleged Trumps participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the Capitol amounted to an insurrection.

Todays decision appears to put an end to all the pending litigation in Wisconsin and other states seeking to remove Trump from the ballot based on the Fourteenth Amendments insurrection clause, UW-Madison Law School associate law professor Rob Yablon said Monday. The Court is quite categorical in saying that states do not have the power to enforce that provision against candidates for federal office.

Kirk Bangstad, owner of Minocqua Brewing Co., filed a lawsuit in January contending that Trump is disqualified from serving as president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and is therefore also disqualified from appearing on the ballot in the 2024 Wisconsin Republican presidential preference primary election.

Bangstad said Monday he was disappointed by the ruling.

If the decision covers every single state going forward, then theres probably no reason to continue this lawsuit, Bangstad said.

Bangstad initially filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Elections Commission, but the agency dismissed the complaint earlier this year because it was filed against members of the bipartisan agency. The commissions dismissal prompted Bangstads lawsuit, which was filed in Dane County Circuit Court.

A separate Dane County case launched by a perennial Republican candidate sought to remove Trump from the ballot in over two dozen states. John Anthony Castro filed the lawsuit against Trump in August, representing himself, as he did around the country.

Both cases were dismissed by the court on Monday.

In a statement, Castro said he will abandon the state-level cases and seek to pursue a lawsuit to get Trump off the ballot in federal court.
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
VISIT Lake Geneva President and CEO Stephanie Klett is in the running to receive a state tourism award.

Klett has been nominated for the Legacy Award, which is one of the Governors Tourism Awards that will be presented during the Wisconsin Governors Conference on Tourism which will be held Sunday through Tuesday, March 10-12, at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Geneva Way in the town of Lyons.

Deanna Goodwin, vice president of marketing, communications and development for VISIT Lake Geneva, announced that Klett has been nominated for the award during the Feb. 12 Lake Geneva Tourism Commission meeting.

The Legacy Award recognizes a persons contributions to the tourism industry.

In order to be nominated for the award, a candidate must have worked in the tourism industry for at least 25 years, with 15 of those years being in Wisconsin.

This is a very special award given to leaders in the tourism industry for 15 years or more and the impact they have had on tourism, Goodwin said.

The awards officially will be presented during the Governors Dinner and Awards Celebration, which will be held March 12 as part of the tourism conference.

Goodwin feels Klett is a quality candidate for the Legacy Award.

Hopefully, we will be coming back with a win there, Goodwin said. I wish it were a peoples choice award because honestly she would win by a landslide.

Klett jokingly said she hopes Gov. Tony Evers does not hold it against her for serving as the secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism under former Gov. Scott Walker.

Im not sure. Its presented by the governor, Klett said. This governor may not like me as much as the governor before.

Other awards that will be presented during the dinner include the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award; Tourism, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Award; Tourism Innovation Award; Rising Star Award; and Service Excellence Award.

Klett also will be serving as a keynote speaker during the conference.

The Wisconsin Governors Conference on Tourism is set to include workshop sessions, keynote speakers, roundtable discussions and networking sessions. About 1,000 representatives from the tourism industry are expected to attend the conference.

Goodwin said representatives from VISIT Lake Geneva are looking forward to serving as a host for the event.

As the host city of that, the VISIT Lake Geneva team will be there in full force in promoting the Lake Geneva area, Goodwin said. We are hosting the opening reception that Sunday evening for all the delegates as well as the Monday morning kick off breakfast to the conference.

VISIT Lake Geneva staff also will be setting up a booth as part of the conferences market place, which will be held March 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in which vendors will be discussing their programs and services with potential clients.

Goodwin said VISIT Lake Geneva staff also will be sharing information about restaurants and other attractions in the Lake Geneva area with the people who attend the conference.

We will be welcoming them to the community and helping them find places to go to dinner Monday night, Goodwin said. Weve already sent a list to the Department of Tourism of our restaurants in the area that are open Monday for dinner. So thats an open night for the delegates to go out to dinner. Tuesday night is the governors dinner. But Monday night they have free time, so we want to get them out in the community.

Klett has served as the president and CEO for VISIT Lake Geneva since 2019. She previously served as the secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism under Walker and hosted the Discover Wisconsin television and radio series for about 18 years.

Green Bay Packer legend Donald Driver makes stop in Lake Geneva Former Green Bay Packer Donald Driver enters the U.S. Mailboat Walworth to prepare for a commercial shoot Bill Gage, president of Gage Marine, and Donald Driver go over a scene for a commercial Green Bay Packer legend Donald Driver shares a laugh with Visit Lake Geneva President and CEO Stephanie Klett Green Bay Packer legend Donald Driver poses for a photo with the crew from the U.S. Mailboat Walworth Donald Driver prepares to make a mailboat jump during a commercial shoot Donald Driver returns to the U.S. Mailboat Walworth after making a successful mailboat jump Donald Driver strikes a pose after a successful commercial shoot Donald Driver is all smiles after making another successful mailboat jump Donald Driver poses for a photo with a group of fans after a ride on the U.S. Mailboat Walworth
The first electric school buses in the United States began operating about 10 years ago in California. Fewer than one percent of the 489,000 school buses in the U.S. were electric at the end of 2023.

However, the number of electric school buses currently operating or that have been ordered from a manufacturer has more than tripled in the last two years. That information comes from the Electric School Bus Initiative of the non-profit World Resources Institute, or WRI, based in Washington D.C.

The WRI said that increase means 10 times as many students now ride electric school buses  from around 20,000 in 2020 to 200,000 three years later. The number of states with electric bus laws or goals also grew from two to 14 between 2020 and last year.

People and organizations that want electric school buses can find it difficult to get local officials to find ways to pay for them.

Its just a matter of breaking down these barriers, said Alicia Cox. She is a mother of two in Jackson, Wyoming. Her state is the only one that does not have a single school district with an electric bus operating or on order.

Coxs son, a second grader, often rides a diesel bus to school.

Problems with electric buses

Parents and local officials say one of the biggest problems with electric school buses is their cost. Even with the fuel and maintenance savings of an electric bus, they cost two to three times more than diesel fueled buses.

The Environmental Protection Agency says it has a $5 billion program for zero-emissions buses. The money comes from an infrastructure law passed by the U.S. Congress under the administration of President Joe Biden in 2021. Nearly 440 grants and rebates totaling about $1.8 billion have already been released. The goal of the federal money is to replace thousands of buses across several hundred school districts in the U.S.

Demand for the money has been heartening, said Christine Koester. She is a director for the Clean School Bus Program at the EPA.

In addition to federal money, supporters have successfully pushed to use other money. That includes money from federal government legal cases, like the Volkswagen emissions settlement. In that case, the U.S. government brought legal action against the German carmaker for having a system that gave false car emissions results.

For school districts that are not receiving federal money, there are other possibilities. These include leasing buses from companies that supply the buses and the equipment needed. This method spreads costs out over time.

Choices

Dearborn Public Schools is a Detroit area school district in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Seventy percent of families in the district are poor. Communications director David Mustonen said the district was interested in new technology when it began operating its first electric bus in December 2022.

The district bought an electric school bus with a $300,000 federal grant. The bus has been operational only about three of the 12 months since then. That is because of maintenance needs and learning about the device. That is not discouraging Dearborn from moving forward with adding 18 additional electric school buses. But those problems represent a risk other school districts may not want to take.

There are other problems slowing the change to electric buses. School districts sometimes take a long time to approve electric buses. Manufacturing of the buses can be delayed, and electric buses require special electrical connections for charging. And, of course, electricity costs money, too.

Wyoming refused federal money from the EPA because of concerns about how far the buses could travel. There were also concerns about cold temperatures. Wyoming is a very large Western state where travel distances are big and, in the winter, temperatures can get very cold. Electric battery performance decreases in cold temperatures.

Even though diesel is not as clean, its getting the job done, Cox said schools and fleet managers tell her.

Im John Russell.

Alexa St. John reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

school district  n. an area established by a local government for the administration of public schools which has a budget and is supervised by local government officials

maintenance  n. the act of keeping property or equipment in good condition by making repairs

zero-emissions adj. letting off no gasses that people do not like or considered harmful

grant  n. an amount of money that is given by a government to be used for a particular purpose

rebate  n. an amount of money that is paid back to you

lease  v. to use (something) for a period of time in return for payment

discourage  v. to make someone less likely to do something; to make someone less hopeful about doing something

fleet n. a group of vehicles that is supervised for an organization or force
Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is an experimental treatment that involves having an electrical device placed in the brain.

The treatment gives patients brains targeted electrical impulses.

Researchers say DBS could help some of the nearly 3 million Americans with depression that resists other treatments. It is approved for conditions like Parkinsons disease and epilepsy. Many doctors and patients hope it will become more widely available for depression.

Recent research suggests gains are possible and more research is planned. However, two earlier studies showed no gains using DBS for depression. Those results have slowed the treatment that involves a brain operation. Some scientists continue to raise concerns about DBS.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to speed up its study of Abbott Laboratories request to use its DBS devices for treatment-resistant depression.

Nothing else was working

Emily Hollenbeck lived with severe depression. She compared it to a black hole. She felt as though her arms and legs could barely move. She knew both of her parents had taken their lives and that her condition was dangerous.

Hollenbeck, who grew up poor and sometimes homeless, suffered from signs of depression as a child. In college, after her fathers suicide in 2009, she had her first period of major depression. Another happened while she was working. She was concerned she would lose her teaching job and become poor again. She went to the hospital.

I ended up having sort of an on-and-off pattern, she said. Medication helped her for a while.

She was able to earn a doctoral degree in psychology although she lost her mom in her final year of graduate school. But the depression stayed with her. At times, she said, she thought about ending her life.

She was willing to try something extreme.

Her doctor then told her about DBS three years ago.

Nothing else was working, she said.

She became one of a few hundred people to have her depression treated with DBS.

Hollenbeck is part of ongoing research at Mount Sinai West medical center in New York City. Her brain operation took place while she was sedated but still awake. Dr. Brian Kopell directs Mount Sinais Center for Neuromodulation. He placed thin metal electrodes in the part of her brain believed to control emotional behavior and is thought to be involved in feelings of sadness.

The thin metal electrodes are connected by wires to a device placed under the skin of her chest. The device controls the electrical impulses sending current to her brain.

Doctors involved in DBS say the impulses help because the brain uses electricity to send signals.

In normal brains, Kopell said, electrical activity spreads through the brain unblocked to all areas. In depression, he said, the brains emotional signals get blocked. He compared the problem to dancing. He said DBS seems to unstick the circuit, permitting the brain to do what it normally would. A circuit is the path unblocked electrical current takes.

Hollenbeck said the effect on her was almost immediate.

The first day after surgery, she started feeling a lifting of that negative mood, of the heaviness, said her psychiatrist, Dr. Martijn Figee.

For Hollenbeck, the biggest change was finding pleasure in music again.

She wishes her treatment had been available for her parents.

The treatments history

DBS research has continued for at least 20 years. Brain expert Dr. Helen Mayberg led early research that was called promising. But large studies launched more than 12 years ago saw no difference in treated and untreated groups.

Dr. Katherine Scangos is a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco. She is also researching DBS and depression. She said there could be two reasons for the major studies showing no effect.

She said one reason was that the treatment was not personalized for each individual in the two studies. The second was that researchers looked at outcomes over just a few weeks.

Recent research has shown more promising results for depression. A 2022 study said that on average 60 percent of depression patients showed improvement with DBS. A study from 2023 said that after six months of targeted DBS treatment, 90 percent of subjects showed improvements. Seventy percent were no longer considered medically depressed.

Treatments being tested by teams today target individual patients more closely. The team at Mount Sinai, for example, is using brain imaging to find the right place to put electrodes in the brain.

Mayberg is also with Mount Sinai. She said, Everybodys brain is a little different, just like peoples eyes are a little further apart or a nose is a little bigger or smaller.

Looking ahead

Medical devices manufacturer Abbott Laboratories is launching a large clinical trial on patients this year, ahead of a possible decision by the FDA.

Scangos said: Im hoping we will have approval within a short time.

But some doctors have concerns. They point to possible dangers of having a brain operation, which include bleeding, stroke and infection.

Dr. Stanley Caroff is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. He said scientists do not know the exact pathways or systems in the brain that produce depression. That makes it difficult to send the impulses to the right place.

I believe from a psychiatric point of view, the science is not there, he said of DBS for depression.

Moving forward

Hollenbeck said DBS has not cured her. She still takes medicines for depression and needs ongoing care.

She recently visited Mayberg of Mount Sinai in her office and discussed recovery. Its not about being happy all the time, Mayberg told her. Its about making progress.

Researchers are studying the progress patients make. Recent research by Mayberg and others published in Nature said scientists can study brain activity to see how someone is doing at any given time.

Study subjects can provide data from their homes about how they feel. Subjects answer questions and send data from their devices to researchers. They also send videos where researchers can observe speech and facial movements.

Additionally, patients go to Mount Sinai so researchers can collect more information about their body movements. Hollenbeck, for example, is showing faster movements as her condition improves.

The data gained, combined with other information like life events, records how she is doing. This helps guide doctors decisions about treatment, like increasing the amount of electricity used  which they did once.

Hollenbeck showed AP the scars on her chest and head where doctors had placed the DBS devices. To her, they were signs of how far she had come.

She added, Im able to see and remember, even on a bodily level, that Im going to be OK.

I'm Gena Bennett. And Im Gregory Stachel.

Laura Ungar reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - Electrical Device in Brain Might Help with Depression Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

impulse  n. a small amount of energy that moves from one area to another

pattern  n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done

psychology  n. the science or study of the mind and behavior

sedate  v. to give (a person or animal) drugs that cause relaxation or sleep

electrode  n. one of the two points through which electricity flows into or out of a battery or other device

chest  n. the front part of the body between the neck and the stomach

negative  adj. harmful or bad: not wanted

psychiatry  n. a branch of medicine that deals with mental or emotional disorders

clinical trial  n. a research study in which a medical treatment is carefully tested on people to find out how safe and effective it is
Vladimir Kara-Murza is a critic of the Russian government.

He was sentenced to 25 years in prison last year on charges of treason for speaking against Russias war with Ukraine.

He is in Penal Colony Number 6, south of Moscow and not far from Kazakhstan.

Kara-Murzas wife, Yevgenia, spoke with The Associated Press about her husbands experiences.

She said her husband lives in a small cell with a cot, a sink, a stool and toilet. The only things he owns are a drinking cup and a toothbrush.

People are interested in what life is like inside of the prisons because another critic of President Vladimir Putins government died at a prison in Russias far north, close to the Arctic Circle. Alexei Navalny died February 16. He was the leader of a political group that campaigned against Putin. Forty-seven-year-old Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in prison in early 2021.

The Associated Press called life in Russias prisons grim and noted the prisoners suffer from a lack of food, sleep, and healthcare. They also must deal with rules that change all the time.

Grigory Vaypan is a lawyer with Memorial, a group that started during the period of the Soviet Union. Memorial received the Nobel Prize in 2022. The group studies the experiences of political prisoners, and how Russia uses the threat of prison to quiet critics.

Vaypan said there are 680 political prisoners in Russia. He also said no one in the Russian prison system is safe, but the situation is worse for government critics.

The state aims to additionally punish them, or additionally isolate them from the world, or do everything to break their spirit, Vaypan said.

Kara-Murzas sentence of 25 years is the longest in modern Russia. He is one of a growing number of critics held in prison for expressing their anti-Putin opinions.

Historians say the Russian prison system developed from the Soviet Unions gulags. The prisons of that time were known for their bad conditions. Nobel Prize-winning writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn documented the prisons in his books One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and The Gulag Archipelago.

Yevgenia Kara-Murza, the wife of Vladimir Kara-Murza, described Russian prison life:

Meals

Meals are simple and not very satisfying. The first meal of the day is porridge, a liquid made from grains. The midday meal is soup with very little meat, along with mashed potatoes and a piece of meat or fish. For dinner, the meal is almost the same. Prisoners are permitted to eat two eggs per week. They can buy fruits and vegetables at small prison stores but not much is available.

Friends and family can send packages with other foods. But those in solitary cells are not permitted to receive packages.

How do people spend their time?

Some prisoners are told to spend most of their days doing tasks such as cleaning their rooms. Other times they are told to only stand at attention. They sometimes must listen to recordings of prison rules for hours.

Others are told to work. There are not enough jobs for all the men in the prison. In womens prisons, the jobs often include sewing uniforms for the military, police and other workers. There are 30 to 40 womens prisons in Russia.

One woman, Nadya Tolokonnikova, was in prison for nearly 22 months. She was a member of the rock band Pussy Riot. Her prison time was from 2012 to 2013. She said she worked on uniforms for 16 to 18 hours at a time.

Its a system of slavery and it is truly horrible, she said.

Inmates  another word for prisoners  are supposed to be paid at least minimum wage. That is about $200 per month. But experts say it is usually much less. Sasha Graf is an activist for better prison conditions. Graf said prisoners pay can be as low as $3.20 per month. That is only enough to buy cigarettes at the prison store.

Intimidation

Tolokonnikova said, when she arrived at Penal Colony No. 14 in Mordovia, the head of the prison described himself as a Stalinist.

She said he told her: You may be a somebody outside of this colony, have a voice, people who support you and care for you, but here, you are completely in my power, and you need to understand this.

Zoya Svetova, a reporter and prisoner rights activist, said that in the past, prisons were overseen by commissions that were supposed to make sure the prisoners were treated with respect. However, she said, most of the people have been replaced with those loyal to Putins government. The government uses the prisons, she said, for intimidation and oppression.

Oleg Kozlovsky, of Amnesty International, said political prisoners can be safe from the abuse that regular prisoners suffer. But there are still ways to make political prisoners feel bad.

Navalny, he said, spent months in a cell on his own for breaking small rules such as not having his uniform buttoned the right way or not putting his hands behind his back at the right time.

The time in the small cell  where it could be very cold in winter or very hot in summer  was not good for Navalnys health. He had been poisoned in the past and was still suffering from the effects of the poison.

Kara-Murzas wife said her husband had also been poisoned. Although he is only 42, his health has worsened. She said he needs exercise and physical therapy to help his arms and legs.

Alexei Gorinov is 62. He criticized the war and was sent to prison for seven years.

He has breathing problems and had a medical operation to remove one of his lungs. He is now in a prison hospital, but his lawyer says he is mistreated. Guards wake him up every two hours. He considers it a form of torture.

There have been calls for prison reform in recent years. Vaypan of the Memorial group, said whatever led to Navalnys death shows the prison system has crossed a line.

Its a worrying signal, he said.

Im Dan Friedell. And Im Caty Weaver.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

critic n. a person who disagrees with something or someone and who speaks or writes in opposition to what they disagree with

cot n. a small bed that folds

grim adj. unhappy and without hope

isolate v. to cause someone to be kept apart from others, often as punishment

solitary cell n. a room in a prison that is meant to hold only one person who is being kept apart from others as a more severe form of punishment

sew v. to use thread and cloth to make or repair clothes

intimidation n. the act of threatening someone with harm or trouble usually to prevent them from doing or saying something

We want to hear from you. Have you followed the stories about Russian prisons in recent years?
The Summer Olympic Games this year are in Paris, France.

Paris does not have an ocean. So, how do organizers plan to present competition in the sport of surfing?

They are taking that Olympic event halfway around the world to the South Pacific country of French Polynesia. The athletes will compete on the island of Tahiti, in a small coastal village called Teahupoo. The area is rural. It did not even have a road until the 1970s.

Hundreds of people are expected to visit Teahupoo to watch the sport, as the surfers go out onto the famous waves from July 27 to August 4.

Peva Levy is a Tahitian surfer. He said the Teahupoo beach was a secret spot when he first rode the waves there more than fifty years ago. But, he added, it did not stay secret. Teahupoo gained fame among surfers around the world in the years since.

Levy said the place has a special energy, a feeling known as mana in the local language.

And the people who live there want that special quality protected. There are concerns that a week of Olympic competition in Teahupoo could destroy the mana and harm the environment that surrounds it.

Proposed preparations for the event included building temporary housing, roads, and even a large structure out on the water. The work called for drilling into a coral reef. Opposition to the plans quickly grew.

Environmentalists, locals and surfers joined forces to protect Teahupoos culture, its corals and other sea life.

It was too much for us, a big change, said Levy, who also serves on a local environmental organization Vai Ara o Teahupoo.

The group told the Olympic organizers they did not want new buildings or roads. And organizers are adjusting their plans as a result.

For example, they will not be building any Olympic housing. Instead, athletes will stay on a nearby boat. Homes of locals will serve other Olympic housing needs.

Organizers also shrunk the size of the planned structure, a platform, they will build in the ocean. Judges will watch the competition from the platform.

Some people worry that the drilling into the reef will disrupt the ecosystem and attract a dangerous algae. If fish eat the algae, people who eat the fish can become sick.

Twenty-two-year-old Mormon Maitei is concerned about the fish in the area. Maitei is a spearfisher who catches fish to feed his family. He sells what they do not need. The water is where we get our dinner, he said.

Tahitians also worry that changing the reef could also change the shape of the famous waves.

Levy said if the reef cracks and breaks off there will be no more wave over here, it will be finished for us.

In December, the worries of the locals were confirmed when a boat working on some Olympic construction hit a piece of the reef and broke it.

Cindy Otcenasek, the president of Via Ara o Teahupoo, called the destruction deeply hurtful.

She said in Polynesian culture, people believe gods and spirits are everywhere, in the coral, in the ocean. The ocean is considered to be our most sacred temple, she said.

Otcenasek said the fish live in and around the corals, so if we break a coral, we break a home.

Barbara Martins-Nio is a senior event manager for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organization Committee. She called the accident awful. She said Tahitians have a special relationship with nature  and it was like a bomb for us.

Since the incident, Martins-Nio said, the relationship between the organizers and locals has improved. The Olympic group is moving slowly and asking for more input from the local groups.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

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Words in This Story

coral reef n. a long section of material formed on the bottom of the sea by the skeletons of small creatures that is home to sea life and living coral

drill v. to make a hole in something with a powerful tool

algae n. a kind plant life that grows in water

awful adj. something very bad or upsetting

We want to hear from you. Would you go to Tahiti to see the Olympic surfing event?
A new study suggests that an asteroid strike by an American spacecraft likely changed the shape of the targeted object.

NASA crashed the DART spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022. The asteroid strike happened about 11 million kilometers from Earth.

The experiment tested a method for changing the orbit of some asteroids to prevent them from possibly crashing into our planet in the future.

NASA has said its studies of the crash showed it was successful because the force of the strike changed the asteroids orbit around a larger asteroid Didymos. NASAs measurements also found the strike reduced the orbital period of Dimorphos by 33 minutes.

Such a major crash would normally create a large crater in the targeted object. But a new study presents evidence that the crash made more than a hole  it likely changed the shape of the whole asteroid.

Astronomers at the University of Bern, in Switzerland carried out the research. A study detailing the findings recently appeared in the publication Nature Astronomy.

The team used a computer simulation system to study the changes to Dimorphos that resulted from the crash. The system aimed to recreate the breakup of space objects that have been hit.

The researchers said their simulation method has been used in the past to recreate space objects crashing into each other. For example, the team said it confirmed the results of a Japanese spacecraft collecting a sample from the Ryugu asteroid in 2019.

Sabina Raducan is with the Physics Institute of the University of Bern. She helped lead the project. Raducan described the simulation process in a statement as computationally intensive. In total, she said 250 simulations were completed, which reproduced the first two hours after the asteroid strike.

The researchers used all available information about NASAs operation. These included the predicted shape of Dimorphos, data on the strike itself, as well as the size of the cloud the crash left behind. In addition, the team aimed to estimate unknown details about the asteroid and the surrounding area.

Then what we did is check which of the simulation run outcomes most closely match observed reality, Raducan said.

She added that results of the research provided clear evidence that the crash turned Dimorphos into a relatively weak rubble pile asteroid. Raducan explained this meant that the object is currently being held together by the asteroids extremely weak gravity rather than a solid and strong mass.

The researchers noted that the results of the simulation and the teams examinations partly explain why the crash was so effective in changing the path of the asteroid.

Raducan said the results also persuaded the team that the likelihood is that the crater grew to encompass the entire body itself, so that Dimorphos ended up being completely reshaped. It is therefore unlikely that a crater still exists after the crash.

The researchers said the existence of a crater can be investigated further by a European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft. The spacecraft, called Hera, is preparing for a possible launch in October.

ESA says Heras cameras and instruments will carry out detailed studies of Dimorphos and the asteroid it orbits, Didymos. During the operation, the spacecraft will aim to collect the most data yet on such an asteroid system.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the University of Bern, the European Space Agency, NASA and Nature Astronomy.

Quiz - Study: NASA Space Strike Might Have Reshaped an Asteroid Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

asteroid  n. a rocky object that goes around the sun like a planet

crater  n. a big hole left in the ground or an object by a force of impact

simulate  v. to do or make something that behaves or looks like something real but is not

check v. to look for something of interest or something that might be a mistake

rubble  n. pieces of broken bricks from a destroyed structure

pile  n. an amount of substance in the shape of a small hill or a number of objects laying on top of each other

encompass  v. to include a lot of things
Editor's note: This story is one of the winning entries from the "Teach Us about Ukraine" writing contest sponsored by VOA Learning English and GoGlobal.

My name is Kateryna Denysenko; I work at the Gymnasium of Veselianka.

War is always a tragedy.

It ruined lives, separated families, and destroyed cities.

Like many life-changing events, war could also be viewed as a way to teach us important things. Thucydides, an ancient Athenian historian and general, once wrote, War is a stern teacher. And today, we are going to share three important lessons the war in Ukraine has taught us.

Volunteer work and donations are important.

If there was one important lesson to share, it would have been this: volunteer work and donations are important!

Lets be honest. We often pay little attention when someone asks us to donate money, clothes, food, or blood to someone in need. We may feel that our help would be too small. And we spend even less time on volunteer work, thinking that it takes time and energy and may not be useful.

Ukrainians may argue with that. We understand that even the smallest amount of money can help to buy armor and weapons for our army. And the more people decide to help, the safer our soldiers feel, and the more protected the country becomes.

But you should not forget about people in need. If you donate your clothes, food, or blood to those who were seriously wounded or lost their homes, you will help them survive. Your small act of kindness will also help them save some of their resources to move on.

Volunteer work also matters a lot for Ukrainians. You can help by removing parts of fallen buildings or by cooking free meals for soldiers. Your participation will greatly help others!

If you want to do something, do it.

Sometimes, we do not say good things to others. We may be too shy to give a compliment. Or we do not know if the person will like what we say. Maybe, our words will be out of place.

Sometimes, we do not get around to visiting certain places. Who needs to spend their time going to a historical place, a park, or an old cafe? These places have existed for so long. They would not disappear, would they?

Since the start of the war, Ukrainians have known the harsh reality.

We know that you may never see someone again. They may flee to another city for safety, their house may collapse, or they can go to war and never come back. And the place you always wanted to visit may be destroyed by a missile.

We rarely tell our family members and friends how happy we are to have them in our lives. You may never have another chance to tell them how much you love and value them. But if you tell them something kind, your words will support and encourage them in such uncertain times.

That is why we remember the rule: if you want to say something good or go somewhere nice, do it now. Do not wait until tomorrow.

There is always a reason to be grateful.

Lastly, we take many things in our lives for granted. We expect to sleep well at night, eat healthy meals, have a place to live, and go to school or work. We get used to them so much that they become routine and even boring.

Before we know it, we are looking for something new and fresh and something unusual. But people in Ukraine know the value of routine and boring things in their daily lives.

When the noise from missiles keeps us awake, we begin to appreciate a good sleep. When we have to study remotely, or we lose our workplace due to the war, we appreciate the time with our classmates, teachers, or colleagues.

As we spend our days and nights in a bomb shelter or move far away from our homes, we begin to appreciate the place we live and the meals we cook and eat.

This may be one of the most important lessons from the war so far. We should appreciate these small, but very important things in our lives.

In his 28th song, Ukrainian songwriter Hryhorii Skovoroda wrote, What you need is easy to get, what you do not need is hard to get. And now, after going through the war, and losing so many different things, we can agree that the simplest ones are the most important in our lives.

These were the three most important lessons from the war in Ukraine. We hope they will inspire you to value the simplest things in your life, to visit the places you always wanted to visit, to do small acts of kindness for people in need, and to show your love and gratitude to your closest people!

I'm Jill Robbins.

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About the writer

Kateryna Denysenko was born in Donetsk, Ukraine. At the age of 13, she was forced to leave her hometown due to the invasion of the Russian Federation and move to the village of Veselianka, in the Zaporizhzhia area. In 2020, she graduated from the Zaporizhzhia Pedagogical College with professional qualification as a teacher of primary education and foreign language at primary school. Since 2020, she has been an English teacher at the Gymnasium of Veselianka.

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Lesson Plan
The United States Supreme Court ruled on Monday that former President Donald Trump can stay on 2024 presidential primary ballots.

All nine justices ruled that individual states cannot use the 14th Amendment to prevent presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. They said that power rests with Congress and not the states.

The ruling ended efforts in several states, including Colorado, Maine and Illinois, to remove Trump from ballots for presidential primary elections run by state governments.

Those state governments wanted to remove Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican Party nomination, from ballots because of his activities related to the 2020 presidential election. Trump is accused of trying to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. He is also accused of involvement in activities that led to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Colorados highest state court decided that Trump incited the January 6 attack. It also ruled that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was passed shortly after the American Civil War, could be applied to Trump. The amendment aimed to prevent former officeholders of the U.S. who have engaged in insurrection or given aid or comfort to such activity from holding such office again.

In Mondays ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court did not deal with the issue of insurrection. All nine justices agreed that Trump should be on the ballot. But they offered different opinions on the ruling.

A five-justice conservative majority wrote, The Constitution makes Congress, rather than the states, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates.

Three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, jointly wrote, Today, the majority goes beyond the necessities of this case to limit how Section 3 can bar an oathbreaking insurrectionist from becoming President.

And Justice Amy Coney Barrett added that the majority should not have dealt with the question whether federal legislation is the exclusive vehicle through which Section 3 can be enforced.

Trump posted on his social media network shortly after the decision was released: BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!

The case is the Supreme Courts latest direct involvement in a presidential election since Bush v. Gore. In that case, the court stopped the recount of votes in the state of Florida that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush.

The Supreme Court has an even more important case ahead that involves Trump directly on the week of April 22.

A three-judge federal appeals court had ruled earlier that Trump could be put on trial for trying to undo the 2020 elections and actions leading to the January 6 attack. But the nations highest court agreed last week to hear whether Trump could face criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office as president.

The decision effectively put on hold several federal cases against Trump and raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.

Recently, a jury in New York City found Trump guilty of defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. It ordered him to pay her $83 million. Last month, a New York judge presiding over Trumps civil fraud trial set a penalty and interest of $450 million and barred Trump from running a business in the state for three years. Later in March, Trump will face a trial for charges related to payments made to adult movie performer Stormy Daniels.

In addition to those ongoing cases, the former president is facing charges brought by the state of Georgia over his actions related to the 2020 presidential election. And the federal government has brought a case against Trump in the state of Florida for holding classified documents after leaving office.

Im Anna Matteo.

Hai Do adapted this report for VOA Learning English from the Associated Press and other sources.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

apply to v. (phrasal) to able to use regarding someone

engage v. to be involved in

insurrection n. a violent act by a group of people aiming to overthrow and seize a government

defame v. to say untrue things about someone in an effort to cause other people to have a bad opinion about the person in question

fraud n. (legal) the act using dishonest methods to take something of value from a person or group

We want to hear from you.

Our comment policy is here.
A 32-year-old woman who lives in a tent in downtown Omaha pleaded with Nebraska legislators Thursday to oppose a bill aimed at prohibiting homeless camps on city property.

"You make this law here, we'll be forced to hide, go further and further from our resources," said Arielle Nichols, who has stayed with a group of people through the winter in tents at 17th and Izard Streets. "All we have is right there. We get tremendous support from the community."

Nichols was among the more than 25 people who testified Thursday at a public hearing of the Nebraska Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Legislative Bill 1357. The vast majority of those opposed the bill, arguing that it would in effect criminalize homelessness, and make it even harder for people to get housing.

Introduced by Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha with the support of Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, the bill will make it a misdemeanor criminal offense to camp on cities' or other political subdivisions' property that's not designated for camping.

McDonnell said the measure would help deal local governments remove tent encampments on public property like sidewalks or alleys if people refuse to move, while also allowing cities to create designated temporary camping areas with bathrooms and services. Those could by like federal emergency housing after natural disasters, he said.

McDonnell said the law is patterned after a current state law that prohibits camping on state or county public property like roadways.

Hanson said Douglas County is planning to build a mental health annex on its jail that could help people who were arrested.

The law would help address long-term homelessness, McDonnell said.

"There's no help or services in those tents," he said. "There are people who want to help, but we have to do it in a more organized, compassionate manner."

Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, a member of the committee, levied critical comments and questions to McDonnell and other proponents.

"I don't think this bill deals with the long-term problem of homelessness," McKinney said. "One of the things is: It's jumping the gun."

Omaha has no designated area for camping as described by McDonnell, McKinney noted. There has been no public discussion about creating one.

"I'm not saying they should be camping in front of anybody's business or outside people's homes, because I see it, because there are encampments in my district," McKinney said. "Unless the city and county are going to step up and designate spaces, we shouldn't pass this bill because we're going to directly incriminate people who shouldn't be incriminated."

Hanson said he has spent a lot of time in homeless tent encampments in his 28 years in law enforcement.

"I have encountered individuals in these tents that are living in some of the most unhealthy conditions you have ever seen," he said. "Wounds that are unhealed, health conditions that are terrifying, mental health conditions that are unaddressed, addiction issues that are unaddressed. And that's the deplorable situation that these folks are living in."

"So the solution to people living in deplorable conditions is to increase penalties on them?" McKinney asked.

"No, I think that we need a safety net," Hanson replied. He said adding the law would complete a "three-legged stool" of public safety with intervention, prevention and suppression.

He said the state needs to invest more in diversion programs and needs a regional center for behavioral health in Omaha. But, he said, the state does have resources for prevention and intervention that could help people if they were arrested.

The Rev. Keith Winton, the rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Omaha, was one of 19 people who testified against the bill during a more than two and a half hour airing of the measure. Four spoke in favor of it.

"This bill does not create a three-legged stool," Winton said. "It creates a pogo stick to push down people who are already at the bottom. . . . As Human Rights Watch says, criminalizing homelessness does not solve the problem, it makes suffering more brutal and drives people living in the streets further into the shadows."

That was a common theme among the five homeless people who testified and the people who provide services to them.

Pete Miller, a member of the Street Outreach Team that helps homeless people in Omaha, said his group and others regularly go to places where people are staying in tents to provide them help. He said he believed the proponents of the bill had good intentions, "and think tough love can solve this issue."

"I also think it's those proponents that need tough love," he said. "They need to hear the difficult truth that they can't arrest people out of homelessness and can't just sent the police to hide the problem from public view. . . . Tough love means making hard decisions towards real solutions, not the cruelty of LB 1357."

The bill may face an uphill climb, if the committee voted to advance it to general file. There are only about two weeks remaining in the legislative session and no senator has made the bill their priority legislation.

Photos: Hearing for bill to prohibit tent camping in Nebraska
The Chief Executive (CE), Ho Iat Seng, will today travel to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the second session of the 14th National Peoples Congress Tuesday, March 5.

Until CEs return Wednesday, March 6, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andre Cheong, will occupy the post.

Concurrently, the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) will hold a session as part of the so-called Chinas Two Sessions that occur every year in March.

The CPPCC meeting starts today, while the NPC meeting kicks off tomorrow. The meetings are likely to conclude March 11.

The Two Sessions are of great importance for those following Chinas policies.

The president and Secretary-General of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping, will likely discuss topics to be developed at the Third Plenum of the Partys Central Committee, analysts say.

The Central Committee traditionally approves economic reforms.

At the same time, Premier Li Qiang will deliver his first government work report on behalf of the State Council at the NPCs opening session. RM
The government has no plans to ease or remove the ban on Japanese food imports from 10 prefectures, the IAM has said in a written note cited by public broadcaster TDM.

The ban, enforced for the past six months, was in response to the news Japanese authorities would begin offloading wastewater from the Fukushima Nuclear Powerplant.

The international community has confirmed the release of such water was safe and would not adversely impact living beings.

Nevertheless, China has banned the import of live and fresh food products from 10 Japanese prefectures and regions over concerns about food safety and public health, a measured also followed by Macau.

Six months, 65,000 radiation inspections, and over 1,100 laboratory analyses later, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has said there are no plans to ease restrictions because the plan to release Fukushima wastewater will continue for at least 30 years.

Continued analyses on imported products from other Japanese areas has shown normal results, according to the IAM.

The banned import of food includes live and fresh food products, food products of animal origin, sea salt, and seaweed from Japans prefectures of Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, and Saitama, as well as Tokyo Metropolis.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog has vouched for the safety of the water release that began in August last year from the plant wrecked by a tsunami in 2011.

In October last year, trade ministers of the G7 countries called for the immediate repeal of bans on Japanese food.

In Macau, after a brief standstill in the first days after the ban started, importers have found suppliers outside the banned prefectures.

They supply the many local Japanese cuisine restaurants without major problems.

As IAM said at the time, the ban had no major impact locally.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng pledged last week to provide more opportunities for foreign companies in China as the government tries to restore confidence in the worlds second largest economy.

Han told an audience of American business people in Beijing that the government would continue to open up more industries to foreign investment and create a market-oriented and law-based international business environment.

Chinas development achievements have been made through opening up, he said at an American Chamber of Commerce in China banquet. We will unwaveringly adhere to a high level of opening-up to the outside world.

Chamber officials portrayed his appearance at the annual dinner as a positive signal that the government is serious about addressing the concerns of U.S. and other foreign companies about operating uncertainties and other challenges in the Chinese market.

The U.S. and China remain divided on a wide range of issues from trade and technology to the war in Ukraine, but they are at least talking again and seeking ways to manage their differences.

Both Premier Li Qiang and the commerce minister met this week with a visiting delegation led by Suzanne Clark, the head of the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

What I think the Chinese were trying to do is to reassure us that they know there are still things on the to-do list that need to get done and to reassure us that they will get done, said the chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, Sean Stein, who joined the meeting with Li.

Progress has been made in some areas but not in others, Stein said before the dinner, adding, its been a mixed bag.

The American ambassador in China, Nicholas Burns, told the audience that several months of high-level meetings and exchanges had given a measure of badly needed stability to the U.S.-China relationship, but that difficult issues remain.

He cited manufacturing overcapacity in China, which has raised fears in the U.S. and Europe that Chinese exports will flood their markets with exports; U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies that are supporting what he called Russias defense-industrial complex, and U.S. President Joe Bidens recently stated concern that connected vehicles from China could pose a national security threat.

Burns pushed back at Chinese accusations that the United States is seeking to decouple its economy from Chinas, saying his country is only trying to reduce risk by diversifying its supply chains and restricting some exports because of national security concerns.

I must say frankly, too many here in China are suggesting that we are decoupling, he said. But the facts will not support that argument. We are derisking, which is a necessary and fully justifiable policy. MDT/AP
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has again led a travel trade delegation to the ASTINDO Travel Fair in Indonesia, where it ran a Macao Pavilion to showcase Macau offerings. The bureau also joined the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) to promote Macau at the Lisbon Travel Market (BTL), which ran from Feb. 28 to March 3. The Macao Day included a string of activities, such as the launch of an e-learning program about Macau for Portuguese travel agents, lion dances and Chinese martial arts displays and Happy Hour with Macanese Gastronomy.

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Hengqin started Friday to allow most goods to be moved there tax-free from Macau.

Under the new mechanism, tariffs will be generally lifted for goods entering Hengqin from Macau, while goods moving from Hengqin to the Chinese mainland will now be subject to import duties, if they are not eligible for added-value tax exemption.

Similar tax exemptions also apply to luggage and parcels entering Hengqin from Macau.

Lei Wai Nong, director of the zones executive committee, said the customs rearrangement also aims to make it easier for Macau residents to live and work in the zone.

Macau residents are now allowed to bring a reasonable amount of cooked meat, fresh vegetables and fruits into Hengqin, which is a pioneering reform in China, according to Li.

The new policy will effectively facilitate the flow of goods, personnel, capital and information between Hengqin and Macau, and create valuable new space for Macaus new industries and business forms, said the official.

By the end of 2023, there were 11,500 Macau residents working or living in Hengqin, an annual increase of over 70%, according to the zones statistics bureau.

Xuan Jianguo, secretary-general of the Hengqin Institute of Innovation and Development, said the customs reform will greatly boost the integration of Hengqin and Macau.

Hengqin has completed a key step toward fulfilling its two main goals, which are promoting the diversification of Macaus economy and creating a new home for Macau residents to live and work, Xuan said. MDT/Xinhua
While surprised by comments in the recent copyright royalty arguments, a Hong Kong music composer said royalty collection entities are not obliged to disclose how the fees are shared with musicians.

On his own Facebook page, Hong Kong composer Ng Cheuk Yin posted a response to the current royalty argument in Macau.

Recently, the Macau Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers (MACA) has become the center of criticism that started with an alleged copyright violation case.

With social media blaming MACA for lacking financial transparency  especially about how it shares royalties with creators  Ng said it is a deal between creators and the copyright entity, which is a topic worthy of creators concerns.

He also suggested the topic has nothing to do with the public, which has neither the right nor the need to know.

MACA has recently criticized two Macau outlets of Hong Kong karaoke box chain Neway for not paying royalties for songs they use for profit-making purposes.

The topic became heated when Neways Chong Fok Commercial Centre outlet coincidentally ceased operations after MACA filed a copyright complaint.

The chains Hong Kong headquarters has not commented as yet.

Ng was surprised criticisms from netizens had not addressed Neways alleged copyright violation but, rather, MACAs alleged persecution of the business environment.

Declaring he is unfamiliar with Macaus environment, the composer said similar debates exist in Hong Kong.

He believes they exist because the public and even musicians are unfamiliar with copyright topics.

Connections between eligible copyright entities in each territory gives these entities authority over royalty collections in their particular territories, he said.

As such, MACA is entitled to collect royalties for participating copyright entities.

In addition, Ng said that in Hong Kong, a piece of music can be used without royalty 50 years after the death of its composer.

In the EU and the US, the period is 70 years. Therefore, the works of Dmitri Shostakovich, who died in 1975, are still under copyright protection.

In a press conference late last month, MACA CEO, Ung Kuoc Iang, called on all music users to obtain permission before using music not within the public domain to avoid potential criminal and/or civil penalties. Ung hopes that this incident will draw the attention of relevant departments, the karaoke industry, concert organizers and venues, and all music users to the importance of abiding by applicable copyright laws.
A group of horse owners has told a weekend press briefing the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) should follow a compensation scheme they have proposed.

In an earlier open letter, the group criticized the MJCs proposed compensation scheme and demanded more reasonable compensation.

The MJC is only willing to compensate the horse owners the costs of relocating their horses  MOP30,000 for each horse to mainland China or MOP200,000 to other locations.

According to local media All About Macau, when asked by the press what would be reasonable, horse owner Tam Siu Keung suggested a formula.

Assume a horse was purchased for HKD1 million, a horse aged between two to four should be subject to full compensation of its purchase price, because it was a brand new horse, Tam said.

A five-year-old horse, however, has 10% depreciation, Tam said, adding that this horse should be subject to a compensation of HKD900,000. Consequently, a six-year-old horse will be subject to 80% compensation and so forth.

He further explained that normally, a horse can be imported to Macau or Hong Kong for racing at the age of two and will be ready to race at four.

The older it gets, the more likely its ability to win will drop, he said, which equates to a situation of depreciation.

When asked what they would do should the MJC reject their proposal, another owner, Lao Pong Seng, said they will sue the club.

Tam also said the MJC infuriated horse owners by referring to them as blind and visionless.

He said the MJC has 198 horses currently, owned by between 100 and 150 owners.

The MJC will only need to pay at maximum HKD100 million to compensate horse owners should the latters proposal be followed.

Reiterating that they are not against the government, the horse owners also suggested the government keep an eye on the manner in which the MJC departs from the current premises and handles the animals that currently live in the MJC.
Macau authorities have launched a campaign with local chambers of commerce to promote domestic consumption in northern Macau. The campaign, supported by various government agencies, will run from March 18 to Aug. 4. The initiative has a budget of MOP24.5 million and allows users of eight local e-wallets to win vouchers by spending a minimum of MOP50 on weekdays. Participants can redeem up to three vouchers per week, and the vouchers can be valued at MOP10, MOP20, MOP50, or MOP100. Around 400 businesses have participated in the campaign, and users must spend at least three times the value of the voucher to redeem it.

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SSM Health plans to build a clinic in Verona, expected to open in 2026 on the southwestern corner of highways 18-151 and 69.

It's the latest of several medical facility projects in the Madison area for which construction is underway or planned soon.

The SSM Health clinic, to be 40,000 square feet and cost $25 million to $30 million, will offer family medicine services and physical and occupational therapy, said Jason Craig, vice president of ambulatory care for SSM Health in Wisconsin. It is also expected to have lab and imaging services and other specialty services. Construction will start early next year.

Given the demands that we have within our primary care services and the demand in the communities we serve  and certainly see within Verona  family medicine is going to be at the forefront of our initial service offerings," Craig said.

SSM Health has long owned 97 acres at the location, west of Highway 69, south of Highway 18-151 and north of Valley Road. Future projects at the site will include additional clinic space and services, but specific plans have not been developed, Craig said.

St. Louis-based SSM Health owns St. Mary's Hospital in Madison and six other hospitals in Wisconsin, including in Baraboo, Janesville and Monroe, along with many clinics. Its closest clinic to Verona is on the northeast corner of Old Sauk Road and the Beltline in Madison.

Construction is expected to start by this summer on an SSM Health ambulatory surgery center in Sun Prairie, at the site of its prior stand-alone emergency center on the southwestern corner of Highway 151 and Reiner Road. The facility, to focus on orthopedics and eye care, is expected to open next year.

UW Health plans to open its Eastpark Medical Center on Madison's Far East Side in October. The 470,000-square-foot, seven-story building will offer services including women's specialty care and cancer treatment, such as proton therapy expected to start in late 2025.

The Eastpark facility is next to UW Healths 56-bed East Madison Hospital, which opened in 2015 in the American Center Business Park east of Interstate 39-90-94 and north of Highway 151. As part of an inpatient expansion project announced last year, UW Health plans to add six operating rooms to the hospital and other space, including 20 emergency department rooms.

Also through the inpatient expansion, UW Health plans to add a facility between UW Hospital, at 600 Highland Ave. on the West Side, and the nearby UW Medical Foundation Centennial Building. The six-story structure is expected to have 22 emergency department rooms, 22 flexible-care beds and 48 inpatient rooms.

Construction on both UW inpatient expansion projects is expected to start this year.

UW Health also plans to open a University Row Clinic in 2026, next to its Digestive Health Center, which opened in 2013 at 750 University Row, near University Avenue and Whitney Way on the West Side. The four-story clinic is expected to offer specialty care, primary care, urgent care and other services, including a lab and a pharmacy.

In February, UW Health and UnityPoint Health-Meriter announced plans to build a rehabilitation hospital in Fitchburg. The 40-bed facility is expected to open by 2026 at the southwest corner of Lacy Road and Highway 14. Like a 50-bed UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital that opened in 2015 next to East Madison Hospital, the Fitchburg facility will be managed by Lifepoint Health.

Encompass Health, a for-profit company based in Birmingham, Alabama, opened a rehabilitation hospital in Fitchburg in November, at 5535 Nobel Drive, near Fish Hatchery Road and south of Lacy Road.
Gov. Tony Evers on Monday signed into law a bipartisan bill that expands the state's child and dependent tax credit in an effort to ease the burden of high child care costs on Wisconsin families.

Currently, Wisconsin filers can claim up to $300 and $525 for one qualifying dependent and between $600 and $1,050 for two or more dependents, depending on the filers income and the amount of qualifying expenses. Under the new law, taxpayers can now claim between $2,000 and $3,500 for one qualifying dependent and between $4,000 and $7,000 for two or more dependents. Under the measure, annual tax revenues would go down by about $73 million in 2024, with the average eligible filer saving about $656, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

The cost of child care is too darn high," Evers said. "Making quality child care more affordable across Wisconsin is not just about doing whats best for our kids, its also critical for keeping more folks and parents in our states workforce.

The new law expands the state child and dependent care tax credit from 50% of the federal credit to 100%. It also increases the maximum amount of qualifying expenses that can be claimed from $3,000 to $10,000 for one qualifying dependent and from $6,000 to $20,000 for two or more qualifying dependents.

Evers also continued his push for "urgent, long-term investments to further reduce out-of-pocket child care costs for working families while making sure child care providers can keep their doors open and lights on."

The tax credit is one measure in a four-bill package advanced by legislative Republicans earlier this year in an effort to make Wisconsin more attractive for residents and address the state's longstanding workforce shortage. While Democratic lawmakers blasted the three other bills in the package as being fiscally irresponsible, the parent tax credit measure received largely bipartisan support.

After Republicans stripped Evers $340 million proposal for child care funding from the budget last summer, the governor called on the GOP-controlled Legislature to spend more than $1 billion on child care and other workforce initiatives.

Republicans rejected the governor's request and instead advanced the package that would, among other measures, dramatically expand Wisconsin's second income tax bracket.

Evers vetoed the other three bills on Friday. Currently, those earning between $14,320 and $28,640 as an individual (or $19,090 and $38,190 as joint filers) are taxed at a rate of 4.4%. Under the Republican-authored bill, the bracket's rate would have expanded to individuals making up to $112,500 and joint filers making up to $150,000.

The average Wisconsinite would have paid $454 less in taxes under the proposal, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, but the amount varies depending on income.

The Democratic governor also vetoed measures to expand the state's marriage income tax credit and exempt up to $75,000 in retirement income from state taxes.

The price of everything is up due to inflation and mismanagement in Washington, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, said in a statement Monday.

If the Governor would get out of Madison and into reality, hed realize how much families and seniors need tax relief.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story misstated the amount of child and dependent care tax credits provided under the bill signed by the governor. Eligible taxpayers can claim between $2,000 and $3,500 for one qualifying dependent and between $4,000 and $7,000 for two or more qualifying dependents
In a medium-sized courtyard in Wem village in the Gannan Tibet autonomous prefecture in Northwest China's Gansu province, residents are busy putting up colorful bunting and cleaning a stage. The stage, which stands about a meter high, is enclosed on three sides by walls adorned with paintings of various characters, and will serve as a matching backdrop for the upcoming performances of Namtar Tibetan opera.

Namtar, or rnam thar, is like a form of religious biography in Tibetan Buddhism.

It is fair to say that the new year celebrations in Wem village wouldn't be complete without these performances, since watching them on the 12th and 13th days of the first lunar month has been a cherished tradition for decades.

"I recall watching Namtar opera on these two days since I was 11. Back then, people from neighboring regions would travel to our village on horseback or by motorcycle for the show," says Drugyal, a 57-year-old audience member.

Geographical factors may explain the origin of this tradition. Wem is only about half an hour's drive from the Sangchu county's Labrang Monastery, the birthplace of Namtar opera.

Inspired by Tibetan opera, in the 1940s, the Sixth Jamyang Living Buddha of the Labrang Monastery asked Living Buddha Lang Tsang and other esteemed monks at the monastery to come up with scripts based on history and Buddhist stories. Thus, a unique type of Tibetan opera, Namtar opera, gradually evolved, according to Tsegon Kyab, director of the Sangchu Cultural Center.

"Unlike Tibetan opera, Namtar opera shares some similarities with Peking Opera in terms of the stage, costumes, and accompanying instruments. This is because Living Buddha Lang Tsang maintained communication with the renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang," says Tsegon Kyab.

Apart from the orthodox Namtar opera troupe from the Nyingma-school Temple at the Labrang Monastery, there are 30 local troupes in Gannan, with almost half of them in Sangchu county, including the Wem village Namtar opera troupe.

Bande Tsering, leader of the village's troupe, started to learn Namtar opera in his teens. He began by playing minor roles and eventually progressed to playing leading roles in his 20s.

"The characters that have left a lasting impression on me are the butler, the minister in Atag Lhamo and the prince in Drime Kunden. While the first is a minor role, the last two are lead roles. Playing lead roles signifies that one has completed the learning process," he says.

Around the same time that he started playing lead roles, Bande Tsering was appointed head of the troupe by his teacher. Since then, he has been responsible for organizing rehearsals and performances, selecting and training troupe members.

The troupe now has about 40 members, ranging from children to the elderly. Experienced teachers select members based on role requirements and train the new recruits.

"The local residents have all grown up watching Namtar opera performed by our troupe in our village, so they basically know the lines and moves of each character by heart, and there is no need to start training from scratch," says Bande Tsering.

Among the many Namtar performances across Gannan during the Lunar New Year celebrations, the annual two performances presented by the Wem village troupe are a big event for villagers and residents from neighboring regions. Despite being a village of about just 120 people, the shows can draw an audience of up to 1,000 people, comprising not only Tibetan viewers but also people of other ethnic groups.

In addition to the New Year performances, the troupe has been invited to perform for audiences both within Gansu province and further afield. Bande Tsering also travels with troupe members to learn from, and communicate with, troupes from the Nyingma-school Temple, Qinghai province, and the Xizang autonomous region.

Local authorities and Namtar enthusiasts have been working hard to preserve, promote and develop this art. In 2011, Namtar Tibetan opera was inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list. Just two years ago, Bande Tsering was recognized as a county-level inheritor.

"We will continue our efforts to support the development of Namtar opera and step up funding. We also plan to compile a complete collection of Namtar opera scripts and provide training to local troupes, as most of the scripts are passed down orally, which results in errors and missing lines," says Tsegon Kyab.
In the tranquil expanses of North Americas woodlands and grasslands, a silent but concerning phenomenon is unfolding: chronic wasting disease (CWD). The condition, often dubbed zombie deer disease, is stealthily spreading among deer populations, sparking concerns among scientists, conservationists and the public alike.

This neurological affliction, characterized by symptoms such as drooling, lethargy, stumbling and a vacant gaze, has now been detected in over 800 samples of deer, elk and moose in Wyoming alone, highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue.

At the heart of the CWD puzzle lies a peculiar culprit: prions.

Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause normal proteins in the brain to misfold as well, leading to neurological degeneration. This unique feature makes prion diseases particularly concerning. Thats because they are notoriously resilient and can persist in the environment for years, resisting traditional disinfection methods such as formaldehyde, radiation and incineration at extreme temperatures.

The spread of CWD poses significant ecological and potentially human health risks. While no conclusive evidence shows CWD can directly infect humans, the possibility is a concern.

Quote In regions where CWD prevalence is high, such as Wisconsin, thousands of people may have unwittingly consumed meat from infected deer, underscoring the urgency for measures to mitigate risks.

Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and mad cow disease in cattle, have shown that they can cross the species barrier  with devastating consequences. The outbreak of mad cow disease in Britain, for instance, resulted in the slaughter of millions of cattle and led to 178 human deaths attributed to the human variant of the disease since 1995.

Despite the lack of confirmed cases of CWD in humans, concerns persist due to several factors. First, studies have shown that prions responsible for CWD can infect and propagate in human cells under laboratory conditions, raising the specter of potential transmission.

Wisconsin shows need to mitigate risk

Second, humans are already inadvertently exposed to potentially infected animals by hunting and eating them. Reports suggest that between 7,000 to 15,000 CWD-infected animals were consumed by humans in 2017, with projections indicating a 20% annual increase.

In regions where CWD prevalence is high, such as Wisconsin, thousands of people may have unwittingly consumed meat from infected deer, underscoring the urgency for measures to mitigate risks.

Also, the inherent difficulties associated with detecting and diagnosing prion diseases in humans further complicate the situation. Unlike conventional infectious agents, prions do not trigger an immune response, making them difficult to detect through conventional means. This poses a significant obstacle to early intervention and containment efforts.

The potential for CWD to affect human health is not limited to direct transmission. The environmental persistence of prions means that humans may also be exposed through indirect routes, such as contaminated soil, water and other environmental sources. Given the resilience of prions and their ability to persist in the environment for extended periods, the long-term consequences of CWD on human health remain uncertain but warrant serious consideration.

Beyond the immediate health concerns, the spread of CWD also poses significant ecological and economic risks. Deer hunting is not only a popular recreational activity but also a vital source of sustenance and livelihood for many communities. The proliferation of CWD threatens to disrupt this delicate balance, potentially decimating deer populations and compromising food security in affected regions.

Furthermore, the ecological effects of CWD extend beyond deer populations, affecting entire ecosystems. Deer play a crucial role in shaping how plants change and evolve over time through browsing and grazing. And their decline could have cascading effects on plants, soil health and other wildlife species that depend on deer for food and habitat.

CWD now found in Europe

While no outbreaks of CWD have occurred in the United Kingdom, in 2016 it was diagnosed in wild deer in Norway, marking the first cases of CWD in Europe. This development underscores the potential for CWD to spread beyond its current range and highlights the need for international cooperation in monitoring and controlling the disease.

Addressing the many challenges posed by CWD requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. This includes bolstering surveillance to track the spread of the disease, and implementing stringent biosecurity measures to prevent further transmission. It includes controlling the movement of deer and elk populations, conducting regular testing to monitor disease prevalence, and promoting responsible hunting practices to minimize the risk of transmission.

More research is also needed to better understand the diseases transmission dynamics, its ecological effects and potential human health implications.

Ultimately, the specter of CWD underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human health. By heeding the warnings of scientists and taking decisive action to mitigate risks, we can strive to protect both wildlife and human populations from the insidious grip of CWD and other emerging zoonotic diseases. In doing so, we honor our commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come.
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EV industry stakeholders left out of key policy review by NEDA chief Balisacan

The amendment of Executive Order No. 12, which could address the exclusion of 2-wheel electric vehicles in the grant of tax incentives to electric vehicles, remains unclear as the National Economic and Development Authority still has not released details on whether the review process has begun since it became mandatory on Feb. 21, leaving the stakeholders out of the loop.

In a text message, mobility advocate and Electric Kick Scooter (EKS) Philippines co-founder and Chairman Tim Vargas said they have submitted their suggestions to NEDA regarding EO12 but have not received a reply as of writing.

Meanwhile, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga said that unfortunately, we were not invited (by NEDA) to be part of the review.

This is as EO12, series of 2023  the executive issuance granting tax breaks to several types of EVs  is now up for mandatory review and possible revision, upon recommendation by the NEDA, a year after it took effect last Feb. 20, 2023.

EO12 gives tax breaks to several types of EVs and their parts and components, with the exclusion of e-motorcycles, which are still subject to a 30% tariff rate. The executive issuance received criticism from different stakeholders when it was enacted, noting the unfair exclusion of e-motorcycles in the tax breaks, unlike other types of EVs.

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According to the Department of Trade and Industry, NEDAs findings and recommendations regarding EO12s will be submitted to the Office of the President for possible revision through the year of its implementation.

Different stakeholders of the EV industry in the Philippines have been urging NEDA to include giving tax breaks to e-motorcycles when the agency holds its mandatory review, citing the benefits it can do to address the countrys problem with its carbon emissions and helping the majority of motorists in the country, motorcycle riders, with their shift to green transportation.
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Melbourne, AustraliaMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he would be happy to reopen the search for flight MH370 if compelling evidence emerged, opening the door to a renewed hunt a decade after the plane disappeared.

If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened, we will certainly be happy to reopen it, he said when asked about the matter during a visit to Melbourne.

His comments came as the families marked 10 years since the plane vanished in the Indian Ocean with 239 people aboard.

I dont think its a technical issue. Its an issue affecting the lives of people and whatever needs to be done must be done, he said.

Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

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Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has never been found and the operation was suspended in January 2017.

About 500 relatives and their supporters gathered Sunday at a shopping center near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur for a Remembrance Day, with many visibly overcome with grief.

Some of the relatives came from China, where almost two-thirds of the passengers of the doomed plane were from.

The last 10 years have been a nonstop emotional rollercoaster for me, Grace Nathan, a 36-year-old Malaysian lawyer whose mother, Anne Daisy, 56, was on the flight, told Agence France Presse (AFP).

Speaking to the crowd, she called on the Malaysian government to conduct a new search.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told reporters that as far Malaysia is concerned, it is committed to finding the plane cost is not the issue.

He told relatives at the gathering that he would meet with officials from Texas-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted a previous unsuccessful search, to discuss a new operation.

We are now waiting for them to provide suitable dates and I hope to meet them soon, he said.

An earlier Australia-led search that covered 120,000 square kilometers (46,000 square miles) in the Indian Ocean found hardly any trace of the plane, with only some pieces of debris picked up.
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With increasing Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), legislators on Monday stressed the need to develop major and permanent infrastructure projects in the Kalayaan Island Group and in Pag-asa Island to assert the Philippines presence in the disputed territory

Reps. Geraldine Roman of Bataan, Jefferson Khonghun of Bataan, Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union, and Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said they fully support Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdezs efforts to develop more permanent structures in the Philippine-occupied island groups that can help the countrys patrols in WPS territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

This highlights the need for our country to invest in our defense infrastructure as well as the installations located in the islands that we already occupied, Roman said.

You know, we dont like to be bullied. And we will show that we have a stand for our country. And I believe that the President is a taking the right actions in this regard, Roman added.

Roman said that she supports President Marcos position on not surrendering an inch of Philippine territory to China and vows as a lawmaker to push for the Presidents policies on WPS.

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Khonghun said that aside from continuously filing diplomatic protests against China, he said developing more permanent facilities in Kalayaan and Pag-asa Island will help assert Philippine sovereignty in the WPS.

We are one with Speaker Romualdez in also developing, especially our airport facilities in Kalayaan. So it is very important that we can really say that our presence is there. And we should really not give up our territory, the lawmaker said.

And we do not allow Chinas continued interference in our territory. So, we know that our President will not let that happen and that our President is constantly working to prevent it from happening again.

Ortega said that aside from airports and seaports, the Philippin government should also develop tourism and business destinations in Pag-asa and Kalayaan islands.

Not only airports and seaports but even the Speaker encourages tourism activities, tourism sites, business activities or business infrastructures to be placed there at our borders and then in those areas.

The President has made a clear stand with that issue, ginagawa po natin lahat ng naaayon sa batas at naaayon po sa ating karapatan and of course, very clear po sa presidente na hindi po natin ibibigay itong mga ganitong lugar, Ortega said.

(The president has made a clear stand with that issue, we are doing everything according to the law and according to our rights and of course, it is very clear to the president that we will not give these places)

For Suarez, bilateral agreements with other countries are very important in supporting the Philippines cause in the WPS.

Kaya napakahalaga po yung partnership bilateral agreements and cooperation that President Bongbong Marcos has been doing and strengthening with his trips because this strengthens the position of the President when it comes to our exclusive economic zone, he said.

(So the partnership bilateral agreements and cooperation that President Bongbong Marcos has been doing and strengthening with his trips is very important because this strengthens the position of the President when it comes to our exclusive economic zone)

He also thanked Speaker Romualdez for his commitment to safeguard the integrity of the Philippine territory.

We thank Speaker Martin Romualdez for being steadfast with his commitment that not even an inch will be sacrificed when it comes to fighting for our sovereignty and our territory, Suarez said.

I would like to reiterate the position of Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, it is necessary for us to double down on our defense, spending, funding and allocation just so that we can properly protect what is naturally ours, he added.
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Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is taking over the reins of the National Food Authority after at least 139 officials and employees of the agency were placed under preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman on claims they helped sell NFA rice stocks to commercial traders for just P25 per kilo.

Laurel said the Department of Agriculture is giving the Ombudsman full access to all information a DA panel is gathering to conduct the internal investigation into the corruption charge.

We condemn this and we will not allow any form of corruption at the NFA. We are one with the Ombudsman in this cause to know the truth and punish those who should be punished, Laurel said in a briefing Monday.

Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, said she is filing a Senate resolution to investigate the NFAs highly suspicious P93.75-million sale of 75,000 bags of rice stock to two traders even as countless consumers clamored for cheaper rice.

President Marcos sister expressed alarm that the NFA has completely lost its way amid a cutback in the global rice supply.

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The Philippines is now the worlds largest rice importer and the dire market situation today will only worsen in the coming months, Senator Marcos warned, citing El Nino weather disturbances and rice-exporting countries prioritizing their domestic needs.

The DA said it has been coordinating with the Office of Ombudsman since the issue became public knowledge and created a special investigating team to determine culpability and how it can prevent it from happening again.

Both the DA internal investigation group and the Ombudsman will investigate records dating back five years earlier, starting 2019 till February 2024, to determine the accuracy of the allegations.

We intend to dig deep and welcome those who would come forward to assist us in probing the NFA, Tiu Laurel said.

An NFA employee who used to work at the agencys marketing division claimed acts of corruption by present NFA officials.

NFA administrator Roderico Bioco has temporarily taken a leave of absence to allow a free hand to the investigation procedure, Laurel said.

Among the accused officials were NFA assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano and several regional managers and warehouse supervisors.

Laurel said he will temporarily man the agency until the President appoints another administrator.

We expect everyone in the agency to do their regular jobs to ensure that out countrymen are provided the service they deserve, he said.

He also called on the public who have knowledge of the issue to come forward to help resolve the case.

Marcos noted the agency has repeatedly fallen short of its required buffer stock and been unable to cope with higher farmgate prices of palay, which rose to as high as P27 per kilo last year.

Although palays farmgate price has dipped to 23 pesos, the NFA had earlier pegged its capacity to subsidize local farmers at only 17 to 19 pesos per kilo.

Marcos said the NFA has been unable to support all local farmers desperate for aid, especially when rice smuggling forced them to sell their harvests below the cost of production.

In calling for an investigation, she emphasized that a thorough review of the NFAs mandate was crucial to deal with a global rice shortage.
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday said the Philippines wants to solve maritime disputes with China peacefully  but delivered a simple message to Beijing: Stop harassing us.

Speaking on the sidelines of ASEAN-Australia summit in Melbourne, Manalo defended Manilas policy of publicizing Chinese maneuvers in contested maritime territory, including the recent passage of warships near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

Its merely trying to inform the people of whats going on, Manalo said. And some countries or one country at least has some difficulty with that.

But our simple explanation is if you would stop harassing us and, and perhaps performing other actions, there wouldnt be any news to report, he added.

In Washington, the Philippine Embassy in the US rejected Chinas allegation that Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez serves as mouthpiece for another country, as it accused him of spreading false information against Beijing in connection with its claims over the disputed South China Sea.

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In a statement, the embassy said Romualdezs remarks last week on the developments in the South China Sea have been consistent with the position expressed by the Philippine governments highest officials, particularly regarding the threat posed by unlawful, aggressive and provocative actions of the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia against Philippine vessels and personnel and Filipino fishermen.

Romualdez earlier said the dispute in the South China Sea and not the tension in Taiwan was Asias real flashpoint for a major armed conflict.

He described it as the most difficult challenge Manila has faced since World War II.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, brushing aside claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations.

Scarborough Shoal  a triangular chain of reefs and rocks in the disputed South China Sea  has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012.

The Philippines is committed to a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means, or peaceful means, Manalo said, while insisting this will not be done at the expense of our national interest.

We are reaching out to partners in like-minded countries with similar issues and similar concerns, he said.

But Manalo acknowledged there were was at least a small question mark over support from the Philippines most important security partner  the United States.

The two countries are treaty allies, meaning Washington has formally pledged to come to Manilas defense in the event of a military conflict.

Manalo said ensuring peace in the South China Sea is a collective responsibility and stewardship.

For the South China Sea and the seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific to be unifying domains of peace, stability, and prosperity, we need to gather more strongly around a collective responsibility, as well as a shared sense of stewardship, he said during the maritime cooperation forum at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Solidarity around the rule of law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the necessary starting point for this. UNCLOS, as the Constitution for the Oceans, provides the fundamental anchor for cooperation in the maritime domain, and for resolving maritime disputes, he said.

It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law, Manalo added.

Ask about the November election  which will pit incumbent Joe Biden against Republican firebrand Donald Trump, he said it was a topic of frequent debate behind closed doors.

Every country in the world is probably thinking of that, of course. The United States is a major, its a treaty ally of the Philippines. So obviously, any differences or changes in US policy from existing policies would most likely have some kind of effect, Manalo said.

At this stage its fairly difficult to assess how it would happen, or what would happen. But all I can say is we are, of course, carefully monitoring the election season in the United States, but Ive had talks with many of my other colleagues from other countries, and I think everybody is doing the same.

So certainly all eyes will be riveted on that election this year, he added. With AFP
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MOSCOW The Kremlin said on Monday the content of a leaked conversation between German officials, where they discussed potential strikes on Crimea, proved Western countries were participating in the conflict in Ukraine.

The conversations once again highlight the direct involvement of the collective West in the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But in Berlin, Germany accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to sow disunity with the wiretap leak of a confidential German army discussion on the Ukraine war, at a time when Berlin is under pressure to supply the Taurus missile to Kyiv.

A 38-minute recording of the talks was posted online late Friday on Russian social media, with the participants discussing the possible use of German-made Taurus missiles and their potential impact. AFP

The discussions also covered the use of long-range missiles provided to Kyiv by France and Britain.

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It is about using this recording to destabilize and unsettle us, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, adding that he hoped that Putin will not succeed.

Pistorius said he was not aware of any further leaks at the army and added that he would await the result of a military probe into the case before drawing any conclusions.

Kyiv has long been clamoring for Germany to provide it with Taurus missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometers away.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far refused to send the missiles, fearing that it would lead to an escalation of the conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.

With the war in Ukraine in its third year, Kyiv has ramped up its pleas for more military support from allies.

On the frontlines, its soldiers are outgunned and outnumbered and ammunition shortages are being felt.

The acquisition of Taurus missiles would provide a massive boost for Ukraine as Kyiv struggles to fend off Russias invigorated push on the frontlines.

France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometers.

But Scholz on Monday said that Germany could not justify matching British and French moves in sending long-range missiles to Ukraine and supporting the weapon systems deployment.

This is a very long-range weapon, and what the British and French are doing in terms of targeting and supporting targeting cannot be done in Germany, Scholz said, without specifying exactly what he meant.

Part of the conversation in the leaked recording however appeared to call into question Scholzs explanation on why he could not provide Kyiv with the missiles.

Britain has denied that it had any direct involvement in operating the missiles.

Ukraines use of Storm Shadow and its targeting processes are the business of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a Ministry of Defense spokesperson said in a statement to AFP.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of the Security Council, on Sunday said: Germany is preparing for war with Russia.

Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Turkey on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the recording indicated that Ukraine and its backers do not want to change their course at all, and want to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield.

With politicians in Germany urging answers over the wiretap, Pistorius warned that the leak is part of an information war that Putin is carrying out.

We should not fall for Putins line, he said.
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PALESTINIAN Territories  US Vice President Kamala Harris urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, upping the pressure on key ally Israel as heavy fighting raged in the Palestinian territory.

Harriss comments on Sunday, the most forceful to date by a US administration official, came as Washington led a push to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins in around one week.

Envoys from the United States, Qatar and Hamas were in Cairo for the latest round of talks over a proposal to pause the five-month-old war.

According to a senior US official, Israel has broadly accepted the terms, which would see stepped-up aid deliveries and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Several sticking points reportedly remain, including Hamass insistence that Israeli forces entirely withdraw from the devastated territory.

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Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table, Harris said.

Taking an unusually sharp tone, she demanded Israel do more to significantly increase the flow of aid into Gaza, where she said people are starving and the conditions inhumane.

Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire.

Pressure for a truce has mounted after attempted aid deliveries have descended into scenes of tragedy, and convoys have failed to reach families gripped by food shortages in the north.

In Cairo, mediators and Hamas envoys have made significant progress towards a Gaza truce, Egyptian state-linked TV reported Monday as the talks in Cairo entered a second day.

After weeks of diplomatic efforts, Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been scrambling to lock in a proposed six-week truce in the war between Israel and Hamas before Ramadan starts next week.

The proposal also includes the release of hostages abducted during Hamass Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Al-Qahera News, linked to Egypts intelligence services, quoted an unnamed senior official as saying: Egypt continues its intense efforts to reach a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month which begins on March 10 or 11.

There has been significant progress in the negotiations, the report said after the latest talks began Sunday in Cairo, without Israeli representation.

According to a senior US official, Israel has broadly accepted terms of the proposed six-week truce, which would also see stepped-up aid deliveries into Gaza.

After UN warnings of famine in Gaza, the United States started airdropping food rations on Saturday, following in the steps of Jordan and some other countries.

It is imperative that we expand the flow of aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.

Harris and Blinken are both due to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz in Washington on Monday.

The former Israeli military chief, a centrist and longtime rival of Netanyahu, will also meet White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan.

A White House official said the discussions would include the need for a hostage deal, temporary ceasefire and expanding aid flows into Gaza.

Despite the latest push to halt the fighting sparked by Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, there has been no letup to the pummeling of Gaza.

Late Sunday, an AFP correspondent reported several air strikes in southern Gazas Rafah and Khan Yunis.

Earlier in the day, two of the latest victims, twin babies Naeem and Wissam Abu Anza, were buried as their mother Rania wept in agony.

A relative, Shehda Abu Anza, said only civilians were in the house when it was bombed, killing 14 members of one family.

All of them were sleeping when suddenly a missile hit and destroyed the whole house, he told AFP as residents searched the rubble with their bare hands  for bodies but also to salvage scarce food.

The infants were among 30,410 fatalities, most of them women and children, reported by the Hamas-run territorys health ministry since Israel launched military operations to eliminate Hamas last October.

The war began after the Palestinian militant groups unprecedented Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Around 250 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. The Israeli army says 130 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 31 are believed to be dead.

Palestinian families have told AFP of grinding up animal feed and foraged plants to have something to eat, while the health ministry said at least 16 children died of malnutrition in recent days in Gazas aid-deprived north.

Witnesses told AFP that an Israeli strike hit an aid truck in central Gazas Deir al-Balah on Sunday, killing several people.

We did not know what to do, whether to run away or to rescue the people in the truck. Then they hit it with the second missile, said witness Reyad al-Quraan.

Contacted about the incident, the Israeli military told AFP: It was not an aid truck that was struck, but did not elaborate.

On Thursday, more than 100 people were killed in chaotic scenes around a convoy of aid trucks in Gaza City.

Gaza health officials said Israeli forces opened fire into the crowd, causing a massacre, while Israels army said most victims were trampled or hit by trucks in a crush for food.

Numerous world leaders have called for a probe.

The UN Security Council has voiced concern over Gazas alarming levels of acute food insecurity, and urged the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale.

During Sunday prayers, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire and for Gazan civilians to be given safe access to urgently needed humanitarian aid.
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There is a need to place everything in its proper perspective, not only for the sake of clarification, but for the benefit of history

The nation marked the so-called EDSA People Power Revolution last week on Feb. 25 with a lot of fuss and so much disagreement that the events that happened need to be put in proper perspective.

First of all, when then Defense Minister, Juan Ponce Enrile, now the chief presidential legal counsel of President Marcos Jr., called a press conference to announce that the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, or RAM, was to break away from the military, which was then headed by General Fabian Ver, at that point, Ver had already formed a military junta which he would head in case the President, at that time Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, died.

The President at that time was very ill, suffering from lupus.

As DND Minister, Enrile was fully aware of it.

Enrile then had Col. Gringo Honasan as the head of the RAM.

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In fact, the RAM had been having simulated combat operations in many parts of the country when Ver would declare a militia junta.

When the breakaway of Enrile and the RAM was announced, then PC-INP chief Fidel V. Ramos did not yet join Enrile.

It was only after that day that Ramos did, and the RAM group of Enrile and Honasan moved over to the PC-INP headquarters at Camp Crame.

In other words, the breakaway was not against Marcos, but against a Ver-headed AFP.

In fact, this was made very clear when Enrile and Marcos talked over the telephone, with the young Bongbong Marcos holding the telephone for his father.

This is what happened from Feb. 22 to Feb. 25, 1986. And JPE, who told me about it, is still alive at age 100, in Malacanang.

Cory Aquino was then in Cebu. And when she arrived in Manila, she hid at the Pink Sisters Convent.

She was nowhere near the RAM at the PC-INP headquarters building.

In fact, the nearest Cory ever got to the PC-INP headquarters was in the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, in front of the Department of Labor Building.

General Fabian Ver asked President Marcos Sr. permission to bomb the PC-PNP headquarters to end the breakaway, but to his credit, Marcos Sr. refused. He did not want bloodshed to happen.

On Feb. 25, the RAM group of Enrile, Ramos and Honasan decided to install Cory Aquino as the new President, with then Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee Sr. to administer the oath.

(Editors Note: Supreme Court Chief Justice Ramon Aquino administered the presidential oath to President Marcos at the Maharlika Hall, later renamed Kalayaan Hall, with a throng a loyalists assembled at the Malacanang grounds.

(It was the fourth inauguration of President Marcos as the 10th president, which marked his fourth and final term as chef executive.

(Within the hour, Supreme Court Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee Sr. swore in Aquino at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, only 6 kms away from Malacanang.)

When I asked Enrile, as the head of the breakaway group, why he and the others decided to install Aquino as the new President, he answered, She was the face of the opposition.

Aquino eventually appointed Enrile her defense minister who also eventually resigned from her Cabinet. She also appointed Ramos the chief of the Armed Forces. Honasan also eventually led several coup attempts against the Aquino administration.

The swearing in of Cory ushered in the gathering of over half a million people at EDSA to proclaim Cory as the new Philippine President.

This led the Americans to airlift the Marcos family to Clark Air Base in P{ampanga and on to Honolulu, Hawaii for fear something would happen to them because of the mood of the mob that gathered.

In other words, the airlifting of the Marcos family was not the result of the EDSA gathering. It was in Honolulu where Marcos stayed with his family until he died on Sept 29, 1989 at age 72, the same day Aquino was scheduled to confer on former President Diosdado Macapagal the highest civilian government award.

Macapagal was the president of the elected 1971 Constitutional Convention which drafted the 1971 Constitution which he presented to Marcos in Malacanang.

To place everything in its proper perspective, the gathering of over half a million people at EDSA was not a People Power Revolution as concocted by Cory lovers and the Western Press who all romanticized the event.

The country at that time had 56.11 million population.

That call of Cory Aquino as an Icon of Democracy was a distortion and romanticized to make Cory the hero of EDSA.

Neither was the People Power Revolution a real revolution because a revolution connotes a change of government, like when the Philippine Revolution occurred that made the country become a republic from the colonial rule of Spain.

Thats why there is a need to place everything in its proper perspective, not only for the sake of clarification, but for the benefit of history.
Signups for a popular event held in conjunction with the WNC Bigfoot Festival late in the spring has started and there is a special promotional deal going on that will allow interested contestants to register at a special rate.

The Bigfoot Dash 5K race sponsored by Marion Elementary School will take place on Saturday, May 18, starting at 8 a.m. at the school and will serve as an unofficial kickoff to a busy day of events throughout the city of Marion associated with all things Bigfoot. The event is open to all ages of people from casual walkers to more competitive runners.

Whether youre a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or pushing a stroller, we invite everyone to join us for a fun-filled morning of physical activity and socializing, Marion Elementary School said recently on the schools Facebook page promoting the event. Lets make this years event unforgettable by exceeding our fundraising goals and fostering a sense of community spirit!

Interested participants in the Bigfoot Dash 5K can sign up now on a website created by the school. An early-bird rate of $30 per runner is active at this time and will remain so through April 4. Signup fees will increase after that date leading up to the race deadline just prior to the event. Runners are guaranteed a T-shirt if registered by May 13.

Those who register for the event will be required to pick up an information packet on Friday, May 17, from 5-7 p.m. at the school or prior to 7 a.m. the morning of the race. This years race path will begin at the elementary school and will move in the general direction of East McDowell Middle School going through a couple of neighborhoods along State Street and McDowell Avenue before circling back to the finish line at Marion Elementary.

Prizes will be awarded for three males and females in age groups starting from 10 years and under all the way up to ages 60 or older.

Proceeds from the 5K go back to help with the general fund at Marion Elementary School. Individuals can also give a generous donation back to the school through the event website. The school has a goal of around $5,000 that they would like to meet or exceed with this years event.
New cars are shown on the stage during BYD grand launch in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 40 percent of new vehicles sold in China this year will be new energy vehicles, but it will be smart features that can help NEV makers stand out among the increasingly fierce competition, said experts.



Last year, NEV sales totaled 9.49 million units in China, making up 31.6 percent of new vehicle sales in the world's largest automotive market, according to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The upward spiral is expected to continue, pushing the percentage to exceed 40 percent and reach around 50 percent in 2025, said Ouyang Minggao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Ouyang, also a Tsinghua professor and vice-president of the China EV 100, said plug-in hybrids and range-extended vehicles will see even faster growth than electric vehicles.

He said their sales are rising fast, and they will enjoy a market share similar to electric vehicles for quite some time, especially in the compact vehicle segment, as they possess features of both gasoline vehicles and electric ones.

Statistics from the China Passenger Car Association show that deliveries of plug-in hybrids stood at merely 170,000 in 2020, but they soared to 1.91 million in 2023.

Range-extended vehicles, for example those from Huawei's Aito brand and startup Li Auto, saw their sales skyrocket from 30,000 units to 690,000 in the same period.

Li Auto, known for its range-extended vehicles, sold more than 370,000 vehicles last year, up 182 percent year-on-year. It expects deliveries to surge to 800,000 units this year.

Ouyang said NEVs will account for 70 percent of new vehicle sales in 2030 in China, with their annual deliveries reaching around 20 million units a year in the country.

But he said that electrification has made it easier to produce vehicles, resulting in fierce competition, and smart functions are more important as they can help carmakers distinguish themselves from others.

That explains the strong competition in China's vehicle market, which started from early 2023 and has shown no sign of slowing down. Some startups have inched toward bankruptcy.

Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the CPCA, said China's passenger vehicle market has seen steady growth, but the price war will be "particularly fierce" in 2024, as NEV makers are revving up efforts to get a firmer footing.

He explained that as the prices of batteries, which constitute a big part of the cost of NEVs, are falling and NEV sales are rising, their makers have a bigger margin so they can afford to cut prices to woo car buyers away from gasoline vehicles.

Globally, NEV sales are estimated to reach 40 million units by 2030, accounting for half of total passenger vehicle sales, said Zhang Yongwei, vice-president and secretary-general of the China EV 100.

Despite the promising prospects, Zhang said the demands for NEVs will vary from region to region.

He said Chinese car buyers are now more interested in smart features but in some other parts of the world, like Europe and the United States, the customers are concerned about the vehicles' mileages on one charge, as their Chinese counterparts were several years ago.

Carmakers in different countries are approaching electrification with their own schedules.

Earlier this month, German premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz delayed its electrification goal by five years and assured investors it would keep sprucing up its combustion engine models, becoming the latest carmaker to flag a weaker-than-expected appetite for battery-powered cars.

The company now expects sales of electrified vehicles, including hybrids, to account for up to 50 percent of the total by 2030, five years later than its forecast from 2021, when it aimed to hit the 50 percent milestone by 2025 with mostly all-electric cars.

Mercedes-Benz is joined by British carmaker Aston Martin, which is now targeting the launch of its battery electric vehicle in 2026, a year later than planned.

"The consumer demand (for EVs), certainly at an Aston Martin price point, is not what we thought it was going to be two years ago," Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll told journalists last week.

But electrification may help Chinese carmakers emerge onto the global automotive stage.

With the first-mover advantage and fast innovation, Chinese carmakers are expected to seize "several" positions on the list of the world's top 10 carmakers by 2030, said Guan Mingyu, a McKinsey partner.
Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced $1.3 million in grants to 42 public school districts and public charter schools across North Carolina to expand access to healthy school breakfast for more than 51,000 students. The NC Innovative School Breakfast Grants were funded through federal funds directed by the Governor in October 2023.

Our public schools not only provide safe places for children to learn, but also healthy meals for students who sometimes face food insecurity at home, said Governor Cooper. These grants will help more public schools provide breakfast for children in the classroom so they can start their day ready to learn and be successful.

Public schools provide free- or reduced-price meals for children and nearly 60% of North Carolina public school students qualify for free- or reduced-price meals. Many children rely on these school meals for daily nutritional needs. Nearly 1 in 6 children in North Carolina live in households without consistent access to food.

These grants are part of the Governors ongoing commitment to public education. Cooper has declared 2024 the Year of Public Schools and is spending this year highlighting North Carolinas strong public schools, teachers and staff across the state to show the positive impacts of a well-funded public education system on the states economy and communities.

The school districts and charter schools receiving grant funds use the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to make school meals available to all students at no cost to their families. These districts and charter schools, which represent 258 public schools, were selected through a competitive grant program managed by the Carolina Hunger Initiative and the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

School meals are an instructional intervention, said Lou Anne Crumpler, director of the Carolina Hunger Initiative. From reducing chronic absenteeism to improving reading achievement, small changes in how school breakfast is served can make big impacts on student success. We appreciate Governor Coopers commitment to providing access to healthy breakfast at school to more students.

We know that hungry kids cant learn, said Morgan Wittman Gramann, executive director of the NC Alliance for Health. These grants enable schools to find creative ways to make sure that every child has the nutrition that they need to focus on learning.

The NC Innovative School Breakfast Grants will go to school districts and charter schools that implement innovative school breakfast models to expand student participation in school breakfast. These models include Breakfast in the Classroom, Second Chance Breakfast, and Grab and Go Breakfast. Innovative school breakfast models have been shown to increase school breakfast participation, especially among students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Research shows that eating a healthy school breakfast and lunch improves student attendance, discipline, and academic performance.

The 42 grant awardees include school districts and charter schools statewide, from Cherokee County Schools in the west to Tyrrell County Schools in the east. Funds will be used to purchase kitchen equipment to increase meal prep capacity and serving equipment to more easily and efficiently distribute meals to students. Some programs have already started, and others will begin in the next school year.

All the selected schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, a federal program that provides free meals for all students in schools with high percentages of low-income and at-risk students. Many are participating in CEP for the first time this school year. These grants will allow districts to gain maximum access to federal reimbursement funds for free meals for students. Even when meals are available to students at no cost, barriers such as stigma, time, and location can prevent students from eating breakfast.

The Carolina Hunger Initiative's mission is to increase access to healthy food year-round for North Carolinians. CHI uses programming, applied research, and compelling communications to support policy, systems, and environmental changes that connect people with the food they need. CHI is based at the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Learn more at CarolinaHungerInitiative.org.

The North Carolina Alliance for Health is an independent, nonpartisan, statewide coalition that convenes, mobilizes, supports, and empowers partners to advance equitable policies that reduce health disparities, prevent chronic disease, and promote health. NCAH serves on the leadership team for School Meals for All NC, which is working to ensure that every child in every public school in NC has access to breakfast and lunch at school at no cost to their families. Learn more at ncallianceforhealth.org.
Chads interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election amid heightened tensions following the killing of opposition figure Yaya Dillo in NDjamena. Dillos death has exposed fractures within the ruling elite as Chad navigates its transition to democracy. The government claims Dillo was killed in an exchange of gunfire with security forces, while his party members are accused of attacking the internal security agency. Debys uncle, General Saleh Deby Itno, who defected to Dillos opposition party, has been arrested in connection with the events. The opposition views Dillos death as an assassination and perceives recent events as an attempt to stifle political dissent.

Despite these challenges, Deby announced his candidacy, expressing a mix of honor, humility, responsibility, and gratitude. Meanwhile, the European Union voiced deep concern over the violence in NDjamena and called for an impartial investigation to establish the facts and hold perpetrators accountable. These developments disrupt efforts toward a peaceful transition to democracy, compounded by earlier electoral postponements and subsequent protests quashed by security forces, resulting in civilian casualties. Chads political landscape remains volatile as it grapples with internal strife and strives to uphold democratic principles amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Approximately 170 individuals were reportedly executed in assaults on three villages in northern Burkina Faso last week, as disclosed by a regional prosecutor amid escalating violence in the nation. Aly Benjamin Coulibaly, the prosecutor for Ouahigouya, revealed that the attacks occurred in Komsilga, Nodin, and Soroe villages in Yatenga province on February 25, resulting in an estimated toll of around 170 fatalities. Survivors recounted harrowing details, indicating that numerous women and young children were among the victims. While the attacks inflicted injuries and material damage, no specific group was held responsible.

An investigation was promptly initiated, with authorities urging the public to provide any relevant information. Separate from these incidents, deadly events unfolded at a mosque in Natiaboani and a church in Essakane on the same day, although official death tolls have not yet been disclosed.

Burkina Faso has grappled with pervasive insecurity, with approximately half the nation beyond government control due to ongoing armed conflicts, claiming nearly 20,000 lives and displacing over two million people. Military coups in 2022 underscored public frustration with the governments inability to address insecurity. The current administration, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has emphasized a robust security response to combat insurgent groups.

Despite military efforts to counter armed groups, attacks persist, indicative of ongoing challenges in restoring stability.
Protesters continue to maintain street pressure in Senegal demanding elections be held before April 2, after President Macky Sall declared their postponement.

Senegal sunk into a political crisis on February 3 when Sall said elections will be put off. Since then, protesters accused him of committing a constitutional coup detat.

Protests have turned violent in some cases leaving four deaths so far.

A national dialogue, organized at the start of the week by the president but boycotted by the opposition, had recommended holding the elections on June 2.

Sall indicated that he would ask the constitutional council for its opinion on the request.

Senegals political crisis unsettles a country that has been considered for decades as a democratic success story in a region in turmoil.
Morocco was elected member to three bodies of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (PUIC), during the 18th session of the Unions Conference, held in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, this March 2-5, under the theme Climate change, which response from member countries?

The Moroccan parliamentary section was thus elected to sit as member of the Executive Committee of the Union; of the Permanent Commission on Human Rights, Women and the Family; and the Permanent Commission on Cultural and Legal Affairs, Dialogue of Civilizations and Religions.

Moroccos election to these three bodies took place during the consultation meeting of the Arab Group within the PUIC, whose 18th Conference started on Saturday in Abidjan with the participation of a large Moroccan delegation of MPs.

Moroccos election in the three PUIC bodies is a recognition of the Kingdoms commitment to strengthening the Union as a multi-party and effective organization within the international community.

This strong presence of Morocco within the PUIC highlights the confidence and place enjoyed by the Kingdom in the Arab-Muslim world and on the international stage.
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There are stark differences between European countries when it comes to both the reimbursement of, and access to, new treatments for patients with early-stage lung cancer. There are also differences in reimbursement times and indications between the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Researchers from Amsterdam UMC Cancer Center Amsterdam analyzed the landscape, and their results are published today in The Lancet Regional Health Europe as part of a series on the latest developments in the treatment of this lung cancer.

"Tackling inequalities in access to care must be a common European priority," says Amsterdam UMC pulmonologist Idris Bahce. In collaboration with colleagues from seven European countries, Bahce used a literature review to map out the latest developments and analyze access to these new treatments from a European perspective.

"The existing differences in health care systems and reimbursement structures between European countries threaten to exacerbate health care inequalities at both European and national levels. We therefore call for a collective European approach to reduce these inequalities," says Bahce.

He suggests measures such as more international cooperation between the EMA and other registration authorities, harmonizing cost-effectiveness procedures in European countries, a more critical evaluation of reimbursement criteria, and improving multidisciplinary collaborations around the patient.

Credit: Amsterdam University Medical Center

The standard treatment for fit patients with early-stage lung cancer has always been surgery, sometimes combined with pre- or post-operative chemotherapy. Recently, the EMA has approved new treatments, such as immunotherapy, which appear to improve survival rates after surgery significantly. More approvals of innovative treatments are expected, potentially further exacerbating existing inequalities within Europe.

More information: Idris Bahce et al, New systemic treatment paradigms in resectable non-small cell lung cancer and variations in patient access across Europe, The Lancet Regional HealthEurope (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100840

Provided by Amsterdam University Medical Center
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Two cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools used to assist the diagnosis of strokes have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The team of national experts, which includes researchers from the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield, have given the green light to AI-derived software solutions e-Stroke and RapidAI. These technologies are poised to transform the landscape of stroke diagnosis and treatment in the National Health Service (NHS).

Stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, requires swift intervention for optimal outcomes. CT brain scans play a pivotal role in diagnosing strokes, particularly ischemic strokes caused by blood clots. However, the traditional review process can be time-consuming, delaying critical treatment decisions.

The emergence of AI-driven software holds the potential to streamline this procedure by quickly analyzing CT scan images for brain abnormalities. These sophisticated AI algorithms meticulously scrutinize the fine details within the scans, pinpointing subtle indicators suggestive of stroke, including ischemic lesions and intracranial hemorrhages. By rapidly identifying these abnormalities, the software accelerates the review process, allowing health care professionals to promptly initiate appropriate treatment measures.

The accelerated review not only expedites treatment initiation but also allows the transfer of images to various stroke centers. This functionality fosters collaborative decision-making among health care professionals, ensuring that patients receive optimal care regardless of geographical constraints.

Stroke patients face multifaceted challenges post-event, including physical disability, cognitive impairment, language difficulties, mental health issues, and emotional instability. Returning to work after a stroke is often arduous, with approximately 50% of working-age patients never returning to employment.

Under the NICE approval, health care professionals will use these AI tools alongside traditional clinical review methods. This combined approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline decision-making processes, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Nigel Hoggard, professor of neuroradiology and member of the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield commented, "AI technologies will revolutionize patient care in many ways, with imaging a part of the vanguard but it is important that their introduction into clinical use is done with evidence that they work and are safe, like we would expect for new medicines. This guidance is an important step in establishing a framework for how the NHS takes up AI technology into clinical care."

While e-Stroke and RapidAI have received the green light for NHS use, further research is required for 10 other AI-derived software tools. These tools, including Accipio and Aidoc, await additional evidence to confirm their clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

The recommendations put forth by NICE underscore the importance of cautious implementation. Health care centers utilizing AI-derived software must adhere to existing reporting protocols and ensure remote review capabilities for collaborative decision-making among stroke centers.

With more than 100,000 stroke cases in the U.K. annually, the introduction of AI-powered diagnosis tools marks a significant advancement in modern health care. As these technologies continue to evolve and garner clinical evidence, they hold immense promise in reshaping stroke care paradigms, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for stroke survivors.

Professor Li Su, head of AI and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory of Cambridge University stated, "Although it is a small step toward a full scale application of AI technology in the NHS, it sends a strong and clear message from one of the world's most important and respected assessors after years of careful scrutiny that AI is starting to revolutionize how patients will be seen in the health care systems and how clinicians will work alongside. Clearly, the U.K. is playing a critical role in regulating AI technology in life and mission critical sectors such as health care."
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Early in the morning of Feb. 21, Change Healthcare, a company unknown to most Americans that plays a huge role in the U.S. health system, issued a brief statement saying some of its applications were "currently unavailable."

By the afternoon, the company described the situation as a "cyber security" problem.

Since then, it has rapidly blossomed into a crisis.

The company, recently purchased by insurance giant UnitedHealth Group, reportedly suffered a cyberattack. The impact is wide and expected to grow. Change Healthcare's business is maintaining health care's pipelinespayments, requests for insurers to authorize care, and much more. Those pipes handle a big load: Change says on its website, "Our cloud-based network supports 14 billion clinical, financial, and operational transactions annually."

Initial media reports have focused on the impact on pharmacies, but techies say that's understating the issue. The American Hospital Association says many of its members aren't getting paid and that doctors can't check whether patients have coverage for care.

But even that's just a slice of the emergency: CommonWell, an institution that helps health providers share medical records, information critical to care, also relies on Change technology. The system contained records on 208 million individuals as of July 2023. Courtney Baker, CommonWell marketing manager, said the network "has been disabled out of an abundance of caution."

"It's small ripple pools that will get bigger and bigger over time, if it doesn't get solved," Saad Chaudhry, chief digital and information officer at Luminis Health, a hospital system in Maryland, told KFF Health News.

Here's what to know about the hack:

Who did It?

Media reports are fingering ALPHV, a notorious ransomware group also known as Blackcat, which has become the target of numerous law enforcement agencies worldwide. While UnitedHealth Group has said it is a "suspected nation-state associated" attack, some outside analysts dispute the linkage. The gang has previously been blamed for hacking casino companies MGM and Caesars, among many other targets.

The Department of Justice alleged in December, before the Change hack, that the group's victims had already paid it hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms.

Is this a new problem?

Absolutely not. A study published in JAMA Health Forum in December 2022 found that the annual number of ransomware attacks against hospitals and other providers doubled from 2016 to 2021.

"It's more of the same, man," said Aaron Miri, the chief digital and information officer at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida.

Because the assaults disable the target's computer systems, providers have to shift to paper, slowing them down and making them vulnerable to missing information.

Further, a study published in May 2023 in JAMA Network Open examining the effects of an attack on a health system found that waiting times, median length of stay, and incidents of patients leaving against medical advice all increasedat neighboring emergency departments. The results, the authors wrote, mean cyberattacks "should be considered a regional disaster."

Attacks have devastated rural hospitals, Miri said. And wherever health care providers are hit, patient safety issues follow.

What does it mean for patients?

Year after year, more Americans' health data is breached. That exposes people to identity theft and medical error.

Care can also suffer. For example, a 2017 attack, dubbed "NotPetya," forced a rural West Virginia hospital to reboot its operations and hit pharma company Merck so hard it wasn't able to fulfill production targets for an HPV vaccine.

Because of the Change Healthcare attack, some patients may be routed to new pharmacies less affected by billing problems. Patients' bills may also be delayed, industry executives said. At some point, many patients are likely to receive notices their data was breached. Depending on the exact data that has been pilfered, those patients may be at risk for identity theft, Chaudhry said. Companies often offer free credit monitoring services in those situations.

"Patients are dying because of this," Miri said. Indeed, an October preprint from researchers at the University of Minnesota found a nearly 21% increase in mortality for patients in a ransomware-stricken hospital.

How did it happen?

The Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center, an industry coordinating group that disseminates intel on attacks, has told its members that flaws in an application called ConnectWise ScreenConnect are to blame. Exact details couldn't be confirmed.

It's a tool tech support teams use to remotely troubleshoot computer problems, and the attack is "apparently fairly trivial to execute," H-ISAC warned members. The group said it expects additional victims and advised its members to update their technology. When the attack first hit, the AHA recommended its members disconnect from systems both at Change and its corporate parent, UnitedHealth's Optum unit. That would affect services ranging from claims approvals to reference tools.

Millions of Americans see physicians and other practitioners employed by UnitedHealth and are covered by the company's insurance plans.

UnitedHealth has said only Change's systems are affected and that it's safe for hospitals to use other digital services provided by UnitedHealth and Optum, which include claims filing and processing systems.

But not many chief information officers "are jumping to reconnect," Chaudhry said. "It's an uneasy feeling."

Miri says Baptist is using the conglomerate's technology and that he trusts UnitedHealth's word that it's safe.

Where's the Federal Government?

Neither executive was sanguine about the future of cybersecurity in health care. "It's going to get worse," Chaudhry said.

"It's a shame the feds aren't helping more," Miri said. "You'd think if our nuclear infrastructure were under attack the feds would respond with more gusto."

While the departments of Justice and State have targeted the ALPHV group, the government has stayed behind the scenes more in the aftermath of this attack. Chaudhry said the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services have been attending calls organized by the AHA to brief members about the situation.

Miri said rural hospitals in particular could use more funding for security and that agencies like the Food and Drug Administration should have mandatory standards for cybersecurity.

There's some recognition among officials that improvements need to be made.

"This latest attack is just more evidence that the status quo isn't working and we have to take steps to shore up cybersecurity in the health industry," said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a longtime advocate for stronger cybersecurity, in a statement to KFF Health News.

If you're caught in a cybersecurity breach, here are steps to take:

Monitor the notices and bills you receive from insurers and providers. Contact them immediately if anything seems suspicious.

If a medical provider requests your Social Security number on intake forms, leave the space blank, and politely push back if they insist.

If your health plan offers free credit or identity theft monitoring following a breach, take it.

If you're concerned your data has been compromised:

Go to the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft site to file an identity theft report, if appropriate.

If someone used your name to get medical care, contact every provider who may have been involved and get copies of your medical records. Correct any errors.

Notify your health plan's fraud department and send a copy of the FTC identity theft report.

File free fraud alerts with the three major credit reporting agencies.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Prescription-free birth control pills will be available across the United States later this month, widening access to contraception at a time when abortion rights have been drastically curtailed.

American-Irish maker Perrigo Company announced Monday that its Opill has "shipped to major retailers and pharmacies and will be available on shelves nationwide," available in one-month and three-month packs for $19.99 and $49.99 respectively. It will also be available on Opill.com.

Over-the-counter (OTC) birth control has long been backed by major medical organizations as a way to reduce barriers to contraception access, with almost half of the more than 6.1 million pregnancies in the US each year unintended, according to official data.

"We champion the right of women and people to determine their own sexual health journey and the availability of Opill over-the-counter is truly a historic moment of which our entire organization can be proud," said Perrigo Executive Vice President Triona Schmelter.

Opill, which was cleared last year by the Food and Drug Administration for sale without prescription, is known as a "mini pill" because it contains progestin only, and works by thickening mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.

Preserving access to contraception has proven politically divisive following the conservative-led Supreme Court's decision to revoke the national right to abortion in 2022.

Twenty-one states banned or moved to restrict abortions to limits tighter than before Roe v Wade, the case law that previously upheld the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy.

Republicans in Congress also blocked Democrat-backed legislation that would have codified individuals' right to access contraception, an issue that has taken on more urgency as conservative-run states define personhood in new ways.

Alabama's top court last month said that frozen embryos should be considered children, though the state's legislature quickly moved to pass a bill protecting clinics from legal liability if such embryos were inadvertently damaged or destroyed.

Growing global movement

Over-the-counter birth control is backed by major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Activists have long campaigned for prescription-free access to remove barriers to groups that have difficulty accessing health care, including ethnic minorities, young people, immigrants, those living in rural communities and more.

Since they do not contain the hormone estrogen, progestin-only pills have been found to be safe for nearly everyone, including women who are over 35 and smoke, women who are breastfeeding, and those with health conditions such as heart disease.

If taken correctlyevery day within a three-hour-windowthey are 99 percent effective. But with inconsistent use, which is more typical, the figure falls to around 93 percent.

Much of Asia, Africa and Latin America allow OTC birth control. The UK joined the club in 2021, but prescriptions are still required in much of mainland Europe including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, according to the "Free the Pill" movement.

 2024 AFP
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An international study has shown for the first time how empathetic correction of misinformation among vaccine-hesitant patients can significantly improve attitudes towards vaccinationand potentially boost vaccine uptake.

The research, led by the University of Bristol, also found this new style of communication could help build and maintain a positive relationship with health professionals, increasing trust and public confidence. With the UK currently facing a growing measles outbreak, fueled by declining rates of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, the results are timely and present important learnings for vaccine delivery programs.

Its findings, published in the journal Health Psychology, found that more than two-thirds (around 69%) of vaccine-hesitant study participants who received empathetic engagement from a health care professional preferred this compared with a group who were just told the facts.

Lead author Dr. Dawn Holford, Senior Research Associate in Psychology, said, "Although we expected people to generally respond more positively to an empathetic approach, it was surprising how much greater the preference for this style of communication was among those who expressed concerns about vaccination.

"The study highlights how the way misinformation is tackled, especially with vaccine averse groups, can play a vital role in changing perceptions which can be hard to shift."

The study, which involved more than 2,500 participants in the UK and US, compared their response to direct, factual communication with a novel dialogue-based technique empathizing with their views, while also addressing false or misleading anti-vaccination arguments.

The results showed participants overall preferred the new approach, known as empathetic refutational interviewingand this was response was strongest for the vaccine-hesitant, who found it more compelling than being presented purely with facts.

The majority of participants (around 64%) who experienced the empathetic refutational interview also indicated they were more open to continuing the conversation with a health care professional, and around 12% became more willing to be vaccinated compared to those participants who received the factual approach.

The interview technique comprises a four-step process. First the patient is invited to share their thoughts and concerns about vaccination so that health care professionals can understand their motivations and reservations. Then understanding and trust is built by affirming the patient's feelings and concerns. Thirdly, a tailored explanation is provided to challenge misconceptions, offering a truthful alternative to any misinformed beliefs.

Finally, relevant facts about vaccination are provided, such as how they can benefit the individual by guarding against disease as well as collectively protecting others by reducing the spread and building vaccine-induced herd immunity.

Dr. Holford said, "The findings actively demonstrate the power of communication, which health care professionals can use in their daily roles. Our study shows it is possible to gain trust and change minds if we take people's concerns seriously and tailor our approach to help them make informed decisions about their health.

"This is hugely encouraging, especially with the growing influence of misinformation and fake news worldwide."

The research is currently being developed into training tools and programs to support health care professionals in the UK, France, Germany, and Romania.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines fueled vaccine hesitancy especially among vulnerable groups. In the wake of the pandemic, reduced uptake of various vaccines remains a major public health concern.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently declared a national incident due to a growing outbreak of measles, one of the most contagious viruses, with extra clinics and vaccine buses targeting communities with low vaccination rates. Uptake of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine has fallen worldwide in the wake of the pandemic.

A recent study by the World Health Organization found the global decline in childhood vaccinations, to protect against devastating but preventable diseases, was the largest sustained drop in around 30 years.

Co-author Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol, has led numerous studies demonstrating the alarming influence of misinformation and during the pandemic developed a unique online guide addressing and correcting the proliferation of misleading myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccines.

Professor Lewandowsky added, "It is important to understand the motivations underlying people's vaccine hesitancy so we can correct misconceptions without confronting people's deeply held attitudes head-on. By affirming and empathizing with those deeply held attitudes we create a space where people are sufficiently comfortable to process corrective information, so they can make a better informed decision."

More information: 'The Empathetic Refutational Interview to tackle vaccine misconceptions: four randomised experiments', Health Psychology (2024). Journal information: Health Psychology
U.S. business officials and senior executives remain upbeat about the Chinese market, emphasizing its crucial role for U.S. companies striving for global competitiveness.



"Companies continue to tell us that China is important for multinational companies who want to be globally competitive," Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in China, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Thanks to a growing economy and frequent visits by senior U.S. officials and CEOs to China, U.S. businesses in China are increasingly optimistic about China's business environment and bilateral relations, Hart said.

In the annual China Business Climate Survey released by AmCham China in February, half of the 343 members surveyed placed China as their first choice or within their top three investment destinations globally, a 5 percent increase year-on-year.

China is "an important source of talent and innovation that helps American companies boost their global competitiveness," said the survey conducted late last year.

The report also found that though challenges remain, most members are maintaining their manufacturing or sourcing in China and expatriates have become more willing to relocate to China over the last year.

Noting China's 24 pro-foreign investment measures put forward by the State Council in August last year, Hart said that companies like the sound of that and are looking for "what's the actual action related to those policies."

Regarding U.S.-China relations, Hart said he is happy to see "both governments trending now in an upward direction," which means that companies will be "a little bit more excited."

The companies surveyed also reported an improved financial performance for 2023, particularly in the consumer and services sectors, as well as an improved outlook.

In November 2023, fast-food giant McDonald's announced its decision to ramp up its stake in its China business from 20 percent to 48 percent. "This underscores McDonald's confidence in the development and business environment of the Chinese market," said Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald's China.

"I don't think that there's any company that's big and truly international would doubt that in the long term, they need to be here in China. They need to have a significant presence. And they need to continue to develop this market because it's so big and growing that it really can't be ignored at all," Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China, a U.S. essential oil company, told Xinhua.

"China's part of a global supply chain, and has years and years of successful investments, industries and buildup. And that's why companies are still here," said Hart.
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Social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram have been pivotal in perpetuating "selfie" culture, whereby an individual takes and shares a photo of themselves. Globally, social media usage has been increasing, with at least 3.5 billion using social media in 2019. As of 2018 the average adult was spending 6.3 hours per day on an internet connected device. A particularly troubling consequence of an increase in social media usage is the effect it has on body perception and self-esteem.

The angle of the "selfie" photographs taken for social media often distorts facial features in a way that leads to dissatisfaction. Medical professionals have reported a phenomenon of "Snapchat dysmorphia," whereby patients seeking cosmetic procedures attempt to emulate filtered and edited versions of themselves.

A new study by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that time spent on social media and the use of photo-editing applications correlates with a person's desire to undergo cosmetic procedures, and likely led to the increase in cosmetic visits seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also found patients who followed and engaged with celebrities and influencers on social media, as well as following and engaging with plastic surgery, dermatology or other accounts showing the results of cosmetic procedures on social media significantly influences the desire to have a cosmetic procedure done.

The work appears in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

"While there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the COVID pandemic, until now there has not been data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments," explained corresponding author Neelam Vashi, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the school and director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center.

The researchers asked patients at a dermatology clinic to complete surveys (October 2019 through June 2021) regarding their social media usage as well as their desire to undergo cosmetic procedures. After reviewing these surveys, they found that the number of hours individuals spent using Snapchat and/or Instagram every day had a statistically significant difference in the belief that media or social media had influenced their desire to have a cosmetic procedure done.

Furthermore, they found a statistically significant difference between the use of photo editing applications such as FaceTune, Lightroom, or SnapSeed to edit photos before sharing selfies on social media and thoughts about undergoing a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure.

According to the researcher, this study indicates that practitioners ought to discuss social media usage with their patients to better understand the desire to undergo cosmetic procedures. "Quality care begins with quality conversations, and we hope this study encourages providers to ask about all aspects of a patient's life to better understand their motivations and goals of care," said Vashi.

More information: Iman F. Khan et al, Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Patient Social Media Use and Acceptance of Cosmetic Procedures, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2024)
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Augusto Cesar, a city worker who combats endemic diseases, pours larvicide down a home's drain where mosquitoes can breed, to help eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can spread dengue, in the Morro da Penha favela of Niteroi, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

Since Rio de Janeiro declared a public health emergency after an outbreak of dengue fever last month, the city has ramped up testing capacities, opened up a dozen dengue health centers and trained medical staff to attend to the ever-growing needs of its population.

But in Rio's sister city of Niteroi, just across the Guanabara Bay, it's a different story. Home to about half a million people, Niteroi has had just 403 suspected cases of dengue so far this year, and its incidence rate per capita is one of the lowest in the state, with 69 confirmed cases per 100,000 people.

By comparison, the city of Rio has an incidence rate of 700 per 100,000 people, with more than 42,000 cases.

The dengue virus is passed between humans by infected mosquitoes, but a type of bacteria called Wolbachia can interrupt transmission of the disease.

Health officials say a pilot program launched in Niteroi in 2015, in which scientists breed mosquitoes to carry the Wolbachia bacteria, has helped the city in its battle against dengue.

The Wolbachia strategy was pioneered over the last decade by the nonprofit World Mosquito Program. It was first tested in Australia in 2011 and the group has since run trials in more than a dozen countries, including Brazil. The initiative provides an appealing alternative at a time when the U.N. health agency warns that reported cases of dengue globally increased tenfold over the last generation.

Augusto Cesar, a city worker who combats endemic diseases, places netting over a water tank where mosquitoes can breed, to help eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can spread dengue, in the Morro da Penha favela of Niteroi, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

In Niteroi, Mayor Axel Grael said he sought help after the 2012 dengue epidemics, when officials received thousands of notifications and one person died. The city sealed a partnership with the state-run Fiocruz Institute, the World Mosquito Program and the Health Ministry, and cases have been going down ever since.

"It was a moment of great concern in the country and in Rio," Grael recalled in an interview Friday with The Associated Press in Niteroi. "Today, after applying the Wolbachia technique, we have a much better results."

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. Many who are infected never develop symptoms, but others get a high fever, headaches, body aches, nausea and a rash. While most get better after a week or so, some develop a severe form that requires hospitalization and can be fatal.

Augusto Cesar, a city worker who combats endemic diseases, inspects a water tank where mosquitoes can breed to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can spread dengue in the Morro da Penha favela of Niteroi, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

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. Every couple of years, outbreaks become epidemics.

In spite of the low number of cases, the city of Niteroi, like its neighbors, is still investing heavily in prevention. Every day, hundreds of city health workers are sent to survey neighborhoods, streets, rooftops, forested areas, small businesses and junkyards to promote best practices, mostly watching out for any standing water where mosquitoes could lay their eggs.

On Friday, under scorching heat, Augusto Cesar, 63, climbed up the Morro da Penha, or Penha Hill, a low-income neighborhood, known in Brazil as a favela. For more than two decades, the city agent has been entering local residents' homes, climbing roofs, picking up trash and inspecting every corner of the Penha neighborhood, looking for standing water. Even the cap of a plastic bottle, if filled with rain water, can become breeding groound for larvae, he said.

Augusto Cesar, a city worker who combats endemic diseases, inspects a water tank where mosquitoes can breed, to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can spread dengue in the Morro da Penha favela of Niteroi, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

A woman suspected of having dengue fever waits for medical attention at the Rodolpho Rocco Municipal Polyclinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

A nurse gives a coagulation test to Amanda Victoria, who is suspected of having dengue, in the screening area of the Rodolpho Rocco Municipal Polyclinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, March 1, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

"The greatest challenge is access," Cesar said, pearls of sweat trickling down his face. Favelas, often built informally, can be hard to navigate, like mazes. After spotting a large plastic water tank on a roof that he would like to inspect, Cesar makes his way through a tiny alley, squeezed between two walls of concrete and red bricks, but fails to find a path to the rooftop.

Further down the road, he spots two more unsealed water tanks. He climbs a wall and starts removing the loose sheets of metal covering them. He installs mosquito nets and replaces the metal sheets. In a shady alley, he lifts the tops of two water tanks, gets a flashlight and scrutinizes the surface for any sign of mosquito larvae.

Another challenge, said Fiocruz researcher Luciano Moreira, is security, with vast swaths of the city run by either drug traffickers or militias. Moreira leads the Wolbachia project in Brazil.

Dozens of municipalities have reached out to national and city authorities, Cesar and Moreira said, anxious to implement the Wolbachia method on their own turf. The Health Ministry announced late last year plans to build a large factory to breed Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes that, over the next 10 years, will be able to produce 100 million eggs per week, ten times Fiocruz' current capacity.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This microscope image provided by researchers in March 2024 shows a lung organoid created from cells collected from amniotic fluid. In a study published Monday, March 4, 2024, in the journal Nature Medicine, scientists in the United Kingdom described how they have made mini-organs from cells floating in amniotic fluid  an advance they believe could open up new areas of prenatal medicine. Credit: Giuseppe Cala, Paolo De Coppi, Mattia Gerli via AP

Scientists have created miniorgans from cells floating in the fluid that surrounds a fetus in the womban advance they believe could open up new areas of prenatal medicine.

Miniorgans, or " organoids," are tiny simplified structures that can be used to test new medical treatments or study how the real organs they mimic work, whether they are healthy or diseased.

Researchers from University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital in the United Kingdom collected cells from amniotic fluid samples taken during 12 pregnancies as part of routine prenatal testing. Then, for the first time, they grew mini-organs from cells taken during active pregnancies. They envision their approach could eventually help doctors monitor and treat congenital conditions before birth and develop personalized therapies for a baby in the womb.

"We're really excited" about that possibility, said Mattia Gerli of University College London, an author of the study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine.

The tissue-specific stem cells Gerli and his colleagues collected were shed by the fetus, as normally happens during pregnancy. The scientists identified which tissues the stem cells came from, and found cells from the lungs, kidneys and intestines.

This microscope image provided by researchers in March 2024 shows an intestinal organoid with its distinctive 'bud' structure, created from cells collected from amniotic fluid. In a study published Monday, March 4, 2024, in the journal Nature Medicine, scientists in the United Kingdom described how they have made mini-organs from cells floating in amniotic fluid  an advance they believe could open up new areas of prenatal medicine. Credit: Giuseppe Cala, Paolo De Coppi, Mattia Gerli via AP

Previously, mini-organs have been derived from adult stem cells, which more closely resemble adult tissue, or fetal tissue after an abortion.

Collecting cells from amniotic fluid gets around regulations about taking stem cells directly from fetal tissue, allowing these scientists to get cells from fetuses into the latter part of pregnancy. In the U.K., the legal limit for terminating a pregnancy is generally 22 weeks after conception. Scientists can't get fetal samples after that, limiting their ability to study normal human development or congenital diseases past that point.

In the U.S., abortion restrictions vary by state. It's legal in most to use fetal tissue for research, said Alta Charo, an emeritus professor of law and bioethics at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Fetal tissue is defined by the National Institutes of Health as coming from a dead human embryo or fetus after a miscarriage, abortion or stillbirthand the use of tissue from an abortion has long been controversial.

Charo, who wasn't involved in the study, said the new approach doesn't raise the same ethical issues. "Obtaining cells from amniotic fluid that is already being sampled for standard clinical purposes does not appear to add any physical risks to either fetus or pregnant woman," she said in an email.

Dr. Arnold Kriegstein, who directs the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program at the University of California, San Francisco, and also wasn't involved in the research, said getting cells this way has "the potential of giving you some information about that individual fetus as it's growing."

This microscope image provided by researchers in March 2024 shows a kidney organoid resembling renal tubules, created from cells collected from amniotic fluid. In a study published Monday, March 4, 2024, in the journal Nature Medicine, scientists in the United Kingdom described how they have made mini-organs from cells floating in amniotic fluid  an advance they believe could open up new areas of prenatal medicine. Credit: Giuseppe Cala, Paolo De Coppi, Mattia Gerli via AP

And since growing mini-organs from cells in amniotic fluid takes about 4 to 6 weeks, Gerli said, there's enough time for prenatal therapy to fix problems doctors might find.

To examine one practical use of their approach, the U.K. team worked with colleagues in Belgium to study the development of babies with a condition called a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, in which organs such as the liver and intestines get displaced into the chest because of a hole in the diaphragm. The lungs don't develop the way they should, and about 30% of fetuses with the condition die. If doctors detect the hernia, they can operate on the fetus while it's still in the womb.

Researchers grew lung organoids from the cells of fetuses with the condition before and after treatment and compared them to organoids from healthy fetuses. Dr. Paolo de Coppi, an author of the study from University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, said they were able to assess the affected child's condition before birth using this method. Doctors are now unable to tell families much about the outcome of a prenatal diagnosis because each case is different, he said. The ability to study functioning prenatal miniorgans, he added, is the first step toward a more detailed prognosis and more effective treatments.

Kriegstein said more research is needed. "It's in the very early stages," he added, "and we'll have to wait and see how useful it'll be in the long run."

More information: Mattia Gerli, Single-cell guided prenatal derivation of primary fetal epithelial organoids from human amniotic and tracheal fluids, Nature Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02807-z. www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-02807-z Journal information: Nature Medicine

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry led CariedAway, the nation's largest school-based cavity prevention study, to compare the use of silver diamine fluoride and traditional sealants. The study included approximately 4,100 children in New York City elementary schools. Credit: Sorel: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

An inexpensive, cavity-fighting liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works as well as dental sealants to keep tooth decay at bay in a school cavity prevention and treatment program, according to a new study by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry.

The study, which followed more than 4,000 elementary school students for four years and is published in JAMA Pediatrics, shows that SDF is an effective alternative to sealants, and can increase access to dental care while reducing costs.

Dental cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in children and can lead to pain, school absences, and lower academic performance. To prevent cavities, especially among children less likely to see a dentist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the use of school sealant programs. In sealant programs, dental professionals visit schools to apply a thin, protective coating to the surface of teeth that hardens and safeguards against decay.

SDF has emerged as another promising treatment for fighting cavities. Originally approved by the FDA for treating tooth sensitivity, the solution is brushed onto the surface of teeth, killing decay-causing bacteria and remineralizing teeth to prevent further decay.

"A growing body of research shows that SDFwhich is quicker to apply and less expensive than sealantscan prevent and arrest cavities, reducing the need for drilling and filling," said Richard Niederman, DMD, professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and the study's senior author.

SDF in schools

Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry led CariedAway, the nation's largest school-based cavity prevention study, to compare the use of SDF and traditional sealants. The study included approximately 4,100 children in New York City elementary schools; more than a quarter of kids had untreated cavities at the start of the study.

At each school visit, a team of health professionals examined children's teeth and applied either sealants or SDF followed by fluoride varnish, depending on which treatment the school was randomly assigned to receive. Sealants were administered by dental hygienists, while SDF was applied by either dental hygienists or registered nurses, all under the supervision of a dentist. Starting in 2018, the team visited each school twice a year, although the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures led to missed visits.

The researchers reported last year in the journal JAMA Network Open that a single treatment of either SDF or sealants prevented 80% of cavities and kept 50% of existing cavities from worsening two years later.

The team continued their study for another two years, and in their study published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that SDF and sealants prevented roughly the same number of cavities after children were followed for a total of four years. Moreover, both sealants and SDF reduced the risk of decay at each follow-up visit.

"Our longitudinal study reaffirms that both sealants and SDF are effective against cavities. SDF is a promising alternative that can support school-based cavity preventionnot to replace the dental sealant model, but as another option that also prevents and arrests decay," said Ryan Richard Ruff, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of epidemiology & health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry and the study's first author.

"Most research shows that SDF can stop a cavity from progressing further. Our study demonstrated that SDF can prevent cavities from happening in the first place," said Tamarinda Barry Godin, DDS, MPH, associate program director and supervising dentist for CariedAway, research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, and the study's co-author.

An 'untapped' oral health workforce

Embracing SDF for cavity prevention and treatment in schools could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the health care system money. Yet these programs can only succeed if there are enough health professionals to provide care.

The NYU researchers found that children who had SDF applied by dental hygienists and registered nurses had similar outcomes, suggesting that nursesincluding school nursescould play a crucial role in cavity prevention programs.

"Nurses may be an untapped resource for addressing oral health inequities," added Ruff. "Our results suggest that nurses can effectively provide this preventive care, which could dramatically improve access, given the role of school nurses and the size of the nursing workforce."
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Oral cancers and precancerous mouth lesions are considered especially difficult to diagnose early and accurately.

For one, biopsies are expensive, invasive, stressful for the patient and can lead to complications. They're also not feasible if repeated screenings of the same lesion are required.

A team of researchers, led by a clinician scientist at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, has discovered a noninvasive, low-cost test to detect oral cancer, monitor precancerous lesions and determine when a biopsy is warranted.

Their findings, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, are based on a scoring system linked to the levels of two proteins in cells brushed from suspicious oral lesions of patients at dental clinics or the ear, nose and throat department at University Hospitals (UH).

One of the proteins (human beta defensin 3 or hBD-3) is expressed at high levels in early-stage oral cancer, while the second (hBD-2) is low or unchanged.

The ratio of hBD-3 to hBD-2 in the lesion siteover the ratio of the two proteins on the opposite, normal sitegenerates a score, called the beta defensin index (BDI).

A score above a predetermined threshold implies cancer; anything below does not. Determining the levels of the proteins and quantifying the BDI is done routinely in a lab.

The BDI was independently validated using identical protocols at CWRU/UH, University of Cincinnati Medical Center and West Virginia University School of Dentistry.

"When we first discovered hBD-3, we saw it acted as a 'good guy,' involved in wound-healing and killing microbes," said Aaron Weinberg, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine and the study's lead researcher. "When we found it was regulated the same way certain cells grow uncontrollably, we started studying hBD-3 in the context of oral cancer."

"Imagine our surprise when this Dr. Jekyll turned out to be Mr. Hyde," he said.

"We found it was not only promoting tumor growth but was overexpressed in the early stages of the disease, while another member, hBD-2, wasn't changing. This difference in levels of expression of the two proteins compared to the opposite side in the same patient led us to examine the BDI's ability to distinguish cancer from benign lesions."

Weinberg credits School of Dental Medicine instructor Santosh Ghosh for navigating the BDI scoring process.

Head and neck cancer (HNC), of which oral cancer is about 90%, is the seventh-most prevalent malignancy in the world, and developing countries are witnessing a rise in its incidence. HNC makes up about 5% of all cancers worldwide and 3% of all malignancies in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.

There are about 640,000 cases of HNC per year, resulting in about 350,000 deaths worldwide, mainly in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and underserved communities.

The study's lab-based approach, which is now patented, can reduce biopsies in primary care clinics by 95% because it can tell clinicians who actually needs a biopsy, said Weinberg, also secondarily appointed in the Departments of Pathology and Otolaryngology at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. The test can also be used in developing countries where oral cancer is rampant and pathology services are questionable or lacking, he said.

The positive data from the lab-based approach has inspired the development of a point-of-care (POC) device in collaboration with Umut Gurkan, the Wilbert J. Austin Professor of Engineering at the Case School of Engineering. The POC diagnostic approach measures the protein ratio and could be used directly in a clinic, providing results within half-hour.

Working through Case Western Reserve's Technology Transfer Office, a patent for the device is pending, setting up possible manufacturing and clinical validation as a next step.
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Heather Burzlaff has four embryos in a freezer in Dallas and she doesn't know what to do with them. After seven years of medications, egg retrievals and waiting, the embryos are all the 38-year-old Flower Mound resident has left from the grueling in-vitro fertilization process, which resulted in no children. The embryos have genetic abnormalities that make it virtually impossible for them to result in a viable pregnancy. It's a heartbreaking reality many IVF patients face in the pursuit of starting a family.

States away, the Alabama Supreme Court decided frozen embryos created through IVFeach only a cluster of cells made from a fertilized egg stored outside the uterusare legally children and people can be held liable for their destruction. Already, Alabama clinics have halted IVF treatments while they determine whether they're at legal risk.

Texas has issued no such ruling. But IVF patients like Burzlaff are scrambling to make a plan for their embryos in case that changes. Does she move her embryos to another state? Does she budget to pay for their storage for the rest of her life? Does she implant them at a point in her menstrual cycle when she's least likely to get pregnant?

Burzlaff and her husband are in the middle of the adoption process through the foster care system. The Alabama decision, she said, adds another layer of complications to an already draining situation.

"The paperwork alone is overwhelming. Now you throw this into the mix and I just kind of want to shut down and stop," Burzlaff said. "I don't even want to build my family anymore. It's too much."

Texans raised concern over the future of IVF after the fall of Roe vs. Wade in 2022, but doctors and politicians alike assured them the procedure would not be a target of abortion restrictions. The move by Alabama's top court has undone any sense of security IVF patients had.

The decision came from a pair of wrongful death cases where couples' embryos were destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. Justices, citing anti-abortion language in the state's constitution, determined parents could sue over the death of a minor child "regardless of their location."

It's unclear the exact situations in which a fertility clinic or person could be found legally liable under the ruling. Out of caution, a spokesperson for the University of Alabama at Birmingham said the health system will continue offering egg retrievals but won't fertilize them, NBC News reported.

The Lone Star State has time and again secured its place at the center of the decades-long reproductive rights debate. Nearly a year before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion, Texas instituted the "Heartbeat Act," which bans abortion after roughly six weeks and allows private individuals to bring civil suits against anyone who performs or aids the procedure.

Whether Texas will follow Alabama's suit is yet to be seen. When asked during an interview on CNN whether IVF patients in the state should be worried, Gov. Greg Abbott said he supports IVF but that the question was complex.

Southern Methodist University professor and health law expert Seema Mohapatra said, at least in her reading of current Texas law, embryos have to be implanted in a pregnant person in order to be considered a child. That doesn't mean legislators won't try to change the definition of a child.

"Do I think there might be attempts? Yes. Do I think that they're going to be successful? I would be surprised," Mohapatra said. "But there's a lot of things that have happened in Texas that I would not have thought would have happened two years ago related to abortion restrictions."

IVF appears to have cross-aisle backing that other reproductive rights issues, like abortion, lack. Republican candidates across the country, including former President Donald Trump, have vocalized their support of the medical procedure in the days following the Alabama decision.

IVF is an increasingly common tool for couples looking to conceive. One in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 had received some sort of fertility service as of 2021, while 2% of infants in Texas, or 7,315 babies, were born in 2021 with the help of assisted reproductive technology.

Using IVF is also seen as more morally acceptable than other reproductive health procedures and research, according to a 2013 study by Pew Research Center. About 49% of U.S. adults said having an abortion was morally wrong, while only 12% said the same about using IVF.

Danielle Rugoff, 40, who gave birth to her son in June after two years of IVF treatment, said the Alabama ruling is an example of an extreme policy that doesn't represent the wants of the American public. The Dallas native ran a campaign for a Republican candidate and has voted Republican, Democrat and Independent in her lifetime. There are people across the political spectrum, she said, who don't want to limit a family's ability to have children.

"The unfortunate thing about the ruling is that it not only instilled a lot of fear across the board, but also, in particular, fear for families like mine, where the future of their families hangs in the balance," Rugoff said.

In response, Rugoff moved up her appointment to discuss when she can implant one of her two remaining embryos.

Texans hoping to start families with medical assistance are left with uncertainty, waiting to see what, if anything, the state does about the definition of human life.

Patients immediately began calling the Fertility Specialists of Texas, a Dallas-Fort Worth clinic, asking what the Alabama ruling means for their family decisions. Dr. Jerald Goldstein, founder and medical director of the practice, said he and other fertility specialists are in the practice of creating families, and threats to that are concerning.

Goldstein, who is Rugoff's doctor, has not yet advised patients to move their embryos out-of-state or change their plans because of what's happened a few states over.

"It's frustrating. Patients are really under a lot of stress just because of the fact that they're having to go through this process, and this has to be an additional consideration," Goldstein said. "Hopefully, there will be things on the state level or national level that would make it where the process of IVF is protected."

One of Goldstein's patients is caught in the whirlwind process of determining what her next step should be in the process of getting pregnant. Meredith, who requested not to use her last name because she has not publicly shared she's undergoing IVF, has four embryos, only one of which is considered genetically normal.

Already, Meredith, 37, has spent between $20,000 and $30,000 on egg retrievals and a December embryo implantation that was ultimately unsuccessful. She doesn't know what she'll do with the embryos that aren't viable, which she said cost her about $1,000 a year to store.

"You can donate them to science, but, again, I don't know if there's certain things that they want or don't want, if they would accept that donation. And then there's a discard," Meredith said. "I'm not sure what the discarding looks like. Of course, I'm attached to these embryos, but not to the point where I feel like they are a living being yet."

Burzlaff said she, too, is emotionally attached to her remaining embryos, even though they're nonviable.

"They're all that's left, because I don't have any more rounds covered by insurance and I can't afford out-of-pocket," she said.

Burzlaff doesn't feel ready to make a decision about what to do with her embryos, but she said the risk of Texas entering a similar situation as Alabama has forced her hand. She's looking at storage facilities in California, where she has an aunt she could lean on should she decide to make the transfer.

"Once I started this process, I didn't expect to go to round two. I didn't expect to go to round three, round four, round five," Burzlaff said. "I definitely didn't expect to be sitting there essentially empty-handed and trying to navigate laws and all of this while building my family."

2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In 2019, Kentucky's veteran suicide rates (32.8 per 100,000) surpassed state and national rates for nonveterans. Suicide stands as the leading cause of violent death among veterans, particularly among older and rural-dwelling veterans.

Researchers with the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), housed in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, realized that, while there was substantial research examining the individual factors of suicide, there were gaps in understanding how combinations of these factors interact and are associated with suicideparticularly with rural veterans.

The researchers identified distinctive characteristics among male veterans who died by suicide such as being white, older, married, educated beyond high school, used a firearm, left a note, lived in a rural area and had physical health problems compared to nonveterans.

The researchers also found that for older veterans in rural areas, in the presence of one or more of the following factors: alcohol found at the scene, recent death/suicide of a friend or family member, traumatic anniversary, blood alcohol content .08, or a positive drug test, act as disinhibiting factors, making the risk of suicide higher.

By looking at combinations of risk factors, the researchers were able to see which were linked to veteran suicides. This knowledge could be used to prevent suicides in this population.

The data set

Under the Kentucky Violent Death Reporting System (KYVDRS), KIPRC was one of the first states to be funded as part of the National Violent Death Reporting System and has been collecting data since 2005 on veteran suicides. KYVDRS tracks trends and patterns and identifies vulnerable populations. Of notable concern are combat veterans with not only the outcome of suicide but also with suicidal ideation and behaviors.

"We've done observational studies, but we wanted to look at it in a different way, to look at specific instigating, impelling and inhibiting factorsso the combination of these factorsto find out what activities would work best for the veterans," shared Sabrina Brown, DrPH, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and a researcher at KIPRC in the College of Public Health.

To bridge this research gap, Brown and her colleagues used the I3 model, which predicts rare or catastrophic behaviors, as a framework. Perfect Storm Theory (PST), an extension of the I3 model, proposes that human behavior results from the intensity of three interacting processes: instigation, impellance and (dis)inhibition.

In other words, certain behaviors are most likely to occur when instigation and impellance, defined by the National Institutes of Health as "situational or dispositional qualities (e.g., trait aggressiveness) that influence how strongly the instigator produces a proclivity to enact that response," are high and inhibition is weak.

The researchers used the PST to examine KYVDRS data on suicides that occurred between 2010 and 2019 to explore how various factors interact and contribute to the risk of veterans dying by suicide, focusing on the influence of living in rural areas. They aimed to differentiate the suicide risk between veterans and non-veterans while understanding and predicting suicidal behaviors. By combining the two models, I3 and PST, the researchers sought to understand the complicated factors influencing veterans' susceptibility to suicide.

The data collected encompassed a total of 6,762 individuals aged 18 and above. While veterans made up 7.8% of the adult population in the state for the study's time period, their representation among suicide deaths was disproportionately high at over 13%. With an average age of 48, the majority from this sample were male (80.61%) and white (96.85%).

Firearms were the primary method of self-harm (62.64%), and over half lived in metropolitan areas (56.52%). Integrated into NVDRS, KYVDRS provides a detailed dataset with more than 600 unique elements, offering insights into factors leading to suicides, including life stressors, mental and physical health issues, relationships, and recent crises.

The feasible solution algorithm: Novel approach

To dig deeper into these factors and their interactions, researchers Arnold J. Stromberg, Ph.D., former chair of the UK Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics, and Katherine L. Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor of statistics, developed a statistical modeling technique known as the Feasible Solution Algorithm (FSA).

This algorithm was specifically designed to explore how various factors work together and influence suicide risk, especially considering factors such as age, gender, and whether the event was reactive or premeditated.

The FSA helps identify which variables become significant when considered in combination, making it particularly useful for testing theories like PST, which involves three-way interactions. It provided a single solution each time it ran, helping identify important interactions, especially those related to the three-way interaction in the PST. They ran the FSA multiple times to discover various potential solutions, ensuring they didn't miss any important patterns in the data.

The findings showed that male veterans in Kentucky, especially those who were white, older, married and living in rural areas, faced higher suicide risks.

Rural veterans, with greater access to firearms, were particularly at risk. Surprisingly, veterans were less likely to have issues with alcohol, substance use, intimate partners, jobs, or finances when compared to nonveterans.

FSA was used to explore interactions between age, rural living and disinhibiting factors. Among other things, the researchers found that the combination of these three characteristics was predictive of suicide in older rural veterans.

"The findings from this study provide invaluable insights that extend beyond traditional approaches to veteran support," said Brown. "Not only will they inform the [U.S. Department of] Veterans Affairs and other health care providers in tailoring their prevention and intervention efforts, but they will also benefit nonprofit organizations and community groups working with veteran families. Organizations can use this information to advocate for funding and resources, highlighting the importance of stabilizing home life to improve overall well-being."

To address suicide risks among veterans in Kentucky, targeted interventions based on the study's results are recommended. These include increasing awareness of underlying risk factors, implementing proven clinical interventions to significantly reduce alcohol and drug misuse among older rural veterans, integrating mental health and suicide screening, offering firearms safety counseling in primary care, and improving opportunities for rural veterans to connect with behavioral health specialists.

"Understanding the specific psychosocial challenges faced by rural veterans, particularly among the older generation of veterans, is crucial for addressing suicidogenic factors effectively," said Brown. "This research offers a pathway toward more targeted and impactful support for veterans and their families."
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Pathway of patient care on antipsychotics and barriers to better integrated care. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294974

Researchers from the University of Liverpool are calling for policy reform in the management of antipsychotic medication (APM) to support both patients and health care professionals.

Along with collaborators at Powys Teaching Health Board, Wales, University of Leeds, and University of Glasgow the new paper identified gaps in care for patients with serious mental illness.

APM is increasingly prescribed to patients with serious mental illness. This increase is due, in part, to fewer side effects including uncontrollable physical movement. However, they can increase risk of obesity and heart disease and so require physical health monitoring. Despite this, many patients prescribed antipsychotics are discharged to primary care without planned psychiatric review.

Published March 1 in PLOS ONE, this the first study in the U.K. to explore the perceptions of General Practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists and managers/directors of policy regarding reasons for increasing prevalence and management of antipsychotics in primary care.

Through interviews, a number of concerns were highlighted by participants. It was found that GPs lacked confidence to manage antipsychotic medications alone and psychiatrists lacked skills to address cardiometabolic risks. Communication barriers were also identified between services. Pressure to discharge from hospital was also reported, resulting in patients in primary care becoming "trapped" on antipsychotics, inhibiting opportunities to deprescribe.

Organizational and contractual barriers between services were also acknowledged with concerns this would exacerbate risk. Concerningly, socioeconomic deprivation and lack of access to non-pharmacological interventions were seen as driving overprescribing. Significantly, professionals voiced fears of criticism if a catastrophic event occurred after stopping an antipsychotic.

Contributing author, Professor Iain Buchan, W.H. Duncan Chair in Public Health Systems and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Innovation, University of Liverpool said, "Our research has found that sadly, people prescribed antipsychotic medication experience fragmented, suboptimal care. But there are opportunities to improve care for this population.

"Our paper outlines these suggestions including a hybrid form of contractual shared care for people taking antipsychotics so that they are not left in primary care on these drugs unnecessarily. Changes to Royal College of General Practitioners and Royal College of Psychiatrists curriculum could also be implemented to improve knowledge and skills needed to manage patients on antipsychotics well.

"The University of Liverpool and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust recently established the Mental Health Research for Innovation Center (M-RIC) to drive better care in high priority situations such as this. Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an important role in how medicines are prescribed and used in future. We have embedded M-RIC in the new Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL), concentrating data scientists and AI engineers on problems such as this."

Following the findings of this paper, further research is planned to take place within CHILan interdisciplinary research center tackling global health challenges with civic data and technology. Called the DynAIRx study, it aims to develop new, easy to use, AI tools that support GPs and pharmacists to find patients living with multimorbidity (two or more long-term health conditions) who might be offered a better combination of medicines.

Co-led by Professor Buchan and Dr. Lauren E Walker, DynAIRx focuses on understanding the perspective of patients living with mental and physical health issues, the complex problems they face and exploring the management of antipsychotics.

More information: Alan A. Woodall et al, Management of antipsychotics in primary care: Insights from healthcare professionals and policy makers in the United Kingdom, PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294974 Journal information: PLoS ONE
COTABATO CITY  A measure has been filed in the Bangsamoro Parliament seeking to rename the municipality of Sultan Mastura to Subpangen in M...
Procuratorial organs in China prosecuted more than 50,000 people for committing telecom and online fraud in 2023, the country's top procuratorate said Sunday.

In addition, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) also confirmed that over 140,000 people who assisted in information network criminal activities were prosecuted last year.

Procuratorial organs cooperated with the Ministry of Public Security and oversaw the handling of 13 major cross-border telecom and online fraud cases in 2023. Special campaigns targeting such activities in northern Myanmar affecting Chinese citizens were also launched.

The SPP noted that minors, senior citizens, and full-time mothers were the three types of people most likely to fall victim to such crimes, adding that more attention should be paid to educating people in these three categories.
All leads have been exhausted in a Missoula missing womans case, according to the Missoula Police Department.

Eva Masin Prather, 43, was first reported missing on Dec. 30 out of Missoula. Prathers last known location was the 1000 block of Rollins Street, according to MPD, the lead agency on her case. Two months later, her case is still active.

Unfortunately we have exhausted all investigative leads at this time and it is still an open case, said MPD Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett in an email. At this point we are just waiting for anyone to come forward with further information that can lead to her appearance or help us find out her welfare status.

Bennett added Prathers case remains a missing persons case, and the department doesnt have any evidence at this point to determine any type of crime has occurred.

Prather is still listed as a missing person in the Montana Missing Persons Database.

Prather is white, about 5 feet and 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds, according to authorities. She has brown hair and blue eyes. The clothing she reportedly was last seen in is not appropriate for cold January temperatures, police stated.

MPD requested anyone in the Slant Streets neighborhood (see attached map) with external surveillance cameras to review footage starting from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30. In her update, Bennett said the department is still asking for the community to continue keeping an eye out.

A Facebook group for Evas case has amassed over 500 members, and people still post daily with questions and theories about her.
WASHINGTON  Members of far-right extremist groups. Former police officers. An Olympic gold medalist swimmer. And active duty U.S. Marines.

They are among the hundreds of people who have been convicted in the massive prosecution of the Jan 6, 2021, riot in the three years since the stunned nation watched the U.S. Capitol attack unfold on live TV.

Washington's federal courthouse remains flooded with trials, guilty plea hearings and sentencings stemming from what has become the largest criminal investigation in American history. And the hunt for suspects is far from over.

"We cannot replace votes and deliberation with violence and intimidation," Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, told reporters on Thursday.

Authorities are still working to identify more than 80 people wanted for acts of violence at the Capitol and to find out who placed pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national committees' offices the day before the Capitol attack. And they continue to regularly make new arrests, even as some Jan. 6 defendants are being released from prison after completing their sentences.

The cases are playing out at the same courthouse where Donald Trump is scheduled to stand trial in March in the case accusing the former president of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the run-up to the Capitol attack.

Here's a look at where the cases against the Jan. 6 defendants stand:

BY THE NUMBERS

More than 1,230 people have been charged with federal crimes in the riot, ranging from misdemeanor offenses like trespassing to felonies like assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Roughly 730 people have pleaded guilty to charges, while another roughly 170 have been convicted of at least one charge at a trial decided by a judge or a jury, according to an Associated Press database.

Only two defendants have been acquitted of all charges, and those were trials decided by a judge rather than a jury.

About 750 people have been sentenced, with almost two-thirds receiving some time behind bars. Prison sentences have ranged from a few days of intermittent confinement to 22 years in prison. The longest sentence was handed down to Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys national chairman who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for what prosecutors described as a plot to stop the transfer of power from Trump, a Republican, to Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Many rioters are already out of prison after completing their sentences, including some defendants who engaged in violence. Scott Fairlamb  a New Jersey man who punched a police officer during the riot and was the first Jan. 6 defendant to be sentenced for assaulting law enforcement  was released from Bureau of Prisons' custody in June.

ALL EYES ON THE SUPREME COURT

Defense attorneys and prosecutors are closely watching a case that will soon be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court that could impact hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants. The justices agreed last month to hear one rioter's challenge to prosecutors' use of the charge of obstruction of an official proceeding, which refers to the disruption of Congress' certification of Biden's 2020 presidential election victory over Trump.

More than 300 Jan. 6 defendants have been charged with the obstruction offense, and so has Trump in the federal case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. Lawyers representing rioters have argued the charge was inappropriately brought against Jan. 6 defendants.

The justices will hear arguments in March or April, with a decision expected by early summer. But their review of the obstruction charge is already having some impact on the Jan. 6 prosecutions. At least two defendants have convinced judges to delay their sentencings until after the Supreme Court rules on the matter.

RIOTERS ON THE LAM

Dozens of people believed to have assaulted law enforcement during the riot have yet to be identified by authorities, according to Graves. And the statute of limitations for the crimes is five years, which means they would have to be charged by Jan. 6, 2026, he said.

Several defendants have also fled after being charged, including a Proud Boys member from Florida who disappeared while he was on house arrest after he was convicted of using pepper spray gel on police officers. Christopher Worrell, who spent weeks on the lam, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years in prison.

The FBI is still searching for some defendants who have been on the run for months, including a brother-sister pair from Florida. Olivia Pollock disappeared shortly before her trial was supposed to begin in March. Her brother, Jonathan Pollock, is also missing. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Jonathan Pollock, who is accused of thrusting a riot shield into an officer's face and throat, pulling an officer down steps and punching others.

Another defendant, Evan Neumann, fled the U.S. two months after his December 2021 indictment and is believed to be living in Belarus.

WHAT ABOUT THE PIPE BOMBER?

One of the biggest remaining mysteries surrounding the riot is the identity of the person who placed two pipe bombs outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees the day before the Capitol attack. Last year, authorities increased the reward to up to $500,000 for information leading to the person's arrest. It remains unclear whether there was a connection between the pipe bombs and the riot.

Investigators have spent thousands of hours over the last three years doing interviews and combing through evidence and tips from the public, said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.

"We urge anyone who may have previously hesitated to come forward or who may not have realized they had important information to contact us and share anything relevant," he said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

The explosive devices were placed outside the two buildings between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021, but officers didn't find them until the next day. Authorities were called to the Republican National Committee's office around 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 6. Shortly after, a call came in for a similar explosive device found at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The bombs were rendered safe, and no one was hurt.

Video released by the FBI shows a person in a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask and gloves appearing to place one of the explosives under a bench outside the DNC and separately shows the person walking in an alley near the RNC before the bomb was placed there. The person wore black and light gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers with a yellow logo.

___

Richer reported from Boston. Associated Press reporter Lindsay Whitehurst contributed from Washington.

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States where the most Jan. 6 rioters were arrested States where the most Jan. 6 rioters were arrested #49. Mississippi #48. Nebraska #47. Hawaii #46. Rhode Island #45. Vermont #44. New Mexico #43. South Dakota #42. Alaska #41. Louisiana #40. Nevada #39. New Hampshire #38. Connecticut #37. Arkansas #36. Maine #35. Montana #34. Delaware #33. Oregon #32. Idaho #31. Oklahoma #30. Iowa #29. Kansas #28. West Virginia #27. Wisconsin #26. Minnesota #25. Utah #24. Arizona #23. Massachusetts #22. Maryland #21. South Carolina #20. Alabama #19. Indiana #18. Colorado #17. Kentucky #16. North Carolina #15. Georgia #14. Michigan #13. Washington #12. Missouri #11. New Jersey #10. Tennessee #9. Washington, D.C. #8. Illinois #7. Virginia #6. Ohio #5. California #4. New York #3. Pennsylvania #2. Texas #1. Florida
Thursday was Sax and Fryers last day after a 140-year run.

Today is a sad day, said Kathleen McGuire, who has worked at the iconic store for 54 years.

I expect Ill be moving on to something new, said Marge Brandon, employed by the stationary and gift store for 46 years.

The crowds have been nonstop since noon, said Debbie Bradley, who has worked at Sax and Fryer for eight years.

She was previously employed by the legendary store in the 1970s. Bradley, who works two other remote part-time jobs, expressed thankfulness for the opportunity to be a part of Sax and Fryers 140 years in business.

The same three-woman crew has kept Sax and Fryer alive for nearly a decade. Before his passing in December 2023, the owner John Fryer, donated historically significant items from a collection of area artifacts to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum that his family had acquired over generations.

Sax and Fryer in some ways was a museum and definitely a time capsule. The signature musk of books and paper products, antique mechanical cash registers and even a typewriter on the back counter, served as a reminders of Livingston days gone by.

In the stores basement, where Fryer displayed his familys collection of historic items, there is a photography and dark room. Fryers desk remains there as it was when he left it for the last time nearly half a decade ago.

We didnt know there would be this many people here today, said Chris Bruha, a friend of Fryers and local realtor, who managed the property for the last 25 years. Four individuals inherited the property after Johns passing. They are going to have a lot of decisions to make.

Bruha said the situation was uncertain if the Sax and Fryer building would be sold in the near future or at all.

If it is sold, it will be sold at market value, added Bruha, who explained the situation was entirely dependent on what the new owners decide.

Hanging around with John is my greatest memory of this place, Bruha said, lingering in the store with other patrons in the last hours of its final day. He was a great storyteller and positive force in the community. The ladies working the store and I, we all loved John like a little family.

At 5 p.m., an American flag positioned on the street, mere feet from tile spelling the name of the Livingston staple store, was taken down and put inside for the last time.

The few remaining customers lingered, savoring the final moments of the stores nearly century and a half of existence.
After months of political hiatus, KANU party leader and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has resurfaced.

On Sunday, Moi actively participated in a political tour of the Mt Kenya region alongside Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had set up camp in the area for the weekend.

In his meet the people tour, Kalonzo was joined by Usawa party leader Mwangi wa Iria and DAP Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

In what appears to be a revitalized opposition gearing up for 2027, Kalonzo has been conducting numerous rallies across the country as he endeavors to garner support to challenge President William Ruto.

Gideon Mois return to the political scene occurred shortly after he hosted Kalonzo and Wa Iria at his Kabarak home in Nakuru on Wednesday.

Moi had been inactive in politics since losing his seat in the 2022 General Elections.

This development coincides with ODM party leader Raila Odingas anticipated exit from local politics as he sets his sights on the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

At the Homa Bay International Investment Conference, Kalonzo reassured opposition followers, stating that they need not be concerned about Railas exit, as he is prepared to step into his shoes.
Fugitive Kevin Kangethe, wanted in the United States for murder, was last Friday allowed more time to secure the services of a new lawyer after he dismissed his State-assigned advocates earlier in the week.

While appealing to Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina to allow him to secure the services of a lawyer, Kangethe claimed that police had denied him access to a phone.

I have not been able to secure the services of a lawyer to defend me in these extradition proceedings because the police have not allowed me to access my phone to call a lawyer to act for me in this matter, the suspect told Onyina.

He insisted that he needed a lawyer of his choosing.

However, the prosecution asked the court to acknowledge that the extradition process was ready but delayed due to the fugitives escape from lawful custody. The prosecution argued that he was causing additional delays by dropping his previous lawyers.

A prosecutor informed Onyina that all the necessary documents for the court proceedings had been served to Kangethe before his extradition to the United States to face justice for the murder of his girlfriend Margaret Mbitu in Boston on October 31, 2023.

The US government has since supplied the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with evidence to be used in the murder case against Kangethe.

Onyina gave the murder suspect until March 13, 2024, to secure a lawyer. The magistrate emphasized that legal representation is a constitutional right for every suspect, and the court cannot deprive him of his rights.

Your plea for more time to get yourself a lawyer be and is hereby allowed. This case will be mentioned on March 13, 2024 for further directions, Onyina directed.
The Napa Valley Unified School District has been struggling with shrinking enrollment for nearly a decade, forcing the district to close campuses and make staff reductions. While NVUSD is financially stable now, district leaders say there isnt much they can do to stop the downward trend.

That hasnt always been the case for Napa Countys largest public school system. While enrollment across California plateaued for much of the early 2000s, NVUSD gained 2,000 students, continuing to grow even through the Great Recession in 2008.

By 2016, however, the district began to see its student count decline just as quickly. Enrollment peaked at about 17,000 students that year; by 2019, the district had lost over 750 students, a 4.3% decrease.

NVUSD closed schools and shrank its work force to remain financially stable amid falling enrollment.

But predictions indicate that Napa's student body won't stop shrinking in the coming years. Now, NVUSD is determining how to prepare for smaller class sizes in age groups that havent even reached school age yet.

Based on Napas current birth rates, Rob Murray, King Consultings director of demographics and planning, has worked with the district to project enrollment trends over the next five or so years. He said that fewer babies being born locally is the is the biggest contributor to NVUSD's enrollment challenges.

Throughout the 2000s, the birth rate in Napa hovered around 1,200 annually. In the early 2010s, it dropped to about 1,000 a year. Murray said that decline is the drop in enrollment the district is seeing now.

And it's continuing. Data shows that birth rates in the county are continuing to trend lower, with fewer than 1,000 births annually since 2017 and a low of 822 births in 2022.

The enrollment decrease that you already see corresponds with the drop in birth rate from 1,200 to 1,000, Murray said. The last few years, dropping to 800  those children are just now between 1 and 3 years old, they havent even started enrolling. So the availability of students to come and fill NVUSD classrooms just isnt going to be there.

Since birth rates have declined by another 100 to 200 children annually since 2017, Murray predicts that by the 2027-28 academic year, NVUSD enrollment will reach a low of about 14,700. This is a 1,400-student drop from this years enrollment of just above 16,000.

Why is the birth rate decreasing?

In a phrase: Affordable housing.

While declining birth rates are affecting the entire country, the fall-off has been especially rapid in expensive metropolitan regions, Murray said. Young people and families with school-age children are moving to less populous areas of the state and nation because of the lower cost of living, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased remote working opportunities starting in 2020.

Locally, Murray said the high cost of market-rate housing is a major reason why fewer children are being born in the county. He said that of the school districts he studies, the city of Napa has one of the lowest student generation rates when new market-rate housing is built.

You need to introduce 10 new market-rate housing units to generate roughly one student in Napa, Murray explained. He said that the main demographic that purchases housing in Napa does not or is not likely to have school-age children.

Rabinder (Rob) Mangewala, the Napa district's chief business officer, said that, by comparison, the rate of student generation when affordable housing units are introduced in Napa is much higher  about a student per unit. The math may be simple, but the solution is not.

Quote You need to introduce 10 new market-rate housing units to generate roughly one student in Napa." - King Consulting Director of Demographics Rob Murray

So what is NVUSD doing about it?

We have systems in place to look at enrollment annually, so we no longer have to react like we did in 2018," said Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti. "At that point, we had to take every extreme measure, which included staff reduction (and) school closures.

When she became superintendent in 2018, Mucetti said that there had not been a reaction to the persistent decline. It hadnt been dealt with; we had to react or the district would have become financially insolvent.

She said that previous leaders were stuck in a growth mindset  they hadnt faced enrollment declines with the rest of the state in the early 2000s, and didnt react when predictions began showing that trend would quickly change.

Mucetti and her administration took controversial and, to some, extreme measures to keep the district financially solvent. NVUSD closed three schools  the River School, Harvest Middle School, and Yountville Elementary School, the district's smallest  and cut staff.

NVUSD modernized procedures, introduced open enrollment and developed staffing formulas, all of which Mucetti believes will help the district as it continues to face lower student counts.

Mucetti said that the districts previous paper enrollment system resulted in data-collecting delays. With a digital, centralized system, the district has a better understanding of enrollment predictions, which allows it to maximize inter-district transfers. Since 2018, NVUSD has added nearly 700 students through such transfers, mostly in American Canyon, many coming from nearby Vallejo.

The data is also used to complete staffing formulas, which help the district reduce staff primarily by attrition, minimizing layoffs.

Mangewala said that open enrollment is also shown to boost enrollment, since allowing parents more say in what campus their child attends keeps more kids in the district.

Dual-language immersion programs also bolster enrollment. The district opened Unidos Middle School in 2022, which absorbed River School when it closed that same year, to create a middle school pathway for dual English- and Spanish-language students.

While they believe all of those methods help the Napa school system cope with enrollment decline, Mangewala, Murray and Mucetti all say that the district doesnt have a silver bullet to reverse it. Specifically, NVUSD does not have a solution for the main driver of declining enrollment  a chronic lack of affordable housing.

Some districts, though, are growing. Here's why

While many California school districts also find themselves with fewer students to teach, a few that are similar in size and/or demographics across the state are seeing enrollment increases. The reason, though, may be hard to duplicate in Napa County: More land to build on and less opposition to development.

Natomas Unified School District in Sacramento has doubled its enrollment since 2000, opening a new kindergarten through eighth-grade campus in 2021 and a K-8 Spanish-English immersion school in 2023.

Deirdre Powell, who oversees community engagement for the district, said voter approval of school bonds has allowed for updated facilities and programs, which attracts students. And the area is a thriving growing community with new homes and apartments being built.

Western Placer Unified School District in Lincoln has been on a similar trajectory. The district has grown by more than 1,000 students since 2018 and, according to the district's Chief Marketing Officer Emily Oelier, is projected to double over the next 20 years.

Oelier said that this is because of housing growth in Placer County, an affluent area east of Sacramento.

Our district is a growing district. Over the past several years, we've had tons of new development that resulted in many new families moving to this area, she said. Western Placer Unified has opened two new campuses, and both are already nearing capacity.

Oelier believes one of the main contributors to people moving into the region is the rising popularity of remote working.

Many say there was a shift in the 'work from home' movement that allowed many Bay Area families to make the move while retaining their employment," she explained. "Home prices are cheaper here than in the Bay, which might also contribute to the increase.

Whats to come for Napa

While Napas new housing element includes plans to build over 3,000 new units of housing in the next decade, it doesnt include enough affordable units to boost the countys low birth rate, according to Murray of King Consulting.

One of Napas largest housing developments currently under construction, RiverSound, is slated to create 945 new homes at the former Napa Pipe industrial complex on the city's south side. However, Murray said only about 200 of those dwellings are likely to house a potential NVUSD student.

American Canyon does have some room for growth, however.

The majority of inter-district transfers coming into NVUSD are into American Canyon schools, and the city has much higher student generation rates for market-price housing. Murray said that the citys Watson Ranch development on its east side could generate about 600 students, spread over a decade. While such an increase is modest, when spread over 10 years, it is significant.

American Canyon just remains a much younger city," he said of the community, which incorporated in 1992. "The people moving into Napa are older career or retired and are moving into Napa for that phase of their life, not coming in with kids. Younger families are more likely to be in American Canyon proportionally.

But ultimately, the city isnt large enough to bring in thousands of students. And the Napa Valleys unique geographical position poses a threat to the typical periods of decreasing and increasing school enrollment that usually come with periods of housing growth.

Mucetti noted that because of Napa's geographic isolation, the ability to foster inter-district transfers into Napa campuses is limited. And because of Napa Countys agricultural preserve that sharply limits non-farm uses outside of cities, there simply isnt space to continue to build large housing developments.

School district leaders say theyll continue to maximize enrollment through marketing, increasing specialized programs, and maximizing inter-district transfers, but mostly, theyll just have to adjust to the districts new reality.

In enrollment, theres lots of swings up and down, Murray said. Its helpful to have data, but everyone has to ride those waves.

Napa is not an affordable place to live, said Mangewala of NVUSD. Declining enrollment is here to stay in Napa, and in California, for the foreseeable future.

Photos: A look at the modular apartments at Watson Ranch Watson Ranch apartments 1 Watson Ranch apartments 2 Watson Ranch apartments 3 Watson Ranch apartments 4 Watson Ranch apartments 5 Watson Ranch apartments 6 Watson Ranch apartments 7 Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments Watson Ranch apartments
Editor's note: This is part an occasional series about the many distinct  and distinctive  winemaking regions in Napa County. Growers and winemakers are invited to share what makes their specific region unique and special. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to Executive Editor Dan Evans at devans@napanews.com

St. Helena has the distinction of being the birthplace of Napa Valleys commercial wine industry with Dr. Cranes cellar founded in 1859, David Fultons in 1860 and Charles Krugs in 1861. The St. Helena American Viticultural Area, or appellation, was officially approved in 1995 and in 2004, the vintners who had worked together to get the AVA approved established a group to promote the growing region, today called Appellation St. Helena. The group focuses on promoting the quality of grapes grown and wines produced in the St. Helena AVA.

Appellation St. Helena is comprised of roughly 12,000 acres, of which approximately 6,800 are planted to grapes, more than any other AVA in the Napa Valley. More than 400 different vineyards are located within the appellation.

Grape growing in the St. Helena appellation dates back to the Mexican land grants in the 1840s when General Vallejo gave Edward Bale a wedding gift of property. Bale and his bride promptly planted vineyard on their property. By 1880, over 100 people were making wine in St. Helena.

The St. Helena American Viticultural Area (AVA) stands as a distinctive and captivating segment within Napa Valley, celebrated for its hourglass shape that contributes to the unique characteristics defining this viticultural region. As one embarks on a journey eastward, ascending the Vaca Range, the soils evolve from volcanic fine ash to substantial chunks, unveiling a diverse and intricate tapestry that sets the stage for the cultivation of exceptional wines. Conversely, heading west leads to the Mayacamas region, marked by a blend of volcanic and sedimentary soils, further enhancing the region's terroir.

The topography of the St. Helena AVA is dynamic, with ever-changing exposures, contributing to the personality of each vineyard. This diversity is reflected in the climate, with the northern half exhibiting warm to hot conditions reminiscent of southern Calistoga, while the southern half mirrors the slightly cooler ambiance of northern Rutherford. Progressing northward, a transition occurs from lighter cherries and berries, often accompanied by what locals whimsically refer to as an "Angel's kiss in spring," to deeper, more complex notes of coffee, herbal tones, and a rich forest floor, delivering a truly unique flavor profile.

Vineyards in St. Helena are strategically positioned near or below the fog line during the summer, favoring cooler temperatures crucial for the prime growing season. Rarely exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the AVA maintains an ideal climate for grape cultivation. The region enjoys an average annual rainfall of approximately 34 inches, primarily concentrated in the winter and early spring, ensuring a balanced water supply for the vines.

The volcanic soils of the AVA vary from gravelly and well-drained valley floors to river loam with water-retaining organic matter near the hills. The majority of growers rely on irrigation to support the vineyards. Of the expansive 12,000 acres of land, 6,600 are dedicated to vine cultivation. The region is intricately traversed by Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, with each side of the valley possessing its unique personality and influence. Lodi Lane, the shortest west-to-east portion of Napa Valley, boasts historical significance as the site where the original winemaker, (yours truly) at Duckhorn Vineyards, for 22 vintages, crafted wines that have become an integral part of the region's heritage.

The west side of Highway 29, just north of Deer Park, and the areas west of the city of St. Helena are revered for hosting some of the most expensive and sought-after Napa Valley grapes. Wines originating from these regions are characterized by incredible depth, flavor, and complexity, leaving an indelible impression on the palate. Some wines from half a century ago continue to evolve, showcasing an astonishing charm, depth, and development that stand the test of time.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc emerge as the main powerhouses of St. Helena, defining the region's vinicultural identity. However, a splendid diversity flourishes, encompassing Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and other varietals. Consistency is the guiding principle in this AVA, underscored by a close collaboration between wine growers and winemakers. A cordial critique of wines is integral to the winemaking process, honing each release to authentically reflect the region's distinctive qualities.

The St. Helena AVA is rightfully hailed as a Bordeaux varietal region, marked by a more stable climate compared to its French counterparts, allowing for a nuanced balance of ripeness and complexity. A deep sense of confidence pervades the present and the future of St. Helena, ensuring that its wines will continue to captivate palates and preserve the legacy of this exceptional American Viticultural Area.

The AVAs marketing arm, Appellation St. Helena, organizes a walkaround food-and-wine tasting every year. This year will see the 13th annual bASH take place on March 23 at The Culinary Institute of America Greystone. Wines from 20 ASH member wineries will be paired with savory bites prepared by teams of "rising star" students at the CIA. Proceeds from the evening go to Appellation St. Helena and the scholarship fund of the Culinary Institute of America.

More at https://appellationsthelena.com/
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Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2024. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. [Photo/Xinhua]

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held a press conference on Monday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session.

Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the second session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session scheduled to run from March 5 to 11.
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Since there was an agreement on a meeting between the special representatives of Armenia and Turkey, it took place; but that meeting was formal, generally ceremonial, and did not resolve any issues. Armenian turkologist Andranik Ispiryan stated this in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

"They just agreed to open the border for citizens of third countries and diplomatic passport holders.

Why nothing happened during these 1.5 years? Since the Russian-Ukrainian war mixed up the playing cards, created new realities in the region to the detriment of Russia, to the detriment of Armenia, and in favor of the Turkey-Azerbaijan tandem. Seeing that Azerbaijan can take advantage of this situation, Azerbaijan can take advantage of the weakening of Russia's influence in the region, also taking into account the Armenian authorities behavior and the diplomatic steps towards the West and the more negative attitude towards Russia, Turkey simply froze the formal process of normalization of relations [with Armenia]. During that freezing, events took place on the part of Azerbaijan, naturally, with Turkey, and in some casesagreed also with Russia.

We already know that a few days before the [Azerbaijani] siege of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], the war and the deportation of Artsakh Armenians after that, the meeting between the representatives of the countries known to us had taken place a few days before that. That is, Turkey suspended contacts with Armenia in the direction of the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, as the situation was already different," said Ispiryan.

According to him, there was another need for Turkey. Armenia was weak, Russia's influence was weak, and the maximum should have been obtained in that regard.

"Turkey and Azerbaijan used this situation to solve the Artsakh issue in their favor once and for all. After the Artsakh issue was resolved in their favor, the situation in the region is different.

In this situation, Turkey getting active in the matter of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and the statement of the EU representative for the [South] Caucasus prove that Turkey has already reached an agreement with the West in order to restart the process, at least formally for itself, thereby increasing the influence, pressure on Armenia, to push Russia out from the region as much as possible. That is, Turkey's recent activeness is aimed at this," said the turkologist.

Referring to the fact that the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus announced at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey that the latter can be of crucial importance in the process of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, and also said that Turkey has the status of a leading power in the South Caucasus, Ispiryan said: "It showed that the West sees the South Caucasus as an area of Turkish influence in the future.

They give Turkey a mandate to dominate this region. We should not expect that if Russia's influence here weakens, we will see the influence of some Western countries; it will be in the form of an increase in Turkey's influence."
Gallup has presented the results of its latest survey conducted in Armeniaand which this time is in connection with the countrys problems with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which Armenia is a member in, and the supply of weapons from France.

The sources of this survey, called "French Kiss," presented the results. The survey was conducted by phone between February 26 and 28, a total of 1,100 people were surveyed, and the margin of error is 3 percent.

According to the results of the survey, 35 percent believe that the situation in which Armenia has found itself is the result of the actions of its authorities, foreign forces29.9 percent, and conflicts occurring in the worldmore than 24 percent.

When asked whether the Armenian PM's initiative to freeze CSTO membership is in line with the Armenia's interests, 23 percent of the respondents answered that it is definitely in line, 13.9 percent think that it is rather in line, more than 16 percent think that it is rather not in line, and more than 42 percent believe that it does not in line at all.

When asked whether Armenia should remain in the CSTO or join NATO, more than 40 percent responded that the country should maintain neutrality and not be in any military alliance, and 28 percent believe that it should remain in the CSTO.

When asked whether the Armenian authorities are making enough efforts to free the Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, 13.5 percent considered them enough, more than 12 percentrather enough, 15 percentrather not enough, more than 44 percentdefinitely not enough, and about 80 percent believe that there may be a war.

About 56 percent evaluated the development of Armenias military cooperation with France positively, and only 4.7 percentnegatively. A total of 46 percent preferred buying weapons from France, 21.9 percentfrom Russia, 15.9 percentfrom Iran, then from the US, India, and China.

About 60 percent did not consider being correct, in one way or another, the decision of the Armenian authorities to not hold events on the anniversary of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) liberation movement.

And when asked whether the price would be acceptable if the EU demanded from Armenia to leave the CSTO and Eurasian Economic Union as a condition for visa liberalization, 23.5 percent considered such a price definitely acceptable, 19 percentrather acceptable, 15 percentrather unacceptable, and 32.9 percentdefinitely unacceptable.
 Flash

People gather around a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, March 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli overnight airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian security and medical sources said on Sunday.

The sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes launched more than 50 raids last night across Gaza, targeting homes, agricultural lands, and military sites in the cities of Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia.

Sixteen Palestinians, including children and women, were killed in an Israeli raid on an inhabited house in the Al-Salam neighborhood in Rafah, southern Gaza, said local medical sources.

Israeli aircraft bombed a house in the Al-Saftawi neighborhood, north of Gaza City, killing four Palestinians and wounding several others, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

In the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, 10 Palestinians were killed as a result of an Israeli raid that targeted an inhabited house near a UNRWA school housing displaced persons.

The Israeli military said that three of its soldiers were killed on Saturday in the city of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), said in a brief statement on Saturday that its members "blew up a house that had been previously booby-trapped with two anti-personnel devices of an Israeli force."

They said that Israeli soldiers were killed and wounded in the Al-Satar area, north of the city of Khan Younis.

As fierce fighting continued in Gaza, Cairo was preparing to host talks on a ceasefire in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave, with the participation of all concerned parties, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported Saturday.

A high-level Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials on a ceasefire deal, according to an official security source on Sunday.

During the past 24 hours, a total of 90 Palestinians were killed and 177 others wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza, bringing the total death toll to 30,410 and injuries to 71,700 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Sunday.

Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has tried to broker a truce deal before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to start in about a week in Egypt, as part of the diplomatic efforts to end a conflict that has incurred a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Today we discussed the possibilities of how we can develop our bilateral relations in various practical ways, then we discussed the bilateral relations within the framework of military and military-technical cooperation, after which we signed military cooperation programs within this year's framework, which will bring the armed forces of the two countries closer together. Visiting Minister of National Defense of Greece, Nikolaos "Nikos" Dendias, stated this during a joint press conference with Armenian Minister of Defense, Suren Papikyan, in Yerevan Monday.

"We had achievements in the past, also; many representatives of the Armenian armed forces were trained in Greek military schools. I hope we can host many more.

Also, we have planned innovative achievements in the innovative defense sector.

We have a new component of legislation that contributes to military research and innovation in Armenia. We will be very happy for Armenian companies, if they are interested, to participate in this system.

Greece is adamant that all issues should be resolved peacefully. It is decisively and principledly against any military action, any unilateral military action in this region. Greece believes that peace is the most important thing, so it is in favor of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the framework of international law, added the Greek defense minister.
 Flash

Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui (R) meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in Moscow, Russia, on March 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui arrived Saturday evening in Moscow to begin the second round of shuttle diplomacy concerning the Ukraine crisis.

Li met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and exchanged views in depth on China-Russia relations and the Ukraine crisis.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, as well as the beginning of the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture, the two sides agreed that they should fundamentally follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push forward the development of bilateral relations.

Li said that it has been two years since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis. History shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue.

China is ready to continue its efforts to promote peace talks, carry out shuttle diplomacy, mediate and build consensus among Russia, Ukraine, and other relevant parties, and promote a final political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Galuzin agreed that the Ukrainian crisis should ultimately be resolved through negotiations, and appreciated China's unique and constructive role in this regard.

He spoke highly of China's second round of shuttle diplomacy and expressed hope to continue to strengthen communication with China.
Armenia faces a choice: the West or Russia? Yerevan must decide how to solve its security issues. Gagik Melkonyan, an MP of the ruling Civil Contract Faction of the National Assembly of Armenia, stated this in an interview with the RFE/RL Armenian Service.

According to Melkonyan, Armenia must make that choice at some point.

"[Russian FM Sergey] Lavrov says: Armenia must take sides. The West says: Armenia must take sides. Now you went towards the West, you will have an enemy like Russia. You went towards Russia, it means the loss of Armenia with its territories. You are eliminating the independence of Armenia because we know what the end is when they propose to us to enter the Russian-Belarusian compositionalliance. That is already the end of Armenia," said the lawmaker of the ruling faction.

Yerevan does not have a decision yet, assures the ruling force legislator. At the same time, Melkonyan does not rule out that if Armenia continues its current policy, it will be removed from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

"All that is being discussed. After that discussion it will be seen whether they will take us out, or we will get out [of the CSTO]. But there is time because the discussions are still going on," the Armenian ruling power MP stressed.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Minister of National Defense of Greece Nikolaos Dendias, who arrived in the Republic of Armenia on an official visit. Prime Minister's official website reports.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visit of Mr. Dendias to Armenia and noted. "Dear Minister, I welcome you, this time as the Minister of Defense. I remember your visits to Armenia in the past. We appreciate your connection with Armenia, as well as your commitment to deepen the relations between Armenia and Greece. Of course, there is a big agenda in your new status. I am glad that you have already had fruitful negotiations and discussions in continuation of the negotiations between me and the Prime Minister of Greece.

Of course, the deepening of our cooperation in various fields is an agenda jointly adopted by our two governments, and I am very happy about it. During my visit, we had the opportunity to discuss our bilateral agenda, even the trilateral agenda. I am very happy that we have a unified approach to what to do in the future, and I am very happy that we managed to create such a dynamic.

Of course, defense cooperation between our countries is not new, I think we have quite a lot of experience here, but due to these new circumstances, the interest is growing even more, and it is very important to have the proper political will to address these new demands and opportunities, and to manage all challenges we face. Once again, I welcome you and thank you for your visit."

The Minister of National Defense of Greece said: "Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister,

First of all, let me convey the regards of the Prime Minister of my country, whom you met a few days ago. It was a very effective and successful visit, as evidenced by the minutes of the meeting. Thanks again for your efforts to strengthen our defense ties.

We had an extensive discussion with Mr. Papikyan, who also visited us in December 2023. My visit comes after his visit to Athens. This time we had a very practical meeting, that is, not only in terms of discussions, but also in terms of practical steps.

I am sure, he will brief you on our upcoming activities. We see ourselves as a country that will assist Armenia as much as we can, given our historical ties, also because we are very close countries, and we really want to do that."

The interlocutors reaffirmed the steps for the further implementation of the previously reached agreements, referred to cooperation in military education and other directions.

The sides exchanged ideas on the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region, steps to ensure regional peace and stability.
Two Sessions may give expats more GBA access: Expert

Professor Brian Wong from HKU's Centre on Contemporary China and the World was commenting on the Two Sessions in Beijing. Photo: AFP

Professor Brian Wong

Improved access to the Greater Bay Area for expats and foreign nationals may be one of the take-aways from the annual plenary meetings of the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, known as the Two Sessions, which are getting underway in Beijing.



That's according to Professor Brian Wong from the University of Hong Kong's Centre on Contemporary China and the World.



"First and foremost I believe would be expediting and ensuring a more seamless integration for not just local Hong Kong nationals but also foreign expats and residents in Hong Kong into the GBA," said Professor Wong, who was being interviewed for RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme.



"And the latter means the possibility of extending, in a more permanent and longer term, with longer renewal periods of visas to business travellers, to foreign visitors, and even just expats who live and reside in Hong Kong without qualifying for existing business visas. That to me is a pretty low-hanging fruit."



Citizens of Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are among those to have some form of visa-free access to China.
In a move to maintain control over global oil supply, several Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) countries have announced extensions of their voluntary production cuts through the second quarter of the year. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights (GCI), this decision comes amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize oil markets and counteract increasing output from rival producers such as the US and Brazil. On March 3, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Algeria confirmed their commitment to uphold production cuts, while Russia revealed plans for new reductions in both crude production and exports. The extensions underscore the alliance's determination to tighten the market during the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer, traditionally a period of peak oil demand. The coordinated statements from the participating countries emphasized the goal of supporting market stability and balance. They indicated that the additional voluntary reductions would be gradually restored after their expiry, in accordance with prevailing market conditions. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the OPEC+ alliance, will maintain its crude production at around 9 million barrels per day (b/d) through June, holding it at two-year lows. Meanwhile, Russia, which had initially committed to export cuts in the first quarter, will now implement formal reductions in crude production. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak outlined Russia's plans, stating that the country would reduce crude output by 350,000 b/d in April, followed by further cuts in May and June. Novak said, "Russia, which for the first quarter had committed to only a mix of crude and product export cuts, will now make some formal reductions to its crude production." Additionally, the UAE confirmed its agreement to maintain its production quota of 3.02 million b/d throughout the second quarter. Algeria announced that its output would remain steady at approximately 908,000 b/d until the end of June, in continuation of its existing cut. Kuwait also affirmed its commitment to extend voluntary production cuts until the same period, with production set to remain at 2.413 million b/d. Iraq and Kazakhstan, which exceeded their production quotas in January, have agreed to implement compensation cuts. Details regarding their production plans for the coming months are yet to be disclosed. The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and Russia, is scheduled to convene on April 3 to review market conditions and assess member compliance. The committee holds the authority to recommend changes to production policy, subject to unanimous agreement by the alliance. While analysts had anticipated the extension of production cuts beyond March, questions remain regarding the ultimate duration of these measures. S&P Global Commodity Insights forecasts the possibility of maintaining the cuts until the end of the year, reflecting the continued need for higher oil prices among OPEC+ members. With prices hovering below fiscal breakeven levels for key producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, the alliance faces ongoing pressure to balance market dynamics and ensure sustainable economic outcomes for member countries. As the global energy landscape evolves, the OPEC+ alliance remains vigilant in its efforts to navigate challenges and uphold stability in oil markets. (ANI)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 4: SmartCloud proudly announces the launch of PDFquery - an innovative approach to interacting with PDF documents, driven by artificial intelligence. This technology bids farewell to manual searches, ushering in an era of instant, accurate insights and transforming the way users engage with their PDFs.

CEO, Sanjay Ghoshal shares his excitement about PDFquery and hints at the company's ambitious plans: "In the coming days, we are set to unveil more products, starting with DataQuery.ai. Our commitment to innovation remains steadfast, and we are dedicated to delivering solutions that redefine how businesses and individuals leverage technology."

PDFquery.ai sets the stage for a seamless and efficient interaction with PDF documents, making the complex task as simple as having a conversation. The platform's intuitive and conversational interface empowers users across industries to effortlessly extract valuable information and gain meaningful insights.

"As we launch PDFquery.ai, we're already looking ahead to the future. More products are in the pipeline, and DataQuery.ai is just one of the many innovations on our roadmap. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in document analysis, providing users with tools that enhance productivity and streamline their workflows," adds Sanjay Ghoshal.

To further democratize access to this technology, We are pleased to announce that anyone can use the PDFquery.ai platform for free. For those seeking advanced features and capabilities, a nominal charge will apply, ensuring accessibility for users at various levels.

Experience the future of document analysis with PDFquery.ai.

(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)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], March 4: Blenders Pride Glassware has always been at the cusp of presenting the next in fashion, presenting experiences that have shaped the style quotient for an entire generation. The brand now forges ahead with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival, that is set to take fashion beyond the runway as India's first fashion festival. Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has been imagined staying true to the brand's mantra of presenting an evolving world of style. While at the heart of it remains fashionable showcases by India's finest designers & stylish celebrities, in an entirely new avatar, Fashion NXT Festival takes a leap forward by bringing the brand's stylish world to audiences in newer cities, starting with Bhubaneswar and Pune in March 2024. The brand has collaborated with some of the most sought-after and buzzing lifestyle brands, that are curating a host of immersive experiences. The mission is clear - to connect the brewing aspirations of a young, growing India with fashion-forward experiences which are pocketed in select metro cities. For its first edition, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival has already lined up stellar collaborations with some of the most exciting brands across genres. Take Nasher Miles for example, a fashion accessory brand for the modern-day traveller, that has been making waves on social media since its recent debut on Shark Tank India. Another interesting brand is All You Can Street - a streetwear collective, that is bringing a host of streetwear brands with DIY stations for audiences to customize their apparel. Similarly, brands like Beardo and MyGlamm are putting together grooming & styling stations where festival goers can get a stylish makeover by expert stylists. John Jacobs is setting up a pop-up to experience their cutting-edge eyewear through virtual try-ons. Not to miss Doodle Mapuls, which is setting up a kiosk where their artists will sketch & customize t-shirts and sneakers live for festival goers. Lastly, Audi (Pune) is showcasing their latest collection at the festival bringing audiences closer to the touch of luxury. Surrounding these high-on-style experiences are exciting fashion showcases by designer Nachiket Barve with Sanya Malhotra in Bhubaneswar, and by designer Varun Bahl with Aditi Rao Hydari in Pune, and thumping music performances by popular artists like Ritviz, Kayan, Progressive Brothers and Rabab Randhawa, to create an electrifying atmosphere for festival goers to groove to through the day. In essence, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival promises to be packed with multifaceted experiences across fashion, music and technology. As a first-of-its-kind concept, being India's first fashion festival, it is undoubtedly set to redefine all things fashion, style and glamour. Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India said, "As we continue to trailblaze the fashion landscape in India, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festivals bring an impressive new format that diversifies our experiences into newer towns. We're excited to collaborate with such exciting brands, that share our vision in becoming an immersive gateway into the world of style and glamour." Shruti Kedia Daga, Co-Founder and CMO, Nasher Miles said, "We're very excited to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. This association epitomizes our commitment to elevating the style quotient of the Indian traveller. At Nasher Miles, we believe that every journey is an opportunity to showcase style and functionality, and this partnership allows us to redefine the travel experience." Yash Shetty & Abhishek Gandhi - Co-Founders, All You Can Street said, "As the largest premier progressive fashion festival, curating an array of brands is what we do but this time for Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune, we have an exclusive curation of brands that are currently creating ripples in the fashion industry. I believe Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and All You Can Street together is bringing to you a fashion curation like never before, tapping into contrasting audiences within mainstream fashion in India." Anisha Gandhi, Celebrity Stylist and Founder, The Styling Room said, "We're elated to be a part of The Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Bhubaneswar & Pune. Our collaboration reflects the assortment of fashion we house to suit the best of each individual. We are thrilled to exhibit some of the most fun and finest brands both international and homegrown. From Skims, Aroka, Wear Cecil to Triune, Shop monokrom and so many more. Styling Room has created a space for you to be the most chic, confident and daring You! After all, everyday is a fashion show and this collaboration definitely is about to elevate your fashion game!" Kirthi Pillai, Co-Founder, Doodle Mapuls said, "This is a really exciting venture for us as we get to collaborate with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival at the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone happening in Bhubaneshwar. It's events like these where we get to explore our creativity even more and make our art more hands-on. Want to see the art of producing T-Shirts & Doodling Shoes? Drop by our Pop Up at Sandy's Tower for a fun and colourful experience! Let's Meet, Print and Wear Merch which expresses Art, Style and Vibe." Sujot Malhotra, CEO, BEARDO said, "We're thrilled to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at the 1st edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival where we will be showcasing our grooming & styling products. Our Styling Stations at the festival will give an opportunity to festival goers of not only experiencing our products but our styling team will also help them groom with live demonstration of what our products can deliver for them. At Beardo, we pride ourselves in bringing the best of global trends to enable men to express themselves with confidence & we are glad to be given the opportunity to be a part of this platform." Apeksha Gupta, CEO, John Jacobs said, "The Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival propels our brand into the next wave of the fashion landscape. It gives us an outlet to shape eyewear as the pulse of fashion dynamically. Hoping to see you all have as much fun as we enjoyed creating the virtual experience." Sukhleen Aneja, CEO, Good Brands Co., The Good Glamm Group said, "We are excited to be partnering with the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival and bring forth an immersive experience zone, blending beauty and style seamlessly. As we showcase our iconic MyGlamm Pout by Karan Johar, we invite attendees to indulge in the magic of makeup artistry and aim to celebrate individuality and empowerment, making this event a true reflection of MyGlamm's ethos. We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural edition of the Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival." Salil Rane, Head, Marketing (Audi Business) - Jubilant Motorworks Private Limited said, "Jubilant Motorworks Pvt Ltd is happy to be part of the Style 360 Brand Pop-Up Zone at Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion NXT Festival in Pune. We look forward to a great event and to this amazing partnership." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
 Flash

People hold flowers at an event marking the tenth year since the disappearance of the MH370 in Subang Jaya, Selangor state, Malaysia, March 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Family members of those aboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 marked the tenth year since the disappearance of the aircraft in Malaysia on Sunday.

With speeches, presentations and poems, the next-of-kin marked the milestone, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook being in attendance.

"As we approach the 10-year remembrance of this heart-wrenching tragedy, it is a painful reminder of the decade-long journey of grief and resilience that loved ones of the victims have endured," he said in his remarks at the event.

He added that efforts are still underway to bring closure to the incident.

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was a tragic incident that occurred on March 8, 2014, when the Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia to Beijing Capital International Airport in China, disappeared with all 239 aboard.
The exports of these commodities to these countries are permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in its notification.

Notably, the export of non-Basmati white rice was prohibited in July 2023 to check domestic prices and ensure domestic food security.

Earlier, India allowed the export of such a variety of rice to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, the Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, UAE, Singapore, Comoros, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, and Kenya, though with varying quantities.

While initially amending the rice export policy, DGFT maintained that the export would be allowed based on permission granted by the government to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their government.

West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-basmati rice from India. Other destination countries are UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Cote D' Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Vietnam, Djibouti, Madagascar, Cameroon Somalia, Malaysia, and Liberia.

In late August, India also introduced additional safeguards by way of imposing a minimum floor price on exports of basmati rice so as to prevent exports of non-basmati white rice, which was already under the prohibited category since July.

Recently, the central government extended the 20 per cent export duty on parboiled rice till March 31, 2024. Rice which is partially boiled with husk is called parboiled rice.

Initially, the duty was introduced on August 25, 2023, and was due to remain effective till October 16, 2023, aimed at maintaining adequate domestic availability and checking its price.

India in September 2022 banned the exports of broken rice and imposed a 20 per cent duty on exports of non-Basmati rice, except for parboiled rice amid concerns about low production due to a fall in area under the paddy crop. It later lifted the ban in November. (ANI)
SRV Media London [UK], March 4: Fusion Kitchen, a leading online food delivery platform, has reached a notable benchmark, celebrating five years of reshaping the food delivery industry. A vanguard in the culinary sector, Fusion Kitchen stands out with its unique 0 per cent commission model, a policy that has been an integral aspect of the company's ethos from its inception. Starting on the vibrant streets of the United Kingdom, Fusion Kitchen has now expanded across countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, the UAE, and Australia, with plans for further international reach. A modest beginning in terms of revenue consistently grew year on year, with figures reaching 496,000 by the third year. The initial team of hopeful innovators has grown into an assemblage of 50 to 75 dedicated employees who work to ensure the platform's continued success. Empowering their business partners with a 0 per cent commission policy, Fusion Kitchen stood as a paragon of innovation, implementing cutting-edge tech such as DevOps and machine learning to enhance operational efficacy. Reflective of their swift and accommodating delivery service, the company also excels in integrating novel technological advancements that enhance both customer and partner experiences--from user-friendly mobile applications to strategically beneficial data insights. The journey began under the guidance of Hari Prasad Babu Sekar, a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in software technology. Recognizing the rapidly growing influence of technology in the food industry, Hari saw the potential for a platform that would facilitate the convergence of convenience and culinary variety, thereby advocating a seamless ordering experience paired with robust support for partnering restaurants by offering visibility and further customer base at no extra cost. It was more than just a business model; it was a vision to "Feeding Communities not Commissions." Hari Prasad Babu Sekar, the pioneer behind this vision, asserts, "Our quest has always been to create not just a food delivery service but a platform where every meal reflects our dedication to disrupting the status quo with our 0 per cent commission promise. We pledge to sustain a harmonious ecosystem where restaurants flourish, quality meets expectations, and customers relish in the adventure of fusion cuisines right at their doorstep." What sets the online food delivery platform apart is its dual focus: providing customers with the culinary diversity they crave while empowering business partners through enhanced operational efficiency. Restaurants benefit from increased visibility, while customers enjoy a bounty of dining options and swift delivery services. At the core of Fusion Kitchen's brand ideology lies the ambition to amalgamate accessibility and gastronomic excellence. The platform invites both connoisseurs and casual diners to an exploration of flavours, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in every order fulfilled. Moreover, the provision of lifetime-free services, including the revolutionary 0 per cent commission for partners, cements the platform's reputation as a champion of the restaurant industry. The ideology, "The world is full of ideas; if you don't do it, someone else will," urges innovation and action. Fusion Kitchen continually nurtures a sense of community and partnership within the industry. With a robust customer base of over 3,000 individuals and an expected surge in net revenue to 3.5 million in the fifth year, Fusion Kitchen remains committed to its vision of delivering a streamlined and efficient solution in hospitality and retail. As it looks forward to expanding its digital footprint and fostering an environment where innovations in food delivery continue to thrive, Fusion Kitchen invites everyone to partake in the celebration of its fifth anniversary--a zestful tribute to perseverance, partnership, and the passion that ignites the culinary world.For more information, please visit: https://www.fusionkitchen.co.uk/ (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)
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 4: JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, proudly introduces its Masters in Hospital Administration (MSc Hospital Administration) program, setting a new benchmark in healthcare management education in Bangalore and across India. Hospital Administration Course Details: The MSc Hospital Administration program at JAIN University is meticulously designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective leadership in healthcare organisations. From healthcare policy formulation to financial management and quality assurance, students delve into various facets of hospital administration, ensuring they emerge as adept administrators capable of addressing the complex challenges of the healthcare industry. The MSc Hospital Administration program at JAIN University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including healthcare informatics, strategic management, healthcare marketing, and legal aspects of healthcare management. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical experiences, students gain a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for driving organisational success. Top Hospital Administration Colleges in Bangalore: Located in Bangalore, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) stands out as one of the top institutions for higher education, particularly in the field of hospital administration. With world-class infrastructure and a faculty comprising seasoned professionals and industry experts, the university provides an enriching learning environment conducive to academic excellence and holistic development. JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) is widely recognized as one of the best Hospital Administration colleges in India. The MSc Hospital Administration program exemplifies the university's commitment to providing students with quality education and preparing them to become future leaders in the healthcare sector. With a focus on innovation, research, and industry collaborations, JAIN University ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry with confidence and competence. MSc Hospital Administration: For those aspiring to advance their careers in hospital administration and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) offers the MSc in Hospital Administration program as a pathway to success. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare management and embark on a rewarding journey towards professional excellence. Apply now and become part of a community dedicated to transforming healthcare delivery through leadership and innovation. How to Apply: For further details and to embark on a bright and successful medical career, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website: https://sahs.jainuniversity.ac.in/ or you can contact: +91 8050473797 for all the admission-related queries. Join JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), known for its Top paramedical college and top allied health science courses that encourage you to chart your course to a thriving and fulfilling medical profession! About JAIN (Deemed-to-be University): JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) is a leading institution dedicated to providing quality education across diverse disciplines. Committed to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) prepares students to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen fields. Through its various schools and programs, the university offers a dynamic learning environment enriched by renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry collaborations. (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)
During the meeting today, startups presented their concerns regarding a few "policies" of Google.

Recently, Google announced that it will be removing certain Indian apps from its Play Store. The reason behind this decision was a disagreement over service fee payments, as per reports.

Subsequently, Google, however, restored all the apps on its Play Store.

"There has been a deep and decisive transformation in India's startup ecosystem over the past 10 years. From fewer startups in 2014, we now have more than 1 lakh startups and 113 unicorns, with the potential to add 10 lakh startups and 10,000 unicorns in the coming decade," Chandrasekhar posted on X after the virtual meeting.

"Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi ji, the Govt will continue to work towards a level playing field for big and small firms alike while creating an ecosystem that will catalyze growth for startups," he added in the X post. (ANI)
Tata Motors Limited (TML) will demerge into two separate listed companies housing the Commercial Vehicles business and its related investments in one entity and the Passenger Vehicles businesses including PV, EV, JLR and its related investments in another entity. The demerger will be implemented through an NCLT scheme of arrangement and all shareholders of Tata Motors Ltd shall continue to have identical shareholding in both the listed entities. The Board of Directors of Tata Motors Limited (TML), at its meeting held on Monday, has approved the proposal of demerger. Over the past few years, the Commercial Vehicles (CV), Passenger Vehicles (PV+EV), and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) businesses of Tata Motors have delivered a strong performance by successfully implementing distinct strategies. Since 2021, these businesses have been operating independently under their respective CEOs. The demerger, according to Tata Motors, is a logical progression of the subsidiarisation of PV and EV businesses done earlier in 2022 and shall further empower the respective businesses to pursue their respective strategies to "deliver higher growths with greater agility while reinforcing accountability." Furthermore, while there are limited synergies between Commercial Vehicles (CV) and Passenger Vehicles (PV) businesses, there are considerable synergies to be harnessed across PV, EV and JLR, particularly in the areas of EVs, autonomous vehicles, and vehicle software which the demerger will help secure, the company said in a release. "Tata Motors has scripted a strong turnaround in the last few years. The three automotive business units are now operating independently and delivering consistent performance. This demerger will help them better capitalise on the opportunities provided by the market by enhancing their focus and agility," said Chairman N Chandrasekaran. "This will lead to a superior experience for our customers, better growth prospects for our employees and, enhanced value for our shareholders," the chairman added. The NCLT scheme of arrangement for the demerger shall be placed before the Board of Directors for approval in the coming months and will be subject to all necessary shareholder, creditor and regulatory approvals which could take a further 12-15 months to complete. The demerger will have no adverse impact on employees, customers, and its business partners, Tata Motors asserted in the release. (ANI)
In a significant initiative, the Centre on Monday launched 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to empower citizens to proactively report suspected fraud communication. The initiative was launched by Union Minister Minister of Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. He also launched the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)'s 'Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)' for coordination among the stakeholders to curb misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds. Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw said the government has been persistently making efforts to check cyber frauds under the Secure India project, at three levels- national, organisational and individual. He said the Department of Telecommunication has taken many initiatives to spread awareness so that citizens can make use of such tools for addressing their grievances as well as protect themselves from cyber-frauds. Referring to the "Sanchar Saathi" portal, he said it has helped successfully tackle such attacks. The Minister pointed out that along with two portals- DIP and Chakshu, the tools will further appreciably enhance the capacity and ability to check any kind of cyber security threat. Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal said these two new portals are yet another steps for dealing with cyber security threat to every citizen's digital assets. These tools, he pointed out, will help curb any kind of fraudulent means and misuse of communications system. Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), developed by the Department of Telecommunications is a secure and integrated platform for real time intelligence sharing, information exchange and coordination among the stakeholders including Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks and financial institutions (FIs), social media platforms, identity document issuing authorities. The portal also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources. The shared information could be useful to the stakeholders in their respective domains. It also works as a backend repository for the citizen-initiated requests on the Sanchar Saathi portal for action by the stakeholders. The DIP is accessible to the stakeholders over secure connectivity and the relevant information is shared based on their respective roles, a release said. The said platform is not accessible to citizens. Chakshu is the latest addition to the citizen-centric facilities already available on the Sanchar Saathi portal of DoT, the release said. "Chakshu facilitates citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over call, SMS or WhatsApp with the intention of defrauding like KYC expiry or update of bank account / payment wallet / SIM / gas connection / electricity connection, sextortion, impersonation as government official / relative for sending money, disconnection of all mobile numbers by Department of Telecommunications etc," the release said. It said in case, a citizen is already a victim of cyber-crime or financial fraud, it is advised to report at cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in of Government of India. (ANI)
Actor Jennifer Winget is being lauded for her role as lawyer Anushka Raisinghani in 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani'. Talking about her character and preparation, Jennifer said in a statement that getting into the skin of the character is the secret sauce for a great performance for any actor. "In Anushka's world where being virtuous and empathetic is above everything...to play Anushka I had to consciously train myself to learn empathy which is quite different from my own personality. While the right emotions are key, nailing the way the character talks is also super important. Especially in Raisinghani vs Raisinghani where we're playing lawyers dealing with legal terms." She added, "Luckily, our awesome team of writers does all the heavy lifting with the legal jargon, so we actors can focus on our roles. A big shoutout to the real-life lawyers who deal with this every day! Plus, as an actor, I always want each character to stand out, not just emotionally but also in how they look. For Anushka, I worked hard to look like a confident lawyer, even dropping a few pounds for that perfect look." 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani' also stars Karan Wahi and Reem Shaikh. (ANI)
The much-awaited trailer of 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' a cinematic portrayal of one of India's most influential and controversial figures during the Indian Independence struggle, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, revered as Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, was unveiled today. Directed by actor Randeep Hooda, who also essays the role of Savarkar. The film promises to be more than just a biopic; it's an epic and daring retelling of India's armed revolution for independence. The trailer begins with Randeep Hooda as Veer Savarkar walking in the Kaala Paani prison, setting the tone with an impactful voiceover, "Hum sabne padha hai ki BHARAT ko aazadi ahinsa se mili hai lekin yeh voh kahaani nahi hai" (We have all read that India attained freedom through non-violence, but this is not that story). The film encapsulates the journey and struggles of Freedom Fighter Swatantrya Veer Savarkar in the fight for India's independence. The trailer also showcases the historic moment when the two influential leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, and Veer Savarkar, met, highlighting the difference in their ideologies and approaches towards India's independence struggle. The trailer unravels the film's focus on the Indian armed revolution along with glimpses of its leaders and martyrs such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madanlal Dhingra, Bhagat Singh and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose while teasing with the politics of that period making the film most anticipated with the revelations it has in store with respect to modern Indian history, which the film promises to rewrite. "I also didn't know so much about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar when I was approached for this," said Randeep Hooda. "When I read up about him in great detail I was astounded by his life and his influence on other freedom fighters of that time. Why do we as a nation don't know much about him infuriated me so much that I took it upon myself to tell his story to world as it was," he added. "This film is a tribute to his undying spirit and unwavering commitment to the nation and about the contribution of armed revolution in India's fight for Independence which he influenced so much. We will break many myths surrounding Veer Savarkar and honor his legacy with an honest, no-holds-barred portrayal," he concluded. 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is set to hit Cinemas worldwide a day before Martyr's Day as a fitting homage to all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence. Produced by Zee Studios, Anand Pandit, Sandeep Singh, Randeep Hooda, & Yogesh Rahar. Co-produced by Roopa Pandit, Sam Khan, Anwar Ali, Panchali Chakraborty. Starring Randeep Hooda, Ankita Lokhande, and Amit Sial is slated to release on 22nd March 2024 in two languages - Hindi and Marathi. (ANI)
The victims were identified as residents of Singrauli-Khutar in Madhya Pradesh.

The unfortunate incident claimed the lives of four family members, as a truck collided with the car and overturned.

"Four members of a family from Madhya Pradesh's Singhrauli namely, Raman Prasad Sharma, Reeta Devi, Sukvarya Devi and Deepak Sharma were on their way to Varanasi in their alto car died when a truck overturned," informed Additional SP Kalu Singh. (ANI)
Ahead of the Lok Sabha election, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that Bharatiya Janta Party will win all 11 seats in the state. "BJP will win 11 out of 11 Lok Sabha seats...Congress opposes whatever good work we do, it is their 'dharma' and they keep doing that" said Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh BJP chief Kiran Singh Deo said that the preparation of the party in the state is going on to win all the 11 seats. "Our preparations (for Lok Sabha elections) have been going on since earlier. BJP workers are on it...this is our way of working...our goal is to win all the 11 seats in Chhattisgarh," said BJP chief Kiran Singh Deo. After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced the candidature of Vijay Baghel from Durg, Chhattisgarh, Lok Sabha seat, BJP leader Vijay Baghel on Sunday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the party will win this seat with an even bigger margin in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. "I would like to thank PM Modi, National President JP Nadda, and HM Amit Shah. With the faith they (BJP leadership) have shown in me and the people of Durg, I assure them that we will win this seat with an even bigger margin. In the resolution that PM Modi has taken to lead India to the 3rd position in the global economy, people are with him in this resolution. BJP will cross the 370 mark," BJP leader Vijay Baghel said. Earlier, on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi again. Of 195 candidates, 34 are Ministers from the Centre and States while two are former Chief Ministers on the list. Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar while Mansukh Mandaviya will contest from Porbandar. Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi secured a victory in Varanasi with 6,74,664 against Congress's Ajay Rai. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won 303 seats, leaving the Congress party behind at 52 seats.The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-day visit to five states, namely Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar, starting Monday. PM Modi earlier on Sunday said that the development works that will be inaugurated during his upcoming visit to the five states cover a wide range of sectors and will transform several lives. At around 10.30 am, the Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects related to the power, rail and road sectors worth more than Rs. 56,000 crores in Telangana's Adilabad today. The major focus of the projects will be the power sector. He will dedicate NTPC's 800 MW (Unit-2) to the Telangana Super Thermal Power Project in Peddapalli, Telangana. Based on ultra-supercritical technology, the project will supply 85 per cent power to Telangana and will have the highest power generation efficiency of approximately 42 per cent among all power stations of NTPC in India. The foundation stone of the project was also laid by the Prime Minister. PM Modi will also dedicate 660 MW (Unit-2) of North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project in Chatra, Jharkhand. This is the country's first Supercritical Thermal Power Project conceived with an Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC) of such large magnitude which reduces water consumption to 1/3rd in comparison to conventional water-cooled condensers. The commencement of work on this project was flagged off by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will also dedicate the Fly Ash Based Light Weight Aggregate Plant at Sipat, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh; STP Water to Green Hydrogen Plant at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. Further, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Singrauli Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2x800 MW) in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh; Flue Gas CO2 to 4G Ethanol Plant at Lara, Raigarh in Chhattisgarh; Sea Water to Green Hydrogen plant at Simhadri, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; and Fly Ash Based FALG Aggregate Plant at Korba in Chhattisgarh. He will inaugurate seven projects and also lay the foundation stone of one project of the Power Grid Corporation of India. PM Modi will inaugurate the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's (NHPC's) 380 MW Solar Project at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Around 792 million units of green power will be generated each year from the project. He will lay the foundation of Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited's (BSUL's) 1200 MW Jalaun Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. He will inaugurate three solar power projects of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) in Jalaun and Kanpur Dehat in Uttar Pradesh. These projects have a total capacity of 200 MW. The foundation stone of these projects was also laid by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Naitwar Mori Hydro Power Station along with the associated transmission line in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. He will also lay the foundation stone of two solar projects of SJVN in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh & Dhubri, Assam; and also of 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh. He will lay the foundation of TUSCO's 600 MW Lalitpur Solar Power Project in the Lalitpur district of UP. PM Modi will inaugurate ReNew's Koppal-Narendra Transmission Scheme for the evacuation of 2500 MW of power from renewable energy. This inter-state transmission scheme is located in the Koppal district of Karnataka. Other power sector-related projects of Damodar Valley Corporation and of IndiGrid will also be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. In addition to the power sector, projects in the road and rail sectors will also be taken up during the visit. The Prime Minister will dedicate the newly electrified Ambari - Adilabad - Pimpalkhuti rail line to the nation. He will also lay the foundation for two major national highway projects connecting Telangana with Maharashtra and Telangana with Chhattisgarh through NH-353B and NH-163. Thereafter, at around 3.30 pm, the Prime Minister will visit BHAVINI in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Marking a historic milestone in India's nuclear power programme, the Prime Minister will witness the initiation of core loading of India's indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor(PFBR) of 500 MWe capacity at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This PFBR has been developed by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited). India has adopted a three-stage nuclear power program with a closed fuel cycle. This is an important step for India towards thorium utilisation in the third stage of the nuclear power programme. Once commissioned, India will be the second country after Russia to have commercial operating Fast Reactor. (ANI)
Defence Ministe Rajnath Singh today launched Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi. Under the scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology, the ministry of Defence said in an official statement on Monday. "The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology," the Raksha Mantri said as he addressed a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers. The ADITI scheme worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence. It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe. It also envisages to create a 'Technology Watch Tool' to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem. In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges - Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) - have been launched, it said. Rajnath Singh voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's unwavering commitment to encourage the youth to bring forth innovative ideas. He asserted that to motivate young innovators, iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore. Following the encouraging participation in providing solutions to the challenges given by the Services and DPSUs, ADITI scheme has now been launched, he said. He stated that the idea behind the schemes/initiatives such as ADITI, iDEX, iDEX Prime is to also transform India into a knowledge society. "As times are changing, new technologies are coming into existence. To become a developed country, it is necessary for us to achieve a technological edge. We have to transform our country into a knowledge society," he said. The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem. The DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements - Indian Army (4), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (7) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (1) - aimed at addressing critical defence challenges, inviting innovators to propose innovative solutions that can enhance the country's defence capabilities and contribute to national security, as per the statement. Rajnath Singh described 'getting a hold on state-of-the-art defence technology' as the most crucial aspect to achieve self-reliance due to the increasing role of cutting-edge technology in warfare in today's time. He stated that technology can be mastered either by adopting the latest innovation from other countries or by developing our own. The Government is working on both methods, he stressed. "Under offset, we are acquiring technology from various countries through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). But, like this, we cannot obtain best technologies as countries never share their latest innovations. This is why there is a need to develop the required technologies on our own. For this, we need research and development (R&D). There are a number of conditions that need to be fulfilled to establish a productive R&D ecosystem. India has a large workforce of energetic and skilled youth who are committed to taking India forward in the field of technology. When we have such a skilled workforce, we should not shy away from setting ambitious goals. Our youth are fully empowered to make India self-reliant in the defence sector, and the government is providing them with the environment to touch greater heights," he said. Highlighting the Government's vision of attaining self-reliance as soon as it came to power, Rajnath Singh said the nation cannot remain dependent on import of weapons/platforms as it can be fatal for strategic autonomy. He stated that without self-reliance, India cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with its national interests, the statement added. "Strategic autonomy can be maintained only when arms and equipment are made in India by our own people. We are working towards this, and the results are positive. While in 2014 our domestic defence production was around Rs 44,000 crore, today it has crossed the record figure of Rs one lakh crore, and growing continuously. This change took place due to our conistent efforts. Tough decisions had to be taken. Status-quo had to be disrupted," he said, while listing out a number of measures taken to promote domestic manufacturing, including earmarking 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget for Indian companies. Rajnath Singh emphasised that governance and commerce or business are codependent and the private sector needs a platform to flourish, which is being provided by the Government to achieve the goal of strengthening the economy. "Many aspects such as law & order, healthy & skilled workforce, rule of law and research & development ecosystem are needed to provide a platform for the private sector. Society and the government together provide these requirements so that the private sector moves forward and boosts the productivity & capacity of the economy," he added. As per the statement, He highlighted the efforts being made by the Government to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence production, including notifying positive indigenisation lists of major platforms & equipment that are being/will be manufactured in India. He suggested to the DDP that "in the coming 4-5 years, we should come out with a short negative list containing items that will be imported and we should strive to eliminate that list to achieve complete self-reliance". As part of DefConnect 2024, a technology showcase was also organised by iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) with a diverse range of technology start-ups at the forefront of innovation in the defence sector. These start-ups are revolutionising key areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Undersea Detection and Communication, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Wearable Technology, Blast & Ballistics Proof Structures and Equipment, smart textiles and cyber security. These start-ups represented cutting-edge technologies and innovations, offering solutions to enhance defence capabilities, strengthen national security, and safeguard national interests. The showcase underscored the immense potential of the Indian innovation ecosystem in contributing to defence technology, the release added. As part of a broader discourse on diversity and inclusion in defence entrepreneurship, DefConnect 2024 hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on 'Women as Drivers of Change'. The discussion explored the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of defence innovation and strategies to further promote gender diversity in the sector. The panel witnessed various noted participants from the Department of Space, Indian Air Force, Financial institutions and start-ups. The discussion offered insights on the Indian Defence Landscape, Technology, Future Trends, Innovation, and opportunities for the Indian start-up ecosystem. In recognition of the invaluable contributions of women entrepreneurs to the defence innovation ecosystem, DefConnect 2024 featured a special felicitation ceremony for iDEX women entrepreneurs, it said. In addition, DefConnect 2024 witnessed the launch of a rolling iDEX internship program, aimed at nurturing young talent and providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in defence innovation. This initiative seeks to groom the next generation of innovators and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the defence innovation ecosystem , as per statement. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster investment in defence start-ups, iDEX announced Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with new investors under the iDEX Investors Hub (IIH). These partnerships will facilitate increased investment in defence start-ups, providing them with the necessary capital and support to scale their ventures and drive innovation in the sector. These strategic partnerships have now taken the pledge to funds, from Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 500 crore, the release added. Highlighting the success stories of iDEX start-ups, the ceremony also featured the announcement of investments in iDEX winners and the felicitation of iDEX winners, showcasing their innovative solutions and entrepreneurial spirit, the release added. Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion. The launch of the ADITI Scheme, DISC 11, and other initiatives during DefConnect 2024 underscores the Government's unwavering commitment to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production. These initiatives are poised to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation, ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty in the years to come, it added. (ANI)
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the AYUSH-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrated Health Research in AIIMS, here today. He also announced other mega joint initiatives between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH which included multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia and the launch of Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for AYUSH healthcare facilities. The Union Health Minister also inaugurated the 27th convocation of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth and the 29th National Seminar on 'Ayurvedo Amritanam' on the occasion, an official statement said on Monday. Expressing his elation at the launch of these collaborative initiatives, Mandaviya said that, "Collaborative Research in AYUSH is extremely important as it bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, promoting a synergistic approach to health care". "Ayurveda is a part of our culture, heritage and tradition. It is still being followed in our everyday practice. This strategic collaboration aims to advance Integrative Health Research, integrate traditional AYUSH practices with modern medical science and take India to the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations", he said Highlighting that the government is following an integrative approach so as to take the best practices from both the disciplines, Ayurveda and Allopathy, the Union Health Minister said that "the Union Government is working towards providing quality-oriented healthcare towards the needs of the people of the country. In this direction, Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) were published by the Union Health Ministry as a set of uniform standards to improve the quality of health care delivery. By adopting these reforms, it is expected that the States/UTs will be able to develop AYUSH health care services with set standards and quality infrastructure, thereby enabling the public to avail the benefits of AYUSH medical services for all healthcare. The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry of AYUSH for its remarkable journey in the last decade which has resulted in significant initiatives and achievements. He also urged the students to inspiration from our ancient scriptures and follow their practices with pride, the release said. Integrative Medicine (IM) is an approach to medical care that recognizes the benefit of combining conventional/modern medicine therapies with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that have been shown to be safe and effective to promote holistic health considering individual's requirements. IM also addresses the barriers to healing and provide the patient with the knowledge, skills and support to take better care of their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health. Rather than limiting treatments to a specific specialty, IM uses the safest and most effective combination of approaches and treatments from the world of conventional and complementary/alternative medicine, the release stated. (ANI)
After the Delhi Finance Minister presented the budget of Rs 76000 crore, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the people of Delhi to vote for all 7 candidates of the INDIA bloc adding that people of Delhi are like his family. Hitting out at the Centre while accusing of toppling the AAP government, Delhi CM Kejriwal said, "You (the public) gave me 62 seats (in the 2020 elections) and 67 seats (in the 2015 elections), only then my government could run, otherwise, if we had got 40 seats, these people would have toppled my government. Everyone is seeing how the BJP, LG and the central government create obstacles in every work." "I am fighting with all of them. What did the people of Delhi get by electing 7 BJP MPs? I want to tell the people that they should elect 7 MPs from the INDIA Alliance, it will strengthen me. 13 MPs will come from Punjab, we have 10 in Rajya Sabha, and overall we will have 25-30 MPs, then no one will have the power to stop our work..." The Delhi CM added. Speaking about appearing before ED virtually after March 12, Delhi CM Kejriwal said, "My stand has always been that ED summons are illegal. I have written to them (ED) many times but they have not responded...I have written that I am not hiding anything and am ready to answer all your questions and you can ask through video conferencing. This is my right...There is no demand from my side, but if they want, they can telecast the (questioning) live..." AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the women of Delhi after the Delhi Finance Minister Atishi announced the transfer Rs 1000 per month to every woman above 18 years of age under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' for the financial year 2024-25. "Today a big announcement has been made for the women of Delhi. This will be the world's biggest program to empower women. Now they will not have to depend on anyone for money. Every woman above 18 years of age will be given Rs 1,000 every month." said AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. "Today is a very emotional day for me, I never thought that I would enter politics. I can never repay the debt of the people of Delhi. The people of Delhi are like my family, everyone should get a quality education. It was announced in the budget today, now every woman above 18 years of age will get Rs. 1,000 in her account. We have been working on this for many years. By saving money, we are doing the work done by the public and spending it on the public. I want to congratulate the women of Delhi," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal further. "Women above 18 years of age who are not government employees, who do not receive any pension and who do not pay income tax, will get the benefit. Women will have to give a self-declaration. The process will start after the elections..." he added. Delhi Minister Atishi presented the 10th budget of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's government at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha today. "Today we are introducing a revolutionary programme 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' in which women above 18 years of age will be given 1000 rupees every month," Delhi Finance Minister Atishi said. "A budget of Rs 2,714 crore has been proposed for these beneficiaries in the budget of 2024-25. Under the Rs. 2000 crore for 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' for the welfare and empowerment of women, every woman above 18 years of age will get an amount of Rs 1000 per month," the minister said. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Monday held that "corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life" while overturning a previous ruling that offered immunity to lawmakers from charges of accepting bribes for casting votes or making speeches in Parliament or state legislatures. The Supreme Court's seven-judge Constitution Bench overruled the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment case, which granted immunity to members of Parliament and members of the legislative assembly from prosecution for taking bribes for voting in Parliament or state assemblies. "Corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life," the bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said. The other judges on the bench included Justices AS Bopanna, MM Sundresh, PS Narasimha, JB Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar, and Manoj Misra. The bench strongly opined that "the offence of bribery is agnostic to the performance of the agreed action and crystallises on the exchange of illegal gratification." "It does not matter whether the vote is cast in the agreed direction or if the vote is cast at all. The offence of bribery is complete at the point in time when the legislator accepts the bribe," the court viewed. Overruling the judgement given in the PV Narasimha Rao case, the court said that the interpretation given in that judgement is contrary to the text and purpose of Articles 105 and 194. The interpretation placed in the judgment of the majority in the PV Narasimha Rao case (supra) results in a paradoxical outcome where a legislator is conferred with immunity when they accept a bribe and follow through by voting in the agreed direction, the court said, adding further that on the other hand, a legislator who agrees to accept a bribe, but eventually decides to vote independently will be prosecuted. "Such an interpretation is contrary to the text and purpose of Articles 105 and 194," the court ruled. "In the course of this judgment, while analysing the reasoning of the majority and minority in PV Narasimha Rao (supra) we have independently adjudicated on all the aspects of the controversy, namely, whether, by virtue of Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, a Member of Parliament or the Legislative Assembly, as the case may be, can claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in a criminal court. We disagree with and overrule the judgment of the majority on this aspect," the top court ordered. "The judgment of the majority in PV Narasimha Rao (supra), which grants immunity from prosecution to a member of the legislature who has allegedly engaged in bribery for casting a vote or speaking has wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life and parliamentary democracy. There is a grave danger of this Court allowing an error to be perpetuated if the decision is not reconsidered," the court observed. "Unlike the House of Commons in the UK, India does not have 'ancient and undoubted' privileges which were vested after a struggle between Parliament and the King. Privileges in pre-independence India were governed by statute in the face of a reluctant colonial government. The statutory privilege transitioned to a constitutional privilege after the commencement of the Constitution," the court said. "An individual member of the legislature cannot assert a claim of privilege to seek immunity under Articles 105 and 194 from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with a vote or speech in the legislature. Such a claim to immunity fails to fulfil the two-fold test that the claim is tethered to the collective functioning of the House and that it is necessary to the discharge of the essential duties of a legislator," it added. Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution seek to sustain an environment in which debate and deliberation can take place within the legislature. This purpose is destroyed when a member is induced to vote or speak in a certain manner because of an act of bribery, the top court said. The jurisdiction which is exercised by a competent court to prosecute a criminal offence and the authority of the House to take action for a breach of discipline in relation to the acceptance of a bribe by a member of the legislature exist in distinct spheres. The scope, purpose and consequences of the court exercising jurisdiction in relation to a criminal offence and the authority of the House to discipline its members are different, the top court said "The potential of misuse against individual members of the legislature is neither enhanced nor diminished by recognizing the jurisdiction of the court to prosecute a member of the legislature who is alleged to have indulged in an act of bribery," the court said. (ANI)
In a bid to accelerate development in the 100 underdeveloped cities of the state, the Yogi government has launched the Aspirational Cities Scheme. As part of this endeavour, the initial focus will be on comprehensively transforming schools and Anganwadi centres in these cities, the chief minister's office said in a press release. As per the directives from the Chief Minister, a total of 913 schools in the 100 aspirational urban areas of the state will undergo upgrades, with an additional 25 new schools to be established. Furthermore, new buildings will be constructed for 348 Anganwadi centres currently operating in rented or alternative government facilities within these aspirational urban areas. The state government has allocated over Rs 143 crores for the implementation of these projects. As for the upgradation of schools and the construction of new buildings, in the financial year 2024-25, arrangements will be made for additional classrooms in 389 schools in the 100 aspirational urban bodies at the cost of Rs 36.89 crores, including Rs 9.27 lakhs per school. Additionally, for the provision of smart classes in 913 schools, an expenditure of Rs 2.5 lakhs per school and a total of Rs 22.87 crores will be made. Similarly, for the furniture of smart classes, the government will spend a total of Rs 6.56 crores. "Besides, 25 new Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools will also be established at a total cost of Rs 35.5 crores with each school to cost Rs 1.42 crores. Thus, the state government will spend Rs 101.83 crores for the upgradation and the opening of new schools," the press release further said. Furthermore, a separate plan has been prepared for Anganwadi centres in line with the directives of the Chief Minister. In the 100 underdeveloped urban areas of the state, the Yogi government plans to construct new buildings for 348 Anganwadi centres currently housed in rented or alternative government structures. "Of these, 59 centres are operating from rented buildings and the remaining 289 from other government facilities. The Yogi government will spend approximately Rs 12 lakhs per Anganwadi centre, totalling Rs 41.20 crores for this initiative," the release added. It should be noted that the government has kept 100 urban bodies in the 38 districts of UP in the aspirational urban body category. This includes 5 in Aligarh, 1 in Etah, 1 in Hathras, 1 in Kasganj, 2 in Ayodhya, 1 in Ambedkar Nagar, 1 in Barabanki, 1 in Sultanpur, 2 in Azamgarh, 3 in Ballia, 2 in Mau, 2 in Shahjahanpur, 9 in Basti, 3 in Sant Kabir Nagar, 4 in Siddharthnagar, 1 in Banda, 4 in Bahraich, 1 in Balrampur, 3 in Gonda, 6 in Deoria, 2 in Gorakhpur, 5 in Kushinagar, 4 in Maharajganj, 2 in Farrukhabad, 2 in Kanpur Dehat, 2 in Lakhimpur Kheri, 2 in Lucknow, 1 in Rae Bareli, 2 in Unnao, 1 in Bulandshahr, 2 in Sonbhadra, 1 in Muradabad, 3 in Rampur, 3 in Fatehpur, 2 in Kaushambi, 10 in Pratapgarh, 1 in Prayagraj, and 2 in Jaunpur. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Monday lashed out at RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav for his recent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments were made during a rally in Patna on Sunday. "At an INDI rally in Patna yesterday, Lalu Prasad made an offensive remark about PM Modi. His comments about the family of Modiji were unfortunate and painful," Trivedi said at a press conference in the national capital. "... I want to remind everyone that for him (PM Modi), the whole country is his family... Ever since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he celebrates Diwali with soldiers on the border. They are his family... When he left his family to dedicate himself to his country, that very moment he pledged that the whole nation is his family," Trivedi said. Hailing PM Modi, the BJP spokesperson said, "He did not take a single leave in his tenure". Lashing out at INDIA bloc leaders, Trivedi said, "...For the INDI alliance there are no Hindus. For them, Hindus are backward, Dalit, 'Savarn', North Indian, South Indian, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, and even Hindi, but not Hindu". Without taking any specific name, the BJP spokesperson took a dig at the Congress, "Because they want to see India in pieces. A family divided the country to get into politics and today, they stand with those who want to divide India so that they get to rule at least one division of the country". Lalu Yadav, while addressing the party's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna on Sunday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi just spreads hatred in the name of religion. "These days he is talking about dynastic politics. You (PM Modi) don't have a family. You are not even a Hindu. When your mother died, every Hindu, as per tradition, shaves his beard and head. Why did you not shave? You only spread hatred in society," RJD Chief Lalu Yadav had said. Meanwhile, the BJP today launched a major online campaign 'Modi Ka Parivar' with several top leaders, including Amit Shah and JP Nadda, adding the suffix on their social media handles in solidarity with Narendra Modi. Addressing a rally in Adilabad in Telangana, the PM said, "I question their dynastic politics, they say Modi does not have a family, my life is an open book...I will live for my country." "The leaders of the INDI alliance, deeply engrossed in corruption, nepotism and appeasement, are becoming nervous. When I question their 'Parivarvad', they have started saying that Modi has no family," the Prime Minister said". "My life is an open book, 140 crore people of the country are my family. Today, crores of daughters, mothers and sisters of the country are Modi's family. Every poor person in the country is my family. Those who have no one, they also belong to Modi and Modi belongs to them. They say 'Nene Modi Kutumbam' (I'm Modi family)," he said. (ANI)
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Monday said there is "nothing wrong" in the Union Home Ministry handing over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Priyank Kharge, who is also Karnataka's Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, also slammed the BJP over its citing a private forensic lab report analysis that claimed that it is highly probable that 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans were raised outside the Vidhan Souda by supporters of a winning Congress candidate. Kharge said they are open to probe into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case. "Whatever it is, we are open for investigation. We have a very great police team here in Karnataka. If they have given it to the NIA, there is nothing wrong in it...," Kharge told ANI on Monday. Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to the NIA, which has started an investigation. The blast took place at the cafe on March 1 in Bengaluru's Whitefield area in which 10 people were injured. The Bengaluru Police had registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act. Answering a query about the 'pro-Pakistan' slogan row, Kharge asked how can an RSS-backed foundation give a private company the job of giving a report on the incident. The BJP had earlier demanded the resignation of Siddaramaiah-led Congress government after supporters of a Rajya Sabha election winner from Congress allegedly raised the slogans in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha. In a post on X, BJP Karnataka said that the scientific report has revealed that Congress is the creator of false news. Kharge said multiple footage is being examined in the matter. "How can an RSS-backed foundation give a private company this job? Who are they to give this job to them? It is such a serious issue? They should be a little more serious about this...Why is it that the Samwad Foundation is so interested in this and why is BJP dancing to the tunes of that Samwad Foundation? What connection do they have with the foundation and what is the footage they have given to the private forensic lab?" he asked. "This report is inconclusive. This is purely to benefit BJP...We will take the decision as per the law. As far as I know, we are examining multiple footage," he told ANI. Karnataka BJP had alleged in its complaint last week that after Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain was elected to the Rajya Sabha, his supporters, who had gathered at the premises of the Vidhana Soudha "suddenly shouted 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in a loud manner while cheering for Hussain." (ANI)
The Special Cell of the Delhi police is investigating a case allegedly linked to gold smuggling to fund terror activities by banned outfit, Indian Mujahideen, said the police. According to the police, earlier on January 16, two persons, identified as Kaku Taufiq and Hayaan Kola, were apprehended by the Customs Department at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport for allegedly smuggling gold. "Later, it was revealed that the accused were relatives of the founders of the banned outfit--Indian Mujahideen- Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal Bhatkal and Yassen Bhatkal. They were also in touch with another person named Abdul Kader, a resident of Maharashtra's Mumbai. Suspecting a terror angle, the case was then handed over to the Special cell of the Delhi police," said the police. "It was also learned that the two accused are a native of Karnataka's Bhatkal, where the founders of the banned outfit belong. Fake driving licenses were also recovered from the possession of the accused," it added. The police further said that during the course of the investigation, a team of special cells visited Bhatkal and interrogated the terror connection of one of the accused--Kaku Tauqif. The family members of the accused were questioned by the special cell; however, they denied any association with him. "As per enquiries, the wife of Kaku Tauqif is the cousin of Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal Bhatkal and Yaseen Bhatkal," the police said. "The special cell team also raided the residence of the co-accused Abdul Kader in Mumbai. As the team reached his residence, his wife contacted him telephonically. However, he made an excuse that he was not in the town. On tracing his location, it was learned that he was in the neighbourhood. Later, accused Kader had switched off his phone. A probe is underway to nab him," it added. An FIR was registered in the matter. Further probes are underway. The Indian Mujahideen was banned by the government in 2010. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's government has approved the country's most stringent law (ordinance) to provide compensation for the entire loss caused during riots. "The Cabinet has approved the formation of a special tribunal during the Cabinet meeting today with the aim of strictly curbing the cases of riots and unrest, Dhami said. He said that the "damage caused to public property during the riots would be compensated by the rioters themselves". The Chief Minister said, "Those who disturb the peace of the state will have to pay a heavy price and will set an example that will be remembered for years by the generations of rioters who tarnished the sacred land of Devbhoomi". After implementing the country's strictest anti-copying law and passing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's cabinet passed the Uttarakhand Public (Government) and Recovery of Damage to Private Property (Ordinance) Act 2024 on Monday to stop riots and deal with rioters. Under this law, full recovery will be made from the rioters for causing damage to private and government property. Apart from this, a huge fine of up to Rs 8 lakh and expenses incurred on government staff and other work in riot control will also be compensated. The Pushkar Singh Dhami Cabinet on Monday approved this law and sent it to the Governor for approval. With this law, those who cause damage to private and public property during disturbances like riots, strikes, bandhs in the state will be dealt with strictly. In addition to compensation for the loss of government and private property, if someone's body is mutilated during the riot, the entire cost of treatment will be recovered from the rioter. Apart from this, the entire expenses incurred during the riots by the police, administration or other agencies for riot control will also be recovered. The government has also decided to impose a fine of up to Rs 8 lakh on the rioters under this law along with other punishment and action. The government has also approved setting up a formal Claims Tribunal so that strict action can be taken against the rioters through the tribunal. If the government registers a case against the rioters, action will be taken under the Uttarakhand Recovery of Damage to Public and Private Property Ordinance 2024. The government has also duly approved the Claims Tribunal. Under this tribunal, the recovery will be made from the rioters and their family members as well as their property. An Additional District Magistrate (ADM) category officer has been given the responsibility of Claims Commissioner. The Claims Tribunal also includes members other than the retired judge. After approving this law in the cabinet, the government has sent it to the Governor for approval. Since the State Legislature is not currently in session, the Governor has the authority to implement this law in the state by using the powers conferred by Clause 1 of Article 213 of the Constitution of India. After the approval of the Governor, the "Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Recovery Ordinance 2024" will be implemented in the state. Earlier on Sunday, Dhami distributed appointment letters to eight Assistant Accountants and 342 Gram Panchayat Development Officers of the Panchayati Raj department in the appointment letter distribution ceremony organised by the Panchayati Raj department at the Chief Sevak Sadan located at the Chief Minister's residence. While Assistant Accountants have been selected through the Public Service Commission, Gram Panchayat Development Officers have been selected through the Subordinate Services Selection Commission. (ANI)
Weeks after the cancellation of the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable Recruitment examination due to allegations of paper leak, the Allahabad High Court has refused to release a miscreant who has been accused of appearing for someone else in an examination saying that cheating in competitive examinations has become an epidemic. Justice Manjurani Chauhan has given the order while rejecting the bail application of Roshan Singh. Refusing to grant bail to the accused, Roshan Singh, the Court said that cheating has led to a bad impact on society, the education system and those students who are deserving. The state government has been directed to take strict action against such criminals to maintain the integrity of competitive examinations and maintain the faith of eligible candidates in the examination system. The Court described the incident as an unfortunate situation for the State when responsible agencies have failed to effectively crack down on fraud. "They have failed to catch the fraudsters," the Court observed. The Court has ordered to send a copy of the order to the Principal Secretary of Law and Justice for placing it before the Law Minister. Earlier last year following the incident, Poonam Gupta, the Principal of Arya Kanya Inter College in Uttar Pradesh's Banda lodged an FIR in Kotwali Nagar police station. On June 26, 2023, the re-examination of Village Development Officer Recruitment 2018 was going on when a call was received from the Lucknow Control Room that one of the candidates set to take the examination, Ranjan Gupta's biometric attendance was suspicious. When the investigation was done, the accused Roshan Singh, was found to be taking the test impersonating Ranjan Gupta. He was arrested on June 29 last year. Singh said that he had been framed in the incident. He has argued that since no arrest has been made on the spot and the co-accused has been granted bail in the incident, he should also be released on bail. (ANI)
In a setback for Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, party leader and its former Gujarat unit chief Arjun Modhwadia resigned from the party and said that the leadership's decision to decline the invitation for Pran Prathistha ceremony at Ayodhya had hurt the sentiments of people. Modhwadia, a former Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat assembly, wrote a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stating that he is resigning from all party positions. In a hard-hitting attack, Modhwadia said the party had lost connection with the people. In his letter, Modhwadia hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused the party of "insulting Lord Ram by boycotting the Mahotsav in Ayodhya". He said that he had voiced his dissent when the Congress leadership declined the invitation to the Pran Pratishta event at the grand Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya in January. "Prabhu Ram is not just pujaniya to Hindus, but he is the Aastha of Bharat. By declining the invitation to witness Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav have hurt the sentiments of the people of India, Congress as a party failed to assess the sentiments of the people," he said. "Since my dissent, I have met scores of people who were offended by the manner in which the Congress Party insulted Lord Ram by boycotting the Mahotsav in Ayodhya. To further distract and humiliate this pious occasion, Rahul Gandhi attempted to create a ruckus in Assam which further angered our party cadres and citizens of Bharat. Over and above, since the last few years, I found myself helpless to contribute to the people of my district Porbandar and the state of Gujarat," he said. Modhwadia said that he is leaving the party with a "heavy heart" after being associated with it for over 40 years and "given my entire life for". Modhwadia later told the media that he had tried to convey his message to the party but was not successful. "When a party loses its connection with the people, it cannot survive for long. The people of the country wanted the Ram Temple to be constructed. The Congress had also decided that after a constitutional verdict from the Supreme Court, we would support it. Even then the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha was declined. I raised my voice then too, that this would hurt the public sentiment and we should not make such political decisions and that decision showed a lack of connection with the people. I tried to convey my message in several other matters, but I was not successful. Finally, I decided to resign today," he said. While BJP has declared some of its candidates from Gujarat for Lok Sabha polls, Congress is yet to decide its candidates. (ANI)
The Ghaziabad Crime Branch Police have arrested three members of an interstate gang involved in theft from mobile towers, police said adding that the accused were involved in major thefts in Delhi, Mumbai and Gujarat. "All these thieves used to steal radio receiver units and other items from mobile towers. They used to sell all the stolen goods to scrap dealers in Mustafabad," Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADCP) of Police Sachidanand Rai said. During police interrogation, the accused said that all three of them are members of an inter-state gang, who are residents of Delhi, who deal in scrap within Delhi NCR, Rai said. "On this pretext, they also used to do recce of towers. They used to take care of the proximity to the police post. These people have committed several thefts in Delhi, Mumbai and Gujarat. More than half a dozen cases have already been registered against the three arrested accused Monish, Anas and Sarim in Delhi NCR. Goods worth Rs 12 lakh, including a Scorpio, have been recovered from the arrested accused," the ADCP said. Police said that the three accused Monish, Anas and Sarim have been arrested from Ghaziabad's Khoda police station area. Police added that three of their associates- Basid, Bholu and Arish are absconding and efforts are on to arrest them. "All of them are part of the gang. The members used whatever money they earned by selling the stolen goods to support their lifestyle and expenses," Rai said. Earlier, in December last year, the Crime Branch of Ghaziabad police arrested a notorious gang of thieves responsible for stealing batteries, Remote Radio units (RRU), and other equipment from mobile towers across Ghaziabad, Noida, and Delhi-NCR. Ten individuals were arrested in connection with the case, including the gang's leader, Kanhaiya, from Mathura. The police recovered stolen goods worth Rs 48 lakh from the arrested thieves and scrap dealers, including RRU units, mobile tower batteries, theft equipment, and the vehicle used in the crimes. (ANI)
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asked the Bihar government to file its reply to the plea filed by the NGO Social Jurist.

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, appearing for the NGO, argued that the basic minimum statutory norms as prescribed in the RTE Act, 2009, are violated by the State of Bihar with impunity.

The NGO Social Jurist has challenged an order of the Patna High Court, which rejected its plea. According to the petitioner, the basic amenities required for a conducive educational environment are absent in almost all government schools in Bihar.

As many as 72663 government schools are there, in which 3 crore students are studying. They are denied basic amenities in the school. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various schemes worth Rs 68.82 crore on the occasion of the beneficiary conference organized at Laksar in Haridwar district on Monday. Foundation stone of 51 schemes worth Rs 65.34 crore and the foundation stone of schemes worth Rs 3.48 crore are included in it. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented the keys of the houses allotted to the beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana, gas connections along with cheques of the amount to be given to the self-help groups. Addressing the beneficiary felicitation ceremony, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is trying to reach the benefits of every scheme to the person standing at the last end of the society. Our government is dedicated to the welfare of the poor, hence it understands the needs of the poor very well. Our government is working day and night to take public welfare schemes to the masses, the result of which is that you all have gathered here in such large numbers today." He said that the country is progressing in every field under the leadership of PM Modi. The common man is getting the benefits of various schemes. The Chief Minister said that various schemes related to public welfare in the state are being made keeping in mind every section of the society and whether people are getting the benefits of the schemes or not is being reviewed from time to time. He further said that earlier, even if any scheme was started for the poor, they had to visit government offices to get the benefits of that scheme. "Even if a house was declared for him, he had to make separate toilets and make several trips to different government offices to get electricity, water and gas connections. But today, with basic facilities like toilet, electricity, water and gas, "Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana" frees the poor from all these hassles," he said. Dhami further said that his government is personally reaching out to the poor and is running special campaigns to ensure that the poor get the benefits of every scheme. "While doing development works and helping the beneficiaries, our government neither considers the caste nor the religion of any poor," he added. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of PM Modi, more than 4 crore pucca houses have been provided to poor families in the country in the last 10 years. When a government works with "Antyodaya" as its goal, how different are the results. "Our government has worked to write a new definition of development in the country and the state on the basis of service and good governance. The level at which the exploited and deprived are being empowered in the country today has never happened before. It is the result of the efficient leadership of the Prime Minister that after weighing the development work done during the last 10 years on all parameters, we can say that our country has made unprecedented progress in every field in these 10 years," the CM said. He said that today the whole world is praising the country and Prime Minister Modi. "In 10 years, the central government led by Prime Minister Modi will provide vaccines to every citizen, from health to education, from free food grains to free treatment, from development of farmers to housing for the poor, from modernization of the army to security of borders. From transportation to weapons and mobile production, unprecedented work has been done in every field," he added. CM Dhami said that earlier India used to depend on foreign countries for medicines and vaccines, during the Corona period, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India not only developed two indigenous Covid vaccines but also supplied them to many countries. "The central government's three-fold increase in the education budget and the introduction of a well-thought-out National Education Policy reflects the government's commitment to an "educated society - strong India". Today, the government led by the Prime Minister in the country has done the historic work of providing food security to 80 crore people," he further said. He said that it was the divine vision of Prime Minister Modi that about 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened for the poor in the country, which were used to transfer DBT directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries. He said that the Prime Minister also took the initiative to do the most basic work in the field of women empowerment, under which about 12 crore Izzatghars were built in rural areas. "Along with this, more than nine crore Ujjwala gas connections were given to the poor in these 10 years. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has also started the work of providing employment to one million people by organizing various employment fairs. The government led by the Prime Minister worked to restore India's lost credibility in the world," he added. CM Dhami said that some people are trying to tarnish India's reputation in the world, but now the world has known the power of India, the world's trust in India's contribution is increasing. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh government on Monday approved more than Rs 5,180 crores for various irrigation projects in the state. A proposal for the same was tabled before the state cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav here in Bhopal and the state cabinet approved the proposal unanimously. The Council of Ministers approved more than Rs 5,180 crore for the implementation of various irrigation projects in the state. Of these, Rs 5042 crore were revised and administrative approval was given for over Rs 137 crore. The state Cabinet also approved an estimated cost of Rs 69.48 crore for extending the contract period of a firm (M/s-BVG India Ltd.) for the continuous operation of the Centralised Police Call Center and Control Room System (Dial-100) Scheme. Under CITIIS 2.0 implemented by the Government of India, the state Cabinet gave initial approval to the Smart City of Madhya Pradesh to participate in the selection process and implement the plan. Notably, CITIIS 2.0 was launched by the Government of India on 16 November 2023. The objective of the scheme is to promote climate sensitive planning and implementation and to motivate investment, creation of institutional mechanisms, participation promotion and capacity building for urban climate implementation. Under the scheme, 18 smart cities are to be selected through a challenge among 100 smart cities. Jabalpur and Ujjain cities of Madhya Pradesh have been selected in CITIIS 2.0. It was announced on Monday by the Union Urban Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. A total of Rs 250 crore will be spent on development works in these two cities at the rate of Rs 125 crore per city. The Cabinet further approved a project worth Rs 5,812 crore for the upgradation of state highways with the help of New Development Bank of Madhya Pradesh. For the project, a loan of Rs 4068 crore will be provided by the New Development Bank and the remaining Rs 1744 crore will be borne by the state government. Under the scheme, about 884.63 km of state highways/main district roads in the state will be developed on 2-lane with paved shoulders /4-lane on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. As a result of the implementation of the project, citizens will get the facility of transportation on good quality safe roads. The council of ministers also approved a plan for construction of a new building for the Madhya Pradesh State Judicial Academy located at village Mangeli Barela Bypass Road in Jabalpur at a total cost of Rs 485.84 crore. At present, the building of the State Judicial Academy is not sufficient considering the very small number of working judicial officers. Therefore, approval has been given for the construction of a new building. The state Cabinet further granted approval for the setting up of medical colleges in the state on PPP mode. Establishment of a medical college will provide tertiary level services to the patients of the district. The decision will ensure availability of human resources for the health sector and provide better health services to the patients by upgrading the district hospitals. (ANI)
Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi on Monday met Bansuri Swaraj, the BJP's candidate from New Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and handed over details of work she has done in the constituency. The Union Minister posted on microblogging site X, "Met BJP's New Delhi Lok Sabha 2024 candidate Sushri @BansuriSwaraj today and handed over the details of the developmental works undertaken in the last 10 years in my constituency. Passed on the baton to her for continued welfare of the residents of New Delhi. Modi government once again. Over 400 seats this time." Lekhi, who has represented the New Delhi seat for the last 10 years, did not find her name in the BJP's first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. BJP on Saturday released its first list of five candidates for the seven parliamentary seats of the national capital for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party changed its candidates for most of the seats in the national capital. Currently, the BJP holds all seven Delhi Lok Sabha seats. The party has fielded Bhojpuri superstar and current party MP Manoj Tiwari from North-East Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi and Praveen Khandelwal from Chandni Chowk. Of the five named candidates, only Manoj Tiwari has managed to get a renomination. Tiwari is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been a Member of Parliament (MP) from the North East Delhi constituency since 2014. In 2014, Tiwari joined the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha elections from the North East Delhi constituency. He won the election by a margin of over 3 lakh votes. He was re-elected in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party is yet to announce candidates for the North Delhi and East Delhi seats. Bansuri Swaraj, while speaking to ANI, expressed her gratitude to the BJP's top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I feel grateful. I express gratitude towards PM Modi, HM Amit Shah ji, JP Nadda ji and every BJP worker for giving me this opportunity. With the resolution of 'ab ki baar 400 paar', every BJP worker will work to make Narendra Modi the 'PradhanSewak' for the third time," Bansuri said. (ANI)
Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli on Monday broke down following Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's 'seizure' remarks against him in the assembly after the former had asked him to appoint a Dalit Deputy CM. "It is not appropriate to insult our community... Our community will never forgive you... We will protest here every day," Kotli told reporters in Chandigarh. Earlier today, a major ruckus erupted in the Punjab assembly during the discussion on the state budget after Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli asked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appoint a Dalit Deputy CM, following which, the latter said that he was having a 'seizure'. Meanwhile, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also condemned CM Mann's remarks and said, "Our Dalit MLA from Adampur Sukhwinder Singh Kotli asked about the promise to make a Dalit Deputy CM and raised slogans. The CM passed a jibe that he was having a seizure... CM Mann has forgotten the culture of Punjab," Bajwa told reporters. "We demand Bhagwant Mann's resignation... Wherever Bhagwant Mann will contest Parliament elections, I will contest against him... He was taunting and verbally abusing everyone," he added. Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring asked what else can be more humiliating. "Our MLA Sukhwinder Kotli was raising a demand that there should be a Dalit Deputy CM. They had made a promise in Jalandhar that they would make a Dalit Deputy CM. To which the CM replied that he (Sukhwinder Kotli) was having a seizure... What else can be more humiliating?" Warring told reporters. Punjab Chief Minister Mann belongs to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Congress and the Aam AAP are partners in the INDIA bloc--formed to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, this is a huge jolt to the two parties that have decided to go for a 'friendly fight' in Punjab given the grand old party is in the opposition. Meanwhile, the budget session of the Punjab assembly began on March 1 and will continue till March 15. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced the rollout of a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,500 to all women in the 18-60 age group. This aid is provided under the flagship 'Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Sammaan Nidhi Yojana'. "He said that with the announcement, the state government has fulfilled its fifth election guarantee, reflecting the government's sensitivity towards women," as per a press release from the CMO. The Chief Minister was addressing the mediapersons and said that the amount would aid in their financial and social upliftment. "Every family would benefit from the scheme," he remarked. "The government had already started the first phase of the scheme on February 1, 2024, as it was providing Rs 1,500 to all the women of districts Lahaul and Spiti and to all women of the state aged above 60 years. Around 5 lakh women were expected to benefit from the scheme and over Rs 800 crore would be spent annually under the scheme," as per the release. Under the 'Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Sammaan Nidhi Yojana', the government will soon begin the process of filling the forms of all eligible women so that they could avail the benefits at the earliest. "The government has already fulfilled its guarantees of providing an old pension scheme benefiting 1.36 lakh employees, the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme, starting of English medium from first class in all government schools, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for procurement of cow and buffalo milk and promoting natural farming by announcing the MSP for wheat and maize," the release stated. The Chief Minister said that despite multi-faceted economic and disaster-made challenges, the government has succeeded in stabilizing the derailed economic condition of the state. He added that the government had taken many ambitious steps to boost the rural economy of the state, besides strengthening the infrastructure in education, health and other essential service sectors. The government was making tireless efforts to generate additional economic resources and sources of employment and self-employment for the youth. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised a BJP worker who came to welcome him at the Chennai airport. Calling his conversation with the BJP worker a "special interaction" the Prime Minister mentioned that the BJP worker had told him about the birth of his twins but he had not met them yet. PM Modi was impressed by the devotion of the BJP worker. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "A very special interaction! At Chennai airport, one of our Karyakartas, Aswanth Pijai Ji was there to welcome me. He told me that his wife had just given birth to twins but he hadn't met them yet. I told him he shouldn't have come here and also conveyed my blessings to him and his family." "It is heartening to see that our party has such dedicated and devoted Karyakartas. Seeing such love and affection from our karyakartas makes me emotional," he added. Earlier today, the Prime Minister said that many people in the state get upset whenever he is about to visit Tamil Nadu. "Your love for me is very old but in recent years, whenever I visit Tamil Nadu, many people get stomach aches. They are having a problem because the BJP's popularity is continuously increasing here," he said. "Every time I come to Chennai, I feel energised by the people. It is great to be here in this city, which is full of life. Chennai is also a great hub of talent, trade and tradition. In our mission to build a developed India, the people of Chennai will play a very important role," he added. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 56,000 crores in Adilabad, Telangana. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the land of Adilabad is becoming a witness to development projects related not only to Telangana but to the entire country as more than 30 development projects worth more than Rs 56,000 crores are either being dedicated to the nation or their foundation stones are being laid today. (ANI)
"Deeply moved" that a million Indian Thai devotees paid respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics sent from India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, stating "shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond." He further thanked the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, and the International Buddhist Confederation. "Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India. Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond. Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media X on Sunday. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1764325195844854102?s=20 Sunday marked the last day of the exposition in Bangkok after which the relics will be taken to Chiang Mai city. The Indian Embassy in Thailand on social media X, posted, "Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India." According to the Thai side, around 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday. To commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X and as a mark of friendship between the people of India and Thailand, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta, and Arahant Maha Moggallana reached Thailand from India on February 22 on a special Indian Air Force plane. The relics, which are on a 25-day exposition in four cities of Thailand were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace ground in Bangkok. As per the schedule, the relics will now travel to Chiang Mai and will stay there from March 4-8. It will be followed by expositions in Ubon Ratchathani (March 9-13) and Krabi (March 14-18). The Holy Relics will be escorted back on March 19 from Thailand to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand. Moreover, apart from the people of Thailand, the devotees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are visiting Bangkok to pay their respects. (ANI)
The Authority alleges that they coordinated dozens of public tenders for transportation services of local authorities, hospitals and the electric company and fraudulently won these tenders worth tens of millions shekel in violation of the law.

The investigation of the affair began in 2018 by the Investigations Department of the Competition Authority together with the Israel Police - Lahav Unit 433. The investigation revealed tender coordination carried out by the defendants systematically between 2018-2016.

This is a branched and complex investigation, during which the investigators were required to trace the various coordinating partners, the evidence that established the coordination, and the funds, fraudulently received for the execution of the various tenders, in the bank accounts of the accused companies.

A central part of the case deals with the coordination of tenders published by local authorities for transporting students in the education and special education system as well as tenders for transporting disabled students and toddlers to various institutions.

The state participates in the financing of transportation services for students through the transfer of funds from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security to the local authorities.

Several of the accused have already been convicted. (ANI/TPS)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmaker Omar Ayub Khan has criticised Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and called him a "product" of Form 47, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. According to the news report, Form 47 is a document that provides details regarding unconfirmed results of a constituency, including the number of votes cast and cancelled. The PTI has said that its mandate was stolen in the elections held on February 8 and the results were changed in Form 47s. PTI has claimed that they won 180 NA seats according to the statistics of Form 45s. According to the report, Form 45, also known as the Presiding Officer's Results of the Count, is the form that the presiding officer (PO) needs to sign and provide with his thumb impression and signature to the polling agents. The form includes details regarding the number of votes cast in a polling station and also separately mentions how many votes a candidate received from that polling station, according to Geo News report. Form 47 is another important form related to polling stations. In this form, the count of votes from all the polling stations of a constituency is recorded by the Returning Officer. It marks the provisional consolidated result of the constituency without postal ballots. After losing the elections for the position of Pakistan's PM, Omar Ayub called the Shehbaz Sharif-led government a continuation of the former Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led regime, Geo News reported. Highlighting the "discriminations" with PTI, Omar Ayub said that they demanded reserved seats during the elections for speaker and deputy speaker's position. However, Pakistan's then-National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf refused to stop the voting. He said, "Our objection on Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers was dismissed." He said that PTI was stripped of its election symbol, however, the leadership of PTI did not bow down. He further stated that PTI was not given a level playing field and barred from holding election campaigns. Calling the former Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government (PDM) "fascist", Ayub questioned who was the murderer of journalist Arshad Sharif and PTI worker Zille Shah. He accused the ruling alliance of getting PTI candidates' nomination papers rejected before the general elections. Omar Ayub Khan called for an independent inquiry into the May 9 protests. Notably, protests erupted on May 9 after the former Pakistan PM Imran Khan was arrested in the 190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were arrested for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations. Addressing the House, Omar Ayub called for the speaker's ruling for a live telecast of his speech like that of the Pakistan PM. Highlighting the double standards, he said, "There are two laws in the country. Nawaz Sharif was provided a biometric facility at the airport [in violation of the laws]," Geo News reported. The PTI leader stated that PML-N knew that their mandate was fake and added, "You will see fear on their faces." He said, "Our number would have been 180 if the MNAs, elected as per Form 45s, had come." In his address, lawmakers from the ruling alliance tried to disrupt Omar Ayub's address and protested multiple times. During his address, Omar Ayub demanded an impartial inquiry into the killing of dozens of PTI supporters on May 9, according to Geo News report. He noted that over 10,000 PTI workers and supporters continue to remain behind bars and demanded their release. He also demanded the release of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. (ANI)
Senior Special Judge Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan passed the order after Yunus surrendered before the court and applied for bail.

According to Dhaka Tribune, Yunus's lawyer, Abdullah Al Mamun, requested bail during the hearing, while Anti-Corruption Commission lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajol opposed the plea. Following arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to Yunus.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a charge sheet against Muhammad Yunus and 13 others on February 1, alleging embezzlement of Tk25 crore. The case was initiated on May 30, 2023, at the ACC's Dhaka-1 integrated district office.

According to the case documents, a decision was made at the company's 108th board meeting, presided over by Dr Yunus on May 9, 2022, to open a bank account at the Gulshan branch of Dhaka Bank Limited. However, it was found that the account was opened a day before the decision was even made, as per Dhaka Tribune.

More than Tk25 crore was transferred to the account on different occasions, as per "fake settlement agreements" and decision of the board. But before even distributing the share of the company's profit to the workers, and letting them know, the accused embezzled around Tk25 crore from the fund, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Yunus's bail approval marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the embezzlement case. (ANI)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Sunday opposed a proposed Senate resolution seeking to ban all social media platforms in Pakistan. It warned the members of Pakistan Senate that such "ill-judged" measures violate people's constitutional right to freedom of expression, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The statement of HRCP came a day after Pakistan Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, submitted a resolution calling for a complete ban on social media platforms - Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, stressing that these platforms are detrimental to the future of the young generation, according to Dawn report. In a press release posted on X, the HRCP stated, "The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly opposes the proposed @SenatePakistan resolution seeking a ban on all social media and warns the members of the Upper House that any such ill-judged measures that violate people's constitutional right to freedom of expression also represent an erosion of democracy." In the statement, HRCP has called the resolution "non-sensical." He noted that political parties, state institutions, government representatives and legislators including Pakistan Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi continue to use X through virtual private networks (VPNs) despite the shut down of the social media platform X since February 17. HRCP said, "In the first instance, such a resolution is as nonsensical as it is impractical. With social media platform X having been shut down since 17 February, it is ironic to see that political parties, state institutions, government representatives and legislators (including Senator @bahramand_tangi, who moved this resolution) continue to use X by means of virtual private networks (VPNs)." "Second, access to social media has empowered ordinary citizens to exchange information, earn livelihoods, lobby for their rights and freedoms, hold duty bearers accountable, and mobilize around social and political causes. Any attempt to curb digital freedoms wholesale betrays a shocking ignorance of how modern democracies and economies function," he added. HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt noted that successive governments have "frequently and arbitrarily shut down social media for 'security concerns' even prior to the 2024 elections." He said that there is no evidence which indicates that such a measure has made society in Pakistan any safer. In a statement shared on X, HRCP stated, "If indeed the Senate is concerned about the future of this country's youth, ostensibly the reason for proposing this resolution, its efforts would be better served tackling such issues as youth unemployment, access to education and rampant misogyny rather than acting as an outmoded 'thought-police'." "Where social media is to be regulated to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence against women and religious, ethnic and gender minorities, this must be narrowly tailored, enforced with transparency and designed with civil society consensus. Regrettably, giving the state a free hand to regulate social media is futile because it has always perceived this responsibility as an opportunity to censor rivals and dissenters." HRCP has called on civil society and digital rights activists to mobilize against all efforts to impose such arbitrary curbs, including reports of a ban on all VPNs, and demands that X be restored immediately. A resolution advocating the prohibition of major social platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube in Pakistan, has reached the Pakistan Senate, Dawn reported. The resolution, scheduled for debate during Monday's session, is aimed at shielding the younger generation from what it perceives as the "negative and devastating effects" of these platforms, Dawn reported citing Senate secretariat documents. Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, formerly associated with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), is set to move the resolution. The resolution contends that these digital platforms are fostering norms contrary to "our religion and culture," leading to "hatred amongst the people on the grounds of language and religion." It emphasises that using such platforms to disseminate "negative and malicious propaganda" against the armed forces goes against the country's interests. The resolution alleges that these platforms serve as conduits for spreading fake news about various issues and attempt to manipulate and promote false leadership to deceive the younger generation, according to Dawn report. This push for a comprehensive ban on major social websites coincides with ongoing disruptions to X, following widespread backlash against the judiciary and establishment after the elections conducted on February 8. (ANI)
United States Vice President Kamala Harris has urged for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza, which she stressed must last for at least the next six weeks. Terming the conditions in Gaza as "inhumane," Harris said that people in the region were "starving." Harris, who was in Alabama's Selma, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, said, "The threat of Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated. And given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table." The US Vice President noted that the ceasefire will allow the release of hostages and aid will enter Gaza. She stressed that Hamas needs to agree to that deal. "This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in. This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is more secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination," Harris said. "Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza," she added. She stated that Hamas cannot control Gaza and added that the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated. She further said, "Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that has vowed to repeat October 7th again and again until Israel is annihilated." She said that Hamas has shown no regard for innocent life, including for the people of Gaza, who she stressed have suffered under its rule for almost 20 years. Terming the situation in Gaza "devastating", Harris said that they have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. She further said, "As I have said many times, too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. And just a few days ago, we saw hungry, desperate people approach aid trucks, simply trying to secure food for their families after weeks of nearly no aid reaching Northern Gaza. And they were met with gunfire and chaos." The US Vice President stated that the people in Gaza are "starving" and the conditions there are "inhumane." She reiterated US' commitment to urgently provide more lifesaving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need. She also spoke about the US Department of Defence airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. "Our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy and for all the innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe. People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane. And our common humanity compels us to act," Harris said. She also called on Israeli government to make more efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. She said that Israel must open new border crossings and not impose any restrictions on the delivery of aid. She also reiterated her commitment to Israel's security and said, "As I have said repeatedly since October 7, Israel has a right to defend itself." Calling on Israel to make additional efforts for allowing supply of aid into Gaza, Harris said, "the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. They must open new border crossings. They must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian personnel, sites, and convoys are not targeted. And they must work to restore basic services and promote order in Gaza so more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need." (ANI)
Pratibha Jain, chairperson of American Bar Association South Asia, Oceania, and the Indian community, addressing the inaugural session of the India-US Cooperation on Corporate & Legal Issues on Monday drew attention to gender diversity and emphasized the need for increased representation of women in leadership positions. "I would like to mention that one aspect of diversity that requires greater attention and even greater work in the years to come. This is about the status of women and overall role of women in position of leadership and decision-making in the private sector. While we have come a long way in breaking many barriers that historically" she stated. Jain's remarks echoed the broader discourse on women's empowerment, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on "Nari Shakti" (women empowerment) and advocating for equal representation of women in all sectors, particularly the private sector. "And with the focus of our honorable Prime Minister on Nari Shakti, I honestly believe that that future is not far away where we see an equal representation of women in all fields and the private sector should be leading the effort," she added in her speech. Additionally, Pratibha Jain, highlighted her educational and professional experiences in both India and the United States. "I not only had the privilege to study in the US, but I also got to work in a number of leading US law firms, including Sullivan and Cromwell, Skadden Arps, and Goldman Sachs," she said. Jain underscored the deepening ties between the two nations across various sectors, particularly in legal services and investments. "When I look at the India-US relationship today, we can only be sanguine about the future because this relationship has become stronger, deeper, and more robust," she stated Highlighting key aspects of the bilateral relationship, she emphasized the shared commitment to democratic governance, diversity, and pluralism. "Both India and the United States have come together as liberal democracies. Both our societies are based upon strong commitment to democratic and independent institutions. Both the countries have a long history of embracing democratic governance and using democratic approaches towards seeking economic and social development," ABA chairperson added. "India and United States believe in diversity and pluralism. This commitment to promote diversity and pluralism is not only embedded in the law and the Constitution, but is also part of the civic values of the two countries" she further added. The inaugural session of the American Bar Association (ABA) India Conference on "Law in the Age of Globalisation" convened with distinguished speakers and stakeholders gathering to address pivotal issues shaping bilateral ties between the two nations. Lalit Bhasin, Chairman of the Indian American Chambers of Commerce (IACC) National Committee on Legal Services, expressed gratitude to all supporters and organizers, underscoring the collaborative efforts that made the event possible. The event underscored the importance of fostering stronger ties and promoting diversity, reflecting the shared vision of India and the United States in advancing mutual prosperity and cooperation. The inaugural session laid the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at driving economic growth and inclusivity in both nations. (ANI)
The Indian Embassy in Thailand has appreciated the continuous support of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his government during ongoing exposition of sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples - Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana and added that this further deepens ties between people of two nations. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Thailand stated, "Deeply appreciate continuous support from PM HE @Thavisin and Royal Thai Government during ongoing exposition of sacred relics from India. This further deepens ties between people of India and Thailand." The statement of Indian Embassy in Thailand comes after Thailand PM Srettha Thavisin attended the ceremony to invite the sacred sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples - Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana. In a statement posted on X, Srettha Thavisin invited people of Chiang Mai and nearby areas to pay homage to the relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples. He said that the relics will be placed for exposition in Hor Kham Luang in Thailand's Chiang Mai Province from March 5-8. He said that the relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples will then be taken to Wat Mahawanaram in Ubon Ratchathani province from March 10-13. After that, the relics will be taken for exposition to Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol from March 15-18. In a post on X, he stated, "I attended the ceremony to invite the Buddha's relics. and the Arahant's relics of Phra Sariputta and Phra Moggallana that we brought from India to be temporarily enshrined in Thailand On the occasion of honoring His Majesty the King On the occasion of the auspicious ceremony of His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28 July 2024, between 22 February - 19 March 2024, from the Sanam Luang Ceremony Mondop." "Went to be enshrined at the Bangkok National Museum. To prepare to be brought to be enshrined at Hor Kham Luang. Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai Province, from 5 - 8 March. I would like to invite the people of Chiang Mai. and nearby provinces join in paying homage to the Lord Buddha's relics and the Arahant's relics for good fortune Then from 10 - 13 March, we will bring it to be enshrined at Wat Mahawanaram (Wat Pa Yai), Ubon Ratchathani Province, and from 15 - 18 March at Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Tong), Krabi next," he added. To commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X and as a mark of friendship between the people of India and Thailand, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta, and Arahant Maha Moggallana reached Thailand from India on February 22 on a special Indian Air Force plane. The relics, which are on a 25-day exposition in four cities of Thailand were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace ground in Bangkok. As per the schedule, the Holy Relics will be escorted back on March 19 from Thailand to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand. Moreover, apart from the people of Thailand, the devotees from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are visiting Bangkok to pay their respects. On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he is "deeply moved" that a million Indian Thai devotees paid respects to the Buddhist Holy relics sent from India. "Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India. Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond. Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media X on Sunday. On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Thailand on social media platform X, posted, "Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India." According to the Thai side, around 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday. (ANI)
The holy relics of Lord Buddha, as well as his disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana, have arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city, for an exposition. The official post by the Indian embassy in Thailand shared the momentous occasion, highlighting the spiritual significance of the relics' presence in the region. https://twitter.com/indiainthailand/status/1764526702305407067?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw In an official post on X, the Indian Embassy in Thailand said, "Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana arrived in Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, for exposition. "Sacred relics were received by the Governor of Chiang Mai along with Consul of India and other dignitaries," the tweet added. The arrival of the sacred relics was met with reverence as the Governor of Chiang Mai, alongside the Consul of India and other dignitaries, received the relics in a solemn ceremony. The presence of such revered artifacts symbolizes the deep spiritual and historical ties between India and Thailand. As the relics find their temporary abode in Chiang Mai, they serve as a beacon of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys and reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Thailand. On Sunday EAM Jaishankar posted on social media X, states, "Deeply moved to see a million Thai devotees pay respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics which travelled from India. Our shared heritage and culture is a bridge that creates a special bond. Thank @MinOfCultureGoI, @IndiainThailand & @IbcWorldOrg for their efforts," Sunday marked the last day of the exposition in Bangkok. The Indian Embassy in Thailand on social media X, posted, "Sun sets on the final day of the exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples in Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to the sacred relics from India." According to the Thai officials, around 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday. To commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X and as a mark of friendship between the people of India and Thailand, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta, and Arahant Maha Moggallana reached Thailand from India on February 22 on a special Indian Air Force plane. The relics, which are on a 25-day exposition in four cities of Thailand were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace ground in Bangkok. As per the schedule, the relics will now travel to Chiang Mai and will stay there from March 4-8. It will be followed by expositions in Ubon Ratchathani (March 9-13) and Krabi (March 14-18). (ANI)
The Attorney General of India R Venkataramani on Monday called for setting up an Indo-US comparative and collaborative law platform in a bid to create vibrant exchange platforms in the domains of law and justice. Addressing the first-ever 'India-US Legal Services Summit on Indo-US Cooperation on Corporate and Legal Issues' organized by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), the Attorney General said that there is a need for global legal common premised global knowledge and resources. He was of the view that Indians have been playing a significant role in the American economy and also have taken up major roles in the country's legal sector. "Indians occupying important positions in the legal field is a great story. Alongside, we must create more enduring and vibrant exchange platforms in the domains of law and justice. An Indo-US comparative and collaborative law platform can be visualized," he said. "A global legal common premised on global knowledge and resources common should be our vision and goal. I also think that the marriage of human rights and wellbeing and wealth protection regime will also be an agenda and pursuit," Venkatramani added. He emphasized on the need for more and more of globally relevant congregations of people from the legal fraternity. "We need more and more debates and deliberations on common concerns," he said. With the growing bilateral engagement in terms of businesses and investments, Tushar Mehta, the Solicitor General of India urged the IACC and the gathering to contemplate on setting up a permanent mechanism wherein investors and businesses of both the countries can approach for legal help and consultation in terms of investments both in India and the US. Noting that investors need legal advisory, the Solicitor General suggested setting up of a specific centre for such legal services. Talking of the significance of rule of law both in India and the US, Manoj Kumar Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) said, "The rule of law is a fundamental principle in both Indian and the United States, of course keeping in mind the differences. The rule of law forms part of the backbone of the legal systems and governance frameworks in both countries. Firm constitutional foundation, independent judiciary, equality before law, ease of access of justice, a robust human rights guarantees form the bedrock of the rule of law frameworks in both the countries." He, however, noted that the challenges regarding development goals in both the economies require constant engagement to drive a global sustainable and a globally prosperous environment. Observing that the summit is aimed at strengthening the Indo-US relations as India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, Lalit Bhasin, Chairman, IACC National Committee on Legal Services said: "The countries are cooperating but there is a big responsibility on the legal professionals of the two countries also to continue to cooperate." "We have excellent relationship with the American Bar Association and the Bar Association of India and the Society of Indian Law Firms. We keep on having frequent exchanges of visits, joint events being held together," Bhasin said. The Executive Chairman of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Company Shardul Shroff in his keynote address at the inaugural ceremony of the event highlighted on the need for engagement between the two countries in terms of sustainability and actions to curb climate change. Pratibha Jain, Chairperson of the American Bar Association (ABA) South Asia/Oceania and India Committee, said that although both the US and India give significance on pluralism and diversity, there is need to have a greater number of women holding top offices in India in the private sector, as their share is still lower than the other economies. (ANI)
The journalist community termed Toor's remand as harassment and an attempt to restrict free speech.

Following his arrest, several journalists and activists are now protesting against the arrest, demanding that the vague FIR registered against him should be withdrawn immediately.

They said that since these agencies are treating a journalist like a criminal indicates, hence, there is no room for professional journalism in the country.

Asad Toor was reportedly arrested for his social media posts against the state and its officials.

In a viral video, Asad Ali Toor could be seen exposing how the election results were changed in the night between February 8 and 9.

According to reports, the agency officials have been pursuing Toor's digital belongings including his cell phone.

Recently, Toor disclosed that he has been on hunger strike while in Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) custody.

Taking to X, Journalist Hamid Mir also claimed that FIA was reportedly pressuring Toor to disclose the sources of his information.

https://x.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1764177112401859019?s=20

Mir further said that the agency had previously detained Toor, however, was unable to produce any evidence against him.

He claimed that the agency was attempting to use fresh accusations to settle some old scores.

Reportedly, journalism has become a very dangerous profession in Pakistan as those who speak against the establishment face violent attacks, judicial harassment and censorship. (ANI)
The Indian Hindu pilgrims will visit Pakistan from Match 6 to 12.

Charge d' Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a safe journey.

"Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d' Affaires, Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually rewarding yatra and safe journey," the statement said.

The Pakistan High Commission in India on social media X, stated, "Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi has issued 112 visas to a group of Indian Hindu Pilgrims for their visit to Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas, in Chakwal district of Punjab from 06-12 March 2024. "

https://x.com/PakinIndia/status/1764630072672313470?s=20

According to the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, each year thousands of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to attend various religious festivals and occasions, the statement said.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas to them is in line with the Pakistan government's efforts for facilitating visits to religious shrines and promoting interfaith harmony.

Earlier in December last year, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 62 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit Shree Katas Raj Temples from December 19-25. (ANI)
India has strongly refuted the "unwarranted" concerns raised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country. India's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, said that the comments do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world. "We thank the High Commissioner for his global update. We have noted his comments about our forthcoming general elections. However, his concerns in this regard are unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world," Bagchi said while addressing the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. https://x.com/IndiaUNGeneva/status/1764633518649303504?s=20 This comes after the UN High Commissioner in his global update raised 'concerns' on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections over "increasing restrictions on the civic space" and "hate speech and discrimination against minorities." "In India, with an electorate of 960 million people, the coming election will be unique in scale. I appreciate the country's secular and democratic traditions and its great diversity. I am, however, concerned by increasing restrictions on the civic space - with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics targeted - as well as by hate speech and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims," Turk said in his remarks. "It is particularly important in a pre-electoral context to ensure an open space that respects the meaningful participation of everyone. I welcome the Supreme Court's decision last month on campaign finance schemes, upholding the right to information and transparency," he added. Responding to the remarks, the Indian envoy said that in any democracy, argumentation is natural and it is imperative, that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgement to be clouded by propaganda. "Plurality, diversity, inclusivity and openness are at the core of our democratic polity and our constitutional values. These are backed by fiercely independent institutions, including a robust judiciary, that aim to protect the rights of all," he further said. The former Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson pointed out that India's electoral process is characterised by strong participation and faith, and many countries "aspire to emulate it." "Our electoral process has been characterised by a high degree of people's participation and full faith in the electoral mandate by all. In fact, we are privileged that many across the world seek to learn from our experience and aspire to emulate it. We have no doubt that as in numerous occasions in the past, the Indian people will freely exercise their vote to choose a government that they believe can best give voice and flight to their aspirations," Bagchi said in Geneva. He further added that India, as home to one-sixth of humanity, has led from the front with an "enduring dedication" for the promotion and protection of human rights for all and its approach has been guided by its civilizational ethos that views the world as 'one family'. Bagchi highlighted India's assistance to countries during the Covid pandemic as well as the disaster relief efforts during crises. "More recently, this commitment was manifest in our response to the pandemic by providing assistance to our friends and partners across the world; our disaster relief efforts and support during crises in various countries; our development initiatives across the world; and our G20 Presidency last year where we particularly voiced the concerns of the Global South," he further added. Indian envoy then brought the meeting's focus towards more pressing issues like the reformation of multilateral governance structures. He said that India has been a "voice of reason, consistently calling for dialogue and diplomacy" during global wars and conflicts. "It is in this spirit that we welcome the renewed focus on issues affecting us all, such as reform of multilateral governance structures, including international financial architecture, enhancing technical assistance and capacity building, sustainable development, and the need for peace," the Indian envoy said. He added, "Today, when the world is riddled with conflicts and war, India has been a voice of reason consistently calling for dialogue and diplomacy. It is only when peace is given a chance that the most vulnerable can hope for a better future where their basic needs are met, and their human rights are protected." (ANI)
Taiwan Foreign ministry on Monday said that the Taiwan will welcome any Indian worker who meets conditions for recruitment and satisfies industry demand, regardless of their ethnic background. Following the signing of an MOU on labour force cooperation between the two countries on February 16, the ministry stated that the qualified workers will be treated fairly. "Taiwan will welcome any Indian worker who meets conditions for recruitment and satisfies industry demand, regardless of their ethnic background. Qualified workers will be treated fairly and accorded due protection under Taiwanese law," the statement said. Taiwan and India signed an MOU on labor force cooperation on February 16 this year. This accord will bolster people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and help alleviate labor shortages in Taiwan's industries. "Indeed, the MOU constitutes a reciprocal arrangement that benefits both sides," according to the Foreign Ministry's statement. The Taiwan government will continue the planning of recruiting Indian workers, to make a comprehensive framework for related endeavors. "While promoting labor affairs cooperation with India, the Taiwan government will continue to conduct relevant discussions and planning regarding the number, and professional skills of Indian workers coming to Taiwan, as well as industries for which they will be recruited, so as to put into place a comprehensive framework for related endeavors," the statement said. Moreover, the ministry further apologised for the remarks made by certain Taiwan government agencies which led to criticism among Taiwan's society, Indians, and other international stakeholders. "Recently, in discussions with relevant sectors in Taiwan's society, certain government agencies have made remarks that were not entirely appropriate. This has led to criticism among Taiwan's society, Indian friends, and other international stakeholders. The government expresses sincere apologies over this situation. It will earnestly review its actions and make needed improvements going forward," the statement read. Meanwhile, Kuan-Ting Chen, an elected member of the Legislative Yuan (MP), responded to the comments made by Labour minister Ming-chun Hsu and stressed that Taiwan's recruitment of migrant workers cannot be based on race or ethnicity. "I would like to respond to the comments made by Minister of Labor Ming-chun Hsu:Taiwan's recruitment of migrant workers absolutely cannot be based on race or ethnicity. Period," Chen said in a post shared on X. https://x.com/kuantingvision/status/1764664313447657527?s=20 Notably, Taiwan boasts a civil society that embraces different views and allows for a wide array of voices to be heard. "Taiwan also fully respects India's diverse and rich culture and cherishes the friendship between the peoples of Taiwan and India. It will spare no effort in advancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries, with the aim of further elevating cooperation and partnership between Taiwan and India," it added. The ministry further expressed hope that the people of Taiwan will support the country's efforts to engage with the world and advance substantive interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. "Taiwan government also hopes that the people of Taiwan will support the country's efforts to engage with the world, further advance substantive interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and thereby bolster reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges," the statement said. (ANI)
While claiming that Pakistan's spy agencies are involved in gross human rights violations in Balochistan, the demonstrators demanded that the international community stop supporting Islamabad financially.

The protesters alleged that Pakistan is able to commit crimes "with the help of the international community's aid."

On the other hand, the Balochistan National Movement UK Chapter campaigned in the city of Leeds with the aim of garnering support for the Baloch cause. Earlier, the organisation campaigned in the cities of London and Manchester.

Baloch activists, through their rallies and campaigns on foreign soil, are aiming to shed light on the struggles and aspirations of the Baloch people for their rights and aspirations in and outside Pakistan.

Baloch activists are also signing a petition urging the international authorities to take action on the ongoing genocide of their community members. They are demanding the United Nations and human rights organisations take action and hold the authorities accountable for the crimes committed in Balochistan. The activists want a fact-finding mission headed by the United Nations Working Group to investigate the matter.

In Pakistan's most underdeveloped area, Balochistan, the country's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, has been accused of committing all kinds of atrocities, including, abduction, killing and torture, to instil fear.

Injustice and a strong feeling of alienation have forced some Baloch people to pick up arms that are continuously targeting the Pakistani Army personnel and Chinese assets in their region. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 4 (ANI/WAM): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with renowned actor and humanitarian Idris Elba to leverage the emirate's vision for a secure and sustainable food and water future. This partnership will capitalise on the emirate's emergence as a global pioneer in food production and water treatment, powered by sustainable technology solutions. The agreement comes after the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to confront the urgent challenge of water scarcity around the world. With the aim of accelerating their development and implementation, the newly announced alliance with Elba, through his impact investment company The Akuna Group (TAG), will showcase Abu Dhabi's leading initiatives in the fields of novel food development, agricultural transformation, and water treatment and technology. Abu Dhabi is aiming to pioneer cultivation of onshore high value add microalgae, offshore farming of key fish stocks, and innovate reverse osmosis water treatment. TAG is dedicated to nurturing the growth of African industries and entrepreneurship, through strategic multi-sectoral partnerships, impact investments, innovative technologies, and high-level advisory services across and beyond the continent. As an initial undertaking, Elba will engage in global conversations and awareness initiatives to inspire and accelerate the transformation of food and water systems, using Abu Dhabi as a model to drive positive economic and social impact for future generations. These efforts will also include collaborations with global institutions to highlight the worldwide impact of Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking initiatives. Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, said, "Transforming constraints into opportunities, Abu Dhabi strives to be at the forefront of innovation in food and water production, sustainability and growth. Together with our partners, we are continuing to pioneer and implement cutting-edge solutions that address global nutritional and environmental challenges. We are excited to align with fellow visionaries, and our collaboration with Mr. Elba will be instrumental in reimagining the future of food and water for the region and beyond." Idris Elba, President and Founder of The Akuna Group, said, "Drawing inspiration from the pioneering blueprints that have shaped the United Arab Emirates, we are set to journey globally in our mission to provide a better future for all. By engaging with innovators, engineers, and tech entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing the world's most critical challenges, we are set to build on the ambition of dreamers in the UAE and discover new solutions that foster positive economic and social change." ADIO is committed to facilitating the growth of Abu Dhabi's economy, propelling a future where progress and purpose converge to address the world's most pressing challenges and drive universal well-being. Providing attractive investment and growth opportunities for local, regional and international players, ADIO prioritises the development and enhancement of advanced value-add technologies and approaches, including in the realm of food and water sustainability, access and supply. ADIO's initiatives directly support the nation's strategies to ensure national wellbeing, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051 - which aims to make the UAE the world's top nation on the Global Food Security Index - and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 that seeks to ensure sustainable access to water under all conditions. The recently launched Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative further seeks to enhance awareness of the severity of the water scarcity crisis, and accelerate the pace of technological innovation and international investment to deal with the challenges it poses. (ANI/WAM)
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal justified his change of coalition, stating that political upheavals are in the 'nature' of the Maoist ideology of the Himalayan nation. Addressing an event organised in Kathmandu, two hours before the swearing-in ceremony of his new cabinet with three ministers, Dahal forewarned that the country would continue to experience such political instability. "A new upheaval has been witnessed in Nepali politics...The Maoist (Centre) Party, in terms of principles and behaviour, cannot remain silent like a pool, it is like a flowing river, a roaring river. It thrives on continuation and cannot remain stable. It brings disorder, creates new scenarios and moves forward," Dahal said, referring to the latest round of coalition change seen overnight. The event was attended by hundreds of supporters of the communist party, including the families of those killed during the decade-long insurgency. "Until my last breath, the country will experience instability. Many attempts were made by reactionary forces to encircle me but I have been breaking it and will continue to break it," Dahal added. Dahal, Nom de guerre Prachanda, who is also the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre, ended the coalition with the Nepali Congress allying with KP Sharma Oli-led CPN-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Earlier in December 2022, Dahal and Oli had forged an alliance that lasted only for three months and collapsed right before the presidential election last year. Within a year, the two communist leaders have again united to form a coalition seconded by the Rastriya Swatantra Party led by Rabi Lamichhane, the former Home Minister who had to step down after being found to be holding dual citizenship. Along with this, the Janata Samajbadi Party also has supported the new coalition forged last evening. Dahal has always been at the forefront of Nepali politics, as he manages to remain afloat in any sort of coalition. Ever since the Maoists entered mainstream politics after the 2006, People's Movement II, the Maoist Centre has always been sitting on the ruling coalition bench of the parliament. Despite having a mere 32 seats in the House of Representatives, Dahal managed to kick off the largest seat owing to the Nepal Congress remaining in power, switching the coalition. As per the agreement reached between Oli and Dahal, the two will share two years term each until the next general election in 2025. On Monday, in his preliminary round of new cabinet formation, Dahal inducted three ministers from the recently formed ruling coalition and administered an oath of office and secrecy at the President's Office in Shital Niwas. Padam Giri from the CPN-UML, Hit Bahadur Tamang from the CPN-Maoist Centre, and Dol Prasad Aryal (DP) from the Rastriya Swatantra Party were sworn in today. President Ramchandra Poudel administered the oath to the newly appointed ministers on Monday evening. The trio assumed their roles as ministers without portfolios. As Dahal embarks on his new journey with a new alliance, he will have to face the vote of confidence in parliament, the countdown for which has begun on Monday. As per the constitutional provisions, the PM should take a vote of confidence within 30 days after political parties supporting the government withdraw their support. In this regard, the incumbent Prime Minister should have taken the vote of confidence until March 3. Dahal secured over 99 per cent vote of confidence from the parliament on 10 January 2023. As of now, the CPN-Maoist Centre has 32, CPN-UML has 78, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has 20, and the Janata Samajbadi Party has 12 seats in the parliament. They would need to cross the majority of 138 votes, which as of now is set to be crossed comfortably as the alliance has 142 votes in their favour. The Nepali Congress, which has been duped over again by the Maoist Centre already stated that they would remain in opposition and watch over the performance of the ruling coalition. The Maoist Centre emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly after the election held in February. The chair of the National Assembly is also a member of the Constitutional Council that recommends office bearers for constitutional bodies. Currently, the Maoist Centre has 17 seats, the Nepali Congress has 16 seats, the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has 19 seats, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has eight seats, the Janata Samajbadi Party has 3 seats and the Rastriya Janamorcha and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party have one seat each in the National Assembly. A total of 58 seats were contested in the 59-member National Assembly, the upper house of Parliament in Nepal, held in January while one seat still remains vacant which will be appointed by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on the recommendation of the Cabinet. (ANI)
It's that time of year when college-bound high school seniors anxiously wait to find out what universities or colleges have accepted them.

But nearly 11,000 high school students in Arizona didn't have to wait. They received letters telling them they had been accepted to attend one or more of Arizona's three state universities next fall  before they officially applied.

Traditionally, high school students apply to universities first and then wait for an answer. But sending out acceptance letters to high school students who meet minimum standards before they apply turns that practice on its head.

The early acceptance letters are part of an expanding effort in Arizona and other states to get more students to attend college after high school at a time when colleges and universities are battling to shore up enrollments and businesses are clamoring for more workers with higher education.

The letter program is officially called the Personalized Admissions Project. It was launched in 2021-22 school year by Arizona State University. The university sent acceptance letters to 1,453 students in the Phoenix Union High School District who met ASU's admission standards.

Palm Walk at Arizona State University campus in Tempe.

The program has since been expanded to include Arizona's two other public universities, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, and to high schools across the state.

This year, 10,942 students attending high schools in more than two dozen districts received letters. That is a 653% increase from two years ago and a 51% increase from the previous year, when 7,269 students in 12 districts received letters.

Of the nearly 11,000 students who received letters this year, about 43% are white, 43% are Latino, 5% are Asian, 4% are Black, and 2% are Indigenous. About 41% qualified for free or reduced lunch while in high school, an indication they come from low-income households, according to data provided by the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.

"These letters minimize barriers to ensure students across the state are aware that they have opportunities to learn and grow in college," said Emily Ross, the assistant vice president at the University of Arizona who oversees enrollment.

By streamlining the application process, administrators hope to remove a key barrier in hopes of attracting more students, especially first-generation students  students whose parents don't have college degrees  and students of color, said Joseph O'Reilly.

O'Reilly is the director of the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence, a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation. The ASU Helios Decision Center compiles data from school districts to determine which students qualify to receive the acceptance letters and administers the program.

ASU sample acceptance letter sent when student meets college admission requirements

Undergraduate campus enrollment in general has remained level or increased slightly over the past five years at all three universities, enrollment data provided by ASU, UA and NAU shows.

"Our goal was to get students who wouldn't otherwise consider going, who are prepared, and in many cases that is low-income and or Latino students" and other students of color, O'Reilly said.

A growing state demands more educated workers

Arizona needs more college-educated workers to meet the needs of employers, which often recruit college-educated workers from other states because Arizona has a shortage of college-educated workers, said Luke Tate, managing director of ASU's Office of Applied Innovation.

The shortage is actually getting larger, Tate said, because the state's economy is growing but the state is not producing enough college-educated workers to keep up, Tate said. That is due in part because Arizona's high school graduate rate and college-going rate are lower than the national average by 10 and 14 percentage points respectively, according to data from the National Center for Educational Statistics.

By 2030, 28% of the jobs in Arizona will require a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the Arizona Board of Regents, citing federal labor data.

Businesses aren't the only ones that benefit from producing more college-educated workers, Tate said. College-educated workers are more likely to earn higher wages and therefore pay more in taxes. They are also less likely to be unemployed than those with only a high school degree, according to the Board of Regents.

The admission letters program is intended to help raise the number of high school students who attend college and graduate, Tate said. In addition to acceptance letters, the universities also send letters to seniors who are on the cusp of meeting admission standards. Letters are also sent to high school sophomores and juniors letting them know if they are on track to be admitted to one of the state's universities.

"This underscores our commitment to students in Arizona and NAUs determination to expand access to more students than ever before," said Anika Olsen, NAU's vice president of enrollment management.

Twin letters

So far, the efforts have produced modest results.

Of the 7,269 students who received letters in the 2022-23 school year, 33% applied and were formally admitted, but only 20% actually appeared on campus for freshman year, down from 28% in the 2021-22 academic year when the program was limited to just ASU, according to ASU Helios Decision Center data.

Arizona State University students Paula and Lucia Arellano on Feb. 29, 2024 in Tempe.

Twins Paula and Lucia Arellano received the letters in the spring of 2023 while they were seniors at Kofa High School in Yuma. They are the children of farmworkers from Mexico.

The letter notified them they had already been accepted to ASU contingent on finishing their senior year because they had completed all the required courses in high school and had a GPA of 3.0 or above. (Both had 3.7 GPAs.)

"I felt relieved," Paula Arellano said, "because then I didn't have to worry" about applying and waiting to be accepted. "I also felt proud."

Arizona State University student Paula Arellano on Feb. 29, 2024 in Tempe.

"It was a big weight off my shoulders and made me feel a little bit more relaxed and focussed more on my senior year of high school," Paula said.

At the time, Lucia was planning to continue taking courses after high school at Arizona Western College, a community college in Yuma, and then transfer to a four-year university.

The letter prompted her instead to apply to ASU. She decided to enroll after being awarded an Obama scholarship, which covers the entire cost of a four-year degree, based on her high academic achievement in high school.

Arizona State University student Lucia Arellano on Feb. 29, 2024 in Tempe.

Receiving the letter "made me realize that I had more options than just going to community college down in Yuma," Lucia said.

Paula also was awarded an Obama scholarship.

Paula is now studying animation in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts with the goal of working for Pixar or some other animation studio in Hollywood. Lucia is studying business law in the W.P. Carey School of Business with the goal of becoming a lawyer.

Latinos key to initiative's success

Arizona wants 60% of the working-age population to have a two-year or four-year college degree or other form of higher education by 2030. But the current number is only at 48%, according to Education Forward Arizona, which tracks the data.

That goal can't be reached unless the state increases the number of Latinos who get college degrees, considering they make up a growing share of the state's working-age population but lag in high school graduation and college-going rates, said Paul Luna, president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation.

The letter program is intended to increase college attainment rates in Arizona by streamlining the application process. That can be a barrier, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"What this really does is it eliminates a lot of those historical barriers that have made it difficult for low-income, first-generation college students to find their way from high school into that university environment," Luna said.

More examples of acceptance letters from Arizona universities

ASU sample acceptance letter sent when student is close to meeting college admission requirements

NAUU sample acceptance letter sent when student meets or is close to meeting college admission requirements

University of Arizona sample acceptance letter sent if a student meets college admission requirements

University of Arizona sample acceptance letter sent if a student meets college admission requirements

Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona early college acceptance letters aim to keep students in state
Republican former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at a Young America's Foundation event in Milwaukee's Deer District before the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Ahead of Super Tuesday, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker  who briefly ran for president in 2015  said he doesn't see a way for former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley to secure the Republican nomination.

"I like Nikki Haley. We served together as governors. I think she did a good job as ambassador. But I don't see any pathway for her forward, not just on Tuesday, but overall," Walker said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," where he was part of a panel discussion.

Walker, at one point a frontrunner in his race, ran for about two months. Despite losing to former President Donald Trump in early contests, Haley's supporters are urging her to stay in the race as long as she can  even until the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this July.

Walker predicted there would be a "blowout" on Super Tuesday and pointed to polls in battleground states that show Trump ahead of President Joe Biden.

Trump is favored to win the Super Tuesday contests, though Haley won her first primary in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. She took 62% of the vote  though only a little more than 2,000 people voted in the GOP primary.

Wisconsin doesn't vote on Super Tuesday; presidential primary is April 2

Fifteen states and one U.S. territory head to the polls tomorrow, though Wisconsin isn't one of the Super Tuesday states. Wisconsin voters won't head to the polls to select their preferences for president until April 2.

The Badger State is toward the end of the primary schedule  12 states hold their Republican primary after Wisconsin does. Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Rhode Island share Wisconsin's date.

When asked about the landscape in Wisconsin, Walker suggested voters are focused on economic issues and families aren't feeling positive effects from "Bidenomics."

"When it comes to the economy, when it comes to high prices, when it comes to public safety and border security  if those are the issues on the ballot, Joe Biden loses," Walker said.

More: Scott Walker said college voters top issue is the economy, not abortion. Is he right?

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Madison on Wednesday to highlight union job growth and apprenticeship programs and deliver a message of economic opportunity.

USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ahead of Super Tuesday, Scott Walker doesn't see a path for Nikki Haley
Travelers make their way to their terminals inside Indianapolis International Airport on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.

Teamsters and the operating engineers unions are puzzled why the Indianapolis Airport Authority, which includes the AFL-CIO director, former union president of the WBNA and pro-union Mayor Joe Hogsett's appointees, has refused to give bargaining rights for airport workers.

What's even more puzzling, leadership in the two unions say, is that the board that governs the airport granted airport police and firefighters the right to unionize in 2019, but excluded baggage handlers, bus drivers, maintenance crew, janitorial staff and others.

"If any unit within the company, no matter who they are, deserve to have the freedom of choice (to join a union)," said Lloyd Osborne, an organizer with the Operating Engineers local 399, "why would you then say, the other employees do not have the freedom of choice."

Airport workers don't have the same rights to organize as private sector employees, who have this right under the National Labor Relations Act. Thus, they need local authority to spell out that right.

In 2008 the Airport Authority passed a law allowing bargaining to occur only to rescind it three years later.

Barbara Glass, the president of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, said firefighters and police employees told the board they want to unionize in 2019. But they have not heard from the other employees. The 11-member board includes six Hogsett appointees, an appointee from the president of the City-County Council, and officials from Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, and Morgan Counties.

The dynamic is not unique to Indianapolis. Police and fire unions have been carved out of anti-union laws for decades. In 2013, a then Republican-controlled Michigan government exempted police and fire employees from a law that prohibited mandatory union membership. Wisconsin police and fire were also excluded from similar legislation in 2011.

Fight over union rights at the Indianapolis Airport

The fight at the airport between two local unions and the Indianapolis Airport Authority is a sign of unions struggling to exert influence, even in a city that's governed by the pro-union Democratic Party.

Union membership has been on the decline for decades in Indiana as the number of factory and production jobs steeply declined. In the wake of the decrease, Indiana lawmakers made it harder to unionize, with measures such as making it illegal to require union membership and dismantling public sector unions.

The state's union-represented workforce dropped from more than one in five workers to fewer than one in 10 in the last three plus decades, further weakening their political power, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But union organizing has seen a resurgence in the last few years, led by low-wage workers who are struggling amid growing income inequality across the country.

A history of bad blood

The operating engineers unions' frustration with the Indianapolis Airport Authority goes back more than a decade.

In 2011 as the airport maintenance crew were bargaining for their first contract, the Airport Authority rescinded their rights and disbanded the union, said Osborne, who has represented the operating engineers for decades.

"There was a lot of fear that was instilled into those workers that if they talked to the union, they could be terminated," he said.

Fast forward to 2019, when firefighters and police successfully reinstated their right to bargain.

Hank Harris, the president of the local firefighters' union, said that those working in the airport were among the few in the Indianapolis area that didn't have union representation.

Harris was among a number of people who wrote to the airport board, Hogsett and the City Council to lobby on behalf of the non-unionized airport employees. Indianapolis Airport Authority member Brett Voorhies, who is also the president of the Indiana State AFL-CIO, was another.

Hogsett declined an interview for this story and referred questions to the Airport Authority.

Dustin Roach, the president of the Teamster Local 135, said he'd like to see the board take a vote on the issue. And if it passes, that would give the workers a chance to decide for themselves, he said.

"We're not asking them to become Teamsters. They're not automatically going to be union if they don't want it," he said, "just the ability to form a union."

Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 and Bhuang@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Indianapolis Airport police, fire can unionize but not others
Anger in India after Spanish tourists rape as police arrest three people: Thought we were going to die

The gang-rape of a tourist from Spain in the eastern state of Jharkhand in India has sparked anger and a discussion on safety in a country with rising crimes against women.

A 28-year-old woman and her husband were assaulted in the Dumka district of Jharkhand where they had set up their tent for the evening on Friday night, according to the tourists and the police. The couple, who manage an Instagram page chronicling their motorbike travels across South Asia, posted a video recounting their dreadful ordeal.

Police said they arrested three men and were searching for four others in connection with the gang-rape of the Spanish-Brazilian woman and the assault of her 64-year-old husband.

The Spanish citizens were found on a roadside around 11pm on 1 March, according to the police.

The incident came to light after the couple shared a video describing the attack, which has since been removed. They later thanked their followers for support in a new video, where she appeared with facial bruises.

The police told me to turn off the post so as not to disturb the investigation. I will post it later, the woman said on an Instagram story.

My face looks like this, but its not what hurts me the most. I thought we were going to die. Thank God we are alive, she wrote.

The survivor earlier revealed in an interview with Spanish TV channel Antena 3 that she was raped in turns by the men for about two hours while some watched.

Pitamber Singh Kherwar, the police superintendent of Dumka, told reporters that the couple stopped a patrol van, which then transported them to a nearby health centre for medical care.

The couple were speaking in a mixture of English and Spanish so the patrolling team could not understand them initially. But they appeared visibly injured so they were taken for treatment, he said, adding that they then told doctors about the rape. He said medical tests also confirmed rape.

The other four accused have been identified, and searches are underway. They will be nabbed soon, he added.

Travelling on two motorcycles, the couple had arrived in Dumka from Bangladesh and were on their way to Nepal through Bihar.

The Spanish embassy said they were in contact with the couple and providing support.

Kindly note that the Data Protection Law in Spain does not allow to share any details regarding consular cases. The Embassy of Spain remains in permanent contact with Spanish citizens in need, as is the case, and continues to liaise actively with the Indian authorities. The Embassy is very grateful to them for their cooperation, it told The Independent.

The incident has sparked debate on the safety of women in the country. Several people offered their support on the couples Instagram and YouTube videos.

Many women travel influencers also voiced their concerns on social media. A hashtag asking for justice for the victim was also shared widely among the biking community.

Travel influencer Ankita Kumar, who goes by the username @monkey.inc, wrote: We have failed her as a country, we need to make sure justice is served.

Another user wrote: So ashamed and disappointed I am.

Rekha Sharma, the head of Indias top womens rights body  the National Commission for Women (NCW)  faced backlash after her remarks to a post made by a journalist went viral. Journalist David Josef Volodzko wrote that despite India being one of his favourite places, the level of sexual aggression he observed while residing in the country was unparalleled compared to anywhere else he had been. He also shared instances during which he had observed such aggression, adding: I never met a female traveler who had not been groped or assaulted or worse, even if they had only been in country for mere days.

The level of sexual aggression I witnessed while living in India for several years was unlike anywhere else I have ever been. Once a total stranger, a British woman, asked to sleep in my bed and pretend to be my girlfriend on a train ride because a man walking by in the hall had https://t.co/ZssX0Eq9aJ  David Josef Volodzko (@davidvolodzko) March 2, 2024

Ms Sharma responded: Did you ever report the incident to police? If not then you are totally an irresponsible person. Writing only on social media and defaming whole country is not good choice. Several people on X, formerly Twitter, accused Ms Sharma of victim blaming and focussing more about how India was being perceived rather than the crisis at hand.

She later clarified in a post that an NCW member met the surviver within a few hours and was there to see that all seven accused people were arrested.

The Brazilian foreign ministry has also reached out to the victim.

In 2022, India saw an average of almost 90 rapes reported daily  meaning one woman was raped every 18 minutes  as per the National Crime Records Bureau, which documented 31,516 cases of rape that year. The states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of cases.

There was chaos in the Jharkhand assembly over the incident leading to two adjournments. The Jharkhand government has formed a special investigation team to probe the allegations, NDTV said.
A total eclipse means the sun suddenly disappears at a time of day when it shouldn't  and that can have some surprising effects on animals' behaviors.

During previous eclipses, people around the globe have noticed a surreal silence as birds, bugs and animals interrupted their normal activities.

And researchers have observed all sorts of unusual things at zoos: Flamingos gathered in a circle around their babies to protect them. Giraffes began galloping around their enclosure. Swarms of birds large enough to appear on radar suddenly left the sky and roosted in trees. Gorillas marched to their dens, expecting their final meal of the day. The ancient Galapagos tortoises started mating.

With a full solar eclipse coming to a large swath of the United States on April 8, scientists are gearing up to observe animals at multiple zoos in the path of the totality, in part because they were so surprised at what they discovered in 2017 during the last total solar eclipse in the U.S.

I thought it was going to be nonsense, I didnt think animals were going to be affected. at all, said Adam Hartstone-Rose, a professor of comparative anatomy at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Clouds pass over and they dont react. It was so ephemeral.

Best place to see the Eclipse? One state appears to be the best place to see the April 2024 solar eclipse

For the 2024 eclipse, scientists will be watching the birds and beasts  and inviting citizen scientists to offer their observations as well  as the celestial curtain falls.

Pets, too, are being included in the surveys, though veterinarians say overall the biggest effect on their behavior will not be the sudden darkness, but rather the behavior of the humans around them.

"They're going to react more to our reactions, our excitement and our anxiety than anything actually from the actual eclipse," said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

2017 eclipse provoked some odd animal behavior

To set up the study, Hartstone-Rose and his collaborators set more than 40 people to watch 12 animal exhibits at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. They began a few days before the eclipse so they could gauge how much the animals' behavior changed.

It was a perfect place to do the experiment. At 2:41 pm on August 21, 2017 the greater Columbia, S.C., area experienced the longest period of totality of any city on the East Coast, slightly more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds of total darkness.

More than two-thirds of the animals exhibited changed behavior.

Gorillas : Marched all together to be let in for the evening and were kind of perplexed, like Why arent you letting us in? Hartstone-Rose said.

Flamingos : All of the adults gathered around the perimeter and clumped around the juveniles and the babies, he said.

Giraffes : Some of the zoo's herd began running around their enclosure, only calming down when the sun came back.

Bears : Couldn't care less. One of them lifted his head during the eclipse, but they basically couldnt be bothered to react, he said.

Galapagos tortoises: The Riverbanks zoo has a group of 35 of the slow-moving giants which can reach 900 pounds and live for more than 150 years. During the peak of the eclipse, they started breeding.

Scaling up for the 2024 eclipse

For 2024, Hartstone-Rose is scaling up animal observations across the country. There will be studies at multiple zoos in the path of the totality, which will allow a larger number of animals to be observed. Hell be stationed at the Fort Worth Zoo.

The sun is eclipsed by the moon and the sun's corona can be seen during a total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017. This image was captured in Deep Creek, Bryson City, North Carolina. (Joseph Forzano / The Palm Beach Post)

Given what they found with the tortoises, hes curious to see what the bonobos will do.

Theyre very sexual animals, he said. When they get stressed out, their reaction is to have sex. Im very curious to see if they react by mating."

Bird fall silent, head to their roosts

Almost anyone whos been outdoors during an eclipse notices two things  the eerily light and the sudden silencing of the birds and insects.

Animals simply dont know what to do with eclipses because theyre not something their biology is adapted for, said Andrew Farnsworth, a visiting scientist at the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology who has studied bird behavior during eclipses.

Eclipses arent common but theyre not rare and we humans can plan for them. But for short-lived animals that may not be tracking astronomy with math, its pretty unexpected.

In 2017 he and a group of researchers used radar to see just what the birds were doing during the eclipse, a project they plan to expand during this years April eclipse.

Using 143 weather radar stations, they watched the behavior of several types of birds.

Daytime soaring birds, raptors such as turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, tended to go to roost. They depend on the thermals off the suns energy to soar so when it gets dark they head down to the Earth because they expect the thermals to go away, he said.

Birds that forage for insects during flight, such as swallows and purple martins, also leave the sky.

Theyre foraging for insects while theyre flying but when night comes theres a decline in their food source and they cant see as well, he said.

When Farnsworth and his collaborators watched radar images in 2017, the extent of birds behavior was surprising.

For me, the take home from the 2017 eclipse was the magnitude of the response we saw, he said. Their study shows huge clouds of birds that had been wheeling through the sky swooped down to the surface in numbers so large it showed up clearly on radar scans.

This year researchers plan on expanding the number of stations they are monitoring and expect to see the behavior across a much larger swath of the country, from Texas to Maine.

A call to all Americans to observe in April

To get the maximum number of eyes watching to see what animals do, there's also a citizen science project that will let people across the country gather information about what wild, farm and domestic animals do.

The project is called SolarEclipseSafari.org. Taking part wont interfere with peoples eclipse experience but will allow scientists to collate information about how animals react both inside the totality and in areas where theres only partial darkness.

Were hoping to have thousands watching, he said.

A NASA-funded study will also listen for the distinct quiet that falls when the sun is eclipsed and animals fall silent. Americans will be invited to capture sound as part of the Eclipse Soundscape Project.

Go outside and pay attention

All the researchers USA TODAY interviewed had one piece of advice  the most important thing about an eclipse is to simply go outside and experience it. Dont fiddle with phones and cameras or computers the whole time.

Just listen and look, said Farnsworth. Its easy to get wrapped up in the technology. Its really important to do the observations with your eyes and ears and make the connection to nature that comes with that.

The experience, as Hartstone-Rose learned, can be life-altering.

Its awe-inspiring, he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: April 2024 total solar eclipse will confuse animals and cause silence
Even the most simple and bipartisan of bills can ultimately wither away beneath the large pile of other priorities Indiana lawmakers have in a given legislative session.

Take House Bill 1019, which would have let children operate a lemonade stand in their neighborhood without needing a permit from the state. It passed the House unanimously. It would have been the first bill authored solely by Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis, to make it across the finish line.

But it didnt get out of a Senate committee.

Weve squeezed all the juice we could out of it, Johnson told reporters on the House floor Thursday, smiling. Im not that sour about it.

Here are other bills that, though they passed one chamber, didnt meet the deadlines set in the opposite chamber to move forward. Though the bills themselves are dead, the language can still pop up through the amendment process on other bills.

Session is expected to wrap up as soon as this week.

The big one: Blue Line

No other bill had a more climactic death.

It seemed likely Senate Bill 52 would go the distance and ban dedicated bus lanes, risking federal funding on the line for IndyGos Blue Line. Negotiations behind the scenes ultimately resulted in a lifeline for the Washington Street mass transit project.

IndyGo Blue Line: Why dedicated lanes was such a battle at the Indiana Statehouse

In exchange for killing the bill minutes before the deadline Thursday, Speaker Todd Huston said IndyGo agreed to adjust its plans to maintain two lanes of general traffic flow in each direction whenever possible.

IndyGo hasn't yet publicized what that compromise looks like, though one map obtained by IndyStar shows dedicated bus lanes restricted to Irvington and a small section on the near west side.

IEDC oversight bill dies

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which often receives credit for the multi-million businesses that invest in the state, has also been the subject of heated criticism over the last year from both the public, and several Republican candidates for governor, tied to development of the LEAP manufacturing district planned in Boone County.

Sen. Brian Buchanan, R-Lebanon, introduced a bill this session to require more accountability and transparency from the quasi-public agency, which received $1 billion from state lawmakers for the 2024 fiscal year.

Senate Bill 295 would have added two nonvoting members from the Indiana General Assembly to the IEDC board and require the organization to give 30-day public public notice before purchasing 100 acres or more for business development.

Construction is under way at the new LEAP Innovation and Research District on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the intersection of Witt Rd. and Lower Simmons Rd. in Lebanon Ind.

2024 legislative session: Indiana lawmakers recently funneled $1B to the IEDC, but now debate its powers

The bill passed the Senate in early February but died after not receiving a hearing from the Ways and Means committee in the House.

Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, told reporters Thursday that he is not sure if any of the IEDC language will be resurrected in other bills in the final weeks of session.

No PFAS definition change

Hoosiers might remember when PFAS was a topic of discussion last session. That was because State Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend, passed two bills to protect firefighters from the toxic forever chemicals that take thousands of years to break down.

The General Assembly went the opposite direction this year by considering House Bill 1399, a bill letting manufacturers put PFAS in more products.

PFAS chemicals: Indiana bill cutting protections from toxic PFAS chemicals appears to die in committee

There was outcry from scientists and state environmental management officials. The opposition far outweighed those in support, namely, the chemical manufacturing industry.

After one hearing, the chair of the Senate environmental affairs committee killed the bill by not voting on it before the deadline.

State officers gun rights in the Statehouse

Lawmakers can already carry guns in the Statehouse, but Senate Bill 14 would have extended that ability to more elected officials and state employees.

The bill added the secretary of state, attorney general, state comptroller, state treasurer and their employees to those who could carry guns at the capitol building as well as General Assembly employees and members of the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission.

While it shot off to a quick start and passed the Senate in January, the bill , carried by Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville, died in the House.

No fund for magic mushrooms

Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, said he wanted to elevate the discussion about the medical benefits of magic mushrooms in authoring Senate Bill 139. And thats about as far as the General Assembly got this session.

The bill would establish a state fund for researching the clinical use of psilocybin, so-called shrooms, a schedule I drug that the U.S. Food and Drug administration has given "breakthrough therapy" status to enable clinical research.

For people with the most stubborn, chronic illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, psilocybin has been proven an effective treatment in many mainstream journals.

The bill passed the Senate nearly unanimously but did not clear a House committee in time.

Fentanyl test strip bill

A bipartisan bill to decriminalize drug test strips sailed through the House with near unanimous support, but never got its day in the Senate.

As the fentanyl overdose crisis has soared in recent years, a movement to legalize these test strips, which can detect the presence of the deadly synthetic drug, has gained momentum.

While opponents liken them to drug paraphernalia, advocates consider them a life-saving harm reduction measure for people who are addicted or recovering from addiction.

None of us should die in our dilemmas, Rep. Victoria Garcia-Wilburn, D-Fishers, said at a Hoosier Action rally at the Statehouse Wednesday, after it became clear her House Bill 1053 would not be heard in the Senate. Her bill has two Republican co-authors, Jennifer Meltzer of Shelbyville and Sharon Negele of Attica.

Other bills that won't advance

Senate Bill 240 would have made spinning  as in doing donuts recklessly in a parking lot or public street  a misdemeanor offense.

Senate Bill 128 would have given school boards authority to approve "human sexuality" courses and materials. Representatives of education organizations across the state told senators earlier this month that state law already allows school boards to approve any curriculum.

Senate Bill 287 would have addressed internet safety instruction in schools, but Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, also saw her annual cursive writing mandate attached to this bill prior to it leaving the Senate in February.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana General Assembly: More bills died in the 2024 session
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The parents of a 2-year-old are calling for accountability after a toddler lost part of his finger at a North Carolina day care.

On Feb. 20, Tonishia Anthony dropped off her son, Seawn Sutton, at Rising Stars of Farmville, a local day care. Around 11 a.m., Anthony received a notification from the dayc are that Seawn hurt his finger.

Teacher accused of hitting girl while breaking up fight

Anthony said when she got to the day care, she could not believe what she saw.

They unwrapped his hand and the only thing I could say was, Oh my God. It was so bad, I couldnt even stomach it, it was so bad, Anthony said.

Anthony rushed Seawn to the ECU Health Medical Center emergency room, with Shawn Sutton, Seawns dad, meeting them there.

Surgeons tried to reattach Seawns finger but were unsuccessful.

(WNCT photo)

Nexstars WNCT reached out to Rising Stars of Farmville. In an e-mail statement, they wrote:

As a family-oriented child care center committed to providing quality services, Rising Stars of Farmville regrets that a toddler in its care suffered injury to a finger last week and are hopeful the child experiences a speedy recovery. We are cooperating with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which is investigating the matter. As an organization, we remain committed to providing high-level care services and serving our community in the best way possible.

WNCT also reached out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In an e-mail statement, they wrote:

The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education is aware of the concerns and is considering next steps; we cannot comment on investigations or possible investigations.

Seawns parents said he still relives that day whenever he goes for a follow-up doctors visit.

I have the video, it starts back when they unwrap it. He goes through the whole trauma again, Sutton said.

We dont know what else this is going to affect. Yes his hand, yes part of his finger is missing, he has to grow up with it, Anthony said.

Sutton and Anthony said the immense community support has been a light in the dark.

We call them virtual aunties and uncles, Sutton said.

Wearing shirts that read My Accident Could Have Been Prevented, Seawns parents said they hope the day care is held accountable.

Dont let there be another Seawn, dont let the incident that happened to Seawn, happen to your child. Thats what were doing now, awareness, Sutton said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The suspects have not been identified and are consided armed and dangerous (AP)

Masked men killed four people and left seven others injured at a house party in California on Sunday evening.

The suspects remain on the run as of Monday morning, with locals in King City warned to keep away from them.

Here is everything we know so far about the latest mass shooting.

Police were called to a shooting at a house party

King City Police Department in California were called out to a house on the 200 Block of N 2nd Street on Sunday 3 March at around 6pm, following reports of shots being fired.

A birthday party was being held at the residence, cops said, with multiple people hanging out in the front yard.

A silver Kia pulled up outside, three men got out and they opened fire. They then got back in the car and drove away.

Four killed, seven wounded in King City shooting

The suspects have not been identified and are considered armed and dangerous (KSBW Action News 8)

When police officers arrived, they found three men in the front yard. They had all died from gunshot wounds.

They also found four others who had been shot, including a 20-year-old woman who was taken by someone else to the Mee Memorial Hospital. She was pronounced dead from her injuries.

Initially, police said three others had been wounded, but that number has since been updated to seven. All were taken to hospitals within Monterey County, with two in a critical condition as of Tuesday morning.

The identities of the victims have not been released as of Tuesday morning.

The suspects were wearing masks

The three shooters were all wearing dark clothing, as well as dark-coloured masks, the police department said.

Investigators have also not revealed any more about their identities.

In an update late Sunday night, the police department said the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous and warned locals to stay away from anyone matching the description.

Police offer $20,000 reward for information

In an update on Monday night, the King City Police Department said it was offering a reward of $20,000 for information on the case, which leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Anyone with additional information is being asked to contact King City Police Department Sergeant Josh Partida at 831-386-5988 or jpartida@kingcity.com. Alternatively, residents can use the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME anonymously.

Another mass shooting in the US

According to the Gun Violence Archives definition that a mass shooting involves four or more victims, the incident in King City becomes the 70th such incident in the United States in 2024.

The murders and shootings that occurred yesterday evening were a terrible tragedy for our entire community, King City Mayor Mike LeBarre said on Monday. We are heartbroken and share our deepest sympathy with the family and friends of those who were killed by this ruthless act of violence.

We want to respect the privacy of the families that are suffering, but please know the City is here to help provide or access any resources that would be of assistance and support.

On Sunday there was at least one other mass shooting event at a nightclub in Mississippi. In that incident, one person was killed and 12 people were injured.

Three others were recorded on Saturday in Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina.

In 2023, there were 656 mass shootings across the US.
A Chicago activist has revived a reparations campaign that calls for an annual exemption from property taxes after Mayor Brandon Johnson approved $9,000 housing payouts to migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border.

The mayors action led to outrage in the Black community due to concerns the incoming wave would eventually price them out of their own neighborhoods.

Howard Ray, the founder of ReRan who last year unsuccessfully campaigned for the alderman seat in Chicagos 37th ward, blasted Mayor Johnson for the $750-a-month payments to incoming migrants that is intended to help cover their rent and other living costs.

A majority of Chicagoans have been up in arms over the mayors recent benevolence to asylum seekers, while Black residents have become outraged after helping to elect the Democrat last fall, although Johnson did recently rebuff an additional $300 million in funding to help ease the crisis.

A Chicago activist says the city is using tax dollars to push out African-Americans from their neighborhoods. (Photo: Getty Images)

A call for reparations

Ray sought to highlight the racial disparity between incoming migrants and the citys longtime Black residents, claiming that the Black community had long demanded similar public funds but never received any, although he failed to mention decades of subsidized housing for Black Chicagoans.

Ray vowed that his latest effort on reparations was just a start, while noting that the Black community in Chicago still held onto grievances that dated back to slavery.

Rays push for reparations emerged in 2023 as he claimed Black Chicagoans were increasingly moving away from the area due to rising county and city property taxes.

Ironically, Rays movement is based in Illinois, which was a free state from the day it was admitted to the union in 1818. However, Ray highlighted the lingering injustices of the Jim Crow era in Southern states, which led many Black people to migrate north in search of freedom.

The injustice that has been done to us as Black Americans over the years, from slavery to Jim Crow, the lynching, redlining, numerous amount of things, including disproportionate incarceration for marijuana offenses, justify the need for reparations, Ray said.

Theyre using our taxes to demise our communities, Ray told Chicagos Morning Answer, as he reintroduced his plan called the Reconstruction Era Reparation Act Now initiative, or ReRan, aiming to eliminate $6,000 a year in property taxes, exclusively for Black households.

Theyre using our taxes to support and advocate for the illegal immigrants. And in the meantime, were getting pushed out.

The moving of migrants

The racial controversy in Chicago reflects a broader trend across the United States, with states such as Texas shipping migrants north, putting strain on major cities like Chicago as the federal government struggles to seal the porous border.

The issue was a significant concern for President Joe Biden, especially with voters heading to the ballot box this November.

New York City and Denver have also been inundated, with elected leaders calling on Biden to declare a national emergency, which would free up federal dollars to help mitigate the problem.

I think its at this point, politically unsustainable for the Biden administration to maintain this unlimited flow into whats essentially a welfare state network of cities like New York, Denver and Chicago, said Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, according to CNBC.

As the crisis unfolds nationwide, public officials in some cities have been accused of sidelining Black citizens to accommodate the flood of migrants.

But Chicago officials were desperate for a solution, as countless migrants remain stranded while sleeping on the floors of police stations and OHare Airport for months.

According to some estimates, more than 35,000 migrants have been sent to Chicago since 2022, mostly from Texas, which has been Ground Zero of the border crisis since Biden took office more than three years ago.

Meanwhile, only 4,327 migrants departed Chicago, state officials said, representing about 12 percent of the total migrants sent to the city in the past year and a half.

The Texas government will put migrants on a plane and, you know, tell them that Chicago is a great place to come, which it is. But youre saying, you know, this is what Chicago is going to do for you. And then when they get here, they can see that what was told to them in Texas is not accurate, said 36th Ward Alderman Gil Villegas, who spoke to ABC News 7 in Cook County.

The continuing deportations by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott were seen as a deliberate strategy to send immigrants to states governed by Democrats, as well as an affront to the Biden administration, leading to increased friction with Washington.

Meanwhile, only $800 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been designated to deal with the crisis on a national level, which has been widely criticized as inadequate because the affected cities were blindsided as lawmakers in border states began bussing the migrants north.

A crisis rooted in history and data

The situation in Chicago exposed long-held resentment among Black residents who felt historically overlooked by local government leaders despite years of public funding for community and economic development programs.

Ray also noted the recent passage of the No Representation Without Population Act by the Illinois General Assembly, which requires state prisoners be counted at their home address for redistricting purposes, as state lawmakers sought to prevent prison gerrymandering, which Ray said was another thing that pushed us out of our community.

We didnt get money from the federal government because they were using that money to supply downstate towns with the prisoner population, using those numbers to help out those downstate resident townships that have prisons in their towns. So they used our people that were in Chicago. They went to prison to get those numbers, so they can get government funds.

When asked if he had met with Mayor Johnson or any other state lawmakers about his reparations proposal, Ray said he sent emails and met with local aldermen who embraced his idea; however, no legislative action has ever been introduced.

As a candidate, Ray vowed to seek tax relief for Chicagos disadvantaged communities.

Yes, I believe some Chicagoans should receive tax relief based on the U.S tract data. Communities in blighted areas should receive some relief, he told The Chicago Tribune last year. Basically, I will propose my bill supporting property tax relief and lobby Chicago citizens and Council members to create a referendum for our city.

During his campaign, Ray asserted that Black Chicagoans faced higher rates of evictions compared to other racial groups, emphasizing that a property tax exemption would be a fair form of reparations for the legacy of slavery.

Property taxes on a single-family home in Chicago and its suburbs typically range from $2,500 to $7,500 per year, while these taxes have increased in recent years, creating financial challenges for many lower-income households.

Were losing a lot of the Black culture in Chicago, Ray said.

A lot of the Blacks are moving out of Chicago because of crime and taxes  moving to the red states, the Southern states. By not paying property taxes, [Black people] will be able to be saved.

Reparations in the form of tax relief would serve to compensate Black Americans for the enduring legacy of slavery more than 158 years after the end of the Civil War, Ray noted.

Were trying to preserve the Blacks to stay in Chicago, Ray emphasized. We dont want our people to leave this city. We built this city.

Chicago Activist Revives Call for Reparations Amid Outrage Over Mayors Payouts to Migrants
MUNCIE, Ind.  An Indianapolis man who caused a fatal crash on the Muncie Bypass was sentenced Friday to five years in prison.

A Delaware Circuit Court 3 jury on Feb. 1 found Melvin Lee Weaver, 31, guilty of reckless homicide, obstruction of justice and driving while suspended.

At a hearing Friday afternoon, Judge Doug Mawhorr imposed a seven-year sentence  five years in prison followed by two years on probation.

During last month's trial, Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Ramirez presented evidence that Weaver was driving a Chevrolet pickup truck northbound on the bypass on Sept. 26, 2020, when he crashed into the back of a 1972 Triumph that was stopped for a red light at McGalliard Road.

One person was killed in a crash involving three vehicles at McGalliard Road's intersection with the Muncie Bypass around 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020.

More: Muncie mother charged with reckless homicide, neglect in infant's death

The driver of the Triumph  Matthew Adams, 28, of Tipton  was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The Tipton man's' wife, Anna, and the occupant of the third vehicle involved in the crash, a Michigan man, also were injured.

When Weaver was approached by Indiana State Police at the crash scene, he filled out a witness statement and identified himself in writing as his father. The younger Weaver's driving privileges were suspended at the time.

In a release Friday, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said his "thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Matthew Adams."

Hoffman also said he believed the Indiana General Assembly should increase the possible penalty for reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony carrying a maximum six-year sentence.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Driver gets 5 years for role in 2020 fatal crash on the Muncie Bypass
A driver careened through a fence and landed in a precarious spot on top of a swimming pool, Georgia officers said.

The Cobb County Police Department said it raced to save the driver after her car came to rest on a covered pool.

Video shared March 2 on Facebook shows an officer knock on the front drivers side window before breaking the drivers side rear window. The officer then opened the drivers door, revealing water was up to the seated drivers knees.

The footage, which has a time stamp of Feb. 21, then shows the driver being dragged from the car to the safety of the pool deck. There, crews can be seen covering her in towels while trying to determine whether she was responsive.

The harrowing moments unfolded at a housing complex in the Kennesaw area, roughly 25 miles northwest of Atlanta. A 911 caller reported that the driver went through a fence and landed on the pool cover but wasnt sure how long it could bear the cars weight.

It turns out, the car stayed suspended by the pool cover until the driver could be rescued, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services wrote Feb. 22 on Facebook.

The driver, who had a medical emergency before the crash, received care on the scene. She was taken to a hospital and is expected to be OK, officers told McClatchy News in a March 4 email.

The vehicle was later removed from the swimming pool using a wrecker, police wrote.

Horse frightened by storm gets stuck in a pool, photos show. Then NC rescuers show up
Early in-person voting is underway ahead of Floridas Republican presidential primary.

Republican voters in Miami-Dade County and across the state began casting their ballots at polling sites on Monday. Early in-person voting will run until March 17, two days before the March 19 primary election.

There are 23 early-voting sites located throughout Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade elections department is posting wait times for each site on its website.

Only registered Republican voters are able to participate in the presidential primary this year. The Florida Democratic Party submitted only President Joe Bidens name for the partys White House nomination. Under state law, if a political party puts up only one name for the ballot, the primary is canceled.

Republican voters, on the other hand, will be presented with a list of seven choices for the GOPs presidential nomination, but only two of them  former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley  are still in the race. Five others, ranging from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have suspended their campaigns in recent months.

Silvia Perez, 81, leaves her precinct after casting her ballot during early in-person voting at the Coral Gables Library on Monday, March 4, 2024, in Coral Gables, Fla.

Trump is the heavy favorite to win both the Florida primary and the GOP presidential nod overall. Hes emerged victorious in nearly every Republican nominating contest so far, and polls of the primary race in Florida show him running ahead of Haley by wide margins.

While most Miami-Dade voters will only have to worry about the Republican primary, voters in South Miami and Surfside will also see municipal content on their ballots that all registered voters will be allowed to weigh in on.

A special election in South Miami will decide whether to amend the city charter to allow for leases of city property exceeding 50 years as it pertains to the redevelopment of City Hall, while voters in Surfside will elect their mayor and town commissioners.

Mail voting in Miami-Dade has already been underway for nearly a month. Those hoping to vote by mail will have until March 7 to request a ballot.

Oviedo Menendez leaves the Coral Gables Library where he cast his ballot during early in-person voting on Monday, March 4, 2024, in Coral Gables, Fla.
About 3.2 million Texans cast a ballot in the 2024 Texas primaries, with Republicans far outpacing their Democratic counterparts.

Republicans cast 2.3 million ballots on a ticket led by former President Donald Trump, and Democrats cast about 975,000 ballots, according to the Texas secretary of states office. That marks a significant drop from the 2020 primary election, when more than 4 million Texans voted, and turnout among Democratic voters surpassed Republican turnout.

This years drop in turnout came despite an uptick in the overall number of registered voters in Texas since 2020. Democratic turnout accounted for the entirety of the decline  Republican participation increased slightly compared to 2020 but not by not enough to counter the sharp decrease in votes cast in the Democratic primary.

One possible reason: The top of the ticket in the Democracy primary was much less competitive in 2024. Four years ago, Joe Biden used Super Tuesday to surge to the top of the hotly contested presidential primary and clear the path to the nomination.

Voters across all 254 counties again chose Democratic and Republican nominees for the presidential election, but there was little drama in those races. Voters also picked nominees for representatives in Congress and the Texas Legislature. Lower-level judges and county offices were also on the ballot.

A small majority of votes came through mail-in voting and during the early voting period, which ran from Feb. 20 to March 1. About 10% of registered voters, or 1.8 million people, cast a ballot during early voting. Thats 200,000 fewer votes compared to early voting in the 2020 primary, where 12.6% of registered voters participated early.

The decline in voter turnout was most pronounced in the states most populous, urban counties of Harris, Bexar, Dallas and Travis, where only 13.9% of voters turned out compared to 24% in 2020. Similar declines occurred in the states border counties as well as in the fast growing suburbs of Tarrant, Fort Bend, Collin, Denton, Hays and Williamson counties.

Turnout in the 216 mostly rural counties that historically vote strongly Republican had the smallest dip in participation rates, about 4.1 percentage points.

I think there is less enthusiasm for the big matchup in 2024, which is almost certain to be between former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. Weve been there, done that, and I think a lot of voters are kind of sitting on the sidelines until things change.

Rottinghaus said he was not surprised to see stable turnout in red counties, where Republican contests have drawn considerable attention and funding as Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton each seek revenge after an eventful legislative session. Paxton is fighting to unseat the House Republicans who voted to impeach him, while Abbott has publicly targeted Republicans who opposed school vouchers in last years legislative sessions.

Democrats did have a competitive statewide race that determined who will challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in November. But some voters may have written that race off because the U.S. Rep. Colin Allred significantly outraised his Democratic Senate primary opponents, including state Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio, Rottinghaus said. Allred easily defeated Gutierrez on Tuesday.

Its a kiss of death for voter turnout when people see elections as being not competitive, he said.

Voter turnout also tends to be lower among younger cohorts, and Texas has one of the youngest populations in the country. The median Texan is 35.5 years old, compared to the national median of 38.9, according to a 2023 U.S. Census report.

Only about 75,000 people under the age of 30 voted early this year, roughly equivalent to the number of people ages 85 and older who voted early, according to a report by Derek Ryan, a political consultant. (Election day numbers broken down by age are not yet available.)

Texas has experienced significant population growth in recent years, contributing to an overall increase in the number of registered voters. The population grew by 4% from January 2020 to January 2023, the majority of which was driven by migration, not new births. That growth did not necessarily translate into more early voters, though.

Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University who has studied voting behavior, said this may be because candidates dont usually target new residents, whose voter history may be unknown to them.

What really motivates people to vote is someone asking them to vote, Stein said. Candidates may not want to turn out those registered voters because they don't know much about them  they don't know where they came from, they don't know how they voted, we don't have party registration.

The early voting tally includes those who voted by mail. Mailed ballots accounted for 6.3% of early votes this year, a decline from 2020 when they made up roughly 10% of votes. In 2021, Texas added new requirements to voting by mail. The new law required voters to provide their drivers license number or part of their Social Security number on their ballot application. In Texas, the only people eligible to vote bail mail are 65 or older, confined to jail, expected to give birth within three weeks of Election Day, are sick or disabled or expect to be absent from their home county for the entire voting period.

The new law, among other changes to voting requirements, can confuse voters and contribute to low turnout, Stein said.

Even the most frequent and hardy voters are confused about their state laws, said Stein, who has studied voting nationally. I think Republicans are going to look at their laws and procedures in the next session. I think they are realizing that they are aggravating voters.

We cant wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.
Following Leap Day last week, Americans are seeing another special event that only occurs every four years. Though it might not have as positive as a reputation.

Super Tuesday has long been viewed as the day that could significantly alter the course of the presidential primaries since the most delegates are at stake.

According to USA TODAY, polls indicate Trump is the front-runner in the race, polling well above his remaining rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Biden on the other hand, as the presidential incumbent, is expected to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

But what about the third-party candidates? While none have ever won a presidential election, many have made names for themselves for their campaign issues and how their votes can impact the overall election.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name has been thrown around over the last year, and he's still a candidate. Here's what to know about Kennedy and his connection to Florida through his superstar partner.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 69, is politician and environmental lawyer, also known as the nephew of Americas 35th President, John F. Kennedy, and the son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

"(Kennedy) launched his presidential campaign in April 2023. But the longtime environmental activist announced in October he would drop his Democratic bid and re-enter the race for the White House as an independent," Florida TODAY's biography states. "The junior Kennedy has called the traditional two-party system 'rigged' for Americans and is campaigning on a platform targeting institutions such as pharmaceutical and tech companies."

Does Florida vote on Super Tuesday?

Florida is not one of the states with primary elections on Super Tuesday.

When do we vote for president in Florida?

Floridas 2024 presidential preference primary election takes place on Tuesday, March 19, which is a closed primary. This means voters can only vote for a candidate to represent the party they are registered with.

Here are the states and territories voting on Super Tuesday:

Alabama

Alaska (GOP only)

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Maine

Massachusetts

Minnesota

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Texas

U.S. territory of American Samoa

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Who is Cheryl Hines

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a townhall meeting in Spartanburg on Aug. 22, 2023. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wife's Cheryl Ruth Hines talks about her husband.

Cheryl Hines is an actress and comedian, most known for portraying Larry David's wife Cheryl on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Winning two Primetime Emmy nominations for the role, she has also starred in films like "Herbie: Fully Loaded" (2005), "Cake" (2005), "RV" (2006) and "A Bad Moms Christmas" (2017).

Hines was born in Miami Beach but in a 2007 interview with the Orlando Sentinel, she shared she grew up in Tallahassee. She pursued a degree in arts from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Hines married Kennedy in August 2014, a second marriage for her and a third for him. She credits her on-screen husband with introducing the pair, saying David introduced her to Kennedy in 2006 at a ski weekend fundraiser for the Waterkeeper Alliance.

The pair wouldn't reconnect until 2010. In honor of their wedding anniversary in 2020, he dedicated a since-deleted Instagram post to his wife.

"Thanks for the unimaginable happiness, for your wise and compassionate counsel, for your generous spirit, for your faithful companionship in joy and grief, for the love youve given our children. And for the endless laughter," he wrote.

What has Hines said about Kennedy's presidential run?

Hines has been outspoken about her thoughts and encouragement for Kennedy's president bid, even joining him for campaign events and townhalls.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Hines stressed the support she has for husbands political aspirations and understands her growing role in the campaign.

If youre asking me, Has this been my dream, to be first lady? I would say, No. But if someone said to me: Guess what? Youre going to be first lady tomorrow, I would say, Great. Lets do it. I cant wait to see what this looks like,''" Hines said. "When I look at it like that, I think, Wow, what an extraordinary situation. And if thats what life hands you, then you accept it and experience it for everything it has to offer.

However, there have been some rocky moments over the past few years, particularly when he made comparisons between the Holocaust and the efforts to vaccinate Americans against COVID. In a statement posted to X in 2022, Hines said she did not agree with his sentiments.

My husbands opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues.  Cheryl Hines (@CherylHines) January 25, 2022

Most recently in Feb. 28 episode of "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, Hines talked about David's public decision to not back Kennedy and why she's still friends with others who don't back her husband.

I mean, I try to let (criticism roll right off), she said. But everybody can think the way they want to think and support who they want to support. Im not gonna be mad at somebody if they dont agree with me or if they dont see it my way. I mean, its not always easy.

All controversy aside, Hines "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Susie Essman, and fellow guest on WWHL that night, said that Hines would be the classiest First Lady that ever hit the White House if Kennedy were to win the 2024 election.

Has there ever been a first lady from Florida?

No, there has not been a first lady, or president, to hail Florida. If Kennedy ends up in the White House, Hines would be the first.

The furthest South a first lady has ever hailed from Georgia, where both Woodrow Wilson's wives  Ellen Axson Wilson and Margaret Woodrow Wilson  grew up in the late 1800s and 100 years later, Jimmy Carter's wife Rosalynn would grow up.

Former First Lady Melanie Trump has ties to Florida

Melania Trump and Republican presidential candidate and former President Donal Trump attend the Trumpettes Gala at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in Palm Beach.

While Hines is a native Floridian, she's not the only one with connections to the Sunshine State.

Former first lady Melania Trump has been connected to the Palm Beach community for years, residing at the 20-acre Mar-a-Lago estate. Despite being absent from Donald's campaigning and court appearances, many reports claim that her focus has been parenting their teenage son, Barron.

In January, the Trump family gathered for the funeral service for her mother, Amalija Knavss, at Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach. Knavss subsequently died Jan. 9 at the age of 78.

Where is Kennedy at right now in his campaign?

Kennedy is currently on the ballot in one state, Utah, and his campaign has gathered enough signatures to appear on the ballots in New Hampshire and Hawaii.

Last month, Super PAC American Values 2024 said in a news release they had gathered the necessary signatures to secure ballot access for Kennedy in Arizona and Georgia.

The grassroots energy and momentum give us more confidence than ever in our ability to knock out the remaining states on our list of states quickly, PAC co-founder Tony Lyons said in a statement on Feb. 26.

CNN reported these two states that helped Biden defeat Trump in the 2020 election by very narrow margins.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has connection to Florida with wife Cheryl Hines
FALL RIVER  Massachusetts voters will head to the polls on Tuesday in the presidential primary with a few changes in city polling places for some to cast their votes.

Here is a reminder of those new and now former polling places.

What closed and whats new?

The changes do not decrease Fall River's total of 27 precincts. The changes are located in the South End, the Flint neighborhood and the North End.

There are eight polling places that will be shut down: Cardinal Medeiros Towers on Robeson Street; Frank B. Oliveira Apartments on William Street; Mitchell Apartments on South Main Street; Chor Bishop Eid Apartments on Quequechan Street; the Reney/Eastwood Fire Station on Eastern Avenue; Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School on Lewiston Street; Spencer Borden School on Chestnut Street; and Tansey Elementary School on Ray Street.

The new consolidated polling sites will have voters heading to the following locations: Good Shepherd Parish on South Main Street; St. Anthonys of the Desert on North Eastern Avenue; Matthew J. Kuss Middle School on Globe Mills Avenue; and Bristol Community College on Elsbree Street.

"I voted" stickers at the Alfred S. Letourneau Elementary School polling site in Fall River Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

What are the changes in the South End?

The Board of Election has consolidated locations from Mitchell Apartments and Carlton Viveiros School into Good Shepherd Parish on South Main Street.

What are the changes in the Flint neighborhood?

Closed polling places are at the Eastern Avenue fire station and Chor Bishop Eid Apartments.

Board of Elections has consolidated those polling places to an auditorium at St. Anthonys of the Desert, which has plenty of parking as opposed to the residential locations of the former voting spots.

Two other high rises, Baressi Heights and Cottell Heights on Pleasant Street that have served voters, will remain polling places.

Changes in the North End

One Fall River Housing Authority property and two schools in the North End have been taken off the list of polling sites: Cardinal Medeiros Towers, Tansey Elementary School and Spencer Borden School.

Those three polling locations have been consolidated to a new location at Bristol Community College.

New city program to offering rides to voters and dates to save

For the first time, the Board of Elections is partnering with Veterans Services to provide rides to the polls during election time using the veterans van.

Nationally, campaign season has been on the national level and Fall River residents and voters across Massachusetts can cast their ballot in the Presidential Primary on March 5.

The State Primary is Sept. 3 and the Presidential and State Elections are Nov. 5.

Voters have several other options.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth sent out applications to all registered voters in the state for mail-in balloting. Lyons said he urges voters interested in that option to return their ballots to the Board of Elections as soon as possible.

The deadline to return the mail-in ballots is 8 p.m. on election day.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River voters head to vote in the presidential primary Tuesday
A new battle could be brewing for Idahos construction industry.

As developers seek to continue transforming the Treasure Valley, filling in dirt lots in Boise with towers and building new neighborhoods in Eagle, there are growing concerns that incoming mega-projects such as the $15 billion Micron expansion and the new data center for Meta in Kuna could tie up the vast majority of construction workers in a state already facing labor shortages.

Developers and industry insiders say the mega-projects projects could squeeze the state of its tradesmen and hinder other developments, such as the 26-story Arthur apartments going up at 12th and Idaho streets. The Arthur would have more floors than any other Idaho building, though its highest point would still be lower than the top of the 18-story Eighth & Main (Zions Bank) buildings spire.

These fears come on the heels of a construction market swinging back from sour conditions in 2023 that saw developers pull back on projects such as the 13-story Idaho Central Credit Union building on 4th Street amid swelling interest rates, increasing construction costs and a labor shortage, according to prior Idaho Statesman reporting.

Other projects continued despite the harsh conditions, including the Broadstone Saratoga apartments at 1201 W. Grove St. and Hotel Renegade, which is catty-corner to the Broadstone Saratoga. All three are expected to be finished later this year or in 2025.

The 26-story 12th and Idaho building, recently named The Arthur, finished vertical construction in early February and is slated to open in early 2025. The Idaho Power building is to its immediate left. The state Capitol is in the background at right.

Fears over Idahos mega-projects

But the entire states construction labor force could be squeezed from the incoming mega-projects.

According to Wayne Hammon, CEO of the Idaho Associated General Contractors, $5 billion of the Micron semiconductor-fabrication plant project is directly related to construction, and the company is aiming to build it in four to five years.

At its peak there are 4,000 construction workers on this one job alone, Hammon said during a presentation to the Idaho Legislatures 2024 Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee.

There will be so many workers at the site that Micron plans to add a cafeteria, because the company cant have that many people leaving for lunch and jamming the roads every day, Hammon said.

One of the main contractors for Micron, Hammon said, promised that hundreds of workers finishing projects in Arizona, Nevada and elsewhere would move to Idaho to work on the project.

Where do they live? How do they eat? What doctors do they see? Where do they shop? Hammon said. There are not enough RV parks in the Treasure Valley to house these people. There are not enough open apartments and homes to house these people.

But even with an influx of out-of-state workers, developers are concerned about a labor market stretched thin.

Jeremy Malone, vice president of the Boise-based Oppenheimer Development Corp., which is developing the 26-story Arthur apartments in downtown Boise, said some of his main concerns will be finding a way to continue to attract tradespeople when the Meta and Micron projects will require so much specialized labor like electricians.

Laborers working on the Arthur relax during an event to celebrate finishing vertical construction on the building on Feb. 5.

Depending on who you ask, theres roughly 2,000 licensed electricians in the state of Idaho, said Joe Jackson, executive vice president of Engineered Structures Inc., or ESI. Right now maybe 75% of them are in the Treasure Valley. Well, those mega projects by themselves really need over 1,200 of those licensed electricians at peak load.

Laborers on the Arthur work on the roof on Feb. 5 as they finish vertical construction.

This stress applies to more than just electricians, Jackson said during a Feb. 13 Building Owners and Managers Association International, or BOMA, conference. Plumbers; pipefitters; carpenters; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians could also be strained.

Its really going to shock the system, Jackson said. Theres going to be a fight for the labor. Theres going to be additional incentives offered.

Micron is offering eye-watering incentives, according to Hammon. These include established wage floors whether workers are unionized or not, plus an extra $10 per hour for journeymen. Workers living over 150 miles from Boise will get an additional $240 per day to work on the Micron expansion, Hammon said.

Hammon didnt have specifics on the pay, but he estimated that the wage floors will be from $30-$35 an hour to $70-$75 an hour depending on the trade. That could be 20% to 25% higher than average in Boise now, he said.

Its pretty good wages for construction, Hammon said.

He doubts that workers would choose to work on an apartment project in Nampa when they could get much better pay working on the Micron expansion.

Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, center, is joined by Idaho Gov. Brad Little and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean in October to place a ceremonial plaque at the construction site of a new fabrication plant on Microns Southeast Boise headquarters campus.

What about all those plans for downtown Boise?

These concerns could affect projects across the Treasure Valley, including some high-value projects in the pipeline for downtown Boise.

For instance, the multiblock redevelopment project south of Boise High School that would see the construction of a new downtown Boise YMCA, a seven-story apartment building and a 15-story apartment building with ground-floor businesses.

And after eight years, the College of Western Idaho hopes to redevelop the former Bob Rice Ford car dealership at 3150 W. Main St. into a 10-acre campus with apartments, stores and offices.

The 10-acre site for the future home of the College of Western Idahos Boise campus is vacant but could become a hub for shopping, apartments and office space.

Developers are hoping both the YMCA and CWI project could finish construction in 2026, when Hammon said Micron could be hitting peak employment for the expansion.

Weve got a relatively robust development market out there right now  without these mega-projects that are on the horizon, Jackson said. Those mega-projects are really going to stress that manpower curve really to the max.

With a boom in demand for workers, Jackson said, it doesnt take a genius to see that wages would go up.

Theres two or three projects out there  that are really going to stress the electricians, the plumbers, the carpenters, and really affect all of the development in our community, he said.

Developers are planning to redevelop multiple blocks of land in downtown Boise just south of Boise High School, which is just outside of this south-looking photo below the lower left corner. The project would move the YMCA, center left, a block south across State Street, and it would construct two buildings, one 15-story and the other seven-story, for hundreds of apartments and ground-floor businesses.

Construction sees labor, wage increases

Despite labor concerns, Idahos construction industry is growing.

Were almost double what the national average is (in construction labor growth), said Hammon. Since (the) 2020 recession, the low point, our employment in Idaho has increased over 27%.

There were over 70,000 Idahoans working in construction in January 2024  a 4.6% increase from the previous January, Hammon said. The number employed in construction has gone up every year since the pandemic.

Wages have surged 15% to 20% in the last year, with a 20% to 25% increase anticipated in 2024, Hammon said.

In Idaho, $6.5 billion was spent in construction in 2023, Hammon said, making up almost 6% of the states gross domestic product. Nationally, construction made up 4%.

Employment numbers, salaries and the percentage of GDP will all likely increase in the coming years, Hammon said. The main reason, according to Hammon, is the mega-projects.

The Idaho Sporting Goods store was a Boise icon. Its now been demolished. This is why

See those big cranes? These are the 3 biggest buildings going up now in downtown Boise

ITDs former HQ campus in Boise was to get new housing. Then the Legislature stepped in

Such a large development: $1 billion Boise-area apartment, business hub set along I-84
Allen Weisselberg, the ex-chief financial officer of former President Donald Trump's family real estate company, pleaded guilty Monday to perjury charges resulting from his testimony during Trump's civil fraud trial.

Weisselberg "admits he committed conduct" pertaining to sworn testimony on May 12, 2023, and Oct. 10, 2023, regarding the size of Trump's Fifth Avenue Manhattan triplex.

"Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" the Manhattan judge asked during Weisselberg's court appearance Monday.

MORE: Ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg in perjury plea talks, sources say

"Yes," Weisselberg replied.

Weisselberg conceded he knowingly misled investigators about his knowledge of the size of the Trump Tower triplex in order to obtain favorable loans, insurance rates and "other economic benefits," according to Gary Fishman, who presented the perjury case for the Manhattan district attorney's office

"Do you admit to all of that?" the judge asked.

"Yes, your honor," Weisselberg said.

Perjury "tears at the very fabric of our justice system," Fishman said.

PHOTO: Allen Howard Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization CFO, arrives for a hearing at the New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Aug. 18, 2022. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

The judge said that Weisselberg, who turns 77 in August, will be sentenced to five months in jail on April 10. He was released on his own recognizance.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blasted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for bringing the charges, saying Bragg "has been on a crusade of vindictive and oppressive pressure leading, today, to a forced plea by Allen H. Weisselberg" and that "innocent Americans cannot continue to be harassed, and we have to save our Country."

"Alvin Bragg continues to waste public resources in a tyrannical attempt to impede President Trump's ongoing ascent to the White House," Trump attorney Christopher Kise said in a statement, adding that the charges "have no place in our justice system."

"It is a crime to lie in depositions and at trial -- plain and simple," said a spokesperson for the Manhattan DA's office. "Allen Weisselberg took an oath to be truthful, and then committed perjury both at depositions during the New York State Attorney General's Investigation and Proceeding, as well as at their recent trial. Today, Allen Weisselberg is pleading guilty to this felony and being held responsible for his conduct."

MORE: Trump civil fraud case: Judge fines Trump $354 million, says frauds 'shock the conscience'

This is Weisselberg's second criminal conviction after he pleaded guilty in 2022 to evading taxes on nearly $2 million in off-the-books compensation from the Trump Organization, including an apartment, a luxury car and his grandchildren's school tuition. He served three months of a five-month sentence at New York's Rikers Island jail.

As ABC News reported last month, Weisselberg, 75, had been in plea talks with the Manhattan district attorney's office to resolve charges that he lied on the witness stand when he testified in October at the civil trial in which he, Trump, Trump's two adult sons, and another former Trump Organization executive were found liable for fraud.

During his testimony, Weisselberg struggled to explain why Trump's Fifth Avenue Manhattan triplex, which is less than 11,000 square feet in size, was listed on Trump's statements of financial condition as 30,000 square feet.

"It was almost de minimis relative to his net worth, so I didn't really focus on it," Weisselberg said during the trial. "I never even thought about the apartment."

But Forbes magazine published an article following Weisselberg's appearance that accused him of lying under oath and suggested Weisselberg did think about the apartment because he played a key role in trying to convince the magazine the apartment was as big a Trump's financial statements represented.

At the trial, a lawyer with the New York attorney general's office, Louis Solomon, confronted Weisselberg with emails from a Forbes reporter seeking clarity about the apartment's size, as well as a letter signed by Weisselberg certifying the excessive square footage to the Trump Organization's accounting firm at the time, Mazars USA.

"Forbes was right, the triplex was actually only 10,996 right?" Solomon asked.

"Right," Weisselberg finally conceded.

Weisselberg is not expected to be called as a witness in the criminal trial that starts later this month accusing Trump of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied all wrongdoing.

The Manhattan district attorney's office has said in court filings that Weisselberg that advised then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen how to pay off Daniels, and later arranged for Cohen to be paid back in monthly installments.

Ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty to perjury charges originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Sarah Morland

(Reuters) -Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has committed to holding general elections by Aug. 31 next year, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said in a statement on Thursday, a day after the conclusion of a regional summit in Guyana.

CARICOM said it would send an assessment team to evaluate electoral needs by March 31 of this year to support planning and establishment of the relevant institutions.

Henry, who came to power after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moise, in 2021, had previously pledged to step down by early February, but later said security must first be re-established in order to ensure free and fair elections.

Crowds came to the streets to protest around the previous date, and on Thursday there was fresh violence marked by heavy gunfire in downtown Port-au-Prince as prominent gang leader Jimmy Cherizier called for Henry's government to be toppled.

Since Moise's assassination, hundreds of violent gangs have since expanded their territory, coalescing around two main alliances, and are now estimated to control most of the capital.

The Caribbean nation last held elections in 2016 and its last senators' terms expired more than a year ago.

Henry had in October 2022 called for a "rapid" international security force to help under-resourced national police fight the heavily armed gangs, and though the U.N. ratified sending such a body a year later there is still no set deployment date nor are there details on how large the force would be.

On Thursday, a U.N. spokesman said the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad had formally notified the United Nations of their intent to contribute personnel. Kenya has offered to lead the mission with some 1,000 police officers.

Kenya's proposed leadership is facing a constitutional challenge at home, but officials from Haiti and the African country have continued to hold meetings. Public pledges of support are overwhelmingly from developing nations.

The United States has meanwhile pledged $200 million in support, Canada around $60 million and France close to $4 million. The U.N. spokesman said less than $11 million has so far been deposited into the U.N.'s designated trust fund.

The ratification of the force is tied to the goal of facilitating electoral conditions as well as securing routes for humanitarian aid, as the conflict plunges millions of Haitians into acute hunger and blocks off access to medical care.

Speaking ahead of a regional summit, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he would push for more funding for the force as well as humanitarian aid during the talks on Friday, and noted some progress on scheduling of elections.

"We absolutely need now to move quickly," he said, saying it was important that "things are not postponed and that nobody is dragging their feet."

Regardless of how many troops are deployed, he added, a political solution remains crucial.

(Reporting by Sarah Morland in Mexico City and Robertson S. Henry in Kingstown; Editing by Kylie Madry and Christopher Cushing)
A gun went off during a high school wrestling meet over the weekend, Indiana deputies say.

Rochester High School was hosting 11 area schools for a wrestling meet on March 2 when a loud noise came from someone in the audience, according to a news release from the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

It turned out a gun had gone off inside 44-year-old Scott Yeagers backpack, deputies said.

It was one of two loaded handguns in Yeagers backpack, the sheriffs office said.

One of the handguns had a spent round still inside of the firearm, deputies said.

No one was injured, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies said Yeager also had a knife, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

He was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a knife on school property, cocaine possession, methamphetamine possession and marijuana possession.

Rochester High School did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment on March 4.

Rochester is about 100 miles north of Indianapolis.

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LAS CRUCES  A federal initiative helping more than 68,000 low-income homes in New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District pay for the internet has begun winding down.

Thats after Congress has not renewed funding for the pandemic-relief measure, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program.

In New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District, which covers much of Southern New Mexico, 42% of eligible homes  about 68,400  are receiving the subsidy, according to a dashboard compiled by the Institute for Local Self Reliance. Nationwide, some 27 million households are enrolled in the program, which provides up to $30 per month (or $75 per month on tribal lands) toward qualifying families internet subscriptions, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

One of the biggest concerns for the Office of Broadband right now is the ending of the ACP, said Drew Lovelace, acting director of the state Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. It is one of the most important funds that's come around to help with digital equity. The money is looking like it's going to run out in April. Congress has not reinvested into it.

Spare mobile hotspots are held at the Gadsden Independent School District offices on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Sunland Park. During the pandemic, the district distributed hotspots to students to bridge connectivity gaps.

In early February, the Federal Communications Commission began winding down the program by halting new enrollments. People who were registered before Feb. 8 will continue to receive the subsidy until funding runs out  projected to happen in April. But anyone not signed up before that cut-off date can no longer enroll, even if they wouldve previously qualified.

Just over 60 percent of homes have access to a high-speed internet connection in Congressional District 2, meaning there are many that dont, according to a Congressional District Health Dashboard. This poses barriers for residents trying to connect to school, work, business and health care opportunities.

ACP participants nationwide expressed deep concerns about possibly losing access to the program, according to an October 2023 survey by Benenson Strategy Group and the cable TV and communications company Comcast. Some 95% said they would struggle with balancing household costs. Other findings include:

65% of ACP participants fear losing their job or their households primary source of income

75% of ACP participants fear losing access to important healthcare services, including online appointments or prescription medicine refills

81% of ACP parents worry about their children falling behind in school

79% of ACP participants worry about losing social connections they foster through the internet

Closing the digital gap

There are several major aspects to New Mexicos digital divide. One is that high-speed internet infrastructure is lacking in many places, especially rural and low-income areas. But another is that, even where infrastructure is more robust, many families and individuals cant afford to pay for the internet among competing demands like rent, utilities and groceries. Thats where the Affordable Connectivity Program has made strides.

On tribal lands, families were able to receive up to $75 per month toward their internet subscription. Lovelace said there were another 24 zones throughout the state deemed high-cost service areas where families and individuals also could qualify for up to $75 per month. The payment could go toward cell phone-based internet, as well as other types of connectivity, as long as the provider or company was signed up to participate through the FCC.

The ending of ACP comes at a time when families in Southern New Mexico are struggling with steep costs of housing, groceries and other living expenses.

During the pandemic, Las Cruces Public Schools students and their families benefited from an initiative that paired the Affordable Connectivity Program with a special internet access deal by Comcast Xfinity, a major cable and internet provider in Las Cruces. The company offered internet for about $10 per month to families, but when the ACP was factored in, the internet essentially was free to many homes.

Notices to go out to ACP enrollees

If youre an Affordable Connectivity Program participant, what does the wind-down mean for you?

Households that are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive monthly discounted internet

service through the end of its funding, likely in April, as long as they remain enrolled in the program and eligible for it, according to the FCC.

During the ACP wind-down period, ACP households will receive notices from their internet company about the impact of the end of the benefit on the households bill and service. The

notices will tell internet users:

that the ACP is ending,

the impact on their bill,

the date of the last bill they will receive that includes the ACP benefit, and that they may change their service or opt-out of continuing service after the end of the ACP

ACP households may also switch their internet plans without penalty.

Will the state of New Mexico step in?

State broadband officials had previously discussed with the SNMJC the possibility of seeking funding from New Mexico lawmakers to continue the program. However, the state broadband office didnt pursue that proposal in the legislative session that ended Feb. 15.

Lovelace said, however, its likely that New Mexico will pour much of an impending federal funding award for digital equity into continuing the program. The state hasnt yet received the digital equity funding, but its in the process of finalizing a plan thats a precursor to receiving the money.

The digital equity funding is fairly substantial, but it also would run out eventually. A rough estimate of the total cost to fund the current ACP enrollment level in New Mexico, assuming that an average subsidy was about $30 monthly, is about $5.4 million per month or about $64 million annually, according to Lovelace.

The state will try to take a look to see what we can do, but we don't have large enough pots of money to continue that indefinitely, Lovelace said.

Its unclear when a state version of the program, if it happens, would launch.

Alison Riley, spokesperson for the Office of Broadband Expansion and Access, noted theres still a chance that Congress could choose to act and fund the Affordable Connectivity Program.

NMs delegation seeks ACP renewal

Members of New Mexicos congressional delegation have expressed support for extending the ACP. But some observers have said the proposal faces an uphill battle.

Congressman Gabe Vasquez, representing New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District, said hes backing a federal measure called the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. He described it in a newsletter as very important to securing funding to ensure our New Mexican families can continue getting access to affordable, high-speed internet.

Among New Mexicos three congressional districts, the 2nd District has the highest percentage of eligible homes participating in ACP. The numbers are as follows, per the Institute for Local Self Reliance:

Congressional District 1 : 138,055 homes eligible; 47,261 enrolled (34% participation rate)

Congressional District 2 : 162,359 homes eligible; 68,400 enrolled (42% participation rate)

Congressional District 3: 158,900 homes eligible; 57,906 enrolled (36% participation rate)

U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, signed onto a letter with other senators last fall urging congressional leaders to extend ACP funding.

Diana Alba Soular is the project manager and editor for the Southern New Mexico Journalism Collaborative, covering COVID-19 and pandemic recovery from a solutions-reporting lens. For more information visit, SouthNMnews.org or SurNMnoticias.org.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Internet subsidy helping 68K homes across southern NM winds down
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Sunday, March 3. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our live updates file on the war for Monday, March 4.

he Biden administration's rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became even more acute Sunday, when Vice President Kamala Harris called for a cease-fire in Gaza the day before a controversial meeting with a top Israeli official and longtime Netanyahu rival.

Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz traveled to Washington without the endorsement of Netanyahu, who instructed the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. to withhold assistance in arranging his meetings, Israel Hayom reported.

An official from Netanyahus far-right Likud party, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Netanyahu had a tough talk with Gantz and told him the country has just one prime minister.

Gantz, a centrist who joined Netanyahus hardline government following Hamas Oct. 7 attacks, arrives amid deep disagreements between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden over the Israeli military's conduct in Gaza and a postwar vision for the enclave.

Gantz is scheduled to meet Monday with Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan and on Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his National Unity Party said. They are expected to discuss the urgency of a hostage deal and cease-fire, the American commitment to increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the imperative of reducing civilian casualties, a White House official told the New York Times.

At an event Sunday commemorating the 1965 Bloody Sunday attacks on demonstrators in Selma, Alabama, Harris told the audience: "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table."

The U.S. has previously refrained from calling for a cease-fire but, along with Qatar and Egypt, has been trying to mediate a six-week truce that would lead to the release of hostages and enhanced aid for Gaza.

A Palestinian girl carries a child through the rubble of houses destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City on March 3, 2024.

Developments:

 Haim Rubinstein resigned as the spokesperson for the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the second official to leave the organization in less than a month. Rubinstein was among the founders of the group, formed the day after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault during which more than 250 hostages were seized and taken to Gaza.

 The Israeli military said it has completed up a two-week raid in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighborhood, destroying Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad sites and killing more than 100 operatives.

 The White House is sending senior adviser Amos Hochstein to Lebanon on Monday in an attempt to prevent tensions along the border with Israel from escalating.

Israel delays sending negotiating team to Cairo for talks

Hopes for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza took another setback Sunday when Israel refused to send a negotiating team to Cairo, citing Hamas' refusal to release the names of hostages who are still alive.

Representatives from Hamas, Qatar and the U.S. are in Cairo for the talks. Multiple Israeli news outlets including the Jerusalem Post were reporting that the Israel delegation will not make the journey until the list is provided and other details, including the health status of the hostages, are revealed.

Biden has been bullish on a deal, saying last week he hoped an agreement could be reached ahead of Ramadan. The Muslim holy month begins in a week.

Israel has said that more than 30 of the 130 hostages held since Oct. 7 are dead. The first phase of the deal in the works reportedly called for the release of 40 hostages, including women, children, the elderly and the sick, in the course of a six-week truce.

About 400 Palestinian prisoners would be freed by Israel.

Hamas, Israel still at odds over ending war in Gaza

Hamas will make no deal without Israel agreeing to end the war in Gaza or at least providing a path to end the war, CNN reported, citing "a highly placed source" in the militant group. That could be a deal-breaker  Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel won't end the war until Hamas has been eliminated.

On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited troops in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, calling progress on the ground "impressive" and pledging not to retreat from Gaza until Hamas has been dismantled.

Israeli military says it will expand humanitarian efforts

The Israeli military said it is stepping up efforts at providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, creating humanitarian corridors, establishing humanitarian pauses  and exercising caution in its use of force. The military said it had coordinated 21 airdrops of 450 packages in Gaza in collaboration with France, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and the U.S.

Also Sunday, 50 incubators were shipped into Gaza, bound for five hospitals facing desperate shortages and overwhelming patient loads. A report last week indicated babies in some hospitals had to share incubators.

"We will continue expanding our humanitarian efforts to the civilian population in Gaza while we fulfill our goals of freeing our hostages from Hamas and freeing Gaza from Hamas," the military said in a statement.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war updates: US rift with Netanyahu grows; Gantz arrives
Heres a look at how area members of Congress voted over the previous week.

Along with roll call votes this week, the Senate also passed these measures: the Justice for Murder Victims Act (S. 3859), to ensure that homicides can be prosecuted under federal law without regard to the time elapsed between the act or omission that caused the death of the victim and the death itself; and the Victims VOICES Act (S. 3706), to clarify that restitution includes necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by a person who has assumed the victims rights.

The House also passed these measures: a bill (H.R. 5426), to require the Small Business Administration to provide a link to resources for submitting reports on suspected fraud relating to certain COVID-19 loans; the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act (H.R. 3511), to require training on increasing contract awards to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans; and the SBA Rural Performance Report Act (H.R. 5265), to require a report on the performance of the Office of Rural Affairs.

HOUSE

NUCLEAR POWER: The House has passed the Atomic Energy Advancement Act (H.R. 6544), sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., to make a variety of changes to federal policies, including easing Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations, with the goal of speeding the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies. Duncan said the bill contains numerous, sensible regulatory reforms and market incentives that will empower the nuclear industry to provide affordable, resilient, reliable, and responsible power for Americans. The vote, on Feb. 28, was 365 yeas to 36 nays, with 1 voting present.

YEAS: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick R-Bucks; Mike Kelly, R-Butler; Dwight Evans, D-Philadelphia; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Chester; Madeleine Dean, D-Montgomery; Scott Perry, R-York; Brendan Boyle, D-Philadelphia; Matt Cartwright, D-Lackawanna; Lloyd Smucker, R-Lancaster; John Joyce, R-Blair; Guy Reschenthaler, R-Washington; Glenn Thompson, R-Howard; Dan Meuser, R-Luzerne; Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Delaware; Chris Deluzio, D-Allegheny

NOT VOTING: Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh

NAYS: Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny

CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS: The House has passed the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act (H.R. 7463), sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, to provide funding, through March 8, for one group of federal agencies, including agriculture, energy, and military construction; and funding through March 22 for most other federal agencies. Granger said the extensions were needed to give Congress enough time to finish drafting and reviewing legislation for full-year appropriations. A bill opponent, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said rather than continuing to fund excessive levels of government spending, we ought to pass single-subject spending bills. We ought to vote for the spending cuts that this country desperately needs. The vote, on Feb. 29, was 320 yeas to 99 nays.

YEAS: Fitzpatrick, Kelly, Evans, Houlahan, Dean, Boyle, Cartwright, Smucker, Reschenthaler, Thompson, Meuser, Wild, Scanlon, Lee, Deluzio

NAYS: Perry, Joyce

TRIBAL SMALL BUSINESSES: The House has passed the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act (H.R. 7102), sponsored by Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., to authorize creation of an Office of Native American Affairs at the Small Business Administration. Davids said the Office would aid successful entrepreneurship in tribal communities. The vote, on Feb. 29, was 402 yeas to 16 nays.

YEAS: Fitzpatrick, Kelly, Evans, Houlahan, Dean, Boyle, Cartwright, Smucker, Joyce, Reschenthaler, Thompson, Meuser, Wild, Scanlon, Lee, Deluzio

NAYS: Perry

FUNDING FOR AIRPORTS: The House has passed the Airport and Airway Extension Act (H.R. 7454), sponsored by Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., to extend authorization of the Federal Aviation Administrations airport improvement program through May 10. Graves said: Failure to enact this extension is going to jeopardize aviation safety and will directly and immediately increase our national debt by more than $50 million a day. The vote, on Feb. 29, was 401 yeas to 19 nays.

YEAS: Fitzpatrick, Kelly, Evans, Houlahan, Dean, Perry, Boyle, Cartwright, Smucker, Joyce, Reschenthaler, Thompson, Meuser, Wild, Scanlon, Lee, Deluzio

SENATE

FLORIDA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Jacqueline Becerra to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Becerra was a federal government attorney for a decade, then, from 2004 to 2019, was a private practice lawyer in Miami; she has been a magistrate judge in the Southern District since 2019. A supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Becerras experience in both criminal and civil matters has prepared her to serve with distinction. The vote, on Feb. 27, was 56 yeas to 40 nays.

YEAS: Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

NOT VOTING: Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.

SECOND FLORIDA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of David Seymour Leibowitz to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. After being a government attorney for a decade, in 2012 Leibowitz took on his current role as a senior lawyer at the Braman Management holding company in Florida. A supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Leibowitzs significant litigation background in both civil and criminal matters ensure that he will be an asset to the district court. The vote, on Feb. 27, was 64 yeas to 33 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman

GOVERNMENT LAWYER: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Hampton Y. Dellinger to be Special Counsel for the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for a 5-year term. Dellinger was a senior attorney in North Carolinas government until fall 2021, when he became an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department. A supporter, Sen. Gary C. Peters, D-Mich., said Dellinger has demonstrated the utmost integrity throughout his career. He is willing to take on powerful interests for the public good and will lead OSC in an independent, nonpartisan way. The vote, on Feb. 27, was 49 yeas to 47 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman

THIRD FLORIDA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Julie Sneed to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Sneed was a private practice lawyer for most of the years between 1995 and 2015, when she was appointed to her current role as a magistrate judge on the Middle District. A supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., cited Sneeds deep ties to the Florida legal community, combined with her courtroom experience on and off the bench. The vote, on Feb. 28, was 54 yeas to 44 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman

FOURTH FLORIDA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Melissa Damian to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Damian became a magistrate judge on the district court in 2021; previously, she was a federal prosecutor in the district and a private practice lawyer in Florida. The vote, on Feb. 28, was 77 yeas to 20 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman

IRS LAWYER: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Marjorie A. Rollinson to be the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) chief counsel. Rollinson worked for Ernst & Young as a tax lawyer for most of the time from 1987 to 2023; from 2013 to 2019, she was an official at the Office of Chief Counsel at the IRS. A supporter, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., cited her decades of tax and management experience in both the private sector and the public sector. The vote, on Feb. 29, was 56 yeas to 41 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS: The Senate has failed to override President Bidens veto of a resolution (S.J. Res. 38), sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., that would have disapproved of and voided a 2023 Federal Highway Administration (FHA) rule temporarily waiving Buy America requirements for materials used in electric vehicle (EV) chargers. An opponent, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said voiding the rule would result in more EV charging projects being built overseas, not less. It would undermine American workers and our nations ability to be global leaders in electric vehicles. The vote to override, on Feb. 29, was 50 yeas to 47 nays, with a two-thirds majority required.

NAYS: Casey, Fetterman

MILITARY SALES TO TURKEY: The Senate has rejected a motion to discharge from committee a resolution (S.J. Res. 60), sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., that would have disapproved of the planned $23 billion sale to Turkey of F-16 military fighter airplanes. Paul cited various examples of Turkey violating its citizens rights, and said the U.S. cannot proudly proclaim human rights to be at the center of our foreign policy while it arms a country that commits gross violations of human rights. A resolution opponent, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, cited an agreement with Turkey that it would be supplied with the F-16s if it supported Sweden and Finland joining NATO, and said it is imperative to the United States, when we give our word on something, that we keep our word. The vote to discharge, on Feb. 29, was 13 yeas to 79 nays.

NAYS: Casey

YEAS: Fetterman

CONTINUING APPROPRIATONS: The Senate has passed the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act (H.R. 7463), sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, to provide funding, through March 8, for one group of federal agencies, including agriculture, energy, and military construction; and funding through March 22 for most other federal agencies. A supporter, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the bill would keep the lights on while appropriators complete their work and put annual appropriations bills on a glide path to becoming law. The vote, on Feb. 29, was 77 yeas to 13 nays.

YEAS: Casey, Fetterman
Former President Donald Trump is set to receive national security intelligence briefings once he secures the Republican nomination despite being indicted on charges that he mishandled classified materials after leaving office.

Barring any changes, once Trump is formally nominated at the Republican National Convention, he will be offered intelligence briefings ahead of the general election. Despite facing a bevy of federal charges stemming from his stash of classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022, nothing would currently restrict Trumps access to further classified information if he secures the Republican nomination this summer, unless he is convicted by a jury or pleads guilty, Javed Ali, former senior counterterrorism official at the Department of Homeland Security, told Salon.

Trumps other legal charges, apart from those related to the classified documents investigation, may not influence his potential candidacy, Ali said. Only if these cases result in guilty verdicts would they potentially affect his candidacy, as both the presidential challenger and the incumbent receive classified briefings from the intelligence community.

After leaving office, the former president is charged with taking classified materials containing intelligence on nuclear weapons programs and information on the nation's defense capabilities. When the government pressed Trump to return all materials taken to Mar-a-Lago, he provided only a few of them and engaged in repeated efforts to obstruct the investigators' efforts to retrieve the documents, the indictment alleges.

The prospect of having someone like Trump with a documented history of mishandling classified materials holding office again raises concerns about any legal or administrative mechanisms preventing him from having unrestricted access to classified materials, Christopher McKnight Nichols, the Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies at Ohio States Mershon Center for International Security Studies, told Salon.

The first level of concern revolves around the possibility that Trump could very easily endanger the lives of individuals in the intelligence apparatus, Nichols said. But it also brings up the country's international credibility and how other countries may be more skeptical and wary of what they share with the United States.

The former presidents previous behavior indicates how he can be reckless with secrets and sensitive information and rely on them for his own benefit, Nichols explained. When you combine that with his previous statements like saying he would encourage Russia to do whatever it wants to any NATO member that hasnt met its funding obligations, you wind up with a president who you know, is likely to weaponize intelligence, making other countries wary to share their information with us.

This would lead to the U.S. becoming less secure, Nichols said. For example, a country that has some awareness of a possible terrorist attack might not want to share how they obtained that information.

There are also other instances where this may serve as a disadvantage for the country. Nichols pointed to the example of the U.S. working with Jordan to conduct a joint humanitarian assistance airdrop into Gaza to deliver critical relief to civilians affected by the ongoing violence.

If other countries don't give the U.S. information about where to drop aid or how it's being used, because they're wary, then even just doing benign, helpful things like dropping aid to Gazans in need could be thrown into jeopardy, Nichols said.

There are also accidental dimensions that bring up concerns about Trump having access to classified information, he added.

After leaving the White House, Trump reportedly engaged in discussions regarding sensitive information concerning U.S. nuclear submarines with an Australian billionaire who was a member of his Mar-a-Lago Club. The disclosure was reported to special counsel Jack Smith's team during their investigation of Trumps alleged hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, ABC News reported.

We often focus on Donald Trump's willful acts, but it seems like accidentally he has let slip or, at least not strategically, let slip information for his own ends, Nichols said.

There have been other instances too. In 2019, Trump tweeted an image of a rocket that had exploded at an Iranian space center from what appeared to be an American surveillance photo of the site. The photo was a once-classified surveillance photo from American intelligence agencies, according to The Associated Press.

Three years after Trump shared the image with the public, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) formally declassified the original image.

Throughout the history of the country, the U.S. hasn't dealt with a president "who is known to be reckless with information," Nichols said. However, there are still instances of how information could be withheld from Trump.

There are compartmentalized security areas of the government that the president doesn't look into unless he's aware of them, Nichols said. This includes various kinds of intelligence that is closely held and has not yet been distilled for presidential briefings, as well as information on special operations that are ongoing.

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One challenge here would be, the U.S. government operating where individuals are empowered within the system to withhold information from the president because they don't trust the president, Nicholas said. As a long-standing precedent, that sounds terrible for American democracy, but given legitimate concerns about a president who might endanger the lives of individuals who are in the field gathering intelligence or methods, if he's spilling information, or if it just comes out accidentally, that may then compromise methods of gathering information from adversaries.

During Trump's prior administration, there were instances of individuals reportedly withholding information from him. However, what's more significant is the potential for a second Trump administration to influence intelligence information or to have individuals within the hierarchy, altering information to prevent Trump from being upset.

One of the problems with intelligence with a president like Donald Trump is that he's very likely to want to get intelligence that confirms what he believes or to change intelligence information towards the arguments that he wants to make, Nichols said. We've heard reporting about how many [individuals] in his first administration didn't want to upset him by bringing him contradictory information.

Theoretically, the operation of the national security system in the U.S. involves distilling information without influence from those who developed the highly classified information, he explained. But Trump is likely to demand information that confirms his worldview and reinforces his own positions, whether or not they're factual.

So on top of the fact that he might leak things, a second Trump administration might well be one that shapes intelligence information, or has individuals within the hierarchy, changing information functionally, Nichols said.
A giant anaconda species captured recently in the Amazon of Ecuador by a team of scientists is the largest to ever be documented, USA TODAY previously reported, and now, there are images showing just how massive the snake really is.

The group of scientists from The University of Queensland, led by professor Bryan Fry, uncovered the nearly 10 million-year-old species with help from the Indigenous Huaorani people while filming "Pole to Pole with Will Smith," a National Geographic series that will stream on Disney+.

Fry, as well as other scientists who studied the new species, shot incredible photos of the newly discovered snake in action.

Here are some images of the northern green anaconda found in the Orinoco Basin of the Amazon.

Images show 'magnificent' size of northern green anaconda

A close-up of the newly discovered northern green anaconda, found in the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

The invitation by Huaorani Chief Penti Baihua to enter the Baihuaeri Huaorani Territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon was "one of only a handful granted since the tribes first contact in 1958," Fry told USA TODAY.

A new snake species, the northern green anaconda, sits on a riverbank in the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

The size of these magnificent creatures was incredible," Fry said in a news release earlier this month. "One female anaconda we encountered measured an astounding 6.3 meters (20.8 feet) long."

The northern green anaconda is captured feasting on a deer.

Fry's team alongside the Huaorani people took canoes downriver in the Bameno region, where they found "several anacondas lurking in the shallows, lying in wait for prey," Fry told USA TODAY.

A close-up on the head of a northern green anaconda, a new species discovered in the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

The group then captured several specimens of the species, which they named the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima).

A close-up of the scales on a northern green anaconda.

Fry mentioned that the key to understanding the discovery has to do with location. The Amazon has two separate basins. The larger basin in the south is home to the green anaconda from which the northern green anaconda comes. The smaller basin in the north is home to the newly discovered northern green anaconda.

The newly discovered northern green anaconda lurks in the waters on the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

The two species differ genetically by 5.5%, Fry shared. Its quite significant  to put it in perspective, humans differ from chimpanzees by only about 2%."

A u0022breeding ballu0022 made by a northern green anaconda is pictured in the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

Fry's team hopes to keep an eye on the reproduction of the northern green anaconda to gain greater insight into the health of the ecosystem at large.

A northern green anaconda coils around its prey.

Though the findings made by Fry's group are incredible, there are anecdotal reports from the Huaorani people of other anacondas in the area "measuring more than 7.5 meters long (24.6 feet) and weighing around 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds)," Fry shared.

An underwater close-up of the northern green anaconda, a new species discovered in the Amazon's Orinoco basin.

Details on the snakes found have been published in the journal MDPI Diversity.

Scientists hold the head of a northern green anaconda, a newly discovered snake species.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Photos: 'Magnificent' northern green anaconda, largest ever recorded
A man died when he fell headfirst into a well and became wedged upside down in the dark, Virginia officials say.

It happened around 1 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at a rural home near Rustburg, and the shaft was deep and narrow, officials said. Rustburg is about 110 miles west of Richmond.

We were advised a man was trapped about 75 feet down a well, head first, the Rustburg Fire Department wrote in a March 1 Facebook post.

The 73-year-old man was unresponsive when firefighters arrived, possibly due to his head being under water, WSLS reported.

Do to the nature of the accident, Lynchburg Fire Department was also added to the call. ... Crews worked about 4 hours to free the man, Rustburg fire officials said..

He did not survive, Campbell County Public Safety told McClatchy News. An investigation into what caused him to fall is underway.

His identity has not been released as of March 4, and investigators have not said how he fell into the well.

A well drilling service also responded to help, officials said.

Woman plummets 100 feet to her death in Virginia cave, searchers say

Missing hiker found trapped at base of frigid 700-foot cliff, Tennessee rescuers say

Dead tree saves distracted tourist who fell off mountain at night, TN rescuers say
Four people were shot when a man kicked out of a club for fighting opened fire from an SUV, Texas authorities say.

The incident began at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, when two men in their 20s were involved in a fight at the club, Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Wyatt Martin said in a news briefing streamed by KHOU.

They were asked to leave, and when they got outside, they began arguing with off-duty sheriffs deputies who were working as part of the security detail, according to Martin.

One of the men entered a black SUV, while the other man kept trying to get back into the club, police said. A woman eventually convinced him to get into the vehicle.

Thats when the driver  the first man who was kicked out  began firing at the security personnel with a handgun, Martin said. Four people, including security officers, were struck by the gunfire.

The Harris County deputies working security were not among the injured victims, police said.

The fact that they would shoot indiscriminately at a club crowded with people just because they were asked to leave, whether they were intoxicated or whatever, shows that they really have very little regard for the safety of the people around them, Martin said in the news briefing.

Two of the victims were taken to a hospital for surgery but were expected to be OK, according to police. The other two victims were treated at the scene.

Police are now searching for the two men, who fled in the SUV.

Martin said the deputies did not return gunfire due to fear of hitting innocent bystanders.

Man pumping gas is shot and killed in front of uncle, Texas cops say. Three arrested

Dad shot when masked men ambush family unloading groceries, Texas officials say

17-year-old shoots mother and father, then walks into sheriffs office, Texas cops say
A 54-year-old was snowmobiling with a friend in Idaho when he was buried in an avalanche and killed, officials said.

Lance J. Gidley, 54, of Sandpoint, was caught in the avalanche at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1, the Boundary County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.

He was with a friend in the southern Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho panhandle region, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported.

When the avalanche hit, Gidley was buried under 4 feet of snow and his friend was barely able to outrun it, rescuers said.

Gidley was wearing an avalanche beacon, which helped his friend find him under the snow, rescuers said. When his friend dug him out, rescuers said he was dead.

Rescuers faced high avalanche risk, rugged terrain and rough weather when theywent to the area to recover his body the next day, officials said. It took nine hours to retrieve Gidleys body.

His remains have been turned over to the coroners office, officials said.

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is investigating the incident and will release a report.

A snowmobiler in Washington was killed the same day when they were caught and buried in an avalanche near Darland Mountain in Yakima County, Washington, McClatchy News reported.

What to know about avalanches

Avalanches happen quickly and catch people by surprise. They can move between 60 and 80 mph and typically happen on slopes of 30-45 degrees, according to experts.

Skiers, snowmobilers and hikers can set off an avalanche when a layer of snow collapses and starts to slide down the slope.

In the U.S., avalanches are most common from December to April, but they can happen at any time if the conditions are right, National Geographic reported.

At least 10 people in the U.S. have died in avalanches this season as of March 4, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

People heading into snow should always check the local avalanche forecast at Avalanche.org, officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture said, and have an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel ready.

Emergency services are usually too far away from the scene of an avalanche, and time is important, Simon Trautman, a national avalanche specialist, said. A person trapped under the snow may not have more than 20 or 30 minutes. So, in a backcountry scenario, you are your own rescue party.

If an avalanche breaks out, its best to move diagonal to the avalanche to an edge, Trautman said.

Try to orient your feet downhill so that your lower body, not your head, takes most of the impact, officials said. You may also get into a tight ball as another way to protect your head.

Skier plunges 100 feet from ledge in out-of-bounds Grand Teton backcountry, rescuers say

Skier narrowly escapes avalanche cascading down slope, Utah video shows

Skiers hurt in avalanche rush to save 28-year-old who later died, Alaska troopers say
WASHINGTON  Two years after Democrats failed to field a challenger to Green Bay Rep. Mike Gallagher in his solidly Republican northeastern Wisconsin House district, they appear to be changing their tune.

At least three Democrats have signaled interest in the seat in the wake of Gallaghers decision not to seek reelection. And the party is projecting optimism with the now-open seat despite facing a steep uphill climb in the 8th Congressional District that has remained solidly Republican for much of the past decade.

Theres going to be an energized Democratic electorate in a year when a national abortion ban could be essentially on the ballot, especially based on who has the House majority, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Ben Wikler recently told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

I dont think people should count out the 8th.

While Republicans are favored to retain the seat, one thing is clear for Democrats: they will have a candidate.

Three Democrats who are publicly considering runs  De Pere doctor Kristin Lyerly, former journalist Kelly Peterson and Navy veteran Alicia Saunders  told the Journal Sentinel they are in close communication and plan for only one person to enter the race in an attempt to prevent a primary.

In separate interviews, the women said that while one of them will run for Gallaghers open seat, the others might choose to run for state legislative seats in the district. The trio indicated they plan to make their decisions by late March or early April.

Congressional candidates must file their paperwork to run in Wisconsin by June 1 in order to be on the ballot for the primary, set for Aug. 13.

What happens with the state legislative races affects everything that happens up and down the ballot, said Lyerly, an OB-GYN who has been vocal in her opposition to efforts to restrict abortion access. The goal is to make sure that we have great candidates who are well supported and connected with each other all the way from school board all the way up to President Biden.

The talk is a notable difference from 2022, when Democrats did not field candidates to challenge Gallagher and Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Glenbuelah Republican who represents the 6th Congressional District. Though both districts are solidly red, some Democrats at the time suggested recruiting candidates could help get their message out and retain visibility in the districts.

Wikler, the Wisconsin Democrats chairman, told the Journal Sentinel that the party has definitely learned about making sure that there are candidates in every congressional district this cycle. He noted the open seat will allow Democrats to put their message up not against an incumbent but candidates who might be farther on the GOPs right flank than Gallagher.

He said Democrats will have a really strong candidate and noted that could boost Democratic turnout, in turn helping Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and President Joe Biden in their reelection efforts, as well as potentially aiding state Assembly and Senate races.

Republicans, however, are expected to win the 8th District in November.

Though the seat was once competitive  from 1975 to 2016, three of the six U.S. House members to represent the district were Democrats and three were Republicans  the district has shifted to a deeper red as its rural areas have become strongly Republican.

Republicans now have about a 16-point edge in the seat that stretches from Appleton and Green Bay, through Door County and north to Marinette and the Upper Peninsula. Gallagher won each reelection handily, by no fewer than 25 points.

I dont think a Democrat can win the 8th District, Mark Graul, a longtime Republican strategist from Green Bay, told the Journal Sentinel following Gallaghers retirement announcement. I think the 8th District is pretty solidly Republican, assuming theres not some sort of  if something comes out about the nominee that is disqualifying in nature.

And Republicans have already started making their own moves to replace Gallagher.

Former state Sen. Roger Roth, an Appleton Republican who ran for lieutenant governor in 2022, announced his campaign for the 8th District just hours after Gallagher said he would not seek reelection. State Sen. Andre Jacque, a Republican from De Pere, told the Journal Sentinel he was also taking a close look at the seat.

The Donald Trump-aligned GOP consultant Alex Bruesewitz told the Journal Sentinel late last month he was leaning towards yes as he ponders a run for the seat. Bruesewitz currently lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, and grew up in Ripon, in Wisconsins 6th District. He said his grandmother lives in the 8th District, where he would run.

Gallagher told the Journal Sentinel he does not have plans to endorse anyone in the Republican primary.

A spokesman for the Wisconsin GOP said this of the race: Any Democrat candidate running in Wisconsins 8th District will face an uphill battle against not only their Republican opponent but also against the tide of voters frustration with Bidenomics and the border crisis."

Still, Lyerly, Peterson and Saunders indicated womens reproductive rights, which Democrats have successfully campaigned on since the 2022 overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade case, will remain a key issue.

Lyerly, who said she grew up in Kaukauna voting for Republicans, claimed Republican leadership has lost touch with voters as the party has shifted to the right. She said conservatives and liberals need to work together  she called Gallagher a good conservative who will be a star once all of this MAGA stuff goes away  but suggested Democrats will try to prove they can create an environment where people talk to each other and solve problems.

But as Democrats figure out just who could enter the 8th Congressional District race, the collaborative strategy points to an attempt to make inroads in a district the party missed out on last cycle.

The whole vision that were hoping to do, said Peterson, who is also considering a run for a state-level seat, is that our movement really brings Democratic success come November.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: With Mike Gallagher exiting, Democrats vow to challenge for his seat
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Protestors have gathered in the Bent Mountain area to stop Mountain Valley Pipeline workers from accessing the construction site.

Were told that two people have locked themselves to a car on Honeysuckle Road and about 27 protestors are at the scene.

Details remain limited; however, Virginia State Police says troopers are at the scene.

The pipeline has been under construction since 2018. The project has led to several protests over the years and has sparked debates about its impact on the environment.

One dead after crash on VA-39 in Bath County

In February 2024, Equitrans Midstream announced that the Mountain Valley Pipeline construction had been delayed to the years second quarterthe multi-billion dollar project spas across 303 miles and into West Virginia.

As an environmentalist  there are always fires to put out. Pipeline struggles are constantly popping up. Ive fought them at home in Vermont and I will fight them anywhere I can, said one protestor in a release.

I am here because what is being done is wrong and I am part of it, though not by choice.

We must stop fracking and coal mining these mountains, transporting coal and methane around the world, and burning it. We are in a planetary climate crisis, a mass extinction, and we must stop despoiling headwaters. Places like here and the ocean nurseries in Louisiana, Texas, and Maryland. These fuels are killing us and we dont even need them, said another.

WFXR News will update this story as more information is released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
The Commission confirmed on Friday morning that it will proceed with the 82 million payment foreseen for UNRWA in 2024, with a first 50-million tranche to be paid next week.

The executive will also pledge an additional 68 million in emergency support to Palestinians across the region, to be paid through international partners such as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, as concerns mount over the Israeli offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In late January, the Commission launched a review of its support to UNRWA after Israel accused a dozen staff members of involvement in Hamas October attacks, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and provoked a war in Gaza that has claimed the lives of some 30,000 Palestinians.

The blocs chief diplomat Josep Borrell and humanitarian aid commissioner Janez Lenarcic have both said that Israel is yet to provide evidence to back its allegations.

Some Western nations - including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States - decided to temporarily suspend aid in response to the accusations, dealing a devastating blow to the donor-reliant agency, which says its deliveries of humanitarian cargo have halved since January.

Other countries such as Spain, Ireland and Belgium, continued or increased their support.

The Commission's decision to proceed with payments was taken in light of the steps taken by UNRWA to audit its recruitment procedures, bolster its internal oversight mechanisms and vet its 30,000-strong workforce.

EU neighbourhood commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said that UNRWA's commitment to "introduce robust measures to prevent possible misconduct & minimize risk of allegations is welcome."

It is seen as a lifeline for the agency, which had warned it could shut down by the end of February unless donations resumed. It also puts pressure on other nations to review their decisions to withhold funding. Later on Friday, Belgium announced it was committing payments to UNRWA for 2024-2026, with development minister Caroline Gennez warning that "defunding means death sentence for 10,000s".

A Commission spokesperson said that discussions with UNRWA regarding the conditions in order to safeguard the flow of aid had continued until earlier on Friday.

The bloc's humanitarian aid to Palestinians - which amounts to 125 million in 2024 - continued unabated whilst the review was underway. Friday's announcement brings the EU's support to Palestinians to a total of 275 million this year.

Lenarcic commended the commitment of an additional 68 million in aid, warning that "thousands of lives are at stake."

A lifeline for UNRWA

The decision comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.

On Thursday, at least 112 were killed when the Israeli military opened fire on a crowd of hungry Palestinians, as an aid convoy moved in to Gaza City, in the north of the strip.

The massacre has been condemned by EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The condemnation marks a turn of rhetoric for von der Leyen, who has throughout the conflict maintained a strong pro-Israeli stance.

European Council President Charles Michel also said on social media platform X that he was "shocked and repulsed" by the killing, adding that "international law does not allow for double standards."

The deadly attacks follow repeated warnings from UNRWA that the humanitarian situation in the north of the enclave has hindered the delivery of aid due to dangerous conditions.

In February, UNRWA chief Phillippe Lazzarini said in Brussels that UN agencies were unable to operate with the minimum required protection because many of the local police force had been killed or were reluctant to assist aid convoys due to fears for their safety.

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) later announced it had decided to pause its deliveries to the north of Gaza "until conditions are in place that allow for safe distributions."

It means pockets of famine have appeared in the north, with the WFP's Famine Review Committee warning over 500,000, almost one in four of the population, could fall into famine by May.

Lazzarini has said that the exodus of donors has stripped UNRWA of $450 million (418 million) this year alone, and that he is engaged with a number of countries to assess their expectations to allow the release of funds.

Borrell and other leading EU voices have consistently highlighted that UNRWA's work in Gaza is irreplaceable, and that to withdraw funding would have "dangerous repercussions on regional stability and would affect Europeans too."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that UNRWA is "totally infiltrated" by Hamas and has called for the agency to be dismantled.
Juan Orlando Hernandez is taken in handcuffs to a waiting aircraft as he is extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in Tegucigalpa in 2022 - Elmer Martinez/AP

As he listened to the lurid testimony against him in a New York courtroom this week, Juan Orlando Hernandez may have wondered how he became so luckless as to be charged by the US Department of Justice with grand-scale drug-running.

Washington is usually deeply reluctant to investigate foreign heads of state, even ones who are, like the former president of Honduras, allegedly up to their necks in the cocaine trade.

But the one-time US ally is facing the possibility of life behind bars for his alleged role in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy. It is the latest example of apparent duplicity as the US struggles to find trustworthy partners in its war on drugs.

Mr Hernandez is thought to be the first ex-head-of-state put on criminal trial in the United States since Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama, in 1991.

Manuel Noriega, the corrupt dictator of Panama known as 'Pineapple Face', was overthrown after the US invasion in 1989 and spent 25 years in jail - Bettmann

Yet although the indictments in both cases are eerily similar, the differences between the two figures are stark.

Noriega was an autocratic army general with a penchant for knocking off political opponents who infamously waved a machete while publicly challenging President George HW Bush to arrest him.

Mr Hernandez, meanwhile, is a chubby, bespectacled, elected politician whose apparent crackdown on the cartels during his 2014-2022 presidency garnered typically superlative praise from Donald Trump as recently as 2019.

Juan Orlando Hernandez signs an agreement with Donald Trump for Honduras to accept more asylum seekers heading to the US - REUTERS

On meeting his Honduran counterpart in Florida, the then US president declared that Washington and Tegucigalpa were together stopping drugs at a level that has never happened.

Yet the picture painted this week in federal court is utterly at odds with that image.

Mr Hernandez is not just accused of facilitating the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine to the US but also co-opting the police, military and other public institutions in the Central American nation, which is wracked by grinding poverty and extreme gang violence, helping turn it into what the prosecution calls a narco-state.

Witnesses have told the court over the last week that he took millions of dollars in bribes to shut down counter-narcotics raids or warn the traffickers when they were imminent. That includes a total of $2.4 million (1.9 million) from the Sinaloa cartel of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, then the worlds most powerful druglord.

Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, the head of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, being escorted to a helicopter in Mexico City in 2014 following his capture in the beach resort of Mazatlan - Eduardo Verdugo/AP

On one occasion, Guzman is even alleged to have flown into Honduras by helicopter to hand deliver $1 million in cash to the presidents brother, Tony Hernandez. On another, Orlando Hernandez is accused of deliberately promoting a corrupt officer, Juan Carlos Bonilla  notorious for once allegedly killing a member of a rival cartel with a bazooka  to become head of the national police.

Bonilla was due to be in the dock with the ex-president but struck a plea deal with prosecutors just before the trial and is now expected to testify against him. Tony Hernandez is already serving a lengthy sentence in the United States after being sentenced to life for drug-trafficking in 2021.

The ex-presidents lawyer, Renato Stabile, has dismissed the credibility of several of the cartel leaders now testifying against his client  including one, Devis Rivera, leader of the Cachiros cartel, who referred in court to Orlando Hernandez as my business partner.

These people are psychopaths

These are depraved people, Mr Stabile said. These are psychopaths. These are people not worthy of your trust. Mr Hernandez doesnt sit down with drug dealers. He stood up to drug dealers.

Whatever the eventual verdict, the case highlights how Honduras has become the most important logistical hub for cocaine shipments from the Andes to Mexico, from where it enters the worlds largest consumer market, the United States  and the uphill battle the US faces in finding regional allies to help it break this chain.

Much of the cocaine enters Honduras via speed boats and even homemade submarines along the remote Caribbean coast, controlled by the Cachiros. It then exits via the western border, controlled by the Valle Valle clan, to Guatemala and on to Mexico.

Honduras underdevelopment and rugged terrain  as well as its runaway corruption  facilitates the flow. With few roads penetrating the dense jungle, locals often rely on light aircraft to get around and clandestine airstrips dot the rainforest.

Although the problem goes back at least to the 1980s, recent international developments may have allowed it to intensify, including a failure to hold Orlando Hernandez to account for his unconstitutional reelection in 2017.

Juan Orlando Hernandez, former Honduras president, attends his drug trafficking trial in federal court in Manhattan, New York - JANE ROSENBERG/REUTERS

The lack of pressure and scrutiny from the Trump administration allowed Orlando Hernandez to get away with it and may even have encouraged him, says Will Freeman, a Latin America fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based think-tank.

Carlos Hernandez, the head of the Association for a Fairer Society, a Tegucigalpa-based anti-corruption group, adds: Drug trafficking involves huge amounts of money and Honduras is a very poor country. It was fertile ground.

The narcos have bought everyone who was anyone here. Its sad and embarrassing but true. Some of us have been saying this for years. And some of us have been killed for saying it.

In the case of Orlando Hernandez, it appears to been considered so flagrant  even behind the veneer of a conservative champion of the rule of law and war on drugs  that Washington felt impelled to act. He was arrested in February 2022, just weeks after stepping down from office, and swiftly extradited.

The trial is expected to last another week.

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Haiti is under a state of emergency and nighttime curfew amid a surge of violence, after armed gangs attacked the Caribbean country's two largest prisons and freed scores of inmates.

The Haitian government declared the 72-hour state of emergency on Sunday evening and imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. in an effort "to restore the order and to take appropriate measures in order to regain control of the situation," according to a press release.

The government cited "the deterioration in security, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, characterized by increasingly violent criminal acts perpetrated by armed gangs, causing massive population displacements and consisting in particular of kidnappings and assassinations of peaceful citizens, violence against women and children, ransacking and theft of public and private property."

Hundreds -- if not thousands -- of inmates broke out of the National Penitentiary, Haiti's biggest prison, in downtown Port-au-Prince on Saturday night following a massive, coordinated attack by gunmen from gangs, two senior Haitian government officials told ABC News. Of the nearly 4,000 inmates estimated to have been behind bars at the facility prior to Saturday's assault, fewer than 100 were still inside as of Sunday according to the officials, who cautioned that the actual number of escapees remains unknown.

The Haitian government said in a statement on Sunday that those responsible for the attack were "heavily armed criminals wanting at all costs to free people in custody, particularly for kidnapping, murder and other serious offenses," and that several inmates and prison staff were injured in the fighting.

Several bodies strewn on the ground in and around the National Penitentiary were openly visible on Sunday morning, according to multiple local journalists who spoke with ABC News, though it was unclear how they died.

MORE: Inside Ecuador's rising gang violence fueled by booming cocaine trade

PHOTO: This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows a person looking out from behind a door near the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after armed gangs attacked the country's largest prison and freed scores of inmates. (Luckenson Jean/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images)

A second prison containing an estimated 1,400 inmates was also overrun by armed gangs in nearby Croix des Bouquets that same night. As of Monday morning, that area was entirely under control of gangs, according to the Haitian National Police.

The mass prison break is just the latest in a horrifically violent few days in Haiti, even by the countrys own recent standards where kidnapping and murder rates have exploded.

An internal police summary shared with ABC News by a Haitian law enforcement source stated that gangs have launched a series of coordinated attacks since Feb. 29, with the objective "to immobilize the Haitian National Police and throw out the Prime Minister." Haitian police see the coordinated effort as a way to "cause chaos, panic and spread thin [police] resources," according to the summary.

Jimmy Cherizier, a former Haitian police officer who is now one of the most powerful gang leaders in the country, has claimed responsibility for the attacks alongside other gang leaders. Cherizier, known as Barbecue, vowed in a statement on Friday to continue fighting the state as long as necessary and urged families to keep their children at home to avoid "collateral damage."

ABC News' multiple requests for comment from the Haitian National Police and the Acting Haitian Prime Minister's Office have not been answered.

Acting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is out of the country after going to Kenya late last week to try and secure the deployment of a Kenyan-led security force authorized by the United Nations last year.

Gunfire ripped through the Haitian capital's downtown neighborhood housing the National Penitentiary starting late Saturday afternoon. A Haitian law enforcement source told ABC News that dozens of gang members were involved, battling in the streets and inside the prison itself with police assigned to guard the facility.

A union representing members of the Haitian National Police said officers were quickly overwhelmed, posting a plea on social media for any officer in the city with a vehicle, a weapon and ammunition to come support the fight.

MORE: Corruption, violence, drugs and gangs are 'pervasive' in 3 Mississippi prisons: Justice Department

PHOTO: This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows tires on fire near the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after armed gangs attacked the country's largest prison and freed scores of inmates. (Luckenson Jean/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images)

The gun battle waged for hours but when it was over, it appeared there were hardly any prisoners left inside the sprawling National Penitentiary. Local journalists entered freely through the front door of the complex on Sunday to find a deserted interior littered with damage and no law enforcement presence. Three bodies were seen lying on the ground and multiple prisoners inside described scenes of intense gunfights the night before.

Among the limited number of remaining inmates are several Colombian nationals accused of participating in the July 2021 assassination of then-Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The National Penitentiary is Haitis largest and most notorious prison, once housing everyone from gang leaders to corrupt politicians.

Saturday's violence unfolded in the wake of a series of gang-led attacks against Haitian government and police facilities, including a government building about 500 meters from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Gunfire erupting close to Haiti's Toussaint Louverture International Airport on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince forced officials to suspend operations there multiple times in recent days and has prompted the cancellation of a number of U.S. airline flights.

At least four police officers have been killed in the fighting since Feb. 28, according to Haitian authorities.

As chaos grips Haiti, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is urging Americans to leave now. The embassy was open for limited operations on Monday and has cancelled appointments for much of the week, according to the U.S. Department of State, which had ordered the evacuation of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and diplomatic family members from Haiti in late July.

Kareen Ulysse, director of CHF Foundation, a nonprofit that helps underfunded schools and hospitals in Haiti, told ABC News on Monday that their staff in Port-au-Prince are in "a constant state of stress" because they don't know "if today is the day armed men from rival groups will take over the area."

"Our staff is having a hard time making it to work despite their desire to serve their country," Ulysse said. "We are looking to find a sponsor for bullet proof vehicles for our foundation so we can keep working as safely as possible."

ABC News' Shannon Crawford, Will Gretsky and Helena Skinner contributed to this report.

Haiti declares state of emergency, imposes nighttime curfew amid surging violence originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Tyres were set on fire outside the main prison in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince

Haiti's government declared a 72-hour state of emergency on Sunday after armed gangs stormed a major prison. At least 12 people were killed and about 3,700 inmates escaped in the jailbreak.

Gang leaders are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose whereabouts are unknown since he travelled to Kenya.

Gangs control around 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Gang violence has plagued Haiti for years.

A government statement said two prisons - one in Port-au-Prince and the other in nearby Croix des Bouquets - were stormed over the weekend.

It said the acts of "disobedience" were a threat to national security and said it was instituting an immediate night-time curfew in response, which started at 20:00 local time (01:00 GMT on Monday).

Haitian media reported that police stations were attacked, distracting authorities before the coordinated assault on the jails.

Speaking to the BBC from Haiti, Serge Dalexis from the International Rescue Committee said that many police stations were under gang control on Friday, with "many police killed over the weekend".

Among those detained in Port-au-Prince were suspects charged in connection with the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moise.

Gang violence has further escalated since his assassination in 2021. Mr Moise has not been replaced and presidential elections have not been held since 2016.

In the capital, gangs have erected barricades to prevent security forces from encroaching on their territory, while their strongholds in Port-au-Prince's vast shantytowns are still largely on lockdown.

Schools and many businesses are closed, and there are reports of looting in some neighbourhoods.

People are scared and the streets are empty, Boby Sander from the humanitarian aid organisation Food for the Hungry told the BBC.

Since Friday, 15,000 people have been displaced from their homes and many are now staying in a school building in the centre of Port-au-Prince, Mr Sander said.

His organisation has only been able to provide them with hygiene kits to last a few days. "We don't have adequate capacity to deal with the complexity of the need increasing," he added.

The latest upsurge in violence began on Thursday, when the prime minister travelled to Nairobi to discuss sending a Kenya-led multinational security force to Haiti.

Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier (nicknamed Barbecue) then declared a co-ordinated attack to remove him.

Prison cells stood empty after the weekend prison break which saw thousands of inmates escape

"All of us, the armed groups in the provincial towns and the armed groups in the capital, are united," said the former police officer, who is accused of being behind several massacres in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti's police union had asked the military to help reinforce the capital's main prison, but the compound was stormed late on Saturday.

On Sunday the doors of the prison were still open and there were no signs of officers, Reuters news agency reported. Three inmates who tried to flee lay dead in the courtyard, the report said.

A journalist for the AFP news agency who visited the prison saw around 10 bodies, some with signs of being shot.

One volunteer prison worker told the Reuters news agency that 99 prisoners - including former Colombian soldiers jailed over President Moise's murder - had chosen to remain in their cells for fear of being killed in crossfire.

Anger at the shocking levels of violence, on top of the political vacuum, have led to several demonstrations against the government, with protesters demanding the resignation of the prime minister.

Under a political deal, he was due to stand down by 7 February - but planned elections were not held and Prime Minister Henry remains in post.

Speaking to the BBC's Newsday, Claude Joseph - who was serving as acting prime minister when President Moise was assassinated and who is now head of the opposition party called Those Committed to Development - said Haiti was living through a "nightmare".

"He [Ariel Henry] agreed to step down on 7 February. Now he decides to stay, despite the fact that there are huge protests throughout the country asking him to step down... now those criminals are using violent means to force him to step down."

Haiti: The basics

Population: 11.5 million (estimate)

Area: 27,800 sq km (slightly smaller than Belgium, about the same size as the state of Maryland in the US)

Location: Caribbean country sharing a border with the Dominican Republic

Languages: French, Haitian Creole

Map of Haiti

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If you are in Haiti, tell us what is happening where you are by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
Many Americans may understand that the theocratic regime in Iran has for several decades supported and supplied militant Islamist groups in the Arab world, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen. But very few have noticed that now Iran has moved into Africa, sending military supplies to the Islamist military government in Sudan, now struggling for survival in the face of a powerful militia and civilian movement that, in 2019, started a democratic revolution to end Islamist rule  with the support of the U.S. and the U.N.

After the militias took Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, last April, the Islamist generals moved to Port Sudan on the Red Sea, where Iranian planes loaded with weapons have been landing. That's not far from Yemen, where the pro-Iranian Houthis now control much of the nation and have recently interrupted international sea lanes, resulting in air strikes by U.S. and British planes.

Before the Houthis became a threat to Red Sea security, the Sudanese Islamist government, then on the U.S. list of "terrorist" states, had negotiated with Vladimir Putin's government in Russia, which was eager to establish a military base on the Red Sea. Iran, similarly eager to establish a Red Sea presence, was able to secure visitation rights for its navy vessels at Sudanese ports.

Recent American bombardment of pro-Iranian militias in Yemen, Syria and Iraq, which already seems to risk a wider Middle East war, could lead to efforts to obstruct the developing Iranian threat in Sudan, as well as Iran's recent influence-building efforts in other African countries.

The civil war in Sudan may be the first of its kind in one specific way: Two national armies, the established Sudanese Armed Forces and its auxiliary, known as the Rapid Support Forces, are fighting each other.

Among many historical ironies at work here, the RSF was established by Gen. Omar al-Bashir, the Islamist leader who led a 1989 coup that toppled a democratically-elected government, and then ruled the country for 30 years until the 2019 democratic revolution.

Fearing a potential military coup, al-Bashir adopted the RSF to defend his regime. But the group's leader, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (known in Sudan as "Hemedti"), quadrupled his forces within a few years to about 100,000 soldiers, roughly the same as the SAF.

The SAF leader, Gen. Abdul Fattah Burhan, a disciple of al-Bashir, has been reluctant to support the democratic revolution, seemingly to protect the military's extensive investments in the countrys economy, which are said to amount to 80 percent of the total. (A similar pattern pertains among the ruling generals in neighboring Egypt.)

One such investment is an entity called the Defense Industries System, sanctioned last year by the U.S. Treasury Department, which described it as Sudans largest defense enterprise, generating an estimated $2 billion in revenue via hundreds of subsidiaries across various sectors of Sudans economy.

During the current conflict, the RSF militia, while lacking air power, has continued to win battles on the ground in one town after another. It now controls about half the country, in western and central Sudan, and may soon move east toward the Red Sea, where Burhan and the Islamist generals have found refuge.

Hemedti, the RSF leader, has a long history of alleged ethnic cleansing and genocidal violence, both as an SAF ally in the past and now as its opponent. He recently adopted the slogan La lil Kaizan ("no to the Islamists"), and has awkwardly promised to support the goals of the 2019 democratic revolution.

He now sees Iran's military supplies to the Islamist generals not merely as a threat to his forces, but also to neighboring African countries  most with secular civilian governments  that have supported Hemedti's forces against the SAF.

Last month, the Washington-based Atlantic Council published a report suggesting that Iran was sending its Mohajer-6 unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones, to the SAF. Those are the same Iranian drones Russian forces have been using in the Ukraine war. Recent videos on the internet purport to show RSF members with the wreckage of an Iranian drone they shot down.

Irans supplies to the Islamist generals in Sudan come as part of a campaign to build influence in other African countries. Last year, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited numerous several African countries on something of a PR tour. In Kenya, he described Africa as a continent of opportunities." In Zimbabwe, he criticized the U.S. for its sanctions against both that nation and Iran. In Uganda, he appeared to endorse that nation's infamous anti-LGBTQ policies, saying that Western countries try to identify homosexuality as an index of civilization.

A 2023 report from Washington's Middle East Institute on Irans renewed Africa policy" detailed the Islamic Republic's expanding intervention in Africa, not only at governmental levels but also through cultural, academic and religious networks. Iran hopes to "achieve a tenfold increase" in trade with Africa, the report found, largely based on a perception that Western influence (especially American influence) is fading dramatically.

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Iran's religious outreach has included peaceful campaigns to build schools and medical clinics, but also military support for Shia Muslim rebels in some West African countries. One prominent example is Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, leader of an Islamist movement in Nigeria, who spent five years in prison after an armed clash with government forces in 2015.

Irans military aid to Burhan's beleaguered Islamist army in Sudan was also preceded by cultural, academic and religious activities, but more importantly by military training. Thousands of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards went to Sudan to train SAF soldiers, Iran financed Sudans purchase of Chinese military aircraft, and Sudanese forces used Iranian planes in the civil war that ultimately led to the creation of the Republic of South Sudan in 2011.

Iran's involvement in Sudan has meant that although Hemedti's forces now appear to be winning the war against Burhan's army, there is no end in sight. Iran presumably hopes that if the Islamist generals prevail, the payback will include Iranian access to the Red Sea. If the SAF faces defeat, on the other hand, the troubling question is whether Iran's Revolutionary Guard, or Islamist volunteers from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, may come to its aid.
Pender County Clerk of Superior Court Elizabeth Craver was indicted Monday by a Pender County grand jury. She was indicted on three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of failure to discharge.

UPDATE: New details reveal what prompted charges against Pender County clerk of court

Pender County Clerk of Court Elizabeth Craver was indicted Monday on three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of failure to discharge her duties.

Craver was appointed to her position as clerk of Superior Court for Pender County in 2017 after Robert Kilroy retired. She then won the elections to keep her position in 2018 and 2022.

District Attorney Ben David and Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler requested on Oct. 12 that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigate allegations made against Craver, according to a statement Kimberly Spahos, executive director of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys.

On Monday, the NCSBI presented findings from the investigation to a Pender County grand jury. The jury returned true bills of indictments on the three counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of willfully failing to discharge duties.

Craver was then arrested, processed and brought before the court for her first appearance where she received an unsecured bond.

David also requested in October that a special prosecutor be assigned to advise the NCSBI and handle any criminal prosecution if needed to avoid conflict of interest. A special prosecutor with the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys was assigned to the case and advised the State Bureau of Investigation during the investigation.

Spahos said in the email that the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys will be prosecuting this matter.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Pender County, NC, clerk of court indicted on felony charges
If Putin isn't stopped 'whatever happens next is Europe's problem at large,' Lithuanian PM says

Lithuania, which borders Russia, says Russia could attack other countries if not stopped in Ukraine.

The country is one of Ukraine's biggest allies and is urging the West to do more to help it.

Its prime minister told BI that if Putin is not stopped "whatever happens next is Europe's problem at large."

Whatever Russia does next will be a problem for the whole of Europe unless it's defeated in Ukraine, Lithuania's prime minister told Business Insider.

Ingrida Simonyte said in an interview that "the outcome of this fight in Ukraine is crucial for Europe."

"If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, then whatever happens next is Europe's problem at large," she said.

Lithuania, which borders part of Russia and Russia-aligned Belarus, is one of the countries that has given the most support to Ukraine, at least in terms of percentage of its GDP.

It was also giving Ukraine support and military equipment before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when proxy fighting was taking place in its east.

Last year, Simonyte told BI that Ukrainians are dying to help protect Europe and that supporting Ukraine is "investing into our security."

Lithuania, a member of NATO and the EU, was once part of the Soviet Union and now warns vocally that Russia could attack it, too.

Many other European countries warn of a similar scenario. Multiple nations have said that Russia could attack one of them next if it's not defeated in Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers reload artillery on the front line. Ignacio Marin/Anadolu via Getty Images

An attack on a NATO member would likely drag the US and other NATO states into a wider and more expensive war, as NATO considers an attack on one member an attack on all.

Simonyte said the continent is becoming more aware of this threat.

"Now it seems like Europe understand this is Europe's problem," she said, but added that some countries still seem to have a hope that things will be sorted out by themselves.

Simonyte also said that European countries must give everything they can from their arsenals, as well as ramp up manufacturing.

Ukraine is running low on weaponry and ammunition, with US support stalled by House Republicans and European countries saying they don't have enough in their arsenals to spare.

She encouraged countries to look beyond "red lines" they set for themselves. "Putin laughs at our red lines," she said.

Vice President Kamala Harris (right) with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte (left) in Washington DC in December 2022. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Simonyte said countries keep setting out red lines of weapons they won't give to Ukraine, only to turn around and do so months later.

It's frustrating to watch this scenario repeatedly play out, she said.

"During those couple of months, we have so many casualties, so many deaths, so many losses that could have been avoided."

Simonyte said Ukraine can win this war, but "it's so sad when the debate takes longer than it is reasonable."

"It is about deaths of people that Ukraine faces every day just because we are sort of lagging behind," she added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Another crisis involving an influx of migrants is building up on Europe's border, said Christiane Kuhl on Merkur.de (Munich). But this one isn't in the Mediterranean: it's occurring along the frozen stretches of the 832-mile frontier between Finland and Russia.

From August to December last year, more than 1,300 refugees from nations such as Yemen, Somalia and Syria crossed into Finland (before that it had been an average of just one a day); thousands more are expected when spring arrives. It's all part of Russia's plan to destabilise its neighbour. The tensions between the two countries have a long history, but in April last year they escalated dramatically when Finland joined Nato, and have risen ever since. Using migrants as a weapon is a classic case of Russia using "grey-zone tactics" against a Nato state  a ruse somewhere between political pressure and physical aggression.

T

Finland's firm stance

In response, Finland closed all its border crossings in November, said Elisabeth Braw on Politico (Brussels). However, "like any responsible democratic government", it put a time limit of two weeks on the closure, hoping that would deter Moscow from doing the same again. Yet when it reopened two crossings in December, the migrants started pouring in again. So now, as well as shutting all of its crossing points, it's stepping up patrols using heat sensors and drones to stop them crossing through the woods. But it's not easy picking them up in freezing, inhospitable woodland in the depths of winter, so last year work started on a 124-mile, ten-foot-high barbed wire fence along a sensitive part of the border. This has badly hit the many Finns needing to travel to Russia, in particular ethnic Russians living in Finland, some of whom have held protests to "voice their anger" over Helsinki's handling of the dispute.

Finland's firm stance also risks undermining its image as a liberal nation that follows international asylum conventions, said Erika Solomon in The New York Times. But Helsinki had no choice. Finnish guards say the migrants are either forced across the border or given bicycles to encourage them to cross it.

Russia the 'unstable giant'

The long border has shaped Finland's relations with Russia, said Laura Saarikoski in Helsingin Sanomat (Helsinki). It sees its neighbour as an "unstable giant" to be mollified when possible, but to be guarded against in readiness for those times when a "bout of delirium" overtakes the Kremlin. And until Russia invaded Ukraine, Finland relied on its own resources for its security, said Andrea Prada Bianchi in Foreign Policy (Washington). From the end of the Second World War up to last April it had kept militarily neutral, while developing the strongest artillery in western Europe and making military service mandatory for school leavers.

Fully 900,000 of its 5.5 million people have had military training, and it now boasts a wartime troop strength of 280,000. Nato membership ended that self-reliance, but not Finland's resolve to remain well-equipped: it recently bought a high-altitude air-defence system from Israel and 64 F-35 jets from the US. It also plans to open 300 new shooting ranges to help citizens develop their shooting skills, said IceNews (Reykjavik). And Finns are responding to the initiative: enrolment in voluntary defence courses has doubled since the Ukraine invasion, and there has been a huge increase in applications for gun licences.

The number of migrants arriving in Finland is tiny compared to those reaching southern Europe, but 80% of Finns still back the decision to close the border, said Julian Gomez on Euronews (Brussels). That support has emboldened the government, a coalition led by conservatives and the far-right, to look at even tougher ways of dealing with migrants, not least joining with other Nordic countries in chartering repatriation flights. Yet this is a problem that isn't going to go away, said Ilta-Sanomat (Helsinki). The border is due to reopen in mid-April, by which time snow will be melting and Finland's new president, the former prime minster Alexander Stubb, will have taken office. Don't be surprised if Vladimir Putin decides to "test his nerves".
Fernanda and Vicente were travelling through India when the incident happened

Three men appeared in court in India on Monday accused of the gang rape of a travel blogger on a round-the-world motorbike trip with her husband.

Police are hunting four other suspects for the brutal assault on the couple, who are Spanish and were in eastern India, in Jharkhand states Dumka district, when they were attacked on Friday night.

Fernanda, 28, and Vicente, 63, have 300,000 followers on social media, where they have been documenting their global tour through 66 countries on motorbike.

The influencers posted a video explaining their horrific experience after they had camped for the night on their way to the border with Nepal.

Something has happened to us that we would not wish on anyone, seven men have raped me, they have beaten us and robbed us, although not many things, because what they wanted was to rape me, read the caption on one video, which showed Fernandas badly bruised face.

My face looks like this, but its not what hurts me the most, she said in one post, Thank God we are alive.

The distressed couple posted a video explaining what happened before taking it down

They beat us, Vicente said. They put a knife to my neck, and told me they were going to kill me. Fernanda was raped. Seven of them. Seven men. Sons of bitches.

On Sunday, the three accused were seen being escorted into court with sacks on their heads by police officers holding ropes tied around their waists.

We have formed a team to hunt the remaining suspects, said Pitamber Singh Kherwar, a senior local police officer. We have to ensure strict punishment.

The men are thought to be aged between 20 and 30 years old. They are accused of having raped Fernanda in shifts.

The bloggers, who are in secure accommodation provided by the authorities, now plan to return to Spain before resuming their trip at a later date.

The couple were in court on Monday and were given about 9,500 as compensation by the authorities in India.

We have given him a compensation of one million rupees. We are conducting a thorough investigation and will try to ensure a speedy trial and conviction, said Anjaneyulu Dodde, deputy commissioner of Dumku, after delivering the cheque.

Tourist economy

The court said the crime against a foreign woman could harm the tourism economy. It was likely to bring adverse publicity against the country and thereby tarnishing the image of India across the globe, it said.

Vicente said the authorities expected the men to be given life sentences and that they had confessed to the crime.

He said: We were already inside the tent when three men arrived on two motorcycles and started shouting at us and throwing stones. When I looked out, I saw that one of them was carrying a dagger up his sleeve.

We were very afraid and Fernanda took one of the tent pegs to defend herself in case we were attacked. But as soon as we got out, we saw that four more men had arrived.

Police escort three men accused of gang rape in Dumka, India's Jharkhand state - AFP

Three of the men grabbed Fernanda. I tried to go after her, but the other four started hitting me [...] They tied me up and put a knife to my neck.

Fernanda is still in pain, but she feels strong enough to take the motorbike and get out of here. The plan is to go to Nepal on Tuesday, to Kathmandu. Its a two-day trip. There well catch a plane to Spain, Vicente told the El Mundo newspaper.

We will leave the bikes in Nepal. We want to rest and be with our family. Then, when Fernanda is fully recovered, we will continue our tour of Asia. We want to finish in New Zealand.

One rape every 18 minutes

An average of nearly 90 rapes a day were reported in India in 2022, according to data from Indias National Crime Records Bureau. That is equivalent to a rape every 18 minutes.

Large numbers go unreported due to prevailing stigmas around victims and a lack of faith in police investigations.

Convictions remain rare, with cases getting stuck for years in Indias clogged-up criminal justice system.

The notorious gang rape and murder of an Indian student made global headlines in 2012.

Jyoti Singh, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, was raped, assaulted and left for dead by five men and a teenager on a bus in New Delhi in December that year.

That crime brought weeks of protests, and eventually a change in the law to introduce the death penalty for rape.

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This spring's total solar eclipse will be the last one in a long time, so mark your calendars.

The total solar eclipse visible in the United States will occur on April 8. The next total solar eclipse will not be seen in the area until August 2044.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the face of the sun completely, according to NASA. Those viewing the eclipse from its path of totalitylocations where the moon's shadow completely covers the sunwill experience a total solar eclipse. During this phenomenon, the sky will be shrouded in temporary darkness as if it were dawn or dusk, and the outer atmosphere of the sun, known as the corona, will be visible.

The last time a total solar eclipse passed transcontinentally was August 21, 2017, the first time since 1918. It took about an hour and 40 minutes to cross from Oregon to South Carolina. In Greenville News archive photos, folks are seen around that time looking through a telescope at Roper Mountain Science Center during an Eclipse Extravaganza.

Before this, the last two total eclipses visible from South Carolina occurred in 1900 and 1970.

This year's total eclipse will be the last one visible in the state until 2029's partial eclipse.

Solar eclipse events stir up much anticipation and excitement for millions of people throughout the nation. However, it is important to remember to practice safety precautions in advance. To view the eclipse, bystanders will want to make sure to purchase safe solar viewers, or "eclipse glasses," to avoid eye injury or blindness caused by the sun's harsh light.

When will the eclipse start? How long will it last?

Total solar eclipses can last anywhere from 10 seconds to 7.5 minutes, according to NASA. In 12,000 years from 4000 BCE to 8000 BCE, the longest total solar eclipse will occur on July 16, 2186, and will last seven minutes and 29 seconds, its trajectory moving from Columbia, Venezuela, and Guyana.

In comparison, the shortest total solar eclipse took place on Feb. 3, 919 CE, lasting only nine seconds.

Since South Carolina will not be in the path of totality, the event will appear as a partial eclipse, visible from 1:48 p.m. to 4:27 p.m. in the state. It will peak in the Upstate around 3:05 p.m., blocking out 85% of the sun.

In this composite image made of five photographs, different phases of the solar eclipse are visible up to totality in Greenville on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.

Where can I watch the eclipse in the Upstate?

The eclipse's magnitude will depend on where you are viewing it in the state, appearing larger in the Upstate and smaller in the Lowcountry and coastal areas.

The following is a selection of cities and the best times to watch the eclipse via eclipse2024.org:

 Anderson: 3:08 p.m.

 Charleston: 3:08 p.m.

 Columbia: 3:10 p.m.

 Greenville: 3:09 p.m.

 Myrtle Beach: 3:13 p.m.

 Spartanburg: 3:09 p.m.

For more cities and times, visit here.

The solar eclipse is in totality over Falls Park Bridge in Greenville on Monday, August 21, 2017.

Eclipse safety, where to buy protective glasses

Those who plan on watching the total solar eclipse should proceed with caution. It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized protection for solar viewing except during the brief total phase when the moon blocks the face of the bright sun (when you can no longer view the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, it is safe), according to NASA.

Partial phases of the solar eclipse, which happen before and after totality, must be viewed through safe solar viewing glasses ("eclipse glasses") or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Safe solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard and are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. Discard eclipse glasses or handheld viewers if you notice any signs of damage.

"Viewing any part of the Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope that does not have a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury," according to NASA. "It is strongly advised not to look through these devices while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer because the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter, causing serious eye injury." For more safety information regarding the eclipse, visit NASA.

Here are some trusted eclipse glasses sellers:

 GreatAmericanEclipse.com

 NationalEclipse.com

For a more extensive list, please visit the American Astronomical Society.

Roper Mountain Science Center will have glasses

Although Roper Mountain Science Center will not have eclipse programming on April 8, they are inviting the public to come watch the Starry Night feature "Eclipse: The Sun Revealed" at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. during March. Guests who visit Starry Nights or Afternoons Explorations will get a free pair of eclipse glasses with their admission ticket courtesy of Greenville Water.

Track the eclipse's path of totality

The following major cities in the U.S. will be in the eclipse's 115-mile-wide path of totality:

 Dallas, Texas

 Idabel, Oklahoma.

 Little Rock, Arkansas.

 Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

 Paducah, Kentucky.

 Carbondale, Illinois.

 Evansville, Indiana.

 Cleveland, Ohio

 Erie, Pennsylvania.

 Buffalo, N.Y.

 Burlington, Vermont.

 Lancaster, New Hampshire.

 Caribou, Maine

Read the USA Today story below to learn when the eclipse's path of totality will make its way toward these cities.

What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse? Follow as it crosses the US.

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Here's all you need to know about spring's total solar eclipse.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris met Monday with Benny Gantz, a member of Israels wartime Cabinet and centrist political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a sign of growing White House frustration with the Israeli government.

The White House meeting, which was not authorized by Netanyahu, marked a major test for President Joe Biden's relationship with the Netanyahu. The U.S has become increasingly at odds with Netanyahu over Israel's refusal to scale back the war in Gaza and its efforts to get humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

The meeting came one day after Harris on Sunday called for an "immediate cease-fire" of at least six weeks between Israel and Hamas  the most pointed statement yet by a member of the Biden administration on the need for an immediate pause in the fighting in Gaza.

"The message is both that the White House is fed up with Netanyahu, and perhaps has lost some faith in him, to put it mildly," said Natan Sachs, director of the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. "And moreover, that they see Benny Gantz as the potential interlocutor going forward, especially if the government changes in Israel."

Vice President Kamala Harris walks to the stage before people walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday voting rights march in 1965, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Selma, Ala.

During the meeting, Harris reiterated U.S. support for Israel to defend itself against Hamas but "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the recent horrific tragedy around an aid convoy in northern Gaza," the White House said, referring to the death of more than 100 Palestinians after Israeli troops opened fire on people waiting for food in Gaza City.

Harris and Gantz discussed the need for a "credible and implementable humanitarian plan" prior to any major military escalation in Rafah in southern Gaza, the White House said, and Harris urged Israel to "take additional measures" to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Harris also emphasized "the urgency" of finalizing a deal to release Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza and called on Hamas to accept the six-week cease-fire truce, the White House said.

John Kirby, the White House's national security communications advisor, said Gantz requested the meeting. Kirby downplayed Netanyahu's resistance to it, saying "we certainly recognize Prime Minister Netanyahu as the elected prime minister."

"Minister Gantz is a member of the War Cabinet in the middle of a war  a war in which we're trying to help Israel," Kirby said. "It was an opportunity not only to hear from him, but also to relay our continued concerns about humanitarian assistance, about the importance of getting this hostage deal over the finish line."

Biden, who was at the Camp David presidential retreat during the meeting, has faced heightened criticism domestically from progressive allies for his steadfast support of Israel in its war against Hamas. The number of civilian deaths in Gaza has surpassed 30,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

"People in Gaza are starving," Harris said in a speech Sunday in Selma, Ala., while marking the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when Alabama state troopers savagely clubbed peaceful civil rights marchers as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. "The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act," she said.

Netanyahu has refused global demands for a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis and has pledged to continue the war in Gaza until Hamas is crushed.

Benny Gantz speaks at the announcement of former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot's election bid in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Aug. 14, 2022. Gantz,

Netanyahu has also seen his approval numbers plummet in Israel in the months after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Gantz, a retired general and leader of the National Unity Party, is Netanyahu's most likely election challenger, with polls giving him a commanding lead over Netanyahu in a hypothetical matchup.

Sachs said Harris' meeting with Gantz was "a signal not just to Bibi but to the (Israeli) public and the rest of the politicians that Netanyahu's run out of credit in Washington and that Washington is looking forward to a day after."

Biden is set to deliver his State of the Union address Thursday before a joint Congress, giving him a primetime audience to reestablish his administration's goals in Gaza.

The U.S. has conducted air drops to get humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Biden administration has also been working on securing a six-week pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas that would include the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

U.S. officials said Saturday that Israel has essentially agreed to the deal, but Hamas still needs to sign off.

Biden met with Netanyahu last September in New York, a week before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, and subsequently in Israel following the attack. But Gantz, not Netanyahu, is the first to meet with Biden administration officials in the White House since Biden took office.

An official from Netanyahus far-right Likud party, who spoke with the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Gantzs trip was not authorized by Netanyahu. The prime minister chastised Gantz, telling him the country has just one prime minister, AP reported. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Gantz is helping the U.S. "drive a wedge between Israelis" while advancing the two-state solution plan.

While in Washington this week, Gantz will also meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Security Council Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk and Jake Sullivan, the White House's national security adviser.

Super Tuesday live updates: What's at stake for Trump, Haley on massive day of primaries

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks to journalist next to his wife Sara during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on January 25, 2018 in Davos, eastern Switzerland.

Contributing: Associated Press; Michael Collins and John Bacon, USA TODAY

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: VP Harris meets Netanyahu rival, signaling growing Israel frustration
A nurse in California was arrested after being accused of sexually abusing an unconscious patient, officials said.

And police believe there may be more victims.

A woman who was admitted into Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside in mid-January reported shed been sexually assaulted by the nurse taking care of her, according to a March 1 news release by the city.

The nurse was identified as Jacob Daniel Hartman, 27, of Corona, police said.

McClatchy News reached out to the hospital for a statement on March 4 and was awaiting a response.

At Kaiser Permanente, safe and high-quality care are always our top priorities, a hospital representative told police. As soon as we learned of this serious accusation, we immediately cooperated with law enforcement and started an internal investigation. At this time, the individual is no longer employed by Kaiser Permanente.

Hartman was arrested on Feb. 28 and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for sexual assault charges and sexual battery of an unconscious person, officials said.

Police ask anyone with information to call 951-353-7120, according to the release.

Riverside is about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom.

Dentist accused of groping patient during emergency visit, Pennsylvania officials say

Man used candy to lure young girls into trailer and sexually assault them, feds say

Fake cop sexually assaults woman during search and tries to kidnap her, CA cops say
GREENSBORO, N.C.  Calling the migrant crisis "an invasion," Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump blitzed President Joe Biden about immigration at a North Carolina rally Saturday.

"Our border is an open and gushing wound," he said.

The GOP front-runner repeatedly brought up southern border security, and attempted to connect it to violent crime in the country including the murder of a 22-year-old nursing student in Georgia. Authorities have charged a man they say entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, with her death.

Trump's focus underscores how much Republicans want this year's elections to be about the U.S.-Mexico border, which they believe will motivate their base and boost their candidates from the top to the bottom on the 2024 ballot.

"Under Biden we now have a brand new category of crime, it's called 'migrant crime.' We have criminals that are going around having boxing matches with our police officers," he said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina on March 2, 2024.

Trump also used the speech to brag about how easy it has been for him in the GOP primary, as the former president looks to finish off the rival campaign of former South Carolina Nikki Haley.

He is expected to extend his delegate lead when millions of voters across the nation head to the polls on March 5, better known as Super Tuesday.

Haley came up once by name, when Trump dismissed her as "very average" when he mentioned winning her home state, and other places, by large margins.

"I haven't heard about this woman for the past five days," he said.

Immigration tops Trump voter's concerns

Migrants queue in the cold as they look for a shelter outside a Migrant Assistance Center at St. Brigid Elementary School on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in New York.

The crowd was raucous when Trump dotted the speech with his most often used lines: defending the Jan. 6, 2021 rioters; attacking prosecutors in the multiple indictments he faces; and repeating the lie that he didn't lose the 2020 election.

But supporters were almost silent as they listened intently when Trump described the death of Laken Riley, a University of Georgia student found dead last month, in explicit terms.

The suspect, 26-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, was arrested on murder and assault charges. But the case has ignited anger among conservative activists after federal authorities announced Ibarra entered the U.S. illegally in 2022.

Trump said Riley's family will never be the same after she was "barbarically attacked." He compared the incident to the horror movie "The Silence of The Lambs."

Every speaker who headlined Saturday's rally followed Trump's lead, and mentioned the migrant crisis at the U.S. southern border which many claimed is the root of other national woes from drug addiction to violent crime.

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson speaks during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on March 2, 2024.

"The strength behind me is Jesus Christ, but folks we have trouble in this country. We have a wide open border," Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor in the Republican primary, told the audience.

Trump famously championed building a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border (which he asserted the foreign country would pay for) when he first ran in the 2016 presidential campaign.

During his time as president he implemented many hardline, and controversial, policies when it came to immigration, such as separating migrant families .

In this campaign, he has promised stiffer action if returned to power such as "ideological screenings" aimed at Muslim-majority nations.

One proposed idea Trump has touted in recent weeks has been to recruit local law enforcement to help launch the, "largest deportation operation in American history."

Those strict policy prescriptions, which liberal opponents say are xenophobic, appeal to many of the right-leaning voters who made up the standing-room only audience at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, which at one pointed created a line that snaked through the parking lot.

Supporters line up to hear Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak in Greensboro, North Carolina Saturday morning.

"The national situation is on a downhill slope. Immigration is the driving issue," Gilbert Jones, 70, a retired restaurant manager, who hails from Ruffin, N.C., told USA TODAY. Jones mentioned the record number of border crossings a month, at a time when "we can't feed our people now."

Poll: Haley trailing among likely N.C. voters

March 1, 2024; Charlotte, N.C., USA; Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley speaks to supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina Friday evening. Megan Smith-USA TODAY

Haley has been sending mixed messages as her underdog bid faces what many political forecasters believe could be her last stand on Super Tuesday.

On the trail she has blasted Trump by listing multiple reasons he shouldn't be the GOP standard bearer in 2024. But when speaking with reporters that same day, she hedged, saying she isn't anti-Trump.

"All of you have made this race about Trump," Haley told reporters.

The former UN ambassador trails in most of the March 5 contests, including in closely watched North Carolina.

"We cannot win the White House without winning North Carolina, without winning battleground states all across this country," state GOP chair Michael Whatley, who Trump has nominated to be Republican National Committee chair, told Saturday's crowd.

North Carolina has been decided by less than four percentage points in each presidential race since 2008. Trump carried the state in 2020 over Biden by less than one and a half percent.

Polling shows Tar Heel State primary voters remain loyal to the former president by a much wider margin.

Fans wait for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to speaks to supporters in Greensboro, North Carolina on March 2, 2024.

Trump has a firm 69% among likely and self-reported voters while Haley holds 24%, according to High Point University Survey Research Center poll released Friday.

James Hill, 44, who attended Saturday's rally, said he plans to stick with Trump despite his GOP rival's warnings that he is vulnerable in the general election.

It is Haley's prerogative to stay in the race, he said.

But the Winston-Salem native admits he doesn't see the point.

"It's up to her, I'm not voting for her," Hill said. "If it makes her happy that she's in this position on TV, running for office  that's how dreams are made."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump focuses on border ahead of Super Tuesday at N.C. rally
Following a blockade  raised in protest for judicial reform  lawmakers are poised to hold judicial elections, beginning this week, now that a judicial reform bill has reached the Senate floor.

This bill makes substantial strides in cleaning up the judicial election process, state Sen. Wes Climer, R-York, said. It remains to be seen whether senators will listen to their constituents who want to clean up this process, or the handful of lawyer-legislators who profit from abusing this broken process.

Ongoing concerns have been raised by numerous state officials  and the public  about the transparency and perception of trustworthiness of the judiciary, and particularly concerns about what level of influence is held by lawyer-legislators who hold power over screening judges at the Judicial Merit Selection Committee.

S. 1046, sponsored by state Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry, would reduce the number of JMSC members from 10 to nine, and, for the first time, give the governor a voice in determining the bodys makeup. Specifically, the governor would appoint two members to the commission, while the Senate president and House speaker would appoint one each.

In addition, one member would be appointed by the chairmen of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, one member by the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination upon the recommendation of the sixteen circuit solicitors, one member by the Commission on Indigent Defense upon the recommendation of the sixteen circuit public defenders, and one member appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice. That appointment must be a former state or federal member of the bench.

Notwithstanding the chief justices appointee, all members must be in good standing with the South Carolina Bar. Active solicitors, public defenders and lawyer-legislators would be prohibited from serving on the JMSC.

Im not saying this is true, but there is a perception that lawyer-legislators leverage their position to have a relationship with (judges) thats different from other lawyers, state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland, said. I dont need another lawyer-legislator pre-digesting my choices on judgeships.

In addition to removing the three candidate cap, the bill would prevent family of any JMSC member from seeking election. And no sitting member of the General Assembly would be permitted to run for judge until at least two years after leaving office.

If 10 people apply and theyre all qualified, report all 10 out, Harpootlian said of the cap removal.

In a bipartisan effort, several state senators, including Climer and Harpootlian, vowed to halt elections short of a bill addressing judicial reform. Namely, the removal of lawyer-legislators from the JMSC  a 10-member body charged with considering judicial candidates qualifications. Their decision to do so resulted in a backlash from House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, who, in turn, was rebuked by Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee.

Although Smith claimed the impasse would result in delayed justice for South Carolinians  citing the large number of vacancies looming on the states circuit court  the blockade was lifted last week after a bill that, among other things, would remove lawyer-legislators from the JMSC, was given priority status and then brought to the Senate floor Thursday.

Whats next

Climer and Harpootlian said theyre confident the Senate will pass some version of S. 1046 by Thursday.

I think its a strong likelihood that something will past (this week), Harpootlian said.

In the meantime, the General Assembly will elect the next state Supreme Court chief justice on Wednesday, while other remaining vacant state judgeships will be decided April 17, 2024.

South Carolina Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge, is the sole candidate running to replace current Chief Justice Don Beatty, whos set to retire this summer.
Larry Clay, a veteran, stands next to his vehicle, where he now lives, after he was evicted from his home in Arlington Valley mobile home on Nov. 2, 2023.

Since January 2023, a committed coalition of professionals from various sectors, led by Heading Home of South Central Indiana, have been meeting biweekly with a shared goal: to combat veterans' homelessness through the collaborative initiative of Veterans Case Conferencing. This interdisciplinary group brings together case managers from local homeless shelters, representatives from nonprofits, Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) social workers, and veteran service officers from Monroe and neighboring counties.

Since its inception, the Veterans Case Conferencing process has successfully housed 24 veterans and their families. This comprehensive program aims to devise individualized support plans for each veteran on our list of unhoused veterans. We address each veteran by name through personalized attention and collaborate to formulate tailored strategies for rehousing them.

Photo gallery: Homeless persons' encampment moved from behind Wheeler Mission, take a look at the scene

Building on this momentum, a subset of this coalition has dedicated the past three months to crafting a plan for veterans diversion. This plan aims to support veterans who are at risk of homelessness. Veterans diversion represents a holistic approach to ending veteran homelessness, employing data-driven methodologies, streamlined service delivery and strategic resource allocation to help veterans and their families stay out of homelessness. By identifying and prioritizing the most vulnerable veterans for housing placement and support services, our community aims to achieve tangible results in our mission to combat veteran homelessness.

In summary, our coalition's efforts underscore our community's collective commitment to address the pressing issue of veteran homelessness. Through initiatives such as Veterans Case Conferencing and the ongoing development of veterans diversion, we are steadfast in our pursuit of providing every veteran with the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure no veteran is left behind.

A homeless veteran: Monroe County urges veteran living in car to keep property trash-free

If you are interested in volunteering to drive for the DAV Van, need assistance filing a VA disability claim, or have questions about federal, state or local veterans benefits, please contact my office. Steven Miller, Monroe County Veteran Service Officer. 812-349-2537 smiller@co.monroe.in.us.

Steven Miller, Monroe County veterans service officer.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Combating veteran homelessness is task of south-central Indiana groups
The challenges to former president Donald Trumps ballot eligibility have ended after the Supreme Court ruled states did not have the authority to remove him under Section Three of the 14th Amendment.

On Monday, the highest court in the land decided that the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove Mr Trump from the primary ballot in Colorado was incorrect  claiming Congress, not states, only had the right to make that decision.

This means states where Mr Trump was removed from the ballot, including Colorado, Illinois and Maine, must keep the one-term president on their ballots.

Lawsuits pending in other states will likely be thrown out as they are now unnecessary.

Shortly after the historic ruling, Colorado Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, issued a statement informing all voters that Mr Trump would appear on the states ballot in time for Super Tuesday. Though Mr Trump was determined ineligible in the states primary, his name would have appeared on the ballot anyway as the state awaited the Supreme Courts decision.

Similarly, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a statement saying the former president will appear on the ballot in time for its March 5th primary, just as he would have.

Mr Trump will also appear on Illinoiss ballot for its 19 March primary.

Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago estate on 4 March 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida (AP)

The challenges to Mr Trumps ballot eligibility were brought by voters in each state, backed by organisations, who believed the former presidents rhetoric leading up to and on January 6 incited violence at the Capitol which they said was an insurrection.

Section Three of the 14th Amendment prohibits individuals or officers of the United States from seeking office if they engaged in rebellion or aided enemies of the United States.

Under the novel theory, the challengers said Mr Trump should be disqualified for his actions.

The Supreme Court did not weigh in on the insurrection clause, or whether or not Mr Trump participated. Their ruling was limited to the constitutional power of the states versus Congress.

The decision, handed down Monday morning, was unanimous  though the liberal majority of the court and Justice Amy Coney Barrett believed the conservative majority overexpanded their reasoning for the ruling.

Mr Trump called the decision a big win for America saying that the courts decision protects himself and future presidents right to run for office.
A person was in custody after allegedly hacking a students social media account and threatening a school shooting, Johnson County Superintendent Thom Cochran said in a Sunday statement.

We received information regarding a potential threat of a school shooting at Johnson County Middle School, Cochran said.

He said the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations/FBI Task Force was involved in the investigation.

It is important to emphasize that this is hacking incident on a students social media account, said Cochran

He said the individual who hacked the students account and made the threat has been identified and was in custody Sunday.

Cochran said although there is no present danger, there will be additional law enforcement officials at Johnson County Middle School on Monday.